Marcia, If this woman was born pre-1892, you would have to go to the archive in Ponta Delgada and search the baptisms for Vila Franca - Sao Miguel Arcanjo, requesting the years 1882-1892. You will have to hunt for her looking at every baby born with her first name, checking to see if the parents are the right ones. However, a few of the books do have an index in the back, so I'd look back there first to see if an index exists. I'd continue back in time, collecting all the siblings until I go for a few years with no children. If the records state that all the babies were legitimate, I'd go to the marriage book and start look for the parents marriage, beginning with the day before the first born's birth. The marriages will be easier to search, as they will list the bride and groom in the margin or at the top (for that time period). I think SMA was filmed to about 1883, so I'd trace the records back to at least then. That way, when you get home, you can order the film and continue searching back in time.
I'd go to the praca (town square) and find an old timer and ask him if he recognizes the photo. He may have you ask someone else. I've had people able to identify my relatives that way. Also, at the festa there will be many people to ask too, so that would be a good idea. Cheri Mello Listowner, Azores-Gen Researching: Vila Franca, Ponta Garca, Ribeira Quente, R. das Tainhas, Achada --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. Follow the confirmation directions when they arrive. For more options, such as changing to List, Digest, Abridged, or No Mail (vacation) mode, log into your Google account and visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Azores. Click in the blue area on the right that says "Join this group" and it will take you to "Edit my membership." -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
