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. II, Part 125

Author:
Publication date: 1859
Publisher: Atlanta, Ga., The Southern historicl association
Number of Pages: 1166

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. II > Part 125

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MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

SUMTER COUNTY.

WILLIS PERRY BURT, one of the leading dentists of Americus, Sumter Co., Ga., has been for twenty-eight years engaged in that occupation, and has the reputation of being one of the foremost members of his profession in the state. He was born Sept. 6, 1842, in Chambers Co., Ala., and when he was four years old his parents moved to Georgia, where he was educated in the common schools. When the war between the states broke out he enlisted in the Con- federate ranks, joining the Twelfth Georgia regiment. On account of physical disability he was discharged from service, but later joined the Forty-sixth Georgia regiment, with which he served until paroled at Greensboro, N. C. As with a vast majority of his fellow-soldiers, Dr. Burt came home penniless. An uncle, L. F. McLaughlin, of Talbotton, Ga., offered to instruct him in dentistry, and, taking up the study, he finished with a course at the famous Baltimore Dental college, in 1867. He was associated with his uncle until 1871, when he removed to Americus, where he has since met with flattering success. Dr. Burt has been a very close student of his profession, but has found time to give some attention to the handling of real estate. A citizen always awake to the interests of his com- munity, he has held important public positions in the council chamber, and as a member of the fire department. He is a Knight of Pythias, and as a democrat has assisted in the councils of the party in maintaining Democratic supremacy. On Dec. 13, 1870, Dr. Burt and Miss Kate Chapman were made man and wife in Talbotton, Ga., where her father, Asa W. Chapman, was a respected citizen, dying in 1889. Mrs. Burt is of a family somewhat distinguished in the journalistic field, three brothers being members of that noble craft-James W., editor and publisher of the Washington "Gazette;" Henry A., of the Cartersville "Courier," and Charles B., of the Sandersville "Progress." Dr. and Mrs. Burt are the parents of seven interesting and devoted children, five sons and two daughters. The eldest son, Lynn W., is practicing dentistry with his father, and the second son, Charles Perry, a cadet at the United States Naval academy, at Annapolis, Md., is now first classman, and will graduate June, 1896, just before he completes his twenty-first year. Dr. Willis Perry Burt, the subject of this sketch, is the second son among eight children born to Joseph J. and Elizabeth G. (Baker) Burt. The former was a farmer and merchant, of Summerville, Chattooga Co., Ga., where he died in 1852, a devout member of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Burt's father, Willis Perry Baker, was a planter and land trader, of Muscogee county, Ga., where he moved in 1827 from Wilkinson county. He was a man of keen foresight, and most progressive. Having faith in the efficacy of commercial fertilizer, he was one of the first men to ship Peruvian guano into Georgia, bringing the first lot to his plantation near Columbus in 1851. As evidencing his foresight he became convinced early in the fifties that slavery was doomed and sold off all his slaves and a large plantation in Baker county, the proceeds of which he invested in North Georgia mineral lands, in Murray county, where he removed and died in 1858.

CHARLES FREDERICK CRISP, speaker of the United States house of rep- resentatives, was born in Sheffield, England, Jan. 29, 1843, while his parents were on a visit to that country. He was educated in the common schools of Georgia, and was admitted to the bar in Americus, Ga., in 1866, after his return from a gallant service in the civil war, in which he was a lieutenant. His first

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SUMTER COUNTY SKETCHES.

practice was in Ellaville, Schley Co., where he remained for several years, serving as solicitor-general in 1872-73. In 1873 he moved to Americus, and in 1877 was appointed judge of the superior court, being elected to the office by the general assembly in 1878 and 1880. He was elected to congress in 1882, and re-elected for every succeeding term. After protracted and excited contests, he was elected speaker of the house in 1891. As a lawyer, a judge, and a legislator, Mr. Crisp has displayed mental energy, conservatism and broad statesmanship. He pos- sesses an imposing person and courtly manner, and is an eloquent speaker. In emergencies, he always comes forward as a leader, owing to a certain dignity and force in his character that commands respect and wields influence.

