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 143

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 143

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WALTON COUNTY SKETCHES.

in a guano company at Social Circle. His farming interests are very large, he owning 1,300 acres of excellent land, of which a large portion is under cultiva- tion. He is a wide-awake, progressive farmer and financial operator, solid, sub- stantial and progressive. Mr. Blassingame was married in 1880 to Miss Amanda E. Mobley-born in Walton county, Sept. 23, 1857-daughter of Thomas M. and Harriet (Coleman) Mobley. He was a native of South Carolina, whence he came with his parents to Walton county when seven years old. He was a prosperous farmer, and served as a volunteer in the Seminole war. Of the children born to them the following are living: Edna K., Josiah B., Adell, Effie E., Willie G., and Amy. He is a member of the masonic fraternity and also of the Baptist church, and his wife is a member of the Methodist church.

J. M. BRADLEY, farmer, India, Walton Co., Ga., son of Thomas and Susan (Oliver) Bradley, was born in Walton county in 1845. His paternal grand- parents were natives of North Carolina, whence they migrated to Georgia in 1820, and settled near Jefferson, Jackson Co., Ga. Mr. Bradley's father was born in North Carolina, came to Georgia in 1820, and settled near an old Indian fort in the woods in what is now Walton county. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and lived to accumulate a quite large estate. He was an ardent member of the Primitive Baptist church. His maternal grandparents, Elijah and Sarah (Wise) Oliver, were natives of Virginia and migrated to Georgia and settled in Jackson county. Mr. Bradley was reared on the farm and received a limited education in the country schools. In 1861 he enlisted in Company F and was afterward transferred to Company B (Capt. Reynolds), Sixteenth Georgia regiment. Among the battles in which he with his command were engaged were Malvern Hill and South Mountain, and in the last-named battle he was wounded and captured and remained a prisoner about a year. After the war he engaged in farming, and in 1866 made his first purchase of land. Since then he has added to it until now he owns 400 acres of good land, and besides operates a cotton gin. He is a progressive and prosperous farmer and public-spirited citizen and is highly esteemed. Mr. Bradley was married in 1865 to Miss Mary Lochlin-born in Clarke county, Ga., in 1843-daughter of Samuel C. and Rebecca (Stevens) Loch- lin. He was one of Walton county's early settlers, but late in life moved to Mad- ison county, Ga. Seven children, who were the fruit of this marriage, are living: Oscar L., Sallie A., Thomas B., James M., Mollie, Samuel and Rhodelle. He is a royal arch Mason and himself and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist church.

SAMUEL HOUSTON BRODNAX, ex-merchant and farmer, Walnut Grove, Walton Co., Ga., son of Samuel and Margaret (Aycock) Brodnax, was born in Newton county, Ga., in 1844. His paternal grandparents were Edward B. and Vivian (Brookin) Brodnax. He was of English descent, born in Virginia, and raised a farmer; was a soldier in the last war with Great Britain, and also in the Seminole war during which he was wounded. Migrating from Virginia to Geor- gia he settled in Hancock county. Mr. Brodnax's father was born in Virginia and came with the family to Georgia when he was young. He made farming his life occupation, was a good farmer and manager, and accumulated quite a large property, the value of which was heavily reduced by the emancipation proclama- tion. The maternal grandparents of Mr. Brodnax were Joel and Elizabeth (Brad- ford) Aycock. He was a native of North Carolina, whence he moved to Georgia and settled in Oglethorpe county and afterward moved to Newton county. Mr.

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Brodnax was raised on the farm and received a high school education. At the age of eighteen he espoused the cause of the Confederacy and in January, 1863, enlisted as a private in Company A, Second regiment state troops, and served in that company till July, 1864, when he was transferred to Company D, Second regiment, Georgia cavalry, under Gen. Joe Wheeler, and served till the war closed. He was engaged in a number of battles and skirmishes during the time he was a soldier. In 1866 he commenced merchandising, making his first pur- chases on a credit. After continuing in this business for ten years with very great success he retired from mercantile life and engaged in farming. Here his business methods, careful oversight and good management and progressive ideas have resulted in continued prosperity, so that he is now one of the solid men of Walton county. He owns about 2,000 acres of choice farming land and a profitable mill- ing property. In 1890 he was elected to represent Walton county in the general assembly and did efficient service on the committees on finance, agriculture, luna- tic asylum, excuses of members and mines and mining. Mr. Brodnax was mar- ried in 1871 to Miss Edda Selman-born in Walton county in 1851-daughter of Benjamin F. and Mary (Colley) Selman, whose families were early settlers of the county. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Brodnax three are living: Joel C., Samuel E. and George H. He is a member of the masonic fraternity, and himself and wife and three sons are members of the Christian church. Two sons of Mr. Brodnax, J. C. and S. E., are engaged in the mercantile business at Walnut Grove, his home.

