Stefani's Corner
Submitted in 2006 by Stefani Evans
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Stefani Evans gathered many facts and files during her research and has graciously shared many with us. We thank you Stefani, from one and all ! Genealogy is about sharing.
Subjects: Click item number
1. Will of Aaron Evans
2. Will of Thomas Hines
3. Obituary: L. A. Florence
4. Obituary: Ed Winn
5. Obituary: William Reynolds Winn (baby)
6. Obituary: Aaron Young Evans
7. Obituary: Mrs. E. T. Winn
8. Obituary: Thomas Evans
8a. Obituary: Alice Evans
8b. Obituary: Sister Martha Evans
8c. Obituary: Seaborn W. Evans
8d. Obituary: Mrs. Martha, consort of Lewis Cox
9. Newspaper article: Edwin T. Winn
10. Newspaper article: John Reid
10a. Newspaper: Mountville Grange
10b. Newspaper: J. H. Pitman was nominated 1st Lieutenant
11. Letter Wilson Partridge to Evans
12. Court: Ed Winn's
link History: Mountville Methodist Church
1. Will of Aaron Evans, Troup County Archives, LaGrange, GA
State of Georgia
County of Troup
Know all men by these presents that I Aaron Evans of Said County do make this
my last will and testament, I being of sound and disposing mind and memory.
Item 1st
I desire that my just debts be paid by my executor hereafter appointed.
Item 2nd
I will and desire that all my property both real and personal should be left
to my beloved wife Elizabeth [added note: Hines] for and during her natural
life.
Item 3
At the death of my said wife, I give and bequeath the home place where I now
live viz lot No. 181 in the Mountville District said County to my two
Children--Lucy Ann Florence and William T. H. Evans. Said Lucy Ann to have
the South half of said lot upon which the houses are located, and my said son
William T. H. Evans to have the north half of said lot. Upon the death of
my
said wife.
Allice Florence, my daughter, is to have fifty acres more or less of lot No.
182 bounded on North by Lot No. 181. South by Nash Swanson. East by dower
of
Martha Evans & West by Dr. Joe Bradfield. Said fifty acres to belong
to my
said daughter Allice Florence during her natural life & after her death to
her children. I also give to my said daughter Allice Florence three
hundred
dollars in money to be paid her a the death of my said wife.
If there should be anything left, I desire it to be equally divided between
my said children, share and share alike. if a division cannot be made
without sale then let there be such sale without any order of court.
I do not wish any returns made unless absolutely necessary. I hereby
appoint as my executor & Executrix of this my last will my son William T. H. Evans
and my daughter Lucy Ann Florence.
This March 7" 1882.
Aaron Evans
The foregoing signed sealed published and declared by Aaron Evans as his last
will and testament in our presence and in presence of each other the
witnesses the same in his presence and at his request on this the 7" day of
March 1882.
James A. Cox
Robt Fincher
E. F. Martin
Filed in office this Sept. 1, 1890
R. W. Young Ordinary
Will made in Troup
County 24 April 1860; recorded 3 Oct 1860 by Samuel
2. Cartwright, Ordinary [now at Troup County Archives, LaGrange, GA]
Will Book B, page 203; DR 152; Box 4
Georgia
Troup County
In the name of God Amen
I Thomas Hines of the aforesaid State and County now being of Sound mind but
being advanced in life and knowing that it is ordained that all men must die
do hereby and herein make this my last will and Testament revoking and
annulling all others heretofore made by me.
Item 1st
I will and desire that after my death my body be buried in a decent and
Christian manner.
Item 2nd
After my just debts are paid I will and bequeath to my beloved wife Lucy
Hines Two Hundred dollars in money, my negro woman Louisa and her Eldest
Child a boy by the name of Lafayette. The Said woman to be disposed of as
she may think proper at her death but the boy at the end of her widowhood or
death to belong to my children. After my death I desire that my wife shall
have such household property as she was possessed of at time of our marriage
and Such as she has made for herself in the meantime.
Item 3rd
As I have heretofore given some of my children more property than some others
it is my wish that each of them should value what they have received at the
time it was given which amount Shall be deducted from their prorata
distributive share of the residue of my Estate.
