Liberty County, Georgia - Chapter 8: Her Great Men, Civil and Military, 1903

Chapter 8: Her Great Men, Civil and Military

After this rapid and succinct statement of some of the characteristics of this old church, I proceed to call attention to some of her people as well as note some of their deeds. Be it far from me to advocate anything like Chinese ancestral worship. We venerate, not worship: We admire, not adore. The Midway people had their failings and shortcomings, like other men, but withal a most grand and glorious record, such as has never been the lot of any other people. Her great men are numbered by scores. Her influence felt in thousands of places. Her history absolutely stands without a parallel, as will appear from the following simple recital of facts:

Governors And Signers Of Declaration Of Independence

Four of the early governors of the state and two of the signers of the declaration of independence, were from the parish of St. Johns. The governors were Button Gwinnett, Richard Howley, Nathan Brownson and Lyman Hall. The two signers were Button Gwinnett and Lyman Hall.

1. Button Gwinnett was a native of England. Residing on St. Catherine island, which he had purchased from Thos. and Mary Bosomworth, he became identified with the people, making Sunbury his place of business and associations. Dr. Lyman Hall was his warm friend and physician, being also one of the executors of his will. He seems also to have been at one time the justice of peace of St. John's parish.! He was a member of the continental congress and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He was a member of the convention that met in Savannah October, 1776, and framed the constitution of the state, he having much to do with the framing of the same. He was elected governor March, 1777, in the place of President Archibald Bullock, deceased, and fell mortally wounded in a duel which he fought May 15th, with Gen. Lochlan McIntosh, whom he had challenged, and died on the 18th, in the forty-fifth year of his age.

2. Richard Howley was born near Savannah, but afterwards became a citizen of Sunbury. First repfesenting Liberty county in the state assembly, he afterwards was made governor in 1780, and a member of congress in 1781, when he and his associates published their noted remonstrance at the threatened surrender of Georgia to the British. He died in Savannah December, 1784.

3. Nathan Brownson, a practicing physician, introduced to the county by Dr. Dunwoody, surgeon in Georgia Brigade, a member of the provincial congress in 1775, and of continental congress in 1776-8, elected governor in 1781, and a member of the convention framing the constitution in 1789. We have no evidence that he ever was a communing was thoroughly identified with her people, for in its registry we find mention of the death of his wife, Elizabeth, April 4, 1775, of his son, Nathan, September 2, 1777, and of hisown October 18, 1796."

"Died at his plantation in Liberty county Nathan Brownson, Esqr., whose various talents as a statesman, philosopher and physician have placed him in the list of distinguished characters. His expiring moments were marked with that peculiar firmness of mind, which attended him through life, and his last words delivered in whispers, were more sublimely eloquent than all the studied declamation of the pulpit: 'The scene,' said he, 'is now changing. The business of life is nearly over. I have, like the rest of my fellow creatures, been guilty of foibles, but I trust to the mercy of my God to pardon me, and to his justice to reward my good deeds.' By his family, by his friends, by men of sense and genius, who knew him, his death will be long lamented."

4. Dr. Lyman Hall was a member of the Continental iy Congress in 1776, going all the way to Philadelphia on horseback,' first as the representative of St. John's parish before the secession of the rest of the colony, and afterwards of the whole province, and also one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He was also elected governor in 1783. The church records show that Dr. Hall was a member at Midway in 1776. His plantation was near the old church, ''Hall's Knoll'' being one of the earlier recollections

Dr. Hall, after the expiration of his term of office as governor, removed to Savannah, and in 1790 to a place in Burke county on the Savannah river, where he died October 19, 1790, and was buried, and where his remains reposed till July 4, 1848, when, together with those of George Walton, they were removed and deposited beneath a monument ~ in Greene street, Augusta, in front of the court house, the state of Georgia paying the cost of removal.? It was the intention that the remains of Button Gwinnett, the other

Counties Named Military

3. Hall, established December 15, 1818, and named after Dr. Lyman Hall, resident of Liberty county, member of Midway church, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and afterwards governor of the state.

4. Gwinnett, established December 15, 1818, and called after Hon. Button Gwinnett, whose home was on St. Catherine island, but whose business and associations were in Sunbury; one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and also governor of Georgia and commander-in-chief of her forces. Would that the fact could be blotted out that he fell mortally wounded in a duel with Gen. Lachlan Mc- Intosh, and thus relieve his otherwise fair name of such a stigma.

5. Baker, constituted December 12, 1825, and named after Col. John Baker, of Revolutionary memory, and one of the early pioneer settlers of the St. John's parish.

6. Stewart, constituted December 30, 1830, and called after Gen. Daniel Stewart, a native of Liberty county, a member of Midway church, and another soldier of military fame.