HUGH A. CARITHERS, merchant-farmer, India, Walton Co., Ga., son of William C. and Mary (Griffith) Carithers, was born in Madison county, Ga., July 14, 1827. His paternal grandparents were native South Carolinians and lived and died in their native state. Mr. Carithers' father was born in Abbeville district, S. C., came to Georgia when a young man and settled in Madison county. He accumulated considerable property farming and died in 1855. His maternal grandparents were Robert and Sarah (Bronner) Griffith. He was a farmer and an early settler of Madison county. Mr. Carithers was raised on the farm and the limited education he received was obtained at the historic log school house. During the war between the states he served in the militia or home guard. He is very enterprising and energetic, possessing superior business and financial abili- ty, has been successful in all his undertakings, and is one of the most popular as well as among the most solid and substantial citizens of the county. He resumed farming immediately after the war and made money. Then, in 1869, he engaged in general merchandising, which he has continued ever since. In addi- tion to his extensive farming and mercantile interests he built a very large grist mill on the Appalachee river, which does a very heavy business, and also operates a cotton ginnery on the same stream. He started in life with comparatively noth- ing, and lived many years in a log cabin; now he owns between 4,000 and 5,000 acres of valuable land, and is conducting the large interests already mentioned. He served many years as a justice of the peace and in 1880 was elected to represent Walton county in the general assembly, and so much appreciated were his services that he was re-elected three successive terms. In that body he was assigned to the committees on banks, finance and agriculture, etc. Mr. Carithers was mar- ried in 1848 to Miss Mary A. Griffith-born in Clarke (now Oconee) county in 1831-daughter of James L. and Asyneth (Eberhart) Griffith. He was an early settler in Madison county, was a large farmer, and for many years a justice of the peace. Early in life he moved to Oconee (then Clarke) county, where he died.

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WALTON COUNTY SKETCHES.

Of the children which blessed this union three survive: James Y., Robert L. and Hugh A., Jr. His wife is an exemplary member of the Baptist church, and he is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity.

J. W. CARTER, farmer, Walnut Grove, Walton Co., Ga., son of John and Judia (Auslin) Carter, was born in Walton county in 1828. His paternal grand- mother was Elizabeth (Nash) Carter, a native of Virginia. His grandfather was of English descent, was a soldier in the patriot army during the revolutionary war and subsequently moved to Georgia and settled in Elbert county. Mr. Carter's father was born in Virginia and was fourteen years old when his parents moved to Georgia. At the age of sixteen his father died and he had to assume the grave responsibilities and duties of the head of the family, and ably discharged them. He was a soldier in the last war with Great Britain, was an unusually good man- ager and accumulated a large property. Although the emancipation proclama- tion deprived him of forty-seven slaves, the close of the unpleasantness left him in good circumstances. He was a devoted and exemplary member of the Method- ist church. His maternal grandfather, John Auslin, was of Irish lineage and was among the early settlers of Elbert county, whence, after a short stay, he moved to Alabama. Mr. Carter was raised on the farm and received such education as could be obtained at the country schools during his boyhood. Farming has been the pursuit of his life, and he was satisfactorily successful before the war, during which he served with the state troops eighteen months and participated in the defense of Atlanta. The result of the war left him comparatively poor, and he had to begin life anew. But by push and energy and good management he has become the owner of 1,850 acres of good land, on which he has a good home, and in addition owns valuable cotton-ginning interests. In 1875-76 he repre- sented Walton county in the general assembly and did valuable service on the committee on manufactures. No citizen of the county is more highly esteemed. Mr. Carter was married in 1856 to Miss Laura Q. James-born in Henry county in 1839-daughter of David and Sarah (Saunders) James. He was born in North Carolina and was a farmer and trader. Eight of the children born to them are still living: Sylvanus, Ida, Robena E., John J., Marcus L., Mollie, Sallie and Carl. His wife is a consistent member of the Baptist church and he is a master Mason.

