Jacob Russell Helped Start the First Lager Beer Brewery in Georgia

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.

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Wife's Name is Incorrect in the Obituary for John E. Jones

Keeping up with the Joneses is indeed a hard thing to do.  Especially genealogically speaking.  But the following obituaries for Mr. and Mrs. John E. Jones did go a long way in providing me some names and family connections – with one glaring mistake.

Col. John E. Jones was the first to pass away.  His wife would follow just a few months later.

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
3 May 1891 -- pg. 3 [via GenealogyBank]

A GOOD CITIZEN HAS GONE.

THE DEATH OF COL. JOHN E. JONES LAST NIGHT.

One of Macon's Oldest and Most Respected Residents Called to His Last Long Home -- A Short Sketch of His Life

At 10:30 o'clock last night Col. J. E. Jones, one of Macon's best and oldest citizens, breathed his last.

While his illness had not been of long duration, the end was not unexpected, as the doctors had given up all hope for several hours before.

John Edwin Jones, the deceased, was the son of John Jones and Sarah Wimberly -- was born in Houston county, Ga., and was in his 64th year at the time of his death.

Col. Jones married Miss Henrietta Dean, daughter of James Dean of Macon.

At about the age of 20 he entered into copartnership with his father in the cotton warehouse business in Macon and Savannah under the firm name of John Jones & Son.  He attended to the business of the firm in Savannah and resided there about two years.  On returning to Macon he became the agent of the Bank of Savannah, and retained that position till the beginning of the Confederate war or thereabout.  He was not in the regular Confederate army, but saw service in what was known as Joe Brown's militia, and was present in the siege of Savannah.

After the war, about '68, he became the agent of the Macon cotton factory.  In 1869 he established the Central Georgia Bank in Macon, became its president and continued so till three years ago, when he resigned on account of declining health.

After the death of Gen. W. S. Holt, Col. Jones became the president of the Southwestern Railway Company, and retained that high position till his death.

Recently he became president of the Covington and Macon railroad, and so remained until the road went into the hands of a receiver.

He has been president of the bond commission of the city of Macon ever since the commission was established.

The deceased had five grown daughters, three married, of whom two of the married are yet living, one married daughter died, two died unmarried and one daughter, living, is single.

The married daughters now living are Mrs. Claude Estes and Mrs. W. R. Cox.

Mrs. Jones, wife of the deceased, is the sister of Mrs. L. Q. C. Lamar.

On Tuesday night, April 28, Mr. Jones was taken sick, but did not send for a physician till next day, April 29, when Drs. H. H. Mettauer and James Etheridge were called.  But this disease, intususception [sic] of the bowels, proved to be beyond their skill.

When I first read this obituary, I thought I had the wrong John E. Jones.  But, nope, this is the right guy.  Henrietta Dean, however, was NOT his wife's name.  The correct name is Miss Arabella Dean, a sister of Henrietta's.  The line toward the end, "Mrs. Jones, wife of the deceased, is the sister of Mrs. L. Q. C. Lamar," is correct.  Henrietta first married W. S. Holt, then L. Q. C. Lamar.

According to the Georgia Marriages, 1808-1967 database at FamilySearch.org, John E. Jones married "Annabella" O. Dean 28 November 1848 in Bibb County.  John and Arabella are memorialized on the same stone at Rose Hill Cemetery.

The part of Mr. Jones's obituary that describes his children is also a bit confusing.  The number given is "five daughters," but the paragraph further describes six.  Though it doesn't help with her maiden name, Mrs. Jones's obituary did help me with all the daughters.

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
11 August 1891, pg. 6 [via GenealogyBank]

MRS. JOHN E. JONES

Passed Away at Her Home Early Yesterday Morning.
Mrs. John E. Jones, widow of the late Col. John E. Jones, died at her home on Georgia avenue yesterday morning at 4 o'clock.

She had been ill for about ten days with bilious fever, but a fatal termination was not expected until Sunday, when she began to sink rapidly.

Mrs. Jones was a native of Macon and was about 61 years of age.  She was a lady of gentle and lovable character.

She leaves three daughters:  Mrs. W. R. Cox, Mrs. Claud Estes and Miss Eva Jones.  The late Mrs. W. W. Collins was also her daughter.

The funeral will be held from the family residence on Georgia avenue at 10 o'clock this morning.

Using tombstones and obituaries, here are the daughters as I know them:

• Laura Jones (d. 5 October 1855)
  
• Florence Jones (1856-1884)
  
• Eva Blanche Jones (1858-1933)
  
• Nannie Jones Estes (1865-1935)
  
• Mrs. W. R. Cox
  
• Mrs. W. W. Collins (d. bef. 1891)

Good luck keeping up with the Joneses!

Father & Son Ray: Railroad Engineer & Conductor

John Henry Ray was born 1831-1835 in Greene County, Georgia.  He married Sarah Barksdale about 1855, and by 1870 was a railroad engineer based out of Milledgeville, Baldwin County.  John Henry moved his family to Macon, Bibb County about 1873, and that is where he died in the summer of 1895.

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
27 June 1895, pg. 6 [via Georgia Historic Newspapers]

MR. RAY DEAD.

He Was the Oldest Engineer on the Central Railroad.

Mr. J. H. Ray died at his home, 715 Pine street, last night at 7 o'clock, after an illness of one year, the last four months of which he was confined to his bed.

Mr. Ray was the oldest engineer on the Central railroad and remained on the active list up to the time of the beginning of his last illness.  He was 60 years of age and had been a resident of Macon for the past twenty-two years, having moved here from Milledgeville.  He was one of the best known and most popular locomotive engineers in the state, and was a noble, generous, conscientious man.  For many years he was an active Mason and a member of Macon Lodge No. 5.

Mr. Ray leaves an aged wife to mourn his loss.  He also leaves a brother, Mr. Doc. Ray, and two children -- Mrs. E. J. Wylie and Mr. Walter Ray.  He will be buried from his late residence this afternoon at 4 o'clock.

John Henry Ray and Sarah had two children:  Mary and John Walter.  Mary married a Mr. Wylie, and John Walter followed in his father's footsteps.

According to his obituary, available at GenealogyBank, and information gleaned from his death certificate, John Walter Ray was occupied as a railway conductor.  When he was employed by Southern Railway, John Walter and family moved to St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida.  That city is where he died, 18 October 1938.  His body was returned to Macon and laid to rest near that of his father in Rose Hill Cemetery. 