1. Col. John Baker. | regret exceedingly not to be able to speak with any certainty concerning the parentage or relationship of Col. Baker. The common opinion seems to be that he was a son of Benjamin Baker, but I think this is clearly a mistake. Benjamin Baker had ason John, but he was 'John Baker B.,'' who died December 6, 1785, whereas Col. Baker died, according to the Georgia Gazette, June 3, 1792. Inthe list under the ''disqualifying act'' Col. John

Moreover, Mr. Benjamin Baker, in' the records, speaks of ~ his ''son John''in contradistinction to "Col. John Baker," and also another 'John Baker,'' who were also in the neighborhood at the time.'

8. And then another branch to which Richard Baker, the early settler, stands related, and as its representative and among whom we so frequently meet with the names of John and Richard. I am satisfied that Col. Baker was a member of this branch of the family, and that the brothers, John and Richard, deceased, sons of Stephen Baker, and the brothers, John and Richard, Presbyterian ministers, sons of William Jeans Baker and cousins of the former, were related to him, but what the precise relationship is I am unable to say. The probability is that he was a brother or near relative of the "Richard Baker'' mentioned above.

But no matter whose son, he was a brave ddl gallant officer, first as the captain of the St. John's Riflemen, a volunteer company, and afterwards made colonel by thelegislature. He led the expedition against Florida, planned by Button Gwinnett, was wounded in an engagement at Bulltown Swamp, and participated in the capture of Augusta in 1781, and died as stated above, the county of Baker being named after him in commemoration of his gallant services.

2. General James Screven. The grandson of Rev. William Screven, a Baptist minister, who came to this country from England to escape persecution, and who founded the first Baptist church in Charleston, S. C., and afterwards moved ~ to, and is said to have owned, the land upon which the town of Georgetown is built.. His father was James Screven and his mother Mary Hyrne, the daughter of the second Land- grave Smith, of Charleston. Gen. Screven was born about 1744, and married Mary (Esther)* Odingsell. He was not a member of the Midway church, but his wife was, being received August 18, 1771, and her sister, Elizabeth, being the wife of Rev. Moses Allen, at one time the pastor of the church. He was one of the patriotic leaders in the struggle for independence, being a member of the Provincial Congress that met at Savannah July 4, 1775, as a member from St. John's parish. He was first captain of the St. John Rangers and afterwards made Brigadier General by the legislature. He fell mortally wounded in a skirmish with the British under Col. Provost, on Spencer Hill, one and a half mile south of Midway church, November 22, 1778.

That Col. White and himself had gathered an army to meet Col. Provost approaching from the South; that after an unsuccessful attempt at resistance at Newport Bridge on Saturday morning, they fell back to Midway church. On party crossed the swamp to reconnoitre, but falling into an ambuscade he fell mortally wounded, receiving three wounds, one of which was inflicted after he had fallen. He was sent by flag of truce that evening by Captain Mittuc and eight men, placed in the Vestry House, treated by Dr. Dunwoody, removed afterwards to the house of John Elliott, Senior, where he breathed his last Tuesday, Nov. 24, 1778. Captain Strother and Mr. Judah Lewis were killed in the same skirmish in which the general fell.* sincerely felt for his misfortune and ordered him to be conveyed to our camp, where every attention was paid to him by Col. Provost and every assistance given to him by our surgeons.' So Holmes, in his Annals, says: ''Gen. Screven was a very valuable officer and estimable man, and _ his

Journals Of Congress U. S. Thursday, September 20, 1781

Resolved, That the Legislature of the State of Georgia be desired to erect - a monument at Sunbury, in the said sfate, at the expense of the U. S., not - exceeding $500.00, to the memory of the late Brigadier General Screven, who fell, covered with wounds, fighting for the liberties of the United States.

Journal Of The House, Vol. 4. J. Senate Chamber, 1801

Mr. Speaker : - The Senate has passed the bill, entitled an "Act, to carry into effect several resolutions ot Congress, for erecting monuments to the memories of the late General Wooster, Harkeman, Davidson, and Screven," to which they desire the concurrence of this house.

Ordered, that the committee of the whole house to whom were committed on the 24th of January last, the bill sent from the senate, entitled an "Act to carry into effect several resolutions of Congress, for erecting monuments to the memories of Generals Wooster, Harkeman, Davidson, and Screven," and sundry amendments to the said bill, reported by a select committee, be discharged therefrom, and that the further consideration of the said bill and amendments be postponed until the first Monday in November next.

UniITED STATES SENATE, March 1o, 1898. - REv. JAMES STACY, ie, Newnan, Georgia. : My Dear Sir : - Replying further to yours of the 17th ult. I herewith enclose you all that can be found in the proceedings of Congress relative to the erection of a monument to the memory of Gen. Screven at Sunbury.

