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 136

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 136

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

A. J. FULLER, farmer, Mountville, Troup Co., Ga., son of Bryant and Elizabeth (Galloway) Fuller, was born in Troup county in 1840. His grandfather, Crawford Fuller, was born in North Carolina, where he lived and died. His father was also born in the "old north state," where he married, came to Georgia in ox-carts and on horseback in 1830, and settled in the woods in Troup county, where he cleared a farm. There was such a scarcity of food in the country that he had to go to Macon and work a month to get a supply of provisions for his little family. Mr. Fuller's mother was a daughter of Henry and Livia (Buck) Galloway, both of whom were natives of North Carolina. They came to Georgia about 1835, remained a brief period, and then went to Alabama, where they lived until they died. Mr. Fuller was reared on the farm and got his limited education at the primitive dirt-floor, puncheon-seated log school house, with stick-and-mud chimney. He enlisted in Company B, Sixtieth Georgia regiment, Col. Jones, which was assigned first to the command of Gen. John B. Gordon, and afterward to that of Clement A. Evans. Mr. Fuller certainly has a remarkable record, as the following recital shows. He was in the following battles, some of which were the most stubbornly contested and bloodiest and most important fought during the war: Port Royal, Cold Harbor, Malvern hill, Cedar run, Bristow station, second Manassas, Chantilly farm, Harper's ferry, Sharpsburg, Shepherdstown, Fredericksburg. Chancellorsville, Winchester, Wrightsville, Gettysburg, Kelley's ford, Brandy station, Mine run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Mechanicsville, Tur-

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key ridge, Martinsburg, Monocacy, Snicker's gap, Kernston, Bunker hill, Fisher's hill, Cedar creek, Hatcher's run, Fort Steadman, Petersburg trenches, Sailor's creek, and Appomattox-and was in the Lawton-Gordon-Evans brigade. Although he was in all these hard-fought battles, and bravely and faithfully per- formed his duty as a soldier, he was never sick, never wounded nor captured. He began life after the war without a dollar; but now, as the result of his hard work and superior management, he owns 550 acres of fine land in Meriwether county, an elegant home in Mountville, and an ample income; and he made it all farming. Few persons are better conditioned to happily pass through life-none more highly esteemed than Mr. Fuller and his family. Mr. Fuller was married in 1875 to Miss Mary Daniel-born in Troup county-daughter of James and Virginia (Jennings) Daniel, by whom he had three children: Bryant, Jennie L., and Daniel. Himself and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist church.

J. H. GLANTON, retired planter, La Grange, Troup Co., Ga., son of Abner and Tavia (Hardy) Glanton, was born in Monroe county, Ga., in 1829. His parents were natives of South Carolina, whence they came in an ox-cart to Georgia in 1827, and settled first in Monroe, in the woods, and dwelt in tents until cabins could be provided. After a stay of a year or two in Monroe they removed to Troup county, where they made a permanent home. About 1830 two of Mrs. Glanton's brothers, Thomas and James Hardy, came from South Carolina and settled in Troup. These were all pioneer families. Thomas was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Glanton was reared on the plantation, and was educated at the old-time "old-field" school, taught in the historic dirt-floor log school house. He has been a farmer all his life, and has devoted his time and attention to his agricultural interests. In consequence of this, when the "unpleas- antness" began he sent a substitute to the army; 'subsequently enlisted in two different companies, but was detailed for local service in the commissary depart- ment. He started in life with but little, but by strict attention, keeping abreast with improved methods and implements, and judicious management and invest- ment, has become one of Troup county's solidest and most substantial citizens. Mr. Glanton was married in 1852 to Miss Louisiana L. Anderson-born in Meriwether county, Ga .- daughter of James R. and Caroline (McQueen) Ander- son. Mr. Anderson was also a pioneer settler of Troup county, and felled the timber to make his home. This wife bore him eight children: Anderson, Mattie, Abner, Tavia C., Mollie H., and Julia, and two who died in infancy. Mrs. Ander- son died in 1872. In 1874 Mr. Glanton contracted a second marriage with Mrs. Martha E. Hall, born in Meriwether county, daughter of John L. Dixon, who bore him one child, Henry Dixon, and died in 1887. Mr. Glanton enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him.

