Clinch County, Georgia - Chapter 14, 1916 (part 2 of 2)

McMillan, TARLTON, was bom in Barnwell district, S. C, on what was known as Squirrel Bay, July 27th, 1826. In his early life he learned the blacksmith trade and also farmed more or less all his life. He came to this State in 1849 ^"d to Clinch County in 1853. When Dr. J. H. Mattox was clearing up a place, where Homerville now is, in 1854, he employed Mr. McMillan to cut 3,000 rails for him which to enclose his field. Mr. McMillan therefore remembers very well the wild character of the county at that time and the beginning of Homerville. In 1855 he settled not far from the Suwannee River; here he was elected justice of the peace in 1858 and held the office for three years. He married Miss Margaret Strange in 1850, and they had ten children, six daughters and four sons. During the Civil War he was exempt from military duty three years and six months on account of being a blacksmith. During 1864 he was mustered in the army together with David Smith, another blacksmith, and after giving both a test to ascertain which was the better smith, Mr. McMillan was relieved and he returned home. During the short time he was in the army, he was attached to Co. "I" 43d Georgia Regiment. He was discharged at Atlanta, Following the war, he settled at DuPont, where he was appointed ex-officio justice of the peace October 28th, 1868, being the first officer of that kind to be appointed in the county. He served several years. Mr. McMillan was nominated for coroner of Clinch County in the primary of 1896, defeating J. B. Kirkland, and was elected in the general election without opposition. He was re-elected in 1898, 1900 and 1902. Since that time he has lived at his home in DuPont. He is now in his ninetieth year and is the oldest man in the county. He is well known and is a respected old man.

MATHIS, JOHN, was born in Bulloch County about 1 8 10, the son of Edmund Mathis, one of the original settlers of what is now Clinch County. After moving here he married Jemima, daughter of Joshua Lee, and had several children. He was elected coroner of Clinch County in 1851 and served until 1858. In 1861 he Avas re-elected coroner and served until 1864. He died about 1868 and was buried at Prospect Church in Hamilton County, Fla.

MATHIS, TYRE, was born in Bulloch County, in 1808, the son of Edmund Mathis and brother to John Mathis (above) . He married Nancy, a daughter of Joshua Lee, and they had several children. He was commissioned a justice of the Inferior Court of Ware County January 15th, 1849, ^^^ resigned with the formation of Clinch County, and was elected to the same position in Clinch in 1853 and served one year. He died about 1880 and is buried at Prospect Church in Clinch County,

MATTOX, BANKSTON ELIJAH, SR., was born in Clinch County, where Homerville now is, November 14th, 1854, the son of Dr, John Homer Mattox, the founder of Homerville. He was educated in the local schools and has been living in Homerville all his life. He married Miss Nancy E. O'Quin, daughter of Hon. David O'Quin, January 9th, 1878, and by her had seven children. In 1877 he was elected constable, and held that office one year. In 1886 he was elected sheriff of Clinch County and commissioned January 8th, 1887, for two years. In 1892 he was elected on the Board of County Commissioners, and qualified October 31st, 1892. He served two years. Mr. Mattox was elected at a special election in 1904, to succeed John C. Jones as tax receiver, for the unexpired term. He was commissioned June 9th, 1904. He served until the ist of January following. In 19 1 2 and 1 9 14 he was narrowly defeated for this office. Besides these offices, Mr. Mattox has held several lesser positions, such as county registrar, jury commisisoner and school trustee.

MATTOX, ELIJAH, was born in Colleton district, S. C, July 15th, 1798, the son of John Mattox. When he was yet a lad the elder Mattox removed to Tattnall County,, where the young Elijah Mattox grew to manhood, receiving a good education. He married Miss Lavinia Johnson, of Liberty County, about 1820, and by her had ten children^ viz.: Carrie M. Mattox (died in infancy) ; Julia A. Mattox, who first married B. G. O'Bryan and later J. A. Whittington; John Homer Mattox; Louisa A. Mattox, who married Judson Greene; Helen M. Mattox, who married H. A. Mattox; Victoria O. Mattox, who married L. J. Sirmans; Adilene A. Mattox, who married Randolph Boring; Cicero M. Mattox and James M. Mattox (died in infancy). About 1830 Mr. Mattox removed to Waresboro, Ga., where he was elected clerk of the Superior and Inferior Courts in 1834, serving one term. In the session of 1839-40, Colonel Mattox was senator from Ware County. January i6th, 1844, he was commissioned surveyor of Ware County, and served one term, and was in 1848 again elected surveyor, serving two years. Under Governor Chas. J. McDonald, Colonel Mattox served as aide-de-camp a while, and about this time granted a large number of lots of land in Ware and adjoining counties, becoming an extensive land owner. He was instrumental in the creation of Clinch County, and in the Act creating same was named as one of the commissioners to lay out and organize the new county. He was commissioned surveyor of Clinch County, April 12th, 1850, serving until 1851. His death occurred at his home at Blount's Ferry, January 21st, 1856, and was survived by his wife who was the executrix of his estate. Mrs. Mattox died in 1882. Mr. Mattox was admitted to the bar in his younger days, but never did pursue the profession.

MATTOX, HAMILTON A., was born in Tattnall County, August 2d, 1834, the son of Michael Mattox, who was a brother to Elijah Mattox. He came to Clinch County when a young man and married Miss Helen M. Mattox, his cousin, April loth, 1856, and to them were born eight sons, five of whom are living. Mr. Mattox was one of the first to settle at Homerville, and during and following the war owned and ran a general merchandise business in Homerville. He served a short while in the Confederate Army in 1864 in Co. "I" 1 2th Georgia Regiment. He was commissioned a justice of the Inferior Court of Clinch County March 26th, 1 864, and re-commissioned January 23d, 1 865, and served until that court was abolished. In the election of 1870, Mr. Mattox defeated D.H.Johnson for representative, and served through the sessions of 1871 and 1872. During his term as representative he introduced and passed a bill requiring non-resident land owners to return the lands they owned in the county where the land was situated and not in the county of their residence. Later Mr. Mattox served as a jury commissioner for about twenty years. He was also a member and president of the Board of Education several years. About 1880 he entered the turpentine business with H. P. Mattox, and engaged in that until about 1896. After this he removed to his farm, about six miles east of Homerville, where he resided until his death, which occurred December 12th, 1906. He was buried in the Homerville cemetery. Mr. Mattox was a member of the Methodist Church at Homerville, and was for many years Sunday School superintendent and recording steward.

MATTOX, JAMES POLK, was born in Tattnall County, November 15th, i860. When he was a young man he came to Homerville and began as a store clerk for H. & H. Mattox Co. Later he became interested in another business of the same nature. He studied law and was admitted to the bar at the March term, 1883, of Clinch Superior Court, and soon acquired a very lucrative practice. On February 19th, 1888, he was married to Miss Minnie Crum, daughter of Robert B. Crum. Colonel Mattox was elected to the Legislature in 1888 and took his seat in the House at the following session that fall. In Atlanta he was taken sick with typhoidpneumonia about the time that the Legislature adjourned for the holidays. His death soon followed on January 13th, 1889. His remains were brought back to Homerville and interred in the local cemetery. The Homerville bar passed resolutions on his death, an extract from which reads : "In .his untimely death from typhoid-pneumonia, a loving husband has been taken away, . . . and the county and State has lost a true public servant and our profession a worthy and respected member," His wife died in 1896. Colonel Mattox and his wife were active members of the Methodist Church, and were teachers in the Sunday School several years. He was a Mason.

