Mrs. Mary Ann Neeley, local historian, preservationist, and author was the guest speaker at the September meeting of the Francis Marion Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Mrs. Neeley, who was introduced by Mrs. Sally Furlow, spoke to the chapter about her newest book The Works of Matthew Blue, Montgomery’s First Historian. Mrs. Neeley has annotated Blue’s work called A Brief History of Montgomery to correct errors and clear up inconsistencies. She also added other material on early churches, a genealogy of the colorful Blue family, and a Civil War diary by Blue’s sister, Ellen. Mrs. Neeley’s book also contains many 19th century photographs. Matthew Blue was a lively character and an early owner of the Montgomery Advertiser. He was also a school teacher and jailor for the new town of Montgomery in the early 1800s.
Members of the chapter dined on a buffet lunch as Mrs. Neeley spoke. A door prize of Mrs. Neeley’s book was awarded to Mary Ann Riggles who sat in the gold sticker marked winning chair. Other books were sold and signed by Mrs. Neeley. Tables were decorated with cut flowers in clear vases.
