WILKISON COUNTY, GA -HISTORY - Davidson's History of Wilkinson County


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DAVIDSON'S HISTORY OF WILKINSON COUNTY

GENEALOGICAL APPENDIX

Compiler's Note

It will be noted that many of the family sketches in this
volume have been prepared by members of these families.
Those written by the compiler of this history were based
on information and family traditions furnished by members
of these families, except where he was personally
familiar with the family history. Every competent
genealogist recognizes the fact that it is extremely hard
to prevent errors creeping into such sketches, and while
the compiler cannot vouch for the absolute accuracy of
these family histories, yet, every possible effort has
been made to eliminate mistakes.

BLANK PAGE

THE JOHN BALL CHAPTER

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

At the invitation of Mrs. W.T. Wall, a member of the Old
Marion Chapter of the D.A.R., twenty-two ladies from
Wilkinson county met at the court house in Irwinton, Ga.,
to organize a local chapter of the Daughters of the
American Revolution. Mrs. J.W. Hooks, Gordon, Ga.,
appointed by Mrs. Julius Talmadge, State Regent, was the
organizing regent. Mrs. A.K. Smith was chosen temporary
secretary.

At the March meeting, Mrs. Hooks announced that the
required number of application papers to organize were on
file in the office of the organizing secretary-general in
Washington and that after the National Board meeting in
April everything would be in readiness to organize.

The organization was perfected April 9, 1926. The
following officers were elected: Mrs. J.W. Hooks, regent;
Miss Nan Wood, first vice-regent; Mrs. C.G. Chapman,
second vice-regent; Mrs. A.K. Smith, recording secretary;
Miss Addigene Cason, corresponding secretary; Mrs. J.H.
Duggan, treasurer; Mrs. C.G. Kitchens, registrar; Mrs.
N.H. Bacon, historian; Miss Ida Hughes, chaplain. The
name "John Ball" was chosen for the chapter.

The following were charter members: Mesdames J.W. Hooks,
C.G.. Chapman, A.K. Smith, J.H. Duggan, C.G. Kitchens,
N.H. Bacon, H.G. Lindsey, Victor Davidson, J.F. Porter,
Sr., J.F. Porter, Jr., W.A. Jones, L.P. Player, Ruth
Porter McKee, A.C. Todd, J.H. Chandler, F.N. Reynolds,
Gertrude Carswell, E.L. Carswell, G.P. Bugg, and Misses
Ida Hughes, Nan Wood, Lily Brown, Addigene Cason, Izetta
and Willie Davis.

The chapter unveiled a marker at the grave of Robert
Barnett, a revolutionary soldier, in March, 1927. Markers
for

the graves of David Clay and William Mitchell have been
secured and will be erected at an early date.

On the Macon highway, a marker, commemorating the old
Hartford Trail, was unveiled October 9, 1927.

The greatest piece of work that the chapter has
undertaken has been the sponsoring of the Wilkinson
County History.

The following members have been added: Mesdames Fulmer
Armstrong, E.J. Murphy, N.T. Nichols as an associate
member, and Miss May Lamb.

(By Miss Willis Davis, Sec.)

JOHN BALL

Senator John Ball, in whose honor, the John Ball Chapter
of the Daughters of the American Revolution was named,
according to family traditions, was born near
Fredericksburg, Virginia, date unknown, but presumably
about 1740, and according to these family traditions, was
closely connected with the famous Ball Family of which
Martha Washington was a member.

It seems that John Ball removed to Camden District, South
Carolina, just prior to the American Revolution, and was
living there at the beginning of that struggle. We find
on page twenty-five of Knight's "Roster of the
Revolution," where he is certified as having served in
the Revolution, by Col. Samuel Jack, who states further
that Ball was of Camden District, S.C., and that he
served in a Georgia Regiment. Page 404 of the same book
gives the roster of the Regiment of Col. John Stewart, in
which John Ball served as a private. On page 397, we find
him receiving a Bounty Warrant as a veteran of the
Revolution, bearing date of 1784. He evidently moved
first to Warren County, Georgia, about the close of the
Revolution, as Mrs. J.H. Duggan, a descendant, gives the
information that he is buried at Warrenton. He later
moved to his bounty lands in Washington  County and
established Ball's Ferry near by.

When Wilkinson County was opened up for settlement by the
treaty of Fort Wilkinson and the later acts of the

JOHN BALL

Legislature, there was a deluge of settlers seeking new
lands. John Ball, himself, was one of these, though, at
the same time, he retained his Washington County
plantations, and apparently merely moved a short distance
across the river from the ferry. As a mark of the esteem
in which he was being held by his neighbors, those who
knew him best, we find John Ball being elected to the
highest office that the people of Wilkinson County could
offer, that of State Senator. He served in this capacity
for two terms.

According to the records found at the courthouse at
Irwinton, John Ball amassed quite a fortune for that day.
At his death in 1815, he owned in addition to his
plantations in Washington and Wilkinson Counties, his
ferry, which was considered valuable property in that
day, besides numerous slaves; large quantities of
livestock, and other personal property.

In every generation among John Ball's descendants in this
county are numbered many of the most prominent men and
women that the county has afforded. Senator Wesley King
married a daughter of his son, Anson Ball. Captain Green
B. Burney who commanded the Wilkinson Greys in the Indian
War of 1836, later a member of the Legislature married
another daughter of Anson Ball.

GORDON WOMAN'S CLUB

On December 30, 1915, a small band of Gordon's
progressive women met and organized the Wimodausis Club,
whose name was later changed to the Gordon Woman's Club.

The club immediately federated with the Georgia
Federation of Women's clubs and joined the General
Federation April 6, 1916.

The object of the organization was mutual council,
helpfulness, and service of women in promoting
educational, civic, social and moral advancement in the
community. It might well have been called a Benevolent
Society for the members have looked after the sick, poor,
needy and distressed, besides contributing to all worthy
calls, both in the

District and State Federation.

If the history of the Gordon Woman's club could be
written in full from the early days to the present era of
glorious achievement and worthy tribute could be paid the
women, who have given time and strength, and love, in the
service of others, there would be a volume of absorbing
human interest of lofty purpose and splendid deeds that
would be a beacon light to the generations to come.

It is non-partisan and non-sectarian and the poor is as
welcome to membership as the well-to-do. Its motto is:
"The best is yet to be." The club colors are white and
green and the flower is the pink carnation.

The first president was Mrs. J.W. Hooks who was followed
by Mrs. W.W. Lee, Mrs. J.W. Daniel, Mrs. S.H. Brantley,
Mrs. J.J. Preece, Mrs. L.M. White, Miss Tom Elam, Mrs.
S.R. Owen, Mrs. Nelle Newman Downs and Mrs. G.H. Miller.

If space permitted a glorious history might be recorded
of the services of the presidents of the club since
organization to the highly developed body of women of
1929 under the leadership of the present president Mrs.
J.W. Brooks, Jr., with the following officers and active
members: Mrs. S.R. Owen, first vice-president; Mrs. Sol
Isenberg, second vice-president; Mrs. D.P. Lee, recording
secretary; Mrs. G.H. Miller, corresponding secretary;
Mrs. J.W. Hooks, treasurer; Mrs. R.L. Sanders, chaplain;
Mrs. J.B. Butts, press reporter. Misses Louise Brookins,
Annie Lou Camp, Rosa Isenberg and Janie Elam. Mesdames
R.P. Anderson, R.H. Camp, T.L. Davis, J.L. Dennard, G.W.
DuPree, Lilly Etheridge, J.F. Hall, I.A. Henderson, W.D.
Irby, W.A. Jones, E.C. Knight, C.G. Kitchens, E.H. Lewis,
Tom Lewis, J.G. Methvin, G.S. Powell, Thurman Sanders,
and Janie Walker Frasuer.

Mrs. J.W. Hooks.

ROBERT TOOMBS CHAPTER

UNITED DAUGHTERS OF THE CONFEDERACY

TOOMBSBORO, GEORGIA

"Motto — Remembering the Past, We Build for the Future."

The first preliminary meeting of Robert Toombs, Chapter
U.D.C., was held in the summer of 1923 at the Christian
Church, Toombsboro, Ga. Those present decided to ask Miss
Louise Sullivan, President of Mary Ann Williams Chapter
U.D.C., Sandersville, Ga., to help in organizing the
chapter, and after meetings at the home of Miss Addigene
Cason and Mrs. T.H. Bridwell, Jr., the organization was
completed and a committee was appointed to draw up the
constitution and by-laws. The charter of Robert Toombs
Chapter was granted in August, 1924, No. 1844.

The first regular meeting was held at the home of Mrs.
F.B. Chambers and officers elected as follows: President,
Mrs. L.R. Cason, Jr. (Mary Ligon); First Vice-Pres., Mrs.
Victor Davidson (Edna Nesbit); 2nd Vice-Pres., Mrs. H.E.
Stephens (Mayme Hughes); Rec. Sec., Mrs. E.M. Boone
(Daisy Thomas); Treas., Miss Addigene Cason; Cor. Sec.,
Mrs. T.H. Bridwell, Jr. (Alice Freeman); Historian, Mrs.
P.M. Jackson (Leila Florence Boyd); Registrar, Mrs. A.C.
Todd (Sarah Cason). Among those who afterward served as
officers were: Mrs. Victor Davidson, three years as
President; Mrs. W.H. Freeman (Lorah Brannan) three years
as 1st Vice-Pres.; and Mrs. Roy Cannon (Lillian Roberts)
one year as Historian. The officers at present (1929-
1930) are: Pres., Mrs. E.M. Boone; 1st Vice-Pres., Mrs.
J.H. Shelton (Mary Player); 2nd Vic-Pres., Mrs. Victor
Davidson; Rec. Sec., Mrs L.R. Cason, Jr.: Treas., Miss
Addigene Cason; Cor. Sec., Mrs. Marvin Hall (Ruby
Culpepper); Historian, Mrs. A.C. Todd; Registrar, Mrs.
F.B. Chambers, (Lamar Albea); Chaplain, Mrs. N.H. Bacon
(Elizabeth Brett Camp).

When first organized, the chapter held ten meetings
yearly, but with the growth of interest the number was
raised to eleven. The Chapter has never failed of its
regular monthly meeting, with a historical program at
each meeting, and all

anniversaries have been observed. From a Charter
membership of fifteen the chapter has grown to number
forty-four and new members are being added steadily.

As set forth in its articles of Incorporation, the
objects of the U.D.C. are historical, benevolent,
educational and social. Striving ever to remember these
aims and with a real appreciation of the privilege of
having a part in this great work, the members of Robert
Toombs Chapter are proud of their heritage.

(Chapter Committee.)

WILKINSON COUNTY CHAPTER

UNITED DAUGHTERS OF THE CONFEDERACY

The Wilkinson County Chapter U.D.C., was organized April
26, 1919, by the State President, Mrs. Herbert Franklin.

The first president was Mrs. J.W. Hooks. Under her
leadership and with the warmest good will of the
following members: Mesdames Annie Burke Branan, Clifford
Lewis Brooks, Gussie Cummings Davis, Clara Hartfield
Davis, Mary Davis Fountain, Janie Walker Frasuer, Jessie
Brundage Gibbs, Lizzie Conyers Key, Annie Dumas Miller,
Daisy Robertson Padgett, Gillie Sanders Powell, Arvilla
Fountain Sanders, Willie Parker Tinsley, Moses Register,
Misses Pearl Byington, Izetta Davis, Willie Davis, Sadie
Davis, Stattie Viola McCook, Annie Laurie McCook, Sara
Jane McCook, Mary Fountain and Mary Lizzie Stripling, the
chapter began its career.

The community's attitude is worthy of note because it was
partly in response to a patriotic public desire for
annual observances of Memorial Day in Gordon, that the
work of the Chapter was begun.

Since that day it has become an annual custom to invite
the Confederate Veterans of the county, their wives and
widows, to the memorial exercises and basket dinner
following.

Prior to this the people of the town met a few times at

WILKINSON COUNTY CHAPTER DAR

the cemetery and placed flowers and Confederate flags on
the graves of the veterans who lay calmly sleeping there,
and held a short program of singing and speaking to
attest the love and admiration for the "noble dead" and
to the "noble living."

Gordon's interest in the lost, but ever-living cause has
deepened and widened and while to tall shafts of marble
have been reared to commemorate the memory of those who
fought for a noble cause, the members of the chapter have
worked zealously to do all the good they could to
alleviate as much suffering and distress among the
remaining veterans and their wives as was possible with a
small treasury.

The present active officers and members of the chapter
are as follows: Mrs. C.F. Gladden, President; Mrs. J.W.
Brooks, Jr., Vice-President; Mrs. W.D. Dewell, Recording
Secretary; Mrs. T.J. Finney, Corresponding Secretary;
Mrs. L. J. Fountain, Treasurer; Mrs. J.W. Hooks,
Historian; Mrs. Janie W. Frasuer, Registrar; Mrs. R. L.
Sanders, Chaplain, and Mesdames T.B. Dennard, G.W.
DuPree, J.F. Hall, J.S. Miller, Misses Pearl Byington,
Izetta Davis, Willie Davis and Emma McArthur.

(Mrs. J.W. Hooks.)

W.C. ADAMS FAMILY

Few families have produced more men of ability than has
been found among the descendants of Wyriott Cason Adams.
His father, Peter Adams, came from North Carolina as one
of the first settlers of Wilkinson County, building his
home in what is now Laurens County about two miles from
Blackshear's Ferry. So well did he select the material
that the house is yet standing. Here he reared his
family, his son, Wyriott Cason, being born Oct. 2, 1823.
The latter was married Oct. 29, 1846, to Martha Ann Hall
(Jan. 27, 1828-Oct. 11, 1903) the daughter of Isaac and
Susanna (Ross) Hall. (See Hall Sketches.) They made their
home near where their son, Edgar, now lives. Their
children were: Abilean Horace, Isaac Wyriott, Cuyler
Hall, Dorah, Oscar Cason, Edgar and Josie Homer.

W.C. Adams proved a successful planter and was highly
regarded by his fellow men. The war coming on he served
in Co. D. 8th Ga. Reg. with the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
Although a man of ability, he was not one to push himself
into the forefront in public lite, and was not what is
commonly called a politician. However, in 1872 when the
contest was on which was to result in the restoration of
the Democratic party to power, while at home at work W.A.
Hall returning from the County Democratic Convention
notified him of the fact that he had been nominated for
Representative. At first refusing to enter politics, the
urging that it was for the success of the party induced
him to accept. One of the first bills he introduced was
that creating a Board of County Commissioners.

His son, Cuyler Hall Adams (Dec. 16, 1854-May 26, 1919),
was reared on his father's farm and attended school at
Red Level. He first married Eula Beall, daughter of T.N.
Beall, and their children were: Alva, m:Rachel Lassiter;
Lallah,: Leon Hall; F. Cuylker, m: Leo White; Sybil, m:
1st Chas. Butler, 2nd H.A. Green. After the death of
Eula, he married Grace Rogers and to this union were
born: Sam. m: Annette Butler; Lucile, m: J.O. Cannon; and
Dewry Cecil (Pat). His third wife was Dora Stripling of
Macon. Their children: Hazel

W.C. ADAMS

and Calton.

C.H. Adams was also a successful farmer as well as a
successful merchant, he with his son Alva, operated a
store for many years, located where Walnut Creek School
now stands., He accumulated considerable property and was
one of the foremost citizens of the County. Public
spirited, friendly and hospitable, he was highly regarded
by his fellowmen. Aspiring to the office so ably filled
by his father, he was elected and served during 1905-6-7-
8 as Representative. He also served as County
Commissioner for several years.

This sketch would be incomplete were it not to include a
brief mention of Alva, the oldest son of C.H. and Eula B.
Adams, one of the best friends the schools of Wilkinson
ever had — Walnut Creek, the improvements in the Danville
Schools are monuments to his leadership. Intensely loyal
to his friends, generous to a fault, his untimely passing
was indeed a blow to Wilkinson County.

Oscar Cason and Abilean Horace Adams are successful
planters residing in Laurens County. Wiley Adams, a son
of A.H., is Sheriff of the City Court of Dublin.

Edgar is the only son of W.C. Adams now in Wilkinson
County and is still living at the old home of the Adams.
He has never married having assumed the care of his
widowed mother until her death. He takes great pride in
his father's honorable record and has striven to maintain
the high standards of honesty and uprightness fixed by
his father's example. He is one of the county's prominent
farmers and is respected by all those who know him best
as a man of integrity. He served in 1911-14 as County
Commissioner and through the years 1921-1923 as
Superintendent of County Chaingang. His efficient
handling of this, the most expensive phase of the
County's operations, proved him to be conscientious in
the discharge of his duties.

WILLIS ALLEN

Willis Allen was born in Pulaski County and moved later
to Cool Springs, now known as Allentown, where he engaged
in the mercantile business and had vast farming
interests. He was successful in business, public spirited
and noted for his generosity and helpfulness to those in
trouble. During the War Between the States when Sherman's
troops marched through Wilkinson, leaving a trail of
desolation, Willis Allen came to the aid of those in
distress and sent wagon loads of food, clothing and other
necessities. He was a member of Cool Springs Masonic
Lodge.

According to tradition, the Allens came from Belfast,
Ireland. James Allen, father of Willis Allen, was born
June 29, 1782, died May 22, 1837. He married Jane
Coleman, born Sept. 30, 1778, died Sept. 23, 1851. Their
children were Mary (1806-1865) Married Linkfield Perkins.
After his death she married Wyatt Meredith. (No
children.) William born 1811, married Nancy Lee. Their
children were Mary (married Tom Sanders), Hiram, Willis,
William, Coleman, John, Jesse, Crawford, Clifford, John
W., born Sept. 15, 1812, died Feb. 28, 1850. Married Mary
Ellen ——. No children. Willis, born Dec. 16, 1815, died
Feb. 21, 1871. Married first to Mary Ann Meredith,
daughter of Wyatt Meredith, born Aug. 22, 1829, died June
7, 1857. Of their six children, only two lived, John,born
Dec. 21, 1845, died June 7, 1894. Married Isabel King,
1869. Served in War Between the States. Willis, Jr., born
Feb. 15, 1857. Willis Allen's second wife was Sarah
Rebecca Meredith, born Nov. 16, 1838, died July 4, 1926.
She was a daughter of Samuel Meredith and Elizabeth
(Burke) Meredith. Mrs. Allen was a leader in her
community, where she was active in church and public
affairs. She acted as steward in the church for twenty-
five years and superintended Sunday School for forty
years. She was one of the founders of the Allentown
Methodist Church and gave the lot for the church and
parsonage. The children of Willis and Sarah Allen were:
Susan, born 1860, married Washington Baker, Jan. 12,
1882, died May 30, 1883. Jane Coleman, born Nov. 3, 1861,

WILLIS ALLEN

married George Orinthus Allen Daughtry, Nov. 5, 1882.
James born March 15, 1861, married Lilla King, Oct. 30,
1894. Elizabeth, born Feb. 24, 1866, died Aug. 30, 1867.
Sarah Burke, born May 4, 1868 married Frederick Shepherd
who died 1890. Then married John J. King Sept. 26, 1894.
Wyatt Meredith born May 4, 1868, married Mary Louise King
Sept. 16, 1913. Robert Carroll, born Feb. 13, 1871,
married Nettie Pickron, 1894, died May 14, 1926.

Jane Coleman Allen married G.O.A. Daughtry. Their
children are: Helen Virginia, Jennie Sue, Allen Willis
(married Rebecca Hearn Nov. 12, 1927.). George O.A., Jr.,
Sarah Elizabeth :(married Drane D. Smith Nov. 15, 1916),
Annie Moore Daughtry. Allen Willis Daughtry and George
O.A. Daughtry, Jr., served in the World War. The children
of Sarah Elizabeth and Drane Smith are Helen Virginia,
Jane Estelle and George Daughtry.

(By Miss Jennie Daughtry.)

NATHANIEL HUNTER BACON

Nathaniel Hunter Bacon was born October 24, 1880,
Lexington, Georgia, the son of Lewis Howard Bacon and
Annie Mae Hunter, grandson of Nathan Hunter and Sarah
Richter. Joel John Bacon and Emily Susan Howard; great
grandson of Nathan Hunter and Annie H. Smith. He traces
his Revolutionary ancestry to Lewis DuPre who served his
country as Captain during the War and as a member of the
Provincial Congress. He was raised to the rank of
Lieutenant-Colonel during the War.

Although not a native of Wilkinson County yet Mr. Bacon
has adapted this as his home and is recognized as one of
its leading and public spirited citizens. He is Mayor of
Irwinton; a member of the Masonic Lodge; is now serving
as a member of the Trustees of the Wilkinson County High
School and is a consistent Democrat.

Mr. Bacon served as Bank Auditor before coming to
Irwinton in 1919, when he resigned his position to become
cashier of the Irwinton Bank, which position he has
filled ever

since. His business-like methods of operating the bank
has won for him the approbation of its officials.

In addition to his duties as banker, Mr. Bacon operates
very successfully his model farm, growing on it the
finest varieties of fruits, vegetables, and other food
products. Besides his fine milch cows, Mr. Bacon is a
breeder of pure-bred Poland-China hogs for which he finds
a ready market.

He was married February 3, 1916 to Elizabeth Brett Camp,
the daughter of Dr. B.F. Camp (1852-1928) and Annie Slade
Brett Camp grand-daughter of George and Sallie (Cutchins)
Camp and of George Augustus Brett and Mary (Slade) Brett;
great-grand-daughter of William and Penelope Slade;
great-great-great grand-daughter of William and Anne
(Gainor) Slade. Mrs. Bacon is justly proud of her
Virginia and North Carolina lineage tracing her ancestry
also to Colonel Benjamin Blount who served as Colonel
during the Revolutionary War and whose line goes back to
the Danes who came to England in the seventh century. She
is a member of the John Ball Chapter, Daughters of the
American Revolution, and is now serving as Vice-Regent of
the Chapter. She is a degree graduate of Hollins College,
Virginia, and is serving as one of the teachers in the
Wilkinson County High School. She is active in the work
of the Baptist Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Bacon have six children; Nathaniel Hunter,
Jr., Franklin Camp, John Brett, Paul Howard, Anne
Elizabeth, and Catherine Virginia.

ALEXANDER BAUM AND AMELIA FRIED BAUM

Alexander Baum was born in Sohern, Germany, in the year
1822, and came to America at the age of 25 years and
located in Irwinton, Ga. In the year 1850 he was married
to Amelia Fried, who was born in Monzinger, Germany, and
came to this country with her sister, Mrs. Louis Gardner,
at whose home she was married.

Unto this union eleven children were born, ten of whom
reached manhood and womanhood. They were N.B. Baum, A.W.
Baum, Mrs. Matilda B. Kohn, Mrs. Rebecca B.

ALEXANDER BAUM

Fenchel, Mrs. Georgia B. Brunson, Mrs. Annie B. Hughs,
Emmett M. Baum, D.B. Baum, Miss Caroline Baum and Warren
J. Baum.

Alexander Baum was a successful business man, who began
poor but accumulated a sufficiency of this world's goods.
He was of a noble, generous, kindly nature, and those
less fortunate than he found in him a friend ever ready
to give and give generously of his possessions. When the
War Between the States was declared, though of foreign
birth, he championed the cause of the Confederacy and
enlisted in the Militia and fought bravely and well
throughout the conflict. Being appointed keeper over the
Commissary, he personally looked after the wants and
comforts of his comrades, as it was humanly possible in
those trying times, helping to make them comfortable and
contented. While he was away in the conflict, his family
suffered severely at the hands of Sherman's men, who put
his wife and children out in the rain till they ransacked
his home and took all their valuables and left Mrs. Baum
with a severe cold that resulted in her total deafness,
from which she never could hear again. Alexander Baum
died in Atlanta, Ga., in September, 1885, and was buried
in Savannah, Ga., in the family burial ground.

Too much cannot be said of Amelia Baum. She was truly a
noble woman in Israel; and in every walk of life, as
wife, mother and friend she gave living proof of the
traditions of her fore-fathers faith. Religious,
generous, kind, charitable, noble and good, no one ever
left her presence, however heavily ladened with sorrow
and care, but who was inspired with her religious faith.
To be religious means to be good; and this was truly
exemplified in every act of hers. To the proud, she was
tolerant, to the oppressed,  she was inspiring, to the
poor, charitable, to the sick, comforting, and most
helpful to those who had lost their way in this life. She
died in Irwinton, Ga., in October, 1910 at the age of 85
years, leaving a mental picture of all that was beautiful
and good in life. She is buried by the side of her
husband in Savannah, Ga., in Laurel Grove Cemetery.

(Written by a member of the family.)

JAMES MORRIS BEALL

At Carnesville, Ga., Dec. 10, 1824, was born James Morris
Beall, fifth son of Gen. William and Nancy Chandler
Beall. His father, a descendant of that great Indian
fighter of colonial days, Col. Ninian Beall, and of
Thaddeus Beall, who was Brigadier Major on the staff of
Gen. Resin Beall in the Revolution, was himself a soldier
of the War of 1812, and later, Assistant Adjutant General
of Georgia. His mother, a woman of prayer and strong
faith, was from a pious, intelligent family.

In 1832, his family moved to Carroll, then a frontier
county. There on the farm which they cleared he grew to
young manhood, developing mind, character and muscle.

He next clerked in a store at Carrollton. Then he
organized the firm of Beall and Thomason, and became
manager. This was a success. Later he wound up an estate
in Texas for some Georgia heirs. The exposure incident to
the long, arduous trip and return on horseback, brought
on rheumatism, which rendered him an invalid for five
years. His capital exhausted, but undaunted when able to
ride he bought horses on credit and drove them to
Florida, thus financing his winters in that climate. Thus
recuperated he was soon able to enter the store of his
brother, T.N. Beall, at Irwinton.

In Oct. 1861, he followed the family traditions,
enlisting and becoming 1st Lieutenant of Company G, 2nd
Ga. State Troops, with Capt. R.I. Storey which were
detailed by Gov. Brown for coast and bridge defense.
After six months there he joined a company for service in
the Confederate army, but was unable to pass the physical
test. Appointed clerk in the Comptroller General's Office
at Milledgeville he remained there till the war closed.

While a soldier, he had, April 22, 1862, married Miss
Mattie A.F. Hughs, daughter of Rev. G.B. Hughs. They now
bravely set to work and through their united efforts
acquired a farm in Wilkinson County making there a happy
home in

JAMES MORRIS BEALL

which their family of six children was reared. No man
ever had the help of a more plucky or devoted wife.
Having united her fortunes with his under clouds of war,
she remained his comfort and stay till he fell asleep
Sept. 12, 1906.

One of his comrades wrote of him: "He was a good man, a
fine officer: he was so patient with the men, even when
they were inclined to be disobedient. If ever angry he
never showed it. During the whole service I never saw a
thing in him but the best a man could be."

With the tenderness of a woman, the temperament of a
poet, the courage of a Bayard, the sense of honor that
made his word his bond, he was faithful and true in all
the relationships of life.

His children are: James, Green, and Thomas A. Beall,
Mattie, (Mrs. Drew Davidson), Sallie, Mrs. Nobie Ward
Dykes, and the grandchildren are: Misses Clara and Mattie
Will Beall, Arthur and J.B. Davidson.

(By Mrs. Nobie Ward Dykes.)

ROSS AUGUSTUS BELL

Ross Augustus Bell, late Tax Collector of Wilkinson
County, was born a few miles Southwest of Irwinton, March
14, 1864, the son of John Ross Bell and Mary Webster
(Brooks) Bell, (the daughter of Philip Brooks, a veteran
of the War of 1812). John Ross Bell was the son of John
Bartlett and Elizabeth (Herndon) Bell. The Bells are of
Scotch descent, having migrated first to Ireland and
later to Virginia. John Bartlett Bell was born in
Virginia and removed from there to North Carolina first
and later to Wilkinson County, he died about 1868. His
son, John Ross Bell, served faithfully in Co. D, 57th Ga.
Regiment during the War Between the States. When he first
enlisted he could not write his name but the necessity of
writing home caused him to get other members of the
Company to teach him and in three months he was writing
his own letters.

Our subject's education was obtained mainly at Bethel,
Lindsey and Irwinton Schools. Growing up as he did during

the terrible Reconstruction Era, when the youth of
Wilkinson was so busy rebuilding the losses inflicted by
Sherman's Army and the aftermath of the war, his
schooling was necessarily limited but he took advantage
of the opportunities he had and made the most of them.
Honest, honorable and upright, Mr. Bell won the respect
of all those who knew him best. He owned, at his death,
January 8, 1930, a well kept farm where he lived and was
considered one of the best and most progressive farmers
of his section. Mr. Bell, at the insistence of his many
friends, entered the race for Tax Collector in 1924, and
was elected. So well did he fill the position to the
satisfaction of the voters that in 1928, he was re-
elected to this office.

Mr. Bell was married April 3rd, 1890, to Sarah Hatfield,
the daughter of John Richard and Sarah (Hughs) Hatfield,
who was the daughter of Whitfield Hughs and granddaughter
of Rev. John Hughs, one of the most prominent Baptist
preachers in the history of the county. Richard Hatfield
was the son of Joseph and Martha (Freeman) Hatfield who
was the daughter of George Washington Freeman, a
descendant of John Freeman. Joseph Hatfield was the son
of Richard (1765-1859) and Rebecca (Player, [Brown?],
1767-1860) Hatfield. Both Joseph and his son, John
Richard, served in the War Between the States. Joseph
died on the march of Western Confederate army from
Kentucky. John Richard was detailed to guard prisoners in
Andersonville and was there at the close of the war,
bringing home his sword and blanket. One of Mrs. Bell's
most cherished possessions is her father's sword. After
the creation of the Board of County Commissioners he
served as a member for several years.

According to family traditions, Richard's father was a
Scotch sailor on a vessel plying between Charleston and
the Old Country, and brought Richard with him from
Scotland when only seven years of age. Richard's
daughter, Frankie, who married Fletcher Reed, had the
Scotch brogue. Richard's children were: Jane, Mary Ann,
Bernetta, Martha, Frankie, Caleb, John, Samuel William,
Joe, Huckaby and James. On all

ROSS AUGUSTUS BELL

their lines of ancestry, both Mr. and Mrs. Bell can
justly claim descent from the best original pioneer stock
of Wilkinson County and on the Hughs line, Mrs. Bell can
trace her ancestry to the Revolution.

Mrs. Bell is one of nature's sweet and lovable, noble
women, kind and considerate, neighborly and hospitable.
She visits the sick and ministers to the needy. To know
her is to love her. She is a faithful member of the
Ball's Methodist Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Bell have reared four children: Jack Ross,
L. Wesley, Otho W., Raleigh, and had one daughter, Mary
Lora, who died 1912. They have given their children all
the advantages of the best school the county afforded.
Their oldest son, J.R., was married to Emmie Ruth
Pennington, Dec. 17, 1916, and in 1925 while in the
employ of the Pynetree Paper Company at Gordon, he was
accidentally killed by a heavy roll of paper falling on
him. He left two sons, Jack, Jr., and Billy.

L. Wesley was married in 1925 to Jessie Mae Shepherd and
is farming near Irwinton.

Otho W., after graduating at the Irwinton High School,
assisted his father in the management of the duties of
the Tax Collector's Office until his death and was
appointed to fill the vacancy until an election could be
held, which resulted in his favor. He, in all
probability, holds the record for being the youngest Tax
Collector in Georgia. He was married in 1928 to Ethel
Jackson, a successful school teacher of the county.

Raleigh is a student at the Irwinton High School.

THE BILLUE FAMILY

Stephen Billue came to America among a band of Hugenots
from France before the Revolutionary War (supposedly
about 1765, and settled in Waxhaw, North Carolina, the
birthplace of Andrew Jackson.)

According to family tradition he left with Jackson's two
older brothers to fight in America's behalf. He served
through the war and came back to Waxhaw. (Jackson's

brothers were killed and brought back and buried on the
church ground of the "Old Round Top" Presbyterian Church
near Waxhaw, of which the Jacksons and Stephen Billue
were the founders) Stephen Billue and all his descendants
that remained in North Carolina are buried at "Old Round
Top." (See church record now in possession of Mrs. Bessie
Steel Ardrey, Pineville, North Carolina, Route 16.)

He married Elizabeth Williams (a native of Ireland who
came over before the war about the year 1780). Only two
children were born to them, Stephen, Jr., born 1802 who
lived and died in North Carolina and James Richmond born
1804 who was the first of the Billues to settle in
Georgia. He came at the age of about thirty five and
settled near Big Sandy Church, "The Old Billue Place." He
bought approximately one thousand acres of land, mostly
forest then.

James Richmond married at the age of thirty-eight, Miss
Sallie Dupree, who died about a year later.

Then at the age of forty-three he married Miss Elizabeth
Fordham who was the daughter of Benjamin Fordham and came
from North Carolina in 1812 when she was only two years
old. The crossed the Oconee River about the mouth of Big
Sandy Creek. They carved their names and date on a beech
tree that stood on the bank.

There was only one child, the late James Franklin Billue,
born 1850 (March 1).

On October 19, 1883, James Richmond Billue died and is
buried at the Fordham Cemetery in the lower part of
Wilkinson County (near Oconee Church). His wife,
Elizabeth Fordham Billue, lived several years longer and
died on May 31, 1912, at the age of 102 years. She is
also buried in the Fordham Cemetery which is near the old
Fordham home.

James Franklin Billue was very active in politics, being
Justice of the Peace in his early life and Clerk of
Commissioners in his later years. No one loved his
friends better than "Squire" as he was commonly called.
He was a special friend of Thomas F. Watson and for many
years his leading support in this county. He was a member
of the Big

THE BILLUE FAMILEY

Sandy Baptist Church practically all of his life.

He was married to Miss Dora Viola Adams, the only
daughter of W.C. and Martha Hall Adams (See W.C. Adams
sketch).

Seven children were born to them, namely: Isaac Franklin,
Minnie Viola, Bessie Belva, Dotha Vivian, Dora Agnes,
J.F., Jr., and Mattie Sue.

Isaac Franklin, the oldest, born October 1, 1875, like
his father was also active in politics in his earlier
years. He has been a member of the Irwinton Baptist
Church for thirty years and for the last fifteen years a
deacon. Also a director of the Irwinton Bank since it was
founded in 1911. He is a lover of music, and for many
years taught singing schools in different parts of the
state.

Being the first Rural Letter Carrier in the County he has
served Uncle Sam twenty-eight years and has refused the
Presidency of Tenth District Association. He married
first in 1902, Fannie G. Hartley, daughter of Hiram A.
and Anna Jane Hoover Hartley, granddaughter of Hillery
and Rhoda (Mason) Hartley. Hillery Hartley was a veteran
of the Indian War in 1836, being a member of the
Wilkinson Grays under the command of Capt. G.B. Burney.

Isaac F. had one child, Louise, by his first marriage. He
was married second to Emma Clifford Hartley in 1907
youngest sister of Fannie G. Hartley. They have nine
children, namely: Dorothy Jacqualin, Isaac Felix, Helen
Winona, James Richmond, Martha Elizabeth, John Hiram,
Marion Adams, Edythe Lorraine, and Carolyn Dolores.

Mr. Billue is justly proud of his ancestors and among his
highly prized possessions is a letter from Stephen
Billue, Jr., son of Stephen Billue, Sr., from
Walkerville, N.C. written at the age of 82 years to the
widow of James Richmond, his brother's wife.

(Prepared by Miss Dorothy Billue.)

JOHN PINK BLOODWORTH

Of all the families of Wilkinson County none exceeds in
numerous descendants and family connections of the
Bloodworth family. And of such a family which has
produced so many notable men of the county, none has
excelled John Pink Bloodworth in sterling character and
integrity.

His grandfather, Henry Bloodworth, for whom Bloodworth
District was named, a pioneer settler of the county, came
from North Carolina with his two brothers, Timothy and
William, neither of whom ever married. Henry married
first a Miss Temples. Their children were James and Miles
Bloodworth. Henry's second wife was a Miss Philips. Their
children were: John, born 1827, Chesley, Thomas and
William.

John married Louie Nalos, born 1831, whose mother was
Mary McClary Fountain who first married Nalos, and after
his death married James Webb.

John Pink Bloodworth, the son of John and Louie, was born
May 17, 1855, near Ivey in Wilkinson County. The war
coming on his father enlisted in the Confederate army.
After the war was over his father gave him the best
education the schools of the county afforded, and under
the tutelage of Dr. E.Z.F. Golden, he was prepared to
enter Mercer University. However, he decided to enter the
timber business and farming. In this he was a success. In
1885 he was married to Miss Alice Pauline Whitehurst,
born 1859, the daughter of Thomas C. and Rebecca
(Walters) Whitehurst. She was educated at Monroe Female
College, now Bessie Tift. To them were born three sons:
Julian F., John Fleming, T. Edwin (See sketches of
Whitehurst family and of J. Fleming Bloodworth).

In 1886 Mr. Bloodworth acquired and moved to the Thomas
C. Whitehurst ante-bellum home which he rebuilt into a
modern residence. He was a faithful member of the Gordon
Methodist Church; served for years as Worshipful Master
of the Gordon Masonic Lodge.

Not only did he give his own children every educational
advantage but he encouraged his neighbors likewise to

JOHN PINK BLOODWORTH

educate theirs.

It might be well said of him to his memory Wilkinson
County can never do too much honor.

JOHN FLEMING BLOODWORTH

John Fleming Bloodworth was born on the 27th day of
March, 1893, at the old homestead near Lewiston, the son
of John Pink Bloodworth and Alice Pauline (Whitehurst)
Bloodworth. On his mother's side he descended from Thomas
C. and Rebecca (Walters) Whitehurst, a family of the
ante-bellum aristocracy of Wilkinson for generations
unexcelled in culture and refinement. (See Whitehurst
Sketch.)

On his father's side he sprang from a long line of worthy
forbears, who for more than a century held high place in
the affections of the people, from the day his great-
grandfather for whom Bloodworth District was named,
arrived as a pioneer settler on down to date. (See sketch
of John Pink Bloodworth.)

Though small in stature, frail of body, yet Fleming
Bloodworth's iron will and ambition might well be an
inspiration to those more favorably endowed.

His education was mainly obtained at the Gordon High
School where he graduated in 1911.

During his boyhood and young manhood, there was awakened
in him the worthy ambition to enter the political arena
and to take his place among those who were guiding the
affairs of State. From his earliest boyhood he would
often assert that he would become a lawyer and that he
would go to the Legislature as his father had gone before
him.

He had no sooner graduated in High School than he began
making plans to enter the Mercer Law Class. For two years
he pursued his studies there, finishing in the class of
1918 with the B.L. degree.

Unlike many to whose eyes the far off pastures appear
greener, Fleming's ambition led him to return to his
native home. He had caught the vision of the needs of his
home county, and he felt that his mission in life called
him back to

labor for its uplift.

From his boyhood he took a most active part in the
politics of the county and his aid was eagerly sought by
candidates., Whenever a campaign was on he was accustomed
not only to espouse the cause of his favorite candidates,
but to labor earnestly for their election. Especially was
he strongly partisan in the political campaigns of his
father's friend, Judge John S. Davis.

Appointed in 1917 to succeed Judge Davis as Solicitor of
the County Court he held that office and also the office
of County Attorney until 1925, part of which time serving
as Clerk for the County Commissioners.

The summer of 1924 found him at the insistence of his
friends entering the first political contest where he
himself was a candidate. Two other candidates were
offering for the Legislature but he was elected. In 1926
he offered for re-election with two candidates opposing
him and again he was successful.

At the same time his friend, Geo. H. Carswell, was
running for Governor. At the mass meeting held at
Irwinton in June, 1926, for the purpose of organizing
Wilkinson county as a whole for Carswell as the
gubernatorial candidate, it was decided to open a Home
Headquarters at Irwinton in addition to the Atlanta
Headquarters. Although in the midst of his own campaign,
yet at the request of his friends he took active charge
as Manager of the Home Headquarters keeping a corps of
assistants busy circularizing the State, rising funds,
and in every way possible arousing enthusiasm for
Wilkinson's candidate., Though with failing health his
iron will kept him going.

His record in the Legislature was a most creditable one.
He was given prominent place on Committee assignments,
and at all times was found at his post of duty until
disease prevented his further attendance.

He had planned to offer for the State Senate upon the
expiration of his second term in the Legislature and
would doubtless have been elected.

JOHN FLEMING BLOODWORTH

After the declaration of war in 1917, the attorneys were
asked to aid in filling out the questionnaires of all men
within the draft age. Fleming Bloodworth responded to the
call and day after day from morning until night he gave
his services in this work, and without charge.

Later as those who were drafted were sent to the camps he
did all in his power to cheer them, provided
entertainment, etc. And while in camp and on European
fields, the men from Wilkinson were often reminded by the
letters from him that the folks back home had not
forgotten them. Likewise, when the war was ended, it was
truthfully said of him that many a Wilkinson County man
got his discharge and returned home earlier by his
intercession through the Congressmen and Senators. To the
day of his death among his staunchest friends he numbered
these World War veterans in whose behalf he had so
ardently exerted himself.

When the call was sounded to America to unite behind the
Red Cross, Fleming Bloodworth was chosen Chairman for
Wilkinson County. No better selection could have been
made. Day and night he unselfishly gave his time and
attention to this duty and so well did he succeed that
few counties excelled Wilkinson in the amount of funds
paid in.

In 1919, he with his friend, Lamar Tigner, purchased the
Irwinton Bulletin and as associate editor he contributed
editorials and articles as long as he was physically
able. The association and friendship with his friend
"Tig" as he called his partner was most extraordinary.
For years they roomed together, and when Fleming bought
his home in Irwinton, it was to call on Tigner to share
it with him. Their intimate association in business and
in the home only the more closely cemented their
friendship.

In the operation of this paper his attention was called
to the advertising possibilities of small weekly
newspapers and he developed a syndicated plan of
advertising which he copyrighted and sold, a plan which
is now adopted and used throughout the United States.

No one in the county realized the mining possibilities

of Wilkinson more than he or did more to interest
outsiders in the clay resources. He had posters in
prominent places telling of the great wealth lying
underfoot in this county and he advertised these deposits
in every state in the Union without any compensation.

In 1922 he saw the need of a Federal Farm Loan
Association for the County and although the advent of
this plan of financing meant a loss to his loan business
yet he urged the farmers to take advantage of this
opportunity to borrow funds at cheaper rates than he
could offer. Mainly through his activities the
organization was perfected.

Of all his many diverse activities perhaps none equalled
the interest he had in his corporation, the Fleming
Bloodworth Loan Co. He started this business in 1918 with
a small beginning but the care and attention he gave the
enterprise it grew by leaps and bounds until he was
obliged to associate E.R. Pierce with him. In this
business of investing the money of others on real estate
loans he had the utmost confidence of his clients, many
of whom were widows with meager funds to lend and the
loss by a bad investment, would have meant ruin. The care
he used in placing those funds won for him the deserved
praise of all his clients. In one case rather than let
one of these clients suffer a loss by the failure of a
borrower whom he had recommended he assumed the
obligations. And when no longer he was able to look after
this business, and it was apparent that he would be
compelled to go away for treatment, one of his greatest
regrets was he would have to relinquish the duty of
seeing that his clients received back the funds he had
invested for them.

It can be truthfully said of Fleming Bloodworth that no
friend of his fell sick that he did not visit and speak
words of encouragement, carry small gifts of fruit, or
other things that would be pleasing. None went away to
hospitals for treatment that he did not visit or write or
send magazines and books., Many a sick room was made
brighter, many a life cheered by the fact he had lived.
And thus it was with him even after he himself was
stricken. While making his plans to leave his

JOHN FLEMING BLOODWORTH

business in the hands of others, and in a few weeks go to
Asheville for treatment although this would be a drain
upon his resources, considerably diminished by his
inability to practice his profession, as it required, yet
no one asked him for aid in vain. The writer knows
personally of an instance where a distant relative of
Fleming's was suffering from the same malady as he
himself was and for lack of funds could not go away for
treatment. Searching him out Fleming placed him on the
train, and provided out of his own funds what was
necessary. Innumerable instances of similar acts of
helping those who needed help could be mentioned.

One of the dreams of Fleming Bloodworth's was to see a
good highway connecting Irwinton, Gordon and Macon. A
dream he never lived to see completed. For years he had
been agitating the building of this road, but lack of
funds prevented. Largely through his efforts it was made
a part of the State Highway System and in 1926 it became
known that State and Federal funds had been provided for
the co-operation with the county in the building of the
road. At the time he was serving as Clerk of the Board of
County Commissioners and County Attorney and the duty of
getting a right of way for the proposed road devolved
upon him. Although realizing that his disease was closing
down its hold upon him, instead of going to the mountains
to combat it, as he was urged to do by his friends, he
unselfishly devoted himslef to the great task of getting
the large number of landowners wherever they would, to
give the right of way, and the others to sell to the
county as reasonable as possible, a task that meant much
effort and which doubtless did much to hasten the end.
Could he have lived only a short time longer he would
have known that so far as Wilkinson County was concerned,
the road would be completed and his dream realized.

He became a member of the Gordon Methodist Church in his
early manhood later moving his membership to Irwinton
upon his removal here. As a steward of the Irwinton
Methodist Church contributed freely to the needs of the
cause, took an active interest in advancing every
uplifting movement, and at

all times could be counted on to do anything asked him by
his pastor.

He joined the Irwinton Masonic Lodge during the latter
part of 1919 and the early part of 1920. The beauties of
the Masonic order so appealed to him that he proceeded
through the Scottish Rite and in June of 1920 took the
Shrine degree in the Al Sihah Temple at Macon.

In his family life never was there a deeper love than
that which existed between him and his father and
brothers, Julian F. and Edwin. Seldom a week passed after
he moved to Irwinton but that he made several visits home
to be with them, and it was a rule for him to spend every
Sunday with them.

During the summer of 1928 he was gradually growing weaker
until the early part of August when the end came. His
funeral and interment, with Masonic honors by the
Irwinton and Gordon Lodges, was held at Snow Hill
cemetery, where his ancestors for the past century have
been sleeping.

BOONE FAMILY

According to records of the "Boone Family Association" of
Washington, D.C., William Boone Douglas, President.

The Boones are of Viking descent, from Northern Europe.
They settled in Normandy, France, when the Northmen
conquered and gave their name to that territory. They
crossed the Channel to England with William The Conqueror
in 1066. The name at that time being "Bohun." One Bohun
being an officer under the Great Conqueror. The Crest of
the family in England went in name of "Bohun-Boone
Crest," and was in form of a lion couchant, surmounted by
a human hand grasping three arrows. Evidence perhaps of
their side in the Wars of the Trinity. One Mary Boone or
Bohun became the wife of King Henry the Fourth. First of
name to emigrate to America being a Doctor Lawrence Boone
in 1620. Later arrivals settled in Pennsylvania with
William Penn and thence emigrated to every new region of
North America. Some of the name being pioneers in nearly
every state of the Union. Georgetown, D.C.,

BOONE FAMILY

named after George Boone who once owned the land where
the city now stands. Religion: Mainly Quakers and
Presbyterians. During the silent and dreadful march of
many a fecund century, even for all of a thousand
recorded years, men of the Boone name and blood have been
up and doing, in high endeavor, in every clime of all the
world.

In Wilkinson County, Georgia:

Tradition is that some of the name emigrated from North
Carolina and settled in Washington county, Georgia, about
1800 and thence into Wilkinson county about 1802.

Jacob Boone settled near what is now Toomsboro, Ga.,
about 1802.

Sallie Franklin, wife of Jacob Boone, daughter of George
Franklin, a Baptist Preacher. George Franklin was son of
William Franklin, a Baptist preacher.

Sallie Mercer, wife of William Franklin was a sister of
Silas and Jesse Mercer. Jesse Mercer was founder of
Mercer University.

Children of Jacob Boone and Sallie Franklin: Daniel
Mercer, Joseph Marvin, Ratleth, Edwin R., James, Freeman,
John Mitchell, William, Henry, Robert and Sallie, and two
other sons, names unknown.

John Mitchell Boone, son of Jacob Boone and Sallie
Franklin. Died at Toomsboro, Ga., about 1890.

Lucretia Lord, wife of John Mitchell Boone, daughter of
John Lord and Nancy Minton.

Children of John Mitchell Boone and Lucretia Lord: Thomas
E., James, Frank.

Frank Boone, supra. Tax Collector Wilkinson county about
1880. Died at Indian Springs, Ga., about 1895.

James Boone, supra. Died at Chauncey, Ga., about 1900.

Thomas E. Boone, supra. Died at Toomsboro, Ga., 1929.

Katie Granade, wife of Thomas E. Boone, sister of Adam
Granade.

Children of Thomas E. Boone and Katie Granade:

James, Sallie, Ella.

Sallie Boone, supra. Wife of H.A. Watts.

Children of H.A. Watts and Sallie Boone: Horace, Ellis,
Emmett and Elna May.

Maudelle Sanders, wife of Ellis Watts, supra.

Elna May Watts, supra, wife of J.B. Burke.

Daniel Mercer Boone, son of Jacob Boone and Sallie
Franklin, grandson of William Franklin and Sallie Mercer.
Emigrated to Louisiana about 1850.

Amelia Lord, wife of Daniel Mercer Boone, daughter of
John Lord and Nancy Minton, Born 1813, died 1883.

John Lord, son of William Lord, father of Amelia Lord,
supra. Born 1781.

Nancy Minton, supra. Wife of John Lord, born 1783.

Children of Daniel Mercer Boone and Amelia Lord, supra.:
Joshua Minton, John David, Moses West, Jacob, Henry.
Jacob and Henry died in youth. John David died in 1892.
No descendants.

Moses West Boone, supra. Died 1905 at Toomsboro.

Amanda Hooks, wife of Moses West Boone, daughter of John
Hooks and Almety Etheridge.

Children of Moses West Boone and Amanda Hooks: Emma,
Lula, Ethel, Pearl, Ben L.

Emma Boone, supra. Wife of John W. Smith. Lula supra.
Died 1905.

Ethel Boone, supra, wife of W. Wall.

Pearl Boone, supra. Wife of Henry C. Parker.

