Can anyone tell me about Many Islands south of Mammoth Springs. I'm told that my great grandmother's family lived in that area in the late 1800s and her father, William Wright performed at least one marriage there. Would like to hear something about what was home for my ancestors.

I don't know what Many Islands was like in the late 1800's, but my Dad lived in that area when he was a child. He was born in 1909. Then it was just farms as in most rural areas but with the terrain being the beautiful hilly green Ozark Mountains and Spring River winding its way through. His Father died when they were very young leaving a pregnant wife and eight small children behind, so, we can just imagine the hard times that they all endured. My Dad who was the oldest boy, had to quit school to help out, and he was only in the third grade. After he was married he moved to St. Louis Missouri and raised a family there. Years later he his brother who had moved to Texas and was raising his family there would plan their vacations together. We would meet up at Many Islands Camp and rent cabins for a week. The brothers could wade aross the many little water falls and islands and fish together all week long. All of us children would play on the sandy banks of the river, jump off the docks, and swim out to a wooden raft that was anchored in the deeper part of the river. Now I just wish I knew what tales the brothers were out there recalling while they fished together.
Patricia Strauser Johnson
My family lines are

Hello Sherry,
I happend upon your query while checking the boards on my family. My husbands Uncle owns Many Islands and has had for as long as i can remember. His uncles name is Woodrow Taylor. It is a huge camp ground and canoe rental now. As Patricia was telling you, oh by the way Patricias dad was my uncle. he and my grandfather were brothers. Any way there are several small islands in the area. They have built bridges to cross from one to the other now. It is still the most beautiful place you will see in this area. We lived down there for years when we first got married. Some of the cabins are gone now due to aging as is the old store that stood on the far side of the railroad tracks. I would be more than happy to get you some brochures and send them if you would like. It would give you some idea of what it looks like now if you are interested. It was good to find your query about Many Islands. Hope to hear from you, Brenda

To: Brenda Cherry
My aunt has been researching our family genealogy for 40 years. She does not have a computer nor internet access so I ran off the directory of message. She has told me that we are related to you -- my grandfather was Benjamin Frances Strauser. E-mail me at juneaaron@yahoo.com and I will put you in touch with my aunt -- her name is Bonnie Strauser.
Thanks, June Aaron

Hello June, It is good to know you are out there looking. I know Aunt Bonnie. Her husband was my Grandfathers (Clarence Strauser) brother. I have spoken to Patricia on several occasions. Would you please let me know where you are from or some way to contact you. I would like to know how you are related. Thank you so very much for contacting me. Brenda

Brenda, How are you? This is Patricia Strauser Johnson, Al & Bonnie Strausers youngest daughter. The reply that you made to June Aaron was just a little bit off. Her "Aunt Bonnie" that she refers to was a different Bonnie. That Bonnie is Benny Strausers daughter. Benny was a half brother to our George Washington Strauser the father of Allie and Clarence. Thus he was Uncle Benny to Allie and Clarence. Bonnie is a wonderful long time researcher of our Strauser line and her and I have shared loads of information over the years. Just a tidbit here. If there is anything I can do to help you out or you I please let me know. Trishj@frontiernet.net