Memoirs of Georgia: Containing Historical Accounts of the State's Civil, Military, Industrial and Professional Interests and Personal Sketches of Many of its People, Vol. II
Atlanta, GA
The Southern Historical Association, 1895
Stewart County, Georgia

Please keep in mind that these memoirs were written about 1890 and references to current events refer to that time period.

DR. B.W. ALLEN. Of the many bright medical lights in Stewart county, there is no one enjoying a higher reputation for professional skill and knowledge that Dr. B.W. Allen of Omaha. He is practically a young man, but is old in his practice and experience. He is a native of Louisiana, having been born in Morehouse Parish, May 1, 1864. His father, J.N. Allen, was a physician and was born in Heard County, Ga. When he was about grown he moved to Louisiana, where he died in 1867, aged about thirty-four years. His wife, who survived him, is now living in Stewart, her native county. She was Miss Josephine M. Prather. Dr. B.W. Allen is their only living child. The father was a physician well known to the profession of Louisiana, and a most promising and useful career was cut off by his sudden death. He was a graduate from the New Orleans-now Tulane-University. Dr. B.W. Allen attended the public schools in Stewart County and finished his course at the agricultural school at Cuthbert, Ga. He immediately began the study of medicine, and in 1884 was graduated from the Atlanta Medical college. He began the practice of his profession in Russell County, Ala. and remained there until 1894, when he returned to Stewart County and has since practiced at Omaha. He was united in marriage to Miss Mattie L. Brewer, of Opelika, Ala., April 7, 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Allen belong to the Baptist church, and the doctor is a member of the fraternal orders of the Masons and Knights of Pythias. He enjoys an extensive practice, both in Stewart county, Ga. and in Russell county, Ala.

JOHN W. BARGE, one of the leading planters of Stewart county, is a native of that county, being born Oct. 11, 1849, within one mile of where he now lives. He was the son of B.F. Barge, one of the early settlers of Stewart county (see sketch of J.W. Barge, Webster county). He was educated in the log cabin schools near his home and brought up on the farm. At the age of twenty-one he commenced business for himself, and operated a mill owned by his father. In October, 1873, he married Fannie H. York, a native of Webster county, and a daughter of Rev. P.L. York, a farmer and minister of the Primitive Baptist church, now residing in Terrell county, Ga., near Dawson. Mrs. Barge was reared by her grandfather, Mr. Daniel, of Webster county. After his marriage Mr. Barge settled on the place where he now lives, and engaged in farming. He is one of the progressive farmers of the county and has 1,000 acres of fine land under a high state of cultivation. He owns the old home place, having purchased the interests of the other heirs. By his marriage he has five children: Nancy Lizzie, attending the La Grange Female college; Emma Rebecca; Benjamin F.; John L., and Joe Hill. Mrs. Barge is an active member of the Methodist church, and takes great interest in charitable work. Mr. Barge is a democrat and wields much influence in the councils of his party in directing county and state affairs. The Barge family live in a beautiful home about four miles west of Weston. Mr. Barge is a very successful business man and one whose probity and integrity are unquestioned.

DR. G.B. BATTLE. About the beginning of this century three English boys and brothers, left their old home to carve out their fortunes in the United States. One adopted North Carolina for his home, the second journeyed through to Alabama, while the third began his distinguished career in Georgia. The latter was Thomas Battle, the head of a family eminent in church and medical history of the empire state of the south. he had received the benefits of a good educational training under efficient tutors in the old country, and with a taste for learning he for years devoted himself to unceasing study in his new home. He prepared himself for the ministry and was ordained as a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church. He was one of the half dozen devines whose life history is the story of the struggles of this great aggressive church in the early days of the state. Rev. Mr. Battle selected Monroe county for his home and there his family grew up. There were many years granted to him for his Christian labors and he lived nearly to the present decade, dying in 1885, at the age of ninety-eight years. Dr. T.W. Battle was his son, born in Monroe county in 1815. He received his primary education from his father, and it was finished at the university of Georgia (then Franklin college), Athens. He had early selected medicine as his profession, and was graduated from the Medical University of Pennsylvania. He began practice in Monroe county, and from the first his professional career was one of remarkable success. About 1845 he was married to Ann C., daughter of Green B. Ball, of Stewart county. He was at that time living in Lumpkin, where he remained until 1882, when he removed to Columbus and continued in the practice of his profession the remainder of his life. Outside of his profession, in which his reputation for skill and learning ranked him among the first physicians in the state, he was known to be a man of fine business ability. He personally directed large farming interests, and was an active director in the Eagle and Phoenix Manufacturing company of Columbus, Ga. He was a most interesting man; kind and charitable, genial, yet dignified, he had the esteem of all and the friendship of many. He died in 1888, at the good old age of seventy-three years. His widow still survives and lives in Columbus. They were members of the church in which Rev. Mr. Battle was such a distinguished light, and the husband was an eminent Mason. To their union were born eight children, of whom all are living. They are: Mollie, wife of James E. Cargil, of Columbus; Dr. G.B., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Laura Winters, of Chattanooga; Thomas W., Jr., of Columbus; Charlton E., of Columbus, member of the state legislature from that county; Alice F., of Columbus; Mrs. Beulah, wife of Charles E. Morton, Columbus; Annie L., wife of Randolph Mott, of Columbus. Dr. G.B. Battle, farmer and physician, Omaha, Stewart Co., was born May 28, 1852, and was the eldest son of Dr. T.W. Battle. He acquired his education from Emory college, Oxford, Ga., and was graduated in medicine from the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, in 1875. For twenty years he practiced his vocation at Lumpkin with marked success, and in 1895 he moved to his plantation near Omaha. He was married in 1879 to Minnie O. Fitzgerald, daughter of James Fitzgerald, of Stewart county. They have had born to them eight children, of who four are now living: Alice F., Greene B., Minnie O., and James Fitzgerald. Dr. Battle is a master Mason and an Odd Fellow. He has large farming investments and an extensive professional practice.

