Dear Dawn,

You should start by finding as much as you can about your Alfonso who recently died. His death certificate, if he died in the U.S., should have his parents' names and place of birth. Did he leave Cuba to come to the US? In genealogy, always start with the person nearest you and work back: death certificates, marriage certificates, birth, etc. Then the same for his parents. Ask any and all relatives what they know. Much of it may be mistaken, but it's all a clue. It's like a treasure hunt, because when you find that first piece of information you'll be so excited!

I have a lot of Alfonsos in my Cuban line, going back to Spain.

Good luck and don't give up! It's worth it! Spanish and Cuban records are marvelous, especially because the mother's name is incorporated into the surname (Martinez(father) y Rodriguez (mother).

Once you get back a couple of generations you'll have to get acquainted with "Historia de Familias Cubanas", 9 volumes of family histories. Available through LDS Family History Centers on microfilm. You don't have to be Mormon.

Well, that should get you started. If I can help, let me know.

Ruth in FL