Dear Hills of Home, Franklin County, Virginia Genealogy Newsletter Group, Dear Friends and fellow-researchers, The 3rd Hills of Home is being prepared. The wedding is over, my daughter is now in her new home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The folks that received the May 2001 newsletter and it was torn apart from what we think the postage machine- The folks who emailed, wrote and/or called should have the replacement newsletter. The many folks who emailed, wrote and or called about getting the newsletter has also been mailed. NOW, If you are a member or you have requested a copy and you DO NOT have a copy please email me. YOU should have them by now. I am now going through members queries myself, trying to find information that might be helpful. It takes some time but do not fear, I am working on it. I have all my books set up in my office now and my personal research, I add new books as I find them. (For example- I purchased 15 new civil war books on our mini-trip to Gettysburg, PA. National Battlefield Park) (Three weeks ago I purchased 5 plus books from the local Historical Society) In hopes that it will help me in my search and may be helpful to others. The Franklin County, Virginia Database owned by Beverly Merritt. (For those of you who do not know of this- Beverly started a database about 4-5 years ago. She entered data for years- cross referenced the data by a number- the number stands for a file in which she got the data. Each number has a paper file) The database is being loaded into a second computer in my home (Donna Wilkes, Rocky Mount, Va.). All new data sent to us will be entered and given a number, the data mailed is being set up in surname files. Hills of Home was not organized to make money but only to share genealogy with others. We believe with everyone working together so much more can be accomplished. HOWEVER, The database reports will soon be available. There will be a charge for the report (to cover, paper, envelopes, stamps etc.). The next newsletter will have what type of reports are available and hopefully we will have come up with some type of fair cost. ANYONE wishing to give us ideas, we welcome any and all suggestions. I have started a small collection of children's books about history. I have a civil war book, book about Clara Barton, etc.etc. My hopes is to capture the interest of the young and hopefully get the children involved. I would also like to do something for middle school and high school. I am open to all ideas and suggestions. Happy Searching, Happy 4th of July- enjoy the family and friends- celebrate our great nation and reflect upon the many soldiers thoughout our history who lost their lives to our nation. Sincerely, Donna B. Wilkes Rocky Mount, Va. p.s. Many of you know my son died July 27, 2000, on my rescent visit to Gettysburg, PA. I walked onto the field of the great battle of July 3, 1863, Pickett's Charge, the civil war and my heart ached for the many mothers who lost sons that day, and yes some lost daughters, some lost boys, some lost 3 sons. Whether it be north or south- the fact remains- that many thousands died and many folks suffered great loss. MY HEART ACHES!!!!!! p.s.s. I went back last night and read many civil war letters, soldiers writing home to Franklin County to their wives, children and/or mother's and in the letters you can feel the pain and suffering, the poor conditions of living in tents, etc.etc.etc. It made me think about how easy we have it today and things as simple as paper was a luxury to soldiers.