Skip to main content

Full text of "The Catchings and Holliday families, and various related families, in Virgina [sic], Georgia, Mississippi and other southern states"

See other formats


THEGATGHINGS 


HOLLIDAY  FAMILIES 


C!_Q^^vC^'-f^xv^^ 


^ 


'A' 


M^ 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2008  with  funding  from 

IVIicrosoft  Corporation 


http://www.archive.org/details/catchingshollidaOOcatc 


THE  CATCHINGS 

AND 

HOLLIDAY  FAMILIES 

AND  VARIOUS  RELATED  FAMILIES,  IN 

VIRGINA,  GEORGIA,  MISSISSIPPI  AND 

OTHER  SOUTHERN  STATES 

1  .C,C*fe--^'--''-^vV  *-  ^""^'^ 


THE  A.  B.  CALDWELL  PUB.  CO- 
ATLANTA.  GA. 


THE  NEW  YOT^K 
PUBLIC  LIBRARY 


A3T0R,  L;-.,OX  AND 

TILDEN  FOUNDATIONS 

n  1927  L 


The  drafting  of  a  family  chart  was  suggested  by  Mrs.  J. 
R.  Baird,  and  was  begun  by  her  brother,  T.  C.  Catchings, 
and  finished  by  Mrs.  M.  C.  Torrey,  their  sister. 

This  chart  is  dedicated  to  the  memory  of  our  father,  and 
is  compiled  mostly  from  information  furnished  by  kind 
relatives,  of  those  born  and  reared  in  Virginia,  Georgia  and 
Mississippi.  It  is  to  be  regretted  that,  aside  from  old  Bible 
records  of  births  and  deaths,  the  knowledge  of  our  ancestors 
now  in  possession  of  those  living  is  vague  and  meagre.  It 
is  hoped  the  data  given  in  this  chart  may  prove  a  valuable 
reference  for  future  generations :  also  that  great  charity  will 
be  shown  for  unintentional  errors ;  much  care  and  patience 
having  been  expended  in  gathering  and  arranging  into  aa 
correct  form  as  possible  the  different  branches  descended 
from  our  forefathers  in  America. 


ERRATA. 


Page  36,  No.  258,  second  line,  should  read,  she  was,  for 
she  is. 

Page  37,  line  17  from  bottom,  should  read  Dr.  T.  C. 
Catchings,  for  Dr.  T.  Catchings. 

Page  41,  last  line  but  one  in  last  paragraph  but  one, 
should  read,  Rufus  K.  Arthur,  for  Rufus  K.  Arthen. 

Page  43,  last  line,  should  read  1861,  for  1862. 

Page  45,  line  20  from  bottom,  read  Maurice,  for  Mauriel. 

Page  53,  third  line,  should  read  Low,  for  Law ;  fifth  line 
should  read  Galignam  for  Galagni. 

Page  68,  Paragraph  two  should  read :  "Before  my  hus- 
band's death,  he  frequently  spoke  of  the  songs  I  used  to 
sing  when  young.    N.  M.  C." 

Page  73,  No.  736,  read  Catchings,  after  Hallette  Hudson. 

Page  74,  Numbers  747,  748  and  749,  should  follow  No. 
515,  page  155. 

Page  76,  line  six  from  bottom,  should  read  Adalaide 
Wolfe,  for  Adelaide,  etc. 

Page  93,  second  paragraph,  third  line,  should  read  April 
26,  for  April  21. 

Page  94,  fifth  line  from  bottom,  should  read.  Girls  hold- 
ing up  hers,  for  holding  up  him. 

Page  98,  line  four  from  bottom,  read  left  me  for  left  us. 

Page  102,  in  line  17  read  Wm.  Johns,  for  Mr.  Johns. 

Page  106,  read  Bolton  Depot,  for  Batton  Depot. 

Page  108,  read  "For"  at  beginning  of  line  one. 

Page  123,  end  of  second  line,  third  paragraph,  read  my, 
x^r  any. 

Page  129,  end  of  line  six,  paragraph  four,  read  T.  D, 
Bratton  for  Wm.  M.  Green. 

Page  137,  line  16  from  bottom,  read  in,  for  ni. 


EXPLANATORY  NOTE 


The  plan  of  this  book  is  simple.  It  is  arranged  to  facili- 
tate reference  to  a  name  or  a  family.  While  it  contains 
much  valuable  historical  and  biographical  material,  it  is 
primarily  genealogical  and  for  that  reason  no  effort  has  been 
made  to  arrange  the  matter  either  chronologically^  or  with 
reference  to  its  importance. 

It  will  be  observed  that  the  names  of  those  whose  lineage 
is  traced  are  numbered  consecutively.  In  addition,  each 
name  is  followed  by  a  number  in  parentheses  which  refers 
back  to  the  parents  of  the  person  named.  This  should  make 
it  easy  to  trace  any  name  in  the  book. 

Every  name  in  the  book  has  been  indexed.  As  is  custom- 
ary in  works  of  this  sort  words  most  frequently  occurring 
have  been  abbreviated,  thus:  b.  born;  m.  married;  d.  died, 
etc.  Wide  margins  and  blank  leaves  distributed  through 
the  book  may  be  used  for  additional  notes. 

THE  PUBLISHER. 


DR.    1.  J.   CATCHINGS 

(Copied   from  an   oil  portrait,   painted   about   1846,   while   residing 

in   Hinds   County,   Mississippi) 

(The   lower   lip   is   too  full   as   copied) 


THE  CATCHINGS  FAMILY 


A  CONJECTURE 

"The  first  record  to  be  found  of  the  name  in  America  is 
^hat  of  Henry  Catching,  who  in  1638  was  a  member  of  the 
first  court  held  in  Norfolk  Parish,  Va.,  and  was  a  member 
of  the  County  Commission.  A  record  of  this  is  in  the 
Clerk's  office,  Portsmouth.  It  is  conjectured  that  he  came 
from  the  south  of  England  with  a  Puritan  colony  and  settled 
on  the  coast  of  Virginia  in  what  is  now  Princess  Anne 
County,  before  1628.  He  was  a  prominent  man  in  the 
little  colony,  being  a  county  juror.  When  the  Howards, 
Stones,  Thorough  goods,  Lawsons,  Lloyds  and  others  went  to 
the  western  shore  of  Maryland,  he  also  moved  there.  Here 
his  family  became  connected  with  the  Seymours  and  Holli- 
days.  When  the  emigration  to  North  Carolina  after  1700 
began,  some  of  his  children  perhaps  may  have  settled  on 
the  eastern  short  of  that  state.  Others  remained  in  Mary- 
land and  when  the  ceded  lands  were  opened,  Benjamin 
Catchings,  descendant  of  Henry,  came  to  these  lands  in 
Wilkes  County,  Ga." 

(Rev.)  Geo.  G.  Smith,  Vineville,  Ga." 

When  the  first  immigrants  of  the  name,  prior  to  the  Revo- 
lutionary War,  came  to  America,  some  think  they  landed 
in  Maryland,  going  from  there  to  Virginia  and  finally  to 
Georgia,  where  Merideth,  Joseph,  Philip,  Seymour  and  Ben- 
jamin settled,  and  that  the  last  four  were  sons  of  Merideth 
Catching. 

"Benjamin  Catching  was  Assistant  County  Surveyor  of 
Washington  County,  Ga.,  in  1784.  In  1780  and  1782  he  was 
Assistant  Judge  of  the  County  of  Wilkes.  He  was  a  member 
of  the  Legislature.  Benjamin  Catching  was  granted  300 
acres,  1784;  200  acres,  1784;  112  acres,  1792;  and  112  acres 
in  1795,  all  on  Little  River  in  Wilkes  County,  Ga.  Benjamin 
Catching,  Esq.,  was  a  member  of  the  General  Assembly 
1783  and  1784  and  February  17,  1784,  was  paid  28  pounds 
for  attendance."  Sam  D.  Fanning,  Ordinary,  Washington, 
Ga.     April  5,  1912." 

The  first  Grand  Jury  of  Jones  County,  Ga.,  had  as  mem- 
bers Seymour  and  Phillip  Catching. 

"Seymour  Catching  was  granted  400  acres  on  Little  River 
in  1784  and  93  acres  in  1790.  Meredith  Catching  was  grantd 
100  acres  on  Little  River  in  1784,  400  acres  on  Kettle  Creek 
in  1786,  and  250  acres  on  Kettle  Creek,  in  1791,  all  in  Wilkes 


County.  Joseph  Catching  was  granted  200  acres  on  Kettle 
Creek*  in  1785  and  200  acres  on  Kettle  Creek  in  1784.  Ed- 
mund Catching  was  granted  200  acres  on  Kettle  Creek  in 
1789.  Joseph  Catching  was  granted  287V2  acres  Sept.  24, 
1784,  Washington  County,  Ga.,  and  200  acres  Jan.  20,  1784, 
Wilkes  County,  Ga. 

Sam  D.  Fanning,  Ordinary,  Washington,  Ga." 

"State  of  Georgia 

These  are  to  certify: 

That  Benjamin  Catching,  a  citizen  and  soldier,  is  entitled 
to  two  hundred  and  fifty  acres  of  land,  as  a  Bounty,  agree- 
able to  an  Act  and  resolved  of  the  General  Assembly,  passed 
at  Augusta  the  20th  of  Feb.,  1784,  as  per  certificate  of  Col. 
aarke. 

Given  under  my  hand  at  Savannah,  the  24th  day  of  Feb. 
in  the  year   of  our  Lord,  1784.     J.  Houston. 

Attest,  D.  Rees,  Sec.     Copied  from  Sec.  of  State  Office,. 
Atlanta,  Ga.,  1901,  by  Phihp  Cook,  Sec.  State." 
"State  of  Georgia 

By  the  Honorable  John  Houston,  Esq.,  Captain  General 
and  Commander  in  Chief  in  and  over  the  said  State. 

To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come — Greeting. 
Know  ye.  That  in  pursuance  of  the  Act  for  opening  the 
land  office,  and  by  virtue  of  the  powers  in  me  vested,  I 
have  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Honorable, 
the  Executive  Council,  given  and  granted  and  by  these 
presents,  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  said  State,  Do  give  and 
grant  unto  Benjamin  Catching,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  for- 
ever all  that  tract  or  parcel  of  his  land,  containing  7871/2 
acres,  situate,  lying  and  being  in  the  County  of  Washington 
and  bounding  v/estwardly  by  the  Oscowee  River,  north- 
wardly by  land  of  Frier  and  vacant  land,  southwardly  by 
Henry  Leverett's  land,  and  eastwardly  by  vacant  land. 

Having  such  shape,  form  and  marks  as  appear  by  a  plat 
of  the  same  hereunto  annexed,  together  with  all  and  singU' 
lar  the  Rights,  members  and  appurtenances  thereof  what- 
soever, to  the  said  tract  or  parcel  of  land,  belonging  or  in 
any  wise  appertaining;  and  also  all  the  estate,  right,  title, 
interest,  claim  or  demand  of  the  State  aforesaid,  of,  in  to, 
or  out,  of  the  same.  To  have  and  to  hold  the  same  tract  or 
parcel  of  land  and  all  and  singular  the  premises  aforesaid 
and  every  of  their  rights,  members,  and  appurtenances  unto 
the  said  Benjamin  Catching,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  to  his 
and  their  own  proper  use  and  behalf,  forever,  in  fee  simple. 

ON  BOUNTY 

"State  of  Georgia. 

"This  is  to  certify  that  Benjamin  Catching  hath  stead- 
fastly done  his  duty  from  the  time  of  passing  an  Act  at 
Augusta,  on  the  20th  of  August,  1781,  until  the  total  expul- 

10 


«ion  of  the  British  fix)m  the  State ;  and  this  Benjamin  Catch- 
ing cannot,  to  my  knowledge  and  belief,  be  convicted  of 
plundering  or  destroying  the  County,  and  is  therefore,  un- 
der the  said  act,  entitled  to  a  Bounty  of  250  acres  of  land, 
free  from  taxes  for  ten  years. 

"Given  under  my  hand  at  Savannah,  the  2nd  day  of  Feb- 
ruary, 1784.     Elijah  Clark,  Colonel." 
By  his  order,  H.  Freeman. 

Copied  from  the  office  of  Sec.  of  State,  Atlanta,  Georgia, 
by  Sec.  of  State,  Philip  Cook,  1901." 

"State  of  Georgia — 

"To  the  Honorable,  the  President  and  the  members  of  the 
Council,  now  sitting  in  Augusta,  for  the  purpose  of  grant- 
ing lands  in  the  counties  of  Franklin  and  Washington.  This 
petition  of  Benjamin  Catching,  a  citizen  of  the  State  afore- 
said. 

Herewith;  that  your  petitioner  is  entitled  to  7871/2  acres 
■of  land  as  a  Bounty  for  his  services,  pursuant  to  the  certifi- 
cate hereunto  annexed.  That  the  petitioner  is  desirous  of 
taking  up  the  said  lands  in  the  county  of  Washington.  May 
it  therefore  please  your  honorable  Board  to  grant  your  pe- 
titoner  787 V-j  acres  of  land  in  the  county  of  Washington,  on 
the  right  aforesaid  and  on  the  complying  with  the  terms 
mentioned  in  the  land  Act,  and  your  petitioner  will  pray. 

Benjamin  Catching." 

Copied  from  the  office  of  Sec.  of  State,  Atlanta,  Ga.,  1901. 

Given  under  my  hand  in  Council  and  the  Great  Seal  of 
the  said  State,  the  22nd  Day  of  September,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-four,  and 
in  the  9th  year  of  American  Independence. 

Signed  by  His  Honor,  the  Governor,  in  Council  the  22nd 
Day  of  September,  1784. 

William  Freeman,  D.  C.  C." 
Registered  25th  Sept.,  1784. 


Office  of  Sec.  of  State,  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Feb.  21,  1901. 
"The  above  is  a  true  copy  from  the  Register  of  Grants, 
Book  D.  D.  D.,  page  507. 

Given  under  mv  hand  and  Seal  of  office, 

Philip  Cook,  Sec.  State. 

State  of  Georgia,  Office  of  Secretary  of  State. 

I,  Philip  Cook,  Sec.  of  St^te  of  Georgia,  do  hereby  certify 
That  the  foregoing  from  pages  of  written  and  printed  mat- 
ter contain  a  true  and  correct  copy  of  the  Revolutionary 
service  of  Benjaman  Catching,  as  the  same  appears  on  file 
and  record  in  the  office.  In  testimony  whereof,  I  have  here- 
unto set  my  hand  and  affixed  the  seal  of  my  office  at  the 

11 


Capitol,  in  the  city  of  Atlanta,  this  the  23rd  day  of  Feb. 
in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand,  nine  hundred  and 
one,  and  of  the  Independence  of  the  United  States  of 
America,  the  one  hundred  and  twenty-fifth. 

Philip  Cook,  Sec.  of  State." 

"Soldiers  of  the  line  in  the  Colonial  Army  of  Georgia; 
Seymour,  Joseph  and  Benjamin  Catching.  Headrights 
granted  by  the  Colonial  and  State  Governors  of  Georgia, 
Wilkes  County;  Seymour  and  Joseph  Catching,  1783  and 
1785;  Benjamin  Catchings,  1786  and  1787;  Joseph  and  Meri- 
deth  Catching,  1784  and  1785.  A  convention  was  called  by 
the  Legislature  of  1794  to  revise  the  Constitution.  It  met 
in  the  spring  of  1795.  Benjamin  Catching  was  a  member 
from  Wilkes  County,  together  with  Silas  Mercer  and  David 
Cress  well. 

Geo.  G.  Smith,  in  Story  of  Georgia  and  Georgia  People." 

"Joseph  Catching  married  Martha  Townsend,  Amelia 
County,  Va.  She  was  born  Jan.  28,  1763.  Her  father 
John  Townsend,  came  from  England  and  settled  in  that 
county  in  1759.  He  married  Elizabeth  Jones.  When  the 
first  child  was  an  infant,  Joseph  Catchings  and  Martha 
Townsend  moved  to  Wilkes  County,  Ga.,  where  they  lived 
till  the  birth  of  their  children  and  then  moved  to  Greene 
County,  where  they  died  and  are  buried.  Two  of  their 
sons  married  and  several  of  their  daughters  married  and 
died  without  issue.  There  are  but  few  descendants.  Jos- 
eph Catchings  enlisted  in  the  Colonial  Army  at  the  age  of 
fifteen  years.  His  cousin,  Winfield  Scott,  also  a  mere  boy, 
was  with  him  on  leaving  home,  where  they  found  it  almost 
unsafe  to  remain.  In  trying  to  reach  the  army  they  were 
captured  by  the  British.  Joseph  Catchings  escaped  and 
reached  the  army.  Winfield  Scott  accepted  death  by  the 
enemy  rather  than  prove  disloyal  to  his  country.  I  have 
been  told  that  he  was  related  to  the  American  General, 
Winfield  Scott.  The  Scotts  lived  on  St.  Peters  Street, 
London. 

Carrie  Wright,  Covington,  Ga.,  Nov.  12,  1897." 

Children  of  Joseph  Catchings  and  Martha  Townsend: 

Elizabeth  Catching,  b.  June  15,  1783,  Ameha  Co.,  Va. 

Nancy  Catching,  b.  May  14,  1785,  Wilkes  Co.,  Ga. 

Rhoda  Catching,  b.  Aug.  17,  1787. 

Ezekiel  Catching,  b.  Feb.  21,  1790. 

Sarah  Catching,  b.  Fefe.  22,  1792,  m.  Aug.  13,  1807,  Thos. 
Head,  Greene  Co.,  Ga.  Their  daughter,  Artimesia  Head,  m. 
James  Wright  of  Covington,  Ga.,  who  was  highly  educated. 
They  had  three  children,  Dr.  Jos.  Allen  Wright,  Carrie 
Artimesia  Wright,  who  was  very  cultivated,  and  James 
Thos.  Wright.  The  latter  m.  Minnie  E.  Powell.  Their 
children  were  Minnie,  Allen  and  Annie  Artimesia  Wright. 

12 


"Joseph  Catching  received  as  bounty  for  sei'\ices  in  the 
Colonial  Armv  887i/o  acres  of  land  in  Georgia,  donated  in 
1781,  1784,  1785. 

B.  F.  Johnson,  Secy.  State  Office,  Atlanta,  Ga.,  1893." 

"In  all  countries  there  is  a  distinction  between  the  officer 
and  the  private,  the  former  receiving  the  higher  \rages.  In 
the  distribution  of  land  to  the  soldiers  in  the  Colonial  Army, 
the  Colonels  received  1200  acres  while  the  privates  got  only 
640. 

Jno.  Mcintosh  Kell,  May  16,  1893.  Adjutant  and  Inspec- 
tor General,  State  of  Georgia." 

"Benjamin,  Seymour  and  Meredith  Catching  were  officers 
in  the  Revoluntionary  War  from  the  number  of  acres  given 
them  as  bounty  for  services.  Under  an  Act  passed  Feb.  2, 
1798,  a  Major  was  entitled  to  1000  acres.  Benjamin  Catch- 
ing had  granted  to  him  in  1784,  and  so  recorded,  787V2 
acres  at  one  time  and  250  acres  at  another  in  1790.  This 
1037^'^  acres  ranks  him  at  Major  and  371/2  acres  over. 
Seymour  Catchings  had  granted  to  him  on  bounty  200 
acres,  2871/2  acres,  and  575  acres,  receiving  62  acres  over 
the  necessary  amount.  These  amounts  would  not  have 
been  granted  had  thev  not  been  entitled  to  them.  B.  F. 
Johnson,  Feb.  7,  1893.     Secy.  State  Office,  Atlanta,  Ga." 

"The  results  of  my  investigation  is:  Benjamin  Catching 
was  a  Major  in  the  Colonial  war.  He  was  justice  of  the 
Peace,  and  at  another  times  was  Judge  of  Wilkes  Co.  He 
was  a  member  of  the  Constitutional  Convention.  I  think  he 
was  a  Judge  of  the  Land  Court.  He  must  have  been  a 
very  influential  and  intelligent  gentleman  from  the  respon- 
.sible  position  he  held.  He  was  certainly  a  Major;  also  Sey- 
mour Catchings.  B.  F.  Johnson.  Secy.  State  Office,  Atlanta, 
Ga.,   Oct.   15,   1894." 

"Seymour  Catchings  was  granted  200  acres  Jan.  20,  1784. 
Wilkes  County,  Ga.,  200  acres  more  Jan.  20,  1784,  and  575 
acres  Dec.  31,  1784,  Washington  Co.,  Ga.  Sam.  D.  Fanning, 
Washington,  Ga." 

"We  have  no  further  account  of  Seymour  Catching  or  his 
descendants  than  the  above.  The  lands  granted  him  were 
in  Wilkes  Co.  I  find  a  deed  made  and  signed  by  Meredith 
Catching  to  John  Perteet  to  a  piece  of  land  on  Kettle  Creek, 
Wilkes  Co.,  Ga.,  Feb.  10,  1806.  I  also  find  a  power  of  attor- 
ney recorded,  signed  by  Joseph  Catching,  Baldwin  Co.,  Ga., 
on  Oct.  25,  1822,  vested  in  Joseph  by  Phillip  Catching,  both 
of  Pike  Co.,  Miss.,  nominated  and  appointed  Benjamin 
Catching  of  Putnam  Co.,  Ga.,  Seymour  Catching  of  Jones 
Co.,  Ga.  These  were  given  all  powers  to  dispose  of  all  prop- 
erty in  the  State  of  Georgia  for  these  parties.  A.  A.  Bar- 
nett,  Clerk  C.  0.,  Washington,   Ga.,  Nov.  30,  1897." 

"Meredith  Catching  was  granted  100  acres  Feb.  6,  1784, 
Wilkes  Co.,  Ga.     Meredith  Catching  deeded  to  John  Peteet 

13 


247  acres  of  land  Feb.  10,  1806.  Meredith  Catching,  Sr., 
deeded  to  Meredith  Catching-,  Jr.,  a  tract  of  land  for  a 
thousand  dollars.  Meredith  Catching  (Seal).  Christopher 
Irvin,  J.  P.  Recorded  Oct.  21,  1801.  Meredith  Catching 
deeded  to  his  son,  Meredith  Jr.,  nine  negroes,  July  19,  1798. 
Meredith  Catching  (Seal).  Letters  of  appointment  to  Mere- 
dith Catching  to  administer  the  estate  of  Meredith  Catch- 
ing, deceased.  The  last  will  and  testament  of  Anastasia 
Catching,  deceased,  proved  and  citation  issued  to  Meredith 
Catching,  to  obtain  letters  of  administration  with  the  will 
annexed  of  said  deceased.  Letters  of  administration  cum 
testaments  annexed  to  Anastasia  Catching,  deceased,  were 
granted  to  Meredith  Catching,  Administrator,  May  10,  1807. 
The  account  of  the  sale  of  Anastasia  Catching,  deceased, 
Meredith  Catching,  Adm.  The  will  of  Anastasia  Catching 
was  sworn  to  in  open  court,  April  6,  1807.  Her  children  ' 
were  Meredith,  Isaac  Wilkes,  Nancy  Murphey,  Richard 
Madden,  Kate  Fletcher.  Grandsons,  Richard  Trale  and 
Davis  Madden.  "The  records  in  my  office  show  that  the 
names  of  Anis  Catching  is  spelled  in  several  ways,  viz. 
Anastara,  Anastacy.  In  the  clerk's  office  it  is  spelled  An- 
nis  Statia.  (Stacy  Fletcher  is  mentioned  in  the  will  of 
Anastasia  Catching.)  Sam  D.  Fanning,  Ordinary  Washing- 
ton, Ga.,  Apr.  5,  1912." 

"Uncle  Meredith  Catchings  lived  in  Wilkes  Co.,  Ga.,  at  one 
time  but  I  know  very  little  of  his  history.  An  old  record 
from  Wilkes  Superior  Court,  Clerk's  Office,  show  deed  from 
Meredith  Catching  and  Annis  S.  Catching  to  James  Stringer, 
dated  December  5,  1791,  in  deed  book  1793.  Artimesia  - 
Wright,  Covington,  Ga.,  Feb.  16,  1894." 

"Nancy  Catching  cams  to  see  my  mother  when  I  was  a 
child.  I  remember  her  very  well.  She  told  about  being 
burned  out  by  the  Indians  and  what  a  narrow  escape  they 
made  from  death.  M.  C.  Broaddus,  April  21,  1894.  Monti- 
cello,  Ga." 

The  following  are  supposed  to  have  been  brothers,  and 
that  their  father  was  Merideth  Catching  and  their  mother 
a  Miss  Scott  of  England: 

1.  Benjamin  Catching. 

2.  Philip  Catching. 

3.  Joseph  Catching. 

4.  Seymour  Catching. 

5.  Merideth  Catching. 

"There  were  evidently  two  Benjamin  Catchings  in  Geor- 
gia in  early  days.  The  name  of  Kitchens  is  found  in  Eng- 
land in  the  armory.     Geo.  G.  Smith,  Macon,  Ga.,  1901." 

Perhaps  the  following  Benjamin  Kitchens  w'as  one  of  the 
above,  with  name  changed  for  some  cause. 

From  the  War  Department,  Washington,D.  C. 

"Benjamin   Kitchen   born   in   South   Hampton   Co.,   Va., 

14 


1763,  enlisted  in  the  Revolutionary  War  from  Nash  Co.,  N. 
C. ;  was  sergeant  from  1776  to  1778 ;  was  captain  from  1778 
to  1781 ;  escaped  three  days  before  Charleston  surrendered ; 
followed  Cornwallis  to  Yorktown,  Va. ;  was  slightly  wounded 
in  battle  of  Camden,  He  removed  from  N.  C.  to  Washing- 
ton Co.,  Ga.,  three  or  four  years  after  the  war;  to  Natchez, 
Miss.,  in  1798  and  to  Rapides  Parish,  La.,  in  Jan.,  1816.  He 
married  a  lady  in  Natchez,  in  1832.  He  had  several  young 
children  by  his  second  wife;  and  also  had  a  son,  Wm.  H, 
Kitchen,  and  a  son  Benjamin,  the  last  is  said  to  have  died 
in  the  Creek  War." 

"Benjamin  C,  my  gr-father,  b.  in  Ga.,  1775.  My  gr.  gr. 
father,  Merideth  C.,  moved  from  Ga.  to  Ky.,  Knox  Co., 
about  1800.     W.  B.  Catching,  London,  Ky.,  May  11,  1912." 

"London,  Kentucky,  Oct.  16,  1919. 

"To  the  best  of  his  knowledge  Mr.  W.  B.  Catching's 
great-grand-father  was  Meredith  Catching,  and  the  family 
originally  came  from  Ga.  He  does  not  know  his  great-grand- 
mother's name.  Grand-father,  Benjamin  Catching,  1773- 
1864,  Grandmother,  Elizabeth  Witt,  1790-1830,  father,  Caleb 
Witt  Catching.  1821-1881,  mother  Elizabeth  Sparks,  1827- 
1905. 

Mr.  William  Burton  Catching  is  president  of  the  First 
National  Bank  London,  Ky.,  born  1857,  married  Elizabeth 
Hardin,  of  Ky.,  1881.  Have  two  sons,  Roscoe  Mark,  bom 
1881,  Harry  Hardin,  1888.  Roscoe  was  married  to  Cynthia 
Campbell,  Winchester,  Ky.,  1907,  and  has  four  children, 
Bruce,  Elizabeth  Hardin,  Sarah  and  Isabelle.  Harry  was 
married  to  Lillian  Eastridge,  Washington,  Ind.,  1915.  H. 
H.  Catching  graduated  March  21,  1912,  from  the  Boston, 
Mass.,  School  of  Technology. 

The  following  are  the  names  of  Mr.  Catching's  sisters 
and  brothers,  Matilda.  Eliza,  Elizabeth,  Eldorado,  Ida,  Ben- 
jamin, James,  Charles,  Richard,  Christopher  Witt.  It 
would  be  impossible  for  me  to  give  you  the  names  of  their 
children,  as  most  of  them  have  large  families.  Elizabeth 
had  fifteen  children. 

I  know  that  Mr.  Catching  had  three,  if  not  four,  uncles 
and  two  aunts.  The  uncles,  William,  Frank  and  I  think, 
John.  I  do  not  know  the  names  of  the  aunts.  Elizabeth 
Harding  Catching,  1919." 

"The  deeds  to  my  land  show  that  in  1785  there  was  a 
grant  to  Benjamin  Catching  of  300  acres.  Mildred  and  his 
wife  owned  land  to  the  east  of  my  place  in  1810.  I  have  a 
deed  showing  that  her  place  was  owned  in  1820  by  Silas 
Catching.  An  old  gentleman  neighbor,  who  was  83  years 
old,  knew  Mr.  Silas  Catching  and  thinks  he  moved  West. 
J.  A.  Shank,  Aonia,  Ga.,  Dec.  3,  1898." 

"Silas  Catching  and  wife  moved  to  Wetumpka,  Ala.,  many 
years  ago." 

15 


"During  the  Revolutionary  War,  Benj.  Catching  was  one 
of  the  three  Assistant  Judges  who  held  a  court  in  Wilkes 
Co.,  six  miles  north  of  Washington,  Georgia,  in  which 
Stephen  Heard,  President  of  the  Executive  Council  of  the 
State,  was  foreman  of  the  grand  jury.  This  court  began 
25th  Aug.,  1779,  and  nine  tories  were  hung  on  the  3d  and 
6th  of  September,  for  horse  stealing,  hog  stealing,  treason, 
and  murder.  The  minute  book  containing  the  record  of 
this  trial  is  in  a  fair  state  of  preservation.  It  is  bound  in 
untanned  dog  skin.  The  trial  was  held  thirteen  miles 
from  Heard's  Fort,  now  Washington,  and  was  held  by  Hon. 
Wm.  Downs,  Benj.  Catching  and  Absalom  Bedell,  Assist- 
ant Judges  of  the  county  aforesaid."  The  original  minute 
book  containing  an  account  of  the  trial  was  loaned  by  Rev. 
Geo.  G.  Smith  of  Macon,  Ga.  The  above  copy  was  made 
from  it. 

"The  tories  tried  to  kill  Benjamin  Catching,  and  once 
left  him  for  dead.  He  feigned  death  till  they  went  away, 
after  shooting  him.  Tradition  says  that  after  being  shot 
by  the  tories,  that  a  silk  handkerchief  was  passed  through 
his  body  by  the  surgeons.  Dr.  Frank  K.  Norman,  Mem- 
phis, Tenn.,  Jan.,  1912." 

"In  council.  Savannah,  Ga.,  Thurs.,  Sept.  2,  1779.  A  let- 
ter from  Colonels  Downs  and  Benjamin  Catching  was  read 
and  filed.  Vol.  II,  p.  177,  Revolutionary  Records  of  Georgia, 
by  Ex-Governor  Candler,  from  Minutes  of  the  Executive 
Council,  p.  178.  The  following  answer  was  returned  to  let- 
ter received  this  day  from  Cols.  Downs  and  Benj.  Catching: 
"Gentlemen:  We  have  received  yours,  30th  of  August  and 
also  been  informed  of  the  proceedings  of  your  court  and 
in  consequence  thereof  send  you  orders  for  the  execution 
of  Edmond  Downey  and  John  Bennefield  with  the  pardon 
for  the  others  that  were  condemned,  which  you  will  please 
to  transmit  immediately  to  the  Sheriff  of  your  county  in 
order  to  have  them  executed.  Council  would  wish  to  par- 
don Downey  also,  but  being  fully  informed  of  Ms  commit- 
ting a  number  of  most  atrocious  crimes  think  they  cannot 
do  it  consistent  with  that  justice  which  is  due  the  State. 
The  Council  are  of  the  opinion  that  these  persons  they 
have  pardoned  should  not  know  it  till  the  day  of  execution ; 
that  they  should  be  carried  to  the  place  of  execution  and 
see  the  others  executed.  The  Council  also  desire  you'll 
apply  to  Colonel  Dooly  for  a  guard  to  conduct  them  down 
to  Gen.  Mcintosh's  headquarters,  in  order  that  he  may  send 
them  to  the  Commander  in  Chief."  J.  G.  B.  Bulloch,  2122 
P.  St.,  N.  W.,  Washington,  D.  C." 

"February  25,  1784.  The  speaker  then  signed  the  ac- 
counts of  the  members  for  their  attendance  this  session; 
Benjamin  Catching,  Esq.,  28  pounds.  Journal,  House  of 
Assembly,  Savannah,  Ga." 

16 


"Journal,  House  of  Assembly,  Vol.  3,  page  39.  January 
3,  1782.  The  petition  of  Benj.  Catchings  and  John  McCar- 
thy was  read  and  referred  to  the  committee  on  petitions, 
Savannah,  Ga." 

"January  12,  1782,  page  75,  Vol.  3.  The  house  then  ap^ 
pointed  the  following  justices  for  the  different  counties. 
For  Wilkes  County,  Benjamin  Catching,  and  others." 

"April  30,  1782,  Tuesday,  Vol.  3,  page  105.  From  State 
archives. 

"Resolved  that  the  following  persons  be  appointed  Jus- 
tices for  the  County  of  Wilkes  in  lieu  of  those  appointed 
January  last;  Benjamin  Catching  and  others." 

"From  State  Archives  Savannah,  Jany.  7,  1783,  Vol.  ^, 
page  191: 

The  following  members  being  returned  for  the  present 
year,  attended  and  qualified :  Viz.  for  the  County  of  Wilkes, 
Benj  Catching  and  others. 

Savannah,  January  9,  1783 :  The  Yeas  and  Nays  were 
calle<:l  for  by  Mr.  Telfair  whether  Mr.  Adams  should  be 
admitted  to  vacate  his  seat.  Yeas,  Benj.  Catching  and 
others." 

"From  State  Archives,  January  11,  1783,  Journal  House 
of  Assembly.  Motion  being  made  and  seconded  for  a  bill 
to  take  the  name  of  Wm.  Stephens,  Esq.,  from  and  out  of 
the  Emercement  Law ;  votes  Nay,  Mr.  Retchings  and  others, 
Vol.   3,   page  202." 

"From  State  Archives,  Friday,  Jan.  17,  1783. 

Resolved  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  examine  and 
report  to  this  house  such  proceedings  of  the  aforesaid  Coun- 
cils and  Assemblies  as  ought  to  be  ratified  and  confirmed  by 
this  Legislature.  Yeas,  Mr.  Catching  and  others.  Vol. 
m,  p.  225." 

"Jan.  17,  1783,  Vol.  HI,  p.  226.  Motion,  that  all  the  pow- 
ers vested  in  the  Board  of  Commissioners  for  making  sale 
of  confiscated  and  amerced  property  be  postponed.  Yeas, 
Mr.  Catching  and  others." 

Benjamin  Catchings,  born  Oct.  31,  1748,  married  Mildred 
Criddle,  March  6,  1769.  She  w^as  born  March  5,  1749,  and 
was  a  daughter  of  Humphrey  Criddle  and  wife  Mildred 
King,  Bedford  Co.,  Va.  (Bedford  Co.  was  formed  from 
Campbell  Co.  and  Campbell  Co.  from  Lunenburg  Co.,  Va.) 
The  will  of  Humphrey  Criddle  was  dated  March  14,  1780, 
and  hers  Oct.  2,  1794.  Their  children  were  Elizabeth  Key, 
Mrs.  Mildred  Catchings,  Martha  Stearman,  Nancy  Jones, 
Franky  Bailey,  Savage  Bailey  and  Franky  Criddle,  m.  Nov. 
2,  1789  Kesiah  Houston,  and  Mary  Timberlake.  It  is 
supposed  the  children  of  Mrs.  Chas.  Timberlake  (Mary 
Criddle)  were  Mary,  Phillip,  Wm.  K.,  Richard,  John,  Mildred 
East,  Pollie  Harris,  Sallie  Burnett,  Nancy  Fret  well,  Frances 
Burnett  and  Peggie  Timberlake. 

17 


(One  of  the  witnesses  to  the  will  of  Mildred  Criddle  was 
Wm.  King  Timberlake.  Two  of  her  executors  were  Wm. 
Stearman  and  Charles  Timberlake.  They  had  sons  Richard 
and  John  Criddle.  Richard  Timberlake  served  under  Gen. 
Forbes  in  the  French  war  of  1758  and  may  have  been  a 
kinsman.  After  1799  the  Timberlakes  spread  from  Caro- 
line Co.,  to  Albermarle  and  Bedford  Co.,  Va.  Mr.  Buford 
(historian)  gives  information  that  "Colonial  Military  Roster 
of  Soldiers  of  Bedford  Co.,  Va.,  who  engaged  in  warfare 
M^ith  Indians,  French  and  British  before,  and  during  the 
Revolutionary  war,  shows  the  name  of  Richard  Timberlake, 
a  private."  Reference,  Virginia  Colonial  Militia,  edited  by 
Wm.  Armstrong  Crozier,  Bedford  Co.,  Va.,  1758.  Vol.  8. 
Source  Henning."  The  first  immigrant  to  America  by  the 
name  of  Henry  Timberlake,  came  with  the  Tuckers,  Turners 
and  others  and  settled  on  the  Eastern  Shore  of  Va.,  1620. 
One  witness  to  the  will  of  Humphrey  Criddle  was  Charles 
Timberlake.) 

Kesiah  Criddle  m.  Samuel  Houston  (not  Gen.  Samuel 
Houston)  and  moved  with  him  to  S.Carolina.  The  name  of 
Samuel  Houston  appears  in  the  clerk's  rc-jords  of  Anderson, 
S.  C,  in  a  transfer  of  245  acres  of  land  to  Josiah  Houston, 
Jan.  13,  1823.  The  names  of  Henry  and  Thomas  Houston 
also  are  there  and  in  the  office  of  Judge  of  Probate,  in  An- 
derson, are  Thomas  and  Sarah  Houston,  with  records  of 
their  wills.  Samuel  Houston  also  obtained  grants  of  land 
in  Pendleton  Co.,  1908;  Abbeville  Co.,  1811;  Josiah  and 
Alexander  Houston  obtained  grants  in  Pendleton  Co.,  1801, 
1813,  1819. 

"There  is  an  old  lady,  Mrs.  Calhoun,  from  Abbeville  Co., 
living  here,  who  is  a  niece  of  Gov.  Noble,  of  South  Carolina. 
Her  grandmother  was  a  Houston.  Mrs.  Calhoun  had  three 
great  uncles,  William,  Alexander  and  Samuel  Houston,  who 
moved  to  Mississippi.  Mrs.  Calhoun  is  a  gt.  grand  daughter 
of  Gen.  Andrew  Pickens  of  revolutionary  fame,  and  I  think 
she  said  her  great-grand  father  was  Alexander  Houston, 
Mrs.  Marv  Waddell  Houston,  Clemson  College,  S.  C,  Jan. 
13,  1913." 

"Nov.  8,  1796.  Power  of  Atty.  in  clerk's  office.  Benj. 
Catching  to  Henry  Houston  of  Pendleton  Co.,  S.  Ca.,  and 
more  especially  bequeathed  to  me  by  Mildred  Credell  of 
Va.   (Campbell  Co.) 

Sam.  D.  Fanning 
Ordinary,  Washington,  Ga., 

April  5,  1912." 

Benjamin  Catching  and  his  wife  were  both  natives  of 
Virginia.  She  was  90  years  of  age  at  her  death.  They 
lived  on  their  plantation  near  Washington,  Ga.,  to  which 
place  they  moved  about  1769,  soon  after  their  marriage. 
He  died  July  31,  1798.    Mrs.  Benjamin  Catching,  in  her  old 

18 


MRS.     BENJAMIN    CATCHINGS 

(Nee  Mildred  Griddle  ( 

(Copied    from    an    oil    i>orti-ait   painted    about    1769 

in   Virginia   soon   after   marriafrel 


age,  lived  with  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Samuel  Arnett   (Anne 
Catching) . 

"Am't  of  sales  of  Benjamin  Catching's  estate,  late  of 
this  Co.,  deceased,  made  and  sold  by  Milly  Catchings,  adm., 
Dec.  9,  1799;  recorded  Dec.  24,  1799.  A  division  of  the 
estate  of  Benj.  Catchings  made  Jan.  8,  1801.  On  petition 
of  Elisha  Moran,  Feby.  term,  1801-4,  no  person  gainsaying 
the  same. 

It  is  ordered  that  the  adm.  of  said  Benj.  C,  dec'd,  do 
execute  title  to  the  tract  of  land  agreeable  to  the  bond  of 
Benj.  Cathing  adm.  of  Benj.  C,  dec'd.  Made  a  return  of 
accounts.  Milly  Catching,  adm.  of  the  estate  of  Benj. 
Catching,  deceased.  Wm.  Leverett  and  Jno.  Park,  security. 
Amounf  of  bond,  $8,000.00.    Sept.  17,  1798." 

"Letters  of  adm,  issued  to  Ann  Arnett  to  adm.  the  estate 
of  Mildred  Catching,  dec'd,  and  that  she  give  bond  and 
security  in  the  terms  of  the  law  for  $16,000.00,  Nov.  2, 
1840.  Ordered  that  Ann  Arnett  be  and  is  appointed  adm. 
on  the  estate  of  Benj.  Catching,  dec'd,  and  give  bond  and 
security  in  the  sum  of  $20,000.00,  Nov.  2,  1840.  Ordered 
that  Ann  Arnett  admix,  of  Mildred  Catching,  dec'd,  do 
proceed  to  sell  the  land  and  negroes  belonging  to  the  estate 
of  said  Mildred  Catching,  Jan.  1,  1844."  Sam.  D.  Fanning, 
Ordinary,  Washington,  Ga.,  April  5,  1912." 

"In  regard  to  the  location  of  the  graves,  as  far  as  I 
have  been  able  to  ascertain,  they  are  on  the  bank  of  Little 
River,  about  ten  miles  from  Washington,  Ga.,  at  what  is 
known  as  the  old  site  of  Philips  Mill  Church,  and  very 
close  to  Quaker  Springs.  The  best  way  to  reach  the  loca- 
tion is  from  Ficklen,  Ga.,  about  six  miles  from  Washington. 
The  D.  A.  R.  Society  may  assist  in  the  location,  etc.  The 
head  stones  have  been  stolen  or  misplaced  in  some  w^ay. 
The  old  graves  were  perhaps  in  Taliaferro  Co.,  Ga. 

Robt.  I.  Fanning,  Asst.  P.  M., 
Washington,  Ga.,  Sept.  11,  1912." 

CHILDREN  OF  BENJAMIN  CATCHINGS  AND  MILDRED 

CRIDDLE 

"The  following  record  was  copied  from  the  family  Bible 
of  their  son,  Joseph  Catching,  and  wife,  Mary  Holliday.  It 
was  owned  in  1899  by  Dr.  Benj.  H.  Catching,  of  Atlanta, 
Ga.,  their  great  grandson. 

6.  Benjamin  Catching,  Jr.  (1)  b.  Oct.  31,  1798,  m.  Nancy 
Martin,  of  Md.,  sister  of  Frances  M.,  who  married  his 
brother  Seymour. 

7.  Seymour  Scott  Catching,  (1)  b.  January  9,  1770,  m. 
Frances  Martin,  Md.,  sister  of  his  brother  Benjamin's  wife. 

8.  Ann  Catching,  (1)  b.  October  9,  1779. 

9.  Philip  Catching  (1)  b.  Dec.  15,  1776,  in  Wilkes  Co., 
Ga.  Moved  to  Pike  Co.,  Miss.,  in  1809,  and  then  moved  in 
1818  to  Georgetown,  Miss.,  near  the  place  afterwards  known 

19 


as  Rockport.  His  plantation  was  on  Pearl  River,  where 
he  died,  Dec.  18,  18 — ,  and  was  buried.  Before  leaving 
Georgia  he  married  Miss  Josie  Barnes  whose  family  came 
from  the  eastern  shore  of  Maryland.  His  sons  were  Dr. 
Joseph  Blair  Catching,  Noel  Catching  and  Philip  Scott 
Catching. 

10.  Jos.  Catching,  (1)  b.  Jan.  24,  1782,  d.  July  22,  1852, 
m.  Mary  Holliday,  about  1800.  Moved  to  Pike  Co.,  Miss., 
1809. 

11.  Jonathan  Catching  (1)  b.  Feb.  9,  1786,  m.  Lourainey 
Thompson,  of  Ga.,  first  v/ife,  m.oved  to  Mississippi  about 
1809. 

12.  Silas  Catching,  (1)  b.  Sept.  4,  1788,  moved  to  We- 
tumpka,  Ala.,  many  years  ago,  m.  Francina  Rogers. 

13.  William  Catching,  (1)  b.  March  1,  1772,  died  Auo-. 
15,  1772. 

CHILDREN  OF    BENJ.  CATCHING  AND  NANCY 
MARTIN 

14.  Seymour  Scott  Catching,  M.  D.,  (6),  of  Georgia;  m. 
Eliza  West,  Stewart  Co.,  Ga.,  Apr.  26,  1831,  by  James  Arm- 
strong, M.  G. 

15.  William  Catching,  (6)  Ga.,  was  a  fine  scholar  and 
spent  most  of  his  time  in  reading.  He  was  drowned  in 
Mississippi. 

CHILDREN  OF  DR.  SEYMOUR  SCOTT  CATCHING  AND 
WIFE,  ELIZA  WEST 

16.  Seymour  Scott  Catching,  Jr.,  (14),  Ga.,  was  a  sharp- 
shooter for  four  years  during  the  Civil  War.  He  sur- 
rendered with  Gen.  Robt.  E.  Lee.  He  was  transported  by 
the  U.  S.  government  to  Point  Lookout  and  was  never 
heard  of  afterwards. 

17.  Levisa  Jane  Catching,  (14),  m.  Mr.  E.  P.  Chamber- 
lain, a  rich  merchant,  of  the  firm  of  Chamberlain  and  John- 
son, Atlanta. 

18.  Camilla  Catching,  (14),  m.  John  Wilson,  Paris,  Ky. 

19.  Josephine  Catching,  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 

20.  Walter  Catching,  (14),  m.  Miss  Handliter,  Atlanta, 
Georgia. 

21.  Phillip  Adolphus  Catching,  (14),  Americus,  Ga. 

CHILDREN  OF  E.  P.  CHAMBERLAIN  AND  LEVISA  J. 

CATCHING 

22.  Edward  Payson  Chamberlain,  Jr.,  (17),  m.  Kate  Mc- 
Carthv,  Columbus,  Miss. 

23.  Eva  Gertrude  Chamberlain,  (17),  m.  June  17,  1903, 
Julian  Wistar  Biddle,  of  Md.  They  m.  in  San  Francisco, 
Cal.,  but  reside  in  San  Jose,  California. 

24.  Allen  Chamberlain   (17). 

25.  Pauline  Chamberlain  (17). 

26.  William  Chamberlain,  (17),  deceased. 

20 


CHILDREN  OF  CAMILLA  CATCHING  AND  JOHN 

WILSON 

27.  Seymour  Wilson  (18),  m.  in  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

28.  Nannie  Catching  Wilson  (18),  m.  John  Ingraham 
Bronson.     Thev  live  at  Riverside,  Jacksonville,  Fla. 

"On  Feb.  8,  1912  ( ?)  John  I.  Bronson,  Jr.,  19  years  of  age 
was  drovv'ned  in  St.  John's  river  off  Riverside,  Fla.,  at 
8  a.  m.:  v/as  endeavoring  to  recover  his  small  boat,  which 
had  slipped  from  its  mooring  at  the  dock  in  front  of  his 
father's  home  and  had  been  carried  into  the  river  by  the 
tide.  The  funeral  services  were  conducted  by  W.  L.  C. 
Mahon  of  the  Baptist  Church.  The  body  was  shipped  to 
Macon,  Ga.,  for  interment.  He  was  of  the  senior  class  of 
the  Duval  High  School  and  an  all  around  athlete  and  splen- 
did swimmer.  Son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  I.  Bronson. — From 
Florida  Times-Union,  Feb.  18,  1912    (?)" 

CHILDREN  QF  EVA  G.  CATCHING  AND  JULIAN 
Hie5lff/   t^I«raU  BIDDLE 

30.  Francis  Biddle   (23) 

31.  Noble  Biddle  (23). 

Seymour  Scott  Catching  (1),  son  of  Benjamin  Catching 
and  wife,  Mildred  Criddle,  m.  Frances  Martin,  Md.,  sister 
of  his  brother  Benjamin  Catching,  Jr.s  wife.  They  had 
onechild,  Phillip  Catching. 

32.  Phillip  Catching,  born  May  3,  1804,  Jones  Co.,  Ga., 
m.,  Matilda  Hutchings,  Oct.  28,  1824.  She  was  also  of 
Jones  Co.  He  traveled  in  his  carriage  with  his  negro  driver 
over  many  states  in  search  of  health  but  died  suddenly  away 
from  home. 

CHILDREN   OF   PHILLIP   CATCHING   AND   MATILDA 

HUTCHINGS 

33.  Robt.  Seymour  Catching  (32),  b.  Sept.  22,  1825,  in 
Jones  Co.,  Ga.,  m.  Miss  Louise  Jones,  Dec.  29,  1845.  They 
first  lived  in  Lumpkin,  Stewart  Co.,  Ga.,  but  moved  to 
Albany,  Ga..  where  he  died,  Feb.  14,  18— (?) 

84.  Martha  Cordelia  Catching  (32),  b.  Jones  Co.,  July  8, 
1827,  m.  Dr.  Thos.  Coke  Broaddus,  Monticello,  Ga.,  Oct.  21, 
1845.     She  d.  March  6,  1900. 

35.  Elbert  Green  Catching  (32),  b.  July  18,  1829,  m.  hi§i. 
first  cousin,  Annie  Drusilla  Hutchings,  Clinton,  Jones  Co., 
Ga.,  June  15,  1853.     He  d.  Nov.  25,  1865. 

36.  William  Henry  Catching  (32),  b.  Sept.  4,  1831,  Jones 
Co.,  Ga.,  d.  June  2,  1837. 

CHILDREN  OF  ROBT.  S.  CATCHING  AND  LOUISE 

JONES 

37.  Fanny  Catching  (3*3). 

38.  Cordelia  Catching  (33) 

39.  Charles  Catching  (33). 

21 


CHILDREN  OF  THOS.  C.  BROADDUS  AND  MARTHA  C. 

CATCHING 

40.  Thomas  Phillip  Broadus  (34),  b.  Sept.  21,  1846,  d. 
March  21,  1864,  at  school  in  Marietta,  Ga. 

41.  Matilda  Agnes  Broaddus  (34),  b.  Nov.  4,  1849,  m. 
Wm.  Reed,  Sept.  1,  1869,  Monticello,  Ga.     No  issue. 

"My  mother,  Mrs.  Dr.  T.  C.  Broaddus,  nee  Martha  Cor- 
delia Catching,  was  born  an  aristocrat  and  maintained  her 
position  under  all  circumstances  with  dignity  and  grace. 
She  was  an  extraordinary  woman  in  every  respect.  She 
was  a  friend  to  everyone  and  beloved  by  all.  She  was 
strongly  attached  to  her  relatives  and  her  hospitality  knew 
no  bounds.  She  was  a  consecrated  Christian  and  served 
her  Master  with  devotion  and  zeal.  Her  magnanimity, 
superior  intellect,  and  efficiency  as  a  musician  enabled  her 
to  do  much  good  in  the  church.  The  world  was  better  for 
her  having  lived  in  it.  I  have  a  very  handsome  portrait 
of  her  mother,  Mrs.  Phillip  Catching,  nee  Matilda  Hutch- 
ings ;  also  oil  paintings  of  Uncle  Elbert  G.  Catching  and 
his  wife,  Annie  Hutchings.  These  portraits  were  painted 
before  my  birth.  I  cannot  remember  when  my  mother  did 
not  have  her  mother's.  She  wore  a  lace  cap  tied  under  her 
chin.  Uncle  Elbert  and  Aunt  Annie  were  young  when 
their  portraits  were  painted.  He  wore  a  very  high  collar 
and  old-fashioned  stock.  Her  hair  was  combed  ver>' 
smoothly  over  her  ears,  with  very  long  ear  rings,  and  a 
mantilla  around  her  shoulders.  Mother  gave  me  a  piece  of 
imported  thread  lace  that  was  a  part  of  her  grandmother's 
cap  border.  This  lace  cost  $5.00  per  yard  and  there  were 
five  yards  around  the  cap.  I  put  this  lace  on  a  silk  quilt. 
—Matilda  Agnes  Reid,  Monticello,  Ga.,  Nov.  30,  1912." 

42.  Annie  Jordan  Broaddus  (34),  b.  May  31,  1853,  in 
Monticello,  Ga.,  m.  Dr.  James  Webb,  Snapping  Shoals,  Ga., 
Newton  Co.,  Nov.  22,  1871,  d.  June  18,  1892. 

43.  Edward  Asburv  Broaddus  (34),  b.  Nov.  23,  1858,  d. 
Jan.  13,  1864. 

44.  Elbert  Seymour  Broaddus  (34),  b.  Sept.  21,1863,  m. 
Miss  Ida  Hatfield,  Monticello,  Ga.,  June  20,  1903. 

CHILDREN  OF  DR.  JAMES  WEBB  AND  ANNIE  J. 
BROADDUS 

45.  Phillip  Augustus  Webb  (42),  b.  Aug.  20,  1872,  Mon- 
ticello, Ga.,  m.  Miss  Alice  Kate  Shaw,  of  Jasper  Co.,  Ga., 
March  3,  1892.  Their  only  son,  Phillip  Augustus  Webb,  Jr., 
was  b.  Sept.  10,  1903. 

46.  Agnes  Cordelia  Webb  (42),  b.  Nov.  16,  187—,  at 
Snapping  Shoals,  Ga.,  m.  William  Powell,  Mont:"cello,  Ga., 
Nov.  16,  1892. 

47.  William  Franklin  Webb  (42),  b.  Aug.  22,  1879,  New- 
ton Co.,  Ga.,  m.  Miss  Susie  Tyne,  of  Va.,  in  1911.  She  d. 
in  1912.     He  was  in  the  army  several  years. 

22 


48.  Mary  Thomas  Webb  (42),  b.  Apr.  17,  1882,  Snapping 
Shoals,  Ga.,  d.  Apr.  6,  1903. 

49.  Elberta  Broaddus  Webb  (42),  b.  Nov.  8,  1884,  Snap- 
ping Shoals,  Ga.,  m.  Geo.  Stewart,  Ma^on,  C^a.  No  chil- 
dren. 

50.  Robt.  Reid  Webb  (42),  b.  July  29,  1888,  Snapping 
Shoals,  Ga. 

CHILDREN  OF  WILLIAM  POWELL  AND  AGNES  WEBB 

51.  R.  Reid  Powell  (46),  b.  Aug.  18,  1894,  Monticello,  Ga. 

52.  Raymond  Webb  Powell  (46),  b.  Sept.  3,  1897,  Monti- 
cello,  Ga. 

53.  Annie  Lizzie  Powell  (46),  b.  Oct.  8,  1903,  Monticello, 
Georgia. 

54.  Emmett  Broaddus  Powell  (46),  b.  March  1,  1911, 
Monticello,  Ga. 

CHILDREN  OF  ELBERT  S.  BROADDUS  AND  IDA 
HATFIELD 

55.  Martha  Cordelia  Broaddus    (44),  b.  June  2,  1906. 

56.  Agnes  Broaddus   (44),  b.  May  4,  1908. 

57.  Annie  Catching  Broadus   (44),  b.  Dec.  29,  1910. 

CHILDREN   OF   ELBERT  G.   CATCHING  AND   ANNIE 
DRUSILLA  HUTCHINGS 

58.  Annie  Cote  Catching  (35),  died  when  about  thirteen 
years  of  age. 

59.  Elbert  Hutchings  Catchings  (35),  the  elder,  died 
about  1898.  He  married  a  widow,  Mrs.  Lundy,  of  Macon, 
Ga.  He  practiced  law  in  Jackson,  Ga.  Both  of  their  chil- 
dren, little  girls,  died  in  infancy.  She  died  soon  after  him. 
He  was  wealthy. 

CHILDREN  OF  ANNE  CATCHING  (8) 
Anne  Catching,  daughter  of  Benj.  Catching  and  Mildred 
Griddle,  married  twice.  First  husband,  Wm.  Ashmore,  Ga. 
There  were  two  children  by  the  first  marriage.  After  the 
death  of  her  first  husband  she  was  married  to  Samuel  Ar- 
nett  of  Wilkes  Co.,  Ga.,  very  wealthy. 

59.  Mildred  Ashmore  (8),  m.  Thos.  W.  M.  Steed.  They 
moved  from  Wilkes  Co.  to  Alabama  in  1838. 

60.  Patience  Ashmore  (8),  m.  Isaiah  Paschel. 

"Oliver  Arnett,  a  son  of  the  second  marriage  of  Annie 
Catching  v/as  wealthy.  He  moved  through  Mississippi  a 
great  many  years  ago  on  his  way  to  Texas  with  his  wife 
and  a  large  family  of  children.  Martha  Allen,  Georgetown, 
Miss.,  March  23,  1893." 

"One  of  their  children  was  Samuel  Arnett.  Oliver  Ar- 
nett went  to  Florida  about  1847  or  1848.  He  owned  and 
lived  on  a  farm  in  the  eastern  Dart  of  this  (Wilkes)  county. 
A.  A.  Eaniett,  Clerk  of  the  County,  Washington,  Ga." 

23 


CHILDREN  OF  MILDRED  ASHMORE  AND  THOS.  W.  M. 

STEED 

61.  Maria  Steed  (59),  b.  Nov.  15,  1817,  d.  Aug.  24,  1909, 
in  Mo.  Maria  Steed  m.  Jacob  A.  Flournov.  He  was  b.  June 
26,  1812,  d.  Nov.  19,  1888,  in  Mo.  They^m.  in  Georgia  and 
moved  to  Alabama  ten  miles  from  Tuskegee.  In  May,  1866, 
they  sold  this  land  and  bought  a  tract  near  Marionville,  Mo. 
Their  youngest  child,  Wm.  Theodore  P'lournoy,  lived  with 
his  mother  in  Mo.  She  is  very  old.  He  has  a  cold  storage 
for  his  apples,  being  a  grower  and  shipper  of  this  fruit. 

62.  Phillip  Steed  (59),  b.  1825,  Putnam  Co.,  Ga.,  d.  in 
Texas. 

63.  Wm.  Ashmore  Steed  (59),  b.  in  1823,  Wilkes  Co.,  Ga. 

64.  Seymour  Steed  (59),  b.  in  Talbot  Co.,  Ga.,  in  1837. 

65.  Donald  Steed   (59). 

66.  Missouri  Steed  (59),  b.  1833,  Talbot  Co.,  Ga.,  d.  near 
Montgomery,  Ala. 

67.  Virginia  Steed  (59) ,  b.  Talbot  Co.,  Ga.,  m.  Mr.  Milsaps. 

68.  Frances  Caroline  Steed  (59),  b.  1828,  in  Ga.,  m.  Col. 
Allen  Lane  Bailey,  in  1853. 

69.  Elizabeth  Steed  (59),  b.  1831,  Talbot  Co.,  Ga.,  d.  in 
Montgomery,  Ala.,  unmarried. 

70.  Mildred  Steed  (59),  d.  in  infancy. 

71.  Thos.  M.  Steed,  Jr.  (59),  b.  1842,  in  Ga.,  lived  in 
Louisiana. 

72.  Theodore  A.  Steed  (59),  b.  1840,  in  Ala.,  lives  in 
Montgomery. 

73.  Nancy  Penelope  Steed  (59),  b.  Dec.  17,  1815,  m.  Sed- 
more  Arnett,  step-son  of  Mrs.  Samuel  Amett  (Anne  Catch- 
ing). They  m.  at  the  residence  of  Mrs.  Samuel  Arnett,  her 
grandmother. 

CHILDREN  OF  FRANCES  C.  STEED  AND  COL.  ALLEN 

L.  BAILEY 

74.  Mildred  Imogene  Bailey  (68),  m.  in  1875,  John. Mil- 
ton Thweatt,  Eufaula,  Ala. 

75.  Peyton  Bailey  (68),  Dorothea,  Ala.,  m.  Julia  McElvey, 
Columbus,  Ga. 

76.  Frances  Jane  Bailey   (68),  m.  Mr.  Maynard,  Dallas, 
Texas. 

CHILDREN  OF  MILDRED  I.  BAILEY  AND  JOHN  M. 
THWEATT 

77.  Manning  Lane  Thweatt  (74),  d.  at  four  years  of  age. 

78.  Maydie  Jane  Thweatt  (74),  b.  1879,  m.  Dec.  19,  1900, 
Leonard  Yancey  Dean,  Jr.,  Eufaula,  Ala.  They  had  one 
son,  Milton  Thweatt  Dean,  b.  Nov.  30,  1901,  d.  Aug.  12, 
1903.     Maydie  J.  Dean,  d.  about  1907. 

79.  May  Elizabeth  Thweatt  (74),  b.  1884. 

80.  John  Allen  Thweatt  (74),  b.  1887. 

24 


81.  Milton  Bovce  Thweatt  (74),  b.  1889. 

82.  Robt.  Catching  Thweatt  (74),  b.  1891. 

83.  Edward  Stowe  Thweatt  (74). 

CHILDREN  OF  MARIA  STEED  AND  J.  A.  FLOURNOY 

84.  William  Theodore  Floumoy   (61). 

85.  Thomas  Mabrey  Flournoy   (61). 

86.  Sarah  A.  Flournoy  (61). 

87.  Mildred  Flournoy,  second  child  (61). 

88.  Martha  Louisa  Flournoy,  third  child   (61). 

89.  Fannie  Flournoy,  d.  in  Ala.,  seven  years  of  age  (61). 

90.  Salonia  Flournoy  (61),  d.  in  Ala.,  thirteen  months  of 
age. 

CHILDREN  OF  PHILLIP  CATCHING,  SON  OF  BENJ. 
CATCHING   (1)   AND  MILDRED  CRIDDLE 

91.  William  H.  Catching  (9),  m.  Lourinda  Smith,  niece  of 
Judge  Robt.  Love,  Miss. 

92.  Harriet  Catching  (9),  m.  William  Dickson,  M.  D., 
Feb.  2,  1817,  Pike  Co.,  Miss. 

CHILDREN  OF  WILLIAM  H.  CATCHING  AND 
LOURINDA  SMITH 

93.  Warren  Catching  (91),  m.  Miss  Georgia  Dulaney.  He 
was  a  handsome,  distinguished-looking  man,  and  a  merchant 
in  Vicksburg  before  the  Civil  War.  He  was  a  lieutenant 
in  a  company  from  Warren  Co.,  Mississippi,  Confederate 
Army.  He  m.  Georgia  Dulaney,  daughter  of  Dr.  Wm.  Du- 
laney, a  large  planter  near  Jackson,  Miss.  She  was  stylish 
and  affable;  affectionate  and  devoted  to  relatives  and 
friends ;  and  a  loving  wife  and  mother.  She  died  in  1908, 
several  years  after  the  death  of  her  husband.  He  was 
of  the  firm  in  Vicksburg  of  Catchings  and  Porter. 

94.  Frank  Catching  (91),  m.  Emily  Holliday,  his  cousin, 
Mississippi. 

95.  Missouri  Catching  m.  Judge  Monroe  Quinn.  They 
lived  on  their  plantation  two  miles  from  Summit,  Miss. 
Their  home  was  of  the  colonial  style  of  architecture.  They 
entertained  elegantly.  She  had  exquisite  taste  and  tact, 
was  tall  with  a  queenly  beauty,  and  held  a  high  place  soci- 
ally. She  died  about  1869.  Slie  was  fond  of  dress  and 
the  ornamentation  of  home. 

96.  Matilda  Catching  (91),  m.  J.  Madison  Ray,  first  hus- 
band. Mr.  Ray  d.  in  the  (^Confederate  Army.  Their  chil- 
dren are  Bessie,  Willie,  and  Mollie  Ray.  Mrs.  Ray  married 
Mr.  Hickman,  second  husband.  They  live  on  Red  River, 
Arkansas. 

97.  Jane  Catching  (91),  m.  John  Bulloch,  Hinds  Co.,  Miss. 

CHILDREN  OF  WARREN  CATCHING  AND  GEORGIA 

DULANEY 

98.  Bessie  Catching  (93),  styled  "Queen  Bess,"  being  so 
fine  looking,  m.  Mr.  West  Warren,  Canton,  Miss. 

25 


©9.  Warren  Catching,  Jr.  (93),  m.  Miss  Smith,  a  wealthy 
Ijir].  They  live  at  Mayersville,  Miss.  He  is  sheriff  of  Isa- 
quena  Co.,  and  a  large  planter   (1921). 

100.  St.  Clare  Catching  (93),  d.  Sept.  17,  1899,  aged  27. 

101.  John  Catching  (93),  deceased. 

102.  William  Catching  (93),  d.  July  11,  1898,  of  Pneu- 
monia. He  was  connected  with  the  Greenville  Democrat, 
Greenville,  Miss. 

103.  Maggie  Catching  (93),  has  splendid  business  attain- 
inents. 

104.  Sallie  Catching  (93),  m.  Mr.  Roberts.  They  moved 
to  Houston,  Texas. 

CHILDREN  OF  JUDGE  MONROE  QUINN  AND 
MISSOURI  CATCHING 

105.  Nannie  Quinn  (95),  an  accomplished  musician. 

106.  Ella  Quinn  (95),  a  celebrated  beauty  and  belle,  very 
amiable,  attractive  and  accomplished,  m.  Maj.  J.  H.  Willard, 
U.  S.  A.  Engineer,  Vicksburg,  Miss.  He  was  afterwards 
promoted  to  a  colonel.  In  1900  he  was  transferred  to 
Evansville,  afterwards  returned  to  Newport,  R.  I.,  having 
inherited  a  large  estate  from  his  father,  and  v/here  he  lives, 
1921. 

CHILDREN  OF  ELLA  QUINN  AND  COL.  J.  H.  WILLARD 

107.  Eleanor  Willard  (106),  b.  1899,  d.  Jan.  17,  1901, 
buried  in  Newport. 

108.  Roberta  Willard  (106),  a  beautiful  and  accomplished 
girl. 

109.  Natalia  Willard  (106),  very  attractive  and  bright, 
has  talents  as  an  artist. 

110.  Dorothy  Willard  (106),  charming  and  lovely. 

CHILDREN  OF  JANE  CATCHING  AND  JOHN 
BULLOCH 

111.  Charles  Bulloch    (97). 

112.  Mary  Bulloch  (97),  m.  George  Miller,  son  of  a  rich 
cotton  planter.  Miss.  Their  children  are  Irene,  Bessie, 
Emma,  Robert,  John  and  George. 

CHILDREN  OF  FRANK  CATCHING  AND  EMILY 
HOLLIDAY 

113.  William  L.  Catching  (94),  m.  Laura  Masengill,  Haz- 
lehurst.  Miss.  She  is  very  talented.  Their  children  are 
Kate  Catching,  b.  1893 ;  Kenneth  Catching,  b.  1896 ;  Frank 
Catching,  b.  1901.  Mrs.  Wm.  L.  Catching  d.  Jan.  22,  1916, 
at  Hazlehurst,  and  was  interred  in  Hazlehurst. 

114.  Nannie  Catching  (94),  m.  Robt.  Quitman  Allen, 
Georgetown,  Miss.  He  died  March,  1914,  in  Jackson,  Miss. 
Their  children  are  Jessie  Allen,  m.  Mr.  Ramsey;  Robert, 
Frank,  Zula,  and  Phillip  Allen,  all  grown  but  Phillip.  (1913) 

26 


Mrs.  Jessie  AlleivRamsey  lives  in  Hazlehurst,  Miss.     The 
others  live  in  Jackson,  Miss.,  with  the  family. 

114-A.  Charles  Catching,  M.  D.  (94),  graduated  from  the 
University  of  Miss.,  and  practices  his  profession  at  Wood- 
ville.  Miss.  He  m.  Miss  Mittie,  daughter  of  Dr.  Thomas  0. 
Woods,  about  1898.  Their  children  are  Thos.  F.,  b.  1906; 
•Chas.  E.  Jr.,  b.  1899:  Nicholas  S.,  b.  1901;  Wm.  H.,  b.  1903; 
Oliver  W.,  b.  1905 ;  Grace  Holliday,  b.  1908 ;  is  a  fine  little 
girl. 

115.  Newton  Warren  Catching  (94),  b.  1873;  lives  in  Haz- 
lehurst, Miss. 

CHILDREN  OF  HARRIET  CATCHING  AND  WILLIAM 
DICKSON,  M.  D. 

116.  Martha  Cureton  Dickson  (92),  b.  Feb.  16,  1822,  m. 
Felix  Magee,  who  was  a  brother  of  Mrs.  David  C.  Dickson. 

117.  William  Dickson  (92),  d.  before  reaching  manhood. 

118.  David  Catching  Dickson  (92),  m.  Saphronia  McGee, 
of  Miss.,  daughter  of  Daniel  and  Sallie  Mc(^ee,  Miss.  She 
d.  in  1897,  no  children.  On  June  27,  1839,  he  m.  her 
sister,  Nancy  Magee. 

119.  Louisa  Dickson  (92),  m.  Dr.  Josiah  C.  Massey,  sec- 
ond wife.  Lived  in  Texas.  He  was  a  very  fine  looking  man 
and  brainy.  He  was  a  grandson  of  Wm.  Ball  of  Virginia, 
who  presented  him  with  a  wallet  Sept.  14,  1827.  He  wrote 
a  book  on  medicine.  Martha  Massey,  their  daughter,  mar- 
ried Frank  J.  Lewis.  (Mrs.  Frank  J.  Lewis,  who  furnished 
the  genealogical  lines  of  the  Dixon  familv,  lived  Jan.  7, 
1898,  1307  L.  St.,  Washington,  D.  C.) 

120.  William  Dickson   (92). 

121.  Lawrence  Dickson  (92). 

CHILDREN  OF  MARTHA  CURETON  DICKSON  AND 
FELIX   MAGEE 

122.  Felix  Magee,  Jr.   (116). 

123.  Daniel  Magee  (116). 

124.  Henrv  Magee  (116). 

125.  Sallie  Magee  (116),  m.  Mr.  Hart,  of  Bedias,  Tex. 

126.  Bettie  Magee  (116),  m.  Mr.  Pearson. 

CHILDREN  OF  DAVID  C.  DICKSON  AND  NANCY 

MAGEE 

127.  Adrian  Rienza  Dickson  (118),  d,  young. 

128.  Harriet  Dickson,  d.  young  (118). 

129.  William  Dickson   (118),  d.  when  of  age. 

130.  David  Raglin  Dickson   (118),  d.  young. 

131.  Henry  Jerome  Dickson  (118),  d.  young. 

132.  Daniel    Dickson    (118),    m.    Madeline    E.    LaPrelle, 
Brunner,  Tex. 

133.  James  Lawrence  Dickson,  m.  Clara  Clove,  Brunner, 

27 


Harris  Co.,  Texas.  She  was  a  native  of  New  York.  Their 
children  are  Robt.,  Daniel,  Peter,  James  L.,  Jr.,  Adrian,  and 
Erie  Dickson.  Their  sister,  Harriet  (Mrs.  C.  E.  Everts), 
also  lives  near  or  in  Houston,  Tex.,  and  has  three  children. 
Their  other  sister,  Beulah  Dickson  (Mrs.  Eugene  G.  Cook), 
lives  in  Houston  and  their  mother  (1917). 

134.  Napoleon  Charlton  Pickson  (118),  d.  at  fifteen  years 
of  age. 

135.  Dudley  Dickson  (118),  m.  Miss  May  F.  McKay,  An- 
derson,  Grimes  Co.,  Tex. 

136.  Robert  Dickson  (118),  d.  young.  He  m.  Miss  M. 
Taylor. 

137.  Mary  Dickson  (118),  m.  W.  W.  Kelley,  of  Houston, 
Texas. 

Of  the  above  Daniel  Dickson  and  wife  have  eight  sons 
and  one  daughter  living  and  four  daughters  dead.  James 
L.  Dickson  and  wife  have  six  sons  and  two  daughters  living. 
Dudley  and  wife  have  four  sons  and  two  daughters  living. 
Robert  Dickson  left  a  daughter;  one  son  dead;  wife  still 
living.  Mary  Dickson  and  husband  have  six  sons  living 
and  three  sons  dead.  Julia  D.  Dickson,  a  niece  of  David 
Catching  Dickson,  lives  in  Houston,  Tex.  Dr.  Wm.  Dickson, 
who  married  Harriet  Catching  (1817)  graduated  from  the 
Lexington  Medical  College,  Lexington,  Ky.  He  practiced  at 
Georgetown,  Miss.,  before  moving  to  Texas. 

David  Catching  Dickson  was  elected  Lieut.-Governor  of 
Texas  Aug.  2,  1853.  "E.  M.  Pease  and  Dickson  were  Gov- 
ernor and  Lieut.-Governor  two  terms  of  four  years.  He 
was  a  candidate  in  1855  for  Governor  against  Pease  on  the 
Know  Nothing  Ticket,  but  was  defeated  by  one  vote."  J.  W. 
Madden,  Secretary  of  State,  Austin,  Tex.,  Aug.  10,  1898." 
"D.  C.  Dickson  was  elected  Lieut.-Governor  in  1853.  E.  M. 
Pease  was  elected  Governor  at  the  same  time.  They  were 
elected  two  terms  of  four  years  in  1853."  Geo.  T.  Jester, 
Lieutenant-Governor,  July  25,  1898,  Corsicana,  Texas." 

CHILDREN  OF  PHILLIP  CATCHING  AND  HIS  SECOND 
WIFE  MARY  (OR  MATILDA)  ROGERS 

138.  Philip  Scott  Catching  (9)  married  Miss  Nancy  Bur- 
ton, first  wife ;  no  children.  His  second  wife  was  Miss  Rosa 
Love,  his  cousin ;  no  children.  They  reared  a  beautiful  lit- 
tle girl,  Mollie  Harris,  who  died  after  she  was  grown  and 
after  the  death  of  her  adopted  parents.  She  was  related 
to  Judge  Wiley  P.  Harris  and  was  a  daughter  of  Mr.  Merry 
Harris.  Philip  Catching  was  a  native  of  Copiah  Co.,  and 
was  a  large  cotton  planter  on  Pearl  River.  Their  lovely 
home  was  famous  for  its  hospitality.  He  was  a  handsome, 
elegant  gentleman.  He  represented  his  county  frequently 
in  the  legislature  and  was  a  signer  of  the  Ordinance  of  Se- 
cession of  Mississippi  during  the  convention  held  in  Jackson 
from  January  9,  to  January  15,  1861.     Prior  to  the  war 

28 


he  was  also  of  the  firai  in  New  Orleans  of  Aby  &  Catchings. 
He  named  his  place  "Glenrose"  for  his  wife  Rosa  Love. 

"My  middle  name  "Catchings"  was  given  to  me  when 
christened  in  1858  as  a  compHment  to  Mr.  Philip  Catchings, 
who  at  the  time  was  my  lather's  partner  under  the  firm 
name  of  'Aby  &  Catchings,'  in  New  Orleans  in  the  cotton 
business."  jonas  Catchmgs  Aby,  N.  Orleans,  La.,  Sept. 
20,  1820."     Mr.  Aby  is  not  related  to  the  Catching's  family. 

139.  John  Noel  Catching  (9),  a  cotton  planter  of  Copiah 
Co.,  Miss.,  m.  Angelina  Smitii,  a  sister  of  Dr.  Kankin  Smith 
and  of  Mrs.  S.  S.  Catching  and  a  niece  of  Judge  Robert  Love. 

140.  Joseph  Catching,  M.  D.   (9). 

141.  Mary  Rogers  Catching  (9),  m.  Cornelius  Trawick, 
Copiah  Co.,  Miss. 

142.  Eliza  Harvey  Catching  (9),  m.  Capt.  Archibald 
Steele,  Miss. 

143.  Palatire  Catching  (9),  m.  Rev.  Richard  Robert 
Bridges. 

114.  Carolina  Matilda  Catching  (9),  m.  Daniel  Norman, 
Georgetown,  Copiah  Co.,  Miss.,  Nov.  19,  1829.  She  d.  about 
1866,  aged  about  60.    He  d.  June  17,  1844. 

CHILDREN  OF  JOHN  NOEL  CATCHING  AND 
ANGELINE  SMITH 

146.  Wm.  H.  Catching  (139),  dec'd,  m.  Susan  Fortner,  of 
Terry,  Miss. 

147.  Phillip  Catching  (139). 

148.  Laura  Catching   (139). 

149.  Emily  Catching  (139),  m.  Robt.  H.  Marshall,  Crys- 
tal Springs,  Miss.  Their  children  are  Ada,  Angeline,  Noel, 
Charles  and  Harriet.  Ada  m.  Seymour  Catching,  Angeline 
married  Benj.  B.  Nesmith. 

150.  Mary  N.  Catching  (139),  m.  Dr.  Benjamin  Henning- 
ton,  Tyrus,  Miss. 

151.  Sarah  Catching  (139),  m.  Turner  Fortner,  Terry, 
Miss.     They  had  one  child,  Sedley  Fortner. 

152.  Fanny  Catching  (139),  m.  Dr.  Reaben,  Summit,  Miss. 
She  was  one  of  the  handsomest  of  the  Catching's  relations, 
tall,  well  made,  lovely  hair  and  complexion. 

153.  Harriet  Catching  (139),  m.  Mr.  Womack,  McMinn- 
ville,  Tenn. 

154.  Edward  Catching   (139). 

155.  John  Noel  Catching  (139). 

156.  Dr.  Cornelius  Catching  (139),  m.  Miss  Tatum,  Terry, 
Miss.  Second  wife,  Mrs.  Foster,  nee  Childs.  They  lived 
on  their  plantation  in  Coahoma  Co.,  near  Rosedale,  Miss. 
(1921.) 

