Dozens of John Kennys. Fragmented family records. Limited DNA matches for 1790s ancestors. Even cemetery records showed multiple Kenny families buried in identical plot locations.

After identifying 'Kenny Elizabeth, wid, Richard' in Brooklyn directories, occupational progression from 'Mat Weaver' to 'Mat Maker' provided the unique identifier needed to distinguish this John Kenny from dozens of others.

Seven-year research framework validated by DNA confirmation through cemetery analysis. Thomas Kenny and Richard Kenny share exact plot coordinates (Sec PLOT, Row 10, Plot 31, Grave 41' FRONT) - proving brother relationship that connected the family to Corcoran DNA line and descendant of Francis Heffernan match.

How sequential evidence building—from widow designation to family structure to occupational tracking—created breakthrough identification.

Read the Full Methodology-the original case study

Read The Brooklyn Mat Maker-Extended Edition Case Study

Download Research Template

Complete Brooklyn Mat Maker research template collection

Read “Four Words That Solved a Mystery” (blog post)

Read “Four Generations in Hats: A Brooklyn Story of Resilience” (blog post)

Read “Woman in the Portrait: Aunt Maime’s Story” (blog post)

Read “The Tintype in the Box: Solving a 150 Year Old Family Mystery” (blog post)

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