Misc. News Items from the Atlanta Journal 14 Oct 1901 Fulton Co, GA

Atlanta Journal Evening, October 14, 1901
A TRUE HISTORY OF NANCY HART
By Mrs. Loula Kendall Rogers

As there seems to be some doubt connecting the history, or even 
the existence of this brave old heroine of the revolution, I will 
come to her rescue, and give publicity to a few facts in my 
possession which will be an evidence undeniable that she really 
lived, and was a noble, true woman who did all she could for the 
establishment of our glorious republic.

I have often thought of publishing these facts, but could not do so 
without introducing a certain amount of family history in which I 
have inherited, and justly, too, the old Carolinian pride of ancestry.  
These long cherished records of past generations have been kept only 
to hand down to my children, not for publication, but when our gifted 
author of the "History of Georgia People" and other books, Rev. G. G. 
Smith, in the Macon Telegraph (copied in the Atlanta Journal) asks: 
"Was Nancy Hart a creation of Romance?" I feel it would not be just 
to withhold them from the Daughters of the American Revolution.  

Dr. Smith says:  "This is a story of fiction.  There was no such 
person as Nancy Hart in real life.  It is just a pretty story that 
was written by a clever writer, and it made such a hit that the 
character of Nancy Hart has been given a place in history."

Dr. Smith is a valued friend of our family and I have often wished 
he could have met my grandmother, Mrs. Winifred Lane Rogers, before 
writing his history, for she was a personal friend of Nancy Hart, and 
well acquainted with the pioneer Methodist of Georgia.  Her father, 
Capt. Jesse Lane, was a member of the Third North Carolina 
Continentals, and moved to Georgia in 1784.  His brother, Col. Joel 
Lane, the founder of Raleigh, was a member of the first provincial 
congress, and the assembly often met at his house, which is still 
standing, a grand old relic of his whole-souled patriotism.

Patience Lane, his niece and sister of my grandmother, was born 
Friday, March 8, 1765, and married John Hart, the second son of 
Nancy Hart in 1787.

The following letter to my mother, Mrs. Louisa H. Kendall, from Dr. 
Neisler, formerly of Athens, dated Butler, Ga., February 8, 1872, 
and her reply, in relation to the history of Mrs. Hart, will give the 
facts much more accurately than I can state them.  Dr. Neisler says:

"My mother is with me and a few evenings since the conversation 
chanced to turn on Nancy Hart, of revolutionary fame.  She informed 
me that when my grandfather moved to Georgia in 1803, Nancy Hart was 
living with her son, John Hart from whom he had bought the lease of 
the place which he intended to occupy, and furthermore that this John 
Hart was your uncle, having married your mother's sister.

I was delighted as well as surprised, for having little to engage 
my thoughts, I had been some time rummaging among the musty chronicles 
of the state, and while doing this I had met with a very meager 
account of Nancy Hart, and I thought I had now found the means of 
learning something more of that remarkable woman and her family than 
is generally known.

I should like to know in what county John Hart lived when he married 
your aunt, whether your mother knew anything that she can call to 
mind concerning the woman, her general appearance, her exploits, 
especially her capture of the Tories and in what state that took place?

John Hart was a man of considerable property for those times, was 
much respected and elevated far above the mass of the population of 
the country.  I find by reference to Clayton's digest of the laws of 
Georgia from the year 1801 to 1810, page 35 in the act to divide the 
county of Jackson, passed December 5, 1801, "John Hart with four 
others were appointed to fix on the most convenient and central place 
of said county of Clarke at which courts of elections may be held," 
and was thus one of the fathers of Watkinsville."  

