29 March 2013

Hon. Wm D. Murray, a Biographical Sketch

Source: Georgia and Florida Biographies [database on-line].
Original Data from Biographical Souvenir of the States of Georgia and Florida,
Containing Biographical Sketches of the Representative Public, and many
Early Settled Families in These States
. F. A. Battey & Company, 1889.
Transcribed by S. Lincecum about 2005.

Hon. Wm. D. Murray, merchant of Ellaville, Schley County, Ga, was born in Houston County, Ga, June 20, 1844. His father, John S. Murray, was born in Burke County, Ga, in 1799, but when a young man moved to Houston County, where he resided until 1846, at which time he removed to Taylor County, Ga, where he died in 1868. He was a farmer by occupation and was always looked upon as a leader among farmers. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years before his death and a christian gentleman in every respect. His wife, Julia A. (Royal) Murray, was born in Burke County also; she bore him eight children, viz: Catherine C., Anthony R., Asa, Mary E., Dora A., Wm. D., Joanna J. and Arthur C.

William D. Murray was brought up on the farm in Taylor County and educated in the common schools. During the late war he served a short time in the Confederate service in the commissary department at Milledgeville, Ga. At the close of the conflict he turned his attention to schoolteaching and followed the same (giving some little attention to agricultural pursuits) until 1882, when he engaged in the cotton commission and mercantile business at Ellaville, Ga, in which he has become very successful. He started in life a poor boy, but by his great energy and close application to business has accumulated considerable property and is now regarded as one of the most substantial men financially in Schley County. In 1882-83 he represented Schley County in the legislature; in 1884-85 he represented Schley, Sumter and Macon counties in the State senate, and was one among the prominent members of both these bodies. December 20, 1871, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine E. Howe, daughter of John F. and Emaline (Raines) Howe, of Schley County. Mr. Murray is a member of the F. and A. M. fraternity and of the M. E. Church.

28 March 2013

William R. Cox, a Biographical Sketch

From Memoirs of Georgia, Volume II by The Southern Historical Association, 1895.
Transcribed by S. Lincecum about 2006.

William R. Cox, senior member of the large wholesale grocery firm of Cox & Chappell, Macon, Ga, is a native of the county in which he now resides. He is a son of D. M. Cox, who soon after his birth, April 4, 1843, removed to Houston county. Here William R. came to years of maturity, receiving such education as could be had in the ordinary schools of that period. The war between the states was the first great event of his life, and though but a youth, he did battle bravely for the undying principles of the Confederacy. Mr. Cox enlisted in the First Georgia, in April of 1861, and passed the twelve months of that enlistment in Pensacola, Fla., and in Virginia. Returning to Macon when his enlistment had expired, the company of which he was a member a month later was mustered into the artillery service and joined Ge. Bragg, who was operating in the department of Tennessee. As a corporal of this company Mr. Cox followed it with varying fortune through a large number of important campaigns and it is but just to add that they were looked upon as one of the most efficient and skilled batteries in the western army. Mr. Cox received a slight wound at Perryville, Ky, but otherwise returned from the war unharmed. Perry, Houston Co., was the point at which Mr. Cox made his first business venture, but disposing of his interests there in 1868 he came to Macon, where he began at the bottom round, clerking for several years. He afterward became junior member of the firm of Jacques, Johnson & Cox, wholesale dealers in liquors and cigars. He subsequently established in company with Mr. Corbin the firm of Cox & Corbin, and now handles groceries and provisions exclusively. The domestic life of Mr. Cox has been most felicitous, his home having been presided over since November of 1873 by Lizzie, the accomplished daughter of Col. J. E. Jones, a former president of the Central Georgia bank, and for long years a leading spirit in the business circles of Macon. After his death Mr. Cox purchased the old Jones homestead, one of the mose beautiful residence properties in the city, where he now resides. William R. Cox is a wide-awake business man, and is interested in various business enterprises. He is vice-president of the Central Georgia bank, and a director of the Southwestern railroad. In politics he votes the democratic ticket, is a Methodist in religion, and is an ex-alderman of the city of Macon, and president of the Alexander free school board of that city.

