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 83

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 83

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MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

He began life for himself as an overseer, which calling he followed and was doing well until the war between the states was precipitated. In 1861 he enlisted in Company C, Capt. Charles Dennis, Twenty-seventh Georgia regiment. In all he was in twenty-seven regular battles while in the army; some of them the most hotly contested and sanguinary of any during the conflict, among them Williamsburg, Seven Pines, Ocean Pond, Fort Sumter, the Wilderness, Fort Fisher, Sharpsburg, Petersburg, and Bentonville. He was wounded at Sharpsburg and sent home, where he remained thirty days and then returned to his command. He continued in the service until the surrender, was in the last battle at Bentonville, entered the service as a lieutenant and came out as a captain, having been promoted at Peters- burg. After the war he directed his energies to farming, bought his first land in 1874, and entered upon a term of gratifying prosperity. His success has satisfied his most ambitious desires. In 1876 he was elected sheriff of the county, and held the office one term. In 1888 he was elected to represent the county in the general assembly, and was placed on the following committees: Agriculture, asylum for the blind, asylum for the insane, emigration and coal mines. Mr. Johnson was married in 1851 to Miss Frances Stripland, born in Crawford county in 1835, daughter of Abner and Nancy (Nichols) Stripland. He was born in Mississippi and was a millwright by trade. Of the children which have blessed this union five are living: Roxie, Lizzie, A. J., Robert L., and Ula. Mr. Johnson is a recognized democratic leader and an influential partisan. He is also a master Mason.

JAMES H. JOYNER, farmer and merchant, Pine Level, Crawford Co., Ga., son of James and Jane (Renfroe) Joyner, was born in Crawford county in 1839. His paternal grandparents were Ebenezer and Rachel Joyner. He was born in South Carolina and settled in Crawford county in 1818. He was a shoemaker, and worked at his trade many years after he came to Crawford, where he ended his days. Mrs. Joyner was the daughter of Enoch and Mary Renfroe. He was born in South Carolina, came to Georgia and settled in Washington county, whence he afterward moved to Crawford county and reared his family. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Joyner was reared on the farm, and the meager schooling he received was obtained at the old-time log school house. In 1861 he enlisted in Company F, Capt. Fowler, Fifty-seventh Georgia regiment. He participated in the battle of Baker's creek, and was captured at Vicksburg and paroled. He afterward returned to the army and remained in the service until the surrender-was in the last battle at Bentonville, N. C. Coming home from the war he started anew in life without a dollar in his pocket. In 1866 he bought 100 acres of land, to which he has added as he made money, until now he has a large farm and a comfortable home in which to spend the decline of life. He has been a justice of the peace ten years-a tribute to his impartiality and local popularity. Mr. Joyner's prosperity has been such that he has supplemented his farming interests with a general mer- chandise store. In 1860 Mr. Joyner was married to Miss Elizabeth Aultman, born in Bibb county, Ga., in 1839, daughter of William and Mary (Rowland) Aultman. He was born in South Carolina, moved to Georgia early in life, and settled in Bibb county, where he reared his family. Of the children which blessed this union seven are living: Randolph, Anna, William, Charles, Oscar, Lulu, and John. Himself and wife are members of the Congregational church.

JOHN LINDSEY, farmer, Crawford Co.(P.O., Culloden, Monroe Co.), Ga., son of William and Sallie (Brown) Lindsey, was born in Hancock county, Ga., in 1824. His paternal grandparents were natives of Virginia, where they spent their lives. Mr. Lindsey's father was born in Virginia, came to Georgia in 1814, and settled in Hancock county, afterward removing to Monroe county, where he reared his family.

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CRAWFORD COUNTY SKETCHES.

His principal occupation was that of a mechanic, and he served as a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Lindsey's maternal grandparents, Lewis and Sallie Brown, were natives of Virginia, and migrated to Georgia and settled in Baldwin county early in this century. He was a farmer, and was a soldier in the patriot army during the revolutionary war. Mr. Lindsey was reared on the farm and received a very limited education. In early life he worked considerably as a mechanic, but after- ward followed farming as a life pursuit. He made his first land purchase in 1840, to which he has gradually added by purchase, until now he owns about 600 acres, mostly cleared and under good cultivation. Being exempt by age from regular service during the war, he was detailed as one of the home guard, and although he did faithful service, he made no exciting record. Mr. Lindsey was married in 1851 to Miss Mary J. Harbuck, born in Warren county, daughter of James and Sarah (Thurman) Harbuck. He was a farmer, and moved early in life to Crawford county, and lived there all his life. Of the children which blessed this union these five are living: Robert L .; Ella, wife of Louis Lindsey; Mack; Mattie, and Mamie. Mr. Lindsey is a member of the Methodist church, and himself and family enjoy the respect of all who know them.

