I am a library media specialist at a public high school. During my studies as a graduate student I practiced my research skills by working on all branches of my family tree.

My surnames include but are not limited to Cottrell, Stipe, McPheeters, Nelson, Riechard, Hollenback, Jennings, Bucher/Booker, Campbell, Lemon, Robards, Roach, Riley, Laird, Spry, Farr, Lynn/Linn, Eaton, Ogden, Watkins, Cornelius, James, Cook, Hodgson/Hodson, Mackie, Pabst, Wright, Bowater, Underwood, Wells, Swanson, Willis, Hinish, Peck, Hovey, Wadsworth and Donahue.

Although I am not related by blood to the Tompkins or Lear families of Ralls County, Missouri I research these families in honor of my Great Aunt Mallie Pearl Tompkins Laird. There are no descendants for her husband, herself or any of her siblings. My goal is that her family not be forgotten. The surnames I work on for my Aunt Mallie's family are Tompkins, Lear, some Strode and some Maddox.