USA > Georgia > Fulton County > Atlanta > History of Atlanta, Georgia : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 10
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HISTORY OF ATLANTA.
Bank of Savannah, at Americus, and soon thereafter had his first experience with a financial panic-that of 1857-in which all, or most of the banks North, as well as South, suspended specie payment ; exchange on New York, for quite a time, selling as high as three per cent., or thirty dollars per thou- sand premium. He continued banking in this position until the war between the States was in full progress. In the winter of 1861 he resigned the agency of the Bank of Savannah, closed up his business affairs as best he could, and prepared to enter the Confederate service. On the 2d day of April, 1862, he left Americus for the army in Virginia, entering the Confederate service as senior first lieutenant of Company B, of the Sumter Artillery, Colonel A. S. Cutt's battalion. He was subsequently made adjutant of Colonel Cutt's Artil- lery division, in which capacity he served till the close of the war, being at Appomattox when Lee surrendered. His command, however, not being sur- rounded, did not surrender, but fleeing to the mountains managed to escape. With a squad of his own command he made his way to Lincolnton, N. C., the understood rendezvous for Lee's army, but finding that place in the hands of the Federals, continued on to Augusta, Ga., where they received orders to go home and await developments. He arrived at home on the 5th day of May, 1865, having evaded capture on the route. Finding the war at an end and his family in want, he soon supplied them, and spent the summer in repairing his home and making a crop. In the latter part of August, 1865, as the business season approached, he re-entered his old banking office and put forth his sign as " Banker and Broker," but without a dollar in money. Up to the time he entered the Confederate service, he had accumulated about fifty thousand dol- lars, which he left in first-class condition, but the most of which he found, on his return, either gone in worthless notes, or in Confederate money. During the next seven years he worked as few men ever work-very often sixteen and even eighteen hours a day; and during that time fully illustrated the correct- ness of the words of the renowned phrenologist, Prof. O. S. Fowler, in closing an examination of his head: " You are able to do the work of two or three men. You are perfectly honest, and have extraordinary business ability. You should be known in your community for force of character, perfect reliability, an upright and conscientious discharge of your duties, energy, persistence, self- reliance, independence of spirit, the ability to work your own way, find your own channels for business, and then for filling your place, whatever it may be, manfully and well."
In the fall of 1870 he established the first bank in Southwest Georgia-the Bank of Americus-which is still flourishing, and the leading financial institu- tion in that part of the State. He was elected its first president, which posi- tion he held, and only resigned after his removal from the State, in 1872, up to which time he had accumulated about one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, not by speculation, but in legitimate business and by hard work. Such a re-
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sult shows the boundless business sagacity of the man, his wonderful resources and energy. The terrible and unremitting labor and confinement of those years having broken his health, and brought on a very unpleasant affection of the eyes, and his wife and children being frail, he resolved to seek a new field and a climate he hoped would restore them all to robust health.
In July, 1872, he left Americus with his family, and settled in St. Paul, Minn., resolved, under the solicitation of old friends then living there, to try that climate. The remainder of the summer and fall he busied himself in trad- ing and preparing to establish a new business, as well as trying to recuperate his health. By midwinter he had obtained a charter and established a national bank with two hundred thousand dollars capital, and was ready to begin busi- ness when the great January storm of 1873 fell upon that region, freezing sev- eral hundred people to death, in the State, and fully convincing him that the climate of St. Paul was not one in which he would like to make a permanent home, especially in the winter time. Coming to this conclusion he at once transferred his banking interests, left his other matters, and returned to Geor- gia, arriving in Atlanta with his family in February, 1873.
He at once set about establishing a new business, and obtaining a bank charter that suited him ; he organized the Bank of the State of Georgia, open- ing and beginning business on the Ist day of April, 1873. He was made its president in the organization, which position he has held continuously ever. since. With what rare ability and business sagacity he has managed this insti- tution, the people of Atlanta and of his State are fully aware, and bear most willing testimony to his efficiency.
