Miscellaneous Articles

 Empire State – Spalding County – Week of January 16, 1856

 Phillip – A Runaway

 $70 REWARD

Runaway from the subscriber, in Henry County on Tuesday, the 1st of January, a negro man named PHILLIP, about 6 feet, 10 inches high, dark brown complexion, about 30 years old, and intelligent.  Phillip formerly belonged to the estate of Solomon Strickland, deceased, and was bought by me at the Administrator’s sale on the day of his running away.  He has followed ditching for several years, and has frequently been in the counties of Carroll and Campbell without consent of his owner, with a forged pass.  He had a pass from me at the time he runaway and has probably got another to enable him to pass to different counties.  I will give Twenty Dollars for the apprehension and lodgment of Phillip where I can get him and Fifty Dollars for proof of conviction of the person who has given him a pass.

 A. W. Walker – January 16, 1856

Transcribed by Don Bankston, April 2004.

Citizens desire early organization of Georgia

Macon Weekly Telegraph June 11, 1865
Meeting in Griffin
Pursuant to previous call, a portion of the people of Spalding and adjoining counties, who desire an early organization of civil government in Georgia under the constitution and laws of the United States, assembled in Griffin on Saturday, June 19, 1865, when, on motion, George W. Grant, Esq., was called to the chair and A. G. Murray requested to act as secretary. The chairman, on
entering the stand, in a few appropriate remarks, explained the object of the meeting.
    On motion, the chairman appointed the following named gentlemen a committee to prepare and report matter for the action of the meeting to wit: A. D. Nunnally, A. G. Murray, John H. Akins, W. N. Coopedge, L. T. Doyal, R. J. Manley, Dr. J. T. Ellis, Hendley Varner, Thomas B. Johnson, Thos. J. Threlkeld, John D. Stewart, of the county of Spalding ; Charles L. Dupree, Wm. T. Griffin, of the county of Henry; Martin Cooper, Wm. D. Alexander, of the county of Pike;
Henry B. Fletcher, of the county of Butts; and Wm. L. Robinson and  Quintus C. Grier, of the county of Fayette. 
   The committee retired, and on returning reported the following:
PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTION
Whereas, By the late civil war, our state is left in an unsettled condition-civil government suspended-the people without a proper circulating medium-trade and commerce paralyzed-postal communications cut off, and the whole people in a state of anxious solitude as to their future status; and      Whereas, We deem it just and proper for the people to meet in their primary capacity and express their views and wishes in relation to all matters of public interest; therefore,
     Resolved. That we acknowledge and submit to the authority and laws of the United States, and recognize the constitution thereof as the supreme law of the land.
     2. That feeling the absolute necessity of an organized civil government, we do most respectfully call upon the president of the United States to organize us into a State government, or indicate to us such action on our part as will restore us to our former status as one of the States of the Union, with all the rights and privileges pertaining thereunto under the laws and constitution of the United States.
     3. That the constitution and laws of the State of Georgia having been changed, within the last four years, we believe that said constitution and laws should be so altered as to conform to the constitution and laws of the United States and that said alteration can be effected by a convention of the people called for that purpose.
     4. That since the overthrow of law and order in our community, we are greatly indebted to Major General Wilson for his gentlemanly bearing in the administration of military law, and to his subordinate officer, Capt. S. M. Pray, the commandant of the post in this city, for his politeness, courtesy, and efficiency in protecting us against the lawless men.
     5. That a copy of these resolutions be furnished Major Gen. Wilson and Capt. Pray, and that a committee be appointed to confer with General Wilson in reference to the propriety of forwarding these resolutions to his Excellency, Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, for his consideration, and that Gen. Wilson be requested to forward them to him.
     6. That in the event that no appointment of provisional governor of Georgia has as yet been made on account of the well known conservative views of Hon. Joshua Hill, we respectfully recommend him to the favorable consideration of the president in making such and appointment.
     7.  That the editors of the public gazettes in Griffin, Macon, and Atlanta, and all other papers in the State, be requested to publish these proceedings.
     The report was handed to the secretary and having been read aloud by him, on motion, it was unanimously adopted.
     The chairman then appointed as a committee to confer with Gen. Wilson, Henry Moor, Rev. C. W. Thomas, Wm. M. Blanton, and Samuel Bailey and on motion the chairman was added to this committee.
      The meeting then adjourned.
             Geo. W. Grant, Chm'n
              A. G. Murray, Sec'y.


Additional Comments:
Locations mentioned:
Atlanta
Macon
Griffin
Spalding County
Pike County
Henry County
Butts County
Fayette County

Persons mentioned:
John H. Akins
Wm. D. Alexander
Samuel Bailey
Wm. M. Blanton
W. N. Coopedge
Martin Cooper
L. T. Doyal
Charles L. Dupree
Dr. J. T. Ellis
Henry B. Fletcher
George W. Grant
Quintus C. Grier
Wm. T. Griffin
Hon. Joshua Hill
President Andrew Johnson
Thomas B. Johnson
R. J. Manley
Henry Moor
A. G. Murray
A. D. Nunnally
(Union) Capt. S. M. Pray
Wm. L. Robinson
John D. Stewart
Rev. C. W. Thomas
Thos. J. Threlkeld
(Union) Major Gen.[James H.] Wilson
Hendley Varner
Transcribed & submitted by Robert Klebs

Griffin Semi Weekley Star 1869
GRIFFIN SEMI WEEKLY STAR
Tuesday, March 23, 1869

LETTER FROM DR. ELLIS

To the Citizens of Spalding County:

Having returned last night from Atlanta, where I have been sojourning for the last two months, representing as I supposed the interests of my county; and finding there was a diversity of opinion in reference to the course I pursued. I deemed it but just that I should give the motives that prompted me to pursue the course I did on this occasion.

It is remembered, I presume, by all who were at the courthouse the day I was nominated, that I accepted the nomination, not for office (especially.) but to beat in Spalding the Radical constitution, framed by the Radical convention in Atlanta. This I honestly and earnestly strove to do - this I know, all who witnessed the election will testify to. The constitution, however was carried in the state, and I was required before taking a seat in the Legislature to swear to support that Constituition and the Constitution of the United States. Now it is clear and apparent to all honest, fair minded men that I could not run the same schedule, after having taken an oath to support said consitution; and then I had to carry principles and doctrines I had sought to defeat. This, I thought all knew and fully appreciated; but, it would seem some are disposed to find fault. I have many faults I would like to be free from, but in the condition of our country, I look on the 15th amendment as being decidedly more in favor of the South than the North; because the 14h amendment has fastened in my judgment, Negro suffrage as firmly on us as the 15th amendment will fasten it on the North. Indeed, there is nothing in the 15th that will alter in the slightest status on the suffrage question in Georgia. Again, I believed it right to support the 15th amendment, because Gov. Bullock and his friends were opposed to it thinking if it was rejected they could have entire control of the affairs of the state and replace the Negroes in the Legislature - this, I trust will not come yet. I have strong reasons to fear it will.

Our senators and representatives urged the adoption of the 15th amendment as our last chance to sustain the government of Georgia, and many of our wisest and best men at home said adopt it by all means, and nearly all the Democrats that voted against it wanted it adopted. I did come to Griffin twice and spoke of it; I found but few who seemed opposed to it. Editors and newpapers have been almost silent on the impropriety of its adoption, and I had to be governed
by the facts as I saw them from my standpoint, which are these:

1st. Negro suffrage was already fastened by the 14th amendment, and the State constitution, on us; therefore, we had nothing to loose by the adoption of the amendment, and fastening it on the other States who had fastened on us with the 14th amendment.

2nd. If we had have adopted it, we should doubtless have succeeded in maintaining our State government, and kept Bullock and his friends in their place.

3d. If we had everything to win and nothing to lose the game was a good one, and I fear the Rads will make us rue the day it was rejected.

4th. I supported it, because ultra Radicals sought to destroy it.

Now fellow citizens these are my reasons for supporting that which is not in accord with our former politics. These things I accept as necessary evils, growing out of the fact of the surrender of General Lee at Appomatox. As your representative, I have done the best I could for you and my county. I take the advice of friends, but will not give my conscience to the keeping of any man, or set of men. I have attained in all things that have come before me in Legislative matters in a way that I thought the greatest amount of good would occur to the greatest number of people. If these reasons and policies suit you, all is well, if not, your remedy is in your own hands. I am ready any day, and at all times to lay at your feet the trust, for it is not an office
you confided in me, and if I cannot serve you untrammelled, I will not serve you at all. The facts are before you, you do as you see fit, and be assured of one fact, I will never seek to dictate to any man I give my suffrage to, nor will I wear dog-block on my conscience when there is a chance to shed it.

