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 51

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 51

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WILLIAM ASBURY HODGES, farmer, Mill Ray, was born April 3, 1842, in Bulloch county, and is the son of Hardy B. and Marguerite Hodges. His father was a farmer and a member of the Methodist church south. He was for years justice of the peace for the forty-eighth district. Hardy B. died when sixty years old, and the wife at the age of forty-four. There were born to them ten children, of whom William Asbury was next to the oldest. He obtained a good education in the public schools and began to teach when eighteen years old.

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BULLOCH COUNTY SKETCHES.

He enlisted in the Bulloch troops, Fifth Georgia cavalry, Confederate army, and was wounded at Aiken, S. C., and spent a month in the Augusta hospital. He married on January 2, 1877, Miss Emma Slater, daughter of John G. and Susan Slater. They have eight children living and one dead. They are: Bertha, Claudia, Hardy Wynn, John Slater, James Eddie, Frederick W., Susan, Mar- garet, May (deceased), and William Leveritt. Mr. Hodges has been a member of the church for thirty-eight years and is a steward and trustee of the New Hope congregation. Mr. Hodges' entire interests are in farming, and his farm is a model one. He lives in a handsome residence at Mill Ray. Mr. Hodges has proven himself to be a great blessing to society and the church. Of an amiable disposition, and always acting from a high sense of honor and duty, he is a model type, eminently worthy of faithful emulation-a warm friend, a faithful husband and patriotic citizen. He has proven a very sincere worker in the Sunday school cause, working earnestly and being actuated not only by a high sense of duty, but stimulated by the great pleasure it affords him.

G REENE SHARPE JOHNSTON, lawyer, Statesboro, was born July 14, 1860, in Sylvania, Screven Co., Ga., and is the son of Dr. John W. and Marguerite (Zeagler) Johnston. The father was a distinguished physician and leader in poli- tics, representing Screven county two terms in the legislature and the seventeenth district in the state senate. He was a high Mason, and for years a steward in the Methodist church. The mother was an excellent woman of exemplary domestic traits and of intellectual accomplishments. Four children were born to them --- three sons and one daughter-of whom Greene Johnston was the third child. He attended school at Scarboro and then took a course of commercial training at the Eastman Business college, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He engaged in the manufac- ture of naval stores for six years, when he determined to adopt the profession of law. He had been reading and studying for some time, so one year at the uni- versity of Georgia enabled him to graduate. This was in 1887, and a year later he located in Statesboro and began practicing. In 1892 he formed a partnership with Col. Thomas H. Potter, but the death of the latter soon terminated it. He was then nominated by the democratic party for the state senate from the seven- teenth district, and was elected by a large majority, carrying every county in the district. His record in the senate was a most creditable one, and he took a prominent part in the important debates of the session and in the work of the chief committees, of which he was a member. After his term of office expired he formed a partnership with Col. D. R. Groover in the practice of law, and this firm still exists. Mr. Johnston was elected mayor of Statesboro in 1891, but declined re-election. On Dec. 23, 1880, he was married to Miss Nannie Outland, daughter of B. T. and Parmelia Outland. They have living four children: Mar- guerite, Greene S, Jr., Jessie Outland and Annie Taylor. Mr. Johnston has been a member of the Methodist church since 1877 and is now steward of the church at Statesboro. He is a member of the order of the Golden Chain, and himself and wife are valued members of society. Mr. Johnston is an able and accom- plished lawyer, a highly successful practitioner, a polished gentleman and an eminent citizen.

DANIEL LEONARD KENNEDY, physician, Metter, was born Jan. 21, 1836, in Bulloch county, and was the son of Stephen and Mary (Holland) Kennedy. Stephen Kennedy was an extensive farmer in his day and lived to be over one hundred years old. He was twice married. By his first wife he had nine children,

