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Mary Ann Whipper Hollensworth and James Burns Hollensworth

No photographic documentation available at this time.

The following information is taken from the book "Stepping Back in Time."

Mary Ann Whipper was the first wife of James Burns Hollensworth and was the only one buried in Dresden Cemetery. A paragraph in the book "Stepping back in time" says "James and Mary Ann were involved in many of William Whipper's business and philanthropic activities here, including his efforts to resettle former slaves and provide them needed relief and education through the Episcopal Mission. They also made valuable contributions of their own to the development of the town's business community and Christ Church. Mary Ann's Brother Alfred Whipper it is mentioned owned a number of properties in Dresden and actually donated the land for the Dresden Cemetery"

Mary Ann and James Burns, and Mary Ann's brother William it is said were almost certainly very highly involved in receiving slaves from the Underground Railroad. Few if any records were kept of the Railroad's activities it is said. The book quotes that "William himself had indicated that he did not, because of the danger involved, keep any records of the hundreds he helped escape."

James Burns Hollensworth was the owner of a white pine lumber mill in Dresden. The book mentions that some unusual dealings might well indicate it's being tied in with movement of slaves. However, we can probably not state that for certain today and may never be able to depending on results of research.

Mary Ann Died before the close of the civil war and the emancipation of the slaves. She died in 1863 and was interred in the Episcopal section of the Dresden Cemetery. Only 46 years old her cause of death is listed as apoplexy.