Descendants of
David Fleming
thru his son John of
Pulaski County, Georgia

Third of eight parts

The following may not be reproduced or published without permission.

Generation No. 3

J15. EZEKIEL⁵ CONEY (Ann D.⁴ Fleming, John³, David², John¹) was born in 1831, according to Memoirs of Georgia, v. 2, published by the Southern Historical Association, 1895, Atlanta, Georgia, p. 701, and died “... soon after his return from the war, of disease, contracted in the service.”  He married Sarah E. Riley about 1851.  She was born on September 27, 1833; died on April 28, 1885 at Milledgeville, Baldwin County, Georgia; and was buried at Orange Hill Cemetery, Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia.

Ezekiel appears in the 1860 census of Pulaski County, Georgia, age 28, a farmer, with land valued at $1,500 and the total worth of his estate given as $14,500.  His wife, Sarah, age 23, is with him as is a Sarah Coney, age 60, and a James Coney, age 47 – not certain of the relation of the latter two to Ezekiel Coney.

After the death of Ezekiel Coney, Sarah (Riley) Coney married Cornelius Murphy Bozeman on February 27, 1866 in Pulaski County, Georgia.  This was also his second marriage, his first wife, Elizabeth C. Farmer, having died on January 11, 1864.  Elizabeth Farmer and Judge Bozeman were the parents of ten children, who were the stepchildren of Ezekiel Coney.  They were:

(i) John William “Billy” Bozeman, who drowned near Hawkinsville, Georgia, on March 8, 1873.  He married D. C. Bohannon on May 9, 1866, in Pulaski County;

(ii) Cornelius Murphy Bozeman, Jr., born January 7, 1843; died April 22, 1905.  He married Hattie Pauline Yarborough on April 17, 1866, and after her death, on May 22, 1872, Sarah L. Dillard.  He fathered ten children;

(iii) Sarah E. Bozeman, whose age is given as 5 in the 1850 federal census of Pulaski County, Georgia;

(iv) Franklin H. Bozeman, whose age is given as 3 years of age in the 1850 census of Pulaski County.  On May 11, 1871, he married Celia Lester Lucas in the Hawkinsville Methodist Church;

(v) Elnora Bozeman, born on February 7, 1849; died on September 12, 1928.  She married Lawrence C. Ryan;

(vi) Mary Emma Bozeman, born on January 10, 1851; died on June 18, 1939.  Mollie married Needham Williamson Jelks in Hawkinsville on December 21, 1871, and after his death, Charles Rhodin, in 1881;

(vii) Charles C. Bozeman, who was born on February 16, 1853; and died on November 30, 1893; (viii) Samuel Bozeman, born December 21, 1855; died August 3, 1866;

(ix) Augustus H. Bozeman, born May 5, 1858; died on February 16, 1867; and

(x) Vicksburg Bozeman, born on August 3, 1862; died on June 16, 1866.

Cornelius Bozeman Murphy was born on April 3, 1819 in Milledgeville, Baldwin County, Georgia; died on May 23, 1881 at Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; and was buried at Orange Hill Cemetery in Hawkinsville.  Mr. Murphy would have been the only father some of Ezekiel Coney’s children would know.  Eva Coney, for example, was born only a year or so before her father’s death.  According to Memoirs of Georgia, John G. Bozeman, born about 1876, was the only child of the union of C. M. Bozeman and Sarah E. (Riley) Coney Bozeman.

Obituary of Cornelius Bozeman Murphy
Stepfather to the children of Ezekiel Coney

Marriages, Deaths, and Etc., from Hawkinsville Dispatch, 1870 - 1888, by Robert K. Nobles, published by the Central Georgia Genealogical Society, Inc., Warner Robins, Georgia, 1991, p. 173 (an excerpt from The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, May 26, 1881):

n old and prominent citizen –– one of the “landmarks” of Hawkinsville has passed away.  Cornelius Murphy Bozeman expired at his residence in this place on Monday night last, May 23, 1881, at a quarter to nine o’clock, aged sixty-two years.

The deceased was born at Milledgeville, Ga., and at the age of ten years moved with his parents to Pulaski County, in which he has resided ever since.

Judge Bozeman was a citizen of prominence and influence –– possessed of strong will and determination, firm in his convictions of right and justice, true to his friends, and courageous under all circumstances.  In politics, he was active and unswerving.  Before the war, Judge Bozeman represented this county in the House of Representatives and in the State Senate, and held other offices of honor.

Having been a citizen of Pulaski since the earliest days of the county, and knowing Hawkinsville from infancy, he was never at a loss to furnish us for publication with a correct version of any incident or event in the history of the town and county.  Judge Bozeman was a man of usefulness, and the vacancy created by his death will be long unfilled.

He was a member of Mt. Hope Lodge F. & A. M. and of Anderson Lodge I. O. O. F., of Hawkinsville.  Was also a member of the American Legion of Honor and belonged to St. Omer Commandery of the Knight’s Templar of Macon.  A delegation of the Sir Knights of that city came down this (Wednesday) morning to join in the obsequies, which were performed at the grave in Orange Hill Cemetery at eleven o’clock, and this hour nearly all the stores are closed and business generally suspended.

Obituary of Sarah E. Riley

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, April 30, 1885, p. 3:

DEATH OF MRS. JUDGE C. M. BOZEMAN

Mrs. Bozeman, widow of the late Judge Cornelius M. Bozeman, died at Milledgeville on Tuesday, April 28, 1885.  The remains reached Hawkinsville last night and were buried at Orange Hill cemetery to-day (Wednesday) at eleven o’clock.  The funeral services were performed at the grave by Rev. E. J. Burch.

Issue:
Of Ezekiel Coney and Sarah E. Riley

J60––– i.––– Mollie E.⁶ Coney, born circa 1851.  She appears in the 1870 census of Pulaski County, Georgia, age 19, in the household of C. M. Bozeman.

J61––– ii.––– Charles Coney, born circa 1854, he appears in the 1870 census of Pulaski County, Georgia, age 16, in the household of C. M. Bozeman.

J62––– iii.––– James Franklin Coney, of whom below, born June 1, 1855 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died September 1, 1927 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia.

J63––– iv.––– Cornelia Anna Coney, of whom below, born August 5, 1859; died May 7, 1893 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.

J64––– v.––– Eva Riley Coney, of whom below, born January 30, 1864 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; died May 31, 1958 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.

J65––– vi.––– Emma Coney.

J16. JEREMIAH⁵ CONEY, JR. (Ann D.⁴ Fleming, John³, David², John¹) married Amanda Melvina Golightly on January 15, 1846 in Pulaski County, Georgia, according to The History of Pulaski and Bleckley Counties, 1808-1956, v. 2, 1958, Hawkinsville Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, The J. W. Burke Company, Macon, Georgia, p. 718.

She was born in Georgia according to the 1850 census of Dooly County, Georgia, which states that she was 18 years old at the time of the once-a-decade count, suggesting that she was born about 1832.  He does not appear in the 1850 census, suggesting that he may have died by then.

1850 Census of Dooly County, Georgia

• Coney, Amanda - 18
• Coney, William C. - 4
• Coney, Charles R. - 2
• Fleming, Ferdinand - 30 (Overseer)

Pulaski County, Georgia, Deed Book K

Pulaski County, Georgia, Deed Book K, p. 485, May 19, 1847 –– “John Fleming, Sr. to Jeremiah Coney, Jr., husband of Amanda E. Coney, formerly Amanda Golightly for whom John Fleming, Sr. was formerly guardian and has accounted for estate belonging to her.”

Issue:

J66––– i.––– William Crawford⁶ Coney, of whom below, born October 23, 1846 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died January 24, 1907 in Georges Creek, Somervell County, Texas.

J67––– ii.––– Charles R. Coney, of whom below, born circa 1848; died November 11, 1881 near Hartford, Pulaski County, Georgia.

J68––– iii.––– James Coney.  He is not listed in the 1850 census of Dooly County, Georgia.  James either was born shortly after it was conducted or had died before the count.  Could he be the same as James W. Coney who married Louisa Drake Philips, daughter of John Alexander James Philips and Mary Elizabeth Drake in 1876?

J17. CHARLES⁵ CONEY (Ann D.⁴ Fleming, John³, David², John¹) married Susan Whitsett.  She was born in 1819; and died in 1903, according to her grave marker at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Cordele-Albany Road, in that part of Dooly County, Georgia that was annexed to form Crisp County, Georgia, in 1905.

Issue:

J69––– i.––– Sarah Elizabeth⁶ Coney, of whom below, born on November 14, 1847; died on December 30, 1920 in Americus, Sumter County, Georgia.

J70––– ii.––– Samuel Whitsett Coney, of whom below, born July 30, 1849 in Lee County, Georgia; died January 19, 1916 in Cordele, Crisp County, Georgia.

J21. JOHN G.⁵ FLEMING (Duncan Lemmon⁴, John³, David², John¹) was born on August 14, 1832, either in Dooly or Pulaski County, Georgia; and died in February of 1864.  After the death of his parents in 1849 (he served as administrator of his father’s estate), he is found living with Philip Lanier in 1850 census of Marion County, Georgia.  He married Sarah Lewis on May 2, 1858 in Marion County, Georgia, according to Marion County (Ga.) Marriage Book A, p. 274.  There is a John Fleming named in the Muster Roll of the 10th Regiment, Company G, Georgia Volunteer Infantry (of Pulaski County) C.S.A.  He last appears on the unit’s rolls in June 30, 1861.

Issue:
Unless otherwise noted, information below
on the children of
John G. Fleming and Sarah Lewis
is from family group sheets provided in 1966
by Corinne Fuller Williams, now deceased,
then of 104 Lynoak Street, Marshall, Texas

J71––– i.––– C. Lemon⁶ Fleming, born October 26, 1859; died October 4, 1935.  He married Lyda Amanda Carver on October 29, 1881.  Reportedly they had nine children.

J72––– ii.––– Elda Fleming was named for her paternal grandmother Elda (Lanier) Fleming and was born July 8, 1861; died March 9 or 14, 1911 (two sources differ).  She married Rosemond Doyal Nolen on November 3, 1881 in Almira, Cass County, Texas, son of Thomas A. Nolen and Susannah Ball.  Rosemond Doyal Nolen was born on July 23, 1859 in Cass County, Texas; died October 26, 1936 in Texarkana, Texas.  He appears to have remarried after the death of Elda Fleming.

Obituary of Rosemond Doyal Nolen

The Citizens Journal, Atlanta, Texas, Thursday, October 29, 1936:

R. D NOLEN, 77, DIED AT BRYANS MILL

R. D. Nolen, 77, of the Bryans Mill community, died Monday morning at the home of a son in Texarkana.  He had been in poor heath for some time.  Funeral services and burial at Bryans Mill Tuesday.

He was a native son of Cass county, living here his entire life, and was one of the county’s good citizens.

He is survived by his wife, five sons and two daughters, Mrs. Roy Bryan, Aubry and Truitt Nolen, Bryans Mill; Dr. Marcus Nolen, Texarkana,; Dr. Sloan Nolen, Wichita, Kans., Naples and Mrs. Cora Willis, Sherman; and three stepdaughters, Miss Eula Strength, Linden, Miss Wilda Strength, Bryans Mill and Mrs. Ralph Taylor, Bloomsburg, Texas.

Sources for information on Elda Fleming and Rosemond Doyal Nolen and their descendants include:

• The web page of Mrs. Jeanette (Wilson) Cuthriell of Spencer, Oklahoma at http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~jeanette/index.htm,

• Tom Nolen’s web site at http://members.macconnect.com/users/t/tnolen/TheNolens/index.html and GEDCOM at GenCircles (http://www.gencircles.com/users/tnolen/1),

• and obituaries from The Citizens Journal newspaper of Atlanta, Texas; and

• Judy Lujan’s GEDCOM at GenCircles.

Cousin Tom Nolen, whose great-grandparents were Elda Fleming and Rosemond Doyal Nolen, writes in an e-mail in August 2003:

n a 1930 book on Texas notables, the entry for my grandfather, Dr. Marcus Nolen – Elda’s son – indicates her date of death as March 9, 1911.  It also states that her father (no mention of his name) died in battle during the Civil War in the service of the Confederacy.  The book says Marcus was born in Bryan’s Mill, Cass County, TX.  His father, Rosemond was born in “Cass County” and “still resides in Bryan’s Mill.”  Since Rosemond’s father supposedly settled in Linden, Cass County in about 1856 and stayed there “until his death,” I suspect that Rosemond was born in Linden, but I am not sure ... The book says Elda and Rosemond were members of the Missionary Baptist Church ...

Children of Elda Fleming and Rosemond Doyal Fleming included:

i. Minard Nolen, born June 10, 1883.

ii. Ethel May Nolen, born June 10, 1885; died March 26, 1966 in Atlanta, Cass County, Texas.  She married William Arthur Bryan, Jr., who was born on September 4, 1885; died on December 4, 1971 in Cass County, Texas.  According to History of Cass County People, Cass County Genealogical Society, Atlanta, Texas, 1982, Item #656, he was called “Roy.”  Both buried in Union Chapel Cemetery, Cass County, Texas.  One of their children, Mary Bryan, was born on September 26, 1909; died on October 28, 1972; and was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Marietta, Cass County, Texas.  Mary was the wife of Thurman Edwin Wommack, who was born on April 24, 1902; died on February 20, 1988; and was also buried at Oak Ridge in Cass County, Texas.

Obituary of
Ethel May Nolen

The Citizens Journal, Atlanta, Texas, Thursday, March 31, 1966:

MRS. ROY BRYAN’S SERVICES
HELD AT UNION CHAPEL

Funeral services for Mrs. Roy Bryan, 80, long time resident of Cass County and the descendant of one of its pioneer families from the Bryans Mill area, were conducted from the Union Chapel Church.

Officiating at the services were the Rev. Timothy Stahl, assisted by the Rev. H. S. Smith.  Burial was in the Union Chapel cemetery under the direction of the Hanner Funeral Home of Atlanta.

Pallbearers were grandsons.

Mrs. Bryan, who had been ill for a number of months, died in an Atlanta hospital.

She is survived by her husband, Roy Bryan of Marietta; seven daughters, Mrs. Grady Gibson of Commerce, Mrs. T. E. Wommack, Mrs. M. T. Thompson and Mrs. Lawrence McCoy, all of Marietta; Mrs. Paul Baker and Mrs. Jordan Baker, both of Douglassville and Mrs. W. W. Heard of Naples; two brothers, A. I. Nolen of Douglassville and Truitt Nolen of Wake Village; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Obituary of
William Arthur Bryan, Jr.

The Citizens Journal, Atlanta, Texas, Thursday, December 9, 1971:

W. A. BRYAN

Funeral services for W. A. Bryan, 86, of Marietta, were held at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Union Chapel Methodist Church.  The Rev. W. S. McQueen officiated and burial was in the Union Chapel Cemetery.

Mr. Bryan, a lifetime resident of Cass County, died Saturday after a long illness.   He was a retired farmer and cattleman and a member of the Union Chapel Methodist Church.

Survivors include seven daughters, Mrs. Paul Baker and Mrs. Jordan Baker, both of Douglassville; Mrs. Lawrence McCoy, Mrs. T. E. Wommack, and Mrs. M. T. Thompson, all of Marietta; Mrs. Grady Gibson, Commerce, and Mrs. C. W. Heard, Naples; two sisters, Mrs. Lucille Swint, Douglassville, and Mrs. Gladys Carlisle, San Antonio; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

The pallbearers were grandson.

iii. Aubie James Nolen, born on January 16, 1887; died on January 3, 1983 in Mount Pleasant, Texas; and was buried in Union Chapel Cemetery, Cass County, Texas.

Obituary of
Aubie James Nolen

“Obituaries with Cass County Connections, 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1986,” Compiled by Cass County Genealogical Society, p. 6:

The Citizens Journal, Atlanta, Texas, Thursday, February 3, 1983:

AUBIE J. NOLEN

Services for Aubie James Nolen, 96, of Douglassville, who died Sunday, Jan. 3, 1983 in a ... nursing home in Mt. Pleasant, were 2 p.m. Tuesday at Union Chapel Methodist Church with Mr. Jamie Duncan and the Rev. Carol Turner officiating.  Burial was in Union Chapel Cemetery.

He was a retired farmer, a member of Bryan’s Mill Baptist Church and a lifelong resident of the Douglassville area.

He is survived by two sons: Cameron Nolen of Douglassville and Oscar Nolen of Mt. Pleasant; three daughters: Mrs. Alice Mae Adams of Dallas, Mrs. Lonnie B. Laws of Las Cruces, N. M., and Mrs. Mevolyn Purtle (JTF –– Mrs. Ray Robert Purtle) of New Boston; and 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

iv. Villas Jeremiah Nolen, born February 7, 1889.

v. Lawson Fuller Nolen, born February 28, 1891.  [Not named on Mrs. Cuthriell’s web site.]

vi. Doyal Omer Nolen, born in 1892.  [Not named on Tom Nolen’s web page.]

vii. Marcus Lloyd Nolen, born August 9, 1895; died in November of 1944.  Married Claudia Pearl Parker, born in 1899.  Issue:

(a) Lloyd Parker Nolen, born in March of 1923 in Texarkana and died in 1991; he is founder of the Commemorative Air Force and namesake of the Johnson Space Center’s Lloyd P. Nolen Lifetime Achievement in Aviation Award.

“He was raised in North Central Texas and began flying at an early age, earning his pilot’s license before graduating from high school.  Unable to enter the military aviation program due to a vision problem, he accumulated sufficient flying time and experience to become a civilian instructor of military aviation cadets in 1943.   His students advanced to fly the high performance fighter aircraft he yearned to fly.  This deep-seated desire soon became a primary focus of his life and led him to create a unique aviation legacy.

Nolen formed a very successful crop dusting company at the end of the war, providing resources and time to pursue his undiminished ambition to fly the most powerful World War II fighters.  He purchased a Curtiss P-40 in 1951; but the Warhawk did not satisfy his desire for speed and power.  In 1957, he and a group of partners purchased a North American P-51 Mustang, which was soon followed by a Grumman F8F Bearcat, in 1958.   These two aircraft became the nucleus for the formation of the Confederate Air Force (CAF), which he led from 1961 to 1991.

Through the guidance and leadership of Lloyd Nolen, more than one hundred rare warbirds were restored, many to flying condition.  Today, these beautiful aircraft can be seen and heard at air shows, museums, and displays across the country.

Lloyd dedicated his life to the preservation of World War II vintage warbirds.  He embraced the motto Keep ’Em Flying.  Lloyd passed away in 1991.”

* * *

YOUNG RECEIVES
NOLEN LIFETIME
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Johnson Space Center
Space News Roundup
October 22, 1999

By Nicole Cloutier

Capt. John Young, astronaut and JSC’s associate director (technical), was awarded the 1999 Lloyd P. Nolen Lifetime Achievement in Aviation Award earlier this month.

Announced at a press conference at Ellington Field by the Wings Over Houston Airshow Festival Executive Committee, the award honors Young’s substantial contributions to the aviation community throughout his lifetime.  “They’re giving this award to me for lifetime achievements, but I’m still working on about 120 or 130 other things,” said Young. “We still have a long way to go.”

...

The award, first given in 1989, is named for Lloyd P. Nolen, a man immersed in aviation as a pilot, aircraft owner, mechanic, and businessman throughout his life.  Noting that thousands of World War II aircraft were being destroyed in the early 50’s without any efforts for preservation, Nolen recruited friends in the Rio Grande Valley to acquire the aircraft.  By 1957, they formed an organization dedicated to locating, acquiring and restoring as many allied and enemy aircraft as possible.  Today the American Airpower Heritage Foundation, located in Midland, Texas, has more than 140 aircraft in its inventory and is one of the finest aviation museums in the country.  Nolen was the first recipient of the award given in his name.

* * *

The Confederate Air Force’s history can be traced all the way back to 1951, when a former World War II Army Air Corps Instructor named Lloyd Nolen purchased a surplus Curtiss-P Warhawk.  Six years later, four of Nolen’s friends caught on, and the group added another plane to their collection, the P-51 Mustang.

Today, The Commemorative Air Force has 10,000 volunteers and members.  A pilot we interviewed, Colonel “Blackie” Blackburn, spoke about the 2001 name change (from “Confederate” Air Force to “Commemorative” Air Force).  Blackburn told us that he felt the change was simply to be “politically correct,” although Blackie still feels that the group is a “confederacy,” which he defined as being “a group of people getting together for a common cause.”

That common cause is to acquire one example of every model of plane built during 1939 to 1945.  So far, they have 140 planes from that era; 100 of them in flying condition.  To continue their cause, The Commemorative Air Force gives tours and sells souvenirs to get the money it takes to restore and fly the planes.

The Air Force usually plans their tours a year ahead of time, hitting specific sections of the U.S. and Canada.  The B-29 and B-24 squadron have planned 31 stops for the year 2002.  The planes arrived at their 29th stop, Lincoln, Nebraska, on September 16, 2002 ...

* * *

The origin of the Commemorative Air Force dates back to 1951, with the purchase of a surplus Curtiss P-40 Warhawk by Lloyd Nolen, a former World War II Army Air Corps flight instructor.  In 1957, Nolen and four friends purchased a P-51 Mustang, each sharing in the $2,500 cost of the aircraft.  With the purchase of the Mustang, known as Red Nose, the group was unofficially founded.

The organization was originally known as the “Confederate Air Force.”  Following a membership vote in 2001 and made effective on January 1, 2002, the organization is now known as the Commemorative Air Force.

In 1958, the group made their second purchase –– two Grumman F8F Bearcats for $805 each.  Along with the P-51, this gave the pilots the two most advanced piston-engine fighters to see service with the U.S. Army Air Forces and the U.S. Navy.

In 1960, the CAF began seriously to search for other World War II aircraft, but it became quickly apparent that few remained in flying condition.  The CAF Colonels were shocked to find that the aircraft which played such a major role in winning World War II were being rapidly and systematically destroyed.  No one, not even the Air Force or Navy were attempting to preserve even one of each type of these historic aircraft for display for future generations.

On September 6, 1961, the CAF was chartered as a nonprofit Texas corporation in order to restore and preserve World War II-era combat aircraft.  By the end of the year, there were nine aircraft in the CAF fleet.

In 1965, the first museum building consisting of 26,000 square feet was completed at old Rebel Field, Mercedes, Texas.  The CAF created a new Rebel Field at Harlingen, Texas, when they moved there in 1968, occupying three large buildings.  The CAF fleet continued to grow and included medium and heavy bombers such as the B-29, B-25, B-17 and B-24.

Today, the Commemorative Air Force is comprised of over 11,000 members, several hundred of whom serve as pilots and flight or maintenance crew members committed to preserving World War II American aviation heritage.  The CAF is responsible for operating a fleet of more than 140 airplanes known as the Ghost Squadron.  The year 1991 marked the beginning of a new era for the CAF with the opening of the new Midland, Texas, headquarters and museum facilities.

The CAF is an all-volunteer organization, made up of members from all walks of life.  Membership is open to all men and women, age 18 or older.  You need not be a veteran nor a pilot to join the CAF.  Privately funded and totally self-supporting, the nonprofit, tax-exempt group is dedicated to preserving the military aviation heritage of World War II.

(b) Rosemond Doyal Nolen II;

From Nolen Knives, http://www.nolenknives.com:

Nolen Knives
1110 Lakeshore Drive
Estes Park, Colorado 80517
(970) 586-5814
Fax (970) 586-8827

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

by George Nolen
from http://www.nolenknives.com/history.htm

It may be said that Nolen Knives dates back to the 1940s when R.D. Nolen watched his father, Marcus Nolen, fashion a knife from an old file. R.D.’s first knives were made in 1943 of similar materials and they still exist ... and still cut.

In his spare time, R. D. continued his hobby into the 60s when his younger brother Jim Nolen became interested in the craft.  He learned from R.D. and in 1968 gave up his career in insurance and investment counseling to become a full-time knife maker.  Jim ultimately became president of the American Knife Makers Guild.

By the early 1970s the two brothers were considered to be among the nation’s elite cutlery craftsmen.  A few years after Jim’s death in 1980, R.D. invited another brother, George Nolen, to join him in his Colorado knife shop.  After a forty-year career in radio and television in Dallas-Fort Worth, and Los Angeles, George Nolen became a full-time partner in Nolen Knives.

Most recently, R.D.’s son, Steve Nolen, has become the third generation Nolen knife maker.

* * *

Broadhead Magazine, Volume 1 Number 1, Fall 1999 (The Magazine of the National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF)):

R. D. Nolen is widely regarded as the father of modern custom knife making in the U.S.   “R.D.,” as he prefers to be known, is a fascinating character.  In his early 80s, he still works every day in his workshop attached to his home, which sits on the edge of a small town high in the Colorado Rockies.

Originally from Texas, R.D. was brought up on the banks of the Rio Grande and started his working life flying aircraft.  Indeed, R.D., and his brother Lloyd, were two of the founders of the famous Confederate Airforce, the world’s largest collection of Second World War aircraft.

To hear R.D. tell in his own words how he started making knives is to have a glimpse into the charm and humor of the man.  “I started out my early working life as a crop-duster and when I wasn’t busy, I used to amuse myself making knives in my workshop.  In the early 1950s a fella asked me if I would make him a knife.   When it was finished, I put a big price on the knife –– I thought no one would ever pay me $50, but that’s what I charged him!  The fella was delighted.   He took one look at it, paid me my fifty bucks and then asked me to make another one for his buddy.”

“Well, I thought, if someone is prepared to pay me fifty dollars for a knife, I’m in the wrong business. So I stopped flying and became a knife maker. After a while, I began to get quite good at it, so I moved up here to Colorado and that’s what I’ve done ever since.  I still work every day to keep my hand in, though, the business is now run by my son Steve.  But when it comes to special presentation knives like this NBEF one, I like to have my own input.”

Any knife bearing the Nolen logo is guaranteed for its lifetime.  Each blade is individually tempered.  Nolen knives can be found in some of the most exclusive collections throughout the world.

A lifelong enthusiastic hunter and fisherman, R.D. has indulged his passions throughout the world.  He has been on several African safaris, successfully harvesting some superb trophies.  Now R.D. reluctantly admits that he is getting to an age when hunting no longer has quite the thrill.

He prefers to put his energies into fishing, enjoying annual trips to his native Texas where he insists the bass are true Texans –– Bigger, tougher, and better fighters than anywhere else!

(c) James Nolen, died in 1980; and

(d) George Howell Nolen married Carolyne Lou Tillman.  Issue: (a) Thomas George Nolen; (b) Timothy Doyal Nolen; (c) Matthew Brian Nolen.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas, Sunday, January 28, 2001:

DJs, ANNOUNCERS
RECALL TIMES AT
FORT WORTH’S KFJZ;

MANY RETURN FOR
RADIO STATION REUNION
PROMOTED ON EX-DISC
JOCKEY’S WEB SITE

By Martha Deller
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

FORT WORTH –– George Nolen was “Captain Swabby” on KFJZ-TV’s first children’s show in the late 1950s.

A decade later, Lee Randall was a “hippy-dippy” KFJZ radio disc jockey who locked himself in an animal cage for five days to raise money to buy two tigers for the Fort Worth Zoo.

Nolen, now a Colorado knifemaker, and Randall, a San Antonio consultant, joined their former colleagues Saturday night at a reunion at Joe T. Garcia’s restaurant that drew more than 230 people from California to Pennsylvania.

Organized by former KFJZ disc jockey Larry Shannon and former KFJZ general manager Stan Wilson, the reunion expanded to include past and present Fort Worth radio and TV personalities, thanks to a Web page that Shannon designed.

The media reunion and Wilson’s four-decade broadcasting career were recognized by Mayor Kenneth Barr in proclamations read during the gathering.

“For most of us, this was the heyday of our careers,” Randall said.   “A radio station had its own spirit and personality that made you a part of your community.  Now, we’re like old military veterans trading war stories.   Thanks to the Internet, we can all connect again.”

KFJZ, one of Fort Worth’s major radio stations for four decades, launched its own TV station in 1955.  By the 1970s, much of the radio audience had switched to FM, Shannon said.  The station changed owners several times.  A Hispanic station now has the KFJZ radio frequency.

Nolen was one of the KFJZ radio personalities who switched over to television.   But Ann Harper Youree was recruited from an Abilene TV station to be KFJZ’s first female announcer.

“It was an exciting time,” said Youree, who came from Nashville for the reunion.  “I did interviews, commercials, emceed movies and everything was live.”

That led to some interesting moments when the station cat wandered across the set during shows or commercials, said Macalee Murchison Hime, secretary to the station president from 1952-60.

The reunion even drew Tarrant County Judge Tom Vandergriff, who worked for the station in the 1940s when Elliott Roosevelt, son of former president Franklin Roosevelt, owned it.

“All the good announcers had gone off to war,” Vandergriff recalled.   “They were so desperate they hired a 16-year-old high school kid as an announcer.”

(e) Judy Lujan’s GEDCOM at GenCircles includes a fifth child: Mary Ann Nolen .

* * *

viii. Sloan Hobson Nolen, born in 1897.

ix. (Infant) Nolen, born December 7, 1898.  [Not included on Mrs. Cuthriell’s web site.]

x. Zula Beryl Nolen, born June 13, 1902; died July 10, 1914.

xi. Verna Nolen, born March 1, 1905 or 1907; died September 3, 1905.

xii. Annie Lora Nolen, died February 1966.

J73––– iii.––– Georgia Ann P. Fleming, born December 17, 1861; died September 8, 1943 in Daingerfield, Texas; was buried in Corinth Cemetery, Cass County, Texas.  She married George Monroe Fuller on October 29, 1881, according to “The History of Cass County People,” published by the Cass County Genealogical Society, Atlanta, Texas, 1982, p. 102.  He was born on August 28, 1854 in Jonesboro, Clayton County, Georgia; died on January 20, 1915 in Cass County, Texas; and was buried in Corinth Cemetery, Cass County, Texas.  “The History of Cass County People” says that he moved to Cass County, Texas in 1858 when he was four years old and “operated a country store and blacksmith shop in the Almira community of Cass County,” according to the book.

Obituary of
Georgia Ann P. Fleming

The Citizens Journal, Atlanta, Texas, Thursday, September 16, 1943:

MRS. GEORGIE ANN FULLER PASSES AWAY

Mrs. Georgie Ann Fuller, age 81, passed away Wednesday evening, September 8, in the home of her daughter, Mrs. McCain, in Daingerfield, after a lingering illness.  She is survived by 4 sons and 4 (sic –– three? –– JTF) daughters: S. L., J. A., O. Q. and O. W. Fuller, of near Linden, Mrs. Ouida Beasley, Texarkana, Texas, Mrs. Era McCain, Daingerfield, and Mrs. Velma Nibbett, of Hughes Springs, 22 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted at Bethel Church, of which she was a charter member, Thursday afternoon at 4:00, by Rev. J. W. Reeder, of Hughes Springs, assisted by Rev. T. C. Strickland, of Linden.  Burial was in Corinth cemetery.

Mrs. Fuller was born in the Corinth community in Cass county December 17, 1861.   Most of her life was spent near this community where she was loved and respected by all who knew her.

* * *

Children of Georgia Ann P. Fleming and George Monroe Fuller included:

i. Winnie Ola Fuller, was born September 29, 1882 in Linden, Texas; died there in September 1890.

ii. Hallie Harrison Fuller, born March 6, 1885; died December 10, 1933 in Linden, Cass County, Texas.  Hallie married Luther Cates in 1902;

iii. Sebie Lee Fuller, born July 28, 1887 in Cass County, Texas; died September 21, 1955 in Linden, Cass County, Texas; buried at Corinth Cemetery, Cass County, Texas.  On December 18, 1907, he married Lily (Lillie) Florence Penny, born September 18, 1892; died December 3, 1969 in Linden, Texas; buried at Corinth Cemetery, Cass County, Texas.  According to “Cass County People,” they had thirteen children; obituaries of three of his children and one daughter-in-law appear below: the obituaries for Sebie Lee Fuller and Lily Florence Penny:

Obituary of
Sebie Lee Fuller

The Citizens Journal, Atlanta, Texas, Thursday, October 6, 1955:

S. L. FULLER

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Bethel Baptist Church for S. L. Fuller, Sr., 68, who died in a Linden hospital Wednesday night after suffering a heart attack a few days earlier.  The Rev. Harmon Smith officiated.

Mr. Fuller was a retired farmer and a charter member of the Bethel Church.

Survivors include his wife; four sons, O. L. Fuller, S. L. Fuller and Paul Fuller of Linden, and A. D. Fuller¹ of Longview; five daughters, Mrs. D. H. Boon², Mrs. Leonard Fitts, both of Linden, Mrs. Harold Lake of San Benito, Texas, Mrs. Howard Daniel³ of Atlanta, Texas, and Mrs. Connie Cline, Shreveport; one sister, Mrs. Ouida Beasley of Texarkana; three brothers, O. W., O. J. and J. A. Fuller, all of Linden; and eight grandchildren.

Notes & Obituary of
Lily Florence Penny

According to History of Cass County People, Cass County Genealogical Society, Atlanta, Texas, 1982, Item #669:

(Her father, John Warren Penny) served as chairman of the board of deacons of Bethel Baptist Church of which he was a charter member.  He was a faithful adherent to the tenets of his church.  He was zealous in the performance of his religious obligations.  His daughter, Lillie Penny Fuller, was married a year before he learned she had attended a dance, with her brothers, at the age of 14 years.  He required her to make acknowledgments to the church or be stricken from the membership roll.  Being a devout Christian and an obedient daughter, she made acknowledgments to her church.