COL. ALLEN SHERROD CUTTS, mayor of the thriving city of Americus, Sumter Co., Ga., comes from good English stock, three brothers of the name having settled in America soon after the revolutionary war. His father, Maj. Cutts, was a native of North Carolina, where his people were slave-owning planters, and of large means. He came to Georgia when a young man, and married and settled in Warren county. He was a veteran of the war of 1812, and was a leading and devout member of the Baptist church. His wife was Elizabeth Mad- dox, daughter of Judge Maddox, a family which is of fine standing in Georgia, and which has a large and influential relationship in Maryland. Col. Allen S. Cutts was born in Pulaski county, Ga., Dec. 4, 1827. He began life for himself by clerking in mercantile establishments, and in 1851 began a business of his own in Oglethorpe, then the terminus of the Central railroad. Conducting that busi- ness with success until 1854, he removed to Americus, near which he purchased a farm the following year, and became a planter, meanwhile dealing in cotton in the fall of the year. In 1858 he resumed mercantile life with the firm of Cutts & Johnson, in Americus, which he continued until the firm was dissolved by both members enlisting in the army. Since the war he has been engaged extensively as a planter and cotton factor. Col. Cutts is one of the few who won his title on the battle-field, being a veteran of two wars. When the call was made for troops for service in Mexico in 1846, he entered an artillery company as a private, and served until the close of that brief and triumphant struggle. When the civil war opened, his knowledge of the artillery service brought him into prominence at once, and he organized and was made captain of the Sumter Flying artillery. Leaving for the seat of war, the company was equipped with guns captured at first Manassas, and from that time participated in a large number of the most sanguinary battles of the war. In 1863 Capt. Cutts was rapidly pro- moted for gallant conduct and efficiency, from captain to major, to lieutenant- colonel, and finally to the full colonelcy. He passed through the entire period of four years with but a slight wound, and was at home sick when the surrender was made. The life of Col. Cutts has been a most useful one to his state, his county and to his city. Again and again he has been complimented with positions of public trust; and it is due him to say that never has he betrayed the confidence thus reposed in him. He was the sheriff of Sumter county in 1856-57. He was a member of the constitutional convention in 1865, and represented Sumter county in the lower house of the legislature in the sessions of 1890-91. He is now, and has been for several terms, mayor of the city. Always an earnest friend to all educational interests, he was one of the originators, and has been a member of the board of education since its establishment, and was for a period of years a trustee of the Female college in Americus. The marriage of Col. Cutts was con- summated with Miss Fannie O. Brown, of Monroe county, June 17, 1854. She was a daughter of James V. Brown, a prominent planter of that county, and has

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MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

borne seven children, four of whom are living: Ernest A., cotton dealer in Savannah; Claude S., planter and cotton factor at Marshallville; Eldridge H., lawyer, and at present stenographer to the supreme court, and Inez M., at home. The principles of the democratic party embody Col. Cutts' political belief, and he is a member of the Methodist church. He is a Knight Templar, and past grand commander of the state.

