USA > Georgia > Georgia's public men 1902-1904 > Part 6
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Senator Christie has been for the last thirteen years County Commissioner and chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Roads and Revenues for Terrell County, and it is owing largely to his fine business judgment and splendid financial ability that Terrell County has the unique distinction of being the only county in the State that levies no taxes for county purposes.
HIe has also been for a number of years a member of the Board of Aldermen for the City of Dawson, and chairman of the Finance Committee, where his splendid ability has been shown in the management of the city's finances.
While Senator Christie has been frequently honored by his people, it must
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not be understood that he is in any sense an office-seeker. In every instance his election has been a case of where the office sought the man, as there is probably no man in his section of the State who possesses in a greater degree the confidence and esteem of the people of all classes.
Rugged honesty, conscientiousness of purpose and open, honest, square deal- ing mark all his acts, private or public, and hence people who know him trust him.
In 1829 Senator Christie married Ella J. Stevens, sister of Hon. O. B. Stevens, commissioner of agriculture. By this union three children were born, Stevens, Lillie and Joseph. His second wife was Annie M. Breedlove, and by her he has four children, Annie May. Mary Susan. William, and Helen.
Senator Christie has always been a close personal and political friend of his distinguished brother-in-law, Hon. O. B. Stevens, and much of the latter's success in public life has been due to his good advice and efficient support.
Senator Christie is serving on the following important committees: Chair- man of Committee on Banks: member of committees on Appropriations, Finance. Agriculture, Pensions. Corporation. Public Roads and Internal Im- provements : member of Joint Committee on Finance of Senate and House of Representatives.
SENATOR F. L. SWEAT.
F RANK L. SWEAT. Senator from the Fifth district, is a native of Ware county, having been born at Waycross March 19. 1866. His father. Captain James 1. Sweat. won his title in the Indian war, in which he was a noted fighter. He was one of the wealthiest plant- ers and slave-holders in that section before the war. Mr. Sweat was mar- ried at Douglas. Ga., February 3, 189%. to Miss Minnie L. Lott, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John M. Lott, of that city. Mr. Sweat re- sides at Douglas, where he has a beautiful home and large inter- ests.
The firm of Sweat Brothers of Pasco county, Florida, of which F. L. Sweat is a member, is one of the largest
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manufacturers of naval stores and dealers in timber lands in that State. The firm has large and valuable holdings, and its members are rated among the wealthiest operators of that section.
This is Mir. Sweat's first venture into politics, and in his race for the Senate he was opposed by Mr. B. B. Gray, a prominent lumberman of Pine Bloom, whom he defeated in the primary by a majority of 201. He is a solid and substantial business man. and in his hands the interests of his constit- nency will be well cared for.
SENATOR R. L. MERRITT.
R OBERT LEWIS MERRITT, Senator from the Twentieth district. which comprises the counties of Hancock, Baldwin and Washington. is a native of Monroe county, where he was born August 24, 1861. His parents were Capt. J. R. Merritt and Mrs. Mary Gayle Merritt, who, before her marriage. was Miss Lewis of Hancock county, a member of the well known Lewis family of that section of the State. Senator Merritt was born on a farm and remained there until his 16th year, when he went to Forsyth and attended school. He was ad- mitted to the bar in Forsyth in 1888, and the next year moved to Barnes- ville. where he lived several years, engaging in the practice of his profession. In 1896 Mr. Merritt moved to Sparta. in Hancock county. where he has since resided and where he has become one of the foremost political figures. His grandfather. Mickleberry Merritt, was one of the pioneer citizens of Monroe county.
Mr. Merritt's first publie office was as representative from Hancock in 1898. and so satisfactory was his service to his constituency he was re-elected in 1900 and this year was elected to the Senate. He has always been a loyal worker in the ranks of his party, and during his service in the House he was one of the leaders of that body. Mr .. Merritt is an able lawyer and has a large and growing practice in the county of his adoption.
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SENATOR A. B. DUNCAN.
A LEXANDER B. DUNCAN, Senator from the Tenth dis- triet, is a native of Terrell county, Georgia, where he was born on February 10, 1849. He is the son of A. B. and Mrs. E. A. Dun- can, who were prominent residents of Terrell county at that time. Dr. Duncan was married in Lee county August 28, 1890, and has two chil- dren-Steve A. and Mary Belle.
