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 148

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 148

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BENJAMIN FRANKLIN WILLIAMS, deceased, was born in Greene county, N. C., Sept. 2, 1820; his parents, Joseph and Avy (Murphy) Williams, were also natives of that state, where for many years his father was a wealthy and suc- cessful planter; they were parents of ten children, of whom Dr. Williams was the youngest. He was reared in his native state and there received his elementary training, afterward attending Madison university in New York. In 1843 he began reading medicine with Dr. Robbins, of Troy, N. Y., subsequently attending the medical college at Albany, where, during his stay, he was a student in the office of Prof. James McNaughton. In 1849 he returned to his native state and engaged in the practice of his profession. But his natural aptitude for public affairs seemed to eclipse his great professional ability, for in 1850 he was elected to represent his county in the North Carolina legislature, which honor was conferred upon him by successive re-elections for six years, until in 1856 he removed to Georgia, residing for a short time in Burnt Fort, Charlton Co., later settling at Sunny Side, Ware Co. In 1872 Dr. Williams moved to Waycross, being one of the first two settlers in that town, in the advancement of which he materially assisted, ever making every effort to promote its welfare. He was instrumental in establishing the first private school in the town and then in conjunction with Dr. Lott, W. S. Bailey and Capt. C. W. Hilliard, instituted the first academy, erecting a building for the same in 1874, and all this time he was carrying on a large practice, and superintending the affairs of his plantation. Moreover he engaged in various other useful enterprises; laid off portions of the city of Waycross, carried on the

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real estate business, operated the first turpentine still on the S. F. & W. R. R., and the first saw-mill on the B. & W. R. R. Dr. Williams served for a short time in the Confederate army, and later was a member of the first constitutional con- vention. His wife was Miss Sarah F. Hicks, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah Hicks, of New Hartford, N. Y. Dr. Williams died May 7, 1892, leaving his wife and seven children, five of whom are residents of Waycross: Mrs. H. J. Lott, Henry C., Joseph S., Miss Mattie F. and Benjamin H., dentist. The other mem- bers of this honorable family are Mrs. S. V. Houk, Gordon county, Ga., and Dr. William P., Blackshear, Pierce Co., Ga.

JOSEPH SAMUEL WILLIAMS, a distinguished citizen of Waycross, Ware Co., was born in Burnt Fort, Charlton Co., Feb. 9, 1860. He was the second son of Dr. Benjamin F. and Sarah F. (Hicks) Williams, with whom he early re- moved to Sunny Side, Ware Co., and again, in 1872, to Waycross, where his father erected the first house. The early education of young Williams was chiefly under private instruction. He attended the state university at Athens for two years, and then took a law course at the same institution, graduating in August, 1886. The same year he was admitted to practice on diploma in Oconee county, Judge N. L. Hutchins, presiding, and was afterward admitted to practice in the supreme court. The young practitioner was city attorney for Waycross in 1887. Aug. 2, 1890, he was appointed by Gov. John B. Gordon as judge of the county court, and on the expiration of his term was re-appointed by Gov. Northen for the second term of four years, from April 24, 1894. Judge Williams early in life gave evidence of his oratorical talent, having been awarded one of the medals during his university course as the leading orator in the sophomore class in 1879. He was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity, also of the Demosthenian society. Still in early life, a man of marked ability, and diligent in the pursuit of his pro- fessional duties, honored and beloved by all who know him, Judge Williams will without doubt go on to a brilliant and successful future.

WILLIAM WILSON, the eldest son of Solomon and Pidian Wilson, was born April 16, 1826, in the province of Posen, Prussian Poland, where he re- ceived his early education and served an apprenticeship as a tanner; for nine years he worked at his trade at a number of different establishments in various places, and then, in the fall of 1848, he started for the United States, making a short stay in England on the way. His first two years in America were spent in Philadelphia, chiefly in work at his trade, after which for four years he was en- gaged in mercantile business at Columbus, Ga., when he sold out and returned to Philadelphia. But the sunny south had woven her spell around him, and after two or three months he returned to Georgia and settled in Waresboro as a merchant. At the opening of the war Mr. Wilson entered the army, joining Com- pany E, of a regiment which was assigned to Gen. Joe Johnston's command and afterward under Gen. Hood. Mr. Wilson served in the various engagements in and around Atlanta and in numerous skirmishes, but was neither wounded nor captured, and at the end of the struggle received an honorable discharge. He then returned to Ware county and engaged in lumbering. In 1884 he removed from Waresboro, which up to this time had been his home, and permanently settled in the growing town of Waycross, with the activities and interests of which he has ever since been identified. He carries on a large and thriving business and in 1890 erected an elegant new block which does credit to his enter- prise and taste and is an ornament to the city. Mr. Wilson is a prominent Mason,

WILLIAM WILSON.