John Walter Ray and his wife, Sarah Smith, had two children:  Mervin and Orville.

John Henry and John Walter had another thing in common – they were both Masons.

Ambrose Baber Died from the Effects of His Own Medicine (Tombstone Tuesday)

In the Spring of 1846, Dr. Baber confidently copied the dosage information from Ellis' Formulary before the prescription was sent off to the druggist.  George Payne, prominent druggist of the time in Macon, Georgia, thought something wasn't quite right.  He filled the prescription, but attached a "beware" note to the vial before giving it to the patient.  When the doctor later called on his patient, a Mr. Jarrell, he was a bit aggravated the medicine hadn't been taken as prescribed.  Jarrell showed Baber the note of caution.  Dr. Baber took some of the medicine to prove its safety to his patient.  Then Dr. Ambrose Baber was no more.

Even as late as 1907, more than 60 years after his shocking death, articles were written in the local paper about Dr. Baber.  This is one of many posted at the time of his death.  Issued Wednesday, 11 March 1846, Macon Weekly Telegraph (via GenealogyBank).

DEATH OF DOCT. BABER.
It is with feelings of the deepest sorrow that we are called upon to record the death of Doct. AMBROSE BABER of this city.  We know that this sad news will fill with pain the hearts of a numerous body of admiring friends not only in this community but throughout the State.

This sudden and unexpected stroke has cast a gloom over the whole community.  Doct. Baber was up to the hour he fell in the enjoyment of his usual health and in attendance on the calls of his profession -- but the hand which has so often ministered to the sufferings of others is now cold in death -- the heart which has so often felt for their afflictions has ceased to beat forever.  The scenes of his triumphs and fame witnessed his own fall; he expired about 9 o'clock on Sunday morning last in the chamber of one of his sick patients.  He met death at a moment's warning, in the full possession of all his faculties, and without a murmur resigned his spirit to his God.

In his death what a striking illustration is there given of the uncertainty of life; of the futility of all human calculations; and of the fleeting and perishing nature of all sublunary things.  Like flowers cast upon the unreturning waves which are borne to the wide ocean where they sink and are seen no more forever.

"Earthly things
Are but the transient pageants of an hour;
And earthly pride is like the passing flower
That springs to tall, and blossoms but to die."

Doct. Baber was a native of Rockingham county, Virginia: and after completing his education emigrated early in life to this State, where he has resided, with the exception of a short absence in Europe, ever since.  He served as Surgeon in the Army under Gen. Jackson, in the Seminole campaign.  On repeated occasions he has been a prominent member of one of the political parties of this State: and although differing with him in opinion, his most ardent admirers cannot cherish more sincerely the recollection of his private virtues than the writer of this article.  Doct. Baber has several times represented this county in both branches of the legislature, where he was an influential and efficient member.  In 1841 he was appointed by Gen. Harrison minister to the Court of Turin in the Kingdom of Sardinia, in which capacity he remained until the spring of 1844, when he returned to this city and resumed the practice of his profession.  As a husband and father his devotion and affection were unbounded.  Gifted with a strong mind which was also cultivated well; unchanging in his friendships; with warm and generous feelings; with a high sense of honor and love for all that was noble and elevated in sentiment and practice, he has passed through all the stages of a life far advanced in years with the esteem of all who knew him.

He has left a wife and three children of tender years to mourn his loss.  Our deepest sympathies are with his bereaved and stricken household; with the orphans and the widow. -- But we will not invade the sanctity of their sorrow by attempting to off any words of consolation here.  No human speech can alleviate their anguish or assuage their unspeakable grief.  That solace must come from on high, from the author of every good and perfect gift -- from the father of the fatherless and the widow's stay; and to Him in humble resignation and adoring faith, we are sure they will turn for that consolation which can alone bind up the bleeding heart or assuage the poignancy of grief like theirs.

His funeral will take place from the Episcopal Church this morning at 10 o'clock, and his friends are respectfully invited to attend at that hour without further notice.  His remains will be interred in Rose Hill Cemetery.  Sit tibi terra levis.

"May the earth rest lightly on you." That's what that final Latin phrase translates to – I like it.

If Ambrose Baber is in your family tree, or you just want to know a bit more about him, keep reading.

He was born in September.  Some say 1792, others say 1793.  The first is inscribed on his tombstone.  Edward Ambrose Baber (his full name) was a son of Thomas, who "served on the American side during the War for Independence," and Sarah Oglesby Baber.  He was also a twin to Edward Hardin Baber.  The same first name was a bit much for Ambrose, so he dropped it for adulthood.

Ambrose was a veteran of the War of 1812.  He participated in the Battle of Bladensburg, and was severely wounded.  A friend, Henry St. George Tucker, carried him off the battlefield.  Though Ambrose felt the effects of his wound for the rest of his life, he did somehow recover.  He later named his first son after the friend who saved him.

Dr. Baber received his early medical training in Virginia.  From 1815 to 1817, however, he attended the Medical College at Philadelphia.  After this training, he relocated to Georgia and began his own medical practice.  He first settled in Dublin, Laurens County.  He then moved to Hartford in Pulaski County, where he joined troops fighting in the Seminole War.  His next stop was Marion in Twiggs County.  There, it seems, Dr. Baber would have been content, but a friend (Oliver Hillhouse Prince) requested his help in laying out the new town of Macon in Bibb County.  Ambrose acquiesced, and was residing in Macon by 1824.

It is about here where R. B. Flanders, in his biographical article about Ambrose Baber for the September 1938 Georgia Historical Quarterly, writes:

In contrast with so many members of his profession, this physician did not devote any time to cotton production and plantation management, but attended to his professional duties.  Books were purchased, subscriptions to medical journals were entered, and he sought in every way possible to add to his store of knowledge.

Soon after relocating to Macon, Dr. Baber founded the Constantine Chapter, No. 4, Lodge 34, of the Masonic Order – the organization which he had joined while in Marion.  He obtained the degree of Royal Arch Mason before leaving Twiggs County.  After founding the Constantine Chapter, he became the Worshipful Master of the Lodge and High Priest of the Chapter.  About 1831-1832, he was named Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Georgia.

As alluded to previously, Dr. Baber's medical practice never suffered because of his "extracurricular" activities.  In 1825 he was appointed to the Board of Examiners for the Medical Department of the University of Georgia, and ten years later to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of the same.

