A Gathering of Garrisons—A Review of the Book

( A review done by Damon Veach in his “Louisiana Ancestors” column written for major LA newspapers. This particular version was found 29 January 2003 in “The Times Picayune,” published in New Orleans, LA.)

 “Beginning with the Garrisons: Sylvia Kelly Smith of Franklinton has come up with a remarkable book that reflects exceptional work. A Gathering of Garrisons: The Ancestors, Family, and Descendants of Lot Garrison and Margaret Erwin is about more that just the immediate families. Smith captures many other surnames in the process. "

“Lot Garrison was a son of Leonard Lawrence Garrison and his second wife, Elizabeth Gray, and he was born Oct. 31, 1805, in Greene County, Pa. He died July 3, 1847, in Louisiana."

“Margaret Erwin was born June 12, 1812. She was a daughter of William H. Erwin and Mary Lacry Brasfield of Adams County in Mississippi. William was the youngest son of James Erwin and Jennet Andrews. Margaret died April 9, 1886, in Louisiana. “According to the 1830 census of Louisiana, Lot and Margaret were in East Baton Rouge Parish. They were living with their baby son, John W. Garrison, and Margaret’s parents were living next door. John had been born in Mississippi on Nov. 28, 1828."

 “This huge book is fully illustrated and easy to read. It contains an enormous amount of data on the Garrisons and allied lines….”

“Also impressive about this book is the documentation of all material. The design and layout are also excellent. The book belongs in any major genealogical collection, and it is an absolute gem for any family member.”

(Mr. Veach did not know the price of my book, so he could not put that in his article. The price is $65.00, which includes shipping. I can be reached at Sylvia K. Smith, 105 Fleetwood, Franklinton, LA 70438; by phone at 985-839-3946; or by e-mail at saks@huntcom.net)

*Note:permission was obtained from the author of this review before posting to this web site.