In a message dated 4/28/2005 8:55:38 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, [email protected] writes: <<Dan, Do you know why so many Franklin County folks went to Missouri? I know they heard of more fertile land, more opportunities for success than in a depressed area such as Franklin County was in at that time. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks, Donna>> Donna, Good to hear from you again. Hope all is well with you. Of the top of my head the reasons you mention are all correct, but I think the biggest motivation was that since the settling of the Franklin Co., area the parcels of land were divided amongst the heirs of the various families. After a few generations the lots became so small that they couldn't support the family anymore from their own land. Many people joined the mass exodus to all points West while others stayed and bought land real cheap from people leaving the area or abanded by the people that left. I don't think Missouri sticks out as a more desirable place than any of the many other places in the migration West. Word of mouth or letters got back from earlier relatives and many people went to the same areas as their neighbors and friends. To name a few of my families from Franklin. Lavinders went to Washington state, California, West Virginia, Missouri Goodes went to West Virginia, Ohio, California Parcells went to West Virginia, Missouri, Washington state Steagalls went to West Virginia, Kentucky Hodges went everywhere it seems Warrens went to Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois