Thread by @RedJacketette

William Docking Warner is a "famous" family member who started saying he was born in Wisconsin 1840-1842 about the time of the Civil War.

Sources say he knew that was a lie. 1841 Camborne, Cornwall census

He came to the U.S. in 1842 aboard the Isabella arriving in Fall River, Massachusetts. They went to Wisconsin, lead mining, and the children were orphaned a few years later.

In 1850 he's in Shullsburg living with his big sister Mary Ann and her family. Mary Ann is my direct ancestor and has by this time married Daniel Webb, a son of one of the first Cornish miners mentioned in the district.

In 1859 William Warner was naturalized. His signature neatly matches later ones; this is 100% him.

1860: Still born abroad! Now teaching at his own exclusive school (in a rented room) Now living with other sister, Jane Warner Mills.

By 1870 Kansas City (where he'd wind up as mayor) he seemed to see a benefit in being a born, rather than naturalized, citizen. Across the board from here out *shhh no one will ever know*

I would appreciate keeping this together. @threadreaderapp an unroll would help! Thanks.