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 121

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 121

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Ga., where he was born May I, 1852. His father was a physician of skill and success, and was held in the highest esteem in his profession and as a citizen. Dr. Holmes received his elementary education during his boyhood days at the Blakely academy, and when about fifteen years of age engaged as a clerk in a dry goods store. A year or so later-early in 1868 he went to Morgan county, Ga., and remained there eighteen months as the private pupil of Col. Thomas A. Moody, paying for his tuition by superintending his instructor's farm. In 1869 he went to Rome, Ga., where he began the study of medicine under the direction of his uncle, Dr. G: W. Holmes, and Dr. J. B. Underwood, who were practicing together. In 1870-71 he attended lectures at the Jefferson Medical college, Philadelphia, but although he attained to extraordinary proficiency he was refused a diploma on account of his extreme youth (nineteen years), his age being under Jefferson's graduation limit. Nothing daunted he proceeded to Atlanta and entered the Atlanta Medical college, from which he was graduated that same year at the head of his class-receiving the first honor. If his age was suspected it was not hinted, as the faculty were only too glad to graduate one so brilliant, and who then gave promise of that pre-eminence in the profession which he has already achieved, with the further promise of yet grander achievements in the future. Returning to Rome $2,500 in debt, he was accepted by his uncle as a partner, and they practiced together until 1873, when the distinguished Dr. Robert Battey was received into the firm, the style of which was Holmes, Battey & Holmes. This was unquestionably one of the strongest medical firms in the state, if not in the country ; whose fame spread far and wide, but was dissolved by the temporary removal of Dr. Battey to Atlanta. Since then these three distinguished physicians have practiced alone. Not satisfied with what he had accomplished, and ambitious of attaining the highest excellence in knowledge, and in the practice of his pro- fession, and also craving a diploma from Jefferson Medical college, he attended another course of lectures at that great institution in the session of 1876-77, and secured the diploma denied him six years before. After eight years of continuously successful practice in Rome, still hungry for more knowledge of the theory and practice of his profession, he went to New York, where, during the winter of 1884-85 he attended the New York Polyclinic, leaving there with the added distinction of an honorable diploma from that far-famed institution. He was

now as completely equipped as he could possibly be with the profoundest theories and experienced practical application of them, and settled down, as he thought and purposed, permanently in Rome. His patients and his marvelous successes multi- plied, his fame spread, and prosperity crowned his intense devotion to his profession and assiduous attention to his patients. His success marks the triumph of superior intellectuality centered upon one object or pursuit, and well-directed persistent energy. His whole heart and soul were in his work. His one-time partner, Dr. Battey, himself one of the greatest of physicians, said of Dr. Holmes: "He would be a physician if there had never been a text book on medicine. Nature made him a doctor." Recognizing the endowment and the consequent responsibility, he has used his utmost exertions to perfect himself in his profession. The increase of his patients, scattered far and near, demanding a more central position with greater facilities of intercommunication by mail, determined him to locate in Atlanta, which he did about two years ago, where he has established an infirmary, whose unprecedented success has demonstrated his sound business judgment, no less than his extraordinary skill.

His recent connection (1895) with the very critical case of Gov. W. Y. Atkinson of Georgia, in which he was a welcome co-laborer with some of the most distin- guished physicians and surgeons in the south, corroborated the high estimate

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placed upon his scientific knowledge and practical ability. In Rome Dr. Holmes was not only highly esteemed as a physician, but as a sagacious, far-seeing, public- spirited citizen. He was prominently connected with the various enterprises calculated to build up the city-the land improvement and street railway com- panies-and especially the Chattanooga, Rome & Columbus railway, to which President Williamson said he furnished the original inspiration. In the prime of mature manhood, possessed of robust health and the affection of the thousands he has restored to health, always learning, and ambitious to an extreme, he has before him a future of usefulness and the attainment of honorable fame seldom equalled. Dr. Holmes was married June 26, 1873, to Miss Addie M., daughter of Judge A. P. and Mary A. Allgood, of Trion, Chattooga Co., Ga., a union which has been blessed with one child, who bears the name of Andrew Allgood.

