USA > Georgia > Dodge County > History of Dodge County > Part 12
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY
random lengths, because of low price and the lack of demand. G. V. Gress was quick to see the advantage of selling a finished product, and he made a trade with a Mr. Moore, of the Moore Dry Kiln Co., to build these dry kilns, which were among the first in the South. This proved a paying investment and thus was established a market for kiln-dried boards, which up to that time were considered a by- product of the mill.
By kiln-drying his boards and having a planing mill, the Gress mill had a big advantage over the less progressive manufacturers and as a result the Gress Lumber Company built up a profitable business and showed the way to the other mills.
These kilns were built with a great stack about forty feet high at the "green" end of the dry kiln. This method was used by Mr. Moore to induce a draft and speed up circulation for drying lumber. The mill town of Gresston grew and flourished for many years, but, like all sawmill towns of those early days, when the mills were through and moved away, the town also went. In fact they folded their tents like the Arabs and as silently stole away. All that is left of this once flourishing town are a few residences and a mercantile establishment and a large ginnery that are owned and operated by Ragan Brothers, they being Messrs. Claud and R. T. Ragan, of East- man.
The name of Gress has been associated with the lumber industry in the South for half a century. G. V. Gress, who built this mill in 1883, has retired from the lumber business and is living in Jack- sonville, Florida. He lived in Atlanta for a number of years and presented the city of Atlanta with a Zoological Garden and also the famous Cyclorama of the Battle of Atlanta, which, together with the building in which it is housed, is insured for a million dollars.
The Town of Chauncey.
The first settler in the town of Chauncey was Mr. W. K. Bussey. In 1869 he was appointed agent for the station then known as No. 12 on the Macon and Brunswick, now the Southern Railway. He also did a mercantile business in the warehouse. In December of that year he built for himself the first residence, to which he took his bride, who was Miss Rachel Laslie. The first child born in the new
119
TOWNS IN DODGE COUNTY
town was in 1871, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bussey, named Leila, now Mrs. Walter Smith, of Atlanta.
In 1870 Mr. W. H. Berryhill was appointed postmaster of the little town. In 1872 A. and D. B. Curry erected the first store house. In 1873 Sumner, Mullin & Hill erected an extensive shingle mill in the edge of town, which was named Mullingar, but when the town was incorporated it was annexed to it.
The name Chauncey was given to the town in honor of a Mr. Chauncey, of New Hampshire, who promised to erect a church in the town. but died before it was accomplished.
The town was incorporated in 1883, the first mayor was O. W. Bush, and the board of aldermen were: Hamilton Clark, L. M. Curry, J. J. Lamb, and W. P. Burt. G. P. Bussey was clerk and treasurer.
In 1874 Sumner and Mullin built a small church for all denomina- tions. Rev. D. G. Pope, a supply in the South Georgia Conference, preached to the Methodists, and Elder Matthew Sikes preached to the Primitive Baptists.
In 1876 the first ginnery was erected by Mr. J. F. Wright, pro- pelled by horse and mule power. A hand press, built by Mr. D. F. Maloy, was used.
In 1876 this little town was saddened by the passing away of the beloved Mrs. W. K. Bussey, which marked the first death of a white lady in the town.
About 1882 the Methodists erected a church. Rev. George Thomp- son was the pastor and rendered valuable aid as a carpenter as well as pastor. The Missionary Baptists built a church in 1884. In 1885 the Primitive Baptist Church was built.
The first wedding solemnized in the Chauncey Methodist Church was that of Miss May Colville to Mr. L. M. Curry on February 15, 1886.
The first Masonic funeral was that of Judge Angus Curry, in September, 1886.
Mr. L. M. Curry built the first two-story brick building in 1883, the lower story was used for a store conducted by Mr. Curry, and the upper story was used for a public hall and rooming apartments.
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY
Mr. Thomas Laslie built a two-story hotel about 1880. This build- ing is now owned and used as a hotel by Mrs. D. B. Phillips.
