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 47

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 47

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THOMAS BALLANTYNE. One of the most useful and deservedly popular and prosperous citizens of Savannah, Ga., is Thomas Ballantyne, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, Aug. 5, 1831, now co-proprietor of one of the best and most extensive machine and boiler shops and foundry in the city of Savannah. His father was Thomas Ballantyne, whose sterling and strong characterstics of integ- rity, indomitable industry and genial characteristics he inherited. After receiving a good education at Hutchinson's academy, a celebrated school in Glasgow, Mr. Ballantyne served his apprenticeship as an iron founder. Shortly after the expira- tion of his term of apprenticeship he enlisted in the Scottish grays, or Second Royal dragoons, made famous in history by its celebrated charge at Balaklava. He, however, was on ship-board at the time, and although not in that charge, served with that intrepid command for two years during the Crimean war and was at the capture of Sebastopol. After two years' service he bought his discharge and returned to Glasgow, where he worked at his trade eight months, and then came to New York in 1856. Soon after his arrival his superior excellence as an iron molder secured him the foremanship of the Newark (N. J.) machine shop, one of the largest establishments of its kind in this country. In 1859 he was sent for to come to Savannah to do a piece of work no one in that city could do, and being prevailed upon to remain, was given charge of Alvin N. Miller's foundry and machine works. He was a member of the Georgia hussars-the oldest troop of cavalry in the United States-and the first year of the war went to join his com- pany. But at Richmond he was turned back, the Confederate government con-

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sidering his services more valuable in the manufacture of ordnance than in the field, and on his return to Savannah he was made superintendent and manufac- turer of ordnance for the gun-boats of the Confederate navy, and during the last two years of the war was superintendent of the Confederate states foundry. When the Federal army gained possession of Savannah the government confiscated the Miller machine works, and Mr. Ballantyne was put in charge to do such repair and other work as the steamships and gunboats and other government property might require. In 1866 Mr. Ballantyne and Mr. John McDonough established a foun- dry under the firm name of McDonough & Ballantyne, and a year later moved to other quarters, where more space and better facilities could be had, and built exten- sive machine and boiler shops and foundry, the largest and best of the kind in the city, where they employ fifty hands and turn out boilers, engines and machinery of all descriptions, and which for many years has made and is still making all the iron castings for the Central railway. The firm still bears the name of McDon- ough & Ballantyne, J. J. McDonough having succeeded to the partnership after the death of his father. During the war Mr. Ballantyne commanded a company recruited from the machine shops for home defense, and he is now an honorary member of the Georgia hussars. He is a member of the board of jury commis- sioners; has served many years on the board of aldermen; when he was chair- man of the committee on markets, and also of the sanitary and health committee during the epidemic of 1876, during which period he labored zealously and ear- nestly until the close of the epidemic, when he was himself stricken down. He is connected with many enterprises of a public character, and is always among the foremost in promoting every industry calculated to promote the growth and pros- perity of the city of his adoption, contributing to them liberally of his time, counsel and means. He is conspicuous for his work and proficiency and consequent use- fulness as a member of the masonic fraternity, and is highly valued for his knowl- edge of its rituals and impressive exemplification of its work. He is a Knight Templar and has had conferred on him every office in the gift of the fraternity up to and including those of the commandery. He was worshipful master of Zerubabel lodge six years, high priest of the R. A. chapter twelve years, thrice illustrious master of the council of royal and select masters the same period, and is now and for seven years past has been eminent commander of Palestine com- mandery. In addition to these honors conferred by his Savannah brethren, he has been deputy grand master of royal and select masters, and for years grand commander of the Knights Templar for Georgia, and is now deputy grand high priest of the Grand Royal Arch chapter of Georgia. Mr. Ballantyne is a mem- ber of the Independent Presbyterian church, has served on its board of trustees, and has also been the president of St. Andrew's society, of which he is one of the most pleasant and genial members. He is unmarried and has one brother, William Ballantyne, who is employed at the foundry, and one sister, Mrs. Margaret Hunter, residing in Glasgow, Scotland.

