Macon, Georgia - Historical Record of Macon and Central Georgia : Containing Many Inter (part 7 of 8)

The situation of Macon upon both banks of the Ocmulgee river, near the centre of the county of Bibb, which is the central county of the State, has always made the city known as the Central City of Georgia. There are but few cities in the Union where more of its enterprises and property are owned by its own citizens. The population, according to the last official census, within the corporate limits, was thirteen thousand five hundred. It is a difficult matter to determine, by its appearance, the city from its environs, as an invisible boundary line between certain marks is all that separates them. So intimately are their various associations, commercial and otherwise, that the suburbans are de facto citizens of the city, enjoying all of its social and mercantile advantages, whilst they are relieved from a citizen's tax. If this class were incorporated into the city, its population would be fully twenty thousand souls. The business portion of the city occupies a plane a mile in length and near a half mile in width, surrounding which rises those eminences with their costly mansions and luxuriant flower gardens that delight the eyes of all visitors, and which has lead them to call Macon the ''Seven Hilled City." The altitude of the plane is three hundred and fifty feet above the level of the sea, and that of the eminences from five to five hundred and fifty feet.

The climate is not surpassed in the country. The mortuary statistics for fifty years will compare favorably with the healthiest city in the Union, arid show that there is but one death to seventy-six inhabitants, which is about one and one-third per cent, of the entire population. The number of interments for the year 1878 was, white adults, fifty-three, children, thirty-five; colored adults, sixty-five, children, sixty-two; still-born, twelve; non-residents, twenty-one. Total, two hundred and forty-eight, which includes those who died by violence.

Being situated equi-distant from the mountains and the sea, the temperature is neither excessively warm in the summer nor disagreeably cold in the winter. The atmosphere is dry, invigorating and peculiarly adapted to consumptives and those otherwise afflicted by the rigorous colds of Northern climates.

During the destructive epidemics from yellow fever along the coast, Macon has been a place of refuge to the fugitives from that scourge. While the citizens have received them with every hospitality, there has never been a case of yellow fever emanating in the city from local causes. There has never been a case of cholera -in the city.

Macon The Railroad Center

By reference to the chronicle of events in this book, in 1836, it will be observed that the most important railroad meeting ever held in the State convened in Macon that year. It was then that the system of the three great lines of railroad was established to connect Savannah with Columbus via Macon, and with a point connecting northward with the Western and Atlantic Road and with the Augusta Road. At that point the present city of Atlanta was built upon. Macon became the center of that system.

To the building of the Central Railroad to Savannah the City Council of Macon subscribed ^250,000.00 and the citizens ^230,000.00. To the Monroe Railroad (afterwards the Macon and Western) the city subscribed ^50,000.00 and the citizens $225,000.00. The Southwestern Road was commenced when the city was loaded with a heavy debt, and could not subscribe ; but the planters along the route made liberal subscriptions, and so did many of the citizens of Macon. 'The city has since subscribed ;^2oo, 000.00 to the building of the Macon and Brunswick Railroad, and the citizens as much more. The city subscribed ^100,000.00 to the Macon and Augusta Road, and the citizens ;^5o,ooo.oo. The number of main lines of railroads, with their branches, centering at Macon is sixteen, and according to the railroad statistics of Georgia in 1877, there were 2,210^ miles of railroad in the State, of which 1,614)^ miles center at Macon.

Central In Population

Macon is also the center of a large majority 'of the populous counties in the State, which contain one hundred and thirtyseven counties. Of these counties and parts of counties nearest Macon there are eighty, with 122,584 polls, and a population of 706,994, with a value of property amounting to ^137,635,336. The total number of polls in the State in 1870 was 208,929 ; the population was 1,195,338, and property, ^167,952,258.00.

Commercial

As a cotton market, Macon, since its first existence, has been one of the largest interior cotton markets in the South, and the manner in v/hich the cotton is sold will compare favorably with that of any other cotton market in the country. There is no cotton bought or sold on the streets, as in other markets, but it is first warehoused and then sampled and sold by the factor or commission merchant. As soon as sales are made an account of sales is made out, and the planter is immediately paid by the factor for his cotton, without having the delay and inconvenience of waiting until it is paid for by the buyer, which is the case with the most of other markets ; it is also much better for the buyer, as it enables him to fill his orders with much more dispatch. The factor's charges for his services are very small, and is an inconsiderable item when compared with the charges for similar services in other markets. The receipts for the year ending September ist, 1878, were 60,000 bales, the smallest received for many years, which has been attributed to railroad freight discriminations, favoring through freights, to the disadvantage of the local trade of intermediate cities. The action of the last Legislature upon this matter it is thought will restore the former usual heavy receipts.

Macon As A Dry Goods Market

Has seldom been surpassed in the State. Notwithstanding the past year has been a very unfavorable one to trade of every description, and prices were greatly reduced on nearly every article, the increased receipts of goods were near equal to former sales. The dry goods business amounted to ^3,000,000.00.

Produce And Provisions

To obtain the exact amount of leading articles in this line received by railroads and consigned to Macon only, for the year, the books of the various railroads were examined, which, added to the small supply received from other sources, show, in bacon, 14,729,860 pounds j corn, 10,250,971 pounds; flour, 9,140,256 pounds; whisky, brandy, high wines and other liquors, 2,850,- 000 pounds, including that which was rectified ; lager beer, 14,- 500,000 pounds; tobacco and cigars, 700,000 pounds.

Hardware and agricultural implements are so closely connected in some of the stores that it is difficult to separate them. The trade will reach ^800,000.

There are three large iron and one brass foundry, all of which are doing a prosperous business, which is an evidence that the people are learning to appreciate the value of their home industries. Every character of serviceable steam engines, cotton presses, horse-powers, water or steam powers, wrought iron cot- ton presses, corn and wheat mills, syrup kettles and cane mills, pumps, water wheels, cotton gins, fence railings, seats and other castings are made as substantial and at as low rates as can be obtained elsewhere.

The Bibb Manufacturing Company

THE BIBB MANUFACTURING COMPANY Now includes two establishments, the company having purchased the Macon Cotton Factory. One of the factories is confined exclusively to yarns ; the other manufactures both yarns and cloth. The total number of pounds of yarns by both per day is 7,500 j the amount of cloth made per day is 4,500 to 5,000 yards.

Other manufactories, such as leather and harness, cotton gins, gas, saw mills, flour mills, brick, marble, candy, cigars, boot shoe, photographs, etc., etc., are all doing a successful business.

A large amount of building has taken place during the last year, and when all of the foregoing is added to the printing, coal, sewing machines, fish and oysters, confectionery, crockery and glassware, jewelry, clothing, hats and caps, etc., etc., the trade for the year ending September ist, 1879, will be fully ^20,- 000,000.

Water Power And Timbers

Recent surveys of the Ocmulgee river by several different corps of engineers establish the fact that nine miles of canal, taking the water from the river at the place of Captain R. E. Park, will furnish a fall of forty-two feet, and a force of 8,500 horse-power for factory purposes. The profiles show that the canal can be built for less than ^250,000 ; that the route will cross but one small branch, and that there are no visible rocks to be blasted. Along its course is an abundance of good clay adapted to the manufacture of bricks, jug and porcelain ware ; and at its head is a vast quantity of granite for building purposes. The river is navigable from Macon to the sea.

The character and supply of timber along its course is incalculable. The timber is of every size, consisting of a variety of hard woods for manufacturing purposes, such as white oak, cy- press, hickory, poplar, red and white bay, elms and the long leaf pine, chestnut, ash and other serviceable woods for furniture, carriages and wagons, and agricultural implements.

The First National Bank of Macon was organized in 1865, under the United States National Bank Act of 1863; Mr. I. C. Plant, President, and W. W. Wrigley, Cashier. Capital, ?ioo,ooo.oo.

The Central Bank of Georgia organized and'commenced operations in December, 1869; John E. Jones, President, and T.' W. Mangham, Cashier. Capital, ^130,000.00. The present officers are John E. Jones, President, and T. O. Chestney, Cashier.

The Exchange Bank of Macon. In April, 1871, a charter was granted under the name and style of the Central City Purchase and Loan Association with Banking Privileges, S. G. Bonn, President. Each stockholder was to pay ^i.oo each week on each share until the amount reached ^100,000.00. The amount thus raised reached ^200,000.00, when early in 1872 the institution was changed by a charter to the Exchange Bank of Macon, with S. G. Bonn, President, and R. F. Lawton, Cashier. The present officers are John C. Curd, President, and J. W. Cabaniss, Cashier. Capital, ^150,000.00.

The Capital Bank of Macon. In February, 1872, the Mutual Loan Association was organized under a charter, H. L. Jewett, President, George S. Obear, Vice President, and N. M. Hodgkins, Treasurer. Each subscriber was required to pay ^100 per week on each share of stock. In one hundred weeks ^200,000 00 were paid in, when a charter was obtained, increasing the stock to ^300,000 00, and changing the institution to the Capital Bank of Macon, Georgia; Henry L. Jewett, President, and Nathan M. Hodgkins, Cashier.* Subsequently ^100,000.00 of the stock was retired, leaving the capital stock ^200,000.00.

Macon Savings Bank was chartered March, 1875 i J- Roardman, President, H. T. Powell, Cashier. Subscribed capital, ^50,000.00. Capital paid in, ^25,000.00.

Building And Loan Associations

There have been five of these institutions since the late war ; one of which has regularly wound up, one is now winding up, and two have suspended. The Bibb Building and Loan Association continues. It is worked on a new serial plan whereby new stock is raised every year that makes a permanent institution. These Associations have been of great benefit to the industrial classes in enabling them to secure homes lor their families.

Insurance Companies

The Cotton States Life Insurance Company, organized in May, 1869, by a charter from the State. William B. Johnston. President, John W. Burke, Vice President, George S. Obear, Secretary. Capital and assets over ^600,000.00. The business extends through Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. It is a sound and conservative company, and has conducted its business to the satisfaction of its patrons.