That same year, Dr. Baber figured heavily in an endeavor that would lead to the founding of Christ Episcopal Church in Macon.  In March of the next year, Ambrose Baber fought in a duel, killing his opponent.

Then there was politics.  Though a personal friend, whose opinion Baber sought, advised against him entering the political arena, the already respected community leader could not say "no." Ambrose Baber was elected Georgia State Senator from Bibb County in 1827, 1831, 1835, 1838, and 1839.

Dr. Baber had a fondness for, and felt a duty to protect, state and national history.  From Flanders' article:

A most valuable service was [Baber's] introduction of a resolution providing for the appointment of a person to go to London to copy the colonial records of Georgia, the appropriation of $4,000 for expenses, and the solicitation of the support of the President of the United States in the enterprise.  While the resolution failed to pass at the time, it was later acted upon, and Baber deserves full credit for his work in the collection and preservation of the historical records of the State.

Let's talk about education.  Baber "was one of the organizers and trustees of Montpelier Institute, an academy located in Macon, and served as its supporter and financial backer for years." His daughter Lucy Marian attended the school.

Baber was also a driving force behind bringing the railroad to Macon.  Flanders wrote the following:

The economic necessities of the State would have resulted in the construction of a road between Macon and Savannah had Baber never lived, but the yeoman's labor he rendered in performing the "spade work" accounts largely for its early success…Over forty years later one man testified that Baber's arguments in 1830 had converted him. "Dr. Baber, I positively know is entitled to the paternity of the Macon and Savannah Railroad," he wrote.  Baber had discussed the matter with him, observing that "the true road to individual and national wealth was the successful tillage of the earth, abundant crops, cheap and easy transportation of them to market for home consumption or exportation.  That would stimulate industry and foster our commerce." With such views he advised the building of the railroad.

Dr. Baber believed in books.  He thoroughly enjoyed reading and discussion.  This led to the Macon Lyceum and Library Society, of which the doctor was president.

Baber was a large landowner.  At one time, he owned more than 2,500 acres across five Georgia counties.  This included the family's summer home – called Hamilton – in Habersham County.  The home the family occupied on Walnut Street in Macon (built about 1829-1830) stands today, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.  The property was converted to a medical clinic around 1919.  Baber was also on record as the owner of nineteen slaves.

Still another interest of Baber's was banking.  I won't go into too many specifics, because I honestly find them a bit confusing.  I will note, however, Baber was the president of the Insurance Bank of Columbus, Georgia.  The headquarters were in Macon.

In 1841, Baber reluctantly accepted the undesirable appointment of Chargé d'Affaires to Sardinia.  Flanders described the few years the doctor and his family spent on the Italian island as "altogether unpleasant." And I'm not sure it would even be considered a successful trip for the United States.  Dr. Baber was recalled, and the family returned to Macon in 1844.

Baber resumed his medical practice, though his desire was to retire and permanently relocate to the summer home in Habersham County.  If he had done so, he might have lived longer than his fifty-two or fifty-three years.  Though highly respected and seemingly well-liked, I believe it was a touch of arrogance that stood in the way of his retirement and hastened his death.

Immediate Family

Dr. Ambrose Baber married Mary Eliza Sweet 16 June 1829.  Mary, of Savannah, Georgia, was born 16 June 1810 a daughter of George Dunbar Sweet and Rachel Ross Porcher.  She was just 19 at the time of her marriage to Ambrose (he was 36), and Mrs. Sweet did not approve of the union.  Mary, who supposedly suffered from tuberculosis, was well cared for by Dr. Baber and lived to the age of 84.

Ambrose and Mary had five children:  Floride Calhoun (b. 1830), Henry St. George (b. 1831), George Francis Burleigh (b. 1833), Lucy Marian (b. 1836), and Ella Hunter (b. 1839).  Floride Calhoun and Henry St. George died as infants.  Burleigh was a Naval Officer lost at sea about 1854-1855.  Lucy Marian went on to marry Joseph W. Blackshear, touted by the Hargrett Rare Book & Manuscript Library of the University of Georgia as a "teacher, accountant, and Civil War soldier of Macon." Joseph was a son of Joseph Blackshear and Elizabeth C. Paul.  Ella, the last daughter of Ambrose and Mary, lived to the age of 90, but I know little else about her.

It might be interesting to note (I found it so) that four of the children of Joseph and Lucy Marian were not ready to give up the well-known Baber name.  Ella, Paul, Birdie, and Minnie all took as their surname "Baber-Blackshear."

Research Note:  R. B. Flanders wrote a fabulous, all encompassing article on Ambrose Baber for the Georgia Historical Quarterly in 1938.  His article, source for a large portion of this article, is available at jstor.org --

Flanders, R. B. "AMBROSE BABER." The Georgia Historical Quarterly 22, no. 3 (1938): 209-48. http://www.jstor.org/stable/40576567.

Now I Know Franklin Adamson's Cause of Death

Way back in February 2009, I wrote an article about Franklin Green Adamson. He was the son of Samuel Taylor Adamson and Mary Elizabeth Bright. All three rest in the Cabiness Ridge section of Rose Hill.

Franklin Green Adamson
Sept 4, 1875
May 1, 1922
He Loved To Make Others Happy

In the article mentioned, I noted that Frank had died at the young age of just 46 years and wondered what was the cause. Well, now I know.  I revisited Mr. Adamson, conducted more research, and brought up an image of his death certificate.

"Georgia, Deaths, 1914-1927," index and images, FamilySearch
(https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JDXW-FFF : accessed 25 Nov 2013),
 Franklin Green Adamson, 01 May 1922.

The document answered my initial question -- Frank's cause of death was "heart disease with pneumonia." Most everything else on the certificate of death was as expected.  Frank was married, he was a locomotive engineer for G. S. & F. Railway Company, his father was S. T. Adamson, and his mother's maiden name was Bright.  This information was provided by Frank's brother Edward.

A tidbit that should be noted, however, is the birth date.  The document states it as Sept 5th, 1876.  But Frank's ledger marker in Rose Hill Cemetery gives it as Sept 4, 1875.  Hmmm...

Brave Confederate Peter Bracken Dead

From Wikimedia
Commons

Just a short seven months before the death of Anthony Murphy, the last known Confederate survivor of those involved in the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862, the grim reaper came calling for Peter Bracken. He rests in Rose Hill Cemetery, near the Oak Ridge section.

