In transcribing the letters contained in this section, an effort has been made to retain the original spelling and
punctuation.
The two following letters to Margie Hybart (157), daughter of John Hugh Hybart (15), who lived in Pike County,
Alabama, have been made available by her granddaughter, Maxine Griggs Hoff (157 73). Not long after these letters were
written, Margie married Lewis J. Griggs and moved to Bell's Landing (Monroe County, Alabama) where they were living
with their three year old daughter when the 1880 census was taken. They later moved to Texas.
The letters were written by Nancy (Nannie) Jane Grace and Martha Alabama (Bama) Grace, daughters of Agrippa and
Elizabeth (Davison) Grace. He was a deacon in the Bell's Landing Presbyterian Church. He was listed as paralyzed in the
1880 census. This probably accounts for the statement in Nannie Grace's letter that "Ma has got a cotten patch. I have been
helping her..."
Martha Alabama Grace married Evander B. Finklea on 25 November 1877 at her father's home in Monroe County.
She was born 30 August 1853, died 7 August 1880 and is buried in the McCants (also called McCarty) cemetery in Wilcox
County. Nancy J. Grace was born 16 March 1857, died 26 November 1925, and is buried in the cemetery at Oak Hill in
Wilcox County. She married John Patton Grace on 3 September 1879 at Bell's Landing.
Mentioned in the letters are "your cousins Nettie & Annie". Nettie was Mariah Antoinette McCall (114) and Annie was
Ann Hybart (113)--both daughters of Henry Hugh and Charity {Bethea} Hybart (11). Mrs. McCall was the mother of Jimmie
McCall (114 1). She died in 1920 and is still remembered as "Aunt Nettie McCall" by descendents of her brother William
L. Hybart (111). This reinforces the belief that John Hugh Hybart (15) of Pike County and Henry Hugh Hybart (11) of
Monroe County were brothers.
Also mentioned is Miss Alice, thought to be Cornelia Alice Hybart (158), daughter of John Hugh Hybart (15). She
married James Jordan Griggs in Pike County on 11 November 1877.
Henry is no doubt Henry Hugh Hybart (111 2), who married Jane Calhoun Posey in Monroeville on 28 February 1872.
She was the daughter of James Willis and Mary E. (Rutledge) Posey. Charles Posey, aged 12, was living in their household
in 1870 and is likely the Charlie Posey mentioned in the letter.
Saturday Morning, July 11th, 1874
Dear Margie,
I have been promising you in ever letter that Nannie would write to you-that I was going to write; I know
you think I am a long time about it--Nannie always writes all the news to you. I often think of you & modest little Alice what
a nice time we had, the day I spent at Mrs. Mcall's. You must come back & we will take another 4 Dollar Ride. I often
think of that ride & laugh about it - was a good thing it turn out as well as it did. Oh! when I reflect back to the pleasant
time we had, and to think that poor Charlie Posey is no more. Give my love to Alice & tell her she must come to see us
again, give my best respects to Mr. Griggs when you see him & tell him I would like very much to see him, & take another
Buggie Ride.
Give my kindes regards to you Pa & tell him I like him very much, because he likes dancing. I am going to do as he said--
enjoy muself. I have not seen any of your cousin Nettie's family but I heard they have been sick. Oh! it is raining very hard
today. I am so fraid the worms will eat up the cotton. I hear a good deal of talk of then now-I will cease writing as I have
a dress to finish today. You must write soon.
Your devoted Friend Bama G.
* * * *
Bells Landing, July 11, 1874
Dear Margie,
I was made Happy a short time since by the arrival of you sweet missile. And I will hasten ... I have no news
of interest to write. We are having plenty of rain at the present. It is as raining very hard all day. The grass is about to take
the crops down here. I saw you Cousin Jimmie McCall last week he said he was going to have a Picnic as soon as he got
through with the grass. Bam told him that we would get out and help him to get through. I wish you could come down and
be here then. My Claiborne sweet-heart is coming up then and one of my Cousins I will him be you for sweet-heart. I will
tell you his name when you come to see us again. You must be sure and come with your Brother & Mr. Cox. When they
come I will not go to Claiborne any more until I see Mr. Cox. Tell Miss Alice I thought she was jokin when she said Mr.
