USA > South Carolina > Men of mark in South Carolina; ideals of American life: a collection of biographies of leading men of the state, Volume IV > Part 10
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He married Mattie E. Cloud, January 24, 1882. They have had five children, of whom four are living in 1909.
Senator Johnson is a Mason. He has never seen reason to depart from strict allegiance to the Democratic party in measures or in candidates. His favorite recreation he finds in hunting, and he devotes some time each year to bird shooting and to hunting the fox and the deer.
Senator Johnson's friends feel that to him belongs most of the credit for the passing of the "freight bill, which requires railroads to pay for any shortage in the goods shipped which occurs while in their possession." He introduced the measure,
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and secured its passage against the opposition of almost all the railroad interests of the state. By its provision of a penalty for failure to adjust such claims, the measure has seemed very helpful to many small claimants throughout the state, making it impos- sible for the great corporations to ignore small claims.
Senator Johnson also introduced the arbitration law; the county government law; the law providing for the formation of new counties; the law which makes municipal charters perpetual ; the present franchise law; the new military law for the state; the pure food law; the law providing for home insurance of colleges and other public buildings, and many others restricting corporations.
Mr. Johnson was one of the early advocates of the nomina- tion of state, congressional and judicial officers by the primary system instead of by county and district conventions. In this he was violently opposed by the bar at Winnsboro, and by many of the leading party politicians of the county. But in the county convention of 1886 he won on this issue, and was chosen a dele- gate to the state convention. He has been quite independent in following his convictions, although he has always been a Demo- crat even in his reform measures.
Besides the advocacy of these measures, which have had a marked influence upon the history of the state for the last fifteen or twenty years, the military interests of South Carolina have had a place in Senator Johnson's thought and efforts. For some seventeen years he was connected with the state militia, and he is now chairman of the military committee in the state senate. He was captain of the Ridgeway rifles from 1893 to 1901. He served for two years on the staff of General Wilie Jones. In 1902 he was appointed on the staff of Governor Heyward.
RICHARD HERBERT JONES
J ONES, REV. R. HERBERT, for several years presiding elder of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and now pastor of the First church of that denomination in Florence, South Carolina, was born in Charleston, South Carolina, March 28, 1853. His father, Jesse Jones, was a contractor and machinist of thorough education, who was for some time instructor in mechanics in the University of South Carolina. He was highly esteemed for his skill and thoroughness. He married Miss Hannah Margaret Evans. His ancestors came from England about 1770 and settled in Charleston, South Carolina. Mrs. Jones is descended from Thomas Evans, who came from Wales to the United States late in the eighteenth century, and settled in Dar- lington county.
Their son, Richard Herbert Jones, passed his early life in the city of Charleston. He had delicate health as a boy; and his tastes and interests were divided between the fine arts, prac- tical mechanics in which his father was engaged, and natural science, for certain branches of which he early showed a marked predilection.
He was but twelve years old at the close of the War between the States, and the disorders of the time, and the loss of property which resulted from the war, had left his father's family in circumstances which demanded his help, by working about the home in every capacity where a boy could be useful. Through all these early years, he feels that the influence of his mother was exceptionally strong on his moral and spiritual life, and he has felt himself indebted to her for much that is best and strongest in his character, throughout his manhood.
He attended the public schools of Charleston, developing an especial interest in history, classics, and natural science; while he early devoted a large part of his time and attention to the study of the Bible and to reading works upon theology. He had to overcome by his own efforts for self support the difficulties which threatened young men of limited means who determined, in the years soon after the war, to acquire for themselves a
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thorough education. At the age of seventeen he became a press- man in the establishment of Walker, Evans and Cogswell, at Charleston, South Carolina. His choice of a profession followed at once upon the conviction, wrought in his mind as he feels by the Holy Spirit, that he was "called of God to preach the Gospel of Christ."
After ministering to different churches in his denomination he became a presiding elder. In this capacity he served the Green- ville district in 1905, the Anderson district (which was originally the Greenville district) in 1906, and the Charleston district in 1907. In December, 1907, he became pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at Florence, South Carolina, which position he now holds. He has been a trustee of Columbia college, at Columbia, South Carolina.
On the 16th of November, 1880, he married Miss Irene Palmer Venning. They have had six children, of whom three are now (1909) living.
