Greetings Lew Holt, I enjoyed the story and you got my attention when you gave the location. I have been researching my Holt family and the earliest local that I have for them is Jasper county, Illinois which is just north of your Edwards county. My ancestor was Joseph Marion Holt, b.1835 Indiana. This info from census. I do find him in Jasper county marrying Tabitha Choate in 1855. They had three sons before they left the area, William, John Riley and Louis Newton Holt. I have been unable to find Joseph Marion's parents. Be glad to compare family info. and have a few civil war stories for Tabitha's 3 Union soldier brothers. Thanks for your time. Ben Moore **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1215855013x1201028747/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072%26hmpgID=62%26bcd=De cemailfooterNO62)