Educational

The subject of education received the attention of the citizens of Macon during the first year of its existence, and Commissioners were appointed by an Act of the Legislature in 1823, over three academies. A school was established by them in 1824, and Oliver Danforth appointed Rector. From the journal now in the possession of Hon. John J. Gresham, who for many years was a Trustee, and Secretary and Treasurer of the Bibb County Academy, the following is extracted : "At the first meeting of the Trustees of the Academy, November 9th, 1825, present, Charles J. McDonald, James S. Frierson and Mathew Robinson, Oliver H. Prince, absent. Rice Durrett having given notice of his resignation, Christopher B. Strong was appointed to fill the vacancy. Arrangements were made for the building of an

Academy on the Academy Square, to be thirty-six feet long by twenty-four feet wide, and to contain one desk, four writing tables and nine benches."

It was ordered that the building be raised two feet higher and set on pillars made from the bricks forming the chimney ; and that window panes be placed in the house.

Mr. Hammond died in Macon, March 4th, 1829, and was buried in the old cemetery. A marble slab over his tomb contains an impressive epitaph to his memory.

The Academy was destroyed by fire in December 1829. In 1834 it was replaced by a handsome brick building ; length, thirty-four feet, breadth, thirty-six feet, two stories high, finished outside with a portico and Venetian blinds, inside hard plastered ; cost ^3,500.00. It was now determined by the trustees to have a female department in the Academy. Mr. John Darby, of the South Carolina Institute, was employed as Principal, to be assisted by his wife, who would preside over the female department. Mr. Darby introduced a chemical apparatus at a cost of ^200.00, and arranged the curriculum into four classes, with rates of tuition respectively at ^9.00, ^8.00, ^7.00, and ;^5.oo per quarter. Mr. Darby resigned the following year, and was succeeded by the Rev. John McIntyre, who taught for many years in Georgia. He was the friend and preceptor of the Rev. Dr. Thornwell, a distinguished minister of South Carolina. The journal of of the trustees contains a full history of Jhe Academy, with many interesting incidents. The following were the Trustees not already mentioned : Joseph Washburn, Isaac Harvey, W. P. Hunter, Robert Birdsong, Edward D. Tracy, Thomas W. Baxter, N. C. Monroe, Ambrose Baber, James Smith, W. B.

Among the names of the teachers of note in the Academy not already mentioned are Rev. John O'Keefe, J. S. Ingraham, Rev. Mr. Strobel, Rev. George Hancock, Rev. J. W. Miller, Frederick Bates and E. H. Link.

During the war the building and surrounding grounds were occupied as a Confederate hospital. In 1865 it was taken for a camp by a portion of General Wilson's army, and many of the beautiful oaks destroyed. In 1872 the school was discontinued and merged into the free school system. Besides the Academy, there were always a number of good private schools for both males and female.

Female College

By reference to the important events in 1835 and 1836, the origin of this College will be found. It was chartered by the Georgia Legislature in 1836, under the name of the Georgia Female College, to be located in Macon.

The buildings were completed early in January, 1839, at a cost of $85,000.00. The following description of this Mother of Female Colleges," the first instituted in the United States, or in the world, " to burst the shackles of ignorance and superstition which had bound woman for three thousand years, and kept her in the false position of a slave ; whereas, she, of right, and by the command of God, should be man's equal," was published at the time :

'' The College is located on a commanding eminence midway between the business portion of the city of Macon and the village of Vineville. Four acres are enclosed with a neat and handsome fence. The edifice is one hundred and sixty feet long by sixty wide, rising four stories high in the center, with wings three stories high ; the roof is flat and covered with tin, and surrounded by a parapet. The front view is relieved from the monotony of a plain surface of brick by a recess of several feet, over which the roof projects, supported by massive pillars. There are fifty rooms in the building, with a spacious dining room attached, library rooms, parlors, etc. The rooms used as sleeping rooms are usually eighteen feet square, with large windows, ceiling high pitch, so as to allow a full and healthful volume of air. The building can accommodate with comfort one hundred and twenty boarders. The view from the cupola is one of the most picturesque to be obtained from any public edifice in the State. The city of Macon is spread on the plain below, with its busy streets alive with the signs of bustling trade ; splendid mansions are set upon the surrounding hills, and Vineville is seen stretching its quiet length until the pines that border its more thickly settled portions hide from the gaze its more retired dwellings ; the mighty sweep of horizon, with its radius of many miles, round and round, without a break, until in the far distance the very heavens seemed to have leaned for rest upon the forest trees that tower up, young and old, in sturdy strength, as if glad to bear the honorable burden ; the Ocmulgee, winding its current along, hid in the overshadowing forest, and leaving the beholder to trace its route by the vigorous growth that shoots heavenward from its fertile banks. It is a scene of beauty and grandeur, of active life and of sober stillness ; Art amid her manufactures and her ornaments, and Nature in her simplicity and repose."

The College building, with all its various fixtures, cost originally ^85,000.00. It commenced operations in the midst of a terrible financial panic throughout the country, with a debt of ;^2o,ooo.oo.

The officers were : Rev. G. F. Pierce, President, and Professor of English Literature ; Rev. W. H. Ellison, Professor of Mathematics; Rev. T. B. Slade, Professor of Natural Science; Rev. S. Mattison, Principal of Preparatory Department ; B. B. Hopkins, Tutor; John Euhink, Professor of Music; Miss Lord, First Assistant in Music ; Miss Massey, Second Assistant in Music ; Mrs. Shelton, Matron ; Mrs. Kingman, Department of Domestic Economy; A. R. Freeman, Steward.

The College was opened on the 9th of January, 1839. After a solemn prayer, ninety young 'ladies came forward and registered their names as candidates for admission. It was an occasion of great interest and of deep and thrilling excitement. A large and respectable number of the citizens of Macon assembled in the College Chapel to witness the opening scene. The hopes and the fears of its friends, the predictions of its enemies, and the eager delight of the congregated pupils, all conspired to invest the service with an interest additional to its intrinsic importance. Before the termination of the first term the number of pupils increased to one hundred and sixty-eight.

In 1842 the College became embarrassed on account of its original debt, and the building was sold by the creditors, who had a mortgage upon it. At this time George W. Persons, William Bailey, John Rawls, James Dean, William H. Ellison and Ambrose Chapman took one share each at ^1,000.00 per share ; and James A. Everett and William Scott two shares each, making in all $10,000.00, and bought the claim and tendered it to the College for what it cost them. There were about $8,000.00 still due, which was advanced by James A. Everett, with the condition that the trustees would give him four perpetual scholarships in the Institution. In this manner the trustees obtained a legal title to the building. In December, 1842, a new charter was granted, and the name of the Institution changed to that of Wesleyan Female College.

Many improvements have been made upon the original building. The rooms are lighted with gas and heated with grates. Chapel and recitation rooms were erected in i860, at a cost of $20,000.00, and the enclosed grounds greatly improved. The number of graduates in the first degree in course is 771 ; honorary graduates, 24; graduates in music, 7. The largest number of undergraduates for any one year, 244, in 1863-' 64; the smallest was 104, in the years 1843-' 44.

One of the earliest laborers in behalf of the College, and who canvassed the State for two years in its interests in order to establish it, was the venerable Dr. Lovick Pierce, who still lives, at the advanced age of ninety-five years. He has attended every Commencement exercises of the College except one, (1879,) since its foundation.

[Just as this form was going to press we learned that the venerable Doctor breathed his last in Sparta, Georgia, at the residence of his son, the Bishop, on the 9th of November, 1879.]

The College has ever been under the control of the Georgia Methodist Episcopal Conference, receiving annually patronage from all denominations. Its past successful history is its highest recommendation for future patronage, and can proudly point to its graduates, and those who have been instructed within its halls, like the Roman mother to her children, and say, " These are my jewels. "

Mercer University

Under the auspices of the Georgia Baptist Convention, this flourishing and popular institution of learning was founded. At its Annual Session in the Spring of 1831, at Buckhead Church, Burke county, Georgia, the Rev. Adiel Sherwood presented a resolution, which was adopted, to establish a Classical and Theological School. The School was called " Mercer Institute," in honor of Rev. Jesse Mercer, a Baptist divine and philanthropist, well known throughout Georgia for his zeal, liberality and piety, and who was also one of the earliest advocates of a thorough educational system. The school was located at Penfield, a small village, named in honor of Mr. Josiah Penfield, a deacon in the Baptist Church at Savannah, who had bequeathed to the Convention ^2,500.00 for ministerial education, to be paid when an equal amount should be raised for the same purpose.

Mercer Institute was opened as a Manual Labor School the second Monday in January, 1833, with thirty-nine pupils, (seven of whom were theological students,) Rev. B. W. Sanders, Principal, with one assistant.

In, 1836, ^50,000.00 was subscribed for the establishment of a College at Washington, Georgia, which amount was increased to ^100,000.00 the following year. The great financial panic that overwhelmed the country in 1837, delayed the operations of some of the most solid institutions for several years. The establishment, therefore, of the Southern Baptist College, at Washington, was abandoned by its projectors, at a meeting of the Board in Athens in 1837, in consequence of the embarrassments of the times, the inadequacy of the means in hand, etc. It was then determined to connect a Collegiate Department with the Mercer Institute, continuing at the same time its Academic system. To this end, application was made to the Legislature, and a charter granted by that authority in December, 1837, with the usual privileges to Colleges. Under this charter, the Baptist Convention of the State of Georgia, at its session in 1838, elected the first Board of Trustees.

All of the funds of the University, its property and future management were placed under the control of this Board, and according to custom, a new Board is elected by the Convention at the termination of every three years.

The late Thomas Stocks, so long a prominent member in the Georgia Senate and House of Representatives, was the first President of the Board, and continued in that office until declining health, at a very remarkably advanced age, caused him to resign the position he had so creditably filled.

The Manual Labor System of the Institution was, after eleven years' experience, found to be inefficacious, and, by a resolution of the Board, was abandoned in December, 1844. The Institution was advancing in prosperity until the commencement of the late war. Several Colleges having suspended operations, the Trustees of Mercer met at Atlanta, and resolved not to suspend, but to continue the University for the benefit of all of those who might be able to prosecute their studies ; and, at a later period of the war, a resolution was adopted tendering tuition without charge to the disabled Confederate soldiers, many of whom gratefully availed themselves of the kind and patriotic offer.

After the close of the war, the educational localities were, in common with all other enterprises, greatly injured, and changes became necessary in order to meet the situation of the people.

