History of *Columbus

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roads, brought about reduction in freight rates, improved passenger service, and in other ways were of substantial benefit to this city and section. The people of Columbus, under capable and energetic leadership, and with the aid of outside capital which believed in this territory and its possibilities built the Georgia Midland & Gulf Railroad and the Columbus Southern Railroad. . This influenced the almost immediate construction of what was known as the Buena Vista & Ellaville, now the branch of the Central of Georgia Railway from Columbus to Americus. The Georgia Midland & Gulf Railroad was incorporated September 29, 1885 by the Georgia Legislature. The company began construction of its line in 1 8 86, and on December 1, 18 8 7 it was opened through to Mc- Donough, 98 miles. The Columbus & Florida Railway Company was chartered October 13, 1885. Its name was changed to Columbus Southern Railway Com- pany December 27, 1886. The construction of this road began Novem- ber 22, 1 8 8 7, and it was completed to Albany, Georgia, 8 8 miles April 12, 1890. Attendant upon this progress in business and financial circles, it was natural for Columbus to spread out and extend her corporate limits. For a long time Rose Hill had been more or less considered a part of the city but had not been formally included. In 1887 the city council took the matter under consideration and after the proper legislation this section was incorporated. R,ose Hill was so named by Mrs. James Carter Cook who lived in that suburb on Twentieth street in the house now occupied by Mr. J. T. Whatley, Sr. The Cooks had lovely rose gardens, as was the case at other large houses near her, and on account of the profusion of these flowers, Mrs. Cook suggested the name "Rose Hill" for the new section. Two years before, the city council had decided to change the names of the streets and avenues in the city, and numbers were given instead of the original names, the avenues to run north and south, with the streets crossing them. They were changed as follows: AVENUES STREETS New Old New Old ...... Dawson First . Oglethorpe First Second ...... Carnes Second ...... Jackson Third ...... Goulden Fourth ...... Covington Third ...... Troup Fifth ...... ~ulton Sixth ...... Early Fourth ...... Fors~th Seventh ,...... Few www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

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Fifth ...... McIntosh Eighth ...... Baldwin Ninth ...... Thomas ...... Sixth Mercer Tenth ...... Crawf ord Seventh ...... First Avenue Eleventh ...... St. Clair Twelfth ...... Randolph Eighth ...... Second Avenue Thirteenth ...... Bryan ~i~~h...... ~hi~d A~~~~~ Fourteenth ...... ~ranklin Fifteenth ...... Lee Tenth ...... Fourth Avenue Sixteenth ...... Washington Seventeenth ...... Woolf olk With the expansion of the city came the introduction of telephones and street cars. In 1894 the horse cars were dine away with and by 1896 a new system had been begun which was electrically equipped. Mr. John Flournoy was a moving factor in this improvement, and Mr. Louis F. Garrard was also among those most responsible for its inauguration. During Mr. Flournoy's term as president of the utilities company, the present developments were begun, and as head of various real estate enterprises, it has been largely the result of his efforts that Wynnton has dev_eloped into its present desirability as a site for homes. Mr. Flournoy comes from one of the first families to settle in Columbus and lend their efforts toward community welfare and upbuilding. During the 'nineties local politics were in such a state as to management of various affairs that the more stable citizens had to get busy and organize a new government. In 1897 a protest was made concerning existing conditions and after a heated election Lucius H. Chappell was made mayor with eight other "equally good, progressive, conservative, practical aldermen." Mr. Chappell served as mayor for six terms, retiring twice on his own volition, being recalled for the sixth term in order to put across the municipal ownership of the water works. Just previous to Mayor Chappell's taking leadership in the city affairs two negroes had been taken, one from the court room and one from the local jail, and hanged on Broadway. They had been accused in connection with criminal assault and the populace had' become so enraged that a mob had been formed that took them from the court room and the jail and executed them. For a while the race disorders were expected to reach a crucial point, but soon subsided. One of the most important and tragic happenings of the 'eighties and 'nineties was known as the "White murder caseJJ. It occurred in 1896 on October 14th near Rumsey's saloon at the corner of Thirteenth street and First avenue. The court record said in part: "Henry White was indicted in Muscogee superior court for the of- fense of murder, the indictment alleging the homicide of William Jackson www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

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by him on the 14th day of October 1896. On November 18th thereafter the case came on for trial, and the defendant moved the court to grant a change of venue, upon the ground that in consequence of strong local pre- judice existing in the county of Muscogee against him, he could not obtain a fair trial in that county. Upon the hearing of this motion a number of witnesses were sworn, and in addition to their testimony much documentary evidence, consisting of extracts from the daily papers in the city of Colum- bus immediately following the homicide, were introduced in evidence. The testimony shows, that at the time of the homicide there was intense feeling in the city of Columbus against the accused; but even the witnesses who swore in his behalf testified that the public mind had undergone a change, that this excitement had to a great extent abated, and that in their opinion the accused could be fairly and properly tried in the county of Muscogee. The trial judge overruled the motion for a change of venue, proceeded with the trial, and empanelled the jury without exhausting the list of names of persons in the jury-box who were subject to jury duty. "Upon the trial it was shown that because of some difficulty in which J. A. White, the father of the accused, became engaged in the morning, both he and the accused were summoned by certain members of the police force to appear in the recorder's court. Upon this provocation, and none other, so far as the record discloses, both J. A. White and the accused became very much enraged and incensed against the police force of the city of Columbus. They proceeded to arm themselves, the father with a fifle and the accused with a pistol, and after purchasing ammunition with which to load their weapons, they went down to a barroom upon one of the principal streets of the city. They there discussed in the presence of others, the fact that they expected to have some serious difficulty, and expressed great indignation against the members of the police force generally, and against the deceased in particular. "As they left the saloon and came upon the sidewalk, they met two policemen, and instantly without further provocation or warning, the father presented his rifle and shot down one of them. The other policeman, who was the person for whose murder the accused was indicted, retreated down the street, took refuge behind the corner of the barroom, himself standing in another street. The accused returned to the barroom and ran to the side entrance thereto, reached the street in which the policeman had taken refuge, and from the rear fired a pistol shot striking him. The deceased' ran around the corner, and there encountered J. A. White, who also shot him. "The accused and his father then moved over to the middle of the street, and the son, observing that Jackson, the deceased, had not expired, called the attention of his father to that fact, who turned and immediately fired upon him as he lay prostrate upon the ground, inflicting upon him another wound. "Both father and son then fled, and in an effort to apprehend' the www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

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former, he was slain. The latter took refuge in the state of Alabama, but was subsequently apprehended and brought back for trial. "Jackson, the deceased, made a dying declaration, in which he stated that the accused had 'shot him down like a dog', repeating that expression. "It appeared that when the deceased was removed from the place from where he had fallen, he had a pistol in his possession, the hammer resting upon an empty cartridge. There was some evidence that, during the progress of the difficulty, the deceased had fired his pistol. Upon this question there was a conflict in the evidence. Upon the trial of the accused, the wife of the deceased was permitted to testify (over the objection of the accused that such testimony was irrelevent and hearsay), that she had seen the pistol of the deceased on the day of the homicide, and that at that time the pistol was in the same condition as when it was found after the killing; that it was the custom of the deceased so to carry his pistol, and he had oiled the pistol that morning, and spoke of it." When White and his son ran out in the street after shooting Officers Adams and Jackson, a crowd had gathered' but was held at bay by the two armed men. The Whites made their way up First avenue toward Sixteenth street where they lived, and the crowd, gradually increasing, slowly followed. When they reached their home.Mrs. White and her daughters were ordered out of the house, the son preparing to make his escape across the river, and the father barricaded all of the doors and locked himself in. Meanwhile, additional policemen had been ordered out to capture White and the patrol wagon had arrived on the scene wjth a number of guns which were issued to anyone in the crowd who would volunteer to aid in the old man's capture. In the shooting that followed Officer Roberts was so badly wounded that he died' shortly afterward, and White was finally killed after the ' door was broke down. Several others were wounded in the fight. On the afternoon of the murders the son escaped from his pursuers by crossing the river in a boat. That night he was captured in a box car in Alabama, south of the city at about the same time policeman Roberts died, and for some time it was threatened to lynch him. Special guards had to be posted at the jail where he was confined. When he was brought to trial he was convicted, but the case was carried to the state supreme court on the discovery of new evidknce. There the decision of the lower court was sustained and he was finally executed. The day after the shooting a triple funeral was held in the St. Luke Methodist church for Officers Jackson, Adams and Soberts. Dr. W. H. Smith, of the First Baptist church, Dr. C. E. Dowman, of the St. Luke church, and Rev. L. A. Dale, of the Phenix City Methodist church, conducted the services. The three widows with their children were the center of an immense pitying throng. One of the policemen had left five young children. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

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Meanwhile, the remains of White were being buried at Pearce Chapel, the Rev. J. A. Smith, officiating. His wife and daughters received the greatest sympathy of local citizens who knew the father to be a desperate character when under the influence of whiskey. The Whites lived at No. 6, Sixteenth street and after the affray, so many sightseers visited the prem- ises that Mrs. White had to find lodging elsewhere. When the news of the tragedy spread over the state, numerous offers of relief were made. In Columbus, subscriptions were raised for the be- reaved households and Gentry's Dog and Pony Show, then on exhibition here, gave a benefit performance. The case attracted a great deal of public attention and was a big factor in the activities of the temperance organizations who laid' the blame of White's conduct on his acquaintance with whiskey. Rev. Sam Jones, the noted evangelist had just concluded a series of revival services here, and when he heard of the shooting he offered to return and continue his efforts. After taking charge of the city's affairs as chief executive, Mr. Chappell instituted a program of local welfare and public betterment. One of the first improvements was in connection with the local fire department. The voluntary organization was formed in 1843, and in 1 8 8 8 it was made into a department with some of the members paid. By 1898, the volunteers had been given up and the whole system was composed of a salaried force, paid out of the city finances. The early 'nineties saw the last Columbusite, up to the present time, in the National Congress. He was Thomas W. Grimes who was a Representative from 1886 to 1892. While in Washing~onhe was largely responsible for the establishment of the Federal court in Columbus. He was a personal friend of the President at the time, and when the agitation came about concerning the formation of additional courts, Congressman Grimes was anxious that one be located in his home city. Just before the end of Mr. Grimes' term President Harrison announced Columbus as one of the cities where the proposed court would be held. This was in 189 1. With the selection of this city as one of those where a branch of the United States court would be held', it became necessary that quarters be built for accommodation of the offices, and efforts were immediately made for securing a suitable location. At that time the post office was on the southwest corner of First avenue and Twelfth street, now occupied by the Hicks and Johnson Drug store. Just opposite, on the southeast corner was the old de Graffenreid home, a large frame house which had been built in 1831 and was said to be the first completed in the new town of Columbus. It had been occupied by Dr. Edwin I. de Graffenried, one of the first five commissioners, who had lived there until his death in the early 'seventies. This site was chosen for the new Federal building, to include post www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org 206 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS,GEORGIA

office facilities as well as a court room and necessary accommodations for the conduct of court. This court was known as the western division of the northern district of Georgia, of the United States district court. The first session was held in June, 1 8 9 1, and many of the local lawyers were admitted to practice before the Fed'eral bar at that time. Among them were J. H. Worrill, Judge Butt, T. W. Grimes, Mark Blandford, L. F. Garrard, and S. Price Gilbert. H. Warren Hill, of Greenville, was also admitted at that time. The first judge of the Federal court here was William T. Newman, who held office for thirty-four years, until his death. He was one of the most notable jurists of the state, respected and admired by his colleagues and by those who came before him for trial. After his death, Judge A. W. Cozart of Columbus was chosen to make the memorial address before the Georgia Bar Association- Judge Cozart describes Judge Newman : "Judge Newman was a member of the Presbyterian church-the church of Andrew Jackson, Grover Cleveland and Woodrow Wilson. He was one of the oidest and most prominent members of the First Pres- byterian church in Atlanta. "Except for a month's vacation in the summer, his court was in session practically throughout the entire year, and when he was not on the bench he was transacting business at chambers. For more than thirty years he did not fail to hold a single term of his court on account of illness. He performed his exacting and responsible duties with steady nerves and unperturbed spirits. If poise were a mental and physical and spiritual substance, we would say that a large per centum of his mind, body and soul were composed of poise. His great heart may have worn out, but it did not rust or worry out. "If the thousands of criminals who were sentenced by Judge Newman were asked what his pre-eminent attribute was, they, with remarkable un- animity, would answer, (Mercy'. "His poise was excelled only by his mercy. "Judge Newman had' the judicial temperament and his demeanor and appearance were such as one would find in the ideal judge. Members of the bar and others who attended upon the sessions of his court were not awed or disconcerted by the tone of his voice, but all were restrained by his very presence. He was courteous to kindness and patient to long-suffering. His good sense, good heart and robust constitution made petulance utterly unknown to his nature. His visage was often lighted up by a smile, but never darkened by a frown. His sense of right was so innate that correct judg- ments with him were not a second nature but rather were his first nature.

