Over this fourth of July, my uncle, Don, visited from Virginia and related a few family stories I will pass on to you folks. Our line goes as such: My father, Leland Gorden (my uncle, Donald Gorden); their parents, Earl Noah Gorden and Margaret Lea Wilcoxson Gorden; her parents, Isom Cimeon Wilcoxson and Permelia Jane Fergus; Permelia's parents, Francis Fergus and Laura Jane Wilkinson. My uncle Don states this story was told to him by an uncle of his, "Jess" Phillips. It has been common knowledge in our family that Jesse and Frank James used to find refuge in Isom and Permelia's home in nothern Harrison County, MO. (North of Eagleville, Mo.) Isom and Permelia weren't overly well-off there, but were hospitable and generous to a fault. Anyway, Jesse, Frank and others would stay in the loft of the smokehouse that was Isom and Permelia's home. "Jess" told Don about Frank James and a fellow riding up to the Wilcoxson house one day as Permelia was giving Isom a hard time about a bad horse trade he had made. Apparently, Isom was noted for being a bad horse trader, and as this latest one balked at him, Permelia was giving him some well-deserved, wifely type of grief. Frank and his buddy left and soon returned with two good horses - better than Isom and Permelia were accustomed to owning. Frank told Isom in no uncertain terms that he was not to trade these horses - they belonged to "Minnie" (Permelia's nickname)! I don't know if anyone questioned where they rustled up the two good horses. One probably didn't question the James' brothers too much! My brother Michael was given a small pocket knife that our grandma Maggie claimed was given her father, Isom, as a gift from Jesse for allowing them refuge. Who knows, but Mike treasures it. Hope everyone has had a nice Holiday week-end. Thanks for the fun Fergus newsletter, Jim. Take care, Fergus cousins, Lynne Gorden Howard boch@dwx.com care, Fergus cousins, Lynne Gorden Howard = boch@dwx.com=20