T.F. CARTER. One of the chief business men of Richland, Stewart Co., Ga., and the mayor of this charming town, is Mr. T.F. Carter, the representative of an old and prominent Georgia family. He was born in 1856, in Florence, Stewart Co., and is the son of William Carter and Mary Buckhalter-natives, respectively, of Butts and Wilkinson counties. William Carter was the son of James Carter, a native Georgian, born near Indian Springs, Butts Co., Ga., and a minister of the Baptist church. Mary Buckhalter was the daughter of Icalia and Epsie (Beall) Buckhalter of Wilkinson county, Ga. William Carter was born in 1813, and died in 1869. During his lifetime he was engaged in mercantile business in Lumpkin and Florence. He represented Stewart county in the general assembly, being a member at the time the war was concluded. He was a distinguished Mason, and conscientious member of the Baptist church, in whose affairs he took much interest. His wife was a Methodist, and equally ardent and prominent in that denomination. She is still living, and resides in Richland. This union was blessed with twelve children, of who six are living: W.J., merchant, Florence; S.A., Columbus, president of the Columbus Grocery company; T.F., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. A.J., wife of L.C. Willifield, of Richland; J.H., merchant, Omaha, Stewart Co.; E.J., connected with the Columbus Grocery company. Mr. Carter was educated in the public schools and remained in Florence until about 1884, when he moved to Lumpkin, and three years afterward to Richland, where until 1889 he was engaged in the warehouse and fertilizer business; since that time he has been merchandising. He was married in January, 1889, to Miss M.L. Bedingfield, of Florence. They have one child, Miss Charlie May. Mr. Carter has been a member of and president of the board of education, and in December, 1893, was elected mayor of Richland, and re-elected in 1894. He is a partner in the warehouse firm of Carter & Dixon, and is associated with Mr. Williford in the fruit-growing business. Mr. Carter and wife are regular attendants at the Methodist church. He is a Mason, and at present worshipful master of the lodge at Richland. Politically he is a democrat though he takes no decided interest in politics.

J.H. CARTER, merchant and farmer, Omaha, Stewart Co., Ga., was born Jan. 17, 1862, and is a son of William Carter, whose biographical sketch is found elsewhere in these Memoirs. He was given the educational advantages afforded by the public schools, and early displayed a predilection for a mercantile life. In 1887 he was married to Miss Hightower, of Lumpkin, Ga., daughter of Mr. John Hightower. They have three children: Hattie, Joseph Henry, and Annie. Mr. Carter and wife are Methodists; and he is a master Mason, and a leading member of the Knights of Pythias. He has been mayor of Omaha for two years, and for two years was secretary and treasurer of the Omaha Improvement company. He is at the head of a thriving mercantile business in Omaha, and owns a large warehouse. He is a public-spirited citizen, and a pushing, energetic business man.

DR. ZIMRI SMITH COFFIN, merchant and planter of Stewart county, is a native of North Carolina, Guilford county, and was born May 20, 1833. he is a descendant of an old and honorable family of the name who came to this country in the early colonial days and settled on the island of Nantucket. His mother, whose maiden name was Rachel Osborn, was a native of Guilford county, N.C., where she lived all her life. She died in 1883 on the old homestead at the age of sixty-eight years. She was the daughter of R.H. Osborn, a native of North Carolina, who married a Miss Lamar, a sister of the father of Hon. L.Q.C. Lamar. R.H. Osborn raised a large family of children. Rachel Osborn married Abner Coffin, a native of the same county, born and reared where he lived and died. His fatherís name was Joseph Coffin, who came from the island of Nantucket, and it was Abnerís grandfather who came to this country from England in 1642, and was a relative of Admiral Coffin of the British navy. All of the Coffins in the United States spring from this English family, who came here from England during the old colonial days. The record of this family has been kept with special care by the members, and reunions at which many of the representatives have appeared have kept up an interest in the private history of the family, which is worthy of emulation. It is estimated that there are now in the United States 100,000 descendants of the original couple who landed on the island of Nantucket. The Coffin family of Nantucket have a college known as the Coffin school, for the education of the Coffin children throughout the United States who are not able to educate themselves. The grandfather of Dr. Coffin, Joseph Corrin, settled before the war on the banks of Deep river, where he lived and died at the age of eighty-four, in 1841. He was a farmer and the place where his home was located is still owned by the Coffins. Joseph had two sons and a daughter, the latter dying at an early age. Peter Coffin, brother of Abner, moved to Indiana, where he died. Abner purchased the home place and there brought up his family. He died in 1877, aged seventy-two years, a member of the Methodist church; and a highly respected man. By his marriage with Miss Osborn nine children were born, viz.: Joseph, died aged sixteen; Peter, died aged fifteen; Winright, died aged six years; Melinda, who married Alpheus Woodburn, and settled in Guilford county, N.C., where she died at Greensboro, aged forty-five; Dr. Z.S. Corrin, the subject of this sketch; Cyrus C., of Montgomery county; Mrs. Lucinda B. Myrick, who lives near Ennis, Tex.; Mrs. M.R. Oats, of Jamestown, N.C., and S.F. Francesca, who died in 1887. Dr. Z.S. Coffin was a studious scholar in the private schools of his county, and there fitted himself for his professional life. He attended a course of lectures on dental surgery at the Pennsylvania college in Philadelphia, and was graduated in 1857. He located in Newborn, N.C., and followed his profession with good success until the commencement of the civil war. During his residence in Newburn he devoted much of his leisure time to the completion of his education. To aid him in this he employed a private tutor, under whose instruction he made great progress in the studies of languages, ancient and modern. At the beginning of the war he was appointed an agent of the ordnance department for the state of North Carolina, with the rank of captain, which position he held until the close of hostilities. In that position he handled millions of dollarsí worth of property and cash, and that his accounts with the government always balanced to the cent demonstrates the strict integrity of his character. During a raid through the state the men employed in the ordnance department were formed into a regiment with Dr. Coffin acting as brevet-major. These special troops were in several skirmishes. After the war he traded in stock, cotton and tobacco in North Carolina, and cleared $10,000 the first year. With this he came to Georgia, where he engaged in the timber business. He was successful for awhile, but later his entire property was swept away by the failure of others who had his finances in their power. Thus reduced to penury, he resumed the practice of his profession in Stewart county, and so successful was he that in a few years he purchased a body of land on the Chattahoochee river, once owned by Gen. Toombs. Here he now resides, surrounded by all the comforts of a beautiful southern home, with every convenience and luxury possible to a home life. In connection with his great farming interests he carried on a merchandise business, which he established in 1880, and which led to a postoffice known as Coffinton. Dr. Coffin is a stanch democrat and was elected to represent the county in the legislature in 1880-81. The doctor was a quiet, unaffected member, not disposed to waste words on all measures, but when called by circumstances is an easy and fluent speaker and cogent reasoner. The doctor was married July 29, 1869, to Victoria A. Clements of Richland. She was born and raised in Stewart county, and was the daughter of Nelson Clements and Nancy Winn, natives of Georgia. Mrs. Clements died when the daughter was a child, and Mr. Clements survived her twelve years. He was a very wealthy man, having accumulated about $200,000 in twenty-five years on the plantation. The war reduced his wealth to about $40,000. Victoria lived with her father until his death, when Thomas W. her older brother became her guardian. She was educated in the schools at Lumpkin and the Masonic Female college. She was the youngest child of a large family, all of who lived to be grown but two. The children were: Jasper, who died in the war; James from exposure in the war; William M., a soldier, died in 1893; Thomas W., an ex-Confederate, died in 1892; Mrs. Lizzie Thornton, died in Randolph county; Mrs. Eliza Dixon, died in Webster county; Mrs. Josephine Kimbro, died in Stewart county in 1867. Dr. Coffin and wife have the following children: Linda Belle, Nelson Clements, Edward Chester, Leroy, Zimri Lamar, Victoria Pearl, William Carter. The doctor and his wife take special pains in the education of their children. They live in a fine home at Coffinton and own all its surroundings.

