Clinch County, Georgia - Chapter 6, 1916

Chapter 6

Condition of the County Following the Close of the War. - Politics. - Condition of the County Treasury. - Burning of Court-House. - New Jail. - The History of DuPont. - The History of Stockton, - Temperance.

4 FTER the great war closed, it left this portion of the AA South like the rest, desolate. But the people soon set to work with vim and energy to rebuild their burned homes and reclaim that which was lost and destroyed. The husbands and fathers lost in the war were replaced by growing sons, and the women took hold of the plow-handle and strived to earn a livelihood for the family with as much determination as the men.

Clinch County shared in the desolation brought on by the war. Although there were no battles fought here, nor any armies encamped here, still the keenness of the war's desolation was felt.

It was with the hardest difficulty that the people managed to pay the taxes for several years following the war. In many counties the time for collecting tax was extended for nearly a year beyond the regular time. In this county the grand juries at different terms of the Superior Court recommended that grand jurors receive one dollar per day for their services. At one term of the court it was recommended that no jury scrip be issued at all on account of the condition of the treasury.

In i860, the value of property in Clinch County was, according to the tax books, $1,304,429. In 1868, the value was $448,257, a decrease of 65 per cent. The County had not fully recovered from it in 1884, for the value of property that year was only $792,484. The tax digest of Clinch County for 19 15 showed that the total value of all property In the county was $2,146,107, exclusive of the railroads and

Political

Following the close of the war, came the effort on the part of Northern schemers and renegade Southerners to get control of the negroes and their votes, disfranchise the native Southern whites who participated in the war, and thus gain control of the country.

The "Ku-Klux" clan, which played such an important part in other sections, was not operated here on an extensive scale, - indeed, no traces of it are found at all in Clinch County.

Stringent orders were issued by the military authorities of the State, all aimed at those who aided the Confederate cause. In 1868, Rufus B. Bulloch, Radical candidate, was elected governor of the State, defeating John B. Gordon, the Democratic candidate. Clinch County in this election gave a majority for Bulloch, due to the preponderating vote of the negroes. Echols County went Democratic by a nice majority, while Lowndes went for Bulloch. In Valdosta, negro policemen, sworn in for the purpose, patrolled the streets during the three days of the election. At this same election, Newsom Corbitt was elected State senator, Guilford Lastinger representative from Clinch County, and Martin S. Corbitt, tax collector of the county, on the Radical ticket.

It is found from the records of the legislative session of 1868 that our senator and representative voted for the fourteenth constitutional amendment, which was so particularly odious to the Southern people. But to have voted against the bill would have been hazardous and might have meant the loss of their seats. Moreover, there was a large number of negroes and northerners who served in this legislature, and Clinch County was very fortunate to have her own sons to represent her there.

Prior to the election, a Democratic mass meeting was held in Homerville, September ist, 1868. It was largely attended and in it were representative citizens from each section of the county. Mr. Basil G. O'Brian was elected chairman and Hon. David O'Quin, secretary. The purpose of the meeting was to elect delegates to the Democratic district convention at Blackshear to nominate a Democratic candidate for Congress from the first Congressional district. The following delegates were chosen : David Johnson, U. VanGeisen, J. L. Sweat, L. C. Mattox, D. J. Sirmans, and C. A. Smith, and the following alternates were chosen : Z. King, David O'Quin, Thomas J. Ivey, D. D. Mahon, Simon W. Hitch, and W. W. Griffin. At this meeting, strong and vigorous resolutions were passed not only pledging their support to the Democratic ticket, but also not to employ any negro, or sell any land to any negro or rent him land or otherwise in any way render any aid to any negro who worked or voted for the Radical ticket in the coming election. This is very important, as it throws much light on the times.

The Democratic district convention at Blackshear, to which the above named delegates were elected, met on Sept. i6th, 1868, with the following delegates from Clinch present: D. J. Sirmans, C. A. Smith and Thomas J. Ivey. Hon. A. H. Hansell, of Thomasville, was nominated over three opponents.