Item 4th
I desire that after the above Items are Executed that the remaining portion
of my estate be divided equally between my children.
Item 5th
I do hereby appoint and constitute my two sons James and Samuel Hines my two
executors to have this my last will and Testament faithfully executed.
The above and within will of Thomas Hines was executed published signed and
sealed this the 24th day of April 1860.
Thomas Hines
Test.
Wm. P. Beasley
H. J. Hightower
Aaron Evans
Obituaries from undated, unidentified newspapers:
3. IN MEMORY OF MRS. L. A. FLORENCE
The members of the Mountville Auxiliary of W. F. M. S. resolve that in the
death of our beloved and honored sister we have lost the most consecrated,
the most worthy member of our society. God in his infinite wisdom has
called
her to the life more abundant. We deeply realize our earthly loss and pray
our Heavenly Father will give us submissive minds, and pour into our bleeding
hearts the sweet resignation that ever characterized her blessed life; the
life which was a benediction to us. The Missionary meetings were joyous
occasions to her; she delighted in working for her Master, and her soul was
often made to rejoice in these meetings. How we shall miss the sunshine of
her presence, which was ever an inspiration to us!
Her's was one of those rare natures responsive alike to all that was good and
beautiful. Like the violet she loved, the sweetness and purity and
strength
of her character was hidden under leaves of timidity, but those who knew her
and loved her realized that the fragrance came even beyond the leaves and
sweetened their own lives. When the end came, where the frail, tired body
gave up the struggle, there was no fear, for peace, the peace that passeth
understanding that had been her's in life, strengthened her.
In early childhood she gave her heart to God and her service to His Church.
She was born Dec. 22, 1842, and died Apr. 8, 1906. She lived her life in
this community, where she was honored and loved. Though aching hearts are
longing and crying out in loneliness, our faith makes us know that with her
"all is well," and in that "beautiful city, whose builder and
maker is God,"
she is listening to sweeter music than this world can ever know.
"I have read of a beautiful city, Far away in the Kingdom of God; I have
read
how its walls are of Jasper, How its streets are all golden and broad. In
the midst of that street is life's river Clear as crystal and pure to behold,<
But not half of that city's bright glory To mortals has ever been told."
"I
have read of a Christ so forgiving That vile sinners may ask and receive,
Peace and pardon from every transgression If when asking they only believe.
I have read how He'll guide and protect us, If for safety we enter His fold,
But not half of His goodness and mercy To mortals has ever been told."
Mrs. Carrie Read Patterson
Mrs. Bettie Beasly Wells
IN MEMORIAM.
I want to write of the death of my wife's mother, Mrs. Lucy Ann Florence
which occurred at my home on April 8th, 1906, at the age of 64 years.
In her death the church and Sunday School has lost one of its best workers
and most loyal friends.
She was left a widow in early life, her husband, Callaway Florence, having
died in the Confederate Army. My wife being an only child; Mrs. Florence
has been an inmate of my home for a number of years. I wish to pay this little
tribute to her christian life; How beautiful was her every day life in our
home! Her presence was always like a ray of sunshine scattering brightness
and happiness wherever she went. I don't think there was ever a day since
I
knew her that she was not ready to meet her Savior. She never doubted.
She
had said to me so often, "live right and you will die right."
How
beautifully did she show this in her last moments! She called each of her
loved ones about her, telling us as calmly as if preparing for her daily
business to meet her in Heaven, expressing the wish that we would be an
unbroken family in the home prepared for the good.
She loved so much to read the 23rd Psalm: "The Lord is my Shepherd, I
shall
not want." Her last words to her loving daughter and sister were:
"How
sweet to trust in Jesus."
We all have the assurance as she came down to cross death's dark river that
it was his own hands that bore her sweet spirit safely across to the
beautiful city of God.
She leaves to mourn her death an only daughter, Mrs. Wilson Partridge, and
ten grandchildren, also an only sister and brother, Mrs. Alice Florence and
Mr. W. T. Evans, of Mountville.
Her son-in-law,
Wilson Partridge
4. LAGRANGE REPORTER, 10 Jul 1896, p. 1 [Troup County Archives,
LaGrange, GA]
MR. ED. WINN DEAD.
