History of Jones County, Georgia, for one hundred years, specifically 1807-1907, Part 32

Author: Williams, Carolyn White, 1898-
Publication date: 1957
Publisher: Macon, Ga., J.W. Burke Co.
Number of Pages: 1142

USA > Georgia > Jones County > History of Jones County, Georgia, for one hundred years, specifically 1807-1907 > Part 32

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BLOUNTS (Clinton)

James Henderson Blount born Sept. 12, 1837 on the Blount estate place near old Clinton in Jones County, was a son of Thomas Blount and Mary Ricketts Blount, formerly of North

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Carolina. Thomas and Mary R. Blount's children were : David Emanuel, Joseph Gray, Virginia (Mrs. Rudolph of Ala.) James Henderson, Mary (Mrs. Thomas A. Bowen of Jones Co.). James H. Blount was educated in private schools and prepared for college at Roswell, Ga., under Dr. Pratt. Graduated from the University of Ga. in 1867. Coming back to Clinton he read law under Robert Vines Hardeman, a judge. The War came, and he enlisted in the Floyd Rifles of Macon and served through the war in the 2nd Bat. Ga. Inf., C. S. A. After the war he con- tinued his practice of Law in Clinton, Jones Co., Ga.

In 1865 he was a delegate to the Georgia Constitutional Con- vention from Jones County. Some years later he moved to Macon and practiced law with Col. Isaac Hardeman, a former Jones Countian. He continued to add large tracts of land to his plantation in Jones County. In 1872, Col. Blount was elected to Congress where he served twenty years. In March 1893 he retir- ed from public life. However, Pres. Grover Cleveland asked him to go to the Hawaiian Islands to investigate reported revolutions and annexation scandals. Mrs. Blount ( Eugenia Wiley, b. Jan. 19, 1843-Jan. 5, 1836), daughter of Dr. Jack Barnett Wiley and Ann Gunn Clopton Wiley, married Feb. 18, 1836. The children of James Henderson Blount and Eugenia Wiley Blount were: Joseph Gray, James H. Jr., Eugenia Dorothy Blount, (Mrs. Walter D. Lamar), Francis, Ann, Mary and David, who died in infancy.

The Blount Home near Clinton still stands and is now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Earl Hamilton. The home was built by James and Rebecca Barron Lockett in 1830. (This Blount is not to be confused with the James Blount for whom old Blountsville was named).

On Dec. 1896 Eugenia Dorothy Blount mar. Walter D. La- mar, a son of Henry Lamar, (1825-1896) and Valeria B. Jones (1832-1896) dau of Wiley E. Jones of Clinton, Jones Co., Ga. Wiley Jones' father William Jones was a Rep. from Jones County to the State Legislature in 1811. Eugenia Dorothy Blount Lamar was a graduate of Wesleyan College, a gifted speaker, Pres. Gen. of the U. D. C.'s, listed in Who's Who in America in 1948, Trustee of Wesleyan College, A Colonial

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Dame, a D. A. R., A. D. Pi Sorority, Morning Music Club and former Vice-Pres. of Tallulah Falls School. She was born in Clinton, Jones County, Ga., at the Lockett home. The Blounts later owned "Hale Nui," near Haddock.

JAMES BLOUNT (Fortville )

James Blount died in 1821. He was probably buried on Lot No. 128 Big Cedar Creek, 10th District that he willed to his wife. Jeremiah Lamar bought in much of the estate in 1822. This Jeremiah Lamar died in 1823, his father John Lamar ried in 1842 and is buried on what is known as the Blount Estate in the vicinity of Blountsville. James Blount's wife was Elizabeth Rou- lac. Their Chil. were: John Maule Roulac Blount, Ann Jacque- line Blount ( who married Rev. Thomas Bog Slade), and La- vinia Blount (who married Simrie Rose) sons, Edmund S. Blount, J. M. R. Blount and Thomas H. Blount.

The town of Blountsville was named for this family of Blounts. James Blount bought lands here before 1817 and on for many years. One deed in 1817, Mar. 13, he bought from Stephen Ventress for $3,000 a tract of land in 10th Dist. Bald- win Co., now of Jones, lot No. 111 containing 20212 acres (Jones Co. Deed Book G. P. 281)

This James Blount is not the James Blount of Clinton the father of Mrs. Dorothy Blount Lamar. Old Blountsville near Haddock in named for this James Blount.

Children of Thomas Bog Slade and Ann Blount (dau. of James Blount). (see ch. of Thomas Bog Slade.)