Dr. Duncan graduated in medi- cine in Philadelphia in March, 1868. and has practiced in Lee county for a number of years where he is held in high esteem. He was elected to the House in 1898 and served two terms in succession. His native ability and professional attainments have made him a most valuable legislator.
SENATOR W. F. SYMONS.
W ILFRED F. SYMONS, Senator from the Fourth district, was born in Sa- vannah. Ga .. November 28. 1849. Ilis parents were John F. and Em- ily M. Symons. The family was prominent in Chatham county for a number of years.
Mr. Symons was married in Brunswick, Ga., November 29. 1875. He has three children-John F .. Horace D. and Frances. He resides in Brunswick, where he has been a leading citizen for quite a number of years. Mr. Symons is principally engaged in the insurance business. He is also interested in manufacturing enterprises. He has taken a great
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deal of interest in the industrial advancement of that section of the State, and is one of the most publie-spirited citizens of Brunswick.
Mr. Symon's first appearance in legislative halls was in 1894-5, when he represented Glynn County in the House. He was one of the working mem- bers of the House during his term, and represented his constituency most satisfactorily. In 1900 he was returned to the House. This year, it being Glynn's time to name the Senator, Mr. Symons received the nomination after a brisk struggle with one of the most prominent citizens of the county. Ile stands high with the people of his county, and has made a number of friends in the Senate, and is one of the most influential members of the body.
SENATOR J. R. VAN BUREN.
J AMES RUNDELL VAN BUREN, Senator from the Twenty-first district, resides in Jones county, where he is exten- sively engaged in farming. Mr. Van Buren is a native of New York. Ile was born at Stillwater, Saratoga county. December 11, 1849. His father was Cornelius HI. Van Buren, a relative of Martin Van Buren, of New York, President of the United States. The Van Buren family has been distinguished in the annals of New York for many years.
Mr. Van Buren was married in Wilkinson county, Georgia. Novem- ber 20. 1883. to Miss Laura Massey. of that county. They have six interesting children-Hattie, Nellie, Machen, Grace, Louise and J. R., Jr. He is one of the most prominent men of Jones County, and has for a number of years been a leader in its affairs.
Mr. Van Buren served for twelve years on the Board of Education of the county, and in that capacity rendered splendid service to the common schools. In 1894 he was appointed State Inspector of Fertilizers, holding the position for two years.
In 1896 he was elected to the Senate, and his term of service was distin-
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guished by his close attention to the affairs of State and the interests of his constituency. Ile is an able man of wide experience in agricultural and com- mercial affair-, and is peculiarly well fitted to deal wisely with the important questions which come before the body of which he is a member. He was re- elected without opposition to the Senate this year. He is one of the leaders in the Senate, and his advice is eagerly sought by his colleagues on many im- portant questions. Ile is the author of some important legislation, and his influence in the body is widely felt.
In 1898 Senator Van Buren was appointed a member of the Board of Trustees of the State Sanitarium, and made one of the most valuable mem- bers of the body. He left the Board last June, when elected to the Senate, and his former colleagus unanimously elected him an honorary member. He was chairman of the Finance Committee of the Board throughout his term of service. He was faithful in every way to the duties of his important trust. In the present Senate he is a member of several of the most important com- mittees.
SENATOR G. S. ROUNTREE.
G. S. ROUNTREE, senator from the Sixteenth district, is a native of Emanuel county, Georgia, where he was born on the 19th day of July, 1831. His father and grandfather fought through the war of 1812 and his father was among the early settlers of Emanuel county.
Judge Rountree is a banker and farmer, being president of the Swainsboro Bank, and also having large agricultural interests in the county. He has four children- Neil, Sidney, Sallie and Dora.
Judge Rountree has held many important offices in his county and has been one of its leading men for many years. He served as chairman of the County Democratic Executive Committee for fifteen years; as chairman of the County Commissioners for twelve years, and was Judge of the Inferior Court of Emanuel for several
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years before the abolition of that institution. He was first elected to the Senate in 1884 and served throughout the term with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people of his district. His recent election came as a tribute from the people to a man who has lived a long life honestly and well, earning the respect and affection of the people of a section who delight to do him honor in his declining years. Judge Rountree has been in poor health for several months, and part of the time during this session he has been unable to ocenpy his seat.
