I'd have to nominate two outstanding folks who have with single minded
devotion done a lifetime of study on their subjects.

Bill Trout. No other person has made such an amazing contribution to
such a major topic as has Bill with his study of the canal system in
the state. It was virtually forgotten and Bill has managed to survey
nearly all the rivers in the state, has constantly pushed for
recognition and has published his findings in an enjoyable and useful
format. Canals were the great transportation idea of the 18th and 19th
century, designed to open up the West which at that time was over the
Appalachians.

Tom Brady. Another Virginia industry was charcoal iron making. Tom was
from an iron family (Buffalo Forge) and spent a lifetime finding and
recording all the furnaces in the state, and I do mean all. That's a
feat in itself. He also looked for forges, foundries and anything else
related to iron. He surveyed each of these facilities and his work will
be the basis for a good number of higher academic degrees.

Lyle Browning

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