I got the first mail, no attachement I'll email you now, and sent to that addy. Moni

Cheryl, just saw your post on Marilyn_Sue's "tick" thread. Glad everyone is okay with little or no damage. You sure have a mess in OK. Feel so bad for those who lost family or friends.

I lookked at your most interesting blog. Man, you guys are serious riders to trek that far. You mentioned Fredericktown. MO. I've been to the library there a couple of times researching my great grandfather. He lived in the part of Madison co that became Iron co in 1857. Mother had said that he was in the Civil War and that was about all she knew. I wondered about that since my grandfather was born in 1863, right in the middle of that war. I did not know which side he was with. And then, I was finally able to document his allegiance; He sided with the South. He joined Lowe's company of the Missouri Guard, a unit that was not officially part of the Confederate Army. The Missouri Guard was a hone guard that supported the Confederates when they were in the area and fought alongside them. When the Confederates lewft the area, the Missouri Guard stayed home. That explained how g-great granddad was able to sire a son, take care of his family, and yet be in the Civil War. The Confederates raided Fredericktown to haul away a wagon load of lead. The Union soldiers caught up with the retreating Johnny Rebs south of town and Lowe's company was providing a rear guard ambush to slow the Union. They were sucessful momentarily until Lowe foolishly decided to charge alone toward the Union company. He was felled with one shot. I do not know the events afterward, but I have a record of G-G Dad being captured at some point. That was found on his pension application many years after the war. Not only were you riding the Trail of Tears, you were also traversing the paths of Civil War soldiers.

Merry Christmas, Moni! I'm so glad you are able to visit your family and hope you will have a terrific time. My lucky dd gets to study in Germany for a semester and will be there soon--brrrrrr! Enjoy those fun nephews.