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Biographies of Meriwether County, Ga. citizens
from Memoirs of Georgia, Vol. II, Atlanta, Ga.,
Published by The Southern Historical Association in 1895
transcribed by Carla Miles
(thanks, Carla!)
also see this biography of the
Rev. William Henry Sharp
W. H. Albright, one of the most successful business men of the county of Meriwether, was born in Sumpter, Ga., in 1840, the son of Oswald and Sarah A. (Wheless) Albright. His father was born Feb. 29, 1819, in Franklin county, Ga., of which county his parents, Jacob and Mary (Dixon) Albright, who were natives of North Carolina, were among the earliest settlers. He, Oswald Albright, in 1836, ran away from home to serve in the Indian war. His wife was the daughter of Abb and Polly (Tindall) Wheless, natives of Virginia, who made Georgia their home at an early date. Although born in Georgia, young Albright (W.H.) passed his boyhood and youth on a farm in Russell county, Ala. and returned to this state in 1858. He received such education as the country schools could afford, supplemented by one term at college, and also taught seven terms. Then, as did many of his comrades, he laid aside his high hopes, and responded to the call of duty, enlisting in 1861, in a company under Capt. Dubose, attached to the Fifth North Carolina battalion. But on account of his disabilities, the young man was discharged in 1862, and returned home the next year broken in health and without a cent wherewith to make a start in life. He, however, possessed superior qualifications, which fitted him for a business career, and he embarked in the mercantile trade, in which his success has been marvelous. By industry, integrity and persistent application to business he has amassed a fortune, and is one of the most honored citizens of this county. His wife was Miss Sarah Humphries, born in Meriwether county in 1844, the daughter of Charles F. and Elizabeth (Sewell) Humphries, the former born in South Carolina in 1814, and an early settler of Georgia. Mr. and Mrs. Albright have been blessed with seven children, four of whom are living: William A., John O., Thomas D., and James C. The parents are both faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Albright is also a prominent Mason. He traces with pride the genealogy of his family to the day of the pilgrim fathers, when, in 1620, the first Albright landed in America. This man, named Jacob, was the father of four sons, and through them rose the families of that name throughout America. Two counties of North Carolina – Guilford and Alamance – were named for members of the Albright family, who were noteworthy and popular.
Virgil Biggers, a successful farmer, is a native of Columbus, Ga., where he was born in 1850. His grandfather, Joseph Biggers, a revolutionary soldier, brought his wife, Mary (Countryman) Biggers, and son, F.M. Biggers, from South Carolina, their native state, to settle in Columbus, Ga. The son developed excellent business talent, and carried on an extensive trade in Columbus for a number of years. His wife, Miss Louisa Gaston, was a daughter of Judge Alexander and Louisa (Blair) Gaston, of South Carolina, who in 1802 came to Georgia, where for many years Judge Gaston held a prominent position in political affairs, as well as in those pertaining to the church, in which he was very active. Virgil, the son of F.M. and Louisa Biggers, having been reared upon the farm, where he had but limited educational advantages, developed a fondness, as well as an aptitude for agricultural pursuits, to which he has devoted himself, and with very great success. He has a large and fine farm of 700 acres, in an excellent state of cultivation, and is a man generally liked and respected. In 1876 Mr. Biggers married Miss Alice McClinan, a native of the county, born in 1860; she is the daughter of Freeman and Anna (Hammock) McClinan, the former a native of this county, and long a leading and influential citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Biggers have four children: Pierce, Marion, Clarence and Willis. The parents are earnest and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Biggers belongs, also, to the masonic fraternity.
John G. Brown, who carries on an extensive farm in Meriwether county, of which he is a native, was born in 1835, and is the son of William and Mary (Owen) Brown. The former, a native of Jones county, was born in 1810, and settled in Meriwether county in 1832. His parents, John and Millie (Miller) Brown, were early settlers of Baldwin county, to which Mr. Brown, whose father, Moses Brown, was a revolutionary soldier, came from South Carolina. William Brown’s wife was the daughter of George Owen, a Virginian who settled in Meriwether county in 1830. John G. Brown passed his early years on the farm, securing such education as was attainable in the old log school house. In 1861 he enlisted in Company B, of the Thirteenth Georgia militia, under Capt. Henry Baker. He served throughout the war, was in the battle of Atlanta, from July 19 to July 22, 1864, and other fights. He returned with empty pockets to make a new start in life. By prudence and economy, as well as diligence, his means rapidly increased, and he has added from time to time to his farm, and is now the owner of a vast plantation in a fine state of cultivation; he also runs a saw-mill and is a man of wealth and influence. He is an honored member of the order of masonry. In 1859 Mr. Brown married Miss Sarah Riggins, born in Upson county in 1838, daughter of Joshua H. and Winnie (Alford) Riggins. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been blessed with twelve children: Mary A.E., John G., Lou D., Charity E., Julius C., James T., Julia A., Jacob V., Jesse E. (deceased), Joshua W. (deceased), Anna M. and Esley C.
Cyprian Bulloch, Jr., a wealthy farmer and active man of business of Meriwether county, in which he was born in 1848, is the son of Cyprian and Lucinda (Grey) Bulloch, North Carolinians, who were among the first settlers of Burke county, Ga. Mr. Bulloch was born in 1802 and died in 1892; his parents were Stephen and Mary (Bussey) Bulloch, of North Carolina, the father a soldier in the war of the revolution. The mother of Cyprian Bulloch, Jr., was a daughter of Samuel Grey, a South Carolinian who served in the war of 1812, and having drawn some land in Georgia, came and settled upon it, at a time when the country was very sparsely settled. The young Cyprian passed his early years on the farm with but a limited education. He developed a talent for agriculture, and in 1876 made his first investment in land, to which he had added at intervals since until he now has an immense plantation of some 1,200 acres of fine land. Besides his farming interests Mr. Bulloch is engaged in various mercantile enterprises in connection with the firm known as Bulloch, Bussey & Co. In 1872 Mr. Bulloch married Miss Julia Parkman, who was born in this county in 1853, and is a daughter of Henry and Mary (Glanten) Parkman, South Carolinians, who moved to Georgia in 1846; Mr. Parkman served in the late war. Mr. and Mrs. Bulloch have been blessed with seven children: Henry, Mattie, Julia, Minnie, Andrew, Ira G. and Samuel T. The parents are both members of the Baptist church; Mr. Bulloch is also a member of the masonic fraternity.
N. C. Campbell, M.D., is a man distinguished among the citizens of Meriwether county, not only as a successful physician, but as a man of influence in political and general affairs. His grandfather, John Campbell, a Virginian, served in the war of the revolution and in 1800 moved to Georgia. His son, Catlett, born in Virginia in 1797, having spent his early years in Morgan county, Ga., settled on a farm in Meriwether county just after it was formed, and was one of the most prosperous planters in that county during his day. Mr. Campbell died in 1862; he had married Miss Susan Harris, whose parents, John and Agnes Harris, were also Virginians who early made Georgia their home. Mr. Harris had also been a soldier in the war of the revolution. The son of Catlett and Susan (Harris) Campbell, N.C. Campbell, was born in Meriwether county in 1838, and after receiving an elementary education in the country schools near his home he completed his general course of study at Collinsworth institute. He then took up the study of medicine, reading at first under the tutelage of Dr. F.O. Danially; this was followed by a course in medicine at the university of New York, from which he graduated in 1860. He also enjoyed the advantages of hospital practice at Bellevue hospital, which was very helpful to him. In 1861 the young physician went into the army, enlisting in Company B, Second Georgia regiment, under Capt. William Harris. He passed through many battles: Mason’s and Munson’s hills, Yorktown, Seven Pines, serving throughout the war, to return at its close to establish himself in practice. In this Dr. Campbell has been very successful, having a large and lucrative practice, and is widely known and respected. He represented his county in the legislature of 1890 and 1891. He is a well-known member of the order of Masons. In 1863 Dr. Campbell married Miss Mary E. Howard, born in Talbot county in 1842, a daughter of John and Martha (Birch) Howard, the former a son of Nicholas and Judith (Campbell) Howard, Virginians who settled in Columbus when their son John was quite young. The mother of Mrs. Campbell was born in Danville, Va., in 1818. She was the daughter of John Neville Birch and Ann (Dilworth) Birch, Virginians who moved to Georgia in 1820. Dr. N.C. Campbell and Mary (Howard) Campbell are the parents of three children: Eloise, Susie Howard and Mary Eugenia. The parents are efficient members of the Methodist Episcopal church south. George CaldwellGeorge Caldwell, a progressive farmer of Meriwether county, is one of the pioneers of the county, and of Irish ancestry, his grandparents, James and Mary Caldwell, and also his grandfather, McAlace, being natives of Ireland. James Caldwell was a soldier of the revolutionary war. These all settled in South Carolina, in which state their children, Robert and Jeanette (McAlace) Caldwell, were born, and also the son of the latter pair, George Caldwell, born in 1816. The lad’s home was on the farm, his school privileges being limited to attendance in the old log school house of his district. On reaching manhood in 1837, his parents moved to Georgia, and he accompanied them. He made his home on a farm, and by prudence, industry and economy has developed it into one of the valuable properties of the county, and has won a high standing in the community. His wife was Miss Eliza Connally, a daughter of Abner and Lucy (Bagley) Connally, old pioneers of the state; she was reared on a farm in Elbert county. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell were married in 1837 and have six children: Missouri, Bethuel, Mary, William, John W. and Rebecca. Mr. Caldwell is a Lutheran, while his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
W.B. Clark, is one of the active and successful business men of Meriwether county, is a native of this county, born in 1858; his parents, Henry G. and Nancy J. (Ray) Clark, were among the first settlers of this county, the father being a native of Virginia and a son of Samuel and Susan (Drake) Clark. Samuel Clark was of Irish nativity, and having emigrated to this county in his early years, served in the war of 1812, and later came to Georgia. His son Henry’s wife, Nancy, was a daughter of George R. and Nancy Ray, who were also early settlers of this county. W.B. Clark spent his early years, until he reached the age of twenty-one, upon the farm, making the most of such education as he could obtain in the country schools of his neighborhood. He them came to Rocky Mount and engaged as clerk with J.H. Salmon (a Scotchman who came to this country in 1878). After five years young Clark bought out his employer’s business, which he continued to carry on with great success, and has acquired a considerable fortune by his own industry and economy. In 1890 he married Ann Braswell, a native of Meriwether county, born in 1873, and the daughter of Hugh and Fannie (Roe) Braswell, old settlers of the state, the father a soldier in the late war.
