BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum

Subject: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 26 Dec 02 - 01:43 PM

I know this is an unusual request for this site but it's a long shot, if anyone knows the friends reunited school web site in America please could you send the address to me, I am trying to trace a person for My mum who is now 81 she lost track of the love of her life, his name was Gardner Mac Donald (Gardner 'Torpedo' MacDonald) he lived in Nutley, New Jersey, he went to Nutley High School class of 1940's.

My mother had all her letters destroyed at the end of the war and lost all track of him. She would just like to put things right before it is too late for her. I won't go right into the story but it is a real live love story that had a really sad end, and I would like to change that end for them both. I have been trying now for about 18months but without success. Any ideas would be VERY welcomed.

So Please if there is anyone in New Jersey who is able to help just contact me on the following e-mail: shelaghnorris@ hotmail.com

Thanks

rc

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Amos
Date: 26 Dec 02 - 01:50 PM

RC:

See email -- there is a gent by that name in Nantucket.

A

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: RangerSteve
Date: 26 Dec 02 - 02:16 PM

the best site I've found is Classmates.com. I did a search for Nutley High School from 1939 to 1951, but didn't find Gardner Macdonald listed. I didn't check the Catholic schools in Nutley,(there were two, I believe). Send me a list of other towns in the area where he might have lived and I'll check them for you. You can search through classmates.com for free, and register for free, but they don't list email addresses, and if you want to email one of your classmates through the website, it costs something like $19.95 a year to join.

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: mg
Date: 26 Dec 02 - 03:25 PM

what do you know about his military service? Rank, service, what did he do (torpedo might give us some hints). mg

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 26 Dec 02 - 06:57 PM

He was a Lieutenant in the catering corp, and served in the far East during the war. He lived in the High Street in Nutley, and he had one sister named Margaret, and a daughrter born in 1954 named Cynthia Ann.

Thanks everyone who has replied so far.

rc

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: mg
Date: 26 Dec 02 - 08:23 PM

are you giving us permission to post on other lists that might be helpful? I am on some veterans' lists and they have access to various bits of information. mg

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 04:15 AM

Yes that would be great Mary, anything that may help track Gardner for mum. thanks so much.

rc

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Amos
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 10:34 AM

RC:

Try calling the guy in Nantucket. Stranger things have happened!

A

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: annamill
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 01:47 PM

Rock Chick, please read my PM to you.
Annamill

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 01:56 PM

Thanks Amos, I rang yesterday as soon as I got your message, the number was unattainable, but I got through to directory enquiries international and they had two number for this address, I rang and left a message for him. If I do not hear in a couple of days I will ring again.

I e-mailed you back, hope you received my reply.

Thanks for your help,and the others who have relied back, mum is so excited, she couldn't sleep I had to tell her not to get her hopes to high. Mind you I really keeping my fingers, toes and anything else crossed, hoping something may come out of all this. There is no doubt Mudcatters are truly the best.

Rc

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: GUEST,JTT
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 01:57 PM

Have you contacted the US armed forces? Do you know what service he was in and where he was posted?

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 02:02 PM

Guest, JTT,

Mum can only remember that he was a Lieutenant in the catering corp, and that he served in the far East, her memory is not so good now, she just cannot remember what regiment he was in either.

rc

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: mg
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 02:38 PM

ASK her if she could mean the quartermaster corps. They did the food and stuff. I have never heard of a catering corps.

Does she remember anything about his uniform? Patches, ribbons, etc. mg

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 02:53 PM

Will do Mary, she has gone to bed now so will ask her in the morning and will let you know.

rc

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 03:30 PM

If he was known as "torpedo" wouldn't that indicate the navy? I don't know military well at all, but that's what comes to mind.

In addition ot the places I emailed, another one to check with would be the Clan Donald (MacDonald) for the USA. If he is into that kind of thing, he may be a member. There are main and regional contacts listed on that page.

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 03:49 PM

Also, have you tried the librarian in Nutley? Here's a link to the city's site with links to the library: clickety.

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 08:39 PM

I thought the same with the nickname 'Torpedo' I will check the clan Donald for the USA, my sister checked the library but said she had no luck, maybe i'll check it again.

Thanks

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Allan C.
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 09:17 PM

RC, you're gonna let us know how this eventually works out, won't you?

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 09:27 PM

Without a doubt Allan C.

Let hope it has a happy ending.

I was only given the story from my mum 18 months ago, i couldn't beleive she had kept it to herself for so many years, i just had to try to put things right for them, she is so desperate to speak to Gardner before it's too late for them both.

rc

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: mg
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 12:02 AM

here is some information..might not be the right person, and if it is, it is sad news. People are going to try and find out military information on him.