The reply is as follows:  "Bellwood, Upson Co., GA., Feb. 22, 1872.  
I shall be pleased to answer all inquiries in my power concerning Mrs. 
Nancy Hart, whom I have heard of ever since my childhood.  She with 
her husband and younger children moved from Edgefield, S.C. to Georgia 
in its earliest history and settled on Broad river, Elbert county, 
where she remained many years.  John Hart, her son, married one of 
my mother's oldest sisters, Patience Lane, in 1787.  He remained in 
Elbert a year, then moved near my grandfather, Jesse Lane, who lived 
on Long creek, three miles from Lexington, in Oglethorpe county, which 
was a wilderness and had not been named.  After living there several 
years Mr. Hart moved to Spark's Fort, three miles below Athens on 
the other side of the river, the Indians being exceedingly troublesome 
on this side.  He only remained there one year, then bought or leased 
land near a valuable plantation owned by my grandfather, Lane, on the 
Oconee, a few miles below Athens.  This property was afterwards bought 
by Colonel Harden.  John Hart then bought the land purchased by your 
grandfather, Mitchell, above Athens [illegible] afterward moved to 
Kentucky, taking his mother, Nancy Hart, with him who was related to 
the Morgans of that state.  Ben Hart, her husband, was brother to the 
celebrated Col. Thomas Hart, of Kentucky, who was father of the wife 
of Henry Clay.  It is thought that Thomas Hart Benton is also a member 
of the same family.

"My mother says 'Aunt Nancy Hart', as she was always called, was 
in possession of considerable property when she knew her, and able 
to provide well for her family, though she lost much by moving from 
place to place.  Her husband indulged her every wish, or she always 
'carried her point' at least, though she made a good wife and a 
very affectionate mother.  She was the mother of eight children, 
six sons and two daughters.  The sons were Morgan, John, Thomas, 
Benjamin, Lemuel and Mark.  The girls were Sarah, who married Hugh 
Thompson, and Keziah married Mr. Compton, of lower Georgia.

"She often told my mother, Winnie Lane, of her exploits with the 
Tories, which happened in this state as she preceded my grandfather 
in this state many years.

"Her husband, Ben Hart, was not a coward, as some histories represent 
him, but was necessarily compelled to take his stock and negroes to 
the swamps to save them and his own life.  The Tories, much to their 
credit, never shot at women, but killed all the men they could find 
unarmed.  Nancy Hart was conscious of her power and was a stranger 
to feat, so she always went to the mill, several miles off, entirely 
alone, and related to my mother an incident that has never been in 
print.  One day, while on her rounds, she was met by a band of Tories 
with the British colors striped on their clothing and hats.  They knew 
her and asked for her 'pass'.  She shook her fist at them and replied, 
'this is my pass, touch me if you dare!'

"Being amused at her answer and wishing to have some fun, they 
dismounted the old lady and threw her corn to the ground, laughing at 
her trouble.  But this did not disconcert her in the least, and with 
her brave, muscular strength she coolly lifted the two and a half 
bushels of corn and proceeded to the mill.  She often boastingly said 
she could do what few men could, and that was to stand in a half 
bushel measure and shoulder two and a half bushels of corn.'

"Many Tories lived on the other side of the river, opposite her cabin, 
and she had many trials with them as they enjoyed worrying her.  The 
stories of her capturing a large number at her own table, and 
throwing hot, boiling soap into the face of one who was peeping at her 
are true.

"There was a large oaken stump near her home in which she cut a notch 
for her gun.  Concealing herself in the undergrowth around, 
she watched for Tories as they crossed the river, and without 
compunction shot them down, and blew the conch shell for her husband 
to deliver their bodies over to the proper authorities."

From these facts the Daughters of the American Revolution may be 
well assured that Nancy Hart was not a myth, but a veritable reality, 
and perhaps accomplished as much for her country as any old soldier 
of the revolution.

I regret not knowing anything of her life after her removal to 
Kentucky, or whether she ever returned to Georgia, but she lived 
several years at St. Mary's, in this state, before living with her 
son, John Hart.

Let Georgia render "honor to whom honor is due," and respect the 
memory of one who did what she could for her state.

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THE SOCIAL WORLD AND WOMANS INTERESTS 
Page 8 

MARRIAGE OF MISS BRADLEY AND MR. E. G. NABELL. 

Mr. E. G. Nabell and Miss Emily Bradley were married at the residence 
of the bride, 84 Trinity avenue, Wednesday evening at 8:30 o'clock, Dr. 
Moore of the First Christian church, officiating. 

The house was beautifully decorated with palms and cut-flowers. 

The bride was elegantly gowned in white silk, trimmed in real point 
lace.  A noticeable feature of the bride's costume was the jewels she 
wore, which were worn by the groom's mother on her wedding day and was
a pre gift to the bride. 

