A direct descendent of the Rev. Hezekiah Balch, founder of Greeneville College which later merged with Tusculum College, visited the Tusculum campus on Thursday, Aug. 7. Bill McVean of Early, Texas, a seventh generation direct descendent of Rev. Balch, visited the President Andrew Johnson Museum and Library with his wife, Mildred, and viewed a copy of letters Rev. Balch had written to President George Washington, which resulted in a $100 donation to Greeneville College by Washington. The McVeans stopped in Greene County on their way to Gettysburg, Pa., to participate in the 140th anniversary re-enactment of the Civil War battle fought there. The McVeans participate in living history events in Texas, an interest that also has family links. McVean's great-grandfather was one of two of Rev. Balch's grandsons who emigrated to Texas from Greeneville and fought in the Battle of San Jacinto for Texas freedom.