Thanks for the reply Eliz, I appreciate the lead, I also just got another from another source, telling me that in the 1870 census, there is a William J. Kennedy as a child no Father listed, but mother in Emeline, this person tells me her maiden name is KYLE. I just followed both forward as far as I could but lose both of these William's with no lead distinguishing which one is mine. Yes my William was born in Oil City, in Aug 1853. any other thoughts? Thanks Stephanie