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 142

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 142

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JOSIAH M. HENRY, Cooper Heights, one of the substantial farmers of Walker county, Ga., was born in Haywood county, N. C., May 4, 1826. His father, Lorenzo N. Henry, was a native of York district, S. C., and was born on March 1, 1800. His parents moved to North Carolina in 1804, where he spent the remainder of his life, and died in 1868. His paternal grandfather, John Henry, was born in South Carolina, and was the son of an Irishman who migrated to that state in the last century. John served in the war of the revolution, was captain of a company in the American army, and fought at the battle of Cowpens, where he was made prisoner, and was afterward exchanged. He also fought at Kings Mountain with distinction. He died in North Carolina about 1835. The father of Mr. Henry married Mary M. Moore, daughter of Josiah Moore of Yorkville, S. C., by whom he had thirteen children: Nancy A., who married John H. Evans of North Carolina, a veteran of the late war, and the commander of a company of artillery. He was present and actively engaged in the battle of the French Broad river, where he won marked distinction; Josiah M .; Mary E., wife of David Byers; Eliza J., wife of Jeremiah Evans, a soldier in the Confederate army; Lucinda A .; Margaret M., wife of Henry Lee of North Carolina; Emily I., who married James W. Cooper of North Carolina, a captain in the Confederate service, and now a prominent lawyer, Murphy, N. C .; Amanda M., wife of Albert Keeler of Sever county, Tenn; Harriet E., who married Robert Moody; John R., who died in his ninth year; Lorenzo H., a farmer in North Carolina; William L., and James R., who live in Texas. Mr. Henry was reared and educated in Haywood county, N. C., where he resided until 1855. He next taught school two years in Madison and St. Francis counties, Mo., after which he returned to North Carolina. He then went to Tennessee, and after teaching school in Sevierville a year, settled on his present plantation in Walker county, Jan. 31, 1858, where he has since resided.

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On Jan. 1, 1863, he enlisted in Company F, Fourth Georgia cavalry, commanded by Col. I. W. Avery. He served as a courier, and also in the commissary depart- ment, and participated in several active skirmishes. Before the war he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of militia in his county. On April 20, 1858, he married Miss Eliza Dickey, of Walker county, a daughter of Joshua T. Dickey, and to this union have been born thirteen children: Mary, wife of John M. Malicoat; John R., deceased; Hannah E. and James R., deceased; George D., residing in Texas; Rachel, a teacher at Pond Spring; Randolph, deceased; Hayden, of Wayne county, Ill .; Beatrice; Rex; Burton, Bishop M., and Thomas T. Mr. Henry is recognized as a man of worth in his community, a gentleman of education and refinement. He is also a man conversant with the history and resources of North Georgia. He found the district in which he settled in Walker county destitute of schools and teachers, and barren of all systems and methods usually in vogue in the art of teaching. He introduced new methods and new books, and rejoices in knowing that his efforts were appreciated by the people of Walker county. Some of his former pupils have risen to honor and distinction in social and business circles, in the profession of law, and in the field of literature.

M. K. HORNE is one of the leading planters and stock-raisers in Walker county, Ga., and the representative of one of the distinguished families of this state. He was born in Whitfield county, Ga., Nov. 27, 1862, and was reared and educated in that county, completing his studies at the Dalton high school. His father, Pearce Horne, was born in Milledgeville, and was the son of James U. Horne, a native Georgian born in 1812 and still living. Pearce Horne married Miss Tallulah Johnson, daughter of that distinguished statesman, Herschel V. Johnson, and the issue of their marriage was several children: M. K., the subject of this sketch; Emmett J .; James U .; Gertrude, wife of Frank F. Baker of Dalton; Arabella K., wife of William W. Johnson of Atlanta; Annie F .; Pearce Horne, Jr .; Tallulah; Caroline Walker; William W., and John B. The father of Mr. Horne entered the Confederate service and was commissioned captain. He served in the army of northern Virginia during the four years' struggle for southern rights. He was wounded at the first battle of Manassas, and later participated in the seven days' fight around Richmond, the Wilderness, second Manassas, Petersburg and at Appomattox. At the close of hostilities he returned to his home and engaged in planting, and is now one of the most prosperous agriculturists in Whitfield county. Mr. Horne was married in June, 1888, to Miss Mary Marsh, daughter of Dr. J. J. Marsh of Walker county. They have four children: Adaline Marsh, Annie Ruth, M. K., Jr., and Marsh Johnson. Mr. Horne is an ideal representative of tlie aggressive and progressive element in the business growth of north Georgia. He occupies one of the finest improved plantations in West Armuchee valley, and devotes his time chiefly to farming and stock raising. For some years he has made a specialty of breeding and raising for the Georgia and southern markets a decidedly superior quality of jacks and jennets. His stock has been selected from the best blood of Tennessee and Kentucky. Of these he has a large selection, not less than 100 thoroughbred Spanish animals in his stables and pastures. He has expended large sums in purchasing and replenishi- ing his stock. For one of these fine animals, I. X. L., by Flambard, No. 29, imported from Spain in 1888, he paid the sum of $2,000. His dam, Viola, No. 101, was exhibited at Rome, Lebanon and Dixon Springs, and at each place was awarded the premium. I. X. L. is registered, and is a large and elegant animal, sixteen hands high, and weighs 1,200 pounds-a magnificent type of his kind. He carried off the first prize at the Dixie interstate fair in 1894. The jacks and

