A history of Savannah and South Georgia, Volume II, Part 17

Author: Harden, William, 1844-1936
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago, Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1208

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a writer of note, both of prose and poetry; his literary qualifications being of particularly high order. He was a member of and active par- ticipant of the affairs of old Midway church in Liberty county. the oldest and most historic church organization in Georgia. The subject's mother was likewise a native of Walthonrville. She survived her hus- band for five years, her demise occurring on August 15. 1883. The family has long been established in this part of the South. Mr. Norman's paternal grandfather was William Norman, who was also a native of Liberty county, as was also the great grandfather, William Norman. The great-great-grandfather. also named William, was born in Dor- chester, South Carolina and removed from that place to Midway, Georgia. March 22, 1771.

Newton J. Norman has passed his entire life in the state. He was reared and educated in Liberty county, one of the schools he attended being Bradwell Institute at Hinesville. He studied law under Judge John L. Harden and was admitted to the bar of Liberty eounty in 1894. Since that time he has maintained his residence and law practice at Flemington, but for several years has had a law office in Savannah. where he has his winter residence. He has occupied several public posi- tions of importance and trust. In 1888, he was elected a member of the board of county commissioners of Liberty county. He resigned from that position to become a candidate for the state legislature, to which he was elected in 1890, serving one term. In the exciting race for United States senator. between Gen. John B. Gordon and Thomas M. Norwood, in that session of the legislature, it was Mr. Norman's vote. as will be recalled, that elected General Gordon to the senate.

Following this he was re-elected to membership on the board of county commissioners of Liberty county, but before his term expired he resigned as such and was elected in December. 1900 to fill an unexpired term as solieitor of the Liberty County court: at the end of this term he was elected to the position for a full term. In October, 1906, he was elected to his present position. solicitor general of the Atlantic circuit. and in 1910, he was re-elected to this position for another term of four years. He is one of the lawyers of whom Savannah is justly proud, his usefulness to the city and to the profession which he so greatly adorns being of the most definite sort. In addition to his duties as solicitor general, Mr. Norman has a general civil practice in courts other than his own.

Mr. Norman's wife before her marriage was Miss Minnie Box, who was born in Hampton county, South Carolina. They have three interest- ing children : Iola. Sarah Lorenna and Newton JJ. Norman, Jr.

Mr. Norman took a leading part in the reorganization of the old Midway church and in the re-establishment of regular religious services there after an interval of many years. At the meeting in which this reorganization took place he was elected president of the board of select- men of the church and he has continued to take an active leading part in the affairs of that historie organization. Honored and respected by the people of both city and county, he enjoys a large measure of publie esteem, not only for his professional achievements, but also for his worthy standing in the domain of private citizenship.

DANIEL, REMSHART THOMAS. Mr. Thomas was born in Savannah Angust 27, 1843. He is a son of the late John T. Thomas, whose grand- parents were among the French Huguenots who arrived in Charleston about the middle of the last century, while his maternal ancestors were Salzburgers and among the early settlers of the colony of Georgia.

As a child, a delicate constitution and imperfect sight interfered

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with Mr. Thomas' education. In 1862 he enlisted in the Confederate army with the Tattnall Guards, First Volunteer Regiment of Georgia. After a prolonged sickness he was, on the recommendation of the post surgeon and his commanding offieer, detailed for duty at district head- quarters and in the war tax office. His services in this position were mostly of a clerical nature and were performed with such exactness and efficiency as to win the highest commendation.

Soon after the close of the war Mr. Thomas began business as an in- surance agent in Macon, where he remained until March, 1866. From Macon he returned to Savannah, and in July of the same year became associated with Capt. D. G. Purse (now deceased), in the commission, fertilizer and eoal business, which. by the application of elose and undi- vided attention, soon beeame large and profitable. In December, 1878, the firm of Purse & Thomas was dissolved, Mr. Thomas continuing in the coal trade.