29 


CHILDREN  OF  DR.  BENJAMIN  HENNINGTON  AND 
MARY  N.  CATCHING 

157.  Fannie  Hennington  (150). 

158.  Rosa  Henning-ton  (150), 

159.  Dr.  Frank  Hennington   (150),  m.  Miss   Vaughn. 

160.  Lamar  Hennington   (150). 

161.  Henry  H.  Hennington   (150). 

CHILDREN  OF  DR.  REABEN  AND  FANNY  CATCHING 

162.  Emma  May  Reaben  (152),  m.  Walter  Collins.  One 
child,  Lurline,  m.  Lyman  G.  Lockwood,  Dec.  27,  1918. 

163.  Walter  H.  Reaben,  D.  S.  (152),  McComb  City,  Miss., 
b.   Feb.   23,    1873. 

164.  Clifton  E.  Reaben  (152),  m. 

165.  George  B.  Reaben    (152). 

166.  Cassie  Christine  Reaben  (152),  m.  Floyd  Waggoner. 
One  child,  Frances  May. 

CHILDREN  OF  HARRIET  CATCHING  AND  MR. 
WOMACK 

167.  Harriet  Womack  (153). 

168.  Dr.  Noel  Catching  Womack  (153),  Jackson,  Miss., 
m.  in  Nov.,  1910,  a  daughter  of  Sen.  A,  J,  McLaurin. 

FAMILY  OF  DR.  JOSEPH  BLAIR  CATCHING  AND 
MARTHA  BRIDGES 

169.  Dr.  Joseph  Blair  Catching  (9),  b.  May,  1822,  d. 
Dec,  1883,  Copiah  Co.,  m.  Miss  Martha  Bridges,  b.  Sept.  8, 
1831.     Their  children  were  13  in  number. 

170.  Dr.  Philip  Marshal  Catching  (169),  Georgetown, 
Miss.,  b.  Nov.  10,  1848,  d.  Jan.  12,  1907,  m,  Hattie  Allen, 
his  cousin.  Their  son.  Dr.  Walter  Wilroy  Catching,  George- 
town, Miss.,  d.  May  7,  1913.  Left  a  wife  and  five  children. 
He  was  called  Wilroy  Catching.  Anne  Catching,  daughter 
of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  W.  W.  Catching,  raised  the  flag  on  the  site 
of  the  Mississippi  Building  at  the  San  Francisco  Exposi- 
tion, 1915.  Her  mother  moved  to  San  Francisco,  where 
her  mother  and  brother  were,  after  her  husband's  death 
in  1913.  She  is  a  handsome  woman.  Children:  Ann,  Mar- 
garet, Martha,  Isabel  Wilroy  Catchings,  and  infant,  de- 
ceased. 

171.  Franklin  Bridges  Catching  (169),  b.  Sept.  27,  1850, 
d.  Oct.  4,  1920,  Georgtown,  Miss.,  m.  first  Mollie  Steele, 
sister  of  Archie  Steele,  who  m.  Dr.  Meredith  Catching. 
Franklin  B.  Catching  is  quite  wealthy  and  all  of  his  chil- 
dren are  well  educated.  He  married  the  second  time 
Mollie  Bovard.  After  her  death  he  married  Mrs.  Jessie 
Shrock. 

'The  E.  George  Delap  Lodge  No.  545,  F.  &  A.  M.,  at 
Georgetown,  Miss.,  met  in  memory  of  their  lately  deceased 
member,  Hon.  Frank  B.  Catching,  and  passed  resolutions  in 

30 


his  honor.  He  was  one  of  the  pioneer  members  of  that 
lodg-e  in  Eastern  Copiah  Co.  Hazlehurst,  Miss.,  Oct.  16, 
1920." 

172.  Margaret  EHza  Catching  (169),  b.  Mch.  30,  1853,  ni. 
Isaac  Columbus  Enochs,  Jackson,  Miss.,  June  26,  1879.  He 
was  a  lumber  merchant.  At  his  death,  April  8,  1919,  }\Q 
w^as  pronounced  the  richest  man  in  Mississippi.  He  was  b, 
Mch.  7,  1852. 

I.  C.  Enochs,  besides  lumber  interests,  owned  large  tracts 
of  land,  had  a  stock  farm  "Fernwood,"  near  Jackson;  invest- 
ments in  houses,  etc.  He  was  prominent  in  work  for  the 
orphans'  home  in  Jackson,  Miss. 

173.  Walter  Scott  Catchings  (169),  m.  Ida  Sanders.  He 
was  b.  March  8,  1855. 

174.  Mary  Palatire  Catching  (169),  b.  Aug.  14,  1867,  d. 
1892,  m.  A.  A.  Lilly,  in  railroad  service,  deceased, 

175.  Lucv  Matilda  Catching  (169),  b.  Mch.  6,  1859. 

176.  Caroline  Rogers  Catchings  (169),  b.  Nov.  21,  I860, 
m.  Chas.  Ogilvie  McKinnel,  merchant  and  planter.  One  in- 
fant, deceased. 

176-A.  Charles  Sevmour  Catching  (169),  b.  Aug.  24, 
1865,  d.  Oct.,  1866. 

177.  Martha  B.  Catching  (169),  b.  Mch.  10,  1863,  d.  1883. 

178.  Courtney  Quin  Catching  (169),  b.  Oct.  13,  1872,  m. 
Wm.  D.  Berry,  merchant.  Wm.  B.  Bei-ry,  Jr.,  S.  A.  T.  C. 
in  World  War. 

179.  Leilah  Blair  Catchings  (169),  b.  Jan.  14,  1877,  m. 
Catching  B.  Johnson,  a  cousin. 

181.  Richard  Oscar  Catching  (169),  b.  Feb.  14,  1870,  m. 
May  Massengill;  children,  Wallace,  R.  0.  C.  Jr.,  Jerry,  and 
Mav. 

182.  Dr.  Joseph  Meridith  Catching  (169),  b.  Mch.  20, 
1857.  His  mother  says  she  named  him  after  his  great 
grandfather,  Merideth  Catching,  of  Georgia.  He  married 
first  Archie  f]lla  Steel.  Their  children  were  two  infants, 
deceased,  Ellis  Catching,  unmarried  (Ellis  Catching  was 
Sergeant  of  Infantry  in  World  War),  and  Archie  Steele 
Catching,  who  married  Joseph  Carlyle  Miller,  of  Hazle- 
hurst, Miss.,  Nov.  15,  1916.  They  have  two  children,  John 
Merideth  Miller  and  another. 

CHILDREN  OF  FRANKLIN  BRIDGES  CATCHING  AND 
MOLLIE  STEELE 
After  the  death  of  Mollie  Steele,  Franklin  Catching  m. 
Mollie  Bovard,  and  after  her  death  Mrs.  Jessie  Shrock. 

183.  Myra  Palatire  Catching  (171),  deceased. 

184.  Frank  Bridges  Catching,  Jr.  (171),  m.  Mona  Chi- 
dester.     Two  children,  Thomas  and  Merideth  Chidester. 

185.  Mary  Catching  (171),  m.  Newton  Ellis.  Children, 
Evelyn  and  Martha. 

31 


186.  Lucy  Raymor  Catching  (171),  youngest  of  the  fam- 
ily, m.  Rodney  Allen. 

187.  Archibald  Steele  Catching  (171),  Georgetown,  Miss., 
on  Dec.  30,  1913,  at  four  P.  M.,  at  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
by  Rev.  W.  J.  Dulaney,  m.  Miss  Josephine  Bell,  daughter 
of  Charles  Monroe  Bell,  of  Bassette,  Ark.  1  child  (1920), 
Archibald  Steele  Catching,  Jr. 

188.  Joseph  Blair  Catchings  (171),  lawyer,  m.  Jennie  V. 
Stewart  and  was  admitted  to  practice  in  1914. 

189.  Charles  Burress  Catchings  (171),  attended  the  A. 
&  M.  College  in  Stark ville,  Miss.,  in  1914.  He  was  after- 
wards a  private  in  the  Engineering  Corps  in  the  World  War 
in  Europe. 

Joseph  Meredith  Catching,  married  Archie  Steele.  4  chil- 
dren: two  infants,  deceased. 

Ellis  Catching,  unmarried. 

Archie  Steele,  married  Joseph  Carl  vie  Miller — 2  children, 
John  Meredith  Miller. 

CHILDREN  OF  MARGARET  ELIZA  CATCHINGS 
AND  ISAAC  COLUMBUS  ENOCHS 

190.  Mary  Capers  Enochs  (172),  m.  Louis  Coupery  Nu- 
gent, son  of  the  late  Col.  W.  L.  Nugent,  a  distinguished  at- 
torney of  Jackson,  Miss.,  Nov.  24,  1915.  The  ceremony  was 
conducted  by  Rev.  W.  H.  Lewis,  pastor  of  the  Capitol  Street 
Methodist  Church.  The  two  matrons  of  honor  were  Mrs. 
Edward  G.  Flowers,  her  sister,  and  Mrs.  Norleigh  S"hands, 
sister  of  the  groom.  Her  sister.  Miss  Martha  Enochs,  was 
maid  of  honor,  and  another  sister.  Miss  Lucy  Enochs,  was 
bridesmaid.  The  groom  was  attended  by  W.  C.  Eakin  as 
best  man,  with  I.  C.  Enochs,  Jr.,  James  R.  McDowell  and 
Robert  Somerville,  of  Cleveland,  Miss.,  as  groomsmen.  A 
large  reception  at  Enochs'  home.  L.  C.  Nugent  was  a 
brother  of  Mrs.  Mollie  Somerville,  of  Greenville,  Miss.,  Mrs. 
George  C.  Harris,  of  Sharkey  County,  Miss.,  and  H.  R. 
Shands,  of  Jackson.  He  was  born  Feb.  12,  1876,  d.  of  influ- 
enza, October  11,  1918,  in  Jackson,  Miss. 

191.  Martha  Catchings  Enochs   (172). 

192.  I.  C.  Enochs,  Jr.  (172),  First.  Lieut,  of  Infantry, 
Machine  Gun  Corps,  1918. 

193.  Edwina  Enochs  (172),  m.  Edward  Gibbs  Flowers, 
Vicksburg,  Dec.  7,  1910.  Their  children,  Margaret,  Edward 
Gibbs  Flowers,  Jr.,  and  Edwina. 

194.  Lucy  Enochs   (172),  is  the  youngest  child. 
Margaret  Enochs,  deceased. 

CHILDREN  OF  WALTER  SCOTT  CATCHING  AND  IDA 

SANDERS 

195.  Louise  Catching   (173),  m.  J.  Hunter  Garth.     One 
;child,  J.  H.  Garth,  Jr. 

im.  W.  S.  Catching,  Jr.  (173),  m.  Leta  Shrock. 

32 


197.  Greenville  Catching  (173),  m.  Wilson  Hemingway, 
Jr.,  electrical  engineer,  of  Ark.,  Mch.  4,  1914.  Two  children, 
Caroline  and  infant  daughter. 

198.  Caroline  Catching  (173),  m.  W.  Williams. 

199.  Ida  Sanders  Catching   (173),  dec'd. 
199-a.  Loyce  Catching,  unmarried  (1919). 

CHILDREN  OF  ALBERT  ARTICE  LILLY  AND  MARY 
PALATIRE  CATCHING 

200.  Verna  Lilly  (174),  m.  Wm.  Henry  Becker.  Their 
children  were,  Wm.  H.,  Jr.,  Albert  Artice  Lilly,  Francis 
McGrath  and  Thomas  Becker. 

201.  Albert  Artice  Lilly,  Jr.,  (174)  d.  1913,  m.  Mary 
Storm.  Two  children,  Albert  A.  III.,  and  a  daughter,  Ken- 
neth, deceased. 

201-a.  Kenneth  Lilly,  d.  when  an  infant. 

After  their  mother  died,  and  Mr.  Lilly  was  killed  by  a 
railroad  accident,  the  little  children  lived  with  their  grand- 
mother. The  railroad  paid  them  fifty  thousand  dollars 
and  gave  them  a  handsome  piano. 

CHILDREN  OF  CORNELIUS  TRAWICK  AND  MARY 
ROGERS  CATCHING 

202.  Luzenberg  Trawick  (141). 

203.  Martha  Eliza  Trawick  (141),  m.  Dr.  James  Alforxl. 

204.  Cornelius  Trawick,  Jr.   (141). 

205.  Josephine  Trawick  (141),  m.  James  Lewis. 

206.  Henry  Trawick  (141),  m.  Ella  Owens. 

207.  Kate  Trawick  (141),  m.  Dr.  Julius  C.  Webb,  McComb 
City,  Miss. 

208.  Mary  Blair  Trawick  (141),  m.  Warren  W.  Alford, 
Jan.  9,  1866,  Georgetown,  Miss. 

CHILDREN  OF  WARREN  W.  ALFORD  AND  MARY' 
TRAWICK 

209.  Mamie  Alford   (208). 

210.  Minnie  Alford  (208). 

211.  Holcomb  Alford   (208). 

212.  Whitford  Alford  (208). 

CHILDREN  OF  CAPT.  ARCHIBALD  STEELE  AND 
ELIZA  HARVEY  CATCHING 

213.  E.  Whitman  Steele  (142),  m.  Rosa  Summerall. 

214.  Joseph  B.  Steele  (142). 

215.  Julia  A.  Steele  (142),  m.  Dr.  James  T.  Alford. 

CHILDREN  OF  WHITMAN  STEELE  AND  R. 
SUMMERALL 

216.  Luella  Steele  (213),  m.  John  Chalmers,  New  Orleans, 
Louisiana. 

217.  Ada  Steele  (213). 

33 


218.  Julia  Steele  (213). 

219.  Joseph  Blair  Steele  (213),  d.  while  attending  Emory 
and  Henry  College,  Va. 

CHILDREN  OF  DANIEL  NORMAN  AND  CAROLINE 
MATILDA  CATCHING 

220.  Mary  Matilda  Norman  (144),  m.  J.  Thomas  Bagget. 

221.  James  Montgomery  Norman  )144),  b.  March  25, 
1833,  d.  Aug.  24,  1906,  Hazlehurst,  Miss.  Montgomery,  son 
of  C.  M.  Catching  and  Daniel  Norman,  m.  Elizabeth  Jane 
Lott  King,  at  Lake  Providence,  La.,  Sunday,  July  28,  1861, 
After  the  Civil  War,  he  was  elected  Chancery  Clerk  of  Co- 
piah Co.,  Jan.,  1867.  He  served  for  seven  years  with  great 
efficiency,  was  Mayor  of  Hazlehurst,  City  Assessor  and  J.  P. 
He  went  to  California  in  1855  in  search  of  gold,  joined  Gen. 
Walker's  filibustering  expedition  to  Nicarauga,  was  wounded 
arid  came  to  New  York.  He  sailed  from  there  as  sailor  on 
a  sailing  vessel  to  Australia  and  the  Arctic  Ocean,  returning 
home  after  two  years.  He  was  First  Lieut,  of  Copiah  Horse 
Guards,  with  the  Confederacy,  1860,  and  was  made  Cap- 
tain, 1861.  In  1862  he  was  elected  Major  in  Stoedale's  Bat- 
talion. The  latter  part  of  the  war  he  was  with  Gen.  For- 
rest; was  always  distinguished  for  bravery  and  fearlessness. 
His  wife  died  1910. 

222.  Palatire  Rogers  Norman  (144),  m.  Dr.  Abner  T. 
Steele  (second  wife). 

223.  Phillip  Catching  Norman  (144),  accidentally  killed 
while  hunting.     Unmarried. 

CHILDREN  OF  THOMAS  BAGGETT  AND  MARY  M. 
NORMAN 

224.  Mary  Emma  Raggett  (220),  m.  James  T.  Siebe,  a 
druggist  at  Crystal  Springs,  Miss.  Their  children  are 
Henry  0.  Siebe,  m.  Susie  Willing;  Abner  Siebe.  The  chil- 
dren of  Henry  Siebe  are  Frances  Emma,  William  Henry  and 
Annie  May. 

225.  James  Montgomery  Baggett  (220),  m.  Clara  V. 
Hope. 

CHILDREN  OF  DR.  ABNER  T.  STEELE  AND  PALATIRE 

NORMAN 

226.  Mary  Caroline  Steele  (222),  m.  Rev.  R.  G.  Water- 
house,  Methodist.  He  was  president  of  Emory  and  Henry 
College,  Va.,  from  June  6,  1893  to  May,  1910.  Their 
daughter  is  Edith  Waterhouse.  Dr.  Waterhouse  was 
elected  to  the  College  of  Bishops  M.  E.  Church  South,  by 
the  General  Conference  at  Asheville,  N.  C,  May,  1910. 

"Mrs.  Waterhouse  (Mary  C.  Steele,  1st  wife)  d— ?  Their 
daughter,  Edith,  lives  in  New  York  City.  Bishop  Water- 
house  is  a  native  of  Rhea  Ck).,  Tenn.,  but  still  resides  at 

34 


Emory,  Va.  He  has  two  sons,  but  the  writer  is  not  sure  by 
which  marriage.  Edith  is  unmarried."  J.  S.  French,  Abing- 
don, Va.,  Feb.  5,  1921." 

CHILDREN  OF  REV.  RICHARD  ROBT.  BRIDGES  AND 
PALATIRE  CATCHINGS 

227.  Matilda  Anne  Bridges  (143),  m.  Ellison  Lafayette 
Norman. 

228.  Carolina  Bridges  (143),  m.  Alex.  Sanders  Alford, 
Dec.   29,   1897. 

229.  James  Bridges  (143),  m.  first  Kate  Alford,  second, 
Mrs.  Cornelia  Sanders,  nee  Cornelia  Corly. 

230.  Richard  R.  Bridges  (143),  killed  in  Confederate 
Arniy. 

CHILDREN  OF  E.  L.  NORMAN  AND  MATILDA  A. 
BRIDGES 

231.  Mary   Norman    (227). 

232.  Richard  Seymour  Nomian  (227),  m.  Pinkie  Fergus- 
son.     Three  children. 

CHILDREN  OF  JAMES  BRIDGES  AND  KATE  ALFORD 

233.  Dr.  Richard  Robt.  Bridges  (229),  m.  Annie  Winter 
Love,  his  cousin. 

234.  Julius  Bridges   (229). 

235.  Quinn  Bridges  (229). 

236.  Jincy  Bridges  (229). 

CHILDREN  OF  JAMES  BRIDGES  BY  SECOND  WIFE, 
CORNELIA  CORLY  (MRS.  CORNELIA  SANDERS) 

237.  Martha  Bridges  (229). 

238.  Joseph  Bridges  (229). 

239.  Edna  Bridges  (229). 

CHILDREN  OF  DR.  R.  ROBT.  BRIDGES  AND  ANNIE 
WINTER  LOVE 

240.  Lucile  Bridges   (233). 

241.  Robt.  Bridges  (233). 

242.  Marv  Love  Bridges  (233). 

243.  Kate  Alford  Bridges  (233). 

244.  Annie  Winter  Bridges   (233). 

245.  Islaa  Goodloe  Bridges. 

CHILDREN  OF  JAMES  BRIDGES  AND  CORNELIA 
(SANDERS)    BRIDGES 

246.  Mattie  Bridges    (229). 

247.  Joseph  F.  Bridges   (229). 

248.  Edna  Bridges  (229). 

JONATHAN  CATCHING  (11)  MARRIED  LOURAINEY 
THOMPSON,  OF  GA.,  FIRST  WIFE.  They  moved  to  Mis- 
sissippi about  1809.     Jonathan  Catching  married  Miss  Fair- 

35 


child,  second  wife.  Her  brother  was  Sheriff  of  Hinds  Co., 
Miss.  "Uncle  Jonathan's  family  Bible  was  a  large  illus- 
trated one  with  gilt  edges  and  his  name  on  the  back  in  gilt 
letters.  We  went  on  a  visit  to  him  when  I  was  a  small 
child.  Mother  sent  her  carriage  driver  out  for  muscadines 
and  he  brought  back  a  quantity.  M.  C.  Torrey." 
Their  children  were: 

249.  Katherine  Catching  (11),  m.  Mr.  Collins. 

250.  Augustus  Catching  (11),  a  wealthy  cotton  planter 
and  slave  owner  near  Jackson,  Miss.  He  had  a  fine  intel- 
lect and  was  an  untiring  reader.  Married  Miss  H.  Cassidy, 
Miss.     He  also  owned  a  large  body  of  land  in  the  delta. 

251.  Louraine  Catching  (11). 
•   252.  Jonathan  Catching  (11). 

CHILDREN  OF  KATHERINE  CATCHING  AND  MR. 

COLLINS 

253.  Eliza  Collins   (249),  m.  Mr.  Chapman. 

254.  Lourainey  Collins  (249),  m.  Dr.  Fullerton,  Califor- 
nia. 

255.  Jonathan  Collins  (249),  deceased. 

CHILDREN  OF  AUGUSTUS  CATCHING  AND  H. 
CASSIDY 

256.  Augustus  Catching   (250),  deceased. 

257.  Lourainey  Catching  (250),  m.  Dr.  Wm.  Dulaney,  of 
Madison  Co.  Had  elegant  home  on  his  plantation  seven 
miles  from  Jackson,  Miss.  He  was  a  prominent,  successful 
physician  and  planter.  She  was  very  affectionate,  gentle 
and  amiable. 

258.  Virginia  Margaret  Catching  (250),  m.  her  cousin, 
Dr.  T.  A.  Catching.  She  is  a  tall  fine-looking  blonde,  was 
a  belle  in  Jackson  and  other  places  at  the  same  time  and 
with  her  cousin  Rosa  Love.  She  was  educated  in  Jackson, 
Miss.,  d.  March,  1914. 

259.  Louraine  Dulaney  (257),  a^natural  politican  and  a 
very  large,  successful  cotton  planter,  Grace,  Issequena  Co., 
mfl  a  niece  of  Judge  J.  W.  M,  Harris,  Vicksburg,  Miss.,  and 
a  niece  of  Gen.  Nat.  H.  Harris,  Confederate  Army.  His 
first  wife  was  Miss  Adkins,  Jackson,  Miss. 

(12)  SILAS  CATCHING  MARRIED  FRANCINA  ROG- 
ERS AND  MOVED  TO  WETUMPKA,  ALA.,  MANY 
YEARS  AGO.     THEIR  DAUGHTER: 

260.  Matilda  Warren  Catching  (12),  b.  July  4,  1814, 
Washington,  Ga.,  d.  Aug.  4,  1873,  was  an  only  child.  She 
first  m.  John  C.  McNeal.  Her  second  husband  was  Hon. 
W.  W.  Mason,  Tuskegee,  Ala.  He  d.  Jan.  21,  1869.  Their 
children  were: 

261.  Rev.  Wiley  Mason  (269),  b.  1846,  Baptist. 

262.  Calhoun  Mason    (260). 

263.  Francina  Mason  (260),  m.  Judge  A.  J.  O.  Bilbro,  Ala. 

36 


264.  Ellen  Mason  (260),  m.  Judge  Thrasher,  Dade  City, 
Fla. 

(10)  JOSEPH  CATCHING,  m.  about  1800  in  Wilkes  Co., 
Ga.,  Mary  Holliday,  both  natives  of  Wilkes  Co.  Removed, 
in  1809,  to  Pike  (5o.,  Miss.,  three  miles  below  Holmesville. 
Here  they  reared  their  family  and  were  buried.  ("The 
graves  are  in  good  shape :  each  has  a  brick  vault  over  it  with 
a  slab  on  top.  Mrs.  Ellzey,  Summit,  Miss.,  Oct.  26,  1920.") 
"She  was  called  the  handsomest  woman  in  that  section.  He 
was  a  cotton  planter.  When  we  were  young  our  parents 
went  on  a  visit  to  grandfather  in  their  carriage  from  Hinds 
Co.  Mother  since  told  me  that  I  was  about  four  years  old, 
yet  I  remember  that  the  nurse  frequently  took  us  to  the 
summit  of  a  very  high  hill  and  would  roll  rocks  down  the 
side  for  our  amusement.  She  would  also  dip  our  bare  feet 
into  the  lovely  clear  creek  which  ran  at  the  base,  and  in 
front  of  his  residence.  If  grandfather  saw  this,  he  would 
call  out  and  interfere.  This  was  Bogue  Chitta  Creek.  The 
bottom  was  lined  with  pebbles  and  the  wheels  of  the  car- 
riage made  a  crunching  sound  as  it  passed  over.  Grandfa- 
ther called  sister  Nannie  his  little  rosebud,  her  skin  was 
so  white  and  rosy,  and  she  had  dimples  similar  to  his.  He 
was  affectionate  and  kindly.  After  his  death,  father  inher- 
ited his  saddle  horse,  a  splendid  grey  animal  named  Bob. 
His  attachment  to  the  old  home  was  so  great  that  he  would 
at  every  opportunity  start  back  to  Pike,  and  once  was  al- 
most there  before  discovered.  Father  used  him  as  his  sad- 
dle horse  till  his  death  during  the  Civil  War.  We  all 
mourned  the  dear  horse's  demise.  After  the  death  of  his 
wife  in  1827,  grandfather  married  again.  No  children. 
He  was  then  71.  Mrs.  M.  C.  Torrey,  Nov.  18,  1898."  "Grand- 
father Joseph  Catching  had  a  lovely  home.  I  went  there 
once  with  my  uncle.  Dr.  T.  Catchings,  on  a  visit.  Harriet 
Holliday,  Nov.  13,  1894,  Canton,  Miss." 

MY  SUMMER'S  TRIP  IN  1916 
"I  had  longed  and  yearned  for  twenty  years  or  more,  to 
visit  my  paternal  home;  the  place  of  my  birth  and  scenes 
of  my  happy  childhood.  This  seemed  almost  impossible, 
when  I  finally  decided  upon  making  the  trip  a  reality,  being 
then  seventy-five  years  of  age,  and  having  to  travel  en- 
tirely alone.  This  wish  predominating,  I  felt  that  I  must 
undertake  the  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  miles  to  this 
dear  spot,  upon  which  I  had  not  been  since  eight  years  of 
age,  nor  where  grandfather  once  lived,  five  miles  away,  both 
in  South  Mississippi. 

My  brother,  Dr.  T.  A.  Catchings,  was  too  infirm  to  accom- 
pany me,  so  bidding  him  goodbye,  I  boarded  the  train  at 
Jackson.  After  a  pleasant  trip  and  arriving  at  McComb 
City,  I  left  for  Holmesville,  where  I  went  immediately  to 
Mr.  Hugh  Bridges.     He  and  family  received  me  with  open 

37 


arms.  His  father  bought  my  father's  plantation,  and  his 
sister,  Martha  Bridges  married  Dr.  Joseph  Catchings.  I 
remember  the  mother  of  Mrs.  Bridges:  Mrs.  Wallace,  nee 
Courtney  Quinn,  a  beautiful  girl;  also  Mrs.  Patsy  Quinn, 
the  grandmother,  a  very  handsome  old  lady.  She  bought 
Aunt  Sallie  Love's  plantation,  when  the  latter  moved  near 
Canton,  Miss.  The  present  home  of  the  Bridges  was  once 
owned  by  Dr.  Nicholson,  who  lived  there.  Mrs.  Nicholson 
was  a  sister  of  Mrs.  Wallace.  I  boarded  in  this  house  and 
went  to  school  to  Dr.  Nicholson,  who  would  take  me  upon 
his  knee  and  teach  me  my  lessons.  I  was  about  seven  years 
old.  The  Nicholsons  had  no  children  and  were  bosom 
friends  of  my  father,  so  lie  made  a  perfect  pet  of  me.  The 
beautiful  flower  yard,  fine  roses,  pinks  and  great  big  olean- 
ders are  still  there.  I  looked  for  and  missed  the  public 
square,  the  Court  House,  and  other  public  buildings  of 
Holmesville.  All  had  been  moved  to  Magnolia,  the  present 
County  seat.  The  large  oaks,  mementoes  of  former  days, 
are  yet  living.  I  met  people  who  would  say,  "I  do  not  re- 
member your  father  and  mother,  but  my  father  and  mother 
did.     They  told  me  so." 

Mr.  Bridges  kindly  drove  me  out  to  my  old  home.  When 
I  stepped  upon  the  gallery  and  entered  my  mother's  room,  I 
burst  into  tears,  and  thought,  "Can  it  be  true  that  I  am 
again  in  this  sacred  room,  once  occupied  by  my  sainted 
mother?"  Each  apartment  was  as  natural  as  could  be, 
having  undergone  but  little  change.  Mr.  Ellzey  explained 
that  the  best  pine  had  been  used  throughout  the  building, 
and  that  this  accounts  for  its  perfect  preservation,  and 
that  it  is  almost  impossible  now  to  buy  such  timber.  This 
plantation  was  once  upon  the  state  map  and  the  postoffice 
was  called  "Bridges." 

I  drew  a  bucket  of  water  from  the  well,  which  seemed 
to  taste  better  than  any  other.  The  magnificent  oaks  and 
cedars  in  the  front  yard  I  missed  sadly:  said  to  have  been 
blown  down  by  storms.  However,  the  fig  bushes,  walnut 
and  pecan  trees,  planted  by  my  father,  remained,  and 
were  bearing  fruit.  Looking  at  the  broad  fields,  fine  and 
level,  on  Bogue  Chitto  River,  I  thought  'What  energy  and 
judgment  m.y  father  expended  in  having  these  1,500  acres 
cleared.  The  cabins  which  were  the  homes  for  one  hundred 
and  thirty  negroes  owned  by  my  father  had  disappeared  by 
the  hand  of  time.  Mr,  Ellzey,  as  I  left,  presented  me  with 
a  picture  of  father's  dear  old  home,  which  is  certainly  ap- 
preciated and  cherished.  He  also  was  good  enough  to  take 
me  to  the  plantation  formerly  ov/ned  by  grandfather,  on 
Bogue  Chitto  creek,  five  miles  away.  Horace  Greely  said, 
"Go  west,  young  man,  go  west."  No  doubt  grandfather 
was  imipelled  by  a  similar  thought,  as  he  came  and  settled 
in  South  Mississippi,  with  his  beautiful  wife,  said  to  be  the 

38 


handsomest  woman  in  that  pioneer  section.  I  fancy  their 
thoughts  often  reverted  to  their  former  Georgia  associa- 
tions, and  to  his  father,  Major  Benjamin  Catchings,  and  to 
her's,  Thos.  Holliday,  both  gallant  revolutionary  soldiers, 
who  did  distinguished  service  for  their  country. 

My  heart  had  been  in  anticipation  of  being  again  at  the 
place  where  my  grandparents  lived  and  reared  their  family. 
I  ran  at  once  to  the  spring,  so  fresh  in  my  memory  and 
which  was  still  beautiful  beyond  description,  bubbling  up 
from  the  white  sandy  bottom.  A  great  big  magnolia  tree 
hung  right  over  it  in  full  bloom,  and  was  the  prettiest  I 
had  ever  seen.  I  drank  a  glass  of  water  from  this  lovely 
spring,  where  my  grandparents  and  their  children  enjoyed 
life.  There  I  picked  up  pebbles,  some  of  which  sparkled 
like  diamonds.  The  spot  recalled  an  incident,  when  visiting 
there  during  childhood's  days.  "As  we  drove  from  grand- 
father's, my  sweet  cousin,  Charlie  Catchings,  rushed  to 
the  carriage  window  with  a  beautiful  magnolia  bud  and  pre- 
sented it  to  me.'  He  and  his  brother,  Joseph,  fell  side  by 
side  during  the  battle  of  Shiloh :  mere  boys,  and  sons  of 
Uncle  Seymour  Catchings. 

Leaving  the  spring  and  ascending  the  hill,  I  went  into 
the  yard  and  all  seemed  so  natural,  with  the  splendid  oaks 
and  pecan  trees,  and  the  front  gate  exactly  where  it  was 
originally,  I  imagined  I  could  see  dear  grandfather,  with 
his  walking  stick  approaching  to  greet  us,  as  he  did  when 
we  attended  the  reunion  of  their  three  sons  and  families, 
coming  in  their  carriages  with  attendant  servants.  He 
never  met  them  all  again.  Their  hospitality  was  profuse 
and  the  table  laden  with  delicious  viands,  served  by  an 
abundance  of  servants,  during  this  family  gathering. 

My  next  desire  was  to  go  to  the  top  of  the  mountain  hill, 
as  we  called  it,  I  recalled  when  my  father  took  me  by  my 
little  hand  and  led  me  to  the  summit.  Mr,  Ellzie  expressed 
fears  that  I  would  be  unable  to  climb  so  steep  an  ascent. 
"Yes,  indeed,"  I  replied,  "that  was  my  purpose  in  coming," 
so  the  trip  was  accomplished  by  taking  a  circuitous  route, 
and  catching  hold  of  the  trees  and  rocks.  The  top  was 
beautiful  and  level,  and  reminded  me  of  times  when  we 
children  used  to  go  up  there  to  gather  chinquapins,  grapes 
and  nuts. 

There  it  was  that  our  father  in  boyhood  days  romped 
and  played.  A  house  once  stood  upon  the  summit.  This 
hill  at  one  time  had  Indian  caves,  with  their  trinkets.  The 
railroad  is  a  great  attraction  to  the  old  place,  with  the  ring- 
ing of  bells  and  puffing  of  engines.  The  bed  of  the  creek 
was  changed,  and  nov/  runs  on  the  other  side  of  the  rail- 
road, through  the  woods.  The  buggy  had  to  pass  through 
it.  We  children  delighted'  to  wade  in  this  stream,  and  I 
concluded  to  try  it  again.     The  rocks  and  pebbles  crunched 

39 


under  my  feet  as  I  proceeded,  reg-aling  in  the  water  clear  and 
beautiful  meandering  its  way  to  the  river.  The  last  spot 
visited  was  the  Catchings'  cemetery,  alongside  of  the  gar- 
den. I  copied  the  dates  and  inscriptions  upon  the  tomb- 
stones of  my  grandparents  and  others  of  the  family.  Upon 
leaving  dear  old  Pike  County,  with  her  hallowed  associa- 
tions and  memories,  I  felt  as  though  I  would  like  to  remain 
there  the  balance  of  my  life.  My  father,  Silas  Mercer 
Catchings  of  Holmesville  was  born  in  Ga.  He  was  a  man 
of  high  morals,  noble  character,  and  a  Christian  gentleman; 
was  of  commanding  appearance  and  would  be  noticeable  in 
any  assemblage.  He  m.  Miss  Edith  Drake  of  Columbia, 
Miss.,  a  beautiful,  wealthy  girl,  daughter  of  Col.  Silas  Drake 
and  a  direct  descendant  of  the  same  family  as  that  of  Sir 
Frances  Drake.  Her  brother.  Dr.  Alfred  Drake,  was  a 
distinguished,  cultivated  gentleman. 

I  can  never  forget  the  indescribable  pleasure  this  trip 
gave  me.  During  my  young  life,  I  traveled  over  the  North- 
ern and  Eastern  States,  visited  Canada,  Niagara  Falls  and 
the  Great  Lakes,  but  this  simple  little  jaunt  for  pleasure 
and  gratification,  surpassed  them  all.  I  can  never  visit 
these  scenes  again.  May  the  wild  flowers  bloom  as  sweetly 
and  the  birds  continue  to  take  their  morning  dip  in  the 
water  of  Bogue  Chitto  Creek,  a  stream  which  I  love  so  well. 
I  hope  some  old  people  may  read  this  little  sketch  as  they 
may  appreciate  my  feelings,  in  an  endeavor  to  retrace  the 
footsteps  of  loved  ones  who  have  left  them,  for  abodes  on 
high,  but  whose  memory  will  be  always  cherished  by  me. 

Now,  I  must  return  to  my  home.  While  in  Jackson,  I 
visited  the  Capitol.  I  wanted  specially  to  see  the  Winnie 
Davis  portrait  in  the  Hall  of  Fame.  I  also  saw  one  of  Gov. 
McWillie,  our  dear  home  governor,  greatly  beloved  by  all. 
Some  one  once  remarked  in  his  presence  about  the  leniency 
of  governors  towards  prisoners.  Gov.  McWillie  replied 
"Would  you  have  it  inscribed  upon  these  walls  that  no  mercy 
dwelleth  here?"  What  a  beautiful,  feeling  answer!  The 
auto  came  and  I  must  meet  my  brother.  He  could  not 
-wait  for  me  to  take  off  my  wraps,  before  plying  me  with 
questions.  So  interested  was  he,  that  the  announcement 
for  supper  was  unnoticed,  he  being  so  anxious  to  hear  all 
I  would  tell  him.  I  was  much  gratified  to  be  once  more 
with  him,  the  eldest  of  our  family,  a  fine  physician  and 
'Christian  gentleman.  My  father  died  in  1850  and  my 
mother  in  1851.  A  writer  once  said,  "Let's  honor  and  keep 
green  the  memory  of  the  first  settlers  and  those  who  came 
after  them."     My   dear  grandparents   were  among  these. 

Mary  A.  Catchings  Hemingway." 

RAMBLING  REMINISCENCES  OF  LONG  AGO 
Dr.  T.  J.  Catchings  had  a  room  built  (1852)  amidst  the 
large  oaks  on  the  right  side  of  the  lawn,  and  employed  Mr. 

40 


Hawkins,  a  Northerner,  as  teacher.  After  one  year  Mrs.  Dr. 
Dameron,  a  neighbor,  requested  the  privilege  of  co-operat- 
ing in  order  to  let  her  children  have  the  benefit  of  the 
school.  Hence,  an  attractive  site  was  selected,  halfway 
between  the  two  homes  and  on  the  public  road.  Two  rooms 
about  thirty  feet  apart  were  erected,  one  of  which  was 
supplied  with  a  piano.  Mr.  Wm.  Streshley  of  Vicksburg 
was  the  first  teacher,  with  Mr.  Marrh,  a  German,  the  music 
teacher.  Mr.  Fox  and  Miss  Strauchn  succeeded  these  two, 
and  then  Miss  Ellen  Cook  of  Vicksburg  (music)  and  Mr. 
Moore.  He  was  so  tall  that  the  children  made  the  lyhme, 
"Mr.  Moore  is  six  feet  four."  Mr.  Powell  of  Vicksburg  also 
taught.  The  last  teachers  were  Mr.  Vigus  and  Miss  Weath- 
erston.  She  and  the  first  teacher,  Mr.  Hawkins,  had  good 
voices.  He  brought  with  him  a  melodian  and  often  assem- 
bled the  children  around  him  to  sing.  When  the  large 
pond  was  frozen,  he  performed  intricate  feats  with  his 
skates,  cutting  his  name  in  the  ice,  etc.  Miss  Weatherston 
also  taught  them  many  songs,  using  the  piano  as  an  accom- 
paniment. Among  these  were  "Ho!  for  the  stormy,  cold 
March  days,"  "Three  Blind  Mice,"  "Ten  Little  Indian  Boys." 
At  the  end  of  the  sesson,  taught  by  Mr.  Streshley,  a 
large  platform  was  erected  and  a  piano  placed  upon  it. 

An  extensive  arbor  of  evergreens,  with  benches  under- 
neath, was  made  for  the  audience,  who  came  from  many 
directions.  Various  families  of  Vicksburg  and  other  points 
attended.  After  the  reading  of  the  Declaration  of  Inde- 
pendence by  T.  C.  Catchings,  seven  years  of  age.  Judge 
Amos  R.  Johnston  of  Raymond,  arose  and  said,  "I  nominate 
that  boy  for  Congress."  He  afterwards  sent  him  as  a  pres- 
ent a  beautifully  illustrated  book,  "The  Ice  King  and  the 
South  Wind."  Music  and  songs  by  the  girls  interspersed 
the  public  examination.  A  beautiful  silver  pencil  set  with  a 
lovely  stone  was  presented  to  each  pupil.  Beneath  the  oaks, 
upon  long  tables,  delicious  viands  with  barbecued  meats  were 
serv^ed.  It  was  a  grand  occasion,  and  was  described  in  de- 
tail by  Mr.  Rufus  K.  Arthen — editor  of  a  Vicksburg  paper, 
in  an  article. 

That  night,  at  Mrs.  Dameron's  elegant  home,  a  ball  was 
jointly  given  by  her  and  Mrs.  Catchings,  the  latter  assisting 
by  contributions  of  dainties,  silverware  and  servants.  The 
belles  and  beaux  of  different  sections  enjoyed  the  fine  music, 
dancing  in  the  double  parlors,  with  promenades  in  the  hall 
and  galleries.  Mr.  Kendall,  the  dancing  master  employed, 
was  present  and  thought  his  pupils  were  creditable  to 
his  efforts.  He  once  took  them  all  to  a  ball  in  Clinton.  He 
taught  alternately  at  Mrs.  Damerons  and  Mrs.  Catchings. 
In  June,  1858,  Fleetwood  Academy  ended,  leaving  a  multi- 
tude of  memories  of  school  joys,  baseball,  racing,  climbing 
saplings,  the  spring  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  the  creek  where 

41 


-we  waded  and  bathed  (or  rather  frolicked),  marbles,  hick- 
ory nuts,  haws,  muscadines,  grapes,  hack  berries,  the  lus- 
cious dinner  sent  from  home  each  day  by  a  negro  boy  and 
partaken  of  under  the  trees,  the  huge  log  fires  and  tidy 
rooms  made  ready  each  morning  by  a  negro  man,  who  at- 
tended to  these  duties  early,  sent  one  week  by  Mrs.  Catch- 
ings  and  the  next  by  Mrs.  Dameron.  Gathering  and  string- 
ing chinquapins  was  a  pleasant  pastime;  jumping  the  rope, 
riding  horseback,   etc.,  etc. 

Silas,  Londie  and  Emma  Catchings  now  went  to  the  home 
of  their  brother.  Dr.  T.  A.  Catchings  and  his  care.  Mary 
and  Sarah  Catchings  were  placed  by  their  uncle.  Dr.  T.  J. 
Catchings,  at  the  Nashville  Female  Academy ;  Dr.  C.  D.  El- 
liott, principal.  Mr.  Abner  Starkey  of  Quincy,  Mo.,  was 
emplo\^ed  by  Dr.  Catchings  to  teach  his  three  children,  a 
room  in  the  house  being  provided  for  their  use. 

He  was  an  elegant  gentleman,  and  an  incessant  reader — 
delighted  in  Dickens.  He  and  Mr.  Gates,  tutor  in  the  home 
of  a  near  neighbor,  were  accomplished  in  chess.  They  and 
Dr.  Catchings  often  spent  hours  at  a  table,  and  when  sepa- 
rated, he  and  Mr.  Gates  played  games  of  chess  by  letter. 
Mrs.  Ranney  of  Vicksburg,  was  housekeeper  for  Mr.  Catch- 
ings. She  was  a  sister  of  Capt.  C.  A.  Manlove  and  Mr.  How- 
ell Cobb,  each  of  that  city.  Her  luscious  hot  rolls,  waffles, 
etc.,  are  well  remembered ;  apple  pies,  cake,  and  a  multitude 
of  delicacies,  executed  by  her  superior  skill.  She  was  a 
lovely,  refined  lady  and  loved  her  occupation.  Many  were 
the  charming  guests  entertained  at  Fleetv/ood,  especially 
during  the  summer  seasons ;  relatives  and  friends  seeking 
recreation.  During  the  yellow  fever  epidemic  of  1853,  the 
house  was  filled  with  interesting,  cultured  refugees  from 
Vicksburg  and  a  most  enjoyable  time  all  experienced.  At 
the  close  of  the  session.  Mr.  Starkey  took  T.  C.  Catchings 
to  the  University  of  Mississippi  to  be  examined,  and  re- 
turned beaming  Vv'ith  gratification  at  the  triumphant  results, 
and  his  admission  into  the  Freshman  class.  Had  been 
well  taught  in  Mathematics,  the  languages,  and  was  a  m.ar- 
vel  in  scanning  Greek,  was  brilliant  from,  infancy.  His 
mother  began  to  teach  him.  when  very  young,  and  at  four 
years  he  read  well.  His  father  taught  him  to  recite,  "A 
union  of  hearts,  a  union  of  hands,  a  union  of  lakes,  a  union 
of  lands,  and  the  flag  of  our  country  forever."  This  speech, 
Vv'ith  appropriate  gestures,  he  delivered,  standing  upon  a 
table.  He  was  a  very  beautiful,  lovely  child,  who  attracted 
the  attention  of  every  one.  Many  predictions  were  made  by 
neighbors  and  friends  of  his  future  success, 

Mary  and  Nannie  Catchings  entered  the  senior  class, 
Sept.,  1859,  of  The  Nashville  Academy.  They  had  an  easy 
time,  as  the  course  was  very  nearlj'  a  review  of  that 
through    which   Mr.    Starkey   had   given   them,    with   the 

42 


exception  of  new  books  taken  up,  such  as  Astronomy,  Trigo- 
Tiometry,  Mineralogy  and  French.  Nannie  selected  for  her 
graduating  essay  the  caption  of  ''Yankee  Doodle."  The 
applause  which  greeted  her  rendition  of  the  subject  was 
loud  and  long,  as  all  sections  were  at  a  feverish  heat  in 
politics ;  many  of  the  considerate,  wise  whigs  opposed  stren- 
uously a  separation  of  the  Southern  States  from  the  Union, 
She  was  a  charming  picture  to  behold  as  she  stepped  for- 
ward to  read  her  essay,  which  was  ornamented  with  bows 
and  long  ribbons  of  white  satin.  Her  dress  of  white 
mull  was  made  with  a  long  train  and  angel  sleeves ;  these 
last  being  quite  lengthy  and  open  from  the  shoulder, 
trimmed  with  valentia  lace  of  a  rare  pattern.  The  neck 
and  waist  were  also  lavishly  trimmed  with  this  lace.  A 
white  satin  sash  broad  and  long  completed  the  costume. 
She  wore  a  handsome  set  of  carbuncles  and  pearls,  presented 
by  her  uncle,  D.  M.  Hemingway,  for  the  occasion.  No  girl 
ever  possessed  a  more  perfect,  brilliant  complexion ;  pure 
white  with  a  radiant  color  like  sea  shells,  fair  and  tender. 

After  the  exercises,  Capt,  W ,  a  very  handsome  young 

man,  with  others,  sought  introductions  and  promenaded 
with  her  in  the  long  dance  hall.  She  was  one  of  the  most 
popular  girls  in  the  school  and  received  many  fareweU  pres- 
ents and  mementoes  upon  parting  with  friends,  and  for 
years  several  corresponded  with  her.  Her  sister,  Mary  C. 
Catchings  and  cousin,  Sarah  M.  Catchings,  also  graduated 
at  this  commencement,  and  Martha  P.  Jones,  a  former  Fleet- 
wood Academy  pupil  and  neighbor. 

The  plans  of  Mrs.  Catchings  to  send  these  girls  in  the  fall 
of  1860  to  the  "Madame  Loquet  Institute,"  in  New  Orleans, 
for  a  postgraduate  course  in  French,  music  and  art,  were 
abandoned  by  the  opening  of  hostilities  between  the  North 
and  South.  Dr.  Catchings  also  made  arrangements  to  take 
his  two  daughters  and  his  niece  S.  M.  Catchings,  traveling 
over  the  North  that  summer.  A  severe  accident  to  him 
prevented  this,  and  their  cherished  desire  to  place  Mary, 
Nannie  and  Thomas  under  the  charge  of  a  tutor  in  1861, 
was  also  eliminated  by  the  Civil  War,  this  tutor  being  de- 
signed to  travel  with  them  all  over  Europe. 

With  the  outcry  of  "War!"  there  was  nothing  else  to  do 
'but  to  abide  by  the  times.  While  in  Nashville  attending 
the  commencement  Mrs.  Catchings  had  many  lovely  dresses 
made  for  each,  Mary,  Nannie  and  Sarah  Catchings,  intend- 
ing to  stop  over  with  them  at  the  University  of  Mississippi, 
during  the  final  exercises.  This  was  likewise  prevented  by 
Nannie  becoming  ill,  so  all  hastened  home.  Sept.  1st,  1860, 
Thos.  C.  Catchings  entered  Oakland  College,  and  was  the 
Sophomore  speaker  of  his  class,  his  subject  being  "Italian 
Drama."  Dr.  Catchings  took  hi^  two  daughters,  Mary  and 
Nannie  to  attend  this  commencement,  1862,  to  hear  him  de- 

43 


liver  his  essay.  The  audience  applauded  greatly  his  treatise. 
There  was  much  entertaining  among  the  professors  during 
this  week.  The  writer  recalls  with  pleasant  memories  the 
elegant  supper  at  which  Dr.  Catching's  daughters  and  son, 
together  with  other  guests,  partook  at  the  home  of  Prof, 
and  Mrs.  Richardson ;  also  how  handsome  and  manly  T.  C, 
Catchings  was  upon  this  occasion,  and  when  upon  the  plat- 
form speaking;  a  child  compared  with  his  classmates.  He 
remained  longer  than  his  father  and  sisters,  in  order  to 
enter  the  Junior  class  for  the  ensuing  year.  Early  in  1862 
the  students  became  imbued  with  the  prevailing  war  en- 
thusiasm and  formed  companies  among  themselves.  As 
soon  as  the  States  seceded,  preparations  began  North  and 
South  for  the  great  conflict  between  the  sections.  Com- 
panies, regiments  and  battalions  were  sent  to  the  scenes  of 
warfare.  The  colleges  and  universities  of  the  South  were 
depleted  of  students,  eager  to  join  the  army,  many  of  them 
mere  children.  The  students  often  formed  companies 
among  themselves,  rifles,  shotguns  and  pistols  taken  from 
their  homes.  Sewing  societies  were  organized  in  every 
neighborhood,  among  the  ladies  who  met  regularly  to  cut 
garments.  These  were  taken  home  by  them  and  made 
ready  to  be  shipped  to  Va,  and  other  battlefields  for  the  use 
of  the  soldiers.  These  consisted  of  upper  and  underwear, 
socks,  blankets,  etc.  Even  the  young  girls  vied  with  one 
another  as  to  the  number  of  socks  they  finished ;  comforters 
crocheted  for  the  neck,  canteens  covered,  etc.  Great  boxes 
of  clothing  were  shipped  to  the  hospitals,  rolls  of  linen  for 
wounds,  together  with  delicacies,  such  as  jellies,  preserves, 
pickles,  wines,  cordials,  catsups,  etc.  Mrs.  Dr.  T.  J.  Catch- 
ings was  made  president  of  the  Bolton  society  and  entered 
into  the  duties  and  requirements  with  all  of  her  natural 
vigor  and  energy.  The  ladies  of  the  neighborhood  were 
indefatigable  in  their  work  and  most  liberally  contributed 
time,  provisions,  money,  and  in  fact,  everything  which  could 
possibly  be  a  help  and  comfort  to  the  brave  men  and  boys 
who  had  gone  to  the  front  for  their  country,  and  to  vindi- 
cate the  rights  of  the  States.  The  ladies  W'ho  aided  most 
prominently  in  this  society  were,  Mrs,  Dr.  Dameron,  Mes- 
dam.es,  Col.  Duncan  McLaurin;  Rachel  McLaurin,  Tom  Mel- 
len,  Maj.  McNeil,  Chas.  Walton  ,  Reynolds,  Geo.  Smith, 
Robertson,  etc.,  etc.  Mrs.  T.  J.  Catchings  was  thorough 
in  all  she  did.  This  was  shown  in  every  relation  of  life, 
beginning  with  her  home.  Mrs.  Gov.  Mc.  Willie  was  ap- 
pointed State  Regent  for  Mississippi  in  collecting  funds 
for  the  Mount  Vernon  Association  and  appointed  Mrs. 
Catchings  as  her  agent  for  the  neighborhood  around  Bol- 
ton, inds  Co.  The  writer,  then  a  small  girl,  accompanied 
her  in  the  carriage  and  remembers  the  earnest  enthusi- 
asm with  which  her  mother  went  from  house  to  house  and 

44 


from  one  business  man  to  another.  Those  were  flush 
times,  and  without  a  word  or  hesitancy  a  large  subscription 
was  made  and  thus  the  sum  she  realized  was  abundant.  *  *  * 
This  was  some  years  prior  to  the  Civil  War  (the  Mt.  Vernon 
incident).  Also  the  large  barbecue  at  Brownsville,  five 
miles  from  Fleetwood  about  1857,  when  an  extensive  gather- 
ing of  citizens  assembled  there.  Gov.  and  Mrs,  McRae  were 
guests  at  Fleetwood.  She  was  a  tall,  stately  lady  and  the 
mirror  of  fashion  and  show.  The  writer  recalls  the  silk 
dress  she  wore  with  small  flounces  over  the  entire  skirt, 
from  the  waist  to  the  bottom.  At  the  barbecue  she  lost  a 
handsome  gold  watch  which  she  never  recovered.  Dr.  and 
Mrs.  Catchings  had  previously  been  their  guests  at  the 
mansion  in  Jackson,  by  invitation  for  several  days.  Al- 
though the  governor  was  a  Democrat  and  Dr.  Catchings  a 
Whig,  they  were  valued  friends.  The  governor  was  a  nice 
gentleman,  with  soft,  white,  tender  hands.  His  brother, 
James  McRae,  was  an  inmate  of  the  mansion,  and  attended 
the  barbecue  and  speaking  at  Bolton,  when  the  Raymond 
Fencibles  left  for  the  scenes  of  war.  Rev.  Dr.  C.  K.  Mar- 
Khali  of  Vicksburg,  spoke  from  a  platform  and  Mr.  Jno. 
Read  of  that  city  sang  most  enthusiastically  and  with  emo- 
tion, "Maryland,  My  Maryland,"  together  with  other  patri- 
otic songs.  There  was  much  cheering  from  the  great  con- 
course of  citizens  and  when  the  troops  boarded  the  train. 
Another  memorable  occasion  was  when  Gen.  Tupper  of  Can- 
ton reviewed  the  militia  at  Bolton.  Many  prominent  per- 
sons were  present,  Gen.  Tupper  being  an  old  and  dear  friend 
of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Catchings,  was  entertained  by  them  at  the 
Fleetwood  home,  also  Rev.  Mr.  Cassiday  and  Capt.  Conway 
of  Va.,  the  latter  a  relative  of  Mrs.  Dr.  Mauriel  Emanuel  of 
Vicksburg.  Gen.  Tupper  gave  a  piece  of  music,  called  after 
his  son,  "The  Henry  Tupper  Guards,"  to  Nannie,  daughter 
of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Catchings.  She  then  presented  him  with  a 
beautiful  straw  hat,  which  she  had  made  by  plaiting  straw 
into  braids  and  then  sewing  these  into  shape.  The  crown 
was  pressed  upon  a  round  block,  with  a  warm  iron.  He 
was  delighted  with  the  gift  and  compliment.  A  friend 
taught  her  this  and  to  knit  comforters  and  socks  for  the 
soldiers. 

Speaking  above  of  Brownsville,  a  small  interior  town  five 
miles  from  Fleetwood,  with  several  churches,  a  masonic 
lodge  and  a  large  school  taught  by  Mr.  Robertson,  recalls 
many  childish  memories.  Each  fall  a  circus  came  which 
assembled  people  from  all  directions.  Thomas,  at  one  of 
these  went  with  his  father,  and  was  delighted  with  the 
horse  trained  to  find  a  handkerchief  hidden  by  the  ring 
master  in  the  saw  dust.  The  children  enjoyed  the  luscious 
sticks  of  peppermint,  lemon  and  other  candies  kept  in  glass 
jars  by  Mr.  Swartz,  a  Jewish  merchant.     Brownsville  was 

45 


the  home  of  Mr.  Pat  Sharkey,  brother  of  Gov.  Sharkey. 
He  was  assassinated  by  Dr.  McConnell  on  account  of  Mr. 
Sharkey's  opposition  to  secession.     This  town  was  the  an- 
nual scene  of  camp  meetino^s.     Tents,  a  platform,  arbors 
with  saw  dust,  upon  which  benches  were  placed  were  pro- 
vided.    Preaching-  by  the    Methodists    was    continued    for 
weeks,  with  the  mourners'  bench  and  much  shouting.     The 
tents  were  furnished  comfortably  for  families  and  wagons 
of  provisions  were  brought  daily  for  use:  the  best  and  most 
varied.     Dr.  Godfrey  or  Bishop  Godfrey  presided  at  these 
meetings:  an  able  and  fine  looking  man.     The  writer  re- 
members meeting  him   upon  the  grounds,   while  she   was 
walking  with  a  child  friend.     He  stopped,  to  be  pleasant  and 
kind,  and  asked,  "Where  are  you  little  tots  going?"     Dr. 
Catchings  was  a  Knights  Templar    in    Tappan    Lodge    at 
Brownsville.     The   writer  has  a  memory   of  hearing  him 
speak  at  a  large  assemblage  there  and  of  being  in  Vicksburg 
with  him  and  seeing  him  and  a  long  procession  of  Masons 
march  through  the  streets  in  their  regalias.     He  then  took 
us  to  the  dome  of  the  court  house,  which  afforded  a  view 
of  the  town.     He  was  a  man  of  scientific  investigation,  and 
invited  Prof.  Hillgard   to  spend  a  while  at  Fleetwood,  in 
order  to  analyze  the  earths  in  that  vicinity.     Dr.  Hillgard 
was  the  State  geologist.     Dr.  Catchings  made  salt  during 
the  Civil  War,  by  filtering  the  earth  from  a  spot  in  his 
field,  through  hoppers.     He  also  made  salt  from  the  ground 
on   which    the   plantation   smoke   house    stood.     This    was 
when  the  South  was  rigidly  quarantined.     Mrs.  Catchings 
at  this  period,  made  a  cask  of  delicious  vinegar  from  the 
apples  of  the  orchard :  also  starch  by  having  ears  of  green 
corn  scraped,  leaving  the  fine  deposit  to  settle  and  dry  into 
white  cakes  at  the  bottom  of  broad  dishes.     When  dry,  this 
was  crumbled  and  put  away  for  use.    Dr.  Catchings  planted 
indigo,  the  stalks  of  which  were  soaked  in  a  barrel  until  fer- 
mentation took  place,  when  it  was  boiled,  making  indigo 
for  laundry  purposes.     Innumerable  experiments  were  made 
to  offset  the  blockade.     One  was  the  beautiful  silky  thread 
spun  from  the  soft  fur  of  rabbits,  and  then  knitted  into 
gloves.     Mrs.  Catchings  had  two  looms  made  according  to 
directions  from  Maj.  Key's  overseer  on  an  adjoining  planta- 
tion.    This  overseer's  wife  taught  several  negroes  to  weave, 
size  the  thread,  etc.,  and  Mrs.  Catchings  then  kept  two  ne- 
goes  at  the  loom  and  furnished  the  plantation  with  clothes: 
had  much  of  this  cloth  quilted  into  comforts  for  the  neg-roes, 
and  thread  spun  for  their  socks  and  stockings.     One  woman 
spun  thread  so  fine  that  it  could  be  used  for  sewing.     The 
wool  thread  she  had  woven  into  flannel.     Just  before  T.  C. 
Catchings  went  out  with  Capt.   Buford's   Cavalry   Co.,   he 
made  a  reel  for  winding  thread  into  hanks  ready  to  be  sized. 
It  was  copied  from  one  made  by  Maj.  Key's  overseer.     After 

46 


a  certain  number  of  rounds  the  reel  clicked  to  indicate 
this.  All  thought  it  was  a  great  achievement  for  a  boy  of 
his  age.  He  also  had  Sam,  the  plantation  carpenter,  to 
make  a  batteau  for  crossing  Mound  Bayou,  as  the  plantation 
land  was  on  both  sides.  This  boat  he  called  "The  Lucy  Ash- 
ton,"  and  composed  a  pretty  story  by  this  name.  He  also 
cai*\^ed  a  lovely  pipe  out  of  a  briar  root,  representing  a  foot 
and  ankle,  which  he  polished  with  sand  paper.  Nannie  was 
eoually  marvelous  in  her  inventive  turn.  Her  mother's  scrap 
bag  v/as  a  continual  resort.  She  made  from  silk  two  beautiful 
bonnets,  one  for  herself  and  one  for  her  sister,  by  shirring 
the  silk  on  a  wire  frame,  also  made  by  her.  The  inside  of 
the  bonnets  were  of  a  lighter  shade.  She  also  made  beauti- 
ful sunbonnets  of  green  berage  cloth  shirred  outside  with  a 
pink  lining.  These  were  all  much  admired.  She  early  showed 
great  taste  in  dressing  her  dolls,  etc.  In  restrictions  inci- 
dent to  the  blockade,  gloves  and  gauntlets  she  produced 
from  broadcloth,  with  embroidery  on  the  backs.  The  small 
gores  between  the  fingers  were  fitted  in  as  nicely  as  bought 
ones.  A  pair  of  these  gauntlets  she  presented  to  Arthur, 
son  of  Mr.  Aleck  Yerger,  who  spent  several  days  at  her 
father's.  Some  years  after  the  Civil  War,  he  visited  her  at 
her  home  at  Baird,  and  reminded  her  of  the  great  comfort 
he  derived  from  wearing  them  in  the  army.  She  was  then 
Mrs.  J.  R.  Baird.  During  the  war  she  was  taught  by  neigh- 
bors to  make  cheese,  by  pouring  sweet  milk  and  beef  rennet 
into  a  mold  or  wooden  press,  upon  which  weights  were 
placed.  A  great  concern  with  Dr.  C|  was  to  obtain  shoes 
for  the  negroes,  so  he  had  Mr.  Smith,  the  overseer  for 
Maj.  Key's  plantation,  to  teach  Andrew,  one  of  the  young 
negro  men  to  make  this  very  important  article.  A  beef 
was  killed  each  Saturday  for  the  plantation  and  family, 
and  the  hides  were  tanned  in  a  vat,  thus  furnishing  a  good 
supply  of  leather.  Andrew's  occupation  ever  after  was 
the  manufacture  of  shoes  for  the  negroes,  which  with  other 
resources  amply  supplied  their  wants.  They  had  an  abun- 
dance of  poultry,  the  smoke  house  was  full  of  hams,  sausage 
and  other  meats,  the  cribs  with  corn,  pumpkins,  peas,  to- 
gether with  vegetables,  etc.  The  negroes  seemed  happy, 
but  one  night,  fourteen  young  men  left  for  Memphis,  where 
they  remained  only  a  week  and  returned  home.  A  source 
of  great  anxiety  was  a  lack  of  nails  for  repairing  and  build- 
ing. No  boats  were  running  and  the  sole  dependence  for 
hearing  from  the  outside  world  was  when  a  traveler  on 
horseback  was  entrusted  with  mails  by  the  postmaster  at 
Sidon  and  Blackhawk ;  who  distributed  these  as  they  passed 
through  the  neighborhood.  These  travelers  excited  much 
commotion  until  interviewed  in  regard  to  battles  fought  and 
reports  from  the  armies.  The  sad  news  of  Lee's  surrender 
was  crushing,  and  when  T.  C.  Catchings  came  home,  his 

47 


first  step  upon  the  gallery  emphasized  that  irrevocable  blow. 
Dr.  Catchings  now  felt  that  he  could  never  be  contented 
^upon  a  plantation  with  free  negroes,  so  he  sold  Refuge  and 
bought  a  home  in  Brandon,  where  he  invested  a  large  sum 
in  a  mercantile  firm.  After  six  years  this  firm  failed  and 
he  sold  the  home,  and  returned  to  Sunflower  Co.  still  own- 
ing some  land  there  and  resumed  the  practice  of  his  pro- 
fession. 

This  was  a  rough  experience  for  one  of  his  age,  as  he 
frequently  rode  20  miles  to  see  a  patient,  sometimes 
through  very  thick  cane.  The  last  two  years  of  his  life,  he 
did  office  practice.  The  family  traveled  (1861)  from  Hinds 
to  their  new  abode  in  the  carriage  and  buggy :  the  negroes 
in  wagons.  These  negroes  had  been  under  the  supervision 
of  Mr.  McGuire  (overseer)  and  those  in  Sunflower  with 
Mr.  B.  Dozier.  Each  of  these  had  enlisted  in  the  Confeder- 
ate Army,  so  now  Dr.  C.  had  the  entire  charge.  All  soon 
became  comfortable  and  commodiously  settled  in  this  new, 
wild  country  amid  cane  brakes  and  dense  forests.  Before 
the  blockade  was  established,  he  had  shipped  to  Refuge  a 
hogshead  of  sugar  and  several  barrels  of  molasses  for  the 
use  of  the  negroes.  These,  with  the  flour  on  hand,  and  a 
sack  of  coffee,  were  used  judiciously,  as  it  was  not  known 
where  another  supply  could  be  had.  Various  substitutes 
were  used  for  articles  which  could  not  be  bought.  Corn 
Tneal  bran  after  being  parched  made  a  drink  something  like 
coffee,  also  small  bits  of  sweet  potato  dried  and  brewed  on 
the  stove. 

Dr.  C.  experimented  successfully  in  planting  wheat. 
After  being  ground  upon  the  corn  mill,  Mrs.  C.  had  it 
sifted  through  tarleton  for  cake,  and  through  the  wire 
sifter  for  battercakes  and  gems.  The  plantation  was  well 
stocked  with  horses,  mules,  hogs  and  Durham  cattle,  poul- 
try, etc.,  which  with  fish  from  the  river  and  lakes,  wild 
ducks  in  abundance,  venison,  bear,  wild  turkeys,  and  other 
game,  rendered  life  well  filled  with  blessings.  Four  genial, 
pleasant  families  lived  nearby.  Horseback  riding,  fish  fries, 
picnics,  dances  and  driving  were  frequent  in  spite  of  hostili- 
ties. The  country  was  inaccessible  for  either  army.  Once 
a  body  of  Texas  troops  camped  in  the  neighborhood.  A 
soldier  slept  so  near  the  fire  that  the  back  of  his  jacket 
was  burned.  Mrs.  C.  gave  him  a  new  woolen  one  made 
for  the  negroes  and  distributed  the  socks  she  had  knit 
among  them.  On  another  occasion,  a  squad  of  Confeder- 
ates passed  through  from  the  Miss,  river,  and  stopped  a 
few  days  with  Dr.  C.  They  killed  many  ducks  upon 
Mound  Bayou,  and  enjoyed  this.  Also  a  Yankee  gunboat 
chased  a  Confederate  merchant  boat  up  the  Sunflower  into 
Quiver  River,  believing  that  Confederate  soldiers  were  on 
board.     The  latter  burned   their   boat   and   escaped.     The 

48 


remains  of  the  old  machinery  can  still  be  seen  in  Quiver 
River  (1921).  The  Yankees  did  not  come  on  shore  but  re- 
turned down  the  river:  they  having  surprised  a  dancing 
party  at  Garvin's  ferrj\  The  one  or  two  Confederate  sol- 
diers present  escaped.  One  Yankee,  captured.,on  the  Miss. 
river  was  brought  through  the  country  by  Confederate 
scouts,  and  they  stopped  at  Refuge,  and  sat  quite  a  while 
upon  the  gallery  to  rest,  and  have  fresh  water.  The  Yan- 
kee in  his  suit  of  blue  looked  terrified,  and  was  as  white  and 
silent  as  a  statue.  He  was  a  wonderful  curiosity  and  was 
the  only  Yankee  seen  by  Dr.  C.  and  family  during  the 
war,  on  account  of  the  impenetrable  forests  of  cane.  At 
one  time  an  extended  fire  swept  through  that  locality.  The 
explosions  of  the  cane  joints  sounded  like  a  battle.  Much 
damage  was  done  by  the  burning  of  gins  and  cabins.  The 
fire  was  near  enough  to  Dr.  C's  home  for  the  grass  in  the 
yard  to  catch,  and  flaming  particles  of  trees  were  blown 
around  the  yard,  so  he  had  every  man  on  the  place  to  come 
and  cut  down  the  trees  nearby,  in  order  to  save  his  house, 
gin,  cabins,  etc.  This  was  a  place  being  cleared,  with  only 
about  600  acres  in  cultivation.  The  town  of  Inverness  is 
now  located  upon  it.  The  writer  takes  pride  in  knowing 
that  this  pretty  village  contains  many  charming  homes, 
beautiful  churches  and  stores.  All  Saints  Episcopal  church 
and  Sunday  School  were  organized,  and  the  loveh^  building 
erected  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jos.  B.  Baird  in  1914. 

Speaking  of  churches  recalls  memories  of  our  first  bishop, 
Rt.  Rev.  Wm.  Mercer  Green,  beloved  and  respected  by  all 
in  the  diocese,  specially  the  children  and  young.  With 
these  his  gentle,  amiable,  affectionate  consideration  brought 
forth  the  sincerest  responses  under  his  benign  influence. 
His  visits  to  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Catchings  at  Fleetwood  found  him 
surrounded  by  the  children,  also  during  visits  to  them  in 
Sunflower  Co.  Dr.  T.  C.  Baird,  then  a  lad  (1882)  of  seven  or 
eight,  and  known  as  Catchings,  rarely  left  his  side,  as  he 
entertained  him  with  puzzles  and  anecdotes.  Other  chil- 
dren would  bring  flowers,  until  he  was  in  a  circle  with 
them  and  their  offerings.  Mrs.  M.  C.  Torrey,  1921." 
CHILDREN  OF  JOSEPH  CATCHING  AND  MARY 
HOLLIDAY 

265.  Benjamin  Holliday  Catchings  (10),  b.  May  30,  1804, 
in  Wilkes  Co.,  Ga.,  d.  in  New  Orleans  of  cholera,  March 
31,  1848,  while  on  a  business  trip.  He  was  a  cotton  planter 
in  Copiah  Co.,  Miss.,  m.  Jan.  23,  1823,  Miss  Letitia  Higgin- 
botham.  She  was  b.  March  19,  1805,  d.  Jan.  26,  1860.  She 
was  a  sister  of  Sophia  Higginbotham,  the  first  wife  of  Dr. 
Thos.  J.  Catchings,  a  brother  of  Benj.  Catchings. 

266.  Silas  Mercer  Catchings  (10),  b.  April  9,  1809,  in 
Jones  Co.,  Ga.,  Dec.  28,  1850,  buried  in  Holmesville,  Miss. 
He  resided  in  Holmesville  and  was  a  large  cotton  planter 
and  merchant  and  rich  in  slaves.  He  was  a  man  of  fine  mind 

49 


and  sterling  traits,  married  Miss  Edith  Sophia  Drake, 
of  Marion  Co.,  Miss.,  May  22,  1833.  She  was  b.  Dec.  3,  1815, 
d.  Sept.  11,  1851.  She  and  husband  are  buried  at  Holmes- 
viJle.  She  was  a  cousin  of  Rev.  Benj.  Drake,  a  distinguished 
Methodist  divine.  After  the  death  of  S.  M.  Catchings  and 
his  wife,  their  children  were  taken  by  his  brother,  Thomas, 
to  his  home.  He  became  their  guardian,  and  had  them 
educated  and  accomplished.  In  1859  Dr.  T.  J.  Catchings 
gave  this  guardianship  to  the  eldest  child,  Thos.  A.  Catch- 
ings, he  then  being  married  and  a  practicing  physician. 

267.  Thomas  Jefferson  Catchings  (10),  b.  Sept.  17,  180G, 
in  Wilkes  Co.,  Ga.,  d.  at  Vicksburg,  Miss.,  May  13,  1883. 

Dr.  Thomas  J.'TCatchings,  at  the  home  of  her  mother,  four 
miles  from  Bolton,  Hinds  Co.,  Miss.,  m.  Nancy  McNees  Clen- 
dinen,  daughter  of  Robt.  Clendenin,  Yorkville,  S.  C,  attor- 
ney at  law,  and  his  wife  Mar>'  Ellen  Myers.  Dr.  Catching'  '> 
and  bride  took  a  trip  after  marriage,  and  he  was  fond  of 
speaking  of  the  magnificent  variety  of  dahlias  they  saw  at 
a  great  flower  display  North.  At  Louisville,  Ky.  he  was 
presented  by  Geo.  D.  Prentiss  with  one  of  his  celebrated 
poems,  printed  upon  white  satin,  which  he  kept  for  many 
years  as  a  valued  relic,  till  Sherman's  men  came. 

Dr.  Catchings  died  while  on  a  visit  to  his  son,  Attorney- 
General  Catchings,  at  Vicksburg,  and  was  buried  in  the 
cemetery  there.  In  1839  he  was  nominated  for  Congress 
on  the  anti-Jackson  ticket  but  declined  on  account  of  his 
profession  and  practice  in  Canton.  He  first  m.  Miss  Sophia 
Higginbotham — no  children.  After  his  second  marriage  he 
retired  from  practice  to  the  above  named  plantation  in  Hinds 
Co.,  Miss.  It  was  a  lovely  home,  with  fruits,  flowers  and 
all  comforts  in  abundance.  There  were  15  acres  in  his 
orchard,  with  all  varieties  of  Southern  fruits,  besides  an- 
other enclosure  for  berries,  grapes  and  small  fruits.  In 
the  winter  of  1861  he  sold  this  plantation  known  as  Fleet- 
wood to  Mr.  Jos.  E.  Davis,  brother  of  President  Jefferson 
Davis,  and  removed  with  his  family  and  negroes  to  his 
plantation   in   Sunflower   Co.,   called   Refuge. 

Mrs.  Catchings  became  so  teri'orized  when  Sherman  bom- 
barded Vicksburg,  that  she  prevailed  upon  her  husband  to 
leave  as  she  felt  that  the  troops  would  spread  over  that 
country.  The  bursting  of  shells  was  heard  at  Fleetwood, 
20  miles  away.  Several  days  prior  to  the  departure  of 
the  family,  Mrs.  Joe  Davis,  a  grand  daughter  and  grand- 
son of  Mr.  Davis,  Joseph  and  Alice  Mitchel,  with  servants 
arrived.  The  plantation  negroes  occupied  the  quarters  or 
cabins  as  designated  in  those  days.  Mr.  Davis  and  brother, 
the  president,  owned  large  plantations  on  the  Miss,  riv^er 
at  Davis  Bend:  President  Davis'  being  called  Briarfield 
or  The  Briars.  Dr.  C.  and  family  were  the  guests  of  Mrs. 
Joe  Davis  till  they  could  leave  for  Refuge.     She   was  a 

5^0 


most  gracious  hostess,  with  well  trained  and  accomplished 
servants.  One  set  of  her  China  was  white  with  delicate 
rose  leaves  around  the  edges,  while  the  other  set  was  deco- 
rated with  a  wide  blue  band,  each  set  with  the  word  "Hurri- 
cane" in  the  center  of  each  piece:  their  plantation  being 
known  thus.  Each  bottle  of  champagne  had  this  name  blown 
into  the  glass,  having  been  done  in  France,  where  the  wine 
was  bought  during  a  trip  there  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Davis.  Mrs, 
Davis  was  a  tall,  slender,  refined  lady  and  wore  white 
throughout  the  year.  After  the  war  Dr.  Catchings  bought  a 
home  in  Brandon,  Miss.,  residing  there  six  years,  when  lie 
returned  in  1871,  to  Sunflower  Co.,  and  resumed  the  prac- 
tice of  medicine,  in  which  he  was  actively  engaged  until  his 
death  in  1883.  Mrs.  Bettie  Maxey,  nee  Henry,  of  Brandon, 
wrote  in  August,  1897.  "I  have  such  vivid  recollections  of 
your  dear  old  father  in  the  Sunday  School,  and  the  lines  of 
Tennyson,  *0  blessings  on  his  kindly  face,  and  on  his  silver 
hair'  are  associated  with  him  in  memory." 

President  Jefferson  Davis  bought  the  adjoining  plantation 
to  Fleetwood  and  moved  his  negroes  there,  both  brothers 
thinking  they  had  found  safe  places  from  the  federalists, 
but  Sherman's  men  came  from  Vicksburg  and  burned  the 
dwellings,  fences,  negro  houses ;  virtually  destroyed  every 
vestige;  leaving  nothing  behind  them  but  ashes,  ruins  and 
desolation.  It  is  said  that  Mr.  Joe  Davis'  negroes  w^ent 
to  Clinton  and  brought  Confederate  troops  who  rescued  him 
and  family. 

Several  years  after  peace  was  made.  Dr.  Catchings  re- 
ceived a  letter  from  an  old  friend,  Mrs.  Judge  Monroe  ,of 
Louisville,  Ky.,  saying  that  she  had  seen  advertised  that 
morning  in  a  paper  that  "if  the  friends  of  Dr.  and  Mrs. 
Catchings  would  call  at  a  certain  drug  store,  that  their 
family  Bible  would  be  restored."  She  went  at  once  and 
sent  the  dear  book  to  him  in  Mississippi.  Flowers  that  the 
children  had  pressed  and  a  curl  of  one  of  them  were 
undisturbed.  It  is  now  in  the  library  of  their  son,  T,  C. 
Catchings,  of  Vicksburg ;  is  of  handsome  Morocco,  with  gilt 
edges  and  beautifully  illustrated  throughout.  In  gilt  let- 
ters on  the  back  are  "Dr.  and  Mrs,  T.  J.  Catchings."  Their 
son,  T.  C.  Catchings,  has  had  it  covered  with  heavy  denim 
for  preservation.  It  is  evident  that  the  entire  collection 
of  over  a  thousand  choice  books  was  shipped  up  north,  as 
the  Bible  was  packed  with  these  in  large  boxes  by  him  and 
left  in  the  care  of  Mr.  and  Mrs,  Davis,  The  elegant  china 
and  cut  glass  of  Mrs.  Catchings  were  packed  in  hogsheads^ 
ready  to  be  sent  also  to  them  at  "Refuge."  One  set  of 
imported  china,  inherited  from  her  mother,  with  a  land- 
scape hand  painted  upon  each  piece,  painted  by  order  for 
her  mother,  was  among  them.  Much  handsome  furniture; 
two  pianos,  one  brought  from  S.  Carolina  with  the  family 

51 


in  1839 — all  were  burned  or  shipped  to  the  north,  by  the 
federalists.  Fleetwood  was  a  grand  old  home,  with  100 
varieties  of  roses  and  hedges  of  evergreens,  magnolias  and 
all  kinds  of  Southern  flowers  and  shrubs. 

