Genealogy Chat

i now have the addresses of some living relatives but what do i put in my letter.

one in particular is very awkward as she is the ex wife of a relative i am try to trace but she could finally give some of the answers as to why her ex mother-in-law moved from washington Co. Durham to Braintree Essex. and possibly the whereabouts of her ex husband

Keep it light-hearted, just say you are interested bur will understand if she doesn,t want to play
.Always enclose a self addressed envelope

ok thanks. good idea the SAE

I have 2 possible hits for 1 of my relatives both have the right name in the right area given that the family name is quite unusual they both may be related to me. so how do i phrase my letter?

??? But not for the ex wife.

Dear Mr Abcde

As you may know, family history research is a popular hobby, and through readily available sources, I have found your unusual name, which is also my own.

Enclosed is part of my family tree which shows how we may be related. It is possible that your X is my X. If this is the case, it would be lovely to hear from you, and to learn anything you are able to share about our mutual ancestors, or your branch of the family. A SAE is enclosed to make this easier. Alternatively, my email address is

[email protected].

Please feel free to show this letter to a trusted friend or relative. If you choose not to reply, I shall not attempt to contact your again.

Hoping to hear from you soon.

Yours sincerely
etc.

Lol - Croftonlass- it's a made up one !!!!!!! (Well, hopefully it is!)

Read the thread and you will see that Whitenancy wanted suggestions on how to phrase a letter.

:0

xxx

Edit - good advice though, not to put a 'real' email address on the boards. You never know what uncalled for emails could be sent to you.

thanks Detective some good suggestions. Think i will hold off writing to the ex wife and se if i get a relpy from the sons and hopefully the father.