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of whom Daniel was the youngest. He was educated in the common schools of Bulloch county, and at twenty years old commenced to farm for himself. He served in the Seminole Indian war of 1856-58 and in 1861 enlisted in the Con- federate army. He was captain of Company G, Forty-seventh Georgia regiment, in Gen. Joseph E. Johnston's army. He was in the battle of Chickamauga, Ken- nesaw Mountain, Missionary Ridge and at Atlanta, July 22, 1862. He was at Jackson, Miss., and reached Vicksburg the night before the surrender. He was at Bentonville and Averysboro, N. C., and at James Island, S. C. He was at Greensborough, N. C., when Gen. Lee surrendered, and walked home, it taking him fifteen days. On Sept. 14, 1865, Dr. Kennedy was married to Miss Abcillo Parrish, daughter of Benjamin Ellis. They have two children-Florida A., born Jan. 5, 1867, and married to Dr. L. J. McLean of Statesboro, and Wallace Daniel, born June 14, 1872, who is a graduate of the medical department of the university of Georgia, Augusta, class of 1891. Dr. Kennedy first read medicine under a preceptor before the war and entered the medical college of Georgia, Augusta, in 1858. He had no chance to practice his profession until he came home from the war. Dr. Kennedy and wife are members of the Primitive Baptist church and Dr. Kennedy is a strong democrat and has served Bulloch county in the legislature in 1871-73-75-76 and again in 1892-93. He has been elected every time by handsome majorities, and in 1892 defeated the populist candidate by 500 majority. As a member of the legislature Dr. Kennedy was on important com- mittees and was considered one of the best legislators of the general assembly. He enjoys a large and lucrative practice and ranks among the foremost in his profession in the state. Dr. Kennedy is a member of the state medical association. He lives on a fine farm of 225 acres near Metter. He has a mind well stored with medical knowledge and scholarly attainments. He is energetic and progressive, a close student, and keeps fully abreast of all the latest improvements and advance- inents in the medical science. Blending mental with social and moral culture, he is deservedly popular and eminently useful.

EDMOND KENNEDY, farmer, Jimps, was born March 24, 1824, and was the son of Stephen and Mary Kennedy of Tattnall county. They were early settlers of this section of the state and lived a life-time in the county in which they took up their home. Stephen and Mary Kennedy were hardy pioneers and when Edmond was born lived on their large farm in a block house, surrounded by a dense forest in which wild game was almost as plentiful as the blackberries. He toiled at the forest and tilled the soil and the wife spun and reared a family. Thus was a home built for the nine children born to the parents. Edmond was the fifth child. His schooling was very meager. His aid was needed on the farm, at the plow or with the ax, and he does not think he got seven months of schooling all together. But this did not keep him from reading extensively and storing his mind with much useful knowledge. He was taught early, by the parents and by their example, high ideas of morality and religious duties and for thirty years has been a member of the Missionary Baptist church. He enlisted in the Fifth Georgia cavalry under Capt. Waltower, in February, 1862, and served till the war closed, being in many skirmishes, but no regular battles. He has been engaged in farming and milling all his life and has been fortunate in accumulating a good property. Mr. Kennedy has been married twice. His first wife was Elizabeth Bird, a daughter of Wiley Bird. She died in October, 1894, and he was married the second time to Miss Sarah Alderman on Sept. 14, 1895. His children are as follows: Mary, Daniel, Andrew J., Edmond, Eliza, Elisha and James. Mr.

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BULLOCH COUNTY SKETCHES.

Kennedy is still active and looks after his extensive farming and milling interests and shows a bright intellect and vigorous constitution, which still promises many years for him.

HARLIE ALGERNON LANIER, merchant, Statesboro, was born in C Effingham county, Ga., April 24, 1868, and is the son of T. W. and Clara A. (Smith) Lanier .. His father is a minister of the Baptist church and a native of Effingham county. His mother, a woman of high intellectual attainments and culture, is a sister of Prof. Cosby W. Smith, who for a long time was a professor in the Wesleyan Female college at Macon; of Prof. O. L. Smith, president of Emory college, and also of Rufus W. Smith, president of La Grange Female college. The parents had six children, three boys and three girls, of whom Charlie A was the next to the eldest. His father moved to Screven county when he was quite small, and he attended for several years the schools of that county. His health failed and he was prevented from completing his education in a college, but was instructed and taught by his talented mother, whose capabilities in that way were equal to those of his illustrious brothers. When fifteen years old Charlie entered the store of his uncle in Waynesboro and remained there five years. He went from there to Millen, where he remained with another uncle a short time, then going to Statesboro in 1889. Here he entered in business for himself. He had formed habits and established traits of character, which with his mercantile training, assured his success. From the first his business prospered and increased in volunie daily, and in 1891 he was the owner of two big stores. This year he met with misfortune, the largest of his stores, consisting of an immense stock, representing the great part of the accumulation of his business career, was destroyed by fire. He was not discouraged, however, but continued his trade at the remaining store, with his former success. He now has one of the largest mercantile houses in Statesboro. Mr. Lanier is an active member of the Baptist church, joining that denomination fourteen years ago. He belongs to the order of the Golden Chain. He wedded Miss Stella F. Wilson, daughter of George G. and Mary Wilson, i11 1890. Mrs. Lanier is a graduate of Andrew Female college of Cuthbert, Ga. They have three children: Marie Clare, Thomas Fleetwood and George Wilson.