A  carriage  circle,  bordered  upon  the  inner  side  with 
large  cedars,  kept  trimmed  in  a  sugar  loaf  shape,  and 
upon  the  outside  of  this  circle  was  a  hedge  of  wild  peach 
(or  laura  mundi).  This  was  trimmed  flat  upon  the  top 
and  sides.  Beyond  and  all  around  was  a  hedge  of  cape 
jessamine.  An  avenue  of  magnolias  from  the  house  to  the 
front  gate  presented  a  stately  appearance.  With  these  and 
other  spring  flowers  blooming,  the  atmosphere  was  laden 
with  their  perfume.  Each  bed  was  bordered  with  the 
dwarf  box,  which  was  also  trimmed  regularly.  Honey- 
suckle, woodbine,  hyacinths  and  other  tuberous  flowers, 
oleanders,  an  endless  variety  of  elegant  roses  rendered 
these  grounds  a  paradise.  The  mocking  bird  and  other 
feathered  songsters  made  their  home  here  and  in  the  great 
oaks  upon  the  lawn  on  each  side. 

During  the  legislature  of  1870-1871,  Dr.  Catchings  suc- 
ceeded in  giving  the  present  county  of  Leflore  its  name  in 
honor  of  Greenwood  Leflore,  the  old  town  of  Greenwood 
being  the  county  seat.  Greenwood  Leflore  was  a  large 
planter  and  pioneer  settler,  near  Greenwood.  He  was  of 
French  and  Indian  extraction  and  his  palatial  home  was 
called  "Malmaison,"  after  that  of  Empress  Josephine  in 
France.  He  made  a  trip  to  that  country  and  brought  some 
of  the  furniture  from  the  latter  historic  place  for  his  home 
in  Miss.  The  staircase  is  of  mahogany.  This  residence 
and  the  surrounding  plantation,  still  owned  by  his  descend- 
ants (  1921)  is  on  the  Southern  Railway.  He  was  a  staunch 
Whig  and  bitterly  opposed  secession;  was  a  member  of  the 
Legislature,  and  a  noble  citizen,  honored  by  all ;  owned 
majiy  slaves. 

"Portraits 

of 

Eminent  Americans 

with 

Biographical  and  Historical  Memoirs 

of  their  lives  and  actions 

By  John  Livingston 

of  the  New  York  Bar 

Volume  IV 

New  York 

52 


157  Broadway 
London : 
Sampson  Law,  Son  &  Co. 
Paris 
A.  W.  Galag-ni  &  Co.      , 

1854 

Thomas  J.  Catchings 

Of  Mississippi 

Joseph  Catchings  was  a  native  of  Georgia,  from  whence 
he  emigrated  to  the  Mississippi  Territory  in  the  year  1809. 
His  son,  Thomas  J.  Catchings,  the  subject  of  this  memoir, 
was  at  the  time  a  child  under  three  years  of  age.  He  was 
kept  at  such  schools  as  are  usually  found  in  new  countries, 
until  he  was  eighteen  years  of  age,  by  which  time  he  had 
received  a  very  thorough  English  education,  including 
mathematics  and  the  natural  sciences.  He  was  probably 
influenced  by  his  fondness  for  these  studies  to  choose  the 
medical  profession.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  commenced 
the  study  of  medicine  and  at  twenty  and  a  half  years, 
graduated  with  distinction  at  the  Transylvania  University, 
Lexington,  Ky.  His  proficiency  while  a  pupil  is  still  re- 
membered by  the  faculty.  Only  a  little  more  than  a  year 
ago,  the  celebrated  Professor  Dudley,  in  speaking  of  the 
thousands  of  young  men  who  had  attended  his  lectures  re- 
marked "But  as  for  Catchings,  I  could  generally  discover 
that  he  fully  comprehended  my  subject  by  the  time  I  was 
half  done  explaining  it."  This  quickness  of  comprehension, 
united  with  great  boldness  and  steadiness  of  nerve  made 
him  one  of  the  most  distinguished  members  of  his  profes- 
sion, until  he  retired  from  his  practice  in  the  year  1843.  At 
the  time  of  his  graduation,  there  was  a  board  of  medical 
censors  in  Mississippi,  and  it  was  an  offense  punishable  by 
fine  and  imprisonment  for  any  physician  to  practice  with- 
out a  license  from  this  board.  Dr.  Catchings  returned  home 
after  graduating  with  so  much  character,  that  he  was  im- 
mediately appointed  a  member  and  soon  afterwards  Presi- 
dent of  this  body.  Applicants  for  license  frequently  spoke 
in  terms  of  admiration  of  the  remarkable  clearness  with 
which  he  propounded  questions  in  his  examinations.  He 
still  shows  the  same  faculty  both  in  writing  and  public 
speaking.  During  sixteen  years,  it  is  believed  no  physician 
in  Mississippi  did  a  more  extensive  and  successful  practice, 
and  yet,  few  men  have  read  more  books  in  the  same  length 
of  time. 

A  firm  believer  in  the  Christian  religion,  he  has  made 

53 


the  Bible  his  constant  study  for  many  years,  not  only  for 
its  moral  and  religious  influence  upon  the  mind  and  heart; 
but  for  the  knowledge  to  be  gained  from  no  other  source. 
In  connection  with  the  Bible,  he  has  devoted  much  time  to 
the  study  of  geology  and  the  natural  history  of  the  human 
races.  In  the  year  1836,  Dr.  Catchings  delivered  a  lecture 
before  a  popular  audience  in  which  he  opposed  the  doctrine 
of  the  universality  of  the  deluge,  and  maintained  the  the- 
ory of  the  original  creation  of  the  different  human  races. 
This  lecture  was  published  at  the  time  by  request,  and 
was  afterwards  republished  in  many  of  the  Southern  news- 
papers. 

As  an  evidence  of  the  originality  of  his  mind,  the  follow- 
ing fact  is  referred  to.  When  he  was  a  student  of  medicine, 
the  profession  v/as  divided  upon  the  question  whether  for- 
eign substances  can  be  absorbed  into  the  circulation  in  a 
state  of  health.  Those  who  took  the  affirmative  of  the 
question  were  not  able  to  detect  the  presence  of  foreign 
substances  in  the  blood  by  analysis,  while  those  who  took 
the  negative  were  unable  to  account  for  the  admitted  fact 
that  various  substances  taken  into  the  stomach  soon  make 
their  appearance  upon  the  skin  and  other  surfaces  of  the 
body.  Dr.  Catchings,  in  answer  to  a  question  pro- 
pounded by  the  professor  of  Chemistry,  boldly  maintained 
in  the  presence  of  the  whole  class,  that  we  must  look  to 
electricity  for  a  solution  of  the  question,  and  that  foreign 
substances  are  conducted  from  the  stomach  to  the  various 
excretory  organs,  by  the  same  laws  which  conduct  acids 
and  alkalies  to  the  receptive  poles  of  the  galvanic  battery. 
This  opinion  advanced  nearly  27  years  ago,  has  taken  no 
hold  upon  the  minds  of  the  profession,  yet  Dr.  Catchings  has 
no  doubt  that  it  will  in  the  course  of  time  be  universally 
adopted. 

Dr.  Catching's  political  opinions  were  formed  upon  -a 
careful  study  of  political  economy,  and  the  political  writ- 
ings of  the  founders  of  the  government.  Adopting  the  Vir- 
ginia States  Rights  doctrine,  he  condemned  the  famous  proc- 
lamation of  Gen.  Jackson  as  too  consolidating  in  its  ten- 
dency, and  utterly  destructive  of  States  Rights.  He  also 
condemned  the  order  for  the  removal  of  the  public  deposits 
from  the  United  States  Bank,  as  a  measure  uncalled  for  by 
the  public  interest  while  it  inflicted  the  severest  injury 
upon  the  business  and  property  of  the  country. 

In  the  year  1836  he  was  nominated  for  Congress  by  the 
Anti-Jackson  party,  but  declined  the  honor  on  account  of 
the  necessity  he  was  under  of  pursuing  the  practice  of  his 
profession,  and  has  since  resided  on  plantation  in  the  County 
of  Hinds. 

In  1847  and  1849  Dr.  Catchings  was  elected  to  the  Legis- 
lature by  very  large  majorities,  running  more  than  a  hun- 

54! 


dred  votes  ahead  of  his  party  ticket.  In  the  session  of 
1850,  the  first  movement  towards  secession  was  made  in 
the  legislature  by  the  passage  of  joint  resolutions  relative 
to  California  and  other  newly  acquired  territories,  and  the 
appointment  by  the  legislature  of  delegates  to  the  Nashville 
Convention.  On  this  account  he  found  himself  in  a  minor- 
ity consisting  of  only  twenty  members  of  both  nouses. 
They,  however,  opposed  the  whole  movement,  and  finally 
asked  and  obtained  leave  to  enter  protests  on  the  journals. 
In  1851  a  powerful  reaction  took  place  in  the  public  mind 
and  it  became  apparent  to  every  thinking  mind  that  the 
whole  movement  would  be  overthrown  at  the  fall  election 
by  the  Union  party,  as  their  candidate  for  the  Speakership 
of  the  House  of  Representatives,  but  the  secession  party 
succeeded  in  defeating  him  only  by  one  or  two  votes,  by 
nominating  a  Union  Democrat  at  the  very  moment  of  com- 
mencing the  balloting.  It  has  everywhere  been  admitted 
throughout  the  State,  that  no  man  ever  served  in  the  legis- 
lature with  more  success.  Although  he  was  firm  in  support 
of  the  Whig  party,  yet  the  suavity  of  his  manners  and  re- 
spectful deportment  towards  the  Democratic  party:  but 
more  than  this,  his  perfect  familiarity  with  every  subject 
in  which  he  took  any  interest,  generally  enabled  him  to 
carry  his  own  fav^orite  measure,  without  much  difficulty. 
It  is  a  remarkable  fact,  that  being  in  a  political  minority, 
he  should  always  have  been  placed  at  the  head  of  the  most 
important  committees.  As  chairman  of  the  committee  on 
the  penitentiary  he  succeeded  in  effecting  an  entire  change 
in  the  system  of  convict  labor.  He  found  it  a  miscellaneous 
workshop,  competing  with  and  ruining  the  honest  mechanics 
■of  the  country.  It  is  now  a  flourishing  manufactory  of  cot- 
to  nand  woolen  goods.  He  found  it  drawing  annually  large 
sums  from  the  state  treasury  for  its  support.  It  is  now 
paying  back  a  handsome  revenue  into  the  State  treasury. 
He  succeded  in  obtaining  appropriations  from  time  to  time, 
amounting  to  about  in  all  $150,000,  for  the  creation  of  a 
lunatic  asylum.  This  building  which  is  now  approaching 
completion  is  constructed  with  the  latest  improvements  for 
the  accommodation  of  two  hundred  patients,  and  will  reflect 
-credit  on  the  state,  as  honor  on  the  author. 

At  the  session  of  1848,  he  prepared  and  presented  a  plan 
for  a  system  of  public  schools  for  the  state.  He  entered 
into  the  support  of  the  measure  with  zeal,  but  was  finally 
compelled  to  have  it  passed  as  a  partial  system,  embracing 
only  a  few  counties.  In  these  counties,  it  is  now  in  success- 
ful operation,  and  gives  entire  satisfaction  to  the  people 
upon   whom  it  operates. 

In  the  session  of  1850,  he  prepared  and  advocated  a  bill 
which  passed  by  a  handsome  majoritj%  establishing  a  chair 
of  Agricultural  Chemistry  and  Geology  in  the  State  Uni- 
versity, and  providing  for  a  geological  survey  of  the  state. 

55 


The  memorial  of  the  State  of  Mississippi  to  the  Congress 
of  the  United  States,  for  the  passage  of  a  law  to  protect 
against  the  importation  of  adulterated  drugs  and  chemicals 
was  prepared  and  introduced  by  Dr.  Catchings  in  the  session 
of  1848.  This  was  the  only  legislative  memorial  to  Con- 
gress  on  the  subject  and  must  have  excited  a  great  deal 
of  influence  in  the  passage  of  the  law  which  has  done  more 
real  good  than  any  act  of  Congress  in  a  quarter  of  a  cen- 
tury. 

During  the  last  two  sessions  of  the  legislature  Dr.  Catch- 
ings was  chairman  of  the  committee  on  claims,  and  the 
able  and  impartial  manner  in  which  he  discharged  the  duties 
of  that  important  position  was  everywhere  spoken  of  by  all 
parties  in  terms  of  the  highest  admiration.  He  now  vol- 
untarily declined  reelection,  with  his  popularity  undimmed. 
Dr.  Catchings  is  now  forty-six  years  of  age,  is  five  feet 
eleven  inches  in  height,  and  united  with  great  firmness  of 
character,  very  popular  manners.  His  conversational  pow- 
ers are  of  a  high  order,  which  on  account  of  his  familiarity 
with  every  branch  of  knowledge  make  him  one  of  the  most 
interesting  and  instructive  companions  in  social  life. 

He  married  Miss  N.  M.  Clendinen,  daughter  of  the  late 
Robert  Clendinen  of  South  Carolina,  a  lady  of  rare  personal 
accomplishments  and  great  vigor  of  intellect.  He  has  three 
children,  and  possessed  as  he  is  of  an  ample  fortune,  and 
free  from  political  ambition,  he  proposes  to  spend  the  re- 
mainder of  his  life  in  their  education  and  training,  and 
the  improvement  of  his  estate." 

Rt.  Rev.  Wm.  M.  Green,  of  Miss.,  in  the  diocesan  council 
of  1884,  said:  "A  sense  of  gratitude  and  affection  as  well 
as  of  duty  compels  me  to  speak  of  one  who  though  unor- 
dained  to  the  ministry,  was  a  preacher,  a  pastor  and  a 
builder  of  churches  in  every  way  allowable  to  a  layman. 
Such  was  the  late  Dr.  Thos.  J.  Catchings.  As  vestryman, 
Sunday  School  teacher  and  lay  reader,  he  was  indefatiga- 
ble in  doing  what  he  could,  and  together  with  his  wife  and 
daughters  was  successful  in  building  more  than  one  church 
to  the  glory  of  God.  Who  then  will  question  the  right  of 
so  deserving  a  brother  to  be  held  in  grateful  and  honorable 
remembrance." 

From  Report  of  Council,  1884: 

"Dr.  Catchings  was  born  in  the  State  of  Georgia,  Wilkes 
Co.,  in  1806.  At  an  early  age  he  removed  to  Miss.,  and 
adopted  the  profession  of  medicine.  After  acquiring  both 
wealth  and  reputation,  he  retired  to  the  less  exacting  occu- 
pation of  a  planter,  where  his  labors  were  crowned  with 
equal  success.  Throughout  a  life  of  more  than  three-score 
and  ten,  he  was  distinguished  by  his  integrity  as  a  man, 
and  his  usefulness  as  a  citizen.  Without  any  resort  to  the 
usual  devices  of  the  demagogue,  he  was  repeatedly  elected 

56 


ST.    LUKES    EPISCOPAL    CHURCH 

Brandon,    Mississippi 

In     which     Dr.     and     Mrs.     T.     J.     Catchin^s     and     family 

worshipped   and   in   the  erection   of   which   the   two 

former   took    an    active    part. 


to  both  houses  of  the  legislature.  In  demeanor,  Dr.  Catch- 
ings  was  gentle,  dignified  and  courteous,  a  pattern  of  the 
true  gentleman.  As  a  friend  he  was  firm  and  lasting  in 
his  attachments.  As  a  neighbor,  kind  and  obliging  and  in 
the  family  circle  no  one  could  be  more  idoHzed.  But  it 
was  as  a  Christian  that  our  brother  is  more  deserving  of 
remembrance.  Through  the  exertions  of  himself  and  fam- 
ily, two  church  buildings  have  been  erected  and  many  wor- 
shippers gathered  into  them.  As  a  catechist,  a  lay-reader, 
and  a  visitor  of  the  poor  and  afflicted,  Dr.  Catchings  dis- 
charged all  the  duties  of  a  pastoral  nature  that  a  layman 
is  allowed  to  perform.  Again  and  again,  when  in  its  turn, 
his  little  flock  came  to  be  visited,  did  the  Bishop  find  a 
number  prepared  for  baptism  and  confirmation  by  the  zeal- 
ous instructions  of  this  untiring  worker  for  Christ.  Being 
thus  faithful  unto  death,  and  ripe  for  his  reward,  he  passed 
into  life  on  the  13th  of  May,  1883,  in  the  77th  year  of 
his  age.— W.  M.  G."  A  tribute  from  Rt.  Rev.  Wm.  Green, 
of  Mississippi,  in  "The  Churchman,"  1883. 

Sewanee,  Tenn., 
May  21,  1883." 

"Mrs.  Thos.  J.  Catchings : 
My  dear  Friend: 

Your  daughter's  letter  tells  me  that  a  great,  though  not 
unlocked  for  sorrow  has  come  upon  you,  and  I  may  say, 
upon  me  also.  But  why  should  we  call  it  a  "sorrow,"  when, 
in  truth,  and  viewed  by  the  light  of  another  world,  it  has 
in  it  so  much  mercy  and  blessing.  What  more  lovely  sight 
could  angels  desire  to  look  upon  than  that  of  an  aged 
Christian  after  long  and  manfully  fighting  the  world,  the 
flesh  and  the  devil,  stripping  himself  of  all  fleshly  incum- 
brances, to  enter  into  the  presence  of  his  Lord.  Viewed  in 
that  light,  how  light  should  be  the  loss  of  friends  once  dear 
to  our  hearts.  Our  tears  may  flow  excusably,  for  Jesus 
wept  at  the  grave  of  Lazarus.  But  our  sorrow,  specially 
under  our  present  bereavement,  should  be  largely  tempered 
with  thanksgiving.  For  if  ever  wife,  or  child,  or  friend,  had 
cause  to  rejoice  over  the  record  of  a  departed  one,  you 
and  I,  dear  friend,  may  mingle  our  thanks  with  our  tears, 
over  the  grave  of  your  justly  beloved  husband.  Next  to 
yourself  and  family,  I  loved  and  honored  that  good  man. 
Few  knew  him  better;  none  appreciated  him  more  highly. 
His  meek  submission  to  reversed  circumstances ;  his  gentle 
and  courteous  deportment  to  every  one,  his  constant  care 
to  avoid  offense;  his  devotion  to  his  family;  his  love  and 
labors  for  the  church ;  and  his  faithfulness  in  the  perform- 
ance of  all  his  duties,  justified  the  admiration  in  which  he 
was  universally  held,  and  will  ever  endear  his  memory  to 
all  who  knew  him. 

Most  sincerely  do  I  feel  for  you  dear  madam,  in  this  hour 

57 


of  trial.  My  prayers  shall  be  made  that  your  faith  fail 
not,  and  that  the  choicest  comfortings  of  the  Holy  Sphit 
may  be  given  you.  You  know  as  well  as  I  do  where  true 
and  full  comfort  is  to  be  found.  To  that  source,  I  commend 
you  and  yours  in  this  hour  of  bereavement. 

Assuring  you  of  my  loving  sympathy  and  prayers. 
Your  friend  and  brother  in  Christ, 

W.  M.  Green." 
The  above  letter  was  from  Rt.  Rev.  W.  M.  Green  of  Miss. 

DR.  THOMAS  J.  CATCHINGS 
"In  the  death  of  Dr.  Thomas  J.  Catchings,  which  occurred 
in  this  city  Sunday  morning  at  the  residence  of  his  son, 
the  Hon.  Thomas  C.  Catchings,  Attorney-General  of  the 
State,  Mississippi  is  called  upon  to  mourn  the  passing  away 
of  one  of  her  oldest,  most  honored,  and  accomplished  sons, 
and  his  depature  from  the  busy  scenes  of  life  leaves  a  void 
in  the  circle  in  which  he  moved  that  can  never  be  filled. 

"Dr.  Catchings  was  born  in  Georgia,  September  17,  1806, 
and  consequently  was  in  the  seventy-seventh  year  of  his  age. 
From  early  youth  to  the  hour  of  his  death,  the  deceased  was 
a  citizen  of  Mississippi,  and  it  may  be  said  with  entire  truth, 
that  this  commonwealth  held  within  its  wide  boundaries  no 
son  more  devoted  to  its  interests  and  its  honor.  Adopting 
the  profession  of  medicine,  he  established  himself  in  the 
young  and  growing  town  of  Canton,  Madison  County,  where 
he  soon  secured  the  highest  professional  reputation,  and 
became  a  prominent  and  honored  citizen  in  a  community 
where  men  of  brains  and  character  were  conspicuously  abun- 
dant. Dr.  Catchings  not  only  early  won  his  deservedly  dis- 
tinguished reputation  as  a  physician,  but  he  secured  the 
substantial  reward  of  his  arduous  labors  in  the  shape  of 
an  ample  fortune,  which  enabled  him  to  retire  from  prac- 
tice forty  years  ago,  and  while  in  the  prime  of  life,  to  devote 
his  attention  to  the  more  congenial  avocation  of  a  planter. 
His  success  as  an  agriculturalist  was  as  complete  and 
marked  as  was  his  triumph  in  the  practice  of  medicine,  and 
chiefly  for  the  same  reason.  In  the  conduct  of  whatever 
business  Dr.  Catchings  engaged  he  brought  to  bear  superior 
native  ability,  aided  by  sound  judgment,  supplemented  by 
great  learning  and  varied  stores  of  information  upon  al- 
most every  subject.  In  fact,  but  few  people  we  have  ever 
known  were  better  equipped  for  the  affairs  of  life  than  the 
honored  citizen  who  has  just  passed  away.  With  an  energy 
that  never  faltered,  an  intelligence  that  grappled  with  and 
mastered  every  subject  that  engaged  his  attention,  and  a 
character  for  integrity  that  never  encountered  a  breath  of 
suspicion,  whatever  our  dead  friend  willed  to  do  soon  became 
an  accomplished  fact. 

"When  Dr.  Catchings  abandoned  the  practice  of  medicine, 
he  removed  to  Hinds  County,  where  he  soon  became  as  suc- 

58 


eessful  a  planter  as  he  had  preciously  been  as  a  physician, 
and  the  people  of  that  county  were  prompt  to  recognize 
his  ability,  and  call  him  into  the  service  of  the  State. 
Against  many  able  and  eager  competitors,  he  was  repeat- 
edly chosen  to  represent  Hinds  County  in  each  branch  of  the 
legislature,  and  there,  as  everywhere  else,  his  course  was 
distinguished  by  a  zeal  and  ability  that  made  him  a  recog- 
nized man  of  mark. 

"In  politics,  previous  to  the  late  colossal  Civil  War  Dr. 
•Catchings  was  a  Whig,  and  a  devoted  follower  of  the  great 
leader  of  that  party,  gallant  old  Harry  of  the  West,  and  was 
opposed  to  secession.  When,  however,  the  voice  of  Mis- 
sissippi declared  for  separation,  he  bowed  to  the  decision  of 
his  old  mother,  and  during  all  the  storm  of  war,  with  its 
myriad  sorrows  and  misfortunes,  the  State  had  no  truer 
or  more  devoted  son. 

"When  the  war  came  to  a  close,  in  common  with  his  fel- 
low citizens.  Dr.  Catchings  found  himself  stripped  of  nearly 
all  of  the  fortune  which  years  of  industry  had  accumulated, 
but  he  indulged  in  no  unmanly  lamentations.  Cheerfully 
accepting  the  situation,  he  set  himself  manfully  to  work  to 
gather  from  the  shattered  wreck  material  with  which  to 
build  a  new  barque  with  which  to  navigate  the  troubled 
ocean  of  life,  and  for  several  years  he  has  been  residing 
in  Sunflower  County,  where  he  owned  an  estate.  Here  un- 
der adverse  circumstances,  his  life  was  marked  by  the  same 
characteristics  that  distinguished  him  in  happier  days.  His 
courage,  his  fidelity,  the  steadiness  of  his  friendship,  and 
the  gentle,  flowing  courtesy,  which  was  a  part  of  his  nature, 
shone  even  more  brightly  than  in  his  days  of  prosperous 
affluence,  and  rendered  his  society  at  all  times  a  delightful 
pleasure  to  all  who  enjoyed  his  friendship. 

"We  may  not  intrude  upon  the  privacy  of  the  sorrow 
stricken  family  and  relatives  of  the  deceased,  but  if  it  can 
tend  to  soothe  their  great  grief  to  know  that  their  sorrow 
is  shared  by  thousands  who  have  long  known  and  honored 
him  they  mourn,  the  assurance  may  be  safely  accepted  as 
a  verity.  In  almost  every  county  are  to  be  found  men  who 
knew  the  late  Thomas  J.  Catchings — men  who  were  associ- 
ated with  him  in  public  affairs — and  wherever  the  tidings 
of  his  death  are  borne,  there  will  be  heard  a  sigh  of  keen 
regret,  and  kind  words  for  him  whose  pulseless  heart  can 
no  longer  be  soothed  by  gentle  words,  nor  wounded  by 
harsh  and  unkind  ones. 

"As  his  life  was  pure,  simple  and  honorable,  may  his 
future  be  calm  and  happy.  The  record  of  his  life,  and  the 
memory  he  has  left,  will  be  a  priceless  heritage  to  all  who 
bear  his  name  or  trace  their  lineage  to  him,  and  that  rec- 
ord and  that  memory  will  serve  as  a  constant  incentive  to 
high  and  honorable  actions." — Written  by  Col.  W.  H.  Mc- 
Cardle,  Vicksburg,  Miss. 

59 


"The  Vicksburg  Herald,  of  Tuesday,  contains  a  beautiful 
and  well  merited  tribute  to  the  memory  of  the  venerable 
T.  J.  Catchings,  who  died  in  this  city  at  the  residence  of 
his  son,  Hon.  T.  C.  Catchings,  on  Sunday  last.  Although 
he  had  long  since  retired  from  the  turmoil  of  politics,  and 
is  remembered  in  connection  with  State  affairs  by  few  of 
the  present  generation,  there  were  few  men  in  this  State  a 
quarter  of  a  century  ago  who  exercisd  a  greater,  or  a  better 
influnce,  in  one  of  the  great  parties  of  that  time  than  did 
Dr.  T.  J.  Catchings.  A  man  of  remarkably  clear,  vigorous 
intellect,  sound  judgment  and  the  most  sterling  integrity 
of  character,  he  was  looked  up  to  by  the  Whigs  of  the  State 
as  one  of  their  most  prudent  advisers  and  there  was  no 
honor  within  their  gift  that  they  would  not  have  freely 
bestowed  upon  him.  Dr.  Catchings  was  one  of  the  most 
sturdy  of  those  who  resisted  the  storm  of  dissension  in  1850, 
and  those  of  his  associates  of  that  critical  period  who  sur- 
vive him  will  remember  the  heroism  with  which  he  met  and 
stemmed  the  wild  wave  which  threatened  even  then  to 
drive  the  State  upon  the  wreck  of  secession.  When  it  did 
come,  no  son  of  Mississippi  was  truer  to  his  trust  than  he, 
and  no  one  accepted  his  share  of  misfortune  with  more 
heroic  resignation.  Our  individual  recollection  of  the  many 
virtues,  the  noble  qualities,  the  kindly  deeds  of  this  noble 
man  have  been  vividly  renewed  by  the  news  of  his  death. 
Our  memory  paints  him  as  we  knew  him  in  the  long  ago; 
the  kindest  and  truest  of  friends,  the  safest  and  best  of  ad- 
visers, and  we  feel  that  in  his  death  humanity  has  lost  one 
of  its  noblest  specimens.  His  pure,  honorable  and  useful 
life  has  closed  and  left  no  memory  that  is  not  pleasant." 

RESOLUTIONS  OF  RESPECT 

To  the  Late  Dr.  T.  J.  Catchings,  by  the  Physicians  of 
Vicksburg.     1883— May 

At  a  meeting  of  the  physicians  of  Vicksburg,  Dr.  T.  J. 
Harper,  presiding  and  Dr.  C.  S.  Iglehart  acting  as  Secretary, 
the  following  resolutions,  reported  by  a  committee  for  that 
purpose,  were  adopted: 

Whereas,  The  physicians  of  the  city  of  Vicksburg,  moved 
with  regret  at  the  announcement  of  the  death  of  Dr.  Thos. 
J.  Catchings  in  their  midst,  and  desiring  to  add  a  testi- 
monial of  their  esteem  and  appreciation  of  his  great  worth 
as  a  physician  and  as  a  citizen:  therefore. 

Resolved,  That  in  the  death  of  Dr.  Catchings  we  recog- 
nize the  loss  of  one  who,  by  his  learning,  skill  and  conscien- 
tious fidelity,  achieved  distinction  in  his  professon;  a  mod- 
est and  dignified  gentleman,  uniformly  courteous  and  true 
to  every  trust,  he  won  the  esteem  and  respect  of  all  who 
knew  him.  The  impulses  of  his  manly,  generous  heart  were 
not  bounded  by  narrow  limits.     His  broad  humanity  and 

60 


philanthropy  are  attested  by  some  of  the  established  insti- 
tutions of  the  State.  He  was  the  author  of  the  first  public 
school  law  of  the  State,  enacted  forty  years  ago  for  his  own 
county,  and  the  adoption  of  which  he  urged  for  the  whole 
State ;  and  to  his  influence  and  urgent  counsel  more  than  to 
all  else  are  we  indebted  for  the  State  Insane  Asylum.  In 
the  varied  spheres  of  his  useful  life  he  won  the  divine 
ecomium  grander  than  all  meeds  of  earthly  praise,  "Well 
done,  thou  good  and  faithful  servant."  In  his  loss  the  pro- 
fession which  he  adorned,  the  community  whose  esteem  his 
worth  inspired,  society,  and  the  State  whose  welfare  he 
cherished  with  ardent  patriotism,  suffer  indeed  a  sad  be- 
reavement. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  sent  to  the 
family  of  the  deceased  in  token  of  our  sympathy  with  their 
affliction. 

Thos.  J.  Harper,  M.  D., 
Jas.  M.  Hunt,  M.  D., 
R.  A.  Quinn,  M.  D., 
S.  D.  Robbins,  M.  D., 

Committee." 

"By  recent  Vicksburg  papers  we  notice  the  death  of  Dr. 
T.  J.  Catchings,  of  Sunflower  Co.,  formerly  of  Hinds  Co. 
He  was  the  father  of  Attorney-General  T.  C.  Catchings, 
Mrs.  M.  C.  Torrey,  and  Mrs.  John  R.  Baird.  The  Clarion, 
Jackson,  Miss.,  has  the  following  notice  of  the  deceased:  *In 
the  fulness  of  years  and  crowned  with  the  honors  of  a  well 
spent  life,  Dr.  T.  J.  Catchings  has  been  gathered  to  his 
fathers.  When  he  entered  upon  the  light  of  the  life  beyond 
the  grave  he  had  attained  the  ripe  old  age  of  77.  To  the 
older  citizens  of  Hinds  Co.  where  he  lived  so  long,  and  by 
whom  he  was  so  beloved  and  honored,  the  news  of  his  death 
will  be  full  of  sadness.'  With  a  bright,  clear  intellect,  pro- 
found learning  and  with  warm  sympathies  and  great  affec- 
tions, and  possessing  the  courtliness  of  the  Southern  gen- 
tleman, Dr.  Catchings  wielded  an  immense  influence  in  all 
circles.  He  was  a  Freemason  of  high  degree:  a  Knight 
Templar.  After  the  Civil  War  he  represented  Rankin  Co. 
in  the  legislature  while  residing  in  Brandon,  Miss.  Maj. 
Ethel  Barksdale,  Jackson,  Miss/' 

'The  Vicksburg  Evening  Post." 

"THE  LATE  DR.  THOS.  J.  CATCHINGS 
"Dr.  Thomas  J.  Catchings  died  in  this  city,  at  the  resi- 
dence of  his  son,  Gen.  T.  C.  Catchings,  on  Sundaj^  morning, 
at  the  ripe  age  of  77  years.  He  was  born  in  the  State  of 
Georgia,  but  his  father  removed  to  this  State  when  he  was 
only  18  months  old,  so  that  in  his  life  he  shared  all  of  the 
vicissitudes  of  the  history  of  Mississippi.  At  the  age  of  21 
he  commenced  the  practice  of  medicine  in  Madison  County, 

61 


and  became  known  far  and  wide,  for  his  learning  and  skill. 
He  so  combined  gentleness  and  dignity  with  conscientious 
fidelity  in  his  practice  that  he  worthily  achieved  great  pop- 
ularity in  his  profession.  In  a  few  years,  however, 
and  soon  after  his  marriage,  he  retired  from  practice, 
preferring  the  then  more  agreeable  and  quieter  life  of  the 
country ;  removing  about  1843  to  his  plantation  in  Hinds 
County,  where  he  continued  to  live  up  to  the  beginning  of 
the  late  war.  During  these  years,  fortune  smiled  upon  his 
efforts,  which,  characterized  by  sagacity  and  industry, 
brought  to  him  the  reward  of  affluence  and  wealth.  He 
suffered  with  others  of  the  South,  great  losses  incident  to 
the  reverses  of  the  war,  and  some  years  afterwards  he  re- 
moved to  his  plantation  in  Sunflower  County,  where  he  again 
resumed  the  practice  of  his  profession,  which  he  continued 
up  to  some  two  years  ago,  when  his  failing  health  required 
of  him  enforced  rest.  The  confidence  and  esteem  of  his 
fellow  citizens,  inspired  by  his  excellent  life,  were  attested 
by  the  fact  that  on  several  occasions  they  confided  to  him, 
unsought,  the  trusts  of  public  station.  Before  the  Civil 
War,  he  served  his  people  in  the  legislature,  first  in  the 
House,  and  afterwards  in  the  Senate,  and  again  after  the 
close  of  the  war,  in  the  House.  He  was  also  the  President 
of  the  first  Board  of  Medical  Censors  organized  in  the  State. 

"Among  his  contemporaries  in  the  Senate  were  numbered 
some  of  the  foremost  intellects  in  the  State.  There  were 
H.  T.  Ellet,  J.  L.  Alcorn,  I.  N.  Davis  of  Panola,  Jas.  Drane 
of  Choctaw,  Gen.  A.  M.  West,  Wm.  McWillie  (afterwards 
Governor),  Reynolds,  Farrar  of  Natchez,  Col.  White  of 
Yazoo,  Judge  Arthur  of  Vicksburg,  and  others  distinguished 
for  their  intelligence  and  character.  It  was  among  men 
like  these  that  he  took  front  rank,  in  the  deliberation  of 
the  affairs  of  State,  and  so  well  was  he  appreciated  that  he 
was  appointed  Chairman  of  the  Insane  Asylum  Committee^ 
although  a  Whig,  and  v/hen  there  were  onl  yeight  Whigs  in 
the  Senate. 

"Dr.  Catchings  was  no  ordinary  man.  Throughout  life, 
and  in  his  intercourse  with  all  men,  he  was  distinguished 
for  that  simple,  dignified,  and  courteous  bearing  which 
spring  from  the  instincts  of  a  true  gentleman,  and  which 
is  above  and  beyond  mere  conventional  politeness.  He  was 
brave,  and  honorable  and  gentle.  Of  frugal  habits  and  sim- 
ple tastes,  yet  he  was  full  of  generosity  and  consideration, 
so  that  he  enjoyed  to  a  remarkable  degree  the  devotion  and 
love  of  his  family  and  neighbors.  It  is  said  that  he  w^as  as 
gallant  and  considerate  in  the  delicate  attention  to  his  wife 
throughout  the  forty  years  of  his  married  life,  as  in  the 
days  of  his  early  love. 

"Unselfishness  was  a  marked  characteristic  of  his  nature. 
With  him  "self"  never  turned  the  "wavering  balance" — his 

62 


thoughtfulness  was  always  for  others.  He  was  a  man  of 
larg-e  information  and  learning,  and  during  the  years  of  his 
retirement  from  his  practice  he  still  pursued  the  study  of 
the  science  of  medicine  and  of  its  growth  and  development. 
He  believed  in  the  law  of  progress,  as  applied  to  all  institu- 
tions, and  hence  it  was  that  with  an  elastic  comprehension 
he  clearly  studied  the  changing  phases  of  men  and  affairs, 
the  sciences  and  social  institutions  in  their  gradual  unfold- 
ing  and  development. 

"In  the  death  of  this  venerable  citizen,  society  and  the 
state  suffer  a  misfortune,  in  the  loss  of  an  accomplished 
physician,  a  large-hearted  gentleman,  a  public  spirited  citi- 
zen, and  a  devoted  patriot.  He  was  a  type  of  that  class  of 
m.en  who  belong  to  a  past  era — that  higher  type  which  was 
largely  the  product  of  surroundings  now  passed  away,  and 
whose  members  are  fast  falling  by  the  wayside — but  about 
the  evening  of  whose  well-spent  lives  gathers  a  halo  of 
glory,  as  the  purple  tints  of  a  setting  sun  circle  about  his 
golden  couch." — Written  by  Major  McGruder,  Attorney-at- 
Law,  Vicksburg,  Miss.,  May  15,  1883. 

"Lexington,  Ky.,  March  16,  1827.  Dear  Sir:  I  take 
pleasure  in  writing  to  you  by  our  mutual  friend,  Thomas  J. 
Catchings,  M.  D.,  of  Holmesville,  Miss.,  as  I  am  indebted 
to  you  for  my  acquaintance  with  him.  The  doctor  was  one 
of  our  graduates  in  medicine  at  the  commencement  held  this 
day  and  I  assure  you  he  was  surpassed  by  no  one  in  the 
general  and  minute  acquaintance  he  displayed  in  his  private 
and  public  examination. 

"The  greater  part  of  the  time  spent  by  the  Doctor  in  Lex- 
ington he  was  an  inmate  of  my  family,  and  it  gives  me 
great  pleasure  to  assure  you  that  he  unites  to  superior 
medical  attainment,  excellent  morals  and  the  best  habits  for 
professional  usefulness.  I  feel  persuaded,  when  you  see 
your  young  friend  again,  you  will  be  agreeably  entertained 
with  his  powers  of  conversation  on  subjects  connected  with 
the  useful  and  ornamental  branches  of  medical  science.  I 
am,  very  respectfully,  Your  obedient  servant, 

W.  H.  Richardson," 
The  Honorable  T.  B.  Reed, 
Natchez,  Miss. 

"Thos.  B.  Reed  was  a  native  of  Kentucky.  In  1822  he 
was  attorney-general  of  Mississippi,  and  from  1826  to  1829 
he  was  U.  S.  Senator  from  Miss.  He  was  the  head  of  the 
bar  in  Natchez  and  potential  in  politics." 

The  diploma  received  by  Dr.  Thos.  J.  Catchings,  from 
the  Transylvania  Medical  College,  Lexington,  Ky.  is  writte;n 
in  Latin  (which  renders  it  difficult  to  copy).  The  date  is 
given  as  "Datum  Lexingtoniae,  XX  Martii,  Anno  Salutis 
Milesimo,  Octingentisimo,  XXVII,  etc.     The  signatures  are:- 

W.  H.  Richardson,  M.  D.  Praes. 

Wm.  Jackson  M.  D.  Scrib." 

63 


Another  document  also  in  sheepskin  and  in  Latin  is  from 

"UNIVERSITATIS  TRANSYLVANIENSIS 

Lexingtoniae 
Republica  Kentuckiensi,"  etc. 

Horatius  Holly  M.  D.  Praeses 

B.  W.  Ladney  M.  Anat  &  Chi   ( ?) 

Prof. 
Carolus  Caldwell  M  D  Instit.  Med 

and  Prac.  Clin.  Prof. 
Dan  Drake  M.  D.  Theoret  et  Pras. 

M.  D.  Prof. 
Gul  H.  Richardson  M.  D.  Art.  Ob- 

stit.  Prof. 
Jacobus    Blvthe  D.  D.  Chem.    (?) 

Prof. 
Carolus  W.  Short  M.  D.  Mat.  Med. 

J.  Bot,  Med.  Prof." 

1'his  is  signed  by 

Thomas  Bradford  C.  ( ?) 
Thomas  Nelson 
Thomas  Bodley 
Benj.  (?)  Gratz 
Jacobus  (?) 
Wm.  Richardson 

Some  of  the  signatures  are  faded  and  entirely  impossible 
to  decipher  in  the  above  medical  diploma  of  T.  J,  Catchings. 

"About  1830,  Thos.  J.  Catchings,  M.  D.,  Daniel,  Thos.  and 
James  Norman,  Jerry  Maxwell,  James  Ellis,  Wm.  Dickson 
and  Wiley  P.  Harris,  organized  a  Masonic  Lodge,  named 
after  John  A.  Quitman.  It  was  chartered  "Quitman  Lodge," 
Georgetown,  Miss.  Dr.  T.  J.  Catchings  was  the  first  wor- 
shipful master  of  Quitman  Lodge.  Felix  Magee,  Bedias, 
Texas,  1898." 

"One  member  of  the  Lodge  at  present  and  descendant  of 
a  charter  member,  has  the  charter  of  the  first  lodge  in  his 
possession,  which  was  written  on  sheepskin  or  parchment, 
and  is  in  a  good  state  of  preservation.  This  lodge  was  or- 
ganized Feb.  20,  1830.  I  find  named  in  charter,  Thomas  J. 
Catchings,  Solomon  R.  Terrell,  and  Daniel  Norman,  Jr. 
These  were  named  as  officers,  appointed  by  the  Grand 
Lodge:  Thomas  J.  Catchings,  Master;  Solomon  R.  Terrell, 
Senior  Warden,  and  Daniel  Norman,  Jr.,  Junior  Warden.  I 
suppose  Wiley  P.  Harris  and  Felix  Magee  were  charter 
members,  but  not  officers.  The  charter  was  issued  Feb.  20, 
1830,  by  R.  F.  Merrick,  Sec.  of  Grand  Lodge,  Natchez,  Miss. 
This  lodge  when  organized  was  named  Quitman  Lodge." 
Franklin  B.  Catching,  Oct.  13,  1919,  Georgetown,  Miss." 

64 


Thos.  J.  Catchings,  M.  D.,  "Monroe,  May  7,  1827. 

Sir:  We  have  understood  that  it  would  be  agreeable  to 
you  to  accept  of  the  appointment  of  a  membership  of  the 
Eastern  Board  of  Medical  Censors  have,  therefore,  appointed 
you  as  a  member  thereof,  and  it  has  been  so  entered  of 
record.  You  will  therefore  please  inform  us  of  your  accept- 
ance of  the  above  appointment. 

We  have,  Sir,  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

W.  P.  Harris,  President, 
Richard  F.  Floyd,  Secretary, 

To  Thos.  J.  Catchings,  M.  D. 

"We,  the  masters  and  wardens  of  Canton  Lodge  No.  28, 
of  Ancient  Free  &  Accepted  Masons,  held  in  the  town  of 
Canton,  and  working  under  the  authority  of  a  charter  from 
the  grand  lodge  of  Mississippi,  do  hereby  certify  that  our 
worthy  brother,  Thos.  J.  Catchings,  has  been  regularly  en- 
tered, passed  and  raised  to  the  sublime  degree  of  Master 
Mason,  and  during  his  continuance  with  us  he  conducted 
himself  as  becomes  a  true  and  faithful  brother  and  as  such 
we  do  recommend  him  to  the  kind  offices  of  all  our  loving 
brethren  around  the  globe. 

In  testimony  whereof,  we  have  hereunto  set  our  hands 
and  authorized  the  secretary  of  our  said  lodge  to  affix  here- 
unto the  seal  thereof,  this  the  17th  dav  of  February,  A.  D., 
1849,  A.  L.  5849  . 

Will  L.  Bailev,  W., 

J.  L.  Mitchell,  S., 

James  Priestly,  J., 

John  T.  Cameron,  Secretary." 

Among  the  cards  given  to  Dr.  T.  J.  Catchings  just  prior 
to  his  death  by  Masonic  friends  were  those  of  "E.  T.  Henry, 
M.  D.,  Vicksburg  Mississippi.  P.  G.  C.  Motto :  "Spes  meai  in 
Deo  Est."    Number  above  "Eagle  with  Sword  32." 

"H.  Wilkerson,  Vicksburg,  Miss.,  Magnolia  Commandery, 
No.  2,  K.  T.",   etc. 

"C.  A.  Manlove,  Magnolia  Commandery,  No.  2,  K.  T,, 
Vicksburg,  Mississippi."  Beneath  the  crown  and  on  the 
arms  of  cross,  are  the  letters  "K.  T."  At  the  base  of  the 
cross  is  the  motto  on  a  ribbon,  "In  hoc,  Signo  Vinces." 

"W.  G.  Paxton,  Eminent  Commander,  Magnolia  Command- 
ery, No.  2,  K.  T.,  Vicksburg,  Miss."  "Knights  Templar,  In 
hoc,  signes  Vinces." 

"M.  B.  Fulkerson,  Port  Gibson,  Mississippi,  Coeur  de 
Lion  Commandery,  No.  13."  Motto — "In  hoc  signo  vinces," 
and.  Be  thou  faithful  unto  death." 

"James  T.  Meade,  Lexington,  Mississippi.  Lexington 
Commandery,  No.  3,  K.  T."  "Cross,  crown,  compass  and 
shield." 

65 


"Gustave  J.  Bahn,  32^  Natchez,  Mississippi.  P.  G.  C.  G. 
Rosalie  Commandery,  No.  5." 

Card  of  Dr.  T.  J.  Catching's. 

"Thomas  J.  Catchings,  M.  D.,  Mangolia  Commandery^ 
Vicksburg,  Mississippi,  No.  2,  K.  T.  Maltese  cross,  with 
K.  T.  and  in  hoc,  signo  vinces." 

Dr.  T.  J.  Catchings  was  a  Knights  Templar  and  a  member 
of  Tappan  Lodge  No.  59,  at  Brownsville,  Hinds  County,  Miss. 
He  was,  after  the  civil  war  a  member  of  the  Magnolia  Com- 
mandery, Vicksburg,  Miss.  A  lodge  called  T.  J.  Catchings 
lodge  394  was  in  honor  of  him  established  at  Johnsonville, 
then  county  site  of  Sunflower  County,  Miss.,  and  a  two- 
story  building  erected.  It  was  afterwards  removed  to  Baird,, 
where  a  building  was  erected  in  1894.  The  lodge  under 
same  name  is  now  at  Invernes,  Miss." 

When  a  young  man.  Dr.  T.  J.  Catchings,  in  order  to  do 
away  with  the  abrupt  ending  of  the  name  Catching,  added 
an  "s."     All  of  his  descendants  and  some  relatives  use  this,. 
However  many  adhere  to  the  old  spelling. 

"IN  MEMORIAM 

"Mrs.  N.  M.  Catchings,  who  died  at  Lithia  Springs,  Ga., 
on  June  23,  1891,  was  a  woman  of  marked  individuality, 
vigorous  intellect,  and  high  character.  Better  than  all  this, 
she  was  generous,  sympathetic  and  charitable  in  the  fullest 
degree. 

"She  was  a  native  of  South  Carolina,  but  came  to  Missis- 
sippi while  a  young  girl  and  it  continued  to  be  her  home 
until  her  death,  which  did  not  come  until  she  had  lived  one 
year  more  than  the  three  score  and  ten.  Her  father,  Hon. 
Robert  Clendinen,  was  a  gifted  man  and  ranked  among  the 
leaders  of  the  South  Carolina  bar.  Her  mother  was  a 
woman  of  singular  and  striking  beauty  of  person.  From 
them  she  inherited  both  intellect  and  beauty.  She  was 
married  forty-seven  years  ago  to  Dr.  Thos.  J.  Catchings,  who 
died  at  his  son's  residence  in  this  city  in  1883.  He  was  as 
nearly  perfect  as  man  can  be,  and  under  his  protection  and 
loving  care  her  intellect  expanded,  and  her  accomplishments 
grew,  until  she  was  a  peer  in  any  company.  Indeed,  wher- 
ever she  went,  she  quietly  and  unobtrusively,  but  surely 
and  naturally,  took  her  place  among  the  foremost.  Until 
the  misfortunes  of  the  Civil  War  came  upon  them,  their 
fortune  was  ample,  and  at  their  home  in  Hinds  County 
they  displayed  an  elegant  and  bounteous  hospitality,  w^hich 
is  still  gratefully  remembered  by  the  survivors  among  their 
neighbors  and  friends. 

"No  appeal  was  ever  made  in  vain  to  either  of  them  for 
counsel  or  help.  They  submited  with  courage  and  fortitude 
to  the  losses  inflicted  by  the  war,  and  with  equanimity  unto 
the  end,  by  their  example,  giving  heart  and  hope  to  all 
with   whom  they  came  in  contact. 

66 


MRS.   DR.    T.   J.    CATCHINGS 

(Copied   from  an   oil   portrait   painted   about   1846,    while   residing 

in  Hinds   County,  Mississippi) 


"They  were  deeply  religious,  though  not  ostentatious 
about  it.  Their  faith  was  that  of  the  Episcopal  Church, 
and  in  it  they  lived  and  died. 

"The  beantiful  edifice  at  Brandon,  Miss.,  will  ever  be  a 
monument  to  this  remarkable  woman,  it  having  been  chiefly 
through  her  instrumentality  that  it  was  built.  Also  the 
chapel  at  Johnsonville,  Sunflower  Co.,  was  erected  to  a 
considerable  extent  through  the  encouragement  and  aid  of 
her  and  husband.  Her  loyalty  to  her  friends,  and  devotion 
to  her  children  were  absolute  and  unfaltering.  With  her, 
all  they  did  was  well  done. 

"She  was  a  fine  conversationalist,  and  extremely  fond  of 
good  company,  and  her  charm  of  manner  and  storehouse 
of  information  made  her  presence  always  welcome.  To  the 
young  she  was  especially  attractive.  Her  nature  was  so 
sympathetic  that  she  seemed  by  intuition  to  understand 
them  ,and  knew  how  to  touch  the  best  that  was  in  them. 
During  the  last  few  years  of  her  life  she  was  a  great  suf- 
ferer. How  patiently  she  bore  her  afflictions,  is  only  known 
to  her  family  and  a  few  intimate  friends,  for  to  others  they 
were  never  mentioned. 

"Her  children  and  friends  were  devoted  to  her,  and  she 
died,  knowing  that  they  would  ever  keep  her  memory  green. 
She  was  buried  in  the  Vicksburg  cemetery,  by  the  side  of 
her  distinguished  husband,  whom  she  loved  and  honored  in 
life,  and  there  they  will  together  await  the  resurrection. 

"Their  goods  works  here,  and  their  simple,  unswerving 
faith  in  the  Redeemer,  make  it  sure  that  their  place  will 
be  with  the  holy  and  blessed. 

T.  C.  Catchings." 

"The  honored  remains  of  Mrs.  Dr.  T.  J.  Catchings,  nee 
N.  M.  Clendinen,  reached  the  city  yesterday  afternoon. 
The  funeral  occurred  a  few  hours  later,  at  6  P.  M.,  at  Holy 
Trinity  Church,  Rev.  Nowell  Logan  officiating.  There  was 
a  large  attendance  of  friends  of  the  lamented  lady  and  a 
full  voluntary  choir  contributed  to  the  impressiveness  of 
the  occasion.  The  pall  bearers  were  Messrs.  Collier,  J.  P. 
Roach,  D.  A.  Campbell,  Vincent  Bonelli,  George  M.  Klein, 
Marye  Dabney,  W.  E.  Flippen  and  J.  V.  R.  Cramer.  These 
bore  the  remains  into  the  church,  the  choir  meanwhile 
singing  the  hymn  "Come  Ye  Disconsolate,"  followed  by  an 
anthem.  The  usual  services  were  read  and  after  singing 
'0  Paradise,  O  Paradise,'  the  procession  left  the  church 
while  the  choir  sang  'Asleep  in  Jesus.'  A  large  portion  of 
the  congregation  followed  the  wonderful  cortege  to  the 
cemetery  where  the  honored  dead  was  laid  to  rest  by  the 
side  of  her  husband.     Vicksburg,  Miss.,  June  26,  1891." 

"The  community  will  deeply  sympathize  with  Congress- 
man T.  C.  Catchings  in  the  great  bereavement  he  has  sus- 
tained by  the  death   of  his   venerable  mother,  Mrs.  T.  J. 

67 


Catchings,  which  occurred  yesterday,  June  23,  1891,  at 
Lithia  Springs,  Ga.,  where  she  had  gone  with  the  hope  of 
recuperating  her  health.  She  has  been  an  invalid  for  sev- 
eral years  and  a  severe  attack  of  LaGrippe  a  year  ago  af- 
fected her  eyes  and  rendered  her  unable  to  read.  This  was 
a  great  deprivation  as  she  was  a  cultured  and  learned  lady ; 
was  fond  of  literature,  and  reading  was  one  of  her  chief 
pleasures.  The  deceased  lady  was  loved,  respected  and 
esteemed  by  all  who  knew  her,  and  possessed  the  unbounded 
love  and  devotion  of  her  children.  Her  beautiful  Christian 
character  warrants  the  belief  that  she  is  now  a  saint  in 
Israel.  Mrs.  Catchings'  remains  will  be  brought  to  Vicks- 
burg  for  interment,  the  funeral  services  will  take  place 
at  Holy  Trinity  Church  tomorrow  afternoon  at  5  o'clock. 
Rev.  Nowell  Logan  officiating.  The  many  friends  of  the 
Hon.  T.  C.  Catchings  in  Greenville  will  join  in  the  above  ex- 
pressions of  sympathv.  The  Greenville  Times,  Greenville, 
Miss.     June  24,  1891." 

"Mrs.  Catchings  sang  most  pathetically  and  beautifully 
band's  death,  he  frequently  spoke  of  the  songs  I  used  to 
sing  when  young." 

Mrs.  Catchings  sang  most  pathetically  and  beautifully 
"The  Irish  Immigrant's  Lament,"  "'The  Old  Arm  Chair," 
"A  Life  on  the  Ocean  Wave,"  "A  Poor  Cracovian  Maid," 
"The  Blind  Boy,"  and  other  popular  songs  of  that  period. 
Her  voice  was  clear  and  remarkably  sweet.  Her  sister, 
Mary,  Mrs.  Allen  J.  Polk,  was  Queen  of  May  when  she 
graduated  from  the  Institute  in  Columbia,  Tenn.,  in  1845, 
Rector  Smith's  School.  She  performed  on  the  piano,  harp 
and  guitar,  sang  exquisitely  and  won  the  first  honor  in  her 
class.  She  died  1853,  in  the  25th  year  of  her  age,  a  beau- 
tiful, lovely  woman.  She  was  also  Queen  of  May  at  the 
school  of  Mr.  Chapman  in  Vicksburg,  Miss. 

Miss  Mary  A.  Catchings,  afterwards  Mrs.  D.  M.  Heming- 
way, often  played  the  piano  accompaniments  for  the  songs 
Mrs.  Catchings  sang,  she  being  a  very  accomplished  per- 
former. 

Many  other  beautiful  tributes  to  Dr.  and  Mrs.  T.  J. 
Catchings  were  v/ritten  in  memoriam.  She  was  born  July 
4,  1820,  in  the  home  of  her  parents,  in  Yorkville,  S.  C. ;  was 
educated  in  Columbia,  S.  C,  in  the  school  of  Mr.  Marks,  and 
Baltimore,  Md. ;  was  eldest  daughter  of  Robt.  Clendinen, 
attornej^-at-law,  and  wife,  Mary  Ellen  Myers." 

"Baird,  Mississippi,  May  4,  1894. 
My  dear  Sister: 

"Your  letter  reached  me  this  morning  and  as  it  is  the 
day  'after  the  ball'  and  the  dedication  of  the  Masonic  hall 
here,  I  hasten  to  reply.  Yesterday  was  truly  a  memorable 
•one  for  Baird.  The  town  was  crowded  with  people  from 
all  points  of  the  compass,  Greenville,  Greenwood,  Ittabena, 

68 


and  many  other  places,  who  came  in  numbers.  The  hotel 
and  every  house  in  town  were  filled.  The  dedication  was 
beautiful  and  impressive.  Rev.  Mr.  Cross  was  master  of 
ceremonies.  Rev.  Dr.  Lewis,  who  performed  the  marriage 
ceremony  for  Mr.  Baird  and  me,  was  the  chaplain.  Mr. 
E.  N.  Thomas  was  the  orator.  In  his  address  he  spoke 
very  gratefully  of  the  superb  donation  of  the  lodge  building, 
and  said  the  name  of  T.  J.  Catchings  would  be  handed 
down  for  generations,  and  that  you  could  not  have  erected 
a  more  desirable  memorial.  Father's  picture,  with  the 
brass  tablet  beneath,  hung  where  the  chancel  in  a  church 
would  be.  It  did  look  so  benign  and  gentle,  and  as  though 
he  were  ready  to  speak.  I  could  almost  imagine  he  heard 
every  word  and  saw  the  audience.  Dr.  Lewis  in  his  prayer 
seemed  very  much  affected.  When  he  spoke  of  father  as 
his  "old  beloved  friend,"  I  could  not  keep  the  tears  back. 
Old  Dr.  Rice  of  Hinds  Co.,  came  and  shook  hands  with  me. 
This  meeting  with  fathers  old  friends  carried  me  back  to 
my  childhood. 

'Tell  Catchings  I  wish  that  I  could  give  him  the  names 
of  the  young  ladies  and  gentlemen  of  his  acquaintaiice,  who 
were  present.  I  was  introduced  to  them  all,  but  can  re- 
member but  few.  Each  of  them  spoke  very  admiringly  of 
him.  Among  the  number  were  Mesdames  Skinner  and  Bell, 
the  Misses  Vallient  and  Birdie  Love,  with  ten  or  twelve  oth- 
ers of  his  Greenville  friends.  All  pronounced  the  day  very 
enjoyable.  Mrs.  Watson  was  particularly  complimentary  of 
Catchings,  my  dear  son,  and  said  he  had  brains  enough 
to  make  anything  of  himself. 

Your  affectionate  sister, 

N.  C.  Baird." 

For  Mrs.  M.  C.  Torrey, 

Sewanee,  Tennessee" 

"MASONIC  HALL  DEDICATION  AT  BAIRD 

"The  dedication  of  T.  J.  Catchings  Lodge,  No.  394,  at 
Baird,  on  the  3rd,  was  all  that  could  have  been  wished  by 
the  mystic  order.  This  county  has  never  witnessed  such  a 
throng  of  people.  Not  only  of  home  folk,  but  Greenwood 
and  Greenville  had  their  dozens  there.  Countless  numbers 
of  white  aprons  were  unfurled  to  the  breezes.  The  dedi- 
cation ceremony  was  participated  in  by  Rev.  Wm.  Cross, 
Wm.  Starling,  J.  H.  Baker,  J.  M.  Lawrence,  Th.  Pohl,  A.  C. 
Craig,  Rev.  J.  M.  Lewis,  A.  C.  McCullough,  N.  Goldstein, 
Henry  Crittenden,  Jake  Wilczinski,  J.  J.  West,  G.  L.  Smith, 
J.  W.  Welch. 

"The  dinner  spread  under  a  beautiful  grove  on  the  banks 
of  the  Sunflower,  consisted  of  finely  barbecued  beef,  mut- 
ton, kid,  and  pork,  baskets  of  turkey,  chicken,  and  all  kinds 
of  dainties,  delicacies  and  sweet  things.     Ice  cream  flowed 

69 


like  an  avalanche  "down  Greenland's  mountain  sides."  A 
grand  ball  was  participated  in  by  the  g-uests  in  the  hall  at 
night,  which  was  a  brilliant  success. 

The  Tocsin,  Indianola,  May  12,  1894." 

"A  DAY  AT  BAIRD— MAY  12,  1894 
On  last  Thursday  occurred  the  dedicatory  ceremonies  of 
the  new  Masonic  Hall.  *  *  *  This  mag'nificent  structure 
stands  as  a  lasting  monument  to  the  generosity  of  Mrs. 
Torrey,  who  donated  the  lot  and  built  the  house  in  honor 
of  her  father,  the  late  Dr.  Thos.  J.  Catchings.  The  exer^ 
cises  were  impressive  and  interesting.  Hon.  E.  N.  Thomas 
of  Greenville,  the  orator  of  the  day,  made  an  address  at 
once  eloquent  and  appropriate.  Many  members  of  the  mys- 
tic order,  in  different  portions  of  the  state,  were  present. 
After  the  above  exercies,  dinner  was  served  by  the  hospi- 
table ladies  of  that  thriving  little  city.  The  grandest  ball 
of  the  season  was  participated  in  that  evening  by  the  gal- 
lantary  and  beauty  of  this  and  contiguous  counties. 

The  Indianola  Index." 

"Resolved  that  this  Lodge  return  their  heartfelt  thanks 
to  Mrs.  J.  M.  Lawrence,  and  Mrs.  John  R.  Baird  for  the 
beautiful  altar  cushion  presented  to  the  Lodge  by  them. 

"Resolved,  further  that  these  resolutions  be  spread  upon 
the  minutes,  and  copies  mailed  to  Mrs.  Lawrence  and  Mrs. 
Baird,  and  that  they  be  published  at  the  same  time  with 
the  resolutions  thanking  Mrs.  Torrey  for  this  Lodge  build- 
ing. 

"Whereas:  The  officers  and  members  of  T.  J.  Catchings 
Lodge  No.,  394,  A.  F.  and  A.  M.,  are  desirous  of  putting 
on  record  their  appreciation  of  the  noble  act  of  Mrs.  Tor- 
rey, as  exemplified"  in  the  erection  and  presentation  to  said 
Lodge,  of  the  beautiful  masonic  temple  and  grounds  now 
occupied  by  them,  therefore  be  it, 

"Resolved  by  T.  J.  Catchings  Lodge,  No.  394,  on  the 
Registry  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Mississippi,  of  Ancient, 
Free  and  Accepted  Masons,  that  this  Lodge  tenders  to 
Mrs.  M.  C.  Torrey  its  sincere  and  heartfelt  thanks  for 
this  splendid  enduring  gift  received  from  her  hands,  with 
the  assurance  that  one  who  is  devoted  to  the  welfare  and 
prosperity  of  our  beloved  order,  will  ever  live  in  the  hearts 
of  all  true  masons,  and  inspire  them  to  acts  of  benevolence 
and  charity  in  humble  imitation  of  her  own  good  deeds, 
and  with  the  hope  that  the  Supreme  Architect  of  the  Uni- 
verse may  grant  her  peace  and  plenty  in  this  little  life, 
and  enroll  her  name  in  the  archives  of  His  Temple  in  Heaven. 

"Resolved:  That  these  resolutions  be  entered  upon  the 
minutes  of  the  Lodge,  and  that  a  copy  of  them  be  engrossed 
£nd  framed  and  presented  to  Mrs.  M.  C.  Torrey." 

70 


Note:  A  previous  an'angement  of  this  book  inadvert- 
ently placed  a  part  of  the  Catching  family  (Nos.  728-774) 
-under  the  Holliday  family.  The  correction  of  that  error 
accounts  for  the  break  in  consecutive  numbering  between 
272  and  273. 

268.  Seymour  Scott  Catching  (10),  b.  February  1,  1820, 
Pike  County,  Miss.,  died  in  1867,  of  yellow  fever  in  Summit, 
Miss.,  upon  returning  from  New  York. 

Seymour  Scott  Catching  lived  on  his  cotton  plantation 
on  Pearl  river,  Copiah  county,  prior  to  the  civil  war.  After 
this  he  bought  a  home  in  Summit,  Miss.,  and  engaged  in 
merchandising.  He  was  a  tall,  fine  looking  man  and  very 
jovial,  fond  of  hunting  and  fishing,  married  Miss  Sarah 
Smith  in  1842,  a  niece  of  Judge  Robert  Love,  and  a  sister 
of  Dr.  Rankin  Smith,  and  Mrs.  Noel  Catching. 

269.  Sallie  Dickerson  Catching  (10),  b.  April  12  (1802?)  ; 
d.  May  22,  1841 — burie  d  in  Madison  Co.,  Miss.  m.  Judge 
Robert  Love,  a  wealthy  cotton  planter  and  slave  owner, 
lived  in  Madison  county,  near  Canton;  a  very  intelligent 
gentleman  and  celebrated  for  humor  and  anecdotes.  He 
was  a  widower  with  five  children  when  Sallie  Catching 
married  him  and  they  all  loved  her,  a  very  remarkable  in- 
stance. 

CHILDREN  OF  BENJ.  HOLLIDAY  CATCHING  AND 
LETITIA  HIGGINBOTHAM 

270.  Frances  Catching  (265),  b.  Copiah  Co.,  Miss.,  Mar. 
27,  1825,  d.  Sept.  17,  1851,  m.  Dr.  Abner  P.  Steele,  first 
wife,  Dec.,  1848.  Their  daughter,  Laura  Abner  Steele,  on 
March  11,  1880,  m.  Rev.  James  Forsyth,  of  the  Mississippi 
Conference.  Their  son,  James  Steele  Forsyth,  b.  Oct.  25, 
1881. 

271.  Harriet  Eleanor  Catching  (265),  b.  in  Copiah  Co., 
Miss.,  Oct.  23,  1828,  d.  Jan.  4,  1910. 

272.  Thomas  J.  Catching  (265),  b.  in  Copiah  Co.,  Miss., 
May  11,  1827,  d  April  15,  1879  He  m.  Miss  Ella  Fly,  of 
Madison  Co.^Miss.,  Oct.  28,  1851,  sister  of  Rev.  Mr.  Fly. 
He  planted  several  years  on  the  Brazos  River,  Texas,  then 
became  a  merchant  in  Vicksburg,  Miss.  He  was  buried 
in  the  cemetery  there.  His  wife,  and  daughter,  Mrs.  Lou 
Ella  Searles,  are  buried  beside  him. 

When  a  small  child,  I  remember  a  visit  made  to  my  father 
and  mother  at  their  home  in  Hinds  Co.,  by  cousin  Tom 
Catchings  and  wife,  Ella  Fly.  She  was  a  very  pretty,  at- 
tractive lady  and  won  the  children  by  playing  and  singing 
for  them  upon  the  piano,  such  songs  as  "How  Old  Are  You, 
Billy  Boy,  Charming  Billy?"  We  thought  she  was  per- 
fection. Cousin  Tom  made  father  a  visit  after  the  civil 
war,  in  his  Brandon  home:  was  a  handsome,  genial,  af- 
fectionate gentleman.     M.  C.  Torrey. 

71 


CHILDREN  OF  THOS.  J.  CATCHING  AND  ELLA  FLY 

728a.  Silas  F.  Catching  (272),  began  life  in  Vicksburg, 
Miss.,  as  a  merchant,  then  moved  to  Louisville,  Ky.,  but  fin- 
ally settled  in  New  York  City,  is  a  handsome,  polished  gen- 
tleman, affectionate  husband,  father,  brother  and  son.  Mar- 
ried Miss  Nora  Waddill,  daughter  of  Maj.  and  Mrs,  Geo.  C. 
Waddill,  of  Vicksburg.  Their  house  is  at  Livingston  Sta- 
tion, Staten  Island,  N.  Y.  They  have  one  son,  Waddili 
Catching  who  is  (1913)  president  of  two  large  corpora- 
tions, one  at  a  salary  of  $25,000,  and  the  other  at  $10,000, 
and  his  stock  and  bond  investments  are  $10,000.  34  years 
of  age.  He  attended  Harvard  four  years  and  graduated 
in  law  from  that  institution;  practiced  law  in  New  York, 
was  chairman  of  the  War  Service  Commission,  N.  Y.  Cham- 
ber of  Commerce,  1918,  made  a  speech  there  Feb.  22,  1918, 

729.  Emma  Catching  (272),  unusually  pretty  and  charm- 
ing, m.  Fred  Hudson,  Yazoo  C^ity,  Miss.  He  was  a  lawyer. 
d.  1910.  They  moved  to  Monroe,  and  from  there  to  Shreve- 
port,  La." 

730.  Harriet  Malinda  Catchings  (272),  d.  spring  of  1899. 
Sarah  Frances  Catching  m.  Hugh  Swinton  Potts,  Monroe, 
La.  Their  children  are  Hugh  Swinton,  Jr.  and  Leonora 
Potts.  She  is  buried  in  Monroe;  was  a  very  unselfish,  pure 
woman. 

732.  WiUiam  Benjamin  Catching  (272),  b.  Aug.  5,  1857, 
in  Gonzales,  Texas,  d.  Dec.  1,  1907,  in  New  York  City  in  an 
automobile  accident.  He  and  his  brother  Silas  had  gone 
there  to  live.  On  Dec.  9,  1879,  he  m.  Miss  Hermine,  daugh- 
ter of  Rev.  Dr.  Baird,  a  Presbyterian  minister  in  Nashville, 
Tenn,  She  was  b,  in  Winchester,  Tenn,,  Dec.  20,  1858, 
They  first  met  while  he  was  a  student  at  Vanderbilt  Uni- 
versity, Nashville,  Tenn.  He  served  in  Co.  K.  1st  Alabama 
Vol.  Infantry  Spanish- American  War.     Their  children  are: 

(1.)  Beni.  Silas,  b.  Oct.  9,  1880,  A  lawyer  in  New  York 
City,  who  m.  Miss  Elizabeth  McKee  of  Va,  on  Oct.  5,  1910. 
Issue:  Joseph  Benj.  Catchings. 

(2.)  Marjorie  Catching,  b.  Oct.  1882.  m.  Grafton  Colvin 
of  Va.,  and  a  Harvard  man,  on  Dec.  7,  1911.     Issue: 

Marjorie  Colvin,  b.  1912. 

Jane  Colvin,  b.  1916. 

Grafton  Colvin,  Jr.,  b.  1918. 

(3)  Thos.  Baird  Catchings,  b.  Aug.  18,  1884.  Civil  En- 
gineer. He  was  Capt.  of  Co.  B.  307th  Regt.  U.  S.  Engineers 
in  the  World  War. 

(4.)   Nellie  Catching,  b.  1886.  d.  in  infancy. 

(5.)  Baird  and  Silas  Catching  (twins),  b.  1891,  d.  in  in- 
fancy. 

(6.)  William  Baird  Catching,  b.  1891.  m.  Miss  Paige 
Boadley,  on  Dec.  21,  1916.     Their  son: 

Thomas  Paige  Catching,  b.  Sept,  24,  1919. 

72 


Wm.  Benjamin  Catching,  father  of  the  above,  wa3  the 
handsomest  of  the  entire  Catching  family :  tall,  erect,  genial 
and  attractive. 

Mrs.  Wm.  Benj.  Catching  compiled  a  historj'  of  the  Baird 
family,  published  1918  by  her  brother,  who  is  of  the  firm  of 
Ward-Baird  of  Nashville,  Tenn. 

733.  Lou  Ella  Catching  (272),  m.  Capt.  Chas.  Searles 
of  the  Vicksburg  Southrons  (militia)  ;  is  buried  in  Vicks- 
burg ;  was  sylish  and  attractive  and  a  belle. 

CHILDREN  OF  SILAS  F.  CATCHING  AND  NORA 
WADDILL 

Mrs.  S.  F.  Catching  is  by  nature  a  polished,  channing 
society  woman,  graceful  and  attractive,  as  were  her  beauti- 
ful mother  and  elegant  father. 

734.  Waddill  Catching  (728),  b.  1879,  m.  Miss  Werner,  of 
Columbus,  0.,  Nov.  7,  1914. 

735.  Nora  Shelby  Catching  (728),  was  educated  at  Notre 
Dame  Institute,  Baltimore,  m.  Abner  Hunter  Piatt,  a  native 
of  Ky.,  March  30,  1910,  at  St.  Mary's  Church,  Livingston, 
Staten  Island,  N.  Y.  Resides  at  New  Brighton,  Staten  Is- 
land, Franklin  Ave.  They  have  a  son,  Waddill  Piatt,  born 
June  26,  1912,  and  Hugh  Piatt,  and  have  other  children; 
all  very  beautiful.  Capt.  A.  H.  Piatt  was  in  charge  of  a 
company  in  France  during  the  World  War.  Their  first 
child,  Hunter  Piatt,  died. 

736.  Hallette  Hudson  (729),  m.  V.  B.  Liddell.  One  child, 
William  Hudson  Liddell. 

CHILDREN  OF  FRED  HUDSON  AND  EMMA  CATCHING 

737.  Wilma  Hudson  (729),  m.  Dec.  3,  1908,  Walter 
Thatcher.     She  d.  Oct.  3,  1909. 

738.  Thos.  Catching  Hudson  (729),  the  oldest  of  the  boys. 

739.  Barnes  and  Byrnes  Hudson  (729). 

Harriet  M.  Catching  (730),  a  pious  sincere  character,  m. 
Mr.  Robert  Stanton  Therrell,  of  Woodville,  Miss.  He  later 
resided  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  where  his  daughters  were  edu- 
cated at  Mrs.  Buford's  school.     She  d.    (?) 

CHILDREN  OF  ROBT.  S.  THERRELL  AND  HARRIET  M. 

CATCHING 

740.  Edna  Ella  Therrel    (730). 

741.  Hazel  Catching  Therrel    (730). 

742.  Stanton  Catching  Therrel  (730),  b.  Oct.  24,  1880,  m 
Dymple  Neely  Burton,  grand-daughter  of  Chas.  Burton,  of 
Nashville.     He  was  Capt.  of  Infantry  in  European  War. 

"Major  Catchings  Therrel,  a  well  known  young  Atlantan, 
and  popular  officer  of  "All  American"  division,  has  re- 
ceived a  citation  from  General  Pershing  for  exceptionally 
meritorious  and  conspicuous  service.  This  citation  was 
received  Tuesday  by  his  father,  R.  S.  Therrel  of  612  Cham- 

73 


ber  of  Commerce  Building.  Major  Therrel  is  at  present 
attending  Oxford  University,  having  been  awarded  a  schol- 
arship to  that  institution  in  April.  He  entered  the  first 
officers'  camp  at  Fort  McPherson,  being  graduated  as  cap- 
tain, and  was  assigned  to  the  staff  of  General  Lindsey, 
then  a  colonel,  when  the  Eighty-Second  division  was  or- 
dered to  France.  He  received  the  gold  leaf  of  a  major 
]ast  March.  General  Lindsey  had  given  high  praise  to 
Major  Therrel  in  a  recent  letter  to  his  father,  saying,  "His 
office  took  him  over  the  battle  lines  at  all  times,  where  his 
work,  more  than  any  other  one  thing,  was  responsible  for 
the  success  of  our  brigade." 

The  citation  from  General  Pershing  reads  as  follows: 
"This  citation  is  for  exceptionally  meritorious  and  con- 
spicous  services  on  the  part  of  Major  Catchings  Therrel, 
assistant  quartemnaster  of  the  Eighty-Second  division,  in 
testimony  thereof,  and  as  an  expression  of  appreciation  of 
his  services,  I  aw^ard  him  this  citation. 

"Jack  J.  Pershing, 
"April  19,  1919." 

Catchings  Therrel  graduated  with  the  1st  honor  in  his 
class.     He  is  a  lawyer  by  profession. 

743.  Edel  Catching  Therrel  (780),  b.  Oct.  8,  1888,  m.  hv 
ving  Rickerson  Boody,  June  3,  1916,  St.  Mary's  Church, 
West  Brighton,  Staten  Island,  N.  Y. 

744.  Robert  Catching  Therrel  (730),  b.  Nov.  25,  1890,  is 
to  be  a  lawyer  after  graduating  from  Harvard. 

745.  Fermine  Catching  Therrel    (730),   deceased. 

746.  Gladys  Catching  Therrel  (730),  b.  Sept.  12,  1896. 

CHILDREN  OF  CAPT.  JOHN  SMITH  AND  MARGARET 

WALKER    «...  f.^>< 

747.  Helen  Smith  (515),  m.  Dr.  T.'J.  Davidson,  Bir- 
mingham, Ala.  They  have  a  son.  Dr.  James  Davidson 
(747),  Birmingham,  Ala. 

748.  Mary  Smith  (515),  m.  Dr.  Sam  Arrington,  Belmont, 
Ala.  She  was  named  after  her  aunt,  Mary  Holliday  Walker. 
Their  daughter,  Alice  Arrington,  a  very  pretty  woman,  m. 
Mr.  Gordon,  of  Abilene,  Texas.     They  have  tv/o  daughters. 

Tw^o  Arrington  children,  deceased. 

749.  Josephine  Smith  (575),  while  reading  a  book  be- 
fore the  fire,  fell  asleep  and  her  dress  catching  fire  she 
died  in  great  agony  from  the  burns  after  a  day  or  two,  at 
the  age  of  19. 

From  Edwin  F.  Moody,  attornev-at-law,  Meridian,  Miss., 
Jan.   17,   1898." 

CHILDREN  OF  MONTGOMERY  NORMAN  AND  ELIZA- 
BETH J.  L.  KING 

750.  Mary  Ella  Norman  (221),  b.  July  23,  1862,  Copiah 

Co.,  Miss.,  m.  Geo.  Wm.  Hamilton. 

74 


751.  William  Wirt  Norman   (221),  b.  June  19,  1864,  m. 
Daisy  Meek. 

752.  Annie  Louise  Nomian  (221),  b.  March  20,  1866,  d. 
J1892,  Hazlehurst,  Miss. 

753.  Caroline  Blair  Norman  (221),  b.  Dec.  1,  1867,  is  in 
Pension  Bureau,  Washington,  D.  C.  (1892.) 

754.  Emma  Josephine  Norman  (221),  b.  Dec.  3,  1869,  m. 
Luther  Vivien  Settoon, 

755.  Lucy  RosaHnd  Norman  (221),  b.  Oct.  4,  1870,  d.  Feb. 
S    1872 

'756.  Kate  Cornelia  Norman  (221),  b.  Sept.  27,  1873. 

757.  Lula  Montgomery  Norman  (221),  b.  March  30,  1876; 
m.  Wm.  M.  C.  Dodge,  Georgetown,  D.  C.  They  live  at  Hay- 
market,  Va. 