W.T. GODWIN, farmer, La Grange, Troup Co., Ga., son of William H. and Mary H. (Flewellen) Godwin, was born in Pike county, in 1825. His paternal grandfather, Jeremialı Godwin, was a native of Virginia, was a soldier in the patriot army during the revolutionary war, and came to Georgia in 1820. After a short stay he returned to Virginia, where he died. Mr. Godwin's father was born in Virginia, and about 1817, accompanied by two brothers, came to Georgia on horseback. When a young man he taught school and served as a clerk in a store in Eatonton, Ga. Mr. Godwin's mother was the daughter of Alexander and Katie (Peeples) Flewellen, and Mrs. Flewellen was the only daughter of Henry Peeples of Warren county. Mr. Flewellen was a soldier in the war of 1812 under Gen. Floyd. Mr. Godwin was raised on the farm, and educated at the old-time "old-field" dirt-floor, log school house, and has followed farming

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all his life. During the war he manufactured leather shoes for the Confederate government. He is a member of the alliance, takes a very great interest in it,. and in 1888 organized the Sixth congressional district of Georgia. He is con- sidered one of Troup county's best citizens, and stands high in all the relations of life. Mr. Godwin was married in 1844 to Miss Sarah Traylor-born in Troup county-daughter of Wiley and Elsie (Vardaman) Traylor. Mr. Traylor was one of the early settlers, a large stock-raiser, and died in the county. To them seven children were born, three of whom are living: Mary J., wife of W. C. Cotton; Louisa L., wife of M. L. Whitman; Martha, wife of William Stratford of Ft. Michael, Ala. Mrs. Godwin, who was an exemplary member of the Methodist church, died early in 1858; and late in the same year Mr. Godwin contracted a second marriage with Miss Balsora A. Carlisle-born in Troup county-daughter of W. W. and Rowena (Walker) Carlisle. Of five children with which this union was blessed, four are living: W. H .; George T .; Frances, wife of J. R. Roberts; and James B. Mr. and Mrs. Godwin are prominent members of the Methodist church, and he is a council member of the masonic fraternity.

CHARLES H. GRIFFIN, president Troup factory, La Grange, Troup Co., Ga., son of Charles H. and Mary A. (Ashford) Griffin, was born in Troup county in 1845. His paternal grandparents were natives of South Carolina, came to Georgia about the year 1800, and settled in the woods in Wilkes county, where they cleared a farm. Mr. Griffin's father was born in Wilkes county in 1809, where he was reared and educated, and whence, on reaching manhood, he went to Alabama. He was married in Montgomery county in that state, and in 1833 returned to Georgia and settled in the woods in Troup county, where he cleared a farm and reared his family. He was a soldier in the Indian war of 1836; was a member of the masonic fraternity, and himself and wife were members of the Baptist church, to whose support they devoted much time and money. He died in 1855, but his wife survived him many years. She was a woman of uncommon industry, and so devoted to labor that she may be said to have died at her work. The day she died she came from her garden, where she had been engaged, to get a drink of water, when she suddenly dropped down and expired, aged seventy-two years. Her parents, William and Charlotte (Andrews) Ashford, were natives of South Carolina, came to Georgia, and settled and cleared a farm in the woods. Mr. Griffin was reared on the farm, and received a common school education. In 1863 he enlisted in Company B, Fourth Georgia regiment, successively under the command of Capt. Robert S. Smith, Miles H. Hill, J. A. Norwood, and A. C. Gibson, Col. (later Gen.) Phil Cook, and served until the battle of the Wilderness, where, May 5, 1864, he had a thumb shot off, was shot through the hand and also through the hip, which last-named wound permanently disabled him for further service. His company went into that battle with thirty-three men, and came out with only six, the others, excepting four captured, having been killed and wounded. After the war he came to La Grange, his only capital being his war record, personal integrity, and a $100 Confederate note, and entered a general merchandise store, where he clerked twenty-two years; then, in 1872-73, establish- ing a business of his own in La Grange. In 1891 he was elected president of the Troup Factory company. This company, organized fifty or more years ago by Robertson, Leslie & Co., manufactured goods for the Confederate govern- ment during the war, but failed in 1879. A stock company, of which Mr. Griffin was a member, was organized and bought the plant, which has since been operated successfully and very profitably. Since his election as president he has devoted his entire time and attention to its management. The mill employs about fifty-five hands, and has a capacity of 3,500 yards of sheetings per day.

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TROUP COUNTY SKETCHES.

Coming out of the war a poor, penniless, wounded soldier, he has made an enviable reputation for business capability and integrity, and ranks among the most es- teemed of the citizens of the county. Mr. Griffin is a master Mason.

