Aberdeen, Miss., Aug. 23, 1934

This book was presented to me by my Great Grandaughter, 
Ruth Adelbert Johnson.

Perhaps in after years -- she would like to know something about her 
"Granies" early life - and will endeavor to recall some family history.

On eve of Jan. 3rd 1811 - a band of Pioneers pitched their tents on 
the bank of Elk River in the beautiful and fertile valley of Tennessee, at
early dawn of January 4th, 1811, was born to John H. Morris & his wife 
Betsy Dobbins Morris, a Daughter - Mary Morris.  A few days afterward
they were attacked by hostile Indians so the whole Colony had to cross
the river in canoes to the stone fort.  The women and children were inside
the fort, loading guns and passing them through the port holes to the 
men on the outside.  The Indians were soon put to flight, and never
molested that Colony again -- so it went on record that my Mother, 
Mary Morris, was the first white child born in Winchester, Tennessee.

The Pioneers cleared the lands, built their houses, planted their crops,
established their Church.  The leading Church of that community was 
the Primitive Baptiat (or Hard Shells), as they were called.  After a
time many of them drew out and started a Missionary Baptist Church.  
My Grand Father a leading member.  So we as a family have all been
raised under the Missionary Baptist Faith and Order.  My Grand Father
raised a large family, James, Jack and Edward, sons.  Betsy Ross, Mary,
Sarah, Ellen and Cynthia, girls.  At a Family Reunion in the summer of 
1849 there were 60 present, children and grand children.  My Mother, 
Mary Morris, was married to Allen Van Dozier Oct. 21th, 1842, in the 
following April they left Salem, Tenn., to make their home in Mississippi
and came to Aberdeen April 15th, 1843, built a home in the north west
corner of the Town.  Allen Van Dozier was an Emmigrant from Holland, 
Europe.  His parents died shortly after their arrival in Norfolk, 
Virginia.  Allen was (according to law) bound to a Mr. James, a contractor
and builder, who taught Allen the same trade.  There are several old
brick buildings still standing that were built by Allen Van Dozier. 
The Episcopal Church was built by his son, Thomas Van Dozier, as 
foreman for Col. Thomas Brandon, Contractor.

My father, Allen Van Dozier, died Feb. 24th 1850, his son Thomas died
1855.  About 1845 the widow Vesey with 7 sons and one daugher from 
Nashville, Tenn., moved to Aberdeen and settled close neighbors to my 
Mother.  Her youngest son, Willmot H. Vesey, was my childhood playmate.
We went to school together.  He built my first play house.  When the 
Civil War broke out he was a handsome youth of 18 years.  Volunteered 
in General Gholston's infantry, 14th Mississippi Regiment.  Was
captured at the Battle of Ft. Donaldson, kept prisoner of war in the
Chicago Federal Prison several months.  Then brought down the Mississippi
River in boats to Vicksburg and exchanged.  Poor fellows! were so
glad to be on Southern Soil once more.  They were sent to Hood's Army 
near Chattanooga, Tenn.  Wilnot Vesey was severly wounded at the battle 
of Chickamauga.  Spent some time in Hospital, returned to the army
and was with Hood's division at the surrender of Coldsboro, North 
Carolina, in April 1854. (must be error)  Laid down his gun, marched 
back to his old home at Aberdeen, Mississippi - to find his brother's
house burned, lost all his civilian clothes.  He went to work in the 
Printing Office.  On Oct. 5, 1865, the marriage of Ruth Ellen Van
Dozier to Willmot H. Vesey was solemnized, Rev. G. A. Coulson
officiating.  To this union was born seven children, 6 girls one boy.
In 1882 Willmot Vesey suffered a nervous collapse, died in the asylum
in Jackson in July of 1886.

The Lord has been so good to give me health and strength to raise my
family - and now a happy home with my son-in-law, Leonard Eikner & wife. 
My every want is cared for by loving children and grand children and
I am patiently awaiting a bright, golden sunset of life.

R. E. Vesey

Born Jan. 24, 1847
Died July 12, 1944

Note from Mary Love Berryman:

Sent to my by Marne Whitenton (Mrs. Dewey C.)- 20 Feb 1980
Bolivar, TN 38008	           

Notes written in her handwritting:

My Great Grandmother's Memories - Have a photocopy of this in her
handwriting.

Jack - John married Sarah Frame