DR. JOHN I. DARLEY, an eminent physician and surgeon of Americus, Sumter Co., Ga., was born June 18, 1851, in Stewart county, the son of John W. and Susan (White) Darley. His grandfather, Isaac Darley, was a North Carolinian, his wife, Mary, being a daughter of Henry B. Lee, of Virginia. His maternal grandfather was Capt. John White, a wealthy planter of North Carolina and prominent in the local militia service prior to the war. Dr. Darley's father was an extensive planter of North Carolina, and died in the Confederate service during the war at the age of thirty-two. Dr. John I. Darley is one of the most profoundly educated physicians in Georgia, and though a comparatively young man, has established a reputation as a writer on medical jurisprudence which ex- tends throughout the entire country. After securing a good academic education he attended the Alabama Medical college for a period, went thence to Louisville, and was graduated in the spring of 1880. In 1888 he took the medical course in Tulane university, New Orleans, La., and in 1891, a post-graduate course in the celebrated New York polyclinic. Commencing active work in his profession in 1875 in Columbia, S. C., he continued there until 1892, part of that time asso- ciated with that celebrated physician, Dr. Dowling. In that year he removed to Americus, where, after a few months, he became associated with Dr. R. E. Cata. They occupy a large place in the confidence of the best citizens of Americus and do an extensive practice in the surrounding towns. Dr. Darley is also the sur- geon for the Central railroad. The doctor has always taken a keen interest in everything looking to the advancement of his profession, and has frequently associated himself with medical societies. He was a member of the Alabama State Medical society while in that state, and is now connected with the Georgia society. As a railroad surgeon he is a member and secretary of the Central association of the state. As before stated, Dr. Darley wields a facile pen in matters pertaining to his profession, and is a frequent contributor to medical journals. Treatment of Transmatic Epilepsy, with Report of Cases, appeared in the "Medi- cal Monthly" for May, 1893, and drew forth flattering comments from the medical press. Another on the treatment of shock appeared in the "Southern Medical Record." A paper read by the doctor before the State Medical association last year on Puerperal Septicaemia was copied in several journals and received marked attention, as did one on pneumonia the previous year. Fraternally Dr. Darley affiliates with the F. & A. M., the Royal Arcanum and the A. L. H. society. While a resident of Columbia he took quite an active interest in public affairs, serving as councilman several terms and in the mayor's chair. He is a democrat in politics and the Methodist church holds his membership and receives his support. Dr. Darley has been twice married-the first time to Miss Londie Espy, of Lawrence, Ala., Oct. 29, 1879. This lady was the daughter of a Mr. Espy, one of the most extensive planters in southeast Alabama, prominent as a Confederate soldier and legislator. She died March 10, 1883, leaving one daughter, Susie. The second marriage occurred Dec. 18, 1884, in Lawrence, Ala., to Lavonia, daughter of James R. Hill, a large planter and dealer in agri- cultural implements.

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SUMTER COUNTY SKETCHES.

JUDGE ALLEN FORT, of Americus, Ga., ex-judge of the superior court of the southwestern circuit, and at present railroad commissioner of the state of Georgia, is the son of James Fort and Mary A. Belcher, and the descendant of a noble line of ancestors. Judge Fort was born near Lumpkin, Stewart Co., Ga., July 14, 1849. His early education was begun in the common "old field" schools of the neighborhood. His advancement in his studies was rapid and thorough, and at the age of seventeen years he entered the state university at Athens, Ga., and graduated in the spring of 1867, after a remarkable record-sharing the first honor of his class with Samuel Spencer, of Columbus, and receiving the A. M. degree. He began the study of law under the careful direction of Judge Willis Hawkins, of Americus, and shortly after was admitted to practice. His career has been a most eventful one, combining the sentiments of a great, noble heart, a generous, gentle disposition and forensic ability and general legal talent. His versatile powers have often been harnessed to the duties of the state, and yielded in every instance a harvest of valuable results. In 1872 Judge Fort was chosen to represent his county in the lower house of Georgia's general assembly, and while a member of this body, through untiring labor, gave to Americus her ex- cellent public school system. For this alone he will be forever endeared to the citizens of that community. In 1876 he was appointed a delegate to the national democratic convention at St. Louis, which nominated the Tilden-Hendricks ticket. His service on this occasion has received unstinted commendation. He wielded a powerful influence among the southern democrats. While absent front his home, his name without his knowledge was presented for election to the legis- lature, and he was overwhelmingly re-elected in 1876. For the terms 1878-79-80 he was re-elected. During 1878-79 he served as chairman pro-tem. of the railroad and judiciary committees and for the administration of railroads provided state bonds that have saved Georgia large amounts of money. With W. R. Rankin, of Gordon county, he made a noted fight. Together they succeeded in passing the Fort-Rankin bill, which is to-day the railroad commission law of Georgia. In 1882 he resumed the practice of his profession and a few months thereafter was appointed judge of the superior court, southwestern circuit, and in 1887 was re-elected for a term of four years. He is an upright, fearless and capable officer. In 1891 Judge Fort was appointed railroad commissioner by Gov. Northen, and now holds that position. In 1894 he succeeded Hon. W. Y. Atkinson as chairman of the state democratic committee, and has occupied the offices of president and vice-president of the national convention of railroad commissioners. Judge Fort on Dec. 13, 1876, was united in marriage to Miss Floyd Hollis, a beautiful, ac- complished young lady of Buena Vista, Ga. Judge Fort was a great favorite of Gen. Robert Toombs, then in the prime of his strong cultured manhood. He advocated the same principles on certain questions of great moment and was considered the successor of that eminent statesman.

