CHAPTER XXIX.

At our last meeting we had presented to our attention five worthy objects asking contributions, from other chapters. While we were glad to note such zeal, and while we were in sympathy with all the objects, we must call their attention to what they have apparently overlooked-that having set ourselves to do the great work we are about, our slender resources must not be diverted from the main chance. There must be hewers of wood and drawers of water, and those who sow, and those who reap. We have entered the field of record gathering, which requires skill and energy and postage stamps, and we have nothing to back us but the loyalty and generosity of our members. When we heard Mrs. Avery announce from the platform at the last continental congress that in the matter of records Georgia had distanced all the states, we felt a thrill of pride as true Georgians. While we bid our sister chapters god-speed in their chosen field, and while we are able sometimes to make a small contribution to their enterprises, we must address ourselves seriously to the work in hand and be just before we can be generous.

We have had dozens of letters asking our opinion of Nancy Hart. It would appear from the evidence that Nancy was too busy making history to write it. So for the want of records her very identity was like to perish from the memory of man. When Rev. Smith said she was a myth-no, that she was cross-eyedno, that she was red-haired-what did Rev. Smith say? This question itself has become historic, and looms up equal in importance with who struck Billy Patterson, or where, oh, where, are the Hebrew children? But whatever the reverend gentleman said, whether he affirmed or denied that Nancy was a myth, or red-haired, or cross-eyed, we are indebted to him for his remark, since it has been the means of unearthing so much true history that might otherwise never have been brought to light. As Mrs. Wall says in her fine paper on Harris, below, "Mistakes carefully

corrected sometimes bring out more history than would otherwise be known."

All hail Nancy! and the town and county and chapter D. A. R. named by loyal Georgians in her honor.

QUERIES.

243. WELCH-BRYAN-I would like to ask in your next Sunday's edition for any information concerning James Welch and his first wife, Elizabeth Bryan, of Virginia. James Welch was a member of the Georgia legislature in the early years of 1800 and lived near Augusta, Georgia. He later married Ann Emanuel, daughter of Governor Emanuel, of this state. Elizabeth Bryan died in 1816 or 1817. James Welch died in 1824 or 1825. C. L. R.

244. GIBSON-Information of this family among the early settlers of Georgia. Came from Virginia to South Carolina, thence to Georgia. Any records of their ancestry or descendants. They probably lived somewhere about Augusta. GIBSON.

245. HOBSON-The following letter, written to a lady in New York, was sent us for publication, and is interesting in connection with recent Hobson discussions:

The Rectory, Portadown county, Armagh, Ireland.—Dear Miss Dewey: You will be amused to hear that I am wondering if Hobson of the Merrimac, is any relation of my husband! So I ask you, as of course, we expeet every one in America to know each other just as the Continentals take for granted that all English people are acquainted! I have been looking over old family papers and find that Hobsons of my husband's family lived at Grennau, Goochland, Virginia, in 1798, and had 12 children, a sister apparently became Mrs. John Hopkins, of Richmond, James river, Virginia, and there was a James Hopkins, of Arthurston, Albermarle county, Virginia. They, I think, had 13 children.

If Hobson of the Merrimac, belongs to that stock, we have a number of old family papers that would be interesting to him.

In the letters from Virginia, which we have of date 1798, the Hobsons to Hopkins speak of having the greatest wish to keep up the link with the old country. I wonder if you could find out?

Samuel and Angel are two names in my husband's family which recur very often. I wonder if the American Hobsons have these names? and the crest is a Griffin holding a key-the key being of Derry-1698-in memory of Captain Hobson, in command of Her Majesty's Ship Bonadventure, standing by and covering the two merchant ships that broke the boom.

246. MONTILLET-Some time ago I asked for information of the Marquis de Montillet, who lived at one time on Sapelo island, on the Georgia coast. No reply has been received, so I have thought it best to repeat the inquiry, and in doing so tell what little I know of him.

The Marquis de Montillet was a Frenchman who lived on his estate in the island of San Domingo. When the now notorious massacre occurred he escaped and fled to Georgia along with many of his countrymen. He settled on Sapelo island, built a home of "tabby" on the High Point, planted an orange grove and imported the rarest plants for his conservatories. Here he spent the remainder of his days, dying about the 40's or 50's, and was buried on the bluff overlooking the sound, underneath the orange trees and so near to the sea that the little waves almost lapped his sepulchre.