It seems that the resolution passed the Senate, was reported to the House and the House deferred action on the same until Nov., 1803, but after a diligent search it could not be found that the House ever considered the resolution after that. | : Yours very truly, A. O. Bacon.

his home. He entered the war of the Revolution, became aid to Gen. McIntosh, and fell, struck by a cannon ball, in the unsuccessful attack upon Savannah on the morning of the 9th of October, 1779, the same day in which the noble Pulaski fell, a martyr to the cause of freedom. Jones street in Savannah was so named in honor ofhis memory, as appears from the following extract taken from the ''Savannah Georgian,"' William H. Bulloch editor, of date Friday, March 15, 1839.;

"The new street to be called Jones Street, it may be worthy of remark, is a compliment to the brave father of Captain Joseph Jones, of Liberty county, who fell within one hundred yards of the spot patriotically dedicated to his name, while fighting for the liberties of his country. Thus has posterity been grateful to one of the deliverers of this hemisphere from foreign thraldom."

From the same paper, same date and same column, we have an account of the City Council and its proceedings, of date of March 14, 1839, the day before the date of the paper, in which it was stated that council passed an ordinace laying off the three new streets, viz.: Macon, Charlton and Jones, and two new squares, viz.: Pulaski and Madison.

I have felt it due to say this much, as it has been asserted and believed by many that said street was so named in honor of Hon. Noble Wymberley Jones.

4. General Daniel Stewart, the son of John and Susannah Stewart, was born December 20, 1761, in Liberty county, entered the Revolutionary army when only fifteen years of age, was frequently in battle under Sumter and Marion, ta-

94. HISTORY OF MIDWAY CHURCH. ken a prisoner at Pocataligo and put on board a prison ship at Charleston, from which he made his escape with eight others, ona stormy night,! especially distinguished himself in the Indian wars after the revolution, at which time he was made a Brigadier General, and served in the legislature for quite a number of years. He was one of the committee appointed by the church and society to write a letter to President Washington on his visit to Savannah in 1791, joined Midway church Nov. 23, 1822, died May 17, 1829, in the sixty-ninth year of his age, and was buriedin Midway cemetery, where his tomb may be seen. Among other descendants he has a grandson, Judge Henry J. Stewart, residing in Jasper, Florida.

5. General Charles Claudius Witton The grandson of Josiah Wilson, who was clerk of Midway church for three years, from 1821 to 1824, and great grandson of Gen. Daniel Stewart, a lawyer and distinguished general during the late war, was born October 1, 1831, in Effingham county, to which his father removed. After three years' service in the war he died at Ringgold, Ga., November 25, 1863. His remains were removed and deposited at Savannah, December 1st of the same year.

6. Adjutant General John Kell. Grandson of John Kell, - a citizen of St. John's parish, and one of the signers of the articles of incorporation of the church and society. His great grandfather was Col. William: McIntosh, the son of - John McIntosh, Mohr, his grandmother, was Margery, the daughter of Col. William McIntosh and Mary Mackey, and was baptized by Rev. John Osgood, pastor of Midway church, at Sapelo September 14, 1754. Captain Kell was born January 26, 1823, entered naval service October 23, 1846, on board ship Falmouth, commanded by Captain, afterwards Commodore, McIntosh. During the late war, was first on the Savannah, guarding the coast, then on the © Sumter, under Captain Semmes, afterwards on the Alabama first as First Lieutenant, afterwards as Captain, on account of services off Cape Hatteras, and at present Adjutant General of the state of Georgia.

The Mcintosh Family

Among the military men of the county we might also mention the name of several of the McIntosh's. Although thee were all the descendants of Col. John McIntosh, Mohr, tke made the Altamaha district, now McIntosh county, named after them, their headquarters, they were nevertheless more or less associated with the Midway people, whose pastor, Rev. John Osgood, occasionally visited and preached

James S. McIntosh was born there. Col. John McIntosh, a nephew of General Lachlan McIntosh, was in command of the fort at Sunbury November 25, 1778, when he sent that laconic answer to Col. Fuser, the British officer, who had demanded its surrender, ''Come and take it.'"' It was doubt-

_ John McIntosh, and father of Commodore James M. MclIntosh, lived for awhile at Sunbury. Here his daughter, Miss Maria McIntosh, the authoress, was born in 1803, and if his son, Commodore James M. McIntosh, was not born there, he was so much identified with the people that when the Georgia state legislature in 1860 requested the governor to have his remains removed from the navy yard at Pensacola, Florida, where they had been deposited, they were carried and laid beside relatives and kindred in the Midway grave yard, where they now repose. Is it saying too much, therefore, that Liberty county has an interest in, and may justly lay claim to, a part at least of the fame and valorous deeds of this remarkable family ?

