USA > Georgia > Chatham County > Savannah > A history of Savannah and South Georgia, Volume II > Part 12
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82
Captain and Mrs. Bloodworth have two children : Luey, wife of Mr. H. P. Inabnett of Tampa, Florida, and Effie, wife of Mr. F. M. Butler of Savannah. Mrs. Bloodworth, formerly Miss Sarah Allen, was born in Meriwether county, Georgia.
CAPT. FRANCIS P. MCINTIRE. This distinguished young citizen of Savannah is conspicuous in the affairs of this section of the state for three reasons. In the first place he is prominent in the military affairs of the state; in the second he is one of the standard-bearers of the Demo- eratie party and holds the office of chairman of the excentive committee of the same: in the third he is one of the ablest and most promising
608
SAVANNAH AND SOUTH GEORGIA
of Savannah lawyers, in his comparatively brief career having been connected with much important litigation and having earned the respect of bench and bar alike.
Captain MeIntire was born in Savannah July 22, 1881, the son of James W. and Katherine ( Foley) MeIntire. The father, who is living in Savannah, is also a native of this city and a son of the late James McIntire, who when a small boy came from his native country, the north of Ireland. to Savannah, his arrival in this city being in ante- bellum days (some time in the early '50s). The wife of this immigrant ancestor was Frances (Noyes) MeIntire. The family is really of Scotch origin. Captain MeIntire's mother, who is deceased, was also born in Savannah and is the daughter of Owen Foley and Honoria Kirby, a native of Ireland, who came to Savannah about the year 1840. Thus the city is dear with many strong ties and associations to the imme- diate subject of these lines.
Captain MeIntire received his first introduction to Minerva in the public schools of the city and was graduated from the high school in 1898. He subsequently matriculated in the Pennsylvania Military College, where he pursued a civil engineering course, and in 1901 re- ceived the degree of C. E. He attended the law department of the University of Georgia and in the class of 1903 received the degree of LL. B. He had in the meantime studied law in Savannah under Judge G. T. Cann, while that gentleman was judge of the court of chancery, and also under Judge Cann's brother, J. Ferris Cann. He was admitted to the bar in 1903, and since that time has been engaged successfully in the practice of his profession in this city.
For several years, Captain MeIntire has been a prominent member of the Georgia Hussars, famous as the oldest military organization in the state, and for having taken a fighting part in all the wars from the Revolution to the Spanish-American, and whose membership has in- cluded many of the best-known citizens of Savannah during its long history. He enlisted in the Hussars as a private and through pro- motions became captain of the Georgia Hussars in 1905, which office he still holds.
Captain MeIntire was married in Savannah in 1909, the young woman to become his wife and the mistress of his household being Miss Lucy H. Barrow, daughter of the late Judge Pope Barrow, a former governor of Georgia and United States senator. Mrs. McIntire's mother was Cornelia (Jackson) Barrow, daughter of the late Gen. Henry R. Jackson of Savannah. Their household, distinguished as one of the most charming in a city of attractive homes, is further made interesting by the presence of a son, James W. MeIntire, Jr.
CAPT. DANIEL HOARD BALDWIN. Conspicuous among the enterpris- ing and progressive men who during the middle of the nineteenth cen- tury were most intimately associated with the development and advance- ment of the mercantile prosperity of Chatham county. Georgia, was Capt. Daniel Hoard Baldwin, one of the foremost merchants of Savan- nah. A son of Tilley and Rebecca Hoard Baldwin, he was born. March 19, 1825, in Phillipston, Worcester county, Massachusetts. His mother dying when he was very young, his father married again, and to the influence of the lovely, sweet-faced Christian woman who became his step-mother he ever gave credit for all that was good in his character. His reverence and love for her remained unbroken and helpful until her death, which came as a great grief and loss to him after his mar- riage, and the birth of his first child.
