The reason that I am having so much trouble with Walter, besides so little info is that I was told that he worked for the carnival. It is possible that Walter Joseph was born during such a trip. The Welch family comes from Paintsville Ky in Johnson Co. It is believed that Rachel may have been from Ohio. I have tried the SS records to no avail. I have sent for Walters record about 3 weeks ago so I should get that one shortly. Walter was known as being highly intelligent. Unfortunately his talents were not put to proper use. I understand that he was the "black sheep" in the family. While I was in Ky in Sept. I was able to find a few family members who seemed to remember that Walter had died but remember nothing about any kin. Walter died between 1980 and 1985. It is looking like 1982 is the best bet. I have 2 walter Welchs' that fit the age and year range and the SS record will verify the proper one as the parents will be listed on it. My mother was born in 1933 and her brothers were older than her by quite a few years. She and all her brothers and sisters are deceased. Except for Walter(the slippery little rascal) I have found all the pertinant data, birth death, spouse, burial, kids. The kids part was easy. Only Mom and Walter had children. Now you can see why I have a problem finding info. I only have to search the whole United States. Kansas inqueries turned up nothing at all. Nothing I can find in Ky, Ohio, or WVa either. Uncle Bill lived in Logan WVa so thought I might find something there. The family for a while lived in Kermit WVa, Stone Coal, WV and small surrounding areas. They were mainly coalminers. Mom moved to Michigan when she was 17. Uncle warren came to Mich after the war and was buried here. He never married. As you can see this is quite a challenge. One I have been working on for a few years already. All your help and tips are greatly appreciated. I have someone in Ky now looking for an obit on Walter to see if I can find any clues. Thank you one and all Semper Fi, Mary