Henry Dell Parker, daughter of Pearl Boone and Henry C.
Parker.

Ben L. Boone, supra. Son of Moses West Boone and Amanda
Hooks.

Lydia Bloodworth, wife of Ben L. Boone, daughter of
Timothy Bloodworth and Emma Collins. Bloodworth District
No. 328 G.M. named in honor of foreparents of Lydia
Bloodworth.

Children of Ben L. Boone and Lydia Bloodworth: Louise,
Ben L. Jr., Henry, Edward, Robert, Mitchell, Ray

BOONE FAMILY

Minton, Richard.

Joshua Minton Boone, son of Daniel Mercer Boone and
Amelia Lord. Grandson of Jacob Boone and Sallie Franklin.
Gr. Gr. of George Franklin, Baptist preacher. Gr. Gr. Gr.
of William Franklin and Sallie Mercer. Born Oct. 23rd,
1843. Died Oct. 19th, 1908. Confederate veteran. School
teacher. Graduate Business College of Baltimore, Md.
Farmer, Merchant. Justice of Peace 330th District
(Lord's). Mason. Minister of Christian church, held
pastorates at Toomsboro and Butler school house in
Wilkinson county. Held many places of trust but of little
profit. Died proud of the fact that he had never tried to
amass wealth and that he paid every debt owed 100 cents
in the dollar. Student all of his days.

Lord's District, No. 330 G.M., Wilkinson county, named in
honor of maternal gr. gr. grandfather of Joshua Minton
Boone, viz: William Lord.

Sarah Elizabeth Ivey, widow of J.M. Davis of Savannah,
Ga., wife of Joshua Minton Boone, daughter of James Ivey
and Mary Barbee of Baldwin County, Ga. Ivey R.R. Station
and Ivey 1505 G.M. District, Wilkinson county, so named
in honor of Ivey family. Born 1848, married J.M. Davis,
1864. Married Joshua Minton Boone Oct. 23rd, 1873. Died
Feb. 10th, 1887. Beloved.

Mary Barbee, supra. Family from North Carolina.

James Ivey, supra, husband of Mary Barbee, died 1869, of
Welsh descent.

Anna Chambers, 2nd wife of Joshua Minton Boone, daughter
of William I. Chambers of Irwinton, Ga.

Children born to Joshua Minton Boone and Sarah Elizabeth
Ivey Davis Boone: Mamie Elizabeth, Edwin Mortimer,
Gertrude, Alexander Stephens, Addie May, James Ivey.

Mamie Elizabeth Boone, supra. Born 1875, died 1887.

James Ivey Boon, supra. Died 1887.

Gertrude Boone, supra. Wife of Gerald Mercer.

Addie May Boone supra, born at Toomsboro, Ga., 1886.
Married 1922 to Thomas M. McIntosh of Weston, Miss.

Member Christian Church.

Edwin Mortimer Boone, supra. Born Feb. 26th, 1877, at
Toomsboro, Ga. Attended Elementary and Grammar Schools.
Attended Georgia Military College at Milledgeville, Ga.
Member Town Council, Mayor Toomsboro. Merchant. Farmer.
Mason. Member Christian Church.

Davis Thomas, wife of Edwin Mortimer Boone, daughter of
Ella Caston and W.F. Thomas. Born in Jackson, Butts
County, Ga.

Children of Edwin Mortimer Boone and Daisy Thomas:
Thomas, Sarah Elizabeth, Mary.

Alexander Stephens Boone, supra. Born near Toomsboro,
Oct. 3, 1882. Worked on farm until 20th year. Had but few
months schooling. Clerk in store and Express Agent for
seven years. Appointed Special Agent for Census Dept. of
Washington, D.C. in 1907. Member Town Council of
Toomsboro 8 years. Appointed Post Master at Toomsboro on
Nov. 20th, 1914. Re-appointed Post Master by President
Woodrow Wilson on Feb. 4th, 1920. Nominated for Clerk
Superior Court and re-appointed Postmaster on same date.
Re-elected Clerk, 1924, re-elected Clerk, 1928. Stood
State Bar Examination June 27th, 1923. Admitted to Bar
Ocmulgee Circuit on birthday, Oct. 3rd, 1923. Secretary
Wilkinson County Bar Association since 1925. Mason, for
three years Worshipful Master Toomsboro Lodge No. 290 F.&
A.M. Worshipful Master Wilkinson County Masonic
Association 1929-30. Consul Commander Sweet Gum Camp No.
281 Toomsboro, Ga., Consul Commander Elm Camp No. 510.
W.O.W. McIntyre, Ga. Member Christian Church. Married
Dec. 26th, 1906 to Opal Marie Meadows of Toomsboro,
formerly of Siloam, Green County, Georgia.

Amongst his treasures are letters of commendation from
High Government Officials in Washington, D.C., commending
him in highest terms for efficient service in carrying
out the War Program, in his vicinity, during the World
War. Under his leadership it is believed that Toomsboro,
Ga., led every town of its population and wealth in the
U.S.A. in the

BOONE FAMILY

celerity shown in getting it and in the amount of money
furnished the Government during the World War.

Opal Marie Meadows Boone, supra, born in Greene County,
Ga., Aug. 18th, 1889. Daughter of John E. Meadows and
Mary Moore of Offerman, Ga., formerly of Greene and
Taliaferro Counties. Both parents of Scotch-Irish
descent. Served as Assistant Post Master at Toomsboro,
Ga., from 1914 to 1920. Deputy Clerk Superior Court
Wilkinson county twelve years. Member Christian Church.

Children of Alexander Stephens Boone and Opal Marie
Meadows: James Minton, Alexander Stephens, Jr., Joseph
Wilson, and Edwin Mercer.

James Minton Boone, supra. Born Toomsboro, Ga., Sept.
24th 1907. Attended Elementary and High School at
Toomsboro, Wilkinson County High School at Irwinton.
Clerk in store in Toomsboro and in Irwinton. Clerk in
Post Office at Toomsboro. Clerk in office Clerk Superior
Court. Clerk Board Tax Assessors Wilkinson County, 1929-
30. Graduate Young Harris College, class 1929-30.
Secretary Student Body Government. Member Phi Chi
Society.

Alexander Stephens Boone, Jr., supra. Born at Toomsboro,
Jan. 23rd, 1910. Attended elementary school at Toomsboro
and Wilkinson County High School at Irwinton. Served as
Page State Senate 1922. Clerk in Office Clerk Superior
Court. Worked in office County Commissioners, Wilkinson
County. Served as assistant to Clerk House of
Representatives, 1929 session. Attended Young Harris
Academy 1925. Freshman University of Ga., 1926-7.
Graduate Young Harris College Class 1928-9. Honor
student. Inter-collegiate Debater. Member Phi Chi
Society. Successfully stood State Bar Examination at
Madison, Ga., on Dec. 11th, 1929. Admitted to Bar of
Ocmulgee Circuit at Irwinton, April 7th, 1930. License as
Attorney issued by father as Clerk of Court. Member
Christian Church.

Joseph Wilson Boone, supra. Born at Toomsboro, Aug. 8,
1912. Attended Elementary Schools at Toomsboro. Graduated
Wilkinson County High School at Irwinton, Ga.,

Class 1929. President of Class and Valedictorian. Worked
in Office of Clerk Superior Court. Worked in Office
County Commissioners, Wilkinson County. Junior Young
Harris College, Class 1929-30. Member Phi Chi Society.

Edwin Mercer Boone, supra. Born Toomsboro, Ga., Sept. 1,
1915. Attended Elementary and High School at Irwinton,
Ga.

Part of Chronology of Boone Family from authentic records
extant and part leans on long repeated tradition.

(Prepared by member of Boone Family.)

THE JAMES C. BOWER AND RELATED FAMILIES

The ancestor of the James C. Bower (Bauer) family
immigrated from Holland to Rhode Island. The father of
Isaac Bower was a sculptor of Providence. Isaac was born
in 1783 and came to Savannah about 1800 as a cabin boy on
a sailing vessel, and then on up to Augusta. For a while
he remained in Burke County where he married Frances C.
White, born in S.C., 1788, and died in Arkansas, 1842.
(William Steele, her grandfather, was a trader, carrying
trains of pack horses from Charleston laden with
merchandise to the Indian nation, trading from one Indian
village to another and frequently being gone eight months
on such journeys, and returning with his horses loaded
with skins and furs.)

Isaac and Frances settled at Milledgeville where he
maintained a large mercantile establishment, with boats
running up and down the Oconee river. Their children
were: John White Bower, 1808-1850, went to Texas; Isaac
E. Bower, 1811, m. Adaline Breedlove of Talbot County;
Bernard Larry Bower, 1812-1843; James Cuthbert Bower,
1814-1887, m. Martha Davis, 1848; Honor M.A. Bower, 1817;
William Steele Bower, 1820, went to New Orleans;
Elizabeth Laura A. Bower, 1822, m. Isaac Hand of Newton;
Mississippi Bower, 1825, m. Ben Lester of Savannah;
Columbia Bower, 1828, m. Columbus Hand of Sumter County.

Business reverses occurring in the financial depression
about 1820, Isaac disposed of his mercantile business and

JAMES C. BOWER AND RELATED FAMILIES

moved, first to Jones County, then to Arkansas with his
family.

His son, James C., became postmaster at Big Creek,
Phillip County, Arkansas in 1838, later returning to
Muscogee County, Georgia, where he read law in his
brother Eben's office and was admitted to the bar in
1839. He located at Cuthbert and practiced law there for
several years, moving to Irwinton in 1847. The next year
he was made Justice of the Inferior Court. In 1858 he
succeeded Samuel Beall as Ordinary though continuing his
law practice.

The following tribute is found in his obituary:

"In his profession he labored assiduously. No client ever
intrusted his cause to more faithful hands. He carried
into all his cases profound study, original conception,
and withal such indomitable perseverance and industry
that success more frequently than not crowned his
efforts. His was a busy, useful life."

In his family Bible where the birth of his daughter,
Aurora, is recorded there is written in his hand a poem
to his infant "Aurora," never published, but one whose
poetic beauty and imagery pronounces its writer a poet of
no mean ability.

Judge Bower was opposed to Secession but once in the war
he was as patriotic as any. Few suffered any worse from
the ravages of Sherman's Army than did he. The history of
the three days of terror as experienced by her father and
mother during Sherman's visit here is vividly depicted by
Mrs. W.C. Matthews in her history of this occasion.
Immediately after the advance guard arrived an officer
stopped at the door and advised them to conceal all their
property. Everything possible was brought into the house
and next day a guard was posted by the Yankees.

Soon, however, the looting began. Corn cribs, potato
hills, smokehouses, and chicken houses were broken open
and their contents taken away. At the Bower plantation
near Irwinton they knocked the top off Bower's carriage
and, loading it full of sheep, hitched two oxen to it and
drove into town, pausing long enough to shout to the
Judge "Here is your

fine carriage, Old Reb." While the work of destruction
was going on at his plantation his fine Devon Bull took
fright and at the head of thirty of the Judge's cows
never paused in his flight until he reached the secure
depths of Big Sandy Swamp, from which haven he and his
herd did not emerge until all the Yankees were gone.

On the third day the army left Irwinton but the
stragglers now proved a serious menace. Two of them
seeing Judge Bower's overcoat, took it from him by force.
He saved his fine watch by hiding it in a stump hole,
while Mrs. Bower saved her silver by wrapping it up and
tossing it into the palmetto hedge.

THE DAVIS FAMILY

Henry Davis of North Carolina, was married to Nancy Potts
of Kentucky in 1796. Their children were: Margaret, b.
1797, m. Colson; Hansford, b. 1799, m. Peggy Eady; Oren,
b. in 1800. Henry with his wife and children migrated to
Wilkinson County as one of the first settlers in a
"schooner" wagon, bringing with him two slaves, and a
number of cattle and horses, the journey requiring more
than forty days, they having to ford streams, and stop
frequently for the animals to forage. They settled on
what is known as the Old Davis Place now owned by Mrs.
W.C. Matthews.

According to traditions, Henry Davis was in the Seminole
War of 1818 but becoming disabled his seventeen year old
son, Oren, took his place. His job was to haul supplies
for the army in Andrew Jackson's famous Florida Campaign.
He was granted lots No. 186-187 in Cherokee County for
his services.

JOHN EADY SR., who emigrated from Ireland, whose
Revolutionary service was certified by General Elijah
Clarke, was one of the early settlers of the county,
building a mill on Black Creek still known as "Eady's
Mill." His son, Henry, (b. 1786-1847) was married in 1807
to Elizabeth Gay (b. 1790, daughter of Allen and Abigail
(Castleberry) Gay. Henry became very wealthy, owning a
great many slaves. Henry's daughter, Temperance, married
Oren Davis.

DAVIS FAMILY

Having traced the ancestral families, we now return to
James C. Bower who was married in 1848 to Martha, the
daughter of Oren and Temperance (Eady) Davis (Oren gave
Martha, as bridal present, the house and lot where the
granddaughter, Mrs. W.C. Matthews, now lives, and a negro
woman and a negro baby.) Their children were: Isaac Oren,
James White, Aurora Imogene, Henrietta Flora.

Isaac O. married Olive Bishop, the daughter of the
gallant Captain George Bishop, who commanded Company I of
the 57th Georgia Regiment. Their son, Omar B., of
Hawkinsville, still owns his grandfather's sword. Another
son of Isaac and Olive was George who married Bessie
Boatwright, of Lovett, Georgia. Their son, James C.
Bower, the second, proudly and honorably bears his great
grandfather's name.

Although born in Laurens County in 1905, Wilkinson is
glad to claim James C. Bowers, the second, as her own, he
having spent a portion of his boyhood here attending
school and living with his aunt, Mrs. Matthews. In 1922
he enlisted in Company A, 29th Infantry at Fort Benning.
During his term of service he was transferred to the
Medical Department at Fort Benning. At the expiration of
his term he re-enlisted in the Medical Department of the
United States Military Academy, West Point, New York,
where he is serving as Record Clerk and Statistician.
Those who know him best predict a brilliant career.

James Byron Bower, the son of James W., enlisted June 15,
1917, shortly after the entrance of America into the
World War, in the 17th Engineers, (Ry) and served with
honor throughout the war, as Regimental Photographer, his
foreign service dating from August 12, 1917, to March 11,
1919. He was one of the first to go across, and one of
the last to return. He married Mary Julia Jordan. Two
daughters of James W. are: Bernice, m. V.P. Stevens,
resides at Poulan, Georgia, they have one son, Bower;
Ione, m. John Merritt, and has one girl, Ann Eleanor.

Aurora was one of the most accomplished young women
Irwinton has ever produced. Many remember her as a

belle of Wilkinson. And with it all she was lovable,
charming and possessed every trait of character essential
to a noble womanhood. She inherited all that was best
from her forbears, - nobility of mind, and purity of
heart. In August, 1880, she was married to Charles
Hodges, (his grandfather, Chas. Rice, was Secretary of
State, at Milledgeville), editor of the Southerner and
Appeal. He sold his newspaper interest and went to
Washington, D.C., having accepted a government position
in the Postoffice Department where he labored thirty
years, then was pensioned by the government. Their
children: Celestine, Washington, D.C., Bower, Washington,
D.C.; Aurora Spransy, Milwaukee, Wis.; Chas. R.,
Pittsburg, Penn.

Henrietta Flora Bower, who first married W.H. Avant of
Oconee, Ga., where she lived for a number of years, now
the wife of W.C. Matthews, a most estimable gentleman, is
at present the only representative of these prominent
families living in Irwinton. Justly proud of her
ancestors, she has painstakingly prepared a family
history running back for centuries, and it is from her
records the greater portion of the foregoing sketch is
compiled, many of the most interesting incidents, for
lack of space, being omitted. In addition to her
historical writings which contain other interesting
matters relating to Georgia history. Mrs. Matthews has
inherited her father's artistic temperament, her painting
indicating an artist of merit..

CASWELL BRANAN

Of the sturdy pioneers of Wilkinson whose strength of
body was only exceeded by their strength of character may
well be mentioned Caswell Branan (1807-1897). Born in
Morgan County, Georgia, August 10, 1807, the son of James
and Sarah Tommy Branan, both natives of Virginia, and
grandson of Kenyon Branan, originally from Wales, he with
his parents moved to Wilkinson in 1810. James and his
wife are buried in the family cemetery in Ivey District
once known as the Fairchild, now the Lord Cemetery.

He seems to have been a successful planter of his day

CASWELL BRANAN

and to have amassed considerable wealth on his plantation
where the home of C.E. Gladin now stands. In 1854 the tax
digest indicates his wealth to be considerable. In
addition to his slaves and land he owned a very valuable
cotton ginnery which was destroyed by Sherman's army,
while he was serving his country by looking after and
providing for women and their families, whose husbands
were serving in the army. He was too old to enlist in the
army, but furnished four sons, who bravely defended the
noble cause.

After the war, with his slaves freed and his property
swept away, undismayed he went to work and rebuilt much
of his shattered fortunes. Prized for more than his
material wealth by his descendants, is that reputation
for honor, uprightness and high regard for duty, which he
bore. He lived an honest, temperate, Christian life,
always observing the Golden Rule. He never used
vulgarity, profanity, nor spoke ill of others. Unusual,
in his day he never used tobacco and he was one of the
original advocates of prohibition in Wilkinson, all his
life being a total abstainer.

He was married June 14, 1832, to Gracie Barnett Herndon.

Their children were:

Sarah Jane (b. 1833, m. William Montgomery of Taylor
Co.).

James Franklin (1835-1897, m. Emily Gardner about 1860,
their children were: Ellen, Iverson, Alonza, Pleona,
Wallie, Alvah and Horace).

George Iverson (1837-1897, m. Nancy Anne Balkcom of
Twiggs County. Their children were: William I., b. Nov.
23, 1864, Ophelia L., b. Dec. 12, 1866; Virgil C., Aug.
14, 1868-Sept. 7, 1891; Paris G., b. June 4, 1870; James
C., b. May 28, 1873; Vannie E., April 16, 1875-Jan. 27,
1891; Cicero F., b. March 30, 1877; Mabel C., b. April
19, 1879; Lora M., b. Aug. 5, 1881; Daisy E., b Nov. 13,
1883. Iverson served faithfully throughout the War
Between the States in Company K, 57th Georgia Regiment.)

Melissa Magdalene (1839-1893, m. Captain J.A.

Mason. Their children were: Fernando, Ada, Joseph,
Pauline, Caswell, Sallie, Amanda, William and Augusta).

Amanda (m. Clopas Ivey, their children were: Wilkie,
Nannie, Caswell, Mary and John).

Jasper Newton (b. 1843 and served in the War Between the
States, contracted disease and died in service).

John Harris (b. 1845, served in the War Between the
States and was killed in battle).

Gracie (b. March 12, 1847-Jan. 12, 1912, m. James T.
Lingo, they had no children).

Robert (m. Katie Cooper of Baldwin County, their children
were: Claude, Beulah, Bonnie and Robert, Jr.).

His wife, who preceded him to the grave twenty-six years,
died of a stroke of paralysis, Feb. 9, 1871. After this
he lived a quiet home life, faithful to the memory of
her, by remaining a widower the rest of his life.

He had house-keepers who cared for his home and welfare,
and treated him with the utmost respect, always
addressing him as "Uncle Caswell."

His daughter, Mrs. Gracie Lingo, and her husband, moved
into his house with him a few years before his death, and
administered to his needs the rest of his life.

He always enjoyed the best of health, owing to his
temperate and regular habits. He was never sick enough to
be in bed or have a physician until five weeks prior to
his death, he had a partial stroke of paralysis, from
which he never recovered. He died March the 15th, 1897,
and his remains were interred in the family cemetery near
his home.

(Sketch prepared by Mrs. C.F. Gladin)

MRS. FANNIE BURNEY BROADFIELD

Mrs. Fannie (Burney) Broadfield was born Nov. 14, 1863 in
Wilkinson County at "Elmvale", the beautiful country home
near Jeffersonville, the daughter of John Franklin and
Jane F. (Stanley) Burney. In 1871 her parents moved to
Macon in order that their children might have the benefit
of good schools. After finishing the graded schools and
two years of

MRS. FANNIE BURNEY BROADFIELD

high school, she completed her education at Wesleyan then
"Wesleyan Female College" in the class of 1881. She was
married in 1886 to Walter B. Broadfield of Dennis, Putnam
County, Ga. Their children were: Lila Dean, (m. Dr. J.H.
Duggan of Wilkinson Co., Ga., May 1917); Janie Burney,
(m. N.D. Horton of Davisboro, Ga., Oct. 1927); Mrs.
Broadfield is a most excellent business woman, possessing
executive ability to an extraordinary degree. During her
husband's lifetime she was an able help meet and since
his death she has successfully managed her large farm and
other property.

Mrs. Broadfield is descended from one of the antebellum
aristocratic families of the county. The history of the
Burney family has been traced back for centuries and in
every generation there are outstanding members. The first
of this family to settle in Wilkinson was Arthur Burney,
(b. Oct. 3, 1773, d. May 10, 1842), the great-grandfather
of Mrs. Broadfield, and is frequently mentioned in the
public affairs of the county. He married Sarah Catherine
Blount, (b. 1775, daughter of Edmond Blount, of Burke
Co.) in 1799, and his children as shown by his will which
is in the possession of Mrs. J.H. Duggan were: Gatsy, (b.
Oct. 20, 1799, m. 1st Joseph Brown, 2nd Frederick; Greene
Blount, (b. Apr. 7, 1800, m. 1822, died in Twiggs Co.);
Eleanor (Nelly), (b. Aug. 211, 1802, m. John Cason of
Leon Co., Fla, d. Sept. 6, 1840); Nancy, (b. June 30,
1811, m. Israel Beard, Esq.); Mary, (b. Apr. 7, 1807, m.
Benjamin Byrd, Esq., d. 1848); Penelope, (b. Jan. 30,
1808, m. James Lawrence Hart of Leon Co. Fla., the son of
Edward Hart); William, (b. June 6, 1809, m. Martha
Slater); Susan, (b. Apr. 17, 1814, m. John Sandford Hart,
Leon Co., Fla., son of Edward Hart of Twiggs Co., Ga.);
David, (b. June 6, 1816, d. June 14, 1849, unmarried);
Arthur (b. Feb. 24, 1820).

Green Blount Burney, the grandfather of our subject was
for many years considered one of Wilkinson County's
ablest men and took a deep interest in all the public
affairs of the county. He first comes into prominence in
the Indian War of 1836, when as Captain of the Wilkinson
Greys, a Company

of mounted infantry, he distinguished himself.

When Talmage Institute was incorporated by action of the
Legislature, Green Blount Burney was made one of the
original trustees and is said to have given the land upon
which the Institute was built.

He was married in 1822 to Sarah, (b. Jan 10, 1802, d.
1870), the daughter of Anson Ball and his wife, Phebie
(Jenkins) Ball, (granddaughter of Senator John Ball and
wife —— Robinson) and their children were: John Frank,
(b. June 22, 1823, m. 1st Jan. 17, 1849, Margaret
Elizabeth Stanley (b. Oct. 15, 1828, d. Aug. 16, 1855).
Their children were: Julius A. (b. Oct. 16, 1850, m. July
8, 1873, d. Aug. 16. 1914, m. 1st Ella Jordan, 2nd Sarah
Mariah Ware, (b. Aug. 3, 1851, m. July 8, 1873, d. Apr.
16, 1896; his second marriage was to Jane E. Stanley, (b.
Aug. 8, 1840, m. Sept. 1, 1858, d. Oct. 15, 1915), their
children were: Rowell Adolphus (b. Sept. 16, 1859, m.
Dec. 6, 1883, d. Feb. 14, 1896), Arthur Eugene Burney (b.
June 30, 1862, d. Oct. 30, 1914), Fannie Janette, b. Nov.
14, 1863, m. Feb. 25, 1886), Robert Emmet (b. Nov. 3,
1866, m. Sept. 17, 1891, d. Mar. 14, 1906); Milton A.
Burney, (b. Aug. 18, 1824, m. 1st Mary Ann Smith, who
died 1857, married second Narcissus Elizabeth Fulton, d.
June, 1908; Malinda Emily, (b. Aug. 20, 1825, married
Mackintyre E. Boatwright; Gilford E., m. Madge Hughes.

Green Blount Burney lived for many years prior to the war
on his plantation. Among his possessions was the old
water mill just above Long Bridge which is still known as
Burney's Mill. He died in 1866, and is buried in the old
family cemetery near the county line, west of Ball's
Church.

It is handed down that Sarah Ball was one of the flower
girls at the Lafayette reception in 1825 at
Milledgeville.

Arthur Eugene, the son of John F. and Jane Stanley Burney
was born June 30, 1862. He served as Clerk of the
Superior Court for several years. Possessing a magnetic
personality, an inherent spirit of friendliness, and an
unquestioned loyalty, he attracted to himself a wide
circle of friends. He was of that unusual type of
politician whose manifestations

J.W. BROOKS, SR.

of friendship sprang not from a fawning desire to curry
favor but carried    the weight of sincerity. He died
October 30, 1914, and is buried in the Masonic Cemetery
at Irwinton by the side of his mother.

J.W. BROOKS, SR.

James Wesley Brooks, Sr., son of John Brooks and Martha
(Mercer) Brooks, was born Dec. 3, 1849, in Wilkinson
County. Mr. Brooks first attended the Johnson School. In
1858 his father moved to Murphy, Ala., but forseeing the
war, returned to Wilkinson. His next school was Bethel.

When Sherman's Army arrived, Mr. Brooks and his brother,
John Pink, had been sent to Durham's Mill, each riding a
swift horse. Suddenly almost upon them they saw a large
body of blue clad horsemen coming at a gallop. As they
turned their horses about, the leader of the Yankees
commanded. "Halt! Halt!" "Lie down on your horse and lay
the whip!" Mr. Brooks cried to his brother, doing the
same, each expecting a volley of bullets to be fired at
them. For some reason the pursuers did not fire,
evidently bent on capturing the boys' horses. Though
hotly pressed they gained on the enemy. Passing the home
of Henry Wood, Mr. Brooks called to the family to tell
the Yankees they had gone another direction (later he
learned they did). Fearing to ride home lest the enemy
would overtake them, after two miles at a dead run, the
boys turned and made for "Beachtree Hammock" in Big Sandy
Swamp, which they could reach by crossing a marsh, and
where they knew no Yankee would ever find them. All
afternoon they waited here. Near night leaving their
horses securely tied they walked to the edge of the swamp
where Mr. Brooks climbed a tall tree to reconnoitre. No
Yankees visible, the boys ventured home.

Mr. Brooks was first married to Miss Narcissa Caroline
Sanders. Their children: Luella, m. Ira B. Stinson; Emma,
m. Charles H. Sapp; Lizzie (deceased) m. Homer Lindsey;
Frances, m. Walter McWilliams; Lydia, m. Erasmus H.
Lewis; Carrie, m. C.A. Smith; William Wesley, m. Gussie
Simpson. His

second marriage was to Mrs. Delonie Farmer Lord.

Mr. Brooks as a Democrat has always taken a prominent
part to politics. In 1896 he was elected Tax Receiver;
has served several years as Alderman of Gordon, one
unexpired term as Mayor and also Trustee of the Gordon
School; is a consistent member of the Baptist Church and
a Mason. In the business world Mr. Brooks has proved a
success. He has amassed a competence for his declining
years, owns considerable property and successfully
operates his mercantile business in Gordon. His business
acumen together with his sterling character has won for
him the confidence of his fellow men.

J.W. BROOKS, JR.

James Wesley Brooks, Jr., son of John Pink Brooks and
Sara Frances (Ward) Brooks, was born August 21, 1883,
near Gordon. His great-grand father, Philip Brooks, was
one of the pioneer settlers of the county, coming here
from South Carolina, his wife's maiden name being
Elizabeth Ingram. Their son, John, the grand-father of
the subject of this sketch, was born 1830 and married
Martha Mercer who was born in 1833, the daughter of Hyman
and Nicy (Brewer) Mercer. In October 1861, when the
Companies of the 57th Georgia Regiment were being
organized, John Brooks enlisted in the Barkaloo Guards,
Co. D, and was promptly elected 2nd Corporal. Shortly
thereafter he was chosen Color Sergeant of the Regiment.
His regiment being ordered to Kentucky, he bore these
colors in the battle of Richmond, Kentucky. Later the
57th being ordered to join Pemberton's army in
Mississippi, he arrived in time to take part in the
bloody battle of Baker's Creek. In the crisis of this
battle, when Pemberton's line was breaking, orders came
for the 57th which had been kept in reserve, to advance
and close the gaps through which the Federals were
pouring. As the regiment moved forward in charge
formation it was subjected to a heavy barrage of shot and
shell, and as the Colors appeared the fire was
concentrated on them. Man after man carrying the flag was
shot down until

J.W. BROOKS, JR.

the entire color guard with the exception of Brooks had
been killed. As the last man fell and the flag was
falling he leaped forward, seized the staff and through
the thickest of the fight bore it onward until he too
fell mortally wounded.

Mr. Brooks obtained his education in the public schools
of Wilkinson; is a member of the Gordon Baptist Church; a
member of the Masonic fraternity. He was married February
5, 1905, to Miss Clifford Gertrude Lewis, the daughter of
William Green and Clifford Caledonia (Hughes) Lewis. (See
Lewis Family sketch). On her father's side, Mrs. Brooks
comes of a line of notable ancestry. On her mother's side
she is descended from the prominent Hughes family, from
which so many able men and women have sprung.

It is quite a coincidence that Jonathan Brooks, the
Virginia Revolutionary patriot, believed by some to be
Mr. Brooks great-great-great-grandfather, was married to
Miss Annie Lewis, who had emigrated from Wales.
Especially so in view of the fact that the Lewis family
of which Mrs. Brooks is a member claims to be of Welch
descent. (See History of Ga. Baptists).

Mrs. Brooks is recognized as one of the prominent women
of the county, has served as President of the Wilkinson
County Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy; is a
member of the Gordon Baptist Church, President of the
B.W.M.U. and also President of the Gordon Woman's Club.

For the past twenty years Mr. Brooks has played a
prominent part in the public life of Wilkinson County, is
perhaps as widely known as any other man in the county.
His jovial disposition makes friends easily.

During the years, 1918 and 1919, he served as County
Commissioner. For the past six years he has served as
Superintendent of Roads, and Warden of the Wilkinson
County chaingang. Although during this time the roads of
the county have been greatly improved, Mr. Brooks is
planning for much greater improvement in the months to
come. The vast mileage which he has to keep in repair
prevents as rapid a construction of permanent roads as he
would like, but in spite of his

handicaps he has been able to construct according to
State and Federal specifications the greater portion of
the Macon-Irwinton highway. In addition to this he has
built an excellent highway from Gordon to the Baldwin
County line, another from the Baldwin County line to
Toomsboro, thence to the Laurens County line.

Mr. and Mrs. Brooks have one son, Cosby, born July 7,
1906, and one daughter, Miss Leila May, born December 2,
1907. The former, after finishing the Gordon High School
in 1925 attended the Georgia-Alabama Business College in
Macon and now holds a responsible position with the Macon
Terminal Co.

The latter, after graduating the same time with her
brother attended the Georgia State College for Women at
Milledgeville, receiving her B.S. Degree from that
institution in 1929.

WILLIAM HENRY BRYAN

No one ever saw William Henry Bryan without having a
lasting impression made upon him by this noble-hearted
veteran of the War Between the States. All who knew him
loved "Daddy", as he was familiarly called.

The son of Nathan Bryan, originally from North Carolina,
and Mary (Griggs) Bryan, our subject was born in Houston
County, between Perry and Marshallville, Nov. 17, 1843.
The family moving to Green County, he received his
schooling in the latter county. Just before the war, his
father bought a farm near Andersonville and they moved to
it. Though only eighteen years of age, he was among the
very first to enlist, and left Macon, May 11, 1861, as a
member of Co. G, 5th Georgia Regiment. For eight or nine
months his Regiment was stationed at Pensacola, Fla.
While there volunteers were called for to go to burn a
Yankee provision depot. He was one of the number. Armed
largely with chop knives and canteens of turpentine with
which to start the fire, they crossed the intervening
water and landing two miles below their objective they
made a forced march and destroyed the

WILLIAM HENRY BRYAN

depot with the loss of a man.

In June, 1862, he was transferred to Co. D, 2nd Battalion
Sharpshooters. He served through the entire four years of
the War, took part in the battles of Kennesaw Mountain,
Atlanta, and Jonesboro, being wounded in the latter. He
was with his command at Greensboro, N.C., at the time of
the surrender.

After the war he was married to Mary Law, Oct. 28, 1866,
and lived in Macon County until 1872, when he moved to
his farm a few miles southwest of Danville in Twiggs Co.
In 1906 he moved to Danville, Wilkinson Co. where he
spent the rest of his life.

Mr. Bryan became a member of Cool Spring Lodge No. 185 in
1884. He was in every sense of the word a Mason. He
shaped his life by the square, the level and the plumb.
He was an active member and Steward of the Danville
Methodist Church and served for many years as School
Trustee. His was a life of service to his fellow man -
noble and well spent.

His son, Stephen Alexander Bryan, was born in Macon
County, Sept. 28, 1867, and was married to Lucia Ussery
(b. Aug. 30, 1870, at Irwinton) Oct. 28, 1890. He has
served as Mayor of Danville, on the School Board,
Worshipful Master of the Masonic Lodge and is highly
esteemed wherever known.

MRS. MAUDE TAYLOR BUGG, 1892-1927

A native of Pulaski County, yet adopting Wilkinson as her
home, Mrs. Bugg's life is inseparably entwined with this
county. She gave the best years of her life to the
service of the children of Wilkinson and nearby counties,
to her church, to her community and to her beloved
Eastern Star, of which she long served as Worthy Matron
and as Grand Chapter Official. Mrs. Bugg was educated in
the schools of Pulaski, Danville, University of Georgia,
and Wesleyan, where she studied voice and piano.

She taught at Cool Springs, Soperton, Montrose, Irwinton,
and Danville. As a teacher she won the praise of every

community where she taught. No one became ill or in
trouble without her ready aid and sympathy. Her home life
with her aged father and mother, and her husband, G.
Parks Bugg, whom she married in 1920, was beautiful.

Mrs. Bugg was a member of the John Ball Chapter, D.A.R.,
she being descended from Revolutionary forbears on both
her father's and her mother's sides.

Her father, James A. Taylor, 1853-1928, (son of Isaac
Dennard Taylor, m. Mary McCoy in 1841, both from Houston
County) was an educator of note and one of the ablest
ministers of the Primitive Baptist faith, serving
numerous churches, one of which was Bay Springs, from its
organization to 1928.

Her grandfather Taylor was the son of James Taylor, b.
1773 and his second wife, Rebecca (Dennard) Taylor, 1779-
1808 m. in Wilkinson or Washington County. He received a
pension for his service during the War Between the
States.

Her great-great-grandfather, Colonel Robert Taylor, 1736-
1801, m. Jane Alexander, 1739-1819, in 1759 at Boston,
Mass., served during the Revolution as Captain of the
United States Artillery of Providence, R.I., later
Colonel. Tradition says he was buried in Wilkinson
County.

Mrs. Bugg's mother, Frances (Thompson) Taylor was the
daughter of Stephen Lester Thompson, 1816-1890, and
Margaret Elizabeth Meadows, 1826-1910, m. 1842 - and the
granddaughter of Daniel Thompson, d. 1853, and Sarah
Murray, 1781-1851, approximately, who was the daughter of
John Murray and his second wife Mary (Kimbrough) d. 1844.
John Murray was born in Dauphin County, Pa., 1745, and
died in Orange County, N.C. in 1799, having served as
Sergeant in the American Revolution.

DANIEL BURKE

Daniel Burke, planter, soldier, Judge, and Legislator,
the oldest son of Nimrod Burke, Jr., and Elizabeth
(Butler)

DANIEL BURKE

Burke, was born May 13, 1836, at the old Burke Plantation
in Turkey Creek District. He died at his home in
Allentown, Wilkinson County, Georgia, on April 24, 1907,
and his remains were laid to rest in the cemetery of
Pleasant Plains Church.

His early education was obtained at the Turkey Creek
Academy, and Harrison Academy. For two years he studied
in the State of North Carolina. He completed his study in
school at Macon, Georgia. His father, Nimrod Burke, Jr.,
was one of the original trustees of the Harrison Academy.
He acquired a good education.

He was married on July 3, 1856, in Wilkinson County,
Georgia, to Miss Millie A. Hardie, the daughter of Joel
Hardie and Margaret (Patterson) Hardie. She made her home
for more than ten years immediately before her death,
with a daughter, Annie Mae, wife of Walter B. Branan, of
Gordon, Georgia, where she died on June 4, 1920, and was
buried by the side of her husband, Daniel Burke.

He contributed liberally of his time and substance to the
upbuilding of the state and the community in which he
lived. He was one of the principal builders of the old
Pleasant Plains School, where he served as trustee for a
number of years. He was a churchman, a Mason, and a
Democrat. He was a loyal member of the New Providence
Church (Baptist). He served as Worshipful Master of the
Irwinton, Georgia, Masonic Lodge, of which he was a
member.

He volunteered as a soldier in behalf of the principles
for which the Southern Confederacy stood and in which he
and the people of the South firmly believed to be right,
and on August 22, 1862, enlisted in Company F of the
historic Third Georgia Regiment, in Wright's Brigade, and
served in the army of Virginia under General Robert E.
Lee.

He fought throughout the War between the States, until he
was wounded almost mortally on May 14, 1864, while
engaged in the Battle of Spottsylvania Courthouse,
Virginia. No man fought more bravely than did he in the
terrific battles in which this regiment was engaged. He
was in that magnifi

cent charge made by this regiment on the slopes of
Cemetery Ridge at the Battle of Gettysburg, which
immortalized these men.

While engaged in the Battle of Spottsylvania Courthouse
he was wounded, being shot in the right eye, a fragment
of the shell passing through and out of his right ear.
His comrade, W.F. (One Armed Frank) Cannon, seeing him
lying in a pool of water, dragged him out, and carried
him, on his back, off the battlefield. He recuperated in
a hospital in Virginia, where he was nursed by Mrs.
Morgan, who kept his wound treated and provided him with
food. He returned to his home in Wilkinson County,
Georgia, on June 9, 1864. In appreciation of the services
tendered to him by Mrs. Morgan, he gave her thirty
dollars each month as long as she lived. He received a
pension.

He was loved by those who knew him and regarded as a good
business man. As the holder of considerable Confederate
money and as owner of a large number of slaves, he
sustained a great loss as a result of the War Between the
States. He was a Democrat and took an active interest in
politics. In 1865 he was made a Justice of the Inferior
Court, a position he held until the court was abolished.
Later he served as Representative from Wilkinson County
in the General Assembly of Georgia. He was a large
planter and land owner. He erected, at large expense, a
mill on Cedar Creek, known as Burke's Mill. He amassed
considerable property and at one time was the largest
taxpayer in the county. At his death he was perhaps the
wealthiest man living in that section of Wilkinson
County.

JOSEPH EDWARD BUTLER

Among the first settlers of Wilkinson County came Ford
Butler and his wife, Martha (Patsy) from South Carolina.
His service in the Revolution had enabled him to acquire
a great deal of land in other counties (see Knight's
Roster of the Revolution). Soon after his arrival he
purchased many other tracts of land and at his death
about 1818, he was one of the largest landowners of the
county. His widow and his son,

JOSEPH EDWARD BUTLER

Malachi, administered on his estate, Joel another of his
sons, was born in South Carolina, 1787. He first married
a Miss Culpepper, his second wife being the former
Belinda Ashley. He rapidly amassed wealth and became one
of the wealthiest land and slave owners of Wilkinson
County. He was a strong believer in the Primitive Baptist
Church. Late in life he moved to Irwinton. Among his sons
was George Washington Butler, who inherited much of his
father's property as well as much of his business
sagacity. He served in Co. D, 8th Georgia Regiment during
the War Between the States. He was married Jan. 13, 1857,
to Adeline Elizabeth Howell (b. 1837, d. July 19, 1912).
She was a member of a large and influential Methodist
family, being the daughter of David and Noami (Edwards)
Howell, of Waynesville, N.C. She came to this county
about 1856, accepting a position as music teacher. Their
children: Rufus Howell, Martha Fleta, Joseph Edward,
George Raymond, Charles Oscar, Julia Adeline, William
Thomas, Hattie Elizabeth, Mary Washington.

Their son, Joseph Edward, the subject of this sketch, was
born Dec. 20, 1862, at Irwinton. He was educated at
Pleasant Plains Grammar School and Talmadge Institute,
graduating with first honors in the class of 1880. At the
age of seventeen he entered the farming and mercantile
business at Boxwood, eight miles from Irwinton. He joined
New Providence Baptist Church in 1882, and has attended
its meetings regularly ever since. He has from date to
the present time been a delegate and attended the
Ebenezer Baptist Association for forty-four years, during
which time served as Moderator of same for a period of
three years and is now Clerk of same; was Superintendent
of Irwinton Sunday School fifteen years and was County
Superintendent for Georgia Sunday School Association in
Wilkinson County fourteen years. He was also President of
Ebenezer Sunday School Association three years. He has
attended every Association meeting held by the Ebenezer
Association since 1882, with the exception of three, a
record possibly unsurpassed by any Baptist in Georgia.

Judge Butler has been a member of the Irwinton

Masonic Lodge since 1900 and served as Worshipful Master
for a long period, has been a member of the Odd Fellows
for several years.

In politics, Judge Butler is a Democrat; was nominated
for Clerk of the Superior Court in 1896, but declined to
run; was elected Ordinary of the county in 1890, and so
well did he fill the office that each election year he
was  repeatedly re-elected. The office of Judge of the
County Court became vacant, there being such a few
lawyers in Irwinton the Legislature passed a special act
making the Ordinary ex-officio the Judge of the County
Court, the only instance of its kind in all the state. He
served without interruption until 1917, and for the next
eight years he was engaged in the mercantile, livestock
and lumber business, a portion of the same time serving
as Clerk for the County Commissioners. In 1924, he was
re-elected as Ordinary. During his terms of office as
Ordinary he has officiated in approximately two hundred
marriage ceremonies.

Judge Butler was married March 4, 1909, to Fleta Jane
Nesbit, the daughter of Alexander H. and Sarah J. Nesbit
(see their sketch). Mrs. Butler completed a course at
Talmadge Institute, attended Wesleyan College and
received her B.S. Degree from Brenau College in 1908,
after which she taught for a while. She has been a member
of the Irwinton Baptist Church since childhood. Her
hospitality is known throughout the County and every one
who has ever once been to her home is always glad to
return. Her table is always filled with the good things
to eat she has grown in her garden, from her flocks of
the finest chickens of the county, from her overflowing
smokehouse or from her fine herd of dairy cattle. In the
latter she takes a great deal of well-merited pride for
they are perhaps unexcelled in the entire county.

In addition to the cares of her home and children, Mrs.
Butler assists her husband in the office, performing much
of the clerical work. She has, indeed, been a great help-
meet. Her friendly disposition and magnetic personality
wins friends easily.

JOSEPH EDWARD BUTLER

Their children are: Adelyn Elizabeth, Joseph Edward, Jr.,
Sara Nesbit, and Marion Edna.

GEORGE HENRY CARSWELL

Lawyer — Statesman

Of all the families of Wilkinson County, none have
exceeded the Carswell family in prominence. In every
generation it has produced one or more outstanding men
who have attained leadership in county or state affairs,
such men as Matthew Carswell, N.A. Carswell, H.F.
Carswell and last but by no means least, George H.
Carswell.

His great-great-grandfather, Alexander Carswell, was born
in County Antrim, Ireland, and was a veteran of the
Revolution. His great-grandfather, Matthew Carswell, born
February 17, 1768, was one of the early settlers of
Wilkinson County, settling on what is still known as the
Old Carswell Place in Turkey Creek District, and soon
became one of the largest landowners of that section. His
wife was Sarah Martin, born 1766.

From his earliest arrival here he began taking an active
interest in county affairs. He was appointed Commissioner
of the Wilkinson County Academy in 1810, and served as
Representative of the County during 1814 and 1815.

A few years later when the Stage Road leading from Macon
by way of Dublin to Savannah was being established, he
was appointed to serve as Commissioner for Wilkinson
County. As an evidence of the faithful performance of his
duty of selecting the best route, sixty-five years later
the Macon and Atlantic Railroad surveyed the route for a
road-bed parallel with the old stage road. He died in
1829, his wife following him nine years later.

His sons, Samuel Martin and William E., became prominent
planters of that section, the latter being by far the
wealthiest man in Wilkinson County. The former, the
grandfather of George H., built the old ante-bellum home
on his father's old plantation, and lived there until his
death. His wife was Jane Manson, of another prominent
ante-bellum family of

the county.

One of their sons, Matthew James, except for a few years
at Society Hill, Alabama, spent the whole of his life in
Wilkinson County, moving to Irwinton before the war. He
was married to Miss Ellen Huff Dupree in 1858, the
daughter of Dr. Ira Ellis-Dupree, who was born in 1800,
and who served as a delegate from Twiggs County to the
Constitutional Convention of 1865, and Frances (Bryan)
Dupree.

Matthew James served in the War Between the States and,
his home being in the path of Sherman's army, the end of
the war found his property swept away. On his farm near
Irwinton his son George Henry Carswell was born Oct. 21,
1874. Business reverses occurring, the latter was unable
to obtain a college education after completing Talmage
Institute. For a while he taught a country school in
Appling County. In 1895, he with John Todd, his brother-
in-law, began the publication of the Bulletin. A few
months later he purchased Mr. Todd's interest and
continued it alone. In 1899 having determined upon the
law as his chosen profession, he attended Mercer
University Law School and was admitted to the bar, The
County Court of Wilkinson County having recently been
created, he was appointed its first Solicitor. However,
finding the defense side much more to his liking, he soon
resigned.

AS A LAWYER

In the practice of law, Mr. Carswell has been a most
decided success. On the cross examination of witnesses he
has few equals; his knowledge of the rules of evidence
often stand him in good stead. Especially is he in his
element when pleading his cause before the jury. The
writer has seen him on innumerable occasions when his
case appeared lost, but when he finished speaking it
would have a different aspect. Not only does he hold the
attention of the jurors but whenever it is known that he
is to address a jury, he has a large audience of others.
No lawyer who has ever crossed swords with him in the
legal arena, but henceforth has a wholesome respect for
his abilities.

At one time, Mr. Carswell had amassed considerable

GEORGE HENRY CARSWELL

property, but the advent of the boll weevil, the post war
deflation and illness in his family swept away what he
owned.

As President of the Irwinton Bank, which he assisted in
organizing and of which he has served as President ever
since, he has on more than one occasion demonstrated his
ability to inspire confidence in the people of his home
town. Several times crises have confronted it, one or
more times a run on it was impending when other banks
throughout the country were closing their doors, but in
each instance, he was able to avert it.

ADVOCATE OF EDUCATION

For several years Mr. Carswell was Chairman of the
Wilkinson County Board of Education and during his term
of office, largely through his influence and efforts, a
great deal of improvements were made in the schools of
the county. He was thus aware of the great needs of the
poor children of Georgia for better educational
advantages. He has served several terms in the
Legislature, nine years in the House, and six years in
the Senate. In 1918 having been again elected to
represent the county he was asked to sponsor the famous
Elder-Carswell bill authorizing counties to supplement
school funds with local taxation. For several years past
this bill had been introduced but failed to receive the
required majority. Mr. Carswell, however, threw himself
wholeheartedly into the fight and successfully carried it
through. No law in recent years has benefited more the
schools of Georgia, unless it is that allowing State Aid
for High Schools, which was another of his measures, the
latter also a Constitutional Amendment permitting the
support of High Schools which heretofore was forbidden.

Legislator

In 1917-20 he served as Floor Leader of the House for
Governor Dorsey and as such engineered the passage of the
bill creating the State Highway Department.

Likewise, as Floor Leader, there was entrusted to him the
passage of the Workmen's Compensation Insurance Bill
which has had such a revolutionary effect in the
collection of

damages for injuries. Perhaps no law ever enacted by the
Georgia Legislature has so revolutionized conditions for
those engaged in  industrial occupations and their
families. It has lessened enormously the number of
actions filed in the courts to enforce the claims for
injuries and has also made it possible for untold numbers
of destitute families to recover aid where under the
existing laws they would have been totally debarred from
recovering any compensation at all.

Another bill which he was largely instrumental in passing
was the Child Labor Bill which has meant so much to the
children who hitherto had been driven like slaves in
industrial plants, but never were given a chance for the
schooling that other children received.

His experience in banking caused him to be selected to
pilot two other measures through: the Uniform Negotiable
Instruments Bill, which made the laws of Georgia
governing Bills and Notes conform to the general law in
force in practically all the states of the Union. The
other was the re-organization of the Banking laws of
Georgia, the workings of which is rapidly becoming
recognized as being a masterful piece of legislation, as
the real intents of the framers of the act are now being
put into practice.

In 1919-20 he served as Chairman of the House
Appropriations Committee most creditably. Likewise, in
1917-18, he served as Chairman of the Senate
Appropriation Committee, which chairmanships were
considered the most important that could be given.

PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE

At the beginning of the 1925 term of the Senate he stood
for the Presidency. although with considerable opposition
at the outset his strength continued to grow until the
date of the convening found him the unanimous choice of
that body.

It was while President of the Senate that a bill came up
for a vote in which he was vitally interested, the
creation of the Alto Sanitarium for tuberculosis victims.
The vote was a tie. He left his Chair and took the floor
in its behalf. Those who

GEORGE HENRY CARSWELL

were in the Senate chamber at the time say he made the
speech of his life. That in his speech he said, "Back in
the little town of Irwinton there are two people slowly
dying of this terrible plague. One of these is a poor
carpenter, his daily earnings have been supporting his
large family of helpless children. He is not able to go
to high priced sanitariums. For such as he, I cast the
deciding vote in favor of Alto Sanitarium."

Mr.  Carswell has for several years been one of the
Trustees of Georgia School of Technology.

GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE - SECRETARY OF STATE

In 1926, Mr. Carswell made the race for Governor. It was
then the people of Georgia recognized his ability as a
campaigner. His caustic wit and ready repartee make of
him a dangerous antagonist in a political debate. Though
unsuccessful in the race yet it is acknowledged by his
political enemies that he was a determining factor in the
final outcome of that election. In 1928, upon the death
of W.G. McLendon, Secretary of State, he was appointed by
Governor L.G. Hardeman to fill the unexpired term. He was
thereafter elected to succeed himself.

It was while serving in this capacity that he began
making changes in the management of the duties of his
office, tending towards a much greater efficiency.
Immediate improvements were evident. A careful check on
auto tags alone poured in excess of $500.000.00 more
funds into the State coffers than had ever been received
before in one year. Another of his plans was the
manufacture of all auto tags by convicts, at the State
Farm at Milledgeville, which has begun and which already
promises a saving of many thousands of dollars to the
State annually.

Announcement of his candidacy for Governor in the 1930
campaign is believed to be imminent and it is generally
conceded he stands a most excellent chance of being
elected. In this event there is every reason to believe
that he will put into practice more ideas of economy in
the management of the

affairs of state.

Mr. Carswell was married November 26, 1902, to Miss Ethel
Wood, daughter of Dr. Joshua S. Wood, of Irwinton. Their
children are: Claire; Ellen (who is the wife of David
Ramsey Simmons, of Bainbridge, Georgia and has one little
girl. (Virginia Claire); George H. Jr,; Harold; and
Hubert, who died at the age of two years. On her father's
side Mrs. Carswell was descended from the Wood family of
Washington County, Tully Choice, a Captain in the
Revolutionary War, Kinman and other historic families; on
her mother's side from the Graybills, the prominent
Tucker family and others.

Mrs. Carswell was considered one of the most beautiful
women Irwinton has ever produced; her well cultivated
soprano voice, as she sang the old familiar hymns in the
church, still linger pleasantly in the memories of
hundreds who heard her; — and ideal mother and home-
maker.

LEVI RICHARDSON CASON

Levi Richardson Cason was born near Sandersville,
Washington County, Georgia, April 19, 1839. About two
years after the War Between the States he located in
Toomsboro, Wilkinson County, and except for a year at
Forsyth, Ga., and three years at Jackson, Ga., he lived
there until his death. He first clerked for Judge Cannon,
later for Mr. Ira Deese and he also taught school for a
short while. About 1877 he went into business for himself
and when he retired forty-five years afterwards he had
long been one of the leading merchants of the county. He
built the first brick mercantile buildings in the county,
at the same time putting up the Wilkinson County Bank
Building, the first bank in the county. He served as one
of the Directors of this bank from its beginning until
about two years before his death, and before it was
organized he acted in the capacity of private banker for
numbers of his customers. He was an elder in the
Toomsboro Christian Church. He had served both as Mayor
and Councilman of his town, and was a member of Camp
Warthen, U.C.V. He enlisted in the Confederate army,
April 19, 1861, age twenty two, in Co. A. 28th

LEVI RICHARDSON CASON

Regiment Georgia Vol., and served the full four years. He
was in many notable engagements and was wounded at the
Battle of Chancellorsville. Mr. Cason died at Toomsboro,
Ga., May 13, 1928, age eighty-eight years, and was buried
at the Stephens family cemetery. He was survived by his
wife, four daughters, two sons and eleven grandchildren.

William Cason, grandfather of L.R. Cason, settled in
Washington County between Sandersville and Oconee about
1800, moving there with his wife, Rhoda, from Tar River,
N.C. They had one daughter, (Mrs. Stuart) and three sons,
Henry (Ala.). John Justin (Fla.) and Dennis, father of
L.R. Cason, born in Washington County 1805, died December
2, 1862. Dennis Cason married Sarah Massey, born in N.C.
1806, died Nov. 1887. Sarah was a daughter of Abel Massey
and Elizabeth (Jones) Massey, who moved to Washington
County from North Carolina in 1814. L.R. Cason had three
brothers who also served during the War Between the
States. Abel, 1802-65, with First Georgia Battalion;
William, 1814-65, with First Georgia Regiment, later with
First Georgia Battalion; and John, enlisted in 1861 in
Co. B. 28th Georgia Regiment, died of illness May, '62,
and was buried at Oakwood Cemetery, Richmond, Va. When
Mr. Cason visited Richmond a few years before his death
he had a marker placed there for the family, in addition
to the Confederate marker. These four soldier brothers
had three sisters widowed by the war: Mary, m. Owen
Elkins, d. Nov., '62, at Seven Pines; Rhoda, m. H.L.
Hodges, d. '62 at Sharpsburg; Nellie, m. Tom Tucker, d.
June '62, in Seven Days' fight around Richmond.

Jan. 4, 1874, L.R. Cason married Martha Virginia
Stephens, of Toomsboro, granddaughter of John Stephens
and Elizabeth (Matthews) Stephens, who moved to Wilkinson
County from N.C. in 1822. John Stephens served with the
N.C. Militia during the Revolutionary War, and his grave,
two miles south of Toomsboro, was marked April, 1925, by
Major General Samuel Elbert Chapter, D.A.R. Tennille,
Ga., the first grave in the county to be so honored.
James, the oldest child of John and Elizabeth, was born
in N.C. Feb. 27, 1817, and was

married in 1840 to Jerusha Barnes, daughter of William
Barnes and Cecelia (Vickers) Barnes. Of the six daughters
(they had no sons) of James and Jerusha, four became the
wives of ex-Confederate soldiers. Martha Virginia being
the wife of L.R. Cason. During the War Between the States
James Stephens did home service which entitles his
descendants to membership in the S.C.V. and the U.D.C.

(By Mrs. Sarah Cason Todd and Addigene Cason)

WILLIAM IRWIN CHAMBERS

Was born in Washington county, September 15, 1812, died
December 31, 1893. He was the son of Lucy (Johnson) and
Simon Peter Chambers, Jr., who was the son of Simon Peter
Chambers, Sr., who came to this country from France when
he was sixteen years of age, he was one of the first
settlers of Savannah, Ga., and was one of the first to
rebel against King George. (See Whites History of Ga.) He
married a Miss Stewart, sister of Gov. Jared Irwin's
wife, relatives of Gen Stewart for whom Stewart County
was named. They had only one child, Simon Peter, Jr., who
had seven children: William Irwin, David, James, John,
Nancy, Rebeckah, Susan.

William Irwin Chambers in 1841 married Hannah Jane Hall,
the daughter of Zilpha (Jones) and Ira Hall, born Dec.
10, 1825, died March 17, 1888. She ministered unto all
with whom she came in contact, her loving words and deeds
of kindness still live in the hearts who knew her. Her
memory is like a guardian angel, always with us. There
were twelve children in this family: Franklin, Ira,
Andrew, Joel, Oscar, Julia, Anna, Laura, Ada, Nora, Ruth,
one son died in infancy. William Irwin Chambers was the
grandfather of forty-four children, and great grandfather
of seventy. He was an old landmark of Irwinton, Ga., came
here in 1849, and lived in the same house for forty-four
years, he was one among the few settlers who lived here,
when Irwinton was nothing more than a forest of tall
pines. He was a very intelligent man and had a far
reaching insight into the future; he was at one time the
leading merchant of Irwinton as well as a practical
farmer; he

WILLIAM IRWIN CHAMBERS

believed in raising home supplies; he was also County
Treasurer for a number of years, and in this capacity
made a worthy officer, no man was more bitterly opposed
to the Civil War and although three of his sons enlisted
and did gallant work for their home and country he
declared that such a conflict would bring ruin and
destruction to this country; though he vigorously opposed
the war, he did his part at home, (being too old to
enlist), by furnishing supplies to the wives and children
of those who were at the front; he was also Postmaster
during this period. When the Homestead Law was being
discussed, he openly opposed it, with all the vigor born
to the human soul; he was the type of honesty that looked
upon the dishonesty of his day with unspeakable
condemnation; he abhorred profanity and did not even
tolerate slang in his family; he was chaste in his
language and had ideals of the highest type; he dealt
fairly and squarely with his fellowman and left his
family a good name, which is rather to be chosen than
great riches.

(By Ruth Chambers Everett.)

FRANKLIN CHAMBERS

July 27, 1842 - November 26, 1928

No son of Wilkinson ever loved his native country more,
none ever gave to her more patriotic, more unselfish,
more unstinted service as its public servant than did
Franklin Chambers, lawyer, Confederate Soldier, Ordinary,
Delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1877 for the
21st District, Representative, State Senator and
Presidential Elector.

He was born in Irwinton, the oldest son of William Irwin
and Jane (Hall) Chambers. (See W.I. Chambers Sketch.)

William I. Chambers was indeed a most remarkable man, and
one whose outspoken opinions carried great weight in his
day. Stern and uncompromising in matters relating to
public duty, he held the utmost confidence of the people
of the county. In 1860 when the vote on the secession
question was held, it is said that he made the political
fight of his life against seceding, and when the
Convention at Milledgeville cast the deciding ballot, he
predicted the ruin which later followed.

Although only nineteen years of age when Co. F 3rd Ga.
Reg. was organized at Irwinton, the subject of this
sketch, fired with the spirit of patriotism which was
sweeping the county, he was one of the first to enlist
for service, April 26, 1861. His intrepid spirit,
coolness under fire and power of leadership, caused his
promotion one year later to 1st Sergeant of the Company,
even though yet a mere boy. At the second Battle of
Manassas, August 30, 1862, he received a wound.

January 1, 1864, at the age of twenty-two having been
elected Ordinary of Wilkinson County, he received his
discharge and returned to Irwinton to perform the duties
of this office. During this time he also assisted the
Inferior Court in the discharge of its duties.

When Sherman's Army was approaching Irwinton, it seems he
was the only person who thought about removing the County
Records from the courthouse in anticipation of its being
burned. Calling Leroy Fleetwood to his assistance the two
piled all the most important Records and Documents, into
boxes, and loading them on a wagon carried them into the
heart of Big Sandy swamp and buried them. Dampness
seeping into the boxes injured some which may yet be
noticed. But for this one act of his many chapters of
this history would have had to be omitted.

He studied law while Ordinary and was admitted to the
bar. His ability as a lawyer soon brought him to the
forefront and earned for him the recognition as one of
the ablest members of the bar in this section. In 1876 he
was chosen as an Elector to the National Democratic
Convention of Tilden and Hendricks. The next year he
served as a delegate from the Twenty-First Senatorial
District to the Constitutional Convention. During the two
succeeding years he served as Representative from
Wilkinson. In 1892 and 1893 he was Senator for the 21st
District. After this he practiced law at Irwinton until
1895 when he moved to Macon and opened an office with
Hon. Hoke Polhill where he continued his practice as long
as his health permitted.

Mr. Chambers was married in 1868 to Elmina Hughes,

FRANKLIN CHAMBERS

daughter of Heywood and Elizabeth (Wynne) Hughes, of a
prominent Twiggs County family. Their children are:

Franklin Breckinbridge, born April 28, 1875, President of
the Wilkinson County Bank, a leading merchant of
Toomsboro; one of Wilkinson County's most progressive and
substantial citizens; a man whose integrity is
unquestioned; who married November 20, 1912 to Lamar
Albea of Sandersville, and whose children are: Frank,
Jr., Barbara, William Thomas and Kathleen.

Hugh, born March 8, 1872, graduated Mercer University,
A.B. Degree, 1892; University of Georgia, B.L. Degree,
1895; began the practice of law in June 3, 1895 in
Sandersville, Ga., moved to Macon, Ga., January, 1899,
joining his father; married June 17, 1899 in Millen, Ga.,
Elizabeth Butts, the daughter of Lawrence Butts,
Confederate Solder; Solicitor Washington County Court,
1896-98; Judge, Municipal Court Macon, January 1, 1915,
to day; children, Sue (m. M.R. Gardner), Elmina.

Elbert, who has been engaged continuously in the Railway
Mail Service since seventeen years of age, was married to
Julia Davis and lives at Decatur, Ga. Children: Davis
(accidentally killed in a football game), Effie, (Mrs.
Montgomery), Franklin, Helen, Elbert and Katherine.

Effie, married James Baker of Macon and lives in Macon.
Her numerous friends in Irwinton frequently speak of her
grace and charm, her utter unselfishness and her love and
care for her aged father and mother.

ANDREW CHAMBERS

Was the son of William Irwin, and Jane (Hall) Chambers.
He was born March 16, 1848, died Aug. 3, 1917. He joined
the army at sixteen years of age; was wounded in the
Battle of Griswoldville, was Agent for the Central
Railroad at McIntyre, Georgia for fifteen years; also did
a large mercantile

business up to the time his health failed him.

He was married to Maxie B. Jackson, daughter of James and
Elizabeth Pittman Jackson, born October 17, 1850, died
September 10, 1906. She was a wonderful example of true
womanhood; their home was "A house by the side of the
road, and was truly a friend to man." Their hospitality
was unexcelled. They had only one child. James Jackson
Chambers, of Macon, Georgia. He inherited a big, generous
heart from his parents, and has been successful in the
business world. He married Julia Schall, also of Macon,
Ga., daughter of Margaret (Merkel) and Jacob Schall.

Andrew Chambers was very active in a political way, and
had a wide influence; often he was urged by his friends
to run for office, but always preferred to use his
influence for others. He had a magnetism about his
personality that drew people to him and although frank
and outspoken on all issues, he numbered his friends by
all who knew him.

He was steadfast in his convictions and the embodiment of
sincerity.

(By Ruth Chambers Everett)

GEORGE W. EVERETT

The son of Elizabeth (Corbett) and James Brickus Everett,
of Oconee, Ga., Washington County, born Feb. 22nd, 1862.
James Brickus Everett was born in Raleigh, N.C., and came
to Georgia in boyhood. He enlisted in the Confederate
Army and gave four years service for his country. He was
a successful farmer, and one of the pillars in the old
Bay Spring Church, Washington County; he was upright and
honest in all his dealings with his fellowman.

George W. Everett came to Irwinton, Georgia, Wilkinson
County and entered Talmage Institute, Jan. 1st, 1882. For
a number of years he engaged in the mercantile business.
In 1903 he was appointed Rural Carrier on Route No. 2,
Irwinton, Ga., and has already completed twenty-seven
years of service. Jan. 16, 1887, he was married to Ruth
Chambers, youngest daughter of Jane (Hall) and William

GEORGE W. EVERETT

Irwin Chambers. There were seven children in this family:
James William, born Dec. 24, 1887, married Eva Snell,
they have one child, James William, Jr.; Floy Lee, born
Aug. 24, 1889; Myrtle, born April 7, 1891, married Gainer
E. Fulford, Wrightsville, Ga.; George Frederick, born
April 7, 1893, married Beulah Pennington; Oscar Chambers,
born June 9, 1897, died May 19, 1905; Irwin Emory, born
July 29, 1899, married Alma Skipper, they have one child,
Irwin Edwin; Malcom Hall, born Aug. 14, 1900.

George W. Everett was reared in a Methodist family and
true to his ancestry he has not departed from the faith.
For a number of years he has been Chairman of the Board
of Stewards of the Irwinton Charge. He not only collects
and looks after the affairs of his own church, but is
very diligent and keeps in close touch with the country
churches and in every way tries to strengthen and
encourage the work of each church. The interest of his
pastor is always on his heart; he gives freely, and puts
forth great efforts to bring up the assessments in full.

May he continue in usefulness and hold God's banner high;
never falter, never fail.

(By Ruth Chambers Everett)

HOMER ADOLPHUS CLIETT

Homer Adolphus Cliett was born in Cairo, Miss., August
18, 1894, the son of Sara Alice (Valentine, d. 1895) and
Pearsel Boaz Cliett (b. Dec. 2, 1863, m. Dec. 17, 1884);
grandson of Sara Ann (Johnson, b. Jan 12, 1831, m. Sept.
8, 1847, d. Montpelier, Miss., June 12, 1916) and Thomas
A.J. Cliett (b. Feb. 14, 1826, d. Feb. 16, 1895); and of
Lina (Luther) and Jesse Valentine.

After graduating at the Clay Co. Agricultural High
School, Pheba, Miss., in 1914, he entered the Mississippi
A & M College and in 1917, received his B.S. Degree in
Agriculture. While in College he was a member of the
George Rifle Fraternity, Agricultural Club, the
Philotectic Literary Society,

Rifle Club, Night Hawks, Y.M.C.A., and Sable Club.

In 1918 he came to Irwinton as County Agricultural Agent,
serving as such until 1919, when he removed to
Sandersville to take charge of the work there. During
1921 was Blackley County's first Agricultural Agent, at
Cochran, and in 1922 was at Barnesville. From 1923 to
1925 he served again as the Wilkinson Co. Agent, being
instrumental in having the first cattle dipping vats
built in this section, conducted the first County Fair,
and his exhibit won second prize at the State Fair. In
1925 he was transferred to Americus where he has been in
the same work, where under his supervision many of the
farmers of Sumter Co., are improving their methods of
farming — winter legumes are rapidly becoming popular —
his 4-H Club boys are breaking all records heretofore
established in their products and Sumter Co., is known
throughout the State as one of the banner agricultural
counties. The four scholarship loan funds for deserving
members of his 4-H Clubs, which he has been able to
establish, will unquestionably mean much to the future of
the county.

In the various counties where he has served as Agent, Mr.
Cliett has won for himself state-wide fame in finding
markets for the farmers' product, in the numerous prize-
winning exhibits at Fairs, organizing Boys' Clubs, etc.
In recognition of his meritorious services membership in
the Epsilon Sigma Phi Society of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture has been conferred upon him.

Mr. Cliett is a deacon in the Baptist church, a director
in the Kiwanis Club, member of the Chamber of Commerce, a
Royal Arch Mason and a Democrat.

He was married Feb. 2, 1919, to Sarah Carol Nesbit, of
Irwinton (b. April 29, 1894, the daughter of A.H. and
Sarah J. Nesbit, see their sketch). Mrs. Cliett after
attending Talmadge Institute spent one year at Bessie
Tift College, and then graduated at G.S.C.W. at
Milledgeville in 1917, being a member of the Glee Club at
the latter place. After her graduation she taught for two
years at Irwinton. Not only does Mrs. Cliett make a most
admirable wife and mother, but wherever

HOMER ADOLPHUS CLIETT

she makes her home she takes an active interest in church
and civic affairs. She is a member of the Baptist Church,
Pianist for the Sunday School, officer in the P.T.A.,
member of the Woman's Literary Club of the W.C.T.U. and
Garden Club. While in Sandersville she was a member of
the Woman's Club and at Barnesville of the Three Arts
Club. Each year she has assisted in the Woman's
Department at County Fairs.

Mr. and Mrs. Cliett have two children: Pearsel Alexander,
b. July 19, 1920, and Eleanor Marilyn, b. July 23, 1923.
Intellectual and talented, they give promise of a bright
future.

CHARLES CULPEPPER

Unhonored and unsung by historians, his memory forgotten,
except by a few, no man ever lived in Wilkinson County
who more richly deserves space in this History than does
Charles Culpepper.

While we have no direct data on the date and place of his
birth, yet we have every reason to believe that he was a
native of Virginia. We find his brother, Sampson
Culpepper, being granted land in Washington County,
Georgia, by reason of his service in the Revolution.
Charles was evidently too young to fight in this war. We
first find Charles in Georgia as an active Baptist
Minister serving in the Hepzibah Association.

Mr. Culpepper was married to Rachel, the eldest daughter
of that grand old North Carolina patriot, Josiah Warren,
who will go down in history as "The lone horseman from
Burke county," who rode upon the excited scene before the
State House at Louisville, Georgia, in 1796 at the very
moment when the Yazoo Act was about to be burned, and
drawing from his pocket the sun-glass suggested to his
friend, Jas. Jackson, that the accursed document be
consumed by fire drawn from heaven.

Among the earliest settlers of Wilkinson are found three
Culpeppers, Charles, his brother Sampson, and Joel
(probably also a brother). These settled in the vicinity
of Toomsboro, the home of Charles being on the lands
formerly

owned by Dr. N.T. Carswell, now by Geo. H. Carswell, four
miles east of Irwinton.

Never was a man more thoroughly imbued with the spirit of
Missions than was Charles Culpepper. He, it seems was
first to realize the tremendous opportunity of the
Baptist church in that vast territory lying between the
Oconee and Ocmulgee rivers into which hordes of settlers
were literally pouring, clearing the lands and building
their homes, a vast region without community centers,
clamoring in every settlement for some place of worship,
some clearing house for social intercourse to break the
monotony of the backwoods.

Seizing the opportunity, sometimes with Rev. Shirey as
his partner, sometimes with Rev. John Ross, also a
Virginian, he began the work of planting churches. Roads
were as yet mere trails, but these consecrated men,
without pay or hope of reward would select a community
where there were already members of the Baptist church,
and using these as a nucleus would announce services and
invite the neighborhood, and soon a church would be
organized. His unceasing activities won for him the
approbation of his fellow Baptists. As the churches were
organized they were added to the Hepzibah Association,
which by reason of its enormous area and number of
churches was becoming unwieldly. Thus, in 1814, when the
Ebenezer Association was formed at Cool Spring church at
Allentown, Charles Culpepper was a leading spirit and now
became a member of the Association, which his work in
organizing churches had made possible.

It was during these years that the question of Missions
was beginning to agitate Baptists. Into this movement he
threw his whole being, and in no small way was
responsible for the rapid growth of the Missionary idea.
The Hepzibah Missionary Society was organized, among the
first in Georgia, and Culpepper was made its President.
Thus, Charles Culpepper might well be called "The Father
of Missions" in Wilkinson County. Through the years that
followed he was ever in the forefront leading the
Missionary elements of the Baptist churches in this
section, and in Houston County where

CHARLES CULPEPPER

he later moved.

And not alone as a minister of the Gospel was Charles
Culpepper noted. His strength of character, his
reputation for honor had so endeared him to the citizens
of Wilkinson County, that, when the selection of the
county site was to be made, and every effort was being
exerted to choose those commissioners to perform this
duty who could not be swayed by public opinion or hope of
gain, Charles Culpepper was one of those appointed by the
Legislature.

In 1816, he was chosen to represent Wilkinson County in
the legislature, serving one term.

In 1824, when the educational system of Wilkinson was re-
organized, Charles Culpepper was appointed one of the
commissioners of the Wilkinson Academy.

Culpepper was sought after and took an active interest in
all public gatherings. The Fourth of July celebrations
sometimes took political turns and the toasts given were
often at odds with the political beliefs of Culpepper,
who was a strong supporter of the Troupe ticket. However,
the toasts which he gave as is recorded in the newspaper
accounts of the day, evidence a man of education,
culture, and a deep understanding of human nature. They
were such as would not antagonize the numerous Clark
supporters present, for whose political opinions he
showed every respect.

It was inevitable that Culpepper should be a Troupe
supporter. Not only was it natural for him to align
himself with the great mass of his fellow Virginians in
Georgia, but, likewise his wife's father and brothers
stood by the party advocated by the Virginians.

In 1809, having now moved from Burke County to Laurens,
Josiah Warren and his wife both died, leaving several
minor children. Culpepper was appointed their guardian
and took them to his own home near Irwinton. Having no
children of his own, he lavished upon them a father's
love, giving them every advantage of an education. Best
of all he seems to have transmitted to these orphans that
divine spark which animated his whole being. And whether
in the ministry, in the laity;

whether as lawyers, on the Bench, or as State House
officials, these orphans and their descendants have ever
since borne the mantle of Charles Culpepper. Though near
ninety years have passed since his death, they still
revere his memory; his influence still lives.

One of these orphan boys was Lott Warren, Superior Court
Judge and Congressman, who besides being eminent in
public life, was a local Baptist preacher and founded the
First Baptist Church at Albany, Georgia. A second,
Kittrell Warren, became a missionary to the Indians, the
father of the beloved of Dr. E.W. Warren, for so long
pastor of the First Baptist Church at Macon, himself the
father of Dr. L. B. Warren, another Baptist preacher.
General Eli Warren, another of these orphans, while on
Mr. Culpepper's farm, became famous by being the first
person to pick a hundred pounds of cotton in one day,
cotton then being planted in hills in such a manner as to
retard picking. He later became one of the leading
lawyers of Georgia, his only son Josiah L. Warren being
also a Baptist preacher, pastor of the Baptist church at
Milledgeville and his health failing, went into business
at Savannah.

Another grandson of General Warren was Dr. William Warren
Landrum, former Pastor of the First Baptist Church of
Atlanta and other large churches in several Northern
cities. To Hon. Warren Grice, another grandson of General
Warren, the compiler is deeply indebted for assistance in
the preparation of this book.

GEORGE ORINTHUS ALLEN DAUGHTRY

George Orinthus Allen Daughtry was born in Nansemond
County, Virginia. He received his preparatory education
at Buckhorn Academy, Como, N.C., then went to Richmond
College. At the age of nineteen he came to Twiggs

GEORGE ORINTHUS ALLEN DAUGHTRY

County and practiced law in Jeffersonville, moving a few
years later to Allentown where he became a merchant and
planter. The remainder of his life was spent there except
the years between 1903 and 1916 when he and his family
lived in Macon. He was successful in business, active in
politics and served in the Georgia legislature as
representative from Wilkinson in 1900 and 1901.

Mr. Daughtry was a man of unusual personality. He had a
quick wit, lively imagination and could always entertain
an audience with his humorous stories. People were
attracted to him by his genial humor and friendliness
while his sympathetic attitude, generosity and loyalty
won for him a vast number of friends. He was always glad
to help those in trouble and was known as "the friend to
the negro and poor whites" to whom he never failed to
give help and encouragement. He was most ambitious for
his children, always striving to give them the best
advantages. Through his sympathetic and understanding
nature, there existed a spirit of comradeship between him
and his family.

According to tradition the Daughtry ancestors were Scotch
Irish and settled on the east coast of Maryland, moving
later to Virginia. Allen Daughtry and Ann Daughtry,
grandparents of G.O.A. Daughtry, lived in Nansemond
County, Virginia. Their children were Margaret (married
John B. Jenkins), Elizabeth (married James Holland), Lucy
(married Elijah Joyner), Sarah Allen, Dr. William H.,
Daughtry of Southampton County. Dr. Mills Everett
Daughtry, and Solomon P. Doughtry. Every male member of
the Daughtry family fought in the War Between the States.
Dr. William H. Daughtry was a surgeon in the 14th Va.
Regiment, Armistead's Brigade, Pickett's Division. Dr.
Mills Everett Daughtry was also a surgeon in the Virginia
army.

Solomon P. Daughtry, father of G.O.A. Daughtry, born
November 17, 1831, joined the Tennessee army at Memphis,
where he was living at that time, and served four years.
Soon after the war, his wife, Salina (Moore) Daughtry,
died and he came to Georgia, opening up a stave factory
in

Twiggs County. He later moved to Allentown, where he
lived until his death January 17, 1892. Of his seven
children, only three lived. G.O.A. Daughtry, Sept. 4,
1853, died Dec. 23, 1921. William Everett Daughtry
married Mattie Burke (daughter of John and Sarah Burke),
died 1913. No children. Annie Virginia Daughtry.

On Nov. 5, 1882, G.O.A. Daughtry married Jane Coleman
Allen, daughter of Willis and Sarah Allen. Their children
are Helen Virginia Daughtry, graduated from G.N.I.C. (now
G.S.C.W.) 1895, Carnegie Library School 1925. Jennie Sue
Daughtry, graduate of Lanier High School 1905, State
Teacher's College 1913, Curry School of Expression 1923,
Mercer University 1929. Attended Wesleyan 1906-1909.
Allen Willis Daughtry, graduate of Mercer University
1910. Married Rebecca Hearn, Nov. 12, 1927. Served ten
months overseas during World War in Headquarters Company,
320th Field Artillery, 82nd Division . He enlisted at
Irwinton in April, 1918, and ten days later sailed for
England, where he received three months military
training. The remainder of the time he was stationed at
Tours. He was honorably discharged at Camp Gordon
February, 1919. George Orinthus Allen Daughtry, Jr.,
graduate of Lanier High School, 1909, Mercer University,
1913, Mercer Law School 1915; served on Mexican border in
1916 and 1917 with Macon Machine Gun Company of Georgia
National Guard; received a commission in the regular army
during World War in 1917. Since then he has served
continuously in the army and holds the rank of captain.
Sarah Elizabeth Daughtry, graduate of G.N.I.C. 1914.
Married Drane D. Smith Nov. 15, 1916. Her children are
Helen Virginia, Jane Estelle and George Daughtry. Annie
Moore Daughtry graduate of G.S.C.W. 1918, studied at
Columbia University and Y.W.C.A. National Training
School. Taught three years at G.S.C.W.

(By Miss Jennie Daughtry)

MRS. MARTHA JANE (HOGAN) DAVIDSON

The daughter of John G.R. and Mary (Bullock) Hogan

GEORGE ORINTHUS ALLEN DAUGHTRY

was born July 22, 1849. On her paternal side she was the
grand-daughter of Major Elijah and Sarah (Rye) Hogan; on
her maternal side, the grand-daughter of Willis and Nancy
(Easterling) Bullock; great-grand-daughter of James
Bullock; and of James Bennett Easterling, a veteran of
the Revolution and Milly, his wife; great-great-grand-
daughter of Henry and Ellen (Bennett) Easterling.

Her early education was obtained at the Pleasant Plains
school, then one of the leading schools of the county.
Her father, while not wealthy, was in comfortable
circumstances, owning a plantation and several slaves.

After the war, she was employed as governess by her
father's brother, David Hogan, then living in Irwin
county. Later, she returned to her home near Pleasant
Plains church and in 1867 was married to James Thomas
Davidson. Of this union there were: Ella, J.I., J.O.,
J.T., Rosa, R.E., Mattie, Emma, Mary, Allen, Effie,
Victor, Maria.

In spite of the years of depression and the rearing of a
large family they had been able to acquire a few hundred
acres of land at the time of her husband's death in 1894.
She at once bravely took charge and with the aid of her
older sons carried on the farm work, rearing the children
and giving them the best education the schools then
afforded.

Although in her eighty-first year she has a most
marvelous memory and is in possession of all her
faculties. During her childhood she was often accustomed
to visit the older people of the community and have them
tell her of the pioneer days of Wilkinson, tales of the
Revolution, of Indian wars, of wild "varmints," of
witches and ghosts. She easily recalls these accounts
just as they were told her; and her children, grand-
children and great-grand children often gather about her
and beg her to tell these stories of the long ago, and
they listen with open mouths, to the same old tales that
have enthralled the children of each generation since
Wilkinson was first a county. It was these stories that
first awakened in the author a desire to compile this
history.

No person ever lived his or her religion more earnestly

than she. Becoming a member of the Primitive Baptist
Church at an early age she regularly attends her
meetings.

Her inherent friendliness, kindness and hospitality
instantly awakens the love of every person with whom she
comes in contact. Those in trouble come to her for
sympathy; she rejoices with those who rejoice. She ever
inspires all that is best in every person in her
presence.

JOHN THOMAS DAVIDSON

Tax Assessor for fourteen years, serving as Chairman a
portion of the time. Justice of the Peace for twenty-six
years, one of the leading farmers of the county, Mason,
Democrat in politics. Steward in Oakdale Methodist
Church, for many years Trustee of Pleasant Plains School,
was born the 1st day of March, 1875, the son of James
Thomas and Martha J. (Hogan) Davidson.

He is the grandson of Allen. (b. 1795, d. 1860) and Maria
(d. of John and Betsy (Tomberlin) Davidson, the great-
grandson of Joseph (b. N.C. 1760) and Winnie (May)
Davidson, Warren Co., Ga., d. 1820; great-great-grandson
(according to family traditions) of John Davidson who
came as an immigrant from Ireland to Maryland, later
settling in N.C. and of James May (d. 1799) and Lydia,
his wife, of Warren Co., Ga.

Joseph and Winnie, together with his brothers, William
and Moses, came to Wilkinson among the first settlers,
each taking up land near the Davidson old home place.
William later moved to Monroe Co., Ga. Joseph's children
were: John, m. Linsey Smith; Winnie, m. Taliaferro
Porter, d. in Ala.; Lydia, m. Absolem Jordan; Allen, m.
Maria Tomberlin; Vinnie, m. T. Porter after Winnie's
death; Moses, m. Betsy Tomberlin; William; Joseph and
others.

Mr. Davidson was married in 1900 to Miss Mary Lee,
daughter of W.H. Lee, Sr., (Apr. 10, 1840-1929) and Ellen
(Jordan who came to Marion from Connecticut) Lee, a
prominent family of the lower part of Twiggs Co. Mr.
Lee's father was one of the first settlers of Twiggs and
operated a line of wagons hauling produce and merchandise
to and from the big

JOHN THOMAS DAVIDSON

plantation of Twiggs County to Savannah.

Mr. and Mrs. Davidson have one son, James Lee, (b. June
1, 1901, m. 1922, Lucile Green, who has one d.
Evangeline); and one daughter, Ardelle, (b. 1905, m. W.R.
Butler, 1922, whose children are: Doris and Mary Elinor).
They have also adopted as their own Mrs. Davidson's
niece, Edna Butler, whom they are rearing and educating.

In his dealings with the business world Mr. Davidson's
rugged honesty has earned for him the reputation, "his
word is as good as his bond."

VICTOR DAVIDSON (1889-1958)

The compiler of this History was born December 20, 1889,
the son of James Thomas and Martha (Hogan) Davidson (see
other Davidson sketches). His elementary education was
acquired at the Manson School. From the age of sixteen to
twenty he cultivated the farm for his mother. In 1909 he
entered Young Harris College, completing a six years
course in three and receiving his Degree in 1912. For the
next three years he served as Principal of a suburban
school of Atlanta, during which time he attended the
Atlanta Law School, receiving his L.L.B. Degree in 1915,
later taking a Post Graduate Course at Mercer University
Law School. In January 1916, he located at Irwinton and
during that year was elected County School Superintendent
which office he held until January 1, 1925, at the same
time continuing his law practice.

As County School Superintendent he originated a plan of
school improvement which resulted in twenty new school
buildings erected and well equipped; practically every
child of school age in the county attending school;
almost every teacher being either a Normal graduate or
possessing similar qualifications. During the years he
served a spirit of enthusiasm pervaded the schools to
such a degree that Wilkinson County took front rank with
the leading counties of Georgia in the matter of
educational progress.

In 1925, he was appointed Solicitor of the County

Court which office he still holds.

As a lawyer, Mr. Davidson has a large and constantly
increasing practice which keeps him actively employed; is
Counsel for both banks of the county; for the Central of
Georgia Railroad and other Corporations. Nothing pleases
him better than handling intricate cases requiring
careful discrimination and deep research in legal lore.

He was married July 10, 1920, to Edna Mae Nesbit.

He is a member of the Irwinton Methodist Church; a Mason,
having served two terms as Master of the Irwinton Lodge;
Knight Templar; Shriner; Member Georgia Historical
Society; State Historian, S.A.R.; Historian and Charter
Member, John Milledge Chapter, S.A.R. He likewise holds
the record of being the first County Historian to be
appointed by a Grand Jury in Georgia.

He is a member of the Irwinton Bar Association, the
Georgia Bar Association and the Commercial Law League of
America.

Recognizing the incomparable historic background of
Wilkinson County it has been one of his life's ambitions
to publish a history of this county, to perpetuate in the
printed word the story of a great people, a people
hitherto "unknown to fame," but whose deeds so richly
merit the telling. He is also greatly interested in the
history of the Creek Indians and has already prepared
much material for a volume of Creek Indian history and
Indian Chieftain biography.

(By a member of the family.)

MRS. VICTOR DAVIDSON

Edna Nesbit, wife of Victor Davidson, daughter of
Alexander H. and Sarah J. Nesbit (see their sketches) was
born at Irwinton May 29, 1896.

After attending Talmage Institute she entered G.S.C.W.,
at Milledgeville, taking both music and literary
subjects, graduating in the latter in 1917.

She was married July 10, 1920, to Victor Davidson, who
was then serving as County School Superintendent, and

MRS. VICTOR DAVIDSON

assisted him with the duties in that office, keeping the
books and doing the clerical work. She taught the seventh
grade and High School subjects in the Wilkinson County
High School for several years. During the last few years
she has been assisting her husband in his law office,
meanwhile, finding time to make her home attractive and
comfortable. She spends a great deal of her time among
her flowers.

Mrs. Davidson is a member of the Baptist Church; Regent
of the John Ball Chapter D.A.R. having contributed much
towards the success attained by this Chapter. She is also
serving as a member of the History Committee appointed to
publish the Wilkinson County History and has been active
in raising funds for that purpose. She served for three
years as President of the Robert Toombs Chapter, U.D.C.
Among her ancestors are the Johnstons, Vaughns, Smiths,
Staples (who participated in the battle of Kettle Creek),
Starke (who as a Colonel, Member Committee of Safety)
Wyatt, Nesbit, Lindsey (who was an early settler of
Wilkinson Co., see John W. Lindsey sketch).

The compiler wishes to say that to Mrs. Davidson belongs
much of the credit of the compiling of the History of
Wilkinson County. She urged him to write it immediately
after their marriage, assisted him in the collection of
data, visited numerous libraries over the state with him
copying whatever portions of data which were needed from
books or newspapers which could not be borrowed. She has
made many extracts from records which are included, has
typed all the manuscript, assisted in the proof-reading
and helped in every stage of the work. Without her
assistance the compiler could not have carried on his law
practice and at the same time prepared this book for
publication.

In her home life her unselfish devotion to her husband
and mother is unexcelled. She likes to visit the aged and
shut-ins. Her sunny disposition, her smiling good-natured
greetings, her quick wit and ready repartee are excellent
dispellers of gloom. She makes life brighter for everyone
with whom she comes in contact.

JOHN SEABORN DAVIS

Thomas R. Davis, of English descent, the grandfather of
the subject of this sketch, came from North Carolina to
Georgia in the early years of the 19th Century. He
married Nancy Owens, of Scotch-Irish descent, (the
daughter of William and Nancy (Dye) Owens; grand-daughter
of Avery (1753-1833) and Mary (1755-1827) Dye. Avery Dye
was a veteran of the Revolution). They settled on a farm
near Hopewell Church in Burke County and reared a family
of twelve children consisting of three daughters, Mahala,
Mary, and Frances and nine sons, C.O., T.R. Jr., M.F.,
J.A., I.W., J.M., Josh, D.B., and B.A. His nine sons and
three grandsons, except one grandson who died in service
in Virginia, served throughout the War Between the States
and were honorably discharged at the end. About the year
1858, he, together with his entire family, with the
exception of three sons, moved from Burke County to
Mitchell County, where many of their descendants now
live. (Information given by John S. Davis).

I.W. Davis, father of John S., together with two
brothers, moved to Wilkinson Co. in 1858, where he
married Sarah Ann Elizabeth Temples, the eldest daughter
of Thomas and Almeta (Branan) daughter of James Branan,
(see Caswell Branan sketch) Temples, 1859. They reared a
family of seven children, five of whom are now living.
Mrs. Almeta Davis Pennington, Mrs. Janie Davis Carr, Mrs.
Mary Davis Fountain, Josh B. Davis, and John S. Davis;
two of whom are dead, Isaac T. Davis (died in 1908) and
Mrs. Exie Davis Parker (died 1913). I.W. Davis was a
Sergeant in Co. K, 57th Georgia Regiment.

John S. Davis was born August 18, 1865, and after
attending Mt. Carmel School, he graduated from Mercer
University in 1893. He taught school for a few years and
was admitted to the bar in 1896. He married Clara F.
Hatfield in 1895, who was the daughter of Richard E. and
Ann (Fountain) Hatfield, daughter of James H. and
Betheland (Jones) Fountain, Richard E. Hatfield was the
son of Sam W. and Lucy

JOHN SEABORN DAVIS

Hatfield (see R.A. Bell sketch). Their children were:
Clara Izetta, (graduated from G.S.C.W. Milledgeville in
1917; from Mercer University with B.S. Degree in 1927;
now principal and instructor in English in Melrose High
School, Melrose, Florida); Willie Lee, (graduated at
G.S.C.W. Milledgeville, in 1917, is now and has been for
ten years Assistant Principal of the Wilkinson County
High School, Irwinton, Ga.; Sarah Lucy, graduated at
G.S.C.W. Milledgeville, 1921, died May 8, 1925; John
Ellis and Jameson Grey, engaged in farming on the
plantation where John S. was born; James Cecil, student
in Wilkinson County High School.

Judge Davis served as Ordinary, 1917-1924; State Senator,
1911-12, 1929-30; County Solicitor, 1903-15.

Throughout his entire life he has taken a most prominent
part in the political battles of Wilkinson County and has
wielded for years a tremendous political power.

Above all else, Judge Davis is a lawyer in the fullest
sense of the word. Possessing a keen legal mind, a
clarity of expression and force of argument, a most
admirable knowledge of human nature, a strong memory, he
drives home his contentions with telling effect whether
he be addressing the court or the jury. His high sense of
legal ethics has won for him the esteem of all members of
the bar who know him, as well as the utmost confidence of
the courts before which he practices. Whether before a
justice of the peace or before the highest tribunal, no
one ever knew him to attempt to mislead a court in order
to win his case. In his practice he is ever considerate
of counsel, no matter if they be young and inexperienced
who may be associated on the case with him. For opposing
counsel he shows every possible courtesy, not
inconsistent with the rights of his client. To violate an
agreement made with the opposing counsel whether oral or
in writing is to him an unpardonable offense against
legal ethics.

Judge Davis is active in the management of the schools.
During his terms as Senator he advocated and supported
such bills as promised the improvements of the common
schools. Especially during the last session of the Senate
did he advo

cate the passing of the Acts providing more funds. He is
now serving as Chairman of the County Board of Education,
which body has recently put on trial a system of
consolidation of schools similar to that in effect in
many of the most progressive counties of the State, while
at the same time reducing the outstanding indebtedness of
the Board. He has also served as a member of the local
school board of Irwinton for many years. (see Taliaferro
Family by Judge L.W. Rigsby: for Dye lineage see National
No. 197333, D.A.R.)

FOUNTAIN - GARRETT - KNIGHT

PROLOGUE

From the Fontaine Family by Edward C. Meade, Albermarle
E. Va-Rich. Times-Dispatch, Aug. 9, 1903, we have the
following:

"The original name `Fountain' was evidently one of
location; that is Jean de-la-Fontaine or John of the
Fountain, living as is supposed, near some noted fountain
in the province; but the `de-la' is a sign of nobility,
so we find him in the King's service during the reigns of
Frances I, Henry II and Frances II, until Charles IX,
when he resigned. The de-la was retained until about
1633, when it was dropped by his grandson, James, from
motives of humility, under the persecution.

"This Jean de-la Fontaine had two sons, James and
Abraham. James died in 1633, leaving a son, James, born
in 1628, who also left a son, James, born in 1658, and
lived at Jenonville, France. This James (born 1658)
became a Protestant preacher and, being persecuted for
his faith, escaped from France in 1685. He married in
1686, Elizabeth Boursignot and settled in Bridgewater,
England, but eventually moved to Dublin, Ireland, where
he died. James Fontaine left six sons: James, Aaron,
Peter, Moses, Francis and John, and two daughters, Mary
Ann (or Molly), and Elizabeth.

"The sons were seemingly of a roving disposition. James,
the eldest, with his wife and child, emigrated to
Virginia in 1717, settling in Henrico County. Aaron died
in Ireland in 1699. Peter graduated in law in 1711, but
was

FOUNTAIN - GARRETT -KNIGHT

ordained a minister in London in 1715, emigrated with his
wife to Virginia in 1716. Moses became an engraver and
settled in London. Frances also became a minister and
emigrated with his wife about 1719, settling in King
William County, Va. John, the youngest of the children,
was the first to come to the new world. He landed in
Massachusetts in 1714, and visited the country as far as
Virginia. He then returned to England.

"The Rev. Peter Fontaine had seven children: Peter,
Moses, Sarah, Elizabeth, Joseph, Aaron, and a daughter
who married a Winston. It is from these Fontaines that
the Fountains of North Carolina, South Carolina and
Georgia are descended. The Fontaines - Fountains have
ever manifested a love for learning and culture and many
of the name hold high rank in the professional world.
They are characterized by a deep sense of religious
tendency and a love for liberty and justice.

"The Arms of the de-la-Fontaine family as brought over by
Rev. Peter Fontaine are the same as found in the Heralds
College England, which are ornate and described as
follows: "Argent, fesse embattled between two elephants'
heads, rased with tusk depressed in Chief; in base three
masted ship, with sails and pennan spread. The crest is
an elephant's head, rased, with tusks depressed."

Among the pioneer families of Wilkinson County were
Fountain, Garrett and Knight.

The first by the name of Fountain in said county was
Israel. The earliest official record we have of his is
his witnessing a deed for land lot 241 in Wilkinson
County, Georgia (said lot now owned by the Allen family)
in 1816, between Ethelred Fountain of Jefferson and David
Ingram. It is interesting to note that three years
previously Ethelred Fountain and Ellender Ingram had been
married in Jefferson County. We presume that the
thoughtful husband bought the aforesaid farm from his
father-in-law and brought his homesick wife back to live.

Israel Fountain was born about 1775. He married

Delphia (called Welthy) Watkins (see later Watkins
connections), and they lived for a time in South
Carolina. The first of their children was born there. In
about 1799, they came into the wilds of Georgia, bringing
with them the story of Israel's descent from the French
Huguenot Fontaines who were refugees into the colony of
Virginia, thence into North Carolina, South Carolina and
Georgia. In the early history of the family was one
Jacques who was very distinguished and whose memory is
revered to this day by the descendants.

In one branch of the family in North Carolina there were
two sons, Francis and John. It was the custom of Francis
Fontaine (Fountain) to keep a diary, and in 1754 there
appears this entry: "John has married and we learn that
he has married well." An interesting bit of information,
but about all that has been learned of John and his
marriage - not even the name of his spouse. We have
reason to believe, however, that John, brother of
Francis, was the father of Israel Fountain of Wilkinson
County, Georgia.

Originally the name was "Fontaine" but after coming to
America an Anglicized form "Fountain" was frequently
used. An example of this variableness may be found in the
family record of one Aaron "Fontaine." The form
"Fountain" appears six times in the eleven recorded. The
following is quoted from "The Douglas Register of
Virginia," page 195:

"(Record of Aaron Fontaine's Family).

"Mrs. Barbara Tyrel, Mrs. Fountain, was born Sept. 3,
1756.

"Mr. Aaron Fontaine was born Nov. 30, 1754, and married
May 19, 1773. P. 144.

"Register of Mr. Aaron Fountain and Barbara Tyrel, their
children and family, Jan. 12, 1797.

"Peter, born Dec. 15, 1744.

"James Tyrel, Nov. 19, 1776.

"Mary Anne, born Oct. 14, '78.

"Elizabeth, born Sept. 5, '80.

"Matilda, born Sept. 13, '82.

"Patsie Minor, Mar. 14, '85.

FOUNTAIN - GARRETT - KNIGHT

"Sallie Sarah, Mar. 17, '87.

"Mariah, Feb. 16, '89.

"America, Mar. 10, '91.

"Will Maury, Jan. 16, '93.

Barbara Ker, Dec. 25, '94.

"Ann Overton, Ap. 19, '96. P. 144.

"Aaron "Fontaine and Barbara Terril, Patsy Minor, Mar.
14, 1785. Baptized Ap. 16, 1785. P. 114.

"Aaron Fountain and Barbara Terrill a child Sarah, Mar.
17, 1787. Baptized Mar. 30, 1787. P. 118.

"Aaron Fountain and Babie Tyrrel a child Moriah, Feb. 16,
1789. Baptized Mar. 29, 1789. P. 122.

"Aaron Fontaine and Barbara Terrell his wife and son born
16 January 1793, Wm. Maury Fontaine. Baptized, 1793, Mch
19. P. 127.

"Aaron Fountain and Barbarah Tyrrel a daughter, Ann
Overton, born Ap. 19, 96. Baptized June 3, 1796. P. 127."

In the court records of Wilkinson County one hundred and
fifty years later we find I.J. Fountain, a grandson of
Israel Fountain, giving his official signature "Fontaine"
and "Fountain" as he chanced to write it.

Israel Fountain and his wife, "Welthy," settled near
Gordon, more importantly known at that time as Ramah
Church. When Israel established his home in Wilkinson
County he also built his school house. This location is
marked now by a lone mulberry tree and a pile of bricks.
He planted his orchards, cleared his fields, and acquired
enough land to give a large plantation to each of his
children as they married - and there were many portions
to be given.

Tradition says that Israel had sixteen children. If this
is true, several must have died young, as his will (and
records of Ramah Church) mentions only the names of
eleven.

Israel and Ethelred lived in the same community. When
quite old they were spoken of in whispers by the great-
grandchildren (several of whom are now living) as
"Miserable" and "Dreadful" because of their very severe,
austere religious views which equaled those of our
Puritan fathers.

Israel, his wife, "Wealthy," and several of his children
belonged to Ramah Church, one of the first Baptist
Churches of Georgia.

Israel died at the age of 92. His widow remained in the
home until her death, which occurred shortly after the
close of the war, at the age of 104 years. (The house and
plantation now belong to a great-grandson, Lewis
Fountain).

"Wealthy" was not alone in her old age. Her grandchildren
and great-grandchildren eagerly took turns in staying
with her. Very few of these "children" are living today,
but sweet memories of "Grannie's" enchanting apple
orchard, her well-kept house, delicious cooking and
gracious kindness, brighten their lengthening days.

The children of Israel Fountain and his wife, Delphia
Watkins, were: daughters - 1. Keziah, 2. Elizabeth, 3.
Hezikah, 4. Mary, 5. Sabrina; Sons: 6. William, 7. James,
8. Job, 9. Jackson, 10. Lewis and 11. Mitchell.

1. Keziah Fountain was born in 1799 in South Carolina,
and was married to Enoch Garrett in 1820 in Wilkinson
County, Ga., (see Garrett family).

