This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/AFB.2ACI/3673 Message Board Post: I am looking for my great great grandfather, I only know a few things about him, which I will list, I dont know how much is true or if WIlliam Gardner is his real name. I really hope someone can help me as I am not getting anywhere with the little info I have. *He was born in Baltimore around 1869 (I think...) to Forgian born parents, possible England, *the Family was well to do, *He was catholic, even went to a Catholic school. *He had a sister and a brother Mary Elizabeth and Stephen (steven ) Jay, (he says he named his children after them. *He came home one day at 13 or 17 and found his beloved mother dead so he hopped on a boat and stowed away. *He said his father was mean *He went back once when he was 21 (before 1905) and rented a buggy from his brother and "passed the time with him" He then went to his old home and watched his neices and nephews playing crochet (sp) but never revealed hisself. *He was a Merchant marine and boxed for a while, even in Madison Square Garden *He came to Texas in the early 1900's working as an engineer on the Railroad, were he met and married my GGrandmother Candsetty Curry. * He had 3 healed gunshot wounds in him when he got to Texas. *SOme pinkerton detectives did come around in the 1940's and talked to his 2 children but they convinced them they had the wrong William Gardner ( maybe they did, maybe not?? )I dont know the nature of them looking for him, could be inheritance, could be foul play? *During the prohabition he shipped whiskey from a small town in East Texas to Chicago but got out of that business when the feds were closing in and his partner refused to and was later killed I belive. If anyone knows anything or if you think some of this sounds like a black sheep in your family please email me, I am so lost on this and I almost feel like there is a cover up. Thanks Michelle Byerly