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 48

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 48

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

331

BIBB COUNTY SKETCHES.

JOSEPH T. DERRY, professor of languages in the Wesleyan Female college,

Macon, Ga., was born in Milledgeville, on Dec. 13, 1841. His early boyhood was spent in Milledgeville and Eatonton. When he was nine years of age his. parents moved to Charleston, S. C., where they resided for two years. They then moved to Augusta, Ga., which continued to be Mr. Derry's home for twenty-six years. His preparatory instruction for Emory college was obtained in the Augusta schools. In 1859 he entered the junior class at Emory college, Oxford, Ga., from which he was graduated in 1860, with distinction. In the spring of 1861, when the "war between the states" began, Mr. Derry enlisted in the Confederate service, and for four years followed the starry cross of the southern Confederacy. At the close of the war he returned to Augusta and took up the profession of teaching. He was first at the head of a select, classical and English school; next was principal of the Houghton institute, and then for nine years was head of the classical department of the academy of Richmond county. He was holding this last position when he accepted a call to the chair of ancient and modern languages in Wesleyan Female college, Macon, Ga. This position he holds now-1895. Mr. Derry is the author of a school history of the United States, published in 1874; a Guide to Georgia, which appeared in 1878, and a history of the United States for schools, published in 1880, and the Story of the Confederate States, which appeared in May, 1895, and in less than three months reached a second edition. He has also, at different times, contributed valuable articles to Frank Leslie's, The Century and other leading magazines. Prof. Derry was married, Aug. 5, 1862, to Miss Elizabeth D. Osborne, of Augusta. Her great-grandfather, Hon. Henry Osborne, of Camden county, was a delegate to the state convention which ratified the constitution of the United States, Jan. 2, 1788. Prof. and Mrs. Derry have had several children born to them, of whom three are living: Henry P., a leading young physician, Macon; Susie, wife of T. C. Parker, a promising business man, Macon, and George Seney, a bright and promising lad, born in 1881.

WASHINGTON DESSAU, lawyer, Macon, was born in that city, July 24, 1852. His early education was obtained in the public schools, and in 1867 he entered the University of Georgia, at Athens. He was graduated in 1870, and from the law department in 1871. He then returned to Macon, and in October, 1871, entered the law office of Nesbits & Jackson, and was admitted to practice a few months. later. He continued to practice in Macon, and in 1885 formed a partnership with C. L. Bartlett, which continued until Mr. Bartlett went on the bench in 1893, when Mr. Dessau formed a partnership with Robert Hodges. In 1884 Mr. Dessau was presidential elector from the sixth congressional district, and in 1888 was a delegate from the state at large to the National democratic convention. In 1892 he was president of the Georgia Bar association, and has been a member of the state democratic executive committee for two terms.

Mr. Dessau was married, in 1880, to Fanny E., daughter of Edward H. Gilmer, of Montgomery, Ala., a nephew of George R. Gilmer, who was governor of Georgia.

SAMUEL S. DUNLAP is a leading spirit in the industrial life of Macon, Ga., to which city he came, a penniless youth, forty-six years ago. With but an ordinary education, he began his career, in November, 1849, as a clerk in a retail grocery, at $96 per year, and board. For three years he remained in the same position, and even with that insignificant salary was able to save enough to start a very small business of his own. Success attended him from the very start; his business increased, and the war found him on the highway to wealth. Heeding

332

MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

his country's call, Mr. Dunlap joined a cavalry company and served six months as first lieutenant. He then resigned and returned home, where he organized and led to the field, as captain, the Bibb cavalry. This company he uniformed and equipped at his own expense, selling a lot of cotton for the purpose. It is but fair to say that such disinterestedness was repaid by the individual members subse- quently. He participated in many of the hard-fought battles of the war, notably: Second Manassas, Harper's Ferry, Sharpsburg and Gettysburg. In the latter he was seriously wounded in a personal encounter with a Federal officer, and spent several months in the hospital at Richmond. He returned from the war, sick and wounded in body, but not daunted in spirit. Like many others, he found himself without means. Renting a farm, he began its cultivation, and mother nature smiled on his efforts, notwithstanding the fact that only one hand could be used on the plow, the other being carried in a sling. In 1867 Mr. Dunlap concluded to again try a mercantile life, and this time selected the hardware business. Again fortune smiled on him, and he continued to increase his humble beginning, until he is now at the head of one of the largest establishments of the kind in the south, the Dunlap Hardware company being favorably known all over the state.

