History of Clinch County, Georgia, revised to date, Part 16

Author: Huxford, Folks, 1893-
Publication date: 1916
Publisher: [Macon, Ga., The J.W. Burke company
Number of Pages: 348


USA > Georgia > Clinch County > History of Clinch County, Georgia, revised to date > Part 16


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).


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C. H. Smith


T. S. Kirkland


A. B. Smith


Mar. 3, 1913


David J. Sirmans J. G. Tomlinson


Feb. __ , 1877


T. G. Jenkins


Jonathan O'Steen S. R. Smith


Feb. 4, 1901


Daniel O'Steen


S. R. Smith


Jan. 1,1903


215


History of Clinch County, Georgia


1280th District.


Name


Name


Name


Appointed


T. G. Jenkins


David J. Sirmans J. G. Tomlinson


Feb. 16, 1878


P. M. Lee


David J. Sirmans Levin Tomlinson


Jan. 6,1879


P. M. Lee


David J. Sirmans George Cornelius


Feb. 2,1880


R. B. Johnson


David J. Sirmans George Cornelius


Apr. 5, 1881


R. B. Johnson


D. J. Sirmans, Jr. John A. Mikell


Mar. 7, 1883


P. M. Lee


C. H. North


John A. Mikell


Feb. 25, 1887


John T. Courson


F. D. Clifton J. W. Holloway


Artemus Rice


Sept. 9,1890


D. H. Johnson


Augustus DuPont J. J. Hughes


Feb. 2, 1891


D. H. Johnson


J.H.W.Livingston, J. A. Mobley


Feb. 6, 1893


L. L. DuPont


Joseph Jones


P. A. Register


Feb. 4, 1901


L. L. DuPont


C. H. North


J. P. Tomlinson


Jan. 1,1903


C. C. Lee


C. H. North


J. P. Tomlinson


Jan. 2, 1905


C. M. McLamb


Robert E. Lee


F. M. Hughes


Jan. 7, 1907


C. M. McLamb


E. E. Tomlinson


F. M. Hughes


Jan. 4, 1909


C. M. McLamb


E. E. Tomlinson


F. M. Hughes


Jan. 2, 1911


C. M. McLamb


E. E. Tomlinson


F. M. Hughes


Mar. 3, 1913


1365th District.


S. W. Register


J. J. Taylor


W. R. Keen


Feb. 25, 1887


S. W. Register


J. J. Taylor


W. E. Taylor


Feb. 25, 1889


S. W. Register


J. J. Taylor


Marion Bennett


Feb. 2, 1891


P. M. Bennett


M. A. Taylor


John Griffis


Feb. 6, 1893


A. O. Register


P. M. Bennett


I. W. Griffin


Feb. 4, 1901


J. R. Allen


Seward Bennett


John McLain


Jan. 1,1903


J. R. Allen


Seward Bennett


A. G. Bennett


Jan. 2, 1905


T. E. McLain


Seward Bennett


A. G. Bennett


Jan. 7,1907


W. M. Zeigler


N. E. Baldwin


A. G. Bennett


Jan. 4, 1909


E. B. Allen


A. J. Baldwin


W. M. Zeigler


Jan. 2, 1911


J. R. Allen


E. C. Dedge


John McLain


Mar. 3, 1913


1389th District.


J. R. Dickerson


James M. Kight


j. R. Allen


Feb. 25, 1887


J. R. Dickerson


James M. Kight


T. R. Allen


Feb. 25, 1889


WV. H. Hinson


F. M. Kight N. J. Smith


Feb. 2, 1891


W.J.Strickland,Jr. T. P. Jordan


W. M. Mainor


Feb. 6, 1893


W. H. Hinson


Randal Corbitt


B. A. Harper


Feb. 4, 1901


W. H. Hinson


J. J. Dickerson


B. A. Harper


Jan. 1,1903


WV. H. Hinson


J. J. Dickerson


B. A. Harper


Jan. 2, 1905


W. H. Hinson


D. J. Godwin


B. A. Harper


Jan. 7, 1907


IV. M. Kight


D. J. Godwin


B. A. Harper


Jan. 4,1909


T. R. Dickerson


Randal Corbitt


IV. M. Kight


Jan. 2, 1911


J. R. Dickerson


Randal Corbitt


WV. M. Kight


Mar. 3, 1913


Jailors of Clinch County-


(This List is not complete. )


