My name is Walter Smith. I am U.S. Navy, retired. Originally born in Chicago, my youth was spent growing up in the little town of Warrenville. In the 50’s, it was so small I attended a two room schoolhouse. First, second, and third grade were in one room, while fourth, fifth, and sixth were in another. We graduated from sixth grade, all six of us.

During the 60’s, I enlisted in the Navy not long after the start of the Viet Nam war. I am a Blue Water Sailor having served with a Marine detachment as a Hospital Corpsman. Most of my career was spent serving with the Marines. I actually did serve one tour aboard a Navy ship, the wood hulled Minesweeper, USS Conquest.

I married while stationed in California. My son graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. We currently reside in Alabama.

My genealogical interest lies with the Knupps. I never knew my Father’s parents and only heard my father speak of his grandparents, the Knupps, a couple of times while growing up. I find that I am related to virtually every Knupp in southern Illinois.

I haven’t been able to locate my Great Grandfather Moses Knupp. I would like to ask every Find A Grave volunteer in the course of their wanderings through cemeteries, where ever you are, snap a photo of any Knupp descendent you may find. If no memorial exists, I’ll happily create one. I have actually found a few relatives this way. I really believe that the only way Moses will be found is for some to literally stumble upon him.

Thank you, volunteers. The service you provide is a valuable one.

Walter