Biography

Robert Voris Finch was an American author, essayist, teacher, and radio commentator, who was born on August 27, 1909, in North Arlington, NJ. Finch died on February 4, 1959, in Chapel Hill, NC.

Betty Smith (born Elizabeth Lillian Wehner) was an American author and well known for her bestselling novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. She was born in Brooklyn, NY, on December 15, 1896. In 1957, she married Robert Voris Finch (her third husband). Smith died on January 17, 1972.

Playwrights Robert Finch and Betty Smith wrote “Lady of the Confederacy.” The play was based on the report that after the battle was over, soldiers had to pass a beautiful home known as “The Hastings House.” Mrs. Fanny Mitchener, a young widow, her two young children, and slaves lived in the home. She was fearful for her family’s life when Union Officer Greenlee stopped at the home. However, when he went inside to speak with Mrs. Mitchener, he realized he knew her. She had lived up North before moving South to teach and was a former classmate of his. The officer renewed his acquaintance with Mrs. Mitchener, placed guard over her family and home, and marched his men away from the home.

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