COL. PETER REILLY was born in Hampshire, England, in 1839, and went with his parents to Ireland when an infant. Here the family remained until he was twelve years of age. His father having died in the meantime, he and his widowed mother set sail for America, landing first at New Orleans, and coming from there directly to Savannah, Ga. Here young Reilly soon found work clerk- ing in a grocery store until the breaking out of the war. He enlisted at once, join- ing the Irish Jasper Greens, and the same night of his identification with it was elected junior lieutenant. He went into the service with this company, which be- longed to the First Volunteer regiment of Georgia, and served as its junior lieu-

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tenant until the summer of 1863. By the order of the war department he was then promoted from the rank of junior second lieutenant, over the head of the senior second lieutenant, to the first lieutenancy. In December of 1864 he was made acting adjutant of the First Volunteer regiment of Georgia, in which capacity he served until the first battle of Bentonville, N. C., when his brigade was consoli- dated into one regiment, still known as the First Volunteer regiment of Georgia (consolidated), Col. C. H. Olmstead commanding. By this gentleman he was made the permanent adjutant of the regiment, serving in this capacity until the close of the war, when he was paroled at Greensboro, N. C. After the war Col. Reilly returned to Savannah, Ga., on foot. Later he served as purser on a steamer running between Savannah and Augusta, and afterward engaged in the commis- sion business. Thereafter he was connected with a grocery until 1874, when he entered upon his present occupation, that of a real estate agent. In 1884 Mr. Reilly was elected to the legislature, and twice re-elected. His constituents hoped he would be able to secure the passage of a bill appropriating money for the militia, etc., and in this he was successful. This bill, which became a law in 1885, has been of great advantage in bringing the militia into organized form and under proper command. Col. Reilly has twice been placed upon the committee upon education, and has always warmly urged and voted for every measure tending to the advancement of the great cause. The colonel's war record, also, is one of which he may well be proud. He not only served with gallantry and distinction in every office which he filled, but he also won the love and respect of his com- patriots, as is witnessed by the fact that in 1882 he was unanimously elected to the office which he now holds-lieutenant-colonel of the First Volunteer regiment of Georgia. As further evidence of this may be noted the fact that in each of the three last sessions of the general assembly of Georgia, in which he has con- secutively served, he has always been made chairman of the committee on military affairs. Col. Reilly, notwithstanding the short schooling of his childhood, has, by his inherent merits of brain and heart, won high position for himself not only as a most reliable citizen, but as a strong thinker, a forcible, clear writer and elo- quent speaker. Georgia, as well as Chatham county, has reason to be proud of this true man and able legislator, who has proved himself to be in the best and fullest sense of the term one of nature's noblemen. Col. Reilly was married first in 1865 to Mrs. M. A. O'Connor, nee Price. One son was born to them, Charles K., who died in 1886. The mother died in 1871, and in 1880 Col. Reilly again married. This second wife was a Miss Mary O'Donovan, of New York. Their only child, a daughter, Margaret, is now living. The second Mrs. Reilly died a year after her marriage. Col. Reilly is the president of the Female Orphan Benev- olent society, a member of the Catholic Library association, and of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He belongs to the Catholic church.

WILKES COUNTY.

G ABRIEL TOOMBS ANTHONY, merchant, Washington, Wilkes Co., Ga., son of Edwin M. and Clara J. (Pope) Anthony, both parents natives of Wilkes county, and his mother a daughter of Henry F. Pope, was born in Taliaferro county, Ga., June 9, 1868, the sixth of thirteen children. When he was four years old his parents moved to Washington, and until he was eighteen years old he had to work on the farm, his only schooling being that obtained at such intervals as he could be spared. At the age of eighteen he entered the store of Mr. J. A. Benson in Washington as a clerk, and remained with him as such until January, 1894,

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when he and his fellow-clerk, Kimble A. Wilheit, bought their employer out, and are now doing the largest general merchandise business in the city. He made his money by hard work, and knowing how he made it he saved it. Mothers point to him as a model for their sons, and legions of friends in and out of the county are proud of him and his partner as representative young men and merchants of Washington. Avoiding the associations and contaminating influences of the fast young people of modern society, they are free from the expensive habits and vices consequent upon such associations, and have honorably won the esteem they enjoy, the prosperity secured, and that promised. That Mr. Anthony will take a front rank in commercial circles and exert a commanding influence in the future cannot be doubted.

