USA > Georgia > Georgia's public men 1902-1904 > Part 19
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21
While in Augusta Mr. McGaw was Lieutenant in the Clark Light Infantry. so his new duties will not find him inexperienced in military matters.
271
GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN.
COL. T. J. McRAE.
T IIOMAS J. McRAE, one of the youngest members of the staff and one of the foremost men of his town, resides at McRae, Telfair County. Geor- gia. Ile is a member of a family which has long been prominent in that section of the State. Mr. MeRae is the son of John W. Me- Rae, and was born at Melrose, Putnam County. Florida, August 31. 1878. Ile has never been a politician nor asked for office. He has been active in the support of his friends who were candidates, and his appointment to the staff is a recognition of his services in the cam- paign in behalf of Governor Terrell.
COL. J. E. LINDER.
J OHN EMMETT LINDER is one of the leading men of Hartwell, both in social and commercial life. He was born at Hartwell. March 26, 1874. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Linder. Mr. T. J. Linder is the senior member of the firm of T. J. Linder & Sons, of Hartwell, one of the strongest mercantile firms of that place. His sons, Arthur and John E. Linder, are active members of the firm and good business men. Mr. Linder was happily married to Miss Clara Belle Hodges, daugh- ter of ex-Senator F. B. Hodges, November 25. 1896. Their union has been blessed by two sweet little girls. Anna Claire and Evelyn.
272
GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN.
aged five and three respectively. Mr. Linder has a beautiful home in Hart- well, which is the scene of many social functions, for he and his charming wife are social leaders of the town.
Mr. Linder has never aspired to any political office. He was recently appointed to membership on the Board of Commissioners of Hart County, a recognition of his business capacity and standing among his people. He takes an active interest in religious and educational affairs. Ile is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Hartwell Male and Female College, and is a steward in the Methodist Church. Mr. Linder is a substantial citizen of his county. and Governor Terrell chose wisely in selecting him for staff appoint- ment.
COL. F. A. LIPSCOMB.
F RANCIS ADGATE LIPS- COMB, of Athens, is a mem- ber of the distinguished fam- ily of that name, which has been very prominent in educational cir- cles in this State for many years. Mr. Lipscomb was born in the chancellor's residence on the campus of the University of Georgia September 28, 1871. His parents were Professor Francis A. Lips- comb and Mary A. Lipscomb. His father was Professor of Belles Let- tres in the University of Georgia for some years previous to his death, and his mother is principal of Lucy Cobb Institute. Ile is a grandson of Chancellor Andrew A. Lipscomb, once the distinguished head of the University, and also of Prof. William Rutherford, who was for thirty-five years Professor of Mathematics in the same institution.
Mr. Lipscomb is a prominent citizen of Athens, and has taken an active part in advancing the interests of the Classic City. He represents the Third ward in the city council at present, and is senior member of the firm of Lipscomb & Company, who do an extensive insurance brokerage business there.
273
GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN.
COL. H. O. WILLIFORD.
H ENRY OSCAR WILLI- FORD, is one of the lead- ing business men of Har- mony Grove. Georgia, where he is engaged in the mercantile business, in which he has been markedly suc- cessful. Ile was born in Madison County. Georgia, May 12. 1861.
Mr. Williford was married at Athens, Georgia, October 19. 1886, to Miss Carry L. Head, of that city. He is a graduate of the North Georgia Agricultural Col- lege at Dahlonega. For several years after graduation he taught in the public schools of Jackson and Madison counties and then en- tered the mercantile business. He has several times served as councilnan of Harmony Grove and has also been a member of the county executive committee twice.
COL. E. T. WILLIAMS.
G
E BENEZER T. WILLIAMS is the son of Hon. Joseph P. Williams, of Columbia county, Georgia, who was many times a member of the Legislature, and serv- ed with Alexander II. Stephens in the great constitutional convention after the war. His grandfather was Ebenezer T. Williams, who was a mathematician and professor, and was born in Williamsburg, Mass .. and a lineal descendant of Roger Williams of Rhode Island. the founder of the Baptist church in America.
Mr. Williams' mother was Miss Martin, whose family came from Virginia. and is related to the Ran-
274
GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN.
dolph family of that State. Mr. Williams is one of the honor graduates of Emory College ( 1880), and also of Lebanon Law School, in Tennessee, He was a member of the Legislature from Richmond county in 1890 and '91. and served on the General Judiciary Committee and several other prominent com- mittees. He moved to Atlanta in 1891 to practice law (in which he is now engaged). He is a Son of the American Revolution. a Knight of Pythias, a Red Man and an Odd Fellow.