2. Elizabeth Fountain married Bartley Stevens and their
children were: James, Eliza, William, Mitchell, Mary
Elizabeth and Bartley G. Stephens. James Stevens married
Elizabeth Lyster (sister of Thomas Lyster, who was second
husband of Sabrina (Fountan) Batchellar. James Stevens
and wife, Elizabeth Lyster, had nine children, Margaret
Elizabeth (Pace), Sarah Jane, William, Thomas, Bartley,
Lewis, Mary Anna, and Martha Caledoina.

3. Hezekah (or whatever that almost illegible may be)
evidently married a Darden (from Ramah Church Roll). Her
children were William, Bartlett, Elizabeth and Mary.

4. Mary (Polly) Fountain married (1)  Nalus and (2) James
Webb. There were children by both marriages, but we have
the name of only one, Priscilla Webb.

5. Sabrina, the youngest of the children of Israel and
Delphia (Watkins) Fountain, was born in 1820. She married
(1) John Bachellar: their children were John, Richard and

FOUNTAIN - GARRETT - KNIGHT

Sarah Bachellar. Her (2) marriage was to Thomas Lyster.
Names of Lyster children not traced.

6. William Fountain married Elizabeth Budd.

7. James Fountain married (1) a Miss McCarty and had
several children. [(5), Benj, Sara, Epsey, Wm and Rachael
He married (2) Betheland (Bethel) Jones. It is through
this marriage that the distinguished Judge Rigsby of
Cairo, Georgia is connected with the Fountain family.
James Fountain and many of his descendants are buried at
Ramah Church.

8. Job Fountain, not traced.

9. Jackson Fountain married Rebecca Batchellar and they
had several children.

10. Lewis Fountain married Elizabeth Pickren and had
several children. Some of their descendants live at
Sycamore, Ga.

11. Mitchell Watkins Fountain married (1) a Miss
Pattisall (2) Mary Hannah Patterson, by this second
marriage he had seven children: William Oscar, Lewis
Jerusha, Dalonega Wilson, Martha Caroline, Mary
Elizabeth, Columbus and Ivy Ann Sabrina. Of these, Lewis
J. Fountain married (1) Blanche Fountain and they had
three children. He married (2) Martha or "Mattie"
Patterson, a descendant of Thomas McGinty, Henry
Castleberry and Benjamin Cooper, pioneer settlers of
Wilkinson County. Rose, daughter of Lewis J. Fountain,
married Thomas Dennard and they have a daughter.

With the exception of Keziah, wife of Enoch Garrett, and
Lewis Fountain, both of whom moved to Taylor County, Ga.,
about 1847, these children married and settled in
Wilkinson County not far distant from the old home. Today
their descendants are scattered over the entire United
States, but many still remain as good citizens of their
native county.

Israel Fountain is buried in Ramah Church yard and
Delphia, his wife, is buried in the Fountain cemetery
about two miles from Gordon.

As the south grows older, it treasures these fragments of
information concerning its first staunch settlers, and so
we add a thread to this tapestry of the past woven of
fact and bits

of folklore - the history of the Georgia branch of the
Fontaines - Fountains.

GARRETT

The name Garrett is of Norman extraction, and we find it
in England as early as the Ninth Century. We know that
even then the Garretts were of a religious turn of mind
for we find six of them being cannonized as Saints;
others took part in the reformation and in the Holy wars.

Later we find that they have spread into all the British
Isles. It is from the Irish branch that the Wilkinson and
Taylor County Garretts are descended.

The present day descendants run true to type to an
amazing degree, being very blonde with typical Irish-blue
eyes, genial natures, ready wit, and they give every
evidence of having kissed the "blarney stone."

*     *     *

Sometime during the years 1809-1820 Jeremiah Garrett,
with other members of his family, came into Wilkinson
County, Georgia, from South Carolina. The family was,
prior to that time, probably in North Carolina.

Jeremiah's first wife, Annie Miller, died in South
Carolina, leaving ten children. All of them accompanied
their father into Wilkinson County, where several of them
married and lived for many years. Their names were: 1.
Enoch, born 1795; 2. Elijah; 3. Elisha; 4. John Israel;
5. Mary; 6. Tabitha; 7. Samuel; 8. Nancy Ann; 9. James;
10. Robert.

Jeremiah Garrett did not live long in the county after
his second marriage, which occurred August 15, 1822, to
Mary King: he, with his wife and younger children, moved
to Alabama, settling in Pike County on the Pee river.
Several of his descendants are still to be found in that
locality.

In 1820 his eldest son, Enoch, married Keziah Fountaine,
daughter of Israel and Delphia (Watkins) Fountaine.

Enoch lived in Wilkinson County until 1847, when he moved
his family to Taylor County, Georgia. Noteworthy is the
fact that he was given a land grant of 252 acres in
Curry's

FOUNTAIN - GARRETT - KNIGHT

District, by Governor Troup. Tradition says this was for
his services in the Indian war (Photostats of the
original land grant are in the possession of his
descendants).

Mary Garrett married Jesse Brown. Samuel Garrett married
Isabella Anderson in Stewart County near Weston (which
was formerly called Hardmoney). James Garrett married
Mary Anderson (sister of Isabella) and settled in
Eufaula, Ala. Nancy Ann married John Brooks. These two
lived in Alabama, but later moved to Texas. Their son,
Rev. Jasper J. Brooks, is now living in Grapland, Texas.
Although nearing the century mark he distinctly remembers
hearing his mother say that her father, Jeremiah Garrett,
was killed by the Indians on the Pee River in Pike
County, Alabama.

The story goes that "Jerry," leaving his plow-stock and
pair of horses in the field, returned later to find them
gone. Suspecting this to be the work of Indians, he
obtained the assistance of neighbors to join in a search.
The Indians, however, who were lying in ambush,
overpowered them. Jeremiah was scalped and his body
pinned to a tree.

The Garretts belonged to Myrtle Springs Primitive Baptist
church in Wilkinson County. Enoch once acted as clerk in
this church, and his wife, Keziah Fountain, joined it in
1841. The name Garrett occurs often on the old church
records. Later, when Enoch and Keziah moved to Taylor
County (about 1847), they moved their membership to
Bethel Church, on whose rolls today we find many of their
descendants, firm in the faith of their fathers. Others
have, through intermarriage, affiliated with other
denominations.

Quoting from Mr. J.T. Garrett, of Charing (Taylor
County), Georgia (1930):

"The proof I have of these statements concerning Jeremiah
Garrett and his family is this: Dates, etc., are to be
found in our family Bible; many things I have remembered,
and others were told to me by my cousins, Rev. Jasper J.
Brooks and Lura Garrett (daughter of Samuel Garrett and
his wife, Isabella Anderson). Lura, who is doubly kin to
me (having married my elder brother, Isaac William),
lived with

her husband in Taylor County near her father-in-law and
uncle, Enoch Garrett (my grandfather). Naturally she
learned a great deal about the Garretts from both sides.

Enoch and Keziah (Fountaine) Garrett's children were: 1.
John Israel Garrett married Gracy Stephens, daughter of
John Stephens and his wife, Elizabeth Matthews, who were
pioneer settlers of Wilkinson County (John Stephens was a
Revolutionary soldier; also a veteran of the war of 1812.
He and his wife are buried near Toomsboro, Georgia).

John Israel and his wife, Gracy Stephens, moved to Taylor
County, where John Israel served on the first jury drawn
in the County. Their children were Keziah Elizabeth, who
died young; Isaac William, who married Lura, daughter of
Samuel Garrett; Marzelia, who married Frances Marion
Purvis (deceased), lives in Taylor County now. James
Thomas, who married Georgia Virginia Woodall, lives in
Charing, Georgia. John Enoch, who died young; Robert C.
(deceased), who married Mary Stewart (she lives now in
Taylor County, Ga.); Henry Jasper, who married Lalah L.
Woodall and lives at Charing, Georgia.

John Israel Garret was killed in the War Between the
States and his widow, Gracy Stephens Garrett, married
Toliver Daniel.

2. Martha Keziah married Cornelius Bradley in Wilkinson
and later moved to Taylor County, where they died. Of
their eight children (all of whom lived in Taylor County)
only two are now living; Matilda (Bradley) Grimes and
Harriet (Bradley) Grimes.

3. James Garrett married Elizabeth Hogan. He was killed
in the Civil war, after which in 1870 his widow moved
from Taylor County to Meridian, Mississippi, accompanied
by her sons, Thomas, George, Henry and William Franklin.

4. Elizabeth Garrett married (1) Joshua Cone; (2) Joshua
Ellis.

5. Nancy Caroline Garrett married (1) Anthony Lavender;
(2) Nicodemus Ellis.

6. Jesse Garrett married (1) Sarah Hilton; (2) Polly —

FOUNTAIN - GARRETT - KNIGHT

——.

7. Sabrina Garrett married James Pearson.

8. Enoch Garrett, Jr., married Mary Waters.

9. Robert M. Garrett married Julia Barfield. He served
throughout the War Between the States.

10. Mary Ellen Garrett married George Knight (see Knight
family).

11. Samuel Garrett (died young).

12. William Garrett (died young).

CHART OF GARRETT FAMILY

The succeeding generations are designated by Roman
numerals.

I — Jeremiah Garrett, born about 1774, probably in North
Carolina, married (1) Annie Miller in South Carolina
about 1794. He married (2) Mary King, August 15, 1822, in
Wilkinson County, Ga. He died in Pike County, Alabama.

Issue by first wife:

1. Enoch Garrett (q.v.).

2. Elijah (not traced).

3. Elisha, lived in Alabama (n.t.).

4. John Israel (q.v.).

5. Mary (q.v.).

6. Tabitha (not traced).

7. Samuel (q.v.).

8. Nancy Ann (q.v.).

9. James (q.v.).

10. Robert, lived in Texas (n.t.).

II - I. Enoch Garrett, born 1795 in South Carolina, died
October 1872 Taylor County, Ga. Married April 7, 1820, in
Wilkinson County, Ga., Keziah Fountain, born 1799, South
Carolina; died 1876, Taylor County Georgia.

Issue:

1. John Israel - [Gracie Stevens]

2. Martha Keziah - [Cornelius Bradley]

3. James - [Elizabeth Hogan]

4. Elizabeth - [Joshua Cone - Joshua Ellis]

5. Nancy Caroline - [Anthony Lavender]

6. Jesse - [Sara Helton]

7. Sabrina - [Jas Pearson]

8. Enoch Jr., - [Mary Waters]

9. Robert M. - [Julia Barfield]

10. Mary Ellen - [Geo. Knight]

11. Samuel (d.y.).

12. William (d.y.).

II - 4. John Israel moved from Wilkinson County, Georgia
to Mississippi. Nothing further is known of his family.

II - 5. Mary Garret, married Jesse Brown.

Issue: - Not Traced.

II 7. Samuel Garrett married Isabella Anderson of Stewart
County, Georgia. They died in Taylor County Ga.

Issue:

Lura

Eugene (he and family live at Lumpkin, Ga.).

Warren (deceased - his family lives at Forsyth, Ga.).

Samuel (deceased - his family lives at Fitzgerald, Ga.).

William (he and family live in Florida).

II - 8. Nancy Ann Garrett married John Brooks, probably
in Pike County, Ala. They died in Texas, where their
descendants now reside.

Issue:

Rev. Jasper Jeremiah Brooks of Texas

Martha, married Richard Cook.

Robert, married.

William

James, married.

A daughter, married ——— Barnum.

A daughter, married ——— Ghee.

II - 9. James Garrett married Mary Anderson of Stewart
County, Ga. The lived in Eufaula, Ala.

Nothing further known.

III - 1. John Israel Garrett, born June 10, 1823,
Wilkinson

FOUNTAIN - GARRETT - KNIGHT

County, died May 26, 1863, Taylor County, Ga. Married in
Wilkinson County, December 24, 1846, Gracy Stephens, born
March 5, 1825; died March 23, 1904, Taylor County, Ga.

Issue:

1. Keziah Elizabeth (d.y.).

2. Isaac William.

3. Marzelia.

4. James Thomas.

5. John Enoch (d.y.).

6. Robert C.

7. Henry Jasper

Gracy Stephens Garrett married (2) July 29, 1865, Toliver
Daniel. Issue: Mary E., born May 14th, 1866, married W.T.
Cochran and had eight children, two of whom are Mrs. W.E.
Elliston and Mrs. A.F. Harvey; both live at Rupert, Ga.

IV - 2. Isaac William Garrett, born Dec. 14, 1850;
married his cousin, Lura Garrett.

Issue: Dr. Eli Garrett, married Belle Gill, two children
(VI) Mildred and Marie.

Anna Belle, married E.B. Adams, three children (VI)
Eugene, Raiford and Lucile.

IV - 3. Marzelia Garrett, born April 11, 1853, married
Frances Marion Purvis, Jan. 14, 1870.

Issue:

1. John William Purvis (deceased)

2. Feston R. Purvis.

4. Leonard Lee Purvis.

5. Paris W. Purvis.

6. Walter Purvis.

V - 1. John William Purvis married Texas Virginia Moore.

Issue:

Leila Mae, married (1) Wilson Hall (2) Dan P. Jones of
Columbus Ga.

Lula Irene, married Carl Cato Colbert of Columbus, Ga.;
two children (VII) Katherine Virginia and Ralph Cato.

Eva, married Ulric F. King, three children

(VII) Jimmie, Anne Virginia and Leah Marie.

Marion Eugene.

James Munroe, married Elizabeth Wilson, two children
(VII) Elizabeth Wilson and Ben Anderson.

V - 2. Feston R. Purvis, married Jessie Watson.

Issue: Frances, Lorenza, Estelle, Mary, Mildred.

V - 3. Lessie Purvis, married Walton Watson

Issue: several children (not traced).

V - 4. Leonard Lee Purvis, married (1) Mrs. Texas
Virginia M. Purvis (brother's widow); no issue. Married
(2) Alice Morgan. They live in Columbus, Ga.

Issue:

Minnie Lee, Elizabeth, Leonard, David.

V - 5. Paris W. Purvis, married Docia Moore.

Issue:

Wilmer, Douglas, Gracy, James, Marvin and Lillian.

V - 6. Walter Purvis, married Dora Weeks.

Issue: Several children (not traced).

IV - 4. James Thomas Garrett, born Sept. 3, 1855, married
Dec. 22, 1878, George Virginia Woodall, born July 23,
1863, in Marion County.

Issue:

1. Dr. John Abner Garrett of Meigs, Thomas Co., Ga.

2. George Oscar Garrett.

3. Robert Lester Garrett.

4. Simms Garrett.

5. Mary Elizabeth Garrett.

6. William Riley Garrett.

7. Gracy Jewell Garrett (deceased).

8. Luther Garrett (deceased).

V - 1. Dr. John Abner Garrett, married Muriel Eva Fauche.
They live in Meigs, Ga.

Issue:

Earnest Garrett (married has two children (VII) Ann and
Earnest, Jr.).

FOUNTAIN - GARRETT - KNIGHT

Claudia Garrett, married Jasper Williams of Sylvester,
Ga., and has one child (VII) Jasper Williams, Jr.

V - 2. Oscar Garrett married Ouida Fouche. They live in
Albany Georgia.

Issue: Lenwood and George.

V - 3. Lester Garrett married Jane Terry.

Issue:

Leelius, James, Billie, Willis, Emily. (VI) Leelius
Garrett married Effie Kilcrease and they have one child
(VII), Norma Gracie Kilcrease.

V - 4. Simms Garrett married Chary Adell Lucas.

Issue:

Simms, Jr., and Myrtice. (VI) Myrtice Garrett married Joe
Carter Burgin. They have a son (VII) Joe Carter Burgin,
Jr.

V - 5. Mary Elizabeth Garrett married her distant cousin,
Robert Lee Fountain.

Issue:

Luther, Hoke, Jack, Robert. (VII) Jack Fountain married
Jewel Moulton and they have one child (VII) Mary
Virginia.

V - 6. William Riley married (1) Ruth Stewart, (2) Ruth
Jordan. They live at Charing, Ga.

Issue by first marriage:

Sarah, who married Bernice Alexander Brigman.

IV - 6. Robert C. Garrett, born Feb. 14, 1860, married
Mary F. Stewart, Dec. 2, 1878.

Issue:

Eight children and sixteen grandchildren.

IV - 7. Henry Jasper Garrett, born Nov. 25, 1862, married
Jan 14, 1886, Lalah L. Woodall. They live in Charing, Ga.

Issue:

Oriska Lorena.

2. Thomas, born Aug. 6, 1888, died Jan. 19, 1889.

3. Mamie C.

V - 1. Oriska Lorena Garrett married Robert Fouche.

Issue:

(VI) Oriska Christine married Harvey Lee McCarty.

V - 3. Mamie C. Garret married Lee S. Mills.

Issue: (VI) Verna Lee Mills.

III - 2. Martha Keziah married Cornelius Bradley.

Issue:

Elijah (killed in war) Rebecca (married ——
Gray).

James (killed in war) Keziah Eunice (married Robert
Anglin (killed in war).

Eli (killed in war) Matilda (married ——
Grimes).

Caroline (married Jesse Harriet (married ——              
Grimes). Shinholster.

III - 3. James Garrett married Elizabeth Hogan.

Issue:

Thomas (n.t.), Henry (n.t.), George (n.t.), Wil          
liam Franklin (n.t.).

III - 4. Elizabeth Garrett married (1) Joshua Cone, (2)
Joshua Ellis.

Issue: Fannie (deceased).

III - 5. Nancy Caroline Garrett married Anthony Lavender.

Issue:

1. Keziah, Elizabeth, Savannah.

2. Alice, Susan, Augusta.

3. William Charleston.

4. Wiley Rabun New Hampshire.

5. Frances Harriet.

6. Emma Ann Marzelia.

7. Louise Ellen (d.y.).

8. Mary Ann Rebecca.

IV - 1. Keziah Elizabeth Savannah Lavender married
Solomon DeLoach.

Issue: Seven children (not traced).

IV - 2. Alice Susan Augusta Lavender married William
Thomas Gilbert.

FOUNTAIN - GARRETT - KNIGHT

Issue: An adopted son, Robert Morgan.

IV - 3. William Charleston Lavender married Elizabeth
Sophronia Campbell.

Issue:

1. Charles Leonard Lavender.

2. Wiley Preston Lavender.

3. Nancy Augusta Lavender.

4. William Horace Lavender.

5. Florence Eldora Lavender.

6. John Thomas Lavender (d.y.).

7. Clifford Leo Lavender (d.y.).

V - 1. Charles Leonard Lavender married Cuni Graham.

Issue:

Nita Leo (deceased).

Harma Rexford married Kathleen Pate (one child (VII)
Kathleen).

Gladys Lavera married Jack Gaylord.

V - 2. Wylie Preston Lavender married Mary Ellen Hicks.

Issue:

Hicks Rexford (deceased).

Lorenza (deceased).

Verna (deceased).

Goldie (married Sarge Plant) issue (VII) Denton,
Katherine, Jack, Mary Ellen, Robert Plant).

V - 3. Nancy Augusta Lavender married Manuel Faulkner.

No Issue.

V - 4. William Horace Lavender married Minnie Lee
Gresham.

Issue:

Paul Anthony (deceased), Curtis, Clyde, Vera Beatrice,
Ruth.

V - 5. Florence Eldora Lavender married Thomas Henry
Poyner.

Issue:

Lena Augusta (deceased), Florence Ottis, William Theodore
(deceased), Frances Elizabeth.

IV - 4. Wiley Raburn New Hampshire Lavender married (1)
Nettie Jernigan, two children; (2) married Cassandra
Taylor,

nine children; (3) married Mary Elizabeth Pepper, two
children.

Issue by first marriage:

1. Alice Lavender.

2. Pearl Lavender.

Issue by second marriage:

3. Robert (deceased).

4. Myrtle Lavender.

5. Goldie Lavender.

6. Verna Lavender.

7. Kate Lavender.

8. Maud Lavender.

9. Walter Lavender.

10. Frances (deceased).

11. Durwood Lavender.

Issue by third marriage:

12. Mary Emma.

13. Curtis Lee.

V - 1. Alice Lavender married Alex Roberts.

Issue: Roscoe, Fay, Pearl, Lena.

V - 2. Pearl Lavender married Thomas Moore.

Issue: Thomas Jack, Nell, Perry, Ruth (deceased), Eunice
(deceased).

V - 4. Myrtle Lavender married Veto Giglio.

Issue: Paul, Louie, Roy.

V - 5. Goldie Lavender married Andrew Howell.

Issue: Thurmond Howell.

V - 6. Verna Lavender married Thomas Lane.

Issue: Ruth, Ralph, Sarah, Myrtle, Frank (*deceased),
Maude, Kate.

V - 7. Kate Lavender married Charles Webb.

Issue: Harry, John, Veto, Alto.

V - 8. Maud Lavender married Joseph Abner.

Issue: Douglas Abner.

V - 9. Walter Lavender married Flora Levy.

Issue: Wallace and Joseph. They live in New York.

IV - 5. Frances Harriet Lavender married Dude DeLoach.

FOUNTAIN - GARRETT - KNIGHT

Issue: Bessie and Jessie (twins), Frances, Charles.

IV - 6. Emma Anne Marzelia Lavender married her step-
father's son, Nicodemus Ellis.

Issue: Gracy, Edward, Susan (married Dan Copeland).

IV - 8. Mary Anne Rebecca Lavender married (1) Freeman
Young, (2) ———— Howard.

Issue by first marriage:

Lorenza, married and has two children (VII) Freeman and
William.

Mary Anne (deceased)

III - 6. Jesse Garrett married (1) Sarah Helton, (2)
Polly ——.

Issue: Jesse (deceased) Albert (deceased).

III - 7. Sabrina Garrett married James Pearson.

Issue:

Augusta, married Berry Edwards and died without issue.

Dora (deceased).

Emma, married (1) William Newsome, (2) William Quick.

Mattie, married William Preddy and had three children (V)
William Margaret and Emma.

III - 8. Enoch Garrett, Jr., married Mary Waters.

Issue:

Etta (n.t.).

Clifford (n.t.).

John (n.t.).

III - 9. Robert M. Garrett married Julia Barfield.

Issue: Jeremiah (d.y.). Other children not traced.

III - 10. Mary Ellen Garrett married George Knight.

(See Knight family).

KNIGHT

INTRODUCTION

*     *     *

The word brings to mind the colorful panorama of the
middle ages with its brilliant tournaments, pageants and
wars

in which each Knight displayed his valor courageously for
his sovereign and his lady. Verifying somewhat this
picture which suggests the romance of the past we quote
the following from English Surnames, by Charles Wareing
Bardsley, page 199:

"The name Knight is Anglo-Norman, and takes us back to
the time when sons of those `Knights' bore, as the name
implies, their shields. By the time of Henry VI, however,
it had become adapted by the heirs of the higher gentry.
Those who are so surnamed may comfort themselves at any
rate with the reflection that they are lineally descended
from those who bore the name when it was an honorable and
distinctive title."

*     *     *

The first representative of the family of Knight in
Wilkinson County was Robert. We find that in 1821 Robert
Knight was the administrator of the estate of John U.
Shinholtzer, and, as in later years we find sons of John
Shinholtzer addressing George, son of Robert Knight as
"Uncle George," we suppose that their mother was a
daughter of said Robert.

We depend almost wholly upon family tradition for our
information regarding Robert Knight. The story goes that
Robert, his wife Ailey, and his brother, George, came
from North Carolina and lived for a time in Wilkinson
County where Robert, who was a skilled gold and silver
smith, owned and operated a metallic shop. Later Robert,
his wife, Ailey, and his two daughters, Ailey Jenifer of
"Jinsy," and Nancy returned to North Carolina leaving his
two sons, George and Thomas and his brother, George, in
Wilkinson County, Ga.

George Knight was born 1820 and married 1845 in Wilkinson
County, Mary Ellen Garrett, daughter of Enoch and Keziah
(Fountain) Garrett. They were members of Myrtle Springs
Primitive Baptist Church. About two years after their
marriage, they, with many of their relatives, Fountains,
Garrets and Thomas Knight (bachelor brother of George),
moved to Taylor County, Ga., where George lived on his
plantation which adjoined that of his father-in-law,
Enoch Garrett, until

FOUNTAIN - GARRETT - KNIGHT

after the close of the civil war (about fifteen years);
here George built his home and school house, often
conducting the school himself. These were the happiest
days the little family ever knew surrounded as they were
by friends and relatives. Bethel Church, which was built
in the primeval forest, was just one-half mile from their
home. The Fountains, Garrets and Knights were devout
members of Bethel Church, and George being an elder, took
an active part in the work of this church.

George and his brother Thomas served in the confederate
army, enlisting almost at the first of the war. Thomas
was killed in battle; George was wounded in his right leg
which later had to be amputated, and was sent home on
sick parole. He served the confederate cause later by
running a ferry and a grist mill.

After the war a period of hard times was experienced by
the family. George, being crippled was unable to carry on
farm labor after the slaves were freed, so he sold his
home and plantation to Jim Bartlett and lived for a time
in each of these counties; Crawford, Munroe and back to
Taylor. His last move was into Epson County to be near
his son, James Thomas, who was a planter and general
merchant at Pound, Ga.

George Knight was an honest, earnest Christian, honored
to all who knew him. He and his wife are buried in the
Flint River Cemetery in Upton County, Georgia. They had
three daughters and three sons, namely: 1. Martha Ann
Missouri; 2. Nancy Keziah Ellender; 3. Ailey Elizabeth;
4. James Thomas; 5. Enoch Iverson; and 6. Jesse Bartow.
1. James Thomas moved to Columbus, Georgia, the year of
the gold panic (1892). Here he and his son, James Bartow,
later engaged in the scrap material business. Since the
father's death in 1911, the business has been carried on
by his sons, James Bartow and Enoch Jacques under the
original name of "J.T. Knight and Son." Today it is the
largest business of its kind in the South operating
plants in Columbus, Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia and
Birmingham, Alabama. The Atlanta branch is under the
management of Hardin Thomas Herndon (husband of Jewel
Estelle Knight) and his partner, Gary

Luttrell, under the name "Knight-Luttrell Iron Company."
The Savannah branch is run by a younger son, Walter
Douglas Knight and his associate, Murray Bailey Hoffman,
under the name of "Knight Scrap Material Co."

6. Jesse Bartow, after his marriage, lived in Columbus,
Georgia, for about twenty years. He studied law, then
later gave it up and went into partnership with his
nephew, James Bartow Knight. Afterwards he moved to
Birmingham where he operated the branch of business known
as "Knight Iron and Metal Company." Since his death in
1924, the business has been under the management of his
son, Jesse Thomas.

Of these six grandchildren of Robert Knight, only one,
Martha Ann Missouri (Mrs. D.M. Kennedy), is now living.
She is eighty-four years old. She remembers her Uncle
Thomas, who lived with them, and was killed in the war,
but can't recollect ever having seen her great uncle,
George Knight. She remembers her handsome grandfather,
Enoch Garrett, and her still more handsome great
grandmother, "Dellsie" Fountain, who visited her children
in Taylor County about 1862, although Delphia (Watkins)
Fountain was in her nineties, she was slim and erect,
with piercing black eyes and snow white hair. She simply
glowed with vitality and was charming beyond words. Her
daughter Keziah (Fountain) Garrett paled into
insignificance beside her. "Kizzie" was short and plump
with medium colored hair and eyes.

Only the descendants of two of the six grandchildren of
George Knight have been traced down to the present day.
These descendants are indeed worthy representatives of
the sturdy stock from which they came. The French
Huguenot Fontaines-Fountains; the Irish Garretts and the
English Knights.

CHART OF KNIGHT FAMILY IN GEORGIA

Succeeding generations marked by Roman numerals.

I - 1. George and 2. Robert of North Carolina.

1. George came to Georgia about 1818 (not traced).

2. Robert Knight of North Carolina married Ailey ——, they
came to Wilkinson County, Ga., about 1818.

FOUNTAIN - GARRETT - KNIGHT

Issue:

1. Ailey Jenifer (not traced).

2. Nancy (n.t.).

3. George (Q.V.).

4. Thomas (killed in war).

II - 3. George Knight, born in 1820 in Wilkinson Co.,
Ga., died June 26, 1883, in Upson Co., Ga., married Nov.
15, 1845, in Wilkinson County, Ga., Mary Ellen Garrett,
born 1829, in Wilkinson Co., Ga., died Nov. 5, 1875, in
Upson Co., Ga.

Issue:

1. Martha Ann Missouri, married Daniel M. Kennedy, no
issue.

2. Nancy Keziah Ellender, married William Cochran.

Issue: Thomas (n.t.).

3. Ailey Elizabeth, married James Chambley, Issue:
Jenifer, (n.t.), Elizabeth (n.t.), Leslie (n.t.).

4. James Thomas (Q.V.).

5. Enoch Iverson, married Isador Davidson. Issue: George,
John, Alvah, Clarence, Henry (deceased), and Jesse James.
None of these have been traced.

III - 4. James Thomas, born June 3, 1853, in Taylor
County, Ga., died March 11, 1910, in Columbus, Ga.,
married (1) Nancy Elizabeth Waller, born Oct. 22, 1855,
in Upson Co., Ga., died April 10, 1898, in Columbus Ga.,
(2) married Dec. 12, 1899, in Phenix City, Ala., Carolina
Susan Blanchart, born Aug. 8, 1866.

Issue: By first wife:

1. Margaret Leona (deceased) married Andrew W. Douglas,
no issue.

2. Robert C. (died young).

3. James Bartow (Q.V.).

4. Martha Belle (Q.V.).

5. Henry Edward (deceased).

6. Enoch Jacques (Q.V.).

7. Jewel Estelle, married Hardin Thomas Herndon of Rome,
Ga., they lived in Atlanta, Ga. No issue.

Issue by second wife:

8. Ruth Irene, married William Henry Atkinson of Halifax,
Australia, they lived in Columbus, Ga. No issue.

9. Walter Douglas, married Nell Williams Andrews, they
live in Savannah, Ga. No issue.

10. Harry Exton, unmarried, lives in Colum               
bus, Ga.

IV - 3. James Bartow Knight, born Nov. 17, 1882 in Upson
Co., Ga., married Jan. 17, 1906, in Waverly, Ala., Lee
Co., Adah Reuben Hoffman, born Dec. 25, 1888, in Waverly,
Ala. They live in Columbus, Ga.

Issue:

1. Theresa (Q.V.).

2. Evelyn Westmoreland.

3. Kathlyn (died young).

4. Elizabeth Isabella.

5. James Bartow, Jr.

6. Walter Thomas (d.y.).

V - 1. Theresa Knight married Frederick W. Dismuke of
Columbus, Ga.

Issue: (VI) Theresa Knight Dismuke.

IV - 4. Martha Belle Knight, born Aug. 17, 1885, in Upson
Co., Ga., married Nov. 21, 1905 Culver Vivian Palmer,
born April 1, 1888, in Muscogee Co., Ga.

Issue:

Myra Elizabeth Palmer (d.y.).

James Thomas Palmer.

Culver Vivian Palmer, Jr.

Ruby Palmer

Dorothy Palmer

Pauline Palmer

Estelle Knight Palmer.

IV - 6. Enoch Jacques Knight, born Dec. 24, 1862, in
Taylor Co., Ga., married Oct. 2, 1884, in Columbus Ga.
Frances Keith Howard, born July 8, 1868. Jesse Bartow
Knight, died in Birmingham, Ala., Nov. 18, 1924. All of
his children, except Mrs. W.H. Baker reside in that city.

FOUNTAIN - GARRETT - KNIGHT

Issue:

1. George William (Q.V.).

2. Ethel (Q.V.).

3. Jesse Thomas (Q.V.).

4. Robert Bartow (Q.V.).

5. Durward Howard (Q.V.).

6. John Mason (unmarried)

7. Mary Frances (Q.V.).

8. Mabel (d.y.).

9. Dr. Julius Hurley Knight, married Rachel Jane
Burbridge (No issue).

10. Della Louise (unmarried).

11. Hon. Andrew Hendrix Knight, married Julia Finklea.
(No issue).

12. Margaret Lena (Q.V.).

IV - 1. George William Knight, married Frances Feroni
Andrews.

Issue:

Lucile (d.y.).

Eunice, married H. Lee Waldron, one child.

(VI) Frances Pearl.

William.

Keith.

Della.

George.

Martha.

IV - 2. Ethel Knight, married (1) James Jackson Jones (2)
William Hunter Baker.

Issue: by first marriage:

James Knight Jones.

Ermine Keith Jones.

Issue by second marriage:

William Hunter Baker, Jr.

Martha Eugenia Baker.

IV - 3. Jesse Thomas Knight married Fannie Mills.

Issue:

Christine married Edward Thompson, one

daughter (VI).

Christine.

Mildred.

Virginia.

Edith.

Russell.

Jesse Thomas, Jr.

Marion.

IV - 4. Robert Bartow Knight married Zella Anderson
Parker.

Issue:

Robert Alonza.

Sarah Frances.

Harold Parker.

IV - 5. Durward Howard Knight married Hazel Frances
Crawford.

Issue:

Durward Howard, Jr.

Frank Edward (d.y.).

IV - 7. Mary Frances Knight married Herman Lee Bradley.

Issue:

Martha Frances Bradley.

Edith Ermine Bradley.

IV - 12. Margaret Lena married Earl Allen Barks.

Issue:

Peggy Anne Barks.

(Written by Ruby H. Knight (Mrs. J.B.) largely from
genealogical data supplied by Miss Martha Lou Houston).

MRS. ANNIE TARPLEY FREEMAN

Mrs. Annie (Tarpley) Freeman; wife of W.L. Freeman, who
is a prominent apiarist and farmer; daughter of Thomas
Mason Tarpley (b. 1848, d. 1926), excellent mechanic and
farmer; lived for a time at Marshallville, Ga., in 1884
returning to his farm near Toomsboro; for several years
Supt. Sunday School at Poplar Head; agricultural
statistician; a faithful and conscientious member of the
Methodist Church, a noble husband and father) and Leanda
(Van Landingham),

MRS. ANNIE TARPLEY FREEMAN

b. 1854; a woman of a most lovable character and sweet
disposition.

Grand daughter of Edward Jones Tarpley, Jr., (b. 1816 in
Va., removed with father to Irwinton in 1834; Methodist
Class leader 14 years. Sunday School teacher and asst.
Supt. many years, mechanic; built Poplar Springs M.G.
Church in 1859; upon his death in 1866, the Quarterly
Conference passed and published resolutions of sorrow),
and Ann (McRaney) Tarpley (b. 1820, d. 1897) and W.R. and
Sarepta (Horn) Van Landingham, of German nobility
descent).

Great-grand daughter of Edward Jones Tarpley, Sr., (b. in
Brunswick Co., Va., 1765. Was Captain in War of 1812, and
also in an Indian War, his sword engraved "1812" is owned
by his great-great grand son, John Rolfe Tarpley. He led
the Virginia forces in 1830 which broke the "Southampton
Insurrection" and captured the notorious negro leader,
Nat Turner, receiving a reward of $500.00 from the
Governor of Va. for his services. Owned land where
Masonic cemetery now is, d. Irwinton, 1850) and Mary
(Manson) Tarpley, who was the great-great-great grand-
daughter of Pocahontas, the Indian princess (family
tradition) and of Norman McRaeny (b. 1790, on Isle of
Sky, migrated to N.C. and from there to Irwinton in his
young manhood, a school teacher by profession, Surveyor,
Tax Receiver, and prominent in the public life of the
county; lived across the road opposite the J.H. Simpson
home) and Catherine McRaeny b. 1791 in Robison Co., N.C.

Mrs. Freeman is one of the most active church women of
the county, still carrying on the work of her Methodist
forbears, a member of the church her grand-father built.
She is interested in schools and everything that is for
the public welfare. With no children of her own, she and
her husband adopted two orphans upon whom they lavished
their love, one of these, Agnes, graduated as a trained
nurse with first honors. Mrs. Freeman is indeed a worthy
descendant of an honorable lineage.

Other members of this family who have attained prominence
is her brother, W.E. Tarpley, Sheriff of Lee Co.,

Ga; a nephew Rev. Elmo Tabb, well known Methodist
Missionary to Africa.

DR. THOMAS GIBSON

Dr. Gibson was born in Warrenton, Georgia, in 1821. He
was the son of Judge and Mrs. William Gibson, who was
ordinary of Warrenton County for thirty odd years. Judge
Gibson was the father of six sons who became noted in
their professions. Three of them were lawyers and three
of them were doctors.

One of his sons, Judge William C. Gibson, was colonel of
the 44th Georgia regiment, made up at Augusta, and fought
through the War Between the States. He afterwards became
Judge of the Superior Court of the Augusta Circuit and
was a noted jurist.

Another son, Col. Obediah Cranford Gibson, was colonel of
the 63rd Georgia regiment, made up at Griffin. He was
connected with Linton Stevens in the practice of law.

Another son, Dr. Sterling Gibson, was a successful
practicioner of Warrenton.

Another son, Dr. Cicero Gibson, one of the most beloved
physicians in Georgia, a Methodist preacher, and a
successful praticioner.

Another son, Colonel John Gibson, who settled with Dr.
Thomas Gibson in 1841 in Irwinton and finally moved to
Texas, where he became colonel of the Texas rangers, and
his son, Quinton Gibson, who fought with him through the
war, was killed in about the last battle of the war at
Altonia.

Dr. Thomas Gibson practiced one year at Irwinton and then
moved to the edge of Twiggs, Wilkinson, and Jones where
for 66 years, he had one of the largest practices of any
physician in Georgia. His first wife was a Miss Bragg of
Wilkinson county, daughter of a large slave holder. No
children were born of this union. His second wife was the
daughter of Mr. James Balkcom, one among the largest
planters in Twiggs county. From that union  were five
children. The oldest, J.S. Gibson, though blind from
birth, was an honor

DR. THOMAS GIBSON

graduate of the University of Georgia of one of the
largest classes of the seventy's. One daughter, who
married Dr. A. Mathis of Sandersville, and was a graduate
of a college in Washington City.

Dr. W.C. Gibson was a noted surgeon of his day and was
educated in Germany and died in Macon thirty-two years
ago.

Another son, Thomas Gibson, was one of the most trusted
engineers of the Central Railroad until his death.

Another son, Dr. O.C. Gibson, has been County Physician
of Bibb county for the last thirty years, and is now.

Dr. Thomas Gibson lived and was active, practicing until
he was eight-six years old, and died at the home he had
lived in for sixty-five years.

(By Dr. O.C. Gibson)

GIFFORD-GAY FAMILY

Allen Gay, Revolutionary Soldier, was at one time a
resident of Wilkinson County, Georgia. Records show that
he and his second wife, Abigail Castleberry, were among
the constituted members of Ramah Baptist Church near
Gordon. The families of the Gays, Eadys, and Castleberrys
were among those who organized this church about 1809.
Allen Gay was born in Northampton County, North Carolina,
in 1765, and died in Coweta County, Georgia, June 18,
1847, having settled there in the early twenties. He
served in the Revolutionary War in Captain Robert
Raiford's Company, Colonel Dickson's North Carolina
Regiment, enlisting at the age of 16, June 3, 1781, and
discharged May, 1782. Allen Gay was the son of John
Thomas Gay, of North Carolina. Thomas aided in the
struggle for independence by furnishing money and by
receipting for the pay of his two minor sons, Joshua and
Allen. His eldest son, John, also fought in the
Revolutionary War. Thomas Gay is known in history as the
Patriot. Allen Gay served in General Green's Army under
General Francis Marion at Eutaw Springs, S.C., where he,
Allen Gay, captured five enemy prisoners single handed.
After the war ended Allen

came to Georgia to live. While still a youth he married
Celia Rae Elbert of Savannah. They were married in South
Carolina, where they lived until Celia died, leaving
three small children. Celia Rae Elbert was the daughter
of Samuel Elbert and his wife, Elizabeth Rae Elbert.
Samuel Elbert was one of Georgia's most illustrious sons,
distinguishing himself as a soldier in the Revolutionary
War, rising to the rank of Major General.

While Governor of Georgia, General Elbert signed the
Charter for the University of Georgia. He founded the
Society of the Cincinnati in Georgia whose membership was
composed of American and French officers who fought for
American Independence. General Elbert took a most
important part at York Town. After the death of his wife,
Celia, Allen Gay once more lived in Georgia, finally
settling in Coweta County. He lies buried at Macedonia
Baptist Church Yard near Newnan. A number of years ago
his tomb was marked by the Sarah Dickinson Chapter,
D.A.R. of Newnan. Allen Gays second wife was Abigail
Castleberry and they had several children. His third wife
was Mrs. Anne Benton of Henry County, Ga., whom he
married in 1824. She survived him. Allen and Celia's
eldest child, John William, married Margaret Eady in
1807. She was the daughter of John Eady who came from
Ireland. He was a wealthy planter on the Oconee River in
Wilkinson County and was the owner of many slaves, having
brought wealth to this county with which to buy slaves as
some old records show. He is said to have fought in the
Revolutionary War. His son, Henry Eady, married Elizabeth
Gay, Allen's daughter. These Gays are claimed to have
descended from Pocahontas, the Indian princess, through
descent from Dr. William Gay and Elizabeth Boling Gay of
Chesterfield County, Va. The names of Pocahontas and
Powhatan being numbered among the Kentucky branch of this
family. Among the children of John William Gay and
Margaret was Francis McDaniel Gay who married Simeon
Walker Kilgore. She was his second wife. Their eldest
son, Simeon, Jr., at the age of 17, enlisted in the
Confederate Army and was killed at the Battle of Shiloh.

GIFFORD - GAY FAMILY

Simeon Walker Kilgore built and maintained, at his own
expense, shops at his home in Alabama where he had work
done for the Confederate Army, such as making heavy
wagons and equipment. He was the grandson of Colonel
Benjamin Kilgore of Charleston, S.C., of Revolutionary
fame. Simeon and Francis Kilgore's second son, John
William, as a little boy, worked in his father's shop for
the Southern cause. John William married Sarah Awtry,
daughter of Abram Awtry of Alabama, a Confederate
soldier. Martha Scarborough Kilgore, daughter of John
William and Sarah Awtry Kilgore, married James Ernest
Osgood Gifford, son of a Confederate soldier and grandson
of two Confederate soldiers. Their children are Martha
Odessa Gifford, graduate of Carnegie Library School of
Atlanta, Ga., now Assistant Librarian at Georgia School
of Technology; James Ernest Kilgore Gifford, who as a
high school student enlisted and served in the World War,
16th Co., 4th Mechanic Reg. Air Service. After returning
from France he studied architecture at Georgia School of
Technology. Also served an enlistment in Georgia National
Guard as non-commissioned officer. On July 20, 1928, he
was married to Miss Eleanor Frasier Jenkins, of
Charleston, S.C. She was the daughter of Major Micah
Jenkins, son of General Micah Jenkins of the Confederate
Army, who was killed at the Battle of the Wilderness, May
6, 1864. She is a great grand daughter of Hon. David F.
Jamison, President of the Convention of Secession of
South Carolina; Richard Otis Gifford, who for a number of
years held the position of Assistant General bookkeeper
for the Fulton National Bank of Atlanta, Ga., later
becoming general bookkeeper; Eugene Gifford, who has
served in the Georgia National Guards and who has
completed the Citizens Military Training Camp course at
Fort Bragg, N.C. On completing this course he was
recommended for commission on reaching the proper age. He
attended Oglethorpe University. The youngest of these
brothers, Charles Thomas Gifford II, attended Tech High
School of Atlanta, also Oglethorpe University. He has the
honor of having inscribed nine names (two grandfathers,
four great-grandfa

thers and three grand uncles) in the Book of Memory in
the Memorial Hall that is to be built in the Stone
Mountain Movement.

(By Mrs. J.E. Gifford.)

GILMORE-BYINGTON

The Byingtons of Wilkinson County are of Scotch-Irish
descent. The first to come over settled in Branford,
Conn. It is said a John Lamar Byington of this family
came to Columbia, S.C., where his son, Amos Fox was born
March 20, 1793, died Nov. 5, 1874. He served in the War
of 1812 as a private in the Georgia Militia in Captain
Tomlinson Fort's Company from June 24, 1812, until
October 15, 1812, and in Captain Samuel S. Steele's
Company from August 21, 1813, until Jan. 28, 1814. On
account of this service he was allowed bounty land. He
was also allowed a pension on his application executed
Sept. 20, 1872. He was discharged at Ft. Hawkins. He
married Nancy Freeney, born June 5, 1793, died April 2,
1861. On March 20, 1814 they settled in North Wilkinson
near the line of Baldwin County on a large tract of land
the property of Nancy Freeney. He supervised the farms,
operated a saw mill and grist mill. There were born to
them twelve children: James Lawrence, born July 24, 1815,
died Jan. 23, 1869. Augustus L. born 1817, died Mar.
1822. Jeanette W. born 1819, died Dec. 1893. Montgomery
P. born Dec. 1, 1821, died Aug. 1893. Sarah A.M. born
1823, died Jan. 1825. Benjamin born 1825, died July 1827.
Male child born dead, 1826. Mary E. born 1828. Martha M.
born 1831, died Jan. 1909. Henry K. born April 12, 1833,
died April 28, 1911. Charles Amos born 1835 died May,
1863. Mirabeau Lamar born Mar. 2, 1838, died July 1,
1909.

James Lawrence Byington married Jane Caroline McLendon in
Albany, Ga., about 1847. There were born to this union:
Charles William, he entered the Civil War at the age of
sixteen, was in Barry's Lookout Mountain Battery. He
married Annie Richardson. George Walton born Aug. 19,
1851, married Martha Ann Brown. Edward Telfair born Dec.

GILMORE - BYINGTON

28, 1853, died March 5, 1927, married Elia Warren Goode.
Emma Idella born Jan. 24, 1855, married Billing Wheeler.
Lillie Clyde born Nov. 27, 1858, married W.E. Collier.
James L. built before the Civil War the old house that
now stands on the hill near the Byington mill place,
known as the Amos Fox Byington home. He also built cotton
boats before there were any railroads, that were used to
carry cargoes on the Ocmulgee river from Macon to Darien,
Ga. Jane Caroline McLendon's brother William's son, S.
Guyt McLendon, was Secretary of State for a number of
years. Edward Telfair at the time of his death was
editorial writer on the St. Petersburg Independent
(Fla.). He was once with the Macon News of Macon,
Georgia, leaving it to organize the Columbus Ledger,
where he remained for many years before going to Florida.
His wife, Elia, was also a noted Georgia newspaper
writer, being the organizer of the old Georgia Press Club
many years ago. Her father, Mr. Goode, of Americus was
called the "Silver Tongue Orator of the South."

Jeanette W. married a Methodist minister of Long (now
Laurel) Branch Church, Joe N. Miller, their children
were: Mattie, who married a Mr. Bales, they had one
daughter Ophelia who married Jim Braswell. After the
death of Mr. Bales she married Mr. Sauther. Thomas
married unknown, their children were Lawrence, one girl
and Charlie. Laura married John Harrington, their
children were Maggie, married Mr. Graham, Laura married
Mr. Whitaker, Maurice, married Emma. Ed married. Perry
unmarried. Lula married.

Montgomery Pike Byington married Sabine E. Brown on Oct.
19, 1843, by I.P. Whitehead, Hancock county. There were
born to this union: Licinius Crassus, Rochambeau, Lenora,
Charles K., Miriam, Florence Amos, Gertrude Rosamond,
Heurie, Henry and Lilly. Miriam married W.A. Tigner, Oct.
10, 1872, by W.H. Pegg, Atlanta, Ga. To this union were
born: Robert Smelser, Fay Homer, Lamar, Virgil, Jimmie,
John D. and Mary. Elsewhere in this book is a sketch of
the Tigner family.

Mary E. Byington first married John E. McMullen, to

this union were born Marcus married Susie Criswell and
John Anderson who married Mary Jane Golden. Her second
marriage was to Bob Adams.

Martha M. married Aug. 8, 1852 C.B. Anderson a Methodist
minister who preached at Hopewell church in Baldwin
county. There were born to this union: Benjamin B.
married Pearl Denham, Charlie married Laura Caraker,
Sallie married Mr. Etheridge of Gray, Ga., Pocahontas
married Mr. Trap.

Henry K. Byington married Elizabeth P. Ivey born Nov. 15,
1846, died Jan. 21, 1914, on Mar. 26, 1865. There were
born to this union: Oolooloo P. born Jan. 27, 1866,
married Joseph T. Bloodworth on Dec. 10, 1884. Annie E.
married John Bateman, Charlie G., Willie C., Henry A.,
James A., Eddie R., Henry K., volunteered for service to
combat the Yanks Oct., 1861. He was located in Savannah,
Ga., for six months with a company whose Captain was Col.
Storey. He was at this time Orderly Sgt. He returned home
in April. Realizing that the war would continue he and
his comrades formed three companies from Wilkinson and
two from Laurens counties. He was chosen Captain of Co.
D, 57th Georgia Regiment. His brother, Mirabeau, was in
this company.

Charles Amos B. married Elizabeth Day Aug. 8, 1855. Their
children were: Henry, died young; Montgomery Fox, married
Sallie Nelson, born July 5, 1858, died Oct. 15, 1890. He
then married Bethany Stevens. John Furman, born 1859,
died 1927, he is survived by a son, John S. and four
daughters, Mrs. Henry Lewis, Mrs. F.C. Heinsen, Mrs.
Raymond Pierce and Mrs. P. Pearsons. Charles Amos was
shot in the chin during the battle of Chancellorsville,
(Va.) and died instantly.

Mirabeau Lamar B., married Lydia E. Barrett, born Jan.
24, 1839, died Dec. 15, 1906, in 1858. There were born to
this union: Mary M., Sept. 18, 1859, married Henry G.W.
Bloodworth. John Lamar, born Oct. 21, 1860, died Sept.
24, 1861. Sarah E., born Mar. 24, 1862, married Marion
Smith, after his death she married Jas. Langford. Nancy
J., born July 23, 1866, married Joseph Wood. Charles
William, born March

GILMORE - BYINGTON

15, 1868, died July 24, 1868. James Lawrence, born April
1, 1870, died Jan. 14, 1912. Wright Elam, born May 15,
1872, died June 13, 1913, married Cora Hobby. Lilly, born
Dec. 26, 1874, died Feb. 2, 1912, married James Council.
Martha J., born Feb. 22, 1878, married Verner P. Jackson.
Mirabeau Lamar, served in Co. D, 57th Georgia Regiment
during the Civil War, he was discharged April, 1865 at
Greensboro, N.C. He was a musician.

