Dan, You might also check the 1910 and 1920 censuses and the marriage records. If your grandfather married after 1912 in VA his marriage should be on microfilm at the Library of VA or maybe your local FHC could order it. The marriage records are indexed by both bride and groom in 10 yr. segments. The indexes are on microfilm too. You find him in the index and then look at the county marriage records. That should give you the names of both your grandfather's and grandmother's parents. Edith In a message dated 9/10/01 2:19:56 AM, [log in to unmask] writes: << My grandfather is John Russell Parker. We have three tangible items associated with him: my dad's birth certificate, my gf's Navy dog tag, and (from that) a copy of his Navy service record. Birth: 10-23-96 (from dog tag - I am assuming that the number is his birth date, October 23, 1896) Place of birth: Middlesex County, Virginia (according to my dad's birth certificate). I went to the Library of Virginia and looked through the birth records, but didn't see his. I went to the National Archives and looked through the 1900 census. Didn't see him, but I didn't look very well, so I need to do that again. US Navy service: October 1, 1914 to January 10, 1921 (no biographical data there, just a list of duty stations) On July 10, 1922, my dad's birthday, my gf listed his occupation as an electrician, residing at 28 Stewart Street, Hampton, Virginia. His wife was Margaret Kerwick, from Brooklyn, NY. That's it. That's the last thing we know. >> To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html