By the time you receive this newsletter, my new book The Tattnall County, Georgia Superior Court Records 1805-1832 will be published and ready for mailing. The book is a companion to my earlier book The Tattnall County Inferior Court Records of 1805-1832. The new book was published through a grant from the R.J. Taylor Foundation, printed by Gateway Press Inc. of Baltimore, MD. It is hardback and consists of 400 pages with a full name index and several accompanying appendixes. It sells for $50 plus $6 shipping and handling. Georgia residents add $3.50 for sales tax. Only 300 copies were printed and some 40 of those have already been reserved leaving only 260 for sale. This work took over 2 years to complete and will be an invaluable addition to any family researcher who has Wiregrass ancestors that may have lived or traveled through Tattnall County. 
Speaking of Wiregrass, as fortune would have it, the Huxford Society of Wiregrass Pioneers [www.huxford.com] has also recently published a book on the Loose Records of Tattnall County from 1801-1845. These were culled and transcribed by Mrs. Sabina J. Murray and represent several years of work. She and others saved these records from the third floor of the courthouse when they were almost lost forever due to neglect and destruction. Together with my books on the court records, we have now a new treasure trove of records to enjoy. Before these three works were completed, the search through these records was indeed a needle in a haystack adventure with little prospects for finding what you might actually be looking for. After decades of little or no new publications on Tattnall County, we now have three new volumes, clearly transcribed and fully indexed from which to research and learn from. Some of the information in these records challenge old notions, confirm suspicions and offer valuable new insight into the life of early pioneers. I suspect many “brick walls” will fall after reading these three volumes. There is no guarantee that these works will go to a second printing, so time is of the essence if you want to have a personal copy. Order: 912-685-3347

Volume 1, Issue 1                                                   

New Tattnall County Superior Court Records Book Published

June-July 2005

Make a Note:
·	Tattnall County Superior Court Records of 1805-1832 Arriving Soon– Place Your orders now to reserve your copy. [Only  260 copies available.] 
·	4 New Books are now available from Author Pharris Johnson .
·	Need a Speaker for Your Favorite Club?
·	Altamaha Heritage Center is Underway!

Altamaha Heritage Center	2	
Col. Pharris Johnson’s Books Now Available	3	
Updates– Corrections to Kinfolks Across the River	3	
Need a Speaker?	3	
Catalogue of Available Titles 	4	
More Available Titles	5	
Jim Thompson House moved– to be restored	6	

Inside this issue:

The Hencart Road Review
An Update From Thompson’s Books of Southeast Georgia

                              Thompson’s Books 
                              of Southeast Georgia

New Tattnall Records Offer Insight into 
Roles of Women, Slaves & Free Persons of Colour 

In the Tattnall County Inferior and Superior Court Records of 1805-1832 several themes emerge that challenge our modern day conceptions of frontier life. The roles of women and slaves may have been somewhat different than we imagine. In the Inferior Court records for instance, women are mentioned several times as being executrixes of their husbands’ estates. What is surprising about that is the fact that many of us have been taught that women were not recognized by the courts at that time. The evidence seems to contradict this. Many women were heard before the court regarding their husband’s estates. It seems they were expected to conduct their business in the same manner as male executors of estates. Among the women listed as executrixes are Nancy Payne, Lucy Griffin, Francis Browning, Elizabeth Daniel and others.    
In the particular case of Justine Hancock, she was a woman who ran a ferry, operated a tavern and may have operated a saw mill, all with the acknowledgment and respect of the local court. If ever there is a Tattnall County Women’s Hall of Fame, she deserves to be the first inductee! 
With regard to slaves and free persons of colour, they were seemingly afforded the same trials and legal representation that was afforded to free white persons. Even in cases of robbery and murder, slaves and free persons of colour were given trials before the court. Summary lynching was not the norm. In the Inferior Court Records of 1805-1832 several instances indicate that slaves and free persons of colour were granted normal access to the judicial system. A notable 1834 robbery case involving William Thompson clearly indicates that several whites defended blacks from false accusations in criminal cases and persevered to subsequent legal triumph.  It is also noteworthy that Justine [aka. Gaston, Jestern] Hancock gave key testimony in that case. 
The bottom line is that these new publications challenge long held-notions about the roles of women, slaves and free persons of colour on the Georgia frontier. Careful examination of the records reveals new insight into the culture and history of the wiregrass frontier. The transcript of the Thompson robbery case will soon be available online at www.kinfolksacrosstheriver.com