In 1892 the Methodist Church and a large sawmill across the street from it were destroyed by fire. In 1893 another Methodist Church was built. Also, this same year, a large sawmill was erected by A. B. Steele Lumber Company, of Atlanta, Ga.
It is said that the first telephone in the State of Georgia was in Chauncey, some time between 1880 and 1885, and was owned by Mr. James Mullin, connecting his store at Mullingar with the depot. In 1912 a telephone exchange was introduced, with Miss Vesta Reid as manager.
Among the first physicians of Chauncey were: Dr. Tucker, Dr. Montgomery, Dr. Geo. Blanton, Dr. I. H. Harrison and Dr. C. J. Clark. Dr. Clark is still a practicing physician of the town.
The first Masonic Lodge was organized in 1895.
The first school in Chauncey was in 1875, and was taught by Mr. G. C. Bailey in the little church donated by Sumner & Mullin. Rev. J. E. Rorie taught in 1876, and was also pastor of the Methodist Church. Miss Eliza Harrison was the teacher in 1878 and 1879. Miss Fannie Harrison taught from 1884 till 1894 and again in 1908 and 1909. Miss Eilleen Horton, later Mrs. Dan Lanier, of McRae, taught the school in 1897. Miss Lizzie Daniel, of Eastman. now Mrs. W. H. Clark, of Chauncey, taught the school in 1907. There were other teachers, among whom were Rev. P. A. Jessup, Rev. Stewart Rogers, and Messrs. McIntosh and Walsh.
From 1895 to 1905 Chauncey was at a low ebb, business became very dull and property owners were discouraged, the timber around the town was exhausted, and this caused the sawmill and turpentine men to seek pine belts elsewhere, and quite a number of families moved away. In 1906 the town began taking on new life. A system ginnery was erected, also a cotton warehouse and the bank. In 1909 an Odd Fellows Lodge was organized.
From 1875 to 1890 the leading merchants of the town were: Angus Curry, W. K. Bussey, T. V. and G. P. Bussey, O. W. Bush, Maj. Smith, William Harrell and James Mullin. In 1910 the old wooden stores on main street were torn down and replaced by hand- some up-to-date brick buildings with a paved sidewalk in front. A
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TOWNS IN DODGE COUNTY
large hardware store was owned and operated by Wm. and B. N. Bussey, sons of Mr. W. K. Bussey, the first resident of the town. Dr. Collum and brother became proprietors of a nice drug store. At this time Mr. J. J. Cadwell operated a large mercantile firm, as did also Mrs. D. B. Phillips and Miss Ruth Curry, daughters of Mr. Angus Curry. Mr. W. H. Clark, son of Mr. Hamilton Clark, also erected a brick store in which he kept a large stock of merchandise. The bank was located on this street.
In 1913 a Board of Commerce was organized and bonds were voted for the erection of a $10,000.00 schoolhouse. In 1914 the present high school building was erected. J. H. Hargrove and Son were the contractors, and Mr. Ed Horsford, of Eastman, was the architect. It is a handsome building and has all modern conven- iences, and would reflect credit on a much larger town than Chaun- cey. The first teachers in the new school were: Prof. Harrison, principal, with Misses Cole and Puckett assistants, and Miss Lewis teacher of music and expression.
The location of the town is fine, the surrounding country filled with prosperous farmers, and the outlook for the growth of the place is brighter than it has ever known.
The following poem was written by Clarence Hawkins and pub- lished in the Eastman Times January, 1874:
Now, Mr. Editor, 'tis my intention A few facts to mention Concerning a Station On the M. & B. Road.
Its name is Chauncey, For a New Hampshire Yankee Who left in a hurry Though 'tis said he promised a church.
There is the jolly good squire Who does up his justice by a lightwood fire; He is fat, but not fussy, 'You know I mean W. K. Bussey.