W. J. Clark is another of the respected citizens of Meriwether county who devotes himself to the cultivation of the soil. His grandfather, Thomas Clark, was born in England, and coming to the United States, settled in South Carolina, where he married. In 1824 he migrated to Georgia and settled first in what is now Meriwether county, whence not long afterward he moved to Coweta county, where he lived three years. He then moved to what is now Cherokee county, but after staying there a year he moved back to Meriwether county, where he made his permanent home. Henry G. Clark, Mr. Clark’s father, was born in South Carolina in 1818 and was only six years old when his father moved to Georgia, and grew to manhood in Meriwether county. He married Miss Nancy J., daughter of George A. and Rebecca Ray, who were early settlers of Meriwether county. It was in this county, in 1848, that their son, W.J. Clark, was born and passed his early years upon the farm, with the limited school privileges of those days. His chief interest has always centered in agriculture, and to that he has devoted himself, and with great success, as is evident from the fact that though he started out life with nothing, he has already acquired a competence, has a pleasant home and a fine farm of 500 acres near Oakland. His wife, whom he married in 1872, was Miss Lucy A. Estes, who was born in this county in 1845, and is the daughter of John W. and Lucy Estes, natives of South Carolina, but among Georgia’s early settlers. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Clark seven children have been born: Mattie J., Josie S., Mary L., Lizzie Etta, James W., Henry J., and Lewis C. Mr. and Mrs. Clark and daughters are members of the Missionary Baptist church. Mr. Clark is a Mason and also a member of the Farmers’ alliance.
R. S. Cole is a grandson of Robert and Elizabeth (Fambrel) Cole, Virginians, who were among the early settlers of Newton county, Ga., and later moved to Coweta county, where, in Newnan, Mr. Cole died. Their son, Jesse, who had accompanied his parents from Virginia to Newton county, married Miss Elizabeth Crawford, a daughter of William T. and Elizabeth (Shanklin) Crawford, natives of South Carolina, who were among the early settlers of Henry county, Ga. One son, Taylor Crawford, served in the Mexican war under Gen. Taylor. R.S. Cole, the son of Jesse and Elizabeth Cole, was born in 1820, in Newton county, and reared on the farm in Henry county, coming to Meriwether county in 1842. His educational opportunities had been very limited, and he began life for himself with but very little to start with; but by determined effort and persistent industry he has acquired wealth and influence. His large farm consists of 1,500 acres of land, in splendid condition. He has a beautiful home, and he and his family enjoy the respect of all who know them. His wife, who he married in 1841, was Miss Nancy Ward, born in Meriwether county in 1819. She is a daughter of Obadiah and Susan (Fambrel) Ward, the former a native and constant resident of Meriwether county. Mr. Cole belongs to the masonic fraternity, and he and Mrs. Cole are both faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They are the parents of six children: William T., Franklin, Elisa, John, Jesse and Sallie.
Monroe Davidson, one of the well-to-do farmers of Meriwether county, is a native of Putnam county, born in 1832. His grandfather, William Davidson, a Virginia soldier of the revolutionary war, and his son Oliver, the father of Monroe, was born in Warren county. He served in the Indian war of 1836, and his wife was Miss Harriet A. Davenport, a daughter of John and Nancy (Davis) Davenport, Virginians, who settled first in Greene county, Ga., and afterward in Harris county. Young Monroe passed his early years on a farm in Harris county, with the common privileges of the country school. In 1862 he enlisted, joining Company H of the Thirty-first Georgia regiment, under Capt. Murphey, and was in many battles, among them those of Griswoldville and of Cold Harbor, in the latter of which he was badly wounded and unable to serve any further. He returned home, and after recovering from his wound devoted himself to the cultivation of his farm, in which he has been well prospered. At the time of the war Mr. Davidson sold his Negroes, receiving in payment Confederate money. He has that money yet. In 1859 Mr. Davidson married Miss Regina Park, the daughter of Dr. Andrew and Alethia (Burren) Park, the former a native of South Carolina, who came to this state in 1828. The daughter, Mrs. Davidson, was born in Meriwether county in 1838. To Mr. Davidson and his wife three children have been born: Alethia A., Anna M., and Regina P. The parents are both worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
John T. Dixon, M.D., a physician of note in Meriwether county, and a man of fine business ability, is a native of the county, born in 1837, the son of John and Elizabeth (Gorley) Dixon. The former was a native of Hancock county, but an early settler of Meriwether county, where he died in January, 1892. His parents were Harry and Ann (Hines) Dixon, Virginians, who early settled in Georgia. Mr. Dixon served in the war of 1812. The father of Dr. Dixon’s mother was also an early settler of the state. Dr. Dixon himself passed his early years on the farm, obtaining his early training in the old log school house of this district; then he attended the Greeneville school, and finally the Collinsworth institute. In 1861 he enlisted in Company E of the Twenty-eight Georgia regiment, under Capt. Moore. In the battle of Seven Pines Dr. Dixon was badly wounded and returned home to recruit. During the twelve months he was away from the army he took a course of medical study in the Virginia Medical college, at Richmond, and then went into the hospital service for the remainder of the war. He then entered the medical college in Atlanta, from which he graduated in 1866. Having received his degree, Dr. Dixon returned to Meriwether county, and established himself in the practice of his profession at Woodbury, in which he has had great success, his practice being widely extended and very lucrative, and he is highly esteemed throughout the community. Dr. Dixon was married in 1865, his wife being Miss Celeste E. Hussey, a daughter of Hiram and Sarah (Edwards) Hussey, of Meriwether county, where Mrs. Dixon was born, in 1844. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, south, and died in 1891, leaving her husband with seven children: Sallie, Mary I., Emmett E., John L., Harry, Joel T., and Nellie. In 1892 Dr. Dixon married Mrs. H.H. Hinton, who was born in Meriwether county in 1838, and the daughter of Brown Fuller. Dr. and Mrs. Dixon are both faithful and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
D. C. Dunlap, a prosperous farmer and active business man of this county, is a native of Lincoln county, Tenn., born in 1823. His parents were James and Sarah (Massey) Dunlap, the former born in South Carolina in 1790, and served in the Indian war; the latter a daughter of James Massey, a native of Ireland, who was an early settler in Giles county, Tenn. James Dunlap’s parents were David and Polly Dunlap who early moved from South Carolina to Alabama, being among the very first settlers of Tuscaloosa, in that state. Mr. Dunlap had been one of the soldiers of the revolution. Young Dunlap spent his boyhood in the place of his birth, the farm in Lincoln county, Tenn., with very restricted educational privileges. In 1843 he went to Tuscaloosa, Ala., where he spent three years. In 1850 he came to Georgia and built a large mill at White Sulphur Springs, in the southern part of Meriwether county, and in 1854 he moved to his present home, near Rocky Mount. Here, in 1875, he built a large public gin and machine shops, his being the first steam gin erected in this county. In 1877 it was destroyed by fire, two men, a white and a negro, being the incendiaries; the latter died in prison. By this fire Mr. Dunlap lost $6,200; but, nevertheless, this loss did not discourage him, and he has been quite prosperous in later years. His unbounded energy and steady industry have been the foundation of his success, and he has always been highly respected wherever known. He served with honor to himself in the late war, enlisting in 1862 in the Twenty-sixth Georgia battalion, under Capt. Robert Heard, taking part in the battles of Resaca and Missionary ridge, and others, and doing his part until the declaration of peace. The marriage of Mr. Dunlap took place in 1852, his wife being Miss Francina Brittain, born in Clark county, Ga., Sept. 18, 1832, a daughter of William and Mary (Harris) Brittain, the former also a native of Clark county; born in 1804. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap, of whom the eldest, Sarah E., wife of Barney Almon, died in 1882. The others are: Mary E., Louisa, James D., John H. and Robert R. The parents are faithful members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Dunlap is a member of the order of masons. He was also for some years justice of the peace, from 1866 through 1868.
J. D. Dunn, a prosperous farmer, and a man of remarkable mechanical talent and skill, is a native of Meriwether county, in which he was born in 1828; his parents, William and Beddy (Johnston) Dunn, having settled in this county the preceding year. Here his father, who was born in Jones county, Ga., in 1800, built what is known as the Greeneville road. He was the son of Alexander and Beddy (O’Neal) Dunn, the former a native of Maryland and a soldier of the revolutionary war, who, after residing in Jones county for a considerable time, removed to Chambers county, Ala., where he passed the closing years of his life. The wife of William Dunn was the daughter of David Johnston, an early settler of Jasper county, Ga. The son, J.D. Dunn, was reared upon the farm, with the few advantages for education of that early period. In 1850 he moved into Woodbury, Meriwether Co., where he, having learned the trade of carriage and buggy making, engaged in that business. In 1861 he enlisted in the militia under Capt. Frank Strozier, and was elected adjutant. After the war Mr. Dunn returned to his business in Woodbury, and has a large establishment and thriving trade – carriage building. He is also a skillful house carpenter, and has done some marvelously fine work in that line. The Robert E. Lee institute at Thomaston, Upson Co., now a college of considerable note, is a monument of his mechanical skill. Mr. Dunn is a man of varied talents; he has been justice of the peace for eighteen years, winning the esteem of all with whom he has been concerned; has been a member of the democratic executive committee for the past two years, and withal has found time to oversee the affairs of his large and beautiful farm in the vicinity of Woodbury, and prove himself a practical farmer. He is a member of the Odd Fellows, and the Masonic fraternity. In 1848 Mr. Dunn married Miss Catherine F. Findley, daughter of Riley and Catherine (Oliver) Findley, who were early settlers of this county, in which Mrs. Dunn was born Dec. 14, 1831. Mr. Dunn and his wife are both active members of the Missionary Baptist church; they were blessed with two children: John D. and Kittie P. On Jan. 5, 1891, Mr. Dunn was bereft of his wife by death.
