Shirley,

Do you have any more information about Ethel Chalk-Washington's family? What time period are we talking about. 1910s, 1920s, 1930s? Do they have any dates for her husband, Willie? Where did Willie and/or Ethel live? If I can locate him in the census I might be able to trace backwards.

I wasn't able to find anything about either Farris Gomillion. I should be able to find out more about Roy's family, though. His ancestors I mean.

The Farris' died before the Michigan Death Index (the one at Ancestry anyway ) begins. They only list deaths from after 1970. Because the older Farris was in the Navy and not the Army I can't find his enlistment info in the index.

They (your cousins) should consider ordering his service records from the government. I believe the US Archives charge around $17 (the price includes shipping) for a compiled service record. A reasonable price when you consider that most state archives charge an arm & a leg for ANYTHING. It does take them around three months to get the papers to you, though. Sorry.

I let you know what I find after I carrying out a more thorough search for the rest of the relatives you mentioned.

Have a nice weekend!