Gail, While some of what you say is true, majority of items appearing in the "Welch and it's People" are indeed correct. The mayor and 7 people collaborated on that effort. I can, say however, if there are inaccurracies it is because of the questioinaires returned with such shown, or those not providing questionaires, spoke from memory. Having lived in McDowell County and in particular Welch proper, and my family knowing a good many of those and their families listed, this type of publication was long overdue. So far, any information I have provided from the book, to those requesting information, while some may not be 100% accurate, those family members receiving the information provided can make the corrections as necessary. The book on McDowell History you quoted, while reflective of the county's history -prepared by the well known politicians doesn't address the demise of the County, or for that matter the demise of the entire Southern Counties of West Virginia or why West Virginia leads the nation with unemployment. Mr. Byrd's political machinery on the State and National level didn't help W.Va. either. Is John L. Lewis also listed as a prominent person worthy of praise? Don't get me started - enough said. No doubt, both books are worthy of anyone's review and discernment. Leave it to the reader to make the judgment of preference. Regards, and Peace. Tim :-}}}