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 96

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 96

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NEWTON COUNTY SKETCHES.

has established the largest business in the city. Enterprising and public-spirited, he takes an active part in every movement promising to advance the interests of the city and county. He is a director of the street railway company, was on the board of county commissioners six years and chairman of the board four years, and has been a member of the city council almost ever since he came to Coving- ton. Mr. Swann was married in 1873 to Miss Elizabeth, born and reared at Oxford, Miss., where her father located when she was an infant. She is a daughter of Robert and Nancy (McCollum) Stowers, natives of De Kalb county. Two of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Swann, Olive and Thomas, are living. Mrs. Swann is a devoted member of the Methodist church.

R. H. THOMPSON, merchant, Covington, Newton Co., Ga., son of Robert and Anna (Underwood) Thompson, was born in Newton county in 1834. His paternal grandparents were John and Jane Thompson. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, and born in Virginia, and when a young man migrated to North Caro- lina. He was a farmer and a soldier in the patriot army during the revolutionary war. In the early years of this century he came from North Carolina to Georgia and settled in the woods on land now included in Newton county, and cleared a small farm. He made the journey with an ox-cart, held together with wooden pins and hickory withes, on block wheels. Although a farmer, he did job wood- work and repairing for the settlement. He died in 1824. Mr. Thompson's father was born in North Carolina, and was about seven years old when his parents came to Georgia. Farming was his life pursuit, and his success was equal to that of his brother farmers-Newton being a backwoods county until about 1845. He was a justice of the peace many years, a master Mason, and an earnest, devoted member of the Methodist church. His mother was the daughter of Lemuel and Anna Underwood, whose families were among the pioneer settlers of the county. Mr. Thompson was reared on the farm and received only the meager education obtainable at that time at the "old field" schools. In 1862 he enlisted in Company B, Capt. T. W. Simms, Fifty-third Georgia regiment. He was in many very important battles, among them those of Seven Pines, seven days' fight around Richmond, Wilderness, etc. He continued in the service until the sur- render and then walked home. Besides farming he was engaged somewhat ex- tensively in the manufacture of buggies and wagons for sixteen years, and of late years carried on the undertaking business and dealt in furniture. Possessing good business qualifications and the confidence of the people, he has prospered and is looked upon as one of the leading citizens of Newton county. Mr. Thomp- son was married in 1851 to Miss Octavia, born and reared in Covington, daughter of Pressly and Eleanor (Whitten) Jones. He was killed during the war in Covington, though not in the army. A troop of Federal cavalry on a small raid entered Covington, and he, being one of the few who attempted to repel the in- vasion, was killed. Of seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, six survive: Horace, William, Heard, Algie, Eva and Ida. He is a master Mason, and himself and wife are active and useful members of the Methodist church.

PLEASANT WILLSON, physician and surgeon, Newborn, Newton Co., Ga., son of Leroy M. and Tabitha (Shaw) Willson, was born in Shady Dale, Jasper Co., Ga., Sept. 5, 1838. His paternal grandfather, John Willson, was an early settler in Jasper county and for many years was clerk of the superior court. Dr. Willson's father was born in Jasper county and was well-educated. At the age of eighteen he commenced teaching school, and taught eighteen years, and was justice of the peace many years. Subsequently he moved to Morgan county, Ga.,

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MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