Į B. HARALSON, farmer, Long Cane, Troup Co., Ga., son of J. B. and · Beulah (Smedley) Haralson, was born in Troup county in 1841. His paternal grandfather, Elijah Haralson, was a native of Virginia, came to Georgia about 1795 in ox-carts, and settled in Greene county. There being but few public roads at that time, and they far apart, he had to cut a road-way to his lands --- virgin forest, where he cleared a farm. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Haralson's father was born in Greene county in 1803,-and was reared on the farm. He remained in Greene until 1827, when he removed to Troup county, making the journey in ox-carts, and settled in the woods on the western side of the Chattahoochee river. There was but one other family in that part of the county at that time. His life-pursuit was farming, but he supplemented that by working as a carpenter, and he served many years as a justice of the peace. He was also a soldier in the Creek Indian war of 1836. Mr. Haralson attended school at first under a bush arbor; he did this two seasons, and then a log house was built, where he finished his limited education. In 1861 he enlisted in Com- pany F, Capt. Bodkin, Twenty-first Georgia regiment, Col. John T. Mercer, assigned to Gen. Smith's command. He saw much hard service, and was in many important hard-fought battles, among them Winchester, and from there to Gettysburg, Cold Harbor and others. He was wounded and in the hospital when Second Manassas was fought. At the time of the surrender he was on duty in Selma, Ala. He entered the service as private, and in 1863, he was promoted to a lieutenancy, which commission he held at the close of the war. After the war he engaged earnestly in farming, with the pursuit of which he has been content, and his success has 'satisfied his highest ambition. In 1886 he was appointed a gauger and storekeeper in the internal revenue department and held the office some considerable time. Mr. Haralson was married in 1860 to Miss Mary J., daughter of Warren and Mary (Edmonson) Cofield. She died in 1883, and in 1884 he married Miss Anna V. Wilkinson, born in Troup county, who has borne him three children: Thomas B., Florence R. and Beulah. He is a master Mason, and himself and wife are members of the Baptist church.

WILLIAM F. HINES, farmer, Gabbettville, Troup Co., Ga., son of James H. and Nancy (Horton) Hines, was born in Chambers county, Ala., in 1852. His paternal grandfather, Thomas Hines, was one of eleven brothers who came from England and settled in Maryland before the revolutionary war. In the latter part of the last century he came to Georgia and settled in Greene county. Mr. Hines' father was born in that county in 1804, was reared a >planter, and educated there, and in J827 moved to and settled in Troup county, of which he was a pioneer settler. He settled in the woods and cleared a farm, on which he lived till he died, in 1878. He was a devoted member of the Methodist church. His mother was a daughter of Thomas Horton, who was a native of Virginia, whence he came to Georgia and settled in Greene county, where he lived until 1840, when he moved to Troup county, and cleared a farm in the northern part of the county. Mr. Hines was reared in Alabama, where he received a good common school education. His father's health failing he had to leave school. He began life with but little, but by industry and good management has increased his possessions, until now he has a fine 700-acre farm, and is one of the most success- ful and substantial farmers in the county. Mr. Hines was married in 1879 to Miss Lillie J. Potts, born and reared in Troup county, daughter of Morne and

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May (Reed) Potts, by whom he has had seven children: Robert P., James C., William F., Mary L., Eloise P., Charles and Ravia. Mr. Hines is a Knight of Pythias, and himself and wife are prominent members of the Methodist church.