N. J. DAY, farmer, Social Circle, Walton Co., Ga., son of Nathaniel and Hannah (Mindenhall) Day, was born in Taliaferro county, Ga., in 1826. His paternal grandparent, David Day, was an early settler of what is now Columbia county, Ga. Here Mr. Day's father was born in 1775, spent his boyhood and grew to manhood. He was a farmer and school teacher, and had Hon. Alexander H. Stephens for a pupil-he being the first teacher of that remarkable man and eminent statesman. In 1833 he moved to Walton county, where he died in 1855. His maternal grandparents, Marmaduke and Alice (Benson) Mindenhall, were also natives of what is now Columbia county. Mr. Day was reared on the farm, and farming has been his life occupation. Unambitious, he has been content with farm-work and the yield of his land in response to well-directed, honest labor. He owns between 800 and 900 acres of good land and a good saw-mill, is of unques- tioned reliability and held in high esteem. Mr. Day was married in 1855 to Miss Martha E. Tucker-born in Newton county in 1834-daughter of Mckenzie and Eliza (Rakestraw) Tucker. He was a native of North Carolina, was a farmer and preacher, and early in life came to Georgia and settled in Newton county. Late in life he moved to Alabama, where he died. Of the children which blessed this

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union five are living: James M., Milton B., Robert L., Julius B. H. and John T. Mrs. Day is a member of the Baptist church and he is a master Mason.

F. R. FLOYD, farmer, Loganville, Walton Co., Ga., son of Edwin G. and Jane (Robinson) Floyd, was born in Newton county, Ga., in 1850. His paternal grandfather, Richard Floyd, was a native of Virginia, migrated to Georgia early in life, and settled in Oglethorpe county, whence he afterward moved to Newton county. He followed farming all his life, and served as a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Floyd's father was born in Oglethorpe county and was raised a farmer, and continued to be one through life. About the time he reached manhood he moved to Newton county, and late in life to Walton county, where he died in 1888. He served in the state militia during the late civil war, and was a working member of the Baptist church, of which he was a deacon for thirty years. His maternal grandfather, Robinson, was an old and much-respected native citizen of Oglethorpe county. Mr. Floyd was reared on a farm, received a very limited education, and started in life very poor. After cultivating rented land three years he bought a small farm, to which he has gradually added since, until now he owns a fine 600-acre body of land. His hard-working habits, and neighborliness of disposition have made him deservedly popular in his community. Mr. Floyd was married in 1878 to Miss Ella Hammond, born in Walton county in 1858, daughter of John J. and Elizabeth (Rambo) Hammond. Of the children born to them, four are living: Rossie, Edna, Leila and Lottie. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist church.

GEORGE M. FOSTER, farmer, Wesley, Walton Co., Ga., son of John and Margaret (Furlow) Foster, was born in Clarke county, Ga., in 1818. Mr. Foster's father was born in Ireland and came to the United States with his parents, who settled in Clarke county, Ga. He was a hatter by trade and died in Clarke county in 1855. His grandfather on his mother's side was David Furlow, an early settler and farmer in Greene county, Ga. Mr. Foster was reared on the farm, and his educational advantages were of the most limited character. Farming has been his life occupation. In 1836 he was a volunteer soldier in the Seminole war in a company by Capt. Ligon, under Gen. Standiford. In 1843 he married Miss Mary Fielding, born in Athens, Clarke Co., Ga., in 1824, daughter of Samuel and Deodamia (Bows) Fielding. He was a native of Connecticut, a tailor by trade, and came to Georgia in 1819. Of Mr. Foster's children the following survive: Margaret, Mollie, Nancy, John, Samuel, Fannie, Annie, George, Ella and James. The mother, an exemplary member of the Methodist church, died in 1869. Mr. Foster is a master Mason, and a member of the Christian church.

D. A. GIBBS, physician and surgeon, Social Circle, Walton, Co., Ga., son of Thomas A. and Martha (Maddox) Gibbs, was born in Greene county, Ga., in 1824. His paternal great-grandfather was born in England, and migrated to this country and settled in Virginia before the revolutionary war. His grand- parents, Herod and Lucy (Anderson) Gibbs, were natives of Virginia. He was a planter, and served seven years in the patriot army during the revolutionary war under Col. Washington. After independence was proclaimed he migrated to South Carolina and settled in Pickens county, whence he afterward moved to Morgan county, Ga., and followed farming until he died. Dr. Gibbs' father was born in Pickens county, S. C., in 1786, was reared in Morgan county, Ga., and mar- ried in Greene county. In 1825 he moved to Walton county, where he conducted extensive planting interests until his death in 1861. He was a poor boy, was a

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WALTON COUNTY SKETCHES.

