A history of Savannah and South Georgia, Volume II, Part 64

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

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He located at Statesboro, the county seat of Bulloch county, and has resided there continuonsly ever since. His natural aptitude and com- prehensive education were recognized and he met with pronounced suc- cess. IIe has been found equally at home in the various division of law practice and has achieved a high rank in the profession. Mr. Moore is known abroad as well as in his home community as one of the ablest lawyers in Middle Georgia. Besides his large practice he has a success- ful business in farm loans.

Always a stanch adherant of the principles of the democratic party, Mr. Moore has taken an active part in its affairs in his section of Georgia. His judgment is excellent as regards political situations and in the counsels of the party. his advice is always sought. In 1912, Mr. Moore was promiently mentioned as a candidate for congress from the first congressional district. but he declined to enter the race. In December, 1905, his fellow townsmen gave significant evidence of their esteem by electing him to the office of Mayor, to which place he was re-elected for for the succeeding term. His administrations are spoken of in the highest terms by all.

On June 22, 1893, Mr. Moore was united in marriage with Miss Laura Alderman, daughter of Hiram and Emma (Jones) Alderman, of Mel- rose, Florida.

CHARLES WYNNE ATTWILL. attorney at law, and fast forging to the front in his profession, is a native born Georgian, his birth taking place at Savannah, on December 15, 1879. He is the son of Charles Wesley and Lupina Rebecka (Horn) Attwill. The father was a native of West Moreland county, Virginia, while the mother was born in Laurens county, near Dublin, and reared in Thomasville, Thomas county. Charles W. Attwill, the elder. was employed in Savannah by the Hogan Dry Goods Company until the time of his death, which ocenrred on March 20. 1881. They were the parents of two children: Charles W. of this brief per- sonal review and Susie, who died at the age of four years.

The son, Charles W., attended school in Savannah until he was ton years of age, the old Chatham Academy being the scene of his studies, and he then came to Eastman accompanied by his mother and her step- father, Dr. D. Cox. and in Eastman high school completed his studies and was graduated therefrom in 1896. In 1898 the young man took a business course at Ozark, Alabama, and later studied law at Mercer University in Macon. Georgia, from which institution he was graduated in 1904. On Jime Sth of that year he began the practice of his pro- fession in Mount Vernon, in which he has since made continuous and consistent advance. In the years 1905, '06 and '07 Mr. Attwill was official stenographer for the city courts of Eastman, MeRae and Baxley,

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a position which he filled most admirably, as a result of his efficient business training. and on January 1, 1910, he was appointed by Gov. Joseph Brown to fill out the unexpired term of W. M. Morrison as solicitor of the eity court of Eastman, which he retained until the expiration of the term. on June 1, 1911. He has conducted a general law practice with most pleasing results, and is the legal representative of the Dodge Fertilizer Works, also the First National Bank of Eastman.

Mr. Attwill is unmarried, and makes his home with his mother, who still lives in Eastman.

SIDNEY DOUGLAS DELL. Broad-minded, talented, and progressive, Sidney Douglas Dell. a young and leading attorney of Hazlehurst, has acquired distinction in legal eireles, both at the bar and the beneh, his advancement along professional paths having been swift, while each step has been creditable to him both as a man and as a lawyer. A native of Georgia, he was born, August 18, 1885, in Sylvania, Sereven eounty.

His father, John C. Dell, was for many years a prominent attorney of Sereven county. and a citizen of influence. A stalwart supporter of the principles and policies of the Democratic party, he contributed largely towards the advancement of its cause, representing his district in the state legislature: serving as chairman of the Democratie executive committee of Sereven county, and, in 1896, being delegate at large to the convention that first nominated William JJ. Bryan for the presideney. He married Fannie Sharpe, of Sereven county, and to them seven ehil- dren were born. as follows: Jesse, private secretary to the quarter mas- ter general at Washington, Distriet of Columbia; E. P., who is reading law at Hazlehurst with his brother Sidney; Nellie P., wife of Dr. W. B. Mell, formerly of Effingham connty, but now residing in Sylvania ; Mary, who conducts a circulating library at Sylvania, Georgia; Sidney Douglas; and two that have passed to the higher life.

