Rose Hill Cemetery at Macon, Georgia(A Southern Graves Blog)

Alfred Jackson Vining Stayed at His Post to the Last

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 22:28:00 +0000

At one time in the American South, the railroad was both its lifeblood and a site of frequent tragedy. In the late 1800s, being a locomotive engineer, like Alfred Jackson Vining, was statistically among the most dangerous jobs in America. Whenever at work, for the engineman and his crew, life depended on a pocket watch and a prayer. The Safety Appliance Act of 1893 mandated railroad companies use air brakes and automatic couplers, but the transition was slow since the law wasn't fully enforceable until 1900. Many trains still relied on manual "link and pin" coupling—often resulting in crew members being crushed between cars—and hand-operated brakes, though the Central of Georgia, for which Alfred ran freight, was working to modernize.

Alfred, his wife Emma, and their three daughters lived on 4th Street in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia, just a few blocks from the rail yards. The "call boy," a young railroad employee sent to wake up crew members for their shifts, likely knocked on Alfred's door the night before he was scheduled to run freight to Alabama, notifying him of the hour he was to report to the yard. The date of the run was 24 November 1899, just a few days after Alfred and Emma's eleventh wedding anniversary and less than a week before Thanksgiving.

It was a chilly fall morning. After performing a walking inspection of his "iron horse" and conferring with his fireman, Alfred began the trip, using his certified pocket watch to navigate by the timecard. After hours of being violently jolted in the scorching hot and deafeningly loud cab—seemingly just another day at the throttle—the end came for Alfred about one in the afternoon near Georgetown, Quitman County, Georgia, and the bridge over the Chattahoochee.

The following transcription is from the 25 November 1899 Americus Times-Recorder (Georgia).

ENGINES COLLIDED; ENGINEERS KILLED.

A Head End Smashup on the Central Yesterday.

ACCIDENT NEAR EUFAULA, ALA.

Freight Trains Crash Together and Brave Men at the Throttle Lose Their Lives in the Disaster.—Many Cars Badly Broken.

A fearful head-end collision between two freight trains of the Central of Georgia Railway occurred yesterday afternoon at 1 o'clock between Eufaula and Georgetown, resulting in the death of both brave engineers and the probable injury of others of the crew.

The engineers were Cliff McManus and Alfred Vining.

The trains were numbers 33 and 34, running between Smithville and Montgomery, and the collision occurred at a point near Georgetown, on the Georgia side of the river.

The crash of the iron giants was terrific, and engine reared against engine in deadly embrace despite the herculean efforts made by both engineers to bring the trains to a stop. Both engines were wrecked, as were a number of freight cars.

It is said that Engineers Vining and McManus stuck to their posts to the last and went down in the debris of broken iron and twisted steel, while hissing steam shut out the terrible spectacle for a time.

Engineer Vining, it is said, was buried beneath the debris, his body not being found until nearly an hour afterwards.

Engineer McManus was well known in Americus and his wife, who was Miss Wells, of Smithville, has relatives here. He was a young man and, like Mr. Vining, an excellent and careful engineer.

It is not known how many of the crew were injured or to what extent, though it was reported that both firemen were scalded and one of the conductors hurt quite badly. The dead engineers and the injured ones were carried to Eufaula.

Just what caused the accident is not known, but certainly someone blundered. The wrecking train passed Americus an hour or two after the collision, en route to clear away the fearful wreck.

An article in the 29 November 1899 Dawson News (Georgia) offered further detail:

Engineer McManus was found leaning out of his cab window dead, and Engineer Vining was so tightly wedged in between the engine and tender that it took several hours hard work to get him out.

The accident is said to have been due to misinterpretation of orders by Engineer McManus.

Alfred Jackson Vining was buried in the Cabiness Ridge section of Rose Hill Cemetery. Per a burial notice published in the Macon Telegraph, "the funeral was largely attended, as Mr. Vining was very popular. The procession was one of the largest seen in Macon for a great while."

(Image by Dr. Jim via FindAGrave)

Clifford McManus (1864-1899), engineer of the other train in the deadly collision, was laid to rest in Smithville Cemetery in Lee County, Georgia. He was also a father of three.

Genealogical Notes:

Alfred Jackson Vining was the son of Jackson LaFayette Vining (1833-1899), who died about seven months before his son, and Sarah Caroline Glover.
Emma Delilah Jernigan (1872-1962), Alfred's wife, was the daughter of William Henry Jernigan and Emily Louise McDowell.
Alfred and Emma were married 21 November 1888 in Bibb County, Georgia. Their children were Myra L. (1890-1981), Zitelle (1892-1981), and Virginia "Jennie" (1897-1986).
Emma never remarried after Alfred's death. Though she can be found in Bibb County for the 1900 census, she had taken her daughters to Headland, Henry County, Alabama by 1910 and remained there for the rest of her life. Notably, Emma and her daughters each lived to be approximately 90 years old.

More Railroad Men in Rose Hill Cemetery:

If you enjoyed this content,
please consider supporting my blog.

Northern Craftsmanship in a Southern Landscape

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 01:59:00 +0000

Georgia Journal and Messenger, 3 May 1854

Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia is rarely mentioned in the same breath as Mount Auburn or Green-Wood. Yet it belongs unmistakably to the same 19th-century garden (or rural) cemetery movement, when Americans began to rethink how the dead should be remembered and where the living should encounter them. Established in 1840 on rolling ground above the Ocmulgee River, Rose Hill reflects the ideals of the movement—winding paths, carefully framed views, and monuments meant to converse quietly with the landscape rather than dominate it. Though regional in scale and ambition, it reveals how those national ideas traveled south, taking root in Georgia soil and producing a burial ground that was at once commemorative, civic, and contemplative. It is within this context—influential and deliberate—that the presence of two marble gravestones signed by a Connecticut maker begins to tell a larger story.

Though Macon had a prominent grave carver in James Artope, many of Rose Hill's early monuments were not carved locally but produced in Northern marble centers and shipped south, not only reflecting the expanding reach of 19th-century stone manufacture and distribution, but also that Maconites had cosmopolitan taste and participated in national artistic trends. Among these are two gravestones bearing the signature of John Ritter, a marble manufacturer working in New Haven, Connecticut, in the mid-nineteenth century. The presence of his work in Macon speaks to the ease with which funerary forms, materials, and aesthetics crossed regional boundaries, linking a Southern garden cemetery to Northern workshops through trade, taste, and shared commemorative language. These signed stones offer tangible evidence that Rose Hill was not a provincial outpost, but an active participant in the broader funerary economy of its time.

Two Daughters of James Hicks Hardaway

Margarett Indiana Hardaway departed this life 23 July 1843 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia at the age of just 21 years. And it was her death that precipitated the purchase of a lot in the Central Avenue division of Rose Hill Cemetery by her father, J. H. Hardaway. Her gravestone, featuring an elegant border, is possibly the first he commissioned from John Ritter of New Haven, Connecticut.

Sacred to the Memory of
Miss Margarett Indiana Hardaway,
who departed this life,
July 23, 1843,
Æ 21 years & 23 days.

"It is not all of life to live,
nor all of death to die."

And thou art now where sunshine is Immortal,
In the bright regions of eternal joy.

Margarett's older sister died on 8 February 1851. For Ann's memorial, commissioned roughly eight years later, the family again turned to Ritter, this time selecting a stone characterized by a striking Gothic arch.

Sacred to the Memory of
Mrs. Ann Eliza,
wife of Robert Carver,
who died Feb'y 8, 1851,
Æ 36 years, 7 months & [?]

"Blessed are the dead who died in the Lord."

In the bottom left corner of each of the gravestones pictured above is the signature of John Ritter.

J. Ritter
N. Haven, Ct

A Dynasty of Stone Carvers

Connecticut Herald, 1823

John Ritter, his father David, and other members of the family were highly prominent stone carvers of New Haven, Connecticut, and their influence spanned over a century. Beginning in the mid-18th century, early members were known for a distinct folk-art style featuring simple faces with down-curved wings. By the 19th century, the family moved toward more sophisticated marble yards and monumental works.

New Haven was a hub for high-quality marble crafts. Stones were often carved there and shipped down the Atlantic coast to ports like Savannah, Georgia, then brought inland to cities such as Macon. (It's even possible they arrived by steamboat on the Ocmulgee River, which Rose Hill Cemetery overlooks.) Ordering a signed stone from a famous New Haven carver was a statement of status and ensured the finest craftsmanship for deceased loved ones. Signed stones such as the two featured here are conclusive evidence of the coastline marble trade.

After John took over the marble factory from his father, he made it a point to advertise in newspapers up and down the Atlantic coast and employed authorized agents in cities such as Macon to make it easy for local families to order. Ads in the Georgia Journal and Messenger newspaper of Macon even noted that various patterns of Ritter monuments could be seen in Rose Hill Cemetery, using the park-like space as a gallery for his work. This marketing hook proved that the Ritter marble monuments were a recognizable status symbol.

Ultimately, the signature of John Ritter etched into the marble at Rose Hill does more than just document a 19th-century trade route. It serves as a lasting bridge between a Northern workshop and a Southern family’s grief. While the steamboats that once traversed the Ocmulgee have long since vanished, these tangible and elegant stones remain. The next time you walk through a cemetery, look closely at the base of the monuments; you might just find a name that tells a story spanning hundreds of miles and nearly two centuries.

If you enjoyed this content,
please consider supporting my blog.

The Napier Children: a Feared Illness and a Family's Loss

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 20:36:00 +0000

In the fall of 1859, the John Thomas Napier family of Bibb County, Georgia experienced the kind of tragedy that haunted countless 19th-century households: the devastating loss of two young children within a span of less than five weeks. Their story, preserved in stone at Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon, offers a window into both the fragility of childhood in the antebellum South and the elaborate mourning culture that sought to memorialize such losses.

"He taketh his young lambs home."
Gravestone for Eugene S. and Anna C. Napier, both of whom died in 1859.
Rose Hill Cemetery
Image © 2013-2025 S. Lincecum

The Family

John Thomas Napier was born 27 October 1823 in Putnam County, Georgia, the son of Skelton Napier (1800-1866) and Jane Ector Gage (1804-1891). John married Frances Camilla "Fannie" Jameson on 17 May 1848 in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia. Fannie was the daughter of David Jameson (1793-1861).

John and Fannie had at least five children: Eugene Skelton, John J., Anna C., Fannie T., and Robert Lee. I lose track of John J. after 1880, but I can say Fannie T. went on to marry Julius Carl Mayr (1857-1889) and have children of her own. The other three children of John and Fannie Napier died young.

John and Fannie's financial circumstances improved significantly around 1860 when Fannie inherited a substantial amount of property in Houston County, Georgia. This would provide financial stability during a period of profound personal loss as well as dramatic political and wartime upheaval. The family maintained connections to the neighboring counties of Houston and Bibb throughout the remainder of their lives.

The Tragedy Unfolds

In late October 1859, Eugene Skelton, namesake of his grandfather, died of inflammatory croup at the age of 7 years and 5 months. That same day -- in a father's desperate acknowledgment of mortality -- John T. Napier purchased a family plot in the Ivy Ridge division of Rose Hill Cemetery. An act of immediate necessity would, unfortunately, prove prescient.

Approximately a month later, in late November 1859, two-year-old Anna C. (newspapers reported her name as Anna Josephine) succumbed at her grandfather David Jameson's home in Macon. A poignant sentence from Anna's obituary ran in Macon's Weekly Georgia Telegraph:

"Thus by a Wise but mysterious Providence, have these fond parents been called to mourn the early death of two promising children, within but a few weeks, from the same fatal disease."

"He Taketh His Young Lambs Home"

The marble monument commissioned for the Napier children stands as a most elaborate memorial in Macon's famed Rose Hill Cemetery. It features a seated cherub pulling back a heavy, tasseled drape or veil. The cherub was a common motif for children's graves in the 1800s, representing innocence and serving as a divine escort for the young souls.

In Victorian cemetery symbolism, the drape represents the "veil" between the world of the living and the afterlife. By pulling it back, the cherub is metaphorically revealing the "Kingdom of Heaven" mentioned in the inscription at the top of the monument.

The wreath of flowers on the left, tied into the drapery, symbolizes the beauty of life that was "plucked" too soon. The circular shape represents eternity.

"Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven," and "He taketh his young lambs home," are two lines that clearly express the Napier family's faith, and reflect the Victorian understanding that childhood death was divine selection rather than random tragedy.

Though the marble is beginning to "sugar" -- a process where the stone's surface slowly disintegrates into crystals -- the message remains clear.

A gravestone of this type was surely a significant expense. If purchased in 1859, it was possibly bought by Fannie's father. David Jameson was a wealthy planter with an estate valued at over $200,000 in 1860. If purchased later, I suppose John T. and Fannie could've chosen this. The more modest stone placed in the family lot for John T. and son Robert Lee, however, suggests otherwise.

Robert Lee Napier

Robert Lee Napier also died young. He was born 4 January 1868, and died 16 December 1882, just days before Christmas and his fifteenth birthday. Unfortunately, I have yet to uncover Robert's cause of death. Though it's a mystery to me, I can easily imagine it was another tragic heartbreak for this family.

John T. joined his children in the family lot "after a protracted illness" in 1871. Mother Fannie was the last of the burials in lot 6 of the Ivy Ridge division of Rose Hill Cemetery when she died in 1899, reuniting with Eugene and Anna after forty years of separation.

The Scourge of Inflammatory Croup

The disease that claimed Eugene and Anna was one of the most feared childhood illnesses of the 19th century. "Inflammatory croup," also called membranous croup or laryngeal diphtheria, was caused by a bacterium, though this would not be understood until the 1880s. In 1859, physicians (and parents) could only observe the disease's horrifying progression and remain largely powerless to stop it.

The infection attacked the throat and larynx, producing a thick, gray membrane that gradually obstructed the airway. Parents would watch helplessly as their children struggled to breathe, often hearing the characteristic harsh, barking cough that gave the disease its name. Death typically came from asphyxiation as the membrane completely blocked airflow, though the bacterial toxin could also damage the heart and nervous system.

Inflammatory croup was highly contagious and spread rapidly through households, which explains the close timing of Eugene and Anna's deaths. Once one child fell ill, siblings were at grave risk. Families frequently lost multiple children in rapid succession, as the Napiers did, making croup particularly cruel in its efficiency.

Treatment options in 1859 were limited and largely ineffective. Physicians might attempt to create humidity through steam treatments, administer emetics to induce vomiting and potentially dislodge the membrane, or in desperate cases, perform a tracheotomy -- a dangerous procedure with poor success rates. Most children who contracted severe inflammatory croup died, and the disease remained a leading cause of childhood mortality until the 1890s, when antitoxin treatment was finally developed.

