USA > Georgia > Georgia's public men 1902-1904 > Part 16
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JUDGE T. A, PARKER.
T HOMAS AUGUSTUS PAR- KER. Judge-elect of the Brunswick circuit, was born in Liberty county, Georgia, April 3, 1859. He is the son of Hampton C. and Catharine Parker. His father was for many years a leading citi- zen of Liberty. and filled various important official positions.
Judge Parker has bien twice mar- ried. His first wife was Miss Mary V. Sellers of Appling county. To them were born ten children. nine of whom are living. Their names are Allie. J. Hampton, David M., T. Au- gustus. Ruth. Mina. William C., Sel- lers and Jane. Mrs. Parker died in April. 1899. Judge Parker was married the second tinie in April. 1901. to Miss Alice E. Chapman, of Liberty county, and one child has been born to them, Francis Morrison.
After teaching for several years in the schools of Appling. Judge Parker was admitted to the bar in March, 1886. He soon established a reputation as an able attorney and built up a good practice. He was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court in October. 1895.
Judge Parker has had considerable experience on the bench. In December, 1893. he was appointed Judge of the County Court of Appling by Governor Northen. Four years later Governor Atkinson appointed him Judge of the City Court of Baxley for a term of four years. In this capacity he established a splendid reputation as a jurist. He was frequently called upon to preside over the city courts in larger town .. which he did with dignity and ability. He soon came to be considered one of the most capable Judges of City Courts in the State.
A prominent member of the Baptist church, Judge Parker has always taken great interest in religious work. He has been clerk of the Baptist church in Baxley for eighteen years. At the last session of the Consolation Association he was chosen Moderator. When the Georgia Baptist Convention met in Griffin several years ago Judge Parker was elected to a vice-presidency.
Judge Parker has always been a staunch Democrat, but never an habitual politician. After an interesting race he was elected to the Judgeship of the Brunswick circuit by a majority of two thousand. His splendid capabilities
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and accurate knowledge of the law will enable him to fill the position aceept- ably. and he will prove a worthy sueeessor to the long line of distinguished predecessors.
Judge Parker will assume the duties of his office in January. His residence is at Baxley.
JUDGE D. M. ROBERTS.
D AVID MONTGOMERY ROBERTS, Judge of the Oconee Circuit, is one of the distinguished men of South Geor- gia. He was born on Rocky Creek, in the county of Laurens, on the fifteenth of June, 1837. His parents were Daniel and Elizabeth Roberts. The maiden name of his wife was Miss Ursula Edwards. His children are James Henry, Frederick Augustus, and Paul Montomery Roberts.
Daniel Roberts, the father of the subject of this sketeh, was one of the solid farmers of Laurens. Judge Roberts passed his boyhood on a farm. His rudimentary edn. cation was obtained at the country schools of the time. Later he enjoyed the advantage of mental training under Prof. Niles in the schools of Dublin.
Judge Roberts eame of good old Weleh-Irish ancestry. On his father's side his ancestry eame originally from Wales, and his mother's ancestors eame from Ireland. His Grandfather Roberts was a brave soldier in the war of the Revolution. In one of the battles of that stormy period he lost a leg. He was among the first settlers of Dublin, Laurens county. The maiden name of the mother of Judge Roberts was Elizabeth Carey, the maiden name of her mother being Montgomery. Both of her ancestors were Irish. Judge Roberts read law in the town of Dublin in the office of the Hon. Hugh M. Moore. He was admitted to the bar in 1859 at an adjourned term of the Superior Court of Laurens, Judge Peter E. Love presiding. He began the practice in Telfair county and soon developed into an excellent lawyer. Ile pursued his profes- sion in Telfair until January, 1861, when he returned to Dublin.
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When the toesin of war sounded Judge Roberts was found in the ranks of the first soldiers who offered their services to their country from the county of Laurens. He was assigned to the Tenth Georgia Regiment, Company G. The first Colonel of this grand old regiment was La Fayette McLaws, who after- wards became a General of renown. During the first year of the war he served in the Army of Virginia. Having contracted a severe attack of rheu- matism, he was discharged and returned home, where he remained two months. He then went West and cast his fortunes with the cavalry service.
He has won noteworthy honor in civil life. In 1882 his fellow-citizens elected him to the mayoralty of Eastman, and in 1886 he was chosen State Senator from the Fourteenth district, serving his people most acceptably in the General Assembly. He was honored with election as delegate to the Na- tional Democratic Convention which in 1880 nominated Winfield Scott Han- cock for the Presidency. Later he was made a member of the Democratic State Executive Committee during the chairmanship of J. H. Estill.