MATTOX, LUCIUS CORNELIUS, was born in Tattnall County, May 5th, 1829, the son of Hon. Elijah Mattox, He received his education under private tutorage and in 1849 entered the Eclectic Medical College at Macon, where he graduated February 9th, 1851. After practicing medicine in Madison County Florida, for about two years, he came to

Clinch County and settled near Homerville, about two or three miles east. Dr. Mattox first married Miss Sarah A. Shinholser, of Macon, April 6th, 1854, and by her had six children, viz. : Gertrude, Oscar T., Mattie, Adilene, Rena, and Wilbur F. Mattox, In the Civil War he served as a surgeon in the 5th Georgia Cavalry, and was wounded, not seriously, at Saltville, Va. After the war was over he came back home, where he was elected justice of the peace of the 1224th district and commissioned March 20th, 1865, ^"^ served until 1867. For many years after the war he was the only practicing physician in the county, or at least in the vicinity of Homerville. In 1890 Dr. Mattox was nominated by the Populists and elected representative from Clinch County, and served through the session of 1890-91. He served on the House committees on Agriculture, Insane Asylum, Temperance and Deaf and Dumb Asylum. In 1892 he was nominated by the Populists as their candidate from the nth district for Congress, and received the support of the Republicans also. He received 6,078 votes to 1 1,091 cast for Henry G. Turner, the Democratic candidate. His first wife having died in 1882, Dr. Mattox married Miss Eliza Lanier, daughter of Rev. Robert F. Lanier, of this county; there were no children by this marriage. Dr. Mattox was a member of the Methodist Church for many years, but in later years joined the Second Adventists and was ordained a preacher in that church. He was also a Mason. For two years prior to his death he was the Populist member of the Board of County Registrars. He was an active Sunday School worker also. He died June 21st, 1898, at his home near Homerville, and he was buried on his home place, beside his mother and first wife. His widow re-married in 1902 to Mr. W. A. Ecord.

MOBLEY, WILLIAM H., was born in Appling County, near Mann's Ferry, Altamaha River, March 5th, 1865, ^he son of Solomon Mobley and his wife, Mary Mann. He was raised upon the farm and in 1893 married Miss Belle

Morgan, of Echols County, by whom he has two children. He was appointed a member of the Board of County Commissioners in 19 15, under Legislative Act, from the 1141st and 1219th districts, and was in 19 16 elected for the full term of four years. He is engaged in the mercantile business at Fargo, where he lives, and has extensive holdings in that section.

MONK, MALACHI M., was born in Clinch County, in 1868, the son of Hampton and Eliza Monk. He was married to Miss Armindie Herren, December 23d, 1888, and by her had several children. The only office he ever held in Clinch County was that of tax collector, to which he was nominated in the primary of 1896, defeating Hon. Moses Tomlinson. By successive re-elections he held the office until 1903, when, owing to a shortage in his accounts, he turned the office over to his bondsmen and removed to Florida. It is generally thought that the shortage came about through careless handling of the funds and not through any criminal intent. He had employed various assistants in his office.

MOORE, HENRY C, was born in Clinch County, October loth, 1850, the son of John Moore. Early in life he became a cripple from rheumatism, and when twenty-six years old was elected county treasurer of Clinch County. He was commissioned January 17th, 1877, and by continuous re-elections served until his death. He married Miss Fannie C. Smith, daughter of Jesse Smith, September 2d, 1879, ^'"^^ ^Y her had three daughters, viz. : Lucy, Lorena and Belle Moore. His death occurred June 17th, 1891, after a long and distressing illness. The county commissioners in their report to the Grand Jury, at the October term, 1891, said in part: "Since the last session of your honorable body a Divine Providence has seen fit to call to his last account our worthy treasurer, Henry C. Moore, who has served the County of Clinch for the last fifteen years in that capacity. He has been the custodian of the moneys of this county, and during all the years with the demand that terminated his life, even yet when the Messenger of Death came, he left his books correct and the money on hand to a fraction of a cent. , . . " This tribute is signed by F. B. Sirmans, Isham Patterson and W. H. Gary, commissioners.

MORGAN, ABRAHAM, was born in Appling County, October 8th, 1856, the son of Jonathan L. Morgan, who came to Clinch County in i860. He was raised on his father's farm about ten miles south of Homerville, and when he was sixteen years old he was employed by Josiah Sirmans, at Homerville, as assistant in his store, express and post office work. After the death of Mr. Sirmans in 1881, Mr. Morgan was elected clerk of the Superior Court of Clinch County, and commissioned January 13th, 1881, for two years. After his term of office expired he moved to Waycross, where he was appointed postmaster by President Cleveland, May 5th, 1885. When this office was raised to the third-class, in 1887, he was re-appointed and continued as postmaster until the Republicans went into power. He was appointed postmaster at Haylow, Ga., in 1895, but in 1899 resigned and returned to Waycross, where he was employed as a clerk in the post office. In 1903 he was appointed assistant postmaster by W. A. McNeil, and re-appointed in 1905 by C. E. Murphy, and in 1 9 13 bv H. C. Bunn. Mr. Morgan is at present assistant postmaster. He married Miss Julia E. Wideman, of Clinch County, June 30th, 1886, by which marriage there are two children.

MORGAN, HAMPTON, was born in Appling County in 1843, the son of Hon. John L. Morgan, Sr. In 1853 his father removed to Magnolia and in i860 to Homerville. In the Civil War he served a while in Co. "K" 26th Georgia Infantry, but in 1864 was elected Ordinary of the county at the age of twenty-one. He was commissioned January 14th, 1864, for four years. He married about 1869, Miss Mary A. McDonald, a daughter of Rev. W. A. McDonald, of

MORGAN, JOHN L., was born in Habersham County, Georgia, in 1802, and removed when he was a young man to Appling County. Here he lived until 1846. He married in 1 8 19 Miss Fannie L. Harris, by whom he had nine children. He was elected justice of the peace of the 583d district of Appling County in 1845, but resigned the next year and removed to Lowndes County. He lived there until 1853, when he removed to Magnolia. Here he opened up a store which he continued to run until his removal to Homerville. In 1854 he was elected judge of the Inferior Court and served four years. In 1861 he was again elected and served until 1868. He was elected Ordinary of Clinch County and commissioned January 29th, 1858, and re-elected in 1861, serving until 1864. About 1868 Mr. Morgan, with his son John L. Morgan, Jr., established a gin and grist mill at Homerville, which, although equipped with the latest machinery, proved to be a failure. In 1871 Judge Morgan was re-elected Ordinary for two years. In 1880 he was again elected Ordinary and commissioned January 27th, 1881, for four years. Although past four score years during his last term of office, yet Mr. Morgan was strong and vigorous and he employed no clerk in his office. Judge Morgan's death occurred at his home below Homerville five miles, July 28th, 1888, age 86 years. He was buried in the Homerville cemetery. Mrs. Morgan survived her husband and died about ten years later in Hamilton County, Fla. Judge's Morgan's sons are, in their order: Joseph, who was killed in 1861 in the war; John L., Jr. ; Hampton ; Lemuel T. (killed at Manassas) ; Thomas C; William R., and Quarterman B. Morgan. Judge Morgan was the first W. M. of the Masonic Lodge at Magnolia.

worked on the farm and entered the turpentine business as a woodsrider, and after several years' hard work entered the business for himself. He has pursued the turpentine business for the last fifteen years and has been a successful operator. He married in 1900 Miss Alice O'Steen, a daughter of Jonathan O'Steen, and they have six children. Mr. Musgrove never aspired for any office until 19 16, when he announced for Ordinary. He was elected by a majority of 233 votes, defeating the incumbent, J. T. Dame. His term of office will begin January ist, 19 17. Mr. Musgrove's father, who was a native of Baker County, died March 23d, 19 15.

NEWBERN, ALFRED, was born in 1830, in Lowndes County, the son of William C. Newbern, who was a justice of the Inferior Court and a sheriff of that county. He married Elizabeth Moore, and by her had a son, George L. Newbern. The elder Newbern served as deputy clerk under H. D. O'Quin, and in 1870 was elected county treasurer. He was re-elected twice, and served six years. Mr. Newbern subsequently removed to Florida, where he died at the home of his son.

NEWBERN, GEORGE WASHINGTON, was born January ist, 1825, in Appling County. He married about 1847, Miss Rebecca Thomas, a daughter of Absalom Thomas, of Ware County. They had eight children. In 1 851 Mr. Newbern was elected clerk of the Superior Court of Clinch County and commissioned January 14th, 1852, holding the office two years. January 12th, 1857 he was commissioned a justice of the Inferior Court and served one year. In the Civil War he was second lieutenant in Co. "I" 4th Georgia Cavalry. Under H. D. O'Quin he served a while as deputy clerk of the Superior Court. In 1874 he was elected State senator from the 5th district, defeating Daniel Lott. In 1 88 1 he was elected county school commissioner and qualified January i6th, 1882. He served in this capacity until 1892. Mr. Newbern was a minister of the Missionary Bap- tist Church and served several churches In this county as pastor. He was one of the original members of the Masonic lodge organized at Magnolia. His death occurred July loth, 1892, at his home In Homervllle, and his remains were burled in the North cemetery near DuPont.

