USA > Georgia > Georgia's public men 1902-1904 > Part 9
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Mr. Mulherin engages in the real estate business when at home and is one of the leading business men in that line in Augusta. He has been prominent in local affairs in his city for sev- eral years and has taken a leading part in the industrial revival which has visited Augusta in recent years. Mr. Mulherin's public service previous to the time he became a member of the General Assembly comprised terms in the city council from 1894 to 1897, and membrship on the Board of Educa- tion of Richmond County from January. 1900. until June, 1902, when he tendered his resignation because of the pressure of private business. He was elected to the last House of Representatives and again to membership in the present one, receiving a flattering vote and a warm endorsement of his legislative course. Because of his accurate and intimate knowledge of mili- tary matters in the State, Mr. Mulherin was appointed by Speaker Morris to be chairman of the House Committee on Military Affairs, and in addition to this is also a member of the following important committees: Georgia State Sanitarium : Labor and Labor Statistics: Railroads: Ways and Means.
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HON. THOMAS A. PATE.
T HOMAS ANDREW PATE. Representative from Gwin- nett County, was born in Walton County, Georgia. No- vember 2. 1855. His parents were Josse A. Pate and Millie Boothe Pate. Mr. Pate was married on November 13, 1829. to Mis- Par- thenia Williams, of Gwinnett County and they have several chil- dren. The first public service ren- dered by Mr. Pate to his State was as justice of the peace, having been clected to that position in 1884 and holding it continuously since, dis- pensing justice in his community and upholding the dignity of the law. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1898 and served throughout the term with a careful consideration for his constituency and the needs of the State.
The start in life secured by Mr. Pate was very humble and he began his career upon meager capital. So successful have his efforts been along agri- cultural lines that he is now one of the largest farmers of Gwinnett County. owning a beautiful farm of eight hundred acres and being probably the larg- est cotton planter in the county. He is a thorough farmer. devoting all his time to the careful prosecution of his business. His success may be attri- buted to his habit of paying close attention to details. He is a prominent and progressive citizen and his people sent him to the House knowing well that he would give their business the same close attention he gives his own.
He is a member of various committees, among them being General Agricul- ture : Georgia State Sanitarium : Roads and Bridges.
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HON. NATHAN COLLIER CARR.
N ATHAN C. CARR, of Cov- ington. Representative from Newton County, is the son of John P. Carr and Mary Turner Carr, and was born at Rock- bridge, in DeKalb County, Georgia, on January 11, 1836, but moved with his parents, at the early age of two months. to Covington, Georgia. and since that time he and his fam- ily have been identified with New- ton County.
He received his early education at the Covington schools and was later a student at Emory College, which place he left for California in the early fifties during the great gold excitement. He was a miner for nearly two years, but then returned to Georgia and became interested in farming on a large plantation in Newton County.
During this time, July 23, 1856, he was married to Miss Angie Cordelia McCalla, at the home of her parents, James R. McCalla and Pellonia Yancey McCalla, in Sheffield, Newton County, Georgia (now Rockdale County).
They have now living five children, four sons-Edward Pace Carr, Nathan Collier Carr. Jr., George McCalla Carr, John Pace Carr-and one daughter. Flora Eugenia Carr.
Mr. Carr was among the first to volunteer in the War of Secession. He left Conyers, Georgia. in Captain White's company, as lieutenant, joined the 35th Georgia Regiment, Thomas' Brigade, Hill's Light Division, Jack- son's Corps, and continued with them until the last gun was fired in Lee's army. He was with them at the surrender as Captain of Company B, 35th Georgia Regiment, and was on General E. L. Thomas' staff as Adjutant and Inspector-General. having been detailed as such a few days before the sur- render at Appomattox.
Since this time Mr. Carr has led an uneventful life, farming and trad- ing, but always taking an active interest in the affairs of his county and ever enjoying the confidence and esteem of his friends and neighbors.
Mr. Carr is a member of the committees on Corporations. Counties and County Matters, General Agriculture, Labor and Labor Statistics. Pensions and Railroads.
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HON. EMERSON H. GEORGE.