PETER BRACKEN DEAD; BRAVE CONFEDERATE

He Was a Locomotive Engineer and Took a Prominent Part in the Capture of the Famous "General" -- Born in Philadelphia and Came to Macon When a Young Man.

There died in Macon yesterday a quiet, unassuming man, who had played a prominent part in the closing days of the Confederacy.

This was Mr. Peter J. Bracken, one of Macon's oldest locomotive engineers, and a man always and universally respected by the people. He was an engineer on the old Macon & Western railroad between Macon and Atlanta, when Mr. W. A. Huff was the conductor of the train. Between the two men there has been always the strongest ties of friendship, and the news of his death will be read by Mr. Huff this morning with genuine sorrow.

Mr. Bracken took a prominent part in the capture of the famous "General," the old wood-burning locomotive that is still preserved because of the great raid that was one of the important events of the closing scenes of the war. As he was so closely connected with the raid a brief recital of the main facts will not be out of place in this announcement of his death.

On the morning of April 12, Capt. W. A. Fuller left Atlanta in charge of the passenger train on the Western and Atlantic railroad. When he reached Marietta a party of strangers, dressed in citizens' clothes, boarded the train and paid their fares to different points. They claimed to be refugees from the federal lines joining the Confederate army, but were disguised soldiers, volunteers from Sill's brigade, Mitchell's corps, U. S. A., commanded by James J. Andrews.

At Big Shanty [Kennesaw] the train stopped for breakfast, and most of the passengers and train crew left the train. The passengers had taken their seats at the table, Capt. Fuller facing the train. He saw through the window some strangers get on the engine in an excited manner and start off rapidly. He remarked to his engineer, Jeff Cain, and Anthony Murphy, then foreman of the Western and Atlantic shops, that "some one who has no right to do so has gone off with our train." All three arose and hurried out of the house, just as the engine passed out of sight.

Capt. Fuller, Murphy and Cain commenced pursuit on foot. They soon secured a hand car and, in spite of the obstructions placed on the track by the raiders, made rapid progress. At Etowah they found the engine "Yonah" and the pursuit then was at such a rapid pace that serious damage to the railroad by the raiders was impossible.

The "General" was abandoned by the raiders at a point about half way between Ringgold and Graysville, on account of lack of fuel and the close pursuit of Fuller and his party. When the fugitives abandoned the engine their leader said, "everyone take care of himself," and they left in squads. Four of them were run down in the fork of the Chickamauga river at Graysville, and one was forcibly persuaded to tell where they were. Later there was a trial by military court, and eight of the number were executed in Atlanta as spies, six were paroled at City Point, Va., and eight escaped from prison at Atlanta...

...Prominent among the pursuers were -- Smith, Steve Stokely, Peter Bracken, engineer; Fleming Cox, fireman; Alonzo Martin, wood-passer, and H. Haney.

The Southern Confederacy, published in Atlanta at the time, said: "Peter Bracken, the engineer on the freight train, ran his engine fifty and a half miles -- two of them backing the whole freight train up to Adairsville -- made twelve stops, coupled to two cars dropped by the fugitives, and switched them off on sidings in one hour and five minutes. Capt. Fuller fully corroborates the invaluable service rendered by the veteran Bracken."

...The survivors of the Andrews' Raiders have erected a monument to their fallen comrades, and it stands today in the National cemetery at Chattanooga...

Mr. Bracken was in his seventy-sixth year. He was born in Philadelphia and came to Macon when he was quite a young man. He is survived by three daughters and two sons: Mrs. F. C. Benson, Mrs. Charles B. Smith, Mrs. A. [G?] James, Desoto; W. P. Bracken, Arkansas, and J. W. Bracken, Lakeland, Fla.

The funeral will take place this afternoon at 5 o'clock, from the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Charles B. Smith, 208 High street. Revs. W. H. Rudd and T. W. Callaway will officiate. [Macon Telegraph (Georgia), 27 May 1909, pg. 7]

Peter James Bracken
Born Oct. 31, 1833 Philadelphia, PA.
Died May 26, 1909 Macon, GA.
Engineer of the Locomotive Texas During the
Great Locomotive Chase on the Western &
Atlantic Railroad April 12, 1862

Rose Hill Cemetery, Macon, Georgia
Photo © 2010-2013 S. Lincecum

According to AndrewsRaid.com, Bracken was originally buried in an unmarked grave. The granite marker above was erected and dedicated in 1971.

To add a bit of specificity to the article above, Peter Bracken joined the chase at Adairsville, GA as the engineer of the Texas locomotive. A map of the chase is here. The detailed engraving of Bracken's Texas engine is at the top of his tombstone.

Photo © 2010-2013 S. Lincecum

Who the Victims Are (Terrific Explosion Finale)

[The beginning is here.]

"Who the Victims Are.

Photo by James Allen

Mr. John McDonnell, who was killed, leaves a widow and a babe 11 months old. He has resided in Macon about ten years. He has a number of relatives in Knoxville, Tenn., and a brother who is a machinist in the navy yard at Washington, D. C. He has a sister at Knoxville. Two relatives will be here from Knoxville, and the brother will come from Washington, so that the funeral cannot be held until Saturday morning. Mr. McDonnell's father cannot come, because he is quite ill. Deceased was a member of the International Association of Machinists and of the Hibernian Benevolent Society. He was 36 years old, and in full bloom of manhood. Few men had made so many friends in Macon in so short a time. His exemplary conduct was always an inspiration to others. He is a brother-in-law of Messrs. James E. Reid, T. C. Hickey and W. M. Dewberry. His residence is at 2001 Fourth street.

Photo by James Allen

Mr. Edmond William Hodges was 50 years old, and he leaves a widow and four children, Willis, Earle, Frank ad Martha. He resided at 117 Bellevue avenue, Huguenin Heights, and the funeral will occur from there today, as per funeral notice in another column. He has spent the greater part of his life in the service of railroads at Macon, going into the shops at Macon years ago at the same time that Sheriff Westco[l?]t entered to learn his trade. Deceased was a brother of Messrs. Robert and Ollie Hodges, and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all who knew him.

Uriah Cornelius, the negro who was on the engine when the explosion occurred, and who was blown to pieces, was a fireman. He will turned over to the colored Knights of Pythias for burial, as he was a member of that order. He came to Macon from some point above Cochran.