"His great- endowment was that sum of mental utilities which we term common sense, not genius; judgment, not cunning; reason, not fancy; not brilliancy,.but wisdom. The right was his polar star. He was a man of few words; his charges were short; he said little in announcing his www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

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rulings; he was never prolix or redundant; he preferred to hear rather than to be heard; he did not 'play to the grandstand' by act or by speech. When his court was ready to be opened, he entered the courtroom, and in distinct, yet gentle voice, he said': 'Be seated, gentlemen.' These words might be taken as a true index to the manner and character of his remarks while he presided. Especially were those words indicative of the calm, courteous and pointed way in which he exercised judicial authority. "He was gentle without effeminacy; tender without weakness; firm without harshness; dignified without austerity; and deliberate without te- diousness. "His style was not as epigrammatic, witty and poetical as that of Bleckley nor as ornate as that of Speer, but he had the force and' per- spicuity of Joseph Henry Lumpkin. He did not have the genius of Bleck- ley nor the scholastic learning and eloquence of Speer, but he had the sympathy of a benefactor and the poise and common sense of a sage. His sympathy was as broad and high and deep as the needs of humanity and his common sense enabled him to grapple with and solve correctly most of the great problems and questions which came before him during his long and useful life. "He was remarkably erect. His carriage was graceful and dignified. His gait was deliberate and he moved like a battleship entering port. He was tall-six feet and two inches-the same height as that of Washington and one inch taller than Jackson and Clay. His eyes were gray, as gray as those of Jefferson and Franklin. His hair was black, as black as that of Hawthorne and Dante. He wore his hair brushed straight up from his high forehead after the manner of Jackson. His complexion was dark. His head was large and long-not as large as the head of Franklin, but long like the head of Jackson. He wore a 7 1-2 hat. His normal weight was 190 pounds. "0 true Southerner, brave veteran and steadfast comradk, 0 faithful, merciful and just judge, 0 affectionate friend and devoted father and husband, 0 great and good soul, may thy noble example teach us and generations yet unborn how to use judicial and official power aright to the end that justice may be administered upon earth; and may we be consoled by the hope when our labors are done here below we may join thee in the home of the merciful and in the abode of the just!', Many unusual and interesting incidents are told of Judge Newman and his court. One follows: ''On one occasion a damage suit against a railroad was being tried in Judge Newman's Court. The plaintiff in the case was asked if he had ever received any hurts previous to the one claimed to have been inflicted by the defendant, and in reply went into minute details of how he had captured a certain Federal Battery during the war, and that in doing so the horse which he was riding had been shot down by a cannon ball and fell upon him, inflicting painful injuries. This was arousing great sympathy www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

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with the jury and having a telling effect until Judge Newman asked him to repeat his statement. While he was doing this it was observed that the Judge was intently interested and one of the Jurors, Captain Dallas, was also almost transfixed by the narrative. When the n la in tiff finished his account the second time, Judge Newman had moved over to his side and sat down and said, 'Comrade, you got that wrong. My command captured that battery and you weren't there.' The plaintiff stuck to his tale and insisted that he had led the attack that resulted in the capture of the battery. Judge Newman said: 'Dallas over there on the jury was with me and he knows that my command captured that battery and you were not there.' The situation, was tense. Judge Newman recessed the court, called the counsel into his chambers and with a great deal of feeling and vehemence went over the circumstances of how his command had captured this particular battery and that Captain Dallas, one of the Jurors, was a participant in it. He stated to the plaintiff's counsel that he would never let any ver- dict stand on such evidence, but it seems that Dallas in the Jury box influenced the situation so as to prevent the Judge ever having to rule on the question.'' (The above is taken from memorial of Judge Newman, read before Atlanta Bar Association soon after his death and the memorial was re- corded on records of United States Court in Atlanta.) After the enactment of national prohibition laws, the business of the Federal court increased' to such an extent that it became necessary to make a new division in the Georgia district. In May, 1926, the middle district was created to include the territory in which are located Macon, Albany, Americus, Valdosta, and Columbus. Judge William J. Tilson was temporarily appointed to have charge of the new district, and he succeeded Judge Samuel H. Sibley who had had charge of the district since Judge Newman's death. Judge Sibley continued in office in the older district. Judge Sibley was considered a worthy success- or of Judge Newman and it was with real regret that Columbus saw him leave. Judge Tilson was succeeded in 1928 by Judge Bascom Deaver who now holds office. George Y. Pond was the first deputy clerk of the court here in Co- lumhus, and he was succeeded by N. A. Brown. At that time a commissioner was also in the same office. Grigsby E. Thomas, Jr., was first United States commissioner. Wheeler Williams followed him in 1894 in that office, and served until the expiration of his term when the offices of commissioner and deputy clerk were given to Judge Brown who continues to hold them. In the middle 'nineties several cases came up before the Fed'eral court for settlement, which were of great importance to business in Columbus. They were concerned with railroads and mills having large interests here. The Georgia Midland, Mobile and Girard, Columbus and Western, www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

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Columbus and Rome, and Columbus and Southern railroads, all short lines out of Columbus, were forced by trust companies in New York to be sold under foreclosure proceedings. They were bought, for the most part, by their bondholders, who in turn sold them to large railroad corporations by whom they are continued in operation. At that time, L. F. Garrard represented the interest of the trust companies here for qll but the Columbus Southern, for which (W. A.) Little and (J. D.) Little were employed. The Railroads are now operated as follows: Georgia Midland by the Southern Railway. Columbus Southern by the Seaboard Air Line Railway. Columbus and Western by the Central of Georgia Railway. Columbus and Rpme by the Central of Georgia Railway. Mobile and Girard by the Central of Georgia Railway. Another case of more than temporary significance in Columbus affairs was that of the Eagle and Phenix mills. The suit was brought in 1896 against the corporation, President John S. Bigby being head of the concern at the time. The suit was begun by J. A. Newton and others who had deposits in the savings bank which was operated in connection with the mills. In July, 1896 the American Trust and Banking company of Atlanta, trustee for the bond holders, representing about a million dollars, foreclosed, and the property was purchased by a committee of bond holders. They were Joel Hurt, Paul Romare, George P. Harrison, Joseph King, James U. Jackson, Henry Buist, and John G. Ruge. The company was reorganized and G. Gunby Jordan, who had been named receiver with J. W. English, was elected president. The purchase involved nearly half a million dollars and was made subject to the lien of the savings bank depositors who had the prior claim. The suit brought against Mr. Bigby was stated to be for $59,292.56. The interest in commerce and business which was so evident in that period of Columbus' history was equalled by the thought and efforts given over to the education of the children. An interesting fact in Columbus and education at that time was the election of Dr. C. E. Dowman, as president of Emory University. Dr. Dowman was serving as pastor of the St. Luke church at the time of his ' appointment. During the last years of the century three more of Columbus' citizens had served their state and country with courage and distinction during the trying times of war and reconstruction, died. Martin J. Crawford, at the age of sixty-four years died in 1884; Raphael J. Moses, aged 83, died in Belgium while visiting his daughter, Mrs. Robert Samuel; and Porter Ingram formerly a member of the Confederate Congress, died also during that year. Martin J. Crawford was born in Jasper County, Georgia, on the 17th www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

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day of March, 1820. His father, Maj. Hardy Crawford, was a practical and successful farmer and a politician of considerable influence in Middle Georgia. His mother, Betsy R. Jenkins, was a lady of great piety and excellence. He was placed under the care and instruction of Rev. Otis Smith at Brownwood, near LaGrange, Georgia, and was carefully and thoroughly taught. Afterwards he was a student at the Mercer University, but did not remain long enough to graduate. His parents removed from Jasper and settled in the county of Harris, and there died and were buried. Judge Crawford began the study of law at a very early age, and was admitted to the bar by a special act of the Legislature before he was nineteen years old. He commenced to practice at Hamilton, and remained there until 1849, when he moved to Columbus and made this city his home. He was elected to the Legislature from Harris, sewing one term with distinction. In 1853, he formed a partnership with Porter Ingram, Esq., and with only such interruptions as were caused by his public duties, continued to practice with him for about twenty-five years. In 18 54, and in his thirty-fifth year, he was appointed by Governor H. V. Johnson to the office of Judge of the Superior Court of the Chattahoochee Circuit, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the election of Judge Iverson to the United States Senate. Perhaps no bar in the state was stronger than the Columbus bar at that time. It might be said literally, there were legal giants in those days. Judge Crawford was still a young man, and having a considerable fortune, he had not applied himself very closly to his profession. So that he could not be considered an experienced lawyer when he went upon the bench. Yet, even under such adverse circumstances, by his sound judgment, dignified manners and unwavering integrity he commanded respect and confidence, and after a service of only one year retired with considerable reputation. It is seldom we find a man possessed of more of the qualities which go to make a judge than Martin J. Crawford. Polished, dignified and courteous, he was able to enforce obedience without resorting to power. Having a clear perception of the principles of the common law, a patience in hearing and a willingness to learn from argument and precedent, and a fixed determination to decide according to the very right of the case, his decisions were always respected and seldom reversed. In 1855, he was nominated by the Democratic Party as its candidate for Congress against the Know-Nothing or American Party. This was the first time these parties had opposed each other in a congressional race, and it was generally believed that Judge Crawford led a forlorn hope. But he entered upon the canvass with such zeal and ability and had so many strong personal friends amongst his adversaries, that he was elected by a fair majority. So well did he ac- quit himself in Congress that he was elected two successive terms, and was still a member when the state seceded from the Union. He was selected by the legislature as one of the delegates from Geor- gia to the provisional Congress of the Confederate States at Montgomery, Alabama, and was afterwards appointed by President Davis, together with www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

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the Hon. John Forsyth of Alabama, and Gov. &oman of Louisana, on the peace commission to the United States Government. Feeling it to be his duty to serve his country in war as well as in peace, he raised a regiment of cavalry and was elected colonel, and remained with them until by the fortunes of war he was captured near Louisville, Kentucky. In common with his fellow citizens he found himself, at the close of the war, deprived of most of his fortune, but without stopping to complain or bewail his loss, he entered again upon the practice of the law with his old partner, and continued to follow his profession with diligence and success until 1875, when he was again appointed judge of the Chattahoochee Circuit. Judge James Johnson had resigned, and Governor James M. Smith had appointed him to fill the vacancy. For five years he filled that most tiring and important position, and so earnest was he to administer the law without fear or favor that he gave the highest satisfaction both to the bar and the people. In 1880, he was appointed by Governor Colquitt one of the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court. Looking at the matter as it affected himself, it may be feared that Judge Crawford made a serious mistake in accepting this position. He was already filling the lighter but scarcely less important duties of Judge of the Superior Court, which he could do and still remain with his family and friends. He greatly enjoyed social intercourse and the comforts of home. Whether the higher honors he received as a Judge of the Supreme Court, burdened as it was with a labor so severe and continual as almost to exclude him from society and deprive him of rest, was a sufficient recompense for the sacrifices he made, admits at least of a very grave doubt, and whether the effects of these labors did not tend to shorten his life is a still more serious question. For three years he was an honored and useful member of this court. As a judge he was conscientious and laborious. He made it a point to understand fully the facts of the case before him, and to find them out he dug deeply into the records. His decisions are clear and concise, and bear the evidence both of learning and labor. It was characteristic of him always to do his best; whatever he undertook he considered should be well done, and therefore he gave to it all his ability. For this reason Judge Crawford never made a failure. In whatever position he was placed he appeared to advantage, because he made it a point always to succeed. This rule he carried with him upon the bench, and its effects can be seen in all his decisions. At the close of the last term of this court, and after finishing up all his duties, Judge Crawford returned home for rest and recreation. He had planned an extensive tour for the summer, and was looking forward to it as likely to afford both benefit and pleasure. Though never a robust man, yet he had by great prudence and self-denial so preserved his health and strength as to be still in the full enjoyment both of bodily and mental vigor. His fellow citizens held him in high esteem, and considered him worthy not only of the honors already received, but of still higher positions of trust. Truly www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

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it can be said that he was in the very midst of life. No man seemed more secure in the present or more in the future. Thus did he return to his home and meet his family and friends. But whilst their greeting was still warm, and he was still in the very bosom of his family, he was stricken with disease. For days and weeks he lay upon his bed. All that skill could suggest and loving hands could execute, was done for him; but slowly and steadily he wasted away, until on the 22nd day of July, 1883, and just as the Sabbath day was drawing to a close, Martin J. Crawford died. He was buried in the cemetery at Columbus, where he was so highly esteemed in life, and where his name and memory will ever be honored. The public life of Judge Crawford was one of which his family and friends are justly proud. It was without spot or blemish. His hands were clean, his character unsullied. In 1842 Judge Crawford married Miss Amanda J. Reese, a sister of Judge Augustus Reese, of Morgan, and lived with her in great happiness for forty-one years. By her he had five children; the first died in its infancy, the second just as she was budding into womanhood. His three sons survive him, and to them he leaves as the richest heritage, a spotless and honorable life. As a husband he was loving and true; as a father he was watchful and kind. His wife was his confidant, his boys were his friends and companions. His knowledge of the world, his strong common sense 1 and cool judgement, rendered him a most valuable counsellor and friend. I His keen sense of humor, his genial manner and extensive imformation, made him a most desirable companion. Ih the highest and best meaning of the word, Judge Crawford was a gentleman. He was incapable of a mean or unworthy act. With him the question was, "What is the right thing to do?" And in coming to a conclusion, he did not allow his interests to con- , trol his judgement: The public good was greater importance than his own, and he preferred to be right rather than to be popular. The life of such a man is a blessing, not only to his family and friends, but to the whole state, and his death is a public calamity. These facts the committee submit to the court and respectfully ask that such action may be taken as will testify to his family, to his friends, and to the public, the appreciation in which this court has to the character and services of Martin J. Crawford.