HON. JAMES S. HOOK has had a distinguished career in law, literature and public life. Endowed with natural vigor of both body and mind and possess- ing a genial spirit, it was only necessary for him to cultivate these gifts and to have suitable opportunities in order to attain distinction. With considerable industry, he exercised himself through life in securing a large fund of knowledge, and has filled with ability all positions to which he has been called. His family on the paternal side, so far as can be traced into early English times, were called Hoces, then Hocks, then Hooke, the final letter of the last name being left off in the modern spelling On the maternal side, the Schley family, which has been con- spicuous in Georgia history, came originally from a German house of distinction. Judge Hook's father was Dr. Daniel Hook, an eminent physician, minister, and one of the former mayors of the city of Augusta; and his mother was Catherine Schley, sister of Gov. William Schley. His birthplace was Louisville, Jefferson Co., Ga., and his early education was obtained in Richmond academy, at Augusta, Ga., a school of high grade, which still preserves its reputation. He then read law with George Schley, and after graduation from the law school of William Tracy Gould, was examined before Judge John Schley, presiding in the superior court of Richmond county; but as he was not yet eighteen years of age, his admission to the bar was secured by a special act of the legislature. Thus almost before the close of his boyhood he began to practice his profession in Sandersville, Ga. There were great men at the bar in those days. Crawford, Holt, Schley, Gould, Henry Cumming, Longstreet, and immediately after them Starnes, Johnson, Stephens, Toombs, Andrew Miller and the like. These great men were the immediate pre- decessors of that distinguished bar which moved in column with Hook. The young attorney's first case was a suit in chancery, in which he drew a bill to force a settlement of an estate. This bill was filed in the Richmond supreme court before his removal to Sandersville. The case was somewhat noted by the complimentary remark of Judge Gould, his preceptor, that it was the shortest bill on record, and also for the protracted litigation for many years after it was gained. The State vs. Clark was another famous case in which the judge displayed in a marked degree his ability to move court, jury and court house audience. Clark was an Irish lad far away from home, friendless and poor, now charged in the indictment with larceny of $600. The evidence, his own confession, showed the money in the boy's possession, but he said he found the pocketbook in the road, and in defense it was urged that it was not stolen, but found and appropriated. The prosecutor was a man of wealth, the lad was friendless, the indications were that he would be con- victed, but Hook believed the young Irishman to be innocent, and espoused his cause in a speech of such argument and appeal as to carry with him court, jury and crowd. The jury retired just long enough to write the verdict "Not guilty,"

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and when it was read the crowd applauded the decision. In the political divisions of 1860 Judge Hook followed the fortunes of Douglas, and was chosen one of the electors on the Douglas democratic ticket, canvassing a considerable part of the state for his favorite. Upon the secession of Georgia he was elected to the first legislature of 1861, under the new government, and served at the time when great wisdom was required in preparing the state for the existing war. One of the meas- ures which he introduced and warmly advocated, and which passed the house, but was lost in the senate, was the bill providing for the purchase of all cotton by the state by an issue of state currency for that purpose. While a member of this legislature in the fall of 1862, he was unexpectedly nominated by Gov. Brown to the judgeship of the Middle Georgia circuit, and the senate confirmed the nomina- tion, which office he filled with ability for something over four years, part of the time in the Confederacy and part in the United States. From the bench in 1867 he returned to the bar and resumed the practice of his profession. One other very noted case of this period in which he more than sustaincd his reputation for for- ensic oratory was the State vs. Pounds; murder; Hook for the State and Alex. Stephens for the defendant. The case was tried in Hancock superior court, and is well remembered on account of the public interest in it, the court room being crowded with people, many distinguished persons being present, and also a large number of ladies. The speech of Mr. Stephens was as usual characterized by the unequaled abilities of that eminent juris-consult. He was followed by Judge Hook in a concluding argument of three hours for the prosecution, which Linton Stephens, Bishop Pierce and other good judges pronounced to be one of the ablest and most effective speeches they had ever heard delivered before a jury. Col. Richard M. Johnston in a speech said of Judge Hook: "As a lawyer he early exhibited the genius he inherited from a distinguished family. A laborious stu- dent and practitioner, a judicious counselor, an eloquent orator, the people elevated him to the bench when still in youth, and the career he made while there may be compared with that of the best of this or any former period of the judiciary of his native state. In the midst of purely professional work, he was ever fond of literary studies. In the interstices of a large practice he studied the literature of his own and foreign countries, and though one of the most distinguished lawyers of the state, he was never content with only the name of lawyer." The literary work referred to was chiefly in contributions on current questions for the public press, addresses and orations, with occasionally a poem. Among these may be mentioned his "Law and order letters," in which he took issue with Mr. Stephens on the policy of the democratic party as to the support of Greeley for president. Other important letters were a scries on the financial situation, in which he showed why the agricultural classes were becoming poorer, notwithstanding their indus- try. In these writings he vigorously opposed the national banking system, and as a democrat advised the issuance of currency commonly called greenbacks, but more properly redeemable treasury notes. About the date of these letters he was offered the "Greenback" nomination for congress, but declined on the ground that he purposed to discuss existing issues inside the democratic party. Two of his orations attracted special attention; one on "Woman and Truth," at the Wesleyan Female college; the other on the "Bible and Republicanism," at Oglethorpe university. A few years ago Judge Hook was appointed state school commis- sioner, and filled the office for a term, during which his speeches increased the public interest of the people in public school education. Without retiring from the bar Judge Hook has given valuable attention lately to business entrusted to him by the general government. His home and office are now in Atlanta.

