Tremendous Response

There have been a couple developments since the last time I wrote to you about my family’s genealogy efforts.

To recap, I wrote in late September about my great grandmother Mary Valentine. I had made an attempt to find the cemetery where she is buried. I got close but I’m not sure if I ever got exactly to the spot. 

Since then, a couple amazing things have taken place.

First, one of my aunts thinks she may have uncovered a baby photo of my great grandmother. She sent copies to us. 

Secondly, when I returned from my trip to Marshall County, Lisa suggested that I send a letter to the editor of the local paper in Holly Springs (The South Reporter). I did that. I outlined the family history and told of our effort to locate Mary’s gravesite and our goal to purchase and place a grave marker for her by the 100th anniversary of her death next October.

I asked if anyone had any information about the Pittman Cemetery or the Valentine Family, would they please be willing to get in touch with me. I listed an email and my cell phone number.

The response has been extraordinary.

Since my Letter to the Editor was published, I have received a number of calls from people in the Marshall County community; friendly folks asking about my great-grandmother, who she was, who she was related to, etc. One area resident offered to meet me the next time I go out to Marshall County and he said he’d show me around (including a visit to the cemetery). 

I think I may try to go sometime during the winter months.

Then, yesterday, I received an email from a local historian. He asked me the same kinds of questions about her family lineage. Then, later, he wrote me back. In the second email, he included the name of one of her relatives (a great nephew) who is considered the local family historian (and he cc’d that gentleman on the correspondence). He also provided the name and contact information for another area resident who owns the property adjacent to the cemetery.

His information was very helpful and I think these contacts will help us get closer to finding Mary’s spot.

People are wonderful and generous. I appreciate how all these citizens responded to my query and I feel confident they will help us reach our ultimate goal.

JG

Originally posted 11/13/2013