During the more than thirty years of his banking experience he has passed through many periods of great financial depression, "panics," stringency, and rough places, but has grown continually stronger from the beginning. The reverses he experienced from the war came near destroying all his pre-war earnings, and, of course, was a heavy misfortune, but he was soon on his feet again and moved forward.
As a business man, few men are better posted and equipped than Mr. Coker. His progress has been of logical growth ; every advance has prepared the learner for the step beyond. Starting a poor boy (he has plowed many a day barefooted), without money or influential friends, studying bookkeeping while at school, and learning as he passed through grades, changes and avoca- tions, he became familiar with every phase of business and was always ready to fill any place, or for anything that chance offered. While clerking he served . two or three years as clerk of the Superior Court of his county in place of the incumbent who was disabled. He has been a great reader as well as a hard worker, employing his spare time in that way. At school he was able to get only a substantial English education, but it was a thorough one. What he knows of languages, outside of his own, he learned after he left school. Al-
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HISTORY OF ATLANTA.
though he has had so little spare time, his reading has been of a wide range. In early life he studied both law and medicine, but never practiced either save in his own affairs, but knows that he has derived vast benefits from both. He is well versed in history, English literature, theology, the sciences, law, medi- cine, phrenology (of which he is very fond), physiology, and, in fact, almost every subject in the ordinary range of knowledge. He is very fond of music and poetry, and can repeat from memory, by the page, productions of the greatest of American and English poets.
In matters of religion Mr. Coker is hardly orthodox. He was raised in the Methodist faith, but repudiates the doctrine of endless punishment. He be- lieves that the Great Power that created all will take care of all. To him the idea of an Infinite Creator inflicting vengeance and eternal torment on his own creatures, for any cause whatsoever-they having no power or knowledge save what he gave them in their creation, is simply horrible. While holding these views, he has been from boyhood a constant attendant at church. His parents were Methodists ; his wife and children are Methodists, and he has always attended the Methodist Church with his wife. He never tries to lead others to adopt his views, being content to let each and all think and worship as they like.
In politics Mr. Coker has always been a Democrat, though he has a hatred and contempt for politics and political methods-without much regard for politicians. One glow of honest patriotism, one thrill of genuine independence with peace and love at home are to him of more value than all the " fame and glory" ever won by fraud, trickery, hypocrisy and purchased votes. He has never held or asked for a civil office of any kind, except when quite young he served for six years as judge of the Inferior Court of his county, (Sumter) which office was bestowed upon him by the people without his solicitation. He cares nothing for parade or display, dislikes publicity and has the utmost aversion to anything which partakes of ostentation. He loves his wife, chil- dren, home and friends. His earthly paradise is home. He is exceedingly hospitable and is never happier than when he has friends in his house. He has had three children : Mattie H., wife of Judge W. W. Turner, of La Grange, Ga. ; F. M. Coker, jr., cashier of the Bank of the State of Georgia, and India F., wife of George T. Hodgson, of Athens, Ga.
The following pen picture of Mr. Coker was written by a friend, who, by intimate and close association for more than thirty years, has had a perfect op- portunity to know and judge of his character : " Looking back over the years that have intervened since our acquaintance began, early in 1854, and which soon ripened into friendship and esteem, I find that my estimate of his charac- ter then and now is the same. He had then won for himself position both in business and social circles. In the first by his close attention to his duties, in the latter by his quick intelligence and gentlemanly demeanor, and I may add,
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
his love for literature and music. The same year, 1854, I made the acquaint- ance of his father's family, then living at the Plains of Dura, nine miles west of Americus. His father was then on the shady side of fifty, a man far above the average of farmers of that day in intelligence and love of books, spending his time in reading when not looking after his farm, and giving nothing more than an 'otiose assent' in the pursuit of the 'almighty dollar,' the curse of so many of that day, as well as of this. His mother, then past middle life, was still vigorous and active, looking well to her household, frugal and full of energy, who no doubt contributed largely to the competency that they had laid up for a rainy day. He inherited his father's love for literature and the beautiful as well as mental endowments. He inherited his mother's energy and frugality ; a sound mind in a sound body, integrity, sobriety, and undom- itable perseverance. His idiosyncrasy consisted largely in his self-reliance, self-sufficiency for any and all emergencies or viscissitudes of life. In business he was ever on the alert, sagacious and quick to perceive the strong points, at the same time cautious to an eminent degree ; circumspect in all his dealings with his fellow men, giving them all he promised and exacting the same in return. His life so far is the well rounded life of a manly man."