of which he was treasurer for about twenty years. He was a master Mason and a member of the Missionary Baptist church. His mother was a daughter of a Mr. Gilbert Shaw. He was a native of the state of Virginia, and was a soldier in the patriot army during the revolutionary war, being wounded while in the service. After the war he migrated to South Carolina, and subsequently moved to Georgia. Dr. Willson received his primary education at the old-time log schoolhouse. In 1858 he commenced the study of medicine under the pre- ceptorship of Drs. Knight and Crawford, after which he attended lectures at the Atlanta Medical college, from which he was graduated in 1861. That same year he enlisted as a private in the Panola guards, which afterward became Company G, Cobb's legion, and went to the front. His first service was in the Peninsula, and being taken sick, he was placed in the room at Yorktown in which Wash- ington and Cornwallis arranged the terms of capitulation at the close of the war for independence. As soon as he was able he came home, where he remained until 1862, when he reported for duty. He was made assistant surgeon and assigned to duty in the gangrene ward, where he was so efficient and so suc- cessful in the treatment of his patients as to be the subject of very complimentary notices in the local papers. Returning from the war he located in Morgan county, where he successfully and profitably practiced until about ten years ago, when he came to Newborn, where he has established a large and very remunerative prac- tice and a local reputation for skill and ability equal to that of any practitioner in the state. He is also engaged in farming, in which he is a progressionist and exhibits the same good judgment that he does in the practice of his profession. Dr. Willson was married in 1873 to Miss Lou, born in Morgan county, daughter of John F. and Margaret (Matthews) Johnson. He was a soldier in the Florida (or Seminole) war, for which he is now drawing a pension, and as one of "Joe Brown's pets" served in the late unpleasantness, and as a participant in the defense of Atlanta was in the battle of July 22, 1864. Five children blessed this marriage, of whom three survive: Maggie, John T. and Pleasant, Jr. A devoted member of the Missionary Baptist church, the mother of these children died early in 1883. Toward the close of the same year he married Miss Mollie, daughter of J. M. and Martha (Webb) Robinson. She died a consistent and pious member of the Methodist church in 1884. Subsequently he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Josiah and Laura (Heard) Perry, old settlers of Newton county, by whom he has had two children: Laura and Watson Hines. The doctor is a master Mason and Mrs. Willson is a member of the Primitive Baptist church.

WILLIAM J. WRIGHT, farmer, Starrsville, Newton Co., Ga., son of William and Susannah (Herring) Wright, was born in Morgan county, Ga., in 1822. His family on both sides were among the worthy hardy pioneers who settled this part of the state. His paternal grandfather, William Wright, was a native of Vir- ginia, who migrated to Georgia and settled in Baldwin (now Morgan) county, about 1805. He was a soldier in the patriot army during the revolutionary war. Mr. Wright's father was born in Virginia, and came to Georgia about 1805, and settled in Clarke county. His mother's parents were of old Virginia families, who moved to Georgia about 1805, and settled in what is now Morgan county. His mother made the trip on horseback, riding behind her father, and at one point, the horse swam a wide, deep stream with both of them on his back. Mr. Wright was raised on the farm, and what education he received was obtained at the historic dirt- floor log school-house, with puncheon seats, stick-and-mud chimney, and square holes in the sides for windows. Farming has been his life occupation, and he has taken only such interest in public affairs as any good citizen should. During the

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OCONEE COUNTY SKETCHES.

unpleasantness he served with what is known as "Joe Brown's pets." He was, however, a justice of the peace at the time, in which capacity he served his fellow- citizens fourteen years-and carries his old commission in his pocket. Satisfied with the enjoyments of home, he stays there, is a good and prosperous farmer and model citizen. Mr. Wright was married in 1851 to Miss Amanda-born in New- ton county-daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Trammell) Shawlcomb, of old well-known Georgia families. Twelve children were the fruit of this union, of whom six survive: Legrand S., Henry, Ida, Edward H., William J., and Gordon. Mr. Wright and his wife are exemplary members of the Methodist church.

OCONEE COUNTY.

JOHN W. JOHNSON, one of Oconee county's leading citizens, was born in Watkinsville in 1837, and is the son of John Calvin and Elizabeth (Martin) Johnson. His father was born in North Carolina, near Greensborough, in 1808. He was educated in the public schools, but acquired much information and learn- ing by reading, and was conversant with all subjects of general interest, and a most entertaining conversationalist. He came to Georgia in 1824 and settled in that part of Clarke county now Oconee. He was then only sixteen years old, and had come to the state with a strange family. He was given employment as deputy clerk of the county, a position which he held until he was of age, when he was elected clerk, and continuously elected during the long period of forty years-until he declined re-election. In 1872 he was made treasurer and secretary of the North- eastern railroad, and served about four years, when he was made librarian of the university of Georgia, a position he held until his death, which occurred when he was 79 years of age. He was a member of the Methodist church and a Mason- was W. M. of his lodge for years. He was a son of James Johnson, who was born in Ireland, and came to America in the early days of this century. The mother of Mr. John W. Johnson was the daughter of Jasper and Martha (Manley) , Morton, both of whom were natives of Georgia. Mr. Johnson was given a good education, attending Henry and Emory college, of Virginia, in 1855. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, known as the Echo company, Fifth Texas regi- ment, Hood's old brigade, and served through the entire war in this regiment. He was in all its engagements, except the second battle of Manassas, he then being home on a furlough, suffering from wounds received at Sharpsburg. He rejoined his command, under Gen. Longstreet, at Richmond, and was at Appomattox. In 1865 he married Martha M. Ellis, daughter of John Ellis, and they have six living children, viz .: John C., Mary E., Albert S., James W., Leonard T., and Maggie E. The mother was born in Oglethorpe county in 1849. Himself and wife are members of the M. E. church, and Mr. Johnson is a Mason, having become a member just after the war. He served as tax collector of Clarke and Oconee counties for twenty-eight years, and was elected clerk of the superior court till the county was divided, and Oconee county organized. He was in the mercantile business for years, and is now interested in farming. The Johnson family is one of the leading families in this section of the state, and Mr. Johnson is probably the most popular man in the county.

