Bruce, thanks for all of this wonderful information (I will be like a dog with a bone trying to find the books you've recommended). I've always loved reading history, especially early American history. Since I've started helping my Aunt research the maternal side of our family and getting into the history of Callaway and Cole counties where they were from between 1840-1920 I find I really need to not only refresh my memory of history but also learn a little about geography which has never been my strongpoint. Since learning that this Rice side of the family was in Texas and Arkansas right before and during the Civil War I realize I have to learn about the CW connection between Missouri, Arkansas and Texas. I've tried the census, so now I think I'll look into the areas/cities in Arkansas and Texas that would have been places they would have been welcomed as Southern Sympathizers. This forum has helped me more than over 5 years of research in county libraries and historic societies - Callaway County in particular, who even has a Civil War historian volunteer was not able to help me. I'm beginning to wonder if maybe they want to keep these old feelings buried even still.

Thanks again so much,

PS The most pleasurable historical book I've ever read is the Swan Trilogy - mainly because it taught me so much about the beginning of America up until the Civil War. The author only wrote these three books and I happened to find them in a used book store. She weaves actual history into fiction better than anyone I've ever read; telling the story of events leading up to the Civil War and how it affected one family. I would love to see a movie made of this because it shows what a great country we have even tho we have had great disagreements - so apropo to what is going on currently.

Note: I agree with our greatest military leader and president, George Washington, who was totally against political parties. They seem to have a way of botching up everything.