USA > Georgia > Fulton County > Atlanta > History of Atlanta, Georgia : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 8
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32
Fidelity to trust is the principle of his life. Acting on the proverb that when we injure others, we injure ourselves, he yields voluntarily to every man what is justly due. He has never failed to pay dollar for dollar, with interest on every debt, and even labored in want and poverty, when the war was ended, to pay debts contracted before the war, when he was rich, and which he had forgotten to settle.
A firm believer in blood, he with pride refers back through old Virginia, Scotland and Ireland to a race of honest men and noble women, his ancestors, who have all lived and died without a stain upon their integrity. Caring little for popularity and applause, his aim in life is to do his duty, and leave the world better for his having lived in it. When lately asked about his politics he re-
20
HISTORY OF ATLANTA.
plied: "My political ambition is to see the last bar-room in the United States wiped out of existence by the strong hand of the law."
C OLLIER, C. A. Among the early lawyers of North Georgia, John Col- lier was one of the most prominent. He commenced the practice of his profession in DeKalb county, which at that time embraced the present county of Fulton. For some years the young attorney had to fight against adverse circumstances. The people, as a rule, were poor, and large fees were almost unknown. There were no railroads, and the highways leading to the various justices' courts in the country were rough country roads.
Young Collier belonged to a family of sturdy pioneers, and he was not ac- customed to allow slight obstacles to stand in his way. His library contained only a few books, but he mastered them. As it was not always convenient to secure a horse when he was going to a distant court, he overcame the difficulty by walking to his destination. As he was a man of superb physical as well as ยท mental powers, he did not consider this much of a hardship, and his frequent pedestrian trips through the country enabled him to become more intimately acquainted with the people.
In the course of time Mr. Collier's practice began to rapidly increase, and it occurred to him that it would be to his interest to establish himself in a growing town. Naturally his attention was directed to Atlanta, which was then enjoying its first boom as a railroad center, and after some deliberation he moved to this city and opened his office. Success attended him from the start. His clients continued to increase, and he made investments in real estate which turned out profitably. He was held in such high esteem that the people elected him to various positions of honor and trust. He was sent to the State Senate, and was made Judge of the Superior Court. In all of his official positions his ability, industry and integrity impressed the public most favorably, and among the older residents of the place who are now living, no man stands higher in the regard of his fellow-citizens than Judge John Collier.
Charles A. Collier, the subject of this sketch, was born in Atlanta, July 19, 1848, shortly after his father, Judge Collier, moved to the young and growing town. From early boyhood he enjoyed the best educational advantages that the place afforded, and it did not take long for his teachers and others to dis- cover that he was a boy of unusual promise and a diligent student. At the University of Georgia Mr. Collier more than fulfilled the anticipations of his friends, and when he completed his education and was admitted to the bar, in 1871, it was generally conceded that he was one of the best equipped young men in the profession.
On the 7th of January, 1875, Mr. Collier was married to the daughter of the late William A. Rawson. From this date his real career may be said to have commenced. Happily married, and enjoying the full confidence of his neigh-
Chus. A.Cucina
..
21
BIOGRAPHICAL.
bors and friends, Mr. Collier engaged in various important business enterprises, conducting them all with signal ability and success. While many temptations were held out to him to enter political life, he declined every offer, and pursued the even tenor of his way. One position he could not very well decline. The people put him forward as a candidate for alderman, and he was elected by a large vote. In this position, which he holds at the present time, he is mayor pro tem., and chairman of the finance committee of the city council. He is also. the chairman of the Democratic executive committee of Fulton county, and in discharging the duties of these offices, he is necessarily compelled to devote much of his time to public affairs. As a municipal legislator, and as the pre- siding officer of the county Democracy, his clear head, legal knowledge, and business ability, have been universally recognized. Besides this, Mr. Collier is a man of tact He is thoroughly conversant with the affairs of the day, and he rarely makes a mistake in his conclusions. At present he is a director in the Bank of the State of Georgia, a director in the Capital City Bank, president of the Gate City Gas Light Company, and president of the Refrigerating Con- struction Company.
