A history of Savannah and South Georgia, Volume II, Part 55

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

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Mr. Colquitt has always been active in the military life of his native city, although he declined an appointment to Annapolis, proffered to him on aceount of his having saved the life of the son of Hillary A. Herbert, formerly secretary of the navy. He was successively a member of the infantry. cavalry, artillery naval reserves and the governor's staff, and he is now secretary of the Savannah Volunteer Guards.

Mr. Colquitt has decided literary ability, having a forceful and inter- esting style. He has been the author of numerous magazine articles, mainly historical in their nature. He was formerly secretary of the board of managers of the Savannah public library, and he is still a mem- ber of the board. being chairman of the finance committee. He is a mem- ber of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and is secretary and treasurer of the Savannah Alumni Association. He was the author of the movement to erect a monument to Generals Sereven and Stewart in Midway Ceme- tery, for which Congress has made available $10,000, and he is now see- retary of the monument commission. In recognition of his services in this matter he was elected an honorary member of the Midway Society, the first in the history of the society, which has existed for more than a century.

Mr. Colquitt is everything that is patriotic and public-spirited. Being naturally enthusiastie. they are passionate emotions with him, and he has the gift of making fine realities out of his visions. He is a very popular citizen, his honorable life and commendable characteristics, combined with charming manners, having won him hosts of friends.

In 1905. Miss Dolores Boisfeuillet. daughter of Adrian S. Bois- fenillet, of Macon, became the wife of Mr. Colquitt, and their abode is now the center of gracious hospitality of the most charming southern type.

Walter Wellborn Colquitt, father of the foregoing. was born at Macon, Georgia, where he was reared and educated. About the time he became of age he located in Savannah, and was married in this city. He has been prominently connected with commercial affairs all his life, and at present his main interests are in the phosphate industry in Florida. During the first Cleveland administration he was chief of the revenue service of the United States, with headquarters at Washington. He is a half-brother of the late Alfred Holt Colquitt, who died in Washington City. March 26 1894. Alfred Ilolt Colquitt was born in Walton county, Georgia. April 20, 1824 ; he graduated in the College of New Jersey in 1544. and in that year returned to Georgia and began the practice of the law. He served in the Mexican war and was elected to Congress in 1852 as a Democrat.' In the war between the states he was a captain in the Army of the Con- Vol 11-24

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federacy. In 1876, this veteran of two wars was elected governor of Georgia and served one term. He was elected United States senator in 1882 and re-elected in 1888, his death occurring shortly after the close of his second term.

Governor Colquitt was the son of Walter T. Colquitt, one of the most distinguished lawyers of Georgia of the earlier days. He was born in Halifax county. Virginia, December 27. 1799, and died at Macon. Georgia, May 7, 1855. He was educated at Princeton College and admitted to the bar in 1820. About that time lie came to Georgia, and in 1826 became a district judge, holding the first court ever held in Colum- bus, Georgia. He was a highly successful lawyer, and especially in crimi- nal practice lie was without a peer in the state. He was a member of the Georgia state senate from 1834 to 1837; a member of congress from Georgia from 1829 to 1843, and United States senator from 1843 to 1849.

The subject's mother, Lilla Neyle ( Habersham) Colquitt, who passed away in Savannahı in 1805, was a member of one of Georgia's distin- guished families. She was the daughter of William Neyle Habersham, who was the grandson of Joseph Habersham, the first postmaster gen- eral of the United States, previous to which he had been acting governor of the colony of Georgia. Three of the Georgia Habershams were sol- diers in the Revolutionary war.

JOSEPH THOMAS RAGAN. Widely and favorably known in the com- mercial circles of Terrell county, Joseph Thomas Ragan, of Dawson, holds a noteworthy position among the leading business men of his com- munity, being officially connected with some of its more substantial and important industrial organizations. He was born, March 3, 1858, on a farm in Terrell county. a son of the late Dr. Spann Ragan.

His paternal grandfather, Joseph Ragan, was, it is thought; a life- long resident of North Carolina, where he died while in manhood's prime. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Spann, married for her sec- ond husband Reddick Bryan, and came with him and her family to Georgia in pioneer days, making the removal with teams. After living for a time in Houston county, the family removed, in the forties, to Louisiana, and there both Mr. and Mrs. Reddick Bryan spent their remaining days, her death occurring at the age of eighty-five years. By her first marriage she reared two children, Spann Ragan and John Ragan. By her union with Mr. Reddick Bryan she reared six children, as follows : Joseph, Tillman, Terrell, Dolly, Amanda, and Georgia.

