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 82

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 82

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ROBERT H. WOODS, one of Coweta county's leading citizens, is the grandson of Robert Woods, a native of Ireland, who came to America and became one of the first settlers of Madison county, Ga., about the year 1800. His son, Francis A., married Phoebe Wood, like himself a native of Madison county, and to them on Christmas day, 1827, was born Robert H. The father was a soldier in the Indian war of 1836. Robert was born and reared in Pike county, and owing to the limited opportunities of those days and the early death of his father, when he was but nine years of age, received only such an education as could be obtained in the old log school house of that time, prior to his father's death. After this event the brave lad worked not only to obtain his own living, but to aid in the support of the family. The courage displayed in boyhood continued to develop, and ere he reached manhood's estate, upon the declaration of war with Mexico, he was one of those who, with patriotic ardor, rushed to arms, enlisting on June 10, 1846, in the regiment commanded by Col. Henry R. Jackson, of Savannah, Ga. He was in the company of Capt. H. J. Sargent, who with himself are the only members of the company now living in Coweta county. These troops were among the forces landed by Gen. Scott on March 9, 1847, at Vera Cruz, and among the exploits of that famous investment this company not only bravely bore its own part but has the credit of doing more hard marching than any other. In recognition of his service to his country in those momentous days, Mr. Woods draws a pension from the United States government. In 1849, on Dec. 22, Mr. Woods was married to Miss Mary E. Brooks, a native of Pike county, the daughter of Hillary and Nancy (Anderson) Brooks, and they have two children: Hillary A. and John C. Upon the outbreak of the war, Mr. R. H. Woods enlisted as a private in I-36

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Company I, of Col. Neeley's regiment, but was soon elected lieutenant. Having served in this position for six months he formed another company, of which he was made captain, and later a second company was organized through his efforts. He was engaged in several very hard battles as that before Richmond, and was in command of the company at the battle of Malvern Hill, during the terrible four days and nights of the Wilderness, at Sharpsburg, Gettysburg and Knoxville, and also in many skirmishes. He was with Gen. Lee when this great chieftain sur- rendered at Appomattox, being then in command of the Fifty-third Georgia regi- ment. Mr. Woods was also in command of the last line ever formed by Gen. Lee, being the Celand line, ordered to charge a Yankee battery on the morning of the surrender. On May 6, Capt. Woods paroled his men, seventy-five being left of his regiment, the others having been killed, wounded or captured. After the war he returned to Coweta county and began farming; although his means in the begin- ning were but small, his prudence and diligence in the management of his affairs increased his business and now he is very well to do, one of the best and most respected of the citizens of Coweta county.

WILLIAM J. WOOD is a son of Jordan Wood, whose father, a Baptist min- ister, was by birth a South Carolinian, Early left an orphan he came to Georgia in 1811, and cleared up a small farm in the woods. After a time he sold this and moved to Flat Rock, Ala., where he spent the remainder of his life. His son Jordan was born in Georgia, Monroe county, Nov. 7, 1821; he was reared upon the farm and received a good common school education, after which he taught three or four years. By his own energy and perseverance he made his way in the world and acquired quite a fortune. During the war he was in the state militia, and carried on a blacksmith shop, doing all work without charge. His wife, Miss Emily Clegg, was born in Coweta county, and is of an old pioneer family. Their son, William J. Wood, was born in Alabama, in 1854, and reared upon the farm with very limited educational privileges. When he reached man- hood his father gave him $125, and with this he engaged in an evaporator; little by little he has accumulated until he is now worth a considerable property. He has one of the best farms in the county, is also engaged in mercantile business in Sharpsburg, and is a stockholder in the Sharpsburg ginnery. He is a member of the masonic fraternity and one of Coweta's most respected citizens. His wife bore the maiden name of Lovida F. Neeley, is a daughter of D. C. and Amanda (Car- penter) Neeley, and was born in Carroll county, Ga., July 4, 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Wood are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Their union has been blessed with nine children: Ola B., born Aug. 13, 1877; Thomas H., born Jan. 21, 1879; Leonard E., born Sept. 27, 1881; Erma May, born March 26, 1883; Robert A., born Dec. 23, 1884; Ina R., born Dec. 30, 1886; William J., Jr., born April 15, 1889; Hubert G., born Feb. 17, 1892; Love, born March 1, 1894.