He became Judge of the Superior Court of the Oconee Circuit in 1889, his term expiring in 1893. He was again chosen to fill this high position in 1901.
JUDGE A. L. BARTLETT.
A. L. BARTLETT, Judge- elect of the Tallapoosa judicial circuit, is pre- eminently a self-made man. He has won his way to high position by in- domitable pluck, the exercise of an iron will, and straightforward, hon- est methods. No man in Georgia more richly deserves success than Judge Bartlett, for no man cver worked more honorably and untir- ingly for it.
Judge Bartlett came of strong, self-reliant and noted ancestry. His paternal ancestors were descendants of Josiah Bartlett, of the State of Pennsylvania. His maternal ances- tors were of Irish descent. Nathan' Bartlett, the father of Judge Bartlett, was born in the State of Virginia. He came to Georgia in 1821 and located in Jones county. In 1830 he married
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Miss Anna O. Haygood, a daughter of John Haygood, of then Clark. now Oconee, county. John Haygood was a well known Baptist minister.
In 1839 Nathan Barlett removed to then Cobb, now Paulding county, and engaged in farming.
Judge Bartlett was born on his father's farm in that county in 1851. He was the youngest of nine children, seven girls and two boys. All of his sisters have passed away.
The greater part of his father's property was swept away by the Civil War. At the tender age of 14, Judge Bartlett was thrown upon his own resources. He proved himself equal to the situation. Practically deprived of educational advantages during the stormy period from 1861 to 1865. he began the strug- gle of life without a dollar. He went to work, and, as opportunity offered, obtained the best schooling possible, defraying all his expenses. In 1868 he went into business at Brownsville, Ga. His capital was only $135.85, but his stock of energy was heavy. He continued the struggle bravely, devoting all available time to his books until 1826, when he took up the study of law.
In 1877 he was admitted to the bar. About this time he was married to Miss Permelia Watson of Brownsville.
He opened an office in that village and carried on his law practice and com- mercial work in conjunction. He made a success of both.
In 1892 Judge Bartlett was called on by the Democracy of Paulding to make the race for the Legislature. The odds were against him, the county being Populist. After a fierce fight he was defeated, but by a very small margin. His opponent received 921 votes to his 914.
In 1896, four years later. he was again nominated by the Democrats of the county for Representative in the Legislature. This time, after a very heated contest, he was elected by a good majority.
He received, and deserved, the credit of redeeming Paulding county from Populistic rule and placing her safely in the Democratic column.
In 1902, in the face of strong opposition. he made a fine race for the Judge- ship of the Tallapoosa circuit. He was nominated at the June primary, over- whelmingly carrying every county in the circuit except that of his opponent. On October 1st. at the general election, he received the largest vote cast for a circuit judge in Georgia. His term as Superior Court Judge will begin January 1. 1903. and expire December 31, 1906. He is well qualified for the place.
Judge Bartlett became a Mason in 1813. He has traveled all the roads in Masonry to the Pilgrimage of the Desert. and crossed the hot sands. At the last session of the Grand Lodge of Georgia. held in October. 1902, he was elected a trustee for the Masonic Home to be erected at Macon. Ga.
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JUDGE H. M. HOLDEN.
H ORACE M. HOLDEN, of the Superior Courts of the Northern cireuit, was nom- inated for that position in the Dem- ocratic primary on May 15, 1900, and elected by the people in the State October election of 1900. Per- haps no candidate ever received stronger or more deserved endorse- ments for a place on the bench of Georgia. He was unanimously en- dorsed by the grand jury and officers of the County Court of Taliaferro, the bar of Crawfordville, the mayor and town council of Crawfordville. and by resolution of the Democratic Executive Committee of Taliaferro county. That committee deelared : "He is eminently fitted for this position in character and legal qualifica-
tions and attainments. We unanimously commend him to the Northern circuit as a lawyer who, if chosen, will make an efficient, faithful, able and impartial officer."
He received. in addition. many endorsements from the press and other sources outside of Taliaferro county.
The record of Judge Holden since taking his seat upon the bench shows that he richly merited all of the good things that were said about him in advance.