From boyhood Mr. Coker's study has been to make the most of himself and how to get the most pleasure and good out of life, honestly and innocently. To do this he has studied the laws of life, and how best to preserve and econ- omize his strength and health. He has tried to make business a pleasure, so while working hard he might be happy. That his life, though one of struggle and hard work, has been a happy one is evidenced by his desire to go back and live it over again, and then to repeat that process indefinitely. Those who have been dependent upon him, and the many who have received his aid outside of his own household, as well as in it, all unite in declaring him to be a most devoted, affectionate and indulgent husband and father, and a true and faithful friend. His father died the year in which Mr. Coker was married, (1855) and his mother some twenty years later. They both sleep in the cem- etery at Americus, Ga., and over the grave of each Mr. Coker has erected handsome monuments.
To the patience, fortitude, love, devotion and faith of his wife, that never faltered, as well as her untiring energy and attention to his interests he accords more credit than to all else besides. A noble, lovely woman, with rare intel- lectual endowments, culture and refinement, as well as sincere piety and con- scientious convictions. Marrying her only a few months after her graduation from Madison Female College, they have climbed the hill together, and being rarely ever separated except during "the war," she has been to him, in fact as well as name, a helpmeet and companion. He could have paid her no higher compliment than when he said, " We have trod the same path for more than thirty years, and I never knew her to neglect a duty of any kind. If she has
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HISTORY OF ATLANTA.
a fault as wife or mother I could hardly point it out ; and if I could now change her in any way, it would simply be to give her more physical strength and vigor."
OODWIN, JOHN BENJAMIN, was born in Cobb county, Ga., near Ma- I rietta, September 22, 1850, and is a son of Williamson H. and Lucinda (Page) Goodwin. His father was born in DeKalb county, Ga., near Peachtree Creek, and his mother in North Carolina, both of whom were consistent and exemplary Christians, and known and respected for their moral worth and high character. His father was among the most influential men of Cobb county from early manhood throughout his life, and was at the time of his death, Decem- ber 4, 1884, a member of the board of county commissioners, elected by vote of the people, and in which service he had been for several years. He died in Marietta, Ga., and his remains rest in Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta. His wife is still living, and resides with her son, the subject of this sketch. He was a farmer by occupation, and moved with his family a short distance north of Powder Springs, when his son, John Benjamin, was only an infant, and there, on a good plantation, with comfortable surroundings, young Goodwin grew up to youth, doing farm work and attending school. By diligent study at home, and by attending the schools at Powder Springs and at Powder Springs camp ground, taught respectively by Profs. Ward, White, Carpenter and Dunton he acquired a thorough English education.
In 1868, 1869, and until August, 1870, Mr. Goodwin was a clerk in a gen- eral merchandise store in Powder Springs. In August, 1870, on attaining young manhood he removed to Atlanta, and in the following January entered the law office of Gartrell & Stephens as a law student. By diligent applica- tion to his studies and a natural partiality for the legal profession, he was well equipped for examination on the convening of the DeKalb Superior Court in September, 1871, then presided over by Hon. John L. Hopkins as judge. He was carefully and fully examined in open court by a committee consisting of distinguished members of the bar, in the presence of a large audience, and was admitted to the bar with the compliments of the judge and committee on his thoroughness and preparation. He at once opened an office in Atlanta, and entered upon the practice of law, which he pursued until the autumn of 1872, when he accepted work as a reporter on the Daily Herald, under the control of Alex. St. Clair Abrams. He continued with the paper in the same capacity when Henry W. Grady and R. A. Alston became connected with Mr. Abrams in its management, and was with it in those exciting days of Atlanta journal- ism when competition and rivalry between the daily papers became so great that each for awhile resorted to the experiment of delivering their issues along the lines of some of the railroads by special engines chartered for that purpose. Mr. Goodwin went out on the first locomotive used by the Herald on the Cen-
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
tral Railroad, the same paper having previously run one over the Atlanta and West Point Railroad. As a reporter, Mr. Goodwin was thorough and pains- taking in his work, and by one of his employers was given the name of the " old reliable." He remained with the Herald during the greater part of the proprietorship of the gentlemen above named, but believing the law offered a more congenial and better reward for hard labor than journalism, he, early in 1874, resumed the practice of his profession, to which he has ever since adhered, and to which he has become devoted.
