In a message dated 9/14/2005 1:41:38 PM Pacific Standard Time, beesea@mohaveaz.com writes: Susan, Are you referring to the IC Restaurant and boarding house adjacent to the Jim Hard General Store that my aunt Ann Stearns operated during the late 30's-early 40's ? Barney, I don't know what the restaurant was called or if it even had a name. Mom never said that it did. She read the Reeseville book and the restaurant mentioned in that was the one that Grandma had. Grandma was not mentioned. She had it during the WWII and fed the troop trains. My mom was in high school and remembers getting up in the middle of the night to make cheeseburgers for the guys. Until the day she died, she hated making cheeseburgers. lol Sometimes the RR conductors stayed over night so they would get booted out of their beds so they guys would have somewhere to sleep. One used to come with his family on Sundays for dinner at the restaurant. The restaurant wasn't really a boarding house, but it might have seemed like it since there were 8 kids. Grandma would find a bed for anyone that needed to stay the night. The kids would sometimes sleep 5 in a bed. My aunt married Harry Nave's son. Susan

Pamela, Questions: 1. Does he recall what his parents told him about life back at the turn of the century or when they were young? 2. Does he remember his grandparents? Did they live in Pope County or Southern, Illinois? 3. when did they come 4. How did they move, what transpiration? 5. Tidbits of life in early pope county? 6. Building houses? How was that accomplished? 7. Indoor plumbing? 8. Coming of electric and lights? 9. Telegraph and telephones? 10. Railroad transportation, what was that like? 11. Shopping at earlier stores. Anything of that nature is so very interesting? Thanks, Regina

In a message dated 9/14/2005 12:05:38 PM Pacific Standard Time, WXFORDS@aol.com writes: If you ever hear the term "hard road" you can bet they are from Southern Illinois. When they started paving the roads people in the local area would call them the "hard road". lol. You have to know the difference between the black top and the hard top when it comes to roads down there. Hard top refers to the highway and black top to the asphalt roads. When the water was up, they used to put their Model A's on the railroad tracks and travel around that way. Susan

In a message dated 9/14/2005 10:15:18 A.M. Central Standard Time, Rmarkowi@aol.com writes: When electric came in and when roads were not paved. It is all fascinating and only the old timers who are from long time families in the area would be able to reflect these tidbits. If you ever hear the term "hard road" you can bet they are from Southern Illinois. When they started paving the roads people in the local area would call them the "hard road". Linda in TN

Mick, I believe the Eskew lived close to the Johnson County boarder since I have a Ralph Eskew born in Johnson County. Somewhere I have a copy of a very old plat map. Legal Sect- Twn- Ra- Meri- Date Name of Purchaser Description ion ship nge dian Purchased County ESKEW JOHN W2SE 05 13S 05E 3 03/31/1853 POPE http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/GenealogyMWeb/PublicLandSalesNameServlet You could find the area using a current plat map. I just found my old plat map. There is a Joe Eskew and a G. W. Eskew listed in the same area. They are on a plat map T. 13S Webster/Columbus/Washington/Monroe. Their farms are straight West of Rock and North. Northwest of Dixon Springs, very close to the Johnson County line. From a main map, their farms were south of Glendale and North of Dixon Springs, almost half way and just to the West. Susan

Susan, Are you refering to the IC Resturant and boarding house adjacent to the Jim Hard General Store that my aunt Ann Stearns operated during the late 30's-early 40's ? Barney ----- Original Message ----- From: <jamlsh@aol.com> To: <ILPOPE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2005 9:50 AM Subject: Re: [ILPOPE-L] This oldtimer quest is a great one. Anyone who can go and talk... > While my mother passed away last year, she did tell me a lot about Pope > County. Mom was born at Rock ("under a" as we always teased) and grew up > in > Brownfield. During the war my grandmother ran the restaurant in Reeseville > (Johnson > County). Mom told me a lot during the 25 years that I have been doing > genealogy. My family has been in Pope County since the 1820's and some > still live > there. I might be able to answer some questions. I don't think that there > is a > family down there, that mine isn't married into. > > Susan > > Lauderdale, Grisham, Moyers, Chambliss, Austin, Slack, Brush, Poe, Ellis, > Robinson, Bailey, Grissom, Whiteside, Broadway, Bynum, Choate, Chrisman, > Clardy, > Faulkner, Evitts, Fulkerson, Franklin, King, Klink, Sistler, Maxwell, > Maynor, > Gibson, Meler, Rodgers, Schoettle, Wright, Rumsey, Reams, Jaco, Parmley, > Gallimore, Fritch, Elam, Deweese, Cowsert, Cole, Belt, everybodies > favorite > Shufflebarger (S. Barger,Barger) and many, many more. > > >