Griggs was going to married. I was sure was surprised when you said she said she was not going to marry until he saw me
again for I thought he was mad with me. Jimmie and I both was under the impresion that he was mad with us both. Your
Cousins Nettie & Annie both have been sick this summer. Henry is up now. I don't know where he brought his wife or not.
I have heard not. Ma and I have not been to see them since I got back from Claiborne. Bama and I speak of going everyday
but it seems that we cannot get off. How did you spend the Fourth of July. Mine was quite dull. Bells Landing has gotten
to be the dullest place imaginable but I hope we will have a gay time yet. Good many of the young Ladies speak of coming
up in August from Pollard. The ones that not be live up here. I anticipate a nice time then and also this Fall if you all come.
The People are all longfisted about their crops. They are afraid the worms will come and eat up the cotten if the sun keeps
in. I expect they will. Ma has got a cotten patch. I have been helping her to Hoe some in it. I helped her to hoe two days
and my Limbs was so sore I could hardly navigate. We got a nigger to finish it. I don't thing I will try it any more. Miss
Mary & Sallie spent the day with us not long ago. They were both well then. Mrs. John was here Sunday eveing and a pretty
and gay as ever. I will cease my egotism. Bam said she never in will ... . Tell Miss Alice I will write to her soon. The
general health of the Family is very good. They all send Love to you all. Give my best regards to you Father, Miss Alice
& Mr. Griggs and add a portion for you self. Remember me as ever you Loving Friend Nannie Grace
* * * * * * *
The following letter was written to Lucile Smith (111 75) by Clarence Hybart (111 4). It was made available by her
daughter, Sallie Looney (111 751). The Hybart Bible was destroyed when the Hybart home at Bell's Landing burned in the
early 1930's.
Hybart, Ala. Aug-16-26
Dear Lucile,
Received your letter some few days ago. Am sending you what Hybart history I found in the old Bible. I couldn't
find where or when Grand-Pa Hybart (11) was born, he was married to Charity Betha Sept 2, 1821. Gran Ma Charity Hybart
was born in Marion District South Carolina about 1792.
They had one son and 4 daughters (William Lewis Hybart, Martha, married Hardie Finklea, Aunt Ann who you remember,
Sarah Jane married Dr. Mathews, and Aunt Nettie who married N. S. McCall).
I have been looking through some of Granpa old Doctor books, but have [not] found anything of his early life. If I find
any more reckords I'll send them to you.
With love to all
From Clarence Hybart
Born Death
Henry Hugh Hybart Feby 6, 1846
married Sept 2, 1821
Charity Betha 1792 Sept 3, 1859
William Lewis Hybart May 27, 1823 Jan. 19, 1892
Mary Martha Hybart Dec. 7, 1825
Ann Eliza Hybart Jan 28, 1828 July 27, 1905
Sarah Jane Hybart Jan 26, 1833 Feby, 7, 1855
Mariah Antonette Hybart Oct. 31, 1831 Nov 29, 1920
William Lewis Hybart
married
Jane E. Davis Aug 27, 1846
Lucy Isabella Hybart Sept 26-1847 Aug. 19-1848
Henry Hugh Hybart Aug. 11-1849 Aug. 5-1897
William Lewis Hybart
married
Mellison A. McCants Dec. 21-1834 Aug. 14-1870
Jan. 21-1856
Born Died
Margret Jane Hybart Nov. 24-1856 Oct. 10, 1862
William James Hybart Jan. 2-1859 Aug. 3-1861
Samuel Cummings Hybart Jan. 9-1861
Thos. Lewis Hybart Nov. 5-1862 Oct. 7-1868
Sarah Jane Hybar Jan. 1866
John C. B. Hybart Jan. 1868
Joseph Burgess Hybart March 16, 1870 Dec. 10, 1872
William Lewis Hybart
married
F. L. Wheeler
March 26-1872
Geo. Walton Hybart Jan. 17-1873 Feby 6-1917
Charlie M. Hybart July 12-1875
Mary A. Hybart Dec. 7-1877 July 9-1878
Martha Antonette Hybart July 3-1879
Clarence & Clara Hybart Aug. 2-1883Clara died
Oct 20-1908
Willie Arthur Hybart Nov. 21-1886 Sept 30, 1918
* * * *
The following letter to Antoinette Hybart Oakley (111 3) was written by Mrs. Edward Norton Passmore whose husband
was a descendent of William and Patience (Harrelson) Norton. Celia Harrelson Bethea, sister of Patience Norton, was the
mother of Charity Bethea who married Henry Hugh Hybart (11).
