The Savannah River

The Savannah River divides South Carolina and Georgia.  Augusta, Georgia is on the other side of  the river and not far from Barnwell, South Carolina. 

On my mother Nellie Frances Canty's birth certificate (documented many years after her birth), it states that Walter Canty was born in Augusta, Georgia.  His army record says he was born in Barnwell, South Carolina.  By studying the geography of that area, it makes now makes sense.  The Cantys crossed over the Savannah River in order to obtain work at the cotton mill.  Since this was when he was still a child, Grandpa probably told most people he was from Augusta rather than South Carolina.  Another mystery solved!