Through Old Ground is a collection of stories from the life of Dr. Randy Cross, a small-town Southerner turned English professor and author, most notable for his work with T. S. Stribling's autobiography, Laughing Stock. Dr. Cross grew up in St. Joseph, Tennessee, where he gained the strong foundation upon which he relied throughout his adventures as a two-time Fulbright Scholar and beyond.

With his down-to-earth narrative style, Dr. Cross describes various memories and events in his life, infusing each chapter with his incredible wit and humor. Beginning in his childhood, the book progresses through Dr. Cross's adulthood, reflecting on lessons he has learned and significant people who have been a part of his life.

Through Old Ground transports readers into a world full of nostalgia and heart, reminding us that no matter how far away from our roots we may find ourselves, they will always remain with us and call us back home.

Cotton Was King Limestone, Alabama Plantation Series Book Four gives a history of Limestone County from Indian occupation to the Civil War including the Indian tribes that lived and controlled the area prior to white settlers. During historic times, Doublehead leased lands in the area to white settlers; an 1810 petition lists alphabetically some 400 of these settlers in the Elk River area. Also discussed is the creation of Limestone County, Athens, Sims Settlement, Fort Hampton, Over Elk Region, and early roads and ferries. Beginning in early 1818, many wealthy cotton planters mostly from Virginia migrated into the area after Indian removal in 1816. Over 620 cotton planters in Limestone County owning more than ten black slaves are listed in a table from 1820 through 1860. Several individual profiles of wealthy cotton planters and slave owners are discussed in detail.

Among all the famous Native American Indian chiefs, people today easily recognize names like Geronimo, Sitting Bull, Tecumseh, and Crazy Horse. However, unless you live in North Alabama or Central Tennessee, chances are you've never heard of Cherokee Chief Doublehead. Described as overbearing, hot-tempered, and haughty, he possessed possibly one of the strongest personalities of any man who lived at the time. Through sheer force of will, Chief Doublehead became the principal leader among the Cherokees. Refusing to cede the valuable hunting grounds to white intruders, he managed to confederate several tribes of Indians to wage war for twenty-five years. It has been said tha Doublehead killed more men than anyone who lived during that time period. Butch Walker has written an excellent biography on the great chief, which has been long overdue. Walker takes Doublehead from warrior to famous chief to shrewd businessman. Butch Walker has painstakingly researched all available material on the fierce Cherokee Chief Doublehead. This is a must-read for anyone interested in Native American history.

Appalachian Indian Trails of the Chickamauga: Lower Cherokee Settlements is definitely a must read for anyone interested in the ancestral landscape, aboriginal trails, and historical American Indian settlements of the Southeast. It is obvious in reading this book that Rickey Butch Walker has researched many years to share this extensive and detailed Indian history with us in the south. This information is worthy to be shared with our children and grandchildren to keep them in touch with their deep southern roots; let us never forget from where we started and the trails that our mixed Celtic and Indian ancestors once walked.

By far, Rickey Butch Walker has written the most comprehensive historical document of the Chickamauga faction of the Lower Cherokees that occupied the Muscle Shoals, Big Bend of the Tennessee River, Warrior Mountains, and Coosa River Valley of northern Alabama. His book contains information on the Lower Cherokee settlements in North Alabama dating from 1750 to the Indian removal in 1838. In addition to the Indian trails, villages, and pre-removal forts, Butch Walker discusses Indian removal in North Alabama over land, by water, and by railroad.

This is not just a book of a historical nature but also a book of Native pride. Butch loves sharing his mixed Scots Irish Cherokee heritage with others and it shines through in this well written document. Once again, his writing is filled with emotion, knowledge, and historical data of a time and landscape that must never be forgotten.

Descended from early pioneers of Florence and Lauderdale County, Alabama, the author, William Lindsey McDonald began collecting historical information about the Muscle Shoals more than a half century ago. This research has involved personal interviews with Civil War veterans, former slaves, and descendants of both Native Americans and families of the frontier who were among the first of the European descendants to arrive in North Alabama. Over the years, William Lindsey McDonald has worn many hats. As a World War II and Korean War veteran, he is a retired Army Colonel, a retired Chief of TVA's Budget and Cost Control Staff at the National Fertilizer Development Center, and a retired minister of the United Methodist Church. As a journalist and author, this is the most recent of a number of his books that help to tell the story of the Muscle Shoals.

