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4TH JULY 1812
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DearREADERS,
Thanks to a fellow researcher Audrey (aka: cpyqueen@aol.com) who provided the following background from:
The History of Screven County, Georgia
Dixon Hollingsworth, Editor
Lee Thompson, Project Manager,
Elizabeth Lee, FamilyHistory Editor
Screven County History Project
Copyright 1989 - Curtis Media Corporation
ISBN:0-88108-136-6
"Mrs. Mary Ann Bonnell, a patriotic lady, roasted an ox and two deer and gave a Barbecue on July 4, 1812. She invited everyone who lived within a mile of her home on the Augusta road, near Millhaven, and 130 people, including 54 of her children and grandchildren, showed up.
After the barbecue, toasts were drunk, and Mrs. Bonnell herself led off with "the young men of 1812 - may they prove themselves worthy of the heritage left them by their fathers of 1776." Others who gave toasts were Captain William C. Wylly, William Bryan, Thomas Mills, John F. Lovett, and Robert Lovett. Thomas F. Lovett, in his toast, spoke of the officers and privates"now engaged in our country's cause, in front of St. Augustine," and Captain Bell spoke of "the little band of patriots, who distinguished themselves so gallantly at Amelia Island."
After each toast, a platoon fired, and three cheers were given. Mrs. Bonnell's barbecue was reported in some detail in the Republican and Savanna Evening Ledger on July 18, 1812." (T22 - The War of 1812)
According to F37 in the same publication, Mrs. Bonnell knew what she was talking about. Her husband, Anthony Bonnell, Sr., was a Revolutionary War soldier who served on the Georgia line as a lieutenant, according to Ancestor Histories, published by Archibald Bullock Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Statesboro, Georgia.
This 4th of July, US citizens have much to be thankful for. Though a lot has happened to test our nation's character, this is still the greatest country in the world. Discouragement can come when we focus on the negative aspects of our society. Yet to do so disables the human spirit which inspires each of us to voice our opinion and exercise our right to vote for leaders who will support the ideals we feel are important. Discouragement would have us forget we each can make a difference!
As Mrs. Bonnell suggested, at her barbecue 186 years ago, may we truly "prove (ourselves) worthy of the heritage left (us) by (our) fathers of 1776."
If ever a person has the freedom and the real possibility of making a dream come true it is here in the good ol' US of A.
Freedom of religion and freedom of expression are two truths I personally hold dear. I write to document my ancestors' fight for these freedoms, so my grandson and the others who will surely follow can appreciate their sacrifice. I hope his understanding of how our nation developed will encourage him to take up the cause, and do his part in refining and maintaining this free society.
Enjoy your barbecues! Enjoy your families!
Love to all,
Myrt :)
DearMYRTLE
is a daily genealogy column (KEYWORD: dearmyrtle) published on America Online in the Genealogy Forum. Due to the volume of e-mail, Myrt is unable to respond to each individually. Representative samples are used as a basis for articles from time to time. Contact DearMYRTLE at: dearmyrtle@aol.com
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