Hi George,

In my initial research to identify WWB, I came across the WWB who was born in Camden, Miss and dies 1866. But this WWB is not "my" WWB who was born in Mecklenburg County, NC in 1836 and died 1900. ( I have a letter from him to his nephew--thefather of WWB's living great nephew Rev William A. McAuley and the owner of the letters-- written in 1899 before his wife Sallie died in 1899.) She is Sallie Walker Beard b. 3.19.1845 d. 9.21.1899. He dies 7.21.1900. Both are buried in Yocona Cemetery, Lafayette County. She is listed in find-a-grave, but he is not. Yet a genealogy friend has located him in the same cemetery.

My research also shows he mustered into the AP Hill's Camden Rifles 18th Co G in Madison County. this AP is Albert Potts Hill. He is older brother to Daniel Harvey Hill. there is a connection of these Hill brothers to Mecklenburg Cty also and may be the reason WWB joined this co. while he was overseer on a plantation near Edwards. I believe he worked for Mr. john Robb. DH was a math professor at Davidson College where the Beards received mail and where WWB sent his to his parents and siblings. It is likely the Beards knew DHH and possibly even APH, since his middle name Potts was a prominent one in northern Meck Co. And there was probably a family connection between APH and possibly even WWB some kin to the Potts family. Oh and BTW, the reason for the Camden Rifles is, I think, because the Hills came from Camden, SC. But APH might also have been connected to Camden Miss. Too detailed for my book.

At any rate, let me ponder his record and may I ask you other questions if I am not clear about some sequences or info? i will coordinate also with WWB's letters.

thank you so much,

Virginia