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 134

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 134

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FRANK P. RICE, was born in Claremont, N. H., Oct. 28, 1838. His parents who were of English and Welsh extraction and descendants from revolutionary ancestors, were natives of Vermont. They came to Georgia when their son, Frank P. Rice, was only nine years of age, and located in Atlanta, which was then in its infancy, having a population of about 1,200 or 1,500. Impressed by his father with the necessity and the duty of industry, he began, when a mere boy, to grapple with the stern realities of life as a vender of newspapers and such other articles as were readily sold about the passenger depot and on the streets of Atlanta. Many . of the old people who knew him in his boyhood bear testimony to his energy and industry. The quality of a business man, exemplified in his childhood, has proved a distinguishing characteristic of his subsequent life. When eighteen years of age

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he conceived the purpose of learning a trade, and soon, with the consent of his father, bound himself for three years and a half to Mr. William Kay of Atlanta, to acquire a knowledge of the art of book binding. The contract of apprenticeship was signed in due form, placed properly on record, and faithfully obeyed until the term of his service ended and he was an acknowledged master of his trade. His faithful observance of every obligation as an apprentice was illustrative of his future life, in which he has been true to all of his contracts, never having suffered a debt to remain unpaid a day beyond its maturity, or violated any agreement into which he has entered at any time. The skill he had attained, and his habits of industry and temperance, soon secured him a good situation at fair wages. Atlanta was then making her first strides in the path of her "manifest destiny," and Mr. Rice, with keen perception, saw opportunities to accumulate money more rapidly by abandoning his trade. He, therefore, decided to hold it in reserve for possible emergencies, and engaged in the business of contracting for stone masonry and other work of material improvement, then greatly in demand in the growing young city. In this business he exercised a faultless judgment and realized good profits on all of his contracts. When scarcely arrived at manhood he undertook, by contract, to construct all of the stone work required on the line of the Savannah, Griffin & North Alabama railroad, and carried out his agreement with fidelity and to the satisfaction of the railroad company. On Aug. 2, 1861, he was most happily married to a daughter of the Rev. I. G. Mitchell of Atlanta, who has ever proved a noble and devoted helpmate. Their first child, a son, died in early infancy. Their second son, Mr. Charles F. Rice, a young man of true promise, and their only surviving child, occupies the position of deputy clerk of the city of Atlanta. Every dollar that Mr. Rice realized, in excess of his family expenses, was invested in Atlanta city property. With his habitual foresight he discovered her future prospects and felt safe in putting his surplus earnings in her real estate. When the war of the states came on he joined the Third regiment of state troops, and was chosen lieutenant of Company B of that regiment. At the conclusion of his military services he was appointed special agent of the Atlanta & West Point railroad, in which position he was vigilant, faithful and successful. As a consequence of war, Atlanta was laid in ruins. Thousands returned to find their once fair city a literal mass of bricks and ashes. Among the number who resolved to rebuild and advance the city far beyond her previous attainments was Frank P. Rice. Still confident of her great future he went to work with energy, and from that day to the present has labored to promote her varied interests, material or otherwise. No citizen has accomplished more in this respect than Mr. Rice. Considering the contemplated Air Line railroad (now the Rich- mond & Danville) an important auxiliary to the growth and general prosperity of Atlanta, he gave his influence freely to the success of this enterprise, and before its completion purchased large bodies of land along the surveyed line of this road, giving the right of way through his purchases. When this road was finished he embarked extensively in the milling and lumber business on its route, and for eighteen years prosecuted this enterprise with great profit, furnishing a large portion of the lumber used in building up the city. The Georgia Western railroad, designed to connect Atlanta with the coal fields of Alabama, and to constitute an artery of general travel and transportation, had been chartered and was a hopeful project for the Gate city. After years of delay and doubt as to its completion, the charter became the property of a syndicate interested in its defeat. . Mr. Rice comprehended their plan and determined, if possible, to checkmate it. To accomplish this purpose he, with some others, prepared and procured a charter for a railroad passing from Atlanta to Alabama in the same general direction, and