a John Peabody, Chairma@. James M. Smith, L. E. Bleckley, A. M. Speer, W. A. Hawkins, Wm. M. Reese, A. T. McIntyre, John W. H. Underwood, Hugh Buchanan, Committee. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

INDUSTRIAL RECUPERATION 213

A sketch of Major Moses follows: Raphael Jacob Moses was born at Charleston, South Carolina, Jan- uary 20,18 12. He was the only son of Israel Moses and Deborah Moses. His father was a merchant in Charleston, a man of geniality, generosity, and courage, whose English ancestors had come to America in Colonial days. His mother traced her ancestry back to Spain through the distin- guished Dr. Luria, who was court physician to Ferdinand and Isabella. In 1842 he located at Columbus, Georgia, and made that his home for the remainder of his life with the exception of a short period spent in Atlanta. At Columbus he added luster to his own name and to the reputation of the local bar, which in point of strength and brilliancy was at that time second to none in the State. Walter T. Colquitt, Hines Holt, H. L. Benning, Seaborn Jones, and others, were his contemporaries. Such was his success that at the breaking out of the War between the States he had accumulated a comfortable fortune. Here, as in Florida, he entered into politics and made a reputation as a campaign speaker. In the memorable campaign of '56 he spoke in Atlanta at a large mass meeting along with Toombs, Stephens, and Hiram Warner. At the beginning of the war, although over age, he hastened to the defense of his beloved Southland, offering his fortune, his services, his sons--everything save honor-a willing sacrifice on the altar of his country. His first military assignment was on the staff of General Toombs. He reluctantly accepted the position of Brigade Commissary, being urged to do so on account of his splendid executive abilities. He was speedily pro- moted to a position on the staff of General Longstreet, where, as Chief Commissary of Longstreet's corps, he was brought in constant contact with the immortal Lee, and rendered invaluable services to the Army of North- ern Virginia in the field. After the surrender he returned to his home and resumed his law practice. The people of his county naturally turned to him for political leadership in those troublous times, so, in 1868, he was elected to the Legislature from Muscogee county. At this ses-on he served with distinction as chairman of the Judiciary Committee of the House. He was again elected to the Legislature in 1877 and was a recognized leader of that body and championed important railroad legislation. Major Moses canvassed the Fourth Congressional District on the Presidential electoral ticket for Seymour and Blair, and was notable among the eloquent speakers, including Ben Hill, Toombs and Cobb, at the bush arbor meeting at Atlanta which redeemed the State from carpetbag control. He was one of the counsel who, with Alexander H. Stephens, General Benning and others, defended the young men of Columbus who were prosecuted by the military authorities for the murder of Ashburn. He continued to practice law in Columbus until his retirement from the bar in 1885. He gasped the legal phases of a question with quickness and ac- www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

214 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

curacy, and as an advocate before a iury he had few equals. He never prosecuted a capital case for money nor took a fee from a needy widow or orphan. A descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Judah, he was proud of his lineage and of his birthright. He also enjoyed the distinction of having received and executed the last order of the Confederacy. Major Moses was perhaps the first man in Georgia to demonstrate the profitableness of peach growing. In 185 1 he shipped two baskets of fruit, one of peaches and the other of plums, to New York, where they brought thirty dollars per basket. He extended his orchard and at the out- break of the war his sales amounted to nearly ten thousand dollars per annum. In September, 1893, Major Moses accompanied his daughter, Mrs. Robert Samuel, to her home in Brussels, Belgium. On the day after his arrival in that historic city he quietly passed away, the 13th of October, 1893, in the eighty-second year of his age. His remains were brought back to America and by loving hands placed in the family burying ground at Esquiline Hill, near Columbus.-A. B. Caldwell in "Men of Mark in Georgia.,, Mr. Porter Ingram also died in this decade. He was a New Englander by birth, but as a young man moved South, and on coming to Columbus entered the law offices of Judge Martin J. Crawford. He married Miss Elizabeth Lewis, a daughter of Ulysses Lewis, first intendant, or mayor, of Columbus and a large family of children were born to them. Only three survive at the time of his death, December 3, 1893. They were Mr. T. L. Ingram, of Atlanta, Mrs. W. W. Barnes, of Opelika, Ala., and Miss Bessie Ingram (now Mrs. A. W. Heuer) of Columbus. Mr. Ingram represented this section both in the national Congress before the Civil War, and in the Confederate Congress during that period. He was also a member of the convention of 1867 when ~eoi~iawas read- mitted for the first time into the union. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

CHAPTER XIV

A Military Center in 1898

ITH THE rest of the United States, Columbus was profoundly troubled following the blowing up of the battleship Maine while anchored in the harbor of Havana during the early spring of 1898, and due to the high-handed manner in which Spain conducted herself subsequently, was fairly well prepared for war when it came in April. The local papers carried streamers and edi- torials criticising thk President's reluctance in bringing the issue to a head. As soon as war was declared the local military companies notified the Georgia headquarters of their intention to serve and were instructed that the members must enlist as individuals. As early as February 27th, Capt. John D. Little, of the Columbus Guards, inquired as to the numeri- cal strength of that Company and told of the willingness of his men to enter service. On April 28th Governor Atkinson issued a formal call for troops to volunteer, and immediately the Brown Fencibles, and the Columbus Guards, made known their readiness to serve. At the same time the Phenix City Rifles volunteered for service to the state of Alabama. Columbus troops were enrolled in Company "B'I First Georgia In- fantry, and in Company '(HJJThird Georgia Infantry, quartered in Griffin. Their company history, from time of their muster-in to their dis- charge is taken from government reports and follows: COMPANY "BJ'-1st GEORGIA INFANTRY "The Company, (L'BJJJ1st Georgia Infantry), was organized at Perry, Georgia, and Columbus, Georgia, and mustered in at Griffin, Georgia. Left Grifh by rail to Chickamauga Park, Georgia, June 18, 1898, arriv- ing at latter place June 19, 189 8, remained until August 22, 1898, when Company left by rail for Knoxville, Tennessee. Arrived at Camp Poland, Knoxville, Tennessee, August 24, 189 8. Left the latter place September 23, 1898, and arrived at Macon, Georgia, September 24 1 898. Furloughed from Macon, Georgia, from October 1, to 3 1, 1898. Re-assembled at Macon, Georgia, October 3 1, 1898, and was mustered out of service No- vember 18, 1898." COMPANY "HJJ-3rd GEORGIA INFANTRY "From time of muster-in to November 22, 189 8, routine work in Camp. Moved from Camp Northern, Griffin, Georgia, to Camp Carpen- ter, Savannah, Georgia, November 22, 189 8. arched into Savannah, 215 www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org 216 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

Georgia, from Camp Carpenter, a distance of about three miles and was reviewed by General Fitzhugh Lee and a military committee of the state legislature November 25, 1898. Moved from Camp Carpenter to Camp Onward December 1, 1 898. Marched into Savannah, Georgia, from Camp Onward, a distance of about three miles and was reviewed by president McKinley December 17, 189 8. Marched to Thunderbolt, a distance of about two and a half miles, December 21, !835. Marched into Savan- nah, Georgia, a distance of about three miles and boarded a special train for Tybee Island, December 24, 1898. Broke Camp at Camp Onward, Savannah, Georgia, and boarded transport 'RoumanianJ for Neuvitas, Cuba, January 13, 1899. Landed at Neuvitas, Cuba, January 20, 1899. Moved from Neuvitas, Cuba, to Minas, Cuba, February 1, 1899. Broke Camp at Minas, Cuba, March 23, 1899. Proceeded to Neuvitas, Cuba, by rail, boarded transport 'LoganJ same day for Savannah, Georgia. Arrived at Quarantine Station, Savannah, Georgia, March 26, 1899. Arrived at Savannah, Georgia, March 27, 1899, boarded train for Camp McKenzie, Augusta, Georgia, arrived same day."

NAMES OF OFFICERS AND MEN FROM COLUMBUS, GA. Serving in Company "B", First Georgia Infantry, War With Spa&

Hale, Anthony W...... First Lieutenant Robinson, George A...... Second Lieutenant Wynne, Hezekiah E...... First Sergeant Arnold, Jacob J...... Private Barber, Hunley ...... Private Blankenship, Clifford D...... Corporal Bollinger, Raleigh E...... Private Bonham, William B...... Private Britt, James M...... Corporal Cameron, Henry C...... Private Cameron, Stanford F. ..., ...... Private Davidson, Oliver W...... Private Dudley, Henry H...... Private Gar&ner, Myles H...... Sergeant Garrett, Joseph B...... Sergeant Gray, Clarence E...... Musician Henes, Louis H...... Sergeant Henderson, John H. Jr...... Private Hudson, Thomas M...... Corporal Hansby, Herschel M...... Private Hoopaugh, Alonzo ...... Private www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

Jefferson, Emory R...... Corporal Johnston, Woodf ord H...... Corporal Jones, Lemuel D...... Private Lee, John P...... Private Livingston, James R...... Private Lloyd, Walter C...... Private Martin, Henry L...... Private Martiniere, William C...... Private McEachern, Dan S...... Private McGovern, James B...... Private Mooty, Edward V...... Private Mote, Louis ...... Private Oliver, James T...... Private Peed, Robert S...... Private Phillips, Charles S...... Private Preston, Ernest B...... Private Quartermus, Cornelius I...... Private Ramsey, Hartwell M...... Private Salisbury, Joe H...... Private Slaughter, Wilson ...... Private Smith, Lawrence J...... Private Smith, William P...... Private Spainhower, Arthur E...... Private Tankersley, Joseph L...... Wagoner Tice, John W...... Private Wall, George A...... Private Waddell, Albert S...... Private Williams, Petolemus J...... Sergeant Yearty, William A...... Private Company "H", TlZird Georgia Infafitry.

Garrard, Louis I?., Jr...... First Lientenant Crook, James F...... Second Lieutenant Chambers, Idus ...... First Sergeant Allen, Walter B...... Private Bray, William J...... Private Baldwin, Harry ...... Private Chadwick, James ...... Private Cornett, Hardy P...... Private Donnelly, John P...... Private Fields, William F...... Private www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

218 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS. GEORGIA

Ford, Loyd ...... Private Griffith, Harvey H...... Corporal Harrison, Charles T...... Private Harvey, Charles T...... Private Hanes, John T...... Private Higdon, Alfred ...... Private Johnson, Herbert W...... Private Lawrence, Fred ...... Private Ligon, William W...... Private McMichael, William H...... Private McArdle, Henry L...... Private McCrary, John B...... Private McCrary, Archie C...... Private Moody, William J...... Private Nox, Charles ...... Private Page, James S...... Private Phillips, Joseph W...... Private Preston, Whitfield ...... Private Thomason, Jack ...... Private Willis, John 0...... Private White, James E...... Private There were numbers of other local citizens who participated in the war, and among them were Lieutenants Stanford Moses, Spencer Douglas, A. R. Davis, J. J. Blandin, Mr. Dismukes, and Boatswain Boland who were in active naval service. Maj. Allie Williams was a surgeon in the medical department and was ordered to Fort Hamilton, N. Y. Captain John Floyd and Lieutenants Hanson Estes, George Cooper, and Americus Mitchell were in the United States army. Columbus was also represented in the Second Georgia Regiment, in addition to the First and Third. Capt. John Floyd, at one time a broker in Columbus, had been an active participant in the Cuban army and a member of General Maceo's staff before he joined the United States forces and was assigned to General Shafter's staff. He had many exciting adventures and was the center of groups of thrilled and interested citizens when he came home on a fur- lough. While ill with fever in Cuba he had been captured by Spanish soldiers, but being thought too sick to escape, was not guarded with sufficient care. Some Cuban sympathizers found him and assisted him to get away from his captors. For thirty-six hours, nearly delirious with a raging fever, he hid in a clump of bushes near a railroad water tank. When a train stopped for water he boarded it and went to Havana. There he fell in with other friends to the islanders' cause, who put him on board a vessel bound for New York. He hid in the hold of the vessel with the cargo of freight www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