656

MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

B. E. THRASHER, ordinary of Oconee county, Watkinsville, Oconee Co., Ga., was born on Feb. 22, 1850, is of Welsh descent, and from a family long and prominently known in (then Clarke) Oconee county. The founder of this branch of the Thrasher family was Thomas Thrasher, who, with his wife Mary, came from Wales to America long before the revolutionary war. He had a son, John, who was a soldier in the army of the patriots, and who came to Georgia, and settled in what is now Oconee county. He was a distinguished-appearing man, and one of a firm will, as was exemplified in a story his descendants tell of him: When, on one occasion, he became angry at whisky drinking, he took a vow not to touch liquor for fifty years, and fulfilled his oath. He married Susan Barton, and to them was born, in 1793, Isaac Thrasher. When three years old he was taken to what is now Oconee, where he grew to manhood. He married Elizabeth Hester, and to them was born Barton C. Thrasher, father of the subject of this sketch. Barton C. Thrasher was a man renowned for his piety and Christian teachings, and was a liberal contributor to the cause of religion and humanity. He was opposed to secession when it was first talked of, but when Georgia seceded, he stood by his native state and offered to enlist, but the people knew he could better serve his country at home, and there for three years did this noble man prove the mainstay of scores of soldiers' families. His meat house and his granary, his pocket-book, and his every possession, was as free to the suffering and distressed, as to his own family. After the war, when soldiers were returning to find their homes desolate, with broken health and shattered courage, it was Barton C. Thrasher who fed and clothed them, and started them on in life with words of cheer. He married a woman-good like himself-Mary Elder, a daughter of Edmond and Nancy (Tigner) Elder. Edmond Elder was a son of David and Nancy (Reed) Elder, and Nancy Reed was a blood relative of George Washington. Nancy Tigner's father was Philip Tigner, who was a soldier in the revolutionary army, and owned the first corn mill in this part of the state. He built a church, which bore his name, the materials all being contributed by him, even to the nails which he made in the blacksmith shop. The family on both sides were pioneers of Georgia. Pope Tigner, son of Philip, was one of the first graduates from the university of Georgia. The wife of Philip Tigner was a Miss Hall, a near relative of John Hall, one of the signers of the declaration of independence. Mr. B. E. Thrasher was given a good education, and taught school for two years. He then entered the university of Georgia and was graduated from the law department in 1876. He has practiced his profession since, and in 1885 was elected ordinary of Oconee county. After the war the Thrashers were left almost ruined in fortune, and Mr. Thrasher found it necessary to seek hard labor to earn enough money to go through college. He persevered, however, and his present honorable position is the result of his personal efforts to help himself. In 1872 he married Sarah T., daughter of J. B. and Ann W. (Moore) Hathaway. They have five children living: John B., Anna, B. E., Jr., Roy, and Grady. The mother was born and reared in Oconee county, and is a granddaughter of Susan Benning, who was a sister of Gen. Benning. Mr. Thrasher and wife are members of the Methodist church, and he is a Mason of many; years" standing. He has some farming interests, but gives his time to his office, the duties of which he discharges satisfactorily to his constituency.

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OGLETHORPE COUNTY SKETCHES.

OGLETHORPE COUNTY.