James T. Ellis

Transcribed by Linda Ellis  2/12/1996

GA Archives
Griffin Newspapers (Griffin Semi-Weekly Star)
Dr. 193, Box 64

GRIFFIN SEMI WEEKLY STAR
April 6, 1869

COMMUNICATED
EDITORS STAR - "Syphax," wanting, or, rather needing ideas and arguments, make makes a fling at Dr. Ellis' late communication in regard to "its exquisite grammar, and mudiness of ideas." Of course, S means to set himself up as a standard of grammatical correctness and clearness of ideas, but how does he stand in orthography? By m-u-d-i-n-e-s-s, he means muddiness - two d's instead of one. By eminate, he meant emanate - an a instead of an i. Speaking of the
article in the Star, he uses these expressions: "When compared with the editor's own article" and, "The Dr., however, has adopted it as his own." In the former phrase, the word "own" is tautological, and worse than useless; and in the latter phrase, better taste would have been shown had "Syphax" left out the three words, "as his own." It was enough to have written, "The Dr., however, has adopted it;" then the sentence and the sense would have been complete. If the Dr. did adopt it, he did not adopt it for any one but himself, and this critical Syphax does the Dr. injustice by intimating (as he does by the expression, "as his own") that the Dr. might have been induced to adopt it for some one else.
Syphax is equally unhappy in his classical quotations. There is no such Latin phrase as "fidus achatese." "Fidus Achates" is the expression that Syphax should have written. Achates, being a proper name, should have commenced with a capital A, and the e at the end of the word, in the article of Syphax, is an error. Where, Syphax, in any language do find the word "disputandem?" Let me correct you again: "De gustibus, disputandum" is the "classical phrase," after which you were reaching, and if you had inserted a u in the place of that e, you would have been "all right," as the Dr. has it. In the effort to make an exhibition of your familiarity with the classics, you have fallen a little short, and have only made an exhibition of your ignorance of them. But this is a small matter, as nine-tenths of those who have read, or may ever read your communication, will not be aware of these errors, unless they are pointed out. These may seem trifles to you, and I
should not have noticed them, had you not selected our Representative as a proper subject for criticism, to enable you to display your superior learning and more finished education. There are graver errors in your reasoning than in your orthography, or classical quotations, which errors I propose to point out to you in the Star of next Friday. There are many other erros in your article, some in orthography, and some in punctuation, that causes a "mudiness" of ideas; but the foregoing are enough, to be noticed now; and this is done, in order that I may suggest to you that it might seem a trifle less fastidious and hypercritical, if you would look at the matter and not the manner of articles published in a village newpaper. In the elegant words of Dooner - "So  along" until Friday.

Very Respectfully,
RUF.
Transcribed by Linda Ellis, 2/6/1996
GA Archives
Griffin, GA, Newspapers (Griffin SemiWeekly Star)
Dr. 193, Box 64

GRIFFIN SEMI WEEKLY STAR
April 6, 1869
SYPHAX AND THE MIDDLE GEORGIAN

We have no time nor inclination to notice long winded anonymous scribblings, of the character above alluded to; and have already paid more attention to this ambuscade than its weak logic and contemptible personalities deserve. But for two reasons we should have mad no response whatever to "Syphax." Dr. Ellis, we think unwisedly, has seen proper to publish a card in vindication of his course - which card was drawn out in part by Syphax, thus giving a degree of importance to the communication which it would not have had. In the second "labor" of Syphax - which was evidently a painful one - the writer seems to take great pleasure in biting at the Editor of the Star over Dr. Ellis' shoulders. We can assure him he is "gnawing" at the hardest kind of a "file," when he throws up "Yankee" to us. We know his "sort." The climax,
and in fact, the warp and filling of such insect's argument with men of  northern birth is, "you're a 'Yankee;' " "nothing good can come of a 'Yankee;' " ergo, "nothing good can come from you." We have no ammunition to waste on such hard-headed idiots as this. But our main reason for noticing Syphax at all is, the medium through which his article obtains publicity, and the animus manifested by our contemporary.
We regret extremely that the proprietor of the Middle Georgian takes the same narrow views of business as some of his predecessors have, to wit: to build up his paper by trying to pull down the "Star." We are aware that the old type in his office has been for years dripping with the gall of hate toward the Star; simply because our paper was a success, and the other a failure. The
late of the Herald should be a warning to the Georgian. He can never build himself up by endeavoring to pull us down, nor by lending a helping hand to those would abuse us, or excite low and groveling prejudices against us. The way to make the Georgian a success, is to make it a good paper. Until he does that, the Star will continue to be, as heretofore, the only paper in Griffin. We have treated the Georgian with the utmost courtesy and kindness, and intended to continue to do so. We want it to keep running, for if it breaks down, some paper will come
here that might run us a close rivalry; from the Georgian we have nought to fear. Our decided preference is for "peace," but if this paper desires war, it can have it. We only ask of it a fair open fight, and not a sneaking ambuscade behind a nom de plume. Let him pick up the cudgel as soon as he pleases, we are ready. The foolish charge that we have exercised undue influence over Dr. Ellis, is unworthy of notice; nobody believes it. As to assisting him in defending himself from such rude and unmanly attacks as those of Syphax, he needs no aid of ours, but is amply able to cope with such antagonists single handed. The lack of elegant "grammar," over which Syphax grows so witty, will be more than counter-balanced by the amount of good sense
in what he does, says and writes. He may not be heavy on thread-bare Latin phrases, but he always succeeds in making himself understood in his honest mother tongue.

Transcribed by Linda Ellis GA Archives Dr. 193, Box 64
2/12/1996 Griffin Newspapers (Griffin Semi-Weekly Star)
GRIFFIN SEMI-WEEKLY STAR
Tuesday, March 23, 1869

DR. ELLIS AND THE 15TH AMENDMENT

The Middle Georgian of the 19th instant contains an anonymous letter addressed to our present Representative and intended to be a somewhat sever criticism upon Dr. Ellis' course in voting for the 15th Amendment. We have known Dr. Ellis a number of years, and have closely watched his course in the Legislature. We know his position in the country and also know how he came to be in the Legislature. . . He never sought the office. He is no politician nor office seeker. He is one of our largest, most intelligent, and most successful farmers. His character for integrity is above suspicion, and he went to the Legislature at a great personal sacrifice, and at the earnest solicitation of many of the best citizens of the county. He is not dependent upon the votes of the people for anything, and in our opinion, he would not hold his present position one hour longer., if he believed the people of the county did not endorse his course. We do not know the author of the article in the Georgian, as he prudently disguises his real name under an
assumed one; but we take him to be of that class of hard headed, small politicians, who never learn any new thing in politics, but stick to the old exploded dogmas of the past with a tenacity that death alone can soften. These people don't know that there has been any war. They don't know that slavery is abolished,. They don't know, nor in their honest Rip Van Wrinkle dreams do they imagine that this nation has entirely changed its principles of government, and has the power to enforce the new theory. They talk of State Rights, as if there was such a thing left us; and speak of State sovereignty as of a living practical principle. They can be taught no
new political tactics, and it is not with such an idea that we write this article; our object being only to do an act of justice toward our representative, and at the same time, present some views for the contemplation of candid and liberal minded men.
Among the Democrats of this Legislature, a large number believed it best for the interests of the State to adopt the Amendment at once. Not because it was right in itself; but, because the conquering and ruling power of the nation demanded it; and they believed that its adoption would alone cut the reconstruction business in Georgia, and leave the people at rest, and at
liberty to pursue their customary avocations without further molestation -- leaving our State government in the hands mostly of its real friends. Among the Democrats who thus believed, were the wisest, coolest, most sagacious members of the General Assembly; men of high character at home, who enjoyed the confidence of the people--such men in the House, as Shumate, Haper of terrell, Hudson, Price, Anderson, Dr. Ellis and others. And in the Senate, such as Welburn and Nisbit. -- These men argued that Georgia already had the same thing
in her constitution which the 15th Amendment required, to wit, negro suffrage; and the Omnibus bill restoring Georgia to position in the Union, expressly declared that she should never take negro suffrage out of her constitution. -- The adoption of the 15th Amendment would not change our status one particle on the suffrage question, but would extend negro suffrage all over the North. It was know that Grant desired it, and our Democratic members in Congress advised
it. -- It was hoped, and confidently believed, that the adoption would terminate the reconstruction business in Georgia, and give us quietude. Under these views, these Democrats, determined to vote for the Amendment. We believe they did so with the purest of motives, and we are not now prepared to condemn their actions. On the other side, strange bed-fellows were made on this occasion. The most hot headed Democrats joined hands, with the ultra Radicals;
Burns united with old Higbee, and Hinton joined fortunes with that old miscegenator, Adkins, and Ben Conley, Bullock's right bower, gave the casting vote which defeated the Amendment.
The very men who call most lustily for more reconstruction of our people voted against the Amendment. And why? Obviously for the purpose of upsetting our present State government, and re inaugurating the carnival of provisional government and carpet bag rule. We hope for the best, but we are strongly of the opinion that in less than thirty days Congress will pass a law authorizing Gov. Bullock to reassemble the Legislature, put back the negroes and apply the
14th Amendment oath. This will place the State entirely under radical rule. And the Democrats that are in the Legislature then, might as well resign, for any good they can do. I f the Amendment had passed, the same results might have occurred in the long run, but it still left us room for hope. After all, we do not consider it a matter of such vital importance, which way the cat jumped on this occasion. The 15th Amendment will be eventually adopted. It is part and parcel of the original scheme to complete our subjugation, and the conqueror will enforce the edict. It may be the last link in the chain of oppression, and it may not. We first abolished slavery in obedience to orders from Washington. Some men fought it, but fought in vain. We next adopted the 14th Amendment under the same pressure, and measure infinitely more degrading than the 15th is. The same bower forced us to the adoption of our present State constitution, negro suffrage, and all; and the same irresistible power will force upon us the 15th Amendment. We therefore, cannot condemn the Democrats who preferred accepting it under Democratic auspices, rather than give the Georgia Radical party another chance to get control of the State, on the strength of this Amendment.
We have surrendered to Grant on the battlefield and at the ballot box, because compelled to do it. We see no good likely to accrue by a powerless opposition to his policy. Whenever the time arrives that his party splits up, we shall be ready to help the side that promises the South the most advantages. Till then, our voice is for quiet acquiescence in the inevitable. -- Above all, let all true friends of the South bind themselves together with hooks of steel, and if they differ in opinion about matters of policy, discuss those differences in a spirit of friendship, and not, by appeals to passion and prejudice, stir up strife and contention among ourselves.

