USA > Georgia > Georgia's public men 1902-1904 > Part 4
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Mr. Jordan is largely interested in financial institutions. In 1888 he or- ganized the Third National Bank of Columbus, one of the strongest institu- tions of the city. In 1889 he organized the Columbus Savings Bank, which has had a very successful career. He is also connected with a number of in- dustrial corporations.
In 1901 Mr. Jordan was appointed by Governor Candler to membership for a full term of six years on the Railroad Commission. He brought to the work previous experience and practical knowledge. and his services are of great value to the State.
Mr. Jordan was married in Columbus in 1881 to Miss Lizzie Beecher Cur- tis. Mrs. Jordan died in 1882, leaving one child, Ralph Curtis Jordan.
Mr. Jordan resides at Columbus, where he has a beautiful home. He is largely interested in Columbus real estate, and is the foremost factor in the marvelous industrial development of the city. The demands of business have precluded his entrance into active political life, although he has been often solicited to stand for office. He is liberal and charitable, the ideal citizen of his section. and his name is destined to live long in the business annals of his native State.
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HON. J. POPE BROWN.
J. POPE BROWN was born in + Houston county May +, 1855. His father, Stephen D. Brown, was extensively engaged in planting in Houston and Dooly counties. His mother's maiden name was Miss Martha Pope. When the subject of this sketch was one year of age his parents moved to Pulaski county, where they spent the re- mainder of their lives.
There being no educational facili- ties at hand, Mr. Brown received his education at the Hearn school, Cave Spring, Ga., at Mount Zion, under ex-Governor W. J. Northen, and at Mercer University, where he grad- uated at eighteen. He immediately went to work in a cotton warehouse at Hawkinsville with W. H. Hawks, Esq .. remaining there until he was twenty-two. At that time he rented a large plantation and engaged in farming, with the determination to make that his life business, and to succeed. How well he has realized his ambition will be seen from the fact that he now owns over 2,000 acres of fine lands, on which he produces an average of seven hundred bales of cotton yearly, besides corn, hay, syrup. potatoes, cattle, etc. He also operates a cotton gin, sawmill, grist mill, planing mill and general merchandise store.
Mr. Brown is a conspicuous exception to the rule that a young man can do better away from his boyhood home, for a portion of his estate is composed of the old homestead, and on it his home is located.
Always one of the most successful farmers of the State, Mr. Brown has been one of the leaders in promoting agriculture as a science and as a business. He was president of the Wiregrass Exposition Company, which held three of the most successful county fairs ever seen in Georgia. He was for five years president of the State Agricultural Society, and under his administration were held two splendid State Fairs, one at Atlanta and the other at Savannah.
Mr. Brown has always advocated diversified agriculture as the only salva- tion of the Southern farmer. When asked once what. in his opinion, was to be resorted to by our people for the protection of the cotton-producing in-
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dustry, he replied : "The ideal protection would be a large, full corn-crib in front, rear well protected by cattle, horses and hogs. and Hanks supported by syrup, potatoes, hay and small grain." He not only preaches this doctrine. but practices it as well. and next year could make a crop without going to market for anything.
Mr. Brown has also found time to serve his fellow-citizens in public office. and to associate himself with various business enterprises. He served two terms in the Legislature. and was each time chairman of the Agricultural Committee. Upon the death of Hon. L. N. Trammell. Governor Allen D. Candler, without solicitation from any one, appointed Mr. Brown to the posi- tion of Railroad Commissioner, which position he now holds. He is also at present a member of the Board of Trustees of Mercer University.
Always public-spirited and progressive, no movement for the betterment of his section of the State has ever found Mr. Brown lagging behind. Whether it was the establishment of a bank. the building of a cotton mill or organizing a local farmers' club. he has always given his hearty support, and it is no ex- aggeration to say that almost every enterprise in which he has interested him- self has been crowned with snecess.
SECRETARY J. D. MASSEY.
J AMES DUNCAN MASSEY. the Secretary of the Railroad Commission of Georgia, was born in Oconee county. South Car- olina, eight miles from Walhalla, the county seat. on the eleventh of December. 1815. He is the son of Samuel V. Massey. His mother's maiden name was Miss Jane Dun- can.