EDWARD A. BARNETT, farmer-merchant, Washington, Wilkes Co., Ga., son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Stone) Barnett, was born in Washington, Wilkes Co., Feb. 23, 1855, the fifth of seven children, four boys and three girls. Both parents were natives of Wilkes county. Mr. Barnett was educated in the schools in Washington, and at the age of nineteen years went on the plantation of W. A. Pope as superintendent, where he remained four years. He then for one year superintended the farm of M. M. Sims. These gentlemen were two large Wilkes county planters. He then bought a farm and began farming for himself, which he has since continued, enjoying a full measure of success and prosperity. In addition to his farm he has conducted with profit a general merchandise store for seven years. Mr. Barnett was married March II, 1885, to Miss Mary, daughter of W. P. Hill, of Wilkes county, by whom he has had four children, all of whom are living.

SIMPSON BOOKER, farmer, Washington, Wilkes Co., Ga., son of Richerson and Esther (Simpson) Booker, was born in Wilkes county, Ga., April 9, 1831, the third of four children, all boys. He worked on the farm, and went to school as he had opportunity, until he reached manhood. He then took charge of his father's farm, and has had the management of it from then until now. In 1861 he enlisted in the Irwin guards, which afterward was known as Company C, Cult's artillery battalion. As a member of this command Mr. Booker was in some of the most important battles of the war, among them: The seven days' fight around Richmond, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Appomattox Court House, etc. At the time of the surrender he was at Red Oak Church. After the disbandment he returned to the old homestead satisfied with whatever tribute it may bring to his comfort and pleasure. Mr. Booker was married Dec. 20, 1855, to Miss Amanda, daughter of Basil Neal, of Columbia county, Ga., who bore him one child, a daughter, and died Dec. 14, 1858. On June 27, 1865, he married Miss Georgia, daughter of John M. Lazenby, of what is now McDuffie county, Ga. Six children, four sons and two daughters, have blessed this union, of whom two sons and one daughter are dead. Mr. Booker is a master Mason, and a member of the Methodist church.

RICHARD D. CALLAWAY, farmer, Washington, Wilkes Co., Ga., son of Aristides and Martha T. (Doughty) Callaway, was born in Wilkes county July 1, 1858. His father was of Wilkes county, and his mother a daughter of Richard Doughty, of Oglethorpe county. Mr. Callaway was the first-born of eleven children, of whom eight were boys. He attended schools convenient to his home until 1874, when he entered the university of Georgia, Athens, and gradu- ated in 1878 with the degree of A. B. After he came from college he engaged in the saw-mill business for three years. Abandoning that he has since devoted his entire time and attention to his extensive farming interests, and has been satis- factorily prosperous. He is a lieutenant-colonel of the Sixth Georgia infantry, and a member of the board of county commissioners.

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MARSHAL S. CALLAWAY, farmer, Washington, Wilkes Co., Ga., son of Seaborn and Mildred (Jordan) Callaway, daughter of Jordan, of Oglethorpe county, Ga., was born in Wilkes county, Aug. 2, 1847, the fourth of eight children, five sons and three daughters, one of each being dead. He was reared on the farm and attended the country schools until he was fourteen years old, when his father died and he had to work on the farm and help keep it up. In 1863 he joined a company of state, or reserve, militia, under Capt. Bowers, and was ordered to Atlanta. He was in Savannah with his command at the time of the evacuation. He was in no regular engagement while in the service. After his discharge he returned home and went to farming in good earnest, and rejoices in the prosperity he has been blessed with. Upright and honorable in all his dealings, a true man and Christian, he stands high in the community. Mr. Callaway was married Dec. 7, 1865, to Miss Mary, daughter of James Spratlin, of Wilkes county, who has borne him eight children, five sons and three daughters; of these, a son and daughter have died. Mr. Callaway is a consistent and influential member of the Baptist church, which he joined in 1861.