In 1870, at the next election, not one Radical was elected to office in Clinch County. The Radicals or Republicans, never afterwards elected any of their candidates in Clinch County.

In 1876 a split occurred in the Democratic party in Clinch County, which resulted in the election of Lewis Strickland, independent candidate, to the legislature. The split seems to have been caused in the following manner: A meeting of Democrats was called by the chairman. Col. J. L, Sweat, to be held in Homerville on July ist, 1876, for the purpose of nominating a Democratic candidate for representative. The first matter to be attended to in the meeting was the election of delegates to the State Democratic convention in Atlanta to nominate a candidate for governor. A new chairman was elected, W. B. N. Crews. The chairman appointed a committee to retire and select the delegates to Atlanta. This committee elected Sherod Tomlinson, J. G. Tomlinson, Irwin R. Booth, D. J. Sirmans, A. J. Caswell and J. L. Sweat as delegates. The act of the chairman in selecting a committee was demurred to by a certain faction, but in vain. Lewis Strickland and the Mud Creek delegation withdrew, followed by a majority of the other delegates. The remaining delegates nominated Jonathan L. Morgan for representative, and adjourned in regular order. Mr. Strickland then declared himself an independent candidate for representative, and although only 26 years of age, commenced an aggressive campaign.

Great dissatisfaction followed, and the regular Democrats feared for the existence of the party in the county. A meeting was called for the third Saturday in July, following the meeting of July ist, to harmonize matters if possible and bring about some amicable settlement. In the meantime, Shimuel Timmerman declared himself also an independent candidate, as did also I. T. McLendon, Guilford Lastinger and A. B. Findley. The mass meeting to harmonize matters, was duly held and efforts made to get both Mr. Strickland and Mr. Morgan to come down and support a new candidate. Mr. Timmerman retired from the race, and endeavored to prevail on the others to do likewise, but they would not.

The election was duly held in October following, and the vote resulted as follows: Strickland, 362; Morgan, 251; McLendon, 81; Lastinger, 26; and Findley, 15. Therefore, Mr. Strickland and his supporters were vindicated at the polls, Mr. Strickland was re-elected two years later as an independent.

Burning Of Court-House

During the summer of 1867 the court-house at Homerville was burned. Like the burning of the court-house at MagnoHa in 1856, it was never ascertained how the fire originated, but it was generally thought to be incendiary. It was burned at night, and all the records for the previous ten years were destroyed, including the deed records. It happened at a most unfortunate time, for the county, as the county was in very poor condition following the close of the war. The destruction of the records, especially the deed records, has been sadly realized of late years.

A contract was soon afterwards awarded by the Inferior Court to James Russell, a resident of Homerville, for the building of a new court-house. Mr. Russell was a native of Scotland and a carpenter by trade. He also engaged in the saw-mill business a short while.

During the interval between the burning of the old court house and the completion of the new one, a store house in Homerville was rented from Sylvanus Hitch, which served as a court-house until the new one was finished. The new building was a somewhat small-sized one, of two stories with stair-steps on the outside of the building. It was built of good lumber, and served until the erection of the new brick courthouse in 1895-6.

The Grand Jury at the September adjourned term, 1868, recommended that "the room upstairs in the court-house be reserved for religious purposes for the various denominations for all time to come."

Condition Of The Treasury

The condition of the county treasury was like that of the State treasury at this time, - depleted, and the county in debt. The presentments of the Grand Jury at the March term, 1868, shows the treasurer, David O'QuIn, had paid out $34.00 over and above what he received.

September adjourned term, 1868, shows the county in debt $500 exclusive of the indebtedness for the court-house. This was caused by the building of the new court house.

At the April term, 1869, ^^^ Grand Jury reported that the county was in debt $1,044.00 besides expenses of the present term of court; amount in treasury $122.00. At the June adjourned term, 1870, the indebtedness appears reduced to $700.00 of which $400.00 was the court-house debt. At the October term, 1871, the indebtedness was only $300.00; at this term of court, it was recommended that no jury scrip be issued. At the October term, 1872, the report signed by E. L. Moore, Aaron Moore and Moses Tomlinson, committee, showed a balance in the treasury of $21.34. It appears that the county managed to keep a balance in the treasury from then on.