The City Council of Macon offered 1^125,000.00 and nine acres of choice lots in a most desirable locality, to the University if it would remove to this place. The Faculty opened the Institution in Macon, temporarily, on their own responsibility, in 1870, and in 1871 the Trustees resolved to locate the University permanently at Macon, and to sustain a High School under their care, at Penheld, using the campus and such of the buildings as might be necessary.

The University now occupies a most delightful site upon a commanding eminence in a most healthy locality. The main building is one of the most elegant and well arranged in the whole country. The Street Railroad terminates immediately in front of it. The dormitory and refectory for the students is large, well ventilated and situated near the extensive campus, which is being adorned with handsome trees, walks, etc. Two other buildings of handsome architectural style will be erected. A Law School, with able instructors and practitioners, is connected with the Institution. The curriculum is not surpassed by any College in the country. Among the graduates of Mercer can be found men who have become distinguished in the various professions and employments, from Virginia to Texas.

The people of Bibb county feel a deep pride in the University, and particularly the citizens of Macon, who have a better opportunity of observing the morals and conduct of the students, which have ever been unexceptionable. As the tree is known by its fruit," the Faculty of Mercer can, with pride, point to the accomplishments of their pupils as the result of their discipline and instruction.

There are several coincidences connected with Mercer University and Macon. In December, 1822, when the Legislature determined to establish four new counties, the Senate adjourned into the House, and in naming the counties two names were proposed for one of them, Mercer, in honor of Rev. Jesse Mercer, and Bibb, in honor of Dr. Bibb. The latter received the majority of votes, hence the present name of the county.

he occasionally supplied the Baptist pulpit in Macon, in 1828, and 1829. In 1831, as stated, he offered the resolution to establish the School at Penfield, which became Mercer University. It appears very appropriate, from these historic associations, that the College should be located in Macon, and receive the support of its citizens.

Pio Nono College

This Institution was founded in May, 1874, by the Right Reverend William H. Gross, D. D., Bishop of Savannah, and was chartered to confer degrees on the 28th of February, 1876. The Corner Stone was laid on Sunday, May 5th, 1874. The first event of the day was the celebration of a Solemn Military High Mass, at which Bishop Gross assisted. The celebrant was Rev. L. Bazin, pastor of St. Joseph's Church. Military companies from Augusta and Macon were present. After the imposing exercises at the church, a procession was formed, consisting of societies from Macon, Savannah and Augusta, several military and fire companies, the Mayor and Aldermen of Macon, the clergy from Macon, Atlanta, Savannah and Dalton, and Key West, Florida, which proceeded to the site for the College, just two miles from the court-house, on the Vineville road, to lay the Corner Stone, in the presence of an immense crowd of strangers and citizens. A short address was made by the Bishop, thanking the vast crowd for the immense demonstration ; they had come from every section of the State to give their encouragement to his efforts to build up Georgia. He had i ntended to make an address, but Heaven had seen fit to shower its blessings in a more sensible form - (a shower of rain fell during the ceremonies.) After depositing the relics, the Bishop then, assisted by the clergy, proceeded to consecrate the Corner Stone, according to the form of the Catholic Church. A large number of valuable and interesting deposits were made, when the stone was blessed and laid. The College building is one hundred and seventy five feet in length, sixty-five in width, and is five stories high. Within five months it was completed, with the exception of the front of one wing, and opened for patronage. The ground of forty acres on which the College stands is the highest in the vicinity, being near six hundred feet above tide water. A beautiful natural grove surrounds the College, and a fine campus for the exercise of the pupils. No distinction is made in the reception of pupils on the ground of religious belief. A Library, Museum and Chemical Laboratory has been established in the College. Athletic exercises and amusements are attended to.

The students have formed a military organization, and have been furnished with Sprinfield rifles and accoutrements ; there are regular muster days, and the company is drilled by competent officers. Surveying, engineering and book-keeping are taught, and lectures delivered on commercial law, besides the usual curriculum in the Standard Colleges.

The Professor of Sciences has had in operation for two years a Meteorological Observatory in connection with the United States Signal Service, and at the end of every month there is published an accurate account of the climatology of the surrounding country. The Commencement exercises take place in June, and have been highly creditable to the young Institution. In September, 1877, the College was entirely re-organized, the Rt. Rev. Bishop himself assuming the Presidency.

The Orphans' Home of the South Georgia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, is an Institution under the patronage of that Conference, supported by the voluntary contributions of its members ; and at present under the immediate supervision of the Rev. L. B. Payne, of that Conference, a gentleman peculiarly fitted for the place. The Institution has provided homes for a large number of homeless children since its organization, and has at present quite a family of orphans under its charge, who are receiving such an education and training as will fit them to become not only self-sustaining hereafter, but to be come useful members of society.

The Alexander Free School was founded shortly atWr the war, and is supported by a bequest in the will of Elam Alexander. The school has no connection with the County Free School System. The school occupies the residence in which Mr. Alexander so long lived. The trustees are John J. Gresham, JohnW. Burke, Henry L. Jewett, George S. Obear and L. N. Whittle, Charles J. Harris and the Mayor of Macon, for the time being, ex-officio. Mr. Sylvanus Bates is the Principal, and Miss Flora Smith, Assistant Teacher. There are annually educated one hundred pupils in the Institution.

Mr. Alexander came to Macon in 1826, as a mechanic, and soon became a building contractor. He built many of the handsome edifices that adorn the city. His connection with many of the largest enterprises in the growth of the city, have been mentioned in their order. He was born in Mecklenburg county. North Carolina, and was a descendant of the two Alexanders that signed the famous Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. The last enterprise in which he was engaged was the Empire State Iron and Coal Company, located in Dade county, Georgia. He died in Macon, at an advanced age, in the Spring of 1863.

Mount de Sales Academy was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in August, 1876. The first Annual Exhibition took place at Ralston's Hall, in September, 1877. At present there are fiftyfive pupils in the Academy. The Reverend Mother Bonaventure is the Directress, assisted by several other Sisters. The Sisters supply the instructors for the Free School on the Catholic Church lot, where a nev/ house is being erected for the pupils at the expense of the Catholics in the city. There are 115 pupils in this school, and the number is constantly increasing.

Hebrew School of the Congregation of Beth Israel is located in the vestry room of the Synagogue, with seventy-five pupils. Rabbi Benson, Principal.

The officers of the Board of Public Education and Orphanage for Bibb County Public Schools, are - Joseph Clisby, President, J. T. Nisbet, Secretary, J. W. Burke, Treasurer, and B.

M. Zettler, Superintendent of Schools ; twelve gentlemen composing the roll of members, with the Judge of the Superior Court, the Ordinary and the Mayor ex-officio members, also Standing Committees on Finance, Teachers and Text Books, Property and School Districts.

The Annual Report of the Board to July ist, 1869, shows thirty-four schools, fifty-five teachers, and 2,939 white and colored pupils, at an aggregate expense of ^18,600.25, or an average cost of eighty-four cents per month per pupil.

The schools are each year attaining an increased efficiency and usefulness. People, teachers and pupils, are yearly becoming more and more impressed with the value and indispensability of the system, and displaying a greater skill and adaptability in its administration. Nearly all our teachers have now acquired a solid experience in their duties, and their confidence in and co-operation with our excellent Superintendent, Mr. B. M. Zettler, are perfect."

The city has built a large two-story brick school-house capable of accommodating three hundred and fifty pupils, and purchased other property, the buildings upon which accommodates two hundred and fifty more.

Appleton Church Home was founded in 1868, and named in honor of William H. Appleton, of New York, who donated jgi 2,500.00 for the erection in Macon of an Institution to be devoted to the care and education of indigent orphans. A substantial and comfortable brick building was erected and opened for this truly benevolent purpose in 1870. The building contains fifteen rooms, with the capacity for accommodating thirty children. There are usually twenty to thirty female orphans and half orphans in the Institution, who are educated to be selfsupporting under the instructions of the kind, energetic and accomplished Directress, Sister Margaret.

The Institution is under the supervision of the Right Reverend John W. Beckwith. Rev. Robert F. Jackson is the Chaplain. It is one of the most worthy Institutions in the State, and the many little waifs that for generations will be reared within its walls will ever bless the memory of the noble benefactor whose name the Institution bears.

The gentlemen who purchased the lot for the Home, are : W. B. Johnston, John S. Baxter, L. N. Whittle, Bishop Beckwith and Edward Padelford.

Georgia Academy For The Blind

In January, 1851, Mr. W. S. Fortescue arrived in Macon from Philadelphia, with letters of recommendation as a suitable person to introduce into Georgia a system for the education of the blind. The first publication on the subject occurred at a preliminary meeting of a few citizens on the i8th of April. Hon. E. A. Nisbet was called to the Chair, and A. R. Freeman acted as Secretary. The result of the meeting was the appointment by the Chair of five persons to solicit subscriptions for the purpose of enabling Mr. Fortescue to educate four blind children until the meeting of the next Legislature. The committee appointed were: W. S. Fortescue, Dr. J. M. Green, R. A. Smith, R. S. Lightfoot and Edwin Graves. A number of ladies and gentlemen subscribed liberally on the first call, and on the 4th of July, the subscribers met and called the Rev. Richard Hooker to the Chair, and Heman Mead acted as Secretary. Dr. Green, Chairman of the Committee, read his report, showing that ^650.00 had been subscribed. Application had been made for a copy of the Bible in raised characters ; a piano had been purchased and an apparatus engaged ; that application would be made to the Legislature for aid ; that the statistics showed there were two hundred and twenty blind persons in the State without the rudiments of a mental education. The report was adopted. The Committee then submitted a preamble and articles organizing the Georgia Academy for the Blind, to be located in Macon. The meeting then elected seven trustees : J. M. Green, N. C. Munroe, E. B. Weed, John B. Lamar, R. A. Smith, Edwin Graves and A. H. Chappell. Before adjourning ^152.00 more was subscribed. The Board elected N. C. Munroe Presi-

On April 30th, the Rev. J. H. Campbell addressed a communication to the editors of the Journal and Messenger, calling the attention of the humane citizens of Macon to an amendment to an Act for the Deaf and Dumb, which he had passed by the Legislature in 1845, appropriating ^4,500.00 for the education of the blind, and suggested that they apply to the Governor for the appropriation, as it had never been used.

