Death Comes Suddenly to Alexander Proudfit

Photo by James Allen

Alexander Proudfit was a prominent Maconite -- lawyer, judge, and trustee of the Georgia Industrial Home. He was born 28 October 1841 in Tennesse, and census records suggest his parents were William and Eliza Proudfit. Aleck came to Macon shortly after reaching adulthood and first married Minona Bartlett, only daughter of George T. and Virginia L. Bartlett. She passed away in 1874. Twenty or so years later, Alexander Proudfit married Bessie Napier and fathered at least three children. His death on 3 November 1913 seemed sudden, yet was not totally unexpected.

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
4 November 1913

DEATH COMES SUDDENLY TO ALEXANDER PROUDFIT

Expires After He Had Gone To Bed Last Night,

REFEREE FOR 16 YEARS

Previous to That Time He Was One Of Macon's Best Known Lawyers -- Four Weeks Ago He Collapsed While in Attendance at Church.

Alexander Proudfit, referee in bankruptcy, one of the best known and loved men in Macon, died suddenly last night between 11 and 12 o'clock at his home, 129 Jefferson street. The end came a short time after Judge Proudfit had talked with Mrs. Proudfit and had turned over in his bed and dropped off to sleep. When physicians arrived, it was found that he had breathed his last.

For some time Judge Proudfit had been in failing health, but had not been confined to his bed. Yesterday he was down at his office and last night ate a hearty supper and was not heard to complain in the least of feeling badly. His friends were aware, however, that he might drop off any time, for only four weeks ago he collapsed while in attendance at the morning service at the First Baptist church, and had to be taken home in an automobile, though he recovered shortly afterward.

No man in Macon was better known or had more friends than did Judge Proudfit and the announcement of his death will cause widespread regret not only in Macon, but wherever he was known. For sixteen years he had been referee in bankruptcy for this division and previous to that time had been one of the leading lawyers in Macon.

Native of Tennessee.
He was about 68 years of age and came to Macon shortly after he reached his majority, from Brownsville, Tenn. Besides his widow, Mrs. Bessie Proudfit, Judge Proudfit leaves two daughters, Misses Consuelo and Pearl Proudfit, of Macon, and one brother, John Proudfit, of Mississippi.

Mrs. Proudfit is a sister of J. H. and E. Tris Napier, of Macon, and Mrs. Mark O'Daniel, of Jeffersonville.

For many years Judge Proudfit had been a member of the First Baptist church and was a liberal giver to all worthy objects. It is said of him that there was nothing within his power that he would not do for a friend and there are many people in Macon who can attest to that fact...

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
5 November 1913, pg. 11

DEATHS AND FUNERALS
ALEXANDER PROUDFIT
With an escort from the Macon Bar association, of which he was a long time and distinguished member, the funeral of Judge Alexander Proudfit, whose death occurred Monday night, will be held this afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from the First Baptist church, Dr. E. C. Dargan, the pastor, officiating. Interment will follow in Rose Hill cemetery...

News of the sudden death of Judge Proudfit was learned with sorrow yesterday by a host of friends throughout the city, and among them the hundred children at the Georgia Industrial Home, of which Judge Proudfit was a trustee for a number of years.

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
6 November 1913, pg. 5

Deaths and Funerals
ALEXANDER PROUDFIT
In the presence of many sorrowing friends and relatives, Dr. E. C. Dargan, pastor of the First Baptist church, pronounced a beautiful tribute over the body of Judge Alexander Proudfit, whose funeral took place from the First Baptist church yesterday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock.

The sentiment of the minister was also that of the great audience, particularly members of the Macon Bar association, of which Judge Proudfit had been a member for many years...

Many beautiful floral offerings, piled high on the casket, showed the high esteem in which the deceased had been held by his friends, his church and other Macon institutions, which he had aided...

Louis Juhan Dead! (Tombstone Tuesday)

© 2012 S. Lincecum

Louis Nottingham Juhan was born 1 November 1875 in Georgia to William A. and Elizabeth Jane Juhan. Two of his siblings were John Ross and William J. Juhan. John Ross is buried in the same lot of Rose Hill Cemetery as Louis and his parents. William J. rests just down the road in Riverside Cemetery.

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
11 September 1909, pg. 2

DEATHS AND FUNERALS.
JUHAN.
Mr. Louis Nottingham Juhan died at the home of his brother, Mr. W. J. Juhan, at 1:45 yesterday, after an illness of some two months.

Ever since it became known that Louis Juhan was confined to his bed by sickness, there were anxious inquiries after his condition. He was missed by his friends, friends who knew and loved him, friends accustomed to his smiling greeting and warm hand clasp, and they longed for his bright presence.

These friends waited for him, and as the days passed they expected to find him among them at any time. So when the news of his death was made known it came as a distinct shock. Louis Juhan dead! It was as a blow. And as the first shock wore away, those who knew wondered if it could be true. There were many who knew nothing of his serious illness, and to these the news brought a pain to the heart.

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
5 October 1899, pg 23
Image from GenealogyBank.

He was only 34 years old, and had lived all his life in Macon, having been connected with his brother with the Union Dry Goods Co. since its organization. From a boy he had the faculty of making friends, of making people love him. Thus he became popular throughout the city, and with all classes. As boy and man he was beloved by all, and his death will be mourned by many.

