The Warmth of the Native Heath
By Jeannette Holland Austin
"Last Thursday the few persons on the streets of Clinton saw an unusual procession passing through town. A covered wagon drawn by a large slick ox, and driven by a bronzed farmer of about 35 years, who walked by his side. Behind this turnout, briskly walked 8 boys and girls and in the wagon sat the pleasant faced mother and wife with her two or more little tow-headed youngsters. After this crowd had passed, it was learned that the man was William Kennedy, who with his large family was returning to Americus from Virginia. At the beginning of the war, he left Sumter County for the war. About the close, he was severely wounded and was carried to a farmhouse where he was tenderly nursed and brought back to health by the daughter of the house, whom he married. Last April, having read a letter from his brother informing him of his parents death and saying only himself and one sister remained, Mr. Kennedy was overcome by the intense desire to visit his old home, and disposing of his Virginia property, determined to "take the big road" for old Georgia and at last he nears his native heath."
Source: The Jones Headlight, Gray's Station August 18, 1888.