Today I received a complete surrogate court file for Wilhelmina VanArsdale who died March 6, 1886 in NYC and her lawful heirs at the time of her probate was listed as Peter Benjamin VanArsdale, and two grand children named William Brell and Pierre Brell. There is no mention of a son name William H. VanArsdale. In Peter's surrogate record, who died just after making his will on May 31, 1893, there is no mention of William H. VanArsdale. So it is back to the drawing board. I still think William H. VanArsdale who was a police office in 1840 city directory is the son of Simon VanArsdale and his wife Elizabeth but only need proof. -- Alvie L. Davidson Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.concentric.net/~tracer/detective.html