BURDENS

Richard F. Burden b. Sept. 11, 1851, in Burden District, Jones County, Ga., was the youngest of seven children of Thomas Liles Burden (b. Jan. 25, 1809 in Newberry District, South Carolina ) died Jan. 28, 1867 buried in Burden Cemetery near James, Ga., Jones Co., and Sara Barfield Burden. His mother was b. in Jones Co. Nov. 12, 1810, and was mar. on Feb. 6, 1834. She died in Jones County on May 4, 1864. She was the daughter of Richard and Sarah McInvail Barfield and the grand- daughter of Solomon Barfield. Three sons were in the Confed- erate Army, William H. and Chapman in the 45th Ga. Reg. and Thomas J. in the 5th Ga. Battalion. A sister Nancy Ann, mar.

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HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY

first Mr. James; second John Jarrell in Jones Co. on Dec. 25, 1864. His paternal grandparents were William Burden (b. in Newberry District, S. C., died in Twiggs Co. Oct. 6, 1820) and Drucilla Liles dau. of Sherrod Liles. On Sept. 9, 1880, Richard Ferdillius Burden mar. Amelia Maria (Minnie) Bass, dau of Dr. William Capers and Ann Octavia Nickelson Bass. They were mar. in the Adelphian Society parlor at Wesleyan College, Macon, Ga., where Dr. Bass served as professor for 15 years. and as Pres. 20 years. Their three children were born and rear- ed in Macon: Eugene Bass Burden, (Mar. Jane Symons of Brunswick, Ga.) Ann Octavia (Mrs. Thomas J. Stewart) and Alice Cobb (Mrs. LeRoy Domingoes) Grandchildren are: I. L. Domingoes, Jr. Ann Maria Domingoes, Alice Burden and Rich- ard Burden Domingoes. The firm Burden, Smith and Co. was founded by Richard Burden.

All of his life Richard Burden was a religious leader, Method- ist, and a civic leader in Macon. At sixteen he was an orphan boy and the war had wiped out everything his family had accumu- lated, but he worked and educated himself and led an exemplary life.

JESSE H. CAMPBELL

In 1832 Jesse H. Campbell moved to Clinton where he lived eleven years and preached at many different churches. He work- ed with C. D. Mallory and John C. Dawson. Beside Clinton he lived in Macon, McDonough, Twiggs Co., Lumpkin, Griffin, Thomasville and Perry. He was born Feb. 10, 1807 in McIntosh Co., Ga. His father belonged to the Scottish Clan. His mother was the daughter of John Dunham and Sara Clancy who came on the ship with Oglethorpe. Jesse H. Campbell got his educa- tion at Sunbury, Liberty Co. He was taught by Rev. James Shannon, who later filled the chair of ancient languages at the University of Ga. He was ordained at Sunbury in 1830, Baptist, and he preached in Macon in 1831. The eleven years in Jones County were outstanding, as he had men like Jesse Mercer to conduct revivals and assist him in the work of the church. He and Rev. Benjamin Milner held revivals together at various Jones County Baptist churches.

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SKETCH OF HON. JOSEPH DAY By Judge J. B. Jackson

Joseph Day was born in Richmond County, Georgia, May 2, 1791, the son of John and Ferely (Bullock) Day. In 1841 he married Miss Jane Dunn. Their daughter was Rebecca. Acquir- ing a modest farm in Jones County, his industry and thrift was such that he soon owned a large plantation on which was located two mills. At the beginning of the Civil War he was credited on the tax books with thousands of acres, many slaves who found him to be a humane master.

In 1823 he became a member of the House of Representatives in Georgia and except for two years he attended annual sessions in which he was always a conspicuous figure until 1840 when he retired to give more time to his personal affairs. He is said to have put upon the statute books a number of important measures and to have been a powerful factor in shaping legislation. The fact that he was called upon five times in succession to wield the gavel as Speaker of the House of Representatives sufficiently attests his command influence as a member ; while other speakers have presided for a longer time, in consequence of biennial elec- tions, not one has been more often called to the Speakership as the Journal of the House will show. This fact gives him a unique distinction in the annals of the state.

Judge Day was a Democrat strongly opposed to the Whigs. On account of his towering prestige, he was repeatedly urged to accept the nomination for Governor, but he declined this honor. He did allow his name to be put on the ticket for Congress in 1848 and was defeated by 1,417 votes. His opponent was Al- exander H. Stephens, a warm personal friend although a political opponent.

Judge Day lived in the northeastern part of the county about two miles from Round Oak in Tranquilla District and the place is now known as the Day-Barron place. Major Ben Barron buy- ing this from Judge Day in 1856. The house is still standing al- though needing repair badly. It was once the most beautiful place in Jones County.

