Evening star., 1909-05-17

large number of the most prominent mem.
bers of the present generation
Anne. the oldest child of John Wither.
spoon. married the Rev. Dr. Samuel STAN
hope Smith, who, with his brother. John
Blair Smith, founded Hampden-Syd
College, Va, and succeeded his father-in-
law as president of Princeton College. in
the year 1894. Her daughter Frances
married Joseph Cabell Breckenridge fa-
ther of John Cabell Breckenridge. of Ken
lucky, member OF the House of Represen-
tatives. United States senator. Vice Presi-
dent of the United States, major general
and secretary of war under the Confede-
racy.
Another of Anne's daughters married
John W. Smith. judge of New Orleans.
from whom a number of prominent peo-
pie have descended. Another daugh-
ter married James Provost, stepson OF
daughters, all of whom married we'll
Frances. the second child and second
daughter of President Witherspoon. mar
ried Dr. David Ramsey. who was eou-
was president and became eminent as
surgeon, historian. a politician.
philanthropist and a leader of public
opinion. first in New Jersey and after
ward in South Carolina, where he after
ward resided during the greater part OF
his life. He was captured at the siege
Of Charleston in 1880. imprisoned by
CORVALLIS in ST. Augustine. Fla, for
eleNeH IlOHIHS, WAS eteCIed 10 1OHETeSS.
was president pro tenn of the United
States Senate and served for several
years In the House of Representatives
He wrote a history of South Carolina.
a history of the Conversational Church.
a history of the United States, uni
versal History Americanized' in twelve
volumes, a life Of George Washington and
a dozen or more other volumes. and at
the same time was active in politics and
practicing medicine in Charleston. His
industry = related
that he slept only four hours night
and spent the remainder of the time be-
tween sunset and sunrise in. literary la
Dor. He was distinguished for his ora
torical powers well as his literary
ability. His second wife was the daugh-
ter of Henry Laurens of revolutionary
fame.
Mary Ann was one of two daughters
born to John Witherspoon by his second
wife after he was seventy years of age.
The other daughter died in infancy.
Mary Ann married Rev. James 8. Woods.
DID. Of Mercersburg. Pa, and became
the mother Of Lieut. Woods of the United
States Navy who distinguished himself
in the Mexican war and was killed at the
battle of Monterey. Her grandson, Rev.
David Walker Woods, is he biographer
of John Witherspoon. and will pronounce
the benediction at the unveiling of the
monument.
Name Spelled Many Ways.
The name is variously spelled Wey-
therspoon, Wethirspoon, Witherspone,
Wotherspone, Wotherspoon. and 1t ap-
pears In other forms Alexander Wother-
spon, an uncle of President Witherspoon.
was one of the most eminent merchants In
Glasgow, and acquired large fortune.
Four brothers signed the call to the Rev.
John Hamilton to become pastor of the
Barony Church Of Glasgow, as follows:
John Witherspoon.
''Wiiiam Wotherspon,
'Alex Wotherspon.
"James Witherspon"
Several members Of the family came
- the United States long before the
Rev. John Witherspoon was called to
the presidency of Princeton College An
other John Witherspoon. an uncle OF the
signer. emigrated as early as 1874, ac-
companied by his family, which seems to
have been numerous. Others came in
1886 and settled in the same state. Rob-
ert. a brother of John. the sgner, came
over early, and settled at Yadgen, n. c.
Another brother lived near kingstree.
8. c.. while James. cousin. born at
Williamsburg, S. c.. in 17oy. was a cap
tain In the war Of the revolution under
Gen. Marion, who admired his cour-
age, bravery and ability, and wrote him
the following letter:
.'St. Stephens, April 4, 17So
Sir: Inclosed is commission to COM
mand the Kingtree Company. and hope
you will accept it. In these times, when
our country calls for men of bravery and
ability, such as you, no good man, we'll
wisher to his country, ought to resign
or sliun the service, and it gives me
great pleasure to see you at the head OF
company, which l know will be eye
witness Of whom / have always had
the highest opinion and the greatest re-
gard for. l am, sir, your obeuient
servant. FRANCIS MARION
Several of John Witherspoons descend
ad in he nit tad
States Senate and House of Representa-
tives, several have been presidents OF
colleges and judges of our courts, many
have served in the army and the navy.
but more have occupied pulpits in Pres
byterian churches.