Dr. E. N. Passmore
Dentist
Dothan, Alabama
December 11, 1931
Mrs. A. B. Oakley
Atmore, Ala.,
Dear Mrs. Oakley:
Your name has been given to me as one who might be able to give me the information that I am very anxious to secure. I
am enclosing a few items copied from the diaries of Rev. William Kennedy Norton, at one time a minister of the Alabama
Conference.
I will aprreciate it if you can give me any infromation concerning his Aunt Bethai mentioned in the item dated August 1,
1854. Was she related to the family of Hybard with whom Rev. Norton dined? If so, what was this relationship?
Do you know whether "old Aunt Bethai" had any children, and if any of her descendants are living?
If you can not give me this information, can you give me the name and address of some one who can do so?
I believe that the aunt mentioned in the items of 1852 and the one mentioned in 1854 are one and same. He does not give
the surname of either of the aunts mentioned.
Could it be possible that she was either a Sellers or Bethai? He also mentions a cousin named "Ann". Further than this he
makes no comments in his diaries on other members of the family.
My reason for wanting this inforamtion is that I am at work on a genealogy of the Norton family of which Rev. Norton and
my husband are members. I am hoping that I may get in touch with some one who can give me som old dates that I have
been unable to secure.
Thanking you for any inforamtion that you may give, and asking that I may hear from you real soon.
With best wishes,
/s/ Mrs. Edward Norton Passmore
Mrs. Edward Norton Passmore
[Enclosure]:
Copied from the diaries of Rev. William Kennedy Norton.
Wedensday August 11, 1852 Rode out and visited my aged aunt after the rain.
Monday September 7, 1852 Called on Mrs. B. my aunt
Tuesday August 1, 1854. Rode down this morning to Mrs. Hybard's to see my aunt Bethai [Celia Harrelson Bethea,
daughter of Benjamin and Ruth Harrelson]. Reached there about 12 o'clock, and found the old lady quite feeble. Spent
the evening and took a ride with the ladies.
Wednesday August 2. 1854. Dined at Mrs H's and separated fro my Aunt and the family and rode up in the afternoon
to Brother Mason's [Littleberry Whitehead Mason, father of Martha Amanda Mason who married William Kennedy
Norton on 19 October 1854 in Wilcox County] where I spent the night.
September 12, 1855 Left this morning with Mrs. Norton for Camden. Drove 30 miles and spent the night with Mrs.
Hibbard near Bell's Landing.
Rev. Norton also soke of having dined with his Cousin Ann, but soes not give her full name [Ann Bethea Stramler, wife
of Samuel C. Stramler, and sister of Charity Bethea Hybart]. He was living in Toulminville in 1851-1852. I presume that
this aunt lived either in Mobile or near the city.
* * * * * * *
The following letters were written to Nettie Hybart Oakley (111 3) by George G. Mathews (115 2) and his brother Charles
Hybart Mathews(115 1). They were made available by Rebecca Hybart Welch(111 252).
Candler, Florida
August 5, 1931
My dear Nettie, my favorite cousin
I received your letter a few days ago. And am proud of the Bethea history. Can you tell me where our Grandparents
were married. I think my father told me that the courthouse was burned and records destroyed. Where did you get the date
of marriage? Have you the family Bible with said record? Which of Grandma's sisters was Mrs. Grear (Greer)[Sarah, wife
of Martin Greer]? I don't know whether I spelled the name right.