In 1896 he canvassed the State for the Democratic nominee, and also ac- cepted an invitation to speak in the West in the Bryan campaign.
He is well known over the State by his publie speeches and addresses on many occasions.
COL. J. D. ROBINSON.
J AMES D. ROBINSON, Presi- dent of the A. M. Robinson Company of Atlanta, is one of the most successful business mien of the city. His firm does a splen- did wholesale dry goods and notion business, and under his careful management the business has in- creased rapidly.
Mr. Robinson was born in Monti- cello, Jasper county. Georgia. ITis father was the founder of the firm of which Mr. James D. Robinson is now the head. Mr. Robinson was married in Atlanta, June, 1899. to Miss Emily English. a member of one of the leading families of the city. They have one child, Emily. He is prominent in the social life of the city, being a member of the Capital City Club and also of the Pied- mont Driving Club.
Mr. Robinson is a thorough business man and has never had inclination or found time to engage in politics. He served on the staff of Governor Allen D. Candler. and his re-appointment as a member of the staff of the present Chief Executive is a deserved tribute to his worth as a man, and a
275
GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN.
recognition of his prominence and ability in the business world. He is very popular in Atlanta, and is known through his business connections to a number of the most important people of the State.
COL. L. O. BENTON.
L URNER O. BENTON, of Monticello. Ga .. is a leading business man of that town. He is a member of the family of Bentons which has contained in its ranks some of the best business men in that section of the State. He is the son of Mr. James Benton. Mr. Benton graduated at Emory College with the class of 1883.
AAfter leaving college. Mr. Benton returned to Monticello and entered upon an active business career. He became one of the most successful merchants of the town and has ever been one of its most enterprising and public-spirited citizens. He has been for several years a director of the Bank of Monticello. Several years ago Mr. Benton began the establish- ment of a chain of banks throughout the State. He has become interested in a number of important institutions of this kind, and each has been uniformly prosperous. Ile is a careful financier and is considered to be one of the best business men of the entire State. The financial institutions with which he is connected have the entire confidence of the people in the towns in which they are located. He gives the banks of which he is a director his close personal attention. and they profit by his experience and ability.
Mr. Benton is at present a director in the Bank of Monticello, the Bank of Covington, the Bank of Cedartown. the Morgan County Bank of Madison, the People's Bank of Lyons, the Adrian Banking Company. the Bank of Doerun and the First National Bank of Barnesville. Besides being an extremely suc- cessful business man. Mr. Benton has by his earnestness and gracious manners made a host of friends throughout the entire State. His appointment to the staff of Governor Terrell is a well-merited recognition of one of the leading young men in the ranks of the financiers of Georgia.
276
GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN.
COL. R. E. L. EVANS.
-
R OBERT E. LEE EVANS, of Thomson, Georgia, is by occupation a farmer and fruit grower. He is a native of Richmond County, where he was born November 5, 1862. His fath- er, Major William E. Evans, was at one time one of the leading cot- ton factors in the State and a very prominent citizen of Augusta.
Mr. Evans was married at Thomson, Georgia. December 23. 1885, to Miss Ella Morgan. He has never entered political life and his appointment to the staff is a recognition of his personal worth and standing in the county where he resides.
COL. W. M. TOOMER.
W ILLIAM M. TOOMER, of Waveross. Georgia, is a prominent attorney of that
city. where he has been lo- cated for several years. He is a South Carolinian by birth, and was born at Charleston, September 14, 1866. After beginning his educa- tion at Porter Academy in his na- tive city, Mr. Toomer attended Hobart College, Geneva. New York. where he was graduated in June, 1887. After his graduation, Mr. Toomer taught mathematics for two vears in Yeates Institute. Lancaster, Pennsylvania. After studying law in Waycross and in New York City, Mr. Toomer was admitted to the bar in 1892 and has since engaged in the active practice of his chosen pro- fession. He has built up a good business in Ware and adjoining counties and
277
GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN.
is considered to be one of the leaders at the bar in his circuit. When Hon. William G. Brantley resigned the Solicitorship of the Brunswick circuit to become a member of Congress Mr. Toomer was appointed to the position, which he filled with marked ability. establishing a splendid reputation as a prosecuting attorney. Previous to his appointment Mr. Toomer had been official stenographer of the Brunswick circuit.