HE PASSES AWAY AT HIS HOME THURSDAY MORNING.
Ed. Winn is dead.
How many hearts in Troup county and Georgia will be saddened by this news.
Mr. Winn has been in failing health for some time, but few realized that he
was so near death's door until the end came.
Surrounded by his family and friends he passed away at 7:10 Thursday morning.
Mr. Winn was born in Notasulga, Clay county, Ala., in 1846, where his parents
resided at that time. He lived at that place until his thirteenth year,
when
as a mere boy, he entered the Confederate ranks a drummer boy, and gallantly
went to the front. His deeds of valor and bravery fighting for the cause
he
loved so well, soon won for him the favor and esteem of his officers and
comrades. It is said that he was the youngest soldier in the confederate
ranks.
After the surrender he came to Troup county and lived at Antioch, where he
engaged in the mercantile business and was a large planter. At that place
he
married in 1870, Miss Mattie Reynolds, who died several years ago.
Six children blessed their union, five of whom survive him, Misses Annie and
Vela, E.T., Jr., Gordon and Wade.
In 1884 he entered into the mercantile business in LaGarange and two years
later offered himself as a candidate for clerk of the Superior Court, and was
unanimously elected to fill that important office. He was re-elected five
times in succession, which shows in what regard he was held as a faithful and
efficient officer by the people of Troup county.
He was possessed of many noble traits of character. His universal kindness
and courtly manners, had made for him many friends, who deeply sympathize
with the family and bereaved ones in their hour of sorrow.
It has been truly said of him that he was the most popular man in the county.
The funeral services will occur Friday morning at 10 o'clock at the family
residence on Montgomery avenue. The Light Guards of which company he was
at
one time first lieutenant and later an honorary member, will escort the
remains to their last resting place in Hill View.
5. LAGRANGE REPORTER, 12 Mar 1885, p. 3 [Troup
County Archives, LaGrange, GA]
TWO EMPTY CRADLES.
The death of a babe is not noticed much by the great world. There is no long
procession, no closing of store doors, no funereal pomp. But it is a beart-breaking
scene when the little form is taken from its mother's embrace and carried away
to the cold grave. She will miss it from her arms, from her bosom--its nestling
place and in the midnight hour she will unconsciously turn to its vacant place
beside her. There are two empty cradles in LaGrange to-day that ertswhile were
the repositories of a world of affection and fond parental hopes. And now
the mother's heart is in heaven with its glorified innocent, while her dim eyes
look in vain for the little nestler in its accustomed place. [...paragraph
deleted...] On Monday morning, Mr. and Mrs. E. T. Winn were called to pass
through a like ordeal in the death of their babe, William Reynolds Winn, aged
about five months. The child was sick not quite two days. Disease of the
bowels was the cause of death. It was laid away in the city cemetery [sic] on
Monday afternoon, Rev. R. H. Harris conducting the services. These households,
so deeply bereaved, have our sincere sympathy.
6. LAGRANGE DAILY NEWS, 7 May 1945, p. 1
YOUNG EVANS TO BE BURIED HERE
FUNERAL TUESDAY 2 P.M. AT HUNTER-OWEN CHAPEL, BURIED IN MOUNTVILLE
Funeral services for Aaron Young Evans, 54, of College Park, a former resident
of LaGrange, who died Sunday at St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta, will be held
here Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the chapel of Hunter-Owen with the Rev. John B. Tate
of Marietta and the Rev. R. C. Cleckler of College Park, officiating. Mr. Evans
was a former member of the faculty of LaGrange High School and at the time of
his death was associated with the American Crayon Company. Surviving are:
his wife, Mrs. Clara Wells Evans; one son, Captain William J. Evans of the Army
Air Forces Tactical Center at Orlando, Fla; a sister, Mrs. Tom Lawrence of
Ocilla; three brothers, Seaborn W. Evans of Pensacola, Fla., William S. Evans of
Los Angeles, Cal.; and one grandchild. Burial will follow in Mountville with
Hunter-Owen, local morticians, in charge and with Pierce Reeves and Fred Slygh
of Atlanta, Dr. M.T. Anderson of College Park, Lt. Alfred Knouff, United States
Naval Reserve, of Candler Field, Herbert Wells and Ralph Neville of College Park
serving as pallbearers.