He passed his boyhood days on his father's farm, working during the spring and summer months and attending country schools, when he had time, during the winter. He is indebted for most of his education to the early teachings of his mother and to individual reading. He was very fond of books and devoted all of his spare time to study. In this way was the foundation laid upon which in after
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Years was reared a superstructure of fine intelligence. Mr. Massey took his first ride on a railroad train when at the age of nineteen he came to Atlanta on a visit. In May, 1893, the following year, he returned to this city and devoted himself with great assiduity to the study of shorthand. In October of the same year he completed his course, and was at once given a position as stenographer in the office of the railroad commission. The following August he was elected secretary of the railroad commission. which position he has filled with marked capability since August 1. 1895. At the time this honor was conferred upon him he had not attained his twenty-second year.
The ancestors of Mr. Massey were healthy Scotch and Scotch-Irish people who settled in Virginia during colonial days. His great-grandfather on his paternal side was living in South Carolina at the beginning of the Revolu- tion, and fought in the Revolutionary forces of that State.
Mr. Massey comes of sturdy. self-reliant stock. He is a young man of pleasing address. excellent character and wide information and deservedly enjoys the confidence and esteem of a large circle of influential friends. By dint of hard work and unflagging attention to the demands of an exacting profession. he has made himself one of the most accomplished stenographers in the country: and by the faithful and intelligent discharge of the multifa- rious duties, incident, to the responsible position of Secretary of one of Geor- gia's most important official bodies. has rendered most valuable service to the State.
His only hobby is the study of the foreign languages, to which he devotes all of his spare time.
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PRISON COMMISSION.
CHAIRMAN JOSEPH SIDNEY TURNER.
J UDGE JOSEPH SIDNEY TURNER. the chairman of the Prison Commission of Georgia, has carved out a remarkable career. He is still a young man, and judging the future by the past. other distinguished honors are in store for him.
He was born at "Turnwold," his father's Putnam County farm, D .- cember 19. 1859. Joseph A. Turner, his father, was a man of force and versatility. He was not only an ex- cellent farmer, but a strong, suc- cessful lawyer, and an editor on original and influential lines as well. He published "The Countryman," a newspaper. on his farm, and al- though he lived nine miles from a post-office or a railroad. the rural journal made a hit during the war between the States and was welcomed in hundreds of Southern homes as the most unique and popular publication of the time.
Shortly after the war the parents of young Jo. Sid. Turner. as he was called. died, and the boy was compelled to rely upon himself. As a boy he was characterized by the same rare ability which in a few years raised him to prom- inence. He borrowed the money with which to attend college, but after study- ing a brief period at the University of Georgia, he left during the junior year. HIe was only seventeen when he applied himself closely to the study of law. He was admitted to the bar September, 1821, before he was eighteen.
Meantime he had been made a>>istant superintendent of the public schools of Eatonton. Ever since he came to the bar he has concentrated his whole energy upon his law practice when not discharging the duties of public office. He has won great success as a lawyer.
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Before he was twenty-one, Governor Colquitt appointed him judge of the county court of Putnam.
lle qualified for the office at once upon attaining his majority. For twelve years he presided with conspicuous ability. In 1892. his people desiring him to represent them in the Legislature, he resigned. and was elected with ease. During 1892-1893 he served as chairman of the Penitentiary Committee. Appreciating the high honor. he devoted his strong mind and great energy to the mastery of Georgia's penal system. As a result he suggested and aided in the enactment of laws which have greatly improved this branch of the State government.
Governor Atkinson, in the fall of 1894. without the slightest solicitation on his part. made him the principal keeper of the penitentiary. He accepted this important trust, not without hesitation. He filled it honorably to him- self, beneficially to the State. until December 21. 1892. when the Legislature saw fit to abolish it. In its stead. a prison commission consisting of three members was created. Governor Atkinson appointed him a member of the commission. At it- first meeting he was chosen chairman.
Judge Turner was appointed for the short term. When. in 1898. that term expired. John W. Renfroe of Fulton County opposed him in the Demo- cratic primary. Judge Turner not only received the largest popular majority of any candidate for State office, but carried more counties than any candi- date. He was nominated by one hundred and seventeen counties out of the one hundred and thirty-seven.
