3. BETSY ANN E VENABLE, b. at "Slate Hill," Prince Edward Co.,
Va., Nov. 11, 1760; d. 1826; mar. Capt. Thomas Watkins (d. 1797),
brother-in-law of Gov. Pope of Kentucky, and son of Henry Watkins
and Temperance Hughes. "Capt. Thomas Watkins was a man of
more educational advantages than the sons of the usual planter, though
the Revolutionary Wa r interfered with his college career." He served
in the Revolutionary Army under General Greene and was distinguished
for bravery on the field of Guilford Court House, 1781. Col.
Washington wrote Captain Watkins a personal letter—still in the hands
of members of the family—commending the bravery of the company
and of its commander. (It was in this company that Betsy Anne
Venable's brother, Samuel Woodson Venable, served.) Numerous and
distinguished descendants.