Mr. R. L. Willis, who was injured, is thought to be in a fair way to recover. He is an alderman, representing the Fourth ward. His excellent race for that position in the recent municipal election will be recalled by all. He was taken to his home immediately after the accident.

Mr. Henry Fox is one of the oldest employes [sic] in the shops. He is 58 years old. He is highly esteemed by all who know him, and many prayers were offered last night for his recovery.

Mr. W. M. Wilson had just moved to Macon from Jones county, and accepted a position with the road the day before the accident. He has a wife and children in East Macon. He is a brother to Police Officer Wilson.

Mr. James O'Neal is a young man hardly 21 years old. He has a devoted mother residing in East Macon. His sister died a short time ago.

Mr. Ed Hambrick resides in East Macon. He was one of the carpenters on the shed near the engine. It is thought he will pull through without difficulty." [Macon Telegraph (Georgia), 3 January 1902, Pg. 5 -- Viewed online at GenealogyBank.]

All Posts in Series:
- Terrific Explosion Followed by Death
- I Cannot Live; You Cannot Do Anything for Me
- A Leg Bone was Found Just Over the Fence
- The Deceased Came to Their Death from the Explosion of an Engine Boiler
- Both Men were Blown Away, and Killed Instantly
- Who the Victims Are

Both Men were Blown Away, and Killed Instantly (Terrific Explosion, Pt. 5)

[Part 1 is here.]

"Theories Advanced.
The testimony of the foreman showed that at 7 o'clock he had noticed two gages of water in the boiler and twenty pounds of steam. Thirty-five minutes later the explosion occurred. It was thought to be impossible that the water supply could have diminished to the danger line within that time or that the steam could have been run up to the 160 pounds pressure point.

Several engineers who went out to the scene of the wreck and examined the pieces of the boiler give as their opinion that the metal had been "cooked," and that steam did not cause the explosion. "I have worked on an engine twenty-five years," said one, "and I never saw steam shatter a boiler in that manner. I never saw gas fail to shatter one in that way. What I mean by gas is that peculiar kind of force that is generated when cold water is poured on red hot metal. The steam presses against all side of the boiler at one time, and with equal force in all directions. It bursts out at the weakest place, and may blow a hole or crack that boiler and all the water and steam will rush out; but when you see the boiler shivered and blown to atoms, it is a pretty good indication that the contact of cold water and red hot iron had something to do with it."

The railroad authorities combat this theory with the statement that there is a soft metal plug in all locomotives hollers, and when the water gets below a certain point this plug is exposed to the fire, melting immediately and preventing an explosion. Boiler-makers say, however, that these plugs often become encrusted with dirt and rust and cannot be melted out. The only men who could throw any satisfactory light on the subject are dead. They are the negro, Uriah Cornelius and Mr. McDonnell.

Others who undertake to arrive at a cause reason it out this way:

That is was necessary for the negro to get up to 160 pounds of steam before Mr. McDonnell could see the pop valve at the proper point, and in trying to accomplish this in the quickest possible time, he forgot to keep up his water supply, and that the less water he kept in the boiler the faster he would accumulate steam; that with the blower on, the two gages of water were quickly consumed, and when he looked and saw that the supply was low he turned in more water, as he had done perhaps thousands of times before without serious results. That the sheets in the boiler had already become heated and the contact of the cool water did the work. Both men were blown away, and killed instantly. It is claimed that this is a more plausible theory than the one that Mr. McDonnell's pop valve refused to work and caused the steam to burst the boiler.

However, the matter is simply one for conjecture, and men may always differ about it.

Mr. McDonnell was putting in a new pop valve, because on the day before the old one refused to work. It was necessary to set the new valve, and 160 pounds of steam was needed. Then, after it was set, the valve would open whenever 160 pounds of steam was accumulated, and there would be no danger of a steam explosion.

Condition of the Boiler.
After the explosion it was found that the top of the boiler was turned back at the front end, although at that point 150 bolts had held down the top." [Macon Telegraph (Georgia), 3 January 1902, Pgs. 1 & 5]

The finale is next with "Who the Victims Are."

The Deceased Came to Their Death from the Explosion of an Engine Boiler (Terrific Explosion, Pt. 4)

[Part 1 is here.]

Early 1920's Ambulance.
Image from Library of Congress

"Ambulance Kept Busy
As soon as the news of the explosion reached the city authorities, Chief Boifeuillet sent the ambulance to the scene. Mayor Smith tendered Superintendent Epperson the use of the police force to keep the crowds of curious people out of the way, the ambulance and patrol wagon, borrowing a driver from the fire department for it, carrying the wounded to the hospital, and also the fire department wagons for the same purpose. In this way there was no delay in conveying the wounded men to the hospital. The ambulance purchased by the city has paid for itself dozens of times, it is claimed, and the fact that it is given by the city to hospital use is greatly appreciated by the general public.

Coroner's Investigations.
Coroner Davis arrived on the scene soon after he was notified, and he summoned a separate jury for each of the three dead men. The bodies had been taken to Wood's undertaking parlors, and the inquests were held there.

The evidence developed in the cases was identical. It threw no light on the cause of the accident, and fixed no responsibility, the verdict being: "We, the jury, find that the deceased came to their death from the explosion of an engine boiler. The cause of the explosion we cannot ascertain." [Macon Telegraph (Georgia), 3 January 1902, pg. 1 -- Viewed online at GenealogyBank.]

Next up: "Theories Advanced" and "Condition of the Boiler."

A Leg Bone was Found Just Over the Fence (Terrific Explosion, Pt. 3)

[Part 1 is here.]

"LIKE AN EARTHQUAKE.

The Explosion Was Heard Seven Miles from the City -- Glasses Broken.
The explosion occurred at 7:35, according to the timepiece of the railroad men. Its effect on the surrounding country was very much like that of an earthquake. Many people explained it that way. Window glasses were broken, trees were seen to vibrate, plastering cracked, and general alarm was caused.

People who came in from the country during the afternoon inquired to find out what had happened. They declared that the shock could be distinctly felt seven miles out.

Harrowing Scenes Followed.
The news of the tragedy spread like wildfire throughout the city. Those familiar with the location of the round house noticed immediately that a great cloud of smoke and steam hovered over it, and many guessed that an explosion had occurred.