Brought up in or near his birthplace, Daniel Hoard Baldwin worked
609
SAVANNAH AND SOUTH GEORGIA
as a lad for an unele on a farm. A bright and checry lad. full of life and spirits, his fondness for fun was rather a source of amazement to the stern and rugged New England farmer, who often called out, "There's that boy giggling again ; what is he giggling at now?" The boy's strong and independent character, and his desire for greater advancement and advantages, lured him southward, and at the age of eighteen years he came to Savannah, Georgia, going into the home and office of another . unele, Mr. Loami Baldwin, head of the mercantile firm of L. Baldwin & Company. As a clerk he steadily and faithfully performed the duties then devolving upon him in that capacity, opening the office in the early morning, and clearing it up. work which is now done by unskilled labor. Industrious and persevering, he developed much business ability, making steady progress along the path of attainments until becoming a member of the firm, which, by the death of Loami Baldwin, was changed to the style of Brigham, Kelly & Company. The subsequent death of Mr. Kelly caused another change in the name of the firm, which became Brigham, Baldwin & Company, a firm which. it is said, did the largest shipping business in Savannah up to the Civil war.
During the war, Capt. Daniel H. Baldwin was in the commissary department, with which he was connected until 1865, when, in the spring of that year, he removed with his family to New York City. His former large business interests, and close touch with the people of Georgia. sug- gested to him the advisability of establishing a eotton commission busi- ness at a time when everything else was disorganized. and, availing him- self of the opportunity, he organized the New York firm of D. H. Bald- win & Company.
The integrity and sterling honesty of Captain Baldwin was unques- tioned, as may be evidenced by the question of some business relation coming up to which he had "promised" his support. Someone being asked, "Has Baldwin signed the proposition?" the response from two prominent and wealthy business men was prompt and deeisive-"No need for Baldwin to sign it if he said he would agree; do not doubt him, his word is as good as his bond."
About 1876 Captain Baldwin established. in Savannah, the firm of Baldwin & Company, cotton brokers. Prior to moving to New York his Savannah home was in the house now standing just east of Sullivan's grocery, on Congress street, between Bull and Whitaker, that having been his home from the time of his marriage up to the Civil war. The captain was a member of the Chamber of Commerce; of the United States Lloyds ; and served several terms as a member of the board of managers of the Cotton Exchange.
. His large-hearted generosity and kindly sympathy were known by all his associates, but to many of whom the world had no knowledge he stood as a strong, helpful adviser and friend, and by whom his memory will ever be cherished. In his domestic and family relations. Captain Baldwin was always a loving and ready helper, and, until the sudden death, by drowning, in 1880, of his youngest son and namesake, a blow from which he never recovered, his genial laugh and ready entrance into all gayety and fun were proverbial.
On September 19, 1855. Capt. Daniel II. Baldwin married Kate Philbrick, eldest daughter of Mr. Samuel Philbrick, a well-known and highly esteemed merchant of Savannah. Not long after the loss of his son, Captain Baldwin, on account of failing health, retired from active business. He died in New York from a stroke of apoplexy. June 10. 1887, leaving a widow and three children, namely : Mrs. Walter I. Mc- Coy, of New Jersey : Mrs. A. L. Alexander, of Savannah ; and George J. Baldwin. of Savannah.
610
SAVANNAH AND SOUTHI GEORGIA
George J. Baldwin was born August 18, 1856, in Savannah, in the family home on Congress street. He received superior educational ad- vantages, in the spring of 1877 completing a four years' special course at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in Boston. He was sub- sequently superintendent of iron and gold mines in Alabama and Georgia from July, 1877. until October, 1879, when he became a member of the firm of Baldwin & Company, of Savannah, Georgia, dealers in fertilizers, cotton and naval stores factors. Later he organized the Baldwin Fer- tilizer Company, of Savannah, becoming its president and general man- ager. In 1894 Mr. Baldwin retired from active business, but resumed again in 1898, becoming interested in electrie railway and lighting plants. and is now president of the Savannah Electric Company, and of numer- ous other industrial and heavily capitalized corporations, including the following: The Gainesville Midland Railway, a steam railroad running out of Gainesville: the Chestatee Pyrites Company, a Georgia mining corporation; and the Electric Railway and Lighting companies of Sa- vannah, Georgia; Jacksonville, Florida, and Tampa, Key West, and Pensacola, Florida.
Mr. Baldwin is also a director in the Savannah Trust Company ; the Columbus Electric Company of Columbus, Georgia : the National Bank of Savannah; and of the Angusta & Savannah Railroad Company. He is a member of the Savannah Cotton Exchange, and of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce.