The Citizens Journal, Atlanta, Texas, Thursday, December 11, 1969:

MRS. LILY FULLER

LINDEN –– Funeral services for Mrs. Lily Florence Fuller, 77, were held here last Thursday at the First Baptist Church.

Officiating at the services for Mrs. Fuller, who died after a short illness last Wednesday in the Linden Hospital, were Charles Russell and Harmon Smith.  Burial was in Corinth Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Mrs. Fuller’s grandsons.

Survivors include five daughters, Mrs. Erna Boon² of Linden, Mrs. Era Daniel³ of Atlanta, Mrs. Morrene Cline of Shreveport, La., Mrs. Joyce Lake of San Benito, and Mrs. Edith Fitts of Linden; five brothers, Sloan Penney, Rufus Penney, all of Linden, Claude Penny of Dallas, Clyde Penney of Shallowater, and Virgil Penney of Lubbock; four sons, O. L. and A. D. Fuller¹, both of Linden, Paul Fuller of Weatherford, and S. L. Fuller of Greenville; 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

* * *

¹Obituary of
Alvie Dee Fuller

“Obituaries with Cass County Connections, 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1986,” Compiled by Cass County Genealogical Society, p. 193:

The Citizens Journal, Atlanta, Texas, Wednesday, September 7, 1988:

ALVIE D. FULLER
July 12, 1912 – Aug. 30, 1988

Services for Alvie D. Fuller, 76, of Longview, were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1 at Welch Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jay McCasland officiating.  Burial was in Lanier Cemetery near Linden.

He was born in Cass County and was a retired employee of the Texas Department of Human Services.

Survivors include one son, Don A. Fuller of Longview; three sisters, Joyce Lake of San Benito, Era Lou Daniels of Atlanta, and Edith Fitts of Linden; and three brothers, Orville Fuller of Linden, Paul Fuller of Weatherford and S. L. Fuller, Jr. of Plano.

* * *

²Obituary of
Erna Fuller

The Citizens Journal, Atlanta, Texas, Thursday, January 11, 1979:

ERNA FULLER BOON

LINDEN –– Funeral services were held Tuesday at 2 p.m. for Erna Fuller Boon, 69, of Linden.

Mrs. Boon died Sunday in the Linden Municipal Hospital.

Services were held in the First Baptist Church of Linden with the Rev. Charles Russell and the Rev. John Cheney officiating.

Burial was in Linden Cemetery under the direction of Hanner-Caver Funeral Home.

Survivors include her husband, D. H. Boon of Linden; a son, Dan Boon of Linden; a daughter, Mary Nell Carlisle of Linden; a foster-son, Cloyde Young of Dallas; four sisters, Lou Daniels of Atlanta; Maurine Cline of Shrevenport, La., Joyce Lake of San Benito, and Edith Fitts of Linden; four brothers, Orville Fuller of Linden, A. D. Fuller of Longview, Paul Fuller of Weatherford, and F. L. Fuller of Atlanta, Ga.; and two grandchildren.

³Obituary of
Era Lou Fuller

“Obituaries with Cass County Connections, 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1986,” Compiled by Cass County Genealogical Society, p. 193:

The Texarkana Gazette, Texarkana, Texas, Tuesday, May 4, 1993:

ERA DANIEL

ATLANTA, Texas –– Era Lou Daniel, 76, of Linden, Texas, died Sunday, May 2, 1993 in Linden.

Mrs. Daniel was born Dec. 16, 1916 in Cass County, Texas.  She was a retired school teacher at Huffines School and member of Huffines Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, H(orace). J(oseph). Daniel of Linden; one son, Douglas Daniel of Ellisville, Miss.; two brothers, Paul Fuller of Weatherford, Texas, and S. L. Fuller of Plano, Texas; two sisters, Joyce Lake and Edith Fitts of Linden; and three grandchildren.

Services will be 10 a.m. today at Huffines Baptist Church with the Revs. J. W. Crow and James Wall officiating.  Burial will be in Huffines Cemetery in Cass County under direction of Hanner Funeral Home.

* * *

Obituary of
Wilna Fant
wife of Orville Lee Fuller

“Obituaries with Cass County Connections, 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1986,” Compiled by Cass County Genealogical Society, p. 44:

The Citizens Journal, Atlanta, Texas, Wednesday, June 17, 1987:

WILNA FULLER
June 9, 1910 – June 6, 1987

Services for Wilna Fuller, 76, of Linden were held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, June 8, 1987, with the Rev. D. C. Mangum officiating.  Burial was at Linden Cemetery.

She was a member of First Baptist Church, a member of DAR, a member of the hospital auxiliary and a retired school teacher.

Survivors include her husband Orville Fuller of Linden; two daughters: Phyllis Harrell of Livingston and Carolyn Boring of Hurst; one son, Keith Fuller of Linden; three sisters: Mrs. Ida Max, Mrs. Wanda Baldwin and Mrs. Sarah Stone, all of Linden; and five grandsons.

iv. Josie Anford Fuller, a son, born March 18, 1890 in Linden, Cass County, Texas; died there on October 12, 1963, married Edna Smith in 1917;

v. [Tearcy?] Quida Fuller, born August 4, 1892 at Linden, Cass County, Texas; died on February 14, 1972, married George H. Beasley;

Obituary of
Tearcy Quida Fuller

The Citizens Journal, Atlanta, Texas, Wednesday, February 17, 1971:

MRS. OUIDA BEASLEY

Funeral rites for Mrs. Quida Beasley, 79, of Linden, mother of Mrs. Eva Nell Stanley, Atlanta, were held at 2 p.m., Sunday in the First Baptist Church in Linden.  The Rev. Charles Russell officiated, and burial was in the Cornett Cemetery in Marietta.

Mrs. Beasley, a life-time resident of Cass County, died in a Linden nursing home at 12:22 a.m. Saturday after a short illness.  Born Aug. 4, 1892, she was the widow of George H. Beasley and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Linden.

Other survivors include two sons, E. C. (Cloyse) Beasley and James C. Beasley, both of Fort Smith, Ark.; another daughter, Mrs. Laverne Power, DeKalb; a brother, Ollie Fuller, Linden; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

vi. Era Malinda Fuller, born September 27, 1897 in Linden, Texas; died: 1949) married first Dave Ash¹ in 1921 and second William McCain²;

¹- In January 2002, Jill McCain wrote (posted online):

Era Malinda Fuller married David Matthew Ashe (b. 2/1899 in Linden) in approx 1921.  David is the son of Donald Washington Ashe (b. 1854) and Mary Ann Parker (b. 1862), married 1892 in Kaufman County, Texas.  Other children are Donald, Jr., Malinda, and Elijah.

² -From Kimberly McCain-Correll’s <KimmieReeAnn@prodigy.net> web site http://www.geocities.com/mccainbybirth/:

William Thomas “Bill” McCain Jr., born Feb 1872, Daingerfield, Titus County, Texas, married first Sallie Pitts and second Era Fuller.

vii. (Unnamed infant) Fuller, born and died September 27, 1897;

viii. Odis Ward Fuller, born March 5, 1901 in Linden, Cass County, Texas; died July 8, 1960, married Lydia Leftwich in 1924;

ix. Ollie Q[uitman] Fuller, born on December 19, 1903; died on November 12, 1980 in Linden, Texas, married Mary Pearl Fletcher in 1935;

Obituary of
Ollie Q. Fuller

The Citizens Journal, Atlanta, Texas, Sunday, November 16, 1980:

OLLIE Q. FULLER

Funeral services for Ollie Q. Fuller, 76, of Linden, were 2 p.m. Friday at the Hanner-Caver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Harmon Smith officiating.

Burial was in the Corinth Cemetery in Linden.

He died Wednesday in his home.

Survivors include his wife, Lola Fuller of Linden; one daughter, Jo Ann Wright of Wichita, Kansas; two sons, Ricky Fuller and Wayne Fuller, both of San Antonio; one stepson, Charlie Boone of Georgia; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

x. Velma [Obera] Fuller, born February 18, 1907; died March 27, 1951, married Luckel Niblett.

J23. FRANCIS M.⁵ FLEMING (Duncan Lemmon⁴, John³, David², John¹) was born November 22, 1835 in Dooly or Pulaski County, Georgia; and died on March 22, 1863 in Butler, Taylor County, Georgia.

n 1850, after the death of his parents the year prior, according to the census of Pulaski County, Georgia, he was 16 years of age and living with his uncle William Green Fleming.  From 1854 until 1855, Francis was in Marion County, Georgia, with his brother, John G. Fleming, who was by then 22 years old.  He appears in the 1860 census of Marion County, Georgia, age 24, born in Georgia, with wife, “Elisabeth,” age 17, also born in Georgia, and son, Soloman S. Fleming, age 2, born in Georgia.

Francis married F. A. E. Blue on December 11, 1856 in Marion County, Georgia (Marion County, Ga., Marriage Book A, p. 269, daughter of Simeon Blue.)  She is possibly the same as “Phebe A. E. Blue” who later married a Stewart.  Simeon Blue appears in the 1860 census of Marion County, Georgia, age 38, born in North Carolina.

On March 4, 1862, Francis enlisted in “The Marion Volunteers” –– Company H, 46th Georgia Regiment Infantry.  Second Lieutenant Francis M. Fleming died just a year later on March 22, 1863 in Butler, Taylor County, Georgia.

On September 7, 1863, Simeon Blue was named as guardian for “S. L. Fleming, orphan of F. M. Fleming, dec’d,” according to Marion County Records of Administration, Book A, p. 87.  Francis Fleming’s will estate was administered by Simeon Blue on July 6, 1863, according to Marion County Records of Administration, Book A, p. 134.

Issue:

J74––– i.––– Soloman L.⁶ Fleming, of whom below, born circa 1858 in Georgia.

J26. DAVID GREEN⁵ FLEMING (Duncan Lemmon⁴, John³, David², John¹) –– my great-great grandfather –– was born May 22, 1843 in what was Dooly now Pulaski County, Georgia, died on April 18, 1919 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; and was buried at Orange Hill Cemetery in Hawkinsville.

Green’s parents died within eleven days of each other when he was not quite six years of age.  After which, according to the 1850 federal census of Pulaski County, Georgia, he lived with his grandfather, John Fleming, and John’s second wife, Malinda.  According to the 1860 census of Pulaski County, Georgia, when 17, D. G. was living with his uncle, James Fleming and his wife Mary Ann Elizabeth Leonard.

Service in The Pulaski Volunteers

Toward the end of his 17th year, he joined “The Pulaski Volunteers,” which –– just one day after his 18th birthday, on May 23, 1861 –– departed Hawkinsville for Richmond, reporting there for duty on May 28, 1861.  The Pulaski Volunteers would become Company G of the 8th Georgia Volunteer Infantry, Army of Northern Virginia, C.S.A.  Green Fleming was at both battles at Manassas and at Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House, rising along the way from company private to Ordnance Sergeant of the Regiment.  He missed his Company’s participation at Gettysburg, being hospitalized for a severe injury to his arm suffered at Suffolk –– gratefully so to this compiler, as the Regiment suffered losses of 50 percent there.

The record of his military service, according to Roster of the Confederate Soldiers of Georgia, by Lillian Henderson, v. 1, p. 966:

“Private, May 16, 1861.  Appointed 3d Corporal Oct. 1861; 3rd Sergeant June 10, 1862.  Severely wounded at Suffolk, Va., Apr. 17, 1863.  Appointed Ordinance Sergeant Aug. 20, 1863.  Surrendered, Appomattox, Va., Apr. 9, 1865.”

From Units of the Confederate States Army, by Joseph H. Crute, Jr., 1987, Derwent Books, Midlothian, Virginia, p. 89:

“8th Infantry Regiment as organized by Colonel F. S. Bartow during the spring of 1861.  All of its companies had seen prior military service in the Georgia militia and were from Rome, Savannah, and Atlanta, and the counties of Greene, Echols, Pulaski, and Floyd.  Early in June the unit was ordered to Virginia and, assigned to F. S. Bartow’s Brigade, fought at First Manassas.  In April, 1862, it had but 251 men fit for duty and for the balance of the war served under General G. T. Anderson.  The 8th was involved in the campaigns of the Army of Northern Virginia from the Seven Days’ Battles to Cold Harbor, except when it was with Longstreet at Suffolk, in Georgia, and at Knoxville.  It did not take part in the Battle of Chickamauga.   The unit participated in the Petersburg siege south and north of the James River and later the Appomattox Campaign.

It reported 41 killed and 159 wounded at First Manassas, had 28 killed, 65 wounded, and 11 missing during the Seven Days’ Battles, and lost 8 killed and 54 wounded at Second Manassas.  It lost more than fifty percent of the 312 engaged at Gettysburg, and from April 14 to May 6, there were 92 disabled, and from August 1 to December 31, 1864, the regiment had 82 killed or wounded.  At the surrender it contained 14 officers and 139 men.  The field officers were Colonels F. S. Bartow, William M. Gardner, L. M. Lamar, and John R. Towers; Lieutenant Colonels Thomas L. Cooper and Edward J. Magruder; and Majors John F. Cooper and George O. Dawson.”

History of The Pulaski Volunteers
By David Green Fleming

After the War

For many years after the War, Green was active in the Confederate Veterans’ Association, of Pulaski County, serving as Secretary, including at such time in 1895 when the organization planned for the construction of a monument honoring those who served from Pulaski in the Civil War.

Excerpts of The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, July 14, 1892, p. 5:

CONFEDERATE VETERANS!

Reunion to be Held on Wednesday, August 3, 1892

At the call of Col. W. L. Grice, President, a special meeting of the Confederate Veterans’ Association, of Pulaski county, was held at the court house in Hawkinsville on Saturday, the 2nd day of July, 1892.

The President stated the object of the meeting to be to consider the matter of having a reunion of the Confederate Veterans of Pulaski and surrounding counties at an early date.

On motion of comrade R. W. Anderson, it was unanimously decided to have a grand reunion and barbecue on Wednesday, the 3rd day of August, 1892.

On motion, a general committee of fifteen, five from Hawkinsville and one from each of the other districts of the county, was appointed to have general control of all arrangements for the reunion and barbecue ...

On motion, all sons of Confederate soldiers, and all friends of veterans are cordially invited to participate with us in making the occasion a successful one.

On motion of comrade J. W. Lancaster, each member of this association tenders to the general committee any assistance that the committee requires.

On motion of comrade Rhodes, the general committee is requested unanimously to appoint comrade H. H. Kirkpatrick, chief cook, etc. of the barbecue ...

The Treasurer, comrade D. Rhodes, stated that a number had handed him their names and applications for enrollment, but he had mislaid the list. Therefore, any one who gave Mr. Rhodes his name, which does not appear above is requested to send it to the secretary.

Adjourned, subject to the call of the President.

W. L. GRICE, President
D. G. FLEMING, Secretary

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, August 1, 1895, p. 8:

THE VETERANS REUNION

It Was a Most Pleasant Event and Was
Enjoyed by a Large Crowd

he members of the Pulaski county Confederate Veterans Association held their annual reunion at O’Brien Park on Thursday, the 25th inst.  Our merchants closed their doors at 10 a.m., and joined the heroes of 61-65 in the basket dinner and barbecue.  There were between one thousand and fifteen hundred people present and all seemed to enjoyed the day immensely.

Hon. Robt. L. Berner, of Forsyth, was expected to be the orator of the day, but the day before he wired the committee that he had been suddenly called to another point and could not fill his engagement here.  Happily for the whilom (?) disappointed crowd, Dr. A. J. Battle, the well known president of Shorter College, Rome, Ga., was in the city, and when called upon, responded in a thirty minutes address that was at once full of enthusiasm, scholarly and entertaining.

A select choir occupied seats on the stage in the auditorium where the business meeting and speaking was held and interspersed the exercises with such songs as Tenting on the Old Camp Ground, Dixie, Who Will Care for Mother Now, and others that the gray haired heroes of a hundred battles had sung themselves as they sat around the camp fires that lit up the Virginia hills, and to which they had listened as they left for the war, when their wives and sweethearts would sing them.

Mr. J. O. Jelks, of the committee appointed for the purpose last year, read a memorial on the soldier life of the three comrades who, in the year past, had been transferred to the army of the great white hosts whose “tents are spread on fame’s eternal camping grounds.”

The officers elected for the ensuing year are as follows: President, Capt. R. W. Anderson; Vice Presidents, James E. Taylor and L. C. Ryan; Secretary, D. G. Fleming; Treasurer, Daniel Rhodes.

Immediately after the Veterans adjourned, the Association of Sons of Veterans was called to order and transacted their annual business ... The Sons of Veterans constituted these officers a committee to confer with the Veterans in regard to erecting a monument to the memory of Pulaski county soldiers who fought, bled and died in the defense of their country ...

n August of 1896, Camp S. M. Manning was organized becoming No. 816, of the United Confederate Veterans.  R. W. Anderson was elected Commander, D. G. McCormick, Vice Commander, and D. G. Fleming, Adjutant.  The Camp was named for Col. Seaborn M. Manning, 49th Georgia Regiment, who was killed at the Battle of Cedar Run, Virginia.  Green was re-elected Adjutant of S. M. Manning Camp, No. 816, U. C. V., on February 17, 1913, according to a story in The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Friday, February 21, 1913, p. 4, and served until his death in 1919.

Business Life of David Green Fleming

In the time after returning from the War, Green engaged in the mercantile business in Hawkinsville, teaming with W. M. Oliver to form Oliver & Fleming and the Country Store, before dissolving that business to work with his brother-in-law, William Jenks Fountain, in his store.

The following advertisement appeared on page 3 of The Hawkinsville Dispatch newspaper, Hawkinsville, Georgia, from Saturday, January 7, 1871, at least through January 19, 1871:

DISSOLUTION.

The firm heretofore existing under the name Oliver & Fleming at “The Country Store,” has this day disposed of our entire stock of goods to Messrs. Willis and Hendley.

Either one of us will settle up the business of the late firm, and will especially take great delight in receiving the “mites” our friends are owing us.  Please come forward and settle as early as possible, that, when we meet our creditors, we may take a greater delight in taking their receipts for what we are owning them.

In retiring from The Country Store, we beg leave to tender our thanks to its many patrons for the favors they have shown us, and take great pleasure in recommending to them the new proprietors, both of whom are well known to many of our customers.

W. M. OLIVER
D. G. FLEMING

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, March 30, 1871, p. 3:

NEAT SIGN BOARD.

Green Fleming has just finished painting a sign for the Dispatch office, which for its neatness and beauty cannot be excelled this side of New York –– where, of course, everything is perfect.  Those who have seen the sign are liberal in their encomiums.  Green –– as his friends are well aware –– is no professional sign painter, yet his effort in this instance puts him forward in the front rank with first-class painters.  The letters are perfectly shaped, separated evenly, and beautifully shaded.  We do not like to claim the palm as regard signs, but after taking a good view, our friends will concede that we are entitled to it.  Stores are always more attractive which have neat signs, and it wouldn’t be a bad idea if every business establishment in town had one.

Marriage of David Green Fleming
and Sarah Elizabeth Fountain

On January 25, 1871 in Pulaski County, Georgia, David Green Fleming married first Sarah Elizabeth Fountain, daughter of Green W. Fountain and Sarah A. Campbell.  The issue of The Hawkinsville Dispatch, January 26, 1871, in which a story of their wedding might have appeared is not available on microfilm at The University of Georgia Library, Athens, Georgia.  Lizzie was born on June 17, 1849.

1871 –– 1876

His occupation in the 1870 federal census of Pulaski County, Georgia, is given as merchant, with assets of $1,500.  On April 13, 1871, he was selected to serve on the Grand Jury of the Pulaski Superior Court.  On May 25, 1871, he was initiated into the I. O. G. T., Good Samaritan Lodge No. 2.

Account of Green Fleming’s Trip to Americus, Georgia

The following is an interesting account of his trip to Americus, which appeared on the front page of The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, July 6, 1871:

LETTER FROM GREEN FLEMING.
Americus, June 26, 1871.

Friend George (George P. Wood, Editor)

We are taught that “the way of the transgressor is hard,” and to some extent, I have realized the truth of the declaration; for, on the eve of leaving, I stole Henry Taylor’s (or somebody else’s) counter brush, which was a transgression of all existing laws.  However, I hope I am pardoned, as I took it through a mistake, and returned it by a friend.

David Green Fleming (left) and his grandson and namesake, David Fleming Rice, probably taken in 1908

We had a rather hard time on our journey, but landed safely at the end of it on the 20th.  The roads were in very bad condition nearly all the way from Hawkinsville to Ellaville, and in some places barely passable.

Montezuma was the hardest place to find I ever saw; but we at least reached it, and I was somewhat disappointed, thinking I would see a much livelier place, from all accounts, than Hawkinsville.  I found its inhabitants enjoying the same past-time that the Hawkinsvillians do –– that of marbles, drafts, &c.  The ferry is about a half mile from the town, but we have to travel about two and a half to reach it, over a road –– well, I can’t half tell how bad it is.  We reached the ferry about sunset or a little before, and yelled at the top of our voices for the boatman, who was no where to be found.  Imagine our condition away in the swamp, and that, too, near where people sometimes get shot at –– with a fair prospect of having to encamp for the night or retrace our steps to a portion of country we could not think much better; for we could not have reached high land until darkness enveloped us.  Help came at last.  An employee of the railroad being in reach of our voice, came to our rescue, and informed us that although he never tugged a boat in his life, if we would risk him, he would try it.  The affair was rather an unfavorable looking one, the bottom being out of the boat, but we concluded to try it, and panting, blowing and tugging for a good while, especially on the part of our friend, we landed safely on the west side.  I have always been a bitter enemy to gambling, but this affair made me a staunch friend to one branch of this business, at least as far as the name is concerned, for the name of our friend and deliverer is Keno.  He had to be persuaded to take any remuneration for his labor, which was indeed hard labor.  The next time I come out this way I don’t come by this route, you bet, unless better accommodations are provided for crossing streams.

We lodged in Oglethorpe that night, but there was so much noise and shooting around that we could not sleep.  When I go to the Legislature, I will have the town incorporated, for the sake of the good citizens.

Two miles East of Montezuma, is being built a beautiful little village.  Spalding is its name.  It seems to be situated in a very healthy locality, and inhabited and surrounded by good society.  There is a flourishing school in the place, called Spalding Seminary, and under the charge of Rev. W. C. Wilkes.

We were detained on the way by several rains and storms, but were pleasantly sheltered and entertained by the good citizens on the road.

Crops all along the route look badly, as would be supposed, after so much wet weather.  Corn is looking tolerably well from Montezuma to Hawkinsville, and for ten miles the other side of the former place it looks very well.  In that section they have had less rain.  Cotton also looks well there but beyond very poor.  On this side of Flint river, in Macon and Schley counties, up to Ellaville, all crops are very poor, and also very grassy.  Some fields are nearly a solid mat of grass.  Between Ellaville and this place crops of all kinds are tolerably good and as far as I could see were clear.

This is a beautiful little city, and seems to be growing rapidly.  Even these dull times it appears lively.  I have been in only a few minutes and have formed very few acquaintances but every one I meet seems to be clever.

We are enjoying ourselves as well as we could ask on our visit, and are in good health.

I should have written sooner, but could not come to Americus, until today, and don’t much like the management of the P. O. business in Ellaville.

Will write again soon.

Yours Truly,
D. G. F.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, October 12, 1871, p. 1:

HORSE AND BUGGY FOR SALE.

A good, sound and gentle Horse for sale.  Also a good Buggy.  Sold for no fault whatever, as I am in more need of their value in greenbacks.

Apply to
D. G. FLEMING
at W. J. Fountain’s Store
Old Stand of Grace & Fale

Death of Sarah Elizabeth (Fountain) Fleming

Five-and-a-half years after their marriage, Green’s wife Lizzie died on August 5, 1876.  She was buried at Orange Hill Cemetery, in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia.  She was the mother of two children, one of whom preceded her in death when but five months of age.

Obituary of Sarah Elizabeth Fountain

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, August 10, 1876, p. 3:

DEATH OF AN EXCELLENT LADY.

Mrs. Lizzie Fleming, wife of Mr. D. G. Fleming, departed this life on Saturday last after a brief and painful illness.  The announcement was received with sorrow by the entire community.  Amiable and pure in heart, Mrs. Fleming was loved by a large circle of friends, and the vast funeral procession that followed her remains to the cemetery on Sunday afternoon, attested the high esteem and sympathies of the citizens.  The bereaved husband has the condolence of the community in his hour of sore affliction.

Marriage of
David Green Fleming
and Mildred Irene Jones

On December 10, 1876 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia, D. G. Fleming married second Mildred Irene Jones, my great-great grandmother and daughter of Stephen McCall Jones and Jane Wilson Orr.  Her paternal grandparents were Reuben H. Jones, who died on December 12, 1858 at Calhoun, Gordon County, Georgia, and Mary (Polly) McCoy.  Her maternal grandparents were Andrew Orr (born September 15, 1788; died September 5, 1852) and Mary F. Robinson (born June 11, 1793; died at Fort Valley, Peach County, Georgia on October 13, 1864.)

According to The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, December 14, 1876:

“ ... On the evening of the 10th at the residence of the bride’s mother, in Hawkinsville, by Rev. George R. McCall, Mr. D. G. Flemey (sic) to Miss Mildred J. Jones ...”

(Rev. McCall was her second cousin, once removed.)

Mildred Irene Jones was born December 25, 1853 in Calhoun, Gordon County, Georgia; died on August 8, 1931 in Albany, Dougherty County, Georgia; and is buried beside her husband at Orange Hill Cemetery, Hawkinsville, Georgia.

Obituary of Mildred Irene Jones

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, August 13, 1931, p. 1:

MRS. D. G. FLEMING LAID TO REST SUNDAY

he remains of Mrs. D. G. Fleming, who died at the home of her son, J. T. Fleming of Albany, Ga., on Saturday, August 8th, were interred at the Orange Hill cemetery in this city Sunday afternoon.

Mrs. Fleming who was in her 78th year was practically a life-long citizen of this county having moved here with her family from Calhoun, Ga., when in early childhood.  Before her marriage she was Miss Mildred Jones.

She was a faithful and beloved member of the First Baptist Church of this city and had the honor of being the oldest living member in point of service on the church records.  Funeral services, attended by a large score of friends here were conducted at the cemetery by Rev. W. H. Budd, pastor of the Methodist church officiating and with W. L. Joiner, undertaker, in charge.

Mrs. Fleming is survived by two sons, Mr. A. P. Fleming of Douglas, Ga., and Mr. J. T. Fleming of Albany, Ga., and by one daughter, Mrs. A. J. Rice.  She is also survived by three sisters, Mrs. S. M. Phillips, of this city, Mrs. Maggie Kinchen, of Atlanta and Miss Sue Jones of Albany.  A number of grandchildren also survive.

Pall bearers at the funeral were H. A. Haskins, Pete Watson, D. R. Pearce, John DeLamar, J. H. Bragg and Freeman Bragg.

Civic Life of David Green Fleming: 1880––1891

The 1880 census of Pulaski County, Georgia, states Green’s age as 37, position as clerk, that his father was born in North Carolina and his mother in Georgia, with wife, Mildred, 26, daughter Mary L., 5, and son James T., 2.

On January 13, 1881, Green Fleming began his term as Pulaski County Treasurer. The office had been recently restored, as it had been abolished by the state Legislature in 1876. On January 9, 1883, W. A. Ferguson succeeded him in that office.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, September 23, 1880, p. 3:

THE NOMINATION NEXT SATURDAY.

The nomination of county officers for Pulaski county will be made by primary election on Saturday next.  The polls will be opened in each militia district in the county.  Under resolution of the Democratic Executive Committee only those who have heretofore affiliated and voted with the Democratic party will be allowed to vote, and every voter will be required to vote in his own militia district, provided the polls shall be opened.

Candidates who have not yet procured tickets for the nomination can do so by ordering them at this office.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, September 30, 1880, p. 3:

THE NOMINATION FOR COUNTY OFFICERS.

The primary election held on Saturday last for the purpose of nominating county officers passed off very quietly throughout the county.  The polls were opened at each precinct in the county, but as our space is limited this week, we will give only the consolidated vote as follows ...

For County Treasurer.

D. G. Fleming – 469
J. A. Bagby – 316 …

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, December 23, 1880, p. 3:

NOMINEES FOR COUNTY OFFICERS OF PULASKI.

The following are the nominees for county officers of Pulaski.  The election will take place on Wednesday, January 5, 1881.  There is no opposition to the ticket, at least we have heard of no opposition:

For Ordinary – P. T. McGriff.
For Clerk Superior Court – E. A. Burch.
For Sheriff – D. W. Taylor.
For Tax Receiver – B. G. Lee.
For Tax Collector – John W. Lancaster.
For County Treasurer – D. G. Fleming.
For County Surveyor – M. O’Brien.
For Coroner – James Coody.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, December 28, 1882, p. 1:

OUR TICKET.

The following are the Democratic nominees for county offices of Pulaski, and will be elected without opposition on Wednesday next, January 3, 1883 ...

County Treasurer - W. A. Ferguson

(Did Green Fleming lose the Democratic nomination earlier in 1882 or choose not to run for re-election?)

Green Fleming lost the Democratic primary for County Treasurer on October 6, 1888, but at by least January 1890 was serving as Tax Collector, either by appointment or election.

In The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, August 30, 1888, p. 3, mention is made of the resignation of E. A. Pollock as tax collector. The county commissioners had announced that they would appoint someone to fill the unexpired term at their regular meeting on the first Tuesday in September, though the article quotes a “prominent attorney of this city” as saying that the commissioners may not have the authority to do so, that the Ordinary was vested with such authority. I have not found a subsequent story indicating the appointment of Mr. Pollock’s successor by either the county commissioners or the Ordinary.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, October 11, 1888, p. 3:

The primary last Saturday to nominate Democratic candidates for county officers of Pulaski county developed a few surprises but everything passed off in the utmost good humor.  The following is the consolidated vote of the county ...

FOR TREASURER

W. A. Ferguson - 476
D. G. Fleming - 401

(Was this a re-match of an 1883 election?)

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, January 30, 1890, p. 8:

REGISTERED VOTERS OF PULASKI COUNTY FOR 1890

Mr. D. G. Fleming, our ... efficient Tax Collector, has furnished the Dispatch and News with the number of registered voters in the county for 1890 ...

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, August 28, 1890, p. 4:

FOR TAX COLLECTOR.

I am a candidate for re-election to the office of Tax Collector of Pulaski county, and pledge my energies in the discharge of duties of the office, should I be honored with a second term – subject, of course, to Democratic nomination.

D. G. Fleming

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, September 4, 1890, p. 8:

THE PRIMARY ELECTION.

The primary election for county officers took place last Saturday. There was considerable interest but no excitement.  The results as follows ...

Collector

H. H. Sparrow - 603
D. G. Fleming – 301

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, June 18, 1891, p. 5:

COMPTROLLER GENERAL’S OFFICE

Atlanta, Ga.
June 15, 1891

D. G. Fleming, Esq., T. C., Pulaski County –– DEAR SIR: Your papers in final settlement have been received and examined, and, as usual, I find them made up in a neat, correct and satisfactory manner.

I regret that your term of office has expired as your efficiency made me desirous of your continuance as Tax Collector.

Please accept my best wishes for the future.

W. A. Wright,
Comptroller General.

LETTER from David Green Fleming, writing from Hawkinsville, Georgia, on July 26, 1891, to Mildred Irene Jones, who at the time of the letter was in Calhoun, Georgia:

Hawkinsville, Ga.
July 26th, 1891

My Dear Mildred:

Thinking you will have arrived at Calhoun about the time this reaches you, I write (you?) a short letter.  I know you will want to hear from home by that time.

I went down to P. O. this morning, hoping to hear whether you reached Atlanta all right and found the good relatives there all well, but if you wrote the letter had not arrived.  Am sure I will get something from you this p.m.

We are all getting along finely –– I think I have almost caught up with my lost sleep and feel (much?) better than when you left.

We had a fine dinner and all ate heartily, especially (Autrey?) and myself, though the others we not far behind us.  We had cabbage (from our garden), okra, tomatoes, cucumbers, ham &tc.  I gathered a fine mess of butter beans, which we also had for dinner, which (Autrey?) says I forgot to mention (the?) chicken and dumplings.

Tell Janie the old red hen in the buggy (?) hatched all five of her eggs and the chicks are doing well.  Also that the old red turkey has seven (7) little turkeys and eleven (11) (biddies?).  Just took them off and put them in (cool?) garden beneath pear trees.  They are also looking fine –– I asked (Jermaine?) and (Autrey?) ...

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, January 9, 1896, p. 5:

A GALA WEEK FOR THE YOUNG FOLKS.

The past week is one that will linger in the memories of our young folks.  Having been freed of their studies at school to enjoy the Christmas holidays, they left nothing undone that would add to their enjoyment.

On Monday night at the beautiful suburban home of Mr. D. G. Fleming, a masquerade party was given in honor of Miss Eva Lewis.  The inclement weather prevented several from attending, but those who went reported a splendid time.  At the proper hour, all were invited into the dining room to partake of refreshments, which were served in abundance ...

By the fall of 1896, he was putting his experience as Tax Collector to good use, and was employed by Sommer Brothers as their accountant.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, September 3, 1896, p. 8:

TOWN AND COUNTY.

HAPPENINGS OF LOCAL INTEREST
AS THEY TRANSPIRE WEEKLY.

––– The friends of Mr. D. G. Fleming will hereafter find him at the store of Messrs. Sommer Brothers, where he has accepted a position as accountant.   Mr. Fleming, besides being a first-class bookkeeper, is also a good all-round business man, and fills the bill anywhere you put him.  He will not only keep the books of this firm straight, but will take pleasure in waiting on all friends and customers who may call on him.