     When retired GSU professor Fred Brogdon explains the plans for the new Altamaha Heritage Center, his enthusiasm is infectious. I heard my old Georgia Southern history professor speak to the Glennville Rotary Club and to the Candler County Sons of Confederate Veterans. When he got through, everyone in the room was excited too.
     Brogdon envisions a center dedicated to the whole history of the Altamaha River Basin region. Centered in the old Masonic lodge building in Lyons, the museum would house permanent historical displays, offer maps to driving tours of historical sites, sponsor traveling exhibits and have a large mural depicting the history of the Altamaha. With his typical dry wit, Brogdon describes the planned mural as “nothing extravagant, just something along the lines of the Cyclorama!” 
     A highlight of the emerging center was the production this year of the state-sanctioned play, “Tales of the Altamaha” based on the writings of Colonel T. Ross Sharpe. The play opened to sold-out and enthusiastic crowds. The play will be presented each spring in Lyons with new tales each time.
     Dr. Brogdon is also working to publish the collected “Tales” of Col. Sharpe in book form. 
     The Center will include all manner of history about the area including military history, Indian history, black history, river boating history, flora-fauna of the area, industrial development, transportation, cultural history, anthropological history, the full gamut of the wide and varied river basin area.
       One of the Center’s other planned projects is the erection of new historical markers in the Altamaha River Basin area. Eventually, the center hopes to utilize existing and new markers as part of a driving tour of the area for tourists who wish to get off I-16 to get a close up view of the cultural history of the area. 
The AHC conducts quarterly meetings at historical sites in the area. These meetings have been well-attended. The future of the river history certainly looks bright as the History Center continues to grow and develop. The Center is currently looking for new members and financial supporters. A membership form and photos from Brogdon’s presentation to the Candler Co. Sons of Confederate Veterans are available at www.dixieguards.org.  Anyone interested in joining the center or making a financial contribution may call  AHC President Ann M. Carswell at 912-557-3501 or write 
Altamaha Heritage Center
P.O. 1085
Lyons, Georgia 30436

“Nothing extravagant, just something along the lines of the Cyclorama”.

Altamaha Heritage Center Begins Work

New Records Give Insight Into Roles of Women, Slaves and Free Blacks...continued from front page

New Tattnall books deserve close inspection!

Page 

The Hencart Road Review
An Update From Thompson’s Books of Southeast Georgia

Volume 1, Issue 1                                                   

I met Colonel (Retired) Pharris Deloach Johnson last year when the Altamaha Heritage Center hosted a covered dish dinner and tour of the historic Long Pond area. We quickly realized that we share a common interest in the history of our ancestral homeland. One of the most exciting developments to come of that day was Johnson’s agreement to allow me to distribute his books via my website and newsletter. His books are among the very best works on our area and I am delighted to make them available to you!

Johnson is the author of four books including 1) Under the Southern Cross- Soldier Life with Gordon Bradwell and the Army of Northern Virginia [31st Georgia Infantry Regiment] Hardback $30
2) Houses of Heartpine- A Survey of the Antebellum Architecture of Evans County, Georgia, Perfect bound $30, 
3) Bellville Georgia- The First Hundred Years, Hardback $45, and 4) Evans County and the Creation of Fort Stewart, Georgia, Spiral bound $20. 
More details on each of Johnson’s books are included in the list of books on page 5 of this newsletter.
Colonel Johnson spoke recently [26 April 2005] at the meeting of the Heart of Georgia Altamaha Historic Advisory Committee at the Smith-Daniel House in Belleville. He gave a fascinating program from his Houses of Heartpine book.
—Tony Thompson
15 June 2005

During the past two years author Tony Thompson has spoken to members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Huxford Genealogical Society, various County Historical Societies, Kiwanis Clubs and Rotary Clubs in the Altamaha and Wiregrass area. If your favorite group needs a program, you might consider Thompson. He has programs on the early history of the Tattnall Court on the Ohoopee River, the early Circuit Judges who served Tattnall and surrounding counties,  a profile on Robert Raymond Reid- the namesake of Reidsville, Ga.,  Thompson genealogy of the Tattnall-Bryan area, and his study of Georgia History textbooks from the past 100 years. He can also tailor his talk to meet the needs of your particular group. Email him at 
tony@kinfolksacrosstheriver.com
Or Call 912-685-3347

Updates and Corrections to Kinfolks Across the River Online Tattnall Inferior Court Records Has Just One Addition

Author Pharris Johnson’s Books on Evans County are Now Available!

