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 75

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 75

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515

COLUMBIA COUNTY SKETCHES.

H. A. MERRY, a merchant and farmer at Berzelia, Columbia Co., was born in Washington, Wilkes Co., Ga., in 1831, a son of Bradford and Ann (Bruckner) Merry. He received a fair education and began life as a clerk in the store of . Beers & Roberts, and afterward with Cress & Hickman. In 1853 he began busi- · ness for himself at Berzelia. In 1861 he moved to Augusta and engaged in the dry-goods business until 1862, when he sold out and enlisted in the Confederate army. He served on detail duty as a manufacturer of shoe lasts, bunks and boxes until the last year of the war, when he went into active service and was engaged in the battles around Savannah. After the close of the war he returned to Ber- zelia and did business two years, then went to Dalton and lived two years, thence to Augusta and engaged in the produce and commission business, when he returned to Berzelia, where he has been doing business ever since. In 1857 Mr. Merry married Miss A. V. Holmes, daughter of James and Lucinda (Gibson) Holmes. They have nine living children. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church; he is a Mason, and is a highly respected citizen, and holds the honorable position of president of the county board of education. His father, Bradford Merry, was born in New Bedford, Mass., in 1799, moved to Georgia in 1820, and settled in Wilkes county as a saddle and harness maker. He also engaged in farming and owned slaves. Mr. Merry's mother was a daughter of Daniel Bruckner, who was born in Switzerland, ran away from home when a boy, and went to England, where he served in the navy. He afterward came to America and first settled in Charleston, S. C., but subsequently moved to Wilkes county, Ga., and went to farming. He served as clerk of the court several years.

WILLIAM T. WALTON, farmer, Kiokee, Columbia Co., Ga., son of Jesse S. and Palatiah (Jones) Walton, was born in Columbia county in 1836. His paternal great-grandfather was a native of England and emigrated to this country and settled in Virginia about the middle of the last century. His grandparents were William and Sallie (Grinnage) Walton, natives of Virginia. They migrated to Georgia in 1790 and settled in Columbia county, where he prosperously planted all his life. He was a soldier in the patriot army during the revolutionary war, and for his services drew some land in Kentucky. To pay the taxes on this he was accustomed to go there every year on horseback. He was surveyor of Co- lumbia county and held the office many years. Mr. Walton's father was born in Columbia county, was raised a planter and made it a life pursuit with marked success. His maternal great-grandfather, Jones, was a native of Wales, England, and emigrated to this country before the revolutionary war. His mother was a daughter of Ellis, son of the above, and Mary (Pinson) Jones. He was born in Columbia county, near where Harlem now stands, was a large planter, and grew to be what was considered wealthy in his day, and became a leading, influential citizen. Mr. Walton was raised on the plantation and received a collegiate educa- tion, graduating in 1856. In 1864 he enlisted in Terrell's artillery company, but in a short time left the service on account of ill health and returned home. He has since devoted himself to planting, and has been content with its pleasures and profits. He is the proprietor of a large estate and is a leading citizen of the county, in which he is held in high esteem. Mr. Walton was married in 1860 to Miss Mary-born in Columbia county in 1841-daughter of Benjamin Berry, a native of Maryland. His father was a native of England, and emigrated to this country and settled in that state. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Walton seven survive: Emma, wife of Thomas B. Dozier; Benjamin B., William T., Pollie E., Francis J., Eloise M. and Ruth. Himself and wife are active mem- bers of the Methodist church.

516

MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

COLQUITT COUNTY.

EDWARD H. BRYAN, Moultrie, Ga., is a son of Rev. J. H. Bryan, a Meth- odist minister, and a member of the South Georgia and Florida conference, and was born in Lowndes county, Ga., April 21, 1840. Mr. Bryan was educated mainly at the Masonic seminary, Madison, Fla. In 1861 he enlisted in the First Florida regiment, but was subsequently transferred to the First Florida battalion. Having been wounded at Shiloh, he was granted a six months' furlough, on the expiration of which he rejoined the army. He was again wounded at the battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn., in a charge made under Breckinridge. After his recov- ery Mr. Bryan served in the quartermaster's department until the end of the year, when he joined the Second Florida cavalry, Col. Smith commanding, and was in the battle of Ocean Pond, under Gen. Alfred H. Colquitt. During his service he filled acceptably the offices of second sergeant and sergeant major. When, at last, the end came, Mr. Bryan engaged in farming in Mitchell county for three years; then for several years taught school in the counties of Worth and Colquitt. In 1877 he entered the office of the ordinary of Colquitt county as deputy, and at the same time held the office of commissioner of education. After serving as county treasurer two years Mr. Bryan served as clerk of the superior court eight years. He now holds the office of freight and ticket agent of the Boston & Albany railway. In 1864 Mr. Bryan was married to Emily, daughter of Allen C. Sellers, of Mitchell county. He has four children living-two sons and two daughters. The oldest daughter married J. E. Hornsby, Moultrie; the other children, John, born in 1872; Mattie, born in 1876, and Edward R., born in 1890, are with their parents. In 1877 Mr. Bryan was ordained at Hopewell church, Moultrie, Ga., a minister of the Baptist church, in which sacred relation he is rendering faithful service. For seventeen years or more he has been zealously identified with Sunday school work.