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and has held various positions of honor in the fraternity. In 1858 he was mar- ried to Miss Martha J. Smith, of one of the most highly esteemed families in the community.

[ EON A. WILSON is the eldest son of William and Martha J. (Smith) Wilson, and was born in Waresboro, Ware Co., Ga., Nov. 14, 1859. His early edu- cation was acquired in the common schools in part under the instruction of Col. G. M. T. Ware in Waycross. He afterward read law with Messrs. Jackson, Lawton & Basinger, Savannah, and June 9, 1880, was admitted to practice in the superior court and in February, 1891, to the supreme court. From his earliest entrance into public life the worth and ability of Mr. Wilson have been recognized by appointments and elections to positions of trust and responsibility. In 1883 he was appointed by Gov. Stephens judge of the county court, which office he resigned at the end of two years. The ensuing year he was elected mayor of Waycross. In 1892-93 he represented Ware county in the general assembly and was placed upon several of the most important committees-general judiciary, incorporations, etc., and was appointed chairman of that on temperance. In 1894 he was elected to represent the fifth senatorial district in the general assembly. Mr. Wilson is one of the standard-bearers of the temperance cause in Georgia and is a member of the prohibition executive for his district. He has already won a front position in his profession in his circuit and in the supreme court, and his past services in the legislative halls of Georgia prove him to be a man of marked ability, energy and uncompromising integrity. Few men have a better record than Leon Wilson, and undoubtedly distinguished professional and political honors await him in the future. Mr. Wilson was happily married Sept. 23, 1882, to Miss Carrie Murphy, of Waycross, formerly of Dunellen, N. J., a union which has been blessed with three children. He is actively devoted to the interests of the Methodist church, of which he is an influential member and chairman of the board of stewards.

WILLIAM MANASSAS WILSON, of Waycross, Ware Co., Ga., youngest son of William and Martha J. Wilson, was born in Waresboro, Ware Co., Ga., Oct. 21, 1861, his middle name being given in commemoration of the first battle of Manassas. He was educated in the common schools of his native county, and spent his early years, until 1877, in farming, when he went into the store with his father, where he remained until the close of 1882. Having been elected clerk of the superior court, he removed to Waycross, the county seat, and entered upon his duties in January, 1883. He held this position for ten years, having been elected bi-ennially. Upon the removal of his father to Waycross Mr. Wilson again engaged with him in the various mercantile enterprises in which they have been so successful. He had no small part, together with his father and brother, Hon. L. A. Wilson, in the erection of the fine new block now occupied by then with others, and which contains three large and elegant stores, numerous offices, and the hall of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Wilson has been active in promoting whatever has seemed for the real interest of the city of his adoption. Was a member of the building committee for the new court house, which in 1890 was completed at a cost of $26,000, by Miles & Bradt, of Atlanta, who built Geor- gia's state capitol. In 1889 he was appointed one of the water works commis- sioners, and re-appointed in 1891 for a term of six years. In this connection he was influential in forwarding the admirable system which was completed in 1893 at a cost of $30,000. Mr. Wilson is a charter member of Wakefield lodge, Knights of Pythias, organized in 1885, has been through all the chairs and has been

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clerk of the exchequer for five years. Jan. 21, 1885, Mr. Wilson married Miss Sarah Phoebe Pinckney, a daughter of Eustis and Julia Pinckney, of Columbia, S. C .; her grandfather, the noted Dr. Charles Courtney Pinckney, was a son of Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, of South Carolina, one of the signers of the Decla- ration of Independence, and a member of the convention which framed the con- stitution of the United States. Mrs. Wilson is also a niece of Bishop Lynch, who for twenty-five years was bishop of South Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are the parents of two sons and two daughters.

WARREN COUNTY.