Mr. Toomer was married at Brunswick August 4. 1892, to Miss Rosalie Holmes. They have four children, two boys and two girls. Mr. Toomer was elected to the last General Assembly, representing Ware county in the House during the years 1900 and 1901 with credit to himself and to his constituency.
Mr. Toomer is a member of the law firm of Toomer & Reynolds of Waycross, which has a splendid practice in the counties of that section of the State. The firm has in the last few years won -everal important damage suits against corporations, which have given its members a wide reputation in this particular line of legal work.
COL. G. W. HARRISON.
G EORGE WASHINGTON HARRISON has served on the staffs of two former Governors of the State. He was appointed by Governor Northen. and sustained a similar relation to Governor Atkinson. He was closely connected with those executives, and has been long an intimate friend of Governor Terrell, at whose hands he received his last appoint- ment. Mr. Harrison was born in Randolph county. March 31, 1849. His father, Hon. George W. Har- rison, represented Randolph in the Legislature for a number of years He was Secretary of State at the tinie of his death in 1854.
Mr. Harrison was married in Atlanta April 29, 1814. to Miss Lucie Hayden. They have two children. Lucy Hayden Harrison and George W. Harrison, Jr. He resides in Atlanta. where he has been a leader in the business circles of the city for a number of years.
Mr. Harrison is a publisher and a manufacturer. He has been State
278
GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN.
Printer for a number of years. For several years he was president of the Board of Water Commissioners of the city, and has held other official position -. He is general manager of the Franklin Printing and Publishing Company, one of the largest institutions of its kind in the South.
COL. C. V. TRUITT.
C. V. TRUITT, of LaGrange, is one of the most successful and influential business
men of that city, and in his selection for staff appointment Gov- ernor Terrell acted with the warm approbation of a wide circle of Mr. Truitt's acquaintances. Mr. Truitt was born in Troup County, June 11, 1861. and comes from a family which has been prominent for many years in that section. Until his six- teenth year he lived on a farm eight miles from LaGrange. He then en- tered the mercantile business, alter- nating with school. until he reached the age of twenty-two years, when he accepted a position as traveling salesman.
Mr. Truitt was married in LaGrange October 15. 1884. to Miss Nannie Holt Abraham. of that city, and has two children-Mary Lucie and Forrest Holt Truitt. He has always been too busy to go into politics, and so his record in that respect is confined to service in the City Council of LaGrange.
Mr. Truitt went into business after leaving the road with his brother, the firm name being Truitt Brothers, and for several years they conducted a very successful business. At the expiration of four years Mr. C. V. Truitt pur- chased his brother's interest and has since conducted the business under the style of the C. V. Truitt Supply Company, doing an extensive farmers' supply business.
In 1899 he. with two associates, established the Unity Cotton Mills for the manufacture of heavy duck, which enterprise has been remarkably successful. At the first meeting of the stockholders of this institution Mr. Truitt was elected to the preideney, which position he still holds. He is also vice-president and director of the LaGrange Banking and Trust Company, a director of the LaGrange Creamery and a trustee of LaGrange Female College.
279
GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN.
COL. J. H. OXFORD.
J AMES H. OXFORD was born in Terrell county, Ga., five miles from Dawson, September 12, 1811. He is the son of Calvin F., and Mrs. Sarah J. Oxford. His parents were excellent people of their county, and gave their son the heritage of a good name.
Mr. Oxford has never held nor asked for public office. He is serv- ing his third year as Chief of Police of the city of Dawson. In that capacity he has rendered the town splendid service, and is one of the most popular officials in that sec- tion of the State.
Mr. Oxford is an enthusiastic fraternity man. He is Noble Grand of the Dawson lodge of Odd Fellows, and is also Senior Warden of the Masonic lodge.
COL. H. L. SCHLESINGER.
H ARRY LIONEL SCHLESIN- GER. one of the most promi- nent manufacturers and busi- ness men of Atlanta, was born in Vienna, Austria, on the 9th of No- vember, 1856. His father, Leopold Schlesinger, served with Emperor Franz Joseph with distinction in both civil and military positions, and his grandfather, M. Weis, held for years an important official position in Hungary.