One of the most notable enterprises that Mr. Collier was ever connected with was the famous Piedmont Exposition of 1887. Some time in the month of June of that year, several gentlemen, who had met in a casual way in the office of the Constitution, engaged in a discussion of State fairs and expositions in gen- eral, and one of the number in a moment of inspiration, suggested the Pied- mont Exposition. The idea pleased every one. A company was organized, with Mr. Collier as president, and the work was at once commenced. The Ex- position was to be opened in October, and everything had to be done within about one hundred days. Suitable grounds had to be selected and surveyed. A virgin forest had to be cleared away, and there were numerous substantial and expensive buildings to be erected, a race-track to be constructed to say nothing of many minor points. It was necessary to advertise the enterprise thoroughly, and the services of experienced traveling agents were required, in order to enlist the sympathy and aid of all the States in the Piedmont region. To organize these various departments, secure exhibits, and provide for the construction of the buildings, was a tremendous task, and it would have ap- palled most men. President Collier was fully aware of the difficulties in the way, but he resolutely went to work, day and night, with the determination to make the affair a success.
It is safe to say that nowhere in the world was such a great amount of work ever accomplished in such a short period. The exposition opened on the day originally set for it, and the magnificent grounds were a revelation to the spec- tators, while the spacious buildings were filled with a wealth of exhibits, such as had never been seen before in the South. The Hon. Samuel J. Randall, of Pennsylvania, was the orator of the day, and the enthusiasm of the assembled
22
HISTORY OF ATLANTA.
thousands was almost boundless. The following summary of President Col- lier's speech, which appeared in the Constitution, is so full of interest that it can not be omitted in this sketch :
" President Collier gave a short sketch of the organization of the Piedmont Exposition, stating that 104 days ago the enterprise was unknown, even in Atlanta, and that it had originated among a few gentlemen who had assembled in the office of the Atlanta Constitution ; that it had grown beyond the expect- ations of its projectors, beyond the limits set for it, until the opening day, when it stood without a rival in everything that it claimed as an exposition of the wealth, products, resources and industry of the Piedmont region.
"Many things, according to President Collier, had occurred to make the Piedmont Exposition a success. The untiring energy, the devoted unselfish- ness of the officers and directors, who had worked for it by day, and thought of it and for it by night, had been a potent factor of the enterprise. But there were other aids that he could not afford to pass unnoticed in this hour, when credit was being accorded; and to the press of the State and country, and espe- cially to the local press, was much praise and credit due. And the unparal- leled liberality and generosity of the railroads to the exposition had been of great assistance, and all the praise and credit possible should be accorded to them.
"President Collier declared that the exposition, if it had done nothing else, had already been valuable beyond comparison to Atlanta, in that it had brought the people of a once divided city together again, shoulder to shoulder, hand to hand, and heart to heart, in the work of advancing the city of Atlanta, aiding . her progress and extending her influence and fame.
"The work of the exposition management in preparing the grounds and erecting the buildings was detailed. It was wonderful. Only 104 days ago cotton was blooming on the very spot where the speaker stood; behind him, and beyond him, where magnificent buildings stood, weeds were growing, and virgin forests were undisturbed by the woodsman's ax, thus proclaiming the wildness of the spot. The transformation had been complete, and it was with natural and commendable pride that the management threw open the gates to the world.
"Exhibits had been turned away, said President Collier, in quantity and in numbers to have started an exposition equal to the cotton exposition of ISSI. The management could have filled over double the space it had provided, had the time been sufficient. President Collier related many other circumstances connected with the work of the exposition that interested his audience, and im- pressed the crowd with the fact that the undertaking, though stupendous, had been bravely met, and successfully performed. President Collier was inter- rupted frequently with cheers and applause.