So sound had been his suggestions, so potent his influence, that the Gen- Pral Assembly adopted ahnost in toto his formulated suggestion for a new prison system. This new system which became of effect April 1. 1899. is in the main his creation.
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GENERAL CLEMENT A. EVANS.
C LEMENT ANSLEM EVANS is a descendant on paternal and maternal lines of soldiers of the Revolution. Among his ma- ternal ancestors were the Bryans, Hintons and Whitfields, of Virginia and North Carolina. His grand- father Bryan was a planter on the Oconee river, in Montgomery coun- ty. and afterwards in Randolph county. His father was a farmer in Stewart county. His people were also soldiers in the war of 1812 and in the Georgia Indian War of 1836. From these sources he probably de- rived his fondness for military life which caused him in youth to be- long to the volunteer militia of his native county. and. together with his convictions, prompted him to go ar- dently into the Confederate army.
He was born on his father's farm. in Stewart County. February 25. 1833. and after his academic education in Lumpkiu entered. on his seventeenth birthday. the office of Col. Bedford S. Worrill to study law. After nearly a year's course with this able lawyer, he became a student in Gould'- Law School. at Augusta. After graduating, was admitted to the bar a short while before he was nineteen years old. and began to practice the profession in his native county town.
Circmustances favored him with a good practice for a young lawyer, and he was elected, before the age of twenty-two. to judgeship in the County Court, then known as the Inferior Court. and was by his associates chosen to preside in the trials of cases before them.
At this time he was honored with the invitation of Colonel Worrill to become his partner, which was accepted. and the firm of Worrill and Evans was formed and continued to the opening of the Confederate War. At that time. Colonel Worrill, who was beyond the age of military service, offered to transact all the business in order that his partner might enter the Con- federate service.
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In the meantime he had been elected to the Georgia Senate, in 1859, and was, as a Senator, exempt from military service for the Confederacy, but he became at once a soldier and began his military career. He was lieutenant, in the first company from Stewart County, called the Grays, formed December. 1860: transferred to the Bartow Guards, from the same county, which became Company E. 31st Georgia Regiment, and was chosen major of that regiment. Elected and commissioned colonel in April, 1862. soon after which his regiment was made a part of Lawton's Georgia Brigade and ordered to Virginia to serve under Stonewall Jackson. After Lawton was disabled by wounds, Gen. John B. Gordon was appointed to the command of the brigade.
Under Jackson, Ewell. Early. Breckenridge and Gordon. in the army commanded by Gen. Robert E. Lee, his career was of the most active char- actor. He shared the privations and perils of war from first to last in the campaigns of that army and was with his own brigade from its organiza- tion to the close, participating in the campaigns of Virginia, West Vir- ginia, the Valley. Maryland. and Pennsylvania.
He bears five honorable scars from wounds at Cold Harbor, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and Monocaey. Two of them were severe, the one at Get- tysburg, the other at Monocacy, when he was shot through the body and from which he has never fully recovered. He was promoted brigadier-general for gallant service in the battles of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania, in the spring and summer of 1864, and raised to the command of his division in the fall of the same year. His military services drew to a close in the de- fence of Petersburg, through the winter and spring of 1864-65. command- ing his division in many close, severe combats to the last blow at Appomattox. In the final assaults on the lines at Petersburg. he was able to hold the line of his Division against repeated attacks and was nearly. if not quite the last. commander of infantry withdrawn to follow the retiring army of Lee. From April 2d to 9th, his division was in daily encounter by brigades with the envir- oning enemy, until Appomattox Court House was reached on the night of April Sth. In the advance of the Confederate Army at the dawn of the 9th, when the battle at Appomattox was fought, his division was on the left and continned the victorious assault without having learned of the surrender. At the moment of the last successful charge of his division in which a battery was captured, he received official notice of the surrender and sadly withdrew to find the Confederate Army with arms stacked and the glorious Lee receiv- ing tearfully the subdued cheers of his brave soldiery.
Always strongly attached to the Confederate soldiers, General Evans has taken a deep interest in their behalf, being for many years trustee of the Soldiers' Home, advocating pen-ions for the worthy, making every year for a
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quarter of a century. addresses in the dedication of monuments erected to their memory. officiating as president of the Battle Abbey Association and serving them as Major-General of the Georgia Division. The warm place he has in the esteem of the Confederate Soldiers in Georgia and all the South is their knowledge that they have a similar warm place in his own heart.
