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 71

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 71

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MARION COUNTY SKETCHES.

H. T. HOLLIS, farmer, Buena Vista, Marion Co., Ga., son of John F. and Susan M. (Cherry) Hollis, was born in Marion county in 1841. His grand- parents, on his father's side, Thomas and Nancy (Taylor) Hollis, were of English descent, and were born in South Carolina. He migrated early in life to Georgia, and settled in Monroe county, where he reared his family and closed his earthly career. He followed farming through life; owning and operating a farm. He served in the Indian war of 1836. Mr. Hollis' father was born and reared in Monroe county, went to Marion county when nineteen years old and began a farmer's life, became possessed of much land and many slaves, and left a valuable estate. Mr. Hollis' grandparents, on his mother's side, were Howell and Mary (Howell) Cherry. He was born in North Carolina, came to Georgia when a young man and settled in Twiggs county. He afterward moved to Monroe county, where he was living at the time of his death. Mr. Hollis was reared and worked on the farm, and had limited educational advantages-such only as the old log school- house afforded. In 1862 he enlisted in Company H, Forty-sixth Georgia regi- ment, under Capt. E. Taylor, and served until the surrender. He was in the battles of Jackson and Chickamauga, and all the way from there to Atlanta. He was wounded in the battles of Kennesaw and Nashville; came, and remained at home until he recovered, and then returned to the army. Like nearly all ex- Confederate soldiers, he started after the war very poor-but went to farming. He purchased his first land in 1869, and since then has known little save success and prosperity; he owns now about 4,000 acres of good land, and ranks among the rich men of the county. Mr. Hollis was married in 1872 to Miss Blanford Stevens-born in Marion county in 1851-daughter of Richardson and Frances M. (Blanford) Stevens. Mr. Stevens was born in Warren county, Ga., whence he came to Marion county and settled. To Mr. and Mrs. Hollis the following children have been born, of whom five are living: Mart B., Howell C., Mary L., Thomas B., and Annie C. Mrs. Hollis-an exemplary member of the Missionary Baptist church-died in 1887. In 1886 he was elected to represent Marion county in the general assembly, and was placed on the following committees: Finance, agriculture, education, and the John Winfroe investigating committee. Mr. Hollis is a member of the people's, or populist, party and a master Mason. He is one of Marion county's substantial citizens.

W. B. JOSSEY, farmer, Buena Vista, Marion Co., Ga., son of Henry and Mary (Mimms) Jossey, was born in Stewart county, Ga., in 1843. His paternal grandfather, Lewis Jossey, of Irish descent, was a native of South Caro- lina, and early in life came to Georgia. Mr. Jossey's father was born in South Carolina, moved to Georgia when a young man, and settled in what is now Marion county. He was reared and lived a farmer; but for a number of years served as a justice of the peace. His maternal grandfather, Floyd Mimms, was an early settler of Sumter county. He was a farmer-a pursuit he followed all his life. Mr. Jossey's early life was spent on the farm, and the teacher at the old log school-house imparted to him the little education he received. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, Capt. Melton Brown, Fifty-ninth Georgia regiment. Among the battles, in which he participated, were: Gettysburg, Funkston, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania court-house, Richmond and Petersburg; he remained in the service until the surrender, when he came home penniless. He began farming and worked hard, early and late, and saved money. In 1867 he bought his first land, and now owns 600 acres of good farming land, and is prospering. Mr. Jossey was married in 1871 to Miss Savinia A. Jordan-born in Marion county, in 1854- daughter of Nicholas and Ann (Dukes) Jordan. Mr. Jordan was a native Geor- gian, was an early settler in Marion county, where he died. Nine children have

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MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

been born of this union: Mattie, Edna H., William, Thomas, Leroy, Annie, Emmett, Clinton, and Erva. Mrs. Jossey is a member of the Methodist church.

