Biographies of Pulaski County Georgia Collections

Biography of Dr. Nathaniel Polhill Jelks

Dr. Nathaniel Polhill Jelks, born on July 18, 1845, in Hawkinsville, Georgia, distinguished himself as a physician after serving in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. He graduated from Bellevue Hospital Medical College in 1868 and practiced medicine in Hawkinsville, gaining recognition and leadership in medical associations. A devoted family man, he had seven children with his first wife, Kathleen Lamkin, and two with his second wife, Kate Pate. Active in civic and religious life, he was a deacon in the Baptist Church until his death on March 28, 1911.

Biography of Noah Scarborough

The Scarborough family, with noble roots in Great Britain, immigrated to America during the Revolutionary War. Noah Scarborough moved from South Carolina to Georgia in the 1830s, becoming a substantial landowner and the first person buried at Friendship Baptist Church. His son, Josey, served in the Confederate Army and fathered several children, including Thomas J. Scarborough, who also served in the military and lived a long life. The lineage continued with Robert Lee Scarborough, a successful merchant and farmer, whose children pursued higher education and various careers.

Biography of Ellouisa Winifred Martin

Ellouisa Winifred Martin, affectionately known as Miss Lillie, was a prominent figure in Hawkinsville and Pulaski County, known for her selfless service and love for her community. Born on August 3, 1871, she was the daughter of notable parents and received a prestigious education. Lillie dedicated over twenty years as president of the local U.D.C. chapter, championing veterans and promoting education for underprivileged youth. Even in illness, she exemplified patience and kindness, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and community involvement upon her death in 1931.

Biography of Mary Culler White

Mary Culler White, born in 1875 in Perry, Georgia, devoted her life to missionary work in China after her education at Wesleyan College. Inspired by a church meeting, she began her mission in 1899, spending thirty-four years in various roles, including teaching at the Hayes Wilkins Bible School and evangelizing from a houseboat. Despite financial challenges, the Hawkinsville Methodist Missionary Society supported her work. An accomplished author, she wrote several books, reflecting her experiences and tributes to loved ones, making her a notable figure in Pulaski County history.

Biography of Alfred Nelson

Alfred Nelson, originally from Virginia, settled near Perry, Georgia, in 1825. He married the wealthy and educated Pauline Jenkins, with whom he had twelve children, eight of whom served in the Civil War. Despite being uneducated, Nelson had a keen interest in education and was well-respected in Houston County. His descendants continued his legacy, with many involved in church and community leadership, including sons who served as mayors, educators, and ministers. Nelson passed away and is buried in the Nelson Cemetery near Perry.

Biography of W. H. Spurlin

W. H. Spurlin, born in Shelby, North Carolina, was a Confederate soldier who settled in Pulaski County, Georgia. He married Nancy Bateman, with whom he had three children, and later wed Mary Frances Dewitte, fathering several more. His son, T. A. Spurlin, moved to Sylvester, Georgia, where he engaged in various businesses, including a long-standing undertaking career. T. A. and his wife, Josephine, were active in community service and church activities, contributing significantly to local education and religious efforts.

Biography of Augustus A. Smith, Dr.

Dr. Augustus A. Smith, born on July 15, 1846, in Telfair County, Georgia, enlisted in the Confederate Army at fifteen. He graduated with honors from Savannah Medical College in 1875 and practiced medicine in Hawkinsville until his death in 1925. A prominent figure, he served as president of the Georgia Medical Association and was the first president of the Georgia State Board of Medical Examiners. He married Elizabeth Hodge in 1879, and they had eight daughters, many of whom pursued higher education. Elizabeth was an active educator and community leader.

Biography of Emile Sommer

Emile Sommer, born on October 10, 1853, in Alsace, France, immigrated to America at fourteen and joined his brother Aaron in Fort Valley, Georgia. After Aaron’s death, the Sommer family expanded their mercantile business. In 1889, they relocated to Hawkinsville, becoming integral to the community’s development. Emile married Fannie Baruch, and they had four children. He served on the Hawkinsville City Council and the City Board of Education until his death on November 15, 1909, leaving a lasting legacy in the region.

Biography of John Joseph Sparrow

The Sparrows, descendants of immigrants from Carolina, settled in Georgia in the eighteenth century. John Joseph Sparrow (1829-1873), a notable resident of Pulaski County, was a skilled farmer, merchant, and public servant during the Confederacy. He served as Ordinary of the county and had two marriages, producing sons Joseph Franklin and Henry Hooker. His lineage continued with Joseph Franklin, a respected educator and community leader, and extended through generations, with descendants contributing significantly to local agriculture and education in the region.

Biographical Sketch of Gene Sparrow Warren

Henry H. Sparrow (1861-1924) was a lifelong resident of Pulaski County, educated locally with a stint at Dahlonega’s Military Academy. Known for his quiet dedication to civic duty, he supported county initiatives and advanced agricultural practices. He played a key role in establishing the county fair and served on the Board of County Commissioners, advocating for better roads. A tax collector and warehouseman, he was also active in the local education board. He married Helen Carruthers in 1898 and fathered eleven children, all of whom maintain a connection to their roots in Pulaski.

