A Great Treat

During the 1960's I was Vice-President for Finance and Administrative Affairs at Middle Tennessee State University. During that period of time and also somewhat later I occasionally corresponded with Captain P.V.H. Weems. Without asking me I received a substantial package from him that included four copies of his book "History of the Weems Family. Also include were several of his books of tables, plotter instruments and I presume all of the need paraphernalia to celestial chart myself across the skies. I have always treasured these gifts and they are with in arms reach as I right this treatise.

I have 3 copies of his book

 History of the Weems Family.

These are for my three children but I also wanted copies for all of my grandchildren and their heirs, I wish it were still in print. I am sharing with you a copy of my volume allowing you to read it or quote from it as you see fit. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.              

History of the Weems Family

By

Douglas Andes Weems

First Limited Edition

This copy number _______

Issued to ______________

Copyright 1945 by P.V. H. Weems

Printed in U.S.A

Published by

Weems System of Navigation

Annapolis, Maryland
 Price  $4.00
 

FOREWORD

hile it is realized that there are errors in fact and in spelling in this book, there is no one to correct them properly at this time, therefore, it is printed nearly as it appeared in the original manuscript. Obvious errors have been corrected, and our kinsmen and interested readers are earnestly requested to supply the undersigned with corrections, additions or suggestions which might be included in later editions.

          At least this is a start and will record family lore which might otherwise be lost In addition to the two wills included in this book; wills are known to be on record for the following persons:

          William Loch Weems, son of Dr. James Weems, Immigrant.    Mrs. William Loch Weems

Nathaniel Chapman Weems, their son

          Philip Van Horn Weems, Confederate States Army

          Considerable data on the Van Horn family is included in the book, TWO COLONIAL FAMILIES—LANSDALE AND LUCE, by Miss Maria Horner Lansdale of Philadelphia, Pa. Only fifty copies were printed. THE VAN HORN FAMILY HISTORY by F. M. Martin, 1929, published by Press Publishing Co., East Stroudsburg, Pa., limited issue, has in Chapter VII, an account of the Van Horn family producing Violetta Van Horn who married N.'C. Weems in 1790. The record in Mr. Martin's book seems to be correct down to Violetta Van Horn where he records that she married Maj. T. L. Lansdale, although we know she married N. C. Weems.

          This book gives a brief account of the family from Dr. James Weems, Immigrant, through William Loch Weems, Nathaniel Chapman Weems to the branch which immigrated to Louisiana, and the collateral branch which immigrated to Tennessee about 1825.

                                                          P. V. H. WEEMS,

                                  Captain, U. S. Navy, Retired,

                                               Randall House, Annapolis, Maryland,

April 11, 1945

Origin of the Name and Title

uring the contest between Malcolm III "Cean-mohr," and Macbeth for the crown of Scotland in the year 1056, John, youngest son of MacDuff, Theign of Fife, who slew Macbeth, so distinguished himself as to be created an earl by Malcolm, with seignory and an estate in Weemshire, situated between the Ore and the sea, on the eastern coast of Scotland, The shire derives its name from the great number of coves, or weems (Gaelic or Celtic)—small bays indenting this coast. John Mac-Duff assumed the name of Weems, from his title of the first Earl of Wemyss.

        David, Earl of Wemyss, and Lord High Admiral, by the grace of Queen Anne.

        Lady Anne (nee Douglass) Wemyss, youngest daughter of William, first Marquis of Queensbury.

        Because of participation in the Stuart uprising of 1715, the title was forfeited, and not, restored to the family until 1786.

        William, third son of David Earl of Wemyss, killed in battle, Sunday, November 12th, 1715, at Preston, Lancashire, England.

        Elizabeth (nee Loch) Weems, wife of William, mother of David, James and Williamina Weems, the "Immigrants came to reside with her widowed brother, Dr. William Loch, who had settled in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, as early as 1706, where he owned large estates. (See Calendar of Wills, Anne Arundel County, Maryland.)

Colonial History of the Weems Family

HE HISTORY of our family in America really begins with Dr. William Loch brother of Lady Betty, or Eliza­beth (nee Loch) Weems, who, being at that time a widower and without heirs, persuaded Lady Betty to allow him to bring, in 1715, her son, our direct forefather, Dr. James Weems, to America as his heir. In 1720 he brought over Lady Betty, David, the elder son, and the daughter, Williamina.

The four-storied mansion and outbuildings of Dr. Wm. Loch at Loch Eden, who had immigrated to Maryland with the first settlers some time in the seventeenth century, was built of bricks brought from England. It was furnished, not only with that imported by Dr. Loch, but also, that which was brought over by Lady Betty, which included a large secretary, which had private and secret departments in which were kept valuable relics and papers, among them the complete trees of the Loch and of the Weems families. These were all destroyed when Loch Eden Mansion was burned in 1839, while under the ownership of the Honorable John Crompton Weems, who, with his family, was absent Dr. Loch upon his death in 1732, left a silver bowl upon which were engraved the Loch crest and coat-of -arms, and Mrs. Loch presented the tablets to the Herring Creek Church. (The Decalogue). "Loch Eden" was situated in Ann Arundel County between Herring Bay and West River, within sight of the Chesapeake Bay, and was a very large estate.

Dr. Loch, late in life, married a lady fifty years of age, who, contrary to expectation brought him a son, William Loch, Jr., in her fifty-first year, who, with Dr. James Weems, inherited "Loch Eden/' David and Williamina Weems, having received their moiety during the lifetime of their uncle, were not subject to any contingency. (Calendar of Wills, records of Court and County, Maryland.) Dr. James willed his interest in "Loch Eden" to his youngest son, John, who resided there until deprived in the famous lawsuit of Chew vs. Weems, by Wm. Chew, the great grandson of Dr. Loch. He, Colonel John Weems, then purchased the property of Wm. Chew, and, by will left it to his son, the Hon. John Crompton Weems, the father of Dr. Stephen H., U. S. Consul to Guatemala, Alexander and Frank Weems, Mrs. Estes Tillard, Mrs. Francis McPherson, and the grandfather of Mr. John W. Tillard, of Georgetown, D. C.

David, the elder son of Sir William and Lady Elizabeth (Loch) Weems, became by his first wife, the father of Colonel Wm., James and Thomas Weems, and by his second wife, David Richard, Mason Loch Weems, Mrs. Moreton and Mrs. Mudd.

James, the younger son, after completing his medical course, practiced his profession for some years in Virginia, later returned to Calvert County, Md., where in addition to his profession he engaged in an extensive mercantile business, and upon the death of his uncle, inherited a portion of the estate.

He married a Miss Parker, of Calvert County, by whom he became the father of William Loch (our foreparent), Mrs. Samuel Chew of Kentucky, James II, Mrs. Jos. Sprigg, mother of ex-Governor Sprigg of Maryland, and Colonel John Weems of "Loch Eden", who served in the militia under Chase, Paca and Carroll in the defense of Annapolis.

He was a member of the Lower House of the Assembly for the Providence of Maryland in 1740-41 (Archives - Vol. XLII page 93-106 and 630.)

On May 17, 1740, he purchased from ex-Governor Jas. Hollyday of Maryland, the 1,069 acre estate of Billingsley on the Patuxent River, Near Upper Marlboro, Prince George County, (Vol. 2, page 334 Colonial Families of U. S. A. Also see page 703 Chancery papers, No. 153 Upper Marlboro Courthouse Maryland Maps, etc.) This property was inherited by his eldest son, William Loch Weems, I.

Later in life, he married Mrs. Crompton of Calvert County, mother of his son's, Col. John Weems of "Loch Eden", wife who was a Miss Crompton. Dr. Jas. and Mrs. Weems settled at "Weems Forest", in Calvert County and raised a large family. Among the children of this marriage were Dr. Jas. Crompton Weems, physician and surgeon of the army, who was lost at sea, Mrs. Rev. Dr. Chas. H. Wharton, Sara Ann— Mrs. Philip Thomas of West River and "Rockland on the Susquehana." This estate of "Weems Forest" was later in pos­session of Kinsey and Chas. Wharton Weems, sons of the Wm. Loch Weems who was the eldest son of Colonel John Weems I, of "Loch Eden"—brother of the Honorable John Crompton Weems of "Loch Eden"—and half brother of Geo. Washington Weems.

Williamina, daughter of Sir William and Lady Betty, married an English gentleman, Wm. Moore of "Moore Hall", Pennsylvania, son of John Moore of Philadelphia, Kings Col­lector of the Port, who died in 1732. "Moore Hall" was situated on the banks of the Schuyskill, above Valley Forge, about twenty-five miles from Philadelphia. Wm. Moore was born in 1699 educated at Oxford, and on his return to America in 1722, married Williamina Weems. Their son became Bishop Moore of the P. E. Church, one daughter, wife of Phineas Bond, British Consul, and the other, Mrs. Ridgely of Dover, Delaware. Their granddaughter, Williamina Bond, became the second wife of General John Cadwaleder; their great granddaughter, Frances Cadwaleder, became Mrs. David Montague Erskine of Great Britain. Lady Erskine's daughter, Jane Plummer Erskine, became Mrs. Jas. Hy. Callendar, and until her death in 1846 was regarded as one of the beauties of England. She left three daughters, who were placed under the guardianship of the Duke of Argyle, the youngest of whom, Jane Seville Cal­lendar, married in 1869, Lord Archibald Campbell, second son of her guardian, and brother of the Marquis of Lorne.

Revolutionary and Pioneer Period

ILLJAM LOCH WEEMS 1st, born in 1735, inherited of his father, Dr. James Weems of Loch Eden, "The Immigrant", the estate of "Billingsley", near Upper Marlboro, Prince George County, Maryland, was very wealthy, and married quite a bit more. Drove a "coach and four", and entertained considerably.

          During the Revolutionary War he served with some other gentlemen on a committee to keep watch .on the British on the Patuxent River. He was also commissioned, November 25, 1780, a Justice of Peace (Prince George County Archives, Province of Maryland XLV, page 224, Liber C.B No. 24.) He assisted in establishing American Independence.—See American Archives of 1774-75, page 1012, Vol. 1, Nov. 1774, Prince George County, Md.: "At a meeting in Upper Marlboro, of a great number of respectable freeholders, and others of Prince George County, qualified to vote for Representatives, the following persons were nominated and appointed a committee to carry into execution, within the said county, the association of the American Con­tinental Congress, to-wit: — Wm. Loch Weems. * * "

          He married in 1758, Amelia Chapman, 1735-1794, daughter of Nathaniel and Mrs. Constantia Pearson Chapman, and sister of Dr. Nathaniel Chapman II, one of the Faculty of University of Pennsylvania, Medical College, under whom our grandfather, Dr. Nathaniel Chapman Weems II studied medicine. By this marriage he became the father of our great grandfather, Nathaniel Chapman Weems 1,1760-13 February 1808; Wm. Loch II and Dr. John II, who, also, with Dr. Chapman was instru­mental in our grandfather studying medicine; James III, Mrs. Mackall, Mrs. Hollyday, and Mrs. Summerville.

          William Loch Weems I died in 1783, leaving by will, his property in possession of his Widow, Amelia Chapman Weems, who, upon her death in 1794, willed the estate of "Billingsley" to our great grandfather, Nathaniel Chapman Weems I, 1760-1808.

          Nathaniel Chapman Weems I, 1760-1808 of "Billingsley," our great grandfather, resided on and cultivated the large estate he had inherited, until his death, March 13, 1808, leaving the property to his widow and children.

          He married December 8, 1790, the Rev. M. Clay of Penna. officiating, Violetta, born 1766, youngest daughter of Philip Van Horn, whose large estate and handsome residence was situated on the Raritan River, one mile from Elizabeth, N. J. His oldest sister, Cornelia, married Major Thos. Lansdale, who served during the Revolutionary War, with the 3rd Maryland Line Regiment, and lived on their estate in Prince George County; her sister Mary married Colonel Stephen Moyland of Virginia, who served 6 Mar. 1775 -5 June 1776 as Secretary to Gen. Wash­ington. (Heitler's: Officers of the Continental Army 1775-83); her kinsman, graduating from Annapolis Naval School, served in the U. S. Navy. The Van Horns have given many distinguished men and women to our country.