The Cemetery as Historical Record

The Napier family plot in Rose Hill Cemetery serves as more than a memorial to individual lives -- it functions as a historical document recording the precarious nature of life in 19th-century America. The elaborate monument to Eugene and Anna stands among hundreds of similar child graves in Southern cemeteries, each one representing a family's grief and a child's brief passage through a dangerous world.

If you enjoyed this content,
please consider supporting my blog.

Two Ohio Girls Drowned While Bathing in Georgia: the Tragic Story of Claud and Cleo Thorn (d. 1887)

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 19:45:00 +0000

Headstones for Claud and Cleo Thorn stand in block 1, lot 98 of the Central Avenue Division of Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia. Tragically, both girls drowned in a local creek just two weeks before the summer solstice of 1887. And these stones give no hint of the scandal that surrounded their deaths.

Both Claud Thorn, aged 19, and Cleo Thorn, aged 20, died on 7 June 1887.
Image © 2013-2025 S. Lincecum.

The deaths of these young women caused a "sensation in the city" because they were "inmates" of "Madame Belmont's establishment." And while the headstones suggest a shared family tragedy, the truth behind their arrival in Macon reveals a much more complex story. Two newspaper accounts from June 1887 tell what happened that day. (Minor note: contemporary newspapers spelled the girls' names variously as Claude/Claudie/Claud and Cleo/Clio; I've used the spellings from their headstones throughout.)

Columbus Enquirer-Sun (Georgia)

9 June 1887

TWO GIRLS DROWNED.

The Tragic End of a Disreputable Party Near Macon.

MACON, Ga., June 7. -- This evening about 1:30 o'clock a terrible tragedy occurred at Seven bridges, on Echeconee creek, seven miles south of Macon. This morning a party of girls from Madame Belmont's establishment, accompanied by several young men, went down there on a holiday. After they had enjoyed themselves for several hours Clio and Claude Thorn, two girls from Cincinnati, who have lately become inmates, decided to go in bathing. Two young men went in with them. After a short time one of the young men decided to come out, as he had cramps in his legs, and told them that he could not possibly stay longer. After a short time the two girls got beyond their depth and cried for help. The young man who was in with them, swam to their assistance and caught one around the body, and reached for the other, when both caught him in [a] deathly embrace, and all three sank two or three times. It was life and death with the young man, and disengaging himself he swam to the shore, when the two unfortunates went drifting down the cold current, uttering the most agonizing cries for help. The balance of the party, panic-stricken, assembled on the bank and watched them as the dark waters closed over them for the last time. One of the bodies was soon recovered by drag hooks in twenty-five feet of water. It was late in the evening when the other was recovered. Ten dollars reward was offered for her body before it was recovered.

Seven Bridges on Echeconnee Creek, located near the Bibb and Houston County line, remains a well-known area to this day.

The second article had no trouble naming names, but only the women were considered "disreputable characters."

Courant-American (Cartersville, Georgia)

9 June 1887

A DRUNKEN ORGIE.
Macon correspondent of Savannah News of Tuesday says:

The news of a sensational tragedy, the scene of which was the Seven Bridges, about four miles from the city on the Houston road, reached the city late this afternoon. This morning about eight o'clock a party of men and women, the latter being disreputable characters, drove in hacks to the place named above, which is the junction of Tobesofkee and Rocky creeks, for the purpose of picnicking and having a jolly time generally. The party was composed of Lee Lowenthal, Ben Meaks, Charlie McAllister, Henry Miller, all sporting characters, and Jennie Scott, Flaggie Meaks, Claude and Clio Thorne. A liberal supply of "John Barleycorn" was taken along, and about midday the party were pretty well "filled." In this intoxicated condition a bath in the creek was proposed and all joined in the movement. While thus engaged Claude and Clio Thorne, who were sisters, wandered into deep water, and soon began to flounder. They screamed lustily for help, but the men were either too drunk or too indifferent to go to the rescue, and the unfortunate women were both drowned. The bodies lay in the water until that afternoon, when some of their companions, hearing of the accident, went to the scene and recovered them. The drowned women came here from Cleveland, O., about six weeks ago. The affair produced quite a sensation in this city.

In the late 19th century, Macon did not have a single, isolated red-light district, but rather a series of "sporting" hubs clustered near the city's commercial and transportation centers. These establishments, often euphemistically listed in city directories as "female boarding houses," were concentrated along the Ocmulgee riverfront and near railroad depots, where a transient population of traders and travelers provided a steady stream of patrons. Gambling dens and brothels often operated on the upper floors of business buildings.

Madame Belmont's establishment, where Claud and Cleo resided, likely operated in this periphery—an area where the "sporting characters" of Macon's bachelor subculture mingled with "disreputable" women. This social landscape was defined by its proximity to the city's heartbeat—its cotton markets and rail lines—while remaining tucked away in the shadows of "polite" society.

Despite their "disreputable" status in the press, someone -- perhaps Madame Belmont herself, or even family back in Ohio -- paid for a proper burial and matching headstones for the two young women.

Days after the drownings, a third article emerged that traced Cleo's path to Macon -- but instead of providing closure, it only raised more questions.

Columbus Enquirer-Sun (Georgia)

11 June 1887

THEY WERE NOT SISTERS.

But Were Wild, Wayward, Winsome -- History of the Two Ohio Girls Who Were Drowned While Bathing in Georgia.

CLEVELAND, O., June 8. -- A telegram today announced that Cleo and Claudie Thorn, sisters, had drowned in Macon, Ga., last Tuesday while bathing. The girls were not sisters, although they passed as such. The former was born in Cleveland, while the other was reared in Akron. Cleo was but eighteen years old, while Claudie was a few years older. The life of Cleo has been a checkered one. Six months after Cleo's birth her father died, and for four years her widowed mother worked hard to support herself and orphan daughter.

About this time the mother married a hard-working, intelligedt [sic] mechanic, and the family took up their residence on a side street in the East End. The family was poor, but Cleo was sent to school regularly. Two years ago her beautiful eyes and hair attracted the attention of a son of a wealthy neighbor. The young man's parents were friends of the girl's mother, and little was thought of the growing intimacy between the youthful pair.

Shortly before Christmas, a year ago, Cleo suddenly disappeared from home. The poor mother wes [sic] almost distracted, and for months heard nothing of her wayward daughter. One day a letter was received from Cleo, in which the mother learned that her daughter was an actress, engaged with a troupe then playing in Jamestown, N.Y. From early youth Cleo had a passion for the stage, and her parents believed the story she had written. Last fall she returned home, but remained only a few days, when she again disappeared, and nothing was heard from her again until a year ago, when the mother received a letter saying that Cleo was penitent and had given up the desire to be an actress. She said that she would be home within a few days, never to leave again.

The true history of the girl after she left home was unknown to the parents until to-day. When Cleo left home she went to Jamestown, N.Y., where she entered a house of ill-repute. Her beauty attracted the attention of the proprietress of a similar house in this city, and when Cleo expressed desire to return to Cleveland an offer was at once made her, which she agreed to. She became an inmate of an establishment on Bank street, where he youthful lover, who had been married in the meantime, frequently visited her.

While on Bank street she became a warm friend of Claudie Morton, whose father is a merchant at Akron, and who had separated from her husband. Here, too, Cleo met a youth of nineteen named Theodore Keys. Keys fell in love with the girl, and showered money and jewels upon her. One day his father appeared and begged the girl to have nothing more to do with the youngster, which she consented to do, but he couldn't be shaken off. The girl was finally arrested by the father for being a woman of the town, and confined in the work-house fifteen days. After she was released she and Claudie Morton whent south, accompanied by Keys.

Despite a cursory search of census records, I've found no trace of Claud or Cleo before their arrival in Macon. Were their names real? Were their backstories true? The only certainties are the two headstones in Rose Hill Cemetery and the cold waters of Echeconnee Creek that claimed them on a June afternoon in 1887. This may be one of the most indelible 'tales of tombstones' my cemetery research has ever uncovered.

If you enjoyed this content,
please consider supporting my blog.

The Namesakes and Legacy of William George Lasch (1893-1918)

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 00:50:00 +0000

Flag of Germany (1867-1918)

William George Lasch was born on 24 September 1893, just ten months after the marriage of his parents, German immigrants John George Lasch (b. abt 1860) and Johanna M. Roth (b. 1864). They had wed on 26 November 1892, at the German Lutheran Church on Grand Street in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York. This church served as the spiritual anchor for a life that revolved around just a few city blocks; by the time William was a young boy, his father had established a bakery at 147 Union Street—less than a half-mile walk from where his parents had exchanged their vows. John George would continue to serve the local German-American community from this location for many years until his death on 20 May 1917.

In about 1916, William moved to Macon, Bibb County, Georgia, joining his sister Joanna (1895–1991) and her husband, James Robert Walters (1890–1966). While building his new life as an employee of the National Bank, William married Coralie Dickert (1896–1974) on 4 August 1917, the daughter of Curtis Lee Dickert and Lillie L. Northington. This milestone came just months after his father's passing and amidst a changing national landscape. As the United States formally entered World War I, William was called to serve his country, even as it declared war on the imperial government of his ancestral home. He answered that call as a son of America.

Eight months later, on 19 April 1918, William George Lasch was dead. The Poughkeepsie Eagle-News (New York) reported on his death the next day.

MEETS DEATH IN AUTO CRASH

Mrs. Johanna Lasch Gets News of Tragic Death of Son, Lieut. Wm. Lasch, at Camp Wheeler.

FUNERAL AT MACON

Mrs. Johanna Lasch, of 147 Union Street, received word on Friday of the death of her son, First Lieutenant William Lasch, at Camp Wheeler, Macon, Ga. He was 24 years of age. Details of his death were not given, except that he met his death through an automobile crash at camp. Lieutenant Lasch went to Macon two years ago, where his married sister lives, and secured a position in a bank in that city. He joined the State Guard in Georgia, and saw service on the Mexican border. At the outbreak of the present war, he enlisted in the heavy field artillery but was transferred to the wagon train and it is thought that he was killed in a collision of motor trucks.

Mrs. Lasch bore the sad news as bravely as possible. Her husband died only a year ago. He was George Lasch, the well-known Union Street baker. Last year, Mrs. Lasch spent her birthday, which occurs during the coming week, with her son, in Georgia. She had planned a small party this year and hoped that her son and his bride of a year could be present, for she had not seen him since last August, when he brought his young wife to visit in Poughkeepsie.

Mrs. Lasch received a letter from her son early in the week, telling of his promotion and of his much bigger salary. He said: "I am getting a great deal more money than I was, mamma, and I am glad, for I shall need it now to prepare for a great event in the early summer."

Funeral services will be held in Macon, and Mrs. Lasch will start for Georgia today.

The funeral, as well as a bit more clarification on the cause of William's death, was reported on in the 21 April 1918 Macon News (Georgia):

LIEUTENANT LASCH WILL BE BURIED HERE MONDAY AFTERNOON

With full military honors, the body of Lieut. William G. Lasch, of battery D, eighth field artillery, who was killed Friday afternoon when a big motor truck turned over a high embankment, near Swift creek trestle, will be held Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock. After funeral services at the home, 969 Courtland avenues [sic], Chaplain Edgar J. Evans, of the eighth field artillery, will conduct the service. The regimental band and battery D will attend as honorary escort. The interment will be made in Rose Hill cemetery. Pallbearers will be selected from among the officers of his organization.

Lieutenant Lasch was well known in Macon. Before entering the officers' training school at Fort McPherson he was employed by the Fourth National banks and was associated with Y. M. C. A. work. He went to the Mexican border with the Macon Volunteers, and upon their return was made battalion sergeant major of the Macon battalion now doing service in France.

When he was graduated he declined a higher commission for a second lieutenancy in the regular army and was assigned to Chickamauga Park. When the eighth field artillery was ordered to Camp Wheeler he was transferred here.

Last August he married Miss Carolie [sic] Dickert, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Dickert. Besides his widow, he is survived by his mother, of New York city, who will arrive Monday...

William's ledger marker in Rose Hill Cemetery at Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.
Image © 2013-2025 S. Lincecum

Remember that "great event in the early summer" William wrote about to his mother? It was likely the birth of his child. A daughter, named Billie George Lasch, was born to Coralie in Macon on 2 July 1918. Born just a few months after his tragic death, Billie was a namesake of the father she would never meet.

But she wasn't the only one. William George Walters was born on 20 April 1918, just one day after the death of his uncle. This son of the aforementioned Joanna F. Lasch and James Robert Walters seems to really have followed in his Uncle William's footsteps.

World War II Draft Card for William George Walters (1918-2009)

Not only did the younger William serve in the United States military, but he also worked with the Y.M.C.A. in Columbus, Muscogee County, Georgia. This branch of the Y, on the "corner Eleventh & Second Ave." was the third oldest in the nation. (It's worth noting that the elder William's brother, Frederick Carl Lasch (1903-1999), also worked with the Y.M.C.A. in Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey during the 1940s.)

After a lifetime marked with service to his community and country, following the path begun by his uncle, William George Walters was laid to rest at College Park Cemetery in Fulton County, Georgia.

Image by Sgt Ed Elstan (2012) via FindAGrave.
Permission for use granted in bio.

The legacy of William George Lasch did not end in that awful accident at Camp Wheeler. It lived on through the two children born in the shadow of his passing -- his daughter, Billie, and his nephew, William. By carrying his name and following his path of service, they ensured that, although he never saw that "great event" in the summer of 1918, he was never forgotten. Thus proving that a person's story continues as long as there are those willing to carry their name and tell their tale.

If you enjoyed this content,
please consider supporting my blog.

Jane and James Byington, 2 Sons, and a Daughter-in-Law

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 16:34:00 +0000

The Byington family plot is located in the Holly Ridge section of Rose Hill Cemetery. Buried within are parents James Lawrence and Caroline Jane (McClendon) Byington, sons Charles W. and Edward Telfair Byington, and daughter-in-law Elia Goode Byington (wife of Edward).

James L. Byington was born 24 July 1815 and died 23 January 1869. A portion of his epitaph reads, "God created man in His own image. Beneath this lies one of His most noble works. May he rest on thy Holy throne."

Macon Daily Telegraph (Georgia)
23 January 1869

DEATH OF J. L. BYINGTON. -- The community was shocked yesterday to hear of the sudden and unexpected death of the well-known proprietor of the Byington Hotel. He walked over to the Central Depot Tuesday morning, and, upon returning, complained of being ill, and thought he was going to have a chill. He went to his room, and was soon after seized with violent fever and inflammation of the stomach. He grew rapidly worse, until, at half-past ten yesterday morning, he died.

