I am quoting a letter below that was written by my great-grandfather, Raphael BURKHART, 1312 N. 13th Street, St. Louis, on 6 Dec 1906 and sent to his niece, Mrs. Mary BALLWEG (born Mary BURKHART, daughter of Meinrad BURKHART) of Citronelle, Alabama. I have quoted it exactly as it was written (misspellings and all). In the letter are a few names that someone might be researching. Raphael was born in Jechtingen, Baden, Germany and emigrated to the United States around 1850. He lived in Edwardsville, Madison Co., IL, married Helene HEBERER, and eventually moved to St. Louis with his family. "Dear Niece it is a long time I heared of you therefore I sent to I don't know wheter you are among the liven you Cousin Louise ask for your address wich I gave he, you owe me a letter I am sure of that, and I hope you will answer this The weather is unpleasante and ugly wed and unhealthy. I wish I was wealthy anuf I would be every winter in some southern part this 5th of October I was 70. I am getting old and weak, the name of Louisa above is Louisa Knoll, her Mother name is Paulina your first Cousin, they aint much changes here in the dayly doings, Mr. Bonifacius Gass died he use to stay with Mrs Schott married the mrs schaeller of Edwardsville I would like to hear of you if possible of your family how you injoy your live and how does the church and your holy Creed get tending. I have not seen Frank your Brother for about a year, Henry Bauer under went a fatal Operation got allright, Joseph Bauer, and Albertina Bauer died with the Consumption, one of the Hellrung girl is going to be a Sister, we are all pretty fair so far as the age allow now we wish all merry Xmas and a happy New Year the best Greeting to you and husband, and family yours Truly Uncle & Aunt Lena R. Burkhart" Marilyn Lane Mountain View, CA Researching the following names with Madison County connections: BURKHART, BAUER, KROMER and HEBERER.