          To this union were born: Wm. Loch Weems III, 9 Dec. 1792-1853, who married Elizabeth Taylor Burch, migrating to Ten­nessee about 1825, became the father of the Nathaniel Chapman (Tenn.) Weems III, 1818-1871, who married in 1840, Eleanor Ann Hatton, 1814-1892, and whose son, Jos. Burch Weems, 1843-1896, marrying in 1883, Mary Elizabeth Rye, 1862-1903, was the father of the present (1932) Commander Philip Van Horn Weems, U. S. Navy, who is writing an authentic history of the Weems Family in America, Mary Moyland, 29 Sep. 1794, who married John B. Mulliken, and who purchased (Deed Book AB, No. 9, pages 233, 4, 5, 6) of the other heirs, their equity in the estate of "Billingsley," where the Milliken’s resided; Philip Van Horn 1,17 July 1796 - 13 Apr. 1828, Jas. Wm. Black, 25 Feb. 1799 - 26 July 1823, Amelia Violetta - Mrs. Wilson, 18 Oct. 1801 - , and Cornelia, 25 Mar. 1803 - 12 Sept. 1841; and our grandfather, Dr. Nathaniel Chapman Weems H, 14 May 1805 - 23 Aug. 1885, of Forest Home Plantation, who migrated to Louisiana in 1825.

          Dr. Nathaniel Chapman Weems II of "Forest Home" was born 14 May, 1805, at "Billingsley," where he resided until ten years of age, when the property was occupied by the family of John B. Mullikin, husband of his oldest sister, Mary Moyland (Weems) Mullikin, to whom he, -becoming of age, sold his share in "Billingsley."

          At the instigation of his uncle, Dr. John Weems II, surgeon and physician of Georgetown, D. C., and his great uncle, Dr. Nathaniel Chapman (for whom his father was named) of the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania Medical College, Dr. N. C. Weems II studied and graduated in medicine at the above named institution.

          In company with General Graham, Grandfather, in 1825, migrated to Louisiana, and settled in Rapides Parish. He pur­chased (original certificate in my possession) June 29, 1835, for $5,100.00, the estate of Mrs. Mary Clark, described as Sec. 48, T 2 N, R 1 E (Spanish Grant - U. S. Land Office, South Western (Opelousas) District of Louisiana - B. 683), and containing 169.25 or 168.85 acres; on 28 Apr. 1836 he acquired the concession of Bridget Fahey (B. 1095) containing 301.92 or 302.1 acres known as Sec. 47; and later acquired by concession Sec. 67; 128.38 acres and Sec. 68 of 118.13 acres. These properties began at the point where Back Bayou flows out of Bayou Lamourie and extending along the northern bank of Back Bayou, and from thence in a northeasterly direction towards Bayou Latanier. Together these properties formed "Forest Home Plantation."

          He returned in 1835 to Maryland, married Annie Eliza Chilton Mullikin, daughter of William B. Mullikin, a planter of Prince George County, brought her to Louisiana and settled at "Forest Home Plantation," although their summers were spent in Mary­land. I have often heard my father; uncles and aunts speak of the bounteous subsistence and carefree existence of the "good old days," when coin was scarce, commodity superabundant, and ability, integrity, breeding and refinement flourished even in the wilderness.

          Dr. Weems, in addition to the management of his plantation, practiced his profession. He made a study of the herbs used by the Choctaw Indians who were then numerous in this section, and, as a botanist, was exceptionally gifted, producing in his orchard at "Forest Home" fruits, such as cherries, which under ordinary conditions, fail in this climate, of a splendid quality. With such fruit and vegetables, acorn-fed hogs, corn-fed beeves, deer, wild turkeys and other such products of the forest, field and stream, but above all - with the high ability of the house-wife of those days, to preserve, is there any wonder that in the eyes of our generation the highest recommendation one may offer is: "like Grandmother used to make!"?

          Grandmother Annie E. C. (Mullikin) Weems, 10 Oct. 1815, having died of yellow fever 24 Sep. 1873, Grandfather for a number of years continued to reside at Forest Home, until, in his old age he made his home with his son Eugene Van Horn Weems and family at Chetwood Plantation, where as the result of a fall he died, 23 Aug. 1885, at the age of 85. Our grandparents, with our uncles, John Wm. and Nathaniel Chapman Weems III are buried in the cemetery of the Christian Church at Cheneyville, Rapides Parish, Louisiana.

Civil War and Recent Periods

r. and Mrs. Nathaniel Chapman Weems II, of Forest Home Plantation, were the parents of: John William, 10 Oct 1835-3 Feb. 1858. Anne Mackall Chilton (Mrs. Pearce) 16 Aug. 1838-3 Sept. 1926, Nathaniel Chapman '(Louisiana) III, 17 May 1840-26 Aug. 1861, Mary Violetta (Mrs. Crawford), 29 Jan. 1842-5 Mar. 1931, Charles Chilton, 9 Mar. 1845-14 Dec. 1903, Eugene Van Horn, 20 May 1847- 1930, Sarah Eleanor (Mrs. J. J. Wells), 7 June 1850-17 Dec. 1911, and Rollo Bowie, 27 July 1854-5 Feb. 1918.

          John William, 11 Oct. 1835 - 3 Feb. 1858, studied at Yale Col­lege and, later died while a medical student in New Orleans.

          Anne Mackall Chilton, 16 Aug. 1838-3 Sept. 1926, —Aunt Nannie, as she was affectionately known to us, with Aunt Mary (Mrs. Crawford) was a faithful historian of our family, and it is to them that, in their generation, we are so greatly indebted for many of the records which we now possess. She purchased (Book D.—page 208, 16 Nov. 1875) Forest Home Plantation, re­taining for herself the homesite and adjacent farmlands, divided, selling at $1.00 per acre, one hundred acres, each, to her brother Eugene Van Horn, to her brother Rollo Bowie, and to her sister Mary Violetta (Mrs. Crawford)—see Book D., pages 535, 537, and 538. The balance, she sold to several farmers whose homes are now there.

          She married Mr. Jos. M. Pearce, a planter who resided near Cheneyville Rapides Parish, and is the mother of Mrs. Mary Huffhine, formerly Mrs. Kidwell and Mrs. Corrie Meredith of Ennis, Texas; the grand-mother of Charles Weems Kidwell, 18 June 1879, of Dallas, Texas, Addison and Laura Meredith, both deceased, without issue; and the srreat^grandmother of Rollo Eugene Kidwell, 4 June 1908, and Henry Graber Kidwell, 4 Feb. 1910 of Dallas, Texas. This gentle, refined highminded and noble soul departed this earth 3 Sept. 1926 at the home of her daughters in Ennis, Texas; and is buried there.

          Nathaniel Chapman (La.) HI, 17 May 1840-26 Aug. 1861: "Weems,   N. C., Sergt C. B. 9th La. Inf. On list attached to bill for transportation of the officers and men of the Stafford Guards from Alexandria to New Orleans. Enlisted July 1861, Camp Moore, La. Roll to Auer. 31, 1861. Died at Camp Bienvffle, Vir­ginia, Aug. 26, 1861. Born La. Occupation farmer. Residence Lecompte. Age when enlisted 19, single"—see Records of La. Comfd. Soldiers and La. Confd. Commds. vol. 3, p. 1024. His body was brought home by Tom Perry, his servant.

          Mary Violetta, 29, Jan. 1843-5 Mar. 1931: "for more than forty years Mrs. Crawford was a teacher in the private and public schools of Rapides Parish, and hundred boys and girls of the city and parish obtained an education under her tutelage. By her genial and kindly demeanor, she endeared herself to all the children whose educational advancement was placed in her keeping. Mrs. Crawford was a woman of brilliant intellect, was highly educated, and had the happy faculty of being able to con­vey title knowledge that she possessed, to those under her direc­tion. She likewise attracted to her standard all with whom she came in contact, acquiring deep and true friendships that were enduring. She was a devout Catholic and was true and faithful throughout her life to her religion and her church." . . . Aunt Mary was intimately acquainted with many of the important personages of her day, and, fortunately for me, enjoyed telling me of them, and of many events, both grave and trival connected with them. Having a keen sense of humor, her accounts were often spiced with wit that was refreshing.

          Aunt Mary married, 1 April. 1869 Mr. James Andrew Craw-for, half-brother of C. L., Judge F. X. and U. S. Senator Jos. E. Ransdell of Alexandria, Lake Providence, La., and Washing­ton, D. C., respectively, his mother, Amanda Terrell, (Mrs. Craw­ford, later Mrs. Ransdell) being the sister of Emily—Mrs. Archenard, and Harriet—Mrs. Austin Gurges. Uncle Andrew died in Sept. 1895. She was the mother of Mary Emily, the wife of Leo. A. Turregano, Postmaster of Alexandria, La., and Miss Annie Crawford, and the grand-mother of Mary Turregano, 14 Mar. 1910, who is the replica of Aunt Mary, was educated in Alexandria and Washington, D. C., and is highly accomplished.

          Aunt Mary was the last of a highly honorable and noble fam­ily of five sons and three daughters—men and women of the "Old School", whose standards were the highest, and whose word was their bond. She now lies in Rapides Cemetery, beside her brother Charles Chilton and Aunt Sallie.

          Charles Chilton, 9 Mar. 1845-14 Dec. 1903, was attending Louisiana State University, then situated at Alexandria, at the outbreak of the Civil War, and leaving his studies, enlisted in the Confederate Army: see Records of La. Confederate Sol­diers and La. Con. Commands, vol. Ill, page 1024—"Weems, C. C. Pvt and Corp. Co. G. 2nd. La. Cavalry. Fed. Pris. of War, captured at Alexandria. May 10th, 1863. Parolled at Grant's Island off Mobile, Ala., May 30 1863. Parolled at Alexandria, June 3,1865." Uncle Charlie, being an expert marksman, was detailed to pick off the pilots of the Federal gun-boats and transports ascending Red River with General Bank's Federal Army, and his detach­ment was cut off from their command and captured by the Fed­erals. Previous to that he, with his regiment were engaged in covering the movement of the armies under the. commands of Generals Taylor and Kirby Smith from Berwick Bay through the Teche and Attakapas country to intercept Gen. Bank's Fed­eral Army at Alexandria, and leading to the battle at Mansfield, and were heavily engaged with a flanking army, which landed on the shores of Grand Lake, at a spot which is now a part of Oak Lawn Plantation, but was then Millet's Point Plantation. In this engagement, Uncle Charlie was knocked out of his saddle by an overhanging limb, and mounted his horse, which had been caught by a fellow trooper, on the run, while a mounted Federal officer was attempting to ride him down, and was shooting at him at close range. They held the Bayou Teche bridge at Oak Lawn until shelled out by shrapenel (this bridge was situated at the site of the old sugar house, about one hundred yards beyond the Eastern gate of the "Lawn" or mansion grounds) and were con­tinuously engaged all tile way to Mansfield, although Uncle Charlie was detached below Alexandria. I have heard Uncle Charlie, Uncle Ben Surges, and others of the command tell of the "hot times" and Sharp Corners" experienced in these engage­ments.

          After the war Uncle Charlie married Miss Jennie Crandal, sister of Mrs. Ferguson, whose husband was the partner in the firm of Ferguson and Schnack, jewelers of Alexandria, and moved to Texas, where, for many years he was engaged in cattle ranch­ing. Later he returned to Louisiana, resided at New Iberia, and died at Alexandria, where he is now buried.

          He was the father of the following: Jennie, who married Ray S. Taylor New Orleans, in 1904, and is now living in Cali­fornia; Nell, wife of Van Hall, cartoonist of the Times-Picayune of New Orleans; Charles Chilton, the father of several children and residing in Springfield; Oregon; May V. who married M. C. Campbell in 1924, and resides in Kansas City; Louise, who is the proprietor of an antique shop, 610 Royal St., New Orleans; and Ofive, the flower of the "Weems type" of this generation, who married 3 Dec. 1906 John Chilton Quarrier of the Associated Press, resides in Kansas City, Mo., and is the mother of: Maxine Chilton, 9 Nov. 1907, Jack Weems, 26 Feb. 1909, Geraldine Louise, 28 Apr. 1913, and Olive May, 18 Aug. 1919.

