News and Notes, ARHFS V6 I1

The picture on the cover of this issue is of a young Emma Louise Hedrick. "Louise" was born in Thornwood, West Virginia. Her mother was Mattie May Hedrick, and the identity of the father may never be definitely known. The birth certificate at the Marlinton Courthouse, as stated above, says that the father was Adam Bennett, and further study of this individual reveals that he was Adam J. Bennett, son of William C. and Sarah C. (Phares) Bennett. Mable Nelson Sullivan, of Shinston, W. Va., a sister of Mattie May Hedrick, told me several years ago that Abel Hedrick was the father of Louise. A subsequent trip to Thornwood revealed that this was the feeling among the older residents there who remembered Louise's birth. Adam J. Bennett and Abel Hedrick in fact second cousins, twice removed, both being descendants of Joseph Bennett and wife Phebe Cunningham. So regardless of which paternal line interested descendants choose to follow for Emma Louise Hedrick, it is certain that the Bennett and Cunningham families of early Pendleton County are her father's ancestors. Emma Louise (Hedrick) Lambert Vanpelt died 30 March 1976 in Staunton, Va. submitted by David Armstrong

Just want to say that your web site is the BEST on the internet! As an amateur family historian, I have learned more from your site than any other that I have visited! I especially appreciate being able to read actual articles from your publication. By giving me this "preview" of your society, you have convinced me to become a member. I probably would never have even known you existed without this fabulous web site. I am just learning to use the internet, but already can see that it has tremendous potential for amateur genealogists like myself, who simply cannot travel across country searching for our ancestors. Your web site is a fine example of how MUCH information can be offered to the "searchers" out here! Donna Kaminsky; Overland Park, KS

The ARFHS announces the publication of it's complete SURNAME REGISTRY. This is the master list of the families being studied by members and the names of the members working on each family. This information has ran in bits and pieces in the journals, but is available now for the first time all in one place! For a copy on paper the cost is $5.00 and for a copy on computer disk the cost is $3.00. All persons interested in central West Virginia families should have a copy of this source at their fingertips. Order now at the group PO Box! John McCollam, special projects

Persons who have expressed an interest in the EVERY NAME INDEX of the journals will be notified soon as to where to send their money. Bear with us folks, we're an all volunteer army and the wheels move slowly! David Armstrong, index dist.