Every man in the employ of the shops has a family, or large family connections, and it required but a few moments for hundreds of these to gather about the gates of the shop yards, and plead for admission and for information. They were quickly joined by several thousand other people seeking information. But nothing definite could be learned. And for an hour or more it was impossible to tell how many men employed in the yards escaped injury, or whether any of them had.

Pieces of the wrecked engine were scattered all over the adjacent territory, and here and there a bone or a particle of brains or flesh added to the gruesomeness of the situation. A leg bone was found just over the fence, and a piece of the engine weighing upward of three thousand pounds was found 150 feet from where the explosion occurred. A negro found a handful of brains 100 yards away. A piece of the boiler about the size of a man's hand was picked up at the brewery, about three hundred yards distant. As these things came to light, the weeping of the mothers and sisters, wives and children, fathers, sons and brothers, who were in great mental distress because they had either heard the sad news from their loved ones or else because they could not get satisfactory information, beggars description." [Macon Telegraph (Georgia), 3 January 1902, Pg. 1 -- Viewed online at GenealogyBank.]

Next up: "Ambulance Kept Busy" and "Coroner's Investigations."

I Cannot Live; You Cannot Do Anything for Me (Terrific Explosion, Pt. 2)

[Part 1 is here.]

"Location of the Injured Men.
The engine was standing over a pit in the portion of the yard where the circular sheds forming the round house fail to meet. Two long tracks enter there from the yards, and there are four of the pits in the open space.

The engine which blew up was in one of these and two pits further to the right, looking toward the swamp, Mr. R. L. Willis was at work under an engine. There was another engine over the pit and between him and the exploding engine. The boiling water and deadly steam broke by the intervening engine, and reached Mr. Willis, burning his arms and stomach. His face was also scalded, and his eyeglasses were blown away. They have not been found. They were all that saved Mr. Willis from from the loss of both of his eyes, for the hot water burned deeply above and below each eye.

Mr. Willis' assistant was James O'Neal, who was standing just outside of the pit in which Mr. Willis was at work. The concussion forced him against the engine and the debris piled on him. He was taken out in such condition that many supposed he was dead. That he was able to breathe was not known to his associates until some time afterward.

Mr. Henry Fox was inspecting an engine near by, and was struck by the flying debris. When taken out he said: "I cannot live; you cannot do anything for me. Go and help somebody who needs help."

Mr. Wilson was a carpenter at work on the roof of the circular shed near Mr. Willis. He and those who were assisting him were blown a considerable distance, but if he escapes death those who were with him are thought to be safe."

WHERE THE EXPLOSION OCCURRED

No. 1 is where the engine stood before the explosion occurred.  It is a
pit with two tracks over it, so that when the engine is back on it, men
can get under the engine and work.
No. 2 is the pit in which Mr. Hodges had been at work.  No. 5 is where
Mr. Hodges was found after the explosion.  He was crossing the open
space presumably to attend to some matter in another part of the yard.
No. 3 is the engine under which Mr. Willis had been at work.
No. 4 is the location of the engine that was between Mr. Willis and
the exploding engine.  It was badly wrecked by the explosion, as was
also the engine under which Mr. Willis had been at work.
There are engines on the two blank tracks, but they were not hurt, the
force of the explosion seeming to go toward the right.  The missile
which struck Mr. Hodges, however, went to the left.  It was never
identified, and probably struck a glancing blow and passed on.

[Macon Telegraph (Georgia) 3 January 1902, Pg. 1]

Next up: "Like an Earthquake" and "Harrowing Scenes Followed."

Terrific Explosion Followed By Death, Pt. 1 (Tombstone Tuesday)

Photo by James Allen

The next several posts will be comprised of a newspaper account of a horrific explosion in a Macon railroad yard. Two men, John McDonnell and Edmond Hodges, were killed instantly and rest in Rose Hill Cemetery. I intend to share all the details, knowing what great interest this should be to many. Railroad yards were places of occupation for numerous ancestors in a myriad of families. Yet the danger of such is not often spoke of.

"TERRIFIC EXPLOSION FOLLOWED BY DEATH

An Awful Catastrophe at the Central Railroad Shops Here Yesterday Morning -- Engine was Blown to Atoms and Two Men were Instantly Killed, One More Died Soon After, and Three are Supposed to be Fatally Injured -- Six Others are Painfully Hurt -- Theories as to the Cause of the Explosion -- Harrowing Scenes when Loving Ones Gathered About the Yards.

The Telegraph's extra yesterday morning told in detail the story of the disaster at the Central of Georgia Railroad Company's shops, and more than one thousand people rushed for the extras as fast as they could be issued from the press.

The explosion was heard for more than seven miles in the country, and the havoc wrought was almost complete.

The dead are:
JOHN MCDONNELL, engine inspector, who was on top of the engine.
URIAH CORNELIUS, a negro who was in the cab assisting Mr. McDonnell.
E. W. HODGES, who was crossing the yard about 100 feet from the engine.

Injured:
J. I. O'NEAL, machinist, comminuted compound fracture right elbow; lacerated wound back of head; brain injury; will die.
R. L. WILLIS, blacksmith, scalded.
HENRY FOX, engine inspector, comminuted fracture both legs below knee; compound fracture right ankle; lacerated over symphis [sic] pubis; condition bad.
E. D. HAMBRICK, carpenter, lacerated wound of face and head.
W. M. WILSON, carpenter, fracture right rib; lung injury; serious.
J. M. MEADOWS, carpenter, lacerated wound right ear; contused right hip and knee; bruised all over.
PETER HAMMOCK, col., scalp wound; contusion of left hip, and right side of head.
WESLEY JOHNSON, colored, cut right side of face; right hip bruised; not serious.
PETER ADAMS, colored laborer, contusion of right shoulder.

All except R. L. Willis and Peter Adams are in hospital.

Mangled Remains.
The body of Mr. McDonnell was broken to pieces. The bone in each leg was broken in several places. The head was cut away so that only a small portion of the rear skull remains. The face was torn off and destroyed. Mr. McDonnell was at work on top of the engine, trying to adjust the pop valve, which had on the day before been found defective. The negro Cornelius was assisting him by firing the engine and getting up steam so the pop could be set to go off at 160 pounds pressure. It was necessary to get up that much steam in order to set the valve at that [?].

Cornelius was broken up as badly as Mr. McDonnell. His head was blown away and his ribs were broken. These two bodies were found nearly a hundred feet from the engine.

