USA > Georgia > Chatham County > Savannah > A history of Savannah and South Georgia, Volume II > Part 53
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On February 26, 1866, Mr. Simpson D. Edmondson married Mary A. Wade, who was born July 16. 1848, in Dooly county, Georgia, a daughter of Elijah Wade. Mr. Wade removed from Dooly county to Brooks county, and having bought land in the Tallokas district for many years engaged in both agricultural and mercantile pursuits, having a well stoked store on his farm, on which he resided until his death, at the age of seventy-five years. He married first Elizabth Reddick, who died at a comparatively early age, leaving three children, as follows: Mary A., wife of Simpson D. Edmondson ; Fanny, and Lucy. Mr. Wade mar- ried for his second wife Mrs. Mary Peacock, who bore him four chil- dren, namely : Philip, Mitchell, Bury, and Wesley W. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson D. Edmondson are the parents of nine children, as follows: James W., Mattie, Fannie, Lney, JJennie, May, Pearl, II. Turner, and
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Grover C. They are valued and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and have reared their family in the same religious faith.
Gleaning his first knowledge of books in the rural schools, Grover Cleveland Edmondson afterwards continued his studies in the public schools of Quitman, and for a while read law in the office of his brother, James W. Edmondson. Subsequently entering the law department of Mercer University, he was there graduated with the class of 1908 and 1909. Being then admitted to the bar, Mr. Edmondson has since prac- ticed law in Quitman and during the intervening three years has estab- lished one of the best practices in this section. A close student of criminal and constitutional law, Mr. Edmondson makes a specialty of criminal practice.
Keeping well informed on all topics of the day, governmental ques- tions and political economics, he bids fair to become a state leader in political matters. He is a loyal Democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Oscar W. Underwood, and was appointed as a delegate to the Atlanta convention, which named the distinguished son of Alabama as Georgia's choice for the presidency.
In 1912 Mr. Edmondson announced his candidacy for representative from Brooks county in the general assembly, and after one of the most bitter local campaigns known to the county lie received more votes than his five opponents combined.
During the campaign he was bitterly assailed by the legal organ of the county, opposed by every member of the bar, excepting Judge J. D. Wade and Hon. S. S. Bennet ; every court house official, whom he desig- nated as "Court House Ringsters," yet his support from the country was so overwhelmingly strong that nothing could defeat him.
On July 4th he addressed a gathering of over two thousand people at Quitman, and Hon. Joe Hill Hall, then a candidate for governor, being present, declared the speech to be the best stump speech he had ever heard.
Recognizing the necessity for a new constitution for the state, he started the agitation, which has met with tremendous encouragement from the leading newspapers and politicians of the state, and proposes to intro- duce at the next meeting of the legislature a bill calling a constitutional convention.
As a lawyer, politician and orator the merited success of this young man places him in that small circle of men in whom we find the mature - thought of middle life combined with the energy of youth.
He is a devoted reader of the best literature, and in his library at Quitman the best works of the noted authors are found. Mr. Edmond- son owns the largest private library in South Georgia, numbering over six thousand volumes of all kinds of books. His law library is the best equipped in the section.
Hon. Clark Howell, editor of the Atlanta Constitution, has terined Grover C. Edmondson as the "comer" in Georgia politics.
JAMES W. STRICKLAND. Eminently deserving of representation in this biographical work is James W. Strickland. who for the past ten years has served as clerk of the city council in Wayeross. Ware county, performing the obligations of his office with ability. He was born June 7, 1847, on a farm near Blackshear, in that part of Ware county now in- cluded within the limits of Pierce county. Georgia. his father. Capt. Allen C. Strickland, having been born in the same locality.
James Strickland. Mr. Strickland's grandfather, came from North Carolina, his native state, to Georgia, at an early day, settling in what
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is now Pierce county. He first purchased 490 acres of land, which are now included within the limits of the city of Blackshear, the land being then in its primitive wildness. He bought other lands in that vicinity, and engaged in farming on an extensive scale, being assisted in his opera- tions by slave labor, and there resided until his death. His wife, whose maiden name was Nellie Smith. survived him, passing away on the old homestead, near Blackshear. They reared a large family, and their deseendants are now living in different parts of Georgia and Florida.