James Lawrence B., married Dec. 31, 1890, Eula Hughes
Gilmore, born Nov. 5, 1870, by Rev. James Langford, Sr.
To this union were born: George, Oct. 28, 1891, dead.
Rosa Lamar, born Nov. 14, 1892. Frederick Gilmore and
Edwin Crowley, born Nov. 12, 1894. James Lawrence was a
lumberman, he served his county as Sheriff six years and
was Representative at the time of his death.

Rosa Lamar B., married Nov. 5, 1911, Horace Green
Lindsey, born Dec. 18, 1887, by Rev. Jordan. To this
union were born: James Byington, Jan. 15. 1913, Waldo
Wayne, Dec. 15, 1915, Mary Sue, Aug. 25, 1917 and William
Hubert, July 31, 1921. It was through the service that
James Gilmore rendered that made Rosa Lamar eligible for
membership in the National Society of the Daughters of
the American Revolution.

Frederick Gilmore B., married Christine Latta of Oxford,
N.C., on Dec. 23, 1926 by the Rev. W.D. Poe. There has
been born to this union one son, Amos Gilmore, May 4,
1928, and one daughter, Eula Cornelia, Dec. 17, 1929.
Edwin C. married Gussie Earl Branan April 12, 1930.
Frederick and Edwin entered the World War as privates
Sept. 18, 1917. They were discharged as Sergeants, May
22, 1919. They were in Co. F., 307th Engineers, 82nd
Division, and were never separated during the war. They
were in the following engagements: Lagney Sector,
Marbache Sector, St. Milniel and Meuse-Argonne
offensives.

Eula Hughes Gilmore, the wife of James L. Byington, was
the daughter of Susan Boyer Gilmore, born Feb. 11, 1847,
died July 28, 1897, the wife of Ebenezer Torrence
Gilmore,

born May 7, 1842, died Oct. 10, 1922, and were married
Dec. 21, 1869. Ebenezer T.G., was licensed to practice
medicine and surgery by the Board of Physicians at
Milledgeville, Georgia, Jan. 3, 1874. He volunteered for
service during the Civil War at the age of fifteen. He
was the son of James Hughes Gilmore, born Jan., 19, 1807,
died Feb. 6, 1871, married Elizabeth Nancy Mathis, born
Jan. 4, 1813, died Aug., 1894, married Feb. 2, 1932.
James H.G., was the son of John Gilmore, born 1781, died
1852, and married Cleo Precilla Duggan born Jan. 1788,
died 1851, they were married in 1805. John G., was the
son of James Gilmore, born before 1760, died Jan. 3,
1835, married Mary (called Polly) Hughes, born before
1766, died 1850. This said James Gilmore is the ancestor
who assisted in establishing American Independence while
acting in the capacity of private. He was married in
Wilkes County, Georgia.

(By Mrs. Rosa L. Lindsey)

HALL - FREEMAN - HALL

HANSFORD A. HALL - 1842 - 1908

The life history of Hansford A. Hall is most admirable.
Shattered and poverty stricken as a result of the war but
by dint of perserverence, economy and untiring industry
he became one of the most wealthy men of the county. Few
men have ever had more obstacles to overcome or
surmounted them more triumphantly than did he. The
opening of the War Between the States found him a school
teacher. Upon the organization of Company A of the 49th
Georgia, originally known as the Wilkinson County
Invincibles, he enlisted, and having been promoted to 2nd
Sergeant with this command under Capt. S.T. Player, was
in many of the bloodiest battles of the war, being
attached to Thomas' Brigade's Army of Northern Virginia.
He was in all of the Seven Days Battles around Richmond.
At Gettysburg while this Company was supporting a battery
he was wounded and for three months lay in a hospital. At
the Wilderness, while the gallant Wilkinson County
Companies were holding their ground until nearly
obliterated, he received a terrible wound in the right
hip which disabled him from further service. He was at
home, a complete wreck of his former self when Sherman's
march through Wilkinson added to the gloom. He was also
in love with a wealthy planter's daughter, Mary Elizabeth
Dickson, and he had no land, no slaves, no mules. They
both probably reasoned that he was in no worse condition
than the other eligibles of Wilkinson would be if the war
continued, so while on his crutches they were married
October 23, 1864. He rented his father's old sheep house
and some land to cultivate. He and Mary Elizabeth started
housekeeping in this old sheep house. The year following
they moved near the Dickson home on the north side of Big
Sandy. Sherman had left some worn out horses and mules
along the route. Our subject collected four of these and
as soon as they were able began plowing them, using the
plow handles for a crutch. In 1866 he bought on credit
the plantation near Stephensville where he made his home
for many years. Here his two sons, Willie A. and Isaac
Oliver (1875-1913)

were born.

Mr. Hall soon began buying other land as it was offered
for sale and at his death on Dec. 13, 1908, owned nearly
five thousand acres. First of all, he was a farmer and
cared but little for politics, although he served as
Commissioner of Roads and Revenues 1880-1883.

The subject of this sketch was descended from historic
ancestors. His father, William Anderson Hall (Nov. 11,
1811-July 12, 1892), was the son of Isaac Hall (Nov. 12,
1788-March 9, 1869) who was Tax Collector and Sheriff of
Wilkinson County, a veteran of the War of 1812 and a near
relative of Lyman Hall, a Signer of the Declaration of
Independence. Family records in the hands of Edgar Adams
and family tradition says Isaac came from Clarke Co.,
Ga., to Wilkinson. The name Lyman is found in every
generation among the descendants in this county.

Isaac's wife, the grandmother of our subject, was Susanna
Ross (June 12, 1788-March 1, 1860), who was born in
Washington County, Georgia, was the daughter of William
Ross, Sr., (d. 1842) and his wife Nancy (d. 1843), and
was a sister of James Ross, Senator from Wilkinson and of
John Ross, the famous Baptist preacher. The Ross family
were from Virginia and said to be of the same family as
Betsy Ross, the designer of the first flag.

The maiden name of our subject's mother was Edna Paulk
(b. Jan. 1, 1816-Sept. 9, 1885), the daughter of Micajah
Paulk and the granddaughter of John Paulk, a veteran of
the Revolution.

THOMAS MADISON FREEMAN - 1833-1895

"The Poor Man's Friend"

For more than a century the Freeman family of Wilkinson
County has been held in high esteem. Not only is this a
family with wide-spread connections but is one in which
numerous members in each generation may be found standing
out prominently in their communities as leaders - leaders
in farming, leaders in the church, in the school and in
every line

HALL - FREEMAN - HALL

of activity and thought - a constructive, quality of
leadership, which has meant much to Wilkinson County.

In the history of this family, none deserve to be more
highly honored than does the memory of Thomas Madison
Freeman, who justly deserved to be called "The Poor Man's
Friend." As has been said of him: "He was industrious,
careful, economical and yet liberal. He was an earnest
man, full of zeal and of good works. His whole life was
an inspiration to honest, earnest effort. His hands for
years before his death were never free from public trust
and his private interests multiplied, but he was true to
every obligation. He was the man to whom the neighbors
went for counsel and help. In his domestic and church
relations he was equally painstaking and prompt, gently
and kindly seeking to discover the right. He was a man
that never turned anyone away from his door, who might be
seeking shelter or food."

No more gallant soldier fought under the Stars and Bars
than Thomas M. Freeman. In the early part of the war, he,
with Henry K. Byington and others, organized the Company
which was later to be known as Company D of the 57th
Georgia Regiment. Byington was elected Captain with our
subject First Lieutenant. He went with his command on the
expedition into Kentucky and thence through Tennessee
into Mississippi. At Baker's Creek when Grant's terrific
assaults had broken Pemberton's lines and the enemy was
pouring through the breach, his Company together with the
others of the 57th Georgia covered itself with glory in
their irresistable charge which drove back the enemy and
restored the line.

Mr. Freeman was in the siege of Vicksburg and with the
Company was captured and under parole was permitted to
return to Georgia pending the exchange. As soon as the
exchange was perfected, Sherman's Army approaching
Atlanta, Mr. Freeman with his command was sent to
reinforce Johnston.

On May 25th, 1864, at New Hope Church his Company went
into action "in the midst of a heavy storm, vivid
lightning and peals of thunder mingled with the cannon's
roar

and the muskets' sheet of flame." (see Georgia and
Georgians) Sherman's hosts were being hurled against
Johnston's thin gray lines, but Lieutenant Freeman's
Company was successfully maintaining its portion of the
line. While encouraging his men and exposing himself
wherever danger was greatest, he received a severe wound
through the shoulder from which he never fully recovered.
Though the battle was raging in all its fury from man to
man down the line the word was passed "Lieutenant Freeman
is wounded." The wound proved so serious that he was
totally disabled from further service.

For years he was a Steward of Poplar Springs Methodist
Church where his membership was. Although he attended and
took an active part in the services of other churches. He
was also a member of Toomsboro Masonic Lodge. In 1873 he
served as Sheriff, completing the unexpired term of
Matthew Deason, later serving as County Commissioner for
a number of years. At his death he was one of the
wealthiest planters of the county.

Our subject was the son of John Freeman, Sr. (March 30,
1796-August 6, 1867) and Elizabeth (Cawley) Freeman (d.
May 25, 1862), they having married in Wilkinson County
July 3, 1822, although she was born in Lenoir County,
North Carolina, and moved to Georgia one year after her
birth. Other children of John Freeman, Sr., were: John
D.; Jacob M.; James H.; Harvey M.; Polly (m. John
Freeman; Ann, m. Enoch Miller; Miriam, m. Ivey L. Davis.

Our subject was first married to Eliza Nancy Davis, the
daughter of Oren Davis (see J.C. Bower sketch). Their
children were: Temperance Elizabeth, Leonard Hascal,
Emma, and Thomas Elbert.

After the death of his first wife, he was married in 1865
to Celia VanLandingham (1842-1925) the daughter of
William and Elizabeth (Dean) VanLandingham, this family
being one of the oldest families of the County and of
German descent. The children by his last wife were: James
Lee, m. Lada Hooks; Loomis Oscar, m. Emmie Catelow;
Lillie Elizabeth, m. Willie Alford Hall; William Harvey,
m. Lorah

HALL - FREEMAN - HALL

Branan; Attie May, m. R.F. Deese; Clara, m. Isaac Oliver
Hall, who died Oct. 2, 1913, and she is now Mrs. J.T.
Bush; E.B., m. Etta Sanders; John Ernest, m. Gradye
Thigpen.

WILLIE ALFORD HALL

Willie Alford Hall was born Nov. 7, 1865, the son of
Hansford A. Hall and Mary Elizabeth (Dickson) Hall (1844-
1926). His mother was the daughter of William ("Buck,"
1814-1873) and Frances (Paine) Dickson (1829-1909).
William having been born in Hancock County and migrating
to Wilkinson with his father Thomas Dickson; Frances was
the daughter of Joseph and Sennia (Mitchell) Paine, the
latter being the daughter of Isaac Mitchell, all of whom
were early settlers of the county. Mr. Hall ever spoke in
the highest terms of his grandmother Dixon, she was his
"buddy" and whenever "in a tight" she never failed to
come to his rescue.

In November, 1864, the news of the approach of Sherman's
Army arrived. It was not believed the enemy would cross
Big  Sandy Creek, and it was thought advisable for Mary
to be sent across the creek for safety. Her father
concealed everything of value and drove the mules and
horses off. When the Yankees arrived at the Dickson house
no one was there except Mrs. Dickson. The looting of the
house began, even the piano cover being taken for a
saddle blanket and the music thrown away. They shot the
chickens and anything else they could find. Mrs. Dickson
appealed in vain to the officer in charge to prevent the
taking of the property. Her husband being a member of the
Masonic fraternity and a prominent officer in his Lodge
she went into the house and put on his Masonic apron and
official insignia and returned, whereupon an order was
issued and they Yankees departed.

Our subject grew up in the terrible Reconstruction period
and experienced the hardships and privations of those
never-to-be-forgotten days. His father still suffering
from the wound received at the Wilderness was unable to
give him every advantage he would have liked but managed
to give him as good an education as the schools of the
county afforded and

then sent him to Emory College, Oxford, Ga., where he
would have finished at the age of sixteen but did not
return in his Senior year. He now took an active interest
in the operation of his father's farms, part of the time
clerking at Baum's store in Toomsboro and assisting in
guano sales, etc., all of which was giving him excellent
preparation for later life. His farm management was a
decided success. He change the methods of farming from an
all cotton crop to a diversified plan, growing all food
crops necessary to supply the farms and then growing what
cotton he could.

In the fall of 1890 Mr. Hall was planning to study law at
the University of Georgia but changed his mind and was
married to Lillie Elizabeth Freeman, born 1870, daughter
of Thomas M. and Celia (VanLandingham) Freeman (See
Thomas M. Freeman sketch).

After his marriage he purchased the old Brazeall farm
near Irwinton and moved to it and here he continued his
modern farming methods. Each year as his income warranted
he invested in more farms until he soon became one of the
largest landowners of the county. Those who know Mr. Hall
best ascribe one of the secrets of his success to his
ability to manage his labor. The loyalty of those in his
employ was unexcelled anywhere. No farms produced more
per plow than did his. He possessed that rare quality of
leadership which inspired his employees to do their best.

In 1904 Mr. Hall moved to Toomsboro and began a general
merchandise business with his father and brother under
the name of H.A. Hall & Sons. His family now owns the
same business and operates it as the W.A. Hall Co.

Mr. Hall has always taken an active interest in advancing
the cause of education. For several years he served as a
member of the County Board of Education. When he moved to
Toomsboro, school facilities there were so meager that he
went to work and succeeded in building a new house near
the Methodist Church which was the fore-runner of many
other improvements which finally resulted in the new
modern brick building. In the efforts to provide funds
with which to operate

WILLIE ALFORD HALL

the schools, Mr. Hall was one of the original advocates
of local taxation.

As a mark of the esteem in which he was held by the
people of the county, on most occasions when Mr. Hall has
served on the grand jury he has been chosen Foreman. He
was also recognized as one of the county's most
consistent prohibitionists.

When the Methodist Church at Toomsboro was built he was
very active in furthering the work and served on the
building committee at the same time being a Steward and
Trustee. His wife and family are likewise members of this
church.

One of the undertakings in which Mr. Hall threw himself
whole-heartedly into and of which he is justly proud, was
the organization of the Wilkinson County Bank of which he
is Vice-President. At the time there was no bank in the
town and the operation of a bank was something new in
which no one at Toomsboro had any experience. However,
its success has proved the excellent foresight of its
organizers.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hall are as follows:

Willie Mae; Murray Hansford; Mary Frances and Lillie
Freeman; Mary F. was married Sept. 1922 to Lamar M. Ware,
son of Mr. and Mrs. G.A. Ware of Marshallville, Ga., and
their children are: Lamar M. Jr. and Mary Elizabeth,
Murray H, married Geraldine Collins of Toomsboro, Dec.
1926 and their children are Clara Mae and Willie Alford.

The subject of this sketch died March 19, 1930, and was
buried at Poplar Springs Cemetery.

JOHN MARVIN HALL

Among the leaders of Wilkinson today, John Marvin Hall is
found in the front rank. In every form of activity
tending towards the upbuilding of the County he takes a
prominent part, the church, the schools, good roads, the
development of new industries, the improvement of
agricultural conditions, etc.

Mr. Hall is the son of William Alfred and Permelia

(Vanlandingham) Hall, and grandson of William Anderson
and Edna (Paulk) Hall, and of William and Elizabeth
Vanlandingham (see Hall-Freeman sketch). His father,
Alfred, was a most remarkable man, well deserving the
tribute yet paid to his memory by those who knew him
best. After a most creditable record of service through
the four years of the War Between the States, serving in
Co. D, 57th Georgia, he returned home to face the
Reconstruction discouragements. In spite of this,
however, by untiring energy, economy and good management,
aided by his devoted helpmeet, he amassed what was
considered by his contemporaries as a comfortable
fortune, he being one of the largest land owners in the
county at the time of his death. Both he and his wife
were members of Red Level Methodist Church. They were
strong believers in education and gave every possible
advantage to their children, to wit: Cora, Alma (Mrs.
J.R. Frink), Leila (Mrs. J.E. King), Maxa (Mrs. L.M.
Stanley), Ira m. Eva Adams and died Feb. 11, 1910, John
Marvin and Ethel.

John Marvin was born 1886 at the country home built by
his father, eight miles southeast of Irwinton. After
attending the local schools and Talmage Institute he
spent two years at the South Georgia Methodist College at
McRae, later attended G.A.B. His father's death made it
necessary for him to assume the care of his widowed
mother and unmarried sisters, as well as to manage the
plantation owned by his father, In this he was
successful, in spite of his youth, and has been
constantly adding to the size of his plantations. A few
years ago seeing the possibilities of his own timber
tracts as well as others which he could obtain, he
entered this business, purchasing a planing mill and saw
mills and since then has been actively engaged cutting,
dressing and marketing lumber, and is now regarded as a
successful lumberman in Middle Georgia.

Mr. Hall believes in utilizing the cut-over lands by
planting them in permanent pastures and fattening cattle
for the market. He has some of the finest pasture lands
in the county which he is using in this manner.

JOHN MARVIN HALL

The vast mineral resources of this section is also
attracting his attention and he is putting his plans into
execution which gives promise of another mining plant in
this vicinity in the near future.

As an enthusiast on the question of good roads, Mr. Hall
is at all times ready to lay aside all other business and
appear before county and state authorities and urge road
improvement. He has served as the Wilkinson County
delegate at all meetings of the Woodrow Wilson Highway
Association since its organization. When the county and
state officials agreed to build the Irwinton-Dublin
portion provided the right of way was furnished he spent
a great deal of time getting the landowners along the
route to give this without cost to the county.

He is a Mason, a Democrat, takes an active interest in
both the Sunday School and in the Methodist Church of
which he is now a member. Prior to his joining the
Church, he had the unusual distinction of serving for
several years as a Steward of Red Level Methodist Church
where his ancestors for nearly a century had been leading
members.

Mr. Hall was married December 21, 1918, to Miss Ruby
Culpepper (see E. Johnson sketch) and they have one
daughter, Helen Lillian.

Mrs. Hall was born in Thomasville, Ga., moving to
Irwinton in 1909. After attending Talmage Institute and
G.N.I.C. at Milledgeville, she taught for two years at
Jenkinsburg and in the schools of this county. In 1919,
when the statewide campaign to eradicate illiteracy was
inaugurated she was chosen the Director of the campaign
for Wilkinson County. So well did she perform this duty
that she received the hearty commendation of the state
officials.

In addition to being an efficient homemaker and a most
capable and devoted wife and mother, Mrs. Hall helps her
husband in his business interest, acts as his book-keeper
and performs general office work for him.

In civic affairs she is likewise very active; is a member
of the Irwinton Methodist Church, a teacher in the Sunday

School, President of the Methodist Woman's Missionary
Society, member of the Robert Toombs Chapter U.D.C. and
other organizations.

MAJOR JOHN HATCHER AND HIS DESCENDANTS

Of all the historic families of Wilkinson County, none
more justly deserves the love, respect and honor, felt by
the people for more than a century past, than that of
Major Hatcher, Revolutionary patriot, Senator, political,
civic and church leader of the county. So deeply did he
make his impress upon the minds of the people that,
though he has been dead almost a century, traditions of
him are still handed down from father to son and for a
stranger to claim descent from Major John Hatcher is an
open sesame to the hearts of the people of Wilkinson
County.

Major John Hatcher was born on his father's plantation on
the James River in Henrico Parish, Virginia, about 1750.
His family had been residents of that section since the
progenitor William Hatcher came over from England in the
year 1636. The parish church records show that William
Hatcher was a member of the house of Burgesses for a
period from 1646 to 1674.

John Hatcher, according to the family record, was a
lineal descendant of this early colonial settler. He
married, about 1772, Miss Mary Brady of his home state
and came to seek his fortune in the newer colony of
Georgia.

He enlisted and fought through the Revolutionary War from
Georgia, having served in Colonel William Candler's
Regiment, attached for a time to the command of General
Nathaniel Greene. For both of which commanders he named
one of his sons, William Greene.

During the years following the Revolution, we find him
living, first in Columbia county, later in Warren. The
Indian troubles, which were drenching the Oconee frontier
in blood, made it necessary for every able-bodied man to
arm and equip himself and be ready to perform military
service. His

MAJOR JOHN HATCHER & HIS DESCENDANTS

quality of leadership was such that he was chosen Captain
of the 12th Company of the Columbia County Regiment of
Militia. In 1800 he was commissioned Major of the Georgia
militia.

His services in the Revolution entitled him to county
lands in Washington County and in 1785 Governor Elbert
issued him a grant for 287 1/2 acres. (His great
grandson, A.S. Hatcher, of Macon, Georgia, is now the
proud possessor of this proof of his ancestor's service.)
Major Hatcher for some reason never moved to this land
but continued to own it to his death.

A BELIEVER IN EDUCATION. Major Hatcher was appointed as
one of the Commissioners of Warren County Academy in
1801. Again, in 1810 the year that he moved to Wilkinson
County, we find him appointed one of the commissioners of
the Wilkinson County Academy which, since the division of
the county, had not yet been reorganized. Within a short
time we find this academy functioning and being
advertised among the leading newspapers as one of the
most desirable academies in the state.

AS A LEGISLATOR. In 1805, we find where he was elected to
the Legislature from Warren County and served through
1809.

Major Hatcher moved to Wilkinson County in 1810 and
settled in Passmore District near the Oconee River on
what is still called "The John Hatcher Plantation" - near
the present home of M.G. Smith. Here he lived the entire
remainder of his life and here in the old family cemetery
he lies buried with several members of his family.

SELECTING THE SITE FOR THE COUNTY. When John Hatcher
first arrived in Wilkinson, the county had just been
through the excitement of selecting one county site, the
county previously comprising both Twiggs and Wilkinson,
and the result of this struggle was that the county of
Twiggs through the leadership of Arthur Fort was cut off
and formed, making it necessary for a new county site to
be selected. There prevailed a spirit of suspicion and
criticism of those entrusted

with the duty of selecting a site which meant so much to
the county. We can appreciate therefore the trust that
the people of Wilkinson County must have had in Major
Hatcher by reason of the fact that he was immediately put
on the Commission to select this site. This body had
almost unlimited power. It was unusual that a man who had
just come to a new county should be so trusted. However,
Wilkinson County was filled by men, veterans of the
Revolution, who had fought with this old soldier, who had
lived in Warren County with him, who knew him to be every
inch a man and worthy of trust.

Service on this commission required a man of courage, one
who would do his duty under all circumstances, who would
lean to no faction to further political schemes, and
Major John Hatcher was believed by them to possess these
requisites.

AS SENATOR FROM WILKINSON COUNTY. In 1812, Wilkinson
County sent Major Hatcher to represent her as State
Senator, the highest office within her power to bestow
even though he had been in the county only two years. So
well did he serve his constituency that they kept him
there until 1820. After that he would not again accept
the office.

IN PRIVATE LIFE. After his return to his plantation,
Major Hatcher took a great interest in politics, because
a man of his nature could not long remain inactive. Upon
his son, Robert, then practicing law at Irwinton, later
fell his political mantle, as we find him serving as
Representative, 1828-29-30-31-32 until he moved to
Randolph County.

We find Major Hatcher conspicuous at practically all the
Fourth of July celebrations, this being shown by the old
newspapers of those days. In all toasts, the Major's
theme was his love for his country. Especially is this
noticeable in 1831 when he served as President of the Day
and his toast to the Nullifiers shows how he hated anyone
who threatened the peace of the nation.

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTOR. In politics, Major Hatcher to the
last was the staunchest leader of the Clark faction in
this county. Throughout all these years the Clarkites

MAJOR JOHN HATCHER & HIS DESCENDANTS

seem to have swept this county in all elections. Major
Hatcher was also a valiant supporter of Andrew Jackson
and in 1828 he threw his whole strength into the campaign
so that the county voted overwhelmingly for Jackson and
he was consequently chosen Presidential Elector.

AS A BUSINESS MAN. Major Hatcher was a good business man.
He amassed quite a fortune, owning at his death, in
addition to his Washington County and Cherokee lands,
over five hundred acres of land in Wilkinson County, ten
slaves, a great deal of livestock, corn, cotton, and
other property.

IN RELIGION the Hatchers of Virginia were Episcopalians
and so was John Hatcher when he came to Georgia but this
being a pioneer country there were no churches of his
faith, so he and his wife connected themselves with Mount
Nebo Primitive Baptist Church which has now passed out of
existence. The old church book now in possession of Mr.
Reddick McCook records the dates of his reception and
also the dates of his death and those of his wife and
several children.

The children who lived were Jane Elizabeth, who married
Thorpe; Willie Elizabeth, married Mitchell; Susan,
married McMichael; John, who moved to Dooly County;
Robert, who moved to Randolph County; and William Greene
(named for General Nathaniel Green and Colonel William
Candler) the youngest, married Elizabeth Webb of Hancock
County and lived for a time in Wilkinson County where
they were members of Myrtle Springs Baptist Church,
afterward moving to Crawford County about 1832. William
Greene Hatcher was accidentally killed by a runaway horse
in 1839. He had five children: Jerry B.; Cicero R.; John;
Sara Jane, and Sidney William. Of Cicero R. Hatcher's
children there is one now living in Macon, Georgia,
George E., who married Kathleen Ayer and who have four
children: Thomas Ayer, married Madge Kennon, George
Edwin, Jr., Milford Burous, Hal Baskin.

Although all four of the sons of William Greene

Hatcher served in the War Between the States, yet the war
service in Wilkinson County of the youngest, Sidney
William, is of especial interest to the people of the
county.

First, while serving in Johnston's army, he was detailed
for special duty in Mississippi returning to his command
just after the Battle of Missionary Ridge. Being granted
a furlough just before the Battle of Jonesboro, he was
unable to rejoin his company but joined Prudden's Battery
of State Militia at Milledgeville being given command of
a piece of artillery. Upon Sherman's approach, the
Battery, loading its ordnance upon flat cars, took the
train by way of Gordon, and was there when J.R. Kelly
paid his profane respects to General Wayne commanding the
forces.

Upon their arrival at Oconee Bridge where a stand had
been determined upon, to Hatcher's gun was given the most
dangerous position of all, and the one which commanded
the approach to the bridge. A barricade was hastily
constructed by using a car of lumber which concealed the
presence of the masked cannon.

Late in the afternoon the Federals advance guard appeared
and firing became general with the exception of Hatcher's
gun which remained silent. Upon the arrival of the
reinforcements, the Yankees intent upon capturing the
bridge charged on the track yelling as they came. It was
then that Hatcher's gun unlimbered, pouring into the blue
clad masses a hail of grape and canister with telling
effect. Unable to advance in the face of it, the charge
was abandoned and the attackers took refuge in the
underbrush on either side of the railroad and now began
pouring a hot fire upon the barricade where the gun was
hidden, their sharpshooters picking off those manning the
gun, at every opportunity.

For two or three days the intermittent fighting continued
and even now there are many yet living in Wilkinson who
remember hearing the booming of Hatcher's gun as he,
within a few miles of Major John Hatcher's grave, when
the cowardly convicts who had been liberated to serve in
the army were deserting in a body, faced by overwhelming
numbers, threat

MAJOR JOHN HATCHER & HIS DESCENDANTS

ened by attack in the rear by detachments crossing at
Balls Ferry, still stuck to his post of duty in a manner
as would have been most pleasing to his grandfather, "The
Fire-eater of Wilkinson."

Finally, as their retreat was about to be cut off, orders
came to fall back to Savannah.

Sidney William Hatcher married Mary Lou Weathersby, of
Jasper County, November 15th, 1865. They had seven
children: Martha Louise, Albert Sidney, who married Susie
May Rumph and his children are as follows: Albert Sidney,
Jr.; Virginia, married Charles Haslam; Mary, married
Grafton Smith; and Dorothy, married Thomas Fontaine.
Martha Louise, unmarried, a daughter of Sidney William
also lives in Macon, Georgia, as does Sidney William,
Jr., who married Olive McWilliams. Cecil Greenway lives
near Macon on the old plantation, formerly the home of
his father, and is unmarried. Mary Lucile married Ralph
Northcutt and lives at Marietta, Georgia. She has served
as President of Marietta's Woman's Club; State Chairman
of Library Extension for Georgia Federation of Women's
Clubs; State Chairman of Legislation for Georgia Parent-
Teachers Association and was a delegate to the National
Democratic Convention in New York in 1924. They have
three children: Jane Weathersby, Helen Winters, and Mary
Lucile Hatcher.

Reginald Weathersby Hatcher married Lucy Wright, of
Portsmouth, Virginia, and lives at Milledgeville,
Georgia, in an old colonial home with extensive grounds
which he calls "Lockerly" after the ancestral home of the
Hatchers in England. He has four children: Lucy Wright,
Mary Weathersby, Reginald Weathersby, Jr., and Lois
Wright. He is a past President of the National Retail
Hardware Association; Past President of the Southeastern
Hardware Association and of the Georgia Retail Hardware
Association; Past Exalted Ruler of Milledgeville Lodge
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and is at
present Vice-President of the Georgia Anti-Tuberculosis
Association; Vice-President Catholic Laymen's Association
of Georgia; and President of John Milledge

Chapter Sons of the American Revolution at Milledgeville.

THE HICKS FAMILY

John Hodgers Hicks was born Feb. 16, 1792, in S.C.. After
his marriage to Rebecca Smith came to Wilkinson County,
Ga., where he lived to the age of 94 years. They were the
parents of William, Daniel, John, James, Caroline, Sarah
Ann and Jane. All four of the sons served in the
Confederate Army. William and Daniel being killed in
service, John married Millie Fleetwood, lived in Irwinton
a number of years. The girls married Gettes Smith,
Grandberrie, respectively.

James Charles Hicks, the youngest, while in school at
Cuthbert married Susan Wesley Shepherd, 1860, the
daughter of Henry Shepherd of Randolph county. They came
to Wilkinson settling just off Ridge Road midway between
Gordon and McIntyre.

In May, 1861, he enlisted in Confederate army. After the
war with exception of a few years they lived the
remainder of their lives in Wilkinson rearing a family of
four. Namely, Laura Cornelia, born Feb. 7, 1862, married
D.P. Hollomon of McIntyre; William Oscar, born 1866,
married Leila Lewis and moved to Savannah. Their one
child is Madge Hicks Sisterheinn of Savannah.

Mary Emma, born 1868, married Edward Jackson Helton of
Wilkinson. Their living family, Dr. J.B. Helton of
Gordon; W.L. Helton, Danville; Ernest Helton, Savannah;
Cora Helton, Lillie Helton Holland, both of McIntyre;
Eula Helton Kingery, St. Petersburg, Fla.

Willie Olive, born 1870, married Plenan Shepherd of
Wilkinson and moved to Fla. Their children; James
Shepherd, Effie Shepherd Murphey, Alice Shepherd Blaine,
Susan Shepherd Griner, all of St. Petersburg.

James Charles Hicks, born Oct. 12, 1835, died Jan. 13,
1920, at the age of 84 years. Mrs. died only 1 1/2 mo.
later at age of 80 yrs. He enlisted as a private in Co. I
of the 3rd Ga. Regiment. He was corporal and later color
bearer, seeing

THE HICKS FAMILY

service in both 1st and 2nd Manassas and the terrible
battle at Gettysburg. He carried the flag from
Barnesville's retirement Feb. 6, 1865, to the surrender
at Appomattox Court House, Va., April 9, 1865. He was the
5th color bearer of the 3rd Regiment of the Ga. Volunteer
Infantry of the Confederate army. His flag is now in the
Capitol at Atlanta. After a faithful 4 yr. service at war
he came home a farmer and a grand example of the man who
lived in the house by the side of the road and was a
friend to man. He was buried near his home in the family
cemetery.

(By a Member of the Family)

HOLLOMON (HOLLIMAN) FAMILY

David Hollomon, Sr., grandfather of James Hollomon, came
from Maryland to Putnam County, Ga., shortly after the
Revolutionary war. (See old manuscript in hands of E.J.
Holliman, McIntyre, Ga.)

David Jr., father of John, James, Virgil, Frank, Joseph,
Mary Ann, Jane, Thomas and Andrew Hollomon, was born in
Putnam county in 1804 and was married to Sarah Branan of
said county in 1822. He then moved to Wilkinson county
near Red Level Church where he died in 1858.

All seven of the above brothers were soldiers in the War
Between the States, Virgil being killed in service. John
moved to Randolph county, Ga. James visiting him, met and
married Ann Caroline, daughter of Edward P. Thompson, on
Dec. 4, 1851.

Edward Thompson, before his marriage to Eliza Butler,
studied medicine. After moving from South Carolina to
Ga., later to Alabama and finally settling in south Ga.,
gave up his practice of medicine and lived a tiller of
the soil. He reared a family of four girls and five boys.
The boys all served in the Confederate army, two of whom
were killed in service.

In 1856 James Hollomon and family came to Wilkinson
county from Randolph in covered wagons and settled near
Red Level Church below Irwinton. From there he went into
service 1861 to 1865 the end of the war.

After the war James Hollomon and family settled at what
is now the Old Hollomon Homestead four miles northwest of
McIntyre. It was there the family lived a quiet,
honorable, honest, peace loving, busy life of a farmer.

They were the parents of Derril P. Hollomon, born Sept.
21, 1852 (died May 15, 1926) who married Laura Cornelia
Hicks of Wilkinson county May 12, 1882, whose children
are as follows: J.E.; I.P.; and O.D. Hollomon of
McIntyre; J.H. Hollomon of Toomsboro; Dr. D.P. Hollomon
of Unadilla; one daughter Annie H. Trapnell of McIntyre;
Miss Alice Hollomon, born 1854 (died 1915); Edward,
Japeth, born Dec, 1855, married Adie Branan of Wilkinson
County. They have no children; Etta Hollomon, born April
1867, who married Fountain, has one living child, Robert.

The Confederate soldier, James H. Hollomon, born July
21st, 1828, enlisted as a private in Company I, 57th
Regiment of the Ga. Volunteers under Captain G.W. Bishop
in 1861. He served the greater part of his time in the
Western Division of the Confederate army. He was in
battles fought in the states of Mississippi, Tennessee
and north Georgia. He served faithfully to the end of the
war. Died at the age of seventy-one years, July, 1899.

(Note) The correct spelling of the name is Hollomon not
Holliman as the younger generation is now using.

(By a member of the family.)

CHARLES HOOKS

Throughout the history of Wilkinson County the Hooks
family has held a prominent place and the County History
would be incomplete without mention of Charles Hooks.

His father, John Hooks, was one of the earliest settlers
of Wilkinson and was one of those hardy pioneers who
found here a wilderness and wrought out of that
wilderness a glorious land of prosperity and happiness of
ante-bellum days.

John Hooks' ancestors were of English descent and they
settled first in Duplin County, North Carolina. Later,
about the time of the Revolution, they migrated to
Georgia.

CHARLES HOOKS

John's wife was Katie Summerford, of Creek Indian descent
and traces of the Indian features may occasionally be
seen in members of the family.

Charles, one of seven children, was born in Wilkinson
County in 1823 and received a plain  English education
during the intervals of labor at farming. Prior to the
War he was rapidly winning for himself a reputation for
ability among the people of the county. During these
years he was a Whig in politics. Among the things he
advocated, which at the time seemed visionary to most
people, but which have since been adopted, though he
never lived to see them so, were a Compulsory Education
Law and a Prohibition Law. In fact he was one of the
original prohibitionists of Wilkinson and favored it when
it was very unpopular to do so.

When the vote on Secession came up in 1860 he was
strongly opposed to it and helped carry the county
against seceding from the Union. Two of his sons promptly
enlisted in the 3rd Georgia Regiment, one of whom, John,
was killed at Spottsylvania Courthouse.

On the passage of the Reconstruction Laws by Congress he
advocated their acceptance as the best policy and was
chosen a delegate to the State Constitutional Convention
of 1867-'8 and took part in the framing of the
Constitution by that body. In 1868 he announced for the
Legislature as an advocate of the Reconstruction Laws and
was elected. In 1870, Joel Coney opposed him in the race
on the Democratic ticket but he was again elected, this
time with a three hundred majority. After this term was
over he retired from active participation in politics.
Those who yet remember Charles Hooks speak of the ever
present courtesy, which characterized his every contact
with his fellowman. In his declining years he bore about
him that gentility and refinement so often seen in the
gentry of the old South.

He was married three times, first to Miss Honeycutt;
second, to Ardilsia Taylor; third to Epsy Beck. His
children were:

John; Augustus, m. Kate Thomas; James, m. Sarah

Methvin; Fannie, m. William Bozeman; Emma, m. Thomas G.
Porter; Ella, m. 1st John Clark, 2nd W. Quinley;
Marietta, m. D. Franklin Sanders; Charles M., m. Missouri
Sanders; Thomas H., m. 1st Electa Todd, 2nd Eva Wolf;
William G., m. Lucy Palmer; Lada E., m. 1st J.L. Freeman,
2nd B. Asbell. Of these only two, Charles M. and Mrs.
Asbell, are resident of the county.

JOHN WESLEY HOOKS

The only son of John Wesley and Irene (Ridley) Hooks, who
were married in Wilkinson County, August 19, 1845, but
later moved to Dooly County, was born in the latter
county August 10, 1860. Reared at a time when education
was more expensive than the southern planter could well
provide, he received only a common school education and
at the age of eighteen, left home to make his way in the
world. His first work was clerking for a mercantile firm
in the city of Macon. On September 10, 1880, he entered
the employ of the Central Railroad, and continued in the
service of the same company as a locomotive engineer
forty-seven years. On June 25, 1889, in the Gordon
Methodist Church, he was married to Miss Minnie Sanders,
daughter of King and Bethany (Leslie) Sanders, pioneer
citizens of Gordon. They first made their home in Macon
then Augusta and later Savannah, as Mr. Hooks received
promotion in his capacity as a locomotive engineer.
During these years he had the distinction of pulling the
famous "Nancy Hanks" the crack flyer of that day between
Atlanta and Savannah. On the morning of September 10,
1904, while running passenger train No. 4 from Macon to
Savannah, the engine ran into an open switch at Rocky
Ford, and turned over, from which he received a personal
injury that incapacitated him for regular service. Being
granted a leave of absence by the railroad company in
1906, Mr. and Mrs. Hooks moved to Gordon and built a home
of "Colonial" architecture, giving it an Indian name
"Sowania" which means strictly Southern, and has been the
scene of many brilliant social functions. Later Mr. Hooks
erected a modern store building, stocked and

JOHN WESLEY HOOKS

operated for ten years one of Gordon's most up-to-date
mercantile establishments.

Mr. Hooks, although a staunch Democrat has never entered
deeply into politics but was twice elected alderman and
served two terms as mayor of Gordon and during his
administration inaugurated the first sanitary department,
using the primitive ox and cart, which has later
developed into a modern auto truck. As a mark of
appreciation of his value to Gordon one of the streets is
named in his honor. Progressive in thought, he is always
ready to do everything for the advancement of the people
of the town and county. He has spent his time, talent and
money for the betterment of this section and has aided
materially in pushing forward the wheels of progress in
Gordon, having been largely responsible for the Pyne Tree
Paper Mill being located here.

But after all the greatest measure of value to Gordon of
John Wesley Hooks as a citizen is not his material
achievements for the community. Rather it is the life of
the man himself. Quiet, unassuming, gentle in manner, he
goes the even tenor of his way and like Thomas Jefferson
he believes in covering people's faults with the broad
mantle of Christian charity.

He is a prince among men and as Mr. Darden Asbury,
passenger agent of the Southern Pacific Railroad said of
him in an introductory letter to a friend "He is a
regular Chesterfield." In Wilkinson County's galaxy of
great names his is a star of the first magnitude. But
just lovable "Uncle John" to all the young folks and to
the writer of this sketch, John Wesley Hooks deserves the
title of first citizen of Gordon, where he is now living
in retirement, having been granted a life pension by his
beloved Central of Georgia Railroad.

(Mrs. Gertrude Sanders Gillespie.)

MRS. JOHN WESLEY HOOKS

Mrs. Minnie Sanders Hooks was born in Gordon, Ga., Nov.
11, 1870, daughter of King and Bethany (Leslie) Sanders.
Mrs. Hooks' father in her own words, was "an honest man,"
her mother "a very great lady, unknown to fame." Mrs.
Hooks' grandfather, Malachi Sanders, was a veteran of the
War of 1812, and on her mother's side she is descended
from the Tysons of the Revolutionary War. Her eldest
brother died in Virginia, while serving the War Between
the States. Mrs. Hooks joined the Gordon Methodist
Church, August 1887, and was married in the same church
June 25, 1889, to John Wesley Hooks, going immediately
thereafter to Macon to make her home. No children have
blessed this union, but the devotion existing between Mr.
and Mrs. Hooks is fully realized by their friends and
acquaintances.

Since early womanhood Mrs. Hooks has interested herself
in woman's affairs. While living in Macon she was a
member of the King's Daughters and was an active member
of the Auxiliary to the Y.M.C.A. She was also a charter
member of the Auxiliary to the B. of L.E. of which she
was the third president and a representative to the St.
Louis, Mo. convention.

The love for the old home being so strong in the breast
of Mrs. Hooks, in March 1906, she with her husband
returned to Gordon to live where she has ever since been
closely identified with civic movements and benevolent
organizations of many sorts and has sought at all times
to align herself intelligently and consistently with the
affairs of her home, community and environment.

She was a charter member of the Gordon Eastern Star and
served one term as Worthy Matron. To her belongs the
honor of organizing the Wimodausis Club, now the Woman's
Club and was the first President. In Nov. 1927, she was
elected President of the Tenth District of the Georgia
Federation of Woman's Clubs and was Trustee two years of
the Tallulah Falls School owned and operated by the Club
Women of Georgia. Mrs. Hooks has represented the Club as
a delegate to the General Federation conventions in New
York, Hot Springs,

MRS. JOHN WESLEY HOOKS

Ark., Chantauqua, N.Y., Los Angeles, Cal., and San
Antonio, Texas, and several State Conventions. She
organized and was elected the first President of the
Wilkinson County Chapter U.D.C.

She was appointed by the State Regent, the Organizing
Regent of the John Ball Chapter, D.A.R., of which she was
the first Regent and with the assistance of the Charter
members developed it immediately to high standing among
the other chapters. As a maid of the love and esteem of
the members of the chapter, in March, 1929, following
suitable ceremonies in her honor, a cedrus deodara was
planted on the courthouse lawn commemorating the success
she had made as Regent of the Chapter. When the Chapter
assumed the great undertaking of publishing this History,
it was imperative that a leader be chosen to head the
publishing committee, one who possessed untiring energy,
the ability to inspire enthusiasm, a leader whom the
other members would follow, one who would not seek self
aggrandizement, profit or fame, but who would submerge
her own personal interests and throw her whole heart,
soul, and being into the accomplishment of the task. This
Mrs. Hooks has done. To her the Chapter is indebted for
the success of the venture.

During the World War her services for the Red Cross never
ceased.

While Mrs. Hooks has never been abroad she has traveled
extensively through the United States, Canada, and
Mexico.

Mrs. Hooks is above all else a devoted wife; her
unswerving loyalty to her friends and to her ideals, her
sense of fairness and justice in all her work and her
deep interest in all civic and cultural work has made her
a valuable citizen of Gordon and Wilkinson County.

ELI BARTOW HUBBARD

Among the descendants of John Nunn, who fought in the
Revolutionary War, and who is buried at Nunn and Wheeler
Cemetery in Wilkinson County, is Eli Bartow

Hubbard. The relationship is traceable as follows: Among
the children of John Nunn was one daughter named Susan.
This daughter first married a Manderson, and then after
her first husband's death she married Neri Wheeler, who
is also buried at Nunn and Wheeler Cemetery in Wilkinson
County. Susan Wheeler lived to be One Hundred and one
years old. She is remembered by Mrs. Martha Elizabeth
Grenade of this county, who is now living, and who gave
the author this information. Susan Wheeler had one
daughter by the name of Addiline, who married Robert F.
Adams, among her several children was one by the name of
Francis. Francis Adams married James Allen Hubbard, who
are the parents of Eli Bartow Hubbard.

The Nunns and Wheelers came to Georgia from South
Carolina prior to the year 1776 and later settled in
Bloodworth District in Wilkinson County.

Eli Bartow Hubbard was born January 16th, 1882, just
across the line of Wilkinson in Baldwin County, Georgia.
He attended the public schools of Baldwin until the age
of thirteen years, when his father placed him on a farm.
He farmed for several years, and at the age of thirty-
three years he began the study of law while working on
his farm. He was admitted to the Bar on July 19th, 1916,
and immediately moved to Wilkinson County, on a farm
which he purchased from the McDaniel estate near Gordon.
He married Bessie Williams, the daughter of Edward and
Rebecca Williams of this county on Nov. 5th, 1916. Mr.
and Mrs. Hubbard have two children, Frances Rebecca and
Josephine Elizabeth, both having been born on the
McDaniel farm near Gordon. He continued to reside on this
farm until 1921, when he moved to Gordon. During the year
1922, he organized and established at Gordon, The
Wilkinson County News, a weekly newspaper. He edited this
paper in connection with his law practice until 1925. He
served Wilkinson county as county attorney for the years
1922-23-24 and 25, and again from 1928 to the present
time. He was elected as Representative of Wilkinson
county in the General Assembly of the State of Georgia
for the years 1929-30. During his service as
Representative in the 1929 session of

ELI BARTOW HUBBARD

the General Assembly he introduced and secured a
favorable report from the Committee the following bills
of general operation throughout the State: A Bill to
exempt farm lands from taxation. House Bill No. 130. A
Bill to provide for a special lien for laborers, House
Bill No. 404. A Bill to place the Public Road from
Irwinton to Wrightsville on the State Highway system.
House Bill No. 319 and also to eliminate the county site
to county site provision from the State Aid Road laws.
This last named bill was passed by substitute known as
the Traylor-Neal Bill. Among the committees he served on
were: Appropriations, Judiciary No. 2, State Sanitarium,
Engrossing. None of these bills were placed on the
calendar for passage for the reason that tax bills were
given the preference, and very few bills other than
revenue bills of a general nature were placed on the
calendar for passage.

(Autobiography)

REV. GREEN BERRY HUGHS

INDIAN FIGHTER — BAPTIST PREACHER

William Thomas Hughs, grandfather of Green B. Hughs,
emigrated to Georgia from Ireland about the time of the
Revolutionary War, reaching here when he was nine years
of age. He later married Ann, the daughter of Joel and
Elizabeth (Hitchcock) Childs, and became one of the early
settlers of Wilkinson County. In 1811 we find him Tax
Receiver of the County. He and his wife raised a large
family of children, among them being: John Hughs, who
married Margaret White and settled about eight miles
southwest of Irwinton. He became a member of New
Providence Baptist Church, several miles distant from his
home. Recognizing the need for a church in his own
community, he induced others to unite with him in
organizing Bethel Baptist Church. The newly constituted
church at once called Mr. Hughs to the pastorate and
requested New Providence to ordain him as a minister. For
eleven years, and up to his death in 1843, he served this
church, New Providence, and others as pastor.

Although Elder David Smith was one of the Presbytery

which ordained John Hughs, fate led these two men to
become leaders of two opposing schools of thought in the
Baptist churches of Wilkinson County which four years
later were destined to rend asunder the membership of
these churches - Missionary and Anti-Missionary. Smith
was violently Anti-Missionary. At Irwinton Church in
1831, he paused long enough in his sermon to engage his
objecting deacon, John Eady, in a fist fight in the
pulpit. He frequently served all the other Baptist
churches in the county except Bethel and New Providence,
and he had a tremendous following in all these other
churches. However, John Hughs advocated the Missionary
belief. Though young in the ministry, not only did these
two churches follow his guidance but his influence was
felt in many other places. The supreme test came at the
Association at Beersheba in 1830, when the feeling had
become so intense, that the division in the Baptist
Church became necessary. The only two churches in
Wilkinson whose members were aligned almost solidly on
the side of Missions, were Bethel and New Providence. Big
Sandy, almost equally divided on the question finally
cast in her lot with Missions. All the other Baptist
churches formed the Ebenezer Primitive Baptist
Association.

Rev. John Hughs, now the leading Missionary Baptist of
the county, saw the need for more Missionary Baptist
churches. In every Baptist church of the county there had
been some who believed in Missions, and these, now
severing themselves from the mother church, needed some
convenient place for their membership. Especially was
this true at Mt. Nebo whose Missionary members were so
numerous that Liberty church was organized to take care
of them.

Rev. Green Berry Hughs, the oldest son of Rev. John Hughs
was born May 13, 1814. He joined New Providence church
early in life, transferred his membership to Bethel, was
ordained deacon in 1842, and licensed to preach in 1849.

HERO OF THE CREEK WAR

In his young manhood Mr. Hughs was employed as manager of
the mercantile establishment operated by Samuel

REV. GREEN BERRY HUGHS

Beall at Irwinton. The Creek Indian War of 1836 breaking
out, Beall, who for years had been the leading military
figure in the county, was assigned to duty on the staff
of Major Jernigan whose command was operating near
Columbus, Georgia, and in the counties adjacent. Upon his
being ordered to report at the scene of hostilities,
Beall gave complete charge of his store to Hughs until
his return. Soon after Beall's departure, however, the
nation was startled by the massacre at Roanoke, and
Wilkinson County was called on to furnish her quota of a
company of mounted men to march immediately. Green B.
Burney's Company, the Wilkinson Greys, was chosen. Many
members of this company, including the Captain were from
Hugh's immediate neighborhood, and when volunteers were
called to fill vacancies in the Company, forgetting Sam
Beall's instructions he hastily left the store in other
hands and departed with the Company for the front.

