Oh yes, I have definitely searched the Emigrant Bank records multiple times as he had the money to buy the land without a mortgage.  And I have done all of the other things you mention except searching the birth records.  It always comes back to the same thing--many William Sheehans (of many spellings) and no idea which one is mine.  That's why the address is so vital. Several years ago, I found a baby Julia born to a William and Ann Sheehan at 313 Avenue A, Manhattan. Julia died soon after. Found his naturalization and he was a Civil War vet so may have gotten a bonus that let him buy the land.  But so frustrating--without a maiden name, I really can't assume they are mine.Thanks for all the suggestions, Barb.Virginia From: MizScarlettNY <mizscarlettny@aol.com> Did you check Emigrant Savings Bank records for your William?Perfect time and place for it. Barb From: MizScarlettNY <mizscarlettny@aol.com> Hi Virginia, Three more suggestions. [deleted by Virginia for space]