Soon after attaining manhood, Allen C. Strickland bought land in what is now Pierce county, and having acquired other land through inheritance, was employed in tilling the soil until after the breaking out of the Civil war, when he was commissioned captain of Company G. Fourth Georgia Cavalry, and went to the front with his command. Being taken ill, he returned to his home and there died in 1862, while yet in the prime of life. Captain Strickland married Cassie Sweat, who was born in Ware eounty, Georgia, a daughter of Capt. James A. and Eliza- beth (Newburn) Sweat, of whom a more extended account may be found on another page of this volume, in connection with the sketch of Carey M. Sweat. She survived him many years, and married for her second husband William Davis. By her first marriage she reared six children. and by her union with Mr. Davis became the mother of three children.
Brought up on the parental homestead, James W. Strickland at- tended school whenever opportunity offered, in the meantime becoming familiarly acquainted with farm work. In June, 1864, inspired by patriotic motives, he enlisted in the company formerly commanded by his father, Company G, Fourth Georgia Cavalry. Joining his conmand at Sereven, Georgia, he served with his regiment in all of its engage- ments until the elose of the confliet. Returning home then, Mr. Strick- land farmed for a few months, and then attended school. In 1868 he embarked in the mereantile business at Blackshear, where he remained until 1890. Coming then to Waycross, Mr. Strickland was for twelve years proprietor and manager of a hotel, being very successful and popu- lar as a host. In 1902 he was elected clerk of the city eouneil, and con- tinued in the office until 1913, discharging the duties devolving upon him in that eapacity promptly and efficiently. He is a loyal Demoerat in polities, and, with his family, belongs to the Methodist Episcopal chureh.
In 1870 Mr. Strickland married Annie E. Hendry, who was born in Savannah, Georgia, on the paternal side being a descendant of the pioneer family of that name that settled in Liberty county, Georgia, at an early day, and on the paternal side belonging to the Lee family of Virginia. Her father. Capt. E. D. Hendry. a native of Liberty county, Georgia, was commissioned a captain in the Confederate army, and after serving in the field for a year or two became a government official. Prior to his enlistment he had been engaged in mercantile pursuits in Blackshear, Georgia, and after its elose he was engaged in business in . Savannah for about four years. Returning to Pierce county in 1869, he remained in Blackshear until 1890, when he removed to Wayeross, where he spent his remaining days, passing away at the venerable age of eighty-seven years. The maiden name of Captain Hendry's wife was Caroline Staley. She was born in Savannah, Georgia, her mother hav- ing been an Atkinson from North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Strickland have one daughter, Carrie E. Strickland.
JOIIN LOTT WALKER, M. D. One of the best known members of the medical fraternity of Ware county, John Lott Walker. M. D., is devoteil to his practice, and well deserves the reputation he enjoys of being one of
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the most skillful and faithful physicians of Waycross. . A son of Elisha Walker, he was born on a farm in Washington county, the home farin hav- ing been loeated ten miles south of Tennille, and twelve miles west of Wrightsville. He comes of early colonial stock, the immigrant aneestor of the branch of the Walker family from which he is descended having come to America prior to the Revolution, locating very near the northern boundary line of North Carolina.
Lott Walker, the doctor's grandfather, was born in Laurens eounty, Georgia, in 1801, his father, also named Elisha Walker, having settled there on removing from North Carolina. During the earlier part of his active career, Lott Walker resided in Henry county. Georgia, from there removing to Johnson county, where his wife owned a tract of land that had come to her through inheritance. He purchased land adjoin- ing hers and, with slave help. carried on general farming until his death, in 1880, at the age of seventy-nine years. He married Polly Walters, who was born in that part of Laurens county now included in Johnson county, being a daughter of Richard Walters, a farmer, who came from Virginia to Georgia. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lott Walker, three of them being sons, Elisha, William and Moses, and five being daughters, as follows: Gatsy, Ann, Melissa, Mary and Eliza.