M. S. McIntosh Feb. 13, 1875


Robert B. Crum


May 13, 1876


P. M. Lee


Feb. 25, 1889


John T. Courson


216


History of Clinch County, Georgia


Erie Edwards


April 13, 1877


A. B. Findley


Aug. 4, 1879


William D. Smith


1880


K. C. Smith Mar. 6, 1885 1 I ] 1 1


A. T. Newbern 1894 1 1 I 1 1


T. F. M. Sweat


1901


C. W. Byrd.


I9II


S. W. Elliott


1913


Clerks of Court of Ordinary-


L. A. Sirmans


Sept. 1, 1868


Josiah Sirmans


Aug.


1, 1873


H. C. Dukes, Dept. 1


May 4, 1874


Josiah Sirmans


Oct. 10, 1877


S. L. Drawdy


Feb. 14, 1889


R. G. Dickerson


Jan. 15, 1902


Presidents of Board of Education-


H. A. Mattox 1872-1876 James A. O'Steen 1898-1902


A. J. Caswell 1888-1892 Jesse R. Booth


1902-1904


N. S. Knight 1892 F. M. Hughes


1904-1913


H. A. Mattox 1892-1893 John G. Griffis


1913-1915


Benjamin Smith 1893-1894 D. O. Johnson


1915-1916


D. C. Fender 1894-1898


Judges of Superior Court, Clinch County, 1850-1919- NOTE .- (*) resigned; (t). appointed.


I. Augustus H. Hansell Hawkinsville, Ga. 1850-1853


2. Peter E. Love Thomasville, Ga. 1853-1855


3. A. E. Cochran Brunswick, Ga. 1855-1859


4. William M. Sessions Holmesville, Ga. Brunswick, Ga.


1859-1861


5. A. E. Cochran


6. William M. Sessions*


1864-1872


7. John L. Harris (died) Brunswick, Ga. 1872-1879


8. Martin L. Mershon* Brunswick, Ga. 1879-1886


9. Courtland Symmest Brunswick, Ga. 1886


10. Spencer R. Atkinson*


Brunswick, Ga. 1886-1891


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1861-1864 Blackshear, Ga.


1


217


History of Clinch County, Georgia


II. J. L. Sweat


Waycross, Ga. 1891-1897


12. Joseph W. Bennett*


Brunswick, ua. 1897-1902


13. F. Willis Dartt


Douglas, Ga. 1902-1903


14. Thomas A. Parker


15. J. W. Quinceyt


16. James I. Summerall


Blackshear, Ga. 1915-1919


Solicitors General, 1867-1916-


I. J. S. Wiggins 1867-1869 6. J. I. Carter 1885-1889


2. P. B. Bedford 1869 7. W. G. Brantley 1889-'97


3. A. J. Liles 1869-1871 8. John W. Bennett 1897-'09


4. Simon W. Hitch 1871-1881 9. J. H. Thomas 1909-1910


5. G. B. Mabry 1881-1885 10 M. D. Dickerson 1910-'19


Foremen of Grand Juries, Clinch County, 1867-1916-


NOTE .- This information is given, as the author believes it will be of interest besides throwing light on the leaders of the day. The militia district numbers following each name shows the district in which the foreman lived.


Term


Name District


Sept. 1867


John C. Kirkland 1224


March 1868


David D. Mahon 1052


Sept. 1868 Thomas G. Ramsey


I224


April 1869 John C. Kirkland 1224


Oct. 1869 John C. Kirkland I224


June 1870


Thomas G. Ramsey 1224


April 1871


Cornelius A. Smith


970


Oct. 1871


Jesse Smith


970


April


1872


David J. Sirmans


970


Oct.


1872


William S. Tomlinson


586


April 1873


David J. Sirmans


970


Oct. 1873


John C. Kirkland


I224


April 1874


Francis M. Jackson


586


Oct. 1874


David H. Johnson


586


April 1875


Martin S. Corbitt 1061


Oct.