758.  Dr.  Philip  King  Norman  (221),  b.  July  4,  1880, 
practices  in  Memphis,  Tenn. 

CHILDREN  OF  GEO.  W.  HAMILTON  AND  MARY  E. 
NORMAN 

759.  James  Norman  Hamilton  (750),  b.  1893,  book- 
keeper,  Hazlehurst,  Miss. 

760.  Anne  Louise  Hamilton  (750),  is  the  second  oldest. 
George  Peabody  College,  Nashville,  gave  a  scholarship  to 
Anne  Louise  Hamilton  which  entitled  her  to  full  course  at 
Peabody.  Certificates  on  graduation  "sine  qua  non"  of 
her  ability  and  capacity  to  teach  anywhere  in  the  U.  S.  or 
dependencies  thereof.     She  is  beautiful  and  a  fine  musician. 

761.  George  William  Hamilton  (750),  b.  1896,  student 
University  of  Miss. 

CHILDREN  OF  WM.  WIRT  NORMAN  AND  DAISY  MEEK 

762.  Daisy  Meek  Norman  (751). 

763.  Bessie  Meek  Norman    (751). 

764.  Annie  Meek  Norman   (751). 

765.  James  Meek  Norman   (751). 

766.  Caroline  Catching  Norman   (751). 

CHILDREN  OF  LUTHER  V.  SETTOON  AND  EMMA  J. 

NORMAN 

767.  Luther  Lionel  Settoon  (754). 

768.  Julius  Settoon   (754). 

769.  Robert  Broussard  Settoon  (754). 


CHILDREN  OF  LULA  MONTGOMERY  NORMAN  AND 
WILLIAM  M.  C.  DODGE 

770.  James  Dodge   (757). 

771.  Wm.  Henry  Dodge  (757). 

772.  Isadora  Elizabeth  Dodge  (757). 

i  75  ,  ' 


CHILDREN  OF  P.  K.  NORMAN,  M.  D.,  AND  MARY 
YATES  BROWN  (STEVENS) 

773.  Philip  Brown  Norman  (758). 

774.  Paul  Montgomery  Norman  (758). 

273.  Robt.  J.  Catching  (265),  b.  Copiah  Co.,  Miss.,  March 
26,  1832,  d.  Aug.,  1909.  He  m.  Dec.  15,  1853,  Miss  May 
F.  Wood,  first  wife.  Mobile,  Ala,,  while  he  was  a  merchant 
at  Citronelle,  a  suburb  of  Mobile.  She  d.  Feb.  23,  1866.  He 
afterwards  lived  at  Chatanooga,  Tenn.,  and  Louisville,  Ky. 
His  second  wife.  Miss  Lizzie  Eaton.     No  children. 

Their  son.  Merry  Wood  Catching,  son  of  first  wife,  m. 
Miss  Ella  Nixon.  Their  daughter,  Louisa,  taught  school 
in  Colorado. 

274.  Josephine  C.  Catching  (265),  born  in  Copiah  Co., 
Miss.,  Sept.  27,  1853,  d.  Dec,  1899,  suddenly ;  it  is  supposed 
caused  by  the  news  of  her  brother  Benjamin's  death.  She 
m.  Dr.  Christopher  Rankin  Smith,  of  Crystal  Springs,  June 
30,  1855;  a  brother  of  Mrs.  S.  S.  Catching  and  Mrs.  Noel 
Catching. 

275.  Joseph  H.  Catching  (265),  b.  Copiah  Co.,  Miss.,  Mar, 
6,  1834,  d.  Sept.  11,  1891.  He  m.  his  cousin,  Louisa  San- 
ders. His  wife  was  very  pretty  and  a  noted  housekeeper. 
He  was  a  successful  cotton  planter  and  elegant  gentleman, 
widely  read,  intelligent  and  courteous.  She  d.  Mar.  1,  1910. 
His  first  wife  was  Maria  Burton.  No  children  either  mar- 
riage. 

276.  Nannie  Louise  Catching  (265),  b.  April  1,  1845,  d. 
Dec.  17,  1909,  m.  John  Johnson,  her  cousin.  There  were 
five  children: 

1.  John  Johnson,  m.  Mary  Henderson  (deceased) — 1 
daughter,  Loraine,  who  m.  Mr.  Brown. 

2,  Lou   (deceased),  m.  Fountain  Hutchison — 4  children: 

1.  Nannie,  m.  Cecil  Smith — 1  child,  Cecil  Smith,  Jr. 
Later,  Nannie  m.  Louis  Julienne, 

2.  Ada,  m.  J.  B.  Yates — 2  children.  Fountain  and  J.  B. 
Yates,  Jr. 

3.  Mildred,  m.  James  Rucker  Cox,  Oct.,  1920,  an  electri- 
cian of  Crystal  Springs,  Miss.,  Rev.  F.  M,  Brasier,  officiating. 

4.  Elizabeth. 

3.  Catching  B.  Johnson,  b.  June  9,  1873,  m.  July  1,  1897, 
Leilah  Blair  Catching,  daughter  of  Dr.  J.  B.  Catching  and 
Martha  Bridges. 

4.  Mary,  b.  Nov.  7,  1875,  d.  Nov.  2,  1915,  m.  Joseph  T. 
Wolfe,  of  Crystal  Springs,  Miss. 

One  child,  Adelaide,  who  m.  Lewis  Manship  on  Dec.  29, 
1919,  of  Baton  Rouge,  La,,  m,  in  Jackson,  Miss,,  at  the 
home  of  her  uncle,  Hon,  Oscar  Newton. 

5.  Loraine,  b.  April,  1877,  m.  Oscar  Newton — 3  chilldren: 
1.  Oscar  Newton,  Jr.     Served  as  Ensign  in  Naval  Avia- 
tion during  World  War. 

76 


2.  Louise. 

3.  Jere. 

The  father  of  Oscar  Newton  was  a  Presbyterian  minis- 
ter, and  for  many  years  was  principal  of  a  girl's  school  in 
'Crystal  Spring,s  Miss,  Oscar  Newton  is  president  of  a 
bank  in  Jackson,  Miss.   (1921). 

.  Nannie  Catching  Johnson,  of  Crystal  Springs,  Miss., 
after  death  of  John  Johnson,  m.  Charles  Head.  There  were 
three  children,  two  of  whom  are  deceased.  The  living  child 
is  Charles  Head,  Jr.,  b.  August  21,  1880. 

Charles  Head,  Jr.,  m.  Miss  Orleans  Simpson  on  Sept.  23, 
1909.     4  children: 

1.  Charles  Alva,  b.  Sept.  22,  1910. 

2.  Samuel  Potts,  b.  Dec.  27,  1912. 

3.  WilHe  Bennie,  b.  May  10,  1915  (deceased). 

4.  Rebecca  Louise,  b.  Aug.  25,  1917. 

277.  Wilham  Seymour  Catching  (265),  b.  Sept.  15,  1843, 
d.  1862.  He  was  killed  at  Sharpsburg,  Va.,  in  battle,  while 
In  the  Confederate  service  in  1862.  Was  b.  and  reared  in 
Copiah  Co.,  Miss. 

278.  Benjamin  Holliday  Catching  (265),  b.  in  Copiah 
Co.,  Miss.,  June  28,  1848,  d.  Nov.  23,  1899.  His  funeral 
was  from  St.  Johns  M.  E.  Church.  He  was  a  member  of 
Trinity  M.  E.  Church,  Atlanta.  He  was  Steward,  Treas- 
urer and  Asst.  Supt.  of  S.  S. ;  resigned  from  Trinity  and 
worked  for  St.  John's  Mission  on  Georgia  Ave.,  was  also 
Supt.  He  settled  in  Atlanta  with  his  family  in  1880.  He 
was  a  successful  dentist  and  was  graduated  from  the  Den- 
tal College  in  Baltimore,  Md.,  with  the  first  honor.  He 
was  the  author  of  "Catchings'  Compendium  of  Practical 
Dentistry,"  and  wrote  or  compiled  a  book  entitled  "How 
Vve  Managed  During  the  Civil  War."  He  was  a  zealous 
member  of  the  Methodist  Church  and  held  family  prayers 
before  breakfast.  On  June  15,  1870,  he  m.  his  cousin,  Miss 
Mattie  Sanders,  a  very  intelligent  lady,  a  devoted  Christian 
wife  and  mother.  She  was  a  native  of  Madison  Co.,  Miss., 
and  died  Oct.  8,  1914,  in  Atlanta.  He  d.  suddenly  of  apo- 
plexy while  preparing  to  go  to  his  office.  He  was  so  pious 
and  exemplary  he  should  have  been  a  minister. 

278-a.  Harriet  E.  Catching  (265),  a  native  of  Copiah  Co., 
Miss.,  was  known  as  a  consecrated  Christian,  thoroughly 
good.  She  was  well  educated,  m.  Nov.  27,  1850,  Thos.  L. 
Holliday,  her  cousin.  He  was  b.  April  29,  1822,  Wikes  Co., 
Ga.  They  moved  from  Copiah  to  Madison  Co.,  Miss.,  1853, 
where  they  resided  four  mJles  east  of  Canton  on  the  Sharon 
road.  In  their  garden  is  the  family  cemetery.  He  d.  June 
21,  1892;  buried  at  home. 

77 


CHILDREN  OF  THOS.  L.  HOLLIDAY  AND  HARRIET  E. 

CATCHING 

279.  Mary  Holliday  (278-a),  b.  Dec.  4,  1851,  d.  Dec.  28, 
1883.  She  m.  Rev.  T.  B.  Holloman,  a  distinguished  Meth- 
odist Divine,  Feb  5,  1874.  She  was  educated  at  Sharon 
Female  College.     She  was   buried   in   Yazoo   Co.,  Miss. 

280.  Benjamin  Holliday  (278-a).  He  was  accidentally 
shot  and  killed  by  a  playmate  while  hunting.  Buried  in 
the  family  cemetery  at  Long  Moss,  Miss. 

281.  .Josephine  Holliday  (278-a),  d.  in  Yazoo  City,  Miss., 
Feb.  18,  1875,  while  attending  school  there. 

282.  Harriet  Thomas  Holliday  (278-a),  m.  Dr.  Eugene 
Smith.  She  was  educated  at  E.  M.  F.  College,  Meridian^ 
Miss.     They  live  near  Corinth,  Miss. 

283.  Thomas  Catching  Holliday  (278-a),  b.  Oct.  13,  1868, 
m.  Miss  Sarah  Stinson,  daughter  of  W.  B.  Stinson,  Canton, 
Miss.,  Nov.  14,  1900.  Their  daughter,  Catherine,  was  b. 
Feb.,  1903. 

CHILDREN  OF  REV.  THOMAS  B.  HOLLOMAN  AND 
MARY  HOLLIDAY 

284.  Thomas  Bascomb  Holloman,  Jr.  (279),  graduated 
from  Emory  and  Henry  College,  Va.,  and  in  medicine  from. 
Memphis,  Tenn.,  College  of  Medicine.  Practices  in  Ittabena, 
Miss.  He  is  a  refined,  well-educated  young  man ;  m.  Mary, 
daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  R.  Hamilton,  Mar.  1,  1900, 
at  their  home  in  Abingdon,  Va.,  in  the  Methodist  Church. 
Their  daughter,  Harriet,  b.  April  26,  1902. 

285.  John  Holliday  Holloman  (279),  b.  Sept.  19,  1876, 
educated  at  Milsaps  College,  m.  Mona  Lou,  daughter  of  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Joseph  L.  Haley,  of  Ittabena,  Miss.  Their  chil- 
dren are  John  H.  Hollman,  Jr.,  b.  Nov.  1905,  and  Jessie  L. 
Holloman,   b.  Jan.,   1907. 

286.  Frank  Holloman,  M.  D.  (279),  b.  Mar.  17,  1878,  edu- 
cated at  Milsaps  Colege,  m.  Miss  Bettie  Wright,  Lexington, 
Miss.,  Mar.  28,  1904.  One  child,  Mary  Elizabeth  Holloman. 
Dr.  Frank  Holloman  practices  at  Ittabena,  Miss.,  with  his 
brother.  Dr.  T.  B,  Holloman. 

Dr.  Frank  Holloman,  after  the  death  of  his  wife,  Bettie 
Wright,  m.  2nd,  Miss  Sarah  Bradley  of  Abingdon,  Va.,  about 
1917,  a  cousin  of  Mary  Hamilton,  wife  of  his  brother,  T.  B. 
Holloman. 

287.  Leonidas  Holloman  (279),  b.  Jan.  21,  1880,  gradu- 
ated from  Milsaps  College,  1901,  m.  Miss  Sue  White,  of 
Jackson,  Miss.,  June  22,  1904.  Their  children  are  Thomas 
White  Holloman,  b.  Nov.  29,  1905,  and  Leonidas  C.  Hollo- 
man, Jr.,  b.  1907. 

288.  Mary  Letitia  Holloman  (279),  b.  Mar.  12,  1882,  in 
Yazoo  City,  graduated  from  Milsaps  C^ollege  with  degree  of 
M.  A.,  June,  1903,  m.  Frank  H.  Scott,  July  21,  1908. 

78 


289.  Estelle  Josephine  Holloman  (279),  b.  Dec.  26,  1883. 

290.  Hattie  Rebecca  Holloman  (279),  twin  sister  of  Es.- 
teJIe,  b.  Dec.  26,  1883,  d.  April  13,  1901. 

291.  Stella  M.  Holloman    (279). 

CHILDREN  OF  HARRIET  THOMAS  HOLLIDAY  AND 
DR.  EUGENE  SMITH 

292.  Montgomery  Smith  (282),  b.  Oct.  20,  1882,  Nat- 
chez, Miss.  Eugene  Montgomery  Smith,  Jr.  and  Lillian 
Cameron  Dinkins  were  m.  Nov.,  1911,  at  the  residence  of 
her  parents.  Canton,  Miss.  One  child,  Claud  Dinkins 
Smith,  b.  Apr.  26,   1913. 

293.  Leland  Smith  (282),  b.  Oct.  4,  1884,  Glen  Allen, 
Miss. 

"Leland  B.  Smith  drowned  at  Tallullah  Falls,  Ga.,  July 
28,  1912,  interred  in  the  family  cemetery  at  Long  Moss,, 
near  Canton,  Miss.,  Aug.  2."  "Leland  B.  Smith,  once  chief 
engineer  of  the  Yazco  Light  &  Power  Co.,  Yazoo  City,  Miss., 
and  late  with  the  Georgia  Power  Co.,  Atlanta,  Ga.,  recently 
lost  his  life  by  drowning.  Mr.  Smith  was  about  25  years  of 
age,  and  his  rapid  advancement  in  the  Engineering  field 
gave  promise  of  his  becoming  one  of  the  ablest  of  the  young 
engineers  of  the  South.  He  was  instrumental  in  organiz- 
ing Col.  Goethals  Branch  No.  1  I.  C.  E.  and  was  its  first 
secretary."  Copied  from  "Power,"  of  August  13,  1912,  a 
leading  electrical  magazine. 

294.  Josephine  Hollidav  Smith   (282),  b.  Mar.  23,  1887. 

295.  Ada  Catching  Smith  (282),  b.  Aug.  13.  1889,  m.  Dr. 
Wm.  Bole  Smith,  a  dentist  of  Canton,  Miss.,  Nov.  13,  1913. 
Their  son,  Wm.  Bole  Smith,  Jr.,  b.  June  12,  1914. 

296.  James  Arthur  Smith  (282),  b.  Oct.  26,  1896,  d.  Aug. 
28.  1905. 

297.  Thomas  Holliday  Smith  (282),  b.  Sept.  2.  1901, 
graduated  from  the  High  School  Canton,  Miss.,  May  21, 
1920. 

298.  Harriet  Eugene  Smith  (282),  b.  Nov.  30,  1904, 
youngest  child. 

CHILDREN  OF  DR.  RANKIN  SMITH  AND  JOSEPHINE 

CATCHING 

299.  Laura  Louise  (274),  daughter  of  Dr.  Rankin  Smith 
and  wife,  b.  Sept.  7,  1876,  m.  Reuben  A.  Chambers,  Nov. 
21,  1899.  Children:  James  Christopher,  and  Noble  Moora 
Chambers. 

300.  Frances  Smith  (274),  b.  March  6,  1857,  m.  on  Sept, 
25,  1889,  James  Luther  Enochs,  Jackson,  Miss.  She  d.  Oct. 
8.   1881. 

301.  Christopher  Edwin  Smith  (274),  b.  May  3,  1860,  m. 
Miss  Tenia  Corey,  of  Crystal  Springs.  Their  children  are 
Adel,  Edwin  and   Sarah   Smith. 

79 


302.  Mary  Lena  Smith  (274),  b.  Dec.  12,  1866,  m.  A. 
Pincknev  Smith,  March  23,  1886. 

303.  Margaret  Smith  (274),  b.  July  24,  1868,  d.  Aug.  11, 
1886. 

304.  Josephine  Catching  Smith  (274),  b.  June  13,  1870, 
m.  May  23,  1894,  Noble  Moore,  residing  in  Washington,  D. 
C.  He  had  a  position  in  a  U.  S.  Department,  but  studied 
law.  Children:  Dorris,  b.  Nov.  8,  1896,  Robert  Catching, 
b.  Aug.  29,  1898,  and  Margaret  Moore,  b.  May  12,  1900. 

305.  Harriet  Letitia  Smith  (274),  b.  Feb.  11,  1864.  She 
is  a  noble,  unselfish  Christian  woman  and  a  very  polished, 
accomplished  girl.  She  had  a  position  for  many  years  in 
the  pension  department,  Washington,  D,  C  She  m.  in 
Washington  at  the  home  of  her  sister,  Mrs.  Noble  Moore, 
James  Luther  Enochs,  of  Jackson,  Miss.,  March  27,  1900. 
His  first  wife  was  her  sister,  Frances.  He  is  a  wealthy 
lumber  dealer.  They  have  one  child,  James  Luther  Enochs, 
Jr.,  b.  Nov.  13,  1906.  J.  L.  Enochs  is  a  brother  of  L  C. 
Enochs,  who  m.  Maggie  Catching.  The  latter  is  a  cousin 
of  Frances  and  Harriet  Letitia  Smith.  L  C.  and  J.  L. 
Enochs  became  very  wealthy,  in  not  only  the  lumber,  but 
various  other  enterprises,  especially  L  C.  Enochs. 

CHILDREN  OF  J.  L.  ENOCHS  AND  FRANCES  SMITH 

306.  Mervin  Smith  Enochs  (300),  b.  Dec.  22,  1877,  m. 
Edith  Hill,  April  12,  1906. 

307.  Jessie  Frances  Enochs  (300),  b.  Aug.  28,  1879. 
CHILDREN   OF   BENJAMIN   H.   CATCHINGS   AND 

MATTIE  L.   SANDERS 

308.  Frederick  Payne  Catchings  (278),  m.  Miss  Susan 
Martin,  Perry,  Ga.,  June  25,  1902.  Their  first  child  died 
in  infancy.  At  his  death  he  left  two  children:  Katherine 
was  in  the  High  School,  and  in  1920  Jack  was  an  enthusi- 
astic scout. 

'  "F.  P.  Catching  d.  Saturday  night  off  Atlantic  Beach, 
Jacksonville,  Fla.,  when  a  boat  in  which  he  and  a  party  of 
friends  capsized,  Sept.  20,  1913.  He  was  39  years  of  age, 
and  one  of  the  best  known  electrical  engineers  in  the  South ; 
was  educated  at  Emory  and  Henry  Colle^^e,  Va.,  and  Vander- 
bilt,  Nashville,  Tenn.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Sigma  Nu 
fraternity  and  was  recently  admitted  to  full  membership 
in  the  American  Institute  of  Electrical  Engineers,  an  honor 
much  coveted  in  his  profession.  Several  years  he  was  chief 
electrical  engineer  of  Ga.  Railway  and  Electric  Co.  At  the 
time  ofhis  death  he  was  superinendent  and  chief  electrical 
engineer  of  the  Alabama  Power  Co.,  with  headquarters  in 
Birmingham,  Ala.,  having  gone  there  from  Atlanta  a  year 
ago.  He  is  interred  in  W.  View  cemetery,  funeral  conducted 
'by  Rev.  Dr.  Jno.  E.  White  of  the  2nd  Baptist  Church." 

"He  was  a  natural  electrician  and  mineralogist.  In  1912 
F.  P.  Catchings  was  supervising  electrical  engineer  for  a 

80 


$27,000,000  company  which  includes  almost  all  of  the  water 
power  in  Ga.  and  the  electrical  railways  of  Atlanta;  was 
afterwards  in  Birmingham  as  electrical  engineer." 

309.  Louise  Catchings  (278),  m.  John  Swift  Brogdon,  At- 
lanta, 1917,  June  16th,  at  St.  Marks  Church  at  high  noon. 
She  graduated  from  Vanderbilt  University,  Nashville, 
stood  first  in  her  classes  and  is  very  pious.  She  taught 
in  Atlanta;  traveled  several  months  in  Europe  with  her 
sister,  Nannie,  and  others.  She  taught  only  higher  mathe- 
matics.    He  is  well  educated  and  is  a  managing  chemist. 

310.  Nannie  Catching  (278),  graduated  from  the  Wom- 
an's College  at  Baltimore  and  v;on  the  fellowship  medal 
which  entitled  her  to  two  years  abroad.  She  studied  Latin 
one  year  in  Rome;  music  about  nine  months  in  Paris,  and 
traveled  the  balance  of  the  time  with  her  sister  and  others. 
After  returning  she  attended  the  University  of  Chicago. 
She  married  Capt.  Thomas  Harper  Shields,  of  Miss.,  Oct. 
10,  1914. 

311.  Gladys  Catching  (278),  is  a  bright,  beautiful,  inter- 
esting girl ;  graduated  at  college,  Atlanta,  1909 ;  m.  Freder- 
ick Augustus  Watt,  Oct.  10,  1914,  Atlanta,  Ga.  He  is  of  a 
lovely  family  in  Columbus,  Ga.  She  and  her  sister,  Nannie, 
m.  at  the  same  time;  a  double  wedding.  Mr.  Watt  is  in  a 
bank  in  Atlanta. 

CHILDREN  OF  SILAS  MERCER  CATCHINGS  AND 
EDAH  SOPHIA  DRAKE 

312.  Thomas  Alfred  Catchings  (266),  b.  in  Holmesville, 
Pike  Co.,  Miss.,  May  7,  1836. 

T.  A.  Catchings,  M.  D.,  attended  St.  Andrew's  Episcopal 
School  for  boys,  Jackson,  Miss.,  which  was  under  the  super- 
vision of  Rt.  Rev.  W.  M.  Green.  He  graduated  in  medicine 
in  Philadelphia ;  practices  in  Jackson,  his  home,  was  always 
deeply  pious,  moral,  amiable  and  charitable.  He  was  a 
surgeon  in  the  Civil  War  in  a  Miss,  regiment.  Before  that 
time  he  lived  on  his  plantation  near  Jackson.  He  married 
his  cousin,  Virginia  Margaret  Catchings,  June  24,  1857,  at 
the  residence  of  her  sister,  Mrs.  Dr.  Wm.  Dulaney,  in  Madi- 
son County,  seven  miles  from  Jackson.  An  immense  crowd 
of  the  elite  from  all  sections  were  entertained,  the  table 
being  laden  with  every  delicacy,  and  attended  by  a  multi- 
tude of  servants.  The  costumes  of  the  bridal  party  were 
superb.  General  Clark,  of  Jackson,  a  Campbellite  minister, 
performed  the  ceremony — a  very  wealthy  man  and  a  family 
connection.  The  morning  after  the  wedding,  a  beautiful 
phaeton  and  two  fine  horses  were  sent  to  Dr.  Catchings' 
bride,  as  a  present  from  her  father,  Mr.  Augustus  Catch- 
ing. 

Among  the  distinguished  guests  were  Mrs.  Prewitt,  edi- 
tress of  a  paper  in  Yazoo  City.  She  wore  a  gold  embroid- 
ered gown,  and  wrote  an  elegant  account  of  the  wedding 

81 


and  entertainment.  Among  the  attendants  were  Misses 
Mattie  Gordon,  Anna  Banks,  Georgia  Dulaney.  The  lat- 
ter stood  with  Warren  Catching,  cousin  of  the  groom. 
Capt.  Joe  Porter,  Mr.  Ed.  Virden  and  Judge  James  Clark 
were  the  other  attendants.  The  latter  was  a  son  of  Gen. 
Clark,  the  minister  who  officiated. 

Dr.  T.  A.  Catchings  first  studied  medicine  under  the  care 
of  his  uncle.  Dr.  T.  J.  Catchings  and  afterwards  attended 
the  Medical  College,  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  1856-1857.  He  went 
into  the  Confederate  Army  as  assistant  surgeon  in  the  39th 
Miss.  Regt.  and  in  Capt.  Tup  Ross'  Co.  in  1862.  Lives  on 
his  plantation  near  Jackson  1921. 

313.  Mary  Asenith  Catchings  (266),  b.  in  Holmesville, 
Miss.,  Feb.  5,  1841.  She  was  educated  in  the  private  school 
of  her  uncle,  Dr.  T.  J.  Catchings,  Hinds  Co.,  Miss.,  and  two 
years  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  at  the  Nashville  Female  Academy, 
Dr.  C.  D.  Elliott,  principal.  She  graduated  1860,  was  popu- 
lar at  school  and  in  society.  Is  a  magnificent  performer  on 
the  piano,  and  has  many  warm  friends.  Upon  her  gradu- 
ation day,  she  played  "Home,  Sweet  Home"  with  variations 
of  fourteen  pages,  by  Talberg.  Her  teacher,  Madam  Parrel, 
stood  by  and  no  mistakes  were  made.  Her  uncle,  Dr.  T.  J. 
Catchings,  after  ceremonies  w^ere  over,  presented  her  with 
an  elegant  set  of  pearls.  She  and  a  daughter  were  both 
married,  wearing  this  exquisite  set.  At  the  marriage  her 
father-in-law.  Dr.  Hemingway,  gave  her  a  handsome  dia- 
mond ring  and  a  blue  enameled  watch  and  chain,  set  with 
diamonds.  She  was  a  great  toast  with  the  family  of  Gov. 
Wm.  McWillie,  when  they  all  resided  at  Kirkwood,  Madison 
Co.,  Miss.  She  was  the  eldest  pupil  in  Fleetwood  Academy, 
and  stood  uniformly  well  in  all  branches.  Her  specialty  was 
music,  executing  perfectly  the  most  difficult  variations,. 
She  has  kept  up  her  music  throughout  life.  On  May  13, 
1861,  she  married  David  Myers  Hemingway,  half-brother  of 
Mrs.  Dr.  T.  J.  Catchings.  They  made  an  extensive  trip 
over  the  north.  He  was  a  son  of  Dr.  Wm.  Hemingway  of 
Kirkwood,  Miss.,  and  a  native  of  South  Carolina.  David 
Myers  Hemingway  was  a  rich  young  cotton  planter  and  a 
very  handsome  man  with  musical  talents.  He  fought 
throughout  the  Confederate  War  bravely  and  unflinchingly 
in  the  Eighteenth  Miss.  Regt.,  Col.  Burt.  He  d.  at  his 
home  in  Newport,  Attala  Co.,  Miss.,  about  1887.  They  had 
several  children.  Were  m,  in  Hinds  Co.,  at  Fleetwood,  the 
home  of  her  uncle,  Dr.  T.  J.  Catchings.  ,,.. 

"D.  M.  Hemingway  was  standing,  during  the  first  Manas- 
sas battle,  by  the  side  of  his  friend,  Capt.  Adam  McWillie, 
when  he  fell  from  being  struck  by  a  minnie  ball.  He  took 
Capt.  Anderson  from  the  battlefield,  and  laid  him  under- 
neath the  shade  of  a  tree;  also  Eddie  Anderson.  Capt. 
Anderson  was  a  grandson  of  Gov.  McWillie. 

M.  A.  C.  H.     Jan.  20,  1921." 

82 


"During  the  first  three  years  of  the  war  he  fought  with 
the  Confederacy  in  most  all  of  the  big  battles,  both  of  the 
battles  of  Manassas,  Leesburg,  Culpepper  Court  House,  in 
the  Shenandoah  Valley  and  others,  was  wounded  two  dif- 
ferent times.  For  a  short  period  he  waa  aid  to  Gen.  Long- 
street.  The  last  year  of  the  war  he  was  transferred  to 
the  Southern  Division  and  after  hostilities  ceased,  he  re- 
turned home,  with  all  the  honors  of  a  brave  soldier.  He 
was  quiet,  reserved  and  dignified  and  did  not  know  what 
fear  was;  died  at  his  home  in  Newport,  Miss.,  at  the  age 
of  48  years;  lies  interred  in  the  cemetery  of  church  izi 
the  neighborhood. 

Mrs.  M.  C.  Hemingway,  Newport,  Miss.,  Oct.  24,  1919." 

314.  Sarah  Margaret  Catchings  (266),  b.  in  Holmesville, 
March  20,  1843,  died  Oct.  5,  1897,  buried  at  Edwards,  Miss., 
m.  Charles  Glynn  Redfield. 

Sarah  M.  Catchings,  handsome,  amiab-te,  gentle — a  favor- 
ite with  all  classes,  was  a  gentle,  Christoian  wife,  mother 
and  neighbor.  In  childhood  she  was  educated  at  the  pri- 
vate school  of  her  uncle.  Dr.  T.  J.  Catchings,  in  Hinds  Co., 
Miss.,  and  graduated  from  the  Nashville  Female  Academy, 
June,  1860.  Was  a  close  student  in  books  and  music.  She 
was  much  admired  in  society.  On  December  20,  1861,  she 
married  Charles  G.  Redfield,  a  large  merchant  in  Jackson, 
Miss.  A  magnificent  supper  was  given,  and  a  large  gath- 
ering of  friends  and  relatives  was  entertained.  Many  fine 
servants  waited  on  the  guests.  Rev.  Mr.  Ford,  a  Methodist 
minister,  performed  the  ceremony.  The  attendants  were 
Mary  Clendinen  Catchings  and  Daniel  Pepper,  Maria  Henri- 
etta Jones  and  Mr.  Doty.  Mr.  Redfield  w^as  a  refined,  per- 
fect gentleman.  At  the  time  of  his  death  he  merchandised 
in  Edward,  Miss.,  and  planted  in  the  neighborhood.  She 
died  in  1897,  of  yellow  fever,  in  Edward,  and  was  buried 
there.  She  was  a  lovely  Christian,  true  and  pure,  was  ac- 
complished and  played  beautifully  on  the  piano,  and  sang 
well,  had  a  fine  alto  voice. 

315.  "Silas  Mercer  Catchings,  Jr.  (266),  was  b.  near 
Holmiesville,  Pike  Co.,  Miss.,  Nov.  13,  1845,  d.  June  30, 
1864.  After  two  years  service  he  died  near  Marietta  Ga. 
He  was  a  young  man  of  fine,  noble  character,  beloved  and 
respected  by  all.  We  pray  to  meet  our  brother.  From  his 
sister,  Mary  Catchings  Hemingway,  Oct.  24,  1919."  H» 
died  of  erysipelas  in  the  Confederate  Hospital,  Newnan,  Ga., 
and  is  buried  there  in  the  Confederate  CTemetery.  His 
brother.  Dr.  T.  A.  Catchings,  who  had  been  in  attendance 
upon  the  sick,  arrived  just  as  the  last  sad  rites  were  per- 
formed. He  was  a  tall  fine  looking  boy.  At  the  age  of 
fifteen  he  enlisted  in  Company  I  Thirty-ninth  Miss.  Regt.,  at 
the  beginning  of  hostilities.  He  was  educated  in  the  pri- 
vate school  of  his  uncle.  Dr.  T.  J.  Catchings,  Hinds  Co.,  and 


&i  Georgetown  College,  D.  C.  He  was  wounded  in  a  battle 
near  Baton  Rouge,  La.,  in  Col.  W.  B.  Shelby's  Regt.,  Mis- 
sissippi. After  leaving  Georgetown  College,  on  liis  return 
home,  Silas  Catchings  attended  the  inaugural  of  president 
A.  Lincoln  in  Washington,  D.  C,  accompanied  b  yhis  friend 
(now)  Judge  Anderson  of  Kosciusko,  Miss.,  who  had  been 
a  student  at  the  University  of  Va.,  and  was  also  on  his 
way   home. 

316.  Martha  Louisa  Catchings  (266),  b.  in  Holmesville, 
Miss.,  Dec.  25,  1847,  d.  Aug.  14,  1911.  She  was  an  intelli^ 
gent,  ambitious  girl  at  school;  m.  Wm.  Dixon,  a  wealthy 
young  man  of  Hinds  Co.,  Miss.  They  died  in  their  home 
and  were  buried  in  Brookhaven,  Miss.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wil- 
liam Dixon  moved  from  Hinds  Co.  to  Brookhaven,  1887. 
He  d.  June  27,  1899.  He  was  wounded  in  the  battle  of 
"Seven  Pines,  Va."  They  were  m.  at  the  home  of  her 
brother,  Dr.  T.  A.  Catchings,  in  Hinds  Co.,  by  Rev.  Thos. 
Ford,  Methodist.  They  and  all  their  children  were  mem- 
bers of  that  church. 

317.  Emma  Sophia  Catchings  (266),  b.  in  Holmesville, 
Miss.,  Feb.  27,  1850,  d.  Nov.,  1877.  She  was  a  very  beauti- 
ful blonde,  married  at  the  home  of  her  brother,  Dr.  T.  A. 
Catchings,  1865,  James  E.  Lewis,  a  rich  young  cotton 
planter  of  Byram,  Miss.  Both  d.  young.  When  a  child 
Emma  S.  Catchings  attended  the  private  school  in  Hinds 
Co.,  of  their  uncle.  Dr.  T.  J.  Catchings.  She  was  after- 
wards sent  to  school  by  her  brother,  Dr  T.  A.  Catchings. 

At  the  death  of  their  parents,  the  children  of  Emma  S. 
Catchings  and  Jas.  E.  Lewis,  inherited  much  property. 
Their  guardian  and  uncle,  Dr.  T.  A.  Catchings,  took  the 
children  and  gave  them  every  advantage  educationally. 
The  parents  of  Jas.  E.  Lewis  were  wealthy  and  devoted 
to  Emma.  Their  bridal  presents  to  her  were  a  piano,  watch 
and  chain,  and  a  three  hundred  dollar  diamond  ring,  etc.,  etc. 

318.  Joseph  Marshall  Catchings  (266),  b.  Holmesville, 
Aug.  10,  1838,  d.  Sept.  20,  1842,  buried  in  Holmesville. 

319.  Clinton  Drake  Catchings  (266),  b.  Holmesville,  April 
18,  1834,  d.  Jan.  17,  1842,  buried  in  Holmesville. 
CHILDREN  OF  DR.  T.  A.  AND  VIRGINIA  CATCHINGS 

320.  Annie  Augusta  Catchings  (312),  d.  in  infancy  in 
1861. 

320-a.  Silas  Mercer  Catchings  (312),  graduated  in  medi- 
cine in  Philadelphia,  was  a  successful  practitioner,  died 
1909 ;  a  thoroughly  good  man  and  dutiful  son. 

321.  Charles  Redfield  Catchings  (312),  m.  Miss  Mangum. 

322.  Annie  Catchings  (312). 

CHILDREN  OF  DAVID  M.  HEMINGWAY  AND  MARY 

CATCHINGS 
326.  Nannie  Catchings  Hemmingway   (313),  b.  in  Kirk- 
wood,  Miss.,  a  handsome  brunette  and  fine  performer  on 

84 


the  piano.  Attended  the  Female  College,  Oxford,  Miss. 
Married  Mr.  Savage,  Little  Rock,  Ark.  He  was  a  mer- 
chant and  a  planter.  Two  sons,  Harry  and  Prentiss  Sav- 
age. Their  sister,  Louisa  Savage,  married  in  1915,  P.  A, 
Stanley,  of  Tillar,  Ark.,  Rev.  Flournoy  Sheppherdson,  Pres- 
byterian, officiating. 

Mrs.  N.  C.  Savage  is  very  accomplished  in  music.  When 
at  school  in  Oxford,  Miss.,  a  gold  medal  was  awarded  her. 
She  is  also  an  author  of  prose  and  poetry ;  is  a  member 
since  1919  of  the  "State  Authors  and  Composer  Society," 
Little  Rock,  Ark.,  and  contributes  from  month  to  month 
to  "The  Arkansas  Writer."  At  the  State  conference  in 
Pine  Bluff,  Ark.,  Feb.,  1920,  of  the  Daughters  of  the  Ameri- 
can Revolution,  she  was  honored  by  being  asked  to  read  an 
original  poem ;  the  only  one  in  the  State  so  honored.  She  is 
a  member  of  the  Sorosis  Club  of  Monticello,  Ark. 

Her  mother  is  also  a  beautiful  prose  composer,  and  has 
had  her  stories  published. 

"Harry  P.  Savage  is  with  a  large  cotton  company  in  New 
York  (1921)  and  is  one  of  the  leading  employees,  grading 
cotton  for  New  York  and  Liverpool.  He  is  also  a  very  flu- 
ent writer,  which  seems  to  be  natural,  as  is  the  rapidity 
with  which  he  composes. 

Prentiss  H.  Savage  and  Harry  P.  Savage  valiantly  served 
their  country  in  France,  1918,  as  officers  in  engineering 
corps.  They  received  honorable  discharge  at  Camp  Pike, 
Arkansas,  during  summer  of  1919.  "My  sons  did  not  train 
for  officers  but  was  each  so  efficient  thatthey  were  made  of- 
ficers at  Camp  Pike  (near  Little  Rock).  They  went  as 
such  from  there,  continued  throughout  service."  N.  C,  H. 
Savage. 

327.  Mary  Catchings  Hemingway  (313),  b.  Aug.  17,  1874, 
in  her  father's  home  "The  Cedars,"  was  baptized  when 
quite  young,  in  the  parlor  of  her  parents,  by  Rev.  Willard 
Presbury,  of  St.  Paul's  Episcopal  Church,  Kirkwood,  Miss.^ 
"She  was  a  beautiful  blonde,  married  Mr.  D.  M.  Albin,  Nov. 
10,  1898,  a  merchant  and  planter.  Rev.  T.  A.  Buck  per- 
formed the  ceremony.  Miss  Flora  Anderson,  of  Kirkwood, 
Miss.,  rendered  the  wedding  march.  The  attendants  were 
Tom  Anderson,  Miss  Lela  Meek,  Bob  Waugh  and  Miss  Boyd. 
The  marriage  was  witnessed  by  a  large  number  of  friends 
at  the  Cedars,  the  home  of  the  bride's  mother,  in  Newport, 
Miss.  An  elegant  dinner  that  defied  description  w^as  en- 
joyed by  all.     From  the  Star  Ledger,  Kosciusko." 

CHILDREN  OF  MR.  AND  MRS.  ALBINS 
Mary  Waugh  Albins,  b.  Dec.  22,  1899,  at  Newport,  Miss., 
d.  July  2,  1900,  at  Newport,  Miss.     Sweet  baby  gone  to  rest. 
Robert  Hemmingway  Albins,  b.  Nov.  19,  1903,  in  Mem- 
phis, Tenn.,  christened  in  the  First  Methodist  church  in 
the  spring  of  1904,  by  Rev,  William  E.  Thompson. 

85 


Evelyn  Belle  Albins,  b.  March  27,  1907,  Memphis,  Tenn., 
christened  in  the  First  Methodist  Church,  winter  of  1907, 
by  Rev.  Dr.  Powells. 

Louise  Savage  Albin,  b.  in  Memphis,  after  seven  years 
of  age  she  died,  Jan.,  1919,  in  Memphis,  Tenn.,  of  pneu- 
monia, following  influenza.  Sweet  little  darling  gone  to 
rest. 

328.  Kate  McWillie  Hemingway  (313),  b.  Sept.  27,  1877, 
Newport,  Miss.,  a  lovely  brunette,  was  named  aftfcr  her  god- 
mother, Mrs.  Gov.  Wm.  McWillie,  Kirkwood,  Miss.  She 
performs  well  on  the  piano,  m.  in  Newport,  Miss.,  Mr.  J. 
Harvey  Landrum,  March  24,  1896,  Rev.  R.  A.  Breeland 
officiating.  He  was  a  cotton  planter,  Attala  County,  Miss., 
moved  to  Kosciusko,  Miss.  Mrs.  Kate  McWillie  H.  Lan- 
drum is  very  beautiful,  with  a  superb  figure,  black  eyes 
and  hair,  verj^  much  resembles  the  mother  of  her  father  and 
is  always  lovable  and  true. 

Children — 

Harvey  Catchings  Landrum,  b.  March  29,  1897,  at  New- 
port, in  the  home  of  his  grandmother,  Mrs.  M.  C.  Heming- 
way. Harvey  C.  Landrum,  at  the  age  of  21  years,  enlisted 
in  the  Marine  Corps,  July  13th,  1918,  at  Paris  Island, 
South  Carolina.  Leaving  then  by  way  of  New  York,  he 
arrived  at  Brest,  France,  Nov.  3rd,  and  then  joined  the  2nd 
Division,  17th  Company,  Fifth  Marine.  He  went  through 
Orleans,  France,  Belgium,  Luxemburg,  and  marched  across 
the  Rhine,  being  stationed  near  Coblenz,  Germany.  He 
v/as  transferred  on  March  1,  1919,  to  St.  Nazaire,  France, 
then  back  to  the  United  States,  arriving  at  Norfolk,  Va., 
March  20,  1919;  is  in  Colorado  (1920)  recuperating  health 
in  the  U.  S.  Hospital  (  Fort  Lyon.  He  is  very  handsome 
with  a  fine  figure  and  is  dignified. 

Ruth  Mills  Landrum  was  born  Feb.  3d,  at  Newport,  Miss., 
Tit  Mrs.  M.  C.  Hemingway's. 

Percy  Menville  Landrum  was  b.  Dec.  10,  1901,  at  Newport, 
Miss.,  in  the  home  of  his  grandmother,  Mrs.  M.  C.  Heming- 
Vva3^ 

Jane  Walden  Landrum,  b.  May  31,  1905,  at  Newport,  in 
the  home  of  her  parents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  H.  Landrum. 

Mary  Niles  Landrum  was  b.  Oct.  17,  1908,  at  Kosciu- 
sko, Miss.,  in  the  home  of  her  parents. 

Leland  Bernard  Landrum,  b.  at  Kosciusko,  Aug.  8,  1910, 
m  the  home  of  her  parents. 

All  bright,  fine  children,  being  well  educated  in  the  high 
school  at  Kosciusko. 

329.  Thos.  Catchings  Hemmingwy  (313),  m.  a  young  lady 
from  Kentucky.  They  live  on  his  plantation  near  Durant, 
Miss.  She  is  an  accomplished  girl;  \yas  Luzetta  C.  Alex- 
ander. 

86 


330.  David  Myers  Hemmingwaj^  Jr.  (318),  is  very  hand- 
some, with  black  eyes.     Both  are  moral  men. 

331.  Wm.  Hemmingway  (313),  the  oldest  child,  a  very 
beautiful  baby  with  black  eyes,  died  during  the  Civil  War 
while  his  father  was  in  the  army.  Mrs.  Hemmingway  was 
on  a  visit  at  the  time  to  her  sister  in  Jackson,  Mrs.  Red- 
field.  Dr.  Farrar  was  his  physician.  He  was  buried  in 
Jackson,  Miss. 

CHILDREN  OF  CHARLES  REDFIELD  AND  SARAH  M. 

CATCHINGS 

332.  Mary  Glynn  Redfield  (314),  b.  1862,  d.  Oct.  15,  1897, 
of  yellow  fever,  in  Edward,  Miss.  She  graduated  from  Mar- 
tha Washington  female  seminary  at  Abingdon,  Va.,  w^as  vi- 
vacious and  attractive,  m.  Thomas  Askew,  a  merchant  in 
Edward  and  a  planter  on  Big  Black  River — an  excellent 
man.    Their  only  child  was  Sydney  Knox  Askew. 

333.  Chas.  Redfield   (314). 

334.  Nora  Redfield  (314),  m.  Dr.  Ratcliffe,  Edward,  Miss. 

335.  Wm.  G.  Redfield  (314),  m.  a  daughter  of  Mrs.  L.  T. 
Martin,  Edwards,  Miss. 

336.  Sallie  Redfield  (314). 

337.  Annie  Odeneal  Redfield   (314). 

Annie  Odeneal  Redfield  was  at  school  in  Virginia  w-hen 
her  mother  and  two  sisters  died  of  yellow  fever.  She  w'as 
a  lovely  little  girl,  with  large  brown  eyes,  and  with  curls 
around  her  shoulders.  She  married  Mr.  Frank  Artz,  a  suc- 
cessful merchant  in  Vicksburg,  Miss. 

338.  John  Redfield  (314),  m.  a  sister  of  Dr.  RatcUffe, 
Edwards,  Miss. 

John  Redfield  is  president  of  a  bank  at  Edward,  Miss., 
a   splendid   gentleman. 

339.  Lillian  Redfield  (314),  age  11,  d.  Oct.  4,  1897,  of 
yellow  fever,  at  Edward,  Miss. — fhe  youngest. 

CHILDREN  OF  WM.  DIXON  AND  MARTHA  L.  CATCH- 
INGS 

340.  Emma  Virginia  Dixon  (316),  m.  Gus  Ratliffe,  May 
4,  1892,  Jackson,  Miss.  They  have  two  sons,  Sammie  and 
Louis. 

341.  Mary  Sue  Dixon  (316),  m.  Chas.  Hollenbeck,  May, 
1896,  Fresno,  Cal. 

342.  Annie  Kate  Dixon  (316),  m.  Joseph  Henck,  Nov. 
27,  1899,  Brookhaven,  Miss.  They  have  three  daughters. 
Marguerite  L.,  Daisy  M.,  and  Mernelle. 

343.  Daisy  Alm^a  Dixon  (316),  m.  James  Fountain,  Nov. 
19,  1900,  McCombs  City,  Miss. 

344.  Silas  Albert  Dixon  (316),  b.  1887,  lives  in  Jackson, 
Miss. 

345.  Zack  Dickson  (316). 

346.  Branch  T.  Dixon  (316),  m.  Sept.  30,  1900,  Ada  Dunn, 

87 


both   of   Lincoln   Co.,   Miss.     Live    in    Brookhaven.     They 
have  one  child,  a  daughter. 

CHILDREN  OF  JAMES  E.  LEWIS  AND  EMMA  S. 
CATCHINGS 

James  E.  Lewis,  father  of  Dr.  James  Leon  Levi^is,  b. 
1840,  d.  1878.  He  was  descended  from  Wm.  Lewis  of  S.  C, 
and  from  Wm.  Norton  of  Mass.  The  latter  removed  from 
Mass.  to  Va.  prior  to  the  revolutionary  \rar. 

347.  Emma  Sarah  Lewis  (317),  m.  Dudley  Jones,  son  of 
Dr.  Jones,  of  Terry,  Miss.  She  was  very  beautiful,  and 
was  always  known  as  "Minnie."  Her  daughter  Minnie  mar- 
ried Mr.  Wilkinson  in  the  summer  of  1911.  Her  daughter 
Maude  Lewis  graduated  from  All  Saints  College,  Vicksburg, 
June,  1911,  and  was  very  beautiful. 

348.  James  Leon  Lewis  (317),  b.  in  Byrom,  Hinds  Co., 
Miss.,  Nov.  28,  1875,  graduated  in  medicine  from  Tulane 
University  in  1898.  On  May  12,  he  m.  Emily  Massie, 
daughter  of  James  Harrison  Burton,  New  Orleans,  in  St. 
Paul's  church.  Resides  in  New  Orleans.  They  had  a 
son,  Leon.  In  1895  he  was  a  handsome  little  boy  of  four 
years.  Dr.  Lewis  is  handsome.  Dr.  J.  L.  Lewis  is  profes- 
sor of  Physical  Diagnosis  in  the  Postgraduate  Department 
of  Tulane  University,  New  Orleans,  La.  "My  dear,  beauti- 
ful boy,  Leon,  died  seven  years  ago.  We  have  a  pretty  lit- 
tle girl,  Ashton.  She  is  blonde,  and  looks  very  much  like 
Leon  did.  Mv  mother  d.  when  I  was  two  vears  of  age. 
J.  L.  Lewis,  Sept.  23,  1920." 

CHILDREN  OF  DR.  T.  J.  CATCHINGS  AND  N.  M.  CLEN- 

DINEN 

349.  Mary  Clendinen  Catchings  (267),  born  in  Hinds 
County,  Miss.  The  day  upon  which  M.  C.  Catchings  w^as 
born,  a  flock  of  wild  geese  flew  over  on  their  way  to  the 
south.  Her  father  shot  one  and  making  a  pen  from  its 
quill,  he  recorded  her  birth  in  the  family  Bible. 

She  was  educated  in  the  private  school  in  her  father's 
famil}^  and  was  one  year  at  the  Nashville  Female  Acad- 
emy, and  graduated  June,  1860.  It  was  intended  that  she 
and  her  sister  should  continue  their  studies  in  New  Orleans, 
at  Madame  Loquets,  and  then  with  her  brother  and  a  tutor, 
travel  two  years  in  America  and  Europe,  but  the  Civil  War 
caused  this  to  be  abandoned.  She  was  baptized  and  con- 
firmed by  Bishop  W.  M.  Green,  in  1866.  She  m.  Thomas 
Harding  Torrey,  attorney-at-law,  son  of  Maj.  Geo.  Torrey, 
Fayette,  Miss.  He  was  born  in  Jefferson  Co.  and  served 
throughout  the  Confederate  war.  He  afterwards  took  a  com- 
mercial course  in  Memphis,  Tenn.  He  practiced  the  profes- 
sion of  law  till  his  death,  April  14,  1881.  In  the  winter  of 
1879  and  1880  he  represented  Sunflower  county  in  the 
legislature  and  was  treasurer  of  the  county.  He  was  pa- 
roled with  his  command  after  the  surrender. 

88 


MISS   MARY   CLENDINEN   CATCHINGS 
(Taken   in   Brandon,   Miss.) 


From  The  Adiutant  General's  Office 

Washin^on,  D.  C.     Sept.  24,   1920 

"T.  H.  TORREY 

Priv.  Co.  B  Hughes  Battn. 

Miss  Cavy.  C.  S.  A.  and 

Co.  H  4  Miss  Cavy.  C.  S.  A.  to 

which  transferred  by  consolidation 

enlisted  June  18,  1862 

at  Fayette,  Miss. 

Co.  Muster  Roll  for  4  mos. 

To  June  30,  1864    (last  on 

which  borne)   shows 

him   present 

Prisoner  of  War  records 

show  him  paroled  May 

12,   1865  at  Gainesville,  Ala. 

a  corporal" 

P.  C.  Harris,  Adiutant  General" 

LAW  CARD 

T.  H.  TORREY 

Attorney  at  Law 

Johnsonville,  Sunflower  County,  Miss. 

Will  practice  in  the  Courts  of  Sunflower,  LeFlore,  Wash- 
ington and  Bolivar  Counties,  and  attend  promptly  to  the 
payment  of  Taxes,  making  Collections,  and  to  buying,  sell- 
ing, leasing  and  redeeming  of  Lands. 

"RESOLUTIONS  OF  RESPECT 

"Adopted  by  the  Bar  of  Sunflower  County  upon  the  Death 
of  Hon.  T.  H.  Torrey.     April  14,  1881 

"Whereas,  We  have,  by  the  sudden  and  unexpected  death 
of  our  late  friend  and  brother  Attorney,  T.  H.  Torrey,  been 
most  strikingly  reminded  of  the  truth  of  the  Divine  declara- 
tion that  "in  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in  death."  Therefore, 
1.  Be  it  resolved.  That  in  his  death  the  legal  profes- 
sion has  lost  one  of  its  most  liberal  and  hospitable  mem- 
bers; society  a  most  useful,  upright  and  generous  citizen: 
his  family  a  loving  son  and  brother,  and  his  wife  a  true, 
devoted,  kind  and  noble  husband; 

"2.  That  while  we  cannot  comprehend  the  wisdom  of  the 
Creator  in  thus  withdrawing  him  so  suddenly  from  our 
midst,  in  the  strength  of  his  manhood  and  usefulness,  yet 
we  bow  in  humble  submission  to  the  will  of  "Him  who 
doeth  all  things  well." 

"3.  That  we  deeply  sympathize  with  his  bereaved  wife, 
in  her  great  and  irreparable  loss,  and  while  thus  tendering 
to  her  our  sympathy,  at  the  same  time  we  most  devoutly 
commend  her  to  the  protecting  care  of  the  widow's  'Friend," 
Who  only  inflicts  chastisement  in  order  to  draw  us  nearer 
unto  Him; 

89 


"4.  Tliat  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  sent  to  the  wife 
■of  the  deceased  and  that  the  Jackson  Clarion ;  Fayette 
Chronicle;  Vicksburg  Herald  and  Commercial,  and  Green- 
ville Times  be  furnished  with  copies  of  these  resolutions, 
and  that  the  court  be  requested  to  have  them  spread  upon 
the  minutes  of  the  Circuit  and  Chancery  Courts  of  Sun- 
flower County. 

Charles  S.  McKenzie, 
Thos.  R.  Baird, 
W.  R.  Trigg, 
H.  S.  Quinn, 

Committee." 
Marshall  Brown,  Secy." 

350.  Nannie  Clendinen  Catchings  (267),  was  b.  at  Fleet- 
wood, the  plantation  home  of  her  parents.  Hinds  Co.,  Miss. 
She  died  Sept.  19,  1913,  in  her  home  at  Baird,  Miss.;  was 
buried  in  Friendship  Cemetery,  Columbus,  Miss.  Interred 
Sept.  20,  10  a.  m. 

She  was  educated  in  a  private  school  at  home,  and  in 
Sept.,  1859,  she  entered  the  Nashville  Female  Academy,  Dr. 
C.  D.  Elliot's  school,  from  which  she  graduated  June,  1860, 
and  was  the  youngest  girl  in  her  class  of  60  pupils.  She 
was  baptized  in  1868  by  Rev.  Duncan  C.  Green,  son  of 
Bishop  Green,  at  Brandon,  and  was  confirmed  later  in  the 
same  town  by  Bishop  W.  M.  Green ;  has  always  been  zeal- 
ous in  mission  work  and  possessed  a  strong  character  and 
great  self  respect.  On  April  26,  1866,  she  married  at  the 
home  of  her  parents  in  Brandon,  Miss.,  John  R.  Baird,  of 
Sunflower  County,  Miss.,  son  of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  J.  M.  Baird, 
of  Asheville,  N.  C.  Rev.  Dr.  Lewis  officiated.  John  Rupert 
Baird  was  born  in  Wahalak,  Kemper  countj^  Miss.,  May  6, 
1841,  and  was  educated  at  the  University  of  Miss.,  and  at 
Bethany  College,  Va.  He  left  to  enlist  in  the  Tom  Bigboe 
Rangers,  Miss.,  at  the  beginning  of  the  Civil  war,  and  was 
afterwards  transferred  to  the  sharp-shooters.  He  was 
wounded  at  Stone  River,  Murphreesboro,  Tenn.,  and  was  in 
prison  at  Rock  Island,  Illinois,  for  19  months.  He  was  a 
successful  planter  and  merchant,  and  an  influential  citizen ; 
was  a  member  of  the  Constitutional  Convention  of  Miss.,  in 
1890.  He  declined  to  enter  politics.  Was  a  man  of  fine 
moral  character  and  bright  mind,  and  the  soul  of  gener- 
osity. 

"MRS.  J.  R.  BAIRD'S  BIRTHDAY 
"A  most  enjoyable  social  event  in  the  town  of  Baird 
Tuesday  of  last  week,  v/as  the  birthday  dinner  given  to 
Mrs.  N.  C.  Baird  by  her  daughters-in-law,  Mesdames  T. 
Catchings  Baird  and  Jam.es  C.  Baird.  It  was  quite  a  sur- 
prise to  Mrs.Baird.  The  spacious  and  elegant  dining  room 
was   most   tastily   arranged,   the   color   scheme  being   red 

90 


RESIDENCE   OF   MR.   AND   MRS.   JNO.   R.   BAIRD 
at    Baird,    Mississippi 


ar.d  yellow.  The  menu  was  served  in  eleven  courses  and 
was  faultless  in  every  detail.  A  feat  of  the  occasion  was 
winding  of  the  anniversary  clock  which  needs  winding  only 
once  a  year,  then  allowing  it  to  begin  on  Mrs.  Baird's  birth- 
day, to  mark  time. 

"The  Pensee  hopes  that  Mrs.  B-aird  will  be  permitted  to 
enjoy  many  such  anniversaries  with  her  happy  family  and 
surroundings. 

The  Pensee,  Indianola,  Miss.,  Oct.  14,  1902." 

J.  R.  Baird  died  August  27,  1916,  interred  in  the  family 
lot  in  Friendship  Cemetery,  Columbus,  Miss.,  by  Rev.  W.  S. 
Slack,    rector, 

Mrs.  Baird  organized  the  first  Episcopal  Sunday  School  in 
this  county  and  section  in  1873;  which  met  in  a  deserted 
negro  log  cabin.  Afterwards,  in  1876,  through  co-opera- 
tion with  her  parents  and  liberal  responses  to  appeals  to 
the  north  and  other  sources,  with  bazars,  charades  and  sup- 
pers, she  erected  a  lovely  chapel  in  her  town,  Johnsonviile, 
then  the  county  site.  This  was  destroyed  by  a  tornado 
three  years  later,  and  the  county  site  moved.  She  then 
succeeded  in  erecting  another  chapel  at  Johnsonviile,  which, 
in  1890,  she  moved  on  rollers  to  the  new  town  of  Baird,  one 
mile  away  on  the  Southern  Railway. 

The  consecration  of  All  Saint's  Chapel  at  Inverness,  Miss., 
v.'as  during  July,  1914.  "The  Bishop's  remarks  were  most 
appropriate  and  beautiful.  His  references  to  Mrs.  John 
Baird,  the  founder  of  the  church  in  Baird,  was  exceedingly 
tender  and  beautiful.  The  churches  in  Inverness  and  Indi- 
anola are  really  the  outgrowth  of  the  church  in  Baird." 
From  the  Church  Nev/s. 

The  Greenville,  Miss.,   Democrat,   Sept.   21,   1913,   said: 

"One  of  the  brilliant  women  of  the  State  passed  away 
when  Mrs.  John  R.  Baird  died  Friday  morning,  the  19th 
inst,  at  2:20  A.  M.,  at  the  family  home,  Baird,  Sunflower 
County,  of  heart  failure.  Mrs.  Baird  was  the  sister  of 
Gen.  T.  C.  Catchings,  of  Vicksburg,  former  congressman 
from  this  district,  and  the  wife  of  one  of  the  Delta's  edu- 
cated, successful  planters  and  business  men,  Hon.  John  R. 
Baird.  Mrs,  Baird  was  not  only  a  lady  of  intellectual  force, 
but  of  many  accomplishments  and  Christian  virtues.  She 
leaves,  besides  the  devoted  husband,  two  sons  to  especially 
mourn  her  death.  The  remains  were  taken  to  Columbus, 
Miss.,  for  interment.  Mrs.  Baird  was  well  known  in  this 
city,  where  her  many  friends  deeply  regret  her  death." 

The  Indianola  Enterprise,  Indianola,  Miss.,  said: 

"Mrs.  N.  C.  Baird,  wife  of  Mr.  John  R.  Baird,  of  Baird, 
Miss.,  died  at  her  home  last  Friday  morning  after  a  brief 
illness  and  was  interred  in  the  family  burial  ground  in 
Columbus,  Miss.,  on  Saturday  morning,  10  A,  M.  Mrs. 
Eaird  was  a  m.ost  excellent  lady,  a  devoted  mother  and 

91 


loving  wife.  She  had  a  kind  word  and  pleasant  smile  for 
every  one  and  was  a  free  giver  to  all  charitable  causes.  Her 
home  was  full  of  sunshine  and  a  hearty  welcome  was  found 
by  all  who  were  her  guests.  She  was  a  devout  Christian^ 
having  joined  the  Episcopal  Church  in  her  girlhood  days. 
She  leaves  to  mourn  her  loss  a  husband  and  two  sons,  a 
sister,  Mrs.  T.  H.  Torrey,  and  a  brother,  Gen.  T.  C.  Catch- 
ings,  and  many  other  near  and  dear  relatives  who  are  bowed 
down  with  grief  over  her  death.  The  Enterprise  extends 
to  all  relatives  and  especially  to  the  heart-broken  husband 
and  children  its  sincere  sympathy  and  wishes  that  it  could 
say  something  that  would  in  a  measure  take  from  them 
some  of  the  sting  death  has  caused  in  taking  away  this 
noble  woman." 

The  Columbus  Dispatch,  Sept.  21,  1913,  said: 
"Mrs.  John  R.  Baird,  well  known  in  this  city,  died  at 
Baird,  Miss.,  last  Friday  morning  at  2:20  o'clock,  after  a 
brief  illness.  Heart  failure  was  the  direct  cause  of  her 
death.  Mrs.  Baird  was  a  sister-in-law.  of  Mrs.  John  H. 
Richards  of  this  city  and  the  body  was  brought  here  for 
interment. 

Mrs.  Baird  lived  at  Baird,  Miss.,  and  was  a  member  of 
one  of  the  Delta  section's  most  prominent  families.  She 
was  68  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  her  death  and  is  survived 
by  her  husband  and  two  sons,  Dr.  Thomas  Catchings  Baird 
and  Mr.  James  Baird.  The  funeral  party  arrived  Friday 
afternoon  at  6  P.  M.  over  the  Southern  Railway.  Several 
relatives  and  friends  of  the  family  met  the  party  at  the 
station  and  the  body  was  conducted  to  St.  Paul's  Church, 
where  it  reposed  until  yesterday  morning,  10  A.  M.,  when 
the  funeral  was  held,  Rev.  W.  E.  Dakin,  Rector  of  the 
Church,  officiating.  Interment  occurred  at  Friendship 
Cemetery  and  the  following  gentlemen  officiated  as  pall- 
bearers :  Gid  D.  Harris,  E.  R.  Hopkins,  Dr.  W.  E.  Richards, 
Chas.  F.  Sherrod,  Sr.,  G.  Y.  Banks,  Jack  M.  Morgan. 

DIED— BRIEF  TRIBUTE  TO  MRS.  NANNIE  CATCHINGS 

BAIRD 

"At  Baird,  Miss.,  on  the  morning  of  September  19th, 
1913,  at  2:20  o'clock,  Nannie  Clendinen  Catchings,  wife  of 
John  Rupert  Baird.  Without  warning  or  sign  of  its  ap- 
proach, death  entered  this  lovely  home,  wrecking  it  ,taking 
away  wife,  mother,  sister — the  one  stay  that  held  the  home 
together.  'Twas  well  the  summons  came  suddenly,  for  to 
her  life  was  sweet  as  long  as  her  living  ministrations  were 
needed  by  those  most  dear  to  her. 

Mrs.  Nannie  Catchings  Baird  was  born  October  14,  1845, 
at  Fleetwood,  the  plantation  home  of  her  parents,  near 
Bolton,  Miss.  She  was  a  daughter  of  Dr.  Thomas  J. 
Catchings  and  his  wife,  Nancy  M.  Clendinen.  She  was  edu- 
cated in  a  private  school  in  her  father's  family,  and  was 

92 


MRS.   JNO.   R.   BAIRD 

(Nee   Nannie   Clendinen   Catchinjrs) 
picture   was   pholosjraphed   in    Vicksburg,    Miss. 


one  year  at  the  Nashville  Female  Academy,  where  she 
graduated  in  1860,  being  the  youngest  girl  in  a  class  of  60. 
The  subject  of  her  essay  was  "Yankee  Doodle,"  which  cre- 
ated quite  a  sensation,  and  won  applause  on  account  of  the 
political  excitement  of  that  period. 

Nannie  Clendinen  Catchings  was  baptized  at  Brandon, 
Miss.,  Friday,  Mar.  1,  1868,  by  Rev.  Duncan  C.  Green,  and 
later  confirmed  by  his  father,  the  Bishop.  On  April  21, 
1866,  she  married  John  Rupert  Baird,  son  of  Dr.  and 
Mrs.  James  M.  Baird,  of  Asheville,  N.  C,  and  went  with 
him  to  his  home  in  Sunflower  County.  Here  she  lived  until 
her  death.  Her  husband  being  one  of  the  pioneers,  she  took 
the  greatest  pride  in  its  development  and  improvement, 
in  which  she  was  so  instrumental,  and  before  she  died  saw 
it  a  grand  and  beautiful  county.  She  was  zealous  in  mis- 
sion work  and  organized  the  first  Episcopal  Sunday  School 
that  was  ever  in  tlie  county  in  1873,  using  an  abandoned 
negro  cabin.  During  the  early  part  of  her  church  mission, 
and  until  his  death  in  1883,  Mrs.  Baird's  father  was  a 
lay  reader,  appointed  by  Bishop  Green  and  also  taught  the 
Bible  class  in  her  Sunday  School ;  a  most  devout  and  holy 
man. 

In  1876,  with  the  co-operation  of  her  parents,  and  dona- 
tions from  other  sections  and  from  the  North,  she  built 
a  lovely  chapel  in  Johnsonville,  then  the  county  site.  Two 
years  later  this  was  destroyed  by  a  cyclone,  but  not  discour- 
aged, in  1878,  she  built  another  churchly  chapel.  When 
the  county  site  was  moved  from  Johnsonville  to  Indianola, 
she  had  the  little  chapel  moved  on  rollers  to  the  new  town 
of  Baird.  In  this  chapel  Bishops  Green,  Thompson  and 
Bratton  have  officiated.  As  the  years  rolled  by,  Mrs. 
Baird's  health  declined,  the  town  was  almost  depopulated 
hy  the  building  of  the  Y.  D.  Railroad  and  the  dear  little 
chapel  was  closed.  Recently  it  has  been  torn  down  and 
the  material  and  furniture  given  by  Mrs.  Baird  to  the 
churches  at  Indianola  and  Inverness,  where  they  will  be 
sweet  memorials  of  her.  Though  the  church  is  gone,  her 
labor  was  not  in  vain,  for  she  lived  to  see  every  member 
of  her  family  in  its  folds.  She  was  a  woman  of  strong 
character  and  brilliant  intellect,  and  now  that  life's  fitful 
fever  is  over,  and  her  sweet  spirit  goes  to  the  God  who 
gave  it,  we  can  attest  to  her  womanly  virtues,  her  devotion 
to  God  and  the  church,  to  her  family  and  friends  to  whom 
she  was  always  an  inspiration  for  all  that  was  good  and 
noble.  Besides  her  devoted  husband  and  sons,  and  their 
lovely  families,  she  leaves  an  only  sister,  Mrs.  M.  C.  Torrey, 
and  a  brother.  Gen.  T.  C.  Catchings,  to  mourn  her  loss. 
To  them  we  offer  our  heartfelt  sympathy,  feeling  that  "she 
but  left  time's  dusty  borders  for  the  golden  gates  instead." 
And  there  awaits  the  coming  of  the  loved  ones  from  home. 

The  Church  News,  October,  1913.  Sue  M.  Baird." 

93 


From  birth  to  her  death,  Mrs.  Baird's  complexion  was 

like  roses  and  lilies,  tender  and  fresh.     Her  height   was 

five   feet   one    inch.  Her   hair   was    lovely   auburn,   of   a 
rare  shade. 

At  Mrs.  N.  C.  Baird's  funeral,  those  who  sang  in  the  choir 
were  Mesdames  lincoln,  Peacher,  Frierson,  Vaughn,  Wood- 
ward and  Mrs.  Williams,  daughter  of  Rev.  Dr.  Dakin. 

Those  who  arranged  the  flowers  upon  the  grave  were 
Mesdames  Lavinia  Phillips,  Annie  R.  Woodward,  Julia  S. 
Hamilton. 

Hymns  sung  by  the  choir  were:  "Peace,  Perfect  Peace;" 
"Abide  With  Me"  and  "Nunc  Dimitis."  A  handsome  slab 
of  Italian  marble,  with  roses,  lilies  and  cape  jessamines, 
her  favorite  flowers,  carved  upon  it,  was  placed  upon  her 
grave  by  her  husband.  Among  the  floral  tributes  was  an 
elegant  pillow  sent  by  St.  Stephen's  Church,  Indianola. 
Other  beautiful  In  Memoriams  of  Mrs.  Baird  were  contribu- 
ted. Among  these  were  two  pieces  of  poetry  by  Mrs.  Fer- 
mine  Baird  Catchings,  of  Garden  City  Estates,  Long  Island, 
New  York,  called  "The  Rose  Beyond  the  Wall,"  and  "Death 
or  Life,"  by  Carroth.  These  pieces  were  published  in  the 
Church  News,  Oct.,  1913. 

Dec.  25,  1893.  Written  by  Mrs.  N.  C.  Baird,  Mississippi. 
— The  Christmas  services  for  children  at  St.  Paul's  Chapel, 
Baird,  were  dehghtful.  It  was  elaborately  decorated  with 
evergreens.  The  holly  and  mistletoe  were  gathered  in  the 
forest  nearby,  and  very  beautiful  these  were,  the  former 
covered  with  red  berries,  and  the  latter  with  exquisite  wax 
like  white  ones.  These,  with  branches  of  cedar  and  tree 
box  from  Mrs.  Baird's  flower  garden,  were  tied  in  bunches 
and  long  sprays,  and  arranged  everywhere,  in  a  most  taste- 
ful manner.  The  chancel  windows,  altar,  pulpit,  lectern, 
font  and  arch  overhead,  were  especially  beautiful.  The 
most  enjoyable  feature  was  the  assembly  of  girls  and  boys 
for  prayers,  the  first  of  the  kind  ever  held  in  this  vicinity, 
Mrs.  Baird  read,  and  the  children  responded  in  full,  clear 
voices,  showing  how  well  they  appreciated  and  felt  the  need 
of  returning  thanks  for  the  birth  of  the  adorable  Christ- 
child.  At  the  conclusion  each  one  received  a  bag  of  fruit, 
a  package  of  firecrackers,  and  a  beautiful  Christmas  card, 
the  latter  sent  by  a  little  girl  away  off  in  New  Haven,  Conn. 
Of  course  these  little  presents  awakened  bright  smiles  and 
expressions  of  heartfelt  thanks  from  all.  One  of  the  little 
girls  holding  up  him,  remarked,  "Mrs.  Baird,  I  could  kisa 
you  for  this."  So  v/e  enjoyed  that  time  honored  pleasure 
"under  the  mistletoe,"  and  departed  with  feelings  of  grati- 
tude that  we  had  been  allowed  the  privilege  of  making  one 
another  happy. 

94 


^s^jii,tmfllima& 


MRS.   JNO.   R.   BAIRD 

(Nee   Nannie   Clendinen   Catehings) 
(Taken   in   Oxford,   Miss.,  about   1886) 


"EASTER  AND  OTHER  DAYS  AT  BAIRD.     1894, 

"This  week  has  been  quite  eventful,  in  the  way  of  reli- 
gious services  at  St.  Paul's  Church.  Last  Sunday,  beauti- 
ful and  bright,  was  Easter,  the  day  commemorating  our 
Lord's  resurrection.  The  Church,  according  to  an  ancient 
custom,  was  tastefully  decorated.  This  was  with  the  wild 
dogwood  and  redbud  blossoms,  supplemented  by  a  few  flow- 
ers from  the  gardens  of  kind  friends,  who  supplied  all  that 
they  had,  the  extreme  cold  having  destroyed  the  earliest 
buds. 

At  ten  o'clock  the  children  were  present  in  numbers,  vie- 
ing  with  each  other  as  to  who  would  find  the  greatest  num- 
ber of  Easter  eggs,  which,  as  an  old-time  legend  has  it, 
were  laid  in  the  church  yard  by  the  rabbits.  Indeed,  it 
was  truly  joyous  to  see  them,  with  their  young  hearts 
overflowing  with  glee  and  merriment,  such  as  children 
only  can  manifest.  Returning  into  the  church,  each  one 
was  presented  with  a  beautiful  Easter  card.  A  few  of 
them,  by  punctuality  in  attendance  won  as  prizes,  neckties 
and  embroidered  silk  handkerchiefs,  which  greatly  pleased 
them. 

At  11  o'clock,  Mr.  W.  A.  Heard,  lay  reader,  kindly  offi- 
ciating, quite  a  large,  intelligent  assembly  gathered,  uniting 
in  morning  prayers  and  singing  hymns  to  the  praise  of  God. 

"Then,  on  Tuesday  followng.  Rev.  Geo.  Neide  came  over 
from  Greenwood  and  gave  us  morning  and  afternoon  serv- 
ices, whicTi  were  well  attended,  it  being  a  week  day. 

"According  to  appointment.  Bishop  Hugh  Miller  Thomp^ 
son  came  the  next  evening.  He  held  services  and  preached 
to  a  few  brave  men  and  women,  who  literally  dared  the 
elements,  to  reach  the  church :  going  out  in  a  pouring  ram 
and  returning  in  a  snow  storm,  such  as  we,  in  the  Sunny 
South  rarely  experience.  We  hope  they  feel  assured  of 
our  heartfelt  gratitude  for  their  presence  and  undivided 
attention.  The  Bishop  took  for  his  text  the  old,  familiar 
one,  'The  Prodigal  Son.'  His  interpretation  of  it,  however, 
was  entirely  new  and  original ;  bringing  out  his  points  in 
the  same  forcible  manner,  which  characterizes  all  of  his  dis- 
courses. We  hope  to  have  him  with  us  again  in  the  fall, 
when  we  trust,  our  Northern  brethren  will  keep  their 
weather  at  home. 

"Written  by  Mrs.  N.  C.  Baird." 

"We  are  sorry  to  say,  last  week  a  part  of  the  manuscript 
entitled,  "Easter  and  other  days"  was  mislaid,  and  conse- 
quently omitted.  It  had  reference  to  the  baptisms  by  Mr, 
Neide,  at  morning  and  afternoon  services.  The  candidate 
at  the  former  was  no  less  a  personage  than  our  dear  little 
friend  Lester,  infant  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Charles  Hill.  It 
was  a  beautiful  sight.  He  is  a  namesake  of  our  esteemed 
citizen,  Mr.  W.  D.  Lester,  who,  very  properly,  presented 


him  at  the  font,  and  stood  as  God  father.  The  Httle  fellow 
listened  attentively  all  through  the  service,  and  when  Mr. 
Neide  took  him  in  his  arms,  and  poured  water  on  his 
head  three  times,  in  the  name  of  the  Trinity,  and  signed 
him  with  the  sign  of  the  cross,  his  beautiful  brown  eyes 
were  turned  heavenward,  making  him  appear  truly  angelic. 

In  the  afternoon,  Alice  Hamby,  a  daughter  of  our  re- 
spected townsman,  Mr.  W.  A.  Hamby,  at  her  earnest  solici- 
tation, was  brought  forward  and  received  the  Holy  rite. 
She  has  been  a  constant  and  faithful  attendant  at  the  Sun- 
day School  for  months. 

We  take  this  opportunity  of  mentioning  Rev.  Mr.  Sidney 
of  Clarksdale,  who  accompanied  the  Bishop  here.  He  is  a 
highly  educated,  accomplished  gentleman.  It  gives  us 
pleasure  to  announce  that  he  may  visit  us  several  times 
during  the  year. — N.  C.  Baird.     1895. 

The  nurse  of  Nannie  C.  and  Thomas  C.  Catchings  when 
infants,  was  named  Aunt  Celia,  a  very  accomplished  and 
capable  servant,  high-toned  and  reliable  and  almost  white. 
Her  husband,  Robert  Jefferson,  was  a  freed  man  and  a 
carpenter,  a  courteous  negro  from  Virginia,  once  owned 
by  President  Thos.  Jefferson.  He  bought  her  and  her 
children  for  a  trifle  and  moved  to  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  about 
1848.  A  few  years  later  she  came  back  on  a  visit.  The 
names  of  children  were  Mississippi  and  Lucy.  The  nurse 
of  Mary  C.  Catchings  was  Aunt  Polly,  a  good,  kind  old 
negress  who  kept  her  in  pap,  etc. 

351.  Thomias  Clendinen  Catchings  (267),  b.  in  Hinds 
County,  Miss.  He  was  educated  by  private  teachers  at 
home  till  Sept.,  1859,  when  he  entered  the  Freshman  class 
«f  the  State  University.  In  1861  he  entered  Oakland  Col- 
lege near  Rodney  and  was  made  Sophomore  speaker  in 
1861,  subject,  "The  Italian  Drama."  In  1861  he  enlisted 
in  Col.  Burt's  18th  Miss.  Regt.  of  Infantry,  at  14  years 
and  5  months  of  age,  Capt.  Edward  Fountain's  company. 
The  latter  part  of  the  Civil  war  he  was  a  member  of  Capt. 
James  Buford's  cavalry  company.  Col.  Muldrow's  regiment. 
After  the  surrender,  he  was  one  of  President  Davis'  body- 
guard, or  escort.  Returning  home  he  studied  law  with 
Gen.  Robt.  Lowry  and  Judge  Mayers,  in  Brandon,  Miss,  the 
law  firm  of  Mayers  &  Lowry.  A  special  license  to  practice 
at  19  years  of  age  was  given  by  Judge  Amos  R.  Johnston, 
after  a  rigid  examination.  He  began  practicing  with  Bur- 
well  and  Smeedes,  in  Vicksburg.  His  partner  prior  to  his 
election  to  Congress  was  Mr.  Marye  Dabney,  very  able 
lawyer  and  fine  man.  When  canvassing  for  the  State  Sen- 
ate,  he  made  his  first  speech  in  Brandon,  on  May  1st, 
when  about  21  years  of  age.  This  was  before  a  large  audi- 
ence assembled  to  witness  the  crowing  as  Queen  of  May 
Miss  Mary  Lou  Langley,  daughter  of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Langley. 
He  also  assisted  in  decorating  the  stage  and  grounds  of 

96 


NANNIE   CLENDINEN   CATCHINGS 

Copied   from  a  photocraph  of  a   daguerreotype   taken   about    1841 

She   is  sitting   in   the   lap  of  her   nurse   "Aunt   Celia." 


the  Female  Academy,  where  it  occurred.  He  was  State 
Senator,  Attorney-General  eight  years.  Resigned  and  was 
elected  to  Congress  in  1885.  Elected  to  49,  50,  51,  52,  53, 
54,  55  and  56th  Congresses  as  a  Democrat.  He  formed  a 
partnership  in  Vicksburg  with  his  son,  Oliver,  in  1899,  to 
resume  the  practice  of  law,  after  declining  a  re-election  to 
^Congress.  He  married  Miss  Florence  Olivia  Shearer,  Ray- 
mond, Miss.,  March,  1869,  in  St.  Mark's  Church,  Raymond, 
Rev.  Dr.  William  Lord,  Trinity  Church,  Vicksburg,  offi- 
ciating. The  attendants  were  Mary  Clendinen  Catchings 
and  Wm.  Pittman,  attorney  at  law,  Vicksburg,  Lettie  Dab- 
ney,  Raymond,  W.  K.  Ingersoll,  then  law  partner  of  T.  C. 
Catchings,  Vicksburg;  Miss  Johnnie  Jenkins  and  George 
Birckett,  attorney  at  law,  Vicksburg,  Mrs.  T.  C.  Catchings 
is  a  woman  of  clear,  vigorous  mind ;  has  a  host  of  ardent 
friends  to  whom  she  is  fondly  attached;  has  high  ideals 
and  is  devoted  to  home  and  its  inmates. 