The story is still told throughout Wilkinson of how
arriving in Stewart County the Wilkinson Greys were
deployed in a swamp when overwhelming numbers of Indians
attacked them forcing them to fall back. Young Hugh's
horse was shot from under him, and in falling from his
horse his gun dropped to the ground. Before he could
regain it the redskins were upon him. Though extremely
small in stature and no match to combat unarmed even one
Indian, Hughs at once endeavored to retrieve his gun. In
the meantime, Sam Beall with a few troops had arrived to
re-inforce the retreating men. Beall saw in the distance
the predicament the diminutive figure of Hughs was in and
putting spurs to his horse dashed to his rescue, and
galloping up behind he seized Hughs, lifted him onto his
horse and bore him away out of danger. Noticing that
Hughs was struggling to get loose from him, he inquired
the reason and Hughs informed him that he wanted to go
back after his gun. Although a devout Methodist it is
said that Sam Beall now for once swore like a pirate,
consigning the blanekty-blank gun to all sorts of
perdition. When he finished he looked at the man whom he
had saved and to his astonishment he found him none other
than his store manager whom he thought

to be in Irwinton. "You little devil, I thought you were
seeing after my store!" was Beall's delighted exclamation
upon recognizing Hughs.

AS MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL

A few months after Green B. Hughs returned from the
Indian War he was married to Miss Nancy Methvin, the
daughter of Thomas Methvin of Wilkinson County. During
the years that followed Mr. Hughs was able to amass quite
a fortune operating his plantation and he soon owned a
number of slaves. Upon his entering the ministry,
however, he devoted his whole time and attention to the
church, riding horseback to distant appointments,
organizing churches in places where they were needed,
serving them without charge wherever the membership was
too poor to pay him. He served for a time at Antioch,
Stone Creek, Clear Creek, New Providence, Jeffersonville,
Salem, and other churches during the early years of his
ministry. Too old for service in the War Between the
States, he was appointed by the Inferior Court to
investigate the condition of destitute widows and orphans
in portions of the county and to see that they were
provided with the necessities of life.

Mr. Hughs was preaching at Bethel Church in 1865, when
Bob Toombs was making his memorable escape from the
Yankees. In company with Joel Dees who was conducting him
through the county to Wesley King's they took the wrong
road and came out at Bethel. Hughs was in the midst of a
sermon, Dees, not knowing which road to take and knowing
Rev. Hughs well, called him from the pulpit and recited
to him the trouble they were in. Tradition says that this
was one service where there was no benediction, and this
was the only time in Green B. Hughs life he felt that the
Lord's work could wait. Without a moment's hesitation he
laid aside all ministerial duties and mounting his horse
conducted Toombs to Wesley King's.

In 1871 he sold his plantation and induced several other
families to move with him to Texas. The climate not
agreeing with them, however, and the finances of the
others

REV. GREEN BERRY HUGHS

being exhausted, he used all his remaining funds in
paying their expenses back to Georgia.

For a while after his return he served Bluewater Church
in Laurens County and other churches, a short time later
moving to Florida where he worked half time with his son
as a Missionary serving two churches. In 1875 he returned
to Wilkinson County, living for a while at Gordon. In
1877 Bethel again called him and he returned to his small
home near there which he still owned. Though with failing
health he continued his service here until 1883. The
Ebenezer Association appointed him colporteur, and he
went about distributing Bibles among those who were
unable to buy, and preaching at the churches in whose
service he had given the best years of his life. His last
official work was helping organize Mt. Pleasant Church in
Baldwin County in 1886. While preparing for a Union
Meeting at Bethel he was stricken, living only a few
hours.

The children of Green B. Hughs were: Martha Ann Elizabeth
(1840-1929 m. James Morris Beall), John Thomas (1842-
1875, m. Florence Virginia Stanley), Sarah Jane (1844,
living, m. Ira Chambers), Margaret White (1846-1880, m.
James Spears), William Jackson (1849-1890, m. Mamie
Ellis, first, and Edith Armstrong, second), Theodosia
Clifford (1856-1928, m. first, Robert Matthews, second
Joseph Richardson, third Lorenzo Dow), Green Davis (1861-
1907, m. Julia Binacher).

HAYWOOD DONALDSON HUGHES

Haywood Donaldson Hughes, a member of the prominent
Hughes family of Twiggs County, was born in
Jeffersonville, July 18, 1851, the youngest son of
Haywood and Elizabeth (Coley) Hughes, and received his
education at the Jeffersonville School. In 1870 he moved
to Wilkinson, where on July 15, 1874, he was married to
Emma Hughs, the daughter of Nathaniel C. and Georgia
(Hatcher) Hughs.

After moving here he soon became a successful farmer. In
the hectic political years of 1892 and 1894 when the

Democratic and Populist Parties were engaged in a death
grapple, he was nominated by the Democratic Convention to
make the race for Clerk of the Superior Court. Both times
he was successful. From 1892 to  1907 he made Irwinton
his home and then moved to Toomsboro where he engaged in
the livestock sales business. His wide acquaintance over
the county and his known responsibility and integrity
were now assets, and from the beginning his business was
a success.

He was active in the organization of the Wilkinson County
Bank and served as a Director from its organization to
his death Feb. 23, 1921. He, likewise served several
years as Councilman and also as Mayor of Toomsboro, and
acted as Clerk of Toomsboro Baptist Church from 1908 to
1912. He was also a member of the Knights of Pythias.

Mr. Hughes possessed a host of friends to whom he was
unquestionably most loyal. His friendliness to every one,
his hospitality, his ready aid for those in need,
endeared him to all.

Mrs. Hughes is, indeed, a most lovable woman, friendly,
unselfish, kind and considerate of others. She is a
faithful member of Toomsboro Baptist Church, and no one
loves this church more devotedly than she. And now in the
evening of her life, she radiates a spirit of goodness
and of cheer which makes one love her the more.

Their children were: Albert Haden (Dec. 10, 1875-July 7,
1879), Paul Blackman (July 12, 1878); Alberta (Mrs. Lance
B. Simmons) Mar. 4, 1881; Julian Herbert (July 9, 1883-
Nov. 4, 1884); Georgia Elizabeth (Mrs. W.C. Troutman)
July 2, 1886; and Mayme (Mrs. Herbert Stephens) Dec. 25,
1888.

NATHANIEL CAIN HUGHS

Nathaniel Cain Hughs (November 29, 1815-1881) was the son
of William (August 29, 1792-January 25, 1848) and Rebecca
(Childs) Hughs (June 22, 1794-March 19, 1846), and the
grandson of William Thomas Hughs (See sketch of Rev. G.B.
Hughs). Probably no stronger character ever lived

HAYWOOD DONALDSON HUGHES

in Wilkinson than he. Those who knew him best yet speak
of him as being of that splendid type of manhood who
could never be swayed by popular clamor, by selfish
desires or hope of gain, but whose whole being reminded
one of the powerful oak, well-rooted in the soil, a type
badly needed but only too sadly lacking in the Wilkinson
County of today. Uncompromising with wrong, stern in his
demands upon those clothed with authority to perform
their duty. Mr. Hughs would not be termed a politician,
yet for many years he figured prominently in the public
life of the county. He was a faithful member of Bethel
Baptist Church.

At the age of twenty, when Green B. Burney's company was
starting for the scene of hostilities in the Indian War
of 1836, he could not resist the temptation to go with
the company, in the nature of a free lance, his age as
well as the full complement of the company not permitting
his becoming a member. Thus, a veteran of Indian War,
when the call for volunteers was made in the War Between
the States, he served again for a time until sent back
for service in the county.

At an early age, like most of the young men of the county
he began his life work as a planter and during the ante-
bellum period amassed some property, being considered a
success in his vocation. After the war with the freeing
of the slaves when the methods of operating plantations
had to be revolutionized, he again made a success of
farming. In 1873 when W.C. Adams while a member of the
Legislature created the Board of Commissioners of Roads
and Revenues, the act appointed N.C. Hughs as one of the
first members. He served several terms in this capacity.
In 1877, at the urgent insistence of his friends he
consented to enter the race for Representative but with
the distinct understanding that he would not
"electioneer." He was elected but refused to accept a
second term. Throughout his life he was an ardent
Democrat.

He was married December 26, 1842, to Georgia Hatcher
(Feb. 9, 1826-January 12, 1918) daughter of James Hatcher
(b. 1798) and Jane (Whitehead) Hatcher (b. 1798), and
granddaughter of William Hatcher, a veteran of the
Revolution and

his wife Priscilla Jane Whitehead was the daughter of
Reason and Martha Whitehead.

Martha Jane, m. Capt. A.A. Beall; Rebecca, m. William S.
Stevens; Emma, m. H.D. Hughs; Nathaniel, m. Annie Baum;
James William, m. Viola Bush; Hatcher, m. George S.
Riley; Ida, unmarried is the only one of the family
living in Irwinton.

SOL ISENBERG

I was born in Suwalki, Poland, October 15, 1879. My
grandfather on my father's side was Joseph Isenberg and
my father's name was Myer Isenberg. They were prominently
recognized as one of the best families in the state. My
father was one of the most highly educated men in the
state of Suwalki. My mother's name was Rosa Ann, the
daughter of Enoch Wilenski, also of a very prominent and
well known family.

I received my education in the schools of Suwalki. During
my school career I learned several languages which
included Russian, Polish, Lituanian, German, and Hebrew.
After I completed my education, I was connected with my
father in his business. At the age of twenty-one, I
enlisted in the army and served for a period of six
months.

Just about this time, which happened to be April 15,
1900, I decided to emigrate to America the "Land of
Freedom and More Opportunities." My mother accompanied me
to New York where she resided with an older brother,
Jacob Isenberg, for six months.

The first difficulty I had to overcome was the English
language. I worked during the day and attended night
school until I had mastered the English language enough
to understand the daily conversation of life.

During my three years stay in New York I met and fell in
love with Sadie Smith, the daughter of Max Smith, also a
prominent family of Poland. After a courtship of three
years we were married July 4, 1905, in Atlanta, Georgia,
coming to Atlanta several months preceding our marriage.
Three chil

SOL ISENBERG

dren, Hannah, (Mrs. A.J. Fogle), Joe and Rose, were born
in Atlanta.

In 1912 we moved to Tennille and stayed for two years. In
1914 we arrived in Toomsboro, Georgia, where Walter
(better known as Buster) was born. In 1916 we came to
Gordon, Jacob and Geraldine were born here.

We appreciate the kind hospitality of the people in
Gordon, and vicinity. Their kindness and popular favor
won me the distinction of serving twice as Alderman of
the City of Gordon; President and Vice-President of the
Farmers and Merchants Bank of Gordon; Worshipful Master
of the Gordon Lodge No., 240 F.& A.M.; also recently
elected Council-Commander of the W.O.W.

Sol Isenberg

REV. B.H. IVEY, D.D.

Benjamin Henry Ivey was born in Warren County, Georgia,
April 4, 1848. He was of English descent, his ancestors
coming to Virginia before the Revolutionary War and
several of them taking an active part in the struggle.
Soon after this war the family moved to Warren County,
Georgia, where his father, Oliver Ivey was married to
Miss Amanda Ellis. During the War Between the States the
family moved to South Georgia.

In 1869 Dr. Ivey was converted and joined Mt. Carmel
Baptist Church in Marion County. He became impressed that
it was his duty to preach the Gospel, and in 1871 entered
Howard College at Marion, Ala. In 1872 he entered Mercer
University, Macon, Ga., graduating in 1876, having been
out of college one year during this time.

Dr. Ivey's first pastorate was Gordon, Wilkinson County,
Ga. Soon after beginning this pastorate, he erected the
First Baptist Church to be built at this place. Under his
leadership the membership of the church was greatly
increased. He was pastor at Irwinton and several country
churches in this county. He also served as Moderator of
the Ebenezer Association for several years.

He served churches in Macon, Sandersville, Sparta,
Warrenton, Camak, Harlem, and other places.

While pastor at Warrenton he served as County School
Superintendent. He died in Warrenton August 16th, 1911.

Dr. Ivey was a cultured, consecrated man, spending his
life for the glory of his master, and the uplift of his
fellow men. He was regarded as an able preacher. In 1907
he was given the degree of D.D., by Mercer University. He
was twice married, first to Miss Mattie Thompson of
Wilkinson County. To this union was born four daughters
and one son. His second marriage was to Miss Etta Daniel
of Washington County, and to them was born one daughter,
Mrs. C.S. Duggan.

(By Mrs. C.S. Duggan)

EMILE JOHNSON

Honored and respected by every person who knows him for
his solid worth, honesty, integrity, outspoken opinions
upon public questions and condemnation of those who shirk
their duties. Wilkinson County is proud to claim as one
of her very best citizens, a man, who though born in
Sweden, yet is now intensely American, intensely
Georgian, intensely Wilkinson Countian — Emile Johnson
(Emil Sven Johanson). Whatever Mr. Johnson does, from
selling goods to fighting fire, he does with his whole
heart and soul - and succeeds.

The son of Andrew and Mary (Maya) Johanson, Emile was
born Dec. 3, 1871, and at the age of three years, his
father having come ahead of the family to America, his
mother came across to join her husband, Once in America,
his name became Johnson. For a number of years the family
resided in Illinois, our subject attending school for a
limited time at Pierce City, Mo., and Genesco, Ill.

Approaching manhood, the timber business appealed to him.
He served as floating pilot on the Mississippi and
tributary rivers for twelve or fourteen years. Barges
would be built on the headwaters, loaded with produce and
then piloted down the river to markets. His skill won for
him the reputation of being one of the best of this
vocation. The virgin forests of

EMILE JOHNSON

Missouri, Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana, attracted
him and he spent some years there. Later going to Florida
he met and married, in 1905, at Chipley, Fla., Mrs. Ada
Lilliam (Wilson) Culpepper, the daughter of Samuel W. and
Sarah V. (Walker) Wilson. Learning of the heavily
forested Oconee River Swamps of Wilkinson, he came here
in 1904 and started in the hardwood business, soon
afterward moving his family to Irwinton, his father and
brother, Frank, also coming.

In 1906 he entered the mercantile business in what is
known as the Old Baum building, which he has occupied
ever since. He was Director and later President of the
ill-fated Irwinton Railroad Company.

Mr. Johnson has served as Alderman and Mayor of Irwinton;
is at present a Trustee of the Irwinton School; member
and Trustee of the Irwinton Methodist Church, a Mason and
a Democrat.

Mrs. Johnson was the granddaughter of John T.J. Wilson
and of John McPhail and Penelope (Daugherty) Walker. Her
first marriage was to Howard P. Culpepper, the son of
Henry and Nancy (King, d. of Hiram King. See John King
sketch) Culpepper. By this marriage she has three
children: Ralph (m. Nina Ragan, their two children are
Fay and Ralph, Jr.); Ruby, (m. J. Marvin Hall, their
child being Helen); Russell, (m. Bessie Skelton, and they
have one child, Sybil). With no children of his own, Mr.
Johnson lavished upon his step-children all a father's
love, giving them such education as fitted them for life.
Mrs. Johnson is also a member of the Methodist Church and
very active in the Woman's Missionary Society. Her spirit
of generosity, her ready aid and sympathy for those in
need or in trouble, is well worthy of emulation.

WILLIAM ALLEN JONES

Living in the house today, in which he was born on August
26, 1804, the son of Josiah H. and Serena (Pace) Jones,

whose ancestors date back to pioneer days in the
development of North Georgia and North Carolina, William
Allen Jones was raised in Gordon, Georgia. He received
his early training in reconstruction days, after the War
Between the States, graduating from the Gordon High
School in 1881, he entered the Sophomore Class at Emory
University in the Fall of the same year, after which, at
the age of twenty years, he entered the employ of the
Central of Georgia Railroad in the transportation
department, where he was quickly promoted to Conductor,
serving in this capacity for two years. He resigned and
entered the Mercantile business in Gordon, where he has
remained until the present.

William Allen Jones is widely known as one of the most
enterprising and public spirited citizens of his state,
county and city, where he has stood high in public
esteem. Having joined the Methodist Church in his early
boyhood days, he still remains a devout believer in its
doctrine, serving as Chairman of the Board of Stewards
for many years and Bible teacher of a class in Sunday
School for more than twenty years. He is still in the
general mercantile business and one of the largest land
owners in the county.

On February the 15th, 1885, he was married to Winnie B.
Sanders, daughter of King and Bethany Sanders (see sketch
of King Sanders), the largest planter and merchant in
Gordon at that time. There has been no children born to
William Allen and Winnie B. Jones. Mrs. Jones is a lady
of culture and has a clear insight of business and has
been a most deserving help mate to her husband, always
active in all of Mr. Jones enterprises. She is a member
of the John Ball Chapter, Daughters of the American
Revolution and an enthusiastic member of the Woman's Club
of her district.

Mr. Jones is a Methodist, a Mason, a Knight of Pythias
and a Democrat, whose faith in them all has never
wavered, having served his city as Mayor several terms
and his county in the Georgia Legislature for two terms
with distinction. No man could be of the prominence he is
without making enemies, but often those enemies made by
his uncompromising

WILLIAM ALLEN JONES

nature have come back as friends.

(Prepared by a Member of the Family)

THE JOHN KING FAMILY

No family in Wilkinson has had more outstanding men and
women in every generation of the history of the county
than has this one.

John King was born in Edgefield District, S.C., a son by
the first wife of his father, who was a man of
considerable estate. While we have no direct proof yet we
have reason to believe this is the same John King who
served in the Georgia House of Representatives from
Wilkes County Georgia during the years 1785-86-87-88-89-
90 and also as Commissioner to make a treaty with the
Indians at Shoulderbone in 1786.

We next find him a prominent planter in Wilkinson County
in 1809 and being appointed by the Legislature as a
Commissioner to build the famous Hartford Road.

John was married to Kizza Morgan and their children were:
David, Nancy, Hiram, who moved to Dacatur County, Georgia
and Wesley, who remained here. John's old home is near
the home of his great-granddaughter, Mrs. W.T. Wall, this
being once known as the "Halfway House" on the Hartford
and Milledgeville Road.

After the death of John, his widow lived near the present
site of Allentown, with her son Wesley, but she too died
when he was only eighteen years of age. Before her death
she asked a Mr. Rogers, a Primitive Baptist preacher, to
help Wesley manage her estate.

Wesley was soon proving himself a good business man and
at the age of twenty-two we find him having negroes and
rapidly branching out into a prosperous slave and
plantation owner. At the age of twenty-four he married
Elizabeth, the daughter of Anson Ball, who was one of the
wealthiest men of the county. Their children were:
Erasmus, who moved to Quitman; Hiram, Ira and Wesley, who
remained in Wilkinson and two girls.

In politics Wesley was an ardent Whig and was held in

such high esteem by the people of Wilkinson County that
when he offered for the Senate in 1845, having served in
the House of Representatives 1838-39, although he was
opposed by a son of Governor Troupe, party lines were
forgotten and he was swept into office by a tremendous
majority.

During the War Between the States, no man was more
patriotic than he. Too old himself to enlist, his sons
took their places in the ranks. Wesley at home did all in
his power to further the cause of the South. When
Sherman's forces invaded Wilkinson he collected every
wounded soldier south of Big Sandy who happened to be at
home, and was able to ride a horse, also every boy and
old man who could serve, and formed a company for the
purpose of patrolling all the crossings of Big Sandy
Creek, cutting off all foraging parties and marauding
bands which would attempt to cross the creek and prey
upon the plantations south of this creek. Joel A. Smith,
sick and home on a furlough at the time, became a member
of the Company and related these facts to the compiler.

Ira S., 1843-1927, son of Wesley served throughout the
War in Company D, 5th Georgia Regiment. Extremely small
in size, yet his comrades have often recited to the
compiler the deeds of daring, of bravery, of sacrifice
performed by this man. No one in the regiment was more
loved than he. He was married to Mary Francis Lingo
(1851-1907) in 1869.

WILLIAM OSCAR KINNEY

Of all the sons of Wilkinson County who have gone forth
to make their success elsewhere none is more loved and
respected by the people of the County than is William
Oscar Kinney of Macon - and of Irwinton (for Irwinton is
proud to claim him as a citizen of the town, even though
his duties permit him to spend but a small portion of his
time here).

Mr. Kinney was born August 8, 1870, at his father's old
home five miles east of Irwinton the son of James William
and Epsy Jane (Mackey) Kinney. The latter was the
daughter of William and Eliza Mackey early settlers of
Wilkinson

WILLIAM OSCAR KINNEY

County, both of whom were natives of South Carolina.

His father, James William was the son of James William,
Sr., and Mary (King) Kinney, the latter being the
daughter of Elisha King of Hancock County.

James William Kinney, Sr., was born and reared nine miles
from Pittsburg, Penn., on the Monongahela River. He was
given the advantages of a good education and under good
instructors developed his talent for music. As a
mathematician he had few superiors. He left his native
State between 1810 and 1815 and came to Milledgeville.
Here he obtained employment in the Academy as instructor
of higher mathematics, and at the same time teaching
music.

In 1825 when LaFayette was a visitor at Milledgeville, he
was invited to take part in the entertainment of that
noble Frenchman, and was a member of the mounted escort
which accompanied him as far as Macon. Some years after
this he moved to Wilkinson county where he served as
County Surveyor from 1830 to 1844.

Due to disability Mr. Kinney's father did not serve in
the Confederate Army during the War Between the States,
yet he performed patriotic service such as he was able.
Mr. Kinney also had four uncles on his mother's side to
be killed while in service.

Mr. Kinney received his education at Talmage Institute,
and after his graduation here took a business course at
the Lexington Kentucky University. He then moved to Macon
in 1891, where he accepted the position of Bookkeeper for
the A.B. Small Co., Wholesale Grocers. He served in this
capacity until 1894, then formed a partnership with B.T.
Adams, entering into the cotton business, in which he
remained until 1916. After this he began a cotton
business of his own which he now operates.

During all these years Mr. Kinney's love for his native
County has not diminished. For years he has maintained
his country home here in Irwinton, and whenever possible
he spends days here hunting with old friends, who still
know him as "Oscar." He is also interested in pecans and
pineapple

pears, owning the finest orchard and grove in the County.

Four years ago Mr. Kinney having been elected a member of
the County Commissioners of Bibb County, was chosen
Chairman of that body and served out that term. He has
been elected for another four years as a member. Of
special interest to the people of this county is his
official position inasmuch as every possible effort is
now being put forth by him for the county to get the co-
operation of Bibb and other counties in the building of
the Irwinton and Macon Highway, and all here know they
have an advocate in him towards carrying this project
through.

Mr. Kinney was married December 4, 1895, to Miss Clara
Guerry, daughter of Judge DuPont and Fannie (Davenport)
Guerry, the latter of an old Americus family. Mr.
Kinney's inherent friendliness has won the hearts of the
people of Irwinton and she, too, is regarded as a part of
Wilkinson County's citizenry. Her appointment as a member
of the Georgia Delegation to the 1928 Presidential
Convention was hailed with delight here as well as her
success in the two last Municipal elections in Macon.

Mr. and Mrs. Kinney have reared four sons and one
daughter; DuPont Guerry Kinney, who served with
distinction in the Rainbow Division during the World War;
William Oscar Kinney, Jr., a rapidly rising Attorney of
Macon; Francis Davenport Kinney; Clara Virginia (Mrs.
W.L. Stribling, Jr.) and Frederick Kinney.

MRS. JULIA PORTER KITCHENS

In prominence of ancestral lines, few people in Wilkinson
can boast of more than Mrs. Julia (Porter) Kitchens, wife
of Carlton G. Kitchens, ex-Regent of the John Ball
Chapter D.A.R., Home Economics Demonstrator of the
county. Through her father she is descended from the
Porters, the Ryes and others; through her mother the
Browns, Mitchells, Whipples, Burkes, Ballou, Angles and
Arnolds of New England. (See other sketches in this vol.)

Mrs. Kitchens was born January 25, 1889, the daugh

JULIA PORTER KITCHENS

ter of John F. and Fannie (Brown) Porter. She received
her education at Danville School and Georgia State
Teachers College at Athens from which she holds her
degree. She continues to study at the University of
Georgia, majoring in Home Economics. After her graduation
she taught school for several years and in 1924 while
serving as Principal of the Danville High School she was
elected Home Economics Demonstrator of the county which
position she has held ever since. Her activities in the
work has won for her the merited praise of the state and
district agents. Each year she carries groups of Club
Girls to Camp Wilkins for a study course. Through this
she has inspired many to attend High Schools and
Colleges. Rendering service to others through education
is the ambition of her life.

As Regent of the D.A.R. Chapter she requested the Chapter
to devote all their D.A.R. activities for the year 1929-
1930 to the publication of this history. The Chapter as a
whole rallied to the suggestion and ever since then she
has done all in her power towards keeping up the
enthusiasm and pushing forward the work, even during the
months when lack of funds threatened it with failure.
Much of the success of the undertaking is due to her
tireless energy and unceasing effort.

She was married July 12, 1913, to Carleton Garry
Kitchens, son of Garry Newton and Alice Theresa (Hill)
Kitchens. Mr. Kitchens is a prominent and progressive
planter of the county. He is a member of the John
Milledge Chapter S.A.R.; member of the Danville Baptist
Church, and a Democrat. During the past year he has been
serving as Mayor of Danville. Mr. and Mrs. Kitchens have
one son, Garry, who is a student at Middle Georgia
College at Cochran, and who gives promise of a successful
career in keeping with what might be expected of one
descended from such ancestors.

MRS. NANCY CAROLINE WARD LAMB

Though born in Twiggs County, yet Wilkinson County is
proud to claim Mrs. Nancy Caroline (Ward) Lamb as a loyal
daughter of Wilkinson.

Mrs. Lamb was born July 31, 1876, in Shady Grove District
of Twiggs County, the daughter of James Horace and Martha
Jane (Long) Ward; granddaughter of Solomon and Martha Ann
(Carswell) Long; great-granddaughter of Samuel Martin and
Jane (Manson) Carswell.

Her father, James Horace Ward, has a most enviable record
of service in the War Between the States, having enlisted
March 4, 1862, in Co. G, 48th Georgia Volunteers,
Infantry, which was transferred and made a part of Gen.
A.R. Wright's Brigade, Anderson's Division and
Longstreet's Corps., Army of Northern Virginia. In 1862
he was appointed musician and served as such until the
surrender at Appomattox.

Mrs. Lamb's girlhood was spent on her father's farm and
she attended the schools of Twiggs County, finishing her
education at Ebenezer College at Cochran, where she
prepared herself for the work of a Modiste.

She was married to Charles Broxton Lamb, a member of a
prominent Twiggs County family, November 25, 1896, and
continued to live in Twiggs County until 1907 when the
family moved to that portion of Danville located in
Wilkinson, where they have since lived.

Their children are: Mae, Buron, D.T. and Charles. D.T.
married Margaret Waddell, June 10, 1925, and has two
children. Derwin Taylor, born January 18, 1927, and James
Broxton, born May 22, 1929. Mae, one of the most
graceful, talented and charming young ladies of Danville,
is a student at the Seminary at Louisville, Ky., where
she is preparing for social service work. She is also an
active member of the John Ball Chapter, D.A.R.

Mrs. Lamb is a faithful member of the Methodist Church,
an amiable wife and a devoted mother. Her lovable
disposition and absolute unselfishness and pure character
endears everyone to her.

MRS. GEORGIA ELVENIA BURKE LAND

Throughout the history of Wilkinson County the Burke
family has always taken a most prominent part in
political

MRS. GEORGIA ELVENIA BURKE LAND

affairs and has ever held a high place in the affections
of the people generally. The family is said to have come
to Wilkinson from South Carolina. The earliest record of
their being in this county was in 1833, when Daniel Burke
bought land lot 235 in the 23rd land district, what is
now known as the "Old Lee Place." Daniel had a sister,
Margaret, who married William Chapman of this county.
Daniel was probably the son of Nimrod who served as 2nd
Lieutenant 10th Company, Washington County Regiment of
Militia, Oct. 16, 1787, Sept. 6, 1790, and Lieutenant 8th
Company, Washington County Regiment Militia, March 29,
1793, and ——— (Morgan) Burke. It will be noted that
Nimrod is a family name found in every generation. Few
families have throughout their history produced more
leaders and influential men and women than has the Burke.
Not merely has this family always borne the reputation
for loyalty to friends but a family whose members could
be depended upon to exert themselves to the utmost in
helping their friends.

No one is more justly proud of her descent from such a
lineage than is Mrs. Georgia Elvenia Land of Allentown.
She was born October 26, 1865, the daughter of John (Jan.
19, 1817-Apr. 14, 1887) and Sarah Carswell Burke. The
parents of John were Daniel and Mary (Trulock) Burke,
their children being Artemissa, (m. William Brown); Peggy
(m. J.A.P. Methvin); Elizabeth, (m. Samuel Meredith);
Sarah, (m. 1st Philips and 2nd W.W. Lee); Nimrod, (m.
Elizabeth Butler, daughter of Joel Butler); John.

On her mother's side, Mrs. Land is connected with the
prominent Carswell family, Sarah being the daughter of
Samuel Martin Carswell (see Carswell sketch). The
children of John and Sarah were: Mary, m. William
Watkins; Rhura, m. Robert Slaughter; John M., m. 1st
Fannie McNair, 2nd her sister, Estelle McNair; Betty, m.
John Sinquefield; Mattie, m. Bill Daughtry; Georgia;
Jennie, m. I.N. Meadows; Lottie, m. Mark Faulk.

Our subject was married May 10, 1888, to John T. Land
(Dec. 20, 1846-July 2, 1918) of Twiggs County, an uncle

of Judge Max Land of the Industrial Commission and also
of former State School Superintendent Fort Land. Their
children are: Burke, m. Elizabeth Carter; Alf Truitt,
Florence, Georgia and Thomas H. m. Minnie Lee Prevatte.
Her love for her family is most beautiful. No mother ever
lived who was more devoted to her children. She is a
consistent member of the Methodist Church.

(Data furnished by family)

THE LEE FAMILY

GENEALOGICAL DATA

Col. Richard Lee, of Virginia, is the beginning of the
Lee family in America. Genealogists so far have been
unable to determine who his father was, but it is
generally supposed that he was from the Irish Thomas Lee
family, who went from England to Ireland in the latter
part of the sixteenth century. It is known, however, from
his coat of arms that he was from the "Conton" branch of
the family.

Col. Richard Lee married Ann Hancock and to them were
born eight children, namely: Richard (born 1647 and died
1714), from whom is directly descended Gen Robert E. Lee;
John; Francis; William; Elizabeth; Charles, and Hancock
(born 1653).

Hancock Lee married first, Mary Kendall and to them three
children were born, namely: William Kendall; Mary; and
Richard. His second wife was Sarah Allerton and to them
four children were born, namely: Isaac; Hancock; John;
and Elizabeth, who was born in 1709 and married Zachary
Taylor.

Richard Lee, son of Hancock Lee and Mary Kendall, was
born Aug. 18, 1691 and died in 1740. In 1720 he married
Judith Steptoe and to them seven children were born.
These children were Kendall, Elizabeth, Mary, Judith,
John, Lelitia, and Capt. Thomas Lee. This Capt. Thomas
Lee wrote in his bible, "I am the son of Richard Lee and
Judith Steptoe, born Dec. 3, 1729, Northumberland County,
Virginia.: He (Capt. Thomas Lee) married Mary Bryan of
North Carolina. Their children were, Thomas, born Dec. 9,
1761; John, born May 10,

THE LEE FAMILY

1763; William, born Nov. 15, 1764; Richard, born April 3,
1766; James, born October 20, 1768; Needham, born Nov. 4,
1770; Lewis, born 1772; Zilpha, born Jan. 3, 1773;
Willis, born 1775; Winnifred, born 1778; Edward, born
1779; and Anna, born 1781.

The above named Lewis Lee married Jane Triplett. He was
born in South Carolina and moved to Randolph County,
Georgia (now Quitman County) about 1832. To Lewis Lee and
Jane Triplett were born one son, Walter Washington Lee,
who was born July 31, 1812, and died April 11, 1887.

Walter Washington Lee married a widow named Sarah Burke
Rozar and to them were born five children. These children
were: Lott Warren; Lewis; Walter Washington, II; Daniel
Green; and Ida.

Walter Washington Lee, II, was born August 30, 1853, and
died Jan. 17, 1917. He married Mollie Elizabeth Oliphant.
Their children are: Dr. William Green Lee of Macon, Ga.;
James W. Lee of Memphis, Tenn.; Fannie Belle and Emma
Pauline, both of Macon, Ga.

Lott Warren Lee, son of Walter Washington Lee and Sarah
Burke Rozar, was born Dec. 19, 1849, and died March 11,
1908. He married first to Carrie Farmer of Louisville,
Ga. There were six children born to them. His second wife
was a Mrs. Bragg. The children by his first wife are:
Sidney W. Lee, who married a Miss Stripling of Jones
County; Sarah Lee, who married a Mr. Miller and lives in
Macon, Ga.; Dr. James Warren Lee, who married Miss Owen
of Gordon, Ga.; Robert Farmer Lee; Dan I. Lee, who
married Miss Roughton; and Burke Lee, who married a Miss
Miller.

Lewis Lee, the next son of Walter Washington Lee and
Sarah Burke Rozar, had one son named Ramon. Ida Lee,
daughter of Walter Washington Lee and Sarah Burke Rozar,
married Jonah G. Pearson.

Daniel Green Lee, the youngest son of Walter Washington
Lee and Sarah Burke Rozar, was born Sept. 30, 1855, and
died March 4, 1916. He married Julia Pauline Whitehurst.
Their children are: Rev. Walter M. Lee; Dr. Lott Warren
Lee;

Kate Lee, who married Mr. Henry; and Carro Lee, who
married Mr. Fishburne of South Carolina.

William Green Lee, son of Walter Washington Lee, II, and
Millie Elizabeth Oliphant, was born November 26, 1875. He
married Christine Cole of Newnan, Ga. Their children are:
William Green, II, age 11; Christine Cole, age 12; and
Madison Cole, age 8.

James W. Lee, son of Walter Washington Lee, II, married
Mattie Gay Tomlinson and their only child Malene, is a
student at Wesleyan College.

Emma Pauline Lee, daughter of Walter Washington Lee, II,
married Leon Dennard. Their children are: Mrs. Lois Mize
and Mrs. Elsie Simonton.

Fannie Belle Lee, daughter of Walter Washington Lee, II,
married J.W. Willums. Their children are: Wynelle, who
married Col. Benton; Walter; and Doris.

(Prepared by Myrick Hilsman.)

References: Mrs. Richard H. Alve, New York N.Y.; Rev.
Walter M. Lee.

THE LEE FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS

(By Rev. Walter M. Lee)

In the Library of Congress is a card index file of about
forty books and pamphlets dealing exclusively with the
history of the Lee family  in America. The Lees are of
English descent, members of this family having been in
the army of Cromwell.

The Lees of America are, according to authorities,
consulted by the writer, divided into two general
families, one of which begins in Virginia, and the other
in Connecticut. Members of the latter branch are
scattered throughout the West and Northwest. Members of
the Virginia family are scattered generally throughout
the South and the Southwest. Richard Henry Lee, the
eminent American statesman of Revolutionary times, and
Henry Lee, Colonel in the army of the Revolution, as well
as General Robert E. Lee were members of the Southern
branch.

THE LEE FAMILY

In Halifax District, near the Virginia line, were Daniel,
Green, and John Lee. These names are common in the family
under special treatment, viz., the family of John Lee,
who removed from South Carolina to Georgia as a pioneer
settler, located in Wilkinson County, seven miles south
of Irwinton, the county seat, on the northern banks of
Maiden Creek. He is said to have purchased the Fairchilds
plantation, and to have died not many years afterwards.
After his decease John T. Fairchilds married his widow.

Elizabeth, the wife of John Lee, after the death of her
husband became the wife of a young man, who was from the
leading families of the section. Her bones lie in the
Fairchilds cemetery beside those of her two husbands.
This cemetery is located on what is known as the James
Knight land, on the road from Allentown to Irwinton, via
Pleasant Plains Church. Crossing Maiden Creek, going
north, one finds himself on the Knight - Fairchilds -
John Lee plantation, and the cemetery is located just off
the road to the right, after crossing the creek. The
cemetery is about seven miles from Irwinton.

John Lee had seven children - five boys and two girls; by
name Godfrey, Lovard, Lewis, Needham, and John; and Sarah
and Winnie.

Lovard Lee removed to Alabama in 1832. His only son was
named Alto V. Lee, and was a very prominent man in the
legal profession. His son Hon. Lawrence H. Lee, is a
reporter of decisions in the Alabama courts. Mrs. Geo. W.
Peach, Clayton, Ala., his sister, and a daughter of Alto
V. Lee, had numerous descendents around Louisville, Ala.,
and he had a grandson named Lovett.

Lewis Lee, the father of Walter Washington Lee was born
in South Carolina about 1780, and removed to Randolph
County, Georgia, (now Quitman County) about the year
1832.

The wife of Lewis Lee was named Jane Triplett. Their
children were Walter Washington, Greenberry, Darling
Peeples, Betsy, Rachel, Susie, Sallie, Martha and Mary
Jane. One of his descendents has the following to say
concerning his personal appearance: "He and General R.E.
Lee must have

been of the same stock. Their features and build were
very much alike. When I would see Gen. Lee in Virginia, I
would be reminded of Grandpa."

Jane Triplett Lee, the wife of Lewis Lee, was the
daughter of Francis Triplett and Rachel Brack. Jane had
one sister, Polly, who married Major Collins.

A grandchild of Lewis Lee, now very aged, says concerning
the youth and education of Lewis Lee: "Our grandfather,
Lewis Lee, attended school in 1792, and kept what he
called a ciphering book, to which he transferred his
examples. He had kept it 65 years when he died. I kept it
40 years and placed it in a drawer and the mice destroyed
it. I was very sorry of the loss, for I prized it highly.
On the front page of that book was written only: "Lewis
Lee's ciphering book, 1792 and he did not locate the
place of his residence. It was kept well preserved for
more than 100 years; and the hand writing was fine - the
work as neat as any one could have done."

Needham Lee, the son of John Lee, removed to Alabama
about 1835 where he has a large number of deseendants
around Louisville, Ala. Needham Lee apparently drew the
lot of land on which the father of L.L. Tilly was buried,
and swapped it to Elizabeth Russell for a lot she drew in
Muscogee County, and Needham executed for Elizabeth
Russell, who was a sister of Walter Washington Lee, Sr.
She married Russell first, and Tilly second.

Winnie Lee married a Mr. Pierce, and to her was born two
sons, Jess and Lovard Pierce.

Sallie Lee married a Mr. McNair, and to them were born
three sons and two daughters: Quill, Godfrey, and John;
and the names of the girls are not known.

The Lees of two generations ago were not as some have
supposed very large physically. Lewis Lee was about five
feet nine inches tall and weighed about 165 pounds. His
complexion was fair. He died the first of November, 1857.
His wife died in February, 1862. (Jane).

The children of Lewis and Jan Triplett Lee were

THE LEE FAMILY

Walter Washington, Greenberry, Darling Peeples, Elizabeth
or Betsy, Rachel, Susan, Sallie, Martha, and Mary Jane.

Walter Washington Lee was married to Sarah Burke Phillips
about 1850. Nimrod Burke, a celebrated hunter, is said to
have been the earliest known ancestor of the Burke
family, which originated in Ireland. The Burkes came from
near Charleston, S.C., and were among the first settlers
of Wilkinson and Bibb Counties. Morgan Burke, who died
about 1800, was the father of Daniel Burke, and others.
Daniel married Mary Trulock whose relatives resided near
Climax, Georgia. Among his six children was Sarah, or
Sallie Burke. This Sarah married first Mr. Wiley
Phillips, brother of Joseph Phillips, by whom was mother
of Mollie, who married Dr. Reid and after his death
married Dr. Pennington, of Louisiana. A son of Sarah
named John died in the Civil War.

After the death of Wiley Phillips, Sarah, his wife, was
married to Walter Washington Lee, Sr., and to this union
were born Lott Warren, Lewis, Raymond, Walter Washington,
Jr., Daniel Greene, and Ida. The old Lee homestead is
located five miles from Allentown, northwest.

Walter Washington Lee, Sr., was eminent for industry,
honor, and other qualities of superb manhood. His wife
possessed all the superior traits of womanhood, and her
piety, tenderness, moral consistence, and virtue nerve
with unflagging ambition her noble and capable offspring.
A consistent member of New Providence church, she was
punctual in attendance, faithful in Christian duty, and
eminent for wifely devotion and motherly care during the
distressing times during the Civil War, in which her
husband and brothers were patriotically engaged to the
end. In her latter years she was the inmate of the homes
of several children, bringing brightness, joy, and
pleasure to the children and grandchildren, and radiating
good cheer and maternal suavity wherever her lot was
cast.

Greenberry Lee, brother of Walter Washington Lee, Sr.,
was killed in 1853. Greenberry married Jane Corbitt about
1847 or 1848. To them was born a son in 1850. John
Corbitt

Lee, who died several years ago, leaving a considerable
estate. He was a prominent member, treasurer, and deacon
in the First Baptist Church of Augusta, and a member of
the firm of Lee and Bothwell. His elevated sentiments of
honor and virtue enabled him to live above the world in
an elevated atmosphere of sobriety, virtue, integrity,
and rectitude. These admirable traits of superior
character he has transmitted to his offsprings, who have
intermarried into the best circles of pious and
plutocratic residents of the city of Augusta.

After the death of Greenberry, a daughter was born. She
married Sam Carswell of Wilkinson County. She was eminent
for virtue, piety, motherly devotion to her children, and
religious consistency and activity. Her hospitable home
was opened to the servants of God, and her best efforts
were given to the church of her choice, New Providence
Baptist.

Darling Peeples was a third son of Lewis Lee. He was
named after a Baptist minister who resided near the Lee
homestead in South Carolina. (Peeples) Elizabeth (Betsy)
Lee was married first to Mr. Russell, by whom she was
mother of Rev. Gustavus Russell, a Methodist minister in
Louisiana, and Emiline Russell, who married W.S.C.
Jessup, a deacon in Clear Creek church, Wilkinson County.

The children of W.S.C. Jessup and his wife, Emiline
Russell, were J.A. Jessup, J.W. Jessup, Frank Jessup, and
Dr. P.A. Jessup. The last named has been eminent for
usefulness in the Master's kingdom throughout South
Georgia.

After the death of Mr. Russell, Emiline was married to
Mr. Tilly, and to this union were born Lewis, a
physician; Jane and Jim Watt Tilly.

Rachel, the fifth child of Lewis Lee, was married to
William Collins, and to them were born LeRoy, Cornelia,
or "Melia," Sarah, who was married to Frank Rutherford,
William Lee, who died in the Civil War, James, Mary Jane,
who was married to Elbert Rutherford, Erastus E. Collins
and Columbus Collins.

The descendents of the children of William and Rachel Lee
Collins are as follows:

THE LEE FAMILY

LeRoy married Margaret Williams, and to them were born
Cornelia, Rachel, William, Bobby Lee, and Lula. Of these,
Cornelia has never married, Rachel married Mr. Gibson of
Dodge County, Ga., William, Bobby Lee and Lula reside in
Dodge also.

William who was killed in the War, married Elizabeth
Davidson, and to them were born Allen, John, James,
Frank, Sarah Jane and Lee Ann. Of these, Allen married
Miss Hall. They have a son named Ralph. John married a
Miss Stuckey. James Frank married Lissie Hardy, and their
children are named, Norwood, Lee, Joel, Frank, Thelma and
Irma. Sarah Jane is dead. Lee Ann married Randall
Jackson.

Erastus E. Collins married Sallie Jackson, a woman pre-
eminently endowed with a brilliant intellect, who quoted
the classic English Poets with great ease, and evinced
otherwise through her  many trials and hardships a most
desirable firmness and worthiness of character. They
reared a promising family of children among whom were
some girls and superior natural endowments.

The children of Erastus E. Collins and Sallie Jackson
are: Eula, who married Thomas J. Lewis; Edna, who married
Mr. Pounds, Everett, who married Alice Waters, Annie, who
married Mr. Patton, Estelle, who married Mr. Stephens.
Thomas, who married Mattie Rozar; Carl who married Bertha
Hall; Marie who married Mr. Powell; and Laura, who
married Mr. Goodson.

The sixth child of Rachel and William Collins was Sara,
who married Frank Rutherford. To them were born Rebecca,
Carrie, Georgia, Lula, William, John Lee, and Emmet.
Rebecca married D.M. Davidson. Lucy married Mr. Bridges,
and Bell married Mr. Yarborough; and Luna, Bell and Lucy
were the children of Rebecca Rutherford and Mr. Davidson.
Luna married William Outlaw.

Carrie Rutherford, daughter of Sara and Frank Rutherford,
married Andrew Cowart, and to them were born Annie, who
married L. Hall. Eula Bell, who married Lee NeSmith.

Georgia Rutherford married Allen Tindall. Their chil

dren are Cordia who married Miss Burke, William, Rufus,
Ola, who married Mr. Little; Anna, who married Joe
Jordan; and Vera who married Mr. Harris.

Lula married Green Rutherford, and their children are
Levada, who married Otho Butler.

William Rutherford married Ella Cowart. Their children
are Pearl, who married Bently Williams; Bertha; Sara, who
married Ray Butler; and Lester and Pauline.

John Lee Rutherford who married Anna Schmidt, has
children named, John F., Willie, Bessie, who married Mr.
Grimsley; Mamie who married R.L. Davidson; Luna, Elvenia
and Eleanor.

Emmet, the seventh child of Sara and Frank Rutherford,
married Elice Lewis and has a child named Evelyn.

Jane Collins, and Elbert Rutherford were married and
their children are J. Nat. Rutherford, who married Lena
Schmidt, and whose children are Georgia, who married
Georgia Roan, Kathleen, Annette, and Bunk.

Maggie Rutherford married H.D. Howard and their children
are Morris, Ruth, and Marguerite.

Benhill, the fourth child of Jane Collins and Elbert
Rutherford, married Miss Bennie Morgan, and Ben and
Charles are their children.

Lula Belle, the next child, married Mr. Moncrief, Frances
being their only child.

Louis married Albert Rozar and Mabel is only child.

Fannie May married John F. Burke, and Jane is only child.

Emma married J.A. McCant, and their children are Albert,
Florine, Bernice, Nell, Ruth, and Emma.

Cornelia married J.A. McCant and their children are
Elizabeth, Frances, and Baby McCant.

Sallie, the seventh child of Lewis Lee, married a Mr.
Mercer and to them were born Joe Mercer, who went to
Texas; Green Mercer; Lewis Mercer; Mary Jane, another
child, married  Noel Rogers.

Martha the eighth child of Lewis Lee, married Mr.

THE LEE FAMILY

Daniel Wright, and to them were born Rachel, who married
Mr. Flemming; Martha, called Mouse, who married Mr.
Aileywine; Mink; Willie Wright; William; James, and Frank
Wright.

Mary Jane, the ninth child of Lewis Lee, married twice,
first to Mr. Mills and secondly Mr. May, by whom she had
two children - Enoch and Levina.

WALTER WASHINGTON LEE, SR.

The descendants of Walter Washington Lee, Sr., and his
wife Sarah Philips Lee, will now be considered.

Lott Warren Lee, the first child of W.W. Lee, Sr.,
married Carrie Elizabeth Farmer about 1870, and their
children are Sidney Warren, Gordon, Ga., James Lewis,
M.D., Pinehurst; Sarah Elizabeth, who married Taylor
Miller of Macon, Ga., Robert Farmer, Daniel, Isaac, and
Rhesa Walter.

Sidney W. Lee married Miss Maggie Stripling, and to them
were born Joe Warren, who married Mattie Nell Wright;
they have three children, Martha, Wright and Cater;
Mollie Carolyn, who married Erick Miller, has three
children named Sidney Smith, Catherine Miller and
Marjorie Lee. The third child of S.W. Lee is Reese Monroe
Lee.

James Lewis Lee, M.D., married Perdita Owens and to them
were born Ruth and Anna Jimmie. Perdita Owens Lee is
descended from Richard Darling Owens through his son
George Alex Owens.

Sarah E. Lee married Taylor Miller, Jr., one child, Lee
Miller, being the issue.

Robert Farmer Lee is married and lives in Savannah.

Daniel Isaac Lee married Miss Roughton and lives in
Macon.

Rhesa Walter Lee married Miss Laura Eugene Miller, their
children being Zachery and Catherine Eugenia.

Lott Warren Lee was twice married, the second wife being
Mrs. Alice Dennard Bragg, who had two children by her
former husband, Bessie, and Evelyn. Bessie married Ernest
Carswell and lives in Americus. Evelyn lives in  Detroit.

Lott Warren Lee was a man of integrity, honor, and
influence. For many years he was treasurer of the
Ebenezer Baptist church and clerk of the Gordon Baptist
church. As farmer, merchant and broker, he succeeded in
supporting and educating a large family of children, in
the meanwhile dispensing his possessions liberally in the
support of the kingdom of God.

*     *     *

Walter Washington Lee, Jr., M.D., the fourth child of
W.W. Lee Sr., married Mollie Elizabeth Oliphant about
1871, and their children are William Green, Emma Pauline,
James Warren, and Fannie Belle.

William Green Lee, M.D., Macon, Ga., married Christine
Cole and to them were born Christine, W.G., Jr., and
Madison Cole.

Emma Pauline Lee married Leon Dennard and lives in Macon,
Ga., to them were born Lois Elizabeth, married Walton E.
Mize, and Elsie who married Lewis Simonton.

James Warren Lee, Memphis, Tenn., married Mattie Gay
Tomlinson and to them was born Maline.

Fannie Belle Lee married J. William Willums, Macon, Ga.,
and to them were born Wynelle, who married Edward Benton,
Doris and Lee.

Lewis Lee the second  son of W.W. Lee, Sr., married
Eugenia Smith and to them was born a son Raymond.

*     *     *

Daniel Green Lee the fifth child of W.W. Lee, Sr.,,
married Julia Pauline Whitehurst about 1879 and their
children are Walter Mayberry (now deceased), Sarah
Catherine, Ida Caroline, Lott Warren, Daniel Paul, and
Burke Whitehurst.

