I'm still looking for the birthplace(s) of my 2nd GGF, Marks/Max Welter and wife Clara Schulte Welter. Marks was born about 1800/1801 in one of the three countries depending upon which census you're looking at. I've been told he spoke French and was called "Frenchy" by the locals. He settled in Menominee, Jo Daviess County, Illinois which is across the river from Dubuque, Iowa. There are a number of Welter families in this area (and Grant County, Wisconsin, just above the Wisconsin/Illinois line) who have similar birthplaces. I can't help but think that any of the Welters who were about Marks's age in this area had to be related. He and Clara brought 4 children with them and had 6 more once they got here. The only naturalization record (actually just the index at this point) that could possibly be his is in the name Max Walter. Marks died in 1884 and may not have completed his citizenship process.