W. H. HODNETT, farmer, Long Cane, Troup Co., Ga., son of William and Caroline (Findley) Hodnett, was born in Troup county in 1844. His paternal grandfather was William Hodnett, who was a native of Virginia, a soldier in the patriot army during the revolutionary war, came to Georgia by ox-cart conveyance in 1795, and settled in the woods in what is now Putnam county, where, that same year, Mr. Hodnett's father was born. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and having secured a land warrant he came to Troup county in 1827, settled in the woods, and cleared a farm. He became a quite prominent citizen, and died in 1863. Mr. Hodnett was raised on the farm, and received a very limited education. In 1862 he enlisted in Company K, Capt. Long, Thir- teenth Georgia regiment, Col. Ector, and was assigned to Gen. Clement A. Evans' command. Among other very important battles he was in those of Fredericks- burg, Chancellorsville and Winchester. He was sick with fever at Winchester when the battle of Gettysburg was fought, and was on a wounded furlough when the battle of Strasburg occurred. He was in all other general engagements in which his command participated until they stacked arms at Appomattox. He stood guard from about ten o'clock until daylight the night before the surrender. Mr. Hodnett was present at Taccoon Ford when Gen. Lee said to Gen. Gordon, "Take your original position at Mine river," whereupon Gen. Gordon said, "Our entire trains are at stake and it is impossible to get them out. Let me try my brig- ade; they never fail." He was wounded at Smithfield, on account of which he was off duty ninety days, and at Winchester. One of the wounds was in the hip by a ball from a shell. He escaped all other injury and capture. He was in the battle in which Gen. Evans was shot from his horse, and was very near him at the time. He came to the old homestead after the war. All he received from his father's estate was $62.25, and he had his afflicted mother and three children to provide for. He has done this fully and faithfully, and is now the possessor of 1,000 acres of good land, and the farm is as well improved as any in the county. He has forged his way to the front as a good farmer and worthy citizen, deserving and having the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. Mr. Hodnett was married in 1876 to Miss Amanda Roberts, born in Troup county, daughter of Wiley P. and Sara (Wilson) Roberts, formerly of Greenville district, S. C., who came to Georgia in 1844 and settled in Troup county. One child, Sallie Fannie, has blessed this union. Mr. and Mrs. Hodnett are members of the Methodist church.

R. M. HUDSON, farmer, Long Cane, Troup Co., Ga., son of Roland W. and Telitha C. (Bennett) Hudson, was born in Troup county in 1841. His paternal grandparents were Richard and Susannah (Parrott) Hudson. He was one of eleven brothers who came from England to America just before the revolu- tionary war, and settled first in Maryland and afterwards moved to Virginia. From Virginia his grandparents migrated to Georgia about the year 1800, and set- tled in what is now Jasper county, in the woods, where he cleared a farm and reared his family. He remained there until 1827, when he moved to Troup county, driving his cattle, hogs and other stock, settled in the woods and cleared another farm. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Hudson's father was born in Jasper county in 1809, was reared on the farm and educated in the back- woods schools of the period and locality. He accompanied his parents to Troup county in 1827 and was a soldier in the Creek Indian war of 1836. Mr. Hudson

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was reared on the farm and received a limited education in the common schools of the county. In 1861 he enlisted for six months in the state troops, and at the expiration of that time re-enlisted in Ferrell's battery under Col. Montgomery. His first engagement was at Tuscumbia, Ala., where he was taken prisoner, but in a short time he was paroled. On his return to the service he was transferred to the command of Gen. Forrest, and under that dashing commander participated in the battles at Harrisburg, Miss .; Athens, Ala., and Pulaski, Tenn. In 1864 he contracted measles and was in the hospital at the time of the surrender. During a part of the time he was in the service he held the office of sergeant. After the war he returned to his farm, to which he has given his undivided and unremitting attention, and has been rewarded with abundant success and prosperity. He is very popular and highly esteemed by his fellow-citizens, and in 1894 was elected tax collector of the county, which office he now holds. Mr. Hudson was married in 1863 to Miss Fannie V. Famby, born and reared within three-fourths of a mile of her present home, daughter of Matthew B. and Mary (Meadows) Famby, of a family of early settlers. To them four children have been born: Richard B., Cornelia E., wife of W. F. Stinson; Mary F., wife of Robert L. Hart, and John A. He is a member of the masonic fraternity and himself and wife are mem- bers of the Missionary Baptist church. They both united with the church at the same time, and were married by the minister that received them into the church by baptism.

JOHN TURNER HUDSON, farmer, Long Cane, Troup Co., Ga., son of Roland and Telitha C. (Bennett) Hudson, was born in Troup county in 1844. A sketch of his immediate progenitor will be found in these memoirs. Mr. Hudson was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools of the county. In 1862 he enlisted in Ferrell's battery, which formed a part of Gen. Roddy's com- mand, and while with it saw much hard service and participated in very many engagements of more or less importance, among them that at Bear creek. Later he was transferred to Gen. Forrest's command, and was with it in the battles at Tupelo, Miss .; Athens, Ala., and Pulaski, Tenn., and at the capture of Gen. Strait at Round Mountain. He remained in the service to the end, enduring all the hardships and privations of soldier-life, but was so fortunate as to escape both capture and casualty. When the war closed he had not attained to manhood, the youngest of six brothers in the same company, but returned without a dollar to the old homestead where he was born and which is now his home. He is now the possessor of a good farm, well-improved and under good cultivation, a nice home, and the good will and sincere esteem of his neighbors and fellow-citizens. Mr. Hudson was married in 1872 to Miss Dora Boyd, born in Troup county, daughter of Henry and Susan (Heard) Boyd, by whom he has had four children : Idus, Bennett, Susan and John Turner. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist church.