William R. Edge, a prosperous citizen of this county, has passed through many vicissitudes in the years of his life. He is the son of Joseph and Margaret (Flint) Edge, the former born in Wilkes county in 1803, and died in Meriwether county in 1886; his father, Nehemiah Edge, a South Carolinian, was one of the earliest settlers of Wilkes county. Here in 1826 William R. was born and where he passed his boyhood, obtaining such education as he was able to do in his country home. Later he began working for himself at the rate of seven dollars per month, at which rate he worked for three years; then he was overseer for a time, after which he went into the milling business. He fell a victim to the "gold fever", and spent some time in California in search of that much-sought mineral. He served also through the war, enlisting in 1862 in Company B, First Georgia cavalry, under Capt. J.W. Trammell; he was in the battle at Philadelphia and was in all the engagements during the memorable "march to the sea," being in those forces before Sherman all the way. Since the war he has been engaged in several different kinds of business, but has been especially successful in farming, as his large and beautiful and well-kept plantation on the Flint river bears witness. Mr. Edge married in 1855 his wife, Miss Catherine Boyd, being the daughter of Milton and Jane (Douglass) Boyd, of South Carolina, who came to Georgia in 1830. One daughter, Emma C., was born to Mr. and Mrs. Edge; she is now the wife of W.P. Lovelace. Mrs. Edge died in 1875 and in 1877 Mr. Edge married Mrs. Amanda (Miller) Knowles, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Lovelace) Miller, of Wilkes county. Mrs. Edge is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church; her husband is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
Lewis Edwards, a well-known and esteemed farmer of Meriwether county, is of Virginian ancestry, his grandfather, Henry Edwards, being a native of Virginia and a soldier, a sharpshooter, during the revolutionary war. Soon after the war he migrated with his family to Georgia and settled in Clarke county. His wife was Mary Woodson, an orphaned English girl who, on account of the harsh laws and cruelly severe penalties of those days, was obliged to leave the country for the simple act of plucking a bunch of grapes. Their son, Lewis H. Edwards, was born in 1812 and died in 1884. He married Mildred Lane, a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Lane, also natives of Virginia, and old residents of Georgia. In 1837 Mr. Edwards moved to Meriwether county, where in 1848 his son Lewis was born, and reared upon the homestead farm. His early privileges of education were limited to those of the common country school, and these were much impaired by the onset of the war. With the return of peace he too returned to his Georgia home, and in the peaceful pursuits of agriculture soon forgot the toils and dangers of war. He has made a success of his calling, owning now a beautiful and well cultivated farm of 260 acres and enjoying the respect of the entire community. His fellow citizens have thrown on him the responsibilities of the position of justice of the peace. In 1872 Mr. Edwards married Miss Mary Estes, a daughter of John W. and Martha (Fuller) Estes, the former a native of South Carolina, who came to Georgia many years ago, where, in Meriwether county, he is a prominent farmer. Mrs. Edwards was born in this county in 1844, and she is a member of the Missionary Baptist church. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Edwards has been blessed with three childrenW. F. Florence, one of the prosperous agriculturists of this county, is of the Virginia stock, both his grandfathers, who had served with bravery in the revolutionary war, having settled in Georgia the early part of the century. His father, William Florence, was born in Washington county, Aug. 11, 1805, and his mother, Millie A. (Arnett) Florence, was born in Virginia, Jan. 2, 1808. In 1838 their son, W.F. Florence, was born in Wilkes county, and the next year the family moved to Meriwether county, which became their permanent home. Mr. Florence is now occupying the house his father built for his family the years preceding the removal. In those days educational opportunities were very limited, but young Florence made the best of such as fell to his lot. In 1861 he enlisted in the army, enlisting in Company B, Second Georgia regiment, under Capt. W. T. Harris. He took part in a number of the most important engagements of the war, Manassas, seven days before Richmond, Fredericksburg, Harper’s Ferry, Hagerstown and Gettysburg. He buried Col. Harris, who was killed at Gettysburg; he himself was wounded at the battle of Seven Pines and was carried bleeding off the field; at Shepherdstown he received a wound in the arm – in fact was wounded at four different times during the war; in the battle of Chickamauga his arm was badly shattered, but he heroically held out to the end of the war in 1865, and returned home to begin life for himself, and with no money. By energy and industry Mr. Florence soon began to win his way and accumulate money, buying his first land in 1867, to which he had been able to add since, so that he now owns a large and productive farm and is comfortably established, possessing also the true respect of all who know him; has been for some time bailiff of his district. Oct. 30, 1873, he married Miss Mary J. Russell, whose parents, John and Mary A. (Cappleman) Russell, natives of South Carolina, were among the early settlers of the state. Mrs. Florence was born in this county in December, 1846. She is a worthy member of the Baptist church, while her husband is a Presbyterian. He also belongs to the masonic fraternity. Mr. and Mrs. Florence have five children: Lottie, Hugh, Lena, James and Dosia.
David Freeman is another of the tillers of the soil of Meriwether county, who by industry and uprightness have attained prosperity. He is a grandson of James and Rebecca (Rymes) Freeman, the former a native of Tennessee, but who passed the greater part of his life in the city of Rome, Ga. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. His son, J.C., was born in Clinton, Jones Co., Ga., in 1819, and married Miss Amanda Neal, a daughter of James and Mary (Rucker) Neal, the former a native of Warren county, Ga., and a soldier of the revolution. Mr. Freeman moved to Meriwether county in 1848; he served during the late war in the state militia, and has represented his district, Griffin district, in congress. His son, David Freeman, was born in Zebulon, Pike Co., in 1847; he has passed not only his early years, but those of manhood also, on the farm in Meriwether county, still residing in the old homestead, and within sight of one of the first houses built in the county, which is a part of his property. The Flint river, on whose borders his plantation lies, is here somewhat shallow, which gives the place its name "Flat Shoals". In the old Flat Shoals college young Freeman obtained a part of his education, which he completed in Griffin. He has been more fortunate than many in the respect of excellent educational opportunities. As a farmer and a man of business he has been prospered and is well respected by all.
W. F. Gay, is one of those citizens of Meriwether county who may point with pride to patriotic ancestry, two of his great-grandfathers having served with valor in the revolutionary struggle. Some time after the war the son of one of these men, Benjamin Gay, brought his wife, Mrs. Ann (Gay) Gay, from their native state, North Carolina, to settle in Georgia. Their son, Columbus Gay, married Miss Martha Sasser, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Beverly) Sasser. The father of the former served throughout the revolution under Gen. Washington and to the day of his death bore on his head the scars of several wounds received in that war. This family was also of North Carolina nativity, but William Sasser came to Georgia early in the century and settled in Monroe county. The move being made in mid-winter, with the ground frozen, and the settlement in the woods, much suffering and privation was entailed upon the settlers while, with the aid of kind neighbors, they constructed a home. Mr. Sasser served in the war of 1812, and in 1829 transferred his family to Meriwether county and again created a home in the wilderness. In these days of comfort, with the countless conveniences of modern life, it is hard to realize what our predecessors of one or two generations had to endure. Around this lonely home towered the primeval forest, in whose shadows lurked the timid deer and the ravenous wolf. Many a night were the slumbers of the pioneer family broken, and their hearts filled with far, by the hideous and terrifying howls of the wolves. Many a morning saw their stock of sheep, pigs or calves diminished as the result of these marauding visits. Neighbors were distant and privileges few. For years they rode fifteen miles for the purpose of attending church. Mr. Sasser, desiring to increase the educational facilities for his own and his neighbor’s children, gave two acres of land for the purpose of erecting an academy. The son of Columbus and Martha (Sasser) Gay, W.F. Gay, was born here in 1850. He passed his early years on the farm, but received a good education, and has developed a very fine business talent, as well as cultivating his farm with great success. For twelve years he has resided at Gay, carrying on a thriving mercantile trade. The respect in which he is held by his fellow-citizens is evinced by the responsibilities they have laid upon him. He has been county bailiff, justice of the peace, and for the last six years county commissioner. His wife was Miss Anna Culpepper, daughter of Charles and Jane (English) Culpepper, old settlers of Coweta county, and natives of South Carolina. Mr. Culpepper was a soldier in the late war. Mrs. Gay was born in Coweta county in 1849, and is a member of the Primitive Baptist church. Mr. and Mrs. Gay were married in 1869, and their union has been blessed with eleven children: John, Emma, Lula, Mattie, Henry, Leila, Joe, Dallie, Ben, Bessie and Iva.
Col.