Biography of Asa Cornelius Pipkin

Asa Cornelius Pipkin, born in 1840 in Houston County, Georgia, dedicated his life to education, military service, and community development. After enlisting in the Confederate Army in 1862 and enduring injuries and captivity, he returned to marry Eliza Pool in 1868, with whom he shared a strong Baptist faith. As a pioneer in local commerce, he established the region’s first cannery and grocery store. Long-serving as a justice of the peace and U.C.V. commander, Pipkin passed away in 1917, leaving a legacy through his children and their contributions to the community.

Biography of Benjamin F. Parsons

Benjamin F. Parsons and his wife, Leonora, relocated to Hawkinsville, Georgia, from Massachusetts in 1878, accompanied by their two sons. Benjamin engaged in farming and various business ventures, serving as postmaster for four years before working with the Mutual Life Insurance Company until his death in 1910. Leonora, a remarkable educator and community leader, passed away in 1920. Their sons, Charles and William, achieved notable careers in chemistry and business, respectively, contributing significantly to their community and beyond.

Biography of Anton Schneider

Anton Schneider, born in Prussia on October 1, 1825, was a skilled cabinet-maker who faced exile after participating in the revolutionary uprisings of 1848. He emigrated to America, establishing his career in New York before moving to Georgia. There, he served in the Civil War with the Georgia Volunteers. Post-war, he thrived as a cabinet-maker and ventured into grape cultivation, founding the Pine Level Vineyard. Married twice, his legacy continues through his daughter, Minnie May, and her children.

Biography of George R. McCall, Dr.

George R. McCall, born in Screven County, Georgia, in 1829, was a prominent Baptist minister and educator. After graduating from Mercer University, he was ordained in 1854 and served various churches before leading Hawkinsville Baptist Church from 1865 to 1882. He played a significant role in the Southern Baptist Convention and the Georgia Baptist Convention, where he served as secretary for several years. Later, he became a professor of theology at Mercer University. McCall had a total of twelve children from two marriages before passing away in 1895.

Biography of M. H. Boyer

M. H. Boyer, born on September 4, 1878, in Sandersville, Georgia, studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1898. He served as solicitor for Pulaski County before being elected Solicitor General of the Oconee Circuit in 1921, holding the position multiple times. A dedicated family man, he married Lena Lovejoy in 1904 and had three children. Active in his community, Boyer was a Methodist and involved in various fraternal organizations, attributing his success to his family’s legacy and support.

Biographical Sketch of William Van Bell

William Van Bell, born on March 30, 1880, in Hawkinsville, Georgia, was the son of Sarah Elizabeth Powell and Vandemore Bell. After his education at Hawkinsville public school, he became a drug clerk and helped establish the Brown-Bell Pharmacy. He later transitioned to the insurance industry, leading F. H. Bozeman and Company for over two decades. Active in the community, he served as a city alderman, tax assessor, and state representative, while also being involved in various local organizations. He married Callie Christie in 1915 and resides in his hometown.

Biography of James Patrick McGriff

James Patrick McGriff, born on May 31, 1869, in Pulaski County, was a key figure in the region’s history. Educated in Hawkinsville and at Eastmans Business School, he embarked on a diverse career, including roles as clerk and treasurer of Hawkinsville, postmaster, and president of the Home Oil Company. An avid sportsman, he married Annie McCormick, with whom he had nine children. McGriff’s family heritage traces back to Irish immigrants, and he is remembered for his integrity and community service, reflecting the legacy of his father, Patrick Thomas McGriff.

Biography of Lieut. Oscar Willis Pate Jr., U. S. N.

Oscar Willis Pate Jr. was born December 4, 1904, in Tennille, Georgia, and grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, before moving to Tifton. Academically gifted, he graduated from Hawkinsville High School at 15 and attended Mercer University, where he joined the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. In 1923, he secured an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1927. Pate served in various naval capacities, excelling in aviation until his tragic death in a plane crash on February 2, 1935, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and talent.

Biography of Captain R. W. Anderson

Captain Ruel W. Anderson, born October 6, 1837, in Pulaski County, was a significant figure in local history. A devoted husband to Agnes Merritt, he served as captain of Anderson’s Battery during the Civil War, participating in key battles and sustaining injuries. Post-war, he excelled in various business ventures, served in local government, and was a lifelong Baptist leader. Anderson’s legacy includes thirteen children, many of whom continued his traditions in business and community service, demonstrating his lasting influence on Pulaski County.

Biography of Joe J. Anderson

Joe J. Anderson, born March 10, 1846, near Hawkinsville, Georgia, was a prominent planter and landowner. He served as a flag-bearer in the Fourteenth Georgia Artillery during the Civil War, displaying remarkable bravery at Griswoldville. Married to Laura Sheppard in 1867, they had six children, including notable figures in the drug industry. Anderson was a generous man, remembered for his kindness and strong familial ties. He passed away September 3, 1926, leaving behind a legacy of honor and integrity.