In public, charitable and philanthropie movements Mr. Baldwin las long been active and influential. He is president of the Kate Baldwin Free Kindergarten, which was founded in 1900 by him and his mother. in whose honor it was named, and which has since been maintained by him free of any expense to the public. Mr. Baldwin is likewise president of the Associated Charities of Savannah: a trustee of the Georgia in- firmary for colored people, and of the Chatham Academy. He is curator and vice-president of the Georgia Historical Society; and was the first chairman of the board of managers of the Savannah public library, and for many years was a member of that board, and of the park and tree commissioners of Savannah.
Among the many clubs and social organizations of which Mr. Baldwin is a prominent member mention may be made of the following ones in Savannah : The Oglethorpe, Cotillion. Golf and Automobile clubs, and the Savannah Volunteer Guards and Georgia Hussars. He is likewise a member of the Young Men's Christian Associations of both Savannah and Boston, Massachusetts. Among the New York clubs to which Mr. Baldwin belongs are the Southern Society, the Recess, the Automobile Club of America, and the Reform Club. He likewise belongs to the Mus- cogee Club, of Columbus. Georgia: the Capital City Club, of Atlanta. Georgia ; the Lake Placid Club, of Lake Placid, New York ; and the High- land Lake and Flat Rock Country clubs, of Flat Rock. North Carolina. Mr. Baldwin is also a member of the National Geographic Society: the Sierra Club, of San Francisco: the American Academy of Political and Social Science ; the American Forestry Association : the National Society for the Promotion of Inchistrial Education, and of various other organizations.
Mr. Baldwin married, June 27. 1882, Lucy HI. Hull. of Atlanta, Georgia, and they have two children, namely: George IL .. born in Sa- vannah, April 23, 1883; and Dorothea C., born in this city, February 22, 1889.
Mr. Loami Baldwin, Mr. Baldwin's great nele, established himself in business in Savannah prior to his marriage, which was solemnized in 1823, and since his coming here, nearly a hundred years ago, there has been a Baldwin continously in business in Savannah.
.
=1163.
1
-
611
SAVANNAH AND SOUTH GEORGIA
JOHN JACOB RACERS. Intimately identified with many of the more important industrial corporations of Savannah, John Jacob Rauers is recognized as a man of prononneed ability and keen business insight. and as a member of the firm of Williamson & Raners, steamship and forwarding agents, is connected with one of the leading concerns of the kind on the south Atlantic coast. A son of the late Jacob Rauers, he was born in Savannah, in 1877. of German and Scotch ancestry.
A native of Bremen, Germany, Jacob Rauers immigrated to the United States as a young man, locating in Savannah in 1865. He was engaged in the cotton exporting trade for many years, but from 1881 until his death, in 1904, lived retired from business pursuits.
Jacob Rauers married. in Savannah, Joanna McDonald, who is still living. She was born in Scotland, and when a child came to this country to join her maternal uncle. James McHenry, who had previously es- tablished himself in business in Savannah, and was for many years one of the city's representative merchants, and a gentleman of the most ex- emplary character.
Bred and educated in Savannah, John Jacob Rauers began his busi- ness career at an early age. In May, 1901, he became junior member of the well-known firm of Williamson & Rauers, which as steamship and forwarding agents is condneting a large and substantial business. Be- sides this active connection, Mr. Rauers is associated with a number of the prominent corporations of Savannah, being one of the directors of the Savannah Trust Company; vice-president of the Savannah Hotel Company, owners of the De Soto Hotel; vice-president of the Southern Fertilizer & Chemical Company; a director of the Hydraulic Cotton Press Company ; a director of the Hull Vehicle Manufacturing Com- pany ; and a director of the Savannah Brewing Company.
ยท Since 1876 the Rauers family have been the owners of that historic spot, Saint Catherine's Island, off the coast of Georgia, where they main- tain a summer home. Mr. Rauers has in his possession the various grants and deeds connected with the island since the first grant issued by George III. An interesting account of the island is given in connection with the historical portion of this work.
Mr. Rauers is a member of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce; of the Savannah Board of Trade; of the Cotton Exchange; and belongs to the Oglethorpe Club.
Mr. Rauers married, in Savannah. Marion Morrell Hammond, who was born in this city, a daughter of the late Capt. John L. Hammond, and into their home five children have made their advent, namely : Marion M., Jacob, Joanna McDonald, Katherine and Hammond.
