USA > Georgia > Chatham County > Savannah > A history of Savannah and South Georgia, Volume II > Part 8
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GEORGE C. FREEMAN. As money, or any other medium of exchange. is the life-blood of business and commerce, it is evident that bankers, men who. manage and control the circulating medium, stand related to the public as the physician who has his finger on the pulse of the patient and has the power of controlling his condition for better or worse. No member of the business community has a greater responsibility than the banker and any community or city is much to be congratulated which has at the head of its finances men of thorough training, stanch ability and moral dependability. No banker of the South is more closely typical of what is required in the financial manager and leader to inspire and retain business and commercial confidence than George C. Freeman. assistant to the president of the Citizens and Southern Bank, one of Georgia's most important monetary institutions. He has resided' in Savannah since 1854, and has been identified with banking interests since 1873.
Mr. Freeman is one of the Forest city's venerable citizens, his birth having occurred in Bibb county, Georgia, August 16, 1833. He is the son of Azel R. and Delia (Shaw) Freeman. The father was born in Vol. 11-4
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New Jersey in 1792. While still a youth he started out like the pro- verbial hero of romance to seck his fortunes, going with two companions to what was then known as the "West," crossing the Allegheny moun- tains and going down the Ohio river and finally locating in Lexington, Kentucky. When the War of 1812 came on Azel Freeman volunteered for service and joined the Kentucky Mounted Riflemen, with which organization he crossed the Ohio river and served with the same on the northern frontier. Upon the termination of hostilities, he returned to . the Blue Grass state, but subsequently went thence to Nashville. Temes- see, which city remained his home for a number of years. In 1827 he removed from Nashville to Bibb county, Georgia, locating where the present city of Macon is situated, and in Bibb county he spent the years which remained to him before traveling on to the undiscovered country. "From whose bourne no traveler returns." The mother of the subject was a native of Massachusetts.
George C. Freeman was reared and educated in Bibb county. He came to Savannah in 1854, and ever since that time he has maintained his home in this eity. His first employment in Savannah was in the office of Hudson, Fleming & Company, cotton factors, with whom he remained for six years. He then formed a partnership with A. H. Champion, under the firm name of Champion & Freeman, in the whole- sale grocery business. their location being at the corner of Bay and Drayton streets. At the outbreak of the Civil war, in 1861, Mr. Free- man and Mr. Champion both joined the army of the Confederacy and their business, like that of many another Southern firm, became suspended on that account, to be resumed after the close of the war.
Mr. Freeman joined the Chatham Artillery in Savannah and was in service in Chatham county. In the second year of the war he was detached from his command and assigned to duty as assistant to the collector of the port of Savannah, under the Confederate government. The collector of the port was James R. Sneed and his chief deputy was Maj. Charles S. Hardce, who has for many years held the office of city treasurer of Savannah. A day or two prior to Sherman's entrance into Savannah, the collector of the port and his office force, taking their records, books, money and other possessions, went to Charleston, and of this historic party Mr. Freeman was a member. Within a few days they changed their headquarters from Charleston to Augusta; thence the Confederate authorities ordered them to Macon; from Macon to Mill- edgeville; and from the latter place they retreated to the plantation of Dr. T. A. Parsons, in Laurens county, whence they were ordered to Macon, where their effects were surrendered to the United States author- ities and the party was paroled and returned to Savannah.
Upon the return of peace to the devastated country, the business of Champion & Freeman was successfully re-established and continued until 1877. Mr. Freeman, however, is best known for his long and honorable connection with banking business in Savannah. He entered upon his career in this field in 1873, when he was elected a director and vice-president of the Citizens' Mutual Loan Company, which began business in June of that year. He was one of the originators of that well-remembered financial institution and took an active part in the
management of its affairs from the beginning. It was successful from the start and earned a good ammal profit in dividends to its stock- holders. In 1887 the Citizens' Bank was organized and by unanimons vote the Citizens' Mutual Loan Company was merged into that insti- tution. The Citizens' Bank began with a capital stock of $200,000, and Mr. Freeman was the first cashier of the new bank. In 1890, the Citizens' Bank was reorganized and $300,000 was added to its capital, making its
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capital stock $500.000. Mr. Freeman remained as cashier after the re- organization, being the only one of the old officers retained after the reorganization.