Transcribed by Linda Ellis
2/12/1996
GA Archives, M/F Dr. 193, Box 64
Griffin, GA Newspapers (Griffin Semi-Weekly Star)
Additional Comments:
Dr. James T. Ellis was the son of William Ellis Jr. He fought in the Florida Indian Wars, 1838; ran a commissary on family lands for a number of years, as early as 1838; appointed a member of the Botanico Medical Board of Physicians of Georgia, 1847; was a surveyor of Pike County, 1851; was a large Plantation owner and farmer in Spalding County; and served in the state House of Representatives, 1868-1870. Some other laws that Dr. Ellis was actively involved in included moving the Capital to Atlanta, a law pertaining to support for bastardly children, a law regulating the amount of interest charged by banks, and a leash law for dogs.

Middle Ga. Argus - Week of July 7, 1881

Jarrell Murder

One of the most fiendish crimes ever committed in the county was the cold blooded murder of his wife by a man named Jarrell. This occurrence took place in the early settlement of this section. It appears as if Jarrell had left home with his little son, some ten years of age, to go
after corn, probably across the Ocmulgee River into Jasper County. On his return and when he
had arrived in less than a mile of his house he stopped and set about preparation to encamp for
the night, which the boy strenuously objected to and insisted on proceeding to the house. The
next morning the wife of Jarrel was found dead at home with a gaping wound splitting her skull
open, and her body lying in the embers of the fireplace, partially destroyed by fire. The
evidence of the ten-year-old son, and Jarrell's axe, which had some blood and hair upon the
blade, convicted him. The boy testified that his father got up during the night or left the camp,
and that when he came back just before daylight, he said to his son "what would you think if
someone had killed your mother?" The tale was too true indeed, and when the boy went home in the morning and entered the house to greet her, the ghostly spectacle of her half consumed corpse met his gaze. In removing her from the bed of coals her head fell out of her burnt body into the ashes. Jarrell at once accused a Negro woman he owned of the murder, and said if proof could be established on her, he would give her twenty five lashes. Jarrell was a low, thickset man, about forty years of age. He was put upon trial, convicted, and the sentence of hanging was passed upon him. He was the first and only white man ever hung in Henry County. The gallows was erected on Birch Creek, near the present residence of Mr. Sam Carmichael, where he suffered the penalty of his crime. His body lies near the spot where he was swung into eternity. He petitioned to the Governor for a reprive, and on the day of his execution the lenient sheriff waited for the doomed man until the last minute.  Jarrell stood upon his scaffold for two hours before his death, hallooing at the pitch of his voice with the hope that he might hear a response from the returning messenger whom he had sent to plead for his pardon to the Governor.
Transcribed by Don Bankston

Middle Ga. Argus – Week of July 7,1881
Col T. C. Nolen of McDonough in his Memoirs of Henry County produces some very interesting facts connected with the early history of that county, from paper No. 18 we clip the following”

“One of the most important events connected with the history of Henry County was the dissolution of the old iron side Baptist into two divisions – recognized now as the Missionaries and Hardshells, or Anti-Missionaries. The first origin or foundation of these differences occurred at a little church called Teman, which was situated a few miles from McDonough in the Turner
neighborhood, and from that place sprung a division among the Baptist denomination that soon spread all over the United States, and which today comprises two grand elements of religious people, with their different views and opinions. This sentiment of division began in Henry county some time during 1825, but it did not come to a certain final termination until 1835, at Holly Grove Church, in Monroe County, when the Towaliga and flint River Associations were formed and organized – the Hardshells, if I mistake not, adding the 13th amendment to the twelve articles of Baptist faith.

One of the prominent points insisted on by the Hardshells was the forbidding any member to join a secret institution, such as Free-masonry, or any organization of Temperance, or like order.

When the change of sentiment and opinion first sprung into existence at Teman Church, the Baptist made appointments in McDonough, where they often met day after day and debated the various questions and issues in Nolan’s present office, which was then the Baptist Church, the controversies often lasting until after sundown. Among those who met here and so able defended their doctrines with the logic of their arguments was the Rev. John Milner of Monroe
and his bother, Pitt Milner, the fathers of Mrs. Parker Eason, who resided near Sunny Side, and who was a grandmother of our recent Sheriff Parker e. Brown. Also, old man Sherwood, the uncle of Mrs. Wm. Florence, who died not long since the city of Chicago; Rev. Billy Henderson, who shot a horse thief and was silenced for a time from preaching on that account, but was soon restored to his ministerial station; Jesse Mercer, whose name is familiar word in the household of all Baptist families; Billy Mosely, whose history, private and political, is inseparable connected with that of Henry County; and the Rev. Mr. Lumpkin, a kinsman of the distinguished Lumpkin family which is so well known and eulogized all over Georgia. The dissensions soon spread to old Bethel Church, now in Butts County, and which was the oldest, or one of the oldest, Baptist Churches in the county. Among those who prominently figured in that forum were Silas White, Barney Strickland and the Rev. Mr. Wilson. The discussions at this place were more directly upon the free-will doctrine, or Armenian theory, as well as the foreign and domestic missions, which was also a cause of contention among them. The split at Bethel Church occurred in 1827 or 1828.

One of the most fiendish crimes ever committed in the county was the cold blooded murder of his wife by a man named Jarrell. This occurrence took place in the early settlement of this section. It appears as if Jarrell had left home with his little son, some ten years of age, to go after corn, probably across the Ocmulgee river into Jasper County. On his return and when he had
arrived in less than a mile of his house he stopped and set about preparation to encamp for the night, which the boy strenuously objected to and insisted on proceeding to the house. The next morning the wife of Jarrel was found dead at home with a gaping wound splitting her skull open, and her body lying in the embers of the fireplace, partially destroyed by fire. The evidence of the ten-year-old son, and Jarrell’s axe, which had some blood and hair upon the blade, convicted him. The boy testified that his father got up during the night or left the camp, and that when he came back just before daylight, he said to his son “what would you think if someone had killed your mother?” The tale was too true indeed, and when the boy went home in the morning and entered the house to greet her, the ghostly spectacle of her half consumed corpse met his gaze. In removing her from the bed of coals her head fell out of her burnt body into the ashes. Jarrell at once accused a Negro woman he owned of the murder, and said if proof could be established on her, he would give her twenty five lashes. Jarrell was a low, thickset man, about years of age. He was put upon trial, convicted, and the sentence of hanging was passed upon him. He was the first and only white man ever hung in Henry County. The gallows was erected on Birch Creek, near the present residence of Mr. Sam Carmichael, where he suffered the
penalty of his crime. His body lies near the spot where he was swung into eternity. He petitioned to the Governor for a reprive, and on the day of his execution the lenient sheriff waited for the doomed man until the last minute. Jarrell stood upon his scaffold for two hours before his death, hallooing at the pitch of his voice with the hope that he might hear a response from the
returning messenger whom he had sent to plead for his pardon to the Governor