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jennets were exhibited at the Augusta exposition and were awarded the first prize. The aim of Mr. Horne is to introduce the largest and best species of Spanish jacks to the people of the south, and to convince southern planters of the superior advantages of this stock for all and every purpose for which they are intended.

WILLIAM D. JENKINS, M. D., an able physician, and a highly esteemed citizen of Rock Spring, in Walker county, was born June 23, 1856. He was the son of Samuel Jenkins, a native of Marion county, Tenn., who migrated to Hall county, Ga., in his youth, with his parents. He was reared in that county, and married Bertie Caroline Johnson, daughter of J. J. Johnson, and had nine children, seven of whom attained majority, as follows: James A .; Silas L .; Josiah; Mary E., deceased, who married Nelson Black; William D .; Georgia A., wife of Robert Waters; Julia, wife of Napoleon Privett; Thomas J., deceased; and Hettie, who married Joseph Turner. The father of Dr. Jenkins followed agricultural pursuits during life, and died in Dade county, this state, Dec. 3, 1891. His wife still survives. Dr. Jenkins was chiefly reared in Walker county, where his parents resided during many years. His literary education was completed in Trion academy. He acquired a taste for the study of medicine, and prepared himself for the practice of that profession. He commenced the study of medicine and surgery under that eminent physician, Dr. R. Y. Rudicile at Trion, and in the autumn of 1881 he entered the Atlanta Medical college, where he continued his studies and investigations until 1883, when he graduated from that institution. He began the practice of his profession at La Fayette, Ga., and in 1884 removed to Rock Spring, where he has since resided, and where he enjoys a good and very lucrative practice, extending through Walker, Chattooga and Catoosa counties. He is a physician of high and merited reputation, of extensive learning in the science of his profession, and has by his successful treatment of the different forms and phases of disease, won the confidence of the public. He is a member of the Tri-State Medical association, and is a master Mason. He was married Oct. 18, 1886, to Maude Alsobrook, daughter of T. J. Alsobrook of Walker county. They have one child, Thomas Grady. The paternal grandfather of Dr. Jenkins was a native of Ireland, born in 1761. He emigrated to America about 1775, enlisted in the continental army, and served through the war of the revolution, and afterward settled in Georgia. At an advanced age he again entered the service of the United States, and fought under Gen. Jackson at Horseshoe Bend, against the Creeks, and participated in the battle of New Orleans. He was a scout and guide for Jackson's army in the Florida war through the state of Georgia. He died in Catoosa county in 1859 at the advanced age of ninety-eight years.

HON. THOMAS GORDON M'FARLAND. This distinguished representa- tive and progenitor of an old and well-known family of that name in north Georgia, was born in Richmond county, N. C., Oct. 21, 1803. He was the son of of John Buie McFarland, a native of Cumberland county, N. C., who married Miss Sally Gordon, Jan. 3, 1779. The issue of this marriage was ten children: John Johnson, Abigail C., Xanders Gordon, Thomas Gordon, Sophronia, Robert A., William B., Sally- Ann, Columbus D. and Marion Gordon. The paternal grandfather of Thomas G. McFarland was John McFarland, a native of Scotland, who married Mrs. Margaret McNair, whose maiden name was Margaret Buie, and reared four sons and one daughter: John B., Duncan, Dougald, Daniel and Margaret, who married Alexander Graham. Sally Gordon died in 'Tattnall county, Ga., Feb. 28, 1816. Her husband died at Rossville, Walker Co. Mr. T. G.

