27 May 2009

Capt. Dure, an Honorable & Hospitable Southern Gentleman

George A. Dure
Aug 6, 1832
Mar 18, 1908
Cabiness Ridge, Rose Hill Cemetery
Macon, Georgia

George Augustus Dure was born in Savannah, Georgia to French parents. His mother, Mrs. Adrienne Baulard Dure (who at one time owned lot no. 6 in square 37 on Cherry St.) is also buried in Rose Hill Cemetery.

George married Julia Kendrick 22 December 1857 in Hancock County, Georgia. Julia was a sister of George's first wife, Cornelia Kendrick, whom he married in 1852 in Bibb County. George and Julia had nine children, all of which are profiled in the post, Julia Kendrick Dure Part of a Historical Southern Family.

During the Civil War, George was made a captain of the Jackson Artillery Regiment, Georgia Volunteers. A news article written about the Jackson Artillery was a post on the Southern Graves blog.

George's occupation is somewhat of a mystery. He seems to have been financially secure, and is often stated in the newspapers as being a businessman. In the 1860 US Federal census for Macon, Bibb County, Georgia, his occupation was listed as Railroad Treasurer. In the 1870 US Federal census for Brunswick, Glynn County, GA, his occupation was listed as News Dealer. And in 1900, again in Macon, GA, his occupation was furniture house bookkeeper.

An article in the Macon Weekly Telegraph, 1 December 1912 edition, entitled "Macon in 1869," states:
The only wood dealer mentioned is Capt. George A. Dure, father of Leon S. Dure, who had an extensive wood-yard and lumber plant opposite the old Macon & Brunswick depot, near where the Acme brewery is now.
In fact, George Dure was very active in his community. A search of the Georgia Historical Newspapers Database at GenealogyBank reveals over 100 entries for Mr. George Dure. Mr. Dure, just to mention a few items,
- was elected recording secretary of the St. Omer Commandery of Knights of Templar;
- was named registrar for at least one municipal election;
- ran for City Marshall;
- was appointed jury commissioner;
- was elected city assessor;
- was elected secretary of the Royal Arch Masons;
- was appointed temporary chairman of the Board of Health;
- lost his home to a fire;
- was elected to the board of directors for a public library; and
- was a member of a board of trade committee.

A couple of obituaries for Captain George Augustus Dure probably portray him best:

Atlanta Constitution, 19 March 1908
from Historical Newspapers, Birth, Marriage, & Death Announcements, 1851-2003
GEORGE A. DURE DIES AT MACON
Was One of Macon's Oldest & Most Highly Respected Citizens

Brown House, Macon, Ga., March 18 - (Special.) - George A. Dure, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of the community, answered death's summons shortly after 4 o'clock this morning. He had been in declining health for several months and recently suffered a severe setback on account of grip. Members of his family were at his bedside when death came. Many citizens who have long known him were saddened at the announcement of his death.

He was 75 years of age, a Confederate veteran and a Mason, having served Macon lodge No. 5 for many years as secretary and treasurer. He was identified with many business enterprises in the community and spent the greater portion of his active life here. He is survived by a wife and one son, Leon S. Dure, and 4 daughters, Miss Nela, Mrs. Frank A. Coburn, Mrs. Emma Cherry, Mrs. Harry Ferell, of Memphis. The funeral will be conducted at the family home on Orange street tomorrow afternoon by Rev. Mr. Frasier, of Christ Church. The remains will be laid to rest in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Macon Weekly Telegraph, 19 March 1908
Deaths & Funerals
DURE

Death claimed another of the old guards yesterday morning at 4 o'clock...

Capt. Dure has been a familiar figure in Macon for many years. He belonged to the old school of Southern gentlemen with who honor and hospitality when hand in hand, whose laws were always and under all circumstances strictly obeyed - Loved, honored, and respected they were, they were the types of Southern citizens now fast passing away.

Capt. Dure was born in Savannah on August 6th, 1832, and came to Macon in 1846. His first work in Macon was in the old Journal & Messenger office then owned by the late Simri Rose... He then became connected with the Central Railroad in a clerical way and was promoted rapidly, finally reaching the treasurership...

When war was declared Capt. Dure organized the Jackson Artillery and was made captain. The company was hurried to St. Simon's Island as a part of the coast defense, but the danger shifted to the mountains, the company was sent to Tennessee.

In the meantime the State had possession of the Old Macon & Brunswick Railroad and Gov. Brown made requisition for Capt. Dure and he was placed in charge of that road, holding the position of superintendent from 1862 to 1868.

...He was prominent in Masonry and other secret orders.
Click Here for a Video of the Geo. A. Dure Family Plot.

1 comment:

  1. Thank you...these are relatives of mine.
    Dawn Besancenez

    ReplyDelete

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