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having corresponding privileges to those granted the Georgia Western railroad. When the syndicate owning the old charter saw that a road would be built under the new charter, they sold their franchise and the Georgia Pacific was completed under the latter grant, accomplishing for Atlanta all that was anticipated from the Georgia Wesern. Mr. Rice contributed largely to this splendid result. The entry of Mr. Rice into the political arena was mainly due to the fact of having devoted his influence for years to political advancement of friends. Anxious for their success, he applied himself to the study of "men and measures," and soon became one of the best informed citizens in regard to the material, financial and political questions of the day. Naturally modest, he regarded the knowledge he had acquired and the influence he possessed as the property of others who sought political preferment, and was always ready to aid in the election of those whom he considered most devoted to, and most able to promote the interests of the city, county, state or republic. He was, therefore, frequently appointed as a delegate to political conventions to nominate candidates for city, county, state and federal offices. It is a known fact that his friends were always successful. But the time came when observant men, impressed with his popularity and capacity for use- fulness as a representative citizen, urged him to become a candidate, in 1871, for councilman of the city of Atlanta. He consented and was elected triumphantly. In 1873, 1875 and 1887 he was re-elected to the same office. His majority over his opponents was in each instance large, for he received the support of the people without regard to color, condition or party, although he had always been an avowed democrat. This demonstrated the high esteem in which he was held, an esteem resulting from his just, charitable life. Mr. Rice assisted in establishing the splendid system of public schools which has proved so great a blessing to the children of Atlanta, and so important a factor in the increase of her population and wealth. The first appropriation of $100,000 to this grand educa- tional conception received his favor and his vote. No one has been more in sympathy with the policy of general education, nor has any one proved a more earnest advocate of the most liberal system of free schools that could be supported by the people. He has uniformly given his influence to Atlanta's educational system, so adjusted as to distribute its benefits equitably to the children of the several wards without respect to race or color. As councilman he has always been placed on the most important committees, such as finance, tax, public prop- erty and others, involving the greatest amount of practical work in behalf of the material interests of the city. He has invariably favored the judicious application of available funds to the solid improvements, embracing streets, water works, sewerage, etc., and has also given his aid to the organization of an efficient fire department and an effective police force. Mr. Rice was one of the organizers of Atlanta's board of health, and was a member of that board continuously for nine years. During this long period of service no one was more vigilant in looking after the healthfulness of the city, and no one evinced greater wisdom in sug- gesting and enforcing hygienic rules to preserve the public health. When the question of locating the state capital was submitted to the people of Georgia, Mr. Rice, as a member of the citizens' committee, labored most zealously in behalf of Atlanta, and deserves, with others of that committee, credit for the result that followed, viz .: the selection of Atlanta as the capital of the state. In the year 1880 he was elected to the house of representatives from Fulton county, defeating his opponent by a very large majority, and leading all other candidates in the race by several hundred votes. He was regarded as one of the most industrious and. practical members of the house and pursued a course that gave him the highest standing with the members of that body, affording by all his actions and votes