Mrs.  T.  C.  Catchings  is  a  very  stylish  lady,  always  dresses 
in  taste.  Her  lovely  waving  dark  hair  is  remarkable  for 
its  length,  thickness,  and  luster.  Her  father,  Mr.  Oliver 
Vassar  Shearer  was  a  son  of  Dr.  Thos.  Shearer  and  wife, 
Sarah  Brooks,  both  of  Edgefield  District,  S.  C.  Her  mother 
was  Miss  Elvira  Sivly,  born  near  Huntsville,  Ala.,  and  was 
a  daughter  of  Andrew  and  Rebecca  (Denton)  Sivly.  The 
Sivlys  came  from  Holland  in  the  17th  century  to  Pennsyl- 
vania; from  there  to  Virginia  and  Tennessee,  finally  set- 
tling near  Huntsville.  Rebecca  Denton  (Mrs.  Andrew  Sivly) 
was  an  English  wom.an.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  O.  V.  Shearer  lived 
and  died  in  their  home  in  Raymond,  Miss.,  rearing  their 
family  there. 

T.  C.  Catchings  began  the  study  of  law  in  1865,  admitted 
to  practice  in  1866,  elected  State  Senator  of  Mississippi 
1875,  resigned  on  being  nominated  for  Attorney-General  in 
1877,  elected  Attorney-General  November  1,  1877,  for  four 
years  and  again  in  1881.  Resigned  February  16,  1885.  He 
has  been  attorney  for  the  Southern  Railway  since  resuming 
practice  in  Vicksburg  in  partnership  with  his  son.  He 
is  affectionate,  loyal  and  true  to  family  and  friends,  upright, 
high  toned  and  fearless  in  his  convictions  of  right  and 
what  is  just,  socially,  politically  and  upon  religious  subjects. 

"Forsyth,  Ga.,  9th  May,  A.  D.,  1865. 
"The  bearer,  T.  C.  Catchings,  a  sergeant  of  Co.  (C),  in  the 
regiment  commanded  by  Col.  Henry  Muldrow  of  Mississippi 
Troops,  a  paroled  prisoner  of  the  army  commanded  by  Gen. 
Joseph  E.  Johnston  and  known  as  the  'army  of  Tennesse' 
has  by  virtue  of  this  written  parole  permission  to  go  home, 
and  there  to  remain  undisturbed  on  condition  of  not  taking 
up  arms  against  the  United  States  of  America,  until  relieved 

97 


and  exchanged,  or  otherwise   from   the   obligation  of   hi.s 
parole,  now  granted. 

"James  M.  Buford,  Capt., 
Commanding  Co.    (C) 
Henry  L.  IVIuldrow  Col., 
Commanding  Muldrow's  Regt. 
Confederate  Cavalry." 

SKETCH  OF  THE  EXPERIENCE  OF  T.  C.  CATCHINGS 
DURING  AND  AFTER  THE  SURRENDER 

Vicksburg,  Miss.,  March  7,  1908. 
My  dear  Sister: 

I  received  in  this  morning's  mail,  a  copy  of  the  Confed- 
erate Veteran,  which  contains  an  account  of  Mr.  Davis' 
retreat,  the  distribution  of  money  among  the  escort,  and 
the  disbandment. 

We  had  with  us  quite  a  lot  of  silver  money,  which  be- 
longed to  the  treasury,  though  it  could  have  been  no  very 
great  sum,  as  it  must  all  have  been  distributed.  So  far 
as  my  own  company  was  concerned,  the  article  is  in  error 
in  stating  that  we  received  $25.00  in  Washington,  Ga.  In 
fact,  we  received  it  all  in  Abbeville,  S.  C.  It  is  also  in  error 
so  far  as  my  company  was  concerned,  at  least,  in  saying 
we  were  paroled  at  Augusta,  Ga.  I  don't  see  how  he  fell 
into  that  mistake.  Augusta  lies  to  the  east  of  Atlanta, 
and  we  were  making  a  direct  line  to  Macon,  Ga.,  for  the 
purpose  of  meeting  Gen.  Wilson's  troops,  who  were  coming 
up  from  that  direction,  so  that  we  could  surrender  to 
them. 

We  met  them  and  were  paroled  on  the  Ocmulgee  River, 
near  the  little  village  of  Forsythe,  Ga.  From"  there,  we 
made  our  way  across  Alabama  and  Mississippi  as  best  we 
could.  We  usually  traveled  in  parties  of  ten  or  twelve 
together.  I  remember  we  crossed  the  Black  Warrior  River, 
not  many  miles  south  of  Columbus,  Mississippi. 

When  I  reached  the  Yazoo  River,  I  found  that  the  whole 
county  was  overflowed.  I  left  my  horse  and  saddle  on 
Honey  Island,  and  ferried  across  the  Yazoo  River,  and 
made  my  way  on  foot  to  Col.  Martin's.  There,  I  met  John 
Heathm.an,  who  also  was  returning  home.  We  got  a  dugout 
and  paddled  across  the  bottom,  following  the  old  road  from 
Garvin's  Ferry.  We  could  do  this  very  easily,  the  road 
being  quite  distinct,  although  ground  was  under  water. 

When  we  reached  Moorhead  Bayou,  we  were  pretty  weir 
tired  out,  so  we  turned  down  it,  drifting  with  the  current 
into  theQuiver  River,  and  down  it  into  the  Sunflower  River 
and  then  down  the  Sunflower  until  we  reached  Garvin's 
Ferry  Landing.  Here  John  Heathman  left  us  going  out  on 
Indian  Bayou. 

I  continued  alone,  going  down  the  Sunflower  River  to  the 
mouth  of  Mound  Bayou,  and  paddled  up  that  stream  until 

98 


I  reached  Mr.  Tom  Lee's  place.  By  that  time  I  was  worn 
out  ,and  I  landed.  He  loaned  me  a  horse  and  I  rode  down 
to  our  home,  a  mJle  distant. 

The  money  which  had  been  paid  me,  I  managed  to  keep, 
except  $1.00,  which  I  had  exchanged  at  Forsythe,  Ga.,  for 
about  $1,000.00  Confederate  money.  That  money  in  Con- 
federate bills  paid  my  way  home.  I  do  not  mean  that  I  im- 
posed it  upon  people,  but  knowing  that  the  war  was  over, 
they  took  it  of  course  at  large  rates,  hoping  that  in  some 
way  it  might  be  at  least  partially  made  good.  The  balance 
of  the  money  I  gave  to  my  mother. 

After  the  flood  was  gone,  I  went  back  to  Honey  Island, 
and  got  my  horse  and  accoutrements  and  brought  them 
home. 

I  find  that  I  have  failed  to  describe  the  actual  formali- 
ties of  the  surrender.  They  were  very  simple  indeed.  Our 
paroles  were  written,  in  fact  by  the  captains  of  our  com- 
panies, they  being  authorized  by  Gen.  Wilson  to  do  this. 
We  were  allowed  to  retain  our  horses  and  side  arms,  sur- . 
rendering  only  our  guns.  We  were  put  upon  a  ferry  boat 
and  ferried  over  the  Ocmulgee  River,  and  just  as  we  stepped 
off  the  boat,  we  handed  our  guns  to  Federal  soldiers,  who 
were  there  for  that  purpose,  on  either  side  of  the  boat. 

We  then  mounted  our  horses  and  rode  off.  That  termi- 
nated our  service  as  Confederate  soldiers. 

Believe  me  as  ever  vour  devoted  brother, 

T.   C.   Catchings. 

COPIES  OF  OLD  LETTERS.  1861-1864. 
The  following  are  copies  of  letters  written  home,  by 
Thomas  Clendinen  Catchings,  and  some  from  Dr.  and  Mrs. 
T.  J.  Catchings,  when  in  Va.  looking  after  him,  Silas  Mercer 
Catchings,  a  nephew  of  Dr.  Catchings',  and  David  M.  Hem- 
mingway,  a  half  brother  of  Mrs.  Catchings.  After  the 
battle  of  Manassas,  Dr.  Catchings  and  a  neighbor  in  Hinds 
Co.,  Miss.,  Dr.  Sterling  Peebles,  went  at  once  to  Va.  to  see 
after  their  loved  ones.  Dr.  Catchings  remained  quite  ar 
while  and  practiced  as  a  Christian  duty,  in  the  hospitals, 
doing  all  that  was  possible  for  the  sick  and  wounded.  Mrs. 
Catchings  afterwards  joined  him.  As  she  stepped  from. 
the  train  at  Culpepper,  she  saw  her  young  son,  T.  C.  Catch- 
ings, lying  upon  the  railroad  platform.  He  was  sick  with 
measles  and  was  being  taken  to  the  hospital  by  his  body- 
servant,  Jake.  The  measles  developed  into  typhoid  fever, 
and  he  came  near  dying,  although  nursed  so  carefully  by 
his  parents.  Dr.  Catchings  obtained  a  discharge  for  him. 
and  brought  him  home,  where  he  remained  till  well.  He 
then  joined  a  Cavalry  Co.  from  near  Kosciusko,  Miss. — 
under  command  of  Capt.  James  Buford.  He  first  enlisted 
in  the  company  of  Capt.  Edward  Fontaine,  Col.  Burts.  18th 
Miss.   Regt. 


99 


"Manassas  Junction,  Va.,  June  23,  1861. 
"My  dear  Mother: 

"I  have  just  finished  dinner,  which  as  usual  consisted  of 
Bacon,  Bread  and  Beans.  I  should  have  written  these 
words  with  small  letters,  but  as  they  perform  such  an  im- 
portant part  in  my  present  life,  I  concluded  I  would  honor 
them  with  capitals.  I  wrote  to  you  when  at  Lynchburg, 
which  letter  you  have  perhaps  received  by  this  time.We 
arrived  at  this  station  several  days  ago,  and  I  never  felt 
stronger  or  more  healthy  in  my  life.  Actually  after  drill- 
ing and  taking  so  much  exercise,  I  know  that  my  muscles 
are  growing  harder,  and  I  feel  better  than  I  ever  did  before. 
We  are  now  within  ten  or  fifteen  miles  of  the  enemy  and 
our  picket  guards  bring  in  two  or  three  of  them  every  day. 
There  was  a  fight  took  place  last  night  ten  miles  from 
here,  in  which  50  of  the  enemy  were  killed,  and  none  of 
our  men  were  hurt.  Also  fight  took  place  upon  the  railroad 
about  twelve  miles  from  this  place.  The  enemy  were  re- 
building a  bridge,  which  our  men  had  burned  down,  and  we, 
that  is  our  men  waited  till  they  had  almost  finished  it  when 
we  marched  upon  them.  There  were  300  Southerners  to  500 
of  their  men,  but  they  were  afraid  to  fight  with  even  that 
majority,  so  they  went  back  on  the  cars  to  their  encamp- 
ment and  returned  shortly  afterwards  with  1000  men. 
Among  our  troops  was  another  artillery  company,  and  while 
the  enemy  were  gone,  they  planted  their  cannon,  and  sta- 
tioned themselves  behind  the  bushes  and  little  elevations. 
They  came  back  in  box  cars,  and  the  trains  backed  slowly 
down  the  track  to  the  bridge,  but  when  they  didn't  see  any 
of  our  men,  concluding  that  all  was  not  right,  they  started 
off  in  a  hurry.  Our  men  then  fired  upon  them  and  un- 
coupled seven  cars,  killing  a  great  many  of  them.  'The  Na- 
tional Intelligencer,'  their  principal  paper,  says  that  250  of 
them  were  killed  and  that  the  cars  were  dripping  with 
l)lcod.  They  never  fired.  We  took  twenty-five  stand  of 
arms  and  a  good  many  blankets  and  knapsacks,  together 
with  a  great  quantity  of  valuable  carpenters'  tools,  v\-ith 
which  they  were  building  the  bridge.  There  was  a  man 
killed  today  while  cleaning  his  musket.  He  should  not  have 
attempted  to  clean  it  loaded.  It  is  probable  that  we  will 
leave  here  in  a  few  days,  though  to  what  place  we  cannot 
conjecture.  I  have  seen  Gen.  Beauregard  and  he  is  a  very 
fine  looking  man.  Capt.  Fontaine  says  that  we  may  carry 
pistols  with  us  and  that  every  man  ought  to  have  one,  so 
J  wrote  to  Mr.  Redfield  to  send  me  two,  one  for  myself  and 
one  for  McGuire.  I  would  have  written  to  father  about  it 
first,  but  there  was  a  young  man  going  down  to  Jackson, 

100 


just  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  pis^tols  to  all  who  sent  for 
them.  All  of  the  boys  are  well  and  in  fine  spirits.  Well, 
mother,  I  haven't  time  to  write  any  more,  so  I  will  stop. 
How  are  the  crops?  Have  you  received  Uncle  Jack's  da~ 
guerrotype?  I  see  Oty  Smith  is  at  Corinth.  Best  love  to 
all. 

"Your  affectionate  son, 

"T.  C.  Catchings.     " 

For  Mrs.  Dr.  T.  J.  Catchings,  Bolton  Depot,  Hinds  Co.,  Miss. 

"Uncle  Jake,"  referred  to  above  was  the  negro  man  serv- 
ant sent  with  T.  C.  Catchings  to  the  army.  He  was  the 
carriage  driver  of  Mrs.  Catchings.  The  daguerrotype  was 
sent  by  Jake  to  Mary  Ann,  his  wife.  She  was  the  pastry 
cook  and  seamstress  of  fine  work  in  the  home,  and  was 
brought  from  S.  C.  when  Mrs.  Catchings'  mother  moved 
from  there  to  Miss.  Mary  Ann's  father,  "Uncle  Charlie," 
was  an  accomplished  fiddler  and  played  not  only  for  the 
Saturday  night  dance  of  the  negroes  on  the  plantation  but 
also  for  balls  and  entertainments  of  white  friends.  His 
wife  was  "Aunt  Susan."  "Uncle  Jake's"  father  was  named 
Cato.  Grandfather  Joseph  Catchings  gave  him  his  free- 
dom, years  prior  to  the  Civil  war.  During  a  visit  he  made 
to  his  son  Jake,  I  remember  when  father  spoke  of  his  hair 
being  gray,  he  remarked  "Yes  sir,  the  snow's  of  many  win- 
ters have  fallen  upon  my  head."  A  grandson,  Cato,  was 
the  dining  room  and  house  boy.  After  the  Manassas  bat- 
tle he  succeeded  his  father,  Jake,  as  valet  to  T.  C.  Catchings 
and  also  was  furnished  a  horse  to  ride.  That  of  T.  C. 
Catchings  was  named  "Stanly,"  a  snow  white,  handsome 
young  animal,  raised  upon  the  plantation,  "Fleetwood." 
M.   C.   Torrey. 

"Sundav  morning,  Culpepper  C.  H.,  Va.,  July  21,  1861. 
"My  dear  Wife: 

"I  arrived  at  this  place  Wednesday  at  12  o'clock,  having 
been  detained  at  Lynchburg  twenty-four  hours.  The  roads 
do  not  connect  at  that  place,  and  the  detention  is  unavoid- 
able, but  everywhere  else  I  am  hurried  forward  with  scarcely 
time  to  eat  or  change  cars.  All  along  the  whole  route, 
the  people  were  in  a  flutter  of  excitement — cheering  on  some 
Texas  troops,  who  were  on  our  train,  by  every  demonstra- 
tion you  can  imagine.  This  was  the  case,  even  in  Green- 
ville, Tenn.,  where  Andy  Johnson  lives.  As  the  distance  to 
this  place  is  no  greater  than  Richmond,  I  came  directly 
here.  I  have  not  been  to  Richmond,  and  may  not  visit  that 
city  at  all.  A  great  many  buildings  are  occupied  here  as 
hospitals,  so  it  was  difficult  to  ascertain  the  house  in  which 
Mr.  McGuire  died.  I  succeeded,  however,  in  the  course  of 
Wednesday  evening,  and  learned  all  of  the  particulars  of 
his  sickness  and  death.  Thursday  I  visited  the  burying 
ground,  and  saw  his  grave,  also  that  of  Ellington.     I  have  a 

101 


ki-ck  of  McGiiire's  hair  for  his  mother.  It  was  cut  off  by 
a  lady  who  nursed  him.  I  have  no  words  to  express  my 
admiration  for  the  people  of  this  village  and  neighborhood. 
You  meet  the  ladies  everywhere  nursing  aiid  administering 
to  the  sick  and  they  seem  to  do  this  without  ostentation. 
In  addition  to  the  hospitals  established  by  the  government, 
almost  every  private  house  is  filled  with  the  sick,  and  this 
is  the  case  for  ten  mJles  in  every  direction  in  the  country. 
All  of  this  seemed  to  be  a  labor  of  love  by  the  people,  and 
I  have  no  doubt  it  is.  On  Friday  I  started  to  Manassas  to 
see  our  boys  and  before  I  got  on  the  cars,  met  Tommy  (my 
son)  Alfred  and  William  Johns  and  Henry  Petrie  on  a  sick 
train  for  Charlottesville  to  the  hospital,  lately  opened  in 
the  University  building.  They  jumped  out  of  the  cars  of 
course.  Tommy  and  Alfred  Johns  were  nearly  over  the 
measles  when  they  came,  and  have  never  been  in  bed  a 
moment,  since.  Henry  Petrie  had  dysentery  and  Mr.  Johns 
had  measles  just  beginning.  They  are  both  better  now.  In 
concert  with  several  Mississippians,  these  young  men  were 
furnished  with  rooms  at  the  hospital.  Mrs.  Meade  and  Mrs. 
Cuddy  Thomas  are  here.  I  have  called  on  them  twice.  Tom 
Moffitt  is  with  them  on  the  sick  list,  but  too  well  to  be  in 
bed.  The  town  is  full  of  young  men  on  the  sick  list,  but 
not  fit  for  the  ranks  now.  I  telegraphed  you  about  the 
safety  of  our  boys  after  the  fight  on  Thursday.  They 
would  not  suffer  me  to  say  anything  of  the  fight.  It  was 
a  brilliant  affair.  The  enemy  lost  at  least  900  killed,  be- 
sides the  wounded.  We  had  about  five  thousand  men 
against  nearly  three  times  this  number.  They  attacked  us 
in  trenches,  and  of  course,  we  had  the  advantage.  The 
fighting  on  our  side  was  done  mainly  by  Virginians,  aided 
by  the  Washington  Artillery.  The  armies  on  both  sides 
are  concentrating  at  Manasses  and  Alexandria,  and  we  are 
in  daily  expectation  of  a  battle  that  shall  equal  in  magni- 
tude the  battle  of  Waterloo.  That  we  shall  be  victorious,  I 
have  no  doubt.  I  think  Tommy  (our  son)  will  be  back  in 
his  regiment  tomorrow,  and  may  be  in  the  great  battle. 
He  is  anxious  to  be.  Tell  Dr.  Pebbles  that  I  have  written 
to  Manassas  to  let  our  boys  know  that  I  am  here,  so  that 
they  can  come  here  if  they  get  sick.  I  have  devoted  myself 
to  the  sick  day  and  night,  and  this  is  the  spirit  which  ani- 
mates everyone  here.  No  visitor  is  allowed  to  go  into  the 
encampments.  Tliis  rule  is  positive,  so  I  cannot  see  the 
boys  till  after  the  great  battle.     I  shall  then  hasten  to  see 

them  all.     Tommy  says  that  Joe  Peebles  and _ 

are  both  well.  If  they  get  sick  they  will  come  here,  and  I 
will  take  care  of  themi.  Of  course,  I  cannot  think  of  leaving 
here  yet,  and  do  not  know  when  I  shall  go  home.     Certainlr 

102 


not  till  I  have  seen  our  boys  through  the  sickness  and 
wounds  of  the  great  struggle.  I  cannot  give  you  an  idea 
of  the  state  of  things  here,  but  everything  I  see  makes  me 
proud  of  the  South. 

"Much  love  to  you  and  the  dear  children. 
''Affectionately  and  devotedly, 

"Thos.  J.  Catchings." 

For  Mrs.  Dr.  T.  J.  Catchings,  Bolton  Depot,  Hinds  Co., 
Miss. 

"Our  boys,"  referred  to  by  Dr.  C.  were  those  from  the 
neighborhood  at  home. 

"Richmond,  Va.,  August  22nd,  1861. 
"My  dear  Children : 

"Yesterday  morning  your  father  came  to  Richmond.  We 
have  been  endeavoring  to  get  on  in  the  army.  Until  last 
night,  we  could  not  obtain  permits  further  than  Culpepper. 
There  we  have  written  for  Silas  Catchings  and  Tommy  to 
meet  us.  We  think  it  is  exceedingly  doubtful  if  they  can 
get  furloughs.  The  heads  of  the  army  have  ordered  that 
no  one,  without  exception,  shall  go  to  Manassas,  so  you  see 
it  is  very  little  use  for  friends  to  come  here.  Your  father 
is  very  much  fatigued.  He  has  been  constantly  nursing 
at  Culpepper.  He,  and  two  or  three  other  physicians  from 
Mississippi  have  the  pleasure  to  know  that  everyone  of 
the  wounded  and  sick  are  fast  improving.  A  great  number 
were  wounded,  but  few  killed.  Yesterday,  I  took  a  ride 
and  passed  the  prisons  where  the  Yankees  are  confined. 
It  is  said  there  are  nearly  two  thousand  in  Richmond.  Con- 
stantly bringing  them  in.  Seventy-five  came  in  last  night. 
The  windows  where  we  passed  were  crowded.  Guards 
stood  always  around.  They,  the  Yankees,  are  a  most  re- 
markable looking  set  of  creatures.  Richmond  is  a  beauti- 
ful place.  I  have  been  out  to  see  several  regiments  drill. 
They  look  warlike  indeed,  with  their  little  tents  spotted 
around.  It  is  right  funny  to  see  these  soldiers  cooking. 
They  all  say  that  David  Hemingway  is  as  brave  and  cool 
a  man  as  there  is  in  camp.  He  has  never  been  heard  to 
murmur,  and  has  never  flinched  in  battle.  This  is  very 
gratifying  to  me.  Jake  (Tommy's  body?servant)  is  sick 
at  Culpepper  Court  House  with  measles.  I  shall  be  very 
sorrj^  if  I  cannot  see  David  Hemingway  and  Silas  Catchings, 
but  all  have  to  submit  to  military  orders.  Richmond  is 
filled  with  soldiers.  The  people  of  Virginia  are  the  kindest 
on  earth.  Whenever  sick  soldiers  can  be  moved  they  send 
their  carriages  and  take  them  to  their  homes  and  every- 
thing that  can  be  done  for  them  is  done.  When  we  arrived 
here  last  Monday  night,  we  learned  that  Hugh  McLaurin 
was  sick  and  wounded,  and  on  the  same  street  with  us,  so 
I  had  scarcely  rested,  when  Dr.  Peebles,  Mr.  Askew  and  I 

103 


went  to  see  him.  A  cannon  ball  passed  him  and  rebounded, 
striking  him  and  but  for  his  canteen  which  was  shattered 
into  pieces,  might  have  killed  him.  His  back  and  extremi- 
ties were  slightly  paralyzed,  but  he  is  all  right  now.  I  am 
much  distressed  to  know  that  orders  have  been  given  that 
no  one  is  allowed  to  go  into  the  army  ranks.  The  troops 
have  advanced  18  miles  from  Manassas,  and  it  is  not  pos- 
sible for  a  buggy,  carriage  or  horse  to  be  had.  Dr.  Peebles 
will  try  to  get  a  permit  and  if  he  succeeds  he  will  walk 
to  where  the  army  is  encamped.  Frank  Pope  heard  that  I 
was  here  and  called  last  night.  I  told  him  to  try  to  get  a 
permit  for  Tom  (my  son)  to  come  to  Richmond,  It  is  very 
doubtful  if  anyone  will  be  allowed  this.  The  impression  is 
that  they  are  making  arrangements  to  attack  Washington. 
*  *  *  *  There  never  was  such  a  victory.  It  is  now  ascer- 
tained that  we  had  not  more  than  500  killed  and  wounded. 
In  Richmond  they  are  daily  bringing  in  prisoners.  Among 
them  is  a  member  of  Congress.  Your  Uncle  Robert  Myers 
called  to  see  me.  His  son,  David  Myers,  joined  Hampton's 
Legion,  and  was  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight.  He  saw  a  Yan- 
kee colonel  fall,  and  rushed  upon  him  and  took  his  sword. 
I  hope  I  shall  see  this  dear  little  hero.  Your  Uncle  Robert, 
in  telling  me  of  David's  bravery,  and  the  compliments  his 
commander  paid  him,  wept  like  a  child  he  was  so  over- 
joyed. We  traveled  with  Dr.  Elliott  of  Nashville,  Tenn.,  the 
principal  of  your  school,  who  is  enthusiastic  in  the  Southern 
cause.  Rev.  Dr.  C.  K.  Marshal  of  Vicksburg,  Miss.,  was  also 
several  days  with  us.  He  was  frequently  called  upon  along 
the  route  for  speeches.  There  have  been  several  attempts 
to  obstruct  the  track.  Col.  Percy's  regiment  came  very  near 
getting  into  a  fight  at  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  because  the  cars 
were  intentionally  detained.  Peyton  Moffit  is  sick  with 
measles.  Poor  Archie  McLaurin  had  his  left  arm  shot  off. 
His  father  and  mother  are  with  him.  I  am  sick  at  heart 
because  I  cannot  see  all  of  our  boys.  I  pray  God,  I  may  be 
able  to  see  my  precious  child.  Fatigue  and  excitement  have 
almost  made  me  sick.  Mrs.  Wilkins  and  family  are  as  kind 
to  me  as  possible  and  are  the  most  pleasant  people 
I  ever  met.  Dr.  Stone  of  New  Orleans  and  fifty  experienced 
hospital  nurses  came  with  us.  Dr.  Hunter,  also  of  Mobile, 
is  at  Manassas.  There  are  such  quantities  of  surgeons  here, 
that  I  hope  your  father  will  conclude  to  go  home. 
"Your  loving  mother, 

"N.  M.  Catchings." 
Misses  Mary  and  Nannie  Catchings,  Brandon,  Miss.,  care 
Dr.  Daniel  Wilkinson." 

"Culpepper  C.  H.,  Va.,  Aug.    15,  1861. 
"My  dear  Children: 

"Major  Drane  leaves  for  Canton,  Miss.,  tomorrow  and 
will  mail  this  as  soon  as  he  gets  home.  *  *  *  I  had  no  idea 

104 


NANNIE  CLENDINEN   CATCHINGS 

This   picture   was   copied   frcm   an    ambrotypo   taken    in    1862    by   E.    Von    Seutcr, 

Raymond,    Miss.      The    set    of    carbuncles    and    pearls    was    presented    to 

her  upon    her   graduation    from    Nashville   Female    Academy,    by 

uncle.    D.    M.    HemminKway.      The   necklace    with    pendant 

is   not   worn     in   the  picture.     She  married  Jno.   R.   Baid. 


before  I  came  here,  how  much  bone  and  sinew  it  requires 
to  enable  a  soldier  to  perform  his  duties  efficiently,  and  the 
Southern  army  must  discharge  a  large  number  of  boys  upon 
this  score  alone.  The  amount  of  sickness  in  the  army  is 
appalling.  I  suppose  the  Yankees  are  suffering  to  the  same 
extent.  There  is  a  rumor  that  on  yesteray  a  portion  of 
our  army  attacked  1700  Yankees  on  this  side  of  the  Po- 
tomac, above  Leesburg,  and  killed  300,  taking  the  rest 
prisoners.  *  *  *  *  Soon  after  the  great  battle  I  went  over 
the  battle  grounds.  It  was  a  horrid  sight,  beyond  all  power 
of  description.  I  have  a  good  many  relics  picked  up  on 
the  field  after  the  battle.  Joe  Peebles  had  a  hole  shot  in 
his  shirt  sleeve.  He  is  said  to  have  behaved  very  bravely. 
Capt.  Wellborn  says  that  Clay  Robinson  is  a  noble  boy  and 
a  brave  soldier.  Tommy  and  Silas  have  been  sick.  They 
are  anxious  to  be  at  home  to  enjoy  the  peaches  and  water- 
melons.  Poor  boys  !  They  are  much  reduced  and  have  been 
through  the  rubbers. 

"Your  affectionate  father, 

"Thos.  J.  Catchings." 

Misses  Mary  and  Nannie  Catchings,  care  Mr.  C.  G.  Red- 
field,  Jackson,  Miss." 

"In  the  breast  works,  Atlanta,  Ga.,  August,  12,  1864. 
My  darling  Sisters :  I  have  written  quite  a  number  of  let- 
ters to  all  of  you,  but  I  think  it  is  extremely  doubtful 
whether  you  have  received  them  or  not,  and  knowing  that 
you  must  be  very  anxious  to  hear  from  me,  I  shall  write 
again.  I  received  a  letter  from  cousin  Lida  Clendinen  a 
few  days  since  and  she  said  that  you  would  get  my  letters 
if  they  were  directed  to  Sidon,  Carrol  Co.,  care  of  Col. 
Martin.  I  will  try  this  one.  I  should  think  you  could  get 
them  through  to  me  in  the  same  manner.  I  have  received 
onlj^  one  from  you  yet.  There  has  been  no  change  in  the 
state  of  affairs  at  this  place  for  nearly  five  weeks.  They 
are  making  every  effort  to  get  to  Atlanta  and  Gen.  Hood 
is  straining  every  nerve  to  hold  it.  They  have  concen- 
trated their  force,  with  one  exception  of  a  heavy  line  of 
skirmishing  on  our  left.  I  had  comm.enced  to  write  this 
letter  with  pen  and  ink,  but  had  not  proceeded  far,  before 
we  were  ordered  to  get  into  the  ditch  in  double  quick  time, 
as  the  enemy  were  advancing  in  heavy  force.  It  is  rumored 
however  that  they  have  gone  back,  so  I  shall  resume  the 
pleasant  task  of  writing  to  my  darling  sisters.  The  two 
armies  are  within  gunshot  of  each  other,  and  as  a  matter 
of  course,  the  skirmishing  is  constant  and  very  heavy  by 
night  as  well  as  by  day.  They  are  afraid  to  risk  a  general 
engagement,  and  try  to  accomplish  their  object  by  flanking. 
The  nearest  approach  to  a  regular  battle  we  have  had  was 
on  the  22nd  of  July.     Our  brigade  now  occupies  the  work 

105 


from  v/fiich  the  Yankees  were  driven  on  that  day.     It  is 
enough  to  make  our  blood  run  cold  to  witness  the  horrid 
scene  and  mark  the  terrible  slaughter  committed.     Many  of 
our  gallant  soldiers  offered  up  their  lives  on  that  occasion, 
as  a  sacrifice  to  their  country's  honor  and  liberty.     Who 
would   have  dreamed   when   the   battle   of  Manassas    was 
fought  that  just  three  years  from  that  date  that  a  similar 
scene  would  be  enacted  in  the  immediate  front  of  Atlanta, 
Ga.     Oh !  how  I  long  for  the  time  to  come  when  war  will  ba 
no  more,  and  serene  'Peace,'  with  her  smiling  countenance 
will  again  become  'dictator'  and  place  us  all  under  her  pro- 
tecting wings.     That  time  may  be  far  distant,  but  a  feeling 
within  tells  me  that  though  the  present  hour  is  dark,  and 
threatening  clouds    hang   overhead,    rendering   the    aspect 
gloomy  and  disheartening,  that  the  evil  desires  of  our  cruel 
invaders  will  be  frustrated  by  the  ever  watchful  Providence 
at  an  early  hour,     I  sometimes  fancy  that  I  see  the  dim 
rays  of  liberty  brightening  slowly  but  surely  on  the  verge  of 
the  horizon,  and  I  prophesy  that  ere  long  the  whole  South- 
ern land  will  be  filled  with  rejoicing,  and  as  near  as  possible 
happiness.     I  base  my  opinion  upon  this:     I  think  that  the 
two  campaigns  now  being  conducted  in  Georgia  and  Vir- 
ginia, must  of  necessity  terminate  ingloriously  to  the  enemy 
and  to  foil  them  at  these  points,  would  be  to  crown  our 
armies  with  the  proudest  success  met  with  since  the  war 
began.     They  being  baffled  after  penetrating  so  far  into  the 
interior  of  our  country,  would  never  be  able  to  undertake 
the  same  route,  and  the  influence  it  will  have  upon  the  fast 
approaching  elections  in  the  North,  is  more  decided,  than 
that  a  peace  candidate  will  be  elected.     Thus  farewell  to 
the  war  party  and  Lincolnism.     You  will  be  surprised  to 
learn  that  J  have  been  off  duty  only  four  days  during  the 
entire  trip.     I  wish  I  could  get  my  horse  home,  and  bring 
out  a  fresh  one,  as  he  is  very  much  in  need  of  rest  and 
food.     If  I  ever  get  home  again  I  will  bring  Cato  with  me. 
It  is  no  trouble  to  keep  the  negroes  with  the  command,  and 
they  are  permitted  to  draw  as  soldiers.     I  think  of  you 
very  often  my  sisters,  and  pray  regularly  that  we  may  all 
meet  again,  meet  around  the  dear  old  hearth  stone  in  fath- 
er's room,  and  unite  in  praises  and  worship  of  our  benefi- 
cent Maker.     My  best  love  to  mother  and  father.     Write 
Jong  letters  and  plenty  of  them  to  your  loving  brother, 

"T.  C.  Catchings." 
For  Siisses  Mary  and  Nannie  Catchings,  Batton  Depot, 
Miss. 

"Camp  near  Selma,  Ala.,  March  3rd. 
"My  dear  Sisters: 

"It  has  been  several  days  since  I  wrote  to  you  last,  but 
I  was  prevented  from  doing  so  by  being  on  the  march.  We 
came  to  this   place  from   Carthage,   and   have   been   here 

106 


several  days.  It  has  rained  unceasingly  for  the  last  ten 
days,  and  we,  of  course,  are  having  a  very  unleasant,  disa- 
greeable time.  Every  creek  in  the  whole  country  is  over- 
flowing, so  we  are  completely  water  bound.  Since  arriving 
here,  we  have  had  all  our  horses  shod  and  our.  saddles  rigged 
up.  I  have  an  excellent  new  saddle,  and  "  Lord  Byron" 
looks  stylish  with  it  on.  I  am  very  much  afraid  though, 
that  he  is  going  blind.  One  of  his  eyes  has  been  sore  for 
more  than  a  month,  and  also  the  other  one  has  become  very 
weak.  I  am  uneasy  about  them.  We  are  getting  very  poor 
rations,  consisting  entirely  of  bad  beef  and  coarse  corn  bread. 
However,  I  ought  not  to  complain,  as  we  are  faring  so  much 
better  than  a  great  many  other  soldiers.  I  expect  you  have 
learned  of  the  fall  of  Charleston.  It  was  vacated  by  force, 
and  by  some  bad  management  two  regiments  were  captured. 
It  was  rumored  in  Selma  yesterday  that  Richmond  had  also 
been  vacated.  I  have  been  listening  to  hear  of  it  for  some 
time.  We  will  soon  witness  a  feat  unparalelled  in  the  an- 
nals of  war.  Gen.  Hardee  has  massed  a  good  army  near 
Branchville,  consisting  of  the  Charleston  and  Savannah  gar- 
risons. Quite  a  number  of  troops  gathered  from  Mobile 
and  other  ports — Wheeler's  corps  of  cavalry  and  a  large 
body  of  State  troops.  Lee  will  by  a  ripid  movement,  unite 
his  gallant  old  army  which  has  never  yet  wavered.  He  will 
then  turn  upon  Grant  and  inflict  upon  him  a  still  deadlier 
blow.  Dick  Taylor,  with  Hood's  army  will  get  there  in 
time  to  participate,  instead  of  routing  their  last  great  army. 
I  may  rely  too  much  upon  Gen.  Lee,  but  I  believe  it  can  be 
done,  and  he  is  not  the  man  to  shrink  from  doing  it.  A 
grand  success  at  this  stage  of  the  game  would  be  followed 
by  foreign  intervention,  and  then  'Peace'  could  ensue.  But 
I  will  not  endeavor  to  make  you  too  hopeful,  for  it  is  pos- 
sible that  we  may  make  it  result  with  disappointment. 
Our  brigade  has  been  assigned  to  Gen.  Hampton  of  the  Vir- 
ginia army.  He  has  been  promoted  to  Lt.  General.  A 
great  many  think  that  this  detachment  will  not  follow  on 
after  the  command  immediately,  but  will  remain  in  this  de- 
partment until  it  is  ascertained  whether  Thomas  intends 
raiding  through  from  Tennessee.  We  had  a  rumor  in  camp 
today  to  the  effect  that  we  were  ordered  to  Pollard,  which 
is  no  great  distance  from  Mobile.  Do  you  look  for  an 
overflow  this  spring?  I  pray  that  it  may  not  come,  for 
you  would  then  be  troubled  with  the  Yankee  boats.  How 
many  letters  have  you  received  from  me?  I  have  written 
quite  a  number,  but  have  not  heard  from  any  of  you  since 
1  left  home.  *  *  *  *  Good  bye,  my  sweet  sisters.  Much  love 
to  mother  and  father,  with  many  good  wishes  for  their 
health  and  happiness.  Write  often  and  may  God  bless  all 
of  yon. 

"Your  loving  brother, 

"T.  C.  Catchings." 
107 


Misses  Mary  and  Nannie  Catxihings,  "Refug-e/'  the  plan- 
tation home  in  Sunflov/er  Co.,  Miss." 

When  Mrs.  Catchings  left  for  Va.  she  placed  her  daugh- 
ters, Mary  and  Nannie,  with  her  friend  in  Brandon,  Miss., 
Mrs,  Daniel  Wilkinson,  and  with  their  cousin  in  Jackson, 
Miss.,  Mrs.  Charles  G.  Redfield,  where  they  visited  during 
her  absence  from  home  in  Va, 

Those  were  trying  days  for  the  men  in  the  ranks  and 
for  the  anxious  ones  at  home,  as  the  mails  were  few  and 
irregular.  It  was  not  known  till  after  the  war  ceased  that 
Thomas  had  a  sunstroke,  while  on  a  long  march.  He  and  his 
uncle  David  Hemingway,  and  cousin  Silas  Catchings,  were 
fearless  and  determined  soldiers. 

REPRINTED  FROM   CONFEDERATE   VETERAN 
MEMORIAL  EXERCISES  AT  VICKSBURG,  MAY  1,  1890 

Able  Address  of  T.  C.  Catchings,  M.  C. 

Comrades  E.  S.  Butts  and  W.  M,  Chamberlin  have  been 
diligent  in  supplying  accounts  of  the  recent  Confederate 
memorial  services  at  Vicksburg,  Miss,  Hon,  J,  A.  P,  Camp- 
bell, ex-Chief  Justice  of  the  State  of  Mississippi,  writing 
of  Mr.  Catchings'  oration,  states:  "The  glorious  cause  of 
our  loved  South  was  never  put  in  fairer,  stronger,  truer 
Hght.  And  the  pervading  spirit  of  the  address  is  admira- 
ble, I  wish  every  man,  woman,  and  child.  North  and 
South,  could  read  it." 

The  address  is  given  herein  almost  complete.  The  edi- 
tor of  the  Vicksburg  Herald  writes :  "It  consists  in  a  sim- 
ple tracing  of  causes,  remote  and  proximate,  that  led  the 
<30untry  up  to  secession  and  war,  with  the  underlying  and 
ever-present  motive  of  vindicating  the  South  and  Southern 
men  from  imputations  of  treason  and  betrayal  of  trusts  or 
obligations." 

Comrades,  Ladies,  and  Gentlemen:  Once  more  we  have 
gathered  together  to  pay  grateful  and  loving  tribute  to 
the  memory  of  the  brave  soldiers  who  went  to  their  death 
in  a  vain  but  heroic  struggle.  Although  more  than  the 
full  span  of  a  generation  has  been  measured  since  the  star 
of  the  Confederacy  went  out  in  the  gloom  of  utter  and  ir- 
retrievable defeat,  our  rememberance  of  their  supreme  sac- 
rifice is  tenderly  and  sacredly  cherished. 

The  great  majority  of  their  comrades  who  strove  and 
battled  wuth  them,  and  yet  who,  in  the  providence  of  God, 
were  spared  their  fate,  have  since  crossed  over  the  river 
to  rest  under  the  shade  of  the  trees.  Their  survivors  have 
passed  the  summit  of  the  mountain,  and  are  fast  making 
their  way  into  the  shadows  of  the  valley.  Those  of  us- 
who  with  these  brave  men  essayed  to  establish  a  separate 
and  independent  republic  which  we  hoped  would  find  an 
abiding  place  among  the  nations  of  the  earth  have  taught 

108 


our  children  that  no  stain  of  treason  or  blighted  faith  or 
broken  vows  dims  the  luster  of  their  fame  or  soils  the 
escutcheon  of  their  honor.  The  task  will  soon  be  theirs  to 
defend  from  all  imputations  of  crime  the  nation  which  died 
in  its  infancy,  and  yet  lived  long  enough  to  illustrate  all 
the  glories  of  human  endeavor;  which,  with  all  its  institu- 
tions and  circumstances  and  power,  utterly  perished  from 
the  face  of  the  earth,  and  yet  left  behind  it  the  remem- 
brance of  valiant  deeds  and  noble  performance,  which  will 
be  reverentially  celebrated  in  song  and  story  as  long  as  time 
shall  last. 

The  great  civil  war,  which  was  the  most  stupendous 
drama  of  all  the  ages,  did  not  find  its  genesis  in  criminal 
conspiracy  or  treasonable  design.  The  Southern  States  in 
withdrawing  from  the  union  were  exercising  a  power  which 
had  been  claimed  from  the  very  adoption  of  the  constitu- 
tion. Indeed,  in  the  early  days  of  the  republic,  the  theory 
'was  recognized  by  American  statesmen  with  substantial 
unanimity,  that  the  constitution  was  but  a  compact  between 
sovereign  States  entered  into  for  their  common  welfare; 
that  by  this  compact  they  surrendered  none  of  the  attri- 
butes of  sovereignty ;  that  because  of  this  sovereignty, 
anj^  State  could  lawfully  withdraw  from  the  compact  when- 
ever in  its  judgment  its  interests  required  it  to  do  so;  that 
the  government  created  by  the  constirution  was  a  federa- 
tion possessing  only  delegated  povv'ers ;  that  it  did  not  pos- 
sess the  power  to  coerce  the  action  of  the  States ;  and  that 
if  a  State  chose  to  withdrav/  from  the  union,  it  was  enti- 
tled to  do  so  without  control  or  question.  At  the  date  of 
his  birth  the  hearts  of  the  American  people  were  yet  at- 
tuned to  the  joyous  song  of  newly  acquired  freedom,  and 
patriotic  ardor  was  still  aflame  from  the  remembrance  of 
the  great  triumph  which  had  crowned  their  endeavors. 
The  proceedings  of  the  convention  which  framed  the  con- 
stitution, those  of  the  States  in  ratifying  it,  and  the  lumi- 
nous disquisitions  of  Madison,  Hamilton,  and  their  contem- 
poraries show  that  at  that  period  there  was  little  or  no 
difference  of  opinion  on  the  subject.  I  think  it  may  safely 
be  affirmed  that  if  the  framers  of  the  constitution  had 
avowed  that  their  purpose  was  to  create  a  supreme  central 
government  which  would  bind  the  States  beyond  all  power 
of  revocation,  or  withdrawal,  it  would  never  have  been  rati- 
fied. 

Original  Secession  Sentiment 
The  States  of  New  York,  Virginia,  and  Rhode  Island 
went  so  far  as  to  insert  in  their  resolutions  of  ratification 
the  explicit  declaration  that  the  powers  of  government 
vested  by  the  constitution  in  the  United  States  of  America 
Tflight  be  reassumed  by  them  whenever  they  should  deem 
it  necesasry  to  their  happiness  or  to  prevent  injury  or  op- 

109 


pression.  By  this  declaration  these  States  interpreted  the 
constitution  as  admittino;  the  right  of  secession  for  if  they 
had  reassumed  the  powers  granted  to  the  United  States,, 
they  would  necessarily  have  ceased  to  belong  to  the  union. 
Their  sister  States,  by  admitting  them,  with  this  reserva- 
tion in  their  acts  of  ratification,  to  full  copartnership  in 
the  Union,  themselves  necessarily  recognized  the  soundness 
of  their  interpretation  of  the  constitution. 

The  Virginia  resolutions  of  1798,  which  were  written  by 
Mr.  Madison,  and  those  of  Kentucky  of  1798  and  1799, 
which  were  written  by  Mr.  Jefferson,  expressly  declared 
that  in  case  of  the  exercise  of  powers  by  the  Federal  gov- 
ernment which  had  no^.  been  granted  or  delegated  to  it, 
such  acts  would  be  void  and  of  no  force,  and  that  the 
States  would  have  the  right  to  .judge  for  themselves,  as 
well  of  any  infractions  as  of  the  mode  and  measure  of  re- 
dress. These  resolutions  announced  what  is  commonly 
known  as  the  doctrine  of  nullification,  with  which  it  is  dif- 
cult  to  agree,  since  it  is  impossible  to  perceive  how  a  State 
could  remain  in  the  Union  and  not  obey  its  laws.  But  they 
are  important  as  containing  the  distinct  affirmation  that 
the  States  were  not  united  on  the  principle  of  unlimited  sub- 
mission to  their  general  government,  and  that  it  had  no 
powers,  and  could  enforce  none,  except  those  which  had 
been  delegated  to  it.  It  necessarily  followed  from  the 
doctrine  of  these  resolutions  that  a  State  might  lawfully 
secede  from  the  union,  since  they  expressly  declared  that 
it  was  to  judge  for  itself  of  the  mode  and  measure  of  re- 
dress. They  were  the  basis  of  the  campaign  of  the  State 
rights  party  in  1800,  which  elected  Mr.  Jefferson  to  the 
presidency,  became  a  part  of  its  creed,  and  were  approved  by 
a  majority  of  the  American  people  in  every  presidential 
election  thereafter  except  two,  down  to  the  election  of  Mr. 
Lincoln  in  1860. 

New  England  the  Home  of  Secession 
Col.  Timothy  Pickering,  of  Massachusetts,  a  soldier  of 
the  revolution,  a  member  of  Gen.  Washington's  Cabinet, 
and  for  many  years  a  representative  in  Congress,  openly 
advocated  the  secession  of  Massachusetts  and  other  North- 
ern States,  and  the  formation  by  them  of  a  separate  con- 
federacy. In  a  letter  to  George  Cabot  dated  January  27, 
1804,  he  said:  "The  principles  of  our  revolution  point  to  the 
remedy — a  separation.  That  this  can  be  accomplished, 
and  without  spilling  one  drop  of  blood,  I  have  no  doubt.  .  .  . 
I  do  not  believe  in  the  practicability  of  a  long-continued 
Union.  A  Northern  confederacy  v/ould  unite  congenial 
characters  and  present  a  fairer  prospect  of  public  happi- 
ness; while  the  Southern  States,  having  a  similarity  of 
habits,  might  be  left  to  manage  their  own  affairs  in  their 
own  way.     If  a  separation  were  to  take  place,  our  mutual 

110 


wants  would  render  a  friendly  and  commercial  intercourse 
inevitable.  The  Southern  States  would  require  the  moral 
protection  of  the  Northern  Union,  and  the  products  of  the , 
former  would  be  impoi-tant  to  the  navigation  and  commerce 
of  the  latter.  ...  It  (meaning  The  separation)  must  begin 
in  Massachusetts.  The  proposition  would  be  welcomed  in 
Connecticut,  and  could  we  doubt  of  New  Hampshire?  But 
New  York  must  be  associated,  and  how  is  her  concurrence 
to  be  obtained?  She  must  be  made  the  center  of  the  con- 
federacy. Vermont  and  New  Hampshire  would  follow,  of 
course,  and  Rhode  Island  of  necessity."  It  is  evident  froirf 
this  letter  of  Col.  Pic'  ering  that  he  had  every  reason  to 
believe  that  the  doctrine  for  which  he  contended — the  ri^t 
of  the  States  to  secede  from  the  Union — met  with  appro- 
val in  the  States  of  Masachusetts,  Nev.'  Hampshire,  New 
York,  Vermont,  New  Jersey,  and  Rhode  Island.  And  it  is 
also  to  be  observed  that  he  enteiiained  the  view,  which  the 
South  subsequently  undertook  to  put  into  practical  effect, 
that  in  case  of  an  irreconcilable  disagreement  it  was  not 
only  the  right  of  the  States,  but  their  duty,  to  peaceably 
separate  themselves  from  the  union,  and  that  this  right 
rested  upon  the  principles  of  the  revolution,  which  had  led  to 
the  separation  of  the  colonies  from  Great  Britain.  Later 
on,  the  acquisition  under  Mr.  Jefferson  of  the  Louisiana  pur- 
chase, as  it  is  commonly  called,  was  denounced  with  sur- 
passing bitterness,  and  the  admission  into  the  Union  of 
that  part  of  it  which  we  now  know  as  the  State  of  Louisi- 
ana was  violently  opposed. 


Congress   Indorsed  Secession   Doctrine 

Josiah  Quincey,  a  distinguished  representative  in  Con- 
gress  from  Massachusetts,  said  in  1811:  "If  this  bill 
passes,  it  is  my  deliberate  opinion  that  it  is  virtually  a  dis- 
solution of  this  Union;  that  it  will  free  the  States  from 
their  moral  obligations,  and,  as  it  will  be  the  right  of  all, 
so  it  will  be  the  duty  of  some  definitely  to  prepare  for  a 
separation — amicably  if  they  can;  violently  if  they  must." 

Mr.  Poindexter,  a  Southern  m.an,  and  a  delegate  from  the 
Mississippi  Territory,  excepted  to  the  utterances  of  the  dis- 
tinguished Northern  statesmen,  and  called  him  to  order. 
His  point  of  order  was  sustained  by  the  Speaker  of  the 
House  of  Representatives,  who  ruled  that  discussion  of  the 
dissolution  of  the  Union  was  out  of  order.  From  this  de- 
cision of  the  Speaker  an  appeal  was  taken  to  the  House,  and 
he  was  overruled.  Here  was  an  open  avowal  in  the  House 
of  Representatives  by  a  Northern  statesman  of  the  right 
of  secession  ,and  a  decision  by  the  House  that  it  was  a 
proper  and  lawful  matter  for  legislative  discussion,  and 
that  it  could  not  be  ruled  out  upon  a  point  of  order. 

Ill 


Confederate  Convention  in  Connecticut 

In  1814  a  convention  was  assembled  at  the  city  of  Hart- 
ford, consisting  of  delegates  elected  by  the  legislatures  of 
Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island,  and  Connecticut,  and  attended 
also  by  representatives  from  the  States  of  New  Hampshire 
and  Vermont.  It  was  convened  for  the  purpose  of  taking 
into  consideration  grievances  under  which  these  States 
were  resting,  growing  out  of  the  war  with  Great  Britain. 
It  has  been  commonly  understood  that  the  chief  subject  of 
their  consultation  was  the  withdrawal  of  th(ose  jStates 
from  the  Union.  While  they  did  not  decide  at  that  time  to 
withdraw  from  the  Union,  they  very  cleary  indicated  their 
opinion  to  be  that  the  right  to  withdraw  existed  in  the 
States.  They  said :  "If  the  Union  be  destined  to  dissolution 
by  reason  of  the  multiplied  abuses  of  bad  administration, 
it  should,  if  possible,  be  the  work  of  peaceable  times  and 
deliberate  consent.  Some  new  form  of  confederacy  should 
be  substituted  among  those  States  which  shall  intend  to 
maintain  a  Federal  relation  to  each  other.  Events  may 
prove  that  the  causes  of  our  calamities  are  deep  and  per- 
manent. They  may  be  found  to  proceed  not  merely  from 
the  blindness  of  prejudice,  pride  of  opinion,  violence  of 
party  spirit,  or  the  confusion  of  the  times,  but  they  may 
be  traced  to  implacable  combinations  of  individuals  or  of 
States  to  monopolize  power  and  office,  and  to  trample  with- 
out remorse  upon  the  rights  and  interests  of  commercial 
sections  of  the  Union.  Whenever  it  shall  appear  that  the 
causes  are  radical  and  permanent,  a  separation  by  equita- 
ble arrangement  wil  be  preferable  to  an  alliance  by  con- 
straint among  nominal  friends,  but  real  enemies." 

In  1844  and  1845  the  proposition  looking  to  the  annexa- 
tion of  Texas,  and  its  admission  as  a  State  in  the  Union, 
was  violently  opposed,  and  attended  by  threats  from  the 
New  England  States  of  a  dissolution  of  the  Union.  In  1844 
a  resolution  was  adopted  by  the  legislature  of  Massachusetts 
that  "the  commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  faithful  to  the 
compact  between  the  people  of  the  United  States,  according 
to  the  plain  meaning  and  intent  in  which  it  was  understood 
by  them,  is  sincerely  anxious  for  its  preservation ;  but  that 
it  is  determined,  as  it  doubts  not  the  other  States  are,  to  sub- 
mit to  undelegated  powers  in  no  body  of  men  on  earth."  It 
further  declared  that  "the  project  of  the  annexation  of 
Texas,  unless  arrested  on  the  threshold,  may  tend  to  drive 
these  States  into  a  dissolution  of  the  Union."  On  Febru- 
ary 11,  1845,  the  legislature  of  Massachusetts  sent  to  the 
Congress  of  the  United  States,  a  series  of  resolutions  on  the 
same  subject,  in  one  of  which  it  was  declared  that  "as  the 
powers  of  legislation  granted  in  the  constitution  of  the  Uni- 
ted States  to  Congress  do  not  embrace  a  case  of  the  admis- 
sion of  a  foreign  State  or  foreign  territory  by  legislation 

112 


into  the  Union,  such  an  act  of  admission  would  have  no 
binding  force  whatever  on  the  people  of  Massachusetts." 
Here  is  an  express  declaration  by  the  great  State  of  Massa- 
chusetts that  the  constitution  of  the  United  States  was  but 
a  compact,  that  the  government  created  bv  it  was  one  of 
delegated  powers  only,  and  that  if  the  government  should 
insist  upon  exercising  powers  not  delegated,  its  acts  would 
have  no  binding  force  on  the  State.  It  is  the  doctrine  of 
nullification  pure  and  simple,  combined  with  t"he  suggestion 
that  the  exercise  of  such  undelegated  powers  might  drive 
the  State  into  a  dissolution  of  the  Union. 

The  settlers  on  the  Mississippi  River  and  its  tributaries 
prior  to  the  Louisiana  purchase  were  greatly  harrassed 
and  vexed  in  getting  their  products  to  market,  by  reason 
of  the  oppressive  restrictions  imposed  by  the  Spaniards, 
who  controlled  its  outlet.  In  a  remonstrance  presented  by 
them  to  Congress  regardin  g  their  troubles  they  declared: 
"If  Congress  refuses  us  effectual  protection,  if  it  forsakes 
us,  we  will  adopt  the  measures  which  our  safety  requires, 
even  if  they  endanger  the  peace  of  the  Union  and  our  con- 
nection with  the  other  States.  No  protection,  no  alle- 
giance." 

Clash  of  the  Two  Theories 
It  will  be  seen  from  what  I  have  said  that  the  right  of  a 
State  to  secede  had  been  advocated  only  by  those  of  the 
North  as  well  as  those  of  the  South,  from  the  very  founda- 
tion of  the  Union.  In  the  beginning  the  proposition  that 
tlie  constitution  was  but  a  compact  between  the  States 
from  which  they  might  withdraw  whenever  in  their  judg- 
ment their  interests  made  it  proper  to  do  so  was  in  no  sense 
sectional.  Later  on  the  doctrine  was  advanced  that  the 
effect  of  the  constitution  was  to  bind  the  States  together 
in  an  indissoluble  union,  and  thereby  create  a  nation  which 
was  dominant  and  supreme.  The  ablest  men  in  public  life 
arrayed  themselves  on  the  respective  sides  of  this  propo- 
sition. Calhoun  on  the  one  hand  and  Webster  on  the  other 
may  be  accepted  as  the  greatest  champions  of  the  opposing 
theories.  ...  In  his  early  career  Calhoun  had  believed  in 
and  advocated  the  doctrine  of  the  protective  tariff,  but  some 
years  later  became  a  great  champion  of  the  contrary  theory. 
Webster  began  by  avowing  his  belief  in  the  fallacy  of  the 
protective  tariff,  and  ended  by  becoming  one  of  its  ablest 
advocates.  The  change  of  conviction  on  this  great  question 
in  the  minds  of  these  statesmen  was  no  doubt  insensibl^^ 
occasioned  by  their  commercial  and  industrial  environ- 
ments, .  .  .  Though  political  rivals,  they  were  personal 
friends,  and  in  his  obituary  address  upon  the  death  of  Mr. 
Calhoun,  Mr.  Webster  said  of  him:  "There  was  nothing 
groveling  or  low  or  meanly  selfish  that  came  near  the  head 
or  the  heart  of  Mr.  Calhoun." 

113 


The  discussion  was  regarded  as  a  legitimate  struggle  by 
the  opposing  forces  to  secure  the  acceptance  of  the  theory 
of  constitutional  interpretation  for  which  they  respectively 
contended.  But  thoughtful  men  all  along  perceived  that  if 
both  sides  persisted,  if  neither  would  yield,  if  no  middle 
ground  could  be  found  upon  which  both  could  stand,  the 
time  would  surely  come  when  the  strife  for  mastery  would 
find  its  settlement  in  another  field  than  that  of  discussion 
and  debate.  Unfortunately  for  us,  the  institution  of  slavery 
had  firmly  established  itself  in  the  South  and  had  grown 
and  expanded  as  the  country  grew.  It  had  come  down  to 
us  by  inheritance,  and  there  seemed  nothing  left  for  us 
save  to  follow  the  path  which  we  had  trod  from  the  begin- 
ning, and  eliminate  as  best  we  could  as  many  as  possible  of 
the  evils  which  we  all  recognized  as  inseparable  from  it. 
If  the  institution  of  slavery  was  accompanied  by  the  sug- 
gestion of  moral  wrong,  the  States  of  the  North  were  no 
more  blameless  than  we;  for,  aside  from  the  fact  that  in 
the  early  days  their  inhabitants  were  themselves  owners 
of  slaves,  and  had  parted  with  them  only  when  they  ceased 
to  be  a  profitable  investment,  and  then  Ijy  sale  for  the  best 
price  to  be  had,  the  very  constitution  which  they  helped 
us  to  frame  declared  it  to  be  lawful,  and  provided  safeguards 
designed  to  prevent  its  destruction.  The  thousands  of 
sturdy  im.migrants  who  flocked  to  our  shores,  being  white 
men  and  unaccustomed  to  the  institution  of  slavery,  natu- 
rally swerved  from  the  South  and  swelled  the  population 
of  the  States  and  widespreading  territories  of  the  North. 
From  time  to  time  efforts  were  vainly  made  to  preserve 
by  compromise  to  some  extent  at  least  the  balance  of  power 
between  the  slave  States  of  the  South  and  the  free  States 
of  the  North.  "The  irrepressible  conflict,"  as  Mr.  Seward 
•called  it,  soon  began  to  manifest  itself  in  earnest.  The 
bloody  strife  in  Kansas ;  the  John  Brown  raid  in  Virginia, 
whch,  if  those  who  planned  it  were  sane,  was  the  most 
infamous  crime  of  the  century ;  the  triumph  at  the  presi- 
dential election  in  1860  of  the  Republican  party,  which 
had  been  born  but  a  few  years  previous,  made  it  plain  to 
all  that  a  supreme  crisis  had  come  upon  us.  Intense  and 
wild  excitement  swept  like  a  storm  over  the  land.  Mr.  Lin- 
coln and  his  adherents  protested  in  vain  that,  the  institu- 
tion of  slavery  being  lawful  under  the  constitution,  no  war 
would  be  made  upon  it  by  his  administration,  and  that  the 
right  of  the  people  of  the  South  would  in  all  respects  be 
preserved  inviolate.  But  this  could  not  outweigh  the  fam.- 
ous  and  portentous  declaration  of  this  great  leader,  that 
the  Union  could  not  survive  half  slave  and  half  free. 

The  leaders  of  the  Southern  States  were  convinced  that 
the  state  of  affairs  could  no  longer  be  tolerated.  Conven- 
tions were  called  in  all  of  them,  when  they  resolved  that 

114 


withdi'awal  from  the  Union  was  the  only  remedy  which 
could  put  an  end  to  the  strife  and  secure  that  peace  and 
quiet  so  essential  to  their  prosperity  and  safety.  The 
Southern  States,  one  by  one,  passed  ordinances  of  secession, 
and  solemnly  declared  that  they  were  absolved  from  all  fur- 
ther allegiance  to  the  United  States.  The  New  York  Tri- 
bune (then  as  now  one  of  the  ablest  and  most  potential 
Republican  journals)  declared  that  "if  the  cotton  States 
wished  to  withdraw  from  the  Union  they  should  be  allowed 
to  do  so;"  that  "any  attempt  to  compel  them  to  remain,  by 
force,  would  be  contrary  to  the  principles  of  the  Declara- 
tion of  Independence  and  to  the  fundamental  ideas  upon 
which  human  liberty  is  based ;"  and  that  "if  the  Declaration 
of  Independence  justified  the  secession  from  the  British 
Empire  of  three  millions  of  subjects  in  1776,  it  was  not 
seen  why  it  would  not  justify  the  secession  of  five  millions 
of  Southerners  from  the  Union  in  1861." 

Secession   Not   Treason 

Let  it  be  remembered  and  graven  on  the  hearts  of  our 
children's  children,  even  unto  the  end  of  time,  that  these 
ordinances  of  secession  were  not  enacted  in  pursuance 
of  a  theory,  then  invented  and  contrived,  as  a  cloak  behind 
which  to  conceal  rebellion  and  treason,  but  that  they  merely 
enunciated  a  doctrine  which  had  been  boldly  and  openly 
declared  to  be  warranted  by  the  true  construction  of  our 
constitution  from  the  moment  of  its  promulgation,  more 
than  seventy  years  before.  There  was  no  treason  or  disloy- 
alty in  the  minds  and  hearts  of  our  people,  nor  did  they 
essay  the  severance  of  the  ties  which  had"  so  long  bound 
them  to  the  Union  without  just  appreciation  of  the  solemn- 
ity of  their  deed.  Not  only  this,  but  for  many  reasons 
they  contemplated  the  rupture  with  supreme  sadness  and 
regret.  They  had  grown  up  under  the  old  flag,  and  had 
been  taught  to  revere  it  as  the  symbol  of  a  great  and 
free  and  generous  government.  The  policies  of  that  gov- 
ernment under  which  it  had  achieved  a  growth  and  pros- 
perity unparalleled  in  all  history,  had  been  almost  wholly 
shaped  by  Southern  statesmen  from  the  beginning.  The 
immortal  leader  in  the  war  of  the  revolution,  whose  match- 
less powers  and  masterful  nature  had  made  our  freedom 
from  British  tyranny  possible,  was  a  Southera  man.  His 
was  the  controlling  spirit  in  the  convention  which  had 
framed  the  constitution,  and  his  influence,  more  than  that 
of  all  others,  had  secured  its  ratification  by  the  States.  He 
became  its  first  President,  and  under  his  administration 
was  laid  out  the  course  by  which  the  ship  of  state  had 
sailed  its  maiden  voyage. 

Jefferson,  Madison,  Monroe,  Jackson,  Tyler,  Polk,  and 
Taylor,  all  Southern  men,  were  afterwards  elevated  to  the 
Presidency.     Jefferson,   as   every    schoolbody    knows,    waf=! 

115 


the  author  of  the  immortal  Dleclaration  of  Independence. 
Under  his  administration  was  negotiated  the  Louisiana  pur- 
chase, by  which  we  acquired  from  France  that  imperial  do- 
main embracing  the  entire  States  of  Arkansas,  Missouri, 
Iowa,  Nebraska,  North  Dakota,  South  Dakota,  part  of  the 
States  of  Minnesota,  Kansas,  Clorado,  Montana,  Wyoming, 
Louisiana,  all  of  the  Indian  Territory,  and  part  of  the 
Oklahoma  Territory. 

Madison,  who  did  so  much  to  explain  and  popularize  its 
provisions,  has  been  frequently  called  the  father  of  the 
constitution.  Under  his  administration  the  war  of  1812 
was  fought,  in  which  we  achieved  such  glory  upon  the 
seas  ,  and  which  forever  secured  our  shipping  and  seamen 
from  the  interference  of  foreign  powers. 

Monroe  promulgated  the  doctrine  which  bears  his  hon- 
ored name,  which  has  been  accepted  as  a  part  of  interna- 
tional law,  and  which  warned  all  nations  that  they  would 
not  be  allowed  to  make  further  acquisitions  upon  or  inter- 
meddle in  any  manner  whatsoever  with,  the  affairs  of 
the  American  continent.  The  wisdom  and  beneficent  pur- 
pose of  the  Monroe  doctrine  is  such  that  it  has  become 
one  of  our  fundamental  traditions,  to  be  maintained  and 
enforced  at  all  times,  at  any  cost,  whether  of  blood  or 
treasure.  Under  his  administration  was  negotiated  the  ces- 
sion of  the  entire  Floridas,  covering  69,749  square  miles, 
which  embraced  the  present  State  of  Florida  and  small  parts 
of  Louisiana,  Mississippi  and  Alabama, 

Under  the  administration  of  President  Tyler  was  nego- 
tiated the  treaty  by  which  Texas,  with  376,931  square 
miles,  was  admitted  as  a  State  of  the  Union. 

Under  the  administration  of  President  Polk  was  fought 
the  Mexican  War,  which  added  fresh  luster  to  our  arms. 
The  great  leaders  of  our  forces  in  that  war  were  Winfield 
.Scott  and  Zachary  Taylor,  both  Southern  men. 

President  Polk  also  negotiated  the  treaty  with  Mexico,  by 
which  we  acquired  that  immense  domain  which  embraces 
California,  Nevada,  Utah,  Arizona,  New  Mextco,  and  parts 
of  Colorado  and  Wyoming.  He  also  negotiated  the  treaty 
with  Great  Britain  by  which  our  title  v/as  confirmed  to 
that  section  of  our  country,  including  the  States  of  Oregon, 
Idaho,  Washington,  and  parts  of  Montana  and  Wyoming. 

Although  Van  Buren,  Pierce,  and  Buchanan  were  North- 
ern men,  the  policies  of  their  administrations  were  along  the 
lines  which  had  been  laid  out  by  the  great  Southern  Presi- 
dents who  had  preceded  them. 

The  illustrious  expounder  of  the  constitution,  whose 
fame  as  jurist  has  spread  to  the  uttermost  parts  of  the 
civilized  world,  was  John  Marshall,  of  Virginia,  who  for 
thirty-four  years  presided  as  chief  justice  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  the  United  States. 

116 


The  people  of  the  South  contemplated  with  lofty  pride 
the  greatness  and  glory  to  which  the  republic  had  at- 
tained under  the  leadership  and  guidance  of  their  statesmen. 
It  was  with  profound  regret  that  they  reached  the  con- 
clusion that  a  just  regard  for  their  peace  and  safety  de- 
manded of  them  a  severance  of  their  relation  with  the 
Union.  ...  In  those  ominous  and  storm-charged  days 
that  ushered  in  the  tremendous  struggle  between  the  States, 
the  passages  between  the  contending  sections  on  the  floor 
of  Congress  reflected  the  intensity  of  the  times.  Replying 
to  the  exultant  declaration  of  Senator  Seward,  of  New  York, 
that  the  power  had  departed  from  the  South,  that  the  scep- 
ter was  now  taken  from  her  hands,  and  that  henceforth 
the  great  North  would  grasp  the  power  of  government. 
Senator  Hammond  thus  eloquently  summed  up  the  truth  of 
history : 

"Sir:  What  the  Senator  says  is  true.  The  power  has 
passed  from  our  hands  into  yours.  But  do  not  forget  it,  it 
cannot  be  forgotten,  it  is  written  upon  the  brightest  pages 
of  history,  that  we,  the  slaveholders  of  the  South,  took  our 
country  in  her  infancy,  and  after  ruling  her  for  sixty  years 
out  of  seventy  years  of  her  existence,  we  return  her  to  you 
without  a  spot  upon  her  honor,  matchless  in  her  splendor, 
incalculable  in  her  power,  the  pride  and  admiration  of  the 
world.  Tim.e  will  show  what  you  will  do  with  her,  but  no 
time  can  dim  our  glory  or  diminish  your  responsibility." 

Our  love  for  the  institutions  our  ancestors  had  aided  in 
founding,  and  under  which  we  had  met  with  so  much  pros- 
perity, was  made  manifest  by  the  form  of  government 
which  was  immediately  provided  for  the  Confederate  States 
of  America.  The  Confederate  constitution,  with  few 
amendments,  was  the  same  as  that  of  the  United  States. 
The  administrative  features  of  the  new  government  were 
practically  the  same  as  those  of  the  old.  No  thought  of 
dictatorship  or  military  supremacy  on  the  one  hand,  or  of 
lawlessness  on  the  other,  entered  the  minds  of  any.  True 
to  the  principles  of  the  revolution  and  of  the  Declaration  of 
Independence,  we  provided  safeguards  for  personal  liberty 
and  local  self-governm.ent. 

During  the  whole  of  the  long  strife,  and  amidst  hard- 
ship and  privation  almost  indescribable,  law  and  order  were 
everywhere  maintained.  The  legislatures  of  the  States  as- 
sembled and  enacted  such  laws  as  were  from  time  to  time 
deemed  necessary ;  courts  of  justice  were  opened  for  the  en- 
forcement and  maintenance  of  the  rights  of  person  and 
property. 

It  has  often  been  said  that,  having  failed  to  settle  by 
debate  the  issues  which  had  so  long  been  the  subject  of 
contention,  the  South  deliberately  appealed  to  the  arbitra- 
ment of  war.     This  is  a  mistaken  notion  of  the  view  which 

117 


we  entertained  of  our  relations  to  the  Union.  Under  that 
view,  as  I  have  attempted  to  explain,  constitution  was  but 
a  compact  between  the  States  whicl:  might  be  dissolved 
by  them  at  pleasure.  Having  exercised  the  right  to  with- 
draw from  the  Union,  which,  under  their  interpretation  of 
the  constitution,  belonged  to  them,  the  Southern  States  saw 
no  necessity  for  appealing  to  the  arbitrament  oT  war.  And 
when  war  came,  it  was  not  because  they  had  invited  or 
sought  it,  but  because  they  had  determined  to  maintain 
their  position,  which  they  believed  had  absolved  them  from 
all  allegiance  whatever  to  the  United  States.  We  contem- 
plated no  war  upon  the  States  of  the  North,  but  hoped  and 
believed  that  we  would  be  allowed  to  set  up  a  government 
for  ourselves,  and  that  the  relations  between  the  Confed- 
eracy which  we  established  and  the  United  States  of  Amer- 
ica would  be  such  as  should  subsist  between  friendly  nations. 
I  need  not  attempt  to  describe  with  what  valor  and  forti- 
tude and  heroic  endeavor  the  armies  of  the  South  main- 
tained themselves  during  four  weary  years  of  strife  and 
bloodshed.  We  know,  and  all  the  world  admits,  that  the 
magnificent  leadership  of  our  armies  and  the  splendid  cour- 
age of  our  soldiers  have  illustrated  in  the  sublimest  man- 
ner possible  the  martial  spirit  of  the  American  people.  The 
twenty-two  hundred  battles  that  were  fought  before  our 
cause  went  down ;  the  twenty-six  hundred  thousand  men 
who  were  needed  to  conquer  us ;  the  pension  roil  of  the 
government,  which  contains  the  names  of  nearly  one  million 
beneficiaries ;  the  beautiful  cemeteries  where  rest  the  dead 
heroes  of  the  Union  armies ;  the  monuments  of  marble  and 
bronze  erected  all  over  the  land  to  perpetuate  the  names 
and  fame  of  their  great  captains ;  all  these  make  up  amemo- 
rial  of  the  skill  and  prowess  and  unyielding  courage  of 
our  people,  such  as  the  history  of  ifhe  ages  cannot  parallel. 
The  end  came  as  might  have  been  expected.  Our  resources 
were  so  limited  in  comparison  with  those  of  the  Northern 
States  that  only  persistence  on  their  part  was  needed  to 
bring  defeat  and  disaster  to  the  Southern  cause. 

When  it  came  we  accepted  the  settlement  as  final  and 
irrevocable,  in  so  far  as  the  further  agitation  or  advocac}' 
of  the  right  of  secession  was  concerned.  No  matter  what 
may  have  been  the  right  or  wrong  of  the  contention  in  1861, 
we  have  admitted  since  1865  that  the  Union  is  indissoluble, 
and  that  the  allegiance  of  all  the  people  of  this  great  re- 
public is  due  primarily  and  fully  to  the  United  States  of 
America.  But  while  admitting  this,  we  do  not  and  will 
never  concede  that  the  result  of  the  great  strife  was  a  de- 
cision that  our  interpretation  of  the  constitution  was  wrong. 
The  force  of  arms  may  be  such  as  to  set  a  controversy  at 
rest  by  precluding  its  further  agitation,  and  that,  as  to 
the  power  of  a  State  to  secede,  was  undoubtedly  terminated 

118 


by  the  triumph  of  the  Union  armies,  but  truth  is  eternal 
and  cannot  be  destroyed. 

My  purpose  has  simply  been  to  present  in  a  brief  and 
summary  manner  evidence  that  at  the  beginning  of  our 
g-overament  State  rights  Vv^as  commonly  entertained,  and 
that  it  was  then  in  no  sense  sectional ;  that  it  had  not  been 
contrived  in  secret  or  expressed  in  whispers ;  but  was  openly 
and  frankly  advocated  at  all  times  and  under  all  circum- 
stances. The  judgm^ent  of  the  impartial  historian  will  never 
be  that  in  standing  for  our  interpretation  of  the  constitu- 
tion, even  to  the  extent  of  maintaining  it  by  force  of  arms, 
we  made  ourselves  rebels  or  traitors. 

When  the  present  generation  has  passed  away,  and  when 
calm  and  impartial  inquiry  is  made  into  the  cause  which 
led  up  to  it,  I  have  an  abiding  faith  that  this  stigma  will 
be  taken  from  our  heroic  and  devoted  people.  No  man  can 
now  be  heard  to  impugn  the  loyalty  of  the  South.  There 
has  never  been  a  mom.ent  of  time  since  the  surrender  of 
Appomattox  when  there  was  the  slightest  ground  for  ques- 
tioning it.  We  knew,  but  for  long  it  semed  that  others 
could  not  understand,  that  the  result  had  been  accepted  by 
us  as  final  and  irrevocable.  We  knew  that  our  destiny 
thenceforth  was  to  be  the  same  as  that  of  our  brethren  of 
the  North ;  and  we  had  no  ambition  left  save  to  preserve 
our  honor  untarnished,  to  build  up  the  waste  places,  to  re- 
store law  and  order,  to  help  to  bind  up  the  nation's  wounds, 
and  to  contribute  what  we  could  to  its  greatness  and  gran- 
deur. We  cherished  no  animosity  against  the  brave  men 
whose  armies  had  been  triumphant,  and  fondly  indulged 
the  hope  that  the  rectitude  of  our  purpose  would  be 
recognized.     But  this  was  not  to  be. 

The  horrors  of  the  Civil  war  were  nothing,  dreadful 
as  they  were,  compared  with  those  w^hich  came  upon  us 
during  the  process  of  reconstruction.  The  right  of  fran- 
chise was  conferred  upon  the  negroes  of  the  Southern  States, 
who  had  no  preparation  for  its  exercise,  and  they  easily  be- 
came the  victims  of  wicked  and  designing  men  who  came 
down  upon  us  to  consume  the  little  substance  which  had 
escaped  the  ravages  of  war.  No  good  purpose  would  be 
subserved  by  enumierating  the  crimes  which  were  com- 
mitted in  the  Southern  States  during  that  dread  period, 
and  that  under  the  form  of  government.  Let  me  say,  how- 
ever, that  they  are  not  justly  to  be  attributed  to  the  negro. 
race.  They  were  the  work  of  bad  white  men  who  preyed 
upon  the  superstitions  and  ignorance  of  that  race,  and  made 
it  a  scapegoat  for  their  own  wicked  performance.  It  may 
be  that  under  the  pressure  of  our  environments  at  that  time 
some  things  were  done  by  our  people  which  had  better  been 
left  undone,  but  when  I  reflect  upon  the  enormity  of  our 
provocation,  I  realize  that  if  it  had  not  been  for  the  pa- 

119 


tience  and  fortitude  displayed  by  the  veterans  of  the  Con- 
federate armies,  which  had  come  to  them  through  their 
years  of  disciplines,  there  might,  and  probably  would,  have 
been  such  anarchy  and  bloodshed  throughout  the  South  as 
would  have  shocked  the  civilized  world.  We  have  before 
us  the  gravest  social  problems  with  which  any  people  were 
ever  confronted.  If  the  negro  belongs  to  the  weaker  race, 
so  much  the  greater  is  the  duty  upon  us  of  the  white  race, 
by  the  lessons  of  example,  to  prepare  him  for  the  proper 
discharge  of  the  solemn  duties  of  citizenship. 

