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 130

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 130

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during the gubernatorial convention, he was chosen as a member of the committee to investigate the bonds of the Northeastern railroad. He was elected to the house of representatives the second time for 1880-81. In 1884-85 he was senator in the legislature of the state, and was appointed chairman of the educational committee. Throughout his legislative career he devoted himself with great ardor and thor- oughness to the cause of education. Indeed, this may be called his life work, and he has given to it his best labor and his best thought. As scholar, teacher, legislator, governor, and as private citizen, he has been enthusiastic in his devotion to this cause. He has striven to make the public school system of the state more efficient, and has perhaps accomplished more than any other public man toward forming a strong sentiment on the part of the people in favor of longer terms in the free schools and a higher degree of ability in the teachers. He has been the most ardent advocate of norinal schools, and as governor did not cease in his efforts with the legislature and before the people until partial success crowned his labors in the securing of an appropriation for the establishment of a state normal school. He has served his alma mater, Mercer, as trustee for twenty years. In 1892 this university recognized his great services to the cause of education, as well as his mature scholarship, by conferring upon him the degree of LL. D. This degree was also conferred upon him in 1894 by Richmond college, of Virginia. Up to 1890 Mr. Northen had found his farm and home near Sparta, in Hancock county, a happy retreat after public life and cares. He had gone from his farm to the halls of legislation and had returned, after the full and fervent discharge of his duty, to his peaceful life and the quietude of his country homc. He was happy to serve his state, and he was happy to find rest awaiting him in his fields and amid his stock and in his library. In 1890, however, he was summoned by his people to his longest period of public service. There was a general call for him to enter the race for the governorship, but he would not consent to have his name presented to the people as a candidate until he felt assured that the people, and not the politicians only, wished him to take this position. As soon as this was clear to him he announced himself as ready to go before the voters for their decision .. It was plain to every observer, from the very commencement of the campaign, that the people were overwhelmingly in favor of Mr. Northen. County after county instructed for him, and all opposition soon ceased. He received the nomi- nation, and was elected governor in October, 1890. On Nov. 8 he was installed in office. The most striking characteristic shown by the new governor was plainly brought before the knowledge of all in his straightforward inaugural address. This was his open sincerity of purpose. At no time and under no pressure of circumstances was it ever doubtful as to where the governor stood upon all questions that involved the welfare of his people. There was no equivocation, no evasion, no temporizing. Anyone whose mind was clear enough to see the proper and just course could tell exactly what would be his conduct in any emergency. His first address was warmly praised by the people and by the press for its plain and practical utterances, directly to the point, and touching the needs of the state with the sure hand of the careful student of public affairs. He warned the people against the miserable economy which, to save a few dollars, had enrolled Georgia among the illiterate states, and had deprived thousands of her children of the benefits and great moral influence of education. He called attention to the great excess of legislation, and the filling of volumes with unnecessary laws. He took occasion, also, to direct the attention of the legislature to the heavy burdens already borne by the people, and urged wise laws that would relieve and not add to their distress. The practical wisdom of the governor was shown in the following sentiment: "Whatever encourages general industry in the state marks the state's