After a thorough preliminary course of study in his native town, Sidney D. Dell was sent to Washington, District of Columbia, and was there gradnated from the academie department of the Georgetown Uni- versity. While in that department, he spent his evenings in reading law, and subsequently entered the law department of that institution, from which he was graduated in 1908. The years previous to that date, Mr. Dell had. in addition to keeping up with his academie and legal studies, served as stenographer for the Southern Railway Company's treasurer, a position which he retained until November, 1908, when, on aecount of the illness and death of his mother. he was ealled home. Re- maining to settle up the family estate, Mr. Dell coneluded to loeate per- manently in Georgia. On January 24. 1909. he continued his studies at Mercer University. in Macon, where he was gradnated on June 2, 1909, and on the same day was admitted to the Georgia bar. and likewise to practice in the United States cirenit eourt before Hon. Emory Speer. On June 15. of the same year. Mr. Dell was admitted to practice in the appellate court of Georgia, and he has, in addition to all this, license to practice in the courts of the District of Columbia.

On June 7, 1909. Mr. Dell began to practice of his profession at Ilazlehurst, and about a month later was appointed trustee in bank- ruptey by the referee of bankruptcy of the eastern division of the south- ern district of Georgia in the celebrated Gilmore case, which. on aeconut of the many intricate legal points involved, was one of great importance. In January, 1910. Mr. Dell became associated with Andge H. A. King, becoming junior member of the firm of King & Dell, which was recently dissolved. In November, 19-, Mr. Dell was made judge of the city court of Hazlehurst, and has the honor and distinction of being one of

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the youngest judges on the beneh. Especially well informed in regard to the law of bankruptcy and insolvency, Mr. Dell is prepared to handle bankruptcy cases in both Baxley and MeRae.

Mr. Dell married, June 30, 1909. Miss Sadie Norman, daughter of Rev. Robert R. and Mary Norman, of Wilkes county, Georgia. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dell are valued members of the Methodist ehureh. Fraternally, Mr. Dell is a member and the secretary of his lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons: and belongs to the Knights of Pythias.

J. WADE JOHNSON, vice president and general manager of the Southern Loan and Investment Company, Vidalia, Georgia, was born November 29, 1882, fifteen miles from Vidalia, in what was then Mont- gomery, now Toombs county, son of J. C. and Anna (Sharp) Johnson, both natives of Georgia. His grandfather Sharp is said to be the oldest man now living in Montgomery county. J. C. Johnson is one of the representative farmers of Toombs county. He is a veteran of the Southern army, for two years, 1863 and 1864, having tented and marehed and fought with the boys in gray, his eommand being Com- pany F, Sixty-first Georgia Infantry.

His father a farmer, young Johnson was reared to farm life and received his education in the common schools of his native county. He remained with his father until he was twenty-two years of age. On leaving the homestead, he aceepted a position as deputy elerk of the supreme court of Montgomery county, which place he filled acceptably for a period of five years. He was elected vice president of the First National Bank of Vidalia at the time it was organized, and oceupied this position for some time. Meanwhile he beeame identified with other enterprises, and on aeconnt of the press of other business he resigned his place in the bank. . The Southern Loan & Investment Company, of which he is viee president and general manager, and of which A. M. Moses is president, does a general real estate and loan business, lending large sums of eastern eapital to the Georgia farmers. In 1911, this company placed loans to the amount of $262,000, and handled 20,000 aeres of Georgia land.

Mr. Johnson has made his home in Vidalia the past five years. In 1906, he and Miss Mable Morrison, daughter of P. Morrison, were united in marriage, and to them have been given two children: J. Wade, Jr., and Margaret.

Mr. Johnson has fraternal relations with the Knights of Pythias, and he and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Baptist church.

CARLTON J. WELLBORN. A man of wide research and learning, pos- sessing a comprehensive knowledge of law, Carlton J. Wellborn ocenpies among the leading attorneys of Jeff Davis county, having a large and remunerative practice, and is well known in public life. He was born, September 7. 1868, in Blairsville, Union county, Georgia, eoming from a family of much prominence.

His father, Carlton J. Wellborn. Sr., was born, bred and edueated in Union county, Georgia, and as a young man was admitted to the bar. He served during the Civil war as commissary general under Gen. Joseph Brown, and was afterwards engaged in the practice of law, for a number of years being judge of the superior court of the northeast eirenit. He was very prominent in the affairs of state and nation, and during the second administration of President Cleveland served as as- sistant secretary of the interior under Hoke Smith. He was also state librarian under Gov. Allen D. Candler. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah M. Candler, was born in Milledgeville, Georgia, a daughter Vol. 11-28

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of E. S. Candler, who was comptroller of the state of Georgia during the Civil war.

