AN American with family roots in the St Austell area is hoping to make contact with long-lost relatives who may still be living in the district.

James Frank Giddy, known as Jim, has some tantalising clues about his possible wider family in Cornwall but has yet to make a significant breakthrough in his research.

He is hoping readers of the Voice, online and in print, may be able to help him.

The 66-year-old, who prosecuted for the State of Mississippi as a special assistant attorney general for 35 years, lives in retirement in Mississippi.

He said: “I am and have been researching my family tree. The search has led me to St Austell, Cornwall, UK.

“My grandfather's name was Frank Giddy. He was born on December 24, 1890, in Sandy Bottom, near St Austell. His father’s name was John Giddy and his mother's name was Sarah Giddy (nee Eastman). His father was a naval pensioner.

“My grandfather immigrated to the US at the age of 22 in 1912. I have a ‘Declaration of Intention’ signed by him on November 27, 1917. This document states that he entered the US via New York City on September 14, 1912. I believe he was working as a motor mechanic at that time as stated in the form. He emigrated through Liverpool.”

Frank Giddy went on to work in Detroit, one of the centres of the American car industry.

A copy of a US Department of Labour document in Jim’s possession shows that his grandfather was living at 88 Forsyth Avenue, Detroit, when he was 24. He was described as white with a dark complexion, brown eyes and brown hair. He was single, 5ft 5in tall and weighed 130 pounds. He went on to marry Jim’s grandmother who had emigrated from Britain.

Jim has a copy of another document which points to the possibility of relatives who may still be living in the St Austell area.

The document is a “proof of age” insurance form for Frank Giddy from 1926. The form was signed by Charles Penrose, of 27 Edgcumbe Terrace, Biscovey, Par Station, who gave his occupation as a railway wagon repairer.

Jim said: “Mr Penrose was the brother-in-law of my grandfather. However, I have not been able to find the name of my grandfather’s sister. If anyone has information, can they please email me via [email protected].

“I am making plans to visit the UK and make my way to St Austell. I am certain there are Giddys related to me living there.”

Jim, who is married with three sons and has three grandchildren, remembers as a child meeting up with his grandfather on numerous occasions, though they lived more than 1,000 miles apart in the US.