i would like to contact an old friend in the usa. i have tried a web
search using state (indiania)

the online searchs which i have also paid for are automated and too
general and give a lot of possibilities.

i have details of city, employment 20yrs ago..the names of children

how or where would i search for a more local or individual service

I hope that in your searching you spelled Indiana correctly.  

What was the person's employment?  You might have some luck in
locating the individual through a professional organization.

Did the person go to college/university?  If you know which one you
might try going through their alumni organization.  They might not
give you the address but might forward a message.

Good luck   -  Libby

many thanks libby, i do appreciate your kindness and the trouble you have taken
to help.
i did try the web pages for some of the colleges in the city but had no luck.
thanks again.   eva... dublin.... ireland

A private investigator in the US has access to specific databases that
can focus in on the correct prospect.  It will cost between $100-$200
US.  Do a GOOGLE search using the same phrases in the search box,
containing the name of the Indiana city and state (in quotation marks,
for example, "Indianapolis, IN") and also in quotation marks, "private
investigator".

4KEITH (I'm NOT a GOOGLE Researcher)

keith... many thanks for your very helpful reply..  i am very grateful
to you for taking the time and trouble to help...  also thanks for the
lessons in using google.. i am new to the web so its very much
appreciated.. .eva  ...