In 1906 the Citizens' Bank was consolidated with the Southern Bank of the state of Georgia, with the name of the Citizens and Southern Bank, and of this substantial institution, as mentioned in a preceding paragraph, Mr. Freeman is an officer and assistant to the president ; the increasing duties of the cashier's position being considered more than Mr. Freeman should discharge after his long years of service with the bank. The Citizens and Southern Bank is one of the largest and strongest banks in the South. It has a capital stock of $1,000,000, with a surplus and undivided profits running over a million dollars. It occupies the beautiful banking building constructed for its exclusive use, in the square surrounded by St. Julian, Bryan. Bull and Drayton streets, with entrances from both Bull and Drayton streets. Nothing could possibly be more advantageous than its situation. Besides his position of assistant to the president, Mr. Freeman is also secretary of the board of directors.
Mr. Freeman served five years as alderman of Savannah and was at one time chairman of the finance committee. He has been a member and officer of the Savannah Benevolent Association since 1866, and for ten years he was secretary, for nine years president, and for twenty- six years, treasurer, which latter position he now holds. He is a member of the Independent Presbyterian church and has been one of its board of trustees since 1878. He is the friend of good government and takes a public-spirited interest in all measures likely to advance the welfare of the beautiful old city to which he came over half a century ago.
Mr. Freeman laid one of the most important stones in the foundation of his success in 1862 by his marriage to Miss Sarah E. Davis, of Savan- nah, daughter of William H. Davis, one of the well-known early resi- dents of the city and particularly well remembered for his prominent connection with the Republican Blues, one of Savannah's famous military organizations. Their union has been blessed by five children, two of whom now survive: Judge Davis, Freeman, lawyer, and judge of the city court of Savannah; and Miss Georgia Freeman, a member of the charming Freeman household, whose hospitality is thoroughly consistent with Southern traditions.
WILLIAM HAMPTON WADE. Of decided eminence in his profession is William Hampton Wade, of Savannah, whose abilities have brought him distinction at the bar and a large clientele. He is a native son of Savannah, his birth having occurred in this city on the 17th day of August, 1859. His parents were William and Margaret H. (Greene) Wade, both of whom are deceased. The father was a native of Bridge- port, Connecticut, and came to Savannah about the year 1850. He died early in the Civil war period, the subject being an infant at the time of his demise. At the time of the death of the elder gentleman he was one of the proprietors of a foundry in Savannah that was engaged in making cannon for the Confederate government. He was also the owner of a plantation in Chatham county, not far from Savannah, and his home there was known as "Hampton Place." The mother of the subject was the daughter of Herman and Harriet M. ( Hart) Greene, and her birth occurred in Savannah in 1824. Herman Greene was the son of Zachariah Greene, who was a first cousin of Gen. Nathaniel Greene, the commander of Washington's forces in the Southern colonies during the Revolutionary war. Zachariah Greene was a very young man at the beginning of the Revolution, his years ninmbering about seventeen, but
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he joined the Continental army and was proffered a place on General Washington's staff.
William Hampton Wade was educated in the schools of Savannalı and in the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington, from which he graduated in the class of 1880. Having come to the decision to adopt. the law as his life work. he began his preparatory studies in Savannah under the late Judge Walter S. Chisholm, and was admitted to the bar in 1881. He has practiced law in Savannah since that time with the exception of a few years, when he was absent from the city. Of vigorous intellect. wide information and keen wit. his command of language is such as to make his speech apt and fitting at all times and careful in arranging and preparing his cases, he is never at a loss for forcible and appropriate argument to sustain his position. His reputation as one of the able lawyers of Savannah has been reinforced with the passing years. Besides his law practice he fills the office of county administrator and county guardian.
Mr. Wade was a member of the Savannah Volunteer Guards for about seven years and at the time, of leaving the city in 1887 he had been appointed a lieutenant. He finds pleasure and profit in his fraternal relations, which extend to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias.
In the year 1906 Mr. Wade was married in this city to Miss Ada Hull, a native daughter of Savannah, her father being Fred M. Huli, the port warden of Savannah. They have one son, William Hampton Wade, Jr.