E MERSON HOLLAND GEORGE. Representative from Morgan County, is a native of Jasper County, hav- ing been born at Shady Dale. Au- gust 18. 1865. His father Dr. Franklin George was a leading phy- sician of that section and his mother before her marriage was Miss Emily Holland, a member of one of the best families in the county. Mr. George was married in Augusta, De- eember 29, 1886, to Miss Amelia Mustin of that city and to them were born two children. Virginia and Calvin. Mrs. George died in New York in 1897. Mr. George was married the second time at Griffin, July 26. 1901. to Miss Elizabeth Johnson. They have a little daugh- ter, Elizabeth, aged six months.
Mr. George received his collegiate education at Mercer University. The University of New York City and the University of Virginia. He taught at Mercer University for five years and also at the University of Virginia for one year in the Department of French and German.
Mr. George entered upon the practice of law in Madison in 1893 with his brother. the firm name being George & George. He was elected Chairman of the Democratie Executive Committee of Morgan County, which position he held for four years. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1900 and served on several important committees. being Chairman of the Educational Committee and a member of the Joint Constitutional Committee. He is at present engaged in the practice of law at Madison with Hon. K. S. Anderson.
Mr. George was a candidate for Speaker of the present House and held the balance of power. While his forces were not very numerous they stayed by him with remarkable unanimity and pertinacity. After several ballots had been taken and it was evident that no election would be had so long as Mr. George remained in the field. Hon. C. M. Candler announced on behalf of the supporters of Mr. George that they would abide by his decision either to
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remain in the race or to retire therefrom. After the conclusion of Mr. Candler's speech, Mr. George announced his retirement from the race in an eloquent speech full of sentiments of loftiest patriotism. It was one of the most dramatic moments of recent political history and Mr. George's action under the circumstances greatly increased his reputation. He is one of the leaders of the House, with splendid native ability and broad education and culture and many predict for him important political victories in the future.
HON. C. S. REID.
C HARLES SIMPSON REID, Representative from Campbell county, and chairman of the Ways and Means Committee of the Honse, was born among the moun- tains of Georgia. having made his first appearance at Blairsville, Union county, November 21. 1860, when the entire county was in the terrible throes of excitement which preceded the war between the states. He is the son of Simpson Reid and Katherine Whiteside Reid, who were highly honored and respected resi- dents of Union county for a number of years. Simpson Reid was a prom- inent man in the public life of his county, filling several positions of honor and trust, and died while a member of the State Senate. His death occurred in 1864.
Mr. Reid was married at Palmetto, Ga., November 21, 1883. to Miss Hettie Handley, and there have been born to them three children-Katherine. Ethel and Grace.
Mr. Reid's residence is at Palmetto, where he is engaged in the practice of law. having an excellent practice in Campbell and surrounding counties, and enjoying the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. Having been en- grossed with his professional duties, he never held public office until two years ago, when he was prevailed upon by his friends to make the race for the House, in which he was successful, receiving a flattering vote. He was re-elected this year, and at once took a high stand in the House. By appointment of the
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Speaker, Mr. Reid is serving on several important committees, among them being those on Amendments to Constitution. General Judiciary, Hall and Rooms, Railroads, University of Georgia and its Branches, and Ways and Means, being chairman of the last. As chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, he has always rendered invaluable service to the State, and is casily recognized as one of the ablest members of the House.
HON. J. R. PHILLIPS.
OHN ROBERT PHILLIPS, Representative from the county of Jefferson, is a na- tive of that good old county and was born at Louisville, Decem- ber 26, 1869. His parents were Rev. D. Y. and Mrs. Julia Phillips. the father being a prominent and consecrated minister well-known to the people of that section of the State for many years.
The marriage of Mr. Phillips to Miss Emily Clark of Louisville, took place in that town on Deceni- ber 12, 1896 and they have one child, a daughter, Helen. He was graduated from Erskine College at Due West, South Carolina. with the class of 1892. and the following year was admitted to the bar in Louisville and has since practiced in the courts of that section with marked success.
Although Mr. Phillips has never held publie office other than this he now occupies, he has taken a leading part in the political history of his county for several years, having represented it at several conventions, State and con- gressional, and is now a member of the State Executive Committee from the Tenth Congressional District. He was an ardent supporter of Hon. Thomas W. Hardwick in his recent campaign for Congress in that district and wielded great influence and was largely instrumental in carrying Jefferson county for him.
