Early Life
Robert Simpson Neighbors was born in Charlotte County, Virginia, on November 3, 1815. He was the sole son of William and Elizabeth (Elam) Neighbours. In later life he chose to drop the u from his last name. He was orphaned at a mere four months old, when both parents evidently died from disease, probably smallpox, which was epidemic in those years. He was later educated by private tutors, who were retained by his guardian, Samuel Hamner, a Virginia planter.
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