until it left Havana harbor. In New York he was cared for by the Cuban Junta until he recovered his health and then he returned to Columbus. While fighting with the Cuban forces Captain Floyd received a severe wound in the chest, besides several others. Captain Floyd was the son of Capt. John C. Floyd, who served in the Confederate army, the latter being a son of Gen. John J. Floyd who was responsible for building numerous forts in Georgia and Alabama, including Fort Mitchell and who commanded a brigade in the Creek Indian wars of 18 13, fighting at Calabee and other points. Another one of Columbus' notable sons in the war with Spain was Lieut. Stanford J. Moses. Lieutenant Moses had recently graduated with honor from the Naval Academy at Annapolis and was first assistant engineer of the flagship "Brooklyn". Early in the hostilities the squadron of which the "Brooklyn" was a unit, was caught in a severe storm near Fortress Monroe. When the ship was near foundering, the quick thinking and action of those in charge of her prevented her from going down. She was saved "by the priceless bravery of the engineers" the account showed. Lieutenant Moses received' rapid promotion and is now a high ranking officer in the naval service. Lieut. Austin Rockwell Davis, although not from Columbus, was well known here, being a brother of Mrs. C. I. Groover. Lieutenant Davis was aboard the "Oregon" when that ship was ordered from San Francisco to join the Atlantic fleet and could not be reached to be informed of the declaration of War with Spain. The Spanish warship "Temerario" was in the path the "Oregon" was supposed to take and the whole country was anxious over the daily fate of the American vessel. It was- with great relief that news was received that she had joined the American fleet on blockade duty in Cuban waters. Lieutenant Davis was among those making the trip, and he was also present when the Spanish fleet, under command of Admiral Cervera, steamed out of the harbor of Santiago, Cuba, to be engaged in battle and captured or sunk to the last ship by the Ameri- can fleet. Lieut. J. J. Blandin, was another officer in the navy who had many friends here and was a brother of Mrs. N. W. Seals, whose husband was the pastor of the Rose Hill Methodist church. Lieutenant Blandin was one of the few to escape death on the L'Maine'' though he later died from the effects of a wound received in the explosion. He was one of the officers on watch and narrowly missed being killed instantly, as he was struck on the head by a fragment of an exploding shell. His injuries were not thought to be serious at first, but during the summer he died at a regimental hospital. Shortly afterward, his mother visited Mrs. Seals here and was accompanied by Lieutenant Blandin's orphaned boys. Lieutenant Dismukes, who was a nephew of Mrs. Mary Hodges Harrison, and related to many local citizens, was on the "Terror", a moni- www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

220 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS. GEORGIA

tor of Sampson's fleet which captured numerous enemy vessels and had no loss of life. The Phenix City Rifles saw service as members of Alabama companies. At the time of their enlistment in May there were fifty-four members in addition to the captain and non-commissioned officers listed' ,below:

J. P. Marchant, Captain F. W. Hare W. K. Armstrong W. D. Wills Norman Webster Thomas Pace George Tillman Martin Ballou Edward Cone During the war, those who remained at home, were constantly on the lookout for ways and means of helping the soldiers. There was a large purchase of war bonds put out by the government, and much attention was paid the soldiers who passed through the city in troop trains bound for southern ports of embarkation. In June the "Soldiers' Aid Society" was formed here, reminiscent of a similar organization in Columbus during the Civil War. Mr. F. B. Gordon was the moving figure in its beginning. Officers elected were: President, Mrs. Craven T. O,sborne, First Vice-President, Mrs. Rhodes ;Browne, Second Vice-President, Miss Lula Moore, Third Vice-President, Mrs. J. T. Johnson, Fourth Vice-president, Mrs. A. W. Hale, Fifth Vice-President, Mrs. N. N. Curtis, Secretary-Treasurer, Thomas Gilbert, Jr. During the subsequent months this organization gave entertainments and barbecues and sponsored ball games for the benefit of the soldiers. With such a concentration of troops in the South, this being necessitated by the location of the hostile forces, it was beginning to be evident to progressive citizens that Columbus would be quite an ideal location for one of the camps. So action was begun which a few months later resulted in the quartering of a brigade of United States troops here. The morning paper of June 1, 189 8 carried a communication from C. J. Swift, which suggested Columbus as a camp site. This was followed by numerous others, and public spirit was aroused. In August, Mayor Chappell began his efforts toward securing a camp. Meanwhile Congress had decided to establish a number of encamp- www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

ments in the South for the troops who would be ordered to garrison' Cuba and Porto Rico. After various communications were had between the officials in Wash- ington and those who were sponsoring the project in Columbus, a committee of the Federal government arrived in Columbus in September to look over the matter and make investigations toward the securing of suitable accomodation, should Congress agree to name this city among those chosen for camps. Mayor Chappell made a trip to Washington in behalf of securing the troops, and after he and Congressman W. C. Adamson of this district had conferred with the Secretary of War, a telegram was received from him stating that Congress had selected Columbus as one of the proposed camp locations, and that a brigade of 3,500 soldiers would be stationed here. Columbus was also to be made headquarters of the Second Division of the First Army Corps. The brigade was to include the First West Virginia, the One Hundred and Sixtieth Indiana, and the Third Kentucky Regi- ments. With Columbus definitely chosen, the authorities set about deciding upon a proper site and securing the necessary accomodations. The place selected was what is now a large vacant field in North Highlands between Second avenue and Hamilton Road, north of Twenty- ninth street. The name chosen was "Camp Conrad." Brigadier-General Wiley was in command of the troops. His aide was Lieut. E. S. Stayer and his staff consisted of Gpt. B. B. Davis and fourteen men. Gen. J. T. Sanger was head of the division, but he was soon succeeded by- Major-General Ludlow who established division headquarters in the Central Hotel on the east side of Broadway near the center of the block between Tenth and Eleventh streets. During the early part of November the Indiana and Kentucky troops arrived. Their officers were as follows: One Hundred and Sixtieth Indiana Colonel G. W. Gunder Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Kilder Majors L. H. Henry, J. W. Backwood, and R. 0. Miller Major Surgeon J. J. Kyle Assistant Major Surgeons, Lieuts. L. H. Buhler and R. H. Foxworthy Adjutant, Lieut. R. W. McFelder Quartermaster, John W. Allen. Third Kentucky Colonel Thomas J. Smith www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

222 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

Lieutenant-Colonel L. Henry Majors Saffrons, W. H. E. Watt, R. J. Bryant Major Surgeon, Frank Boyd Assistant Major Surgeons, H. E. Bell, and Robt. Garrett Quartermaster, Frank Strange Adjutant, M. L. Mitchell Battalion Adjutant Sharkley. Later, during the same month the First West Virginia regiment arrived, and the officers in charge were as follows: First West Virginia Colonel B. D. Spillman Lieutenant-Colonel Clarence L. Smith Majors, W. H. Lyons, W. H. Banks, and Phil A. Shaffer Captain and Chaplain, S. K. Arbuthnot Major and Surgeon, W. H. Baughley Assistant Major Surgeons, Lieutenants C. F. Abbott and C. C. Hoggs. Quartermaster and Lieutenant H. W. Jenkins. With a camp established here, the city began to be interested in military affairs and in the soldiers who composed the camp. Concerts by military bands and numerous parades featured each week. The Columbus people made many friends among the troops and formed numerous friendships that have continued until now. In a commercial way, the city also benefited from the camp. Wholesale and retail trade increased to a marked degree. One pay day at Camp Conrad witnessed over $50,000 paid over to the men of the Indiana regiment and of course the other regiments were dealt with in a like manner. These troops were quartered in Columbus during the winter of 1898- 1899 and in the early part of the latter year were ordered to Cuba and Porto Rico. One of the most interesting events occurring while Camp Conrad was located here was the visit of inspection made by Gen. James H. Wilson, who had led the raid which resulted in the destruction of Columbus in 1865. It was with decidedly mixed feelings that the local citizens anticipated his visit. There were many ''unreconstruded rebels" among the old soldiers, while numbers of those who had fought opposite Wilson were entirely in accord with the new regime. General Wilson was sixty years of age at the time and had been retired in 187 1, but was recalled to active duty upon the beginning of hostilities in 1898 and was made a major-general. He was head of the First www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

Army Corps in the latter part of that year. He arrived in Columbus on a special train from Macon, the morning of December 7th. He was received "in a pleasant and friendly manner'' and after reviewing the troops was conducted over the site of the battle in which he had engaged in 1865. He left the same night to continue his tour of inspection in Albany. A reporter interviewed the general and inquired if he had met any of the old soldiers who were "unreconstructed" and the Northerner replied that he had met very little marked animosity in this section. However, one old soldier here was heard to remark with vehemence that if he had a chance he would shoot "the damn Yankee", and if he had a dog who licked his blood, he would shoot the dog, and if a buzzard came and picked the dog's bones, he would shoot the buzzard. When the war was ended, and the local troops returned home, they were met at the train by hundreds of rejoicing relatives and friends. En- tertainments and receptions were given on every occasion to do them honor. During the war one proud father of Columbus received a special recognition. The day the Spanish fleet was sunk in Manila Harbor, a little baby girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Kendall, who immediately hearing of the American fleet's victory, named her for Admiral Dewey. Soon after, Mr. Kendall wrote to the admiral and told him of little Elise Dewey Kendall. The letter took a month and a half to reach its destination, going by way of England and the Suez Canal. Evidently Admiral Dewey appreciated the honor for he wrote an answer which took a much shorter route to Columbus, coming by way of San Francisco. Besides the troops mentioned in the first part of this chapter, other names have been secured from the local camp of the Spanish-American War Veterans, and include the following: Abbott, Chas. F. Cumby, James C. Gardner, Martin H. Arnold, Abner H. Cummings, Jno. E. Ginn, Geo. R. Adams, Henry B. Collins, Isaac M. Goodwin, Lee Butcher, Samuel S. Christopher, Wm. D. Griggs, W. P. Bordershaw, Monroe C. Cornette, Homer W. Hayes, Charles Booth, Jno. E. Clement, Lammie Hicks, George C. Barton, Joseph A. Caldwell, Ambrose E. Holtshouser, Wm. R. Bowen, L. L. navidson, John Holzer, Frank Brown, Robert B. Dukes, James Hall, T. J. Baxter, James Duncan, William W. Hurst, Jno. C. Beare, Warnie Floyd, Jno. M. Hudson, Benjamin B. Rowden, Jno. B. Sr. Flynn, Patrick J. Harris, Jno. W. Carter, Albert F. Foell, Joseph Jacobs, Lawrence S. Craig, Wm. N. Gallagher, Jno. I. Jamsen, Peter J. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

224 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS. GEORGIA

Johnson, Henry W. Obert, August Shoemaker, Geo. Kaesek, Kass Power, Jno. A. Salter, Harry M. King, Walter N. Pander, Michael Sirnons, Louis Woodall, Henry M. Phillips, Thos. M. Smith, Eugene M. Lehmann, Emil J. Peyton, Ephraim G. Scott, Charles Lane, Fred Phillips, Wm. R. Treadway, Lewis C. Morris, Wm. B. Pitman, Guy W. Taylor, William E. Manry, Jno. B. Parks, Ervin Taylor, Francis M. Manning, David L. Radley, Walter Thomas, Wm. C. Madden, Thos. F. Ryan, Julian B. Willett, Wm. F. Morris, James H. Renfrow, Claude B. Weems, Mortimer W. Millard, David H. Self, James H. Watley, Robt. H, McFarlin, Richard R. Sweatt, Wm. W. Willis, Chase. P. Newman, B. F. Sayers, James W. Wilson, Edgar M. Nobles, Chas. 0. seglar, Segrum J. Walker, Wade H. Owens, Johnson E. Sweatt, Robt. D. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

CHAPTER XV

Twentieth Century Expansion

HE turn of the century opened new paths of progress for Colum- bus. Within the next few years the industries already begun were to increase and new lines were to be introduced in the manufacturing world. One of the most important characteristics of the first years of the twentieth century was the interest of northern capitalists in the possibilities presented by the natural resources of Columbus and the immediate vicinity. A publication issued by the state department of agriculture at that time gave Columbus one of the most important places in the industrial rating of the South. It said; uColumbus the fifth city of the State in population, is the second in the South in the manufacture of cotton goods, Augusta alone exceeding it. Co- lumbus has for 49 years been a cotton and woolen manufacturing point, and there is here an abundance of skilled white labor, the only kind used in the cotton woolen mills of Georgia. The Eagle and Phenix Manu- facturing Company has three mills with an aggregate of 1,492 looms and 50,000 spindles. Their mills use 18,000 bales of cotton per annum. The Muscogee Mills have 450 looms and 16,000 spindles, and use 7,500 bales of cotton. The Swift Mills have 400 looms and 13,000 spindles, and use 5,200 bales of cotton. The Hamburger Mills have 210 looms and 6,000 spindles, and use 2,800 bales. The Columbus Manufacturing Company's mill has 800 looms and 25,000 spindles, and uses 6,500 bales of cotton. The grand total is 3,352 looms, 1 10,000 spindles, and 40,000 bales of cotton. The Bibb Manufacturing Company of Macon, is putting up a new mill which will have 600 looms and 20,000 spindles. Some of the mills of Columbus gin the cotton received from the farm and thus save the cost of baling. The total receipts of cotton at warehouses and compresses are 150,000 bales a year. The warehouse receipts alone are 60,000 bales. ('Other manufacturies at Columbus are: a sugar refinery, 2 compresses, 2 cotton seed oil-mills, 2 flour and grist mills, 4 lumber and planning mills, 2 foundries valued at $200,000, 1 plow and 1 gin factory, 1 barrel factory, 3 sash and blind factories, 1 furniture factory, 1 box factory, 1 www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

