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 140

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 140

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WM. L. SOLOMON. This gentleman is justly regarded as among the lead- ing citizens of Twiggs county, having been for years intimately associated with all movements intended to promote its prosperity. The family were origi- nally from North Carolina, from which state they located in what is now Twiggs county in the latter part of the last century. James, the father of Wm. L., was born here in 1800 and reared on a plantation. At eighteen he packed his all in a bandana handkerchief, and started out to see what the world contained for him. Going to Marion county, he entered a store as a clerk, of which he later became a part owner. He merchandised for some sixteen years, then bought a farm in Twiggs county and passed the remainder of his days in cultivating the soil. He married Frances, daughter of William and Mary E. Crocker, and reared a family of five children: James C., died during the late war; Cindarilla, deceased wife of Paul Tarver: William L .; Josephine, widow of C. R. Faulk, Perry, Ga .; Carey E., Montgomery county, Ga. The father died while still in his prime, the mother subsequently marrying H. L. Denard, by whom she had two children: Ervin and Mary. Mrs. Denard was a woman of shrewd business sense, and by

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her energy and good judgment quite a competency was accumulated. She died in 1888. William L. Solomon was born in Twiggs county, Jan. 31, 1834. He was educated at Emory college, attaining to the senior class, but not finishing the course. He began farming the year before his majority and has been true to his first love with such persistency and intelligence as to place him in the front rank of the agriculturists of middle Georgia; but as to theory and practice he cultivates some 1,600 acres at present, and owns lands in adjoining counties aggregating some 3,000 acres. Politically Dr. Solomon favors the democratic party, but cares nothing for the emoluments of office. He is a stanch Baptist, being a deacon in his local organization-Richland church. The marriage of Wm. L. Solomon and Miss A. E. Fitzpatrick was happily consummated in Twiggs county. Mrs. Solomon is a daughter of John Fitzpatrick and was reared in the county of her birth. They became the parents of four children: John F., Jeffersonville, a farmer; Jones C., a Baptist minister, South Macon; William W., superintendent gin factory, Marseyville; Mary, wife of E. Jones (deceased). These children were all given the advantage of a collegiate course of study, and are filling honored positions in society.

W M. B. TARVER. Twiggs county does not contain within her borders representatives of a more illustrious name than the one here mentioned, this gentleman being the son of the noted Gen. Hartwell Hill Tarver, who was a prominent military officer of the state during the 40's. Gen. Tarver was born and reared in Old Dominion state, Brunswick county, and was a descendant of a family of seven brothers and two sisters who came to America in colonial days, the seven brothers participating in the revolutionary war on the patriot side. In young manhood Gen. Tarver became a resident of Twiggs county and rapidly accumulated an immense property in lands and slaves. Always of a military turn of mind, it was not until 1842 that he took any prominent part, at which time his ability was recognized by his election by the legislature of the state to be general of all of the militia of Georgia, then a very prominent and important factor in the public life of the state. Gen. Tarver continued in the public eye with acceptability from that time until his death, which occurred in 1852, in Twiggs county. Gen. Tarver was twice married, his first wife having been Miss Ann Wimberly, a sister of Dr. Henry Wimberly, of Jeffersonville, of whom mention is made elsewhere. Their children were Dolly, whose romantic marriage to the late Gen. Colquitt is well remembered; Paul; Henry; Fred, and John. All of these are deceased save Henry, who lives in Albany, Ga. The second marriage was to Harriet, daughter of Henry and Nancy Bunn, who had emigrated to Georgia from North Carolina. Two children blessed this union: William B., the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, and Benjamin M., a resident of Chattanooga, Tenn. This wife outlived the general some seventeen years, dying in 1879. Both lie buried in Twiggs county. Wm. B. Tarver was born May 23, 1844, in Twiggs county. He was in college in Virginia when the war cloud burst, and hastening home he enlisted as a volunteer when but seventeen years of age in Gen. Hamp- ton's cavalry command, in which he served the entire four years. He participated in nearly every pitched battle of the war, and surrendered at High Point, N. C., with Wade Hampton's brigade. In 1863, while home on a furlough, he was joined in matrimony to Miss Laura Wimberly, a daughter of Dr. Henry W., before mentioned. But one child resulted in this union, Caroline, now the wife of G. W. Jordan, Jr., of Pulaski county. Mr. Tarver's first wife died in 1868, his present consort having been Annie P. Weaver, daughter of Wm. M. and Lucia F. Weaver, of Selma, Ala., descended from Gen. Weaver of revolutionary fame. Six children blessed this union: Lucia H., Hartwell Hill, Benjamin M., Jr., Wm. B., Jr., Roseline

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T. and Ann W. Mr. Tarver is a worthy son of a worthy father, being held in high esteein in the community where he has long resided. He cultivates a plantation of 2,600 acres, and does it in such a manner as to secure him the repu- tation of being one of the best planters in the county. Democracy secures his suffrage, and the Methodist church his moral and financial support.

