Thank you for the responses. I've been very busy with work and travel, but could not "close the book" on this one without setting the record straight. - I repeat what I said in my orig email, that I appreciate having my family story placed in the book. I do appreciate the work that went into the book. It was a massive undertaking. - I still hope that greater accuracy & care goes into future books as they are historical records for generations yet to come. - In my original email I did not say my Gr grandmother died in Ala. She died in Michigan, and yes, I do have her death certificate which says her farther was J. C. Drake of Drake, Ala. I was told through internet sources that Drake, Ala was probably Drake's Cove, South East of Huntsville, Al. She was born according to records I have in 1874. I do have information on J. C. Drake given me by some Drake family members and the Drake internet site. - I never used the word "racist" anywhere in my orig email. - And yes, I am still hurt that in a 575 page historical book on Russell County I only saw 2 pictures of Afro Americans. I sent a copy of my Gr grandmother's in (in good condition) but it was not used. But the deeper issue is why so few blacks? And asking the question is not placing blame. My family was in Russell County in 1870 on a plantation where many other blacks lived and carried the name of the owner - Boykin. And this is just my family. In my research of over 25 years, I know many more were there. Maybe some of the articles in the book are from black families, but in my experience it's possible that many stories were not submitted because there is still a lot of pain and sometimes shame of what happened in the past. Some don't want to remember or talk about it. Finding anything on Afro Americans is extremely difficult before 1890. Cemeteries exist, but rarely are there headstones. 1870 is the only census that lists first and last names, etc., etc. Whateve! r the reason for the low representation it is still unfortunate. Pam