Walter Mayberry Lee, Th. D., married Lala Sublette, and
to them were born Jewell Alice, Daniel Sublette, Walter,
Jr., Everette, Hubert and Burke Alva. Family lives in
Franklin, N.C.

Sarah Catherine Lee, married Granville Connery Henry and
lives in Cordele, Ga., to them were born Jewell, Conner
and Dan.

THE LEE FAMILY

Ida Caroline Lee, married William S. Fishburne and lives
in Montgomery, Ala., to them were born Margaret, William
Jr., and Paul Lee.

Lott Warren Lee, D.D.S., of Milledgeville, married
Elizabeth Slaughter and to them were born Slaughter and
Mary Caroline.

Daniel Paul Lee, Gordon, Ga., married Alma Jackson and to
them were born Mary Pauline and Daniel Franklin.

Burke Whitehurst Lee, Jacksonville, Fla., married Ethel
Bragg and to them were born Mayberry and Burke.

*     *    *

Ida Lee the only daughter of W.W. Lee, Sr., married Jonah
G. Pearson and died without issue.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF

WILLIAM GREENE LEE

(By Myrick Hilsman)

One of Wilkinson County's sons is Dr. William Greene Lee,
who was born six miles from Jeffersonville, November 26,
1875.

Walter Washington Lee, who was the grandfather of Dr.
Lee, married a widow, Sarah Burke Rozar. Five children
were born to this union, including Walter Washington Lee
II who was Dr. Lee's father. Walter Washington Lee II
married Mollie Elizabeth Oliphant and to this union four
children were born, namely, Dr. William Greene Lee, James
W. Lee, Mrs. Fannie Belle Willums, and Mrs. Leon Dennard.

When Dr. Lee was eight years old the family moved from
Jeffersonville to Gordon. He received his primary
education in Irwinton. Later he attended school in Vienna
and medical school at Augusta.

In 1895 he entered Mercer University at Macon, but only
remained at Mercer one year, and entered the University
of Georgia, at Augusta, Georgia, in the fall of 1895. He
delivered the valedictory address to his class of sixty
students, graduating in April, 1899. Dr. Lee then began
the practice of medicine in Macon, May 1, 1899, and
practiced through 1907.

It was at this time that he began his business career and
from 1908 up to the present time (1929) he has been an
unusual power among the business circles of Georgia.

Dr. Lee, believing in the future of Middle Georgia, and
with his customary business foresight, purchased
considerable undeveloped property in Macon and
surrounding country, and began to develop and improve it,
and came to practice the ideals of Rotary long before
Rotary was ever established in Macon. It might be said
here that he was one of the charter members of the Macon
Rotary Club.

In following Dr. Lee's public activities one is amazed at
the various enterprises in which he has been prominently
connected. As a dealer in live stock he has been
extraordinarily instrumental in the furthering of
agriculture in middle Georgia. He operates three farms
himself, and has always stood ready and willing to make
the burdens of the farmer light.

He soon became vitally interested in higher education and
has for a long time been one of the Trustees of Mercer
University, and his contributions to this Baptist
Institution have made it possible for many deserving boys
to secure a higher education. He served as chairman of
the Building Committee of Mercer during the expansion
campaign, and is also a member of the Executive
Committee. He also served as Vice-President and Treasurer
of the Mercer Alumni Association. In addition to these
duties he has served a number of years as a member of the
Athletic Board of Control. From evidencing his interest
in education he became an honorary member of the Board of
Trustees of the Central City College, a negro Baptist
Institution located at Macon, and at present is a member
of the Alexander School Board.

One of his first acts upon moving to Macon was to join
the Chamber of Commerce, and he has always been very
active in Chamber of Commerce work. He has, since its
organization in Macon, been a prominent member of the
Rotary Club, and was its president one year, 1927 to
1928.

He served as City Alderman for two years during

THE LEE FAMILY

which time he was Chairman of the Street Committee,
Chairman of Sidewalk Committee, and Chairman of the Tax
Committee, and was also a member of the finance
committee. Due to his able leadership and foresight, the
activities of his committees had a great effect upon
Macon for growth and development, for under his
supervision a number of parks including Tattnall Square
Park received their first sizeable appropriation.

Dr. Lee has served as Treasurer and Manager of the
Baconsfield Park Commission for a long term of years.
This is a special commission composed of four ladies and
three men who have exclusive charge of the one hundred
and seventeen acre tract of land that was donated to the
City by the late Senator A.O. Bacon, to be specifically
used as a park.

He is also one of the four Trustees of Senator A.O. Bacon
estate which comprises some five hundred acres which the
Trustees have developed to a very high degree, making a
portion of this estate into one of Macon's most exclusive
residential sections.

Dr. Lee was Vice-Chairman of the Macon Auditorium
Commission, which was in charge of the building of the
beautiful auditorium. This auditorium was built at a
total cost of $795,000.00 and the handling of
expenditures of this large sum, was made in such an
efficient manner that competent men expressed the opinion
that Macon has an auditorium that would in the North or
East cost about $1,250,000.00. This building was turned
over to the city with every item paid, and a few dollars
of appropriation unexpended.

In January, 1929, he became the active full-time chairman
of the Board of Directors of the Macon National Bank, and
the Macon Savings Bank. He is recognized throughout the
state as having unusual foresight and executive judgment
in financial matters.

He is a very prominent member of the First Baptist Church
of Macon, and has served for a number of years on the
Finance Committee.

It might be truthfully said that Dr. Lee has two hob

bies, one of them being his three children, and the other
flowers. His estate in Shirley Hills is one of the show
places of Macon, and he can be seen riding or swimming
with his two boys and girl, or else proudly showing some
visitors or passersby his beautiful estate and its wealth
of flowers. He has one of the most enormous Azalea and
Camelia Japonica gardens in the South, having 3000
Azaleas and 600 Camelia Japonica, and hundreds of other
beautiful shrubs and flowers. He also has on his estate a
swimming pool which is very popular with the entire
neighborhood in the summer months, and a fishing pond
which is almost running over with bream and speckle cat.

He was married in December, 1914, to Christine Cole of
Newnan, Georgia. His children are Christine Cole Lee, 12
years old; W.G. Lee, Jr., 11 years old, and Madison Cole
Lee, 8 years old.

SIDNEY WARREN LEE

Sidney Warren Lee, oldest son of Lott Warren Lee and
Carrie (Farmer) Lee, was born October 22nd, 1871, at the
home of his grandfather Farmer on Mount Moriah Camp
Ground in Jefferson county. He became a member of this
same Methodist church - his mother's church - at the age
of sixteen. He had four brothers, James Lewis, Robert
Farmer, Daniel Ike and Walter Rhesa; one sister, Sara
Elizabeth.

His earlier years were spent on his father's farm in
Turkey Creek District of Wilkinson county and his first
schooling was obtained at the Manson school. But later,
at the age of nine years, his father having moved into
Ramah District on the "Solomon Mountain Place" or better
known as the "Will Fitzpatrick Place," he attended the
Gordon schools for a number of terms. From here he went
to the Louisville, Ga., and the Cartersville, Ga.,
boarding schools, at which places, his uncle, D.G. Lee
was serving as Principal.

After this he worked for a while on his father's farm and
then accepted a position with the Central of Georgia
Railroad. He resigned in order that he might stay with
his

THE LEE FAMILY

invalid mother, at the same time clerking in his uncle's
store.

At the age of twenty-four he was married to Miss Maggie
Stripling, the daughter of Francis Monroe and Marie Ann
(Blow) Stripling of Jones County, the wedding taking
place at Gordon, at the home of Captain and Mrs. F.S.
Barclay the latter being the bride's sister, and the
ceremony being performed by Rev. W.D. Dewell. Born to
this union were three children: Joe Warren, Carrie
Elizabeth and Reese Monroe.

Joe Warren married Miss Mattie Nell Wright of Covington,
Newton County, and born to this union were four children:
Martha, Wright, Cater and Charlotte (deceased at the age
of one year). Carrie Elizabeth married Eric Ernest Miller
of Jones county and to them were born three children,
Sidney, Catherine and Marjorie. Reese Monroe has never
married.

The next few years after his marriage were spent on his
farm which he had purchased on "The Ridge." Then during
the years 1898 and 1899 he taught the Clear Creek school,
and the two years following at the Ridge Academy. In 1902
he moved to Gordon and was one of the first R.F.D. mail
carriers out of Gordon, serving in this capacity until
1908.

In 1903 he became a member of the Masonic fraternity and
from then took a great interest in this order, serving
for a time as Worshipful Master of the lodge and later as
Worshipful Master of the Tenth District Masonic
Association. He sought at all times to practice the
percepts and follow the admonitions incumbent on all true
Masons.

After his removal to Gordon, he became a Steward in the
Methodist church and for several years was Superintendent
of the Sunday School, and in every way possible gave his
fullest support to the advancement of the cause of
Christianity. Earnest, conscientious and consecrated, his
life has meant much to the Methodist church at Gordon. In
1905 when it became necessary to build a new church, he
was selected as one of the building committee. Though
with limited funds at their disposal a building was
erected which will serve all the needs of the
denomination for many years yet to come.

Possibly, to Mr. Lee, the crowning achievement of his

life was when the last brick was laid and the Gordon High
School was ready for the pupils. For years this had been
the end towards which he had been toiling. His schooling
elsewhere, his years of teaching in the schools of the
county had awakened to him the great need of better
school facilities. He had first led the fight for the
voting of a local tax for the better support of the
schools which had been successful. His active interest
was so pronounced that he was elected a member of the
school board and then as Secretary-Treasurer. He was
continuously reminding the people of the need of a new
building and at an opportune moment he with others
succeeded in getting a vote on the question of school
bonds which resulted in their favor. As a member of the
schoolhouse building committee, he was most
enthusiastically active. Though built during the World
War and at a time when labor was hard to get, he threw
himself wholeheartedly into the work, giving much of his
time, and in every way offering special inducements to
the laborers to stay on the job. Striving against the
disadvantages and successfully overcoming all obstacles,
the house was completed. It might well be termed a
monument to his unselfish efforts in behalf of the school
children of Gordon.

For twenty years Mr. Lee was actively engaged in the
mercantile business in Gordon, and during the same years
served as Director in the Peoples Bank and Farmer and
Merchants Bank of Gordon. He served as Alderman and
during 1923 and 1924 as Mayor of Gordon. He was appointed
and served as a member of the Wilkinson County Board of
Education for a while, but failing health caused him to
resign.

During the years 1917-1920 Mr. Lee served as a member of
the County Commissioners of Roads and Revenues. It was in
this capacity that he demonstrated to the people of
Wilkinson county those traits of character which stamped
him a man worthy of trust. Elected Chairman of that
board, he presided in a business-like manner and
convinced everyone that he regarded the public funds as a
public trust. Courteous and kind-hearted, yet he was ever
firm in his ideas

THE LEE FAMILY

of right and justice and could not be swayed from the
path of duty by friendship, by selfish desires, by
promises of political preferment. He was not a politician
in the usual sense of the word, but the type of man who
should always be honored with office.

Mr. Lee's death occurred on the 14th of January, 1929,
after a period of ill health of several months. His body
is buried in the family cemetery on the Ridge.

THE LEWIS FAMILY

"Among the settlers who came to Georgia in the early part
of the eighteenth century were four Lewis brothers, from
Rockingham County, N.C. They were the sons of Thomas
Lewis, who at one time is said to have been a member of
the General Assembly of North Carolina and who had been
connected in a prominent way with the development of that
state from early colonial days. The family was originally
from Wales but perhaps came from England to America with
the early settlers of North Carolina.

When the four brothers came to Georgia, they settled in
Wilkinson County near where the town of Gordon is now
located on what is yet known as Lewis Hill, about twenty
miles southeast of Macon. The oldest of the boys, James
Richard Lewis, was the only married one and he settled at
the place named above where he spent the remainder of his
life. The other boys went in different directions, one
going to or near Savannah, one, Jasper Lewis, locating
near where the town of Greensboro is now situated and the
other going south.

The territory where James Richard Lewis settled had
recently been obtained from the Indians by a treaty which
gave all the land lying between the Ocmulgee and the
Oconee Rivers to the white people for settlement.
However, at the time James, Richard Lewis settled there,
having come from North Carolina with his wife, who was
formerly Elizabeth Rogers, and his young son, Thomas, on
horseback, found that his new home, notwithstanding the
treaty of peace, this country was infested with roving
tribes of Indians. The Indians were not

actually on the warpath but were a constant annoyance.
They would come into the yard and make unfriendly
gestures, and hideous faces and would commit thefts about
the place.

Fortunately, however, the few families that made up the
first settlers were spared a massacre at the hands of the
savage. This was caused no doubt from the fact that James
Richard Lewis was a man of kindly nature, a God fearing
man, and his treatment of the savage was kind but firm.

Besides the son, Thomas, who was brought from North
Carolina when a very small child, the following other
children were born to this pioneer family: James Rogers,
John, Etham, Ben, Richard and one girl, Elizabeth, who
married Archie Smith. James Rogers married Sarah Ann
Rivers, daughter of Joel Rivers and settled about five
miles from the old home at what is now known as Lewis'
Crossing on the Central of Georgia Railway about four
miles southeast of Gordon. John Lewis settled in what is
now Mitchell County, near where Pelham is now located.
The younger of the children drifted off except the girl,
who married as above stated and settled near the old
home.

The first settlement was like unto a potato hill covered
with straw bark and dirt. James R. Lewis was born under
this roof in 1808. His father was the first man who owned
a two-horse wagon in Wilkinson county.

James Rogers reared the following children: Richard Joel,
W.G., Thos. J., Benjamin C., and Satsah, who married
Frank Agee, Lucretia, who married a Pearson, and Ellen
Francis, who married Tom Pruitt of Texas, and Sarah Jane,
who married W.C. Wood."

(The foregoing sketch written by Elder Benjamin C. Lewis,
a son of James Rogers Lewis, convinces us there is a
close relationship between this family and that of
Governor Gilmer's mother, who was a Lewis as shown in his
historical sketch of the Lewis family of Virginia in
"Georgians." Also see History of Georgia Baptist,
sketches.)

The history of the Lewis family is intensely interesting.
Originally French Huguenots, the Revocation of the Edict

THE LEWIS FAMILY

of Nantes in 1685 forced them to flee across the English
Channel and take refuge in Brennocshire, Wales. Later,
Virginia and North Carolina offering them havens of
refuge, they emigrated to these colonies and remained for
several generations, many of whom becoming prominent in
the public life of those states.

Throughout his life, James Richard Lewis held the
confidence of his fellow men. The old records in the
courthouse showing where he so frequently was appointed
by the courts to serve as Guardian for orphans, and as
Administrator of Estates proved him to be a man worthy of
the trust confided in him. Likewise, in the minutes of
Ramah Church where his membership was for so many years
we find again unmistakable evidences of a man possessing
a deep religious nature, honesty, and strength of
character.

His son, James Rogers, following in his father's
footsteps became a member of the same church and
throughout his life was recognized as a pillar of the
Primitive Baptist faith. For years he served as church
clerk. When the present building was erected in 1861 he
was on the building committee. In all matters pertaining
to the good of his church, his community, and his county
we find him taking an active part.

The children of James Rogers Lewis inherited the same
traits of character possessed by their ancestors, that
same reverent spirit towards the Infinite, the love for
the Baptist church, of uprightness and honor in their
dealings with their fellow man, hospitality toward all
who might enter their doors for no one ever visited in
their homes without ever retaining pleasant memories of
their hospitality.

During his life W.G. Lewis was a faithful member of
Friendship Primitive Baptist Church. Likewise Thos. J.
was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church, and
Benjamin C. Lewis is a prominent preacher of the same
denomination.

Richard J. Lewis, son of James Roger and Sarah Ann Lewis
served throughout the War Between the States in Company F
3rd Georgia Regiment, and was wounded twice. He married
Exa Ethridge and their children were Clifford,

Clarence, Ollie, Hattie, Joe, Ben, Cynthia, Richard and
Norah.

Willie G. Lewis enlisted April 1864, at the age of
fifteen, in Company D, 8th Georgia Regiment militia. He
married Clifford C. Hughs, daughter of James Childs and
Mildred Patterson Hughs. Their children are: Leila May,
James R., Rufus Roger, Sarah, Georgia, John William,
Celestia, Erasmus, Annie, Clifford, Hubert, and Thomas.

Thomas J. Lewis married first, Mollie Wood; their
children: Sarah Alice, Agnes, James Augustus, Ada Lee,
Richard, Addie, Anna, Angie, T.J., Jr., and Elice. He
married second Eula Collins, their children:  Eugenia,
Sarah Grace, John Delmas, Annie Laurie.

Benjamin C. Lewis married Exa Kingry, settled in Dodge
County and their children are: Lucy Lorena, J.R., Ira,
Willie G., Ben Terrell, Lonnie, Ellen, Eva Lee, James
Otis and Joe Thomas.

Although at all times maintaining the high esteem of the
people of Wilkinson County, the members of this family
have in few instances sought political honors or
political offices. They have preferred to throw the
weight of their political influence to those whom they
felt most capable of performing the duties incumbent upon
the office holder. However, we find Thomas Lewis, Coroner
in 1816; James Richard Lewis, Justice of the Inferior
Court in 1828, and Tax Receiver in 1833-34-35.

Most of the Lewises in Wilkinson have been "tillers of
the soil." Their farms have ever been noted as examples
of prosperity, fertility, having the finest crops,
domestic animals, etc., of the county and winning for
their owners the title of Master Farmers.

The Lewises  have ever been advocates of education. Even
during the early days of the county when schooling was so
rare and an education so hard to be obtained, we find
them possessing good educations. When the Union Hill
Academy was chartered by the Legislature in 1836, James
Richard Lewis was one of the original trustees.

THE LEWIS FAMILY

JOHN WILLIAM LINDSEY

John William Lindsey, son of Isaac and Martha, called
Patsy (Moore) Lindsey, was born four miles west of
Irwinton, August 1, 1843. His father, the son of William
and Sarah Lindsey, served as Sheriff, Tax Collector and
held other offices of public trust. He raised the
following children: Susannah, Green J., John William,
Milton, Mollie, Matt, Samuel, Sallie and Eli Cummings.

John William received his education in the Irwinton
schools. When war was declared, though only 18 years old,
he joined Company I, 3rd Georgia, and served as private
until the surrender, being wounded several times, the
most severe at Spotsylvania.

In 1884 he was elected Representative, which office he
held two terms. In 1899, he was appointed Pension
Commissioners of Georgia by Governor Allen D. Candler
which office he held until his death, August 26, 1922.

He was married in 1869 to Miss Julia Floreid Tucker,
daughter of Judge John R. Tucker of Washington County. Of
this union there were five children: Colonel Julian
Lindsey of the General Army Staff, Washington, D.C., who
served through the World War as Brigadier General in the
82nd Division; Irene, m. A.B. Holt; Gertrude, m. J.A.
Carswell; Annie, m. E.L. Price; and Johnnie. In 1919 he
was married to Mrs. Cynthia Henderson Manderson.

In addition to his many other activities, Mr. Lindsey in
1892 was appointed to the Board of Visitors to the West
Point Military Academy.

Although spending most of his time in Atlanta, there was
no spot on earth he loved more than Irwinton. He spent
much time planting trees about the town, improving the
church grounds and in every way beautifying his property.
He owned for several years the old Sam Beall home and
converted the ravine in the rear of the house into a
beautiful park. He possessed a most wonderful memory,
which was well stored with Wilkinson County lore, from
which many facts set forth in this history are drawn.

ORIAN WOOD MANSON

Born March 22, 1889, in Irwinton, Wilkinson county, Ga.
Died July 3, 1925, Atlanta, Ga. Buried July 4, 1925,
Irwinton, Ga.

Mrs. Manson was the sixth daughter of Dr. Joshua Soule
Wood and his wife, Emma Graybill Wood. Following a High
School course at Talmadge Institute, she entered Wesleyan
College, but on account of ill health was forced to
abandon her college career. At the age of eighteen she
was married to F.C. Manson of Jonesboro, Ga., and to them
was born one son, F. Crawford Manson, Jr., now a resident
of Lovejoy, Ga.

From her early girlhood, Mrs. Manson was intensely
interested in social reforms. She became associated with
the W.C.T.U. of Georgia as state director of the
department of anti-narcotics and was instrumental in
having memorial to General Conference of the M.E. Church,
south, passed by the North Georgia Conference, which
later resulted in a law requiring all young ministers
entering the conferences of this church to refrain from
the use of tobacco in any form.

She was at one time assistant editor and business manager
of the Irwinton Bulletin. During the World War, she
served her county both on the Council of Defense and as
Chairman of the Victory Loan Drive for the fourth loan.
She had the distinction of being the only woman Chairman
of a county drive in the United States. In previous loan
drives, she headed the Woman's Committee for her county.

But her great life-work, the one into which she poured
all the zeal of her mother soul, was as Superintendent of
the Georgia Training School for Boys located at
Milledgeville. She was elected to this position in 1921
by the Board of Trustees of the institution, the only
woman in the world at that time to hold such a position.
For two years prior to her election, she had served as a
member of the Board of Visitors to this school, having
been appointed by Governor Hugh M. Dorsey. Viewing those
unfortunate boys through the eyes of a Chris

ORIAN WOOD MANSON

tian and a mother, she became enamored of the idea of
making this state institution for wayward boys a real
school of character. During her short administration she
completely changed the ideals of conduct for the
institution. Her own ideals are perhaps best told in her
own words, culled from her first report to the Georgia
legislature:

"To train a delinquent or neglected boy to make a good
citizen; to teach him honesty, truthfulness, obedience,
thoroughness in work, cleanliness in body and mind; to
teach him a trade so that he will be an asset instead of
a liability to the State; through text-book, practice and
example, to teach him to reverence the laws of his
community, his country and his God, and to regard the
Bible as the guide to happiness in this life and in the
eternity to come."

Mrs. Manson was also appointed by the Governor of her
state as a member of the Georgia Memorial Commission of
which Hon. Andrew J. Cobb of Athens was Chairman.

(By Mrs. Marvin Williams)

JOHN McARTHUR

John McArthur was born in 1826, the son of John McArthur,
1782-1846, and his wife, Harriet Pace, whom he married in
Washington County, Georgia in 1813; grandson of Daniel
McArthur born in Scotland, 1741, married, 1774 to
Jannette McArthur, born 1752 of the same name but no
blood relation. In 1774 they emigrated to Roberson
County, North Carolina, where Daniel served in the
Revolutionary War.

Our subject's father moved to Wilkinson County in 1816
and later to Bibb County in 1826. He served in the War of
1812.

John McArthur was married to Winnifred Rivers, daughter
of Joel Rivers in Wilkinson County, November 28, 1850,
and made his home in this county.

Before the War Between the States he was a member of the
Whig Party and was opposed to secession, but when Georgia
seceded, he was one of the first to volunteer and was
active in organizing the Ramah Volunteer Guards. By
reason

of his activities in organizing this company, he was
offered the office of Captain, but declined to serve as
such and was mustered in as Orderly Sergeant in Company
B, 14th Georgia Regiment, which Regiment became part of
Thomas' Brigade, A.P. Hills Division, Stonewall Jackson's
Corps, Army of Northern Virginia, C.C. Kelly Captain, and
Robert Folsom, Colonel. He became a Lieutenant and was
again offered the office of Captain, but declined. On
account of the cold winter in Virginia he had pneumonia,
followed by rheumatism, which partly incapacitated him
for the remainder of his life, causing him to resign his
commission, but he remained in the army until he was
finally elected Tax Collector of Wilkinson County,
Georgia and was certified as such by the Clerk of the
Superior Court, January 22, 1864. On April 30, 1864 he
was honorably discharged and returning home served as Tax
Collecter of his county until close of the war. While
home he became a member of the Home Guards and was
serving as such when Sherman's Army made its destructive
march through Georgia, passing in front of his home.

When the Board of County Commissioners of Wilkinson
County was created in 1873 he was one of those appointed.
He and his wife were most faithful members of the Ramah
Primitive Baptist Church for many years. His sincerity,
honesty, and integrity were seldom equaled and never
excelled, and made for him a name in Wilkinson County
that is honored and respected by every one who ever knew
him.

The children of John and Winnifred McArthur were Charles
A., John Joel, (married Georgia Robinson), for twenty-
four years Justice of the Peace at Gordon; Mary Harriet,
(married William Robinson, Dover, Georgia); Doctor
Richard Samuel, (married Lucy Stanley), was a prominent
Dentist of Wilkinson County, died 1902, buried at Old
McArthur Cemetery on Irwinton and Macon Highway in
Wilkinson County; James F., (married Elizabeth Whiteside)
resides in Atlanta, Georgia; Doctor Thomas J. McArthur,
(married Mrs. Sannie Henderson Horne), he is one of the
most outstanding men in his community and State, resides
at Cordele, Georgia;

JOHN McARTHUR

Doctor A. Lee, (married Willie Glover) and is a prominent
Dentist of Cordele; Lewis R., (married first, Eva
Henderson of Unadilla, Georgia and, second, Carrie
Wisenbaker of Valdosta, Georgia), resides at Valdosta;
Laura died at age 16.

WILLIAM THOMAS McGINTY

Among the first settlers of that portion of Wilkinson
County on the west side of the Old Indian Boundary Line
when the limits of the county were extended by the
Legislature following the Treaty of Washington in 1805
came William Thomas McGinty, who made his home on the
"Ridge" separating Commissioner and Big Sandy Creeks,
where the old Hartford Road crosses the Irwinton and
Macon Highway.

The number of families closely connected by blood or
marriage came with him, among these being the
Castleburys, the Gays and others, making their homes also
in this vicinity.

These families had no sooner completed the building of
their cabins and cleared the necessary fields than they
set about organizing a church. Ramah Church, the oldest
church now in existence in the county, was the result and
we find McGinty as one of the original members.

At his own expense and without the aid of the other
members of the church, McGinty built the first church -
although the members later agreed to pay him something.
The old minutes of Ramah show that he was a very active
member and was constantly laboring for its upbuilding.

In 1809, his known ability caused him to be selected by
the Georgia Legislature as one of the Commissioners to
construct the Hartford Road. The urgent necessity of
building this road with the least possible delay in order
to avert the Great Crisis about to confront Georgia,
bespeaks for him the confidence of the General Assembly
in his ability and his patriotism. It was necessary to
draft the able bodied men subject to such duties, assign
into squads, direct clearing of the underbrush, the
cutting of the big trees to a level with the ground, the
leveling of the rough places, the making passable of
boggy places and streams, and all the other things
essential

to the construction of a road through "the forest
primeval." Recently when the John Ball Chapter, D.A.R.,
erected the marker on the Old Hartford Road, the site of
his old home was selected.

The growing travel between Milledgeville, Marion and
Hartford and the establishing of a line of stage coaches
made it necessary for stations to be established every
ten miles where the tired horses having been driven at a
gallop the greater part of the way were exchanged for
fresh ones, which had been hastily harnessed and gotten
ready when the stage driver's bugle was heard in the
distance announcing his approach. Quick to grasp the
opportunity McGinty built a tavern which tradition says
was well equipped to satisfy the hunger as well as the
thirst of the wayfarer.

In 1821, he was made Judge of the Inferior Court of
Wilkinson County, which office he held for several years.

William Thomas McGinty was born Sept. 29th, 1784, and
married Sarah Castleberry about 1804 or 1805, who was
born Dec. 16, 1780. Their children were: Polly, born
November 6, 1806; Mary Ann, b. January 8, 1808; Elizabeth
Jones, b. September 28, 1809; Milly, b. January 17, 1811;
Robert, b. May 23, 1812; William, b. June 22, 1814;
Nancy, b. August 23, 1816; Jackson, b. January 15, 1818;
Deborah, b. August 17, 1819; Katherine, b. January 26,
1822. Late in life William Thomas McGinty went to
Arkansas where he made his home with some of his children
who had moved there years before. He died and was buried
in Arkansas.

His daughter (Milly) married William M. Cooper, a noted
Baptist preacher, who served Ramah Church several years
beginning his service in 1856. In addition to serving
Ramah and other churches, Mr. Cooper organized Mt. Carmel
Baptist Church a few miles north of McIntyre and served
it for a time.

Prior to his call to the ministry, Mr. Cooper served as
Deputy Clerk of the Inferior Court, 1838, and in 1840-41
as Sheriff of Wilkinson County.

The children of William M. Cooper and Milly, his

WILLIAM THOMAS McGINTY

wife, were: Mary, Jane, Thomas Jefferson, Emily, James,
Elizabeth, Gattie, Malinda, who married W.R. Fenn, and
Catherine, who died young.

Thomas Jefferson Cooper married Sarah Ann Etheredge in
Wilkinson County on May 30, 1858, and they are the
parents of James Oliver Cooper one of the most popular
and efficient railroad men of this section having served
the people of this community since 1885.

MEREDITH

The three Meredith brothers, Charles, Samuel and John,
direct descendants of Lord William Meredith of England,
came from Wales before the Revolutionary War. Charles
settled in Virginia and Samuel in North Carolina. John
came to Georgia after the Revolution and settled first in
Franklin County, then in Washington County, then in
Wilkinson, taking up land east of Toomsboro near the
Oconee River and being numbered among the very first
settlers in the county. He married a French lady - Joyce.
Their children were: John, (m. Susanna Williamson),
William (moved to Alabama), Pleasant (moved to Alabama),
Samuel, (m. —— their children were: Charles, Samuel,
Robert, William, Nancy), Thomas, (moved to Alabama.
Married a widow — Willis. Children were: John and Jesse).

The children of John and Susanna (Williamson) Meredith
were: Charles, (married Katherine Presswood. Children
were John and Nancy); Wyatt, (married Katherine Gibson.
Children were Mary, (married Willis Allen) and Gibson.
After her death married widow (Mary (Allen) Perkins;
Wyley, (married Martha Boone first, and Eliza Baughn
second); Samuel (born Oct. 30, 1810, died Aug. 27, 1895,
married Elizabeth Burke, daughter of Daniel and Mary
Trueluck Burke, in 1838. Their children were: Sarah
Rebecca, (married Willis Allen), John (killed in battle
Aug. 3, 1862), Mary, (born Sept. 8, 1842, died March,
1881, married Dr. Robert Carroll), Susanna, (born July
18, 1846, died Sept. 1918), Wyatt (born March 27, 1848,
died June 23, 1857), Daniel Morgan, (born

Sept. 23, 1849, died 1915, married Anna Jones), Samuel,
(born Nov. 13, 1851, died March 30, 1881, married Laura
Davis), James Franklin (born Feb. 20, 1854, died Nov. 12,
1881, married Elizabeth Corbett), Virgil (born June 5,
1859, died Jan. 26, 1926, married Elizabeth King);
Rebecca (married William Cooper. Their children were
Susanna, John, Milton, Mary, Sarah. After his death she
married Franklin Boone. Their children were Benjamin,
Samuel, Joseph, William and Nora).

The children of Virgil and Elizabeth (King) Meredith are:
Clara, (married F.O. Mosely, their children are: Evelyn,
Frank, Max, Lucile; home Montgomery, Ala); Frank,
(married Edna Chapman, children are: Gladys, Sam, Doris,
Jack, Dan, Sophia Anne; home, Montgomery, Ala.); Mary,
(married E.O. Dobbins and live in Haynesville, La.,
children are: Virgil and Jack); Elizabeth, (married Allen
Harrell and live in Montgomery, Ala., the have one child,
Meredith).

(Mrs. W. Allen Harrell.)

ALEXANDER H. NESBIT

AND SARAH JANE (JOHNSTON) NESBIT

Alexander H. Nesbit was born May 7, 1858, near Irwinton,
the son of Elbert F. (b. 1835, married Oct. 19, 1856, Co.
F. 3rd Ga. Reg., d. in service, June 26, 1863, buried in
National Cemetery, Staunton, Va.) and Susannah, Aug. 23,
1839, d. Oct. 10, 1904, (Lindsey) Nesbit (see John W.
Lindsey sketch); grandson of Alexander (Irish descent)
and Olive (Brewer) Nesbit, who were pioneer settlers of
Wilkinson County, and whose one home is yet standing
after a lapse of a century since it was erected. From his
boyhood, Alexander H. Nesbit exhibited those sterling
qualities of honesty and uprightness which won for him
the honor and respect of all who knew him. Hard work,
skillful planning and perseverance made him a successful
farmer. His untimely death, October 24, 1914, from
paralysis, was a shock to his friends and loved ones. He
sleeps in the Masonic Cemetery by the side of his mother
who preceded him. He was a member of the Irwinton

ALEXANDER H. NESBIT

Masonic Lodge where he served as an officer for several
years and at his death it paid the following tribute to
his memory.

"He was a friend to all and an enemy to none. He labored
all of his life for those that were near and dear to him,
with an unselfishness that is rarely equaled. He thought
of others as he traveled through life, and always tried
and true in his love for his family, his community and
his county. No man was ever denied a favor if it was in
his power to grant. He always showed mercy to those who
needed help, and was at all times willing to throw the
broad mantle of charity over the shortcomings of men. In
his home, his love for his wife and children was
beautiful to behold. No wish or desire of any of them was
ever denied if in the power of the husband and father to
grant. He believed in educating his children and giving
them an opportunity in life. He leaves a clear record for
his children to honor, and did his duty whenever called
upon, honestly faithfully and mercifully."

He was married December 15, 1886 to Sarah Jane Johnston
daughter of Edwin Boliver (b. Apr. 17, 1825-Apr. 1,
1909), Co. D, 8th Ga. Reg., buried Myrtle Spring
Cemetery) and Allie Jane (Smith) Johnston (Sept. 26,
1833-May 24, 1867, married about 1855, buried in family
cemetery); granddaughter of Elder David Smith (May 13,
1794, m. July 29, 1813, d. July 12, 1883, one of the most
famous Primitive Baptist preachers of the 19th Century)
and Lydia (Williams) Smith, (his first wife, April 11,
1797-Jan. 29, 1850, the latter buried at Allentown (also
granddaughter of Green Berry and Sarah (Vaughn) Johnston;
great-granddaughter of Thomas Johnston, a veteran of the
Revolution. Among other connections of the family are the
Staples, Starkes and Wyatts of Virginia who were
Revolutionary heroes. Mrs. Nesbit is a member of the
Irwinton Baptist Church; is possessed of a friendly and
kindly personality, a lover of flowers and birds; and
although interested in her church, civic organizations
and education , her creed is that woman's highest duty is
to her husband and children and she gave the best of her
life to make their home a happy, contented one.

Their children are: Fleta Jane (see J.E. Butler sketch);
Sarah Carol, (see H.A. Cliett sketch). Edna Mae, (see
sketch of Mrs. Victor Davidson).

WILLIAM CRAVEN PATTERSON

William Patterson, the father of William Craven
Patterson, was born in North Carolina, November 6, 1813,
was married to Elizabeth Denton in 1835. He moved first
to Union County, Georgia, living there until 1858, when
he moved to Milledgeville, Ga. After living there a short
time he moved to Stevens Pottery and a short time later
to Wilkinson County, where he was living at the beginning
of the War Between the States. He with five of his sons
enlisted; and he was killed at Jonesboro, Ga., Sept. 1,
1864, his wife dying with grief in November, following.

Their children were: Mary, Joseph, John, William, Samuel,
James, Nancy, Alfred, Carie, Jefferson, Silas, Eliza,
Andrew, Reuben and Ivey.

William Craven Patterson, who was born April 5th, 1841,
in Union County was one of the five sons who enlisted and
served throughout the war in Co. D 57th Ga., Regiment,
and was honorably discharged in 1865. His skill with a
fife was such that instead of having a bugler, he was
made "Fifer" for his company. His fife was one he had
bought with the first money he made when he was a boy. At
his death, the fife was buried with him at the request of
his wife.

He was married October 23, 1867, to Elizabeth D. Cooper,
daughter of William M. Cooper, once Sheriff of Wilkinson
County, and a noted Primitive Baptist minister who served
Camp Creek Church in Baldwin County; Ramah, Mt. Carmel
and probably other churches in Wilkinson for several
years. Their children were: Sarah M., m. S.R. Brown;
Mattia A., m. L.J. Fountain; Cora I., m. A.N. Torrence;
Mary E., m. C.B. Ivey; Gattie W., Lula E., m. James
Wheeler.

Elizabeth Cooper Patterson was received by experience and
baptized May 23, 1868, at Camp Creek, Elder Scarborough,
Moderator, and William C. Patterson was re

WILLIAM CRAVEN PATTERSON

ceived by experience and baptized Aug. 26, 1876, Camp
Creek Church, Elder Kiel, Moderator.  They were faithful
members till death, he missed only three monthly
conference meetings from May, 1868, these being on
account of sickness in the family and death of two
members of the church. He never had a case in court nor
was a witness. His wife died May 13, 1899, leaving him
sad and lonely, but he ever served his Master till he was
called home April 26, 1911.

(Sketch prepared by Mrs. Emma Jane Patterson Fountain)

REV. JAMES LEE PITTMAN

Rev. James Lee Pittman, pastor of the Gordon Baptist
Church and County School Superintendent of Wilkinson
County, was born at Deepstep, Washington County, Georgia,
March 27, 1892. Though not descended from any of the
historic Wilkinson County families, yet having selected
the county for his home and having entered into the
educational as well as the religious life of the county,
he has been received with open arms by the people here.
He came to the county in response to the call of the
Gordon Baptist Church in 1927 and has been so serving
since. In his pastoral work his manifest consecration to
the cause of Christianity, his devotion to the members of
his flock, his loving sympathy in time of trouble - none
too poor, none too humble, for him to visit in times of
sickness or distress - all have endeared him to those who
have viewed his work year by year. Not only is he
appreciated for his worth by the members of his own
church but also by those of other denominations.

In 1927, he was asked to add to his work as pastor, as
the Principalship of the Gordon High School. He performed
the duties of this position so well that in February,
1929, the office of County School Superintendent becoming
vacant, he was elected by the County Board of Education.

He entered this latter office under great disadvantages,
due to a heavy indebtedness overhanging the schools,
added to the financial troubles of the State Department
of Education which delayed the payments of funds due from
the State.

However, he has actively gone to work remedying such
conditions wherever it lay in his power so to do and
since his taking over the work a considerable reduction
of the indebtedness has been brought about. He is putting
into execution other plans which promise to cut expenses
at the same time make more efficient the schools of the
county.

Mr. Pittman is the son of James M. and Mary Elizabeth
(Gladin) Pittman; grandson of James H. and Margie Ann
(Hood) Pittman and of Lee Anderson Gladin and Abigail
Penny (Roberts) Gladin.

He is the great-grandson of Rev. James Roberts, who was
the son of Reverend Benjamin Roberts, both prominent
Baptist Ministers in the early part of the 19th century,
and both of whom served at different times as pastor of
Bulah Baptist Church in Hancock County. In connection
with these forebears a very peculiar coincidence came
about after our subject entered the ministry. He accepted
the call to serve this same church and one Sunday, having
determined upon his text, took the ancient church Bible
and opened it at the place. Noticing some writing on the
margin he paused to read his great-great-grandfather's
initials opposite this text. Just under that was his
great-grandfather's initials. He added his own name below
the others and the date when he used it.

Mr. Pittman was married March 27, 1912, to Cora Irene
Andrews, the daughter of Lee and Ella (Avant) Andrews,
who was the daughter of Rev. A.S. Avant, of Washington
County.

Mr. Pittman's early education was limited to the seventh
grade, this being acquired at Deepstep. After his
marriage he felt the call to the ministry and at once
began to prepare himself. He first attended Locust Grove
Institute for three years, then spent one year at
Sandersville High School. After this he attended Mercer
University where after taking his A.B. Degree he spent
two years on his Theological course.

He now entered actively into his ministerial duties and
during the years since served the following churches:
Nazareth, near Zebulon, Ga.; Clear Creek and Gordon,
Wilkinson Co.;

REV. JAMES LEE PITTMAN

Antioch, Twiggs Co.; Salem, Baldwin Co.; Salem, Jones
Co.; Warrenville, Eureka, S.C.; Warthen, Union,
Washington Co.; Antioch, Taylor Co.; Mikado, Bibb Co.;
Bulah, Hancock Co. Since entering the ministry Mr.
Pittman has baptized hundreds of persons and conducted
even more funerals.

Mr. and Mrs. Pittman have four children: Oreila Belle,
James Anderson, Obed Lee and Harold Steifel.

In his Association during a ten days meeting sixty were
added to the church. In his own pastorate during a ten
days meeting ninety were added to the church and forty
baptized at one service.

LEON P. PLAYER

Leon P. Player was born September 23, 1885, at the old
family home of the Players near Irwinton, where his
grandfather, S.T. Player, settled more than a century
ago. The latter was, unquestionably, one of the most
remarkable men that ever lived in the county. After
obtaining as good an education as the schools of the
county afforded he taught school for a few years serving
as Justice of Peace and reading law at the same time.
After being admitted to the bar he began his practice at
Irwinton, which was interrupted when the War Between the
States came on. He, with Dr. J.B. Duggan and others
raised a company of men, Company A of the 49th Georgia
Regiment of which he was chosen Captain, and tendered
their services to the Confederacy. Of a fine military
figure and possessing a commanding personality, his
promotion was rapid, soon being made Colonel of the
Regiment. His record during this war was a most enviable
one, and the survivors of his command still voice his
praises. In 1864 following his election to the
Legislature by his county, he resigned from his Regiment
and took his place in the Legislative halls. The subject
of this sketch is the proud possessor of his
grandfather's sword and watch which he carried through
the war.

Colonel Player was married to Miss Nancy Ann Freeman. One
of his sons, William James Player, the father of Leon

P., was a successful farmer, later serving as Coroner and
then Sheriff. Mr. Player's mother was Miss Mary Elizabeth
Hatfield, the daughter of Joe Ellis Hartfield and Martha
Freeman Hatfield, and the granddaughter of George
Washington and Cynthia Freeman, and of Richard and
Rebecca (Brown) Hatfield. (See R.A. Bell Sketch.)

At his father's death our subject was elected to fill the
vacancy, holding the record of being the youngest Sheriff
in Georgia. For fifteen years he held this office. Mr.
Player was recently appointed State License Inspector in
which position he is earning for himself the reputation
of being one of the most active and efficient inspectors
of the state.

During the World War, Mr. Player was appointed on the
Selective Service Board for Wilkinson County and served
faithfully on this throughout the duration of the war.

He is a member of the Methodist Church, at Irwinton, a
Mason and throughout his whole life has been a loyal
Democrat.

He was married July 30, 1922, to Miss Julia Floreid
Carswell, daughter of James A. and Gertrude (Lindsey)
Carswell.

JOHN FLOYD PORTER

John Floyd Porter was born November 15, 1851, the son of
Thomas Redding (1814-1876) and Lucinda (Rye, 1826-1903)
Porter. Thomas R. was the son of Julius and [Sara]
(Crutchfield) Porter. Lucinda was the daughter of John
and —— Rye. The Ryes were early settlers of the county,
Ambrose being a brother and Sarah (m. Elijah Hogan) being
a sister of John. Mary Rye, a widow of a Revolutionary
Soldier is found in the Lottery List of 1827 (reprint by
Miss Martha Lou Houston) in High Hill District of
Wilkinson County.

Several members of the Porter family seems to have
settled in this county and Porter's Creek evidently took
its name from them. The early records of Pleasant Plains
Church indicate that the Porters were Primitive Baptist
in their denomination preference, and this characteristic
is still evident

JOHN FLOYD PORTER

among the older members of the family.

From the earliest period the Porters were the owners of
well tilled plantations and were considered among the
best farmers of the county, owning a number of slaves.

Our subject like his ancestors has spent his life on the
farm and is one of the most progressive farmers of the
county. He bears the respect of everyone who knows him.
Frank, friendly, generous to a fault, hospitable, - all
his hosts of friends find a ready welcome in his home. No
man was ever more loyal than he. His is that rare type
that causes him to exert himself to the utmost, sparing
no pain nor effort, when his friend is in need.

He was married first to Julia Tabytha, the daughter of
W.P. Williams (See W.C. Williams sketch), Dec. 23, 1875.
Of this union there is one son, W. Thomas, (m. Mary
Taylor). He was married second Dec. 15, 1881, to Fannie,
the daughter of Nimrod J. (son of William Brown) Mar. 28,
1803-July 22, 1845) and Artemissa (Burke) Brown, (see
Burke Sketch), and Ruth (Whipple) Brown (see Whipple
sketch). Their children are: Julia, m. Carlton G.
Kitchens; Lester L. m. Ruth Hicks; John F., m. Clara
Bradley; Ruth, m. H.G. McKee; Dora, m. Dr. Fletcher
Hanson. Mrs. Porter is descended from several lines of
patriotic ancestors and takes an active interest in the
D.A.R. of which she is a faithful member. Her greatest
delight, however, has ever been the making of a happy
home for her husband and children. Her loving kindness,
her interest in the welfare of others, her sweet
disposition, her beauty of soul, makes everyone love her.

RUTH WHIPPLE PUGH

Ruth Mildred, daughter of Stephen (1799-1848) and Ruth
Mitchell (1808-1840) Whipple, was born at the old Whipple
Place in Wilkinson County, April 26, 1840. After her
mother's death she was placed in charge of Mr. and Mrs.
Lewis Gross, close friends of the family residing in
Macon, Ga., until her father's second marriage (see
Whipple sketch). She was later carried to Talbot County
where she resided for

several years. She secured her education at Old
Providence School and Madison Female College. Her uncle,
Robert Mitchell, of Talbot County, was her guardian. She
married Nimrod J. Brown of Wilkinson County, December 2,
1857. The war period was a trying time in her life, and
often she remarked that the heaviest burden of her life
was lifted when freedom was declared. She said that every
day she had to care for the sick slaves as she lived near
Turkey Creek and malaria always had some of them in bed.
Three times a day in rain or shine she personally visited
the quarters and gave medicine and food. During the war,
March, 1863, she suffered the loss of her husband by
death and at its close her slaves were freed. Her
experiences in reconstruction days mark her a heroine.

To them four daughters were born, Fannie E., who married
John Porter; Ruth Mildred, who married John M. Gannon, of
Savannah, Ga.; Sarah Neomi - called Nim -who Married
James Booth, of Allentwon; Lily, unmarried, taught in
Americus High School many years. During the war she held
a government position in Washington and after the war at
Ft. McPherson.

After Mr. Brown's death she moved to Irwinton, residing
there until 1873. In 1871, she married David Pugh and to
them were born two daughters; Julia, who married Dr.
Julian H. Chandler, of Swainsboro, Ga., and Louise, who
married Elmer E. Smith, of Birmingham. Mrs. Smith is
connected with the Alabama Woman's Club, Birmingham's
Better Films Committee and is State Registrar of the
Alabama U.D.C.

David Pugh died 1898, and Mrs. Pugh moved to Birmingham
in 1911, where she resided until 1924, when she returned
to Georgia. She died Jan. 26, 1926, and is buried in
Swainsboro, Ga. She was endowed with native ability and a
brilliant mind. No new thought or movement stirred the
country that she was not eager to study, discarding the
outworn and grasping the new that tended toward growth
and development. She was always young. Her life was a
challenge to her daughters and granddaughters to "carry
on." Respon

RUTH WHIPPLE PUGH

siveness to duty, loyalty to family and friends were her
outstanding qualities.

William Mitchell received a certificate of service from
Col. Elijah Clarke, on which he was granted 287 1/2 acres
in Washington County, Ga. His name is also found in the
certified list of Georgia Troops.

According to family records and tradition the first known
Mitchell ancestor was Hugh Mitchell, born in Ireland,
1638, died after 1758. Hugh had a son, John, born about
1700, John had two sons, William and John. These boys
lived with their grandfather and when William, a lad of
17 years, left Ireland for America, his grandfather,
Hugh, then 120 years old, walked with him three leagues
to the sea to see him take ship. William landed about
Delaware Bay, lived in Pennsylvania for awhile and later
settled in St. Paul's Parish. At a Council held at
Savannah, Dec. 9, 1768, William Mitchell was granted 200
acres. William Mitchell was granted Lot no. 43 as a
settler of Wrightsborough, St. Paul's Parish at a Council
held at Savannah Tuesday, July 3, 1770. When the Quakers
of Wrightsborough repudiated the action of the Patriots,
Aug. 10, 1774, William Mitchell was one of the signers,
with many others who only a few months later joined the
rank of the patriots. In 1784, he removed to his grant in
Washington Co., on the Ogeechee River, later cut off into
Hancock. When by the treaties of 1802, 1805, the lands
east of the Ocmulgee river were secured from the Indians,
he moved from Hancock to Wilkinson County, Ga., and
settled about twelve miles south of Irwinton towards
Jeffersonville. The exact location of his grave is known
to his descendants.

Ruth Jackson, his wife, is thought to have been the
daughter of Benjamin Jackson, an early settler of Wilkes
County, Ga., and who died in Hancock County, Ga., 1798.

Benjamin Mitchell was commissioned Jan. 20, 1797, Lieut.
in Col. Samuel Alexander's Regiment of Militia, including
Volunteer Troops, First Battalion commanded by Major John
Lawson of Warren County. Benjamin removed to Wilkinson
County, 1802-1805, and later to Talbot County,

where he died.

(Compiled from data and writings furnished by members of
the family.)

JOEL RIVERS

Of French descent, Joel Rivers, according to family
tradition, was born in Johnston County, North Carolina in
1796, the son of Richard and Elizabeth Rivers. Joel first
moved to Hancock County, Georgia, and in 1821 was married
to Mary Pearson, of Wilkinson county (b. 1802). He moved
to Wilkinson county settling just south of Ramah Church
on the land now owned by J.W. Dennard. Being a good
manager, he amassed wealth rapidly, soon owning many
slaves and a large plantation.

In 1833 he was elected to represent the county in the
Legislature which office he held through 1839. Two years
later he was elected State Senator. His record in the
House and Senate was a most creditable one. One of his
bills in particular which meant so much to Wilkinson
County was the creation of all the "Deestrick" Academies
throughout the county in 1836 which were partly supported
by state aid. One of these academies, Union Hill, was
built on land donated by him.

