Seems accurate to me. Gravestones at San Jose refer to the Pyle/Whiteman Party. I don't have my files here with me at the moment but I am pretty certain "Whiteman" may have been a son in law. Also, family legend says Lt. William escaped from Prison when a guard who was a relative of his from England, "looked the other way", allowing him to escape. I have heard that story several times from various Pile relatives. I saw several Keys from the Donnor Party at Oak Hill Cemetary where Edward Pile rests. Is there any truth that Francis Scott Keys was an uncle to Lucretia (Lt Wm's first wife.?) Also, I found this about Edward Gant Piles other son Thomas who was also murdered: Re: Thomas Pile--murdered in California Posted by: Susan Perryman Date: September 09, 1999 at 17:35:47 In Reply to: Thomas Pile--murdered in California by Dan Pile of 472 I am a direct descendant of Thomas Pyle/Pile, being his great great grand-daughter (Susan Pyle). An article in the Santa Clara Register dated August 4, 1853 Page 2, Titled A HORRID TRAGEDY may be of interest to you. On Monday morning at about half past 11o'clock, at the farm of Thomas Pile on the Coyote river, about a mile and a half East of San Jose, a quarrel took place between Thomas Pile, and Wilson Whitlock, which resulted in the death of Pile and the wounding of Whitlock, Royal Dunham and of Edward Pile, the father of Thomas. Whitlock and Dunham were partners, and tenants of Thomas Pile and boarded at his house, and it seems that Whitlock had made some remarks that were suppose to reflect on upon a member of Thomas Pile's family. On going to the house at noon, the altercation between Thomas Pile and Whitlock commenced. The former called the latter a liar, and a damned liar repeatedly, words which Whitlock, said he was not in the habit of allowing to be applied to him, and as Pile was much accustomed to talking, about shooting persons, that he Whitlock would fight him; the parties immediately left the house-and on stepping from the door, Thomas Pile fired a horse pistol, wounding Whitlock in the arm and side, but not dangerously; it was probably charged with slugs. Whitlock returned the fire , shooting Pile in the head and killing him instantly. It is then said, that old Mr. E. Pile, fired at Whitlock without effect,--Royal Dunham then attacked Edward Pile and stabbed him with a pocket knife, the old man turned upon his assailant and discharged his pistol, the ball taking effect in the groin and hip, wounding him dangerously. In a young man, the wound received by Mr. Pile, would not be dangerous; but apprehensions are felt for him on account of his age. Whitlock has been arrested, and an examination was had before Justice Vermeule on Wednesday, who has held him over in bonds of $10,000, to answer to an indictment in the Court of Sessions for manslaughter. Dunham's examination will result in a similar holding. _____________________________________________ My father was in contact with Clyde Arbuckle (historian/genealogist) while doing his Pyle family research. Five points should be mentioned about the above article. 1.)No mention is made in either the Clyde Arbuckle book nor in the coroner's report that Edward Gant Pyle was even present, let alone that he received a knife wound or shot anyone 2.) Arbuckles account says that Whitlock walked away into historical obscurity, The newspaper says he was indicted and held for trial. 3.) Arbuckles account says that only Whitlock fired, the newspaper says that Thomas Pyle fired first and wounded Whitlock. 4.) Arbuckles account does not mention Royal Dunham, the coroners report seems to place on the scene with a drawn knife, but no mention of him being shot. 5.) Newspaper mentions Thomas being shot in the head, wasn't it the chest per coroners report? Per family stories it was assumed the "family member" spoke about by Whitlock was Elizabeth Goodwin Pyle Tanner. After Thomas's passing Elizabeth married Daniel Tanner and became known as Grandma Tanner( I have photo of her but not Thomas). Thomas had 4 children - Edward Gant Pyle born 5/26/1837 married Mary Hannay, Mary Pyle married William Overfelt, William Henry Pyle married Mary Abigail Fiske and John Francis Pyle married Margrate Eliza Houston. I have original letters written by Mary Abigail Fiske to Margrate Eliza Houston. Thomas is buried in the Overfelt lot in Oakhill Cem. San Jose, CA per my family notes. He was born March 1, 1810 in Caldwell Kentucky, died August 3, 1853. Thomas & Elizabeth married May 8, 1837. He was a farmer and surveyor. I have much info on him and family. http://genforum.genealogy.com/pyle/messages/300.html Do you have any info on the Keys line? Thanks, Dan Pile