Michael was a railroad switchman, who died of the apoplexy. He moved from Hollidaysburg to Altoona in 1866 to take a position with the Pennsylvania Railroad, working there until his demise. At the time of his death he was working at the East Altoona roundhouse and in the evening was discovered dead in his room at the home of his son William.

In the 1870 Census, William is listed as a 29 year old laborer in the 5th Ward of Altoona, Pa., with realty worth $2000 and personalty worth $150, with wife Mary A. (25, keeping house) and Jennie (2). In 1880, he is listed on 16th Street as a 40 year old laborer with wife Mary (35, keeping house), son William (8, at school), son Edward (6, with whooping cough), son Joseph (3), daughter “Amealia G.” (8/12, b. Oct) and a boarder Albert Biller (24, blacksmith). In 1900, he is listed on 9th Avenue in the 6th Precinct as a 60 year old railroad switchman in a rented home, widower, age 60. b. Apr 1860, with son Joseph E. (23, baker, b. Mar 1877), son David L. (16, b. Feb 1884) and son Ralph J. (11, b. Oct 1888).

Mary Ann was sometimes referred to as "Floss."