NICHOLS, WILLIAM M., was born In Jones County, April 9th, 1 830, the son of Simon W. and Margaret (Waver) Nichols. With his parents he came to Ware County, now Clinch, and at the age of twenty-four was elected a justice of the Inferior Court of Clinch County. He was the next year elected a State senator from this county, serving through the session of 1855-56. In 1857 he was re-elected to the Inferior Court and served one year. Mr. Nichols' wife was Miriam, daughter of Governor Wilson Lumpkin. After the war Mr. Nichols removed to Atlanta, where he became proprietor of the Kimball House. He died In Atlanta, September 6th, 1882, and was burled there. His wife died 'about 1908. They had no children. Mr. Nichols, with his brother, Dr. W. J. Nichols, owned much land in Clinch County, although the control of It was nominally in their father.

NORTH, JOHN J., was born In Colleton district, S. C, November i6th, 1792. He came to this State at an early age, and In the Indian war of 1836-38 commanded the troops as captain in this county. He was elected a justice of the peace of the 719th district In 1833 and 1843, ^"^ served two terms. Mr. North was married three times and had twenty children Including those who died In their Infancy. His last wife was Rebecca, a sister of Tarlton McMillan, of this county. He was elected a justice of the Inferior Court of Clinch County in 1857, and served until 1861. He lived near DuPont, and his death occurred June 19th, 1880, age 88 years. He is buried at the North cemetery near DuPont.

NORTH, WILLIAM B., was born In Clinch County In 1848, the son of James North. He was married September 1 8th, 1877, to Harriet Stalvey, by whom he has several chll- dren. He has served eleven years on the Board of Education and for six years was ex-officio justice of the peace of the 1141st district. About 191 1 he removed from the Wiregrass district, his old home, to about three miles below Stockton, where he owns a nice farm. He was appointed on the Board of County Commissioners in 191 5 by Legislative Act, from Stockton and Withers district, and in 1916 was elected for the full term.

O'QUIN, DAVID, was born in Appling County, March 1 2th, 1 82 1, the son of Silas O'Quin. He was married about 1847 to Miss Matilda Higgs, of Ware County, and by this marriage had eight children, viz. : Eli W. O'Quin, H. A. O'Quin, Victoria, who married William Barlow; George W. O'Quin, Nancy E., who married B. E. Mattox, David H. O'Quin, and Janie, who married B. R. Futch. When Magnolia was founded he became one of the first merchants there, and in 1854 was elected sheriff of Clinch County, serving two years. He was elected Clerk of the Superior Court and Inferior Court in 1856 and served by continuous re-elections until 1868. During the old days when Magnolia was at its best, Mr. O'Quin, whose home was very roomy, ran a hotel and his home was often a social center for the village. In 1868 he did not offer for re-election, and his brother was elected clerk. From then on, he gave his time to farming. He was appointed ex-officio justice or the peace of the 970th district January 15th, 1876, and served in this capacity until his death. He was appointed clerk of the Superior Court in December, 1880, to succeed C. A. Smith, resigned, and served about two months. He was a charter member of the Masonic lodge at Magnolia. His death occurred April 19th, 1884, at his home at Magnolia, and his remains were buried in the Homerville cemetery under the auspices of the local lodge of Masons. His widow died in 1895.

Clerk of the Superior and Inferior Courts of Appling County and commissioned January 20th, 1846, serving two years. Later he came to Clinch County and taught school. He was admitted to the bar about 1867, and practiced Intermittently until his removal to Berrien County, some years later. He was elected clerk of the Superior Court of Clinch County In 1868, and served three years. In 1871 he was elected the first county school commissioner of the county, qualifying June 3d, 1871. He was re-elected In 1876, and served until 1882. He was a member of the Board of Education 1 879-1 884, after which he removed to Berrien County, where he died about 1890. Mr. O'QuIn was first married to Mrs. Matilda Joyce, daughter of Rev. G. W. Newbern, and after her death to Mrs. Vicy Benton, also daughter of Rev. Newbern, and they had several children.

O'STEEN, BENJAMIN, was born In Ware County, April 1 6th, 1849, the son of John R. O'Steen. He was raised upon his father's farm. He married September 22d, 1867, Miss Mildred Herren, daughter of Levi Herren, Sr. In 1876 he was elected coroner of the county and commissioned January 17th, 1877, and held this office four years. He died December nth, 1901, and was buried at Arabia cemetery. Mr. O'Steen was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church.

O'STEEN, BRYANT, was born in Clinch County in i860, the son of John R. O'Steen. His father was killed In the Civil War and he was thus deprived of a father's help at an early age. He was reared on the farm, married Miss Jerushia Tomlinson, daughter of Enoch Tomlinson, December 22d, 1887, and they have several children. In 1896 he was nominated In the Democratic primary, defeating Peter A. Young, his nearest opponent, by thirty-one votes. In the ensuing general election, he defeated his Populist opponent, Moses S. Eason, by 187 votes. In 1898 he was nominated in the primary, defeating J. A. Smith, by 688 votes. In the following general election he defeated his Populist opponent, William Dame, by eighty-eight votes. He did not offer for re-election In 1900. Mr, O'Steen is a member of the Primitive Baptist Church.

came to what is now Clinch County In 1848. He was commissioned justice of the peace of the 1058th district, then in Clinch County, September 21st, 1850, serving seven years. He was commissioned tax collector of Clinch County, January 13th, 1858, and served one year. About this time Echols County was created, and Mr. Prescott's home was included In the new county. He was elected the first clerk of the Superior and Inferior Courts of Echols County, and commissioned April 15th, 1859. He held this office for about twenty-five years. By an Act of the Legislature, approved December 13th, 1859, Statenvllle was incorporated and Mr. Prescott was named one of the town's commissioners. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Prescott died at his home In Statenvllle In 1904, and was buried in the local cemetery. His children were: E. J. W. Prescott, T. M. Prescott, H. D. Prescott, Miss A. M. and W. E. Prescott.

RAMSEY, THOMAS GREEN, was born In Dooly County In 1823. While quite a boy his father moved with the family to Stewart; here he attended the "old field school," but finished his education at Cedartown Institute In Polk County. In 1 846 he went to Alachua County, Florida, his father's family having moved there the year before. In 1852 he met Miss Elizabeth SIkes and they were married In 1853. In 1854 he removed to Clinch County, Georgia, not far from Milltown, where he farmed. In 1861 he, with Mr. Benjamin SIrmans, were elected delegates to the secession convention at Mllledgevllle, both voting for secession. Returning home he sold his plantation preparatory to moving back to Florida; but the war coming on he purchased and settled a place six miles south of Homervllle. Here he was elected one of the judges of the Inferior Court, being commissioned September 19th, 1862. He served until 1865. ^^ 1875 he removed with his family to Montgomery County, where he purchased a farm on the Ocmulgee River, six miles below Lumber City. He lived here until 1884, when he moved to Arredondo, Fla. Here he engaged in farming and stock-raising up to the time of his death, September 13th, 1905. Of his family of eight children, three survive him. His son, Perry G. Ramsey, is now, and has been, several years sheriff of Alachua County, Florida.

REGISTER, AUGUSTUS OTIS, was born in Clinch County, near Withers, November 20th, 1874, the son of S. W. and Mary Register. He was raised on his father's farm, and at the age of nineteen came to Homerville, when his father was elected clerk of the Superior Court, and assisted him in the office work for several years. In 1898 he was married to Miss Maggie Inman, a daughter of J. H. Inman, and by this marriage had four children. After his marriage he removed to a farm which he bought about six miles south of Homerville, where he lived a few years. He was commissioned ex-officio justice of the peace of the 1365th district, October 26th, 1900, but in the course of a year or so removed from the district. In 1905 his father appointed him deputy clerk of the Superior Court, serving until his father's death. In 1908 Mr. Register was elected at a special election to succeed his father as clerk. His term expired December 31st, 1909. In November, 1908, he appointed A. J. Gibbs his deputy and Mr. Register removed to Berrien County, where he has since resided. In 1908 his wife died, and he subsequently married Miss Leola Shaw, of Berrien County.