General Evans turned from the army at the age of thirty-two into the ministry of the Methodist Church, of which he had been a member from his thirteenth year, serving in Bartow County, Cartersville, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta and Rome, closing twenty-five years service in Atlanta and on the Griffin District. He received the degree of D.D. from Emory College and has had many responsible duties to perform as Trustee of Emory, Young Har- ris and Reinhart Normal Colleges, and the Medical College at Augusta. Tak- ing especial interest in education, he chartered the Educational Loan Associa- tion, which has assisted over one hundred young men in getting their educa- tion from Emory. During his ministry, he was tendered the Presideney of three different colleges, which he declined because of his desire to continue the life of a minister. He succumbed at last to disabilities produced by wounds and engaged in business for which he was well qualified and wherein he met with success, conducting successfully several important enterprises.
General Evans was several times solicited by his friends to become a eandi- date for Congress, and for Governor, but withstood these overtures until 1894 he became for a short time a popular candidate for Governor, but withdrew from the raee in its early stages. He is in principle thoroughly Democratic, was in 1860 on the electoral tieket for Breckenridge, who carried Georgia. In this election he canvassed his district in discussions with the eleetors and sup- porters of Douglass and Bell. With a turn for political life he gave his active support to the Democratic side in the times of reconstruction and to his friends in the various contests since that time.
On the inauguration of the present penal system of Georgia, he was invited to accept a place on the Commission and has since then given his undi- vided attention to that office.
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HON. THOMAS EASON.
T HOMAS EASON, Prison Commissioner, has won his way to high position by sheer force of self-reliance and a never-failing agreeability which seems to be as much a part of the man as his attractive face. He was born in Tatnall County. March 26. 1851. When still a child his father removed to Bulloch County. There voung Tom was reared, leading the life of the average farmer boy. with no educational advantages except such a- were afforded by the rural schools. Going to Reidsville at the age of twenty-one he began the study of law in the office of Mr. Josiah Beaseley. an attorney of some note in the county. In 1822 he was admitted to the bar. He removed to Montgomery County and entered upon the practice. The young attorney soon attracted attention. He was well versed in the law. had an engaging manner, and showed keenness of intellect in the court house. He had. not quite reached his twenty-fifth year when his growing reputation impelled Governor James M. Smith to appoint him Solicitor-General of the Oconee Circuit. He filled this position so acceptably that, in 1828, when judge and solicitor-general were chosen by the Legislature, he succeeded himself. In 1880 he resigned the solicitor-generalship. Two years later. 1882. he was nominated and elected to the House of Representatives from Montgomery County. He made a good legi-lator, and in 1884 his people honored him by re-election.
In 1886 he again became a candidate for the solicitor-generalship of the Oconee Circuit. He was elected. He was re-elected in 1890 and 1895. In 1898 Governor Atkinson made him one of Georgia's Prison Commissioners. He succeeded JJacob L. Beach, who resigned from the Commission.
Mr. Eason has been a Prison Commissioner since that time.
The proof that his services in that position have been exceedingly satis- factory to the people was furnished in 1902. when. his term having expired. he was faced with what seemed formidable opposition. but easily defeated his opponent.
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EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
SECRETARY JAMES W. WARREN.
N FO man in Georgia is more familiar with State affairs, and no public servant has ever enjoyed in fuller measure the absolute confidence of the people than James W. Warren.
Major Warren has served Geor- gia ably, faithfully, devotedly, for upwards of thirty years. As secre- tary of the executive department he still holds and richly merits the affection of Georgians.
Born in Eatonton, Putnam coun- ty, September 24, 1826, he lived there until 1830, when he made the charming city of Columbus his home. There he resided until the war closed. He was prepared for college by the celebrated Prof. C. P. Beman, the famous ante-bellum educator. Entering the State University at Athens January 4, 1844, he received his diploma in August, 1846. He studied law at Harvard in 1847. Returning to Columbus in 1848 he came to the bar and began at once the practice of his profession.