226 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS. GEORGIA

showcase factory, 1 ice factory, wagon broom and pants factories, 1 guano factory, cider and vinegar works, marble yards and brick yards, and one canning factory with a capacity of 8,000 cans daily. The number of hands employed in all these manufacturies is 3,000, receiving wages amounting to $15,300 a week. "Five cotton, 1 woolen and 1 flour-mill are operated by water-power. There are two falls within the corporate limits of the city, and in this county are 1 7,O 0 0 horse-power yet undeveloped. Immediately contiguous to the city and extending for forty miles north is an inexhaustible supply oi water power yet to be developed. ''~or~or~tionsof any respectable magnitude, wishing to locate in Columbus, can obtain free and ample mill sites, well located for steam mill plants with railroad frontage. iColumbus enjoys a fine aholesale trade, and the present jobbing trade of the city reaches eleven Southern States. "There are five banks in the city with a combined capital of $550,000. "About 80 life and fire insurance companies are representated by 20 agencies. "The city has gas and electric lights, water works, an electric street railroad and two power houses. "Seven railroads center here, and two of them have shops at this point. "Four lines of steamboats, plying on the river, give competition in freight by water.)) About ten years prior to this time local citizens had begun to draw the attention of outside interests to the future development of the water power. John F. Flournoy, G. Gurnby Jordan, members of the Swift and Illges families, W. C. Bradley, and others lent their energies toward increasing the attraction of ColumbusJ commercial prospects for outsiders. A short review of the power situation was given in the 'nineties, some vears before the tremendous advance in this enterprise which produced phenomenal industrial changes in Columbus. "The water power on the river front amounts to 36,040 horse power, within the city limits, and a chain of shoals extending northward forty miles, giving a total fall of 400 feet making an average of ten feet to the mile. It is equal to 1,000,000 horse power for the lowest water, and nearly double that for the average. stage.- Only a small portion of this vast water power is now utulized. In the City an aggregate of fifty thousand spindles and two thousand looms, are propelled by it, which requires about three thousand horse power, or one-tenth part of the available falls near the City. This immense water power could easily be utilized. Dams could be erected every few hundred miles, and the available water power would be almost sufficient to drive the whole number of spindles of America. The attention of Capitalists is called to these statements, and an investigation will show their truth." www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org TWENTIETH CENTURY EXPANSION

Early in 1900 two new plants began operation in Columbus. They were a branch of the Bibb Corporation and the Columbus Manufacturing Company. In 1900, the Bibb Manufacturing Company began operations in its Columbus plant with 24,000 spindles. In 1927, this company operates 125,000 spindles and 300 looms and employ 2, 5 00 operatives in its plant. "Among its many marks of leadership in the textile industry, the Bibb Manufacturing Company is said to have, in its main plant, the largest number of spindles under one roof in the world. It is the largest cotton mill unit in America, and after the Dunlop Tire and Rubber Company in Rockdale, England, is the largest in the world. In other ways this Co-

PART OF THE BIBB MILL AS IT APPEARS ALONG THE RIVER

lumbus industry is setting a pace for textile mills much older than itself. Bibb City, the mill operatives' community, is a model of beauty and comfort. Many of its houses are of stucco, well designed and well built, and supplied wkh every modern convenience. ~andGa~in~has added ;astly to the beauty of the village and the operatives, surrounded by examples of care and tidiness have done much toward beautifying the plots around their homes. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

22 8 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

"In addition, the Company maintains a hotel for its unattached girl operatives where they may live in comfort and safety, properly chaperoned. The Bibb City School, supported principally by the Bibb Manufacturing Company, affords the opportunity for an education to every child of every Bibb employee. "The mill itself is an impressive contribution to the industrial skyline of Columbus. At night, when the 'night line' is running, the mill from a distance is a great spark of glowing light against the dark hills behind it and shines again in the river flowing at its feet. By daylight, it is breath- taking in its immensity, standing six stories high and covering an area 128 feet wide and 1010 feet long. The weave shop attached to the main mill is 208 feet wide and 580 feet long, standing one story in height. "The history of the Bibb mill's growth and progress is identical with the story of Industrial Columbus. Taking advantage of natural resources of power, transportation, labor, and the surrounding territory, this factory, in its 27 years of life, has made two major increases in the size of its main mill, as well as numerous other additions to its plagt from time to time. At the time of its establishment in 1900, the mill was equipped with 24,000 spindles. In 1915 this number was increased to 48,000 and the necessary additions made to the plant to accomodate the increase. Finally, in 1920, the number of spindles was increased to 125,000 and the plant brought up to its present size. In 27 years the Bibb Manufacturing Company, no mean industry even in its infancy, has increased the capacity of its plant more than five times! "The product of these mills is incidental to AmericaJs greatest industry. Fabric for automobile tires comes from its looms in quantities to be reckoned not in feet nor in yards, but in miles. "The officers under whose direction this great textile industry of Columbus is steadily growing and cementing its position in the mill world are: W. D. Anderson, Sr., of Macon, Georgia, president and chairman of the board; James H. Porter, of Macon, first vice-president; William D. Anderson, Jr., of Macon, vice-president; A. A. Drake, Jr., Macon, treasurer; John A. Porter, Macon, factory manager; H. W. Pittman, Macon, general superintendant ; F. H. Naylor, Columbus, agent; and W. A. Woodruff, Columbus, superintendant of the Columbus Plant." The ~olumbus~anufacturin~ company was begun in 1900, also. Twice the plant has been enlarged from its earnings, the original stockholders have been paid dollar for dollar, with a one hundred percent stock dividend, and now own a plant of 2,782 looms and 63,840 spindles; and year after year (with one exception) they have been paid reasonable dividends on their stock. Columbus Sheetings, with trademarks duly registered have sold in every part of the United States and in many foreign countries. On its particular line of product, it is one of the largest in the world, www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org TWENTIETH CENTURY EXPANSION 229

its current production being sold up during the last five years on a basis of 35,O 0 0,000 yards annually. The stockholders organization meeting was held at the Georgia Home Building, Columbus, Georgia, on September 12, 1899. At this meeting the Georgia charter of the company was accepted and the following directors were elected: W. C. Bradley, F. B. Gordon, Rhodes Browne, E. N. Clemence, 0. C. Bullock, E. P. Dismukes of Columbus; William H. Wellington, Chas. H. Utley, R. P. Smelling, Otis H. Luke of Boston; and A. Minis of Savannah, Georgia. Of this original Board, only three, W. C. Bradley and F. B. Gordon of Columbus and A. Minis of Savannah, are still serving as directors. Mr. Rhodes Browne, Mr. 0. C. Bullock of Columbus and Mr. R. P. Snelling of Boston, who retired from the Board, are still in active business and the other five have passed away. The present Board consists of W. C. Bradley, F. B. Gordon, E. P. Owsley, R. E. Dismukes and D. A. Turner,of Columbus; A. Minis of Savannah; H. L. Bailey, W. H. Holbrook and Jesse S. Wiley of Boston; Norman S. Hope of New York; and S. Price Gilbert of Atlanta. The present officers of the company are: W. C. Bradley, Chairman of Board,, F. B. Gordon, president, Jesse S. Wiley, (Boston) treasurer, W. H. Dismuke, secretary, H: T.. Tisdale (Boston) Asst. treasurer. The superintendent of the Mill is George W. Murphy. Back in 1898-1899 Columbus was making little progress in any direction in a business way. Two movements were started that have since proved the wisdom of their promoters. One was to build a new dam by the then officials of the original Columbus Power Company, and the other was the promotion of a new cotton mill by F. B. Gordon, whose principal aids at that time were W. C. Bradley, the late J. Rhodes Browne and the late E. P. Dismukes. It took a considerable time to raise the first $1 00,000 of capital, as some prominent citizens declined to aid the project and, in fact, said that it could not be done. Visiting Boston, Mr. Gordon secured the assistance of some Eastern capital through the firm of Wellington, Sears & Company. When the members of this firm first visited Columbus they were so impressed with possibilities of this City for textile manufacturing, that they promptly suggested building a sheeting mill of 25,000 spindles instead of 10,000 yarn mill, as originally contemplated. Local investors met them on this plan and in a short time the original capital of $700,000 was raised. The Columbus Manufacturing Company, owns 115 houses for its operatives and these are unsurpassed as homes by any cotton mill plant anywhere. Every late scientific equipment looking to the health and comfort of its help is installed in its homes and plant and its labor turn- over is comparatively light. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

230 HISTORY OF- COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

Formerly located outside of the city, its plant is now within the city limits. It contributes largely by City and County taxes to the support of this section, and responds liberally to all civic calls--even some that do not directly benefit its own business. The Columbus Manufacturing Company, was the pioneer plant in developing the North Highlands section of Columbus. Thirty years ago this part of the City was an adjoining farm known as the "Cook Plantation," and now it has four cotton mills, a number of other manufacturing industries, many stores and homes, an estimated population of ten thousand and total valuation of something like fifteen million. The National Show Case Company also was organized about this time and in 190 1 began to put out its first products. "Throughout nine southern states Columbus is looked upon as store and office fixture headquarters; the attention of 30,000 business firms in the South is being constantly directed to Georgia's industrial capital through the advertising of this plant. "In many ways the National Show Case Company is a Columbus and a Georgia firm. Using more Georgia red gum than any other hardwood in the construction of its products, it is sending wealth all over the state. Employing mechanics of an unusually high order, its payroll is large, and Columbus merchants feel its effects. Doing the majority of its business outside of Columbus, and spending the majority of its income in the city and state, it contributes largely to the material well being of both. "The products of the National Show Case Company are noted for their beauty and originality of design, every effort being made to lift them from the commonplace and develop for the company's customers fixtures that will bring attractiveness to their stores as well as utility in its highest development. Louie C. Jones is head of the research and de- signing department and many beautiful stores and banks throughout the south bear testimony to his ability. "In speaking of this phase of the company's work, W. W. Rainey, general manager, said: 'Always we are striving for improvements, keeping just a bit ahead of the procession. For the moment we are featuring authentic period designs in Adam and Louis XVI. There is a growing demand for color, and to meet this, we are using inlay and marqueterie, and also hand decorated and painted period carvings.' "The National Showcase Company had its beginning back in 190 1, when the Columbus Show Case Company built the plant now occupied by the National people. In 1905, the Columbus Show Case Company sold out to the Columbus Furniture and Fixture Company, and built a new plant now occupied by the Columbus Casket Company. In 1908 the National Show Case Company was organized, and bought out the Columbus Fur- niture and Fixture Company, taking over the latter's plant. 5nce that time the growth of the National company has been steady www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

TWENTIETH CENTURY EXPANSION 23 1

and gratifying to citizens of Columbus who realize its value to the community. Each year sees a greater number of stores and banks added to the thousands which have equipped themselves with National fixtures. "The officers of the National Showcase Company are J. Homer Dimon, who is mayor of Columbus, president, and W. W. Rainey, vice- president, and general manager. The directors are: J. Homer Dimon, W. W. Rainey, W. B. Rainey and C. E. Dimon. W. B. Rainey is sales manager. By building the finest fixtures they knew in the best way they could, the officers and workers of the National Show Case Company have justly earned for their company the title: (The South's Largest Fixture Manufacturers.' This company also built and operates the up-to-date Dimon Court Apartments on Broadway.'' The Swift Spinning Mills were also built and put into operation during this year. With the expansion of the industrial enterprises in the city, the interest of foresighted citizens was turned toward the betterment of the future, and the education along industrial lines of the many children whose parents would be brought to the city by its development. (The article which follows was written for The Enquirer-Sun by Nancy Telfair, was copyrighted by that concern, and is used by permission.) By far the most characteristic contribution of Columbus to education is the origination and building of the Industrial High School. This institution was the culmination of many years of plans and study on the part of local educators of the situation here among the cotton mill population during years when the state had poor provisions regarding child labor and no laws for compulsory school attendance. In 1906, when the school was finished and the first class matriculated, the Secondary Industrial, as it was then called, was the only institution of its kind in the United States, supported by a municipality, and, as far as was known, in the world. The president of the board of education at that time was G. Gunby Jordan, and the school superintendent was Carlton B. Gibson. These two men were in great part responsible for the final development of the program for industrial education that had been before the city for more than forty years. Shortly after the founding of Columbus in 1828 it became evident that this city was to be pre-eminently industrial, due to the location as to routes and roads, and also due to the possibilities presented in the remarkable waterpower north of the city. By 1845 the Howard and Echols cotton factory was organized and employed hundreds of operatives. Twenty looms and 1,100 spindles were busy every day and Columbus was already spoken of as "The Lowell of the South." As industrial prosperity increased the attention of the leading citizens was engaged in considering the proposition of elementary education for the children of the employees in the plants. The state rendered very little financial aid, though sections of the city had been originally laid off for the www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