Spann Ragan was born in Greene county, North Carolina, and was a lad in his 'teens when he came with his mother and step-father to Georgia. He subsequently accompanied the family to Louisiana, where he began life for himself as a school teacher. Taking up the study of medicine while thus employed, he afterwards attended lectures in New Orleans, and still later was graduated from the Georgia Medical College, in Augusta, with the degree of M. D. Dr. Ragan then began the practice of his chosen profession in what was then Lee county, but is now Terrell county, settling ten miles east of the present site of Dawson. Being a physician, he was exempt from military duty during the Civil war, but in its last year he entered the Confederate service. He afterwards resumed the practice of his profession, in which he was actively engaged until his death, in 1874. at the comparatively early age of fifty-six years.

The maiden name of the wife of Dr. Spann Ragan was Julia Lou Speight. She was born in Greene county, North Carolina, which was likewise the birthplace of her father. Rev. Thomas Speight. In early life, Rev. Thomas Speight, who was a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, came with his family to Georgia, locating in what is

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now Terrell county, in the eastern part. He bought land bordering on Kinchafoonee creek, and with slave labor improved a farm, on which he spent the remainder of his days. He married Julia Lou Pope, also a native of North Carolina, and they reared seven children, as follows: Thomas L .; John S. ; Cicero C .; Skidmore; Mary ; Eliza; and Julia Lou, who became the wife of Dr. Spann Ragan. The oldest son, Thomas L., became a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church, and the others became successful agriculturists. Mrs. Spann Ragan survived her hus- band, passing away in 1884, aged fifty-five years. She reared five chil- dren, namely: Joseph Thomas, the special subject of this brief sketch; Elizabeth Lou, who has been postmaster at Bronwood the past eighteen years; Charles C., deceased ; Mollie P., wife of C. N. Bryan, and Ter- rell B., who died in early manhood.

As a boy Joseph Thomas Ragan received ample opportunities for ob- taining a practical common school education, and on the home farm was well trained in agricultural arts. When he was sixteen years of age his father died, and the care of the farm and the family devolved largely upon him. Equal to the task thus imposed, he continued the management of the parental acres until 1885, when he embarked in mercantile business in Bronwood. Meeting with well-deserved success in his undertakings. Mr. Ragan soon engaged in the warehouse business, continuing his residence in Bronwood until 1900. In that year he removed to Dawson, and when, a year later, the Southern Cotton Oil Company was formed, he became associated with that organization in an official capacity, and for the past ten years has been sole manager of its affairs. Mr. Ragan is also presi- dent of the Dawson Square Bale Gin and Mill Company, which is doing a flourishing business.

Mr. Ragan married on the 20th of September, 1889, in Bronwood, Georgia, Miss Mattie M. Moore, a daughter of Dr. Charles Renben Moore, of pioneer ancestry, her great-grandfather, Richard Moore, who, it is said, was a native of North Carolina, having been one of the very early settlers of Burke county, Georgia. Mrs. Ragan's paternal grand- father, Henry Turner Moore, moved from Burke county, to Houston county, where he spent the later years of his life. He was twice married, by his first union rearing four children: Nancy, Seaborn, Dora, and Charles Reuben. By his second marriage he was the father of two chil- dren, Benjamin and Rebecca.

Charles Reuben Moore was born in Burke county, Georgia, and acquired his preliminary education in the district schools. His tastes and inclinations leading him to choose a professional career, he entered the Atlanta Medical College to pursue his studies, and after his graduation from that institution practiced first in Jefferson county, from there going to Starksville, Lee county, where he remained a short time. He subsequently removed to Weston, Webster county, from there going to Dawson, where he was successfully engaged in the practice of medicine for eight years. Returning then to Weston, he remained there in active practice as a physician and surgeon until his death, in 1882. Ile was highly esteemed, not only in his profession, but as a man and a citizen. He was prominent in public affairs, filling various local offices, and repre- senting Webster county in both branches of the state legislature.

Dr. Charles R. Moore married Amelia Wynn Sharpe, who was born in Tattnall county, Georgia, and died in Webster county, aged fifty-two years. Her father. John Sharpe, was a Virginian by birth. and in his young manhood was captain of a steamboat, commanding. it is supposed. a vessel engaged in coastwise trade. On settling in Georgia he purchased land in Tattnall county, improved it with the assistance of slaves. and there carried on farming until his death. His wife, whose maiden name

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was Rebecca Lassater, was born in Burke county. Georgia, and died in Tattnall county. Mrs. Charles R. Moore. Mrs. Ragan's mother, died August 16, 1884. She reared nine children, as follows: Eudora, Fannie, Ora, Susie. Lnla, Gertrude, Charles, Mattie. and Clarence. By a former marriage, Dr. Moore had three children. Emma, Jimmie, and Georgia. The doctor was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons, and both he and his wife belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church.

