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Archiver > PALACKAW > 2000-06 > 0960087987


From: "Ed Reed" <>
Subject: Re: [PA-LAC] LETTER COMPOSING
Date: Sat, 3 Jun 2000 23:06:27 -0400
References: <c4.4831fe3.266a9978@aol.com>


Ellen,

I admire your will to succeeed. Sometimes cold letters are the only
sensible way to progress.

Although I am a rank amateur in the genealogy world, I have written "cold"
letters. I sent copies of the same letter to all the Surnames listed in PA.
In the letter I gave some personal background to assure the recipient that I
was genuinely searching for family data. I also made it clear that
responding held no commitments beyond what they were willing to give.

I also asked if they were related to any of the individuals (or knew any of
them) I mentioned in the background information. If they were related,
could they please elaborate on the relationship and provide names & dates of
ancestors. I made sure they understood I was not seeking personal
information on living individuals, but rather, if the people were still
alive only names and relationships, unless they felt secure sending dates &
places, etc.

Unfortunately, a computer problem resulted in my losing all of my letters
and notes prior to the crash, so I don't have a copyof the letter. I did
get three responses though! One was a relative and provided information on
an associate branch of my mother's family.

Good luck, I know they work!

Ed Reed

Edward11 REED (William10, William9, Richard8, Egbert7, Charles6, Josiah5,
Josiah4, John3, Thomas2, John1)
( http://www.mindspring.com/~dabbler )
Researching REED, COMSTOCK, HETTES, JONES (MD, PA, CT, RI)

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