SENATOR P. H. COMAS.
P HILIP HOVIS COMAS, Senator from the Third dis- triet, is serving his second term in the Senate. He is a native of Appling county, having been born at old Holmesville in December, 1864. John Comas, grandfather of Senator Comas, emigrated to this country from Barcelona, Spain, in the early part of the last century. He landed at Darien, Ga., then, as now, one of the most important lum- ber marts in the United States ; and after spending several years there, ascended the Altamaha river on a pole boat and settled in Appling county. He soon moved to Holmes- ville, then the county seat, and started in business. He merchandised at Holmesville for many years, and accumulated. a large estate. When the Maeon & Brunswick Railroad was built (now a part of the Southern) Mr. Comas moved to Baxley. At the latter place he did a large business for a number of years.
Dr. P. H. Comas attended the public schools of the county in his early years, later studying at the well-known sebool at Spring Hill. He studied medicine in Augusta. His medical education was completed in post graduate work in Baltimore and other famous medical centers. After completing his course he traveled extensively in Europe, observing closely the methods of practice in the most famous continental hospitals. Having had splendid op-
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portunities, of which he took the fullest advantage, Dr. Comas entered upon the practice of his profession at Baxley. In a few years he established a rep- utation as general practitioner and surgeon throughout that section of the State. He is considered to be one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Southeast Georgia, and has performed a number of difficult surgical opera- tions which have been favorably commented upon by the profession throughout the country.
For several year- Dr. Comas has not practiced extensively, his business in- terests requiring the greater part of his time. He is president of the Baxley Banking Company, and has extensive investments in that county and also in Bibb.
Dr. Comas is one of the best-informed men in the General Assembly. He has ever been a elose student of the seienees and an omnivorous reader of both ancient and current literature. He is well fitted to take part in the legislation of the State both by training and ability. He was elected to represent the Third distriet in 1896 and again in 1902. During the present session he has been active in the work of the upper house, and is one of the most valuable members.
Dr. Comas was married in Bibb eounty, Georgia, June 16, 1897. to Miss Bessie Tinley. a member of one of the leading families of the eounty.
SENATOR ALEXANDER ATKINSON.
A LEXANDER ATKINSON, Senator from the Twenty-sixth District. was born in Butts County, Georgia, in 1836, the son of Thomas P. Atkinson and Elmina Ilunter Atkinson. He has spent nearly his entire life in his native county, where he has been a successful farmer ever since the war. He is also a minister of the Baptist denomination. Senator Atkinson enlisted as a private in a company organized in Butts County at the beginning of the war. He rose through successive grades until at the surrender of his corps at Bentonville, South Carolina, he was holding a cap- tain's commission. When his command laid down its arms Senator Atkin- son, although only a captain, was in command of a brigade composed of seven organizations but which contained only eighty men. The awful deci- mation in officers and men in this brigade shows the straits to which the Confederacy came before the stars and bars were furled in honorable sur- render.
Upon his return home after the great struggle, Senator Atkinson, in
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common with the great majority of his brave fellow soldiers. began the battle of life practically penniless. He has been markedly successful in his efforts and is now one of the leading planters of his county. He has reared a family of six children, to each of whom he gave a splendid educa- tion and a start in life.
The first appearance of Senator Atkinson in legislative halls was as a member of the House of Representatives in 1875-76, when he took an im- portant part in some of the most important legislation of the day. Ile served another term in 1888-89. Hle came to the Senate in 1895 and was one of the leading men of the body. This year, it being Butts' time to furnish the senator, he was again nominated after a hard fight in which he led the forces of the best people of the county in a campaign waged against some local institutions which, in the opinion of many, had abused their privileges. Ile has been active in the work of the Senate this session and holds a high place in the esteem of his colleagues.
SENATOR HAMILTON CLARK.
H AMILTON CLARK, Senator from the Fourteenth Dis- triet, was born in Mont- gomery county, Ga., May 14, 1839. When Dodge connty was laid out from Montgomery by the act of the legislature Mr. Clark became a cit- izen of the new county by operation of law. He has been a farmer since his early years, and by industry and frugality has accumulated a competency.