Henry P. Harris
page 509-510
Col. Henry P. Harris, one of Georgia’s illustrious sons, is of Scotch-Irish ancestry, descended from one of the seven brothers who came to America early in the history of the colonies, and who were the progenitors of this family in this country. His grandfather, Absalom Harris, was born in Virginia, and in 1795 removed with his family to Georgia, settling in Hancock county. His son, Henry, born in Virginia in 1781, married Miss May Sasnett, daughter of Richard Sasnett, an early settler of Georgia from North Carolina, and a lineal descendant of Gov. Borden, the colonial governor of North Carolina. Henry R., the son of Henry and Mary (Sasnett) Harris, was born in Hancock county in 1828, and in 1830 his father removed with his family to Meriwether county and settled on a plantation near Greenville. Here young Harris grew to manhood, receiving his primary education in the school at Greenville. One of his first teachers was Hon. Lyman Trumbull, later member of congress, and now at the head of the bar in Chicago. Later Mr. Harris completed a successful course at Emory college, and is one of the most accomplished among the graduates of that noble institution, where he fitted himself for the distinguished positions he has since been called upon to fill. In 1872 he was elected to represent his district in congress, in which office he was continued for six years, the last two of which he was a member of the ways and means committee. In 1884 he was elected for another term and was appointed by John G. Carlisle to the same important committee – ways and means. At the close of this term of office he was appointed third assistant postmaster-general, under President Cleveland, and discharged the duties of this office with honor and fidelity. Since his return from Washington Col. Harris has lived in comparative retirement upon his plantation, engaged in his private affairs, and in thoughtful consideration and earnest effort for the interests of the Wesleyan Female college and LaGrange Female college – he being a member of the board of trustees of each of these institutions. The positions of responsibility and influence to which Mr. Harris has been called are indicative of the respect in which he is held, and he is equally well liked by all who know him. Early in life, in 1847, Mr. Harris married Miss Eliza Gresham, whose parents, Albert Y. and (Wells) Gresham, natives of Virginia, were early settlers of Clarke county, Ga., where Mrs. Harris was born in 1830. Mrs. Harris, a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, south, died in 1880, leaving her husband with six children: Mary, Henry R., Ella, Fannie, Lena and Albert Y. In 1886 Col. Harris married Miss Kate Moses, whose parents, S. Preston and Lizzie (Tucker) Moses, natives of South Carolina, were for a long period residents of Washington, D.C., where Mr. Moses died in 1883, and where his widow still resides. Mrs. Harris was born in 1854, in Olympia, Wash., where her father was collector of customs. Col. and Mrs. Harris are both active workers of the Methodist Episcopal church, south, of which they are worthy members. Col. Harris is also an honored member of the masonic fraternity.
Hiram Warner Hill
page 510-511
Hiram Warner Hill is a native of this county, in which his father, Alexander Franklin Hill, a successful planter, was for many years a resident. The family are among the pioneers of the state, to which Mr. Hill’s grandparents came from North Carolina, in the latter part of the last century. Wiley Hill settled in Wilkes county, and there in 1800 their son, Burwell P., was born; he married Martha Pope Johnson, and their son, Alexander Franklin Hill, was born in the same county in 1831; he died in 1888. His wife was Miss Mary J. Warner, a daughter of Hiram and Sarah (Abercrobie) Warner, the former eminent, not only among the citizens of his own state, but of his country, occupying as he did the elevated and responsible office of chief justice of Georgia. He was born in the state of Massachusetts in 1802, his parents being Obadiah and Jane Warner, natives of that state, the former a son of Joshua Warner, the latter a daughter of Capt. Coffin of Martha’s Vineyard. From this patriotic and honorable ancestry was descended Judge Warner, who in his early manhood, in 1821, made a home in Georgia, where his death occurred in 1881. His grandson and namesake, Hiram Warner Hill, was born in 1858 of this brave and honorable race. During his boyhood, passed on the farm, he attended schools of Greenville, Ga., and afterward Emory college, later taking a law course at Harvard university, from which he received his degree in 1881, and returned home to begin the practice of his profession. In this he has been very successful and is highly esteemed; he has for eight successive years (since 1886) been elected to represent his county in the state legislature, which responsibility he has borne with honor to himself and satisfaction to his constituency. During four years of this time he was chairman of the general judiciary committee of the house. In 1884 Mr. Hill married Miss Lena Harris, a daughter of Henry R. and Eliza A. (Gresham) Harris. Mr. Harris, a native of Hancock county, has been a very influential man in his state, for which he served during the late war as colonel. He was for six years a member of congress, and three years third assistant postmaster-general of the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Hill are both active and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church south, and Mr. Hill is an honored member of the masonic fraternity. They have been blessed with six children: H.W., Jr.; Eliza; A.F.; Lena; Mary, and Henry R. Lena died in 1893, and Henry in 1895.
A.J. Hinton, one of the well-known and esteemed citizens of Meriwether county, of which he is a native, was born in August, 1841. His grandfather, John Hinton, a soldier of the revolution, shortly after that war came with his wife, Huldah, from North Carolina, their native state, to Georgia. Here in Wilkes county, where they had settled, their son Jesse was born in 1802, and spent his early years, marrying Miss Clara Wells, a daughter of William and Sallie Wells, natives of the same county. Mr. Hinton was an industrious and energetic man, and a prosperous farmer, and his son A.J. has inherited those valuable qualities. His early years were passed upon the farm, his first steps in the pathway to knowledge being made by the way of the old log school house of his district, after which he attended Griffin college. Before he had attained his majority the war broke out, and in 1862 he enlisted in Company K, Fifty-fifth Georgia regiment, under Capt. Milton P. Tucker. During the time that he was connected with this regiment he was not in any battle, but, his term of enlistment having expired, he returned home, and then re-enlisted, going out as captain of Company B, Ninth Georgia regiment. In this company he was in many battles, among them Atlanta and the fall of Savannah. Capt. Hinton shared in the poverty of his men, and the southern forces in general, and returned penniless from the war, and for several years engaged in farming. In 1873 he was elected clerk of the court, and, therefore, moved to Greeneville; he served two terms as clerk, and in 1877 was elected ordinary, to which office he has been re-elected every term since, which fact has well attested his faithfulness and efficiency in the duties of his office. Capt. Hinton married in 1859 to Miss Sudie Findley, the daughter of Emanuel and Elizabeth (McLaughlin) Findley, the former a native of Jasper county, who came to this county in 1833. Mrs. Hinton was born in this county in 1843 and died in 1875, leaving to her husband two children, Laurena and Jesse L. In 1887 he married Miss Palma Walker, born in Upson county in 1855. Her parents Hudson and Frances (Dardin) Walker, some years ago moved from Georgia to Texas, and later Mr. Walker returning to make a visit to his daughter, was taken with the yellow fever in New Orleans and died. Mr. and Mrs. Hinton are faithful and consistent Christians, the former a member of the Missionary Baptist church, the latter belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Hinton is also an honored member of the masonic order.
W. S. Howell, an attorney of distinguished ability of Meriwether county, belongs to one of the pioneer families of the state, to which his great-grandfather with five brothers came to North Carolina in the last century. Four of the brothers drifted on with the tide of emigration, but one other remained in Georgia. He was McKinney Howell, one of the earliest settlers of Greene county. His wife was Mary Johnson, and their son, Matthew C. Howell, was born in Greene county in 1812. He married Sarah Simonton, and they also made their home in Greene county, as did their son, Samuel A. Howell. The latter married Georgia Ely, a daughter of John W. and Virginia (Baugh) Ely, also residents of Greene county. Mr. Ely was born in North Carolina in 1799. His father, Michael Ely, came to Greene county, Ga., in 1814, where for many years he kept a public inn. The son served in the war of 1836, fought under Gen. Scott, and died in 1885. W.S. Howell, the son of Samuel A. and Georgia (Ely) Howell, was born in Greene county, Jan. 11, 1859, and being reared upon the farm, obtained his first training in the country school; he added to this a course at Dawson institute, White Plains, and finally graduated from Mercer university, Macon, Ga., in 1882. He went to Greeneville and taught for four years, beginning the study of law, to which he devoted himself under the wise supervision of Maj. J.W. Parks, and in 1889 was admitted to the bar. The young attorney has continued in the practice of his profession ever since with ever increasing success. He also carried on a thriving farm, and is a man of high standing among his fellow-citizens. In 1885 Mr. Howell married Miss Hattie Kilpatrick, born in White Plains in 1862, daughter of J.H. and Cornelia (Hall) Kilpatrick; the father was a minister, and president of the Baptist convention of 1894. One child, Cornelia H., was given to Mr. and Mrs. Howell; the latter died in 1886. In 1889 Mr. Howell married Miss Annie Davidson, daughter of Monroe and Reginia (Park) Davidson; the father served in the late war under Gen. Evans. Mrs. Howell was born in Meriwether county in 1866; she is a graduate of Mary Sharp college, Winchester, Tenn. She and Mr. Howell are both members of the Missionary Baptist church. Two children have blessed this union: Samuel M. and William S.
John O. Jones, an enterprising farmer of Meriwether county, is one of those who may look back with pride upon a brave and patriotic ancestry; both of his grandfathers having served in the revolution. His grandparents, John and Agnes (Ready) Jones, were Virginians who settled in this state early in the century, where, in Morgan county, their son, A.J. Jones, was born. They afterward removed to Mississippi, and there, in 1852, Mr. Jones died, full of years and honors. The wife of A.J. Jones was Miss Mary Dark, whose parents were early settlers of Meriwether county, in which county her son, John O. Jones, was born in 1841, and reared upon the farm, receiving only the limited education common in those days in the country schools. In 1861 he enlisted in Company D, Capt. Howard, Eighth Georgia regiment, and was in the first battle of Manassas, and afterward in many others. As was the common lot of most of the Georgian troops, Mr. Jones returned from the war with empty pockets and to a region made desolate by the passage of hostile armies, to begin life anew. But with the natural courage and resolution of his character, he at once set to work at the first thing which presented itself – hauling lumber from Senoia to Atlanta, and with the money thus earned laid the foundation of his present fortune – purchasing land and developing his fine and valuable farm. In 1865 Mr. Jones married Miss Lizzie Glass, a native of Meriwether county, born in 1843; she is the daughter of James B. and Mary (Clower) Glass, the former a native of Jasper county, who came to this county in his boyhood, where he died in 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are both members of the Missionary Baptist church. They have five children: James A., John H., William R., R.A. and Alma M., and the family is well known and esteemed in the community.