In 1874, his sight having become so impaired and his suffering so great, Mr. Thomas sought the aid of an oculist and an optieian, from which he obtained such relief and benefit as to greatly change his life and interest him in what was transpiring about him. especially with reference to publie affairs in Savannah. In the compromise made by the city with the bondholders he took an active interest. In December, 1878, upon the organization of the Sinking Fund Commission, a new department of the municipal government of Savannah, Mr. Thomas was elected an original member of this commission and served as its secre- tary until January, 1883, when he resigned to accept the office of alder- man, to which he was elected in that year. After serving six years in the council, he was in 1891 re-elected a member of and secretary of the Sinking Fund Commission. serving at that time six and a half years, after which he was again elected a member of the city council.

Mr. Thomas served the city with great usefulness as an alderman, under the administrations of Mayors Lester, Meldrim and Myers, for a period of thirteen and a half years. He was a member of the sanitary commission, making a thorough study of the city's system of sewerage and honse drainage. He has long been known as one of the best posted authorities on these matters. and his advice, embodying the practical results of his knowledge thereof. has been considered of much value by each city administration. He was an active member and at various times chairman of several important committees of the council. ineluding those on aeeounts, finanee, streets and lanes, city lots and opening of streets. As chairman of the special committees on city extension and house drainage he took a very lively interest. In appreciation of his services to the eity of Savannah Thomas park was named in his honor.

As treasurer of the committee for the relief of the sufferers by the Yamaeraw fire, Mr. Thomas devoted a great deal of time to that benefi- cent work.

During the period that Mr. Thomas was a member of the council. no alderman was better acquainted with the affairs of the city than he. It is doubtful if the city ever had a public servant with such a thor- ougli grasp of its varied affairs as had Mr. Thomas, nor one who so ably discharged his duties. The amount of money he has saved the city in various ways could hardly be estimated.

Fully a year before the expiration of Mayor Lester's last term. public sentiment apparently crystalized about Mr. Thomas as the best and most available snecessor. At a convention of the Democratic club held in Masonic hall JJanuary 4. 1889. Mr. Thomas was nominated for mayor, another candidate having been in the field for more than a month. The election came on in a few days and was a close one, Mr.

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Thomas being defeated. The following strong endorsement of him is from an editorial in the Morning Noes appearing during that eam- paign: "Mr. Thomas is a man of fine business qualifications, He has proven himself to be one of the most competent and progressive coun- cilmen the city has ever had. The greater part of the improvements that have been made during the last few years is the result of his earn- est, consistent and conscientious efforts. He may not have pleased everybody, but he has done so much better than most of those who preceded him in his present position, that those who have been disposed to find fault have not found willing listeners. He is economical and careful."

Many of the large incorporated institutions of Savannah have re- ceived the benefit of the sound judgment and practical suggestions of Mr. Thomas. IIe has served as director of railroad companies, banks, investinent companies and such enterprises as have contributed materi- ally in building up the city. The Brush Electric Light & Power Com- pany, which was succeeded by the Savannah Electric Company, and De Soto Hotel each received substantial support and liberal subscriptions from Mr. Thomas. In the former company he served as vice-president for many years. He was a director in the old Savannah & Western Railroad Company and in the Citizens' Bank, and is now a director in the Savannah Investment Company, and he is still a director of the Savannah Hotel Company, which built and owns and operates the De Soto Hotel. In 1910, after a service of thirty-one years in the vari- ous offices, including that of president. of the Union Society, Mr. Thomas retired, and is thus the only ex-president of that charity. By length of service, he is the senior ruling elder of the Independent Presbyterian church. Though no longer in public office. he is still keenly interested in all the important activities of the city, and, as in former years, his advice and counsels are sought in municipal affairs and in business matters.

Mr. Thomas was married in 1867 to Miss Jennie Manget of Marietta, Georgia, who still shares the fortunes of his life. They have two living children, Mrs. John A. Robeson and John Murchison Thomas. The latter has been a member of the firm of D. R. Thomas & Son since 1892. This firm, which was organized May 13, 1892, with father and son as senior and junior members, is one of the large and successful establish- ments of its kind in Savannah, carrying on an extensive coal trade. Mr. Thomas has taken the York rites in Masonry, being a member of Pales- tine commandery.

WILLIAM F. MCCAULEY. The banking interests of a community are so important to its prosperity, that to a large degree the outside world passes judgment according to the proved stability of its financial institu- tions and the personality of those who direct their policies. Among the old and substantial banks of Savannah, Georgia, the Savannah Bank & Trust Company occupies a foremost place, and as its able, alert, experi- enced and resourceful president, William F. MeCauley is numbered with the leading financiers of the state.