The School was sustained by the charitable donations of citizens until a meeting of the next Legislature, when an application was made by the Board for a charter and an annual appropriation of ^5,000.00. The appeal and charter were written by the Secretary, Robert A. Smith, who was successful in his personal efforts in having both passed by the Legislature.

On January 2 2d, 1852, Mr. Munroe resigned the Presidency, and was elected Treasurer, and held the office with his characteristic fidelity until April 8th, 1868, the day of his death. Dr. Green was elected President on January 2 2d, 1852, and has continued to hold the office to this time.

^'The class of pupils was ten, three boys and seven girls, and had made astonishing progress in Arithmetic, Geography and other departments of knowledge. Some of the female pupils made an equally remarkable progress in crotchet work, sewing, and other varieties in useful and ornamental needlework."

Shortly after. Governor Cobb, in an eloquent lecture before the Milledgeville Lyceum, proposed that "one-third of the large revenue of the State Road shall be devoted to the maintenance of the three great objects of the State charity - the Lunatic Asylum, the Deaf and Dumb Institute and the School for the Blind."

The necessities of the School having so greatly increased, application was made in 1855 for an appropriation of ^20,000.00 to erect suitable buildings, which was granted in 1856. Plans for the building were adopted, but it was found that the sum was inadequate to the expense. The amount was not touched until the appropriation was increased to ^60.000.00.

On July 5th, 1858, the ceremony of laying the Corner Stone of the Academy, located on a beautiful lot on College Hill, was conducted with imposing effect, in the presence of two thousand spectators. Hon. Thomas Hardeman was chosen the orator in appreciation of his signal efforts in the House of Representatives to obtain the requisite increase of appropriation. After the usual deposit of coin, papers, records, etc., the stone was laid by D. G. M., William S. Rockwell, upon which a praiseworthy Institution stands, and is also a proud monument to the benevolent gentlemen whose untiring labors were devoted to its origin and establishment. The Academy was finished and occupied by the pupils in 1859.

During the war it was used for a Confederate hospital. The teachers and pupils moved to Fort Valley, where the school was kept in operation until they returned to the Academy, in 1865, when it was found that a portion of the Federal army, who had occupied the building, destroyed and removed ^5,000.00 worth of property belonging to the Institution. The School was continued by loans until the State was in a condition to resume the payment of its accustomed -appropriations. The Principals of the Institution have been: Mr. Fortescue, and in 1852, Miss Hannah Guillan, Assistant. The latter still remains. In 1853. and 1854, H. Dutton was in charge; in 1855 and 1856, M. Horne; in 1856 and 1857, Miss Guillan ; in 1857 and 1858, Rev. W. N. Chaudoin. In August, 1858, the present incumbent, Professor W. D. Williams, was elected Principal.

The present trustees are : J. Mercer Green, Lewis N. Whittle, Peter Solomon, Henry L. Jewett, Virgil Powers, Charles A. Nutting and T. G. Holt.

Methodist Church. Until 1826, there was no Society formed. There was preaching, however, at the old Mulberry street court-house, a small wooden structure below where the Lanier House now stands. 1827 was a year of revivals, and during one in October, in which the Rev. Joseph Stiles, a distinguished Presbyterian minister, took an active part, that an effort was made to erect the first house of worship in Macon. The Hon. Tarpley Holt, of Bibb, while a member of the Legislature, had secured from that body two acres of ground, near a branch surrounded by a beautiful grove, for the erection of a Methodist Church. The site was on the boundary line of First and Mulberry streets, and just outside, at that time, of the town limits. Thomas Gardner, a carpenter, was the local preacher. Assisted by several ladies, a plan was devised to build the Church. The ladies collected subscriptions in money, timber and nails. Mr. Gardner, Alexander Richards and Elliott Crews, all mechanics, contributed their labors when they could spare the time. In 1828, the building was completed, with a gallery within on three sides for the colored people. During the pastorship of Rev. I. A. Few, in 1829, he founded the Methodist Church Sunday School. The Sunday Schools and Church exercises had been mostly on the union plan until the population increased sufficiently to establish Denominational Churches.

In January, 1831, the First Georgia Conference was held in Macon, and within one month after they established a paper, the Christian Repertory, G. Capers, editor.

In 1835, a wonderful revival took place in the Church, and in all of the other Churches. All denominations met at the Methodist Church, one hundred and fifty converts were added to the Methodist, and a goodly number to the other three Churches. In a published letter, July 6th, 1835, by Rev. John Howard, he said : Swarming multitudes continually thronged the Church at every appointed preaching. The altar was at every summons crowded with humble penitents ; while the grayheaded sire, worn by time and many infirmities, received by the u side of blooming youth, the hopeful consolations of our holy religion. Many of our best citizens are numbered by the different denominations, who are the fruits of this most gracious revival."

The record of every Church then existing in Macon bears the names of members who were converted at the Pentecostal event of 1835, and became zealous officers in their respective Churches. It was during that year, and in 1836, that the Female College was founded, and in which Rev. John Howard took so active an interest. It was one of the closing services of his useful life. He died in Macon, August 22nd, 1836, and was buried in the old cemetery.

The first monument ever built in Macon was erected over his remains by the Methodist Church ; the inscription on it was written by Dr. Few. The remains and the monument have since been removed to a more appropriate place in Rose Hill Cemetery. Another great revival took place in 1842, when the youthful Robert A. Smith joined the Church and became one of the most active members. In 1849, Church building was too small for the accommodation of the increased membership, and a larger one was erected in 1850, on the same site, and is known as the Mulberry Street Church, from which has sprung the other Methodist Churches in the city.

First Street Church. Efforts had been made for several years for the erection of a Church in the western part of the city. Before the building was completed it was destroyed by fire, in 1861. Another house for worship was partially built in 1865, but sufficient for occupation ; it was completed in November, 1871.

Jones Chapel originated from the Mulberry street Sunday School, as early as 1842. It was not until 1870 that a building was erected that belonged to the Chapel. It was built through the liberality, principally, of the late B. A. Wise, and named in honor of its zealous pastor.

residences of families. The old school-house had been neatlyfitted up with suitable fixtures in 1865, when it was burned down by the Federal soldiers, and the pulpit used as a horse trough. A lot was given the congregation by the late Mrs. Anna Cutter, and in 1868, after the Church was partially constructed, it was blown down during a storm. After many struggles, a new Church was built, principally through the liberality and exertions of Rev. John W. Burke.

On the 5th to 8th of December, 1878, the Semi-Centennial Exercises of the Mulberry Street Methodist Church took place. The Church was crowded at each service. Memorials of Methodism in Macon were collected, and afterwards published in a neat volume of one hundred pages, and sold by J. W. Burke & Co., at only fifty cents each, for the benefit of the parsonage fund. The volume is a very interesting one, and deserves general patronage.

Christ Church Parish. At a meeting of the citizens of Bibb county favorable to the establishment of a regular mode of religious worship, held in Macon, on March 5th, 1823, at the Masonic Lodge rooms (there being no other hall, except the court-house,) it was

Resolved, We do hereby agree to associate ourselves as a congregation for the performance of public worship according to the rights and usages of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, to be named and called Christ Church, in the town of Macon, Georgia. Therefore

Resolved, That the Rev. Lot Jones be appointed Rector thereof. That the Hon. Christopher B. Strong and Dr. A. Baber be appointed Wardens thereof ; that Captain Luke J. Morgan, Charles J. Bullock, General Charles J. McDonald, Edward D. Tracy, E. McCall, Robert Birdsong and Thomas Camp-

Resolved, That we will be governed by the rules and edicts of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Georgia, and that a copy of these resolutions be forthwith forwarded to the Standing Committee of the P. E. Church in the Diocese.

The foregoing certificate of the incorporation of the Church in conformity to the canons of the Diocese having been received, it was unanimously

The Rector, Mr. Jones, entered upon his labors with great zeal, and within one year he formed a Sunday-school of eighty to one hundred pupils. The first Covention of the Diocese assembled in Macon in April, 1826, in the small wooden courthouse. The Georgia Messenger, of April 25th, contained the following editorial remarks :

''Agreeably to previous appointment, a number of clergy and lay delegates from several of the Churches of the Diocese of Georgia assembled in this place on the 24th. The Convention was rendered peculiarly interesting by the presence of the Right Reverend Bishop Bowen, from the Diocese of South Carolina, who, on the 23d, administered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and delivered an able, solemn and impressive discourse. The Convention Sermon was preached by the Rev. Hugh Smith, pastor of St. Paul's Church, Augusta, who was thoroughly impressed with the importance of his subject, and anxiously solicitous that others should feel and act in conformity with their high and holy vocation. During the sitting of the Convention service was repeatedly performed, and several discourses delivered by the Rev. Abiel Carter, of Savannah, which was listened to with the liveliest interest. Among the official acts of the

The subject of building a Church in Macon was at once proposed and recommended to all of the Churches throughout the United States. A lot was donated by the State, which was afterwards disposed of. A law-suit was incurred to recover the amount, which was not settled until 1837. In the meantime another lot was purchased at ^700.00, which is the same where the Church now stands.

After the removal of Rev. Mr. Jones, the Church was without a Rector or regular house for worship. Services were frequently held in the office of William P. Hunter, Agent of the Branch Bank of the United States, corner of Third and Walnut streets.

In compliance with a call, the Rev. Senaca G. Bragg became the Rector of the Parish. He preached his first sermon on Sunday, January 6, 1833, and announced "that for the present worship will be held every Sunday morning, at half-past ten o'clock, and in the afternoon at three o'clock, at the Masonic Hall, the use of which, in their characteristic spirit of benevolence, had been given by the Lodge to the congregation."

Mr. Bragg commenced to raise funds for the building of a Church, and offerings came from different parts of the State and South Carolina. On Sexagesima Sunday, 1834, the first Episcopal Church was opened in Macon. It was built of brick, in the form of a Roman cross, surmounted by a dome. In the following year a beautiful glass chandelier and an organ was introduced, which was the first in the city. After a service of ten years, this instrument of novel church music having failed, a second organ was procured, which lasted twenty-five years, when the present and third one was purchased. The Church being free from debt, it was consecrated on the 25th of March, 1838, by the Right Reverend Jackson Kemper, of South Carolina ; at the same time the Bishop administered the holy rite of Confirmation to twenty persons.

sented by the young men. The old bell, and all other Church bells in the city, except the Presbyterian, which was attached to the town clock, were taken down on October 7th, 1863, and moulded by the Macon Arsenal into cannon for the Confederate service. The present bell is the gift of Mr. A. A. Rolf. The fount is still in use.