WILLIAM B. B. CASON, minister and farmer, Warrenton, Warren Co., Ga., son of John F. and Nancy (Baker) Cason, was born in Warren county, Dec. 21, 1837. His mother was a daughter of Blake Baker, of Washington county, Ga., and his parents had eleven children born to them, of which he was the second-eight girls and three boys-of whom four girls and one boy are de- ceased. Until he was eighteen years old his time was divided between farm- work and school; then his father made him overseer of his plantation, and con- tinued him for four years; was then overseer for others until May II, 1861, when he enlisted in the McDuffie Rifles, Capt. E. H. Pottle, Fifth Georgia regiment, Col. J. K. Jackson. He was in many engagements of more or less importance. In the raid on Santa Rosa island, Fla., he was shot through the thigh, and was off duty five weeks, after which he rejoined his command at Pensacola. At Chickamauga he received a wound on the elbow of his right arm, from which he has never entirely recovered. While the Confederates were falling back from Dalton he was shot through the wrist, which disabled him from bearing arms; so he carried the field hospital knapsack. On his arrival at Bentonville, N. C., he was detailed to hospital service, in which he was continued until the surrender. Returning from the war he resumed farming, and followed it until 1869, when he went to Hephzibah, Ga., and attended the high school of which Rev. W. L. Kil- patrick was principal. He then taught school several years at different places, after which he clerked five years for merchants at Thomson and Jewell's, Ga. He then returned to his farm, where he has since remained, satisfied with the com- panionship of an interesting family, and the abundant products of a well-managed farm. In 1873 he was regularly ordained a minister, but his voice failing he was compelled to abandon preaching. He stands excellently well with the people, and is a useful citizen notwithstanding his misfortune. Mr. Cason was married Aug. 31, 1865, to Miss Amelia, daughter of Jasper McCreary, of Warren county, by whom he has had seven children: Jasper Newton; D. May, now Mrs. G. W. Etheridge; William Edgar; Nannie Amelia, now Mrs. R. L. Bowen; John Frank- lin; Ida Davis, and Marion Pitts, deceased. Mr. Cason is a master Mason.

LAWSON A. CASON, farmer and merchant, Warrenton, Warren Co., Ga., son of James M. C. and Ellen (Montgomery) Cason, was born in Warren county Sept. 21, 1837, the seventh of nine children. He worked on the farm and attended the common country schools while a lad and youth, until 1857, when he took charge as overseer of his father's and neighboring farms. In 1862 he

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bought a farm, and engaged in farming on his own account. During the civil war he was in the state militia, in a company of which T. S. Hunley was captain, Second Georgia regiment, Col. Storey. He was not in any important engagement, and was stationed at Augusta at the time of the surrender. After the war he returned to his farm, and in 1871 commenced a general merchandise business in connection with it, which he has since continued. He has been successful and prosperous in both farm and store, and stands well as a farmer and merchant. Mr. Cason was married Dec. 12, 1861, to Miss Louisa L., daughter of William Neal, of Warren county, by whom he has had eleven children, six daughters and five sons-two of whom are dead. He is a master Mason, and a member of the Baptist church, which he joined in 1852.

GEORGE T. CLARKE, farmer, Warrenton, Warren Co., Ga., son of Richard H. and Julia A. E. (Cheely) Clarke, was born Aug. 14, 1847. His parents were natives of Virginia who came to Georgia early in life, and Mr. Clarke was the first of ten children-six boys and four girls-born to them. One son and one daughter are dead. His boyhood and youth were spent on the farm and at school. In 1863 he enlisted in Company B, Capt. King, Twenty-seventh Georgia battalion, Maj. Stubbs, and was in the battles at Bentonville and Greensboro, N. C. When he was eighteen years of age he had to take charge of the family farm, and managed it with skill and profit. When he reached manhood he went to Augusta, Ga., and engaged as a clerk about fifteen months, and then returned to the farm, where he remained nine years. The next three years he was engaged in railway work, after which he permanently settled down to farming, which he has since pursued with satisfactory results. Mr. Clarke married Miss Julia Ann, daughter of John Brown, of Virginia, who has borne him six children-four daughters and two sons-of whom two daughters and a son are deceased. He is an active member of the Methodist church.

EPHRAIM P. DAVIS, lawyer, Warrenton, Warren Co., Ga., son of W. P. and Sarah (Hearn) Davis, was born in Campbell county, Ga., July 10, 1858. His parents were natives of Campbell county, his mother being a daughter of Jacob Hearn, and he the eighth of nine children born to them, two of whom died early in life. He was raised and worked on the farm, going to school as opportunity presented. When nineteen years old he entered Emory college, Oxford, Ga., where he remained three years, and then left, without graduating, so as to give a younger brother an opportunity for a better education, the circumstances of the family being inadequate to meet the expenses of two at college. After he left college he went to Oswichee, Russell Co., Ala., where he taught school nine months, and then returned to Campbell county and read law in the office of Roan & Rosser, at Fairburn, Ga. At the September term of court in 1882 he was admitted to the bar, Judge Samson W. Harris presiding, and immediately afterward located at Warrenton, where he has secured a large and valuable and influential clientage. He is noted for the careful preparation of his cases, his zeal and fidelity, and his general success in the management of them. Mr. Davis was married Dec. 23, 1889, to Miss Mamie, daughter of Capt. James F. Fowler, of Warren county, who has borne him two children-a son, James Cecil, and a daughter, Carwee. He is a master Mason, and has been a member of the Meth- odist church from childhood.

