Interested in ancestry and genealogy, or family stories?

"With tears in their eyes, people tell me that after reading my manuscript, they know they have to write down so-and-so's stories....they say 'Now I know I just have to.'"

Although times were tough for Elliott growing up in a poor family, he says he doesn't really remember feeling that he was poor. He was reared until he was nine, in the small village of Abydell, Indiana. "Although I grew up in the sixties, our living conditions were closer to those who lived in the forties."

Always a fan of writer Earl Hamner, Elliott writes about his feelings and experiences growing up without the conveniences most had in the sixties. His parents and grandparents were all born in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in and around Sandy Hook, Kentucky, but left there before he was born because of tough personal experiences and economic times. "Since I wasn't born until they all lived in Southern Indiana, I wanted to know more about why they left Elliott County, Kentucky.--They all spoke of it so affectionately." He shares many stories that were told to him by many of his family members who are gone now. From his findings, he resolves to encourage others to take the time to write down memories and stories. He says: "Like our loved ones, these stories will also fade away and will be gone if not preserved."

He encourages us to spend time with older people

"...who still know a lot more than we think they do." He writes for the people who would like to spend more time in the hammock and/or the lawn chair. He wants readers to rekindle the passion for home made ice cream and family storytelling sessions. He writes for those who want to achieve inner peace. He especially expects those who are already involved in ancestry research to find his experiences cultivating and motivational. Likewise, he writes light-hearted stories for those who are laid up with an illness or injury. His stories offer a peaceful refuge from day-to-day annoyances. For those who still love The Walton's televison shows, and other Earl Hamner stories about his life growing up, Elliott offers them some reading that will fill some of their voids.

About the Author

Roger C. Elliott enjoys writing about small town people and small town life. His experiences growing up in small communities and listening to ancestor's stories have inspired his descriptive prose. He is married to Jeanette Renn Elliott. The family lives in Indiana with their two daughters: Alyssa and Lindsey. Elliott has taught at NE Dubois High School for twenty-three years. He and his wife met while attending the University of Evansville where they both received their Bachelor's Degrees. Elliott received his M.A. from Nova Southeastern University.