Mr. Hodges was crossing the yard in front of the engine and about 100 feet distant when the explosion occurred. He was not killed outright, but some huge object struck him in the side, breaking three ribs, and something else broke his leg. The wound in the side was fatal, and he died soon after being taken up from where he fell." [Macon Telegraph (Georgia), 3 January 1902, pg. 1 - Viewed online at GenealogyBank.]

Next up: "Where the Explosion Occurred" and "Location of the Injured Men."

Another Old Citizen Gone to Her Reward

Photo by James Allen

ANOTHER OLD CITIZEN GONE TO HER REWARD

FUNERAL OF MRS. FENELON WILL TAKE PLACE THIS AFTERNOON AT 4 O'CLOCK.

Another old citizen, one of those who grew up with Macon, died yesterday afternoon.

This was Mrs. Julia A. Fenelon, who died at her home, 1921 Third street, in South Macon, after an illness of three months.

She was the widow of Thomas Fenelon, one of Macon's best known railroad men, and was the mother of Mrs. Jas. E. Reed, Mrs. T. C. Hickey, J. T. and J. S. Fenelon, Mrs. J. McDonald and Mrs. W. M. Dewberry.

Mrs. Fenelon lived nearly all her life in Macon. By her good deeds she numbered her friends by the score, and the news of her death will bring sorrow to many households.

The funeral will take place from St. Joseph's Church at 3:30 o'clock, with Father Madden officiating. [Macon Telegraph (Georgia), 7 September 1907, pg. 6 -- viewed online at GenealogyBank.]

Census records suggest Julia was born about 1839 in Virginia. She and her husband Thomas rest in the Eglantine Square section of Rose Hill Cemetery.

In His Life There Came Neither Stain nor Reproach

Photo by James Allen

DEATH OF VIRGIL POWERS

A GOOD MAN WHO FILLED MANY IMPORTANT OFFICES.
MACON, Ga., June 20. -- Virgil Powers, State railroad commissioner, public works commissioner of the city of Macon, member of the Bibb county board of education, and trustee of the Georgia Academy for the Blind, died this morning at 10:40 o'clock after several months of illness, at the age of seventy five years. He was for many years superintendent of the Southwestern railroad and also commissioner of the Southern Railway and Steamship Association. He was one of the best known railroad men and leading citizens of the State. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon at 5 o'clock. [Columbus Daily Enquirer (Georgia), 21 June 1894, pg. 1]

Virgil and his wife, Ann E. Jenkins, both rest in Rose Hill Cemetery. Virgil was born 9 May 1819 and died 20 June 1894. Ann was born 22 November 1821 and died 23 January 1897.

John W. Kimbrew: Railroader and Saturday Soldier

I first wrote about the KIMBREW family plot with Emmitt Kimbrew: a Couple of Inaccuracies. As stated there, the plot is located at the bottom of a hill in Eglantine Square. There is a short brick wall on three sides, with concrete ledger markers filling the plot. If it wasn't for the military marker standing for John W. Kimbrew, the plot could be easily, very easily, overlooked.

The entrance to the plot, as well as a marker in the back brick wall, leads you to believe the plot was owned by John W. Kimbrew, but Rose Hill Cemetery records show the plot was purchased in July 1876 by E. S. Kimbrew. Edward S. Kimbrew was John William's father, per the 1880 Macon, Bibb County, GA Federal census. By that time Edward was married to his second wife, Lula Mosly. Edward married his first wife, Ella E. Lowe, 23 December 1869. There is one unidentified burial in the E. S. Kimbrew lot, and I suggest that interment is John's mother, Mrs. Ella Kimbrew.

The working life of John W. Kimbrew was dominated by the railroad and the military. He enlisted in the United States Army at Ft. Worth, Texas 15 September 1893 at the age of 22. His birthplace was given as Macon, GA as well as an occupation of Railroader. John was described as having light blue eyes and a fair complexion. Though he enlisted for five years, it appears he was discharged after three on 14 December 1896 with an excellent service record.

John next appears in Maloney's Macon Miscellaneous Directory for 1897. He was a flagman for the G. S. & F. Railway. He enlisted again with the U. S. Army 16 May 1898 at Macon, GA. And again he was described as having light blue eyes, brown hair, and a fair complexion. This entry in the U. S. Army Register of Enlistments, 1798-1914 database online at Ancestry.com ascribes to John the duty of Cook, which is also found on his military tombstone. John was discharged 23 August 1899 with a very good service record.

The 1900 Macon, Bibb County, GA Federal census shows John with his new bride Ada. He is back on the railroad as a flagman. In 1910, John and Ada were still in Macon with three children. This time, John was a Railroad Conductor. John W. Kimbrew lived less than one month past the taking of that census in April. He died 16 May 1910 in Macon, GA.

From the 18 May 1910 edition, Macon Telegraph:

DEATHS AND FUNERALS
KIMBREW
The burial services of J. W. Kimbrew who died at his residence on Oglethorpe street Monday morning took place yesterday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. from the residence and the interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery. The pallbearers were selected from the group of railway conductors and the burial was according to the rites of the Masonic order.

Lillie Bell Reddy

Mrs. Lillie Bell Reddy rests in the Eglantine Square section of Rose Hill Cemetery. Her ledger marker can be found in the Robert J. Reddy lot.

There is a discrepancy regarding when Lillie was born. Her tombstone is engraved with the date of 9 September 1874, while the date written on her death certificate was 12 September 1876. Lillie was born in Georgia, the daughter of W. J. Bell and Julia Parker. Mr. Bell operated a daily hack line from Louisville to Bartow for many years, handling mail and passengers. When the Louisville and Wadley Railroad was built, he was given a conductor's place on that road. He held it continuously until about nine months before his death in January 1912.

Miss Lillie married Robert M. Reddy. He, according to the 1910 Macon, Bibb County, Georgia federal census, was a locomotive engineer. Lillie and Robert had one son, Milton J. A veteran of the US Army, he passed away 31 July 1982 and was laid to rest near his parents in Rose Hill.