Today, many of the names of local residents can be clearly traced to some of these planters and slaves. Walker has listed planters and the number of their slaves from 1820 through the 1860 census records. He has provided agricultural information, land records, census records, pictures, family members, birth and death information, and stories to make history come alive. This is a great book for those seeking individual profiles and local family information. I am honored to recommend Cotton Was King Volume 3. Cotton Was King Volume 3 begins with a review of Chief Doublehead and other important Indians who owned these lands before the Turkey Town Treaty of 1816. The author, Rickey Butch Walker, raised in Lawrence County, has always had a love for his Indian heritage and the history of his home county. The book is a historical record of early cotton planters and slave owners who were the first settlers to move into the Indian Territory after the treaty was signed and covers what is now Lawrence and Colbert Counties. There is not another book that compares to the historical account of the earliest days of the area. As we travel through this time capsule of the past, many hidden stories of planters and their slaves are brought to light. It is a compelling read for all who love history and want to get to the truth of the historical roots of Lawrence County.

Information can be found on the pages of this newly revised and expanded book about the first white settlers in this area. Rare and hard to find facts such as lists of names of men who with government land grants settled their families in Lauderdale County and where. Filled with old pictures and photographs of paintings done by Dorothy Carter McDonald, the author's wife, this book is sure to please, inform and add to you knowledge base. Lore of the River The Shoals of Long Ago is a great addition to a history/genealogy collection or a fabulous start

Very few people have lived a life comparable to that of Chickasaw Chief George Colbert; Butch Walker tells the story of this little known Celtic Indian man that lived a life worthy of a Hollywood movie in Chickasaw Chief George Colbert: His Family and His Country. This historic timepiece tells Colbert's story from a son of a Scots father and Chickasaw mother to a decorated military leader, successful ferry operator, plantation owner, businessman, and Chickasaw chief. George Colbert was a relatively unknown historical figure and decorated military hero that led the Chickasaws through Indian removal which was one of the darkest eras of American history. This man was trusted by the Indians, friends to the whites, and respected by local and national figures alike, including former presidents of the United States. Butch Walker has diligently researched the history, family, and overall historical significance of this Chickasaw Chief; Walker spent countless hours researching the life and legacy of George Colbert who was half Celtic (Scots) and half Indian (Chickasaw). George was never defined or limited by his blood quantum; he was a proven leader of the Chickasaw Nation. This book takes the reader from the birth of George's father, through the time of the French-Chickasaw War, beyond the Chickasaw Removal. The tale of the Half-Blood Prince of the 17th century is for anyone wanting to increase their knowledge of southeastern Indians, particularly the Unconquered Unconquerable Chickasaws. The life of George Colbert appears to be taken right from the pages of a Hollywood script. Chickasaw Chief George Colbert: His Family and His Country is a must read for anyone wanting to learn more about the Chickasaw Colbert family.

In, Cotton Was King Franklin-Colbert Counties Rickey Butch Walker gives a wonderful account of Chickasaw Chief George Colbert as a cotton planter and the role of the Chickasaw Colbert's prior to the first white planters who moved with their slaves to claim the fertile lands of the Tennessee River Valley. After the Indian claims to the land were abolished by the 1816 treaty. The United States government transferred land titles to white settlers through federal land sales beginning in 1817. From the nutritionally deprived soil of cotton farms in the east, slave-owning planters poured into early Franklin County, Alabama, most of which is now present-day Colbert County.

Rickey Butch Walker gives profiles of many of these wealthy plantation owners prior to the Civil War. This is the first detailed narrative of some of the white families of Franklin- Colbert County who helped develop the cotton industry of northwest Alabama. Some of the affluent planters, their plantations, land holding, property locations, and numbers of black slaves are discussed in detail. These early planters were dependent on black slave labor to become very wealthy and control vast tracts of land. This is a valuable read for anyone interested in the local history of cotton barons who came to North Alabama from North Carolina and Virginia.