Transcribed by Don Bankston 2004

Jackson News – Week of January 18, 1882

A rather strange proceeding on our streets Monday evening, created some little curiosity among the spectators that witnessed the maneuverings. A Mr. Terry of McDonough, Ga., in company with a Mr. Simmons, came in town with a warrant for Jo Hughs, who had been here for several days. He was arrested by the marshal of Jackson, but upon what change, we did not learn, but is thought he is connected with the crime recently committed in Rome, for which $500 reward is
offered for the perpetrator. Hughs disclaimed being guilty of any thing to authorize his arrest. Simmons who has been living at McDonough but a short time having bought Terry’s bar room abut three months ago, is acquainted with Hughs, and both are from Cobb county and know a great many people in Rome. Terry and Simmons had about as much whiskey aboard, when they arrived, as they could well manage, and after considerable talking between them Terry drew from his pocket a printed description of the man wanted by the marshal of Rome, upon
which he arrested Simmons, the man who came with him to assist in the arrest of Hughs. Hughs seemed to be uneasy while Simmons, in a rather a witty and unconcerned manner, said he was use to it and at first didn’t appear to care, but finally appeared to grow quite wrathy at being arrested. It was right amusing to see the drunken trio; you could hardly decide which was which. But Mr. Terry was satisfied enough to hire another horse and buggy and gave Cook
McCord $25., to assist him in carrying the parties to McDonough, for which place they left about dark. It is not thought by our Marshall, that the descriptions suit either of the parties, fully, but is satisfied they are guilty of some crime.
Transcribed by Don Bankston 2005

Middle Ga. Argus – Week of April 27, 1882
Murder on Christmas Night

On Christmas night, 1880, a white man was found on the railroad track, near
Hampton, terribly mangled by having been run over by the train. At the time it
was supposed to have been an accident, but last week, a Negro on his death bed
confessed to having murdered and robbed the man, and placed the body on the
track to prevent suspicion. He implicated two other Negroes, who have been
arrested and lodged in jail
Transcribed by Don Bankston 2004

Jackson News – Week of May 3, 1882

Sheriff Beauchamp turned the keys on Sidney Gary, col., yesterday, who is wanted in Baldwin county for simple larceny. He was carried to Henry county yesterday where the warrant was issued for his arrest. How can he be tried in Henry for an offence committed in Baldwin??
Transcribed by Don Bankston, 2005

Middle Ga. Argus – Week of September 29, 1883
We learn that a Mr. Cleveland of Henry county, while in a drunken rage severely
shot his wife on Tuesday night, and the last account was heard, that she is not
expected to live. What ought to be done with the rascal?

Transcribed by Don Bankston, 2004

Middle Ga. Argus – Week of December 10, 1883
On Friday of last week in Henry Superior Court, Judge Stewart sentenced Leonidas Johnson to be public hung on Friday December 7, 1883, for rape committed to a white lady.
Transcribed by Don Bankston, 2004

The black devil, Leonidas Johnson, who should have been hanged in McDonough on Friday 7th inst., is yet alive. We freely strike hands with brother Brown of the Henry County Weekly, in saying that the black moke(?) should die and don’t like to see a set of lawyers fuddling around trying to save him when the evidence is all in favor of his guilt. All such as Leonidas should be put out of the way, and hanging is a little good for them.

Middle Ga. Argus – Week of December 15, 1883

Transcribed by Don Bankston, 2004

Leonidas Johnson – The Rapist

 Leonidas Johnson, the rapist of Henry County, was sentenced on last Wednesday by Judge J. D. Stewart in Henry Superior court to be hanged on Friday, May 23rd.  This is another demonstration of the fact that criminals are to learn that justice will sooner or later be meted out to then.  We have all the time contended that this black devil should be hung, and now rejoice that the time is near at hand.

 Middle Ga. Argus – Week of April 29, 1884

Leonidas Johnson, the Henry county rapist was publicly hanged on Friday in the presence of an immense crowd variously estimated at from 5000 to 7000 people.  He was taken from the county jail at 1125 and conveyed under a strong guard to the scaffold about four hundred yards north of the courthouse.  He was in good spirits and seemed not to realize the awful doom which so soon to meet him.  He walked up the steps to the platform of the scaffold with a firm step without a tremor and when asked if he had anything to say, arose and in a discordant manner, between many long pauses warned the people not to follow in his footsteps, saying that he was guilty of the crime for which he was to be hanged and was willing to die – that he was prepared to meet his God.  He called for a colored preacher named Davis who gave out a hymn and Johnson says in a clear voice after which Davis offered up a prayer.  At 1235 the black cap was placed over his head , his arms fastened behind him, the noose was placed around his neck, the trap door was knocked from under him and he swung off into eternity, without a friend to shed a tear over the vile wretch.  He died in thirteen minutes from strangulation and his body was turned over to Dr. Auten, of Atlanta, to whom he had sold it for the small sum of fifteen dollars.  Then the vilest wretch that ever blackened the annals of Georgia with crime met his just desert at the end of a rope.

 Middle Ga. Argus - May 27, 1884

Transcribed by Don Bankston, 2004

Middle Ga. Argus - Week of March 3,1891

A Negro Escapes From McDonough Jail, But is Followed to Butts and Captured by Two Sheriffs.

John Berry, col., who is under sentence of death in McDonough jail made his escape on Monday of last week by breaking through a wall in the corridor, where he had been left by the sheriff for a few minutes to make a fire.

He made his way towards his old home in this county (Butts) but was closely followed by Mr. Newt Glass, the ever active sheriff of Henry County. He came down on the night train and secured the aid of Mr. Beauchamp and through some shrewd and sharp work they succeeded in capturing the scapegoat at Elisha Slaughter’s, on Mr. Taylor Buttrill’s farm four miles west of town about three o’clock next morning

The Negro had been cleanly shaved, had his hair cut close and had on a clean suit of clothes and was sitting by a warm fire enjoying a smoke when he was cornered on and carried back to his old cell.

A prisoner will have to be sharp to elude to such officers as Glass and Beauchamp.

Transcribed by Don Bankston, 2004

Middle Ga. Argus – Week of June 2, 1891
The new Baptist church at Sardis, eight miles north of Jackson, was formally dedicated on Sunday. Rev. Mr. Culpepper preached the sermon from Matthew 18th chapter 17 to 25th verses. The sermon was an able and appropriate one and showed the speaker to be endowed with much thought and study. Rev. J. G. Kimbell offered the dedicating prayer. After one hour’s recess and a sumptuous dinner was enjoyed, Prof. Crumbie entertained the large congregation with some excellent music while Mrs. Bledsoe presided gracefully at the organ. Then followed a sermon by Rev. J. G. Kimbell. The assembly was exceedingly large but orderly and the day was enjoyed by all.

Transcribed by Don Bankston, 2004

Middle Ga. Argus – Week of June 16, 1891
We understand that some bees got on the war path in Stockbridge last Saturday,
while being robbed and the citizens were all compelled to either close doors or
leave town. It is reported that a horse belonging to Mr. Clark was stung to
death by them, the information being given by a drummer direct from the scene.

Transcribed by Don Bankston, 2004

Middle Ga. Argus – Week of October 20, 1891
AVENGED! THE PENALTY PAID
Sam Greer, the Slayer of Wade Yancy Dies on the Gallows

The Scene In the Butts County Jail. A full Account of the day’s Proceedings.

The long talked of Sam Greer hanging has come and gone and the law has been satisfied. Early on Friday morning the town began to fill with people of every imaginable size, age and condition until by ten o’clock, six or eight thousand people were on the streets, all to witness the public execution of the man who took the life of Wade Yancy on the fourth Sunday in May 1890. On Thursday night Sheriff Beauchamp placed Mr. Tonch Hodges in the jail as death watch and
through the long weary hours he kept vigilance over the condemned man. Nothing of importance transpired to interest more than two hours he paced the floor of the corridor of the jail and then laid down and apparently enjoyed a good night rest..

At eight o’clock Friday morning breakfast was offered to the prisoner but he refused to eat. AT this time ye scribe entered his cell and attempted to interview the condemned man but he refused to talk, more than to say that he was not prepared to die, but was willing to go, and that he could only blame himself for the trouble he was now in.

We take from our notebook the following items of what transpired.
 11:30 Sheriff Beauchamp and dept Crawford, accompanied by Sheriff glass of McDonough entered the jail and the prisoner was dressed for the gallows.

11:45 The death sentence was read. At this time a number of colored preachers entered the jail and held religion services. Several prayers were offered to the throne of grace in behalf of Greer, and several touching songs were sung.