EINAR STORM TROSDAL. No nation has contributed to the complex composition of our American social fabric an element of more sterling worth or one of greater vale in fostering and supporting our national institutions than has Norway. In truth. the nation owes innch to the Norwegian stock and has honored and been honored by many noble men and women of this extraction. Savannah has no more virile and progressive young citizen than Einar Storm Trosdal, vice-president and general manager of the South Atlantic Steamship Line, who was born at Christiana, Norway, in 1877.
Mr. Trosdal was reared and edneated in Christiana, and in the excellent colleges of the capital city received the best of academic and business training. In the manner of so many of the fine flower of yonng European manhood, he answered the beckoning finger of Oppor- tunity from the shores of the New World and severed old associations to come in quest of American resources and advantages. In 199s he Vol II-#
612
SAVANNAH AND SOUTH GEORGIA
arrived in Savannah and became indentified with the firm of S. P. Shotter & Company, extensive operators in naval stores, the predecessors of the present American Naval Stores Company, which Mr. Shotter organized. Ever since that time Mr. Trosdal has been prominently connected with naval stores and shipping interests, and although his home and his business headquarters have remained in Savannah, his business has taken him on many journeys to various parts of the world. He is now vice-president and general manager of the South Atlantic. Steamship Line, which carries on an extensive shipping business, espe- cially in cotton and naval stores, to Europe and other ports. and he still retains his interest in the American Naval Stores Company, of which company he is a director.
Since establishing his home in Savannah, Mr. Trosdal has entered in a public-spirited way into the various activities of the city. He is interested in the success of good government and in his daily affairs manifests a generous regard for his fellows and as a large-hearted, whole-souled, companionable gentleman. actuated by principles of honesty and integrity, merits and commands the respect and good-will of all those with whom he comes into contact. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Cotton Exchange, the Oglethorpe Club and other organizations.
In the year 1904, Mr. Trosdal was married in this city to Miss Lucy Boyd, who was born in Savannah, the daughter of Dr. M. L. Boyd. They share their charming and well-directed home with two children, Einar Storm, Jr., and Beverly.
MICHAEL O'BYRNE. The law firm of which Michael A. O'Byrne is the senior member has had a long and favorable career in Savannah. It was originally composed of himself and the late P. J. O 'Connor, with the firm name of O 'Connor & O'Byrne. In 1896, Mr. Walter C. Hart- ridge was admitted to the firm, which then became O'Connor. O'Byrne & Hartridge. Mr. O'Connor, who had for many years been one of the prominent lawyers of Savannah, died in November, 1909, and on Janu- ary 1, 1910, Mr. Anton P. Wright was admitted to the firm, the style of which was then changed to its present name-O'Byrne, Hartridge & Wright. It is one of the strongest law firms in Savannah and enjoys a large general practice, particularly in connection with real estate, corporation and commercial interests.
As a member of this firm, Mr. O'Byrne has gained reputation and practice with each succeeding year. Those who have entrusted import- ant affairs to his management know how well and honorably he has guarded their interests, In all matters where the object is to safeguard the investment of capital, or where competent counsel is required in directing the organization and successful management of commercial and industrial enterprises in which weighty financial interests are in- volved, his services have been increasingly sought for. He has been especially successful in real estate and law and litigation affecting prop- erty interests, and his counsels are often required where such interests are involved.
In addition to his law practice, Mr. O'Byrne has many other inter- ests that are of marked importance. He is the president of the Hiber: nia Bank, a snecessful financial institution of constantly growing pros- perity, with capital, surphis and undivided profits in excess of $350,000. He has filled the position of president of this bank with such skill and prudence as to gain for it the highest confidence of the public. He is also the president and has charge of the finances of the John Flannery Company, the famous cotton house that was founded and for a long
613
SAVANNAH AND SOUTHI GEORGIA
number of years controlled by the late Capt. John Flannery. He is first vice-president of the Commercial Life Insurance Company and a member of the executive committee of the board of directors of the Savannah Brewing Company.
For about twenty years Mr. O'Byrne was aetively connected with the First Regiment Infantry, National Guard of Georgia, during most of the time being a member of the Irish Jasper Greens, one of the eon- panies of that regiment. Mr. O'Byrne beeame sergeant of his eom- pany, and later was made quartermaster of the regiment. From this position he was later promoted to the rank of adjutant of the regiment.