CHARLES KNOWLTON, farmer and miller, Doyle, Marion Co., Ga., son of Hiram and Anna J. (Swindell) Knowlton, was born in Talbot county, Ga., in 1841. His paternal great-grandfather was born in Scotland, and came to America long before the revolutionary war. He was a soldier in the old Indian wars, and during the war for independence was a soldier in the patriot army. He used to relate as an incident of his life that on one occasion when the enemy's marksman was aiming at Gen. Washington he struck his horse a blow to make him jump and thus saved the general's life. His grandfather was born in New York and was a farmer. Mr. Knowlton's father was born in New York state in 1807, and came to Georgia and settled in Augusta in 1828. He was a skilled and experienced mechanic, and constructed the first waterworks which conveyed the water from Turknett spring to Augusta. Later in life he removed to Talbot county, where he followed his trade, and left a quite large landed estate at his death in 1875. His maternal grandfather, Swindell, was of Irish lineage, the family having been early settlers in North Carolina. When Mr. Swindell migrated from that state to Georgia he settled in Greene county and remained there all his life. Mr. Knowlton grew to manhood on the farm and was trained as a mechanic by his father. Being a mechanic he was exempt from military service, and was largely employed in the early part of the war in the making of shoe pegs for the army. In 1863, however, he enlisted in Company D, Seventh Georgia, afterward in the Tenth Confederate cavalry. At one time during his service, when making a charge, he rode through a troop of Union cavalry, not hearing the command to halt; they let him pass unharmed, supposing him to be a prisoner going to the rear. Discovering his mistake and dilemma, he escaped to a near-by friendly swamp. He closed his war service at the battle of Bentonville, N. C. After the war his trade was all he had to rely on, so he went to work at it, and made and saved some money. In 1881 he purchased a mill on McCalee creek, which is now in perfect running order, and very desirable, valuable property. In connection with it he owns some excellent farming land and conducts a farm. In 1865 Mr. Knowlton was married to Miss Julia A. Drane, born in Talbot county in 1845, daughter of Hiram and Eleanor (McGruder) Drane. Mr. Drane was born in Columbia county, Ga., and on entering life for himself removed to Taylor county, where he settled for life. At one time he represented the county in the general assembly. Eight children, living, have blessed this union: Eleanor, Homer, Lizzie, Hiram, Edgar, Minnie, Jackson and Beulah. Mr. Knowlton is a royal arch Mason, and his wife is an exemplary member of the Methodist church. He is enjoying the prosperity and comfort consequent upon an industrious and honor- able life.

JAMES M. LOWE, merchant and capitalist, Buena Vista, Marion Co., Ga., son of William H. and Carrie (Boswell) Lowe, was born in Crawford county, Ga., in 1839. His paternal grandparents, John and Patience Lowe, were native North Carolinians, migrated to Georgia in 1780, and settled for life in what is now Jones county. He was a planter, owned a great many slaves, and during the revolutionary war was a soldier in the patriot army. Mr. Lowe's father was born in 1803 in what is now Jones county (organized in 1807). He was reared a farmer, and early in life removed to what is now Taylor county. He was a large slave owner, and for a number of years was a justice of the inferior court. Politically he was an uncompromising democrat, and in religion a devoted Baptist. Mr.

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MARION COUNTY SKETCHES.

Lowe was reared on the farm, and received a good common school education. In 1860 he read law and was admitted to the bar, but he practiced only a short time. In 1861 he enlisted in Company I, Capt. E. M. Butt, Second Georgia regiment. On the reorganization of the regiment Capt. Butt was promoted to the colonelcy and Mr. Lowe was made orderly sergeant. He participated in the battles of Yorktown, Richmond and Second Manassas. He was wounded at the battle of Richmond, and was sent home on a furlough, remaining forty days. At the battle of Second Manassas he had a limb shot off, and returned home. In 1864 he was elected ordinary of the county, and by re-election held the office for twenty-five years. Were other evidence lacking this would settle the question of Mr. Lowe's ability, capacity and popularity. Under the firm name of Lowe & Rushin, in 1866, he engaged in a general merchandise business in Buena Vista, in which, as in everything else he had undertaken, he has been eminently successful. He was the projector and principal promoter of the Buena Vista & Ellaville railway, was elected president, and continued as such until it was sold to the Central Railway company. In 1890 he organized the Buena Vista Loan and Savings bank, of which he was president until 1894, sustaining to it now the relation of vice-president. His uniform phenomenal success in these several various public and private offices and businesses evinces great capacity and unusual planning, financial and executive ability. In 1859 Mr. Lowe was married to Miss Eva Rushin, born in Marion county in 1841, daughter of Joel F. and Elizabeth (Brooks) Rushin. Mr. Rushin was born in Bibb county, Ga., was a farmer, and moved to Marion county in 1835. He represented the county in the general assembly several times. Of the offspring of this marriage five are living: Gussie, who married R. H. Stokes; Blanche, who married R. H. Peacock; Clifford, married W. H. Lowe; Carrie, who married V. L. McMichael, and Lucille. Mrs. Lowe, who was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, died in 1885. In 1886 Mr. Lowe contracted a second marriage with Mrs. Carrie (nee Evans) Smith, born in Alabama in 1840, daughter of Thomas Evans. Mr. Evans was an early settler in Muscogee county, Ga., but moved to La Grange, Troup Co., Ga. He was a general of militia in the Indian war of 1836. His life occupa- tion was farming. Mr. Lowe is a master Mason, and himself and wife are ex- emplary and useful members of the Methodist church. Mr. Lowe is a public- spirited and progressive citizen, and one of the foremost in all movements promis- ing to add to the general advancement of the community. Politically, financially and socially himself and family rank with the first.