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY
Our friend Curry, Who is never in a hurry,
But keeps the same gait All the year round, By the smile on his face And the way he says grace, You may know his conscience is clear.
Messrs. Humphreys and Willcox,
Both young men and smart, One to head them in business Should take a soon start.
John W. Bohannon
Don't shoot a big cannon, But makes considerable noise By running a store And peddling more Family groceries and toys.
The Shingle Mill Run by Sumner, Mullin & Hill, Now with the Hills cleared away Which happened one day, Will do you fair. Manager "Pap" Not cutting much sap, And all things done Done on the square.
Chester, Ga.
Situated about sixteen miles northeast of Eastman, in one of the most fertile sections of Dodge County, is the thriving little town of Chester.
The founders of this little town were Mr. June Williams, a tur- pentine man, and Mr. H. M. Hancock, who was the first merchant of the new town. Other business firms soon to open up for business were: The J. P. Williams Co., peach growers; J. B. Hinson Co.,
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TOWNS IN DODGE COUNTY
Wynne Mercantile Co., C. M. Rogers & Son, also engaged in the mercantile business.
Among the early settlers were: R. Manning, C. M. Rogers, June A. Williams, Martin Burch (negro), J. A. Coleman, Arthur Wil- liams, Warren Joiner.
W. B. Jessup was elected the first mayor, and the council was composed of H. M. Hancock, T. C. Byrd and J. A. Williams.
The first postmaster was John Hall (negro). After the town was incorporated J. A. Williams became the postmaster.
The Methodist Church was organized in 1899 by Rev. L. A. Snow, with T. C. Byrd first steward, and T. C. Byrd, Dr. George Bordeaux and K. C. Johnson trustees.
The Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1890 by Rev. S. A. Sheffield, with Mr. R. Manning first deacon.
The Primitive Baptist Church was organized in 1910, with Rev. G. W. Floyd pastor, and H. M. Hancock, S. M. Livingston church committee.
The first public school was organized in 1901. Rev. J. R. Harvey was the first teacher, and T. C. Byrd, W. B. Southerland and J. A. Williams were the trustees.
In 1909 the Chester Banking Company was incorporated with a capital of $25,000.00. D. A. Burch was president and J. B. Hinson vice-president. F. H. Roberson, Jr., was cashier. This institution prospered for many years and was quite a help to the people of that section of the county. The bank closed a few years ago and a private bank was opened by Messrs. C. M. Rogers and Son and Spencer Wynne.
The Chester Consolidated School is located in the town of Ches- ter, and is a modern school building with all facilities.
Rhine.
The town of Rhine is situated near the Ocmulgee River, about fifteen miles south of Eastman. It was about the year 1886 that the Seaboard Airline Railroad was built through that section, and immediately the town of Rhine sprang up.
The first general store opened there was by Messrs. G. W. and D. M. Ryals. A turpentine still was established by three brothers
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY
named Robitzsch, who came from North Carolina. The town was built on land which was owned for many years by J. M. Swymer. Another pioneer settler was James Reaves, who still resides there. Gradually other stores were built and homes erected, most of them being good substantial residences, and at this date it is one of the most thriving and enterprising little towns in Georgia. It is a good trade center, the citizens being principally engaged in naval stores, lumber and agriculture. It has one of the strongest banks in this section of the State.
Among the most prominent citizens of Rhine at this time are: R. E. Ponder, W. C. Ryals, W. T. Ryals, Zan Mizell, J. O. Stuckey, H. L. Peacock, Walter Stuckey, Jim Brophy, J. C. Williams, Joe Williams, C. E. Dent, C. C. Dinkins, Dr. J. G. Williamson, Dr. Henry Maloy, George Cravey, Tom Hilliard, Craig Mizell, W. J. Rogers, Jim Barron, W. C. Reaves, John Ryals, E. F. Carr, and others.
Milan.