          Eugene Van Horn, 20 May 1847— left his studies at La. State University, Alexandria, to enlist in the Con­federate Army, see Records of La. Con. Soldiers and La. Con. Commands, vol. HI, page 1024: "Weems", E. Pvt. Co. G., 2nd. La. Cav. Roll of Prisoners of War. Paroled at Alexandria, 3rd. June 1866". See Biographical and Historical Memoirs of North Western Louisiana (published in 1890 by the Southern Publish­ing, Co., Chicago): "K V. Weems, planter of Lecompte, enjoys, the reputation of being, not only a substantial and prosperous sugar planter, but his name will be remembered in years to come as belonging to a public spirited and progressive man of the com­munity. He is a native born resident of the parish, his birth occurring on May 8 (20) 1847, and he was reared to manhood here. His educational facilities were more than usual favorable, for after finishing the common schools, he entered La. State Univer­sity, which was destroyed during the war. Although but a boy in years, he served for eighteen months in the Confederate Army, 2nd. Regiment, but saw no active engagements. Previous to that time, however, he participated in the Battle of Mansfield, La. For a period after the war, Mr. Weems was on a plantation (Forest Home) with his father, but in 1873 he became engaged in business for himself. Until 1880 he was engaged, part of the time as a planter on leased land, and the rest of the time as over­seer and manager for others. While having charge of the Gov­ernor Moore estate (Enfield Pltn.) he demonstrated his superior ability as a financier, by paying off a heavy debt that had been standing against the same. In 1880 he bought a half-interest in Coco Bend Plantation, Lecompte, which he has transformed from almost a waste into a model plantation, with a fine resi­dence, modern sugar factory, etc., and which is in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Weems has been a sugar planter since 1873, and in sugar, has made his most money". Coco Bend, renamed Chetwoode, was sold (Book NN, page 102), 16 June 1903, to C. 0. & C. B. Freeman, and the factory moved to Mexico.

          He organized the Quatotolapam Sugar Co. of Vera Cruz, Mexico, a forty-seven thousand acre property, acquired by Uncle Genie and his associates in the Quatotolapam Sugar Co., in which my father, Mr. Wm. P. Marsh, Mr. L. C. Bourgeois, and several others at Oak Lawn, and New Orleans, and in Virginia were stock holders. Hascienda (Holding-Spanish) Quatotolapam was a tremendous property, completely equipped with a large modern sugar factory, alcohol distillery, machine stop, sawmill rail­ways, steam-boat, hospital, etc.

          About 1890 he formed a partnership with Colonel Rivers, proprietor of the St Charles Hotel, New Orleans, purchased and operated Oak Lawn, a very large sugar plantation in the beauti­ful Teche country, which was considered one of the most pros­perous in the state. This property was sold about 1920 to The South Coast Co. During this period he lived in a fine residence, 1228 Race St., on Coliseum Park, New Orleans, which he later sold to Mr. Donaldson Caffery. He was a member of the Pick­wick, the oldest and most exclusive club of New Orleans—the club that sponsors the "Proteous" carnival parade and ball

          About 1900 he moved to Winchester, Va., in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, purchased a fine home, apple orchard, stock farm, and organized the Shenandoah Power & Light Co., and a number of other highly successful corporations. During this period he built No. 10 Quincy Si, Chevy Chase, Md., a magnifi­cent home, in the suburbs of

Washington, D. C.

          He married Miss Courtenay Calvit Wells, daughter of ex-Governor James Madison Wells, a devoted wife, who became the mother of: Emily, a beautiful and brilliant woman, who, with Lt.Comm. Philip Van Horn Weems U. S. Navy, is engaged in compiling the authentic history of our family in America; Clara, wife of Dr. Samuel Logan Owens of Washington, D. C., and the mother of two boys, Logan Jr., sixteen years of age, and Eugene HI, thirteen, and one daughter, Courtenay, ten; Lucille, who mar­ried Mr. Switzer, and lives in Washington; Lawrence (Laurie), who was vice president and general manager, of Hascienda Quatotolapam, Mexico, for fifteen years, in one of which a dividend of 110% was declared—he is married and living in New York; Courtenay, at one time Mexico City Representative for Quatotolapam Sugar Co., who married 29 Dec. 1930, Miss Carolyn Mary Camp of Milwaukee, who's uncle is president of the Cuban-Ameri­can Sugar Co. and several other corporations—Courtenay is now in the real estate business in New York City; Judge Donald Loch, who served as a commissioned officer in the American Expd. Force during the World War, is married and lives in Winchester, Va; Florence, an accomplished linguist, who lives with her mother in Washington; and Eugene van Horn Jr., the image of Uncle Genie, who served with the American Ambulance Corpse of tiie French Army until the United States entered the war, and then with the A. E. F.—who, with Laurie, owns and operates the stock farm and orchard at Winchester, Va., and who is now in business in Tennessee.

          Aunt Courtenay, very much the-intellectual "grande dame", resides in Washington. At Atlantic City, N. J., in the Autumn of 1930, the "Fates" brought to a close, a long, useful, and noble life, as Uncle Genie, with the consolation of his Catholic faith, and a smile on his lips, like the true soldier he was, passed on to the "The Great Beyond".

          Sarah Eleanor, 7 June 1850-17 Dec. 1911: Aunt Sallie was the youngest daughter of the family, and was noted for her culinary art In disposition, she was straight-forward and plain-spoken, and had a heart of gold. Wherever, in the neighborhood, and beyond it, "Sickness and sorrow were to be found, she was the first to render devoted and untiring aid.

          For many years she resided at Sunny Side Plantation, where her children were born, but later moved to Alexandria.      

          She married 2 May 1873, Thomas Jefferson Wells (born Nov. 1846), son of ex-Governor J. M. Wells, and brother of Mrs. Eugene Van Horn Weems (Courtenay Wells), and was the mother of Mary Ann, 10 Mar. 1874; who married 17 Oct. 1891, Mr. Paul Jones Jordan, is the mother of: Lucille—Mrs. Wm. Hathorn of Richland Plantation, Rapides Parish; Birdie Cochran—Mrs. Leroy Lochlear of Oklahoma; Edgar, of the Standard Printing Co., Alex., La., who is married and his several children; Irving, Margueritte, and Hazel Ruth; and the grand-mother of Wm. Paul, 23 Apr. 1914, Ruffin Pleasant 25 Apr. 1916, Mary Josephine, 27 Apr. 1918, and Edgar Claude Hathorn, 13 Feb. 1921; Mary Alace Wells, 10 Sept 1875, who married, 26 Dec. 1900 A. C. Rogers, and is without heirs; John Weems Wells, 27 Mar. 1877, who married Minna Lucille Emery, Jan. 1905, and has three chil­dren—Sarah Francis, 2 Nov. 1905, Courtenay Weems, 25 May 1908—John Weems Wells died 6 May 1920 at Coleman, Texas; Eugene Alexander Wells, 12 Feb. 1880, an engineer of the L. & A. R. R., who married 14 Jan. 1906 Mary M. Ganity, and is the father of several children; and Annie Chilton Wells, 18 Dec. 1882, who married 10 February, 1901 Thomas Jefferson Twilley, for many years chief engineer for the Central Louisiana Hospital, and is the mother of Florence Eleanor, 7 December, 1901, secre­tary to Thornton, Gist and Rickey, Attorneys of Alexandria, and who has assisted me in this pamphlet, Katie Lou, 12 September, 1903, Jefferson Weems, 30 March, 1906, Ralph Walter, 4 Feb­ruary, 1908, John F., 2 November, 1916, and Ellis Slack, 17 Sep­tember, 1921.

          Aunt Sallie, after a long life of self-sacrifice and devotion, now lies at rest in the Rapides Cemetery, near Uncle Charlie and Aunt Mary.

          Rollo Bowie, 7 July 1854-5 February, 1918, my father, was the youngest of the family, spent the war period at Forest Home, attending the local school, where his play-mates were the late ex-Clerk of Court of Rapides Parish C. L., Judge F. X., and U. S. Senator Joseph E. Ransdell, and later attended the Louis­iana State University at Baton Rouge where he was a room-mate of Colonel T. D. Boyd, ex-president of L. S. U.

          For a short period after leaving the University he operated the farm purchased from Aunt Nannie, but which he later sold, and accepted employment from Uncle Genie: "Did you know (ex­tract from a letter dated Washington, D. C., 3 May, 1932, from Emily Weems to Douglas Weems, Alexandria, Louisiana) that Father looked after Uncle Rollo like a father after their home broke up—that he lived at Chetwoode with Mother and Father until he married—where he met Cousin Hattie, our first gov­erness. Father gave him his first job as overseer and manager of Coco Bend (Chetwoode) and taught him much of his sugar business. We loved him dearly—he, Father and Aunt Nannie's family were closer than all the rest. He loved refinement and had high ideals and standards." He had the perception of a landscape artist, and loved the handwork of "Mother Nature": the flowers, the trees, and the birds—a characteristic which I shared with him to the fullest extent, possibly because of our close associa­tion, which was more, that of companions than father and son. His last words to me were that when he recovered, we would take many long strolls in the woods. He was devotedly faithful to the memory of my mother, who died while I was an infant and to his obligation to me, to his relatives, and his friends.

          About 1887 he formed a partnership with the late Honorable Thomas C. Wheaton, ex-mayor of Alexandria, ex-president of the Police Jury (County Committee), and owner of the Rapides Hotel, leased and operated Enfield Plantation, Mooreland, Louis­iana, where I was born, June 15, 1888, with the last "open kettle" sugar mill to operate in Rapides Parish, until 1894, when he went as General Manager to Oak Lawn Plantation, on Bayon Teche, Franklin.

          He married in 1887 Harriet (Hattie) Terrell Burges, 22 December, 1861, 10 November, 1889, my mother, who was the daughter of Halcott Terrell Burges, 29 January 1837—9 July 1879, ex-Tax Collector of Rapides Parish, and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Wells, 9 August, 1838—4 February, 1930, and grand­daughter of ex-Governor J. M. Wells, 8 January, 1808—28 Feb­ruary, 1899, and wife Mary Scott, 1818-1900, also grand-daughter of Austin Burges, once owner of Enfield Plantation, and his wife, Harriet Terrell, who was a sister of Emily—Mrs. Archenard, and Amanda, Mrs. Crawford, later Mrs. Ransdell, mother of Honor­able C. L. Judge, F. X., and Senator, Joseph E. Ransdell.

          My mother was educated at the Sacred Heart Convent, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, studied to be a nun, but however, gave up her vocation in order to assist with her earnings as a tutor and gov­erness, her mother, who, although the owner of Big Bend Field Plantation, was left a widow with a large family, mostly minors, with small means, which condition was common to most of the "planter famileis", following the Civil War. She now lies in the Rapides Cemetery by the side of my father, and her mother, near her grand-father, ex-Governor Wells, his wife, and many others of the Wells and Burges.

          Under the system which my father managed the Oak Lawn properties, that of a genial and sympathetic friend to the em­ployees—one who knew how to select competent help that were not afraid of the responsibility of their departments, and who were not over-ruled in their orders—yet one who never failed to appraise their services correctly, the Oak Lawn Company opera­tives, from the General Manager to the smallest black water-boy worked together like one large, congenial and happy family, and that period is a fond remembrance to many, both black and white.

