I went back to the Library today. I feel a little better but not much. With the family that may or may not be mind, I followed them through the 1920 NY soundex. I find three living with a step father, Frank Melche; a brother living on the same street, but in a different house. None of these have the same age as 1900. I can live with that. IF this is the right family, this means the father died after 1912 but before 1920. Maybe that is why Dave's grandmother never talked about the family -- only ever mentioning William and Melia. Thanks. If anyone can think of something else I should do, please write. Peggy