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 135

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 135

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H D. BRAZELL, farmer, Hogansville, Troup Co., Ga., son of Henry D. and Susan (Heath) Brazell, was born Feb. 16, 1845. His grandfather, Nathan Brazell, was born in Virginia, came to Georgia about the close of the last century, and settled in Wilkes county, among its earliest settlers. Mr. Brazell's father was born in Wilkes county in 1822; and his mother was a daughter of James Heatlı. Mr. Brazell was raised in Meriwether county and received a limited education. In 1863 he enlisted in Company D, Capt. J. D. McClusta, Sixty-fourth Georgia regiment, Col. Evans, and entered the service under Gen. Flanagan. He partici- pated in the battle of Ocean Pond, also on Appomattox river, Va., when the Union troops blew up the breastworks at Petersburg, and at Drury's Bluff, or Chafen's farm, where he was captured, kept a prisoner seven months.and then released on parole, when he came home to Meriwether county, soon after which hostilities ceased. When that occurred he was without money and went to work on a farm, working at first, for some time, for half a gallon of molasses a day. When he came to Troup county in 1869 he was a poor man; but he went to work in earnest, worked early and late, and hard, and now has a good 510-acre farm with a good home on it, with substantial farm improvements, and a large body of land under good cultivation. He is a good farmer and a model citizen; himself and family highly respected. Mr. Brazell was married in 1867 to Miss Eliza C. Humpkins, born in Meriwether county, who bore him two children: James W., and Leonard B., and died an exemplary member of the Methodist church in 1872. In December, 1863, he contracted a second marriage with Miss Permelia F. Culpepper, born of an old Georgia family, in Meriwether county, by whom he has had three children, two of whom, Susan P. and Hugh, are living. Himself and wife are influential members of the Methodist church.

CHARLES S. BROOK, farmer, Hogansville, Troup Co., Ga., son of Joshua and Sarah (McGlochlin) Brook, was born in Meriwether county, April 9, 1842. His grandfather, Jarvey Brook, was one of the early settlers of Wilkes county, Ga., and served as a soldier in the last war with Great Britain. Mr. Brook's father was born in Wilkes county in 1809, where he was reared a farmer, and was schooled at the "old-field" school of the day. When he attained manhood he went to Meriwether county, of which he was a pioneer settler. His inaternal grandfather was Mack McGlochlin. Mr. Brook was raised on a farm, and was educated at the common schools, taught in the dirt-floor log house with puncheon seats, etc. In 1862 he enlisted in Company A, Capt. Du Bose, Sixtieth Georgia regiment. The company was captured soon after entering the service, and paroled, when Mr. Brook came home and made a crop, after which he returned (the same year), and joined a company under Capt. John Tucker, in a regiment commanded by Col. Burris Jones, which was assigned to the command of Gen. J. B. Gordon. With this command he was in some of the bloodiest and most im- portant battles of the war, Gettysburg, Wilderness and Hatcher's Run, where he was wounded in the hand, and in a muscle of the right arm, which was struck by a shell. He was sent to the hospital at Richmond, and three weeks .afterward was sent to Lynchburg, where he was at the time of the surrender. From Lynchburg he walked home, beginning life anew, with nothing but poor health and a determined spirit. By hard work and good management he has become the owner of a fine 275-acre farm just west of Hogansville, well-improved, and himself comfortably circumstanced; enjoying the good-will and respect of every-

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body. Mr. Brook was married in 1870 to Miss Fannie S. Griggs, born and raised in Troup county, daughter of Edward and Amanda (Jenkins) Griggs. He was a soldier in the late civil war, and lost his life in the service. To them eight children have been born: Ada; Eddie, died aged seventeen; Buena; Dora; Jesse; Roy; Charles S., and Cecil H. Mr. Brook and his wife are members of the Baptist church.

