I was born and raised in McDowell County. I graduated from Welch High in 1959 and from Concord College in 1966. Although I moved out of state after graduation I have returned every year since to visit family and friends. I have also traveled much of the state to fish, hike and sightsee. Now retired, I still visit West Virginia every year to explore new places and to return to the areas familiar to me. My story telling began when I took notes as a youngster about my fishing experiences. I wrote down methods and techniques about fishing that I learned on my own; in addition to tips and advice that my relatives and friends that I fished with, gave to me. As time went by I started to include some of my fishing partners in my how to-catch fish articles. The three fishing stories in this book (Trout Fishing-A Family Tradition, My Fishing Buddy, and Big Wild Trout-In Elkhorn Creek?) evolved to be as much about the characters that I fished with as about the art of catching fish. The story The Cheerful Botanist was written in tribute to my favorite biology teacher, Dr. Ellis Meade McNeill. From my notes and quotes I put together a sentimental summary of the times I spent with him at Concord College. Another story close to my heart that s included here is Memories of Summers County and The John Delbert Neelys . I met them at about age 20 and they became my close friends and have been an influence and inspiration to me throughout life.

McClain Printing, Publisher.