in all its numerous and varied details, this work is absolutely correct, nor is it to be expected that it is beyond criticism; but it is hoped and believed that it will be found measurably correct and generally accurate and reliable. Unwearied and studious care has been constantly exercised in its preparation in the hope of making a standard work of reference, as well as a volume of interest to the general reader.

Such as it shall be found, however, our work is done, our offering completed, and it remains for us to tender our grateful acknowledgments to the people of Appanoose County for the patronage that has enabled us to present them with this volume, and for the courtesy and kindness, almost without exception, extended to our representatives, to whom has been intrusted the work of collecting and arranging the historical record herein preserved to that posterity, who, in the not far distant future, are to take the places of the fathers and mothers of to-day, so many of whose names are honorably recorded in the following pages.

Particularly do we desire to express our warmest thanks to the PIONEER SETTLERS, without whose help and anxious care, we could not have succeeded. To all of these-to the county officers who have so courteously and kindly aided us and placed the official records of the county at our disposal-to the publishers of the county who have generously afforded us so free access to their files to the official representatives of churches, lodges and societies, as well as many civil officers, this paragraph is a tribute of thanks for favors willingly bestowed. The writer would gladly linger to cultivate the pleasant acquaintance obtained in Appanoose County, whose annals he has conned with so much pleasure. Hail and farewell!

In conclusion we may be permitted to express the earnest hope that before another generation shall have passed, some other and abler pen will have gathered and recorded the historic events that are to follow the close of this offering to the people of Appanoose County, that its history may be preserved from generation to generation; and to this end public records, private journals and newspaper files should be carefully preserved.