He is survived by two brothers, Mr. W. J., of Macon, and Mr. Chas. J., of Dallas, Tex., and one sister, Mrs. J. W. Spencer, of Cuthbert.

The funeral will be held at 4 o'clock tomorrow afternoon, that his brother Charles may arrive from Texas. More definite information of the funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
13 September 1909, pg. 2

DEATHS AND FUNERALS
JUHAN.
The funeral services of Mr. Louis N. Juhan took place yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock from the residence of his brother on Oglethorpe street. His brother, Chas. J. Juhan, arrived from Texas just in time for the funeral...The Macon Volunteers, of whom Mr. Juhan was once a lieutenant, attended the funeral in a body, and fired three volleys from their rifles and sounded taps over the grave. Interment at Rose Hill cemetery.

A Death, a Funeral, and a Card of Thanks (Wednesday's Child)

Photo by James Allen

"Deaths and Funerals
LILLIAN CAMERIERO
The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Cameriero sympathize with them in the loss of their youngest daughter, Lillian, whose death occurred yesterday morning at 9:30 o'clock at the family residence, 401 Walnut street. The little girl had only been sick for a few weeks and her death was unexpected.

The funeral services will be held this afternoon at 4:30 o'clock at St. Joseph's Catholic church, Father Frankhauser officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph's cemetery." [Macon Telegraph, Georgia, 19 July 1916]

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
21 July 1916

A CARD OF THANKS
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cameriero and family desire to express their deep appreciation...for the many beautiful expressions of friendship shown during the sad bereavement of the family in the loss of their infant daughter, Louise Cameriero.

Oops! Frank Cameriero Did it Again. (Tombstone Tuesday)

Macon Telegraph, Georgia, 13 July 1909

Frank Cameriero was a barber. It's what he did. And apparently, he was very good at it. Local newspapers called him a "tonsorial artist,"¹ and said he operated "the very best tonsorial institution in Macon."²

City directories further illustrate this. Macon, Georgia directories from 1904, 1906 - 1909, 1914, and 1917 - 1918 accessed via Ancestry.com show Frank as either a proprietor of a barber shop or at least an employee in one.³ What in the world then, was F. Cameriero doing on a September 1911 list of people alleged to have violated the prohibition statute?⁴

It seems that sometime around 1910, if not before, Frank Cameriero got into the "soft drinks" business. This is bore out by the 1910 U.S. Federal Census⁵ and 1911 Macon, Georgia City Directory,⁶ both listing such as Frank's occupation.

The next newspaper article I came across stated Frank Cameriero plead guilty on pending charges of violating the prohibition law:

PLEAS OF GUILTY MADE IN PROHIBITION CASES
Cameriero...Signs Affidavit That He Will Never Sell Whisky Again
Frank Cameriero now has a clean slat with the city court, a number of cases charging violation of the prohibition law which had been pending against him being disposed of yesterday, a plea of guilty being entered in three cases, while two others were not prossed.[sic]

Cameriero presented an ex culpe affidavit to Judge Hodges, in which he promised never to engage in business of that character again. [Macon Telegraph, Georgia, 31 August 1913]

But (oops!) Frank did it again.

POLICE FIND WHISKY WHILE MAKING RAIDS
Frank Cameriero Has Three Drums in His Place
...Yesterday morning the police swooped down on a bar run by Frank Cameriero at 225 Fifth street. They were armed with search warrants and succeeded in unearthing two and a half drums of whisky which they found in the place. Cameriero had only been in the near beer business at this location a few days. He was released under a bond of $200.

The police also claim to have evidence of a sale of whisky made at Cameriero's place... [Macon Telegraph, Georgia, 26 October 1914]

Frank again plead guilty:

Local News Bits
Cameriero Gets Off Light
Because his place of business had been open only three days when raided by the police and charges of violating the state prohibition law placed against him, Judge Hodges was unusually lenient on Frank Cameriero in the city court of Macon yesterday, when the defendant entered a plea of guilty. Judge Hodges only required him to pay the court costs... [Macon Telegraph, Georgia, 15 January 1916]

Photo © 2012 S. Lincecum

Frank Cameriero (1874-1935) and his wife Angelina (1885-1929) were both born in Italy. They rest in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery section of Rose Hill. A kind reader and descendant of Frank Cameriero told me Angelina was the daughter of Nicholas Cameriero's second wife. Nicholas and Frank were brothers.⁷


Footnotes:

1. "A Popular Barber Makes A Change," The Macon (Georgia) Telegraph, 21 June 1906; digital image, GenealogyBank (http://www.genealogybank.com : accessed 11 June 2012), Historical Newspapers Archive.
2. "Frank Cameriero Moves Shop Into New Quarters," The Macon (Georgia) Telegraph, 13 July 1909; digital image, GenealogyBank (http://www.genealogybank.com : accessed 11 June 2012), Historical Newspapers Archive.
3. "U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989 (Beta)," database, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 11 June 2012), entries for Frank Cameriero.
4. "40 Prohibition Cases," The Macon (Georgia) Telegraph, 9 September 1911; digital image, GenealogyBank (http://www.genealogybank.com : accessed 11 June 2012), Historical Newspapers Archive.
5. 1910 U.S. census, Bibb County, Georgia, p. 7A, line 19, Frank Caneriero; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 11 June 2012); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm publication T624.
6. "U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989 (Beta)," database, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 11 June 2012), entry for Frank Cameriero.
7. Nina Fort (e-address for private use), to Stephanie Lincecum, e-mail, 7 June 2012, "Re: Rose Hill Cemetery; Macon, Georgia," Rose Hill Cemetery Project & Family Tree Maker Files; privately held by Lincecum, e-address & street address for private use, Georgia.

