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 158

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 158

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W H. M'DONNELL, farmer, Ellerslie, Harris Co., Ga., son of Andrew and Sarah (Thornton) McDonnell, was born in Meriwether county in 1843. His paternal grandfather was a native of Scotland, who emigrated to this country when a young man and settled in Columbia county, Ga., where he married and

J. M. MOBLEY.

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HARRIS COUNTY SKETCHES.

made his home until he died. Mr. McDonnell's father was born in Columbia county, Ga., where he was reared on the farm, and whence he moved to Meri- wether county. His maternal grandfather, James Thornton, was a native Georgian, was a farmer and served in the war of 1812. Mr. McDonnell was reared on the farm, and was given only a limited education. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, Capt. G. W. Knight, later Capt. N. B. Roberts, Fifty-fourth Georgia regiment. Among the battles in which the command participated were: Missionary Ridge, Dalton, Resaca, Cass Station, New Hope church, the defense of Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville-where he received a slight, not disabling wound -- and Bentonville, N. C. After the war he worked on a farm, first for wages, later for himself on rented land until 1879, when he made his first purchase of land. He now owns a good farm and comfortable home, and makes plenty and to spare. A good and industrious citizen, he is content with the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens. Mr. McDonnell was married in 1861 to Miss Catharine Tarvin, born in Harris county in 1842, daughter of Churchwell and Sarah (Phillips) Tarvin. He was born in Columbia county, and moved to Harris county, and settled about the time it was organized. He served as a soldier in the Seminole war. Three of the children which were the fruit of this marriage, are living: Mamie, Minnie and Sallie. He is a master Mason, and himself and wife are consistent members of the Baptist church.

Į A. MIDDLEBROOKS, farmer, Hamilton, Harris Co., Ga., son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Thompson) Middlebrooks, was born in Clarke county, Ga., in 18II. His paternal grandparents, Isaac and Jennie Middlebrooks, were natives of South Carolina, and migrated to Georgia and settled in Clarke county about the beginning of this century. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Middle- brooks' father was born in South Carolina and came to Georgia with his father, was reared a farmer, and in 1829 moved to Harris county. His mother was a daughter of John and Sallie Thompson, members of old Georgia families. Mr. Middlebrooks was reared on the farm and educated at the common schools of the country. He volunteered as a soldier in the Florida war, and served under Capt. Sloan. He also served in the late "unpleasantness" as a member of the state militia. He began life by working on the farms of John Holland, Joel Lockhart, James Kelley and Aaron Goodman. In 1839 he bought a farm, and to this he has constantly added gradually until now his land-holdings are quite large, and are the result of good farming, economy and judicious investment. He is highly esteemed in his community and is remarkably active for a man of his age. Mr. Middlebrooks was married in 1837 to Miss Nancy Hall, born in Harris county in 1822, daughter of Thomas and Martha (Manning) Hall. Of the chil- dren born to them four are living: Thomas, William, George A. and Laura. In 1852 the mother of these, who was an exemplary member of the Baptist church, died, and in 1854 he contracted a second marriage with Miss Martha C. Jenkins, born in Harris county in 1834, daughter of William and Jane Jenkins, who came to Georgia from North Carolina. Of their children three survive: Sallie, Hiram and Robert Lee. Their mother having died, he, in 1880, married Miss Mary Huff, born in Harris county in 1855, daughter of Andrew and Louisa (Davis) Huff. He is a master Mason and himself and wife are members of the Baptist church.

I M. MOBLEY, lawyer, Hamilton, Harris Co., Ga., son of Reuben R. and Gricilla C. (Burford) Mobley, was born in Jones county, Ga., in 1823. His paternal grandparents, Levi and Sarah (Rabb) Mobley, were natives of South