Baker and Captains Winn and Way and Maxwell and the notorious Bob Sallett, who seemed to have been a kind of independent sharpshooter, and who was especially a terror to the marauding bands of Tories and British. When a boy I heard the statement made that he had lost an only brother

Hon. Benjamin Andrew

I first mention Hon. Benjamin Andrew, one of the original colony from Carolina, president of the first Executive Council, convened upon the election of John Adam Treutlin governor of Georgia in 1777, and three years afterwards elected a member of the Continental Congress, of whose home Bartram, in his travels, speaks of as ''the seat of virtue, where hospitality, piety, and philosophy formed the happy family, where the weary traveler and stranger found a hearty welcome, and from whence, it must be his own fault, if he departed without being greatly benefited.' Te

He was a man of wealth and influence, having two homes, a summer and a winter, one on the Riceboro road, which he afterwards sold to John Lambert, and one on Colonel's Island. He was associate justice with George Walton for a number of years, also a member of the legislature. In later years he removed to Richmond county and made Augusta his home, and where he died. Mrs. Elizabeth Andrew Hill, of Griffin, Ga., and one of the vice-presidents of the "'Daughters of the Revolution,'' is a great granddaughter of his.

Hon. John Elliott, U. S. Senator

The son of Col. John Elliott and grandson of John Elliott, one of the original settlers, was born in St. John's parish October 24, 1773, baptized December 8, 1773, and six years - in the United States Senate from 1819 to 1825, married

Senator John Elliott

Esther, daughter of Dr. James Dunwoody, October 1, 1795. The daughter, Esther Amarantha, born unto them married James Stephen Bullock, grandson of Archibald Bullock, president of the Provincial Congress that met in Savannah July 4, 1775, and first republican governor of Georgia.

Hon. John A. Cuthbert

Born in Savannah June 3, 1788, received into Midway church January 1,1815. His father a colonel in the Revolutionary war, graduated at Princeton 1805, law student im New York in 1809. In 1810 elected to the state legislature from Liberty county, which county he continued to represent for years, during the war of 1812 commanded a volunteer company to protect the coast, in 1818 elected representative in congress on one general ticket, in 1831 became editor and subsequently proprietor of ''The Federal Union," a paper published at Milledgeville, in 1837 removed to Mobile, Alabama, to practice law, in 1840 elected judge of the county court of Mobile, and in 1852 appointed judge of the circuit court, and died near Mobile Sept. 22, 1861.1

Hon. Alfred Iverson, U. S. Senator

Born in Liberty county December 3, 1798.2 His father, Robert Iverson, and mother, Rebecca Jones, were both mem- _ bers of Midway church, his father being received July 2, 1790, and also one of the subscribers to the articles of incorporation of the church. His son, Alfred, was graduated at Princeton in 1820, studied law and practiced at Columbus, Georgia, three times member of the legislature in the house, and once in the upper house, for seven years judge of superior court for Columbus circuit, presidential elector in 1844, in 1846 chosen to congress, afterwards elected to United States Senate December 3, 1852, for a long time chairman of committee on Claims, withdrew on passage of Secession, = The Ee ecesédins say Burke county, but his brother, the late B. V. Iverson, of Macon, told me that Liberty was the place of his birth, where his father lived before going to Burke. So his daughter, Mrs. Branham, of Kirkwood, and his son, Judge Iver.

entered the service as colonel of a regiment in Confederate. army, in November, 1862, became Brigadier General, and died in Macon March 4, 1873.

Hon. Augustus Octavius Bacon, U. S. Senator

Son of Rev. Augustus O. Bacon and regular descendant of the early settlers. His father was a Baptist minister, reared in the bosom of the Midway church and society, spending one year at the Presbyterian Seminary at Columbia, S. C. His mother was Louisa Jones, daughter of Samuel Jones, and a member of Midway church. His parents both lie sleeping side by side in the old church yard at Midway. He himself was born in the adjoining county of Bryan October 20, 1839, where his father was minister at the time, received his school education in Liberty county, graduated at the

1860, adjutant of Ninth Georgia Regiment C.S. A. 1861-2, subsequently captain in the provisional army on staff duty, practiced law in Macon 1866, president of the state demo- - cratic convention in 1880, delegate from state at large in convention at Chicago in 1884, presidential elector on democratic ticket in 1868, in 1871 elected to the Georgia House of Representatives, being a member for fourteen years, and for eight years Speaker of the House, candidate for governor of Georgia in 1883 and came within one vote of nomination, and at present United States Senator, to which he was elected November, 1894.