REGISTER, GUILFORD A., was born in Ware, now Clinch County, April 13th, 1842, the son of William Register. When the Civil War came on, he, with his brothers, joined Co. "G" 50th Georgia Infantry, in April, 1862, and served until the close of the war. Shortly after the war he married Rachel E., daughter of William Hughes, by whom he had seven sons and a daughter. In 1882 he was elected coroner of Clinch County, and was commissioned January 9th, 1883, serving one term. In 1884 he was elected tax collector of Clinch County, and commissioned January 13th, 1885, serving one term. For many years Mr. Register lived on his farm south of DuPont, but later lived in DuPont. After the death of his first wife in iQc; he married Miss Carrie Day, of DuPont, but had no children by her. His death occurred in DuPont, May nth, 191 1. He was buried in North cemetery.

REGISTER, SAMUEL W., was born in Ware, now Clinch County, August 5th, 1839, the son of William Register. In early life he was a farmer and pursued that occupation more or less all of his life. He was married August 1 8th, 1859, to Miss Mary Stanford, daughter of David Stanford. By this union were born eight daughters and one son, A. O. Register. Leaving his wife and child on the farm he joined Co. "G" 50th- Georgia Regiment in April, 1862, and served until the close of the war. He lost three fingers off his left hand in battle. He was in all the important battles of the army of northern Virginia. Returning home he was elected tax collector of Clinch County in 1865, ^^^ commissioned January 22, 1866, for two years. He was a member of the first Board of Education under the amended laws of 1872. When the 1365th district was created in 1884 he was elected its first justice of the peace, being commissioned January 22d, 1885. He served until October 7th, 1890, when he resigned to make the race for clerk of the Superior Court. He was defeated by his Populist opponent, W. A. Ecord, who was the incumbent. However, two years later, Mr. Register was elected by a large Democratic majority. He was commissioned clerk January 6th, 1893, and served by re-elections until 1908. In the Democratic primary of 1908 he was defeated by A. J. Gibbs. His death occurred shortly afterwards on May 17th, 1908, vertigo being ascribed as the cause of his death. The following day his body was taken in charge by the local lodge of Masons, of which he had been a member since 1867, and conducted to the cemetery at Cow Creek Church, six miles south of Stockton, where it was buried. He was survived by his wife and nine children. His widow died in 191 5. He was succeeded as clerk by his son, A. O. Register, his term not having expired.

REGISTER, PERRY A., was born in Clinch County, May 24th, 1866, the son of John T. Register. He was raised on his father's farm and married Christina Copeland, daughter of David Copeland, of Naylor. They have several children. In 1896 Mr. Register was nominated for county treasurer, defeating W. H. Gary by 176 majority. He served during 1897-9, and was succeeded by George M. Dame. Mr. Register has since entered the mercantile business at DuPont, in which he has been very successful.

REGISTER, LUCIUS C, was born in Clinch County, in 1868, the son of John T. Register. He was raised on .his father's farm, and first married Miss Miriam Morgan, daughter of Martin Z. Morgan, of this county, and after her death married Miss Mary McCullers, daughter of John A. McCullers, of this county. He has five children. In 1906 he announced for tax collector of Clinch County and was elected over strong opposition. He served one term. He lives on his farm near DuPont.

RODGERS, JOSEPH O., was born and reared In Clinch County. He received his early education In the common and high schools of his native county, and graduated at The Georgia Normal College and Business Institute in 1906, later attending school at the University of Georgia. He made a permanent certificate as a teacher In 191 1 and engaged In his favorite profession, teaching school, up till his election as county school superintendent In the spring of 19 16. He will take charge of this office January ist, 19 17. Mr. Rodgers' early ancestors were emigrants from Ireland and Wales to the Carolinas, thence to Appling County. His great-grandfather, Joseph L. Rodgers, was the first coroner of Clinch County; his grandfather, William Rodgers, born 1826, married Martha, daughter of George Harnage, of this county; his father, George Quarterman Rodgers, now lives in Echols County, at Walker, Georgia. Mr. Rodgers' mother was Sallie, the fifth daughter of Wesley Johnson, deceased, late of Clinch County.

SESSOMS, ALEX. K., was born at Graham, Georgia, in Appling County, Sept. 21st, 1882, the son of Alexander Sessoms, of Cumberland County, N. C, and his wife Lou W. Sessoms, of Sampson County, N. C. He lived at Graham until 1890, when the elder Sessoms removed to Sessoms, Georgia, where he engaged in the turpentine business, for two years, when they removed to Waycross. From 1895 to 1900 the younger Sessoms went to school at Davis Military School, Winston, N. C, Gordon Institute at Barnesville, and the Georgia Technological School at Atlanta. In 1900 he went to Europe for three months and returning home he went to work in a door, sash and blind factory at Waycross, as a laborer at 75 cents per day. He worked there for three months. On January ist, 1901 he went to Jacksonville, Fla., as a shipping clerk in a wholesale grocery business and worked there six months. Returning to Waycross he was employed as shipping clerk for J. M. Cox Company, where he worked until the fall of 1903. He then went to Andalusia, Alabama, where he organized the Sessoms Grocery Company, a $75,000 corporation. In 1908 he gave up the management of this company and went to Mexico, where he organized and took the management of a ranch of half million acres. In the fall of 1908 Mr. Sessoms was called to Waycross to take charge of his father's extensive business on account of his failing health. His father died September 15th, 1909.

In 191 1 Mr, Sessoms, in connection with Hon. F. B. Simians, and other incorporators, began the construction of the Waycross & Western Railroad from Waycross westward, and in 1 9 14 it was completed to Milltown, a distance of forty-five miles. Mr. Sessoms was elected president of the railroad, and gave his personal attention to the building of the road. On February 28th, 19 13, he married Miss Edna Sirmans, daughter of Senator F, B. Sirmans, of this county, and went to live at Waycross. In 19 14 The Sessoms Land & Securities Company was organized to take over the Sessoms estate lands, and in order to develop these lands into farms, Mr. Sessoms moved to Cogdell in this county, where he now lives. Since moving into the county, the companies he represents have spent $20,000 each year in building and opening farms. They contemplate spending that much or more for the next several years. They have one of the largest and best farms in the State. Mr. Sessoms' companies pay ten per cent, of the total taxes of the county, an evidence of their importance to Clinch County industries. In 1915 Mr. Sessoms was appointed on the Board of County Commissioners, by Legislative Act, having been a resident of the county just about a year. Mr. Sessoms is a most progressive man and all his ideas tend towards the upbuilding and developing of Clinch County and her resources.

SIRMANS, BENJAMIN, was born in Emanuel County, February 6th, 1792, the son of Josiah Sirmans and his wife, Artie Hardeman. He was one of the first settlers of what is now Clinch County, having settled here according to his descendants, December 22d, 1822, on the place now owned by J. B. Strickland in the Mud Creek district. He lived there until his death. Mr. Sirmans became very wealthy, owning many slaves and much other property. He married Martha Johnson, a sister of Gen. David Johnson; she died December 24th, 1856. To them were born ten children (see Sirmans family history) . He represented Lowndes County in the leg- islature through the sessions of 1828-29, 1838-39 and 1840- 41. He was State Senator from Clinch County in the session of 1853-54. According to reports, he defeated George W. Newbern by thirteen votes in the race for senator, also Rowan Pafford by thirteen votes, and R. Y. Stanford by seven votes. When Clinch County was organized in 1850 Mr. Sirmans was appointed one of the commissioners to organize the county. When the call for delegates to the secession convention at Milledgeville was made in January, 1861, Mr. Sirmans was elected one of the delegates, voting for secession. His death occurred May ist, 1863, ^^^ his remains were buried at the Fender cemetery. He was one of the leading men of the county of his time, and is represented by numerous descendants in the county to-day.