Although this is his first term in the House, Mr. Phillips is well fitted by training and energy to care well for the interests of his constituency. He
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has been appointed Vice-Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and is also a member of the committees on Amendments to Constitution : Banks and Banking: Counties and County Matters: General Judiciary; Peniten- tiary : and Railroads.
HON. I. S. L. MILLER.
I VY SIMMONS LANE MIL- LER, Representative from Bul- loch County, is a native of that county, having been born there January 1, 1849. He is the son of John R. and Nancy A. Miller, old residents of that county. He was married in Savannah on the 17th of May, 1827.
He is a physician by profession. practicing in Bulloch county for a number of years. He has also taken a leading part in the industrial de- velopment which has taken place there of late. Bulloch, once consid- ered a wilderness of pines and wire- grass from which the younger gen- eration moved away to make homes in other sections has in recent years come rapidly to the front and has taken rank as one of the leading agricultural coun- ties of that section, as well as being foremost in the output of lumber and naval stores. Unlike many of the counties of South Georgia, the industrial history of Bulloch has not been made by immigrants from the Carolinas, but natives of the county awoke from their lethargy and realized the wonderful oppor- tunities of their home which lay undeveloped. In this work the subject of our sketch took a leading part and as a testimonial of their confidence in him he was elected to be a representative in the lower branch of the General Assembly. This is the first time Bulloch has had two representatives and i- also the first time Dr. Miller has made his appearance in political life, having never held office previously. Speaker Morris has appointed Dr. Miller to service on the following committees: Hygiene and Sanitation : Public Prop- erty ; Special Agriculture.
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HON. G. H BELL.
G EORGE HORACE BELL, rep- resentative from Emanuel county, is a native of that county. having been born at Swains- boro on the 19th of May, 1876. His father, Dr. Green Bell, is one of the most prominent physicians in that section of the State, and has also been one of the most successful merchants in Emanuel county.
Mr. Bell received a common school education in the Swainsboro High School and afterwards attended the North Georgia College at Dahlon- ega, Emory College at Oxford and the University of Georgia at Athens. He spent some time at each of these institutions, where he formed valua- ble acquaintances and made many strong friends among the coming men of the State. Mr. Bell was married at Waycross. Ga., October 10, 1899, to Miss Rosa Folks, daughter of a prominent physician of that city.
After leaving the University in 1895, Mr. Bell entered the theatrical pro- fession, in which he had an unusually successful career for several years. During his connection with the stage he traveled extensively throughout the United States. Canada and Mexico, and was thrown in contact with all phases of life, and had remarkable opportunity for observing and studying human nature. Travel broadens a man's views and gives him a better under- standing of the needs of humanity, and much of Mr. Bell's subsequent suc- cess has been due to the training received while on the road with his troupe.
Returning to Swainsboro in 1898 to take charge of his father's mercantile interests, Mr. Bell was so successful in his management and methods that he purchased his father's entire interest within a short time. Under his owner- ship and management the business has increased largely. and Mr. Bell is now operating stores at Swainsboro and Wadley and is considered one of the most successful merchants in that section.
About three years ago Mr. Bell established the Wiregrass Blade, which he has made one of the most successful papers in that section of Georgia. Under his editorial control The Blade has been widely quoted and occupies a unique place among Georgia papers. The paper is very influential in Emanuel
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county and through its columns Mr. Bell has successfully waged war upon local abuses, fostered worthy enterprises and made The Blade a force which no one in that section can afford to ignore.
Mr. Bell served as mayor pro tem. of Swainsboro in 1900, and has also been First Lieutenant of Company C, First Regiment G. S. T .. for three years. He is the youngest man ever sent from Emanuel to the House, and his cam- paign attracted a great deal of attention throughout the State. Although the youngest man in the race, he led his highest opponent by 394 votes. In the House Mr. Bell easily ranks as a leader among the younger members, and he has taken a prominent part in the work of the body. IIe is a close student of men and measures and is destined to gain reputation and influence as the years go by. He is serving as Chairman of the Committee on Public Printing and is a member of the following committees: General Agriculture, Military Affairs. University of Georgia and its Branches, Ways and Means, Western and Atlantic Railroad.