Hon. William B. Fleming

Son of Wiliam and Catharine Fleming, born in Liberty county October 29, 1803, baptized*the December following, received into Midway church May 26, 1821, graduated at Yale College in 1824 or '25, entered upon the practice of law in 1835 or '36, removed to Savannah in the fall of 1837. Af-

_ter service in the legislature, thrice judge of the Eastern circuit, first from Nov. 11, 1845, to 1849, and second from Nov. 7, 1853, to 1868, and third from 1879 to 1881, one of the signers of the articles of Secession, though in favor of the meet on Sunday to wind up the business previous to adjournment, feeling that such a meeting was a profanation of the Lord's day. For this simple act, if no more, let his name be handed down to the latest generation as a worthy

Hon. William E. Law

Celebrated jurist and advocate at the bar, son of Benjamin and Mary Law, members of the Midway congregation, born at Sunbury March 27, 1793, educated at Sunbury by Dr. MeWhir, removed to Savannah at nineteen years of age, taught schoolin Chatham academy and studied law at night; appointed judge of the Eastern Circuit by Governor John Forsyth May 12, 1829, retired from the bench June17, 1834, joined Independent church at Savannah under the pastorate of Dr. Daniel Baker, soon after elected elder in was an eloquent ard forcible speaker, delivered the oration at the Centennial Celebration at Midway in 1852. The writer was present and heard it and well remembers the impression made

Hon. John E. Ward

Jurist, advocate and diplomatist, the son of William and Annie Ward. His mother was the daughther of Maj. Lachlan McIntosh and sister of Commodore J. M. McIntosh. He was born in Sunbury October 2, 1814, received into Midway church August, 1831. Ina letter to me he speaks of the ''dear old church.'' He entered upon the practice of law and removed to Savannah, Ga., in 1835, was solicitor of the Eastern Circuit in 1836, appointed U. S. District Attorney and nominated James Buchanan president, in 1857 entered the State Senate and was chosen president and acting Lieutenant Governor, resigning in 1858 on being appointed U. S. - minister to China, departed to his post in January, 1859, the first American or English minister, or of any other nation to visit Peking and hold a counsel with the officials of that great empire; Cushing and others who preceded him, being merely commissioners, he minister plenipotentiary. At the recent dinner given to Li Chung Hang, the illustrious ex-prime minister of China, at Waldorf's, in New York, Aug. 29, 1896, the honor was put upon Mr. Ward to preside, lead the distinguished guest to the seat of honor, and read the toasts. Upon the secession of Georgia, Mr. Ward resigned his position as minister to China, though strongly opposed to the measure. In January, 1866, he removed from Savannah to New York, where he has since, and is still engaged in the practice of law. $ name of Dr. Abiel Holmes, for six years pastor of the Midway church. His ''Annals,'" two volumes, are to this day esteemed by scholars as a work of great merit. What influence the church might exert over the son through the father can never be known. It is also worthy of note that Oliver tocrat of the Breakfast Table,' and by his other numerous writings, was a son of Dr. Holmes, and was born in Cambridge, Mass., Aug. 29, 1809, after the removal of his father from Midway, and died in Boston October 7, 1894.

_ It might not be amiss just here likewise simply to call at- ___ tention to the fact that Dr. Jedidiah Morse, so well known 3 __ by his "American Gazetteer'' and '"'Elements of Geography,"' ___ and which books had such an extensive circulation as to give to him the title of 'Father of American Geography,"' __was for awhile in early life minister of Midway church.

a Among the native writers we mention the name of Rev. F. R. Goulding, the author of '' Young Marooners,''a book that not only bids fair to be, but actually has become, the rival of Robinson Crusoe in its claims upon the young.

Historian, biographer, and archaeologist, son of Rey. C. C. Jones, D. D., a native of Liberty county, was born in Savannah, Ga., October 28, 1831, while his father was minister there, returning with his parents the next year to Liberty county, where he was reared and trained, graduated at . Princeton in June, 1852, received diploma from law school ; in Cambridge, Mass., in 1855, became junior partner of the : firm of Ward, Owens and Jones, alderman of Savannah in ____ 1859, and mayor in 1860, a position seldom attained by one so young, entered the Confederate service as First Lieuten- : ant of the Chatham artillery, chief of artillery in the siege of _, Savannah in December, 1864, afterwards upon staff of Gen. _ Hardee. But chiefly has he excelled as a writer. His contributions in the direction of State Biography, History and _ Archaeology, especially the antiquities of the Southern In- ___ dians, are numerous and valuable. To no manis the state of Georgia more indebted for contributions to her historical record, and for original researches, both in this country and Europe. His Miscellanies, Historical and Biographical sketches, Reminiscences, Memorials and Addresses on various occasions, too numerous to mention, are exceedingly of Georgia, of which Bancroft the historian, said, "It was the finest state history he had ever read, and that its - high qualities fairly entitled its author to be called the Macaulay of the South."" Weare also largely indebted for the transcription and publication, for which he was employed - by the state, of the old Colonial acts from 1735 to 1774, and also the transaction of the Trustees of the Colony, by - Hon. John Percival, earl of Egmont. He died at his home on the Sandhills near Augusta, July 19, 1893, leaving a son, Charles Edgeworth Jones, walking in the steps of his father, and who is fast acquiring a reputation as a writer of learning and ability. .