JOHN S. VAUGHN, an ex-representative of the legislature, and at present post- master, merchant and farmer at Vaughn, postoffice, Twiggs Co., was born in the same county Feb. II, 1852. He has spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits, and deserves much credit for the success which has attended him. He operates landed interests aggregating 1,000 acres. In 1894 he became the nomi- nee of his party for the legislature, and was easily elected over his populist opponent. He is a democrat of the old school, and is doing himself and his county credit in the important position to which he was chosen. Mr. Vaughn has been twice married. Emma J. Armstrong, daughter of J. H. of Pulaski county, became his wife March II, 1875, and to them were born six children, four of whom are living: John H., Herschel J., Sallie E. and Wm. T. The mother of these children died March 25, 1889, and Jan. 13, 1891, Mr. Vaughn married his present wife, Susie E., daughter of Felix Johnson, of Twiggs county. Sur- rounded with an interesting family, with political honors and financial success attending him, Mr. Vaughn has much to look forward to in life.

J. R. WIMBERLY is a native of Twiggs county, was born in November of 1843, and is the son of J. R. Wimberly, Sr. His earlier education turned toward a course in civil engineering, but at the opening of the civil war his father entered the service and he remained at home with his mother. However, in 1863, he too enlisted in the state militia. At the close of the war he became a physician, his father having been a very successful practitioner. In 1869 he located in Jeffer- sonville and has since resided there. His wife Adelaide was the daughter of Rev. W. R. Steely and granddaughter of James Steely, a revolutionary patriot. Their marriage took place in November, 1866. To them were born eight chil- dren: Fred C .; J. R .; Albert; Lucy G., now Mrs. Wall; and Mary; three died in infancy. The mother of these children died Oct. 6, 1890. She was a woman of many virtues, a devoted wife and indulgent mother, and a kind neighbor. Her loss was felt by all who knew her. Mr. Wimberly is a consistent member of the Baptist church, of which he is a deacon. He was elected ordinary of the county in 1885, and has held the office for ten years, much to the satisfaction of the people of Twiggs. Mr. Wimberly comes of an old and highly respected Georgia family, whose different members have occupied positions of honor and trust throughout the state. He himself is a man of the most unbending integrity, and does much to refute that oft-repeated old expression that "the good men died with the demise of our fathers."

CAPT. FREDERICK DAVIS WIMBERLY, deceased, was born in Houston county, March 23, 1840, and removed with his parents to Twiggs county when he was four years old. He was graduated from Mercer university, and in 1860 was married to Miss Isrelene Minter, a daughter of Col. Wm. F. Minter, who was sixty years old when killed in the last battle of the late war. Capt. Wimberly responded to the first call for troops in South Carolina and was elected second lieutenant in Gen. Tarver's command. He served through the entire war and was promoted after the battle of Sharpsburg to captain for gallantry on the field. Six children were born to them: Col. W. M. Wimberly, Dr. Warren Wimberly, Mrs. Richard D. Campbell, of Atlanta, Miss Clara, Isrelene; Fred, Jr., died in

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youth. Capt. Wimberly died July 16, 1893. Mrs. Wimberly is a lady of intelli- gence and considerable literary ability.