C. HORACE M'CALL, merchant-banker, Buena Vista, Marion Co., Ga., son of Charles H. and Lucinda (Thorp) McCall, was born in Marion county, Ga., in 1857. His paternal grandfather McCall was born in Scotland, emigrated to this county when quite young, settled in one of the Carolinas, served as a soldier in the patriot army during the revolutionary war, and afterward migrated to Georgia and settled in Screven county. He owned many slaves and had a large plantation. Mr. McCall's father was born and reared in Screven county, and was a large slave and land owner, farmer and merchant, was a justice of the inferior court many years, and also represented the county in the house and in the senate of the general assembly. He moved from Screven to Marion county in 1844, and lived there the remainder of his days. In early life he was an ardent, active member of the Missionary Baptist church, in which he was ordained a preacher after he was eighty years of age. Mr. McCall's maternal grandfather was Jere- miah Allen Thorp. He was a farmer, and one of the early settlers in Twiggs county, in which he closed his life. Mr. McCall was reared on the farm, and after receiving a good common school education, took a thorough course at the Pough-

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keepsie (N. Y.) Business college. For the last seven years he has been engaged in a general merchandise business; and in 1888 he organized the Buena Vista Loan and Savings bank, of which he has recently been elected president. In addition to the above he organized the Buena Vista Improvement company for the encouragement of manufacturing and general improvement purposes. Be- sides being an active worker in all these laudable progressive enterprises, he is interested in and manages large farming interests. These large and extensive plans promotive of progress and prosperity evince great mental and physical activity, and their success evidences unusual public spirit and financial sagacity and ability. Mr. McCall was married in 1882 to Miss Willie Miller, born in Buena Vista in 1864, daughter of Maj. E. W. and Sallie (Jones) Miller. He was for many years a practicing attorney, was a major in the army during the late war, and has several times represented the county in the general assembly. One child, Helen, has blessed this union. Mrs. McCall is a member of the Baptist church.

G W. C. MUNRO, planter, Putnam, Marion Co., Ga., son of Edward and Har- riett (De Lespire) Munro, was born in 1825, on Danfuski island, S. C. His paternal grandparents, Edward and Ann Munro, natives of Scotland, on coming to America, settled in Nova Scotia, and afterward in New Jersey. On attaining manhood, Edward Munro, the father, left his birthplace, Newark, N. J., for the Bahama islands, where he married Harriett De Lespire, of Charleston, S. C. The family lived some years on the Bahama islands; then on Danfuski island, S. C .; a short time in Savannah, Ga .; then in Twiggs county, and finally settled in Dooly county, Ga. The maternal grandfather, Dr. Joseph De Lespire, was a native of France, and the maternal grandmother was a native of England. Dr. Joseph De Lespire, a surgeon in the French army, who came to America with the French admiral, Count d'Estaing. At the close of the revolutionary war he settled in Charleston, where he practiced his profession during the remainder of his life. G. W. C. Munro was reared on a plantation, and received a good com- mon school education. Conducting and supervising his planting interests has been the occupation of his life. Since 1857 he has lived at his present home in Marion county. In 1863 he enlisted in Company G of the Twenty-ninth Georgia battalion, in which he served until the close of the war. In 1855 he married Martha A. Stevens, daughter of Hampton and Attalissa (Sparks) Stevens, of Marion county, Ga. The children of G. W. C. Munro are: Ida Munro, Mrs. Ola M. Evans, Mrs. Mattie M. Simpson, George P. Munro, Dr. Henry S. Munro and Horace N. Munro.

B. THOMPSON PEACOCK, farmer and merchant, Buena Vista, Marion Co., Ga., son of Benajah and Eleanor (Thompson) Peacock, was born in Marion county in 1846. His paternal great-grandparents were Simon and Zelpha Pea- cock. Simon was born in England, came to this country and settled in North Carolina and lived there all his life. He was a Quaker, and being opposed to slavery emancipated his slaves. His grandparents, Robert and Wealthy (Howell) Peacock, were native North Carolinians. He was born in Wayne county, N. C., in 1792, and his wife in 1794. He migrated with his family to Georgia in 1820, and settled in Twiggs county, afterward moved to Houston, and thence to Lowndes county, Ga., where he died. He was a planter, a large slave-owner and a prominent member of the Methodist church. Mr. Peacock's father was born in Wayne county, N. C., in 1814, and when six years old came to Twiggs county with his father. From there he went when grown to Houston county,