JAMES M. BUTTRILL, farmer, Hogansville, Troup Co., Ga., son of Thomas and Lurania (Bonner) Buttrill, was born in Heard county, Ga., in 1831. His paternal great-grandfather, Thomas Buttrill, was a native of England, who came to America and settled in Virginia before the revolutionary war. His grandparents, William and Mary (Williams) Buttrill, were natives of Virginia-his grandfather was a soldier in the patriot army during the revolutionary war-came to Georgia about 1816, and settled in the woods in Jasper county, where he cleared a farm and raised his family. He also built a store-house of logs and engaged in mer- chandising. Mr. Buttrill's father was born in Virginia in 1796, and came with his parents to Georgia when he was about twenty years old. His maternal great- grandfather, Bonner, was a native of Ireland, who came to this country and settled in Georgia before the revolutionary war. His maternal grandparents, Whitnall and Alice (Sellman) Bonner, were citizens of Jasper county, where his mother was born July 4, 1807. Mr. Buttrill was reared in Heard county, and what schooling he had was obtained in the primitive dirt-floor log school house, with split-log seats, stick-and-mud chimney, and lighted by square holes made by sawing the logs in the sides. After graduating from one of these "old-field" schools he taught school two years; teaching orthography from the old "blue- back" speller. In 1861 he enlisted in Ferrell's battery of artillery, with which he participated in many battles, and saw much arduous service. He was in the battle at Nashville, was then assigned to Gen. Breckinridge's command; after- ward was transferred to north Alabama with cavalry. With his command he was in the engagements at Tuscumbia, Courtland, Town Creek-where they fought from early morn until 2 p. m .- and then pursued and captured Gen. Strait. Re- turning to Alabama his command was in the fights at Decatur and Selma, and many minor engagements. He was in charge of the warehouse at Selma when the Union forces came in, and narrowly escaped capture. Soon afterward his com- mand was disbanded at West Point, Ga. After the war he returned to Heard county and resumed farming, which he has followed so successfully as to have accumulated a large and very valuable property. He owns 2,000 acres of good well-improved land in Heard county, from which he moved to Hogansville, Troup Co., in 1893, where he owns considerable real estate in the town, and is a stockholder in the Farmers' and Merchants' bank, located there. He is one of the land-marks, and one of the real solid and substantial citizens of the county. Mr. Buttrill was married in 1878 to Miss Alice Schley-born and raised in Alabama-who has borne him four children, of whom only two-Tommie and Lillie-survive. Mrs. Duttrill is a prominent member of the Baptist church.

J N. CARLETON, ex-educator, now developer, Mountville, Troup Co., Ga., son of Dudley and Sarah (Carter) Carleton, was born in Vermont in 1829. His great-grandfather on his father's side, Dudley Carleton, was a native of England, migrated to America early in the last century, and settled in Massa- chusetts. His grandfather, Dudley Carleton, was born in Massachusetts, where he married Miss Mehitabel Barker, and then moved to Vermont, before the revolutionary war, and settled in the woods. He was a captain in the patriot

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army, served under Ethan Allen, and continued through the conflict until independence was proclaimed, and lived to be ninety years of age. Mr. Carle- ton's parents were both born in Vermont, where they lived all their lives; his father was a soldier in the war of 1812 with Great Britain. His grandparents on his mother's side, William and Polly A. (Woodman) Carter, were also natives of Vermont, their parents having been pioneer settlers. Both his grandfathers were deacons of the Congregational church. Mr. Carleton received an excellent primary and preparatory education at his Vermont home, and then, in 1853, entered Wesleyan college, in Connecticut. After attending a part of two courses there he came south, stopped awhile, first in Tennessee, and then went to North Carolina, where he lived two years and then, in 1855, he came to Georgia. He was an expert in telegraphy, and was in the office in Augusta when connection with Atlanta was completed, and transmitted the first telegram from Augusta to Atlanta. In 1856 he settled in Mountville and embarked in the manufacture of carriages, buggies, etc .; and about the time he was getting successfully estab- lished the unpleasantness developed into war, causing him heavy loss. He at once set about preparing to enter the service, but the people learning he had been a successful teacher, circulated a petition asking him to remain in the community and take charge of the school. He taught some time and then joined the state troops, known as "Joe Brown's Pets," with which he served about eighteen months, participating in the defense of Atlanta and was at West Point, Ga., just after the last battle. At the close of the war he taught school a few months, and again in 1874-75. In the meantime he engaged in several enterprises which helped to develop and utilize the resources of the locality. He established a steam saw-mill and ginnery, operating the first steam-driven gin in that section; engaged in building houses, and along with all this he conducted a small farm-just to employ his leisure time. He served as justice of the peace at Mountville twenty- five years, and in 1888 was elected to represent Troup county in the general assembly. He is unquestionably versatile in business qualifications, and a promoter of enterprises and developments, and is recognized as one of the most useful citizens of Troup county. Mr. Carleton was married Dec. 31, 1857, to Miss Angelette Evans-born in Meriwether county-daughter of Thomas and Martha (Harmon) Evans. Her grandparents, Thomas and Martha (Brooks) Evans, were born of Welsh parentage in North Carolina, where they lived and died. Her grandfather was a soldier in the patriot army during the revolutionary war. Her parents were born in North Carolina, came to Georgia in ox-carts in 1828, and stopped in Pike county and made a crop. In 1829 he moved to Troup county, his wife, who is yet living, walking most of the distance, and settled about a mile from Mountville, where they built little log cabins. He helped to blaze out the road between Greeneville and La Grange. One child only-Olin, a son-has been born to this marriage. Mr. Carleton was made a master Mason in 1856, and himself and wife are active and exemplary members of the Methodist church, south.