DR. HENRY S. WIMBERLY. Fred Davis Wimberly was a native of North Carolina. He was the father of the following children: Ezekiel, Henry, Moses, J. R., Fred Davis, Betsy A., Allie L., all of whom are dead. Ezekiel was born Jan. 4, 1781, and died in 1825. He settled in Washington county, Ga., when a young man of twenty-three years and became a planter. He married Dorothy B., daughter of Henry Slappey, who was a revolutionary soldier and a native of Holland. To this union there were born Annie R., who became the wife of Gen. Tarver of Twiggs county; Fred D., Henry S., Eliza R. and Dorothy M. The last two died in youth. The mother of these children died in February of 1817. The wife of his second marriage was Miss Rebecca C. Jones, who became the mother of six children, all of whom are dead. The father of these and our subject, Henry S., located in what is now Twiggs county in 1808. He started in moderate circum- stances and very rapidly accumulated vast wealth. He lived a very quiet life, was of a religious turn of mind, and very highly respected. He was captain of militia and in politics an old-time whig. He died Aug. 5, 1825, of yellow fever. Henry S. Wimberly, the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, was born March 26, 1812. His education was obtained in Jasper county, where was located the only academy in the surrounding country. After his father's death he resided for one year at Tarversville with Gen. Tarver. He then attended the medical college at Augusta, Ga., and was one of seven pupils. In 1832 he graduated from the medical college of Philadelphia, Penn., and located in Twiggs county. He at once began the practice of medicine, but after two years he turned his attention to farming in Houston county, where he owned a large plantation and a number of slaves. After a few years he disposed of this plantation and purchased 1,500 acres in Twiggs county, where he resides. His wife was a daughter of Hardy and Sabra Durham. To her were born the following: John R., of Arkansas; Fred Davis, of Pulaski county; Mary Eliza, of Wilcox county; Henry of Telfair county; Lula P. resides at home. The mother of these children died in 1864. His second marriage was to Mrs. E. L. Wharton. Their children are Wm. F. and Ezekiel P., who died Nov. 6, 1892, and two others died in infancy. The doctor has retired from active life and is enjoying the result of a life of industry and well-directed agricultural effort. A democrat of the old school he is in sectarian belief a Methodist, of which denomination he has long been an honored member.

SAMUEL WADE YOPP was born May 12, 1854, and is a native of Laurens county, Ga., where he was reared. His education was such as to enable him to become a successful planter, and he was received at the Dublin academy. When a young man he and his brother conducted the large plantation of their grand- father for many years. Afterward he became identified with the milling industry in Twiggs county. Having for some time successfully conducted a plantation for D. M. Hughes, he removed to his own, which he has since profitably man- aged. In August of 1886, he married Ellen Elizabeth, daughter of Robt. A. Hill, of Twiggs county, a native of North Carolina. To this marriage have been born three children: Nellie Francis, Myrtle and Robert Hut. Mr. Yopp is a thorough democrat and was in 1894 a candidate for the legislature, the opposing candidate being elected by a very small majority. He and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist church, and stand well in the church and community in which they live. The grandfather, Samuel Yopp, was a native of North Carolina, and when but a young man located on a plantation in Laurens county, near Turkey creek. He married Elizabeth Hausly, who was also a native of North Carolina.

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They became the parents of four children. By industry and good management he became a man of great wealth-one of the "southern lords" of ante-bellum days. His hospitality was known throughout southern Georgia. John W. Yopp, the eldest of his children, and father of S. W. Yopp, was born in Laurens county in 1823. He had superior educational advantages and became a prominent planter. He passed his entire life a citizen of his native county. For a number of terms he represented his county in the legislature and during the war was state senator from that district. He was a Mason and in politics an old-time democrat and a member of the Baptist church, of which he was a most faithful worker for the society. He was a man of influence and died in 1868, honored and respected by all who knew him. His wife, a native of Laurens county, is the daughter of Wade Hampton, of that county, he being a member of that distinguished family in Virginia. She is the mother of the following children: J. H., of Laurens county; Ellen Frances, widow of A. E. Corbett; S. W., whose name heads this sketch; Carroll H., Laurens county, and Elizabeth F. and Samuel, both deceased. Mrs. Yopp is still living and is a resident of Laurens county.

UPSON COUNTY.

WILLIAM B. ADAMS, a prominent farmer, Upson county, Ga., son of W. L. and Frances (Dumas) Adams, was born in Monroe county, Ga., in 1849. His great-grandfather, Nipper Adams, of English descent, was a citizen of North Carolina during the revolutionary war and a soldier in the patriot army. While he was thus absent a tory neighbor abused his family. When informed of it by his wife on his return he lost no time in seeking and killing the tory, and not long thereafter migrated to Georgia and settled in what is now Monroe county. His grandparents, William A., son of Nipper Adams, and Statia (Lucas) Adams, farmers, were born in North Carolina and came to Monroe county in the latter part of the last century. William A. Adams served his country in the Mexican war, and W. L. Adams, the father of the subject of this sketch, served through the late war. Mr. Adams' grandfather on his mother's side was of French descent; the family settled first in Jones county and later removed to Monroe county. Mr. Adams was educated at the common schools of the county, which at that time had not the best of educators, and whilst going to school he had to help on the farm. As a consequence of the war his father lost about all he had-negroes, stock, etc., except his land, and he and his family had to begin life anew on the farm. He worked awhile for his father on shares, and then bought a farm of his own and has operated it with the greatest success and placed himself in independent circum- stances. He is now county commissioner. In 1870 he married Miss Sallie Willis, born in Upson county in 1853, daughter of Annon and Mary P. (Means) Willis. Mr. Willis came from North Carolina, where he was born, and settled first in Jones county, and afterward moved to Upson, where he died. Mrs. Adams' grand- parents on her father's side, Joel and Sallie Willis, were of English descent, and he was a Primitive Baptist preacher. Of her grandparents on her mother's side, James and Mary Ann Mckenzie, her grandfather was of Irish descent, and came from North Carolina to Georgia. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have living eleven chil-