DAVID S. ATKINSON. In no profession is there a career more open to talent than is that of the law. and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation, a more thorough appreciation of the absolute ethics of life or of the underlying principles which form the basis of all human rights and privileges. Unflagging application and determination are the concomitants which insure personal success. Possessing the requisite qualities of the lawyer. is the young man whose name introduces this paragraph-Mr. David S. Atkinson.
Mr. Atkinson was born in Camden county. Georgia. November 1, 1884, the son of Dr. Dean Dunwody and Sarah Hardee (Scarlett) Atkinson, of Brunswick. Georgia.
Mr. Atkinson received the advantages of a thorough education, his public school training being supplemented by attendance in Gordon Institute at Barnesville, the University of Georgia at Athens. and the law department of Mercer University at Macon, from which last- named institution he was graduated with the class of 1907. He then entered upon the practice of law in Camden county and was, in 1909. appointed by Gov. J. M. Brown, judge of the city court of St. Marys. Georgia. In October, 1908, he established himself in the practice of law in Savannah.
Mr. Atkinson has become actively associated with the various affairs of Savannah. IIe was in 1913 appointed assistant city attorney of this city. He is a lieutenant in the First Regiment of Infantry, National Guard of Georgia. and a member of various clubs and societies. He is a past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias. a Mason, an Odd Fellow, an Elk, and Eagle, and is secretary and treasurer of the University Club of Savannah. Mr. Atkinson is unmarried.
COL. MICHAEL JJ. O'LEARY. Excelling in achievements and com- manding snecess in several lines of endeavor, Col. Michael J. O'Leary, of Savannah, has won marked prestige as colonel of the First Regiment
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moodleany
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of Infantry, National Guard of Georgia; has acquired prominence in commercial eireles and engaged in the transfer of cotton; and as alder- man was actively associated with the publie interests of the eity for one term.
Born in New York City in 1869, he was brought by his parents to Savannah when but a few months old, and is practically a Savannah produet, having been brought up in this city, and here receiving his early education in Saint Patrick's school, and his commercial training in MeCarthy's Business College. Since 1896, when he succeeded to the interests of Andrew MeCormick, Colonel O'Leary has been actively and prosperously engaged in the cotton transfer business, which is the principal business of the kind in Savannah, in his operations enjoy- ing the patronage of all the large cotton interests.
In 1888, responding to the lure of military life, Michael J. O'Leary enlisted as a private in the " Irish Jasper Greens," one of the companies of the First Regiment of Infantry, National Guard of Georgia. Sub- sequently receiving well-merited promotion, he was first made first lieutenant of his company, and later was commissioned major of his regiment. In 1908 he was again promoted, being made colonel of the First Regiment of Infantry, National Guard of Georgia, a position which he now holds. This regiment is famous in the military history of Georgia, its distinguished record being referred to at length in the historical portion of this work. At present the First Regiment is composed of twelve companies, including the Emmett Rifles, the German Volunteers, the Oglethorpe Light Infantry, the Savannah Cadets, the Irish Jasper Greens, the Republican Blues, and several out- of-town companies. Colonel O'Leary has rendered notably efficient serv- ice and given the highest of satisfaction as commander of his regiment, which is one of the military bulwarks of the state. For two seasons. in 1907 and 1908, the colonel was captain of the Georgia Rifle Team, representing the Georgia military organization in the rifle eontests at Camp Perry, Ohio.
Elected alderman of the city in the fall of 1910, Colonel O'Leary took his seat in January, 1911, and is rendering exeellent service in that capacity. He is one of the directors of the Savannah Fire Insur- anee Company. He is a director of the Chamber of Commerce; and of the Exchange Bank and a member of the Cotton Exchange; of the Savannah Antomobile Club; the Inssars Club; the Guards Club: and fraternally is a member, and past state deputy, of the Knights of Colum- bus, and master of the fourth degree of the states of Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolinas.
Colonel O'Leary married, in Savannah, Josephine McCormick, and they have one daughter, Josephine O'Leary.