We  must  not  judge  the  negro  too  hastily  or  too  harshly, 
nor  expect  him,  without  that  preparation  which  can  come 
only  from  the  long  exercise  of  those  duties,  to  measure  up 
to  the  standard  which  we  set  for  ourselves.  If  they  do 
not  understand  now,  they  will  in  time,  that  they  can  have 
no  separate  foundation  for  happiness  and  prosperity  from 
that  upon  which  we  build  our  own;  that  we  must  live 
and  struggle  side  by  side,  all  doing  their  best  to  work  out  a 
just  solution  of  the  problems  which  confront  us;  and  that 
this  can  never  be  accomplished  in  a  way  which  would  bring 
the  best  results,  except  by  the  steady  and  persistent  cultiva- 
tion of  peaceable  and  kindly  relations. 

Let  us  esteem  ourselves  fortunate  that  we  have  survived 
long  enough  to  witness  the  total  banishment  of  those  as- 
perities which  so  long  existed  between  the  different  sections 
of  our  country.  The  mellowing  influence  of  time  has  soft- 
ened and  cleared  the  vision  of  us  all.  We  now  see  things 
clearly  where  once  we  could  not  see  at  all.  We  now  know 
that  good  people  are  the  same  everywhere;  that  no  sec- 
tion has  a  monopoly  of  patriotism  or  virtue ;  that  our  peo- 
ple, no  matter  whence  they  come,  are  flesh  of  one  flesh 
and  are  inspired  by  the  same  lofty  courage  and  noble  pur- 
pose. 

The  chastening  of  the  great  war  has  but  strengthened 
the  American  people  for  the  work  which  this  mighty  na- 
tion must  do  through  all  the  coming  ages,  for  the  advance- 
ment of  civilization,  and  the  uplifting  of  mankind.  No  hu- 
man perception  is  keen  enough  to  foresee  the  greatness  and 
splendor  which  will  surely  come  to  us  if  we  will  but  be  true 
to  the  fundamentals  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence 
which  constitute  the  basis  of  our  institutions.  It  is  given 
to  us,  in  the  providence  of  God,  to  solve  the  question,  long 
pondered  over  and  debated,  as  to  whether  the  people  are 
capable  of  governing  themselves.  If  those  whom  we  intrust 
with  official  power  are  honest  and  patriotic ;  if  they  recog- 
nize that  they  are  trustees  charged  with  grave  responsibili- 
ties, and  that  there  can  be  no  excess  of  devotion  to  public 
duty — the  republic  will  stand.  The  solution  of  the  problem 
rests  with  the  people  themselves,  and  they  cannot  be  too 
vigilant  and  persistent  in  exacting  from  their  public  serv- 

120 


ants  that  they  shall  measure  up  to  the  highest  standard- 
of  official  life.  We  of  the  South  cannot  escape  our  just 
share  of  the  responsibilities  of  the  future,  and  we  would 
not  do  so  if  we  could.  We  are  fast  passing  from  under  the 
cloud  of  suspicion  and  distrust  which  has  so  long  cast 
its  cruel  shadow  upon  us.  Southern  men  in  the  future  may 
iustly  aspire  to  the  highest  positions  of  public  office  and 
trust. 

Let  us  so  conduct  ourselves  that  we  may  win  anew  the 
sympathetic  confidence  of  all  the  people  of  this  great  re- 
public. Just  pride  in  the  splendid  deeds  of  the  Southern 
statesmen  of  the  past  should  stimulate  us  to  emulate  their 
example.  Prosperity  and  disorder  cannot  dwell  together. 
We  should,  therefore,  never  grow  weary  in  teaching  this 
great  and  essential  truth.  If  we  would  banish  disorder, 
we  must  reverentially  uphold  the  law.  It  is  far  better  that 
wrongdoing  should  go  un whipped  of  justice  through  the 
weakness  of  the  law  than  that  it  should  be  punished  through 
the  strength  of  lawlessness.  We  must  educate  our  children." 
Ignorance  is  the  everlasting  foe  to  progress,  and  we  should 
make  ceaseless  war  upon  it,  if  we  would  secure  for  them 
a  fair  measure  of  the  fruits  of  modern  enlightenment.  We 
must  not  forget  that  calm  judgment  and  conservative  ac- 
tion are  the  surest  safeguards  of  peace  and  safety,  for 
without  them,  we  cannot  expect  a  just  observance  of  the 
rights  and  privileges  of  all. 

In  conclusion  let  me  remind  you  that,  while  contending 
for  the  purity  of  the  motives  which  governed  our  efforts  to 
separate  ourselves  from  the  Union  in  1861,  we  must  not  fail 
to  concede  to  those  who  differed  from  us  the  same  loyal 
and  elevated  purpose  which  controlled  our  action. 

On  public  as  well  as  private  questions  men  have  always 
differed,  and  always  will  differ.  It  was  a  sad  misfortune 
that  the  controversies  between  the  two  sections  were  such 
that  they  could  not  be  settled  by  peaceful  methods.  Like 
ourselves,  our  brethren  of  the  North  gave  abundant  evidence 
of  the  sincerity  of  their  convictions  by  the  boundless  expen- 
diture of  blood  and  treasure  which  they  made  to  save  th^^ 
Union.  We  harbor  against  them  no  feeling  of  animosity  or 
resentment.  The  defeat  which  came  to  us  was  that  of 
brave  men,  by  brave  men,  and  for  it  we  reproach  neither 
ourselves  nor  them.  And  now  that  it  is  all  over  I  am  sure 
that  none  of  us  would  have  it  otherwise. 

The  South  is  far  happier,  and  will  be  far  greater,  than' 
it  could  have  been  if  it  had  succeeded  in  separating  its 
fortunes  from  those  of  the  Northern  States.  Aside  from 
the  fact  that  the  spirit  of  amity  now  diffuses  its  generous 
influence  over  the  whole  land,  the  Union  greatly  lessens 
the  burdens  of  government,  and  enlarges  the  opportunities 
for  the  peaceful  pursuits  of  private  life.     The  flag  of  the  na- 

121 


tioji  is  ours.  We  take  our  place  under  its  starry  folds,  and, 
whether  for  weal  or  woe,  will  follow  and  uphold  it  to  the 
end.  Let  us  now,  standing  by  the  grat^es  of  our  sainted 
dead,  pledge  to  these  reunited  States  the  same  passionate 
devotion  which  the  illustrious  statesmen  of  the  South  in  the 
early  days  gave  with  unstinted  measure  to  the  republic  as 
it  was  establisheu  by  the  fathers  . 

"THE  VICKSBURG  HERALD 
''A  COLORED  READERS  PRAISE  FOR  MR.  CATCHINGS' 

SPEECH 

"Bovina,  Miss.,  May  12,   1900. 
"Mr.  Editor: 

**Were  there  ever  braver  words  fell  from  the  lips  of  any 
American  statesman  for  more  than  three-quarters  of  a 
century?  Is  there  anywhere  written  in  all  the  history  of 
this  country  such  noble  sentiments,  freighted  with  the 
highest  purpose  of  truth  and  justice  to  mankind,  and  espe- 
cially of  the  whites  and  blacks  of  America?  No  man,  let 
him  be  Democrat  or  Republican,  black  or  white,  who  has 
ever  said  so  much  so  rightly  before.  Gen.  Catchings  is 
the  first  statesman  in  this  land  who  has  said  the  every 
thing  fully  and  truthfully.  He  is  ripe  with  varied  learn- 
ing and  experience.  He  is  able — particularly  able.  May 
he  live  long  to  bless  the  country  with  his  knowledge,  ex- 
perience and  counsel.  This  is  the  clearest  exposition  yet 
given  of  the  race  problem.  All  future  statesmen  must  fol- 
low in  the  wake  which  his  intellect  has  made  and  his  experi- 
ence has  f^und  to  be  true  and  impregnable. 

"A  Colored  Man." 

"House  of  Representatives,  U.  S. 
"Washington,  D.  C,  March  2,  1891. 

"Hon.  T.  C.  Catchings, 

"House  of  Representatives, 

"Dear  Friend  and  Colleague: 

"The  undersigned  have  been  charged  with  the  duty  and 
afforded  the  pleasure  of  transmitting  to  you  and  to  Hon. 
Lewis  E.  Payson,  the  accompanying  cases  of  silver,  as  a 
testimonial  of  the  regard  of  your  fellow  members  of  the 
House  of  Representatives  in  the  Fifty-first  Congress  and  of 
their  appreciation  of  the  valuable  service  rendered  them  by 
your  most  able  presentation  of  their  rights,  constitutional 
and  legal,  in  the  case  of  the  reimbursement  of  their  em- 
bezzled salaries. 

"On  behalf  of  our  associates  we  beg  your  acceptance  of 
these  tokens  of  esteem,  with  the   hope  that  in  years   to 

122 


HON.  THOMAS  CLENDINEN  CATCHINGS 

Vicksburpt,    Mississippi 
(Taken    in    Washington,    D.   C,   about   1886) 


€0me  they  may  serve  as  pleasant  reminders  of  those  with 
whom  you  were  associated  here. 

"Sincerely  yours, 

C.   A.    Boutelle, 
Benj.   Butterworth, 

Committee," 


"Gen.  T.  C.  Catchings, 

''A'^icksburg,  Miss. 

"Dear  General: 


'Columbus,  Miss.,  Aug-.  22,  1908. 


"I  have  just  returned  from  the  mountains  of  North  Caro- 
lina, where  I  met  Mr.  Wilcox,  Division  Counsel  for  the  Sea- 
board Air  Line,  for  South  Carolina.  In  one  of  several  con- 
versations with  Mr.  Wilcox,  who  staid  at  the  same  place 
that  I  did,  he  asked  me  if  I  knew  T.  C.  Catchings  of  Missis- 
sippi, and  when  I  told  him  of  our  friendship  and  relations 
in  the  law  department  of  the  railway,  he  seemed  very  much 
gratified  to  meet  a  man  who  knew  you  so  well,  and  one 
who  could  repeat  to  you  a  remark  made  to  him  on  his 
yacht,  by  Mr.  Grover  Cleveland,  a  few  months  before  his 
death.  He  and  Mr.  Cleveland  were  speaking  of  the  men 
of  the  South  whose  ability  and  character  entitled  them  to 
the  distinction  of  being  called  great  men,  by  so  great  a 
man  as  Mr.  Cleveland,  and  Mr.  Cleveland  said  that  T.  C. 
Catchings  of  Mississippi  was  in  his  opinion  the  biggest  man 
in  the  South  in  ability  and  character ;  and  that  White  of 
Louisiana  and  Turner  of  Georgia,  were,  in  order  named,  the 
next  greatest. 

It  gave  me  such  genuine  pleasure  to  get  this  in  ex  ca- 
thedra way,  that  I  hasten  to  repeat  it  to  you  with  any 
endorsement,  and  with  the  comment  that  Mr.  Wilcox  also 
seemed  gratified  to  be  able  to  get  this  to  you  directly 
through  me. 

"Affectionately  your  friend, 

"Z.  P.  Landrum.     " 
(Personal.) 


"HON.   THOMAS  C.    CATCHINGS 

of  Mississippi 

"American  Industries 

Gallery  of  Tariff  Reform 

"Tariff  reforms  will  not  be  settled  until  it  is  honestly 
and  fairly  settled  in  the  interest  and  to  the  benefit  of  a 
patient  and  long-suffering  people." — From  President  Cleve- 
land's letter  to  Mr.  Catchings,  Aug  27,  1894.  Executive 
Mansion. 

Being  a  zealous  advocate  for  gold,  Mr.  Catchings  declined 

123 


to  have  his  candidacy  announced  for  re-election,  when  the 
poHcy  for  free  silver  swept  over  the  country,  and  returned 
to  Vicksburg  and  resumed  his  law  practice. 

"As  an  indication  of  his  relations  with  the  Democratic 
Administration,  it  is  only  necessary  to  point  to  the  fact 
that  Mr.  Cleveland  made  General  Catchings  the  vehicle 
through  which  to  present  his  last  letter  to  the  people." 
Copied  from  Industrial  American. 

"The  following  very  truthful  and  just  tribute  to  General 
Catchings  was  written  by  Camp  Clark,  correspondent  of  the 
St.  Louis  Republic  in  his  column  on  eminent  men  of  today. 

"Few  names  appear  in  the  papers  more  favorably  as  mem- 
bers, than  that  of  Gen.  T.  C.  Catchings  of  Vicksburg,  Miss. 
His  chief  characteristics  are  courage,  coolness,  fidelity,  in- 
dustry, affability,  and  persistency  of  purpose.  He  is  a 
clear  headed,  clear  visioned  man.  As  a  speaker  he  is  strong, 
plain  and  unadorned.  He  is  very  helpful  to  young  members. 
I  am  proud  of  his  friendship.  In  the  last  Congress  he 
was  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Levees,  of  the  Commit- 
tee on  Rivers  and  Harbors,  and  member  of  the  Committee 
on  Rules.  In  the  last  capacity  he  was  speaker  Crisp's 
right  hand  m.an  on  the  floor  and  the  participant  in  many 
exciting  performances.  Nothing  short  of  an  earthquake 
would  perturb  him."  The  Greenville  Times,  Miss.,  April 
15,  1896. 

CHILDREN  OF  JOHN  R.  BAIRD  AND  N.  C.  CATCHINGS 
Twin  sons  of  J.  R.  and  N.  C.  Baird,  born  Oct.  22,  1868; 
one  of  the  twins  died  Oct.  22nd  and  the  other  Oct.  23, 
1868,  buried  in  the  cemetery  at  Brandon,  Miss.,  Dr.  H.  C. 
McLaurin's  lot. 

352.  Thomas  Catchings  Baird  (350),  b.  in  Sunflower  Co., 
Miss.,  Aug.  4,  1872,  d.  March  8,  1916,  interred  in  Friend- 
ship Cemetery,  Columbus,  Miss.,  by  Rev.  W.  S.  Slack,  and 
from  St.  Paul  s  church.  He  was  educated  at  home  by  his 
mother,  then  one  year  by  a  private  tutor  and  a  private  gov- 
erness, also  one  year.  Sept.  2,  1887,  he  entered  the  Vir- 
ginia Military  Institute,  Lexington,  Va.,  where  he  spent 
four  years,  graduating  in  June,  1891.  He  received  the 
speakership  medal.  He  studied  law  at  Yale  in  the  winter 
of  1891-1892,  and  took  one  year  in  medicine  at  Sewanee, 
Tenn.,  graduating  from  the  Atlanta  Medical  College  in 
1896.  In  1898  he  enlisted  in  the  Ben  Humphries  Rifles, 
Greenwood,  Miss.,  and  remained  with  this  company  a 
month  at  Jackson,  Miss.,  was  then  appointed  second  lieu- 
tenant Company  D,  Capt.  Taylor,  Fifth  U.  S.  Inf.,  Colonel 
Sargeant's  regiment.  On  leaving  America  for  Cuba,  he 
was  detailed  by  Col.  Sergeant  as  Assistant  Surgeon,  and 
was  very  expert  in  treating  yellow  fever  and  other  diseases 
in  Cuba.  He  was  baptized  and  confirmed  by  Rt.  Rev.  W.  M. 
Green,  in  1881,  in  St.  Paul's  Church,  Johnsonville,  Miss.    On 

124 


Oct.  4,  1900,  he  married  Miss  Elvira  Greenwood  Terrell, 
daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Henry  Clay  Terrell,  Qiiincy,  Miss., 
a  tall,  stately,  handsome  blonde.  Rev.  Arthur  Price  of  St. 
Paul's  Church,  Aberdeen,  Miss.,  performed  the  ceremony. 
An  assembly  of  relatives,  the  elaborate  decorations  of 
flowers  and  evergreens,  the  delicious  refreshments,  music, 
etc.,  made  this  a  most  elegant  home  wedding.  T.  C.  Baird 
and  bride  left  for  New  York,  where  they  spent  a  month, 
and  visited  other  points  of  interest. 

The  brightness  of  his  intellect,  and  his  literary  acquire- 
ments were  wonderful.  He  was  lieutenant  in  the  Corps  Ca- 
dets while  in  the  first  class.  He  was  a  lovely,  fascinating  boy 
and  man,  binding  others  to  him  in  lasting  friendship,  by  his 
unexcelled  charm  of  manner.  His  musical  talents  were 
unusual,  with  a  rich,  melodious  voice,  played  "his  own  accom- 
paniments often  upon  the  piano,  and  was  skilled  upon  the 
guitar.  A  main  attraction  was  his  fine  accomplishment 
as  a  reader,  and  others  circled  around  him  to  listen  to  his 
exquisite  rendition  of  select  books.  Dickens  and  Kipling 
were  two  of  his  favorite  authors,  and  in  reading  he  por- 
trayed the  perfect  accent  of  the  different  characters,  thus 
adding  to  the  interest  of  them. 

Much  pleasure  was  derived  by  him,  family  and  friends, 
by  lovely  trips  upon  the  Sunflower  River  and  lakes  in  his 
motorboat,  and  upon  fishing  excursions.  He  was  also  fond 
of  hunting  parties,  for  wild  game. 

From  infancy  he  was  a  pet  of  his  grandfather  Catchings, 
who  delighted  in  his  rare  intellect  and  enjoyable  compan- 
ionship as  a  child.  They  took  long  walks  together,  read 
each  to  the  other  and  engaged  in  conversation  upon  varied 
subject.  T.  C.  B.  was  also  accomplished  in  the  ball  room 
and  danced  elegantly — a  polished  gentleman.  "Requiescat 
in  pace,"  dear  one. 

Those  who  sang  in  the  choir,  at  the  funeral  of  Dr.  T.  C. 
Baird  were  Mrs.  Anna  Richards  Woodward,  Mrs.  Wm.  Brad- 
ley ;  Mrs.  Jos.  Peacher,  Miss  Margarett  Rhett ;  Messrs.  Davis 
Patty  and  Ira  S.  Gaston.  The  songs  were  "Lead  Kindly 
Light,"  and  "Nunc  Dimitis."  Organist  was  Mrs.  Rosalie 
Rhett.  The  pallbearers  were,  Messrs.  Wiley  Banks,  Reuben 
Banks,  James  Carr,  Jr.,  Rupert  Richards,  Cary  Cocke,  Jack 
Morgan.  Drs.  Dean  and  Wm.  Richards.  The  flower  com- 
mittee were  Misses  Anna  Banks,  Winona  Poindexter,  Craw- 
ford and  Mrs.  Wm.  E.  Richards,  Many  elaborate  and  taste- 
fully arranged  floral  tributes  were  sent  by  friends  and  rela- 
tives. The  casket  and  grave  were  so  heaped  with  them, 
that  several  were  placed  upon  the  graves  of  his  mother  and 
little  son,  Thomas.  Dr.  T.  C.  Baird  was  of  the  Anglo-Saxon 
type,  with  fair  skin,  grey-blue  eyes  and  auburn  hair;  curly 
"waves.     His  eyes  had  a  merry,  intelligent  twinkle. 

125 


"OBITUARY.     MARCH  12,  1916 

"The  funeral  of  Dr.  Thomas  Catchings  Baird  was  held 
from  St.  Paul's  Episcopal  Church,  Thursday  morning-  at 
10:30  o'clock. 

"Dr.  Baird,  the  eldest  son  of  John  R.  Baird  and  Nancy 
Clendinen  Catchings  his,  wife,  was  born  August  4,  1872,  in 
Sunflower  Co.  He  was  a  man  of  unusual  intellect  and  bril- 
liant accomplishments.  Dr.  Baird  was  a  graduate  of  the 
Virginia  Military  Institute  in  1891,  and  afterwards  took  a 
law  course  at  Yale  University.  Later  he  took  one  year  at 
the  medical  college  of  the  University  of  the  South,  Sewanee, 
Tenn.,  and  graduated  with  honors  from  the  Atlanta  Medical 
College,  continuing  in  New  York  City  in  a  post  graduate 
course  on  the  Eye,  Ear,  Nose  and  Throat,  was  also  an  in- 
terne in  a  large  hospital  in  New  York, 

"Dr.  Baird  was  an  officer  in  the  Spanish-American  War, 
and  served  in  the  medical  corps  under  Gen.  Wood.  After 
this  war,  he  continued  the  practice  of  the  medical  profes- 
sion at  Baird,  Miss.,  his  home.  He  was  married  to  Miss 
Elvira  Greenwood  Terrell  of  Quincy,  Miss.,  Oct.  4,  1900. 

He  was  esteemed  and  loved  by  all  who  knew  him  for 
his  sterling  integrity  and  charming  personality. 

After  a  lingering  illness,  he  died  March  8,  1916. 

"His  father,  a  brother,  wife  and  three  daughters  survive 
him. 

"From  The  Commercial,  Columbus,  Miss." 

LINES  ENCLOSED  IN  A  LETTER  TO  HER  SON  JAMES 

C.  BAIRD,  BY  HIS  MOTHER,  NANNIE  C.  BAIRD, 

1889,  WHILE  AT  SCHOOL  IN  OXFORD,  MISS., 

AT  MRS.  C.  A.  LANCASTER'S 

"Jesus,  tender  Shepherd,  hear  me. 

Bless  Thy  little  lamb  tonight. 
Thro'  the  darkness,  be  thou  near  me. 

Watch  my  sleep  till  morning  light. 

All  this  day,  thy  hand  has  led  me. 

And  I  thank  thee  for  thy  care. 
Thou  hast  clothed  me,  fed  and  warmed  me. 

Listen  to  my  evening  prayer. 

Let  my  sins  be  all  forgiven, 

Bless  the  friends  I  love  so  well, 
Take  me  when  I  die  to  Heaven, 

Happy  there  with  thee  to  dwell." 

353.  James  Catchings  Baird  (350),  b.  November  12,  1877, 
in  his  father's  home.  Sunflower  County,  Miss.,  on  the  site  of 
J.  C.  Baird's  present  home,  "Riverview."  He  was  educated 
at  Mrs.  C.  A.  Lancaster's  School.  Oxford,  Miss.,  having  pre- 
viously gone  one  year  to  a  governess,  Miss  Mattie  Blount 

126 


of  Clinton,  Miss.,  and  to  a  private  tutor,  Mr.  R.  E.  L.  Tallis, 
of  St.  Joseph's,  La.  His  brother,  T.  C.  Baird,  also  was 
taught  by  these  at  the  same  time  in  a  room  in  their  parent's 
home,  Johnsonville,  Miss. 

J.  C.  Baird  entered  the  private  school  of  Mrs.  C.  A.  Lan- 
caster in  Oxford,  Miss.,  in  the  fall  of  1885,  his  mother 
boarding  in  the  school  with  him,  which  was  known  as  tha 
"Warren  Academy."  In  1888  and  1889  his  aunt,  Mrs.  Tor- 
re3%  boarded  with  him,  also  his  grandmother,  Mrs.  Catch- 
ings.  In  1890  he  attended  the  .school  in  Greenville,  Miss., 
of  Mr.  Bass,  his  mother  boarding  in  the  town  with  him.. 
The  two  succeeding  years  he  spent  at  Mrs.  Lancaster's 
school  in  Oxford.  When  16  years  of  age  he  attended  the 
University  of  the  South,  Sewanee,  Tennessee,  one  year, 
and  three  years  at  the  V.  M.  I..  Lexington,  Va.,  gradu- 
ating June  26,  1897,  as  valedictorian  of  his  class.  He  was 
president  of  the  Dialectic  Society  and  received  the  speaker- 
ship medal.  During  the  same  summer  he  took  a  course  in 
bookkeeping  at  Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y.  Was  a  tall,  stout,  mus- 
cular boy,  and  handsom.e,  with  pleasing  address.  He  was 
baptized  by  Rt.  Rev.  W.  M.  Green  in  1881  in  St.  Paul's 
church,  Johnsonville,  and  confirmed  by  Rt.  Rev.  Hugh  Miller 
Thompson,  in  1890,  in  St.  Peter's  Church,  Oxford,  Miss.  On 
July  30,  1902,  he  m.  Miss  Mary  Elizabeth  Long,  daughter 
of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  H.  C.  Long,  of  Memphis,  Tenn.,  in  St. 
Mary's  Cathedral.  Bishop  Thos.  F.  Gailor  officiated,  as- 
sisted by  Rev.  Chas.  Craik  Morris.  After  a  reception  and 
lovely  refreshments  at  the  residence,  Mr,  and  Mrs.  Baird 
left  for  a  trip  to  New  Orleans.  She  is  a  beautiful  woman, 
full  of  life  and  ambitious.  Her  hair,  eyes  and  complexion 
are  indescribably  lovely.  He  has  since  manhood  been  a. 
large,  successful  planter.     Home,  Baird,  Miss. 

CHILDREN  OF  T.  C.  BAIRD  AND  E.  G,  TERRELL 
354.  Dorothy  Terrell  Baird  (352),  b.  at  the  home  of  her 
grandparents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  R.  Baird,  at  Baird,  Miss. 

Dorothy  Terrell  Baird  was  confirmed  in  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Columbus,  Miss.,  by  Rt.  Rev.  T.  D.  Bratton,  on  April  15, 
1915.  Was  presented  by  Rev.  Wm.  S.  Slack,  the  rector. 
She  has  held  in  the  arms  of  her  cousin,  Miss  Anna  J.  Long, 
v/hen  baptized,  and  toyed  with  the  gold  watch  chain  around 
her  cousin's  neck,  baptized  by  Rev.  Chas.  Hinton,  rector  of 
the  Church  of  the  Nativity,  Greenwood,  Miss.,  in  the  hom.3 
of  her  grandparents,  at  Baird,  Feb.,  1902.  Sponsors,  Mrs, 
Mary  Long  Baird,  Mrs.  Lilla  Franklin  Pratt,  Miss  Anita 
Ten-ell,  and  James  Baird,  Sr.  She  was  educated  at  the 
Industrial  Institute  and  College,  Columbus,  Miss.,  and 
Sophie  Newcombe  College,  New  Orleans,  La.,  1918-1919. 
Has  a  bright  intellect  and  is  literaiy ;  a  fine  musician,  a 
charming  girl ;  graduated  from  Sophie  Newcombe,  June  8» 
1921. 

127 


355.  Nancy  Clendinen  Baird  (352),  b.  at  the  home  of  her 
grandparents,  Mr,  and  Mrs.  J.  R.  Baird,  Baird,  Miss.  She 
was  baptized  by  Bishop  T.  D.  Bratton  in  St.  Pauls  Chapel, 
Baird,  Miss.,  Dec.  11,  1903.  Sponsors,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  0.  W. 
Catchings  and  Miss  Beverly  Price.  She  was  confirmed  by 
Rt.  Rev.  T.  D.  Bratton,  April  15,  1915,  in  St.  Paul's  Church, 
Columbus,  Miss,,  and  was  presented  by  Rev.  Wm.  S.  Slack, 
the  rector.  She  is  very  beautiful  and  popular;  affectionate 
and  demonstrative  to  friends  and  relatives.  At  her  bap- 
,tism,  when  Bishop  Bratton  signed  her  with  the  sign  of  the 
cross  she  laid  her  head  upon  his  shoulder.  She  and  sister, 
when  little  girls,  were  expert  horseback  riders.  Their 
grandfather  Baird  gave  them  a  pony  he  called  Orlando,  after 
Mr.  Crittendon,  of  Greenville,  from  whom  he  bought  it. 
She  graduated  from  Stephen  D,  Lee  High  School,  Colum- 
bus, Miss.,  May  22,  1920  and  entered  the  I.  I.  College  that 
city  the  same  year.     Her  mother's  home  is  in  Columbus. 

356.  Thomas  Catchings  Baird,  Jr.  (352),  b.  Nov.  19,  1905, 
in  the  home  of  his  parents,  Baird,  Miss.,  baptized  by  Arch- 
Deacon  R.  E.  L.  Craig  in  their  home.  Sponsors,  his  uncle 
Harry  Terrell  and  his  great-uncle  Jos.  B,  Baird  and  wife. 
Sue  E.  Baird.  He  d.  May  26,  1911,  in  the  home  of  his 
grandparents,  at  Baird.  Buried  in  Columbus,  Miss.,  in  the 
family  lot,  Friendship  Cemetery.  Pallbearers,  J.  W.  Carr, 
Henry  Sherrod,  Leighton  Lide  and  It^uben  O.  Banks.  A 
few  days  before  little  Thomas  died  he  gathered  a  handful 
of  lilies  and  placed  them  on  the  table  at  his  plate  at  supper. 
Since  then  we  associate  him  with  these  beautiful  flowers. 
He  was  over  four  feet  in  height  and  had  a  faultless  figure, 
hands  and  feet.  His  grandmother  Baird  had  begun  to 
teach  him  to  spell  and  read.  He  was  remarkably  quick 
and  intelligent,  full  of  affection  and  love  for  all.  He  bore 
himself  like  a  little  prince. 

The  ladies  of  the  choir  who  sang  at  the  funeral  of  T.  C. 
Baird,  Jr.,  in  St.  Paul's  Church,  Columbus,  Miss.,  were  Miss 
Carolyn  Hamilton  and  Mesdames  Mayo  and  Annie  Richards 
Woodward.  Rev.  Dr.  W.  E.  Dakin  conducted  the  services 
in  the  church  and  at  the  grave.  Mr.  Ed.  Hopkins  handed 
the  first  dirt  to  be  thrown  into  the  grave  to  Mr.  Dakin. 
The  ladies  who  adjusted  the  floral  tributes  upon  the  grave 
were  Mrs.  A.  B.  Woodward,  Misses  Beverly  Price,  Lyda 
Carr,  Anna  Banks  and  Augusta  Sykes.  After  his  death  his 
father  would  sing  one  of  his  favorite  songs,  "Goodbye" 
when  tears  would  roll  down  his  cheeks. 

357.  Anna  Hamilton  Baird  (352),  b.  at  the  home  of  her 
grandparents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  H,  C,  Terrell,  West  Point,  Miss., 
baptized  by  Arch-deacon  R.  L.  Craig  in  the  parlor  of  her 
parents,  in  Baird,  Miss.  Sponsors,  her  great  uncle,  Wm.  B. 
Hamilton ;  cousins.  Miss  Lucy  Young  and  Miss  Anna  J. 
Ifong.     Her  mind  is  wonderful  and  unusual  in  quick  concep- 

128 


tions  and  is  remarkable  in  music.  Having  been  born  on 
"St.  Patrick's  Day,  in  the  morning,"  her  father  often  called 
her  "Colleen  Baun."  She  attends  the  schools  in  Columbus, 
Miss. 

CHILDREN  OF  J.  C.  BAIRD  AND  M.  E.  LONG 

358.  John  Rupert  Baird,  H  (353),  b.  June  28,  1903,  Sun- 
day, 9:39  A.  M.,  at  Riverview,  Sunflower  Co.,  his  father's 
home,  near  Baird,  Miss.,  and  was  baptized  January  3,  1904, 
by  Rt.  Rev.  Thomas  F.  Gailor,  at  the  home  of  his  grand- 
parents in  Memphis,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  H.  C.  Long.  Sponsors, 
Capt.  W.  R.  Dashiell,  Gen.  T.  C.  Catchings,  Misses  Susie 
and  Anna  J.  Long.  He  was  confirmed  Jan.  25,  1916,  by 
Rt.  Rev.  T.  D.  Bratton  in  St.  Stephen's  Episcopal  Church, 
Indianola,  Miss. ;  was  presented  by  Rev.  Wm.  D.  Bratton, 
the  rector,  son  of  the  Bishop. 

359.  James  Catchings  Baird,  Jr.  (353),  b.  9:15  A.  M., 
Sept.  12,  1904,  at  Riverview,  near  Baird,  the  home  of  his 
parents,  baptized  by  Archdeacon  R.  E,  L.  Craig,  May  24, 
1905,  in  the  home  of  his  grandparents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  R. 
Baird,  Baird,  Miss.  Sponsors,  A.  Ham^ilton  Long,  Dr.  and 
Mrs.  T.  C.  Baird,  Mrs.  M.  C.  Torrey.  He  was  confinned 
25th  January,  1916,  by  Rt.  Rev.  T.  D.  Bratton,  in  St. 
Stephens  Episcopal  Church,  Indianola,  Miss.  Presented  by 
Rev.  Wm.  D.  Bratton  for  confirmation. 

360.  Henry  Long  Baird  (353),  b.  at  Riverview,  the  home 
of  his  parents,  near  Baird,  Nov.  30,  1906 ;  baptized  by  Rt. 
Rev.  T.  D.  Bratton,  at  Riverview,  Dec.  20,  1908.  Sponsors, 
J.  W.  Eldridge,  W.  B.  Hamilton,  Misses  Anita  Terrell  and 
Annie  Baird.  H.  L.  Baird  was  confirmed  June  8,  1919,  in 
St.  Stephens  Church,  Indianola,  by  Rt.  Rev.  Wm.  M.  Green, 
and  was  presented  by  Rev.  L.  H,  G.  Williams,  the  rector. 
Henry  won  the  gold  medal  at  a  manual  of  arms  contest  at 
the  Greenville  Military  Academy  in  1918.  An  army  officer 
drilled  the  students.  In  1919  he  was  line  sergeant  at  Cul- 
ver Military  Academy  and  graduated  as  a  Woodcrafter, 
after  receiving  all  medals.  In  the  autumn  of  1919,  he  was 
left  guide  for  Co.  B.  at  the  G.  M.  Academy,  Greenville, 
Miss. 

J.  R.  Baird,  J.  C.  Baird  and  H.  L.  Baird  were  educated 
by  governesses  at  home  for  five  years  before  entering  the 
Greenville  Military  Academy,  Sept.,  1915,  and  have  attended 
the  summer  school  at  Culver,  Indiana,  beginning  in  1916, 
as  Woodcrafters.  In  1918,  J.  R.  Baird  went  into  the  Cav- 
alry there.  In  1919  he  rode  as  bugler,  just  behind  the 
officers  at  dress  parade,  graduated  May  28,  1920,  G.  M.  A. 

J.  C.  Baird  also  graduated  as  a  Woodcrafter  at  Culver  in 
1919,  and  was  top  sergeant.  At  the  G.  M.  A.,  in  Greenville, 
Miss.,  Sept.,  1919,  he  was  made  second  lieutenant  of  Co.  A. 
In  1918,  J.  C.  Baird  was  editor  of  the  Tiro,  a  paper  pub- 
lished by  the  students,  and  was  vice-president  of  his  class 

129 


at  G.  M.  A. ;  is  president  of  his  class  in  1919.  Valedictorian, 
May  28,  1920,  G.  M.  A. 

In  1910  J.  R.  Baird  was  captain  of  Co.  B.  at  G.  M.  A. ;  is 
an  expert  on  the  football  team.  Mrs.  Emily  Love  Jones,  of 
Memphis,  Tenn.,  was  their  first  governess  and  for  three 
years.  Miss  Irene  Holloway,  of  Oxford,  succeeded  her  for 
two  years,  and  Miss  Dorothy  Nield,  of  Vicksburg,  for  one 
year. 

J.  R.,  J.  C,  and  H.  L.  Baird  were  at  Culver,  1920,  the  fifth 
summer.  J.  R.  Baird  was  2nd  Lt.  Cavalry,  J.  C.  Baird  was 
in  the  artillery,  and  Henry  was  Quarterm.aster  Sergeant  as  a 
Woodcrafter.  Sept.,  1920,  J.  R.  and  J.  C.  Baird  entered 
the  Virginia  Military  Institute,  Lexington,  Va.,  and  Henry 
entered  "Baylor's  School,"  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  military. 
Made  an  Eagle  Scout,  1921.  Dr.  Baylor  is  a  Virginian  and 
a  graduate  from  the  University  of  Virginia. 

CULVER  CATALOGUE  1920 
Winners  of  Medals  and  Honors 

Page  20.  "Jno.  Rupert  Baird,  winn&f^  of  125  to  135  lbs. 
class  wrestling."  Was  made  corporal  June,  1921,  of  the 
fourth  class  of  V.  M.  I. 

Page  28.     "James  Catchings  Baird,  distinguished  cadet." 

"Aunt  Hester,'*  a  greatly  honored  and  revered  servant 
of  their  mother's  family,  was  their  nurse  and  "black 
mammy"  (and  of  the  Long  family)  faithful  and  true  'till  her 
death  in  Boston,  Mass.,  where  she  was  nurse  for  the  chil- 
dren of  Mrs.  Maj.  Gen.  B.  B.  Buck  (nee  Susie  A.  Long,  sister 
of  Mrs.  J.  C.  Baird.)  She  was  interred  in  Memphis,  Tenn., 
with  all  of  the  family  of  Mr.  Long  present  at  the  burial. 

"Riverview,"  the  home  of  the  boys'  parents,  is  on  the 
Sunflower  River,  and  they  enjoy  boating,  swimming  and 
fishing;  also  hunting,  ball  playing,  etc.  Rupert's  pony 
"Peter  Pan"  was  given  him  by  his  grandfather  Baird. 

CHILDREN  OF  T.  C.  CATCHINGS  AND  F.  0.  SHEARER 
361.  Thomas  Catchings,  Jr.  (351),  b.  March  6,  1871,  in 
Raymond,  Miss.,  in  the  home  of  his  grandparents,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Oliver  Shearer,  d.  July  28,  1898,  at  Pablo  Beach,  20 
miles  from  Jacksonville,  Florida,  to  which  resort  he  had 
gone  on  a  sick  leave.  He  ranked  as  Captain  on  General  A.  S. 
Burt's  staff  in  the  Spanish-American  war,  ana  was  chief 
of  commissaries,  acting  as  paymaster.  A  military  escort 
followed  his  remains  to  the  train  and  in  the  procession  his 
horse  was  led.  He  is  interred  in  the  city  cemetery  of  Vicks- 
burg. Services  were  conducted  in  Holy  Trinity  (Church  and 
at  the  grave  by  Rev.  Dr.  Henry  Sansom.  The  church  choir 
sang  "Lead,  Kindly  Light,"  and  "Abide  With  Me."  The 
pall-bearers  were,  his  playmates  when  a  child,  Percy  Cowan, 
E.  C.  Carroll,  Jr.,  W.  A.  Luckett,  Alex.  Fitzhugh,  Harris 
Dickson,  L.  M.  Nicholson,  Walton  Floweree  and  A.  G.  Rus- 

130 


sell.  The  casket  and  grave  were  covered  with  lovely  floral 
tributes  from  friends.  Amidst  these  lay  his  sword,  belt, 
cap  and  spurs,  all  that  remained  to  remind  loved  ones  of 
his  late  occupation.  He  was  educated  at  Bellevue  High 
School,  near  Lynchburg,  Va.,  Rev.  Dr.  Abbott,  principal ;  St. 
John's  Episcopal  High  School,  Alexandria,  Va.,  and  at  the 
University  of  Virginia.  He  studied  law,  but  was  for  several 
years  v.'ith  the  U.S.  Geological  Survey,  in  the  different 
States.  He  was  universally  informed  and  read  German  and 
French  as  readily  as  English.  He  was  baptized  in  St.  Luke's 
Episcopal  Church,  Brandon,  Miss.,  by  Rev.  Duncan  C. 
Green,  in  1871,  son  of  Rt.  Rev.  Wm.  M.  Green.  His  disposi- 
tion was  affectionate  and  generous.  Physically  he  was  very 
handsome.  Grief-stricken  hearts  mourned  his  early  death. 
His  brigade  was  in  Gen.  Fitzhugh  Lee's  Seventh  Army 
Corps. 

"THE  FLORIDA  TIMES  UNION  &  CITIZEN,  JULY  29, 

1898 
"*  *  *  Capt.  T.  C.  Catchings  of  the  staff  of  Gen.  A.  S.  Burt, 
Commanding  the  First  Division,  died  at  Pablo  Beach  yevS- 
terday  morning  after  an  illness  of  two  weeks.  *  *  *  The 
remains  will  be  sent  this  morning  to  his  former  home  at 
Vicksburg,  Miss.  Captain  Catchings  was  appointed  chief 
commissary  on  General  Burt's  staff  from  civil  life.  He  was 
a  great  favorite  among  his  fellow  officers,  who  deeply  de- 
plore his  untimely  death." 

"THE  METROPOLIS,  JACKSONVILLE,  FLA.,  JULY  29, 
1898.  FRIDAY 
"  *  *  *  The  remains  of  Capt.  T.  C.  Catchings,  chief  quar- 
termaster on  General  Burt's  staff,  and  of  the  First  Brigade, 
who  died  at  Pablo  Beach  yesterday  morning,  were  shipped 
to  Vicksburg,  Miss.,  this  morning  at  7 :30  o'clock.  The  body 
Avas  escorted  to  the  depot  by  General  Burt  and  his  staff, 
who  were  m.ounted,  and  also  by  Company  F,  Second  Illinois 
Regt.  The  dead  officer's  horse  was  led  in  the  procession 
and  the  scene  was  a  very  touching  one.  Hon.  T.  C.  Catch- 
ings, father  of  the  deceased,  arrived  in  the  city  yesterday, 
shortly  after  his  son's  death  and  accompanied  thv  remains 
to  Vicksburg,  today." 

"THE  SUNFLOWER  TOCSIN,  MISS.,  AUG.  4,  1898 
"*  *  *  T.  C.  Catchings  was  among  the  first  who  responded 
to  his  country's  call.     His  death  while  awaiting  for  active 
service  was  not  less  glorious  than  that  of  the  soldier  who 
died  on  the  batlefield.  *  *  *  We  honor  his  memory." 

"THE  PROGRESS,  CLEVELAND,  MISS.,  JULY  28,  1898 
"The  many  friends  of  Hon.  T.  C.  Catchings  in  this  vicinity 
greatly  sympathize  with  him  in  the  loss  of  his  son,  the  gal- 
lant Captain  T.  C.  Catchings.     The  father  is  now  serving 

131 


his  country  in  the  halls  of  Congress  and  the  son  died  that 
noblest  of  all  deaths,  as  a  soldier  in  the  service  of  his  coun- 
try." 

"VICKSBURG  HERALD.  1898,  AUG.  1 
"Capt.  T.  C.  Catchings  was  quite  sick  more  than  a  month 
ago,  but  had  recovered  and  returned  to  his  duty.  Still  weak, 
certain  services  under  the  hot  sun  overtaxed  his  strength 
and  brought  on  a  return  of  illness.  He  obtained  a  short 
sick  leave,  and  went  to  a  quiet  resort  20  miles  from  Jack- 
sonville, Fla.,  ten  days  before  his  death.  During  this  period 
his  letters  to  his  father  and  mother  gave  no  occasion  what- 
ever for  apprehension.  Sergeant  McKnight,  an  experienced 
physician  was  with  Capt.  Catchings  during  his  entire  ill- 
ness. He  was  attended  and  prescribed  for  before  leaving 
camp  by  Surgeon  Lee,  of  Gen.  Lee's  staff,  a  classmate  at 
the  University  of  Va.  of  Mr.  Oliver  Catchings,  brother  of 
Capt.  Catchings,  and  a  grandson  of  Gen.  R.  E.  Lee.  There 
was  with  him  also  his  official  clerk  and  friend,  Mr.  Willis 
Bolls.  Excellent  attention  and  the  tone  of  letters  from 
himself  and  Mr.  Bolls,  prevented  his  father  and  mother 
from  alarm  or  concern.  Mrs.  Catchings,  his  mother,  was 
at  Narragansett  Pier  for  her  health  when  the  sorrowful 
news  reached  her. 

"Mr.  Catchings,  who  left  here  on  Tuesday  last,  arrived 
at  Jacksonville  on  Wednesday  night.  He  expected  to  meet 
his  son  there,  as  his  leave  expired  on  that  day.  Meeting 
Gen.  Lee  the  next  morning  he  told  him  of  the  object  of 
his  visit,  and  that  he  would  ask  an  extension  of  his  son's 
leave.  After  receiving  the  kindest  assurances  on  this  point, 
Mr.  Catchings  went  to  get  a  carriage  to  drive  out  to  camp, 
before  train  time  for  the  place  where  his  son  was  sick.  Gen. 
Lee,  having  heard  in  the  meantime  that  he  had  died,  over- 
took Mr.  Catchings,  and  prepared  him  for  the  worst.  Upon 
reaching  the  headquarters  of  Gen.  Burt,  to  whose  military 
family  Capt.  Catchings  belonged,  his  father  learned  that  he 
had  died  that  morning.  The  General  ar«l  his  staff  accom- 
panied him  to  the  place  of  his  son's  death,  rendering  all 
the  assistance  and  comfort  that  sympathy  and  the  fondest 
regard  for  their  companion  could  suggest.  They,  with  a 
number  of  the  officers  of  the  Second  Mississippi,  and  a  detail 
of  150  men,  formed  a  guard  of  honor  to  the  train,  when  Mr. 
Catchings  started  on  his  journey  home  with  all  that  was 
mortal  of  his  deceased  son. 

On  the  last  morning  of  his  life,  Capt.  Catchings  was  so 
well  that  his  friend  and  attendant,  Mr.  Bolls,  had  no  hesi- 
tancy in  leaving  him  to  go  to  Jacksonville  for  the  day.  Vis- 
iting him  shortly  after  8  A.  M.,  Dr.  McKnight  found  his 
patient  doing  well  and  cheerful.  Giving  him  a  glass  of  wa- 
ter, there  was  a  gasping  sound,  and  then  death  from  heart 
failure,  which  came  suddenly  and  unheralded." 

132 


"  *  *  *  Few  families  have  experienced  a  more  severe  af- 
fliction than  that  which  befell  General  Catchings  and  his 
wife  in  the  comparatively  sudden  and  almost  entirely  unex- 
pected death  of  their  oldest  son,  who  was  an  admirable 
young  man,  full  of  high  hopes  and  worthy  ambition  and 
with  a  bright  future  before  him.  *  *  *  The  bell  at  the  Court 
House  and  those  of  several  engine  houses  were  solemnly 
tolled  in  respect  to  the  deceased  young  man,  *  *  *Mrs.  Catch- 
ings, mother  of  the  deceased  and  her  son,  Oliver,  arrived 
on  the  A.  &  V.  train  in  time  for  the  funeral.  Mrs.  Torrey 
of  Sunflower  Co.,  a  sister  of  Gen.  Catchings;  Mrs.  James 
Baird  and  Lieutenant  Catchings  Baird  of  the  5th  U.  S.  Vol- 
unteers were  also  in  attendance. 

"The  Vicksburg  Evening  Post,  Aug.  1,  1898." 
"The  Bolivar  Democrat,  Miss.,"  "The  Clarion-Ledger, 
Jackson,  Miss.,"  "The  Delta  Flag,  of  Greenwood,  Miss.," 
"The  Washington  Post  of  Washington,  D.  C,"  "The  Bos- 
ton, Mass.,"  and  other  northern  papers ;  "The  Daily  Dem.o- 
crat,  Natchez,  Miss.,"  "The  Vicksburg  Dispatch,"  "The 
Greenville  Times,"  and  others  gave  beautiful  notices  of 
sympathy  in  the  death  of  Capt.  T.  C.  Catchings.  He  was 
apointed  by  President  McKinley  as  paymaster  with  the  rank 
of  Captain  and  assigned  to  duty  under  Gen.  Fitzhugh  Lee 
at  Jacksonville,  Fla." 

T.  C.  Catchings,  Jr.,  was  a  perfect  blonde,  with  fair  com- 
plexion, strong,  intellectual  gray  eyes  and  auburn  hair.  He 
was  a  very  beautiful  child,  with  long  curls.  At  three,  these 
were  cut.  When  the  nurse  took  him  to  walk,  he  exclaimed 
to  those  he  met,  "I  am  three  years  old  today,"  and  pointed 
to  his  short  hair  as  an  indication  of  this  advanced  age ;  had 
a  host  of  friends  always. 

362.  Oliver  Whitehead  Catchings  (351),  b.  in  Vicksburg, 
Miss.,  Sept.  20,  1872,  d.  June  14,  1916,  interred  in  city  cem- 
etery, Vicksburg.  Rev.  Dr.  Johns,  of  Holy  Trinity  Church, 
officiated  in  the  church  and  at  the  grave.  He  was  educated 
in  the  public  schools,  Washington,  D.  C,  St.  Johns  Episco- 
pal High  School,  Alexandria,  Va.,  and  the  University  of 
Virginia.  He  was  captain  of  the  football  team  at  the  Uni- 
versity, an  honor  then  valued  by  the  students.  He  gradu- 
ated in  law  from  the  University,  and  practiced  his  profes- 
sion first  in  Washington,  D.  C,  and  afterwards  in  Vicksburg, 
with  his  father.  He  was  baptized  in  infancy  in  Vicksburg 
by  Bishop  Adams  and  was  confirmed  in  Alexandria,  while 
a  student  there.  When  about  four  years  of  age.  Judge 
Wiley  P.  Harris  of  Jackson,  Miss.,  laid  his  bands  upon  the 
head  of  0.  W.  Catchings  and  remarked  "This  boy  will  make 
a  great  man."  He  married  on  April  28,  1898,  Miss  Gray- 
son Maupin  Wendling,  in  the  home  of  her  parents,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Geo.  R.  Wendling,  Washington,  D.  C.,  ceremony  by 
Bishop  Adams,  of  Easton,  Md.     Bishop  Adams  was  assisted 

133 


by  Rev.  Dr.  Aspinwall,  of  St.  Thomas'  Church.  Dr.  Wm.  P. 
Tucker  was  best  man.  The  ushers  were  Dr.  Robert  French 
Mason,  Dr.  Louis  Green,  of  Washington,  Chas.  Matthew,  of 
West  Virginia,  and  Murry  Dill,  of  Richmond,  Va.,  at  their 
marriage. 

They  took  a  bridal  trip  north.  He  was  six  feet  tall  and 
handsome;  a  blonde  with  rich  auburn  hair;  had  a  strong 
mind  and  character  and  was  highly  educated.  In  1900  he 
opened  an  office  in  Vicksburg  with  his  father.  He  was 
appointed  Circuit  Judge  in  1905,  but  resigned  after  one 
year's  service.  Mrs.  O.  W.  Catchings  is  tall,  very  straight, 
with  a  beautiful  face,  hair,  eyes,  and  teeth  and  is  unusually 
intellectual ;  very  elegant,  and  has  many  close,  devoted 
frnends. 

363.  Their  daughter,  Josephine  Elizabeth  Catchings 
(362),  b.  at  Maplehurst,  Charlestown,  West  Virginia,  the 
summer  home  of  her  maternal  grandparents,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  G.  R.  Wendling;  was  baptized  in  infancy  by  Rev.  Dr. 
Newell  Logan,  in  Holy  Trinity  Church,  Vicksburg.  She 
smiled  and  patted  his  cheeks  after  he  baptized  her  and 
kissed  him.  Educated  in  the  private  school  of  Miss  Laura 
Raworth,  Vicksburg;  received  a  medal  each  year — was 
taught  at  night  by  her  grandfather  Catchings.  She  gradu- 
ated from  All  Saints  College,  Vicksburg,  Miss.,  the  Na- 
tional Cathedral  School,  Mt.  Albans,  in  Washington,  D.  C, 
and  Sweet'briar  College,  Va.  She  is  exceedingly  hand- 
some and  popular,  and  is  the  idol  of  the  family,  specially 
her  grandfather  Catchings.  She  adheres  to  her  baby  name 
of  "Bompoo"  for  him,  and  "Wanee"  for  her  grandmother. 

*'A  TRIBUTE  TO  THE  MEMORY  OF  JUDGE  O.  W. 
CATCHINGS 

By  the  Vicksburg  Bar  Association 

After  a  comparatively  brief  career,  O.  W.  Catchings  has 
yielded  to  the  inevitable  and  passed  away.  He  died  at  the 
age  of  forty-four,  held  in  universal  respect  and  esteem,  both 
as  a  lawyer  and  a  citizen.  He  was  a  native  of  Vicksburg,  a 
graduate  both  in  the  literary  and  law  departments  of  the 
University  of  Virginia.  Residing  in  Washington  City  for  a 
short  period  after  completing  his  education,  he  returned  at 
an  early  date  to  his  native  state  and  city  to  practice  his  pro- 
fession, and  for  many  years  he  was  a  leader  of  the  bar  and 
an  ornament  to  his  profession.  He  was  not  only  a  splendid 
lawyer,  at  all  times  living  up  to  the  ethics  of  his  profession, 
but  he  was  a  manly  man,  inherently  honest,  and  always 
displayed  the  courage  of  his  convictions.  A  descendant 
from  a  long  line  of  highly  cultivated  ancestors,  his  extensive 
information  was  acquired  from  a  gentle  parentage,  by  early 
environment  and  diligent  application  under  favorable  oppor- 
tunities.    He  was  a  forceful  advocate,  a  painstaking,  zeai- 

■134 


ous  counsellor  and  a  resourceful  lawyer.     As  a  judge  he 
was  conscientious,  just,  learned  and  brave. 

He  never  sought  political  preferment,  but  always  took 
that  unselfish,  active  part  in  the  affairs  and  politics  of  his 
State  and  country  that  was  natural  and  right  for  a  good 
citizen. 

The  Bar  Association  of  Vicksburg  esteems  it  a  special 
privilege  to  offer  for  record  this  modest  estimate  of  a  most 
excellent  citizen,  lawyer  and  judge. 

Resolved,  That  this  tribute  of  the  Bar  to  the  memory  of 
O.  W.  Catchings  be  presented  to  the  Circuit  Court,  with 
the  request  to  His  Honor,  that  it  be  placed  on  the  minutes 
of  the  court  as  an  enduring  memorial  to  the  distinguished 
dead. 

R.  L.  McLaurin, 
John  Brunini, 
M.  D.  Landau, 

Committee." 

"JUDGE  O.  W.  CATCHINGS 

"Oliver  Whitehead  Catchings,  aged  43  years,  former  Cir- 
cuit judge  of  this  State,  and  one  of  the  most  prominent  at- 
torneys of  the  Mississippi  bar,  died  last  night,  at  11:30 
o'clock  at  Johns  Hopkins  hospital,  Baltimore.  His  wife  and 
father  were  with  him  when  he  died.  The  faneral  will 
take  place  Sunday  afternoon  from  the  family  residence  on 
Chamber's  Street.  Services  will  be  held  at  Holy  Trinity 
Church. 

"Deceased  had  suffered  with  heart  trouble.     A  few  weeks 
ago,  accompanied  by  his  wife  and  Dr.  D.  P.  Street,  he  went 
to  Baltimore,  where  experts  might  ascertain  the  nature  of 
his  maladies.     Judge  Catchings  is  survived  by  his  father 
and  mother.     His  father  is  Gen.  T.   C.  Catchings,  distin- 
guished citizen,  who  for  many  years  represented  this  dis- 
trict as  congressman.     Besides  he  leaves  a  wife,  who  was 
Miss.  Grayson  M.  Wendling,  of  Washington,  D.  C,  a  daugh- 
ter of  the  distinguished  scholar  and   lecturer,   George  R. 
Wendling;  a  daughter.  Miss  Josephine,  of  this  city,  is  also 
left  by  Judge  Catchings,     The  deceased  gentleman  was  a 
member  of  the  well  known  and  prominent  firm  of  Catchings 
and  Catchings  of  Vicksburg.     He  was  born  in  Hinds  Co., 
Miss.,  Sept.  20,  1872.     He  received  most  liberal  educational 
advantages,  having  gone  to  the  local  schools  here  as  a  boy, 
and  subsequently  entering  the  Episcopal  High  School,  Alex- 
andria, Va.,  and  then  the  University  of  Virginia,  where  he 
took  a  degree  in  the  academic  course,  and  later  studied  law 
and  received  his  diploma.     While  attending  college  he  was  a 
popular  student,  and  led  both  in  his  studies  and  in  athletics, 
and  literary  attainments.     He  had  been  captain  of  the  col- 
lege football  team,  editor  of  the  "College  Topics,"  a  weekly 
college  publication,  and  editor  of  "The  Annual."     At  col- 

135 


lege,  he  joined  the  Phi  Kappa  Psi  fraternity  and  become  a 
member  of  Eh,  a  famous  college  organization.  After  finish- 
ing his  law  course  in  1893,  he  was  for  five  years  engaged 
in  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Washington,  his  father 
having  been  a  member  of  Congress  at  the  time,  and  since 
then  the  father  and  son  had  been  associated  in  a  representa- 
tive practice  in  Vicksburg.  In  1895  the  young  attorney  was 
appointed  as  judge  of  the  ninth  judicial  district  of  the 
state,  comprising  the  counties  of  Warren,  Claiborne,  Issa- 
quena, and  Sharkey,  and  his  service  on  the  bench  was 
marked  by  wisdom  and  discrimination,  and  by  a  manifesta- 
tion of  the  broad  and  comprehensive  knowledge  of  law  and 
precedent,  his  ruling  being  invariably  fair  and  impartial. 
After  he  had  served  as  judge  a  brief  while,  however.  Judge 
Catchings  realized  that  he  could  not  afford  to  make  the  sac- 
rifices which  the  position  entailed,  and  he  tendered  his  res- 
ignation. Catchings  and  Catchings  were  State  counsel  for 
the  Southern  Railroad,  and  they  represented  the  Merchants 
National  Bank,  the  Vicksburg  Cotton  Exchange,  Planters 
Compress  and  other  notable  clients.  On  April  28,  1897, 
Judge  Catchings  was  married,  and  he  and  wife  lived  most 
happily.  Judge  Cacthings  early  during  his  residence  in 
Vicksburg  gained  a  reputation  as  a  fighter  of  ability  in  any 
just  cause,  and  he  was  one  of  the  prime  factors  in  the  nota- 
ble campaign  waged  by  the  reform  ticket  over  ten  years  ago, 
which  resulted  in  sweeping  the  entire  old  board  of  mayor 
and  aldermen  from  office.  He  added  further  to  his  reputa- 
tion by  his  remarkably  tenacious  fight  against  the  Vicks- 
burg Waterworks  Company,  which  after  years  of  litigation, 
v/as  decided  in  favor  of  the  city,  for  which  Judge  Catchings 
was  one  of  the  leading  counsel.  In  his  dealings  with  his 
fellowmen.  Judge  Catchings  was  unassuming.  Simplicity 
was  his  keynote.  One  of  his  great  talents  consisted  in  re- 
ducing to  the  simplest  and  plainest  terms  the  most  abstruse 
legal  problem.  This  simplicity  helped  him  remarkably  in 
his  addresses,  no  matter  what  the  subject  in  hand.  He  was 
an  Episcopalian,  a  devoted  son,  husband  and  father,  and 
his  passing  will  be  mourned  by  the  entire  city. 

The  Vicksburg  Evening  Post,  June  15,  1916." 

"The  community  is  shocked  by  the  death  of  Hon.  Oliver 
Catchings,  who  had  a  brilliant  career  and  was  the  only  son 
and  law  partner  of  Gen.  T.  C.  Catchings. 

**Hon.  Oliver  W.  Catchings,  only  surviving  son  of  General 
and  Mrs.  T.  C.  Catchings,  and  one  of  the  leading  and  most 
distinguished  young  attorneys  in  the  State,  died  in  Baltimore 
on  the  14th  inst.,  at  the  Johns  Hopkins  hospital,  where  he 
was  carried  for  treatment  the  early  part  of  last  week,  ac- 
companied by  his  wife,  and  Dr.  D,  P.  Street  of  this  city, 
and  later  joined  by  his  father.  While  this  deplorable  and 
distressing  news  had  been  anticipated  for  several  days,  due 

136 


to  the  extremely  critical  condition  of  Mr.  Catchings'  health, 
subsequent  to  his  failing  condition  for  several  months,  still 
none  the  less  was  the  final  announcement  received  here  by 
his  wide  circle  of  friends  with  deepest  sorrow.  A  career 
filled  with  great  promise  in  his  chosen  profession  of  law, 
for  which  he  was  most  eminently  equipped  by  study  at  the 
University  of  Virginia — where  he  won  highest  honors  in  the 
literary  and  law  courses — and  later  through  his  constant 
reading  and  association  as  law  partner  with  his  distin- 
guished father,  Gen.  T.  C.  Catchings,  is  thus  ended  in  the 
43rd  year  of  his  age.  He  leaves  endearing  memories  of  love 
to  his  grief  stricken  family — father,  mother,  wife  and  daugh- 
ter— who  have  the  heartfelt  sympathy  of  many  friends  in 
their  irreparable  loss  and  sorrow.  Truly  and  with  most 
significant  feeling  is  the  comment  often  heard,  that  in  the 
death  of  this  most  highly  esteemed  citizen  the  city  of  his 
residence  has  lost  a  most  valuable  asset.  The  funeral  will 
take  place  Saturday  afternoon  at  5  o'clock.  The  following 
gentlemen  have  been  selected  as  pall  bearers : 

"Active:  Will  Luckett,  Dr.  Askew,  Percy  Cowan,  J.  B. 
Cowan,  T.  W.  McCoy,  S.  B.  Wilson,  Alex  Fitzhugh,  Lucien 
Oates. 

"Honorary:  W.  S.  Jones,  C.  0.  Willis,  S.  C.  Ragan,  E.  M. 
Durham,  P.  M.  Harding,  C.  G.  Wright." 

"A  DEATH  WHICH  IS  A  PUBLIC  LOSS 

"In  the  death  of  Judge  Catchings  the  community  in  which 
he  lived  has  sustained  a  loss  which  cannot  be  estimated. 
Though  cut  down  before  attaining  the  noon  tide  of  life,  his 
great  value  as  a  citizen  had  for  many  years  been  recognized. 
What  he  had  already  done  for  the  public  welfare  speaks 
for  itself;  and  that  his  usefulness  would  have  been  con- 
tinued and  increased  m_ay  with  certainty  be  assumed.  He 
was  a  man  who  was  noted  among  those  who  knew  him  best 
for  the  moral  quality  known  as  character.  The  law  of  his 
being  was  fidelity  to  principles  he  held — ni  all  the  relations 
of  life  he  set  a  high  standard,  and  his  unwavering  rule  of 
conduct  was  to  live  up  to  it.  He  possessed  in  a  high  de- 
gree, the  personal  sense  of  honor,  and  in  his  case  this  sense 
was  sharpened  and  strengthened  by  the  influence  of  inher- 
ited traditions.  To  paraphrase  well  known  words,  he  was 
"dowered  with  the  honor  of  honor."  When,  to  the  posses- 
sion of  such  characteristics  was  joined  a  keen  and  masterly 
intellect,  and  an  active  and  vivid  interest  in  life  and  its  af- 
fairs, the  full  worth  and  future  promise  of  a  man  so  gifted 
can  not  be  measured  in  words. 

"The  only  official  position  the  deceased  ever  held  was  as 
Judge  of  this  Circuit  district ;  a  position  he  resigned  to  the 
universal  regi^et  of  the  bar  and  the  public.  In  discharging 
the  duties  of  this  office  he  displayed  the  rare  blending  and 
equipoise  of  high  intellectual  gifts  and  moral  guidance  that 

137 


iTjake  the  perfect  judge.  In  his  brief  period  of  service  the 
office  was  raised  to  the  high  traditions  of  the  Mississippi 
bench  of  the  olden  days.  Of  his  standing  professionally,  as 
counsellor  and  advocate,  he  stood  with  the  highest  of  this, 
or  any  bar.  Judge  Catchings  made  small  drafts  on  oratory 
— with  his  unexcelled  force  and  lucidity  in  statement  of 
facts  and  application  of  legal  principles,  he  needed  no  artifi- 
cial equipment.  Above  all  other  qualities  stood  out  his  ab- 
solute intellectual  and  moral  integrity — a  never  failing  cour- 
age of  conviction. 

"Few  men,  in  the  comparatively  short  span  of  life  allotted 
to  him,  have  left  behind  juster  cause  for,  or  more  universally 
voiced,  regret  and  sense  of  public  loss.  The  most  saddening 
reflection  upon  his  death  is  that  Judge  Catchings  has  been 
cut  down  by  'fell  death's  untimely  frost' — taken  from  fam- 
ily and  friends  and  fellow  citizens  before  reaching  the  full- 
ness of  lifes'  fruition.  And  when  he  might  naturally  have 
been  expected  through  many  years  to  come  to  attain  height 
after  height  of  honor  and  usefulness  in  his  profession,  and 
in  whatever  pathway  of  public  life  he  might  have  chosen  to 
follow.  The  loss  his  father  has  sustained  of  a  law  partner, 
who  was  also  son  and  bosom  companion,  we  shrink  from 
gauging.  With  literal  truth  may  the  couplet  of  a  great 
poet,  addressed  to  a  like  public  loss,  bs  applied  to  Oliver  W. 
Catchings : 

"  'He  ne'er  knew  joy  but  friendship  might  divide, 
Or  gave  his  father  grief  but  when  he  died.' 

The  Vicksburg  Weekly  Herald,  June  23,  1916." 

"JUDGE  0.  W.  CATCHINGS  DIED  THURSDAY  AT 

JOHNS  HOPKINS  HOSPITAL  IN  BALTIMORE 

VICKSBURG  DISTINGUISHED  CITIZEN 

PASSES  AWAY 

"The  TimeS'Democrat,  Vicksburg.     June  19,  1916 

"Science  and  skill  have  been  baffled  in  a  brave  fight,  and 
ininds  have  been  racked,  seeking  the  restoration  to  health 
of  one  of  Vicksburg's  finest  and  most  straightforward  citi- 
zens, Judge  0.  W.  Catchings,  but  the  great  God  wanted  him 
and  on  Thursday  last  at  Johns  Hopkins  in  Baltimore,  the 
soul  of  a  great  man  returned  to  his  Maker;  a  man  of  bril- 
liant intellect,  keen  insight,  extraordinary  knowledge  of  law 
and  the  sciences,  gentle,  forceful  and  wise.  In  hi?  death  the 
profession  has  lost  a  peer  and  his  family  a  noble  loved  one. 

"Associated  for  years  with  his  venerable  father.  Gen. 
T.  C.  Catchings,  the  tie  of  love  and  comradeship  has 
strengthened  as  the  years  rolled  by  until  the  realization  of  a 
separation  must  have  been  a  courageous  effort  for  resigna- 
tion to  the  Divine  will.  He  who  gave,  has  taken:  undoubt- 
edly for  some  divine  purpose,  and  to  the  honored  father  and 
"mother,  wife  and  daughter  of  Judge  0.  W.  Catchings  are 

138 


extended  the  universal  sympathy  of  the  ardent  admirers 
and  friends  of  their  loved  one. 

The  name  of  Ollie  Catchings  shall  ever  stand  forward  in 
the  history  of  Vicksburg,  and  to  the  youth  of  our  city  seek- 
ing renown  along  the  channels  of  law  his  achievements  shall 
stand  forth  a  shining  example. 

CHILDREN  OF  SEYMOUR  SCOTT  CATCHING  AND 
SARAH   SMITH 

364.  Mary  E.  Catching  (268),  b.  Dec.  27,  1846,  d.  July 
13,  1853. 

365.  Benj.  S.  Catching  (268),  b.  May  21,  1849,  d.  May 
2,   1850. 

365-a.  Seymour  Catching  (268),  b.  1851,  m.  Ada  Mar- 
shall. He  died  June  5,  1911.  Children:  Emma  May, 
Ruby,  Joseph,  Angelina  and  Robert. 

366.  John  Catching  (268),  b.  March  26,  1855,  lives  at 
Somerset,  Ky.  (in  1912),  m.  Miss  Maggie  Duffy;  children 
John  and  Nora. 

367.  SalHe  Catching  (268),  m.  Robt.  M.  Carruth,  Sept., 
1893.     Children:  Mabel,  Norma  and  Leighton. 

368.  Florence  Catching  (268),  b.  Nov.  2,  1850,  m.  T. 
Frank  Causey.  Children:  Wm.  Malcolm,  Sallie  May,  Hugh 
Frank,  Ivy,  Chas.  Earl  and  Robt.  Howard. 

369.  Chas.  Catching  (268),  b.  1841,  killed  in  the  battle 
of  Shiloh. 

370.  Jos.  Love  Catching  (268),  b.  Dec.  31,  1843,  killed 
in  the  batle  of  Shiloh.  They  fought  and  fell  side  by  side,. 
April  6,  1862. 

371.  Silas  Catching  (268),  m.  Jennie  Lilly.  Children: 
Leona,  Silas,  Mabel  and  Willard. 

372.  Wm.  Catching  (268),  b.  Aug.  3,  1863,  lives  in  Mc- 
Comb  City,  Miss.,  m.  Winnie  Nail,  April  24,  1884.  Children : 
Blanch,  Nail,  Bessie,  Gauce,  Donald  and  Sadie. 

CHILDREN  OF  SALLIE  DICKERSON  CATCHING  AND 
JUDGE  ROBERT  LOVE 

373.  Martha  Dickerson  Love  (269),  b.  May  2,  1819,  d. 
Dec,  1901.  She  married  Elbert  H.  Allen,  a  cotton  planter 
on  Copiah  Creek,  Miss.  All  through  this  country  there  are 
beautiful  springs  bubbling  up.  Copiah  Creek  was  exceed- 
ingly lovely  and  the  children  in  the  neighborhood  learned 
great  expertness  in  swimming  and  diving.  Mrs.  Allen  was 
a  brainy,  intelligent  woman] 

374.  Harriet  E.  Love  (269),  b.  Feb.  18,  1828,  in  Pike 
Co.,  Miss.,  educated  in  Jackson,  Miss.  She  was  superior  in 
every  way,  devoted  to  church  and  family,  self  sacrificing 
and  a  model  Christian.  After  her  husband's  death,  in  1880, 
she  lived  in  Dallas,  Texas,  near  her  sons,  and  with  her  son, 
Robert,  in  Vicksburg,  at  whose  home  she  died,  Jan.  17,  1918. 
She  married  Dr.  Hugh  C.  McLaurin,  of  Mississippi,  but  a 

139 


native  of  South  Carolina,  Dec.  16,  1845,  an  eminent  and 
successful  physician  in  Brandon,  Miss.  Before  the  Civil 
War  he  was  a  cotton  planter  in  Simpson  Co.,  and  in  Hinds 
Co.  A  pious  Christian  gentleman  in  every  sense;  noble  in 
purposes  and  aims. 

PARENTS  OF  DR.  HUGH  C.  McLAURIN 

Daniel  McLaurin,  b.  in  Argyleshire,  Scotland,  Aug.  14th, 
1766;  came  to  U.  S.  in  1797;  settled  in  Marlborough  Dis- 
trict, South  Carolina.  There  he  married  his  cousin,  Nancy 
Calhoun.  They  came  to  Mississippi  when  Dr.  H.  C.  Mc- 
Laurin was  four  years  old;  and  settled  in  Wayne  County; 
afterwards  moving  to  Simpson  County,  where  Daniel  Mc- 
Laurin died,  June  22,  1845.  Nancy  Calhoun  McLaurin  died 
in  Wayne  County. 

Their  son,  Hugh  C.  McLaurin,  b.  Sept.  30,  1813,  in  Marl- 
borough District,  S.  C,  d.  in  Brandon,  Miss.,  July  13,  1880. 
375.  Wilham  Catchings  Love  (269),  b.  Feb.  25,  1826, 
Madison,  Co.,  Miss.,  d.  1897.  He  lived  on  his  plantation  near 
Canton,  and  before  the  Civil  War  was  quite  wealthy,  studied 
law,  but  never  practiced.  Was  all  through  life  a  studious 
reader,  and  was  well  informed  on  most  subjects,  married 
Miss  Mary  Ann  Quinn,  of  Holmesville,  who  graduaed  from 
the  Institute,  Columbia,  Tenn.,  in  1845.  She  was  very  beau- 
tiful. "Mary  Ann  Quinn  (Mrs.  Wm.  Love)  and  Miss  Court- 
ney Quinn  (Mrs.  Dr.  Carter)  were  the  beauties  of  Pike  Co. 
Mary  Ann  Quinn  was  selected  above  all  others  to  present 
the  banner  to  the  Sons  of  Temperance.  My  father,  Silas  M. 
Catchings,  in  his  carriage,  drawn  by  two  white  horses,  was 
in  the  parade.  This  when  I  was  a  small  child.  M.  C. 
Hemingway,  Kosciusko,  Miss.,  May  12,  1914." 

376.  Joseph  F.  Love  (269),  native  of  Madison  Co.,  Miss., 
was  devoted  to  hunting  and  fishing ;  a  cotton  planter,  m.  Miss 
Hulda  Devine,  Madison  Co.  He  was  b.  Apr.  24,  1830,  d. 
Sept.  15,  1892. 

377.  Thos.  J.  Love  (269),  native  of  Madison  Co.,  Miss., 
and  a  cotton  planter,  m.  Miss  Annie  Baldwin,  Madison  Co., 
first  wife.  After  the  death  of  his  first  wife,  he  m.  Mrs. 
McFarland,  a  widow,  sister  of  his  first  wife.  He  was  b. 
July  24,  1832,  d.  Nov.  5,  1912. 

378.  Rosa  Love  (269),  deceased,  was  b.  in  Madison  Co. 
and  was  noted  for  wit  and  varied  musical  accomplishments, 
was  very  widely  admired  and  a  reigning  belle,  m.  her  cousin, 
Philip  S.  Catching.  No  children.  She  was  b.  June  16, 
18— (?),  d.  Mch.  11,  1873. 

CHILDREN  OF  E.  H.  ALLEN  AND  MARTHA  DICKER- 
SON   LOVE 

379.  Seymour  Rankin  Allen  (373),  b.  Nov.  13,  1836,  d.  in 
Georgetown,  Miss.  He  was  a  Lieutenant  in  the  Confederate 
Cavalry.     Never  married. 

140 


380.  Robert  Quitman  Allen  (373),  b.  Jan.  10,  1839.  m.  his 
cousin  Nannie  Catching,  July  2,  1874.  He  was  a  Lieuten- 
ant in  the  Confederate  Army;  d.  Mch.  1,  1914,  Jackson,  Miss. 

381.  Bettie  Allen   (373),  d.  young. 

382.  Barnabas  Franklin  Allen  (373),  b.  Nov.  13,  1843, 
servT^ed  four  years  in  the  Confederate  Army,  d.  in  George- 
town, Miss. 

383.  Salhe  Allen  (373),  died  young. 

384.  Chas.  E.  Allen  (373),  b.  July  19,  1845.  m.  Dec.  12, 
1876,  Myra  Siebe.  After  her  death  he  m.  Julia  Siebe.  He 
d.  near  Crj^stal  Springs,  Copiah  Co.,  Miss. 

385.  Rosa  Love  Allen  (373).  b.  Aug.  3,  1853. 

386.  Mattie  Love  Allen  (373),  b.  July  28,  1855. 

387.  Annie  Love  Allen  (373),  b.  Mch.  24,  1861,  d.  1918. 

388.  Harriet  Allen  (373),  b.  Mch.  5,  1851.  m.  Dec.  17, 
1873,  her  cousin  Dr.  Philip  Catching  (170)^  eldest  son  of 
Dr.  J.  B.  Catching  (169)  and  Martha  Bridges.  She  and  her 
husband  both  dead. 

CHILDREN  OF  DR.  P.  M.  CATCHING  AND   HARRIET 

ALLEN 

389.  Hugh  Love  Catching  (388),  m.  Martha  (Mattie) 
Bridges.     3  children:  Philip  Marshall,  Blair  and  Angela. 

390.  Dr.  Walter  Wilroy  Catching  (388),  m.  Margaret 
Madel  Jacobs.  5  children:  Ann,  Margaret,  Martha,  Isabel, 
Wilroy  and  an  infant,  deceased. 

391.  Phillip  Marshall  Catching,  Jr.     Unmarried. 

392.  Mary  Kate  Catching  (388). 

392-a.  Elbert  Allen  Catching  (388),  m.  Isla  Teat;  chil^ 
dren,  James  Wilroy  and  Thomas.   ■ 

CHILDREN  OF  DR.  HUGH  C.  McLAURIN  AND  HARRIET 

E.  LOVE 

393.  Daniel  McLaurin   (374),  d.  in  infancy. 

394.  Sallie  Catching  McLaurin  (374),  b.  in  Simpson  Co., 
Miss.,  Feb.  12,  1848,  a  graduate  from  the  Brandon  Female 
Academy,  is  M.  T.  D.  of  New  York  School  of  Design  and 
taught  literature  and  art  in  Shelbyville,  Ky.  Female  Insti- 
tute and  was  Mistress  of  Fine  Arts  at  the  Industrial  Insti- 
tute and  College  for  Girls,  Columbus,  Miss.,  and  Secretary 
of  the  Faculty.  She  is  a  thorough  mathematician  and  lin- 
gust.  She  lived  in  Dallas,  Texas,  with  her  mother  'till 
the  latter's  death. 

395.  Nannie  Calhoun  McLaurin  (374),  b.  in  Simpson  Co., 
Miss.,  Oct.  9,  1850,  d.  in  Brandon,  Miss.,  Nov.  6,  1866.  She 
is  buried  in  the  Brandon  cemetery  in  family  lot.  Was  edu- 
cated in  the  Brandon  Female  Academy  and  was  refined  and 
lovely. 

