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Husband and Father
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Most of John Overton’s days at Travellers Rest were spent
as a bachelor. In 1820 at the age of 54, he married the 37 year
old widow Mary McConnell White May. She had five children from her
previous marriage, and together the couple had three more at Travellers
Rest. According to tradition, Mary was a talented herbalist. The
fact that all 8 of her children lived to adulthood (a rare occurrence
in the early 1800s) seems to corroborate this story. After John’s
death, she helped manage the affairs of the plantation before their
son, John Jr., came of age and assumed ownership. A lawsuit she brought to bear on
a debtor in 1841 suggests that she was more than capable of maneuvering
the legal system and ensuring the family’s financial security.
She died at Travellers Rest in 1862 at the age of 80.
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Law Student |
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Tax Collector |
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Land Speculator |
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Judge |
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Memphis Founder |
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Banker |
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Husband |
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Advisor |
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Planter |
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