MORGAN R. LEE, one of the prosperous farmers of Bulloch county, was born near where he now lives, Oct. 6, 1851. He is the son of Gen. George W. and Lavinia Lee. The father was a well-known planter and active in the affairs of the Primitive Baptist church. Morgan was the second of nine children. From a boy he was fond of the farm, and at an early age did the work of a man. He attended the country schools near his home and there obtained his education. When about twenty-one years old, on Nov. 27, 1872, he married Miss Mary Anderson, a daughter of William Anderson of Bulloch county. Their wedded life has been a happy one, and also a fruitful one, for they have been favored with nine children, all of whom are living. They are: Erastus Theodore, who is married; Letitia L. Monico, Wayley, Clayton R., Mary D., Maud Irene, William Clem, Russell, and a babe unnamed. Mr. Lee has passed his life on the farm, and when one surveys his possessions, he cannot think other than that wlien he selected his avocation, he exercised wise judgment. He began farming on his own account with a capital of only $500 and now owns one of the nicest farms in the county, besides other property. He is a man who enjoys the confidence and respect of all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. Mr. Lee and wife are members of the Primitive Baptist church. He resides in a comfortable home on his estate near Statesboro.

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MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

ROBERT FRANKLIN LESTER, one of the best known farmers of Bulloch county, was born June 22, 1853, in Bryan county, and was the son of Malcomb B. and Mary Lester. The parents moved to Bulloch county when Robert was about one year old and lived there until this son was eight years old, when they removed to Bryan county, where they resided until he was twenty-three years old. In 1876 they concluded to try their fortune in Statesboro. The father was an extensive farmer and good business man, a true Christian, and a brave and patriotic citizen. He was among the first to enlist in behalf of the Confederacy and gave up his life for his country. He died in October, 1864, and the mother, a noble, self-sacrificing woman, survived him till May, 1883. Both were active members of the Baptist church. There were born to them seven children, and Robert Franklin was the third child. He was educated in the country schools and at the Bradwell institute, in Hinesville, Liberty county. This institution was then under the management of Capt. S. D. Bradwell, ex-state school commis- sioner. Mr. Lester left school when twenty-one years of age, and as he had expended what money he had on his last year's schooling, he practically began life without a dollar. He taught school one year and then went to Statesboro and ,embarked in the mercantile business. He also conducted a hotel in that place and was one of its substantial and enterprising citizens. In 1891 he gave up his business interests there and retired to his big farm near by, where he has since lived, giving his entire time to farming. When Mr. Lester located in Statesboro, the biggest part of that now thriving town was in woods, with bunches of rabbits running about. He was one of the first residents of the place, and there is to-day not a citizen in Statesboro who was living there when Mr. Lester took up his abode, and there is only one house in the present town that was there then. He has seen the small place of a few souls develop into a town of 1,500 people, from an obscure inland town to a thriving railroad town. During his residence there he saw real estate increase in value from $8 an acre to $25 an acre and farm land, $1.50 per acre to $20 per acre. Mr. Lester takes much interest and has a just pride in the development of the town. He was made a Mason in 1878. He was married in 1880 to Ida T. Everctt, a daughter of Jehu Everett and Penelope Everett of Bulloch county. They have seven children, viz .: Leah, Eunice, Hampton P., Daniel B., Hugh Everett, Malcomb B. and Ruth. The eldest four are in school at Statesboro. Mr. Lester lives on a highly cultured farm of 175 acres, which he manages with great success. He raises chiefly sea island cotton and home supplies.