After the ceremony elegant refreshments were served.  It was a beautiful 
home wedding.  Many and costly presents were received.  Mrs. Nabell as 
Miss Bradley has a large circle of friends and admirers. 

Mr. Nabell is a popular young business man and is declared by all who 
know him to be well worthy of his charming bride. 

Mr. and Mrs. Nabell are at home to their friends at 84 Trinity avenue.

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THE SOCIAL WORLD AND WOMANS INTERESTS 
Page 8 

MISS ZEE ELLA BROOKS TO WED MR. WM. C. KNIGHT. 

The announcement of the approaching marriage of Miss Zee Ella Brooks 
to Mr. William C. Knight will be received with interest by the many 
friends of this young couple in Atlanta. 

The wedding is to take place Wednesday evening at 8:30 o'clock at the 
home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Brooks, 61 Lake avenue.  
Rev. A. C. Ward, of the Temple Baptist church, will perform the ceremony. 

The marriage will be a quiet home affair and will be witnessed by only 
the relatives and a few intimate friends of the contracting parties. 

Miss Brooks is lovely in appearance and has many lovable traits of 
character, which have endeared her to a wide circle of friends. 

Mr. Knight is a young man of sterling business qualities and holds a 
responsible position with the firm of J. M. High & Co., 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Knight will be at home to their 
friends at 44 Smith street. 

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THE SOCIAL WORLD AND WOMANS INTERESTS 
Page 8 

Engagement of Miss Mims and Mr. Carlton 

The engagement is announced of Mr. Hal M. Carlton, of Atlanta, and 
Miss Lois Mims, of East Point, the marriage to occur some time in 
December. 

Miss Mims is the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Mims and a 
young woman of rare attractions.

Mr. Carlton is a prominent member of the staff of Superintendent 
Terrell, of this division of the railway mail service, and is highly 
esteemed by all who know him. 

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Page 7

BIG EJECTMENT SUIT HAS BEGUN
THE CASE OF TRAMMELL ET AL AGAINST SAMUEL INMAN ON TRIAL. 

The trial of the first of the ejectment suits commenced by John 
Trammell and his two sisters, Mr. Hattie Turner and Mrs. Mattie 
Neill, as heirs of the late Mrs. Lucinda Trammel, for the recovery of 
various pieces of valuable real estate in the business portion of 
Atlanta was begun before Judge J. H. Lumpkin in the superior court 
this morning.  This is the suit against Samuel M. Inman and involves 
real estate on the west side of Forsyth street just south of Mitchell 
street, which is valued at $75,000 to $100,000.

The plaintiffs base their claim for recovery on a marriage settlement 
executed by their father and mother at the date of their marriage in 
1846, in which Dickerson H. Walker was appointed trustee.  The property 
has since that time changed hands a number of times, and the defendants 
claim undisputed title by prescription.  

The plaintiffs contend that the marriage settlement made Walker trustee 
for Mrs. Trammell and her children; in other words, that Mrs. Trammell 
had a life estate in the property only and that upon her death the 
property was vested in her children. 

The defendants take issue with this contention and maintain that Mr. 
Trammell took the whole fee simple estate and that when the property 
was conveyed by Walker, trustee, the purchaser from him acquired 
perfect title to the whole estate. 

In all there is nearly a score of suits.  The other defendants are 
Walker P. Inman, George C. Drummond, V. P. Sisson, Hoke Smith and 
others, Mary J. Warnock, Lemuel C. Downs, Walter B. Walcott, Helen B. 
Leavens, Mrs. Eulah Griffin, James F. Hollingsworth, Julian H. Dickson, 
Mrs. Georgia Dunlap, William A. Downs, East Atlanta Land company, 
Mary A. Smith, Owen Halleran and Mrs. H. H. Meyers. 

This is one of the largest land claims ever filed in Georgia and when 
it comes down to the legal aspects of the case one of the most complicated.  It puts in jeopardy property which has been held in some cases by the present holders, for twenty, thirty, and even forty years.  In some cases this property has been acquired recently by various persons from those who had held it for several years believing the titles safe. 