WILLIAM B. DUKES, merchant, Moultrie, Colquitt Co., Ga., was born in what is now Brooks county, Ga., Jan. 13, 1856. His father, Edward C. Dukes, who was a farmer, died in the year he was born. He was reared and worked on the farm, and at intervals attended the near-by common schools of the county until 1874, when, at the age of eighteen years, he went to Thomas county, Ga., to engage in the saw-milling business. A few years later, having saved some money, he borrowed a small additional sum from a Thomasville firm and with limited capital embarked in a general merchandising business on a small scale at Chastain, in Thomas county, in a little 16x25 tenement. He at- tended closely to his business, worked hard and "kept store" all alone. He suc- ceeded beyond his most sanguine expectations and had to enlarge the store, and a little later he had to enlarge it still more. But his business kept on increasing, until to meet all its demands he determined to establish a business in Moultrie. Accordingly in 1894 he opened a general merchandise store, and well-stocked furniture store, and in connection with these a drug store, conducted under the firm name of Dukes & Smith. Receiving a partner at Chastain, the business was continued there under the name of W. M. Adams & Co. In addition to these he has a store in another part of the county. He has large and well-assorted stocks at all his places of business and gives employment to a large number

WOBDukg

517

COWETA COUNTY SKETCHES.

of clerks. Beginning with very limited capital-part borrowed at that-he has been remarkably successful and prosperous, and ranks among the most substan- tial men in South Georgia. Comparatively young, energetic and enterprising, and of tried integrity, the success which has so far attended him gives promise of a most brilliant business future and great wealth. Mr. Dukes was married in 1880 to Miss Ella I., daughter of Ellison Dekle, of Thomas county, by whom he has had four children: Boyd, born in 1882; Effie Lee, born in 1884; Hallie, born in 1886, and a son, born in September, 1894.

ALVIN B. PETERS, M. D., was born in Lowndes county, Ga., July 27, 1866, and is the son of W. L. Peters, a prosperous farmer now living in Berrien county. The only educational advantages enjoyed by Dr. Peters were those of the common schools of the county. Thus meagerly equipped he entered the medical department of Vanderbilt university at Nashville, Tenn., in 1887, whence he graduated in 1889, and located at Cecil, Berrien Co. He remained in Cecil about four years, building up a fine practice, and then removed to Moultrie, Ga., where he has gained a remunerative patronage, and in connection with his practice established a good drug business under the firm name of Peters & Belote. In February, 1891, Dr. Peters married Miss Sallie Mathis, Cecil, Ga. One son, Hoke Smith, is the result of this union. Dr. Peters is a man of energy and enterprise, a democrat in politics, has been mayor of Cecil, and is a master Mason, being a popular working member of Ahia lodge, No. 346, in which he has officiated as junior deacon.

WILLIAM R. SMITH, M. D., was born in Brooks county, Ga., Jan. 24, 1863. His father, Dr. Albert D. Smith, a retired physician, resides now in Thomas county. William R. was educated at the academy at Quitman, Ga., and in 1882 began the study of medicine under his father. He attended a course of lectures at Atlanta Medical college in the winter of 1883-84, and afterward attended the Memphis Hospital Medical college, graduating in 1885. Dr. Smith located at Chastain, Thomas Co., whence after six years of successful practice he removed to Moultrie, Colquitt Co. Here, in addition to his extensive professional service, he has, in connection with his partner, W. B. Dukes, established a prosperous and growing drug business. In 1888 he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Hagan, orphan daughter of James Hagan, late of Thomas county. Two daugh- ters, Winona, four, and Fannie, two years old, have blessed this union. Dr. Smith is closely related to State Senator W. S. Humphries, Quitman, Ga .; also to State Representative J. W. Hopson, Brooks county, who is one of its wealthiest and most popular citizens. Dr. Smith is a prominent and much esteemed member of the Baptist church, with a bright and useful future before him.

COWETA COUNTY.