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When Judge Day completed his home he gave a big ball and had a large crowd of his friends from all over the state to at- tend. His 2nd marriage was to Gen. Wade Hampton's daughter.

In 1856 Judge Day sold his extensive interests in Jones County and bought two adjoining plantations between Fort Val- ley and Marshallsville. He lived in the beautiful old home on the plantation owned by Felder J. Frederick still known as the Day Place, until the surrender of General Lee. He then moved to Macon and entered the mercantile business.

Judge Day died in Macon in 1867. He did not hold any public office after 1852 but he always took an active part in politics. People of Georgia realizing his ability and his conservative atti- tude in the momentous questions just preceding the War Between the States, often went to him for advise and counsel as this cor- respondence will indicate in the Weekly Georgia Telegraph Dec. 6, 1860.

Fort Valley, Ga. Nov. 16, 1860

Dear Sir :

I hope you will excuse me for addressing you on a subject with which the destiny of our country and all that is near and dear to us is so intimately associated-I mean the political condition of our country. We all feel that the recent election taken into consideration with the unconstitutional action of several North- ern states, in abrogating by Legislative enactment the laws for the rendition of Fugitive slaves, demands of the south firm and determined resistance in some shape.

But as to the character of the resistance, there is not a unit of sentiment. It is a time when all party feelings should be laid aside and sacrificed upon the altar of our beloved country, and when calm and dispassionate counsel and reflection should take the place of partisan harangues and hasty and inconsiderate action.

Having been connected with the legislative department of our state, having spent the prime of your life in her service and being in every way identified with and interested in her welfare, many

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of your personal friends would be interested to know your views as to the best course for Georgia and the South to pursue to ob- tain and maintain their rights and equality.

Very respectfully yours, Wm. A. Matthews.

Marshallville, Ga. Nov. 22, 1860

Dr. W. A. Matthews,

Fort Valley, Ga.

Dear Sir :

Yours of the 15th instant has been received in which you ask my opinion on the question of resistance to Northern aggres- sions. It is true that Mr. Lincoln, taken in connection with un- constitutional action of several Northern States in practically ab- rogating the Fugitive Slave Law, demands of the South firm and determined resistance : of that extent there is unfortunately a difference of opinion.

The first question that under existing circumstances presents itself to the minds of the people, is whether we shall make one more effort to save the Union for which we have fought and died and which has produced so many blessings to the country, or shall we at once sever the ties that now bind us together or cut ourselves loose from all order and organization and plunge the country into a state of anarchy and confusion.

The subject deserves consideration of great importance. Our people have been badly treated, their passions justly excited, they feel that the time has come that something must be done. That their rights, property and safety must be protected. What action on our part will best secure the object ? On this point we must be extremely cautious, the subject should be well considered in all aspects and results, we should not be hasty, there will be nothing lost by taking time for reflection.

There are many reasons why I would not advise secession and especially under separate State action. I have heard it contended that secession is not equivalent to revolution. I cannot under- stand it. Withdrawing from one government and adopting an- other can be nothing but revolution, and when another govern-

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ment is yet to be provided, who can foretell what may be the principles of such a government. Whether it will be liberal or despotic. Whether we shall be under the control of a governor, a President or a military chieftain? or a monarch? Already we have a difference of opinion on that subject, one statement prais- es the British government, another recommends not a Southern Confederacy but a Southern Consolidated government, composed of cotton growing states abrogating all state laws and blotting out state lines. Are the people of Georgia prepared for such a state of affairs ?

On this point I would raise a warning voice. I would admonish the people to beware of what they do, the crises may come too soon, the times are indeed alarming and there dangers await us at every turn.

I am not for submission. I think the present legislature has made one step in the right direction. It has called a State Con- vention to ask counsel of men of whom the country has confi- dence. When that convention meets let us reaffirm the Georgia platform with such additions as may be thought necessary to meet the circumstances now existing. Let it ask all of the slave holding states to meet in convention as soon as circumstances will admit. The voice of such a body would be respected and it would be patent for good.

That convention should demand of the faithless states the repeal of all their aggressive and unconstitutional laws, and re- quire from all the free states such guarantees for our future safety and protection as thought just and proper. Should the requirements not be complied with in a stipulated time, the con- vention should re-assemble and take such action as then existing and the state of affairs might demand. Should a portion of the refractory states refuse to comply the General government might be required to decree them out of the Union and out of the pro- tection of the government.

