Listers...... I must say it has been a long time since I heard a reference to "The Neck." The last person I recall hearing speak of it was my grandmother Eula McMahon Rivers. She was born near Patroon, 15 Sept 1899, she too moved to "across the border" after she married my grandfather, Thomas Jefferson Rivers. As a child I recall visiting Shelby County, the yard picked clean of grass just as you say. I remember the house was old and worn, there was not glass in all the windows, on some a canvas cover was used and it was rolled up when needed, you could see stars through the roof at night, but for some reason I never noticed a leak when it rained. To sit on the porch where my dad and his mother and those before us had rested after a good meal is a memory I will never forget. I recall the water that came from the well was cool and sweet. Yes, they were poor in finance, but rich in every other aspect. The house is gone now, those that spent their life there are buried just a short walk down the red dirt road. From Martin L. Shofner, an early school teacher and Civil War veteran to the my grandma Eula. We visit them at least once a year. It is a lovely place, so quiet and peaceful. I have asked to be sent there after my work her is done. A hearty thanks to any and all that have shared information on this Shelby County mailing list. God bless us all.......and Shelby County! Fulton Eugene Rivers II Baytown, Texas