Being fitted for college at Dahlonega, Georgia, Carlton J. Wellborn turned his attention to the study of law, and was graduated from the law department of the University of Georgia. at Athens, with the class of 1889. Immediately locating at Blairsville, he remained there in active practice for upwards of a score of years, meeting with unmistakable prestige in his profession, and being influential in public affairs. In August, 1911. he removed to Hawkinsville, where he is continuing his legal work. having a lucrative patronage.

Mr. Wellborn has represented his district in the state legislature three terms. having been elected in 1898, 1899, and again in 1905, and was assistant elerk of the house of representatives under John T. Boi- feuillet.

Mr. Wellborn married Lula, daughter of T. P. Griffies, of Greens- boro, Georgia, and into their household six children have made their advent, namely: William J., born in 1891, is editor and proprietor of the Hazlehurst Vous; Charles G., born in 1894. is also a journalist, being connected with the McRae Enterprise, in Telfair county : John P., born in 1898; Sarah, born in 1900; Osman, born in 1903; and Minnie Lee, born in 1910. Mr. Wellborn and his family belong to the Methodist ehureh.

.CASON F. ADAMS. Industriously engaged in one of the most useful and independent callings to which a man may devote his energies, Cason F. Adams, of the Tallokas district, is earrying on general farm- ing with much success, performing his full share in rendering this dis- trict one of the finest agricultural regions of Brooks eounty. A son of the late Lasa Adams, he was born September 12, 1853, in Madison eounty, Florida.

His paternal grandfather, Dennis Adams, migrated from one of the Carolinas to Florida at an early day, when that portion of our country was almost entirely a wilderness, the red skins being much more plenti- ful than white men. Purchasing a tract of land, he erected a set of buildings, and began to clear a homestead. One old Indian, "Sam," was a frequent caller at his house, and proved his friendship for the new- comer by telling him that the Indians were that night to make a raid on the white settlers. The family made preparations to receive the savages when they attempted to drive away the stock. One of the sons, Lasa Adams, started ont with his gun, the other members of the family being likewise armed, and when the battle that ensued was over there were three dead Indians lying upon the ground. The following day, Dennis Adams. believing discretion to be the better part of valor, eame with his wife and children to Georgia, which was much further from the Indians' headquarters, and where the protections against the dusky savages were much better, and here spent his remaining days. He was twiee married, his second wife surviving him about twenty years. By his two marriages he was the father of ten children, as follows: Joshua, Lasa, Dennis. Caswell. Cason, Sally, Rachel, Irene Lonisa, and Jane.

Born in one of the Carolinas, Lasa Adams was but a small boy when the family settled in Florida, where he experienced all the hardships and privations of pioneer life, and where he had his first serimmage with the Indians. On coming to Georgia he joined the force organized for protection against the wily red man, and took an active part in the engagement at Brushy ereek. in 1836, when the Indians took their last stand in Georgia against the advance of civilization. On attaining his majority, Lasa Adams bought a tract of timbered land in Madison

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county. Florida, and on the farm which he improved spent a few seasons. He subsequently lived for four years in Jefferson county, Florida, from there coming to Georgia, and settling first in Thomas county, and later in Brooks county. Here purchasing a grist mill, he operated it with water power a number of years, the mill then, and now, being known as Adams's Mill. He did much to develop the industrial resources of this part of the country, and was here a resident until his death, at the age of eighty-three years, one month, and fourteen days.

Lasa Adams married Orpha Lee Holloway, who was born in what is now Brooks county. Georgia, where her father, William Holloway. a native of Bulloch county, Georgia, settled in pioneer times, and was afterwards extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits, operating his plantation with slave labor. She died September 28, 1887, aged sixty- five years. She reared four children, namely : Rhoda ; Jane; James C., of whom a brief sketch appears elsewhere in this volume; and Cason F.

Commencing as a boy to assist his father on the farm, Cason F. Adams remained beneath the parental roof-tree until twenty-seven years of age. In the meantime he had visited Brooks county in his search of a permanent place of location, and had purchased a part of the land now included in the farm he owns and occupies, it being situated in lot number three. Tallokas district. Here Mr. Adams has a fine farm of two hundred and fifty acres, which he is managing successfully. as a general farmer being quite prosperous. He has a comfortable set of farm buildings, which are amply shaded by fine forest trees, which add much to the attractiveness and picturesque value of the place.