In the list of lady authors we mention the name of Miss Maria McIntosh, the daughter of Major Lachlan McIntosh, and half sister of Commodore James M. McIntosh and of the mother of Hon. John E. Ward, the writer of so many volumes, born in Sunbury in 1803, and died in Morristown, N.J., February 25, 1878.

Medicine

In the department of medicine might be mentioned the names of Drs. Dunwoody and Axson, army surgeons, and later that of Dr. J. M. B. Harden, born in Bryan county January 19, 1810, and died at Tallahassee, Fla., February 16, 1848, who was particularly skilled in the sciences allied to his profession, as chemistry and botany, and had made great progress in astronomy, geology, conchology, zoology. Dr. Harden married Miss Jane LeConte, the sister of the celebrated professors, and has left a son, Judge John L. Harden, who is the secretary of the Midway Society and Monumental Association.

Civil Engineering Prof. Joseph Jones, M. D., Ll. D.

Brother of Charles C. Jones, jr., and son of Rev. C. C. Jones, D. D., was born in Liberty county September 6, 1833, graduated in medicine in University of Pennsylvania 1855, elected the same year to the chair of professor of chemistry in Savannah Medical College, in 1858 elected to chair of

Georgia, in 1859 elected to the chair of chemistry in Medical College in Augusta, for six months in Confederate cavalry service during the war, for the rest of the time full surgeon in the army, to whom important places and duties were assigned ; and he improved the splendid opportunities affordea by army life for the study of fevers and various other diseases which were duly published in the various medical journals. His contributions to medical science were frequent and valuable, his great work being ''Medical and Surgical Memories,'"' upon which he was engaged during the later years of his life. In 1867 he was elected to a professorship in the Medical College of Nashville, Tennessee, in 1868 elected to the chair of chemistry and chemical medicine in Tulane University in New Orleans, elected and ordained a Ruling Elder in the First Presbyterian church of Augusta, Ga., was an Elder in the Napolean Avenue church, New Orleans, at the time of his death February 17, 1896.

father was a member of Midway church, received December 14, 1833, when only fifteen years old. The subject of this notice remained in Liberty county until 1860. In 1861 enlisted as private in the Troup county artillery, after service in various departments in the war, entered the civil engineering service of the government in 1867. In 1868 went into business for himself, making the construction of bridges his specialty, and in his line is regarded as one of the leading

104 HISTORY OF MIDWAY CHURCH. _ Le architects in the country. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Cotton States and International Exposition, and as chief of construction, drew all the plans for

Professors And Teachers

Among the professors and teachers might be mentioned the namesof Rey. Drs. Thomas Goulding and C. C. Jones, professors at Columbia Theological Seminary. Rev. Dr. William MecWhir, who, though not a native, claimed Liberty county as his adopted home, and who for many years maintained one of the most celebrated and extensively patronized schools in the state. Rev. P. H. Mell, D. D., professor at Mercer College,afterwards professor and then chancellor of the State University, at Athens, Ga., who also has a son, P. A. Mell, jr., professor at the State Military School at Auburn, Alabama, and the Rev. Messrs. J. W. Baker and Donald Fraser, D. D., professors at Oglethorpe University.

Profs. John And Joseph Leconte

These two celebrated brothers of world-wide reputation as scientists, were born in Liberty county. Their father, Dr. Louis LeConte, a signer of the articles of incorporation, their mother, Miss Ann Quarterman, a devoted member of the Midway church; the former son born December 4, 1818, the latter, September 26, 1823; the former baptized February, 1819, the latter in November, 1823. Both for awhile taught by A. H. Stephens. Both graduated with distinc tion at Athens. Both studied medicine. After the practice of medicine for two years in Savannah, John accepted the chair of chemistry and physics at Athens. Joseph also practiced a short while in Macon, Ga., then took a course under Agassiz, after which he was elected to the chair of natural history in the old Oglethorpe College, where, after a short time he went to the University of South Carolina at Columbia, where his brother had already been located a year. He and which books had such an extensive circulation as to give to him the title of "Father of American Geography," was for awhile in early life minister of Midway church.

Rey. F. R. Goulding

Among the native writers we mention the name of Rev. F. R. Goulding, the author of '' Young Marooners,''a book that not only bids fair to be, but actually has become, the rival cf Robinson Crusoe in its claims upon the young.

Col. Charles C. Jones, Jr., Ll. D.

