Looking for info on Clifford D. Clark. Not sure of these dates: born 13 Nov. 1919, died 17 Oct. 1989. At one time he lived in Bellingham, WA I know he had a family. Any info appreciated.

Hi Jean, a Clifford D. Clark Last Residence=Bellingham, Whatcom Co [but more probably where his last benefit check was mailed to] ws born 13 Nov 1919 and died 17 Oct 1989. He didn't receive social security because he received a railroad pension issued through the Railroad Board and his number was assigned before 1951. Source: Social Security Death Index.

A Clifford Clark died 17 Oct 1989, Bellingham, Whatcom Co., age 69, Estimated Birth abt. 1920; Residence=Bellingham per death cert #028548. Source: WA Death Index 1940-1996.

To verify is this is your Clifford, I'd request a copy of his obituary from the Washington State Library, www.secstate.wa.gov/library/ask.aspx. Provide them his name, date and location of death. They will search the newspaper microfilm for 30 minutes at no charge & reply with what they find.

You really need to know if this is your Clifford before you proceed with the rest of your research. Successful Hunting!

Thanks for your help.

First, let me correct some errors and misconceptions by the other poster (Shotgun Suggestor)

> a Clifford D. Clark Last Residence=Bellingham, Whatcom Co [but more probably where his last benefit check was mailed to] ws born 13 Nov 1919 and died 17 Oct 1989. He didn't receive social security because he received a railroad pension issued through the Railroad Board and his number was assigned before 1951. Source: Social Security Death Index

The Social Security Death Index shows a Clifford D. Clark, Social Security Number (SSN) 702-03-1314. Last Residence: Bellingham, Whatcom County, WA. He was born 13 Nov 1919, and died 17 Oct 1989.
-- The "last residence" is not always where a person died, but where a final payment was sent. This is usually the "Death Benefit" sent to a spouse or other persons/entities that paid for his burial, attorney's or funeral homes.
-- His SSN was ISSUED by the Railroad, but that does NOT mean that he didn't receive Social Security Benefits. His number was JUST ISSUED by the Railroad. To check on any records maintained by the Railroad Retirement Board, here is contact info: http://www.rrb.gov/mep/genealogy.asp

The Washington State Library free research service will look through newspaper microfilms for ONE HOUR, at no charge and send you results:
www.secstate.wa.gov/library/ask.aspx
Request obituary from the Bellingham Herald.

Ron Bestrom