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great satisfaction to his constituents. As a consequence he was elected to suc- ceed himself in 1882, the term of service being two years. During his member- ship of the house of representatives, he was placed upon many important standing committees, among which may be mentioned the committees on finance, corporations, railroads, public property and military affairs. He was also ap- pointed as a member of several special committess of importance, such as the committees to draft and report a general railroad law and to redistrict the state. During the session of 1880 a bill was introduced by a member of the house to provide for the building of a new capitol of the state in Atlanta. This measure was defeated, notwithstanding the ability with which it was advocated. Its defeat had the effect to place the location of the capital again in a condition of uncertainty, many regarding the action of the house as an expression of public sentiment, indicating danger to Atlanta. In 1882 Mr. Rice, impressed with the very great importance of finally settling the capital question in favor of the Gate city, resolved to devote all of his influence to the passage of a bill providing for the building of a state capitol which would satisfy the people and prove equal to the demands of the commonwealth. Actuated by this purpose, he went into council with his own mind, studying the question earnestly and critically. He then, unaided by any one, prepared a bill which commanded the approval of his judgment'and introduced it in the house of representatives on Nov. 3, 1882. For this measure he labored day and night until it received the executive sanction on Sept. 8, 1883. To say that he was untiring in the advocacy of this bill and that he watched every step of its progress, with sleepless vigilance is but to state an un- deniable truth. Although unaided in the preparation of the bill, in the work of passing it to a law, it became necessary to command the support of a majority of each branch of the general assembly, and it was for this object that he gave his influence. He followed the measure to the finance committee of the house, to which it was referrred, urging a favorable report with all the zeal and ability possible, and having gained his point there, followed it back to the house, where its passage was secured by his able advocacy. Still inspired by his resolve to make this bill a law, he pursued it into the senate, and having no voice or vote in that body, he used every influence in his power with the finance committee and with individual senators to insure its success. It was the offspring of his own brain which he was determined to foster and conduct to final triumph. In the interims of legislative sessions he called upon members of the house and senate, in detail, urging the importance of settling the capital question and passing his bill. If any legislator ever deserved credit for a legislative enactment Mr. Rice deserves the gratitude of the people of Atlanta and the state at large for his achievement in this case. It gave to Georgia a splendid capitol which is the pride of every citizen and the subject for the admiration of all visitors. It was built at smaller cost than any similar building on this continent and without any extra appropria- tion. The history of this bill from its preparation to its introduction into the house, and its passage by both branches of the general assembly, shows the capacity of its author to conceive its many details and his power to conduct it over strong opposition to ultimate success. To accomplish this result it was necessary to combat a multitude of arguments based on sectional prejudices or timid fears. It was known that the passage of the measure would fix the capital in Atlanta, thus defeating the hopes of all rival localities, and many were fearful that the taxpayers would disapprove the imposition of an additional tax to meet the expenses of construction. Mr. Rice, convinced that the interests of Atlanta and of the entire state would be advanced greatly by deciding the question as to the location of the capital at the Gate city, worked as if inspired to accom-

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plish the result. He was resolved that the decision of the people in favor of Atlanta should not be revoked. It is now known and appreciated how ably and triumphantly he served Atlanta and Georgia in this emergency. Mr. Rice also introduced and .conducted to a successful issue, the bill by which that great corporation, the East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia railroad, was chartered. The importance of this road and its vast benefits to Atlanta and the state cannot be overrated. He was a member of the special committee that framed and reported to the house the present railroad law of Georgia, and gave him his influence to its enactment. During both of his terms of service in the house of representa- tives he answered to every roll-call and was present at every meeting of the com- mittees of which he was a member. All who were associated with him then will bear testimony to his constant industry, his keen perception of every measure of legislation and his watchfulness of everything which directly or indirectly affected the interests of his constituents or the people of the state at large. On questions of finance, taxation, education and internal improvements his opinions were always sought, for his judgment was considered an unerring guide. As a con- sequence his views were generally impressed on the reports of the committees of which he was a member. In 1882 he was one of a committee of the general assembly appointed to visit and report upon the technological schools of the north. For some time he had considered the establishment of such a school for Georgia. When the committee returned his zeal in behalf of this measure was greatly increased. The visit referred to was the beginning of a movement by the legislature which resulted in the establishment of a technological school in Atlanta for the state. This institution has proved of great practical benefit to Georgia. The young men who graduate from this school go out as thoroughly educated and scientific mechanics and engineers, capable of supervising mining, manufacturing and other enterprises of their state and the development of her varied resources. The history of Mr. Rice is intimately joined with that of this great educational institution and he feels a just pride in the fact that he so earn- estly and successfully labored for its establishment. On Oct. 3, 1888, Mr. Rice was elected to the state senate from the thirty-fifth senatorial district, composed of the counties of Cobb, Clayton and Fulton, and served in the capacity of senator during the years 1888 and 1889. In this campaign he had a severe contest. He defeated his opponent in the primary election by a majority of more than 500 votes.

