USA > Georgia > Wilkinson County > History of Wilkinson County > Part 41
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Regiment, Armistead's Brigade, Pickett's Division. Dr. Mills Ev- erett Daughtry was also a surgeon in the Virginia army.
Solomon P. Daughtry, father of G. O. A. Daughtry, born No- vember 17, 1831, joined the Tennessee army at Memphis, where he was living at that time, and served four years. Soon after the war, his wife, Salina (Moore) Daughtry, died and he came to Georgia, opening up a stave factory in Twiggs County. He later moved to Allentown, where he lived until his death January 17, 1892. Of his seven children, only three lived. G. O. A. Daughtry, Sept. 4, 1853, died Dec. 23, 1921. William Everett Daughtry, married Mattie Burke (daughter of John and Sarah Burke). Died 1913. No children. Annie Virginia Daughtry.
On Nov. 5, 1882, G. O. A. Daughtry married Jane Coleman Allen, daughter of Willis and Sarah Allen. Their children are Helen Virginia Daughtry, graduated from G. N. I. C. (now G. S. C. W.) 1905, Carnegie Library School 1925. Jennie Sue Daugh- try, graduate of Lanier High School 1906, State Teacher's College 1913, Curry School of Expression 1923, Mercer University 1929. Attended Wesleyan 1906-1909. Allen Willis Daughtry, graduate of Mercer University 1910. Married Rebecca Hearn, Nov. 12, 1927. Served ten months overseas during World War in Head- quarters Company, 320th Field Artillery, 82nd Division. He en- listed at Irwinton in April, 1918, and ten days later sailed for England, where he received three months military training. The remainder of the time he was stationed at Tours. He was honor- ably discharged at Camp Gordon February, 1919. George Orin- thus Allen Daughtry, Jr., graduate of Lanier High School, 1909, Mercer University, 1913, Mercer Law School, 1915: served on Mexican border in 1916 and 1917 with Macon Machine Gun Company of Georgia National Guard : received a commission in the regular army during World War in 1917. Since then he has served continuously in the army and holds the rank of captain. Sa- rah Elizabeth Daughtry, graduate of G. N. I. C. 1914. Married Drane D. Smith Nov. 15, 1916. Her children are Helen Virginia, Jane Estelle, and George Daughtry. Annie Moore Daughtry, graduate of G. S. C. W. 1918, studied at Columbia University, and Y. W. C. A. National Training School. Taught three years at G. S. C. W.
(By Miss Jennie Daughtry)
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MRS. MARTHA JANE (HOGAN) DAVIDSON
The daughter of John G. R. and Mary (Bullock) Hogan was born July 22, 1849. On her paternal side she was the grand-daughter of Major Elijah and Sarah (Rye) Hogan; on her maternal side, the grand-daughter of Willis and Nancy (Easterling) Bullock; great-grand-daughter of James Bullock; and of James Bennett Eas- terling, a veteran of the Revolution and Milly, his wife; great- great-grand-daughter of Henry and Ellen ( Bennett) Easterling.
Her early education was obtained at the Pleasant Plains school, then one of the leading schools of the county. Her father, while not wealthy, was in comfortable circumstances, owning a plantation and several slaves.
After the war, she was employed as governess by her father's brother, David Hogan, then living in Irwin county. Later, she re- turned to her home near Pleasant Plains church and in 1867 was married to James Thomas Davidson. Of this union there were: Ella, J. I., J. O., J. T., Rosa, R. E., Mattie, Emma, Mary, Allen, Effie, Victor, Maria.
In spite of the years of depression and the rearing of a large family they had been able to acquire a few hundred acres of land at the time of her husband's death in 1894. She at once bravely took charge and with the aid of her older sons carried on the farm work, rearing the children and giving them the best education the schools then afforded.
Although in her eighty-first year she has a most marvelous mem- ory and is in possession of all her faculties. During her childhood she was often accustomed to visit the older people of the com- munity and have them tell her of the pioneer days of Wilkinson, tales of the Revolution, of Indian wars, of wild "varmints," of witches and ghosts. She easily recalls these accounts just as they were told her; and her children, grand-children and great-grand- children often gather about her and beg her to tell these stories of the long ago, and they listen with open mouths, to the same old tales that have enthralled the children of each generation since Wilkinson was first a county. It was these stories that first awak- ened in the author a desire to compile this history.
No person ever lived his or her religion more earnestly than she.
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Becoming a member of the Primitive Baptist Church at an early age she regularly attends her meetings.
Her inherent friendliness, kindness and hospitality instantly awakens the love of every person with whom she comes in contact. Those in trouble come to her for sympathy; she rejoices with those who rejoice. She ever inspires all that is best in every person in her presence.