Need a Speaker for Your Historic or Civic Group?

Thompson can tailor his talk for your favorite group

With genealogy books, there are constant updates. This is due to the nature of the topic and when more readers supply additional information. Such is the case with Kinfolks Across the River. This new information is posted on-line at www.kinfolksacrosstheriver.com under “documents-corrections”. Included are many documents related to Thompson’s & allied family members. Some have been helpful to other family researchers. Visit online to see all the documents. You can also print out the complete updated list of corrections. If you do not have the Internet, request a corrections list by mail.

With Tattnall County Inferior Court Records of 1805-1832, an important omission was pointed out. Mr. Boe Williams of the Huxford Society politely informed me that Gabriel Cason was missing from the list of 1820/1819 Lottery Applicants on p. 136. Cason should have been listed as a “widower with child” – 2 draws. 

  Johnson’s Historic Survey of Antebellum Architecture

“Gabriel Cason should have been listed as “widower with child– 2 draws”

Page 

The Hencart Road Review
An Update From Thompson’s Books of Southeast Georgia

Volume 1, Issue 1                                                   

Tony Thompson
Thompson’s Books of Southeast Georgia
625 Dorothy St.
Metter, Ga. 30439

                              Thompson’s Books 
                              of Southeast Georgia

Jim Thompson [1896-1972] built his family’s house in Jesup back around 1927 with some $400 worth of materials purchased from the local hardware store. Jim probably cut much of the wood himself and may have hewn the wood with his own sawmill. For over 50 years it was the home place for Jim and his wife, Lonice Thomas Thompson. This was the second time the house had been moved. It was moved once before when Hwy 301 was widened decades ago.
The house had been unoccupied for some time and for various reasons was in danger of total destruction. Through collaborative efforts of Thompson family members, the house was recently moved to a secure location in Long County. Plans are underway to refurbish the house and restore it to its original condition. Currently, the house is in need of much repair to simply stop the deterioration and effects of age. But, the house seems to show promise of one day returning to its former charm. When completely restored it will be available for Thompson family reunions. It is also hoped that it can be a place for Thompson researchers to gather for collaboration, reminiscing and serve as a Thompson Family Heritage Center.

The Jim & Lonice Thompson House Moved
To be Preserved & Restored

Phone: 912-685-3347
website: www.kinfolksacrosstheriver.com
Email: tony@kinfolksacrosstheriver.com

Preserving  South Georgia’s Unique History & Heritage 

       There’s a lot of history in this house.

We’re on the web!
www.kinfolksacrosstheriver.com

History & Heritage
Thompson’s Books of S.E. Georgia

Postmaster Please Deliver to

Catalogue of Available Titles [Ga. Residents add 7% sales tax and add shipping at bottom of list.]