Mr. Dunlap has always been a man of great enterprise, and instead of allowing his means to accumulate and remain idle, he invested in various industrial and banking institutions. He is president and a leading stockholder in the Macon Agricultural works, president of the Macon Fire Insurance company, a director in each of the three leading financial institutions of Macon, the Exchange Union Savings and Central bank, and a large stockholder in the Southwestern railroad. He also cultivates a magnificently improved plantation of 400 acres, lying within two miles of the city. Mr. Dunlap has been a member of the Methodist church since he was twelve years old, and has always taken part in the active work of that organization. He was for many years superintendent of Mission Sunday school, and is now a member of the board of stewards. A word concerning his family : Samuel S. Dunlap was born in Jasper county, Ga., July 31, 1830. He was the son of David and Hetty (Wingate) Dunlap, his father being a farmer of limited circum- stances. He reared six sons to maturity; five of them did their duty bravely in the army, and two of them are now living, Rev. William C. Dunlap, of Covington, a Methodist preacher of note, being the other. In 1855, May 15, Mr. Dunlap cele- brated his nuptials with Mary A., daughter of J. L. Birgh, of Bibb county, to whoni were born seven children. Six of these are now living, as follows: Nettie, Mrs. H. M. Wortham, Macon; Florence, Mrs. Ashton Stark, Richmond, Va .; Clara, Mrs. Claude Badgely, Albany, N. Y .; Lillia, Mrs. Lewis A. Stevens, Atlanta, Ga .; Ilah, Mrs. Col. Lee A. Jordan, Macon; Samuel S., Jr., at home. In 1873 Mr. Dunlap erected one of the most beautiful homes in the city of Macon, where he lives, surrounded by family and friends, enjoying the means his industry has brought him.

WILLIAM HAMILTON FELTON, JR., present solicitor-general of the Macon circuit, was born on a farm in Macon county, Ga., Sept. 19, 1860, and lived there fifteen years. He was educated at the schools of his native county and at Mercer university, at Macon, Ga., where he graduated with second honors and the degree of A. B. In October, 1878, he entered the law department of the University of Virginia, and took the degree of B. A. there, in July, 1880. He was admitted to the bar in Macon, Ga., Dec. 1, 1880, and immediately opened an office there. A year later he formed a partnership with Tracy Baxter, which continued until 1888, when Mr. Felton was elected solicitor-general. He was re-elected in 1892, for a term ending Jan. 1, 1897. Mr. Felton is one of Georgia's leading

333

BIBB COUNTY SKETCHES.

democratic politicians, always ready and willing to work for the good of his party and his country. He was elected to the legislature in 1886, and served two years, being a member of the following committees: Judiciary, railroads and banks. He is a Mystic Shriner Mason and a Knight of Pythias. He was married, Nov. 28, 1888, to Miss Mary E. Johnston, daughter of the late William B. Johnson. Mr. Fel- ton's father was LeRoy Monroe Felton, a native of Jones county, Ga., a very large planter in Macon county all his life, who died in May, 1894, at the age of sixty-eight years. Mr. Felton, Sr., served repeatedly in both branches of the state legislature. Mr. Felton's grandfather, William Felton, was a North Carolinian, who came to Georgia in his early manhood, about 1815. The Felton family are of English descent.