SIRMANS, DAVID J., was born in Emanuel County, March ist, 18 19, the son of Benjamin Sirmans, Sr. His father moved first to Appling and afterwards to Lowndes, now Clinch County, when David J. Sirmans was quite yo'ung. Mr. Sirmans served as a volunteer under Capt. John J. Johnson, Col. Brown's regiment, in the Seminole Indian war. In 1845 he was elected tax receiver and collector of Lowndes County, and held this office one term. In 1859 he was elected State senator from Clinch County, serving one term. Mr. Sirmans was married in 1840 to Miss Eliza Wilkerson, daughter of John Wilkerson, of South Carolina. She died in 1886. By her he had several children. After his first wife's death, Mr. Sirmans married Lucinda, daughter of W. S. Roberts, of Echols County. He served as ex-officio justice of the peace of the 1280th district 1 876-1 880. For about fifty years prior to his death, Mr. Sirmans lived on a lot of land about five miles north of DuPont, which he granted from the State in 1843. He bought up other land surrounding, and was engaged in the turpentine business for several years prior to his death, but sold out shortly before his death. He died March 24th, 1905, of heart failure, and was buried at the

SIRMANS, EZEKIEL J., was born in Irwin, now Clinch County, February 28th, 1824, being the first white child born on what is now Clinch County soil. In 1847 he was elected tax collector of Lowndes County, and when Clinch was created he was chosen its first tax collector. He was first commissioned April 12, 1850, but did not take up his commission on account of holding the same office in Lowndes County. He was again elected and commissioned January i6th, 1851, and served one year. March 7th, 1853, he was commissioned justice of the peace of the 970th district and served a year. During the Civil War Mr. Sirmans was first lieutenant of Co. "I" 4th Georgia Cavalry. During his lifetime Mr. Sirmans accumulated much wealth, which was inherited at his death by his children, Franklin B., Manasseh and Caroline Sirmans. He died April 28th, 1900, and was buried at the Fender cemetery.

SIRMANS, FRANKLIN B., was born in Clinch County, September 22d, 1853, the son of Ezekiel J. Sirmans. He was raised on the farm and educated in the common schools, and when grown he engaged in farming, stock-raising and merchandising. In this he was very successful. He married February 28th, 1878, Miss Amanda Strickland, daughter of Charles Strickland, by whom he had two children. Chandler (died) and Edna, who married A. K. Sessoms. He was first elected State senator in 1886, and served through the session of 1 886-1 887. In 1892 he was again elected, defeating the Populist candidate by over 2,000 plurality. In 1898 he was defeated by R. G. Dickerson. In 1904 he was again elected, defeating S. L. Drawdy. In 19 10 he was defeated by W. T. Dickerson. Mr. Sirmans was appointed notary public and ex-officio justice of the peace of the 586th district, to which he was commissioned October 15th, 1880. He also was a County Commissioner for three years, 1 890-1 893. He was a member of the Jury Commissioners for about ten years. Mr. Sirmans' first wife having died, he was married April 27th, 1905, to Mrs. Fannie L. Williams, daughter of A. Gill, of Jasper, Fla. There were no children by this marriage. For several years Mr. Sirmans was a turpentine operator, besides farming and stock-raising. He became very wealthy, due to his own business acumen, inheritance from his father's estate and his first wife's inheritance from her father. At his death Mr. Sirmans was about the largest property owner in the county. He died March 12th, 19 15, at his home near the town of Sirmans, in the Mud Creek district. Mr. Sirmans was very instrumental in the building of the Waycross & Western Railroad through the county. At his death he was its vice-president. He was also the founder of the town of Sirmans on the new railroad. His remains were buried at Fender graveyard with Masonic ceremonies.

SIRMANS, JOSEPH, was born in Emanuel County, May 1 6th, 1808, the son of Josiah Sirmans, Sr., and a brother to Benjamin Sirmans. When he was yet a lad his father removed to Irwin, now Clinch County, where they settled, Joseph Sirmans was married about 1830 to Miss Rebecca Smith, a daughter of Rev. William Smith, by whom he had six children, viz. : Artie, Mary, Matilda, Lucretia, Nancy and John Sirmans. His first wife having died in 1856, Mr. Sirmans married Mrs. Sarah Howell, a widow, by whom he had one son, Isaac Sirmans. In 1872 he was elected representative from Clinch County, and served through the session of 1873-74. He was also a member of the Jury Commissioners for several years. He died at his home in the Mud Creek district October 7th, 1888, age eighty years. He was buried at the Fender graveyard.

SIRMANS, LYMAN A., was born April ist, 1838, in what is now Clinch County, the youngest son of Benjamin Sirmans. He was admitted to the bar and practiced law in Homerville several years. He married Miss Mollie Griffin, daughter of Rev. W. W. Griffin, and by her had two children, Noble A. Sirmans and Mrs. Frank A. Smith. Col. Sirmans enlisted in Co. "A" 20th Georgia Battalion, May 12th, 1862. Later he joined O'Steen's company and was elected second lieutenant. When the County Court was first organized in 1866, Colonel Sirmans was appointed its first solicitor, May loth, 1866. He served about two years. He removed about 1875 to DeKalb County, but later returned to Clinch County and settled at DuPont. Here he resumed his law practice in 1891;. He was a very active member of the Methodist Church at Homerville and at DuPont. At the latter place he was Sunday School superintendent a while. He died April 22d, 1910, at his home in DuPont, and was buried at the North cemetery. His widow died in 19 14.

SMITH, ALLEN N., originally Allen Smith, was born in what is now Clinch County, Sept. nth, 1842, the oldest son of James C. Smith. He served in O'Steen's company during the war, and was in 1864 elected justice of the peace of the 970th district. He served three years and then removed to Homerville and was elected justice of the peace there in 1867. He resigned in 1868 and was appointed treasurer of Clinch County to succeed Riley Johnson, who had resigned. He was appointed November 28th, 1868, and served until 1871. His books at the court-house are distinguished for their neatness and preciseness. After this, Mr. Smith went to Blackshear, Ga., where he has kept his citizenship since. He married Miss Bettie Strickland, of Blackshear, daughter of Allen C. Strickland, and they had three children, Bessie, Lela V., and Moultrie J. Smith. Mr. Smith was elected Ordinary of Pierce County in 1885, and served eight years. Later he returned to Clinch County and lived a few years on his father's old home place. A daughter married J. B. O'Neal, who is clerk of the Superior Court of Pierce County at present.

SMITH, CHARLTON H., was born in Ware, now Clinch County, July 8th, 1846, the son of John and Cassie Smith. He attended Mercer University at Penfield, under Prof. S. P. Sanford in 1870. When the Civil War commenced, Mr. Smith was too young to join, but in May, 1864, joined Co. "I" 4th Georgia cavalry and served until the war closed. In 1869 he was appointed constable of the 586th district. He married Miss Martha Henderson, a daughter of John S. Henderson, September 21st, 1875, and by this marriage were born : Wilbur S. Smith, Ezekiel J. Smith, Lillie, who married S. B. Eatman; Nora, who married S. R. Kirton; Nettie, who married E. D. Brinson; Cora, who married S. A. Sweat, and Ivey, who married W. J. Patterson. In 1878 he purchased a farm near Homerville and settled on it. In 1881 he was elected justice of the peace of the I2 24the district and commissioned January 24th, 1 88 1 and served one term. He was elected constable of the 1224th district in 1887 and served four years. In 1892 he was elected county school superintendent, and qualified May 30th, 1892. He was re-elected in 1896, but resigned in 1899. He was commissioned ex-ofiicio justice of the peace of the 1224th district December 5th, 1905, to succeed J. C. Kirkland, deceased; he resigned this office December 19th, 1908, and the same day was commissioned justice of the peace. To this office he was re-elected and commissioned December 21st, 19 12 for four years. He was an unsuccessful candidate for Ordinary in 190B.