OAK LAWN

            As Oak Lawn was, for more than twenty years, the home of my father, Rollo Bowie Weems, who was its General Manager, the property of The Oak Lawn Sugar Company, a corporation organized by Uncle Genie, and of which he was president, a prop­erty on which many members of the Weems, Wells, and Burges families have at some time worked, or where many of them have visited, I feel that a description of the property will not be amiss:

          It is situated on the southern shore of Grand Lake, an immense body of water, which, though the recipient of large volumes of fresh water from many creeks and bayous (French: small rivers or sluggish streams), the Atchafalaya (Chaf-a-liar, Choctaw or Chitamachee Indian) River, and indirectly from the Mississippi River in flood, therefore offering fishing splendid for such fresh water fish as black bass, yellow perch, etc., and is so affected by the Mexican Gulf tides through Berwick Bay as to furnish blue crab, shrimp, red snapper, sheepshead and other salt water fish. East and North of Bayou Teche, Oak Lawn comprises, from East to West around the bend, Anna, Millet's Point, Martin Ridge, and Oxford Plantations—Oak Lawn proper is enclosed in the bend South of Bayou Teche. The whole of this property comprises twelve thousand acres of land, with a large modern sugar fac­tory, machine, cooperage, wheelwright, blacksmith shops, etc., and is the means of living to about eight hundred souls. Besides the railways,.it has steam-boat connections on the Teche.

          The "Lawn", as the mansion house and grounds are known, comprises over a hundred acres of beautiful parkland, with groves, and immense single trees of live oak, draped with Spanish moss, and with Bayou Teche as the Northern boundary. In the days of Judge Porter, the founder and builder, shell drive-ways, statuary and fountains embellished the park. The mansion, a large brick building, furnished with heavy carved antique fur­niture, very large French mirrors of the highest quality, is built to the Southern Colonial (Grecian Doric) style of architecture, and makes a glorious setting in its park. One room, which was the bedroom of Henry Clay, when visiting Judge Porter is still known by his name. The mansion was burned in 1927, but rebuilt to the same walls and plans, and embellished by Mr. Barbour, the present wealthy owner of "The Lawn". It was here, in 1911, where some of the happiest days, as man and boy, of my life, were spent, that I, with my cousin, Corrie Meredith, her children, Addison and Laura, Cousin Annie Crawford and Mary Turregano, an infant then, were fortunate enough to attend the last reunion of my father, Aunt Nannie, and Aunt Mary.

          I, Douglas Andes Weems, the compiler of this pamphlet, son of Rollo Bowie Weems and his wife, Harriet Terrell Burges, was born 15 June, 1888, at Enfield Plantation, Mooreland, Louisiana, resided there with my father, and after the death of my mother in 1889, my grand-mother, Mrs. Mary E. Burges and family, who reared me as devotedly as one of her own, and moved with her in 1894 to Alexandria, where I attended school. Later I attended Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama, where I was a class-mate of Honorable T. Semmes Walmsley, Mayor of New Orleans; Soule Commercial College, New Orleans, and The University of Virginia.

          From 1908 to 1914, I was employed at Oak Lawn and trained by my father and Uncle Genie, both executives far above the average, and born leaders of men and from then to 1917 as an auditor and accountant by several certified public accountants of New Orleans. Having volunteered, and, because of defective hearing, been rejected for military service, I, regardful of my father's failing health, returned to be with him at Alexandria, and on Big Bend Field Plantation, with my grand-mother.

          Upon his death, I purchased (B. 91-P. 348) of my grand­mother, Mrs. Burges, Big Bend Field, which I operated, making my home there with the grand old lady, until 1926, when I sold (B. 129, P. 536) and we moved to her town house in Alexandria. Since 1927 I have made my home with my mother's sister, Mrs. Sallie Burges Sanford, who has been as a mother to me—whose memory I shall cherish, as I also shall cherish that of those of my relatives who have been my dear friends—in particular the fam­ilies of my grand-mother, Mrs. Burges, Aunt Mary Crawford, and Aunt Courtenay Weems.

          Having given the above short account of myself, I hasten to disclaim any attempt to intrude my humble and unworthy per­sonality among "The Illustrious", with whom this deals—among "The Exalted", who have set for us so high a standard—among "The Immortals", who were, to those who knew them, each an unfailing beacon, leading to all that was brave, honorable and true—each a fond remembrance which shall fade with our dying eyes,—only to become brilliant to us again in the life renewed in "The Great Beyond"!

                                                DOUGLAS A. WEEMS

                                                Alexandria, Louisiana.

                                                1st October, 1932.

 LOCH

          Dr. Wm. Loch, born in Scotland about 1660, was in Mary­land in the latter part of the 16th century—witnessed, 6 Aug. 1707, the Will of John Weaver of Charles County (Md. Wills, p's. 96,108 & 183, Vol. 5—and p. 108, Vol. 7). He owned the fol­lowing plantations: Loch Eden, Dianah's Beaverdams (7680 acres), Halloway's Increase, bought 8 May 1710 Padget, 13th Oct. 1722 Brewley Hall, and later one in Virginia.

          He married, 16 Sept. 1710, at St. James Church, of which he was Vestryman, Miss. Mary Biggs, who died without heirs. When about 60 years of age, he went to Scotland and brought to America, his sister, Widow Wemyss and her family—"the Immi­grants". Later in life he married a lady 50 years of age, who became the mother of Wm. Loch, Jr., and the grand-mother of Wm. Chew of the noted law suit of Chew vs. Weems.

CHAPMAN

          Dr. Nathaniel Chapman, son of Nathaniel Chapman, and Constant Pearson of Charles County, Md., was the brother of Amelia Chapman, 4 July 1735—4 Aug. 1794 (Will Book T. No. 1. p. 345—Administration Book S. T. No. 2 & 3, p's. 16&4-5,135-9-40, Marlboro Court House), who married, 14 May 1757. WILLIAM LOCH WEEMS of Billingsley, 1730—15 Aug. 1783 (Will Book T. No. 1, p's. 170-1, Upper Marlboro Court House).

          He went to the University of Pennsylvania Medical School in 1797, graduated, and was on the Staff of that institution from 1810 to 1850; founded the Medical Institute of Philadelphia; elected president of the American Philosophical Society, founded by Benjamin Franklin; and was the FIRST PRESIDENT of the AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

          He married Rebecca Biddle, daughter of Colonel Clement Biddle of Philadelphia; was the uncle of Nathaniel Chapman Weems, 1st., of Billingsley, and grand-uncle of our grand-father —Dr. Nathaniel Chapman Weems, 2nd of Forest Home Planta­tion, La., whom he caused to be educated under his direction, at the Univ. of Penna. Med. School, where Grandfather graduated.

RICKETTS

          Wm. Ricketts, Jr., Vestryman of Trinity Church, Wall St., N. Y. City, from 1697 to 1700, son of Wm. Ricketts, Sr., by his wife Mary Goodwin of Elizabethton, Jamaica (Wm. R. Sr.'s will filed there in 1650), who married Mary Walton, daughter of WILLIAM WALTON, moved permanently in 1712 from Jamaica to Elizabeth, New Jersey, acquiring property in 1713, there. (Will date 1734).

          Their children were: Mary Walton Ricketts, who married, 6 May 1738, Stephen Van Cortlandt, son of Colonel PhiKp Van Cortlandt by his wife Catharine DePeyster; Wm. Ricketts 3rd., who married his 2nd cousin, Eliz. Van Cortlandt; Violetta Ricketts, who married Edward Hicks; and Elizabeth Rickets (died 15 Sept. 1799), who married COLONEL and JUDGE PHILIP VAN HORN, of "Phil's Hill", Somerset County, N. J., and New York City, and our great-great-grandparents, through their daughter, VIOLETTA VAN HORN, and her husband, NATHANIEL CHAPMAN WEEMS, 1st, of Billingsley (see N. J. Wills)

VAN HORN

           Cornelius Van Horn, born 17 Dec. 1693, who was reared in New York City, living there and in Elizabeth, Somerset County, N. J. (his will made 19 Feb. 1768, and probated 23 May 1770) married (N. J. Deeds, 20 Nov. 1722 Trenton, Liber, D 2, Folio 7-11), Elizabeth French, daughter of Philip French, Sr., who was born in "Kels Hall", Suffolkshire, England, immigrated to New York in June 1689, and married Anetze Philipse, a daughter of Frederick Philipse, a Dutch Millionaire of New York City, and (he—Philip French) was Mayor of that city in 1702. The other children were: Philip, Jr., Susannah, and Mary French. Eliza­beth, the youngest (Mrs. Cornelius Van Horn) was given "Letters of Administration upon the Estate of Mrs. Philip French, Sr. (see N. J. Arch. Vol. XXXIII, p. 449—Vol. IV, p. 1760).

          COLONEL (N. J. Arc. Vol. 7. p. 230—Vol. XXIX p. 65) and JUDGE (N. J. Col., Doc. Vol. Ill p. 564) PHILIP VAN HORN, married ELIZABETH RICKETTS, daughter of Wm. Ricketts, Sr., and his wife Mary Walton. The children of this marriage were: Cornelius Van Horn; William Van Horn, Philip Van Horn, Jr., who married Mary Laight; Mary Ricketts Van Horn, 3 Nov. 1754, who married 12 Sept. 1778, Col. Stephen Moyland, and be­came the mother of Maria Moyland and Eliz. Moyland; John Van Horn, born 4 June 1759 Eliz. Van Horn, born 2 Aug. 1761; Cor­nelia Van Horn, born 4 June 1764, and married Maj. Thos. L. Lansdale of Prince George County, Md. and was the mother of Violetta Lansdale, 2 Feb. 1782—who married Gov. Sam'1 Sprigg of Md., Eliz., and Philip Lansdale; and VIOLETTA VAN HORN, 8 Aug. 1766, who married NATHANIEL CHAPMAN WEEMS, 1st., of Billingsley.

MULLIKIN

Dr. James Mullikin Sr., of "Mullikin's Delight", married Henrietta Beans, and was father of: Dr: James Mullikin Jr., an eminent physician, who married Maria, daughter of Governor Oden; John B. Mullikin, who married our Grand-aunt Mary Moyland Weems, built Mt Ash, and bought Billingsley: and William D. Mullikin, who married ANN ELIZABETH CHILTON, of Leesburg, Va., and became the father of our Grand­mother ANN ELIZABETH CHILTON MULLIKIN, who mar­ried Dr. NATHANIEL CHAPMAN WEEMS, 2nd., of Forest Home Plantation, Lamourie, La.

          John B. Mullikin and his wife Mary Moyland Weems were the parents of: John Contee Mullikin; Nathaniel James Mullikan; Mary Ricketts Mullikin; Henrietta Marie West Mullikin; Eleanor Mullikin, who married first Dennie McGruder Jr., and second Robert BOWIE of Cedar Hill; and Corrilla Weems Mullikin, who visited and corresponded with Uncle Genie and Aunt Nannie. Violetta Van Horn Weems spent her last days with them, and is buried at Mt Ash., also, her daughter Cornelia Weems.

BOWIE

ROBERT BOWIE of Cedar Hill, married Mrs. Eleanor MULLIKIN McGruder, and was the father of: John Bowie, who married a Miss Page and was the father of Page Bowie, Vornelia Bowie and Corrie (Bowie) Clagett.

          What is known of the Montgomery County branch of the family is descended from John and Mary (Mullikin) Bowie.

          The career of Governor Robert Bowie is well known. He married Priscilla Mackall, and was one of the directors of the first bank established in Annapolis, Md.

          Captain Walter Bowie, son of Walter William Weems and Adalihe (Snowden) Bowie, was attached to Mosby's command in the Confederate Army, and became one of that leader's most noted rangers, with a price on his head.

GREAT-GRAND-UNCLES and AUNTS WEEMS

          Brothers and sisters of WILLIAM LOCH WEEMS of Billingsley were:

          1. James Wm. Loch Weems, who married Miss Hall, and was a handsome man, six feet tall, blue-gray eyes, auburn hair, and highly intelligent,—a great friend of General Graham, who brought Grandfather Dr. N. C. Weems and his wife to Louisiana.

          2. Dr. John Weems, who was instrumental in Grandfather studying medicine.

          3. Sarah Louise Weems, who married in Philadelphia, and who's portrait painted by the great Gilbert Stuart, is now in the Milch Galleries in New York, and was offered to Cousin Emily Weems for $15,000.00 reduced from $30,00000.

          4. Williamina Weems, who married Henry Gantt of Mary­land.

          See St. John's Parish Register, pages 63-64m 1701; for Prince George County„ and for Ann Arundel County see St Margaret's Register, pages 121-171.

GRAND-UNCLES AND AUNTS WEEMS

          Brothers and sisters of Dr. NATHANIEL CHAPMAN WEEMS of Forest Home, La.