> Mary--
>
>
> Andy will tell you that I'm no military expert, but I have some information
> on *a* Gardner MacDonald. This one died in 1993.
>
> GARDNER W MACDONALD
> b. 04 Aug 1922
> d. 31 Dec 1993
> Last residence: 33711 (Saint Petersburg, Pinellas, FL)
> SSN: 155-16-1834
> SSN issued: New Jersey
>
> He's the right age, he was issued his SSN in New Jersey, and that's all I
> know.
> .
> --Tim

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: mg
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 12:28 AM

here is a place I found by looking for the Catering Corps. it seems to be a British and Australian term; I have not heard of it in the U.S. and I am an Army veteran. This is about the Burma campaign.

http://www.burmastar.org.uk/discussion.htm

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 01:37 AM

Most interesting! Zip 33711 is not far from me, if I can do any research here please advise. I have checked our local paper but their online archives presently only go back to the year 2000.

According to a Google search the Army Catering Corps long since has been made part of the regular Army. It was the British equivalent of what we would have called our Mess (strange name, never did know why) which would have included cooks, bakers, and other food handlers.

Mary, you may have opened a can of worms for yourself! Can you share with us the source of your research that led you to the above information? I have sevral names and serial numbers that I have tried to trace with no avail! Thanks

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 05:43 AM

There are tons of links to different obituary resources HERE, both general and more specific (near the bottom of the page.)

If he is already gone, your mum could still write him a letter, telling him all of the things she wanted to anyway, then put it away for a while and then burn it or burn it after she writes it. It's a good way to symbolically let go and feel one has made some kind of connection.

Good luck,

kat

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 06:19 AM

Banjer:

GARDNER W MACDONALD
> b. 04 Aug 1922
> d. 31 Dec 1993
> Last residence: 33711 (Saint Petersburg, Pinellas, FL)
> SSN: 155-16-1834
> SSN issued: New Jersey
>
> He's the right age, he was issued his SSN in New Jersey,

Mum thinks this could be the Gardner that Mary found the info on, if he had a daughter named Cynthia Ann (Anne) not sure which spelling, who was born in 1954 and one sister Margaret then it is him.

Is there anyway of finding this information out.


rc

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 06:20 AM

Mary

Mum cant remember his uniform, her memory is not good after so many years, she remember he named his daughter after my sister, they were born in the same year 1954, and that he had one sister Margaret, it's not a lot to go on i know.

Is that that last residence a home address, if so maybe i could write and find out if he had a daughter Cynthia Anne and a sister Matgaret, that would tell us at least if this was the right man.

rc

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 06:37 AM

Rock Chic, according to the results of the zip code search the address would be either in St Petersburg or Gulfport. I will attempt a directory search when I can get to the library. (Probably Monday) I will keep you posted on any results.

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 07:46 AM

Banjer,thanks a million.

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 08:39 AM

Rock Chic, I have succesfully 'infiltrated' my local public library's data sources. I found the obituary for the Gardner Mac Donald in question.

MacDONALD, GARDNER W., 71, of St. Petersburg, died Friday (Dec. 31, 1993) at Palms of Pasadena Hospital. Born in Boston, he came here in 1973 from Memphis, Tenn., and was a retired industrial salesman. During World War II, he served in the Army. He was a Protestant and a member of AA for 16 years. Survivors include his wife, Sharon; three daughters, Jennifer Griffith, Palm Harbor, Cynthia Phares, St. Louis, and Barbara MacDonald, Antioch, Tenn.; a sister, Joan VanCampen, Isle of Palms, S.C.; four grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. National Cremation Society, St. Petersburg

None of the daughters names match nor is a sister Margaret listed as a survivor, unless Joan's middle name is Margaret! I will still attempt to get my hands on a city directory for the time period that he would have lived in the area.

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 11:36 AM

One of the daughters matched, though, Banj. I will check with this additional info at ancestry.com, too. It may have something.

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 11:52 AM

A quick check on my 411 search device for the surname PHARES in ST. Louis, Missouri turned up the following three possibilities.

Some may be the grandkids?

Anybody in or around St. Louis that can make a few phone calls and talk to any of these folks?


Donald Phares   314-432-5441
1537 Oak Forest Pkwy Ct
Saint Louis, MO 63146

Kathleen Phares   314-389-2367
8340 Ardsley Dr
Saint Louis, MO 63121

Scott Phares   314-842-6703
7939 Royal Arms Ct
Saint Louis, MO 63123

Let's keep at it until we have an answer for Mum!

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 12:00 PM

Additionaly, out of eight possible listings for GRIFFITH in Palm Harbor, FL I have been able to eliminate four of them since they appear to be husbands and wifes listed twice, same phone number and addresses. If nothing is found out of the St Louis area I will call the remaining ones thhis evening. Running out of time right now, have to go. Good luck, all!

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: mg
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 01:43 PM

I''ll be out of town tonight and leaving asap so I'll be checking in omorrow. I also have friends in St. Petersburg and a librarian friend in St. Louis so maybe they can help too. A friend got the original information off social security files...

mg

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Naemanson
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 03:12 PM

Wow! This is a great thread. Don't leave us hanging...

Good luck to all.