Judge Holden was born March 5, 1866, in Warren county. He is the son of William F. Holden and Nancy Holden, nee Naney Moore. He married on June 1, 1893. Miss Mary E. Corry. a great niece of Alexander H. Stephens. To them have been born four children, namely: Frank, Howard Lewis, Mary Stephens and Queen Holden.
Ile graduated at the State University in 1885. In 1886 he was admitted to the bar at Crawfordville. He is the youngest Superior Court Judge in Georgia. In May. 1893. he had the honor of acting as master of ceremonies at the unveiling of the monument ereeted to the memory of Alexander H. Stephens in front of Liberty Hall, the home of the great statesman.
Judge Holden has always been a staunch Democrat. In 1894 he was nom- inated for the Legislature from Taliaferro county. but was defeated by the
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Populist candidate. In 1896 he was a member of the State Democratic Cam- paign Committee. In 1898 he was elected chairman of the Democratic Exec- utive Committee of Taliaferro county. And in 1900 he was made Judge of the Superior Courts of the Northern circuit.
In addition to all these honors. he has been a delegate to almost all of the important Democratic conventions held in Georgia since he became of age.
Judge Holden has won his way to eminence in a comparatively short period of time. He graduated before attaining the age of 19. He was admitted to the bar at 19. He began the practice of law at 20. His rise at the bar was swift but solid. After practicing law fourteen years. he was called to the Superior Court bench at the age of 34. his learning and ability eminently fitting him for the discharge of the duties of that high position.
JUDGE P. E. SEABROOK.
P AUL E. SEABROOK. Judge of the Superior Courts of the Atlantic judicial cir- cuit, is a native of South Carolina. He first saw the light in Beaufort county. October 3, 1864.
Judge Seabrook removed to Geor- gia when only 16 years of age. He settled in Savannah. and later ap- plied himself to the study of law. He was admitted to the bar in 1886, and soon after that he removed to the Northwest and practiced for a number of years in the cities of Omaha, Neb., and Council Bluffs, lowa
In the year 1891 he returned to Georgia. Hle made his home in Pineora. Effingham county, and resumed the practice of his profession in Savannah. He was the senior member of the firm of Seabrook & Morgan until his ele- vation to the bench. Indge Seabrook represents the younger element in the politics of Georgia, but he has shown himself a very able representative. He was elected to his present high office at the age of 33 by the Legislature of 1898, over powerful opposition, and was re-elected by the people October 1. 1902, for the full term of four years. Judge Seabrook is a strong man, as his record amply shows. By his careful legal training and long practice at
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the bar he was admirably fitted for the bench which, by reason of his ability. learning and impartiality, he adorns. He, deservedly, enjoys the confidence and esteem of his constituency.
JUDGE Z. A. LITTLEJOHN.
Z ERA A. LITTLEJOHN is a native of Georgia, and al- though he has won consider- able distinction as s a public man, has never sought or held but one office, the judgship of the Su- perior Court of the Southwestern Circuit.
He was born in Culloden, Mon- roe county, Georgia, a town famous as the birth-place of a number of men who carved out distinguished careers. Among them may be men- tioned the late Nathaniel J. Ham- mond, one of Georgia's greatest. lawyers, for a long time Attorney- General of the State, a leading member of the Constitutional Con- vention of 1877, and Congressman for several terms from the Fifth District.
Judge Littlejohn is the son of the Rev. J. R. Littlejohn and Weston Mid- dlebrooks, his parents being blessed with strong minds and exalted char- acters and noted for the noble tenor of their lovely and useful lives.
Judge Litlejohn married Miss Mimmie HI. Shipp, the happy union being blessed with five children, namely: Max. Clotelde. Mary, Zera A. and Wilmot Littlejohn.
Judge Littlejohn, after practicing law successfully for many years, was, in 1896. elected Judge of the Superior Courts of the Southwestern circuit. IIe discharged the duties of his lofty trust so ably and faithfully that he was re-elected in 1900 for another full term of four years.
Wedded to his profession, in which he has won signal honor, he has always eschewed active political life. Ile is descended from an unbroken line of ministers reaching back four generations, and has a brother who is a minis- ter. Ilis record, both private and public, illustrates the fact that he is just. able, learned, pious, a man whose unblemished life and lofty character fur- nish a fine example for the rising generation.
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JUDGE R. G. MITCHELL.