From a constant connection with hotels in Middle and South-Western Georgia, running back many years, he was know far and well; and the thousands of people who have so often shared his hospitality, will read this notice with the deepest regret. As a landlord, he had few superiors; as a citizen, father, and husband, he was respected and beloved. We mourn his loss as one who but yesterday walked among us in the full vigor of health and manhood, as a good citizen whose heart and hand were always open to charity, and who was ever true to his friends, true to his plighted word.

"Let the bells toll, another soul
Has crossed the Stygian river!"

Another article provides James's "disease was supposed to have been congestion of the bowels."

Jane Caroline, noted on her tombstone to be the widow of James, died 5 July 1897.

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
Wednesday, 7 July 1897

Laid to Rest

...The funeral of Mrs. J. L. Byington, whose death occurred on Monday morning, took place from her late residence, on Spring Street, yesterday afternoon.

There were quite a large number of friends in attendance, and the services were conducted by Rev. Dr. White, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, assisted by Rev. Wm. McKay. Mrs. Byington was born in Laurens County, Ga., August 11, 1822, and therefore lacked only a few weeks of completing her seventy-fifth year.

For many years prior to 1860 she resided in Albany, and for many years after that time at Fort Valley, at both of which places her husband, the late James L. Byington, was successfully engaged in the hotel business. Mr. Byington moved from Fort Valley to Macon in 1867, and was engaged in business in this city until his death in 1869. Mrs. Byington was a woman of many rare virtues, and her beauty of character had drawn about her a large circle of devoted friends whose hearts have been saddened by her passing away.

Charles was born 1 October 1848 and died 17 June 1875 "at his home in Fort Valley [Georgia]...after a long and protracted illness."

Image by James Allen.

It does not appear that Edward has an inscribed grave marker, but is possibly buried near his wife of fifty years.

Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Florida)
Monday, 7 March 1927 - pg. 2

Old Friends Mourn Death of Colonel E. T. Byington

By Jake Houston
Old friends of a generation that is almost forgotten are mourning the passing of Edward Telfair Byington, 73, who died at his home, 445 Second avenue south Saturday night, and who for 50 years has been identified with southern journalism.

Born in Albany Georgia, Colonel Byington, was a pioneer of the first large movement of population to Florida in the 90's. A year after the founding of Miami, 32 years ago, by Henry M. Flagler, found Col. Byington in this new resort as publisher of the News, which has since grown into the Miami Herald of today.

From that time till a few weeks before his death, Mr. Byington played an inspirational and responsible part in the rapid development of both east and west coast of Florida, through his editorial and special work for Miami publications, the Tampa Times, and Pinellas county newspapers, the St. Petersburg Times, the Tarpon Springs Leader, the Clearwater Sun, and the Evening Independent. Up until a few weeks before his death he was contributing editor on the Independent, writing anonymously, but with full command of his faculties and experience of more than 30 years of Florida progress.

His work brought him in contact with that first generation of Florida builders, Henry Flagler, of the Florida East Coast railway, whom he numbered among his friends; Henry M. Plant, of the west coast railroad development, and scores of others, who have passed on before him. He knew the story of the progress of Florida to 1925 probably better than any other man from his close association with the leaders of the movement.

His early newspaper success began with the Atlanta Journal, on which he served as city editor under John Paul Jones. He established in 1886 the Columbus Ledger, the first afternoon daily in that city, which he later sold. He served as editor of the Jacksonville Herald under the ownership of John Temple Graves and Henry Clarke, prior to his first venture in Miami, just after the completion of the railroad, when the place was no more than a small scattered grove center and hardly visioned health and winter resort.

Mr. Byington was the son of Caroline Jane McLendon, and James Lawrence Byington, old Georgia families. For many years he has been a member of the Christian Science church. Many of his friends knew his [sic] always as Colonel Byington -- the title echoing the days when his trenchant editorials on Georgia politics won his statewide recognition and a place on the staff of a Georgia governor of the 80's.

With Mrs. Byington, who was his active partner in many newspaper activities, and who survives him, Mr. Byington saw their 50th wedding anniversary pass on Jan. 17. They were married in Perry, Georgia. Two nieces, the Misses Lucy and Willie Collier of Tampa, also survive. Rhodes Funeral Co., is in charge of arrangements.

Interment will be in the family plot in beautiful Rose Hill Cemetery, Macon, Ga., Tuesday. Mrs. Byington, and Miss Lucy and Willie Collier will leave this morning to attend the last services in Macon.

Elia, wife of Edward, was a daughter of Charles T. and Cornelia (Warren) Goode, both of whom rest in Evergreen Cemetery at Perry, Houston County, Georgia.

Image by James Allen.

Canadian Patrick W. McLaughlin Buried Away from Family in Macon, Georgia

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 01:53:00 +0000

Patrick William McLaughlin died at US Army (training) Camp Wheeler near Macon, Bibb County, Georgia less than a week before Christmas in 1917. He was a private in Company G, 124th Infantry, and cause of death was tuberculosis.

Augusta Chronicle (Georgia)
Friday, 21 December 1917

THREE MORE DEATHS AT CAMP WHEELER

Macon, Ga., Dec. 20. -- Patrick McLaughlin, of Company G, 124th Infantry, who died in the base hospital Tuesday night, is said to have seen service in the trenches in France in the present war. He was a Canadian. The body is still being held and efforts are being made to locate relatives...

That last line made me worry his family wasn't located in time, but then I found the following:

Atlanta Consitution (Georgia)
Sunday, 23 December 1917 - pg. 9

COMES FROM CANADA IN RACE WITH DEATH

Facing Zero Temperatures, Miss McLaughlin Arrives for Soldier Brother's Funeral.

Macon, Ga., December 22. -- (Special.) Miss Charlotte McLaughlin traveled all the way from Saskatoon, saskatchewan, in the Canadian northwest in response to a message that her brother, Patrick William McLaughlin, 24 years of age, was at the point of death at the base hospital at Camp Wheeler. She left Saskatoon on Monday morning while the temperature registered 45 degrees below zero and a heavy blanket of snow covered the ground, arriving here today.

Coming through the state of North Dakota on Wednesday Miss McLaughlin received a telegram that her brother was dead. She continued on to take charge of the burial, for Miss McLaughlin's parents are dead and the only other living member of the family is another brother, Bertrand Alexander McLaughlin, 21 years of age, who is a member of a Canadian artillery regiment mobilized at Kingston, Ontario.

Miss McLaughlin decided after her arrival to have her brother buried in Rose Hill cemetery in this city. Captain A. Wright Ellis, of Company G of the 124th Infantry, of which company her brother was a member, arranged for the service. All of the officers, including Captain Ellis and Lieutenants Giles, Simmons and Byrne, turned out yesterday morning for the funeral. The service was conducted by Captain L. A. Spencer, chaplain of the regiment. The funeral and burial were with full military honors and there was a large attendance at the service. There was an escort and a firing squad, the latter firing the usual salute at the grave.

This is the first soldier to be buried in Macon since the troops moved to Camp Wheeler and the base hospital was established there.

Miss McLaughlin left the city for her return trip tonight. She said that she had hoped, when she started out, to spend Christmas with her brother at Camp Wheeler.

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Jacob Russell Helped Start the First Lager Beer Brewery in Georgia

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 00:35:00 +0000

Though his tombstone provides the birth year of 1824, it's more likely Jacob Russell was born between 1813 and 1817 in Bavaria. He came to the United States and settled in Bibb County, Georgia in the late 1830s and married Catherine Follendore there about 1842.

The local newspapers began remembering the full life of Mr. Russell before his death, which came on 14 July 1887 in Macon, GA.

Atlanta Constitution (Georgia)
Thursday, 14 July 1887 - pg. 3

AN OLD CITIZEN

Lying at the Point of Death -- A Life of Vicissitudes.
MACON, Ga., July 13. -- [Special.] -- It is the opinion of competent physicians that it is now no longer a question of days, but of hours, when Jacob Russell shall have drawn his last breath. He has eaten nothing for several weeks except prepared milk in small quantities, and his son remains up with him every night awaiting the inevitable end.

Jacob Russell has a remarkable history. At the age of twenty-eight he left his native land, Bavaria, and came to this country...

His wife, who still lives, at the age of sixty-three, left Baden at the age of eight years, and grew to womanhood in America. In 1843 Jacob married her and set out to make a living. For thirty years they did a dry goods business on the corner of Pine street and Cotton avenue, where Charlie Russell now has a grocery store. The young Germans did well...

In [1860?] Russell and Peter Slenten started the first lagar beer brewery in Georgia. Russell put a lot of money into it, and the old buildings and cellars still remain, out on Vineville branch, in a dilapidated condition.

The firm secured a foreman from the west, who ruined their beer, and the concern bursted, leaving Russell with nothing but that property on Cotton avenue.

For a long time he was with L. W. Rasdal, and when the Aurora beer first appeared here Russell took the agency.

Finally he removed, in 1880, back to the Cotton avenue place and opened a grocery story [sic] where he has made money.

He has eight daughters and two sons, ten in all, seven of whom are married. He has twenty-four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren, all living and doing well.

The old man is passing away from the combined effects of rheumatism and old age, and his family think he will hardly survive the night. His long life has been one of honest and manly labor, and he has many friends in this city, where he has lived so long.

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
Friday, 15 July 1887 - pg. 5

Death of Jacob Russell, Esq.
Mr. Jacob Russell died at his home on Cotton avenue at 11 o'clock last night after an illness of about a month.

He was nearly 74 years old, and came to Macon about 1834. He aided in building the old Monroe railroad, now the Atlanta division of the Central. He built the first brewery in Georgia, if not in the South, and was a member of the firm Russell & Peters, brewers, during the war and for some time afterward.

He made a good citizen, and was at one time one of the aldermen of the city, and held other places of honor and trust. He was a member of Germania Lodge of Odd Fellows, and was also an old member of the Macon Volunteers.

The funeral will take place this afternoon.

Atlanta Constitution (Georgia)
Saturday, 16 July 1887 - pg. 3

JACOB RUSSELL'S DEATH.

Some Additional Points About the Old Citizen.
MACON, Ga., July 15. -- [Special.] -- Last night Jacob Russell breathed his last, after a long and lingering illness. Mr. Russell was seventy-four years old. He came to Macon in 1837, and began life in good earnest. He was an officer on the old steamboat Goddard in the old steamboat days. When the State road was begun Mr. Russell took the first section on it, and he it was who built and named "Big Shanty," a few miles out of Atlanta. His wife was a Follindore. When she came to Macon she was brought on the river boat from Darien. The family has lived here ever since, and Mr. Russell could tell as many stories of the early history of the city as anybody.

On June 21st, last, he had a wine dinner, and invited some of his old friends to enjoy the semi-centennial celebration of his arrival in America. He was a member of Germania Lodge of Odd Fellows, and they will be present in a body at his funeral.

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
16 July 1887

Funeral of Mr. Russell.
The funeral of Mr. Jacob Russell took place yesterday afternoon from his late residence on Cotton avenue, and was largely attended. The services were conducted by Rev. Wm. McKay, and were very impressive. The remains were intered [sic] in Rose Hill cemetery, and the following gentlemen acted as pallbearers: Messrs. J. Madison Jones, Geo. B. Wells, H. P. Westcott, E. Sprinz, G. C. Conner and Valentine Kahn.

As stated yesterday, Mr. Russell was one of the oldest citizens of Macon, having come here in 1838. He built a section of the Monroe railroad, the second railroad built in Georgia. He followed the road to Atlanta, and then was engaged on the State road. He gave one of the stations the name of Big Shanty, which name it retains to this day. In 1860 he built with Mr. Julius Peter, the first brewery in the South the business of which was lost in the reverses that followed the close of the war. By dint of hard work and and [sic] close attention, built up a business on Cotton avenue which falls to his son, Mr. C. H. Russell...

Remarkably, the site of Georgia's first brewery was uncovered in 2017.

The Telegraph (Macon, Georgia)

Georgia’s oldest brewery unveiled with widening of I-75 in Macon
BY LAURA CORLEY
OCTOBER 27, 2017 11:44 PM

There on a steep embankment between a blighted cemetery and Interstate 75, a deep, dark hole leads to a cave that is the site of what was likely Georgia’s first brewery.

The nearly 200-year-old beer cave is no secret to longtime residents in Macon’s Pleasant Hill neighborhood.

However, it was an unexpected discovery for Georgia Department of Transportation contract workers, which first saw it in September as they were cutting back trees to widen the interstate...

...Back in the late 1830s, the 50 feet deep cave was used to age ale and German lagers crafted by Russell & Peters’ Brewery.

Immigrants Jacob Russell, of Bavaria, and Julius Peters, of Germany, started brewing beer, distilling liquor and fermenting wine before the Civil War and continued during it, according to a 1938 Telegraph article...

...The cavern is beside Riverside Branch, which leads to the Ocmulgee River. [Chris Tsavatewa, professor at Middle Georgia State University] said kegs were shipped down to Darien.

'The significance of this cave not only resides in the industrial history of Macon, but the significance of the time period of which the brewery operated...Jacob Russell was a slave owner and the cave itself reveals thousands of pick marks on the inside that created the cave’s expansion...it was most likely done with slave labor.'

The cave, for the most part, is undisturbed...[Full article here.]

Jacob and Catherine had at least eleven children:

Louisa Ella Russell, 1844-1915 (m. Julius Herman Otto in 1862)
Julia Russell Hertel, b. abt 1845
Mary A. Russell, b. abt 1847
Lavinia Russell, 1849-1924 (m. Louis Vannucci)
Aurelia Russell, d. 1929 (m. Louis Nelson)
Emma C. Russell, b. abt 1853 (m. H. M. Taylor in 1875)
Charles H. Russell, b. abt 1855
Jacob Russell, b. abt 1856
Robert Russell, b. abt 1857
Kate Russell, b. abt 1860
Annie Russell, b. ant 1866

Louise and Lavinia also rest in Rose Hill Cemetery.

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

John O'Keeffe Killed in Front of Washington Hall Hotel in 1852

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 20:10:00 +0000

Ireland native John O'Keeffe, born about 1808, had been a resident of Macon, Bibb County, Georgia "for many years" when he was killed on 11 December 1852. His wife Ellen placed a gravestone for him in the Oak Ridge Section of Rose Hill Cemetery.

In Memory of
JOHN O'KEEFFE
A native of Westmeath, Ireland.
For many years a resident of Macon.
His acquirements as a scholar and
deportment as a citizen obtained for
him to his last moment the respect and
consideration of all who knew him...
Requiescant in Pace.

Death notice from Wednesday, 15 December 1852 Georgia Journal and Messenger (Macon, GA):

Death of John O'Keefe.
On Saturday night, about twelve o'clock, John O'Keefe was killed in front of the Washington Hall, by John T. Boyd, a journeyman saddler in the employ of Wm. T. Mix & Co., of this city. Mr. O'Keefe was a native of Ireland; but had resided in this place for many years, quietly and unobtrusively pursuing his occupation as a school teacher.