WILLIAM S. WOODS belongs to a family of the early settlers of the state, and is the grandson of a revolutionary soldier, Samuel Woods, who came to Georgia in the latter part of the last century, and settled in what is now Morgan county, where he engaged in trade, and where, in 1817, his son William was born. In 1836, he came to Coweta county and after marriage, settled on the farm still owned by his son, who occupies the same log house. The wife of William Woods was a daughter of Stephen and Jane (Davis) Woods, who were pioneers of the county of Coweta, the father also having served in the war of 1812. William S. Woods was born on this farm in May, 1845, and here grew to manhood, with the scanty school privileges of that period. In 1862, he enlisted in Company C,

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Thirty-fourth Georgia regiment, under Capt. Rollings, and served throughout the war; the young man was in many important battles: Missionary Ridge, Tunnel Hill, Chickamauga, New Hope, Resaca, and all the way with Gen. Johnston to Atlanta, in which fight he also took part. He returned to his farm in Coweta county at the close of the war, where he has ever since remained. He at first began farming on shares, having no means of his own, but he devoted himself to his work with a zeal that must needs win success, and he is now quite prosperous, owning some 600 acres of good land in excellent condition, and stands well in the estimation of all who know him. In 1871, Mr. Woods was married to Miss Eliza Pittman, daughter of Isaac H. and Mary (Waites) Pittman. By this union he had three children: Ola, William and Laudon. Their mother was born in Heard county, in December, 1844, and died in 1883. She was a faithful and conscientious member of the Baptist church. In 1884, Mr. Woods married Miss Martha J. Cleveland, who was born in Troup county, Ga., in 1847. Of their three children two are living: Samuel and Nancy E. Mrs. Woods is a member of the M. E. church. Mr. Woods is a Baptist, he and his first wife being charter members of the first church in Corinth, Heard Co., Ga.

OBADIAH WYNN, a prominent citizen of Coweta county, was born June 29,

1842, and is a brother of Joseph H. Wynn, his grandfather being Maj. John Wynn of revolutionary fame, and his father Judge Glen O. Wynn, for many years a central figure in the affairs of this region. Although his school privileges had been few, Judge Wynn was a great reader and kept fully abreast of the times on all of the leading questions of the day. He was a man who had the full confidence of the people for his unswerving integrity, it being said that his word was as good as his note. In 1858, when he was elected to the state senate, a large portion of the better element of the whig party supported him, although he was a stanch and uncompromising democrat, feeling that a man of his stabiliy of character might be safely trusted, and loving him for his generous friendship for the poor and needy. During the dark days of the war many soldiers' wives and others of the needy were supported by his generous hand and it is well known that no one ever applied in vain to Judge Wynn. His patriotism displayed itself in the gift of two of his sons to serve in the war. His wife's father, Samuel Lumpkin, was also a revolutionary soldier, and the family is widely known as one of the worthiest in the state. Obadiah Wynn received his education in Fayetteville seminary and Newnan college, and had prepared himself to enter the state university, but the war coming on put an end to his hopes. He enlisted May, 1861, in Company A, Seventh Georgia regiment, being appointed lieutenant, but after the first battle of Manassas was promoted to the captaincy. After serving two years he was forced to resign, owing to a wound received at the battle of Malvern Hill. Besides this he was engaged in several very fierce battles: Manassas, Yorktown, Seven Pines, Garnett's farm, and others of less note. After the war Mr. Wynn married Miss A. E. Ware, whose parents, George and Mildred (Sorrel) Ware, both natives of Virginia, were among the early settlers of Georgia. Mrs. Wynn's grandfather was in the revolutionary war and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis. Mrs. Wynn was born in Fayette county, Ga., and she and her husband are both mem- bers of the Baptist church. Mr. Wynn is also a member of the masonic fraternity. At the close of the war Mr. Wynn, like most of the old soldiers, returned home to begin life anew, without a dollar to start with. He began farming, but also engaged in mercantile trade, and by his own efforts, with care and diligence, has accumu- lated considerable wealth, and has given his children the best educational advan- tages. He has one son, Glen B. Wynn, of whom any father might be proud. He

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is a young man of great promise and marked ability as an amateur geologist, has one of the finest collections of minerals in all that region, and is thoroughly familiar with the subject. It is a delight to examine his beautiful specimens, and to listen to his lucid and interesting description; and it seems to afford him equal pleasure to display his collection and to explain concerning them. Mr. Wynn has three daughters: Annie, Louise and Ruby, who are typical representatives of true southern ladies, in beauty, goodness and refinement. The two elder are highly educated; the younger has not yet completed her studies. Mr. Wynn's beautiful home is elegantly fitted up and furnished, his farm is one of the best improved in the county, and he and his family deservedly stand high in the esteem of all who know them, and are leaders in the society of the county.