At his death, he appointed his friend, General Francis Hopkins, of "Belleville," his executor. One of his companions on the island was a M. Boifeuillet, ancestor-I am told-of Hon. John T. Boifeuillet, of Macon. In 1900 I visited the tomb of the Marquis on the High Point of Sapelo and found his grave split open and his bones lying bleaching on the beach, the work of the terrific tidal wave of 1898. Can anyone tell me who he married-if he was a married man-and who are his nearest relatives now living? I have an interesting communication to. make to them. THOMAS HART RAINES.

247. BLACKSHEAR-I shall be very grateful to anyone who will give me what information they can of the descendants of General David Blackshear, of "Springfield," Laurens county, Georgia. I believe there are some of his descendants now living in Dublin, Georgia. Any data regarding any of the name Blackshear, however, will be most gladly received. T. H. R.

248. STURDEVANT or STUDEVANT-Who can tell me anything of the Studevant family, of Virginia, one of whom, Sarah Studevant, married James Thweatt, Esq., of Dinwiddie county, Virginia, and whose descendants inter-married with the Petersons? I shall be very grateful for any information, no matter how trivial. T. H. R.

ANSWERS.

153. HARRIS-BILLUPS-WATKINS-In The Constitution of the 15th of September, 113, C. H. A. said: "It is best to have things correct in making a genealogical record."

Indeed it is. But mistakes "carefully corrected" sometimes bring out more history than would otherwise be known.

C. H. A. also said: "Virginia Billups was the sister of the father of Colonel John Billups (late of Athens), etc." From investigation, I find that Virginia Billups was the niece and ward of the father of Colonel John Billups. She and her sister. Maria, and brother, Robert, lost both parents when quite young, in Mecklenburg county, Virginia, where they had a large estate. They were brought by their uncle and guardian to Georgia and settled near Lexington. Virginia married Walton Harris, a lawyer, who was the son of Walton Harris and Rebecca Lanier.

Walton Harris and Virginia Billups had eleven children: Walton, a lawyer; Eliza, who married a Mr. Boothe; Caroline, who married Dr. Gibbs; Augustine, who lived in Alabama; Milton, who died in infancy; Catherine, who died in infancy; Robert, who was twice married and lived in Clarke county; Mary Ann, who married Dr. Swift; Young L. G., who lived in Athens; Jeptha, who lived in Columbus; Willis, who lived in lower Georgia.

In 114, the names of the children of Stephen Willis Harris and Susan Watkins are given. There were nine of them, and after the death of her husband, Mrs. Harris was called by some "the widow of nine," to distinguish her from another Mrs. Harris, who was also a widow.

In the list of Elbert county marriages I send is that of Stephen W. Harris and Sarah Watkins. A. C. M. W.

Augusta, Georgia, October 28, 1901.

154. WARING-Decatur, Ga., October 28, 1901-I am a granddaughter of Robert H. Waring, mentioned in a query in the Historical department of the Sunday issue of The Constitution. I will give you facts in regard to the family history.

Dr. Robert Waring came to America as a surgeon and botanist in the English Army. Was situated at Germantown, South Carolina, also Dorchester subsequently. His wife died on board. ship coming over, leaving him two children, Grace and Robert H. Grace married Mr. Martin (presumably before the breaking out of war.) She, with Miss Martin, her sister-in-law, were well known Revolutionary heroines. Robert H., the youngest, was adopted by Col. Ben Waring, a distant relative, not long after his father (Dr. Robert W.) went into patriot service. Robert H. grew up and married in Columbia, a cousin of Governor John Taylor. He lived in Columbia till he moved to Florida, where he lived till his death. He was buried in Union cemetery, Miccosukee, Florida. His wife died when the youngest child was quite small. (She, the youngest child, has two daughters living in Cartersville, Georgia. One is Mrs. Hattie Carpenter Harris.) Robert H. Waring's children were as follows: Sarah M. married Thomas Willison; Nancy Ann Taylor, John Cannon; Eliza Lavinia, John Partridge; Malachi Howell, Elizabeth Blaun Scott; Benj. Guiniard, Miss Gasway or Gasaway; Mary Caroline, Henry Ware; Eppes Goodwin, John Carpenter.

These are not arranged as to ages except the last. There is a letter in Monticello, Florida, in the Partridge family (with Miss Mary, I think) that was written by Dr. Robert Waring in 1775, while he was in service. No doubt it would be pleasant