MATTHEW R. FREEMAN, city recorder of Macon, Ga., was born there Oct. 10, 1837. Receiving his rudimentary and academic education in the schools of that place he entered the Georgia Military institute at Marietta and studied there during the years 1853-4-5, but left on the completion of his junior course. Among his classmates were Gen. P. M. B. Young of north Georgia; Charles H. Olmstead and Charlton N. Way, both of Savannah; John Milledge, state librarian and others prominent in political, judicial and professional circles. On leaving the military institute in 1855 young Freeman returned to Macon and entered the foundry and machine shop of Robert Findley in order that he might learn the machinist's trade. He remained there three and one-half years and at the end of that time commenced to study medicine with the late Dr. M. S. Thompson, after which he graduated at the Southern Medical and Botanical college, now extinct, at Macon. He began the practice of medicine in his native city and prosecuted it with success until in April, 1861, when he followed his company, the Macon guards, an old established division of militia, of which he was first lieutenant, into the field in the Confederate service and was assigned to the Eighth Georgia regiment. This company was afterward known as Company C. Mr. Freeman served as first lieutenant in that company and regiment until the autumn of 1863, when he was made assistant inspector-general on tlie staff of Col. John C. Fizer, and served in that capacity up to the date of Sherman's campaign through Georgia, when he was assigned to the reserve corps of that state with the rank of major. He joined Hardee's brigade and made the campaign of Georgia and the Carolinas, which was terminated by the surrender of Johnston at Greensborough, N. C. He fought in the following battles: First Manassas, dam No. I at Yorktown, Garnett's farm, Malvern Hill, Rappahannock Station, Thoroughfare Gap, Second Manassas, South Mountain, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Knoxville, Tenn., the Wilder- ness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Fort Harrison and Appomattox. After the surrender of Lee Mr. Freeman returned to Macon and for eighteen months engaged in handling cotton and merchandising, which he carried on until 1880. In November of that year he was badly injured in a railroad accident on the Georgia Central, which laid him up in bed for six months and made him an invalid for four years, during which time he was unable to attend to any business. At the suggestion of friends he commenced the study of law and was admitted to the bar May 13, 1887, establishing himself in Macon and opening the practice he now enjoys. In December, 1890, Mr. Freeman was elected recorder of Macon for a term of three years and in 1893 was re-elected for another period of two years, the term of office having been made shorter by the new charter. A stanch demo- crat, he has never taken any active part in politics, but his opinions have weight with the party managers. He is a Knight Templar Mason in the St. Omar com- mandery of Macon and a member of the I. O. O. F., as well as of the uniform

MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

rank, Knights of Pythias. Mr. Freeman was married Feb. 15, 1859, to Fanny E., daughter of the late Dr. A. A. Cullen, Sandersville, Ga., and they have six living children, three sons and three daughters: Azel R .; Harriet G., wife of H. G. Gris- wold, Macon, Ga .; Della S., wife of W. K. Young, Macon, Ga .; E. Walker, Fanny (unmarried) and Augustus C. His father was Azel Roe Freeman, born in New Jersey in 1791, who came to Georgia in 1825 and with his brother settled in Macon, where they built the first brick store-room and entered into business, which they carried on for a number of years. Azel Roe Freeman was for fifteen years clerk and treasurer of the city of Macon and to all intents and purposes the mayor. He was the first steward of Wesleyan Female college in1 1839. At the close of the war he organized the Mechanics' Building and Loan association and the Ocmulgee Building and Loan association in Macon, serving as secretary and treasurer of both these institutions from their inception until his death in 1872. Shortly after he had succeeded in establishing the organizations above mentioned he formed the Home Building and Loan association, occupying the same dual position in it as he held in the two others. He was a devout member of the Mul- berry street Methodist Episcopal church. He was a sergeant in the war of 1812, serving in Capt. David Todd's company, Kentucky mounted militia. Six of his sons fought in the late and other wars. Matthew R. Freeman's service on the field has already been detailed. Thomas S. Freeman was killed at Goliad, Tex., in the war of Texas independence in 1836. He was second corporal in Capt. M. J. Bullock's company, Ward's battalion, Georgia volunteers. Henry C., wlio was a soldier in the Mexican war and lieutenant in a Georgia regiment in the civil war, was in 1864, while stationed at Fort Pulaski, captured near Savannah and sent to Fort Delaware; from there to Johnston's island and was held a prisoner until the war closed. He died in 1865. George C. was in the Confederate treasury de- partment during the civil war. Benjamin P. and Milo S. held positions in the transportation department of the Confederacy during the same period. Matthew R. Freeman and his wife are members of the Mulberry street Methodist Episcopal church and highly esteemed in a large circle of acquaintances.

