USA > Georgia > Biographic etchings of ministers and laymen of the Georgia conferences > Part 14
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books. In after years Judge Hammond had many a laughable story to relate of his experiences while making his semi-annual rounds on his cir- cuit.
In 1855 he was elected judge of the Tallapoosa circuit, and very soon acquired a reputation for all-round ability seldom equaled in the history of the Georgia judiciary.
One conspicuous feature of his official adminis- tration was his unswerving integrity and his unfal- tering personal courage in the enforcement of the law against a class of moral desperadoes which at one time menaced the personal safety of the bench, and at other times kept even the grand juries in awe.
An incident occurred while he was presiding for Judge Joseph E. Brown in the superior court of Paulding county, which deserves a place amongst the memorabilia of criminal justice in the fifties. His coming to the county was hailed with delight by the law-abiding citizens of that community, and stirred up the worst element of the population with the liveliest apprehensions.
He opened the term with a charge to the grand jury, the traditions of which still abide with the early inhabitants of that vicinage.
He was particularly emphatic in his charge against the prevalent practice of carrying con- cealed weapons. He instructed the jury to make diligent inquiry and true presentments against all
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such offenders. "No man," he said, "but a low- flung braggart and an arrant coward will turn himself into a perambulating armory in the midst of a civilized community, and if such moral repro- bates are brought to the attention of the court, I promise to execute the law without fear or favor." The whole charge was a bold arraign- ment of a class that for years had terrorized the better class of citizens in that county.
The clamor of the rabble was so boisterous and threatful after the delivery of this charge, that at the close of the morning session, when the sheriff offered to escort him in the usual way to his hotel, he promptly declined, saying with a significant look, that the court needed "no body- guard."
The next day one of the roughs, whose case was before the grand jury, made an effort to intimi- date one of the grand jurors. The matter was reported to Judge Hammond, who at once ordered the offender to be brought into court. After a quiet investigation he directed that the offender pay a fine of five hundred dollars, and for better safe-keeping be conveyed to the jail of Heard county for six months' imprisonment. When the sheriff suggested the probability of a rescue mob, Judge Hammond instructed him to secure a posse of five men, armed with double-barrel shotguns, charged heavily with buckshot, as an escort to the Franklin jail. The judge emphasized his in-
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structions by telling the sheriff that if he was molested in the discharge of his duties he must shoot the marauders "until their hides wouldn't hold shucks."
It is needless to say that the fine was paid and the full term of imprisonment served.
These stringent measures were equal to reading the riot act in Paulding, and a large petition was prepared and presented to the next legislature, asking that body to annex Paulding to Judge Hammond's circuit.
This incident is but a single illustration.of his judicial methods when he was called to deal with rowdyism. In the matter of decisions his rulings in both civil and criminal causes were al- most uniformly sustained by the supreme court. As an evidence of his great popularity on the bench it deserves to be mentioned that he defeated for the judgeship that able jurist, Hon. Hugh Buchanan, by an overwhelming majority.
He resigned, however, during his second term, preparatory to his removal to Atlanta in 1862, when he formed a partnership with Judge S. B. Hoyt. This law firm did for years a heavy prac- tice, civil and criminal., As an advocate Judge Hammond had no superior at the Atlanta bar. When it was known that he was to address the court or jury on any important issue, the forum was invariably packed to overflowing. While he was at times strikingly eloquent, he was uniformly
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incisive in statement, forcible in argument, and, when the occasion demanded, was humorous to a degree not excelled by any of his legal contempo- raries. Wehave heard it stated that Judge Hop- kins now and then lost his judicial solemnity, while the lobby went wild with uproarious laughter which neither the sheriff nor his bailiff could readily restrain.
His utterance was so rapid that no stenographer could report his speeches or sermons.
And this brings us to the observation that this able judge and advocate was for thirty years one of the best local preachers known in the annals of the Southern Methodist church. His blameless life gave him the confidence of both ministry and laity, and he was heard everywhere with pleasure and profit. He was not in sympathy with pro- gressive theology, but had a decided preference for "old-time religion." He was most at home, therefore, on a camp-meeting platform, where we have heard him do some of the best preaching to which we ever listened. We alluded to hisimpetuous delivery. He certainly never drawled in our hear- ing. Indeed, his vocabulary was exceedingly copious, and if the fitting word did not come at the instant it was due, like a sensible man, he coined one for the occasion, and usually it was worthy of Webster or Worcester.
