Memoirs of Georgia; containing historical accounts of the state's civil, military, industrial and professional interests, and personal sketches of many of its people. Vol. I, Part 115

Author:
Publication date: 1859
Publisher: Atlanta, Ga., The Southern historicl association
Number of Pages: 1294

USA > Georgia > Memoirs of Georgia; containing historical accounts of the state's civil, military, industrial and professional interests, and personal sketches of many of its people. Vol. I > Part 115

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WILLIAM T. GENTRY, manager of the Atlanta Telephone exchange-a branch of the Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph company, and assistant superintendent of the second division, including all exchange in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and Alabama, was born at Gordonsville, Va., April 14, 1854. When his father, John R. Gentry, an illustrious and beloved Virginia gentleman, who held the office of mayor in the city of Gordonsville for twenty-five years, left home to enter the Confederate army, William went to the residence of his maternal grandfather, Thomas M. Mansfield, residing in Franklin county, Va., where he remained until the war closed, attending school. While here a most unfortunate accident befell him. One day he was playing in a sorghum mill, and, uncon- sciously going too near the machinery, received so severe a cut on the arm that

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it was necessary to amputate it. In 1865 he returned to his old home and entered the Neoptrophian academy at Gordonsville, preparatory to taking a college course. His scholastic career was not without its honors. He was so fortunate as to win a warmly-contested medal and to be selected the valedictorian of his class. Having become, in the meantime, interested in electricity and its application, Mr. Gentry decided to devote his life to this science, and incidentally aided as operator at Gordonsville, learning the intricate points very rapidly. At the age of twenty years he was in charge of the Southern and Atlantic Telegraph company, em- bracing all the wires running from Charlotte, N. C., to Norfolk, Va., and Washing- ton, D. C. He filled this important office for three years. When this company was absorbed and purchased by the Western Union, Mr. Gentry again resumed the key-this time at Lynchburg, Va., remaining a few months, and being then transferred to Wilmington, N. C. In three months afterward he was appointed chief operator and assistant to the general manager, which position he held for three years, and then began the erection of telephone exchanges for the Western Union system. He built the one in Wilmington, N. C., the first in the state. A year later the Western Union sold out its interests to the Bell company, and Mr. Gentry became an employe of the succeeding company, and superintended the building of an exchange at Alexandria, Va., remaining there three years. He was then, in 1884, selected as manager of the Atlanta exchange, and has held this posi- tion ever since. Mr. Gentry was married at Gordonsville, Va., to Nina, the daughter of William H. Mann, of the same city. They have six children: Mary Belle, Willie M., James H., Thomas R., Nina, and Allene. He is a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and Red Men, besides being a devout worshiper of the Methodist church of Atlanta. To show the great, magnanimous heart that throbs in his breast, Mr. Gentry has always taken a marked interest in young men, in promoting their desires and encouraging their initial efforts. There are many young men, occupying to-day high and lucrative positions, who owe their success in life to the kindly interest and help extended by him. Several of those who have attained prosperity were newsboys and bootblacks when Mr. Gentry first extended a sympathizing hand. Some of them are now receiving handsome salaries of $5,000 a year. Such generosity is not common, and commends him, who wields it, to the hearts of all people. Mr. Gentry doubtless receives his reward in the gratification that he has given substantial support to the plodding labors of worthy, appreciative fellow-men.

DR. CHARLES GLENVILLE GIDDINGS, Atlanta, was born on a farm in Loudoun county, Va., June 8, 1861. His father, Charles G. Giddings, was born in Frederick county, Md., in 1834, and came across the Potomac to his present residence, about twenty miles away, when twenty years old. He married Dorcas A. Hempstone, a daughter of Cephas Hempstone, a well-known citizen of Loudoun county, Va. Charles G. Giddings was a lieutenant in the Confederate service and was a prisoner in Federal prisons for eighteen months. He was the father of eight children, of whom five were sons. The grandfather of Dr. Giddings was James Giddings, who was born in Devonshire, England, and came with his wife to America, locating in Frederick county, Md., where he died in 1872, aged sixty-six years. He was a civil engineer by profession and was one of the engineers of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad and Chesapeake & Ohio canal. His wife was Louisa Johnson and they had four sons and three daughters, of whom two sons are deceased. One of the latter, Luther Giddings, was a soldier in the Mexican war, of which he afterward wrote a history. Eugene Giddings, another uncle of Dr. Giddings, was in the Confederate service in the army of northern Virginia. Dr.

