(I got to rambling some, so delete if not interested) Wow, I am surprised as the reaction to the e-mail. At first, I thought it would not be proper for me to defend myself and just not respond. (I actually got a laugh out of it) I did think it would mean more & accepted better from a couple of you. Now today I come back and see all the response that is favorable to me and it does make me think I am helpful, this is my reward. I have never charged one cent to anyone for helping them even when I go to a cemetery, take picture, print them, and mail by snail-mail to them. I have a time or two told someone that if the expense got too large, I would accept what they would offer, I have never asked for or accepted any payment of any kind. I have had people to tell me I should write a book. This is something I would love to do, but will probably never get around to it. If I ever write a book, it will be about my Giddens family history from 1797 in N.C. to Ky, to ILL, then to Texas in 1833 and through the 1900s in Red River County, Tx. I can not to say I always have everything exactly right on this list, but it is close enough to get the ball rolling correctly with the help of all of you.. Often I am posting something of interest to Red River County that I think may be interesting to others and maybe others can and will share their knowledge, or correct me if needed. (Sort of like talking over the fence to your neighbor) This keeps the board a little active and not dead. I am feeling sympathy for Neva because I have been in her shoes once or twice in the early years of e-mail. I am sure she is a kind woman and maybe only getting her feet wet in e-mailing etc. We all learn from our experiences. I know she did not mean to send it to the list and I am sure Marilyn would have (and did) discuss it with her and Neva would have a different thinking of me within a few hours or days (I hope). As has been said, I have learned that I had best not say anything in a e-mail that I would not want to be made public. Sometimes such a e-mail will be forwarded to a public list or group even when you sent it only to one individual. "I believe Dewey's daughter is on this list if my memory is correct." We see my memory was not correct even about Dewey having a daughter, but a niece. I think Neva was concerned that I did not have the Trapp genealogy exactly correct. It is important for it to be correct, that is why I said, "believe" and "if my memory is correct". I did not think it was necessary for me to spend two or three hours of searching my files when I knew the relative could correct me if I was not correct, as I would hope for and expect. "Who knows what he does with the information." This one got a laugh out of me. It implies I am compiling information for some sort of self gain. I just say only that one must be a new comer to the list to think this, but yes, we are a unusual board that enjoys sharing with and helping each other. I am retired and this is my hobby. My wife has chronic rheumatoid arthritis that limits us (or her) traveling. Red River County is about as far as I desire to travel anyway, so that is a blessing. I spend a large amount of time in Red River County researching, taking pictures, visiting with family, friends and strangers, always asking questions and learning something that is interesting to me and may be helpful to someone else in the future. Again, I have been in Neva's shoes myself, and understand that I need to learn from my mistakes and continue on. The person that never makes a mistake is the person that does nothing. I hope Neva and William continue to be active on the list. I greatly appreciate the support of everyone, this has been a blessing in disguise to me. Thank you Neva. Jim Giddens Paris (Reno), Tx 13 miles from Red River County. Raised in Red River County, family came to RR Co in 1833. Member Red River County Genealogy Society, Red River County Historical Society, Friends of Red River County Library, American Legion post 45 in Clarksville, Stone Chapel Cemetery Association etc etc.