On Monday morning Boyd was committed to await his trial for murder, at the next term of the Superior Court of this County.

"Mulberry Street at Second Street Macon, Georgia"
© 2011 Ken Lund (CC-BY-SA 2.0)
Washington Hall was located at the NW corner of
Second and Mulberry streets.

The killing seemed to result from a strange encounter between O'Keeffe and Boyd after a night out at the bar. Testimony published in the 17 May 1853 Georgia Telegraph (Macon, GA):

Bibb Superior Court.
The State vs. John T. Boyd } Murder.
EVIDENCE.
JOHN SPRINGER SWORN -- I do not recollect the day of the month, when the circumstances took place. But it was on the night of the day of the election of the Mayor and Aldermen, the election was in December, 1852; the circumstances took place in the county of Bibb, in Georgia, near the Washington Hall.

I was in company with John O'Keeffe, coming diagonally across from Macarthy's Bar Room towards the Washington Hall, O'Keeffe had my left arm. Just as we were striking the sidewalk, we discovered a gentleman, who since proved to be Mr. Boyd, on the inside of the sidewalk, walking in the same direction that we were going. Mr. O'Keeffe hailed twice or thrice, saying, Who is that? or something to that purport. No answer being made, O'Keeffe let go my arm and advanced into the inside of the walk, where Boyd was; a scuffle or fray immediately ensued, they fell, Mr. O'Keeffe falling on top. I ran up, caught hold of O'Keeffe, exclaiming John, quit, attempted to pull them up; and in the attempt fell myself, and they fell again also. I recovered from the fall, caught hold of O'Keeffe again, and raised him up, he was not difficult to raise. He seemed to be in a staggering condition, and said that he was a dead man, that, that man had killed him.

I eased him down as gently as I could, on the pavement, and said to Mr. Boyd, you have killed O'Keeffe, and must not leave. Whereupon, Boyd said, good God! is he dead! I went then to the Washington Hall with Mr. Boyd, gave the alarm, and gave notice of what had occurred. I know nothing more of the case at this time, unless it was the fact, that when we reached the Washington Hall, Mr. Boyd showed two knives, and designated the one which he had killed O'Keeffe.

I do not think O'Keeffe had a knife. When O'Keeffe haild Boyd, it was in a usual tone of voice. Can not identify the prisoner at the bar with Boyd. Mr. O'Keefe died immediately, I think from the effect of the wounds.

SPRINGER CROSS-EXAMINED -- John O'Keeffe and myself were coming from Macarthy's Bar Room; said Bar Room is this side of the Lanier House, on the right side of the street as you go up. We were crossing so as to strike this side of the Washington Hall, Boyd was going up towards the Washington Hall from Strohecker's corner, on the inside of the sidewalk.

Boyd was near the Barber Shop when we first noticed him, about half way, he did not stop when O'Keeffe hailed him.

When O'Keeffe started towards Boyd we were about square with Boyd. Boyd kept walking on. I said to O'Keeffe, let him alone John, he has as much right to the sidewalk as we have. O'Keeffe did not stop till he reached Boyd. I do not suppose it was more than a second, after they caught hold of each other, before they fell. I did not fall on O'Keeffe and Boyd, but fell over them on the pavement.

After raising O'Keeffe, he made no attempt to run at Boyd again. O'Keeffe said nothing about being hurt, until he was raised completely up, and said he was a dead man, nor do I think he made any further complaints.

I saw no cutting or knives when they were engaged together. I cannot swear that O'Keeffe did not have a knife, nor did I see any knife until afterwards at the Washington Hall. It was in the inside of the Washington Hall, that Boyd designated the knife with which he had killed O'Keeffe.

The night was dark, and there was no moon that I know of. From the confusion that I was in, after falling and getting up, many things might have happened without my knowing it. After getting into the Washington Hall, some conversation occurred between Mr. Dense, Mr. Boyd and myself, in relation to the occurrence. I do not recollect what I said, but suppose what I said was true, as the facts were then fresh in my mind.

If I made any statement to Mr. Dense in regard to O'Keeffe's jumping on Boyd, it was under excitement, and not as the thing occurred.

There was an unusual interest taken in the City Election, I suppose.

There was no light on the sidewalk when the difficulty occurred.

WILLIAM T. MIX SWORN -- I saw Mr. Boyd on the night when the killing took place, at about a quarter of six o'clock, it was on the 11th December, the day when the City Elections took place.

THOMAS WILLIAMS SWORN -- I was present at the examination before the Mafistrates, on the Monday after the difficulty took place. I identify the prisoner at the bar as the John T. Boyd who was up before the Magistrates that day.

DR. A. PYE SWORN -- I examined Mr. O'Keeffe when I was called to see him, found one mortal wound on his left breast, which seemed to have caused his death, there were other cuts, but none that I deemed serious. It was Sunday morning, after breakfast, when I called to see him, 'twas after the Coroner's inquest. I do not recollect more than four distinct wounds -- the wounds seemed to have been made with a knife. The mortal wound was right above the fourth rib...the wound ranged up, seeming to have entered between the 4th and 5th rib, and ranged upwards.

PYE CROSS EXAMINED -- I think that if they were lying down, the wound might have ranged upwards, if they were standing front to front, the knife would probably have entered straighter, everything depends on the way the knife was held. There were two wounds in the back, both ranging upwards, both of which might have been made either while they were standing up or lying down.

I did not examine the wound under the left arm, and am unable to say whether it ranged up or down.

The same paper also published the following on the same day:

Bibb Superior Court.
The Spring Term of this Court commenced a week ago yesterday, his honor Judge Powers, presiding. We give, in another column, the testimony in the case of John T. Boyd, charged with the murder of John O'Keefe...After a consultation of several hours, the Jury returned a verdict of "Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter."

I don't know what punishment (if any) came to Mr. Boyd.

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Dispositions Contained in the Will of Meyer G. Schwed (d. 1885)

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 20:59:00 +0000

Upon his death in 1885, Meyer G. Schwed was laid to rest next to his wife Minnie in the Hebrew Burial Ground section of Rose Hill Cemetery. This first Jewish cemetery in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia was established in 1844. When Congregation Beth Israel was born in 1859, it took over the grounds.

I can't offer much concrete information about Meyer and Minnie, but his will (dated 14 August 1883) sure left a lot of clues. Here are some excerpts:

3 - Item - I want to be buried next to my beloved wife on my lot in Rose Hill Cemetery in the grounds of the Congregation Beth Israel. I want my said executors, hereinafter named, to have a monument erected over me as neat like that now over my wife as can be procured but it is not to cost over Four Hundred Dollars ($400.00)

4 - Item - $1000 to Congregation Beth Israel of Macon, Georgia to be invested in United States bonds or other good securities, bearing no less than four (4) per cent interest per annum, the interest from which shall be annually appropriated to keeping in repair & beautifying my said lot in the grounds of said Congregation in said Rose Hill Cemetery.

5 - Item - $500 to the Jewish Congregation Aschenhausen, Province of Lochsen [Sachsen?] Weimar Eisenach, Germany upon the conditions hereinafter stated...that they shall burn a light & say Kadish annually upon the anniversary of my death.

6 - Item - $1000 to Macon Lodge No. 5 F. A. M. of Macon, Ga. upon the conditions hereinafter named...the same shall be invested...which annual interest shall be used...in defraying the expenses of such re-union & entertainment by said lodge as they may deem appropriate to commemorate the anniversary of my death.

7 - Item - $2000 to parents Samuel and Matilda Schwed;

$3000 to brother Marcus Schwed;

$1000 to sister Rebecca Dankwerth;

$1000 to brother Lippman Schwed;

$1000 to brother Seligman Schwed if alive & his whereabouts can be ascertained within five (5) years after my death;

$1000 to brother Joseph Schwed;

$500 to sister Sarah Werzburg;

$500 to wife's brother Siegfried Lilienthal;

$500 to wife's brother Leonard Lilienthal;

$500 to wife's sister, wife of my esteemed friend Albert Gibian, Julia Gibian;

$500 to wife's nephew Julian Gibian;

$500 to wife's niece Mamie Gibian;

$500 to niece Essie Schwed;

$500 to nephew Isadore Schwed;

$1000 to niece Emma Dankwerth;

$500 to nephew Max Dankwerth.

8 - Item - ...to my namesake, M. G. Schwed Berkner, son of my esteemed friend Henry J. Berkner...$500.

9 - Item - ...to my namesake Herman Schwed Hertwig, son of my esteemed friend Herman Hertwig...$500.

10 - Item - $500 to esteemed friend Alexander Proudfit, Esq. [one of the named executors]

12 - Item - to Essie Schwed proceeds of my life policy for $1000 in the New York Mutual Life Insurance Company.

13 - Item - to Mamie Gibian proceeds of my life policy...in the Equitable Life Assurance Society of New York for $2500.

14 - Item - to Marcus Schwed proceeds of my One Thousand Dollar life policy in the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company, also the proceeds of my certificate for $2000 in the Ancient Order of United Workmen, also the proceeds [of] my certificate for $2000 in the Order of Knights of Pythias.

17 - Item - to my wife's sister, Julia Gibian, all my wife's clothes and paraphernalia.

21 - Item - At my death I desire my will translated into German & transmitted to the beneficiaries thereunder who may then reside in Germany.

Meyer believed his estate was valued at about $21,000.

He died 11 May 1885. An obituary from 18 May 1885 Morning Journal-Courier (New Haven, Connecticut):

Death of a Macon Merchant.
The Atlanta Constitution announces the death May 11 of M. G. Schwed, a prominent wholesale grocer of Macon, Georgia, aged thirty-six years...His firm were erecting a large and handsome business house in Macon. Deceased was a brother of Marcus Schwed, of this city, and formerly lived here.

I also found mention -- more than once -- in the local newspaper of the Macon Masons honoring the wishes of Mr. Schwed. Here's a clipping from the 11 May 1901 Macon Telegraph -- published sixteen years after his death (which incorrectly stated it was celebrating his birth).

THE M. G. SCHWED MEMORIAL TONIGHT

The Masons of Macon Will Enjoy the Feast Provided for in the Will of the Deceased Member of the Macon Lodge.

The Masons of Macon will tonight celebrate the anniversary of the birth of M. G. Schwed, the story of whose will has been annually told in these columns since his death. He provided that a certain sum of money should be invested by Macon lodge, and the proceeds from the investment should be used each year for making merry on the anniversary of his birth. The Masons find it very easy to carry out his wishes in the matter, and tonight they will gather at the asylum of Macon lodge and do as the will directs.

Minnie, beloved wife of M. G. Schwed, died 16 April 1879 at age 26.

Sgt. Thomas Christian Heidelberg, III (d. 1864)

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 16:42:00 +0000

The image below captures but a small portion of Soldier's Square in Macon, Georgia's Rose Hill Cemetery. Behind and to the left of the centered stone placed for John Smith is a similar marker placed for Thomas Christian Heidelberg, III.

Soon after the American Civil War, Jane Lumsden Hardeman led the charge of "removing the remains of soldiers from graves scattered around the Confederate hospitals" in Bibb County to Old City and Rose Hill cemeteries "and erected wooden headboards at each mound with the name, company, regiment, and date of death of each soldier." [Historical Marker] The number of Confederate dead in Soldier's Square at Rose Hill Cemetery numbers above 600.

Thomas C. Heidelberg, III was one such soldier. He was born about 1836 in Mississippi. In May 1862 he enlisted as a Private in Co. H, 27th Mississippi Infantry. The headstone placed for him erroneously puts Thomas in the 29th Miss., though it does concur with the Roll of Honor published in the Macon Telegraph in 1866.

A couple of months into his service, Thomas spent some time "in hospital at Mobile," but definitely had returned to his company by the fall of 1862.

The following year, Thomas (now a sergeant) was "wounded battle Lookout Mt. Nov 24, 1863 & sent to hospital by order Brigade surgeon." Furthermore, according to his service records, Thomas "Appears on a LIST of killed, wounded and missing, of Walthall's Brigade, in the engagement of Lookout Mountain, Tenn., (Nov. 24, 1863.)" List dated Camp near Dalton, Ga Dec 18, 1863, with remarks: mortally wounded.

Thomas must have survived, though. He was with his company leading up to the Battle of Jonesborough (Jonesboro) in Clayton County, Georgia. Curiously, a card from his service file states he was admitted to a hospital near Jonesboro on 27 August 1864. This was a few days before the battle, yet the same card cites the dates of the battle, and a subsequent card seems to give an injury date of 31 August 1864. Lack of a precise date notwithstanding, Thomas quite possibly was wounded in that battle. A gunshot wound fractured his "middle third left femur." Field treatment received was a "simple dressing" 10 hours after injury.

I cannot imagine the pain.

At least a week would pass before Thomas arrived at Ocmulgee Hospital in Macon (approximately 70 miles south of Jonesboro). I presume an infection had set in at the wound site, as his medical card stated his leg was amputated.

Sixteen days after that last hospital admittance, on 24 September 1864, Thomas Christian Heidelberg, III died. At Ocmulgee Hospital in Macon, Georgia -- more than 400 miles from his home in Jasper County, Mississippi.

We see their gory forms in long procession, embracing the epauletted leader and private soldier, the beardless youth and gray haired sire, the strong and middle-aged, the wan and weary, whole hecatombs, indeed, who went down amid the crash of battle and with garments rolled in blood. Others, not less brave, appear stark and stiff in the hospitals where, too, with equal devotion they had yielded their lives a Holocaust for liberty. -- "Roll of Honor Republished," 26 April 1878, Macon Telegraph and Messenger

Jane Armistead Taliaferro: an Accomplished Young Lady Unlucky in Love

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 16:42:00 +0000

Well, unlucky in marriage, at least.

With my first glance at Jane's gravestone in Rose Hill Cemetery, I made two hypotheses:

(1) Jane's maiden name was Armisted, and

(2) Henry's middle name was Colt.

Maybe you can see how I did that.

...And I was wrong in both instances.

Jane Armiste(a)d Taliaferro was born about 1839 in Caroline County, Virginia to Louisa G. Armistead and Charles C. Taliaferro. She first married Dr. Cassius Carter on 18 June 1856 in Orange County, VA. About a month later, Dr. Carter was dead. The 11 August 1856 Alexandria Gazette published the following:

DIED.
Recently, in Orange County, Virginia, in the thirty-first year of his age, Dr. CASSIUS CARTER, of Prince William. The deceased had been united in marriage but a few hours to an accomplished young lady when, amid the innocent festivities common to such occasions, he was arrested by the hand of death. The mysterious dispensation filled many hearts with the deepest grief...

So Jane was first widowed about age 17.