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McFarland migrated to Tattnall county with his parents about 1812. He was educated in North Carolina, where he received a thorough classical training, and mastered the Greek and Latin languages. He also acquired a knowledge of the art of surveying, which in after years proved of infinite value to him. In 1832 he was appointed by the governor of Georgia to make a survey of the Ninth land district, Fourth section, then in the heart of the Cherokee country. This district included part of what is now Walker county, and in that wilderness young McFarland pursued his vocation for several months, and there he formed the acquaintance of John Ross, the leading chief of the Cherokee nation. He familiar- ized himself with pioneer habits and customs, and with the different phases of Indian life. Very early in life he became the confidant as well as the peer of men prominent in the management of state affairs. In 1833-34 he represented Mont- gomery county in the senate of Georgia, where he became associated with some of the ablest statesmen Georgia produced during the past generation. In 1835 he removed from Mount Vernon, Montgomery Co., to Rossville, and settled on the estate still in the possession of the family. The old house occupied by John Ross, which still remains a monument of pioneer days and advanced Indian civilization, became his property about 1838, and he soon acquired a large estate in Walker county. From 1835 to 1863 he served as postmaster at Rossville and up to 1845 he conducted a mercantile business at that place with his brother, X. G. McFarland. Being a man of indomitable energy and probity he prospered in business. He was a member of the convention of 1850 and for years he represented Walker county in the legislature, and in all matters affecting or enhancing the public welfare he took an active part. He was through his long and active life a man of strong convictions, marked individuality, and tenacious of his views concerning men and measures of public policy. He was a life-long whig, and prior to the secession convention of 1861, like his friend Alexander H. Stephens, a pronounced Union man. The resolution adopted by that body having established the status of Georgia as a member of the Confederacy, Mr. McFarland as a strong believer in the doctrine of state rights, determined to stand by the action of his state, and proceeded to do so unto the bitter end. He was too far advanced in age to take an active part in the field, but he gave the Confederacy his entire confidence and support, together with very much sub- stantial aid throughout the war. His avowed advocacy of southern rights and institutions made him a marked man. He was compelled to abandon his home at Rossville, and with his family became a refugee in Thomas county, on the approach of the Federal forces in September, 1863, and was absent until February, 1866. With countless others Mr. McFarland suffered severely in his property and estate from the war, but he survived it all. In 1877 he was elected to the constitutional convention, and took his seat in that body among many associates of his early legislative career, including Toombs and Stephens. He took an active part in advancing and supporting some of the most popular and valuable features of our present constitution, a duty for which his long legislative experience and acute knowledge of public affairs eminently qualified him. This was his last public service to Georgia and to Walker county. His closing years were spent at Ross- ville, and surroundings of his early manhood, and of his business success and political achievements. Surrounded by his family, he expired at his summer home on Lookout mountain, Sept. 12, 1887, beloved and esteemed by a wide circle of friends and one of the best known men in Georgia. In 1846 Mr. Mc- Farland married Elizabeth Anderson, daughter of Col. Josiah M. Anderson of Sequachee county, Tenn. Col. Anderson was of Scotch-Irish descent. The issue of this marriage was six children: Anderson; Martha, wife of Arthur Thomas; Thomas Foster; Sally Gordon, who died in Thomas county in 1864;

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John McNair, and Ann Elizabeth, wife of James Morrison. Mr. McFarland was an active and consistent member of the Methodist church. His wife died Oct. 9, 1862, in Walker county.