12:00: The preachers bid him goodbye and leave the jail. Greer says he felt no preparations to meet death. He is left along with Mr. J. E. Price the death watch till one o’clock.

1:15 The prisoner was taken from the jail and carried in a back to the gallows three fourth of a mile directly west of the jail.

1:27 The gallows is reached. The sheriff was accompanied to the platform by deputy sheriff Crawford with sheriffs Glass of Henry, King of Monroe and McDowell of Jasper.

Three colored preacher, Appling, Moreland and McCray also went on the platform. Rev Moreland then read 14th chapter of Job, after which Rev. Appling gave out the hymn, “When I can read my titles clear” which was sung.

1:40 Rev. McCray then offered the following prayer:

O thou our Heavenly father, we thank Thee for the extension of our lives to this time. Oh reverend father, we thank Thee that thou has bought us to this gallows. Thou hast been with us hundreds and thousands of times in the past, and O come and be with us now. We remember in the town of Eastman in the year 1884 when we met Thee on a similar occasion like this on the gallows where criminals were to be executed. As thou didst bless that day, O bless today.
Do you in mercy come to us today. We realize that we can do nothing with out thee. O help today, save a poor soul from a burning hell. Take the poor criminal into thine own hands. O Lord he has been in the broad road to hell. Lord thou hast promised to be with thy children in trouble. Poor Sam is in trouble today. May you meet him down at Jordan this evening. Have you not said you set on the table meet. O Jesus set the table aright for Sam today. Come and have mercy! Save Sam today and save us all, Amen.

1:43 He talks. I have been in jail 17 months and all this time I have been on the downward road to hell till this morning. Since these brethren came in this morning I feel like I have a home in heaven. I’ll soon be with Jesus.

My advice to all, to both white and color’d is to leave your pistols at home. See the trouble I am in. See the rope around my neck. I don’t think I have had justice but am willing to go. I want all you, white and colored who will promise me to not carry pistols any more to hold up your hand. (Many hands went up.) A pistol brought me here. I done it myself. Well gentlemen, I’ll soon be gone Just for my sake keep pistols out of your pockets. If you don’t you may soon be where I am.

1:50 The preachers tell Sam goodbye and leave the stand.

1:58 Sheriff pinions his arms and legs.

1:54 The rope placed around his neck. “Young men you must work to keep out of this. I tell you it is bad”.

1:55 The black cap is adjusted.

1:56 Trigger pulled, a dull thud and Sam Greer is in eternity. The examining physicians, Drs. Bryans, Mapp and Ellis, assisted by Drs. Bryon of Jackson, J. H. Bryans of Indian Springs and C. A. Butner, of Monticello make examinations.

2:10 Pronounced dead and the body taken down from the gallows. The examining board examine his neck and find it is broken.

The body was then placed in a coffin and turned over to friends who carried it to his father’s home three miles north of town. It was buried at Stark at 2 o’clock on Saturday.

The execution was a perfect one. Not a single hitch or any trouble whatever happened and the man died without a single struggle. The large crowd, numbering six thousands or more were perfectly orderly. The Negroes, especially, were as jovial as if going to and attending a circus.


OTHER HANGINGS

Forty eight years has passed since Buts county has had a public execution. In October 1827 two white men named Thomas Leverett and Lud Watts were to be hanged at the same time. Leverett willingly gave up but Watts, who by some means had gotten hold of an old pistol, resisted and the sheriff thinking it was loaded could not take him out. The hour for execution passed and the sheriff, Samuel Clay, at once asked the governor for directions, who replied
that Watts should be forced from the jail and executed at the first opportunity. He was finally overpowered by perishing, and on Monday surrendered and was hanged on that day on the same gallows that Leverett had died. His wife was present at the hanging and took charge of the body and carried it to Monroe county for burial.

Leverett’s body was buried in the rear of Mr. Frank McKibben’s on Third street, where his bones now rests. Leverett was hanged for killing a man named Bryun near the residence of Mr. Joe Carmichael. Watts killed a man on the line of Butts and Monroe named Denton Danil. Both Watts and his victim were Monroe county citizens.

In the Spring of 1848 a Negro named Harrison was hanged for rape. He was executed near the colored Methodist church on First street.

In 1870, by the Barlow murdered old man McClusky near Iron Springs. On the motion of his attorneys his case was transferred to Spalding County where he was tried, found guilty and hanged.

Transcribed by Don Bankston, 2004

THIEF CAUGHT

Sheriff Glass, of Henry County, and Mr. R. C. Brown, of Locust Grove returned from Jacksonville, Florida on Friday with the Negro that took Mr. Brown’s money some time ago. There were two Negroes names James Morrison and John Singleton. Morrison claims that another Negro whose name he has forgotten helped him to get the money. They then divided the nine hundred dollars, he taking $690 and giving the other $210 and separated. He came on to Jackson and took the train for Macon where he met his cousin, Singleton who accompanied him to Jacksonville. He confessed the whole matter and says it is the first trouble he has ever been into.

Middle Ga. Argus – Week of January 19, 1892

Transcribed by Don Bankston, 2004

Middle Ga. Argus – Week of February 17, 1893

A Mr. Frank Savage of Henry County was adjudged a lunatic last week. He has a wife and three children with no means of living comfortable. There being no room in the asylum he will remain in McDonough jail. There is no provision in the law to furnish necessary expenses and all this fall on the humane neighbors and unfortunate family.

Transcribed by Don Bankston May 2004

A WILEY THIEF

Sheriff Beauchamp and Crawford picked up a son of Ham by the nefarious name of Bad Burt Benton, called by some B. B. B. He seems to be a triple thief. He stole a wagon from Tom Weaver, of Henry County, who is charged with theft and now under bond for the crime B. B. B. did, and harness from another negro and a bale of cotton from Tarpley, about a month since. He did the same in Newton County. Stealing a mule from one man, a wagon from another and a bale of cotton from the third. Besides he stole $175 from a Mr. Aiken, of Newton County. He has served one four year’s sentence in the chain gang and will go again but if Sheriff L. O. Wright had not heard from a crowd of citizens by the wayside Friday morning, he would not have bothered folks here any more. Sheriff Wright left here with him, but when he was near Worthville, he heard what was ahead and came back to Jackson, waited for the train and carried the rascal by Atlanta.
Middle Ga. Argus – Week of December 14, 1893
Transcribed by Don Bankston 2004

Westbrooks – Shot and Killed

Last week at McDonough, Walter Carmichael shot and killed a young man by the name of Westbrooks. It seems that the trouble arose from a drunken dispute between the two boys which resulted in murder. A commitment trial was given Carmichael in McDonough on Tuesday. Col. Wright of Jackson made a most eloquent appeal to the jury in favor of Westbrook, and beyond all reason of a doubt Carmichael will be bound over for murder.
Middle Ga. Argus – Week of February 1, 1894
Transcribed by Don Bankston 2004

Jackson Argus – Week of January 11,1895

Tom Lummus Killed January 1895

Near Jenkinsburg, just over the line in Henry County, on Thursday night, a Negro by the name of Nesl (Nols) Brock shot and killed a Negro by the name of Tom Lommus. We learn the Negro that got shot lay out on the ground all night and was found by some white men who happened to pass that way early this morning.

A white man who was at the Negro frolic where Lummus was killed, was asked by the coroner why he ran so when the row commenced. He replied, that the reason he was so was because he could not fly.

NOTE: the surname is spelled Lommus and Lummus

Transcribed by Don Bankston, July 2004.

Jackson Argus – Week of August 16, 1895
The Survives of This Gallant Regiment Meet at Jackson
_________

AND PASS AWAY A DAY MOST PLEASANTLY

During the month of September 1861, the 30th Georgia Regiment, composed of ten companies, and comprising an aggregate membership of some 1,000 dauntless and valiant citizens of Butts and surrounding counties were mustered at Camp Bailey on the Atlanta & West Point railroad between Fairburn and Palmetto, under command of Col. David J. Bailey. No regiment of soldiers ever left Georgia more imbued with the spirit of courage and conviction of the right than did this gallant band on the memorable occasion above mentioned. Right to the front they went and battled for principles as dear to them as ever ranked in the hearts of true and chivalrous soldiers.

Countless numbers of those who marched from Georgia’s soil in the balmy days of September, ’61, have never returned, but their bodies have found a resting place on the battlefields of the north, while their names and daring deeds are written indelibly upon the hearts of those comrades who were with them in the thickest of the fight, but by the grace of God were spared to tell the tale of their trials and sufferings.

