Hi Virginia,

It's difficult to identify a single individual and be confident you have the correct person, especially when the individual has a fairly common name. You need to identify William's parents. Here are a few things you can try :

1) You mention that William applied for social security in his 70's. Does his name appear in the social security death index ? If it does, then you should get a copy of his social security application. It will identify his parents.

2)Do you know William's date and place of death ? If so, why don't you order William Bryant's death certificate from the state of death ? As his daughter, you're entitled to get a copy of his death certificate ? It may might list his parents.

3)Contact the public library where William died to find out where might you find a copy of his obituary. It might name his parents or siblings.

I'm skeptical that finding more information about your half-sister furthers your goal of getting more information about your father that you don't already know.

Ron