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Carolina, where they were married, and some years afterwards migrated to Georgia and settled in Jones county. He afterwards moved to Alabama, where he lived until he died. He was of Scotch descent, and was a soldier in the patriot army during the revolutionary war. His maternal grandparents, Leonard and Nancy (Smith) Burford, were natives of Virginia, who came to Georgia early in this century, and were among the pioneer settlers of Jones county. He also was a soldier in the revolutionary army. Mr. Mobley's father was born in South Carolina in 1794, came to Georgia with his parents, and grew to manhood on the farm in Jones county. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, was one of the first settlers in Harris county, was a member of the first grand jury, and operated the first cotton gin in the county. He was an enthusiastic and exemplary member of the Meth- odist church, and the first church organized in the county was organized at his home. Mr. Mobley was raised on the farm, and received a very good education for the locality and period, completing it under the preceptorship of A. H. Scott, a prominent teacher of his day. He began the study of law at the age of eighteen, and was admitted to the bar when twenty years of age, by a special act of the general assembly. He established himself in Hamilton, where he has lived ever since, done an extensive practice, won professional distinction, and honorable political positions, and been a prominent and influential promoter of every project or measure promising material or moral improvement and advancement. He earned the money by his practice wherewith to pay for his legal education; and whatever he has attained to professionally, financially, or otherwise, has, under providence, been due to his industry and fidelity to every duty and trust. Before the war he was a member of the general assembly of Georgia four years, and served on the following committees: Judiciary, finance, and banks; and had the honor of serving with Ben H. Hill, Linton Stephens and Francis Bartow, and, professionally, at the bar, with Hill, William Dougherty, Walter T. Colquitt, and other legal luminaries of ante-bellum times. In 1861 he was elected secretary of the senate of Georgia; and, after the war commenced, he served with the state, or home guards, serving on Gov. Brown's staff, with rank of colonel, his principal duty being to secure clothing for the Georgia soldiers in the Confederate army. He, however, saw some active service in the field, participating in the defense of Macon, and in the capture of Gen. Stoneman. He was a member of the con- stitutional convention of 1877, and actively co-operated with Gen. Robert Toombs in inserting the article authorizing the establishment of the board of railroad com- missioners. He also served on the standing committee on counties, and on the general revision committee, of which Gen. Toombs was chairman. In 1888 he was presidential elector for the fourth congressional district, and cast his vote for Grover Cleveland. Thus, it will be seen that his life has been one of great activity and of local and state-wide usefulness, crowned with public approval and appre- ciation, and honorably won distinction. Mr. Mobley was happily married in 1846 to Miss Matilda K., daughter of Benjamin and Nancy (Beck) Henry. Her father was a native of Virginia, closely related to the great revolutionary patriot, Patrick Henry, and served with distinction as captain in the war of 1812. Of the children which blessed this union, six are living: Reuben B .; Sarah A. B., wife of J. M. Kimbrough; Jimmie M., widow of John W. Gamble; James H .; John B., and Lula. His wife was born in Elbert county, Ga., in 1829, was an exemplary member of the Methodist church, and died in 1879. Mr. Mobley is a prominent and distinguished member of the masonic fraternity, having been grand master of the Grand lodge of Georgia four years. He is also a life-long member of the Methodist church, in the service of which, in his sphere, he has lived a life of usefulness. Although the war left him poor, he now enjoys a comfortable competency.

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HARRIS COUNTY SKETCHES.

J. C. MOON, farmer, Cleola, Harris Co., Ga., son of Jesse and Mary (Phillips) Moon, was born in Troup county, Ga., in 1844. His paternal grandfather, Moon, was one of the earliest settlers of Harris county, and his father was a well- known devoted Methodist preacher. Late in life he migrated to Arkansas, where he died. Mr. Moon's mother was a daughter of a Mr. Phillips, whose family were among the early settlers of Elbert county. Mr. Moon was quite young when the family went to Arkansas, where he grew to manhood on the farm, and with exceedingly limited educational advantages. In 1861 he enlisted in a company commanded by Capt. Lewis, which formed a part of an Indian regiment; but was never in a regular engagement. After the war he returned to Harris county and cultivated rented land for many years, making his first purchase in 1874. Since that time he has bought and paid for the excellent farm he now lives on, and is comfortably situated. He is a man of untiring industry, a good farmer, and a well-thought-of citizen. Mr. Moon was married in' 1866 to Miss Elizabeth Milner -born in Harris county in 1849-daughter of L. B. and Sarah J. (Lossen) Milner. He was born in Jasper county, and was a faithful soldier during the late civil war. Of the children which blessed this union, nine survive: Sarah, Jesse H., Hixie, Pearlie, Joseph, Georgia, Sidney, Robert T., and Ben Hill. His wife is a consistent member of the Baptist church.

