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Contacting a 4th/5th cousin in US

  • 07-03-2019 2:51pm
    #1
    kildarejohn
    Registered Users Posts: 300 ✭✭


    I have been researching my family for years, but have never before contacted any relatives except people who were already themselves doing research through online message boards etc.
    I have now traced a branch in the US, but they do not seem to be active on Ancestry etc. I have found a name, address and phone no. via Google, but no email address or social media contacts.
    In these circumstances would you phone or write? Has anyone got a "standard wording" for a letter to an unknown 4th cousin.? The family had association with military "special ops" so I don't want to become target for investigation!


Comments

  • #2
    pinkypinky
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 6,614 Mod ✭✭✭✭pinkypinky


    I would write a polite letter saying you've been tracing your family tree, outlining the connection and asking them to get in touch if they're interested.

    Genealogy Forum Mod



  • #3
    Hermy
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 11,299 Mod ✭✭✭✭Hermy


    I think a well written letter is the way to go.

    Keep it simple - introduce yourself, give some background, and ask for one or two specifics.
    Also include a chart to help illustrate the matter to those less au fait with genealogy.

    I've done so several times and it generally garners a positive response.

    Genealogy Forum Mod



  • #4
    hammy007
    Registered Users Posts: 65 ✭✭hammy007


    Hermy wrote: »
    I think a well written letter is the way to go.

    Keep it simple - introduce yourself, give some background, and ask for one or two specifics.
    Also include a chart to help illustrate the matter to those less au fait with genealogy.

    I've done so several times and it generally garners a positive response.

    Completely agree with this- I wrote to a distant relative regarding a DNA test which was a big ask considering they didn't know me (I was trying to prove a male line, and they were the only living descendants I could find to compare to). I included some info about who I am, and included family charts showing how we were related. I ended up getting a positive response and they agreed to do the test (line was confirmed!), so I definitely agree that a well written letter is probably the best approach.


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