Donna Gholson Cook

My first book, Gholson Road--Revolutionaries and Texas Rangers, told the story of my father's family.  Since very few of the oldtimers were around to tell stories, most of the information was obtained from research in libraries and courthouses.  The house built by my great-grandfather, B. F. Gholson, near Evant, Texas, has been beautifully restored by David and Binnie Hoffman.

The stories from my mother's family were collected from the personal experiences of aunts, uncles, and cousins for my second book, Fritz and Annie Lippe Family--German Cotton Farmers in Early 1900s Texas.  I also inherited many letters and photos from my mother which were used in the book.  Even though I found very few historical references for the Lippe family, there was enough material from the family to fill 566 pages!

*****

Testimonials for Gholson Road:

Dr. Malcolm D. McLean, editor and compiler of Papers Concerning Robertson's Colony in Texas, letter dated January 25, 2004:
It turned out to be a very handsome production, as I knew it would...

Ralph L. Elder, Assistant Director, Center for American History, Austin, Texas, letter dated January 27, 2004:

I am delighted to acknowledge the receipt of your splendid book, Gholson Road: Revolutionaries and Texas Rangers.  Although I have not had a chance to read Gholson Road it appears to be rigorously researched which, I'm sure, was a labor of love for you.  We are, of course, pleased that the resources here at the Center assisted with your research.
Your book will be cataloged and added to our Texas Collection Library here at the Center where it will be available to current and future generations of researchers.

E-mail from Mick Panarale, June 23, 2004: (ellipses are his)
Just a quick note ... I finished your book last week ... When I was a kid in school, I hated History ... They were always the big thick books, heavy to carry all the way home, and you "had to" read them ... There were no short cuts ... Today they are my favorite ...
Enjoyed your book very much, and learned a lot ... It was a fun book to read ... It took me back into a time in history, and in between the lines of what has already been written ... From Doctors to Thieves ... :-)  

Letter from Clark Hitt, July 12, 2004:
You have pulled together an unbelieveable number (of) facts and events that greatly impress me.  I have always been a "map" person and you have many.  The time line is as complete as I've ever seen.  The many quotes and excerpts of original materials you've found are real grassroots history, which greatly appeal to me. The pictures, footnotes and bibliography are all well done and complete.
 

Letter from Jerry and Beverly Williams, December 16, 2004:
Thank you so much for writing "Gholson Road."  What a wonderful tribute to our family!  ... We have a wonderful family story, and Jerry and I appreciate all the research and hard work that you put into its documentation.  ... We have six wonderful grandchildren and "Gholson Road" will help them appreciate what our ancestors did to help build Texas and our Nation.

E-mail from Marilyn Edwards of Odessa, Texas, July 13, 2006:
I have finally had some time to sit down and read your book.  It is EXCELLENT!  As a matter of fact, my husband, Steve, said it is one of the best books that he has ever read!  Why didn't I pay attention during my History classes in my younger years!  It is unbelievable how the pioneers lived back then and how brave they must have been.  Don't see alot of that now!  Keep on writing about the family.  I'd love to know more!

E-mail from historian Alan C. Huffines August 24, 2006:
Your book is wonderful.

*****

Testimonials for Fritz and Annie Lippe Family:

E-mail from Susan Sellers, August 5, 2009:

What a awesome gift you have given to us by putting the story of our family in one book!  I received the copy I ordered today.  Words can't express what it means to us and all the generations in the future.  It is so very interesting to read.  THANKS A MILLION!!

Letter from Sharon Tull, September 10, 2009:

There are no words to express the thanks we all feel for this wonderful gift you have given to all of us and future generations.  What a tribute to all the ones that came before us.  I am so proud I am in such a wonderful family.  Thank you for everything and all the hard work.

Letter from Elsie Lippe, October 4, 2009:

We got the book Wednesday.  Thanks--thanks!!  What a book!!  Can't put it down, once you start reading it.  I am almost finished with it.  Gorgeous book, and so interesting!