27 March 2013

William A. Davis, a Biographical Sketch

From Memoirs of Georgia, Volume II by The Southern Historical Association, 1895.
Transcribed by S. Lincecum about 2006.

William A. Davis, one of the most prominent business men in Bibb county, was born on a farm eight miles east of Macon, Ga, April 4, 1847, living there until he was thirty years of age. He studied at Jeffersonville, Twiggs Co., Ga, in the years 1861-2-3. In 1863, though but sixteen years old, he entered the Confederate service, enlisting in Company B, Second Georgia battalion of cavalry, as a private, and later was made orderly sergeant, serving as such until the surrender. He fought in the battles of Chickamauga and Griswoldville, participated in many skirmishes, and left the service with an enviable record. After the cessation of hostilities he resumed his studies at the academy of Allentown, Twiggs Co., of which James E. Croslin, an educator of reputation, was principal, and then returned to his home in Bibb county, being called there by the death of his father. He managed the homestead from 1866 to 1877, during which period he was elected to represent Twiggs county on the general assembly, and during the session served with distinction on the committees on agriculture, public institutions and other matters before the legislature. A majority of his fellow-members not favoring the permanent institution of the college at Dahlonega, a bill to that end was defeated, but Mr. Davis secured a reconsideration and succeeded to having the bill passed, to which fact the agricultural college at that point now owes its existence, and for which service he received unstinted praise. Entering municipal as well as state politics Mr. Davis has been elected alderman from three different wards of the city of Macon -- serving six years in all in the city council -- and for four years of that time he acted as mayor pro tem. He has also been road commissioner from his district for several years. In 1880 he came to Macon and five years later, in company with M. C. Balcomb, engaged in the business of handling cotton, the style of the firm being Davis & Balcomb. The firm existed until 1890, when it was re-arranged under the title of W. A. Davis & Co., and now continues as such. For years Mr. Davis was a director of the Merchants' National bank of Macon, which went into voluntary liquidation in 1893. He is now vice-president and director of the Guarantee company of Macon, and has interests in various other business enterprises. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and a Mystic Shriner. He has held all the principal offices in the subordinate lodges, to-wit, past master of Macon lodge, No. 5, F. & A. M.; past high priest of Constantine chapter, Royal Arch Masons; past eminent commander of the St. Omar commandery, Knights Templars, and he is at this time grand senior warden of the grand lodge of the state. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Encampment, having held all the chairs and being at present district deputy grand master. He is past noble grand of the United Brother's lodge, I. O. O. F., and past chief patriarch of the Encampment. He is, as well, a Knight of Pythias. He affiliates with Baptist church, and, while living on his farm, was for many years a deacon of the local church. In 1868 Mr. Davis married Mary R., daughter of J. W. and Susan (Barlow) Summers; they have four children, Hattie B., Edwin, Mabel C. and Gussie M. Edwin is a graduate of Mercer university, Macon. Mr. Davis' father was Elisha Davis, a native of Burke county, Ga, who was several times elected to the general assembly. He was a jurist and served on the bench of the inferior court of Bibb county for many years. He died in 1866 at the age of sixty-one. Two of his sons, in addition to William A., served in the late war. John N. was in the Bibb county cavalry and with the western army almost all the time that army was in the field. Gilbert M. enlisted in Hampton's brigade as a private, saw service during the entire war period, and was mustered out when in command of his company. Elisha Davis' father was John Davis, a Virginian by birth and the son of John Davis, a Welshman, who emigrated from Wales to Virginia and was killed in the revolution at the battle of Brandywine. William A. Davis has won his way in life by force of individuality and honest determination to succeed, using his great natural abilities to the best advantage; and as a public-spirited citizen has won a host of friends in social, business and political circles.

26 March 2013

Letters of Recommendation for Sgt. Edward J. Granniss

(A day late for "Amanuensis Monday!")