Mr. Adams married. at the age of twenty-six years. Texas Smith. She was born in Lowndes county, Georgia, where her father. J. R. M. Smith, located on coming to Georgia from Arkansas. Her mother, whose maiden name was Martha Smith, was born in Lowndes county, a daughter of Owen Smith, a well-known pioneer of that county. Mr. . and Mrs. Adams have lost one child, Claon, who died at the age of sixteen years, and have four children living. namely: Leila, wife of Harris J. MeGraw. has two children. Alwilda and Eugene : Olivia : John B .; and William Lasa. Politically Mr. Adams is a straightforward Democrat, and religiously he and his family attend the Bethel Baptist church.

MARTIN V. MILLER, M. D. A skillful and successful physician of Barney, Brooks county, Martin V. Miller. 31. D .. has through his rec- ognized ability and professional knowledge acquired a large and lucrative practice, and gained an honored name in the medical fraternity. IIe was born, September 8, 1870, in Decatur county, Georgia, a son of John Harrington Miller.

Buck Miller, the doctor's grandfather, was for many years a wealthy planter and slave holder of eastern Georgia. He subsequently removed to Florida, and spent his last years in Jackson county. Hle reared three sons, as follows: Elias, llenry, and John Harrington.

Born on his father's plantation, JJohn Harrington Miller was reared and educated in the eastern part of Georgia. On attaining manhood he migrated to Decatur county. Georgia, where he was a pioneer settler. At that time nearly the whole of southwestern Georgia was in its virgin wildness, deer, bear, and wild game of all kinds being abundant. There were no railroads then in evidence in the state, the few settlers market- ing their prodnee in the Gulf ports. He located thirteen miles north- west of Bainbridge, which was a small hamlet. its one store being kept in a log house. Buying a heavily timbered traet of land, Mr. JJ. II. Miller built a small log cabin, and began the clearing of a farm. As his means

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increased, he added to the improvements already inaugurated, and later erected a substantial double house of hewed logs, into which he moved with his family. During the war between the states he enlisted in a Georgia regiment, and for a time was stationed along the coast. He was later sent to the defense of Atlanta, and with his brave comrades fought Sherman's forees. Returning home at the close of the war, he resumed his agricultural labors, residing on his farm until his death, in 1885, at the age of sixty-five years.

The maiden name of the wife of John Harrington Miller was Margaret Rebecca Godby. She was born in Lee county, Georgia, in 1835, a daughter of William and Betsey (Williams) Godby, and died in 1911, aged seventy-six years. Eight children were born of their union, as follows: Henry Luther, engaged in the practice of medicine at Palatka, Florida; Caroline; Martin V .. the subject of this brief sketch ; Elias M., engaged in farming in Decatur county; Lura E .; Thomas M., a physician in Hampton, Florida; Evie J .; and Wesley Sherman, a well-known physician of Ocala. Florida.

Completing the course of study in the public sehools, Martin V. Mil- ler turned his attention to the study of medicine, which seemed to be a favorite one in the family, having for his tutor Dr. E. B. Bush, of Col- quitt eounty. Subsequently entering the Atlanta Medieal College, he was graduated from that institution with the elass of 1893. Beginning the praetiee of his profession at Jakin. Early county, Dr. Miller re- mained there a year, and the following ten years was employed as a physician at Whigham, Georgia. A elose student, ambitious to keep abreast of the times in his profession, Dr. Miller then spent a year in Atlanta, where in addition to his work as a physician he attended med- ical lectures. In 1909, he came to Barney, Brooks county, where he has since been actively and successfully engaged in the practice of his pro- fession, having built up an extensive and remunerative patronage. He is a member of the Brooks County Medical Society.

Dr. Miller married, January 26, 1898, Maggie Grace Jones, who was born at Climax. Deeatur county, Georgia. a daughter of Zoar Robert and Mary ( Evans) Jones, natives of Georgia, her father having been born in Deeatur county, and her mother in Mitchell county. Her grandparents. pioneer farmers of Decatur county, were Silas and Sally (Williams) Jones, and Albert and Grace (Smith ) Evans. Mrs. Miller's father is now living retired from agricultural pursuits, his home being in Cairo, Grady county. Mrs. Miller is a woman of enlture and refine- ment, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

HENRY A. EMERSON, whose well-managed farm lies in Brooks county, about five miles from Quitman, is numbered among the enterprising and skillful agriculturists who are using excellent judgment and good busi- ness methods in their work, and are meeting with satisfactory results. He was born in Liberty, Florida, a son of Charles Warren Emerson.