JOHN THOMAS DAVIDSON
Tax Assessor for fourteen years, serving as Chairman a portion of the time, Justice of the Peace for twenty-six years, member of Ex- ecutive Committee for several years, one of the leading farmers of the county, Mason, Democrat in politics, Steward in Oakdale Methodist Church, for many years Trustee of Pleasant Plains School, was born the Ist day of March, 1875, the son of James Thomas and Martha J. ( Hogan) Davidson.
He is the grandson of Allen, (b. 1795, d. 1860) and Maria (d. of John and Betsy (Tomberlin) Davidson, the great-grandson of Joseph (b. N. C. 1760) and Winnie (May) Davidson, Warren Co., Ga., d. 1820; great-great-grandson (according to family tra- ditions) of John Davidson who came as an immigrant from Ireland to Maryland, later settling in N. C., and of James May (d. 1799) and Lydia, his wife, of Warren Co., Ga.
Joseph and Winnie, together with his brothers, William and Mo- ses, came to Wilkinson among the first settlers, each taking up land near the Davidson old home place. William later moved to Mon- roe Co., Ga. Joseph's children were : John, m. Linsey Smith; Win- nie, m. Taliaferro Porter, d. in Ala .; Lydia, m. Absolem Jordan ; Allen, m. Maria Tomberlin; Vinnie, m. T. Porter after Winnie's death; Moses, m. Betsy Tomberlin; William; Joseph and others.
Mr. Davidson was married in 1900 to Miss Mary Lee, daughter of W. H. Lee, Sr., (Apr. 10, 1840-1929) and Ellen (Jordan, who came to Marion from Connecticut) Lee, a prominent family of the lower part of Twiggs Co. Mr. Lee's father was one of the first set- tlers of Twiggs and operated a line of wagons hauling produce and merchandise to and from the big plantation of Twiggs County to Savannah.
Mr. and Mrs. Davidson have one son, James Lee, (b. June I,
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190I, m. 1922, Lucile Green, who has one d. Evangeline) ; and one daughter, Ardelle, (b. 1905, m. W. R. Butler, 1922, whose children are : Doris and Mary Elinor). They have also adopted as their own Mrs. Davidson's niece, Edna Butler, whom they are rearing and educating.
In his dealings with the business world, Mr. Davidson's rugged honesty has earned for him the reputation, "his word is as good as his bond."
VICTOR DAVIDSON
The compiler of this History was born December 20, 1889, the son of James Thomas and Martha (Hogan) Davidson (see other Davidson Sketches). His elementary education was acquired at the Manson School. From the age of sixteen to twenty he culti- vated the farm for his mother. In 1909 he entered Young Harris College, completing a six years course in three and receiving his Degree in 1912. For the next three years he served as Principal of a suburban school of Atlanta, during which time he attended the Atlanta Law School, receiving his LL.B. Degree in 1915, later taking a Post Graduate Course at Mercer University Law School. In January, 1916, he located at Irwinton and during that year was elected County School Superintendent which office he held until January 1, 1925, at the same time continuing his law practice.
As County School Superintendent he originated a plan of school improvement which resulted in twenty new school buildings erected and well equipped: practically every child of school age in the county attending school; almost every teacher being either a Normal graduate or possessing similar qualifications. During the years he served a spirit of enthusiasm pervaded the schools to such a degree that Wilkinson County took front rank with the leading counties of Georgia in the matter of educational progress.
In 1925, he was appointed Solicitor of the County Court which office he still holds.
As a lawyer, Mr. Davidson has a large and constantly increasing practice which keeps him actively employed; is Counsel for both banks of the county; for the Central of Georgia Railroad and other Corporations. Nothing pleases him better than handling
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intricate cases requiring careful discrimination and deep research in legal lore.
He was married July 10, 1920, to Edna Mae Nesbit.
He is a member of the Irwinton Methodist Church; a Mason, having served two terms as Master of the Irwinton Lodge ; Knight Templar ; Shriner; Member Georgia Historical Society; State His- torian, S. A. R .; Historian and Charter Member, John Milledge Chapter, S. A. R. He likewise holds the record of being the first County Historian to be appointed by a Grand Jury in Georgia.
He is a member of the Irwinton Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association and the Commercial Law League of America.
Recognizing the incomparable historic background of Wilkin- son County it has been one of his life's ambitions to publish a history of this county, to perpetuate in the printed word the story of a great people, a people hitherto "unknown to fame," but whose deeds so richly merit the telling. He is also greatly interested in the history of the Creek Indians and has already prepared much material for a volume of Creek Indian history and Indian Chief- tain biography.