WESLEY W. ADDY, a well-known and esteemed citizen of Coweta county, is the grandson of Simeon Addy and son of Jacob and Mary (Rawl) Addy, both natives of South Carolina, in which state Wesley was born in the year 1827. In 1844 the family left South Carolina and moved to Georgia, when Wesley was

518

MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

seventeen years of age. He made as good use as possible of the limited educa- tional opportunities of those early days and fitted himself to teach school, which calling he pursued for nearly two years. In 1851 he married Margaret Bernhard, daughter of Jacob and Esther (Lites) Bernhard, both natives of South Carolina, who were among the early settlers of Henry county, Ga., where their daughter, Mrs. Addy, was born and reared. In 1862 Mr. Addy enlisted in the Ninth Georgia regi- ment, under Capt. Brooks, Col. Neeley's command. He was in several very hard- fought battles, as in those of Atlanta and Griswoldville, and in numerous skirmishes. He served through the war and then returned to Georgia. His home- stead consists of 225 acres of well-improved land, upon which he has made a competent living. He owned at one time 740 acres, but sold off the greater part. He started in the beginning with only about $700, but has been able to acquire considerable property, as well as the respect and good-will of his fellow-citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Addy are members of the Lutheran church. Their union has been blessed with twelve children: Thomas, Mary, Warren, Stockton, Henry, Jason, Oscar, Simeon, Rosa, Ella, Pearl and Robert.

CAPT. JAMES W. ANDERSON, son of William U. and Mary Ann (Potts) Anderson, was born in Coweta county, Ga., in March, 1835. His father was born in Coweta county in 1808. He was reared on a farm, and had but little education. During his life he kept a record of the noted historical events which affected Coweta county, and in 1880 had them published in book form, which is interesting and very reliable as to dates. He was an uncompromising democrat and a great worker for the party, but would never accept office except once, when he was assistant warden of the penitentiary under Gov. Johnson. He was one of the thirteen original members of the Baptist church at Newnan. His father, the grandfather of Capt. J. W. Anderson, was a soldier both in the revolutionary war and the war of 1812. Mrs. Anderson, the mother of J. W. Anderson, was a daugh- ter of James Potts, who was a soldier in the revolutionary war, and was one of the pioneer settlers of Coweta county, Ga. James W. Anderson, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Coweta county, and received but a very limited education. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, First Georgia regiment, and was present in the first battle in which his company was engaged, and was with it until the close of the war. He was with his company at the retreat of Laurel hill and Greenbrier river under Gen. Jackson. After the battle of Cheat mountain, their time being out, the entire company was discharged; but after being home one month Mr. Anderson enlisted in a company known as the Newnan guards, Twelfth Georgia battalion of artillery, with which he remained through the war. He was adjutant of the first company he was in, and in 1863 was elected captain. He went out in the Twelfth Georgia battalion, though, as first lieutenant. His company, after its reorganization, was ordered to go to Gen. Bragg with the artillery, and went through Kentucky, after which it was transferred to the infantry, but still drew pay as artillery. They then went through the country as far as Charleston, S. C., and served there during the whole siege. In 1864 he was wounded at Winchester, Va., being shot through the thighs, which rendered him unfit for further service. After the war he returned to Coweta county, and began at first as a contractor and builder, working at this several years. He finally saved up a sufficient amount of money to purchase a farm, where he remained until he moved to Newnan. In 1875 he was elected sheriff of Coweta county, serving six years. In 1866 he was married to Miss Sarah, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Rollen) Brown; this lady died in a very short time, and in 1879 he married Elizabeth Blaukenship, daughter of Francis and Sarah (Curtis) Blaukenship, the former of whom was a

519

COWETA COUNTY SKETCHES.

native of Tennessee and came to Georgia in 1847. Mrs. Anderson was born and reared in Georgia, and is a member of the M. E. church, while her husband is a member of the Presbyterian. Mr. Anderson is a member of the masonic fraternity and is one of the leading citizens of the town.

