Introduction: In this article, Mary Harrell-Sesniak writes about a source of family history information found in old newspapers that is often overlooked by genealogists: ads for missing persons. Mary is a genealogist, author and editor with a strong technology background.
When individuals crossed oceans or removed (moved away) to other locations, they often lost contact with family and friends. Sometimes, when the people left behind wanted to find the missing person, they would publish “Information Wanted” advertisements in the newspaper. These ads were printed out of love or friendship for the missing person – and at other times there was a particular reason, such as tracking someone down due to their inheritance.
Whatever the original reason for their publication, these Information Wanted newspaper advertisements are a wonderful way to learn more about your ancestors. In these ads we find family history information often not found elsewhere, such as:
- Citizenship and Place of Birth
- Date and Ship of Arrival
- Inheritance Information
- Military Service
- Names of Relatives
- Personal Descriptions
Here are some examples from 18th century newspapers found in GenealogyBank’s Historical Newspaper Archives.
Hotzen (1790)
In this ad, we learn some valuable information that could connect a descendant of Mr. Hotzen to their ancestor. He was a Hessian during the American Revolutionary War who was captured by the Americans, after which he entered into their service and was garrisoned either in New York or Boston.
Daniel Richardet (1791)
Daniel Richardet’s brother knew that he had purchased land in 1781 or 1782 in the United States and wished to make contact with him.
John and Thomas Gracie (1792)
Thomas Gracie, who lived in Big Spring, Pennsylvania, ran an ad hoping to reach his brother John, who was described as having “a little halt in his walk, a Cabinet Maker by trade, lately from Galaway in Scotland.”
Stephen Smith (1792)
Stephen Smith was a native of Ireland and arrived prior to the American Revolution. This ad requested him to apply to John and Richard Kay of Halifax to hear “something to his advantage.”
Pierre-Marie-Anne-Marc-Francois Labreteche (1794)
This ad provides extraordinary details.
It not only tells us when and where Pierre-Marie-Anne-Marc-Francois Labreteche was born in France, but also reports on what ship and day he came to the United States. His family, who ran the ad, wished to receive a certificate of his uninterrupted residence “among a free People, the ally of the French Republic.” The ad explains that “This will preserve his name from appearing in the list of the Emigrants, save his fortune and that of his father and sisters.” There was also the matter of partitioning the estate of his deceased mother.
Merie Rieux (1794)
This ad about French citizen Merie Rieux reports where he was born, and that he was connected to the island of St. Domingo.
Jean Duchalard & Jermond Genard (1795)
In this ad we learn that Jean Duchalard and Jermond Genard came to the U.S. together about the year 1790, that Genard was 17 at that time, and that Duchalard was “believed… [to have] drowned since his arrival in America.”
If you have an elusive ancestor, be sure to see if an Information Wanted advertisement was ever placed in the newspapers – and don’t forget, it wouldn’t have to be in the location where you think they lived.
Other Articles on Newspaper Advertising Queries
If you are interested in similar articles regarding extraordinary finds from newspaper advertising queries, please follow these links:
- War of 1812 Recruitment Advertisements: What Induced Your Ancestor to Serve?
- Civil War Newspaper Research: Personal Notices & Letters
- Civil War Genealogy: Old Letters in Newspapers & Research Resources
- Civil War Recruitment Advertisements: What Induced Your Ancestor to Serve?
- Genealogy Sleuthing: Reunited Black Families after the Civil War