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 03:47 PM

Have tried the three numbers.

The first one i left a message, and will call again tomorrow
The second there was no reply so will try again tomorrow
The third again i have left a message so will try again tomorrow.

If anyone else in the area manages to get through please let me know.

To my knowledge Cynthia Ann (Anne) was the eldest daughter and he only had one sister Margaret, but as you say Banjer Margaret could have been the middle name of Joan.

Thanks everyone, i know i keep saying it, but it's from the heart.

By the way whats the time zones over there, is it not different in different states? hate to think i was phoning in the early hours of the morning!!

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 06:03 PM

The east coast is Mudcat time, then somewhere around the middle of the country it is an hour earlier than that, in the Rocky Mtns we are 2 hours earlier than Mudcat, then the west coast another hour and on from there.

I can get the death certificate number for you and ancestry.com, if you decide you want to get a copy of the actual certificate. It would give you a bit more info, but not necessarily what happened to him in later life, except where and when he died, which you already know if this is the correct one, and, it might show a spouse, which could be helpful. There are places on line where you can order a copy for a fee. I'd think this would be low on the possibilities of being helpful, though.:-)

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 06:31 PM

Kat, we already know the spouse was Sharon, if one of the three folks in St Louis can confirm Joan's middle name that would clinch it. Also if any of them could recall what their dad did in the service and if they knew of any nicknames he might have gone by would also be helpful. Assuming of course that this is the right Gardner, although the age and DOB are too much of a coincidence I think. We shall see when RC makes contact with the St. Louis crowd. All we can do now is sit and anxiously await!!

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Tinker
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 08:49 PM

Just saw this,I haven't been around for a few days.   If the phone calls don't find an answer,I can submit a letter to the Nutley town paper. (It's only two towns over.) Perhaps someone will remember in Nutley. It's not that big a town. But it's weekly and will take a bit of time. I'll keep watch here as well.

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Dec 02 - 08:59 PM

Oh, thanks, Banj! (I had a brain cell but it got lonely and left!)

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: allie kiwi
Date: 29 Dec 02 - 05:08 AM

Wow, I'm a little teary eyed reading this. I think you are all amazing people to do this for someone. Good luck in the search!

Allie

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 29 Dec 02 - 07:37 AM

Banjer and everyone.

Managed to get through to one lady in Saint Louis,Kathleen Phares, no luck there. Again tried the other two guys but no reply, may have to write to them, actually i will do a couple of letters now.

I agree with you allie kiwi, everyone is amazing.

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 30 Dec 02 - 05:53 AM

I posted the letters today to the Phares people and to the G Mac Donald as i couldn't get any answer by phone. it may take a while to get any answers back but i'll keep my fingers crossed.

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 30 Dec 02 - 06:46 AM

We will all keep our fingers crossed with you and hope this gets resolved soon. Good Luck!!

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 30 Dec 02 - 01:24 PM

2003 could be a good year!

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 07:01 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 07:05 PM

HI RC, I called those numbers in Palm Harbor today. The list narowed down to two possibilities for Jennifer Griffith. Got through on one number and they did not know a Jennifer. The other number just rang with no answering machine. I will try that one again later this week.

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 06:36 AM

Your a STAR Banjer, spoke to mum yesterday, she is overwhelmed by all the kindness of Mudcatters, she doesn't understand computers at all and finds it unbelievable that contact can be made so quickly. She is so excited, only hope we can come up with something, even if it is sad news.

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: mg
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 01:28 PM

rock chick...maybe contact [e-mail]

She is involved with a military list that helps in location.
She said to contact her.


mg

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 01 Jan 03 - 04:10 PM

Mary, would this person mind inquiries about other military members? I would like to find what happened to my real dad. He was stationed in Germany around 1947 and shipped home just about the time I was born. He would probably be in his eighties if still alive today.

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 02:43 AM

I just encountered this interesting thread. A search on the sister, Margaret Macdonald, brings up a woman of about the right age who was in school in nearby Bayonne in 1930. The information comes from this page:

Photo # 16056
Last Name MacDonald
First Name Margaret
Middle Name Ritchie
Subject's City Bayonne
Subject's State NJ
Subject's Country USA
Date 1930
Photographer Quair
Photographer's City   New Brunswick
Photographer's State   NJ
Nee   
Type** PRT
Comments Juniors - 1930 *Quair* New Jersey College for Women, of Rutgers University

Bayonne is very close, just a couple of towns south of Nutley. If this is a relative, the alumni office at Rutgers might help you locate this woman. You'll find a link to her yearbook photo on the page I linked to at the top. Might not hurt to ask if he went to this school as well. Sometimes you'll find that all family members attended the same university.

SRS

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: mg
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 04:02 AM

banjer, go ahead and contact her. Her main contacts are probably Vietnam era though. mg

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 05:33 AM

Thank you, Mary, I did send her an e-mail shortly after I posted here. I figured what's the worst that could happen? I found her reply already in this mornings e-mail! I need to send her some additional info and although she says she may not be able to help much she can send me some info on various sources that may be able to find what I want. Thanks for bringing her to our attention!!