For the past seven or eight years it has been the custom of the survivors of the 30th Georgia Regiment to hold an annual reunion, and at Tanner’s church in Henry County, their lst place of meeting, it was unanimously decided to meet at Jackson, July 26, 1895, and perpetuate that feeling of brotherly love which has existed since their organization. Accordingly on the morning of Friday last, countless numbers of battle scarred veterans began to arrive in Jackson, and by
10 o’clock a.m., it seemed as thought the streets were one solid mass of people. The old soldiers met at the courthouse and after forming into line, headed by the Jackson cornet band, marched to the Presbyterian grove, whose speeches were made by their brother comrades Judge J. S. Boynton, Hon. M. V. McKibben and Judge J. L. Hardeman.

An enormous basket dinner was spread and enjoyed by all present. There was a sufficient quantity of edibles on hand to feed twice the number, notwithstanding the fact that at least two thousand people were there assemble. Hanging on the lib of a tree near the speaker’s stand was the coat worn by the secretary of the organization, Mr. A. T. Adamson, and though it presented quite a mutilated appearance, it is dearer to his loving daughter than any similar article ever
made in a finer material.

The day was a most gala one for the survivors of this noble regiment, and we only wish that they may live to enjoy numerous others of a like character.

The following letter was received too late to be read at their reunion, and we publish it for the benefit of those who were intimately acquainted with the writer, and also to show the feeling of love which exists in the hearts of those who though unable to shoulder the gun and march to the front, were with them heart and soul in their noble undertaking.


New Orleans, La, July 24, 1895

Mr. Comrades and Friends;
I noticed in a Georgia paper that you would have a reunion on the 26th inst. I hope this will reach you in time to add my heartfelt greeting on that occasion. Know that I am with you in spirit, although my adopted home is so far away.  Often my heart goes back to the place where the first scenes of my life are pictured on memory’s page. I, see myself a young girl again delivering the address and presenting the stars and bars to a brave regiment who were just
starting for the scene of carauge(?) and if my Georgia friends saw fit, nothing would p’ease me more than to posses that same old flag that I gave so long ago. How well I remember the good byes I gave to those fearless souls, many of whom never returned but they will never be forgotten. I hope some at my old home remember me as I do them, with loyal affection. To all such, give my cordial greetings, and lasting good will.

Very Cordially yours,
Sallie Bailey Tebault
7 North LaFayette Sq.

*************************************************************

A Needy Confederate

Below we print a communication received at this office in regard to the needy condition of an old soldier.

In a letter he states that he saw an account of the reunion of the 30th Georgia Regiment at Jackson and hence he writes for aid from some of the vets.

The case is a needy one and any contribution left at this office will be forwarded to the old soldier.

The following is the letter received:
……………………………………………………………………………
Pontotoc, Miss, May 14, 1895
To All Whom These Presents May Come – Greeting:

I, the under signed, do hereby certify that Captain John N. Sloan, an old and  respected citizen of Pontotoc, Miss., was a Confederate soldier, and was desperately wounded in the memorable battle of Chickamauga, on September 20,1868, by having the most of his under jaw, all of his upper teeth and part of his tongue shot away, and his face terribly mutilated by the explosion of a shell from the enemy’s guns; since which time he has had to lie down when taking his meals and be fed with fluids altogether as he cannot masticate food of any kind. And in addition to his unfortunate and irreparable wound, he has an invalid wife and two invalid daughters, who are dependent upon him for support. He is poor and unable to perform manual labor.

I, therefore, most earnestly and respectfully recommend him to his comrades and all charitable disposed persons and friends as being a man and soldier in every way worthy of their sympathy and charity; and any amount which may be contributed to their relief will be gratefully appreciated by your old disabled soldier friend and his invalid family.

Witness my signature this the 14th day of May, 1896

Chas. D. Mitchell – Family Physician
……………………………………………………………………………

State of Mississippi
Pontotoc County – May 14,’95

I, the undersigned clerk, do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Capt. J. N. Sloan and his family, and further certify that the above statements made by Dr. C. D. Mitchell are true as stated
R. B. Patterson – Circuit Clerk

Transcribed by Don Bankston 2005

MOONSHINER UNDER A MATTRESS
Deputy Marshall Scott had quite an experience in capturing a moonshiner in Henry county the other day. The officer chased him to the house where he went in and found the distiller between two heavy mattresses. It was a warm, sultry night, and when the officer pulled his man from his unique hiding place he was panting like a race horse, with perspiration streaming from his face and body. In this painful attitude of concealment, the moonshiner had been for quite a while.

When the deputy entered the house two female forms were lying upon the bed under the mattress of which the distiller of corn spirits was dreaming of safety and escape. To support this weight of flesh on top the mattress was more than one moonshine could stand, and he came next to suffocating before the deputy relieved him from his peculiar position.

He was pulled by the leg from his concealment and taken to Atlanta where he was put under $200 bond which he was unable to give bond was committed to Fulton county jail

Jackson Argus – Week of August 16, 1895

Transcribed by Don Bankston 2005

Jackson Argus – January 14, 1897

The Argus learns that the plans and specifications of the new court house for Henry county have been adopted and signed up by the authorities. The architects are Messrs. Golueke & Stewart of Atlanta, the same parties who furnished the plans for the new court house at Zebulon.

The building will stand on the lot now occupied as a livery stable, known as the Tomlinson stable. Our information is that there will be a basement in which will be located the offices of the tax receiver and collector and a room for justice court and other purposes. There will also be located in the cellar the furnaces for operating the Peck Smead heating and ventilating apparatus. On the first floor, in addition to the regular office rooms there will be two fire
and burglar proof vaults. The grand jury room will also be located on the first floor. The superior court room will be on the second floor together with jury and witness rooms consultation room and so on. The new structure will have a tower constructed on one corner of the building in which will be placed a handsome clock.

The building is to cost not exceeding $14,000. Golucke & Steware, the architects, have put in a bid for something less than that amount. The money arrangement has been made. Thos. D. Stewart proposes to loan the county the proper amount at 4 1//2 per cent interest and the assessment for court house purposes will be so arranged that the building will be paid for in two years.

The lot on which the old house stand will very likely be reserved by the county and used as a plazza. The ladies of McDonough want to beautify and adorn it for such use and the authorities are willin’ *Barkises, as they ought to be. (*copied exact but sounds odd) The old building will be sold, probably to Mr. Steward, who will have it moved.

Work will commence on the new building as soon as the required time for advertising has intervened
Don Bankston  April 26, 2005
 

Jackson Argus - Week Of March 18, 1897
COURT HOUSES
Flint Circuit

BUTTS - MONROE – HENRY – PIKE

BUTTS COUNTY - She Will Have the Finest Court House In the Flint Circuit.

The plans for the new court house in Jackson have not yet been adopted, but the various members of the committee, and especially the able ordinary, Judge Carmichael, are engaged in an intelligent inspection of various plans with a view of selecting one that will eliminate all the mistakes of those that have been built in neighboring counties, and at the same time include all their strong points.

The committee has wisely concluded that it is the part of economy to visit certain counties that have recently built new court houses, take notes and compare data. In this way they will not only be better prepared to hit upon wiser plans, but they will be able to save the county money in the letting of contract

Judge Carmichael said the other day:
“The committee is going to know exactly what it is doing. When the plans are adopted and before the contract is let I am going to know how many brick it will take for the new court house, how many barrels of lime, how many running feet of stone and how many feet of lumber. I am gong to know just the quantity of all materials used and then by ascertaining prices be able to figure intelligently on what the house will cost finished. You can rest assured that we are not
going into this matter carelessly. We are not going to pay $20,000 for a $14,000 court house, but when we pay $20,000 we are going to have a $20,000 house.”

Every move of the committee up to this time has been in the right direction and it is doubtful if a court house in Georgia has ever had on it building committee a more capable body of men than those who compose the Butts county committee.


MONROE COUNTY- Has a Fine Court House at a Cost of $24,000 and the  People Are Very Proud of It.

Monroe county has recently erected a new court house which is an ornament to the city of Forsyth and a grand living monument to the intelligence, culture, progressiveness and public spirit of her citizenship.

This building was completed about the first part of November last. The new court house is 70 x 90 feet, and the interior thereof well and conveniently arranged. The lower floor contains eight elegant office rooms, three fireproof vaults and water closet, two spacious halls and stairways. There are four entrances, the main entrance being in the east front, the floor of the entrances
being of marble tiling and the steps to each of granite.

On the second floor in the west end are located two traverse jury rooms each with an entrance to the jury docks, the judge’s private office and the solicitor’s office, those offices opening into a hallway in rear of judge’s stand. In the east end are located the grand jury room and reception room for female witnesses who may be required to attend upon the court, a spacious halfway connecting these rooms. The remainder of the upper floor comprises the court room which is large, beautifully and elegantly finished.

