Yesterday I was
so happy to finally have a meeting with two wonderful ladies, June Esquilin and
Marguerita Page who are both sisters here in Clarksville. You might recognize
the name Marguerita Page that’s because she appeared on the first PBS “Genealogy
Roadshow” episode that aired this past Monday. Their family reveal was about their great grandfather’s
cousin, Albert Roberts and the “bombshell” letter stating that Governor Austin
Peay was his father. As you can only imagine we had a lot to discuss, they
shared some insight and information that I wasn’t aware of. That’s only because
as researchers for the show we couldn’t discuss the research we were doing, not
even with the families. I in turn was able to turn over my research along with
the documents and a few photographs. I
feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to meet with both of these funny,
caring and interesting ladies. Its moments like that, when I hand over my research
and see the smiles, shocked looks and tears that remind me how lucky I am to do
this type of work. At times we run into some controversial issues, which of
course all of you are aware there was some controversy over one document that was
reviled on the show. Yes I’m referring to the letter, there was only a portion
of the letter that was reviled and that caused many and I mean many questions. Two
of the major questions are 1) who the
letter was sent to and who
wrote the letter and 2) what
else was said in the letter.
So after yesterday’s
meeting, both of the sisters and I signed an agreement giving me permission to discuss
the results of the research that I conducted for the show and the process in which I collected the information. We
have been asked many questions and for that reason they have asked that I
address those and share the experience with the public and media. With all of that
being said I now want to take this opportunity to answer the two questions that
I mentioned earlier. Below you will see scanned copies of both the front and
back of the letter along with a copy of the envelope. If you have a hard time
reading it, don’t worry I transcribed both for you. I hope this answers at
least two of the questions. But don’t think I have forgotten about the
remaining questions I will address all of them on blogs to come. The next question answered will be what led me to this
box to begin with.
P.O. Box 122
Well I suppose you thought I never would write
you again. Your letter was relieved and contents duly noted.
I spent the Holidays in Evansville, had
nice time, but didn’t get an opportunity to see George Hester or Hervie
Slaughter. Moss was in Clarksville at the time I think.
I sent those pictures you were to receive on
Friday Dec. 13th. Perhaps I shouldn’t have picked such a day to do
so, anyway here is what happened. They were opened by the assistant Post master
and returned to me with the admonition they could not he sent by mail. Of
course it could have been serious but they did nothing about it.
They were securely sealed, then wrapped in
more paper and tied. I imagine he was tipped off by the town
photographer.
I might perhaps send them to you later by
express but by mail, never!
I didn’t know until recently that Albert
Roberts was former gov. Austin Peay’s son. It must have been a bomb shell when
it exploded.
We are looking forward to a good spring
season.
Tell Alexander if he writes the hotel Dining
Room c/o Head waiter about Feb 15th he may get booked for April, May
and part of March.
Of course I am sure he knows it will be as
Bus boy as it will take some time to become a waiter unless he has already had
lots of experience.
I suppose the flow of spirits during the holidays
brought back memories of the days between 1910 and 1919.
Our man is busy at present making25,000
post cards will see him when he has finished.
Yours sincerely,
Ben F.
Rogers
B.F.R
P.O. Box 122
French Lick, Ind.
Mr. Charlie Garnett
532
Poston St.
Clarksville, Tennessee
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