Over a year ago, I wrote about my quest to locate a second cousin of my paternal grandfather. Some more information has come my way and I would like to share with you because it is amazing.
James Kittson died in September of 2003 and his last benefit was in Montclair, Essex County, New Jersey, according to the Social Security Death Index. A few people with this last name or a close variant live in Montclair currently. I sent them hand-written notes explaining how I was related to James and that I was looking for his family. From old phonebooks, I found an address for James Kittson and sent a note to that location as well.
One person called me. She and I worked together a few years ago. James Kittson was a boarder in her home for over twenty years! She said that he was quiet, kept to himself, talked very little, and gave her no information about himself. After he died, a friend collected his sparse belongings, as he had no family that anyone knew about.
And here is the kicker: he was a customer at our place of business!
When I heard this, I was shocked! My mind raced back in time to so many people, names, faces. I couldn't remember him. I still can't.
This is so weird learning that our paths crossed- and I had no idea that he was related and that years later I would look for him.
No comments:
Post a Comment