From Maj. Alex M. Speer, of the 46th Georgia Regiment. Dated 26 March 1862, recommending appointment of Sergeant E. J. Granniss:
Via Fold3.
Macon, Geo. 26 March 62
Hon R. P. Trippe
Dear Sir -
As you are aware, probably the 2d Georgia Battalion (Majr Hardeman) will soon go out of service, and I deem it not inappropriate, as I enter the service again to speak of some of those with whom I have been associated for the past eleven months.

I learn there are some vacancies here among the commissioned officers of the 1st Geo. Regulars, and it may be there are other positions to which those worthy & competent might be assigned by our Govt, to the advantage of the service.

In view of this, I most earnestly recommend for a commission Sergeant Edward J. Granniss of Company D, of the 2d Georgia Batt. Sergeant Granniss has now been in the service nearly 12 months, and has proved himself a meritorious and highly efficient officer and I have no question that is he could receive the appointment, that he would render valuable service.

He is well drilled, prompt, faithful and of fine habits and it would be a great gratification to his many friends in Macon if he were promoted.

It is true you are not our immediate Representative, but I feel that recommending & urging such an application you would not limit your exertions
[3 words?] in Favor of those of your own District, especially as with to many of our citizens you are better known than our immediate representative, and many of them would apply to you with more confidence of success than to others. I feel anxious to see those who went at first call receive the reward of their promptness and fidelity and I know of no one to upon whom such a favor could be more worthily bestowed than the gentleman I refer to. If you could aid him it will be greatly appreciated by one who appeals to you in his behalf, and who would look to you for aid as confidently as any one in our Delegation.
I am Very Truly
Alex M. Speer
Majr 46 Geo Regt
From Col Robt A. Smith of the 44th Georgia Regiment. Dated 24 March 1862, recommending appointment of Sgt. E. J. Granniss:
Via Fold3.
Macon, Geo. March 24th 1862
I take pleasure in earnestly recommending Sergeant Edward J. Granniss of Company "D," 2nd Georgia Battalion, as highly qualified and competent to fill a commissioned office, and recommend that he be appointed a 2nd Lieutenant in the "1st Georgia Regulars" or any other Regiment in the Confederate States Service.

Sergeant Granniss is well drilled in the School of the Soldier & School of the Company and is an excellent Instructor in both. He has some knowledge of the Battalion drill and during the last eleven months I found Sergeant Grannis to be one of the best instructed and most intelligent non-commissioned office in that Battalion.

He has sustained a moral character for many years and will fill a commissioned office with credit to the country.

Very Respectfully
Robt A. Smith
Col commdg
44th Ga Regiment
Edward J. Granniss received his commissioned office and climbed to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He was killed little more than a year later, at the age of 22, at the Battle of Gettysburg. He rests in Rose Hill Cemetery at Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.

25 March 2013

Office of Dr. Moultrie Warren (1880-1915)

This shop was originally constructed for Dr. Moultrie Alfred Warren
(1880-1915) as a doctor's office and drug store. Later, it became Vinson's
Pharmacy, and then, finally, the Robertson's Pharmacy. It now houses the
Byron, Georgia Welcome Center.

Photo taken about 2004 by S. Lincecum

23 March 2013

Thomas J. Saunders, a Biographical Sketch

Source: Georgia and Florida Biographies [database on-line].
Original Data from Biographical Souvenir of the States of Georgia and Florida, Containing Biographical Sketches of the Representative Public, and many Early Settled Families in These States. F. A. Battey & Company, 1889.
Transcribed by S. Lincecum about 2005.

Thomas J. Saunders was born in Houston County, Ga, December 15, 1837. His parents were Warren E. and Sarah R. (Harvin) Saunders, natives of South Carolina. The father was born January 6, 1796, and died April 13, 1873; the mother died June 13, 1874, aged sixty-six. Both parents were members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Warren E. Saunders was married twice and had two children born to him by his first marriage. His second marriage was as above and the fruit of said marriage was thirteen children, namely: Laura, John (deceased), Sarah (deceased), Amanda (deceased), Elizabeth, Thomas J., Benjamin R., Wm. W., Martha (deceased), Mary, Francis M. (deceased), Richard H. (deceased), and Horace B.

