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America has become a nation of extended rather than nuclear families. The peculiar social forces of this computerized, technological society have had a tendency to depersonalize primary relationships. The collection of data and stories about our families may make the Autry-Culbreth Clan more personal and real. This is one objective of this publication.

For over fifty years, I have been collecting information on our relatives. Since my first family publication in 1977, I have met and come to know many beautiful and interesting cousins, especially Cousin Robert Autry Brooks, the co-editor of this publication. The quality of my life has been enriched and family cooperation and support has been super.

This study was not undertaken to boast, to alibi, to gain membership into fraternal or patriotic organizations, or to discover coats of arms, although all are possible, but rather to let our relatives know their ancestors. I agree, however, with Daniel Webster who said, "There is a moral and philosophical respect for our ancestors which elevates the character and improves the heart." Indeed, this genealogical study seeks to bridge the memory of the past, the life of the dead, and the happiness of the living.

At this stage of my life, as the "second pull" becomes stronger, it seems appropriate to finalize and improve the History of the Autry-Culbreth Families so others may come to know WHO THEY ARE and WHO THEY WERE As children of the Universe, we could profit from practicing the shibboleths set forth in Desiderata.

      Go placidly amid the noise & haste, & remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly & clearly; and listen to others, even the dull & ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud & aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain & bitter; for always there will be greater & lesser persons than yourself Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity & disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigne & loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees & the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever you labors & aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

      (Note: Desiderata, which is usually said to have been copies from an. inscription "found in Old Saint Pauls Church, Baltimore; dated 1696," was actually written by an Indiana poet named Max Ehrmann and registered with the Copyright Office of the Library of Congress early in 1927. Copyright was renewed after the authors death by his widow, and the work still is protected by the United States Copyright Law. Thus, this popular philosophical statement is neither anonymous nor ancient, having both an author and a fairly recent date.)

Because it is not always a clearly definable universe, because it often is a universe lacking direction, and because the nature of the universe differs greatly from individual to individual, this family history is written in keeping with the spirit of Desiderata.