1875


Glover G. Foreman 1052


April


1876


Peter Stotesberry


1052


Baxley, Ga. 1903-1914


Douglas, Ga. 1914-1915


218


History of Clinch County, Georgia


Term


Name


District


Oct. 1876


David J. Sirmans


1280


April 1877


Charles Strickland


586


Oct. 1877


Francis M. Jackson


586


April 1878


David J. Sirmans


1280


Oct. 1878


Frank Sloat


1052


Oct. 1879


David O'Quin


970


March 1880


Charles Strickland


586


Sept. 1880


Peter Williams


1224


March 188 I


Hamilton A. Mattox


I224


Oct. 1881


Francis M. Jackson


586


March 1882


Cornelius A. Smith


1224


March 1883


Madison M. Caswell


I224


Oct. 1883


F. B. Sirmans


586


March 1884


G. G. Foreman


1052


Oct.


1884


Benjamin Smith


586


March 1885


F. B. Sirmans


586


Oct. 1885


Cornelius A. Smith


I224


March 1886


Moses Tomlinson


1052


Oct. 1886


Francis M. Jackson


586


March 1887


Moses Tomlinson


1052


Oct.


1887


John J. Drawdy


I224


March 1888


Moses Tomlinson


1052


Oct. 1888


R. S. Holtzendorf


1052


March 1889


John C. Humphreys


1052


Oct. 1889


Martin S. Corbitt


1061


March 1890


John C. Humphreys


1052


Oct. 1890


Willis B. Gibbs


1280


March 1891


Hamilton A. Mattox


I224


Oct. 1891


Lewis Smith


I224


March 1892


Hamilton A. Mattox


I224


Oct. 1892


Andrew J. Caswell


I224


March 1893


John C. Humphreys


1052


Oct.


1893


Martin S. Corbitt


1061


April 1894


William A. Ecord


I224


Oct. 1894


Elisha Moore


1061


April


1895


E. J. Futch


970


219


History of Clinch County, Georgia


Term


Name


District


Oct. 1895


James R. Dickerson


1389


April 1896


B. E. Mattox


I224


Oct. 1896


E. J. Futch


970


April


1897


Moses Tomlinson


1052


Oct.


1897


Moses Smith


586


April 1898


Randal Brogdon


586


Oct. 1898


Elisha Moore


1061


April


1899


Martin S. Corbitt


1061


Oct.


1899


J. R. Dickerson


1389


April


1900


B. E. Mattox


I224


Oct.


1900


Samuel Cowart


1280


Oct.


1901


R. M. Crum


I224


April


1902


E. J. Futch


970


Oct.


1902


Augustus DuPont


1280


April


1903


William T. Smith


I224


Oct.


1903


James A. O'Steen


I224


April


1904


Frank Dickerson 1280


Oct.


1904


R. M. Crum


I224


April 1905


F. B. Sirmans


586


Oct.


1905


P. McK. Williams


970


April


1906


Perry M. Lee


1280


Oct.


1906


W. B. N. Crews


1052


April


1907


William A. Ecord


1224


Oct.


1907


Charlton H. Smith


1224


April


1908


F. B. Sirmans


586


Oct.


1908


A. H. Culpepper


I224


April


1909


H. J. Peagler


I224


Oct.


1909


F. B. Sirmans


586


May 1910


George M. Dame


1224


Nov.


1910


Warren R. Dickerson


586


May 19II


F. B. Sirmans


586


March 1912


J. Floyd Fender


1052


Oct.


1912


S. R. Kirton


1389


March 1913


Acy H. Timmerman 1052


Oct.


1913


B. E. Mattox


I224


April


1901


F. B. Sirmans


586


220


History of Clinch County, Georgia


Term


Name


District


March 1914


S. A. Sweat


1224


Oct. 1914


S. R. Kirton 1389


March 1915


George M. Dame


I224


Oct. 1915


Moses S. Eason


970


March 1916


John F. Daugharty


1219


Clerks of County Court (old court)-


Simon W. Hitch


May 12, 1866


John L. Morgan


Aug. 27, 1866


Robert L. King, Jr.