SWIFT CRUMBLEY. One of the solid and enterprising business men of Lumpkin is Swift Crumbley. He was born Nov. 11, 1830, in Henry county, Ga. He was the son of Anthony Crumbley and Zeptha (Grooms) Crumbley, natives of Washington county, Ga. The parents moved to Stewart county in 1831 and located near the farm on which the son now lives. Anthony Crumbley took part in the Indian war of 1835-36, and was an influential and prosperous citizen. They had six children: Alexander; Swift, the subject of this sketch, and James J., now living, and W.R., Adaline Pierce, and Anthony Lee, deceased. They were members of the Baptist denomination and both lived exemplary Christian lives. The husband died Nov. 4, 1869, aged about seventy-seven years, and the wife lived until April 29, 1884, aged about eighty-four years. Mr. Swift Crumbley was brought up on the home place and in 1853 was married to Amelia A., daughter of Shedrick and Susan Pinkston of Stewart county. Soon after his marriage he settled on the farm where he now resides. When the civil war commenced he was among the first volunteers to respond to the call, and enlisted in the Third Georgia cavalry, serving with that regiment throughout the entire war. In 1882 he opened a general merchandise store, which he has since continued and in addition he is engaged in extensive farming. Mr. Crumbley and wife have had born to them four children: James D., Susan Florence, Henry and Charles, the latter two being deceased. The family worship in the Baptist church, with which denomination Mr. Crumbleyís ancestors have long been identified. He is a Mason and in politics a democrat. Mr. Crumbley enjoys a high reputation for the honorable methods he has always followed in business, and in social circles his family are esteemed for the kind graces of character and their culture and refinement.

JUDGE W.W. FITZGERALD, merchant and farmer, Omaha, was born in December, 1836, within three miles of his present home. He was the son of James Fitzgerald and Nancy (Hilliard) Fitzgerald, natives of Stewart county, Ga. James Fitzgeraldís father was a native of Ireland and came to Georgia before the revolutionary war. James was one of three children and was born in Burke county; when a child went with his parents to Dooly county, and when a young man settled in Stewart county, where he lived the balance of his life, engaged in farming. He was married to Nancy Hilliard in 1831 and settled near the Chattahoochee river. He was a life-long member of the Baptist church and died in 1880, aged about seventy-three years. His wife still survives him. To their union were born twelve children, of who ten are still living: Mrs. M.A., wife of J.D. Alexander of Stewart county; Mrs. S.J., wife of Joseph C. Collins, deceased, of Mitchell county; Judge W.W., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. M.C., widow of Charles Collins of Mitchell county; Mrs. Laura A., wife of Marion Collins of Mitchell county; D.B. and J.H., living in Stewart county; Mrs. Thomas Salter of Stewart county; Mrs. Dr. Battle; Mrs. Sallie, wife of Leroy J. Simpson of Eufaula, Ala. Judge W.W. Fitzgerald attended the schools in Stewart county, studied law and was admitted to practice just before the war. He enlisted with Company K, Second Georgia regiment, in 1861, and served until 1862, when he was discharged on account of ill-health. He was justice of the inferior court for four years previous to the war, and served in the Georgia legislature in the years of 1873-74, and again in 1878-79. In 1889-90 he represented his district in the senate and was re-elected, serving in 1892-93. After the war ended, Mr. Fitzgerald devoted his time entirely to farming and merchandising, in which he is still engaged, and in which he has been very successful. He was married in May, 1865, to Josephine Bedingford of Stewart county, but at that time living in Alabama. They have had six children born to them, five of whom are living: J.B.; Minnie, wife of C.D. Burnell; W.E.; Flora, and Mary Josephine. Judge Fitzgerald and wife are active members of the Baptist church, and he is a royal arch Mason. He is a firm democrat and prominent in the party, having served on the county committees and always taking a great interest in its success and welfare.

ARTHUR T. FORT, ordinary, Lumpkin, Stewart Co., Ga., son of Tomlinson T. Fort, was born in Stewart county, Jan. 8, 1845. The family came from Virginia, and has become one of no inconsiderable note and influence in Georgia. Mr. Fortís father was a native of the state and was a larger planter. He served in the Creek Indian war under Capt. J.U. Horn and after the war resumed farming. He was elected sheriff of Stewart county, but resigned before his term expired, and died when only thirty-six years of age. Mr. Fort was raised on the farm and was educated at the common schools of the county. When seventeen years old he enlisted under Capt. Harrison, Company E, Thirty-first Georgia regiment, and served twelve months. He afterward enlisted in Gen. Wheelerís command and served during the war. Returning home he engaged in farming. In 1890 he was elected ordinary of the county to fill the unexpired term of W.F. Clark, resigned, an office which he now occupies. Mr. Fort was married to Miss Sallie, the accomplished daughter of Col. Samuel Sibbey, long connected with Savannah journalism. The have had four children: Samuel Sibbey, Tomlinson, Laura and Arthur Godfrey. Mr. Fort is a stanch democrat.

WILLIAM H. GRIFFIS, farmer, Lumpkin, Stewart Co., Ga., son of Henry and Rebecca (Carrington) Griffis, both of whom are deceased, was born in Stewart county, Dec. 24, 1841. He was reared on the farm, and received a fairly good education at the near-by country schools. On reaching manhood he commenced farming for himself, but had only been engaged in it a year when he enlisted in the Seventeenth Georgia regiment, under Capt. D.B. Harrell. He saw much and arduous service, and participated in the battles of Seven Pines, Malvern Hill, Sharpsburg, Cold Harbor, Gettysburg and Petersburg. After the surrender he returned to Lumpkin, reaching home May 26, 1865. He went to work on his farm, which he has successfully cultivated since. In 1883 he added merchandising in Lumpkin to his farming, and continued it until 1886, when he was elected marshal of the city, an office which he has filled with great efficiency and acceptably to the people. He has a fine 300-acre plantation under excellent cultivation, and an elegant and cozy residence in Lumpkin, and is popular and highly respected. Mr. Griffis was married March 9, 1868, to Miss A.K., daughter of John L. Denskin, a union which has been blessed with five children: Emory J., Lamar D., Samuel E., Lloyd T., and William H., Jr. Mrs. Griffis, an exemplary member of the Methodist church, died May 7, 1894. He is an ardent democrat and a member of the Methodist church.