SAMUEL J. CARTLEDGE, Presbyterian minister, Washington, Wilkes Co., Ga., son of Rev. Groves H. and Annie M. (Lane) Cartledge, was born at Bold Spring, Franklin Co., Ga., May 9, 1864. His father was a clergyman, born in Madison county, Ga., and his mother a daughter of Joseph Lane, Portland, Me. Mr. Cartledge's schooling until he was nine years of age was obtained at the ordinary neighborhood schools. When nine years old he was entered at Martin institute, Prof John W. Glenn, principal, Jefferson, Jackson Co., Ga., where he remained three years, and then went back to the family farm. He next entered the school of Prof. A. M. Scudder, at Athens, Ga., where, after six months' close application, he was prepeared to enter the sophomore class at the uni- versity of Georgia, Athens, which he did. At the end of a year he was obliged to stop for want of money. He taught school until he accomplished his object, when he went to Dahlonega, Ga., where he took an elective course, finishing in one year. He next went to the theological seminary at Princeton, N. J., where he remained a year, when his funds becoming exhausted he had to leave to replenish. He preached at Danielsville and New Hope churches, Madison Co., studying mean- while, and as soon as he felt able went to the theological seminary at Columbia, S. C., where he remained two years, and completing his theological course, gradu- ated May 9, 1889. Rev. Cartledge immediately took charge of a church in Gains- ville, Hall Co., Ga., and supplied its pulpit acceptably five years. Since then he has been pastor of the Presbyterian church at Washington, Wilkes Co., Ga., giving entire satisfaction to a congregation whose pulpit has been filled by some of the most eminent clergymen of the denomination. Rev. Cartledge was married Nov. 27, 1889, to Miss Laura, daughter of James H. Burns, Apple Valley, Jackson Co., Ga., who has borne him two children, both boys. A useful life for such a man is not difficult to forecast.

THEODORICK M. GREEN, merchant-banker, Washington, Wilkes Co., Ga., son of John B. and Elizabeth (Leonard) Green, was born in Wilkes county, Ga., May 19, 1846, the seventh of eleven children. Mr. Green's father was a native of Prince George county, Va., and his mother a daughter of Edwin Leonard, of Wilkes county. He attended the common schools of the county until he was fourteen years old, when he entered the store of A. A. Cleveland, Washington, as a clerk. Two years later he entered the Confederate service as lieutenant of Company E, Twenty-seventh Georgia battalion, organized at Augusta, Ga. The command was first ordered to Savannah, and thence to Lovejoy's station, about

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thirty miles south of Atlanta on the Central railway, to aid in obstructing Gen. Sherman's march southward. Falling back before the Union army, the command bore its full part in the siege of Savannah, and afterward participated in engage- ments at Monteith, Ga., Pocotaligo, S. C., and Bentonville and Smithfield, N. C. At the last-named place the command was reorganized, and became a part of Elliott's brigade, when it was ordered to Greensboro, N. C., where it surrendered May 2, 1865. Returning to Washington, Mr. Green entered into a business venture, in which in five weeks he made $400. After this he engaged with R. H. Vickers & Co. as a clerk, with whom he remained until 1868, when, in company with his brother, the firm of Green Bros. was formed for conducting a general merchandising business. After a profitable existence of ten years the firm dis- solved by the withdrawal of his brother, Mr. Green continuing until now as sole proprietor and manager, and is still doing a large and profitable business. He is also president of the Washington Exchange bank. Mr. Green was married June 27, 1877, to Miss Willametta, daughter of Judge Garnett Andrews, by whom he has had one child, a son. Mr. Green is held in high esteem. He is a master Mason.

THOMAS W. HILL, farmer, Washington, Wilkes Co., Ga., son of Lodowick M. and Nancy (Johnson) Hill, was born in Wilkes county June 17 (the anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill), 1839. His boyhood and youth were spent on the plantation, meanwhile attending the best schools the county afforded. When nineteen years of age he went to Furman university, Greenville, S. C., which he attended two years, and then returned home and busied himself on the plantation until the war between the states was precipitated. Going to Coweta county, Ga., he enlisted in a company under command of Capt. John Hill, which was assigned to Phillips' legion and ordered to Virginia, reaching there just after the seven days' fight. He participated in the battles of Culpeper Court House, Appomattox Court House, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg. Having been with Gens. Stuart, Hampton and Butler, he was engaged in many minor battles and scores of skirmishes. During his service he was so conspicuous for his daring and courage that he was many times specially complimented. On one occasion Col. Rich, Mr. Hill's regimental commander, presented him and one of his comrades with a very fine pistol as a mark of his appreciation of their bravery. On another occasion- after the war-at a supper given by Judge (ex-congressman) Hugh Buchanan to Mr. Hill's daughter, the judge referred to Mr. Hill as a second Marshal Ney -- certainly a very high compliment from such a source. About the time of the surrender he was in North Carolina, and managed to get home without surrender- ing. His intention was to join the western army, but just as he was ready to start he heard it had surrendered. He remained awhile on his father's plantation, superintending that, then went to his own, where he has since remained. Mr. Hill is a member of one of the wealthiest and most influential families in his section of the state, and worthily shares the distinction. Mr. Hill was married in 1869, and to him have been born ten children, eight of whom are living.