The ventilation of the building is excellent, while every department of it is heated by furnaces judiciously located in the basement and so arranged as to distribute the heat well throughout the entire building.

On the third floor is also a spacious room fitted up to meet the emergencies of tied up juries. The exterior wall is of pressed brick interspersed with colitse limestone, while the architecture of the building is attractive to the eye. A substantial and pretty tower, proportioned in dimensions to the size of the building, rises above the east front and in the tower is located a superb clock.

The contract price for the building was $24,000 and it is pronounced by those who visit it as the prettiest and best court house in Georgia.

PIKE COUNTY - The New Court House at Zebulon is the Pride and the Boast of Her Citizens

The above cut* is an excellent likeness of the splendid new court house which now on the public square in the town of Zebulon. The spires did structure was begun in 1895 and completed last year.

The cut shows the building from the south side. It is 75 x 75 feet and has four entrances. It is heated and ventilated by the Peek-Smeed system and contains three dry closets.

On the first floor are two fire and burglar proof vaults, one for the ordinary and the other for the clerk superior court. These vaults are supplied with steel tables, files and furniture of the latest pattern and in addition is their security they are very attractive. The offices are also well arranged. On the same floor are offices for the judge of the county court, the county treasurer, the county commissioners and a large room fitted up with school furniture for use of the county school commissioner in examining teachers.  There is also a lobby with seats arranged to accommodate visitors.

Up stairs is the main court room with raised floor, steel ceiling, gallery for the colored parties and spectators. The grand jury room is upstairs and adjacent is the solicitor-general’s office. There are rooms for white and colored witnesses, a sheriff’s office, three jury rooms,  consultation room and a steel cell for prisoners.

The building is an elegant one of which the people of Pike feel justly proud.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
The above cut* resembles the old court house at Zebulon which was torn down to give place to the new one. This historic old house was built about fifty-five years ago. A picture of this old house together with copies off the county papers, a roll of the members and officers of Montgomery Lodge F. and A. M. and other articles were placed in the corner-stone of the new building.

* The cuts/photos did not reproduce good. Should anyone want a scanned copy, I  will make an attempt to scan and send you one. There are also photos of the other court houses in this group.

HENRY COUNTY – Has a New and Modern Building Now Being Built.

The Henry county court house which is now in progress of construction will cost $14,000. This house is situated on the northeast corner of the public square and will contain a basement in which will be offices for the tax receiver and collector and also a apartment for justice and county courts.

On the first floor proper there will be two vaults, ordinary’s and clerk’s; and the offices of those officers are also on this floor, as is also the grand jury room and other office rooms.

Up stairs will be the main court room, the petit jury rooms, witness rooms, etc. The floor will be elevated and a gallery will be provided for the colored people.

The tower will be of wood and will be fitted up with a six hundred dollar clock.

The grand jury recommended that the house be rebuilt on the square but the committee saw best to put the building in a different part of the town and this action seems to meet with the hearty approval of the people.
Transcribed by Don Bankston April 2005

Jackson Argus May 28, 1897

Last week Mrs. Caroline Holifield of near Keys Ferry presented Mr. A. A. Lemon, for his little daughter, a doll, which is known to be over 65 years old. It was given to Mrs. Holifield in 1832, sixty-five years ago, by Mr. Lemon’s grand mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Lemon, and now goes to her great grand daughter, well preserved. It is a bisque doll, with a dress made of black silk 18 inches wide, the standard width in that day. The hair is done up in strikingly old timy style, but still presenting much the appearance as that of the present day, and it is indeed an antique relic.
Henry County Weekly

Transcribed by Don Bankston July 2006

Jackson Argus July 23, 1897
Negro Rapist Strung Up At Griffin Yesterday Morning

Oscar Williams, the Negro who committed rape on the person of a little girl in Henry county, fell into the hands of a very humane lot of citizens at Griffin yesterday morning while enroute to safety and was lynched. He was not buried, which shows that the lynchers were kind to a fault. He was shot about 800 times and this shows that the lynchers were generous to a fault. It was a
lavish waste of bullets. Our southern people are so kind and wasteful that most of them stay poor. The following is a brief account of the hanging:

Griffin, July 22 – Oscar Williams, the Negro brute who assaulted the little Pearl Campbell, the six year old daughter of A. C. Campbell, in Henry county Saturday afternoon, July 10, was taken from the Central railroad passenger train, en route from Macon to Atlanta, and lynched by an infuriated mob in the outskirts of this city at 7 o’clock this morning.

The body was swung to a red oak limb and was literally torn to pieces with pistol, shotgun and rifle wounds.

By 10 o’clock this morning the little clump of trees where the body hung suspended was surrounded by a big crows that had come from the country many miles around. Among the thousands who viewed the body was the father of the victim of the brute.

Coroner Jesse Williams empanelled a jury at 10:30 this morning, and after a few minutes, a verdict of death at the hand of parties unknown was reached. Not a single witness was examined.

I have looked all over town cant find a soul who knows anything about the case, said the coroner, and so the verdict was formulated.

At 11 o’clock this morning the body was cut down and there was at once a rapid division of the rope among the spectators. It was cut into small pieces and distributed as far as it would go. Some of the men were content with pieces of the dead negro’s shirt, trousers or suspenders, and desires were expressed even for pieces of his body for a memento.

Men, women and children, black and white, were gathered abent the scene of the lynching all the morning.

The body, after it was cut down, was carried to the city hall where it was viewed by thousands who came too late to see it swing. The negro’s relatives at Zebulon have been wired to know if they want the remains. If not the burial will take place at the county poor farm.

It is an open secret that the lynching was done by some of the best citizens of Griffin. There have been rumors current that the men who took the law into their own hands were farmers, but the facts do not support this. Eye witnesses to the whole affair say confidentially that in the mob there were not a half dozen men who live outside the city.

Transcribed by Don Bankston July 2006

Jackson Argus July 30, 1897

We learn that Dick Foster, a Butts county Negro strayed over into Henry county Tuesday night to a “stracted meetin,”(?) and on his way home took an other negroe’s wife in the buggy with him. He encountered the husband of the woman near the residence of Dr. Langston and was shot to death.

Transcribed by Don Bankston July 2006

Jackson Argus – Week Of August 13, 1897

Bud Jackson, a farmer living on the Cloud place near Locust Grove was tried on a writ of lunacy before Judge Weems this week and adjudged insane. Mr. Jackson was sent to the asylum about four years ago. In March last year he was sent to the asylum again and was discharged after several weeks treatment. He is a man of powerful physique and was a hard worker.

Transcribed by Don Bankston September 2006

Jackson Argus –Butts County October 15, 1897
In Pike superior court last week C. J. Haden, attorney for Taylor Delk,, made an elaborate pleas for change of venue. He seemed somewhat surprised when Solicitor Bloodworth did not resist his motion. Accordingly Judge Beck asked the lawyers to agree upon what county they would have the trial in, but they said any old county except Pike, so the Judge said he would put it in Henry county and set it for the fourth Monday in this month.

Then the judge sprang another surprise. “Now,” said Judge Beck, “I have been considering this matter for some time, and I have concluded that in order that the defense may have no further ground for complaint, it shall have a new judge as well as new list of jurors. I have spoken to Judge John S. Candler and he has kindly agreed to preside in the case.” As Judge Candler has already succeeded during his brief term of office, in establishing a reputation for convicting every man for murder that comes before him against whom a case can possibly be made out, the defense has gotten out of the frying pan into the fire.

Transcribed by Don Bankston 2006

Jackson Argus – Butts County October 29, 1897
Mattie Lowe, a colored woman on the place of George Wilson, near Luella, was brutally treated by her husband one night last week. He knocked her down with a piece of iron, beating her into insensibility and left her for dead, then breaking up the furniture and scattering the provisions all over the house and yard, made his escape.
Transcribed by Don Bankston, 2006

Jackson Argus – Butts County November 12, 1897
Mr. John Bostwick, of Peeksville, one of the cleverest and best citizens in Henry county, was in the city last week and in conversation with friends made the statement that he had been married 42 years. He has 7 children and 24 grand children. All of his children except the youngest having married, and yet, in all this time, nearly half a century, there has not been a single death
in his family.

This certainly is a very remarkable family history, one that cannot be duplicated, perhaps, in the state.

Mrs. And Mrs. Bostwick have the best wishes of The Argus for many more years of happiness under the smiles of a kind Providence.

Transcribed by Don Bankston, 2006

Jackson Argus – Butts County June 6, 1898
The Argus learns that smallpox are still raging in certain sections of Henry
and Newton counties. The bridges over South river are guarded again.

Jackson Argus – Butts County
Week of June 7, 1898
Transcribed by Don Bankston, 2006

Jackson Argus October 20, 1899
LOCUST GROVE INSTITUTE
Locust Grove, Ga.