DR. GEORGE TWIGGS MILLER, physician and surgeon, Americus, Sumter Co., Ga. The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch is a native of South Carolina, where he was born Sept. 8, 1853, in the county of Aiken. He is a physician of excellent practice and standing in the enterprising city of Ameri- cus, where he and his family hold a respected and esteemed place in the hearts of the best citizens. The father of Dr. Miller, Jonathan M. Miller, was a native of Edgefield district, S. C., to which his father before him, John Miller, had migrated from Virginia. This gentleman was a man of great force of character and of excellent financial thrift, owning immense landed property and an exten- sive and profitable shad fishery, which descended to his children. He was a

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MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

captain in the war of 1812, and lived to a ripe old age. His son grew to manhood in Edgefield district, and became himself a man of ample means, and of the very highest influence and character. A zealous and firm believer in the tenets of the Baptist church, his influence was widely felt, and he became a power for good in his community. He married Miss Margaret Smith, the daughter of Wm. W. Smith, who was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and who settled in Charleston, where he married a Miss Righton. He was for many years a banker and business man of that city, and died there at the age of eighty-five. His wife was of Hugue- not extraction. One son, Wm. Francis Smith, was a graduate of West Point and rendered distinguished service in the Mexican war. To Jonathan and Mar- garet Miller were born twelve children, seven of whom are still living. At the ripe ages of eighty-four and seventy they still enjoy excellent health and now reside with their daughter, the wife of Hon. J. Pope Brown, of Pulaski county. Dr. G. T. Miller was given an excellent literary education and had the advantage of some of the best instructors, among them being the present ex-governor of Georgia, William J. Northen. In 1877 he graduated from the Augusta Medical college, and since then has been engaged in the pursuit of his profession in Dooly and Houston counties, and for the past eight years at Americus. He is a member of the Georgia Medical association, of which he has been first vice-president, and he and his family are Baptists. The nuptials of Dr. Miller and Miss Katie Karleen Killen were celebrated in Perry, Ga., June 23, 1887, Mrs. Miller being the daughter of John and Annie (Cox) Killen. Her father was a leading merchant of Perry. Her paternal grandfather, Col. Samuel Doddridge Killen, was a noted lawyer, and for years was judge of the county court of Houston county, a terror to evil- doers. Two sons and a daughter have come to add life and light to the doctor's household: William Cox, Alex. Lawton and Annie Margaret.

TALIAFERRO COUNTY.

HORACE M. HOLDEN, lawyer, Crawfordville, Taliaferro Co., Ga., son of William F. and Nancy (Moore) Holden-natives, respectively, of Warren and Taliaferro counties, Ga .- was born in Taliaferro county, March 5, 1866, the fourth of five children-four boys and one girl. His father was a man of prom- inence and large influence, and very popular. Mr. Holden's primary education was obtained at the common schools of the county, and then, when twelve years of age, he attended a classical school at Newnan, Ga. He next attended a school taught at Harlem, Columbia Co., Ga., by Otis Atmore, now widely and favorably known as the distinguished astronomical editor of "Grier's Almanac." He then entered the university of Georgia, Athens, from which he was graduated in 1885, with a class in which were William H. Barrett, Irvin Alexander, Joe Gross, Joe Burdett and Billy Osborne-some of the brightest of a very bright class. He immediately commenced the study of law in 1886, and when only nineteen years of age, was admitted to the bar. Such are the ability and geniality of Mr. Holden, combined with an inherited winning affability of character, that he at once gained a deep and strong hold on the popular heart and mind, and has grown wonderfully fast in public favor and professional reputation. During the congressional con- test between Watson and Black, their first joint debate was held at "Liberty hall,"