" It is regretted that the speech is not presented in full, but there was no
23
BIOGRAPHICAL.
manuscript copy, and the speaker was too much fatigued after the day's exer- cises, to give a report.
"Mr. Collier's remarks were listened to with marked attention, and as he concluded the remarkable account of the organization and completion of the Piedmont Exposition, cheers loud and long were given. President Collier then introduced Governor Gordon."
The country is well acquainted with the results of this famous exposition. The visitors probably numbered 200,000. After all expenses had been paid, there remained a clear profit of $56,000. The Piedmont region was so well ad- vertised by it that a steady stream of immigration set in from the Northwest- ern States, and the possibilities of this movement cannot even now be esti- mated. One great feature of the exposition was the visit of President Cleve- land and Mrs. Cleveland. These distinguished guests were royally entertained, and they formed a lasting friendship for President Collier, whose thoughtful kindness and courtesy made their stay in the city thoroughly pleasant from first to last.
Mr. Collier, although one of the busiest of men, does not give his whole life to business. He is interested in literature, science and art. He has traveled extensively, and there is very little concerning his own country and its affairs that he is not familiar with. Possessing an ample fortune, he values money only as a means to secure the happiness of himself and others, and his liberality to public enterprises and charitable objects is so well known that it does not re- quire more than a passing mention. With the modest and moderate ambition of a private citizen, and with the tastes of a man of culture and refinement, the future career of Mr. Collier will doubtless come up to the full measure of his wishes and aspirations. His special hobby is Atlanta, and it is likely that for many years to come his efforts and energies will be given without stint to such enterprises, as, in his judgment, appear to be best calculated to promote the progress and prosperity of his city. Such men constitute the best part of the the real wealth of a community, and their works live after them.
ENGLISH, HON. JAMES W., of Atlanta, was born in the State of Louisi- ana, parish of Orleans, October 28, 1837. His father, Andrew English, a planter, died when he was quite young, but his early boyhood was spent at home, where he received but limited educational advantages. At the age of ten he went to live with an uncle in the interior of the State, but soon after went to Covington, Ky., and began an apprenticeship at the carriage trade. In May, IS52, he came to Griffin, Ga., where he worked at his trade, and specu- lated in real estate until the beginning of the war. On April 18th, 1861, he enlisted in Spaulding's Grays, which afterwards became a part of the Second Georgia Battalion, General A. R. Wright's brigade, Army of Northern Virgina. This command served solely in the Army of Northern Virginia, and participated
.
24
HISTORY OF ATLANTA.
in all the important battles fought by Lee's Army, and was particularly noted for daring and bravery. Soon after joining this battalion Mr. English was pro- moted to the rank of a lieutenant and served in this capacity through the war, but had the command of the company during the last two years of service. He was wounded five times, but was never disabled for duty, and fought at the head of his company in every engagement in which it took part. He was paroled at Appomattax Court House April 9, 1865, after four years of almost constant and continuous service in the field.
After the war he returned to Griffin, but in May, 1865, came to Atlanta. At this time no one could have had a poorer start for the success he has since achieved than Mr. English. In a strange city, without money, friends, or in- fluence, he bravely began the struggle for a simple livelihood. Work at his trade it was impossible to find, but he did not hesitate to accept the first op- portunity to work which chance offered. The rebuilding of Atlanta had just begun, and he secured his first employment at carrying bricks, at fifty cents a day. But he was not disheartened, and with that same energy and determin- ation to succeed which has marked his course, he continued in such employ until something more congenial and remunerative could be obtained. He be- came a clerk in a store, and afterwards in a hotel. He was industrious, econ- omical and saving, and his accumulated savings he invested in real estate. With keen business foresight he saw what the future had in store for Atlanta. His early investments, although small, netted large returns, and it was only a few years after his coming to Atlanta until he had gained considerable capital. He continued his speculation in real estate and general trading, and soon de- voted his whole time to it. Marked success followed his judicious and well di- rected efforts, and it is now several years ago that Mr. English passed the point of having accumulated a comfortable fortune.
