I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL ON THURSDAY, APRIL 30 FROM A REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE PBS TELEVISION PROGRAM FINDING YOUR ROOTS.  THE CALL WAS FOLLOWED UP WITH THIS EMAIL.

Hello, 
I hope this email finds you all healthy and well!

My name is Anne-Marcelle, I’m a researcher for PBS’ Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr., a documentary series that explores the family history of our guests.

I am currently researching the ancestors of a guest of ours by the names of Richard P. Furlong, Anistasia Ryan Furlong, Thomas White, John Furlong, and Mary Eleanor Powers  who lived in Fort Dodge, IA and worshiped at Holy Trinity Parish.

Richard P. Furlong became a prominent businessman in Fort Dodge and even served as mayor. He is fairly well documented but we’re hoping to find a bit more regarding his early days in the town. 

I am hoping that there can be an effort made to look through biographies, newspaper articles, historical documents or church records regarding our ancestors.

I have listed the vital information of the ancestors of interest below to aide in the search:

John R Furlong
BIRTH MAR 1788 • Enniscorthy in the County Wexford, Ireland
DEATH 1871 • Fort Dodge, Webster, Iowa, United States  

Mary Eleanor Powers
BIRTH ABT 1788 • Newfoundland
DEATH 1861 • Fort Dodge, Webster County, Iowa

Richard Powers Furlong
BIRTH 4 JANUARY 1828 • Jefferson, Lincoln County, Maine, United States of America
DEATH 16 DECEMBER 1891 • Fort Dodge, Webster County, Iowa, United States of America

Thomas White
BIRTH UNKNOWN
DEATH February 8th, 1885 • Fort Dodge, Webster County, Iowa, United States of America • Fort Dodge, Webster County, Iowa, United States of America

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. And as a thank you, you will receive a Special Thanks credit on this episode for your help! 

I look forward to hearing from you!

All the best,
Anne-Marcelle 
Researcher, Finding Your Roots

I was able to get the information she wanted. She could not tell me who the celebrity is, but will let us know when the show airs.