1.	A Soldier’s Story of his Regiment by Pvt. G.W. Nichols, written in 1898, reprinted in 2002. Rare Regimental history of the 61st Georgia Infantry CSA, written by a private, not a general. This regiment served under Stonewall Jackson, John B. Gordon, A.R. Lawton  & Clement Evans. Has company rosters, individual details. Companies formed from Tattnall, Bulloch, Brooks, Montgomery, Quitman, Bibb, and Wilkes Counties. Among the top collectible books about the War Between the States and the South. You’ll see it listed in the famous collection called “In Tall Cotton”.                                                                       Hardback 294 pages                                                                                                                     $42.50 
2.	Sketches of By-Gone Days by Judge Joseph T. Grice. Historical profiles and articles of Tattnall County. Written in 1958.   Paperback reprint softcover stapled spine . Along with John P. Rabun’s history of Tattnall County (1801-1865), this is the second known history of Tattnall County that’s ever been published. It may be reprinted someday but for now, only a few copies are left.                                                                                                 5x8 60 pgs.                                                                                                                                    $15.00
3.	This is Our Life- Anderson Families of Tattnall County. Originally done in 1966 by James M. Anderson. Updated in 2002 by Laura A. Sweat and Allen Jesse Anderson. Card stock cover. 8 x11. Updated classic family history about one of the most prolific families of Tattnall County. History of Hopewell Methodist Church.                                       260 pgs.                                                      $25.00                                       
4.	Kinfolks Across the River- A history of the Thompson families who settled along the Ogeechee, Canoochee, Ohoopee and Altamaha Rivers. Written by Tony Thompson in 2002. Helpful to researchers of many Tattnall families. Maps, timelines, CSA history.  249 pgs, perfect bound                      $40.00                                                                               
5.	Tattnall County Inferior Court Records 1805-1832  transcribed by Gordon A.(Tony) Thompson in 2003. This book  has information on nearly all the early Tattnall pioneers, especially for the years before the first extant census(1820).  A wealth of genealogical and historical data for Tattnall researchers. 194 pgs. perfect bound.                                                                                                        $25.00                                        Save $12.50 when you                     Order Items #4&5 together for                                         $55.00
6.	Memorial Service of Pvt. John Thompson, 4th Georgia Cavalry. Video footage, edited, digitally enhanced of reunion and memorial service in Odum, Ga. 2002. Includes introduction, history, candid shots, reenactors in period dress and uniforms, credits, music, speeches and cannon firings. If you want to see what a Confederate Memorial Service looks like, or if you are planning one for your ancestor, you’ll appreciate this one. 65 minutes.                                                                 $10 VHS $15 DVD                                           
7.	Bulloch County, Georgia, Genealogical Source Material 1985, Alvaretta Kenan Register. Abstracts of Deeds, Inferior Court Records, Marriage Records, Wills, Church minutes etc. Vital information from 1790’s through 1850’s. Fabulous book.   5x8 Hardback 464 pgs.                                                $45.00                                                                                                                                             
8.	The Thomas Story Books Vol. 1-3 written in 1981 by Aaron Thomas. covers the descendants of Gilshot and James Thomas, Revolutionary Soldiers, of Effingham, Screven, Tattnall, Long, Liberty, McIntosh, Ware, Appling and Brantley County areas. Hardback. 300 plus pages each volume. Loaded with pictures and family profiles. I don’t think these books will be reprinted anytime soon and they are going fast. You will soon be unable to get a complete set. All three volumes Set:                    $125.00                                                                                                                                                                                  
9.	My Link to the Past- Mabel Wilkinson written 1991     Folklore and history circa Depression era in Florida Panhandle. A truly remarkable book. Out of Stock                                                           $20.00
10.	Shirley Temple’s Classic Movie on VHS “The Littlest Rebel: The original full length movie in black and white. Runs 70 minutes. Professionally reproduced by Crown Rights Media, this is one of Temple’s best dramatic roles. Features music, dancing and lots of smiles. Great for the whole family. You’ll be singing “Polly Wolly Doodle” all day and enjoy Temple’s classic rendition of “Dixie”. In protective hard shell case.  Your children or grandchildren will thank you for this one. They don’t sell this at Movie Gallery or Blockbuster because of political correctness, but there’s nothing offensive here, just good old fashioned family entertainment.                                                                             VHS  $10.00 
11.	The Gallant Little 7th: A history of the 7th Georgia Cavalry Regiment 
             By John W. Latty, 2004  New to the market. This is the author’s second book and it is fabulously done 
Professionally researched, edited and hardbound, it is a handsome book that reads like a classic. If you have ancestors from Bryan County or nearby counties, it is highly probable that some of them served in this regiment. Complete with muster rolls and thorough index to help you find your ancestor. If we had a South Georgia Book of the Month Club, this would be a feature selection. (For that matter, so would all of these books.) Who knows if this book will make a second printing. Get your copy now to be sure.       250 pgs. hardback       $30.00
12.	In The Saddle, Exploits of the 5th Ga. Cavalry by Timothy Daiss 
Excellent profile of this legendary coastal Ga. unit that saw action in major battles. The author is a professional writer from Savannah and his love of the south shows throughout. He’s done a great job with this book. If your ancestors hailed from Liberty County or surrounding areas you probably have some kin who served in this regiment. Over a thousand men were involved in this regiment, including men from Chatham, Bulloch, Liberty, Tattnall and surrounding counties. hardback 120 pgs.             $30.00                                                                                                                                   
       13. Lamb in His Bosom by Caroline Miller, with an afterword by Elizabeth Fox- Genovese. This 1934 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Literature was written by a Baxley native. This is her story about the people of the South Georgia piney woods before the War Between the States. This book was largely responsible for the discovery of the more famous book, Gone With the Wind. Though not as famous, THIS is a south Georgia story, of the people who did not have mansions or slave plantations but who were close to the land on the Georgia frontier. Handsomely bound, newly reprinted, and with an attractive dust cover.  357 pages hardback                                                                                                 $30.00                                                                                     
14.	A History of Reconstruction in Georgia 1865-1872  This reprint of a 1916 UDC booklet begins with the quote: “He who is ignorant of what happened before he was born remains a child all his life.” 
        Perfect for students.  60 pages, cardstock & vinyl cover, spiral bound.                                $7.00
15.	It’s Not What You Know: The Battle to Control How You Feel About History by Gordon A. (Tony) Thompson 2004.  There is a battle being waged for control of our history. This book shares my observations. Refutes popular revisionists James Loewen and Howard Zinn. 60 pgs. perfect bound  $5.00                                          
16.	A Durrance-Durrence Family History From England to North Carolina to Wiregrass Ga. by Evans Co. Historian Dorothy Durrence Simmons, 2000. Fabulous history of the Durrence family. Well researched and wonderfully written. Loaded with maps, pictures and documents. A classic that will not be around for long. Lots of allied family and Tattnall County related information. 
      Handsome 8x11 hardback, 149 pgs. plus index.                                                                         $40.00                                                                                
17.	The Tattnall County, Ga. Superior Court Records 1805-1832 by Gordon A. Thompson Companion to Tattnall Inferior Court Records 1805-1832.  400 pgs. Hardback   6x9 inches                         $50.00                                                                  
18.	Houses of Heartpine by Pharris Johnson . Excellent groundbreaking work on the antebellum architecture of Evans Co. Ga.  177 pgs. Perfect bound, 8 x11 inches                                               $30.00                                                                    
19.	 Bellville, Georgia-The 1st 100 years by Pharris Johnson  Comprehensive history of the early Tattnall/Evans Co. town, including photos, profiles.   305 pages 8x11 hardback                               $45.00                                                                                  
20.	Under the Southern Cross- Soldier Life with Gordon Bradwell and the Army of 
Northern Va. (31st Ga. Infantry). by Pharris Johnson  Excellent first person account based on letters of Gordon Bradwell.  6x9 inches. Hardback 273 pgs                                                                  $30.00
21.	Evans County and the Creation of Fort Stewart, Georgia by Pharris Johnson Inspired by  Dot Simmons’ report on the topic, Johnson gives a complete overview of the history and effects of the Fort’s creation.   103 pgs. Spiral bound 8x11 inches.                                                                           $20.00                                                                                                                     
22.	South Georgia Rebels by Alton J. Murray  [1976] True wartime experiences of the 26th Reg. Ga. Volunteer Infantry of the Lawton-Gordon-Evans Brigade. Excellent companion book to A Soldier’s Story of His Regiment as both regiments were in the same brigade and many modern wiregrass descendants had ancestors in both regiments. Includes maps, rosters, bios, profiles. Formidable research.                        330 pgs. 6x9 hardback                                                                                                                 $42.50

