Roy Rogers- King of the Cowboys

Roy Rogers was the "King of the Cowboys" long after his movie career had ended. His wardrobe was full of western attire, and he and his wife Dale Evans always looked as if they were ready to ride the trail into the sunset.

The day he died, my sister brough home a big Husky dog- She saw all the news reports, and so naturally named her new dog "Trigger."

Alberta Martin, the (almost) Last Confederate Widow

For the last few years of her life, Mrs. Alberta Martin of Alabama was celebrated as the last living widow of a Confederate Soldier. She had married William Jasper Martin when she was 21 and he was in his 80's. It was common back then for young girls to marry aged War Veterans- When the old Vet passed away his pension was a steady source of income. After her husband passed away, she married his Grandson and was wed to him for over 50 years! Following her death, another woman came forward as a Confederate Widow, and her claim was indeed verified (she and her family were reluctant as they did not want publicity). Mrs. Martin had a friend write a letter, and sent along several photocopies of articles/ pictures all signed by her.

Peter O'Toole

Lawrence of Arabia launched Peter O'Toole to stardom. He has been a fine actor of stage and film for over 50 years, and holds the distinction of receiving the most Academy Awards for acting without winning- Although he was given an honorary Oscar several years ago.

When I sent this it did't come back, and I thought it was a lost cause. It was well over a year when a wrinkled and battered envelope came in the mail from overseas, and I was quite surprised when i opened it and saw it was Peter O'Toole!

Jon Voight- Prolific Actor

Jon Voight has become a Hollywood legend, acting in such classic films as "Deliverance" and "Midnight Cowboy" and more recently in the "National Treasure" films. I've seen him in a lot of films, but my favorite of his performances is as Eddie in "The Five People You Meet in Heaven." It's a wonderful film, and his acting is superb. If you haven't seen it, I suggest you do- It's a poignent story and it showcases Jon Voight at his finest.

Max Schmeling, German Boxing Champion

Max Schmeling was the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion between 1930 and 1932, and was the Pride of Germany. His late 1930's bouts with Joe Louis are still talked and written about today. People called him a Nazi, but although he served in the German Luftwaffe, his hiding of two Jewish children on the night of Kristallnacht as well as other actions during the war prove otherwise. After the war he visited many wounded Americans and would hand out signed photos and talk with the boys.

He and Joe louis became friends, and in Louis's later life Schmeling helped pay medical bills and even helped pay for his funeral.

Stonewall Jackson

Stonewall Jackson was named after the famous Confederate Civil War General of the same name. He has been performing on the Grand Ole Opry for over 50 years, beginning in 1956. He had a string of hits in the 1950's and 60's, most notably "Waterloo" and "Life to Go" and has stayed true to performing a genuine Country Music sound. Several years ago he sued the Grand Ole Opry for age discrimination, citing that the Opry's manager had stated that he didn't want any grey hairs on the stage or in the audience. The case was settled out of court and Jackson is still a regular Opry performer. It's really sad that he and his fellow long-time Opry members would even have to encounter such a thing. I guess there's too much money to be made in the crap that people call "Country Music" these days.

Paul Mellon, Philanthropist

Paul Mellon was born into a life of wealth. His father was Andrew Mellon, the son of the founder of Mellon Bank. Throughout his 91 years he was involved in many things such as writing, banking, art collecting, horse breeding etc- Despite his wealth he did not ignore his Country's call to arms, and served in the US Army during World War II, receiving four Bronze Stars. He donated millions to his Alma Mater Yale University, and donated many rare and valuable works of art to the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. He passed away less than a year after he signed this for me.