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progress in power and wealth. Whatever makes fertile its fields, prosperous its manufacturers, thrifty its business and secure its capital, advances the enlighten- ment of its people and makes the stability of their institutions." Among the many important questions that came before Gov. Northen during his two terms as chief executive, only a few can be mentioned in this brief notice. The famous "better- ment claim" of the lessecs of the state railroad known as the Western & Atlantic railroad, came up for settlement through the action of a commission to be appointed by the governor. The high character of the men he selected for this important work placed the result of their deliberations and findings beyond censure. The claim was for $711,890, and was adjusted for $99,644. His firm stand in the dispute with the secretary of the interior, Mr. Noble, over the proper division of funds appropriated by congress to purposes of education of the two races in Georgia had the good effect of securing a just distribution of the funds. The secretary demanded that it be equally divided; the governor insisted that justice could be done both races only by a division according to the relative num- ber of each race. He carried his point, and the fund was divided between the two races according to their numbers. The geological survey of the state, as promis- ing to aid very greatly in bringing to the knowledge of the world the wonderful natural wealth of Georgia, always received his ardent support. Had it not been for his strong advocacy and constant work, the survey would long since have been abandoned. The attempt had been made several times to push a survey to com- pletion, but disagreements, lack of appropriations and some sectional jealousies had invariably wrecked all work of this kind. The gratifying success of recent work by the survey testifies to the wisdom of his efforts to carry out the original purpose of establishing the geological bureau. His earnest appeals to successive legislatures for the establishment of a state board of health, for the making of good roads, for the establishment of a reform school, and for the better care and protection of convicts of the counties, were of no avail, so far as legislation is concerned, although it is believed that they have served to bring to the con- sideration of these important matters the best and most public-spirited citizens of the state. In reference to a reformatory, he took the high stand in his message to the legislature that "It is is far more in harmony with good government to prevent crime than to punish the criminal." A number of reforms in the man- agement of the penitentiary were enforced by Gov. Northen. The sexes were separated, the women being placed in a special camp, which materially improved the discipline and morality of the penitentiary. He also secured for the convicts more nourishing food and more humane treatment. Escapes from the camps had been frequent, and the law imposing a fine upon the lessees had not been carried out. Gov. Northen enforced the law and made the diligence of the lessees much more wakeful. A sum of nearly $10,000 was collected in fines, which were imposed, according to law, at the rate of $200 for each escape, where duc diligence had not been exercised. In connection with these reforms in the care of the state's criminals may be mentioned the unceasing efforts of the governor to suppress mob violence. He urged upon the legislature the passing of suitable laws, and part of his suggestions were acted upon and a statute passed looking to the better protection of accused persons. Whenever there was danger of mob violence he at once summoned the civil and military power to protect the prisoner, so that he could have a fair trial by due process of law. His words and his conduct tended very greatly to strengthen the best sentiment of the people against this relic of savagery. The encouragement of the volunteer militia of the state and their efficient organization was one of the governor's special cares. Through his influence an officer was detailed by the United States war department to drill and

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organize the state troops. The forces have been well equipped and drilled, and are a fine body of citizen soldiery. Perhaps the work in which he took most interest, because it has been his life work, was in the cause of education. He strove successfully to extend the scope and power of the common schools. To secure better teachers, he urged the establishment of normal schools, and during his administration had the happiness of seeing two such institutions opened in the state-the Georgia Normal and Industrial college, at Milledgeville, which had been decided upon prior to his term of office, and the Normal school, at Athens, which is largely the result of his untiring and zealous work. He saw, while governor, and mainly because he was governor, the school year almost doubled, the establishment of the two institutions already mentioned, the opening of an industrial college at Savannah for negro students. The teachers have been better and more promptly paid, and have been more efficient, and a school has been opened nearer to almost every home in the state. He was elected governor for the second time in 1892, when his splendid services in the cause of education and in the protection of persons accused of crime received recognition, on the part of the negroes, by 40,000 of them casting their ballots for him, regardless of their usual political faith. Among prominent offices conferred upon Mr. Northen should be mentioned the presidency of the trustees of Washington institute, which he held for six years; he was moderator of the Washington Baptist association for eight years; he was elected vice-president of the Southern Baptist convention in 1894, and president of the American Educational society. His two terms as governor embraced the period between Nov. 8, 1890 and Oct. 27, 1894. Immedi- ately upon his retiring from office, he organized an immigration and investment bureau. In this work he has utilized the vast knowledge of the conditions, resources and advantages of this state and has already, 1895, succeeded in bringing to Georgia thousands of thrifty people to aid in the upbuilding of the common- wealth. It is quite possible that his labors as a private citizen will excel in real value to the state his services while governor. He has proved himself a wise and efficient leader, and has achieved success equally as legislator, educator, farmer and governor. His sterling qualities have shone conspicuously in public and in private life and he has steadily advanced in the esteem and confidence of his fellow- citizens. Perhaps he showed himself greatest when he deliberately sacrificed his personal interests in the appointment of a successor to Senator Colquitt, who died in the last year of his second term as governor. Mr. Northen was regarded as the only probable successor at the expiration of Senator Colquitt's term and a less honorable man and even a "practical" politician, would have appointed a nonentity to hold the seat until the regular election of a senator by the legislature. Gov. Northen, however, did not hesitate to sacrifice himself and place himself in his just attitude before the people. He appointed a thoroughly competent man. Mr. Patrick Walsh, and announced that he would support Senator Walsh for the succession to the long term. Friends and enemies alike applauded this generous action and declared that he had risen above the ideals of politicians and statesmen. Mr. Northen was married to Miss Mattie M. Neel, of Mt. Zion, Ga., Dec. 19, 1860. He has two children, a son and a daughter. His present home is Atlanta.