(By a member of the family)
MRS. VICTOR DAVIDSON
Edna Nesbit, wife of Victor Davidson, daughter of Alexander H. and Sarah J. Nesbit (see their sketches) was born at Irwin- ton May 29, 1896.
After attending Talmage Institute she entered G. S. C. W., at Milledgeville, taking both music and literary subjects, graduating in the latter in 1917.
She was married July 10, 1920, to Victor Davidson, who was then serving as County School Superintendent, and assisted him with the duties in that office, keeping the books and doing the clerical work. She taught the seventh grade and High School subjects in the Wilkinson County High School for several years. During the last few years she has been assisting her husband in his law office, meanwhile, finding time to make her home attractive and comfort- able. She spends a great deal of her time among her flowers.
Mrs. Davidson is a member of the Baptist Church: Regent of the John Ball Chapter D. A. R., having contributed much to- wards the success attained by this Chapter. She is also serving as a
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member of the History Committee appointed to publish the Wil- kinson County History and has been active in raising funds for that purpose. She served for three years as President of the Robert Toombs Chapter, U. D. C. Among her ancestors are the John- stons, Vaughns, Smiths, Staples (who participated in the battle of Kettle Creek), Starke (who was a Colonel, Member Committee of Safety) Wyatt, Nesbit, Lindsey (who was an early settler of Wilkinson Co., see John W. Lindsey sketch).
The compiler wishes to say that to Mrs. Davidson belongs much of the credit of the compiling of the History of Wilkinson County. She urged him to write it immediately after their marriage, assisted him in the collection of data, visited numerous libraries over the state with him copying whatever portions of data which were needed from books or newspapers which could not be borrowed. She has made many extracts from records which are included, has typed all the manuscript, assisted in the proof-reading and helped in every stage of the work. Without her assistance the compiler could not have carried on his law practice and at the same time prepared this book for publication.
In her home life her unselfish devotion to her husband and mother is unexcelled. She likes to visit the aged and shut-ins. Her sunny disposition, her smiling good-natured greetings, her quick wit and ready repartee are excellent dispellers of gloom. She makes life brighter for everyone with whom she comes in contact.
JOHN SEABORN DAVIS
Thomas R. Davis, of English descent, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, came from North Carolina to Georgia in the early years of the 19th Century. He married Nancy Owens, of Scotch-Irish descent, (the daughter of William and Nancy (Dye) Owens; grand-daughter of Avery (1753-1833) and Mary (1755- 1827) Dye. Avery Dye was a veteran of the Revolution). They settled on a farm near Hopewell Church in Burke County and reared a family of twelve children consisting of three daughters, Mahala, Mary, and Frances and nine sons, C. O., T. R., Jr., M. F., J. A., I. W., J. M., Josh, D. B., and B. A. His nine sons and three grandsons, except one grandson who died in service in Vir- ginia, served throughout the War Between the States and were honorably discharged at the end. About the year 1858, he, together
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with his entire family, with the exception of three sons, moved from Burke County to Mitchell County, where many of their de- scendants now live. (Information given by John S. Davis).
I. W. Davis, father of John S., together with two brothers, moved to Wilkinson Co. in 1858, where he married Sarah Ann Elizabeth Temples, the eldest daughter of Thomas and Almeta (Branan) daughter of James Branan, (see Caswell Branan sketch) Temples, 1859. They reared a family of seven children, five of whom are now living, Mrs. Almeta Davis Pennington, Mrs. Janie Davis Carr, Mrs. Mary Davis Fountain, Josh B. Davis, and John S. Davis; two of whom are dead, Isaac T. Davis (died in 1908) and Mrs. Exie Davis Parker (died in 1913). I. W. Davis was a Ser- geant in Co. K. 57th Georgia Regiment.
John S. Davis was born August 18, 1865, and after attending Mt. Carmel School, he graduated from Mercer University in 1893. He taught school for a few years and was admitted to the bar in 1896. He married Clara F. Hatfield in 1895, who was the daughter of Richard E. and Ann (Fountain) Hatfield, daughter of James H. and Behethland (Jones) Fountain, Richard E. Hatfield was the son of Sam W. and Lucy Hatfield (see R. A. Bell sketch). Their children were: Clara Izetta, (graduated from G. S. C. W. Mill- edgeville in 1917; from Mercer University with B. S. Degree in 1927 ; now principal and instructor in English in Melrose High School, Melrose, Florida) ; Willie Lee, (graduated at G. S. C. W. Milledgeville, in 1917, is now and has been for ten years Assist- ant Principal of the Wilkinson County High School, Irwinton, Ga .; Sarah Lucy, graduated at G. S. C. W. Milledgeville, 1921, died May 8, 1925; John Ellis and Jameson Grey, engaged in farm- ing on the plantation where John S. was born; James Cecil, stu- dent in Wilkinson County High School.
