Have roots that go WAY back in Alameda County. Interested in anyone that may have family from the same area from the same period-might be fun to swap stories, info, etc. John David Doyle, arrived in Alameda County, 1855. Owned "Doyle Tract" in what is now Emeryville, about 20 or so acres along SF Bay, above the old trotting park. Supposedly part of the old Peralta Grant. Also was referred to as "Butchertown" north of his property. His wife was Catherine Ganley of New York. Had about 7 children survive to adulthood. All of the daughters married and stayed in the Bay Area, married names of Conroy, Arnold, McBride, Westphal, Rourke (owned the very ancient Golden Gate Hotel in Butchertown), and Hird. Son, John T. Doyle, was Emeryville councilman for a very long time. Thanks everyone. By the way, does anyone know how to trace back the land ownership issue with the Peralta land grant stuff?? I found other land transactions for John David Doyle in Alameda County in the late 1850s, early 1860s, but not the original land purchase for the property between the Bay and San Pablo Ave. Also, did you have to be a US citizen to make these original land purchases??? Regards, Cecile Conroy