Not the least beautiful side of Judge Hammond's Christianity was seen in his home life, where, like
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the Master, he was, in his humbler sphere, prophet, priest and king. He maintained family religion by precept and example. Scripture reading, song and fervent prayer were familiar sounds under his rooftree. In all this he had the hearty co-opera- tion of his excellent wife. Is it strange that his children honor him in the great usefulness of their lives, and that to them his memory is as fragrant as "ointment poured forth?"
I ought sooner to have mentioned his single term of service as mayor of Atlanta. In this capac- ity he was the conservator of peace and good morals, and while he was not autocratic in his methods, he was, as when a circuit judge, a terror to evil-doers. This was Judge Hammond's last official position. He continued, however, for several years thereafter in laborious practice, much of the time in connection with his son, Judge W. R. Hammond. In 1881, he removed to Orlando, Fla., mainly in search of the balmier winter temperature of the peninsular state.
While there he resumed his law practice, having his youngest son, Hon. Ed. Hammond, as his as- sociate.
There, as already stated, his strength gave way under the burden of threescore and ten years.
His remains were brought to Atlanta, and then interred at his old home in Newnan in the presence of a large concourse of his old friends. His well- spent life is a rich legacy to coming generations.
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GEORGE T. QUILLIAN
Was one of the most thoroughly consistent Methodist laymen that I ever met during the whole period of my active ministry. He was em- phatically a man of prayer, and while he was a frequent reader of religious books, his Bible was his special delight.
Uncle Billy Parks and Samuel Anthony were his pulpit models, and he was never weary of talking of their wonderful exploits in the heroic days of Georgia Methodism.
During the pendency of the civil war he was a gallant soldier, noted for his stubborn fighting qualities when called into action.
These traits of character distinguished him as a member of the church militant. He endured hardships, and was ready at all times for faithful service and personal sacrifice. In his latter days he had many friends, amongst them Messrs. Hunnicut and Bellingrath, who revered him and loved him and contributed much to his comfort when his health was greatly shattered. "Uncle George" left a name untarnished and a memory dear to a great multitude who knew his intrinsic worth as a man of God, and his incorruptible integrity in all his business and social relations.
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DR. R. A. T. RIDLEY.
Dr. R. A. T. Ridley, of LaGrange, was for many years widely known in political and professional circles, and hardly less so as a Methodist official of deserved prominence.
He was a native of Granville county, North Carolina, coming to Georgia in early life and set- tling in Troup county, where he was a general favorite with the inhabitants of that desirable portion of Western Georgia.
For years his medical practice was both exten- sive and lucrative. On various occasions, how- ever, he was somewhat diverted from his pro- fesional work by his election to the State legis- lature, serving alternately with distinction in both branches of that important body.
As I am advised, he was converted under the ministry of Rev. James B. Payne, during a notable revival in the thirties. He took a lively interest in the educational enterprises of LaGrange, and especially was he a liberal and devoted friend of the LaGrange Female College when it was strug- gling upward to its present proud pre-eminence.
In politics he was a~ pronounced Whig, and a fast personal friend of Ben. Hill, with whom he was on terms of confidential intimacy. When the
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civil war ended so disastrously to his native South, he was well-nigh crushed in heart, as well as fortune.
All through the doleful era of reconstruction he suffered not less from blasted expectation than from failing health. The two combined gradu- ally wrecked his once stalwart manhood. Hislast days were deeply shadowed except as they were brightened by the tender nursing of his immediate family and the sympathy of a large circle of friends, who honored him for his noble record as a Christian gentleman and as a faithful public servant.
His wife, nee Miss Mary Morris, who had shared his prosperity, clung to him with true womanly devotion in his days of physical feebleness and mental depression.