Seven years would pass before Jane married again. This time, the groom was John Hill Lamar of Macon, Bibb County, Georgia. Though it ended in a Confederate victory, Col. Lamar fell in the Battle of Monocacy (Maryland) six months later. Following from the 21 July 1864 edition of the Macon Telegraph:

...We get sad news from the 61st Georgia. The Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment were both killed at the battle of Monocacy. Both were valued citizens of Macon. Col. John Hill Lamar was quite young, and within the present year married an accomplished and beautiful young lady of Virginia. A more gallant ingenious and right-minded youth never perished on [the] battle-field. He was with all a fine officer, and very popular with his command...

Jane was widowed again about age 25. She had to think, "Are you kidding me?" In a span of about eight years, Jane had been married twice. Yet, she actually only spent about seven months as a married woman. For all the other years, she was Widow Carter/Lamar.

Finally, on 19 September 1870, Jane Armiste(a)d Taliaferro Carter Lamar got married for the last time. To Henry Coit Day, son of Mary Jane Crocker and Charles Day. The couple settled in Brunswick, Glynn County, Georgia as Henry was an agent for the Macon & Brunswick Railroad. About September 1873, the couple had a daughter named Mary. Jane died the following month at about age 34.

Daily Telegraph and Messenger (Macon, GA)

2 October 1873 - pg. 4

Death of Mrs. Day.
Mrs. Henry C. Day died in this city at the residence of Rev. J. W. Hinton, at half past one o'clock yesterday morning. Mrs. Day's maiden name was Taliaferro. She was a native of Virginia, and married Col. John Hill Lamar, who command [sic] the 61st Georgia regiment. Col. Lamar was killed at the battle of Monocacy Junction, and shortly after Mrs. Lamar came to this city, where she remained until her marriage with Mr. Henry C. Day, some three years ago. She was a most amiable and charming lady, and had a multitude of friends here who will regret to hear of her death. She had been living in Brunswick for some time, her husband being agent of the M. & B. R. R., but her health being bad, she came to Macon with the hope of being benefited. But alas, she came too late. She arrived here only last Friday, and died as stated, yesterday morning, leaving an infant about a month old...

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

"Paramount" James H. Blount (1837-1903) and the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 17:59:00 +0000

The "Blount Angel" standing in the Central Avenue Division of Rose Hill Cemetery marks the spot of the final resting place of James Henderson Blount and family.

James H. Blount (b. 1837) was a lawyer, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Confederate Army's Floyd Rifles of Georgia, a United States Congressman (D), and a commissioner to the Hawaiian Islands. It's this last post of duty I want to highlight here. Upon Blount's death in March 1903, the following was published in Honolulu, Hawaii's Pacific Commercial Advertiser.

JAMES H. BLOUNT PASSES AWAY AT HIS GEORGIA HOME

Cleveland's Paramount Commissioner Succumbs to a Long Illness, Dying of Lung Trouble.

His Busy Life and Connection With the Affairs of Hawaii at the Time of the Hauling Down of the Flag, Raised by the United States Minister, Ten Years Ago.

(ASSOCIATED PRESS CABLEGRAM.)
MACON, Ga., March 8. -- James H. Blount, former member of Congress from this district, who has been known for ten years as "Paramount" by reason of the appointment as commissioner to investigate affairs in Hawaii, died at his home here today. His lungs have been affected for some years and he has weakened steadily since two years ago he was stricken with paralysis.

"Paramount" Blount is dead! There are few people in Hawaii who do not know the part he played in the making of the history of this country. During the last couple of years of his life he has been suffering from paralysis.

He was born in Macon, Georgia, on Sept. 12, 1837, and represented the Sixth District of his native state in Congress continuously from 1872 until March 4, 1893, and during that time played an important part in the making of the laws of the United States. Shortly before the expiration of his last term he received unprecedented tribute from his fellow-members of Congress, who, knowing that he had declined a renomination, interrupted the proceedings of the House in order that Judge Holman of Indiana might deliver a eulogy upon Blount's public services...

Blount was dispatched to Hawaii in the capacity of special United States Commissioner by President Cleveland in March, 1893, for the purpose of ascertaining the advantages of disadvantages of annexation and the sentiment of both whites and natives.

RUMORS OF HIS COMING.
For some time after the 4th of March, 1893, rumors reached here that President Cleveland, having withdrawn the treaty of annexation which Messrs. Castle, Carter, Marsden, Wilder and Thurston went to Washington to negotiate, would send a commissioner here to look into the events leading up to and following the revolution that dethroned the Queen...Finally, however, the rumors simmered down to Blount and one fine morning he appeared on a revenue cutter commanded by Captain Hooper. He brought with him his wife and his private secretary, Ellis H. Mills, afterwards United States Consul General.

A great crowd gathered at the boat-landing. Native women, dressed in white and carrying leis and the flag of Hawaii, thronged to the edge of the dock ready to welcome the stranger whom they thought would restore the Queen. Wealthy residents, supporters of the provisional Government, were there to extend private hospitality. Esbank, the beautiful residence of Mrs. S. G. Wilder, on Judd street, had been secured for Colonel Blount's use, rent free. The crowds waited long at the landing, but the Paramount Commissioner did not appear. He had taken a look at the throng through Captain Hooper's binoculars and wished to avoid it. Finally a barge left the side of the cutter and swiftly made its way towards the landing, the Hawaiian women frantically waving their flags. But Colonel Blount was not aboard. The boat only bore Ellis Mills, who, with a brisk air of importance, mounted the dock, official packet in hand, and took a hack for the Government building. An hour or two later when the crowd was thinned out the Commissioner was landed. A private carriage was in waiting but he declined it and took a hack for the Hawaiian Hotel, where he was assigned to the Snow cottage.

"MARCHING THROUGH GEORGIA."
That evening there was a mighty concourse of Hawaiians on the hotel grounds. Berger's band had been crippled, at the time of the revolution, by the withdrawal of most of its native members who had formed a band of their own under the leadership of an East Indian named Libornio. The Hawaiian Hotel being a Royalist headquarters, the Libornio band was employed to play on the grounds. On the night of Blount's arrival it occupied the band stand. Owing to an unhappy fluke it opened the program by playing "Marching Through Georgia," the most distasteful air, perhaps, that the ex-Confederate Georgian Commissioner could have heard. But he bore up manfully. The next day, however, when Berger's band played the same tune for him he wrote about it -- a line or two -- in his official report. Having seen Georgian fields devastated by Sherman's army and having been chased about the State by Sherman's men, any reference, musical or otherwise, to the famous march was gall and wormwood to him.

What would the Paramount Commissioner do? His official call on President Dole had been reassuring. The credentials he handed over were couched in friendly phrase and he said nothing which led people to suppose that he would put an end to the protectorate which Minister Stevens had ordained. At least he said nothing to the public. Minister Stevens, however, had seen bad signs. In meeting him Blount had been more than cool; had declined to say much about the situation; had, in fact, intimated that the United States Minister was a bit superfluous, and that the annexation policy was the work of adventurers.

...One morning the Advertiser startled the town with the brief announcement that, by direction of Commissioner Blount, the American flag would be hauled down from the Government building (Judiciary) at 11 a.m., and the Stevens protectorate ended. It was worth the crisis to see the outburst of American feeling that followed. From over a hundred private flagstaffs the Stars and Stripes were unfurled to the morning breeze and almost every American one met had the patriotic button of the Annexation Club in his lapel. The Hawaiian regiment and battery of artillery at once went under arms. There was a half-defined fear that that Royalists would rise and try to restore the Queen; but the Royalists themselves looked to Blount to do that. One of those wild rumors of restoration had gone about and the Queen's friends were content to await the action of Cleveland's representative. Natives by the hundred, on foot and in carriages, went to the Palace Square. As the hour of eleven approached the bluejackets came into the Government building to perform the act of relinquishment. After them, company by company, came the Provisional troops, and the crowd outside the fence which enclosed the acre about Kamehameha's statue saw little hope for the Queen in the glint of series steel and the frowning mouths of cannon.

STARS AND STRIPES FURLED.
The change of flags was very simple. A bugle blew and the Stars and Stripes came down on the run, the halliards in the sinewy hands of a Jack Tar. Five minutes later there was a ruffle of drums, a flourish of brass and the Hawaiian flag, bent on by a soldier of the Provisional Government, went to the masthead. Guards were posted and the crowds dispersed.

The day the flag came down was on or near the fiftieth anniversary of the hauling down of the British flag that had been raised by Lord Paulet.

Blount now began his investigation. People soon saw that he was hopelessly biased against the American colony. The members of it were mostly from the North, directly or by descent; Minister Stevens was a typical Yankee; the Paramount Commissioner was a rank Jeff Davis man, only reconstructed far enough to hold a Federal office. Whenever Hawaiian Americans called on Blount he treated them brusquely, unless, indeed, they were anxious to say a word for the Queen. Royalists, especially native Royalists, he received with open arms. His intimate companions were Claus Spreckels and Charles Nordhoff; the most frequent guests, other than the two gentlemen named, were the late ministers of the crown. Some men of the highest character on the annexation side were unable to get their testimony before Mr. Blount while any man on the Royalist side had a stenographic hearing. There was no surprise, therefore, when, a few weeks afterward, the mail brought back the text of Blount's conclusions, namely, that the revolution of 1893 had taken place under such auspices as the throw the responsibility for it upon the armed forces of the United States.

In his July 1893 report, Blount stated "United States diplomatic and military representatives had abused their authority and were responsible for the change in government." President Cleveland acknowledged "substantial wrong" had been done and deemed the "honorable course" was "to restore as far as practicable the status existing at the time or our forcible intervention." The matter was referred to the U.S. Congress, where the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (which overwhelmingly favored annexation) proceeded to perform an investigation of their own in order to discredit Blount. President Cleveland's "honorable course" stalled, and the so-called Provisional Government was recognized.

In 1993, the Apology Resolution was passed by Congress. It stated, "the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii occurred with active participation of agents and citizens of the United States and...the Native Hawaiian people never directly relinquished to the United States their claims to their inherent sovereignty as a people over their national lands, either through the Kingdom of Hawaii or through a plebiscite or referendum."

Just over a month after Blount's death, on 13 April 1903, the same Pacific Commercial Advertiser published a more critical article about his role in the annexation of Hawaii:

THE ECLIPSE OF BLOUNT

In the career of Hon. James H. Blount of Georgia, who died on March 8, there is an impressive warning against the fatuous policy of hauling down the American flag in Territory over which it has been raised in conformity with right and justice. Mr. Blount was for twenty years a member of Congress, a gentleman of spotless character, exalted ideals, and magnificent ability, whose services were both honorable and brilliant. But when, as "Minister Paramount" from the United States in 1893 he hauled down the American flag in the Hawaiian Islands, where it had been honorable raised with the full consent and at the urgent request of the recognized authorities, his public usefulness ceased forever, and his official career ended in eclipse. Judge Blount's integrity was beyond the shadow of distrust; his motives were unassailable, and he profoundly believed that the act he performed in Hawaii in obedience to positive instructions from President Cleveland was right and proper. But it was revolting to the sense of the American people, who regarded it as a national humiliation and who placed upon it the indelible seal of their displeasure. Great events since 1893 have fully vindicated the policy of American expansion which Judge Blount, as the representative of a short-sighted policy, unwisely opposed...[T]he memory of the proceeding lingers still, and it is forever nourished by the deep resolve of the people that where the American flag is placed it shall remain, and that the man who removes it from the territory honorably acquired shall forfeit the suffrage of his fellow citizens. -- Army and Navy Journal.

Finally, here's a more traditional obituary from the 9 March 1903 Savannah Morning News (Georgia):

HON. JAMES H. BLOUNT DIES AT MACON.

Distinguished Georgian's Life Is Ended Suddenly.
Macon, Ga., March 8. -- Ex-Congressman James H. Blount died suddenly to-day. He had suffered from a stroke of paralysis a couple of years ago, but had been steadily improving. His son, Judge James H. Blount, Jr., from the Philippines, was with him at the time of his death, but he would have returned to the Philippines next week to resume his duties as judge of the United States courts.

Ex-Congressman Blount was the special commissioner appointed by President Cleveland to investigate the condition of affairs in Hawaii. His report to the government is known to have been in sympathy with the claims of Liliuokalani, but it came too late to save her from overthrow, as public sentiment had already crystallized in favor of the Dole party.

...He spent the last ten years of his life farming, from which he received an income of about $7,000 per annum.

In November, 1893, Mr. Blount left public life and since remained quietly at home attending to his private business. He was a lawyer by profession, but had not been in active practice for many years.

During the Civil War he was lieutenant colonel of an independent battalion of cavalry in the Western Department. He was one of the largest land owners in Middle Georgia and a man of wealth. He leaves a wife and four children -- Judge James H. Blount, Jr., of the Court of First Instance at Large in the Philippines; Joseph Blount of Washington, D.C., with the Interstate Commerce Commission; Mrs. Walter D. Lamar of Macon, and an unmarried daughter, Fannie.

James's wife Eugenia, and children Dorothy Lamar and J. H., Jr. are all buried together in Rose Hill Cemetery.

James Henderson Blount was a son of Thomas Blount, Jr. (1768-1840) and Mary Ricketts (d. 1845). This is according to Mrs. Eugenia Dorothy Blount Lamar's entry in a Daughters of the American Revolution Lineage Book, Vol. 117, published 1915.

Moseley Family: 10 Tombstones with a Lot of Errors

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 13:50:00 +0000

Warren Alonza Moseley, a first wife, and eight children have stones in Rose Hill Cemetery at Macon, Bibb County, Georgia. They are riddled with errors. I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like it. My guess is these stones were added some years after death, possibly by a descendant or other researcher. I'm sure well-meaning, best-information-at-the-time was provided. And, to again be sure, having these stones is so much better than having no stones at all. Not throwing shade here. Nonetheless, here are my findings and (if I may be so bold) corrections.

Warren Alonza Moseley

According to his tombstone, Warren was born 1828 in Atlanta and died 1912 in Macon. Census records suggest he was more likely born about November 1839 in South Carolina. He died 16 December 1912 at his home in Macon. Obituary from Milledgeville, Georgia's Union Recorder:

Death of Mr. Warren Mosely.
Mr. Warren A. Moseley died at his home in Macon Monday night, as the result of an attack of grippe. He was a member of the police force of Macon at the time of his death, and had a record of bravery.

Mr. Moseley was a citizen of this county for a long number of years, being employed at the State Sanitarium. The little village of Moseleyville is named for him.

He was a brave Confederate soldier. His friends and acquaintances here regret to learn of his death.