7. LAGRANGE REPORTER, 17 Mar 1893, p.4 [Troup
County Archives, LaGrange, GA]
DEATH OF MRS. E. T. WINN.
This good woman--the wife of our efficient and popular County Clerk--passed
peacefully to her reward at about the hour of four on yesterday (Thursday)
morning. So quietly did her spirit leave its earthly tenement that the watchers
could scarcely tell when she ceased to breathe. She had been in failing health
for some time, but her illness took a serious form only a few days before her
death. Mrs. Winn was a very lovable lady. In every relation--as wife, mother,
neighbor, friend--she was tender, faithful, kind and true. A lover of her home
and family, she made it attractive and inviting. Her domestic accomplishments
were superior and she looked well to the ways of her household. Her heart was
full of love and charity. She was a Miss Reynolds, of Chambers county, Ala., and
her aged parents yet lives[sic]. Her husband and children are sorely stricken by
this great bereavement. They have the heartfelt sympathy of the community in
their sorrow. Mrs. Winn was a member of the Baptist church, and her noble
Christian character and good deeds proved her profession of faith in Christ
genuine. She sweetly sleeps after life's fever of unrest, its gloom and
disappointments. May that God, in whose hands are the issues of life and death,
bless the afflicted and make it a means of good to the living. The funeral took
plce[sic] yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock, from the residence. Rev. G. S.
Tumlin, assisted by Rev. S. P. Callaway, conducting them. A large number
testified their respect for the deceased lady by their presence. The body was
laid to rest in Hill View cemetery. Mrs. Winn was born Oct. 12, 1854, joined the
church in 1867, was married July 16, 1871. She was a pupil in her youth of the
Southern Female College.
8. THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, Vol. 47, No. 44, 3 Mar 1854;
p. 176, col. 1.
The Sandor Teszler Library, Wofford College, Spartanburg, SC.
THOMAS EVANS, a native of Chatham co., N. C. removed to Troup co., Ga, where
he died on the 15th January last. He was born 30th June 1770, was a member
of the Church, without reproach, about fifty years. Few men, of such
quietness and virtue as he possessed are seen in the course of a lifetime.
I
have known him for twenty years, and of him I have never heard aught of evil.
He left a number of children behind him, all of whom are orderly members
of
the M. E. Church. During his sickness he said "he was waiting for his
change," was "willing to die, was willing to go." And now he
rests in
happiness with two infant children from whom he has been long separated, and
his wife whose zeal one christian life was much shorter than his own. W.D.
Martin.
8a.
Undated clipping from unidentified newspaper [likely the LAGRANGE REPORTER].
Original now in possession of Troup County Archives, LaGrange, GA.
IN MEMORY OF ALICE EVANS.
On the twelfth of February 1907, in her home in Mountville, Ga, little Alice
Evans "fell asleep in Jesus"
She was the loving daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Evans, the affectionate
sister of two sisters and three brothers, the light and joy of the church,
the friend of every living soul, the confiding child of her Father in Heaven.
From birth her little life has always been that of a shut-in. In early
childhood she solemnly brought her all and laid it at the feet of Him who
said, "Seek me ye first the kingdom of God" and "They that seek
me early
shall find me" Her's was a brief life but a full one. Just
twenty-one years
was her allotted period but it was lived to purpose. She was always
vigilent, happy and cheerful, a veritable sunbeam in her home. A more
beautiful or amiable nature has never adorend the paths of time. She was a
great sufferer, but oh, how patiently she bore every pain, scarcely
murmuring. The lesson in patience she taught was beautiful. She had
a
gigantic mind though her little body never grew to great statue. For years
she has gone in an invalid's chair, rolled by loving hands, hands that will
miss the [...] attention she requires no more. [...] that she cheered, the
advice she always gave, the beautiful life of [torn here]...
8b.
THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, Vol. 5, No. 23, 18 Nov 1841, p. 92, col. 1;
copied from microfilm, The Sandor Teszler Library, Wofford College,
Spartanburg, SC:
Sister Martha Evans, consort of Thomas Evans, died of palsy, on the 10th
ult., in the 63rd year of her age, in Troup county, Ga. Sister Evans was born
in 1779, in Chatham county, N.C.; was married in 1797; embraced religion and
joined the Methodist E. Church in 1809. Her piety was deep, and all her
life
consistent. She lived to raise ten children, and to see them all members
of
the same Church, one of whom is an acceptable minister of the Gospel. She
was affected six years previous to her death, and for a few days deprived of
her speech; yet, as long as long[sic] as able to talk she gave evidence of
her preparation to meet death. She has left her companion, children and
friends to mourn their loss; yet their loss is her [...] gain. She rests
from her labors and her works do follow her. E.W. Reynolds.
8c.
Troup County Archives, LaGrange, GA
LAGRANGE DAILY NEWS, Saturday 8 Feb 1969, p. 1
RITES SET TODAY FOR EVANS
Seaborn W. Evans, 74, died Friday morning at City-County Hospital following
an illness of several weeks.
Mr. Evans was born in Mountville and lived in Troup County all of his life.
He was Secretary-Treasurer of Stewart Wholesale Hardware Company and was
associated with the firm for 35 years. He was a member of the First
Methodist Church, the Highland Country Club, the Moose Club, and a veteran of
World War I.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Seaborn W. Evans of LaGrange; one sister,
Mrs. Tom Lawrence of East Point; and one brother, William S. Evans of Santa
Maria, Calif.
Graveside services will be held this afternoon at 4:30 in Shadowlawn
Cemetery. Rev. William M. Holt, Rev. Malcolm C. Davis, and Rev. Omar E.
Graves will officiate.
Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral
8d. THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, Vol. 15, No. 52, 28 May 1852; p. 208, col. 2. The Sandor Teszler Library, Wofford College, Spartanburg, SC. Died, in Troup co., Ga. 2nd May, Mrs. Martha, consort of Lewis Cox, aged 47 years 5 months and 2 days. She was the daughter of Thomas and Martha Evans, and was born in Chatham co., N. C. She embraced religion some years previous to her marriage, attached herself to the M. E. Church and has ever since been a warm and zealous member and an unwavering adherent to the cause of Christ. As a neighbor she was kind and obliging, as a friend constant and unostentatious; as a daughter affectionate and dutiful; as a wife useful, sociable and amiable; as a mother provident and fond; and as a Christian, meek, zealous and devotional. The domestic hearth she enlightened with the radiance of Christian purity, displaying by precept and example, the beauty of holiness, to the edification of her family and to the honor of God's holy name. By punctual attendance and true devotion, she manifested her love to the Church of Christ and to the great scheme of redemption through his blood. By her uniformly pious walk and godly conversation, the fruit of a well-grounded faith she has left a bright example to her children and the youth of her acquaintance. The writer saw her very frequently during her illness, and is able to testify to the Christian fortitude with which she endured the most excruciating pain and extreme suffering. Death came to her unclothed with terror or dismay. She calmly and resignedly professed her will ingress to depart. With the most tranquil composure she sank into the arms of death fully relying upon the merits of a crucified Redeemer. M.
9. LAGRANGE REPORTER, 20 Jan 1893, p. 1[with accompanying
picture]. Copy made
from microfilm at Troup Co. Archives 21 Apr 2001.
Edwin[sic] T. Winn, whose portrait we herewith present, is known as the best
Superior Court Clerk in Georgia. He seems to have just been made to fill the
place to which he has now been elected for the third time. In affability, in
readiness to oblige, in knowledge of his duties, in quickness of perception
and action, in excellent chirography, he is first among his equals, if the
latter can be found. When Mr. Winn was nominated last summer by the
Democrats of the county for re-election, the REPORTER gave a brief
biographical sketch, to which it now adds the expression of its sincere wish
that he may grow constantly in the affections of his friends and the public
and that he may live long as the custodian of our county records. His
handsome features, as here photographed, will be viewed with genuine pleasure
by his constituents and acquaintances generally.
10. LAGRANGE REPORTER, 5 Apr 1877, p. 3. Copy made from microfilm
at Troup Co.
