Genealogy Information | Genealogy Book

Tracing Your Family History
A Step by Step Guide

SAMPLE LETTER TO REQUEST INFORMATION (from sources on previous pages)

The following is an example of a well-written letter requesting information that you can modify to send to various groups. You can also add/change/delete question to fit your own needs. Make sure to address the letter to a general type of person such as Librarian, Police Chief, Sheriff, Tax Examiner, Accountant, Records Keeper etc.

** Be sure and include a stamped, self-addressed envelope (SASE). This encourages and facilitates a reply.

1234 Williams Street

Anytown, VA 24401

September 15, 1998

Librarian

Public Library

Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151

Dear Sir or Madam:

I have embarked on a search for my family history and I am seeking information regarding my relatives with the surname Smith. Many Smiths are listed in the deeds, wills, and marriage bonds of your county. Tradition indicates that my “Smith” ancestors originally came from Franklin County, Virginia.

Answers to the following questions would be helpful to me and would be most appreciated:

1. Do you have any compiled family histories in your library that refer to the Smith family from Franklin County, Virginia?

2. Is there a compiled county history of Franklin County that contains information on the early Smith settlers?

3. Can you suggest names and addresses of any resident of Franklin County who may be interested in exchanging information concerning the Smiths?

The persons I am seeking information about are:

John Lawrence SMITH Born 1 January 1852 Died 14 June 1914 and Ella May WILSON Born 6 July 1854 Died 24 August 1937. (This couple was married on 18 September 1873.) If there is any charge for this information please let me know and I will gladly forward payment immediately. Thank you very much for your help.

Sincerely yours,

John Q. Smith

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