SMITH, CORNELIUS ASHLEY, was born June 30th, 1 841, the son of William and Martha Smith. In the Civil War he joined the 31st Georgia Regiment and was wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg. Later he was in the Federal prison in Baltimore for six months but was exchanged. At the time of the surrender he was captain of his company. Following the close of the war he came to Clinch County, and married Miss Nannie Smith, daughter of Peter and Cath- erine, November 15th, 1866. To them were born seven children, viz. : William P., Nannie, Tom, E. D., Ashley, Rena and Boynton Smith. He was commissioned ex-officio justice of the peace March 4th, 1869, but resigned September 1 2th, 1870. He was appointed deputy clerk of the Superior Court under E. T. Dukes, and in 1876 was elected clerk. In 1878 he was re-elected, and in 1880 was elected State senator. He resigned the office of clerk shortly before his term was out, and took up his duties as senator. In 18.82, when the County Court was re-established, Mr. Smith was appointed judge of the same, being commissioned April i ith, 1882. He held the office two and one-half years. For several years he was railroad and express agent here. About 1885 Mr. Smith, with his family, removed to Texas and settled in Angeline County, where he was elected a county commissioner in 1898. He was a commissioner at the time of his death, which occurred at his .home in Lufkin, Texas, July 1 6th, 1 90 1 , age 60 years. The records in the clerk's office at the courthouse attest the neat and correct way in which Mr. Smith kept the clerk's office while he was its occupant. His widow is yet living at Nacogdoches, Texas, while two of his sons occupy high positions with the Nacogdoches and Southerneastern Railroad.

SMITH, JESSE, was born in Appling County, on Red Bluff Creek, August 25th, 1820, the son of William Smith. Here he spent his boyhood days and figured very prominently in the Indian war of 1836-38. He joined a company of "scouts" under Captain Knowles and helped to drive the last Indian from the Okefinokee, the Indians' last stronghold. He was elected a justice of the peace of the 586th district of Ware County, and commissioned January 24th, 1845. He served two years. In 1850 he was elected justice of the peace of the 970th district and commissioned September 21st, 1850. He was re-commissioned in 1853, 1855, 1857, 1859, serving until i860. In 1 861 he was elected sheriff of Clinch County, and commissioned January 23d, 1862. He served two years. He was in Co. "I" 4th Georgia Cavalry a short while during the Civil War. In 1864 he was elected representative from Clinch County, serving through the session of 1 865-1 866. He was married soon after the Indian war to Miss Nancy Tomlinson, daughter of Moses Tomlinson, Sr., and by her had five children, viz. : Sherod, Cicero, John L., Fannie C, who first married Henry C. Moore, and later John C. Jones, and Matilda Smith. He was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church. His home was at Magnolia, where he lived previous to and during the Civil War. He was a charter member of the Masonic Lodge at Magnolia. Mr. Smith's death occurred in 1884. His wife died in January, 1880. Both are buried at Red Bluff Church.

SMITH, JAMES M., was born in what is now Clinch County about 1 840, the son of Peter and Catherine Smith. He was married to Miss Amanda J. Futch, daughter of Malcolm C. Futch, December 31st, 1874, and by her had ten children. The only ofllice which Mr. Smith held was that of representative from Clinch. He served through the session of 1895-96. After his term was out. Governor Northen appointed him immigration agent for Clinch County. But his death soon followed, October 23d, 1896, following a protracted illness. He was buried at the Peter Smith family burial ground. Mr. Smith was engaged prior to his death in the turpentine business with F. Dickerson.

SMITH, JOHN M., was born in Clinch County, March 13th, 1880, the son of David J. Smith and his wife, Fannie Curry. He was reared on his father's farm, and on December 22d, 1903, was married to Miss Avy Lott, of Coffee County. They have three children living, viz. : Orie, Chester and Chandler Smith. Mr. Smith, in the primary of 19 16, was elected county commissioner from the 586th and io6ist districts to succeed Alex. K. Sessoms, whom he defeated. He will assume his oflice January ist, 19 17. Besides this office,

SMITH, LEWIS, was born in what is now Clinch County, in 1843, the son of Manning Smith, who was one of Clinch's first representatives to the legislature. When the Civil War came on, Lewis Smith joined Co. "K" 26th Georgia Infantry and served till Its close. He was married to Miss Roxie Morgan, daughter of Hon. John L. Morgan, Ordinary, January 3d, 1870. They had several children. He lived one mile east of Homerville on the railroad, his place being now known as the "Lewis Smith place." He was elected treasurer of Clinch County in 1891 to succeed Sherod Smith, who died. He was commissioned November 28th, 1891, and served two years. Later Mr. Smith removed to Florida, where he died.

SMITH, MANNING, was born in this State about 18 15, the son of William Smith, a pioneer of Clinch County. He took part in the Indian wars as a volunteer, and in 1845 was elected a justice of the Inferior Court of Ware County. He was commissioned March 19th, 1845 and served one term. When Clinch County was organized It embraced Mr. Smith's home and he was elected as one of the first justices of the Inferior Court of the new county In 1850, being commissioned April 1 2th, 1850. He served three years and was reelected. He served until 1854, when he was elected to the Legislature as a representative. He served through the session of 1855-56. He was then re-elected to the Inferior Court and commissioned January 12th, 1857, serving four years. His death occurred during the Civil War. Mr. Smith's wife was Elizabeth Tomllnson, daughter of Moses Tomllnson, Sr., by whom he had several children, among whom were Lewis, Moses, Neter and Sarah Smith.

SMITH, SHEROD, was born In Ware, now Clinch County, October 6th, 1846, the son of Jesse Smith. He was employed by Lucius SIrmans, a merchant of DuPont, as bookkeeper at the time of his marriage to Miss Peggie Kight, daughter of Hiram and Sarah Kight. They were married May 27, 1877. To them were born seven children, three sons and four daughters. Later, Mr. Smith came to Homerville where he engaged in business on his own account. Subsequently he became postmaster and also express agent at Homerville, positions which he held up to his death. In 1 89 1 he was elected treasurer of Clinch County, and was commissioned July 27th, 1891. He was elected at a special election to succeed Henry C. Moore, deceased. Not long afterwards Mr. Smith died at his home in Homerville, October 2 1st, 1 89 1. His widow and children noAv live in Tampa, Florida.

STATEN, JAMES W., was born in Appling County, August 29th, 1824, the son of Barzilla Staten, Sr., who died about 1845. His educational advantages were such as offered by the neighborhood schools, furnishing him with a knowledge of only the primary branches, and merely laying a foundation for the education which reading and observation bestowed upon him after leaving the school house. Farming was his life-long occupation. He was one of the pioneers of Clinch County, and in April, 1850 was elected the first representative from the new county of Clinch to the Legislature. In 1852 he was re-elected, ably representing the county in legislative halls. In 1857 he was elected a State senator from Clinch County and served one term. In politics Mr. Staten was a Whig before the war, but joined the Democrats about i860, and after the Civil War he became one of the pillars of the Democratic Party in this section of the State. In 1861 he entered the Confederate service as first lieutenant in Co. "B" 29th Georgia Regiment. He was elected captain of his company in Col. A. T. Mclntyre's Regiment. He served in this until the State troops were disbanded, after which he was on the Relief Committee and was in Atlanta just before it surrendered in 1864. He was also a member of the State convention which assembled at Milledgeville in 1858. In

1858 Echols County was created and this made him a citizen of that county. In 1 876 he was chosen State senator from his district and re-elected two years later. He had the satisfactory record of having never been defeated for any office he offered for. In 1846 he married Miss Caroline E. Malloy, of Branchville, S. C. To them were born eleven children, viz.: W. F. Staten, Delia, John B., C. F., Fannie, Bailer, Catherine, Josephine, J. L., W. T., and Samuel Staten. Statenville, in Echols County, was named for Captain Staten. In later years he lived in Lowndes County, where he died March 3d, 1892, age 68 years. Captain Staten was a sincere man in all his actions, one of the solid type whose word was as good as his bond, totally devoid of all egotism and conscientious in the discharge of his duty in its minutest detail. His daughter, Josephine, married J. N. Griffin, of Valdosta, and one of their daughters married Dr. L. G. Hardman, who made such a creditable race for Gov'ernor of Georgia in 191 4.

STATEN, QUARTERMAN B., was born in this State in 1832, and was a brother of James W. Staten. His wife was Leacy Malloy, and they had about five children. In the Civil War he joined Co. "G" 50th Georgia, and was elected its first lieutenant; later he was promoted captain October 25th, 1862. He served as captain until March 20th, 1863, when he resigned but was re-elected captain in July, 1863. He served until January 1865, when he came home and qualified as a justice of the Inferior Court, to which he was commissioned January 23d, 1865. He served in this capacity until the court was abolished. He lived near Stockton and died about 1890.