In politics, Joel Rivers was a staunch Whig, and whenever
a candidate was promised his support, it meant all that
whole section of the county would throw its full vote the
same way.

Joel Rivers was recognized as the strongest man
physically in the county.

The opening of the War Between the States found Rivers an
invalid and unable to walk, yet imbued with the spirit of
patriotism. When Company B of the 14th Georgia was being
organized, he, with two or three others, assumed the
expense of uniforming and equipping them for service.
When the Company formed their line to march to Gordon to
entrain for the front, they first marched to the Rivers'
home to bid him good-bye. He never lived to see the end
of the war, dying in 1863.

JOEL RIVERS

His children were: William, m. Ann Connelly, d. in Texas;
Sarah, m. James R. Lewis; Polly, m. J.W. Branan, Sheriff
of Wilkinson County, 1864; Betsy, m. Thomas R. Whitaker,
d. in Texas; Jack, Judge Inferior Court, Major and
Lieutenant Colonel 49th Ga., Ordinary of Wilkinson
County, 1864-1866, m. Catherine M. Gainey, d. in
Hawkinsville; Richard, m. Patient Bragg first and Lucinda
Branan second, d. in Dodge County; Winafred, m. John
McArthur, Tax Collector of Wilkinson County, 1864-66, d.
Cordele; Eliza, m. John R. Bragg, Member Legislature
1864-5, d. Macon; Gillie, m. Elijah Columbus Hogan, first
and Caswell H. Branan, second, d. Gray, Georgia.

WILLIAM B. RYLE

William B. Ryle is well known in Wilkinson County as one
of the progressive and enterprising business men of
Gordon, where he was born January 3, 1875. He was the son
of Benjamin Franklin and Patience (Sanders) Ryle,
otherwise mentioned in this volume. Benjamin Franklin
Ryle, was born January 5, 1845, and died February 25,
1916, and was the son of William Brantly and Matilda
(Brewer) Ryle. William Brantly was the son of Joshua and
Mary Ryle.

W.B. Ryle was largely instrumental in the building of the
present Baptist Church in Gordon of which he is a member.

He has served two terms as Mayor of Gordon and always
held the best interests of the community at heart,
seeking to promote public welfare, and stood consistently
back of every civic movement and in every way possible
contributed to the advancement of Gordon and Wilkinson
County, he also served as Alderman for several terms.
Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted
Masons; politically, he has always been a Democrat.

For a number of years he has held an automobile agency
and has met with success in this line of business.

He married Miss Vallie Dewell, November 14, 1900, who was
the daughter of Reverend W.D. and Mary Frances (Reid)
Dewell.

Reverend Dewell was a Baptist Minister, who served a
number of churches in Wilkinson County for a period of
thirty-five years, and organized and built churches in
many communities.

(By a Member of the Family)

KING SANDERS

King Sanders was born May 12, 1818, and died May 24,
1888. He was the son of Malachi Madison and Margaret
(Peggy) Watson Sanders who were married May 27, 1804, in
Newberry District, S.C. Soon thereafter moving to Hancock
County, Georgia, where he enlisted and served as a
private in Captain David Rosser's Company of Georgia
Militia from October 12, 1814, until March 15, 1815.

Mr. Sanders married Bethany Leslie March 25, 1841. She
was the daughter of Silas and Bethany (Tyson) Leslie, who
came to Wilkinson County from St. Mary's, Camden County
and settled six miles south of Gordon. Mrs. Sanders
inherited the old homestead and there the couple lived
many years. Today the plantation is owned by a daughter,
Mrs. W.A. Jones.

To this union were born the following children: William,
the eldest, died without issue while in service during
the War Between the States and was buried in Virginia;
Sarah, married D. Jackson Ryle; Patience, married B.
Frank Ryle; Doctor Franklin, married Marietta Hooks;
Jackann Missouri married Charles M. Hooks; Gillie,
married John W. Powell; John Wilson, married Linnie
Dennard; Winnie Bethany, married William A. Jones;
Minnie, married John Wesley Hooks.

Mr. Sanders was a prosperous planter until 1870, when
with his  family he moved to Gordon and entered the
mercantile business in which by close attention and a
splendid business ability he amassed what was considered
in those days a small fortune. In September, 1885, he
retired from business being succeeded by Sanders, Ryle
and Sanders, his two sons and son-in-law B. Frank Ryle.

He was a Democrat in his political convictions and

KING SANDERS

while he never entered politics he was very public
spirited and served his town as alderman many terms.

He and his good wife, Bethany, joined Ramah Primitive
Baptist Church, September 16, 1865, and was ever
thereafter a consistent member of the same. He was a
constant reader of the old family Bible which still
remains in the family. Sunday, May 13, 1888, the day
following his seventieth birthday, with his faithful
wife, he attended services at Ramah. Returning with him
for dinner were Elders John H. Gresham, and Alfred W.
Patterson. After they left for their respective homes he
remarked that he would never listen to a better sermon
than he had heard that morning. After that he retired to
his room to rest saying he was not feeling well. This was
his last illness, his remains now rest in his beloved
Ramah church yard.

(Mrs. Minnie Sanders Hooks.)

THURMAN SANDERS

The ancestors of Thurman Sanders, Sheriff of Wilkinson
County, were among the first settlers of Wilkinson. (See
King Sanders Sketch). Daniel Sanders, the son of Malachi
and Margaret (or Peggy) (Watson) Sanders, was the
grandfather of our subject and married Sibby Leslie (Dec.
18, 1814, Jan. 17, 1880-Dec. 19, 1833.) Their children
were: Silas J., m. Sarah A.R. Bridger; Mary A.E., m.
Hamilton McCook; Govey B. (killed in War); Malachi M.;
James W., m. Georgia Wood; Emmy Tyson; Joel J.; Francis
Marion, m. T.C. Dixon; Louise Elliott; and Narcissy
Caroline, m. J.W. Brooks.

Malachi M. Sanders was married to Sarah Jane Johnson, the
daughter of Isaac F. and Katie (Ross) Johnson, Nov. 8,
1868. Their children were: J.F.; I.D.; M.A.I.; L.F.;
N.A.; Copra T.; W.J.; R.M.; Mat.; K.A.; Thurman (b. July
16, 1888); Irene.

The subject of this sketch was reared on his father's
farm and attended school only a few months, but made good
use of his time. After farming for several years, Mr.
Sanders moved to Gordon in 1925 and engaged in the
mercantile

business.

Mr. Sanders was elected Sheriff of Wilkinson County in
1928, and entered upon his duties January 1, 1929. At the
October Term of Superior Court 1929, he won the open
commendation of Solicitor-General, Joseph B. Duke, for
his successful work in preparing a notorious murder case
for prosecution.

Mr. Sanders is a Mason, Woodman, Odd-Fellow and is a
member of the Baptist Church and takes an active interest
in all movements for the betterment of the community in
which he is living. He is of a friendly, obliging
disposition and makes friends easily, to whom he is most
loyal.

Mr. Sanders was married to Sarah Aycock, the daughter of
James J. and Mollie (Newby) Aycock, granddaughter of
Jasper and Mattie (Kirkpatrick) Aycock, great-
granddaughter of Barden Aycock. Mrs. Sanders, like her
husband, is a member of the Baptist Church, hospitable,
friendly and sympathetic to those in distress. They have
two children; Eunice, a graduate of Gordon High School
and J.T., now a student at Brewton-Parker Institute.

MISS EDDIE STANLEY

Miss Eddie Stanley, veteran school teacher and a member
of a family which for nearly a century has taken a
prominent part in the public life of the county, has in
the school room demonstrated her worth as a builder. In
the community where her ancestors before her made their
homes, she found a use for her talent. Sand Hill School
was unquestionably the worst run down one teacher school
in all Wilkinson. It was an eyesore on a poverty stricken
sand hill and the Board of Education saw no good in
continuing its existence. Miss Stanley, however, felt the
need of a school at this place. The community sought her
services and she accepted, more from a desire to serve
her home people than for any pay, for she was offered a
larger salary elsewhere. Throwing her whole soul

into the work she laid her plan before the writer, who
was serving as County School Superintendent, and upon the
recommendation of W.T. Porter, a member of the Board of
Education, it was decided to give the school a final
trial. Miss Stanley had no sooner begun her work than
interest in education began to be awakened in that
community. During the term a check on school attendance
showed that school in the lead and at the end of the year
the Board decided to continue the school. Competitive
examinations held the next year in every school in the
county proved the pupils of this school far in the lead
of other one teacher schools and close competitors of the
largest schools of the county.

The fame of the school spread. One of the State School
Supervisors was sent from Atlanta to Sand Hill School to
make an inspection. The report he gave after a careful
examination was that Miss Stanley's school was the best
one teacher school in the State of Georgia. She later
served as Principal of larger schools in the county with
equal success.

Miss Stanley possesses that spirit of loyalty to her
friends, devotion to duty, and love for her county,
unexcelled by any. Upon the recent death of O.J. Wright,
her brother-in-law, she was appointed administratrix of
his estate. The management of his considerable property
and the guardianship of her minor nieces devolved upon
her. She has performed and is performing these duties
with a skill which has won for her the admiration of
those who realize the magnitude of such undertakings.

Miss Stanley's great-great-grandparents were: James and
Winnifred Stanley, married 1754 and died April 19, 1795
and June 14, 1800 respectively.) Their children were
Oliver, Sarah, Elizabeth, Susanne, Winnifred, Mary, John,
James and Nathaniel.

Her great-grandparents were: John, (Mar. 30, 1766-Oct.
12, 1837) and Mary (called Polly) Fordham (Mar. 8, 1773-
Dec. 1, 1816) who were married Dec. 20, 1797. Their
children were: John, Wright, Nathan, Pearcy, Mary
(Polly), Benjamin F., Leah, Winnifred, Edward R. (The
latter was a

member of Congress from North Carolina.)

Her grand-father, John Stanley (Oct. 25, 1798-Oct. 25,
1854) was married first (Oct. 26, 1824) to Sarah West
(Feb. 19, 1805-July 1, 1828) the daughter of Joseph and
Sarah West. Their children were: Mary Elizabeth, Sarah
Catherine and Louisa. His second marriage was (Feb. 12,
1833) to Sarah Holliman (Dec. 27, 1812-Oct. 15, 1863).
Their children were: James H.D., John J., Nathan Thos.,
Prudence Ann, Pearcy, Richard Reynolds, and Rewell Reese.
(Family Bible records of John (Jackey) Stanley now in the
possession of J.T. Dupree: record of Stanley family
prepared by Kate Wright).

Her father, John J. Stanley (Mar. 7, 1835-Mar. 16, 1887)
was married to Mattie Pool. They had three daughters:
Jennie, Eddie and Claude.

Jennie, m. Jan 5, 1896 Abel J. Dominy and their children
are: John Roberson, m. Miss Ira Pearce, of Americus, and
holds a desirable position with the Southeastern Express
Co., of Atlanta; Edward Perry, m. Grace Grant, of
Homestead, Fla., and as employee of Dr. P. Phillips Co.,
of Orlando, Fla., has charge of a very large fruit
packing plant; William Jackson, m. Miss Ethlene Smith of
Dublin and also holds an excellent position in the same
company with his brother, Edward; Harold Hardy, d. May
17, 1924.

Claude, the youngest daughter of J.J. Stanley, married
Oscar J. Wright July 28, 1906. Their children are: Eva
(m. William P. Greene of Shelby, N.C. Oct. 20, 1929);
Gladys, and Kate, the two latter holding very responsible
positions with Sears, Roebuck & Co., of Atlanta, and with
which two nieces our subject is now making her home.

HERBERT EUGENE STEPHENS

Herbert Eugene Stephens was born at Tennille, Washington
County, Ga., Sept. 17, 1888, son of James B. and Virginia
(Pope) Stephens. He graduated at the Tennille Institute
in 1907 and soon thereafter entered the employ of the
Tennille Banking Co. as Assistant Bookkeeper. In January,
1908, he accepted a position with the Bank of Girard,
Georgia,

MISS EDDIE STANLEY

where he remained until October of that year when he
returned to his former position with the Tennille Banking
Company, soon being promoted to head bookkeeper.

He held this place until November 15, 1910, when he came
to the Wilkinson County Bank at Toomsboro as Cashier.

As a banker, Mr. Stephens has made a phenomenal success
during the nineteen years in this institution. He took
hold of a bank with a $15,000 capital in 1910 and since
that time it has paid out in dividends the sum of $47,500
in cash including a stock dividend of $10,000. The
capital, surplus and undivided profits now amount to
$32,000. His unceasing activities in behalf of the bank
has inspired a confidence in its strength unsurpassed by
any country bank in the state. The periods of depression
and panic which it has successfully weathered, and from
which it has always emerged with an increase in deposits,
when banks in other sections were closing their doors,
have tested the confidence in the institution.

Mr. Stephens' ability as a financier was again tested
during the year 1919 to 1924, while serving as Chairman
of the Wilkinson County Board of Education. He advocated
the budgeting of the school funds and each year was a
member of the Budget Committee. So sucessfully did this
plan work that the board was always able to pay its
teachers promptly every month, and the school system of
Wilkinson was considered one of the best in the state,
and so pronounced by the state authorities.

In October, 1927, he was again elected a member of the
County Board of Education. Immediately after entering
upon his duties, he, with the other members, set about
devising plans towards reducing the $18,000 indebtedness
of the Board of Education, and putting the operation of
the schools on a better basis. Already they have reduced
the indebtedness more than one-half and have put on trial
a county wide system of consolidation of schools, such as
is meeting with success in many other counties.

Mr. Stephens has also served for twelve years on the

local school board at Toomsboro, and has been unceasingly
active in its upbuilding. He found it a two-teacher
school, able to run but a few months in the year. After
repeated efforts a local tax was voted. Later, the
district was enlarged and a bond issue was carried. After
the house was built the school grew so rapidly that
another bond issue was voted and additional rooms were
added. But for his tireless energy and that of some
others the school would not have attained its present
excellence.

In addition to this Mr. Stephens has always been in the
forefront in every movement for the betterment of the
county, is a strong advocate of good roads,  County
Agent, etc. A few years ago when the Toomsboro Chamber of
Commerce was organized he was chosen its President. He
has served for fourteen years on the Town Council of
Toomsboro. In 1912 he purchased the Wilkinson County
Banner Newspaper and for four years operated it with
Lamar S. Tigner as Editor, later selling out to the
Bulletin.

Mr. Stephens is by far one of the most active Baptists in
Georgia, having been a member since the age of twelve. He
has served as Clerk of the Toomsboro Baptist Church since
1912. In 1922 he and Dr. A.D. Ware were the only two
adult male members, but they began the agitation of the
question of building a church and soon had it completed.
As soon as the house was built in 1922, he helped
organize a Sunday School and was elected Superintendent
which position he still holds. He is likewise an active
member of the Executive Committee of the Ebenezer Baptist
Association and was elected Treasurer of the Association
in 1929.

Mr. Stephens was married June 7, 1916, to Miss Mayme
Hughes, the daughter of Heyward D. and Emma (Hughs)
Hughes (see sketch). They have two daughters: Martha
Hughes Stephens and Mary Eugenia Stephens. Mrs. Stephens
was born in Irwinton and has a deep love for the place of
her childhood where she has numerous friends. She makes a
most capable mother and efficient home maker, besides
taking great interest in the Church, School and Robert

HERBERT EUGENE STEPHENS

Toombs Chapter U.D.C. of which she served for several
years as Vice-President.

JOSEPH ALEXANDER STOKES (1871-1949)

Joseph Alexander Stokes, son of Wm. H. and Margaret E.
Lee Stokes was born October 3, 1871, in Twiggs County,
McDonald's Dist., on Big Sandy Creek. His father was born
in Stokes County, N.C., in 1826, his mother in Laurens
County, Ga., in 1836. His paternal grand parents -
Freeman Walker and Elizabeth Melton Stokes - were born in
North Carolina in 1807.

His father was prominently connected with public life in
Twiggs County, was sheriff for sixteen years and held
other offices of public trust. On the second day after
his death, W.A. Davis, cotton commission factor of Macon,
Ga., and Grand Master of the Masonic Grand Lodge of
Georgia, remarked that of all his business acquaintances
he was the most prompt and that his son Joe was a chip
off the old block.

In November, 1889, he was united in a marriage to a
Wilkinson County girl, Miss Louisa Ryle, of sterling
worth and character. Her business-like qualities have
contributed to not only domestic happiness, but as a true
help-meet to economic success. To their union were born
three sons and four daughters, - in order of age: John
Thomas, Joseph Emory, Myrtle, Eva Mae, Ruth, Wm. Harbard
and Nina.

Joseph remained on the farm until after the death of his
parents. He first came to Gordon in 1907, residing one
year, then moved back to the farm. Three years later
having consummated a business deal with W.A. Jones,
returned to Gordon and has been identified with every
interest characteristic of good citizenship. He is at
present Mayor of Gordon for the term expiring Dec. 31,
1930. All of his children, except one, are residents of
Gordon and actively engaged in pursuits related to
social, cultural and economic prosperity of the
community. John T., the oldest son is a veteran of the
World War, having spent several months in France.

Mr. Stokes and all of his children are prominently

connected with the Methodist Church, he, himself, having
served officially in some capacity for nearly forty
years. He has never been an addict of profanity, knows
nothing of the personal effects of whiskey and tobacco.
He has been guided by high ideals of domestic fidelity,
loyalty to constituted authority, church and state, with
an inherent disposition of justice and good will to every
man.

(By Freeman L. Stokes)

LAMAR S. TIGNER (1879-1946)

Although the Tigner family is not one of the pioneer
families of Wilkinson County, yet Lamar Tigner has spent
by far the greater part of his life here and so
completely has his whole being merged and become a part
that we are proud to claim him as our own. He came here
first in 1904, taking charge of The Bulletin, and though
at times since he has been away the lure of Wilkinson has
always drawn him back.

"Tig" as he is fondly known to the people of the county,
is loved as perhaps none other. His friendly and obliging
disposition has endeared him to all who know him. The
children especially are his friends. If he has an enemy
in the world no one knows where to look for him. "Tig"
and the Bulletin are synonymous to the minds of most
people, so long has he been managing it.

So attached had he become to Irwinton that in 1921 he
moved his mother, sister and aunt here and built a home —
he and Fleming Blooodworth having purchased The Bulletin
in 1920.

His sister, Miss Mary Tigner, is a writer of no mean
ability, and assists him in the publication of The
Bulletin. She has written and published a number of poems
whose beauty impresses the reader with her talent.

Mr. Tigner comes of a long line of historic ancestors. He
is the son of Dr. William Achelaus Tigner, born in
Meriwether County, Ga., July 13, 1833, died at Jonesboro,
Ga., Feb. 20, 1894. Graduated from Emory College in 1854.
Afterwards studied medicine; mastered six foreign
languages;

LAMAR S. TIGNER

studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1866. He
taught school in Alabama and became president of the
college. While in Alabama he married Miss Eugenie Dozier.
The children of this union were Hon. G.Y. Tigner, now
judge of the City Court of Columbus, Ga., W.A. Tigner,
Jr., who was also a lawyer, being connected with King,
Spalding &  Little of Atlanta until his health failed and
he retired to his farm near Jonesboro, where he died; and
Miss Martha Tigner who married Archibald Osborne and now
resides in Huntington, W.Va.

Later Dr. Tigner taught in Newberry, S.C. While there he
became closely associated with a number of Lutheran
families and was so impressed with the Lutheran faith and
the piety and consecration of these people that he joined
the Lutheran Church and became a minister. He stood high
as a theologian in that church, being at one time
president of the Synod of Ga., Fla., and Ala. He also did
a splendid work in establishing mission churches in
Georgia. He was pastor of the church at Haralson, Ga.,
for 17 years.

In 1872 he married Miss Miriam Byington, of Atlanta,
daughter of Montgomery Pike Byington who was his senior
law partner at the time. M.P. Byington was a native of
Wilkinson County, being the son of Amos Fox Byington and
the grandson of John Byington of Branford, Conn., who was
of Scotch descent. The children of this union who lived
to reach maturity were Robert S., who was for many years
connected with Armour & Company, being Advertising
Manager of the Southern States when he died; Homer M.,
also of Atlanta, who was in newspaper work; Lamar S., the
subject of this sketch; and Mary.

Dr. Tigner was a Royal Arch Mason and spent much time and
labor in Masonic research work. He was preparing a series
of lectures to be delivered before the more important
lodges in the U.S. when he died. His MSS were sent to the
Atlanta lodge after his death.

Dr. Tigner was the highest type of Christian gentleman.
He was considered one of the first educators of the
South. He was given positions of honor in his church, his
lodge and

his State, being elected Senator of the 35th District in
1844, without opposition. During his last illness, which
lasted for eleven months, he held a Bible study class for
ministers who came to his home to hear his discourses.

Lamar Tigner's grandfather was Rev. Young F. Tigner, born
Aug. 22, 1805, became a Methodist preacher in Sept. 1824,
and preached for nearly fifty years. He married Sarah
Frances Tinsley on Nov. 29th, 1827. She was the daughter
of James Tinsley, a Virginia planter, and Lucy Crawford
Tinsley, who was the daughter of Joel Crawford and sister
of the great statesman, William Harris Crawford. Joel
Crawford's wife was Fannie Harris, of a prominent
Virginia family of Scotch-Irish descent. Isham G. Harris,
Gov. of Tenn., and long a distinguished member of the
U.S. Senate, was of this family, as were also Judge John
W. Harris, member of the Supreme Court of Texas, and his
brother Sam Harris, Lieut. Governor of Texas. Robert
Harris of this family has a distinguished Revolutionary
record and is the ancestor through whom several of the
Tigner family have united with the D.A.R. William Harris,
for whom William Harris Crawford was presumably named,
was a member of Gen. Washington's personal staff.

The generations of the Crawford family are as follows:
Joel Crawford, great-grandfather of Lamar Tigner, was
born in Hanover County, Va., 1736, married Fannie Harris,
1760, died 1788. His father, David Crawford, born Hanover
County, Va., 1697, married Ann Anderson, 1727, died 1766.
David was the son of Capt. David Crawford and Elizabeth
Smith Crawford. Capt. David was born in 1662 and died in
1762, being over 100 years old. His father was also named
David and was born in Ayershire, Scotland in 1625 and
married in James City Co., Va., in 1654. This eldest
David came over from Scotland with his father, John, Earl
of Crawford and hero of the battle of Gratzka. John of
Crawford was the first of the name to reach America and
was killed in "Bacon's Rebellion" in 1676. His wife died
in Scotland before he came over. He was born in
Ayershire, Scotland in 1600 and came to America

LAMAR S. TIGNER

in 1643. (This information is taken from Shipp's "Giant
Days, or The Life and Times of William H. Crawford.")

To return to the direct Tigner line: Lamar Tigner's
great-grandfather was Philip Tigner, born in Acomac
County, Va., Dec. 25th, 1760. Married first Miss Nancy
Forbish and moved to Clarke, now Oconee County, Ga. His
wife died and he married Miss Nancy Hall who was the
daughter of Hugh Hall, a Colonel in the Revolution, who
is buried at Sparta, Ga. Nancy Hall's mother was Mary
Reid and she was a blood relative of George Washington;
also a near relative of Lyman Hall, one of the signers of
the Declaration of Independence; (See Memoirs of Georgia,
P. 656.) Philip Tigner was a Methodist preacher and built
on his plantation near Athens "Tigner's Chapel," which is
said to be the first Methodist church in the State. He
made the nails for this building in his blacksmith shop.
Lorenzo Dow, the noted Methodist Evangelist, made Philip
Tigner's home his headquarters when he visited this
State.

Lamar Tigner's great-great grandfather was Capt. George
Tigner, an Englishman and a "Skipper of a Schooner." He
and his brother, Thomas, came to America in 1750 and
settled in Baltimore. They owned a line of schooners
plying between Baltimore and Liverpool, Eng. During the
Revolution the British confiscated their ships. Both
brothers and George's son Philip, a lad of 16, are said,
through family tradition, to have fought in the
Revolution, but on account of some records which were
burned in a Virginia courthouse this has not been
verified. See Harden's History of Savannah and S. Ga.,
Vol. II. p. 1025. Thomas Tigner later returned to England
and George moved to Acomac County, Va., and engaged in
farming until his death.

Of the Tigner family in Europe little is positively
known, except that they were Saxons. Members of the
family are now living in Sweden.

JOHN CALDWELL CALHOUN TODD

John C. Calhoun Todd was born in Lexington, S.C.,

July 16, 1843, the son of Dr. Patrick Todd and Mary
(Weiss) Todd, and a grandson of Patrick Todd, Sr., and
Jane (Carmichael) Todd. On the paternal side he was of
Scotch descent.

He was educated principally by tutors at his father's
home, but also attended schools in Augusta, Ga. He
enlisted in the Confederate Army in the Spring of '62,
age 19 years, in Co. G, Seventh Florida Regiment and took
part in some of the most important engagements of the War
Between the States. He was in his first battle at Resaca
as bugler, and was honorably discharged at the close of
the war, still holding the rank of bugler. Capt. R.B.
Smith being in command of his company at that time. In
1920 he received the Cross of Honor from Mary Ann
Williams Chapter U.D.C. Sandersville, Ga. One of his
brothers, an officer in the Confederate Army, was killed
while leading a charge. Another brother and his father,
Dr. Patrick Todd, also served during the war.

After the war the Todds lived in Marion County, Florida,
where Dr. Patrick Todd praticed medicine and J.C.C. Todd
was in the mercantile business in Ocala for several
years. Later he was in the drug business in Savannah, and
here he met a daughter of Dr. A.R. Norton and Julia
(Greene) Norton, Miss Susan Tallullah Norton, whom he
married July 24, 1872, at the First Baptist Church,
Savannah. Mr. Todd was Chief Clerk to the Agent of the
Central Railroad, Savannah, during the time Mr. McIntyre
and Mr. Rogers were Superintendents, and he was relief
agent at Milledgeville at the time it was the State
Capitol. On account of ill health he requested a transfer
from Savannah to a country agency, so in 1888 he was sent
to McIntyre, Wilkinson County, Ga. He held this post for
some years, and each of his five sons held the office
after him. Finally his health forced him to give up
railroad work, and he then taught school in different
parts of the county. This was a work that he loved very
much and in it he had marked success, winning the love
and esteem of many.

He was a member of the Lutheran Church, but there was no
church of this denomination near his home, until a few

JOHN CALDWOOD CALHOUN TODD

years before his death one was organized in Macon, of
which he became a Charter member. Mr. Todd took an active
interest in the Baptist Church at McIntyre and was
Superintendent of the Sunday School for thirty years. He
was a Mason, his membership at his death being in the
Irwinton Lodge.

After a long and useful life he died at McIntyre May 12,
1921, and was buried there. He was survived by his wife,
five sons, one daughter and eight grand-children.

One of his great-grandfather's on the maternal side was
Ernest Frederick Weiss (m. Anna Barbara Bickley) who with
his brother, John Jacob, sailed from Rotterdam in the
ship Nancy and reached Philadelphia August 31, 1750. On
Dec. 21, 1752 land was laid out for him on the Saluda
River in what is now Lexington, S.C., and in 1753 this
land was granted him by King George II. One of
Frederick's sons married Margaret Kelly, and became the
father of Mary (Weiss) Todd. Their descendants prize a
copy of the Weiss Coat-of-Arms. (Weiss now spelled Wyse
by descendants of that name.)

Susan Tallulah Norton, wife of J.C.C. Todd, was a
descendant of Lt. William Norton, who served with the
Continental Troops during the Revolutionary War. He was
wounded and captured by the British but his sister, Mrs.
E.N. Joyner, secured his release from the British
Commander. Lt. Norton was born in England, son of
Jonathan and Mary Ann (Chopin) Norton, and came to
America with his wife and three sisters. They first
located on St. Helena Island, but also lived for some
time in South Georgia and Screven County, Ga., where he
was granted land for his services during the
Revolutionary War.

During the War Between the States, Dr. A.R. Norton served
as a Surgeon with the Confederacy and he had five sons in
the Confederate Army.

(By Sarah C. Todd and Julia Norton Todd)

THE WHIPPLE FAMILY

Captain John Whipple settled at Dorchester, Mass., about
the year 1630, and afterwards, in 1658 or 1659, in Rhode

Island at Providence. It is from this Capt. John Whipple
that the Georgia family descended. He was born in England
in 1616 or 1617, and died in Providence, R.I., May 16,
1685. He came to America with Israel Stoughton. He
married his wife, Sarah, there in 1639 or 1640. He was a
member of the Town Council of Providence in 1669 - Town
Clerk in 1670-72, 1676-77, 1681-83; Town Treasurer in
1668-'83 and Deputy to the Rhode Island General Assembly
1666-69-70-72-74-76-77. He received the title of Captain
in King Phillip's War (Indian) in 1676. He conducted an
inn from 1674 until his death and was one of the most
conspicuous inn-holders of the century. His inn was the
favorite meeting place of the Town Council and Court of
Probate and at one time the session of the Rhode Island
General Assembly met at the Whipple Inn. He died in
Providence May 16, 1685. Sarah, his wife, died there
1666. She was born in Dorchester, Mass., in 1624. Both
were buried in a garden lot near his house, but
afterwards were re-interred in the North Burying Place as
shown by inscriptions on their tombstones. They had eight
sons and three daughters, the fourth child was a son by
the name of Eleazer Whipple.

Eleazer Whipple was born in Dorchester, Mass., in 1645 or
1646, Jan. 26, 1669 he married Alice Angell of
Providence, born 1649. The dwelling which stands to the
present time on Eleazer Whipple's homestead place, near
Providence, was built in 1680, and is still occupied. It
stands on the site of the one built by him in 1670, but
which was destroyed by the Indians in King Phillip's War
in 1675-'76, and near which he was wounded August 1,
1675, for which wound he received a pension March 11,
1676, to the amount of ten pounds by vote of the Colony.
So far as it has been ascertained this is the earliest
pension granted in the American Colonies for Military
service and disability. Eleazer Whipple was a member of
the General Assembly of Rhode Island in 1670. In 1693 and
1701 he was a Deputy. He died Aug. 25, 1719, and his
wife, Alice, died there Aug. 13, 1743. They are both
buried in the burial ground on the place and inscriptions
on their tombstones are to the above effect.

THE WHIPPLE FAMILY

Alice (Angell) Whipple was the daughter and fifth child
of Thomas and Alice Angell. Thomas was born in England in
1618. He came to America in the ship Lyon which left
Bristol, England, in December 1630. He arrived in Boston,
Mass., Feb. 5, 1631, and soon went to Salem, Mass. In
1636 he and four others went with Roger Williams and made
a settlement earlier than July of this year at
Providence, R.I., having spent the preceding winter at
Seekonk. Thomas Angell married Alice about 1646. She died
in 1695. He died in 1694. Eleazer and Alice Whipple had
seven children. The youngest child was Daniel Whipple.

Daniel Whipple was born about 1690. He married his first
wife, Mary, about the year 1715, and settled beyond the
Blackstone river in what was then called Wrentham, Mass.
But which was afterwards about 1727, annexed to Rhode
Island and called Cumberland. It is presumed that Mary
died about 1730. Daniel Whipple married his second wife,
Anne, about 1735, who it is presumed was living at the
time of his death, which was after March 29, 1766, the
date of his will. His sixth child by the second wife,
Anne, was Preserved Whipple.

Preserved Whipple was born in Cumberland, R.I., Sept. 26,
1746. He married Olive Ballou probably about 1766. Olive
Ballou, was born in Cumberland, R.I., May 13, 1751, and
died in Richmond, New Hampshire, April 14, 1845. The
family moved from Cumberland, R.I., to Richmond, N.H., in
1794. He was a most reputable man, averaging well with
his contemporaries. He served as private in Gould's
Division and in Smith's Co. Col. John Matherson's Reg.
during the Revolution. He died in Richmond, N.H. May 25,
1812, or 1813. Preserved and Olive Whipple had eleven
children.

Olive Ballou was descended from: (1) Maturin and Hannah
(Pike) Ballou. Hannah Pike was the only child of Robert
and Catherine Pike. The earliest record of Maturin Ballou
and Robert Pike is Jan. 19, 1646, when they, with 26
others, signed an agreement with Roger Williams for a
free grant of twenty-five acres each of land in the town
of Providence, R.I. (2) James Ballou I was the second
child of Maturin

and Hannah Pike Ballou. (3) James Ballou II, the fifth
child of James and Susanna (Whitman) Ballou, married
Catherine Arnold (4) James Ballou III, the fifth child of
James and Catherine (Arnold) Ballou, married Thomasin
Cook and his name appears on the alarm list of 2nd Co. or
Train Band under command of Capt. Levi Tower of
Cumberland, R.I. (5) Olive (Ballou) Whipple was the
second child of James and Thomasin (Cook) Ballou.

Colonel Stephen Whipple was the third child of Preserved
and Olive (Ballou) Whipple. He was born in Cumberland,
R.I., Nov. 27, 1772, and married Mrs. Olive (Bennett)
Allen, April 5, 1795, the daughter of Timothy and Hannah
Darling Bennett of Cumberland, R.I., (Timothy Bennett was
a private in Capt. Gorton's Co. Col. Lipett's Regiment
during the Revolution). She was born Feb. 16, 1770 and
died at her home near Lonsdale, in Cumberland, R.I.,
about 1858. He was Colonel of the Rhode Island State
Militia. He died Nov. 7, 1844, being a high degree Mason
he was buried with Masonic honors. Col. Stephen Whipple
and Olive (Bennett) (Allen) Whipple had eleven children.
The third child was Stephen Whipple.

Stephen Whipple II was born in Cumberland, R.I., March
14, 1799, was educated in Rhode Island and came to DeKalb
Co., Ga., in 1820, as a school teacher. In 1823 he
removed to Wilkinson County, Ga., where he founded the
New Providence School. He made his home with Benjamin
Mitchell, whose home was about two miles from the school
and church, Oct. 17, 1824, Stephen Whipple and Ruth
Mitchell, daughter of Benjamin and Mildred Hatcher
Carswell Mitchell, were married. Ruth (Mitchell) Whipple
was born in Twiggs County, Ga., Jan. 11, 1808. She was a
dutiful daughter, a loving wife, fond mother and withal a
beautiful Christian woman. She died Oct. 18, 1840, and
was buried in East Macon, Ga., in Fort Hill Cemetery.

Stephen Whipple II visited Providence in 1843 or 1844,
and while there married his second wife, Eliza Knight of
Providence and returned with her to his Georgia home. He

THE WHIPPLE FAMILY

died Feb. 13, 1847, and is buried on the Whipple place in
Wilkinson County, Ga. His widow continued to live here
but while on a visit to Providence, R.I., in 1881, she
died and is buried there. The children of Stephen and
Ruth (Mitchell) Whipple were: Robert Motley (Aug. 15,
1825 - Oct. 29, 1825); Geo. Augustus (Aug. 15, 1828 -
Aug. 7, 1832); Walter Scott (Dec. 19, 1830 - Aug. 7
1832); Stephen Bennett (Nov. 16, 1833, died at Cochran,
Bleckley Co., Ga., July 28, 1915); Frances (Feb. 26,
1836-); Benjamin Allen (April 29, 1838 - Jan. 19, 1870)
Ruth Mildred (see Ruth Whipple Pugh sketch); and a half
brother George Knight (Whipple).

Stephen Bennett Whipple after his father's death, Feb.
13, 1848, lived in the family of his guardian and uncle,
Robert Mitchell, in Talbot County, Ga. When grown he
returned to Wilkinson Co., Ga. He married Sarah Ann
Holliman, Feb. 7, 1859. Their home was eight miles south
of Irwinton, Ga. She was a daughter of Thomas Jefferson
Holloman and Nancy (Spivey) Hollomon and was born in
Wilkinson County, Nov. 30, 1839, and died in Cochran,
Ga., Jan. 4, 1913, both are buried at Cochran. Stephen
B., lived in Wilkinson County, Ga., until 1871, then in
Laurens County, Ga., until 1886, and in Cochran until his
death in 1915. He was a Confederate Soldier. During the
latter part of the war he, his brother, Benjamin Allen
Whipple, and their friend, James A. Pugh, were
commissioned Georgia State Troops and were detailed to go
to the coast and make salt for soldiers families to be
delivered at No. 3 station on the S.F. & W. R.R. and
shipped from there to Savannah to the State's Commissary
agent and from there to be distributed throughout the
state. In this commission the three were obligated to
make 100 bushels per month at the low price of $8.00 per
bushel in the money of the Confederate States of America,
the price in the open market being $25.00 to $50.00 in
the same money. Stephen Bennett Whipple and Sarah Ann
Whipple contributed eight splendid men to Georgia —
Allen, who lived at Dudley; Judge U.V. Whipple, of
Cordele, Ga.; Dr. Robert Whipple, of Cochran, Ga.; Dr.
Clifford Whipple, of Jacksonville, Fla.; Stephen

Whipple, Cochran, Ga.; Lucian Whipple, Cochran, Ga.; Dr.
Oliver Whipple, of Uvalda, Ga.; and Dr. William Whipple.

(Data collected by Dr. William Whipple)

THE WHITEHURST AND THE ROZAR FAMILIES

WHITEHURST

The Whitehurst name is an old and honorable one. the
history of the coat of arms of the family records that
three brothers fought with honor with the English in the
Crusades.

The early settler of the Whitehurst family who came to
America established themselves in Virginia and North
Carolina. Charles Whitehurst and his wife Elizabeth were
the first of the family to settle in Wilkins county,
Georgia. They came from North Carolina. They bought a
large tract of land seventeen and a half miles from
Macon, Georgia, near the line of Jones county and
extending into that county. Here they established the
family homestead which is still in possession of their
descendants.

Charles and Elizabeth Whitehurst had four sons and two
daughters: Josiah Irwin, Charles C., Howell Little,
Easther, Jachan, and James Stanley. Josiah Irwin bought
from the other heirs their interests in his father's
estate. Charles moved to Houston county, Howell, to Bibb
county, and James went to Texas, Easther married Mr.
Bass, and after his death, she married Mr. Edmondson.
Jachan married Isaac C. West.

Josiah Irwin, son of Charles and Elizabeth Whitehurst,
was born October 17, 1802. He lived his entire life in
Wilkinson county. He was a very successful planter.
August 5, 1824, he married Thulia Ann Wilkinson. She was
born October 15, 1806. To Josiah Irwin and Thulia Ann
Whitehurst were born eleven children: Morgan L.,
Wilkinson Mayberry, John L., Georgia Ann, Missouri Ann,
Thomas C., Christianna Elizabeth, Louisa Josephine,
Charles L., Laura, Josiah Irwin. Josiah Irwin Whitehurst,
Sr., died August 21, 1875; Thulia Ann Whitehurst died
Feb. 23, 1881.

WILKINSON MAYBERRY WHITEHURST

THE WHITEHURST ROZAR FAMILIES

Wilkinson Mayberry Whitehurst, second son of Josiah Irwin
and Thula Ann Whitehurst, was born July 27, 1826.
Although he did not have University training, his
education was sufficient to make him a good Latin
scholar. October 18, 1855, he married Nancy Averette
Bryan, daughter of James Averette and Katherine Rix
Bryan, of Houston county, Georgia. She was born April 26,
1834. She received her education in the old college at
Culloden, Georgia. This college was afterwards moved to
Forsyth, Ga., and named the "Monroe Female College," now
"Bessie Tift College." She graduated with first honor in
her class. Soon after their marriage they built their
home on their plantation on "The Ridge," two and a half
miles from Gordon, Georgia.

Wilkinson Mayberry Whitehurst was a man of energy,
integrity, enterprise and thrift, and had a vision that
helped him to succeed in most trying times. Sherman on
"the march to the sea" encamped around his home, officers
making their headquarters there. They left everything
desolate. But like so many others at that time, Mayberry
Whitehurst urged himself to the greatest effort and
adapted himself as quickly as possible to the changed
circumstances. He soon had his plantation in order. His
gardens produced the best vegetables; his orchard, the
finest fruits. He established a store of general
merchandise in Gordon, Ga., with such success that he
made visits to New York to buy goods. He built a cotton
warehouse and became a successful cotton merchant. He was
interested in the political welfare of his county. He
represented his district in the Senate, 1859-60. He
served as Judge of the Inferior Court of Wilkinson
county, from January 10, 1861 to 1869.

At the close of the war, he built and equipped, entirely
at his own expense, a large school building of two
stories, known as "Whitehurst Academy." For two years, he
and his wife taught this school; then because of
increasing demands from his other business, he engaged
other teachers to take their places. Here came not only
the children of the county, but those young men and women
who had been deprived of an

education by the war. A music teacher was secured and his
wife's piano was used for instruction in music. A Sabbath
school was organized for religious instruction. Not only
did the young people receive a common school education,
but many were prepared for the Junior class at college.
"Whitehurst Academy" became the center of culture and
learning in that section.

Wilkinson Mayberry and Nancy Averette Whitehurst had
eight children: an infant that died very young; Julia
Pauline, married Daniel Greenberry Lee; Thulia Katherine,
married James Dowdell Myrick; Willa Dixie, married Henry
Walton Bridger; Laura Josephine, married Allen Robert
Rozar; Mississippi Bryan, died in childhood; Cincinnatus,
married Kate Smith; Zollicoffer, married Minnie Edge.

Wilkinson Mayberry Whitehurst died July 30, 1878, at his
home on "the Ridge," in Wilkinson county. Nancy Averette
Whitehurst died November 10, 1904.

ROZAR

Robert Rozar was born in 1756 in Halifax county, North
Carolina. At the age of nineteen, while a resident of
Bladen county, North Carolina, he enlisted in Colonel
Brown's North Carolina Regiment and began service as a
Revolutionary soldier. In the winter of 1781 and 1782 he
moved to Georgetown Parish, South Carolina, and enlisted
with Colonel Horry's South Carolina Regiment.

After the Revolution, Robert Rozar moved to Wilkinson
county, Georgia, and became one of the earliest settlers
of the county. He lived the life of a planter of his day,
as the disposition of money, land, and slaves, made in
his will would indicate. He died at the ripe age of
eighty-four.

Robert Rozar, II, son of Robert, Sr., was a teacher in
Wilkinson county in the early thirties. He represented
Wilkinson county in the Legislature in 1841, 1842, 1843,
1845, 1847. While he was in the Legislature, he was
particu

ROZAR

larly interested in improving the school funds of Georgia
so that the teachers could be paid.

Robert Rozar, III, son of Robert II, and Nancy Rozar, was
born July 8, 1818. He was married twice. In 1846, he
married Susan Caroline Smith, daughter of Allen and Mary
Smith of Wilkinson county. She was born September 12,
1831. The children by this marriage were: Lyvonia
Adelicia, who died in infancy; Allen Robert; Augustus
Hansel; and Albertina Vanness, who died in infancy. Susan
Caroline Rozar died in 1857. Romulus Franklin married
Isabella Frances Phillips in 1858. They had only one
child, Terlula, who married George Bryant Carswell of
Wilkinson county. Augustus Hansel married Mattie Lawson
of Wilkinson county. Romulus Franklin was a planter and
merchant of Wilkinson county. From 1865-1869 he served as
Justice of the Inferior court of Wilkinson county.

Robert Rozar, IV, son of R.F. and Susan Caroline Rozar
was born March 21, 1850. He was married June 12, 1883, to
Laura Josephine Whitehurst. They had five children:
Franklin, who died in childhood; Allen Robert; Roscoe
Lehman, who died in childhood; Nancy Averette (Nanette);
and Mayberry Whitehurst. Robert, IV, taught in the public
schools of Wilkinson county for the greater part of his
life. He was a staunch Democrat. After his death, in
1898, Laura Josephine Rozar, taught for many years in the
schools in towns of central and northern Georgia. She
retired from active teaching in 1921 while teacher of
English in Georgia Teachers College, Athens, Georgia.

Robert Rozar, V, son of Robert, IV and L.J. Rozar, was
born in Macon, Georgia, June 20, 1888. He received his
M.D. degree from Atlanta School of Medicine, now medical
department of Emory University, in 1911, and later did
post-graduate work in Harvard Medical School. He became a
fellow in the American Medical Association, and in 1927
became a fellow in the American College of Surgeons
(F.A.C.S.). One June 3, 1914, he married Zoe De Lamar of
Hawkinsville, Georgia. He became an associate with Dr.

Howard J. Williams in Williams Private Sanitorium, Macon,
Georgia, in 1912 and was associated with him until 1918.
In 1920, he became organizer and president of Ogelthorpe
Private Infirmary. From 1916-18 he was assistant surgeon
of the Central of Georgia Railway, and became surgeon of
that road in 1918. He has served as president of Central
of Georgia Railway Association, 1919; president of
Georgia Association of Railway Surgeons, 1919; president
of Sixth District Medical Society of Georgia; member of
first Board of Directors of Macon Civitan Club 1921;
president of Macon Civitan Club, 1928; member Board of
Trustees of the International Civitans, 1929. He is a
writer on scientific subjects.

Nancy Averette (Nanette) Rozar is dietitian of Wesleyan
College.

Mayberry Whitehurst Rozar was born October 20, 1897. He
began his work in the office of Bibb Manufacturing
Company of Macon, Georgia, at the age of sixteen, after
graduation from high school. On March 26, 1929, he
married Malora Stanberry of Chicago, Illinois. He is
western manager of the Bibb Manufacturing Company, with
headquarters in Chicago.

References: U.S. Bureau of Pensions, records in Wilkinson
county courthouse, State Archives. Bible of R.F. Rozar,
living members of Rozar family.

MAMIE EMMA WOOD WILLIAMS

Born August 31, 1874, near Oconee in Washington County,
Georgia. Father, Dr. J.S. Wood, removed to Wilkinson
County in December, 1880, and spent the rest of his life
as a physician and public spirited citizen of Wilkinson
County, dying in 1915. At one time he represented his
district in the State Senate. He also served with the
Confederacy during the War Between the States. Her
mother, Emma Graybill Wood, belongs to one of the oldest
families of Georgia, tracing her ancestry to the Tudors
of old England. The following composed the immediate
family: Mamie Emma (Mrs. Marvin Williams); Dr. Hubert C.,
Laura Ivalsen (Mrs. J.N. Todd),

ROZAR

Rosa Lillian (Mrs. L.J. Pritchard), Ethel (Mrs. George
Carswell), Lois Orian (Mrs. Frank Manson) and Annie
Graybill. Of these, Dr. Hubert, Ethel and Orian are
deceased.

Mamie Emma married Rev. Marvin Williams December 29,
1897. A graduate of Wesleyan College in 1891, she taught
for a few years before her marriage and has since been
engaged in many Christian activities. Mrs. Williams has
been quite active among the alumni movements of her alma
mater, directing the campaign for endowment in Fulton
County a few years ago. As a minister's wife she has
played a prominent part in the church life of the North
Georgia conference.

Of the many organizations in which she takes an active
part, her most conspicuous efforts have been in
connection with the temperance and prohibition movement.
Through the state W.C.T.U. she has been honored in many
ways for faithful service. As state Superintendent of
literature for Georgia, she three times received the
national loving cup for the best state report in the
United States. At present, she is the state president of
the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Georgia, leader
of the Christian women of Georgia who are fighting the
liquor traffic. She is interested in all governmental
problems which concern the home and also in lifting the
standard of politics in her state. She served as a member
of the Georgia delegation to the national Democratic
convention meeting at Houston, Texas, in 1928.

Five children have been born to her and her husband:
Louise (Mrs. Kay of New York City), Graybill (died at
thirteen months of age, buried in cemetery at Oxford,
Georgia); Ray (attorney, practicing in Atlanta, Georgia);
Florimel (Mrs. E.M. Herndon, Raleigh, N.C.) and Marvin,
Jr., now a student at Gordon College, Barnesville.

(Written by a Member of the Family.)

WILLIAM CHARLES WILLIAMS

Few families in Wilkinson are able to be traced further
back than that of William Charles Williams. Descendants
of this famous family include a Signer of the Declaration
of

Independence, America's foremost public men and a host of
other notables. As shown by the authentic chart in the
Macon Library, his great-great-great-great-great-
grandfather, Robert Williams, (1593-1693), of Norwich,
England, migrated to Roxbury, Mass. in 1638. m. Elizabeth
Statham first and then Martha Strong, Robert's son,
Captain Isaac Williams (1638-1708) m. Martha Park of
Newton, Mass., first, Judith Cooper, second, Captain
Isaac's son, Col. Israel Williams, 1709-1789 m. Susan
Chester: their son, Deacon Williams, 1734-1808, of
Hatfield and Dalton m. Dorothy Ashley, 1743-1838 of
Deerfield, Mass., their son, Jeremiah Wadsworth Williams,
1770-1842, came from Massachusetts to Houston County,
Georgia and m. Elizabeth E. Williams; their son, William
Porter Williams, born there Jan. 26, 1824, who married
Mary Susan Matilda Costler of Masseeville, Georgia, Nov.
2, 1852, was the father of our subject.

During the War Between the States, W.P. Williams served
in the arsenal at Macon, Ga.

In 1868, he purchased sixteen hundred acres of land near
Danville and made Wilkinson County his home.

Their children were Julia Tabitha, William Charles,
George Washington, Mary Eugenia, Minnie Lee, Walter
Robert, Pope Costler, Ernest, Damarius Isabel, Maude
Antoinette, and John Lee.

William Charles Williams was born June 24, 1858, and was
married on March 1, 1881, to Ella Gallemore, the daughter
of Hannah Elizabeth Slade and William Joiner Gallemore.
It can well be said of them that they lived active,
honorable and useful lives, respected by all who know
them. Upon their children, Dr. Augustus Small Williams,
Dr. William Charles Williams, Mrs. H.H. Maxwell (Leila)
and Miss Bessie Williams, they lavished their love and in
every way possible prepared them to fill the responsible
positions which they now occupy.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Williams were consistent members of the
Baptist Church at Danville for many years.

He died Aug. 18, 1926, and Mrs. Williams died Nov.

WILLIAM CHARLES WILLIAMS

16, 1924, and they are buried at the Danville Cemetery.

(BLANK)