My surname is Holmstead and my now 93 yr old father, Ernest George Holmstead was born in Essex. We Holmsteads are an endangered breed. Dad's father was Ernest Samuel Holmstead whose older half-brother was a William Holmstead. The first son of the family was always called William. They were both sons of a William Holmstead, who was first son of a William Holmstead, who was first son of a William Holmstead etc although in Essex. I am working on our family history and has so far managed to reach back as far as a William Holmstead who I have confirmed was born 1796, Prittlewell, Essex and his father a William Holmstead born abt 1771, although no details about whereabouts. The leads have gone cold in the Essex area. I am wondering if somehow they should link back to this William who is in the St. Bartholomews church yard. I am hoping there is something on the gravestone that may give me another lead.I would appreciate the help as over here in NZ, it is too far to get to.Very many thanks for any assistance you can give.Kind RegardsAnne Holmstead, Wellington, New Zealand