Feb. 1, 1867


Bailiffs County Court-


William M. Austin


May 30, 1866


James B. O'Quin


June 4, 1866


Allen Smith


June 2, 1866


J. J. Sweat


Dec. 30, 1907


P. R. Lee.


Dec. 31, 1908


Deputy Clerks County Court-


M. A. Cornelius


June 2, 1913


Folks Huxford


Dec. 8, 1914


Clerks Superior Court and Their Deputies-


Clerks


Term


John C. Kirkland


1850-1852


George W. Newbern


1852-1854


Archibald D. Laslie


1854-1856


David O'Quin


1856-1868


John H. Mattox


Dan H. Stewart


Francis M. Goette


J. L. Sweat L. Smith James C. Cooper George W. Newbern Alfred Newbern Josiah Sirmans


H. D. O'Quin


1868-1871


James Tomlinson


1871-1873


Edward T. Dukes


1873-1875


C. A. Smith


1


1


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1


1


Deputies Jonathan Knight A. D. Laslie


22I


History of Clinch County, Georgia


Clerks P. M. Lee


Term 1875-1877


Deputies A. J. Caswell M. M. Caswell


Cornelius A. Smith


1877-1880


David O'Quin


1880-1881


Abraham Morgan


1881-1883


Josiah Sirmans N. J. Smith B. A. Whittington James P. Mattox


C. C. Drawdy R. J. Pannal Perryman Moore


B. R. Johnson


1883-1884


Isbin Tomlinson


W. A. Ecord


1884-1893


I. H. Drawdy Roscoe W. Yates


S. W. Register


1893-1908


A. O. Register P. E. Findley


A. O. Register A. J. Gibbs


1908-1909


A. J. Gibbs


1909-1921


G. A. Gibbs


Deputy Sheriffs of Clinch County, Georgia-


Sheriffs


Term


Harrison Jones


1866-1867


Joseph E. Bass


1868-1871


James M. Nelms


1871-1873


Robert N. Brady


1873-1875


David H. Johnson


1875-1879


John T. Courson


1879-188I


Jerry M. Jeffords


1881-1887


B. E. Mattox


1887-1889


Deputies William M. Austin


Erwin Johnson


J. E. Jordan


James M. Nelms John J. Drawdy


John G. Tomlinson Joseph E. Bass Erie Edwards A. B. Findley Erie Edwards Eason Smith A. B. Findley John A. Mikell K. C. Smith Jefferson D. Mattox William S. Mattox


222


History of Clinch County, Georgia


Sheriffs Frank Dickerson


Term


1889-1897


Bryant O'Steen


1897-1901


S. A. Sweat


1901-1909


Deputies T. F. M. Sweat Absalom T. Newbern


S. A. Sweat Jerome J. Sweat J. Tom Faulk R. S. Williams


John H. Mattox


Perry R. Lee


1909-1917


G. C. Register George W. North


G. C. Register A. Hargraves S. W. Elliott


CHAPTER XIV.


Sketches of Lives of Clinch County Officers, 1850-1916. Alphabetically Arranged.


A USTIN, WILLIAM M., was born in this State in 1830, Coming to Clinch when young, he settled here, and at various times was in the employment of the Atlantic & Gulf Railroad. The first office that he held in this county was that of justice of the Inferior Court, to which he was commissioned September 10th, 1861. In 1862, when O'Steen's company was organized at Homerville for service in the Confederate Army, Mr. Austin enlisted and served as a sergeant in his company. Returning home, he was elected tax collector ín 1864, and served two years. Under Harri- son Jones he served a short while as deputy sheriff, and in 1867 was elected sheriff for the unexpired term of Mr. Jones. After this he was station agent at Homerville a while. By his wife, Harriet E. Austin, Mr. Austin had six children, viz .: E. A. Austin, Rosa, Bartow, Lealona, John and H. Austin, these names being obtained from an old census re- port for 1870. Subsequently Mr. Austin removed to Wayne County, where he died.