In 1835 and 1836, Mr. Bragg instituted in the Parish a systematic plan of Church offering, by the organization of the Ladies' Aid Society. During his ministry they contributed ^200.00 to ;^3oo.oo annually towards missions and other objects. When the present Church was built their offerings ran up to ;^3,ooo.oo. The present organ, which was obtained at a cost of ;^2,9oo.oo, was almost, if not wholly, the result of their efforts; and in addition to this, they had raised more than ^5,000.00 towards the lot and building of the present Rectory. Mr. Bragg, from declining health, resigned his charge in 1846. He died in New York, January 21st, 1861. A marble tablet on the walls of the Church, near the chancel, commemorates his pure and exalted character.

On the death of Mr. Bragg, Rev. Joseph A. Shanklin became the Rector of the Parish. In January, 1851, Messrs. L. N. Whittle and N. C. Munroe were appointed to raise subscriptions for the building of a new Church, the old one being inadequate to the accommodation of the increasing membership. The population of the city Avas increasing, and the untiring energy of Mr. Shanklin was devoted to the erection of a more commodious Church. The Corner Stone of the present Church was laid on the loth of March, 1851. The Church was finished and consecrated May 2d, 1852. It is of Gothic architecture, and cost ^15,000.00. There was a change made from the original design, at the suggestion of William B. Johnston, who in order to improve the structure, liberally defrayed the expense of the change.

In the summer of 1856, Mr. Shanklin resigned, to accept a charge at Charleston, where he died on August nth, 1856, a victim to the ravages of yellow fever, while serving the distressed of that community. A marble tablet on a wall of the Church denotes the veneration of his old flock to the memory of their zealous and eminently worthy Rector.

Rev. H. K. Rees succeded Mr. Shanklin. In 1862, Colonel John B. Lamar bequeathed to the Church ;^6,ooo.oo, which sum, by order of the officers, was invested in Confederate seven-thirty Treasury notes, which are kept in a sealed package among the archives of the Church. In December, 1866, the Church was draped in mourning on the death of its Bishop, the Rt. Rev. 'i j Stephen Elliot, D. D., LL. D. On Sunday morning, April 1 8th, 181^8, Nathan C. Munroe died. For more than a quarter of a century he had been Senior Warden of the Parish, and the vestry passed a resolution that they would place on the walls of the Church a tablet for the purpose of perpetuating his virtues and usefulness. The Rector, with the assistance of Mrs, I. C. Plant, who was devoted to the object, founded the St. Barnabas Mission in' the Southwestern portion of the city. A neat chapel was erected, at a cost of ^3,000.00, which was mostly paid by Mr. I. C. Plant. This Church was consecrated on Sunday preceding Christmas, 1872. Mr. Rees formed another Mission Chapel, St. Paul's, in i868, of which he became the Rector, after resigning his charge of the Parish. In 1869, Rev. Benjamin Johnson was appointed Rector of the Parish, over which he continued until February, 1875, when he resigned and severed his connection with the Protestant Episcopal Church, and entered the service of the Reformed Episcopal Church. He was succeeded temporarily by the Rev. Dr. Jacob VonLinge. On the first Sunday in October, 1875, Rev. Chauncey C. Williams was called to the Rectorship of the Parish, and remained until January, 1878. He concluded his charge in a touching valedictory discourse, giving an historic review of the Church, from the manuscript of which this sketch is partly compiled. The Rev. Otis G. Glazebrook succeeded Mr. Williams, in February, 1878, and in April following founded the St. John's Mission in East Macon, by first establishing a Sunday School, which in a few months numbered one hundred and twenty-five pupils. The building used was one of the first wooden stores built in East Macon, as early as 1827. It is the property of David Flanders, the oldest citizen of the county, who tendered it for the purpose used. There are now thirty communicants in the Mission. The Wardens of Christ Church in Macon are L. N. Whittle and John G. Deitz. Vestry - G. R. Barker, W. W. Carnes, Asher Ayres, A. O. Bacon, Albert Mix, T. O. Chestney and S. T. Coleman.

Rev. J. A. Griffith is the Assistant Rector of the Parish. In July, 1877, the Rev. Robert F. Jackson succeeded Mr. Rees, who resigned the Rectorship of St. Paul's. The Convention of the Diocese assembled in Macon, May nth, 1867, and elected the Rev. John W. Beckwith, of New Orleans, Bishop.

As an historical coincidence it will be observed from the two foregoing sketches of Churches, that the first Georgia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the first Convention of the Diocese of the Protestant Episcopal Church, was held in Macon.

Presbyterian Church. - After the town of Macon was laid off, in 1823, a small wooden building about thirty-five by fortyfive feet, not ceiled or plastered, was erected on Mulberry street near the corner of Third. This building was then used as the court-house of the county. For several years it was the preaching place of ministers of all the several denominations, who occasionally visited or were thrown transiently in the town. In this room, on the 8th of June, 1826, twenty-five persons, a considerable portion of whom were gathered from the surrounding country, were organized into a Presbyterian Church, by Rev. Benjamin Gildersleeve, under authority of Hopewell Presbytery, of the then Synod of South Carolina and Georgia. The Rev. Joseph Styles was present. He was then a licentiate, and acting as an evangelist through this region, frequently preached at Macon for some time previous to 1826.

The Academy was, thereafter used, however, as the place for stated services for several years. It was a small wooden structure, afterward destroyed by fire.

Mr, Styles continued to be the only supply of the pulpit, making this one of the many points at which he preached, until the middle of November, 1827, a period of about eighteen months, during which the accessions were thirty-eight, and Samuel B. Hunter and Matthew Robertson became Ruling Elders. In 1828, Rev. James C. Patterson became minister, and continued until the close of 1830. The accessions under his ministry were thirty-three, including Washingtom Poe and Nathaniel Barker, who became Ruling Elders.

The first Church building was erected during Mr. Patterson's ministry, in 1829, which was a wooden building on Fourth street, between Poplar and Plum. It was afterward purchased by the Catholics. In 1831, Rev. Edwin Holt became the first Pastor of the Church, and continued until the close of 1834. The accessions during this period were seventy-eight, and David B. Butler and Hugh Craft were added to the Eldership. Early in 1835, Rev. James Stratton became supply of the pulpit, serving until the end of April, 1836, during which time the accessions were forty-two, and Thomas King was added to the Eldership. The second house of worship was commenced under Mr. Stratton's ministry, but was not completed and occupied until Mr. Cassels succeeded him. It is now occupied by the Catholics. It is situated on Fourth street between Mulberry and Walnut.

The Rev. Samuel Cassels, in 1835, became the second Pastor of the Church, and served to the end of April, 1841. During this period the accessions were eighty-two, and Curtis Lewis, David C. Campbell, Edwin B. Weed, Eugenius A. Nisbet, Richard C. Randolph and Benjamin B. Hopkins were added to the Eldership. The Church had three Sabbath-schools for the whites, that in the Church building, one in East Macon and one on Windsor Hill, which, together, reported one hundred and fifty-nine pupils and thirty-three teachers. It also established one for the blacks, and commenced those labors among them which gave in afterwards a large membership of this class, and resulted, after emancipation, in the Colored Presbyterian Church of this city. In 1841, Rev. Dr. Leland, of the Theological Seminary of Columbia, supplied the Church for about three months, with one accession.

In 1842, Rev. Daniel Inglis became supply from February first, for eleven months, with six accessions. , Rev. Richard Hooker became the third pastor, and served to the end of April, 1851, nine years and three or four months, which is more than twice as long as the service of any of his predecessors. During this time the accessions were one hundred and eighteen. Edwin Graves, Robert Carver were added to the Eldership. Mr. Carver had been an Elder for five years before.

Rev. Robert L. Breck became the fourth Pastor of the Church, serving from May, 1852, to the close of September, 1858, six years and four months ; during which time there were one hundred and thirteen accessions. Elijah Bond and Sylvanus Bates were added to the Eldership. Under the ministry of Mr. Breck, the present Church on the corner of First and Mulberry streets, was erected, and his last act was to dedicate it, on the 17th of September, 1858, with a sermon from the text, "He loveth the Gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob." The Dedicatory Prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Boring, of the Methodist Church. The new edifice is a spacious and elegant house, capable of seating eight hundred auditors.

Rev. Dr. Hardenburg, of the Reformed Dutch Church, served as supply from February ist, 1859, to June ist, with ten accessions. Rev. Charles W. Lane, ot Oglethorpe University, served as supply for July, August and September, with three accessions. Rev. David Wills became the fifth Pastor of the Church, serving from March ist, i860, to October 7th, 1870, a period of ten years and seven months, over one year longer than any predecessor, and extending through the trying times of the war and the disastrous years immediately following its fatal termination. During this time the accessions were two hundred and four, and Clifford Anderson, Samuel Hunter and Samuel D. Irwin were added to the Eldership. Rev. C. R. Vaughn supplied the pulpit from January ist, 1870, to August, 1871. Pev. William

McKay and other ministers supplied the pulpit occasionally until 1873, during which period of three years there were twentythree accessions. Rev. A. W. Clisby, on February ist, 1873, became Pastor, and up to July ist, 1876, three years and five months, the accessions had been seventy-one, and Erastus H. Link, Patrick H. Wright and James Hoge had been added to the Eldership. To the original band of twenty-five members, eight hundred and twenty-two have been added exclusive of colored members, of whom two hundred and sixty-three are still on the roll, but several of them non residents.

Of the original 25 members, 24 were received by letter, and one by profession ; 14 were men and ii women. Of the 822 accessions, 446 have been by profession and 376 by letter - 274 men and 548 women. Taking into account the original 25, the number stands, 847 members in all, of whom 447 were received by profession and 400 by letter; 288 were men and 559 women.

The house begun in 1871, has been completed and occupied, and the Mission School on Windsor Hill transferred to the Chapel built this year, 1876, on Spring street, and has been adopted as the second Sabbath-school of the Church.

