by Rocky Macy
Michael KNOLL is a researcher from the University of Zurich in Switzerland. He is presently serving as a visiting scholar at the University of South Carolina where he is engaged in a project on the history of progressive education in America. And what could that possibly have to do with Rootbound and the Ozarks? There is a connection, so please read on...
Of particular interest to Michael KNOLL is Ellsworth COLLINGS (original name: Pryor McBee COLLINGS) who served as the county superintendent of schools for McDonald County, MO, from 1915 until 1921. Mr. COLLINGS wrote a book, An Experiment with a Project Curriculum, (MacMillan, 1923), that dealt with a rural model school that he established in 1918. The text was subsequently translated into German, Spanish, and Russian, and, according to our correspondent, is still well remembered -even in Europe.
Michael KNOLL has visited McDonald County in his quest for information on the life and times of Ellsworth (Pryor McBee) COLLINGS, and he would like to supplement what he learned on that visit with the personal recollections of any of our readers who might have known the COLLINGS family or were familiar with the rural model school that Ellsworth set up at Bethpage. Those with material to share on this unique individual should contact Michael KNOLL at the Museum of Education, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208. And while you're at it, make a copy for Rootbound and we'll share it with all of our readers!
Christine RIEHMAN, writer of a most interesting letter several weeks ago regarding her LANKFORD kin and the possible involvement of one of them in the LINDBERGH kidnapping, has moved. Her new address is 42030 Selby Circle, Temecula, CA 92390. Christine mentioned in her most recent letter that Geraldo RIVERA did a special segment on the controversy surrounding the kidnapping. She is hoping that as more facts about the kidnapping are brought to light she will be able to learn more about her colorful relatives!
Kay ROBERTS MARTIN (Rt. 4, Box 440-1, Oak Grove, MO 64075) is still tracking her DOUGLASS family across the Ozarks. Kay is currently researching Thomas H. DOUGLASS (born 1785) who moved from Kentucky to Missouri in 1835. His assumed children were Nancy (SANDERS), Robert (supposedly born TN; married Sarah BARNES on 13 Feb 1838 in Polk County, MO), Jane (CONNER), John (married a PONTEL), Oliver (married a HAMILTON), Permelia (HAMILTON), William J. (married a SANDERS), Mary (HENDERSON), Edmund (married Phebe _____), George Alonzo (married a DONAHOE), Charles Edward (married a CARTER), Sidney Albert (married a GRAHAM), Camillus (married a DAVIS), and Ann (CHINAULT). The family lived in Jackson County, MO, during the 1850's, and some time later migrated to Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Oregon. Kay will gladly exchange information with any of our readers who are working one on those lines.
Thanks to a nudge from author Phillip W. STEELE, this columnist has recently joined the National Association for Outlaw and Lawman History. The organization is comprised of Old West buffs from around the country. They publish a quality quarterly magazine that provides an abundance of material on this unique era of American history. For more information on NOLA, please contact the group's secretary, Rick MILLER, at 615-C North Eighth Street, Killeen, TX 76541. And don't forget to tell Rick that you heard about NOLA through Rootbound!
The Northwest Arkansas Genealogical Society continues to meet the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of the Farmers and Merchants Bank located at Fourth and Chestnut in Rogers, AR. The NAGS is one of the largest genealogy groups in the Ozarks, and their quarterly, The Backtracker, is read by family researchers throughout the country. Membership information is available by writing to NAGS at P.O. Box K, Rogers, AR 72757.
Need a boost up the old family tree? Why not try writing to Rootbound in the Hills in care of this newspaper? We're here to help!
Happy hunting!
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