Mr. Jones is a Knight of Pythias; a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and a member of the Psycho- logical department of the Medico-Legal society. He has served as grand chaplain of the I. O. O. F. He is past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias. He does not wish to be regarded as identi- fied with any one of the political parties of his state. He is fond of gardening and floriculture.
From the lessons and the needs of his own life he writes to young men : "Conscious of coming far short of my ideal and my purpose, I must urge upon young men fuller preparation for and more thorough consecration to life's work." "Honesty with God toward one's country and one's self, purity in all things, more confidence in our fellow-men, and the practice of the golden rule," he believes will prove guides to the successful life, for any young man.
The address of the Reverend R. Herbert Jones is Florence, South Carolina.
WILLIAM MONTAGUE JONES
J' ONES, WILLIAM MONTAGUE, lawyer and editor, was born at Cokesbury, Abbeville county, South Carolina, June 10, 1859. His parents were Samuel Barksdale and Char- lotte E. (Power) Jones. His father, a minister, received the degree of D. D. from Wofford college, and was commissioned general of the South Carolina militia, and he was a member of the state general assembly, 1862-65. He also served on the board of visitors of the South Carolina Military academy.
Several of the earlier ancestors of the subject of this sketch were prominent people. Among them, on his father's side, were Thomas Jones, president of the first bank of South Carolina, and such families as the Legares, Postelles and Fishbauns; while on his mother's side were the Power and Montague families of Vir- ginia.
In childhood and youth William Jones lived in the village in which he was born. He was especially fond of horses, and riding and driving continue to be his favorite means of recreation. He entered Wofford college, from which institution he was graduated, with the degree of A. B., in 1878. He began the active work of life as a teacher, in Anderson county. He studied law, and in 1882 was admitted to the bar. Commencing the practice of his profession at once, he was successful from the start; but wishing to become more thoroughly equipped for his work he took a summer law course at the University of Virginia in 1894. In addition to his law practice, he has edited and published "The Spartanburg Herald," and in 1890 he started a daily edition of this paper. Since 1903 he has been president and treasurer of the Morgan Wood and Iron works.
In politics Mr. Jones is a life-long Democrat. He has never held or sought public office, but as a writer he has served his party well. His religious connection is with the Methodist Episcopal church. In the local church of this denomination he has served for many years as steward and also as superintendent of the Sunday school. He takes an active interest in the Wofford college lyceum, of which he is one of the directors.
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In reply to a request for suggestions to young Americans who may read his biography, Mr. Jones writes as follows: "Be honest and loyal to those who employ you. Do things promptly, at the right time, and finish them before you lay them aside."
Mr. Jones married Mrs. Dora (Fanning) Hearst.
Their home is Number 56 Kennedy street, Spartanburg, South Carolina.
THOMAS JEFFERSON KIRKLAND
K IRKLAND, THOMAS JEFFERSON, lawyer, was born May 9, 1860, at Camden, Kershaw county, South Carolina, son of William Lennox Kirkland and Mary Miller (Withers) Kirkland. His father was a planter. The earliest known ancestors of the family in America were Benjamin Godin, a Huguenot immigrant, who came to Charleston about 1690, and Edward Boykin, a colonist from Wales to Virginia in 1685. His mother's father was Judge Thomas J. Withers.
For the five years from 1870 to 1875, he studied at the Cam- den academy, and in the last months of 1875 and the early part of 1876 at the Charlotte Military academy, North Carolina. In 1883 he began a course of legal reading at home. With occasional attendance in the law office of W. L. Leitner, in Camden, he read law at home from 1883 to 1886. Since January 1, 1887, Mr. Kirkland has regularly practiced law. From 1890 to 1894 he was a member of the house of representatives of his state, and from 1894 to 1896, he was a state senator. He is chairman of the board of school trustees of Camden district-a position which he has held for eight years. In 1891 he was direct tax agent of his state at Washington.
He is president of the Camden Historical society. He is co-author with Mr. R. M. Kennedy of "Historic Camden," pub- lished in 1905. In politics he is a Democrat although, as he declares, he "had to eat bitter crow to vote Democratic in 1896." Mr. Kirkland is an attendant upon the Presbyterian church. He has always had an ardent love for the national game of baseball, though now he serves simply as a spectator. He was formerly a tennis player, and a lover of chess. His relaxation he now finds in current literature, and in gardening when time permits.