D. M. Lassetter belongs to the pioneer stock of this section, his parents, Hardy and Elizabeth (Keith) Lassetter being both natives of the state, the former born in 1780, in the wilderness where at that early date his privileges were but few, his hardships many. Mrs. Lassetter’s father, David Keith, was also a pioneer of the state and a soldier of the war of 1812. D.M. Lassetter was born in Monroe county, Oct. 27, 1830, and in 1836 came with his parents to Meriwether county. His schooling was limited to that obtainable in the little log schoolhouse of those early days. In 1862 Mr. Lassetter enlisted in Company B of the Thirteenth Georgia regiment, under Capt. McCalley, and was wounded June 27, 1862 in the seven days’ fight at Cold Harbor; he was sent home to recover and there took the smallpox, which left him blind for a time, and indeed, he only regained the sight of one eye; as soon as he could see somewhat he went back to the army, but was rejected for active service, and given post duty, at which he served until the surrender. Upon the return of Mr. Lassetter from the war he undertook farming in Coweta county, having nothing to start with, but was unsuccessful; his natural abilities seemed more fit for a business career, and in 1866 he engaged in the mercantile business at Luthersville with Nat Teagle; in 1878 he purchased Mr. Teagle’s interest, since which time he has carried on the business alone, constantly increasing his trade, which has become very large and lucrative. Mr. Lassetter is a member of the masonic order and a man of desirable position in the community where he is widely known and respected. In 1870 Mr. Lassetter married Miss Sallie F. Norris, daughter of William P. and Narcissa (Respass) Norris, early settlers of Meriwether county. Her death occurred a few years after; she was a member of the Primitive Baptist church. In 1881 Mr. Lassetter married Miss Carrie Nall, born in this county in 1852, a daughter of J.W. and Martha (Worthan) Nall, and a member of the Missionary church.
H. B. Leverett, is a citizen of wealth and influence of this county, of which he is a native, born in 1845. He is the grandson of a revolutionary soldier, Robert Leverett, whose wife was Sidney Bailey, and who moved from Maryland, his native state, to South Carolina, where his son, Manuel, was born. In 1825 he moved to Wilkes county, Ga., and later to Alabama, which he made his final home. Manuel Leverett, who served in the late war, married Miss Cynthia Lanier, whose father, Jas. Lanier, a native of Maryland, was also a revolutionary soldier, and with his wife, Mary Lanier, settled in Jasper county, Ga. H.B. Leverett passed his boyhood on the farm with the limited educational advantages of those days, and while yet a youth, in March, 1862, enlisted for the war. He entered Company K of the Thirty-fourth Alabama regiment under Capt. Crowder and fought in many battles: Munfordville, Ky.; Danville, Ky.; Murfreesboro; Tullahoma; Kennesaw Mountain; Columbia; Dalton; Atlanta; Jonesboro; Chickamauga, Chattanooga; Missionary Ridge; Resaca; Franklin; Nashville; Kingston and Bentonville. In the last named engagement he was badly wounded, being shot through the shoulder. Mr. Leverett returned from the war not only without a cent of money, but to find himself without a home, his parents both being dead. For sometime he sought employment, and at last was engaged by Mr. Hannah to aid in the construction of a mill. In 1866 he rented a farm and soon, by unflagging energy, by diligence and economy, was on the highway to success, and he is now the owner of a large and fine plantation, and in the possession of the esteem of all who know him. In December, 1866, Mr. Leverett married Miss Joyce Hutchinson, the daughter of Raymond R. and Lucinda (Lankford) Hutchinson, formerly of Marion county, later of Upson county, but now of Meriwether county. Mr. Hutchinson served in the late war. Mrs. Leverett was born in Marion county in 1846, and in 1861 moved to this county with her father. Mr. and Mrs. Leverett have three children: Lavonia, Annie May and Joyce H. The parents are both devoted members of the Missionary Baptist church. Mr. Leverett is also a member of the order of Masons.
W. P. Lovelace, a successful agriculturist of this region, is a Georgian by birth, born in Troup county in 1849. His parents were John and Martha (Embry) Lovelace, the former a native of North Carolina, born in 1826, who came to Georgia in 1841; he served through the late war with the state militia; he was a son of Amos and Tabitha (Tomlinson) Lovelace, North Carolinians, the father a soldier in the revolutionary war. Mrs. Lovelace was a daughter of Hezekiah Embry, a pioneer of Wilkes county. W.P. Lovelace, owing to the restricted opportunities of his boyhood, obtained but a limited education, of which, however, he has made excellent use. Although but a mere lad he served during the latter part of the war under Capt. Sledge. Mr. Lovelace is a man of remarkable energy and persistence of character, as is evident from the story of his life. He was master of the shoe business, but after a time established himself in the mercantile business at Rome, Ga., and carried this on for several years, but in the panic of 1874 he was driven to the wall, and failed. Not discouraged, he at once went to work again, and was soon carrying on a large tannery worth some $16,000; but this was at length destroyed by fire; yet again, undismayed, he went bravely to work and has for the third time accumulated a fortune, carrying on a fine and well cultivated farm in this county, to which he came in 1882. In 1872 Mr. Lovelace married Miss Emma C. Edge, a native of Meriwether county, born in 1855; she is a daughter of William and Catherine (Boyd) Edge, the former an early settler of the state who served through the war. Mr. and Mrs. Lovelace are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and their union has been blessed with seven children: John W., Lewis E., Mattie B., Thomas E., Nellie M., Lillian C. and Lois C.
O. W. McGehee is a well-known and very successful farmer of this county, where he was born in 1843. He belongs to one of the pioneer families of the state, his grandparents, Samuel and Nancy (Tate) McGehee, natives of Virginia, having been among the earliest settlers of Elbert county, Ga. Here their son, Thomas L., was born, who settled in Meriwether county in 1827; his wife was Miss Sarah K. Martin, a daughter of Marshall and Jennie (Oliver) Martin, natives of Wilkes county, who came to this county in 1828, where Mr. Martin died in 1856. Mr. Martin was a man of wealth and of a prominent family, his father, George Martin, having served with honor in the war of the revolution. The son of Thomas L. and Sarah K. McGehee, O.W. McGehee, in his boyhood on the farm had but limited educational opportunities, of which, however, he made good use. In 1862 he enlisted in Company F of the Forty-first Georgia regiment, under Capt. S.D. Clemmens, and served with bravery in many battles: Perryville, Murfreesboro, siege of Vicksburg, and the battles around Atlanta. In 1863 Mr. McGehee was discharged and returned to his Georgian home to make his own way in the world. He engaged at once in the tillage of his soil, to which pursuit he has ever since devoted himself, and has been duly prospered. He is a man of large wealth and influence, who commands the respect of all of know him. In 1868 Mr. McGehee married Miss Ophelia E. Hall, a daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth (Brown) Hall, the father a very prominent citizen of this county, but a native of Virginia. Mrs. McGehee is a native of this county, born in 1845, and she and Mr. McGehee are both devoted and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is also a member of the order of Masons. They have four children: Sarah, Lena, Joseph T.A., and John O.
W. M. McLuden, a prosperous farmer of Meriwether county in which he was born in 1843, is the son of William and Judith (Fuller) McLuden. His father was born in Wilkes county in 1808, whence he moved to Alabama, and then returned to Georgia, and after a brief residence in Talbot county made his permanent home in Meriwether county. His parents were Frank and Judith (Burford) McLuden, the former an early pioneer of the state, and a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. McLuden’s mother was the daughter of Green Fuller, also a pioneer of the state, and a soldier in the war of 1812, and in the Indian war of 1836. Young McLuden passed his boyhood on the farm, with but few opportunities of obtaining an education – only such as were afforded in the old log school-house. When his state joined the Confederacy, the young man, with boyish enthusiasm, was the first to run up a Confederate flag on its staff in Meriwether county. Although not out of his teens he hastened to enlist in 1861, entering the Eighth Georgia regiment, Company D. He had a remarkable series of adventures and some narrow escapes, as may be presumed from the fact that seven bullets passed through his clothing during the battles in which he was engaged; he fought in the first battle of Manassas, at Fredericksburg, and at Gettysburg. In the last memorable conflict he lost one of his legs. He was captured but retaken by his own forces. On being captured a second time he was not so fortunate, and was a prisoner fifteen months. Returning home penniless he worked for two years at carriage building, and with the money he saved bought his first land in 1868; he has since then given his exclusive attention to the cultivation of his farm, which is in a thriving condition, giving evidence of hard work and diligent care. In 1883 Mr. McLuden married Miss Alice Thompson, a native of Pike county, the daughter of John C. and Margaret (Burt) Thompson, natives of the state, the former a soldier in the late war. Mr. and Mrs. McLuden have been blessed with three children: Leon, Irene and Amerot. Mr. McLuden is a member of the Missionary Baptist church.
C. F. McWilliams, one of the foremost business men of Luthersville, was born in Coweta county, Jan. 31, 1861. He is the son of Andrew J. and Incy (Walthal) McWilliams, and a grandson of Andrew E. and Sarah E. (McGowen) McWilliams, who emigrated to America from Dubin, Ireland, and the former of whom served in the war of 1812, in which he was slain. He left a large family, one of whom, a daughter, still resides in the old home which he built, where her mother carried on the practice of medicine after the old fashion, in which pursuit she was engaged until her death at the age of ninety-eight years, and has done much to alleviate the ills of suffering humanity, especially of the feminine portion thereof. She is one of two sisters and eight brothers. One brother, John McWilliams, assisted in landing the cotton in New Orleans from which Gen. Andrew Jackson’s famous breastworks were built. The maternal grandparent of C.F. McWilliams was John H. Walthal, who married a Miss Morgan. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Young McWilliams was reared on the farm in Coweta county, and received a fair common school education, completing his course in the schools of Luthersville in 1879. The next year he engaged as a clerk for Nat Teagle of Luthersville, and after eight years of faithful service was able to buy out Mr. Teagle’s business, and has ever since carried the business on for himself at the same place, and by steady application he has gone on to prosperity. Mr. McWilliams married Nov. 21, 1887, Miss Ada Teagle, born in 1871, in Meriwether county. She is the daughter of Nat and Fannie (Darde) Teagle, who were warmly devoted adherents of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Teagle was chairman of the building committee of that church in Luthersville, and for more than a score of years, the largest contributor to its financial support, long before he was a member of it. Mr. Teagle was a soldier in the late war, and died in 1889. Mr. and Mrs. McWilliams are also faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They have two daughters: Irene and Ruby.
