(From the foreword) This Family History of Anderson County preserves the proud heritage of our county and communities as well as many of our churches, businesses, organizations and families. Our intent is to record a picture of the people, organizations and activities for future generations.

The Peach Tree Project began 25 years ago with The Peach Tree newsletter. This was just a simple rag sheet of what little I had learned about my research of Peach genealogy. I had no intention of this newsletter going anywhere but to the 24 people who first received it. It was an innocent attempt to try to make contact with others whom I thought might be interested in this subject. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine how this would become a lifetime project and touch the homes of thousands of Peach descendants all over the world. Now 25 years later, the 150th Issue of The Peach Tree newsletter has become a reality. This book is about our Peach Heroes. Originally, all I could think about when I thought of heroes were those who had engaged in the military service of our country. Therefore, this book begins with our dedicated Peach war veterans. However, after completing the rough draft of the book, I felt there was a gaping hole in the book that had to be filled. I struggled for months to find things to fill this emptiness. As I wrestled with this, I had no solution for my consuming problem. Then came the 10th National Peach Reunion in Chattanooga, Tennessee. While I was standing before those who came from twelve different states and from as far away as California, Maine and Minnesota, I was struck with the awesome reality that I was looking at my Peach heroes. Most of these had spent all or a major part of the past 25 years with me helping to sustain and grow this Peach Tree Project.

Muhlenberg County, known for coal mining and music, is also celebrated for its close family ties. The Kirtley brothers (above) exemplify the strength of family as they pose on the grave of their father in 1922.

Includes the decisions of the Supreme Courts of Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Texas, and Court of Appeals of Kentucky; Aug./Dec. 1886-May/Aug. 1892, Court of Appeals of Texas; Aug. 1892/Feb. 1893-Jan./Feb. 1928, Courts of Civil and Criminal Appeals of Texas; Apr./June 1896-Aug./Nov. 1907, Court of Appeals of Indian Territory; May/June 1927-Jan./Feb. 1928, Courts of Appeals of Missouri and Commission of Appeals of Texas.