R OBERT GOODWIN MITCHELL, the Judge- elect of the Superior Courts of the Southern circuit, has always taken an active interest in politics. He has always been a Democrat straight from the shoul- der. The "arbitrament of a legally constituted convention of my party fixes my loyalty to its candidates beyond question." That expresses the quality of his Democracy.
Judge Mitchell was born in Thomas county, Georgia. July 15, 1843. IIe was married to Miss Net- tie Fondren at Thomasville, Ga., January 24, 1864. It was not long after his admission to the bar be- fore his ability and devotion to the duties of his profession commanded the attention of his seetion. Hle was appointed Solicitor-General of the Southern cicuit in 1873. HIe held this office until the fall of 1884. Ilis long service was eminently satisfactory to the people and he made one of the best Solici- tor-Generals in the State. Ile resigned to accept the nomination for State Senator. He was elected. and served ably and faithfully during the term covering 1884-5. IIe was re-elected to the Senate in 1890, and had con- ferred upon him the high honor of the presidency of that body, in which capacity he served with distinction during 1890-1. In addition to his dis- tinguished career as a public man, Judge Mitchell was one among the bravest and best soldiers who illustrated the patriotism of Georgia in the dark "days which tried men's souls." When only eighteen years of age he enlisted in the Confederate army. in 1861, as a private in the Och- lochnee Light Infantry, Company E, 29th Georgia Regiment. This regi- ment was ably commanded by his brother, Colonel William D. Mitchell, at the close of the war. Judge Mitchell was promoted to the office of Sergeant, later elected Lieutenant. and served as Aide de Camp on the staff of General C. C. Wilson.
HIe was elected Judge of the Southern Cirenit in October, 1902, and the service which he has done the State in positions requiring legal skill. to- gether with his wide experience as a leading publie man, make it certain that he will discharge the duties of his high office with credit to himself and honor to the State.
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JUDGE W. H. FELTON.
W ILLIAM H. FELTON, JR .. is Judge of the Su- perior Courts of the Ma- con circuit. It is a great pleasure, in the course of these sketches, to mention the name of one who at once is an honor to the legal profession and who signally adorns the judi- ciary of Georgia by his brilliant tal- ents. equable temperament and pro- found knowledge of the principles and practices of the law. Of all the eminent legal minds that occupy prominent judicial positions in this State, there is none who, by his qual- ifications or attainments. more gracefully wears the ermine.
Judge William H. Felton, Jr., was born in Macon County. Georgia. September 19, 1860, and is the eldest son of Leroy Monroe Felton and Mary Stowe Felton. Entering the -opho- more Class at Mercer University at the age of fifteen. October term of 1875. he pursued his studies with diligence and ability, graduating in July. 1818 with the degree of A. B. and carrying off the -econd highest honor.
In October 1818 he entered the Law School of the University of Virginia, from which he graduated in July, 1880 with the degree of B. L. With this foundation for hi- future succe-s in life. he entered the office of the late Hon. Samuel Hall in the city of Macon, where he received the benefit of his wise counsels and experience and was thoroughly found in the Georgia statutes. In December he was admitted to the practice of law in the city of Macon.
In his chosen profession he met with the various successes which attend the career of the young practitioner. "Law is a jealous mistress." but he was not to be daunted by disappointments nor too greatly elated by tempo- rary success. With a resolute will and purpose he continued on the even tenor of his way, gaining friends and growing in popularity until 1886. when he was elected to the State Legislature, serving in that body with singular ability during the years 1886-7.
His rise was now steady. He was elected Solicitor-General of the Macon Circuit for the term beginning January 1. 1889. and was re-elected for the term begining January 1. 1893.
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On January 15, 1896, Judge John L. Hardeman, the presiding Judge of the Macon Circuit, having resigned, he was appointed to that position, receiving his appointment at the hands of Governor W. Y. Atkinson.
At the following session of the Legislature he was elected to fill the unex- pired term. After serving ont that term he was again elected for the full term by the Legislature.
In October, 1902 he received the additional compliment, which justified the wisdom of his selection to perform the delicate and important duties of the high judicial trust by being elected another full term by the people. Thus Judge Felton enjoys the proud distinction of having been appointed by the Governor, twice elected by the Legislature. and elected by the people. and each time without opposition. He avers he will not be a candidate for re- election, but the people, from whom he holds his commission, will be loath to dispense with the services of one who has served them so faithfully and with sueh ability.