] W. MARSHALL, farmer, Burketts, Crawford Co., Ga., son of Joe and Nancy (Layfield) Marshall, was born in Bibb county in 1837. His paternal grand- father was John Marshall. He was a native of Virginia, moved from there to Georgia early in this century, and settled in Hancock county, where he died. He was a Primitive Baptist preacher, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Marshall's father was born in Hancock county; when a young man moved to Bibb county, where he reared his family, and then moved to Crawford, where he died. His occupation was that of a farmer, but the latter part of his life he became a great fox-hunter and hunted the county over. Mr. Marshall's mother was the daughter of Jack Layfield, who was born in Hancock county and was a farmer all his life, which was spent entirely in Hancock county. Mr. Marshall began life as a farmer's boy, and poor, received very little schooling, and has followed farming all his life. Although not rich, he has prospered, and now has a large farm of good land. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, Capt. Cleveland, Sixth Georgia regiment, and was engaged in many hard-fought, bloody battles, among them: Seven Pines, Cold Harbor, Chancellorsville, James island, Ocean Pond, Weldon, Kurston, and Ben- tonville. He was severely wounded in the battle of Cold Harbor, was in the hospital two months, and then came home, where he remained three months. When he recovered he returned to the army, and was again wounded at Bentonville. When the war ended he resumed farming, and bought his first land, a small farm, in 1867, to which he has since added. In 1860 Mr. Marshall was married to Miss Sarah Walker, born in Crawford county, daughter of Joe and Sarah (Woods) Walker. He was an old settler in the county. To this union were born three children: Addie, Octavia, and Sallie. His wife died in 1873. Later in the same year he was married to Miss Nattie Thorp, born in Crawford county, daughter of Robert and Louisa (Colbert) Thorp. He was born in Bibb county and was a farmer all his life. Of the children born to this union six are living: Lila, Thomas, Bettie, Charlie, Lizzie, and William L. Respected by his neighbors, Mr. Marshall is quietly enjoying the fruits of his labor.

JOHN S. SANDEFORD, farmer, Roberta, Crawford Co., Ga., son of William R. and Sarah J. (Rowe) Sandeford, was born in Crawford county in 1851. His paternal grandparents were John S. and Silvia (Spivey) Sandeford. He was a native of South Carolina, came to Georgia when a young man and settled in Jefferson county, where he married. In 1819 he removed to Crawford county,

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MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

where he raised his family. He was a farmer and was a soldier in the Indian war of 1836. Mr. Sandeford's father was born in Jefferson county in 1813. He followed farming all his life and did some service in the late war. Mr. Sandeford's mother was a daughter of William and Polly Rowe. He was born in South Carolina, migrated to Georgia, and going to Crawford, was one of the first set- tlers in the county. He was a Missionary Baptist preacher and was a soldier in the Indian war of 1836. Mr. Sandeford was reared on the farm, and as his school and boyhood days were passed during the war period, he received but a limited education. He began life with nothing, and besides being the eldest child, had to work hard and oversee the farm. But he has prospered and he now owns a good 750-acre farm, whichi he has under improved and productive cultivation. Mr. Sandeford was married in 1876 to Miss Willie E. Stripland-born in Craw- ford county in 1858-daughter of William R. and Amanda (Sandeford) Stripland. Mr. Stripland was born in Crawford county and was a prosperous farmer. Mr. Sandeford ranks with the richest and most substantial of the citizens of the county and commands universal respect.