After serving thorughout the war as a private, Senator Clark returned to his home and resumed his agricultural pursuits. On the 8th of March, 1866, he was married to Miss Margaret Miller, of Mont- gomery county. Their union proved an exceedingly happy one, and has been blessed by eight children, five of whom are still living, to-wit: Sarah Francis, John M., Hattie E., William H., and Ida May. The ancestors of
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Senator Clark were sturdy pioneers. His paternal grandfather. JJohn Clark, was a notable farmer and stockraiser 'in that section of the State.
Senator Clark has several times served as mayor of his town, and has been a jury commissioner of Dodge county for twenty years. He has never been an office-seeker. and his present honor came to him unsolicited. Only three weeks before the primary a member of prominent men of Dodge county met in Eastman, and without the knowledge or consent of their subject. declared Senator Clark to be the candidate of the better element of the party. His opponent had been canvasing for a year and considered the victory won: many thought Senator Clark's friends were sacrificing him on the altar of duty. The moral element of the county rallied to his sup- port, and in the county primary Senator Clark's majority was over fonr hundred. In the general election he received every vote cast in the county, a remarkable tribute from the people of his home to his worth as a man and citizen and his fitness for legislative honors. Senator Clark resides at Channeey. Ga.
SENATOR GABRIEL CLEMENTS.
G ABRIEL CLEMENTS. of Montgomery county. repre- sents in the Senate a dis- triet composed of Montgomery, Telfair and Irwin counties. He is forty-three years of age and was born in the county of his present residence.
Ilis father was Jacob C. Clem- ents. The maiden name of his mother was Winifred Wilcox. In Mr. Clements' veins is therefore mingled the blood of two of the most prominent families in that section. Representatives of the Wilcox and Clements families are to be found in almost all the wire- grass counties, and they are every- where progressive and substantial citizens.
Mr. Clements' residence is at Spring Ilill. He married Miss Ada Sikes, a member of a well-known Telfair county family. To them have been born
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five children, Fred. Henrietta, LeRoy, Gertrude and Alva. The home life of Senator Clements is very happy, and he is peculiarly blessed in this respect.
The limited educational advantages of his section precluded the possi- bility of receiving a finished education, and his knowledge was largely gained in the county school, supplemented by the work in the world-wide school of experience. Senator Clements early began his connection with the timber business, which took him all over the lumber districts of Georgia and Florida. He has been engaged in saw-milling for a number of years, and is exceedingly well posted in this line of industrial activity.
There is little of the politician in Senator Clements' composition, and he is proud of it. In the past he found no time to devote to politics, and it was only at the urgent solicitation of the people of his county that he made the race for the Senate. He had their entire confidence and respeet. and received a very flattering vote.
SENATOR J. T. DUNCAN.
T
J OHN THOMAS DUNCAN, Senator from the Thirty- sixth district, resides at Douglasville. Ile is the son of John B. and Martha E. Duncan, and was born near Lithia Springs, Ga .. Sep- tember 12, 1858. He is married and has three children-Willie C., Fred M. and Louise.
Ile is serving on the following Senate Committees : Chairman Temperance, Finance, Appropria- tions, Banks and Banking, Manu- factures, State Sanitarian, Peniten- tiary. Academy for Blind, School for Deaf and Dumb: Joint Commit- tee on Finance.
Ile is a member of the firm of N. B. and J. T. Duncan, general merchants, and also president Douglasville Banking Company.
Senator Duncan served several years in the City Council of Douglass- ville, and in that capacity was of great value to the city. He has also been
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a member of the Board of County Commissioners of Douglas county for some years, serving a portion of the time as chairman. He has taken great interest in the deliberations of the Senate, and is regarded as one of its safest and best members.
SENATOR B. L. TISINGER.
B ENJAMIN L. TISINGER, Senator from the Twenty- fifth district, is a native of Talbot county, Georgia, where he was born January 21, 1886. For some years he has been a resident of Upson county, residing at Thom- aston. He is a lawyer by profes- sion, and, by unfailing energy and splendid legal attainments, has suc- ceeded in building up a remunera- tive practice in that county.
Senator Tisinger was elected to the House in 1898, and served his term with entire satisfaction to his constituency. That was his first ap- pearance in political life, with the exception of membership in the City Council of Thomaston. During the present session he has had a leading part in the important legislation of the Senate, and is regarded as one of its ablest and best equipped members.
