I thought I'd introduce myself since I recently decided to establish this list. My name is Edward A. Black, Sr. and I established this list for those who desire to contact others who have like desires in locating family members, taking part in discussions or doing other genealogical rersearch in Alameda County, California. My interest in Alameda Co., CA comes because I was born & raised there. My parents moved to Oakland after World War II. I was born in Oakland, CA and grew up in San Leandro, CA. I also spent a several years living in Hayward and some time in Fremont, CA. I graduated from Chabot College in Hayward and met & married my wife of many years in the San Leandro area. Our son was born there as well. I currently live in Lancaster, California and I have been married 27-1/2 years, having raised a son, who himself is married and has 2 sons of his own. He lives in McAllen, TX. I've had an interest in genealogy since I was a child [although I referred to it as finding my roots], but due to a job & raising our son, lacked the time until a couple of years ago. To this day, despite living in Southern California, I still I can find just about anyplace in the East Bay Area. My wife & I have long found enjoyment in helping others, in my case doing what I can to help in family history. I have found that the lists I've taken part in have helped a lot in locating family members on either my own or that of my wife's family. Enjoy this new site and I do hope that it will assist you users with your genealogical work & discussions. It is intended to be a tool for that purpose. Take care & God Bless, Sincerily, Edward A. Black, Sr. -- ======================================================================== Doing genealogical research on PARK, HOBSON, PATTERSON, McMAINS, HAWKINS, HINSHAW, NEWTON, WILSON, RATHBUN, GILMORE, WATSON, WAUGH, ALLEN, YORKE, AXLEY, DENNET, SUMNER, ILOTTI, & HOLTZHAUSER family lines. Home page: "http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Bluffs/9952" ICQ # 6794181 ========================================================================