I am going to try to get the estate in Canada, belonging to Grandfather Hybart. Over 85 years ago there was some
misunderstanding between Uncle Louis (111) and Pa. Uncle Louis contending that under the law of primogeniture, that he,
as the oldest son was entitled to all. But there is no primogeniture law in Canada nor this country. So if it can be recovered
it would go the heirs of Uncle Louis, Aunt Mary (112) and my mother (115), so it would be divided in three parts. $50,000
was offered for it when they were talking to Mother. It may be worth millions now. There is no statute of limitations in
Canada, so it may be worked out.
I am sorry that I cannot come up to see you now, but I have been away from home so long, until it will have to be
later. I am in bad financial condition. I am expecting to campaign the state for another party, as an Independent, and will
speak in Pensacola and will visit you then.
I have enjoyed being with Charlie, I will be here until September 1st and will then hurry home, and wait for the storm
to pass.
Annie (115 16) drove from Candler, June 1st to Mobile and reached there 5 P.M., she stopped with Cousin
Callie (111 2) over night. She was enroute to California where she was going to visit her daughter.
I thought the Betheas came from France. They were among the Huguenots run out of France during the religious wars
in that country. So must have gone first to England. We always called Uncle Tristram, "Trust" Bethea. He had a fine home
not very far from Camden, Ala., and was an able lawyer.
Let me know if you have the family Bible, with much love for you and Arthur,
Your devoted cousin,
Geo. G. Mathews
* * * *
Candler, Florida
August 19, 1931
Mrs. Nettie Hybart Oakley
Atmore, Alabama
My dearest cousin.
Your letter came to me a few days ago and I was pleased to hear from you and get additional information about Bethea
branch of our family. My mother, Sarah Jane Mathews (115) died in February, 1855, nine days after I was born which was
January 29, 1855. My father died 1897, forty-two years after my mother died.
I was a little over four years old when Grandma died and remember it well. She, as you know, took Charlie and myself
after Mother's death. And no one can ever know what I suffered when Grandma died and my father took Charles and myself
away. To leave Aunt Ann (113) was a hard blow to me. She and Grandma were the best friends I have ever known.
I trace the Mathews line back to Louis VI of France through Lord David Mathew of Wales. The name was Mathew
in the 14th century, the "s" being added later. The family came over with William, the Conquer, and doubtless helped him
sub. the brittons and saxons, then inhabiting England. The family seems to have always been wealthy, as well as educated
properly.
I understand that Grandfather was born in France of English parents. The fact that he and Uncle John went through
Oxford University, graduating with high honors, should indicate that they were a family of some importance. I am sure the
pictures you sent me sometime ago were pictures of Grandpa and Grandma. When I get home, will write you at length. I
leave for home, August 29th. You don't know how anxious I am to visit you. With love to you and Arthur.
Geo. G. Mathews
* * * *
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Oct. 25th, 1931
My dearest Nettie,
Your letter came to me several weeks ago, and should have been answered sooner. For the last thing that I want
to do is slight my favorit cousin. The big regret is that I cannot be with you more. And you know I think Arthur is a fine
fellow. He seems to have the disposition that appeals to me.
It seems I am to lose my home soon. I am holding it off hoping I may sell and get something out of it. But I will have
two apartment houses left and can live. And this with my unbounded ambition I see and hope for fortune ahead. I have
several stories if I am accepted by the magazines will make me rich. And then the radio and lecture platform may enable
me to make a move forward. I feel since that I will be employed to campaign for Hoover. The truth is the county officials
are stealing all the fees coming in, some of them have taken more than $90,000. In Tallahassee all the Departments are
employing kinfolks and are paying them $50000 a year or a half million every ten years. That condition we must change.
Nepotism must not be continued longer or be practiced in the state.
When I speak in Pensacola I am especially anxious for you and Arthur to hear me. And I will then go home with you
and we will run into Mobile so I can see relatives and friends whom I have not seen in 49 years.
I seem to be in perfect health which consoles me for the hard times that I am having now.
Please write to some of the children of Uncle John Hybart (15) and see if they know anything of the family history.