In October, 1873, while with the Herald and when but twenty-three years of age, and after a residence of only three years in Atlanta, he was, at the close of an exciting contest nominated in the Democratic primaries as one of the can- didates for councilmen for the first ward, and in the election held in December following, was elected to serve one year. In the fall of 1874 he was re. nomi- nated by a largely increased majority as a candidate for the long term of two years, and was again elected and served during 1875 and 1876. In the city elec_ tion of December, 1878, Mr. Goodwin was elected to serve as alderman for a terni of three years (1879, 1880 and 1881). He had against him as competing candidate for this office, D. A. Beatie, M. E. Maher and L. C. Jones, all of whom were strong and popular men, and all of whom have since been elected coun- cilmen of the city, but so enthusiastic was Mr. Goodwin's support that he re- ceived almost as many votes as all of his opponents combined.
While serving as alderman Mr. Goodwin, at a meeting of the mayor and general council, held April 7, 1879, introduced a resolution, which was adopted, providing for the appointment by the mayor of a committee composed of members of the general council and a number of citizens to prepare a bill amending the charter of the city so as to provide for the funding of the float- ing debt of the city, amounting to $385,000, and on which a much higher rate of interest was being paid than bonds could be issued for. He was appointed a member of the committee with a number of others, Ex-Governor Joseph E. Brown being the chairman of the joint committee. At a meeting of the mayor and general council held May 29, 1879, a bill was reported from this commit- tee carrying out the objects indicated, and its passage recommended to the general assembly of the State. At a session of the latter body next following, the charter was amended as provided by the bill, and bonds covering the amount of the floating debt of the city were soon after issued. The act amend- ing the charter was approved August 22, 1879.
No financial measure ever met more cordial approval, or conferred greater benefit to the city than this act, and having originated the measure and partici- pated in the deliberations of the committe which matured and reported it, and having in all other respects conserved the best interests of the city, Mr. Good- win's, friend's, toward the close of his term as alderman in 1881, strongly advo- cated his selection for mayor. He accordingly became a candidate for that 6*
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HISTORY OF ATLANTA.
P
position, and in December, 1882, was elected over two popular competitors by a large majority. He served for two years (1883 and 1884), and his term was characterized by a care and attention to the city's interest that received the cordial approval of his constituents. The affairs of the city were safely and pru- dently managed, and under his administration the most extensive permanent street, sidewalk and sewerage improvement ever before undertaken was inau- gurated.
In the fall of 1880, at the urgent request of friends, he permitted the use of his name as a candidate before the senatorial convention of the thirty- fifth dis- trict for nomination as senator, but the other counties of the district outside of Fulton had chosen their delegates before it was known that his name would be presented, and they were instructed by virtue of rotation by counties in the selection of candidate against Fulton. Under such circumstances Mr. Good- win's popularity was such, that he received the support of one-half of the dele- gates throughout three days of balloting. But for the sake of party harmony and having no ambition for senatorial service, he withdrew his name in favor of a friend, Mr. Will J. Winn, of Cobb county, who was nominated and elected.
In the following July after the expiration of his term as mayor, Mr. Good- win was elected to the responsible office of city attorney, and in July, 1887, was re-elected without opposition to the same position to serve until July, 1889. In this position he has probably made more reputation than in any other he has held. The city government and the citizens generally have uniformly com- mended his work in this important department. As illustrating the well-known fact that he never allows political differences, or fair and honest opposition to engender ill-feeling on his part, it may be remarked that when elected city at- torney, he appointed for his assistant one of his competing opponents, Mr. John P. Pendleton, whom he has since retained in this position.