DR. RICHARD DENNIS ARNOLD, a physician and surgeon of con- siderable note, distinguished citizen and war mayor of Savannah, was born in that city on August 19. 1808. He passed away in the city of his birth in 1876, and he is mourned in the hearts of all who live to remember him today.
Dr. Arnold was the son of Capt. Joseph and Eliza ( Dennis) Arnold: the former born in Rhode Island and the latter a native of Brunswick, New Jersey. No man was more generally or more favorably known in Savannah, few were more highly honored, and none have done more to promote the best interests of the city and to benefit the people indi- vidually and collectively than did Doctor Arnold. He died Inly 10, 1876. in the same house and in the same room in which he was born, the old family mansion still standing on the northwest corner of State and
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Abercorn streets. He was a graduate of Princeton College, also of the Medical College of the University of Pennsylvania. In 1832 Doctor Arnold began the practice of his profession in Savannah. and success soon established him among the distinguished members of the medical profession. In 1839 he was elected to represent Chatham county in the state legislature, and the usefulness of his public service was such that many further political honors were bestowed upon him. In 1842 he was elected to the Georgia senate, and in 1843 he was elected mayor of Savannah, previously having served several terms as a member of the board of aldermen. He was again elected to the office of mayor in 1851, 1859 and 1863, and continued to hold that office until the close of the Civil war. General Sherman, upon his occupation of the city in December, 1864. convinced that Doctor Arnold was much better fitted to act as mayor than anyone that could be appointed from the army, retained Doctor Arnold in that position. He rendered service of great value to his people in those times in looking after the women and children and non-combatants.
Doctor Arnold was a prominent member of the American Medical Association, was elected first vice-president of that body in 1846, and was a member of the committee which drafted the association's code of ethics. In 1847 he was elected president of the Georgia Medical Society. His reputation as a physician was international. and he was especially well known as an expert in the treatment of fevers. In 1854, when the yellow fever epidemie swept over Savannah, Doctor Arnold rendered notably beneficent services, being unremitting in his atten- tions to the sick and suffering, and taking no heed of any danger to himself. His experience was wide and varied, and, a constant student. he wrote several masterful treatises on yellow and bilious fevers.
Doctor Arnold was a delegate to several national Democratie con- ventions, and was always enthusiastic in the cause of the party. He was deeply interested in the subject of education, and as a member of the board of education of Savannah, was able to do much for its advance- ment in his native city. He was one of the original members of the Georgia Historical Society.
Doctor Arnold was past master of Oglethorpe Lodge of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and a member of Solomons Lodge, No. 1, Ancient Frec and Accepted Masons. He was buried in Bonaventure cemetery and in respect to his memory a beautiful shaft was erected by the children of the public schools and the citizens of Savannah.
JOHN M. HOGAN. Among the prominent and valued citizens whom Savannah has been called upon to mourn within the past few years. none will be more generally missed than John M. Hogan, who, as cashier for many years of the Germania Bank, was closely identified with the financial interests of the city, while his connection with business, fra- ternal, military and educational associations brought him in contact with the membership of various city organizations. A native of Penn- sylvania, he was born May 28, 1848, in Philadelphia, a son of Matthew and Anne ( Higgins) Hogan, both of whom were born in Ireland, and died in Savannah.
As a young lad John M. Hogan came with his parents to Savannah, Georgia, where he acquired his early education. which was supple- mented by a course of study in Spring Hill College, near Mobile. Ala- bama. Returning to Savannah from there, he entered the banking house of Wallace Cumming & Company, and subsequently remained with that firm and its successors, and with the Southern Bank of Geor- gia, until the organization of the Germania Bank, in 1889. Being then
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chosen cashier of that institution, Mr. Hogan retained the position eon- tinuously until his death, May 8, 1911, his long record of service in that capacity bespeaking in no uneertain tone his business ability, judgment and upright character. He was also secretary and treasurer of the Savannah Clearing House Association from its formation, in 1891, until his death. In a memorial issued by the clearing house association fol- lowing his death, a beautiful and honest tribute was paid to his memory, as follows :
"Mr. Hogan's faithful and efficient services as an officer of this ' association were so appreciated by his associates that no other name was ever mentioned in eonneetion with his offiee during his long in- cumbeney of it. Mr. Hogan took an active interest in whatever tended to promote better banking methods. He was until his death a constant attendant upon the meetings of the American Bankers' Association, and he was for a time one of its vice-presidents. His sterling qualities, combined with his genial and courteous manner. won the friendship and affeetion of all his associates, and his death brings to each of us a pro- found sense of personal bereavement.