He is of English ancestry, his grandfather. Joseph Emerson, having emigrated from England to. Massachusetts. settling in the near vicinity of Boston, where he spent the remainder of his years.

Charles Warren Emerson was born and reared near Boston, Massa- chusetts, and there acquired his early education. While in his 'teens he spent two years on board a whaling vessel, and afterwards followed the sea for seven years. Feeling the lure of the Sonth. he made his way to Florida, becoming a pioneer of Leon county. At that time there were no railroads in either Florida or Georgia, and the forests were inhabited by wild animals, game of all kinds, and the Indians were ninerous and sometimes vicious, causing the newcomers much trouble.

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He lived in various counties in Florida, but spent the elosing days of his life in Lafayette county, dying in 1894. His wife, whose maiden name was Diana. Byrd, was born, in 1824, in Liberty county, Georgia, a daughter of Aleek and Nancy (Sykes) Byrd, who removed from that county to Florida, locating as pioneers in Madison county, and there living until called to the life beyond. Charles Warren and Diana Emerson were the parents of seven children, as follows: Nancy, Susie, Joseph W., Henry A., Charles, Mary and John. Joseph W. and Henry A. are the only survivors of this family. Joseph W. Emerson, the oldest son, has been twice married. He married first Nancy Shaw, who died in early life, leaving five children: Katie, Susie, Lewis, Charles W., and Jeremiah. Ilis second wife, whose maiden name was Sarah A. Starling, died in 1887, leaving two children, Lulu and Sophia.

Although his educational advantages were limited, IIenry A. Emer- son availed himself of every opportunity for advancing his knowledge, thus obtaining a good stock of general information. He was reared to habits of honesty, industry and thrift, and at the age of nineteen began earning wages as a farm laborer, finding employment in Brooks county, Georgia. In 1877, Mr. Emerson went to Jefferson county, Florida, where he remained as a plantation overseer until 1886. He then entered the roadway department of the Savannah, Florida & Western Railroad Com- pany, now the Atlantic Coast Line, and remained with the company for twenty years, faithfully and capably performing all the duties connected with the position until handing in his resignation. In 1906. having previously bought land in lots four hundred and seventy-three and four hundred eighty-six. Dixie district, within five miles of Quitman, Mr. Emerson turned his attention to agriculture, assuming possession of the farm where he is now living. Successful in his new industry, he now owns four hundred and sixty aeres of land, and now has a goodly portion of his farm in cultivation, and improvements of an excellent character, his buildings being substantial, commodious and convenient.

In 1879, Mr. Emerson was united in marriage with Mary Emma Johnson, who was born in Brooks county, Georgia, a daughter of Wilson Johnson. Her grandfather, Jared Johnson, who married Elizabeth Eekels, moved from Washington county, Georgia, to Brooks county in pioneer days, and built a grist mill at Water Lillie Pond, and operated for a time. IIe afterwards moved south, settling near Ancilla river, where he resided until his death. Born in Washington county, Georgia, Wilson Johnson came with his parents to Brooks county, and in this part of the state spent his active life as a tiller of the soil. He married Mary Dean, a daughter of John and Jane ( Albritton) Dean, who came to Brooks county from Lanrens county, her father having been a man of culture, and one of the pioneer school teachers of this part of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson have seven children, namely: Azubah V., who married Bailey T. Waldron, and has two children, Nellie and Ahua; Carrie V .; Susie R. : Lucy I. : Nancy W. ; Henry B. ; and Russell W.

In state and local affairs Mr. Emerson is a straightforward Democrat. but in national affairs he is independent, voting for the best men regard- less of party restrictions. Fraternally he is a member of Dixie Lodge, No. 242, Free and Accepted Masons.

GEORGE WEBSTER QUINN. A prominent member of the agricultural comunmity of Hickory Head district, George Webster Quin holds an assured position among the successful and progressive farmers and stock- raisers of Brooks county, where he was born, his birth having occurred March 10, 1877.

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A history of Savannah and South Georgia, Volume II, Part 64

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