Mr. Schlesinger was married at Rome, Ga., July 6, 1881, and has five children-Rae C., Joseph A., Elizabeth B .. Harry F. and Alexis M. Mrs. Schlesinger's grandfather, Abraham Alexander, served in the Revolutionary army as a First Lieutenant. Mrs. Schlesinger is. by virtue of
280
GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN.
her distinguished ancestry. a Daughter of the American Revolution and also a Daughter of the Confederacy.
Mr. Schlesinger is one of the leading business men of the city of Atlanta, and has been prominently connected with various publie enterprises. He has been noted for some years for his charitable work and has been the prime movant in many of the most worthy charitable movements in this city .in recent years. He is not ostentatious with his work for the relief of the suf- fering and destitute, but his deeds have made him known far and wide, and many appeals for aid are made to him, none of which go unnoticed. Mr. Schlesinger was one of the first to advocate organized and systematic relief in the city of Atlanta, and the improvement in this respect in recent years is largely traceable to his efforts. He is an open-hearted and generous gentle- man, always ready to lend his aid to any good cause, and public-spirited in the highest degree and always ready to further the industrial and commer- cial interests of his adopted city. His appointment to the staff of the Gov- ernor of his State is a deserved tribute to one of the best citizens of the Capital City
COL. L. M. HEARD.
L UTHIER MARTIN HEARD, of Elberton, is cashier and vice-president of the Citi- zens Bank of that city, and has for several years been foremost in the financial affairs of that city. Hle is the son of R. M. and Mrs. L. H. Heard, and was born in Elberton, June 10. 1869.
Mr. Heard has been an active worker in the party ranks for sey- eral years. Ile is a member of the executive committee of his county and congressional district. and also of the State Executive Committee. Not an office seeker himself. he has found time to be of splendid ser- vice to the party and to such of his friends as were candidates. Mr. Heard has been in the banking busi- ness in Elberton since 1893, when he was made cashier of the Bank of Elberton. Hle held the position for eight years and is now connected with the Citizens Bank in the capacity mentioned above.
281
GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN.
Mr. Heard is a descendant of Governor Stephen Heard. This distin- gnished personage was Chief Executive of Georgia many years ago. His splendid character and admirable personality left a deep impress upon the State. The family has been very prominent in Northeast Georgia since the early days. The blood of valiant revolutionary ancestry flows in the veins of the members of the present family.
Since gaining his education and entering upon the serious duties of life Mr. Heard has worthily upheld the traditions of the family. He has been very successful in his business. He has gained and held the confidence and goodwill of the people of his county. Publie spirited and progressive, he takes a prominent part in all the public movements in his town. He may always be counted on to bear his share in any undertaking for the good of the people among whom he resides.
Mr. Heard is related to Hon. L. H. O. Martin, one of Elbert's able Repre- sentatives in the present House.
COL. E. M. DAVIS.
E RNEST M. DAVIS was born in Stewart county, Georgia, in the year 1815. Hle is a son of Rev. B. W. Davis, who was at one time pastor of the Ca- milla Baptist church. Mr. Davis was educated at the public schools and at Mercer University. He was admitted to the bar at Camilla in 1898. He has been court reporter for the Superior Courts of the Al- bany circuit for many years, which office he still holds. He enjoys a good practice as a lawyer aud is one of the most popular and influential stenographers in the State. His of- ficial position and law practice take him into nearly every county in Southwest Georgia with more or less frequency, and everywhere he goes he is a favorite with every one. It is doubtful if another man in that section of the State has as many friends as Mr. Davis has. He is small in stature, but is great in every otherway -- bright of mind and great of heart. He is a brilliant
282
GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN.
conversationalist, and his repertoire of humorous short sketches is apparently inexhaustible Mr. Davis is also a strong factor in the business world, dealing in real estate, farming and being interested in numerous corporations and other business.
Mr. Davis resides at Camilla.
COL. SHELBY MYRICK.
S HELBY MYRICK has had a remarkable career for one of his years. He was born in Forsyth. Monroe county, July 16, 1818. Ilis father, Bascom Myrick. was a well-known newspaper man of the State. Mr. Bascom Myrick was editor of the Americus Times-Re- corder at the time of his death. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Marie Louise Myrick, mother of the subject of this sketch, has continued the publication of the paper and made it one of the most influential journals in the State. She is a bril- liant newspaper woman, and her work has challenged the admiration of the journalistic fraternity throughout the South. Mr. Myrick graduated at the University of Georgia in the class of 1897. He had studied law during his course in college and received his degrees. A. B. and B. L. at the same time. In college he was a prominent figure in fraternity and society circles and took high rank in his studies.