BARNHILL, JOHN FRANKLIN, was born in Horry County, S. C., March 27, 1867, and came to this State at an early age. He married Miss Sula Johnson, of Bryan County, Georgia, November 5th, 1896, and they have three chil- dren, Leo, Audrey and Olney Barnhill. In 1902 Mr. Barn- hill came to Clinch County and engaged in the turpentine business, in which he has become signally successful, finan- cially. He is now one of the largest land owners in the county. He lived in the 114Ist district at a place called Lyken until 1913, when he removed to Homerville. He built a beautiful home at Lyken, and at Homerville has a still bet-


224


History of Clinch County, Georgia


ter residence. Mr. Barnhill was postmaster at Lyken for several years. Lyken was connected by a star route with Homerville. In 1914-'15, Mr. Barnhill, together with Mr. J. H. Ferdon, bought and installed the town's light and water plant. In 1915 he was elected on the town council, and was appointed on the Board of County Commissioners cre- ated by Legislative Act. Upon the organization of the Board in September, he was elected its chairman, which posi- tion he now holds. In 1916 he was elected for the full term of four years beginning January Ist, 1917, defeating A. B. Smith. Mr. Barnhill, although possessed of a meager edu- cation, is one of the best business men in the county, and his service on the Board has demonstrated his high character and business ability.


BASS, JOSEPH EVERETT, was born in Sampson County, N. C., February 11th, 1811. When eighteen years old he moved to Sumter County, Georgia, where the present city of Americus now is. He engaged in the Cherokee Indian war when it came on, and after it was over he went back to his old home and married Miss Christian Cameron. Com- ing back to Sumter County, he lived there until a few years later. While in Sumter County, four children were born to them, David A. Bass, Archibald C. Bass, Mary J. Bass, and Joseph E. Bass, Jr. Moving to Irwinsville, in Irwin County, he was sheriff of that county for eight years. A few years prior to the war he moved to Clinch County and settled three miles south of Homerville, but when the Civil War broke out, he moved his family to town. In 1868 he was elected sheriff of Clinch County, an office which he held three years. After his term of office expired, Mr. Bass served as a deputy under his successor, James M. Nelms, until 1872, when he removed to Orlando, Fla. Here he served as deputy sheriff four years, afterwards moving to Tampa, Fla., where he died August 25th, 1897, age 86 years. At the time of his death he was survived by seven children.


225


History of Clinch County, Georgia


BRADY, ROBERT N., was born in this State in 1840, in what is now Fulton County. He was born and raised on a farm which his father owned not far from where Atlanta now is. Prior to the Civil War, Mr. Brady bought a pair of horses and a pair of mules and with a big wagon of merchandise, started out to trade in live stock and merchan- dise. He came to this section during the war, and married Miss Ann Marshall, of Berrien County, by whom he had two sons, Samuel H., and John Brady. When O'Steen's company was organized in Homerville for service in the Confederate Army, Mr. Brady, together with his brothers, joined this company, serving until 1865. Returning home he opened up a store at Lawton, which he ran until his election as sheriff of Clinch County in 1872. In this election he defeated James North. Mr. Brady was commissioned January 18th, 1873. In 1874 he was killed by some parties who lived in the vicin- ity of the Okefinokee Swamp. Mr. Brady had a warrant for a party who lived in the neighborhood of the swamp, and after pursuing his man as far as the Everglades in Florida, captured him and carried him to Live Oak, Fla., and put him in jail, as Clinch County had no jail then. He returned home on a Friday night and at dinner the next day was called from his table by parties in front of his house, and as he emerged through the door was shot in the chest before he could hardly recognize his assailants. The sheriff's brother, Lewis J. Brady, was at the house at the time, and came out and engaged the crowd who proved to be relatives and con- federates of the man whom the sheriff had arrested. Lewis J. Brady was shot in the abdomen and died in a few minutes. The sheriff lingered after this for three months and six days and died from the effects of the shot in his breast. He could not speak above a whisper from the time he was shot until he died. Thus ended the life of a brave officer of the law, faithful to every trust.


226


History of Clinch County, Georgia


BURKHALTER, RICHARD H., son of Isaac Burkhal- ter, was born in Charleston, S. C., April 24th, 1806. When Richard was small his father moved to Pulaski County, Geor- gia, and there the son grew to manhood, and married Miss Senie Haskins, June 13th, 1827. To this union was born eleven children, four daughters and seven sons. In 1844 he removed to what is now Clinch County and lived here until his death. He was elected a justice of the peace of the 1052d district in 1853, and served two years. In 1856 he was elected ordinary of the county and served until 1858. Mr. Burk- halter was also married a second time, to Annie Belote, by whom he had five children. His second marriage occurred October 12th, 1848. Mr. Burkhalter died at his home in Mud Creek, November 16th, 1862.