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JUDGE JOHN L. HOPKINS. One of the most distinguished members of the Georgia bar, noted alike for his extensive legal acquirements and for the purity of his exalted character, is Judge John L. Hopkins, of Atlanta. A profound and accurate knowledge of the law, derived from years of patient study and application, have given to Judge Hopkins a commanding influence and prestige at the bar that few members of the profession have ever attained. Endowed by nature with a mind peculiar in its fitness both for the meditations of the law and for the main- tenance, in controversial issues, of its great underlying principles, the success of Judge Hopkins at the bar was distinctly foreshadowed in the beginning of his practice, and his career of public and professional service has only fulfilled the prophecy of his talents. For several years Judge Hopkins occupied the bench of the Atlanta circuit, and the peace and good order prevailing in that community to-day is largely the result of his fearless and rigorous administration of the law. He had no sooner donned the judicial ermine and entered upon the discharge of his duties as the guardian of the rights and liberties of his fellow citizens, than he gave the violators of law to understand that all vice and immorality must cease- at least in their external and flagrant manifestations-and that he would not leave a stone unturned until every criminal was brought to justice and punished. The courage, decision of character and tireless energy that marked the judicial conduct of Judge Hopkins during this critical period of Atlanta's history, have made him one of the greatest factors in the promotion of her peace and tranquillity. The memory of his service on the bench will be gratefully perpetuated by all the succeeding generations of that city. Judge Hopkins was born in the little village of Madisonville, in the state of Tennessee, on Sept. 24, 1828. His boyhood days were spent in that immediate neighborhood and his education was obtained in the common schools of that vicinity, including a term of three years at the Hiwassee college, located in Monroe county. After completing his literary studies he decided, in the gratification of a long-cherished desire, to enter the practice of law. Accordingly he began to read under the careful advice and direction of his uncle, H. H. Stephens, who superintended his preparations for the bar. Having access to a good library and to the sound legal information of his uncle, who was a learned and able practitioner, he soon acquired the elementary principles of the profession, and was admitted to the bar in 1847, at the early age of nineteen. Forming a partnership with Hon. D. M. Key, who was subsequently appointed postmaster- general of the United States, under the administration of President Hayes, he entered upon the active, and, from the start, successful practice of his profession. In 1857 this partnership was dissolved; young Hopkins removing to Chattanooga, Tenn., and locating, for the practice of law, in that city. He remained in Chatta- nooga, practicing alone, until 1863. The vicissitudes of the civil war interfered for a while with the prosecution of his practice, but after its ravages had ceased and good order was again restored the young practitioner located in Atlanta in 1865. The poverty of the people at that time made clients scarce and remuneration uncertain, but patiently adhering to his profession he steadily forced his way to the front and soon controlled the largest general practice in the city. In 1870, on the resignation of Judge John D. Pope, he was elevated to the bench of the Atlanta circuit. At this time the city was disturbed and harassed by quite a number of lawless characters who made no secret of their evil doings, but openly defied the courts and sneered at the entreaties of law-abiding citizens. It required a courage of no ordinary man to brave the perils of the situation, but the iron firmness of Judge Hopkins was equal to the responsibility of his position. He met the ordeal with unflinching nerve and in cool defiance of the mob who threatened to visit him with personal violence and possibly assassination, he