WILLIAM T. ARNALL, one of Senoia's prominent citizens, was born in Walton county, Ga., in 1839, his parents, John and Nancy A. (Gibbs) Arnall, being also natives of this state. The father, born in Butts county in 1811, was the son of William H. Arnall, a Virginian who came to Georgia, settling in Butts county before 1800, making the long journey thither on horseback. He was by trade a wheelwright and blacksmith, at which he worked for many years. His son John settled in Coweta county in 1843, and there the younger William grew to manhood, attending school in what was noted as a better schoolhouse than most of that time, in that the logs of which it was built were hewed, and the chimney, though of sticks and dirt, was the outlet of a fire-place extending almost across the entire end of the building. The writing-desk, too, was a great improvement for those days, being made like the roof of a house, with a slope on each side so that it would accommodate pupils on both sides. It was no unusual occurrence in those days for the pupils to turn the teacher out on Christmas and make him treat. Soon after the outbreak of the war, in July, 1861, young Arnall enlisted in Company A, Seventh Georgia regiment. In this company he remained until the second battle of Man- assas, where he was wounded in the arm, on Aug. 30, and when he reached home on Sept. 20 he weighed only eighty-four pounds. As soon as he was sufficiently recovered he helped Capt. J. H. Graham recruit a cavalry company, and on Dec. 29, 1862, he returned to the front, at which time he weighed 172 pounds. In May, 1863, his wound broke out afresh, and the physician told him he must lose his arm or his life; he, however, refused to submit to amputation of the suffering member, and at last, to his great joy, it healed. He was in a number of verv hard-fought battles: Yorktown, Va., the seven days' fight at Richmond, Thoroughfare Gap, Va., and that at Manassas. He was with Bragg in his retreat from Chattanooga; was wounded again, this time in the hand, at Chickamauga, by which he was laid up about two months. But as soon as he was able he returned once more to his com- pany, to remain with it to the end of the war. He was with Gen. Wheeler when he captured Stoneman, and shared in the sufferings of those perilous times. In common with his comrades he returned home to Coweta county after the war was done, having nothing with which to begin life, but with courage and patience he engaged in farming, in which he has prospered. In 1878 he removed to Senoia and engaged in the cotton trade, dealing also in buggies, wagons, etc., and still giving attention and care to the interests of his farm. His standing in the com- munity is high, and he is liked and respected by all who know him. In December, 1858, Mr. Arnall was married to Miss Frances J. North, born in Coweta county, January, 1840, the daughter of Abraham B. and Eliza (Holmes) North. To them were born two sons, Robert E. and Lucius T. F. Mrs. Arnall, who was a faithful member of the M. E. church, died in November, 1862. In 1865 he married Martha C. Couch, daughter of Matthew and Jane (Eusley) Couch, and they had four children : Jane E., wife of J. T. Glover; Idelia, wife of Dr. Green; Sallie Gibbs, and John C. The mother, who was born in Coweta county in 1844, died in August, 1892. November 21, 1893, Mr. Arnall married Mrs. Elizabeth J. Tegne, daughter of John and Elvira (Carlton) Urquhart, who was born in Coweta county in 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Arnall are both members of the Baptist church.

520

MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

HUGH M. ARNOLD, one of the leading citizens of Newnan, Coweta, Co., Ga., was born in November, 1842, his parents being James and Matilda (Ware) Arnold. His father was born in Wilkes county, in 1802, and was reared on a farm. The paternal grandfather of Hugh M. Arnold was a native of South Carolina, who came to Georgia before 1800, settling in the woods, in which there had never been a stick cut. Hugh M. Arnold was reared on a farm and attended school in an old log school-house with a stick chimney and a puncheon floor. For a short time he went to school in Newnan, but in 1861, when only eighteen years of age, enlisted in Company B, under Capt. R. L. Y. Long, remaining one year, at the expiration of which he re-enlisted, and after two years, returned home and engaged in farming,

which occupation he still continues. Mr. Arnold was in the battles of Cotton Hills, Seven Pines and Loop Creek. In 1868 Mr. Arnold was united in marriage to Miss Mary Townsen, daughter of James and Sarah (Grantlin) Townsen. To this union three children have been born: Brad, Mollie and Sallie. Mrs. Arnold was born in Upson county, Ga., and died in 1872, a member of the M. E. church. Three years later, Mr. Arnold married Fannie Sims, daughter of John D. Sims, to whom six children have been born: Fannie L., Eva, John, Alma H. M. (de- ceased), Jennie C., and an infant. Mrs. Arnold was born and reared in Coweta county, and is a member of the Baptist, while Mr. Arnold is a member of the M. E. church. Mr. Arnold was formerly a member of the masonic order. He began life with very little, but has succeeded well, and besides owning a large farm, has one of the nicest residences in Newnan, where he and his family are among the leading and most respected citizens.

