how do I go about trying to find some info about my greatgrandfather who worked for the dayton police departme

Question

back in the 1930s and 1940s
I dont have the money to sign up for the ancestors page

Answer 1

Family members, photographs and diaries may be the best source. If they are not available then there are many public sources that you can try.

One source you can use is the Dayton city directory. It will probably be available in the reference section of the Dayton public library or at one of the college libraries in the area. The directories were published annually and will provide address and possibly even occupational information.

Since he was on the police department he was probably mentioned often in the newspapers. You may try writing to the local newspaper to have them possibly provide you with an index of articles about him. Not just for cases, but also for personals, births, etc. The issues you need are probably available on microfilm in the library. You can request them through interlibrary loan if you are not in Dayton. Or you can rent them for a nominal fee through your local Family History Library run by the Mormons (LDS).

He was probably involved in several court trials as a witness. So another source may be the archives for the local courts. You can write to the city court house and inquire about the availability of trial records.

Those are the cheapest methods and could provide some interesting info. I have been using a subscription to Newspaperarchive.com to find information about my greatgrandfather who was a local/state politician and judge. I have also used it to find information on distant cousins that my family was unaware of (they were important officers in the police and fire departments of Syracuse, NY).

It may take a little trial and error to determine where those public sources are, but they are there. Good luck.

Answer 2

You don't need money....go to the library! Do you live in the area where your ancestors lived? The Main Branch there contains the most info. I'm doing research myself, anybody contacts me I'd be happy to assist them all I can! All old census records are on microfilm. In the 30's the W.P.A. paid people to conserve the past. Thank God for President Roosevelt, even if he fooled around like Bill Clinton!? lol Look in my profle for contact info! Happy Searching!

Answer 3

Here's a web site on the History of the Dayton Police Dept:
http://www.daytonhistorybooks.citymax.com/page/page/1549997.htm

Here's a web page devoted to a transcription of the book mentioned in the site above. It includes some biographies.:
http://carolynjburns.com/police/index.html

Good luck!

Answer 4

Call the department. They mite be intresred in helping you
for histoyin risens you might try a local histoirn that may be friendly and intrested in history of lawinfrocement
good luck

Answer 5

Also try contacting the Montgomery County Historical Society at www.daytonhistory.org. If they can't help you , I bet they can point you to someone who can.

Answer 6

send a letter to that police dept. and see what they can do for you. Or write city hall and ask for his records for review it should be public knowledge.

Answer 7

CONTACT THEM WITH INFO