But if neither satisfaction can be obtained then let the Con- vention proceed to form a constitution for the South on the basis of the Federal Constitution and organize a government for the Southern states. Should the measures here recommended, or others of a similar nature be adopted we stand justified before

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the world. It would unite our entire people, and none would dare to molest or hinder us in taking our course.

Respectfully yours, Joseph Day

The answer of this letter from Joseph Day to Dr. Matthews shows that he was far ahead of his time in actually sizing up the conditions of the country and the policies to be pursued. Had the South followed the suggestions as laid down by Judge Day it is reasonable to believe that the war could have been averted. (Macon Co. History by Mrs. J. E. Hayes) .

NATHANIEL GLOVER By S. H. Griswold - 1908

There lived northwest of Clinton at Five Points, a progress- ive man, a leader, and a man in a community of small land own- ers whose advise was sought frequently.

Nathaniel Seth Glover was born in Edgefield District South Carolina, May 11, 1813. His father was Wiley Glover and his mother was Temperance Towles. He moved to Georgia when quite a young man and overseered for grandfather Towles who settled and lived at the old Five Point place now owned by Dr. Glover. This was in his twenty-second year. His wages were $200 a year and he saved from this 175 dollars. He started out buying land, a little at a time. He married Miss Caroline Finney, a sister of a fine man, Ben Finney. Nat Glover had only three weeks of schooling but was a good organizer, energetic, smart and very popular. He was a Democrat and worked for this party very hard. He served Jones County as Sheriff for ten years and represented Jones in both the upper and lower houses before the war and once after the war. He helped with all that he could during the Civil War.

He helped to organize the first company in Jones County and was made its first Lieutenant. The Jones Volunteers became Co. B. in the famous 12th Ga. Regiment, they went early in the war northern Virginia. Here he became so badly afflicted with rheu- matism that he had to resign and come home. He was a large framed man with an intelligent looking face and a prominent forehead and had a strong constitution. He was not a polished

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man and could be described as a diamond in the rough. He was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church and a Mason. He had four boys, Julius, Jack, Dr. W. P., and a son I cannot recall who lived in southwest Alabama, a Captain in the Confederate Army and a good soldier, I believe he was killed in the war. Julius liv- ed on a plantation near his father, but died young. He never married.

Jack married a daughter of Mr. Williamson Middlebrooks, (Mittie) and was drowned in the Ocmulgee River at Juliette when a young man. The next son, W. P. Glover still lives at Glovers. (1908) He is like his father, a man of energy and ac- complishment. At one time paid more taxes than any man in Jones County. One of his daughters, Miss Temperance Glover married Tom Middlebrooks, and is still living, a good and noble woman. The other daughter Nanny married James Middle- brooks, died young and then Nat married Bettie Holland, who now survives him. With his keen insight he recognized the value power of the river at Juliette and Glovers and bought Smith's Mill. There was a large two story mill and machinery for grind- ing both corn and wheat. One on the Monroe side of the river and one on Jones side.

Jack, his son, had taken possession and moved in, working very hard when by accident he lost his life in the river. This was a severe blow to Nat Glover, as he was old and infirm.

Nat Glover was truly a poor man's friend, he loaned money, helped in distress, giving of his corn and crops to help soldiers' widows and furnished several houses for them. The Whigs had a majority in the county before the war, but as a Democrat he was never defeated for an office. He made money farming. and owned much property when he died at his home at Five Points in 1889. He was truly a good citizen and loved Jones county and its people. His good deeds are his monument and his epi- taph is written in the hearts of those who love him.

(Dr. W. P. Glover m. Leila Middlebrooks and had ch. Lula (Mrs. John Lowe) and Joe Glover. Jack Glover m. Mittie Mid- dlebrooks, sister of Leila. Temperance Glover dau. of Nat mar. Tom Middlebrooks ) .

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JAMES MADISON GRAY

James Madison Gray was the most prominent man in all of Jones County's early affairs. He was a Democrat and a leader in that party, he has represented it in the legislature and in State Conventions ably and faithfully. He was a staunch friend of Bob Toombs, Herschell V. Johnson and other noted Georgians. He was a leader in county affairs as well as the state He was educat- ed, had studied law, was admitted to the bar but never practiced.

He was a strong, well built man of ruddy complexion, a neatly trimmed beard, polite, suave, easy to approach and very popu- lar. He had so long been at the head of important affairs he dis- liked being opposed. He was liberal, kind, affable and a good neighbor. He was respected and asked for advise by so many that was often said, "Gray is Jones County, and when he dies, Jones County will die."