STRICKLAND, CHARLES, was born in what is now Pierce County, February 22d, 1822. When the Indian war of 1836-37 came on, he took part in the fighting against the Indians. In 1849 he settled on Red Bluff Creek on the place now owned by A. J. Lockliear. He lived here until 1864, when he moved up on the Allapaha River, where he lived until his death. Mr. Strickland married in 1847 Miss Lucretia Sirmans, daughter of Benjamin Sirmans. By her he had twelve children: Martha, who married Elias L. Moore; Mary Ann, who married Daniel Dickerson; Louis; Benjamin Franklin; Colquitt or Colly; Isabella, who married Bill K. Roberts; Allen J.; Lucinda, who married Lott; Joseph B.; Kizzie; Lyman J., and Amanda, who married F. B. Sirmans. When the Civil War came on, Mr. Strickland joined the 4th Georgia Cavalry, Co. "I" and served until January, 1865, when he returned home, having been elected a justice of the Inferior Court. He served on this court until it was abolished. Mr. Strickland was one of the wealthiest men of the county and farmed and dealt in cattle extensively. By reference to the census of 1870, it is observed that he had 1,200 acres of cultivated land. Mr. Strickland's death occurred at his home in Mud Creek district, where J. B. Strickland now lives, November ist, 1883. His remains were buried at Valdosta.

STRICKLAND, JOEL, was born in this State in 1830. He married Miss Amanda Hodges, a sister of Archibald and John W. Hodges, and to them were born twelve children. Mr. Strickland was one of the first settlers of the new town of Homerville, and was engaged in the mercantile business and also operated a hotel a while. He was station agent here several years. He was elected a justice of the Inferior Court in 1 86 1 and commissioned September loth, 1861. He served four years. About 1880 he removed to Plant City, Florida, where he died about 1890. Mr. Strickland was a leading member of the Baptist Church at Homerville and was a charter member.

STRICKLAND, LEWIS, was born in Clinch County, February 25th, 1850, the son of Charles and Lucretia Strickland. He was probably the first white child born in the new county after its creation. He was commissioned ex-officio justice of the peace of the 586th district July 22d, 1872, and served until he resigned March 26th, 1875. He entered the mercantile business and dealt in stock cattle, in which he was eminently successful. In 1876 he announced as an independent candidate for representative and in the ensuing election defeated the regular Democratic nominee. In 1878 he was again elected as an independent candidate. Mr. Strickland was first engaged in business at Milltown, but later went to Valdosta, where he lived until his death. He was soon followed by his brothers, B. F., Colly and A. J. Strickland. Mr. Strickland engaged with some of his brothers in the cotton business, later they organized the Strickland Cotton Mills at Valdosta, and still later, the A. J. Strickland Fertilizer Company, manufacturers and distributors of guano and other fertilizers. Mr. Strickland several years before his death joined the Republican Party and was subsequently chairman of the Republican district executive committee. In this capacity Mr. Strickland wielded a large amount of influence in Federal appointments in this section, under the Republican administrations. Mr. Strickland's death occurred in Valdosta April 3d, 1899, and he was buried in the city cemetery. He never married and his large estate was left to his brothers and sisters. Mr. Strickland, with his brothers in Valdosta, have been among the most potent factors in the upbuilding of Valdosta and its industries.

SWEAT, JOEL L., was born in Ware County, September 2ist, 1847, the son of Samuel and Maria Sweat, and a grandson of Nathaniel Sweat, a soldier of the Revolutionary War. He was raised in Pierce County and completed his education at the old Blackshear Academy. He enlisted in Confederate cavalry service in 1862, although a youth, and for three years was a brave soldier. In 1865 he located at Homerville, where he was in 1867 elected justice of the peace. Under David O'Quin he served as deputy clerk of the Superior Court. He also engaged in the mercantile business and was admitted to the bar in Homerville in 1869. Under the administration of Governor James M, Smith he was a clerk in the executive department for a short while, and during the sessions of the Legislature of 1875-76, he was chief clerk of the House of Representatives. Returning to Homerville he resumed the practice of law, which very soon grew to be very lucrative and of wide extent. In 1880 Colonel Sweat was elected representative from Clinch County, defeating A. B. Findley and Sherod Tomlinson. Two years later he was re-elected, defeating David J. Sirmans. In 1884 lie was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention at Chicago and at St. Louis in 1888. In 1887 he removed to Waycross, where he has since resided, engaging in the active practice of law. In 1892 Judge S. R. Atkinson resigned as judge of the Superior Courts of the Brunswick Circuit, and Colonel Sweat was appointed by Governor Northen to fill the vacancy. When the Legislature met he was elected judge for the unexpired term, and in 1895 was elected for the full term. He very ably filled this position until January, 1899, when he retired and resumed the practice of law. During the Legislature of 19 13-14 he was State senator from the fifth district. Colonel Sweat was married to Miss Maggie M. Hitch, daughter of Sylvanus Hitch, January loth, 1869, and by her had three children. Colonel Sweat was for several years superintendent of the Methodist Sunday School at Homerville, and for seven years a recording steward of the church. His membership is now with the First Methodist Church of Waycross.

SWEAT, SCREVEN A., was born in Ware County, May 1 2th, 1872, the son of T. F. M. Sweat. He came with his father to Clinch County in 1880, and settled in the Wiregrass district. Later he came to Homerville, where he was appointed postmaster in 1894. He held this oflfice two years and in 1897 was elected constable of the 1224th district. Shortly afterwards Sheriff O'Steen appointed him deputy sheriff, in which capacity he served until 1901. In 1900 he was elected sheriff of Clinch County, defeating Ex-Sheriff Frank Dickerson by 255 votes. In the general election he easily defeated his Populist opponent, I. W. Baldree. By continuous re-elections he held this office until 1909, January I St, when he retired. He was not a candidate for re-election. Later he entered the mercantile business in Homerville. Mr. Sweat married Miss Cora Smith, daughter of Charlton H. Smith, of Homerville,

SWEAT, THOMAS F. M., was born in Ware County, November 19th, 1847. He came to Clinch County in 1880, and settled in the Wiregrass district. Soon afterwards he was appointed ex-ofiicio justice of the peace of the 1 141st district and commissioned October 15th, 1880. He served until 1885, when he was elected justice of the peace, serving four years. In 1889 he was again appointed ex-officio justice of the peace. Before his term expired he removed to Homerville, where he was appointed deputy sheriff and jailor under Sheriff Frank Dickerson. In 1901 he was appointed jailor by his son, Sheriff' S. A. Sweat. He also served a few years on the town council. In 1909 he was elected county treasurer, defeating J, S. Kirkland, W. A, Ecord and James L, Pafford. In 1 9 10 he was again elected treasurer, defeating Seward Smith, Randall Corbitt, J, D. Weaver and T. N. Stanfield. He did not offer for re-election in 19 12. Mr. Sweat was married in 1870 to Miss Alice , by whom he had six children, viz.: Screven A., Jerome J., R. W., Stella, who married W. K. Peagler; Kate, who married B. W. Wagner; Tressie, who married H. E. Darley. Mr. Sweat has long been a member of the Methodist Church, and has served as recording steward, Sunday School superintendent and church steward. He was engaged in retail hay and grain business in Homerville previous to his death, which occurred July I ith, 1916.

who was a native of Chatham County. He was raised on his father's farm south of Stockton, and In 1876 was elected county surveyor, defeating George A. Dame, and In 1878 was re-elected. He married May 28th, 1882, Miss Cordelia Dampler, and after her death married In 1904, Miss Fannie Grooms. He had eight children. In 1886 Mr. Taylor joined the Methodist Church at Stockton, and subsequently served the church as steward for six years. Mr. Taylor Is a farmer and runs a grist-mill on Cow Creek.