Less than a year later, a story in the local newspaper detailed a brush with death ...

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, July 8, 1897, p. 8:

TOWN AND COUNTY.

HAPPENINGS OF LOCAL INTEREST
AS THEY TRANSPIRE WEEKLY.

––– Late Sunday afternoon a black gum tree on Mr. D. G. Fleming’s place that stood only about twenty-five feet from his barn was struck by lightning and torn into flinders.  A post that stood near the tree was also converted into kindling wood by the same bolt.  Mr. and Mrs. Fleming were near the tree just before it was struck and had it not been for their timely departure might have been injured or killed.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, February 19, 1902, p. 5:

CANDIDATES FOR TREASURER.

Elsewhere in this issue appears the announcements of Messrs. John H. Mullis, Jr., John B. Lewis and Robert D. Brown for the office of County Treasurer of Pulaski county.  These are all good citizens and clever gentlemen, and either of them would make an efficient officer.  We are authorized to say that the announcement of Mr. D. G. Fleming will appear in our next issue ...

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, February 26, 1902, p. 8:

In this week’s Dispatch and News will be found the announcements for county treasurer of Mr. D. G. Fleming of this place and Mr. W. B. Carswell, Sr., of Cochran.  Mr. Fleming filled this office some years ago and made a good officer.  He is known as a careful and correct accountant, a qualification that is very necessary for one to have who fills this important office, and if the people see fit to elect him, we believe they will have no cause for regret ...

FOR COUNTY TREASURER.

To the People of Pulaski County:

I am a candidate for County Treasurer, subject to Democratic primary.  Having filled this important office some years ago, I am thoroughly familiar with its duties and responsibilities.  I pledge all my efforts, if elected, to again discharge these duties to the perfect satisfaction of the people.  It was a rule with me then to apply none of the public funds to my private use until the amount of my commissions was approved in final (annual) settlement with the proper officials.  I shall continue to adhere to this, the only safe rule.  Your support is solicited and will be duly appreciated.

D. G. Fleming

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, June 11, 1902, p. 5:

THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY.

The Democratic primary held in Pulaski county on Thursday last resulted in favor of Estill for governor, Stevens for commissioner of agriculture, Merritt for state school commissioner, Eason for prison commissioner, Grice for representative, Lancaster for clerk, Rogers for sheriff, Bollinger for tax receiver, Haskins for tax collector, Lewis for treasurer, Macdonald for surveyor, Jones for coroner, and Finleyson and Dykes for county commissioners.

A good vote was polled in most all the precincts, though it was not as large as was expected, considering the fact that the county had been thoroughly canvassed by the various candidates.

The following is the tabulated statement showing the result of the vote ...

FOR COUNTY TREASURER

J. H. Mullis, Jr. – 499
D. G. Fleming – 105
J. B. Lewis – 665

On Wednesday, October 29, 1902, David Green Fleming placed the following advertisement in The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia:

D. G. Fleming,
Accountant, Expert and General Bookkeeper.

Solicits small or large jobs at reasonable rates, in Hawkinsville or other accessible points; or will accept permanent position at moderate salary.  Refers to any business or professional man in Hawkinsville.

Obituary of David Green Fleming

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, April 23, 1919, p. 1:

ANOTHER VETERAN GOES TO REWARD.

MR. D. G. FLEMING,
PIONEER CITIZEN OF PULASKI
DIED LAST FRIDAY MORNING.

Mr. D. G. Fleming, familiarly known as Mr. Green Fleming, died at his residence on West Broad street last Friday at the ripe old age of 76 years.  Mr. Fleming had been feeble for some weeks, being confined to his room the larger part of the time.

There are few better known men in the county, and this would include what is now Bleckley County, for Mr. Fleming has been actively identified with the political and civic welfare of the old county for many years.  In fact, born in the county, his record among his own people has been highly honorable and praiseworthy.

Grave Marker of David Green Fleming Orange Hill Cemetery, Hawkinsville, Georgia

He has filed a number of important county positions, and was adjudged one of the county’s best accountants, being most careful and correct in his bookkeeping methods.  For many years he was associated with Capt. Ruel Anderson when the latter was in the cotton warehouse business.

Perhaps few men among us has made for himself a better war record during the Civil War than did Mr. Fleming.  He went out with the first company leaving Pulaski under Capt. T.D.L. Ryan, and remained in the army until the last battle was fought.  He was in all of the great campaigns personally led by our great chieftain, Gen. Robt. E. Lee, and was in practically all the great battles led by that beloved General.  He was promoted to Ordnance Sergeant of his regiment.  He was one of the remaining three who went out with this early company, and the only one living in Puluaski (sic).  When Mr. Fleming volunteered he was turned down because of his small statute, but he insisted on being accepted and as a result of his pleading to go, was allowed.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, April 13, 1904, p. 5: Board of Education Endorses Closing of Cochran Dispensary Office of Board of Education of Pulaski County Hawkinsville, Ga. – April 12, 1904. Acting entirely as members of the above named board and having the interest of the public schools of the county in mind, we heartily commend the action of the town of Cochran in demanding the discontinuance of its dispensary.  In our opinion, there has been no one thing that tended more to impede the progress of educational interests in our county than the system of liquor traffic which has prevailed for more than two years past.  We think it unnecessary to mention the effect the system has exerted on the morals of our people, which might also be considered, technically at least, a part of our duty as officers. Signed, R. D. Abney, Chmn. H. C. Fuqua D. G. Fleming J. H. Mullis, Jr. W. S. Lancaster R. C. Sanders

He was always loyal to the Old Vets, and was possibly largely instrumental in organizing and naming the S. M. Manning Camp and held the position of adjutant of same from its organization until his death, and the surviving veterans, now so few, feel their loss is beyond repair.

Mr. F. H. Bozeman and Mr. W. S. Lancaster acted as honorary escort, and veteran, Judge H. A. Haskins, was one of his pall-bearers.  Others were L. N. Anderson, J. F. Fleming, W. A. Smith, S. M. Caldwell and J. B. Lewis.

Mr. Fleming early in life connected himself with the Baptist church, and for many years was the clerk of the local organization.  He was of the old school type and enjoyed most the old time congregational singing, and the doctrinal style of preaching.

His wife, two sons, Thomas J. Fleming (sic), of Atlanta, A. P. Fleming of this city, and two daughters, Mrs. Dave Scarborough, of Macon and Mrs. Janie Rice of this city survive him.

His funeral occurred Saturday morning at his late home, his pastor, Dr. A. Chamlee, of the Baptist church, officiating.

Thus passes one of the county’s land-marks.  His record in private and public life was highly honorable.  In all of his officials acts not a whisper of scandal in any way reflecting on the highest of ideals.  He left a rich heritage to his posterity.  Pulaski county is the poorer for his going.

The floral offering was large attesting the love and esteem in which he was held.

Among the out-of-town relatives attending the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Fleming and Mrs. Margaret Kinchen, of Atlanta; Mrs. Ruel Hightower, of Macon, and Mrs. J. L. Mims, of Cordele.  His daughter, Mrs. Dave Scarborough, of Macon, could not be present on account of the illness of her husband.

David Fleming’s Home Burns in 1928

His home for many years, on Broad Street in Hawkinsville, burned in the winter of 1928, at that time occupied by his daughter, Janie Elda (Fleming) Rice and her husband, Alexander John Rice.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, February 2, 1928, p. 1.

FIRE CO. ANSWERS 3 CALLS SATURDAY

Saturday morning was a busy one for the local fire company as in a comparatively short time during the morning they were called three times, an unusual occurrence for Hawkinsville.

Winter Snow at the Home of David Green Fleming, Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia

The first call came about nine o’clock from the home of Mr. A. J. Rice on Broad street, but owning to the fact that no water plugs were convenient as the residence is some distance from the city, the fire company was unable to do more than help, along with the assistance of many friends, to remove the household goods from the burning building.  It might have been possible to use chemicals from the truck had it not been for the truck going into a ditch where it was tightly stuck making it impossible for it to render any assistance whatever.

This residence was known as the old Fleming home place and had been standing for many years.  The timber used in erecting this house was of pure heart pine and something like an hour and a half passed before the conflagration ceased to be a roaring inferno.

It is reported that the loss was partly covered by insurance.

About 11:30 the second alarm was turned in which happened to be grass and woods ignited from fallen embers from the Rice home.

Then at twelve-thirty a third call was answered in Devil Head.  This was a small house occupied by a negro family.  We are told that only the roof was burned away.

Issue:
Of David Green Fleming and Sarah Elizabeth Fountain

J75––– i.––– William Augustus⁶ Fleming, born March 16, 1872 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died August 29, 1872 in Pulaski County, Georgia.  Willie was buried at Orange Hill Cemetery, Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, March 21, 1872, p. 3:

IN SUSPENSE –– We are anxiously waiting for Green Fleming to name his boy baby.  He seems to be in a brown study over the matter –– whether to call it William Augustus or George Piney.  It’s a fine lad, and we congratulate Green.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, September 12, 1872:

Willie Augustus, age six months, and only child of Mr. D. G. and Mrs. Elizabeth Fleming, died on Thursday morning, 29th.

J76––– ii.––– Mary Louise Fleming, of whom below, born in 1875; died after December 27, 1951.

Issue:
Of David Green Fleming and Mildred Irene Jones

J77–––i.––– James Thomas⁵ Fleming, of whom below, born September 18, 1877 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; died December 11, 1962 in Albany, Dougherty County, Georgia.

J78–––ii.––– Anthony Pate Fleming, of whom below, born July 19, 1881 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; died there on January 17, 1946.

J79–––iii.––– Janie Elda Fleming, of whom below, born June 27, 1884 in Hawkinsville, Georgia; died January 11, 1951 in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.

J29. MARINA ELIZABETH⁵ FLEMING (William Green⁴, John³, David², John¹) was born on December 18, 1843; died January 6, 1907 in Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia; and was buried at the Fleming Cemetery, across from Bembry Place, just outside of Hawkinsville, Pulaski  County, Georgia.  She married John Wilson Lancaster on December 15, 1869 in Pulaski County, Georgia, son of William George Washington Lancaster and Pheriby Ann Wilson.  He was born in Hawkinsville, Georgia, on August 1, 1843; died near there on October 10, 1914; and was buried in the Fleming Cemetery, across from Bembry Place.  He enlisted in Company G, 8th Regiment, Georgia Volunteer Infantry, C.S.A. on May 23, 1861, losing his arm at Thoroughfare Gap, Virginia, on June 28, 1862.

From Lillian Henderson’s Roster of the Confederate Soldiers of Georgia, v. 1, p. 967:

LANCASTER, J. W. –– Private May 16, 1861.  Wounded in arm, necessitating amputation at Thoroughfare Gap, Va. June 28, 1862.  On detached duty on account of disability Oct. 31, 1864.

Elected Sheriff, Tax Collector/Receiver
and Clerk of the Superior Court

On January 10, 1873, John Wilson Lancaster began a term as Sheriff of Pulaski County, Georgia.  On January 13, 1875, he started his term as Pulaski County Treasurer.  On January 27, 1877, he began his term as Pulaski County Tax Collector/Tax Receiver, elected again on January 15, 1879 and serving until January 13, 1881, when the two offices were separated.  He continued to serve as Tax Collector until January 1, 1883, at which time he assumed the office of Clerk of the Superior Court, which position he held for 31 years until his death.  He also was a salesman for copies of a 900-page biography of Robert E. Lee, under whose command he served in the War Between the States, The Early Life, Campaigns and Public Services of Robert E. Lee (– $3.75 cloth, and $5.00 leather bound.)  He was also Treasurer of S. M. Manning Camp, No. 816, United Confederate Veterans.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, January 16, 1873, p. 3:

COUNTY OFFICERS.

No person has taken the trouble to furnish us with the election returns of Pulaski county, and we have not been able to obtain them.  The vote was not large at any of the precincts, owing to the fact that there was no opposition to any of the candidates except for Tax Receiver and Collector.  The following are the candidates elected:

Ordinary, P. T. McGriff.
Clerk Court, E. A. Burch.
Sheriff, J. W. Lancaster, and John Burrows, Deputy.
Tax Receiver, W. R. Sapp.
Tax Collector, D. H. Hendley.
Treasurer, John M. Stokes.
County Surveyor, M. O’Brien.
Coroner, Robt. T. Bembry.

Excerpt from The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, January 4, 1877, p. 3:

THE ELECTION OF COUNTY OFFICERS.

he Election is progressing quietly as we go to press. We have never known the people of Pulaski county to show as little eagerness for office as in the present election. There was no nomination, and there is no opposition except for tax receiver and coroner. In all the elections heretofore there was a perfect scramble for the offices ...

The offices of tax receiver and collector were consolidated by the Legislature. For this office, Messrs. John W. Lancaster and Duncan C. Daniel are candidates. The office of County Treasurer was also abolished by the Legislature.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, September 23, 1880, p. 3:

THE NOMINATION NEXT SATURDAY.

The nomination of county officers for Pulaski county will be made by primary election on Saturday next.  The polls will be opened in each militia district in the county.  Under resolution of the Democratic Executive Committee only those who have heretofore affiliated and voted with the Democratic party will be allowed to vote, and every voter will be required to vote in his own militia district, provided the polls shall be opened.

Candidates who have not yet procured tickets for the nomination can do so by ordering them at this office.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, September 30, 1880, p. 3:

THE NOMINATION FOR COUNTY OFFICERS.

The primary election held on Saturday last for the purpose of nominating county officers passed off very quietly throughout the county.  The polls were opened at each precinct in the county, but as our space is limited this week, we will give only the consolidated vote as follows ...

For Tax Collector.

J. W. Lancaster – (no opposition) – 690.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, December 23, 1880, p. 3:

NOMINEES FOR COUNTY OFFICERS OF PULASKI.

The following are the nominees for county officers of Pulaski.  The election will take place on Wednesday, January 5, 1881.  There is no opposition to the ticket, at least we have heard of no opposition:

For Ordinary – P. T. McGriff.
For Clerk Superior Court – E. A. Burch.
For Sheriff – D. W. Taylor.
For Tax Receiver – B. G. Lee.
For Tax Collector – John W. Lancaster.
For County Treasurer – D. G. Fleming.
For County Surveyor – M. O’Brien.
For Coroner – James Coody.

Excerpt from The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, December 28, 1882, p. 1:

OUR TICKET.

The following are the Democratic nominees for county offices of Pulaski, and will be elected without opposition on Wednesday next, January 3, 1883 ...

Clerk –– J. W. Lancaster

Excerpt from The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, October 11, 1888, p. 3:

The primary last Saturday to nominate Democratic candidates for county officers of Pulaski county developed a few surprises but everything passed off in the utmost good humor.  The following is the consolidated vote of the county ...

For Clerk Superior Court.

J. W. Lancaster, no opposition –– 873

Excerpt from The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, September 25, 1901, p. 2:

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AND COUNTY OFFICERS
CLERK SUPERIOR COURT.

John W. Lancaster seems to possess an invaluable hoodoo charm over voters on the patent of which no county politician has ever been able to infringe.  Years ago he tried the offices of tax collector, tax receiver, sheriff and clerk, all around, found out which one he liked best, chose that of clerk, and has held it ever since.  Formidable rivals with money and influence have campaigned against him; he has stayed in his office, and on election day he was ever gracefully returned with a safe, and usually very flattering majority.  “Neatly and correctly kept” has been the verdict of successive grand juries in passing upon his book.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, June 11, 1902, p. 5:

THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY.

The Democratic primary held in Pulaski county on Thursday last resulted in favor of Estill for governor, Stevens for commissioner of agriculture, Merritt for state school commissioner, Eason for prison commissioner, Grice for representative, Lancaster for clerk, Rogers for sheriff, Bollinger for tax receiver, Haskins for tax collector, Lewis for treasurer, Macdonald for surveyor, Jones for coroner, and Finleyson and Dykes for county commissioners.

A good vote was polled in most all the precincts, though it was not as large as was expected, considering the fact that the county had been thoroughly canvassed by the various candidates.

The following is the tabulated statement showing the result of the vote ...

For Clerk.

John W. Lancaster – 685
T. E. Hendricks – 593

Obituary of Marina Elizabeth Fleming

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Tuesday, January 8, 1907, p. 5:

DEATH OF MRS. M. E. LANCASTER

Mrs. M. E. Lancaster, wife of J. W. Lancaster, died Sunday night in Valdosta, where she went a few days ago to undergo an operation in Dr. Holmes’ sanitarium.  Mrs. Lancaster survived the operation and the chances for her recovery seemed favorable until short time before her death, when she took a change for the worse and soon passed away in spite of everything that could be done to save her life.  Mrs. Lancaster was formerly Miss Marina Fleming, daughter of G. W. (sic) Fleming, and was about 62 years ago.  She was a member of the Baptist church and a most excellent woman, being greatly beloved by all who knew her, and in her demise the community in which she lived has sustained a great loss.  She is survived by her husband, and one son, Mr. Gus Lancaster, and one daughter, Mrs. J. H. Mullis, Sr. and other relatives.

The remains arrived Monday from Valdosta and were interred in the Fleming burial ground Tuesday morning at eleven o’clock, Rev. Chas. L. Greaves conducting the funeral services.

Obituaries of John Wilson Lancaster

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, October 14, 1914, p. 4:

JOHN W. LANCASTER

Pulaski County lost one of its best known and most useful citizens when the above named passed suddenly away at his home on the east side of the river last Friday night.

No man has ever lived in the county who had more friends or was more highly esteemed than this veteran soldier of the Civil War, whose loyalty to his country was attested by the empty sleeve that he wore as a result of that memorable conflict.  He had been elected to numerous positions of honor and trust, the duties of which he discharged in a faithful and efficient manner, and at the time of his death, was clerk of the superior court, which office he held for more than a quarter of a century against all opposition.  His death will be sincerely regretted by friends throughout this county and also in our sister county of Bleckley, which was formerly a part of Pulaski.  His body was laid to rest in the family burial ground near his late home Sunday afternoon at three o’clock, and the funeral procession, which was more than a mile long and composed of men and women prominent in all walks of life, was a silent tribute that spoke louder than words the high estimate that was placed upon him by his fellow citizens and indicated the loss that they felt in his passing.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, October 14, 1914, p. 8:

JOHN W. LANCASTER PASSES AWAY SUDDENLY

A Sketch of His Public Service
By His Friend, Comrade and
Relative D. G. Fleming

ohn Wilson Lancaster was born in Pulaski County, only a few miles distant from his late residence, on August 1, 1843.  His father, William Lancaster, preceded him to the Great Beyond only a few years since.  He joined the Baptist church in early manhood, and being one of the constituting members of Corinth church in the latter sixties, he remained a devoted and consistent member of that church the remainder of his life.  His funeral was conducted by his pastor, Rev. J. M. Henderson, at his late residence on Sunday afternoon, October 11th.  He was married December 15, 1869, to Miss Marina E. Fleming, which union was a most happy one until dissolved by the death of the latter in 1907.  They are survived by one daughter, Mrs. J. H. Mullis, Sr., of Cochran, and one son, W. A. Lancaster, who with his wife and two children, made their home with the father until his death.  He is also survived by two brothers, Robert J. and P. Frank Lancaster, both honored residents of Pulaski county, and by four sisters, Mrs. D. T. Daniel, of this county, Mrs. M. E. Baggett, of Dublin, Mrs. Dr. D. M. Buchan, of Eastman, and Mrs. Wingfield Betts, of Wray, Ga.

He was followed to the grave, the old Fleming burial ground, about one mile from his residency, by one of the longest processions ever seen in this section, estimated by many as more than a mile long.  The pallbearers at the residence were his associates in office, H. A. Haskins, L. C. Ryan, J. R. Rogers, J. J. Pollock, W. B. Richardson, and J. B. Lewis.  The services at the grave were conducted under the impressive ceremonies of the Woodmen of the World, of which order he had been a member for several years.

Being residents of different sections of the county in our boyhood days, I am not prepared to portray the early life of my comrade, friend and relative.  My purpose is only to give a brief account of his public service.  His first public service was as a Confederate solider.  It were vain for me to attempt to describe this transcendent star in the bright constellation of the public services of this patriot.  Words, though they emanate from lips and tongue of a Hill, a Toombs or a Grady, or flow from the pen of a Pendleton, a Howell or a Graves, would pale into insignificance when placed alongside the eloquence of the empty sleeve so familiar to us all.  I shall therefore attempt in my feeble way only to give my testimony as to how that sleeve was emptied of once strong arm.

On the 18th of April, 1861, he left his home, his loved ones behind, going to Virginia with Pulaski’s first company of Volunteers, which became Company G of the Eighth Georgia Regiment, which he afterwards helped the immortal Bartow and others to make famous.  The history of that company and that regiment was John Lancaster’s history – from Richmond to Harper’s Ferry, to Winchester, Manassas, Yorktown, Seven Days Battle in front of Richmond – until the 29th of August, 1862, late in the afternoon, while his command, making its way by forced marches to the help of Stonewall Jackson, who was fighting the second Battle of Manassas, it found its way impeded at Thoroughfare Gap by the enemy in strong force.  The Gap being closed, the only way to Jackson’s relief was for the command to fight its way up and over the mountains, which was done, but in the effort an arm was left in the field.  That, of course, closed his active service for his country during the war.  The remaining years of the conflict, and the first two or three after its close, was devoted by this comrade to preparation for further public service in civil life.  Schools were scattered and very inefficient in his boyhood days, and like most of us, his education was quite limited.  He studied hard, part of his time at Penfield (Mercer) and at Milledgeville.  He afterwards taught one or two years near his home.

Not long after the war closed the people of our county, recognizing his excellent qualities and knowing his integrity, elected him sheriff.  This position not being exactly to his tastes and talents, he asked for and readily obtained the position of county treasurer.  Some time later he was given the more remunerative office of tax collector and receiver, which two offices were consolidated for a time.  On separation of the offices about 1881, he was continued as tax collector until January 1, 1883, when he was further promoted to the office of clerk of Superior court.  The latter office he filled continuously to the full satisfaction of all our people till his death.  From 1861 till the present time the duties of this writer have been such that I can attest of my own knowledge the faithfulness and efficiency of John Lancaster in all positions of public trust and service.  His death illustrates in a peculiar manner how a merciful Providence grants His children their wishes.  Like his old associate in office, Judge P. T. McGriff, it was Mr. Lancaster’s last ambition to die in the discharge of the duties to which he was so faithfully devoted.

On Friday, October 9th, only a few hours prior to his entering into his final rest, exactly how many it is not for us to know, he was at his desk in the court room assisting the Judge and other officials in conducting the court then in session.

Among the many good characteristics of my comrade were his loyalty to his friends, magnanimity to enemies if he could claim one, charity in all its departments and trust in his Great Master.  One is especially notable, that of befriending the weak in any contest demanding friendship from either side.  One gentleman tells me of an incident occurring at Penfield, which made this gentleman a lasting friend.  That was the interference of Mr. Lancaster, preventing a larger boy from imposing on him, a small lad.

Pardon an incident or two illustrating John Lancaster’s extreme popularity with the people of Pulaski county, including what is now Bleckley and perhaps a part of Dodge county.  At one time, when he was a candidate for county treasurer a very good man and popular citizen also decided to contend for the place.  The citizen approached one of our best men and asked his vote.  The reply was unique as well as positive: “Look here, you quit this race unless you want to get badly beaten.  Why that man Lancaster could have defeated Stonewall Jackson or Robert E. Lee in their palmiest days for any office.”

In later years, when he had strenuous opposition for office, this remark could be heard on all sides: “Well, if he had two arms I could not vote against such a gentleman; as it is I shall vote for him until that arm grows out again, no matter what office he wants.”

This tribute may appear too long.  If so my only apology is that I could not make it shorter and do justice to the subject.

Engraved on the grave marker erected for John Wilson Lancaster at the Fleming Cemetery, across from Bembry Place, near Hawkinsville, Georgia, is the following:

“Rest Soldier Rest, Thy Warfaring is O’er”

Issue:

J80––– i.––– Emily Ola⁶ Lancaster, of whom below, born 1873 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died September 26, 1958 in Cochran, Bleckley County, Georgia.

J81––– ii.––– William Augustus Lancaster, of whom below, born July 18, 1881; possibly died in Tennessee.

J33. NANCY JANE⁵ FLEMING (William Green⁴, John³, David², John¹) was born August 26, 1850 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died on April 9, 1929 in Pulaski County, Georgia; and was buried at the Buchan Cemetery, Pulaski County, Georgia.  This cemetery, sometimes called the Old Powers Cemetery, is located off Cochran Highway (Georgia Highways 26 and 112), not quite two miles down Chicken Road.  She married Hugh Augustus Haskins on October 29, 1868 in Pulaski County, Georgia, son of Ottoway Haskins and Elizabeth Sarah Jane Burkhalter.  He was born on December 9, 1848 in Pulaski County; died at his home in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia on September 19, 1923; and was buried at the Buchan (Old Powers) Cemetery, in Pulaski County.  In January 1895, Hugh Haskins was elected to the office of Pulaski County Tax Collector and served until December 1910.  He served as Ordinary (now Probate Judge) of Pulaski from November 3, 1913 until his death.  Judge Haskins was also Second Lieutenant of S. M. Manning Camp, No. 816, United Confederate Veterans.

Excerpt from The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, September 25, 1901, p. 2:

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY OFFICERS

TAX COLLECTOR.

H. A. Haskins, who has been repeatedly chosen tax collector of Pulaski county, is another officer whose recognized popularity and efficiency relieves him from the burden of campaigning.

Mr. Haskins allows the tax payer every accommodation and indulgence that the law permits him and personal convenience seems always to be at their disposal, yet laxity or neglect never creeps into any of his actions and in the end he gets for the county every possible dollar that is collectable with the least amount of fuss and fury.

Mr. Haskins is a successful farmer, and a useful and patriotic citizen in every relation of life.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, June 11, 1902, p. 5:

THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY.

The Democratic primary held in Pulaski county on Thursday last resulted in favor of Estill for governor, Stevens for commissioner of agriculture, Merritt for state school commissioner, Eason for prison commissioner, Grice for representative, Lancaster for clerk, Rogers for sheriff, Bollinger for tax receiver, Haskins for tax collector, Lewis for treasurer, Macdonald for surveyor, Jones for coroner, and Finleyson and Dykes for county commissioners.

A good vote was polled in most all the precincts, though it was not as large as was expected, considering the fact that the county had been thoroughly canvassed by the various candidates.

The following is the tabulated statement showing the result of the vote ...

For Tax Collector

H. A. Haskins – 1,246 (unopposed)

Excerpt from The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, February 25, 1920, p. 1:

COUNTY PRIMARY ONE WEEK OFF

Candidates Have Only One
More Week To Put Their
Claims Before The Voters.

The Pulaski County primary is just one week off. Next Wednesday, March the 3rd, is the day set for the voters to go to the polls in their respective districts and cast their ballots for their choice for county officers.

Several of the candidates have opposition and in each case a lively contest is predicted.

The following is a list of those running ... For Ordinary –– H. A. Haskins, unopposed ...

Biographical Notes on Nancy Jane Fleming
By Hazel Christine (Dykes) Breland

Abridged.

“Nancy Jane Fleming Haskins was born in 1850 in Pulaski County.  Her parents were William Green Fleming and Mary Bembry.  Her father was a large landowner, and was descended from John Fleming and Louisa Dudley who were both born in Pitt County, North Carolina.

She married Hugh Augustus Haskins on October 8, 1868 in Pulaski County.  They lived on a large farm off Chicken Road where they raised three sons and eight daughters.  (Her daughter, Ruth, died when but a young child.)

Nancy was a feisty little lady who was full of wit but was a little on the strong-willed side.  She raised her girls to always be mindful of their high standing in the community ...

Joe Haskins Dykes recalled that the best smell of his memory came from Grandma Haskins’ kitchen and dining room.  She was a wonderful cook, who kept cakes and pies in a corner cabinet in her dining room.  When I visited the Haskins home several years ago, I felt as if I had been there before.  As I entered each room, the things that had been told to me by my father, Joe Haskins Dykes, and my grandmother, Bianca Haskins Dykes, over the years (came to life.)  The shelves were still there in the corner of the dining room, and I could almost smell the fresh cakes and baked hams.  The house was unoccupied at the time, and everything was there, exactly as it had been told to me.  The well was still there at the back of the porch, the pecan trees were still there and the beautiful heart-of-pine walls were still like new.  My aunt told me that grandmother was good at improvising.  She fixed a contraption to keep her milk, butter and eggs cold down by the creek.  She also enjoyed peacocks, and raised a large number of them.  My aunt said that they were beautiful when they would spread their tail feathers.  She also had a horse named Moses that was like a pet.

Gus and Nancy and their children were active members of Limestone Baptist Church located near the line of Pulaski and Bleckley counties and Bailey Park.  The church was established from the old Hartford Church in 1833.  It was a wooden church consisting of about 200 members.  The church is now a larger brick church.  The first church is said to have been a school house of log construction.  This building and its records were destroyed by fire.  They also attended Corinth Baptist, which was organized from Limestone.  Included in this congregation were members of Nancy’s family, the Flemings and the Bembrys.

Although he was a serious man, Gus Haskins had a keen sense of humor as evidenced by letters written to his granddaughter, Thelma Dykes.  She said that he liked to tease and play little games with her.  He called her his little ‘Alabama kiddie.’  His daughter, Bianca, said that he was always a kind and loving father.  When her mind failed her to the point that she did not recognize her own children, she would ‘talk’ to Papa.

Hugh Augustus Haskins’ father, Ottoway Haskins, was born in North Carolina about 1812 to Sylvanus and Leah.  The 1820 North Carolina census lists him in Onslow County.  It is not known if he was married before he married Elizabeth Burkhalter Simmons.  Elizabeth was married first to Beverly Simmons and they had five children: Jane, born 1829, Martha, born 1830, Mary Ann, born 1833, Sarah, born 1834, and Hillary, born 1838.  He left a substantial amount of land and money to Elizabeth and to each of their children.  This land was included in Gus’s inheritance from his mother.

In addition to their land holdings, Gus and Nancy owned a general store, which she operated.  It was later moved in the back side of his house where it still stands.”

Biographical Sketch of Judge Hugh Augustus Haskins

From The History of Pulaski County, Georgia, 1808 - 1935, Bicentennial Edition, published by Omnipress, Inc., Macon, Georgia, 1975, a reprint of the first edition published in 1935 by The Hawkinsville Chapter, Daughters of The American Revolution, Walter W. Brown Publishing Company, Atlanta, Georgia, p. 354:

JUDGE HUGH AUGUSTUS HASKINS.

Judge Hugh Augustus Haskins, generally beloved and highly respected citizen of Pulaski County, was born December 9, 1848, in this county.  He was the son of Ottoway Haskins and Elizabeth Burkhalter Haskins, who were married March 26, 1844.

In 1864, Hugh Augustus Haskins joined the Confederate Army, Anderson Battery Light Artillery, when just 16 years old, signing up for service when, according to an account written by Judge Haskins in 1918, the Artillery in which his brother served “ ... came through Pulaski County and stopped a few days to give the members of the company an opportunity to visit their families.  These were very exciting times in the South.  Sherman (had) destroyed Atlanta and was marching through Georgia.  Savannah being his objective, he was burning and destroying everything that man or beast could eat, burning the houses and barns –– in fact, leaving nothing in his path.  So it was under these exciting conditions that I joined the army.”

When only sixteen years of age, he enlisted in the Confederate Army, on November 29, 1864, where he served with bravery till he was paroled on May 2, 1865.

He was one of the outstanding farmers of Pulaski County, and served the county as tax collector from the year 1895 to 1911.  In 1912 he moved to Hawkinsville, and upon the death of Judge P. T. McGriff, served as Ordinary from November 3, 1913, till his death on September 19, 1923.  He was succeeded by his son, H. A. Haskins, who still holds the office of Ordinary.

Judge Haskins was a Mason, a Baptist, and was at one time commander S. M. Manning Camp, U. C. V.

On October 29, 1868, he was married to Miss Nancy Jane Fleming.  The family included three sons and eight daughters: W. B. Haskins, L. F. Haskins, H. A. Haskins, Mrs. Leah Haskins Holmes, Mrs. Katie Haskins Trice, Mrs. Frankie Haskins Turner, Mrs. Bianca Haskins Lawson, Miss Inez Haskins, and Miss Ruth Haskins.  The deceased are Mrs. Frankie H. Turner, Mrs. Leah H. Holmes, and Miss Ruth Haskins.

Judge Haskins was noted for his patriotism, loyalty to his community, and many deeds of charity.  In the truest sense he was a friend to humanity.  He was generous and hospitable, not only to his friends, but to strangers as well.  He never failed to respond liberally to every call of humanity in the most unostentatious manner.  He looked on all men as brothers, and helped many financially.  With loyal heart and with purest hand he faithfully discharged all private and public trusts.  He was a stranger to deceit and lover of truth.

His home was known for its hospitality.  No one could talk to him without realizing he was in the presence of one whose strength of character was great because his heart was pure.  The passing of this good man was a great loss to Pulaski County.

Obituary of Judge Hugh Augustus Haskins

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, September 26, 1923, p. 1:

PULASKI ORDINARY DIES FROM OPERATION

Judge Haskins Succumbs To
Operation Performed Last Week

Judge H. A. Haskins, ordinary of Pulaski County died at his home in this city last Wednesday morning at 12:30 o’clock, following an operation.  Judge Haskins prior to being elected Ordinary served seven terms as Tax Collector of Pulaski county, voluntarily retiring from this office, and in 1913 was elected to the position of ordinary to fill the unexpired term of the late Judge P. T. McGriff, which position he has since held without opposition.