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Charles Giddings was reared on the farm, a homestead which has been in posses- sion of the family for a century. His early educational training was received at the hands of a private tutor. He later attended Glenwood institute near Baltimore, Md., and then St. John's academy at Alexandria, Va., where he was graduated in 1881. He then entered the medical department of the university of Virginia and graduated therefrom in 1884. After a year in New York city he entered Mt. Sinai hospital as an interne, where he remained two years, locating in Atlanta in 1882, where he has since followed his profession. Dr. Giddings is a member of the Atlanta Society of Medicine, and is now professor of principles and practice of medicine of the Atlanta Polytechnic and attending physician at the Henry W. Grady hospital. Dr. Giddings ranks among the leaders of his profession in the state, and his frequent contributions to the medical journals are read with much interest in the north as well as the south. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Episcopal church. Dr. Giddings was married in 1890 to Miss Maud, daughter of the late John P. Crichton of Atlanta.

WILLIAM C. GLENN, senior member of the firm of Glenn & Rountree, was born in Chattooga county, Ga., Dec. 31, 1856. His father, Col. Jesse A. Glenn, was born in Gwinnett county, Ga. He entered the Confederate army as a captain, was made colonel of the Thirty-sixth Georgia regiment, and served throughout the war with distinction. He was nominated brigadier-general by President Davis, and his confirmation was pending when the surrender took place. Prior to the war Col. Glenn had practiced law with success, and at the age of nineteen was elected justice of the inferior court of Chattooga county. Shortly before the break- ing out of the war he moved to Dalton. He served in the first legislature after the war. Mr. Glenn passed his youth in Dalton, and there laid the foundations of his education. Early in life he devoted himself sedulously to the acquisition of knowledge, and the studious habits thus formed have been strengthened as the years passed. His acquirements were sure and rapid, and he became proficient in the classics, a competent knowledge of German, French and Italian. He evinced a fondness for philosophic studies, and absorbed the works of Bacon, Kant, Hegel, Herbert Spencer, Tyndall and others. Fascinated by German literature, he studied its classic works, and is recognized as an accomplished scholar of Faust. Whilst pursuing these studies Mr. Glenn was grounding himself in the principles of the law, reading under his father's guidance. In addition to the usual studies he devoted large attention to the Roman and civil law. Soon after passing his seventeenth year he was admitted to practice. He began, perhaps, at an earlier age than any lawyer in the south. His practice was varied and extensive through all the courts of the northern part of the state, and in the supreme court of the state. While never a candidate for office until his election to the legislature, he had an interest in politics, and before his majority, took an active part in the political contests of the state. He participated in many notable campaigns, such as the contest between Gov. Colquitt and Hon. Thomas M. Norwood in 1880, and between Gen. Gordon and Maj. Bacon in 1886. In these campaigns he met in discussion on the hustings such redoubtable campaigners as Mr. Norwood, Dr. Felton, Maj. J. F. Hanson and numbers of others. In response to the popular demand Mr. Glenn was elected to the house of representatives in 1886 from Whit- field county by a very large majority. Two years later he was re-elected by a still larger vote. During his service in the legislature Mr. Glenn devoted himself mainly to the legal side of the questions pending before that body. He was a: member of the judiciary committee, committee on corporations, Western & At- lantic railroad, and others of like importance. In 1886 he was chairman of the I-50