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MARION COUNTY SKETCHES.

thence to Macon county, and subsequently to Marion county, where he still lives. Farming has been his lifetime occupation. For twenty years he has been a confirmed dyspeptic, has had to diet himself, and during all that time has not eaten a meal with his family. He is an exceedingly moral man, and is held in the very highest esteem by his fellow-citizens. Mr. Peacock's maternal grand- parents, Samuel and Mary (Lumsden) Thompson, were native Virginians of Scotch-Irish descent, his father having been born in Ireland. Coming to Georgia he settled near Covington, Newton Co. He was a planter and large slave-owner, and reared his family in Newton county, where he remained until he died. He was long a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. B. Thompson Peacock was reared on the farm and had the advantage of a good common school education. In 1864 he enlisted in Company K, Twelfth Georgia regiment, under Capt. J. R. McMichael, and participated in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania court house and Petersburg. At Spottsylvania court house he was wounded and captured, sent to Point Lookout first, and afterward to Elmira, N. Y., where he remained until exchanged. At the battle of Peters- burg he was again taken prisoner and sent to Point Lookout, where he remained until July, 1865, when he was released. Returning home from the war poor he taught school two years, and then went to work on the farm in dead earnest, with decidedly gratifying success. He has now 600 acres of good farming land, and runs a gin of large capacity. He is also engaged, under the firm name of Nelson, Peacock & Co., in a general merchandise business in Buena Vista. Mr. Peacock was married in 1867 to Mrs. Elizabeth (nee Hudson) Mott, born in Lawrence county, Ga., in 1840, daughter of James and Harrett Hudson. Mr. Peacock is a master Mason, and himself and wife are influential members of the Methodist church.

STEPHEN SIMS, farmer, Friendship, Marion Co., Ga., son of John and Rebecca (Harris) Sims, was born in Jones county, Ga., in 1815. His grand- father Sims was a Virginian, and lived and died in the "old dominion." His father was born in Virginia, came to Georgia when a young man, and settled in Warren county, where he married. He afterward moved to Jones county, Ga., farmed and reared his family. Later in life he moved to Marion county, where he died. Mr. Sims' maternal grandfather, Benjamin Harris, was an early settler of Warren county, where he remained during life. Mr. Sims spent his boyhood on the farm, attended school at the log school house so common at that time and followed farming all his life. He began life as an overseer and having saved some money made his first land purchase in 1846, and has added to it until now he has an excellent body of nearly 500 acres of land with a good farm and home on it. He was a soldier in the Indian war in 1836. Mr. Sims was married in 1838 to Miss Emily Banks, born in Jasper county, Ga., in 1822, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Alewine) Banks. Mr. Banks was a native of what is now Jasper county, and reared a farmer and followed farming all his life. Six children blessed this marriage: Mary and Henry living, and William, John, George and Albert, deceased. Mrs. Sims, who was a member of the Methodist church, died in 1891. Mr. Sims is a master Mason and is highly respected by all who know him.

CRITTON J. SMITH, farmer, Draneville, Marion Co., Ga., son of Tennyson and Frankie (Thomas) Smith, was born in Marion county in 1852. His paternal grandparents, George L. and Gillie (Peddie) Smith, were born in North Carolina and migrated thence to Alabama, whence a few years later he removed

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MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

to Marion county. He owned a great deal of land and many slaves, was a member and a preacher of the Christian church. Mr. Smith's father was born in Ala- bama, but early in life removed to Marion county and settled where he now lives. At the time he made his settlement the woods were full of Indians. He was a soldier in the Indian war of 1836. He has made a life pursuit of farming, at which he has been satisfactorily successful and enjoyed prosperity. He has been a justice of the peace many years and is a member of the Christian church. Mr. Smith's maternal grandparents, George and Polly Thomas, were natives of North Carolina, where they lived all their lives. He was a farmer and very wealthy. Mr. Smith was reared on the farm and received only the limited education ob- tainable during his boyhood. His principal occupation has been that of a farmer, but he was in a general merchandise business about eight years. He has been successful in his undertakings, is recognized as a progressive, prosperous farmer, and as one of Marion county's substantial citizens. He now owns about 1,800 acres of good farming land, including a well-improved farm. Mr. Smith was married in 1877 to Miss Willie A. Bell, born in Stewart county in 1859, daughter of Charles and Susan (Singer) Bell. Mr. Bell was a native Georgian and a teacher by profession. He was a soldier in the Indian war of 1836, and died in Marion county. The offspring of this union were eight children: Eurela, Lena, Alberta, Arthur, Rubbie, Mary, Lillie, and Willie A. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are prominent and exemplary members of the Methodist church.

