Jordan with Martha Neal Dennis at Jordan's Journey lecture in LaFayette, GA
Jordan M. Scoggins and Martha Neal Dennis at the Jordan’s Journey lecture, LaFayette-Walker Public Library, 4 Jun 2012

Back in 2012, when I did the Jordan’s Journey lectures in Walker and Chattooga Counties (Georgia), Martha Neal Dennis was one of the many people who came out to see me. Mrs. Dennis is a blood cousin of mine–we both grew up in Armuchee Valley and descend from the same Keown family–though I never knew her before that day at my lecture.

Mrs. Dennis attended my lecture after seeing the announcement in the Walker County Messenger. She recognized my name from many years earlier. You see, I participated in a Daughters of the American Revolution ceremony when I was a young boy to honor some of my ancestors. My name had been listed in the program from that ceremony, and Mrs. Dennis, an active DAR member, was also there. The day of my lecture, she brought that program–from some 20 years earlier–to show me.

Here’s a photo from that ceremony. It had taken place in Chapman Cemetery in West Armuchee.

Me posing with the wreath I placed at William Jack Chapman’s grave at the dedication of his Civil War marker in 1991
Jordan M. Scoggins posing with the wreath he placed at William Jack Chapman’s grave at the dedication of his Civil War marker in 1991

The photo at the top of the page is of Mrs. Dennis and me on the day of my lecture. We’re holding the program from the DAR ceremony.

Mrs. Dennis died on 30 Jan 2014. She was 99 years old. I hope to last as long and be as active as she was! Her obituary is a fascinating read.

Rest In Peace, Cousin Martha.

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