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administered the law without regard for persons. By his fearless conduct he earned the gratitude of all classes in the community and during his official tenure, the voice of criticism was never raised against him and no one could charge him with a single motive that dimmed the splendor of his reputation. Judge Hopkins remained on the bench for six years in spite of the meager salary that was paid him for his judicial services. He then resumed the active practice of his profession. In giving up his large clientage to serve the public on the bench Judge Hopkins made a great sacrifice of his personal and private interests, but no selfish motive ever swayed him when the welfare of the public needed his assistance and a sense of duty urged him to obey. If there is one characteristic that is more conspicuous than another in the public career of Judge Hopkins, as emphasized by his long and faithful service, it is a cheerful willingness at all times to subordinate his own selfish interests to the higher good and happiness of the community. In this respect his career should be an example and an inspiration. In 1893, as a compliment to his ability and learning, Judge Hopkins was appointed by Gov. Northen, under the advice and approval of the supreme court, chairman of the commission to codify the laws of Georgia. His associates in this important undertaking were Hon. Clifford Anderson, of Macon, Ga., ex-attorney-general of the state, and Mr. Joseph R. Lamar, of Augusta, Ga., one of the brightest of the younger members of the profession. The importance of the work assigned to this brilliant trio of lawyers is self-apparent. It required extensive information and the qualifications of the best legal talent in the state in addition to great physical strength and perseverance to meet the requirements of this important legal duty. In spite of his rare qualifications for public service Judge Hopkins has never entered the political arena nor sought preferment of any kind. He has been content to serve in the ranks and to perform the duty of a private citizen without display or ostentation. During the war, as a volunteer in the Confederate service, Judge Hopkins served under Col. R. J. Morgan for several months but his career as a soldier was not extensive. Judge Hopkins belongs to the member- ship of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is also a Mason. In 1853 Judge Hopkins married Miss Mary E. Cooke, the daughter of Dr. Robert F. Cooke, a native of Tennessee. They have four children living, two of them, Charles T. and Linton C. Hopkins, being in partnership with their father, under the firm name of John L. Hopkins & Sons. This firm is employed in much of the important litiga- tion in Atlanta. The father of Judge Hopkins, for whom he was named, was a man of liberal education and of great wealth. He was a native Georgian and a man of commanding influence in his day and generation.

CAPT. EVAN P. HOWELL, who has for so long been identified with the "Atlanta Constitution," is a native of Forsyth (now Milton) county, Ga. At the age of twelve years he moved with his father's family to Atlanta, and learned telegraphy under the direction of D. U. Sloan, and was the first student of this science in Atlanta. He entered and passed with distinction through the common schools of Warsaw and Atlanta, entering the Georgia Military institute at Marietta in 1855. After completing a two-years' course he went to Sandersville, Ga., read law until the end of 1858, and was then enrolled among the Lumpkin law school matriculates at Athens, Ga. A year later his active practice was commenced, but continued only a few weeks before the bomb of disunion exploded. He enlisted in the First Georgia regiment as orderly-sergeant, and was appointed a lieutenant before the expiration of a month. Later he accepted the rank of first lieutenant, and before a second year had remodeled the company and was honored by election to its captaincy. From service under Jackson in Virginia he was transferred to