DR. WILLIAM B. GILMER was born in Macon, Ga., in 1859; was there reared and educated, graduating at Mercer university in 1878, with the degree of A. B. For two years after graduating he was engaged with his uncle, H. J. Lamar, in the wholesale drug business, and then entered the college of physicians and surgeons in New York city, where he graduated in 1884. The same year he passed a competitive examination for interne of Roosevelt hospital and remained there eighteen months. Then he took a second examination and entered the women's hospital and served as interne there for eight months. The following ten months he spent with Dr. Nathan Bozeman, the gynecologist, and with this extended preparation for the practice of his profession returned south and sought a location. Finding none that suited him he returned to New York and practiced there for two and a half years. Dr. Gilmer then came to Macon, remaining eight months, after which he went to Vienna, where he studied in the general hospital for a time and in Prof. Crabach's clinic took a course in obstetrics and gynecol- ogy. From Vienna Dr. Gilmer came to Macon, where he has since made a specialty of gynecology and obstetrics, with miost remarkable success and ever- increasing fame. Dr. Gilmer is a member of the Greek society, Kappa Alpha, and affiliates with the Baptist church. He was married in August, 1888, to Mary, daughter of E. H. Ryder of Nova Scotia. Dr. Gilmer's father, Edwin H. Gilmer, a nephew of the late Ex-Gov. Gilmer of Georgia, was a merchant and planter, who was born in Alabama and died in 1864. The emigrant ancestor of the family

335

BIBB COUNTY SKETCHES.

was Dr. Gilmer, a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, who came to America in 1740, and settled in Virginia. Branches of the family afterward located in North Caro- lina and Alabama. Dr. Gilmer is one of the best read and progressive young physicians in his native state.

G USTAVUS RICHARD GLENN, state school commissioner, and resident of Macon, Ga., is a native of Jackson county, Ga., having been born away from the noise and bustling activity of a city, in a quiet country home, on Dec. 5, 1848. He removed with his parents to Terrell county, Ga., at the age of six years, and in a small schoolhouse located in the neighboring town of Chickasawhatchie, first marshaled his young and immature faculties in the training of the intellect and to the subsequent fullness of his education. He remained here during the four turbulent years of civil strife, and when this was concluded he was sent under the tutorship of Rev. William Park, in Meriwether county, who conducted the Mt. Carmel school. This was a preparatory institution for entrance into the state uni- versity, and young Glenn studied with this purpose in view. Having completed the course he became a student at Athens, graduating in 1871, with an A. B. degree, and after another year, devoting his time to post-graduate work, with an A M. degree-including the entire curriculum of the college. In the fall of 1872, with his diploma in his possession, he went to Columbus, Ga., and for the next three years taught school, establishing two years afterward the Columbus female college, which he managed with exceptional success until the buildings were destroyed by fire in 1884. Then he accepted the professorship of natural science in the Wesleyan female college, located at Macon, Ga., and filled this chair with eminent ability until he resigned in 1892. In the fall of 1893, Mr. Glenn assumed the business man- agership of the "Macon Telegraph," remaining until Dec. 14, 1894. He was then appointed state school commissioner by Gov. W. Y. Atkinson. On July 22, 1875, he was united in marriage to Nellie, daughter of Henry W. Verstille, formerly of Columbus, but now residing in Atlanta. She was a beautiful, talented lady with the admirable characteristics that bless the home life, encourage the husband in his daily labors and comfort when anxieties and vexations fret the disposition. This union has been blessed with ten children, three boys and seven girls. Mr. Glenn affiliates with and is a steward in the Methodist church of Macon, having held this honorable position many years. Although the performance of his professional duties demands his presence in Atlanta, his home is in Macon, Bibb Co., Ga.

HON. DUPONT GUERRY was born at Americus, Sumter Co., on March 26, 1848. His father, Wm. B. Guerry, is a descendant of the French Huguenots, who, many years ago, settled in the state of South Carolina. His mother, whose maiden name was Sarah A. Dixon, is a descendant of a South Carolina family of English extraction.

DuPont Guerry owes his entire education to two years' attendance at the com- mon schools of his native town, and to his father, who aided him materially in his studies. He, therefore, entered upon the duties of life without the advantages afforded by a regular course at college or university.

Before he had attained the age of fifteen years, he volunteered in the military service of the Confederate States, and presented himself ready for the privations of the camp and the perils of the field, as a private in the army of northern Virginia. Much to the regret of this boy-soldier and patriot, he was rejected by Gen. Pendle- ton, on account of extreme youth and smallness of stature. Thus disappointed in his effort to serve his country in the ranks of the noble army mentioned, he turned with manly resolution and hope, to the army then under the command of Gen.

