I'm researching everyday ancestors in Philadelphia, and just outside the city proper limits (but still Philadelphia County) in the early 1800s. For the one family in particular, SWIER, I lose them prior to the 1840 census when I can find Maria Swyer and a single son between 15 and 20 (who is 18 year old Matthew). Maria died in 1849, according to city death records, and between those and her obituary, the picture painted there is that she lived with her son, who buried her. They lived in 1840 in the South Mulberry Ward of the city, and the specific address is listed as Reeves under Schuylkill 2nd. I have located that with modern names, and as best as I can tell, the Academy of Natural Sciences sits on the site today. Matthew and wife moved up a bit into Spring Garden Ward and from 1850, I have no problem following their movements. But it's the earlier years. I want to find Matthew's father. Where did that generation come from? They seem to be poor people. No wills, they rented their homes, so no probate records, no real paper trail that I can think of. I don't know what church they attended, although I do have the name of the minister who married Matthew and his wife. I'm not sure what the next step is to take. Any ideas?

Tracey