Dear Listers, for many years I've been trying to trace my Welter family back into Prussia They arrived in the US in 1853 according to census records. Johann and Maria Christiana brought their five children to Indiana. The children's names are Elizabeth, Christian, John, Emma and Margaret and they ranged in age from 14 - 2. Family history said they came from Grafsorms or Grafsolms. I've been told by German researchers that this cannot be a place name and even the LDS Famiy History Library has not been able to help. We've found Kraftsolms and that is the closest name. Yesterday, I found reference to Solms, Germany. Do any of you have knowledge about this name? I found that it was first referred to in 1215 but is currently a combination of small villages. I could spot it on a map but couldn't find a way to learn more. I used Wikipedia and MapQuest. I looked up Graf and learned that it means Count or Earl so that made Solms seem reasonable. You are an active and helpful group. I've learned more about German culture and customs from you than I knew after 12 years of research. Nancy in California (Note to Nancy @hootnanny: I am not an Ann - just Nancy) ________________________________________________________________________ AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.