First Shot

• Please check out my location-specific information!
• Where to write for vital records (birth, marriage, death, divorce) - listed in order of my preference
• Census Information
• The Social Security Death Index
• Other Basic Resources

Where to write for vital records (birth, marriage, death, divorce)

• Elizabeth's list is a terrific list complete with details by territory/state and town
• VitalChek - IMO too hard to navigate & insufficient/incorrect info but they have handy fax forms
• CDC where to write for vital records
• Pinellas Park Public Library - includes links to state departments of health
• Where to Write for Vital Records from the Consumer Information Center

Census Information

• NARA and their Census on microfilm information
• Unofficial info on the Federal Census
• USGenWeb's Census Project
• The Crooked Tree has lots of census and list-type data online. Check it out.
• Soundex Abbreviations (Relationships) from Genealogy Records (PDF)
• How to Read the Soundex from Genealogy Records (PDF)
• What's Listed on Each Census from Genealogy Records (PDF)
• What Really Happened to the 1890 Census? from Genealogy Records (PDF)
• U.S. Census Bureau - fun, but no online indices :-(
• Soundex Converters
  • Genealogy Online's Soundex Converter
  • Rootsweb's Soundex Converter
  • Yet Another Soundex Converter with a good overview
  • NARA's Soundex Converter
  • Genealogy Records Service has a downloadable shareware Soundex Converter

The Social Security Death Index

• If the person is deceased, e.g. on the SSDI, you can request a copy of anyone's SS-5. Cost is $7 with SSN and $16.50 without. To find out about ordering the SS-5, the official info is at: http://www.ssa.gov/foia/foia_guide.htm but I find that hard to read so you might try http://members.aol.com/rechtman/ssafaq.html#Section2. It will take a few months to arrive. I would have to look at my old ones to see the info it has, but i know it has current address & current employer (as of when they filled out the info) as well as birth date. The person must be deceased; if they aren't on the SSDI (which is only a limited subset of the people with social security numbers) then the SSA must have proof of death to send you the information. For one of my relatives, he wasn't on the SSDI but his widow had submitted a death certificate to collect her benefits, so I was able to order his info. For an alternate (older) index, check Kindred Konnections' SSDI.
  I also like Maura's info at Using Social Security Records in your Search.
• Here is what my FHC has to say:
  Unexpected data can be found on applications for Social Security Number
  Applications for Social security numbers can solve some genealogical puzzles. Federally administered old-age insurance and other benefits went into effect under the Social Security Act of 1935.
  Applicants completed a simple form known as an "SS-5" (application for a Social Security card). On it the following questions were asked.
  • Full name
  • Full name at birth (including maiden name)
  • Present mailing address
  • Age at last birthday
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Father's full name, whether living or dead
  • Mother's full name, including maiden name, whether living or dead
  • sex and race
  • Ever applied for a SS number/Railroad Retirement before?
  • Current employer's name and address
  • Date signed
  • Applicant's signature
  So how do you get a copy of the SS-5? You may apply to the Social Security Administration for a full copy of the SS-5 (application for a Social Security card) for any deceased individual in the index. [Janet's note: they don't have to be in the index, but you need proof of death.] If you know the name and correct Social Security number the fee is $7.00. If the Social Security number is unknown or incorrect the fee is $16.00. Send check or money order made payable to The Social Security Administration, to:

  Social Security Administration
  Office of Central Operations - Genealogy
  300 N. Greene Street
  Baltimore, MD 21235
  [This is their new address as of early 1998.]

• Their phone number is 410-965-1727 and they have a huge backlog.

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Other Basic Resources

• The FamilySearch Internet Genealogy Service - Site of the L-dS Church.
• The Family History SourceGuide
• The Obituary Daily Times
• Will Testators Indexes Online

Updated: 25 Jul 2008 e-Mail me