Jena Cuthbert Collier, the only son of Isaac Cuthbert Collier, became more interested in his family history after the death of his father. He knew his ancestors had moved to Upson County from Oglethorpe County, Georgia and that they had lived near Old Salem Church. In 1924, J. C. sent the following letter to “the nearest resident of Old Salem Church”.
Apparently the letter found its way to Mr. John S. Bacon, who took the inquiry seriously. Mr. Bacon did his research and responded.
A probably excited J. C. Collier wrote back in less than a week. I have not found any pages of the letter that might have come after the first page.
Here is a June 8, 1925 letter from John S. Bacon to J. C. Collier (original and JCC copy). It is interesting to note the original envelope was postmarked Lexington and is self-addressed to J. C. Collier. I found J. C. often provided self-addressed stamped envelopes with his inquiries.
Nov. 30, 1928 letter from J. C. Collier to E. T. Howard (1928 owner of the house original built by Vines Collier).
Dec. 1, 1928 letter from J. C. Collier to John S. Bacon:
April 2, 1931 letter from J. C. Collier to E. T. Howard:
June 10, 1932 letter from E. T. Howard to J. C. Collier:
J. C. Collier’s efforts resulted in a DAR marker being placed at the grave of Vines Collier in June 1932. On June 29, 1932, J. C. sent the following letter to E. T. Howard:
June 5, 1934, letter from Frances Howard to J. C. Collier:
Here are two memos from J. C. Collier’s files regarding information obtained from Mr. Bacon and the “Old Vines Collier Place”.
Fascinating! Thanks so much for posting.