He married, in 1850, Miss Sarah Howard, daughter of Major John H. Howard. Early in 1852 her death deranged all his plans. Abandoning his profession. he sought needed diversion in more active business.
Forming a partnership with Mr. C. B. Howard, his brother-in-law, they aided in the building of extensive sections of the Southwestern and Opelika railroads. In addition to this, Major Warren operated a large cotton plan- tation in Calhoun County.
In 1858, with Peyton II. Colquitt, he bought the interest of Tennent Lomax in the "Columbus Times." He became editorial manager and de- voted several years to journalism.
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Major Warren's second wife was Miss Laura Wimberly, of Twiggs county, one of the lovliest ladies in the State. They were married in 1859.
When, after the war, the Democrats overthrew radical rule in Georgia, and James M. Smith was elected Governor of Georgia, he made Major Warren one of his secretaries. The date of his appointment was January 12, 1872. Since that hour, through all the following administrations, and endless changes in office, Major Warren has held his place in the executive office.
Punctual, prompt, polite as always of yore, the beloved veteran holds the post of duty day in and day out.
Long may this invaluable old public servant live to illustrate changeless fidelity to publie duty is the prayer of all reverent Georgians!
SEC'Y EX. DEPT. CALVIN MILTON HITCH.
C ALVIN MILTON HITCHI, the Secretary of the Execu- tive Department, was ap- appointed to that important posi- tion by Governor Allen D. Candler in 1898, and again by Governor Terrell in 1902. The able manner in which Mr. Hitch has discharged the onerous duties of the place for four years eminently justifies their wisdom.
The subject of this sketch was born in Morven. Brooks County, July 28, 1869. His father was a remarkably successful man. In ad- dition to being a first-rate physi- eian, he possessed marked commer- cial capacity, and was also a noted planter. His ample means enabled him to give his children exceptional educational training. After graduating at Emory College, Oxford, Mr. Hitch studied law at the University of Kentucky, graduating with distine- tion. Always a hard student, he made rapid progress in his studies after leaving school, and when ready to embark upon the stern duties of life, was, although a young man, remarkably advanced.
He was admited to the bar at Quitman, after standing a fine examination, by Judge A. II. HIansell. In connection with his brother, Robert Hitch, he began the practice of law at Quitman. Mr. Hitch made swift progress in his
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profession, wiming his way readily in public confidence. He was made solicitor of the County Court of Brooks, but soon resigned the position to enter commercial life. He accepted a place in the Bank of Quitman, filling it most acceptably for three years. His success as a financier was commen- snrate with his progress as a lawyer. He developed a taste for politics. and longing to launch himself npon the sea of public endeavor, he became a candidate for the Legislature from Brooks County. He was elected. He served during 1896-87, and made an excellent record, being the author of several good bills which were made laws. He was one of Governor Candler's strongest supporters. In view of the warm friendship which the Governor felt for the young statesman, and in recognition of his admirable abilities, he was made Secretary of the Executive Department. Upon Governor Ter- rell's election, in 1902, he was prevailed upon to continue in office.
Mr. Hitch is still a young man, and his undoubted energy, capacity and never failing courtesy, mark hin as a man for still higher honors.
Mr. Ilitch married Miss Blanche Parish, of Sumter County, Florida, Feb- ruary, 1890. in Berrien County, Georgia, where her father, a planter, was at that time residing. Gny Harvard Hitch. a bright boy, is the only child.
CLERK AND SEC'Y EX. DEPT. G. P. ERWIN.
G EORGE I PHILLIPS ER- WIN. Clerk and Secretary of the Executive Depart- ment, was born in Clarksville, Hab- ersham county. Georgia. November 9, 1870. Ile is the second son of C'apt. William S. and Mrs. Ruth Clark Erwin. Mr. Erwin was edu- cated in the public schools of his native county. In December, 1888, he entered the employment of the Savannah, Florida & Western Rail- way Co., at Wayeross, and held several positions with this company at Wayeross and Albany. In Sep- tember, 1891, Mr. Erwin was mar- ried to Miss Eva Gertrude, young- est daughter of Capt. Thomas J. Fuller. In July. 1893. Mr. Erwin was called home to Clarkesville by the death of his father, an dbegan the study of law in the office of J. JJ. Bowden.
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