Six children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Ragan. namely: Joseph Thomas. Jr. : Charles Ellis: Clarence Spann ; Terrell Moore ; Mattie E .. who died in infaney, and Dorothy. Of the four sons. Joseph T .. Jr .. is in Atlanta with the Southern Cotton Oil Company. He is a noted musician, and is and has been for the past three years organist and musical director of the North Avenne Presbyterian church. Charles Ellis is connected with the Southern Cotton Oil Co. as traveling auditor. Clarence Spann is with G. W. Dozier & Co .. dry goods merchants. Terrell Moore. the youngest son, is associated with his father in business at Dawson. The youngest is a daughter. Dorothy. now six years. The four sons, like their forefathers, are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ragan. true to the religious faith in which they were reared, are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, Mr. Ragan being assistant superintendent of the Sunday school in the church at Dawson for eight years. Mrs. Ragan is a valued member of the Metho- dist Episcopal Missionary Society. Mr. Ragan belongs to P. T. Schley Lodge, No. 229. Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons. Dawson, Georgia ; to Forest City Lodge. Savannah. Knights of Pythias. and to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

LEE C. HOYL. A prominent citizen and well-known lawyer of Daw- son, where he has an extensive praetiee. Lee C. Hoyl has won for himself an honorable name in the legal fraternity of Terrell county, his profes- sional skill and ability being widely recognized. A native of Georgia, he was born in Dawson, where his father. the late Levi Clarke Hoyl, was for several years engaged in the practice of law.

Mr. Hoyl's grandfather, Rev. Thomas Latimore Hoyl, a native of Tennessee, was a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church in that state until late in life, when, his wife having passed to the life beyond, he came to Dawson. Georgia, and spent the last years of his life with his son Levi. He reared seven children, as follows: John. Thomas. James B., Levi Clarke, Mahlon P .. Andrew J., and Susan, who married E. H. Sco- velle. Three of the sons, Thomas, Levi Clarke. and Mahlon P., served in the Confederate army during the Civil war, Thomas losing his life while in the army.

Born and bred in East Tennessee. Levi Clarke Hoyl acquired his education at ITiwassee College. and after his admission to the bar began the practice of law in Athens. Tennessee. Coming to Georgia in 1860. he opened an office in Ameriens, and continued his professional labors. Returning to Tennessee after the breaking out of the war between the states, he enlisted. at Cleveland. in Company E. Sixty-third Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, under command of Capt. Thomas Brown and - Col. J. H. Rogers. Soon after entering the army, he was captured. and taken to Johnson's Island, in Lake Erie, where he was confined as a prisoner six months, when he was exchanged. and returned home. He had previously contracted rhenmatism. at the time of his exchange having been helpless, and he never fully recovered his health. At the close of the war he again came to Georgia, and having purchased a tract of land six miles west of Dawson. embarked in farming. His health improving,

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he moved with his family to Dawson, and, in partnership with Major C. B. Wooten, was there actively engaged in the practice of his chosen profession until his death. September 1, 1898.

On Angust 8. 1867. Levi Clarke Hoyl married Mary Elizabeth Ozier, who was born in Harris county, Georgia, April 17, 1842, a danghter of Rev. Jacob Ozier. Her paternal grandfather, Jacob Ozier. Sr .. was born in North Carolina, of French Huguenot ancestry, and died at the home of his son, in Randolph county, Georgia, when well advanced in . years. Rev. JJacob Ozier. a native of North Carolina. studied for the ministry, and in earlier life was a Methodist Episcopal preacher in various places in South Carolina. About 1840 he came to Georgia, and having joined the Georgia Conference, held pastorates in different parts of the state. His health failing. he purchased a farm lying three miles south of Cuthbert, and there resided until his death, at the age of seventy-three years. He was twice married, his first wife having been a Miss Winn, who died in early womanhood. He married. second. Eliza- beth Kaiger, who was born in South Carolina, and was educated in the city of Charleston. Her father. Major David Kaiger, was born. it is thought. in South Carolina. Coming to Georgia in early life, he bought land lying thirteen miles northeast of Dawson, and with slave labor improved a large farm, on which he spent the remainder of his years. Both he and his wife, whose maiden name was Barbara Crapps. lived long and useful lives, and at their deaths were buried on the home planta- tion. Mrs. Elizabeth (Kaiger) Ozier, Mr. Hoyl's maternal grandmother, died at the age of fifty-eight years. She reared eight children, as follows: Mary Elizabeth, widow of Levi Clarke Hoyl; Martha Matilda : Fredonia Pierce ; Anna Capers : Florella Bascom ; De Laura Zeuline; Hilliard, and David Henry. Mrs. Mary Elizabeth (Ozier) Hoyl was educated at the Andrew Female Seminary, in Cuthbert, and prior to her marriage taught school three years. She now resides in Dawson, and is the mother of five children, namely: Lee C., the special subject of this brief sketch ; Thomas C .; James B. : Walter H., and Mary Lou. She is a faithful mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which her husband also belonged, and has reared her children in the same religious faith.