Although placed before the people as the democratic standard-bearer of the dis- trict, he was opposed by an independent candidate who used every effort in his power to secure his own success. The election of Mr. Rice by a majority of about 1,500 votes was the result. Entering upon his senatorial duties he was appointed as chairman of the committees on corporations and public property and as a mem- ber of the committees of finance, railroads and auditing. The committee on corporations did more work during the sessions of 1888 and 1889 than any other. and much of the business that came before it was of great importance, involving in many cases intricate questions of law. He evinced his customary industry and sound discretion, acquitting himself with distinction. Many of the bills which were referred to that committee were in conflict with the constitution of the state. None of these escaped the critical observation of the chairman, but were reported back to the senate, with a clear expression of his views, which in every instance were approved and confirmed by that body. Always present at the meetings of the committees of which he was chairman or a member, the impress of his opin- ions was generally stamped on every report. He was a member of the special committee that framed the bill providing for the present lease of the Western & Atlantic railroad, and aided in its passage through the senate. This was a meas-

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ure of importance to the people of Georgia, resulting in a lease of the Western & Atlantic, or state road, for a term of twenty years at an annual rental of $420,000. In 1891 Mr. Rice was elected an alderman of the city of Atlanta and served as such for three years. During this period he rendered most efficient and beneficial service to the city. As chairman of the finance and tax committees he was un- tiring in his efforts to advance the financial interests of Atlanta. His reports as chairman of the committees mentioned, submitted in 1892, show a perfect familiarity with the city's resources. A fund of information is contained in each of these reports, which could have been obtained only after a degree of investi- gation which no other person but Mr. Rice was likely to have performed. These reports are tabulated and comparative, showing the property, resources, etc., of the city, not only for the year of the reports, but of previous years, so that at a glance the true financial status of Atlanta could be known. The report of the tax committee presents a comprehensive view of the material improvements of the city, such as street paving, sewerage, the amount of taxes levied and collected, amount of taxes in default and contains many wise suggestions in regard to the policy which should be pursued by the municipal authorities. It is a most cred- itable fact that under his administration as chairman of the finance committee all of the current expenses of the city in 1891 were paid from her income, leaving a clear surplus of $16,300. The current expenses of the year 1892 were also paid from the city's income, leaving at the end of the year a surplus of $6,300. During his aldermanic term, as chairman of the tax committee, large sums were added to the annual receipts of the city treasury. The splendid bridge which spans the railroad excavation on Forsyth street is mainly due to the influence of Mr. Rice. It was his conception and he gave his advocacy to the measure. As one of the committee to whom the execution of the plan was confided, he worked with his usual zeal and energy until its completion and formal delivery to the authorities of Atlanta. Mr. Rice is a member of the board of directors of the International and Cotton States exposition, and also a member of the executive committee. No one connected officially with this grand enterprise is more thoroughly determined to make it an eminent success, and no one is doing more to insure this result. He is devoting his entire time during the year 1895 to the advancement of the various details of the exposition and all who know him will be more hopeful because of this fact. The parents of Mr. Rice were educated, intelligent and moral. They took special care to impress him with correct rules of life. Yielding cheerfully to their advice and instruction, he has pursued a moral, honorable, conscientious and charitable career. About ten years ago he became a member of the First Methodist church of Atlanta, and very soon thereafter was chosen as one of the stewards of that church. He often expresses regret that he deferred this step so long, but since his membership has been a zealous worker in the cause of Chris- tianity. By frequent judicious investments and close attention to business, Mr. Rice has become one of the most wealthy men of Atlanta. He owns a large amount of central and well-improved city property, from which he derives a handsome income, and has invested much money in lands near, but beyond the corporate limits. A strong faith in the future growth of Atlanta, which he still entertains, caused him to invest in suburban lands. It is a remarkable fact that although he has made a great number of sales of real estate in and around At- lanta, there has never followed therefrom a single legal controversy. This indi- cates his customary care in the examination of titles and an integrity that avoids everything that savors of unfairness. He has certainly demonstrated that a man may become rich while scrupulously preserving his honor. For many years he has been a close student. He has one of the best selected libraries in Atlanta.