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 12:54 PM

Good luck with your search Banjer, keep us informed please, fingers crossed.

Stilly River Sage: I have e-mailed the alumni office, just have to wait for a reply, it sounds hopeful, fingers crossed. Thanks.
Mary I will be contacting [e-mail] also tonight, thanks. Will update you hopefully soon.

rc

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 04:16 PM

RC--many universities are only now beginning to rouse after the christmas holiday. Some may not have full staff back until next week, so don't be surprised if it takes a few days.

Meanwhile, there was a photo of the woman at that web site. If she is the sister, I wonder if she looks enough like her brother for your mom to see some resemblance?


SRS

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Tinker
Date: 03 Jan 03 - 12:10 AM

This link should bring you to the submissions page for the Nutley Journal here in New Jersey. They should run a letter looking for information and might even go for a story. Let me know if you need me to do anything locally.


Kathy

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 03 Jan 03 - 04:37 AM

Kathy

Thanks so much for the info and your offer to help, I didn't waste any time contacting the paper, I sent a letter to the editor of the paper in Nutley, gave him the story, finger crossed.

I will be in touch soon as I have some info back. Thanks so much again.

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 03 Jan 03 - 05:39 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 05:43 AM

Hi there Mary

Have just e-mailed the lady you suggested I try, will let you know outcome ASAP.

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 07:48 AM

Brief update on my search for my birth dad, sparked by this thread. The lady Mary Garvey referred us to has been very helpful. Although as Mary said, her ,aim field is Viet Nam era, she has applied what she knows and passed on some good suggestions. Between her search and me sitting my Mom down and grilling her for information, I have learned more in the past week than I thought possible. I now know his dob (he would be 87 years old this coming February), names of his mother and father, the fact hat he had two sisters, one of whom married a fellow by the name of Boyd or Boyard and lived in Columbus, OH. He was originally from Kimberley County, WV and probably returned there after his enlistment was up. I have long forgotten pictures of him that just recently were found again by Mom and the physical facial comparison is striking. I look like a younger version of him when comparing some pictures of myself in the service to his. More as it develops.

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 08:12 AM

I put the pictures up on Foto-time. They will be there for about two weeks (until the trial period runs out!). Look if you want and notice the similarity betwen myself and my dad.


Click here

Just click on the first picture and after that click next to see all four.

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Janie
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 08:22 AM

Banjer--there is no Kimberly Co. in WV and I can't think of a county thatcomes close. Maybe it is in Kentucky or Ohio?

Rock Chick--what a compelling search you have started here. Good luck with it.

Janie

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 08:34 AM

Hi Janie....Hmmmmmm....The state of WV is a sure thing, maybe it isn't a county but a city instead? I'll look into that. Thanks!

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 10:18 AM

Looked at the photos banjer, they are great, good luck with your quest, looks like we have started something here between us. People are just amazing, so helpful. Keep us informed of any new you may receive. Good Luck
I have just phoned another Gardner in Nantucket given to me by the same lady 'Noonie' via Mary, she has put a message on her Buddy search page so you never know.

Will be in touch again, if you don't first.

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 11:29 AM

Banj, I saw two likely towns listed in WVa: Kimberely and Kimberling, the former in Monagahelia(sp) County, the latter in Mingo County. Kimberley was only around from the 30's to 1976. I forgot to check the dates on Kimberling.

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 11:33 AM

What happened to the town of Kimberely? Was it remnamed or just fold up? Thanks, Kat, I did a Google search for WV cities but nothing came up. Where did you find your info? Thanks, Banjer

Subject: RE: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 11:48 AM

Just spoke with mom, she says the Kimberly she spoke of was in Fayette County. Info checks out on Google. I may have miscopied info last night making Kimberly a county rather than a city. I will see her tomorrow and go over all the notes I have so far to make sure what she told me earlier still reads the same. She does have a wonderful memory. I don't know how she does it but she can reacll birthdays and dates of death for family on her side back at least three generations!

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 05:42 PM

Sorry, Banj, I should have included a link. I don't know what happened to that town, but I'll bet the folks in the links at this site would be able to tell you. Maybe we are related! Some of my direct ancestors came from Fayette County! Here ya go: Place Names in West Virginia.

The people at the Harper's Ferry National Park were really helpful when Claymore pointed me in there direction in this thread, when I was stumped on place names. They might be able to tell you what happened to the town or know someone who would know.