They lived years ago in Troy Alabama. Grandfather and Uncle John were considered the greatest scholars in the state of the
state. They were both honor men from Oxford University. So far I have not found a lawyer in Canada, but will soon.
It may be you could learn from Uncle John's children where the property is located. Try please.
There are so many things I would like to talk over with you which would be trouble to write. Dedie is still ill, and will
be the rest of her life I believe. Charlie (115 1) is getting on all right the last time I heard from there.
Things are hard here, nothing doing, many of the people cannot get enough to eat. I am gloomy over the outlook in
this country, in fact the world. The Churches and public schools have failed, as the people seem to become more selfish all
the time. Present conditions are due to the deflation by the banks. It seems they do not realize when they reduce the masses
to pauperism that they will have not more ducks to pick. When money cannot be coined people cannot spend nor deposit
money. I have never been unable to understand why men after they get a million should want more.
Let me hear from you soon. With love you devoted cousin
Geo. G. Mathews
* * * *
Fort Lauderdale Fla
Aug 29th, 1933
My dearest Nettie
I wrote John Hybart but no reply. Get me the address from Granddaughter in Texas as soon as possible.
If there is anything in the Estate let us get it. If not blot it from our memories. In great haste
With love from
Your affectionate cousin
Geo. G. Mathews
* * * *
Fort Lauderdale Fla
Sept 23rd 1933
My dearest Nettie
I received a letter from Cousin John Monroe Hybart (156 2), giving me the address of Cousin Alice Sullivan (152 4)
in Texas. I wrote her, but have not heard from her yet. I hope to today or tomorrow.
The truth is about 82 years ago a man came to Alabama and offered $50000. Uncle Louis (111) contended that the law
of primogeniture should extend to him. That is the way that our Grandfather got the property. They dropped the matter and
it has been sleeping ever since. I have been told that Charlie H. (111 22), son of Henry (111 2) claimed all. But we have
no such law in this country. If that law can be applied there Charlie Hybart would get it all and nothing would come any
of Uncle Louis's children other than Henry.
But the first thing we must do is locate the property.
There is no statute of limitation in Canada so we are still in court.
Can you give me the address of any of the Finkleys in Texas, the children of Aunt Mary (112)?
As soon as I hear from Cousin Alice I will let you know the results.
Things financially are bad with me. And we are living on very litle. But I am not unhappy. I am sure, there will be
a turn in the tide soon.
With love you & Arthur Your loving Cousin
Geo. G. Mathews
* * * *
[The following letter was typewritten]
Fort Lauderdale Florida
November 26th I933
My dearest Nettie
I was much pleased to get your letter a few days ago. But was shocked to know the old house was burnt. A home where
I lived so happily with Grand mother and Aunt Ann. That home and those two best of women will forever remain the
sweetest memory of my life. If I were rich I would propose to reproduce the house for Aunt Linie to keep alive sweet
memories. You can never know how much I grieve over the burning of that house.
Following your suggestion I have written to Charlie Hybart. I have the promise of the U.S. Consul General to help in
any way when we are ready to begin recovery of the property. Would you believe it we have nothing rented yet so I am
incomeless just now.
How I would love to visit the old place where I had so many happy childhood days.
I am sure if the property can be located that we will all be rich soon. There is no statute of limitation in Canada so there
will be no trouble to get possession.
I am sending off several stories in a few days, if I sell them I will use some the money to visit you.
With love you and Arthur Your devoted Cousin
Geo. G. Mathews
* * * *
Fort Lauderdale Fla
Jan 19th 1934
My dear Nettie
Was pleased to get your letter. I think Arthur is right "not let anything be known by Charley H. I received a letter from
Cousin Alice of Texas. She sent me a letter from a Canadian office advising to whom we must write.
I am investigating the primogeniture phase of the business. I am sure we will have no trouble. In fact no one knows
that better than Charlie Hybart.
If he had any faith he would never have waited until now, when he thinks something may be done to show his hand.
I have never been vanquished and I feel that this will be no exception. Frank Mathews (115 13) my nephew says he will
spend money on the business, and he is well off. As soom as we locate the property.