Historian, biographer, and archaeologist, son of Rev. C. C. Jones, D. D., a native of Liberty county, was born in Savannah, Ga., October 28, 1831, while his father was minister there, returning with his parents the next year to Liberty county, where he was reared and trained, graduated at Princeton in June, 1852, received diploma from law school in Cambridge, Mass., in 1855, became junior partner of the firm of Ward, Owens and Jones, alderman of Savannah in 1859, and mayor in 1860, a position seldom attained by one so young, entered the Confederate service as First Lieutenant of the Chatham artillery, chief of artillery in the siege of Savannah in December, 1864, afterwards upon staff of Gen. Hardee. But chiefly has he excelled as a writer. His contributions in the direction of State Biography, History and Archaeology, especially the antiquities of the Southern Indians, are numerous and valuable. Tono manis the state of Georgia more indebted for contributions to her historical record, and for original researches, both in this country and Europe. His Miscellanies, Historical and Biographical sketches, Reminiscences, Memorials and Addresses on vari- Ous occasions, too numerous to mention, are exceedingly

In the department of medicine might be mentioned the names of Drs. Dunwoody and Axson, army surgeons, and later that of Dr. J. M. B. Harden, born in Bryan county January 19, 1810, and died at Tallahassee, Fla., February 16, 1848, who was particularly skilled in the sciences allied to his profession, as chemistry and botany, and had made great progress in astronomy, geology, conchology, zoology. Dr. Harden married Miss Jane LeConte, the sister of the celebrated professors, and has left a son, Judge John L. Harden, who is the secretary of the Midway Society and Monumental Association.

Prof. Joseph Jones, M. D., Ll. Dp

Brother of Charles C. Jones, jr.. and son of Rev. C. C. Jones, D. D., was born in Liberty county September 6, 1833, graduated in medicine in University of Pennsylvania 1855, elected the same year to the chair of professor of chemistry in Savannah Medical College, in 1858 elected to chair of natural philosophy and natural theology in University of Georgia, in 1859 elected to the chair of chemistry in Medical College in Augusta, for six months in Confederate cavalry service during the war, for the rest of the time full surgeon in the army, to whom important places and duties were assigned ; and he improved the splendid opportunities afforded by army life for the study of fevers and various other diseases which were duly published in the various medical journals. His contributions to medical science were' frequent and valuable, his great work being '(Medical and Surgical Memories,'' upon which he was engaged during the later years of his life. In 1867 he was elected to a professorship in the Medical College of Nashville, Tennessee, in 1868 elected to the chair of chemistry and chemical medicine in Tulane University in New Orleans, elected and ordained a Ruling Elder in the First Presbyterian church of Augusta, Ga., was an Elder in the Napolean Avenue church, New Orleans, at the time of his death February 17, 1896.

In the department of Civil Engineering I mention the name of Grant Wilkins, son of Joseph C. and Mary E. Grant Wilkins, born in Liberty county February 20, 1843. His father was a member of Midway church, received December 14, 1833, when only fifteen years old. The subject of this notice remained in Liberty county until 1860. In 1861 enlisted as private in the Troup county artillery, after service in various departments in the war, entered the civil engineering service of the government in 1867. In 1868 wentinto business for himself, making the construction of bridges his specialty, and in his line is regarded as one of the leading of Directors of the Cotton States and International Exposition, and as chief of construction, drew all the plans for the laying off the grounds. He was the engineer of the Atlanta Forsyth Street Bridge, which structure will everstand as a monument of his engineering skill and ability.

Among the professors and teachers might be mentioned the namesof Rey. Drs. Thomas Goulding and C. C. Jones, professors at Columbia Theological Seminary. Rev. Dr. William MeWhir, who, though not a native, claimed Liberty county as his adopted home, and who for many years maintained schools in the state. Rev. P. H. Mell, D. D., professor at Mercer College, afterwards professor and then chancellor of the State University, at Athens, Ga., who also has a son, P. A. Mell, jr., professor at the State Military School at Auburn, Alabama, and the Rev. Messrs. J. W. Baker and Donald Fraser, D. D., professors at Oglethorpe University.

These two celebrated brothers of world-wide reputation as scientists, were born in Liberty county. Their father, Dr. Louis LeConte, a signer of the articles of incorporation, their mother, Miss Ann Quarterman, a devoted member of the Midway church; the former son born December 4, 1818, the latter, September 26, 1823; the former baptized February, 1819, the latter in November, 1823. Both for awhile taught by A. H. Stephens. Both graduated with distinetion at Athens. Both studied medicine. After the practice of medicine for two years in Savannah, John accepted the chair of chemistry and physics at Athens. Joseph also practiced a short while in Macon, Ga., then took a course under Agassiz, after which he was elected to the chair of natural history in the old Oglethorpe College, where, after a short time he went to the University of South Carolina at Columbia, where his brother had already been located a year. He remained in Columbia fourteen years, leaving with his brother to accept positions in the University of California at Berkeley in 1869. Prof. John LeConte is known as the father of the University of California. Under the care and guidance of himself and brother from an institution of thirtyeight pupils and no income, it became a school with 1200 pupils and an income of over $350,000. These brothers were never separated from the time Joseph left Oglethorpe for Athens, with the exception of the one year in which John preceded him to Columbia, until his death which occurred 'April, 1891. The works of these two brothers are known in all scientific circles of the world. The work of Prof. Joseph LeConte on Geology is used as a text book in nearly all of the colleges of the country. He still lives at the University of California. Mrs. Emma LeConte Furman, his daughter, and wife of the late Farish C. Furman, author of the celebrated Furman Compost, still lives and conducts the farm successfully on a scientiac basis.