Prepare for Your Death, Mr. Nicola Cameriero

MR. CAMERIERO GETS BLACK HAND LETTER.
Well Known Italian Merchant Receives Mysterious and Threatening Missive.
Mr. Nicola Cameriero, one of the most prominent of the Italian merchants of Macon, renounced his allegiance to Victor Emanuel of Italy yesterday and became a citizen of the United States, and Macon in particular.

He was therefore somewhat shaken up yesterday morning when in his mail was a suspicious looking letter addressed to Mr. Nicola Cameriero, 357 Fourth street, Macon, Ga., and postmarked at Macon the day before.

When he opened the letter he saw only a few lines, but these were accompanied by some pictures. The letter read as follows:
"Prepariti per la tu morte."
"Ioe ultima."

Which translated read: "Prepare for your death."
"First and last."

In the right hand corner is a hand pointing downward to four short straight marks as if underscoring the hand. On the left hand side was a rudely drawn pocketbook and a Maltese cross, while underneath were the figures $200.

That was all there was to the letter, and it was as much of a puzzle as a black hand letter, if a black hand letter.

Mr. Cameriero has an idea who sent it to him, and he is laying low so as to fasten his suspicions. He does not believe in any such foolishness, and the writer will suffer if his suspicions are correct.

The letter may, or may not, have been a joke, but if it is the writer has struck the wrong man. Mr. Cameriero is a full fledged American citizen now, and he will be protected. He does not think that the letter had any connection with his having taken out his naturalization papers, but it was something of a coincidence that it should be received on the very day he became a citizen. [Macon Telegraph, Georgia, 27 May 1909]

Nicholas Cameriero was born about 1863 in Viggiano, Italy. He was first married to Ella English 28 December 1887 in Bibb County, Georgia. The first Mrs. Cameriero died 23 December 1895, just hours after giving birth to their second child. The following year, on November 15th, Nicholas married Marie/Mary F. Nicolia:

MARRIED.
Sunday morning, Nov. 15, 1896, at 8 o'clock at St. Joseph's Catholic church, Nickalous Cameriero and Mrs. Francisco Nicolia, from Italy. They have taken up their abode at his residence, No. 420 Mulberry street, Macon, Ga. [Macon Telegraph, Georgia, 16 November 1896, page 4]

Nicholas Cameriero died 13 August 1937 and was laid to rest next to his first wife in the Cameriero lot of St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery section at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Mrs. Ella Cameriero Deserted By, Then Reunited With Husband?

Hmmm... I wonder what happened here.

In Need of Help.
A sad case of need can be found by the charitably inclined this morning at No. 355 Fourth street.

Mrs. N. Cameriero, formerly Miss Ella English of Marshallville, who was deserted by her husband several days ago is in destitute circumstances and in need of work.

Competent to do all kind of needle work, she finds herself unable to maintain herself for want of employment. The ladies of the city are appealed to in this matter. [Macon Telegraph, Georgia, 28 November 1888]

The above notice was published less than a year after Ella and Nicholas were married, as they were united in matrimony 28 December 1887.

I wanted to determine if Ella was still married at the time of her death seven years later. A database search produced no results, so I went page by page of the 24th and 25th December 1895 editions of The Macon Telegraph, finding it hard to believe there was no mention of her death. The first find on page 8 of the 24 December edition speaks of Ella's death:

MRS. CAMERIERO DIED.
The Funeral Will Take Place Today at the Catholic Church.
Mrs. E. N. Cameriero died at the residence, 418 Mulberry street, yesterday.

The interment will take place today, the funeral services to be held at St. Joseph's Catholic church at 9:30 o'clock.

Mrs. Cameriero was well known in Macon, where she spent the greater portion of her life. Before her marriage she was Miss Ella English.

Not enough information, so I kept going. The next day's news included the following:

BURIED ON HER ANNIVERSARY.
Mrs. Cameriero's Funeral Occurred on Her 29th Birthday Anniversary.
The death of Mrs. E. N. Cameriero was peculiarly sad. On her 29th birthday anniversary she was buried in Rose Hill cemetery.

She had been a loving wife and a devoted Christian, being a member of the Roman Catholic church. Her bereaved family consist of a sorrowing husband, and two little chldren, one little babe only a few hours old when its mother died. The other child is a bright little boy. Mrs. Cameriero's mother lives in Atlanta.

Death and Funeral of Edward McCrudden

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
Wednesday, 30 March 1921, pg. 3

DEATHS AND FUNERALS
EDWARD MCCRUDDEN
Edward McCrudden, 84 years of age, one of the oldest residents of Macon, died at 6 o'clock last night at his residence, No. 453 Arch street, after an illness of only one day.

Mr. McCrudden was born in Donegal, Ireland, and came to Macon sixty-five years ago, entering business here, in which he continued up to the time of his death.

He is survived by one sister, Miss Margaret McCrudden, of Ireland, and one niece, Miss Mary A. Gallagher of Macon. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic church. The funeral will be held Thursday, arrangements to be announced later.