R. B. SCHOFIELD, farmer, Taylor, Crawford Co., Ga., son of Philip and Charity (Busby) Schofield, was born in Crawford county in 1833. His paternal grandfather was William Schofield, who was a native of South Carolina, a farmer, and lived all his life in that state. Mr. Schofield's father was born in South Caro- lina, migrated to Georgia when a young man, and settled in Crawford county, where he married, reared a family, and died. He was a farmer all his life, and in religious faith a Primitive Baptist. Mr. Schofield's mother was a daughter of Reese and Mary (Winn) Busby. He was a native of South Carolina and a farmer, came to Georgia soon after reaching manliood and settled in Crawford county. Mr. Schofield's boyhood was spent on the farm, and the little schooling he had was obtained at the old-time log school house. He farmed until 1861, when he enlisted in Company F (Capt. Fowler), Fifty-seventh Georgia regiment. Among the battles in which he was engaged were Baker's Creek, Missionary Ridge, At- lanta and Bentonville. He was made a prisoner at Vicksburg, and when ex- changed rejoined the army; was wounded at Atlanta, and sent to the hospital, where he remained three weeks. After the surrender he came home on foot, and on reaching home he had $1. Starting with this capital, and supplementing it with hard work, he has gotten himself comfortably fixed for the balance of his life. Mr. Schofield was married in 1853 to Miss Jane, daughter of Solomon and Lethia (Barnes) Davis, early settlers of Crawford county, by whom he had four children: Wm. F., John S., Lethia E. and Reese A. In 1868 he was married to Ellen Bryant -born in Houston county in 1836-daughter of Robert and Temperance (Rowell) Bryant. He was a native of Georgia and came to Crawford county early in life. Of the children born to this marriage there are living, Ella, James and Anna. Mrs. Schofield is a member of the Primitive Baptist church.

CHARLES H. WALKER, farmer, Roberta, Crawford Co., Ga., son of William and Elizabeth (Bostic) Walker, was born in Jefferson county, Ga., in 1812. Mr Walker's grandparents, Joel and Judith Walker, were born in Buckingham county, Va., and migrated to Georgia and settled in Jefferson county about the beginning of the present century. Mr. Walker's father was born in Virginia in 1763 and came to Georgia in early life and settled in Jefferson county. He was a soldier in the patriot army and served through the revolutionary war. He was under the command of Gen. John Twiggs, and letters written to him by that officer, now in possession of the subject of this sketch, testify to his courage, faith-

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DADE COUNTY SKETCHES.

fulness and fidelity. He was a farmer and lived in Jefferson county until he died in 1818. Mr. Walker's mother was a daughter of Nathan and Martha Bostic. He was a native of what is now Jefferson county and was a farmer. His mother was born in 1770 and died in 1835. Mr. Walker was reared on the farm and received a common school education, and when grown to manhood he taught school one term. Although a plain farmer, Mr. Walker was popular and influen- tial, and that he was and is held in high esteem is evidenced by his election to office. In 1840 he was elected a state senator and was re-elected for seven terms, and was elected again in 1880 when sixty-eight years of age. In 1864 he was a member of the Georgia militia, and served in defense of Atlanta. Mr. Walker was married in 1834 to Miss Caroline E. Jones-born in Putnam county in 1815-daughter of William and Retensia Jones. He was born in Putnam county and lived in the county all his life. To Mr. and Mrs. Walker ten children have been born, of whom five are living: T. H. was killed at the battle of Sharps- burg; Caroline E., wife of W. H. Ficklin; George E .; Joel A., William J., and Robert W. Mrs. Walker, who was an exemplary member of the Methodist church, died in 1880. Mr. Walker is an honored member of the Methodist church, and no better or stronger proof of the confidence of the people in his integrity and of the estimation in which they hold him could be given than the fact that when last elected to the general assembly-1880-he received every vote cast. Was enlisted in the Georgia militia in 1864 and served around Atlanta with that command.

DADE COUNTY.

BENJAMIN T. BROCK is a prominent member of the Dade county bar, and editor and proprietor of the "State of Dade News," and belongs to one of the pioneer families of North Georgia. He was born in Dade county, March 21, 1866, and is the son of Dr. William Brock, an old and respected citizen of that county, and a well-known person in northwest Georgia. Dr. Brock is born in what is now Whitfield county in 1832, and was the son of Benjamin Brock, a native of Virginia, who settled in North Carolina early in this century, and migrated to North Georgia when that territory was yet in possession of the Cherokees. The family settled in Dade county early in the fifties, and there Benjamin Brock sur- vived to a great age, dying in 1886. Dr. Brock studied medicine, and for several years previous to the war engaged in the practice of that profession in Dade county. At the commencement of hostilities between the states he was a man of note and influence in North Georgia, and took an active part in the support of the Confederate movement. On the first call to arms he raised a company for the Confederate service. He was commissioned captain, but later was made surgeon of the Thirty-fourth Georgia, and in that capacity he served through the war. He accompanied his regiment in the Tennessee and Kentucky campaign in 1862, and was present at the siege of Vicksburg. On the capture of that city, in July, 1863, he was made prisoner of war, but was paroled and returned to his home. Having been exchanged after the battle of Chickamauga, he rejoined his regiment and was present at the battle of Missionary Ridge, in November, 1863. In May, 1864, Johnston withdrew from Dalton, to commence the cele- brated Atlanta campaign. Dr. Brock accompanied his regiment and was present on the fields of Resaca, New Hope Church, Kennesaw Mountain, Peachtree

