Over the past 50 to 60 years genealogy studies have consumed a lot of time in many people’s lives. In some cases, the search is often as interesting as the information found.

One such incident happened over Memorial Day at the Evergreen Cemetery west of Lawrence.

A member of the American Legion Honor Guard found a couple of notes sealed inside small plastic bags in the cemetery asking for help.

Following is what the notes said:

“My name is Woody Guthrie and I have been researching the Guthrie Family off and on for 40 years. I am looking for any information and photos on these families: William B., Charles A. Guthrie, Shirley, Grove and Oatman. They would have been in Webster County around 1890-1920.”

If anyone in the Lawrence area is familiar with any of the family names, you are asked to contact Allen Ostdiek (lawrence.locomotive @gmail.com) who will pass on the information he collects to Mr. Guthrie.