Milan is another town on the S. A. L. Railway, and is about eight miles from Rhine, and sixteen from Eastman. It is located on the dividing line of Dodge and Telfair Counties, part of the town being in Telfair and part in Dodge. It is surrounded by a fertile farming section, and is considered one of the best small business towns in this section. It has a number of brick business houses, included in which is an up-to-date bank, a modern brick school building, and a splendid brick hotel. There are also two cotton gins, and three cot- ton warehouses, which handle quite a lot of cotton from both Telfair and Dodge. As a whole the people own nice modern homes.
CONFEDERATE VETERANS.
A S DODGE COUNTY was not created until many years after the War Between the States, we have no complete roster of the men who really went from this county, but the following is as nearly com- plete as we could compile from the pension records and other sources, and represents those who have moved into the county since the war as well as those who were in the portions of the other counties from which this one was created :
Armstrong, Maj. C. R. Corps of Engineers.
Arnold, Elann Company F, 17th Georgia.
Anderson, Robert F. . Company B, 49th Georgia.
Adams, L. L. Company F, 3rd Georgia.
Anderson, Uriah Jackson's Artillery.
Bacon, Dr. E. H.
Barlow, J. E.
Company B.
Burch, R. F.
Company I, 4th Georgia Cav.
Bohannon, J. W.
.Company G, 8th Georgia.
Brown, Lovett
Company H. 47th Georgia.
Bacon, John R. Company H, 2nd Georgia.
Brady, T. M.
Company B. Good's Battery.
Bass, F. J.
Company C, 57th Georgia.
Bailey, W. H. H.
. Company A, 49th Georgia.
Bowen, Jerry M.
Company B, 5th Georgia.
Bowen, I. N. 49th Georgia.
Beauchamp, J. C. . Company C, Ist Georgia.
Bryan, Joseph D.
Company D, 49th Georgia.
Banks, H. T. .Company I. 30th Georgia.
Burch, John M. . Company K. 4th Georgia.
Burnham, M. A. Company I, 12th Georgia.
Burnham, Thomas .20th Georgia.
Butler, J. A. M.
Company D, 8th Georgia.
Bowen, P. A. .Company G, 5th Georgia.
Brown, James
Bussey, W. K.
Longstreet's Corps.
Bryant, L.
Company F, 5th Georgia.
Brown, Jordan
Company F.
Bishop, James, Sr.
Carr, Bealus
Company I, 3rd Georgia.
Coney, Martin
Company D, 61st Georgia. Connelley, G. H. Company B, 16th Georgia.
Clark, B. F. Sou. Rights Battery.
Cooper, M. C.
Company K, 49th Georgia.
Coffee, Joshua Company H, 20th Georgia.
.49th Georgia. Coffee, J. W.
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY
Coffee. Capt. John A. 20th Georgia.
Coffee, Mitch
Coffee, Mark
Cobb, Noah
20th Georgia.
Cooper, D. A.
Company C, 36th North Carolina.
Cole, J. W.
Company B, 37th Tennessee.
Coody, S. B. Company B, Montgomery's Battery.
Clements, D. G. Company E, 61st Georgia.
Clark, Harlow .4th Georgia Cavalry.
Clark, Matthew
Company G, 10th Cavalry.
Daniel, T. L.
. Company G, 49th Georgia.
Douglas, W. J.
. Company H, Ist Georgia.
Dempsey. John
Company H, 21st Georgia.
Davis, William
49th Georgia.
Dunn, Thomas
Company B, Montgomery's Artillery.
Dillard, George
. Company D, 6th Georgia.
Darcey, Robt. A.
Company C, 57th Georgia.
Davis, George Company B, 49th Georgia.
Douglas, David
.49th Georgia.
Dowdy, Dick 49th Georgia.
Dowdy, John R. 49th Georgia.
Dowdy, Griff 49th Georgia.
Elkins, J. B.
Company A, 2nd South Carolina Volunteers.