JUDGE D.B. HARRELL. The Harrell family came from North Carolina. Jesse Harrel, the head of the family, was a prosperous farmer in that state and a man of great strength of character, and fine business ability. A son, Solomon, born in North Carolina in 1796, came to Georgia in 1800 with his parents, who located in Washington county. Here he was educated and grew to manhood, and in the war of 1812 served faithfully throughout that conflict. In 1839 he moved to Stewart county, and engaged in farming. He took no more part in politics than to vote, but was elected a justice of the inferior court, both in Washington and Stewart counties. He was married to Nancy Turner, and they had five children born to them, two of who are now living: Judge D.B. Harrell, and Solomon Harrell, of Webster county. Husband and wife were faithful members of the Baptist church. He died in 1858, aged sixty-two years, and the wife died in 1845. Judge D.B. Harrell was a small boy when his father located in Stewart county. He was educated at Lumpkin academy, under the direction of Prof. Baker, of South Carolina, who was a classmate of Daniel Webster. Impressed with the conviction that the profession of law was that for which his talents were specially fitted, he was, after thorough study, admitted to practice. After a few years of work he was elected solicitor-general of the Patuala judicial circuit, serving from 1855 to 1859, when he was elected judge of the superior court of the circuit. He also represented Webster county three years in the general assembly. He was captain of Company A, Seventeenth Georgia regiment, during the war, but was forced to retire on account of ill health. Judge Harrell was a member of Gov. Brownís staff during the time of the conflict. Most of his life has been spent on the farm, in which he takes great interest. In 1890 the bank of Richland was established, with a capital of $50,000, and Judge Harrell was made president. Judge Harrell is a strong democrat, and a high Mason. He lives in a fine residence on his farm near Richland, and is very highly respected by all who have the honor of his acquaintance.

BENJAMIN F. HAWES, clerk superior court, Lumpkin, Stewart Co., Ga., son of William and Jane (Gay) Hawes, was born in Stewart county April 29, 1842. Both parents are now dead. His father was a very extensive planter; also, a prominent and prosperous merchant, and did a large business in Lumpkin. Mr. Hawes was reared on the plantation, and educated in the common schools of the county. He enlisted in Company E, Thirty-first Georgia regiment, as a private, was afterwards made second lieutenant, and retained the rank during the remainder of his service. After the surrender he returned to Lumpkin and clerked in his fatherís store until 1870, when he was elected clerk of the superior court, and has been continuously re-elected since. This prolonged incumbency is highly complimentary to him, and is the best possible evidence of his superior ability and efficiency, as well as of his great personal popularity. Mr. Hawes was married to Miss Henrietta, daughter of Mr. Jared Irwin, on Dec. 17, 1874. She died June 16, 1888, leaving three children: Benjamin F., Jr., Lilly, and Mary Lou. He afterward married Miss Annie Irwin, Dec. 14, 1889, sister of his first wife, who has borne him four children, two of whom are now living: Jared Irwin and Eunice. Mr. Hawes is a strong, active democrat, and a member of the Methodist church. Mrs. Hawes is a consistent member of the Baptist church.

JAMES RUFUS JAMES, merchant and postmaster at Omaha, Stewart Co., Ga., son of James and Elizabeth (Harold) James, was born in Twiggs county, Ga., Nov. 24, 1841. His father was born in Warren county, Ga., where he owned large planting interests, was quite a prominent citizen, and died April 10, 1860. Mr. James was the youngest of eleven children, was reared on the farm and received a fairly good education. When eighteen years of age he went to Forsyth, Monroe Co., where he engaged as clerk with W.B. Pye, wholesale and retail grocery and furniture business, with who he remained until the beginning of the war between the states, when he enlisted in Company K, Capt. Pinkard, First Georgia regiment, and remained in the service until the surrender. He was in many of the most obstinately contested battles, and was wounded three times-once at Sharpsburg, wounded also at Gettysburg-and received a serious wound at Petersburg, in which last engagement he was with Company I, Sixty-first Georgia regiment. He was in Jackson hospital at the time of the surrender, after which he was sent to Johnsonís island, and after being detained there as a prisoner thirty days, was released. After his release he came to Houston county, Ga., but soon thereafter went to Macon, Ga., where he served on the police force. About 1869 he went to Dooly county, Ga., where he remained until 1890, when he came to Omaha, built a store-house and roomy hotel and now keeps a hotel, and does a large general merchandising business, which increases every year. He was a justice of the peace two years, and then resigned. He was appointed postmaster in July, 1891, and still holds the position. He is a prompt and reliable business man, and enjoys the respect and confidence of the community. Mr. James has been married three times. His first marriage was to Miss Mary Stripling, of Houston, Feb. 16, 1866, who died Aug. 28, 1876, leaving two children. He was then married Jan. 4, 1877, to Susan Annie (Green) Hightower, of Dodd county, who died May 29, 1886, leaving five children. For his third companion he married Miss Ella Udora, daughter of Benjamin Hayslip, a large planter of Leesburg, Lee Co., Ga., by whom he has had five children. The children living are; John F., Willie J., Edgar P., Nannie P., Reuby E. He is a democrat, and both he and Mrs. James are members of the church.

COL. J.H. LOWE, Richland, is one of Stewart countyís most prominent citizens. He was born in 1833 and is the son of James P. Lowe and Amelia G. (Brown) Lowe, natives of Jones county, Ga. His grandfather was John Lowe, a native of North Carolina, and an early resident of Georgia. James P. Lowe was born in 1800 and grew to manhood on his fatherís estate in Jones county. In 1830 he married Amelia, daughter of Hollinger Brown, for many years a resident of Jones county, but who in 1841 moved to Stewart county. Mr. Hollinger Brown was a prosperous farmer and lived until 1860. To himself and wife were born seven children, of who only one is living-Louisa, wife of Thomas J. Brown, deceased. By the marriage of Mr. James P. Lowe six children were born, of whom Col. J.H. Lowe is the only one surviving. The father died in 1858, and the mother in 1888. Both were conscientious members of the Primitive Baptist church. The parents of Col. Lowe moved to Stewart county when he was ten years old. He obtained his education in the county schools and by study after the work of the farm was finished and the tallow dip was brought into requisition. In 1855 he was married to Lucy Haynes, daughter of James M. Haynes, of Stewart county. After his marriage he continued to reside in Stewart county till the breaking out of the war. Col. Loweís record as a soldier is a brilliant one, and rarely found surpassed by individuals of either armies. He left home with Company G, Thirty-first Georgia regiment, as captain, and in about six months was promoted to the rank of major by election. In October, 1862, he was made lieutenant-colonel by appointment, in which rank he served until the fight at Spottsylvania Court House in 1864, when he was promoted to colonel, serving in that capacity till the close of the war. Col. Lowe was wounded in a skirmish fight in Virginia, and again in line of battle at Winchester. When hostilities were concluded Col. Lowe returned to his farm. In 1884 he moved his family to Buena Vista, he engaged in mercantile business there for about three years, still retaining his interests in farming. His store was destroyed by fire and he retired from business. he is now engaged at Richland in the warehouse and cotton brokerage business. He is a democrat and has frequently been called upon to fill official positions of honor and trust. He was a resident of Chattahoochee county for a year or two, and during that time was justice of the inferior court. For about ten years he was school commissioner of Stewart county. he also served two years as a member of the legislature from Stewart county, being elected in 1872. Col. Lowe and wife have been blessed by the birth of nine children: O.E., married and living in Americus; Mattie, wife of J.F. Rushin, of Marion county; W.H., deceased; Minnie; Sarah; Floyd; James Gordon, at home; W.A., at Buena Vista Thomas H., at Alexander City, Ala. Mrs. Lowe belongs to the Baptist church, and Col Lowe is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

