Paul Collins was born in December 1954 and grew up in Smithboro, Kentucky. His father hailed from Irishman Creek, a region impacted by the construction of a dam, while his mother's family resided in Smithboro. Paul's maternal grandfather, John J. Amburgey, was a schoolteacher and merchant, running multiple general stores in the area alongside his brothers. Paul spent his childhood in Smithboro, where his family operated a general store that evolved into a department store.

Paul Schreffler was born on July 28, 1951, in central Pennsylvania. His early life was marked by the death of his father when he was 20 months old, leading his family to relocate to Blairsville, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. He moved to Buffalo, New York, during his second-grade year after his mother remarried. Schreffler was a diligent student, earning a scholarship to the University of Buffalo, where he majored in music, studying under notable instructors such as Charlie Mingus.

Priscilla "Pill" Teter, Timber Ridge 2-14-1986 

Ralph Sandora was born on July 3, 1943, in Clarksburg, West Virginia. His family moved to Center Point, West Virginia, in 1957 when he was 13 years old. His father, an immigrant from Italy, arrived in the United States at the age of 11, while his mother was born in the United States to Italian parents. Ralph grew up in a close-knit family with two sisters. He pursued a career as a school bus driver in Doddridge County, West Virginia, and retired from this position.

Randy Moyer was born on July 20, 1963, and raised in Portage, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a close-knit community where outdoor activities like hunting and fishing were common. Moyer started working at the age of 13 and eventually became a long-haul truck driver, a profession he pursued for 18 years. He drove across the East Coast, covering over 3 million miles, and owned two tractor-trailers. Moyer's pride and joy is his son, with whom he shares a deep bond, engaging in various activities like fishing and riding a go-kart.

Robert Young hails from Hindman, Kentucky, a small town nestled in the Appalachian region known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Born into a family with deep roots in the area, Young's lineage is intertwined with the history of the region, with ancestors who have played pivotal roles in the community's development. Despite facing the personal challenge of dyslexia, Young's upbringing was marked by a strong connection to his family's past and the traditions of his hometown.

Robert Stewart Edwards was interviewed for the Steamboat Era Museum Oral History Project. Edwards, born on September 30, 1914, was a lifelong resident of Gwynn's Island with deep roots in the community. His family, including the Fosters, operated a canning factory that employed many locals and migrant workers. Edwards himself was involved in the fishing industry and later operated a marine railway with his father. The interview provides a rich account of life on Gwynn's Island, focusing on the local industry and community activities during Edwards' early years.

Roberta Schoemberg is a child development consultant based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With a wealth of experience in teaching preschool children and working in daycare centers, Schoemberg has dedicated her career to understanding and nurturing the development of children. Her work primarily involves collaborating with agencies, training staff, and working directly with individual children. Schoemberg's expertise extends to conducting play sessions with children, a method that allows her to observe and understand their behaviors and stories.

Roger Lee Morral, Sr. 2-14-1986 

subject: Flood control--Virginia; Flood damage prevention—Virginia; Buchanan County (Va.)--History; Grundy (Va.)--Social life and customs; Levisa Fork Basin (Ky. and Va.); Big Sandy River Valley (Ky. and Va.); United States. Army. Corps of Engineers.