Annetta Chambers Moseley

This one is pretty easily explainable. According to her tombstone, Annetta was born 1834 in Atlanta and died 1882 in Moseleyville. She more likely was born in 1843, and death did come in 1882. Obituary from the Union & Recorder:

DIED at the family residence, in this county, on October 12th, 1882, Mrs. R. A. MOSELY, wife of Warren Mosely, Esq. Mrs. M. was born August 1st, 1843, and was married on 21st November, 1867. She was the mother of ten children, eight of whom survive her. She was a good wife, and a careful, solicitous, devoted mother. For the last two years she was a constant sufferer under the slow but sure ravages of consumption. Her sufferings were borne with submissive resignation. She often expressed her willingness to suffer under the hand of Providence; and she is doubtless rejoicing in the presence of that Saviour to whom she was thus ready to submit in all things.

Lillian Viola Moseley

Lillian's birth year is possibly only off by one, and her death year is off by two. She was not listed with the family in the 1870 census, and 1869 is the consistent birth year for her older sister Mary. According to Lillian's death certificate, she died at the Milledgeville State Hospital 7 November 1930. That same hospital employed her father as an attendant during the 1860s and 1870s.

Carl Albert Moseley

Carl's birth year might be accurate, but his death year is definitely off by one. Carl died 26 August 1882. An obituary from the Union & Recorder:

CITY AND COUNTY.

DEATH. -- Died suddenly, on Saturday last, of congestive chill, Carl Moseley, son of Mr. Warren Moseley. He was a bright boy about nine years of age. His funeral took place from the residence of his father Sunday afternoon -- Rev. G. H. Pattillo officiating. The afflicted family have our sympathy in their bereavement.

I'll also note here that I am unsure if members of the family that died before about 1891 were originally buried at Rose Hill. The obituary immediately above -- I think -- would have mentioned the cemetery if it was out of town. Conjecture on my part, though.

William Warren Moseley

William's death year is accurate. He died 6 June 1940 at his home in Macon. Cause of death was Aspiration pneumonia (hypostatic) due to Congestive heart failure. Though his birthdate was given as 14 November 1869, I disagree with the year. (His father was listed as William A., and his mother was "D.K." So an inaccurate birth year would not be surprising.) Like his sister Lillian, William was not listed with the family in the 1870 census, and 1869 is the birth year consistently associated with older sister Mary. The 1880 Baldwin County, Georgia Federal census suggests William was born about 1872.

Thomas Oliver Moseley

According to census records and his World War I draft registration, T. O. was born 14 November 1875. In September 1918, he was living at 669 Mulberry Street in Macon. And Bibb County is where he died on 14 May 1949.

Martha Claire Moseley

This one, along with youngest sister Nena further down the list, is most curious. Birth year is possibly off by a few, and Mattie's death year is off by eight. Obituary from 7 April 1896 Union-Recorder:

Editorial Glimpses and Clippings.

Miss Mattie Clare Moseley, daughter of Mr. Warren Moseley, of Macon, died last Wednesday after a long illness. The funeral took place from Centenary church last Thursday afternoon and was largely attended by mourning relatives and friends. She was a lovely christain [sic] woman and her death is deeply lamented. She was admired for many beautiful traits of character. Many friends in this city mourn with the bereaved family in the death of the beloved daughter and sister.

Samuel Riley Moseley

Census records concur with a possible birth year of 1877 for Samuel. Unfortunately, I have yet to find any additional information regarding his death. (I suppose this could be the one accurate tombstone?) Here's a 1903 article from the Macon Telegraph detailing Samuel's then-current occupation as a barber.

STRIPLING & MOSELEY AT THE OLD STAND

Still Remains as the Popular Barber Firm in the Napier Building.

Robert Stripling, who established the barber shop at Third and Poplar streets, Napier building, and his partner Samuel R. Moseley, desire to announce to their customers and the public generally that they remain at their old stand and that they are not associated with the Macon Barber Company. They make this statement, not to affect the business of the latter company, but only to prevent a confusion as to any possible report that Mr. Stripling and Mr. Moseley have changed their place of business. They are conducting their shop in the fine style in which they have been doing for the last three years and will continue to do so. Mr. Luther Wineberner, the deaf mute, is still with them and their prices are still the same -- shaving 10c and hair cut 15c.

James Moseley

First, there is a discrepancy with James's middle name. Stone says "Howard," but death notice says "Leonard." The birth and death years are off, as well. Following from the 23 November 1880 Union & Recorder:

OBITUARY.

DIED at Moseleyville, Baldwin county, Ga., on the 15th of November, JAMES LEONARD, infant son of Warren and Ann Moseley, aged fifteen months and fifteen days. -- Dark is the shadow thrown upon the household by the removal of the bright, cheerful spirit of the baby boy. The ties of parental love had only been strengthened and made to twine the more tenderly about the precious one by the very illness which at last took him from their embrace. But we should not "sorrow as those who have no hope." After weeks of patient suffering the little one is gone to that beautiful home where he can never again know sickness and pain. Suffering will no more dim the eyes which now look upon the glories of heaven and the separation, now so hard to bear, will soon end in a blessed reunion beyond the grave.

"Tender Shepherd, thou hast stilled,
Now thy little lamb's brief weeping:
In this world of care of pain,
Thou wouldst no longer leave it;
To the sunny heavenly plain,
Thou dost now with joy receive it;
Clothed in robes of spotless white,
Now it dwells with thee in light."

Nena Arminta Moseley

Similar to the stone of her half-sister Martha, Nena's birth and death years are quite a bit off. Here are two newspaper items published in the Macon Telegraph shortly after Nena's death, which was 9 June 1896.

A SECOND BEREAVEMENT.

Miss Nena Moseley Died Yesterday Afternoon.

Miss Nena, the 13-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Moseley, died at 1:45 o'clock yesterday afternoon. She had suffered with spinal affection for some time. The funeral will be conducted today from the residence at 220 Shamrock street.

This is the second sad death in Mr. Moseley's home during the past six months, his grown daughter having died only a short time ago.

The many friends of the bereaved family will deeply regret to learn of the sorrow that is thus added.

The pall-bearers are Messrs. Will and Sam Moseley, Clifford Ricks, Robert Fetner, Sam Westcott, Jr., and Will Bracken.

--------------------------

SLEEPS BY HER SISTER.

Miss Nena Moseley's Remains Were Interred Yesterday.

The funeral services of Miss Nena, the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Moseley were held yesterday morning at 10 o'clock from the family residence. They were largely attended, and the beautiful floral tributes were a manifestation of the love and tender feeling of her many friends.

The deceased was an unusually bright and interesting child, and possessed a patient, sympathetic and loving nature.

She was laid to rest in Rose Hill beside the sister who had preceeded her but a little more than two months.

Though Warren A. Moseley was already in my personal Rose Hill Cemetery database, I was first connected with his life story (beyond the dates) through the book Civil War Milledgeville: Tales from the Confederate Capital of Georgia [affiliate link] by Hugh Harrington. In it, Warren was described as "a Confederate soldier for over fifty years." Stay tuned for more about Capt. Moseley!

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Daniel and Elizabeth Bullard of Twiggs County, Georgia

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 22:11:00 +0000

It was 10+ plus years ago when I visited Beech Springs Methodist Church and graveyard at the Bullard community in Twiggs County, Georgia. In researching the area, I learned it was first the site of a steamboat landing on the Ocmulgee River. It later became Bullards Station, a depot on the Southern Railway named for Daniel Bullard.

Daniel was born 11 March 1805 at Washington County, Georgia to Wiley and Parthena Bullard. He moved to the Bluff district of Twiggs County when just a boy, and after spending the balance of his life there, Daniel's final resting place would be the Cabiness Ridge section of Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia. (Seems a bit odd to me, but I'm sure there were reasons.) Following is an obituary from the 6 September 1894 Macon Weekly Telegraph:

DANIEL BULLARD IS NO MORE

His Long and Useful Life Ended at High Noon Yesterday Surrounded By Loving Friends.

WILL BE BURIED IN MACON

He Was the Oldest and Wealthiest Citizen of Twiggs County and a Man Who Had Accomplished Much Good in His Day.

Yesterday at 12:30 o'clock Mr. Daniel Bullard of Twiggs died at his home in that county.

He was born in Washington county, Georgia, March 11, 1805, and had therefore reached his 90th year. He was the oldest [citizen] of his county. His death was due, not to any specific disease, but to the gradual decay of life in advancing years. When about 10 years of age he moved to Twiggs county, and for eighty years consecutively was a resident of the same district -- "Bluff district" -- of that county. For many years past he was a familiar figure on the streets of Macon and was known personally to nearly all of the business men of the city.

He was married four times. There survive him his last wife, whom he married January 29, 1865, and who was Miss Elizabeth Bardon [sic]; and the children of their marriage, Mrs. Cora Etheridge, Mrs. Victoria Billingsly and Daniel Bullard, Jr. His older surviving children are J. M. Bullard and Monroe Bullard of Cochran, Mrs. Elizabeth [Everett] and Mrs. Dora Harrell of Twiggs.

Mr. Bullard's life furnished another illustration of the opportunities open to energy and frugality under the conditions of life in this country. He started life a poor boy, without a cent, without parental help, earning his first quarter by manual labor. He leaves an estate estimated at from $50,000 to $75,000. He was wont to say in his quaint manner that he worked hard for this money when he was young, and after he was old he let it work for him. He allowed his capital, unlike the rolling stone, to gather the moss of interest, and being of simple tastes and habits his income was comfortably beyond his wants.

He was the first agent of the Macon and Brunswick (now the Southern) railroad at Bullard's station, which was so named after him, a position he held for thirteen years. His public spirit was shown by giving the right of way through an extensive tract of land and by his subscribing $42,000 to the stock of the road. Mr. Bullard was eminently a just man. He believed in the religion of paying debts. He rendered to every man his due, and thought that every man should do likewise by him. If he found a debtor seeking to evade or defeat a just claim he would pursue his rights to their full extent, but in many transactions, where the other party showed a desire to do justice, he would cheerfully remit a part -- sometimes much -- to which he was justly entitled.

Mr. Bullard lived and died a consistent member of the Baptist church. He was universally liked and respected in the community in which he lived. He was an honest, quiet, industrious, kind-hearted, God-fearing man. Such men make valuable citizens and when they die they are a loss. He had many warm friends here.

His remains will reach the city this afternoon at 4:20 by the Southern railway and will be interred at Rose Hill cemetery... The following gentlemen have been requsted [sic] to act as pall bearers: W. A. Davis, J. W. Cabaniss, N. E. Harris, R. H. Plant, C. J. Toole, M. R. Freeman, G. L. Reeves, W. M. Wimberly, Theodore Ellis. They are requested to meet at the store of Lamar Clay at 4 p.m.

It's important to note Daniel was not the only one to work "hard for this money" (his estate at death would equal 1.4 to 2.1 million dollars today). Daniel enslaved people and forced them to also work hard, solely for the benefit of him and his family. According to the 1850 Twiggs County census slave schedule, he owned sixteen individuals -- male and female, ranging in ages from 7 to 45 years.

Following is an obituary for Daniel's "last wife."

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
Sunday, 20 May 1917 - pg. 8 [via GenealogyBank]

DEATHS AND FUNERALS

MRS. ELIZABETH BULLARD.
Mrs. Elizabeth Bullard, widow of Daniel Bullard, and one of the oldest and most prominent women of Twiggs county, died Saturday at her home near Bullard's station, Twiggs county, after a brief illness. She was 86 years old and probably the oldest woman in the county.

She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Dora Harrell, Mrs. Victoria Billingslea and Mrs. Walter T. Holmes, and one son, Daniel Bullard. Twenty-one grandchildren also survive.

The body will be brought to Macon Sunday morning and carried to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Billingslea, 820 New street, where the funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The Rev. T. F. Callaway, pastor of the Tabernacle Baptist church, assisted by the Rev. J. P. Wardlaw, will conduct the service and the interment will be in Rose Hill cemetery.

Daniel Bullard was one of the leading planters and one of the largest land owners in Twiggs county. The family is well known throughout this section of the state.

According to his obituary, Daniel was married four times. In addition to Elizabeth, I have only one other name to offer: Caroline. I believe she was the mother of at least seven of his children. In all, I have found Daniel fathered at least thirteen children:

- Wiley Bullard (b. abt 1829)
- Charles Bullard (b. abt 1832)
- Mary Bullard (b. 1836-1838)
- Elizabeth Bullard Everett (d. 1905)
- Henry H. Bullard (b. abt 1840)
- Ira Bullard (b. 1843-1844)
- J. Madison Bullard (b. 1848-1850)
- Monroe Bullard (d. 1921)
- William Bullard (b. abt 1856)
- Dora Bullard Harrell (1868-1934)
- Cora Bullard Etheridge Holmes (1872-1927)
- Victoria "Vick" Bullard Billingslea (1872-1948) *also buried in Rose Hill
- Daniel Bullard, Jr. (1873-1960)

3 Wives of Ezekiel Luther Burdick (1838-1918)

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 23:37:00 +0000

Ezekiel Luther Burdick was born about 1838 in Rhode Island, son of George and Mary Burdick. Around the time of the Civil War, Luther made his way to Bibb County, Georgia and married Mary Ella Clark/e on 12 December 1865.

Mary Ella, born 25 August 1843 in Georgia, was a daughter of Henry and Mary Ann Clark. Though she and and Luther were married 13+ years before her death on 21 February 1879, I have found no children attributed to them as a couple.

Macon Telegraph and Messenger (Georgia)
22 February 1879 - pg. 4 [via Georgia Historic Newspapers]

Death of Mrs. E. L. Burdick.
The friends of Mrs. E. L. Burdick were shocked yesterday morning to learn of her death, which occurred yesterday morning at one o'clock, after a very short illness. The deceased was well known in the city and much loved by her friends. She was taken suddenly ill on Thursday night and expired in about two hours. She had been in ill health for some time. The immediate cause of her death, however was supposed to have been congestion. The funeral services took place from her late residence on Plum street. She was about thirty-five years of age.

The mother of this first Mrs. E. L. Burdick had died less than a year before.

E. Luther Burdick married again eight months later. This second wife was Mary Ella Riley, born 7 January 1854, and thought by me to be the daughter of David Ferrell Riley and Mary Jane Neal.

For the taking of the 1870 Bibb County, Georgia Federal census, Luther and first wife Ella were listed in the household of his father-in-law (her father) Henry Clark. Also in the household was Ella Riley (age 15, b. GA), "attending school." So it's possible Luther had known his eventual second wife for some time.

I know of three children born to Luther and Ella Riley Burdick before her death on 3 December 1885:

Lucille (b. abt 1880)
Myrtle (b. & d. 1882)
Clarice "Clarissa" (b. abt 1883)

Myrtle was laid to rest near her mother.

Luther's third wife was his second wife's younger sister, Elizabeth "Lizzie" Riley. They were married in Pike County, Georgia on 3 August 1887 and had one daughter, Florine (b. abt 1892).

