Agnes Scott
Wife of Capt. M. A. Garrish
Born May 8, 1898
At Kirkwood, Ga.
Died Aug. 30, 1919
At Galveston, Tex.
Closed are thy sweet eyes
from this world of pain.
But we trust in God
To meet thee again.
The visitor almost always wants to know if this Agnes Scott has any connection with the eponymous Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia.
I had always heard that Ocracoke's Agnes Scott was the daughter or granddaughter of the college's namesake. Seeking more information, I wrote to the college. Their public relations office replied promptly, writing that "unfortunately your Agnes Scott may not be related to our college's namesake. It seems there are hundreds of Agnes Scott's throughout the country."
With the help of islanders (quite a few native Ocracokers are descendants of Agnes Scott & Capt. Myron A. Garrish) and the Internet I finally discovered the full story.
Col. George Washington Scott (1829-1903), Florida & Georgia businessman and son of Agnes Irvine Scott (b. 1799 in Ireland, d. 1877 in the US), founded the college which he named after his mother. His brother, Alfred M. Scott, confederate soldier, was the father of Ralph Booker Scott who was the father of Agnes Scott (great-granddaughter of Agnes Irvine Scott &wife of Capt. Myron A. Garrish of Ocracoke).
Agnes and her sister Allie ("Teeny") somehow found their way to Ocracoke in the early decades of the 20th century, and Agnes married Capt. Myron A. Garrish. Agnes and Capt. Garrish had two children, Irvine Scott Garrish, and Myron A.Garrish, Jr.
Irvine (often spelled Irvin) Garrish was Ocracoke's first County Commissioner. NC Highway 12 (Irvin Garrish Highway) is named for him. Other branches of the family (descendants of Teeny and another sister, Clare) also live on the island, including the owners of the Pony Island Motel, or visit here regularly.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is a tribute to a wonderful man who did much for Ocracoke Island, Marvin Wyche Howard (1897-1969). You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052113.htm.
How is "Irvin" as in "Irvin Garrish Highway" pronounced? "er-vine", or "er-vin"?
ReplyDeleteER-vin
DeleteThis family tree was confusing to me. Sorry. So the answer is yes, next time someone asks?????
ReplyDeleteYes, Agnes Scott (buried on Howard Street) is the great-granddaughter of Agnes Scott (for whom the college is named).
DeleteThis is wonderful news. just think of all the ASC alumni pilgrimages to your island. You know the girl scouts all go to Savannah to visit the Juliette Low house ( and from what I understand that was a story in the true sense of a story) (Hubby Low was well read the book) Any way I hope the ASC PR dept. UPDATES their records. Atta Boy good job.
ReplyDeleteWonder how she and her sister "found their way to Ocracoke" from GA! If she died in Gavleton, TX, I am curious as to why she was returned to Ocracoke for burial? Was she away visiting perhaps? Was her husband still living on the island? Funny how interesting other people's history is to those of us who don't even know the family! Keep it coming!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness sweet young thing only 21 years old when she passed.
ReplyDeleteI hope you sent this interesting information to the college.
ReplyDeleteI didn't. Didn't think they would be much interested in just one of many descendants of Agnes Irvine Scott. But please forward this information to the college if you think it would interest them.
DeleteWell someone could also update the WIKIpedia entry for that college... honestly is this not what a wiki entry is all about?? Or the Cemetery officials could set the ASC PR refresh button LOL
DeleteWell someone could also update the WIKIpedia entry for that college... honestly is this not what a wiki entry is all about?? Or the Cemetery officials could set the ASC PR refresh button LOL
ReplyDeleteActually, Myron A. Garrish, Jr. was my Dad. Agnes and Myron, Sr. had Irvin Garrish. However, when Agnes died, Myron, Sr. married Nora Casey and they had Myron, Jr. Uncle Irvin and my Dad were half-brothers but they always said the "half" didn't matter.Same father, but different mothers. When Myron, Sr. died when my Daddy was a little boy. Grandmama (Nora) later married Capt. Thurston Gaskill, who was a native hunting and fishing guide in Ocracoke. The Thurston House Bed & Breakfast was their home, where I spent many, many wonderful summers. Susan Garrish Watson
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. It is always great to keep island family connections well documented.
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