[Isabo]

Hi Aura,

I am glad you are doing ok and already looking at next steps. I am wondering if there is a way that you can get employee lists for railroad policeman from the Burlington Railroad and for employees of Buttreys Grocery Store. If you could cross-match last names, you could really narrow the search. You may then be able to search for Vietnam vets with the last names you came up with or search high school yearbooks, etc. You may be able to find people sympathetic to your search to give you a look at those lists, if they exist.

I am still hoping this lady talks to your SIL. That would be the great.

[nugget]

Hang in there Aura. You're doing what you can ok? I always feel in my own search that going with my gut was ALWAYS the best idea.
This gal may be related and either not known about you (no one who is still alive in my bfamily knew about me, so they say) or she maybe needs to contact your bmom first to see what to do.
Remember this is huge and while you have had time to prepare because you are the one searching your birth family may not be as prepared.
I'm sorry you are hitting some road blocks but it soounds like your additude is right on coarse!!
Cyber hugs to you,
Wendy

[aura]

Thanks you guys,
I'm sure trying to hang in there and think posative. I thought of looking for names to cross reference but I don't even know where to start. I gave all my info to the search angels that have helped me so far so lets hope they come up with something. I am praying that she is talking to my b-mom and we will get a call but meanwhile I am checking all 50 states for the a Virginia Echols, that is her current married name because she may live out of state now. This will all happen in Gods time, my time is just different I guess. I don't know what I would do without you guys, Thank You! Aura

[nugget]

It's good to see you are also keeping a sense of humor. I know that my time is much faster then god allows as well.
I'll keep hoping for something for you soon. Will be out of town myself the end of next week but will check in BEFORE and after!! Lets hope for something sooner rather then later.
Happy thoughts,
Wendy

[Janet Heath]

Thanks Isabo for pointing me to Aura's letter. It was beautiful.

Aura, I am here with you also. Will be keeping a check on you and hope that you find out something soon.



Janet

[aura]

Hey everyone,
Well I told you about my b-father and his family and my mom and dad just called...
They know someone that worked at Buttreys back in the 70's and they took a chance and called him and he remembered a lady named Leda Klundt (not sure on the spelling he said) her husband worked for the railroad as a policeman and they were in their 50's. WOW!!! I hopefully have a last name. Now I just need to figure out how to check military records for a klundt from 1966-1972. I would assume he joined when he was 18 (1966 or so) and I was born in June 1972, my non-id info says he was recieving unemployment compensation at the time of my birth and he was 24 years old. At least today was productive. I just had to share my news!!! If you know anyone who can help or have any ideas let me know!!!
Aura

[katnap80]

Great news Aura.....Stay positive and PATIENT....We are all behind you 100%.
"K"

[nugget]

Wonderful news!!
You might try to google his name.
You can also try a free program called searchsystems (can't remember if it's org or .com) but they have a ton of different things to look through.
Also think about googling Vietnam Vet Registry and see if that helps.
Ahhhh.It's nice to have the support from your family isn't it??!!
Enjoy!!
Wendy

[Isabo]

Aura,

This is a great lead!! Congratulations!!!!!!!

I suggest you try searching at ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com/). You can sign up for a free trial, so it shouldn't cost you anything (I think). At ancestry.com you can search U.S. Federal Census Records, U.S. Immigration Collection, Social Security Death Index, Newspaper Archives, and Family Trees.

I would start with the census records and check years when you know your bdad would have been living with his parents. Also, don't forget school yearbooks!

[Isabo]

Aura,

I just did a Google search for - Leda Klundt Great Falls Montana - and came up with the name of the subdivision (Pryor Creek) that a Leda and Walter Klundt were living in in 1977 (see http://www.dnrc.state.mt.us/wrd/Wate...ix/well_cs.txt). If that link doesn't work out, please pm me and I will send it to you.

I also found this for a Leda Klundt now living in Kentucky whose sister was born in Montana and died recently:

GARRETT, Beatrice Virginia
b. 4 Jun 1911 - Fort Benton, Montana
d. 13 Apr 2004 - Halstead, Kansas
From Salina Journal - Wednesday, April 14, 2004, Hutchinson (Kans) News - Wednesday, March 14, 2004
Daughter of Charles F. and Octavia Williams Garrett. On Oct. 18, 1931, she married Peter F. FRIESEN at Havre. He died May 19, 2001. Survivors include two sons, James of Halstead and Harold of Mountain View, Calif.; a sister, Leda Klundt of Kentucky; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by a brother, Earl F. Burial will be in Halstead Cemetery.

I also found telephone records for a Leda Klundt in Kentucky, age 82, and Oregon, age 82. I didn't get too far because you have to pay for the info.

Ok, I'll stop looking now, but I couldn't resist. ;-)

[aura]

Dear Isabo,

Thank you so much! Her age matches because she would have been 50 when I was born which would make 82-83 now. I will pm you because i'm not sure how to make sense of that site. You are such a blessing!!! Aura

[aura]

Hey everyone,
After bombing out with my b-mom we have managed to find my birthfather and his family! I will write all the details later, I can't sit still right now. Thank you all
Aura

[nugget]

Whooooooooooo Hooooooooooooooooo!!!
Holy cow hun!! This is way huge!! Way way huge!!
I can not wait for details!!! But I will ....duh!!
So happy for you. Many more finds in your future I do hope!
Big hugs and remember to breath!!
Wendy

[katnap80]

WOOOOW...... you must be dancing on air....Keep us posted....
"K"

[Isabo]

Aura,

You know I am SO Happy for you!!!!! I want to hear a blow by blow description of everything your Uncle tells you!!!!!