Macon Telegraph
Friday, 1 April 1921, pg. 3

DEATHS AND FUNERALS
EDWARD MCCRUDDEN
The funeral of Edward McCrudden, whose death occurred at 6 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, was held from St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Rev. Father Murphy conducted the services and interment was in the family lot at St. Joseph's Cemetery. The following served as pallbearers: John Murphy, Pat Cassidy, John Gillispie, John McBrearty, Joe Thomas and Pat McNeils.

According to his death certificate, Edward was the son of Daniel McCrudden and Margaret Bern, both of Ireland. His occupation was Merchant.

Edward's brother John is also buried in the family lot, as is his niece Mary A. Gallagher. John McBrearty, one of Edward's pallbearers, was written about a few days ago. John (d. 1961) is buried in a lot across from Edward McCrudden. As stated above, all are in the St. Joseph's Catholic section of Rose Hill Cemetery.

John McBrearty Convicted of Violating the "Blind Tiger" Law

"Blind Tiger" (a term popular in the southern states) is a lower class version of a speakeasy, a place that illegally sold alcohol during Prohibition. Prohibition in Georgia, by the way, was from 1908 until 1935. This started well before and went on after the national prohibition of 1920 to 1933. In a mid-September 1914 week in Macon, seventy prohibition cases were on the docket for the city court. John McBrearty was one such case.

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
10 February 1914, pg. 8

SECOND RAID MADE ON JOHN M'BREARTY'S STORE

Police Secure a Barrel of Whisky and Claim to Have Evidence of a Sale. McBrearty Denies Ownership.

For the second time since the first of the year, the police have raided John McBrearty's grocery store on Monroe street and gotten sufficient whisky to warrant charges of violation of the city blind tiger ordinance and the state prohibition law. The last raid was made last night by Chief Riley and Plain Clothes Officers Morris and Dave Riley.

Not only was a barrel of whisky taken from McBrearty's place, but a sale is also alleged to have been gotten on him, which the officers are confident will "stick" when the case comes to trial. McBrearty declared the whisky did not belong to him and that he knew nothing about it.

I conducted some research in an effort to make sure this article pertained to the John McBrearty (1882-1961) resting beside his wife Margaret Thomas (1882-1957) in the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery section of Rose Hill. The 9 April 1930 Federal census for Macon, Bibb County, Georgia lists John with his wife Margaret and son John F. (1913-2005, also buried in same plot as parents). John and Margaret were both born in Ireland and immigrated to the United States in the early 1900's. They were married about 1911.

In the 1920 census (same family, same locale), John is listed as a retail grocery store owner. And in the 1918 Macon City Directory, John is listed (with Margaret) as being a grocer at 336 Monroe.

In late June 1915, after John exhausted his appeals, the final ruling came down:

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
23 June 1915, pg. 11

"TIGER" CASE AFFIRMED

John McBrearty Must Pay Fine of $150 Imposed by the Recorder

Clerk R. A. Nisbet, of the superior court, yesterday received notice that the court of appeals had affirmed the judgement of the superior court in the case of John McBrearty, convicted at the February term, 1915, of violating the "blind tiger" law...McBrearty was sentenced to pay a fine of $150 or work sixty days on the county roads.

Another interesting find was John McBrearty in the 1910 Macon, Bibb County, Georgia Federal census. He was working for grocery merchant John Moss (born Ireland) as a Near-Beer clerk. Seems John McBrearty really was in the "thick of things" during Prohibition!

Mislocated and Misnamed? (The One Where Obituaries and Tombstone Conflict.)

James Daniel Stetson
Born May 30, 1846
Died March 18, 1901
"He Giveth His Beloved Sleep"

His Wife
Eugenia Sophia Pate
Jan 28, 1852 - July 31, 1906

Obituaries of this sort give genealogists fits. Was she buried at Hawkinsville or Macon? Was his first name John or James?

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
1 August 1906

MRS. EUGENIA STETSON PASSES AWAY AT HOME

Widow of the Late J. D. Stetson, and One of the Most Prominent Women in Macon's Charitable Circles, Dies After Short Illness.

Mrs. Eugenia Stetson, the widow of the late J. D. Stetson, died about 4:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon at the home of the family at 360 College street.

Mrs. Stetson had been ill only a short while. She was aged 55 years. She was one of the most prominent women in the charitable circles of Macon, the splendid Methodist Orphanage being one of the institutions, upon which she bountifully bestowed her time and energy, not to mention her worldly goods.

The death of Mrs. Stetson comes rather as a surprise and shock to hundreds of people in Macon and elsewhere, who were not aware that she was seriously ill. The announcement of the death will strike sorrow into the hearts of a host of loving friends and admirers, and will cast a gloom over almost the entire city.

The deceased was a woman of beautiful and consistent character. Charitable almost to a fault, loving to all and withal possessing a sweet, gentle, sunny nature, she had entwined herself about the heartstrings of a host of [...illegible...] felt as a personal and irreparable loss.

[...Illegible...], the daughter of the late Major John H. Pate, of Hawkinsville. She was born in that city in January, 1852. Her late husband, J. D. Stetson, was for many years the president of the American National Bank.

The following relatives survive Mrs. Stetson: Four brothers, R. O., M. C., J. W. and R. A. Pate, all of Hawkinsville; one sister, Mrs. W. B. Steele, of Hawkinsville; her mother, Mrs. Z. A. Pate, of Hawkinsville; and the following children: J. P. Stetson, of Macon; Mrs. Sam T. Coleman, of Macon; E. W. Stetson, of Fitzgerald, and James D. Stetson, of Macon.