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TATTNALL COUNTY SKETCHES.

the old Stephens homestead at Crawfordville, on which occasion Mr. Holden presided and introduced both speakers. And, on unveiling of the monument erected by the people of Georgia to the memory of Alexander H. Stephens- Georgia's great commoner-governor-Mr. Holden was the honored master of ceremonies, and his wife did the unveiling. Mr. Holden was happily married June I, 1893, to Miss Mary, daughter of W. and Mary (Stephens) Cony, of Greene county, Ga., her mother being a niece of ex-Gov. Stephens. To them one child, a son, has been born. Mr. Holden is already one of the most popular men in the county, and unquestionably has a brilliant professional and political future before him.

TATTNALL COUNTY.

BENJAMIN BERRY BREWTON, farmer, was born in Tattnall county, about two miles from where he now resides-a half mile from Bellville-and was the son of Benjamin and Charlotte Brewton, of Tattnall county. His father and mother had several children, as follows: Nathan Brewton, deceased; Nancy, wife of D. H. Smith, deceased; Charlotte Asbury; Alexander, deceased; Matilda, wife of James H. Wilkinson; Martha, wife of William E. Tippins; Jonathan B .; Emanuel. Mr. B. B. Brewton married Candacy Tippins, daughter of William W. and Mary Tippins, of Tattnall county, Sept. 29, 1863. This marriage has been blessed with many children, viz .: Andrew Jackson, born July 6, 1864; William Henry, Dec. 21, 1865; Mary, born Sept. 17, 1867; Martha B., born June 20, 1869; Nancy, C., born May 27, 1871, died Oct. 20, 1872; David Giles, born Sept. 7, 1875, died April 3, 1889; Charley M., born Sept. 18, 1879, died Oct. 6, 1879; Robert B., born July 31, 1873; George Asbury, born Oct. 9, 1879; F. Theodore, born May, 1882. Mr. B. B. Brewton has been engaged in farming and the timber trade for many years. He is a member of the Methodist church at Brewton, named in honor of the family. He is very liberal, and, besides contributing freely to the support of the church, gave a large amount toward the building of the Bellville academy. When the town of Bellville was laid out, Mr. Brewton owned most of the property upon which it was built, and still holds many of the lots. His farm reaches the corporate limits of the town. When the war broke out he enlisted in the Con- federate army, under Capt. Daniel Johnson, Col. John H. Lamar, and in Gen. John B. Gordon's brigade. He was in the battle of Gettysburg, battle of Fred- ericksburg, was at Richmond, the battle of the Wilderness, and in various other fights in Virginia. He was at Winchester, and there captured and sent to Point Lookout prison. He was also wounded in the battle of Gettysburg: Mr. Brewton is one of the most prominent citizens in this section of the county, and is very much interested in the improvement and development of Bellville.

DAVID JESSIE BREWTON, real estate dealer, Bellville, Ga., was born April 26, 1858, in Tattnall county. His father was Nathan J. Brewton, a farmer, born Dec. 6, 1828, and died Feb. 14, 1861. His mother was Jane Elizabeth, a daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth Durrence, who was born Nov. 4, 1833, and married to Mr. Brewton July 27, 1848. Upon his death, she married, Jan. 7, 1865, Allen Jones Sikes, and both are now living. Nathan J. and Jane Elizabeth Brewton had born to them several children: Charlotte Elizabeth, Joseph Chandler, William Baker, David Jesse, and two who died in infancy. There were six children by

