This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/2RB.2ACE/8320.1 Message Board Post: You are a little early for vital records as the state did not require them until 1881, and then the early years were said to be sketchy. Baptismal records could substitute if you have any idea of the religion, but even then NYC would have had lots of churches and if you mean NYS, you will need to try to determine the town where he lived.. Have you looked for a death certificate? That may give parent's names and other clues.