Lee C. Hoyl received his early education in the South Georgia Male and Female College. in Dawson. later attending the University of Georgia. Subsequently studying law with his father, he was admitted to the bar by the late Judge J. M. Griggs, on December 3, 1894, and immediately became associated with his father in the practice of his profession. In 1898 Mr. Hoyl enlisted in Company G. Third Regiment, United States Volunteer Infantry, for service in the Spanish-American war. Being commissioned lieutenant of his company, Mr. Hoyl went with his com- mand to Cuba. On the death of his father he resigned from the army. returned home, and has continued in active practice of his profession in Dawson ever since, at the present writing, in March. 1913. being city , attorney.

Mr. Hoyl married. Jannary 17, 1906, Elizabeth Peddy, a daughter of John W. Peddy. of Dawson. Mrs. Hoyl's paternal grandfather. Thomas B. Peddy, was born in Georgia in 1815, a son of Bradford Peddy. a farmer in Museogee county. Removing to Alabama when a young man. he purchased land in Macon county, and was there prosperously engaged in tilling the soil for many years, residing on the home place until his death, in 1886. He served as a brave soldier in the Indian wars, but was too old for military service when the war between the states occurred. He married Nancy Holly, a native of Stewart county, Georgia.

John W. Peddy was born. October 19. 1851. in Alabama, in that part of Macon county now included within the limits of Lee county, and was

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reared on the home farm, and edneated in the rural schools. Beginning life for himself at the age of twenty-one years, he was clerk in a mercan- tile establishment for two years, and the following season conducted a general store on his own account in Bulloch county. Locating then in Lee county, Georgia, he was there engaged in business two years. The ensuing ten years Mr. Peddy was a resident of Sumter county, Florida, during which time he was assistant postmaster and express agent. Com- ing from there to Dawson in 1890, he elerked in a store for three years, but has since been successfully engaged in the mercantile brokerage busi- ness. While living in Alabama and in Florida Mr. Peddy served as justice of the peace, and has held the same office in Dawson for eighteen years.

John W. Peddy has been twice married. He married first, in 1875, Mary Lizzie Harris, a daughter of Edmond Jackson and Martha Ann (Bryan) Harris, and a sister of Mrs. T. J. Hart. in whose husband's sketch, which appears elsewhere in this work. further parental history may be found. Mrs. Mary Lizzie ( Harris) Peddy died February 22. 1893. Mr. Peddy subsequently married for his second wife Anna Maria McFarland. Of the eight children born of his first marriage. five grew to years of maturity, as follows: Susie Evelyn; Ceeil Harris; Daniel Callo- way ; Bessie, now Mrs. Hoyl, and Annie Theo.

Mr. and Mrs. Hoyl have one son, Levi Clarke Hoyl. Fraternally Mr. Hoyl is a member of P. T. Seliley Lodge, No. 229, Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons; of Lawrence Chapter. No. 96, Royal Arch Masons; of the Woodmen of the World; of the Royal Areanum; and Sigma Nu Fraternity, Mu Chapter, University of Georgia.

CAPT. WILLIAM COUNT DILLON. Especially worthy of note in this volume among the many capable and intelligent men who have been actively associated with the agricultural interests of Terrell eounty is Capt. William Count Dillon, late of Dawson, who brought to his inde- pendent calling good business methods and excellent judgment, and whose labors were crowned with sueeess. He was a native of Georgia, his birth having occurred in Augusta, November 5, 1836.