Dr. William Louis Jones

Son of William and Mary (Roberts) Jones, members of Midway church, born in Liberty county March 27, 1827, graduated at University of Georgia in 1845, took degree of M. D. in college of Surgeons and Physicians, in New York, in 184.5, and degree of Bachelor of Science in Lawrence Scientific School at Harvard in 1851, elected professor of Natural History in University of Georgia in 1851 and resigned in 1852, re-elected in 1861 and resigned in 1872. In 1886 elected professor of Agriculture in University of Georgia, and in 1889 Director of Georgia Experimental Station until removed to Griffin in 1890. In 1891 resigned his professorship in the University, and in the autumn of 1867 his father purchased the ''Southern Cultivator" and ran it jointly till 1872, when he became sole proprietor and editor, and so continued till 1887 (twenty years). He is still living in Atlanta and a regular contributor to the same.

Milton E. Bacon

Among other teachers, I mention the name of Milton EH. Bacon, founder of one of the celebrated Female Colleges in LaGrange, Ga, He was the fourth son of Thomas and - the church record giving an account of the marriage of his® parents and grandparents, and also of some of the children. He was born in Liberty county July 22, 1818, graduated at the State University in 1836, and married Mary 'Lu. cilla Wilson, daughter of Major Josiah Wilson, and granddaughter of General Daniel Stewart, December 10, 1841. In - 1843 he took charge of the Female College established in LaGrange, Ga., by Rev. John E. Dawson, Baptist minister, and had it chartered as a Female Seminary in 1845, over which he continued to preside with marked success till 1855, when he removed to Aberdeen, Mississippi, to take charge of the Female College in that place, where he remained till 1861, when he became professor in the Judson Female College, Alabama, returning to Aberdeen in 1872, being made President of the Female College at Winona, Mississippi, in 1879, which position he filled till his death May 10, 1886. After his removal from LaGrange, Mr. C. C. Cox, who married his youngest daughter, Mary, in 1851 as sumed the presidency. Though the original building was burned in 1864, when used as a hospital, the school still © continues and flourishes, together with its twin sister gone out from it, known as the '"'Southern Female College," recently established at College Park, near Atlanta, in (1895, ; a deacon in the church, was born in Liberty county August 3, 1816, received into Midway church February 25, 1832, Hon. A. H. Stephens, one of his teachers, graduatedat Franklin College in 1836, represented the county twice in the leg- | first captain of the Valdosta Videttes, and now the popular - and accomplished colonel of the Fourth Georgia Regiment, i of which it is a part. ' ee =< of John and Lydia Mallard, born September 18, 1808, aptized October 16, 1308, speat one year at the Theologway harks 11a 118 38 said died at Walthonre ille Fad bio 1877.

"Among the teachers now living, I mention Prof. John E. oe son of W. Q. Baker,-born ia Liberty county March 22, 1833, graduated at Oglethorpe College in 1859, received - into Midway church May 15, 1862, first a teacher at Fletcher Institute at Thomasville, Gai in 1866, and after. 'wards president of "Young Female College," in the same _- place in 1869, which place he still holds.

Col. Samuel B. Spencer

Son of William and Sarah Spencer, born in Liberty county - December 27, 1827, received into Midway church February 19, 1842, graduated at Oglethorpe College in 1848, taught school for several years in Lumpkin, Ga., entered upon the practice of law in 1853, was mayor of the city of Atlanta in 1874, and for a number of years and still is a teacher in the Public Schools in Savannah, Georgia.

Prof. Edgar T. Way

received into Midway church November 19, 1853, graduated at South Carolina College in December, 1856, Principal of the Massey Public School in Savannah since 1868, elected cock and English ticket, unsuccessful candidate for congress in 1886, State Senator in 1888-9, at which time chairman of the committee on Public Schools, appointed by Governor Northen State Commissioner for four year, 1891-95, elected President of State Normal School at Athens in 1895, which position he still fills. As evidence of his popula thirtytwo children have been named after him.

Presbyterian Ministers

_ Were it necessary I could give quite a number of other teachers, as the Dunhams, the Stevens, the Bakers, the Cassels, the Ways, the Quartermans, as well as lawyers, doctors and other professionals, to say nothing of leading business men, who have goneout byscores, and making their impress felt upon every part of the country. We find them everywhere scattered over the whole land, and when found usually in the front. When Cyneas, the ambassador of Pyrrhus, after his return from Rome, was asked by his master what he thought of the city and state, he answered, 'that it seemed to him to be a state ofnone but great statesmen and a commonwealth of kings.'' No onecan look over the foregoing list without being deeply impressed with the great honor put upon that little church and community. :