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special committee to report on the legal status of the acts chartering railroads, and on behalf of that committee he prepared an exhaustive report, which has since been regarded as closing the question. He warmly advocated the extension and development of the educational interests of the state, both along the line of common schools and the higher branches. The most notable work of Mr. Glenn is the act conceived, drawn and introduced by himself, which has since been known as the "Glenn tax act." Anterior to the enactment of this law railroad property, with an aggregate valuation of $60,000,000, was exempt from taxation. Several efforts had been made to frame such a bill as would remedy this condition, and, at the same time, prove practicable and constitutional. The measure conceived by Mr. Glenn fully met all of the requirements. After its passage through the house of representatives it went to the senate, and a protracted hearing took place before the senate finance committee during the summer of 1889. Numbers of the most distinguished lawyers in the state appeared on behalf of the railroads and fought the measure-Mr. Glenn alone appearing in support of it. The committee, how- ever, reported it favorably, and it was returned to the senate with only one amend- ment, known as the fourth section. This amendment, while not favored by Mr. Glenn, was not fought by him, because a contest upon it might have defeated the measure. From the legislature the contest was transferred to the courts. In the arguments before the supreme court of the state, Mr. Glenn attacked this fourth section, and his objections to it prevailed, and the measure, as first introduced by him, was sustained. The litigation did not, however, end until the railways carried it to the supreme court of the United States, by which tribunal it was upheld without hearing from the representatives of the state. This act has been since applied to the municipal taxation of railroad property. The act adds about $400,- 000 to the revenues of the counties and cities of the state. Mr. Glenn removed from Dalton to Atlanta and began the practice of law in January, 1890, in that city. Since coming to Atlanta, he has eschewed politics and devoted himself entirely to his profession. Since that time he has been entrusted with cases of every character and of the highest importance. He has appeared with distinction in the state and Federal courts. Several times he has made arguments before the supreme court 'of the United States; some of them in cases of national importance. Mr. Glenn appears in many cases before the supreme court of the state, representing that class of business from every section of it. He has given much study to the Roman and civil law, deeming an acquaintance with them a necessity to the study and practice of our American law. Notwithstanding the fact that he is one of the most industrious of lawyers, and that the demands of an exacting practice require the greatest attention, he still finds time to devote to literature. By common con- sent, he is the best-read lawyer in Atlanta, if not in Georgia. His versatility has excited the surprise and admiration of his friends. In matters of art his taste is irreproachable, and he is esteemed as a keen musical critic. Not infrequently he is invited to lecture before learned bodies. In December, 1889, Mr. Glenn and Miss Miriam Armstrong were married. She is the only daughter of the lamented Dr. J. G. Armstrong, formerly rector, Monumental church, Richmond, Va., and St. Philip's church, Atlanta. She had been a great social favorite since her debut a few years before. Her beauty, talents and notable qualities made her beloved by all. She is an accomplished woman, and is one of the musical leaders of the city of Atlanta. They have one child-a little girl-Alma Glenn.

JOHN T. GLENN. The subject of this sketch, who is a member of one of the oldest and most illustrious families of Georgia, is a lawyer by inheritance as well as by virtue of special training and preparation for the bar. His father, Hon. Luther

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J. Glenn, was for many years a distinguished member of the Atlanta bar and a law- yer of profound legal ability. His mother, whose maiden name was Mildred Cobb, is a sister of Gen. Thos. R. R. Cobb, one of the leading lawyers of Georgia, who was killed at the battle of Fredericksburg, in Virginia, and of Gen. Howell Cobb, who filled the high office of governor of this state and also that of speaker of the national house of representatives. Possessing a bright legal mind and reared in an atmos- phere that was fragrant, so to speak, with legal traditions and surroundings, it is no marvel that the subject of this sketch, Hon. John T. Glenn, should have risen to such a high and commanding prestige in the practice of his profession. Mr. Glenn was born near the town of Monroe, Ga., in Walton county, about forty-six years ago. His early boyhood, however, was spent at McDonough, Ga., where his father enjoyed a large and lucrative practice. At the age of twelve he came to Atlanta, and has since resided in this city. After completing his primary studies the subject of this sketch entered the state university at Athens, Ga. Here he made the best of his opportunities and gave promise of the talents that have since distinguished him in the practice of his profession. Graduating from the univer- sity in the summer of 1863 the young student immediately entered the Confederate army and remained in the active service until Gen. Lee's surrender. Returning to Atlanta after the war, Mr. Glenn entered his father's law office in that city, and after diligent application to his law books, gaining a thorough mastery of the fundamental principles of the law, he was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1866. His talents brought him at once into prominence as a practitioner and acord- ingly, in the following year, he was made the city attorney of Atlanta. This position he held for two years, performing valuable service to the city and still further extending his reputation. In 1872 he was appointed solicitor-general of the Atlanta circuit, and held that office five years. He then resigned for the purpose of forming a legal partnership with Judge John L. Hopkins, under the firm name of Hopkins & Glenn. He was subsequently elected a member of the board of education and has since continued to serve that body with marked devo- tion to the interests of the public schools of this city. In 1888 the name of Mr. Glenn was suggested in connection with the high office of mayor of Atlanta. It touched a popular chord and he was subsequently nominated at a citizens' mass meeting. He was elected to that office by a handsome vote and served the city during the years 1888 and 1889. His administration was characterized by a patriotic and progressive policy, and the welfare of Atlanta was substantially promoted during the period of his incumbency, and the credit of the city so firmly established that her four per cent bonds sold at par, which had never been done in a southern city. During Mr. Glenn's term as mayor other public improvements were made as follows: Over twelve and a half miles of sewers were built; ten and a fourth miles of Belgian (granite) block pavement was laid, and twenty-two and one-half miles of sidewalk put down. The large sums paid for these improve- ments and for other necessary expenses, great as they were, did not consume the city's income, a large amount being left available to pay interest on the public debt, and the increase in the value of real and personal property during the last year of Mr. Glenn's incumbency was over five and a half million dollars. In his inaugural address Mayor Glenn suggested the building of the new water works, and this suggestion, after mature consideration by the city council, was adopted during his official term. It was also at the suggestion of Mayor Glenn that the charter of the city of Atlanta was so amended as to prohibit the mayor from presiding over the deliberations of the council, but giving him the power to approve or veto all the acts of that body. The office of city comptroller-general was established during Mayor Glenn's term of office, at his suggestion, and the