Did you get my PM? I'd be happy to help out with some research.:-)

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Janie
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 06:08 PM

Banjer, I found info on Kimberly WV at www.digital-neighbors.com. Population is 108. Such a small community, bound to be some one there who knew, or knew of, your father. Lots of good old-time musicians in Fayette County, by the way.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 12:25 AM

Banjer, I was searching for a town in Washington called "Kerriston" that didn't seem to be on any map. I told my father about this search (it had to do with a fascinating letter written in about 1912 by my great uncle to my great grandmother, to do with a mining accident and a minor miracle in getting aid). Dad told me to contact the folks at the University of Washington Libraries in the Pacific Northwest Collection. I got an email back with a legal description of the town. Lucky I'd spent years dealing with legal descriptions in my Forest Service days, and I in fact pulled out a Forest Service map and found the "town," now simply a private inholding of bare land on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

So, you may well want to check out local university libraries with Special Collections. They'll have finding aids for going through their collections that are available to the public. These are often online. I've posted a link to a Mudcat discussion of such things. Good luck! (Those were great photos you posted--you made your case as far as family resemblance!)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 01:59 AM

SRS, Kimberly is alive and well and located in Fayette County, West Virginia. There is a population of 108 people in that town and according to a 411 search there are 9 families with the surname of Davis. Two of the listings are the same phone number so I am assuming they are probably husband and wife. That narrows the possibilities to 8. I am in the process of compiling a phone list and an address list on these folks and those I cannot reach by phone will receive a letter of inquiry. If all goes well and as I hope, I should know before too long if any of them know of John W Davis, 87 years of age, with a birthday of 26 FEB 1916, who was an MP during and right after WWII and something about his sisters. I feel I am closing in on it. I will keep you all posted and up to date. Thanks for the assist. If any of these plans fall by the wayside I will have to form a plan B and possibly C. I will keep going till I run out of alphabet and then we'll start numbering if need be!! **BG**

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: JennyO
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 07:27 AM

Banjer, those two with the same phone number could be brother and sister, or in some other way related, so they might still be possibilities!

Jenny

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 08:16 AM

That's a possibility, but in that case what one would know the other probably would also know. I have a feeling that by the end of this week I will have an answer to my quest. I Hope!! Like in Rock Chicks case my Mom is now all excited at the prospect of finding out what happened to him. Two calls from her yesterday asking if I made any progress yet! Thanks to everybody's help I'm sure we are close.

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 11:27 AM

The referral to Special Collections doesn't just apply to Banjer's search--there are lots of groups that for various reasons choose to donate their records to libraries that specialize in processing their type of materials. If you're trying to locate someone and you know something about their employment, you can do a search on professional organizations or unions and possibly dig up germane materials by figuring out where those records are kept. I realized that your town existed, but it sounded like it was so small that perhaps the records were no longer being updated. In which case, is it part of a larger community now (annexed?) or unincorporated, oart if a county only, with no municipal transactions, etc. There are records to do with all of this that can help track down individuals. It is the long shot approach, however.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 07:09 PM

Update on John W Davis search:

I found a person in Kimberly, WV who knew of name. When I called I said that I had been doing some genealogical research and the name of John W Davis seemed to keep appearing, was this person familiar with the name. He said, "Yes, he was my father-in-law" Further conversation revealed that he passed in 1990. He was unable to tell me of his military career but said his wife would know that. She was not home and our schedules conflict so badly that it was agreed that I would call back next Saturday morning to speak with her. Sounded like very willing person to share info. I did not tell him that I was looking for my Dad. I will tell the lady, who I guess would be my half sister! Wow!!!! It was only the second call I made!! I will keep hunting for other info to correlate this find.

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: JennyO
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 10:17 PM

Ooh, this is getting exciting! Sounds like you're getting close, Banjer! How are you going with it, Rock Chick? Good luck to you both!

Jenny-on-the-other-side-of-the-world

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Ebbie
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 11:45 PM

I'm excited for both of you!

Banjer, this is great. How far from your home in Florida is this West Virginia family? I do hope you've found the right one, and that you will LOVE your new relatives... Don't forget to keep us updated!

Rock Chick, the best of luck to you and your mother. If you find that Gardner MacDonald is no longer among us, I think katlaughing's suggestion is an excellent one. It's a well-demonstrated fact that writing or talking in isolation to someone when you can not physically confront them is an effective tool for closure. But maybe you will find he is alive and well.

Thanks, guys. A wonderful thread.

Ebbie

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 06:50 PM

Wow! Banjer what fantastic news I really hope it all goes well and that you find you have a new family, this is so exciting, keep us posted.

I haven't heard any more yet as far as Gardner is concerned, mum is still really hopeful, I speak to her most days and she always ask, she also wishes you all the best of luck banjer with your search.

Just waiting to hear back from people at the moment, it's the waiting that's so hard.

Anyway will be in touch soon.

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Naemanson
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 12:23 PM

I'm confused and I don't have time to re-read the whole thread. Is Banjer's search different from RockChick's?

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Sorcha
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 12:26 PM

Yes.

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 12:29 PM

Mary Garvey came up with some good resources for Rock Chick, and Banjer inquired about a search of his own using the same contacts. Now, they're neck-and-neck on their way to both being solved.

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Naemanson
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 11:50 AM

Cool!