Mrs. Stetson was a devout member of the Mulberry Street Methodist Church. The funeral will be held this afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the residence. The interment will occur this afternoon at Hawkinsville.

A special train will convey the body to Hawkinsville, leaving the Southern depot at 2:30 o'clock, and returning at 7:30 o'clock this evening. The friends of the family are invited to attend the interment at Hawkinsville.

The following will act as pallbearers: R. A. Merritt, R. J. Taylor, W. R. Rogers, Jr., O. E. Dooly, W. P. Glover, B. E. Willingham, A. R. Willingham, T. J. Simmons, Jr.

For what it's worth, the burial records of Rose Hill Cemetery list Mrs. Eugenia Stetson, and there is no indication at the family burial plot in the Central Avenue division that Eugenia's inscription on her and J. D. Stetson's tombstone is a cenotaph.

Here's another one. I find it a bit odd that possible misinformation was provided in obituaries for both husband and wife, who died 5 years apart.

Augusta Chronicle (Georgia)
19 March 1901

JOHN D. STETSON, MACON, DEAD
Macon, Ga., March 18. -- Mr. John D. Stetson, vice president of the American National bank of this city, and a prominent financier in the state, died here today.

Stetson Family Plot at Macon's Rose Hill Cemetery

Photos © 2012 S. Lincecum

Shocking Affair: The Fatal Stabbing of Robert Martin

The following transcriptions of 3 newspaper articles regarding the murder of Robert Martin were provided by Jeanie Smith Zadach.

Macon Daily Telegraph (Georgia)
Saturday, January 16, 1864, Page 2
"SHOCKING AFFAIR - About 6 o'clock last evening, ROBERT MARTIN of this city was fatally stabbed, on 3rd street in front of Mrs. Sullivan's by JAMES BURNS of Twiggs county. The parties had been in each others' company the greater part of the day, in the course of which some trifling dispute arose, but which, after a few words appeared to be settled. Subsequently the affair was renewed when Burn cut Martin, inflicting a desperate gash below the right arm, the knife ranging in between the lungs and liver. Another blow severed the main artery in the left arm, near the shoulder, and in fact, nearly cut the limb entirely off. This last cut was the immediate cause of his death, although the first would, in all probability, have killed him. Martin as soon as cut, staggered forward exclaiming: "He has killed me," until he reached Mr. Jaughsteter's, a few doors distant, where he turned in and expired in a short time.

We were unable to learn what resistance, if any, Martin made. At all events Burn [sic] made his escape and had not been arrested up to a late hour last night."

Macon Telegraph
Monday Morning, January 18, 1864, Page 2
"James C. Burns who killed Martin on Friday night about dusk, was arrested by the Sheriff about eight o'clock the same evening. He was examined and committed yesterday, and will be tried at the adjourned session of the Superior Court, which commences on Monday the 25th."

Georgia Journal & Messenger
Wednesday, January 20, 1864, Page 2, Column 4
"HOMICIDE
A shocking affair occurred in this city, on Third street, about six o'clock on Friday evening last, between ROBERT MARTIN of this city and JAMES BURNS of Twiggs county, in which Martin was killed. It appears that a short time previous, there had been some difficulty between them of a trivial character, at which time Martin drew a pistol on Burns, who, it would appear, was then unarmed, and the affair seemed to be quieted. They soon after met again on the the side walk, on Third street, when Martin received five or six very severe cuts and stabs, of which he died in a few minutes. Of what occurred at this second meeting it would be improper to speak of particularly, as it will probably be duly investigated before the Superior Court of this county, which convenes again on the 25th. A brother of Burns was present, and the facts were noticed only by one or two other persons although it occurred in a public place. Burns immediately fled, but was soon captured. The case was examined into before Justices Grannias, Wyche and Hughes on Saturday, by whom he was committed for trial on the charge of murder.

Burns is a man of respectable standing at home, and came here as a member of a company of State Troops on their way to Savannah; but now has a more fearful ordeal to pass through than that of facing any enemy in the field he would have been likely to have met about Savannah."

Ms. Zadach also provided this entry from Record of Interments for Rose Hill Cemetery of Bibb County, Georgia 1840 to 1871: "ROBERT MARTIN - Date of Interment: Jan 15, 1864; Age: 32; Male; Residence: Macon, Bibb County, Georgia, CSA; Cause of Death: Stabbed; Lot: 5; Block: 1; Page Number 63 in Interment Book."

Robert Martin was a son of John and Eliza Martin. According to the Historic Rose Hill Cemetery website, Robert is buried in the same lot as his parents and sister, Elizabeth Leora Griffin Martin (d. 1842). This was 3/4 of lot 5 in block 1 of the Central Avenue District, purchased by John Martin in 1841. John was the first burial in April 1842, followed by Elizabeth Leora a month later. When I visited the Martin family plot, I was unable to find a marker for Robert. I did find his parents and sister, however. I also noticed an unmarked brick slab beside Elizabeth Leora. Could this be Robert?

Photos © 2012 S. Lincecum
(You may need to click to enlarge.)

Death Summons John Pate Stetson

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
7 September 1921
(Viewed online at GenealogyBank.)

John Pate Stetson
Son of J. D. & E. S. Stetson
Oct 12, 1874
Sep 6, 1921

I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes
Unto The Hills From
Whence Cometh My Help.