Mr. O'Byrne has ereditably filled several publie positions of trust. For twenty years he has been a member of the Savannah board of edu- cation and has given much time to the duties and responsibilities of that office. He is commodore of the Savannah Yacht Club, also president of the Savannah Base Ball Association. In various other ways he is closely associated with the business and social affairs of the eity. He is a mem- ber of the Savannah Automobile Club, the Oglethorpe Club, Golf Club and Musie Club, and is president of the Atlanta Club.
Mr. O'Byrne has long been known for his quiet but powerful influ- ence in loeal polities and in general eivic affairs. In religious affilia- tion he is a Catholic and a member of the Cathedral parish in Savan- nah, and is chairman of its financial committee. Much credit is due. to Mr. O'Byrne for his able assistance in the building of the beautiful cathedral of St. John the Baptist, one of the finest speeimens of Gothic architecture in the United States. He was a member of the building committee, and was generous of his time and financial support during the erection of this noble edifice. He has similarly taken an active part in supporting various philanthropical and charitable organizations. He is a member of the Savannah Benevolent Association, member of the finance committee of the Associated Charities of Savannah, president of the Female Orphans Benevolent Society, vice-president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and is vice-president and trustee of St. Joseph's Male Orphanage, an institution of the diocese of Savannah, located at Washington, Wilkes county, Georgia. He has long been a prominent member of the Knights of Columbus.
Mr. O'Byrne was born in Savannah in 1861, attended the public schools of this city and received his finishing education at St. Vincent's University, near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, the leading college of the Benedietine order in America. He was graduated from St. Vincent's with the class of 1881. IIe then studied law in Savannah in the office of Jackson, Lawton & Basinger, this firm being composed of Gen. II. R. Jackson, Gen. A. R. Lawton and Maj. W. S. Basinger, all of them distinguished lawyers and leaders at the Savannah bar. Mr. O'Byrne was admitted to practice in 1883. His law business, which forms the main part of all his activities, has been very profitable, and has made him one of the most substantial citizens of Savannah, a position in life that he has reached through his own efforts and ability.
Mr. O'Byrne has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Marie McDonough, a daughter of John J. MeDonough, a prominent manu- facturer and one time mayor of Savannah. She is survived by three children, namely : Eleanor, James Raymond, and Charles O'Byrne. Mr. O'Byrne's present wife, to whom he was married at her home in Bridgeport, Connecticut, was before her marriage, Miss Sara Lorene Wren, daughter of Peter W. Wren, a man of large affairs in Bridge- port and president of the Pequonnock National Bank of that eity. Of this second union one child was born, Sara Wren O'Byrne.
-
614
SAVANNAH AND SOUTHI GEORGIA
CHARLES MAXWELL GIBBS. The gentleman, to a brief review of whose life and characteristics the reader's attention is herewith directed. is among the foremost business men of Savannah. and by his conservative methods has contributed in a material way to the industrial and com- mercial advancement of the city. He has in the course of an honorable career been successful in the business enterprises of which he is the head and is well deserving of mention in the biographical memoirs of Georgia. Charles Maxwell Gibbs belongs to fine old southern stock. and was born August 16, 1861, in the most crucial period of our national history, the guns of the Civil war echoing about his cradle. His parents were Leonard Young and Rosa Matilda ( Williams) Gibbs. The former was born January 23, 1834, and died in Savannah, September 6, 1898. He served the South in the war between the states and in the defense of Fort MeAllister was captured by Sherman's army, which was then entering Savannah. and was severely wounded in that engagement.
Mr. Gibbs' paternal ancestors were from Connecticut, and served in the War of the Revolution.
His mother was born in Savannah, March 5, 1840. and died in this city October 2, 1877. She was the daughter of Thomas F. and Mary. Jane (Maxwell) Williams, the latter being a daughter of Col. William Maxwell, of Georgia, who was a member of the Provincial Congress of Georgia from 1775 to 1777.
Mr. Gibbs was graduated from the Savannah high school and spent three years in the Virginia Military Institute, from which he was gradu- ated with the class of 1881. He early became engaged in his father's fertilizer business, with which as proprietor he is still identified.
He is affiliated with Ancient Landmark Lodge of Masons in Savan- nah and exemplifies in his own living the ideals of moral and social justice and brotherly love for which the ancient and august order stands.
Mr. Gibbs married in 1888 Miss Martha Louisa Rowland, a deseend- ant of distinguished Georgia ancestry. She is a grand-daughter of Judge William B. Fleming, one of Georgia's noted jurists. They have one child, a daughter, Rosa Williams Gibbs.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.