On September 25, 1889, Mr. Kirkland married Fredricka Alexander. Seven children have been born to them, all of whom are now (1909) living.
His address is Camden, South Carolina.
JOHN MARION KNIGHT
K NIGHT, JOHN MARION, was born November 18, 1866, in Chesterfield county, South Carolina. He is the son of Achilles H. and Mary W. Knight. His father was a clerk by occupation; during his life he also held the offices of United States commissioner, trial justice, school commissioner, and sheriff, all in Marlboro county. He was characterized by energy and by love of books, reading and study.
The earliest known ancestors in America were, on the maternal side, John Wilks, who, in 1744, obtained a grant for 748 acres of land in Craven county-the record of this transaction appearing in Gregg's "History of Old Claims"-and, on the paternal side, James Knight and Captain Nigel Knight. The last named was distinguished in the War of the Revolution.
As a boy, John Knight enjoyed sound physical health, and was especially interested in reading and study. His early life was passed in the village of Bennettsville, South Carolina. He was early trained to work, and thus imbibed a respect for the dignity of honest toil. His mother's influence was strong in the shaping of his character. Private study and contact with men also exerted a material influence upon his development. Educa- tion cost him a serious effort. Among the books which helped him were the "Self-Help Series" by Samuel Smiles, Benjamin Franklin's "Autobiography," the "Life of Napoleon Bonaparte," and other similar books. He attended private schools in Bennetts- ville, South Carolina, and, for two years, enjoyed the advantages of South Carolina college.
The choice of Mr. Knight's life work was determined chiefly by circumstances. He was obliged to earn his own living and therefore undertook the work which lay nearest his hand. In 1886 he began teaching, and for a time was principal of Bur- roughs' high school at Conway, South Carolina. He followed the profession of teaching for eight years; since the expiration of that time he has edited a weekly newspaper in Sumter, South Carolina.
Mr. Knight has served as Democratic county chairman for Sumter county for the four years beginning with 1900. He also served as lieutenant-colonel on the staff of the late Governor
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Ellerbe, and as president of the chamber of commerce of Sumter, South Carolina. He is a Mason, a member of the Mystic Shrine, of the Knights of Pythias, the Elks, and the South Carolina State Press association. From 1903 to 1904 he was grand chancellor of the Knights of Pythias for South Carolina. Through life he has been an unchanging Democrat. In religion he is a Methodist. His recreation he finds in riding and driving. To young Americans he would preach the gospel of work, emphasizing the importance of sticking to the task in hand, and of clean, upright living.
Mr. Knight has been twice married; first, on November 1, 1892, to Bede T. Guerry, and, second, on October 12, 1898, to Lilie DuBose Brown. Of these marriages four children have been born, three of whom are now living.
His address is 205 North Main street, Sumter, South Caro- lina.
Since the above sketch was written Mr. Knight died in Ashe- ville, North Carolina, September 5, 1906.
AUGUST KOHN
K OHN, AUGUST, since 1892 manager of the Columbia bureau of the Charleston "News and Courier," was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, on the 25th of February, 1868, the son of Theodore Kohn.
In his boyhood he attended the school of Captain H. G. Sheridan; and he passed a year (1884) in study in New York city. In 1885 he entered South Carolina college, pursuing what was known as the literary course; and in 1888 he won the debater's medal in the Clariosophic society. While an undergraduate, he had his first taste of journalistic work upon "The Carolinian," the college magazine of which he was the first managing editor ; and in 1889, the year of his graduation, he became the editor-in- chief of that magazine. From this his earliest experience, jour- nalistic work attracted him so strongly that he gradually changed his plans, and instead of studying law as he had proposed to do, he has devoted himself to the work of reporter, editor and man- ager of a press bureau, and business ventures generally.