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dren: W. E., Thaddeus, Luke, John W., Claude, Ethan A., Ethel, Annie, Henry G., Sallie L. and Louis. Mr. and Mrs. Adams are both members of the Baptist church.

J. M. BLALOCK, dentist, Thomaston, Upson Co., Ga., son of Thomas and Mary (Mann) Blalock, was born in Meriwether county, Ga., in 1844. His grand- father, John Blalock, was a native of South Carolina, and was a soldier in the revolutionary war. After the close of that war he removed to Lincoln county, Ga., where he died, and where Thomas, Dr. Blalock's father, was born. Thomas Bla- lock removed from Lincoln to Upson county, where he lived about two years, and then removed to Meriwether county, where he died. He served in the Indian war and bought some of the land from which the Indians had been removed. Dr. Blalock's mother was of German descent and was the daughter of Baker and Mary Mann. Mr. Mann was a revolutionary soldier and one of the first settlers of Meriwether county. Dr. Blalock was reared on a farm, but educated in Green- ville, Ga. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A (Capt. Black), First Texas regi- ment. Capt. Black was killed in the first battle and Dr. Blalock succeeded him as captain, and was a participant in many of the bloodiest battles of the war: First Manassas, Seven Pines, seven days' fight around Richmond, Second Manassas, Spottsylvania Court House, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Sharpsburg, Get- tysburg, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Wilderness and Cold Harbor. He was captured at the battle of Spottsylvania Court House, but made his escape and joined the army. He was wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor and went home, but as soon as he recovered he returned to his command. He was again wounded in the engagement before Fort Harris, in which his entire company was either badly wounded, killed or captured. When Dr. Blalock returned from the war he had nothing but his land. He went to work on his farm to make the money to defray the expenses of acquiring a profession. He then attended lectures at the college of dentistry, Baltimore, Md., from which he graduated in 1868. Locating in Greeneville, Meriwether Co., he practiced his profession there until 1873, when he removed to Thomaston, Ga., where he is now enjoying a good practice and the confidence of the people. Dr. Blalock was married in 1867 to Miss Olive Millan-born in 1849-daughter of John and Olive (Branchford) Millan. Mr. Millan was a farmer, was born in Upson county, and served in the war between the states. Dr. and Mrs. Blalock have two living children: John J. and Edna M. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist church, and he is a master Mason and a member of the Royal Arcanum.

J. W. BROWN, farmer Waynmanville, Upson Co., Ga., son of Benton and Mar- tha (Shakleford) Brown, was born in Pike county in 1824. His father was a farmer, born in Georgia. He removed to Talbot county in 1830 and settled in the woods, and died one year afterward. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Brown received only such education as the county schools could give, and began life young and poor on the thirty-acre farm on which his father settled. He remained a number of years with his mother, and then bought a farm in Upson county, to which he moved, and on which he has since lived. In 1864 he enlisted in a company of the state troops under command of Capt. Sherman, and afterward of Capt. Atwater and served three months. He has served the county as justice of the inferior court and represented the county in 1877 in the general assembly, and did good service as a member of several of the committees. In 1890 he was elected, without opposition, to represent in the legislature the sena- torial district which comprises Upson county. In 1850 Mr. Brown married Miss

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May Holmes-born in Houston county-who bore the following-named children now living: Peter, Edwin T., John W., J. C., Charlie M. and Mattie. Mrs. Brown died in 1864. In 1865 Mr. Brown was married to Miss Rusia Stewart-born in Upson county-who bore him the following-named children now living: Eliza- beth, Tema, Joseph E. and Willie B. This second wife died in 1879. She was a daughter of David and Sarah (Allen) Stewart, farmers and native Georgians. Mr. Stewart was a soldier in the war of 1812. In 1879 Mr. Brown contracted a third marriage with Miss Nancy Stewart, who was born in Upson county. Mr. Brown is a member of the masonic fraternity, is a prosperous farmer and is highly respected by his fellow citizens.

