Discovering My Paternal Roots: A Genealogical Journey

My journey into genealogy began with a deeply personal quest: uncovering the story of my biological father, William Earl Peerce, Jr. From an incredibly early age, I knew I was adopted. My adoptive parents, whom I cherish deeply, were open about my origins. They told me that my legal aunt was, in fact, my biological mother—a young, unmarried woman when she gave birth to me. She had left me a “Letter,” naming my biological father and his parents, a small but significant key to my past.

Although I had dabbled in genealogy with my adoptive father and biological grandfather during childhood, my personal journey truly began on my 18th birthday. Among my birthday gifts was the “Letter,” stored in an envelope in my adoptive father’s desk for my entire life. Opening it, I felt a surge of excitement and apprehension. For years, I had worried my biological father might be someone I already knew, but relief washed over me when his name was unfamiliar.

The First Steps

In January 1985, I took my first step toward uncovering the truth. I wrote to Mr. Peerce’s parents, as their address was the only contact information in the “Letter.” Not long after, I received a response from Mrs. William Earl Peerce, Sr. Her letter was kind yet distant. She expressed no knowledge of my existence, explained her own challenging upbringing in an orphanage, and shared her hope that I was happy with the family who raised me. I was—and remain—grateful for my adoptive parents, knowing that I was placed in a home filled with unconditional love.

Shortly after sending my letter, I received an operator-assisted, person-to-person phone call. A male voice, identifying himself as “Pepper,” instructed me to listen without asking questions. He told me to never contact Mr. Peerce’s parents again, citing their age and confusion. He claimed to be a close friend of Mr. Peerce and assured me he would facilitate future communications. The mysterious nature of the call left me both curious and uneasy.

A Peculiar Meeting

The second call came a few days later. Again, it was “Pepper.” This time, he spoke about Willie—Mr. Peerce—who was allegedly traveling for work. He instructed me to attend the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo in February (1985), carry a red scarf in my left hand, and visit the Lone Star Brewery booth for further instructions. Reluctantly, I decided to go, curiosity winning out over caution.

On the designated night, my boyfriend and I arrived at the rodeo. At the booth, I was handed an envelope describing Willie’s appearance, including a description of his hair being “salt and pepper” color and stating he would walk by shortly. As promised, a man matching the description passed by without a word. Frustrated, I left, feeling the entire ordeal was an unnecessary charade.

The Truth Unfolds

The third call revealed the truth. The operator introduced the caller as Willie Peerce, and I immediately recognized the voice—it had been him all along. He hung up quickly, but not before confirming my suspicions. A follow-up letter from “Pepper” apologized for the abrupt call and promised more information. By then, I had grown weary of the games. I realized Willie was not a father figure in any sense, and I began to distance myself emotionally.

Despite my efforts, Willie’s erratic communication persisted. One drunken call after another revealed his irresponsibility for his behavior and decisions. In December 1987, he invited me to a Lone Star Brewery Christmas party, where he shared photos of an older half-sister and her son. That interaction was one of our last. By 1990, I had two sons of my own, and I chose to pause my genealogical journey to focus on my family.

A New Chapter in Research

In 1998, I joined the burgeoning online genealogy community through Ancestry.com. Records revealed three marriages for Mr. Peerce, along with timelines that painted a clearer picture of his life. My older half-sister was born six months after his first marriage in 1961. His second marriage took place mere days before my birth in 1967, and his third in 1983. Each discovery added depth to his story.

In 2016, I submitted an autosomal DNA test. The results confirmed my biological connection to Mr. Peerce’s family, removing any remaining doubt. In April 2019, a significant DNA match appeared—a half-sister born in 1956 and adopted at birth. Further research suggested Mr. Peerce’s involvement, as he had transferred from a private Catholic school to a public school during that time, likely due to the pregnancy.

Finding Peace

Today, I know of three daughters born to Mr. Peerce by three different women. I’ve formed a strong bond with my oldest half-sister, while the other prefers no contact. Over the years, my feelings toward Willie have shifted. Once filled with frustration and aversion, I now view him with forgiveness. I wrote him a letter expressing my unconditional love, despite our complicated history. Although I’ve received no response, I find peace in knowing I’ve done my part to extend understanding and closure.

My genealogical journey continues, but it is no longer about seeking validation. It’s about preserving my history, embracing my roots, and celebrating the family—biological and adoptive—that has shaped me into who I am today.