336

MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA

Joseph E. Johnston; but about this time the news reached him that the militia officers of Georgia were called to service, and he joined them, on their organization, at Atlanta. When the militia (proper) were called out, and their reorganization took place, he was elected a lieutenant, although at that period he was scarcely 16 years of age. This opportunity to serve his state was most gratifying to him, and he improved it to the utmost, being ready at all times to give his life for the cause he had espoused. He engaged in the battles, on the right, which were fought at the city of Atlanta, in July, 1864, and there was no soldier who evinced greater gallantry in that army of chivalric men. Those who were eye-witnesses of his valor are enthusiastic in its praise. He was also in the battle of Griswoldville, and more than sustained his reputation for bravery in that contest. When Macon was captured by Gen. Wilson he was in the city, and preferring to escape rather than to be paroled, he and his father and a few others retired from that place after night through the railroad bridge, and succeeded in avoiding capture.

Determining to pursue the profession of law, in which his father was engaged, he accordingly began the study of that science. Devoting himself closely and assiduously to his books, he was, in due time, after a most creditable examination, admitted to the bar, and commenced the practice of the law at Americus, in con- junction with his father, in the year 1870. With the same earnestness, industry and resolution which distinguished him from childhood, and a mind, naturally judicial, well-stored with the eternal principles which constitute the legal science, he entered upon the duties of counsellor and attorney. Although he commenced the practice in the presence of a bar of great ability, he sustained himself from the beginning, and very soon received the most complimentary recognition of his ability and promise from the chief justice and justices of the supreme court of Georgia. His efforts before that tribunal very early marked him out as the peer of the first legal minds of this state, and as the years have passed, he has steadily developed his powers and extended his reputation as a lawyer.

In 1876, he was married to Miss Fannie Davenport, of Americus, a lady of rare beauty and accomplishments, who, having been his playmate in childhood and his friend in youth and early manhood, was a fit companion of his after life. This union has been blessed with four children, whose presence gives cumulative happiness to their home.

His election to the senate in 1880 was a merited compliment from one of the most wealthy and intelligent constituencies in the state. A more able, indefatigable or faithful representative of that district, or of the interests, rights and honor of the commonwealth, could not have been selected. He was a member of the stand- ing committees of the senate on the judiciary, finance, banks, public buildings, railroads and internal improvements, being the chairman of the committee on finance during a great portion of the session of 1881, owing to the providential absence of its distinguished chairman, Hon. R. T. Fouche. He was, in addition, chairman of the joint standing committee on finance, and of the joint special committee, appointed to investigate and devise as to the acceptance of certain irregular United States bonds, which were tendered the state treasurer in payment of the balance due as purchase money for the Macon & Brunswick railroad. He was likewise a member of the joint special committee, appointed to investigate the lease of the Western & Atlantic railroad. Few, if any, senators were placed in so many important positions requiring industry and intelligence, yet he was equal to the task imposed, and discharged every duty cheerfully, promptly, and with great ability. During the session of 1881 he was present at every roll call, and always ready to advocate such measures as he deemed beneficial to the state, or oppose those which he regarded bad in policy or wrong in principle. His opposition to the

337

BIBB COUNTY SKETCHES.

acceptance of the irregular bonds of the United States, was decided. After a full investigation, as chairman of the committee, he presented the majority report, which was adverse to their acceptance, and sustained that report by a speech that has seldom been equaled in the senate of Georgia for clearness and force of argument. He handled the subject like an intellectual giant, making the line of duty so plain that scarcely a senator was left to oppose his views. But for this effort the bonds in question would, in all probability, have been accepted, and a large loss to the people might have resulted.

On the bill introduced by himself to compel the railroads of Georgia to adopt and enforce joint rates, he made a masterly argument. Then, when the Cole charter was before the senate on its final passage, his powers as debater were brought into exercise by the opposition which that measure encountered from the Hon. Henry D. McDaniel, who soon afterward became governor of Georgia. That gentleman desired to subject the bill to a material amendment, and the effort he made to accomplish this purpose met successful resistance only in the argument of Mr. Guerry, which may be truly characterized as overwhelming.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 48

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