In a message dated 12/29/98 9:07:56 PM Central Standard Time, crabtree@speedlink.com writes: << Good article. I grew up within a couple of miles from the Moore Monument in Abbs Valley and it has taken me sixty ump-teen years and, couple of tours around the world and twenty-five years living in California to learn about my family heritage and the history of SW Virginia. I get so darn tired of hearing about Sutter's Fort and the Forty Niners (Gold Rush and Football variety. Robert Crabtree, formerly of Tazewell County, VA. >> Robert, that is why I really enjoy Genealogy on the Internet. I have learned so many things about parts of the country that I cannot spend much time in -- and had so little time to learn about in history classes in school. And I was a history major!! This is a wonderful country in which we live -- its scenery, its people and its stories are so rich and diverse! 'In recent months I have been concentrating on this corner of Virginia, and it has been, thanks to great people on this list who share so much, very rewarding. I have not added a single name or date to my family tree from this list -- but I have added immensely to what I know about the era and the corner of the world in which they lived. Looking forward to 99 with all of you. love joan