soldier in the war of 1812, and later in life accumulated property. His maternal grandparents were Claiborne and Jane (Marrow) Maddox. He was born in Virginia, migrated to Georgia and settled in Greene county, where he was an extensive planter, and for many years a justice of the inferior court. Dr. Gibbs was raised on the farm, was educated at Social Circle academy and for a while attended Mercer university at Penfield. He began the study of medicine in 1845 under his uncle, Dr. C. C. Gibbs, and then attended a course of lectures at Jefferson college, Philadelphia, then attended a course at the university of New York, from which he graduated in 1847. He soon afterward-that same year- located in Social Circle and commenced practice, and has remained there ever since. He has been very successful in his practice and financially; his ability and skill creating a demand for his services for miles around in Walton and adjoining counties. Besides his practice, which he still actively pursues in company with Dr. Spence, he conducts a drug store in the town and supervises extensive farming interests. During the late civil war Dr. Gibbs was surgeon of a battalion of state troops. Dr. Gibbs was married in 1852 to Miss Margaret A. Browning, born in Morgan county, Ga., in 1835, daughter of J. A. and Margaret (Means) Browning. Her father (son of W. M. and Isabel (McAlpin) Browning), was a Georgian by birth and a large planter. Of the children which blessed this union, four are living: Margaret C., Martha L., Minnie I. and Myrtle A. Dr. Gibbs is a prominent and valued member of the masonic fraternity.

DAVID HAMILTON, farmer, Monroe, Walton Co., Ga., son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Turner) Hamilton, was born in Gwinnett county, Ga., in 1832. His paternal grandparents were David and Elizabeth Hamilton. He was a native of Ireland and came to this country when twenty years of age as a bound apprentice, settled in South Carolina, where he married and reared a family, and late in life moved to Georgia and settled in Gwinnett county, where he died. He followed farming after reaching his majority, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Hamilton's father was born in Edgefield district, S. C., where he was raised on the farm, and made farming his life-pursuit. He came to Georgia and settled in Gwinnett county in 1820; later he went to Florida, where he was during the Seminole war, in which he served as a volunteer in 1836. He moved back to Georgia in 1847, and died in 1848. He was quite a large slave-owner and a very enthusiastic and active member of the Methodist church. Mr. Turner's maternal grandparents were William and Elizabeth Turner. He was of German descent and born in South Carolina, where he lived until he died. He was the owner of quite a number of slaves, and a prosperous farmer. He was a soldier in the patriot army during the revolutionary war. Mr. Hamilton was reared a farmer, and has made farming the business of his life. His education was very limited. In 1862 he enlisted in Company I, Capt. Hutchins, Sixteenth Georgia regiment, and was with his command engaged in the seven days' fight around Richmond, and in all the battles of that campaign except Gettysburg and Fredericksburg. He had a finger shot off at Cedar Run, and in the battle of Spottsylvania court house his clothing was perforated by eleven bullets, he escaping unhurt. He was made prisoner at Knoxville, but after nine days' detention he escaped. He started in life with nothing, and bought 150 acres of land on credit, which he paid for and has added to until he now owns nearly 600 acres of excellent land, a large portion of which is under cultivation. In addition to this he operates a large cotton gin and owns an interest in a grist-mill, which does a large and profitable business. He is very highly esteemed by his neighbors. Mr. Hamilton was married in 1855 to Miss Millie V. Gower, born in Gwinnett county in 1839, daughter of R. M. and Millie (Burford) Gower. He was born in Clarke county,

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was a large farmer, and moved to Gwinnett county, where he lived till he died. Of the children which blessed this union, ten survive: Sarah E., Mary J., Martha A., R. T. L., Ella V., Abel S., R. M., David T., Maude and May. Mr. Hamilton and his wife are members of the Primitive Baptist church.