The first of the cases which is now on trial promises to be a long and 
hardfought one.  The attorneys in the case are Ulyses Lewis and King & 
Spalding for the plaintiff and Gray, Brown & Randolph and John L. 
Hopkins & Sons for the defendant. 

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Page 7

Death of Mrs. King. 

Mrs. Frank King died today at 2 o'clock at her residence in 
East Atlanta after an illness of seven weeks.  She is survived by 
her husband, one child and several brothers and sisters.  Funeral 
arrangements have not yet been made. 

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Page 7

Mrs. H. J. King, thirty-nine years old, died this morning at 5 o'clock, 
at her residence, 27 White street.  The funeral will occur tomorrow 
morning at 9:00 o'clock, at the residence, Dr. Luke G. Johnson 
officiating.  The body will be shipped to Fairburn, GA., for interment.
 
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THE SOCIAL WORLD AND WOMANS INTERESTS 
Page 8

A BIRTHDAY PARTY 

The birthday party given by Miss Laura Ansley this afternoon will 
be a happy occasion, bringing together a number of the little friends 
of the hostess who is ten years old today. 

The invited guests of the occasion are Margaret and Jessie McKee, 
Bertha Moore, Virginia Lipscomb, Louise and Laura Ripley, Raymond, 
George and Frances Ansley, Margaret and Rebecca Green, Maurie Lee, 
Dottie, Buzz and Janie Coles, Rebecca, Eliza and Nell Candler, Agnes 
and Everett Bidwell, John Scott, Francis West, Frank and Richard 
Simmons, Anna, Mary, Grinnell and Sadie Parry, Ed Hunter, Evelyn, 
Jule and Palmer Pratt, Isabel Hamilton, Georgia and Virginia Crane, 
Lanier Billups, Theo Ranspeck, Edwin Barry, Thomas Hopkins, Nell Goss, 
Willis McCowan, Arthur and John Parry Laird, John Hopkins, Mamie and 
Percival Ansley, Frank and Richard Simms, Augusta McLellan, Edwin Barry.

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Page 7

Interment at Lawrenceville. 

John H. Hunter, the two-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Q. Hunter, 
died last night, at the residence of his parents, 21 Rheinhart street.  
The body will be shipped to Lawrenceville, GA., where the funeral 
and interment will take place tomorrow. 

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Page 7

DEWITT C. JONES IS MAKING A RECORD AT WEST POINT. 

One of the best records made at West Point Military academy in many 
years has been attained by DeWitt C. Jones, well know in Atlanta.  
While only 18 years of age he is leading the first class and will 
graduate with a very high standing.  The young soldier is a son of 
Homer Jones a conductor on the Southern railway , and is a nephew 
of Mrs. George L. Bell, of this city. 

He came to Atlanta from Norcross and received here his preliminary 
training.  He was appointed by Senator Clay last summer to West Point 
and in his entrance examinations easily out-distanced the others.  
News has just been received in Atlanta of his wonderful career as a 
cadet and his relatives and friends in Atlanta are justly proud of him. 

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Page 7

Property Transfers. 

$350.  H. Tanner to E. H. Blue lot 53x154 feet, on West side of 
Maple street, adjoining Dawson property. 

$2,100.  H. B. Godbey to I. N. Ragsdale, lot 150x170 feet, on north 
side of Beecher, east of Ashby. 

$253.  Frank E. Block to Albert Garner, lot 25x100 feet, on west 
side of Wilson, north of Arthur. 

$750.  H. S. Baisden to F. M. Coker, Jr., lot 38x95 feet, on south 
side of E. Harris, near Butler. 

$4,500.  Bond for title from I. N. Ragsdale to L. M. Mayne for lot 
35x170 feet, on north side of Beecher, east of Ashby. 

$4,000.  W. H. Davidson to D. J. Baker, lot 55x182 feet on east side 
of Haynes, near Rhodes. 

$1,600.  The Atlanta Real Estate company to Alfred N. Thorn, lot 
103x190 feet, on the northwest corner of Georgia avenue and Pulliam. 

$800. Z. Moore to Mrs. J. I. Mills, lot 57x250 feet, on west side of 
Ashby, adjoining Heath property. 


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