J. C. Maffett, an honored citizen of Meriwether county, of which he is a native, was born in 1845. He is of Scotch ancestry, his grandfather having been a native of Scotland, who settled in South Carolina, and served his adopted country in the revolutionary war. His son, Ephraim C., left his native state, South Carolina, and settled in Meriwether county when that county was but two years old. His wife, Sarah (Blair) Maffett, was the daughter of a pioneer of Tennessee, George Blair. J.C. Maffett is the son of Ephraim C. and Sarah Maffett, and passed his youth on the farm, but received a good education. In 1864, with the ardor of his years, he enlisted, joining Company B, First Georgia cavalry, under Capt. J.W. Trammell; he took part in a number of engagements: Resaca, Macon, Kingston and Aiken. After his return at the close of the war Mr. Maffett being without money, began work for himself on the farm, to which employment he gave himself with his natural energy, and prospered accordingly. But his fellow citizens demanded of him special service and elected him to the office of sheriff, which by continued re-election he has held ever since – fourteen years in all – an evidence of his peculiar fitness for the position and the faithful fulfillment of his duties. He is man widely known throughout this part of Georgia, and as well as esteemed as known. In 1872 Mr. Maffett married Miss Antoinette Blalock, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Leverett) Blalock of Georgia; Mr. Blalock had served as sheriff of the county during the war. Mrs. Maffett was a member of the Presbyterian church. She was born in this county in 1848 and died in 1884, leaving to her husband three little daughters: Lillian, Mary and Alice K. Mr. Maffett married in 1884 Mrs. Ida (Floyd) Nelson, daughter of Dr. A.G. and Mary (Slaughter) Floyd. Dr. Floyd was a very prominent figure in the business and political affairs of this region for many years, and for fourteen years was clerk of the courts. The second Mrs. Maffett died in 1890, leaving her husband a son, Robert P. Mr. and Mrs. Maffett were both worthy members of the Presbyterian church; Mr. Maffett is also a member of the masonic order.
L. J. Milam, a prosperous Meriwether county farmer, is a native of Lawrence county, S.C., born in 1825, a son of John and Sallie (Fuller) Milam. The father was a Virginian, who came to South Carolina at the age of twenty-one; he served in the war of 1812, during which period he took yellow fever at Charleston, but he recovered and lived to a ripe old age. His parents were also Virginians, who made the home of their later years in South Carolina. Mrs. Sallie (Fuller) Milam was a daughter of Isam Fuller, a native of North Carolina, who settled in South Carolina. Young L.J. Milam was reared on the South Carolina farm and enjoyed but meager school privileges. The school house of logs, as was then common, not only was floorless, but also without chimney. Consequently, as the fire was built in the middle of the house, after the fashion of an Indian wigwam, the pupils were often almost suffocated by the smoke. Mr. Milam made agriculture his chosen calling and by assiduity in its pursuit has made it a success. Some years ago he came to Meriwether county, Ga., and established himself upon a farm near Jones’ Mill, in which place for twelve years he also carried on a profitable mercantile establishment, but though successful in this, his chief interest has always centered in his farm. During the war he served for a short time in the state militia. Mr. Milam is one who by his steadfast uprightness in all the relations of life wins the true respect of all who come to know him. His married occurred in January, 1846, his wife being Miss Mary. J. Workman, a daughter of Hugh and Mary (Taylor) Workman, both of South Carolina, but of Irish parentage. Mrs. Milam was born Aug. 29, 1827, and was reared upon the farm in South Carolina, where her parents lived and died. Both she and her husband were honored members of the Methodist Episcopal church. She died on Oct. 9,1890. Mr. and Mrs. Milam were blessed with ten children: Oscar L., Mary A., Sarah J., Robert H., Irena, Emilia A., Irvin and Margaret A. Oscar L., the first born, and Feril A., the third, died in South Carolina, and the fourth, Lafayette I., was murdered in Arkansas, Sept. 9, 1893. Mr. Milam was married the second time, July 24, 1894 to Lucretia G. McCrary, a daughter of Willis and Maria L. (Gary) Wallis, of Lawrence, S.C.
J. C. Norris is one of the progressive farmers and a native of Meriwether county, Ga. He was born in 1843, and his parents, W. P. and Narcissa (Respass) Norris, belonged to the pioneer stock of Georgia; the father settled in this county in 1828, his parents having come from Virginia; and Mrs. Norris’ father, Churchwell Respass, also was an early settler. To the son, J.C. Norris, who was reared upon the farm, only such privileges of education were afforded as were to be obtained in the common country schools of that day. When the war broke out in 1861, though not yet out of his teens, he responded to the call for volunteers and enlisted in Company B, Thirteenth Georgia regiment, under Capt. Walter Ector. He served in many of the most important engagements of the war, as Savannah, second battle of Manassas, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Winchester, Sharpsburg and Harper’s Ferry. In the battle of Sharpsburg he was wounded. In 1864 he married Miss Sallie F. Perdue, daughter of Lindsay and Parmelia (Perdue) Perdue, who are old settlers of the state, natives of Virginia. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Norris, a number of whom are living: Lorena, Sallie, Joca, Annie, Claudie L., Laura K., Ravie, Garrouch and Azie L. Mr. and Mrs. Norris are members of the Primitive Baptist church, and are well known and highly respected members of the community.
J. F. Ogletree, an agriculturist of Meriwether county whose success has been almost phenomenal, and whose life has been full of vicissitudes, is a native of the county, born in 1840, and is the son of Philemon and Eliza A. (Glynn) Ogletree. The former was born in Wilkes county in 1792, served in the Indian war of 1836, and moved to Meriwether county in 1839. He was an earnest preacher of the gospel as well as a successful farmer, and was of Scotch descent, his father, William Ogletree, having accompanied his own father, William Ogletree, the elder, when he came from Scotland to America in 1750. They settled first in Virginia, but soon made their home in Wilkes county, Ga., being among the earliest pioneers, not only of the county, but of the state. The younger William served in the war of the revolution and married Miss Elizabeth Bird. The wife of Philemon Ogletree was a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Crawford) Glynn, the latter a sister of William H. Crawford, a man eminent in the early annals of the state, and indeed throughout the south, being upheld throughout this region as the presidential candidate in the exciting election of 1824, when because no candidate had a majority of the electoral votes, the choice of president was referred to the house of representatives, and John Quincy Adams was chosen. J.F. Ogletree received his early training in the country school, but later attended Bowdon institute, from which he was obliged to return because of his father’s failing health. In June, 1862, Mr. Ogletree enlisted in Company F, Forty-first Georgia regiment, under Capt. A.D. Abraham, and later with Capt. S.D. Clemens. His service during the war was irregular. It was at this period of his life that misfortunes came most thickly upon Mr. Ogletree. The war not only freed his Negroes, but through it he lost three-fourths of his large estate; he had been considered the wealthiest man in the county, and about this time every building upon his place was blown down by a violent gale. Nevertheless by vigorous and persistent effort he has been able to recover himself, and is again one of the wealthiest and most highly esteemed men in this region. He engaged in mercantile business at LaGrange in 1870, but after two years returned to his farm; this is an immense plantation of some 2,000 acres of rich and highly cultivated land surrounding his lovely country residence. Beside this he owns a large stock farm of some 8,000 acres in southwest Georgia, on the Flint river. A part of this large tract he has devoted to horticulture, in which he is greatly interested, having a thriving peach orchard of 10,000 trees. In 1862 Mr. Ogletree married Miss Caroline Stinson, a daughter of J.W. and M.L. (Jackson) Stinson, the former a North Carolinian who settled in Meriwether county in 1820, where, in 1842, his daughter Caroline was born. She was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church south, and she died Jan. 19, 1870. In 1871 Mr. Ogletree married Miss L.E. Stinson, whose parents were M.F. and M.A. (Hardaway) Stinson. Mr. Stinson came from his native state, North Carolina, to settle in Baker county early in the century, and his wife was a daughter of G.W. Hardaway, of Warren county, Ga., a Virginian by birth, who was a second cousin of George Washington. Mrs. Ogletree was born in Troup county in 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Ogletree are the parents of five children: Philemon, James F., Caroline M., George S. and Paul H. The parents are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church south and the family holds a position of influence and honor in the community. Mr. Ogletree is also a well-known mason.
C. D. Phillips is a prominent farmer of Meriwether county, in which he was born in 1849. He is of Virginia stock, his grandfather, William D. Phillips, having come from that state to Georgia at an early date. His father, William A.J. Phillips, was born in Morgan county in 1828, and served through the late war with the state militia. His wife, Miss Mary M. Smith, was a daughter of Thomas Smith, also a Virginian, who was among Georgia’s first settlers. C.D. Phillips spent his early years upon the farm in Meriwether county and obtained such schooling as the country schools afforded. He has devoted himself to the science of agriculture and his fine farm, in all its parts brought to the highest state of perfection, bears witness to his aptness in his business. His wife, whom he married in 1867, was Miss Emma Sewell, a native of Meriwether county, born June 10, 1847, the daughter of John P. and Elizabeth (Wideman) Sewell, who were old settlers of the county, to which they came from Morgan county. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are the parents of ten children: William A., Estella, Mary, Thomas H., John H., Albert P., Calvin A., Cleopatra, Edna E. and Iverson B. Mrs. Phillips is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church; her husband is a member of the Alliance and is the president of the county organization in Meriwether county. The family is well esteemed by all who know them.