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wisdom of the mayor has since been demonstrated by the success of this pro- vision. It provides for a thorough system of bookkeeping, and served as a check against the promiscuous handling of the city's money. Mr. Glenn is now the senior member of the firm of Glenn, Slaton & Phillips, one of the strongest legal combinations in the city. As a lawyer Mr. Glenn is profoundly read in the principles of the profession and is diligent and painstaking in the service of his clients. He has been identified, as leading counsel on one side or the other, with many of the most important legal proceedings in the courts of north Georgia. He is equally at home in his efforts before the court and jury, and is employed in nearly all the important criminal business as well as in much of the civil litigation of the Atlanta circuit. Mr. Glenn has always been a loyal and patriotic citizen of Atlanta and is devoted to all her public enterprises. As one of the promoters of the Cotton States and International exposition he has aided materi- ally in the advancement of that great industrial undertaking. Mr. Glenn was married in 1873 to Miss Helen Garrard, of Columbus, Ga., a sister of Col. L. F. Garrard, of Columbus, Ga., and of Hon. William Garrard, of Savannah, Ga. Four children, all of whom are living, have sprung from this union, two boys and two girls: Iza, Garrard, Helen, and William Louis. Mr. Glenn is still in his prime, and his future at the bar is one of continued usefulness and honor.

DR. NEWTON N. GOBER is a native of Tennessee. He was born in Shelby county Dec. 1, 1836, on a large plantation, and there resided until twenty years of age, gaining his primary education from the private schools of the vicinity and having as a tutor the noted Prof. Beman. During childhood his father died, and in 1855 he moved with his mother to Georgia, locating on Peachtree creek, Fulton county, five miles north of Atlanta. The next four years were passed here. In 1859, his mother having married Edward Mayse, they went over into Cobb county, Ga. Mr. Gober attended the high schools in Decatur and Smyrna, Ga., acquiring in these institutions the principal training of his intellect. Deciding upon the medical profession he began the study of this science under Dr. N. H. Campbell in Marietta, Ga., and in 1858 entered the medical college of Macon, Ga., graduating in March, 1860. He returned to Marietta. and undertook active practice. His early professional labors were interrupted by the outbreak of the civil war. In the latter part of 1861 he enlisted as first lieutenant in Phillips' legion, served in this rank almost twelve months, and was then appointed captain of Company F, Third battalion, Wofford's brigade, Long- street's corps and McClain's division. His appointment was made directly by President Jefferson Davis himself. In this office he remained until the surren- der. He fought with memorable courage at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville,. Zoah's church, Gettysburg, Chickamauga, Knoxville, Cedar creek, Bean Station,. Tenn., Wilderness, siege of Richmond, and commanded the last skirmish line when the city was being evacuated and on fire. Three days before Lee's sword was tendered as a symbol of defeat, Dr. Gober was captured, sent to Johnson's. island and detained in that prison three months. On being released he came back to Marietta, purchased a small farm and followed this agricultural pursuit in connection with his practice for eight years. In February, 1894, his residence- was changed to Atlanta, Ga. His practice has been lucrative and increasing daily since making Atlanta his home. Dr. Gober was married first in 1868, to Sarah P., daughter of Robert White, of Campbell county, Ga. Two girls survive their mother, Eva and May. He was again married on Dec. 21, 1893, to Mrs. Eva M. Ripley, nee Metcalf, of New Orleans, widow of Peter Ripley, of Boston, Mass. His home life has been blessed with the charms of happiness and love. Dr. Gober