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the western army in time to engage in the struggle of Chickamauga. In the retreat from Laurel hill Mr. Howell and his men realized that they were lost. Their sufferings and anxieties were intense; hunger, thirst, and privations of every kind menaced them. It was only the voice and courage and energy of Capt. Howell that led them at last back to civilization and home. He served mainly in Clai- borne's division of the western army until the war closed. When the conflict finally ceased he began farming and pursued this vocation two years. In 1868 he became city editor of the "Atlanta Intelligencer," remained a year and resumed with renewed ambition the practice of his profession. He was selected chairman of the democratic committee of Fulton county and gave vigorous efforts for the reorganization of the party and the maintenance of principles. For two years he supported the municipal government as a member of the city council. During two years Capt. Howell acted as solicitor-general in the Atlanta circuit, and with the aid of the eminent and noble Judge John L. Hopkins succeeded in suppressing much of the lawlessness-murder, theft, and every form of guilt that could threaten and permeate a young and growing city. Capt. Howell was elected to the state senate in 1873, and re-elected for a second term. He was a delegate at large to the St. Louis, Cincinnati and Chicago national democratic conventions, and in each served on the committee on resolutions. President Cleveland in recogni- tion of his invaluable services tendered him the consulship to Manchester, England, which he declined. By Gov. McDaniel, in 1888, he was appointed capitol com- missioner, serving on the commission which built Georgia's new capitol, complet- ing the building and turning back into the state treasury a part of the appropriation of $1,000,000. Capt. Howell's indomitable spirit in demanding that the state capitol be located in Atlanta and his tireless efforts to effect this end will never be forgotten by the people. His editorials were able, his arguments clear and con- vincing, and his good humor irresistible. In 1876 Capt. Howell, after purchasing a controlling share, became editor-in-chief of the "Atlanta Constitution." How this paper has prospered, and bears to-day the current topics of the world through- out the south, materially develops Atlanta and incidentally all these states and cities beyond our borders, is known to every child. He was elected to the legis- lature in 1894 while absent from home and not a candidate for office, and is also director of the Cotton States and International exposition. Capt. Howell is not only a journalist of rare ability, but an orator whose eloquence is often heard encouraging the youth of Georgia, and a patriot whose heart is filled with the love and devotion of his countrymen.

HON. CLARK HOWELL, editor-in-chief of the "Atlanta Constitution," was born in Barnwell district, S. C., Sept. 21, 1863. During 1820 his great-grand- father came to Georgia and located in Milton county. His father is Capt. E. P. Howell, one of the most prominent figures in Georgia politics, and one of Atlanta's pioneer citizens, who has been identified with her development and the growth of her many enterprises. His mother's maiden name was Julia Erwin, a woman possessing the attributes that form an ideal character. Young Howell came to Atlanta while a boy and entered the public schools, passing with credit through the successive grades. After completing his course here he became a student at the state university at Athens, Ga., applied himself diligently to the tasks assigned in the learning of literature and science, and graduated with distinction in the spring of 1883. Manifesting a decided talent for journalism, and wielding a pen of force and power even at that immature age, he went to New York and accepted the position of reporter on the "Times," and later served another newspaper apprenticeship on the "Philadelphia Press." A year or two later he returned south

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to his home in Atlanta and became in 1884 night editor of the "Constitution" under Henry W. Grady, whose assistant as managing editor he became in 1887, at a time when Mr. Grady was so occupied as an orator as to be away from home much of the time. When this patriot and peerless gentleman passed away Mr. Howell was made managing editor, and has held the position as a worthy successor of "the foremost Atlantian." Before reaching his majority Mr. Howell was nominated to the state legislature and elected a few days later. He was re-elected in 1888 and 1890, and chosen speaker of the house for the term of 1890-91, being the youngest legislative presiding officer in the United States. In 1892 he was elected as Georgia's member of the national democratic executive committee for four years, and in 1894, at the annual convention of the International League of Press clubs, he was unanimously elected as the president of that repre- sentative press organization, succeeding Col. John A. Cockerell, of New York. Having achieved these remarkable successes at so early an age is highly indicative of his intellectual stamina and indomitable energy. As a parliamentarian he is ready, concise and skillful, as a speaker, fluent and eloquent, and as a writer, bril- liant and convincing. Mr. Howell was married in 1887 to Hattie Barrett, a charm- ing young lady of Augusta, Ga. This union has been blessed with two daughters and one son. The Howells came over from Wales in 1650, settled in.North Caro- lina and their descendants fought gallantly in the revolutionary war.

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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 121

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