E.W. MCLENDON. The McLendon family comprises on the male side several prominent farmers of Stewart county, while its connections embrace others, and even extends out over the state. Wilton McLendon was a son of John McLendon of Alabama, where he was born in 1823. He was reared and married there, his wife being Amanda Elizabeth Wall, daughter of a large planter. He died in 1865, and his widow still survives, and is now living with her son in Stewart county. They had four children, three of whom are still living: William J., E.W., the subject of this sketch, and Mrs. Sarah Lee, wife of J.B. Lee, of Pike county, Ga. The sons are extensive farmers near Omaha, Stewart county, and their estates lie on the Chattahoochee river. W.J. McLendon was born Dec. 10, 1854, and was reared at the home place. He was married Feb. 14, 1884, to Miss Mary O. McMillan, of Alabama. They have been blessed with four children: Mary, John, Mack and William. E.W. McLendon was married Feb. 4, 1893, to Leila Moye, of Russell county, Ala. They have one child, a babe. The families of the McLendons all belong to the Baptist church. The old home near Florence, Stewart Co., is nearly sixty years old, and was originally owned by Mathew Averett, great-grandfather of W.J. and E.W. McLendon. The McLendons are prosperous farmers, entirely devoted to their vocation, and they conduct their estates on a progressive line, with the most gratifying results.

CAPT. W.J. MABRY, JR.**, planter, Richland, Stewart Co., Ga., was born in 1820, in Warren county, N.C. The founder of the family in America was Charles Mabry, an Englishman who in 1717 came to North Carolina from Quebec, Canada. He had been married to a Miss Gibbs, of Irish descent, and connected with an old Quebec family. He was a planter and fought for independence in the patriot army. One of his sons, W.J., born about 1764, was married to Mary Ann Short, daughter of an old settler in North Carolina. He served with distinction in the war of 1812, and lived in the old Tar Heel state, dying in 1824. His wife survived him and was married the second time to a Miss Baker(??). They moved to Quebec, where she died in 1876 at the very old age of ninety-six years. She bore to Mr. Mabry the following children: Mrs. Harriet McCartha, deceased; L.F., Atlanta; Mrs. Ann Jones, of Carroll county; Mrs. Susan Kidd, of Alabama; Seaborn, deceased, and Capt. W.J., the subject of this sketch. The Mabrys have long been democrats and members of the Methodist church. Capt. W.J. Mabry came to Georgia with his uncle when he was six years old and settled in Lincoln county. There he was educated and when the early inhabitants were harassed by the murderous Creek Indians he shouldered a musket and aided in the subjugation of that warring tribe. In 1839 he moved to Stewart county and commenced a farming life that has been continued for over half a century. He entered the Mexican war as a private and was promoted to the rank of captain. He participated in the battles of Matamoras and Monterey, was in a trip to the Rocky mountains to move in Indian tribe and back again, was in the front in the engagements at Tampico, Vera Cruz, Alvorado, Sierra Gordo, Pero, Black Pass, and for six months was in the siege of Mexico. In 1851 he was married to Mary C. Bowers, daughter of Philemon and Mary Ann Bowers, of Stewart county. In the civil war he headed a company, but in Virginia he was put in the quartermasters department, and was later transferred to the western army with the rank of captain. He was in the first battles in Virginia, at Bethel, first Manassas, Perryville, Ky., Murfreesboro, Tenn., Chickamauga and numerous others of smaller importance. After the war he again put his hand to the plow and once more took up the affairs of his farm. Capt. Mabry has five children: W.W., of Richland; E.N., of Terrell county; T.J. and Philip P. (twins), at home; Mrs. Mattie, wife of Isom T. Webb, of Stewart county. Mr. W.W. Mabry is a distinguished Baptist divine. Capt. Mabry, though in the last part of the three-quarter-century walk of life, is robust in appearance and enjoying splendid health, with his mental faculties strong and unimpaired. He was a boy when there was no railroad in the state, and was a visitor in the neighborhood of Atlanta when the site of that thriving city could not boast of a single house. He remembers the event of the laying of the first rail on the first railroad in the United States; of the second one, from Charleston to Aiken, S.C., and of the driving of the first spike in the first road in Georgia-from Macon to Forsyth. He was the personal friend of the first engineer to cross the Chattahoochee river-Mr. Watson. **(User submitted corrections to this memoir researched by Michael Mayberry are as follows:

"Corrections to article "Historical Accounts" published by the Southern Historical Association, 1895, concerning Capt. William Jefferson Mabry, supported by census and death records:

Capt. William Jefferson Mabry was born 24 Sep 1820 in Georgia. He died 31 Aug 1903 in Stewart County, Ga.
Where it states in the article that the founder of the family was Charles Mabry, an Englishman, who came to North Carolina from Quebec—all this is incorrect. Charles Mabry, grandfather of Capt. William Jefferson Mabry, was born in Brunswick County, VA in 1748. He died 19 Sep 1844 in Warren County, N. C. Charles Mabry’s great-grandfather, Francis Maybury, Sr., was the founder of the family in America. He was born bet 1650-1660 in England and died 18 Jun 1714 in Surry County, Va.
Any reference to Quebec is incorrect. None of the Mabry family or their wives were connected to Quebec. The mention of Charles Mabry’s son, W. J., born about 1764 who married Mary Ann Short. His name is only listed on records as Joshua. He was born 02 Jul 1787 in Warren County, N. C. — not 1764 — and he died 31 Oct 1848 in Greene County, Ga.
There are no records which show that his widow, Mary Ann Short Mabry, ever re-married or that she went to Quebec.
Their daughter is shown as Mrs Harriet McArtha; her married name was actually McArthur.
The statement that Capt. William Jefferson Mabry came to Georgia when he was six years old with an uncle is not believable because he was born in Stewart County, Ga, and was living with his parents at that time in Georgia.
The names of his children — were given as initials — were William Woodson Mabry, Elbert Newton Mabry, Thomas Jefferson Mabry, Phillip Philemon Mabry and Martha Ann Elizabeth (Mattie) Mabry."