BURKHALTER, SHEROD, was born in Clinch County, March 24th, 1859, the son of James M. and Nancy Burk- halter, and grandson of Richard H. Burkhalter. He was raised on the farm and married Miss Sallie Corbitt, daugh- ter of Allen Corbitt, October 3d, 1879. They had six chil- dren. After the death of his first wife he married Lorena, daughter of K. C. Smith, and by her has one child. He was admitted to the bar in Florida November 5th, 1895, and later coming back to Georgia, was admitted here. He has been located at Homerville in the practice of law since January IIth, 1902. Colonel Burkhalter was commissioned solicitor of the County Court, October 30th, 1909, and re- commissioned August 28th, 1911, for two more years. He is an active member of the Baptist Church.


BYRD, CUYLER WASHINGTON, was born in Pierce County, October 18th, 1859. After living in Pierce and Ware Counties some time, he removed to Clinch County, where, after farming several years, he entered the mercantile business with his son, Leon Byrd, in Homerville. In 1912 he was elected constable of the 1224th district, and about the same time was appointed by the Ordinary as coroner of Clinch


227


History of Clinch County, Georgia


County, to succeed W. R. Findley, who had removed from the county. In 1914 Mr. Byrd removed to Ware County, but in 1916 returned to Clinch county, where he is farming near Homerville.


CARTER, JESSE W., served as justice of the peace of the 66 Ist district of Lowndes County for several years, being elected in 1841 and 1846. In 1850 he was elected and com- missioned a justice of the peace of the 1052d district of Clinch County, and served until 1856. In 1856 he was elected tax receiver, and served one year. Mr. Carter lived in Clinch County until the formation of Echols County, when he be- came a citizen of that county. In the Civil War he was a private of Co. "H" 29th Ga: Infantry. He married Priscilla, daughter of Barzilla Staten, Sr., who died about 1846. Mr. Carter, together with William S. Roberts and Jonathan Knight, were the administrators of the estate of Mr. Staten.


CASWELL, ANDREW J., was born in Tattnall County, February 7th, 1838. When the Civil War came on he joined and served in Co. "A" 29 Georgia, about three years. After the war was over he came to Clinch County and settled at Homerville, where he lived until his death. In 1867 he mar- ried Miss Martha Smith, daughter of James C. Smith, and by her had eleven children, nine sons and two daughters. For several years he engaged in the mercantile business in Homer- ville, afterwards purchasing a farm on the outskirts of town. He constructed the famous Caswell mill-pond near town, which is now owned by Hon. R. G. Dickerson. Mr. Caswell served several years on the Board of Education, qualifying November 22d, 1876. He served until 1890, being presi- dent of the Board several years. Under P. M. Lee, Mr. Caswell served as deputy clerk of the Superior Court. In 1892 he was elected county treasurer, defeating W. H. Gary in the primary. Mr. Caswell received 218 votes and Mr. Gary 191. In the general election he defeated Lewis Smith, Third Party candidate, 314 to 173 votes. He was commis-


228


History of Clinch County, Georgia


sioned treasurer January 6th, 1893, and was just getting acquainted well with the duties of the office when he was taken sick. After a short illness he died August 11, 1893. He was buried in the Homerville cemetery. His widow is now living in Jacksonville, Florida, where two of her sons, Drs. James M. Caswell and S. T. Caswell, practice medicine.


CASWELL, MADISON M., was born in Tattnall County, on the Ohoopee River, February 23d, 1843. When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in Co. "A" 29th Georgia, and served until the close of the war. In 1869 he came to Homerville, where he resided until about 1890, when he re- moved to Valdosta, where he now lives. Mr. Caswell mar- ried Sarah, daughter of James C. Smith, and by her had sev- eral children. In 1870 he was elected tax collector of Clinch County, and was commissioned February 7th, 1871. By suc- cessive re-elections he was tax collector twelve years, which is the longest any collector has held the office. In April, 1876, he was appointed a jury commissioner, serving four years. In 1886 he was again appointed a jury commissioner, but re- moved to Valdosta before his term expired. Under P. M. Lee, Mr. Caswell served as deputy clerk of the Superior Court.