A small boy when his father died, he was brought up by an aunt, and began when young to be self-supporting. He was naturally a studions lad. but as he had little opportunity to attend school he obtained his edu- cation, principally, evenings, by the light of a candle. Industrious and thrifty, he saved his earnings, and when he had aceumulated a sufficient sum to warrant him in becoming a landholder he purchased a farm in Baker eounty, Georgia, where he was soon busily and profitably engaged in raising cotton and corn. As his means increased, Mr. Dillon bought other land, and carried on farming on an extensive scale.

Renting his Baker county lands in 1879, Mr. Baker located in Terrell county, purchased a farm lying two miles east of Dawson, and was there a resident until his death. February 15, 1896.

While living in Augusta Mr. Dillon served as chief of police, in that capacity performing his duties faithfully and fearlessly, to a noticeable extent clearing the city of desperadoes. While this employed the cap- tain was shot, and carried the bullet in his body as long as he lived. Publie-spirited and liberal. his influence and assistance were ever sought in behalf of undertakings for the public good and for the advancement of the best interests of his community. Although Captain Dillon acquired a large property, he did not obtain his wealth by penury, but by his business tact and ability, as is shown in his farming operations and in his wise investments.

Captain Dillon married Mrs. Mary Virginia ( Elliott ) Wilkinson, who

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was born January 6, 1845, in Baker county, where her father, James Elliott, was a farmer. By her union with her first husband, Dr. W. W. Wilkinson, Mrs. Dillon had one son, Walton Wilkinson, who died unmar- ried. Three children blessed the union of Captain and Mrs. Dillon, namely : George Crawford Dillon, who is an invalid; William Count Dillon, Jr., who died unmarried; and Susan Wright, who married Walter Aloisius Mercer, of Dawson, and has two sons, William D. Mercer and Walter A. Mercer,

Mrs. Mercer received her education first by private tutors in Dawson, then in Union Female College, under Mrs. James; then in Lake View University, at Birmingham, Alabama ; then back to Eufaula, under Mrs. Simmons; then to Wesley Female College, at Macon.

Mrs. Mereer and her husband are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which Mrs. Dillon, who died June 6, 1881, also belonged.

BYNUM H. HOOD. Resolute and earnest in purpose, energetic and progressive, Bynum H. Hood, late of Dawson, was for many years actively associated with the industrial and business prosperity of Terrell county, his death being a loss not only to his immediate family and friends, but to the entire community. He was born, November 11, 1836, in Meriwether county, Georgia, and was there reared to agricultural pursuits.

Joseph Hood, his father, was for many years engaged in agricultural pursuits in Meriwether county, Georgia. Coming from there to Terrell county, he purchased land lying one and one-half miles northeast of Dawson, and was there employed as a tiller of the soil during the remainder of his life.

An ambitious student. Bynum II. Hood received excellent educational advantages, completing his early studies in Forsyth, in Professor Mor- gan H. Looney's school. Public-spirited and patriotie, he enlisted, in April, 1862, in Company I, Forrest Cavalry, which became a part of Forrest's command, and was with his regiment in its many campaigns and battles. On July 23, 1863, he took part in the raid on Murfreesboro, when several Confederate prisoners there confined in jail were released, Congressman Richardson, who was under sentence of death as a spy, hav- ing been of the number. Mr. Hood also participated in the Battle of Perryville. Kentucky, and in the engagement at Chickamauga. In 1863, on account of physical disability, Mr. Hood was released from service by General Foster, but he continued with the army, and later was placed, by General Hood, on detached duty to obtain supplies for the army, a posi- tion which he filled until the final surrender, in May, 1865.

Returning to Georgia, Mr. Hood taught school in Meriwether county until January, 1866, when he accepted a position as teacher in the schools of Dawson. Obliged on account of ill health to resign his position in 1867, Mr. Hood did not remain idle, but with characteristie plnek and courage became successfully engaged in various enterprises, including the warehouse and lumber business. For many years there was but one rail- road in Dawson, and Mr. Hood, perceiving the urgent need of better transportation facilities, conceived the plan of establishing a railway extending from Columbus to Albany. The project at the time seemed a big undertaking, but he, nothing dannted, began working at it with his enstomary vigor and zeal. interesting capitalists and influential business men, and through his untiring efforts the road was completed in 1889. Mr. Hood continued his residence in Dawson until his death. in 1905. Fraterually Mr. Hood was a member of P. T. Schley Lodge. No. 229, Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons, and he also belonged to Tom Brantley Camp. No. 404. Confederate Veterans.

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A history of Savannah and South Georgia, Volume II, Part 55

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