USA > Georgia > Fulton County > Atlanta > History of Atlanta, Georgia : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 17
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a comparatively few years by one who came to Atlanta at the close of the war a penniless Confederate soldier, exhibited his wonderful business generalship as well as undeviating honesty and integrity. For more than twenty years his name was the synonym of accurate business methods, faithfulness to every obli- gation and whole-souled congeniality, such as made him esteemed, trusted and beloved in commercial circles all over the country. In the summer of 1888 he retired from the great mercantile interest his indefatigable industry and unsur- passed business sagacity had created, intending henceforth to devote his ener- gies to less exacting and onerous pursuits. But his well earned period of rest was not to come, as he had longed and fondly hoped. He had for some years been in feeble health, his old army wound being a source of almost con- stant pain. At the time he closed out his business he was suffering from ner- vous prostration, and he sought relief at a neighboring health resort, only to return home more enfeebled. An abcess added to his sufferings, and from the excessive pain he endured he became unconscious a few days prior to his death. Blood poisoning ensued, and on the 18th of July, 1888, surrounded by his loving family and friends, his spirit winged its flight to the regions of eternal life.
When the announcement of his death was made known in the city where he had so long and worthily lived, the expressions of grief were universal, sin- cere and profound. His loss seemed a personal bereavement to all. Stores on all the principal streets were draped in mourning and for the first time in its history was seen in Atlanta a sight which had never been seen before-the city in mourning for one of her private citizens. The city press declared his loss was that of the people, and paid extended and eloquent tribute to his worth. Editorially the Constitution voiced the popular estimate of his exalted character as follows :
"There are few if any of its citizens that Atlanta could less afford to spare than Captain John Keely, whose death occurred yesterday, after but a brief ill- ness resulting from a wound received during the war.
"The announcement in yesterday's Constitution that he was seriously ill was read with surprise, and the general sympathy expressed for him was a high tribute to his extensive acquaintance and his widespread popularity.
"Of great personal magnetism, genial disposition, of the strictest integrity, both in his social and business life, kind-hearted and charitable, generous as a man, and liberal and enterprising as a citizen, Captain Keely has long been one of the most popular of the well-known men of Atlanta. His name has long been a household word, not only in the city, but throughout the State, and in the management of the great business which he built his career has been an inspiring example of what pluck, enterprise and honest dealing can accom - plish He has always possessed the entire confidence of those who knew him, and in all of his transactions his name is unclouded with a single reproach."
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The corporations, societies and associations of which he had been a part, gave expression to their grief and spoke their admiration of the dead in reso- Iutions that uttered no empty praise. The merchants, called together to pay their tribute of praise among other kind words of eulogy, bore the following testimony to his worth :
" As a neighbor, friend, competitor and gentleman he was ever generous, honorable and courageous, and ever willing to adopt those measures that were for the betterment of business and humanity.
"In his sad taking away we feel ourselves the loss of a warm friend and a charming companion, and that the city of Atlanta has, by the decree of God, Iost one of her most estimable, valued and progressive citizens."
The members of the Chamber of Commerce passed the following resolution of respect to his memory :
" It is with a sense of profound sadness that we record the decease of that most popular and prosperous merchant, Captain John Keely, who was an hon- ored and esteemed member of this chamber. Cut off in the prime of life and zenith of usefulness, no man was ever mourned by a greater number of friends among all classes of Atlanta's citizens than is Captain John Keely.
" He was the very soul of honor, generous, brave and courteous in all the relations of life. As a business man, the multitude of friends who mourn his loss, and the splendid fortune he has achieved in his chosen profession, in which he was recognized as a prince-these are living witnesses to his honesty, moral integrity and fine business qualities."
The funeral of Captain Keely. on Friday, July 20th, was a notable event. It amounted to a popular demonstration. The universal popularity: of the dead man was most powerfully shown. No mere private citizen ever had a grander tribute paid to his memory. Business was almost entirely suspended. Nearly every store was closed and many of them were draped in the sable garb of mourning. It seemed as if the entire population of the city gathered together to do honor to his memory, and surely it was a most fitting tribute to the end- ing of a noble and manly career, such a tribute of affection and respect as shall ever keep green his gracious memory.
