Heather wanted to know what military Thomas M. PRESTON, as Colonel, was in such as the CSA or the Militia. The reference to Thomas as being a Colonel was taken from the "Holston Pastfinder," Volume 28, page 3 in an article on Thomas' son also named Thomas M.: "Thomas M. PRESTON. Thomas M., son of Colonel Thomas M. PRESTON, was born in Washington Co., ..." This article was taken from "Virginia and Virginians, 1888 (Original by Prof. Virgil A. Lewis; Revised by Dr. R. A. Brock, 1888)" (The article was from page 747 of the "Virginia and Virginians"). But my wife and I can find no other reference to Thomas M. PRESTON Sr. being a Colonel (or even an officer). Some of the information given the "Virginia and Virginians" has been incorrect. I checked in "The Militia of Washington County, Virginia - Index of Militia Men, 1798-1835," (1979), by Gerald H. CLARK, and the only reference was to a Thomas PRESTON in the 105th Regiment in 1835 in the "Index of Militia Men, 1798 - 1835," and nothing in the "Index of Militia Officers" section. So if Thomas M. was a Colonel, I would want to see proof before calling him one again. Thomas M. PRESTON's Bible record can be found at the "Historical Society of Washington County" or at the Library of Virginia Website at: http://ajax.lva.lib.va.us/F/UDEGRIV7Q59D6LC1FHAN9HEAB5LA6F86PQ88RAC1ITNHHXEC1V -21047?func=full-set-set&set_number=005031&set_entry=000002&format=999 The Bible record consists of a copy of the title page and three pages of Bible entries (1) Thomas' two marriages, (2) Births, (3) Deaths. On page 13, line 6 of the 1860 "Productions of Agriculture" Census (Schedule 4) of WC, Thomas M. PRESTON had 725 acres of which 400 acres was improved and 325 acres were unimproved. Post Office was Lodi. The cash value of the farm was $18,125.00 Value of Farming Implements & Machinery was $200.00. His livestock included (13 horses, 11 milch cows, 2 working oxen, 53 other cattle, 53 sheep, 50 swine, all worth $2,573.00); Produce included (Bushels: wheat 290, Indian corn 800, Oats 300, Irish potatoes 80); (Pounds included: wool 200, butter 500); 24 tons of hay; and 10 gallons of molasses. Value of Homemade Manufactures $50.00; Value of Animals Slaughtered $500.00. Thomas M. PRESTON had 9 slaves (and two cabins) ages 40M, 25F, 22F, 8M, 7F, 5F, 5M, 1F, 1M. (1860 Census Schedule 2, page 13). On 29 Jan 1853, Thomas M. PRESTON sold one male slave named "Kiul" (hard to read the writing) to James ORR for $800.00. Bob Ford ************** It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here. (http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047)