Here is some thing I got off (va-roots@leo.vsla.edu) sent by linda. This is a very old letter that I've had for quite some time. I don't recall where it came from but it was wrapped in tissue paper and sealed with 1916 Red Cross stamps. The letter is stated below exactly as it reads. Jan. 24, 1884 To the clerk of the County of Roanoke Dear Sir I once had six brothers & one sister living in Botetourt County that I have not heard of nor had any word from for menny years & I have lately learned that the county has been changed in name from Botetourt to Roanoke if so that may be the Reasen of that My letters donot Reach My folkes and are not answered. Will you please let me know Washington James Samuel Martin Johnathan & Daniel Mason either or any of the any of above named Masons' are living in your county if so please send or mail this to anyone of them. they all once lived in Botetourt County Salem the County seat. I hope through this medium to get some word from my folks as I have not heard from them for a bout fourty years My sister's meden name was Eliza Mason was married & her husband was killed in the horse power of a threshing machine meny years ago Please write me a few lines & let me know the result of your investigation Very Respectfully Yours William Mason My address sill be Monmouth Warren County lls Following are the notes that the clerk of the court in Roanoke County wrote on the back of the letter (as best as I could interpret them): Washington Mason died in Roanoke Co. Had children James Mason Samuel Mason lives in Floyd or Montgomery County I wrote to James Sisson Locust Grove Floyd Co. who married his step daughter to get his P.O. Saml. Gish's wife is his daughter now living Martin Mason Jonathan Mason went to New London, Campbell Co. Dead. Has a son Hatcher Mason is now living at Sam Gish's Daniel Mason dead was Pine Grove. His widow (2nd wife) Hodges from Franklin & children are in Tennessee. He married a daughter of Peter Himalish. His son was a member of Co. I 43rd VA Regiment (??) Eliza Mason married John Trout who was killed in threshing machine. Though this was interesting haven't had to check it out further. Nothing else new.