396.  Louella  McLaurin  (374),  b.  in  Simpson  Co.,  Miss., 
Aug.  16,  1856,  graduated  from  the  Brandon  Female  Acad- 
emj^  Miss.,  Miss  Frank  Johnson,  principal.     Was  accom- 

141 


plishecl,  handsome  and  stylish.  Died  in  New  York  City,  May 
25,  1888,  where  she  went  for  her  health.  Buried  in  Bran- 
don, Miss. 

397.  Judge  Lauchlin  McLaurin  (374),  b.  in  Simpson  Co., 
Miss.,  Jan.  18,  1854,  graduated  from  the  University  of  the 
State,  and  studied  law  under  Judge  Mayers,  of  Brandon, 
Miss.  Was  for  several  years  a  partner  of  Judge  Thrasher, 
of  Port  Gibson,  Miss,  Was  appointed  judge  by  Gov.  Rob- 
ert Lowery ;  declined  the  solicitation  of  friends  to  run  for 
Congress.  Before  removing  to  Dallas,  Texas,  he  m.  Miss 
Ida  Stevens,  of  Brandon,  a  brilliant  literary  girl.  She  is 
a  niece  of  Col.  Jos.  Jayne,  of  Brandon  (Confederate  officer 
and  banker).  Her  brother  was  a  West  Pointer  and  has 
risen  to  a  high  office.  She  graduated  with  honor  from  the 
Brandon  Female  Academy.  Their  little  girl,  Jean,  d.  in 
infancy  in  1882  and  an  infant  son  later.  She  is  a  zealous 
student  of  Shakespeare.  Judge  L.  McLaurin  accepted  a 
professorship  in  the  University,  Austin,  Texas,  several 
years  prior  to  1909. 

"Judge  Lauchlin  McLaurin,  d.  Dec.  21,  1920,  in  Austin, 
Tex.  He  came  to  Port  Gibson  as  a  young  man  from  Bran- 
don, Miss.,  in  1876,  and  formed  a  law  partnership  with  Hon. 
J.  McMartin.  They  enjoyed  a  lucrative  practice  till  Judge 
McLaurin  was  appointed  chancellor  by  Gov.  Robt.  Lowry; 
served  with  distinction.  In  1891  he  resigned  and  removed 
to  Dallas,  Tex.,  and  went  into  a  good  and  growing  practice. 
Several  years  ago,  he  was  offered  the  position  of  instructor 
in  the  University  of  Texas.  He  was  highly  esteemed  as  a 
high  toned  gentleman,  a  first  class  lawyer,  an  able  judge 
and  an  elegant  man  of  sterling  qualities ;  interred  in  Win- 
tergreen  Cemetery,  Port  Gibson,  Miss.,  beside  his  only  two 
children,  on  Dec.  24." 

The  Commercial  Appeal,  Memphis,  Tenn." 

"Judge  McLaurin  was  indeed  a  grand,  noble  man,  and 
above  all  he  was  a  genuine,  earnest  Christian.  He  did  not 
"hide  his  light  under  a  bushel,"  for  all  who  came  in  contact 
with  him,  knew  just  where  he  stood.  Ye  t  he  was  not  os- 
tentatious. He  will  be  missed  not  only  by  hTs  loved  ones, 
but  by  the  church,  the  university  and  the  State.  His  influ- 
ence over  the  young  men  at  the  University  was  wonderful. 
Gave  a  lecture  to  his  law  class  on  Dec.  11,  became  ill  on  the 
12th  and  died  on  the  21st.  S.  C.  McL.,  Jan.,  1921." 

398.  Dr.  Hugh  L.  McLaurin  (374),  graduated  in  the  lit- 
erary course  from  the  Univesrity  of  Miss.  After  graduat- 
ing in  medicine  from  Tulane  Medical  College,  New  Orleans, 
he  located  in  Dallas,  Texas,  where  he  did  a  large  practice. 
He  m.  Miss  Kate  Gano,  daughter  of  Gen.  Gano,  of  Dallas, 
formerly  of  Kentucky.  Their  four  children  were  John, 
Katherine,  Hugh  and  Maurice  (who  was  killed  accidentally 
when  eleven  years  old). 

142 


John  graduated  in  medicine  from  Tulane,  New  Orleans,  m. 
Miss  Lucy  Coke,  just  before  going  to  France.  He  was  a 
Captain  and  had  charge  of  a  hospital  in  France. 

Margaret,  daughter  of  Dr.  John  G.  McLaurin  and  wife, 
Lucy  Coke,  all  of  Dallas,  Tex.,  was  born  Sept.  21st,  1920, 
at  7  A.  M. 

Katherine,  not  married. 

Hugh  L.  graduated  in  medicine  from  Tulane,  June,  1919. 
Served  as  interne  one  year,  1920. 

John  and  Hugh  are  practicing  in  Dallas,  Texas  (1921). 

399.  Robt.  Love  McLaurin  (374),  b.  in  Simpson  Co.,  Miss., 
Sept.  22,  1865.  Attorney  at  law,  Vicksburg,  Miss,,  gradu- 
ated from  the  Southwestern  Presbyterian  University,  Clark- 
ville,  Tenn.  m.  his  cousin  Delta  McLaurin,  daughter  of 
Sen.  A.  J.  McLaurin  of  Miss.  For  a  number  of  years  sha 
has  been  prominent  in  King's  Daughters  work.  No  chil- 
dren living.  He  is  a  popular  lawyer  and  citizen.  Both  are 
intellectual,  genial,  charming;  have  a  lovely  home  in  Vicks- 
burg. 

CHILDREN  OF  WILLIAM  CATCHING  LOVS  AND 
MARY  QUIN 

400.  Robert  H.  Love   (375).     Married  Emma  Hudson, 

CHILDREN  OF  ROBERT  H.  LOVE  AND  EMMA  HUDSON 

401.  Bessie  Love   (400). 

402.  Delia  Love   (400). 

403.  Robert  Love  (400). 

404.  Annie  Love  (400). 

Wm.  Catching  Love  m.  Miss  Mary  Goodloe,  Madison  Co., 
Miss,,  second  wife.  Her  family  v/ere  wealthy  and  influen- 
tial.    She  d.  about  1895. 

"As  a  pioneer,  I  think  my  father  presented  an  example  not 
often  equalled  as  neighbor,  friend  and  parent.  He  filled 
this  position  with  exactness  of  which  none  can  complain. 
Few  equalled  and  none  excelled  him  in  his  sphere  of  life. 
Wm.  C.  Love,  1872.     Canton,  Miss." 

CHILDREN  OF  W.  C.  LOVE  AND  MARY  GOODLOE 

405.  Annie  Winter  Love  (375),  m.  Dr,  Robert  Bridges. 

406.  Sallie  D.  Love  (375). 

407.  Mamie  Love  (375),  won  the  first  honor  in  her  class- 
in  Canton,  Miss.,  while  at  school.  M.  her  cousin,  Wm. 
Love,  son  of  Joseph  Love.     They  have  a  daughter,  Mamie. 

407.  Kate  Love  (375),  m.  W.  C.  Rutland. 

408.  Harriet  Love  (375). 

409.  Wm.  Love  (375),  bookkeeper. 

CHILDREN  OF  W.  C.  RUTLAND  AND  KATEJ  LOVE 

410.  Arthur  Rutland  (407),  d.  in  infancy. 

411.  Alice  Rutland  (407). 

412.  Willie  Rutland  (407). 

143 


413.  Wm.  Paul  Rutland  (407). 

414.  Robt.  Love  Rutland   (407). 

CHILDREN  OF  JOSEPH  F.  LOVE  AND  HULDA  DEVINE 

415.  Robert  E.  Love  (376). 

416.  Walter  Love   (376). 

417.  Ida  Love  (376). 

418.  Wm.  Love   (376). 

419.  Mary  M.  Love  (376),  deceased,  m.  Dr.  Brasher. 

420.  James  Love  (376). 

421.  Hugh  Love   (376). 

422.  Martha  Love  (376). 

CHILDREN  OF  T.  J.  LOVE  AND  ANNIE  BALDWIN 

423.  Mary  Love  (377). 

424.  Harriet  J.  Love  (377). 

425.  Sarah  Wm.  Love   (377). 

426.  Rosa  Catching  Love  (377),  m.  C.  G.  Sanders.  They 
have  a  son,  C.  G.  Sanders,  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  and  one 
daughter,  Mrs.  W.  J.  Barr,  Columbus,  Miss.,  who  was  Irene 
Sanders.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barr  afterwards  moved  to  Jackson, 
Miss. 

427.  Annie  Love  (377),  m.  Mr.  Coleman. 

428.  Pearl  Love  (377),  m.  Mr.  Preston  Sutherland,  Jack- 
son, Miss.,  at  her  father's  home  near  Canton,  Dec.  23,  1897, 
Rev.  J.  L.  Mellen  officiating. 

T.  J.  Love  m  second,  Mrs.  McFarland,  sister  of  his  first 
wife, 

CHILDREN  OF  JOSEPH  CATCHING  AND  MARTHA 
TOWNSEND 

429.  Elizabeth  Catching  (3),  b.  June  15,  1783,  Amelia  Co., 
Va. 

430.  Nancy  Catching  (3),  b.  May  14,  1785,  Wilkes  Co.,  Ga. 

431.  Rhoda  Catching  (3),  b.  Aug.  17,  1787,  Wilkes  Co., 
<;a. 

432.  Ezekiel  Catching  (3),  b.  Feb.  21,  1790,  Wilkes  Co., 
Ga. 

433.  Sarah  Catching  (3),  b.  Feb.  22,  1792,  Wilkes  Co., 
Ga.  Sarah  Catching  on  August  13,  1807,  m.  Thos.  Head, 
Green  Co.,  Ga. 

434.  Mary  Catching  (3),  b.  July  4,  1794,  Wilkes  Co.,  Ga. 

435.  Martha  Catching  (3),  b.  Jan.  24,  1797,  Wilkes  Co., 
Ga. 

436.  Joseph  Catching  (3),  b.  April  29,  1799. 

437.  John  T.  Catching  (3) ,  b.  Jan.  24,  1803. 

CHILDREN  OF  SARAH  CATCHING  AND  THOS.  HEAD 

438.  Artimesia  Head  (433),  m.  James  Wright,  Covington, 
Ga.     Highly  educated. 

144 


CHILDREN  OF  JAMES  WRIGHT  AND  ARTIMESIA 

HEAD 

439.  Dr.  Joseph  Allen  Wright    (438). 

440.  Carrie  Artimesia  Wright  (438),  very  cultivated. 

441.  John  Thomas  Wright  (438),  m.  Minnie  E.  Powell. 

CHILDREN  OF  JOHN  T.  WRIGHT  AND  MINNIE 
POWELL 

442.  Minnie  Allen  Wright  (441). 

443.  Annie  Artimesia  Wright  (441). 

It  has  been  impossible  to  learn  the  exact  connection  Julia 
Cone  Catchings  has  with  other  branches  of  the  family,  and 
she  seems  unable  to  explain  this.  She  had  a  married  sister 
living  near  her. 

"My  father,  Joseph  Catchings,  was  m.  three  times.  My 
mother,  Julia  Cone(  was  his  second  wife.  She  was  a  niece 
of  Gen.  James  Bethune,  the  former  owner  of  'Blind  Tom' 
the  musical  prodigy.  Her  ancestors  were  Highland  Scotts. 
My  father  was  robbed  of  $45,000  when  I  was  a  child.  His 
records,  with  other  valuables,  were  carried  off.  One  of 
my  grandfathers  was  an  officer  in  the  Revolutionary  war, 
and  lost  his  life  in  attempting  to  swim  a  river,  but  I  am 
unable  to  give  the  particulars.  Julia  Cone  Catchings,  Oct. 
28,  1894,  Georgetown,  Ga." 

Joseph  Catchings  and  Julia  Cone  m.  December  29,  1836, 
■-Greene  Co.,  Ga. 

(267) 

"FROM  A  JACKSON  PAPER,  MAY,  1905 

Peter  Fields,  of  Brandon,  Miss.,  perhaps  the  oldest  ne- 
gro in  Mississippi,  is  dead,  aged  106  years.  His  funeral 
took  place  at  Brandon,  Miss.,  Friday  and  was  largely  at- 
tended by  both  whites  and  blacks. 

"While  it  is  probable  that  there  may  have  been  older 
negroes  in  Mississippi  than  the  venerable  Uncle  Peter,  they 
could  not  claim  the  distinction  of  being  full-blooded  Afri- 
cans, and  having  authentic  records  in  proof  of  their  age. 

"For  more  than  forty  years  Peter  Fields  was  a  landmark 
around  the  town  of  Brandon.  He  frequently  visited  Jack- 
son, on  beggin"g  missions,  and  his  occasional  trips  here  al- 
ways netted  him  a  good  harvest  of  nickles  and  dimes,  on 
account  of  his  queer  appearance  and  unfailing  good  humor. 

"According  to  authenticated  reports,  Uncle  Peter  was 
brought  from  Africa  in  a  slave  ship  when  he  was  between 
the  ages  of  ten  and  twelve,  and  his  history  since  his  arrival 
in  Mississippi  is  well  established.  For  many  years  he  was 
pressman  in  the  Brandon  News  office,  and  manipulated  the 
old  Washington  hand  press  until  he  became  too  feeble  for 
this  strenuous  calling.  He  retained  his  mental  faculties, 
such  as  he  possessed,  however,  until  the  last,  and  was  de- 
servedly popular  among  the  Brandon  folk,  who  regarded  him 

145 


as  their  most  historic  possession.  In  personal  appearance, 
he  strikingly  suggested  the  missing  link,  and  in  spite  of 
nummerous  opportunities,  never  learned  to  read  or  write." 

Peter  Fields  was  inherited  by  Dr.  T.  J.  Catchings,  from 
his  father,  Joseph  Catchings.  After  the  Civil  war.  Dr. 
Catchings  bought  a  home  in  Brandon.  Peter,  with  his  wife 
Sarah  and  family  (plantation  hands)  begged  to  go  with 
them,  the  former  as  gardener  and  yard  man,  and  the  latter 
as  cook.  When,  after  six  years  in  Brand&n,  Dr.  Catchings 
and  family  returned  to  Sunflower  Co.,  1872,  Peter  Fields  and 
family  remained,  having  made  many  friends  among  the 
white  and  black  folk  there. 

They  were  faithful,  reliable  negroes,  devoted  to  "Marster 
and  Miss,"  and  each  of  the  family.  All  of  the  negroes 
owned  by  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Catchings  were  equally  loyal  and 
true,  and  remained  on  the  plantation  throughout  the  Civil 
war.  When  the  family  departed  for  Brandon,  they  were 
all  standing  around  the  carriage  to  say  goodbye,  some  cry- 
ing and  begging  not  to  be  left;  that  they  wanted  to  stay, 
etc.  The  ancestors  of  these  people  had  been  owned  by  the 
families  of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Catchings  for  generations  and 
were  deeply  attached  to  them,  and  to  "Miss  Mary,  Miss  Nan 
and  Mars  Tom."  Before  leaving.  Dr.  Catchings  gave  each 
one  a  pair  of  shoes,  suit  of  clothes,  new  blankets  as  he  had 
always  provided  them.  He  also  paid  them  the  last  year  of 
the  war,  for  services,  so  they  did  not  begin  with  freedom  in 
poverty.  They  hired  to  parties  in  all  directions,  in  the 
neighborhood.  Deer  Creek  and  elsewhere." 


•14J 


HOLLIDAY 


The  Holliday  ancestry  came  to  America  from  England, 
some  think  they  m.ay  have  gone  to  England  from  Ireland. 
They  settled  in  Virginia  and  Maryland,  remcning  to  Georgia 
prior  to  the  Revolutionary  war  and  located  in  Wilkes  Co., 
near  Columbia.  "During  the  Revolutionary  War,  the  la- 
dies of  the  family  refugeed  in  Virginia,  returning  to  Geor- 
gia when  peace  was  made.  Chas.  M.  Sanders,  Penfield,  Ga., 
January  26,  1898." 

"My  grandfather,  Thomas  Holliday,  came  from  Virginia 
and  settled  in  Wilkes  Co.,  Ga.,  with  several  cousins."  Mrs. 
Billington  M.  Sanders,  nee  Cynthia  Holliday,  Georgia." 

"An  old  lady  in  Georgia  stated  that  her  playmate,  Mary 
Holliday  (Mrs.  Joseph  Catchings  had  an  uncle,  Joseph  Hol- 
liday, but  did  not  know  what  became  of  his  family." 

Joseph  Holliday  received  as  bounty  in  Burke  Co.,  Ga.,  200 
acres  for  services  in  the  Revolutionary  War. 

From  the  relationship  of  the  descendants  of  the  oldest 
members  of  the  family  of  whom  we  have  any  knowledge,  it 
is  presumed  that  Thomas  Holliday,  who  m.  Martha  Dicker- 
son  ;  Miss  Holliday,  who  m.  Mr.  Johnson ;  John  Holliday, 
who  m.  Sarah  Ford;  and  Ayres  Holliday,  who  m.  Olivia 
Johnson ;  were  brothers  and  sisters,  and  were  children  of 
Elijah  Holliday  and  Margaret  Johnson,  However,  this  is 
not  altogether  authentic.  "Elijah  Holliday  who  m.  my 
great  aunt,  Margaret  Johnson,  was  the  great-grandfather 
of  Mrs.  Sarah  Milsaps  Wadsworth,  widow  of  Rev.  Wm. 
Wadsworth,  a  Methodist  minister.  Mrs.  John  A.  Ellis, 
Amite  City,  Louisiana,  Nov.  21,  1893." 

"I  have  been  told  that  Gen.  Joseph  E.  Johnston  was  re- 
lated to  us,  and  I  named  one  of  our  children  after  him.  A 
Mr.  Ellis  paid  us  a  visit  many  years  ago.  He  was  a  cousin 
of  my  mother,  and  told  about  their  moving  from  Geargia 
to  this  State  together.  Their  mothers  w^re  twins,  and 
were  never  separated.  He  told  me  how  pretty  my  mother 
was,  and  that  he  brought  her  in  his  arms  most  of  the  way 
from  Georgia.  Marv  Johnson  Milsaps,  Brown's  Well,  Miss., 
Dec.   15,   1898." 

"Holliday  is  from  the  old  English  Haliday.  The  earliest 
land  grants  to  the  name  in  Virginia  were  made  in  the  18th 
Century,  John  Holliday  received  93  acres  in  Norfolk  Co., 
April  28,  1711,  for  transporting  into  the  colonv  Robert 
Steward  and  Hannah  Holliday,  June  16th,  1714.  All  of  the 
Hollidays  in  Virginia  are  descended  from  John  Holliday, 
who  came  to  Spottsylvania  Co.,  abopt  1740  from  lower  Vir- 

.147 


ginia,  150  years  ago.  He  was  a  ranger  employed  by  the 
government  to  guard  the  colonists  from  the  Indians.  Capt. 
John  Holliday  fell  in  Gate's  defeat." 

"Hayden's  Virginia  Genealogy." 

"It  is  believed  that  the  Hollidays  of  Wilkes  Co.,  and  other 
portions  of  Ga.  were  descended  from  William  Jno.  Holliday, 
son  of  Wm.  HoHiday,  who  moved  to  Va.,  and  that  this  Wil- 
liam Holliday  was  one  of  the  immigrants  to  America  (Mary- 
land )  together  with  Thomas  and  Leonard  Holliday.  Col. 
John  Holliday,  it  is  thought  was  the  father  of  William  Eli- 
jah Holliday,  who  m.  Margaret  Johnson.  Some  write  his 
name  as  Thos.  Elijah  Holliday.  Flora  Holliday,  Washing- 
ton, Ga.,  April  13,  1913." 

"Wm.  or  Thos.  Elijah  Holliday,  Ga.,  m.  Margaret  John^ 
son,  Ga.  She  was  a  sister  of  the  mother  of  the  late  E.  John 
EUis,  a  member  of  Congress  from  Louisiana,  and  of  Judge 
Ellis,  of  New  Orleans,  La.  The  Catchings,  Ellis,  and  Har- 
ris families  came  to  Miss,  from  Georgia  about  the  same 
time. — Judge  Uriah  Milsaps,  May  23,  1893,  Hazlehurst, 
Miss." 

CHILDREN  OF  ELIJAH  HOLLIDAY  AND  MARGARET 

JOHNSON 

It  is  supposed  the  following  are  brothers  and  sisters : 
Ayers,  John,  Thomas,  Joseph  and  Miss  Holiday. 

444.  Ayers  Holliday  was  a  Georgian,  removed  to  Wash- 
ington Parish,  La.,  at  an  early  date  and  thence  to  Copiah 
Co.,  Miss.,  afterwards  to  Louisiana,  where  he  died.  I  have 
heard  that  my  great-grandfather  was  a  brave  and  daring 
soldier  in  the  time  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  and  that  he 
distinguished  himself  on  account  of  his  bravery  in  some 
battles.     Ayers  Holliday  m.  Olivia  Johnson,  Ga. 

"My  grandfather,  Ayers  Holliday,  had  one  brother,  John, 
who  died  in  Miss.,  many  years  ago.  John  has  a  daughter 
still  living,  quite  an  aged  lady  whose  address  is  Mrs.  Jane 
Fleming,  Jeanette,  Miss.  I  know  grandfather  had  other 
brothers  besides  John  and  think  he  had  sisters — LTriah  Mil- 
saps,  Hazlehurst,  Miss.,  May  31,  1893." 

"I  have  heard  my  mother  mention  a  visit  made  to  her  by 
Ayers  Holliday  soon  after  her  marriage,  and  that  she  gave 
him  her  bridal  fan  to  take  to  his  daughter,  also  sent  memen- 
toes to  his  wife.  Nevie  F.  Baker,  Jeanette,  Miss.,  Dec.  13, 
1897." 

"We  had  two  great  Uncles  who  moved  to  Mississippi  a 
great  many  years  ago.  John  Holliday  first  settled  in  Copiah 
Co.  I  met  his  son  Williom  who  was  verj''  wealthy  but  never 
married.  Ayers  Holliday  made  his  home  in  Adams  Co., 
Miss.  They  must  have  been  uncles  of  our  grandmother, 
Mrs.  Jos.   Catchings.     My  father  called  them   Uncle  John 

148 


and  Uncle  Avers.     Harriet  Holiidav,  Canton,  Miss,,  Nov.  13. 
1894." 

445.  Thomas  Holliday,  d.  July  30,  1798,  Georgia.  Re- 
corded. 

"State  of  Georgia,  Wilkes  County. 

"This  is  to  certify  that  Thomas  Holliday  was  an  inhabi- 
tant of  this  State  prior  to  the  Reduction  thereof  by  the 
British  aiTns  and  was  a  refugee  from  the  same  during  which 
time  he  cheerfully  did  his  duty  as  a  good  soldier  and  friend 
of  this  the  United  States. 

"Given  under'  my  hand  this  the  6th  day  of  April,  1784. 
"E.  Clark,  Col,  by  his  order,  H.  Freeman." 

"Thomas,  son  of  Elijah  William  and  Margaret  Johnson 
Holliday  was  granted  land  in  Richmond  or  Burke  Co.,  Ga., 
in  Aug.,  1781,  as  a  bounty  by  the  Assembly  at  Augusta, 
Ga.     This  land  was  certified  to  by  Elijah  Clark. 

Flora  Holliday,  Washington,  Ga.,  April  11,  1913." 
"Office 

"Philip  Cook — Secretary  of  State, 
"Atlanta,  Georgia, 
"No.  689. 
"Georgia : — 

"These  are  to  certify,  that  Thomas  Holliday  is  entitled 
to  two  hundred  eighty-seven  and  a  half  acres  of  land,  as  a 
bounty,  agreeable  to  an  act  and  Resolve  of  the  General 
Assembly  passed  at  Augusta  19th  August,  1781,  as  per  cer- 
tificate of  Elijah  Clark,  Col. 

"Given  under  mv  hand  at  Savannah,  the  20th  day  of 
April,  1784. 

"J.  Houston. 

Attest:  D.  Rees,  Secty." 
"State  of  Georgia : — 

"By  the  Honorable  Samuel  Elbert,  Esquire,  Captain  Gen- 
eral, Governor  and  Commander-in-Chief  in  and  o\"^r  the  said 
State. 

"To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come — Greetings: 
Know  ye.  That  in  pursuance  of  the  act  for  opening  the  Land 
Office  and  by  virtue  of  the  powers  in  me  vested,  I  have, 
by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Honorable,  the 
Executive  Council,  given  and  granted  and  by  these  pres- 
ents in  the  Name  and  Behalf  of  the  said  State,  Do  give 
and  grant  unto  Thomas  Holliday,  his  Heirs  and  assigns  for- 
ever, All  that  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land,  containing  Two  hun- 
dred Eighty-seven  and  a  half  Acres,  Situate,  and  being, 
in  the  county  of  Washington,  in  said  State,  and  butting  and 
bounding  North-Westwardly  by  the  Oconee  River,  and  on  all 
other  sides  by  vacant  lands — 

149 


—ON  BOUNTY— 

having  such  shape,  form  and  Marks,  as  appear  by  the  Plat 
of  the  same  hereunto  annexed,  together  with  all  and  singu- 
lar the  Rights,  Members  and  Appurtenances  thereof,  what- 
soever, to  the  said  Tract  or  Parcel  of  Land  belonging  or  in 
any  wise  appertaining;  and  also  the  Estate,  Right,  Title, 
Interest,  Claim  and  Demand  of  the  State  aforesaid  of,  in,  to, 
or  out  of  the  same.  To  Have  and  to  Hold  the  said  Tract  or 
Parcel  of  Land,  and  all  and  singular  Ihe  Premises  afore- 
said, with  their  and  every  of  their  Rights,  Members  and 
Appurtenances,  with  the  said  Thomas  Holliday,  his  Heirs, 
and  Assigns,  to  his  and  their  own  proper  Use  and  Behoof 
forever,  in  Fee-Simple. 

"Given  under  my  hand  in  council  and  the  Great  Seal  of 
the  State,  this  Seventeenth  Day  of  August  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord,  One  Thousand  and  Seven  Hundred  and  Eighty 
Five,  and  in  the  Tenth  year  of  American  Independence. 

"Signed  by  His  Honor  the  Governor  in  Council  the  17th 
Day  of  August,  1785. 

"G.  Handley,  C.  C.     Registered  17th  August,  1785." 

"STATE  OF  GEORGIA 

"Office  of  Secretary  of  State 

"I,  Philip  Cook,  Secretary  of  State  of  the  State  of  Geor- 
gia, do  hereby  certify  that  the  three  foregoing  pages  con- 
fain  a  true  and  correct  copy  of  the  Revolutionary  service 
of  Thomas  Holliday,  as  the  same  appears  on  file  and  record, 
in  this  office.  In  testimony  whereof,  I  have  hereunto  set 
my  hand,  and  affixed  the  Seal  of  my  office,  at  the  Capitol 
in  the  City  of  Atlanta,  this  12th  day  of  January,  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord,  One  Thousand  Nine  Hundred  and  One,  of  the 
Independence  of  the  United  States  of  America  the  One 
Hundred  and  Twenty-Fifth. 
"Seal 

"Philip  Cook, 
"Secretary  of  State." 

446.  Miss  Holliday. 

448.  Joseph  Holliday. 

449.  John  Holliday. 

"John  Holliday,  my  grandfather,  came  from  Georgia  to 
Adams  Co.,  Miss.,  but  in  1840  he  moved  to  Copiah  Co.,  about 
siix  miles  from  Crystal  Springs,  this  being  healthier  than 
the  Kingston  neighborhood  in  Adams  Co.  He  had  lost 
several  children  and  slaves  with  fever  there,  all  his  family 
being  sick  with  it  in  1836,  Dr.  Farrar,  an  intimate  friend 
of  his,  thinks  that  John  Holliday  came  from  Holliday sburg. 
Pa.,  and  that  the  town  was  named  for  him  or  his  family. 
Before  leaving  Adams  Co.  he  m.  Sarah  Ford,  daughter  of 
Robin  and  Elizabeth  Ford.  Most,  if  not  all  of  his  children 
were  born  in  that  county.  J.  Nevit  F.  Baker,  Jeanette, 
Miss.,  Oct.  25,  1897." 

150 


CHILDREN  OF  AYERS  HOLLIDAY  AND  OLIVIA 
JOHNSON 

450.  Thomas  Holliday  (444),  deceased.  "Thomas  Holli- 
day  for  eig-hteen  years  sheriff  of  Copiah  Co.,  lived  thirty 
miles  below  Gallatin.  He  endeared  himself  to  the  people  in 
the  financial  crisis  of  1836,  and  could  not  have  been  beaten. 
This  crisis  was  from  1836  to  1840.  His  great  sympathy  for 
the  people  made  his  irresistible.  He  was  never  defeated 
for  any  office,  being  so  strong  with  the  people  on  account 
of  his  kindness  in  their  great  trials  and  troubles.  Uriah 
Milsaps,  Oct.  4,  1894." 

451.  Sallie  Holliday  (444),  deceased. 

452.  Nancy  Holliday  (444),  deceased. 

453.  Margaret  Holliday  (444),  deceased. 

454.  Martha  Holliday  (444),  b  1804  in  Ga.  Elizabeth 
Holiday  (444).  They  were  twins.  Martha  Holliday  m.  Dr. 
David  Shoemaker.  She  d.  March,  1892,  at  her  home  in  Cali- 
fornia. Dr.  D,  Shoemaker  d.  1913,  in  Auburn,  Cal.,  sud- 
denly of  heart  trouble.  He  was  at  Pleasant  Valley,  Cal.. 
in  1866.  He  graduated  from  a  medical  college  in  San  Fran- 
cisco as  a  physician  and  surgeon  and  practiced  at  Truckee 
sev^enteen  years  and  then  moved  to  Oakland,  then  in  1913 
to   Auburn.     His  wife  and  two   children   survive   him. 

455.  Elizabeth  Holliday  (444),  b.  in  Georgia,  1804,  m.  in 
1824  Thomas  Milsaps,  in  Copiah  Co.,  Miss.  He  was  b.  in 
Pendleton  District,  S.  C,  Jan.  1,  1799,  d.  in  1882.  She  died 
in  1841. 


CHILDREN  OF  DAVID  SHOEMAKER  AND  MARTHA 

HOLLIDAY 

456.  Rufus  Shoemaker  (454),  was  b.  in  Linden.  Copiah 
Co.,  Miss.,  Jan.  5,  1830,  d.  in  Grass  Valley,  Cal.,  in  1893.  He 
graduated  from  Oakland  College,  Miss.,  with  the  degree  of 
B,  A.  After  editing  a  paper  in  Port  Gibson,  Miss.,  many 
years,  he  went  in  1853  to  Grass  Valley,  where  his  father, 
Dr.  David  Shoemaker,  was  a  pioneer  settler  and  resident. 
He  served  eight  years  as  county  clerk,  edited  the  National 
Newspaper,  and  in  1859  returned  to  Port  Gibson.  He  was 
Captain  of  a  company  in  the  Civil  War  from  Miss.  In  1866 
he  retuiTied  to  Grass  Valley  and  edited  the  Grass  Valley 
Union.  Was  in  the  Constitutional  Convention  in  1879.  In 
1889  he  established  the  Evening  Telegraph.  He  m.  Sarah 
Overton  Lacy,  of  Port  Gibson,  Miss.,  who  was  b.  in  St. 
Mary's  Parish,  La.,  and  is  a  niece  of  the  late  Gen.  Van  Dorn, 
and  a  cousin  of  U.  S.  Gen.  Caffrey  and  Gen.  Marshall  Mil- 
ler, e^ch  of  La.  General  Miller  is  a  native  of  Vicksburg, 
Miss.,  and  a  noted  attorney. 

151 


CHILDREN  OF  RUFUS  SHOEMAKER  AND  SARAH 
OVERTON  LACY 

457.  Martha  Shoemaker  (456),  m.  Norris  Cochran  Far- 
nam  in  Bakersfield,  S.  Cal.  He  was  formerly  from  Wash- 
ington, D.  C.  She  has  two  step-children,  Rodney  Emery, 
and  Elizabeth  Margaret  Farnam.  Martha  Shoemaker  and 
her  brother  James  succeeded  their  father  in  editing  the 
Evening  Telegraph.     She  and  her  brother  David  are  twins. 

458.  Douglas  Shoemaker  (456),  Grass  Valley,  Calif.,  has 
three  children.  He  m.  Mary  McGuire,  of  Grass  Valley. 
Their  children  are  Alice  Vertner,  Andrew  Jackson  and  Leah 
Theresa.     Jack  died  at  three  years  of  age. 

459.  Dr.  David  Shoemaker  (456),  m.  Gertrude  Mary 
Campbell,  of  Oakland,  Cal.  She  is  a  beautiful  woman.  Dr. 
Shoemaker  lives  at  Truckee,  high  up  in  the  Sierra  Moun- 
tains, Calif.     He  and  sister  Martha  are  twins. 

460.  Henry  Shoemaker  (456),  has  been  in  Dawson  City, 
Alaska,  since  1899.  His  daughter,  Mary  Lacy  Shoemaker, 
when  13  months  old  lost  her  mother,  Delia  Agnes  Madden. 
When  she  was  six  years  of  age  her  father  m.  Naomi  Rex. 
Their  children  are  Roy  Henry  and  Rex  Shoemaker. 

CHILDREN  OF  JOHN  HOLLIDAY  AND  SARAH  FORD 

"John  Holliday  was  my  great-grandmother's  uncle,  and 
Mrs.  Flemming,  of  Jeanette,  Miss.,  was  her  first  cousin. — 
Edwin  F.  Moody,  January  17,  1898,  Meridian,  Miss." 

462.  Wm.  Holliday  (449),  b.  1804,  d.  Nov.,  1897.  Lived 
in  Adams  Co.,  Miss.,  and  was  very  wealthy.  Died  while 
visiting  a  friend  in  Wilkerson  Co.  and  was  buried  there. 
Was  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Church. 

462-a.  Robert  Holliday,  d.  1836,  Adams  Co.,  Miss.  Was 
the  second  person  buried  in  the  Kingston  Cemetery.  He 
asked  to  be  interred  by  the  side  of  his  friend,  Thornton 
Farrar.  Robert  was  a  student  at  Oakland  College  at  the 
time  of  his  death. 

,463.  Dickerson  Holliday  (449),  m.  Miss  Charlotte  Owings, 
La.,  both  d.  in  1869.    Their  home  was  Yazoo  City,  Miss. 

464.  Franklin  Holliday  (449),  m.  Miss  Nancy  Harrison, 
Copiah  Co.,  Miss. 

465.  Gibson  Holliday  (449),  m.  Martha  Stackhouse,  of  Co- 
piah Co.  He  had  a  granddaughter,  Blanche,  who  married 
Henry  Holt  Halsey.  A  son  of  Gibson  Holliday  inherited  his 
father's  old  homestead  near  Crystal  Springs  and  resides 
there.  After  the  death  of  Gibson  Holliday's  wife  and  the 
death  of  his  brother  Francis,  he  married  the  widow  of 
Francis  Holliday. 

466.  Andrew  Jackson  Holliday  (449,  )  attorney  at  law  and 
a  partner  of  the  late  Judge  Cassidy,  was  drowned  in  Pearl 
River  with  Louise  and  Lucy  Arrington,  by  the  skiff  capsiz- 
ing. He  practiced  in  Monticello,  Miss.  Was  handsome  and 
talented. 

152 


467.  Minerva  Holliday  (449),  m.  Dr.  Lanningham.  They 
removed  to  Texas.     Both  are  dead. 

Two  Holliday  children  d.  in  infancy. 

468.  Sarah  Holliday  (449),  m.  Henry  Luce.  She  d.  1836, 
buried  in  Kingston  Cemetery.  Their  daughter,  Amelia 
Luce,  m.  Mr.  Owings  (  Yazoo  City. 

Sarah  Owings,  m.  Mr.  Barksdale,  Yazoo  City. 

470.  Jeannette  (449),  daughter  of  John  Holliday  and 
Sarah  Ford,  died  at  her  home,  Jeanette,  Miss.,  in  1893,  at 
the  age  of  79  years.  When  19  years  of  age  she  m.  John  G. 
Flemming,  of  Adams  Co.,  Miss.,  on  March  27,  1833.  She  is 
buried  at  Jeanette.  "She  was  one  of  the  old-time  Southern 
ladies  whose  heart  was  ever  full  of  love  and  charity  for 
her  fellow  beings,  and  who  never  tired  of  doing  good." 

CHILDREN  OF  JOHN  G.  FLEMING  AND  JEANNETTE 

HOLLIDAY 

Infant  died  unnamed. 

471.  Wm.  Ferdinan  Flemming  (470),  deceased. 

472.  Hinds  Flemming   (470),  deceased. 

473.  Benton  Flemming  (470),  b.  1840,  unmarried  in  1897. 
He  served  in  the  Confederate  army  in  Va.  during  the  entire 
Civil  war  without  a  furlough,     d.  Sept.  13,  1915. 

474.  Dinah  Flemming  (470),  m.  Anson  F.  Alexander,  Jan. 
16,  1860,  Adams  Co.,  Miss.     She  d.  April  9,  1920. 

475.  Sarah  Flemming  (470). 

476.  Emily  Dunbar  Flemming  (470),  deceased. 

477.  Young  Flemming  (470). 
Infant  daughter,  unnamed,  deceased. 

479.  Robert  Frederick  Flemming  (470),  deceased. 

480.  John  Nevitt  Flemming  (470),  a  daughter  was  named 
after  Capt.  J.  B.  Nevitt,  a  retired  naval  ofiicer  and  a  friend 
of  her  father.  He  stood  as  her  godfather  when  baptized. 
She  m.  on  Sept.  19,  1885,  Everard  G.  Baker,  Jr.,  a  son  of 
Laura  Alexander,  the  first  wife  of  Everard  Baker,  Sr.,  of 
Hazlehurst,  Miss.  They  live  at  Jeanette,  Miss.,  which  takes 
its  name  from  her  mother.  Everard  Baker,  Jr.,  d.  July  17, 
1918. 

481.  Jane  Bayard  Flemming  (470),  unmarried  1897. 

482.  Holliday  Flemm.ing  (470),  b.  1850,  keeps  house  with 
his  sister,  Janie.     He  was  unmarried  1897. 

CHILDREN  OF  DINAH  FLEMMING  AND  ANSON  F. 
ALEXANDER 

483.  Jeanette  Lavinia  Alexander  (474),  deceased. 

484.  John  Fleming  Alexander  (474). 

485.  Amos  Alexander  (474). 

486.  Sallie  Baker  Alexander   (474). 

487.  Catherine  French  Alexander  (474) . 

488.  Robert  Alexander  (474). 

489.  Benton  Alexander  (474). 

153 


490.  Anna  Elizabeth  Alexander  (474). 

491.  Mary  Alexander  (474). 

CHILDREN  OF  E.  G.  BAKER  AND  SARAH  FLEMMING 
Everard  Green  Baker  of  Hazlehurst,  Miss.,  son  of  Thos. 

Baker  and  Eliza  Green.     His  mother  was  a  daughter  of 

Everard   Green. 

E.  G.  Baker,  Sr.,  above  named,  m.  first  Laura  L.  Alexan- 
der,-Sept.  6,  1849.     He  d.  Mch.  1,  1890,  and  was  b.  in  1826. 

His  second  wife  was  Sarah,  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jno.  G. 

Fleming,  of  Adams  Co.,  Miss.,  m.  June  21,  1852. 

Everard  Green  Baker,  son  of  E.  G.  Baker,  Sr.,  and  wife 

Laura  L.  Alexander,  m.  J.  Nevitt  Fleming,  Sept.  9,  1885. 

Me  d.  1918.     She  was  b.  1856.     E.  G.  Baker  Jr.,  a  graduate 

of  the  Law  Dept.  at  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  d.  July  18,  1918,  at  his 

home  in  Adams  Co.,  Miss. 

492.  Fred  Nash  Baker  (475). 

493.  Alice  Jeanette  Baker  (475). 

494.  John  Flemming  Baker  (475). 

495.  Martha  Gordon  Baker  (475),  and 

496.  Robert  Lee  Baker  (475),  twins. 

497.  Lizzie  Antonia  Baker  (475). 

498.  Sallie  Belknap  Baker  (475). 

499.  Florence  Marshall  Baker  (475). 

500.  Wm.  C.  Baker  (475). 

501.  Nellie  Baker  (475). 

502.  Quintard  Baker  (475). 

503.  Infant  daughter  (475). 

504.  Otis  Baker  (475). 

CHILDREN  OF  EVERARD  BAKER  AND  J.  NEVITT 
FLEMMING 

505.  Jeanette  Holliday  Baker  (480),  m.  Andrew  Deane 
Paine,  June  14,  1905.  They  reside  at  Natchez.  Laura 
Baker  Paine,  b.  Feb.  23,  1908;  have  since  removed  to  New 
Bedford,  Mass. 

506.  Laura  Alexander  Baker  (480). 

507.  Everard  Green  Baker  III  (480),  b.  Mch.  10,  1889, 
m.  Feb.  2,  1918,  Josephine  Balfour. 

508.  Victor  Albert  Baker  (480). 

509.  Francis  Theophile  Baker  (480)  (named  for  Francis 
Baker,  a  native  of  New  Jersey,  his  ancestor). 

510.  John  Holliday  Baker  (480). 

"I  had  only  two  sons  in  the  service  during  the  European 
War.  Francis  was  at  Camp  Shelby  with  the  Q.  M.  C.  de- 
tachment for  17  months,  and  is  disgusted  that  he  could  not 
"go  over."— Nevitt  Fleming  Baker,  Oct.  8,  1919." 

It  is  surmised  that  the  following  Miss  Holliday  was  a 
daughter  of  Elijah  Holiday  and  Margaret  Johnson  (511 
same  as  446). 

511.  Misft  Holliday,  Georgia,  m.  Mr.  Johnson,  Georgia. 

154 


512.  Margaret  Holliday  (511),  their  daughter,  died  in 
the  summer  of  1858. 

513.  Mary  Holliday  Walker  (512),  b.  June  29,  1811,  in 
Eatonton,  Ga.,  d.  Dec,  1879,  buried  in  the  cemetery  at  Tus- 
caloosa by  the  side  of  her  husband;  m.  Mr.  Moody,  Jackson, 
Miss. 

514.  Martha  Walker  (512),  m.  Francis  McGuire.  In  1851 
they  moved  to  Texas  from  Tuscaloosa,  Ala.,  and  have  five 
,or  six  children. 

515.  Margaret  Walker  (512),  deceased;  m.  Capt.  John 
Smith  who  owned  a  steamboat  which  plied  between  Mobile 
and  Montgomery,  Ala.  Many  years  ago  he  retired  to  his 
plantation  near  Belmont,  Sumter  County,  Ala.  Here  both 
are  buried.       ^^ijl  p.  7^ 

516.  Robert  Walker  (512),  deceased;  m.  Miss  Spiller, 
Tuscaloosa,  Ala. 

517.  Pierce  Walker  (512),  named  after  Lovick  Pierce, 
father  of  Bishop  Pierce. 

CHILDREN  OF  ROBERT  WALKER  AND  MISS  SPILLER 

518.  Dr.  Robert  Walker  (516),  deceased. 

519.  Hickman  Walter  (516),  a  merchant  in  Tuscaloosa, 
Ala. 

CHILDREN  OF  THOS.  MILSAPS  AND  ELIZABETH 
HOLLIDAY 

520.  Wm.  Milsaps   (455),  d.  voung. 

521.  Uriah  Milsaps  (455). 

Judge  Uriah  Milsaps,  b.  1828,  d.  about  1876.  In  1856 
he  m.  Sarah,  daughter  of  Bryant  Lewis,  Copiah  Co.,  Miss., 
but  a  native  of  South  Carolina.  Uriah  Milsaps  was  educated 
at  Hanover  College,  Indiana,  and  at  Danville,  Ky.  Studied 
law  with  Judge  Daniel  Mayes,  of  Jackson,  Miss.,  and  was 
licensed  to  practice  in  1854.  He  entered  the  Confederate 
war,  recruited  a  company  as  First  Lieutenant,  then  became 
Captain.  In  1869  he  was  made  Judge  of  the  Fifth  Judicial 
District,  and  served  till  1876,  when  he  returned  to  his  prac- 
tice in  Hazlehurst,  Miss.  The  father  of  Judge  Milsaps  set- 
tled in  Copiah  Co.,  in  1823,  having  moved  from  S.  C.  to  Miss, 
in  1810.  He  and  his  wife  died  in  1833  while  on  a  visit  to  a 
son  in  Perry  Co.,  Miss.  Judge  Milsaps  had  one  son,  H.  T. 
Milsaps,  attorney  at  law,  Hazlehurst,  Miss. 

522.  Martha  Milsaps  (455),  m.  Mr.  Beasley. 

523.  Mary  Milsaps   (455),  m.  Hon.  Thos.  E.  Milsaps. 

524.  Sarah  Milsaps  (455),  m.  Rev.  Wm.  Wadsworth. 
"Elijah  Holliday,  who  m.  my  great  aunt,,  Margaret  John- 
vson,  was  the  great  grandfather  of  Mrs.  Sarah  Milsaps 
Wadsworth.  Mrs.  Jno.  A.  Ellis.  Amite  Citv,  La,.  Mav  21, 
1893." 

525.  Thos.  J.  Milsaps  (455),  b.  Copiah  Co.,  Miss.,  1834,  m. 
in  1870,  a  daughter  of  Hon.  John  Fatheree,  of  Holmes  Co. 

155 


He  was  educated  at  Hanover  College,  Indiana,  and  Cente- 
nary College,  Jackson,  La.  Read  law.  When  the  Civil  War 
began  he  enlisted  and  fought  throughout.  He  represented 
his  State  in  the  legislature  of  1887  and  1889.  He  was  widely 
known  as  a  brilliant  member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity. 

CHILDREN  OF  THOMAS  HOLLIDAY  (445)   AND 
MARTHA  DICKERSON 

526.  Sarah  Holliday  (445),  b.  Feb.  28,  1781,  m.  Francis 
Strother. 

527.  Dickerson  Holliday  (445),  b.  Dec.  11,  1782,  d.  Oct. 
5,  1827.  Dickerson  Holliday,  Wilkes  Co.,  Ga.,  m.  Rebecca 
Ragan,  first  wife.  She  was  b.  Dec.  31,  1785,  in  Georgia,  d. 
March  15,  1825.  She  was  a  daughter  of  Mrs.  Elizabeth 
Ragan,  who  d.  Aug.  11,  1841.  Dickerson  Holliaay's  second 
wife  was  Mrs.  Cutliff,  nee  Lucinda  Ragan,  sister  of  first 
wife.     Their  son,  Joseph  R.  Holliday,  died  unmarried. 

528.  John  Holliday  (445),  b.  May  4,  1785,  m.  Miss  Clem- 
ence,  of  Georgia.     He  was  a  merchant  in  Washington,  Ga. 

529.  Mary  Holliday  (445),  b.  Nov.  6,  1787,  d.  Nov.  21, 
1827,  m.  Joseph  Catchings  about  1800. 

530.  Allen  Holliday  (445),  b.  Oct.  12,  1789.  ''Dickerson 
Holliday  appointed  guardian  to  Allen  Holliday,  orphan  of 
Thomas  Hollidav,  Dec.  5,  1804."  S.  D.  Fanning,  office  of 
Court  of  Ordinary,  Wilkes  Co.,  Mar.  12,  1912." 

Allen  Holliday  (See  530),  m.  Nancy  O'Neal,  Ga.  "One  of 
his  sons,  T.  Holiday,  was  in  Washington  City  the  last  time 
I  heard  of  hime  before  the  Civil  War.  He  had  a  cousin, 
Joe,  who  went  there  also. — Harriet  Holliday,  Canton,  Miss., 
Nov.  13,  1894."  "All  of  the  children  of  Allen  Holliday  and 
Nancy  O'Neal  died  under  37  years  of  age  except  Allen 
Thomas  Holliday,  mv  father,  and  he  was  only  37  years  of 
age."     Flora  Hollidav,  Oct.  21,  1898,  Washington,  Ga. 

531.  Richard  Ivey  Holliday  (445),  b.  Aug.  16,  1791.  He 
m.  Mary  Evans,  of  Georgia.  They  moved  from  Georgia  to 
Miss,  in  1843,  and  settled  near  (Canton,  Madison  Co.  He 
afterwards  returned  to  Georgia  and  died  there.  Was  a 
Colonel  in  the  Florida  War. 

532.  Thom.as  Holliday  (445),  b.  Oct.  2,  1797,  m.  Sarah 
Leslie,  Ga.  They  moved  to  Madison  Co.,  Miss.,  1847.  Some 
say  he  m.  Sarah  Hammock. 

533.  Robert  J.  Holliday  (445). 

CHILDREN  OF  RICHARD  IVEY  HOLLIDAY  AND 
MARY  EVANS 

534.  John  Holliday  (531),  b.  Mch.  10,  1844,  m.  Katherine 
Griffin.  Their  daughter,  Eugenia,  m.  Adolphus  E.  Stro- 
ther; another  daughter,  Georgia  0.  Holliday,  m.  Alphonso 
R.  Strother.  A.  E.  Strother  was  State  Senator.  A.  E.  and 
A.  R.  Strother  were  sons  of  Thos.  Strother  and  Lucinda 
Wright. 

156 


535.  Louisa  Holliday  (531),  m.  Joseph  Sanders. 

536.  Jane  Holliday  (531),  m.  Mr.  Mayfield. 

537.  Thomas  Holliday  (531),  m.  Harriet  Catching,  Miss. 
(Cousins.) 

538.  Isaac  Newton  Holliday  (531),  m.  Miss  Lizzie  Tisdale, 
daughter  of  Wm.  and  Frances  Finney  Tisdale,  Va.  They 
live  in  Madison  Co.,  Miss. 

539.  Emily  Holliday  (531),  m.  Frank  Catching,  a  cousin. 

540.  Cassender  Holliday  (531),  m.  Joseph  Sanders. 
Their  daughter,  Martha,  m.  her  cousin.  Dr.  Benj.  H.  Catch- 
ing, of  Atlanta,  Ga.  Their  daughter  Louisa  Sanders,  m. 
Joseph  H.  Catching,  of  Copiah  Co.,  iMss.  Leonidas  Wilber- 
force  Sanders  enlisted  in  Co.  C,  18th  Mississippi  Regt.  in 

1861,  at  the  age  of  16  years.  He  was  wounded  in  the  bat- 
tle of  the  Wilderness,  and  died  a  month  later  in  a  hospital 
in  Richmond,  and  was  buried  in  the  Confederate  Cemetery 
there.     Benj.  H.  and  Joseph  H.  Catching  were  brothers. 

CHILDREN  OF  DICKERSON  HOLLIDAY  AND  REBECCA 

RAGAN 

541.  Nathaniel  Ragan  Holliday  (527),  b.  1808,  d.  1887, 
removed  from  Wilkes  to  Stewart  Co.,  Ga.,  after  his  marriage 
to  Susan  Elizabeth  Wiley  of  Washington  Co.,  Ga.  She  was 
b.  1817,  d.  1836.  The  Stewart  Co.  branch  spell  the  name 
"Halliday." 

542.  Cynthia  Holliday  (527),  b.  1804,  m.  Rev.  Billington 
M.  Sanders  who  was  the  first  principal  of  Mercer  University, 
Penfield  and  Macon,  Ga.  Mercer  University  was  named  for 
Silas  Mercer,  father  of  Rev.  Jesse  Mercer,  a  noted  Baptist 
minister. 

544.  Martha  Holliday  (527),  b.  1802,  m..  Daniel  Walker, 
b.  1794,  d.  1838,  Monroe,  Ga.  After  the  death  of  her  first 
husband,  Martha  married  Mr.  Stroud.  Their  daughter, 
Emma  Stroud,  m.  Aaron  Nunnally,  Atlanta,  Ga.  Mrs. 
Stroud  died  in  1882. 

545.  Thomas  Holliday   (527). 

546.  Dickerson  Holliday,  Jr.  (527),  b.  in  1812,  d.  in  the 
nineties.  He  m.  Mary  Ann  Hill,  Monroe,  Ga.  They  lived 
many  years  in  Auburn,  Ala.,  and  reared  a  family  there. 
"I  am  told  by  Prof.  Walker  that  he  thinks  that  all  the  male 
members  of  the  Auburn  family  are  dead  and  that  the  only 
surviving  child  is  Mrs.  Ophelia  Hill,  Washington,  Ga.,  and 
that  her  mother  lives  with  her.  Dickerson  Holliday  spelled 
his  name  with  an  "a." — W.  T.  Holliday,  Newnan,  Ga.,  Jan. 
28,  1898." 

547.  Simeon  Holliday  (527),  d.  unmarried. 

CHILDREN  OF  NATHANIEL  HOLLIDAY  AND  SUSAN 
ELIZABETH  WILEY 

548.  Martha  Holhdav  (541),  m.  Dr.  J.  E.  Carter. 

549.  Thomas  H.  HolHday   (541),  d.  at  Or!^ngeburg,  Va., 

1862,  Confederate  Arrnv. 

157 


550.  Dickerson  Wiley  HoUiday  (541),  d.  at  Manassas,  Va., 
1862,  C.  S.  A. 

552.  Nicholas  Wiley  Holliday  (541),  m.  Dicey  Stanford. 
They  lived  at  Tifton,  Ga.,  in  1915.     Several  childrei>. 

553.  Emily  Cynthia  Holliday  (541),  m.  S.  T.  Rice,  Eu- 
faula,  Ala.     No  children. 

554.  Marshall  A.  Holliday  (541),  m.  Sophia  Ball. 

555.  Frances  Holliday  (541),  m.  Fletcher  Scaife.  Their 
son,  Paul  B.  Scaife  lives  at  Macon,  Ga. 

556.  George  Ragan  HoHiday  (541),  b.  1841,  d.  1895,  m. 
Josephine  Lawson.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Legislature 
from  Stewart  Co.,  Ga.     She  was  b.  1847. 

CHILDREN  OF  DICKERSON  HOLLIDAY,  JR.,  AND 
MARY  ANNE  HILL 

557.  Abraham  Holliday  (546). 

558.  Mack  Holliday  (546). 

559.  Augustus  Holliday  (546). 

560.  Mary  Hollidav   (546),  m.  Dr.  Arthur  Ferrman. 

561.  Louisa  Holliday  (546),  m.  Willie  Walsh. 

562.  Warren  Holliday   (546). 

563.  Ophelia  Holliday  (546),  m.  Col.  Duncan  Hill,  Wilkes 
Co.,  Ga.    They  have  one  daughter,  Lucy  Hill,  Ophelia,  Ga. 

CHILDREN  OF  DR.  J.  E.  CARTER  AND  MARTHA 
HOLLIDAY 

564.  Marvin  Holliday  Carter  (548),  Lumpkin,  Ga.  In 
Aug.,  1915,  he  lived  in  Tifton,  Ga.,  as  agent  for  the  Georgia 
Cotton  Co. 

565.  Jerre  E.  Carter    (548). 

566.  E.  L.  Carter  (548),  a  merchant  in  Lumpkin,  Ga. 

567.  Alelia  Carter  (548),  married  Mr.  Smith,  Nashville, 
Tenn. 

568.  Mattie  Carter  (548),  married  Mr.  Fort,  Treasury 
Dept.,  Washington,  D.  C. 

569.  Dr.  W.  P.  Carter  (548),  Lumpkin,  Ga. 

570.  Mrs.  Dr.  J.  C.  Patterson  (548),  Milledgeville,  Ga. 

571.  Anna  Carter  (548),  married  Mr.  Williams,  Paris, 
Texas. 

CHILDREN  OF  GEO.  R.  HOLLIDAY  AND  JOSEPHINE 

LAWSON 

572.  Wm.  Thos.  Holbrook  Holliday  (556),  b.  1871,  County 
School  Commissioner,  Lumpkin,  Ga. 

573.  Sydney  Ragan  Holliday  (556),  b.  1874. 

574.  Anna  Elizabeth  Holliday  (556),  b.  1876,  m.  J.  T. 
Pearce,  Randolph  Co.,  Ga. 

575.  George  Ragan  Holilday,  Jr.  (556),  b.  1878. 

576.  Nannie  Lou  Holliday  (556),  b.  1880. 

577.  Ernest  Dickerson  Holliday   (556),  b.  1883. 

578.  Fc;^  Holliday  (556),  b.  1887. 

153 


579.  Mary  Joe  Holiday  (556),  b.  1889. 

580.  Carl  Murphy  Holliday  (556),  b.  1892. 

CHILDREN  OF  SARAH  HOLLIDAY  AND  FRANCIS 
STROTHER 

581.  John  G.  Strother  (526),  South  Ga.,  m.  Miss  Ray, 
first  wife;  m.  Miss  McKinney,  second  wife,  one  child,  Ed- 
ward Strother,  by  this  marriage,  d.  single ;  m.  Nancy  Mon- 
crief,  third  wife. 

582.  Wm.  Francis  Strother  (526),  m.  Nancy  G.  Griffin. 

583.  Thos.  Holliday  Strother  (526),  m.  Lucinda  Wright. 

584.  Lucinda  P.  Strother  (536),  m.  David  Campbell. 

585.  Samuel  Strother  (526),  d.  unmftr»rie'd. 

586.  Chapley  R.  Strother  (526),  m.  Caroline  Cantleon. 

CHILDREN  OF  JOHN  G.  STROTHER  AND  HIS  FIRST 
WIFE,  MISS  RAY 

587.  James  A.  Strother  (581),  Texas. 

588.  Joseph  T.  Strother  (581),  Waco,  Texas. 

CHILDREN  OF  WM.  FRANCIS  STROTHER  AND  NANCY 

G.   GRIFFIN 

589.  Cyrenius  A.  Strother  (582),  m.  Virginia  Cantleon. 

590.  Josephus  E.  Strother  (582),  d.  June  7,  1901,  father 
of  Mary  W.  Strother. 

591.  Adolphus  E.  Strother  (582),  Amity,  Ga.,  b.  March 
10,  1844.     He  was  State  Senator  Ga.,  m.  Eugenia  Holliday. 

592.  Sarah  J.  Strother  (582),  b.  1852,  m.  Mr.  Bennett, 
first  husband ;  Mr.  Shank,  second  husband  . 

593.  Thos.  C.  Strother  (582),  m.  Sallie  Edmunds,  9  chil- 
dren. 

594.  Miss  N.  M.  Strother   (582). 

595.  George  Strother  (582). 

596.  Pauline  Strother  (582). 

597.  Grover  Strother  (582). 

598.  Jerre  Strother  (582). 

599.  Holland  Strother  (582). 

600.  Ella  Strother  (582). 

601.  Henry  Strother  (582). 

602.  Martha  Strother  (582). 

CHILDREN  OF  A.  E.  STROTHER  AND  EUGENIA  A. 
HOLLIDAY 

603.  Clara  N.  Strother  (591),  deceased,  m.  Samuel  Ed- 
monds. 

604.  Maude  Strother  (591),  aged  22  years. 

605.  Wm.  T.  Strother  (591),  aged  20  years. 

606.  John  Sydney  Strother  (591),  aged  12  years. 

607.  Josephus  A.  Strother  (591),  aged  10  years. 

159 


CHILDREN  OF  SAMUEL  EDMONDS  AND  CLARA 
STROTHER 

608.  Floy  Edmonds  (603). 

609.  Margaret  Edmonds  (603). 

CHILDREN  OF  MR.  SHANK,  2ND  HUSBAND,  AND 

SARAH  J.  STROTHER 
611.  Henry  A.  Shank  (592). 
■     612.  RosaL.  Shank  (592). 

613.  Felix  Shank  (592). 

CHILDREN  OF  THOS.  H.  STROTHER  AND  LUCINDA 

WRIGHT 

614.  Thaddeus  R.  Strother  (583). 

615.  Louisa  Strother  (583),  m.  Mr.  Dill. 

616.  Wm.  T.  Strother  (583). 

617.  Alphonso  R.  Strother  (583),  m.  Georgia  0.  Holliday. 

618.  Lucy  P.  Strother  (583). 

CHILDREN  OF  MR.  DILL  AND  LOUISA  STROTHER 

619.  Thaddeus  Dill  (615). 

620.  HattieDill  (615). 

CHILDREN  OF  A.  R.  STROTHER  AND  GEORGIA  O. 
HOLLIDAY 

621.  John  Strother  (617). 

622.  Frederick  Strother  (617). 

623.  Lillie  Strother  (617). 

624.  Ruth  Strother  (617). 

625.  Bettie  Strother   (617). 

626.  Flossie  Strother  (617). 

CHILDREN  OF  DAVID  CAMPBELL  AND  LUCINDA  P. 

STROTHER 

627.  Alonzo  Campbell  (584). 

628.  Mary  Campbell   (584),  m.  Erasmus  Griffin,  brother 
W.  A.  Griffin. 

629.  Elizabeth  Campbell  (584). 

CHILDREN  OF  ERASMUS  GRIFFIN  AND  MARY 
CAMPBELL 

630.  Willie  Griffin   (628). 

631.  Lizzie  Griffin  (628). 

CHILDREN  OF  CHAPLEY  R.  STROTHER  AND 
CAROLINE  CANTLEON 

632.  W^m.  Henry  Strother  (586),  m.  Miss  Bond,  Bond,  Ga. 

633.  Laura  Strother  (586),  m.  F.  J.  Griffin. 

634.  Frank  Strother  (586),  m.  Mrs.  Davis. 

635.  Eugene  Strother   (586),  unmarried. 

636.  Julien  or  Sallie  Strother    (586),   m.  Mr.   Brashier, 
Wood  St.,  Atlanta,  Ga. 

637.  Lula  Strother  (586),  m.  Mr.  Casylon. 

160 


CHILDREN  OF  ALLEN  HOLLIDAY  AND  NANCY 

Q'NEAL 

638.  William  Dickerson  Holliday  (530),  m.  Amanda  Grif- 
fin.    Child,  William. 

639.  Jacynthia  Rebecca  Holliday  (530),  deceased. 

640.  Mary  A.  Holliday  (530),  m.  John  L.  Paschel;  chil- 
dren, Martha,  Myra  and  Thomas  H. 

641.  Frances  Adelaide  Celestia  Holliday  (530).  She  m. 
W.  S.  Jackson,  West  Point,  Ga.  They  have  one  daughter, 
who  m.  L.  L.  Hardy. 

642.  Malidia  Holliday   (530),  m.  Rhodes  Elliott. 

643.  Amelia  Holliday  (530),  m.  Geo.  Simms.  Their 
daughter,  Cynthia  Simms. 

644.  Allen  Thos.  H.  Holliday  (530),  m.  Elizabeth  Zellars. 

CHILDREN  OF  RHODES  ELLIOTT  AND  MALIDIA 
HOLLIDAY 

645.  Wm.  Holliday  (642),  went  West;  residence  unknown. 

646.  Martha  Cordelia  Holliday  (642),  m.  Warren  Tatum, 
Lincoln  Co.,  Ga. 

CHILDREN  OF  ALLEN  T.  HOLLIDAY  AND  ELIZABETH 

ZELLARS 

647.  Otis  Holliday  (644),  Wilkes  Co.,  Ga.     Six  children. 

648.  Alice  M.  Holliday  (644),  b.  Oct.  9,  1855,  d.  July  3, 
1907.  She  m.  Rev.  Thos.  Acton  Nash,  Bapt.,  about  1897, 
no  issue. 

649.  Wm.  Zellars  Holhday,  M.  D.  )644),  Augusta,  Ga. 
He  has  one  child 

650.  Flora  T.  Holhday  (644),  b.  Feb.  5,  1858;  d.  Nov.  6, 
1919,  in  a  hospital  in  Atlanta,  Ga.,  after  an  illness  of  about 
6  weeks. 

651.  Peter  J.  Holliday  (644) ;  m.  Miss  Jessie  Thompson. 
He  is  37  years  of  age  and  is  mgr.  of  the  Washington  Mfg. 
Co.,  Washington,  Ga. 

652.  Omar  Holhday  (644),  m.  Rosa  Willett,  his  cousin. 
They  have  one  child  and  live  near  Boulevard,  Atlanta. 

CHILDREN  OF  P.  J.  HOLLIDAY  AND  JESSIE  THOMP- 
SON 

653.  Allen  Holliday  (651),  aged  six  years. 

654.  Margaret  Holliday  (651),  aged  four  years. 

655.  Fletcher  Holliday  (651),  aged  three  years. 

656.  Myrtle  Holliday  (651),  aged  two  years. 

657.  Infant,  unnamed  (651). 

CHILDREN  OF  ISAAC  NEWTON  HOLLIDAY  AND 

LIZZIE  TISDALE 
^58.  W.  T.  Hollidav  (538). 

659.  Joseph  E.  Holliday  (538). 

660.  Mary  Louisa  Holhday  (538),  m.  Jesse  Mercer  Hol- 
liday. 

161 


662.  Francis  E.  Holliday  (538). 

663.  Martha  E.  Holliday  (538). 

664.  Sarah  J.  Holliday  (538),  m.  J.  H.  Pace,  Sharon,  Miss. 

665.  Rosa  Love  Holliday  (538),  deceased. 

667.  Annie  N.  Holliday  (538),  m.  George  Galloway, 
Sharon,  Miss.,  an  uncle  of  Bishop  Chas.  Galloway.  She  d. 
June,  1913. 

668.  John  T.  Holliday  (538). 

669.  Annie  Holliday   (538),  deceased. 

CHILDREN  OF  JESSE  MERCER  HOLLIDAY  AND 
MARY  LOUISE  HOLLIDAY 

670.  Richard  Edgar  Holliday  (660),  b.  January  27,  1875. 

671.  Lizize  May  Holliday  (660),  b.  Nov.  11,  1876. 

672.  Lamar  Holliday  (660),  b.  February  19,  1880. 

673.  Annie  Newton  Hollidav  (660),  b.  May  30,  1882. 

674.  Henry  Garland  Holliday  (660),  b.  Feb.  19,  1885. 

675.  Allen  Leslie  Holliday  (660),  b.  Nov.  28,  1889,  d.  Feb. 
8,  1890. 

CHILDREN  OF  THOMAS  HOLLIDAY  AND  SARAH 

LESLIE 

676.  Thomas  Dickerson  Hollidav  (532),  b.  February  27, 
1827,  Wilkes  Co.,  Ga. 

677.  Ollie  Holliday   (532),  m.  Miss  Watts. 

678.  Simeon  Holhday  (532),  b.  Feb.  10,  18—,  d.  at  70 
years.     Married  Miss  Lou  Tucker. 

670.  Mary  Elizabeth  Holliday  (532),  m.  Oliver  Billingsley. 

680.  Evaline  Holliday   (532),  m.  James  Mayfield. 

681.  Leshe  Holliday  (532),  deceased. 

682.  Jesse  Mercer  Holliday  (532),  Sharon,  Miss.,  b.  Jan. 
8,  1838;  m.  Mary  Louisa  Holliday,  his  cousin. 

638.  Laura  Catherine  Holliday  (532),  m.  W.  A.  Griffin, 
Brenham,  Tex. 

CHILDREN  OF  DANIEL  WALKER  AND  MARTHA 
HOLLIDAY  (544) 

684.  Rebecca  Walker  (544),  m.  Ira  O.  McDaniel. 

685.  Lucinda  Walker  (544),  m.  Mr.  Prince,  first  husband. 
Their  children  were  Jonathan  Prince  (685),  and  Isabela 
Prince  (685).  After  the  death  of  Mr.  Prince,  Mrs.  Prince 
m.  J.  G.  Trammell,  Norcross,  Ga. 

Judge  Dickerson  Holliday  Walker  m.  Mary  Neel,  Mt.  Zion, 
first  wife.     M.  Florence  Remey,  second  wife,  Newnan,  Ga. 

687.  Cynthia  Walker  (544),  m.  Elzaphan  King,  Cave 
Springs,  Ga. 

688.  Sandy  Walker  (544),  d.  just  after  graduating  at 
Mercer  University,  Ga.    Professor  in  Newnan,  Ga. 

689.  Daniel  Walker   (544),  m.  Miss  Fever. 

162 


CHILDREN  OF  J.  G.  TRAMMELL  AND  LUCINDA 
WALKER  PRINCE 

690.  Mattie  Trammel  (685),  m,  Mr.  Neal,  Savannah,  Ga, 

691.  Hattie  Trammell  (685),  m.  Mr.  Turner,  Atlanta. 

692.  John  G.  Trammell  (685),  Norcross,  Ga. 

693.  Billingrton  Trammell   (685),  d.  in  infancj-. 

CHILDREN  OF  D.  H.  WALKER  AND  MARY  NEEL 

694.  Mollie  Walker  (686),  d. 

695.  Rev.  Wm.  Stokes  Walker  (686),  Monroe. 

696.  Clarence  S.  Walker  (686),  d. 

697.  Joseph  Henrv  Walker  (686). 

698.  Charlie  Walker  (686),  Monroe,  Ga. 

699.  Thos.  N.  Walker  (686),  d. 

699-a.  Billington  Sanders  Walker  (686),  Monroe,  Ga.,  m. 
Miss  Alice  Mitchell,  Oct.  29,  1874 ;  children,  Mrs.  E.  P.  Har- 
rold,  AmericLis,  Ga.  Hon.  Clifford  Walker,  Monroe,  Ga., 
served  two  terms  as  Attorney-General  of  Ga.  Is  now 
candidate  for  Governor  of  Georgia  (1920)  ;  Mrs.  J.  B.  Mc- 
Crary,  Atlanta,  Ga. ;  Mrs.  Paul  F.  Vose,  Atlanta,  Ga.;  Mrs. 
Hampton  Field,  Cartersville,  Ga. ;  Miss  Louise  Walker,  Mon- 
roe, Ga.,  and  B.  S.  Walker,  Jr.,  deceased. 

The  first  wife  of  D.  H.  Walker  was  a  sister  of  Mrs.  Gov- 
ernor Northen.  ''Mrs.  Billington  M.  Sanders,  nee  Cynthia 
Holliday,  and  her  sister,  Martha,  Mrs.  Daniel  Walker,  were 
remarkably  fine  women,  in  fact  there  were  few  such,  with 
their  strength  of  character  and  business  ability." — N.  M. 
Northen,  Atlanta,  Ga.,  Feb.  2,  1898." 

CHILDREN   OF  JUDGE   D.   H.  WALKER  AND  MISS 

FEVER 

700.  Irwin  Walker  (689),  m.  Annie  Pope  Arnall.  One 
child,  Florence. 

701.  Marian  Walker  (689),  Mrs.  Clifford  Clay  Holt,  At- 
lanta. 

702.  Daniel  Walker,  M.  D.  (689),  Portland,  Maine. 

703.  Hattie  Walker  (689),  m.  F.  M.  Arnall,  first  husband. 
Son  is  Walker  Arnall.  Hattie  Walker  m.  Judge  A.  E.  Free- 
man, second  husband.  One  child,  Samuel  Freeman,  an  in- 
fant. 

CHILDREN  OF  ELZAPHAN  KING  AND  CYNTHIA 
WALKER 

704.  Holly  King,  deceased   (687). 

705.  Clementine  King,  deceased  (687). 

706.  Walker  King  (687),  professor  in  Texas. 

707.  Evanda  King  (687),  deceased. 

708.  Bettie  King  (687),  deceased. 

709.  Mattie  King  (687). 

710.  James  King  (687). 
710-a.  Elzaphan  King  (687). 

163 


CHILDREN  OF  IRA  0.  McDANIEL  AND  REBECCA 

WALKER 

711.  Sanders  McDaniel  (684),  killed  in  the  Civil  War. 

712.  Egbert  McDaniel  (684),  unmarried. 

713.  Ira  McDaniel  (684),  m.  Susan  Owens;  son,  Rapley 
McDaniel. 

714.  Henry  D.  McDaniel  (684),  ex-Governor  of  Georgia, 
m.  Hester  Felker;  children,  Sanders  McDaniel,  Atty.,  At- 
lanta, Ga. ;  and  Gypsy  McDaniel.  Sanders  McDaniel  m.  Miss 
Anne  Henderson.  They  have  one  daughter,  Harriet  Smiley 
McDaniel.  Gypsy  McDaniel  m.  Mr.  E.  S.  Tichenor.  They 
have  two  children,  Hester  McDaniel  Tichenor  and  Henry 
McDaniel  Tichenor.  Gypsy  was  a  pet  name  on  account  of 
her  brunette  type. 

CHILDREN  OF  REV.  BILLINGTON  M.   SANDERS, 

First  President  of  Mercer  University, 

AND  CYNTHIA  HOLLIDAY 

715.  Dr.  Jos,  Sanders  (544),  Penfield,  Ga.,  deceased. 

716.  Carrie  C.  Sanders  (544),  lived  in  Greensboro,  Ga.,  d. 
She  left  an  estate  of  $30,000  to  Mercer  University  for  the 
establishment  of  a  chair  in  that  institution  in  memory  of 
her  father. 

717.  Mamie  Sanders  (544),  m.  J.  H.  Steele,  editor  of  the 
"Sunny  South,"  Atlanta,  deceased. 

718.  Dennis  N,  Sanders  (544),  deceased,  was  editor  of 
"The  People's  Party  Paper,"  Atlanta,  Ga. 

719.  Billington  M.  Sanders  (544),  deceased. 

720.  Richard  Sanders  (544),  farmer  in  Green  Co.,  Ga. 

721.  Chas.  M.  Sanders  (544),  Penfield,  Ga.,  has  one  son. 

722.  Emmie  Sanders  (544),  m.  Prof.  J.  E.  Willett,  of 
Mercer  University.  This  institution  was  founded  at  Pen- 
field  and  then  moved  to  Macon,  Ga.  The  Willetts  resided  on 
Tatnall  Square,  Macon.     Prof.  Willett  died  about  1896. 

722-a.  D.  H.  Sanders,  College  Park,  Ga. ;  82  years  of  age 
in  1911.     He  was  the  eldest  son. 

Lincoln  Co.  was  cut  off  from  Wilkes  Co.  in  1796,  which 
perhaps  left  the  Hollidays  in  Lincoln  Co.  Sam  D.  Fanning, 
Ordinary,  Washington,  Ga.,  April  5,  1912.  The  early  mar- 
riage records  of  Wilkes  Co.  were  burned. 

"In  our  cemetery,  in  Lincoln  Co.,  Ga,,  there  are  five 
generations  of  the  Hollidays  buried  and  in  a  private  ceme- 
tery on  the  premises  of  Mr.  Sanders  Walker,  there  are  five 
generations  of  the  Walker  family,  descendants  of  the  Holli- 
day  family.  My  Sanders  ancestors  came  from  England, 
and  landed  at  Jamestown,  Va.,  in  Aug.,  1635,  I  know  when 
and  where  each  of  these  forefathers  was  born,  died  and 
buried."    D.  H.  Sanders,  College  Park,  Ga.,  Sept.  15,  1911." 

The  family  of  the  eldest  son  of  Mr.  D.  H.  Sanders  (d- 
eceased)  lives  in  White  Plains,  Green  Co.,  Ga.  His  young- 
est son,  Chas.  W.  Sanders,  with  two  children,  live  in  Greens- 

164 


boro,  Ga.  L.  B.  Sanders,  his  eldest  living  son,  a  prominent 
business  man,  lives  in  Atlanta.  His  daughter,  Mrs.  Lucia 
C.  Carmichael  ,with  two  sons  reside  in  Atlanta,  and  his 
youngest  daughter,  Mrs.  A.  F.  O'Kelley,  of  College  Park,  Ga. 
Her  husband  was  pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church  there  in 
1911. 

CHILDREN  OF  PROF.  J.  E.  WILLETT  AND  EMMIE 
SANDERS 

723.  Rosalie  Willett  (722),  of  Macon,  Ga.,  m.  Omar  T.  Hol- 
liday,  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  but  formerly  of  Atlanta.  They  have 
two  children,  Ruth  Holliday,  who  m.  Mr.  Horton  Watkins, 
St.  Louis,  Mo.,  and  Joseph  Willet  Holliday,  about  11  years 
of  age  (1915). 

724.  Emily  Willett  (722),  m.  Chas.  A.  Davis,  Atlanta,  Ga. 
Children  of  Chas.  A.  Davis  and  Emily  Willet:  Chas.  W. 
Davis,  m.  Miss  Lizzie  May  Turner;  they  have  two  children 
and  live  at  106  Linwood  Ave.,  Atlanta.  Miss  Laurie  Davis 
m.  Mr.  Harvey  L.  Anderson  (deceased)  ;  no  children.  They 
live  at  2610  Peachtree  St.,  Atlanta.  Miss  Tochie  Davis  m.. 
Mr.  Hudson  Moore,  2610  Peachtree  St.,  Atlanta.  Miss 
Rosalie  Davis,  1125  Peachtree  St.,  Atlanta,  Ga. 

725.  Edward  Willett  (722),  deceased. 

726.  Hugh  Willett  (722),  form_erly  of  Macon,  Ga.,  but  now 
of  Bagley  &  Willett,  Penn  Mutual  Life  Ins.  Co.,  agts.,  At- 
lanta, m.  Miss  Lucy  Lester,  of  Thomasville,  Ga.  He  was 
first  with  the  New  York  Life  Insurance  Co.,  Macon,  Ga.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Willett  have  two  sons:  Hugh,  Jr.,  about  21  j^ears 
old  (1915),  and  Joseph  Lawrence  about  16  years  old  (1915). 

727.  Laurie  Willett  (722),  m.  Mr.  Riddle  of  Eustis,  Fla. 

728.  Nathaniel  L.  Willett  (722),  Augusta,  Ga.,  m.  Miss 
Annie  Capen,  Boston,  Mass.,  no  children. 

The  Willetts  are  a  very  intellectual  family  and  prominent." 
Mr.  C.  Robt.  Churchill,  President  of  the  Sons  of  the 
American  Revolution,  New  Orleans,  La.,  surmises  that  the 
following  Holliday  line,  may  be  of  the  same  ancestry  as 
that  of  Elijah  Holliday  and  wife  Margaret  Johnson,  as  pre- 
vioush^  given,  and  requests  that  a  space  be  allotted  it  in  this 
book  also. 