JOSEPH M'WHORTON, one of the largest farmers of Oglethorpe county, was born in this county in 1832 and is the son of James H. and Eliza (Penn) McWhorton. The father was born in the same county in 1816 and was one of the most eminent men of the county in his day. He was justice of the peace for many years, served as judge of the inferior court, and was then elected to represent the county in the legislature, serving about fifteen years in that capacity. He was an extensive farmer and a prominent Mason, and a member of the Baptist church. He was a son of Hugh and Helen (Ligeon) McWVhorton. Hugh Mc- Whorton was a native of Ireland, and came to America, settling in Virginia. In 1796 he moved to Georgia, dying shortly after his arrival. The mother of Joseph McWhorton was the daughter of John Penn. Joseph McWhorton had few chances for obtaining an education in his boyhood days, but he was an untir- ing reader and by the time he had reached manhood his inind was stored with useful information, which helped him in the successful life that followed. In 1854 he married Emily Key, daughter of an old planter of the county. By this union six children were born, five of whom are living: Lauren, Hamilton, Dr. Thomas, Mary E., and Joseph. Mrs. McWhorton, an excellent Christian woman, died in 1887, and in 1890 Mr. McWhorton married Mary Young, daughter of M. H. Young. She is an active member of the M. E. church. In 1863 Mr. McWhorton raised a company and went out into the Confederate service as its captain. He started first in the cavalry under Gen. Toombs and after one year the company was reorganized into an infantry company. Then Mr. McWhorton was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, previously serving as major, and was in front of Sherman on his march to the sea. After the war he returned to Georgia and began farming and merchandising. He has served for twelve years on the board of county commissioners, and was president of the board much of the time. He has several times represented the county in the legislature, and is one of its leading citizens. Mr. McWVhorton lives on a fine estate near Stephens.

ISHAM H. PITTARD, farmer, Winterville, was born in Clark county, Ga., in 1837, and is the son of Humphrey and Sarah (Hart) Pittard. His paternal grandparents, Samuel and Rebecca (Meridy) Pittard, were natives of Scotland, who came to America and first settled in Virginia, afterward removing to North Carolina, where they died. He was a man of education and taught school about forty years in Virginia and North Carolina. Mr. Pittard's father was born in Virginia in 1780, came to Georgia in 1796, when he started out for himself, his experiences being those of all self-made men. He encountered privations and hardships, but with an indomitable will he pushed on to success and competence. He married Sarah, a daughter of Archibald and Mary (Berry) Hart, her father being a relative of Nancy Hart of revolutionary fame. Isham Pittard was brought up on the farm, and his mother being a widow and his brothers gone to homes of their own, he early felt the responsibilities of domestic cares; and so much was dependent upon him that it was not until after he was twenty-two years old that he found time to school himself. In 1861 he enlisted in Company H, Capt. J. E. Ritch (T. R. R.) Cobb's Legion cavalry. He was first lieutenant and had charge of the company for two years, while the captain was in prison, giving four years of his young manhood to the cause. He was captured and held II-42

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MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

sixteen months, but never was wounded. After the war hc returned to Clarke county and remained there until 1869, when he came to Winterville and began a merchandising business. This was continued until about two years ago, when Mr. Pittard retired from business and is looking after his extensive farming interests. He was married in 1877 to Susan R. Pittard-born and reared in Coweta county, Ga .- daughter of Davis Pittard, and they have one living child, Myrick B. Mr. and Mrs. Pittard are members of the M. E. church, south, and he has been a Mason for nearly a quarter of a century. He has served as justice of the peace, and in 1894 was elected to the legislature from Oglethorpe county, and is now the incumbent. He was nominated without his consent or knowledge -and received 900 out of 1,600 votes. After the war he commenced life as a laborer on a salary of $6 a month; but he soon found employment in a store as a clerk, and his quick mind and industrious habits won him promotion from the start. He has been successful, and his position in life has been reached without putting anybody down. He is a man of strict integrity, whosc word is as good as his bond.

PAULDING COUNTY.

