Ben Perley Poore in Georgia

Photo: Benjamin Perley Poore, between 1865 and 1880. Credit: Brady-Handy Photograph Collection; Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.

The prominent Washington correspondent and historian Major Ben: Perley Poore (the colon after “Ben” is the family custom), from Indian Hill Farm, West Newbury, Massachusetts, led a charmed life.

Poore (1820-1887) dined with Lafayette and Sir Walter Scott. His collection of Americana was the finest in the country. His home had a Masonic Hall and a bedstead slept in by Washington. His drawing room charm earned himself a seat at the best parties.

However, before Poore rose to success, a brief stint in the sunny south landed him in hot water.

Read the whole story at Ben: Perley Poore’s Georgia Scandal