S. B. STOREY, farmer, Buena Vista, Marion Co., Ga., son of Benjamin A. and Emily (Parsons) Storey, was born in Marion county in 1846. His grandfather Storey was a native of Ireland, came to the United States in youth and settled in Warren county, Ga. Mr. Storey's father was born in Warren county, and moved to Marion county in 1837. He was a farmer, owned much land and a great many slaves when he died. His maternal grandfather, James Parsons, was a native of Jefferson county, Ga. Mr. Storey was reared on the farm and educated at the common country school. In 1863 he enlisted in the Fifth Georgia battalion, Capt. F. M. Mckinney, and was engaged in the battles of Griswoldville and East Macon, was captured by Col. Wilson, but released on parole of honor. When he came home from the war he found himself stripped of all property except a small tract of land. He has worked hard and practiced frugality, and is now possessed of 600 acres of good land and a fine home, and he has the good will and the esteem of his fellow-citizens. He has been a justice of the peace and in 1881 was elected to represent the county in the general assem- bly. In that body he was placed on the following committees: Agriculture, peni- tentiary and auditing. Mr. Storey was married in 1865 to Miss Sarah Peacock, born in Marion county in 1848, daughter of Benajah and Eleanor (Thompson) Peacock, by whom he has had seven children: Lessie, Thomas J., Howell, Craw- ford, Rubie, Pearl and Emerald. Mr. Storey is a master Mason, and himself and wife are exemplary members of the Missionary Baptist church.

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M'DUFFIE COUNTY SKETCHES.

M'DUFFIE COUNTY.

ISAAC A. GIBSON, principal high school, Thomson, McDuffie Co., Ga., son of Dr. Cicero and Mary H. (Adkins) Gibson, was born on the old family planta- tion in Warren county, Ga., June 30, 1861. He was the sixth of nine children (eight sons and one daughter) six of whom survive. Raised on the plantation, Prof. Gibson received during his boyhood and youth only such schooling as could be obtained at the country common school. Ambitious of a higher education, when he was eighteen years of age he taught school a term of months to earn the money to help him through college. He then entered Emory college, Oxford, Ga., and at the end of three years graduated with the degree of A. B. Three years later his alma mater paid him the distinguished compliment of conferring upon him the degree of A. M .- an honor he very highly appreciates. After graduating he taught school a year to earn the money wherewith to pay for further literary and scientific advancement. He then went to Louisville, Ky., where he first graduated from Woody's school in microscopy and chemistry, and then attended a course at the medical college of Kentucky. Having, by this time, depleted his exchequer, he came home and taught school another year, and then attended Atlanta Medical college, from which he graduated in 1885. Returning to Warren county, he resumed his vocation in the room where he first taught, and remained there three years, gaining valuable experience and professional reputation. Six years ago he came to Thomson, where he is now principal of the high school, and where he has continuously.added to his reputation and extended his influence. So assiduous has he been in the discharge of his duties, and so solicitous for the moral and intellectual elevation of those entrusted to his care, that it is claimed for him by the citizens of Thomson that he has done more good in helping young and old to obtain an education than all the schools for miles around-testimony that any one might be proud of. Prof. Gibson was married Feb. 25, 1886, to Miss Mamie L., daughter of William Gross, of McDuffie county, by whom he has had two children-a son, seven years, and a daughter, five years old. The professor is a royal arch Mason, and an exemplary member of the Methodist church. His valuable services are highly appreciated by the people of the prosperous little city and county, so that his continuance in his present position will depend on his own choice.

F. S. HARRISON, surgeon, Thomson, McDuffie Co., Ga., son of E. S. and Eugenia E. (Jones) Harrison, was born on the old family plantation in Columbia county, Ga., Dec. 2, 1849. His father's family was among the first settlers of Columbia county, and his mother was a daughter of the first Jones that settled there. They raised seven children-four boys and three girls-and of the parents and children there are now living the father and all the children, excepting one girl. During his boyhood and youth Dr. Harrison pursued his studies at home, a plain, common school course, and at the age of seventeen entered the university of Georgia, at Athens. There he took a full course, and was grad- uated with the degree of A. B. In his class were the following, who have since risen to political and judicial distinction: United States District Judge Emory Speer; William Beane, who shared the first honor with Judge Speer; Judge Howard Van Epps, Atlanta; Ben H. Hill, Jr., ex-United States district attorney ; Charles A. Collier, president Capital City bank and Cotton States and Interna- tional exposition; Ed. Hammond, leading lawyer, Atlanta bar, and Hon. James

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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 71

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