          2. William Loch Weems, 9 Dec. 1792—27 July 1822 (see Win Book T, No. 1, page 321, Marlboro Court House). He is the great-grand-father of Lt-Comm. Philip V. H. Weems U.S.N.

          3. Mary Moyland Weems, 29 Sept 1794— , who married John B. Mullikin.

                4. Philip Van Horn Weems, 15 July 1796, who had a planta­tion near Billingsley?

          5. Alexander Weems, born 25 Feb. 1799, and died in April of the same year.

          6. James Wm. Black Weems, born 25 Feb. 1790 and died 25 July 1823, age 24.

          7. Amelia Violetta Weems, born 18 Oct. 1801, died 26 Jan. 1874. — Mrs. Jos. W. Wilson.

          8. Cornelia Weems, born 25 Mar. 1803, died 14 Dec. 1837 at Mt Ash where buried.

COPY OF A LETTER

This Letter Was To Aunt Mary Crawf ord

                                                          Jonesboro, Ga., Sept 17th, 1864

Miss Weems:—

          I enclose a letter from yourself to Maj. P. V. H. Weems, which was handed to me some weeks ago.

          I regret to announce that he was mortally wounded on the 22nd. day of July and died on the 24th. The enclosed letter was received some weeks after his death, and being a warm friend of the Major's, I took the liberty to break it, only however, for the purpose of learning the signature and address of the writer, that I might inform them of his fate, which I now do, on the first opportunity, with emotions of regret and sadness..

          He was mortally wounded in the charge upon the enemy's fortified position near Atlanta, and died as I have mentioned. He conversed but little after the occurrence, his suffering being most intense. Was interred at Griffin, Ga., but his remains will be moved to Tennessee when the war is over.

          He was a good and gallant officer, and was a great favorite with his regiment (which I commanded) and his loss is deeply lamented by all. A truer patriot or a braver soldier, has never died in defense of a struggling country; nor has a nobler soul ever taken its flight beyond the stars.

          He was a warm personal friend of mine, and his fall I can never cease to lament If there is any information you would like to have concerning him if you will advise me what it is, and I can give it, I will take a pleasure in doing so.

                                                                             Very respectfully,

                                                                             G. W. Gordon, Brig. Gen'1.

                                                                             Cheatham's Division

NOTE:—The copy on the proceeding page was made from a copy of a letter from General G. W. Gordon, of Cheatham's Division, who was Colonel of the llth Tennessee Regiment, at the time of Major Philip Van Horn's Weem's death, who was also of that regiment, and was addressed to Aunt Mary Violetta Weems,— later Mrs. Jas. Andrew Crawford of Alexandria, Louisiana, who had written her cousin, the letter arriving after his death. NOTE:—In all of the copies of letters, following, some data, that was given in the original letter, has been omitted, as it will be found under it's proper heading in the foregoing pamphlet.

COPY

of a letter written by Emily Weems, Washington, D. C.,

May 3, 1932 Dear Douglas:—

          This is only a -note to welcome your letters, which, like Angel's visits seem few and far between, or a voice from the Wilderness,— "c'est une embarras des richesses!" T's fine to hear from you!

          While waiting an opportunity to write a lengthy out-line of our branch of the Weems family in this country, which really begins with old Dr. Loch—etc.—You need some straightening out very much, if I may say, having been studying this subject ever since 1904, and from my close affection and tie with Aunt Nannie, and correspondence with her until her death—you see, Aunt Nannie and Father simply made me become interested since I was about 13, and when Aunt Nannie was with us she constantly talked to me; I have all of her most interesting letters, some of them 20 pages long. I even have a Photo of Constant Pearson, mother of Amelia Chapman! I haunted records of Trenton, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia Court Houses, and have about 10 long Record Books and 7 Copy Books.—1 have accumulated stacks of information, on all sides, which would take me more than a week of hard writing, if I copied, so I will only hit the high spots in this letter. I will take pleasure, my first opportunity to copy for you the most in­teresting things.

          I have Photostat copies of Dr. William Loch's will; his nephew, Dr. James Weems' will; James' son William Loch Weems' will; and his wife Amelia Chapman's long-and very in­teresting WILL. Wm. L. Weems' will to his wife is a very lovely will I, also, had my papers from Aunt Nannie Photostated. I have the original will of Constant Pearson Chapman,—Amelia's mother, given to Father by the great-grand-daughter of Amelia's sister—Elizabeth Hunter, who's sister was engaged to our Uncle Chapman, when he died at Appotomax, Va., during the Civil War.

          Have you a picture of Uncle Rollo or Grandmother Weems? I have one of Grandfather, but it is in storage. Did you know that Father looked after Uncle Rollo like a father, after their home was broken up—that he lived at Chetwoode with Mother and Father until he was married—where he met Cousin Hattie, our first governess? Father gave him this first job as overseer and manager of Coco Bend, and taught him much of his sugar business. He and Father and Aunt Nannie were closer than all the rest We loved him dearly. He loved refinement, and had ideals and standards, consequently, he, Mother and Father had much in common, and Aunt Nannie's entire family.

          In reference to Laurie in your papers: he was more than Agent for Father. He was Vice-President and General Manager of the estate hi Mexico—was there for 15 years of his life, and Courtenay representative in the Mexico City Office, where they did most to bring in that 110% dividend. My brothers are an fine men, I am happy to say. Laurie married a year ago, a very pretty widow, highly educated and charming, and is blissfully happy—he is engaged in business in N. Y. State; Courtenay has a charming wife, also from Milwaukee, who's uncle is President pf Cuban-American, and several other corporations; E. V. Jr. and Laurie still own the farm.—E. V. Jr., is the "salt of the earth," and just like Father. Their adoration of Father and Mother— and Father in his long illness was an inspiration! E. V. Jr. has been in Tennessee for the past two years, in business, and comes home on business every now and then. Father's death was a most beautiful death, and he was conscious to the very last breath, making all the ejaculations of his wonderful faith, and left us with a smile, in his soldier like calm and courage.

          Clara's oldest boy (Logan Owens Jr.) is 16, and a tall, big fellow, and fine Eugene 3rd., going to be tall, and is a peach; little Courtnay, 10 years, is a little beauty. She has the most glorious voice and can dance like an actress—can draw anything she sees, and is as gifted as can be. She is in Sacred Heart Con­vent day school. Florence is fine and is with Mother a great deal. Mother is, as always, 'the grande dame"; wonderful mentally, reads the N. Y. Times every day, and is better informed than any one in the house on European and American politics, etc,, but is as frail as a flower, and I see a great change since Father's •death. For our sake, I fear that she controls her grief more than is good for her. She bids me tell you to keep up your standards, as no one is going to do so for you—that is up to you. Cherish your family memories, but don't let them lead you, as you say, to melancholia! You are, surely, too strong in character for that! We are very fond of Philip (Lt. Comm. P. V. H. Weems, U.S.N.), and his wife and I were over in Prince George County yesterday among the Mullikins for Tea.

          Relative to the Chiltons—Ann Eliza. CHILTON's mother was a Miss Mackall of Georgetown, and her father, COMMADORE CHILTON, according to Aunt Nannie.—Col. John Weems 1st, I am positive was not an officer of the CONTINENTAL Army, but he did act with Chase, Paca, and Carroll to guard Annapolis for one year.—Wm. Loch Weems 1st. had large means-he and his wife drove a "coach and four", so the Will discloses. Gov. Sprigg was advisor to Violetta, after her husband's death, and when Nathaniel died their worldly possessions began to dwindle, but our line, back, had wealth on both sides.—"Mulli­kins Delight" was the burying grounds, of our ancestors for generations—nothing is left now but a few graves, unmarked. Sad, indeed! Am delighted that you have found Deeds to Sunny-side and Forest Home. I would love to have you copy them for me. Some old day I hope to go back to Louisiana and dig in Court Records to my heart's content, and if I ever have any more means, intend to restore every grave of my kith and kin and have them properly marked.

          Hope the information enclosed will assist you in your rami­fications, and that you are well. Please send me a picture of Uncle Rollo some time—an inexpensive one. Oh! How I miss my precious father, as no one knows! We were so congenial, and had so many happy times together.

                                                Well, au revoir, and with much love,

                                                Affectionately     

                                                Emilv     

EXTRACTS:

From: "The Chesapeake Bay Country* 3rd. edition, 1929, by Swepson Earle.

          "On the Patomac, between Pope Creek and Lower Cedar Point (Charles County), located back on a lofty hill, which over­looks the river, is "Mount Republican", which was the original home of the Yates family, etc.,—the house was built in 1792, and is one of the finest types of brick houses standing today in the country, etc.—and large square rooms carrying out the tradition of years gone by, when "Mount Republican" was in the hands of Franklin Weems—etc.—It is said that Weems kept a pack of a hundred foxhounds; had a continuous poker game for forty years; kept his cellar filled with fifty barrels of brandy and best wine; and, in addition, he had a party of young people, three times a week. etc...." (Page 120, Photo page 122.)

          "Located on the Patuxent, about two miles from Marl-borough, is "Billingsley", the old Weems homestead. This estate was purchased from Governor Holyday, in 1740, by Dr. James Weems, father of Colonel John Weems of the Revolutionary War —it is "family legend" that Wm. Loch Weems, son of Dr. James Weems, and Master of Billingsley, was appointed on a committee to keep watch on the British on the Patuxent" (see pamphlet for reference to. public records under heading of Wm. Loch Weems, in foregoing pamphlet). (Page 213, Photo page 198.)

MISS JEAN STEPHENSON IS THE GENEALOGIST WHO IS

WRITING THE HISTORY OF THE WEEMS

FAMILY IN AMERICA.

          Extract from The La. Planter & Sugar Mfg., New Orleans, La., Nov. 18, 1905, p. 326: "The big Oak Lawn place got off (sugar making) last week, etc.—they have had all the troubles that others have had, owing to the weather conditions, labor shortage, etc.—that all of Mr. Weems resourcefulness were neces­sary to overcome—my friend Rollo Weems must have a good strong strain of Scottish in his make-up—etc. He is ably assisted in all departments of the big place, both in field and factory: Oak Lawn fields are splendidly managed by Mr. L. C. Bourgeois, as are the Oxford by Mr. Chaperon. Mr. W. P. Marsh has undisputed sway in the factory, ably assisted by Mr. F. X. Keller—etc.—The office is presided over by Mr. C. G. Rogers, a competent, genial gentleman,—in fact, the whole staff are all a clever, nice, genial lot of gentlemen, whom it is a pleasure to meet.

                                                                   C: (Coffins of "Camperdown")

LETTER WRITTEN BY HONORABLE JOHN WEEMS OF LOCH EDEN, MD.,

IN 1854 TO DR. DAVID G. WEEMS

                             Dr. David C. Weems,

                            Dear Kinsman:

          Your letter dated some months ago, calling on me, as the oldest member of the Weems family remaining^ by many years (now in my 77th year) to give you the most correct statement in my power of the immigration of our ancestors, your great father, Mr. David Weems, and my grandfather Dr. James Weems from Scotland.   I must   apologize truthfully for not sooner acknowledging the receipt of said letter to-wit, that being from home in Baltimore, I believe when it was sent, did not come to my hands until yesterday when, in looking over some papers, I found it, and now sit down to give you as correct an account as my memory wJB permit Historically and traditionally, first I must refer to the:

SCOTCH HERALDRY

Giving the history of the contest between Malcolm and Macbeth for the crown of Scotland—I once had it, but was lost, most likely in the burning of my house in 1839. I have not seen it since, but as well as my memory serves me it is therein represented that in that contest, John, youngest son of MacDuff, who killed Macbeth, behaved with so much chivalry in that contest as to gain from Malcolm, when crowned king of Scotland, the seigniery of an Earl (Earl of Wemyss) with an estate thereto attached, and by way of distinguishing him from other members of the family, the name spelled Wemyss instead of Weems, etc. The youngest son of said Earl, or rather descendant of, married Miss Elizabeth Loch, whose brother, Hon. Dr. Wm. Loch immigrated with the first settlers to Maryland sometime in the 17th century, I think married a Miss Briggs, who died leaving no children. Living to be Quite an old man, returned to Scotland and prevailed upon his sister, the Widow Wemyss, to let her sons David and James return with him to Maryland to inherit his large estate. He re­turned to America about 1720 or 1725 accompanied by his sister with her two sons, and her daughter Williamina. Dr. Wm. Loch, on his estate in Ann Arundel County, Maryland, had built a four storied residence, near the Chesapeake Bay, the bricks were im­ported from England, of which the residence, stable, etc., were built. Sometime thereafter he married a lady 50 years of age, but contrary, no doubt, to expectation, she brought him a son, Wm. Loch, Jr., in her 51st year.