Etheridge, T. F.
Company F. 3rd Georgia.
Evans, Elisha, Jr.
Company B, Montgomery's Battery Artillery.
Evers, J. F.
. Company I, 57th Georgia.
Evans, J. A.
Company A. 12th Georgia.
Fisher. Dr. Harris Surgeon Gordon's Brigade, 31st Georgia.
Foster, Charles T.
. Company I, 53rd Georgia.
Fordham, B. H.
. Company D, 8th Georgia.
Foster. J. B.
Company C. 42nd Georgia.
Gibson, A. J.
Company A, 4th Georgia.
Gentry, Henry
Company E, 7th Georgia.
Garrett, T. J.
Gilder, James I.
Company H, 26th Georgia.
Griffin, A. H.
Company B. 22nd Georgia.
Gibson, Adam J.
. Company A, 4th Georgia.
Grimsley, Gus J.
Company B, Montgomery's Battery Artillery.
Graham. Joseph
Griffin. A. L. Company C, 3rd Georgia.
Hargrove, L. L.
Harrell. Capt. John A. . Company G, 10th Georgia.
Harrell, James D. Company F, 7th Georgia.
Harrell, R. A. . Company F. 31st Georgia.
Harrell, L. H. Company B, 49th Georgia.
Harrell. Willis Company F. 7th Georgia.
Dowdy. Joe
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CONFEDERATE VETERANS
Hadaway, J. R. Company E, 7th Alabama.
Herring. J. H. Company I, 14th Georgia.
Holland, Jessie . Company I, 5th Georgia.
Hobbs. Larry Company C, 57th Georgia.
Hudson. H. H. Company H, 18th Georgia.
Horne. J. D. .Company B. Battery. Handley, J. J. Company B, Anderson's Battery.
Hardy. A. D. .Company A, 32nd Georgia. Hudson. James L. . Jackson's Grays.
Hall, Willianı J.
.Company A, 14th Georgia.
Holt, David B.
.Company A, 27th Georgia.
Hutto. Henry
. Company H, 47th Georgia.
Horsford, William H.
. Company H. 5th Georgia.
Harrell, Charles
Company G, 10th Georgia.
Herrman, Henry
20th Georgia. 49th Georgia.
Humphreys, J. J.
.49th Georgia Surgeon.
Ivey. A. J.
Company H, 22nd Georgia.
Jackson, Ben W.
Company A, 32nd Georgia.
Jessup. J. W.
Company F, 2nd Georgia.
Jessup, P. A.
Jackson, W. H.
. Company F, 63rd Georgia.
Jones, Wiley B.
Company B, 14th Georgia.
Jones, A. R.
Company B, Montgomery's Battery. Company R, 49th Georgia.
Jones, John W.
Johnson, Nathan 49th Georgia.
Jones, J. G. Company F, 31st Georgia. Jones. R. M. Company B, Anderson's Battery. Kersey. T. A. Company E, 10th Georgia.
Kimberley, J. D. Company I, 2nd Georgia.
Kitchens, W. L.
. Company B, 5th Georgia.
Lancaster, M. A.
. Company F, 31st Georgia.
Latimer, C. F.
Company F, 47th Georgia.
Leitch, W. N. . Company C, 12th Georgia.
Lister. Jobe Company K, 49th Georgia.
Livingston, J. W.
Lynch, William L.
Company H, 44th Georgia.
Lowery. Daniel L.
. Company G, 5th Georgia.
Manning, Reuben
Company G, 8th Georgia.
Martin. William R. Company B, 49th Georgia.
Martin, Dick
.49th Georgia.
Company G, 5th Georgia. Martin, Jerry M.
Matthews, G. C.
Company G, 5th Georgia.
Harrell, Levi
Howard. Wiley
. Company I, 18th Georgia. Ivey. R. H.
Jump, H. J.
Lamb, John H.
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY
Minter, R. A. Company A, 32nd Georgia.
