LETTER: Autograph letter signed "Cousin May," to "Cousin Carrie," and addressed (at the close) to "Emma Bedell."
Civil War era letter from Savannah, GA.
The signature suggests that "May" was a nickname for Emma Bedell. Though no information turns up on Emma, a James King Bedell -- possibly Emma's father -- owned one of the largest plantations in Woodbine, Camden County, Georgia, which he purchased after the Civil War and developed into a thriving element of the community. The plantation was located on the banks of the Saint Illa -- now known as the Satilla -- River, which is likely where Emma boated each evening, and where James King Bedell grew rice. When Camden County was expanding and a railroad was laid through it, Bedell sold the right of way through his plantation with the stipulation the town that grew around the railroad be called Woodbine. Bedell chose that name because woodbine -- a red flowering honeysuckle vine -- was abundant in the area.
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