Ann, Another reason you may find is that during WWI many families altered the way they spelled their surname was to make it look more American and less German. I went to one of the SSN Death Index sites and typed in HIPPENM* and came up with; 21 listings, HIPPENMEIER, 3 from Florida, all lived in Tampa HIPPENMEYER, 5 applied in Illinois, 3 were living in the Chicago area, one was living in Granger Indiana. HIPPENMEYER, 7 from Wisconsin, at time of death three were living in Waukesha, WI; three in Stoughton, WI, San Rafael, CA HIPPENMEYER, 1 form Minnesota HIPPENMEYER, 1 listed as living in the State of Missouri, 3 were last living in St. Louis and one in Pacific Palsades, CA; These 5 applied for their SSN in Missouri The persons from ST. Louis area: OTTO HIPPENMEYER 27 May 1881 - Nov 1970, I would suspect this is your person of interest, you can order a death certificate HARRY HIPPENMEYER, 28 Sep 1899 - May 1973 HARRY J. HIPPENMEYER, 4 Sep 1926 - 26 Jul 1997 I find a Harry J. Hippenmeyer living at 418 E. Argonne Dr., St. Louis, MO 63122-4524; (314) 821-4522 A Harry J. HIppenmeyer was buried at Sts. Peter & Paul Cem. on 3 Nov 1999. You might check with the St. Louis Public Library and ask them to search their obit files, there is a minimal charge if they find it. Between 1913 & 1955 there are 5 Hippenmeyer deaths listed on the Missouri State Archives. Bill Buchholz ____________________________________________________________ Enter for Your Chance to WIN* The TotalBeauty.com Summer Spa Sweepstakes! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/JKFkuJi7UfhV4my5k2CeeyJVkMXS2JSaib3N7hYhAOE7uITwNWTgDm/