232 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

school purposes. It is said that from time to time classes were formed by public spirited men and women who gave their services in order that the children might learn at least how to sign their name and simple calculations in arithmetic. Such schemes were only temporary or spasmodic, it seems, and not until 1864 is there direct evidence of organized efforts to teach the children in the industrial centers. At that time the Eagle Factory established a free school in a building on property owned by the company. This was during the Civil War when industries were running over time and when many new ones had been established in the city. For a while this school prospered but in April of the following year it was burned when the Eagle Factory with three other cotton mills, and practically all of the other industries and business houses of the city were destroyed by Northern raiding troops. In 1886 Alderman John McIlhenny proposed the establishment of a public school system for Columbus at large, which was acceptable and which resulted in the opening of a school for boys by October 1867. This did not provide for the industrial population of the city, however, and after a few months a small building was rented near the Eagle and Phenix Factory which had been reorganized and rebuilt since the war. This school was opened in 18 6 8 under the supervision of Mrs. E. J. Har- lem, who later was assisted by Mrs. A. E. Marble. Until 1872 this school served a small number of girls with a few boys under twelve years of age. At that time it was discontinued on account of lack of interest and enrollment. Meanwhile the Eagle and Phenix Factory had provided a community and recreation center on property the company owned in Alabama, just across the river from the city of Columbus. Schools for children of the employees were organized and support was withdrawn from the school in Columbus. At that time the northern part of the city began to be a point of interest for manufacturers and mills were being built in that section. With the new factories in operation, the problem of education for the children was again brought before the school board. Nothing of special good could be done at that time though of course, any child was permitted to enter the public schools which were then in operation in the city. Among the main causes of the lack of definite arrangements for such children were the following: Children were allowed to work in the cotton mills as soon as they were old enough to do any kind of work. School funds were at a very low tide and general prosperity was at its lowest in this section. Most of the children whose parents worked in the mill had to carry dinners at midday. Sometimes it was necessary for very small children to walk several miles twice a day. Besides the long interruption in the day's www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

TWENTIETH CENTURY EXPANSION 233

class work, this "dinner toting" as it was known made it impossible for the children to attend school oi account of the long distances to be walked each day. Parents of the children would not co-operate with the school authorities when opportunities seemed available. This situation kept up until the latter 'eighties when certain women of the community took up the problem and after working with it established a school for the dinner carriers on Fifteenth street between Broad street and First avenue. For some years it was conducted and then Mrs. Tewksbury, who had been one of the teachers, took up the matter in conjunction with certain Northern philanthropists and continued the school under the name of the "Mae Tewksbury Mission.'' A piece of land was given by Mr. Jordan for the school and it was in operation for several years. (The Salvation Army property on Second avenue north of Seventeenth street is on the site of that property.) In 1896 Carlton B. Gibson came to Columbus as superintendent of schools and immediately his attention was engaged in the matter of indus- trializing education so that it would be practicable for all of the city's population.- - Immediately after he took charge of the schools he had instituted rnan- ual training in the grammar grades of several schools. At first it was an experiment, but when he saw how successfully it was being worked out, he suggested to the board that it be made compulsory in all grades. This was done in 1899. Immediately upon the introduction of manual training courses in the grammar schools the possibilities of a school were seer, where very little besides such classes might be taught. For two years the matter was thrashed out by the board of education and the superintendant. Promi- nent citizens became interested in the matter and offered financial aid. Among them were George Foster Peabody, at one time a citizen of Colum- bus, and G. Gunby Jordan, president of the Eagle and Phenix factory and otherwise notable in the business of the city. In 1900, plans had taken shape for the establishment of a primary industrial school for the children of mill operatives. At that time there were three large cotton factories, the Eagle and Phenix, the Muscogee, and the Swift. Approximately a thousand dinner carriers lived on the Georgia side of the Chattahoochee river and nearly three hundred came from Ala- bama. This estimate was made by certain citizens standing at the end of the bridges during the dinner hour and taking account of the children as they came and went. On March 12, 1901, a committee of citizens appeared before the school board regarding the large number of children who were without schooling and a committee was appointed to have charge of the matter. The committee was composed of F. B. Gordon, James Smith and F. D. Peabody. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

234 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

On the ninth of the following month this committee made its report. After a conference with city officials it was decided that a school be established to embrace the classes which were then the night school and to have three periods a day. The school was to be ungraded and to have "more hand than book work," with specially trained teachers to have charge. The recommendations were immediately adopted and a building secured on the corner of First avenue and Eighteenth street, which had formedy been used as a factory boarding house. The plan was presented to a group of interested citizens and one of them immediately subscribed a thousand dollars. At the first session of the school 173 pupils were enrolled, 88 boys and 85 girls. The school was organized somewhat according to the Dewey school in Chicago which was operated in connection with the department of education of that university. Elementary subjects were taught, though the greatest part of the work was in industrial training. Three sessions, from 8 to 10:30, from 1 to 3:30 and from 7 to 9 at night were arranged. The night school was open to older boys and girls and adults while the day sessions were for the children. No charge was made at first. Besides the school work the teachers were required to take part in certain community activities. There were bi-weekly meetings of parents with programs especially interesting to them, and visits to the homes of the pupils were also a part of their work. Three teachers had charge of the school at first, Professor J. P. S. Neligh being principal. The first building included a kitchen, dining room, laundry, manual training rooms, office, library, music room, model bed room, museum, etc. Various fittings were made by pupils. A garden and a playground were also provided. The average age of the pupils in the day session was ten years and all ages were represented in the night school, from children to men and women approaching sixty years. Truancy was almost unknown as interest of the pupils and the work was keen. The establishment of this institution was said by the school officials to be due "largely" to George Foster Peabody. It received great publicity and requests from all over the United States were made regarding it. For three years the Primary Industrial was conducted under adverse conditions in the adopted factory boarding house. In 1914 a large resi- dence was bought at the corner of Eighteenth street and First avenue for $10,000, and the school was given permanent quarters there. More than two hundred pupils were enrolled that year and the scope of activities increased. With the growth of the school system at large which included the establishment of grammar schools nearer the factory communities, and a broadening of the manual training work in the grammar grades, the Pri- mary Industrial began to lose its distinguishing features. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

TWENTIETH CENTURY EXPANSION 23 5

For some years the pupils had shown marked desire for advanced academic subjects. As the need became more evident the literary courses were introduced. In 1912, the name of that institution was changed to the North High- lands school, as the curriculum was more standardized. Two years later additional property was purchased adjacent the school lot and a brick building erected, the frame house being located south of the new structure. This new school was named the McIlhenny grammar school in honor of John McIlhenny and Bernice McIlhenny, his wife, who had been largely responsible for the establishment of the system. The curriculum of the new school was made to conform with others of the system, though special classes were continued in the frame building. This latter was used until about 1914, when the special features were abol- ished and the space used for overflow classes from the main structure. Though the success of the Primary was immediately apparent to those who were most interested in it, there was some disappointment because of the fact that more of the pupils did not complete the courses, and because there was not more interest in the matter of higher education. In the same way it was found that a large percent of pupils were leav-. ing the grammar schools in other sections of the city to take unimportant positions, calling for little or no training. It was considered that the annual influx of untrained workers in an industrial community was bad not only for the young people themselves but would eventually mean a low standard of work in the industries. Since the introduction of manual training courses in the school the interest of that class of pupils had increased to a marked extent and it soon became evident that to serve the people and the community in the greatest way would be to establish a school, higher than the grammar grades that would support a curriculum of special advantage to those who expected to take up industrial or commercial work. At first it was hoped that the more advanced school would take a large part of its enrollment from the Primary Industrial but this idea was soon abandoned. Upon its organization the former was planned for supple- mentary and more enlarged courses to which those in the manual training department of the grammar schools would be introduced. Under this arrangement a program for the school began to take shape. By 1905 it was in the form of concrete plans. Under the leadership of President Gunby Jordan of the board of trustees these plans were pushed to an immediate execution. He and his son, Curtis Jordan, donated a tract of land two and a half acres in a newly developed section in the north of the city, and George Foster Peabody with others became interested in the building itself. Superintednent Gibson was induced by the board to make a trip through the north with a view to investigation of industrial institutions upon which the local school might be patterned. He was accompanied by www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

236 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

Mr. Jordan. Upon their return Mr. Gibson presented plans based upon the observation and operation of various institutions, but no school of the type desired in Columbus had been found. Points were gained at numbers of places but it was left for the city to originate a municipally controlled public school for secondary industrial education. On June 22, 1905, the cornerstone of the new building was laid and many notables were present for the occasion, including the governor of Georgia and the. dean of Teachers College of Columbia University in New York City. To finance the building the city appropriated $1 5,O 00 and was instructed to borrow an equal amount. A five mill tax was levied, and a large number of donations were received from local and other industries in the form of equipment, etc., besides certain monetary gifts from wealthy friends of the system. The power for the operation of the various shops and departments was promised by the local electric and power company, and since that time has always been a factor in the operation of the vocational classes. The machinery for the various departments was given by local and other industrial plants. The equipment of the domestic science department was furnished by the Straus! brothers, Oscar, Isador and Nathan, former citizens of Columbus. Among the larger financial donations were the following: George Foster Peabody, $1 0,000 ; John McIlhenny, $5,0 00 ; G. Gun- by Jordan and Curtis Jordan, $5,00O;Fred A. Vietor, of New York, $1,000. Through the Slater fund, offwhich Dr. Wallace Butterick was agent, an appropriation of $300 for the first year was secured, and promises of $250 for the second year. By October 1, 1906, the building was completed and on December 10 following, the school opened. Six teachers were in charge of the classes and by the beginning of January nearly a hundred pupils had enrolled. The new school provided' courses to include besides certain academic requirements, forging, blacksmithing, machine work, carpentry, pattern making, a complete textile department, various laboratories, commercial courses, typewriting, dress making, domestic science and millinery. The Secondary Industrial School was successful from* the first. In 1912 its name was changed to the Industrial High School in order to dispel any erroneous ideas'that might connect it with the Primary Indus- trial school. During that year the Conservation Exposition was held in Knoxville, Tenn., and Columbus was invited to send an exhibition of the industrial work done in the schools here. So much attention was attracted and inquiries so frequently made concerning the Industrial High School, that Dr. P. P. Claxton, head of the www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

TWENTIETH CENTURY EXPANSION 237

United States department of education requested Superintendant' R. B. Daniel of the schools to furnish a survey of the industrial development in Columbus education, which would be published by the national government. Upon the issuing of the bulletins Columbus suddenly found herself famous. Inquiries were had from all over the country, and editorial com- ments of congratulation and approval appeared in papers in; all sections. The schools were written in magazines and in many educational works during that time. In 1912 the value' of the building and equipment was placed at $100,000. The book fee for pupils living in the city was placed at $5 and an additional charge of $1 5 per year was made for non-residents. County and city pupils are allowed to pay the same tuition now, and non-resident fees have been raised to $30. For a few years the classes were conducted six days a week. Later this was changed and Saturday left free as in other schools except in the case of pupils whose work was not up to the required standard during the week. Pupils were also permitted to use the departments on Saturday for any personal work they might want to do. The session was fixed to begin with the first Monday in September and to close with the Friday nearest July fifteenth. The entire course was to include three years. Each day's session was longer than that of the regulat' High School. 1n'this way practically the same time was covered in three years that the academic high school required in four years. The teachers received larger salaries on account of the longer term. Since that time there has been very little change in the courses offered. Certain academic subjects are required and pupils may choose the line of industrial occupation they desire. One half of each day is spent in vocational training. All departments are inter-related as nearly as the subjects will allow. At first no foreign languages were taught, but due to entrance requirements of certain technological institutions, and because many desired to pursue their training further, a course was introduced for those pupils. Only those expecting to attend colleges are allowed to take it, It has been the policy of the school officials to add such courses'to the curriculum of the Industrial High School, as might better fit the boys and girls of Columbus to be more skilled workers in the various lines of industry in the city. The introduction of new subjects is always based on the local demand. Some six years ago1 the course in applied electricity was made a part of the curriculum and two years ago a course in agriculture was inaugurated. A large number of pupils are enrolled in both classes. During the World War this institution suffered with other schools in the system, but in 1917 was quick to benefit by the passage by Congress of the Smith-Hughes law, whereby financial aid was rendered to certain www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