I. T. C. LOVELACE, farmer, West Point, Troup Co., Ga., son of Lucius C. and Obedience (Robinson) Lovelace, was born in Troup county, on the farm where he now lives, in 1839. His paternal great-grandfather was a native of North Carolina, moved to and lived in South Carolina a short time, and then came to Georgia and settled in Columbia county, among its earliest settlers. His grand- parents, James and Mary (Stapler) Lovelace, were natives of South Carolina, came to Georgia in ox-carts and settled in the woods. He was one of the pioneer school teachers in Columbia county, was excellently well educated, served as a soldier in the war of 1812 and died in 1860. Mr. Lovelace's father was born in

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Columbia county Feb. 6, 1806, where he was reared on the farm, and received his education. He came to Troup county in 1831 and settled in the woods when they were full of Indians and wild animals and began life in a little log hut. His mother was a daughter of Leggett and Elizabeth (Bennett) Robinson, who were natives of South Carolina, came to Georgia and settled in what is now Henry county in 1820. He served as a volunteer in the Creek Indian war of 1836. Mr. Lovelace was reared on the farm where he now lives, and was educated in the "old field" schools and at Bowdon college. In 1861 he enlisted in Company D, Capt. Matthews, Fourth Georgia regiment, Col. George Doles, Gen. Blanchard, and participated in many hard-fought battles, among them: King's Schoolhouse, Malvern Hill, Fredricksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and Wilderness. At the last-named battle he was wounded in the shoulder, which disabled him for service and crippled him for life. He was sent to the hospital, where he remained until the surrender. He then came home and conducted the farm about five years, when he went to West Point, Ga., and embarked in manufacturing. At the end of five years he sold out and returned to the old homestead, where he has since remained, content with the enjoyments of an intelligent and delightful home circle. He has been a jury commissioner sixteen years and a county commis- sioner two years. No citizen of Troup county is held in higher esteem, none of more unbending integrity, or who more fully commands the public confidence. Mr. Lovelace was married in 1866 to Miss Amanda Davidson, born in Troup county, daughter of Elias and Lucretia (Leverett) Davidson, native Georgians. Four children have blessed this union: Samuel, Amanda O., Lula, and Lucius B. He is a master Mason and himself and wife and all the children are mem- bers of the Methodist church.

FLEAZER MOBLEY, one of the prominent farmers of Troup county, is a grandson of Jethro and Sarah Mobley. The former was a native of South Carolina and a man of somewhat adventuresome nature; he served in the war of 1812, at an early day he came to Georgia, but after a short time moved to Ala- bama, where he remained until 1847, when he returned to Georgia. His son, Eldridge H., was born in Georgia in 1809 and served in the Indian war of 1836. He was a teacher in the common schools in those early days and was especially noted as a penman, being regarded as one of the best in this section of the coun- try. His wife was Miss Eliza Finney, and their son Eleazer was born in Cham- bers county, Ala., in 1845, and reared upon the farm, attending school in the comfortless old log schoolhouse of the period. Though scarcely out of boyhood he enlisted in 1861, joining the Newnan guards, First Georgia regiment, under Capt. James M. Harvey. Among the hard battles in which he was engaged was Carrick Ford, Laurel Hill, Greenbrier river, Perryville, Ky., Richmond, Ky., and numerous skirmishes. He served throughout the war, being captured at Fort Steadman in 1864, and held a prisoner until the surrender. He was present at the battle of Monocacy Junction, Md., at the time when Gen. Evans was shot from his horse, being within ten feet of the general at that moment. It was in this battle that young Mobley was made captain of his company and served until his capture. He had served as corporal for a long time previous. During his imprisonment the Yankees made him captain of a company. After his return to his Georgia home at the close of the war Mr. Mobley began life by cutting cord- wood and railroad ties, and has been able by his own industry and care to accumu- late quite a property and stands high in the estimation of the community. For two years he served as mayor of Hogansville, but though often solicited to run for other official positions would never consent. He has always been a demo-

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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 136

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