Thomas J. Saunders began for himself by farming, which he continued until 1873. He had a stroke pf paralysis in 1857, and for eight years was partly disabled. That stroke partly exempted him from army service, but he served, however, eight months at one time, three at another, and four and three at other times. He began work on the East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia Railroad in January, 1873, and has been in the employ of the road ever since, and has made quite a success of his business.

He was married December 27, 1860, to Josephine, daughter of Isaac C. and Ann (Whitehurst) West, and the children born to this union are five in number.

Mr. Saunders is a member of the K. of H. and the Baptist Church. Our subject's father was the only son of the family that lived to manhood, and of the fourteen children in all, two daughers only survive, namely: Rebecca, living in Pike County, Ala, the wife of Smith Owens; Emma, the youngest daughter, living in Stewart County, the wife of John Cain.

Mr. Saunders is an old citizen of McVille, extensively known and well respected as an honest, hard worker.

22 March 2013

Simeon Taylor, a Biographical Sketch

Source: Georgia and Florida Biographies [database on-line].
Original Data from Biographical Souvenir of the States of Georgia and Florida,
Containing Biographical Sketches of the Representative Public, and many
Early Settled Families in These States
. F. A. Battey & Company, 1889.
Transcribed by S. Lincecum about 2006.

Simeon W. Taylor, doctor and druggist, Hawkinsville, Ga, was born in Houston County, Ga, June 3, 1835. His parents were Drury and Elizabeth (Shepherd) Taylor, both natives of Georgia. Drury Taylor was a farmer, and served as sheriff of his native county for many years, served in the legislature one term, and served as sheriff of Pulaski County for six years after moving there. He died in 1882, aged seventy-four. Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor is still living at the age of seventy-four. These parents had five children: Simeon W., Henry S., William H., John R. and Eugenia. Henry S. is in business in Hawkinsville. William H. died at Petersburg, of brain fever, at the age of twenty-two. He was in the Third Georgia infantry, having enlisted in the fall of 1861; he was married to Harriet Lock. John R. is a tailor, living in Hawkinsville, and married to Martha J. Poole. Eugenia, consort of J. L. Barron, is living in Hawkinsville.

Our subject was educated in the Houston County schools. He began for himself as an overseer at the age of twenty-one, and continued as such for five months, when he began to read medicine. He then went to the University of Nashville, and graduated therefrom in 1859. He began practice at once at Hawkinsville, continuing until he enlisted in May, 1861, regiment Eighth (Barton's old regiment), company G, of which he was commissioned second lieutenant. He served in the war three years, and took part in some of the prominent battles, among others both battles of Manassas, seven days' fight around Richmond, besides numerous skirmishes. He resigned and returned home on account of ill health. On returning he opened out a practice, and continued until 1869, when he went to Florida. He remained there in practice until 1882, after which time he was in Hawkinsville in practice until October, 1887, when he opened a drug store and now carries on that business in connection with his practice. During the sixties he served as county treasurer two terms. The doctor is a good business man, a prominent merchant and one of the worthy citizens of Hawkinsville.

He was first married in May, 1867, to Miss Sarah Whitfield, daughter of Col. Whitfield, late of Pulaski County. Two daughters, Stella and Aurora, blessed this union. Mrs. Sarah Taylor died in 1872, at the age of twenty-five years. She was a member of the Baptist Church. His second marriage occurred in October, 1874, to Miss M. E. Beall, daughter of Dr. B. B. Beall, of Alabama. The children by this marriage are Marion Ryland and Minnie B. The doctor is a member of the Masonic order, also of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Taylor is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject's father's father, Simeon Taylor, was from North Carolina. He moved to Houston County, Ga, and was one of its earliest settlers. His wife's name was Millie Williams. She died in 1875, aged seventy-five years. Our subject's maternal grandfather was Henry Shepherd. He died near Henderson, Ga, many years since.