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Creek, and in various battles around Atlanta. On the removal of Johnston from the command he followed the fortunes of that general and his army during the autumn and winter of 1864-65, and was present at his surrender in North Carolina in April of the latter year. Dr. Brock returned to his home and resumed the practice of his profession at Trenton, where he resided until his death in 1881. He was a citizen of high and unblemished character and of sterling integrity. Dr. Brock married Miss Nancy Taylor, daughter of R. L. Taylor, of Dade county, a descendant of a New England family. They had issue eight children: James R., at present a practicing physician at Rising Fawn; Benjamin T .; Ernest D., a planter in Dade county; Mollie, who married Elbert McMahon; Allie, wife of W. G. Morrison, of New England city; Nannie, who died in infancy, and William H. Benjamin T. Brock received his preliminary education in the schools of Dade county, at William and Emma Austin college, Stevenson, Ala., and at the Kirk- wood Military academy. He resolved to adopt the legal profession, and entered the law department of Washington and Lee college at Lexington, Va., in 1883, where he pursued a course of study in the various branches of jurisprudence during one year. Returning to Trenton in 1884, he continued his studies, and in 1885 was admitted to the bar in the superior court of Dade county. He at once engaged actively in the practice of the law with T. J. Lumpkin, under the firm name of Lumpkin & Brock. Three years later the firm was mutually dissolved, and Mr. Brock has continued to practice his profession at Trenton. He is a lawyer of very considerable learning and is extensively read in the general principles and technical learning of the law, and has taken meritorious and worthy rank in the walks of his profession-a good advocate, and an able and conservative counselor. He possesses the confidence of the public and the friendship of his professional brethren. His early training and education gave him a taste for literature and literary occupation. In 1891 he became editor and proprietor of the "State of Dade News," a weekly paper published at Trenton, and the official organ of Dade county. This newspaper has a good circulation in North Georgia, in North Ala- bama and in Tennessee. Mr. Brock is a member of the Georgia Weekly Press association. He is a prominent leader of the democratic party in his district, and has been chairman of the democratic state central committee of Dade county. In 1886 he married Miss Sally F. Cureton, daughter of Hon. J. W. Cureton, a leading citizen of Dade county, at one time its representative in the legislature, and formerly senator from the Forty-fourth senatorial district. Hon. G. W. Cure- ton, the present representative of Dade county, is a brother of Mrs. Brock. J. W. Cureton entered the Confederate service and was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the Thirty-ninth Georgia, which regiment he commanded during the latter part of the war. By this marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brock had four children, three of whom survive: Bernice, Cureton M., and Guy Raymond; Walter, deceased.

JAMES DONNELLY, physician, Trenton, is one of the rising members of the profession of Dade county. He was born in Louisville, Ky., the son of James Donnelly, a native of Queenstown, Ireland, who immigrated to the United States in 1846 and settled in New York city, where he married Teresa Fitzsimmons, a daughter of Patrick Fitzsimmons. By this union were born ten children, five of whom survived to attain maturity: Mary, deceased, who married Thomas E. Win- nard, of Tennessee; James, Stephen, now of Florida; Teresa J., and Annie B. The father of Dr. Donnelly was a mechanic, and during many years resided in the metropolitan towns of the North and East. Previous to the war he settled with his family in Louisville, Ky., where he lived four years, moving to Nash- ville, Tenn., and later to Wilson county, in that state. He died in De Kalb county,