MAJ. T.A.H. MEYER. Identified with Stewart county in its material interests and prosperity, and a figure on the pages of the countyís war history is Maj. T.A.H. Meyer, Richland, one of its largest farmers and prominent citizens. He was born on Aug. 12, 1822, in Silverton, Barnwell district, S.C., and was the son of Wiley and Ruth (Parker) Meyer, natives respectively of South Carolina and Virginia. Maj. Meyerís father died when he was a child in arms and he was reared under the care of his mother. His mother dying in 1858, he came to Georgia in the spring of 1859, and on September 13 was married to Miss Mary Walker, a native of Charleston, S.C., but at that time living in Stewart county. She was the daughter of Alexander Walker, an eminent citizen of Charleston, who married a Miss Canaday, of South Carolina. After marrying Maj. Meyer settled in Augusta, Ga., and engaged in the cotton business. He remained there until October, 1867, when he moved to Americus; lived there until 1874 and then moved to Richland, where he has since lived. In 1871 he commenced merchandising and farming, and continued both until 1889. Maj. Meyer enlisted with the Twenty-second Georgia regiment-Schley rifles-of which he was elected second lieutenant. He was afterward promoted to the rank of captain and was in active service throughout the war. He was in the battles of Warrenton, Antietam, second Manassas and Hagerstown, and was twice wounded. Owing to bad health he was transferred to light duty. Mrs. Meyer, who was an exemplary member of the Methodist church, died Nov. 25, 1883. he was married a second time to Eula Lee Fison, of Randolph county, Ga. Maj. Meyer came to Richland when his store and residence constituted the town which is now a beautiful place of 800 people, with many magnificent brick buildings and fine hotel. Situated as it is at the junction of the S.A. & M. and Southern railroads, its prospects are very bright.

DR. THOMAS B. MILLER. The medical profession of Stewart county for half a century has embraced in its membership a representative of the Miller family. It was first the father who began his practice in 1843, and stood at the head of the early fraternity; then came the son, who to-day enjoys a reputation that promises to bring him the fame of his parent. Dr. Thomas Bright Miller was born in Stewart county, April 14, 1854, and was the son of Dr. Bright Miller and Miss Grace Ann Williams, natives of Washington county, Ga. Dr. Miller, Sr. was a poor boy, and never had six weeksí schooling in his life. But he was born with an unconquerable will and an energy to do or die; and the lack of educational advantages did not prevent him from acquiring a thorough intellectual training and to equip his mind for the successful professional life which followed. He was born in 1816, in Washington county, Ga., and when eighteen years old moved to Stewart county and opened up a store at Moccasin Gap, now Louvale. But he soon found that his talent directed him to another pursuit in life, and he commenced the study of medicine. He attended a course of lectures at the medical college of Georgia, Augusta, and was graduated from there in 1843. He returned to Stewart county and located at Union P.O. He practiced there for fifteen years and distinguished himself by his signal success in his profession and pecuniary matters. He then removed to Lumpkin, where he continued his practice in connection with a drug store until his death. Dr. Miller was thoroughly devoted to his profession, and all other things were subordinate to this, which explains his fortunate career. Even up to the last days of his life he was a hard student and an industrious, indefatigable worker. His practice was extensive and he was very frequently called to the surrounding counties of Quitman, Randolph, Webster, and Chattahoochee for advice and consultation. He amassed a large fortune. The doctorís ancestors were Irish, and in his active life he possessed all the characteristics of that irrepressible reace, as embodied in grit and perseverance. In the civil was he served in the Georgia militia for four months. He was nominated several times to represent the county in the general assembly in both the house and senate, but refused all office, though he always manifested great concern in the welfare of the county and state. Mrs. Dr. Miller was the daughter of Col. Thomas Williams, of Washington county, a large farmer and a prominent democratic politician, who represented that county in the general assembly a number of terms and died during the war. Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Miller were married in 1847, and they had six children born to them, three of whom are living: John Walker, a farmer of Lumpkin; Shelby, a merchant of Columbus; and Dr. Thomas Bright, the subject of this sketch. The deceased children are Fannie, wife of S.S. Everett, Lumpkin; Mrs. Mollie Lee, wife of R.T. Gregory, Columbus, and Joseph. Dr. Miller, Sr., was a member of the Masonic order from the age of twenty-one, and at his demise was buried by them. He died in 1880, and his widow in 1892. He was a democrat, and himself and wife belonged to the Baptist church. Dr. Thomas Bright Miller received his education in the Lumpkin schools, and remained at home until he commenced to read medicine. He attended the medical college of Georgia, Augusta, and was graduated in 1875. he was associated with his father in the practice for about a year, when he was married to Leah Corrine Cos, of Pineville, Marion county, when he removed to that place and followed his profession for ten years. he returned to Lumpkin in 1885, where he practiced until 1890, when he located in Richland, his present home. Dr. Miller takes much interest in politics, and has served as an alderman and mayor of Richland, and has been a member of the democratic executive committee for many years. Mrs. Miller is the daughter of William and Sarah (Hall) Cox, of Marion county. Mr. Cox was an extensive farmer and also a big merchant, dying in 1882, aged sixty-three years. Mrs. Cox died in 1861. They had a family of six children, of whom Mrs. Miller is the only one living, Mrs. Cox and five children dying during an epidemic of typhoid fever. Dr. and Mrs. Miller have had four children, of whom two, Willie Bright and Charlie Cox, are now living. In 1882 he attended the female hospital of Philadelphia for four months, receiving special training in diseases of women.

M.K. MONK, farmer, Lumpkin, Stewart Co., Ga., son of John and Salive (Kendrick) Monk, was born Sept. 15, 1819. His parents were South Carolinians, and came to Georgia early in this century. His father was an extensive and very prosperous farmer, was married four times, and raised a family of fifteen children-seven of who were step-children. Mr. Monk was reared on the farm and received such education as the locality and times afforded. In 1843 he went to Arkansas, but in a short time left there and went to New Orleans, where he enlisted as a volunteer for the Mexican war, through which he served. He then returned to Georgia, and in 1861 he enlisted in the Webster (county) rifles, Capt. D.B. Harrell, and served through the war. After the surrender he came to Stewart county and engaged in farming. In 1867 he moved to Alabama, where he lived and farmed fifteen years. Then he returned to Georgia and settled in Arlington, Calhoun Co., whence, in a short time he went to Americus, Ga., where he engaged in merchandising two years. Returning to Stewart county he settled down permanently and went to farming, which he has since prosperously pursued. Mr. Monk is one of the oldest citizens in the county, and is living a very retired life in Lumpkin, where he has a nice comfortable home. Mr. Monk married March 1, 1859, to Miss Mary, daughter of J.L. Griffis, of Randolph county, a union which has been blessed with two children. He has been a member of the masonic fraternity forty years, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist church-his membership covering fifty-three years.

