All of you knowledgeable 1903 Springfield experts

[RBruce]

Please, take the time to document your invaluable knowledge. Even if it is not well organized, make sure that it will be passed down to future generations. I have always regretted that I didn't ask my grandfather about his migrating to America in the early part of last century. Or, how it was to live in the coal area of Scotland. I was only 16 when he died. Information lost forever. I also failed to gather much information from my father about his life during the depression and later his service during WWII. I did ask him to write some of his memories, but they were rather sketchy.

Information

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[Jim Tarleton]

My dad ran a rolling store during the depression, and I once asked him about it. He wasn't interested in discussing it. Sad.

jt

[Emri]

Please, take the time to document your invaluable knowledge. Even if it is not well organized, make sure that it will be passed down to future generations. I have always regretted that I didn't ask my grandfather about his migrating to America in the early part of last century. Or, how it was to live in the coal area of Scotland. I was only 16 when he died. Information lost forever. I also failed to gather much information from my father about his life during the depression and later his service during WWII. I did ask him to write some of his memories, but they were rather sketchy.

Do you want the family history, since the 1600's ? Or just what I know about M1903 rifles ??

OK, I just re-read your posting. Before the 1700's I don't know, just what is shown in a family ( geniology ) history of the last name.

I DO know that my Grandmothers Great Grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812. ( His father was a veteran of the American Revolution, participated in the Battle of Breed's Hill ) I have a copy of his diary, and the original is now in the possesion of the University of Mississippi's "Center for the Study of Southern Culture". That same person had several offspring that participated in the "War of northern Aggression". I have copies of their diaries, and the originals are also in the possesion of the U of M as stated above, as are many original letters and such from the 1860's war period.

The quote from my grandmother's great grandfather's diary that sticks in my mind is his stating, during the Battle of New Orleans; " It was the first time I ever fired my rifle at a white man". I guess that as early settlers of the western TN / northern MS area, he had plenty of chances to discharge his rifle at " non-caucasians".

Just like JimT and JB and others, I will gladly share what little I know about said rifles with y'all. Let me know what you want to know.

FWIW,

Emri

[Midmichigun]

Guys,
Before my great Aunt passed on, I was only given 1 session with her, in which to actually tape a conversation. She told me stories that I didn't hear before, dating back to the 1920's.
Yep, write, photograph, archive as much as possible.
We also have a great audio tape of my wifes Grandfather about his exploits during WWII. Rather vague... but still great. Then I got to look at his service papers... and found that he was a decorated soldier, after he passed on...

[Chuckindenver]

i can see it now....Willie Coyote,s guide to working on the 1903 Springfield lol....

[RBruce]

I was thinking more about historical tidbits and interesting anomalies. Of course there are opinions, and we know about them, however, some a definitely worth more than others.

[Chuckindenver]

sorry Bruce,,i was just being a smart ars...

[emmagee1917]

You mean like my dad telling about working on a hay balier crew ? Bailer was towed by a tractor , would pick up the dried hay and pack it into bales. The three man crew would set on each side as the bale passed wraping and twisting the wire. Good fun till you picked up a rattlesnake ! Dad invented the automatic wire feeder and twister that was used as long as the bailing wire was. Nope , we arn't rich , he sold the patent for $5,000 , good money back in the 40s. Nothing like a peeved rattler to motivate you.
Chris

[rich v]

Am i missing something on this topic? HUH...

[emmagee1917]

Not at all. Hay was used ( still is ) to feed horses. Horses were used by the cavary. The cavary carried 03 springfields. See ? It all ties in.
Chris