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Tenn., Feb. 18, 1880. His widow still survives at Smithville. Dr. Donnelly was chiefly reared in Tennessee and received a good education in the schools of that state and at Purse Fountain college at Smithville. He learned the trade of a painter, which he followed for several years, but a laudable ambition led him to aspire to a place in the ranks of the medical profession, and he commenced the study of medicine and surgery under Dr. J. P. Wannock, and later under Dr. J. J. Broyles of Chattanooga. In 1889 he entered the Chattanooga Medical college and pursued the regular course of study in that institution and graduated therefrom in 1894. On Jan. 9, 1895, he settled in Trenton, in Dade county, and has become fully identified with the progress and prosperity of Georgia. He engaged in the practice of his profession, and from the outset has been remarkably successful. He has acquired a good practice in Dade and surrounding counties. He is justly popular and is trusted and respected as a citizen. "He leads in the circle of young men now beginning to shape the social conduct and business progress of the present generation of Georgians, among whom he finds himself at home. On July 3, 1892, Dr. Donnelly was married to Miss Nannie Parker, daughter of the late Joseph Parker of Walker county, this state. They have two children, Lillian Beatrice and Stephen Milton.

JOHN P. JACOWAY. This able lawyer is a resident of Trenton, and was born in Dade county, in 1856. He was the son of John G. Jacoway, a native of Ken- tucky, born in 1818, who settled in Dade county about 1845, and for many years previous to the war engaged in the practice of the law. After the war he became a minister of the Gospel and continued in the service until his death in Dade county in 1892. He married in Tennessee Miss Nancy Middleton of that state, and they had four sons and two daughters: William U., at present a practicing lawyer, at Trenton; Thomas R., a trader at Fort Payne, Ala., and at present postmaster at that place; Henry J., a very successful planter and stock dealer in northern Alabama; Susan G., wife of R. A. D. Dunlap, a member of the Alabama bar and master in chancery in that state; Lucy J., wife of T. H. B. Cole, at present clerk of the superior court of Dade county; and John P. The subject of this sketch was educated in the schools of Dade county. Early in life he manifested a desire to enter the ranks of the legal profession, and with that object in view, he began a course of study at Gadsden, Ala., and in 1880 he was admitted to the bar in the courts of that state. He commenced the practice of his profession at Trenton, and his legal career has been very successful. On locating at Trenton he became attorney for the Alabama & Great Southern railroad company, and for six years had charge of the claim department of that road. He was thus early in the practice of his profession intrusted with responsibilities usually devolving upon older heads-responsibilities that called forth the fullest resources of his mind, and doubt- less were active causes in developing his mental faculties and power, and ripening his judgment. The character of his duties made him familiar with the rules of practice in corporation cases, and equipped him with a knowledge of legal prece- dents, not only a desideratum, but a necessity. He purchased a valuable library, and devoted every spare moment to the pleasing task of acquiring an intimate knowledge of legal principles and practice, exploring the misty labyrinths of the law and the rich mines of equity jurisprudence, and storing his mind with the wisdom and thought of the great masters of his profession. He thus fortified his mind with a knowledge of the art of acute reasoning, and with the method of clear, concise and lucid statement. Accordingly his success was assured. He rose rapidly to an honored place in the ranks of his profession; and it is no exaggera- tion of his legal powers to say that he justly and meritoriously stands at the head

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of his profession in his circuit. His practice extends beyond his circuit, in the United States court, and before the bar of the supreme court of this state. Whether as an advocate, discussing questions of fact before a jury; or as a solicitor in chancery, unravelling the hidden mysteries and complex questions of equity practice, he is alike successful as he is self-confident, and commands the respect and assurance of both court and jury, as well as the esteem of his legal brethren and the public. Mr. Jacoway is not only an ardent and persevering student of these branches which strictly appertain to the duties of his profession, but also a close and exhaustive student of miscellaneous subjects, including history and political literature. His conversation is learned, rich and racy, and bears ample evidence of omnivorous reading in the broad field of general literature and science. His associations and relations with the public in his county, and elsewhere through the state, are most cordial and friendly. He has never sought political preferment, and has given only such thoughts to politics and public questions as became his character as a citizen and a lawyer. He is at present chairman of the democratic executive committee of Dade county. He is the regular attorney for the Dade coal company; the Walker iron and coal company, the Phoenix iron and coal company, and the Alabama & Great Southern railroad company. Mr. Jacoway was married in 1879 to Miss Carrie Pace, daughter of B. F. Pace, of Dade county. They have five children: Eula, Sidney, Price, Henry Grady and Albert Briggs. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church south, and belongs to 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 83

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