About a year after his arrival in Atlanta, July 26, 1866, Mr. English was married to Miss Emily A. Alexander, daughter of J. L. Alexander, of Griffin, Ga. They have had six children, five of whom are living, three boys and two girls, all of whom were born in Atlanta. Mr. English and wife are both mem- bers of the First Presbyterian Church.
Fertile in resource, and with a capacity for large enterprises, in 1883, Mr. English organized the Chattahoochee Brick Company, of which he has since been president. The growth of the business of this company has been wonder- ful. To-day it is the largest concern of its kind in the United States, having a capacity of 200,000 bricks per day. The yards are located on the Chatta- hoochee River, about seven miles from Atlanta, where from three hundred to four hundred men are employed. The production consist of fine oil pressed and ornamental brick, which are sold all over the States of Georgia, Tennessee, Ala- , bama and Florida. This enterprise has greatly reduced the cost of construct- ing buildings in Atlanta, and has been a potent factor in the city's prosperity.
25
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Since April, 1885, Mr. English has been largely interested in railroad construc- tion, having completed extensive contracts on the Georgia Midland and Gulf, Atlanta and Florida, Chattanooga, Rome and Columbus Railroads, and within the last seven months has completed one hundred and forty miles on the Colum- bus Southern. The latter is the longest line of railway completed within the time ever built in the Southern States. Mr. English and his associates contracted to build this road within a specified time, and upon failure to do so were to forfeit $125,000. Few believed the contract could be fulfilled, but the enter- prise has been successfully carried through, although it severely taxed the en- ergies of Mr. English and associates It necessitated the employment of from 2,000 to 3,000 men, and the completion of this road within the time specified, has been one of the most remarkable results in railroad building in the South. Mr. English is admirably qualified for extensive enterprises of this character. He has wonderful executive ability, quick grasp of details, and the power to utilize to the best advantage large bodies of men. Another strong element in his character is the unconquerable spirit of persistence with which his plans are pursued. To do what he has undertaken to do, being convinced that his course is right, he is lastingly pledged by the resolution of his nature to pursue it. It is impossible to vanquish such men, and this has been strikingly shown in all the encounters with misfortune which Mr. English has undergone.
Mr. English has always been a Democrat in political faith, but his taste and disposition do not run toward public station nor official life. But it is not strange that one who has been so eminently successful in the management of his private business, and whose career had been so honorable should be strongly pressed to assume political positions, and in deference to such requests he has on sev- eral occasions waived his personal preferences, and accepted public duties that were laid upon him. He was a member of the city council in 1877 and 1878, and during this period was chairman of the finance committee. At this time the city had a large floating debt, upon which was being paid interest at the rate of ten to eighteen per cent. per annum. He immediately undertook the task of reducing this heavy expense, and before his term had expired succeeded in making arrangement whereby interest on the city debt was reduced to seven per cent., and subsequently, as a result of his persistent labors, before the citi- zens' committee, the entire floating indebtedness of the city was converted into bonds bearing six per cent., and the methods creating such debts he also suc- ceeded in abolishing.
His work in behalf of economical government and admirable handling of the city's finance won the approbation of the people, and in ISSI, in a hotly con- tested election, he was chosen mayor of the city. His course as mayor was characterized by fearless discharge of duty and sincere devotion to the best in- Herents of the city. He revised the tax collecting system, and inaugurated the Present methods of collecting taxes whereby a much larger city revenue has
26
HISTORY OF ATLANTA.
been secured, based upon the enforcement of just and equitable laws. The loose methods which had prevailed in the management of city finances were corrected, all unnecessary expenses were stopped, and sound business princi- ples were applied to municipal affairs. So sound did the financial reputation of the city become during his term, that the first five per cent. city bonds ever issued in the South were readily sold, and netted the city par value. lle waged a vigorous warfare against gambling, and did his utmost to secure the enforcement of the laws of the city. During his administration was inaugu- rated the first public improvement of any magnitude in street paving, the first granite block pavement being laid during the first year of his term. This greatly needed work was prosecuted with great success. In fact, it is not too much to say that from the assumption of Mayor English's control, as chief magistrate of the city, may be dated the commencement of the real and sub- stantial growth and prosperity the city has since enjoyed. That he was largely instrumental in bringing about this gratifying result, no one, acquainted with the earlier and present history of the city, will, for a moment, honestly deny.