          Dr. Loch had promised his estate to his two nephews—to a certain extent carried out his promise for the said nephews, as a reference to the will placed on the records of Court and County, Maryland will at all times clearly set forth. Your great­ grandfather, being the eldest to his two nephews, etc., received his moiety during the lifetime of mb said uncle, consequently not subject of any contingency. My grandfather, after he com­pleted his studies with his uncle, Dr. Loch, received some funds m cash, with a horse, saddle and bridle, left for the state of Vir­ginia' to seek and make his fortune through his profession. What brought him back to Maryland, I do not remember to have heard, no doubt, his uncle's will may show to some extent the cause of his return. I have never examined the will; My grandfather, however, settled in Calvert County, Maryland, where he married and added to his profession an extensive mercantile business, and after the death of his uncle, Dr. Wm. Loch, was put in posses­sion of and held a certain part of the residue of his estate under his uncle's will to his (my said grandfather's-James Weems) -death, when, by his will, his youngest son, my father, John Weems, became possessed there of until, by the laws of Maryland it was transferred to a certain Wm. Chew, the grandson of Wm. Loch, Jr. The celebrated suit of Chew vs. Weems as reported will explain why and wherefore, etc. The said Wm. Chew, after re­ceiving said property sold it, Loch Eden, and Col. John Weems became the purchaser of it, my father became the purchaser moity, and from him it came to me, and forms part of my present domain: Loch Eden, lying in sight of the Chesapeake Bay, and between Herring Bay and West River. Your great grandfather, Mr. David Weems, aforesaid, the father of Col. Wm. Weems and two other sons, James and Thomas, by his first marriage, and thereafter by a second marriage had a large family, 17 children —sons and daughters. Your grandfather Mr. David Weems, Richard Weems, and Nathan Loch Weems, youngest children and three daughters of whom I know, vis: Mrs. Mudd and Mrs. Moreton. My grandfather, Dr. James Weems had three sons, Wm. Loch Weems, James Weems and John Weems, my father, and also two daughters. The eldest married Mr. Samuel Chew of Calvert County, and left one son who married and went West with his family, to Kentucky, I think, and they are about, some­where, now, I believe, quite wealthy, when last heard from. My grandfather's eldest daughter married Mr. Elsey on the East Shore of Maryland, who, when left a widow without any heir, returned to my father's, in Calvert County, where my grand­father was then living and there also lived until she married a certain Mr. Joseph Sprigg, and had one son, the present ex-Governor Samuel Sprigg, now of Prince George County, and died at his birth, or soon thereafter. My grandfather's eldest son, Wm. Loch Weems, married Miss. Amelia Chapman of Virginia, daugh­ter of Mr. Nathaniel Chapman, who married Miss Constantia Pearson, by whom he had three sons, Nathaniel Chapman Weems, William Loch Weems, and Dr. John Weems, and several daugh­ters, and lived and died at his estate, Billingsley near Upper Marlboro, Prince George County, Maryland. His eldest son, Nathaniel Chapman Weems married Miss Violetta Van Horn of New Jersey, and lived at Billingsley, inherited from his father and where he died leaving four sons and three daughters. Miss Violetta Van Horn was the youngest daughter of Sir. Philip Van Horn, who owned a large estate on the Rariton River, one mile from Elizabethon, N. J., where he built a very handsome residence. His father, a wealthy merchant from Amsterdam, Holland, settled on Wall St., New York. Miss Cornelia Van Horn, the oldest sister of Miss Violetta Van Horn, who married Nathaniel Chapman Weems of Billingsley, married Major Lansdale, who livea and died in Prince George County, adjoining Queen Anne, leaving sons and daughters. Her sister Mary Van Horn married Col. Stephen Moyland of Virginia, had sons and daughters: Their kinsman, Lt Philip Van Horn Lansdale, graduated from tile U. S. Naval Academy in 1877 and was killed in action at Apia, Sanroa, 1 April, 1899. He married a Maryland lady.

          The sister of my grandfather and your great grandfather, Williamina Weems, who with her mother and brothers immi­grated from Scotland to America, married an English gentleman, a Mr. Moore of Moore Hall, and immigrated to the state of New York, and were the parents of the late Bishop of the P. E. Church of that state, and three daughters, one was the wife of General Cadwalleder. The second married Mr. Phineas Bond, the Consul of Great Britain to the United States from the close of the Revolutionary War until his death, somewhere about 1800. The third daughter married a Mr. Ridgley of Dover, Delaware, where the family still reside.

          My dear sir, you can add what you know relative to your great grandfather's family, down to the present generation, no doubt more correctly than myself, from where I have left off for you to carry out.

          My grandfather's second son, James, married twice, both times in Virginia. By his first marriage he left two sons and two daughters, vis: James the eldest son and Dr. Nathaniel Weems of the U. S. Navy. I believe their families have become extinct. One of the daughters married a Mr. Mackall, father of the present Dr. Richard Mackall of Calvert County, who formerly owned and lived at Hamlin Point in said county, his father's homestead—the other daughter married a Mr. Holyday of Prince George County, and left two sons, one of the P. E. Church, and several other sons and daughters; the other married Mr. Thomas Summerville of Prince George County, and had a family of sons and daughters, all highly esteemed and independent—one son, Charles, married a granddaughter of Williamina Moore of New York.

          My grandfather's youngest son, John Weems, my father, Dr. James Weems, having married their mother. Mrs. Crompton, as his fourth wife, we were brought up to call each other brother and sister. After their marriage they built and settled at Weems Forest in Calvert County and had a large family the eldest Dr. James Weems, who after serving through­out the entire Revolutionary War as physician and surgeon, sailed with a large number of others for England, Scotland and France, and was never heard of afterwards, ship, passengers, or crew. The oldest daughter, Mary, married the Reverend Dr. Charles H. Wharton, and died at an advanced age, without heirs. Sarah Ann Weems, his second daughter married a Mr. Philip Thomas of West River, and after moved and settled at Rock-land on the Susquehanna River, where they both died, leaving several sons and daughters, all deceased except one, Mrs. Boies, now residing in Wilmington, Delaware. Their oldest son, Philip Thomas married a Miss Dudlow of N. Y. City, both deceased, leaving two sons and three daughters, the most of them living.

          My brother, Wm. Loch Weems, six years my senior, married a Miss Kensey, a daughter of Chief Justice Kinsey of N. J., he and his wife both deceased, leaving two sons only, who inherited and reside at Weems Forest: Kinsey and Charles Wharton Weems, and each have large families. John Weems, as aforesaid, some three years after the death of my mother, married a Miss Miller of Philadelphia, in about eight months she died, and three years after he married a Miss Lee of Blenheim, Charles County, Maryland, who also died in 18 months, and some three years after he married a Miss Gala, by whom he had several children, and with them in 1812, emigrated to Louisville, Ky., or near that place, where he died, leaving three sons and four daughters, all deceased, I believe, except one son, George Washington Weems, my half-brother, now residing with a large family, three sons and four daughters, as a commission merchant in the City of Baltimore, Md. I, John Crompton Weems, the youngest son of my mother, having married Elizabeth, the eldest daughter of John Lee Webster of Hartford Co., Md., deceased about the year 1796. Our children, 14,8 sons and 6 daughters: John W. Weems, my eld­est son, died a few years since, in Natchez, Miss., leaving a widow with two sons and three daughters, now all residing in Baltimore, also Dr. Stephen H. Weems, my second son, late U. S. Consul to Guatemala, and for many years, until egregiously insulted, broken up, and ruined by a revolutionary army in that country, and since brought home by an appropriation from Congress, with his wife and three children, with his entire earnings of 16 years all destroyed and swept from him, and without reparations being made, by either the State of Guatemala or the U. S., to the ever­lasting disgrace of the U. S. Government; my third son Alexander Wilmington Weems, a bachelor residing in La., on Cornish Island; my son Frank Weems lives with me and has charge of all my estate and my business; one daughter, Elizabeth, married Mr. Estep Tillard, within a few miles of our home here, who lost their first son, Edward, taken home to his God, too lovely to be spared to his earthly parents any longer, and since his death, God has been pleased to supply his place to them by another lovely son, John W. Tillard, who I trust, God will be good enough to spare to them, unless by so doing he would be thereby lost to himself; there are four daughters remaining at home, one daughter, Martha P. Weems, died some years ago, the other daughters died in early childhood.

                                                          JOHN CROMPTON WEEMS,

                                                          Master of "Loch Eden".

Note:—Miss. Francis Weems, daughter of Hon. John Crompton Weems, the author of the above letter, married Mr. McPherson, a prominent lawyer of Georgetown, D. C., and resides there in their elegant residence, had a son and daughter by this marriage, which was Mr. McPherson's second marriage. His first wife, who was a relative of his second wife, was the mother of three chil­dren. Miss. Mary Horton Weems, daughter of Hon. J. C. Weems, died at an advanced age, Nov. 17, 1900.

Note:—As will be seen by the following copy of a letter from Lt.-Commander Philip Van Horn Weems, U. S. Navy, himself a mem­ber of the Sons of the American Revolution, Am. Legion, etc., written from the Hydrographic Office, Navy Dept, Washington, D. C., 10 Apr. 1932, to Douglas A. Weems, Alexandria, La.,—the descendants of William Loch Weems 1st., of Billingsley, Upper Marlboro, Prince George County, Md., (see quotation under heading of Wm. Loch Weems, 1st., this pamphlet) are eligible to membership in the Sons or Daughters of the American Revolu­tion; some (for Louisiana, see Records of La. Confederate Soldiers and La. Con'fd. Commands) are eligible to United Daughters of the Confederacy, and other Southern organiza­tions; and may are members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Copy of the letter:—

Dear Mr. Weems:—

          Your letter of Apr. 5th. is at hand, and I am glad to be able to enclose some data of interest to you. I request mat you return the enclosed application to me when you have finished with it. If you note any errors, or can supply further information, kindly pencil it on the application for my future use, I am uncertain of some of the dates.

          You will note that you and I are fairly close kin. Dr. Nathaniel Chapman Weems, who went to Louisiana, was a brother of my great-grandfather, William Loch Weems, who moved to Tennessee about 1825.

          I have had the pleasure of meeting the family of the late Eugene Van Horn Weems, since I came here last Fall. Cousin Emily has mentioned your name to me.

          I trust you will have no trouble in having your application accepted. The fact that our forefathers, William Loch Weems, was a Committeeman for carrying into execution the acts of the Continental Congress, is an especially good record.

          I would like to know the military record of our forefather, Nathaniel Chapman Weems, (of Billingsley) son of the first William Loch. I know that he was in the Revolutionary War, and that he married Violetta Van Horn from New Jersey, because I have seen a record of his having received payment for services, yet, I do not know in what capacity he served.

          It is delightful to make your acquaintance by mail, and I hope we may meet in person, some day.

                                                                             Yours very truly,

                                                                             P. V. H. WEEMS,

                                                                             Lt-Commander, U. S. Navy

          See "Who's Who in Government, 1930 edition": "Weems, Philip Van Horn, Lieutenant-Commander, U. S. Navy; born 29 Mar. 1889, Turbine, Montgomery County, Tennessee, son of Joseph Burch and Mary Elizabeth (Rye) Weems; U. S. Naval Acad. Annapolis, Maryland, graduated 1912, Comm.-Ensign 1912, Lieu­tenant 1915, Lieutenant-Commander 1918; holds Master's and Chief Engineer's license, merchant marine, on all oceans; author of several technical books on marine and aerial navigation, in­ventor of a navigator's watch, etc.; was a member of the Ameri­can Olympic Team, wrestling, Antwerp, Belgium, 1920;" at pres­ent attached to the hydrographic survey and stationed in Wash­ington, D. C.