165 


INTRODUCTORY 
LLADAY  OR  HOLLIDAY  FAMILY  OF  VIRGINIA 

By 
C.  ROBT.  CHURCHILL 

There  appears  to  be  a  separate  and  distinct  Holliday 
family,  descendants  of  one  Captain  John  Holliday  who  set- 
tled in  Spottsylvania  County  in  Virginia  in  1702. 

There  are  numerous  descendants  running  through  nine  or 
ten  generations  in  North  Carolina,  Alabama,  Mississippi, 
Louisiana  and  Texas,  many  of  whom  are  prominent  people 
in  the  localities  in  which  they  reside. 

We  give  this  record  for  what  it  is  worth  and  the  informa- 
tion contianed  therein.  In  all  probability,  it  is  connected 
with  the  Holliday  family  already  mentioned,  but  the  exact 
kinship  has  not  up  to  the  time  of  the  publication  of  this 
book,  been  discovered, 

COPY 

QUARTA  SALUTE 

Literally  in  English  One  Fourth  for  Salvation  or 

More  Liberally  One  Fourth  for  God 

HOLLADAY 

1470 

This  very  distinguished  and  unique  family  of  Holladay, 
Holloway,  Holliday  and  Hollyday,  as  given  each  way  by  old 
historians,  is  here  presented  by  request.  The  name  in  very 
early  English  records  is  written  Holliday  or  Holiday,  as 
supposed  to  have  been  taken  for  a  surname  in  commemo- 
ration of  some  festival  of  the  church  as  a  "holy  day."  But 
the  name  in  this  country  is  early  found  spelled  Holladay, 
as  well  as  Holliday,  which  leads  to  the  belief  that  the  two 
are  distinct  families,  the  first  being  traced  from  England, 
and  the  last  from  Ireland.  But  both  probably  originated  in 
the  same  way. 

The  arms,  as  given,  were  conferred  upon  Sir  Walter  Hol- 
laday, of  Bromley,  Middlesex,  England,  by  Edward  IV.,  in 
1470,  and  were  brought  to  Virginia  by  Captain  John  Holla- 
day in  1702,  who  settled  in  Sjwtsylvania  County.  The  arms 
are  described  as  follows: 

"Shield,  sable,  three  helmets,  argent,  garnished,  or,  a  bor- 
der of  the  last.  Crest — A  demi-lion,  rampant,  resting  his 
paws  on  an  anchor  azure.     Motto:  Quarta  Salute." 

These  are  taken  from  Crozier's  Armory,  but  we  think  he 
is  in  error  in  making  Captain  John  Holladay,  of  Spotsyl- 

166 


vania,  1702,  as  the  first  emigrant,  for  as  we  will  presently 
see,  there  were  several  in  the  colony  long  before  that  date. 
Hening   speaks  of  Anthony  and   John  Holladay   as  the 
first  in  the  Colony,  and  from  Williamsburg  Wills,  as  recorded 
there,  John  Holladay  died  previous  to  1795,  leaving  a  son, 
Thomas  Holladay,  of  Southampton  County,  Va.     Spotsly- 
vania  County  records  probably  give  the  most  concerning 
the  family.     We  there  find  that  John  Holladay,  late  of  King 
William  County,  died  in  Spotsylvania,  1742.    His  sons  were 
Joseph,   Benjamin,   William   John   and   Daniel;   daughters, 
Elizabeth,  married  a  Pulliam ;  Sarah,  married  James  Roll- 
ings, and  Susannah  Holladay.     This  John  may  have  been 
the  emigrant,  who  first  settled  in  King  William,  and  Cap- 
tain John  was  his  son.     William,  as  above,  seems  to  have  __ 
died  in  1744,  leaving  a  son  William.     From  family  records 
furnished  the  writer,  it  seems  that  there  was  a  William  H. 
Holladay,  who  migrated  from  Virginia  to  Tyrrell  County,       j 
N.  C,  where  he  died  in  1754,  leaving  sons,  Thomas,  Joseph 
and  Samuel,  the  first  and  last  being  executors  of  his  w^ill. 

There  was  also  a  Thomas  Holladay,  of  Chowan  County, 
N.  C,  who  died  1744,  and  from  his  will  seems  to  have  resided 
first  in  James  County,  Va.,  1725,  before  moving  to  North 
Carolina.     In    1732    he   married   Mary    Hinton,    widow   of 
C<)lonel  John  Hinton,  who  had  eleven  children.     This,  no 
doubt,  was  a  son  of  the  John  Holladay,  of  King  William, 
who  may  have  settled  first  upon  landing,  in  James   City 
County.     Anthony  Holladay,  as  mentioned  by  Hening,  was 
in  Isle  of  Wright  county  about  1671,  or  even  earlier,  and 
it  may  be  that  he  was  really  the  first  emigrant  of  the  family 
in  the  colony.     He  had  several  children,  among  whom  one 
son,  Joseph,  who  is  supposed  to  have  died  without  issue, 
as  he  is  not  mentioned  afterwards.     Anthony's   will  was 
probated  in  Isle  of  Wight  County  1718.     He  mentions  other 
sons,  Jonas  and  Marshall.     Though  not  so  stated,  it  is  pre- 
sumed that   Captain   John   Holladay,   first   of  James   City 
County,  then  of  King  William  and  Spotsylvania  Counties, 
was  a  son  of  this  Anthony  Holladay  of  Isle  of  Wight  County. 
There  are  many  names  given  in  Spotsylvania  records  of 
the  descendants  of  Captain  John  Holladay,  many  of  whom 
serv^ed  in  the  Colonial  and  Revolutionary  Wars  with  great 
honor,  and  are  to  be  found  upon  the  militia  rolls  of  the 
State.      His   children   and   grandchildren    moved    into    the 
counties  of  Louisa,  Orange  and  Albemarle  and  other  coun- 
ties,  where   some   of  his   descendants   still   reside,   among 
whom  was  the  late  Rev.  Walter  Holladay,  who  was  a  mis- 
sionary to  Persia  for  many  years  under  the  Presbyterian 
Church.     He  was  the  son  of  Rev.  Albert  Lewis  Holladay, 
born  in  Spotsylvania  1805,  and  in  1856  was  elected  president 
of  Hampden-Sidney  College.     Of  this  family  were  also  Colo- 
nel A.  O.  Holladay,  of  Nelson  County,  Va.,  and  Judge  Addi- 
son Holladay  of  Richmond,  Va. 

167 


/  Samuel  Holladay,  son  of  William  H.  Holladay,  of  North 

Carolina,  had  sons,  John  and  Samuel,  Jr.,  both  died  without 
issue.  William  (born  1770,  died  1835),  Thomas  (born  1776^ 
died  1818),  and  daughters,  Hannah,  married  Robert  Daniel 
Hart;  Sarah,  married  Willis  Dixon;  Rhoda,  married  Dr. 
Charles  Carr;  Frances  married  William  Coward.  These 
daughters  all  have  descendants. 

The  Hon.  William  Holladay  (Samuel's  son)  married  Ann 
(Nancy)  Carr.  They  have  several  sons  and  daughters, 
/  among  them  Colonel  John  Holladay  (or  Holliday),  born  1803, 
died  1881,  who  married  Mariah  Grimes  Speight,  daughter 
of  General  Jesse  Speight,  who  was  United  States  Senator, 
at  the  time  of  his  death  in  1847  from  Mississippi.  Col. 
John  Holliday  has  several  sons:  Captain  Thomas  C.  Holli- 
day (1840-1864)  graduated  in  law  at  the  University  of 
North  Carolina,  and  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  the  Wilder- 
ness, 1864.  Benjamin  P.  (1846-1902)  ;  John  W.  (1857- 
1881),  an  eminent  lawyer;  Walter  R.  (1861-1903).  Daugh- 
ters, Mary  A.  (1831-1906),  married  Hon.  Baxter  McFarland, 
a  prominent  lawyer,  who  was  for  sixteen  years  chancellor 
of  the  First  Chancery  District  of  Mississippi ;  Marie  S. 
(1854 — )  married,  Hon.  William  G.  Elkin,  Aberdeen,  and 
is  now  the  only  surviving  child;  Sallie  Bee  (1861-1888)  twin 
with  Walter  R.,  married  Hon.  Thomas  J.  McQuiston  (1845- 
1901).  None  of  the  sons  were  married.  Benjamin  P.  was 
a  great  financier  and  very  wealthy.  He  and  Walter  R. 
were  among  the  largest  planters  on  the  prairies  of  Missis- 
sippi. 

General  Thomas  Hollidav  (1776-1818),  son  of  Samuel  M. 
Elizabeth  Hart  (1779-1818).  They  had  one  son,  Tillman 
(1802-1836),  married  Priscilla  Carr,  and  has  descendants. 
The  daughters  of  General  Holliday  married  Sylvester  Brown, 

Hawkes,  W.  J.  Croom,  Dr.  Churchill,  Dr.  Hendon  and 

Lieutenant-Governor  Horton,  of  Texas.  All  have  descend- 
ants. Hon.  George  H.  Brown,  judge  of  Supreme  Court 
North  Carolina ;  Mrs.  Rodman,  married  John  Rodman  of  the 
Supreme  Court  of  North  Carolina ;  Mrs.  Shepard,  married 
Judge  Shepard  of  Supreme  Court  of  North  Carolina — are 
amongst  the  numerous  descendants  of  General  Thomas  Hol- 
liday and  his  wife  Elizabeth   (Hart)   Holliday. 

STATEMENT  OF  BAXTER  McFARLAND.  OF 
ABERDEEN,  MISS. 
I  married  Miss  Mary  A.  Holliday,  and  take  pleasure  in 
giving  the  line  of  descent.  Her  father  was  Col.  John  Holli- 
day  (1803-1881),  his  father  William  Holliday  (1770-1835), 
his  father  was  Samuel  Holliday,  died  in  1811,  date  of  birth 
unknown.  Hon.  William  Holliday,  Col.  John's  father,  was 
the  brother  of  your  ancestor.  Gen.  Thomas  Holliday.  Be- 
sides William  and  Thomas,  Samuel  Had  another  son,  John, 
who,  I  think,  died  unmarried.     Samuel  may  have  had  an- 

168 


other  son,  also  named  Samuel,  but  of  this  I  am  uncertain. 
Samuel  had  daug-hters — Rhoda,  married  Dr.  Charles  Carr; 
Sallie,   married   Willis    Dixon;   Francis    (I   think   ^as   her 

name)  married  Mr. Coward,  and  I  have  heard  there 

was  another  daughter  (of  Samuel)  who  married  first — 
Hart,  second — Edwards,  leaving  children  by  each  marriagei 

Gen.  Thomas  Holliday's  children  I  suppose  you  know 
about,  and  of  their  descendants,  etc.  Gen.  Thomas  Holliday 
(1776-1818),  married  Miss  Elizabeth  Hart,  who  died  in 
1818. 

The  widow  of  Samuel  Holliday,  Elizabeth,  also  died  in 
1818 1  I  am  not  sure,  but  have  an  impression  that  she  was 
a  Miss  Duggan. 

Hon.  William  Holliday  and  wife  (married  in  1796),  nee 
Nancy  Carr  (1778-1847)— had  sons,  Samuel,  1801-1864; 
Titus,  twin  with  Samuel,  1801-1823,  Col.  John— wife's  fa- 
ther (1809-1820;  Thomas,  1815-1867,  died  unmarried. 
Daughters:  Sally  W.  (1796__)  married  Richard  G.  Bright, 
Frances  (1798-1867),  married  Josiah  Garland,  brother  of 
the  father  of  A.  H.  Garland  of  Arkansas,  who  was  Goveraor, 
and  U.  S.  Senator  and  Attorney  General  in  Mr.  Cleveland's 
cabinet;  Eliza  (1810-1832),  married  Wm.  A.  Darden;  Emily 
(1813^1820). 

Col.  John  Holliday  married  Maria  Grimes  Speight,  a 
daughter  of  Gen.  Jesse  Speight,  who  served  many  terms  in 
Congress  and  was  U.  S.  Senator  from  this  state  when  he 
died  in  1847.  The  children  of  Colonel  and  Mrs.  Holliday 
were  Mary  A.  (my  wife)  born  in  1838,  Capt.  Thos.  C.  (1840- 
1864),  killed  in  battle  of  Wilderness  Mav  6,  '64;  Ben  P. 
(1846-1902)  ;  John  W.  (1857-1881)  ;  Maria  S.,  1854,  married 
Hon.  Wm.  G.  Elkin,  v/ho  died  in  1897 — they  have  two 
daughters,  Maria  and  Adelia,  the  latter  recently  married 
John  W.  Gilmore;  Sallie  B.  (1861-1888),  married  Thomas 
McQuiston,  who  is  now  dead ;  they  left  no  children ;  Walter 
R.  (twin  with  Sallie  B),  1861-1903— neither  Walter  R.,  John 
W.,  nor  Ben  P.  married.  Mrs.  McFarland  and  I  have  sons — 
Captain  John  Baxter,  born  1873,  Thomas  Holliday,  born 
1875,  Ben  Holliday  (my  law  partner),  born  1880,  and  one 
daughter,  Anne,  born  1878,  all  living,  Ben  Holliday  McFar- 
land and  one  one  married,  his  wife  was  Jean  Watson,  daugh- 
ter of  Hon,  Edward  Watson,  Assistant  Attorney  General  in 
Mr.  Cleveland's  cabinet  and  a  son  of  Judge  I.  W,  C.  Wat- 
son, Senator  from  this  State  in  the  Confederate  Govern- 
ment. 

I  hope  you  will  write  me  all  you  may  know  of  the  ances- 
try of  Samuel  Holliday  and  his  wife,  Elizabeth.  I  have  not 
been  able  to  go  farther  back  on  the  genealogical  lines,  with 
any  certainty,  than  to  Samuel  and  hi?  wife.     I  should  also 

169 


like  to  know  what  you  know  of  their  children  and  of  the 
ancestry  of  Elizabeth  Hart,  Gen.  Thos.  Holliday's  wife. 

Respectfully  yours, 

(Signed)       Baxter  McFarland. 

Mrs.  Ida  Churchill  Thomas,  N.  O. 

"The  spelling  of  this  distinguished  and  unique  family, 
Holladay,  Holloday,  Holliday  and  Hollyday  as  given  by  old 
historians  is  varied.  In  early  English  records  it  is  Holliday 
or  Holiday,  as  supposed  to  have  been  taken  for  a  surname 
in  commemoration  of  some  festival  of  the  church  or  "holy 
day."  In  America  it  is  early  found  spelled  Holladay  as  well 
as  Holliday,  which  leads  to  the  belief  that  the  two  are  dis- 
tinct families ;  the  first  being  traced  from  England  and  the 
last  from  Ireland,  but  both  probably  originated  in  the  same 
way." 

"New  Orleans,  La.,  Oct.  6,  1920. 
"Mrs.  M.  C.  Torrey, 

"Baird,  Miss., 
"Dear  Madam : 

"With  the  paper  I  am  sending  you,  I  also  attach  a  tabula- 
tion of  the  Holliday  family  as  I  have  it.  This  may  not  be 
far  from  right,  I  don't  guarantee  it,  however,  to  be  far 
from  right.  I  as  sure  it  is  the  original  family.  My  genea- 
logical work  began  in  1905  and  1908.  Since  then  on  ac- 
count of  rush  of  business,  I  gave  it  up. 

"Yours  truly, 

C.  Robt.  Churchill." 

RECORD  OF  HOLLADAY  OR  HOLLIDAY  FAMILY 
BY  L.  T.  RODMAN 
1st  Generation: 

Samuel    Holladay — died    1811 — married    Elizabeth — died 
1818.     Died  in  Greene  Co.,  N.  C,  where  he  had  resided  for 
many  years  before  his  death.     Children  of  Samuel  Holladay 
and  wife  Elizabeth  * 
2nd  Generation: 

(a)  Thomas  Holladay,  born  in  1776,  died  1818.  (Called 
Gen.  Holladay,  but  I  have  never  found  any  proof  of  military 
services,  though  it  may  have  been  in  war  of  1812).  He 
married  Elizabeth  Hart.  The  record  of  their  tombstones  in 
the  family  burying  ground  in  Greene  Co.,  is  "Gen.  Thos.  Hol- 
laday died  Dec.  14,  1818,  aged  42  years  and  7  months.  His 
wife,  Elizabeth  Hart  Holliday  died  Dec.  17,  1818,  aged  39 
years  and  3  months."  Their  children  were  as  follows: 
3rd  Generation: 

1.  Hannah  Holliday,  married  Sylvester  Brown  (lived  first 
in  New  Bern  and  later  in  Washington,  D.  C. 

2.  Elizabeth  Hart  Holliday.  born  in  Greene  Co.,  May  17th, 
1798,  died  in  1844.  Married  Willie  Jones  Croom,  Dec.  17th, 
1837,  moved  to  Greensboro,  Alabama. 

170 


3.  Lucy  Holliday  (not  Louisiana),  married  Dr.  Claudius 
Eelden  Churchill.  They  moved  to  New  Orleans  and  had 
children.     I  do  not  know  their  names. 

4.  Mary  Holliday,  married  Wm.  Hawkes  and  lived  in 
Washington,  N.  C.  Had  two  daughters  and  one  son  (son  no 
heirs). 

5.  Eliza  Holliday,  married  Gov.  Horton  of  Texas  and  had 
children,  one  of  them  named  'Texas  Horton." 

6.  Maria  Holliday,  married  Dr.  Albert  Hendon,  moved  ei- 
ther to,  New  Orleans  or  Mississippi. 

7.  Tillman  Hollidaj^  (only  son),  married  Priscilla  Carr. 
He  died  Feb.  9th,  1837,  in  stage  wagon,  en  route  to  Miss., 
and  was  buried  in  South  Carolina  in  the  Methodist  Church- 
yard, near  Linch's  Creek  on  the  stage  road  between  Cheraw 
and  Camden.  They  had  a  son  and  daughter  who  with  the 
Y/ife  proceeded  on  to  Miss.,  where  they  lived. 

2nd  (feneration  (Continued)  : 

(b)  William  Holliday,  born  1778,  died  1825  (son  of  Sam- 
uel and  Elizabeth),  married  Mary  Nancy  Carr.  They  moved 
to  Miss,  and  have  descendants  living  there.  Hon.  Baxter 
McFarland's  wife  was  his  descendant,  lived  at  Aberdeen, 
Miss.,  and  still  resides  there,  I  think. 
2nd  (^ieneration  (Ckjntinued) : 

(c)John  Holliday,  born  1799,  died  unmarried  (Mariah 
Greene  Speyht?) 

(d)  Rhoda,  married  Charles  Carr,  moved  to  Miss, 

(e)  Francis,  married Coward. 

(f)   ,  married  Pope. 

(g)    ,  married  Dixon. 

4th  Generation: 

Children  of  the  six  daughters  of  Gen.  Thos.  Holliday  and 
wife,  Elizabeth  Hart: 

1.  Children  of  Hannah  H.  and  Sylvester  Brown  were: 

a.  George  Brown,  married  Martha  Bonner — one  daughter 
living  in  New  Jersey. 

2.  Maria,  married Schenck,  children  living  in  New 

Jersey. 

c.  Thos.  Holliday  Brown  died  a  victim  of  Mexican  crueltj^ 
received  while  a  prisoner  in  Mexican  War. 

d.  Susan,  married  Ben  Selby,  has  grandchildren  living  in 
Wilson,  N.  C. 

G.  Sylvester,  married  Elizabeth  Bonner,  daughter,  Mrs. 
James  Sheppard  of  Raleigh,  N.  C,  and  son  Judge  Geo.  H. 
Brown,  of  Supreme  Court  of  N.  C,  grandson  Mr.  A.  D.  Mc- 
Lean, lawyer  practising  in  Washington,  N.  C. 

f.  Hannah  H.,  married  John  Hare;  daughter,  Mrs.  Han- 
nah Bonner,  living  in  Washington,  N.  C,  has  four  sons  and 
one  daughter,  all  grown. 

2.  Mary,  married  Hawkes,  has  grand  daughter,  Mrs.  Mery 
Laughinghouse  and  children  living  in  Washington,  N.  C. 

171 


3.  Elizabeth  H.  Holiiday  and  Willie  Jones  Croom  lived  in' 
Greensboro,  Ala.,  and  all  of  their  descendants  hve  in  Ala. 
except  children  of  their  daughter — Camill  D.  H.  Croom,  who 
married  Judge  William  Blount  Rodman  of  Washington,  N.  C. 
Their  children  are  as  follows : 

a.  Lida  Tunstall  Rodman,  living  in  Washington,  N.  C. 
Her  nephew,  Wm.  B.  Rodman,  Jr.  makes  his  home  with  her. 
He  is  a  young  lawyer. 

b.  Col.  V/illiam  B.  Rodman — a  lawyer,  lives  in  Norfolk, 
Va.,  with  his  family. 

c.  Pattie  B.  R.  Guion,  wife  of  Judge  0.  H.  Guion,  lives  in 
New  Bern,  N.  C. 

d.  Dr.  John  Croom  Rodman  lives  in  Washington  with  his. 
family  and  is  a  practicing  lawyer. 

4th  Generation  (Cont.)  : 

4.  Eliza  Horton.     I  do  not  know  their  descendants. 

5.  Maria  Hendon.     I  do  not  know  their  descendants. 

6.  Lucy  Churchill.  I  shall  be  very  glad  to  know  of  her 
descendants.     Hope  you  can  give  me  their  names. 

"HOLLIDAY  DESCENDANTS" 

The  Holladays  or  Hollidays  first  settled  in  Va.,  coming 
from  England  and  bringing  their  coat  of  arms  that  had  been 
conferred  upon  Sir  Walter  Holladay  of  Bromley,  Middlesex, 
England,  by  Edward  IV,  in  1470.  Anthony  Holladay  is 
mentioned  in  Virginia  in  1671,  and  Capt.  John  Holladay  in 
1702.  William.  H.  Holladay  emigrated  from  Va.  to  N.  C. 
and  died  in  1754,  leaving  sons  Thomas  Joseph  and  Samuel, 
his  will  dated  1754.  I  do  not  know  certainly  that  this  Sam- 
uel Holiiday  was  the  father  of  Gen.  Thomas  Holiiday,  but 
presume  he  was.  Hon.  Baxter  McFarland,  of  Aberdeen, 
Miss.,  was  quite  interested  in  establishing  this  record  some 
years  ago,  but  I  think  he  did  not  obtain  all  the  records.  His 
son  (I  think),  Ben.  H.  McFarland,  is  now  living  in  Aberdeen, 
Miss.  As  you  will  see  by  the  foregoing,  Judge  McFarland 
married  Mary  Holiiday,  grand  daughter  of  William  Holiiday, 
and  son  of  Samuel  H.  and  brother  of  Gen.  Thos.  Holiiday. 

Elizabeth  Hart,  wife  of  Gen.  Thos.  Holiiday,  was  of  the 
Va.  family  of  Harts,  and  we  have  always  supposed  that  she 
was  either  a  sister  or  niece  of  Col.  Thos.  Hart  of  Hillsboro, 
N.  C,  a  member  of  the  provincial  Congress  of  N.  C.  and  an 
officer  in  the  Revolution.  Moved  to  Kentucky  and  died 
there  in  1808.  It  is  a  little  singular  that  Col.  Thos.  Hart's 
wife.  Gray,  was  the  first  cousin  of  my  great-grandfather  on 
my  father's  side,  and  we  think  that  my  mother's  grand' 
mother  was  his  sister,  Elizabeth  Hart.  I  would  like  to  be 
able  to  trace  all  this  up  but  have  been  unable  to  do  so. 

172 


STATEMENT  BY  MRS.  ROSA  F.  McCAMLY 
Dated  at  Wharton,  Texas,  1903 

Tfee  children  of  General  Thomas  Holliday  of  N.  C.  were: 

Hannah,  who  married  Thomas  Brown  of  Raleigh,  N.  C. 
Her  descendants  live  in  Washington,  N.  C. 

Mary,  who  marired  Thomas  Hawkes,  a  lawver  of  Raleigh, 
N.  C.     Children  all  dead. 

Maria,  who  married  Dr.  Albert  Hendon  of  N.  C.  Descend- 
ants are  in  Greensboro,  Ala. 

Eliza,  who  married  Albert  C.  Horton,  afterwards  Lieut.- 
Gov.  of  Texas.  Her  descendants  (grandchildren  only)  all 
Jive  here. 

Elizabeth,  who  married  Wilie  Jones  Groom,  mother  of  15 
children.  Eleven  lived  to  maturity.  Three  are  now  at  ad- 
vanced ages :  Mrs.  E.  A.  Tunstall,  85  years.  John  L.  Groom 
(my  father),  79  years  of  age;  Laura  Hill,  Montgomery,  Ala., 
65  years.  Grandma's  descendants,  by  the  eleven  children 
live  in  the  following  states :  North  Carolina,  Alabama,  Mis- 
sissippi, Texas. 

Only  son  of  Gen.  Thomas  Holliday,  Tillman,  grew  to  man- 
hood, but  never  married.  I  have  the  Holliday  family  Bible 
which  is  120  years  old.  Our  great-grandfather,  General 
Holliday,  was  in  the  Revolutionary  War. 

"HANNAH  BROWN'S  DESCENDANTS" 
Thomas  H.  Brown — a — a  soldier  of  the  Texas  Revolution, 
liad  quite  a  remarkable  career  as  a  prisoner.  Was  sent  to 
Matam.oras,  made  to  work  in  a  chain  gang,  during  Van 
Buren's  administration.  Neither  the  President  nor  our 
Minister  to  Mexico  could  get  him  released.  Finally  the 
Catholic  Bishop  of  N.  C.  interceded  with  the  Bishop  of  Mex- 
ico, and  he  was  set  free.  He  died  many  years  ago.  Don't 
know  the  name  of  any  other  children,  but  she  had  a  very 
eminent  grandson,  Judge  Thomas  H.  Brown,  of  Washington, 
N.  C. 

"MARY  HAWKES'  DESCENDANTS" 

She  had  two  sons,  both  grew  to  manhood,  now  dead : 
Thomas  H.  and  Francis  Hawkes — a — Francis  had  no  chil- 
dren. Thomas  left  one  child,  Mrs.  Dr.  Harris.  Don't  know 
where  she  lives  now.  • 

Albert  Hendon — a — Don't  know  of  his  marriage  or 
descendants  lived  in  Greensboro,  Ala. 

Hanna — a — 

Mary  Houston — a — lived  in  St.  Louis  the  last  I  heard  of 
her, 

"ELIZA   HORTON'S   DESCENDANTS" 

She  had  six  children,  only  two  lived  to  be  grown : 
Patience  Texas — a — m.arried  Lsaac  Dennis,  died  in  1864, 
left  one  child: 

173 


Lida  Texas — a — who  married  Willie  J.  Croom,  son  of 
John  L.  Croom.     She  died  in  1880,  leaving  only  one  child. 

"ELIZA  MORTON'S  DESCENDANTS"  (ONE  SON) 

Robert  J.  Horton — a — married  Mary  Hawes  in  Mata- 
gorda, Texas,  1864.  He  died,  1902,  leaving  5  daughters  and 
one  son: 

Carrie  Foote  (widow),  the  oldest  child  lives  in  Houston, 
Texas,  has  two  children,  Horton  Foote  and  Lfilie  Foote: 

Louisiana  Irving,  married  Dr.  Ining  of  Wharton  in 
1902,  has  no  children; 

Mary  Davis,  married  Jim  Davis,  1898  in  Del  Rio,  Texas. 
Has  no  children. 

Rena  Rugby,  married  Alex  Rugby  in  1902,  has  one  child, 
Alex,  Jr.,  lives  in  Wharton; 

Albert  C.  Horton,  lives  in  Houston,  married  Mabel  Mar- 
tin in  1902;  has  one  child,  Willa  Marie; 

Lida  Horton,  single. 

"WILLIE  J.  CROOM'S  DESCENDANTS" 

His  first  wife  was  Lida  Texas  Dennis  (this  marriage 
joined  the  two  lives  of  the  sisters,  Elizabeth  and  Eliza  Hol- 
lidaj^  in  one),  they  had  five  children:  Lida,  Dennis,  Ellen 
Rosa,  Wilie  J.,  Jr.,  Horton  Fry,  and  his  twin  brother,  bom 
dead.  All  these  children  died  in  infancy  except  the  oldest, 
Lida,  now  Mrs.  James  Franklin  Hodges.  She  married  J.  F. 
Hodges  in  1894  in  Georgetown,  and  lives  in  Wharton  and 
has  two  children:  Willie  Croom  and  James  Franklin. 

Wilie  J.  Croom  married  his  2nd  wife,  Marienne  Davis  in 
1884,  has  by  her  only  one  child  (unmarried)  Marienne  Davis 
Croom. 

Rosa  F.  McCamly  married  Frederick  Clarence  McCamly  in 
Matagorda,  Tex.,  1874,  had  five  children:  Rosa  Croom,  Ada 
Kelley,  Magie  Clare,  John  Croom,  and  F.  C.  McCamly,  Jr. 
Magie  Clare  and  John  Croom  died  in  infancy.  Ada  Keliy 
died  in  her  20th  year,  unmarried. 

Rosa  Croom  married  Pettus  Stansbury  in  1898,  has  one 
child,  Fred  McCamby  Stansbury,  aged  6  years. 

Fred  C.  McCamby,  Jr.,  aged  18,  unmarried,  living  in 
Sealy,  Texas. 

John  L.  Croom,  Jr.,  married  Gay  Harold  Powel  in  Victoria, 
Texas,  in  1882 ;  had  two  children.  Gay  Harold,  who  died  in 
infancy,  and  Rosa  Forrest,  who  married  Peyton  G.  Gwynne, 
and  lives  in  Fort  Worth,  Texas.  She  has  one  child,  Gay 
Croom  Gwynne. 

Most  of  this  record  is  copied  from  the  old  Bible  and  given 
me  word  for  word  by  my  father,  now  in  his  79th  year. 

TABULATED  FAMILY  TREE  GIVING  DETAILS  TO 

WHICH   THE    PRECEDING   LETTERS   APPLY 

AND  FIT  IN 

(Note:     Anthony  Holliday.  emigrant,  b.  1671 — d.,  1695, 

seems  to  have  been  the  father  of  Captain  John  Holliday. 

174 


He  appears  to  have  had  another  son  Thonias  HoUiday,  d. 
1754). 

(1)   Emigrant:     Captain  John  Holliday,  emigrant,  settled 
1702   in   Virginia,   Spotsylvania   County,  d.   1742. 
Children  of  the  above — 
2a — Joseph. 
2b — Benjamin. 
2c— William  H.,  d.  1754. 
2d— John,  d.  1795. 
2e — Daniel. 
2f— Elizabeth. 
2g— Sarah. 
2h — Suzanna. 
{2c)   William  H.  Holliday,  d.  1754  in  Tyrell  County,  N.  C.  m. 
Mary  Hinton.     Children  of  the  above — 
"Sa- Thomas,  d.  1744. 

3b — Samuel,  d.  1811,  in  Greene  County,  N.  C. 
m.  Elizabeth  Duggan  in  1763,  daughter  of 
John  Duggan,  d.  1818. 
3c — Joseph  (Lieut.),  and  daughter,  names  not 
known. 
{3b)   Samuel  Holliday,  d.  1811  in  Greene  County,  N.  C.  ra. 
Elizabeth  Duggan  in  1763.    Children  of  the  above — 
4a— John,  d.  1788. 
4b — Samuel,  Jr.,  d.  without  issue, 
4c — Hannah,  m.  Daniel  Hart. 
4d— Col.  William— b.  1770— d.,  1833.  m.  Nancy 

Carr. 
4e_Gen.  Thomas,  b.  1776,  d.  1818;  m.  Eliza- 
beth Hart. 
4f — Sarah,  m.  Willis  Dixon. 
4g — Rhoda,  m.  Dr.  Chas.  Carr. 
4h — Frances,    lived    in    Mississippi,    m.    Wm. 
Coward. 
(4e)   Gen.  Thomas  Holliday,  b.  1776,  d.  1818;  m.  Elizabeth 
Hart.     Children  of  the  above — 

5a— Tillman,   b.    1802,    d.   1836;   m.   Priscilla 

Carr. 
5b — Hannah:     m.     Sylvester     Brown.       One 
daughter,  m.  Bonner,  grandchild  of  Mrs. 
Hannah  H.  Bonner,  Washington,  N.  C. 
5c — Mary,  m.  Thomas  Hawks. 
5d — Elizabeth,  m.  Wiley  J.  Croom. 
5e — Lucy    (Louisiana),  m.  Dr.  Claudius  Bel- 
don  Churchill. 
5f— Eliza,  m.  Mr.  M.  C.  Horton. 
5g — Maria,  m.  Dr.  Albert  Henden. 
(4d)   Col.  William  Holliday,  b.  1770,  d.  1833;  m.  Nancy  Carr. 
Served  in  North  Carolina  Legislature,  1812-1814. 
His  Son  (5h)  Col.  John,  b.  180),  d.  1881 ;  m.  Mariali 
Grimes  Speight. 


r 


(5d)  Elizabeth  Holliday,  said  to  have  been  the  mother  of 
fifteen  children,  m.  Wiley  J.  Croom,  Children  of 
the  above — 

6a — John  L.  Croom,  son  (7h)  Wiley  J.  Croom, 
6b — Mrs.  E.  A.  Tunstall,  Greensboro,  Ala. 
6c — Laura  M.   (Hill),  Montgomery,  Ala.,  has 
two   sons    who   are   noted   physicians    in 
Montgomery. 
6d— Richard  Croom,  one  granddaughter,  Miss 
Lida  Tunstall    Sodmay,  and  two    grand- 
sons,   Wiley    Croom    Rodman    and    William 
Blount  Rodman,  Jr.,  reside  in  Washing- 
ton, N.  C. 
(5e)   Lucy    Holliday,    m.    Dr.    Claudius    Belden    Churchill. 
Children  of  the  above — 

6e— Charles  Holliday,  d.  1869. 
6f — Sylvester  Brown,  d. 
6g — ^Claudia  Isabella,  d. 
6h — Wiley  Croom,  d. 
6i — Thomas  Holliday,  d. 
6j — Hannah  Brown,  d. 
6k — Zacharie  Taylor,  d. 
(5h)   Col.  John  Holliday,  b.  1803,  d.  1881,  m.  Mariah  Grimes 
Speight.     Children  of  above — 

61— Capt.  Thomas  C,  b.   1840,  d.   1864. 

6m— Benjamin  P.,  b.  1846,  d.  1902. 

6n— Walter  R.,  b.  1861,  d.  1905. 

6o— John  W.,  b.  1857,  d.  1881. 

6p— Mary  A.,  b.  1831,  d.  1906;  m.  Baxter  Mc- 

Farland,  Aberdeen,  Miss. 
6q— Maria  Speight,  b.  1864,  m.  Wm.  C.  Elbin. 
6r— Sallie  B.,  b.  1861,  d.  1888;  twin  of  Walter 
R.;  m.  Thomas  J.  McQuvition,  Aberdeen, 
Miss. 
(5f)   Eliza  Holliday,  m.  C.  Horton,  Lt.  Gov.  Texas.     Child 
of  above — 

6s — Lida,  Wharton,  Texas. 
(jBa)   John  L.  Croom.     Child  of  above — 

7a — Mrs.  Rosa  McCamly,  Houston  or  Wharton, 
Texas. 
<6^)  Charles  Holliday  Churchill,  m.  Martha  Thorn.     Chil- 
dren of  above — 

7b — C.  Robert  Churchill,  New  Orleans,  La. 
7c — Ida  Frances,  m.  J.  F.  Thomas,  New  Or- 
leans, La. 
(6g)   Claudia  Isabella  Churchill,  m.  M.  J.  Ferguson.    Child 
of  above — 

7d — Luly  Ferguson,  m.  P.  G.  Riddel. 
(7c)   I(3a  Frances  Churchill,  m.  J.  F.  Thomas.     Child  of 
above — 

176 


8a— Ida  Churchill,  m.  S.  J.  Knott,  New  Or- 
leans, La. 
(7d)  Luly  Ferguson,  m.  P.  G.  Riddell.    Child  of  above— 

8b — Ferguson  Riddell,  d.  1919. 
(5a)  Tillman  Holhday,  b.  1778,  d.  1835;  m.  Priscilla  Carr. 

Had  a  son  and  a  daughter,  lived  in  Mississippi. 
(5b)   Hannah  Holliday,  m.  Sylvester  Brown.    Lived  first  in 
New  Bern,  N,  C,  later  in  Washington,  N.  C.    Has 
one  son   (6t)  Thomas  H.  Brown,  of  Washington, 
N.  C. 
(5c)  Mary  Holliday,  m.  Thomas  Hawkes.    Lived  in  Wash- 
ington, N.  C.    Had  two  daughters  and  two  sons — 
6u— Thomas  H. 
6v — Francis. 

6w — Mary    M,    Laughinghouse.       Daughter, 
Hary  Holladay   Hawkes   of  Washington, 
N.'  C.    Son,  Thomas  H.,  had  one  child,  7f 
— Mrs.  Dr.  Harirs. 
(5f)  Eliza  Holliday,  m,  C.  Horton,  late  governor  of  Texas. 
Had  two  daughters,  6x,  Patience  Texas,  m.  Isaac 
Dennis,  d.  1864,  who  left  one  daughter,  7h,  Lida 
Texas,  who  m.  Willie  J.  Croom,  son  of  John  L. 
Croom,  6a — d,  1880,  Wharton,  Texas,  leaving  one 
daugthter,  8c — Lida. 
(5g)  Maria   Holliday,   m.   Dr.   Albert   Hendon,   moved   to 
Greensboro,  Ala. 


177 


INDEX 


Albin,  D.  M.  85 

"     D.  M.,  children    of 85 

"     E.  B. 86 

"     Louise  S. 86 

"     Mary  W. 85 

"     Robert  H. 85 

Alexander,  Amos   153 

"     Anna   E.   154 

"     A.  F. 153 

"     A.  F.,  children  of 153 

"     Benton 153 

"     C.  F 153 

"     J.   F.    153 

"     J.  L. 153 

"     Luzetta    86 

"     Mary    154 

"     Robert  153 

"     Sallie  B.   153 

Alford,  A.  S.  35 

"     H. 33 

"     James    33 

•'     Kate 35 

"     Mamie   33 

"     Minnie   33 

"     Warren   33 

"     Warren,  children  of 33 

Allen,  Annie   141 

"     Bettie 141 

"     B.   F.   141 

"     Chas.   E.   141 

"     E.  H.  139 

"     E.  H.,  children  of 140 

"     Frank    26 

"     Harriet 141 

"    Hattie    30 

"    Jessie     26 

"     Mattie  L. 141 

"     Phillip   26 

"     Robert     26 

"     R.   Q.    26-  141 

"     Rodney    32 

"     Rosa  L. 141 

"     Sallie   141 

"     Sevmour  R.   140 

"     Zula    26 

Arnall,  Annie  Pope 163 

"     F,    M.    163 

Arnett,  Oliver 23 

"     Samuel 23 

"     Sedmore    24 

Arringlon,  Alice 74 

"     Sam    74 

Ashmore,  Mildred 23-24 

"     Patience    23 

"     William     23 

179 


Askew,  S.  K. 87 

"     Thomas    87 

Baggett,  J.   M.   34 

"     Mary  E.   34 

"     Thomas   34 

"     Thos.,  children  of 34 

Bailey,-  Allen  L. 214 

"     Allen  L.,  children  of 24 

"     F.  J. 24 

"     Mildred  I. 24 

"     Peyton 24 

Baird,  Anna  H. 128 

"     Dorothy  T. 127 

"     H.  L 129 

"     Hermine    72 

«'     j_    (2^ 129 

"     J.  C,  children  of 129 

"     J.  C,  Jr. 129 

"     John  R. 90-124 

John  R.,  children  of  124 

"John  R.,  II 129 

"     Nancy  C. 69-128 

"     Thos.   C.   124 

"     Thos.  C,  children  of 127 

"     Thos.  C.  Jr. 128 

Baker,  Alice  J. 154 

"     Everard 154 

"     Everard,  children  of 154 

"     E.   G.  154 

"     E.  G.,  children  of 154 

"     E.  G.  Sr., 153 

"     E.  G.  the  III 154 

"     Florence    154 

"    Frances  T 154 

"     F.  N 154 

"    Jeanette    154 

"     J.  F. 154 

"     J.  H. 154 

"     Laura  A. 154 

"     Lizzie  A. 154 

"     Martha   G.   154 

"     Nellie 154 

"     Otis    154 

"     Q.   154 

"     R.    L. 154 

"     Sallie  B. 154 

"     V.  A. 154 

"     W.    C.    154 

Baldwin,  Annie 140 

Balfour,  Josephine 154 

Ball,  Sophia 158 

Becker,  A.  L. 33 

"     Francis 33 

"     Thomas   33 

"     W.   H.   33 


"    W.  H.  Jr. 33 

Bell,  Josephine 32 

Berry,  W.  D. 31 

"     W.  D.  Jr. 31 

Biddle,  Francis 21 

"     Julian  W. 21 

"     Julian  W.,  children 21 

"     Noble 21 

"     J.    W.    20 

Bilbro,  A.  J.  O.   36 

Billingsley,   Oliver   162 

Boody,  I.  R. 74 

Bovard,  Mollie 30 

Bradley,  Miss  Page 72 

"     Sarah 78 

Bridges,  Annie  W. 35 

"     Caroline 35 

"    Edna    35 

"     Hugh   37 

"     Isla 35 

"     James    35 

"     James,  children  of 35 

"     Jincey    35 

"     J.    F.    35 

*'     Julius    35 

"     Kate  A. 35 

"     Lucile    35 

"     Martha    30-38 

"     Mary   L.    35 

"     Matilda  A. 35 

"     Mattie    35-141 

"     Quinn 35 

"     Richard  R.   29-35 

"     Richard  R.,  children  of__  35 

"     Robert 35 

Broaddus,   Agnes   23 

"     Annie  J.   22 

"    Annie    C.    23 

"     E.  A. 22 

*'     E.    S.    22-23 

"     E.  S.,  children  of 23 

"     Martha    C.    23 

"     Matilda  A.   22 

"     T.   C.   22 

"     T.  C,  children  of 22 

"     T.   P.   22 

Brogdon,  J.  S. 81 

Brown,  Mary  Y. 76 

Brunner,  Clara   C.   27 

Bulloch,  Charles 26 

"    John 25 

"     John,  children   of 26 

"     Mary    26 

Burton,  D.  N. 73 

"     Maria     76 

"     Nancy    28 

Campbell,  Alonzo 160 

"     David 160 

"     David,   children    of 160 

"'     Elizabeth    160 


"     Gertrude    M.    152 

"     Mary    160 

Cantleon,  Caroline 159-160 

"     Virginia    159 

Carter,  Aklia 158 

"     Anna    168 

"     E.   L.   158 

\    "     J.  E. 158 

"     J.  E.,  children  of 158 

"     Jerre  E, 158 

"     M.    H.    158 

"     Mattie   158 

"     W.  P. 158 

Carruth,   L.    139 

"     Mabel    139 

"     Norma 139 

"     R.  M. 139 

Cassidy,  Miss  H. 36 

Catchings,   Anastasia    14 

"     Angela    141 

"     Angelina    , 139 

"     Ann 30-141 

"     Anne    23-30-84 

"  Anna   E.,  children  of   __     23 

"     Annie  A. 84 

"     Annie  C. 23 

"     A.   S.   32 

"     A.  S.,  Jr. 32 

"     Archie    S.    31-32 

**     Augustus    36 

"  Augustus,  children  of  __     36 

"     Augustus,  2d 36 

"     Baird 72 

"  Benjamin   __9  to  20  inc.     39 

"     Benjamin,  children  of 20 

"     Benj.  H. 80-81 

"     Benj.  H.  Dr.   157 

"     Benj.  Holliday 49-77 

"  Benj.  Holliday,  children  of     7 

"     Benj,  H.,  children  of 71 

"     B.  S. 72-139 

"     Bessie     25-139 

"     Blair    141 

"     Blanche     139 

"     Camilla    20-21 

"     Caroline 33 

"     Carolina   M.    29-34 

"     Caroline    R.    31 

"     Charlie 39 

"     Charles 21-27-139 

"     C.   B.   32 

"     Charles  E.,  Jr.   27 

"     Charles   R.    84 

"     Charles   S.    31 

"     Christopher 15 

"     Clinton  D. 84 

"     Cordelia    21 

"     Cornelius    29 

"     C.  Q.   31 

"     Donald     139 

180 


Edward   29 

E.    A.    141 

E.   G.    21-23 

E.  G.,  chilrren  of 23 

E.  H.    23 

Eliza    15 

Eliza  H. 29-33 

Elizabeth     12-15-144 

Ellis    31-32 

Emma     42-72-73 

Emma  M. 139 

Emma  S. 84-88 

Emily    29 

Ezeklal 12144 

Eva  G. 21 

Fanny     21-29-30 

Florence    139 

Frances  71 

Frank   25-26-157 

Frank,   children   of    26 

F.  B.   31 

F.   B.,  children   of 31 

F.  B.  Jr. 31 

F.   P.    80 

Gauce    139 

Gladys 81 

Grace  H. 27 

Greenville 33 

H.    H.    _. 73 

Harriet    25-27-29-30-157 

Harriet  E. 71-77-78 

Hari'iet  M 72-73 

Henry    9 

H.  L 141 

Ida    S.    33 

Isabelle    141 

Isabelle  W. 31 

Jack 80 

Jane    25-26 

Jerry   31 

James  W. 141 

John   N.    29 

John 26-29-139 

John  N.,  children  of 29 

John   Noel    29 

John  T. 144 

Jonathan   20-35 

Jonathan    2d    36 

Joseph  10 

Jos.,  children  of 12 

Joseph    9-12-13-14-20-29 

Joseph    37-39 

Joseph,  children   of 49 

Joseph  B. 20 

Joseph    139-144-156 

Joseph,  children  of 144 

Joseph   Benjamin 72 

Joseph  Blair   30 

Jos.   Blair,  children  of__     30 
Joseph   H.    157 

181 


Joseph  L. 139 

Joseph  M.   31-32-84 

Joseph  O. 31 

Josephine 20-76-79 

Josephine  E.   134 

Julia  C. 145 

Katherine   36 

Katherine    80 

Laura     29 

Leile  R. 31-76 

Leona     139 

Levista  J. 20 

Londie   42 

Louer.a    73 

Louisa   76 

Louise    32-80 

Lourane    36 

Lourane  D. 36 

Loj'ce     33 

Lucy   M.   31 

Lucy  R. 32 

Mabel    139 

Magige    26-80 

Margaret 31-141 

Margaret  E. 31 

Marjorie    72 

Martha   31-41-144 

Martha  C. 21-22 

Martha   B.    31 

Martha  L.   84,     87 

Mary    31-42-84-144 

Mary   A.    68-82 

Mary   Clendinen   88 

Marv  E.   139 

Mar>^  K.   141 

Mary  M.   29-30 

Mary  P. 31-33 

Mary  R. 29-33 

Matilda 15-25 

Matilda  W. 36 

May    31 

M.  E. 31 

Meredith    9-13-14 

Merry    W.    76 

Mildred    15-25 

Myra   P.   31 

Missouri    25-26 

Nail    139 

Nancy    12-144 

Nannie    26-42-81-141 

N.  C.   90 

Nannie  L. 76 

N.  C.  124 

Nollie     72 

N.    M.    104 

Newton  W. 27 

Nicholas    27 

Noel   30 

Nora 139 

Nora  S. 73 


Oliver  W.   27-133 

Palatyre    29-35 

Phillip    9-13-14-21-25 

Phillip,  children  of 25 

Phillip    28-29 

Phillip,   children   of 28 

Phillip,  Dr. 141 

Phillip  A. 20 

Phillip  M. 141 

Phillip  M.  Jr. 141 

Phillip  M.  Dr 30 

Phillip  M.  Dr.,  children 

of    30-141 

Phillip  S. 20-28-140 

Rhoda     12-144 

Richard  0. 31 

Robert 139 

Robt.    J.    76 

Robt.  J.  Jr. 31 

Robt.   D.   31 

Robt.    S.    21 

Robt   S.,   children   of 21 

Ruby    139 

Sadie   139 

Sallie    26-139 

Sallie  Dickerson 139 

Sallie  Dickerson,  children 

of    139 

Sallie  D.   71-140 

St.  Clare 26 

Sarah    12-42-144 

Sarah 29 

Sarah  F 72 

Sarah  M. 83-87 

Seymour    ..9-12-13-14-39-139 

Seymour  S. 20-21 

Seymour  S.,  children  of..     20 

Seymour    S.,    Jr.    20 

Seymour  Scott 139 

Seymour  Scott,    children 

of    139 

Silas     15-36-42-72-139 

Silas    F.    72 

Silas  F.,  children  of 73 

Silas  M. 40 

Silas   Mercer   49 

Silas      Mercer,      children 

of   8-82-83-84 

Silas   Mercer   Jr.    83 

Thomas   141 

T.  A.   Dr. 36-37-42-81-84 

T.  A.,  children  of 84 

Thos.   E.   72 

T.  C. 
_    41-61-96-97-98-104-122-130 

T.  C,  children  of 130 

Mrs.   T.   C.   97 

Dr.  T.  J 

__.   27-40-42-50-64-71-88-105 
Dr.  T.  J.,  children  of 88 


"     T.  J. 72 

"     T.  J.,  children  of 72 

"     Thos.  Page 72 

"     Virginia    M.    36-82 

"     Virginia 84 

"     Waddill    72-73 

"     Wallace 31 

"     Walter 20 

"    Walter  S 31 

"     Walter  S.,  children  of.__     32 

"     Walter   S.  Jr.   32 

"     Walter   W.    30-141 

"     Warren    25 

"     Warren,  children  of 25 

"     W.  B. 15 

"     Willard    139 

"     William    20-26-139 

"     Wm.  Baird 72 

"     William  Benj.   72 

"     Wm.    H.    21-25-27-29 

"     Wm.  H.,  children  of 25 

"     Wm.   S.   77 

"     Willroy    141 

Causey,  Chas.  E. 139 

"     H.  F.  139 

"     Ivy   139 

"     R.  H.  139 

"     Sallie  M. 139 

"     T.   F.   139 

"     Wm.  M. 139 

Chambers,  J.   C. 79 

"     N.  M. 79 

"     R.  A.  79 

Chamberlain,  Allen 20 

"     Eva  G. 20 

"     E.  P.   20 

"     Children  of 20 

"     E.  P.  Jr. 20 

"     Pauline    20 

"     William  20 

Clendinen,  Nancy  M. 50 

Coke,  Lucy 143 

Collins,   Eliza    36 

"     Collins,  Mr.   36 

"     Joinathan    36 

"     Lourainey   36 

"     Lurline    30 

"     Walter     ^-     30 

Colvin,  Grafton 72 

"     Grafton  Jr. 72 

"     Jane  72 

"     Marjorie    72 

Corly,  Cornelia   35 

Corey,  Tenie   79 

Cox,  James  R. 76 

Criddle,   Mildred   17-19 

Davidson,  Dr.  James 74 

"     Dr.  T.  J. 74 

Davis,   Chas.  A.   165 

Dean,   L.   Y.  Jr.   24 

182 


"    M.  J.  24 

"     M.  T.  24 

Devine,  Hulda   140-144 

Dickerson,  Martha 156 

Dickson,  A  R. 27 

"     Adrian     28 

"     David  C 27 

"     David  C,  children  of  __     27 

"     David  R. 27 

"     Daniel    27-28 

"     Dudley 28 

"     Earl   28 

"     Harriet    27 

"     H.   J.   27 

"     J.  L. 27 

"     J.  L.  Jr.   28 

"     Julia  D. 28 

"     Lawrence    27 

"     Louisa   27 

"     Martha    C. 27 

"     Mary    28 

"     N.  C.  28 

"     P«ter    28 

"     Robert 28 

"     Wm.     25 

"    Wm.,  children  of 27 

"     Zach    87 

Dill,  Mr. 160 

"     Mr.,  childre  nof 160 

"    Hattie    160 

"     Thaddeus    160 

Dinkins,  Lillian  C. 79 

Dixon,  Annie  K. 87 

"     B.  T 87 

"     Daisy  A.    87 

"     Emma  V 87 

"     Mary  S. 87 

"     Silas   A.    87 

"     Wm. 84 

"     Wm.,  children  of 87 

Dodge,  Isadora  E. 75 

"     James    75 

"     W.   H.   75 

"     W.  M.  C. 75 

"     W.  M.  C,  children  of  __     75 

Drake,  Edah  S. 81 

"     Edith  . 40 

"Edith  S.   50 

Diiffy,   Magg-ie    139 

Dulaney,  Georgia 25 

"     William   —36 

Eaton,  Lizzie 76 

Edmonds,  Floy 160 

"     Margaret 160 

"     Salile   159 

"     Samuel    159 

"     Samuel,  children  of 160 

Elliott,  Martha  C.  H. 161 

"     Rhodes    161 

"     Rhodes,  children  of 161 


"     Wm.  H. 161 

Ellis,  Evelyn  31 

"     Martha 31 

"     Newton  31 

Enochs,  Edwina   32 

"     I.   C.    31-32-80 

"    L  C,  children  of  32 

"    L  C.  Jr.  32 

"     James  L. 79 

"     James  L.,  children  of 80 

"     James  L.  Jr. 80 

"     J.  F. 80 

"     Lucy    32 

"     Marv  C.    32 

"     M.  S.  80 

Evans,  Mary   156 

Fairchild,  Miss   36 

Famam,   N.   C.   152 

Felker,    Hester    164 

Ferguson,  Pinkie 35 

Ferman,  Arthur 158 

Fever,  Miss   163 

Fields,  Peter   145 

Fleming,  Benton 153 

"     Dinah 153 

"     Dinah,  children  of  ___153-154 

"     Emilv  D. 153 

"     Hinds    153 

"     Holliday    153 

"     Mrs.  Jane 148 

"     Jane  B.   153 

<<  T        Q  "iBS 

"     J*.  G.,  children  of 153 

"     J.   N.   153 

"     Robert  F.   153 

"     Sarah   153-154 

"     W  D.  153 

"     Young   153 

Fly,  Ella 71-72 

!Flournoy,  Fannie  25 

"     J.   A.   25 

"     J.  A.,  children  of 25 

"     Martha   L.    25 

"     Mildred   25 

"     Salonia    25 

"     Sarah  A. 25 

"     T.  M. 25 

"     William  A. 25 

Ford,  Sarah 150-152 

Forsyth,  James 71 

"     James    S.    71 

Fortner,    Sedley    29 

"     Susan     29 

"     Turner    29 

Galloway,  George 162 

Gano,  Kate 142 

Goodloe,  Mary 143 

Griffin,  E.   160 

"     E.,   children   of 160 

"     Amanda    161 

183 


"     Katherine _• 156 

"     Lizzie    160 

"     Nancy  G 159 

"     Willie 160 

Haley,  Mona  L. 78 

Hamilton,  Annie  L. 75 

"     Geo.   Wm..    74 

"     Geo.   Wm.,  children  of-_     75 

"     James  Norman 75 

"     Mary    78 

Hammock,    Sarah    156 

Harrison,  Nancy 152 

Hatfield,  Ida  23 

Head,  Artemesia 12-144-145 

"     Charles    77 

"     Charles  A.   77 

"     Charles,  Jr.   77 

"     Rebecca  Louise  77 

"     Samuel  Potts 77 

"     Thos.    12-144 

"     Willis  B. 77 

HemingTvay,  David  M.  ___82-84-87 
"     David  M.,  children  of__84-85 

"     Kate    McW.    86 

"     Mary    A.    C.    40 

"     Mary  C. __85 

"     Nannie  C. 84 

"     Thos.    C.   86 

"     William     87 

Henck,   David  M. 87 

"     Joseph  87 

"     Mar^erite    L.    87 

"     Memelle    87 

Henderson,  Loraine 76 

"     Mary    76 

Hennington,   Benj.    __29 

"     Benj.    children    of 30 

"     Fannie     30 

"     Frank 30 

"     Henry   H.   30 

"     Lamar   30 

"     Rosa 30 

Higginbotham,    Letitia    49-71 

Hill,  Duncan   158 

"     Lucy    158 

"     Mary  Annie 157-158 

Holliday,  Abraham 158 

"    Alice  M.   161 

"     Allen    156-161 

"     Allen,  children  of 161 

"     Allen  L.   162 

"     Allen   Thos.   156 

"     Allen  T.,  children  of 161 

"     Amelia    161 

"     Andrew  J.   152 

"     Anna   E.   158 

"     Annie     162 

"     Annie  N. 162 

Augustus    158  * 

Aytes  147-148 

184 


'     Ayres,  children  of 151 

'     Benj.    78 

■     CarlM 159 

'     Cassender 157 

'     Catherine    78 

'     Cynthia    157-164 

'     Dickerson    152-156 

'     Dickerson,  children  of 157 

'     Dickerson  Jr. 158 

Dickerson,  Jr.,  children  of  158 

Dickerson  W. 158 

Elizabeth 151-155 

Elijah    147 

Elijah,  children  of 148 

Emily   25-26-157 

Emily  C. 158 

Ernest  D, 158 

Eugenia 156-159 

Evaline    162 

Fletcher    161 

Flora    149-156 

Flora  T.   161 

Frances 158 

F.  A.  C.   161 

Francis   E. 162 

Franklin    152 

Foy 158 

Georgia  O.   156-160 

G    R  158 

g!   R*.,  "children'of''''l58-159 
Gibson 152 

G.  R.  Jr. 158 

Harriet 37-149 

Hariet  T 78 

Henry    G.    162 

L  N. 157 

L  N.,  children  of 161-162 

Jane 157 

Jeanette    153 

Jesse  Mercer 161 

Jesse  Mercer,  children  of  162 

J.  M.   162 

Jahn 147 

John,  children  of 152-153 

John 156 

John  T. 162 

Joseph    147-150 

Josephine    78 

Joseph  E. 161 

J.  R. 156-161 

Lamar  162 

Laura    C.    162 

Leslie    162 

Lizzie   M.   162 

Louisa    157-158 

Malidia    161 

M.    A.    158 

Martha    151-157-158-162 

Martha   E.    162 

Mary    37-49-78-156-158 


"     Mary  A. _  161 

"     Mary  E. 162 

"     Mary  J. 159 

"     Mary  L. 161-162 

"     Margaret 151-155-161 

"     Minerva 153 

"     Myrtle   161 

"     Nancy   151 

"Nannie  L. 158 

"     Nathanial  R.  157 

"     Nathanial     R.,     children 

of    157-158 

"     N.   W.   158 

"     Ollie     162 

"     Omar 161 

"     O.  T.   165 

"     Ophelia    158 

"     Otis    161 

"     Peter   J.    161 

"     Peter  J.,  children  of 161 

"     R.    E.    162 

"    R.  I. 156 

"     R.  I.,  children  of 156-157 

"     Robert  152 

"    R.  J. 156 

"     Rosa  L. 162 

"    Sallie   151 

"     Sarah    153-156-159 

"     Sarah  J. 162 

"     Simeon    157-162 

"     S.   R.   158 

"     Thomas 39-147-149 

"    Thomas,  children   of 156 

"     Thomas   162 

"     Thomas,  children  of 162 

"     Thomas   C. 78 

"     Thomas  D. 162 

"     Thomas  H. 157 

"     Thomas  L. 77 

"     Thomas  L.,  children  of__     78 

"     T.    151 

"     Thomas 157 

"     Thomas   156 

"     Warren    158 

"     William 161 

"     W.  B. 161 

"     William 161 

"     W.  T.    161 

"     W.  T.  H. 158 

"     W.  Z. 161 

Holloman,  Estelle  J. 79 

"     Frank    78 

"     Harriet    78 

"     Hattie  R 79 

"    Jessie  L. 78 

"     John  H. 78 

"     John  H.,  Jr 78 

"     Leonidas   78 

"     Leonidas,  Jr. 78 

"     Mary  E.   78 

185 


"     Mary  L. 78 

"     Stella  M. 79 

"     Thomas  B. 78 

"     Thomas  B.,  children  of  78-79 

"     Thomas    W.   78 

Hope,  Clara  V. 34 

Hudson,   Barnes   73 

"    Byrne    73 

"     Emma    143 

"     Fred 73 

"    Fred,  children  of 73 

"     T.  C 73 

"     Wilma   73 

Hutchings,  Annie  D. 21-23 

"     Matilda   21 

Hutchison,  Ada 76 

"     Fountain 76 

"     Elizabeth    76 

"     Mildred   76 

"     Nanine    76 

Jackson,  W.  S. 161 

Jacobs,  Margaret  M. 141 

Johnson,  Catohings  B. 31-76 

"     John 76 

"     John,  2nd 76 

"     Loranie   76 

"     Lou 76 

"     Margaret    148 

"     Mary    76 

"     Nannie    C.    77 

"     Olivia 148-151 

Jones,  Dudley   88 

"     Louise    21 

"     Maud  L.   88 

"     Minnie     88 

Kelly,  W.  W. 28 

King,   Bettie    163 

"     C.    163 

"     Elizabeth  J    L. 34-74 

"     Elziphan 162 

"     Elziphan,   children   of   __  163 

"     Elziphan,  Jr. 163 

"     Evanda    163 

"     Holley   163 

"     James    163 

",Mattie 163 

"     Walker    163 

Lacy,  Sarah  Overton 151-152 

Landrum,  Harvey  C. 86 

"     J.   H.   86 

"     Jane   W.   86 

"     L.   B.   86 

"     Mary  M. 86 

"     Percy  M. 86 

"     Ruth   M.   86 

Laprelle,  M.  E. 27 

Lawson,  Josephine 158 

Leslie,    Sarah    _' 162 

Lewis,  Emma  S. 88 

"    James    33 


"    James  E.  _— 84 

"    James  E.,  children  of___     88 

"     J.  L. 88 

"     Sarah 155 

Liddell,  V.  B. 73 

"     Wm.   H.    73 

Lilly,  A.  A 31 

"     A.   A.,   children   of 33 

"     A.  A.  Jr. 33 

"     Albert  A 33 

"    Jennie    139 

"     Kenneth    33 

"     Verner    33 

Lockwood,  L.  G. 30 

Long,  M.  E. 127-129 

Love,  Annie   143-144 

"     Annie  W. 35-143 

"     Bessie 143 

"     Delia    143 

"     Harriet   E.    139-141 

"     Harriet   J.    144 

"     Hugh   144 

"     Ida     144 

"    J.  F. 140 

"     J,  F.,  children  of 144 

"     James    144 

"     Kate     143 

"     Mamie  143 

"     Martha    144 

"     Martha  D. 139-140 

"     Mary    144 

"     Mary  M. 144 

"     Pearl    144 

"     Robert 71 

"     Robert 139 

"     Robert,  children  of 139 

"     Robert  H. 143 

"     Robert  H.,  children  of__  143 

"     Robert  E 144 

"     Rosa  C. 144 

"     Rosa     140 

"     Sallie  D. 143 

"     Sarah  W. 144 

"     T.  J. 144 

"     T.  J.,  children  of 144 

"     Walter     144 

"     William    143-144 

"     William    C.   140-143 

"     William  C,  children  of..  143 

Luce,  Henry 153 

Madden,  Delia  A. 152 

Magee,  Daniel 27 

Bettie    27 

Felix    27 

Felix,  children  of 27 

Felix  Jr.  27 

Henry    27 

Nancy    27 

Sallie     27 

Saphronia 27 


Manship,   Lewis   76 

Marshall,  Ada 29-139 

"     Angeline   29 

"     Charles    29 

"     Harriet    29 

"     Noel    29 

"     Robt.  H.  29 

Martin,  Nancy 20 

"     Susan 80 

Massengill,   Laura   26 

"     May   31 

Massey,  J.  C. 27 

Massie,  Emily 88 

Mason,   Calhoun   36 

"     Ellen    37 

"     Francina  36 

"     Wiley 36 

"     W.  W. 36 

Mayfield,  James 162 

Meek,   Daisy    75 

Miller,   Bessie   26 

"     Emma    26 

"     George    26 

"     Irene    26 

"     John     26 

"     J.  M. 31-32 

"     J.  C. 31 

"     Robert 26 

Milsaps,  H.  T. 155 

"     Martha    155 

"     Mary  E.   155 

"     Sarah    155 

"     Thomas   151 

"     Thos.,  children  of 155 

"     Thos.  E.   155 

"     Thos.  J. 155 

"     Uriah 155 

"     Wm. 155 

Moncrief,    Nancy    159 

Moore,  Dorris   80 

"     Margaret    80 

"     Noble 80 

"     Robert  C. 80 

McDaniel,  Egbert 164 

"     Gypsy    164 

"     H.  D. 164 

"     Ira   0.   162 

"     Ira   O.,  children   of 164 

"     Ira  Jr. 164 

"     Rapley 164 

"     Sanders  164 

McGuire,    Francis    155 

"     Mary    152 

McKay,  Mary  F. 28 

McKee,  Elizabeth 72 

McKinnell,   C.   O.   31 

McKinney,    Miss    159 

McLaurin,  Daniel   140-141 

"     Delta    143 

"     Hugh   C.   139 

186 


"     Hugh     C,     children     of 

141-142-143 

"     John    142 

"     John  G. 143 

"     Katherine   142 

"     Laughlin 142 

"     Louella 141 

"     Maurice 142 

"     Nancy    139 

"     Nanine    C.    141 

"     Sallie   C.   141 

''     Robert  L 141 

McNeal,  J.  C. 36 

Nail,  Winnie   139 

Neal,  Mary 162-163 

Newton,  Jere 77 

"     Louise    77 

"     Oscar 76 

"     Oscar,  Jr. 76 

Nixon,  Ella 76 

Norman,  Annie  L. 75 

"     Annie  M. 75 

"     Bessie  M.   75 

"     Caroline  B. 75 

"    Caroline  C. 75 

"     Daisy  M. 75 

"     Daniel     29-34 

"     Daniel,  children  of 34 

"     E.  L.   35 

"     E.  L.,  children  of 35 

"     E.   J.   75 

"     James   M.   34-75 

"     Kate    C.    75 

"     Lucy  R. 75 

"     Lula    M.    75 

"     Mary    35 

"     Mary  E. 74-75 

"     Mary  M. 34 

Norman,  Montgomery 74 

"     Palatire 34 

"     P.   R.   34 

"     P.  M. 76 

"     P.   C.   34 

«     P.  B. 76 

"P.  K.  75 

"     P.  K.,  children  of 76 

"     R.  S. 35 

"     W.  W. 75 

"     W.  W.,  children  of 75 

Nugent,  L.  C. 32 

Nunnally,  Aaron 157 

Owens,  Ella 33 

"     Susan     164 

Owings,   Charlotte   152 

O'Neal,  Nancy 152 

Pace,  J.   H.    162 

Paine,  A.   D.   154 

"     L.    B.    154 

Paschel,  J.  L.   161 

Patterson,  Mrs.  J.  C. 158 


Pearce,  J.  T.  158 

Piatt,  A.  H. 73 

*'     Waddill   73 

Potts,  H.  S.  72 

"     H.  S.  Jr. 72 

"     Leonora 72 

Powell,  Annie  L. 23 

"     E.   B.   23 

"     Minnie    E.    12 

"     Minnie  145 

"     R.   W.    23 

"     R.  R.  23 

"     William 23 

"     William,  children  of  ___     23 

Prince,  L.   W.   163 

Quinn,   Ella    26 

"     Nannie    26 

"     Mary    143 

"     Mary  Ann    140 

"     Monroe     25-26 

"     Monroe,  children  of 26 

Ragan,  Lucinda __156 

"     Rebecca 156 

Ratliffe,  Gus  87 

"     Louis   87 

"     Sam   87 

Ray,  Bessie   25 

"     Madison    25 

"     Mollie 25 

"     Miss    159 

"     Willie 25 

Reaben,  Dr.   29 

"     Dr.,  children  of 30 

"     C.  C. 30 

"     C.   E.   30 

"     E.  M. 30 

"     G.  B.   30 

"     W.   H.    30 

Redfield,  Annie  0. 87 

"     Chas.    87 

"     Chas.,  children  of 87 

"     C.   G.   83 

"     John 87 

"     Lillian   87 

"     Mary  G 87 

"     Nora 87 

"     Sallie    87 

"     W.    G.    87 

Rem^y,  M.  F.   162 

Rex,  Naomi   152 

Rice,  S.  T.  158 

Rogers,  Francina   36 

"     Mary    28 

Rutland,  Alice 143 

"     Arthur 143 

"     R.   L.   144 

"     Willie 143 

"     W.  C. 143 

"     W.  C,  children  of 143 

'•     W.    P.    144 


187 


Sanders,  B.  M.   157 

"     B.  M.,  children  of 164 

"     B.   M.  Jr.   164 

*'     Carrie  C. 164 

"     C.   G.  144 

"     C.  M. 164 

"     D.  H. 164 

"     D.  N.  164 

"     Emmie 164 

"     Ida   31 

"     Joseph 157 

"     Joseph 164 

"     L.  W. 157 

"     Louisa    75-157 

"    Mamie   164 

"     Martha 157 

"     Mattie 77 

"     Mattie  L. 80 

"     Richard  164 

Savage,   Harry   85 

"     Prentiss    85 

Scaife,   Fletcher   158 

"     Paul  B.   158 

Scott,  Frank  H. 78 

Settoon,  Julius   _     75 

"     L.   L.   75 

"     L.  V.   75 

"     L.  v.,  children  of 75 

"     R.  B 75 

Shank,  Mr 159-160 

"     Mr.,  children  of 160 

"     Felix _  __  160 

"     H.  A. 160 

"     Rosa  L. 160 

Shearer,  F.  O. _       130 

Shields,  T.  H. 81 

Shoemaker,  Alice  V. 152 

"     A.  J 152 

"     David 151 

"     David,  children  of 151 

"     Douglas   152 

"     Henry    152 

"     L.   T.   152 

"     Martha    152 

"     Mary  L. 152 

"     Rex    162 

"     Roy  H.   152 

"     Rufus    151 

"     Rufus,  children  of 152 

Siebe,  Abner  34 

"     Annie   M.   34 

"     F.  E.   34 

"     H.  O. 34 

"     J.  T. 34 

"     Julia    141 

"     Myra    141 

"     W.   H.   34 

Sims,  George 161 

Simpson,  Orleans 77 

Smith,  Ada  C. 79 


"     Adel     79 

"     Angeline   29 

"     A.  P.   80 

"     Cecil    76 

"     C.  E.   79 

"     C.  R 76 

"     C.   D.   79 

"     E.   79 

"     E,  children  of 79 

"     Frances  79 

"     Harriet   L.   80 

"     Helen 74 

"     J.  A. 79 

"     John  74-155 

"     John,  children  of 74 

Smith,  Josephine    74 

"     J.   H.   79 

"     Josephine   C.   80 

"     Laura  L. 79 

"     Leland   79 

"     Lourinda 25 

"     Margaret 80 

"    Mary   74 

"     Mary   L.   80 

"     Montgomery 79 

"     Rankin    79 

"     Rankin,    children    of 79 

"     Sarah    7-79-139 

"     Thomas  H. 79 

"     W.    B.    79 

Spiller,  Miss    155 

Stanford,   Dicey   158 

Steed,  Donald 24 

"     Elizabeh   , 24 

"     Frances     24 

"     Maria 24-25 

"     Mildred 24 

"     Missouri    24 

"     Nancy    24 

"     Phillip   24 

"     Seymour   24 

"     T.  A.  A.  24 

"     T.  M.,  Jr 24 

"     Virginia    24 

"     T.  W.  M.   24 

"     T.  W.  M.„  children  of__     24 

"     W.   A.   24 

Steele,   Abner   71 

"     Abner   T.    34 

"     Abner   T.,   children   of__     34 

"     Ada    33 

"     Archibald   29 

"     Archibald,    children   of—     33 

"     A.  E. 31 

"     E.  W. 33 

"    J.    B.    33-34 

"     J.   H.   164 

"     J.  A 33 

"     Julia    34 

"    Laura  A.   71 


188 


"    Luella    — - -    33 

"     Mary   C.   34 

"     Mollie    30 

"     Whitman 33 

"     Whitman,  children  of 33 

Stevens,  Ida 142 

Stewart,  Jennie  D. 32 

Stinson,   Sarah   78 

Storm,    Mary    33 

Strother,  A.  E. 156-159 

"     A.  E.,  children  of 159 

"     A.  R 160 

"    A.  R,,  children  of 160 

"     Alphonso  R. 156 

"     Bettie 160 

"     C.  R. 160 

"     C.  R.,  children  of 160 

"    Clara   1—  160 

"     Clara  N. 159 

"     C.  A. 159 

''     Ella    159 

"     Eugene    160 

"     Flossie     160 

"     Francis    156-159 

"     Francis,   children   of 159 

"     Frank 160 

"     Frederick    160 

*'     George    159 

"     George __159 

"     Grover 159 

"     Henry    159 

"     Holland   159 

"     James  A.  159 

"     Jerre    159 

"     John 160 

"     John  G. 159 

"    John  G.,  children  of 159 

"     J.    S.    159 

"     J.    T.    159 

"     Josephus    A.    159 

"    Josephus  E. 159 

"    Julian 160 

"     Laura    160 

"     Lillie    160 

"     Louisa   160 

"     Lucinda  P.   160 

"     L.  P. 160 

"     Lula 160 

"     Martha    159 

"     Maude   159 

"     N.    M.    159 

"     Pauline    159 

"     Ruth 160 

"     Samuel    159 

"     Sarah  J. 159-160 

"     T.    R.    160 

"     Thomas    156 

"     T.   C.   159 

"     T.  H 159-160 

"     T.  H.,  children  of 160 

189 


"     Wm.  Francis 159 

"     Wm.     Francis,     children 

of   159 

"     W.   H.   160 

"     W.  T. 159-160 

Stroud,  Emma 157 

Summerall,  Rosa    33 

Taylor,  M.   28 

Teat,  Isla 141 

Terrell,  Elvira  G. 125-127 

Tliatcher,  Walter 73 

Therrell,  E.  C. 74 

"     E.  E.   73 

"     F.   C.   74 

"     G.   C.   74 

"     H  C. 73 

"     R.   C.   74 

"     R   S  73 

"     Children'"of"II"II"riI     73 

"     S.    C.   73 

Thompson,  Jessie   161 

"     Lourainey 35 

Thrasher,  Judge 37 

Thweatt,  E.   S.   25 

"    J.   A.    24 

"     J.   A,    24 

"     J,  M.   24 

"     Children  of 24 

"     M.  L. 24 

"     May  E.   24 

"     Maydie    J.    24 

"     M.    B.    25 

"     R.   C.   25 

Tisdale,  Lizzie 157-161 

Torrey,  Mrs.  M.  C. 70 

"     Thos.    H.    88-89-90 

Townsend,  Martha 12-144 

Trammell,  B.  163 

"     Hactie    163 

"     J.  G. 163 

"     children  of 163 

"     Mattie     163 

Trawick,  Cornelius 29 

"     children  of 33 

"     Cornelius  Jr. 33 

"     Henry    33 

"     Josephine    33 

"     Kate     33 

"     Luzenburg    33 

"     Martha   E.   33 

"     Mary   B.    33 

Tucker,  Lou 162 

Vaughn,    Miss    30 

Waddill,  Nora   72-73 

Wadsv/orth,  William 155 

Waggoner,  Floyd 30 

Walker,   B.   S. 163 

'•     Charlie    163 

"     C.   S.    163 

"     Clifford 163 


"     Cynthia    162-163 

"     Daniel    157 

"     children  of 162 

"     Daniel  Jr. 162 

"     Daniel    163 

"     D.  H. 162-163 

"     D.  H.,  children  of 163 

"     Hattie    163 

"     Hickman   155 

"     Irwin   163 

"     J.  H 163 

"     Lucinda   162 

"     Margaret 74-155 

"     Marian    163 

"     Martha    155 

"     Mary  H. 155 

"     Mollie    163 

"     Pierce    155 

"     Rebecca   162-164 

"     Robert 155 

"     Robert,  children  of 155 

"     Robert,  2d 155 

"     Sandy 162 

"     T.    N.    162 

"     W.    S.    163 

Walsh,   Wilile   158 

Waterhouse,  Edith 34 

"     R.  G.  34 

Watt,  Frederick   81 

Webb,  A.  C. 22 

"     Agnes    .  23 

"     E.  B.  23 

"     James    22 

"    James,  children   of 22 

"     Julius    C.    33 

"     Mary  T.   23 

"     P.  A.   22 

"     R.  R.  23 

"     W.   F.    22 

Wendling,  G.  M. 133 

Werner,  Miss 73 

West,   Eliza   20 

White,  Sue 78 


Wiley,  Susan  A. 157 

Willard,  Dorothy   26 

"     Eleanor    26 

"     J.   H.   26 

"     J.  H.,  children  of 26 

"     Natalia    26 

"     Roberta     26 

Willett,  Edward 165 

"     Emily    165 

"     Hugh   165 

"     J.  E. 164 

"     J.  E.,  children  of 165 

"     Laurie   165 

"     N.  L. 165 

"     Rosalie    165 

Wilson,  N.  C.   21 

"     John 21 

"     John,  children  of 21 

"     Seymour    21 

Wolfe,  Adelaide   76 

Wolfe,  Joseph  T.   76 

Womack,  Mr. 29-30 

"     Harriett    30 

"     Noel 30 

Wood,  May  F. 76 

Woods,   Mittie     21 

Wright,  Annie  A. 12-145 

"     Bettie     78 

"     Carrie  A. 12-145 

"     James 144 

"     James,   children   of 145 

"     J.   A.   12 

"     J.  T. 12 

"     John   T.    145 

"     John  T.,  children 145 

"     Joseph  A. 145 

"     Lucinda    156-159-160 

"     Minine  A 12-145 

Yates,  Fountain   76 

"     J.    B.    76 

"     J.  B.  Jr.  76 

Zellars,   Elizabeth    161 


190