After completing his college course, Mr. Myrick moved to Savannah to engage in the practice of law. He received the appointment of Referee in Bankruptcy. United States Court, Southern District of Georgia, at the hand- of Judge Emory Speer. His work in this capacity has been highly com- plimented by the reviewing authorities. In 1901 Mr. Myrick was elected Judge of the Police Court of Savannah, which position he has since filled
283
GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN.
with marked ability. He is probably the youngest man who ever filled that position. Mr. Myrick is a member of the Citizens' Club, the leading political organization of Savannah, and takes great interest in municipal, county and State politics. He has had a splendid career, and his friends are confident that still further honors await him.
COL. R. L. SWATTS.
R OBERT LEE SWATTS, of Barnesville, is one of the widely known members of the Staff. He has numerous friends scattered throughout the entire State, and his appointment was from every standpoint a happy one. Mr. Swatts was born at Barnesville, August 21, 1864. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. HI. H. Swatts, were high- ly esteemed people of Pike county, and their son inherited from them many admirable traits of character.
Mr. Swatts was married at For- syth, Ga., December 18, 1889, to Miss Mary Hammond, a member of one of the leading families of that place. They have one child, Henry Hammond Swatts.
Mr. Swatts is engaged in farming, and is one of the largest planters in his section of the State. Three miles southeast of Barnesville he has a splendid farm. which is one of the most valuable in the county. Mr. Swatts has not been an active politician. Ile has served the city of Barnesville as Mayor pro tem .. and for six consecutive years was a member of the City Council, where he rendered the city excellent service.
Mr. Swatts take great interest in the development of Barnesville. That little city is one of the most progressive towns in the State. It is a splendid educational center. Gordon Institute, one of the most famous military schools in the South, is located there. The town is also noted for its annual Chatauqua. At each session of this institution large numbers of people from all sections of the State gather at Barnesville. In such matters as these Mr. Swatts is one of the leading spirits
284
GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN.
COL. R. F. OUSLEY.
R OBERT F. OUSLEY, of Val- dosta. is a leading business man of that thriving city, and is prominently identified with its best interests. Beside having im- portant business interests. Colonel Ousley has been active in the politi- cal life of the town and county. He represented Lowndes in the House during the years 1898-9, 1900-01, and took a prominent part in the work of that body. Colonel Ousley was married at Harperville. Miss .. June 8, 1884. to Miss Sue L. Boa- man. They have three children- Mary. Louise and Gladys.
During the campaign for Governor Mr. Ousley was a warm supporter of Governor Terrell. He took an active part in the campaign in his county.
COL. T. M. MIDDLEBROOK.
T WHIS particular member of the staff has smelt powder in actual war although scare a quarter of a century has passed over his head. Thomas M. Mid-
dlebrook is a son of Senator Lucius L. Middlebrook, of Coving- ton, Georgia, and was born in Cov- ington on the eleventh of May, 1848. He is a farmer by occupa- tion and his appointment to the staff was received with great sati -- faction by the people of that sec- tion.
Mr. Middlebrok served through the Cuban campaign as a member of the Second Georgia Regiment, and after that organization was mustered out he was not satisfied with his military experience and enlisted for
285
GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN.
another term. He went to the Philippines as a private in the Eleventh Vol- unteer Cavalry and served as private, corporal and quartermaster sergeant, his stay in the island- dating from September 5. 1899, to March 13, 1901. He made a splendid record as a soldier and was highly efficient in the discharge of his duties. After receiving his discharge, Mr. Middlebrook returned to his native county, where he has since been engaged in the peaceful pursuits of agriculture.
COL, S. W. PALMER.
S AMUEL WAARREN PALMER. of Millen. Ga .. is engaged in the mercan- tile business at that place. He is a member of the firm of Daniel Sons & Palmer. one of the largest whole- sale and retail concerns in an inte- rior town in that section.
Mr. Palmer was born at Stell - ville. Jefferson county. April 12, 1864. His parents were William R. and Mrs. Julia Matthews Palmer. The family has been prominent in Jefferson county for a number of years. In 1887. at Millen. Mr. Palmer was married to Miss Dollie Daniel. They have three children- Mary II .. James D. and Samuel Jr. Mr. Palmer has no political record other than faithful and energetic service in the ranks of the party, and an unswerving adherence to Democratic principles. He has taken a great deal of interest in recent campaigns and has done splendid service for such of his friends as were candidates.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.