Elizabeth Starr Versailles (1909–1997)

Elizabeth Starr Versailles (1909-1997) was named Genealogist of the Association in 1962.  She became Genealogist Emeritus in 1984 but remained active in Hathaway research for many years after that.  It was through her tireless efforts and sizeable skill that our three Hathaway books were published.  Her first publication was in 1965, some 621 pages, which finally put into print the results of Mary Hathaway Herbert's research, along with contributions from many.  This proved to be a most popular book and many more Hathaways and their descendants joined in the efforts.  The result was HATHAWAYS OF AMERICA, 1970 Edition, 1426 pages, which included most of what had been in the 1965 book.  A supplement, HATHAWAYS 1200-1980, 621 pages, was added in 1980.  Beth coordinated the research done by hundreds of volunteers, along with doing much of it herself.  She also oversaw the typing and proofreading that had to be done, much of it by her sisters and brother who contributed photography knowledge.  Given the amount of records we now have, she had to have worked 60 hour weeks for over 20 years.  Her legacy to all Hathaways is of immeasureable value.