My last interview with him was in one of the corridors of the old capitol in Atlanta. He re- marked to me that he could hardly realize that the piebald concern that occupied the senate chamber was other than a travesty on the Geor- gia senate, when Andrew J. Miller, Bob Trippe, Ben. Hill, Herschel V. Johnson and men of their sort were the conscript fathers of the common- wealth." Drs. Ridley did not linger long after that interview. He left three sons, Dr. R. B. Ridley, of Atlanta, and Dr. Charles and Frank Ridley, of LaGrange, who have since been distinguished for their professional skill and eminent civic virtues.
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FERDINAND PHINIZY, ESQ.
Amongst my earliest acquaintances and staunch- est friends in Athens was Ferdinand Phinizy, Esq., a man whose business record was hardly equaled in the State. He was a prosperous planter, prominent bank and railroad director, who accu- mulated a very largefortune by his administrative ability.
My first intimate acquaintance with him grew out of his serious affliction in the death of his first wife, a most excellent Christian mother, the daughter of Hays Bowdre, Esq., of Augusta Ga.
She was a member of my pastoral charge at Athens, and her sudden and unexpected death in the summer of 1863 was a severe shock to a large circle of friends in various parts of the State.
Brother Phinizy was well-nigh crushed by this domestic bereavement, and during this period we were brought into relations of tenderness that lasted until the close of his life.
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For many years he was a liberal supporter of the Methodist church, contributing largely to its various collections. Besides his annual contribu_ tion to the conference claimants, he made frequent donations to several of the older preachers and their families. These deeds of charity were done,
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however, without the blowing of trumpets or similar Pharisaic display.
He was a staunch advocate of old time religion and a pronouced opponent to innovations on old Methodist usages. Bishop Pierce was his model as a preacher, and between them there existed a most cordial intimacy.
It is quite remarkable that he did not unite formally with the church until a few months before his death. He announced to me his purpose to join the church the last time I met him in At- lanta. For years he had been held back by a sense of personal unworthiness. I know that it cost him many a struggle before he obtained the victory over his doubts and fears. He said to me in that Atlanta interview that his long delay had been the mistake of his life. He distinctly realized that he had missed many golden opportunities of Christian usefulness, but that thereafter he would consecrate himself to the work of the Master. After all, his life was one of which his family and surviving friends may be proud, and his reward in the spirit world has doubtless been exceeding great.
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DR. JOHN URQUHART.
Dr. John Urquhart, of Columbus, was a physi- cian of rare skill and a Christian gentleman of proverbial politeness. His wife was a worthy helpmeet to him in both professional and religious duties.
As a physician he enjoyed the patronage of the best circles of the city, and yet he was always ready to serve the humbler classes as opportunity offered.
His characteristic modesty was a hindrance to his efficiency as a Christian worker. He was not so timid, however, that he failed to bear witness for Christ, whether in the class-meeting or the great congregation.
He was for many years a steward in St. Luke's church, and not one of his fellow officials were more ready to devise liberal things for the sup- port of the ministry and for the usual conference collections.
Dr. Urquhart's wife preceded him to the spirit world by several years. She was a daughter of General Shorter, who was prominent in the poli- tics of western Georgia while as yet the Indians were in possession of eastern Alabama. Sister Urquhart was a gifted woman, and together with Mrs. Judge Colquitt, she was ready for any good
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word or work. Her last years were spent in suffering from a cancerous affection.
After a few years her devoted and childless hus- band followed her to the grave lamented by the entire citizenship of Columbus.
DAVID ROSSER ADAMS.
David Rosser Adams was a typical Methodist, both by inheritance and thorough conviction of sin, followed by an old-time altar conversion. His father was a local preacher of the best pattern. His piety was approved by all who knew him and his pulpit gifts were above the average. His chil- dren, as far as I have been advised, were consis- tent church members and were of good business capacity.
Rosser Adams, the subject of this sketch, was a leading churchman, liberally educated and the best leader of congregational music I have known in all my experience. Several times have I par- taken of his hospitality, and his elegant home at Eatonton was a center of taste and refinement.
I have seldom met in commercial circles his equal in Biblical knowledge and general literary
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culture. His very presence was imposing, and his whole bearing indicated that he was one of Na- ture's noblemen sanctified by divine grace.