In 1889, the year of his graduation from college, Mr. N. G. Gonzales, then the manager of the Columbia bureau of "The News and Courier," was for some time incapacitated by a severe attack of typhoid fever. He had recognized Mr. Kohn's ability, as shown in his earliest work as a reporter; and he at once secured Mr. Kohn to take charge of the bureau, which he did most acceptably. Mr. Kohn accepted a position as one of the Charles- ton staff reporters for "The News and Courier"; his career became one of steady promotion ; and in February, 1892, he was placed at the head of the most important bureau of what is regarded by many as the leading newspaper of South Carolina, and since that date he has continuously managed most acceptably to all the bureau of the Charleston "News and Courier," at the state capital, but is now devoting himself largely to the handling of stocks and bonds.
Brought thus into closest relations with the officers of the state administration, the efficient work done by Mr. Kohn, and the confidence inspired in the public by his simple, honest and honor- able methods, did much to put an end to the intensely hostile
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political feeling which had divided the people of the state, and to bring in the methods of peace and unity which have character- ized the later history of South Carolina.
His reports of the legislative proceedings at Columbia, furnished to "The News and Courier" for many years, have been models of accuracy and condensed completeness. To satisfy mem- bers of the legislature in reporting their speeches, often of more importance to the orator himself than to the general public, and still to keep within the limits prescribed by the newspapers, is not an easy task; but Mr. Kohn seems to have had the knack of satisfying generally both orators and newspaper readers-in itself no easy task, while its successful discharge is an indication of no slight judicial capacity.
In April, 1894, the Darlington "rebellion" broke out, becom- ing one of the most tragic and deplorable chapters in the history of the dispensary law, and causing a proclamation of martial law throughout a part of the Pee Dee section, while it excited the entire state. Ordered at once to "the seat of war," Mr. Kohn's reports to "The News and Courier" gave the facts so correctly and presented the issue in such clear cut sentences, that Governor Tillman instructed the militia officer in command at Charleston to "muzzle Kohn or put him outside the lines." Forbidden the use of the telegraph office, and finding the mail and special mes- senger service too slow, Mr. Kohn set up a private set of instru- ments in the armory at Darlington; and when that office was broken up, he established another in the masonic lodge room. Finally he was compelled to set up telegraph instruments at Floyd station, eight miles away, and to send his dispatches by fast horses and trustworthy messengers to be put upon the wires there. Not- withstanding all efforts made to thwart him, he day by day published the fullest news; and thereby made a reputation for himself and increased the reputation of the newspaper which he represented.
In 1895 Mr. Kohn reported the proceedings of the constitu- tional convention of South Carolina, his daily reports written out in longhand, often covering two whole newspaper pages-an achievement which few could have accomplished successfully, and one for which Mr. Kohn received the public thanks of the convention. Perhaps he has reported more political campaigns than any other newspaper man in the state; and his accounts of
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the principal criminal trials in the state for the last twenty years have been noteworthy.
During the Spanish-American war, he was named as war correspondent for "The News and Courier," to go with the South Carolina troops; and while the troops from his state were not sent to the scene of war, his reports from the Chicakamauga camp were most interesting, and added to his reputation.
His wide knowledge of the politics of South Carolina, and the confidence of the politicians of the state which he has retained to a marked degree, have made his daily letters both interesting and of permanent value to the future historian.
His articles on industrial subjects, and notably those which he wrote while attending a party of New England cotton mill men who came to investigate Southern conditions for manufac- turing, and attended through their journey over the entire field in the South by Mr. Kohn, as representative of the Southern Associated press and "The News and Courier," attracted wide attention. In 1903 he printed a series of articles on industrial subjects; and among these, his "Review of the Cotton Mill Indus- try" attracted the widest attention, and has been generally accepted as authoritative. In 1907 he prepared for "The News and Courier" a series of articles on "The Cotton Mills of South Carolina."
A first rate newspaper man, Mr. Kohn has also a distinctive and enviable reputation for his business ability. He is in touch with the great industrial development of Columbia and of the state. He is a director in the National Loan and Exchange bank, and in the Columbia Trust company ; he is treasurer of the South Carolina Press association. South Carolina college, of which he is an alumnus, sometime since elected him a member of its board of trustees, and his interest in the welfare and the progress of his alma mater is constant and efficient. He is a director of the Hebrew Orphans' home of Atlanta. He was appointed lieutenant- colonel on the staff of Governor McSweeney ; and he has occupied a similar position on the staff of Governor Heyward.