This marriage, however, would not end the same way as the others. Lizzie and Luther were divorced in 1914, though they possibly were separated years before. The taking of the 1910 U.S. Federal census found the couple in different households. E. Luther Burdick was in the household of his son-in-law and daughter, Frank and Clarice B. Walker, in Louisville, Kentucky. Lizzie could be found at the family home – 140 High Street in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.

Lizzie remarried before 1918 to James Campbell Edwards. She died 30 March 1931.

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
Tuesday, 31 March 1931 - pg. 15 [via GenealogyBank]

DEATHS AND FUNERALS

MRS. J. C. EDWARDS
Mrs. Elizabeth Riley Edwards, wife of J. Campbell Edwards, of 140 High street, died at a private hospital early yesterday morning following an illness of two weeks from influenza and pneumonia.
Mrs. Edwards was a member of Christ Episcopal church and a worker in the D. A. R., the U. D. C., and the Daughters of 1812. She was the daughter of David Ferrell Riley and Mary Jane Neal and was a descendant of pioneer residents of Bibb and Pike counties.
She is survived by her husband, J. Campbell Edwards; a daughter, and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Davis;…two step-daughters, Mrs. Henry O. Farr, of Brunswick, and Mrs. Clarice B. Walker, of Jacksonville, and two brothers, D. H. and F. L. Riley, of Macon.
Funeral services will be held at 3 o'clock this afternoon from the residence 140 High street, by Rev. Cyril E. Bentley, rector of Christ church. Interment will follow in Rose Hill cemetery…

According to the Historic Rose Hill cemetery directory, E. L. Burdick died 9 December 1918. He (supposedly), both Ellas, and daughter Myrtle were buried in the Eglantine Square section of the cemetery. Elizabeth Burdick Edwards was laid to rest in Cabiness Ridge.

Robert G. Burgess Killed By the Explosion of an Ammunition Chest in 1864

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 21:03:00 +0000

Robert George Burgess was born about September 1834 at Manchester, Lancashire, England to Robert Burgess and Jessie Miller of Scotland. The family, including young Robert's sister Margaret, immigrated to the United States and were settled in Kings County, New York by about 1838. After the father's death, the rest of the family moved south to settle in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia by about 1856.

In 1862, Robert G. Burgess joined the Confederate service with Capt. Massenburg's Battery, Jackson Artillery. On 10 March 1864, in Bibb County, Robert married Rebecca A. Artope. She was a daughter of James B. Artope and Susan M. Raine. Five months following the marriage, Lieut. Burgess was dead.

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
Monday, 15 August 1864 [via GenealogyBank]

COPY OF DISPATCH.
HEADQUARTERS JACKSON ARTILLERY,
West Point, August 12, 1864.
Massenburg & Son: -- Inform Judge Artope that Lieut. Burgess was killed to-day by the explosion of an ammunition chest. Tom will take his remains home to-morrow. T. L. MASSENBURG.
The funeral of Lieut. Burgess will take place at the house of Mrs. Burgess, corner of 1st and Plumb streets, on Sunday morning at 9 A.M. The friends of Judge Artope and Mrs. Burgess are invited to attend.

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
Saturday, 27 August 1864 [via GenealogyBank]

OBITUARY.
Death in any form is sad, but to be suddenly snatched from earth while in the enjoyment of health and usefulness is sad indeed. Lieut. R. G. BURGESS, the subject of this notice, while examining an Ammunition Chest in Massenburg's Battery, was almost instantly killed by the explosion of the chest, on the 12th inst. He lived about four hours after the accident occurred, and death came and relieved him of the intensest agony.
Lt. Burgess was born in England, but lived in New York from his childhood until the year 1856, when he came South and settled in Macon. He enlisted in the Jackson Artillery in May, 1862, and was appointed a Sergeant. By his prompt attention to his duties he received a promotion to Ordnance Sergeant of Palmer's Battalion of Reserve Artillery, when a vacancy having occurred in his company of 2d Lieutenant, he was appointed to fill it, which he did with honor to himself and to his command. Devoted to the country of his adoption, the South has lost an able officer and a good soldier, one who was ever ready to bare his breast to the storm of battle, in her defence. [sic] The writer of this article has often heard him say, "If I could only live to see our independence gained I would willingly die."
But alas, the shaft of death came whilst the longed for haven shone brightly, and snatched him from its view. Whilst we his brothers in arms grieve for him as one we esteemed as an officer, and loved as a man, what must be the feelings of an aged mother, a young and devoted wife, an affectionate brother and sisters. Not one word to the absent ones was he able to utter after the dreadful accident occurred. Let them console themselves, "That the ways of the Lord are inscrutable. He hath given and He taketh away." THE JACKSON ARTILLERY.

Rebecca, widowed at age 24, never married again. She lived with family for the rest of her days, passing away from pneumonia on 5 January 1925. The 94th anniversary of her death was just five days ago.

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
Tuesday, 6 January 1925 - pg. 12 [via GenealogyBank]

DEATHS AND FUNERALS
Mrs. Rebecca Artope Burgess
Mrs. Rebecca Artope Burgess, widow of Lieut. Robert G. Burgess, who was killed in battle near Chattanooga in the war between the states, died yesterday afternoon in her 84th year.
Mrs. Burgess had been a life-long resident of Macon. She was the daughter of the late J. B. Artope, one of the pioneer citizens of Macon, who in his day, was well-known in the monumental business.
Mrs. Burgess is survived by six nieces and one nephew: Mrs. LeRoy Fuss, of Macon; Mrs. J. W. Fielder, of Atlanta; Mrs. C. H. Megrath, of Macon; Mrs. M. R. Meadows, of St. Augustine, Fla., and Miss Mary Hodgkins and Miss Leila Artope, of Macon, and T. E. Artope, of Macon…

Robert and Rebecca were buried in the Eglantine Square section of Rose Hill Cemetery at Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.

Acute Delirium, then Death While on Vacation for J. Flahive

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 00:51:00 +0000

Jeremiah Flahive was born in County Kerry, Ireland, one of at least eight children of Patrick and Elizabeth Flahive. When he immigrated to Boston, Massachusetts in May of 1886, Jeremiah P. Flahive provided a birthdate of 6 April 1869. This differs from the one sculpted on his tombstone – 28 April 1870.

Jeremiah became a naturalized citizen of the United States on 5 October 1895 while still at Boston. He also, on 8 September 1897, married Margaret / Margarita C. Devlin there. She was born about 1874 in Ireland.

Jeremiah and Margaret had two sons in Boston before heading south to Macon, Bibb County, Georgia some time between 1900 and 1902. It was also around this time that Jerry's middle initial became J.

Three more sons were added to the family over the next five years or so. All five sons follow:

John Patrick (b. 1898)
Joseph Jerome (b. 1900)
Edward Leroy (b. 1902)
Hugh Gregory (b. abt 1905)
Jerome J. Jr. (b. 1907)

Tragedy struck the family in January 1909. "Little Jerome" died on the 4th, even though he "had only been sick one week and although everything known to medical science was done to spare his life." The death notice went on to add, "While he was only 18 months old he had succeeded in entwining himself about the hearts of his parents."

Six months later, while surely still grieving little Jerome, the rest of the Flahives set out on a family vacation. Their entire itinerary is unknown to me, but it seems the journey began with the plan to return to Boston and visit a couple of Jeremiah's brothers. Unfortunately, the "father dear" did not live to see Boston or his brothers again.

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
Friday, 9 July 1909 - pg. 9 [via GenealogyBank]

Deaths and Funerals

FLAHIVE
The funeral services of the late Mr. Jerry J. Flahive were held yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock from St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Rev. Father Madden officiating.
...Interment in St. Joseph's cemetery.
The large following of friends, embracing many of every class of citizens, attested the high esteem in which Mr. Flahive was held. The floral tributes were many and beautiful.
The death of Mr. Flahive was peculiarly sad. With his wife and four boys he had sailed from Savannah on the Nacoochee for a pleasure trip to Boston and eastern resorts, and had anticipated a pleasurable trip with those he held most dear.
He became violently ill on the ship, and while everything that could be done with medical skill and loving hands on board, the ship was stopped at Vineyard Haven, that a physician from the Marine Hospital could be secured. This was done by wireless telegraphy, and the physician had him carried by steam launch to the Davis Sanitarium, reaching there at 5 o'clock Sunday morning. He was given every possible attention, but died at 5:55 on Monday morning.
Mr. Flahive is survived by his wife and four sons, John P., Joseph A., Edward L., and Hugh Gregory; a mother and five brothers; one sister living in Summerville, Mass., and one sister, Mrs. A. F. Devlin, of Macon.

While other newspaper items published regarding the death of Jerry Flahive cited a cause of "acute delirium," the death register of the town of Tisbury, Dukes County, Massachusetts for the year 1909 stated Jeremiah J. died – at the age of just 39 years – of Alcoholism.

Jeremiah, Margaret (d. 1915), and sons Joseph (d. 1958), Hugh (d. 1942), and Jerome were all buried in a section of Rose Hill Cemetery that was purchased by the Roman Catholic Church in the late 1890s known as St. Joseph's.

In the Case of Mr. Coffey (d. 1921), Jack is John

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 15:46:00 +0000

I learned something new today: Jack is a nickname of John. (I'm not going to try and explain how it came to be as the theory is a bit convoluted, but will instead happily point you to the Dictionary of Medieval Names from European Sources.)

Regardless of the official name-nickname history, I saw it in practice with Mr. John T. "Jack" Coffey. He was born 21 August 1858 in Americus, Sumter County, Georgia to Irish-born parents, Daniel "Dan" and Mary Coffey (d. 1892). In every census record I've found for John/Jack – 1860, 1870, 1880, and 1910 – the name given is John. Even when he married Mary C. O'Hara (d. 1937) on 26 February 1889 at Macon, Bibb County, Georgia, the name recorded was John T. Coffey. The local Macon Telegraph newspaper, however, put both names in print when describing the happy wedding:

A very quiet but very happy marriage took place yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock at St. Joseph's Catholic church. It was the marriage of Mr. John T. Coffey and Miss Mary O'Hara, the ceremony being performed by Father Winklereid...

The groom has been for a number of years one of the most popular salesmen at the Empire Store, and no one knows Jack Coffey but to love him…

Yet, when Mr. Coffey died 1 February 1921 at his home in Macon, Jack was the name written on his death certificate. And this is the name carved on his ledger marker gravestone in Rose Hill Cemetery. An obituary:

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
Wednesday, 2 February 1921 - pg. 4 [via GenealogyBank]

JACK T. COFFEY, VETERAN SALESMAN, PASSES AWAY

Employe [sic] of Burden Smith Co. Dies at Residence After Several Weeks' Illness.
Jack T. Coffey, for forty years a salesman with Burden, Smith and Company, died yesterday morning at 6 o'clock at his residence, No. 771 Oak street. He was 62 years of age and had been critically ill for several weeks.
Mr. Coffey and his brother, Dan, who died a few months ago, came to Macon from Americus when they were boys. Both obtained employment with Burden, Smith and Company and in that position obtained a wide acquaintance in Bibb and surrounding counties. Besides his wife, who was Miss Mary O'Hara, Mr. Coffey is survived by a cousin, James Coffey of Albany.
Mr. Coffey was a devoted member of St. Joseph's Catholic church, where the funeral will be held this afternoon at 4 o'clock, Rev. Father W. A. Wilkinson officiating. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery…

Another Mr. Coffey Marries Another Miss O'Hara

Daniel "Dan" Coffey, brother of Jack, married Amelia A. O'Hara (1876-1955) about 1902. Both Amelia and Jack's wife Mary were daughters of another Irish-born couple, Patrick and Ann O'Hara.

Dan died of acute Bright's Disease a few years (not months) before Jack. Both couples were buried in block 2, lot 34 of the Pine Ridge section of Rose Hill. This family burial lot was purchased by James Coffey in 1854, possibly the (or related to the) cousin of Albany mentioned in Jack's obituary.

Confusing Tombstone Placed for Mary Fern (d. 1885)

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 19:48:00 +0000

Standing in the Pine Ridge section (block 2, lot 14) of Rose Hill Cemetery is a cross-topped tombstone placed for Mary Fern, who died 27 February 1885. Here's an image (transcription of inscription on and below):

In Memory of
MARY BALEY
A Native of
ARGYLE, SCOTLAND
DIED FEB. 27, 1885
AGED 59 YEARS

FERN
[on base]

I should also note another side of the tombstone bears the name Michael Fern (with nothing further). Cemetery records show he was the purchaser of the family burial lot, and was interred there July 1856.

So. Her name was Mary Baley Fern (where "Baley" could be a middle name, maiden name, or previous husband's surname). Right? This funeral notice from page 5 of the 28 February 1885 edition of the Macon Telegraph (Georgia) seems to bolster the notion:

The friends and acquaintances of Dugal, John, and Miss Mary Fern are respectfully invited to attend the funeral of their mother this (Saturday) morning at 10 o'clock from the Catholic Church.

While trying to flesh out the lives of Mary's children, however, I came across something unexpected. On daughter Mary Fern's 1922 death certificate – with noted informant being her brother Dugal – her mother's maiden name was stated to be Mary Thompson (born Scotland).

After conducting more research, I think I found the marriage record that clears things up a bit. Mrs. Mary Fern married James Bailey 10 March 1860 – about 4 years after the death of Michael Fern – at Bibb County, Georgia.

My Latest Working Theory

Mary Thompson/Thomson married Michael Fern before or about 1840, possibly in Scotland, where at least two (and likely a third) of their children were born. The family was in the United States about 1850, where census records suggest at least two of their children – Dugal and Mary – became naturalized citizens about 1860.

Michael Fern died July 1856, was buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, and the widow Mary married James Bailey four years later. It's possible James died before 1880 (burial place unknown to me). Mary died February 1885, and was buried near her first husband. A death notice appeared in the same newspaper and issue referenced above (28 February 1885 Macon Telegraph):

The death of Mrs. Mary Bailey occurred yesterday morning at her home, 319 Fourth street. She had been indisposed for several days with pneumonia. Her funeral will take place to-day from the family residence.

The three known children born to Michael and Mary – Mary (d. 1922), Dugal (1842-1928), and John (d. 1901) – appear to all have died without issue. Each was buried in the lot at Rose Hill Cemetery purchased by their father, and if memory serves, not one has a tombstone.

George E. Daniel Lived and Died in Alabama, but was Buried in Georgia

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 18:47:00 +0000

George Edward Daniel spent almost all of his life in the state of Alabama. He was born there, listed there in every census taken during his lifetime, and died there. So I'm happy to be highlighting this Rose Hill Cemetery burial, as it could possibly be an unexpected one to some.

George was born at Perdue Hill, Monroe County, AL on 15 December 1893. He was one of ten children born to John M. Daniel and Mary C. "Katie" Tolbert.