G. W. Pinkston, M.D., is one of the chief citizens of Meriwether county, and an honored physician, born in Columbus in 1832; his parents, G.B. and Adeline (Chatfield) Pinkston, were early settlers of Wilkes county; the father born in 1808 and a soldier in the Indian war, was of New England parentage, his parents having come from Connecticut to settle in Georgia early in the century; the mother’s parents, George and Mary (Coats) Chatfield, were also among Wilkes county’s early settlers. Young Pinkston passed his early years upon the farm, and his school privileges were therefore very limited. He improved them, however, to the best of his ability and in 1853 began the study of medicine with Dr. John B. Chatfield. In 1854 he attended his first course in medicine at Augusta, Ga., and completed his course at Atlanta in 1856. Since then he has practiced his profession with diligence and great success, until within a few years he has retired from active practice and devoted himself to the cultivation of the farm. In 1859 Dr.Pinkston married Miss C.J. Dreury, a daughter of Edwin and Eliza (Williams) Dreury, natives of Virginia, who early selected Georgia as their home. Mrs. Pinkston was born in 1841, and was reared in Spalding county. Both the doctor and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church south. They have five children: John W., W.L., Frances H., wife of Dr. W.R. McCrary, of Senoia, Ga., N.D. and Arthur R. The eldest son, John W., has succeeded to his father’s practice, which he worthily carries on, and the family have the respect and good will of the entire community.
J. S. Radcliffe, a progressive farmer and substantial business man of Meriwether county, was born in Stinson in 1855, and is the son of George W. and Anna E. (Stinson) Radcliffe. His father was born in Talbot county, Ga., in 1827, and for a long period was a leading business man in Talbotton, and later, for a number of years in Columbus, and retired from business in 1877. During the war he had charge of important Confederate interests. He is of Irish ancestry, a great-grandson of Lord Radcliffe, whose son George came to the state of New York in his boyhood and there made his home. His son, Samuel G., born in New York, whose wife was Jacqueline Davis, settled in Talbotton, Ga., among its early settlers. The wife of George W. Radcliffe was a daughter of Dr. James W. and Martha J. (Jackson) Stinson, the father being a well-known physician of Stinson, in this county, where for many years he enjoyed a very large and successful practice. He was by birth a North Carolinian, an early settler of Putnam county, for several years a successful school teacher, and took his course in medicine at the medical college of Georgia, Augusta. J.S. Radcliffe received an excellent education in the schools of Columbus, where he resided during his early years, taking an advanced course at Hillwood institute of Columbus. For eight years Mr. Radcliffe was engaged in business in Columbus after which he moved to Alabama and engaged in farming, then returned to Georgia, and has been engaged in various commercial enterprises since then. Two years he was in Augusta, and three years in Rome, Ga., but since 1885 his home has been in Stinson, where, in addition to the mercantile business, he carries on a large plantation. In 1877 Mr. Radcliffe married Miss Mary Hawkins, born in 1857 in Americus, Ga. She was a graduate of Americus college, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church south. Her parents were Judge Willis A. and Mary (Finn) Hawkins, the former one of the best criminal lawyers in the state, and for two years, judge of the supreme court; he was a native of Sumter county. Mrs. Radcliffe died Jan. 6, 1879, leaving her husband with one child � George Willis. Feb. 1, 1883, Mr. Radcliffe married Miss Emma E. Smith, a native of Alabama, born in 1859. Her parents, Col. Robert H. and Helen (Herndon) Smith, were also natives of Alabama. Her father was a prominent lawyer in Mobile, Ala., for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Radcliffe are the parents of four children: Robert H., James S., Lillie and Lulu. Mrs. Radcliffe is a member of the Episcopalian church, while her husband is a Methodist. The family is one held in high esteem by all who know them.
H. H. Revill, one of Meriwether county�s prosperous farmers, is of English descent, his grandfather having come from England at an early day and settled in North Carolina. He served with bravery in the war of the revolution. His son, Harrison Revill, was born in North Carolina in 1796, and in 1817 settled in Jasper county, Ga. He married Miss Nancy Caldwell, a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Tanner) Caldwell, native Virginians, but among the early settlers of the state. Mr. Caldwell had also served in the war of the revolution. H. H. Revill, the son of Harrison and Nancy (Caldwell) Revill, was born in Jasper county in 1824, and passed his childhood on the farm, with but few educational advantages. On reaching manhood he engaged in farming, and soon accumulated considerable property. In 1863 he enlisted in Company D of the Second Georgia state troops, under Capt. Worrell, and fought in many battles, among them Powder Springs, Atlanta, Jonesboro. At the close of the war he returned home with no money to resume operations on his farm, and for some time met with many discouragements in his battles with the world; but his determination of purpose and courageous efforts won success, and he is now one of the solid farmers of the county, a man thoroughly respected by all who know him. In 1842 he married Nancy Caldwell, daughter of Matthew and Mornan (Satiwhite) Caldwell, Virginians, who had settled in Georgia, where in Jones county Mrs. Revill was born in 1820. One child, Nancy A., was born of this union, but has since died. The mother died in 1843. In 1847 Mr. Revill married Miss Mary A. Gresham, born in Lincoln county in 1822, the daughter of Pleasant and Matilda (McKinney) Gresham. She is a member of the Primitive Baptist church. Mr. and Mrs. Revill have one child, Isabel.
J. B. Reynolds, one of the successful agriculturists of Meriwether county, is a native of South Carolina, born in Edgefield district in 1843. His father, Wiley Reynolds, was a son of Thomas and Nancy (Harris) Reynolds; and his mother, Dolly (Burton) Reynolds, was the daughter of Nathaniel and Susan (Aswell) Burton, all South Carolinians by birth. In 1846, when the boy, J.B. Reynolds, was but three years old, his parents came to Georgia and settled on a farm in Meriwether county, where he was reared, and received such school privileges as were afforded in the little log school house of the district. He enlisted in 1862, joining Company F of the Fifty-fifth regiment, under Capt. Henry Baker. Although he served faithfully to the end of the war he had the singular good fortune not only to escape being wounded or captured, but even to escape being in battle. Upon his return from the war Mr. Reynolds received from his father eight hundred acres of land, on which to make his home, and this, well improved, and added to, has been the foundation of the competence which he now possesses. In 1864 Mr. Reynolds married Miss Amanda Glisson, a native of Crawford county, born in 1849. She is the daughter of Brinkley and Amy (Riglan) Glisson, natives of this state; her father served both in the Indian war of 1836, and in the Mexican war. Both Mr. Reynolds and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist church. They have six children: Anna, Dida, Henry W., J. B., Lillie and Emmett.
James H. Roberts, one of the most successful farmers of this region, is a native of Meriwether county, born in 1852, and the son of James and Sarah (Miller) Roberts. The father came with his parents from South Carolina, their native state, to settle in Georgia, in the early part of the century. His wife was a daughter of Haymond Miller, also a South Carolinian, who came to Georgia in 1806. Young James H. Roberts was reared on the farm in his native county, and made the most of his meager school privileges, which were still further diminished by the deprivations and desolations of the war. In 1875 he married Miss Maria O�Nell, a native of this county, born in 1852, the daughter of Atley and Angeline (Brown) O�Nell, old settlers of Meriwether county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and esteemed members of the community. Mr. Roberts belongs also to the masonic fraternity.
James A. Rowe, a successful farmer and well-known and honored soldier of Meriwether county, is a grandson of William Rowe, a native of South Carolina, who was one of the pioneers of the what is now Monroe county, where he settled in 1804. His son, James, born in South Carolina, married Miss Narcissa Lewis, daughter of a revolutionary soldier, a native of South Carolina. Their son, James A. Rowe, was born in Monroe county in 1824, and passed his early years on the farm in that county, coming to Meriwether county in 1836. His early advantages were confined to such as were obtainable in the old log school house in the country. His natural energy of character has enabled him to make his way in the world. In 1861 Mr. Rowe enlisted in the Meriwether revengers under Capt. Hall. In 1862 they reorganized and Mr. Rowe was made captain of Company E, Twenty-eighth Georgia regiment. Capt. Rowe took part in fifty-two battles, many of them being among the most important and fiercest engagements of the war; such as Seven Pines, seven days at Richmond, Wilderness, Ocean Pond, Fort Sumter, James Island, Fort Fisher, John�s Island, battle of Winchester, and many more. It was not to be expected that he would go unscathed through so many direful encounters; he received eleven wounds during the war. After the declaration of peace he returned home to make a new start in life. He has devoted himself to farm work and has succeeded in making for himself and family a competence and a pleasant and comfortable home. He married in 1848, his wife, Miss Nancy A. Malcolm, being a native of Walton county, born March 23, 1832; her parents, Alexander and Mahala (Nelson) Malcolm, were early settlers of that county. Capt. And Mrs. Rowe have eight children living: Thomas B., Milton, Walter, Allen J., Alfred C., Virginia, Harriet and Mary.
Allen J. Rowe, a prosperous and respected citizen of Meriwether county, is a son of James and Narcissa (Lewis) Rowe, and a brother of Capt. James A. Rowe. His paternal grandparents were William and Mary Rowe, those on the mother�s side were William and Mary Lewis, all natives of South Carolina and among the early settlers of Georgia. Young Allen was born in Monroe county in 1835 and early transferred to Meriwether county, where he passed his childhood and youth upon the farm, gaining such education as he could with his scant opportunities. In 1862 he enlisted in Company B of the First Georgia cavalry, under Capt. Strickland. He fought in many of the hardest battles of the war: Big Hill, Murfreesboro, Perrysville, Chickamauga, Philadelphia, and was in the force that surrendered at Salisbury, N.C. After the surrender he returned to his home on the farm, to the careful and wise management of which he has ever since devoted himself. Mr. Rowe has worked with energy and planned with care, and has thus acquired wealth and enlarged and greatly increased the value of his broad and beautiful plantation, and is a man to whom all give the esteem he merits. He has a large and promising family. He wife was Miss Harriet Malcolm, daughter of Alexander and Mahala (Nelson) Malcolm, the former a native of Walton county, in which he died in 1859. Mrs. Rowe was born in Meriwether county in 1840, and is a member of the Primitive Baptist church. Mr. Rowe belongs to the Masonic fraternity. They were married in 1855 and have been blessed with thirteen children: Alice, Ella, William, Lewis, Hattie, Savannah, Alexander, James, Nannie, Stella, Mattie J., Henry C. and Jackson.