Tranquility

Although the freed blacks became a menace to the country, yet our county fared very well in this respect. By reference to the Grand Jury presentments, October term, 1869, it is observed that "the county and our people are to be congratulated upon the improved condition of our community, both in reference to the suppression of crime as well as any disposition to lawlessness." Later at the October term, 1871, it is noted that "our county is in a most tranquil state, there being little or no crimes committed or turmoil existing within our borders."

New Jail

For several years following the war, Clinch County did not have a jail in which to incarcerate her prisoners. About 1 87 1 it became apparent that a new jail was needed. The Grand Jury, at the April term, 1871, recommended the building of a new jail, but the succeeding Grand Jury discountenanced the plan and recommended that the county wait until it was in a more prosperous condition.

before the Grand Jury at the fall term, 1873, with a plan and set of specifications for a new jail, with the offer that he would bear one-third of the expense if the Grand Jury would recommend it built. It was duly recommended, and from the Ordinary's minutes It is found that after duly advertising for bids, the contract was let out by the Ordinary to A. E. Smith for $300.00. The size of the jail was twelve feet wide and eighteen feet long, two stories high, with double walls twelve feet high, built of hewn logs six Inches thick. It was a very small building compared to the present jail, but amply met the demands of the time.

The Grand Jury, at the term of court following the completion of the jail, unanimously voted its thanks to Colonel Sweat for his liberal and patriotic spirit In the building of the jail.

The beginning of the town of DuPont may be traced back to about 1858, when Mr. J. P. A. DuPont removed his family to this point from Darlen, In Mcintosh County. He built an elegant home and in the course of a year a new railroad came through this section and by Mr. DuPont's home.

With the building through of the railroad, came the removal of the county site from Magnolia to some point on the railroad. Mr. DuPont endeavored to have It removed to where he lived, which was called "No. 12" by the railroad people for many years, but Dr. J. H. Mattox offered the best Inducements to have it removed to the present town of Homerville.

At first it was known as Suwannoochee, a name borrowed from the creek nearby, but later It was re-named Lawton, and as such was known until 1874, when the name was changed to DuPont by the Act of the Legislature Incorporating the town.

town of DuPont by an Act of the Legislature approved March 3rd, 1874. Under this act the following commissioners for the town were appointed: Peter A. Herviant, David J. Sirmans, Jacob Lightsey, Lucius Sirmans and B. W. Patterson. They were to serve until the first Saturday in January, 1875, and thereafter an election was to be held annually for their successors. The corporate limits were fixed at one-half a mile to extend in each direction from the depot.

In 1884 the town was again incorporated by an act approved December 20th, 1884. Under this charter the following officers were appointed to serve until the next regular election for town officers: J. P. A. DuPont, mayor; B. J. Sirmans, Peter A. Herviant, Jacob Lightsey, Sr., Jacob Moody, Sr., and Willis B. Gibbs, councilmen. The town election was to be held on the first Saturday in January of each year.

In 1889, DuPont was re-incorporated as a city. The act placed all the powers of a city government in the officers, and a city court with a recorder, and a mayor and eleven aldermen. This act was passed at a time when the town had prospects of soon being a city and at a time when one or two new railroad lines were being contemplated running through by DuPont. The town's hopes failed to materialize and with this, the city government contemplated in the act creating it as a city, fell through.

In 191 1, the charter granted in 1889, was repealed and a new charter granted, by an act approved August 19th, 191 1. Under this act DuPont was incorporated as a town, with the following officers to serve until the regular election for town officers to be held on the first Wednesday in December following: C. M. McLamb, mayor; P. M. Lee, Ezekiel, S. Sirmans, L. E. Cox, J. B. Coon, and P. A. Register, councilmen. Elections for town officers are held every two years beginning the first Wednesday in December, 1911.