16 March 2013

Samuel A. Riley, a Biographical Sketch

Image by Darwinek via Wikimedia Commons
Source: Georgia and Florida Biographies [database on-line].
Original Data from Biographical Souvenir of the States of Georgia and Florida, Containing Biographical Sketches of the Representative Public, and many Early Settled Families in These States. F. A. Battey & Company, 1889. Transcribed by S. Lincecum about 2006.

Samuel A. Riley, physician and surgeon, Hawkinsville, Ga, was born in Orangeburg, SC, February 16, 1829. His parents were Christian and Eugenia (Whetstone) Riley, the latter from a prominent family in the old State. The father was a farmer, and had been by trade a hatter. He died suddenly from apoplexy in 1833, at the age of forty-five, and the mother died in 1831, at the age of thirty-eight, both devout members of the Methodist Church. The children of our subject's parents were Mary, George F., Samuel A., Asbury, Benjamin and John. Mary, wife of Jacob Zimmerman, died at the age of forty, a member of the Methodist Church. George F., consort of Miss Elizabeth Golson, who was the widow of Jennings Culler, was in the service, came home ill, and never recognized his brother, who came to see him the same day, and died at the age of forty-four. He was a member of the Methodist Church. Asbury died at the age of eighteen years. John served as commissary of several counties in the late war, an active business man, an agent in the government department. The railroad ran through his plantation and he remained and worked until the last moment, when Sherman's forces were coming through. He succeeded in getting all cattle, meat and supplies away before the Federal forces came, which forces destroyed every thing before them, not leaving even the well-curb, or a rail on the fence. John died in August, 1873, aged forty-six, and worth $30,000. His wife, Rachel Howser, was from an old and respected family of South Carolinians. Our subject was educated in Houston County. His medical education was received in Jefferson Medical College (one of the best in the land). He graduated in the class of March, 1852, and began practice April 15 of the same year in Hayneville, Ga. He remained there thirty-one years, when, in 1883, he moved to Hawkinsville, Ga where he has been a very successful practitioner. He took no part in the war, but worked as hard as any who were there, giving his services gratis during almost the entire time of the war. He was married in 1853 to Miss Harriet L. Winn (Winnsborough, SC, was named for her grandfather). Their children are John, Charles, Samuel, Mary E. and William S. John is a farmer in Houston County. Charles is consort of Miss Ada Hall, living on a farm in Baldwin County. They have two children: Joseph T., married to Miss Ainsworth, daughter of Rev. Ainsworth, a noted divine in the Methodist Church. Samuel died at the age of eighteen years. Mary E. was consort of O. E. Hoover. She died February, 1885, aged twenty-three. William S., consort of Miss Buff, a grand-daughter of Rev. James Dunwoody of the Methodist Church. Our subject's wife died July, 1866, aged thirty-seven, a member of the Methodist Church. He was next married in 1867 to Miss Emma L. Havis, an own cousin of his first wife, daughter of Col. Jesse D. Havis, of South Carolina. The children by the second marriage are Jesse H., Franklin A., Harriet M., Elizabeth W., Jennie C., Samuel and Lawrence. The doctor, his wife, and all the children but the three youngest, are members of the Methodist Church.

04 March 2013

Thomas Ledbetter's Reconstruction Oath of 1867 (Amanuensis Monday)

A bit of background from Ancestry:
The Reconstruction Acts of 1867 required Southern states to ratify the 14th Amendment, draft new state constitutions, and register voters, both black and white. In order to vote, men had to swear an oath of allegiance to the United States, and some were disqualified for their participation in Confederate government posts.
[--Begin Transcription--]

No. 416
STATE OF GEORGIA,
   COUNTY OF Rabun } PERSONALLY APPEARED before me this 7th day of ___ 1867, Thomas I. Ledbetter who states that he resides in the 636 Election Precint of Rabun COUNTY, GEORGIA, and who makes the oath as follows:

   "I, Thomas I. Ledbetter do solemnly swear in the presence of Almighty God, that I am a citizen of the STATE OF GEORGIA; that I have resided in said State for twelve months next preceding this day, and now reside in the County of Rabun in said State; that I am 21 years old; that I have not been disfranchised for participation in any rebellion or civil war against the United States, nor for felony committed against the laws of any State or the United States; that I have never been a member of any State Legislature, nor held any executive or judicial office in any State, and afterwards engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof; that I have never taken an oath as a member of Congress of the United States, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State Legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, and afterwards engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or given aid and comfort to the enemies thereof; that I will faithfully support the Constitution and obey the laws of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, encourage others so to do. So help me, God."