H. H. CARY, retired physician, state fish commissioner, La Grange, Troup Co., Ga., son of Dennis and Elizabeth (Cady) Cary, was born in Vermont in 1820. His father was a farmer, and both parents were natives of Vermont. Dr. Cary was raised on the farm, and educated in the common schools of the rural districts. He entered and graduated from Norwich university in 1843 with the degree of A. B. He then took another course and three years later graduated with the degree of A. M. This institution was at this time under the presidency of Capt. A. Partridge, who was the first superintendent of the West Point Military academy. After his graduation Dr. Cary was elected principal of the Norwich

H. H. CARY.

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institute, a school of very high reputation, and continued as such for some considerable time. He then came to Georgia and settled in Jasper county, where he taught school two years, meantime continuing his own studies with a view to professional life. Subsequently he attended the lectures and graduated from the medical college of Georgia, Augusta, now constituted the medical department of the university of Georgia. Some years afterward, on motion of Dr. H. V. M. Miller, he was elected an alumnus of the university. After graduating from the medical college he taught one term in response to the earnest solicitation of the patrons of the school. In January, 1847, he located at Antioch, Troup Co., entered upon the practice of his profession, and lived there nearly a quarter of a century, all the time steadily gaining in reputation and extending his practice. His profession exempted him from military duty during the war, but he rendered some valuable service towards the close. In 1868 he was elected ordinary of Troup county and held the office five ycars. That same year he brought before the State Agricultural association the matter of fish culture, which resulted in the appointment of a committee on the subject, of which he was made chairman. He then prepared a bill which passed the general assembly, and is now a law of the state, in accordance with which he was appointed fish commissioner, and has been continued in the office from that day until this. For about ten years he has been an enthusiastic member, and is now an officer of the American Fish society. Dr. Cary takes an active, an almost absorbing interest in the fish industry in the state, and bestows upon it a great deal of attention. He has been an active and ardent member of the Georgia Agricultural society since 1872; and is a member of the Georgia Horticultural society. While actively engaged in the practice of his profession he was conducting extensive farming interests, and is now connected with the banking and manufacturing enterprises of La Grange. He is eminently progressive and foremost in all movements promising to promote the material, social and moral advancement of the community. He began life with nothing, but by close attention to professional duty and judicious management, has accumulated a large property, and is regarded as one of the richest, as he certainly is one of the most useful citizens of the county. Dr. Cary was married Jan. 15, 1849, to Miss Mary J. Prouty, a native of Massachusetts, by whom he had the following children: Ella; Earnest, in the bank at Millen; Ida, wife of Col. J. A. Broome; Lula; Ashton, manufacturing business, La Grange. The mother of the above-named children died June 6, 1872. Dr. Cary is a prominent member of the Methodist church.

JOHN DANIEL, farmer, Hogansville, Troup Co., Ga., son of John and Deva (Plaster) Daniel, was born in 1841. His paternal grandparents, Littleton and Elizabeth (Hinds) Daniel, were native North Carolinians. His father was born in North Carolina in 1802, came to Georgia when sixteen years of age, and settled in Jones county. He lived there one year and made a crop, and then went back to North Carolina for his parents, when the family came in ox-carts to Georgia and settled in the virgin forest, living in tents until they could build cabins. His maternal grandparents, Benjamin and Sallie Plaster, were natives of North Carolina, who, early in the present century came to Georgia. Mr. Daniel was raised on the farm and received his meager education in the common country schools. In 1862 he enlisted in Company K, Capt. Speerman, Fiftieth Georgia regiment. He was in the battle of Baker's Creek (where he was wounded in the side), in the battles of Missionary Ridge and Rocky Face Gap. May 18, 1864, he was wounded in the knee and disabled for service. He, however, so far recovered as to return to the army, and remained with it until the surrender. He returned home after the war and began life anew, his only capital being good

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health, a resolute and upright character, and thirty-five cents. He owns now a paid-for, well-improved 1,000-acre plantation, and as a prosperous and reliable citizen is the peer of any man in Troup county. Mr. Daniel was married in 1868 to Miss Susan E. Philpot, born in Heard county in 1843, daughter of David A. and Litha (Modesty) Philpot. To them five children have been born: Andrew, Allen, Edmond, Ecton and Dove. Himself and wife are devoted members of the Methodist church.