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Every volume is a treasure, while the whole comprises all that a gentleman may need to fit him for usefulness in social, business or political life, or to gratify his taste for history, poetry and romance. All of his books are printed and bound in elegant and substantial style, so that they will last for generations with careful use. He is devoted to his library and has already gained therefrom a fund of varied and useful information, constituting him one of the best posted men in Georgia. Naturally modest, he makes no display of knowledge which is not necessary for practical purposes, though versed in all matters pertaining to the past or the present. Mr. Rice has been quite an extensive traveler, and has learned much by this means. A close observer and strong thinker, he has gath- ered information in passing from place to place and country to country. As a financier and politician, as well as a legislator, he deserves to be ranked with the most distinguished citizens of Georgia. By his life work he has demonstrated intrinsic virtues and powers that challenge the respect, approval and admiration of all worthy and appreciative people. Already he has accomplished as much real good for Atlanta and the state as any man who can be mentioned, and he is still in the meridian of life with the prospect of many years of usefulness. His familiarity with the financial and political history and interests of state and na- tional governments fits him for great achievements and higher honors. It is no exaggeration to say in a quaint and popular phrase, that he is the "best all around man" in Georgia. From the beggar on the streets to the president in his mansion, he is the same-always genial and cordial, and ready to speak or act as becomes an intelligent and noble man. Promotion makes no change in his demeanor, and whether he meets the rich or the poor, he wears the same kindly expression, willing to listen to the wants of all without discrimination. As councilman, alder- man, representative or senator, he could be approached by all of his constituents with perfect freedom, and with full confidence that he would hear and consider their wishes carefully and practically. To the reader is left the work of collating his excellencies as they may appear in this imperfect sketch. An impartial review of his record will reveal him as an honorable, good and eminently useful man, who has done his utmost to serve his city, county and state, and advance the welfare of each. Those who know him best have unlimited confidence in his integrity and judgment, and many consult him on all questions affecting their interests. Such a man cannot hide himself from an intelligent and appreciative public, nor should he resist their call to higher political positions.

WILLIAM GILKES RICHARDS was born in London, England, Feb. II, 1837 (the year of Victoria's coronation). In 1843 the family emigrated to Penfield, Ga. There were four boys and one girl-William being next the young- est; the eldest being the late Robert H. Richards, one of the founders, and at the time of his death vice-president of the Atlanta National bank. In his younger days William was a clerk in a book store, then bcing kept by his elder brother in La Grange, Ga. In 1856 he entered the Georgia railroad shops in Atlanta as an apprentice to the machinist trade. In 1859 he went on the road, and excepting short intervals in the shops, his life was on the foot-board of a locomotive until 1875, when he was elected engineer of the water works then being erected at South River. In 1878 he was elected superintendent, a position which he has held ever since. He has devoted the best twenty years of his life in earnest labor for the wel- fare of this department. In 1860 Mr. Richards married Miss M. J. Haynes, whose parents were among the very first to settle in Atlanta, having located here in Feb- ruary, 1843. His family consists of Robert H. Richards, residing in New York city; Mrs. Charles B. Wallace, Jr., of Atlanta, Ga .; Mrs. Wm. Lyon Wallace, Jack- I-58

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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 134

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