DR. JOHN COOKE OLMSTED, one of the most erudite physicians of the south, was born in Pittsburg, Chatham Co., N. C., Aug. 25, 1851. Five years later he was taken by his parents to South Carolina, they settling near Society hill, where they stayed two years, and then moved to Yorkville, remaining there about a year and then going on to Chester, S. C. At the last-named point Dr. Olmsted began his education, but his studies were cut short, for his parents again removed.

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this time to St. John's parish, Berkeley district, where he lived until the war closed. During the time he lived in St. John's parish he had a private tutor. In 1865 he accompanied his parents to Rondout (now Kingston), on the Hudson river, in New York, and a year later to Rhinebeck, at which point the father is now rector of the church of the Messiah. Dr. Olmsted remained in Rhinebeck until 1869, when he went to New York city, and there accepted a mercantile position, which he held until 1872, at which time he returned to Rhinebeck and began the study of medicine with Dr. I. F. Van Vliet, with whom he stayed one year. He then matriculated at the University of Virginia and graduated in medicine there in 1876, when he returned to New York and attended lectures at the university there one year. In the fall of 1877 he moved to Atlanta, and has there practiced his profession ever since. Dr. Olmsted is a member of the American Medical association, the Atlanta Society of Medicine and the Georgia State Medical association. He was- made a permanent member of the American Medical association in 1879 in honor of his volunteer service in the yellow fever epidemic at Chattanooga, Tenn., in 1878. For two years he held the chair of genito-urinary and venereal diseases in the Southern Medical college at Atlanta, and was professor of physiology in the same institution from 1889 to 1891. He was also surgeon for the Georgia railway for four years, but resigned that post. Dr. Olmsted is well known in the medical journalistic world, having contributed many valuable articles to the magazines. Notable among these was one entitled "A Plea for the Meatus Urinarius," which appeared in the "Universal Annual of the Medical Sciences," published in New York, and attracted great attention at the time of its appearance. He is vestryman in St. Philip's Episcopal church. In 1879 Dr. Olmsted was presented by the city of Chattanooga with a gold medal as a recognition of his valuable services in the yellow fever epidemic, for which he had refused compensation, notwithstanding that he nearly lost his life while on duty, the physicians attending him having given up all hope of his ever recovering. He was married in 1881 to Sally, daughter of I' ederick G. Edwards, Louisville, and a grand-niece of Zachary Taylor. Dr. Olm- sted's father is Aaron F. Olmsted, who was born in Hartford, Conn., and married in 1844 Caroline E. Cooke, a native of Catskill, N. Y. They had nine children, four of whom were sons, Dr. Olmsted being the eldest. The father served in South Carolina as a member of the reserves, doing patrol duty. Dr. Olmsted was ap- pointed president of the pension board of Atlanta by President Cleveland.