Archives 21 Apr 2001.
Antioch.
Antioch, which is one of the best communities in this or any other county, is
stepping along quite lively in regard to intellectual amusements. The
citizens have a debating club, known as the Antioch Debating Society, of
which Mr. John B. Reid is president, and Mr. E. T. Winn, secretary. They
meet every Saturday night, and always have a large attendance of spectators,
including ladies. Last Saturday night, a most interesting discussion was had
on the question of whether a constitutional convention is necessary, and it
was decided in the affirmative. There are also three spelling clubs, each of
which has a "bee" once a week. These are also interesting and well
attended.
10a. LAGRANGE REPORTER, 3 Oct 1873. Copy from microfilm at Troup Co. Archives,
21
Apr 2001.
MOUNTVILLE GRANGE was organized by James H. Fannin, Esq., August 29. These
are the officers:
Early Baker--Master.
Aleck Allison--Overseer.
E. Freeman Martha[sic]--Lecturer.
Aaron Evans--Steward.
John J. Thrash--Ass't Steward.
Dr. Joseph Bradfield--Chaplain.
H. J. Hightower--Treasurer.
Reuben Jones--Secretary.
Thos. Martin--Gate Keeper.
Mrs. L.E.C. Hightower--Ceres.
Mrs. Mary Harmon--Pomona.
Mrs. Lucy A. Florence--Flora.
Miss Abbie Harmon--Lady Ass't Steward.
10b.
LAGRANGE REPORTER, 23 May 1890, p. 1. Copy made and sent by Troup Co. Archives June 2001.
Military Nomination.
On Monday night, Hon. J. H. Pitman was nominated first Lieutenant of the
LaGrange Light guards, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of
Lieut. E. T. Winn. Liert. Winn laid aside his sword and epaulettes
voluntarily, and shouldered his musket as a private in the ranks. He is a
veteran of the "great conflict," and prefers to stand in the ranks of
the
Guards in peace just as he did in the smoke of war. Indeed, the standing
of
our two companies, socially, is such that men and officers are on the same
plane. There are men in each company who fought for Southern rights
through
the war, held military office then and civil honors since, who are now
privates in the Guards and Hussars. This shows that the old espirit du
corps, which sent the flower of Southern manhood and chivalry to the ranks,
lives among us yet. Our military companies represent the energy, talent
and
wealth of LaGrange, and our people are proud of them. Lieut. Pitman will
make a splendid officer, as he did once before. While sorry to give up
Lieut. Winn, the boys feel that they could hardly have done better in
selecting a successor.
11. Letter from Wilson Partridge, original now
at Troup County Archives,
LaGrange, GA.
Wilson Partridge
Mountville, Ga.
Sept 17. 1934
Mr. W. T. Evans
Ocilla Ga
Dear Will
Received your card Sat was very glad to hear from you all think of you and
Milford every day. I have missed you from Sunday School very much. I
am out now I see they have given my class to an up to date teacher they don't have any use for old people now I feel I have a great burden off of and we are
all getting on very well. Crops up here are very Sorry corn and cotton
both are very short I was very Sorry to See Talmage to be governor again.
guess you were. Sara says she will not answer Louise's card now as I am writing
you much love to all of you. Wilson Partridge
12. Davidson, William H., GENTLEFOLK 1888,
Vol. 1(Thompson-Shore, Inc.] 1994, p.
120-121:
OFFICIAL PROMPTNESS.
CLERK E. T. WINN RESPONDS
The following is a rare instance of official promptness and dispatch. Clerk of
Superior Court E. T. Winn, on Monday received application from West Point for a
certified copy of an important paper on record in his office. It was a long
document, but he sat up until ten o'clock at night to copy it, and then hired a
negro to mail it in the night mail. Of course, the applicant had no idea of
getting it by the next train, but he received it, and it saved his time and
money. This is the secret of Ed Winn's success as clerk. He keeps things well
up, is prompt, as well as cordial, polite and accommodating. He is a model
public officer.--LAGRANGE REPORTER, Thursday, March 21[1888] Ed. Note: Edward T.
Winn was Clerk of Superior Court, Troup Co., GA,
1887-1896.