Research on the Stahler family and related names began in 1990 simultaneously with researching information on the Thomas (paternal) and Murphy (maternal) books, which took us from New England to Colorado. The Stahler book took place in the southwest counties of Pennsylvania. All but two surnames in this volume are from Germany and many names repeated in family stories. Because of this, a superscript was used in discussion to clarify generations (also used for footnotes). Stories are remembered. One is Jacob Christman was killed on his farm, and another Jacob Christmen was also killed on the same farm. Or that Gloria’s father was the first athlete playing high school football. They played at Pottsville and won 19–13. “The newspaper account pointed out Pottsville hit a pass receiver in the crowd and he scored two touchdowns through this deception.”

This timely, needed volume focuses on the 9 million people in the U.S. living in poverty in rural settings. Rural poverty is not confined to one section of the country or to on ethnic group. It is a national problem, and the resolution of hidden America's persistent economic plight will depend on a better understanding of who is poor and why. This book's clear, authoritative chapters describe the declining opportunities available in rural areas--- including the social, educational, and political factors that so often pose barriers to economic advancement. economic plight will now depend on a better understanding of who is poor and why. This book's clear, authoritative chapters describe the declining opportunities available in rural areas--including the social, educational, and political factors that so often pose barriers to economic advancement.