J.K. Larkins - W.M. Roberson - Jos. Barney Strickland
Success of local government can normally be attributed to good leadership, a bi-product of compassion for people. Many people were involved in Brantley County’s early creation and government. In singling out a few individuals for praise often loses the identity of others, but it’s difficult not to say thanks for outstanding achievements. Leadership has always been identified by meritorious service. Three such men, whose name have become synonymous with positive results and a love for Brantley County are, John Knox Larkins of Hoboken, and Judge William M. Roberson and Joseph Barney Strickland of Nahunta.
Plans for the creation of Brantley County commenced in 1915 with a small group of men in Nahunta, but it was “The Citizens Committee”organized in the Hoboken area that brought about the creation of Brantley County to fruition. There were many strong hearted, solid citizens involved with that group, and many went on to earn other accolades, but it was John Knox Larkins, Chairman of the Citizen’ Committee, that carried the new county proposal to the Georgia General Assembly and obtained approval. At the time (1919-20) John K. Larkins, of Hoboken, was also serving as a State Senator from the forty-sixth district (Pierce, Bacon, and Coffee Counties). With Senator Larkins working as leader of the Citizen’s Committee, and in consultation with State Representative Simon P. Sweat of Blackshear, the proposal was finalized and approved by the Georgia General Assembly. The Georgia Constitution was amended on August 14, 1920, creating Brantley County. With his home located in the new county of Brantley (Hoboken), J. K. Larkins step down from his 46th District Senate post after the new county was created. Afterwards he became very active in the county site struggles, and although not elected to one of the early county positions he continued to be very active in the welfare of the County. Later he served the county as a Commissioner for Roads and Revenues, while also reserving time to promote and operate one the largest timber, naval stores business in Brantley County. He was instrumental in bringing telephone to this area; chartering the Union Telephone Company in Brantley County.
OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP
In their respective positions of county leadership, the names of Judge Bill Roberson and Hon. Barney Strickland are associated with some of the largest achievements of Brantley county. Without a doubt, these two men were among the most influential achievers in Brantley County. Until Judge Roberson’s death they worked jointlyto provide the early structure of Brantley County’s roads and facilities as we know them today. Barney continued that hard pursuit alone for another 25 years. Some of the most notable county projects in those early days included the,
construction of school buildings to accommodate consolidation of 38 one room school houses into a manageable consolidated school system.
construction of first gymnasiums at Nahunta and Hoboken schools.
construction of a Court house at Nahunta, first/second permanent jail facility.
Waycross-Brunswick highway (now U.S. 82).
Jesup-Folkston highway (now U.S. 301).
Judge William M. Roberson has often been referred to as “the father of Brantley County” Born in 1870, Uncle Bill, as he was lovingly known, was one of the early pioneers of the Brantley County area. During his earlier years (1900’s), he was extremely successful in partnership with Fred O. Knox working timber and saw mills. After the County was created, he became heavily involved in politics of the county, working to influence east county representation in the new county’s offices, and later to relocate the county site from Hoboken to Nahunta. Afterwards his interest turned to issues for good of all people in Brantley County.
Joseph Barnwell (Barney) Strickland was another native son, born in old Wayne, now Brantley County, whose love for south Georgia motivated instinctive leadership qualities. With Judge Roberson, Barney can also be credited with the successes of Brantley County during it’s arly days. Although heavily involved, and influential in the political arena, Barney was not known as a political activist. His quiet, unassuming, steadfast manner demonstrated a wisdom which instilled confidence among his constituents. He was heavily involved in the early economic issues of Brantley County, at both the state and state level.
“Barney” Strickland was identified in “Who’s Who of the Georgia Legislature” as a man who believed in attending strictly to business, whose judgment was unusually sound and worthy of consideration. Elected to the Georgia Legislature at the age of 35, Barney was one of the youngest representatives in office. He served the Georgia House of Representatives from 1921-1926, and from 1953-55; later the Georgia Senate in 1955-56. During his initial terms in the Legislature, Barney was involved with such legislative issues as railroad, labor, old soldiers home, and the construction of Georgia state highway system. After the county site was relocated to Nahunta, he chose to defer calls to the Georgia Legislature, remaining in Nahunta working early economic issues of the county, and attending to his mercantile and oil business in Nahunta.
Barney Strickland was one of the first Commissioners of Roads and Revenues in Brantley County, serving for 15 years; first as Clerk and Administrator from 1929 through 1932, and Chairman, 1933 through 1948. After his daughter, Mattie Lois, graduated from G.S.C.W. in 1952, Joseph Barnwell Strickland made himself available once again for public service to Brantley County. He was re-elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1953, and to the Georgia Senate for the term of 1955-1956. He died shortly afterwards in March 1958, a man who had devoted most of his entire life in service to Brantley County.
WHERE DOES LEADERSHIP ORIGINATE?
It originates from among the people; in the hearts of men like John Knox Larkin, William M. Roberson, and Jos. B. Strickland. It is motivated by a love for the land and respect for the constituents whom they serve. Each of these men were a credit to Brantley County, and will be long remembered for their contribution.
Where are Brantley Co. leaders today? It may be the incumbent holding a office in your local government. On the other hand, it may not! Brantley Co. has some fine, well respected, elected officials in leadership positions today. The recording of history 40 or 50 years from now will identify the intent and purpose of today’s office holders. I would hope to find such qualities as found in the personalities of men, like John Knox Larkins, William M. Roberson, and Jos. B. (Barney) Strickland; men with a compassion for Brantley County.