WILLIAM D. ROSSER, an old resident of Walker county, is a native of

Walton county, where he was born in 1835. His father was James R. Rosser, born in Jasper county, Ga., in 1812, who was the son of Rev. Isaac Rosser, a native of Virginia, who migrated to Georgia during the first years of the present century, and settled in Wilkes county. He reared five sons and four daughters: James R., Jane, Matilda, John Wesley, Moses, Elisha, Aelsi, Elijah and Elizabeth. Isaac Rosser was a minister of the Protestant Methodist church, and died in Atlanta in 1860, after spending many years of his life in preaching the gospel. James R. was reared in Jasper county and spent his life chiefly engaged in teaching. He married in 1833 Miss Emily Bagby of Newton county, and had eleven children: William D .; Franklin A., who entered the Confederate service and died during the war, a soldier in the Ninth Georgia infantry; Mary Ann, deceased; Nancy E., wife of D. N. Purcly of Walker county; Sarah F., wife of W. L. Beard of Brown county, Tex .; Margaret E., wife of Dr. Beard of that county and state; Elijah V. Rosser of Walker county; Cordelia, wife of S. M. Shaw of La Fayette, Ga .; James R., John I. and Lillia, deceased. William D. was reared and educated in Fulton county, and was engaged in merchandising until the commencement of the war. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, Sixth Georgia cavalry, and was immediately afterward ushered into active service, and fought in the campaign of that year in Tennessee and Kentucky. He was engaged at Taswell, and Perryville, besides participating in numerous skirmishes and spent the winter of 1862-63 at Knoxville. In the summer of 1863 his command was ordered to Chickamauga, and he was engaged in that celebrated battle in September, 1863. After the victory at Chickamauga, his regiment was attached to Wheeler's command, and returned to Knoxville and was present at the siege of that city. Early in 1864 Mr. Rosser accompanied his command to Dalton, and supported Johnson from that place to Atlanta, being engaged in every battle fought between Dalton and the capital. After the capture of Atlanta he accom- panied Hood's supply train as far as Franklin, Tenn., returned through Missis- sippi, and later saw further service in Georgia until the close of the war. He then returned to his home in Chattooga county, where he settled in 1856, and engaged in farming, which he has followed ever since. In 1871 he settled in Walker county. In 1858 Mr. Rosser was married to Miss Lucy Jane Stewart, daughter of William Stewart of Chattooga county. They have reared seven children: Lucius C., engaged in school teaching in Walker county; Florence Alice, wife of J. D. Sigler; William A., also engaged in teaching; Lucy A., wife of Lee Deck; James E .; Harry E., and Mark E. The mother of Mr. Rosser died in 1871. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist church. The Rosser family emigrated from Wales in the early part of the eighteenth century, and settled in Virginia.

JAMES T. SUTTLE, a prominent citizen and leading planter of Walker county, was born in that county in 1848. He was the son of John B. Suttle, one of the first settlers of that section, who was born in Rutherford county, N. C., in 1810. The latter was a son of George Suttle, who was born in Shenandoah valley, Va., a soldier of the revolutionary war, and fought in the continental army for the establishment of American independence. He married after that war, and settled in North Carolina, where he reared a family. His son, the father of James T., grew to manhood in North Carolina, was educated in the pioneer schools of that day, and settled in Walker county in 1838. He married Miss Jane Young of

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Spartanburg district, S. C., and to them were born nine children: Margaret, who married J. D. Walker (now deceased); John C. (deceased); Sarah J .; Susan M .; Lou J., wife of J. A. Clements; James T .; Medora C .; Emma B., wife of J. L. McCulloch; and Georgia A., wife of H. Y. Hunt. John B. Suttle devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, and became the proprietor of one of the largest and best plantations in Walker county, where he resided until his death in 1875. His widow survived him three years, dying in that county in 1878. James T. Suttle was reared in Walker county. At the commencement of the war he was too young to take an active part in the contest. His family, however, were pro- nounced in their advocacy of the cause of the Confederacy, and in July, 1864, at the age of sixteen, he entered the First Georgia cavalry, commanded by Col. Devett. His regiment was attached to Cruse's brigade, Martin's division of Wheeler's corps, and was immediately ushered into active service without receiv- ing any military training. He fought at the battle of Decatur, and next partici- pated in the capture of Stoneman, near Macon, after which his command was ordered to Tennessee, and there he followed Wheeler, penetrating that state nearly to Nashville, engaging in numerous skirmishes and returning to Georgia by way of Muscle Shoals on the Tennessee river, through Huntsville, Ala., to Dalton, destroying the railroad in rear of the enemy. His command finally reached Macon and proceeded to South Carolina by way of Augusta, and entered winter quarters at Mathews Bluff on the Savannah river. On the approach of Sherman from the south his command moved in advance of the Federals to Raleigh, S. C., engaged daily in active skirmishing, and fought at the battle of Smithfield, N. C., soon after which the news of Lee's surrender was heralded in the camp. Mr. Suttle surrendered under Gen. Wofford at Kingston, Ga., and returned to his home. At the close of the war he was still a mere youth, and resolved to complete his education. He attended the schools of his neighbor- hood, and prepared himself for admission to the university of Virginia, which he entered in 1871, and afterward finished his course at the university of Georgia at Athens. He taught school for a short period, and on the death of his father the management of the estate devolved upon him. For many years he has con- tinued to reside upon the family plantation in West Armuchee valley engaged in planting and stock-raising. He is one of the most prosperous planters in Walker county, and his home, on a beautiful slope on the eastern confines of the valley, is most pleasantly situated. He has filled, creditably, various positions of trust and responsibility in Walker county, and has served as commissioner of roads and revenues. He is at present a member of the board of education. For many years he has taken an interested part in the consideration of public ques- tions, and is interested in active politics as a means to the accomplishment of public good. The use of his name was frequently solicited by the leaders of the democratic party in his county as a candidate for the legislature, but he declined the honor. However, his political views, which are in strict accord with the teach- ings of Jefferson, having been approved of by the populist party; he was, without his consent or knowledge nominated by that party for the office of representative in the general assembly. He made no canvass and was defeated. He became the active candidate of that party in the autumn of 1894 for the office of representa- tive, and obtained a very large vote. Had he resorted to the usual methods and practices to obtain political strength and secure his election, there is little doubt that he would have been successful. He is a member of the Baptist church, and enjoys the sincere friendship of the best citizens of Walker county.