Susan, Your message here reminds me of 'me', LOL. My mother passed away nearly 3 decades ago, and my father just 6 months later. I have not had the benefit of talking much about Pope County to them, since I started family research as soon as my father died. (He made me promise that I would.) My Mom, a SISTLER was also born at Rock (or Birdeye). My Dad, a WALTER, related to the WALTER family immigrants at Waltersburg. I visited every summer (when I was school age) with the WERNER family, who are the step-siblings and cousins to my Dad. Grandma Werner was my Dad's mother, and Grandpa (Oscar) was a wonderful stepfather! Anyway, I want to take this chance to mention the inexpensive mail-subscription rate of the weekly Herald-Enterprise Newspaper in Golconda. I have been a subscriber for many many years. Mildred McCormick is a well known historian in Pope County, and she has published over the decades a column titled "Fifty Years Ago..." Also, Eva Baker publishes a column there of current things going on, and every so often delights me with her memories of long ago. There are other feature writers that are also interesting. I think any who relishes the good old days, should think about subscribing to the Herald Enterprise! I am not certain, but believe the current out of state mail rate is $25/year. I also am able to keep up with Obits and Births of persons from Pope County by entering info in my Family Tree Maker database. Sorry for boasting and being so proud of this little hometown paper, it's just a big, worthy thing to think about, and it brings me a little slice of my fond memories every week. --carol p.s. I highlighted and underlined your surnames that I have connections with below. Some are direct lines for me, others are collateral. ==== jamlsh@aol.com wrote: >While my mother passed away last year, she did tell me a lot about Pope >County. Mom was born at Rock ("under a" as we always teased) and grew up in >Brownfield. During the war my grandmother ran the restaurant in Reeseville (Johnson >County). Mom told me a lot during the 25 years that I have been doing >genealogy. My family has been in Pope County since the 1820's and some still live >there. I might be able to answer some questions. I don't think that there is a >family down there, that mine isn't married into. > >Susan > >_Lauderdale, Grisham, Moyers,_ Chambliss, _Austin,_ Slack, _Brush,_ Poe, Ellis, >Robinson, Bailey, _Grissom, Whiteside, Broadway,_ Bynum, Choate, _Chrisman,_ Clardy, >Faulkner, _Evitts,_ Fulkerson, Franklin, King, _Klink, Sistler, Maxwell, Maynor,_ >_Gibson,_ Meler, Rodgers, _Schoettle,_ Wright, Rumsey, _Reams,_ Jaco, Parmley, >Gallimore, Fritch, Elam, Deweese, Cowsert, Cole, Belt, everybodies favorite >_Shufflebarger (S. Barger,Barger)_ and many, many more. > > _______________ VIRUS FREE WITH DAILY UPDATES FROM COMPUTER-ASSOCIATES' "EZVIRUS" PROTECTION -:¦:- *CAROL* -:¦:- blessed to be on the beautiful NW California-Pacific Coast _____________________________________________________________ -> * seeking families in GERMANY (Ostfriesland) and RUSSIA (and Prussia) * WALTER, SITZLER, CORELL, HUELSMEIER, RYDER, RAUCH, RODEWALD, BACH, SAUERESSIG, EISENHAUER. -> * also POPE COUNTY, IL ,TN, MO, USA* HOLLOWAY, HALL, MAXWELL, MITCHELL, DeHART, (Sistler) SITCHLER, PATE, DABNEY, MEADOR, BEEMER / BEAMER, RIDER / RYDER.

While my mother passed away last year, she did tell me a lot about Pope County. Mom was born at Rock ("under a" as we always teased) and grew up in Brownfield. During the war my grandmother ran the restaurant in Reeseville (Johnson County). Mom told me a lot during the 25 years that I have been doing genealogy. My family has been in Pope County since the 1820's and some still live there. I might be able to answer some questions. I don't think that there is a family down there, that mine isn't married into. Susan Lauderdale, Grisham, Moyers, Chambliss, Austin, Slack, Brush, Poe, Ellis, Robinson, Bailey, Grissom, Whiteside, Broadway, Bynum, Choate, Chrisman, Clardy, Faulkner, Evitts, Fulkerson, Franklin, King, Klink, Sistler, Maxwell, Maynor, Gibson, Meler, Rodgers, Schoettle, Wright, Rumsey, Reams, Jaco, Parmley, Gallimore, Fritch, Elam, Deweese, Cowsert, Cole, Belt, everybodies favorite Shufflebarger (S. Barger,Barger) and many, many more.