Mr. Kohn is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and of the Knights of Honor; and he is a thirty-second degree Mason.
On the 1st of March, 1894, Mr. Kohn married Miss Irene Goldsmith, of Charleston, and they have a daughter, Helen, and two sons, August and Theodore.
Vol. IV-S. C .- 10.
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While Mr. Kohn's reputation has been made by the excellence of his work as a newspaper man, and while in his public career he is glad to feel himself identified with "The News and Courier" which recognized his ability even when he was an undergraduate, he is generally acknowledged by his fellow-citizens to be a real factor in the commercial upbuilding of the prosperous city of Columbia.
ALEXANDER GREGG KOLLOCK
K OLLOCK, ALEXANDER GREGG, formerly a news- paper editor and proprietor, and now representing the New York Life Insurance company and dealing in real estate at Columbia, South Carolina, was born at Cheraw, Chester- field county, South Carolina, on the 13th of January, 1862. His father, Cornelius Kollock, was a physician and surgeon who had served as warden of the town of Cheraw-a man who is described by his son as "of a frank and genial nature and useful in his profession." His mother was Mrs. Mary Henrietta (Shaw) Kollock. The family on both sides are of English descent.
His youth was passed in a village. He was not trained in boyhood to do any work with his own hands; and the circum- stances of his family were such that he had no difficulties of a financial kind in securing a good preparation for college. For three years he pursued special courses of study at Harvard, leaving that institution in 1884. His preference in study and reading was for history and political economy.
In July, 1887, he began the active work of his life as editor and proprietor of "The Cheraw Reporter," at Cheraw, South Carolina. He remained in these relations with the paper until March, 1896, when he became editor and proprietor of "The News," at Darlington, South Carolina. This paper he conducted until September, 1908, when he removed to Columbia, South Carolina, and engaged in life insurance and real estate business in that city. In November, 1908, "The News," of Darlington, was consolidated with "The Press" of the same town, under the name of "The News and Press." This paper is issued by the Darlington Publishing company of which Mr. Kollock is presi- dent. Though not actively connected with its editorial or business management Mr. Kollock still holds a half interest in the paper.
Mr. Kollock is the member for Darlington county of the Pee Dee Historical society which has recently republished, with cor- rections and additions, the history of "The Old Cheraws" which was written by Bishop Alexander Gregg of Texas. The society hopes to bring out one or two more volumes and thus bring the history down to about 1880.
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On the 22d of January, 1890, Mr. Kollock married Miss Hen- rietta B. Mallory, daughter of George A. Mallory of Cheraw, South Carolina. They have had three children, all of whom are living in 1909.
Mr. Kollock is not a politician, and has never desired official position, but he is a member of the Democratic party, and has never swerved from steadfast allegiance to the men and the measures of that party. By education and family associations he is connected with the Protestant Episcopal church. He is a mem- ber of the South Carolina Press association. To the young men of his state he offers only this advice: "Attend to business, live within your means."
Men of Maxithis may 20 Washington DC
Moura Aucerely
WILLIAM ADGER LAW
L AW, WILLIAM ADGER, financier, was born December 26, 1864, in Hartsville, Darlington county, South Carolina. His father, Reverend Thomas H. Law, Presbyterian clergyman, first honor graduate of the Citadel academy, Charles- ton, South Carolina, stated clerk of the general assembly of the Presbyterian Church, South, was a pure-minded man of high ideals and a thorough worker. His mother, Anna E. Law, a well educated, refined and pious woman with deep religious convic- tions, wielded a strong influence, seconded by his Scotch grand- mother, in the formation of his moral and spiritual character, which has been a potent factor in his success.
His blood is Norman-Irish, a conquering blend in other lands than its own; his first paternal ancestor in America, Isaac DuBose, emigrated from Dieppe, Normandy, to the colonies, in 1665, and his grandson, Elias DuBose, was prominent in the Lynch's Creek (now Cheraw) settlement, South Carolina, before the War of the Revolution. His first maternal ancestor, James Adger, came from County Antrim, Ireland, to New York, in 1794, and founded the widely known house of James Adger and Company, in Charleston, South Carolina, which operated a line of steamships to New York and conducted an extensive shipping business. William Adger, son of James Adger, was grandfather of the subject of this sketch.
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