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MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

WALTON COUNTY.

JOHN ADAMS, farmer, Gratis, Walton Co., Ga., was born in Walton county in 1820. His grandparents, Reuben and Nicey (Simpson) Adams, were natives of South Carolina, who, early in life migrated to Georgia and settled in what is now Walton county. He was a farmer, and served as a soldier in the patriot army during the revolutionary war. Late in life he moved to Randolph county, Ga., where he died in 1846. Mr. Adams was reared on the farm, and the limited edu- cation he received was obtained at the old-time log school-house. He began life a very poor boy, and has had a trying struggle; but has worked hard and long until he has placed himself in easy and comfortable circumstances. In 1849 he made his first small purchase of land, to which he has steadily added and now owns nearly 1,000 acres of good farming land, a large farm under profitable culti- vation, and operates a superior cotton gin of large capacity. During the late war he made shoes for the Confederate government. Mr. Adams was married in 1844 to Miss Patsey Shepard-born in Elbert county in 1814-daughter of James and Susannah (Hilley) Shepard. He was a native of Elbert county and reared a farmer, was a soldier in the last war with Great Britain, and moved to Walton county early in life, where he lived until he died. Five of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Adams are living: Richard S., Sallie F., Amanda J., Judy S., and Eugenia T. The mother of these, who was a member of the Methodist church, died early in 1876, and late in that year Mr. Adams married Miss Ellen Park- born in Jackson county, Ga .- daughter of Russell J. and Sarah (Stokes) Park. He was born in Madison county, was a farmer and also operated a blacksmith shop. He moved to Jackson county, and in 1854-55-56 and '58 represented his county in the general assembly. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died in 1885. Eight of the children born to Mr. Adams by this marriage are living: Robert P., Willie B., Ruvie M., Dovie O., Ezra B., Pearl V., Ellen V., Troy H. He is a member of the masonic fraternity, and himself and wife are members of the Universalist church.

JOSIAH BLASSINGAME, merchant and capitalist, Jersey, Walton Co., Ga., son of W. T. and Matilda M. (Barrett) Blassingame, was born in Walton county, in 1855. His paternal grandparents, Powell and Phoebe (Stark) Blassingame, were natives of South Carolina, and early in life moved to Georgia and settled in Walton county. He is still living, and still follows farming. Mr. Blassingame's father was born in Walton county and was reared a farmer. In 1861 he enlisted in a company commanded by Capt. J. T. Mitchell, and went to the front. He was taken sick on a march to Vicksburg and died two months after reaching that city. Before the war he was a large slave and land-owner, and during his life was an ardent member of the Methodist church. His maternal grandparents were Josiah and Mary (Raines) Barrett. He was born in Morgan county, the son of a Primitive Baptist minister of English descent. Mr. Blassingame was reared on the farm, and having grown up during war time, did not receive a very good education. At the age of twenty-two he entered the store of T. M. Abercrombie, and three years later-Aug. 1, 1880-he became a partner, under the firm name of Abercrombie & Blassingame. He is still a member of the firm, but its name has been changed to T. M. Abercrombie & Co. Besides his merchandise busi- ness he is a stockholder and director in the bank, and oil mills, and a stockholder

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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 142

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