JAMES DANIEL, farmer, Lovelace, Troup Co., Ga., son of Edmond and Julia A. (Wilburn) Daniel, was born in Greene county, Ga., in 1831. His paternal grandparents were Henning and Hannah (Asbury) Daniel. The grandfather was a soldier in the revolutionary war; the grandmother a daughter of Thomas Asbury. Mr. Daniel's father was born in Greene county, Ga., in 1800, and was raised a farmer and educated in that county. In January, 1840, he moved to Heard county, Ga., settled in the woods and cleared a farin, on which he died May 25, 1879. He was a sturdy, practical farmer, and had no ambition to be anything but a good one. Himself and wife were devoted members of the Mis- sionary Baptist church; and when on his death-bed he was engaged in prayer, in singing the praises to God, and exhorting his family and others around him to meet him in heaven. Mr. Daniel's grandparents on his mother's side were Jerry and Sarah (Hudson) Wilburn, who were natives of South Carolina, migrated to, and were among the early settlers of the upper part of Georgia. Mr. Daniel was raised partly in Greene and partly in Heard county; and went to school in the much- written about dirt-floor log cabin, where he was taught and disciplined by James Thornton, Tom Whitaker and Talbot X. Reese. During the late civil war himself and four brothers enlisted. He was detailed to duty in driving a team and bringing in supplies, but the three brothers lost their lives in the service. The other one is still living. After the war Mr. Daniel returned to Heard county, where he lived two years, and then moved to Troup county and settled on the farm he now owns. When he bought it it was said to be the poorest farm in the county; but now, under his well-directed cultivation and improvements, it is one of the best in appearance and yield, and he ranks among the best of farmers and of citizens. Mr. Daniel was married in 1854 to Miss Virginia Jennings, born in Troup county in 1837, daughter of Robert and Eloise (Brown) Jennings. Her grandparents, Robert and Elizabeth (Arnold) Jennings, were born in Virginia. He was a revolutionary soldier, and after the war came to Georgia and settled in Oglethorpe county. Thirteen children blessed this union, of whom eleven are living: Mary, Lula, Julia W., Martha A., Edmond D., Robert, James B., Allen H., Thomas A., Leon B. and Cordelia. Mr. Daniel and his wife are prominent and influential members of the Missionary Baptist church

W. P. EDMONSON, retired farmer, La Grange, Troup Co., Ga., son of William and Dinah (English) Edmonson, was born in Greene county, Ga., in 1829. His paternal grandfather, Philip Edmonson, was a native Virginian, came to Georgia in an ox-cart in the latter part of the last century, and settled in Greene county. He settled in the woods, and the family lived in tents until cabins could be built. He was a soldier in the last war with Great Britain. Mr. Edmonson's father was born in Greene county in 1802, was reared on the farm, and was a soldier during the Indian troubles of 1836. Mr. Edmonson was reared a farmer, and was educated at the common schools of the county, and taught school himself for five years. Soon after attaining manhood he married, and moved to Heard county, Ga., and settled on a farm. In 1862 he enlisted in Company K-Capt. Speer-Fifty-sixth Georgia regiment, and served until the siege of Vicksburg,

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during which he was taken sick and sent home. In 1863 he was elected sheriff and held the office four years, much to his pecuniary disadvantage, as no fees or costs could be collected, and he received nothing for his services. In 1868 he removed to Troup county and settled at Antioch, where he engaged in merchan- dising, established a good business and was very prosperous. Five years after- ward he moved to La Grange, and bought the farm he now owns and lives on. He was elected justice of the peace during his residence at Antioch and served as such nearly all the time he was there. His farm, one of the best improved in the county, lies partly within, but mostly outside the corporate limits; his residence, a very elegant one, being within the city limits. He began life after the war with nothing; has been remarkably successful both in his farming and mercantile business, and has accumulated quite a large property. Mr. Edmonson was mar- ried in 1857 to Miss Sarah A. Birdsong-born and raised in Oglethorpe county, Ga .- daughter of George W. and Serena (Jackson) Birdsong, by whom he has had six children: Edwin B., Lola, Frank, Anna M., George R., and Albert O. Mr. Edmonson was made a Mason as soon as he attained manhood, and himself and wife are devoted members of the Baptist church.