His father was Judge Gray, and his mother a Miss Cody and it is said that they moved from Warren County to Jones when James M. Gray was quite young. Judge Gray once lived and owned the place later owned by the Glawson's, known as the Stewart Place. After Judge Gray sold this place to Mr. Stewart. he moved to Clinton while James M. Gray was still a young man. Judge Gray owned a plantation on the Macon road joining Bibb County, near Walnut Creek. James M. Gray lived on this place then sold it to Captain Parish and bought the Moughon plantation on Wolf Creek, and other lands joining it, among them, the Pepper Place.

James Madison Gray never married. It was told that he loved a girl in the county who refused to marry him. His sister, Mrs. Cleveland died and left him a very large estate. He lived on his plantation and although he had an able overseer, he supervised personally much of the work. He grew much cotton, corn, small grain, and his barns, granary and store houses were always well filled.

He had large pastures and well bred cattle on them. He own- ed fine horses and mules. He came to Clinton in a fine Concord buggy, with a negro driver, and two beautiful high stepping horses.

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James M. Gray had a nice home and kept open house at all times. He was a most hospitable host and entertained lavishly from the highest officials in Georgia to the poorest farmer in the county.

He was the typical ideal Southern planter, had the best of wines, whiskey and brandy along with mint juleps, good foods and servants trained to dispense them.

S. H. Griswold says; "I have never had any man to impress me so favorably or make me feel so welcome in his presence and in his house."

After a sumptuous dinner, his guests would mount horses and ride over his large plantation. He would point out his fields of cotton, corn, grain, cattle and pastures. There were discussions of the best methods to use in the planting and the cultivation of each crop. The negroes would be singing in he fields, and he would stop to have a word with the overseer.

After this the guests were led to the wide shady verandah, and would take off their coats, stretch out in the hammock or on the seats and be most comfortable. It was here the politics of the county and state were discussed. Gray was well read, practical and was a brilliant leader in any discussion. He liked to pass on to others any advice or experiences that would help them.

His slaves were well treated, neat, clean, well fed and had good houses and seemed very happy.

He attended all court sessions in Clinton and would take visit- ing lawyers, Judges and friends home for an over night visit. He was a secessionest and advocated Georgia withdrawing from the Union. (He was 47 yrs. old, did not volunteer. )

After the failure of the Charleston Convention, in 1860 to make a nomination for President, a convention of Democrats was called to Milledgeville to discuss the situation and appoint other delegates to a convention of the party to be held at Balti- more to make a nomination for Pres. and Vice Pres.

James Madison Gray was a delegate to this convention at Milledgeville and stayed at the McCombbs Hotel, in the Jones County room. The Democrats in this Convention were much di- vided. Ex. Gov. H. V. Johnson had been to the Charleston Con- vention, and was an ardent supporter of Stephen A. Douglas

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for President, and was himself a candidate for Vice President on the Douglas ticket. Some wanted this Douglas ticket that upheld squatter sovereignty and others wanted Bob Toombs and Henry R. Jackson. After the Convention got down to work there was much hard feeling between these two factions. Johnson deliv- ered one of the strongest speeches ever delivered in the old State Capitol. Feeling keenly the strained relations, the alienation of some of his friends, he used all the eloquence of which he was capable, every word , and gesture showed his feeling. He began by stating his position upon the questions at issue and in a voice of thunder accompanied by illustrative gestures shouted, "I plant my feet upon this rock of Gibralter, and all the thunders and waves of the oceans cannot shake me."

Before he had finished, the convention adjourned for din- ner. Gov. Johnson went with Gray to the Jones County room in the hotel along with several other, where all took drinks and Johnson drank a glass of brandy.

After dinner when Johnson resumed his speech he was so visibly affected by the brandy his friends stopped him and car- ried him to his room. It was told that the opposition was afraid of him and power of his speech on the assembly to carry things his way and had gotten him drunk.

This was not true. S. H. Griswold said he heard Gray tell of the incident, and said that H. V. Johnson was so excited, nervous and under such strain, that the glass of brandy would not have affected him under normal conditions. Anyone who knew James Gray would not accuse him of such a trick. He was an honorable man and would not take advantage of another in this way.

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History of Jones County, Georgia, for one hundred years, specifically 1807-1907, Part 32

Author: Williams, Carolyn White, 1898- Publication date: 1957 Publisher: Macon, Ga., J.W. Burke Co. Number of Pages: 1142

Author: Williams, Carolyn White, 1898-
Publication date: 1957
Publisher: Macon, Ga., J.W. Burke Co.
Number of Pages: 1142