Judge Haskins was born and reared in Pulaski county and was always a loyal citizen of the county.  When the county was divided, he moved from his farm which fell in the new county of Bleckley into Pulaski as he said he had always lived in Pulaski and wanted to die in Pulaski.  He was quiet in his manner and during his public life for twenty-five years none of his official acts have ever been criticized, and he was never known to criticize others.  He was a distinguished Confederate veteran, a member of the local Masonic lodge and one of the most prominent, popular and highly esteemed citizens in this section of Georgia.

The funeral services were conducted from his late residence Wednesday afternoon at four o’clock by Elder J. M. Woodward and Rev. W. D. Ogletree in the presence of a large number of friends.  The interment was in the Powers graveyard near his old home, the Masons being in charge of the services at the grave.

Judge Haskins is survived by his wife who has been his companion for fifty-four years; by three sons, W. B. Haskins, of Fitzgerald; L. F. Haskins, and H. A. Haskins, of Hawkinsville; and by the following daughters: Miss Inez Haskins, Mrs. W. G. Buchan and Mrs. A. W. Trice, of Hawkinsville; Mrs. J. F. Lawson, of Macon; Mrs. D. B. Dykes of Gordon, Ala.; Mrs. J. J. Holmes, of Quay, Fla., Mrs. R. E. Nichols, of Cochran, a sister, also survives him.

A large and beautiful floral offering attested the high esteem in which he was held by his friends.  One of which was a wreath by the county officers, who acted as pallbearers.

From The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, September 26, 1923, p. 1:

NOTICE OF ELECTION OF ORDINARY.

Whereas, there is a vacancy in the office of Ordinary of Pulaski County Georgia caused by the death of Honorable H. A. Haskins, whereas, under the provisions of the Statute made and provided in Section 4782 of the Code of 1911, it becomes the duty of the Clerk of the Superior Court of said County to order an election to fill said vacancy within twenty days under such vacancy occurs, it is therefore ordered that an election be held at the several voting precincts of said county on the 8th day of October, 1923, for the purpose of electing an Ordinary of said County to fill the unexpired term of the late H. A. Haskins, deceased.

Given under my hand and the seal of my office this 20th day of September 1923.

Israel Mannheim

Issue:

J82––– i.––– William Bunyon⁶ Haskins, of whom below, born October 8, 1869 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died March 3, 1936 in Fitzgerald, Ben Hill County, Georgia.

J83––– ii.––– Inez Elmira Haskins, born May 17, 1871 or 1872 in Pulaski County, Georgia, the former date from the family bible of her grandfather William Green Fleming and the latter date from her grave marker at the Buchan (Old Powers) Cemetery, Pulaski County, Georgia.  Inez died on September 9, 1955 in Cochran, Bleckley County, Georgia; and was buried in the Buchan Cemetery.

Obituary of Inez Elmira Haskins

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, September 21, 1955, p. 6:

MISS INEZ HASKINS DIES AT COCHRAN

Miss Inez Haskins, a former resident of Hawkinsville, died in Cochran, Sept. 9.  She was 83.

Miss Haskins, who lived at Thomasville, Ga., was a member of the Limestone Baptist Church in Bleckley County.  She was a daughter of the late Judge H. A. Haskins and Nancy Fleming Haskins, of Pulaski County.

Funeral services were held Sept. 10 at the Clark Funeral Home Chapel in Hawkinsville.  Burial was in Powers Cemetery, Pulaski County, the Rev. Byron Kennerly officiating.

Survivors include three sisters, Mrs. Eula Buchan, of Thomasville, Mrs. J. F. Lawson, of Dayton Beach, Fla., and Mrs. D. B. Dykes, of Gordon, Ala., and several nephews and nieces.

J84––– iii.––– Carrie Leah Haskins, of whom below, born September 16, 1872 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died October 12, 1931 in Winter Beach, Indian River County, Florida.  This is the line of Jeanne (Townsend) Holmes’ husband, Mannie.

J85––– iv.––– Frances Bertha Haskins, of whom below, born February 2, 1874 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died February 7, 1922 in near Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia.

J86––– v.––– Florence Haskins, born about 1876 in that she appears in the 1880 federal census of Pulaski County, Georgia, age 4.

J87––– vi.––– Katie Haskins was born circa 1877 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died after September 14, 1939, named as a survivor of her brother, Lawrence Fleming Haskins, in The Cochran Journal, Cochran, Georgia, Thursday, September 14, 1939, p. 3.  She married Arthur W. Trice on November 27, 1904 in Pulaski County, Georgia.  He was born about 1883; died April 1, 1937 in Bleckley County, Georgia.  Reportedly adopted two boys.

NOTE: There is an Arthur Trice who traveled to the state capitol in Atlanta petitioning for the creation of Bleckley County, which was subsequently established on July 30, 1912, by an act of the Georgia General Assembly.  The county is named for Georgia Supreme Court Justice Logan E. Bleckley.  Whether this is the Arthur Trice who married Katie Haskins, I don’t know yet.

From Hazel Christine (Dykes) Breland’s Our Haskins and Fleming Families from North Carolina and Georgia:

Kate ... was married to Arthur Trice.  She was endowed with a wonderful personality.  She was very witty and full of life and mischief, but very sweet and caring.  She, like her sisters, was a wonderful cook.  I remember that she visited with my grandmother, Bianca Dykes, one time and cooked some doughnuts ... my first.  I’ll never forget how good they were.  She lived across the field from her parents in the house that they built for her brother, Lawrence.  Her husband worked on the railroad.  She had no children.

Obituary of Arthur W. Trice

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, April 8, 1937, p. 1:

A. W. TRICE DIES OF HEART ATTACK

Well Known Pulaski
Countian Was
54 Years Old

Arthur W. Trice, who for more than 20 years made his home in Pulaski County, died at the home of Mr. L. H. Benson, a relative, in Bleckley County, last Thursday, April 1, from a heart attack.  He was 54 years old.

The funeral was held from the residence of Mrs. Eula Buchan, of Hawkinsville, at 3 p.m. Friday with Rev. S. M. Anderson and Rev. Bob McKinnon officiating.  Interment was at Powers Cemetery under the direction of W. L. Joiner.

Pallbearers were: Messrs. Tim Sanders, Clarence Owens, Pinckney Collins, L. H. Benson, Jack Barlow and E. C. Sparrow.

Mr. Trice is survived by his wife, two sisters, Mrs. J. C. Johnson, of Miami; and Mrs. Rosa DeFore, of Hawkinsville; five brothers, Frank and O. W. of Cochran; C. T. of Miami; T. H. of Gray; and Ralph of Florida; also a number of nieces and nephews.

The deceased was a well known and highly regarded farmer of Pulaski County for many years.  He was a member of the Odd Fellows.  He made many friends who were shocked at his sudden death.  A large floral offering paid tribute to his memory.

J88––– vii.––– Lawrence Fleming Haskins, of whom below, born December 25, 1877 in Pulaski County, now part of Bleckley County, Georgia; died September 9, 1939 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia.

J89––– viii.––– Bianca Etta Haskins, of whom below, born December 5, 1881 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died October 30, 1969 in Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.  This is the line of cousin Hazel Christine (Dykes) Breland, of Decatur, Alabama.

J90––– ix.––– Eulalie Haskins, of whom below, born December 14, 1884 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died October 19, 1964 in Thomasville, Thomas County, Georgia.

J91––– x.––– Bertie Haskins was born in 1886 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died in 1969 in Daytona Beach, Florida; and was buried in the Antioch United Methodist Church Cemetery near Cochran, Bleckley County, Georgia.  She married James Frank Lawson on March 31, 1907 in Pulaski County, Georgia.  He was born in 1880 in Pulaski County; and died in 1945 in Daytona Beach, according to his grave marker, in the Antioch Methodist Church Cemetery.

J92––– xi.––– Ruth Haskins, born circa 1887; died young.

J93––– xii.––– Hillary Algernon (Alger) Haskins was born on April 10, 1890 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died on March 5, 1953 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; and was buried in that town’s Orange Hill Cemetery.  On October 8, 1923, Alger was elected Ordinary (Probate Judge) of Pulaski County, Georgia serving until his death, after which his wife, Emmie Frances McGriff, was elected to succeed him.  On January 26, 1916 in Pulaski County, he married Emmie Frances McGriff, oldest child of James Patrick McGriff and Annie Colding McCormick.  She was born on April 18, 1894; died on February 28, 1972 in the Pinewood Manor Nursing Home, in Hawkinsville; and was buried at Orange Hill Cemetery.

Marriage of
Hillary Algernon Haskins
and Emmie Frances McGriff

The Cochran Journal, Cochran, Georgia, Thursday, December 30, 1915, p. 1:

McGRIFF-HASKINS

Mr. and Mrs. J. P. McGriff announce the engagement of their daughter, Emmie Francis, to Hilary Alger Haskins, the wedding to take place January 26. –– Hawkinsville Dispatch and News.

Biographical Notes on Hillary Algernon Haskins

The History of Pulaski County, Georgia, 1808 - 1935, Bicentennial Edition, published by Omnipress, Inc., Macon, Georgia, 1975, a reprint of the first edition published in 1935 by The Hawkinsville Chapter, Daughters of The American Revolution, Walter W. Brown Publishing Company, Atlanta, Georgia, p. 354:

H. A. HASKINS, JR.

The Honorable Hilary Alger Haskins, Ordinary of Pulaski County, was born April 10, 1890.  He is the son of the late Hugh Augustus Haskins and Mrs. Nancy Fleming Haskins.  He received his early education in the schools of this county.  In 1912 he came to Hawkinsville and entered the mercantile business.  Later he studied pharmacy and engaged in the drug business until 1923.  During that year his father, who was Ordinary, died, and he was elected for the unexpired term and has continually been reelected since.  This shows the confidence and high esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens.  Judge Haskins is one of the busiest government officials of the State.  He also holds the posts of county treasurer and judge of the juvenile court.  In 1924 he held the office of county commissioner for an unexpired term until an election was called.  Besides the duties of his office he has large farming interests.

udge Haskins is very prominent in social and fraternal affairs.  He is a Mason of high standing, being a member of Mount Hope Lodge, F. & A. M., and Pulaski Chapter, No. 20, R. A. M.; a charter member of Rhodes Commandery, Knights Templar; and a Shriner of Al Sihah Temple.  He is also a Woodmen of the World and Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and is a former president of the Hawkinsville Country Club.

In January, 1916, Judge Haskins married Miss Emmie McGriff, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. P. McGriff and granddaughter of the late Judge P. T. McGriff and the late Mr. D. G. McCormick.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, March 10, 1920, p. 1:

PULASKI PRIMARY HELD LAST WEDNESDAY.
ALL BUT THREE OLD OFFICERS RE-ELECTED

Much Interest Manifested In All The Places
To Be Filled – All Candidates and Workers
Worked Hard During Day – Defeated Candidates
Are Taking Their Defeat Good Naturedly.

The election for county officers in Pulaski county passed off very quietly here last Wednesday.  So far as we have been able to learn there was no disturbance at any of the voting precincts in the county.

H. A. Haskins was reelected Ordinary, and J. B. Lewis, Treasurer, without opposition.

All the old officers were reelected except the Tax Collector, Tax Receiver and County School Superintendent.  Mr. J. J. Pollock, Tax Collector, was defeated by Mr. W. B. Richardson by a majority of 299 votes; Mr. W. J. Ferguson was defeated by Mr. Lou Harrell for Tax Receiver by a majority of 16 votes.

The voters residing in the City of Hawkinsville were not permitted to vote in the County School Superintendent’s race under a ruling by the County Executive Committee, inasmuch as the city has a separate and distinct school system from the county.  In this race, Mr. A. W. Fountain, the present incumbent, was defeated by Mr. A. G. McKinney by a majority of 144 votes.

An unusually large vote was polled in all the Districts of the county.  A total of 962 votes being cast in the county out of a registration of 1,320.

For Ordinary – H. A. Haskins – 950 ...

The Cochran Journal, Cochran, Georgia, Thursday, October 11, 1923, p. 1:

ALGER HASKINS ELECTED
ORDINARY OF PULASKI CO.

Son of Late Ordinary Is Successful
Candidate In Election Held Monday

Alger Haskins was elected Ordinary in the special election held in the county last Monday to fill the unexpired term of his father, the late Judge H. A. Haskins.

There were three candidates in the race, Alger Haskins, J. B. McKinney and L. C. Ryan.  Haskins led the ticket with 411 votes, McKinney 227, Ryan 35.  The election was quiet and not as much enthusiasm was manifested as expected.  The new Ordinary will assume the office as soon as his commission arrives, which will take about a week. – Hawkinsville Dispatch and News.

Excerpt from The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, November 12, 1942, p. 1:

HASKINS HONORED BY MACON SHRINE;
TWELVE SHRINERS TO BE
FETED AT MACON CIRCUS

H. A. Haskins, Hawkinsville, is one of twelve Shrine leaders throughout Middle Georgia to be named as honored guest at the tenth annual presentation of the Shrine Circus in Macon, which will play for a week beginning Nov. 16.

Mr. Haskins received a letter from Arab Patrol of Al Sibah Temple in Macon during the past week stating he has been singled out for the honor.

The Shrine Circus is presented annually by the Aram Patrol for organization charities … Last year the circus played to 50,800 and advance sales this year indicate that an even larger audience will be counted.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, September 12, 1951, p. 4:

Judge H. A. Haskins is a patient at the Taylor Memorial Hospital.

Obituary of Judge Hillary Algernon Haskins

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, March 18, 1953, p. 9:

MR. H. A. HASKINS DIES AT HOSPITAL

Mr. Hilary Alger Haskins, one of Hawkinsville’s most prominent citizens and outstanding county officers, died Thursday, March 5, at a local hospital after an extended illness.  He had been in ill health for several years.

Judge Haskins, as he was generally known, was born in Pulaski county, April 10, 1890, the son of the late Hugh Augustus Haskins and Mrs. Nancy Fleming Haskins.  He received his early education in the schools of Pulaski county.  In 1912, he came to Hawkinsville and entered the mercantile business.  Later he studied pharmacy, and engaged in the drug business ’til 1923.  During that year, his father, who was serving as Ordinary, died, and he was elected to fill his father’s unexpected term.  Since then ’til the time of his death, he held this position continuously.  He also served as County Treasurer, in connection with his office as Ordinary.  This showed the confidence and high esteem in which he was held by the people of the county.

Judge Haskins was also prominent in social and fraternal affairs.  He was a Mason of high standing, being a member of Mount Hope Lodge, F & A M, and Pulaski Chapter, RAM.  He was a member of Rhodes Commandery, Knights Templar, a Shriner, and a W. O. W.  He was, years ago, president of the Hawkinsville Country Club and a BPOE.  He was a member of Corinth Baptist Church.  In January 1916, he was married to Miss Emma McGriff.  Judge Haskins was a man of honesty and integrity, faithful in the duties of his office, and always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need of his services in any capacity.  He was a devoted husband, a loyal friend, and upright citizen, and a man who will be greatly missed.

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at the chapel of Clark Funeral Home, with Rev. Byron Kennerly officiating.  Interment was in Orange Hill Cemetery.  Besides his wife, survivors include four sisters; Mrs. Eula Buchan, Mrs. Bertie Lawson and Miss Inez Haskins of Thomasville, and Mrs. Bianca Dykes of Gordon, Ala.   Active pallbearers were: Julian T. Haskins of Atlanta, Emmett Haskins of Fitzgerald, Frank Talbird of Macon, Freeman O’Neal of Dublin, R. P. Watson and Harold Cochran of Hawkinsville.

Honorary pallbearers were: I. Mannheim, R. F. DeLamar, Pete Pettey, J. D. Nelson, J. M. Butler, W. A. Sapp, Jim Hill, Troy Hill, Gus Coody, Roger Lawson, Judge Graham, Lovejoy Boyer, D. R. Jackson, D. C. Chalker, and Mrs. L. S. Harrell.  Clark Funeral Home was in charge.

Following his death, Judge Hillary A. Haskins’ wife, Emmie Frances McGriff, ran for and won the right to succeed her husband presiding over the Ordinary Court of Pulaski County.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, March 11, 1953, p. 14:

ANNOUNCEMENT.

riends of the late Honorable H. A. Haskins and his widow respectfully announce the Candidacy of Mrs. Emmie McGriff Haskins, for Ordinary of Pulaski County, for the unexpired term of her deceased husband.  Mrs. Haskins has assisted Judge Haskins in this office for a number of years, is thoroughly familiar with the duties of the office, and is well qualified from standpoint of temperament, experience and ability for the position.  Judge Haskins was re-elected last year and had served less than three months of this term.  In view of her qualifications, and the expense of the recent campaign and long illness of Judge Haskins, we feel confident Mrs. Haskins will be elected without opposition for this unexpired term, when the election is held to fill the vacancy.

Obituary of Emmie Frances McGriff

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, March 1, 1972, p. 1:

MRS. HASKINS, FORMER
COUNTY OFFICIAL, DIES

Mrs. Emmie McGriff Haskins, former Pulaski County ordinary and treasurer, died Monday in Pinewood Manor Nursing Home after an illness of several months.  Mrs. Haskins was 77.

Mrs. Haskins, who succeeded her late husband, H. A. Haskins, served as a county official for about 10 years.

A native of Pulaski County, she was the daughter of J. P. and Mrs. Annie McCormick McGriff, of Hawkinsville.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon in the chapel of Clark Funeral Home here with the Rev. C. N. Randall officiating.  Burial was in Orange Hill Cemetery.

Mrs. Haskins is survived by four sisters, Mrs. R. P. Watson and Mrs. H. S. Cochran, Hawkinsville, Mrs. Frank Talbird and Mrs. Freeman O’Neal, of Macon; a brother, James P. McGriff, Hawkinsville, several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Freeman O’Neal, Jr., David McGriff, Jr., Andrew Hill, Rufus Fussell III, Rivers Jackson, Frank Talbird, Jr.

J38. ELAM GREEN⁵ FLEMING (William Green⁴, John³, David², John¹) was born on September 27, 1860 in Pulaski County, Georgia; and died on November 24, 1941.  The History of Pulaski and Bleckley Counties, Georgia, 1808-1956, v. 2, Hawkinsville Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, 1958, J.W. Burke Company, Macon, Georgia, p. 732, says he married Dorothy (Dora) Lowman on December 20, 1883 in Pulaski County, Georgia.  The issue of The Hawkinsville Dispatch in which a story of their wedding might have appeared is not available on microfilm at The University of Georgia Library.  I do not know her birth date, but she died after December 23, 1935 when she is named as a survivor of her grandson, Henry Fleming Atkinson in his obituary in The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, December 26, 1935, p. 1.  His obituary, in The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, November 27, 1941, p. 1 names only their three daughters as survivors; she is not named.

Elam Green Fleming’s father died when he was not quite ten years old, at which time his uncle, Ferdinand Fleming, petitioned for guardianship of the surviving minor children of William Green Fleming:

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, November 10, 1870, p. 2 (appeared at least through December 15th editions):

GEORGIA –– Pulaski County

Ferdinand Fleming applies for letters of Guardianship of the persons and property of Martha C., Ferdinand P., George W. and Elam Fleming, minors of W. G. Fleming, deceased.

These are, therefore, to cite and admonish all parties interested, to be and appear at my office within the time prescribed by law, to show cause, if any they have, why said letters should not be granted.

J. J. SPARROW, Ordinary

The following is from an e-mail from Rufus B. (Rudy) Lancaster, Jr., July 30, 1999, of Cordele, Georgia, whose wife descends from Elam Green Fleming:

don’t have the death dates on Elam or Dora.  They are buried in a cemetery that is somewhat unkempt.  It’s difficult to give directions to the cemetery.  There is only a small path leading to it.  If you drive east of Hawkinsville on Hwy. 341 toward Eastman for 3 or 4 miles, you will come to the Corinth Church Road on the left.  Directly on the right (no road) is what my mother-in-law calls the old Fleming cemetery.  It is across a field and over a fence.  If you continue up the highway a few hundred feet, there is a field road to the right.  Just up this road is a little sawmill that someone has constructed with old rusty parts laying around.  It’s easy to miss but there is a little road to the right (don’t continue on the field road) which leads to the cemetery.  I’m aware of this because a couple years ago I went to this same cemetery to find a Lancaster grave.  I believe it is the grave of John or James Lancaster.  Someone had put a confederate flag on his grave.  You won’t find a cemetery in that area that doesn’t have a Lancaster in it ...”

From E-mail from Rufus B. (Rudy) Lancaster, Jr., July 26, 1999, 1044 Scenic Route, Cordele, Georgia 31015:

want to offer a few comments on the Fleming descendants that I have had the pleasure of knowing.  Ethel (who we called Anna), Birdie, and Elia were wonderfully selfless ladies.  They all had a quiet and saintly demeanor that exuded a palpable peace.  They were admired and loved by everyone.  After the relatively early deaths of their husbands, they lived together in a small house in the country.  Elia’s daughter, Martha, my mother-in-law, continues the tradition of strong faith and and gentle kindness.  My wife, Ann, has her grandmother Elia’s saintly spirit, a characteristic that I have the pleasure of recognizing in our children.

They are all relations one can be proud of.  The deceased certainly passed down the Fleming descendancy honorably and those presently living continue to offer great character to the family name.

I am very pleased to have discovered your work on the Flemings.  Thanks for letting me participate in the ongoing documentation.

According to Mrs. Sara Bembry Daniels, Elam Green Fleming and his wife were buried in the Fleming Cemetery at Bembry Mill. “I’m sure Robert Fleming and Marina Fleming Lancaster’s mother and father were buried in the Fleming Cemetery in unmarked graves but I couldn’t find any trace of their graves.”

Elam G. Fleming is listed among those who served Corinth Baptist Church as Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent, according to according to The History of Pulaski County, Georgia, 1808 - 1935, Bicentennial Edition, published by Omnipress, Inc., Macon, Georgia, 1975, a reprint of the first edition published in 1935 by The Hawkinsville Chapter, Daughters of The American Revolution, Walter W. Brown Publishing Company, Atlanta, Georgia, p. 167.

Obituary of Elam Green Fleming

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, November 27, 1941, p. 1:

ELAN (sic) GREEN FLEMMING (sic)
SERVICES HELD TUESDAY

uneral services were held Tuesday morning for Elan (sic) Green Flemming (sic), retired Pulaski County farmer, who died Monday.  Mr. Flemming, who was born September 27, 1860, had been ill only a week before his death.  He was a member of the Corinth Baptist Church.

He is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Ethel Atkinson, Mrs. Cook Watson and Mrs. Birdie F. Wynne.

Services were held in the Clark Funeral Chapel, with the Reverend D. V. Smith officiating.  Interment followed at the Flemming Cemetery.

Pallbearers were B. F. Watson, Pinkey Collins, E. G. Sparrow, Thomas Bembry, W. F. Atkinson and DeWitt Atkinson.

Clark Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Issue:

J94––– i.––– Elia⁶ Fleming, of whom below, born August 22, 1889 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died December 17, 1977 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia.

J95––– ii.––– Ethel Fleming, of whom below, born August 22, 1889 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died October 12, 1975 in Hawkinsville, Georgia.

J96––– iii.––– Robert F. Fleming was born about 1890 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died on November 3, 1925 in Pulaski County, Georgia; and was buried in the Fleming Cemetery near Bembry’s Mill just outside Hawkinsville, Georgia.  He was one of the first from Pulaski County to serve overseas in World War I, serving as Corporal in the 326th Infantry, Company K, 82nd Division, U.S. Army.

From The History of Pulaski County, Georgia, 1808-1935, compiled by The Hawkinsville Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, published by Walter W. Brown Publishing Company, Atlanta, Georgia, 1935, p. 312:

Mary (Bembry), born August 8, 1821, married William G. Fleming on January 4, 1843.  They settled about three miles from Hawkinsville, near what is now the Eastman highway, where her youngest son, E. Green Fleming, still lives with his wife, who was Miss Dora Lomon of Cochran.  His only son, Robert F., was assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Hawkinsville for some time before enlisting in the army during the World War.  Robert was one of Pulaski’s first volunteers to go overseas and served in Company K, 82d Division.  He became weakened by the hardships and exposure of long service, from which he never recovered.  He died November 3, 1925.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, December 18, 1918, p. 9:

Bob Fleming has written a letter home dated Nov. 6 saying he was back from the lines taking a much needed rest.  Mr. Fleming’s friends consider him extremely fortunate as he went through the St. Mihjel drive and also the Argonne drive, in which it is estimated 50 percent of the 82nd Division was either killed or wounded, without a scratch, save from barbed wire and a little cut from a piece of shrapnel on his finger but not sufficient to put him out of the line.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, January 8, 1919, p. 1:

INTERESTING LETTER
FROM CORP. FLEMING

Somewhere in France, Nov. 16, 1918.  Hawkinsville Dispatch and News –– Dear Editors:  If you would allow me a little space in your paper I will pull off a kind of a Fred Saussy stunt and tell the people at home who might be interested some of my experience in France and the big war and at the same time take this means of answering several letters from friends around home.  I am not as good writer as Fred and am not writing a letter for publication to try to make myself popular or anything of this kind, but it’s for the benefit of the people who have shown that they are interested in me.  During the past few weeks I have had letters from Israel Mannheim, A. W. Waller, Tom Pritchett, Alger Haskins, Roscoe Bembry and S. M. Caldwell, and I would like to answer all of them personally and think I shall if I ever get time, but as what I would write to each of them would be much the same, I will ask the Dispatch to help me out and take a short cut.

shall always have a warm place in my heart for these fellows, especially, for no one can ever tell how much the letters from home mean to a fellow in the front lines.  I have seen the time when friends and loved ones at home that I knew were interested in me and hoping for my return was the only thing that made me care whether I lived or not.  But now it looks like the war is over and things seem altogether different.  Somehow or other since the armistice was signed I can’t get letter writing on my mind, guess it’s because I can’t be still long enough.

Well our division has been over here a little over six months and since June 28, we have held a sector on the front.  We were on quiet fronts and didn’t have much excitement only a few raids being pulled off now and then until September, when things got lively around St. Mihiel.

We thought it was pretty lively there but when they took us off and shot us up to the Meuse-Argonne drive, we found out that the excitement had just begun and believe me right there is where I got enough to thoroughly convince me that war is nothing less than what Sherman said it was and still I have only a little of what some of the old boys have had a lot of.  And let me say to the fellows at home who think they have a hard time because they have to work hard or because things don’t go just right that they have no cause to grumble at anything and if they had to face what a lot of the fellows over here have had to face they would be more satisfied with their lot in civil life.

Any man that’s never been in war doesn’t know what work is, we used to think we had it hard in camp; but gee! we have thought a lot of times over here how nice it would be back at Camp Gordon.

Well we took over the front in the Argonne forest on the night of October 8 and on the morning of the 9th at 9 o’clock we attacked the enemy, advancing behind a barrage put over by American artillery, and right here let me say that our boys are some bear cats with the cannon.  The Boche say the Americans put over the wickedest barrage they have ever tried to stand up under and when it started the only way for them to live was to get in a hole.  I believe this is all right because once we made a mistake and advanced too fast going into our own barrage and let me tell you, when a fellow has a barrage coming on him from the front and rear too it comes about the nearest being “between hell and the deep blue sea” of anything I can imagine.

But we were very successful with the drive and though we had a lot of hardships we advanced our lines for miles and miles and took hundred of prisoners.  By this time trench warfare had about played out so we had them in the open and the Roche, at least at this stage of the game, can’t stand up against the Americans in open warfare.  When you get them in a close place they either run like rabbits or throw up their hands and squall out something that sounds like “kamerad.”   It’s a lot of fun when you get them on the run but its fund that is well earned by the time you get it for they had endless numbers of machine guns in holes, house, trees and every other place.  Gee! they are sure strong for machine guns thought really I didn’t mind facing these like I did the big shells.

A bullet hole through the shoulder of my coat and one through my pack made me realize afterward that I was in a little danger.  On the night of the 10th of October I ate the best meal ever in my life, it was a can of corned beef and a box of hard tack, something that a solider generally despises to look at, but after going hard for 36 hours it tasted fine.  We are used to plenty to eat generally, but on the push it was hard to get anything up to us.

When we reached our objective for the day or when night overtook us the order was always DIG IN and believe me a dog scratching for a rabbit in a clyaroot has not time with a soldier digging in for protection from shells and bullet.  And he doesn’t get tired of digging either, like he would if he was digging a hole in the back yard at home.  I happened to the bad luck once to lose my shovel and for a moment it seemed that I was out of luck but in a case like this if a fellow hasn’t a way he will find one pretty quick so in a few minutes with my bayonet and my hands I had a hole sufficient to hide myself in.

We had rainy weather a lot of the time and this is the worst place in the world in rainy weather, everything turns to this old sticky mud and of course in the mud was the only place to dig.

These were the hardest times, when as the night grew darker, the weather got colder and the rain got harder, the shells came quicker for he never forgot to shell us all night long.  Lots of times we were I this mess and had nothing to eat for 24 hours and didn’t know when the rations were coming up.  We were wet to the hide, nothing to protect us from the rain but one blanket and it wet too and no place to lie down except a bed of mud in a hole so the night’s rest was sometimes not very peaceful.  These are the times when a fellow realizes what a good home means.  We held the front for 23 days and though all the time was not so rough as I picture it, we were under shell fire or machine gun fire, one or both, every minute of this time.  I don’t know how I ever got through it all but suppose its because I’ve been poor all my life and was raised up tough.

The shells from artillery are the worst things we had to face and Jerry’s trench mortars are the most dreaded of anything he puts over for you can hardly hear them coming til they have done bursted; and gee!, the way the shrapnel does fly!  Of all the noises I ever heard, the whiz of the big shells as they come over is the most horrifying.

Most all of the shells he used had gas in them and we had lots of men put out of action by has but none of them seriously injured.  That gas is awful stuff but the Boche have not been able to use it on us so heavy as in the trenches.

But with all the hardships there happens a funny thing occasionally to laugh over.  One of our fellows went over with 20 pounds of high explosive to blow up barbed wire, we found no wire to bother us; so he ran across a dugout and thinking there might be some Boches in there he touched off the hole thing and dropped her in.  In about two minutes I guess that dugout was scattered over Northern France, but none of us ever knew where he got any Jerrys or not.

Well now it looks like the war is over and we are all feeling good again and can now feel like it’s only a matter of a few months before we will all be home again.

The day the armistice was signed I arrived at a big pleasure resort in Southern France on a 7 days leave.  Am now having one of the biggest times of all my life and the beauty of it is we don’t have to got back in shell fire after its over.

I have not been able to keep exact trace of all the Pulaski boys since the drive, but think they are all safe except John Holt, who was killed.  Wiley Black went to the hospital from sickness.  Tom Lancaster was wounded, but I heard his case was not serious, he was hit in the leg by shrapnel.  Jesse Outlaw and myself are both here, but both of us got a slight wound, though, mine did not put me out of action, and I stuck it out to the finish.

I have been blessed with good health ever since I’ve been over here, am probably thinner now than at any time though I haven’t seen a scale I could weigh myself on since I’ve been over here.  Am sure I will soon get my weight back now and hope to be going back to the U.S. before long.  Let all the people prepare for a big time for there is going to be one when the boys come home.

Yours very truly,
Bob Fleming

According to The History of Pulaski County, Georgia, 1808 - 1935, Bicentennial Edition, published by Omnipress, Inc., Macon, Georgia, 1975, a reprint of the first edition published in 1935 by The Hawkinsville Chapter, Daughters of The American Revolution, Walter W. Brown Publishing Company, Atlanta, Georgia, p. 149:

“August 23, 1920, a branch of the American Legion was organized in Pulaski County. At this meeting the following officers were elected: Post Commander, R. F. Fleming; Vice Commander, Grady Richardson; Post Adjutant, W. N. Pate; Finance Officer, J. A. Frazier; Historian, Spencer Richardson; Chaplain, Rev. S. W. Anderson.  The Post unanimously agreed upon the name of John W. Holt Post, No. 125, in memory of John W. Holt, the only solider from Pulaski County killed in action ...”

Obituary of Robert F. Fleming

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, November 5, 1925, p. 1:

R. F. FLEMING
LAID TO REST

World War Hero and Beloved Citizen
Dies at His Home After Lingering Illness

Funeral services for R. F. Fleming, beloved son of Pulaski County, and World War hero, who died at his home Tuesday afternoon, November 4, were held Wednesday afternoon from the residence of his father, Mr. E. G. Fleming, with Rev. S. M. Anderson officiating.  The body was quietly laid to rest in the family cemetery with W. L. Joiner in charge.  The pallbearers were: Tom Lancas(t)er, Pate Watson, Pope Watson, E. C. Sparrow, J. A. Frazier and Bob Buchan.

The death of Mr. Fleming brings to mind again that all the tragedies of the World War have not been enacted for it was in this cause that he received his injuries which brought on the lingering illness causing his death.  He was one of the first of Pulaski’s sons to join the army in the late war, being assigned to the 81st Division with which outfit he was serving when overcome with the deadly gas from the German front lines.  He never fully recovered.

He was a young man of quiet, genial manner which won for him a host of friends among the business men of the city.  After discharge from service he was employed as bookkeeper at the First National Bank and later by the Georgia State Bank which position he held with honor until failing health made it necessary for him to move to the mountains of North Carolina where he remained until a few months ago when he returned home to meet his inevitable fate surrounded and comforted by the love of his own people.  He is survived by his parents and three sisters.  To the bereaved we extend our heartfelt sympathy.