LOGAN JUDSON M'LEAN, dentist, Statesboro, was born May 24, 1858, in Bulloch county, and is the son of Thomas L. and Ellen McLean. His father was a farmer and a brave soldier in the Confederate army, and died from the effects of a wound received in battle. There were two sons: John L., who is a physician practicing in Tattnall county, and Logan, the youngest. Dr. McLean entered Vanderbilt university in 1884, and graduated from the literary department, and in 1887 was graduated from the dental department. He soon after located in Metter, in Bulloch county, where he practiced his profession until Feb. 21, 1891, when he settled in Statesboro, and has practiced since that time in that plaec. He was married to Miss Eliza F. Kennedy, a daughter of Dr. D. L. Kennedy, of Metter, who represented Bulloch county in the legislature in 1892-3, and has served three terms. They were married Feb. 8, 1882, and to this union have been born the following children: John D., Ellis Judson, Carl Grady and Abbie. Dr. Mc- Lean is a member of the order of the Golden Chain. He enjoys a large practice, and it extends throughout the whole county.

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JAMES SIMON MIKELL, farmer, Statesboro, Ga., was born Oct. 18, 1855, in Bulloch county, and is the son of Thomas and Sarah Mikell. Thomas Mikell served in the Confederate army, and is a farmer living in Bulloch county. He was the father of nine children, all of whom are living, as follows: James S., William, Henry, Marguerite, Emeline, Catharine, Jack, Julia, Luddie. James S. is the eldest child. His education was meager, having no other opportunity than the few days' schooling picked up at intervals each year at the country school. And this only till he was seventeen years old, when all of his time was given in help of his father on the farm. When nineteen years old he began life on his own account. His father gave him a few acres and a home, and this was the basis of the fine farm he now owns. On Oct. 3, 1877, he married Miss Julia Wilson, a daughter of Benjamin Wilson, of Bulloch county. They have been blessed with five children: Thomas Virgil, born August, 1880; Ramer Coleman, born March 30, 1882; Sallie Lee, born March 30, 1885; Brooks, born Feb. 25, 1889; and Allen, born Sept. 25, 1893. James S. Mikell has devoted his entire time to farming, and has been reason- ably successful in securing a share of this world's goods, and happy in securing an excellent, loving wife, and rearing an interesting family of children. He lives in a neat home situated about two miles from Statesboro.

IVY SIMMONS LANE MILLER, physician, Mill Ray, was born Jan. 1, 1849, in Bulloch county, and is the son of Rev. John R. Miller and Nancy A. Miller. His father was a farmer and Baptist minister and a distinguished Mason. To John R. Miller were born seven chidren, viz .: Sarah A., married first to Thomas G. Hotch- kiss, and the second time to Henry Murphy; Lanie, married to B. W. Darsey; Lewis L .; Francis Marion and Wealthy J. (twins); America A .; Ivy S. L. Dr. Miller was the youngest child. He was educated in the common schools of Bulloch county. Too young to go to the war, he saw two brothers enlist, one of whom was killed in battle. After he left school he taught school several terms, and in 1869 he located in Savannah, where he entered the medical college. He was graduated in 1872, and for two years was engaged in the drug business in that city. Then he located at his father's home and began the practice of his profession. His success was immediate, and he has built up a big practice. He married Miss Mary Jane Harn, daughter of William and Mary Ann Harn, on May 17, 1877. They only have one child living, Ada E. Miller; Florence Gordon, another daughter, being deceased. Dr. Miller has been a member of the Missionary Baptist church for thirty years. Mrs. Miller also belongs to that church. He belongs to Mill Ray lodge, No. 389, Masons, and was made a Mason in 1881, joining Ogeechee lodge, No. 213. He was made a royal arch Mason in 1892. Dr. Miller is a physician and surgeon of acknowledged abilities, and through intellectual and moral merit has acquired a large practice. He is a thorough scholar, close student, brilliant conversationalist, genial and urbane in all his business relations and popular with all classes. The doctor loves his profession, which, properly understood and prac- ticed, is the most vitally important and honorable among men-the true doctor being the truest philanthropist, and in his hands measurably hangs life and death. Thus in whatever will promote the advancement of his profession and the interests of humanity, Dr. Miller will always be found in the front rank. In social and benevo- lent affairs the doctor always takes a lively interest.