While I had comparatively few opportunities of cultivating his personal aquaintance, I am satis- fied that my estimate of him will be accepted amongst his fellow-townsmen who knew him best and longest.
Our church at Eatonton is greatly indebted to his strong common sense and his blameless life for the influence which for more than half a century it has wielded in that Middle Georgia community.
EDWIN M. PAYNE.
Edwin M. Payne was by birth a Virginian whose parents died when he was a small lad. He was fortuneless, but luckily not friendless, and by these friends he was apprenticed under a decree of the probate court to the cabinet business. In chair- building he became an expert, and a pioneer citi- zen tells me that some specimens of his handi- craft are still to be found in Atlanta that are more than a half century old.
On reaching his majority Brother Paynecame to Georgia, stopping for a short time in South Caro-
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lina, and then settling in Newton county, where he married a Miss Barnes, the mother of his two oldest children. After the death of this wife of his youth, he married Mrs. Cureton, the mother of that late excellent Christian lady, Mrs. C. W Hunnicutt, and also the mother of Columbus D. Payne, one of Atlanta's worthiest citizens. He was married a third time to Mrs. Hoyt, the mother of Judge S. B. Hoyt, and also of Mr. Ed- die Payne of the George Muse clothing house.
Brother Payne came to Atlanta in 1843, and was active in the construction of Wesley chapel, the mother church of the city. He donated to the congregation the ground on which the First church now stands. That lot, at present market valua- tion, would probably bring a round hundred thou- sand dollars. Being a carpenter as well as a chair- maker, he wrought at the building of the old church like a day laborer, but without fee or re- ward. Afterwards he donated the ground on which Payne's chapel and parsonage now stand and contributed liberally to its erection. Uncle Eddie was, indeed, in that generation a veritable Haggai without the gift of prophecy.
While this venerable gentleman was not deficient in spirituality, he had no sympathy with sour- visaged godliness. Down to his latest breath he was fond of a clean joke, and, like ancient Yorick, would often set the table in a roar of innocent
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jollity. He died about 1375, leaving a good record and a gracious influence which still abide upon his descendants to the third generation. First church and Payne's chapel are his best monuments.
ROBERT BATTEY, M. D., LL. D.
Forty years ago, Robert Battey, M. D., LL. D., professed religion and united with the Methodist church at Rome, Ga. This interesting event oc- curred in the midst of a remarkable revival con- ducted by the late Rev. D. D. Cox, in which he was greatly helped by Drs. H. V. M. Miller, W. H. Fel- ton and other divines of lesser note.
From that time onward Dr. Battey has been recognized as a leader in the religious circles of the Mountain City, which so snugly nestles at the junc- tion of the Etowah and Oostanaula rivers.
Few men of the present generation have been more distinguished for a broad, Christian philan- thropy. Only a few weeks ago, he donated avalu- able medical library of one thousand volumes to the State library at the Georgia capitol. For the past quarter of a century Dr. Battey has been a surgeon of national reputation, but of later years he has achieved a world-wide distinction, as a gynecologist.
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As a specialist in normal ovariotomy he has won golden opinions from the foremost medical faculties of both Europe and America. In all branches of abdominal surgery he is reckoned as an expert by the best writers and practitioners, and "Battey's operation" is approvingly discussed in all the text-books of the two hemispheres.
More than two years ago his health became im- paired by the nervous tension consequent on inces- sant professional labor, but he has so far re- covered that he has partly resumed the personal supervision of his large and splendidly-equipped infirmary at Rome. In this arduous work he has now the earnest co-operation of his son, who has inherited some of the special gifts of his father.
In church work Dr. Battey is in nowise remiss. Indeed, in his social relations he is an eminent ex. ample to the younger brethren.
No worthy enterprise of his own or another de- nomination fails to secure a generous response when it appeals to him for financial aid.
In his relations to society at large his deport- ment is such that he is a favorite with all classes and conditions. It is to be devoutly hoped that his life of singular usefulness will be prolonged to full fourscore years without abatement of natural strength and without the usual experience of pain or sorrow.
His most excellent wife deserves a like blessed experience for her fidelity and helpfulness in every good work.