WILLIAM S. ASKEW, a prominent citizen of Newnan, was born in Coweta county, Ga., Jan. 1, 1841. His father, James P. Askew, son of William S. and Mary Askew, both natives of North Carolina, came to Georgia with his parents when six years of age, settling in Hancock county, where he grew to manhood. He was a soldier in the war of 1836, and his father was a soldier in the revolu- tionary war. William S. Askew, the subject of this sketch, attended school in an old log schoolhouse after fodder-pulling time and his education was very limited. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, Newnan guards, the first company to leave Coweta county. After one year, the company being reorganized, he was connected with the Fourth Georgia regiment. In July, 1861, he was cap- tured at Laurel Hill, but made his escape; his health failed, however, and for about five weeks he was cut off from his men. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in the company commanded by Capt. Pittman, serving until 1862, when his time expired, but at the same time he re-enlisted under Capt. J. D. Sims, and served until September, 1863, when he was again captured and taken to Camp Morton at Indianapolis, Ind., and then to Fort Delaware, where he was held a prisoner until March 10, 1865, when he was paroled, this ending his war life. He was in some very hard-fought battles, among which were: Laurel Hill, Huntsville, Rich- mond, Kentucky.and Jonesboro, and was captured at Blountville, Tenn. After the war he returned to Newnan and began farming, and was also engaged in the mercantile business until 1875, when he was elected sheriff of Coweta county, serving two years. In 1891 he and W. L. Cruce built a large-sized corn-mill and also handled all kinds of building material. On Sept. 19, 1893, Mr. Askew bought his partner's interest and since then has been sole proprietor. On March 3, 1867, Mr. Askew was married to Miss Samantha Scroggans, daughter of Barton and Eliza (Bird) Scroggans, to whom children have been born, three of whom are living: Olive May, Eugene and Anna E. Mrs. Askew was born and reared in

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COWETA COUNTY SKETCHES.

Coweta county and both she and her husband are members of the M. E. church. Mr. Askew is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is well liked by all who know him.

GOV. W. Y. ATKINSON. The career of Gov. William Yates Atkinson, the present chief executive, is one of the most remarkable in the annals of this state, and one that is full of practical encouragement to the young men of Georgia. Reared in the school of adversity, he grew up with a full knowledge of the hardships and privations that have served as the rigid, though not unkind disci- pline of many of the foremost men of this country. From a plain country lad, and without the aid of such artificial ineans of advancement as wealth and influ- ence, armed only with his native force of character and the laudable ambition to leave his impress upon the times, he has risen by sheer force and determination, pluck and self-reliance, to the highest position of honor in the state, and taken his seat in the gubernatorial chair before reaching his fortieth year. The father of the young chief executive, John P. Atkinson, was a farmer and schoolteacher in Brunswick county, Va., and resided in that state during the greater part of his life. He was a man of irreproachable character and eminently respected by his neighbors. He drew their contracts and their wills, served as arbitrator in the settlement of their disputes, and attended to their legal business when they had any, as the school teachers in the mountain districts of Virginia and other southern states usually did. His mother, who still lives to rejoice in the honors of her son, is a native Georgian, born in Putnam county. She is also a woman of good education, famous for her piety, and has exercised a decided influence over her sons. The family moved to Oakland, Meriwether Co., Ga., just before the gover- nor, the sixth of eight children, was born. His childhood was passed upon his father's plantation and the qualities of manhood which were to distinguish him in after life were there carefully nurtured. He received the rudiments of his educa- tion from his father and mother, but the former died while he was still a boy, and all the money the governor has ever expended he has earned for himself. He was prepared for college by his brother, Prof. T. E. Atkinson, who was then principal of the Senoia high school, and entered the university of Georgia, Athens, graduating therefrom in 1877. The following year he was admitted to the bar and commenced the practice of law at Newnan, Ga., where he has since resided. No sooner had he begun the practice of law than he married Susie Cobb Milton, who had attended the Lucy Cobb institute for young ladies at Athens, while he was a student there at the university. She came from famous southern stock. Her great-grandfather was a member of the continental con- gress and received two votes for president at the time Washington was elected; her grandfather was governor of Florida and her father for years has been a man of prominence in that state. Mrs. Atkinson is a very remarkable woman. There is no doubt of her gifts and political acumen, and a large part of the governor's phenomenal success is due to her counsel and assistance, which have been actively and untiringly given him throughout his career. In 1879 Gov. Colquitt, recog- nizing the ability of the young practitioner, appointed him solicitor-general of the county court of Coweta county, and in this capacity he served with honor for three years. In 1886 Mr. Atkinson was the overwhelming choice of the voters of Coweta county as their representative in the general assembly. He was for four consecutive terms a representative of Coweta county in the legislature, and during his last term, beginning in 1892, was speaker of the house, making one of the best presiding officers that body has had. Gov. Atkinson, though a strong advo- cate and supporter of the common school system, has always been a loyal friend of the state university, his alma mater, and in 1890 he was made a trustee of that

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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 75

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