William F. MeCauley was born at Savannah, Georgia, and is a son of William J. and Susan ( Timmons) McCauley. The father was of Irish ancestry but was born in South Carolina, and his death occurred during the boyhood of his son, William F. The mother still lives in her native city, Savannah. AA fatherless boy has many drawbacks to contend with, especially when self-support is a necessity in early youth, but, on the other hand, this necessary effort is often a spur that arouses ambi- tion and stirs up energy that results in a self-dependence that is the

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very foundation stone of business success. His education was secured in the Savannah schools. During his youth and early manhood he was connected with maritime affairs and was in the tug boat business. subse- quently acquiring the proprietorship of a business of his own in this line in the harbor of his native eity and continued until he became identified with the Chatham Bank as its cashier, which position he resigned in 1898. In 1900 he became cashier of the Savannah Bank & Trust Com- pany, subsequently its vice-president and in 1906 assumed the presi- deney and the active management of this financial institution.

The Savannah Bank & Trust Company was founded in 1869, and enjoys the confidence of the entire financial field. Its original capital was $100,000, while at present, its capital, surplus and undivided profits amount to over $1,200.000. In January, 1912, the bank moved into its new building, situated at the corner of Bull and Bryan streets, Savannah. This handsome structure, fifteen stories high, fire-proof, and modern in every particular, was erected by the company which occupies the entire main floor, the whole of which is elegantly fitted for its accommodation and with every known convenience and safety appliance to ensure the rapid and satisfactory transaction of an immense banking business. To the completion of this handsome building Mr. McCauley has devoted much attention, having realized for some time that the old quarters were inadequate, and he is justly pleased to have so beautiful a home for the bank, the affairs of which he has so successfully guided for a number of years. While giving the larger part of his time to the bank, Mr. McCauley has not neglected his duties as a citizen and for a long period has been one of the dependable publie men of Savannah, serving sinee 1906 as a member of the board of aldermen and in other positions where his public spirit and business sense have been particularly benefi- eial.

HUBERT O. YOUNG. The material growth and improvement of the eity of Savannah, Georgia, have felt the influence of an active faetor in the person of Hubert O. Young, contractor and builder, 518 West 40th street.

Mr. Young is a native of Oglethorpe. Macon county, Georgia, and was born in 1868, son of George T. and Muschogia ( Draughton) Young, both deeeased. George T. Young was born in Columbia, South Carolina, but when a boy came with his parents to Georgia, their settlement being in Macon county. where he was reared. His wife was a native of Georgia.

On his father's farm Hubert O. passed his boyhood and youth, with very meagre educational advantage. At the age of twenty- one years, he began to work at the carpenter's trade in Maeon. with R. C. Wilder Sons, with whom he remained two years. Then he entered the car shops of the Central of Georgia Railway, at Macon, where he spent four years. and in that time thoroughly learned every detail of the ear builder's trade. On leaving the car shops in June, 1891, he came to Savannah, which has since been his home. Here his initial work was as a journeyman on the Guckenheimer building on West Bay street, under John R. Eason, contraetor. For ten years he worked as a journeyman. and during the ten years he also took a two years' course of mechanical and architectural drawing at the Y. M. C. A., Savannah, Georgia. Mean- while he took a course in architectural and mechanical drawing. under the direction of the International Correspondence School of Seranton, Pennsylvania, and thus fitted himself for enlarging his efforts and going into business for himself. In 1903 he began business as a contractor and builder on his own account, without a dollar of capital. but with the ability to borrow money based upon a well-earned reputation for honesty and good workmanship.