F. W. Y. ALLGOOD, ordinary, Dallas, Paulding Co., Ga., son of William and Eliza (Christian) Allgood, was born in 1838. His grandfather, William A. Allgood, was a soldier in the patriot army during the revolutionary war, and shortly after independence was achieved came to Georgia in an oxcart, and settled in Elbert county. Hc afterward enlisted as a soldier in the war of 1812, and fought under Gen. Jackson at the battle of Mobile. He moved to what is now Walton county in 1814, where he lived until he died. Mr. Allgood's father was born in 1814, in what is now Walton county, was raised a farmer and remained one all his life. While yet a mere lad he went to Campbell county, Ga., whence in 1833 he moved to Paulding county, where he farmed and lived until his death in 1870. Mr. Allgood's mother, daughter of Obadiah and Joanna (Barney) Christian, was born in Madison county in 1814, was married in 1837, and now, eighty-one years old. is still living. Of the nine children born to this couple there are yet living: James; J. Wesley; Thomas; E. W. Y., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Mary Lyle, Florida; and Eliza P. Two sons, William O. and Charles D., died while in the army. Mr. Allgood obtained the usual limited cducation allotted to boys at the time he was growing up at the dirt-floor log school house, with split log benches, and windowless. He was trained a farmer, and farming has been the principal employment of his life. In 1862 he enlisted in Company D, First Georgia cavalry, and with his command was in the first and sccond battles of Murfreesboro, and at Nashville, Tenn., Chickamauga, Ken- nesaw mountain, Pace's ferry near Atlanta, around Atlanta, and other engage- ments of more or less importance. His command bore a conspicuous part in the capture of Gen. Stoneman near Clinton, Ga. Mr. Allgood was hit twice with a ball, but not disabled nor seriously hurt. He served as a scout and guide for Gen. Johnston during the battle at New Hope and the defense of Atlanta. July 22, 1864, he was honored with a lieutenant's commission for bravery and merito- rious service, and remained with Gen. Johnston until his surrender. Immediately

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PAULDING COUNTY SKETCHES.

after that he returned to his farm and set about the work of domestic reconstruc- tion, and his labors have been followed by very satisfactory results-reunion of the parts has been perfected and the utmost harmony prevails. In 1878 he was made a member of the board of education; and in 1888 he was elected to represent his senatorial district in the general assembly. He served in that body with distinction; among other matters introduced a bill granting a new charter to Tallapoosa, Haralson Co., and another making a separate school district of Tallapoosa, both of which became laws; and another bill to amend the constitu- tion, which was lost. In 1893 he was elected ordinary of the county, the term being four years. Such are his integrity of character, his superior capabilities and popularity, the probabilities are that he will hold it at his own option. Mr. Allgood is a master Mason, and a prominent member of the Methodist church.

WILLIAM J. AUSTIN, farmer, Nebo, Paulding Co., Ga., son of Michael and Edith (Austin) Austin, was born in Paulding county (near his present home) in 1841. His father was born in South Carolina and when he was quite small his parents came to Georgia-making the journey in an ox-cart-and settling in Campbell county. In 1836 the family moved to Paulding county. He was raised on the farm and received such education as was afforded by the common schools of the county. When he began farming for himself he built his first wagons of wood cut from his land. He was a successful farmer and died in 1883. Mr. Austin's mother was a daughter of Dred and Canders (Lake) Austin, and was born in Walton county, Ga., in 1822. When a child her parents moved to Cobb county, Ga., where she was reared, and was married about 1825. She is still living, the mother of five children, one only of whom is living. Mr. Austin was raised on the farm and was schooled in the small and uncomfortable log house of that day and of course his education was very limited; but after his marriage he improved it much by studying by a pine-knot light. When fourteen years old he was seriously crippled by the crushing of his right leg-an injury which exempted him from service during the civil war. In 1864 he was taken prisoner by the Federal army and sent to Chattanooga, then to Nashville, and afterward to Louisville, Ky. There he with several of his comrades took the oath of allegiance to the United States and were sent to Indiana. That same year he returned south, and on the way was intercepted and detained by Gen. Forrest. Three weeks afterward Gen. Forrest arrived at Florence, Ala., where he joined Gen. Hood, and Mr. Austin and his companions were pressed into the Confed- erate service, and placed in Company F, Fortieth Georgia regiment. His com- mand was with Gen. Hood in his Kentucky campaign, and until he reached Franklin, Tenn., when Mr. Austin left the army and walked home. He went to work manfully on his farm, and by hard work and good management his pros- perity has quite equaled his most sanguine expectations. Mr. Austin was married in 1860 to Miss Sallie, daughter of William and Bethsena (Poole) Bingham. To them twelve children have been born: Isaac, William A., Jefferson L., deceased; Charles L., John H., James G., Oliver C., Mrs. Nancy Simmons, Mrs. Sarah F. Alexander, Larinia L., Metta L., and Ida M. Mr. Austin is an exemplary member of the Methodist church, with which he united in 1860.

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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 96

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