DR. FRANCIS HODGSON ORME, physician, Atlanta, was born in Dauphin county, Penn., Jan. 6, 1834. For five generations his paternal ancestors lived in Maryland, the first of the name, Robert (father of Rev. John Orme, 1691-92), having emigrated from England to the then colony of that name in the seventeenth century. His maternal great-grandfather, Dr. Joseph Priestly, the discoverer of oxygen, also emigrated from England, so that he is of English stock. His great grandfather, Col. Archibald Orme, was a colonel in the revolutionary war, and on account of this connection, as well as his descent through his grandmother from Col. Richard McAllister, of Hanover, Penn., also of revolutionary fame, Dr. Orme is one of the Sons of the Revolution. His father, Archibald Orme, having died when he was six years old, his mother with her family moved to Milledgeville, Ga., where he was under the care of his uncle, R. M. Orme, well known as the editor of the "Southern Recorder." Having received a preparatory education through various academical institutions and at the hands of private tutors, he entered the office of Dr. James B. Gilbert, of Savannah, in 1850, as a student of medicine. After a four years' course of assiduous study, embracing courses of lectures in the medical department of the university of New York, he received his diploma as a doctor of.

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medicine from that college in 1854. He returned to Savannah and formed a part- nership with his preceptor's successor, Dr. W. H. Banks. The very first year tested the metal of the young physician and found it of a satisfactory temper. It was the year of the most violent epidemic of yellow fever ever known in the city. But two physicians escaped the fever, both men of advanced years, while eight physicans and two medical students lost their lives, a fearful mortality in a city of about 20,000 souls-one-half absent. Dr. Orme was prostrated ten days with the fever. During two weeks of the worst of the plague he was the only one of five homeopathic physicians of the city who was able to attend to patients. The responsibility was fearful for one of his years. His successful application of homeo- pathic remedies, and his faithful adherence to his professional duties, fully estab- lished his practice, and he had no protracted novitiate period to pass. Family considerations and health caused him to move to Atlanta in 1861, where he has continued in his profession. Although a graduate in old-school medicine, he early became a disciple of homeopathy, and in his practice has done as much for the spread of this branch of the profession as any physician in the south. He is liberal in his views, however, and while being aligned with this school has never professed to exclude from his practice any measures which he might consider conducive to the welfare of his patients, so that a charge of inconsistency cannot be made in his case. At the time he accepted the system there were a mere handful of homeo- pathic physicians, so Dr. Orme has lived to see an increase of over 12,000 practi- tioners. He became a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy in 1859, and for more than forty years has been active in its doings, contributing papers, joining in discussions, and holding important positions in connection with the organization. This is the oldest national medical organization in the country, and numbers among its members some of the first physicians in the country. That this association has a just appreciation of Dr. Orme's efforts in behalf of homeo- pathy is shown by the unusual compliment which was paid him in 1887, when his colleagues elected him to the presidency of the body while he was prostrated on a bed of sickness at home. The election of a man to the presidency of the highest body known to his profession is admittedly placing him at the head of the profession, there being no higher distinction in the way of conferred honor for him to achieve. His address upon the opening of the annual session was a masterful defense of homeopathy, abounded in practical and valuable suggestions, and characterized by fairness, good taste and scholarly finish. In 1878 the president of the American Institute of Homeopathy appointed a committee of eleven prominent physicians of this school, chiefly yellow fever experts, to meet in New Orleans and investigate the subject of the fever, and the effect of its treatment by homeopathy. Dr. Orme was one of the commission, five of whom are now ex-presidents of the institute. In 1867 Dr. Orme was married to Miss Ellen V. Woodward, of Beaufort district, S. C. His family consists of a daughter, Miss Elizabeth Woodward, and a son, Frank. He has one living brother, A. J. Orme, and a sister, Mrs. J. W. Culpep- per, both of Atlanta. Dr. Orme has been earnest in devotion to his profession and has never allowed politics, speculation or other pursuits to interfere with his duties. He enjoys the respect and friendship of physicians of different schools from his own, having been always liberal and fair in his dealings with them. An unsullied record has firmly established him as a man of probity, and as a friend his reliabil- ity is unconquerable. Dignified, and yet always courteous in private life, he is one of the most genial and interesting of companions. He is a man broad in his views, of liberal opinions, a man of taste and culture, without pedantry. Besides his professional accomplishments he is a thinker and writer, who in public addresses and contributions to medical journals has shown himself possessed of