DANIEL N. NICHOLS, farmer and physician, Portal, was born Feb. 4, 1852, where he now resides, and was the son of Theophilus and Rebecca Nichols. His father was a large farmer, honored and esteemed by the community, and though possessed of only a limited education, was successful in the management of his many acres, and previous to the war accumulated valuable property. The

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war left him like thousands of other brave and patriotic southerners-stripped of everything save the naked lands. There were born to Theophilus and Rebecca Nichols the large family of ten children, viz .: Absalom Jackson, John Thomas, George Washington, James M., Mary Jane, married to J. M. Baxley, Sarah Eliza- beth, wife of John K. Hendrix, Dr. Daniel N., Levina Ann, wife of E. H. Hendrix, Emeline Rebecca, wife of J. C. Deal, Dr. Loven M., physician, of Belleville. Dr. Daniel N. Nichols is the seventh child born, and spent his boyhood days on the farm and at the country schools. When twenty years old he commenced farming for himself, and it is this vocation that has always attracted him, even when devoting himself to a profession. He entered the Kentucky school of medicine at Louis- ville, Ky., in 1885, and was graduated in 1886. He began practicing at home, and for nearly ten years has continued with great professional success. Dr. Nichols was first married to Miss Ann Jane Brannen, a daughter of Alexander and Sarah Ann

Brannen, of Bulloch county, on Dec. 24, 1873. By this union two boys and three girls were born, viz .: Debbie, Jincy, Lemuel T., Hardey A., and Lula. The wife died Oct. 13, 1884. Dr. Nichols was married the second time July 1, 1885, to Miss Sallie Groover, daughter of Charles and Annie Groover. By this union four chil- dren were born, viz .: Annie, deceased; Berta, Ed Lane, and Joshua Noel. The second wife died Sept. 29, 1892, and Dr. Nichols married the third time Aug. 12, 1894, Miss Fannie D. Jones, a daughter of Thomas and Mary J. Jones, of Lowndes county. She died May 16, 1895. Dr. Nichols is a member of the Primitive Bap- tist church, as were his wives, and he has officiated for ten years as clerk of Beth- lehem church. Dr. Nichols has been successful in life. and it all has been achieved through his own efforts. He started without any material means, and the few acres of patrimony have developed into a large estate. Though he always from a child had a partiality for medicine among the professions, he would probably never have devoted himself to it but for the loss of his first wife. His grief was so intense that his health was threatened, and to divert his mind and give him something to occupy his thoughts away from his great sorrow he entered the medical school. He must have had a natural genius for medicine, for it only took him a year to get through, and the facility and success with which he has entered into practice was remarkable. Two daughters of Dr. Nichols teach in the public schools of Bulloch county. He has in cultivation about two hundred and seventy-five acres, and has thirteen hundred acres of land in one body. His comfortable home, located upon the fine farm, is the shelter of an interesting family. Dr. Nichols is chairman of the populist party of Bulloch county, and has been identified with that party ever since its organization. He is quite a potent factor in political affairs and is well and favorably known throughout the county.

HARRISON OLIFF, clerk of the superior court of Bulloch county, was born May 6, 1851, in the county he now serves, and is the son of Matthew and Elizabeth (Brannen) Oliff. The father was a successful farmer and a much-hon- ored Christian gentleman, being a devout member of the Primitive Baptist church. The mother was a member of the same church and a woman whose noble char- acter and example had a potent influence upon the lives of the children. To these parents were born six children, three boys and three girls. Harrison Oliff was the eldest son. He grew up on the farm, laboring hard to help the father in the support of the family, and attending the public schools of the neighborhood, where he was educated. When twenty years old he engaged in farming on his own account, and soon after took unto himself a wife. She was Miss Clifford Womack, daughter of William and Amelia Womack, of Bulloch county. Mrs. Oliff was born Jan. 5, 1858, and they were married Dec. 4, 1874. Mr. Oliff has spent the greater part of his life on the farm, and is at present engaged in farm-

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ing a large tract of land, upon which his home is located, near Statesboro. While always a democrat in politics, Mr. Oliff has never been an officeseeker, and it was not the result of his personal efforts that he was nominated on the democratic ticket in the winter of 1892 for the position of clerk of the superior court of Bulloch county. His friends, and they are many, knew his capabilities, his integ- rity and his fitness for the position, and they drafted him. He was elected, and his administration of the office being so eminently satisfactory to the people, he was re-elected in 1894, and by a big increase, even over the handsome majority he had over his first opponent. He is an efficient officer, and one whose popularity is acknowledged by all. Mr. Oliff has held one other office-that of councilman of Statesboro. His domestic life is a most happy one. Mrs. Oliff is a lady of rare amiability, talent and culture, with a just motherly pride in her two bright daughters-Kittie, born Feb. 12, 1880, and Lillie, born Feb. 17, 1885.

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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 51

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