JOHN B. BROWN, farmer, Rowland, Upson Co., Ga., son of Baswell and Lucy (De Loach) Brown, was born in Upson county in 1828. His grand- parents on his father's side, William and Elizabeth (Simmons) Brown, were farm- ers, and natives of Jones county. They had four children: A. H., Franklin, Bas- well and Eliza. The husband died in Tennessee and the wife in Upson county, where she had passed her life. His parents, also, were natives of Jones county, and farmers. They removed to Upson about the time the county was laid off and organized, and lived there during their lifetime. His grandparents on his moth- er's side were Joe and Lecy (Johnson) De Loach. He was a native of Jones county, and was of French extraction. Mr. Brown was reared on a farm and his limited education was obtained at the country schools. Starting in life with nothing, he has plodded along until by well applied hard work and careful man- agement, he has accumulated a comfortable competency. In 1863 he enlisted in Company A (Capt. Hancock), Forty-sixth Georgia regiment. He was very severely wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, and was sent to the hospital where he remained a considerable time. He has been justice of the peace for the last thirty years. In 1848 Mr. Brown was married to Miss Sarah Jane Worthington- born in Houston county, Ga., 1833-daughter of Julius and Penelope (Hooks) Worthington. Mr. Worthington was born in North Carolina, came to Georgia when a boy and lived awhile in Greene county, and then in Houston. Later he went to Upson county and established a home and spent his life there. Mrs. Brown died in 1887, leaving four children: Missouri F., George W., Elza C., and Mary A. Mrs. Brown was a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Brown in 1887 married Mrs. Penelope Burson-born in Talbot county, 1839-and daughter of Green and Mississippi (Gunn) Martin. Mr. Martin was a native of Greene county, Ga., but removed to Talbot county. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are both menibers of the Primitive Baptist church. Mrs. Brown was the widow of William Burson, a native of Talbot county, who was killed in the late war near Charleston, S. C.

JAMES M. DANIEL, physician and surgeon, Swifton, Upson Co., Ga., son of Martin B. and Carrie B. (Oliver) Daniel, was born in Upson county in 1844. His parents were respectively of Virginia and Georgia parentage. His father, a farmer, came to Georgia when young and made his home in Jasper county, and then moved to Upson county. His mother's parents were Terry and Susan (Tate) Oliver. He was of Irish descent and a farmer in Warren county, Ga. Dr. Daniel was reared a farmer boy, and was educated in the county common schools. In 1862 he enlisted in Company D (Capt. Thomas Sherman, later Capt. Hartsfield), Thirteenth Georgia regiment, and was in every fight in which that regiment bore a part, notably South Mountain and Gettysburg, and at the last-named battle was wounded. For three years after the war he engaged in farming to earn the means to defray college expenses; and read medicine under Dr. Cook a year prepara- tory to going to college. He attended the lectures in Atlanta and graduated in

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1870. He located in Upson county, where he remained, where he enjoys the confidence of the community and has secured an extensive and remunerative practice. Dr. Daniel was married in 1872 to Miss Rebecca Gibson-born in Upson county in 1858-daughter of Sylvina and Mary (Hunt) Gibson. Mr. Gibson was a native of Upson county, and remained a citizen of it until he died. To Dr. and Mrs. Daniel seven children, all living, have been born: Luna, Orman, Estelle, Pearl, Clyde, Emma and Lillian. Dr. and Mrs. Daniel are mem- bers of the Methodist church.

CULLEN DAVISON, farmer, Hickory Grove, Upson Co., Ga., son of Talbot and Nora (Hartison) Davison, was born in Jones county in 1825. His parents were farmers, and born in North Carolina, whence they migrated to Georgia and settled in Jones county. In 1835 they removed to Upson county; and, some years afterward, to Pike county, where they remained till they died. Mr. Davison was reared on a farm, and educated in the county common schools. He began life with nothing but a knowledge of farm work, industrious habits, and energy and integrity of character. In 1862, he enlisted in Company C (Capt. Whitaker), Thir- tieth Georgia regiment, and remained in the service to the end of the war. He was in the memorable battles of Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and Atlanta. He was captured once, being placed under guard of two Irish- men, who, fortunately for him, got drunk and fell asleep; and while they were asleep he made his escape. In 1844 he was married to Miss Eveline Miller-born in Jones county, 1826-daughter of Mason and Mary (Hammock) Miller, farm- ers, and natives of North Carolina. Mrs. Miller died in 1892, leaving seven children: Catharine C., Mary E., Melvina, Isadora, Green T., Cullen D., and Martha. Mr. Miller stands high as a farmer and as a citizen.

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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 140

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