HON. J. M. SPENCE, Jr.
OHN M. SPENCE, JR., Rep-
resentative from Ware County, was born in Appling County, Georgia, April 12. 1862. coming from a family which has been very prominent in that sec- tion of the State ever since its set- tlement.
Dr. Spence is a well-known prac- ticing physician of Ware County, be- ing located at Waresboro. He also has extensive farming interests near there. He is a relative of Major John M. Spence, of Coffee County. who was a noted Indian fighter in the days when the inhabitants of that section of the State were forced frequently to do battle with the In- dians. Dr. Spence married Miss Rhoda Henderson of Honey Hill, South Carolina, and they have an interesting family of several children. Edwin R., Winnie Davis and Susie Helen.
This is the first political office ever held by Dr. Spence and he announces
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that it will be his last. He was elected in the face of strong opposition and his success was a deserved tribute to his ability, showing the esteem in which he is held by the people of his county. He is regarded as one of the most successful and substantial farmers in his section of the State. He is a pro- gressive student of agricultural affairs and has taken a great interest in the agricultural development of that section where farming is comparatively a new industry. Dr. Spenee began life dependent upon his own efforts and his success is dne entirely to his great energy and splendid ability. He is serving on the Committees on Georgia State Sanitarium. Hygiene and San- itation, Pensions.
HON. J. H. BOYKIN.
J AMES HAMILTON BOYKIN, Representative from Lincoln county, is a Sonth Carolinian by birth, having been born in the town of Edgefield, February 17, 1822 .. The Boykin family is one of the oldest of the many distinguished families of South Carolina. The ancestors of the family settled in Kershaw county in 1250, and have been prominent citizens of that sec- tion since that time, contributing many able sons to the publie service of their county and State. Mr. Boy- kin is the son of James M. and Isa- bella Abney Boykin. and through his mother is related to the Hamil- tons and Madisons of Virginia.
Mr. Boykin's home is at Lincolnton, where he is editor of the Lincoln Home Journal. an influential newspaper of the county, which he conducts in an able and fearless manner. He has been twice eleetd mayor of Lincolnton. having served during the years 1901 and 1902 in that capacity to the satisfac- tion of his people. He has been active and enthusiastic in the work of devel- opment in his connty and town, and has taken great interest in all questions pertaining to their advancement. To show their appreciation for his unremit-
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ting labors in their behalf, Mr. Boykin was nominated by his people at the last primary for Representative, and was triumphantly elected at the October elec- tion. This is his first term in the House, but his close study of legislative work and questions will make him of great value to his people despite his lack of experience.
Mr. Boykin is serving on the following committees: Counties and County Matters, General Agriculture, Public Printing, Special Judiciary.
HON. W. L. H. ALFORD.
W ILLIAM LEORUS HEY- WOOD ALFORD. Repre- sentative from Worth County, is a native of Wake County, North Carolina, having been born there on October 23, 1863. His father was a brave Con- federate soldier and the family has been prominent in that section for many years. Mr. Alford was mar- ried in 1885 at Holly Springs. North Carolina, and has an inter- esting family composed of four boys and three girls, their names being : HI. B., L. D., C. M. and J. H .. and UEL .ATE Sadie, Maggie and Ellie. By occu- pation Mr. Alford is a farmer and manufacturer of naval stores. He has been engaged principally in the latter business since his residence in this State. He has never before filled public office, but a brother. Hon. C. A. Alford. of Willingham. Georgia. represented the Tenth District in the State Senate several years ago.
Mr. Alford is one of the great number of natives of North Carolina who came to Georgia to exploit the wonderful timber resources of this State. They found the State full of undeveloped wealth in timber and naval stores and opened up the wonderful wiregrass section, which is rapidly becoming one of the leading sections of the State both in population and in financial strength. After the naval stores possibilities are exhausted in the section
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where they settle they generally engage in farming and still further increase the productive capacity of the State.
Mr. Alford has been selected by the Speaker for service on the following committees : Banks and Banking. Internal Improvements. Manufactures, Special Agriculture.
HON. W. L. BELL.