The Baptist Church. The following is extracted from a sketch of this Church down to 1855, published by the Rev. Sylvanus Landrum, Pastor at that time :

'' The Constitution of this Church was recognized by three Ministers, John M. Gray, C. A. Tharpe and Jonathan Neal, in the year 1826. The constituents of the Body were nine in number : Richard W. Ellis and wife, Austin Ellis, James Hollingsworth and wife, William F. Brown and wife, Benjamin Russell and wife. For some time the Church had no house of worship, and was dependent upon the town, then in its infancy, for a place in which to hold its meetings. About 1828 or 1829 the Presbyterians generously offered the use of their house, where they continued to assemble until 1832, when a brick house on the corner of Second and Mulberry streets, was erected. The erection of that house and the death of an influential member, involved the Church in a debt which it could not pay. The house was sold and another built near the site of the old cemetery, at the foot of Cherry street. About 1839, the Church sold this house and built another on First street, near Cotton Avenue, which house was occupied until the ist of October, 1854. During the years 1853 and 1854 the congregation erected a handsome and tasteful Gothic edifice on Second Street, in the heart of the city, at a cost of ;^i8,ooo.oo.

This edifice was dedicated with appropriate services, on the 1 8th of March, 1855. Sermon by the Pastor, from Hab. 2-20: " But the Lord is in his holy temple ; let all the earth keep silence before him."

In 1826, Rev. J. D. Gray was the first Pastor. He sustained the relation for two years. In 1828, Rev. Adiel Sherwood, D. D., was Pastor for two years. In 1830, Rev. Jesse H. Campbell, D. D., was Pastor. The late Rev. JosiahS. Shaw was next in the pastorate of the Church. He remained during a part of the year 1832. During the remainder of the year and the year 1833, Rev. C. A. Tharpe, of Twiggs county, visited the Church occasionally as a supply. In 1833, Rev. A. T. Holmes was ordained, and became Pastor in 1834, and continued for four years. In 1839, Rev S. Hillyer, Professor of Belles Lettres in Mercer University, was Pastor. In 1840, Rev. Thomas Curtis, D. D., was next settled with the Church for two years. In 1842, Rev. C. D. Mallory, D. D., then residing in Twiggs county, visited the Church monthly. In 1843, J. R.

1850, Rev. S. Landrum became Pastor in January, and continued for ten years. In 1859, Rev. E. W. Warren took charge on December 2d, and remained until 1871. The pulpit was then filled by Revs. H. H. Tucker, J. J. Brantly, James Mc- Bride and others, until 1872. Rev. William H. McIntosh, D.D., became Pastor early in January, and continued until September 26th, 1875. On December of the same year, Rev. Thomas E. Skinner, D. D., became Pastor, and continued until October, 1879, when he was succeeded by the Rev. E. W. Warren, D. D., who now again administers to his old flock, after an absence of more than eight years. The Sunday-school is under charge of C. B. Ellis, and numbers, teachers and pupils, three hundred and fifty, being the largest Baptist Sunday-school in the State.

The South Macon Baptist Church. - In 1877, the First Baptist Church sent Rev. E. Z. F. Golden as a Missionary in South Macon. He held service in a small building erected by the First Baptist Church, where a prosperous Sunday-school was established under the superintendence of Mr. C. B. Ellis. The building became known as the Baptist Chapel. On the third Sabbath in February, a Church was constituted by the election of two deacons, a Church clerk and treasurer, under the name of the South Macon Baptist Church. Mr. Golden continued as Pastor until December, 1878, when he resigned. la January, 1879, Rev. Benjamin H. Ivey was elected Pastor. The Second Baptist Church having disbanded, and their new Church building being larger and having a more populous location, through the efforts of Mr. C. C. Smith of the First Baptist Church, and others, it was secured, repaired, refitted and occupied by the South Macon Baptist Church in October. There is a flourishing Sabbath-school in connection with this Church.

Catholic. - St. Joseph's Church. In 1841, the Rev. James Graham came to Macon and became Pastor of the Catholic congregation, of about fifty members. Previous to this time, services were held at the residence of a few Catholic families and occasionally conducted by visiting priests. Soon after his arrival. Father Graham purchased from Elam Alexander, Esq., the old Presbyterian Church building, with the large lot, for 1, 000. 00, to be paid in four payments within two years. Mr. Alexander bought the lot and building from the Presbyterians when they abandoned it to occupy their new brick Church on First street, near Walnut. The Catholics paid the ^1,000.00, and refitted the building suitable to their purposes. In the midst of his usefulness, at the early age of thirty-four, on the i8th day of December, 1842, Rev. Father Graham died. He was buried under the altar of the Church he had founded, in the presence of a large number of citizens of all denominations, and when the building was abandoned by the Catholics in 1867, his remains were removed to the Mortuary Chapel in the Catholic cemetery at Savannah, where appropriate services were again held over them.

In the spring of 1841, the Rev. Thomas Murphy was appointed Pastor of the Church, and continued until November, 1844, when he was succeeded by Rev. Patrick Joseph Coffey, who continued until 1845. On June 20th, 1844, Aloysius Reynolds made a visit to the Church, and confirmed eleven males and six females. Rev. James O'Connell became Pastor December 21st, 1844, extending his labors to Milledgeville, Clinton and the Flint River. In 1846, Rev. John F. Kirby was appointed assistant Pastor. In April, 1846, Bishop Reynolds made his second visit to the Church, and appointed Rev. C. J. Crogan, Pastor, who remained until September loth, 1846 ; the Rev. John Kirby removed from Macon to the Church at Savannah. Until 1849, the Church at Macon was supplied monthly from Savannah. On January 7th, 1849, Rev. Thomas F. Shanahan was appointed Pastor by the Very Rev. J. Barry. The labors of Mr. Shanahan extended to Atlanta, and along the State Road to Tennessee. In May, 1850, Rev. J. F. O'Neill was appointed assistant. The Church was visited this year by Fathers Birmingham, of Charleston, and Pendergast, of Savannah. On November ist, 1850, Rev. Edward Quigly was appointed Pastor at Macon and of the adjacent counties, with Mr. O'Neill as assistant. He remained until 1854. On a visit on the 25th of April, 1854, Bishop Francis Xavier Gartland confirmed twenty-seven persons; and again in May, 1862, he confirmed five more. In 1854, Mr. Quigley was succeeded by Assistant O'Neill, who remained until June, 1856. Rev. John Barry served one month, and was succeeded by Rev. James Hassan, who remained until March, 1859, when Rev. Thomas Riley was appointed, and continued until

June, 1 86 1. He was transferred to Atlanta and built the present Catholic Church at that place, and at his death his remains were buried under its altar. In October, 1 86 1, Father Michael Cullinan was regular Pastor, and remained until September, 1863, when Rev. William John Hamilton came and remained until June, 1865, when Rev. J. F. O'Neill, Jr., was appointed assistant, and became the Pastor. Mr. Hamilton was appointed Pastor of the Cathedral at Savannah. Mr. O'Neill remained Pastor until November. 1867, when the present Church, the second Church built by the Presbyterians, was purchased at ^6,000.00, and about ^10,000.00 was spent in repairing, refitting and making the necessary improvements. The old Church lot on Fourth street was sold to Mr. Beverly Thornton for ^25,- 000.00, and the Church building for ^800.00; the latter with the condition that every piece of timber should be taken down, in order that another denomination might not use the same structure for a Church. In December, Bishop Verot dedicated the new Church, and made the first baptism on December loth, 1867, Mary Dempsey being the infant baptized.

The following is a copy of the Rescript from the Pope of Rome, granting permission to sell the lands on which the first Church stood, and also the Pastoral residence and the Church :

The Very Reverend Peter Defau, V. G., became Pastor in November, 1867, and remained until March 25th, 1868, when Rev. Louis Dennis Xavier Bazin, the present Pastor was appointed to the charge. Father Bazin remained until May, 1874, when he went to Europe and returned in November. Rev. Mr. Beytagh was appointed Assistant until July, 1876; he died in Americus. During the absence of Father Bazin in 1876 and 1877, Rev. Father Gaboury filled his place. Rev. Father James Murphy was appointed Assistant in May, 1877, and remained until his death occurred, at Pio Nono College, July 29th. The Rev. Pastor remained alone until 1879. Rev. P. McMahon was appointed his Assistant until September. From the first congregation, with only fifty members, there had been goodly increase, until, at one time it numbered 1,200 members. In consequence of deaths and many removals from the city, the number stands according to the last Church census, 700 including men, women and children.

Beth Israel. - The congregation of the House of Israel originated from an organization named the United Hebrew Society, and established June 25th, 1856, at which A. Mack was appointed chairman, and Elias Einstein secretary. The first business was to raise funds to repair and improve the Jewish burial ground in Rose Hill Cemetery, which was purchased in 1845, by the several Jews who were then residing in Macon, and had formed an association bearing' the same name. On July the 6th a constitution was adopted, and the United Hebrew Society permanently organized by the election of A. Dessau, president ; A. Mack, vice-president ; Elias Einstein, secreretary; S. Feuchtwanger, treasurer. Board of directors - E. Isaacs, R. Einstein and M. Landauer. After several changes in the officers, at a meeting in February, 1868, it was resolved that the Society connect with Beth Israel, and turn over the burial ground to them. The Society was then discontinued.

was called to the chair, and A. Dessau was secretary. Preliminary measures were adopted to form a congregation. At a meeting on November 6th, initiation fees and a plan of contributing were adopted, and it was resolved that the congregation be called the House of Israel, and the Minhag, or mode of worship, be of German orthodoxy."

. On February 2d, i860, the first meeting was held in Horne's building on Cherry street. Rev. H. Lowenthal was appointed Chasan of the Congregation. In 1864 the place of worship was moved to a hall in Jewett's building, on Second street. In October, 1872, it was moved to Isaacs' Hall, on Cherry street, where it remained until 1874, when the Vestry room of the Temple was occupied. The first service held in the Temple was on Rosh Hashonah, the New Year Day of the Jews. The Temple was dedicated the first Sunday of the Feast of the Tabernacles. The Rev. Mr. Lillienthal, of Cincinnati, preached the dedication sermon, text from Job, 8 : 7 - Though thy beginning be small, thy end shall greatly increase." There was a very large assembly present of all denominations, and the exercises were very impressive.

