The decision to pursue a terminal degree represents a life-changing commitment. As a student, you are pushed to the limits and forced to make tough choices. Do I spend valuable time with family and friends, or do I study? Do I give up hobbies and make the conscious decision to hole up in a room alone for hours every day for perhaps three or more years? Did you know that research shows the average time to complete a doctoral degree is more than seven years, and most either quit or finish all but dissertation (ABD)? In this book, you will read the stories of people who made this commitment. The stories are the authors' personal reflections about how they achieved their degree or are surviving the grind of a program. You will read about trials and tribulations and also success. Perhaps more important, this book is about real life. The authors are you

Natchez, Mississippi, was under Spanish rule from 1779 until 1798. Official documents were translated from the Spanish in 1818. At some later date, the handwritten translation was transcribed into type. This work is compiled from that typed transcript, which is located at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. It includes such records as depositions, declarations, wills, deeds, bills of sale and reports of disagreements. Most of the records date between 1781 and 1798, although there are scattered earlier and later dates. Over 550 surnames are given, over 100 slaves are named, and there are fifty-five connections to other cities and regions. Each entry includes the page number of the original typescript so that the reader can easily reference the subject. A surname index is included.

Amberella is An Action Hero Adventure story of a little princess searching to find her mother. She travels through different exotic lands experiencing frightening and funny encounters. The Queens from different enchanting lands teach her wisdom, respect and secret guide lines to prepare her for her future. She learns from different animals how to communicate and respect all living creatures. Many children have responsibilities beyond their years. Amberella is a fantasy to help children cope with adult problems by learning that the Laws of the Universe can make them stronger and more successful. Amberella demonstrates how to believe in one's self and dare to live one's dreams. Critics are saying that Amberella is not only for children, but a book for all ages

Equity records are a rich source of genealogical facts. In the course of settling disputed or complicated inheritances, names of stepchildren, half siblings, maiden names, deceased husbands, first, second, third spouses, and extended family relations may all be part of testimony. Although one suit concerns a transaction made in 1736, most of these cases fall between 1790 and 1820. Many of these suits contain dozens of pieces of evidence compressed into a few paragraphs: names, dates, situation, and decree. Here we find families torn by dissention, abused wives, dishonest guardians, contentious relatives, and at least one destroyed will. Suits for separate maintenance show the deplorable situation of women when married to violent or unstable husbands. Other official records and family bibles cannot compare with the revelation of troubles and relationships found in Equity Court holdings. This volume contains a useful list of abbreviations and a full-name and place index.

This third volume of county court minutes provides a glimpse into the early years of the fledgling state. "Constant creation of new roads and ferries reveal the influx of new settlers to middle Tennessee. Unfamiliar names appeared in the minutes as the justices of the peace dealt with disputes, orphans, poverty, estates, wills, sales, apprentices, licenses, and the multiplicity of other matters that fell to their jurisdiction." This work condenses the often flowery language of the original minutes to a brief accounting of the subject brought before the court and the people involved. Many citizens who would not appear in other records may have had business with the court, and would therefore be listed in the court's minutes. The index lists surnames, places and organizations mentioned in the text.

Rhea County, on the banks of the Tennessee River, was created in 1807 from Roane County. In 1819, Hamilton County was cut from Rhea. Rhea County was a stopping point for families intending to settle, travelers spending a season of two before heading west, and renters hoping eventually to buy their own farms. A dearth of material about early Rhea County makes these circuit court minutes useful to genealogists. Besides the names of residents and transients, names of people in other counties and other states appear in the minutes. The information in this volume has been abstracted from microfilm of the handwritten minute books. Typically, each session begins by naming the presiding judge, sheriff, deputy and jurors. This is followed by the cases in order of their appearance, with names of plaintiffs, defendants and witnesses. Most of the cases involve unpaid leases, but other business includes deeds, divorces, powers of attorney and criminal offences. Records are presented in chronological order; and the text includes an every-name index.

For genealogists, delving into a package of probate records is an adventure. Probate records are sworn documents that go beyond the will to show how the estate was settled. These records offer insight even when persons left no will. They may reveal names,

The eleventh volume in this series of deed book abstracts is particularly useful to genealogists because the documents were recorded in 1825 and 1826, midway between the 1820 and 1830 censuses. In addition to the names, dates and land descriptions one wou

The deed book abstracts in this volume were gleaned from documents that were recorded between 1826 and 1829. In addition to the names, dates and land descriptions one would expect to find in such records, these deed abstracts also reveal names of children

Cut from Davidson County in 1786, Sumner was the fastest growing county in central Tennessee. Sumner covered a large area which is now divided into many other counties. When the Indian troubles ended, Sumner was a hive of activity: ferries and mills were

No census exists for the years covered in this book-a time when settlers were flooding into Tennessee in record numbers as a result of the subjugation of the hitherto troublesome Indians. Some settlers stayed on permanently, while others just stopped over

Probate records are sworn documents that go beyond the will to show how the estate was settled. These records offer insight even when persons left no will. They may reveal names, relationships, date of death, items being sold, names of buyers, final distr

Although Williamson County, Tennessee, was formed from part of Davidson County in 1799, the first surviving census is the 1820 enumeration. Other records must be used to throw light on families of those early years. Minute Book Two of the Court of Pleas a

At the time these deeds were written, Edgefield contained all or parts of the present counties of Aiken, Greenwood, McCormick and Saluda. Deed books contain not only land conveyances, but also powers of attorney, depositions, judicial sales and sales of h

Although these abstracted deeds were recorded from 1798 to 1800, the years in which they were written stretch from the 1760s. Many chains of title reach back to the 1750s and may tell of land sold, disputed and inherited; they name heirs, kinfolk of other

By the end of the 18th century, Edgefield County veterans of the American Revolution were becoming the older generation. Changes surrounded them. The cotton gin gave a profitable crop to the South and strengthened the once-fading institution of slavery. P

At the time these deeds were written, Edgefield contained all or parts of the present counties of Aiken, Greenwood, McCormick and Saluda. Deed books contain not only land conveyances, but also powers of attorney, depositions, judicial sales and sales of h

In this book are mentioned the names of more than 3,700 free persons. They are sellers, buyers, orphans, widows, adjoining neighbors, previous owners, and donors of gifts to children and friends. Most deeds concern land conveyances. There are also prenupt

Deed books contain not only land conveyances, but also powers of attorney, depositions, judicial sales, and sales of household and farm equipment, livestock and slaves. These transactions often name wives, children, parents, assorted kinfolk, previous own