Captain Keely was married in 1869 to Miss Ella Neal, daughter of John Neal, one of the most successful citizens of Atlanta, and whose integrity and true nobility of character are well known throughout the Southern States. To Captain Keely and wife four children-all boys-have been born, the oldest of whom is attending Sewanee College, Tennessee. Captain Keely was a mem- ber of and senior warden of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, and for the last seventeen years had been a member of the vestry.
Few men have been more successful in business than Captain Keely, and the lives of few men furnish better or more inspiring examples. He was the architect of his own fortune, and right use did he make of every opportunity
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for advancement. As a young man he was faithful to every trust, and by hard work and self-denial laid the foundation of a rounded, symmetrical character. On the field of battle, amid dangers, trials and hardships, he never failed to do his duty regardless of consequences, and one of the grandest legacies he leaves behind him is his heroic service in behalf of principles he believed to be . right. When the questions which had been submitted to the arbitrament of battle were settled by the surrender at Appomattox, he accepted the result like a true soldier and returned to take up the avocations of peace. He wasted no time in vain regrets, and with hopeful courage began the struggle for a liveli- hood at the lowest round of the ladder. He worked hard, saved his money, and in a few years was master of the adverse circumstances that had surrounded him. Within nineteen years after he commenced business for himself he amassed a comfortable fortune and rose to the very front rank of Atlanta's most success- ful merchants. The secret of his success can be found in his thorough mastery of his business, rugged honesty and hard work, directed by intelligent effort. The allurements of politics or of official position never had charm for him, and his participation in public affairs were only such as a private citizen interested in the promotion of the public good. He was appointed on the staff of Gov- ernor McDaniel, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and held the same hon- orary position under Governor Gordon, both of which appointments were unex- pected, but compliments he highly appreciated. He ever exhibited a liberal public spirit and a ready willingness to contribute of his time and his means, to every deserving public enterprise. But it is as a merchant that John Keely was best and most widely known. From the exciting days of 1865 until his life work was ended he was an active force and a powerful factor in the mer- cantile ranks of Atlanta, and his eminent success and unsullied record gave him a place second to none in the confidence and esteem of the people of Georgia He was affable and courteous in manner and had a genial disposi- tion, which naturally attracted friends, while the unbounded warmth and depth of his friendship enkindled responsive feelings of loyal attachment. That he should have succeeded. beyond the measure of most men was but the natural sequence of rare ability and indefatigable industry united to honorable methods and worthy motives. His career should be an inspiration to every ambitious young man, and in every way it is worthy of imitation.
NMAN, SAMUEL M. is known as the ideal citizen of Atlanta, perhaps no man ever attained in any community such peculiar distinction as he holds in this. He has never held office, persistently declining all suggestions on that line. And yet there has not been a day in the last ten years when he could not have had, without the asking, and without opposition, any office within the gift of the people. For him simply to have consented to accept any office at any stage of a campaign would have resulted in the withdrawal of all other ยท 12*
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candidates, such is the confidence of the people in his integrity, and such their devotion to him personally.
This distinction has not been won by any brilliant coup, or by any special- ly brilliant gifts. It is the result of a life of quiet and even strength, of a pur- pose at all times certain, the best interest of the people, of a Christian manli- ness and loyalty underlying every action, and flavoring the whole life. In every enterprise that promises to advance the city of Atlanta he is foremost, and his influence is always cast without fear, and without prejudice for that which is best. His name heads every subscription list to worthy enterprise, and his liberality sets the pattern which other men emulate, but which no man equals. To the Young Mens' Christian Association he gave $5,000; to the technological school $5.000; to a hospital for white and colored he has offered to give $10,000 ; to everything he gives, and so quietly, and so modestly that half of his benefactions are not suspected. He seeks opportunity to do good, and to be helpful to his fellow citizens, and his city. On one occasion the richer member of a prominent firm, with which he had no connection whatever, and with the surviving partners of which he had but small acquaintance, died. Mr. Inman at once sought the survivors, and said, " your business is important to Atlanta. Your house is one of the strongest pillars in its commercial fabric I do not know what temporary effect the death of your partner may have, and I have called to say to you that my check for $50,000 is at your disposal if you should need it."