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His business has constantly grown until he has become a man of ample resources financially and with valuable property interests in Savannah. Unlike many contractors, he has never had financial reverses ; on the contrary, his business each year has shown an increase in volume and in profit over the preceding year. He has erected some of the most important buildings in the city, prominent among which may be men- tioned the cigar factory of the Lee Roy Myers Company, at the corner of Bryan and Abercorn streets, completed in the early part of 1912. This is one of the handsomest and most substantial cigar factories in the South, and was ereeted at a cost of $30,000. Another large contract that he carried out was the building of the complete plant of the Virginia- Carolina Chemical Company, one of the largest industrial plants in Sa- vannah. He built the addition to the office building of the Central of Georgia Railway in Savannah. He constructed the substantial building on Drayton street owned and occupied by Henderson Bros., undertakers. At the time of the burning of the store of the Daniel Hogan Company on West Broughton street. Mr. Young was immediately engaged to rebuild it in the quickest possible time, which he accomplished by ener- getie work and the employment of extra forces of workmen and fore- men. He also reconstructed the interior of the building formerly ocen- pied by the Savannah Bank and Trust Company on Bay and Drayton streets. He built the fine residence of Mrs. John G. Butler at the corner of Montgomery and 36th streets, completed in the early part of 1912.

The uninterrupted success and progress of Mr. Young's business are attributable to his thorough knowledge of every phase of building construction and his promptness in carrying out his contraets; and to his integrity and square dealing in every transaction. This has earned for him high standing among the banks and business houses, who extend to him credit without question, whenever he desires it. in his work Mr. Young pays attention to the smallest detail, and in making his esti- mates for bidding on a contract he figures on the cost of all items sepa- rately and with accuracy, which enables him always to steer clear of possible loss. He has more than once been awarded contracts over bids that were less than his.

Since coming to Savannah. Mr. Young married Miss Lottie Eaton, who was born and reared in this city.

Fraternally, Mr. Young is a Mason and a Knight of Pythias, having membership in Clinton Lodge, No. 54, F. & A. M., and Myrtle Lodge, No. 6, K. of P.

HON. HENRY MCALPIN. A man particularly well fitted for impor- tant judicial position is the Hon. Henry MeAlpin, judge of the court of ordinary, whose record for efficiency and judicial bearing has won the admiration of the entire Savannah bar. He was born in Savannah, the scion of families who have for several generations given splendid citizen- ship to the city and state and Georgia has no more loyal son than he. The year of his birth was 1860 and he is the son of James Wallace and Maria Sophia ( Champion ) MeAlpin, both of whom were natives of Savannah and both of whom are deceased. The paternal grandfather. Henry MeAlpin. was a native of Scotland who came to Savannah in 1805. and ever since that date the name MeAlpin has been a prominent and honored one within its boundaries. On his mother's side, Mr. MeAlpin is a great-grandson of Renben Champion, who, at the age of fifteen enlisted in the Continental army and served until the close of the Revo- Itionary war. his demise occurring in 1832. He was the son of Dr. Reuben Champion, who was a surgeon in the Continental army and who died in 1777 while on duty at Fort Ticonderoga. Judge Me Alpin's

RBHarris

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maternal grandfather was Aaron Champion, who came to Savannah in 1812. Thus on both side of the house, the scene of a century's history has been laid in this city. The subject resides in the noted homestead, "The Hermitage," which is situated on the Savannah river, about two miles west of the city and which was built by his grandfather, Henry McAlpin. This stately old residence with its beautiful grounds and sur- roundings, is one of the show places of Savannah and one of the most celebrated in the South. It has been the scene of many notable gather- ings, and in its time has entertained beneath its roof many of the socially and intellectually prominent. It has been the home of the MeAlpins since the early '30s.

Judge MeAlpin received the advantage of the best of educational facilities, first attending the schools of Savannah and then matriculating in Princeton University, New Jersey, from which famous institution he was graduated in the class of 1881. Following this he studied law in the law department of Columbia University, New York City, and also pur- sued his preparation for the profession of which he was to become an ornament in the law department of the University of Georgia at Athens, graduating from the latter institution with the degree of LL. B. in the class of 1883. In 1884 he began practice in Savannah and from the first has encountered success and has won an enviable reputation in the field in which have been his endeavors. In 1901 he was elected judge of the court of ordinary of Chatham, and this position he still holds, hav- ing been re-elected at each succeeding election, every four years. Under his administration Chatham county has won the reputation of possess- ing the best ordinary's office in the state of Georgia. This court has jurisdiction in all probate matters and litigation in connection with the settlement of estates. Judge MeAlpin is especially well fitted for the adjudication of these important matters and his decisions have a remarkable record from the standpoint of non-reversal by the higher courts. His efficiency and ability as an ordinary are supplemented by a highly capable office force that keep everything systematically arranged. filed and indexed, in modern business method, making everything of easy convenience, not only to the office, but to the attorneys and others having matters to look up in connection with estates and litigation in connection therewith.

