I'm trying to find parents for both Elizabeth ACKER & Daniel PIPER from Shenandoah Co., VA. They were married in the county Sept. 20, 1786. Sometime between Oct. 16, 1789 and March 28, 1796, the family settled in Augusta Co. Daniel PIPER and Michael ACRE were listed on same line in the 1789 Shenandoah Co. Personal Property Tax List and wondering what the relationship could be. Any help would be very appreciated. Barbara DiMunno

I am posting this special announcement to the Listserves in counties that border Hampshire County, WV. For those of you who have an interest in Hampshire County (originally a part of Old Frederick County until 1754), a book is being published to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the County. It will be ready for delivery in March. The title is "Hampshire County, West Virginia, 1754-2004." Unlike most books in this class, it has a complete name index and a general index. The publication may be described as "friendly to genealogists," although it is not a genealogical work per se. It will be bound in hardcover, 8 1/2" x 11". There are 94 chapters (2-4 pages each) plus numerous pages of "box topics," photographs and maps. Approximately 75 "authors" or writers participated in the project, many of whom are well-known for their areas of expertise. The editors were Roberta Munske and Wilmer L. Kerns. The book presents a cross-section of people and events over a 250-year period. New information and insights are presented rather than reiterating what others have said in publications of the past. The book contains excellent insight and discussions of Colonial history, which has been neglected in Hampshire County. Among other topics, here is a brief list of subjects: early settlement, Native Americans, a write-up on each of the counties that were formed from Hampshire; early settlement, history of transportation (roads, railroads, etc.), agriculture and industry, medicine and doctors, school history, profiles of elected officials, the court system and jail, and physical science (geology, ecology, plants and animals, etc.) a brief description or history of the major communities, African American history, the fine arts and artisions. Also there are chapter or "box" biographies of selected residents of the past, e. g., Col Elias Poston--genealogy chapter, Capt. William Foreman, Richard Williams, Jack Schaffenaker, Maud Pugh, Grace Kelso Garner, Warren E. Duliere, Joseph Edwards, James Caudy, Job Pearsall, Isaac Millar, Lt. John Blue, John William Wolford, John Jeremiah Jacob, John Jacob Cornwall, Herman Guy Kump, William Ansel Jr., as well as George Washington and others. Special attention was given to the various wars and their impact upon Hampshire County residents. The landscape of genealogy is undergoing major changes. During the past, genealogical research was little more than a collection of names and dates and relationships. Today, there is an emphasis on understanding the historical context of our ancestors. We believe that anyone with family roots in Hampshire County will find this to be a helpful source of information. This book could easily retail for $45.00. A special pre-publication price was considered, but a decision was made to set a reduced price for everyone at $29.95 + $4.00 shipping. West Virginia residents should add 6% sales tax. You may order now; make check payable to HCCVB and mail to: Roberta Munske/Hampshire 250 Book HC 64, Box 39 Yellow Spring, WV 26865 Disclosure: the book is published under the auspices of the Hampshire County 250th Anniversary Committee. I will receive no financial gain from any aspect of my participation in this project. Wilmer L. Kerns