The offer was declined with thanks. One of the members of the firm told the writer of the occurence, and Mr. Inman will learn, when he reads these pages, for the first time, that his course in this matter is even known to a hu- man being outside of himself and the members of the firm.
Mr. Inman was born at Dandridge, in Jefferson county, Tenn., on Febru- ary 19, 1843. He is the son of S. W. and Jane (Martin) Inman. He received his primary education at schools in and about Dandridge, and, coming from a strong Presbyterian family, was sent to Princeton College, where his education was completed. When he was eighteen years of age he entered the army, joining Company K, of the First Tennessee Cavalry, which was con- nected with General Johnson's army. During the most of the war he served as lieutenant of his company, and was endeared to his men by the same quali- ties of loyalty and unselfishness that have made him so beloved since, and was known throughout his regiment and command as one of the best and most fearless of soldiers. Near the close of the war he was detailed to special duty on the division staff, and surrendered with the army, and now holds his hon - orable parole as one of his most valued treasures. After the war he settled in Augusta and went into business. He remained there about a year, and in the spring of 1867 removed to Atlanta, which city has since been his home. In 1867 he established, with his father, the cotton house of S. W. Inman & Son. The
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firm name was changed to S. M. Inman & Co. in 1869 This house has been
wonderful y prosperous, and is the largest cotton house in the South. It practi-
cally controls the cotton business of Atlanta, and has a branch house in Hous- ton, Tex., which does perhaps the largest business in that State. The firm, or members of it, are interested in cotton compresses throughout the South, and the aggregate business done is enormous. Mr. Inman has the rare faculty of judging men by intuition, and has surrounded himself both in Texas and in
Georgia with a corps of partners and employees almost unequaled in its integ- rity and efficiency. Every department of the business is in competent hands, and while Mr. Inman is devoted to the great firm of which he is the head, the admirable management and arrangement of the business is such that he has much leisure for other enterprises and other interests. From the firm he draws
usual generosity prevented. It is estimated that he is now worth from three- an income that would long ago have made him a millionaire had not his un-
quarters of a million to a million dollars, and his business is such that his an- nual income exceeds the interest on that amount. He is connected with many collateral enterprises, is a large stockholder in the Constitution Publishing Com- pany, is a large real estate owner in Atlanta, and has perhaps a quarter mil- lion dollars invested in the stocks of other enterprises in and about the city. He was married in 1868 to Miss Jennie Dick, of Rome, Ga., a most admirable lady, who still graces his household and dispenses charming hospitality to his large circle of friends. He has two sons and a daughter and finds no happier place than in his handsome and delightful home in the midst of his interesting family. He occupies one of the costliest, and most luxurious homes in Georgia.