W. S. EVANS, farmer, La Grange, Troup Co., Ga., son of Thomas C. and Rhoda B. (Swanson) Evans, was born in Georgia in 1838. His father was born and raised in Edgefield district, S. C., and came to Georgia sometime in the twenties, when a young man. He was a captain during the Indian war of 1836, and was with the forces which escorted and guarded the Cherokees on their way to their new home. He was a party to the contract to convey the Indians from Georgia; and after the treaty he was selected to settle with and pay the Indians for their lands. While thus engaged he ate, and held councils with them in their wigwams, securing their friendship and confidence. He was fond of military dis- play and life, and for years was a general of the local militia, when to hold the office was no insignificant local distinction. In 1843 he came to Troup county, soon after which he was elected sheriff, holding the office several years to the entire satisfaction of the people. In 1856 he was elected ordinary of Troup county and held the office until he died, in 1857. He was a member of the masonic fraternity. Mr. Evans was reared and educated at the common schools in Troup county, and had entered the university of Georgia when his father died, and he had to abandon his college course. In April, 1861, he enlisted as a private in the La Grange Light guards-the first company that left La Grange-which afterward became Company B, Fourth Georgia regiment. Not long after the regiment went to the field he was elected lieutenant; and the officers of the Twiggs county volunteers and the West Point guards having been captured, the com- mand of these forces devolved on him. He was in all the engagements in which his company bore an honorable and conspicuous part, among them-King's School-house; Malvern Hill; Sharpsburg; Second Manassas; Morton's Ford; the Gettysburg campaign; the fights around Richmond; Cold Harbor, and Mono- cacy, where he lost his right leg. At one time during his service he crossed the Potomac three times with his company, and was wounded each time. At Sharps- burg he was shot in the head and left on the field for dead; but he recovered con- sciousness and rejoined his command. At the battle of Monocacy, July 9, 1864, when he lost his leg, he was captured, but was soon exchanged and came home, and as soon as he was able resumed farming. In 1888 he was appointed post- master at La Grange by President Cleveland, and retained the office several months during President Harrison's administration. Mr. Evans stands very high with his fellow-citizens as a man of stern integrity and uprightness of char- acter. Mr. Evans was married in 1866 to Miss Maggie, daughter of Walker and

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Margaret (McCalley) Dunson, native Georgians. To them seven children have been born: Lucy Lee, Mary Virginia, Maggie, Ruth, Willie, Thomas C., and Frank T. The mother, who was an exemplary member of the Methodist church, died Aug. 10, 1891. It is a singular coincidence that all their children were born on Sunday but one, and that one was born on Saturday night. Mr. Evans is a Knight of Honor-was made a master Mason as soon as he was of full age, and is now a royal arch Mason. Himself and all his children are members of the Methodist church.

W H. FINCHER, SR., merchant, Mountville, Troup Co., Ga., son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Brooks) Fincher, was born in Troup county in 1839. His paternal grandfather, Benjamin Fincher, was a native of North Carolina, whence he migrated at the beginning of this century to Georgia, and settled in the woods in what is now Jasper county. His father was born in Jasper county in 18II, was raised on the farm, and educated in the common schools of the county. His mother was also born in Jasper county, in 1815, and was the daughter of Thomas and Martha Brooks, North Carolinians, who were among the early settlers of Jasper county. Mr. Fincher was raised on the farm, and received a fair education at the common schools. During the war he did duty with what is popularly known as "Joe Brown's pets." At the close of the war he reached West Point, Ga., just in time to not participate in the engagement. After the surrender he engaged in farming awhile; but in 1869 he established a general merchandise store in Mountville, which he has continued to this time with success and profit. Beginning with very little after the war, he has accumulated capital, and is now regarded as one of the richest men in the county. Upright and scrupulously lionorable, he has won and retains the confidence of the people. Mr. Fincher was married in 1859 to Miss Arabella Cox, born in Troup county in 1840, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Cox. To them six children have been born: Betsey B., wife of Rev. W. E. Dozier; Lula I., wife of J. N. Trippe; Maggie M., wife of T. J. Kinnard; Charles B., Robert B., and William D. Mr. Fincher is a master Mason, and himself and wife are influential members of the Presbyterian church.

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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 135

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