Who were his parents? Thanks to information found in a 2001 publication, Joseph Elias Carroll and kinsfolk; including lines of Allison, Black, Finley, Henry, Stark, Swancey, Pitzers. by Mary Carroll Hancock, I now know that my ancestor is not related to the South Carolina Allison line that moved to Pike County, Missouri. Unfortunately, I'm no closer to learning anything about his past.

I spent an entire day at the Library of Congress - heaven - reviewing about 30 sources to uncover clues but, unfortunately, I came up empty handed. But what a fabulous place to strike out!

I haven't given up, though, and I hope to solve this puzzle some day. If you can help, please contact me.