B.T. RAY, farmer, Sanford, Stewart Co., was born June 20, 1846, in that part of the county which is Quitman county. He was the son of James Ray and Dorothy Bryan, both natives of North Carolina, who came to Georgia after their marriage, and first settled in Macon, about the time of the Indian war of 1835-36. Mr. James Ray once owned a big farm on the site of that thrifty city. These pioneers had a family of eleven sturdy children, of whom only one is dead. After a few yearsí residence in Bibb and Twiggs counties. Mr. Ray moved to Florida, but soon returned to Georgia and settled in Stewart county, where he died in August, 1872, aged sixty-five years. His wife, now about eighty-two years old, still survives him and enjoys excellent health. James Ray was a prominent man of his day, strong in character and bright in mind. The family were strict Baptists, and he was a Mason, and devoted to the teachings and precepts of that fraternity. Mr. B.T. Ray has always lived in Stewart county, and there married his wife, Margaret A. McRee, who was born in Stewart county and was the daughter of W.J. and Mary A. McRee, natives of North Carolina. The McRees were of the Methodist religious faith, and the husband a Mason from early manhood. Mr. McRee shouldered a gun with the state militia during the war, and lived until December, 1877, when he died in his fifty-eighth year. The wife still lives at the age of sixty-three years. After marriage Mr. Ray settled on the farm where he now lives. They have two grown children: William Davis and Benjamin Leon. Mr. Ray broke away from the denomination of his parents and united with the Methodist church, of which his wife had been a member from her girlhood days. Mr. Ray is one of the stewards of the church and a member of the board of trustees. During the last year of the war Mr. Ray enlisted with the state militia under Capt. Cook, and served in defense of Georgia homes and property.

Z.T. SNELLING. Richard J. Snelling, one of the pioneers of that part of the county around what is now Richland, Stewart Co., Ga., came from North Carolina with his family in an ox-cart in the early thirties. He first located on Pataula creek, southwest of Richland, and some few years later he purchased the land upon which Richland is now located, the neighborhood then being familiarly known as Box Ankle. He moved his family there, where he continued to live until his death in 1853 at the age of fifty-six years. In politics he took a very active part and represented the county in the general assembly several times. He was a man well liked, and by his industry and energy became very wealthy. He was charitable and gave with an open hand to the needy. He was married twice. His second marriage was to Mrs. Walker, nee Canaday, of Charleston, S.C. They had seven children. The children by his first wife were: John D., died in Arkansas, leaving a widow who was the daughter of Dr. Charles Austin, of Richland; Mrs. Frances Beaty, wife of Capt. J.P. Beaty, of Preston; Mrs. Hannah Hines, now living in Texas; Mrs. Elizabeth Richardson, Smithville, Ga.; Mrs. Susan Bell, Americus; William, died in childhood. Mrs. Walker had two children when she married Mr. Snelling. They were Alexander and Mrs. Mary Meyer. By her second marriage she was the mother of the following: Henry Clay Snelling, deceased; Jennie, wife of Andrew Hill, Jesup, Ga.; Mrs. Mattie Purvis, of Pickens county, Ala.; Mrs. Kossuth Ward, of Newnan, Ga.; Z.T., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Jennie Flecks, of Augusta, and Richard J., deceased. The mother of these children died in 1879. Mr. Richard J. Snelling, Sr., was an unassuming gentleman with fine business ability, and of a gentle, Christian character. He was a lover of the piscatorial art, and greatly enjoyed the sport of fishing. Z.T. Snelling, the fifth child by the second marriage of Richard Snelling, was born in 1848, near Richland, and was just prepared to enter the university of Georgia, Athens, a lad of sixteen years, when his studies were interrupted by his enlisting with the state militia, Tenth regiment state troops. He served until the close of the war. His company was commanded by Capt. LaFayette Harp, of Chattahoochee county, and did service against Sherman in his march through the state. Mr. Snelling was first married in 1868, his wife being Kate Smith, of Atlanta, daughter of Col. T.T. Smith. Her mother died when she was a child and she was reared by her grandfather, Mr. Green Hill, of Houston county, and was educated in North Carolina. She died in 1868, shortly after her marriage. Mr. Snellingís second wife was Kate Allums, a native of Cusseta, Chattahoochee county, daughter of Judge Allums, of that county. Mrs. Snelling was the granddaughter of Mark George, of Talbot county, was reared in Cusseta and educated in Talbotton, and is the mother of nine children, as follows: Lelia, wife of I.Jones, living near Richland; Mary, James, Julia, Meyer, Andrew, Annie, Jessie, and Flossie. Mr. Snelling and family are members of the Missionary Baptist church, of which he is a deacon. Mr. Snellingís father was a man that stood very high among the people, and was a man of strong character and unflinching integrity. Mr. Snelling is a democrat, and owns a good farm near Richland, upon which he lives in ease and comfort.

D.R.WADE, farmer, Sanford, Stewart Co., Ga., was born in Warren county in 1857, and is the son of J.M. Wade and Isabella Wheeler. When about six years old Mr. Wadeís parents moved to Quitman county, remaining there until after the war, when they located in Stewart county. His education was obtained in the schools of these counties, and until he reached his majority he remained on the home farm helping his father. In 1880 he was married to Theodosia Williams of Stewart county, and soon after established a home on the place where he now lives. His domestic life has been a happy and fortunate one. Of the children born to the parents all are still living. They are: Eula Bell, Robert Lee, Charles Andrew, William Homer Holcomb, and Ellen. Mr. and Mrs. Wade are good Baptists. Mr. Wade, while a leading farmer and popular citizen, takes no special interest in politics, more than to exercise the right of suffrage. He lives on a fine farm near Sanford, Stewart Co.

