How interesting. Once again, Patte, you have demonstrated the absolute need to observe and note the events and commerce of the "wheres" of your people. Without those scraps and pieces of local history within which your ancestors were born, moved, lived, and died, genealogy becomes nothing more than cold names and meaningless dates; about as interesting as watching flies on the back porch. Paul Drake JD Genealogist & Author <www.DrakesBooks.com> 931-484-9129 ----- Original Message ----- From: Patte Wood To: [log in to unmask] Sent: Friday, November 25, 2005 8:12 PM Subject: Rowlands and gunpowder My roots are in Botetourt County near the Alleghany and Rockbridge lines. I am interested in the gunpowder discussion and in the information regarding gunpowder and the Rowland family. As many may know, this area has many saltpetre or limestone caves. It is a Karst region and Rockbridge County is not named Rockbridge without reason. I'll have to look, but I think there is reference to a saltpetre cave near the area my family is from in some documents. My GGGG Aunt Sally Wood married William Rowland, son of Thomas and Mary Russell Rowland in 1819 in Botetourt County. They lived near Fincastle in Botetourt Co. Interesting to note that my grandfather graduated from VTech and became a chemist working for Dupont. He was transferred to Washington State near Tacoma where a new powder plant was being built around 1914. There he met and married my Grandmother. Please email me at [log in to unmask] Thanks, Patte Wood Lexington, VA To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.362 / Virus Database: 267.13.8/183 - Release Date: 11/25/2005 To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html