SENATOR W. P. DODD.
W ILLIAM P. DODD, Senator from the 56th district, is a resident of Calhoun, Georgia. He was born at Fairmount, Georgia, August 21, 1872, his parents being A. B. and Mrs. Sallie M. Dodd. He was married December 28, 1898. to Miss Louie Hightower, and to them have been born two children-George A. and Sallie Mae.
Senator Dodd has been prominent in the political life of Gordon County since his eighteenth year. At that age he was elected a member of the Democratie Executive Committee, and continued in that position until this year, when he resigned to make the race for the Senate. He took an active part in the political campaigns in the county and rendered the party splendid service. In 1899 Senator Dodd was elected County School Com-
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missioner of Gordon County, and served in that capacity for three years. Ile instituted a number of reforms in the school system of that county and was one of the best commissioners in the State. Ile served as mayor of Calhoun during 1900. Senator Dodd is deeply interested in educational matters, and is one of the champions of popular education in the Senate. Ile has introduced several bills providing for needed reforms in our edu- rational system. He has been in position to give close attention to the needs of our public schools, and his experience has been of splendid service to his colleagues in the Senate.
SENATOR M. L. LEDFORD.
M ERCER LAFAYETTE LEDFORD. Senator from the 40th district. resides at Blairsville, Union Coun- ty, near which place he was born September 24. 1865. He is the son of Silas and Eliza Ledford.
Senator Ledford has several times been chairman of the execu- tive committee of his county. HIe has also served as president of the county board of education, and Was for several years county school commissioner. Ilis early years were spent on the farm and he has ยท had his own way to make without aid from anyone. Ile has been snecessful in his endeavors and is
one of the leading men of his county.
Senator Ledford was married near Blairsville, June 16, 1897, to Miss Florence lowa Christopher, of Union County. They have two children. Sarah Eliza and Ina Beulah.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
SPEAKER NEWTON A. MORRIS.
N EWTON A. MORRIS. the Speaker of the House of Representa- tives, was born in the county of Cherokee, April 2, 1869. Since boyhood he has lived in Cobb County, where for many years he has been a distinct force in politics. He spent the years from 1886 to 1891 in California. Returning to Georgia he entered the law school of the University of Georgia, graduating in the class of 1893. He began practice in Cobb and in a comparatively brief period built up a wide and profitable business in the Blue Ridge Circuit. In 1898 he entered the lists for the Legislature in Cobb, and, after a spirited contest. it was found that he not only led the ticket. but was honored with two-thirds of the vote cast.
Although among the younger members of the House, he soon developed the qualities of a veteran. His knowledge of public affairs, gained by intimate association with men who have aided in making the history of the State, not only gave him practical insight into conditions, but armed him with proper equipment for the discharge of the duties of a legislator. It was not long before the young member had the confidence and esteem of his colleagues. Two years before his election he served as assistant to the solicitor-general of the Blue Ridge Circuit. This valuable training stood him in good stead, giving him great readiness as a debater in a House noted for the unmber of quick thinkers and men of argumentative minds. Mr. Morris took a prominent part in the warm fight for retrenchment in public expenditure to the end that the State government's income might be larger than its outgo.
Although born in the country, and still holding his interests in the country, the young member boldly advocated the contraction of the common school fund. He contended that the course would redound to the interest of all country people by lightening the burden of taxation then put upon them. Indeed. no member is entitled to more credit for the real reforms brought about by that legislature than Mr. Morris.
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Two years later, he was re-elected with ease and in recognition of his nota- ble service, was made speaker pro tem. of the house. During the sessions he won reputation as a presiding officer and sustained himself ably on the floor of the House. He was re-elected in 1902, and at the urgent solicitation of friends and admirers all over the State, became a candidate for the speaker- ship of the House. His opponents were the Hon. Fondren Mitchell and the Hon. Emerson George. The race was very exciting. Mr. Morris had a slight lead over Mr. Mitchell, his strongest opponent, from the first. For several ballots there was no material change. The issue was in doubt. But on the eighth ballot Mr. George retired from the contest, and on the first ballot of the afternoon session Mr. Morris secured the necessary two-thirds, with a number of votes to spare, and was duly declared the Speaker. He is one of the youngest Georgians who has won this high office, which he is filling with conspicuous ability.
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