SAMUEL H. GHEESLING, farmer, Warrenton, Warren Co., Ga., son of Samuel A. and Lizzie (Duggan) Gheesling, was born Dec. 27, 1864. His father. was a farmer of some prominence in Warren county, and his mother was a

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daughter of Asa Duggan, a well-to-do farmer of Washington county, Ga. Mr. Gheesling spent his early years on the family farm, and was educated at the near-by schools. When eighteen years old he rented land from his father and commenced farming for himself. Two years later he bought land from his father, on which he has farmed since with success. He is industrious and frugal, of sterling qualities, and commands the utmost respect from all who know him. On Nov. 10, 1892, he married Miss Cornelia, daughter of J. T. Harris, of Warren county, by whom he has had one child-a son-which he had the misfortune to lose by death.

JOHN G. J. HUFF, farmer, Warrenton, Warren Co., Ga., son of George M. and Uniti (Hobbs) Huff, was born in Warren county Sept. 29, 1825. He was the second of eight children-four boys and four girls-and worked on the farm and attended school until he was eighteen years old. At that age his father placed him in charge of the plantation as overseer, and he continued as such for seven years. He then bought land in his native county and farmed on it on his own account until his father died, when he bought the old homestead, where he has since lived and prospered. In connection with his farm he has conducted a general merchandise store with advantage to the community and with profit to himself. In 1863 he enlisted in the Linton Stephens battalion, which was sent to Savannah, and was there during the siege. With his command he was in many engagements of more or less importance in Georgia and South Carolina, and in the battle of Honey Hill, S. C. He was at home on furlough at the time of the surrender. In 1854 he was elected justice of the peace, and re-elected consecutively for twelve years. Mr. Huff was married April 16, 1851, to Miss Vashti A. F., daughter of Rev. Jonathan Huff, of Warren county, by whom he has had eight children-six boys and two girls-of whom two boys have died. He is a prominent member of the Baptist church.

T WILLIAM PEARCE JOHNSON, farmer, Warrenton, Warren Co., Ga., son of William and Rebecca F. (Johnson) Johnson, was born in Warren county Aug. 10, 1861. During his boyhood he worked on the farm and attended the common schools of the county. He continued on the farm until he reached manhood, when he commenced farming on his own account, and his success has equaled his most sanguine expectations. Content with the employments and returns of farm life, he has sought no other source of distinction or of emolument. He is highly esteemed as a farmer and citizen; and as he is a young man, he has ample time, as he assuredly will have opportunity, for entering other fields of enterprise. Mr. Johnson was married Jan. II, 1883, to Miss Sallie S., daughter of Elias Wilson, of McDuffie county, Ga., by whom he has had two children, one of whom is dead. He is an ardent member of the Methodist church.

THOMAS M. JONES, farmer, Warrenton, Warren Co., Ga., son of Adam and Mary (Hardwick) Jones, was born in Warren county March 13, 1831. He was raised on the farm and educated in the common schools of the locality and period. On the death of his father the management of the estate devolved on him, and he has managed it with great ability and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He is a good and progressive farnier, whose probity of character commands the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. In 1864 he enlisted in Company I, Capt. J. S. Fowler, First Georgia battalion, Col. E. H. Pottle, Gen. Carswell's brigade, and Maj .- Gen. Smith's division, and was in the battle of Honey Hill, S. C. He has been a notary public, and ex-officio justice of the

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peace since 1880; and in 1886 was a county commissioner. He has been a con- sistent and devoted member of the Baptist church since 1873.

ROBERT P. H. LAZENBY, farmer, Warrenton, Warren Co., Ga., son of S. J. and Frances L. M. (Bacon) Lazenby, was born in Warren county Oct. 26, 1831. He was reared on the farm and attended the neighboring country schools until he was seventeen years of age, when he went to Madison county, Miss., where he attended a high school under Prof. Maure. He remained there two years, and on his return entered upon the management of his sister's plantation, which he has continued with gratifying success to the present time. Soon after the war between the states began he enlisted in Company B, Capt. Hall, Forty- eighth Georgia regiment, Col. William Gibson, and was assigned to the army of northern Virginia. He participated in the seven days' fight around Richmond, Seven Pines, Fredericksburg, and other battles of equal importance. His health failing he secured a substitute and returned home, and has since devoted his entire time and attention to the plantation interests confided to him.