T. I. Ledbetter signature
   The said Thomas I. Ledbetter further swears that he has not been previously registered under the provisions of "An act supplementary to 'an act to provide for the more efficient government of the rebel States' -- passed March 2, 1867 -- and to facilitate restoration," under this or any other name, in this or any other Election District; and further, that he was born in South Carolina and naturalized by ___ on the ___ day of ___, 18__ in the ___
T. I. Ledbetter
SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED before me [cannot make out name]
Register of the 40th Registration District.

[--End Transcription--]

Thomas Ledbetter was born 2 September 1817 in South Carolina. By 1850, he was residing in Gilmer County, Georgia with wife Elender (b. 16 August 1825) and a couple of children. In 1860 and afterwards, he could be found farming in Rabun County. Elender passed on 29 November 1897, and Thomas followed 25 March 1889. They both were laid to rest side by side in the graveyard of Blue Heights Baptist Church at Mountain City, Rabun County, Georgia.

Thomas Ledbetter (b. Sept 2, 1817, d. Mar 25, 1889)
Elender Ledbetter (b. Aug 16, 1825, d. Nov 29, 1897)

Our loved ones have gone home.

Photo © 2011 - 2013 S. Lincecum

Complete source for above:
Ancestry.com
Georgia, Returns of Qualified Voters and Reconstruction Oath Books, 1867-1869 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Original data: Georgia, Office of the Governor. Returns of qualified voters under the Reconstruction Act, 1867. Georgia State Archives, Morrow, Georgia. Georgia, Office of the Governor. Reconstruction registration oath books, 1867, Georgia State Archives, Morrow, Georgia.

02 March 2013

Marmaduke G. Bayne, a Biographical Sketch

Source: Georgia and Florida Biographies [database on-line].
Original Data from Biographical Souvenir of the States of Georgia and Florida,
Containing Biographical Sketches of the Representative Public, and many
Early Settled Families in These States
. F. A. Battey & Company, 1889.
Transcribed by S. Lincecum about 2006.

Marmaduke G. Bayne is one of the progressive young lawyers of Macon, Bibb County, Ga, and was born in Jones County, Ga, November 26, 1854; a son of Henry H. and Nancy (Gresham) Bayne, both native of Jones County. Henry H. Bayne was a son of John Bayne, a school teacher, and a gentleman of prominence in his day, having represented Jones County in the legislature of 1830. Henry H. was a planter, but also a patriot, and was killed in the fight at Ocean Pond, Fla, in 1863, while serving in the Confederate service under General Colquitt. He was the father of eight children, of whom seven are still living -- Emily M., William E., John W., M. G. (our subject), Charles E., Henry F., and Nancy F.

Marmaduke G. Bayne, as will be seen from the above, was left an orphan before he was eight years of age, and, having no inheritance, was compelled to care for himself. He went from Jones to Bibb County, where for six years he worked for his board and clothing, his employer and protector being John Mitchell. He then worked on a farm for some time, saved money and entered Carrollton Institute, John M. Richardson, president, and studied ten months; he next taught a while, saved money, and entered the University of Georgia, at Athens, from which he graduated in 1878. Once more he resorted to school teaching, reading law the meanwhile under preceptorship of W. E. Collier, and was admitted to the bar, November 10, 1879, at Macon. He first practiced at Fort Valley, Ga, where he remained five years, filled the offices of city treasurer and alderman, and then, in 1884, returned to Macon, where he has since resided, and where his professional abilities are fully recognized. He was married in April, 1879, to Miss Minnie Rushing, of Byron, Ga, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hardison) Rushing, of Houston County. To this happy marriage have been born four children, namely: Lester, Alva, Emma and Marmaduke. Mr. Bayne is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church.