Born in Henry county, Georgia, in 1832, Elisha Walker settled in Washington county, Georgia, soon after his marriage, being there em- ployed for a time in general farming. Subsequently buying land in Johnson county, he farmed with the help of slaves until the war between the states, and afterwards there continued his labors until 1906. Re- moving then to Wrightsville, he has since lived there retired from active pursuits, enjoying the fruits of his earlier years of toil. His wife, whose maiden name was Martha Webb, was born in what is now Johnson county, Georgia, in 1831, a daughter of Rev. John and Charlotte (Cov- ington) Webb, and granddaughter of Rev. Covington, her father and maternal grandfather having both been ministers in the Methodist Epis- copal denomination. Eight children were born of their union, namely : John Lott. Ann, Minta, Tabitha, Dolly, Nora, William, and Joseph.
Receiving his early education under private tutors, John Lott Walker first attended medieal lectures in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Kentucky School of Medicine, and in 1879 was graduated from the Atlanta Med- ical College with the degree of M. D. The following seven years Doc- tor Walker was engaged in the practice of his profession at Wrightsville, Johnson county. In 1886 he removed to Wayeross, where he has been in contimial practice since, being one of the longest-established and most successful physicians in this part of the county. During the quar- ter of a century or more that the doctor has lived in Waycross, he has seen the city grow from a village of one thousand souls to a wide-awake. prosperons community of fourteen times as many inhabitants, while . the surrounding country, which was but sparsely settled when he eame here. has increased its population in a corresponding ratio.
Doctor Walker has invested largely in city property, wisely buying in the business section, where, on Jane street, he owns a commodions building. He has served three years as a member of the state board of medical examiners, and is now a member of the Waveross board of edu- cation and is a member of the state board of health. Fraternally the doctor belongs to Blackshear lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons: to Wayeross Lodge, No. 27. Knights of Pythias; and to Way- cross Lodge, No. 99, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Doctor Walker married, in 1883. Miss Laura Singleton, who was born and edneated in Milledgeville, Georgia, being a daughter of Samnel and
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Ann (Christian) Singleton, who reared four sons and four daughters, as follows: Samuel, Stewart, Charles, Robert, Bettie, Ellen, Martha. and Laura. Her father was in the employ of the state, and was also engaged for several years in the mercantile business at Eatonton, where his last days were spent. The doctor and Mrs. Walker have four chil- dren, namely : John S., Robert C., Annie Laurie, and Samuel E. The doctor and his wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mrs. Walker is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
JAMES H. LATIMER, M. D. A well-known and successful physician of Ware county, and one of the foremost citizens of Waycross, James H. Latimer, M. D., has built up a large and lucrative practice in this section of the state and has here fully established himself in thre esteem and confidence of his fellow men. A son of Dr. James Latimer, he was born September 9, 1869, in Coffee county, Georgia, of early colonial stock. His grandfather, Fleming Latimer. who, so far as known, was a life-long resident of South Carolina, was a lineal descendant of Lord Latimer, who fled from his native land to this country to escape religious persecution, settling in Manhattan Island, New York.
Dr. James H. Latimer's birth occurred June 10, 1829, in South Carolina. Receiving excellent educational advantages in his youthful days, he early determined to enter upon a professional career, and while yet a young man was graduated from the medical department of the state university, at Augusta, with the degree of M. D. After practicing medicine for a short time in Decatur county, Georgia, Dr. James Latimer subsequently spent a very few years in Appling and Coffee counties, and then removed with his family to Jeff Davis county, in 1872, locating at Hazlehurst, where he gained a fine reputation as a skillful and able physician, remaining there until his death, in 1907. The maiden name of his wife was Aleph B. Girtman. She was born in Coffee county, Georgia, in 1848, and is now living in Hazlehurst. Her father, Benjamin F. Girtman, owned a large plantation in the northern part of Georgia, and carried on farming with slave labor until his accidental death when less than forty years of age. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Simmons. Eleven children blessed the union of Dr. James Latimer and his wife, as follows: James H., the special subject of this brief bio- graphical review ; Ann Eliza and Mary Louisa. twins; Clem F .; Martha E .; Charles Albert; Aleph Letitia; Edgar F .; Ida Kate; Sarah, and Jennie.
Acquiring his rudimentary education in the public schools of Hazle- hurst, James H. Latimer began the study of medicine with his father, and subsequently attended the Atlanta Medical College, on March 2, 1892, being graduated from that institution. Immediately beginning his professional career in Hazlehurst, Doctor Latimer continued there six years, Coming then, in 1898, to Waycross, which was then a com- paratively small city, with a population of four thousand people only, he has remained here ever since, being a snecessful and popular phy- sician. Keeping pace with the growth of the city, the doctor has been an important factor in advancing its material interests, in the mean- time bending all of his energy towards making a success of his pro- fession. He belongs to both the Ware County Medical Society and to the Georgia State Medical Society.
