to the Hopkins who married Malachi, possibly had no Howell blood in him, but

claimed to be one of the family because of the aforesaid marriage.  I am not sure

whether his first name or his last name was "Hopkins".  Uncle Benson called him

simply "Hopkins".

        Joseph Hardy Howell's father, William (not the first William nor the last,

for my father had a boy, younger than I, who died in infancy and is buried in Live

Oak Cemetery, whose name was William), William died when he was a child, and

 his mother married a Mr. Hutchinson and moved to Mississippi.  Joseph Hardy

 refused to go with her (Childhood's tragedy, when parents remarry), and stayed

 with his Aunt Pansy McAlhany.  My father called Mr. McAlhany "Cousin Dan", and

 I called Mrs. P. M. Murray (Tom's mother), "Cousin Effie".

        The style of architecture of the Howell's homes, including my grandfather's

 and those of his brothers, was characteristic.  Some of them are still standing.

The old home of Benson Howell in St. George (still owned and occupied by Ennis

Howell, a daughter of Benson, she never married) and my grandfather's home at

Badham, in Dorchester County (which I often visited), are types.

        The early Howell's were skilled metal workers, some of them, including my

grandfather, being excellent gunsmiths.  They were also successful and progressive

farmers and were always leaders of men.  They attained learning and culture above

the average.  My grandfather, J. S. A. Howell, was a Captain in the Confederate

Army, and in peace time a Justice of the peace.  He was trusted and respected by

all his neighbors.  I will have more to say about him; I knew him personally.

        My great-grandfather, Joseph Hardy Howell by name, lived and died near

Indian Fields, in Dorchester (then Colleton) County.  He was the son of William