Minnix, William .49th Georgia.
Moore, W. J. . Company F, 2nd Georgia.
Mize, W. W. . Company I, 34th Georgia.
Moon, William A. Company F, 27th Georgia.
Mullis, Cornelius Company C, 10th North Carolina.
Mullis, Thomas . Company A, Cavalry.
Mullis, Jessie
Company B, 27th Georgia.
Morris, I. N. Company F, 2nd Georgia.
Murrell, C. B. Company B, 10th South Carolina Volunteers.
McCranie, Horton
5th Georgia.
McCranie, John
Company G, 49th Georgia.
McCranie, William
49th Georgia.
McCranie, John, Sr.
10th Georgia Cavalry.
McCranie, John, Jr. 10th Georgia Cavalry.
McCranie, Neal
20th Georgia.
McCranie, George
20th Georgia.
McCranie, Bill
49th Georgia.
McCrimmon, John 49th Georgia.
McGehee, B. F.
Company D, 6th Georgia.
McDuffie, Malcom
49th Georgia.
McInnis, Mose
49th Georgia.
McRae, William
Company A, 20th Georgia.
McLeod, Allen
49th Georgia.
Nelson, S. J.
Company I, 57th Georgia.
Nicholson, S. C.
.Company F, 7th Georgia.
Peacock, L. M.
. Company D, 8th Georgia.
Peacock, W. D.
.Company I, 5th Georgia.
Powell, A. D.
.49th Georgia.
Powell, A. N.
27th Georgia Colquitt's Brigade.
Raffield, W. R.
. Company G, 5th Georgia.
Rawlins, Thomas
Company F, 7th Georgia.
Reeves, J. H.
.Company I, 5th Georgia.
Reeves, Joseph
Company B, 49th Georgia.
Reaves, George
20th Georgia.
Reaves, Drew
20th Georgia.
Reaves, William
20th Georgia.
Register. A. G.
Company A, 14th Georgia.
Reynolds. Jas. (or Jos.) Company K, 24th Georgia.
Roberts, Judge D. M. . Company G, 10th Georgia Cavalry.
Rogers, James C. Company B, Montgomery's Battery.
Rogers, John J. Company B, 42nd Georgia.
Rozar, William M.
Rozar, John D.
Company K, 49th Georgia.
Rozar, J. W.
Rowland, James
Company I, 5th Georgia.
Rogers, William
20th Georgia.
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CONFEDERATE VETERANS
Ryals, Jack 49th Georgia.
Ryals, Thomas
49th Georgia.
Sapp, John W. . Company G, 8th Georgia.
Sapp, William B. Company G, 5th Georgia.
Sapp, Hiram J. Company G, 10th Georgia Cavalry.
Sanders, William L.
Company B, 14th Georgia.
Shipp, S. E.
Company K, 44th Georgia.
Shipp, John H. Company K, 44th Georgia.
Simmons, J. S.
Company H.
Skelton, W. J. D.
.Company E. 7th Georgia.
Scarborough, M. A.
Company B, Dawson's Battery.
Spears, Thomas Company G, 6th Georgia. Spence, L. D. Company F. 48th Georgia.
Steele, John N.
Company C, 16th Georgia.
Stuckey. John
Company F. 2nd Georgia.
Studstill. John B.
Company B. 3rd Georgia. . 7th Georgia.
Swearingame. D. W., Sr.
Tabb. S. L. Company K, 2nd South Carolina.
Taylor, John T. . Company B, 46th Georgia.
Tidwell, R. T.
Company G, 48th Georgia.
Tripp. Jas. E. (or Jos. E.) .Anderson's Artillery.
Tripp. J. B.
Company A, 28th Georgia.
Vaughn. James
Company D. 63rd Georgia.
Walker. G. W.
Company B.
Walker. M. A.
Southern Rights Battery.
Ward. B. K.
Company D. 57th Georgia.
