Major Ben: P Poore's Scandal in Athens, Georgia

The prominent Washington correspondent and historian Maj. Ben: Perley Poore (the colon after “Ben” is the family custom) of Indian Hill Farm, West Newbury, Massachusetts, led a charmed life. Maj. Poore (1820-1887) dined with the Marquis de Lafayette and Sir Walter Scott. His collection of Americana was the finest in the country. His home had a Masonic Hall and a bedstead slept in by George Washington. His drawing room charm earned himself a seat at the best parties. However, before Poore rose to success, a brief stint in the sunny south landed him in hot water. Read my story about him at genealogybank.

Picture credit: Brady-Handy Photograph Collection; Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.