R. A. HAMMOND, physician and surgeon, Loganville, Walton Co., Ga., son of J. J. and Elizabeth (Rambo) Hammond, was born in Walton county, Ga., in 1852. His paternal grandparents were Abraham and Lillie (Ellsberry) Ham- mond. He was born in Virginia, of German descent, and when a young man came to Georgia and settled in Wilkes county. He afterward moved to Walton county, and was a soldier in the last war with Great Britain. He was a man of considerable wealth, and a useful member of the Missionary Baptist church. Dr. Hammond's father was born in Wilkes county, and moved to Walton county in 1845. He was a large planter, and in addition conducted a general merchandise store. He served with marked faithfulness in the late civil war, and was a member of the Baptist church, of which he was a deacon for a number of years. His maternal grandparents were Kinchen and Mary (Foster) Rambo. He was a native Georgian, and for many years practiced law. He was a very conscientious and devoted member of the Primitive Baptist church, and finally gave up his legal practice, was ordained a minister of his faith and finished his course in the active service of the Master, and died beloved by all who knew him. Dr. Hammond was reared on the farm and was given as good an education as the schools of the period of his boyhood afforded. He read medicine under Dr. J. F. Grower of Dalton, Ga., and then attended lectures at Jefferson college, Phila- delphia, from which he was graduated in 1876. Soon after his graduation he located in Loganville, was honored with calls the second day after, and they have increased in volume and value ever since. His patient attention and skill have brought him success; he has established an extensive and remunerative practice, and ranks as high as any member of the profession in the county. Quiet and unassuming, his success is due to real merit. Dr. Hammond was married in 1877 to Miss Florence Camp, born in Gwinnett county in 1860, daughter of Merritt and Jane (Crawford) Camp. He was born in Gwinnett county, was a man of great energy and force of character, enterprising and a first-class farmer, a man of wealth, and financially as strong as any man in the county. He served with fidelity as a private soldier during the late unpleasantness. This union has been blessed with six children: Curtis, Lizzie, Joseph, John B., George P. and Claude, deceased. Dr. Hammond is a royal arch Mason, and himself and wife are useful members of the Methodist church.

T. J. HARRIS, farmer and miller, Jersey, Walton Co., Ga., son of John C. and Mary (Willis) Harris, was born in Newton county, Ga., in 1848. His paternal grandparents were Thomas and Nancy (Huff) Harris. He was born and reared in Wilkes county, where he married, and in 1829 moved to Newton county. He owned a number of slaves, and was a prosperous farmer. Mr. Harris' father was born in Wilkes county and came to Newton with his father when a small boy, where he grew up on the farm, was educated and married, and lived until he died. He owned considerable slave property, and was a successful farmer. His maternal grandparents, William and Susie (Gwatney) Willis, were natives of Virginia, and came to Georgia early in the 30's. (Was on the road "when the stars fell.") He was engaged with Joel Colley as overseer for a number of years, then he bought a piece of land and followed farming until he died. Mr. Harris received a good education for the times and began life by working on a farm. In 1870 he bought a piece of land, saved money and bought more, until he now

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has a 1,400-acre plantation, and a profitable ginnery and milling interest. Indus- trious and frugal and a good manager, he is one of the most prosperous farmers in the county. Mr. Harris was married in 1870 to Mary J. Clay, born in Walton county in 1852, daughter of Augustus W. and Elizabeth (Wilkinson) Clay. He was a farmer and one of the earliest settlers of Walton county. Of the children born to them, three are living: Myra B., Luvadas and Park W. Mrs. Harris is a devout member of the Methodist church.

J. T. LABOON, farmer, Wesley, Walton Co., Ga., son of Mason C. and Emily (Mullican) Laboon, was born in Walton county in 1852. His grandfather on his father's side, Peter Laboon, was a native of France, came to this country with the Marquis de La Fayette in 1777, and was a soldier in the patriot army in the revolutionary war. After the war he settled in South Carolina, where he worked at his trade as a blacksmith until he died. Mr. Laboon's father was the youngest son of his parents, and was born in South Carolina. He migrated to Georgia in 1835, and the next year volunteered as a soldier in the Seminole war. After his discharge he returned to South Carolina, where he married and soon after came back to Georgia and pursued his vocation as a blacksmith, supple- mented by farming, until he died in 1887. He accumulated quite a large property, and during the late unpleasantness served on the Home Guards. His grand- parents on his mother's side were Benjamin and Margaret (Jarvis) Mullican. He was of Welsh descent, and born in Maryland, whence he migrated to North Carolina, and thence to South Carolina, where he pursued his vocation of farming. Mr. Laboon was reared on the farm, learned blacksmithing under his father, and as he grew up during the war period, received but little education. Black- smithing, with farming as a supplement, has been his life-pursuit. He has enjoyed prosperity and owns now a fine 600-acre farm under excellent cultivation. He ranks among the foremost as a mechanic and farmer, and is highly esteemed by the community in which he lives. Mr. Laboon was married in 1878 to Miss Annie E. Foster, born in Clarke county, Ga., in 1858, daughter of George M. and Jane (Fielding) Foster. He was born in Clarke county, was raised a farmer, moved to Walton county, and served as a volunteer in the Florida war under Capt. John P. Lucas. They have six children living: Lloyd, Brandt E., John S., George M., Nannie F. and James F. He is a master Mason, and himself and wife are members of the Christian 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 143

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