My mother is 94 -- born and raised in Rosiclare, Hardin Co. Some years ago the family convinced her to write a 'biography' of her life. Most of it concerns the time after she married my father, but the first chapters tell of her life growing up in Rosiclare. She remembers (or heard from her parents) the 'show boats' (my grandfather would occasionally be asked to play trombone in one of the bands), floods, being baptized in the river (they had to break the ice), the ore cars running down the main street to the river barges, wakes in the home, crystal radio sets, etc. My children & grandchldren love to hear her talk about her 'growing up' days. My mother's family has been in the Pope/Hardin area since 1807, although most of them arrived about 1818. Suzanne Villa Park, Illinois

OMG!!!!!!! <grin> I guess I am an oldtimer then, and I'm originally from Southern Illinois...... I just always thought that was a distinction between a dirt road and a paved road. I still use that term out here in Arizona Linda (I guess I'm now officially an old duffer) <grin> And I'm not upset in the least - just amused. I just celebrated my 63rd birthday! -----Original Message----- From: WXFORDS@aol.com [mailto:WXFORDS@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2005 12:05 PM To: ILPOPE-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [ILPOPE-L] This oldtimer quest is a great one. Anyone who can go and talk... In a message dated 9/14/2005 10:15:18 A.M. Central Standard Time, Rmarkowi@aol.com writes: When electric came in and when roads were not paved. It is all fascinating and only the old timers who are from long time families in the area would be able to reflect these tidbits. If you ever hear the term "hard road" you can bet they are from Southern Illinois. When they started paving the roads people in the local area would call them the "hard road". Linda in TN

We would all be happy to ask questions. I imagine we would like to know about the river, schools, railroad and travel buy car and cart, floods, life in general. When electric came in and when roads were not paved. It is all fascinating and only the old timers who are from long time families in the area would be able to reflect these tidbits. Anyone have any ideas to get this done and write them back to us? Regina, Troy, Michigan

Does your father or anyone else have any information on where the Eskew's lived in Pope County? My Grandparents are buried in the Old Home Cemetery near Eddyville. I would love to know where they lived. Thank you for your help Mick Eskew St Louis. -----Original Message---- From: tom whiteside [mailto:tmwjr13@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2005 9:10 AM To: ILPOPE-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [ILPOPE-L] This oldtimer quest is a great one. Anyone who can go and talk to them we would. I guess my father, Alvis Harrell, qualifies as an old timer of Pope Co. He was born on a farm near Dixon Springs in 1921, went to local grade schools and then Golconda High (graduated 1939, I think.) He moved away during WWII then ended up in Mt Vernon IL but we always were going back until my grandmother died in 1992. He has taken me back several times and knows a lot about the Hazels and other families in the Dixon Springs area. He even took me to a couple of cemeteries that only a deer hunter could find. My folks are moving to a retirement home near where I live next week, but if anyone else has questions, I can ask him. Pamela Harrell Whiteside Mobile AL Rmarkowi@aol.com wrote: We would all be happy to ask questions. I imagine we would like to know about the river, schools, railroad and travel buy car and cart, floods, life in general. When electric came in and when roads were not paved. It is all fascinating and only the old timers who are from long time families in the area would be able to reflect these tidbits. Anyone have any ideas to get this done and write them back to us? Regina, Troy, Michigan __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

I guess my father, Alvis Harrell, qualifies as an old timer of Pope Co. He was born on a farm near Dixon Springs in 1921, went to local grade schools and then Golconda High (graduated 1939, I think.) He moved away during WWII then ended up in Mt Vernon IL but we always were going back until my grandmother died in 1992. He has taken me back several times and knows a lot about the Hazels and other families in the Dixon Springs area. He even took me to a couple of cemeteries that only a deer hunter could find. My folks are moving to a retirement home near where I live next week, but if anyone else has questions, I can ask him. Pamela Harrell Whiteside Mobile AL Rmarkowi@aol.com wrote: We would all be happy to ask questions. I imagine we would like to know about the river, schools, railroad and travel buy car and cart, floods, life in general. When electric came in and when roads were not paved. It is all fascinating and only the old timers who are from long time families in the area would be able to reflect these tidbits. Anyone have any ideas to get this done and write them back to us? Regina, Troy, Michigan __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