The present officers are: Joseph Dannenburg, President, D. Abraham, Vice-President, I. Thorner, Secretary, A. Binswanger, Treasurer. Rabbi, N. I. Benson.

Colored Churches. - There are ten Colored Churches, each with large congregations and Sabbath-schools. On their annual celebration in May last, there were one thousand seven hundred pupils and teachers in the procession, and their exercises at the Park were highly creditable in every respect.

Benevolent Societies

G. Bates, J. D.; James R. Bennett, Tiler. This was the first organization of any society in Bibb county. The present officers are : James Boone, W. M.j N. E. HarrL, S. W.; W. A. Campbell', J. W., T. L. Massenburg, Secretary; Joseph E. Wells, Treasurer; Jacob Seisel, S. D.; F. E. Saunders, J. D.; C. H. Freeman, Tiler.

Constantine Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M., commenced work under a dispensation granted by Joel R. Poinsett, G. G. H. P., of the Grand Chapter of the United States, dated Washington City, June 2ist, 1838. The charter was granted by the Grand Chapter of the United States, at Boston, on the 14th of September, 1838, and signed by Paul Dean, G. G. H. P. of the Grand Chapter of the United States. Officers: Ambrose Baber, High Priest ; James C. Morgan, King ; Henry Wood, Scribe ; Nathaniel Barker, P. S., and others. The present officers are: Joseph E. Wells, High Priest; George R. Barker, King; Albert G. Butts, Scribe; T. L. Massenburg, Secretary; Geo. S. Obear, Treasurer.

the Patriotic Saint of Ireland, is the anniversary day of the Society. Present officers : Patrick Peyton, President; D. D. Tracy, Secretary ; Patrick Crown, Treasurer.

Section 77, Endowment Rank, Knights of Pytheas, organized December 12th, 1877. T. J. Carling, President ; A. E. Seifert, Secretary and Treasurer.

Macon Typogarphical Union, No. 84, was organized December 13th, 1865. Present officers : James H. Smith, President; J. E. Christian, V. P.; Robert McKay, Secretary and Treasurer.

Newspapers And Printing

Newspapers. The first newspaper published in Bibb county was the Georgia Messenger. It was published by Major Matthew Robertson, at Fort Hawkins, March i6th, 1823, while the lots were being sold to build the town of Macon. Three weeks after the first issue Simri Rose became the Senior partner, and retained a connection with the paper for near half a century, until his death. The press on which the paper was first printed was the same that printed the Louisville Gazette^ published as early as 1796, at Louisville, the Capital of Georgia. The editors were Day and Healy. The name of the paper was changed to the American Advocate. It was sold to Mr. Wheeler, who changed the name to the Columbian Advocate. Mr. Wheeler died insolvent. In 1820, Major Robertson bought the press and type for ^30.00 at auction, changing its name to the Sentinel. He exchanged the old type for new in Philadelphia, brought the press to Fort Hawkins, and established the Georgia Messenger, near where the Cotton Factory now stands. In 1824, the Messenger office was moved to Macon, and located on Fifth street.

The old press was made out of oak, in England. Having purchased a new one, Major Robertson broke the old one to pieces. The second press, after having faithfully served its proprietors through so many eventful years, is now doing good service in printing the Dawson Journal.

In March, 1826, Major Robertson retired and sold his interest to Marmaduke J. Slade. The firm was Rose & Slade. In 1830, Mr. Slade retired, selling his interest to Isaac G. Seymour, who was the leading editor for near seventeen years. He was assisted in 1835 and 1836 by Hon. R. A. Beall, as Assistant Editor. In April, 1847, Colonel Seymour retired, disposing of his interest to S. T. Chapman, who had purchased the Georgia Journal, which was established at Milledgeville, in 1808, and united it with the Messenger, under the title of the Journal and Messenger. The Albany Courier was about the same time brought into the consolidation. In February, 1852, Mr. Chapman sold his interest to James T. Nisbet, and in 1855, Mr. Nisbet sold his interest to Joshua Knowles, formerly of the Southern Recorder. In 1863, A. P. Burr succeeded Mr. Knowles, and on the death of Mr. Burr, he was succeeded by his son S. G. Burr in 1865. In 1867, Anderson W. Reese was employed as editor. The paper became a daily sheet after the close of the war. In 1868, Mr. Burr, who owned the greater part of the paper, and had changed it to a daily, sold to Messrs. J. W. Burke & Company in February, 1868, Mr. Reese continuing as editor for a short time, until succeeded by General William M. Browne, who continued until November, 1869, when the Messenger united with the Telegraph.

The Macon Telegraph was founded in December, 1826 by Dr. Myrom Bartlett, who was proprietor until 1844. Cn October ist, 1831, he published a small daily, the first in Macon, which continued until the last of December, 1833. In 1844, Oliver H. Prince, Jr., became editor and proprietor. About this time the Republic, a weekly, was started and continued under Samuel M. Strong and H. C. Crosby until April 28th, 1845, when it was merged into the Telegraph. In April, 1847, Prince disposed of the paper to Samuel J. Ray, who continued the sole editor and proprietor until January, 1850, when Thomas L. Ross purchased one-half interest. The firm of Ray & Ross continued until the death of Mr. Ray, in January, 1853. The paper was then sold to Messrs. H. K. & J. M. Green & P. Tracy, and in June, same year, Jackson Barnes purchased an interest, and the firm was Green, Tracy & Barnes. The firm was soon afterward changed to Green, Barnes & Co., with P. Tracy, editor. The paper was in December, 1855, disposed of to Joseph Clisby, who, on February ist, i860, commenced the publication of the Daily Telegraph, which continues at this time. In 1864 or '65, Mr. Clisby sold to Henry L. Flash, the editor of the Daily Confederate, who united it with the Telegraph, On the close of the war, Mr. Flash sold the paper to Messrs. Clayland & Dumble, who, in 1866, sold to Reid & Boykin, who employed J. R. Sneed as principal editor. The Confederate was a consolidation of two papers - the Georgia Citizen, established in 1850, by L. F. W. Andrews, and continued until united with the Confederate in 1863. In November, 1868, J. W. Clisby purchased Mr. Boykin's interest in the Telegraph, and. the firm was Clisby & Reid. In November, 1869, the Journal and Messen- ' ger was amalgamated with the Telegraph under the title of the Telegraph and Messenger, A. W. Reese becoming a partner and an editor. On May ist, 1871, H. H, Jones purchased Mr. Reid's interest, and the firm has been ever since Clisby, Jones & Reese.

From the foregoing it will be observed that the present paper is also the representative of five other papers : The Journal, Courier, Republic, Citizen and Confederate, which have been merged into it since the foundation at Fort Hawkins, of the Messenger, in March, 16*23. The venerable senior editor, Joseph Clisby, is the acknowledged Nestor of the press of Georgia.

The printing establishment of J. W. Burke & Co., commenced operations in 1862, under the name of Burke & Boykin. It was destroyed by incendiaries in the Federal army on their occupancy of Macon. In 1865, it was reorganized under the name of J. W. Burke & Co. The Wesleyan Christian Advocate weekly; Kitid Words, weekly, monthly and semi-monthly, are published by the house. The establishment is the most extensive in the State, and there are few larger in the South. It executes book and job work of every style and quality, employing eight presses - four by steam and four by hand. Number of employes about thirty.

The Central Georgia Weekly was moved from Barnesville to Macon by the proprietors, Messrs. A. A. & A. O. Murphy, in August, 1877. It was purchased by the present editor and proprietor, J. D. Williams, in April, 1879. Williams was the editor, during the late war, of that staunch gazette, the Meridian Clarion. He stoutly advocates Independent Democracy against rings and cliques, favors internal improvements and the greenback policy.

Two other printing offices are in operation ; one by George W. Wing, and the other by A. E. Seifert, who execute a variety of neat job printing.

The Macon Public Library and Historical Society was organized June, 1874. During the first year, sixteen hundred volumes were collected. There are now over six thousand volumes on the shelves, and fifty of the leading daily and weekly newspapers and magazines throughout the country are received. The institution contains the valable Munroe Library, comprising bound volumes of the oldest Macon newspaper and papers from other cities, which were carefully preserved and neatly bound by the late N. C. Munroe ; also, a number of standard histories, periodicals both European and American, organizations and annual reports of many institutions in the city and State. It is from these records that this volume has been mostly compiled, and were the writer to dedicate it to any particulay person, the memory of no one would be more deserving the humble tribute than that of Nathan C. Munroe.

The Macon Fire Department was organized in 1854. In May, Robert Findlay was chief, and succeeded in September by B. F. Deuse. In 1856, George S. Obear was elected chief, and continued until 1857, when he resigned, having been elected mayor of the city. In 1866-I67, H. P. Westcott was chief ; 1868, John G. Deitz ; i869-'7o, L. C. Ricks; i87i-'72, A. Patterson; 1873-' 74-' 75-' 76, R. A. Morris, when he resigned in August. 1876, and the year 1877, J- Truman; 1878, C. Machold ; 1879, Hendrix. The department is composed of six companies; each is well equipped with apparatus and a neat twostory brick house. Five of the companies are supplied with good steam engines and one, a hook and ladder company, with all the requisite fixtures. A full history of the department and each company has been published twice within four years.

Macon Gas Light Company was organized in 1853; capital stock $42,000 ; increased in 1857 to $65,000. The presidents were : A. J. White, James A. Nisbet, E. J. Johnson, and in 1858, J. M. Boardman was elected, who has been continued to this time. Present secretary, treasurer and superintendent, A. E. Boardman. In 1876, a new charter was obtained, and the name changed to Macon Gaslight and Water Company.

The Central Road. Just at the conclusion of the war and the - entrance of the Federal army into Macon, Richard R. Cuyler, who, for twenty-three years was President of the Central Railroad and Banking Company, died. He w'-as also President of the Southwestern Railroad. General Sherman had destroyed the entire Central Road, from Gordon to Savannah, in 1864. In the Autumn of 1865, William B. Johnston was elected the successor of Mr. Cuyler. George W. Adams continued as General Superintendent. The .principal duty of the President was to raise funds on the bonds of the Company to rebuild the road.

dition, Mr. Johnston was successful. The road was rebuilt at a cost of about $1,000,000.00, and resumed operations in the Fall of 1866. The purposes of Mr. Johnston having been accomplished, he declined a re-election, and favored that of General William M. Wadley, who was elected President, and continues at this date. Mr. Adams resigned the Superintendency, and President Wadley filled that office in connection with his executive duties until in 1868, when William Rogers was appointed General Superintendent. The number of employees in Macon are about four hundred annually.