At the close of his term in January, 1883, the Atlanta Constitution gives expression to the general verdict of the people, when it said : " It is seldom that any officer retires from a trust, so universally honored and esteemed, as does Mayor English, this morning. The two years of his rule have been the most prosperous years the city ever knew, much of which is due to the fact that he has been the best mayor within our memory.
" In every sense his regime has been successful. He has put under control a lawless element that has heretofore defied city officials. He has restricted gambling to a few secret corners, if he has not driven it out altogether.
" In a financial sense the result has been quite as happy. The English administration closes its year without having one dollar of debt or a single bill payable. It leaves a sinking fund of $95,000 in the treasury, where it found only $40,000 two years ago. It has spent $101,200 on permanent improve- ments, such as $53,000, waterworks; $28,000, fire department, and $10,000 for a new school house. It has spent $70,000 on the streets, besides a levy of $60,000 on citizens against $40,000 a year ago. It has maintained every de- partment efficiently besides achieving the above results.
" Under Mayor English, a permanent system of good streets has been started, and two streets finished. A paid fire department has been established and a fire alarm system built. The system of assessment and tax paying has been so amended and enforced that, without increasing the burden, the vol- ume of income has been largely increased. Altogether, we may say that in the last two years the foundation has been laid for another order of things, and the start fairly made for a higher and better growth. If his work is only sup- plemented it will be well with Atlanta. It may be claimed that Mayor Eng- lish had the two best years to work on. We grant that, and claim for him that
27
BIOGRAPHICAL.
the man a id the occasion met. He leaves office without a blot on his name, or a stain on his record, and will have the confidence of the people."
Mr. English took a prominent part in the movement, relative to securing the permanent location of the State capitol at Atlanta, in 1877. After a long and weary struggle the issue, whether this city should remain the capital city of Georgia, went to the people for final adjudication. In speaking of this struggle the Constitution said : " A terrible prejudice was arrayed against our brave city, and it was certain she had a desperate fight before her. The most careful and thorough organization, and the most exhaustive and sagacious cunning were necessary if Atlanta wished to maintain her supremacy. Be- sides the loss of prestige that would follow if Atlanta was beaten, it was esti- mated that her defeat would take twenty-five per cent. off the value of her en- tire property, or destroy at one blow $3,000,000. It was necessary to find some citizen who would consent to take charge of this desperate and moment- ous campaign. It was very difficult to find such a man. There were dozens who were willing to serve on the committee in subordinate capacities, but none who were willing to take the labors and responsibilities of leadership.
" At length Captain English consented to take the place, with its thankless and strenuous labors, and do the best he could to so handle it that the city would be protected from the assaults of its enemies. He forsook his private business, and gave all his time and energies to the details of the campaign. It was a fearful struggle. Over one million circulars, letters and addresses were to be circulated throughout the State. Speakers were to be provided for every section. Local prejudices were to be met and local committees to be organized. It was necessary to use money in the legitimate expenses of the campaign, and it was equally essential to protect Atlanta's honor and purse by seeing that none was expended in an illegitimate way. All these af- fairs Captain English attended to with rare fidelity. He displayed a marvel- ous shrewdness and sagacity, and showed himself possessed of rare executive powers. Everything went through, compact and organized, and Atlanta scored the most brilliant victory of her life." The people were full of grateful appreciation of his labors and exertions. They presented him with a fine sil- ver service, and the council passed resolutions of thanks to him. Since Mr. English's retirement from the office of mayor, he has held no public office, ex- cept as member of the police board.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.