Fraternally the doctor is a member of Waycross Lodge, No. 305, Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons; Wayeross Chapter, No. 9. Royal Areh Masons; Damasens Commandery, No. 18, Knights Temp- lar; and of Alee Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
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Doctor Latimer married, November 24, 1892, Tallulah Estelle Brin- son, who was born in Pierce county, Georgia, a daughter of David W. and Mary K. Brinson, natives of this state. The doctor and Mrs. Lati- mer are the parents of four children, namely: Tallulah Elizabeth, Eva Grace, Marion, and Mary B. Both are members of the Baptist church.
DANIEL MARCUS BRADLEY, M. D. Actively engaged in one of the more important professions to which men devote their time and ener- gies, Daniel Marcus Bradley, M. D., of Wayeross, is numbered among the rising young physicians of Ware county, his skill in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases having gained for him the confidence of the people, and an extensive patronage. He was born November 7. 1884, in Liberty county, Georgia. which was likewise the birthplace of his father, Daniel Milton Bradley, Sr.
The doctor's great-grandfather was Ely Bradley. His grandfather, John S. Bradley, came with his parents from South Carolina. his native state, to Georgia when a child, locating in Liberty county. The country round about was then in its virgin wildness, Indians being numerous, and often troublesome, and deer. bear and wild turkey were plentiful, the pioneers of that day living largely on wild game. There were neither railroads nor convenient markets near, the surplus products of the farm being hauled many miles with teams. The pioneer women as well as the men had to make good use of every minute of their time. carding, spin- ning and weaving the homespun cloth, which they fashioned into gar- ments for the family, and the yarn from which they knit the stoek- ings, in the meantime doing all the cooking by the open fire. John S. Bradley succeeded to the oeeupation of his father, and becoming a land- holder was engaged in farming in Liberty eounty until his death. The maiden name of his good wife was Jane Daniel.
Born in Liberty eounty, Georgia, January 24, 1850, Daniel Milton Bradley, Sr., there as a young man began his aetive career as a mer- chant, dealing in general merchandise for several seasons. Moving to Tattnall county, Georgia, in 1889. he has sinee been there successfully engaged in mercantile business, being one of the longest-established merchants of Hagan, and a eitizen of prominenee. He married Janie Brewton, who was born February 28, 1859, in Bulloch eounty, Georgia, a daughter of Simon and Matilda (Tippins) Brewton, natives respee- tively of Bulloch county, Georgia, and of Tattnall eounty. Seven children were born of their marriage, as follows: Rosamond N., John D., Bessie F., Daniel Marcus, Janie C .. Willie D., and Waldo.
Being fitted for college in McRae, Georgia, Daniel Marcus Bradley, Jr., entered the medieal departmnet of the University of Georgia, at Augusta, and was there graduated with the class of 1907. The following year Doetor Bradley was engaged in the practice of his profession at Guyton, Georgia, where he gained not only a fair share of practice, but experience of valne. Coming from there to Wayeross in 1908. he is here making rapid strides in his professional career, his wisdom and skill in dealing with difficult cases having placed him among the physi- cians of repute in this locality. He takes an intelligent interest in municipal affairs, and since 1910 has served as city health officer.
Fraternally the doctor is a member of Wayeross Lodge. No. 305. Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons: of Waveross Chapter, No. 9. Royal Arch Masons: of Damasen's Commandery, No. 18. Knights Templar : and of Alee Temple. Ancient Arabie Order of the Nobles of the Mystrie Shrine.
On August 17, 1910, Doctor Bradley was united in marriage with Mary Gertrude, daughter of Channeey G. and Mary Wallace (Moore)
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Costin, of Pender county, North Carolina. She was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Major L. Moore at the age of two years. They were formerly of Pender county, North Carolina, but now Wayeross, Georgia. The doe- tor and Mrs. Bradley have one child, Daniel Marcus Bradley, third.