Judge MeAlpin is a thirty-second degree, Scottish Rite Mason, and a Shriner. He is also prominent in Odd Fellowship. being Past Grand Master of Georgia. He also belongs to the Elks, the Knights of Pythias, and is president of the local lodge of Eagles. He is a member of the Oglethorpe Club, the Yacht Club and is an ex-captain of the Georgia Hussars. In addition to his official duties, he has other interests of wide scope and importance.

Judge MeAlpin has one daughter, Mrs. Claudia Thomas (MeAlpin) Whitney. She is the daughter of his first wife, whose maiden name was Claudia Thomas, who was a native of Athens. Georgia, and whose demise ocenrred in Savannah in May. 1908. His second wife, who, before her marriage, was Miss Isabelle Wilbur, was born in South Bethlehem, Penn- sylvania.

RAYMOND VICTOR HARRIS, M. D. The life of the city physician and surgeon in these modern days is one of unceasing activity. Modern methods and the high speed with which civilization pursues its relent- less way, make demands upon the time and energy of the physician greater, perhaps, than upon men in any other profession. The extent to which specialization is pushed, the deep study required to keep abreast of the discoveries of the age and the everlasting call of the suffering public, all combine to sap the vitality of the most rugged.

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But as modern days are strennous, so the modern man has something of power in his makeup which works best under pressure. Dr. Raymond Victor Harris, one of the distinguished young physicians of Savannah, is a modern instance of a man well equipped to handle the responsibili- ties of high medieal positions. He is the son of one of the state's most. noted physicians and comes of a fine, sturdy and eapable raee. The Harris's to which he belongs are a famous family in American history and it is notable for having kept up its vigor and high standing during all generations to the present. They are a stalwart race, usually not under six feet tall and though sometimes lacking in finished acquired scholarship, their natural intellectual gifts, added to inherited physical strength, have made them always leaders. They have been notably suc- cessful in polities and in the professions. They are of Celtic origin, and the branch from which Dr. Harris' family is descended was established in America by Henry Harris, who came from Wales in 1691 and obtained a grant of land at Mannikentown, Virginia. His innnediate ancestor, his great grandfather. Nathan Harris. was born in Brunswick eounty, Virginia. His grandfather, Dr. Raymond Harris, established the family in Georgia.

Dr. Harris is a native Georgian, his birth having occurred at Darien, McIntosh county. October 6, 1880. He is the son of Dr. Raymond B. and Ophelia (Dasher) Harris. The mother is still living in Savannah, an admirable lady, secure in the respect of the community. The father died in this eity May 15, 1910, but his value as a citizen and his high professional prestige will not soon be forgotten. Dr. Harris, the elder, was born at Pahnero, Bryan county, Georgia, May 15, 1838. He studied medieine in the Savannah Medieal College, from which institution he graduated in the class of 1859. When a few years later the long gather- ing Civil war cloud broke in all its fury, he became a surgeon in the Confederate army, his connection being with the Fifty-seventh Georgia Regiment of Infantry, and his service continued throughout the four years of strife. After the war he practiced medicine in Liberty county until 1876, in which year he located at Darien in MeIntosh county, where he practiced until 1884, when he removed to Savannah. In October, 1880, he was elected to the Georgia state senate by a very small majority, the fight being a three-cornered one, and Dr. Harris having not one, but two opponents. He was alderman for two terms, from 1889 to 1895, under mayors Schwarz and MeDonough; was a member of the board of sanitary commissioners, and fought the yellow fever epidemie of 1876. He was instrumental in building the crematory and also built the quarantine station while alderman. and seven years later sold to the government for $50,000 eash. As alderman, the doctor was chairman of the public health committee.

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A history of Savannah and South Georgia, Volume II, Part 17

Author: Harden, William, 1844-1936 Publication date: 1913 Publisher: Chicago, Lewis Publishing Company Number of Pages: 1208

Author: Harden, William, 1844-1936
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago, Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1208