J97––– iv.––– Birdie Fleming was born on August 12, 1892 in Bleckley County, Georgia; died on June 13, 1982 in Pinewood Manor Nursing Home, Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; and was buried at Orange Hill Cemetery, in Hawkinsville.  She married Ira Belmont Wynne, who born on born June 8, 1892; died on August 17, 1926 near Chester, Dodge County, Georgia.  His obituary in The Cochran Journal, Cochran, Georgia, Thursday, August 19, 1926, p. 1 says he was buried in Salem Church Cemetery, in Bleckley County, Georgia.  While there are indeed a number of Wynnes buried there, including possibly some of his siblings, I haven’t yet found proof of his burial there.  He is named among those buried in Hawkinsville’s Orange Hill Cemetery by Robert K. Nobles in his book, Orange Hill Cemetery, Hawkinsville, Georgia, 1833-1992, published in 1993 by the Central Georgia Genealogical Society, P. O. Box 2040, Warner Robins, Georgia, 31099.

Obituary of Birdie Fleming

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, June 16, 1982, p. 14:

BIRDIE F. WYNNE

Birdie Fleming Wynne, 89, of Hawkinsville, died Sunday, June 13, at Pinewood Manor Nursing Home in Hawkinsville.

Services were held at 4:30 p.m. Monday in the chapel of Clark Funeral Home, Hawkinsville, with the Rev. Cecil Becham officiating.

Interment was in Orange Hill Cemetery in Hawkinsville.

Mrs. Wynne was a native of Bleckley County, a member of Corinth Baptist Church in Pulaski County and a retired nurse.

She is survived by two nieces, Mrs. Pinckney Collins of Hawkinsville and Mrs. John H. Slade of Pineview; and one nephew, Dewitt Atkinson of Brunswick.

Pallbearers were Rudy Lancaster, Larry Dunaway, Henry Atkinson, Sonny Atkins, Thomas Bembry and Bobby Lancaster.

Clark Funeral Home of Hawkinsville was in charge of arrangements.

Obituary of Ira Belmont Wynne

The Cochran Journal, Cochran, Georgia, Thursday, August 19, 1926, p. 1:

MR. IRA B. WYNNE PASSES TO BEYOND

Mr. Ira B. Wynne, of near Chester, was claimed by death on Tuesday evening about ten o’clock after a week’s illness of which physicians were never able to diagnose.  He was only 34 years of age – just in the prime of life.  He was gassed while serving as a veteran in the World War, which might have hastened his death, though the attending physician was unable to say.

He was a very prominent citizen and farmer in his section, who will be greatly missed for his many splendid qualities.

Funeral services were conducted Wednesday afternoon at four o’clock at Salem Church with Rev. Crawsby officiating.  His body was laid to rest in Salem cemetery.

A large concourse of friends and relatives were present at the last burial rites to show reverence to a departed one whose influence for good will be missed by all who knew him.

He leaves to mourn his death his widow, and four brothers: Mr. W. S. Wynne, William, Robert and Walker Wynne, all of Chester; and three sisters: Mrs. Tulley Jessup, Mrs. Joe Horton and Miss Callie Wynne all of Chester.

J39. MARY FRANCES⁵ FLEMING (Count Pulaski⁴, John³, David², John¹) was born on November 21, 1837 in Dooly County, Georgia; died June 17, 1909 in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia; and was buried at Oakland Cemetery, in Atlanta.  On April 5, 1855 in Vienna, Dooly County, Georgia, she married David Seth Kellam, son of Eldridge Kellam and Cornelia Lavinia Caroline Snell.  He was born on August 13, 1834 in Dooly County, Georgia; died on June 9, 1876 in Atlanta, Georgia; and was buried at Oakland Cemetery.  He may have served in Captain Ruel’s Anderson’s 14th Battalion Georgia Light Artillery (Anderson’s Battery) during the War Between the States.

Obituaries of Mary Frances Fleming

The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, Thursday, June 17, 1909, p. 5:

MRS. MARY F. KELLAM IS CLAIMED BY DEATH

Mrs. Mary F. Kellam, after a prolonged illness, died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. R. H. Comer, of 193 West North avenue, Thursday morning, at 5 o’clock.  For the past two years Mrs. Kellam had been in bad health but it was not until a month ago that her condition became so serious.

Mrs. Kellam was one of the best known and most beloved church workers in the city.  She was a devout member of the First Baptist church, and was always interested in the movements inaugurated by the church.  She was an esteemed member of the church societies, and had worked for their success until ill health forced her to her bed several months ago.

When death came, Mrs. Kellam was 71 years of age.  She is survived by the following children: Mrs. Ed White, Mrs. R. H. Comer, John F. and E. P. Kellam.  The funeral services will be conducted from the First Baptist church Friday morning at 11 o’clock.  The interment will be at Oakland cemetery, Rev. Dr. Spalding will officiate.

The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, Friday, June 18, 1909, p. 2:

MRS. MARY F. KELLUM (sic)

Mrs. Mary F. Kellum, 71 years of age, died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. R. A. Comer, 193 West North avenue yesterday morning shortly before 4:30 o’clock.  The funeral will take place at the First Baptist Church this morning at 11:00 o’clock.  Rev. Dr. Spalding will officiate.  Interment in Oakland.  Six former deacons of the church will serve as pallbearers.  The deceased is survived by two sons, E. P. and J. F. Kellum, and two daughters, Mrs. Ed White and Mrs. Comer, all of Atlanta.

The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, Friday, June 18, 1909, p. 5:

DEATHS AND FUNERALS.

The funeral services of Mrs. Mary F. Kellum, who died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. R. A. Comer, of 193 W. North avenue, Thursday, were conducted from the First Baptist church Friday morning at 11 o’clock.  Rev. Dr. Spalding officiated.  The interment was in Oakland cemetery.  Six former deacons of the First Baptist church acted as pallbearers.

Obituaries of David Seth Kellam

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, June 15, 1876, p. 3:

DEATH OF DAVID S. KELLAM

Scarcely had we heralded the tidings of the death of Mr. Pulaski Fleming, when letters were received here announcing the severe illness of his son-in-law, Mr. David S. Kellam.  His death, therefore, was not unexpected, when, on Friday last, Mr. D. G. Fleming received a telegram from Atlanta conveying the intelligence that Mr. Kellam had passed away, thus adding another severe sorrow to an already afflicted household.  Our citizens greatly lament the loss of these two good men, and would tender their sympathy to the bereaved families.

An intimate friend and acquaintance of the deceased hands us the following brief sketch:

Mr. Kellam was born and raised in Dooly county and was about forty-two years old.  In early manhood he married the daughter of Mr. Fleming.  His devoted wife and four children, two sons and two daughters, survive him.  A few years prior to the late war, he removed to Hawkinsville and engaged in business continuing for a number of years in the warehouse business with Mr. Simon Merritt.  In 1866 he removed to Atlanta, Ga.  For several years past he was principal book-keeper in the Atlanta department of the Southern Life Insurance Company and was held in high esteem by the officers of the company, Generals Gordon and Colquitt.  Mr. Kellam was a consistent member and deacon of the Baptist church, and an instance of the noblest work of God – a truly honest man.  He was one of the organizers and the first superintendent of the Baptist Sunday school here, and was succeeded by the lamented Frank Scarborough ... He was a cousin to Russell Kellam, sheriff of Dooly county.  Few such men as David S. Kellam are left among us.

Since the foregoing was placed in type, we have received last Sunday’s issue of the Atlanta Constitution, which chronicles the following “strange incident:”

During the late illness of David S. Kellam, we learn that while he was delirious that he was heard as if talking to his cousin, Tobe Kellam, who resided in Florida, urging him to hitch up the mules and “let’s go away from here.”  Some heard say “tut! tut! tut!” and asked him what was the matter.  He replied, “The mules have kicked Tobe all to pieces and we cant go.”  He had not heard from his cousin, but a relative heard a few days afterwards that a mule in Florida kicked his cousin so badly that he died in a few hours.

The Constitution is mistaken, or perhaps wrongly informed, in regard to the place where Mr. Kellam lived.  He was a citizen of Laurens county, Ga., instead of Florida, as stated by that paper.  From a private letter written by Col. Rollin A. Stanley, of Dublin, Ga., and the late Solicitor General of the Oconee Circuit, to Judge A C. Pate, of Hawkinsville, we are permitted to make the following extract in regard to the sad death of Mr. Kellam:

We had a very sad accident to happen last Sunday morning. Mr. A. R. Kellam (Tobe Kellam) went into his lot to let out his mules, one was standing too near the gate to open it; he picked up a latch or bolt and struck the mules, when the mule kicked back and struck the end of the bar or latch and drove it against Mr. Kellam’s stomach so forcibly that he died the next day. He was a clever gentleman and we will greatly miss him.  He leaves a young wife.

The Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, Sunday, June 18, 1876, p. 3:

SUBMITTED IN LOVE.

Whereas, it has pleased our Heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom, to remove from our midst our esteemed and beloved brother, D. S. Kellam who was loved so much by all, we feel it our duty when we remember his labor of love among us to give some expression of the deep feeling we treasure for him.  Therefore, be it

1. Resolved, that in the death of our dear brother and counselor, we, the Youth’s prayer meeting of the First Baptist Church, have lost our tender, loving and watchful Christian guardian.  He was to us a gentle and affectionate brother, one whom we looked to and confided for instruction in all spiritual things.

2. That while our hears are filled with sorrow at the absence of him who was a bright and shining light in our band, yet we know he has ascended to that beautiful home for blest above, and bow in humble submission to the will of God, who doeth all things for the best.

3. That we tender to the bereaved family of the deceased our Christian love and sympathy in this sad hour of their great, great grief and affliction, praying that they may see the loving hand of Jesus in this and be resigned to the will of Him who worketh all things together for good to them that love Him.

4. That a copy of these resolutions be furnished to the family of the deceased and to the daily papers for publication.

Thomas M. Blodgett,
Charlie C. Green,
Charlie L. Newman,
Bennie Daniels,

Committee.

Issue:

J98––– i.––– Eldridge Pulaski⁶ Kellam, of whom below, born 1855; died June 14, 1935 in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.

J99––– ii.––– David M. Kellam, born 1857; died 1858.

J100––– iii.––– Ida Z. Kellam was born and died in 1859.

J101––– iv.––– John Fleming Kellam, of whom below, born June 14, 1861 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; died September 10, 1930 in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.

J102––– v.––– Mattie A. Kellam, of whom below, was born on August 30, 1863 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; died on December 30, 1939 in Atlanta, Georgia.

J103––– vi.––– May Rose Kellam, of whom below, born May 27, 1866 in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia; died February 26, 1944 in Atlanta, Georgia.

J104––– vii.––– Annie S. Kellam, born and died in 1868.

J105––– viii.––– Warren H. Kellam, born 1872; died 1873.

J42. KATHERINE⁵ FLEMING (Count Pulaski⁴, John³, David², John¹) was born on June 17, 1847 in Vienna, Dooly County, Georgia; died on February 26, 1921 in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia; and was buried in Atlanta’s Oakland Cemetery.  Katie married Rufus Mathewson Rose on April 4, 1865 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia.  This was his second marriage, as he had previously married Susan F. Bowen, of Wilcox County, Georgia, in 1860.  According to Confederate Military History Extended Edition, Georgia, v. 3, Broadfoot Publishing Company, 1987, p. 952, she died in 1864.  Rufus Rose was born on May 17, 1836 in Willimantic, Connecticut; died on July 21, 1910 in Atlanta, Georgia; and was buried in the Rose Mausoleum at Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta.  Though a native of Connecticut by birth, he volunteered for service in the Confederate States Army, enlisting in and becoming Fourth Corporal of 10th Georgia Infantry’s Company G.

After the war, he moved his family to Atlanta, and relying on his training as an apothecary, founded a distillery, which later became the Four Roses Distillery.  The distillery was built by Mr. Rose in the late 1860s beside the south fork of Little Nancy Creek, a distillery, at approximately what is now 3311 Stillhouse Road in Vinings, Georgia.  The business was moved to Tennessee in 1907 when the Georgia General Assembly enacted prohibition legislation.  Their Atlanta home, completed in 1901 and one of the last remaining of the grand old homes that once lined Peachtree Street, was accepted for listing by the National Register of Historic Places on September 20, 1977.

Katherine Fleming was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), National Number 42804.

Obituaries of Katherine Fleming

The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, Sunday, February 27, 1921, p. A-12:

MRS. ROSE WILL REST IN
OAKLAND CEMETERY TODAY

Mrs. Katherine Fleming Rose, mother of Randolph Rose, of New York, died at her residence, 481 Peachtree street, Saturday morning.

Mrs. Rose, who was born on the Fleming Plantation near Hawkinsville, Ga., and was the daughter of the late C. P. Fleming, came to Atlanta as a bride more than fifty years ago.  She was active in religious work, taking deep interest in the affairs of St. Philip’s cathedral, where she was choir-mother until her husband’s death eleven years ago.

She is survived by one son, Randolph Rose, now of New York; one daughter, Mrs. Frank Lang, of Memphis, Tenn.; two grandchildren, Mrs. John Hale, of Brooklyn, and Randolph Rose, Jr., of New York.

The funeral services will be held at the home at 3:30 o’clock Sunday afternoon, with Dean Thomas H. Johnston, of St. Philip’s cathedral, officiating.  Interment will be in the family vault in Oakland cemetery.

The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, Sunday, February 27, 1921, p. A-12:

ROSE – Friends of Mrs. Katherine Fleming Rose, of 481 Peachtree street, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lang, of Memphis, Tenn., and Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Rose and family, of New York city, are invited to attend the funeral of their mother, Mrs. Katherine Fleming Rose, today (Sunday) February 27, 1921, at 2:30 p.m., from the residence.  Dean Thomas H. Johnston will officiate.  The following gentlemen will act as pallbearers and please meet at the residence: Mr. George R. Donovan, Mr. J. H. Porter, Mr. C. H. Ashford, Mr. Henry Potts, Mr. C. J. Kamper, Mr. A. McD. Wilson, Mr. J. M. Thomas, and Mr. W. T. Perkerson.  Interment private in the family vault at Oakland cemetery.  Barclay & Brandon Co., morticians.

The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, Sunday, February 27, 1921, p. 3:

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR
MRS. KATHERINE ROSE
WILL BE HELD SUNDAY

he funeral of Mrs. Katherine Fleming Rose, widow of the late Mr. R. M. Rose, and one of Atlanta’s pioneer residents, will be held at 3:30 o’clock Sunday afternoon from the house, 481 Peachtree street.  She died at 4:30 o’clock Saturday morning after an illness of several weeks following a general decline in health covering a period of some years.  Dean Thomas H. Johnston, of St. Philip’s Cathedral, will officiate, and interment will be made in the family vault in Oakland Cemetery.

Mrs. Rose was one of the best known figures among the older residents of Atlanta.  She came to this city as a bride more than fifty years ago, just at the close of the war between the states.  Her father was the late O. P. (sic) Fleming, one of the foremost citizens of Pulaski County.  She was born seventy-one years ago on the Fleming plantation near Hawkinsville.

Until the time of her husband’s death in 1910, Mrs. Rose took an active part in religious work, devoting her energy to the affairs of St. Philip’s Cathedral, where she had a leading part in developing the choir.  She became known as the “choir mother” of St. Philip’s, and although in later years she was compelled by failing health to give up much of this work, she always maintained an active interest in the church affairs.  Mrs. Rose was a member of Joseph Habersham chapter, D.A.R.

She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Frank Lang, of Memphis, Tenn., one son, Randolph Rose, of New York, and two grandchildren, Mrs. John I. Hale, of Brooklyn, and Randolph Rose, Jr., of New York.

Biographical Notes on Rufus Mathewson Rose

From Confederate Military History Extended Edition, Georgia, v. 3, Broadfoot Publishing Company, 1987, p. 951:

Rufus M. Rose, of Atlanta, was born in Connecticut, May 17, 1836, of Puritan descent.  He came South in 1853, visiting an uncle in Hawkinsville, Ga., afterward returning North to prepare for the practice of medicine.  Coming again to Hawkinsville in 1858, he began the practice of his profession and in 1860 opened a drug store.  Although a native of Connecticut he sympathized with the South in the war for independence and upon the call for volunteers, in 1861, closed his store and volunteered as a private, serving as such until late in 1861, when he was detached as an apothecary and assigned at the venerable William and Mary college, Williamsburg, Va.  In the latter part of 1862 his health failed and he returned to Hawkinsville, being honorably discharged.  Although exempt from military service on account of being the only licensed druggist in the town, he went to Macon, Ga., for the purpose of assisting in establishing a laboratory there, the object being to produce medicines for the use of the army.  He was successful in this work and continued in it for some time.  His health now being re-established he was commissioned by Gov. Joseph Brown as captain in the Georgia reserves.  In 1867 he moved to Atlanta, where he engaged in the wholesale trade and has been very successful, winning a prominent place among Atlanta’s enterprising citizens.  He is a member of Atlanta camp, No. 159, United Confederate Veterans, and takes great interest in all Confederate matters.  In 1860, he married Susan F. Wilcox, of Wilcox county, Ga., who died in 1864, and in the following year he married Katie Fleming, of Pulaski County.  He has one son, Randolph, and a daughter, Laura, wife of Frank Long, of Memphis, Tenn.

Excerpts from an article written by Ann Taylor Boutwell that appeared in the Atlanta Intown newspaper, published by Schroder Publishing:

... (Rufus Rose) was an 8th generation descendant of Robert and Margry Rose, immigrants from Ipswich, England, who crossed the Atlantic in 1634 and settled around Wethersfield and Branford, Connecticut.

... The couple’s first residence was at the junction of Garnett, Forsyth, and Peters streets where a son Randolph Mathewson (1870-1933) was born.  A daughter Laura (1889-1941) was born nineteen years later.

... Rufus’ first storefront was at 5 North Broad where he sold wines, liquor tobacco, and cigars.  Also at this time Rufus built a distillery (Mountain Spring Distilling Company) in Vinings on the South Fork of Little Nancy Creek on what is now 3311 Stillhouse Road.

... By 1871, Atlanta was on the brink of prosperity and Rufus and his R.M. Rose & Co. were part of the scene.  Historian Thomas H. Martin credits Rufus in his Atlanta and Its Builders as one of a eight-member committee that initiated the constitution and bylaws for the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

The official guidebook for the 1895 Cotton States and International Exposition wrote a glowing description of Dr. Rose:

“Probably there is no man better known in his section of the county in the wine and spirit trade than Dr. R.M. Rose.  The house (R.M. Rose Co.) that he has labored so diligently and energetically to build up, now enjoys a most enviable reputation, standing among the foremost of our most solid business institutions.  Their motto ‘Square, honest, dealing to all’ has assisted them in receiving orders…from far-off States, from physicians and others where an absolutely pure old whiskey or rare old wine is required.”

The R.M. Rose Co. prided itself on being distillers and dealers of the oldest, richest and best wines, liquors and brandies.  Over the years they published their product names in newspaper ads and the Atlanta City Directories.  They were the sole sellers of a rye called “Atlanta Spirit.”  Their other products included: Rose’s Mountain Dew, Old Georgia, and Old Reserve Stock corn whiskies and Rose’s Pure Peach and Virginia Apple brandies.

... Over the past 75 years, urban myths created about Rufus and his wholesale liquor business has left Atlanta with some interesting but not quite true legends.  Perhaps the most notable is that his distillery in Vinings was called Four Roses and that he founded Four Roses Bourbon.

There is no provable link between Rufus M. Rose, the R.M. Rose Company and Four Roses distillery,” says Staff Historian Kenneth H. Thomas, Jr., with the State Historic Preservation Office and author of the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Sunday genealogy column.  “Evidence shows that Four Roses a product of The Seagram’s Spirits & Wine Group has been distilled at the same site in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky since 1888.”

Ken says: “The only provable link of Four Roses to Atlanta was through Paul Jones, who lived in Atlanta from Civil War times until prohibition in the 1880s.  He moved to Louisville, Ky., where he marketed and trademarked Four Roses Bourbon.”

Descriptions of the Rose Mansion
on Peachtree Street, Atlanta

According to The Old in New Atlanta, Elizabeth M. Sawyer and Jane Foster Matthews, 1976, JEMS Publications, Atlanta, p. 34:

THE R. M. ROSE MANSION (circa 1900)

537 Peachtree Street, N.E. (now J. H. Elliott Antiques)

Beveled and etched glass in a variety of window styles ornament the facade of this red brick four-story Victorian style structure still standing on Peachtree Street.  Double doors with carved decoration open to the interior which is partitioned with oak and cherry woodwork in its original finish.  The first owner was the founder of Four Roses Distillery.  Today the house contains a vast array of antiques and is also billed as the Atlanta Museum with a large Civil War collection, Gone With the Wind items, and an original model of Eli Whitney’s cotton gin, among other things.

Excerpted from the nomination of Rose House as a Landmark Building or Site as set out in §16-20.004 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Atlanta at http://www.ci.atlanta.ga.us/citydir/urban/rosehou.htm:

RUFUS M. ROSE HOUSE

Designated: Landmark Building Exterior
October 23, 1989
537 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Fronting 52' on the east side of Peachtree St.
beginning 189.23' from the southeast corner
of the intersection of Linden Ave. and Peachtree
District 14, Land Lot 50
Fulton County, City of Atlanta
Existing Zoning SPI-2
Constructed: 1901
Architect: Emil Charles Seiz

Built for the founder of the Four Roses Distillery, the Rufus M. Rose House is one of only four Victorian mansions left along Peachtree Street and the only one left in the central business district.

A splendidly intact example of late Victorian architecture, the Rose House is an extremely rare example of a nineteenth-century town house of the affluent.  Its beautifully carved front steps rise directly from the busy sidewalk in the fashion of pre-automobile Atlanta, and its tiny yard, shaded by a large elm that is original to the site, are a singular survivor from Peachtree’s residential heyday.

Designed by Atlanta architect E. C. Seiz, the Rose House has a red-brick exterior with multi-gabled and bayed facades penetrated by a variety of window shapes and sizes.  Although it has lost its front porch, it retains several fine chimneys and a slate roof.  The second floor houses the “Atlanta Museum,” one of the most remarkable private museum collections in the city.

As the home of an important business figure in the city and a rare example of residential development before the advent of the automobile, the Rose House has a high level of historical significance to the city.  Mostly intact and extremely well-preserved, it has a very high level of architectural significance.  Finally, the historic character of the Rose House is so clearly visible and the sense of time and place that it conveys so strong that its cultural significance to the city is of the first order.

RUFUS M. ROSE

Rufus M. Rose was born in Connecticut in 1836 and studied medicine in New York before moving to Hawkinsville in the 1850s to work in his uncle’s drugstore.  He worked in the Confederacy’s medical service during the Civil War, serving at the wartime hospital at William and Mary College and later in Macon.

At the end of the Civil War, in 1867, Rose moved to Atlanta and organized the R. M. Rose Company.  With a large distillery on Stillhouse Road in Vinings, he produced blended rye and corn liquor –– “the purest, safest drink you could buy.”  The liquor ads in the Atlanta papers stressed the fact that ladies could come into his store because there was no saloon attached and no drinking or sampling was ever done on the premises.  It was also advertised that “when used in moderation, its effect on the human system is wholesome and beneficial. . . (it is) the best and purest medicinal whiskey obtainable.”

In 1906, the “Four Roses” trademark was registered, probably named for Rufus, his brother Origen, and their two sons.  It was a special blend that, reportedly, only he knew.  It was also said to be his last blending before he retired as president shortly thereafter.  Although Rufus Rose retained an interest in the business until his death, with his retirement, his son Randolph became president of the company.  In 1907, however, Randolph was forced to move the company, including its distillery at Vinings, to Chattanooga when the legislature voted the state “dry” as of 1 January 1908.

In 1913 the company was sold to Seagram and Company, which recognized the Four Roses’s “growing reputation as America’s most glorious whiskey.”

Rufus M. Rose died in July 1910 at his home on Peachtree and, according to his obituary, had remained a “familiar figure on Atlanta streets as he attended to his large real estate business (the Rose Investment Company) to the very last.”

THE RUFUS M. ROSE HOUSE

On 8 October 1900, a building permit was issued to E. C. Seiz, as architect and builder, for a two-story dwelling at 481 (now 527) Peachtree Street.  The estimated cost was $9,000 for about 5,200 square feet of floor space on the main two floors.  The permit was stamped again on 7 May 1901, indicating completion of the structure.

Emil Charles Seiz (1871-1940) began his architectural career when he opened his offices in Atlanta in 1897.  Among his credits are the Jefferson Hotel (1921, Alabama at Pryor, burned 1982), the Robert Fulton Hotel (1924, Cone at Luckie, demolished c. 1970), the Massellton Apartments (1924, still standing at 178 Ponce de Leon Avenue), and a number of other residential and commercial structures.

The architect’s design for the Rose house was a simplified version of the aesthetic movement’s Queen Anne-style architecture, of which the Peters House (1883) and the Raoul House (1892) are earlier examples.  Besides being a later expression of this style, the Rose House was constructed on a fifty-foot wide lot in an almost fully developed portion of Peachtree Street and, as a result, the plan of the Rose House has the compactness of a townhouse rather than the rambling plan that is more typical of the Queen Anne.  Yet it was worthy of inclusion in Art Works of Atlanta, a 1903 folio volume of photographs of Atlanta’s turn-of-the-century showplaces.  The photograph of the Rose House in that book shows the original front porch, which was removed in the 1930s.

Sometime in 1901, the Rose family moved from their old house at 36 Highland Street into their new house at 481 Peachtree Street.  At that time, the Rose family included, in addition to Rufus Rose and his wife Katherine, their son and daughter-in-law Randolph and Lucy R. Rose.  City directories show them all at 481 Peachtree until about 1907.  At that time, Randolph and Lucy probably moved to Chattanooga.  After the elder Rose’s death in 1910, his widow continued to live in the house until her death in 1921.

Following Mrs. Rose’s death, the Rose House was sold in 1923 and appears to have been rented.  A search of the city directories reveals that the house remained a private residence, with three different tenants, from 1922 through 1926.  Listed as vacant 1927-1930, it was again used as a residence until 1935-36, when it was used as offices for the Fulton County Relief Administration.

From 1937-1945, the Rose House was again a residence, although it was being advertised as a rooming house by 1945.

In 1945, James H. Elliot, Sr., purchased the house where he opened J. H. Elliot’s Antiques and to which his Atlanta Museum moved from its old quarters at 16½ Walton Street.  His son, James H. Elliot, Jr., continues to operate the antique store and the museum and has begun a painstaking restoration of the interior rooms.  The Atlanta Museum is billed as “one of the South’s oldest and most interesting museums” and features over 2,500 “historical items,” including an original model of Eli Whitney’s cotton gin, Emperor Haile Selassie’s throne chair, a complete Japanese Zero, and some possessions of Bobby Jones, Margaret Mitchell, and other prominent Atlantans.

PERIOD AND SETTING

In 1900, Peachtree Street south of Ponce de Leon was at its peak as a residential neighborhood.  From the antebellum Austin Leydon house (1858-1913) and the first Governor’s Mansion (1869-1924) between Cain and Ellis Streets, to the Henry Grady house (1880-1920s) at Pine and the Samuel Inman house (1888-1946) at Ponce de Leon Avenue, the street exhibited some of the finest nineteenth century architecture that this city produced.  After the turn of the century, residential development along Peachtree continued until by World War I it stretched to Brookwood.

Already, however, the commercial transformation of residential Peachtree had begun.  Even before Rose’s death in 1910, the Marlborough Apartments (1904-1930) and several commercial buildings had replaced residences on Peachtree between Pine and Ponce de Leon, and that same year Col. Livingston Mims’s house at Peachtree and Ponce de Leon had been demolished for the new Georgian Terrace Hotel.  By Mrs. Rose’s death in 1921, all the private residences on the east side of Peachtree between Linden and Merritts Avenues had been demolished for commercial buildings.  A few of the old residences along this stretch of Peachtree survived a few years longer but most went the way of the S. M. Inman house, demolished just a few months after Mrs. Inman’s death in 1946 for construction of the Franklin Simon store at Ponce de Leon.

The Rose House is the sole survivor in the central business district of this era of grand residential development and is an invaluable part of our cultural heritage.  It conveys a sense of residential Peachtree at a time when streetcars, not automobiles, determined the patterns of residential development and its importance as such cannot be overstated.

FINDINGS

The proposed nomination of Rose House meets the above-referenced criteria for a Landmark Building or Site as set out in Section 16-20.004 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Atlanta.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, Sunday, September 27, 1998, p. F-8, in the obituary of James Hardee Elliott, Jr., states:

“ ... in 1938, Mr. Elliott’s father opened his Atlanta Museum, Inc. in the R. M. Rose mansion on Peachtree Street.  The museum, which the younger Mr. Elliott operated until 1996, earned a reputation as one of Atlanta’s most overlooked treasures.  Along with Adolf Hitler’s cigar box, Daniel Boone’s fireplace tongs and Eli Whitney’s cotton gin, its collection included the late Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie’s throne, Gen. George Custer’s hairbrush and a stone found near Christ’s tomb.  It also included a sofa, smoking stand and other household items that belonged to novelist Margaret Mitchell.”

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, Thursday, November 29, 2001, City Life Section, p. 3:

STANDING ON PEACHTREE 100 YEARS;
HISTORIANS MARK ANNIVERSARYFOR ROSE HOME

H.M. Cauley

For The Journal-Constitution

Overshadowed by the advance of Atlanta’s building boom, the red brick and stone house that stands at 537 Peachtree St. can be easy to overlook.  Unless you’re stuck in traffic or heading down the sidewalk to Crawford Long Hospital, you’re apt to pass by the house built by Rufus Rose without a second glance.

In 1999, the Atlanta Preservation Center moved into the Rose Mansion on Peachtree Street, with a three-year lease and a plan to raise $1.5 million to purchase and restore it.

Members of the Atlanta Preservation Center, whose headquarters fill up the first floor of the Rose house, hope residents will slow down enough in the coming week.  On Sunday, the organization is having a celebratory tea to mark the 100th birthday of the house, which many believe to be the only Queen Anne-style property still standing on Peachtree.

“Any house that can withstand Atlanta’s commercial expansion for 100 years deserves a celebration,” said Boyd Coons, executive director of the APC, which made the house its headquarters three years ago.  “That makes it such a special building.”

Construction began on the house in October 1900 under the supervision of Atlanta architect Emil Seiz, whose work includes more than 1,000 commercial buildings, hotels and residences.  Work was finished the following year on the two-story building, which fit snugly onto a 42-by-63-foot lot with a front lawn that extended from a covered front porch to the edge of the street.

Rufus Rose was a drugstore owner who moved to Atlanta after the Civil War and spent $9,000 on his intown mansion.  He built a distillery in Vinings and by 1870 was listed in the city directory as “R.M. Rose & Co., wines, liquor and cigars.”   Rose retired in 1905 and died five years later; he is buried in Oakland Cemetery.

Rose’s widow, Katherine, lived in the house until her death in 1921.  The house then changed hands several times until it was bought in 1945 by J.H. Elliott Sr., who turned the building into a museum for his extensive collection of Atlanta memorabilia.  After Elliott’s death, the APC negotiated a lease on the property, which is listed as a city landmark and holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

“We had to put in new wiring, new bathrooms, new heating and air,” said Coons, who has been at the helm of the APC for more than a year.  “And we’ve painted and papered the rooms using colors of the period, trying to give it more of the homelike feeling that existed when the Roses lived here.  But we still had a lot to do.”

The porch and lawn have disappeared, but many of the home’s interior features remain intact.  Guests enter into the “living hall,” a small receiving parlor with a fireplace, high columned arches and stained glass windows tucked into an angle of the carved Jacobean-style stair.

The parlor showcases a large round arched window and detailed woodwork; the adjoining dining room includes a built-in sideboard beneath a stained glass window.  Moldings are carved into ribbons, garlands and egg-and-dart shapes around plaster walls.

Turning the home into office space was a challenge, said former APC president Boyce Ansley.  “But having a place like this was something we always dreamed about,” said the Buckhead resident, whose husband, Shepard, is also a former APC leader.

Ansley said the house was the perfect match for the group, and those who visit will get to see exactly why.

“If you’re in preservation, you want to be in an old house,” she said.  “And this tea will be a perfect opportunity to showcase the home and what we do.”

The celebratory Victorian tea party will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday.  Tea, cake and sandwiches will be served to adults while young visitors enjoy Victorian-era games and activities.  Tickets are $15 for APC members, $25 for nonmembers and $10 for children.  Information: 404-876-2041.

Obituaries of Rufus Mathewson Rose

The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, Thursday, July 21, 1910, p. 2:

DR. R. M. ROSE IS DEAD;
END CAME SUDDENLY

Was One of the Oldest and
Best Known Residents of Atlanta

Dr. R. M. Rose, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of the city, died suddenly of heart failure at his residence, 481 Peachtree, Thursday afternoon, shortly after 12 o’clock.  He had been in bad health for several months.  His only daughter, Mrs. Frank Lang, of Memphis, Tenn., was at his bedside when the end came.

Randolph Rose, his only son, left for Chattanooga Wednesday as his father’s condition had greatly improved within the past few days.  He has been wired the news, and will arrive in the city Thursday evening.  The funeral arrangements will be announced later.  Dr. Rose was in his 74th year.

HAD HOST OF FRIENDS.

One of Atlanta’s oldest as well as most prominent and best known citizens, Dr. R. M. Rose leaves a host of friends in every walk of life to mourn his loss and revere his memory.  True, stanch and steadfast, perhaps his chief characteristics were his absolute integrity, loyalty and hatred to all perfidy, deception and unfairness.  More than this, Dr. Rose not only carried out his principles among his friends and in his home, but into his business as well and with the result that they made the great firm which he founded almost half a century ago a synonym for all that stands highest in the commercial life of the south and the entire country.

