After the death of William Pelham McGehee, his widow, Sarah, moved to Tampa, Florida. Below is a letter that accompanied her Confederate Veteran’s pension check. Looking back on that time (1933), it is hard to imagine a public official writing such a letter today. We hope you enjoy reading this letter as much as we do.
Confederate veteran pension check cover letter
About Stephen Clay McGehee
Born-Again Christian, Grandfather, husband, business owner, Southerner, aspiring Southern Gentleman. Publisher of The Confederate Colonel and The Southern Agrarian blogs. President/Owner of Adjutant Workshop, Inc., Vice President - Gather The Fragments Bible Mission, Inc. (Sierra Leone, West Africa), Webmaster - Military Order of The Stars and Bars, Kentucky Colonel.
Mr McGehee,
Congratulations on a wonderful website. This letter is not only moving, it is beautifully written as well, truly a relic from a bygone era.
I have a question about your noble ancestors. My great-grandfather, Charlie McGhee (47th NC) and four of his brothers (all 7th NC) fought for the Cause, one being martyred during Pettigrew’s Charge. It would seem that my McG(e)hee’s go back to a fellow named William (called, the Quaker) Mackgayhe. I know that Stark Young’s Mississippi McGehees go back to a contemporary, Thomas Mackgayhe. It is unclear, however, what is the relationship between Thomas and William. (The McGregor legend is not true.) I was wondering how far back you have traced your McGehees.
Thanks again for a great site.
Clark
Thank you, sir. Some of what I have read says that Thomas and William, of King William County, are father and son. I haven’t read much about it, but I would refer you to “McGehee Descendants” by Ethel C. Woodall Grider. I have all three volumes of the series, and rely heavily on it for genealogical information. As for your statement that “The McGregor legend is not true”, I would have to reply that it is like much of history – there is little hard evidence either way. Based on what I have read, it is my firm belief that McGehee is, in fact, a direct line from Clan McGregor. There is little hard evidence to support either position though, so I suppose that it is just fodder for those who enjoy debating that sort of thing. I certainly would not try to challenge your position on it.
Again, thank you for your kind words. I hope to hear from you often.