Question: How Can I Find More Information About My Grandfather?

Background Information:

Frank's Inquiry:

Dear Tom, thank you for your prompt reply to my message. I know this one is a tough nut to crack since we are dealing with records from the Civil War era in the Indian Territory of Oklahoma. My grandfather, Frank Elijah Jackson, was born in 1865 in Sherman, Texas, to a woman of Chickasaw descent named Lydia Love, or perhaps Lydia Jackson. He passed away in Los Angeles, California, in about 1953 or 1954--I established this date upon examination. But I have had many a tussle trying to piece together his official birth record. I wrote to the archives in Austin, Texas, and there were no records for him.

I believe he worked with the Santa Fe Railroad in Topeka, Kansas, although precisely how long is questionable. He would have had to have been given a Social Security number by some point, which would allow him to obtain those through his birth certificate. My effort is to establish Native American lineage and find some information about his father, Calvin Jackson. Supposedly, he was Irish. There comes another set of names that has connection with the family: Calvin Jackson Grant, born 1861 in Sherman, Texas. Both gentlemen resided in Berwyn, Oklahoma, while it was still a territory prior to 1906. It would be greatly appreciated if you offered me any suggestions or advice I could follow.

Response from Tom Kemp:

Frank, here are a few key points and next steps to help you in your search:

1. Confirming Frank Elijah Jackson’s Death Record

The available records for California reference Frank Elijah Jackson, born February 23, 1866, in Texas. He died in Los Angeles, California, on June 9, 1953. Although this information considerably aligns with that of your grandfather, the certified copy of the death certificate as obtained from the California Office of Vital Statistics might be necessary. The death certificate would include his parents' names, which contain his father's full name and his birthplace, which will eventually be applied to validate your extraction.

You may request your death certificate via the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Vital Records Office. A death certificate normally includes the full name of the deceased, the place of birth, the names of the parents, the spouse (if married), the cause of death, and the burial location.

2. Social Security and Railroad Retirement Benefits

Many think Social Security required a birth certificate; however, that has not always been the case. When SSA was formed in the 1930s, registration was a much less formal affair. In most cases, individuals delivered verbal confirmation on their birth details instead of documented proof. Furthermore, before Social Security became mainstream, many railroad workers participated in a separate retirement system called the Railroad Retirement Benefits Program, which was installed in 1934. An index exists of individuals who received Railroad Retirement benefits, which at times also includes supplemental genealogical information.

You may also find his record in the Social Security Death Index (SSDI). The SSDI started reporting deaths in 1937, but it became significantly more complete after 1962, due to the introduction of computerized records. By examining these indexes, you might confirm further details about your grandfather's identity and work history.

3. The Challenge of 19th-Century Birth Records

It is common to find no birth registration records for the mid-to-late 19th century in state archives. Birth registration was not forced throughout this period and so was far from consistent; this was especially prevalent in Texas and other developing states. That Frank Elijah Jackson does not have any record of birth in the Texas State Archives should not raise eyebrows as Texas did not require birth registration until 1903.

To solidly build a case for your ancestry, expect to dig through many sources:

• Census Records
• Marriage Records
• Church Baptismal Registers
• Land and Property Deeds
• Military Draft Registrations

4. Census Records and Residency Clues

The 1925 Kansas State Census states that Frank Elijah Jackson lived in Shawnee, Kansas. Accordingly, he was born in Texas, migrated to Oklahoma, and then to Kansas. Although this coincides with everything you are aware of, perhaps past census records can aid in making better sense of this.

A search of the 1870 U.S. Census reveals that Calvin Jackson Grant, born 1861, lived in Sherman, Texas. Frank Elijah Jackson is not mentioned in that census.

5. Verifying Irish Ancestry Through Parental Birthplaces

"Jackson" is a rather common surname, so it might make sense to limit your search based on his father's Irish ancestry. Later U.S. Census records will often provide places of origin for one's parents. The 1900, 1910, and 1920 census records are particularly advantageous, as their lists indicate each parent's nationality, which would verify Calvin Jackson's Irish origin.

Next Steps in Your Research:

1. Obtain Frank Elijah Jackson’s death certificate from California Vital Records.
2. Search for Railroad Retirement Benefits records that may provide additional employment and personal details.
3. Review the 1900–1920 census records for parental birthplace data.
4. Check Chickasaw tribal rolls and Native American census records for possible documentation of Lydia Love (Jackson).
5. Expand your search to regional church records for possible birth or baptismal records, as churches often recorded vital events before civil registration became mandatory.
6. Search probate and land records for any mention of Calvin Jackson’s estate or lineage.
7. Investigate possible Civil War military service records if Calvin Jackson participated in the conflict, which could yield personal details.

Genealogy research requires patience and persistence, especially when dealing with historical gaps. Your search for Frank Elijah Jackson’s lineage is challenging but not impossible. By using multiple sources—including census records, land deeds, social security indexes, and death certificates—you can piece together his story and verify your Chickasaw and Irish ancestry. Keep searching, and I will continue to assist you in this journey.

Best of luck,

Tom Kemp