If you've ruled out the military, then was he an auctioneer? I don't know how long it's been in practice, but these days an auctioneer can reach the status of "Colonel". Kathy in NE Searching for MULLIS ---------- From: HariceBob@aol.com[SMTP:HariceBob@aol.com] Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2001 5:26 PM To: INPUTNAM-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: 1850 - Putnam Co., IN - MILLERs In letters he was addressed as "Colonel." We have tried to discover what he was a colonel of. Any suggestions or sources for investigation