Hi Jan, friends, I'm from Conover and I had an aquaintanceship with Neal. He had a diner/luncheonette in Vale. His death came as a real shock to me--and to the Western North Carolina genealogical community. Among researchers in this area, I would have to say that Neal lived his heritage as much as he loved it. He contributed to local genealogical knowledge with his research and his genealogical books and CDs. He earned every cent that he received, lest anyone cast aspersions on paid-genealogical folk. I believe that there is a Neal, Jr. who has assumed the responsiblity of his father's genealogical research. I hope he continues to pursue his father's goal: the documenting of the County of Catawba, Lincoln, Rutherford, Cleveland, and others. Prior to his his very untimely death, his web page showed: http://www.geneasearch.com/pubs/pubs.cgi?north+carolina To order by e-mail ostrich@bellsouth.net By phone 704-276-1004 By snail mail: Neal Caskey 726 Bert Yarboro Rd. Vale, NC 28168 ostrich@bellsouth.net I truly hope that Neal's estate will continue to make his work available to researchers, either as a donation to the public domain or as a commercial enterprise. The time-consuming work involved in compiling this work was monumental. You are certainly not imposing on me. I have a great interest in Rutherford, Lincoln, Cleveland and Tryon counties. I have many friends in this area--very good people. Many of them have made major contributions to Western North Carolina historical and genealogical preservation. Neal is among them. I will post this to the appropriate lists and folks with whom I am aquainted. Some might be able to help answer this question--without being intrusive. If anyone can help Jan, please do. No need to send to the list. Best, --Derick ----- Original Message ----- From: Jan Williams To: derickh@charter.net Sent: Friday, September 19, 2003 6:27 PM Subject: Question Hi Derick, I'm a native of Kings Mountain now living in Ohio and find the Catawba West list very helpful and informative but I decided to e-mail you directly because of the sensitivity of my question. I would like to obtain a couple books/CDs compiled by the late Neal Caskey. His widow contacted me and indicated that she would sell the books but then did not reply to my request for price and order info - given the situation, I don't feel right about pressing the matter. Do you know if his books are being sold by a genealogical society or if there is any way I can obtain them? Hope I'm not imposing on you and thank you for any assistance you can provide. Best regards, Jan