Quote:
Originally Posted by BillyCoxDodgers3B
This should work for you. If you run into any problems due to LA being a closed records state, you are obviously as close to next of kin as possible for someone who passed away 70 years ago. Direct family are usually granted access to otherwise closed death records, but strictness on regulations varies from county to county, state to state. In some cases, they will only release information to immediate next of kin. What is to be done when everyone fitting that bill is also deceased? It's quite a headache at times. Hope you'll reach a person who cares enough to be helpful.
I'm sure you won't have to prove your direct lineage, but at least you will be able to!
If you end up reaching some ignorant government employee who can't be bothered to to their job (this happens more often than it should), don't give up! First off, if the person who picks up does not speak English with a passable degree of eloquence, hang up and call again until you hear the voice of someone who does. Actually, do this any time you're calling anyone, anywhere. This will save you more time than you realize.
Your next step will be to call the main branch of the Monroe Public Library. Your chances of speaking with a kind and helpful soul increase exponentially when dealing with librarians (some of the greatest people ever!). They usually have contact info for local genealogists if you find that they don't try to help you themselves! The local genealogists will know exactly what to do!
Another idea would be to call up Shiloh Cemetery. Cemeteries sometimes retain records. I've secured death certificates this way, in addition to other interesting biographical information. Again, your mileage may vary. You just never know who you are going to reach and how helpful they might be or how regulated their policies are.
I remember going to one funeral home in a small town where I was inquiring about a player who had passed over 40 years prior. I was met by a lady who was extremely skeptical of me and refused to divulge anything. I had yet to mention who I was searching for. Once I said the name, she rolled her eyes in a playful way, and said, "Ohhhh! You mean old Harry?! Why on earth would you be searching for him?!" I explained the baseball connection. She knew him as a girl and was unaware that he was known outside the community. In a heartbeat, I had whatever I wanted, and she even volunteered the contact info for his still-living son in-law.
Another time, I called up a church where a player was buried. This player have been dead over 50 years. The church secretary I reached had somehow been in that position for more than 50 years and remembered the player and his wife very well. "The were such a sweet couple! The used to sit three people down from the end in the second pew on the left!".
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This is why I posted on this site….. so glad I did!!
VERY good information. I will resume the quest tomorrow. And will keep you posted in this thread. All of a sudden, I “now” feel like this is going to happen.
Great stories and information. Thank you so much for sharing
Thanks!