Members, In the past three months I have spend a lot of time on maps, land grants and deeds. I have focused on my families they were average in their wealth. Typical of many in SW VA. The BIG QUESTION on my mind is where did these poor pioneers get the cash to make these purchases. I see purchase sums of $100, 200, and up to $500 for land purchases. I don't see a source for this cash. The access to markets east of the Blue Ridge were limited. I don't think the farms were so productive above subsistance enough to produce that cash. It is a mystery. There settlement right and other early grants were cheap but when they later bought from each other the price went up. I would love to hear possible answers. -eddie "Toto, I don't think we are in NH any more."