Ga. residents [only] add 7% sales tax to the total.  Unless otherwise noted for individual books, Shipping Rates Are: 
For orders totaling $5 add $1.50, over $10.00 add $2.50, over $20.00 add $5.00, over $40.00 add $7.50, over $60 add $10.00, over $70 add $12.50  Over $80- FREE SHIPPING 

Circle selections from the list above or list separately and mail to Tony Thompson 625 Dorothy St., Metter, Ga. 30439 or call 912-685-3347   Email: tony@kinfolksacrosstheriver.com    Printable order form available at www.kinfolksacrosstheriver.com

Most books ship within 48 hours via U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail (2-3 day delivery). In the event a title is on backorder it may take longer to arrive. In such cases you will be contacted via email, phone or postal mail. Please include an email address or phone number with your order. If you prefer, you may order online using PayPal at www.kinfolksacrosstheriver.com Follow the links to the book order page. 

Volume 1, Issue 1                                      The Hencart Road Review—Catalogue- Page 4                                        June-July 2005

Volume 1, Issue 1                                      The Hencart Road Review— Catalogue– Page 5                                 June-July 2005

Tony Thompson
Editor-Publisher of 
The Hencart Road Review 

The Jim Thompson House being moved through Ludowici

Enclosed is your copy of:
The Hencart Road Review