JOSEPH H. WYNN, a prominent citizen of Coweta county, residing in Ked- ron, was born in 1844. He is a son of Glen O. Wynn, born in Oglethorpe county in 1817, whose father, John Wynn, was a revolutionary soldier, a native of Virginia. About the year 1800 the latter with his wife, Susannah (Owen) Wynn, also of Virginia, came from that state to make a home in Georgia. Their son, Glen O., had comparatively few school privileges, but by a diligent use of such as he had he acquired a quite extensive general knowledge and was a man of broad and thoughtful mind. His wife, Miss Sarah P. Lumpkin, was a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Arnold) Lumpkin, a niece of Joseph Henry Lumpkin, and an aunt of Samuel Lumpkin, now judge. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wynn were faithful and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1841 they came to settle in Coweta county, cleared up a farm from the dense woods, patiently enduring the hardships of such a life. Mr. Wynn's value as a citizen was duly recognized by his neighbors and in 1856 he was elected state representative, serving two years; in 1858 he was elected to the state senate by the largest majority ever given a candidate in Coweta county. He was for some time justice of the inferior court, and was a well-known Mason. Throughout his life he was one of the most popular men in the county, universally beloved and respected. Joseph H. Wynn, having passed his boyhood on the farm, had received a common school education, and was prepared to enter college when the outbreak of the war disappointed his expectations. Having been a student in a military institute, in 1863 he joined a troop of recruits at Rome, Ga., and with them was ordered back to Kennesaw mountain, where they were put into regular service with proper drill and training. From this time he remained in active service until the close of the war, being with Gen. Johnston through all the famous and hardly-contested battles fought during the retreat to Atlanta before Sherman, and also in the siege of Atlanta. After the war young Wynn spent a year upon the farm, and then went to Newnan to try the mercantile business, but after a year at this he returned to the farm, where he has since remained. In 1870 he married Miss Sallie Arm Glass, who was born in Coweta county in 1844, and is the daughter of Glove and Lydia (May) Glass, both natives of Georgia. Both Mr. Wynn and his wife are members of the Baptist church. Of their seven children all save one are living: R. L., Ernest G., Joe H., Gordon, George and Robert E. Mr. Wynn is a member of the masonic fraternity and is widely known and esteemed.

THOMAS E. ZELLARS, a prominent business man of Grantville, belongs to one of the valued pioneer families of the state, to which his grandfather came more than a century ago. He, Jacob Zellars, the son of a German, served through the revolutionary war, and for many years the old gun and powder-horn he had carried through that struggle were carefully preserved in his family. In 1790

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he brought his wife, Barbara (Fudge) Zellars, like himself a native of Virginia, and settled in what is now Lincoln county, Ga., a pioneer in the midst of the dense woods. Though poor in the beginning, he was able, by his own industry and prudent management, to amass a considerable fortune, and became one of the richest men of that section of the state. In 1798 his son Solomon was born and was reared on his father's farm in Lincoln county, but after his marriage he went to Newton county for a few years, removing thence, in 1849, to Campbell county, where he died in 1862. Though starting in life with but very little, he was able to accumulate a considerable property; he was a successful farmer, and at one time owned about 700 acres of good land. He and his wife were members of the Baptist church. Mrs. Zellars was Miss Emily Tatum, whose parents, John and Rebecca (Stovall) Tatum, natives of North Carolina, came at an early day to Georgia, making what is now Lincoln county their permanent home. Thomas E. Zellars, the son of Solomon and Emily Zellars, was born in Newton county in 1834. He passed his early years upon the farm with such advantages as the poorly-equipped schools of that day could give him. To read, to write and to cipher, "the three R's," were the extent of the curriculum of those backwoods schools in general, but these, being at the foundation of all knowledge, were sufficient to enable the studious young man to acquaint himself with all subjects of general interest, so that he is reckoned a man of broad mind and great intelli- gence. In April, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Nineteenth Georgia regiment, in command of Thomas C. Johnson, and was with his company in many of its engagements. He was in many battles, among them Ocean Pond (where he was wounded), Round House, Petersburg, Richmond, Fort Fisher and many others. The war left him penniless and he returned to his home to make a new start in life. Having a natural aptitude for business, he entered into part- nership with William J. Garrett, on a borrowed capital of $2,000, and has been greatly prospered. Their business has steadily increased and they are now among the largest merchants in Coweta county, carrying a stock of some $10,000, doing a business of about $50,000 per annum, with an estimated working capital of $30,000, and owning land as a firm valued at $7,000 or $8,000. Mr. Zellars' individual property in Grantville is estimated at about $7,000. In 1869 Mr. Zellars married Miss Ella Moreland, daughter of Thomas C. and Emma (Barnett) More- land. She was born in Heard county, Ga., in 1851, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while Mr. Zellars belongs to the Baptist church, of which he is a very useful and influential member. Mrs. Zellars died in 1891, having been the mother of five children: Jessie A., Thomas M., Ellen G., Emma, and Ella E. Mr. Zellars is one of the wealthiest citizens of the county, where he is universally liked and esteemed. He and his family deservedly hold a position of influence in the community.