I don't know that they would call themselves "oldtimers", but both my parents remember everything. Both their families have been in Pope county almost 200 yrs. I don't know what kind of questions you have, but they might could help. Dawn ----- Original Message ----- From: <Laura1853@aol.com> To: <ILPOPE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 6:16 PM Subject: [ILPOPE-L] RE: Golconda area > This will sound like a crazy question probably but was wondering if anyone > knows any really old-timers still living in the Golconda area that maybe > could > fill me in on any details about my ancestors who were from that area. If > anyone knows someone who is a real old-timer and still has a good memory, > please > let me know so I could drop them a line and ask just a few questions. > Thanks! > Laura (Pennsylvania) > Laura1853@aol.com > >

Laura, that was not a crazy question and I would like the same thing. If anyone who still lives in the Pope/Saline Counties....has relatives or neighbors who can remember anything about the early 1900s, I would also love to write to someone....the older the better....and ask some questions. Or I could send questions to someone who would ask the oldtimer the questions and write for them. These oldtimers are treasures and many have a good memory of long, long ago. If anyone can help, please contact me. Thanks. Sandra _Swhit29@aol.com_ (mailto:Swhit29@aol.com)

Hi, I sent a short note to Carol with scant information about the railroad. The "writings" she mentioned are her wishful thinking. Mildred McCormick compiled an article for the Springhouse magazine years ago and that is what I was referring to in my note and I failed to give her details and reference. The Johnson County Genealogical & Historical Society and the Pope County Historical Society are conducting a joint meeting 2:30 p.m. Sunday, 18th in a location midway between the two towns at Dixon Springs Baptist Church located on State Rt. 146 near the Chocolate Factory and the Dixon Springs State park. A panel is sharing historical events connecting and effecting the two counties. One topic is building St. RT. 146 and the spandrel bridge. The bridge story is on my neglected homepage under "Southern Illinois" Pope County. Another topic is the railroad that joined the counties. I shared Mr. Rogers e-mail with the lady compiling a brief history for the meeting. The University of IL Agriculture affecting both counties will be presented. History of Hound Ridge near the county line will be presented. I am working on Spout Springs, the frontier area that is the beginning of Glendale and Allard communities. People traveled miles in wagons and buggies to have large picnics in this resort. John A. Logan recruited Civil War soldiers there. If anyone has information about history of Spout Springs, please let me know. It is now a neglected area unknown by most people in both counties. By the way, I am not an "author" just a compiler and published a few histories, obituary books and family genealogy. Thanks, Carol for bringing this topic to the attention of the list and the very informative response from George Rogers! Faye Bowman fayebow@shawneelink.net http://www.shawneelink.net/~fayebow/ -----Original Message----- From: Rmarkowi@aol.com [mailto:Rmarkowi@aol.com] Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 7:04 PM To: ILPOPE-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [ILPOPE-L] Faye, please write to us about the Southern Illinois Rail Road I did not see your writings and would appreciate your repeating the note or story you sent out as I am very interrupted in the rail road history in Metropolis and Massac County. Regina Covington Bruner Markowicz Troy, Michigan

I did not see your writings and would appreciate your repeating the note or story you sent out as I am very interrupted in the rail road history in Metropolis and Massac County. Regina Covington Bruner Markowicz Troy, Michigan

This will sound like a crazy question probably but was wondering if anyone knows any really old-timers still living in the Golconda area that maybe could fill me in on any details about my ancestors who were from that area. If anyone knows someone who is a real old-timer and still has a good memory, please let me know so I could drop them a line and ask just a few questions. Thanks! Laura (Pennsylvania) Laura1853@aol.com