WILLIAM W. HILL, planter, Washington, Wilkes Co., Ga., son of Lodowick M. and Nancy (Johnson) Hill, was born in Wilkes county, March 31, 1826, the first-born of thirteen children, twelve sons and one daughter. Of the sons five are dead. Until he was nineteen years old he worked on the plantation and went to school. He then entered the university of Georgia, Athens, and gradu- ated in 1849 with the degree of A. B. Returning from college, after a few years he purchased his present home plantation, and has continued in charge of it until the present time. The family has been distinguished for strict integrity, wealth, extra-

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ordinary financial ability, a numerous membership, and influence. Mr. Hill possesses its marked characteristics, and enjoys merited prosperity. During the civil war he was a justice of the peace and remained at home, excepting that at one time he was a member of the state militia or reserve. Mr. Hill was married in 1851 to Miss Emma E., daughter of Micajah Anthony, of Wilkes county, who has borne him seven children, three sons and four daughters, all of whom are living. Since 1846 he has been connected with the Methodist church, of which he is a valued and influential member.

THOMAS OTIS HOLLIDAY, farmer, Washington, Wilkes Co., Ga., is a son of Allen T. and Elizabeth (Zellars) Holliday. Her father, John Zellars, of Lincoln county, Ga., was born Nov. 27, 1853, the third of eight children, six sons and two daughters. Of the sons two died in infancy. He assisted on the farm and attended school until 1873, when he took charge of the farm and has had it under his supervision since. He has managed it with success, quite realizing his expec- tations. Mr. Holliday was married Dec. 4, 1874, to Miss Kittie A., daughter of T. P. Burdette, of Wilkes county, who has borne hini six children, four boys and two girls, all of whom are living. He is a consistent member of the Baptist church, and an estimable member of the community in which he lives.

[ UTHER W. LATTIMER, farmer, Wilkes county, Ga., son of John T. and Martha (Taylor) Lattimer, was born in Oglethorpe county, Ga., Feb. 5, 1839, the eighth of ten children, seven boys and three girls, six of the boys being dead. His mother was the daughter of Col. Clarke Taylor of Oglethorpe county. He was reared and worked on his father's farm during his boyhood, and was edu- cated at the country schools. His father's rule was to work his boys two years and send them to school one. This was done until he reached the age of sixteen years, when he entered Meson academy, Lexington, Ga., and attended there three years. He then worked on the farm a year, after which he attended the academy another year. After leaving school and teaching five months he enlisted in the Gilmer Blues, Capt. (afterward Col.) John T. Lofton. The company went to Atlanta, became a part of the Sixth Georgia regiment, Col. Alfred H. Colquitt, and was ordered to Yorktown, Va. The command participated in the battles of Williamsburg, Seven Pines, Mechanicsville and Cold Harbor. At the last-named battle he was wounded in the neck, and the wound being pronounced mortal he was sent home to die. But he rapidly recovered, and was required to report every sixty days. In January, 1864, he reported at James Island, S. C., for duty, but the examining board adjudged him unfit for regular service, and he was sent to Fort Gaines, Ga., where a hospital was being organized, and was made clerk of the examining board, remaining there until after the surrender. Returning home he resumed farming, and has followed it ever since. He was elected in 1892 to represent Wilkes county in the general assembly, which he did to the entire satisfaction of his intelligent constituency. He is now a member of the board of jury commissioners. Mr. Lattimer was married Dec. 18, 1862, to Miss Euphrasia, daughter of Moses Wright, of Oglethorpe county, who has borne him six children, three sons and three daughters, all living. Mr. Lattimer is a master Mason, and a member of the Methodist church. A useful and public-spirited citizen, he is influential and popular.

JAMES S. RHODES, farmer, Washington, Wilkes Co., Ga., son of William W. and Frances E. (Hackney) Rhodes, was born in Wilkes county, Ga., Nov. 7, 1856. Until twenty years of age he lived and worked on the home farm and attended the common schools of the county at such intervals as his services could

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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 47

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