I have some cousins who live in New York but have never met them. I met my Aunt Edna and her youngest daughter, who once lived in New York, but now live in South Carolina. My oldest son lives there, too. Here's a little information on my branch of the Chapter family:
William H. Chapter, born Oct. 1878, Brooklyn, married Mary Pauline Johnson, born Oct. 15, 1882, Baltimore, MD. She died March 14, 1919. They had six children:
Florence, born Nov. 9, 1903
Henry, born Oct. 9, 1905
Lester, born Dec. 28, 1909
Leona Adele, born July 10, 1912 (my mom)
Edna, born Sept. 5, 1914
Mildred, born May 1917

The children were put in the Brooklyn Industrial School Asociation and Home for Destitute Children. My mother came into the care of The Children's Aid Society in 1921 and was sent west on the Orphan Train sometimes after that. Probably the winter of 1921. She was raised by foster parents in Texas. About a year after she arrived in Texas, Mildred was sent here as well, and they grew up together.

So I understand about your difficulty in tracing family when you don't live in New York. My Aunt Edna doesn't remember anything. She was taken in by two sisters, but they both died when she was still quite young. Edna's in her 80s now and doesn't remember much so she can't help.

I have a copy of Mary Pauline's death certificate which gave me some information, but I haven't found her birth certificate, nor William's nor a marriage license. The census has helped a bunch, and I spend a lot of time on the Kings Co. website asking questions. There are some very nice people who respond.

Mother never talked about her early life, and I never wondered about it until one day I read an article about the Orphan Trains in the Dallas newspaper. Everything clicked. Sorry this is so long. Will look to see what else I have.

Beverly