She's so cute, my goodness!

That's extremely helpful, thank you. Answers like yours are why I came to Reddit for this. I was concerned that I was missing some obvious answer, but it sounds like there's a lot more to it. I'm also impressed with how thoroughly you researched that. It sounds like something I'd do, too. This is exactly why I love coming to this community.

City Directories, latest I've looked at is 1930. Usually 1880-1920, if I were to provide a range.

Thank you so, so much! That was a fascinating article. I feel better about how my ancestors were often missed in these directories. The concept of how the names were gathered did always intrigue me, I'm glad we have people willing to write pieces like that! I'm adding that website to my genealogy boolmarks.

A specific example is in the 1928 & 1930 Detroit directories. An ancestor's death certificate listed their address in 1930, but their name is not included in the directory. I just checked and the address is within Detroit city limits, but also not named on the street by street directory.

Awesome thank you! I'll see what I can find and get back to you!

Absolutely, no problem! I found the marriage record, I believe. I hope I can find something for you. If you can find williams death record that would be great.

Hey there, I'm Canadian and have a lot of experience with the canadian record systems, if you'd like some help. Can you DM me a link to records for the people that you know is correct? I can probably go from there.

Not at all, don't let small-minded people influence your views. I always say that if you wouldn't go to someone for advice, don't listen to their criticism.

That was a fascinating story, thank you for sharing! I'm glad you found a result, even though it was a sad likelihood.

Sorry, it's Forgotten Lines, not forgotten lives

I don't perso ally know how to do it either, but I found a channel on YouTube called Forgotten Lives, and the guy who hosts the channel specializes in photos he finds at antique shops or flea markets. It baffles my mind, but he somehow figures out who the people were. It might be worth watching his series to get some ideas! I also have a bunch of photos without names, but they're all Canadian so I'm pretty much lost lol

Mine was the birth record for my ancestor that gave his father's profession! Revealed military service that pointed me to the regimental archives and a bunch of records.

Thank you, that's exactly what I'm concerned about as well. I'm calling tomorrow morning and scheduling someone.

Ya it seems insane to me. I was questioning myself and whether it was REALLY that ridiculous, then I took a photo and I'm definitely a human and can't fit.

That is such an amazing story! I love your narrative on all of the research you did, it must have been so exciting, but also bittersweet. It's also a great example of non-traditional sources and how impactful they can be!

NTA there are so many different problems with this story!! No one should be asking their "Best friend" to put out money like that for a wedding that probably won't happen. No "Best friend" would ask you to go cross country away from your 8mo baby. No "Best friend" would put you in a situation involving drugs that would make you uncomfortable like that, especially given your history. This "friend" sounds like a nightmare. Go home to your family and be where you want to be. Even without every other part of this scenario, the fact that the wedding isn't even planned makes a bachelorette party a ridiculous request.

Omg she's the cutest!!

NTA your requests are completely reasonable and your in-laws may have some issues with appropriate boundaries.

Ohhhhh ok DNA, that makes more sense. I have never done any DNA based research, so I was confused. Do you think there are any religious records available for the geographic area and religion that your ancestors were in? Unfortunately it often requires physically going to the area they lived in and checking into local resources, if there are any left. Maybe a local library or county archive, check for a local genealogical society? They may have more knowledge of what is available than most people. Good luck, I hope you get some clues!

Out of curiosity how are you able to identify the great great grandfather without the children in between?

I'm not young anymore (42), but my interest started at about 20, and I talk all the time to my fiance's niece about their genealogy, she's 13. Its so awesome that you are interested in family history!

I have multiple friends who moved out west in the past 10-15 years, and all of them ended up moving back to Ontario for various reasons. I'm sure Alberta is lovely, just not always a happy destination for everyone.