On a sad note we learned that Betsy’s brother, Ray, died yesterday (Friday) afternoon. Please keep Betsy and Ray’s family in your prayers. Our posting and visiting your blogs are likely going to be hit and miss for the next few days.
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Betsy in Grace Episcopal Church, Yorktown, Virginia. June 22, 2007.
While we were in Virginia in 2007, we visited the town of Yorktown, Virginia as well as the battlefield there. The town was formed in 1691, and was a thriving port at the time of the Revolution.
There were three things that we found to be of particular interest in Yorktown. The first was Grace Episcopal Church, which was built in 1697 and is still in use. The churchyard contains the grave of Thomas Nelson, who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Nelson’s home is still standing and we were able to go inside. Thomas Nelson was a general in the American army during the Siege of Yorktown. When he heard that Lord Cornwallis was using his house as headquarters, Nelson directed the artillery that was firing on the house. There is still a cannonball in the outer wall of the house on the side facing the American siege lines.
The third interesting thing for us about the town was the Ballard House. Betsy’s mother was a Ballard and Betsy thought there might be a connection between her and John Ballard, the owner of the house. She has since learned that John Ballard was an ancestor.
To see more of our visit to Yorktown click HERE.
Senior Moments 
October 3, 2009 at 8:03 am |
George: I’m sure it is a sad loss for you George. Betsy has her faith to cling to being the last of the family.
What a great old church to share.
October 3, 2009 at 9:20 am |
our condolences, sir. i have written to ms. betsy likewise on her blog.~~~she does have a lot of interesting connections! please take care of yourselves.
October 3, 2009 at 9:39 am |
Our heartfelt sympathy to you and Betsy and her extended family in the loss of her dear brother! Be safe as you travel!
October 3, 2009 at 9:57 am |
Oh I am so sorry to hear about Betsy’s brother. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with her, you and all the family.
October 3, 2009 at 6:57 pm |
Thoughts and prayers!
October 4, 2009 at 5:12 pm |
I was so sorry to hear of Betsy’s brother’s passing…
October 4, 2009 at 10:47 pm |
I was so sorry to hear about Besty’s brother, I have already left her a comment.
As you know I am just down the street from Yorktown and have visited this area many times. I didn’t know about the connection to the Ballard house, that is very interesting and I would love to learn more about that at a better time..My thoughts go out to your family.
October 5, 2009 at 12:34 pm |
I was sorry to hear about Betsy’s brother. She and her family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sure she thanks God she has you George. I know this is a great blessing to her.
October 5, 2009 at 2:41 pm |
George,
So sorry about Betsy’s brother. Thanks for the trip to Yorktown and the church.
October 5, 2009 at 2:55 pm |
I’m very sorry for Betsy’s loss. It is hard to lose those we love. this is a pretty church you are showing. History and churches just seem to go together in our land and most other countries as well.