COHEN, JOSEPH J., was born in Ohio about 1815, and came to Clinch County about 1850. He was a school teacher by profession. He married Zilpha, a daughter of John Wil- liams, Sr., and his wife, Nancy, but after a divorce married Mary Simpson and by her had a son, William Cohen. Mr. Cohen was elected a justice of the peace of the 970th dis- trict in 1857 and served two years. He was commissioned surveyor of Clinch County January 12th, 1857, and served one year. In the Civil War he enlisted in 22d Georgia Ar- tillery. While in the army he contracted a sickness which ter- minated in his death in 1863. His remains were brought home and buried at Arabia Church. The grave is not marked and its exact location in the cemetery is not known.


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CORBITT, MARTIN S., was born near the site of Salem Church, in the northern part of Clinch County, May 12th, 1840, the son of Newsom and Pollie (Smith) Corbitt. He married Lenora W. Pafford, of Coffee County, November 26th, 1867, and by her had eleven children, viz .: Catherine Imogene, Maryan M., Newton R., William Manning, Henry Madison, Mastin Rabun, Frances L., Martha, Wealthy A., Rebecca V., and Levia Jane Corbitt. After his first wife died, Mr. Corbitt married Miss Minnie Faircloth, who was a native of Sampson County, N. C., August Ist, 1899. To them were born Duvon C., Frazier S., and W. J. Corbitt. In the Civil War Mr. Corbitt served as a sergeant in O'Steen's company. Towards the close of the war he was permitted to return home on account of ill health. In 1868 he was elected tax collector of Clinch County, defeating R. G. Dickerson, and served until 1871. In 1884 he was a candidate for Ordinary and in a very hot race defeated George Cornelius by one vote. He was commissioned Janu- ary 13th, 1885, and served four years. In 1889 he was ap- pointed a member of the Board of County Commissioners, and served until 1891. With the formation of the Populist Party in Clinch County, Mr. Corbitt joined it, and became one of its leaders. He was its candidate for representative in 1896 and 1898, and for Ordinary in 1900. On April Ist, 1902, he removed from his old home in Clinch County to Pearson, in Coffee County, where he lived quietly until his death, eleven years later. He died on July Ist, 1913, and was buried with Masonic ceremonies at Salem Church in Clinch County. Mr. Corbitt was for years a member of the Methodist Church, having his membership at the old Fussell Church in Coffee County, later transferring it to the Pafford Church. He became a member of Salem Church later. Mr. Corbitt joined the Masons in 1867, and was a Master Mason until his death. For about twenty years before his death he was past master. He was greatly interested in his lodge and his church, and often rode miles in order to attend. Appro-


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priate resolutions were adopted by Satilla Lodge No. 163 on his death.


CORBITT, NEWSOM, was born in Tennessee in 1808, the son of Isham Corbitt. With his father Mr. Corbitt re- moved to Clinch County about 1840. He married Pollie, a daughter of Rev. William Smith, and after her death again married, and raised a large family of children. He was elected a justice of the peace of the 586th district in 1853, and again in 1861, and 1865. In 1868 he was elected State senator from the fifth district, defeating C. A. Smith. He was elected on the "radical" ticket. In the senate he served on the committees on Deaf and Dumb Asylum, Agriculture and Manufactures, and Journal. He voted for the adoption of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the Federal Constitution. Mr. Corbitt lived to be about 75 years old.


CORBITT, RANDALL, was born in Clinch County, February 25th, 1856, the son of Richard R. Corbitt. He was married to Miss Sarah Jane Geiger, December 12th, 1878, by whom he had ten children. Nine are living. In 1912 Mr. Corbitt was a candidate for county treasurer, and defeated W. H. Hunter by one vote. He served one term ( 1913-'15) and was not a candidate for re-election. Mr. Corbitt lives on his farm a few miles north of Argyle, where he has lived for many years. He is a member of the Primitive Baptist Church.




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