W ALTER LENOIR BELL. Representative from Milton County, was born in that county January 29. 1865. He is the son of Anderson S. and Albina M. Bell and is unmarried.
Mr. Bell received his education in the common schools of Milton County and at Emory College at Oxford. He afterwards read law and was admitted to the bar and practiced one year at Cumming with his uncle. Hiram P. Bell, a dis- tinguished lawyer of that section. He moved from Cumming to Indian Territory and practiced there for a while, later returning to Milton county to teach and follow agricultural pursuits.
Francis Bell, great grandfather of W. L. Bell, was a soldier of the Revolu- tion ; another ancestor, John Rogers, was a courier on General Andrew Jack- son's staff in the War of 1812 and married a Cherokee. Their son, William Rogers became an eminent Cherokee lawyer and represented the tribe at Washington. He was also one of the signers of the treaty of 1835, between the Cherokees and the United States government. Mr. Bell was first elected to the House in 1900, that being his first political venture, and was re-elected this year. By appointment of the Speaker, he is serving as a member of various committees, among them being the Internal Improvements, of which he is Chairman ; Enrollment, of which he is Vice-Chairman : Appropriations ; Corporations; Education ; Labor and Labor Statistics: Penitentiary and Special Judiciary.
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HON. L. H. O. MARTIN.
L UTHER HENRY OVERTON MARTIN. Representative from Elbert County. was born in that county within one mile of his present residence at Middleton, April 9. 1850. His father, L. H. O. Martin, was a prominent citizen of Elbert and fifty years ago was in the House, having led his ticket. At that time Elbert had two representatives, but Hart county was cut off from Elbert and since that time until this year. Elbert has had but one representa- tive. Having inereased in popula- tion to such an extent as to entitle hier to two representatives, she sends another L. H. O. Martin to the house, he having led his ticket, as his father did. His father entered the Confederate service as captain of the first company sent to the front by Elbert. and rose successively to be Lieutenant Colonel of his regiment and Chief Quarter- master of his division. He died in 1866. Mr. Martin's mother was a grand daughter of Governor Stephen D. Heard.
Mr. Martin's father, Major Martin, was the warm personal and political friend of General Robert Toombs, and the latter spent much of his time at the Martin home in Elbert county. Indeed the friendship of Major Martin for General Toombs. and the aid rendered by him to his friend when in hiding from the Federal soldiers is a part of the history of that distinguished Georgian. It was as "Major Martin" that General Toombs set sail from this country, eluding the Federal troops who sought his capture. He concealed his identity until aboard ship bound for Europe. but when his ship put off he waved his hand to those ashore and exclaimed. "Fam Robert Toombs and not Major Martin."
Mr. Martin was married to Miss Rossie Harper in Elberton in 1868. He was president of the County Alliance of Elbert for six years, but not until this year did he ever offer for public office. although he has been active in politics
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since his 18th year. He led the ticket over three opponents. He is a farmer by occupation and has been successful in his agricultural pursuits.
Mr. Martin is a member of the Methodist church. and a leader in the denomination in Georgia, having a few years ago been chosen as a delegate to the General Conference of the M. E. Church, South. in which body he took an active and prominent part. But best of all, Mr. Martin is one of those men who lives his religion. for a sunnier, more golden-hearted man than Luther Martin never breathed. He numbers his friends by the thou- sands, for wherever he is known he is cordially liked.
Mr. Martin was selected for service on the following Committees : Ways and Means : Corporations : General Agriculture: Georgia State Sanitarium : Peni- tentiary; Counties and County Matters: Excuse of Members. He is also Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Special Agriculture.
HON. GEORGE W. NEWTON.
G EORGE W. NEWTON, Repre- sentative from Colquitt coun- ty, was born in that county September 18, 1866. His father. George F. Newton. was a prominent citizen of Colquitt and served as a representative from that county in the General Assembly at various times in the past. His mother. be- fore marriage. was Miss Julia Nor- man. whose father. Hon. J. B. Nor- man. Sr .. and brother, J. B. Nor- man. Jr., have been sent from that county to serve in both branches of the State Legislature from time to time. The Norman and Newton families have been foremost in the work of developing Colquitt county. and have had a large share in the industrial development of Moultrie, which town is a source of wonder to the inhabitants of the older sections of the State.
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