Among all the famous Native American Indian chiefs, people today easily recognize names like Geronimo, Sitting Bull, Tecumseh, and Crazy Horse. However, unless you live in North Alabama or Central Tennessee, chances are you've never heard of Cherokee Chief Doublehead. Described as overbearing, hot-tempered, and haughty, he possessed possibly one of the strongest personalities of any man who lived at the time. Through sheer force of will, Chief Doublehead became the principal leader among the Cherokees. Refusing to cede the valuable hunting grounds to white intruders, he managed to confederate several tribes of Indians to wage war for twenty-five years. It has been said tha Doublehead killed more men than anyone who lived during that time period. Butch Walker has written an excellent biography on the great chief, which has been long overdue. Walker takes Doublehead from warrior to famous chief to shrewd businessman. Butch Walker has painstakingly researched all available material on the fierce Cherokee Chief Doublehead. This is a must-read for anyone interested in Native American history.

Victory in war depends on the efforts of every individual engaged in the conflict - not only the combatant at the front lines, but those who support, supply, and provide medical attention to him as well. Arthur W. Wolde, Sr., here, in his recounting of his experiences in the Second World War, tells of the bravery and dedication of the men of the ambulance corps who served in every theater of that war and whose efficiency in performing their duties was often rewarded with a prolonged exposure to the perils of the front. Ambulance #11 (the title refers to the author's vehicle) tells the story of the men in the 451st Medical Collecting Co. who drove their ambulances ashore during the assault on Normandy, were present at the liberation of Paris, accompanied the Allied Forces in the penetration and collapse of Nazi Germany, and were about to be transferred to the Pacific theater when news came of the Japanese capitulation. Mr. Wolde's accounts vividly point out the horror and absurdity of war and the unexpected courage and compassion that somehow can survive in its waste.

Very few people have lived a life comparable to that of Chickasaw Chief George Colbert; Butch Walker tells the story of this little known Celtic Indian man that lived a life worthy of a Hollywood movie in Chickasaw Chief George Colbert: His Family and His Country. This historic timepiece tells Colbert's story from a son of a Scots father and Chickasaw mother to a decorated military leader, successful ferry operator, plantation owner, businessman, and Chickasaw chief. George Colbert was a relatively unknown historical figure and decorated military hero that led the Chickasaws through Indian removal which was one of the darkest eras of American history. This man was trusted by the Indians, friends to the whites, and respected by local and national figures alike, including former presidents of the United States. Butch Walker has diligently researched the history, family, and overall historical significance of this Chickasaw Chief; Walker spent countless hours researching the life and legacy of George Colbert who was half Celtic (Scots) and half Indian (Chickasaw). George was never defined or limited by his blood quantum; he was a proven leader of the Chickasaw Nation. This book takes the reader from the birth of George's father, through the time of the French-Chickasaw War, beyond the Chickasaw Removal. The tale of the Half-Blood Prince of the 17th century is for anyone wanting to increase their knowledge of southeastern Indians, particularly the Unconquered Unconquerable Chickasaws. The life of George Colbert appears to be taken right from the pages of a Hollywood script. Chickasaw Chief George Colbert: His Family and His Country is a must read for anyone wanting to learn more about the Chickasaw Colbert family.

There have been many books written about the poor country hill people of the Appalachian Mountains, as well as the Indians of this historic place. In Celtic Indian Boy of Appalachia: A Scots Irish Cherokee Childhood, Butch Walker tells his personal tale of two cultures that influenced the stories of his upbringing. His roots are deeply planted in the mountains and valleys of the southern foothills of Appalachia; so springs forth this raw story of his life. Nothing is hidden from the reader as you are taken from the cotton fields, to the creek bottoms, and backwoods in a tale of heartache and adventure. People from all ages and backgrounds can appreciate stories from a Celtic Indian childhood that has not been forgotten. In the age of our fast paced and technologically advanced society, when most do not know the meaning of hard work, it is nice to be reminded of a simple time that revolved around family and living off the land. Celtic Indian Boy of Appalachia takes a personal approach to history, where memories become real; it takes you back to a time long forgotten in the hills and hollows of the Warrior Mountains. You will feel his sting of a poverty driven area; you will cry at his heartaches; you will feel the pain of needs to be met; and you will laugh at the little joys that meant so much to him, but all these things would be considered minor in today's world. Butch Walker's stories are true and full of life; his struggles and trials were real. Some folks might call people like Butch Walker, hillbilly, redneck, or just plain country; to him, the old ways and ways of the wild were just life, as it is, not retouched. Celtic Indian Boy of Appalachia is Butch Walker's best work yet; because it is from his heart, it is personal, and it is not sugar coated. I hope you find as much joy as I did while you laugh, cry, feel the triumph, and the pain of a Celtic Indian boy growing up in the southern foothills of the lower Appalachian Mountains.

