Many correspondents have asked how this family history received its start. On a visit to my native community, Bowling Green, Ky., in 1954, I learned that two friends planned to write the history of Warren County and that the history of Barren County, early home of my ancestors, was being compiled. It seemed proper that I should gather the earliest available records of Wilcoxson, Walton, Smith, Calahan, McInteer and Harding - my ancestors who settled early in Barren County - and contribute a few paragraphs for the biographical section of the history of that county.

          Interesting traditions and revealing documents were found and the search led to my first knowledge that I was a descendant of Daniel Boone's sister, Sarah (Boone) Willcockson. Then followed the discovery of "The Boone Family," a genealogical history of the descendants of George and Mary Boone who came to America in 1717, by Hazel A. Spraker. The reading of this book led to the conclusion that the Wilcoxson family probably had as many adventures, as many "pioneering" experiences and produced as many interesting and prominent people as those in the Boone lines which Mrs. Spraker traced.

          Then followed research and correspondence in an effort to assemble and present in permanent form all early records - scattered and previously undiscovered - and to record the history and relationships of later generations for the enjoyment of posterity.

          Generous assistance was given by hundreds of descendants mentioned in the book. Some have contributed Bible records, tramped through newly discovered burial plots on farms, searched Census lists and Court Records. Space does not permit the listing of such a vast group of contributors living in almost every state.

          Some people who are not Wilcoxson descendants have contiibuted untiringly and generously by searching for information in their areas. Readers and I, alike, are especially indebted to them, some of whom are:

          MRS. HAZEL A. SPRAKER, who contributed notes and correspondence not appearing in her book and gave permission for the use of material from her book.

          MRS. GLEN EARLE MILLER, who searched the records of Society of Friends in Swarthmore College Library and Court Records, Chester Co., Penn.

          MRS. ROBERT GATTEN, who searched books, manuscripts and microfilms at the University of Kentucky library.

          MRS. VIVIAN T. ROUSSEAU, who contributed hundreds of records from the Court House in Barren Co., Ky.

          MRS. BERYL S. COX, who searched all records of Ashe Co., N. C.

          HARRY FERRIS JOHNSTON, professional genealogist of Wilcox of Conn., Rhode Island, Mass., and New York, who contributed references and correspondence collected for about 30 years - but not related to the lines he traced.

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