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CHAPTER XI.
MARY BOYERS.
Mary (l?olly), the fifth child of John and Amelia Shoifner, was horn February 2!), 1820, she being the first daughter in the family. The birth of a daughter was hailed with great delight, and the glad father iired many salutes that were heard all over the neighborhood. She was reared on her father?s farm, where in her early girlhood she showed a great liking for outdoor exercise, and would often roam over the cotton fields where her brothers were at work. At different times, of her own accord, she would lend a helping hand, and in return would receive a nice present from her father. Ilcr education was such as people gave their children in those days.
At the age of eighteen she was married to Thomas Hovers, who came to Tennessee from Charlottesville, Va. On his arrival he spent a year or two at Winchester, and then went to Shelbvville to live, ft was hen1 that he met Mary Shoffner; and on their first meeting ? Cupid? did his work well, for it was then that Mr. Boyers placed a beautifully carved gold ring on her finger. This ring she wore constantly; and it is yet in the possession of the family, and is held sacred in loving remembrance of the betrothal of Thomas Boyers and Mary Shoffner.
After their marriage, they lived in Shelhyville for a