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is a member of Kennesaw lodge, No. 33, F. & A. M., of the Royal Arch chapter, of the Encampment (I. O. O. F.), and the Cherokee lodge, No. 8 (I. O. O. F.). During 1868-69-70 he served the state as representative of Cobb county in the legislature, and was chairman of the auditing committee. He is a Presbyterian by faith and held the place of deacon for several years while living in Marietta, Ga. Dr. Gober's father was John A. Gober, born in De Kalb county, Ga., in 1817, and died of yellow fever at the age of forty. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Benjamin Plaster, Fenton county, Ga. This tie was hallowed by five children: Arminda, wife of J. M. Lidell, of Fulton county, Ga .; Sarah, wife of James Brockman, also of Fulton county; Julius J., a lieutenant in "Stonewall" Jackson's corps, who breathed his last at Staunton, Va .; Edwin F., first lieutenant in Howell Cobb's regiment, the Sixteenth Georgia, who died at Yorktown, Va., in 1861, and Dr. N. N., the subject of this sketch. Dr. Gober's mother died at the ripe old age of seventy-four, her death occurring in 1891. His grandfather was Daniel Gober, a native Georgian. He died during the late war at an advanced age after living the peaceful, pure and contented life of a farmer in Tennessee. Dr. Gober's ancestors were from Scotland.

SAMUEL WATKINS GOODE was born in Stewart county, Ga., June 3, 1847. In early childhood he was first sent to a meager school in the locality of his home. His father aided and encouraged him in his studies, and his death at the beginning of the war was a severe blow to the young son. He was under the tutorship of Mr. Ira Foster twelve months later in Waverly hall, and attended the Georgia Military institute for a half term. He removed to Lumpkin, Stewart Co., in January, 1866, and taught the classes in Latin, Greek and higher mathematics in a large school in Brunbridge, Ala. While here .he com- pleted his own education in the classics and besides amassed about $10,000, with which he contributed to the support of his younger brothers and sisters. From the school-room he went to New York, entering the Albany law school, and was graduated in May, 1871, with a B. L. degree. Being admitted to the bar he practiced in the state courts of New York, and the United States courts. During January, 1872, he moved to Savannah, Ga., and later in the same year to Eufaula, Ala. Mr. Goode was associated with Sterling B. Toney, who later located in Louisville, Ky. After his removal Mr. Goode practiced alone until September, 1881, and then sought Atlanta, with the intention of prosecuting real estate law entirely. He formed a partnership with Samuel T. Barnett to purchase the business of Joel Hurt. Soon his professional labors were interrupted by the demands made upon him by his private property; although he has presented many cases admirably before the supreme court of the state, with a spirit that never tires, a tact for successful advertising, and a memory that defies forgetful- ness, he has prospered bountifully. In October, 1882, he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie W. Kendall, who died in July, 1875, leaving two children: Vadie and Mattie. He was married again in 1882, to Miss L. E. Stone, of Lexington, Ky., by whom he has two daughters: Ellen and Julia. Mr. Goode has held the presidency of the Atlanta Real Estate board and the vice-presidency of the Na- tional Real Estate association. He belongs to the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the Georgia Bar association, the Young Men's Library association, the Capital City club and the First Methodist church. He is also president of the Southern Exchange bank. Mr. Goode was made president of the Guarantee Loan and Investment company when organized in 1881. He is also director in the Pasco Phosphate company and the Pasco Land company. They control 86,000 acres of Florida land and were capitalized as follows: Phosphate company, $2,000,000;

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Memoirs of Georgia; containing historical accounts of the state's civil, military, industrial and professional interests, and personal sketches of many of its people. Vol. I, Part 115

Author: Publication date: 1859 Publisher: Atlanta, Ga., The Southern historicl association Number of Pages: 1294

Author:
Publication date: 1859
Publisher: Atlanta, Ga., The Southern historicl association
Number of Pages: 1294