CRAWFORD COUNTY.

JOHN I. CHAMPION, farmer, Roberta, Crawford Co., Ga., son of Thomas G. and Mary (Sandford) Champion, was born in Crawford county in 1845. His paternal grandfather was Joseph I. Champion, who was born and raised in Au- gusta, Ga., whence he moved to Alabama. A few years afterward he moved thence to Crawford county and subsequently returned to Alabama. He was a very

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devoted, ardent Baptist, and a leading member of the denomination in the state. He lost all his sons in different wars-Henry and James in the Indian war of 1836; Jefferson in the Mexican war, and Thomas G. in the late war. Mr. Champion's father was born in Alabama, whence he came to Georgia with his father when a boy. He, like his father, was a farmer by occupation. He enlisted in Company A, Benaud's battalion, and died near Savannah while in the service. Mr. Cham- pion's mother was a daughter of John S. and Silvia (Spivey) Sandeford. He was born in South Carolina, and coming to Georgia, was one of the early settlers of Jefferson county. He was a farmer and fruit distiller. Mr. Champion was raised on a farm and received a very limited education. In 1863 he enlisted in Company A (Capt. Joseph A. Cotton). His battalion was subsequently consolidated with the First Georgia regulars, in which he saw some pretty hard service. He was in the battles of Olustee, Cusahassee, James Island, Silver Hills and Bentonville. He was severely wounded at Olustee and disabled from service four months. His father died during the war, and the son came out of it poor, and, being the oldest child, had his mother and her family of children to provide for. For a number of years he rented land, but in 1873 he made his first purchase, to which he has added, until now he has a 400-acre farm of good land, well improved, and a nice home. He cultivates well and is quite as prosperous and as much respected as any citizen of the county. Mr. Champion was married in 1866 to Miss Agnes L. Roberts-born in Crawford county in 1844-daughter of James and Margaret (Stiles) Roberts. He was born in Jones county, but early in life moved to Crawford county, which continued to be his home until he died. He was a soldier during the Indian war of 1837. Of the fruits of this marriage five children are now living: Robert E., John H., Mary A., Beulah and Walter E. Mrs. Champion is a member of the Primitive Baptist church. In January, 1895, Mr. Champion was unanimously elected by the citizens of his county tax collector.

WILLIAM J. DENT, farmer, Knoxville, Crawford Co., Ga., son of John W. and Elizabeth (Hoy) Dent, was born in Bibb county, Ga., in 184I. His paternal grandfather was William Dent. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, was born in South Carolina, and was a prosperous farmer. Mr. Dent's father was born in South Carolina, migrated thence to Tennessee, whence he came to Georgia in 1838 and settled in Bibb county. Subsequently he removed to Crawford county, where he lived the remainder of his life. His life pursuit was farming, but he served the county as a justice of the inferior court and as a justice of the peace, and was a captain of the militia when it was a coveted local distinction. Mr. Dent's maternal great-grandfather, Quinton Hoy, was born in England, and came thence to Georgia in the first quarter of this century and settled in what is now Bibb county, where he made his permanent home. His maternal grand- father, James Hoy, was a Bibb county pioneer, and owned land where the city of Macon now stands. He was a farmer and large land-owner and was a soldier in the Indian war of 1836. Mr. Dent was raised on the farm and received a country common school education. About the time he reached manhood the civil war was commenced. In 1862 he enlisted in Company K (Capt. Gibson, later Capt. William Rutherford), Forty-fifth Georgia regiment, and went to the front. He participated in many battles, notably the seven days' fight around Richmond and second Manassas. After this last-named battle he was taken sick, and on his recovery was transferred to the cavalry service and fought all through the Atlanta campaign. On the close of the war he returned to his farm. Start- ing in life with little or nothing he has so judiciously managed and so invested as to acquire quite a large estate and attain to honorable prominence and wide