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literary qualifications of a high order. A distinguished colleague has referred to him as "a very able, influential man, who, by exemplary character, exceptionally clear and forcible writings and devotion to his work, to his family and friends, is a worthy representative of a noble profession." Dr. Orme's personal character, his marked professional success and his general usefulness, have placed him among the representative men of Atlanta. A physician cannot be measured like a soldier or a statesman by special brilliant achievements. He must be judged by his gen- eral success and integrity, and there are few titles more honorable than the family physician or the good doctor.

JOSEPH THOMPSON ORME, city treasurer of Atlanta, Ga., was born in Atlanta, July 28, 1860, and has since resided in this city. He passed with distinction through the public schools and also received instruction from a private tutor. Leaving school at the age of fifteen years he became collector in the private bank of W. M. & R. J. Lowry, now known as the Lowry Banking company. From this lowest position he has risen by successive appointments to his present office of cashier-having assumed this duty in 1888. He has also been honored by election to the place of director in the same institution. In 1890 Mr. Orme was united in marriage to Mary A., daughter of Charles H. Dickerson of Detroit, Mich. They have two children: Annie Ashley and Joseph Priestly, who was named after his great-great-grandfather, Dr. Joseph Priestly, fellow of the Royal Society of England.

Mr. Orme is treasurer of Atlanta, of the West End Cemetery association, the Young Men's Democratic league of Fulton county, the Fulton Loan and Building association, and director in the Bankers' Guarantee Fund Life Assurance company. In 1889 he was first elected city treasurer for the term of two years. For the succeeding term he was defeated, but re-elected in 1893 and 1894. Mr. Orme is a member of the Georgia chapter of the Sons of the Revolution. He has been for twenty years identified with Atlanta's banking system, and the highest confidence is reposed in his integrity. Mr. Orme's father was William Priestly Orme, a native of Dauphin, Penn., the son of Archibald Orme, supervisor of the Pennsylvania canal, and the grandson of John Orme, a rice planter in McIntosh county, Ga. He came on a visit to Georgia in 1840, and soon after was connected with the Georgia railroad, and acted as agent in Atlanta. He was subsequently engaged in manufacturing enterprises with Richard Peters, J. F. Alexander and W. P. Harden. He was treasurer of both the A. & W. P. R. R. and the old Western railway of Georgia. After the war he was a member of the cotton commission firm of Wilson, Calloway & Co., New York, which was afterward succeeded by R. T. Wilson & Co. He was a director in the Atlanta Savings bank, the rolling mill and other enterprises. He retired from active business in 1886, and settled on his farm near East Point, Ga., where he died in April, 1893. His farming operations have been highly approved-especially the system of terracing and grading, -which has been extensively copied. His wife was Miss Julia Thompson, a daughter of Joseph Thompson, also one of the earliest of Atlanta's citizens. His life was one of unquestioned probity, free from the slightest scandal. In disposition he was modest and retiring. Judge Bleckley once paid him this glowing tribute: "He possessed in a marked degree the instincts, sentiments and principles of a gentleman, and his bearing and deportment were always in harmony with these characteristics. Both internally and externally, both in fact and in appearance he was a true gentleman of the purest and most elevated type. None could know him at all without respecting him, and those who knew him well added to their respect the double tribute of admiration and affection." His mother was a Miss

H. E. W. PALMER.

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Priestly, a granddaughter of Dr. Joseph Priestly, the eminent scientist and dis- coverer of oxygen. Mr. J. T. Orme's mother was a native of South Carolina, who moved to Atlanta with her parents when that city was but a village, and for many years her father was president of the Atlanta Medical college. She died in 1885. Mr. Orme is one of six children, the others surviving are: Richard W., Joseph T., Julia C., and Jane, wife of W. H. Harrington of Rome, Ga.

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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 130

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