Photo © 2012 S. Lincecum

"DEATH SUMMONS J. PEYT. STETSON

Report of Death In Asheville Received Last Night.

FORMERLY MACON RESIDENT

Message Brief, Merely Stating His Demise Was Sudden

News was received last night of the death of John Pate Stetson in Asheville, N.C. He was 47 years of age.

Mr. Stetson was formerly a resident of this city, but moved about three years ago to Asheville, where he was engaged in the automobile accessory business.

The message received by friends here last night was brief, simply stating that Mr. Stetson died suddenly. The Telegraph received the information that he was walking along the street in the early past of the evening, when he was stricken.

Visited Macon Recently
Mr. Stetson was married in 191[3?] to Miss Virginia Davis, of Athens. He was for a number of years connected with the Massee Brick Company of this city, but he went to Asheville to become associated with his brother, Jim Stetson. The latter recently went to Miami, Fla.

Mr. Stetson was here in Macon less than a week ago and appeared to be in good health, notwithstanding the fact that he had undergone a serious operation.

Besides his wife Mr. Stetson is survived by two brothers and one sister, Mrs. S. T. Coleman of this city; Eugene W. Stetson, vice president of the Guaranty Trust Company of New York, and Jim Stetson."

John Pate Stetson was a son of James Daniel Stetson (1846-1901) and Eugenia Sophia Pate (1852-1906). All rest in the Stetson family plot in the Central Avenue District of Rose Hill Cemetery.

Samuel Dunlap, Macon Hardware Man, Succumbs

Atlanta Constitution (Georgia)
2 July 1928

SAMUEL DUNLAP, MACON HARDWARE MAN, SUCCUMBS
Macon, Ga., July 1 -- (AP) -- Samuel Scott Dunlap, 53, president of the Dunlap Hardware company and one of the best-known men in middle Georgia, died at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon of angina pectoris. The attack came on suddenly.

Mr. Dunlap was unmarried. He is survived by five sisters, Mrs. W. B. Wortham and Mrs. L. O. Stevens, of this city; Mrs. Ashton Starke, of Richmond, Va.; Mrs. C. M. Badgerly, of Middleburg, N.Y., and Mrs. John D. Little, of Atlanta.

Samuel Dunlap was son of Samuel Scott Dunlap, Sr. and sister to Ilah Dunlap Jordan Little. All rest in the Dunlap Mausoleum at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Note: The Burges and Dunlaps figure prominently in this book --

Of Strong Stock was John D. Little

From Men of Mark in Georgia, published 1912.

JOHN D. LITTLE, of Atlanta, though a young man, is easily one of the foremost lawyers of the city and State. Mr. Little is of mixed Scottish and French Huguenot descent. He was born in Talbotton, Georgia, on April 17, 1871, son of Judge William A. and Sarah Virginia (Dozier) Little...About 1830 Mr. Little's grandfather, William G. Little, came to Georgia and settled in Wilkinson county. He was a man of mark in his day and served several years in the State Senate...

John D. Little fairly inherits the legal ability of his father, who ranked as one of the best lawyers in the State and also as one of its most honorable citizens...

John D. Little, though born in Talbotton, was reared chiefly in Columbus, to which place his father removed when he was a very small boy. He...entered the University of Georgia and was graduated in 1888, with the degree of A.B., and in 1890, with the degree of B.L. In October, 1890, he engaged in Columbus in the practice of law in connection with his father, and January 1, 1902, moved to Atlanta and became a partner of the law firm of King, Spalding and Little...

Mr. Little through life has been a Democrat and has always contributed his share to the public service, having been for seven years one of the Representatives from Muscogee county in the General Assembly, and for four of these years, 1898-1901, Speaker of the House.

...His religious affiliation is with the Episcopal Church.

...In social life he has a most excellent partner in his wife, who at the time of his marriage was Mrs. Ilah Dunlap Jordan, of Macon, a daughter of Captain S. S. Dunlap, one of the oldest merchants of Macon, with a record of forty-five years in business, and the founder of the largest hardware firm in that city...

John Dozier Little died 25 February 1934. He rests in the Dunlap Mausoleum at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Ilah Dunlap Jordan Little: Her Travels, Death & Legacy

After her marriage to John D. Little, there was no change in Ilah's lifestyle. She was wealthy in her own right, and combining with a successful husband was all the better. In 1920, John and Ilah were living in their home at 760 Peachtree Street in Atlanta, GA. Among the servants in their employ was a chauffeur, a laundress, and a maid.

1922 Passport Photo

Ilah also continued to travel, often to Europe. Passport applications are plentiful for the 1920s and 30s. For example, in August 1916 she accompanied her husband for a 3 month visit to France. And in 1922, Ilah D. Little intended to visit France and Switzerland for 8 months simply for pleasure.

Though her second husband died in 1934, Ilah continued her travels through Europe. In fact, her death occurred abroad. Ilah Dunlap Jordan Little died 26 July 1939 at Hotel Bristol in Carlsbad, Sudetenland. Her remains were cremated a few days later and shipped to the United States, where they were put to rest in the Dunlap Mausoleum at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Ancestry.com. Reports of Deaths of American Citizens Abroad,
1835-1974 [database & images online]. Provo, UT, USA:
Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010.  Original data from National Archives.

Ilah did not have any children from either marriage, so what happened to all the money?

