Question: I am trying to research for a male cousin of my grandmother born ca. 1886 or 1887. He was born in North Adams, Massachusetts but they have no record, nor does the Commonwealth. I was wondering if there is any place I can write to determine if his name was that of a World War I soldier? I believe I heard that he was a victim of a mustard gas attack.
Answer:
If you are searching for a Massachusetts veteran from World War I you will want to contact the following department of the National Guard. Supply them with his name the year you suspect he was born, and where he resided.
Massachusetts National Guard Museum and Archives
440 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 021609
Attn: Col. Leonid E. Kondratiuk
Tel: 508-797-0334
This archvies hold many pre-World War II records for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In regard to his birth not being recorded, you may wish to examine our late registration index for births at Microtext Department at 99 Newbury Street in Boston.