23 8 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

vocational classes through federal and state funds. Through that provision a third of the salaries of specially trained teachers was to be paid by the state and federal funds, when the ~upilsof classes devoted half of each day to actual vocational work, and half of the remaining time was spent in classes allied to such training. The remaining fourth of the day was to be devoted to ~urelyacademic courses. At present the Industrial High School receives about $3,260 from this source. In 1920 when the Georgia compulsory education law was enacted provisions had to be made for an increased enrollment at the Industrial school as the age of entrance there had; been fixed at 14 years and the state law fixed the maximum age limit for school attendance at 18 years. From that time down to the present there has been a constantt growth in attendance. The last report of that institution shows 514 ~upilsenrolled. The building and site is valued at $1 50,000 and the equipment at $3 1,s 8 1.34. There are 20 teachers, eight men and twelve women. The principal is F. P. Bradford, who took charge in 1920. There is being completed now an addition in! the rear of the main building. When finished it will have cost about $22,000 and will provide for the textile department and machine shops. More space will thus be released in the main building for academic subjects. This is in line with the original plans of the institution which called for a large central structure to contain certain offices and classrooms for the academic subjects, while auxiliary buildings would! be used to house the various shops and industrial departments. A source of great satisfaction to those interested in the Industrial High School is the success after graduation of pupils of the institution. Positions are readily offered by local concerns and it is said the commercial department furnishes the best stenographers obtainable in the city. Each year many of' the graduates have positions before they complete their course. In such cases a part of their commercial class work is allowed to be dropped so that they may work after school hours. The records made in industrial occupations and also in the technological institutions attended by pupils from the Industrial High School are also evidences of the high grade of work done there, and of the interest taken by the pupils in the opportunities offered. With a white industrial population of more than 12,000 this school has a great source from which to draw and develop material. There are a hundred industrial plants in the community in which the pupils may become interested. To turn out better, happier citizens and more skilled workers is the aim of this institution. At the same time during the early years of the twentieth century the schools here began to take marked interest in the child of pre-school age, and the kindergartens were begun. In attending' to the needs of the child of pre-school age, Columbus www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

TWENTIETH CENTURY EXPANSION 239

has been a leader in the Southeast as well as in Georgia, not only from the standpoint of the children but from that of trained leaders. The first kindergarten in Georgia was begun here in April 1895 largely through the influence of Judge and Mrs. George C. Duy. In October, 1895, Miss Edith Woodruff and Miss Winifred Bar- low of Louisville, Ky., were secured to put the movement on its feet. Be- sides teaching the children they organized a training class for kindergarten teachers. They were graduates of the Louisville Free Kindergarten Train- ing School and used it as the model on which to base the local institution. The first class was graduated in 1897 and some of the members took charge of local classes. Miss Martha Backus, a graduate of that class was supervisor here two years, following which sheiwent to Savannah and established the kindergartens there, later becoming Mrs. T. P. Waring who is known throughout the state as a leading club woman. With Miss Addie Mason she conducted the kindergartens and training class here from 1897-1 899. Miss Jessie Burnett, now Mrs. P. J. Williams, succeeded her and held that position for a year, following which Miss Edwina Wood took. charge and was kindergarten supervisor until 1921 when she was succeeded by Miss Ruby Willingham who is the present head of the1 kindergarten department in the schools. Due to her long and sincere interest in the education of the pre-school child and because of other outstanding public affairs in which Miss Wood was concerned, she was made a member of the local board of education in 1921. She was the first woman in the state to hold such an honor. Mrs. Waring, mentioned above, was soon after placed on the Chatham board of education, and Mrs. Nunnally Johnson of this city elected to fill another vacancy on the Columbus board. It will be seen that Columbus women have the priority over others of the state in holding executive education positions. The Columbus training class for kindergarten teachers has furnished instructors ins many cities in Georgia and other states as well, some of them being as follows: Atlanta, Athens, LaGrange, Griffin, Marietta, Thomasville, Darien, Shack, Newnan, Augusta, Savannah, and Porterdale in Georgia, and Phenix City, Girard, and Dadeville, in Alabama. Many members of the class have gone to other localities to become leaders in educational and club work. As a corporation the Free Kindergarten association was later organized in Columbus and allowed to raise funds for its operation. Kinder- gartens were established at points all over the city and were particularly welcome in the factory districts where the long hours required by the parents for mill work necessitated very little home training for the children. The headquarters of the' association were located in a small building in the Linwod section of the city. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

240 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

In April, 1905, the first public school kindergarten for white children was introduced in the East Highlands school here. For about two years kindergartens had been operated in the negro schools, the salaries of teachers being paid by George Foster Peabody. Miss Edwina Wood conducted the East Highlands class as an experiment which turned out so successfully that by the following fall free kindergartens were introduced in all of the grammar schools. The salaries of the teachers were paid by the Free Kindergarten association, as state funds were not allowed to be used for children under the school age of six years. Soon afterward, however, provision was made to relieve the association of this expense. With the establishment of free kindergartens in the grammar schooh of the city, eventually the main purpose of the association was absorbed by the public school system, and the activities of the association were changed to serve other purposes. It is now operating under the name of the Good- will Industries. The presidents who have had charge of the association since its organization follow : Judge G. C. Duy, Mrs. Sol Sarling, Mrs. E: L. Wells, Mrs. E. P. Di~mukes,Mrs. J. T. Fletcher. The course requires two years for completion, a large part of the time being spent in actual work among the kindergartens. The supervisor conducts the theoretical courses, and the members of the class are called to apply these theories in practice among the kindergartens of the city. In addition to the industrial and kindergarten expansion three new grammar school buildings were erected on Rose Hill, Seventh street, and East Highlands. At that time the Columbus schools were receiving attention from educators all over the country and numerous articles appeared in widely circulated periodicals. The United States government issued a bulletin describing the success of the industrial innovations. The first years of the twentieth century were not featured by any spectacular local happenings other than usual in a growing southern city, but the appreciation of heroism by the general public was illustrated by the erection of a monument to a brave negro whose unselfish; thoughtfulness had cost him his life. City Engineer Robert L. Johnson was directing excavations for sewers on Eleventh street' for the Chamber of Commerce building when a ditch which-he was inspecting, caved in and buried him. One of his laborers, Bragg Smith by name, attempted to save him but was killed in the effort. Shortly afterward Columbus, citizens erected a marble shaft above Smith's grave with the following inscription: "Erected by the City of Columbus, to mark the last resting place of Bragg Smith, who died September 30, 1903, at the age of 32 in the heroic but fruitless effort to rescue the City Engineer from a caving excavation on www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

TWENTIETH CENTURY EXPANSION 24 1

Eleventh Street." and also, "Greater love hath no man' than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Columbus is said to be the only city in the United States where the local government has erected a monument to a negro. In 1902 Col. Mark H. Blanford died. He had been conspicuous in the Southern Army, and also served in the Confederate Congress. He was wounded so severely during the early part of the war, that one of his arms had to be amputated and he was consequently retired from active duty. On his return to Columbus he was elected to represent this district in the Confederate Congress where he served with distinction. After the war he resumed his law practice until the time of his deathland was widely known for his abilities. He succeeded M. J. Crawford as one of the associate justices of the State Supreme court in 1872: On October 28, 1905, Congressman Thomas W. Grimes died. He had been active in the reconstruction era, having been made a member of the state legislature when the negroes were ousted in 18 68. From 18 86- 1892, he representated this district in the United States Congress, and it was largely through personal friendship for him that President Harrison had established in Columbus the branch of the Federal circuit court. Congressman Grimes was one of the first lawyers in this city to be admitted to practice in the United States court in Columbus. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

CHAPTER XVI

Hydro-Electric Developments

HE introduction of hydro-electricity as a motive power for manufacturing enterprises during the early years of the twentieth century presaged one of the most spectacular advances in the industrial interests of Columbus. In 1890 the local press brought out the possibilities of the Chattahoochee river as a source of water power, and during the next ten years, some of the leading citizens took it upon themselves to advertise the situation among northern and eastern capitalist circles with a view 01 attracting financial interest to this city. During 1902 the Columbus Power Company dam was completed in the North Highlands section, and it was designed to furnish some 12,000 horse power. At that time the Eagle and Phenix dam supplied 4,000 horse power for that concern and the City Millsf ran its plant with 2,000 horse power developed by its dam. The City Mills built a new dam in 1908. Mr. G. Gunby Jordan in a recent address before the Rotary club of Columbus gave an intimate account of the early history of hydro-electricity in this city. He said: "In 1898 it was my good fortune to be intimately associated with Mr. John Hill, the mechanical engineer of the Eagle and Phenix Mills. Mr. Hill will be recalled by some ofiyou as the father of Mr. Perry Hill and Mrs. John Martin of the city, and was by nature one of the most gifted men in mechanics and the allied arts that I ever 'met. It was the inspiration from him that caused me first to undertake to corral the properties out of which grew the North Highlands dam. "The first purchase was the Rock Island paper mill property which was the keynote to the situation. After obtaining the various properties necessary and the riparian rights we associated Major John F. Hanson, of Macon, with us in this project and, in turn all three of us invited H. M. Comer, of the Central of Georgia Railroad, to join us. Unfortunately, Mr. Hill died under an operation before we began operations and Mr. E. T. Comer, late president of the Bibb, succeeded to his interests. It was rather a bold venture for four amateurs to undertake to make this development. Mr. Whitner, of South Carolina, became the chief engineer and, luckily for us, Mr. W. S. Lee, now president of the Southern Power Company of the www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

HYDRO-ELECTRIC DEVELOPMENTS 243

Carolinas, was his assistant and There is a Man. He always lived up to expectations. He has continued to do so and is one of the South's most progressive developers. "In the light of this moment it seems a small beginning what at that time appeared rather gigantic, but it was probably the very best successful commercial hydro-electric development in the Southern States and one of the very few first in the United States. It also is true that, in all proba- bility, the Columbus Manufacturing Company is the first in history of any pretensions which was operated exclusively by hydro-electric power, lighted by the same development, and began operations in a new field. "In due course of time owing to the foresight of our lamented friend, Mr. George J. Baldwin, this property became a Stone and Webster corporation. It had only 7,000 K. W. for the public as 1,000 K. W. had been reserved by perpetual lease to the Bibb Manufacturing Company. It was a lucky thing for Columbus that this change occurred then and there. The capacity and opportunity have grown now to where the Columbus Electric and Power Company operate 80,000 horse-power and have splendid opportunity for increasing this as the end is not yet. The field then was not very wide, part of the electric lighting and the car system of Columbus. Today, the field of operations extend from Newnan, Georgia, nearly to the Florida line and embraces a territory of 12,000 square miles, a territory equal to the state of Massachuesetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Why shouldn't we be proud of our connection with this organization? "Hydro-electric developments in the South are not only adding im- mensely to its tax values, and furnishing reliable services for all the needs of man, but is creating at each one of these new developments beautiful and artistic artificial lakes which afford pleasure and improve the scenery and conserve the water. Representatives from our household are now soundly praising Lake Harding, Lake Burton and Lake James, all modern, all unknown to the geographies of a few years ago. "On July 1, 1926, 1,220,000 hydro-electric horsepower was under li- cense for operation which is 40 per cent, more than the previous five yearsJ accomplishments. Each day sees the public investing $5,000,000 in public utility securities. This gives an idea of the company we keep. Let us join in with hands of co-operation so that the Columbus Electric and Power Company will lead all the rest." The year 1906 witnessed the publication of a review of the water power situation in this state by B. M. and M. R. Hall which the United States Government put out under the title of "House Document No. 791, 59th Congress, 2nd Session," and in it the situation at that time was described thus: "At Columbus is the fall line, and immediately .above are located the largest falls on the river. Here a large amount of water power has been in use for many years. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

244 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

"The Developed water powers are: (1) &gle and Phenix dam, operating the Eagle and Phenix and Muscogee Mills; fall 26 feet. (2) City Mills dam, fall 9 feet; (3) Columbus Power Company's dam and tail race, fall 40 feet. The last mentioned was completed in 1902." In that same year the Columbus Power company was organized. At that time the local utilities were managed through three companies - the Gas Light company of Columbus, the Columbus Railroad company, and the Columbus Power company. They were under the supervision of Stone and Webster, Inc., of Boston, Mass. Six years later, under the direction of Stone and Webster Company the Goat Rock dam, about seventeen miles north of the city was completed. This plant was designed to furnish some 40,000 horse power. The dam is 1212 feet long with a spillway of 909% feet. In the light of the development in this line during the intervening years between 1906 and 1928 the statements made at that time proved prophetic. One historian said, "Taking all the facts into consideration, Columbus does not appear to be surpassed by any place in the South, as a most attractive point for the location of factories of all sorts." With the growth of the water power developments, the industrial plants in Columbus increased their facilities, and new ones found location here. This created a greater demand for electricity and the steam plant was soon constructed as an auxiliary to the other centers. Still, the demand increased and plans were put into operation for a big development program here, of all the utilities under the supervision of the Stone and Webster management. Mr. R. M. Harding, the present head of that corporation in Columbus, took charge of the interest here in 1919, and since that time the most marked developments have occurred. In 1922 the three utilities companies were combined under the name of the Columbus Electric and Power Company, and a large amount of stock was issued, most of it being purchased by local investors. At that time the city limits had been extended to take in additional territory, and plans wer; made for further annexations to occur in 1925. This called for an increase in both gas, street railway, and electric accomodations for the citizens and these projects consequently received