He married Margaret Thackray, 31 Aug. 1915, of New York City, and is the father of Philip Van Horn Weems, Jr., born 21 July 1916, Margaret Thackray Weems, born 27 Jan. 1918, and George Thackray Weems, born Jan. 5,1921.

Letter from Mrs. Nannie M. C. Pearse, Ennis, Texas

COPY

Colonel John Weems resided at Loch Eden, and his son Hon. John Crompton Weems inherited the family seat, married and resided at Loch Eden. I have heard my father say, that, with the furniture imported when our ancestors came over from Scotland, Widow Weems with her children, two sons, David and James, and one daughter, Williamina. They brought a large secretary in which all papers were kept, which had private and secret depart­ments, where were many valuable relics, among the papers a complete tree of the Loch family and Weems, which were nighly valued by the owners of Loch Eden, and were all lost when Loch Eden was destroyed by fire. The family was absent when the fire occurred, and everything was lost, as told by my father, who left Maryland for Louisiana in 1825 or 30, and 1835 returned and married Miss. Anne E. C. Mullikin, my mother. Their summers were spent in Maryland for many years, until the death of my grandfather—-my mother's father, Wm. B. Mullikin, who lived on his plantation in Prince George County, Maryland. My father's sister, Mrs. Mary Mullikin, Mrs. Violetta Wilson, and Miss. Cornelia Weems lived in the same neighborhood—a regular correspondence was kept up with our near relatives during the fife of our parents, and I still correspond with my father's nieces in Prince George County: Miss. Corrie Mullikin and Mrs. Cor­nelia Ash.

WILLIAMINA WEMYSS MOORE, conspicuous among the aristocratic beauties of Philadelphia, were ladies of the Cadwalleder family,—from Williamina Moore of Moore Hall, Penn­sylvania to Lady Archibald Campbell in modern England is a step of more than a century and a half, yet the comeliness of the one may be traced back in a direct line to the other. The Philadelphia branch of the Moores is descended from John Moore, Kings' col­lector of the Port of Philadelphia, who died in i732, leaving numerous children, Daniel, the sixth child of John Moore was sent to England to be educated at Oxford, became distinguished as a member of Parliament, and his daughter, Francis, in 1770 mar­ried the celebrated Thomas Erskine, afterwards Lord High Chan­cellor of Great Britain; another son of John Moore was Wm. Moore of Moore Hall, whose estate lay on the banks of the Schuylkill, about 25 miles from Philadelphia, above Valley Forge;—he was born in 1699 and educated at Oxford, and on his return to America in 1722, married Williamina Wemyss, whose grandparents were David, Earl of Wemyss, who was made Lord High Admiral of Scotland by Queen Anne, and (daughter of) Lady Ann Douglass, daughter of William, first Earl of Queens-bury. Mrs. Moore was named Williamina in honor of William of Orange. Her handsome face and aristocratic bearing, even at that period, made her remarkable, when courtliness and charm went hand in hand, and she was the first of a long line of Eng­lish and American beauties. Williamina Moore died in 1784, one year after the death of her husband. Upon his death the family removed to Philadelphia, and was thenceforward identified with that city. The family seat was still standing in 1880, the portrait shows Williamina in all her radiant youth, sparkling wit, yet imperious beauty, in her page's hat and feather, with her long silken train depending from her dimpled and beautiful rounded shoulders, she looks like a high born heroin of Shakespearian comedy—some Rosalind or Beatrice, all fire and spirit, restliness barely under control, like Rosalind, too, she was an exiled princess, for she and her two brothers had left Scotland because of their father's friendship for the Stuarts,—even to the death, God and King is her watchword, and that brilliant face is a mask that concealed a brain full of State secrets and Court intrigue. She was one that could carry cipher dispatches sown in the gay riding hat of hers to "Charlie Over the Water", and think it was no harm to hoodwink his enemies by a gay laugh and merry jest —the time in, both, the old world and the new demanded that women should be brave, and her loving husband says of her, in his will: "that was never frightened by the rude rabble or dismayed by the insolent threats of the ruling powers"—and never was character better shown in the face than in this portrait of a Scot's Earl's daughter, transplanted to Colonial shores. The original portrait was destroyed long ago but the engraving which had been made from it was fortunately preserved. . Hardy, indeed, would be the man who should deny Williamina Bond to beauty, Williamina Wemyss Moore's grand-daughter— the fair young lady of the blended rose, which looks out of the printed page with a gay and spiritual and high bred air as that .she wore a hundred years ago, when 66 mirrors gave back the reflection of her delicate loveliness in the pink and blue ball room designed by poor Major Andre, wept for in secret a little later, by all the beauties who had shared the pleasures of his "meschiauza. .The lady of the blended rose became in 1779, the wife of General Cadwalleder, a delightful step-mother to his three daughters; Francis Cadwalleder, daughter of Gen John Cadwalleder, was .destined to carry back to bonnie Scotland the beauty brought hence a hundred years before by her grandmother Williamina Wemyss Moore. It had not lost by the sojourn in America soil, when Francis Cadwalleder, at 17, married David Montague Erskine, Secretary of Legation at Washington. He was the son of that Thomas Erskine, Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain, who had married Francis Moore, daughter of Daniel Moore and brother of Win. Moore of Moore Hall, he was con­nected by blood and married the fair daughter of the house of Cadwalleder, and a handsome, stately and youthful couple. They are as Gilbert Stewart painted than in his best manner, and with a love that was quite personal,—they are not yet *my Lord and my Lady", but confident that all dignify and honor will be one day theirs. It was not until 1823 that the young beauty came into her title, by the death of her father-in-law, but her husband had already been minister to the United States and Wurttemberg, and then her very proper pride and pretty person must needs have been gratified by the admiration of courts, then forward this branch of the Cadwalleder families were identified, with England and Scotland. Mrs. Wm. Cadwalleder passed the last years of her life in England. Gilbert Stuart seemed to have been inspired with a paternal tenderness in painting the portrait of Lady Erskine, the school girl bride, at once proud of her new position, tremendously dignified, very proper and trying not to be shy 'or self conscious, appealing to the painter's sense of fatherliness as well as to his gratification in having such a piece of aristo­cratic daintiness to put on canvass. With what a grateful touch are the many curls rendered! How beautifully the white throat and breast are modeled! The girlish muslin gown is made a .robe of state by her painter's treatment. The color of the original pictures bears further evidence of the artist's courtly dignified and simple methods-^as appropriate to the youthful beauty, and baby stateliness on the subject. Stuart painted two other por­traits of Lady Erskine, but is doubtful at any time has better

depicted this charming type of the nicest English and American social breeding, combined in the graceful presence of a young girl’

Lady Erskine's daughter Jane Plumer Erskine carried all the charms of her American ancestors into another generation; she became Mrs. James Henry Callendar, and up to the time of her death in 1846, was regarded as one of the beauties of Eng­lish society. She left three daughters, who are placed under the guardianship of the Duke of Argyie. The youngest of these daughters, Jane Seville Callendar married in 1869, Lord Archi­bald Campbell, second son of her guardian, and brother of the Marquis of Lome. Lady Archibald Campbell is considered by many persons the most beautiful woman in England. Who shall say how much of her beauty has come down from great-great-great Grandmother Williamina Wemyss of Moore Hall, Penn­sylvania? Something of the same temperament distinguished both these beauties, the world of art knows Lady Campbell, through her open air rendering of Shakespearian comedy at Combe Priory, and her interpretation of Orlando in "As You like It" There is a subtle application of heredity between the modern English beauties, daring enough to wear a man's habiliments upon a woodland stage, and Prince Charlie, follower in cavalier’s hat Blood tells even after one hundred and fifty years. In Or­lando, affixing to the great trees of the Combe library his love sick sonnet to his Rosalind of Williamina Wemyss woo'd by her Orlando in the primeval glades along the Schuylkill River for human hearts change, not with centuries. Shakespeare foresaw that young love would blossom where ever flowers grow and woods are green.

                                                         ANNE M. C. (WEEMS) PEARCE

A humorous pick-up from: Biographical and Historical Memoirs

of North Western Louisiana, published 1890 by Southern

Publishing Co. Memphis & Chica.

The first session of a civil court in Louisiana outside New Orleans since the close of the Civil War, was opened in Shreve-port (La.) Aug. 21,1865, by Judge Weems. A few days prior to this, R. W. McWilliams shot and killed a colored sergeant, and was at once arrested by the military authorities. In September 1866, Judge Weems was brought before the Freedman's Bureau at Shreveport, charged with trying John Gaines in Belleview, for horse stealing, in violation of the rules of the Bureau. Thos. Callahan, the Ass't Superintendent of the Bureau was to repri­mand the Judge, but did not inflict any punishment The Sheriff, Mr. Alden was arrested, as well as the Judge, by the provost-marshal, C. R. Berry of Bossier Parish, but the Bureau was not inclined to push the prosecution to extremes. Two negros discussing this affair on the streets of Shreveport, spoke as follows: "Look 'ere, Bill, de buro done put de cote in jail!—What dat for, John — Case de cote fringed on a rogative of de buro by putting a nigger in de jail fo hoss stealing.—Golly! sarves de cote right! Dam pretty joke, dat, set a nigger free, den put him in jail for stealing a hoss! Somehow or nudder, de white folks don't know what freedom am!

          S. M. Chapman and R. E. Joslyn were admitted to the bar in Aug. 1865 and James J. Weems presides over the Tenth District, (p. 17) on Jan. 27,1868 "Special Order 203" was entered and court opened by Judge Weems.

In Apr. 1872 the death of Judge Weems was recorded. NOTE:—Aunt Mary has told me of Judge Weems, and as I understand, he was a first cousin of Grandfather: Dr. N. C. Weems of Forest Home.

                                                                                                D. A. W.

EXTRACT

From Munsey's Magazine of about 1905

The Earl of Wemyss (Lord Elcho):—The present Lord Wemyss is closely related to the famous Lord Lucan, who made the immortal charge of the "Six Hundred" at Balaklava. He did not succeed to the peerage until his father's death in 1883; but with the courtesy title of Lord Elcho, he entered the House of Commons when he was only twenty-three. There he helpd Sir Robert Peel in his attack on the corn laws, and he served as lord of the treasury while the Earl of Aberdeen was prime minister, from 1852 to 1855. Later when Lord Russell's government brought in the reform bill of 1866, Lord Elcho was one of the Whigs who took part in the secession which became historical—Lord Derby, who thereupon became prime minister, offered a cabinet position to Lord Elcho, who did not accept it—He was most famous, how­ever for the part he played in leading and organizing the so-called "volunteer" movement, which has had an immense influence in making Englishmen feel secure against any possible invasion. This volunteer movement began when Louis Napoleon became Emperor of the French, after the bloody scenes of the '"coup d* etat". England, and indeed all Europe still remembered the great Napoleon. It was universally believed that the successor to his name and throne would try to carry out the policies of his illus­trious uncle, and would inflict a bloody and disastrous revenge on the powers that had sent the first Napoleon into exile.—The events of history have proved that this forecast was rather shrewd. Napoleon did make war on Russia, Austria, and Prussia, etc.— The English military establishment had rusted through long years of peace—The Duke of Wellington, grown old and not open to new ideas, opposed all changes in the army—it was then that Lord Elcho began the agitation for an army of volunteers—and into this movement Lord Elcho threw himself with the greatest energy.—Since then, volunteers well officered and fairly disciplined have been a great source of confidence to the people of Great Britain. They proved their value during the Boer War of 1899-1902, in which some of the best fighting was done by the volun­teers—they were in a sense the creation of Lord Elcho, long be­fore he became the Earl of Wemyss.