Ilah Dunlap Little Memorial
Library, from University of Georgia Libraries

"The Ilah Dunlap Little memorial Library...opened in 1953. It honors the memories of Mrs. Little, her husband John D. Little, her father Samuel Scott Dunlap, her brother Samuel Scott Dunlap, Jr. and her first husband Leonidas A. Jordan. Mr. and Mrs. Little left their entire estate to the University of Georgia Libraries for the creation of a new library building." (Account Book for the Estate of Ilah Dunlap Little) Read more at the This Day in Athens blog.

Wealthy Southern Widow Will Wed

Philadelphia Enquirer (Pennsylvania)
22 May 1906

After finding out Mrs. Ilah Dunlap Jordan's engagement to Senor Don Luis F. Corea, the Nicaraguan minister to the United States, was broken, I wondered if the still young woman would ever marry again. It did not take much digging to find a newspaper to provide me an answer.

Columbus Daily Enquirer (Georgia)
22 May 1906

RUMOR THAT J. D. LITTLE WILL WED MRS. JORDAN
...The Atlanta Georgian [italics mine] of yesterday published the following:

"Rumor of almost incontrovertible strength has it that Hon. John D. Little, of Atlanta, and Mrs. Ilah Dunlap Jordan, of Macon, will be married in Macon, June 16.

...Mr. Little has for years been considered the handsomest man in the state, while Mrs. Jordan's beauty is of trans-Atlantic renown..."

Men of Mark in Georgia, pub. 1912

Compiling information from a couple of additional articles, I found these tidbits about Mr. John D. Little:

- "...John D. Little, former Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives...Mrs. Jordan's new fiance is one of the foremost lawyers in Atlanta. He is thirty-six years old, and his father was Chief Justice of the highest court in that State." ("Wealthy Southern Widow Will Wed," Philadelphia Enquirer (Pennsylvania), 22 May 1906)

- "Mr. Little...is a native of Columbus, Ga, though for several years a resident of Atlanta." ("Social Functions," Macon Telegraph (Georgia), 22 May 1906)

- "Mr. Little, son of Judge William A. Little, formerly justice of the state supreme court, was graduated with honors from the University of Georgia in 1890..." ("Rumor That J. D. Little Will Wed Mrs. Jordan," Columbus Daily Enquirer (Georgia), 22 May 1906)

I hope you'll keep following for the last life stories and legacy of Mrs. Ilah Dunlap Jordan Little.

Heroine of an International Romance Which Dwindled in Mystery

When we last left the life of Ilah Dunlap (whose final resting place is the Dunlap Mausoleum), she had just inherited the entire estate of her late husband, Col. Leonidas A. Jordan. She also received one fifth of her father's estate upon his death in 1902.

As you might imagine, young Ilah seemed to crave more glitz, glamour, and societal functions than what was available in the little city of Macon, Georgia. As a result, she sometimes sojourned to Washington, D.C. and hobnobbed among the in-crowd there. And there is where she met Senor Don Luis F. Corea, the Nicaraguan minister to the United States.  The couple became engaged to be married in 1904.

After the announcement, all heck broke loose with the receipt of some letters that attempted to discredit Senor Corea.  Here is a sample of headlines that plastered the front pages of newspapers across the United States:

"SAY COREA IS PARTLY NEGRO"

"Nicaraguan Minister Alleged to Have a Strain of Dark Blood in Veins."

"Sensational Disclosure May Stop Marriage With Rich Southern Widow."

Though it was stated by the Dunlap family over and over that they did not believe the rumors ("which questioned Minister Corea's moral and business standing, his social position and his being white") that were circulated by form of anonymous letters, the wedding was initially postponed. Some reports state the rumors were investigated and disproved to the satisfaction of Ilah, and that she intended to go ahead with the wedding, but that it was Minister Corea that wished to fully and publicly clear his name prior to the nuptials. Either way, by the spring of 1905, the engagement was officially broken and the wedding off. The true reason why is a mystery. "Jilted By Pretty Rich Widow" was the new headline.

Here is the explanation in print via the 28 April 1905 Kansas City Star (Missouri): "Mrs. Jordan's family has made no statement, hoping the matter would die out. It is said that the sensational stories published regarding Senor Corea's race, while believed to be utterly untrue, caused a notoriety painful to Mrs. Jordan and her family." The 6 May 1905 Denver Post (Colorado) put it this way: "Mrs. Jordan refused to credit these rumors, but it is said the notoriety caused her so much annoyance that she decided it would be wise to call off the engagement."

So does Ilah Dunlap Jordan, one of the most beautiful women in the South, ever find love again? Stay tuned!

Ilah Dunlap: the Queenliest of Macon's Young Women

In the last post, I introduced Samuel Scott Dunlap and the Dunlap Mausoleum. This enormous architectural beauty is just inside the arched gateway to the Central Avenue division of Rose Hill cemetery. All five of Samuel's daughters are buried within, and that includes Miss Ilah.  She was born 9 February 1873 in Georgia to Samuel and Mary Ann (nee Burge).

I don't know too much about Ilah's childhood. Being a daughter of a wealthy man, I'm sure she was a desired and welcome guest at all civic functions and the greatest parties. The society columns in the local papers definitely bear that out.

I was somewhat surprised as to who Ilah married -- Colonel Leonidas A. Jordan, a man approximately 55 years her senior. Apparently, no one else thought twice about it. Of course, this is the South. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a lot of whispering, and I have to wonder if Ilah really wanted the marriage. One thing is for sure, she had to know it would be profitable.

