Macoupin Researchers: This is my first posting to the Macoupin list, so I want to introduce myself. I have been researching my family history for over forty-five years, (not continously) and have a few names that are associated with Macoupin County, Illinois: BAUMGARTNER, BOTTIMER, CARRICO, CHRISTOPHER, CLARK, COWDEN, DEGROFF, DIXON, DORSEY, EVANS, HARLAN, HEDLEY, KELLY, LONG, MAPEL, NIX, RASHE, SISSOM, SISSON, SMITH, WARD and WHITE. While some of these names are native, others were just passing through and cover a period of time from 1786 to 1971. I am currently using FTW 5.0b. I am using Juno, consequently I do not have www access or the ability to send or receive attachments. My main Macoupin emphasis is on the surnames CARRICO, CLARK, DEGROFF, DIXON, HARLAN, LONG, SISSOM, SMITH and WHITE from 1827 to 1900 and perhaps later. If there are those on the list with similar interests I am prepared to exchange basic narative reports concerning the surnames so indicated. For those with whom my lines intersect, I can discuss in depth some of the events in the lives of our relatives. I am pleased to include the fact that both of my maternal grandparents are graduates of Blackburn University of Carlinville, grandfather with honors. I have their sheepskins, (and they are sheepskins). My grandfather was secretary of the Senior class of 1886 and I have some of his notes, copies of which have been submitted to the library of Blackburn College. Looking forward to some interesting discussions, Thank you, John D. Sissom - john@sissom.cx member: Wood Co Chap OGS sola fide