The Southwestern Road - General Whlliam S. Holt was elected to succeed Presicjent R. R. Cuyler, in 1865, and remained active President until the lease of the Road by the Central Railroad in 1869, and is still President of the Organization, which includes the amalgamation of the Muscogee between Butler and Columbus, with the Southwestern. Virgil Powers continued Engineer and Superintendent until in 1876, when he was called to his present office, General Commissioner of the Southern Railway and Steamship Association. Captain W. G. Raoul succeeded Mr. Powers as Superintendent.

The Macon and Western Railroad was amalgamated with the Central in 1871, making the extent of President Wadley's jurisdiction in Georgia from Augusta and Savannah, on the Savannah river, to Columbus, Eufaula and Fort Gaines, on the Chattahoochee, including the road also to Atlanta, 771 miles. William Rogers is the General Superintendent. In addition to the railroads in Georgia, General Wadley is also President of the Montgomery and Eufaula Railroad, 80 miles, in Alabama, and as President of the Central Railroad controls a half interest in the Western Railroad, 164 miles, from Columbus and West Point, Georgia, to Selma, Alabama, and the Vicksburg and Brunswick Railroad, 21 miles, from Eufaula to Clayton, Alabama. He is also President of the Ocean Steamship Company, with six steamers plying between Savannah and New York, four of which are the finest on the coast.

nienced in 1859, under the direction of E. McNeill, engineer. The road was finished in 1869 ; George H. Hazlehurst, engineer. The first president was A. E. Cochran ; second and last, G. H. Hazlehurst. Length of main line 186 miles; of Hawkinsville branch, ten miles; total, 196 miles. It is difficult to give the precise cost of graduation, etc., a part having been paid in Confederate money. It is estimated that the cost of 196 miles was built at an average of twenty thousand dollars per mile, exclu- ! sive of rolling stock ; or in round numbers, ;^4,ooo,ooo. The excess of money beyond local subscription came from New York stockholders. The State endorsed bonds for ^1,950,000. The road reverted to the State in 1873. E. A. Flewellen was appointed receiver, and subsequently a board of commissioners consisting of E. A. Flewellen, W. A. Lofton and Geo. S. Jones, who continue to this time. For several years George W. Adams has been general superintendent, and Colonel H. M. Drane, general ticket and freight agent. The road is now for lease with the privilege of purchase under certain conditions.

Macon and Augusta Railroad was first called the Milledgeville Railroad. It was first surveyed by William G. Bonner, civil engineer, but the line was not located. It was surveyed and located by G. H. Hazlehurst, C. E., in i860, and grading commenced immediately. First President, Henry Moore ; second, Stephen D. Heard; third, John P. King; fourth, G. H. Hazlehurst; fifth, W. J. Bullock; sixth, G. H. Hazlehurst; seventh, W. J. McGrath, who is now in office. The cost of the road, exclusive of outfit, was ^2,500,000, or an average of a fraction over ^30,000 per mile, the grading being very heavy; the entire distance being eighty miles. Mortgage bonds amounting to $joo,ooo, endorsed by the Georgia Railroad, issued and outstanding. The road is operated by the Georgia Road.

Horticultural And Agricultural Societies

The Georgia Horticultural Society was organized in 1875 ^7 the election of P. J. Berckmans president, Avho has been annually re-elected. The annual sessions and exhibitions have been held in IMacon. The display in fruits, vegetables and flowers in variety and quality, particularly in peaches and grapes, were wonderful. The climate and soil throughout Middle and Lower Georgia -is peculiarly adapted to the growth of nearly every class of fruits, and the making of wine is becoming quite remunerative. In their seasons the Scuppernong, Isabella, Concord and a large class of other grapes, are abundant in the city markets. The early peaches in May and June and the late crop in July, August and September, are abundant. No country in the world produces a greater variety for so long a time than the fruit belt ot Georgia.

The Georgia State Agricultural Society now regularly hold their exhibitions in Macon. Hon. Thomas Hardeman, on the retirement of Governor Colquitt from the presidency of the society, was elected his successor. Malcom Johnston continued secretary, and T. G. Holt, treasurer. Every year an increasing interest in the many agritultural, horticultural and mechanical departments is noticed by the improvements in every class of exhibits. The display in 1879, which was the Thirty-third Annual Fair of the Association, was highly creditable. The exhibits of the agriculturalist, horticultural ist, florist, mechanician and stock raiser, redounded to the credit of the exhibitor and the glory of Georgia. The department of home industry presented a gratifying exhibition, while the productions of art and science gave unmistakeable evidence of the skill and culture of the people. For five days the number of visitors varied from five to twenty-five thousand. The exhibitions prove that the lands in Middle and Southern Georgia are being annually brought more into notice, and the value of their productions more appreciated. No better country exists for sheep or cattle raising than what have been long known as the Wiregrass counties. The sugar-cane raised there is becoming a profitable crop, and the syrup brought to market is equal to the finest quality made elsewhere. No more convenient, spacious and better arranged buildings and grounds for the large assem-

Central City Park

Where these Fairs are held. It is located within five minutes walk of the principal hotels and places of business, embraces two hundred and fifty acres of level land, the whole delightfully shaded by a native growth of monster oaks, and ornamented with flowers - wild and garden plants - smooth walks and fountains, lakes and river scenery; five large houses, four of which are two and three stories high, besides a grand x^mphitheatre, for the exhibition of stock, equine houses, stock pens, music pavilions, ladies' cottages, editors' offices', visitors' cottages, etc. The one mile track is upon a level plane, and is as perfect as art can make it, graded in strict accord with turf rules, with a gentle incline to the center, exactly a mile in the circuit, and of the finest consistence for making rapid time. At any position along the track the eye can, at a natural elevation, watch every step of the racer. This track is pronounced by the most experienced turfmen to be the best in America. Within the track is the parade ground for the military and athletic exercises. The whole Park, with near six hundred acres more, was given to the city during its early settlements, as a reserve. The improvements were made upon it in 1871, by the municipal authorities, at the great expense of ;^3oo,ooo.oo.

Judicial Flint Circuit

In 1851 the Macon Circuit was formed. Judges: Abner P. Powers, Henry G. Lamar, O. A. Lochrane, Carleton B. Cole, Barnard Hill, W. L. Grice, Thomas J. Simmons.

The new and elegant court-house was built with entire fixtures at a cost of ^120,000.00. The Corner Stone was laid A. D., 1870, under the administration of Charles T. Ward, Ordinary, Joseph M. Boardman, Lewis N. Whittle and Gabriel B. Roberts, Building Committee. County Commisioners - James M. Boardman, Lewis N. Whittle, John T. Boifeuillet, William P. Goodall, Gabriel B. Roberts, Daniel T. Driggers, William F. Wilburn, John W. Stubbs, Dennis Daly and Cicero A. Tharpe.

The present County Commissioners are : W. H. Hazlehurst, Christopher Burke, John B. Giles, James Holmes and A. R. Tinsley ; W. G. Smith, Clerk. Ordinary, John A. McManus.

Municipal

Mayors of Macon since its incorporation as a city, in i8jj, in order. A number were re-elected for several successive years : Isaac G. Seymour, Washington Poe, Frederick Sims, John J. Gresham, James A. Nisbet, Isaac Holmes, John J. Gresham, George M. Logan, James H. R. Washington, E, L. Strohecker, B. F. Ross, A. B. Adams, O. G. Sparks, M. S. Thomson, O. G. Sparks, Stephen Collins, George S. Obear, and W. A. Huff, the present incumbent.

The Municipal Government for the term of two years, commencing in December, 1878, consists, of a Mayor and twelve Aldermen, a Clerk and a Treasurer, as follows: Mayor, W. A. Huff; Aldermen - B. Dub, W. L. Higgins, C. Masterson, John D. Hudgins, P. Fitzgerald, J. L. Kennedy, T. C. Hendrix, W.

F. Cannon. Clerk - A. R. McLaughlin; Treasurer - Charles J. Williamson. Also a Chief of Police, three Lieutenants, seven Attorneys and a City Physician.

Post Office

The first Post Office in the county was established at Fort Hawkins, in i822-'23, with Mortimer R. Wallis, Post Master. The present officers are Henry S. Glover, Post Master, and A. E. Seifert, Assistant. In mail matter the Macon office is second only to Atlanta, which is the largest office in the State.

Rose Hill Cemetery

In 1839, several plans and locations were submitted to the city council for a new Cemetery. In 1840, Simri Rose submitted a diagram for the present site, embracing fifty acres, which was adopted by the council and named Rose Hill Cemetery. The council appointed Simri Rose, Dr. M. A. Franklin, John L. Jones, John D. Winn, Jere Cowles and James Williams commissioners to control the Cemetery. Mr. Jones died on March 9th, 1879, bei'^g the last survivor of the original board, and held his office until his death. He was ever active with Mr. Rose in beautifying that hallowed spot. It is, by nature, a picture of rural beauty, and not inferior to any in America. In 1849, Rose wrote an accurate description of the Cemetery, which was published in White's Statistics of Georgia, page 109, that will deeply interest any one to read. Since that time there have been many additional improvements made. It contains monuments costing from one to fifteen thousand dollars, made by the best sculptors in Italy and America, and the improvements in the lots of families, with numerous flowers, all conspire to make it a Garden of Graves." There is scarcely a a tree, shrub or wild-flower that is known in our country that

The name of Simri Rose has been frequently mentioned in . this book. He was born at Old Bradford, Conn., in 1799. At an early age he was apprenticed to the New Haven Coliunbian Register. Early in 1823 he came to Savannah, Ga., in quest of a new home. He settled at Fort Hawkins, a western military post, which was just on the verge of civilization, in March following. He went into the office, as a journeyman, of the Georgia Messenger, which had just been established by Major Matthew Robertson. The first paper was issued on March i6th,