THEODOSIUS E. MASSENGALE, merchant-farmer, Norwood, Warren Co., Ga., son of Dr. Theodosius and Angelina (Pettit) Massengale, was born in Wrightsboro, Columbia (now McDuffie) Co., Ga., June 22, 1848. His grand- father, Capt. White, was a brave officer and won distinction during the revolu- tionary war. His maternal grandfather, Pierson Pettit, was born in Paris, France, and came to this country when a small boy and made his home in Virginia. Some years later he came to Georgia and settled in Columbia county, where he became a prominent lawyer and wealthy planter. Mr. Massengale was the sixth of eight children-three daughters and five sons-born to his parents. He attended the Wrightsboro high school until he was fifteen years old, when he ran away and joined a company commanded by Capt. John K. Jackson, entered the Confederate service, and was an active participant in the exciting fights around Atlanta. He attended school two years after his return from the war, and then engaged in farming in connection with a general merchandise store, first at Thomson, McDuffie Co., Ga., and later, in 1872, moved to his present location, where he has continued to the present time. He had the honor of christening the town of Norwood-intended as a compliment to the distinguished Georgia ex-senator. From 1882 to 1884 he was county school commissioner of Warren county, and from 1880 to 1882, and again from 1884 to 1888 he was a member of the county board of education. In 1888 he was elected to represent his senator- ial district-composed of the counties of Greene, Taliaferro and Warren-receiv- ing a very large majority, his own precinct giving him 143 out of 151 votes cast, leaving eight votes to be divided among opposing candidates-a practically unanimous vote. He was made chairman of the committee on journals, and second on the committee on finance, and was particularly distinguished for his usefulness on the floor, being strong in debate, and fluent, forcible and elegant in his delivery. Mr. Massengale is a progressive, enterprising and broadminded man of generous impulses, and is noted for his liberal contributions in aid of the building of schools and churches and other houses for public use. No appeal for pecuniary assistance for a charitable object that he believes to be for the public good is unheeded by him. No citizen of Warren county stands higher in the public estimation-none is stronger or more substantial financially-none has a stronger hold on the public confidence. He has accumulated a competency and has done it by liberal dealing and an unselfish policy-doing unto others as he

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would be done by. "To his state and friends he is as true as a mother to her babe." Mr. Massengale was married June 12, 1872, to Miss Sallie E., daughter of Rev. Leonard Rush, of Talbot county, Ga., who died February, 1892, having borne him four children-two boys and two girls. Feb. 14, 1894, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Hon. Nathan A. Crawford, of Lincoln county, Ga. Mr. Massengale is a master Mason, and an influential member of the Methodist church. Ex-state school commissioner James S. Hook held Mr. Massengale in high estimation as county school commissioner, and expressed his appreciation of his worth when preparing sketches of state senators in 1889, by heading it with the following quotation:

"Worth makes the man, and want of it the fellow, The rest is all but leather and prunello."

EDWARD S. O'BRIEN, merchant, Barnett, Warren Co., Ga., son of Henry and Almira P. (Trull) O'Brien, was born in Charleston, S. C., Jan. 8, 1847. His father was born in County Limerick, Ireland, and came to this country when young. His mother was born in North Carolina, and was of an old family of note. His father securing a position in the navy yard at Warrington, Fla., his early boyhood was spent there, where he received his early schooling. When he was thirteen years old the family returned to Charleston, where his education was finished at the public and other schools. In 1862 the family refugeed to Washington, Wilkes Co., Ga., where he secured a position as assistant to the railway agent, and remained until September, 1863, when he became assistant agent of the railway at Barnett. In 1865 he was appointed agent, and received the additional appointments of express agent and postmaster. The railroad and express agencies he held until 1884, and is still postmaster. In 1866 he engaged in merchandising under the firm name of Battle & O'Brien, and in 1867 he bought his partner's interest and has since conducted the business on his individ- ual account. He has done a good business, been successful, and is a prominent citizen. June 10, 1868, he married Miss Emma M., daughter of Beder Proctor, of Taliaferro county, who has borne him thirteen children-ten sons and three daughters, six of the sons deceased. In religion Mr. O'Brien is a Roman Catholic.

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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 148

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