AN AMERICAN woman has been surfing the Internet in a search for her Darwen roots.

Now Judi Sample hopes readers of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph may be able to help further her search for any surviving relatives and family friends.

She made contact with Bolton-based Fred Smith on the world-wide computer bulletin-board Compuserve.

Mr Smith searched Darwen library archives and sent information back via cyberspace to Judi at her home in El Cajon.

He said: "Judi put a message on Compuserve asking for anyone who may have connections in Darwen to try to trace her family.

"I was able to find out some things from Darwen library, whose staff have been wonderful and helped me very much. "But now we are hoping to find some living relatives who may still be in the Darwen area."

Judi's grandfather was Joseph Calvey Sullivan who together with his brother, Denis, was an avid footballer in Darwen.

In the years between 1900 and 1906 they played for Ashton FC before moving on to play for a team at Blacksnape.

Joseph, who grew up in Backwood Street, married Maria Duffy, of Mary Street, shortly after moving to the USA in 1906.

Joseph died in 1960 and his wife died seven years later in Philadelphia. Neither had returned to Darwen since emigrating but still kept in touch with relatives and friends at home.

Judi Sample said: "I have been lucky enough to have made an "on-line" friend from the UK, Fred Smith, who has helped me more than I could have ever hoped for with my search."

Anyone who can help should contact Judi, care of Fred Smith, 2 Arundel Street, Astley Bridge, Bolton.

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