Many are the stories that will be told today regarding Dr. Rose’s unswerving probity in business by his many admirers.  While he absolutely refused to use any of the forms of deception that are so often used for securing trade, he was signally successful in all of his enterprises and amassed a generous fortune.  He also insisted on so making everything he offered to customers that his entire reputation stood behind each label and this same old-fashioned policy of perfect honesty has made this house of R. M. Rose company national and international in point of reputation.

Dr. Rufus M. Rose was born in Willimantic, Conn., May 17, 1836, and in spite of a severe attack of grip during this past spring, was able to spend his last birthday with his daughter, Mrs. Frank Lang, in Memphis.  While he has not been a well and strong man for some, such has been his vitality and most of all, his courage, that he has been down town every day until within two or three weeks attending to his large Atlanta real estate and other interests.  Since his last illness, his bravery and the terrible fight that he has made in behalf of his loved ones and his patience and cheerfulness in trying to keep up the spirits of those about him has been so truly remarkable as to have occasioned the admiration of the staff of consulting physicians, nurses and all those who have been with him.  Indeed the physicians state that nothing but his bravery and the strong, rugged constitution handed down to him by his New England ancestors has kept him alive for a long time.

SERVED THE CONFEDERACY.

After receiving an academic education in Connecticut, he moved to New York and was apothecary at the Sailors’ hospital on Staten Island.  While here, he studied medicine and while still a young man, came to Hawkinsville, Ga., in 1859, and entered the drug business with his uncle, D. H. Mathewson.  Later, he practiced medicine for a short time when the war between the states broke out and in spite of his New England birth, believing the principles of the Confederacy to be right, and always having the full courage of his every conviction he was among the first to volunteer for the South and entered Company G, of the Tenth Georgia regiment under Col. Fayette McLaws.

Because of his knowledge of medicine, he was soon transferred to this department of the army, where he saw much service in the field and was for some time stationed at old William and Mary college, which was converted into a southern hospital during the war.  Still later, he was transferred to Macon, where he played a most important part in the preparation of indigenous medicines for the soldiers of the Confederacy.

After the war he returned to Georgia and came to Atlanta, and in 1867 founded the house of R. M. Rose & Co., later changed to the R. M. Rose company, on such principles that his reputation became known throughout the south in a short time.  He continued to head this firm as president of the company until a few years ago, when he was succeeded by his son, Randolph Rose, the present head of the firm, with headquarters in Chattanooga.  Starting in a modest way, this liquor house, run on the same principles as a bank, has become one of the best known in the entire country.

Dr. Rose was one of the most prominent Masons in Georgia and has been signally honored by the grand lodge, and is a past grand junior warden of the grand commandery of Georgia.  At the time of his death he was the oldest charter member of the Georgia lodge, A. F. and A. M. and was and had been chairman of the finance committee for great many years.  As past worshipful master of his lodge, Dr. Rose was presented with the handsomest past master’s jewel ever given in this state.  He was a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner.

Twice married, his first wife, Miss Sue F. Bowen, of Wilcox county, died soon after the marriage.  His second wife, formerly Miss Kate Fleming, also of this state, and one of the most loved and best known gentlewomen of Atlanta; his son, Randolph, and daughter, Mrs. Frank Lang, of Memphis, remain to cherish the memory of a devoted husband and tender and affectionate father.

The Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, Friday, July 22, 1910, p. 2:

DR. R. M. ROSE DIES SUDDENLY

One of Oldest and Most Prominent Citizens of Atlanta

After an illness of over two weeks, Dr. R. M. Rose, one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of Atlanta, died suddenly of heart failure, at his home, 481 Peachtree street, yesterday noon.  While Dr. Rose had been seriously ill for a fortnight, during the past few days his condition had shown such remarkable improvement that strong hopes were held for his recovery.

rom the very moment when he was first stricken ill, his son, Randolph, of Chattanooga, and his daughter, Mrs. Frank Lang, of Memphis, together with his devoted wife, have been in constant attendance at his bedside.  But such was the marked change for the better during the early part of the week that finally at his father’s most earnest solicitation, his son consented to return to Chattanooga Wednesday for a stay of twenty-four hours.  So sudden was the end, due to heart failure, that, although Randolph Rose was on the train hurrying back to what he expected to find a continued improvement in his father’s condition, he was absent when the end came.

CAREER OF MR. ROSE

Rufus M. Rose was born May 17, 1836, in Willimantic, Conn., of an old and influential New England family.  Receiving an academic education in his native city, he later went to New York City, entered the drug business and filled an important appointment at the Sailors’ hospital on Long Island.  Later he studied medicine, attending lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and received his diploma

While still a young man, he came to Hawkinsville, Ga., and entered the drug business with his uncle, D. H. Mathewson, a prominent Georgian.

When the war between the states came on Dr. Rose was among the first to volunteer, joining the cause of the south and enlisting in the Tenth Georgia regiment of the confederate army.  Although at first engaged in the field, he was soon transferred to the medical department, serving in the old converted hospital of William and Mary college, and later in the laboratory at Macon.

Returning south at the close of the war, he came to Atlanta, and from the very first was prominently identified with the progress, enterprise and push of this struggling city.  In 1867 he organized the R. M. Rose & Co., shortly afterwards changed to R. M. Rose Co., and continued at the head of this firm until a few years ago, when he retired, and was succeeded by his son, Randolph Rose.  Such was the reputation of this house, that the label on any goods was the same as his bond, and it received the highest recommendation ever given by the government, and was one of only two houses in the country to receive such a distinction.  Since his retirement, Dr. Rose had been a familiar figure on Atlanta streets as he attended to his large real estate interests to the very last.

WAS PROMINENT MASON.

One of the most prominent Masons in the state, he was the oldest living charter member of Georgia lodge, of which he was chairman of the finance committee at the time of his death.  He was also a past worshipful master of this lodge, having been presented with what has been acknowledged to be the handsomest Masonic jewel ever presented in the south.  He was also honored many times by the grand lodge of the state, and was a past grand junior warden of the Grand Commandery of Georgia.

Twice married, his first wife, Miss Sue F. Bowen, of Wilcox county, Georgia, lived but a short time.  His second wife, formerly Miss Kate Fleming, of Pulaski county, and of one of the oldest families in the state, is one of the best known and most widely loved gentlewomen in Atlanta.

Retiring and inconspicuous, none outside of those directly concerned knew of his very many charities.  Dr. Rose was always among the very first and most generous in subscribing to any and every cause looking to the betterment and growth of Atlanta.

Eminently successful, both in his professional and business life, Dr. Rose will be longest remembered for those traits of perfect loyalty, hatred of all deception and sterling integrity that made his friendship the highest-prized privilege of the thousands who will ever cherish his memory together with his unfailing helpfulness in every time of trouble.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

The Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, Monday, July 25, 1910, p. 5:

LOVE TRIBUTES PAID DR. ROSE

Funeral Services Draw
Record Attendance.

Hosts of Friends, From Every
Class in Life, Gather to Pay
Last Honor to Man Who Had
Played Notable Part in the
Upbuilding of Atlanta.

uneral services of the late Dr. R. M. Rose, who died suddenly of heart failure Thursday noon, were held yesterday afternoon from the family home, 481 Peachtree street.  The funeral was one of the largest in point of attendance ever held in Atlanta for a private citizen, the entire first floor of the large resident and the front lawn proving altogether inadequate to accommodate the hosts of friends who gathered to pay the last sad tributes to one who has played an important part in the upbuilding of Atlanta, even though he at all times refused absolutely to permit his name to be used for any public office.

MANY ORDERS REPRESENTED.

The gathering of Atlantans and Georgians was a most representative one, filling Peachtree street for a block in either direction from the house.

Large delegations of Masonic circles from the Blue Lodge to thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Masons and Knights Templar, prominent citizens in both business and professional circles, his former associates among the vestrymen of St. Philip’s cathedral, gray-uniformed comrades of the old Confederacy which he served so loyally from the outbreak of the war to the final surrender, representatives of both the city and state governments and loving admirers in every walk of life attended the services, and during the entire early afternoon moved in an unending procession past the body as it laid in the front reception room, completely surrounded by beautiful floral offerings that actually filled the entire place.

The offerings included modest bouquets from many whom he had befriended so generously and many magnificent set pieces in the most elaborate designs known to the florist’s art.  Among the latter were exquisite designs from the many Masonic bodies of which he was such a prominent member, having served as worshipful master of Georgia Lodge, as grand junior warden of the Georgia commandery, Knights Templar, and at the time of his death being the oldest living charter member of the lodge, and chairman of the finance committee, a position which he held for many years.

SIMPLE AND IMPRESSIVE SERVICES.

Rev. C. T. A. Pise, dean of St. Philip’s cathedral, of which Dr. Rose was a member for many years, officiated the simple and impressive services of the Episcopal church being read both at the home and at the grave.  “Lead, Kindly Light,” “Abide With Me” and “Shall We Gather at the River?” were beautifully rendered by a quartet representing the best soloists in Atlanta.

The following gentlemen acted as pallbearers: J. K. Ottley, Dr. M. A. Turner, J. H. Porter, W. S. Elkin, Jr., Dr. A. H. Van Dyke, Hugh McKee, C. S. Northen, Dr. William Owens.

The following well-known Atlantans acted as honorary escort: Dr. John Z. Lawshe, W. H. Scott, A. Montgomery, Dr. W. M. Durham, Captain R. M. Wilson, Colonel W. L. Peel, Luther Z. Rosser, W. B. Smith, Armein Meier, A. L. Waldo, Dr. J. V. Oglesby, Harry Hill, W. T. Ashford, R. J. Griffin, L. B. Folsom, Dr. Amos Fox, H. C. Stockdell, W. L. Scruggs, Colonel A. J. McBride, J. W. English, Sr., Dr. L. D. Carpenter, Henry Potts, Clark Howell, R. E. O’Donnelly, Isaac C. Steinheimer.

MASONS TAKE CHARGE.

Following the short services, the beautiful and impressive Masonic rites were accorded this revered and distinguished Mason, Georgia Lodge, over which he had presided so many times, taking charge, while the large delegations of Knights Templar in full uniform and of Scottish Rite bodies and the Shrine acted as an honorary escort.

All of these delegations met and formed at the Masonic Temple and marched to the home in a body, the procession proving one of the largest and most representative ever seen in Atlanta.

Following these were citizens, friends and former business associates, for, although Dr. Rose was compelled to retire from active business life some five years ago at the order of his physicians, the great outpouring of loyal admirers of his uncompromising integrity and many other sterling characteristics was a beautiful proof of the affection and regard in which he was held at the time of his death.

The interment was in the large family vault in Oakland cemetery.  Here, following the Episcopal burial service, a last Masonic lodge of sorrow was held by his former associates.  So large was this gathering that, in addition to the long line of carriages filled with loving friends, a number of special cars were required to carry those who insisted on paying the last sad rites that belong to the beautiful Masonic farewell.

OLD FAMILY SERVANTS PRESENT.

Among those gathered at the grave were the old family servants, as well as those representing the highest circles of civil and social life.

Included in the floral offerings was a magnificent loving cup, presented by the employees of the R. M. Rose Company of Chattanooga.  Other beautiful designs were from local Masonic circles and those of the grand lodge of the state, as well as from the vestry of the cathedral, his old camp of Confederate veterans, and such a profusion of floral offerings that two carriages were required in carrying them to the cemetery.

In the midst of this beautiful bower of tender tributes reposed the casket, on which rested the beautiful past master’s jewel presented by Georgia Lodge, and his sword and plumed hat as a Knight Templar.

Altogether, the funeral services and last sad honors accorded Dr. R. M. Rose were among the most notable ever paid a private citizen in Atlanta or Georgia.

Issue:

J106––– i.––– Randolph Mathewson⁶ Rose, of whom below, born September 19, 1870 in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia; died July 2, 1933 in Reno, Washoe County, Nevada.

J107––– ii.––– Laura Rose was born February 8, 1889 in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia; and died March 1, 1941 in New York, New York.  She married Frank Lewis Lang, who was born circa 1864; and who died on August 23, 1951.  They are buried at Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta, Georgia.

Obituaries of Laura Rose

The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, Sunday, March 2, 1941, p. D-6:

LANG ––– The friends and relatives of Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Lang, Memphis, Tenn.; Capt. and Mrs. John Hale, Portsmouth, N. H.; Mr. and Mrs. Z. A. Snipes, Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Rose, New York, N. Y., are invited to attend the funeral of Mrs. Frank L. Lang Monday, March 3, 1941, at 2 o’clock at Spring Hill, Cannon Robert Crandall officiating. Interment, Oakland. The pallbearers will be Mr. J. Murchison Thomas, Dr. Clyde H. Harling, Mr. Alvin L. Richards, Mr. H. W. Stephenson, Mr. Foster Hume Sr., Mr. C. C. Berry, Mr. Dorsey Tucker. H. M. Patterson & Son.

The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, Sunday, March 2, 1941, p. D-6 (microfilm very difficult to read):

MRS. FRANK L. LANG
DIES IN NEW YORK CITY

Mrs. Frank L. Lang ... native Atlantan, died Saturday in New York City.  She had made her home in Memphis since her marriage to Mr. Lang, an official of the William-Moore Company, dry goods ... of that city.

Funeral services will be held Monday at 2 p.m. from Spring Hill, with the Rev. Robert Crandall officiating.  Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery.

Besides her husband, Mrs. Lang is survived by several nephews and nieces, including Mrs. Z. A. Snipes, of Atlanta.

The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, Monday, March 3, 1941, p. 26:

MRS. FRANK L. LANG

Funeral services for Mrs. Frank L. Lang, of Memphis, who died Saturday in New York were held Monday from Spring Hill with Canon Robert Crandall officiating.  Burial was in Oakland Cemetery.  Surviving are her husband, two nieces, Mrs. John Hale, Portsmouth, N. H., and Mrs. Z. A. Snipes, Atlanta, and a nephew, Randolph Rose, of New York.

J43. JULIA EMMA⁵ FLEMING (Count Pulaski⁴, John³, David², John¹) was born on February 14, 1849 in Dooly County, Georgia; and died on April 3, 1933 on Greenwood Avenue, in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.  She was laid to rest at West View Cemetery, although no grave marker was ever erected, according to cemetery records.   Julia married twice: first to Dr. Cicero C. Andrews on July 16, 1868 in Pulaski County, Georgia.  He died on August 9, 1878 in Acworth, Cobb County, Georgia, and was buried in the Liberty Hill Cemetery in Acworth.  They had two children.  The issue of The Hawkinsville Dispatch in which a story of their wedding might have appeared is not available on microfilm at The University of Georgia Library.  She married second Myddleton P. Harwell on November 12, 1879 at Acworth Baptist Church, Acworth, Cobb County, Georgia.  He was born October 9, 1852, according to his grave marker at Westview Cemetery, Atlanta, Georgia.  His obituary, however, in The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, Sunday, March 26, 1905, p. 1, states that he was 50 years old at his death, suggesting he was born about 1855.  He was murdered on March 25, 1905 in Atlanta, Georgia; and was buried at Westview Cemetery, in Atlanta.

Marriage of Julia Emma Fleming and Myddleton P. Harwell

The Marietta Journal, Marietta, Georgia, Thursday, November 20, 1879, p. 3:

... MARRIED. Acworth had a brilliant wedding on the night of the 12th inst. at the Baptist Church, witnessed by a large audience.  Mr. J.(?) F.(?) Harwell, of Oxford, Ga., and Mrs. Julia Andrews, were the contracting parties.  The organ strains heralded the approach of the party who were preceded by Messrs. Elsie Reynolds and William Bate, the ushers.  The attendants were Dr. Humphreys and Miss Lula Lawhorn; James Davenport and Miss Alva Thomas; B. Randell and Miss Singleton; M. M. Phillips and Miss Eva Winn; Harbord Hull and Miss Emma Bate; Mr. Singleton and Miss Stovall.  The couple who wished to be united as one, took their position and Rev. Mr. Singleton performed the ceremony in a beautiful manner.  The party retired to the house of the bride, where an elegant reception was enjoyed.

Obituary of Julia Emma Fleming

The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, Tuesday, April 4, 1933, p. 2:

MRS. JULIA HARWELL, PIONEER, DEAD AT 84

Mrs. Julia Fleming Harwell, 84-year-old Atlanta pioneer and member of a Georgia family well known in Methodism, died Monday, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frederick J. Mashburn, of 930 Greenwood avenue, N.E.  She had been ill for several years.

Mrs. Harwell was the daughter of the late Count Pulaski and Martha Bembry Fleming ... She was born in south Georgia and moved with her parents to Atlanta 65 years ago.

Active in church work all her life, Mrs. Harwell was a member of St. Mark Methodist church at the time of her death, though she had been instrumental in the building up of St. John’s Methodist church and the Payne Memorial Methodist church.  She was a poet and had contributed to many periodicals.

Surviving her, besides her daughter, are two sons, R. M. Harwell and David J. Harwell, both of Atlanta, and several grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock this afternoon at the residence of her daughter on Greenwood avenue, and Dr. Ryland Knight will officiate.  Interment will be in West View cemetery, Awtry & Lowndes are in charge.

Obituaries of Myddleton P. Harwell

The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, Sunday, March 26, 1905, p. 1:

WATCHMAN SHOT TO DEATH BY A THIEF WHO ESCAPES

Myddleton P. Harwell,
Employed by W. & A. Railroad
Meets a Tragic Death Last Night.

MURDER WAS DONE NEAR
FORSYTH STREET BRIDGE

Mystery Surrounds Killing, But it is
Thought That a Car Breaker
Killed Him to Escape Arrest.

Myddleton P. Harwell, 50 years old, a watchman for the W. & A. railroad, residing with his family on Spring street, near Cain, was shot and instantly killed, presumably by a negro car-breaker, in the railroad yards about 150 yards beyond the Forsyth street bridge at 6:30 o’clock last evening.

Walter Williamson, a night foreman of the W. & A., was the first person to reach the dead man.  He heard two reports and running across the yards, found the body of the watchman on the edge of the cross ties near two box cars, and opposite the Seaboard and W. & A. freight depots.

In a work car near-by, there were several negroes, and there were also several other men about the yards.  None of these, however, knew more than that two shots were fired.  One man said that he thought he saw a negro running.

CARS BROKEN OPEN.

It is the general presumption that Harwell was shot by some car-breaker.  Friday night the cars were broken open, and last night Harwell took his stand near them, laying in wait for the thieves.  It is thought that the thief approached, and that Harwell was attempting to fire upon him, was shot down by the intruder.

The position of the body would seem to warrant this assumption.  When found by the night foreman, and by Detectives Osburn and Steint, who arrived soon after Harwell was shot, it lay in on the edge of the cross-ties nearest the two cars.

In the right hand was the watchman’s .38 caliber revolver.  It was clutched as though he was ready to shoot when stricken.  None of the chambers, however, were discharged.

WOUND IN RIGHT SIDE.

After Corner Thompson arrived, the body was taken directly to the undertaking establishment of Barclay & Brandon.  There it was found that one bullet had penetrated the right side.  It was apparently fired from a .38 caliber revolver.  Death was instantaneous.

The bullet entered the right breast, and pierced through the body, lodging in the back of the coat.  The course of the bullet ranged to the left and probably struck the heart ...

The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, Sunday, March 26, 1905, p. 1:

WATCHMAN SHOT WHILE ON DUTY

Myddleton P. Harwell
Murdered in W. & A. Yard
Had Been with Road Twenty Years.

Assassin Escaped, but Police
Believe He Was Negro
Who Was Attempting
To Burglarize.

While on duty in the yards of the Western and Atlantic railroad, Myddleton P. Harwell, a watchman for the railroad, was shot down and instantly killed last night about 7 o’clock by an unknown assassin who made his escape.

he murder seems to be a mystery, but the detectives are in possession of facts which may enable them to ascertain who the assassin is and an arrest may follow today.

All that is known of the murder is that Harwell was between two trains of cars making his rounds and some one fired two shots at him in quick succession.  One of the bullets struck him in the right breast.  Railroad hands who heard the shots hurried in the direction from whence they came and found Harwell lying between the cars dead.

Investigations were made by the police and the coroner, but no clew was found by which the murderer could be located.  An inquest today may bring out additional facts which may place clews in the hands of the detectives at work on the case.

NEGROES WORKING NEARBY.

When Harwell was shot, there was a gang of negroes at work not more than 10 feet away, but not one of the negroes seems to know anything of the murder.  They claim that the door of the car where they were at work was closed and they could not see the shooting although they heard the two shots.

Harwell went to work last evening for the night.  It was his duty to watch the yards during the night and he has more than once caught negro prowlers and thieves and had them prosecuted in the courts.  Last evening he walked through the yards and passed between two freight trains stationed near the new freight depot of the Western and Atlantic railroad.  He was alone and had just passed the car which was being unloaded by the gang of negroes when some one in the darkness fired two shots at him,

HE WAS ASSASSINATED.

Patrolmen on the beat, call officers from the police barracks, detectives and Chief Ball were soon on the scene and they made an investigation, but beyond the bare fact that the watchman had been assassinated they could gather nothing to indicate the identity of the murderer.

(They) had the body taken to the undertaking parlors of Barclay & Brandon, where an inquest will be held today.

Detectives Ozburn, Steint and Lockhart, who were detailed on the case, believe that Harwell was shot by a negro thief whom he probably caught in the act of burglarizing a car.  If this is not the true theory, then some person who had been prosecuted by the watchman murdered them through revenge.

The affair created quite a sensation and hundreds gathered about the scene of the killing.

WHO DEAD MAN WAS.

Mr. Harwell had been connected with the Western and Atlantic railroad for twenty years, first in the freight department and lately as watchman.  He was about 50 years of age and his home was at 134 Spring street, where he recently moved from Kirkwood.  He is survived by his wife and four children, David J. Harwell, Todd Harwell, Richard M. Harwell and Mrs. Myrtis Mashburn.

Arrangements for the funeral will be made after the inquest.

Chief Ball says that nothing will be left undone to apprehend the murderer.  For many months there had been much stealing done in the railroad yard and recently officers in plain clothes have nightly arrested a large number of idling negroes and white men, many of whom have been sent to the chain gang for vagrancy.  Chief Ball and officers at work on the case believe Harwell was shot by a negro thief who was trying to break into a freight car.

The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, Monday, March 27, 1905, p. 1:

THREE MEN ARE SUSPECTED OF KILLING M. P. HARWELL

One is White, the Others
Negroes –– Latter Work in the
Yards –– One of Them Testified.

HE WAS NERVOUS AND
ANSWERED RELUCTANTLY

Arrests Are Expected Monday, Although
Coroner’s Verdict Implicated No One ––
Harwell’s Funeral to be Tuesday

lthough the coroner’s jury empanelled Monday evening to inquire into the death of Mydleton P. Harwell, the W. & A. watchman who was shot and killed in the yards near the Forsyth street bridge Saturday evening returned a verdict in the effect that death resulted from a gunshot wound in the hands of some unknown person, suspicion points strongly to three men, one of whom is white.  It is thought that arrests will be made during the day as the detectives are now working on the evidence.

The two negroes suspected of the crime work in the yards.  One of them testified at the inquest, and his nervous manner and his conflicting testimony both lead the detectives to the belief that he committed the crime.  It is not thought now that the white man under suspicion, or the other negro, are guilty of the crime, although they may be arrested also.

WAS SUSPECTED CAR BREAKER.

The negro whom the detectives so strongly suspect was at work in the yards Saturday evening, and was near the same cars where Harwell’s body was found.  At the inquest Monday morning, he was not sure just what time it was that he was near those cars.  He could give no very definite account of his whereabouts at certain hours in the evening.  His manner was also nervous and he was reluctant about answering the questions put to him.

Special Officer McEntyre of the W. & A. road says that this same negro has for some time been suspected of stealing from the cars in the yards.  It is believed that he is the head of a gang of car breakers.

It is the theory of the detective that this negro was surprised by Watchman Harwell, and that, knowing he was recognized, he shot and killed the watchman to avoid arrest.

ANOTHER NEGRO SUSPECTED.

The only important testimony at the inquest was that of R. P. Plunkett, a night watchman of the W. & A.

He said that he was in the yards Saturday evening, and that about 7 o’clock he heard two pistol shots in rapid succession.  Immediately afterwards he saw a negro run between the line of cars on the track near which the dead body of Watchman Harwell was found.  The negro ran behind the round house.

He was very black, the witness thought, and wore a light coat.  He was also short and stocky.

Plunkett then mentioned the name of a negro who left the shops at 6:30 o’clock Saturday evening, and did not return until 8 o’clock.  He resembled in a general way the negro whom the witness saw running.

It is possible that this may be the same negro who testified at the inquest, though this is not certain.

No other evidence of great importance was introduced at the inquest.

Yardmaster Wood, C. M. Brown and A. A. Allen, all employed by the W. & A., testified as to hearing the two shots and finding the body.  Detective Osburn gave it as his opinion that the watchman must have been shot at short range, and Dr. Hurt, coroner’s physician, described the course of the bullet.  He said it entered between the third and fourth ribs on the right side, and took a slightly downward course, emerging near the spinal column in the back.

The bullet, evidently one from a 44-caliber revolver, was shown to the jury.

MAN MADE THREATS.

Early Monday morning the detectives were informed that a white man who had been in a saloon on Marietta street Saturday afternoon late, had threatened to kill somebody that night.

The detectives are now trying to locate this man, although no great dependence is put on this clue.

One fact brought out at the inquest was that Watchman Harwell was not killed instantly.  Witnesses heard his cries for help, although when they reached him he could not talk.  There was no evidence of a struggle.

FUNERAL TUESDAY AFTERNOON.

W. H. Harwell, of Chattanooga, a brother of the dead man, and Richard M. Harwell, his son, were at the inquest Monday morning.

They announced that the funeral would occur Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at the residence of Richard M. Harwell, at 46 Orme street.  The interment will be in Westview cemetery.

Mr. Harwell is survived by his wife, Mrs. Julia E. Harwell, and by his children, Mrs. Myrtis Mashburn, Richard M., David J. and Todd Harwell.

Mr. Harwell had been with the W. & A. road twenty years, and was one of its most trusted employees.  He was a man well known in the city, and his large circle of friends are shocked by the awful crime and anxious that the murderer be caught and brought to justice.

The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, Tuesday, March 28, 1905, p. 9:

NEGRO IS HELD ON CHARGE OF SUSPICION

Wesley Madison, Employed
by W. and A., Mentioned by
Witness at Harwell Inquest

Wesley Madison, a negro grease wiper employed by the W. & A. road, was arrested Monday evening by Detectives Osburn, Steint and Lockhart, and is now held at police headquarters under a general charge of suspicion.  R. P. Plunkett, a night watchman at the W. & A., testified at the inquest held Monday over the remains of M. P. Harwell, the watchman who was shot to death in the yards Saturday evening, that he saw a negro running immediately after the shots were fired, and that the negro under arrest was absent from the shops from 6:30 o’clock until 8 o’clock.

The detectives are now working on what evidence they have, and later in the day Plunkett will go to police headquarters and see whether he can identify Wesley Madison as the negro he saw running through the yards immediately after the shooting.

The negro’s house has been searched, but no pistol could be found.  There is no very conclusive evidence against the negro, and it is possible that he may be released.

Funeral services over the remains of Watchman Harwell will be conducted at 2:30 o’clock Tuesday afternoon from the residence of his son, Richard M. Harwell, at 46 Orme street.  The interment will be in Westview.

The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, Thursday, March 30, 1905, p. 2:

NO NEW CLUES FOUND IN HARWELL MURDER CASE

Madison is Still Being Held, But No
Evidence Can Be Found Against Him.

No additional clues were brought out Thursday in connection with the murder of Myddleton P. Harwell, who was shot and killed instantly in the railroad yards near Forsyth street bridge Saturday night.

Wesley Madison, the negro who had been held in connection with the affairs, is still being held. Detectives Osborn and Barthell are working on the case.

Issue:
Of Julia Emma Fleming and Cicero C. Andrews

J108––– i.––– Eliza Julia⁶ Andrews, born in July of 1870 near Marietta, Cobb County, Georgia; died young, in Cobb County, Georgia.

J109––– ii.––– Emma Myrtis Andrews, of whom below, born February 11, 1875 in Acworth, Cobb County, Georgia; died July 31, 1948 in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.

Issue:
Of Julia Emma Fleming and Myddleton P. Harwell

J110––– i.––– David Jackson⁶ Harwell, of whom below, born October 25, 1885; died October 16, 1969.

J111––– ii.––– Richard Myddleton Harwell may have been a twin brother of David Jackson Harwell.

J112––– iii.––– James Todd Harwell, of whom below, was born on April 20, 1890; died on August 9, 1931 in Atlanta, Georgia.

J44. DUDLEY DAVID⁵ FLEMING (Count Pulaski⁴, John³, David², John¹) married first Alice Eugenia Jones and second Sallie McGriff Gregory.

Issue:
Of Dudley David Fleming and Alice Eugenia Jones

J113–––i.––– Samuel Pulaski⁵ Fleming married Francis Evelyn Denning.  Notes in the Robert Jenkins Kellam Collection, Box 14, suggest he moved to Oregon.

J114–––ii.––– Dudley David Fleming, Jr.

J115–––iii.––– William McRae Fleming.

J47. SAMUEL PULASKI⁵ FLEMING (Count Pulaski⁴, John³, David², John¹) was born on December 19, 1857 in Vienna, Dooly County, Georgia; died on May 23, 1874 in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia; and was buried in Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta, Georgia.  He married Eva ?.  He may have had a daughter named Alice Eugenia Fleming, who married James Reese Blundell on October 30, 1925, suggested by the papers in the Robert Jenkins Kellam Collection at the Atlanta History Center, Atlanta, Georgia.

Obituary of Samuel Pulaski Fleming

The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, Sunday, May 24, 1874, p. 3:

FUNERAL NOTICE

FLEMING –– The friends and acquaintances of C. P. Fleming are invited to attend the funeral of his son, S. P. Fleming, at 4 p.m. from his residence at 52 Forest Avenue.  Also, friends of D. S. Kellam and R. M. Rose are respectively invited.

J49. MARTHA JANE⁵ WILLIAMSON (Catherine⁴ Fleming, John³, David², John¹) was born on September 10, 1841, according to Orange Hill Cemetery, Hawkinsville, Georgia, 1833-1992, published by the Central Georgia Genealogical Society, Warner Robins, Georgia, 1993, compiled by Robert K. Nobles, p. 54.  However, Historical Collections of the Georgia Chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolutions, v. 4, 1932, p. 228 gives her birth date as October 9, 1841.  One or the other source apparently transposed the “10” and the “9”’ that are the date and month.  She died March 9, 1887 in Pulaski County, Georgia; and was buried in the Orange Hill Cemetery in Hawkinsville, Georgia, according to the book Orange Hill Cemetery, Hawkinsville, Georgia, 1833-1992, published in 1993 by the Central Georgia Genealogical Society, P. O. Box 2040, Warner Robins, Georgia, compiled by Robert K. Nobles, p. 44.  The author notes that her grave was not found when he surveyed the cemetery in 1991.  In 1858, Martha married Anthony Cowart Pate, son of Redding Hamilton Pate and Elizabeth Miller.  He was born on April 11, 1836 near Sandersville, Washington County, Georgia; died on February 14, 1916 at the home of his son-in-law, James Pope Watson, in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia.  During the War Between the States, he served in the 2nd Georgia Militia, C.S.A.  Beginning in 1872, and for thirteen years thereafter, he was Superior Court Judge for the Oconee Circuit.

Obituary of Martha Jane Williamson

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, March 10, 1887:

As we go to press, Hawkinsville is shocked by the sad news of the death of Mrs. Judge Pate, which occurred just after 12 o’clock to-day.  She had been sick only a day or two, and her death was very unexpected.  The Dispatch will give a more extended notice next week.  Our people deeply sympathize with the bereaved family in their great sorrow.  (NOTE: I could not find “a more extended notice” in any subsequent edition of The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia.  If planned, perhaps it was overshadowed by the death of her mother, Catherine Fleming Williamson, who died on March 24, 1887.)

Biographical Notes on Anthony Cowart Pate

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, January 25, 1872, p. 2:

CONFIRMATIONS.

The Legislature, previous to adjournment last week, made the following confirmations of recent appointments ...

A. C. Pate, Judge of Oconee Circuit ...

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, June 26, 1879, p. 2:

JUDGE PATE AND LAURENS COUNTY
(From the Dublin Post)

n view of the effort that will be made at the next session of the Legislature to have Laurens county transferred to the Middle Circuit, petitions are being circulated and rapidly signed to prevent this manifestly unpopular move.  Judge Pate is one of the best Judges in Georgia.  He lacks some of the qualifications that some of the others possess, but possesses some which the others lack.  But in the great, first requisite in a Judge, sterling and unflinching integrity, he is the peer of any man in Georgia.  The people of the county know this, and are unwilling for the impression to get out that they are displeased with him as a Judge.  It is a tribute which every man the county owes to the lively satisfaction he has given during the eight years he has filled our bench, to sign this petition, and thus show our appreciation of his unblemished record.

Excerpt from The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, September 25, 1901, p. 6:

THE HAWKINSVILLE BAR.

Who Compose The Legal
Fraternity of Our City.