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 04:55 PM

I think banjer may be ahead at the moment, I seem to have come to a halt, but you never know what's around the corner. Anyway if one of us is successful that in itself a fantastic achievement, which could not have possibly have happened with the help of you people out there.

I would personally think of it as a success if Banjer only succeeds because without this thread he may never have gone along the line of his quest.

By the way banjer how is it going? Any more news?

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 05:47 PM

Not right now, I am still waiting for Saturday morning to speak to the lady in Kimberly West Virginia about her father. He may be the object of the search. I need her to confirm his DOB and his military service. Failing that, I received some info that Kat has found about sending off for a copy of his social security application. The problem is, both are a shot in the dark. I have his service number but not his SSN. (Before 1969 they were not the same, it wasn't until 1968 that the system changed and the use of SSN as a military ID came to be) If the lady in WV comes up with the wrong DOB I will send off for that SSN application which will give the name of his mom and dad. The one that Kat found had the correct DOB. IF!!! the one in WV has the same DOB AND his SSN matches Kat's find then I will pursue that further to see if they can furnish his original service number. So, to make a long story longer, it is all up in the air until at least Saturday morning. I will, after the phone call, be either more confused than I started out or I will have a new half sister (and she a half brother) that neither knew about!

I hope that some of the letters that Rock Chick sent get answered soon. I would like to see her be successful for her Mum.

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 11 Jan 03 - 09:25 AM

.....it is all up in the air until at least Saturday morning. I will, after the phone call, be either more confused than I started out or I will have a new half sister (and she a half brother) that neither knew about!

Well, after 6 phone calls to various folks in Kimberly WV, I am still no closer to finding Dad! I will now try the SSN application approach that Katlaughing has come up with. There are also a couple of other avenues of exploration open to me, and I will try them as well. I'll keep ya'll posted!! Thanks

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 12 Jan 03 - 07:06 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 13 Jan 03 - 06:25 PM

It has been confirmed that the John W Davis whose obit I found in teh DEC 22 1993 Dayton newspaper is indeed the same person I am looking for. I called the funeral home that was listed for the obit and the lady there pulled the records and corraborated the SSN and the military service number as being the ones I was seeking. He was layed to rest at the Dayton National Cemetery. As far as the records show he retired as a sergeant. There is a daughter and three grand children which I will now attempt to locate and see if they would be willing to fill me in on any history of Dad. More news as it develops!

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Jan 03 - 07:40 PM

Wow, Banj. I am sorry he is already passed, but glad you've found out for sure. Much luck on finding more about him through your newly found sibling!

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: mg
Date: 13 Jan 03 - 09:24 PM

I'm sorry that he died before you got to meet him and get to know him. But hopefully the family will be able to meet with you. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Amos
Date: 13 Jan 03 - 10:46 PM

Well done, Banjer!! Well done!!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Ebbie
Date: 13 Jan 03 - 11:45 PM

Well, at least you are way ahead of where you were before you got the information. Good luck, Banjer. I hope your half sister is a tremendous find.

Ebbie

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 14 Jan 03 - 10:08 AM

I really sorry your father had passed away before you had the chance to meet with him, now you have to put all your energy in contacting your new found family, good luck, and keep us all informed.

I have had one reply back from Don Phares in St Louise, no luck there, still there are still other yet to find out about.

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Naemanson
Date: 14 Jan 03 - 10:31 AM

Wow, sorry about his passing but you've now increased you family and hove so much more to discover. Great job, Banjer. Thanks for letting us tag along.

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Jan 03 - 10:35 AM

rock chick, don't give up...surely something will turn up. I'll keep checking some of the sites I know of..between all of us, there's bound to be a clue out there.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 14 Jan 03 - 04:00 PM

Thanks Katlaughing, it helps knowing there is support out there, i'm know Banjer feels the same, will keep you up todate :o}

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: vectis
Date: 14 Jan 03 - 05:20 PM

Sorry to hear the bad news Banjer. I've been following your quest, I just wish it had had a happier ending for you.

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 14 Jan 03 - 06:38 PM

Thanks all for the thoughts. I wish I had started sooner but I guess itjust wasn't meant to be. I will now attempt to find the daughter, my half sister and her children. At least one of the kids is a boy his name will remain the same. If any of the girls get married it will be nearly impossible to track them.

Thanks Katlaughing, it helps knowing there is support out there, i'm know Banjer feels the same......,

RC i sdead on here! If it hadn't been for information Kat found in the Ohio lists and the one John W Davis she found with the exact birthdate and SSN, I would still be looking wround West Virginia for him. It was tahnks to her that teh search shifted to Dayton and thge final pieces fell into place. Thanks Kat....I really apptreciate the help more tahn you can ever know!

As for teh calls to Plam Harbor, I have not yet reached any one with any helpful knowledge on Rock Chic's search. I will continue trying!

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 17 Jan 03 - 01:04 PM

Quick update:

I have managed to log in to school site under an alias name and posted my quest on their message board, there were only three people around that year that were still registered, but you never know what may come from it.