Judge Davis served as Ordinary, 1917-1924; State Senator, 1911-'12, 1929-'30; County Solicitor, 1903-'15.
Throughout his entire life he has taken a most prominent part in the political battles of Wilkinson County and has wielded for years a tremendous political power.
Above all else, Judge Davis is a lawyer in the fullest sense of the word. Possessing a keen legal mind, a clarity of expression and force of argument, a most admirable knowledge of human nature, a strong memory, he drives home his contentions with telling effect
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whether he be addressing the court or the jury. His high sense of legal ethics has won for him the esteem of all members of the bar who know him, as well as the utmost confidence of the courts be- fore which he practices. Whether before a justice of the peace or before the highest tribunal, no one ever knew him to attempt to mislead a court in order to win his case. In his practice he is ever considerate of counsel, no matter if they be young and inexperienced who may be associated on the case with him. For opposing counsel he shows every possible courtesy, not inconsistent with the rights of his client. To violate an agreement made with opposing counsel whether oral or in writing is to him an unpardonable offense against legal ethics.
Judge Davis is active in the management of the schools. During his terms as Senator he advocated and supported such bills as pro- mised the improvements of the common schools. Especially during the last session of the Senate did he advocate the passing of the Acts providing more funds. He is now serving as Chairman of the County Board of Education, which body has recently put on trial a system of consolidation of schools similar to that in effect in many of the most progressive counties of the State, while, at the same time re- ducing the outstanding indebtedness of the Board. He has also served as a member of the local school board of Irwinton for many years. (see Taliaferro Family by Judge L. W. Rigsby; for Dye lineage see National No. 197333, D. A. R.)
FOUNTAIN-GARRETT-KNIGHT
PROLOGUE
From the Fontaine Family, by Edward C. Meade, Albermarle E. Va-Rich. Times-Dispatch, Aug. 9, 1903, we have the following :
"The original name 'Fountain' was evidently one of location ; that is Jean de-la-Fontaine or John of the Fountain, living, as is supposed, near some noted fountain in the province; but the 'de-la' is a sign of nobility, so we find him in the King's service during the reigns of Frances I, Henry II and Frances II, until Charles IX, when he resigned. The de-la was retained until about 1633, when it was dropped by his grandson, James, from motives of humility, under the persecution.
"This Jean de-la Fontaine had two sons, James and Abraham.
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James died in 1633, leaving a son, James, born in 1628, who also left a son, James, born in 1658, and lived at Jenonville, France. This James (born 1658) became a Protestant preacher and, being persecuted for his faith, escaped from France in 1685. He married in 1686 Elizabeth Boursignot and settled in Bridgewater, England, but eventually moved to Dublin, Ireland, where he died. James Fontaine left six sons : James, Aaron, Peter, Moses, Francis and John, and two daughters, Mary Ann (or Molly), and Elizabeth.
"The sons were seemingly of a roving disposition. James, the eldest, with his wife and child, emigrated to Virginia in 1717, set- tling in Henrico County. Aaron died in Ireland in 1699. Peter graduated in law in 1711, but was ordained as a minister in London in 1715, emigrated with his wife to Virginia in 1716. Moses became an engraver and settled in London. Frances also became a minister and emigrated with his wife about 1719, settling in King William County, Va. John, the youngest of the children, was the first to come to the new world. He landed in Massachusetts in 1714, and visited the country as far as Virginia. He then returned to England.
"The Rev. Peter Fontaine had seven children: Peter, Moses, Sarah, Elizabeth, Joseph, Aaron, and a daughter who married a Winston. It is from these Fontaines that the Fountains of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia are descended. The Fon- taines-Fountains have ever manifested a love for learning and culture and many of the name hold high rank in the professional world. They are characterized by a deep sense of religious tendency, and a love for liberty and justice.
"The Arms of the de-la Fontaine family as brought over by Rev. Peter Fontaine are the same as found in the Heralds College, England, which are ornate and described as follows: "Argent, a fesse embattled between two elephants' heads, rased with tusks depressed in Chief ; in base three masted ship, with sails and pennant spread. The crest is an elephant's head, rased, with tusks depressed'."
Among the pioneer families of Wilkinson County were Fountain, Garrett and Knight.