Mr. Goodwin was married September 20, 1877, to Miss Emma McAfee, daughter of W. W. McAfee, the well known contractor and builder of Atlanta. They have two children, both boys, aged respectively five and ten years.
Mr. Goodwin has long been one of the leading and among the best informed Odd Fellows of the country. He became a member of this great order in the spring of 1873, or about eighteen months after attaining his majority, and has been an active member ever since. He has for a number of terms presided over the subordinate lodge to which he belongs, and has also presided over the en- campment of the same order. At the session of the grand lodge of the State held in Athens in 1875, he became a member of this body, and has attended every annual session since. At the session of the grand lodge held in Macon in August, 1878, he was elected deputy grand-master, and the following year he was elected grand-master. In 1880, on the expiration of his service as grand- master, he was elected one of the two representatives from the grand lodge of Georgia to the sovereign grand lodge of the order, and has been repeatedly
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
elected thereto, and is now a member of that high judicial and legislative body, and has attended its sessions held in Toronto, Canada, Cincinnati, Baltimorer Providence, Minneapolis, Boston and Denver. He is also an assistant judge- advocate-general with the rank of colonel, on the staff of Hon. John C. Under- wood, of Kentucky, lieutenant-general of the Patriarchs Militant or military branch of Odd Fellowship.
Mr. Goodwin is a strong believer in the good accomplished by fraternal and benevolent societies in promoting tolerance, the cause of morality and good fel- lowship, and in relieving and ministering to human suffering, and not only be- longs to all the various branches of Odd Fellowship, but is also a member ot the Knights of Pythias, Royal Arcanum and Improved Order of Red Men.
He is a member of the Atlanta Bar Association and chairman of the execu- tive committee by election of his brethren of the legal fraternity.
RANT, COLONEL JOHN T. The family of Grant, from which the subject of this sketch was descended, is of Scotch origin. The direct progenitor of the family in America emigrated from Scotland in the early part of the eighteenth century, and settled in the county of Hanover, Va. Here his son, Daniel Grant, the great-grandfather of John T. Grant, was born in 1716. Daniel Grant was a man of considerable literary culture, and for his day as a business man achieved marked success. He was noted for his piety and deep religious nature, and early in life became an elder in the Presbyterian Church in eastern Virginia, of which Samuel Davies was pastor. About the middle of the preceding century he removed to Granville county, N. C. Here he re- mained during the Revolutionary War. After the close of hostilities, he re- moved with his family to Wilkes county, Ga. Soon after his removal to Geor- gia Mr. Grant became converted to the Methodist faith and built the first church of this denomination erected in the State of Georgia. At his home the first Methodist Conference in the State was held, and no man of his day did more to extend the influence of Methodism. A letter written by him, December 9, 1779, to Miss Mary Cosby, the mother of Bishop James O. Andrews, upon the subject of this lady's joining the " Methodist Society," is published in Smith's life of Bishop Andrews He was instrumental in build- ing the first school-house in his section, and proved an ever warm friend of education. He had decided views against the right of holding slaves, and in his will, on record in Wilkes county, left instruction for their emancipation. This was done in the year of his death, 1796, by a special act of the Legisla- ture, and in Mawbury and Crawford's digest the act is published. He was a man of strong character and advanced ideas; had received more than a fair education, and became a natural leader in the communities in which he re- sided.
Daniel Grant had but one son, Thomas, born May 21, 1757. He served
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HISTORY OF ATLANTA.
as an officer in the Revolutionary War. His fervent piety and active religious work is frequently mentioned in Smith's "History of Early Methodism in Georgia," and in the " Life of Bishop Andrews." He was in early life a land surveyor, and later a merchant in Washington, Wilkes county, Ga., and was eminently successful, although his father having emancipated his slaves left him but a small inheritance. He has left a journal describing a trip from Wilkes county to New York City, on horseback, to buy a stock of goods, and relates his surprise at seeing in that city a Methodist Church that cost $10,000.
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