Nancy Pope Thurmond 1832-1916

Nancy was born in Wilkes County, Georgia. When she was only twelve years of age she attended the famous Salem Academy, in Salem, North Carolina and remained there until her graduation in 1848.

She was married in 1849 to Robert Ligon McWhorter. Five children were born to them James Vason, John Alexander, Hamilton, Julia Pope, and Jessie Boyd McWhorter.

In 1861, during the War Between the States, Nancy joined her husband at the camp of the Third Georgia Regiment in Virginia, where she "mothered" the boys and nursed the sick. Her presence was a great inspiration to the officers and men who named her "Mother of the Regiment."

This portrait is in the collection of Mrs. Coke Talmadge of Athens, Georgia.

Portrait/painting

FRE-01 thurmond