MIchelle, I am writing from Coles County. I am on a short little trip to this area (have never been here) to do some genealogical research. Because of the cheap airline tickets I was able to get a round trip to St. Louis for $131 and have rented a car to run around. I sent you two things. The first were a few pieces of paper. That was information prepared by Lou Martin (born 1917). He assisted in the research on Eden Martin's web site and he also helped Louise Neely with her book. The second package was the big one with the book written by Louise Neely of Dallas Texas. She and her husband, Joseph Otto Neely, traveled throughout Ilinois and Texas collecting information about the Martin and Neely families. I was in Darwin Illinois yesterday checking some Neely and Martin information and trying to determine if anything has been published since she wrote her book. The information she has written is solidly based in very good research. I have found some minor problems with the people and their birthdays/deathdays, however, for the most part you can rely on a lot of the information in the narratives. She makes this stuff really interesting. About the cost. You decide what you would like to send. Others have sent $25 or $35 for the Neely book, to cover mailing and copying costs. I wanted you to have it and don't know your financial situation, so send what you are able within your family budget. Jan In a message dated 11/1/2001 12:48:24 PM Central Standard Time, paintinlady@home.com writes: > Jan I got the package, thank you so much ,it looks like you put some > work into this . It is really fascinating I would love to get a hold of > the book at some point but I know that's to much to copy . Who did you > say you got this info from I'm trying to put together a book strictly > for my family but need to know the source and possibly get permission to > use it . I am going to send you the postage and wanted to know what you > want for doing the copies. Thanks so much you were a huge help. Michelle > > > > >