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HUBBARD WOODSON COZART.
Hubbard Woodson Cozart was one of the pio- neer Methodists of Atlanta. He was the contem- porary of the Winships, Rawsons, Lawshes, Hammonds and like representative men of the early fifties. Brother Cozart emigrated from North Carolina, his native State, to Georgia when a young man. For quite a number of years he resided at Eatonton, where he accumulated a snug fortune in the mercantile business. His edu- cational advantages had been fairly good, but his most striking traits were his sterling business in- tegrity and his uns werving devotion to the church.
Besides these good qualities he had a large stock of common sense that made him a safe counselor in all the relations of life.
He had but little patience with men who did not pay their debts, and yet he was likewise a man of large liberality to the church and to all worthy objects of charity.
As a steward and class-leader he was untiring, and always enjoyed the implicit confidence of his pastors and of his brethren.
He had a hearty relish for wit and humor, and his anecdotes, which were always clean and yet piquant, made him a favorite in social circles.
His domestic life was not without its shadows, but it was marked by the presence and power of 18
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religion and a hospitality that endeared him alike to rich and poor.
In all this his excellent wife was a helpmeet after the pattern of those godly women of whom fre- quent and honorable mention is made in the Scrip- tures.
All through the trying war period his patriot- ism was unshaken by the ad versities which befell his beloved Southland, and while himself too infirm for military service, his heart and hand were open to the boys in gray.
His wife and daughters, especially Mrs. Harral- son and Mrs. Bass, were active workers in the hospitals of the city.
Brother Cozart died soon after the surrender at Appomattox, beloved and honored by all his fel- low-citizens who were so fortunate as to know him and his manner of life.
JAMES M. BEALL.
James M. Beall will be kindly remembered by every Methodist pastor who has been stationed in LaGrange during the last forty years.
His wife, a daughter of Maj. George Heard, was one of the most devout Christian matrons of her generation. To her he was greatly indebted
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for his personal piety and his thorough devo- tion to the church. Brother Beall was a man of excellent judgment, of sterling business integrity, and the most uniform attendant on the social meetings of the church that I have known during my long pastoral experience.
Unless for strictly providential reasons he was never absent from the midweek prayer-meeting or the quarterly love-feast.
As a steward he looked closely after the collec- tions, and was always in full sympathy with the pastor and his family.
He had, indeed, a kind word for his preacher at all times, and as a patient and intelligent hearer of the gospel he had few equals. Naturally of a phlegmatic temperament, he was less aggressive than some of his official brethren, but could be re- lied upon in every emergency.
One feature of his work deserves special men- tion. He is entitled to more credit than any one man to the present existence of the LaGrange Fe- male College. He was not so large a contributor to its treasury as some others, but he never failed to do the best that he could according to his means. In the darkest hour of its history he was unshaken in hisloyalty to thecollege, and it was a gracious Providence that spared him to see its rehabilitation, which was accomplished in the face of no little adverse criticism.
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A most beautiful trait in his character was his devotion to the memory of his wife, a woman of rare excellence as a wife and mother. Through years of loneliness he cherished the memory of her virtues, and when he lay down in death by her side he was the same as when he led her to the bridal altar.
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N. C. BARNETT.
Col. N. C. Barnett was during much of his long life a prominent State official. He served under not less than a half-score of gubernatorial adminis- trations as keeper of the great seal of the Com- monwealth, a special function of the secretary of state.
Such was the clearness of his official record and the uprightness of his private life that he was spoken of in the highest and humblest political circles as "honest Nathan."
He was a nephew of the great William H. Crawford, whose fame extended through both hemispheres. Not less than Ben Franklin or Tom Jefferson he was the idol of the French people, and but for a paralytic stroke he would have been the presidential successor of James Monroe.
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Myffirst intimate acqaintance with Col. Barnett . began during my pastorate at Milledgeville, in 1860. The strength and influence of that once strongest station in Georgia had greatly declined since its pulpit was occupied by Capers Howard, Lovick Pierce and other notabilities. During that year, however, it was blessed with a memorable re- vival, and from that date it has advanced to one of the leading appointments of the North Georgia Conference.
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