... Judge A. C. Pate

For years, Judge Anthony C. Pate has been one of our most distinguished lawyers.  He is justly distinguished for his fearlessness and candor.  No member of our bar has won more laurels in the profession than he.  He bears a high reputation over the state for his talents as an orator and his skill in the law.  When a comparatively young man for such honors, he was appointed Judge of the Superior courts of the Oconee circuit, and for thirteen years wore the ermine of this exalted judicial station with dignity and honor.  Upon his retirement from the bench, Judge Pate resumed the practice of the profession in Hawkinsville, and is still one of the most active and successful practitioners at this bar.  The Judge is hale and hearty, and his friends expect for him many years of usefulness yet ...

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, January 15, 1902, p. 5:

FOR UNIFORM LAW
JUDGE PATE OF HAWKINSVILLE
NOW A MEMBER OF COMMISSION

An Atlanta special says that Governor Candler has appointed Judge A. C. Pate, of Hawkinsville, a member of the commission on the uniformity of state laws provided for by the American Bar Association.  Judge Pate succeeds Judge George Hillyer, of Atlanta, resigned.  The other members of the commission in Georgia are Hon. Joseph R. Lamar, of Augusta, and Hon. P. W. Meldrim, of Savannah.

This is an honor well merited by one of Georgia’s ablest lawyers, and we feel no hesitancy in saying that Judge Pate will prove a valuable member of the commission.

The History of Pulaski County, Georgia, 1808-1935, compiled by The Hawkinsville Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, published by Walter W. Brown Publishing Company, Atlanta, Georgia, 1935, p. 392:

JUDGE ANTHONY COWART PATE.

Judge Pate Photo courtesy Lissa (Watson) Reeves

Judge Anthony Cowart Pate was a lineal descendant of Sir John Pate Baron of Leicestershire, England, whose son, Major Thomas Pate, emigrated to America in 1672, settling in Glouchester County, Virginia.  His son, Matthew, married Anne Reade, and their son, Jacob, married Zilla Broach, whose son, Jacob, was the father of John.  John married Nancy Cowart in 1794.  Their son, Redding, born in 1796, married Elizabeth Miller in 1829.  Both of their grandfathers were from North Carolina and soldiers in the Revolutionary War.  Their children were John Redding and Anthony Cowart Pate.

Anthony was born in Washington County, Georgia, near Sandersville, April 11, 1836, and died in Hawkinsville, Georgia, February 14, 1916.  He attended the Sandersville school, then studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1857 before Judge Robert Hardman of the Ocmulgee Circuit and practiced until the war.  He served in a company of Georgia volunteer infantry under General Joe Johnston.  In 1866, he came to Hawkinsville and became associated with Judge L. C. Ryan.  On the establishment of Oconee Circuit in 1872, Judge Pate was appointed judge by Governor Smith, which office he held thirteen years.  In 1838 (sic) he married Martha Jane, daughter of Thully Williamson and Catherine Fleming, of Pulaski County.

Memoirs of Georgia containing Historical Accounts of the State’s Civil, Military, Industrial and Professional Interests, and Personal Sketches of Many of Its People, v. 2, published by The Southern Historical Association, 1895, Atlanta, Georgia, p. 714:

Judge A. C. Pate, an able and experienced jurist of Hawkinsville, and for thirteen years succeeding the establishment of Oconee circuit in 1872, its distinguished head, is a native of Washington county, Ga., born near Sandersville, April 11, 1836.  He is the son of Redding Pate and his mother was Elizabeth Miller.  Both of their grandfathers were from North Carolina and soldiers in the continental army during the war of 1776 to 1781.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, November 7, 1889, p. 5: Judge A. C. Pate left last Monday for an extended business trip.  He goes first to Lee county, then to Glascock county, and then to Laurens.  The Judge’s splendid legal talents are in demand, not only in his own judicial circuit, but in distant parts of the state.

Until eighteen years of age Judge Pate remained in Washington county, acquiring an academic education in the high school of Sandersville.  He then went to Dooly county, where he sold goods for his brother a year, and then took up the study of the profession which he has so honored.  He was admitted in 1857, before Judge Robert Hardeman of the Ocmulgee circuit, and began practice, which he continued uninterruptedly until the war.

During this event he served his country as a member of a company of Georgia volunteer infantry, being under the leadership of Gen. Joe Johnston most of the time.

In January of 1866 he came to Hawkinsville and opened an office, becoming associated later with Judge L. C. Ryan.  On the establishment of Oconee circuit in 1872, Judge Pate’s name was presented to Gov. Smith, and his standing in the profession occasioned such an array of supporters as to secure his appointment, though comparatively a young man.  Four years later he was re-appointed, and in 1881, he was elected by the senate for the succeeding term of four years.

After thirteen years of continuous service, Judge Pate declined to be a candidate for office, and has since devoted his attention to the practice in Hawkinsville.  As a judge he was fearless and just, and prepared his opinions with such care and legal acumen as to secure the hearty endorsement of the entire bar.  But very few of his decisions were reversed by the supreme court of the state.

Judge Pate was married to Miss Martha J. Williamson, a daughter of Thully Williamson of Pulaski county.  She died March 9, 1887, mother of two children: Mrs. Dr. N. P. Jelks and Mrs. F. S. Lewis, both of Hawkinsville.

Obituaries of Anthony Cowart Pate

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, February 16, 1916, p. 1:

JUDGE A. C. PATE IS CLAIMED BY DEATH

Well Known Jurist and Pioneer
Citizen of Hawkinsville Passes Away.

Judge Anthony C. Pate, one of Hawkinsville’s oldest and most highly esteemed citizens, died Sunday at midnight at the home of his son-in-law, Mr. J. P. Watson, on Dooly street.  He had been in feeble health for a number of years but the immediate cause of his death was pneumonia, which developed last Saturday following a severe attack of la grippe.

The Pate Family Sir John Pate, baron of Leicestershire, England, had a son, Major Thomas Pate, who emigrated to America in 1672, and settled in Glouchester County, Virginia. His son, Matthew, and wife, Anne Reade, were parents of Jacob, born in 1710, and who married Zilla Broach. Their son was Jacob, Jr., born in 1747. He was the father of John, born in New Bern, N.C. or Glouchester County, Virginia, about 1760, and who married Nancy Cowart in 1794. Redding Hamilton Pate, their son, born in 1796, in 1829 married Elizabeth Miller, born in 1809. They lived in Washington County, Georgia. Redding Pate is buried near Tennille, Georgia. Elizabeth and her three boys, John Haynes, Redding H. and Anthony C. Pate, moved to Dooly County ...

Judge Pate was a native of Washington county, Ga., and was in his 80th year at the time of his death, having been born near Sandersville April 11th, 1836.  For thirteen years succeeding its establishment in 1872, he was judge of the Superior court of the Oconee circuit, and was an able and experienced jurist.

He was the son of Redding Pate and his mother was Elizabeth Miller.  Both of their grandfathers were from North Carolina and soldiers in the continental army during the war of 1776 to 1781.  Until eighteen years of age, Judge Pate remained in Washington county, acquiring an academic education in the high school of Sandersville.  He then went to Dooly county where he sold goods for his brother for a year, and then took up the study of the profession which he has so honored.  He was admitted to the bar in 1857 before Judge Robert Hardeman of the Ocmulgee circuit, and began practice, which he continued uninterruptedly until the war.  During this event he served his country as a member of a company of Georgia volunteer infantry, being under the leadership of General Joseph E. Johnston most of the time.

In January of 1866 he came to Hawkinsville and opened an office, becoming associated later with Judge L. C. Ryan.  On the establishment of the Oconee circuit in 1872, Judge Pate’s name was presented to Governor Smith and his standing in the profession occasioned such an array of supporters as to secure his appointment, though comparatively a young man.  Four years later he was re-appointed, and in 1881, he was elected by the senate for the succeeding term of four years.  After thirteen years of continuous service Judge Pate declined to be candidate for office and since then, as long as his health permitted, devoted his attention to the practice in Hawkinsville.  As a judge he was fearless and just, and prepared his opinions with such care and legal acumen as to secure the hearty endorsement of the entire bar.  But very few of his decisions were reversed by the Supreme court of the state.

After leaving the bench he never sought office again, but was appointed by Governor Candler as a trustee of the Soldier’s Home, which position he held for eleven years, giving it up about a year ago on account of his health.  As a friend he was true and steadfast, and no one that ever came to him in need or distress was turned away empty handed.  He despised shams and hypocrisy and in both public and private life always stood for those things which he conceived to be right regardless of whether they met with popular approval or not.  He was one of the best known men in South Georgia and had many friends all over the state who will regret to learn of his passing.

Judge Pate was married to Miss Martha J. Williamson, a daughter of Mrs. Thully Williamson, of Pulaski county.  She died March 9, 1887, the mother of two children, Mrs. J. P. Watson and Mrs. N. P. Jelks, both of whom are living and are residents of this city.  He is also survived by the following grandchildren: Miss Georgia Jelks, Pate Jelks, Mrs. Harry Ellis, Miss Kate Lewis, Miss Ruth Lewis, William Watson, Pate Watson, Pope Watson, and Miss Elizabeth Watson, and several great grandchildren, all of Hawkinsville.

The funeral was held from the residence of Mr. Watson Tuesday morning at ten o’clock.  Elder J. M. Woodward conducted the services, assisted by Dr. Aquila Chamlee and Rev. T. H. Thomson, and the interment was in Orange Hill cemetery.

The pall bearers were H. A. Haskins, W. M. Taylor, J. P. McGriff, Marion Turner, N. P. Jelks, and H. E. Coates.

Among those attending the funeral from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. Anthony C. Pate, Dr. and Mrs. R. H. Pate, Mrs. C. C. Duncan, of Unadilla; Judges Tom Eason and E. D. Graham and Mr. T. J. Smith, of McRae, and Judge F. M. Chalker, of Finleyson.

The Cochran Journal, Cochran, Georgia, Tuesday, February 17, 1916, p. 1:

DEATH OF A. C. PATE OF HAWKINSVILLE

Judge A. C. Pate, one of Hawkinsville’s oldest and most highly esteemed citizens, died Sunday at midnight at the home of his son-in-law, Mr. J. P. Watson.  He had been in feeble health a number of years, but the immediate cause of his death was pneumonia.  He was Judge of the Oconee Circuit for thirteen years and for many years was an active practioner in the old county.  Judge Pate was always known as a hightoned, upright man and gentleman.  He has many friends in Cochran and Bleckley county who will regret to hear of his death.

Issue:

J116––– i.––– Catherine E.⁶ Pate, of whom below, born August 5, 1859; died January 6, 1948 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia.

J117––– ii.––– Mary Georgia Pate, of whom below, born May 22, 1862 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died April 8, 1937 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia.

J118––– iii.––– Mattie Pate, born January 25, 1872; died October 12, 1877 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia.  Her obituary in The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, October 25, 1877, p. 3 gives the date of her death as October 12, 1877. Orange Hill Cemetery, Hawkinsville, Georgia, 1833-1992, by Robert K. Nobles, p. 54 gives the date as October 10, 1877.

Obituary of Mattie Pate

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, October 25, 1877, p. 3:

On Friday the 12th inst., little Mattie Pate, age about six years, and the youngest child of Judge A. C. Pate, died after a brief illness, at her father’s residence on Pine Level.  Little Mattie’s remains were conveyed to Orange Hill Cemetery and buried on Sunday at ten o’clock a.m.

J55. MARY MARGARET⁵ FLEMING (James⁴, John³, David², John¹) was born on May 30, 1855 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died December 31, 1946 in Taylor Memorial Hospital, Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; and was buried in Orange Hill Cemetery, Hawkinsville, Georgia.  On November 29, 1876, at her father’s home in Pulaski County, Maggie married John Benjamin Lewis.  He was born on October 14, 1850 in Wilkinson County, Georgia; died on January 7, 1922 in Hawkinsville; and was buried at Orange Hill Cemetery.  For 20 years, he was Treasurer of Pulaski County, Georgia.  He was a grocer before that, according to the 1880 federal census of Pulaski County, Georgia.

Marriage of Mary Margaret Fleming and John Benjamin Lewis

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, December 7, 1876, p. 3:

MARRIED.

On the evening of the 29th ultimo., at the residence of Mr. James Fleming, by Rev. Geo. R. McCall, Mr. John B. Lewis to Miss Maggie M. Fleming, all of Pulaski.  The wedding was a quiet affair, only the relatives of the respective families and a few special friends being present.

Mr. William M. Anderson, a kinsman of the bridegroom, gave an infair on the day following the wedding. ––

The happy couple have the best wishes from a host of earnest friends for a peaceable and prosperous voyage on the road of life.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, June 3, 1943, p. 5:

MRS. J. B. LEWIS CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY

Mrs. J. B. Lewis, one of Hawkinsville’s oldest and most beloved women, celebrated her 88th anniversary Sunday at her home here.  During the entire day friends called, bringing flowers, gifts and congratulations.  Mrs. Lewis was before her marriage, Miss Margaret Fleming, a member of one of Pulaski’s pioneer families.  She is the mother of four daughters, Mrs. Eva Ridley, Mrs. Kate Peters, Mrs. Sadie Seals, and Mrs. Annie Laurie Layton, all of whom were with her on her birthday.

Biographical Notes on John Benjamin Lewis

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, June 16, 1898, p. 8:

PICNIC AT PATE’S BRIDGE.

The Pine Level Sunday School, of which Mr. J. B. Lewis is superintendent, enjoyed a most delightful picnic at Pate’s bridge last Friday.  Messrs. Ragan, Lewis and others of our town have taken a deep interest in this school and it is in a fine condition and accomplishing much good.

On January 3, 1902, John Lewis began his first term as Pulaski County Treasurer, serving continuously until December 9, 1920.

Excerpts from The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, January 15, 1902, p. 5:

NEW MAYOR AND ALDERMAN SWORN IN.

WHAT WAS DONE AT THEIR
FIRST MEETING MONDAY AFTERNOON

The old council met Monday afternoon at three o’clock, Mayor Grace presiding.  After receiving reports of officers and committees and after a few appropriate remarks by the retiring mayor, the old board dissolved.  Judge P. T. McGriff then proceeded to administer the oath of office to the mayor and alderman elect.  In taking the chair, Mayor Lovejoy spoke briefly, outlining the policy of his administration, pledging his co-operation with the board of alderman and asking the same of them.  The council then went into executive session and proceeded to elect officers with the following results ...

Mr. L. J. Henderson was elected dispensary commissioner to succeed Mr. J. B. Lewis, resigned.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, February 19, 1902, p. 5:

CANDIDATES FOR TREASURER.

Elsewhere in this issue appears the announcements of Messrs. John H. Mullis, Jr., John B. Lewis and Robert D. Brown for the office of County Treasurer of Pulaski county.  These are all good citizens and clever gentlemen, and either of them would make an efficient officer.  We are authorized to say that the announcement of Mr. D. G. Fleming will appear in our next issue ...

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, February 19, 1902, p. 8:

FOR TREASURER.

I am a candidate for the office of County Treasurer, subject to the Democratic primary when called.  I respectfully solicit the votes and support of my fellow citizens and pledge the utmost fidelity to the duties of the office if elected.

Respectfully,
John B. Lewis

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, June 11, 1902, p. 5:

THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY.

The Democratic primary held in Pulaski county on Thursday last resulted in favor of Estill for governor, Stevens for commissioner of agriculture, Merritt for state school commissioner, Eason for prison commissioner, Grice for representative, Lancaster for clerk, Rogers for sheriff, Bollinger for tax receiver, Haskins for tax collector, Lewis for treasurer, Macdonald for surveyor, Jones for coroner, and Finleyson and Dykes for county commissioners.

A good vote was polled in most all the precincts, though it was not as large as was expected, considering the fact that the county had been thoroughly canvassed by the various candidates.

The following is the tabulated statement showing the result of the vote ...

For County Treasurer

J. H. Mullis, Jr. – 499
D. G. Fleming – 105
J. B. Lewis – 665

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, March 30, 1904, p. 7:

FOR COUNTY TREASURER.

I hereby announce my candidacy for county treasurer.  Gratefully remembering the past kindness of the people, I ask a renewal of their confidence, pledging in return my best services.  My candidacy is subject to the democratic primary.

J. B. Lewis

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, December 18, 1918, p. 9:

Mr. J. B. Lewis has sold his grocery business to Mr. M. A. Lancaster, Jr.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, February 25, 1920, p. 1:

COUNTY PRIMARY ONE WEEK OFF

Candidates Have Only One
More Week To Put Their
Claims Before The Voters.

The Pulaski County primary is just one week off.  Next Wednesday, March the 3rd, is the day set for the voters to go to the polls in their respective districts and cast their ballots for their choice for county officers.

Several of the candidates have opposition and in each case a lively contest is predicted.

The following is a list of those running ...

... For County Treasurer –– J. B. Lewis, unopposed ...

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, March 10, 1920, p. 1:

PULASKI PRIMARY HELD LAST WEDNESDAY.
ALL BUT THREE OLD OFFICERS RE-ELECTED

Much Interest Manifested In All The Places
To Be Filled – All Candidates and Workers
Worked Hard During Day – Defeated Candidates
Are Taking Their Defeat Good Naturedly.

The election for county officers in Pulaski county passed off very quietly here last Wednesday.  So far as we have been able to learn there was no disturbance at any of the voting precincts in the county.

H. A. Haskins was reelected Ordinary, and J. B. Lewis, Treasurer, without opposition.

All the old officers were reelected except the Tax Collector, Tax Receiver and County School Superintendent.  Mr. J. J. Pollock, Tax Collector, was defeated by Mr. W. B. Richardson by a majority of 299 votes; Mr. W. J. Ferguson was defeated by Mr. Lou Harrell for Tax Receiver by a majority of 16 votes.

The voters residing in the City of Hawkinsville were not permitted to vote in the County School Superintendent’s race under a ruling by the County Executive Committee, inasmuch as the city has a separate and distinct school system from the county.  In this race, Mr. A. W. Fountain, the present incumbent, was defeated by Mr. A. G. McKinney by a majority of 144 votes.

An unusually large vote was polled in all the Districts of the county.  A total of 962 votes being cast in the county out of a registration of 1,320.

For Treasurer – J. B. Lewis – 950 ...

Obituary of Mary Margaret Fleming

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, January 2, 1947, p. 1:

MRS. J. B. LEWIS PASSED TUESDAY AT AGE OF 91

Mrs. John B. Lewis, Hawkinsville’s oldest citizen and one of Hawkinsville’s most beloved women, died Tuesday, December 31, at Taylor Memorial Hospital, at the advanced age of 91 years.  Although in feeble health due to her advanced age, her death came as the result of a heart attack.

Mrs. Lewis was born May 30, 1855 at the old Fleming home near Hawkinsville, and was a life time resident of Hawkinsville and Pulaski County.  She was, before her marriage, Miss Margaret Fleming, daughter of the late James Fleming and Mrs. Mary Ann Leonard Fleming.  She received her early education in the schools of Hawkinsville, and in early womanhood was married to Mr. John B. Lewis, who died several years ago.

Mrs. Lewis was a typical gentlewoman of the old school, true to the traditions of the old South.  She was a woman of rare personality and kindness of heart.  She possessed a wonderful memory, having vivid recollections of the War Between the States and the days of reconstruction that followed.  Although feeble physically, she possessed a clear and alert mentality till her death.  During the past several years of her life, on her anniversary, May 30, she would keep open house, and spend the entire day receiving calls and congratulations from her many friends, in whom she never ceased to feel an interest.  Mrs. Lewis’ life exemplified the traits of a true Christian character.  She was always interested in the welfare of others, especially those ill or in need.  She was a faithful and consistent member of the Baptist Church and her passing means the loss of a good woman, and the end of a long life well spent, a life of usefulness and service for good.

Funeral services were held Wednesday at Clark’s chapel, with Rev. S. M. Anderson officiating, followed by interment at Orange Hill Cemetery.

Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Tom Peters, of Dublin, Mrs. Annie Laurie Layton of College Park, Mrs. Eva Ridley and Mrs. Sadie Seals of Hawkinsville; two sisters, Mrs. J. H. Bragg of Hawkinsville and Mrs. Lillian Strange of Moultrie; one brother, Chas. Fleming of Tifton; nine grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, and a large number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Thomas Bragg, Freeman Bragg, L. F. Bragg, D. P. McGriff, Schneider Fountain, W. G. Mayo, Charles Head, Graham Coley.

Clark’s Funeral Home in charge.

Obituary of John Benjamin Lewis

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, January 11, 1922, p. 1:

GOOD MAN ANSWERS DEATH’S SUMMONS

Mr. J. B. Lewis Died Suddenly
At His Home in This City
Saturday Morning

As startling as it was, that early Saturday morning, Mr. John B. Lewis was stricken with apoplexy, this shock was speedily replaced with universal sorrow and depression.  He complained to Mrs. Lewis about five o’clock Saturday morning of headache.  She gave him aspirin, and he dropped off to sleep and called again at seven o’clock, his condition alarmed her so that a physician was called, and he, at a glance, realized that he had a fatal attack.  Death came by nine o’clock.  He was in the best of spirits the day before and had a fishing trip planned to the day of his death.

He was perhaps one of the best beloved citizens of our community, one universally respected.  A better man never resided in our midst.  Born in Wilkinson County, but came to Hawkinsville from Dooly in 1869 or 1870.  Soon after coming here he entered business, the firm being Lewis, Ferguson and Dillard.  He and Mr. Will Ferguson bought out the Dillard interest and continued in business many years as Lewis and Ferguson.  Later, he entered business with Mr. J. F. Fleming at the present stand of the latter.  He moved to Alabama a little over 20 years ago, where he resided a few years and, returning to Pulaski, became a candidate for County Treasurer, a position he won and has held for the past 20 years.  He was an honored deacon in the local Baptist church, where his activities and faithfulness made him beloved by many pastors under whom he had served.  Many years he was associated with Mr. T. B. Ragan in the conduct of a little Sunday school at Pine Level that did a great work.  Quiet and always pleasant and affable, he made a friend of each acquaintance, and incurred the ill-will never.  As a boy, his old associates say he was a model, refusing to countenance unclean jokes and conversation and maintained the highest ideals of nobility.

The funeral services were held at the Baptist church Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock.  Rev. C. M. Ledbetter read the 23rd Psalm and offered a very tender prayer.  Dr. A. Chamlee made extended remarks highly eulogizing of the life, character and services of the departed.  The church was filled with sorrowing friends.  There was that hushed subdued feeling that a great loss had come to the community.  The preacher’s remarks were quite touching and breathed the very life of the man he was talking about.  The deacons of the church formed an honorary escort.  The pallbearers were Judge H. A. Haskins, E. D. Richardson, E. J. Henry, J. H. Bragg, W. F. Bragg, F. N. Bragg, W. A. Jelks, H. M. McDowell.

Mr. Lewis was 71 last October.  Our community is poorer by his leaving.  He is survived by his wife, and the following daughters: Mrs. Kibbie Ridley, this city, Mrs. Thos. Peters, Dublin, Mrs. Tom Layton, Atlanta, Mrs. Sadie Seals, this city.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, January 11, 1922, p. 1:

ELECTION IS CALLED TO FILL VACANCY

Ordinary Sets January 30th
As Day For Election Of A
County Treasurer

In the issue will be seen the call for an election to fill the vacancy in the office of County Treasurer for the unexpired term of J. B. Lewis, deceased.  The election is called by Ordinary Haskins for Monday, January the 30th.  As we go to press, there is only one announced candidate, Mr. George D. Mashburn.  We hear of others who are considering entering the race ...

Ordinary Haskins has appointed Mr. J. J. Pollock treasurer to fill the office until the election.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, January 11, 1922, p. 1:

CARD OF THANKS

We take this method of thanking our many friends for the many kindnesses and expressions of sympathy shown to us in the recent death of our husband and father.  We assure everyone that every act was highly appreciated and shall at all times pray God’s richest blessings upon each and everyone of you.

Mrs. J. B. Lewis and Children.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, January 11, 1922, p. 1:

NOTICE OF ELECTION FOR TREASURER OF PULASKI

Georgia –– Pulaski County

It appearing that John B. Lewis, treasurer of Pulaski county, died on the 7th day of January, 1922, thereby creating a vacancy in said treasurer’s office.  Now, therefore, by the authority vested in me as Ordinary of Pulaski County, it is ordered that an election be held in said county on the 30th day of January, 1922, for the purpose of electing a treasurer for the unexpired term of J. B. Lewis, deceased.  Said election to be held in the same manner as other elections are held for county officers.  Given under my hand and official signature.  This January 10th, 1922.

H. A. Haskins, Ordinary

Issue:

J119––– i.––– Mary Eva⁶ Lewis, of whom below, born September 16, 1877 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; died March 9, 1953 in Hawkinsville, Georgia.

J120––– ii.––– Kate Frederic Lewis, of whom below, born circa 1879 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; died March 18, 1965 in Dublin, Laurens County, Georgia.

J121––– iii.––– Sadie Lewis, of whom below, was born on March 4, 1881 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died on August 21, 1973 in Vidalia, Toombs County, Georgia.

J122––– iv.––– Annie Laurie Lewis, of whom below, born January 20, 1886 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died May 2, 1968 in Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia.

J123––– v.––– (Infant daughter) Lewis, born January 25, 1896; died January 25, 1896 in Pulaski County, Georgia; and was buried at Orange Hill Cemetery, Hawkinsville, Georgia.

Obituary

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, January 30, 1896, p. 8:

The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Lewis deeply sympathize with them in the death of their little infant girl, which occurred at their home near town on Saturday last.  The remains of the little one were laid to rest Sunday morning at nine o’clock in Orange Hill cemetery.

J56. JAMES FERDINAND⁵ FLEMING (James⁴, John³, David², John¹) was born June 8, 1858 at Seven Miles Farm in Pulaski County, Georgia; died on November 27, 1932 while preparing to lead his Sunday School class in the Methodist Church in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; and was buried in Orange Hill Cemetery, in Hawkinsville.  Ferdinand was living with his sister, Mary Margaret Fleming and her husband John Benjamin Lewis, when he was 22 during the count for the 1880 federal census of Pulaski County, Georgia.  Ferdinand married Emily Gibson on February 28, 1889 in the Methodist Church at Hawkinsville, Georgia.

Emily was born on October 27, 1864 in Quincy, Gadsden County, Florida, according to her grave marker at Orange Hill Cemetery and Orange Hill Cemetery, Hawkinsville, Georgia, 1833-1992, published by the Central Georgia Genealogical Society, Warner Robins, Georgia, 1993, by Robert K. Nobles, p. 56.  Burch, Harrell and Allied Families, v. 2, compiled by Marilu Burch Smallwood, 1968, Washington, North Carolina, p. 176 says she was born on that date but in 1863 as does The History of Pulaski County, Georgia, 1808-1935, compiled by The Hawkinsville Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, published by Walter W. Brown Publishing Company, Atlanta, Georgia, 1935, p. 343.  She died April 25, 1924, in Hawkinsville, at her home on Watson Street.  Emily was a daughter of Tilton Eugene Gibson and Julia Kenan.  She was a charter member of the Hawkinsville (Col. Benjamin Hawkins) Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which was founded on April 17, 1920.

Marriage of James Ferdinand Fleming and Emily Gibson

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, March 7, 1889, p. 3:

On Thursday evening, February 28th, a large congregation assembled at the Methodist church.  The brightness on each countenance and the pleasant hum of undertone conversation that was carried on gave unmistakable evidence of what was coming.  It was a marriage; nothing else could draw such a company together in just such a way.  There is something so beautiful and so happy in the union of two hearts, “so long as they both shall live,” that it is always witnessed with interest the keenest and pleasure the most intense.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, March 7, 1889, p. 3: Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Fleming have engaged board with the excellent family of Capt. J. H. Martin and are now comfortably domiciled there with.

After a brief period of waiting, the organ, under the graceful touch of Miss Annie McCormick, began to peal forth the beautiful notes of the wedding march.  Then came the attendants: Mr. Willie L. Anderson and Miss Susie Jones; Dr. Aug. Burghard and Miss Emmie Fleming.  After them followed Mr. James F. Fleming and Miss Emmie Gibson, who took their places before the altar, and Rev. E. M. Whiting soon pronounced them man and wife.

After the ceremony, the bridal party with relatives and a few friends, repaired to the residence of Mr. John B. Lewis, where they had a pleasant evening’s enjoyment – including a most sumptuous and elegant repast.

The newly wedded couple were the recipients of a number of handsome presents.  The groom is one of the best and most popular young business men of Hawkinsville; and the bride is one of the most excellent and estimable young ladies in the community.  That all possible happiness may be theirs is the wish of many friends, including the Dispatch.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, March 7, 1889, p. 3:

Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Fleming have engaged board with the excellent family of Capt. J. H. Martin and are now comfortably domiciled there with.

Biographical Notes on James Ferdinand Fleming

The History of Pulaski County, Georgia, 1808-1935, compiled by The Hawkinsville Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, published by Walter W. Brown Publishing Company, Atlanta, Georgia, 1935, p. 343:

JAMES FERDINAND FLEMING.

One of the most interesting of the pioneer citizens of Pulaski was James Ferdinand Fleming.  His parents (were) James and Elizabeth Leonard Fleming ... When quite young he learned his first lesson in thrift by hauling logs to pay his tuition to private school.  He proved himself a good student and won a certificate of merit.  He began business as a farmer, but in 1883, he entered the mercantile business, which he continued successfully in the same building until his death.  His one recreation was fishing.  He gave most of his time to the Methodist Church of which he was a steward for over thirty years.

His love of singing overshadowed all other of his religious activities, he being Sunday school director for twenty-five years, and he was known throughout the State as a religious singer.

His wife was Emily Gibson, daughter of Tilton Eugene Gibson and Julia Kenan.  She was born in Quincy, Florida, October 27, 1863, and died in Hawkinsville, April 25, 1924.   She was also a member of the Methodist Church, and was an outstanding Bible student.  She served as president of the Woman’s Missionary Society, as president of the League, as teacher in Sunday school for twenty years, and as vice president of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union.  Being a direct descendant of Major Nehemiah Tilton of Delaware, she was a charter member of the Hawkinsville Chapter, D. A. R., and also a member of the U. D. C. Chapter ...

On November 27, 1932, while standing before his Sunday school class, preparing to teach, Mr. Fleming suddenly passed to his eternal reward.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, February 9, 1893:

LOCAL ITEMS.

ABOUT THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER

––– Mr. J. F. Fleming is agent for the Christian Herald.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, January 18, 1894, p. 5:

... Mr. J. F. Fleming and family left last week to spend a month or two at Ovido, Florida.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Tuesday, November 23, 1909, p. 8:

Oranges!  Oranges!!

Go to J. F. Fleming’s to get your sweet oranges.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, September 22, 1915, p. 8:

Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Fleming spent Sunday in Dublin with their son, Mr. Leonard Fleming.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, January 27, 1927:

OLD TIMER’S COLUMN

hree score and ten years is this delightfully interesting ‘old timer’ whom we found busily engaged in making a dasher for an old-fashioned butter churn, when we entered his place of business in quest of a few interesting facts about his life.  Yes, got to keep busy to keep the devil away.  How do you like the new preacher?  Such as his salutation as we took a seat on a nearby goods box to hear what he might have to say about himself.  Such indeed might be the nature of remarks to any one who might pause for a moment’s visit with Old Timer Ferdinand Fleming, more familiarly known as ‘Uncle Ferdy,’ for next to his heart is his religion and his church and about these center much of his life and thought.

Uncle Ferdy has been a life long resident of Hawkinsville and Pulaski county.  The house of his birth, built in 1856, still stands on the old ‘Seven Miles Farm’ on Big Creek and about a half mile from Fleming’s Bridge.  It was here that Uncle Ferdy was born on June 8th, 1858 to James and Elizabeth Leonard Fleming ...

While a small boy his parents moved to the Saint George Place, a farm about a mile from Hawkinsville, and it was from this home that Uncle Ferdy began his schooling.  Coming in the day when ox carts were the chief means of travel and transportation.  Uncle Ferdy soon became expert in handling steers and it was in this connection that he learned his first lesson in thrift (a favorite subject in which he is quite well versed) by hauling wood to a private school to earn his tuition, for it must be remembered that Uncle Ferdy arrived in Hawkinsville prior to the establishment of the public school system.

Here in this small school, located on the spot where Mrs. D. T. Mashburn’s home now stands, Uncle Ferdy received the full extent of his education under the teachings of J. M. Proctor, Moses McCall and Judge Martin.  It is easy for any one acquainted with this old timer to imagine that his keen and alert mind made it easy for him to be a student of high rank.  That he was such was further evidenced by a carefully preserved certificate which he took from his pocket on which was written: ‘Ferdinand Fleming, Student of Merit, and signed by J. M. Proctor, principal.’  But Uncle Ferdy was evidently one of the boys, too, so to speak, for he did not pass up his school days without first mentioning a few episodes not exactly related to merit standing but which he took a rather prominent part and from which he seemed to get a real pleasure in relating.

After his school days, Uncle Ferdy found employment in the stores of Hawkinsville and Vienna and for a few years ran a farm.  In 1883 he entered into the mercantile business for himself in the stand now occupied by the Butler Grocery Co., and a few years later moved into the store he has owned and operated for the past forty-two years.  Being endowed by nature with the characteristics of thrift and perseverance this old timer has conducted a successful business during these years and can say what few of the present day perhaps can, “that he can look the whole world in the face for he owes not any man.”

On February 28th, 1889, he was married to Miss Emily Gibson of this city who until her death a few years ago was his devoted and happy wife.  Two children, Miss Josephine, now Mrs. John DeLamar, and Mr. Leonard Fleming, were born to this excellent couple.