J.M. WADE. Among the old families in southwestern Georgia the name of Wade is well known. Hampton T. Wade was the son of one of Georgiaís early settlers and was born in Columbia county about 1807. He was married to Elizabeth G. Bolton, the daughter of Matthew Bolton, an old planter of Columbia county. They had two children, J.M. Wade, the subject of this sketch, and Mary Frances. The father died at the age of thirty years, and the mother afterward became the wife of Mr. Joseph Elliott, of Taliaferro county, and lived until 1857, dying aged fifty-four years. Mr. J.M. Wade was born March 20, 1833, in Warren county, and was only three years old when his father died. He lived with his mother until sixteen years old, when he went to the home of his guardian, where he lived to manhood, receiving his education in the Wrightsboro schools. In 1855 he was married to Isabella Wheeler, of Warren county, and after a years residence in that county settled upon a farm in Stewart county, where he now lives. When the civil was broke out he joined his comrades in the rush to the defense of his people, and leaving his young wife and babe enlisted with the Stark guards of Quitman county, Company F, Sixty-first Georgia regiment. He served in the army of northern Virginia, and was in the seven daysí fight around Richmond, the second Manassas, Sharpsburg, Petersburg, Gettysburg, where he was wounded, the first and second battles around Fredericksburg, and was in the last struggle at Appomattox, and surrendered with his regiment. When hostilities ceased he returned to his family and again began farming. To Mr. Wade and wife have been born six children-four sons and two daughters. Mr. Wade is an enthusiastic democrat, a high Mason, and with his wife belongs to the Baptist church, being a deacon in his congregation. He is an honorable, upright, industrious citizen, enjoying the respect and confidence of all who know him.

R.F. WATTS. One of the leading lawyers of Georgia is Judge Richard F. Watts, of Lumpkin, Stewart Co., Ga. Previous to the revolutionary was John Watts, a Virginian and the son of a Scotchman, moved his family to Georgia. He was an ardent patriot, and in 1792 was a member of the general assembly of Georgia. He was among the oldest settlers of the state and a man of strong character and much influence. Thomas H. Watts, his son, located in Clay county, was one of the first dozen residents of the county, and lived and died near Ft. Gaines. He was married in Morgan county to Miss Crenshaw, and was engaged in milling. They had eight children, of whom Benjamin Franklin was the eldest. Upon the death of his wife Mr. Thomas H. Watts was married to Elizabeth Garner, of Henry county, Ga., a union blessed by eight children, all girls, Mrs. Antoinette Sawyer, of Lumpkin, being the only one living. He died in 1844, aged seventy-two years. Benjamin F. Watts was born in 1807 in Morgan county, Ga., and was sent to Virginia, where he was educated as a civil and mechanical engineer. In 1833 he was married to Emeline Bryan, of Montgomery county, Ga., immediately after which he built a mill property in Lumber City, Telfair Co., Ga. He served an apprenticeship in ship-building at Gasport navy yard, and was one of the best mechanical engineers of his time. He died in 1847 at his home at Cordryís (then Wattsí) Mill, Calhoun Co., Ga. Emeline Bryan, his wife, was a daughter of Clement Bryan, of Johnston county, N.C., son of Needham Bryan, Sr., of the same county, who was a son of Needham Bryan, of Bertie county, N.C., a native of the province of Ulster, Ireland. The ancestry on the maternal side was Scotch-Irish. Clement Bryanís wife was Edith Smith, daughter of Col. David Smith, of Cumberland county, N.C. He was a son of Col. Sam Smith of Johnston county, N.C., who was born in 1709, and came over with several Scotch families to Cross Creek, now Fayetteville, a colony established by Neil McNeil. Samuel Smith married the daughter of Bryan Whitfield of Lenoir county, N.C. Mr. Bryan Whitfield was the son of William Whitfield, who came from Nansemond county, Va., and married a daughter of Col. John Hinton, Wake county, N.C. Needham Bryan, Sr., married a daughter of Col. John Smith, of Johnston county, who was a brother of Col. Sam Smith, of the same county. Clement Bryan was killed during the Indian war-on his plantation in Randolph county-the battle ground of Ich-a-way (Noch-a-way). All the Bryan family were soldiers in the Creek Indian war. To Benjamin F. Watts and wife were born: John Whitfield; William B.; Thomas B.; Richard F., the subject of this sketch; and Emeline C. Only the last two are now living; Miss Watts is living in Texas. Mrs. Benjamin F. Watts died in 1846 and her husband in 1847. Richard F. Watts was born May 3, 1841. He was very young when his parents died and was reared by his uncle, Loverd Bryan, of Stewart county. He was delicate for many years previous to reaching his majority, and on account of this was sent to Florida, where he obtained his education. He was among the very first to volunteer in the Confederate army, and served throughout the war as a private. After the surrender he returned to Stewart county and commenced the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1866. He was married the same year to Virginia T., daughter of E.F. Kirksey, who is still living, and who was originally from Mecklenburg county, N.C. Mrs. Wattsí grandfather, Jared Irwin, Jr. was killed by the Indians in the Creek war. In 1868 Judge Watts was elected ordinary; and in 1882-83, and again in 1886-87, represented Stewart county in the general assembly. In 1888 he was appointed by Gov. Gordon as one of the trustees of the lunatic asylum, and reappointed twice by Gov. Northen. Mr. and Mrs. Watts are members of the Methodist church, and Judge Watts is prominently identified with the I.O.O.F. They have three children: Benjamin Hinton, at present school commissioner of the county; Richard F., Jr., and Helen. Judge Watts enjoys a large practice, both in the state and federal courts.

GEORGE W. WILLIFORD, farmer, Omaha, Ga., was born Nov. 28, 1826, in Warren county, Ga., and is the son of Benjamin C. and Charity (Cobb) Williford, natives of North Carolina. Benjamin C. Williford left his native state in 1826 and settled in Warren county, Ga. He lived there ten years, and then removed to Pulaski county, afterward to Monroe, and thence to Crawford county, where he died in 1833. His wife survived him, dying in 1850. By this union twelve children were born, only two of whom are living: Mrs. Mary Bailey, of Alabama, and Mr. George W. Williford, the subject of this sketch. The latter was only seven years old when his father died and when a mere youth was compelled to go to work to help support his mother and himself. His first earnings were $1 a month, not a munificent sum, but to the brave lad was sufficient to encourage him in his industrious habits, and well prepare him for the busy life that would followed. When about twenty-one years old he moved to Stewart county, where he met and wedded Susan Bullard. This marriage was blessed by ten children, eight of whom are still living. Mrs. Williford died in 1871, and the husband was married the second time, in 1873, to Jennie Cowan, a native and resident of Stewart county. To this union were born ten children, six of whom are still living. The children by the first marriage now living are: Antoinette S., wife of J.B. Collins, of Mitchell county; Mary T., wife of W.J. Carter of Florence; L.C., W.B., M.C., B.W., W.M., and Minnie Powell, wife of H.M. Powell, of Stewart county; and the children by the second marriage that are still living are: George W., F.C., Charlie, Joe Brown, Grace, and Ruth.