Judge Felton is a man of affairs as well as a man of parts. He is largely identified with numerous and important enterprises that contribute largely to the commerce of the flourishing city of Macon, and is a public-spirited, broad-minded citizen. He is devoted to agricultural and horticultural pur- suits.
November 28. 1888. Judge Felton married Miss Mary Ellen Johnson. From that union there is one child, a boy, born September 20. 1899.
Judge Felton is Trustee of the Macon School Board, member of the Bibb County Board of Education and member of the Bond Commission of the City of Macon. He is also a trustee of the Georgia Academy for the Blind. and holds a chair in the Law School of Mercer University, lecturing on the law of evidence and criminal law. The Mercer Law School is one of the best in the South.
Judge Felton is very domestic in his traits, delighting in the pleasure of lis palatial home. Mrs. Felton. too. is a most charming hostess and ably assists the Judge in the sumptuous and elegant entertainments for which they have become famous. Judge Felton being a man of fine physique and powerful frame keeps himself in good kelter by hunting and fishing and out- door exercise. He is by no means averse to the pleasures of the ball room. and appears with equal grace whether leading the german or presiding at the festal board. A useful citizen, a kind and generous neighbor. may hi- days to eome be many in the land that gave him birth.
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JUDGE E. J. REAGAN.
E DWARD JOSEPH REAGAN, Judge of the Superior Courts of the Flint Circuit, was born in what was then Newton, now Rockdale county. on June 3, 1853. After receiving excellent educational training in the high school at Conyers, Georgia, he read law and was admitted to the bar at Covington, Georgia, September, 1813. He located at McDonough, Georgia, October, 1874, and entered upon the practice of his profession. In November, 1815, he removed to Hampton, Georgia, and, after prac- ticing there about seven years, re- turned to McDonough in 1882. Since that time he has lived in Mc- Donough, where he pursued his profession with gratifying success until Octo- ber 1, 1898.
On that day Governor Atkinson appointed him Judge of the Superior Courts of the Flint circuit as the successor of Judge Marcus W. Beck. who had resigned. The Legislature in October. 1898, elected him for the full term. He was re-elected by the people in October. 1902. and is now serving his second term.
Judge Reagan was three times chosen to represent the people of his county in the General Assembly. He served in the House of Representatives during 1884-5, 1892-3 and 1894-5.
JUDGE A. W. FITE.
A
UGUSTUS WARREN FITE has made an enviable record as a public man. Not only does he enjoy the deserved reputation of being one of the best judicial officials in Georgia, but to him belongs the peculiar dis- tinction of never having suffered defeat for an office.
Judge Fite is, and has been. always. a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat.
He has filled the position of Judge of the Superior Courts of the Cherokee circuit for years with great credit to himself and satisfaction to the people of his circuit and the State.
Judge Fite was born in Gordon county on June 15, 1852. He is the son of
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Dr. II. W. Fite and Sarah T. Fite, nee Denman : his parents being among the most excellent and highly esteemed people of North Georgia. He married Miss Florida Lilian Conyers, a most charming lady. To them were born six children, namely: William Conyers, Augustus Warren. Florida Lilian, Lind- say Johnson, Sarah and Joel Albert Fite.
Judge Fite. after enjoying good educational advantages, studied law. His riso at the bar was rapid. Impressed with his undoubted ability, the people of his county sent him to the Legislature of 1882, and so pleased were they with the record which he made that he was re-elected without trouble in 1884.
He was elected Solicitor-General of the Cherokee circuit in 1888, and, after a term of faithful and distinguished service. was re-elected in 1892.
Four years later, in 1896. he was made Judge of the Superior Courts of the Cherokee Circuit. For several years he filled the position with such marked ability that in 1902 he was re-elected for the full term.
Judge Fite is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, a Mason. Master. Royal Arch, and Knight Templar, and an Odd Fellow.
JUDGE W. T, GARY.
W ILLIAM T. GARY, Judge of the Superior Courts of Augusta Circuit, was born at Cokesbury, South Carolina. in the year 1841. Ilis ancestry is Scotch and the family tree bears many names which have adorned the annals of Scotland, among them being Robert Bruce and JJohn Knox.
After attending the common schools of his section, he entered South Carolina College. from which he graduated in 1861. When the war began he entered the military service of the Confed- eraey as lientenant of the South Carolina College Cadets. served with distinction throughout the entire war. reaching the grade of major. He was one of six brothers who entered the service in defense of their native State and fought throughout the entire war. Each attained
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