The first by the name of Fountain in said county was Israel. The earliest official record we have of him is his witnessing a deed for land lot 241 in Wilkinson County, Georgia (said lot now owned by the Allen family) in 1816, between Ethelred Fountain of Jeffer- son and David Ingram. It is interesting to note that three years
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previously Ethelred Fountain and Ellender Ingram had been mar- ried in Jefferson County. We presume that the thoughtful husband bought the aforesaid farm from his father-in-law and brought his homesick wife back to live.
Israel Fountain was born about 1775. He married Delphia (called Welthy) Watkins (see later Watkins connections), and they lived for a time in South Carolina. The first of their children was born there. In about 1799, they came into the wilds of Georgia, bringing with them the story of Israel's descent from the French Hugue- not Fontaines who were refugees into the colony of Virginia, thence into North Carolina; South Carolina and Georgia. In the early history of the family was one, Jacques, who was very distinguished, and whose memory is revered to this day by the descendants.
In one branch of the family in North Carolina there were two sons, Francis and John. It was the custom of Francis Fontaine (Fountain) to keep a diary, and in 1754 there appears this entry : "John has married and we learn that he has married well." An interesting bit of information, but about all that has been learned of John and his marriage-not even the name of his spouse. We have reason to believe, however, that John, brother of Francis, was the father of Israel Fountain of Wilkinson County, Georgia.
Originally the name was "Fontaine" but after coming to America the Anglicized form "Fountain" was frequently used. An example of this variableness may be found in the family record of one Aaron "Fontaine." The form "Fountain" appears six times in the eleven recorded. The following is quoted from "The Douglas Register of Virginia," page 195:
"(Record of Aaron Fontaine's Family ).
"Mrs. Barbara Tyrel, Mrs. Fountain, was born Sept. 3, 1756.
"Mr. Aaron Fontaine was born Nov. 30, 1753, and married May 19, 1773. P. 144.
"Register of Mr. Aaron Fountain and Barbara Tyrryll, their children and family, Jan. 12, 1797.
"Peter, born Dec. 15, 1774.
"James Tyrel, Nov. 19, 1776.
"Mary Anne, born Oct. 14, '78.
"Elizabeth, born Sept. 5, '80.
"Matilda, born Sept. 13, '82.
"Patsie Minor, Mar. 14, '85.
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"Sallie Sarah, Mar. 17, '87.
"Mariah, Feb. 16, '89.
"America, Mar. 10, '91.
"Will Maury, Jan. 16, '93.
"Barbara Ker, Dec. 25, '94.
"Ann Overton, Ap. 19, '96. P. 144.
"Aaron Fontaine and Barbara Terril, Patsy Minor, Mar. 14, 1785. Baptized Ap. 16, 1785. P. 114.
"Aaron Fountain and Barbara Terrill a child Sarah, Mar. 17, 1787. Baptized Mar. 30, 1787. P. 118.
"Aaron Fountain and Babie Tyrrel a child Moriah, Feb. 16, 1789. Baptized Mar. 29, 1789. P. 122.
"Aaron Fontaine and Barbara Terrell his wife and son born 16 January 1793, Wm. Maury Fontaine. Baptized, 1793, MIch. 19. P. 127.
"Aaron Fountain and Barbara Terrell a child Barbarah Carr, born 25 Dec. 1794. Baptized Mar. 5, 1795. P. 127.
"Aaron Fountain and Barbarah Tyrrel a daughter, Ann Over- ton, born Ap. 19, 96. Baptized June 3, 1796. P. 127."
In the court records of Wilkinson County one hundred and fifty years later we find I. J. Fountain, a grandson of Israel Foun- tain, giving his official signature "Fontaine" and "Fountain" as he chanced to write it.
Israel Fountain and his wife, "Welthy," settled near Gordon, more importantly known at that time as Ramah Church. When Israel established his home in Wilkinson County he also built his school house. This location is marked now by a lone mulberry tree and a pile of bricks. He planted his orchards, cleared his fields, and acquired enough land to give a large plantation to each of his children as they married-and there were many portions to be given.
Tradition says that Israel had sixteen children. If this is true, several must have died young, as his will (and records of Ramah Church) mentions only the names of eleven.
Israel and Ethelred lived in the same community. When quite old they were spoken of in whispers by the great-grandchildren (sev- eral of whom are now living) as "Miserable" and "Dreadful" be- cause of their very severe, austere religious views which equaled those of our Puritan fathers.
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Israel, his wife, "Wealthy," and several of his children belonged to Ramah Church, one of the first Baptist Churches of Georgia.
Israel died at the age of 92. His widow remained in the home until her death, which occurred shortly after the close of the war, at the age of 104 years (The house and plantation now belong to a great-grandson, Lewis Fountain).
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