Among the early settlers of the town may be mentioned: William H. Clifton, Peter A. Herviant, W. J. Nichols, Jacob Lightsey, Jacob S. Lightsey, Lucius Sirmans and B. W. Pat-

The following residents of DuPont have served as county officers: Jacob Lightsey, L. A. Sirmans, P. M. Lee, Augustus DuPont, G. A. Register, P. A. Register, Tarlton McMillan, J, B. Coon, and A. J. Gibbs.

Several attempts have been made to have the county site removed to DuPont. The first as mentioned above, was when it was removed in 1859 from Magnoha to Homerville. Later, in 1885, it was again attempted and a petition circulated among the voters to call an election, which the Ordinary did, setting the date as July 3rd, 1885. In this election DuPont won by a majority of five votes, but the law requiring a twothirds majority, it lost out. Still later, in 1893, another petition was presented asking for an election, which was granted by the County Commissioners. It was held May 27th, 1 893, but in this DuPont lost again. This last time was about the time a new court-house was to be built, and naturally it was the proper time in which to decide whether to remove it to DuPont or not. Since then the agitation has died down, leaving Homerville the county seat.

The founder of DuPont, as has been stated above, was Capt. J. P. A. DuPont, a man of signal ability, from Darien, Georgia. He died at his home where DuPont now is, in 1863. A sketch of his life is given elsewhere in this book. His sons, J. P. A. DuPont, Jr., Charlton DuPont and Lee L. Dupont, were all brilliant men. The last named is still a resident of DuPont, where he lives in the old family home erected before his father's death.

In 1876 a new militia district was created with DuPont as the site of the district court-house. The first justice of the peace of this district was John T. Courson, the first ex-officio J. P. was David J. Sirmans, and the first constable was Willis B. Gibbs.

The present merchants of DuPont are: P. A. Register, P. M. Lee & Sons, and C. M. McLamb. The postmaster at DuPont for several years prior to his removal to Savannah about 19 1 2, was R. Lieberls, who also was a merchant. Following his resignation, Mr. C. M. McLamb was appointed.

Stockton

The land whereon the town of Stockton is now situated, was originally owned by Samuel Register, Sr., the progenitor of the Register family in Clinch County. When the Atlantic & Gulf Railroad was being constructed through the county, during 1858-60, Mr. Register anticipated the need of a station and town at this point, consequently he had the land run out Into town lots and settlers were induced to com.e and locate there. Mr. Ezekiel Clifton was employed by Mr. Register to lay off the land into town lots. In this task, Mr. Clifton was assisted by Moses Tomlinson, who later served the people as both ordinary and tax collector. Mr. Tomlinson was then only 19 years of age, and assisted as chain-carrier.

When first settled, the little village was known as Registerville, in honor of Mr. Register. Subsequently the name was changed to Stockton, in memory of a Mr. Stockton who was in charge of the grading of the railroad while it was being built through by Reglstervllle.

Among some of the first settlers were : Eli O. and Talbot S. Morgan; E. W. and R. B. Prescott, who owned a store there; K. M. Oppenheimer, who also ran a store; James G. Ocklngton, a lawyer; Lewis Levi and two other Jews, named Sterne and Davis, each of whom ran a store. William W. Peyton came here as a school teacher and subsequently served as a Justice of the Peace. Also about this time Samuel Staten settled there. Mr. Ocklngton, named above, lived at Stockton a year or so and removed. James W. Staten, who was the first representative from Clinch In the Legislature, built the first store house at Stockton. He contracted with the railroad company to furnish them cross-ties, and in connection with this business he operated a commissary in which he enjoyed the patronage of the railroad employees at this point. Mr. Staten was one of the largest land owners in that section of the county.

In the employment of Mr. Samuel Staten was a North Carolinean, J. W. Bryon, who, on account of his integrity, is worthy of mention. When the Civil War came on, he joined Co. "H" 29th Georgia, and went to the front. He served faithfully in this company until the close of the war, when he returned to his native State.