This advice came from Katlaughing, thanks Kat, could find anything on the genealogy forum site, tried to sign up on it to post a message, but had problems! Will try again later. Have heard back from two Phare now, no luck there, still will keep at it.

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jan 03 - 03:20 PM

I love doing this, folks, thanks for letting me be involved. I figure I've got some experience AND the subscription, the more I get out of it, the better! Anyone else need help digging up ancestors?:-)

BTW, there's always more to learn. I just found the irootsweb library, where one can request "lookups" from the publications they have available, usually books that are too pricey for an individual who just needs to look up one or two things. Check it out: http://www.iroots.net/library/#LIBRARY.

Fascinating stuff. I'll see what else I can find for both of you in the next few days.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Jan 03 - 04:54 PM

Kat,
Where did you go with Banjer's father's SS# and middle name to search? How did you manage to find the Ohio connection? I just skimmed back through this thread and didn't see it explained.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jan 03 - 05:37 PM

Oops, sorry, SRS, I sent it to him by PM. I found them at the main LDS (Mormon, though I am not a member:-)site, www.ancestry.com. They have the best pay site of all for genealogical records. I subscribe to it and, like I said, figure the more I can use it for other folks and myself, the better.

The two things I use the most there are Census records, of which I can view actual images and Social Security Death Index.

If there is ever anything I can help with, please don't hesitate to ask. I don't usually go beyond finding a few starter clues for folks, and then they're off and hopefully running.:-) It sure is fun.

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 20 Jan 03 - 04:20 PM

How it going banjer? Any new yet on your new family?

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 20 Jan 03 - 06:45 PM

Not yet, I have some inquiries out that I am waiting for responses on. One was to the ARPERCENT (Army personell center in ST Louis) for his military service records, which will give a better insight into his career. The other letter I sent to his last address in Dayton, which up til a few months ago still had the phone listed in his name in the Dayton book. I sent this letter to: 'Descendants of John W Davis or current resident of' hoping that if it was his wife that was still living there and she passed or his daughter or even one of the grandkids that someone would know how to contact someone. Until I get word back on either of those I am at a standstill because I haven't figured out how to find his daughter yet. But I will not give up!! Thanks all for the help and keeping me motivated....

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 01 Feb 03 - 08:15 AM

Still waiting for replies here, how about you RC? Heard anything?

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 01 Feb 03 - 04:09 PM

Ya had a couple of relies both dead ends, mind you one guy offered to help if he could, not hopeful of hearing from the others now.

Nutley school were back on the 1st Feb so hoping to hear from them, left a couple of messages on their notice board so may hear something, mind you I shouldn't think those old school mates (now in their 80's read it often, still can only keep trying.

It's a waiting game at the moment, bit like you Banjer. Mums not too well lately so time is an essence now.

Neither of us must give up yet though, keep in touch, and good luck, I really hope something turns up for you soon. Speak to you soon,take care.

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Ebbie
Date: 01 Feb 03 - 11:10 PM

Hang in there. You'll never be sorry. The best of luck to you both, and to those you love (and may someday get to love!).

Ebbie

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 07:55 PM

I sent this letter to: 'Descendants of John W Davis or current resident of' hoping that if it was his wife that was still living there and she passed or his daughter or even one of the grandkids that someone would know how to contact someone.

Well, I got this one returned today with several handwritten notations on it. One said VAC, which I would assume meant Vacant, another notation said ANK, which I interpret as Adressee Not Known. There was also a sticker on it from the UPS saying to RTS (Return to sender) If only I knew someone living in Dayton that could go and knock on a door for me!! Perhaps one of these days.. I still have the inquiry to the Army Personel Records Division in St louis to hear from. I will not give up being this close!

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 08:03 PM

Banj, ever since we decided to run down to Dayton, the weather went straight in the bucket. Below zero stuff with ice and snow and particularly nasty weekends. This weekend Tris has Special Olympics, but the next one looks good. I'm taking Tris to the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patt as part of his birthday presents and he's seen the pics on the web so he keeps asking me about the "big planes." Unless we have another weather disaster we'll be going on the 15th or 16th.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 06 Feb 03 - 06:03 PM

Don't worry about it 'Spaw, I know with the weather being what it is youdon't need to travel any distance unless you have to. Wait for warmer weather, besides I'd like the picture of Dad's grave to not be covered in snow! I was just kind of wishfully thinking that I knew someone who lived IN Dayton so I could get them to do some errands for me. Thanks for all you efforts, past and future, you're a jewel!

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:07 AM

Unfortunately it is sad news, I have found Gardner for mum this morning

He died of a freak accident five years ago, carbon dioxide poising, I spoke to his widow this morning, she was lovely, they had only been married five years, another sadness. She is going to e-mail some photos to me for mum, which I will take up to her this weekend.