Mr. Inman is a member of one of the strongest families in this country. His brother, Mr. John H. Inman, is the head of the firm of Inman, Swann & Co., of New York, president of the West Point Terminal Company which con- trols the Richmond and Danville, the East Tennessee, and the Georgia Central systems of railroads, embracing 11,000 miles of rail, and four million dollars worth of steamships, is also a director in the Louisville and Nashville Road with 3.500 miles of rail, and a director in such institutions in New York as the Fourth National Bank and the New York Life Insurance Company. The re- maining brother, Mr. Hugh Inman, is worth perhaps a million and a half, owns the Kimball House in Atlanta, and other valuable property. The late Mr. William H. Inman rated at $4,000,000, was a member of this firm, and Mr. Walker Inman, of Atlanta, nearly or quite a millionaire, is a member of the firm of S. M. Inman & Co. Mr. Swann, the remaining member of Inman, Swann & Co., is also connected with the Inman family. This makes an ag- gregated strength of millions of dollars, and a credit and prestige that is simply without limit. Mr. S. M. Inman is perhaps the safest adviser of the family. Upon his wise conservatism, and his far reaching sagacity, both of his broth- ers, while each is strong in his individuality, largely relies. He is a member
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of the directory of most of the railroad enterprises embraced in what is now known as the Inman System, and which covers almost every railroad stretch- ing from Richmond to Montgomery, and from Bristol to Savannah. In these boards he is an active and earnest member, giving himself mainly to those de- tails of the business which most largely concern the public welfare. He is al- ways in the front of practical advancement of his people. To his efforts more than to any other man is due the technological school of Georgia, the most hopeful experiment in practical education in the last twenty years. To this school he gave five thousand dollars out of his own pocket, and secured from Atlanta $75.000 and an annuity of $2,500 a year. He was also instrumental in securing from the State the appropriation which built the school. The gov- ernor at once appointed him a member of the board of commissioners, and to his wise management and close attention to details is largely due the superb buildings which stand as a monument to taste and economy. This school is better equipped with machinery than any technological school in America, sur- passing by the testimony of Professor Higgins, of Worcester, Mass., the equip- ment of the famous school at that place. The Legislature has just appropriated eighteen thousand dollars a year to its support, and in the context over educa- tional institutions of Georgia it proved to be most popular, and weaker institu- tions, leaning on its popular strength, were carried through.
This is a hurried summary of a life about which nothing else can be said than praise. It is not an eventful or noisy life. There is little of the cataract or babbling. It is rather a strong and even and quiet life. It is the river, mighty, but placid, fructifying every land through which it passes, enriching wherever it touches, and attracting attention, not by the noise of its rushing waters, but by the golden fields and green meadows that girt its banks near and far.
L OGAN, DR. JOSEPH PAYNE, of Atlanta, was born in Botetourt county, Va., in November, 1821, and is a son of Rev. Joseph D. Logan, who was a Presbyterian minister. He was educated in Lexington, Va., and for a time attended Washington College at that place. His medical education was re- ceived at the Virginia Medical College, Richmond, Va., and the medical depart- ment of the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, from which institution he graduated in 1841. He began the practice of his profession in Culpepper county, Va., and removed to Atlanta in 1854. After the war he lived for sev- eral years in Baltimore, Md., but in 1868 permanently located in Atlanta, where he has since been engaged in a general medical practice.
During the latter part of the first year of the civil war he became a sur- geon in the Confederate army, and served in that capacity until the war closed. He was a professor of the principles of medicine in the Washington University, Baltimore, during his residence in that city, and has been professor of physi- ology in the Atlanta Medical College. He is a member of the Georgia Medi-
ALITTLE
Wy Markham
r
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cal Association, and of the American Medical Association, and has been pres- ident of the former, and vice president of the latter. For several years he was editor of the Atlanta Medical and Surgical Journal. He was a member of the State Board of Health of Georgia for some years, by appointment of the gov- ernor, and was the author of a report upon smallpox, submitted to that board, and chairman of the committee of the board reporting to the governor upon the epidemic of yellow fever in Savannah. He was also a member of the first board appointed by the city council of Atlanta to organize and conduct the public schools of Atlanta in 1869.
Dr. Logan is still actively engaged in the practice of his profession, and is at the present time in years of practice one of the oldest practitioners in the city. He has ever enjoyed the full confidence of his patients and brother prac- titioners in his professional ability, while his reputation as an exemplary citi- zen has always been of the highest. His practice has been general in charac- ter, and attended with a high degree of pecuniary and professional success. Since its organization he has been a member of the Central Presbyterian Church, and for many years has been an elder.
He was married in 1843 to Miss Ann E. Pannell, of Orange county, Va., who died in April, 1885. His present wife was Miss Alice Clark, of Atlanta, whom he married in June, 1887.