A few months before his twentieth birthday, George – described as short and stout, with blue eyes and dark hair – enlisted at Montgomery for service during World War I. He was part of the 308 Sanitary Train, 83rd Division, and possibly helped deliver relief and medical supplies to allies in Europe during and immediately following the war. George was discharged 17 February 1919, after about seventeen months of service.

In January 1920, George was back home in Perdue Hill for the taking of that year's federal census. Nine months later, however, George took a trip to Macon, Bibb County, Georgia in order to marry Clara Lillian Smith (1896-1981). She was a daughter of Emanuel Smith (d. 1929) and Swedish-born Annie M. Stroberg (1866-1957). George's older brother Joseph acted as best man.

After the ceremony and "a short wedding trip," George and Clara made their home at Perdue Hill. But by Spring of 1930, the couple and two young sons were living on Yancey Street in Montgomery, where George was occupied as a secretary for a furniture company.

George Edward Daniel died 17 July 1939 at his home in Montgomery. He unexpectedly "suffered a fatal heart attack while at the supper table."

George was buried in the Smith family burial lot (Pine Ridge section, block 2, lot 11) at Rose Hill. It was purchased by his father-in-law in 1929. Clara lived forty-two more years after the death of George, and eventually married a Mr. Strawn in the interim. Upon her death in 1981, Clara was retuned to the Smith family lot and buried near her first husband.

Brain of Thomas Edgar Collins Mashed to Jelly

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 10:16:00 +0000

T. E. Collins was born 2 November 1854 in Georgia to Stephen Collins (1809-1885) and Louisa H. Wilson (1827-1872). Unfortunately, Thomas met an accidental death at the age of just 23 years. Following from the 11 April 1878 edition of the Columbus Daily Enquirer (Georgia):

GEORGIA NEWS
Mr. T. E. Collins met with a fatal accident in Macon, Tuesday. He had sold a buggy and was hurrying to his office in the dusk of the evening when he fell through a trap door fourteen feet to the hard clay floor of the ground story and landed on his head. His brain was mashed to jelly. Trepanning was performed without anaesthetics. He is probably dead before this paragraph meets the eyes of readers. He was one of the must [sic] respected young men of Macon. So reports the Telegraph and Messenger.

I was unfamiliar with the term trepanning, so searched for a definition. Wikipedia answered with this:

Trepanning…is a surgical intervention in which a hole is drilled or scraped into the human skull, exposing the dura mater to treat health problems related to intracranial diseases or release pressured blood buildup from an injury.
Detail from The Extraction of the Stone of Madness, a painting by Hieronymus Bosch
depicting trepanation (c.1488–1516). Public domain image via Wikipedia.

What a terrifying image. I hope Thomas didn't suffer needlessly. He was buried in the same family lot at Rose Hill Cemetery as his uncle William.

Light Be the Turf Above William Collins (d. 1854)

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 17:53:00 +0000

One COLLINS family burial lot within the confines of Rose Hill Cemetery is located in the Central Avenue division (block 8, lot 15). This space was purchased by William S. Collins about November 1852. One of the earliest burials in the lot was that of his nephew, Stephen W., son of Stephen and Louisa H. (Wilson) Collins. Little Stephen, interred October 1853, was aged only one year and four months. A year later, exact to the month, the remains of Uncle William joined those of little Stephen.

I do not know for certain if William ever married. For the August 1850 Bibb County, Georgia Federal census, he was listed in brother Stephen's household. Both were occupied as brick makers.

A notice of William's death was published in the Tuesday, 17 October 1854 edition of the Macon Weekly Telegraph (Georgia):

OBITUARY.
Died in this city, of Bilious Fever, on Monday the 16th inst. WILLIAM COLLINS, in the 46th year of his age.
In his death, the community lose a good citizen, his friends, a generous companion -- the poor, an active and untiring benefactor. Light be the turf above him!

[Note: Rudy of ArchaicMedicalTerms.com shares the definition of Bilious Fever – "When a continual, remitting, or intermitting fever is accompanied with a frequent or copious evacuation of bile, either by vomit or stool, the fever is denominated bilious." I believe the source cited is Dr. William Buchan's Domestic Medicine, published 1785.]

Basil Augustus Wise Sank Peacefully to Rest in April 1873

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 12:55:00 +0000

B. A. Wise was born 1 October 1827 at Statesboro, Bulloch County, Georgia. He was one of several children born to John Wise and Rachel Jones (d. 1871). An elder sister of Basil's was Sophronia (1821-1891), wife of Aaron Cone (1810-1881).

Basil came to Macon, Bibb County, Georgia about 1848. He married Louise Lynde Clisby (1846-1934), daughter of Joseph Clisby (1818-1885) and Margaret Amanda March (d. 1852), on 28 October 1868 at Bibb County. Basil and Louise had at least three children: Basil Augustus (1869-1901), Joseph Clisby (1871-1930), and Emma Celetta (1873-1933).

Basil eventually settled in the wholesale dealership of household and crockery goods, doing quite well for himself. According to the 1870 Bibb County census – after the Civil War – his personal estate was valued at $30,000. His real estate was counted for $25,000. And two domestic servants were noted in the household, serving just three family members.

Basil didn't live long enough to retire at a ripe age and enjoy his successes, however. He died in April 1873, three weeks before the birth of his third child.

Macon Weekly Telegraph (Georgia)
Tuesday, 8 April 1873 - pg. 6 [via GenealogyBank]

Death of Basil A. Wise, Esq.
This estimable and public spirited citizen sank peacefully to rest about 8 o'clock A.M. yesterday. His death creates a painful void in the community, while to his bereaved wife and tender babes the loss is irreparable.
Mr. Wise died of congestion of the brain after a brief illness, during which he was often delirious and unconscious of the presence even of his nearest friends. Toward the close of his sickness, under the influence of narcotics, he became calm, and even recognized his beloved wife, and caresses his child. He died without a struggle.
The subject of this brief sketch was born in Statesboro, Bulloch county, Georgia, and came to Macon about 1848, at a very early age. Possessed of excellent natural abilities, indomitable perseverance, and a reputation for integrity which has never been called in question, from very humble beginnings, he steadily advanced, step by step, first from an employee's position, to that of retail dealer in a small way, then to a more extended business, and finally to the front rank of Macon's wholesale merchants. He was engaged in the crockery, tin, and house furnishing business, and was widely known and respected both North and South, and even across the ocean, for his purity of character and the promptness with which he met all of his commercial obligation. Identified with the city which was the scene of his early struggles and proudest triumphs, no one was more keenly alive to all that pertained to its material and moral progress. Hence he was ever in the van when the calls of charity, religion or public necessity appealed to the generosity of the people.
When the tocsin of war sounded, Mr. Wise, then in the full tide of successful business, at once turned his back upon the store, and joining the Macon Volunteers under their gallant leader, Robert A. Smith, left for Virginia on the 19th of April, 1861. There amid the ensanguined plains and historic scenes of the old Dominion, he passed a year in conflict with the foes of his country, and was afterwards appointed Adjutant of Ross' Battalion, which was stationed on the sea coast of Georgia. From this position he retired, to take command of a company of cavalry, and in that capacity served his country faithfully in Georgia and Florida to the close of hostilities.
To his other qualities of head and heart, Mr. Wise added the crowning grace of earnest piety. Rev. J. O. Branch, the pastor of Mulberry Street Methodist Church, of which the deceased had been a consistent member for eighteen years, told the writer that for several years past he has observed a remarkable development in the Christian character of our departed friend. The good he did in a quiet and unostentatious way, will never be revealed until the final day, and many will miss his noble charities and kindly sympathy. Even amid the delirium of his last illness, his thoughts seemed ever to dwell upon holy things, and the glories of the redeemed. From the first hour of his sickness, a strong presenitment [sic] of approaching dissolution seemed to possess his mind. And more than once, he expressed the hope that his dear wife would be reconciled to give him up. Not once dis his own faith falter, or a single cloud obscure the horizon of the future.
Thus passed away this excellent man in his 46th year, and the very meridian of his vigor and usefulness. Possessed of a graceful person and noble mien; blessed with an abundance of this world's goods, robust health, and great popularity, surely of him it might be said, "his mountain was strong." But alas! the battle is not to the strong nor the race to the swift; and again are we admonished that life is but a fleeting shadow which endureth but a little while and then vanishes forever.

Basil was buried in the Central Avenue Division of Rose Hill Cemetery (block 1, lot 83), a lot he purchased in 1854.

Children of Joseph W. Cabaniss and Emily "Emie" Winship

noreply@blogger.com (S. Lincecum) — Sun, 08 Jul 2018 15:45:00 +0000

As reported in this space previously, Joseph Warren Cabaniss (d. 1916) married Emily L. "Emie" Winship (d. 1908) 12 November 1868 at Griffin, Spalding County, Georgia. They soon after relocated to Macon in Bibb County.

According to the 1900 Federal census, Emie had eight children. Six of them were living. Rose Hill Cemetery records show an "infant of J. H. and Mrs. E. Cabiness" was interred there February 1874. Incorrect lettering aside, I believe this to be a child of Joseph and Emie. If there was an additional child that didn't survive long, he or she was also likely buried at Rose Hill. The six children to make it to adulthood follow:

- Isaac Winship Cabaniss, most often known by his middle name, was born 31 August 1871 at Macon. By his late twenties, Winship was in the fire insurance business. In 1908, he was occupied as the vice-president of Equitable Banking & Loan Company and residing at the family home on Georgia Avenue. When the census was again taken two years later, after the financial fall of his father, Winship was noted as a farmer of a general farm in Monroe County. By 1920, he was in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan with an occupation of sales executive and office worker. In September of that same year, in Lucas County, Ohio, a 49-year-old Winship was married to an Ontario-born widow named Gladys Elizabeth McMinn (nee James). As best I can tell, this was his first and only marriage. Gladys was dead before the 1930 census was taken. That record showed Winston was "resident & owner" of a $25,000 home at 973 Merrick Avenue in Detroit. A family of four was also residing there as his tenants. By 1935, Winston had moved south to Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida. He died there 30 July 1944, and his body was brought back to Macon for interment in Rose Hill Cemetery.

- Lila Peeples Cabaniss was born 15 January 1875 in Georgia (most likely at Macon). She never married, and usually resided with family. After her father died in 1916, Lila remained in the family home at 313 Orange Street. Macon city directories for 1954 and 1956 provide an address of 273 Orange Street, but I'm not sure Lila really moved. According to the Georgia Death Index at Ancestry, she died 14 March 1969 at Twiggs County. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery at Macon.

- Joseph W. Cabaniss, Jr. was born 14 January 1878 in Georgia (most likely at Macon), and died 19 April 1903 at El Paso, Texas. A funeral notice from the 29 April 1903 Macon Telegraph [via "Georgia Historic Newspapers"]:

THE FUNERAL OF J. W. CABANISS, JR.

Will Be Held Today at the Family Residence -- A Promising Career Cut Short by Death's Call.
The remains of Joseph W. Cabaniss, Jr., arrived in this city yesterday at 2:30 o'clock, from El Paso, Texas. The funeral services will be held at the residence of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Cabaniss, 313 Orange street, at 3 o'clock today. Rev. J. L. White will officiate, assisted by Rev. W. N. Ainsworth. The interment will be at Rose Hill cemetery.
Jos. W. Cabaniss, Jr., after a course in the public schools of Macon, in Mercer University, the Virginia Military Institute, Columbia College, Jefferson Medical College and Bellevue, was assigned as house surgeon at St. Vincent.
He contracted, during his medical experience, tuberculosis, and was forced to abandon his career and seek health in the higher latitudes of Colorado. After a year in Colorado, he went to Mexico with his mother and spent four months in travel. On his return to El Paso, Texas, after a severe attack of illness, he suddenly passed away.
He was a young man of exceptional talent, in disposition warm-hearted and affectionate, and had he escaped the fatal disease which suspended his career, would have made an enviable reputation. He died at the age of twenty-six, in the spring of his youth, and promise of a useful life.
During the last illness of Mr. Cabaniss, he had the consolation of his mother's presence. Frail herself, she attended him with the devotion that belongs to motherhood only, and is today prostrated by the trials which she has undergone.

- Emily Winship Cabaniss was born 9 January 1880 in Georgia (most likely at Macon). She married Dr. Frank M. Cunningham 25 April 1906 at Bibb County, and the couple had a daughter named Emily (1907-2003). Frank died 21 June 1914 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Cause was "hemorage [sic] into the spleen secondary to myelogenous lukemia" (which he'd been diagnosed with five years prior). Portion of funeral recap from 25 June 1914 Macon Telegraph [via GenealogyBank]:

DEATHS AND FUNERALS

DR. FRANK M. C UNNINGHAM.
Attended by a host of sorrowing friends and relatives, the funeral of Dr. Frank M. Cunningham, whose death occurred in Philadelphia Sunday, was held yesterday afternoon at 5:30 o'clock from Christ Episcopal church...The church was filled to overflowing and hundreds of people were turned away, not being able to get room inside.
All classes of people were represented at the funeral -- the rich and the poor, those who had been befriended by Dr. Cunningham in time of trouble, those who had received treatment when Dr. Cunningham expected no financial return, and those for whom he had made sacrifices, when his body was racked by pain...The body was interred with Masonic honors at Rose Hill cemetery…

After the death of her husband, Emily had to become a career woman. In 1920, she was occupied as a manager in the "welfare work" industry, and she was hostess at a tea room in 1930 – all the while residing at the Cabaniss family home on Orange Street. Emily died on Christmas Day, 1962. Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery.

- Elbridge Gerry Cabaniss was born on Christmas Day, 1883 in Georgia (most likely at Macon). He spent his late twenties to late thirties as a fruit farmer, but by his late forties had moved on to being a salesman for a filling station. He seemed to stay in that occupation until at least the mid-1950s. Elbridge married Martha Jewett Williams (1885-1933) 22 March 1911 at Bibb County. The couple had at least one child, Kittie J. According to the aforementioned Georgia Death Index, Elbridge died 24 August 1963 at Jones County. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery at Macon.

- Emory Winship Cabaniss was born 3 February 1890 at Macon. For his World War I draft registration, Emory was described as tall and slender, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was most often occupied in an office of an electric company: in 1910, he was a stenographer for a power company in Bibb County; in 1917, he was a secretary for the Macon Railway & Light Company; in 1920, he was a stenographer for a gas and electric light company at Kenton County, Kentucky; in 1924, he was again secretary for the Macon Railway & Light Company; and (finally) in 1930, he was a paymaster for a power company in Charleston, South Carolina. Emory married Sarah Zeta Adams (d. 1974) 5 May 1917 at Bibb County, Georgia, and the couple had at least one son. Emory died of lung cancer 11 December 1949 at Charleston, South Carolina. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery at Macon.