"As an expression of our sense of loss, it is
"Resolved, That in the death of John M. Hogan this association deplores the loss of a cherished friend and of a faithful officer, whose life and character exemplified the highest type of the upright business man and eitizen."
The late Capt. Henry Blun, who was president of the Germania Bank, imposed great confidenee in Mr. Hogan, and his long experience and irreproachable character made him a man of influence in financial circles.
Mr. John M. Hogan was a member of the Georgia Historical So- ciety, and was vice-president of the Hibernian Society at the time of `his death. He was a life member of the Savannah Volunteer Guards; a member of the Catholic Library Association; of the Savannah Yaeht Club; the Oglethorpe Club; the Hussars Club; the Union Society ; and the Chamber of Commerce. Fraternally he belonged to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
WILLIAM R. HEWLETT is an attorney of Savannah and since 1908 has been one of the United States commissioners for the United States court, Eastern district of Georgia. His reputation as one of the promi- nent lawyers of the state has been reinforced with passing years, during which he has appeared in connection with many of the important eases brought before the state and federal courts. with many noteworthy forensic vietories to his credit. He is a strong advocate before judge or jury and not only marshals his causes with great ability, but also brings to bear the strength of a firm and upright character, so that he has gained and held the inviolable confidence and regard of his fellow prac- titioners and also of the general public.
Mr. Hewlett was born at Barnwell, Barnwell county, South Caro- lina, on the 20th day of September, 1869. He is the son of William Henry and Amelia H. (Fowke) Hewlett. The former, who has been deceased for several years, was a native South Carolinian, but came to Savannah to enlist in the Confederate army at the outbreak of the war, he joining the famous Georgia Iluzzars of this eity, of which he became lieutenant. He went with this organization to the Army of Northern Virginia; was wounded in one of the battles in that state; came home; and rejoined the army in South Carolina after he got well. He was the son of William HI. and Elizabeth (Johnson) Hewlett.
The subject's mother, who is still living. comes from the well-known
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Virginia family of that name. She is the daughter of Dr. Richard Chandler and his wife, whose maiden name was Harrietta ( Allen ) Fowke. Df. Richard Chandler Fowke was the son of Dr. John Fowke, of Vir- ginia, who served in the United States navy as a surgeon soon after the close of the Revolutionary war. Dr. John Fowke was descended from Roger Fowke of England. whose son, a colonel in the royal army, came to America about the time of the execution of Charles I and settled in the Old Dominion. Through marriage his descendants became connected with a number of the well-known families of Virginia, such as the Masons, Fitzhughs, Dinwiddies, Burdettes, Harrisons and . Alexanders. The late Peter Daniel of the United States supreme court was of the Fowke connection.
Mr. Hewlett of this review received his general education in the schools of Barnwell and Charleston. He came to Savannah in 1886 and this city has since been his home. He studied law in Savannah and was admitted to the bar in 1898. He did not begin practice, how- ever, until the year 1900, sinee which time he has been one of the active and successful practitioners at the Savannah bar and in the vari- ous federal and state courts. For a number of years he maintained a law partnership with Judge Walter W. Sheppard, which pleasant con- nection was dissolved in 1910 upon Judge Sheppard's appointment as judge of the Atlantic circuit of the superior court.
Mr. Hewlett is a prominent figure in several of the fraternal organ- izations. He is clerk and is practically at the head of the local lodge of Woodmen of the World; he is head officer of the fraternal Mystic Circle for the state of Georgia, and he is junior warden of the Royal Arcanum.
Mr. Hewlett was married June 2, 1893, to Miss Julia C. Erwin. a niece of Hon. Marion Erwin, United States district attorney for the Eastern district of Georgia, becoming his wife. Their union has been blessed with a daughter. Kathleen. The Hewlett homestead is a hos- pitable and charming abode and Mr. and Mrs. Hewlett hold high place in popular confidence and esteem.
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