The Consitution (Atlanta, GA)
Thursday, 26 April 1894

The Marriage of Miss Ilah Dunlap to Colonel Lee A. Jordan at Macon...
Macon, Ga, April 25 -- (Special) -- The marriage that Macon society has been lo[o]king forward to some time, occurred today at high noon, when Colonel L. A. Jordan and Miss Ilah Dunlap were united in matrimony. The wedding took place at the residence of the bride's parents, Captain and Mrs. S. S. Dunlap, on High street, in the presence of only relatives and a few intimate friends.

...Colonel Jordan is one of Macon's most popular and highly esteemed citizens. He is a cultivated gentleman of great wealth, and is known throughout the state as one of the largest planters and real estate owners in Georgia. The bride, as Miss Ilah Dunlap, has reigned a social queen of great beauty and grace, and has been admired as one of the south's loveliest and most accomplished belles...

Ilah Dunlap Jordan about the year 1900.

The marriage lasted less than 5 years, for Col. Lee Jordan died 22 January 1899 at their home on College Street in Macon. He left his entire estate to Ilah. A few years later, upon the death of her father, Ilah received another inheritance of a fifth of his fortune. And a wealthy southern widow she became.

Ilah can be found heading her household on College Street in the 1900 census. She has a maid, a coachman, a cook, and a butler. Her occupation? Capitalist.

There is much more to Ilah's story. Next, I'll tell you about her engagement to Luis Corea, the Nicaraguan minister to the United States.

Note: The Burges and Dunlaps figure prominently in this book --

Captain Samuel Scott Dunlap & the Dunlap Mausoleum

You can see it even before entering the arched gateway to Rose Hill cemetery. Immediately inside and to your left is the large DUNLAP mausoleum.

The Middle Georgia Historical Society's Rose Hill Rambles describes the Dunlap mausoleum as "one of the handsomest in the cemetery." It continues:

Funeral Mound at
Ocmulgee National Monument

Samuel Scott Dunlap owned property across the river known as Dunlap's Hill, now part of the Ocmulgee National Monument. He moved to Macon and founded the Dunlap Hardware Company and amassed what was a fortune in those days. He had five daughters and one son. All the daughters married well...The mausoleum has twenty crypts and Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap, their five daughters, one son and four of the daughters' husbands and two children are buried here.

It's also interesting to note, according to the same source as above, that Mr. S. S. Dunlap was originally buried just down the street in Riverside cemetery, per his wishes. However, "his daughters traveled a great deal in Europe and evidently decided the spot was not good enough."

From the Southern Historical Association's Memoirs of Georgia, 1895:

SAMUEL S. DUNLAP is a leading spirit in the industrial life of Macon, Ga., to which city he came, a penniless youth, forty-six years ago. With but an ordinary education, he began his career, in November, 1849, as a clerk in a retail grocery, at $96 per year, and board. For three years he remained in the same position, and even with that insignificant salary was able to save enough to start a very small business of his own. Success attended him from the very start; his business increased, and the war found him on the highway to wealth. Heeding his country's call, Mr. Dunlap joined a cavalry company and served six months as first lieutenant. He then resigned and returned home, where he organized and led to the field, as captain, the Bibb cavalry. The company he uniformed and equipped at his own expense, selling a lot of cotton for the purpose...He returned from the war, sick and wounded in body, but not daunted in spirit. Like many others, he found himself without means....In 1867 Mr. Dunlap concluded to again try a mercantile life, and this time selected the hardware business. Again fortune smiled on him, and he continued to increase his humble beginning, until he is now at the head of one of the largest establishments of the kind in the south, the Dunlap Hardware company being favorably known all over the state.

Mr. Dunlap has always been a man of great enterprise, and instead of allowing his means to accumulate and remain idle, he invested in various industrial and banking institutions. He is president and a leading stockholder in the Macon Agricultural works, president of the Macon Fire Insurance company, a director in each of the three leading financial institutions of Macon, the Exchange Union Savings and Central bank, and a large stockholder in the Southwestern railroad. He also cultivates a magnificently improved plantation of 400 acres, lying within two miles of the city...A word concerning his family: Samuel S. Dunlap was born in Jasper county, Ga., July 31, 1830. He was the son of David and Hetty (Wingate) Dunlap...He [David] reared six sons to maturity; five of them did their duty bravely in the army, and two of them are now living, Rev. William C. Dunlap, of Covington, a Methodist preacher of note, being the other. In 1855, May 15, Mr. Dunlap celebrated his nuptials with Mary A., daughter of J. L. Birgh, of Bibb county, to whom were born seven children. Six of these are now living, as follows: Nettie, Mrs. H. M. Wortham, Macon; Florence, Mrs. Ashton Stark, Richmond, Va.; Clara, Mrs. Claude Badgely, Albany, N.Y.; Lillia, Mrs. Lewis A. Stevens, Atlanta, Ga.; Ilah, Mrs. Col. Lee A. Jordan, Macon; Samuel S., Jr., at home. In 1873 Mr. Dunlap erected one of the most beautiful homes in the city of Macon, where he lives, surrounded by family and friends, enjoying the means his industry has brought him.

Captain S. S. Dunlap died 8 March 1902.

Note: The Burges and Dunlaps figure prominently in this book --