FALL TERM BEGINS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH

Complete Faculty in all departments. Course study full and well arranged.
Special course for young teachers and pupils preparing for college. Pupils
admitted to classes in Mercer University without examination. Expenses less
than at any other school of like grade in Middle Georgia.

EXPENSES
Tuition
Primary Department per month $ 1.50
Intermediate Department per month 1.75
Collegiate Department per month 2.25
Public Fund deducted for pupils from Henry county
Tuition for all pupils not entitled to Public Fund 1.75
Board, per month 7.00
Laundry .75

For Catalogue and further information, apply to
Claude Gray, Prin.
Locust Grove, Ga.

Transcribed by Don Bankston 2007

Jackson Argus November 3, 1899

Last week The Argus had a news report of the jail delivery in which three prisoners gained their freedom. Two of the prisoners who escaped have been recaptured and are now safely behind the bars again.

Jerry Bowden, the burglar, was out just about 40 hours when he was captured in Henry county. After leaving jail he stole a horse, a pistol, a suit of clothes and other articles, all of which with perhaps one minor exception, were recovered and restored to the rightful owners.

On Monday of this week Sheriff Crawford located John Childs, another of the three in Jones County and on Tuesday he was brought to Jackson and lodged in jail. It was John who broke the lock and who is the responsible party in the jail delivery, and for this reason it was with extra pleasure that the sheriff put him under lock and key.

Sheriff Crawford has exhibited wonderful energy and genius in the effort to recapture these prisoners and his success is creditable to him. Only one more remains at large and we are expecting to hear of his capture at any time.

Transcribed by Don Bankston November 2007

Jackson Argus – Butts County April 6, 1900
Will Juhan, colored was killed by Henry Brooks, of Locust Grove, on Friday of last week. The facts in the case are about as follows:

Four negroes in Henry County were wanted by Sheriff Robert N. Etheridge of Jones county. He sent the warrants to Sheriff Crawford, stating that Sheriff Glass, of Henry County would not do anything for him, and not to ask Glass to assist him in ay way. Some time ago three of the negroes were captured and sent to Jones county by Sheriff Crawford. The Juhan Negro dodged the officers, but learning that he was working in a farm between the Grove and McDonough, the warrant was placed in the hands of Deputy Sheriff Foster, and he went up
Friday to make the arrest. Going through Locust Grove, he asked Brooks to go with him. He did so, and when they reached the field where several negroes were plowing Brooks went out to where they were and when Juhan was pointed out to him started to arrest him and a foot-race began. The race ended at a wire fence, where the negro was killed. Brooks says tat when the negro found he could not get over the fence without being caught, he turned upon him and began to fight. Brooks here fired upon him and killed him.

The Negroes, however, say tht the killing occurred while Juhan was running, and the corner’s jury returned a verdict of murder. Mr. Foster was not near enough to see the unfortunate affair.

Transcribed by Don Bankston December 2007

Jackson Argus June 29, 1900
Many Lives Lost in Camp Creek Disaster

The northbound passenger train which passes Jackson at 8:20 was wrecked at Camp Creek, one mile above McDonough Saturday night, killing more than 40 people. Thirty-three dead bodies have been recovered and it is believed that numbers of others are lost forever to be recovered.

The culvert over Camp creek was undermined by recent heavy rainfall and the engine, with all the cars dashed into the chasm more than 40 feet below. The sleeping car was not totally demolished and nine persons who were in this car were saved. Every one else was lost.

The killed who have been recovered are as follows:

Killed – Passengers
W. W. Ipark, Atlanta
W. F. Maddox, Atlanta
G. W. Flournoy, Atlanta
W. J. Pate, Atlanta
Jesse Pate, aged 13, son of W. J. Pate, Atlanta
W. J. Pate, Atlanta (this is a repeat)
D. C. Hightower, Stockbridge
J. L. Florida, Nashville, Tenn

The Crew
J. T. Sullivan, engineer of wrecked train, Atlanta
W. A. Barelay, conductor of wrecked train, Atlanta
H. R. Cressman, conductor of Pullman on wrecked train, Ashville, N.C.
W. H. Green, fireman on the wrecked train, Atlanta
W. W. Bennet, baggage master on wrecked train, Atlanta

Employees
J. H. Hunnicut, conductor, Atlanta
J. E. Wood, conductor, Atlanta
D. Y. Griffith, supervisor, Flovilla
W. R. Lawrence, foreman, Stockbridge
W. O. Ellis, bridgeman, Stockbridge
John Brantley, fireman, Atlanta
J. H. Rhodes, flagman,
W. L. Morrissette, repairer, Pocahontas, Va.
Ed Bird, Negro fireman
Robt. Spencer, Negro porter
John Early, colored
Bob Smith, porter

Unidentified
Bodies of four white men
Bodies of five Negro men
Many charred bones and pieces of flesh.

Mr. Pate was a carriage trimmer and had worked in Jackson for several years for J. R. Carmichael. He had many friends here as he spent most of his time here, going to his home in Atlanta once every two weeks. His little boy, Jesse, was with him here for the past two weeks and both were instantly killed.

Mr. Flourney, the painter at Hitchin’s factory, also lived in Atlanta and worked here. He was only a few weeks ago taken under the watch care of the Baptist church here.

Supervisor D. Y. Griffith had lived for quite a while in Jackson and his remains were buried here with Masonic ceremonies on Tuesday. He was a cousin of Dr. W. C. Bryant

E. S. Schtyver, one of the passengers in the sleeping car gives this graphic story of the wreck:
Four of us were in the smoking compartment of the sleeper, he said. They were Mr. Mack, Walter Pope, J. C. Flynn and myself. I cant say how fast the train was running, but it seemed to me a lively gait. The rain was pouring down in torrents outside, but in the sleeper, of course, everything was as comfortable as could be.

Miss Merritt, of Boston, and Miss Alden, her traveling companion, were in the center of the car. We could hear them talking at times. The flagman, Quinlan, was near the rear of car. The porter, Carter, had left our compartment but a moment before and was near the ladies, I think Conductor Gressman was in the forward end of the car.

Without any warning; there came a jerk like the application of the engineer’s emergency break, and then before we could look up there came a crash, and down we went. I can’t remember much directly after that. Everything went dark as pitch and we found that we were in water. We didn’t hear a sound from the other cars, and our car might have been alone in the night so far as any connection in any way with the others went.

Naturally when we stopped rolling we began to climb out. The Pullman rested with one end on the abutment of a trestle or culvert and the other end up a steep embankment. It was broken in the center, I think, and there was a confusion of pipes and debris all through it.

Five of us climbed up the floor of the car and reached the vestibuled end of the embankment. From the vestibule we reached the roof and stayed there in the rain two hours. Flynn tried to climb up the embankment, but slipped back and went down in the water under the wreck. He was carried down the stream half a mile and caught on a stump, finally reaching the bank, more dead than alive.

Quinlan, the flagman climbed up that bank, loosening tons of earth and crossties as he went. He yelled back at us that he was going to flag a train that was following. One or two more tried to climb the bank, but failed on account of the mud and wet sand.

Finally some one came to the edge of the bank above us and we asked him to throw us down a rope. After another long wait, while they were looking for scraps of rope to tie together in order to reach us the rope was thrown and one of our party tied it under his arms and was hauled up the bank through mud. When it came my time I thought the rope would break and tried it several times with my weight. Finally I cried out for them to haul away, and up I went. That’s what put all this mud on me.

Everybody alive in the sleepers was rescued in this manner, including the ladies. We walked to McDonough, where we stayed until this afternoon, when we took vehicles and drove to Hampton to catch the northbound Central train. I didn’t go back to the scene of the wreck after I was hauled up the bank. I had no desire to see the terrible sight I witnessed at intervals through the night by the glare of the burning coaches and the flashes of lightning.

Transcribed by Don Bankston January 2008

Jackson Argus August 10, 1900
Locust Grove, Ga., August 6

Jack Gray, a well known young man of Henry county and a member of one of the most prominent families of the county, was murdered Saturday night by two negroes, with whim he was gambling in the woods, near this place. Gray’s body, with the back broken, was found Sunday morning by the side of the Southern railway track. It was thought at first that he had been killed by a train, but the coroners inquest developed the fact that he had been killed by negroes, named Law, father and son.

Gray is supposed to have been under the influence of liquor at the time, and while gambling a dispute arose and he was slain. Witnesses at the inquest testified that they saw Gray and the Negroes gambling. When the body was found they went to the spot where they had seen the men, and there were bloodstains and other evidences of a terrible struggle.

Transcribed by Don Bankston, Jan. 2008

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