ARTHUR MERRILL KNIGHT. A man of pronounced business ability and acumen. Arthur Merrill Knight holds an assured position among the useful and highly esteemed citizens of Wayeross. and has been a potent power in aiding the city's growth and improvement. A son of the late Albion W. Knight, he was born at White Sulphur Springs, Florida.
He eomes of substantial New England ancestry, his paternal grand- father, Major Peter Merrill Knight, having been a life-long resident of Maine. He was a ship builder and planter, and was quite prominent in military cireles, serving as major in a company of militia, a position to which he was appointed by King George. He married Sally Buxton, a native of Maine, and they reared two sons and two daughters, as fol- lows: Albion W., father of the subject of this sketch; George A., a traveling salesman, who located in Florida, and whose son, Albion W. Knight, second, is now Bishop of the diocese of Georgia; Amanda M .; and Eliza J.
Albion W. Knight was born and reared in Maine, and was edueated at Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, Maine, being graduated from both the literary and medical departments of that institution. Coming south after receiving his degree of M. D., Doctor Knight was actively and successfully engaged in the practice of medicine at White Sulphur Springs, Florida, until 1870, when he removed with his family to Jack- sonville, Florida, where he continued the practice of his profession until his death, in 1889. Doctor Knight married Caroline Demere, who was born on Saint Simons Island, Georgia, a daughter of Raymond Demere, who was the third in direct line of descent to bear that name. The Demere family originated in France, the immigrant ancestor hav- ing been a Huguenot, who fled from his native eountry to America, settling in South Carolina, thence moving to Saint Simons Island. Geor- gia, which subsequently became the home of four generations of his descendants. The Demeres were extensive planters. very prosperous in their operations, at one time owning 360 slaves. Seven children blessed the marriage of doctor and Mrs. Knight. namely: Ann. Augus- tus Demere, Annie Elizabeth, Louis Buxton, Raymond Denery, Arthur Merrill, and Fraser Sinclair.
Completing his early studies at Saint John's chureh sehool, in Jack- sonville, Florida, Arthur Merrill Knight began life as a wage-earner at the age of sixteen years, for two years clerking in a tobacco store, and for three years in a grocery. He was afterwards employed in the railroad service at Jacksonville until 1887. when he located in Way- cross, Georgia, where he continued in the same line of work for thir- teen years. Severing his connection with the railroad company in 1900. Mr. Knight engaged in banking. Close confinement and strict atten- tion to business, however, did not agree with him, and on account of ill health he was forced to abandon active pursuits and go to the mountains to recuperate. Returning to Wayeross after resting a few months. Mr. Knight embarked in the real estate and insurance business, with which he has since been identified, in his transactions being exceed- ingly prosperous.
Mr. Knight is likewise connected with various other enterprises of importance. He is secretary and treasurer of the Wayeross Invest- ment Company ; secretary of the Wayeross Reality and Improvement
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Company ; has been president of the board of education and also of the Waycross board of trade; is president of the board of trustees of the owners of the Young Men's Christian Association property : one of the directors of the Young Men's Christian Association, and senior warden of the Episcopal church.
Having cast his first presidential vote for General Hancock, Mr. Knight has since been a stanch adherent of the Democratic party. In the days when Waveross had but twenty-five hundred inhabitants, Mr. Knight was elected mayor of the city, and, through successive . re-elec- tions, held the position fifteen years. During that time the city schools were organized ; streets were paved; and water and sewer systems were inaugurated ; while the growth of the city was especially notable, dur- ing his administration the population being increased to nineteen thon- sand people. Fraternally Mr. Knight is a member of Waycross Lodge. No. 369, Benevolent and Protective Order of . Elks. Religiously he and his family are members of the Grace Episcopal church.
In 1884 Mr. Knight married Susan Fatio, who was born in Jack- sonville, Florida, a daughter of the late Col. Daniel Fatio, who com- manded a Florida regiment in the war between the states. Mr. and Mrs. Knight are the parents of three children, namely: Jaquelin, who was graduated from the literary department of the University of Georgia, and from the Atlanta College of Physicians and Surgeons and was en- gaged in the practice of medicine at Wayeross up to the time of his death. November 18, 1912; Arthur M., who was educated at the University of Georgia, is now in business with his father; and Gerald, attending the Waycross schools. The older son is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons, as was also the deceased son.
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