Uncle Ferdy has never become affiliated with any of the local fraternal organizations.  His time and devotion has been given entirely to the Methodist church of which he has been a steward for the past thirty years.  Truly it can be said of him that the church has never had a more consistent and loyal member.  Chief worshiper in the Amen corner, many is the time that a word of approval is spoken by Uncle Ferdy when his pastor is stressing some truth of spiritual significance, or as Uncle Ferdy states it, “getting hot after the devil.”  For twenty years this patriarch of the local church led the singing in the Sunday school and we doubt if there was a singing convention any where in these parts during these years and since that Uncle Ferdy was not called upon to “stir them up.”  It was at such an occasion that the writer first made the acquaintance of this old timer.  The singing had begun to lag and a call went out for Brother Ferdinand Fleming.  From over in Amen corner this silver haired patriarch arose and slowly made his way over to the little organ in the center of the church.  We watched him as he adjusted his glasses and looked thru the hymnal, then paused, looked over the top of his glasses and said, “look here you all, you are in the Lord’s house, if you were any where else you could be heard all over this neighborhood, now I expect to hear you sing like you ought to” and with that he gave out the number of the hymn, and when the little organ had played through the first verse, Uncle Ferdy raised his baton, and brother, believe the writer, that crowd did its durndest.

Now Uncle Ferdy claims that he never gave much time to anything but work and the church but we venture to say that there is not a good fishing hole in any near creek into which he has not cast a hook.  In fact when brought right down to the point, Uncle Ferdy looked out from under the brim of his hat and with a twinkle in his eye said:  “Well I suppose I like it about as well as Joe Reynolds,” and everyone knows that Joe Reynolds rather fish than dig gold.

This old timer has been keeping house for thirty-five years during which time he has always cut his own wood and worked his garden himself and still does.  These he considers as “pastimes” and beneficial to him physically.  Being somewhat of a philosopher Uncle Ferdy has followed the policy of never taking his business troubles home, which with many other things might account for the beautiful, happy home life of this old timer.

We doubt if Hawkinsville has ever had a more wholesome character or one of which it could be more justly proud than of Uncle Ferdy Fleming whose life has been quiet and unpretentious but filled with the contentment which only the righteous know.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, June 30, 1927, p. 1:

MR. J. F. FLEMING IN MACON HOSPITAL

The many friends here of Mr. J. F. Fleming are glad to learn of the success of an operation which he underwent last Thursday at the Oglethorpe Infirmary, at Macon, Ga., when a cataract which had caused him much trouble and pain for several months was removed from his eye.  According to the last report Mr. Fleming was improving nicely and was expected to recover rapidly from the operation.  He will be at the hospital for the next several days.

Mr. Fleming is one of Hawkinsville’s oldest and beloved citizens and his recovery is watched with much pleasure by his host of friends here.

Obituary of James Ferdinand Fleming

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, December 1, 1932, p. 1:

PIONEER CITIZEN DIED SUDDENLY

Mr. J. F. Fleming
Expired While
Attending Sunday School

The sudden death Sunday morning of Mr. J. F. Fleming, age 75, removed from our midst one of Hawkinsville’s oldest and best known citizens.

n apparent good health, Mr. Fleming attended Sunday School at the Methodist Church Sunday morning and while in conversation with several class members he expired without evidence of pain or suffering.  He was preparing to teach the class when he was stricken.

Mr. Fleming was born in Pulaski County and has been engaged in the mercantile business in Hawkinsville for about fifty years.  It is a remarkable fact that he conducted business in the same location throughout those years.

He was a man of even temperament.  He loved his home, his church, his people and his fellow men.  It is said that in his business career he never had a controversy serious enough to cause him to display temper.  Early in life he united with the Methodist church and has served in all official capacities, at the time of his death being a member of the Board of Stewards.  Perhaps his love of singing overshadowed all other of his religious activities, he being Sunday School music director for many years.  His interpretation of religious songs extended beyond the confines of his own community and he was known throughout the state as a religious singer.  Regardless of his age he was the most regular and punctual worshipper of any member of the church.  He loved his church and had he known that death was near it is certain he would have chosen the manner in which it occurred, in the House of God, which he loved and served so well.

His place cannot be filled in the community, but his memory remains as a guide to a better life and service.  He was a Christian gentleman.

He is survived by two children, Mr. L. F. Fleming and Mrs. J. B. DeLamar, of this city; two sisters, Mrs. J. H. Bragg and Mrs. J. B. Lewis, also of Hawkinsville; one half brother, Charlie Fleming, of Tifton; one half sister, Mrs. C. R. Strange, Sylvester.  His wife died about eight years ago.

Funeral services were held from the Methodist church Monday afternoon at 3:30 o’clock with Rev. W. H. Budd, pastor of the church, officiating, and the church choir singing a number of the songs he loved so well.

Interment was in Orange Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers were: C. D. Davis, T. A. Willis, C. B. Adams, C. S. Glisson, A. T. Fountain, Dr. E. C. Brown, J. H. McCrary, R. F. DeLamar, Jr.

Clark Funeral Home in charge.

Obituary of Emily Gibson

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Wednesday, April 30, 1924, p. 1:

MRS. J. F. FLEMING DIED LAST FRIDAY

Mrs. J. F. Fleming Dies
Suddenly at Her Home
on Watson Street

Death has various ways of winging its way from the unknown realms to earth and the day and hour of its visitation is known to no one as was demonstrated last Friday morning when the death angel entered the home of Mr. J. F. Fleming and took there from the soul of his wife, Mrs. Emily Gibson Fleming.

Mrs. Fleming’s health had not been good for the past several months, but recently she had showed signed of improvement, and her immediate family was much encouraged over the prospects for her recovery.  Upon the afternoon previous to her death, she took her usual afternoon walk and visited neighbors.  Later she went for a short automobile ride.  Retiring at night in her usual manner with no sign of any increasing pain or illness, when suddenly, on Friday morning, the hand of death, which no mortal can withstand, stretched forth and took from us a life that has indeed been one that has made the earth a place in which one would really rejoice in living.

Mrs. Fleming was indeed a Christian woman, and while the word consistent is so often used in commenting upon the death of a good woman or man, it can be truly said in her case that she was a consistent member of the Methodist church.  Previous to her failing health, she was a teacher of one of the classes and was always at her post of duty.  Since it became impossible for her to continue the Sunday school work, she gave up her class, but whenever possible attended the services of the church which she loved so well.

Mrs. Fleming was an unusual woman in more ways than one.  She was quiet and peaceful in her manner and a devout student of all that was good.  Her life was indeed an example which could be pointed out to the generations that are to follow in her footsteps.

On Sunday afternoon at 3:30 o’clock the funeral services of this departed woman were held in the Methodist church in the presence of a compact assemblage of friends.

Upon the entrance of the funeral cortege, soft wafts of music to the tune of Schubert’s Death Song pealed forth from the organ in soft tones and entering the church were Presiding Elder I. P. Tyson and Rev. J. L. Jones, followed by the Stewards, Rev. Mr. Jones reading extracts of scripture from the ritual.  Next came Undertaker W. L. Joiner and Steward C. D. Davis with the body of the deceased which was placed in front of the altar with a beautiful background of flowers.  When the funeral cortege had seated themselves the choir softly rendered “One Sweetly Solemn Thought,” and prayer by Rev. Mr. Tyson.  Concluding this Rev. Mr. Jones, her pastor, eulogized the life and soul of this good woman who had gone before us.  His tribute to her life as a whole was indeed a beautiful one and especially toward her activities in church work, and as he said, “She was a great woman because she was a good woman.”

The life of this woman has been one that all should try to exemplify.  Hers has been a life of purity and an existence for what she believed to be the right.  Her exemplification of the manner in which God expects us to live would be a good one to follow.

Beside her husband, she leaves two children, Frederick Leonard Fleming, and a daughter, Josephine Fleming DeLamar. The interment was in Orange Hill Cemetery, following the funeral services.

Issue:

J124––– i.––– Frederick Leonard⁶ Fleming born January 25, 1890 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; died January 21, 1967 in Hawkinsville, Georgia; and was buried there in Orange Hill Cemetery.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, January 30, 1890, p. 8: “Ferdinand Fleming’s baby is a boy.”

Obituary of Frederick Leonard Fleming

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, January 25, 1967, p. 1:

LEONARD FLEMING
DIES SUDDENLY

Frederick Leonard (Link) Fleming, 76, widely known resident of Hawkinsville, died unexpectedly early Saturday.

Mr. Fleming was a native of Pulaski County and a member of the First Methodist Church of Hawkinsville.  He was a retired bookkeeper.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon in the chapel of Clark Funeral Home, the Rev. A. Ray Adams officiating.  Burial was in Orange Hill Cemetery.

He is survived by three nephews, Leonard G. DeLamar of Albany and John F. and Robert E. DeLamar, both of Hawkinsville, and a brother-in-law, John B. DeLamar of Hawkinsville.

Pallbearers were W. F. and Robert Culpepper, H. S. Cochran, W. W. Weddington, Jack Dupree, Harris Hardin, John H. Daniel, W. C. Barnwell, Jr.

J125––– ii.––– Edith Josephine Fleming, of whom below, born February 18, 1893 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died April 4, 1959 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia.

J57. EMMA JANE⁵ FLEMING (James⁴, John³, David², John¹) was born on February 21, 1868 in Pulaski County, Georgia; died on December 7, 1955 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; and was buried there at Orange Hill Cemetery.  She was living with her sister Mrs. John B. Lewis when 12 years of age during the count for the 1880 federal census of Pulaski County, Georgia.  On January 27, 1892, at the home of her brother James Ferdinand Fleming, she married James Herndon Bragg, son of Samuel Thomas Bragg and Elvinia A. Patterson.  He was born April 19, 1869 in Jones County, Georgia, and died August 20, 1939 in Hawkinsville.  (Some of the information on the Fleming-Bragg line is courtesy of cousin John McLeod Stockbridge, who died February 18, 2001, in his 50th year.)

Marriage of Emma Jane Fleming and James Herndon Bragg

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Thursday, February 4, 1892, p. 5:

A HAPPY MARRIAGE.

he comfortable home of Mr. J. F. Fleming was the scene of a very happy marriage on Wednesday evening of last week, Mr. Jas. H. Bragg and Miss Emma Fleming being the contracting parties.

The parlor was tastily decorated with evergreens, while a beautiful bell had been artistically hung in the centre of the room.

Miss Ola Pipkin and Mr. Charles Bragg, and Miss Susie Jones and Mr. S. E. Bragg were the attendants, and following them entered the bride and groom, taking position under the bell, where they were made one, Rev. J. F. Eden, the bride’s pastor, impressively performing the ceremony.

Shortly after the congratulations had been extended, the company were invited to the dining room, where Mrs. J. F. Fleming presided, and a sumptuous feast was served in a hospitable and bountiful style.

The wedding presents were many and beautiful ones.

The contracting parties are both known as two of our most popular young people, and many fervent wishes for happiness to attend them through life have been spoken.

The newly married pair will make the Laidler place their future home.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, February 25, 1937, p. ?:

MRS. BRAGG CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY

Mrs. J. H. Bragg celebrated her sixty-ninth anniversary Sunday evening at her home on Watson street with a six o’clock dinner at which all members of her family were present.  The dinner in several courses was served buffet.  In the center of the table was a large birthday cake, embossed with the word “Mother.”  A large number of appropriate gifts were received.  Covers were laid for twenty-two.  Those present included Mr. and Mrs. Bragg, their children, grandchildren and Rev. and Mrs. E. B. Collins and Junior Collins.

Obituary of Emma Jane Fleming

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, December 14, 1955, p. 1:

MRS. EMMA BRAGG TAKEN BY DEATH

Mrs. Emma Fleming Bragg, beloved resident of Hawkinsville, died last Wednesday after a long illness.  She was 87.

Mrs. Bragg, the widow of the late James H. Bragg, was a native of Pulaski County.

At the time of her death, she had been a member of the Hawkinsville First Baptist Church for a longer period than any living resident of the city.

Her friends said she always had the desire to come to the aid of the sick and troubled and had a smile for everybody.  They also pointed out that everyone who came in contact with her became her friend.

At the funeral services, held Friday in the Clark Funeral Home Chapel, the Rev. Byron Kennerly spoke of her Christian traits and the inspiration she was when he visited her Christian home.

Mrs. Bragg is survived by four sons, Lewis H., Dallas, Tex., E. L., Tulsa, Okla., L. F., Hawkinsville, and J. Thomas Bragg, Hawkinsville; three daughters, Mrs. F. N. Bragg, Hawkinsville, Mrs. P. R. Jackson, Talladega, and Mrs. Croel Nicholson, Dallas, Tex., a half-sister, Mrs. Lillian Strange, Alapaha, Ga., and a half-brother, Charlie Fleming, Tifton, and by several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Burial was in Orange Hill Cemetery, Hawkinsville.

Biographical Notes on James Herndon Bragg

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, October 26, 1899:

The Dispatch and News returns thanks to Mr. J. H. Bragg for a nice mess of turnips and some sweet potatoes, which were the finest products of the kind that we have seen this season.  Mr. Bragg is an up-to-date farmer and makes money by diversifying his crops.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Wednesday, June 10, 1925, p. 1:

MR. J. H. BRAGG LOSES FINGERS

Necessary to Remove Three
Fingers of Left Hand
at Second Joint

Mr. J. H. Bragg, who operates a general variety shop and sales stables, happened to a very painful accident on Monday afternoon, suffering the loss of three fingers from his left hand.  The injury was of such a nature that was found necessary to remove the fingers at the second joint.  It seems that Mr. Bragg was trying to plane some small one-inch strips and when the piece of lumber came in contact with the planer knives it suddenly jerked his left hand under the knife resulting in the injury.

Mr. Bragg is confined to his home for several days and is suffering considerable pain at present, but hopes to soon be at his regular place of business.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, July 8, 1937, p. 5:

REUNION AT BRAGG HOME

The members of the family of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Bragg held a reunion this week at their home on Watson street in this city.  Mr. and Mrs. Bragg have been married 45 years, and it is very unusual that there has never been a death in the family.  The entire family was together on Sunday and attended church services in a body.  Mr. and Mrs. Bragg and their children are among Hawkinsville’s most prominent and highly respected citizens.

The members of the family, all of whom were present, are: Mr. and Mrs. Lawton Bragg and children, Nancy and Charles, of Tulsa, Okla.; Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Bragg; Mr. and Mrs. Croel Nicholson and daughter, Marjorie; Mrs. Prentice Jackson and children, Jean and Prentice, of Soperton, Ga.; Mr. and Mrs. F. N. Bragg and children, Miss Agnes, Joyce and James Frank; Mr. and Mrs. L. F. Bragg and children, Miss Dorothy, Jane and Lowell; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bragg and daughter, Beverly, all of Hawkinsville.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, December 16, 1937, p. ?:

DIXON AND BRAGG CHOSEN DEACONS

Roff E. Dixon and J. H. Bragg were chosen Sunday morning by the members of the First Baptist church to fill terms on the Board of Deacons of the church.  Mr. Dixon was selected for the six year term filling the place made vacant through the expiration of the time of Mr. T. A. Cook.  Mr. Bragg will serve five years, he taking the place of Dr. J. R. Franklin, deceased.

The board is now composed of Messrs. D. E. Duggan, chairman, T. H. Bridges, L. J. Henderson, R. A. Anderson, L. S. Harrell, C. T. Burrows, F. E. Dortch, Sam Way, W. P. Glover, N. A. Jelks, J. H. Bragg and R. E. Dixon.

The selection of Mr. Dixon and Mr. Bragg meets with the hearty approval of the membership of the church.  Both gentleman are known for their Christian endeavors and will fill their posts with honor.

Obituaries of James Herndon Bragg

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, August 21, 1939, p. 1:

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR J.H. BRAGG FRIDAY

Prominent Hawkinsville
Citizen Died Suddenly
Just Before Noon Yesterday

Tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. funeral services for J. H. Bragg, 70, prominent Hawkinsville citizen who died suddenly just before noon Wednesday will be held from the home, Rev. E. B. Collins officiating.  Interment will be in Orange Hill cemetery under the direction of Clark Funeral Home.

Active pallbearers will be Messrs. R. O. Pate, J. F. Lee, C. T. Burrows, G. W. Jordan, Jr., H. F. Lawson, C. S. Glisson, P. G. Heard, and R. D. Buchan.

Surviving are: Mrs. Bragg, his wife; Lewis H. Bragg, Herlingen (sic), Texas; L. F. Bragg, Hawkinsville; E. Lawton Bragg, Tulsa, Okla., sons; Mrs. C. J. Nicholson, Dallas, Texas; Mrs. Prentice Jackson, Soperton, and Mrs. Freeman Bragg, Hawkinsville, daughters; and four brothers, Ira, Charles, Edgar and L. E. Bragg.

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, Thursday, September 7, 1939, p. 1:

JAMES H. BRAGG IS
LAID TO REST LAST
FRIDAY AFTERNOON

Funeral of Prominent
Local Citizen
Attended by Friends
From Many Sections

With hundreds of friends attending, funeral services for James Herndon Bragg, Hawkinsville business man and prominent citizen, were held last Friday from the residence.  Rev. E. Bunyan Collins, Baptist pastor, officiated and interment was under direction of Clark Funeral Home.

Mr. Bragg was born in Jones County, April 19, 1869, and came to Hawkinsville when he was about 21 years old.  In 1892, he married Miss Emma Fleming and he is survived by her and seven children, four sons and three daughters.  They are: Lewis H. Bragg, of Harlingen, Texas; L. F. and Thomas Bragg, of Hawkinsville; E. Lawton Bragg, of Tulsa, Okla., Mrs. C. J. Nicholson, of Dallas, Texas; Mrs. Prentice Jackson, of Soperton, and Mrs. Freeman Bragg, of Hawkinsville.

Four brothers, Ira, of Gray, Charles of Tampa, Edgar of Macon, and L. E. Bragg of Columbus, and a sister, Mrs. W. W. Crocker, of Valdosta, also survive.

Mr. Bragg throughout his life was interested in farming and horses.  For a number of years he was in the livery business with his brother, T. H. Bragg, in Hawkinsville.  For quite a while too, he was in the timber trade and livestock and coal business, the latter two, with farming, occupying his time of recent years.

He was quite fond of hunting, fishing and racing and was a keen judge of horseflesh.  He was a member of the Hunting Club at the time of his death.

Mr. Bragg was a member of the Baptist faith and a deacon in the First Baptist Church of this city.  He was an upstanding citizen and most highly regarded throughout the city and county.  His sudden death was a distinct shock to hundred of friends.  His pallbearers, all close associates, were: Messrs. R. O. Pate, J. F. Lee, C. T. Burrows, G. W. Jordan, Jr., H. F. Lawson, C. S. Glisson, P. G. Heard and R. D. Buchan.

Out of town relatives and friends who attended Mr. Bragg’s funeral included:

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis H. Bragg, Harlingen, Texas; Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Nicholson, Dallas, Texas; Mr. and Mrs. E. Lawton Bragg and children, Nancy and Charles Dudley, Tulsa, Okla.; Mr. and Mrs. Prentice R. Jackson and children Jean and Prentice, Jr., Soperton; Mr. and Mrs. Josh Wimberly, Atlanta; Mrs. Wesley Crocker, Miss Dorothy Crocker, Valdosta; Mr. Charles W. Bragg, Tampa, Fla.; Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Bragg, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Bragg, Mr. and Mrs. Pliny Hall, Mr. John DeLamar, all of Macon; Mr. and Mrs. I. W. Bragg, Mr. Noel Bragg, Gray; Mrs. Robert Maddox, Irwinton; Mrs. Lillian Strange, Mrs. Charlie Fleming, Mrs. Bernice Gaskin, Tifton; Mr. and Mrs. George Bragg, Mrs. Malcolm Argo, Americus; Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson, Miss Essie Nicholson, Chester; Mr. and Mrs. Hendley McLeod, Pineview; Mrs. J. R. Wimberly, Jeffersonville; Rev. Windburn, Soperton.

Issue:

J126––– i.––– Lewis Herndon⁶ Bragg was born December 11, 1892 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; died March 10, 1976 in Taylor Memorial Hospital, Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia.  He married first Roxie Anne Pigg and second Elsie Marie Cunningham on June 3, 1936 in Dallas, Texas.  The latter Mrs. Bragg was born on October 4, 1898 in Waco, Texas; died on August 25, 1962 in Hawkinsville; and was buried at Orange Hill Cemetery.

Obituary of Lewis Herndon Bragg

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, March 17, 1976, p. 5:

LEWIS BRAGG.

Lewis Herndon Bragg, 83, of Pinewood Manor Nursing Home, Hawkinsville, died Wednesday in Taylor Memorial Hospital, Hawkinsville.

Funeral services were held at 3:30 p.m. Thursday in the chapel of Clark Funeral Home, Hawkinsville, with the Rev. H. W. Perry officiating.  Interment followed in Orange Hill Cemetery, Hawkinsville.

Mr. Bragg was a native of Pulaski County, a member of the First Baptist Church, Hawkinsville and a retired secretary.

He is survived by one brother, Mr. Lowell F. Bragg of Cochran; two sisters, Mrs. Freeman N. Bragg of Macon and Mrs. C. J. Nicholson, Dallas, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were: Otis Mayo, Jack Fowler, Robert Culpepper, Fussell Culpepper, Lampkin Smith and Elton Henry.

Clark Funeral Home of Hawkinsville was in charge of arrangements.

Obituary of Elsie Marie Cunningham

The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia, August 29, 1962, p. 1:

MRS. ELSIE C. BRAGG
TAKEN BY DEATH.

Mrs. Elsie Cunningham Bragg, 63, of Hawkinsville, died Saturday morning after a long illness.

Mrs. Bragg was a native of Waco, Texas, and a member of the Christian Church of Dallas, Texas.  She was a resident of Dallas for approximately 40 years.

She had been associated with newspapers and the telephone company in Dallas.

A few days before her death, she was made a member of the local chapter – the O. C. Horne Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Funeral services were held Sunday in the chapel of Clark Funeral Home, the Rev. Thomas Holmes and the Rev. J. L. Summerford officiating.  Burial followed in Orange Hill Cemetery.

Mrs. Bragg is survived by her husband, Lewis H. Bragg, Hawkinsville; a sister, Mrs. Lucretia Jones, Abilene, Texas; two brothers, Joe Cunningham, Long Beach, Calif. and Morris Cunningham, Ft. Worth, Texas.

Pallbearers were Robert and Fussell Culpepper, W. C. Abercrombie, D. R. Jackson, H. S. Cochran and Charlie Curry.

J127––– ii.––– Myrta Ione Bragg, of whom below, born August 18, 1894 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; died March 9, 1985 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.

J128––– iii.––– Lowell Fleming Bragg, of whom below, born June 25, 1896 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; died December 25, 1986 in Bleckley County Hospital, Cochran, Bleckley County, Georgia.

J129––– iv.––– Emma Edna Bragg, of whom below, born March 19, 1898 in Hawkinsville, Georgia; died January 16, 1994 in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas.

J130––– v.––– Emory Lawton Bragg, of whom below, born July 2, 1900 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; died August 11, 1960 in Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma.

J131––– vi.––– Mary Jelks Bragg, of whom below, born January 17, 1903 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; died April 17, 1972 in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama.

J132––– vii.––– James Thomas Bragg, of whom below, born January 19, 1905 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; died September 22, 1974 in Taylor Memorial Hospital, Hawkinsville, Georgia.

J58. CHARLES ANTHONY⁵ FLEMING (James⁴, John³, David², John¹) was born on July 7, 1880 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; died on December 10, 1961 in Tifton, Tift County, Georgia; and was buried in the Tifton Cemetery there.  On June 20, 1906 in Pulaski County, Georgia, Charlie married Ida Owens, daughter of Melvin Z. Owens and Mary C. Cox.  She was born July 15, 1880 in Myrtle Beach, Horry County, South Carolina; died May 24, 1979 in Moultrie, Colquitt County, Georgia; and was buried at Oakridge Cemetery, Tifton, Tift County, Georgia.

Obituaries of Charles Anthony Fleming

The Moultrie Observer, Moultrie, Georgia, Monday, December 11, 1961, p. 2:

CHARLES FLEMING CLAIMED BY DEATH;

LAST RITES MONDAY

Charles Anthony Fleming, 81, well known retired railroad employee, died Sunday morning in Vereen Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.

Funeral services have been set for 4 p.m. today in the chapel of Bowen-Donaldson funeral home in Tifton, and burial will take place in the Tifton cemetery.

Mr. Fleming was a member of Trinity Baptist Church of Moultrie.

Born July 7, 1880, at Hawkinsville in Pulaski County, Ga., Mr. Fleming spent 45 years in the service of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, and was widely known in Georgia railway circles.

Death occurred at 9:30 a.m. Sunday while he was undergoing necessary surgery.  Mr. Fleming had been confined to the hospital for treatment for about two weeks.  Surviving Mr. Fleming are his wife, Mrs. Ida Owens Fleming; one daughter, Mrs. John H. McCranie, of Moultrie; a son, Charles M. Fleming, of College Park, Ga.; one grandson and two granddaughters.

The Daily Gazette, Tifton, Georgia, Monday, December 11, 1961, p. 1:

MONDAY RITES PLANNED FOR MR. FLEMING

uneral services for Charlie Anthony Fleming, of 33 Pine Valley in Moultrie, were to be held at the chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals at 4 p.m. Monday, with interment to follow in Tifton Cemetery.  Dr. Montague Cook of Moultrie was to officiate.

Mr. Fleming died at 9:30 a.m. Sunday in Vereen Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.

Active pallbearers were: Tom Greer, John Hargraves, Lewis Mosely, Roy Allen, Usher T. Davis, and E. A. Edwards.

Honorary pallbearers were: Walt Wells, J. G. Kincaid, George Sumner, and members of the deceased’s Sunday School Class at Trinity Baptist Church in Moultrie.

Mr. Fleming was chief clerk of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad in Tifton for about 40 years before his retirement.  He moved to Moultrie four years ago after having lived in Tifton for 39 years.

He was born July 7, 1880 in Hawkinsville, son of James Fleming and Lucinda Foster Fleming.  He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Moultrie, and of the Woodsmen of the World.

Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Ida Owens Fleming, to whom he was married for 54 years; a son Charles M. Fleming of College Park; a daughter, Mrs. John H. McCranie of Moultrie; and three grandchildren.

Obituary of Ida Owens

The Daily Tifton Gazette, Tifton, Georgia, Friday, May 25, 1979, p. A-6:

MRS. IDA FLEMING DIES AT AGE OF 98

MOULTRIE –– Mrs. Ida Fleming, 98, died Thursday in a local nursing home.

uneral services will be conducted Saturday at 3 p.m. from Trinity Baptist Church in Moultrie with the Rev. John Bledsoe and Dr. Grady Feagan officiating.  Interment will be in Oakridge Cemetery, Tifton.

Mrs. Fleming was born July 15, 1880, in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and was a daughter of the late Melvin Z. and Mary C. Cox Owens.  Mrs. Fleming resided in Tifton for a number of years before moving to Moultrie in 1961.  She was the widow of C. A. Fleming, who died in 1961.

Surviving are one son, Charles M. Fleming, of Tifton; one daughter, Mrs. Louise McCranie, of Moultrie; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Henderson Funeral Home of Moultrie is in charge of arrangements.

Issue:

J133––– i.––– Louise⁶ Fleming, who was born about 1908, married John H. McCranie.

J134––– ii.––– Charles M. Fleming, born about 1911.

J59. LILLIAN GERTRUDE⁵ FLEMING (James⁴, John³, David², John¹) was born September 26, 1882 in Hawkinsville, Pulaski County, Georgia; died June 29, 1960 in Moultrie, Colquitt County, Georgia; and was buried in the Ellaville Cemetery, Ellaville, Schley County, Georgia.  She married Charles Robert Strange on January 22, 1902 in Pulaski County, Georgia, son of Joseph Charner Strange and Mary Emma Massey.  Searched, but could not find, a story announcing their marriage in The Hawkinsville Dispatch and News, Hawkinsville, Georgia.  Charlie Strange was born on December 31, 1877; died on March 9, 1916 at Bridgeboro, Worth County, Georgia, of an accidental, self-inflicted gun shot; and was buried at Ellaville Cemetery, Ellaville, Georgia.

Marriage of Lillian Gertrude Fleming and Charles Robert Strange

The Schley County News, Ellaville, Georgia, Thursday, January 16, 1902, p. 5:

Mr. Chas. R. Strange, one of the Schley county boys, now Depot Agent at Fendleyson, is to be married next Wednesday, the 22nd.

Notes

The Schley County News, Ellaville, Georgia, Thursday, September 29, 1904:

AN ANSWER TO ONE OF OUR LOVE LETTERS

Willingham, Ga.
Sept. 22nd, 1904

Mr. J.H. Cheney, Editor, News
Ellaville, Ga.

Dear Sir: –––

I hand you herewith my check for one dollar, to cover subscription to you valued and appreciated paper, as per your statement just received.

I always look forward to the weekly coming of the Schley County News, as it seems like a letter from home.  It does a fellow good to read of the doings and happenings of his home people.  Wishing you all the prosperity the paper affords.

Yours Very Truly,
Chas. R. Strange

The Schley County News, Ellaville, Georgia, Friday, January 11, 1907:

We notice from Tuesday’s Journal that our friend C. R. Strange, now of Doerun, Ga., has been casting around in the political field.  A special from Doerun to the Journal stated that in a contest for Mayor of that promising town, Mr. Strange and his opponent tied, thus leaving the old Mayor, who wasn’t in the race, still in charge.  We regret that Chas. didn’t get one more vote, but are powerful glad that he ran so creditable a race.

The Schley County News, Ellaville, Georgia, Friday, March 1, 1907:

Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Strange, of Doerun, is making Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Strange a visit at Andrew Chapel.

Obituary of Lillian Gertrude Fleming

The Ellaville Sun, Ellaville, Georgia, Wednesday, July 6, 1960, p. 1:

MRS. C. R. STRANGE IS BURIED IN ELLAVILLE

Funeral services for Mrs. C. R. Strange, 77, of Fort Myers, Fla., and Alapaha, Ga., were held Friday in the chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for funerals in Tifton.

The Rev. Harold J. Tucker officiated and burial was in Ellaville Cemetery where her husband is buried.

Mrs. Strange died Wednesday in Moultrie.  She was born in Hawkinsville.  She was a member of the Sylvester Methodist Church.

Survivors include two sons, J. E. Strange and J. C. Strange, both of San Antonio, Texas; two daughters, Mrs. Wilbur Gaskins, and Mrs. Hoke S. Roberts, Fort Myers, Fla., and a brother, C. A. Fleming, formerly of Tifton.

Mrs. Strange was also an aunt of Mrs. Turner Williams.

Those from out of town who attended the burial of Mrs. Strange were Mr. and Mrs W. M. Gaskin, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Gaskin, of Alapaha; Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Roberts, Mr. Ralph Lindsay of Lenox; Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Roberts, Mr. Joe Roberts, Fort Myers, Fla.; Mr. and Mrs. John H. McCranie, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Fleming of Moultrie; Mr. Joe Strange, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Strange, San Antonio, Texas; Mr. Murray Gaskin, Miami; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Vance, Tifton; Rev. Harold J. Tucker, Greenville.

Mr. and Mrs. Turner Williams, Jr. and family were on vacation at the time of the death of Mrs. Strange.  Mrs. Turner, Sr. of Buena Vista and Mrs. C. B. Strange, Mrs. J. M. McLendon and Miss Myrtle Strange opened the Williams home to the out of town people and served the meal.

Obituary of Charles Robert Strange

The Schley County News, Ellaville, Georgia, Friday, March 17, 1916, p. 1:

C. R. STRANGE IS DEAD

“Charlie Strange is dead,” What a shock!  My first thought was, “Death loves a shining mark.”

Knowing him from infancy, I have never heard any thing of him but good, and though our paths departed for years, the same fine report of his Christian character greets me on every occasion as his life is mentioned.

Mysterious are the ways of Providence.  His call was sudden, while attempting to kill a bird for his sick wife, which had been prescribed by her physician, March 10, 1916, his gun became entangled in a wire fence and it is said the load struck him squarely in the heart, and killed him immediately.

He was a prominent merchant in Bridgeboro, Worth Co., Ga., and leaves a lovely wife (née Miss Fleming) and four children to mourn his loss, besides his devoted parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Strange, two sisters, Mrs. R. S. Green of Albany, and Mrs. Duncan Bickley of Meigs, and many relatives and friends.  He was thirty-four years old.  Rev. W. W. Hill, his pastor, with several prominent citizens from Bridgeboro attended his remains to Ellaville, Ga., when at four o’clock, Friday afternoon, his funeral took place in the Methodist Church, whither a large concourse of people had assembled to do him honor.  Though unable to be present I learn from the lips who heard his pastor that the same loving testimony was rendered in regard to his Christian integrity, and his devotion to his Church and Sunday School, where he was serving as Superintendent.  Beautiful floral offerings adorned his casket and his body now rests in our cemetery near his loved ones to await the resurrection morn when “We shall meet if only we are counted worthy in that by and by.”

To the dear bereaved ones we offer our sincerest sympathy, and pray the “God of all comfort” may dwell so richly in their lives, that finally they may be an unbroken family in heaven.

Mrs. C. H. Smith

Issue:

J135––– i.––– James Edwin⁶ Strange, of whom below, born on December 1, 1902; died December 1974 in San Antonio, Texas.

J136––– ii.––– Bernice Gertrude Strange was born on December 22, 1905, married Wilbur M. Gaskin.

J137––– iii.––– Marion Ruth Strange, of whom below, born on November 17, 1907.

J138––– iv.––– Joseph Charner Strange was born on January 22, 1912, married Elizabeth ?.  He died in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas on February 16, 1990.

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