Mum was so upset and sad, made me wonder whether finding him was the right thing to do? It was interesting what mum said when I told her
" When you find true love don't let it slip away like I did, you don't find it often, don't ever try to shut it away because of your circumstances" Wise words?

I suppose now at least mum can put Gardner to rest, through all her sadness this morning she said she know she would him again, so her believes will help her through the next stages of her grieving.

It was a pure fluke that I found him, this morning I received an e-mail from the message board from his school asking me if I would like to try to contact old school friends, (I had signed in under an
alias name as if I had gone to the school)

I went into the site and saw another Global search site so thought I would try it, it cost 27 dollars, I entered his name but then it wanted a state, well I don't know why but I thought I would try Florida, why Florida I have no idea, just a feeling! Well it came up with two people, and the first one turned out to be him.

Well all I can do now is be with mum. Hope you find a happier ending /beginning Banjer.

Thanks everyone for all the help, advice and support over the last few months, couldn't have done it without you all.



Shelagh

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Tinker
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:13 AM

Rock Chick, I've no doubt is was the right thing to do. Closure, even when it's not what we wanted or expected has its own healing. There was a strong quest on this journey which you continued to follow. Your mom is blessed, be with her...

Kathy

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Naemanson
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:22 AM

It was the right thing to do though it ended in sadness. Good luck to her on coming to grips with the situation.

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 01:16 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 01:53 PM

rock chick, I am sorry it didn't turn out better, but I've also no doubt it was the right thing to do. Not knowing can cause all kinds of anxiety and wondering and it is always best to have some kind of closure, imo. The act of actually searching, as you've done for your mum, speaks to her heart, I am sure. What a loving thing to have done for her in her older years. The more we can do for our parents, in those ways, the better, I think. It's a help to them as they get closer to their own mortality and want to make peace or lay old ghosts to rest. Thanks so much, to you and your mom, for sharing this with us.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: C-flat
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 01:59 PM

This has been a fascinating thread and I'm sorry that your journey didn't end better rock chick. Tinker is right about closure though. Although painful news for your Mum, not knowing anything is worse and gnaws away inside.
Thanks for letting us share this with you.

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: mg
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 03:48 PM

Yes....it was the right thing to do and ultimately she will feel much better knowing than always wondering..and she knows they will reunite in the hereafter, if that is what she believes in. And it was very generous for the new wife to share with her. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Amos
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 04:28 PM

RC:

It was bravely and comapssionately done, a venture into the unknown. The truth is still the better answer. Good job.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 06:55 PM

RC, it appears that both of us started our searches too late. I'm sorry to hear that yours ended as it did, but like all have said, and I can tell you from my experience it is better to know than wonder. I wish my search had started about fifteen or more years ago when I could still have spoken with my dad, but now having found him as I did still gives me sort of an inner satisfaction. Good job girl!!!

I'll post to this thread occasionally as new developments in the search for my half sister and her children progresses.

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:38 PM

At the end of the day, whatever the pain, whatever the outcome, if the feelings are true then "Love is all you need". It is still worth it :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: rock chick
Date: 13 Feb 03 - 04:17 AM

Keep us posted Banjer and good luck, your searching has to go on and hopefully there will be a happy ending.

Guest: your so right "Love is all you need" thanks

Thanks to all the wise word from you all, feel much better about it now, going to see mum on Friday with some photos that Gardeners widow sent, hopefully i can help mum put him to rest in her mind.

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Mad Tom
Date: 13 Feb 03 - 04:52 AM

Rock Chick: You did the right thing. If he decided to marry that late in life, one can only speculate that he had found love and was happy near the end. That has to count for something.

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 23 Feb 03 - 03:11 AM

Not much news, but some more hopes. One of my fellow Civil War renactors works at the local veterans administration. He does something with Veteran's Affairs and has promised me he would put in a query for information on Dad. He did caution me that these types of requests are usually VERY slow in getting answered. Just the fact that he is requesting through official channels does not necessarily speed things up. Anyhow, that is the latest for what it's worth!

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 12 May 03 - 06:17 PM

Well, at long last, I have heard from the Department Of The Army!! A lady rom teh Special Inquireis Team sent me a nice letter that informs me that the request has been forwrded to the proper records center and they shoul dbe in touch with me soon! My request was received in this office on 14 APR, 2003. It is now 12 MAY...at least Iknow someone somewhere is working on it!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 May 03 - 06:56 PM

They must work on a planet of molasses, Banj! Maybe we can visualise a fire on it, warming it up and getting it to flow faster!**bg** Thanks for keeping us, um....up to speed.

Good luck, seriously!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Help- find lost love in America for mum
From: Banjer
Date: 12 May 03 - 10:52 PM

Heck, I'm surprised I heard from them at all!!! I never expected to get a reply, at least not this soon because all I have talked to said it could take up to a year to get any results!! Another thing that impressed me was the statement in the letter that says, "Fees allowable under the Freedom of Information Act are waived"....I guess that means they will send me what info they have at no charge!!