M ARKHAM, COLONEL WILLIAM, of Atlanta, was born in Goshen, Conn., October 9, 1811, and is a son of William and Ruth (Butler) Mark- ham. His paternal ancestors came from England and settled in Middletown, Conn., in 1663. His father was a farmer, and for many years resided at New Hartford, where he died at the age of seventy-one years. At the latter place the subject of this sketch was educated and remained until 1833, when he came to North Carolina, and spent two years in that State. In 1835 he came to Georgia and located in Augusta, and for the following year his business called him to different parts of the State. In 1836 he located in McDonough, Henry county, where he remained for fourteen years engaged in farming and mer- chandising, and while residing here in 1853 married a daughter of William Berry, of that county. Two children were born to them a son, Marcellus O. Markham, and a daughter, the wife of Robert J. Lowry, of Atlanta.
Colonel Markham was successful in his business ventures in McDonough, and in 1853 moved to Atlanta. At this time the city contained but three thousand eight hundred inhabitants, and bore little resemblance in appear- ance or size to the Atlanta of to-day. Soon after his arrival he purchased the three-story brick building on the corner of Whitehall and Alabama street, known as Parr's Hall, and added five stores. From that time to the present Colonel Markham has continued to be one of the leading real estate owners in the city, and from 1853 to the breaking out of the war he erected 1 18 stores and
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other buildings. In 1856 he established with Lewis Scofield a rolling-mill, the first ever started in the South, and engaged in rolling railroad iron until the lat- ter part of the war, when the concern was sold to the Confederate government. So thoroughly did Colonel Markham become identified with the new city of At- lanta after his arrival, both by purchase of real estate and connection with its business interests, that during the same year of his arrival he was elected on the Whig ticket as mayor of the city. At that time the city contained a large number of lawless characters, to restrain whom devolved almost solely upon the mayor. Mayor Markham was fully equal to the task, and during his ad- ministration the laws were rigidly enforced, and a period of unusual quiet and order prevailed. During his term the city hall was built and several measures of great public necessity were carried out.
Before the war between the States began, Colonel Markham, seeing the in- evitable drift of affairs, was among the comparatively few in Atlanta who cou- rageously advised against secession, and warned the people against the appeal to arms. During the period of hostilities he remained true to the side of the Union, and did all in his power to add to the comfort of Federal prisoners, stationed at Atlanta as well as to the Confederates.
After the Confederate soldiers abandoned all hope of retaining the city against the assaults of the Federal army, Colonel Markham was appointed one of the committee by Mayor Calhoun to surrender the city to General Sherman. When the Union forces took possession of the city Colonel Markham was selected by General Sherman with James Dunning, H. C. Holcomb and Lewis Scofield to announce to the Federal authorities the Union and Confederate sympathizers. When the order was given by General Sherman that the in- habitants should leave the city, Colonel Markham went North, and remained until the war closed. To-day, after the lapse of nearly a quarter of a century since the war, Colonel Markham has naught to regret for the course he pur- sued during this trying period of the nation's life, and considers one of the richest legacies he has to leave his children is the fact that he was then true to the government of the United States.
In June, 1865, Colonel Markham returned to Atlanta, and was among the first of its refugee citizens to return. He immediately began to do his part in the rebuilding of the city, and by the erection of buildings, both private houses and stores, did much to restore confidence in its future. Since his identifica- tion with the city he has erected forty- eight buildings, which includes some of the finest dwellings and business blocks in Atlanta. In 1875 he built the Markham House, which is one of the leading hotels in the city, and since the war his time and attention have been almost solely devoted to the manage- ment of his extensive real estate interest, which has largely grown and expand- ed during recent years.
Prior to the formation of the Republican party Colonel Markham was a
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Whig in political faith, but has since acted with the former organization in State and national affairs, while in local politics he supports candidates of his choice regardless of political lines. In 1876 he was the Republican candidate for Congress in the fifth district, accepting the candidacy more for the purpose of maintaining party organization than hope of being elected. Although he was defeated, he made, under the circumstances, a most creditable contest
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