TIMMERMAN, SHIMUEL, was born In Edgefield County, S. C, November 24th, 1824, and when not yet grown came to Georgia. In 1850, when Clinch County was created, he was one of Its citizens, and In 1852 was elected justice of the peace of the I052d district, serving until 1853. In 1856 he was elected sheriff of Clinch County, serving two years. In 1858 he was elected a justice of the Inferior Court, serving three years. In 1861 he was again elected sheriff, serving until 1862. In 1864 he was re-elected, serving until 1866. Mr. TImmerman married, about 1850, Miss Eliza L. FIndley, daughter of Acy Findley, and by her had eight sons and two daughters. Mr. TImmerman died at his home, near Stockton, May 26th, 1889, and was burled at Cow Creek (Way fare) Church. He was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church for many years.

TOMLINSON, JAMES, was born In what Is now Clinch County, August 21st, 1846, the son of Harris Tomllnson, Sr. In the Civil War he served In Co. "K" 29th Georgia Regiment. After the war he taught school some, and was In 1871 elected clerk of the Superior Court. He served two years. He was first married to Miss Mattie Floyd, of Liberty County, by whom he had two children; after her death, he married Miss Martha M. Mills, August 24th, 1874; after her death, he married Mrs. Calladonia G. Roberts, she died 1906. For many years Mr. Tomllnson was a postal clerk on the railroad, his run being from Savannah to High Springs.

TOMLINSON, MOSES, was born in Lowndes, now Clinch County, December 29th, 1840, the son of John and Zilpha (Register) Tomlinson. He was raised on the farm, and in 1861 joined Co. "H" 29th Georgia Regiment. He was disabled by the loss of his left arm on the third anniversary of the date he joined the army, at the engagement near Jonesboro, Ga., August 31st, 1864. After this he returned home, and was, in 1872, elected Ordinary of Clinch County, defeating John L. Morgan. He was re-elected in 1876 and served until 1881. In 1883 he was elected justice of the peace of the I052d district and served two years. In 1888 he was elected tax collector of Clinch County and commissioned January 7th, 1889. He served in this capacity eight years, being defeated in 1896 by M. M. Monk. He was married March 1 2th, 1876, to Miss Wealthy E. Mathis, daughter of Hillery P. Mathis, by whom he had five sons and four daughters. In 19 10 he was appointed a jury commissioner, but declined to serve. Mr. Tomlinson has been urged frequently in the last few years to run for representative from Clinch County, but has declined on each occasion. His ripe experience and a master mind, even in his advanced age, would enable him to make Clinch County an excellent representative in the Legislature. As tax collector he made the county an efficient officer; among other things closing his books promptly on the twentieth of December as the law requires.

TOMLINSON, SHEROD, was born in Irwin, now Clinch County, February 6th, 1826, the son of Moses and Charlotte Tomlinson. In early life he was married to Miss Sarah Ann Burkhalter, a daughter of Richard H. Burkhalter, and had ten children. May nth, 1852, Mr. Tomlinson was commissioned a justice of the peace of the 105 2d district and served three years. On January loth, 1861, he was commis- sioned a justice of the Inferior Court of Clinch County, and served until September loth, 1861. In 1861 he joined Co. "H" 29th Georgia Regiment and served until 1864, when he returned home and qualified as coroner, to which he had been elected. He served as coroner four years. In 1880 he was defeated for representative by Col. J. L. Sweat. During 1 877-1 88 1 he was a member of the Board of Education. His death occurred at his home in Mud Creek, December 26th, 1885. He was buried at the Fender graveyard.

TOMLINSON, WILLIAM S., was born in Emanuel County in 1822, the son of William Tomlinson and Bettie Sirmans. He was a farmer all his life, and accumulated quite a lot of property. He married Matilda Giddens in 1846, and their children were John G., Kizzie, Isbin, Matthew, and George F. Tomlinson. Mr. Tomlinson was, in 1856, elected representative from Clinch County, defeating Manning Smith. He served through the session of 1857-58, and after missing one term, was, in i860, again elected representative and re-elected in 1862. He served through the sessions of 1861-62 and 1863-64. He lived many years on the place now owned by W. F. Kirkland, but at the time of his death lived with his son, Matthew Tomlinson. He died about 1898, and is buried at North cemetery. His son, Isbin Tomlinson, was acting clerk of the Superior Court of this county a short while following the resignation of B. R. Johnson, in 1883.

TOWNSEND, SINCLAIR C, was born in Wayne County, June 3d, 1870. When he was about five years old his parents moved to Bradford County, Fla., and when not yet grown began teaching school. He taught in the fall and winter seasons and attended high school at White Springs during the spring and summer seasons. He graduated from the Florida Normal School and Business College at White Springs in 1892, and then taught school until 1895. He was enrolling clerk in the House of Representatives at Tallahas- see during the session of 1895. In May, 1896, he was admitted to the bar at Thomasville, Ga., and a few days thereafter was appointed deputy clerk of the Circuit Court of Bradford County, which position he resigned in October, J 896. He then came to Homerville and formed a partnership with Col. R. G. Dickerson for the practice of law. He was married August 31st, 1897, to Miss Effie Gillican from Wilmington, N. C. January ist, 1898, the law partnership of Dickerson & Townsend was dissolved and Colonel Townsend continued to practice alone. He was appointed judge of the County Court of Clinch County by Governor Candler, in 1 90 1, but resigned in 1904 before his term was out. In the primary of 1902 he was narrowly defeated for representative by R. B. Johnson. In the primary of 1904 he was defeated by J. F. Daugharty. In 1906 he was elected representative, defeating E. J. Futch. During the ensuing session Judge Townsend introduced and had passed the present law providing for jury trial in the County Court. He opposed the present prohibition law, which was passed by the Legislature. He was defeated for re-election in 1908 by Col. S. L. Drawdy. In November, 1908, he was appointed by Governor Smith Solicitor of the City Court of St. Mary's, Ga., and moved there in February, 1909, and was re-appointed by Governor Brown in 19 12, which he still holds. Previous to his removal to St. Mary's he formed a partnership with Col. H. J. Dame, which was dissolved in 1909. On May 22d, 1 9 13, he was appointed by President Wilson as collector of customs for the port of St. Mary's, which position he held until the collectorship was abolished and consolidated with the port of Fernandina, Fla. In 191 1 he was elected president of the County Officers Convention of Georgia at Savannah, and in 19 12 was re-elected at St. Mary's.

THOMAS, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, was born in Clinch County, April 5th, 1882, and was raised on the farm. He was employed by Mr. D. E. Kirkland for several years and later entered the livery business. He was elected Coroner in 1 9 14, defeating Dixon Smith, and J. F. Newman. In the

WILLIAMS, JOHN, was born about 1830, the son of John Williams, Sr., and his wife Nancy Smith. He was elected representative from Clinch County in 1859, defeating J. R. O'Steen. He served through the session of 1 859-1 860. He married a daughter of John L. Morgan, by whom he had three sons and a daughter, viz. : Sylvester, Lemuel and Preston and Roxie, who married N. J. Smith. In 1864 Mr. Williams was killed by a deserter from the Confederate army. Mr. Williams was acting as a recruiting officer in this section, and endeavored to arrest the deserter, but was killed. His slayer was later captured by a detachment of soldiers headed by Lieut. John L. Morgan, Jr., and brought to Homerville, where he was executed by being hung from a pine tree In the southern part of town.

WHITTINGTON, BENJAMIN A., was born in Augusta, Ga., March 15th, 1856, the son of John A. Whittington. He came with his parents to "Clinch County when he was twelve years old, and lived in Homerville until his death. In 1 88 1 he was admitted to the bar at Homerville, and under Abraham Morgan served as deputy clerk of the Superior Court a while. In 1884 he was appointed judge of the County Court of Clinch County, and served until the court was abolished. Colonel Whittington's wife was Miss Maggie Johnson, daughter of John J. Johnson, of Homerville. They had several children, of whom only one, Harry, lived to be grown. Colonel Whittington actively practiced law in Homerville until his death, which occurred August 5th, 1898, at his home in Homerville. He died of paralysis. His remains were buried in the Homerville cemetery. His death was the occasion of resolutions passed by the local bar at the succeeding term of Superior Court. Colonel Whittington was a member of the Methodist Church and of the Masons. He was for several years a member of the Board of Commissioners for the town of Homerville and later of the town council.