Weldy, Jos. W. Company G. 27th or 29th Georgia.
Weaver. D. W. Company D, 8th North Carolina.
White. P. L. Company D. 6th Georgia.
White. John Company B, Anderson's Artillery.
White. William . Company I, 26th Georgia. Whigham. Benjamin Company G. 10th Georgia.
Willcox. G. M. Company A, 10th Georgia.
Williams. Wiley J. 49th Georgia, Lieut .- Colonel.
Wright. J. B. . Company I. 5th Georgia.
Wright, M. C.
Company H, 63rd Georgia.
Company H, 10th Georgia. Yearty. M. A.
Yancey, J.
. Company B. 49th Georgia.
Yancey. David Company H. 20th Georgia.
Young. John R. Company B. 14th Georgia.
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY
THE WOMEN OF THE CONFEDERACY.
Soldiers at Home.
I believe that the heroic mothers and daughters, The sisters and sweethearts and wives, Did as much for the South in the silence of love As the soldiers who gave it their lives. While husbands and fathers and brothers bore arms, Southern women were soldiers at home. And they were as true, patriotic and loyal As lived under Heaven's blue dome.
They fought none the less that they shouldered no guns : They battled with famine and want Where pillage and plunder preside at the board And spectres of poverty haunt; Where murder grounds out the last hope of the land Beneath the wheels of his ponderous car, And vampires of war suck the blood of children Who know not the meaning of war.
It was here and like this that the women endured, Here alone that they grappled with death In a form more horrid than the soldiers encountered While facing the cannon's lurid breath. They were watchful by day and wakeful by night, And like Ruth they most faithfully cleaved, And many a lady and lassie died Of the wounds that the soldiers received.
They toiled in the vineyard and field every day, And they carded and spun every night. And the click of the shuttle was heard in the loom For each click of the trigger in fight. And the fingers that touched the lute string and the har p Made socks for the soldiers' bare feet. And the hands that knew how to train soldiers from birth Made the bread for the soldiers to eat.
13]
WOMEN OF THE CONFEDERACY
And never a soldier grew weary or faltered, But some loving voice from afar
Stopped singing her little one's lullaby songs To sing Dixie for those in the war. And many a brave Joan of Arc left at home Sent her spirit battling afield,
And many a Spartan mother commanded her son To return with or on his own shield.
She loved native country with the blood she inherited, Loved it with every heart beat With a love as high as our mountains and deep As the ocean that sings at our feet. Whenever the soldiers' canteen was run dry, The larder was empty at home;
Man suffered in body, she suffered in mind For the soldier who might never return.
And when the great harvest of souls shall appear, And the reapers shall garner the grain, And the Angels shall shout "resurrection!" For those who died and were slain,
A million brave women who fought this same fight Will ascend through the blossoming sod
And go up through the lilies that bloomed o'er them here To live on as lilies of God.
-Author Unknown.
A CONFEDERATE MOTHER. MRS. NANCY HENDLEY HARGROVE.
THE FOLLOWING is copied from the Times Journal of July, 1920:
One of the most interesting events in the history of Dodge County was the presentation of the Confederate Bar of Honor to Mrs. Nancy Hendley Har- grove, a Confederate mother, on Sunday afternoon. The exercises were held at the home of Mrs. Hargrove and a crowd of about two or three hundred was present.
This bar of honor is presented to each living mother of a living Confederate soldier in recognition of the most sacred gift that could be made by a patriotic woman. This gift was made by the Southern Confederate Memorial Associa-
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY
tion through Mrs. A. McD. Wilson, president general of the association, and who originated the idea of the bar of honor.
The exercises were held under the auspices of the Fanny Gordon Chapter. United Daughters of the Confederacy, and the presentation of the bar was made by Mrs. W. P. Cobb, president of the chapter. The occasion was in celebra- tion of the ninety-sixth birthday of Mrs. Hargrove.
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