J. T. PEARSON, farmer, Harris county, postoffice, West Point, Troup Co., Ga., son of James and Caroline (Barron) Pearson, was born in Upson county, Ga., in 1839. His father was of French descent, was born in Georgia, was raised a farmer and continued to be one all his life; served as a soldier in the Florida war, and died in 1866. His maternal grandparents were a Mr. and Mrs. Barron, he being of Irish extraction. Mr. Pearson worked on the farm, and was given the best education obtainable at the historical dirt-floor log school-house, and then engaged in farming. In 1862 he enlisted in Company K, Capt. J. C. Wright, Forty-sixth Alabama regiment, and with his command was in twenty-seven battles -some of them as important and bloody as any fought during the war; among them-Blair's Cross-roads, Baker's Creek, Big Black Creek, Vicksburg, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Dalton, Rasaca, and Nashville. He was captured at Vicksburg, and, after being held five days, was released. He was again captured, at Nashville, and this time was sent to Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, where he was held a prisoner eight months. Returning from the war with nothing, he went to work on the farm, and for a short time was engaged in merchandising. In 1869 he bought his first land, on which he made his permanent home, and to which he has since gradually added, until now he has between 900 and 1,000 acres of land. On his "home-place" he has a large steam ginnery, and on Flat Shoals creek, a large mill and another ginnery. He is enterprising and energetic, keeps abreast of the times in agricultural and kindred improvements, and is fully alive to all measures calculated to develop our resources. Mr. Pearson was married in 1868 to Miss Amanda M. Johnson-born in Harris county in 1843-daughter of Benjamin and Jane (Doddwell) Johnson. Mr. Johnson was born in North Caro- lina, came to Georgia early in life, was one of the earliest settlers in Harris county, and was a soldier in the Florida or Seminole war. Of the children born to them, nine are living: James W., John A., Mary J., Milton H., Annie P., Thomas C., Arthur A., Billie B., and Daniel M. He is a master Mason, and himself and wife are active members of the Baptist church.

M'ALVIN H. SPENCE, farmer, Hamilton, Harris Co., Ga., son of Nathan and Adaline (Reeves) Spence, was born in Rockingham county, N. C., in 1810. His grandparents on his father's side, Nathan and Elizabeth (Quindley) Spence, were

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MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

natives of Maryland; he was a soldier in the patriot army during the revolutionary war-migrated to North Carolina after the war, thence to Georgia, where he lived some years in what is now Jasper county, and ultimately went to Walker county, Ga., where he lived till he died. Mr. Spence's father was born in Maryland, and moved with the family to North Carolina, and thence to Jasper county, Ga. He afterwards moved to Gwinnett county, Ga., where he died. He was a soldier in the last war with Great Britain. His grandparents, on his mother's side, Malachi and Rhoda (Howell) Reeves, were natives of Virginia, in which state they lived all their lives. Mr. Spence worked and grew to manhood on the farm, and was given as good an education as the country schools could afford at the time. He was a volunteer soldier in the Florida war. When he came to Harris county he had only thirty-seven and one-half cents, yet, such was his industry, frugality and extraordinarily good management that in 1860 he had fifty-six negroes, besides his plantation, made up of land he commenced buying in 1834. At the close of the war fifty cents was the sum of his cash capital; but to-day he is regarded as one of the wealthiest and one of the financially strongest of Harris county's citizens. He has made his fortune by attending strictly to his agricultural interests in all their details, and in a way to retain the respect and sincere esteem of his fellow- citizens. He has served the county as a justice of the inferior court. Mr. Spence was married in 1830 to Miss Elizabeth Spence, born in North Carolina in 1812, daughter of James Spence, a native of the same state. Of the children born to them, four survive: James, Adaline, Eliza, Frances. Martha and Mary are deceased. The mother of these having died, he, in 1845, married Miss Martha Milligan. By this marriage three children were born: William, George and Sallie, the last-named the only one living. For his third wife he married Mrs. Elizabeth Ellis in 1892. Mr. Spence is a master Mason, and belongs to the Baptist church, while Mrs. Spence is a member of the Methodist church south.

LYCURGUS L. STANFORD, lawyer and farmer, Hamilton, Harris Co., Ga., son of Nehemiah and Elizabeth (Wyatt) Stanford, was born in Putnam county, Ga., in 1831. His paternal great-grandparents, Joshua and Elizabeth (McGhee) Stanford, were natives of England and Scotland respectively, whence, with a brother of his, they emigrated to this country with Lord Cecil to Maryland, and settled on the eastern shore of Chesapeake bay. He was a soldier in the patriot army during the revolutionary war, was captured and imprisoned on a man-of-war for six months. His brother emigrated south to one of the Carolinas. Mr. Stanford's paternal grandparents, Levin and Eleanor (McGhee) Stanford, were born on the eastern shore of Chesapeake bay, Maryland, migrated to Georgia in 1800, and settled in Warren county, whence, in 1808, they moved to Putnam county, where they lived until they died. Mr. Stanford's father was born in Warren county in 1805, and was raised a farmer, which was his life-pursuit. He was a boy when his father moved to Putnam county, where he lived until 1859, when he moved to Murray county, Ga., where he lived until he died in 1879. His maternal grandparents were Sylvester and Sarah (Mills) Wyatt. He was a native of England, emigrated to this country before the revolutionary war, and settled in North Carolina, was on the committee which drafted the ordinance of separation from Great Britain, and was a soldier in the patriot army during the war for independence. Some years afterward he moved to Paducah, Ky., where he died in 1854. Mr. Stanford was raised on the farm and received his primary education at Jefferson academy in Putnam county. He afterward attended Mary- ville college, Maryville, Tenn., from which he graduated in 1854. In 1857 he was chosen president of the Hamilton Female college, and later went to Cum- berland university, Lebanon, Tenn., from the law department of which he grad-

