Elaine Neal

The reason why relates to free land, explained Elaine Neal, past registrar of the Daughters of the American Revolution Elijah Clarke Chapter and charter member of the Athens Historical Society.After the war ended in the 1780s, the state legislature set aside thousands of acres between the Apalacahee and the Oconee rivers for veterans.It didn't matter where they fought, or the units they fought for.They were entitled.

Many men who took advantage of the gifts were from Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.Meriwether's arrival to Georgia likely stemmed from one of these "bounty land grants," Neal said."A lot of times, they were recruited (by the Georgia militia).They came down here and fought," she said.
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"What we try to do is work with the county officials so that they are aware of where (the graves are) are so that they won't accidentally put a highway through it," Neal said.
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But there are probably over 60 that exist," Neal said.
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"William Herring, who died in 1812, he is over in Orchard Circle," Neal said.
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It's hard to generalize," Neal said.
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"His home site must've been very close to that," Neal said.
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"I think it's important to respect and honor what our ancestors did to create the country," Neal said.

Seated from left are Emily Reynolds, first vice regent; Tommie LaCavera, regent; and O'Joy Mays, chaplain; standing, Valerie Sikes, corresponding secretary; Elaine Neal, registrar; Kay Beal, second vice regent; Beth Abney, historian; and Stacy Williams, assistant treasurer.