Shortly after 1910, Lillie and her family moved to Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia. Lillie died there 8 August 1919, after suffering from tuberculosis for at least two years. Here is a transcript of her obituary from the 9 August 1919 edition of the Macon Weekly Telegraph (GA):

DEATHS AND FUNERALS
MRS. LILLIE REDDY
Mrs. Lillie Reddy, wife of R. M. Reddy, formerly of Macon, died at Savannah Friday morning at 3 o'clock. The body ws brought to Macon, arriving at 3:30 this morning. Funeral services will be held from Burghard's, 718 Cherry street, this (Saturday) afternoon, 5:30. Interment at Rose Hill.

Mrs. Reddy has been a resident of Savannah for two years. She is survived by her husband, R. M. Reddy, and one son, Milton.

Robert had these words engraved on the tombstone placed for his wife, "Sweetheart of my youth." He lived thirteen more years without his wife before passing away 22 February 1933 in Baldwin County, Georgia. Robert's body was brought back to Macon to rest next to Lillie's in Rose Hill cemetery.

Julius Burghard Dies

Julius E. Burghard
Son of F. H. & M. C. Burghard
1853 - 1915
Macon Weekly Telegraph
21 November 1915

JULIUS BURGHARD DIES
Stricken Last Night While Preparing to Retire
For Thirteen Years He Had Been With G. S. & F. Railway and Was Widely Known in Macon.
Julius E. Burghard, aged 58 years, died suddenly last night at 9 o'clock at his home on Lake avenue. Mr. Burghard had been in good health up until the time of his death, and was about to retire when death struck him. Medical aid was summoned, but he was dead when the physicians reached him.

The deceased is survived by his widow, two sons, Julius E., and Louis Burghard, three sisters, Misses Anna and Lillie Burghard, and Mrs. W. W. Jones; two brothers, L. H. Burghard of Macon, and H. P. Burghard of Birmingham, Ala., and by his mother, Mrs. L. P. Burghard of Macon.

Mr. Burghard was well known and well liked in Macon, where he has resided for a number of years. He was held in high esteem by his associates in the railroad business, he having been an employee of the Georgia Southern & Florida Railway company for the last thirteen years, gaining by his efficient service the good will and esteem of his employers.

Fred T. Carson was a Well Known Machinist of the Central of Georgia Railroad Shops

Fred T. Carson
May 29, 1864
Dec 23, 1911
Joined Franklin Lodge No. 2 July 17, 1890

Eglantine Square
Macon Weekly Telegraph
24 December 1911

Deaths and Funerals
CARSON
Fred T. Carson, a well known machinist of the Central of Georgia Railroad shops, was found dead in his room on First street, near the city hall, yesterday morning about 10 o'clock. An inquest was held over the body at Hart's undertaking establishment yesterday afternoon, and the jury declared that he came to his death from a stroke of apoplexy.

Mr. Carson went to his room late Friday afternoon, and was not seen again until the nurse in the house found his body across the bed face downward. He was fully dressed and his hat was across his face. It is believed that he was stricken shortly after he entered his room Friday afternoon.

Mr. Carson had lived in Macon for a number of years and was born in Sweden. He had no living relatives except a wife, from whom he was divorced about ten years ago. He was known to be a steady and industrious worker and was a member of the Franklin Lodge of Odd Fellows, the Royal Arcanum, and the Machinists' Union.

The attack of apoplexy, which caused his death yesterday, was the second that he had had in the past six months.

The funeral will be held from Hart's mortuary chapel this afternoon at 3 o'clock.

The members of the fraternal orders to which he belonged will attend the funeral and the body will be laid to rest in Rose Hill cemetery.

The following will act as pallbearers: Ed Crissey, W. W. Elfe, C. S. Collins, J. W. Garrison, Carl Dohn and M. OHara.

William Bonnell Once Occupied Chair of Natural Science at Shanghai, China

William B. Bonnell
Oct 31, 1847
Mar 30, 1912
I am the resurrection and the life.

Eglantine Square Block 1, Lot 32
31 March 1912
Macon Weekly Telegraph
Viewed online at GenealogyBank.

"PROF. BONNELL EXPIRES AFTER MONTH'S ILLNESS
Head of Department of Science at Wesleyan,
WAS NOTED EDUCATOR
Son of Late John M. Bonnell, Former President of Wesleyan -- Once Occupied Chair of National Science at Shanghai, China
Professor William B. Bonnell, the well known educator and scientist, died Saturday afternoon at 2:35 o'clock at his home in Vineville after an illness of four weeks. On March 1 he was stricken with paralysis of the left side later resulting in complications causing his death.

Prof. Bonnell was born October 31, 1847, at Athens, Ga, being the eldest son of John M. Bonnell and Mary A. Bonnell, the former at one time president of Wesleyan Female College and a well remembered and conspicuous figure in the earlier history of Macon. It was at this time that Prof. Bonnell was engaged in the Atlanta campaign of the civil war, and some time later he entered the University of Georgia where he graduated with the B. S. degree. After leaving college Mr. Bonnell engaged in civil engineering and did his part toward the building of some of the earlier railroads throughout Georgia. His national aptitude for teaching, however, soon manifested itself so strongly that he gave up engineering and followed in his father's steps. His phenomenal powers in this direction soon won for him an exalted position as an educator throughout the south. In 1884 he volunteered for missionary service in the foreign field and accepted the chair of natural sciences in the Anglo-Chinese college of Shanghai, China. Here his personality and undying zeal continued to win him many true friends, not a few among whom were the Chinese, with whom he became closely affiliated. He has many personal friends among the highly educated and cultured people of that race now. Returning to America in 1895 he was elected to the position of head of the department of natural science at Wesleyan College, to which work he diligently attended up until the last few days of his life.

Prof. Bonnell is survived by his wife, Mrs. Alice Wright Bonnell; seven children, Miss Lillian Bonnell, John Wright Bonnell, Mrs. W. L. Clifton, all of New York City; Geo. H. Bonnell, of Atlanta; H. W. Bonnell, Miss Alice Wright Bonnell, Miss Gladys Bonnell; his brother, John F. Bonnell, of Emory College, Oxford, Ga, and his sister Mrs. H. H. Stone, of Oxford, Ga.

The ceremony will be conducted in Wesleyan college chapel by the Rev. J. T. Ryder, assisted by the Rev. W. N. Ainsworth, Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock. Interment will be made at Rose Hill cemetery. The body will be in state from 12:30 p.m. until the hour of the funeral."


William was also part of the University of Georgia Centennial Alumni Catalog of 1901. If he indeed filled out the questionnaire, the above is his name written by his hand.