Appalachian Indians of the Warrior Mountains embodies the American Indian history of southern Appalachia, along with an underlying deep love of great Native places such as the High Town Path, Melton's Bluff, and Doublehead's Town. Rickey Butch Walker describes his childhood backyard using details that will paint a picture before your eyes of the life and times of Indian people. Find out the history of our Native Americans of the Southeastern United States, hear a story about a battle and love of a young Chickasaw maiden Magnolia, listen to the passion of Walker's voice as you read about the struggle of the removal of his own people to another land, and embark through time as you read this book. It is so important to preserve the history of our aboriginal people and realize that they played an important part of what our country is today. Some historians and books would like to start American history with Columbus, the founding presidents, or the first Thanksgiving where Indians are first mentioned. The truth is our story as Native Americans and our American history starts way before Columbus; the first people struggled for survival thousands of years before European explorers made their first appearance in this country. Rickey Butch Walker does an excellent job in this book of keeping our past alive for present day; and, he gives this gift to our youth in order for them to have a record and recollection of their ancestors for years to come. Without these facts being passed or these stories being told, our heritage would slowly fade and dry up like a grape in the sun. I appreciate the fact that Rickey Butch Walker fights to keep our American Indian stories of the Southeastern United States fading from the pages of history. Brandy W. Sutton

Following the real stories of ordinary people who overcame obstacles to accomplish extraordinary things, Never Lose Heart contains 52 inspirational accounts that speak to anyone in any season. Whether you are looking to be inspired to follow your dreams or uplifted to conquer your trials, Never Lose Heart has a story written for you.

Nearly twenty-five years ago, David Guy Sharp embarked on an epic adventure. His quest would involve thousands of hours combing through libraries, courthouses and cemeteries. He would invest an incredible amount of time and effort in making phone calls and visiting family members in search of hidden gems that had been all but lost to future generations. The book you are holding in your hand is the treasure trove of Mr. Sharp's labor. Within these pages he has compiled years of painstaking research on the Sharp family throughout the generations. A combination of rare photos, detailed genealogy and interesting trivia, Sharp Family: Remembering Those Who Have Gone Before Us is a must read for any history lover-especially those related to the Sharp family.

Having known Tom McDonald all my life, I can tell you that reading his book is like spending time with him. He captures the rural South with wit and feeling in his recollections of country life. It is with personal pleasure and family pride that I place his first book alongside Paths in the Briar Patch and The Old North Field, written by my father and Tom's oldest brother, William L. McDonald. Nancy McDonald There ought to be more books written by Tom McDonald. He has the ability to tell a story in a way that transports you to when it happened. Tom describes real life in the South and reminds me of similar adventures in my own boyhood as well as my more recent misadventures on the farm. I enjoyed every page. Coach Pat Dye Normal everyday life blossoms into funny, sentimental and endearing adventures as the author shines his own humorous light and wit on life and family in the rural South. When Memories Come Calling will make you look at life's lighter side and smile. Debra Hanback, Florence, Al.

Kilauea's eruption on the Big Island of Hawaii affected an elementary school girl Puanani. It is her encouraging this meaningful story that shows Puanani turning her feelings of helplessness about the lava flowing into the ocean into a dogged determination to save as much sea life as possible-especially the turtles. Her persistence inspires her family and canoe club to help her in the quest to make beaches and shorelines a cleaner and safer place for the animals and people who love them.

*Written in English with Hawaiian vocabulary included.

Why just survive when you can thrive?

The U.S. has one of the highest rates of

addiction, depression, anxiety, OCD, ADD,

ADHD, obesity, and cancer in the world.

We use more pharmaceuticals than any

other nation. These statistics are not much

different in the church, and yet the Bible says

it should not be so. Many Christians simply

don't know how to apply biblical principles of

body, soul, and spirit to their daily lives. In

her 30-year journey with Christ, Robin Perry

Braun has uncovered many truths in science

which align with biblical principles. Much of

the church has labeled this science as New Age or witchcraft. This book is an effort to

align science and scripture in practical, life-giving principles that, when applied, can take

you from just surviving to thriving and becoming a world-changer.