LYCURGUS L. STANFORD.

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uated in 1859. In 1862 he enlisted in Company B, Capt. B. A. Thornton, Third Georgia cavalry, and after serving two months was commissioned as captain of Company K, same regiment. With his command he participated in many engage- ments, many of them bloody and important; among them: Bridgeport, Vinegar Hill, Munfordville, Perryville, Crab Orchard, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, and Resaca. At the last-named battle, May 14, 1864, he was captured and sent to Johnson's island, where he was detained as a prisoner for about thirteen months, reaching home, after his release, in July, 1865. He at once entered upon the prac- tice of the law, and has unintermittedly pursued it since, growing in reputation, with a clientage all the time gradually increasing in volume, value and influence. In 1868 he was elected a member of the constitutional convention; and in 1877 was elected to represent the county in the general assembly, and again in 1881. Mr. Stanford was married in 1854 to Miss Maggie, daughter of John and Sarah (Smith) Henry, of east Tennessee. She died in 1858, leaving two sons, Jno. C., who died in 1879, aged twenty-four, and Wm. H., who died in 1893, aged twenty-six. Her father was a native Virginian and a near relative of Patrick Henry, the eloquent Virginia patriot. Later in life he moved to Tennessee, where he became very prominent. In 1859 Mr. Stanford married Miss Maggie A. Passmore-born in Harris county in 1836-daughter of James and Nancy (Lester) Passmore. She died in 1862, leaving one living child, Maggie, wife of J. H. Brawner. In 1865, for his third wife, he married Miss Marietta Walker-born in Muscogee county, Ga., in 1836-daughter of James and Lucinda (Ferguson) Walker. She died early in 1882, leaving one child, Lycurgus W. Late in the same year he was married to Miss Eliza C. Walker-born in Muscogee county-sister of his last wife, by whom he has had one child, James L. He is an enthusiastic member of the masonic fraternity, and worshipful master of the local lodge. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist church. In 1894 Mr. Stanford was a prom- inent candidate for congress from the fourth district, and in the convention held at Warm Springs, Ga., Aug. 13-16, 1894, was only defeated after the 365th ballot by the present incumbent, Hon. C. L. Moses, of Coweta county. Mr. Stanford is one of the active politicians of the state, and is now and has been since its organization, president commander of Harris county, Ga., camp of Con- federate Veterans.

WILLIAM H. THOMPSON, farmer, Cataula, Harris Co., Ga., son of John W. and Melinda (Thorp) Thompson, was born in Muscogee county, Ga., in 1837. His grandparents, James M. and Susan (Meadows) Thompson, were born on board ship on the ocean, while their parents were on the voyage to America. Their parents settled in Virginia; but after they reached maturity they migrated early in this century to Georgia, and settled in Jones county. He was a captain in the war of 1812, and was killed in battle during the war. Mr. Thompson's father was born in Jones county in 1809. He was a farmer, and worked also at mill-wrighting. In 1836 he moved to Muscogee county, which he made his home until he died. He was a soldier in the Florida or Seminole war. His maternal grandparents were William and Martha (Davis) Thorp. He was born in Vir- ginia, but early in life came to Georgia and settled in Twiggs county and made it his permanent home. He also served in the Indian war. Mr. Thompson was raised on the farm and educated at Marshall college. In 1862 he enlisted in Company B, Capt. Pride, Thirty-first Georgia regiment, and with his command participated in many battles, among them Chancellorsville, seven days' fight around Richmond, and second Manassas. At this last-named battle he was severely wounded and had to come home. He has since devoted himself to his

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farming interest, is progressive and prosperous, and ranks among the best farmers in Harris county. He was elected justice of the peace many years ago, and still holds the office. Mr. Thompson was married in 1859 to Miss Georgia Mckay- born in Harris county in 1840-daughter of John and Mary (Watt) Mckay. He was born (of Scotch descent) in North Carolina, was a farmer, and came to Georgia and settled in Harris county, where he attained to considerable prom- inence. Of the children which were the fruit of this union six survive: Willie, Mattie, Fannie B., John W., Eugene, and Marshall J. He is a master Mason and himself and wife are members of the Baptist church.