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influence. He was county commissioner eight years, and was on the board of education nine years. Mr. Dent was married in 1860 to Miss Jane Davis-born in 1839-daughter of G. L. and Mary (Chambliss) Davis. He was born in Bibb county, was a farmer all his life, served in the Indian war of 1836, and lived in the county of his birth until he died. To this marriage eight children were born: Walter B., Ida, John W., Gardner L., Mary P., Safronia E., Sarah J., and Hoy. Mrs. Dent, who was an exemplary member of the Baptist church, died in 1887. Mr. Dent in 1887 contracted a second marriage with Miss Anna Dixon-born in Crawford county in 1855-daughter of Thomas and Mary J. (Hicks) Dixon. Mr. Dixon was born in Bibb county, Ga., and moved to Crawford county, where he married and raised his family. He was a mill-wright by trade, and after he enlisted during the war he was detailed to service in the machine shops. Mrs. Dent is a member of the Methodist church and he is a member of the masonic fraternity.

WILLIAM G. HARTLEY, farmer, Crawford county, Ga., (P. O., Fort Valley, Ga.), son of James D. and Parmelia (Jackson) Hartley, was born in Houston county in 1833. His great-grandfather, Daniel Hartley, was a native of South Carolina, was a soldier in the patriot army during the revolutionary war, and accompanied his son to Georgia in 1827. Mr. Hartley's grandparents, Michael and Polly (Harris) Hartley, were born in South Carolina, came to Georgia and settled in Crawford county in 1827. He was a farmer, raised his family in the county, in which he spent his days. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Hartley's father was born in South Carolina in 1810, and came to Georgia with his father when seventeen years old, and settled with the family in Crawford county. He was married in Crawford county, and farmed until he died. He was a justice of the peace for many years. Mr. Hartley's mother was a daughter of Nimrod and Elizabeth (Busby) Jackson, who was born in South Carolina, and migrated thence to Georgia. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, Mr. Hartley was reared a farmer's boy, and received only the meager education which fell to the lot of such at the time. He was a soldier in the Confederate army, and returned from the war very poor, but by hard work he has placed himself in comfortable circumstances. He was a justice of the peace many years. Mr. Hartley was married in 1852 to Miss Sarah Avery, born in Crawford county in 1831, daughter of David and Eliza- beth (Hood) Avery. He was born in Washington county, Ga., moved thence to Crawford, and a few years afterward moved to and permanently settled in Houston county. He followed farming all his life. Of the children born to this union seven are living: Roxie, James C., Randolph, Trefinia, George D., Warren O., and Willie. Having no aspirations beyond being a good farmer and neighbor, and securing their good will, Mr. Hartley has been content with the success he has. achieved. He is a member of the Primitive Baptist church and a master Mason.

W. W. JOHNSON, farmer, Culloden P. O., Monroe Co., Ga., son of Ephraim and Rebecca (Jackson) Johnson, was born in Crawford county in 1830. His paternal grandparents were Simon and Allie (Cotton) Johnson. He was born in North Carolina, was a farmer, migrated to Georgia and settled in Crawford county, where he spent his life. Mr. Johnson's father was a native North Carolinian, was reared a farmer and removed to Georgia in 1822, and settled in Crawford county. where he reared his family. He lived in the county until he died. He was a mem- ber of the Primitive Baptist church. His maternal grandfather was a native of Virginia, and related to Gen. Andrew Jackson. He was a farmer, and moved from Virginia to Georgia in this century, and permanently settled in Wilkes county. Mr. Johnson was raised on a farm and received a good common-school education.

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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 82

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