Dr. J. W. Taylor
pages 522-523
Dr. J. W. Taylor, a successful physician and prominent citizen of Meriwether county, was born in Lexington district, S. C., in 1833. In 1839 his parents, William and Rebecca (Corley) Taylor, left their native state, South Carolina, to settle in Georgia, dwelling for a year in Monroe county, and then moving to Coweta county. Here young J. W. passed his boyhood, obtaining as good an education as common schools afforded. In 1854 he began the study of medicine with his brother, Dr. J.P. Taylor, of Haralson, and in 1858 he entered the Atlanta Medical college at Atlanta; the coming on of the war hindered the completion of his medical studies at that time. In 1861, on the organization of Company B, First Georgia cavalry, he was appointed first lieutenant, but they were not mustered in until March 4, 1862, and he had associated himself with a squad of young men who agreed to remain together throughout the war. That he might fulfill this pledge he repeatedly refused promotion; even his unanimous elections as major of his regiment he would not accept. The medical and surgical knowledge he had gained he made of constant use, not only to his own company, but to any of his regiment who needed it. Many incidents are related illustrating not only his skill but also his shrewdness. As, for instance, when on one occasion a soldier came to him with the pretense of being ill, the doctor, detecting the trick, compelled him to swallow a very large dose of castor oil, which cured him of ever again undertaking such a fraud. At another time, at Stegall�s ferry, Ky., in the midst of a rain of shell, he dismounted from his horse and with the assistance of two ladies calmly amputated and dressed a soldier�s arm, having for implements only a common bistoury and a carpenter�s tenon-saw; and the soldier completely recovered. Dr. Taylor served throughout the war, taking part in many of the hardest battles, Murfreesboro, Loudon, Ky., Big Hill, Ky., and the second battle of Murfreesboro being some of them. He had the honor of planting the flag at Franklin, Ky., was with Gen. Johnston in front of Sherman all the way to Atlanta, taking part also in that memorable conflict, and when Johnston was relieved by Hood he, at the head of his company, opened the way for Hood�s charge on the Union army. He returned to Georgia at the close of the war and began practice at Luthersville. After a year or two he again went to Atlanta and completed his medical studies, receiving his degree in 1867. Among his classmates were several of the most prominent men of his profession: Dr. A.G. Thomas, G.G. Crawford, Haden, Houston and many others. In 1876 Dr. Taylor was elected to represent Meriwether county in the state legislature among many noted men of that time: Gov. Northen, J.D. Stewart, A.D. Candler, H. H. Carlton, Judge H. G. Turner, Judge Allen Fort, A. L. Miller, Judge Pratt Adams, the youngest there, and others. Dr. Taylor was appointed by Gov. Northen as trustee for the school for the deaf at Cave Springs, Ga. He is one of the leading men of the county, where he is liked and respected by all. He is especially well known throughout the state, and in fact all through the south by the members of the masonic order, among whom he holds very high rank. For nine years he has held the office of grand high priest, at the beginning of his term there being but twenty-four contributing chapters, while now there are between ninety and a hundred. He is past deputy grand master of the state, is chairman of the financial committee, and general grand king of the general grand lodge chapter of the United States, being now the ranking officer of the grand chapter living in the state. In 1854 Dr. Taylor was married to Miss Amelia Jane Wilson, daughter of James and Leah D. (Johnson) Wilson. She was born in 1836, and of Scotch ancestry, her grandfather being one of the clergymen who, for conscience� sake, seceded from the Presbyterian church of Scotland at the time of the dissensions in that body. Mrs. Taylor died in October, 1892. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as is also Dr. Taylor. They had but one child, a son, John W., who is also a practicing physician in Luthersville.
Benson F. Tigner, a successful farmer of this county, belongs to a family of considerable prominence in the state during the last century. His grandfather, William Tigner, of Scotch nativity, was a pioneer of Elbert county; his son, Hope H. Tigner, married Miss Eliza Glenn, and was the first settler of Meriwether county, where he built the first frame house ever erected in that county, which was for many years noted through an extensive region of country as the Tigner homestead. Mr. Tigner was a man of large influence and greatly liked, and he organized a company to serve in the Indian war, but his health broke down and he died before the time came to go. His wife was the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Crawford) Glenn, early settlers of Monroe county, Ga. Mrs. Glenn was a sister of Hon. William H. Crawford, so long distinguished among the eminent citizens of the state, and this gentleman took charge of the education of the niece, Mrs. Tigner, which under such direction was of unusual excellence. Benson F., the son of Hope H. and Eliza (Glenn) Tigner, was born in Meriwether county in 1833, and in that sparsely settled community enjoyed but limited educational opportunities. He enlisted in 1862 in the company commanded by Capt. Bragg, and was in the battle of Atlanta, and was present at the surrender at Savannah. Mr. Tigner began life for himself with little means, but with a character combining energy and perseverance, and by resolute endeavor and arduous work has accumulated a large property, has a beautiful home, and over a thousand acres of choice land in a fine state of cultivation, and enjoys the high esteem of all who know him. In 1858 Mr. Tigner married Miss Martha Stinson, a daughter of Dr. J.W. and Martha (Jackson) Stinson, the former for many years a leading physician of this section, with a widely extended and very lucrative practice, and a man of wealth and influence and great liberality. Mrs. Tigner was born in Meriwether county in 1836, and her union with Mr. Tigner has been blessed with seven children: Frank C., Mattie G., George S., Edward A., James H., Carrie O. and Julia B. Mr. and Mrs. Tigner are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church south, in the work of which they are very active. Mr. Tigner is a member of the board of trustees of the church and also of the school, and bears the same responsibility in relation to the camp ground, a beautiful tract of land in Meriwether county which for sixty-four years has been held for religious purposes. It was chartered by the legislature of 1832.
Hope Tigner, a valued citizen and prosperous farmer of Meriwether county, of which he is a native, is of Scotch ancestry, his great-grandfather, William Tigner, with two brothers, having come from Scotland during the last century. They were the ancestors of the Tigner families in this country. William Tigner settled in Elbert county, where his son Hope was born, who married Miss Eliza Glenn, and many years ago settled in Meriwether county, and erected the first frame house built in the county. Their son, W.S., born in Monroe county, married Miss Mary J. Baldwin, a daughter of James and Mary (Scott) Baldwin, natives of Virginia, who settled in Hancock county in 1824, and later moved to Upson county. Mr. Baldwin, who commanded a regiment in the war of 1812, was the son of George and Rachel Baldwin, of Virginia, the former a soldier during the revolutionary war. Hope Tigner, the son of W.S. and Mary J. (Baldwin) Tigner, was born in 1852, and passed his early years upon the farm. He attended the school at White Sulphur Springs, and also enjoyed and profited by a year at Bowdon college. Mr. Tigner’s chosen vocation is the tillage of the soil, and this he has pursued with the ardor and determination which compels success. His country home is a most delightful one, in the midst of his large and beautiful plantation. He has given considerable attention to horticulture, and has four and a half acres devoted to the culture of grapes, which are in fine condition. Mr. Tigner is a man of estimable character, and truly respected by all. In 1876 Mr. Tigner married Miss Carrie Pitts, whose parents, Lewis and Martha (Marshall) Pitts, Georgians by birth, afterward removed to Alabama. Mrs. Tigner was born in Russell county, Ala., in 1854. Both Mr. Tigner and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church south. They have two children: W.S. and Mary A.
S. R. Williams, one of the prosperous farmers of Meriwether county, of which he is a native, was born in 1842, and is a son of James N. and Bathsheba (O’Neal) Williams; the former served in the state militia during the late war, and was a native of Putnam county, of which his parents, natives of North Carolina, were early pioneers. Mrs. Williams’ parents were also North Carolinians, and early settlers of Georgia. Young Williams, who had passed the years of his childhood and youth on the Meriwether county farm, with such limited schooling as was there obtainable, ere he was fairly out of his teens – in 1861 – he enlisted in Company K, of the Fifty-fifth Georgia regiment. In 1863, September 9, he was captured at Cumberland Gap, and kept a prisoner at Chicago until the close of the war. From this long imprisonment the young man returned penniless to his home to begin life anew. He worked for a season for Atley O’Neal and then rented a farm from M.A. Thrash; after four years on this rented land he purchased a small farm to which he has added at intervals until he now owns a large and well-cultivated farm. In 1866 he married Miss Mary E. Thrash, the daughter of M.A. and Martha (Lassiter) Thrash , old settlers of Meriwether county; in May, 1890, Mrs. Williams died. In August, 1890 Mr. Williams married her sister, Miss Sarah Thrash, born in this county, in 1849, who is a member of the Primitive Baptist church. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have one child, Lillie E.
A.W.N. Wilson, one of the most successful farmers of this region, belongs to one of the oldest families in the state, his grandfather, George Wilson, having settled in Georgia in 1781. He was a native of Maryland, and had served through the revolutionary war, in which he was badly wounded; but his native vigor of constitution and wonderful vitality were such that he lived to the remarkable age of one hundred and ten years. His wife was Miss Rhoda Spence, and their son, George A., was born in Walton county in 1800. He married Miss Apsila Newsome, daughter of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Hinyard) Newsome, old settlers of the state. The son, A.W.N. Wilson, was born in Coweta county, July 6, 1833, and reared on a farm near Moreland. In 1861 he enlisted in Company C, Thirty-fourth Georgia regiment, and was soon made lieutenant of the company, with which he went through many important engagements. But in the siege of Vicksburg he lost an arm and was obliged to return home. Although Mr. Wilson had been deprived of much schooling, having only about three months in all, he is of that determined nature which overcomes every difficulty and thrusts aside all obstacles in the way of success. He “never attempts anything but what it goes through,” is what he truthfully says about himself, and it is simply indicative of that persistence which always wins success. He is one of the most progressive farmers in the south, and has acquired a considerable fortune, and is widely known and respected. He is a member of the masonic fraternity. In 1855 Mr. Wilson married Miss Matilda J. West, who died the same year, leaving one child, Hattie, wife of Dr. W.T. Brown. A year later he married Miss Susan Hindsman, and their union has been blessed with seven children, six of whom are living: Thomas C., George, John C., Annie, Newsome B., and Jennie. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
copyright Vivian Price Saffold 2000-current