I hope Aunt Linnie is all right again.
I think it best not to mention anything to Charlie about the business again.
Please give the family record from the family Bible. From some dates you sent me I see that our Grandparents married
1821. That I wish to know where they married. I have been informed that the courthouse where the marriage was recorded
burnt down. So we will have to prove by the record in the Bible. We can doubtless prove Uncle John's marriage and that
will tend to show that Grandfather too came to Alabama and married.
I would not care to meet Charlie should I visit Ala. And it is my desire my hope to do so. With much love to you and
Arthur.
Your devoted Cousin
Geo. G. Mathews
* * * *
Fort Lauderdale Florida
Jan.26th I934
My dear Arthor and Nettie
I was glad to get your letter two days ago. The conduct of Charlie Hybart, has been disgusting to me, and I do not care
to meet him when I come to Alabama. I doubt very much if he knows as much about international law as I do. The way he
is acting proves to me, that he has small faith in his position. While he is mean enough, to want it all, he feels little hope
of getting it. His long inactivity regarding the estate proves that he lacks both ability as well as business ability. Don't forget
Nettie of all the kind I love you best.
We will leave nothing undone to locate and get the property, and when we do, he will know nothing until we have the
business thoroughly in hand. I will keep you and Arthur posted as we progress, but I do not want any of them to know any
thing, until we want him to sign on the doted line. I was most favorably impressed with both of and you, and you are the
favorit of all my cousins. If we win, I am determined that the heirs shwll have their just and legal part. You cannot know
how anxious I am to visit and go to the old home at Bells landing. How well I remember Grandma and Aunt Ann. How they
loved me is sweet to remember. I am sorry to learn that Aunt Linie is still unwell. But at her time of life, it is to be
expected. Monday 29th I will be 79 years and am as active as most men 40 years old.
I have just sent three stories off, if accepted, I will soon be in good financial shape. I desire to live until I am II0 years.
I am eating little and not drinking, and am looking after myself so will continue to be active for a long time. I have just had
my typewriter cleaned up, now if I could acquire the habit of not leaving out words I would be all right.
Love your devoted cousin
George G. Mathews
[The above was typewritten; that which follows was hand written on the back of the sheet.]
Somehow I never feel that I have expressed myself well, when I write machine. As I remember the Hybart heirs are
Sam (111 5), John's daughter (111 51) Sallie (111 7), you (111 3), Charles (111 1) and Clarence (111 4) in all six. I do not
know how may of the Finkleas there are. The last time I saw them. There was Jennie, Mittie, Alice, Sallie, Walter and Ed
living. Then if we break the primogeniture Uncle's John heirs would come in.
I sent off three stories. The fatal Duel a Cuban story, Gene ONeal and the Octoroons. The best educated people who
have reviewed the stories said they better than the Saturday Evening Post stories. If accepted I will advise you in which
publication they run so you can read them and give me you opinion.
With love Your Cousin
G. G. M.
* * * * *
Candler Fla March 10 1934
My Dear Nettie
Yours to hand, & glad to hear from you. This leaves all well, it is an effort for me to write with a pen for three years.
From the effects of pneumonia, I have to use a pencil. I use to write a good hand. But not any more. You see I geting old.
The first day of September, next, I will be 82 years old. But I am young for my age. Do you know what part of Texas Aunt
Mary's family lives. They went there the first month in 1867, the same time we went to Brazil. If Jinie and Mit are living
they would be very old. There was six children Jinie, Mit, Alie, Sallie Ed & Walter. Uncle Lewis & Hardy Finkley, Aunt
Marys husband didn't like each other. I would like to hear from Aunt Marys family. I like kin folks. Frank & I will come
up later on. We will come to house first. Then we can talk about the present, past and future. I will go to see Charlie, your
brother & Sam. Is your mother still living; When I come up we will find out about all the kin folks. I havnt heard from
Sallie's or Henrys folks in a long time. Wish best wishes for you.
Your old cousin
C. H. Mathews
* * * * * * *
Introduction to the Hybart Family History