In a message dated 8/20/2001 6:44:14 PM Central Daylight Time, NHHS48@aol.com writes: > I am looking for a connection to the DURDEN family that married in the > HESTERLY family. > > Abbie DURDEN married Virgil Lynch HESTERLY. I believe she was born in the > Greenwood area. They had a son named Donavan HESTERLY, his last known > address was in Fort Smith. > > From South Sebastian County Historial Society's "The Key," Spring 1970, Page 9, "The Horse 'N Buggy Doctor," by Pauline Hesterly and Anna B. Adams: Article is story of Doctor E. L. Hesterly. He was born May 14, 1843, in Coweta County, GA; parents Mr. & Mrs. Preston Hampton Hesterly. He received his education in the Georgia schools, and enlisted in the Confederate Army in Coweta County, GA, after finishing high school. He was a private with the Cobbs Brigade Co. F. After the war, he studied medicine in Baltimore, MD. Later, he went to Atlanta Medical College, graduating with honors in 1891. He first practiced medicine in Georgia for 3 years, then moved to Greenwood, AR in 1894, where he continued in the medical profession until he died February 11, 1915. Dr. Hesterly married Mary Pittman at Stateline, GA, in 1885. She was a native of Georgia, and one of her siblings was Dr. W. J. Pitman. The couple bought a home in Greenwood near the 1st Baptist Church. Miss Pauline Hesterly (one of the authors) still lives in the home place. The Hesterly's had these children: Hampton - married Nancy McBailey Hattie - married Will Benefield of Charleston Homer - married Hattie Schooler of Birmingham, AL Virgil - married Abbie Durden of Greenwood Will - single Emitt - married Jean Harvey Pauline - single Maurice - married Bertha Clark Jim - married LaUna Dobbins of Fort Smith The doctor was a member of the Baptist Church, a mason, and a member of the Medical Society. Dr. Hesterly practiced medicine with his brother-in-law Dr. W. J. Pitman until he moved to Fort Smith (assuming here that Dr. Pitman moved to Ft Smith). They shared an office on the upper floor of the Ware's store building. They operated the first hospital in Greenwood on the same floor next to their office. They both performed operations, usually Dr. Pitman did the surgery, and Dr. Hesterly administered the anesthesia. After Dr. Hesterly died, Dr. Bert L. Ware purchased his office and supplies. (When I get my scanner running, I'll email you the entire article, which is quite interesting and also has pictures of Dr. & Mrs. E.L. Hesterly.) There are other articles/pictures with the Durden and Hesterly name. When I get the time, I'll enumerate them and pass them along. Charlie Ward Email: cccharlie1@aol.com Bird Feeders, Bird Houses, and More -  <A HREF="http://www.yarditems.com/">http://www.yarditems.com/</A> Arkansas Cemeteries Volunteer Website  <A HREF="http://www.rootsweb.com/~arcemete/arcem.htm"> http://www.rootsweb.com/~arcemete/arcem.htm</A> Volunteer  <A HREF="http://raogk.rootsweb.com/index.html">Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness - Genealogy Research Tool</A> Help the hungry, poor and sick - for free!  http://FreeDonation.com My Yahoo Instant Messenger Screenname - charlieincc