HART COUNTY.

WILLIAM A. HILLIARD, farmer, Bowersville, Hart Co., Ga., son of Bart- lett and Mildred (Duncan) Hilliard, was born in South Carolina in 1825. His paternal grandparents, Armisted and Dorcas (Williams) Hilliard, were natives of Virginia, whence they migrated early in life to South Carolina. He was of English lineage, and was a soldier in the patriot army during the revolutionary war. Mr. Hilliard's father was born in Lancaster district, S. C., was raised a farmer and continued to be one all his life. In 1852 he moved to Georgia, of which he became a life-long citizen. His maternal grandparents were Jesse and Rebecca (Farrell) Duncan, natives of North Carolina, where they spent their lives. Mr. Hilliard was raised on the farm and was educated to a limited extent in the near-by country schools. In 1862 he enlisted as a member of Beauregard battery, Martin's battalion, Smith's brigade. Among the important battles in which his command participated were: Charleston, Jackson, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Kennesaw mountain, around Atlanta, Jonesboro, Franklin, and Nashville-remaining in the service until the surrender. Mr. Hilliard is an indus- trious and excellent farmer, owns a good 400-acre farm under good cultivation and supplied with substantial out-buildings; and owns, besides, considerable valuable town property. He devotes all his time to his farm and to liome life, beloved by his family and much respected by his neighbors. Mr. Hilliard was married in 1847 to Miss Mary-born in South Carolina in 1824-daughter of David and Mary (Smith) Lee. He was a native of Virginia, was highly educated, and for many years a practicing lawyer. He migrated to South Carolina, and subsequently relinquished the law and engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Hilliard have seven children living: Rebecca Brown, David L., William B., John B., Mary Cole, Perry G., and Jersey S. He is a member of the masonic fraternity, and himself and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist church.

F. M. GAINES, farmer, Coldwater, Hart Co., Ga., son of Francis and Diodema (Hailey) Gaines, was born in Elbert county, Ga., in 1837. His paternal grand- parents were R. T. and Sallie (Alexander) Gaines. He was born in Virginia, left his family and came to Georgia when a youth and settled in the woods in Elbert county. He used to tell his family afterward that when he came to the county the country was so densely overgrown with pea-vines that it was difficult to travel. Mr. Gaines' father was born in Elbert county and was raised a farmer. After farming some years he added general merchandising to his farming and

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HART COUNTY SKETCHES.

accumulated much property. His maternal grandparents were John and Mary (Underwood) Hailey. He was a farmer, and a son of William Hailey, who died in Elbert county in 1817. Mr. Gaines grew to manhood on the farm, with very meager educational advantages. In 1862 he enlisted in Company I, Capt. Eber- hart-later Capt. James Sanders-Ninth Georgia battalion, afterward the Thirty- seventh Georgia regiment. With his command he was engaged in some of the most important battles of the war-Tazewell, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Dal- ton, Resaca (where he was wounded), the siege of Atlanta, Nashville, etc., and remained with the army until the surrender. Mr. Gaines started in life with nothing. He, however, bought a plantation for $3,500, and paid for it in two years. He has continued to prosper, and now owns a splendid tract of land of about 1, 100 acres, two fine mills-one in Hart and one in Elbert county; has a guano factory, and owns stock in the Hartwell bank. His very remarkable success gives evidence of great nerve at the beginning, and industry and energy sustained by unusually good judgment in the investment of his profits. Mr. Gaines was married in 1867 to Miss Emily, daughter of Lawrence and Lucy (Teasley) Adams. He was a native and well-to-do farmer of Elbert county, where he died. Early in 1868 Mrs. Gaines died, leaving one child, Lawrence. Late in that year he married Miss Ducilla Adams-born in Elbert county in 1844-by whom he had seven children: Frank, Lucy, John, Diodema, Francis J., Ducilla, and Mollie. The inother of these died in 1887; and in 1888 he contracted a third marriage with Miss Kate-born in LaGrange, Ga., in 1862-daughter of Dr. Sydney and Eliza- beth (Tatum) Little. Dr. Little was born in Putnam county and located and practiced medicine in Troup county, Ga., many years, and died in LaGrange. By this last marriage Mr. Gaines has had four children born to him: Marion L., Christine, Sydney D., and Seth M. Mr. Gaines is a member of the masonic fraternity.

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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 158

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