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MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

Allen Sikes, viz .: Frances Eugenia, Melville Thomson, Ida Lelia, Commodore Perry, Henry Allen, and Eugene Wilber. David Jessie Brewton married Miss Euzebia E. Hendrix, a daughter of S. A. and Rebecca Hendrix. She was born Feb. 13, 1861, and was married Feb. 16, 1879. They have several children: Allen Jackson, born Jan. 16, 1880, died May 24, 1881; Nettie Iola, born Sept. 9, 1881; Benjamin Lester, born Dec. 5, 1883; Rosa May, born Aug. 17, 1886; Minnie Neta, born 17, 1889, died April 25, 1894; Maudie Durean, born June 5, 1891. Mr. Brewton joined the Methodist church in October, 1871, at Brewton's church, and has belonged to that congregation ever since. He has been a steward for many years, and a teacher in the Sunday-school. His wife is also a member of the same church. Mr. Brewton left home in 1874 to attend school, and was given a good education. After he finished his schooling he ran a wagon train two years, hauling goods from Savannah into Tattnall and surrounding counties. He farmed for about ten years, and in 1890 located in Bellville and took hold to help build up the school there. In two years he placed this school in the front rank of Georgia high schools, and it was not surpassed by a like school in Tattnall county. About 100 pupils were in attendance. He was then induced to help the school at Hagan, and in connection with his school duties, conducted a merchandise store. So suc- cessful had been his educational services that he was in demand, and next year he started helping in a school at Claxton. There was no school at Bellville or Hagan when Mr. Brewton moved to these towns, and in three years there was an average attendance at the three schools of 238, and $2,500 in salary was paid for instruction. In 1894 he returned to Bellville, in order to help in the school, leaving the others in a prosperous condition. In addition to his duties in that respect he is engaged in dealing in real estate and stocks. He also owns an oyster farm and fisheries on the Atlantic coast, where he expected to make his home in the future, but, finding that he could not build up a school in that locality, has moved to the South Georgia college, in order to educate his children.

JOHN H. CLIFTON, planter, Lyons, Tattnall Co., Ga., son of William and

Susan (Sharpe) Clifton, was born in Tattnall county, March 12, 1839. His grandfather on his father's side was Ezekiel Clifton, who, when a young man, came from Roanoke county, N. C., and was among the early settlers in this part of southeastern Georgia. He married Miss Elizabeth Roberts, a native of Screven county, Ga., and engaged in stock raising. William Clifton, father of the subject of this sketch, also made a life pursuit of farming and stock raising, but having developed under the instruction of Christopher Bowland, the famous Irish mathe- matician, unusual mathematical ability, made an enviable reputation as a surveyor. He was employed by the United States government to survey portions of the Cherokee country in north Georgia, and was very highly complimented by the then governor of the state for the excellence of his work. He served at various times as clerk of the court and as a justice of the inferior court, and represented the county in the general assembly. He died Dec. 21, 1873. His widow, born Feb. 1, 1820, still survives, and is living on the old homestead in the southern part of Tattnall county. His grandfather on his mother's side, Maj. John T. Sharpe, was the son of a soldier in the revolutionary war, a prosperous farmer and a prominent politician, having represented the county several times in the general assembly. Mr. Clifton's parents reared to maturity nine children, seven of whom are now living: Maria, born April 22, 1837, married Dr. John Rambo, of South Carolina, who spent the latter part of his life in Georgia and died at Valdosta. He was a surveyor in the Confederate army. They had one child, Willie, who is a teacher in Tattnall county. Mrs. Rambo died March 14, 1862; John H., the subject of this sketch; Harrison, born April 12, 1841, farmer, Tattnall

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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. II, Part 125

Author: Publication date: 1859 Publisher: Atlanta, Ga., The Southern historicl association Number of Pages: 1166

Author:
Publication date: 1859
Publisher: Atlanta, Ga., The Southern historicl association
Number of Pages: 1166