Dr. Ulysses A. Rice came from North Carolina and settled in the vicinity of Stockton about 1857, and lived there until about 1861. He was an active member of the Baptist Church and had his membership at Carter's Bridge Church. Dr. Rice owned some very choice land in the vicinity of Stockton, which he purchased from James W. Staten, the purchase price being about $6,000.00.

About 1868, the Baptist Church at Carter's Bridge on the Allapaha River, was moved to Stockton through the activity of John G. Norton, John Touchston and the pastor. Rev. Thomas Powell. The Methodist Church was subsequently erected.

Among the new comers to Stockton following the close of the war were John G. Norton, Frank Sloat, N. E. Fry and John C. Humphreys. These men were prominently identified with different commercial enterprises in and around Stockton. Also there was G. G. Foreman, Alexander and Robert S. Holtzendorf and J. R. G. Hamilton, who removed there about this time. David D. Mahon came to Stockton about i860 from where Milltown now is, and subsequently served as a justice of the peace.

Joseph S. Foreman, James A. Mathls and D. O. Johnson. The last named is president of the County Board of Education. The community around Stockton is almost as densely populated as the town is, and to mention by name a few of the leading citizens out of town, are: William B. North, a member of the Board of County Commissioners, E. Y. Fry, Staten B. Tomlinson, Moses Tomlinson, E. J. Futch, T. J. Johnson, I. W. Allen, C. K. Green and Charles S. Touchston.

When the local school district plan was first inaugurated in Clinch County, Stockton was among the first to take it up. They have, within the last few years, erected an attractive and commodious school building. It is a two-story frame building. The present local school trustees are: James A. Mathis, J. Floyd Fender, Sr., and J. A. Holtzendorf.

The present commercial enterprises of Stockton are : Holtzendorf Brothers, H. A. Tomlinson and H. L. Tomlinson, and A. H. Timmerman, each of whom operates mercantile establishments : D. O. Johnson, who owns and operates a grist and saw-mill, J. Floyd Fender, Sr., turpentine operator, and Miss Mattie A. Dees, millinery and dry goods. Mr. H. L. Tomlinson is postmaster.

Stockton is situated in the western part of the county, and is about two miles distant from the AUapaha River. The most fertile and productive land in the county is in this section and the farms around Stockton are numerous. This section is also very scenic.

Stockton was among the leaders in the temperance crusade in Clinch County. At the request of the Stockton citizens, an Act was passed by the Legislature, approved August 31st, 1 88 1, which forever prohibited the selling of liquor and intoxicating drinks within the limits of Stockton, and it was made a misdemeanor for a violation of the same.

County officers who have been elected while citizens of Stockton and vicinity: Shimuel Timmerman, Timothy Alderman, Moses Tomlinson, Quarterman B. Staten, James W.

Temperance

Following the war, license to sell liquor In Clinch County was very cheap. In the neighborhood of twenty-five dollars. It proved to be a very lucrative business and several barrooms were put up In Homervllle, DuPont and Stockton. Practically all the general stores had barrooms In connection. The misery and degradation, poverty and riotousness which follow In the wake of the barroom and its customers, were experienced here. As a consequence a heavy tax was soon placed on It.

The town commissioners of Homervllle in 1876 placed the license to sell liquor at $100.00. In the Legislature of 1 880-1, our senator was C. A. Smith, and our representative was J. L. Sweat. These gentlemen secured the passage and enactment of a law, approved by the Governor August 3 1 st , 1 8 8 1 , which taxed, the selling of liquor In Clinch County at $1,500.00 per annum. This had a great beneficial effect.

Still this tax did not prohibit the selling of liquor altogether. But in 1889, when the Board of County Commissioners was created, the act creating the board specified that the board had the right to fix the amount of liquor licenses in Clinch County, provided, they did not fix It at less than $10,000.00 per annum. As no one could afford to pay this huge amount to sell liquor in a thinly-populated county as Clinch was. It barred the selling of liquor from the country.

In a few years, an election was held under the local option law, and Clinch County went "dry" in this election. The county was under this law until the advent of the State prohibition law in 1908.