I have been challenged by some health problems lately, so would like to take this chance to THANK EVERY ONE who responded to the subject inquiry. George - Your reply made it to the list on 8/4/05 - thank you! It is terrific infomation. The 'grandfather' who might know Bill, was Craig Mosely, posted on 7/29/05, that would be great if they knew each other. Would you mind George, if I tag your information into my FTM database giving you the credit for it? Judy - did I thank you enough for the wonderful pictures you sent me?? It brought that time alive again (to me), and they are so appreciated - and YOU are too. What would we do without your contributions to family history? rgc (Glenn) - the BACH family I am researching is in Germany. We have no connection with this family until 1761 Pfalzdorf, Kleve, Niederrhein, Germany. Faye - I wish I could study those newspaper articles on microfilm - the history of the Illinois Central in southern IL would make a good story, or novel - (being the Author you are, and depending on how romantically ambitious you are.) I would buy your first published book! :-) also, thanking those who aren't a bit interested and are still patient with me.... ---carol === GRogers954@aol.com wrote: > > >This is in response to CSWR'S inquiry about the Rail Road in Golconda, I >attempted to send this earlier but apparently it didn't go thru. > >The following information is from my Brother in-law William Spann Wallace. >He was A Conductor on the Illinois Central Railroad from August 16, 1941 until >May 29, 1981, Except for service in the U.S. Marines from June 22, 1942 until > December 10, 1945. > >His Father George Raymond Wallace AKA (Weary) Worked on the Illinois Central >Railroad from 1906 until 1960. He started out as a worker in the Cobden >station Where he learned to be a Telegraph operator and in 1915 became the >Telegraph operator at the Golconda Station and subsequently the Station Agent. >Except for service in the U.S. Marines from April 1917 until November 19, 1919. >Coincidentally they both enlisted at the U.S. Court & Customs office in St. >Louis Missouri. > >The first Railroad Station was built in 1902 and the first train into >Golconda was December 10, 1902. > >Railroad track scales were built in 1916. After WW 1 track was laid to >Rosiclare (11 Miles) to Facilitate bringing out Fluor spar from the Rosiclare >mines. > >Up until this time the Spar was brought down from Rosiclare to just North of >Golconda by the Railroad car barge "Bernice" whose Chief Engineer was >Charlie Steinkamp. > >where they were pulled up the incline to the Rail line one car at a time . > >A new Station was built in 1947 the Foreman on the project was T. Lingle. > >The reason given to abandon the Rail Line was lack of business but in >reality they were abandoning all branch lines they believed were unprofitable. Bill >believes this just hastened the Railroads decline along with the building of >Roads. > >The Golconda District originated at Reevesville and ran from there to >Golconda and then to Rosiclare it was 11 miles long. This line was abandoned in >1982. It connected to the Edge wood cutoff that ran from Fulton Kentucky to Edge >wood Illinois it is a Freight bypass of the main line to move freight and >free up the main line. The cutoff is still in operation today. The cutoff is 26 >miles long. > >It was A division of the Illinois Central Railroad. > >The closest Railroad Station Is now Carbondale. > >Bill would like to know your Grandfathers name as he Probably knew him and >might have worked with him. > >Respectfully, > >George Rogers > > > > > >

This is in response to CSWR'S inquiry about the Rail Road in Golconda, I attempted to send this earlier but apparently it didn't go thru. The following information is from my Brother in-law William Spann Wallace. He was A Conductor on the Illinois Central Railroad from August 16, 1941 until May 29, 1981, Except for service in the U.S. Marines from June 22, 1942 until December 10, 1945. His Father George Raymond Wallace AKA (Weary) Worked on the Illinois Central Railroad from 1906 until 1960. He started out as a worker in the Cobden station Where he learned to be a Telegraph operator and in 1915 became the Telegraph operator at the Golconda Station and subsequently the Station Agent. Except for service in the U.S. Marines from April 1917 until November 19, 1919. Coincidentally they both enlisted at the U.S. Court & Customs office in St. Louis Missouri. The first Railroad Station was built in 1902 and the first train into Golconda was December 10, 1902. Railroad track scales were built in 1916. After WW 1 track was laid to Rosiclare (11 Miles) to Facilitate bringing out Fluor spar from the Rosiclare mines. Up until this time the Spar was brought down from Rosiclare to just North of Golconda by the Railroad car barge "Bernice" whose Chief Engineer was Charlie Steinkamp. where they were pulled up the incline to the Rail line one car at a time . A new Station was built in 1947 the Foreman on the project was T. Lingle. The reason given to abandon the Rail Line was lack of business but in reality they were abandoning all branch lines they believed were unprofitable. Bill believes this just hastened the Railroads decline along with the building of Roads. The Golconda District originated at Reevesville and ran from there to Golconda and then to Rosiclare it was 11 miles long. This line was abandoned in 1982. It connected to the Edge wood cutoff that ran from Fulton Kentucky to Edge wood Illinois it is a Freight bypass of the main line to move freight and free up the main line. The cutoff is still in operation today. The cutoff is 26 miles long. It was A division of the Illinois Central Railroad. The closest Railroad Station Is now Carbondale. Bill would like to know your Grandfathers name as he Probably knew him and might have worked with him. Respectfully, George Rogers