When you are talking SW Alabama, are you maybe talking about the area around Washington County?? There is some unique German history there. I do not know if it even influence this thread, but it is different from the rest of Southern Alabama. Steve

For Judy (list mom) and all the wonderful people on this list, I want to thank you for allowing me, a white eyes, to be a member. As some of you may know, I am a writer and student of Native American cultures. I write historical fiction - taking real places and times in history and weave fictional characters through them - trying to remain as accurate as possible in the traditions, religion and culture It was on this list that I found the website that contained the writings of Dr. Marion Tarvin who, in his first few paragraphs, gave me the idea and inspiration to write an entire novel based on the "oral tradition" that he recorded of the Muskogee people's origins and migration across America to the southeast in the 1500s. This is not an attempt to try to market the resulting book (which will be released in December), but simply a heartfelt 'MVTO' for allowing me to be a part of this group. I have learned so much here and you have all made me feel welcome. The website I mentioned can be found HERE <http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/%7Ecmamcrk4/crkst1.html#anchor1280778>. Phil Whitley http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cmamcrk4/crkst1.html#anchor1280778