          Lord Wemyss—whose name, by the way, is pronounced as if it were spelled "Weems",—has several castles and county seats in both England and Scotland, and as a landlord he possesses more than sixty thousand acres.—He is still active as a statesman, etc.,

          Although ninety years old, he is erect and tall, keen of eye, and resonant of voice. In London, he lives in a house which overlooks St. James Park, and which is crowded with rare books, fine paint­ings, and other works of art. A correspondent, who lately visited him, asked how he preserved so much of youthful vigor. "I have no recipe for living to be ninety", Lord Wemyss replied with a smile; "'the most important things are parentage and moderation. To be sure, it is no easy thing to select one's parents; but what one can do at every period of life is to keep on and hold to what one believes to be exactly right. That is the most important of all."

"We must remember, too, that the world is still in its infancy of discovery and invention. I began life with tallow dips, and am ending it with electric lights, etc.—etc.—when I first went from Scotland to Oxford, where the earl spent his undergraduate days at Christ Church—"the journey took forty-eight hours, which were passed in a stuffy box of a stage-coach, from which they let us out two or three times a day to feed. Now I get into a train.

NOTE

The above mentioned earl was a kinsman of the noted British admiral, Sir Rosslyn Wemyss, who, during the World War was Admiral of the British Near Eastern Fleet operating in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea in support of Allenby's British Army in Palestine, and the famous "'Lawrence of Arabia". Later he was Lord High Admiral of the British Navy, and as such offi­ciated, representing the allied Navies, as did General Ferdinand Foch, the Allied Armies, at the German Surrender. Admiral Von Tirpitz of the German navy, objected to the surrender, or rather delivery to the allies the German Fleet, with the statement; "Why surrender our fleet without a fight?" Sir Rosslyn Wemyss reply: "You only had to come out to fight!", is historical.

Note

William Loch Weems HI of Tennessee, 1792-1853, married three times. By his first wife, Elizabeth Taylor Burch, he was the father of Joseph and Nathaniel and a daughter, Elizabeth; by his second wife, Ann Burchett, daughter of Col. Burchett of Virginia, he was the father of Major Philip Van Horn Weems of the 11th Tennessee Regiment, Confederate States Army, Com­manded by Colonel, later Brigadier-General G. W. Gordon, and was killed in battle before Atlanta, Ga. The present Lt-Commander Philip Van Horn Weems, U. S. Navy, is a grandson of Nathaniel, and great-grand-son of William Loch Weems III of Tennessee.

          In presenting this pamphlet, it was not my intention to give the complete history of the descendants of the "Immigrants", which is being done by our cousins, Emily, daughter of Eugene Van Horn Weems I, and  Lt. Comm. Philip Van Horn Weems U. S. Navy, (—see Who's Who in Government, 1930 edition, Published by The Biographical Research Bureau Co. 460 W_k 34 St., N. Y.) to both of whom I am greatly indebted for much valuable data, but to give an authentic and concise delinea­tion, with only a few deviations of sufficient interest as to warrant their inclusion, the direct lineage from Lady Betty "Immigrant" to the descendants of Dr. Nathaniel Chapman Weems n, of Forest Home Plantation—only an adjunct to the complete, authentic history being compiled by the two above mentioned historians of our family.

          I am indebted, also, to the following: copy of a letter written by Hon. John Crompton Weems, Master of Loch Eden, and grand­son of Dr. James Weems I, the "Immigrant"; copy of a letter written Aug. 10, 1896, by our relative, Rachel Reynolds; copy of a letter by our Aunt Nannie-Anne M. C. (Weems)—Mrs. Pearce, in her generation, historian of our family; letters to me from many of our relatives; original records, one dated 1832, that were among my father's papers, now in my possession; official records of Rapides Parish, State of Louisiana, and the U. S. Land Office, Opelusas, La., and last, but not least, remembrance of the many interesting statements made to me by my father, Uncle Genie, Aunt Mary, and many other well posted members of the "Grand Old Generation" that is now gone.

          Those desiring more detailed and specific information than can be given in a work of the nature of this pamphlet, are advised that valuable data may be obtained from our relatives of the Pearson, Chapman, Van Horn, Mullikin, Rickett, Chilton, Bowie, and Wells families, and possibly from the Burges, Ransdell, and Hunter families.

          Trusting that this may be of some small interest to those of my generation, and of some value to those that are to come, I beg to be remembered, as,

                                                                   Your sincere relative,

                                                                   DOUGLAS WEEMS

APPENDIX

The following pages are added to the original manuscript The illustrations on page 43 facing this page include photos i all eligible male descendants of Joseph Burch Weems and mj Elizabeth (Rye) Weems plus one grand-daughter. All of their are in active service in World War IL

Pages 44 and 45 are reproduced from a folder on the Weems Educational Fund. These pages include both recent and olde genealogical data.

Pages 46 and 47 is the constitution of the Weems Educational Fund, prepared by Judge Joe. B. Weems. This revolvini fund is legally set up to permit contributions to be deducted fron income tax. All members of the family, as well as friends of the family, are urged to utilize the provisions of this fund. To dafe more than $22,000 has been paid into the fund, and it is tht policy of the Trustees to give loans to worthy boys and girls whether or not they are members of the family.

Pages 48-51 inclusive is a reproduction of the will of our immigrant forefather, Dr. James Weems, on which a substantial part of this book is based. An official copy of this will was given to Dr. Magruder of Annapolis as an example of the old Maryland wills. Dr. Magruder was considerate enough to give it to the undersigned, a direct descendant of Dr. James Weems.

Page 52 is a reproduction of the Wemyss Coat of Arms. This and the page devoted to the ORIGIN OF THE NAME AND TITLE, page 4, which connects the American branch of the family to Scotch noblemen should not mislead members of our immediate family. In the first place we are far removed from our Scottish forebears, while we are very close to and are in­fluenced by our immediate parents and surroundings. It is rather for us to strive to be a credit to our forefathers.

                                                                             P .H. V. WEEMS.

All To Whom These Presents Shall Come, Greetings:

HE DESCENDANTS of the late Joseph Butch Weems, Sr., and Bessie Rye Weems of Turbine, Tennessee, are their children, Mrs. Violetta Weems Slayden, of Waverly, Tennessee; Thomas N. Weems, of Model,' Tennessee: Joe B. Weems, of Dickson, Tennessee; Lieutenant Commander P. V. R Weems, of Annapolis, Maryland; Colonel G. H. Weems. of the U. S. Army; John C Weems, of Southside, Tennessee, and their children and grandchildren.

          There exists in these descendants such an interest and affection as was taught them by the said descendants' parents, and there is a desire on the part of the children of the said Joseph Birch Weems, Sr., and Bessie Rye Weems. to encourage and guarantee as far as possible a happy and useful life among the present and future descendants, and others; and believing that proper education is the best way to insure happiness and usefulness, we desire to provide for aid and assistance to those of the young descendants and others who are not financially able to secure the proper preparation for a more useful life.

          With these sentiments in mind, Colonel G. H. Weems, of the U. S. Army, has in the past provided considerable aid to several younger members of the family, and now other adult members of the family desire to join with Colonel Weems in a move to make further and addi­tional provision for aid to other descendants now living, and those as yet unborn.

          THEREFORE. We, Mrs. Violetta Weems Slayden, Thomas N. Weems, Joe B. Weems. Lieut. Comdr. P. V. H. Weems. Col. G. H. Weems, and John C. Weems, do thereby contribute each the ram of $1.00 and such sums of money and properties as we may desire.

          We do hereby transfer and convey unto William M. Slayden, of Waverly, Tennessee; John Newell Weems. of Model Tennessee: James A. Weems, of Dickson, Tennessee; George T. Weems. of Annapolis. Maryland; Miss Elizabeth Weems, of Southside, Tennessee, and S. G. Robertson, President of the First National Bank of Dickson, Tennessee, as Trustees of the fund herein set up, the said funds herein contributed, and all other funds, and property of every kind which may be added thereto.

The said fund herein set up shall be known as the G. H. Weems Educational Fund, and the above named trustees, and their successors as hereinafter provided, shall be the Board of Trustees of the G. H. Weems Educational Fund. They shall bold, administer, and use said trust funds subject to the terms, provisions, regulations, and restrictions herein set forth.

1.

The site of said trust for the present shall be Dickson, Tennessee.

2.

          At any time the trustees or their successors shall deem it advisable, this trust may be incorporated under the laws of whatever state they may desire, but at all tines the situs of said trust shall be at some point within the State of Tennessee.

3.

          Upon the death, resignation, or refusal to act, on the part of any member of said Board of Trustees, the vacancy thereby created will be filled by an election to be held by the remaining members of said Board of Trustees, it being die intention and purpose to create by das instrument a self-perpetuating trust.

4.

          The Board of Trustees shall have the power to accept, as contributions any property, real, personal, or mixed, and such property may be retained, used, converted, or sold for the purposes and under the limitations herein provided, and die Trustees may convey in any manner and for any purpose they deem proper for the purposes herein set forth by resolutions of said Board and by the signature of the chairman and secretary of said trust.

5.

The main purpose of the trust is to loan die funds that may come into its hands to descendants of Joseph Birch Weems, Sr.. and Bessie Rye Weems. and others as determined by the Board of Trustees, for educational purposes and cultural assistance. Promissory notes will be taken for any loans so made, and in making said loans, the Board of Trustees will, by preparing by-laws, rules and regulations, fix the terms upon which said loans are made, including the rate of interest; but all loans shall be made so as to reach the result that no loan shall be barred by the Statute of Limitations and they shall be continuously held against the borrowers until they arc paid. Said notes shall contain the provision that the loans are made exclusively upon the honor of the maker, and no action at law shall be taken upon them during the life of the borrower. Said notes may be taken to mature on or before the death of the maker, but may be filed as a claim against the estate of any deceased borrower as may any other liability of said estate.

6.

In the event there are surplus funds the Trustees may invest them as they see fit, and in making said investments they are authorized to make loans to deserving boys or girls who are not members of the family for educational purposes.

As to what constitutes educational or cultural purposes as herein used is left to the judg­ment of the Board of Trustees.

7.

The depository for said funds for the present and until changed by order of the trustees shall be the First National Bank of Dickson, Tennessee.

          The President of said Bank, being a member of the Board of Trustees, shall be for the present the secretary and treasurer of said trust funds, and shall execute such bond as may be required by the Board of Trustees, the cost of which bond shall be paid from the trust funds.

          The Trustees shall fix annually the compensation for the secretary and treasurer.

8.

          In order to perpetuate the purposes of this trust, additional funds will be needed from time to rime and it is made the duty of the trustees to solicit and encourage contributions from members of the family currently and by bequests in their testaments.

9.

          The Board of Trustees may at any time designate any other person as a trustee to serve as secretary and treasurer and may designate any other suitable institution as depository.

10.

The Trustees shall further organize by electing a chairman and vice-chairman whose duties will be set forth in any rules, regulations, or by-laws as may be promulgated by the said Board of Trustees.

11.

          The said Board of Trustees shall also designate one member as a biographer, whose duties it will be to keep the biographical records of the family.

12.

          The terms of office of those herein named js trustees will expire from the date of this instrument as follows: Win. M. Slayden, two years; John Newell Weems, four years; James A. Weems, six years; George T. Weems, eight years; Elizabeth Weems, ten years. But there is no limitation as to the number of times they may be reelected as successors, but in al) elections, The term will be ten (10) years.

          The term of office of the President of the First National Bank will be continuous until this provision of this instrument may be changed by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Trustees.

13.

          The Board of Trustees herein named will meet annually at Dickson, Tennessee, in the month of August or December in each year, unless said meeting may be fixed at some other place or time by resolution of the Board of Trustees.

          In the event any members of the Board of Trustees should be absent, they may be represented at said Board Meeting by proxy, and in said proxy may give full instructions as to their desires, and their expressed desires in said proxy will be voted on any matter set forth therein as instructed.

14.

          Those of us setting up this trust, not being able to anticipate what situations may arise or what will be most needed in the future, provide that the terms and conditions set forth in this instrument may be changed or amended upon the two-thirds vote of the Board of Trustees, provided that the main purposes set forth in Section 5 are retained in the amended form.

This instrument shall bear the date of January 1, 1939.

                                      mrs. violktta weems slayden,

                                      thomas N. weems,

                                      joe B. weems,

                                      leiut. comdr. P. V. H. weems,

                                      col. G. H. weems. john C weems. .