A articular attention. Meanwhile, the enlargement of industrial plants in this section of the country warranted the construction of another dam, and the Bartlett's Ferry plant was begun. It was completed in 1926--a detailed description of it follows: "At Bartlett's Ferry on the Chattahoochee river, 2 1 miles north of Columbus, is the largest hydro-electric development in West Georgia. The 150-foot dam, with its effective head of 120 feet, develops 80,000 horse-power, of which 40,000 is now in service. It was built by the Co- www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

HYDRO-ELECTRIC DEVELOPMENTS 245

lumbus Electric and Power Company at a cost of $8,000,000. "The first unit, 20,000 horse-power, was placed in service January 24, 1926, quickly followed, in February 27, by the utilization of another unit of like capacity. Since then the great plant has been running to 50 per cent of its ultimate capacity, with an enormous reserve of 40,000 horse- power, ready at any time for the call of industry. In the course of a few years all that giant power will be service, turning factory wheels in West Georgia and South Georgia. "The principal market for the Columbus Electric and Power Com- pany is Columbus, its home city, but it serves various industrial centers in West Georgia and will broaden its services as required. Its system is tied in with the distribution system of the South Georgia Power Company, a subsidiary, so that hydro-electric power, generated at the falls of the Chat- tahoochee river north of Columbus, will be available for South Georgia, also, as needed. The Columbus Electric and Power Company has built dams across the Chattahoochee at North Highlands, at Goat Rock and at Bartlett's Ferry-the last named being the greatest of the series of developments. "Bartlett's Ferry dam is at the head of back-water from the Goat Rock dam and is 21 miles north of Columbus. "The height of the dam from foundations to walkway on top is 150 feet, and the eff ective'head is 120 feet. There are 2 1 gates and four auto- matic siphons in the spillway section. "The dam is of concrete construction, with a huge earth fill on the Georgia side. It is 2,000 feet long. The spillway has a length of 600 feet, the earth section about 1,000 feet and the headworks section 100 feet. '

246 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

made commercially usable one of the great waterpowers of the South, but created a large and very interesting lake, which in its own way will make its contribution to the pleasure and joy-of-living of Columbus people, just as the big dam adds to the prosperity of the community. "Bartlett's Ferry Reservoir, to quote its original matter-of-fact de- signation, is a beautiful sheet of water, and one of the most attractive man-made lakes in the South. It has been officially named, and very appropriately, 'Lake Harding,' for R. M. Harding, the general manager of the Columbus Electric and Power Company, who has been identi- fied with this important power enterprise almost from the beginning, and who for quite a number of years has been its capable chief executive. Lake Harding is not as large as some of the other artificial bodies of water, but none is more attractive or picturesque. The setting is a country of natural scenic beauty, with high hills, at times almost mountainous, with picturesque islands and wooded shores. Into such a scene, with its perfect wealth of natural beauty, has been projected a lake with an area of nearly ten square miles, and the effect produced is charming in the extreme. Today the lake looks so natural, seems to fit into the picture so perfectly, that one could easily imagine it has been there for all time. "Lake Harding's area is 6,000 acres or 9.5 square miles. It has a shore line of 150 miles. ''The lake is in two main arms-the Chattahoochee river and Hala- waka creek. It extends up the river to the dam at Riverview, where the West Point manufacturing interests begin. The distance from Bartlett's Ferry dam to Rverview dam is 10.5 miles. "Two and a half miles above Bartlett's Ferry the Halawaka creek empties into the river. The rising waters filled the creek bottoms when the great wall at Bartlett's barred their outlet there, and today the lake extends up Halawaka creek a distance of 6.5 miles. Thus Lake Harding has a total length, including its two prongs, of 17 miles. = "The possibilities of the Lake Harding region as an ideal place for summer homes were sensed quite early and as Columbus people have become still better acquainted with the lake, its shores and its islands there has been an increasing appreciation of what the locality offers in the way of beautiful landscape, pleasant temperatures both night and day, and the sheer attractiveness that the out-of-doors itself offers. "The building of quite a number of summer homes on the shores of the lake and on the islands has been planned. The power company does not sell homesites, but leases them to desirable people at a nominal consideration for a term of years. "Already there are launches on Lake Harding, and it is expected that the 'lake craft' will steadily increase with the years, for the love of water and water sports is deep-seated, and this beautiful sheet of water pro~isesto become, for Columbus people, an ever-increasing factor of pleasure and enjoyment." www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

HYDRO-ELECTRIC DEVELOPMENTS 247

In 1926, the local utilities company took over the plants under the management of the South Georgia Power Company. Mr. Harding was made president of the new company and Mr. Wayne Patterson who had been connected with the Columbus organization for several years was made local manager with headquarters at Albany, Georgia. The new campany brought into the Columbus system the following factors : Horse Power Flint Steam Plant ...... 9,000 Albany Steam Auxiliary ...... 1,90 0 Credille Dam ...... 2,240 Whitewater Dam ...... 555 Americus Steam ...... 1,225 Other Steam Plants ...... 2,000 At present, a review shows that the towns served by the Columbus Electric and Power Company and the South Georgia Power Company are as follows: Columbus, Hogansville, Trimble, Albany, Butler, Cordele, DeSoto, Lenox, Meigs, Pelham, Poulan, Shellman, Sylvester, Unadilla, West Point, Newnan, Moreland, Americus, Cobb, Cuthbert, Flintside, Leslie, Montezuma, Perry, Putney, Smithville, Tifton, Vienna, LaGrange, Grant- ville, Raymond, Baconton, Cochran, Dawson, Leesburg, Marshallville, Ocilla, Pinehurst, Reynolds, Sumter, TyTy. In addition-to the plants listed above the Columbus Electric and Power company, before the merger, operated the following: Horse Power Bartlett's Ferry ...... 80,000 Goat Rock ...... 40,000 North Highlands ...... 12,000 City Mills ...... 400 Columbus Steam Auxiliary ...... 12,000 A recent review of the developments of the water power industry was made as follows: "The student of industrial development would be greatly interested in the peculiar relationship between the growth of textiles and other lines

rn-P PP wqr *nxxr~~,~n-h :r\CJrr--- in Columbus and the development of hy&, vivrba1 + rb ' yv vr rs ba~~.ll~~~~uc.~~~.- ing the other to a marked degree. Columbus was located a century ago in the full consciousness that a city at the head of navigation and at the foot of the great shoals system would be of immense strategic importance. "Many years ago, before our present electrical developments had begun, pioneers at Columbus predicted that the falls of the river here www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

248 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

would be turning a million spindles. That condition is true today, there being more than a million spindles operating in the Chattahoochee Valley. Columbus, with 18 textile enterprises, has more than half a million of these spindles and, therefore, ranks as the second textile city of the South. West Point, LaGrange, Hogansville, Grantville and Newnan bring the total spindlage to above a million. "In Columbus the number of spindles has quadrupled each 25 years, a tremendous period of growth following the completion of each major electric power project. The exacting requirements of the textile industry, which has predominated as a consumer of power, have so influenced the developments of the Columbus Electric and Power Company that its power service today is notable throughout the country for the dependa- bility and uniformity so necessary to the succesful operation of textile machinery. And this very characteristic has made possible a larger and a more substantial development of the textile industry. "The advantiges that have been developed in meeting the requirements of the textile industry have also been a great factor in various other lines of industry requiring power. It is a peculiarity of the industries of Columbus that practically every one of them has been developed from modest beginnings in steadily progressive stages. The power service was necessarily kept ahead of these stages. Some of these plants which began in a very small way are today among the largest in the world, and products of Columbus industries are sold in every market where there is any established barter and trade. "The textile industry, with its payroll of nearly $23,000,000 per year, has always been, and always will be, a big factor in Columbus, but there have been equally large and outstanding developments in the manufacture of steel, iron, wood and clay products. . ' "The expansion of the Columbus Electric and Power Company over an area of 10,000 square miles of Southwest Georgia has opened a wide range of natural resources to development. In this company's territory is already located one of the South's largest cement plants, and in another section served by our lines is developing a project for the manufacture of cement. Within the last year one large limestone quarry has been opened, and still another is in process of formation. In Randolph County, during the past year, there has been discovered that what was considered a very good commercial lime prospect really is an enormous deposit of travertine of a beauty and quality equal to that brough from Italy. One of the outstanding developments of the past few months has been steps to bring into production this deposit of travertine. "In various other parts of the section served by the lines diversified developments are coming into notice. Because of the wonderful produc- tivity of soils, a considerable amount of attention is now being given to the development of food packing plants. The Campbell's Soup Company is building a plant at Cairo, and it has just been announced that the Van www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

HYDRO-ELECTRIC DEVELOPMENTS 249

Camp Company has bought property at Richland. Swift & Company are now operating a very large packing plant at Moultrie, and Armour & Company have a large packing plant at Tifton, which is not now in operation, but is to be reopened when production reaches a point where this can be economically operated. Citizens of this territory are rapidly becoming aware of the enormous wealth that can be produced by intensive development of agriculture, and are making definite and effective moves to this end. "There are a great many industrial opportunities in the territory reached by the lines of the Columbus Electric and Power Company that may be approached through the development department of the company or through county-wide chambers of commerce that have been set up with the co-operation of this company. "Within the last two years the Columbus Electric and Power Company completed undertakings of approximately nine million dollars. At the present time the company is engaged in the installation of an additional tur- bine at Bartlett's Ferry at a cost of $850,000. It has just been announced that the company is planning future developments above West Point looking to further increases of power supply and also to control of flood waters. It was stated that the first of a series of dams has been tentatively located, and that preliminary estimates indicate the cost of this first unit will be about ten million dollars. "The Bartlett's Ferry dam and power station represent seven and a half million dollars of the nine million-dollar program completed within the last two years. The remaining million and a half is represented by new lines and expansions in the Southwest Georgia territory of the South Geor- gia Power Company and in connecting that subsidiary with the power developments on the Chattahoochee river at Columbus. "The largest single item of the Southwest Georgia program was the construction of the 110,000-volt transmission line from Columbus to the present lines at Americus, a distance of approximately 61 miles, where a big outdoor type-station was erected. ('In addition to the line from Columbus to Arnericus, the South Georgia Power Company is building a 44,000-volt line from Americus to the White-Water Power Plant near Montezuma, and continues on to Mar- shallville, Perry and Cochran. From Albany a 44,000-volt line extends through Sasser to Dawson; from there an 1 1,000-volt line serves Shellman and Cuthbert, with a future connection west to the Credille hydro-electric plant near Fort Gaines. "Another 44,000-volt extension is being used from Tifton to Ocilla. Vienna, Pinehurst and Unadilla are served by a 11,000-volt line from Cordele. Reynolds and Butler will receive sewice from an extension of the 11,000-volt line from Whitewater to Potterville. "Hamilton, Chipley and Greenville are served by 11,000-volt lines built by the Columbus Electric and Power Company, and an extension is www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

250 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS. GEORGIA

now being constructed from Hamilton to Woodland, Shiloh and Talbotton. "The Columbus Electric and Power Company and its subsidiary, the South Georgia Power Company, render power and lighting service at uniform rates to approximately forty counties in West, Central and South- west Georgia. "The two companies now have in service, or are constructing a total of 608 miles of high tension power lines. The Columbus company has

1 15 miles of 1 10,O 0 0-volt transmision lines and 6 8 miles of ' 1 1,O 00-volt lines. The South Georgia Power Company has now in operation 201 miles of transmission power lines, and is completing the construction of 224 more additional miles, including 63 miles of 110,000-volt lines to Americus, 9 miles of 44,000-volt and 66 miles of 1 1,000-volt lines. "The Columbus company has six sources of power in the Columbus district, including the steam auxiliary plant here, and is connected with the other companies composing what is known as the super-power zone, and through Columbus extends this protection to the territory of the South Georgia Power Company. The latter company has three hydro power stations and several stand-by steam plants. "The importance of this development in the future of South Georgia can hardly be comprehended without considerable thought, nor can the development of South Georgia be disassociated from the future of Colum- bus. The smallest place in this territory has been taken out of the country town class with respect to its electric and power service and has been put on a metropolitan footing, with the strong appeal this advantage makes for industrial expansion and general progress. The industrial man who might fight shy of a small town plant, with its inadequacies and uncertainty of future supply, will have a different view when the resources of so many great companies back the power claims of the small place. "During the year 1926 the electric plants of the Columbus Electric and Power Company delivered approximately 240 million kilowatt hours of power. Some days since the Bartlett's Ferry dam was put in service t'he company has turned out a million kilowatt hours a day. The company could turn out a million and a half kilowatt hours without the use of its steam reserve plant, so that there is an abundance of power to meet the needs of this new territory." One of the most forward looking of Columbusy citizens and one who was a great power in the early development of this phase of the city's growth died in 1908-He was the Hon. Louis F. Garrard. Mr. Garrard was born in Columbus in 1847 and at the age of sixteen joined the Confederate army with the Nelson Rangers engaging in several battles and was commended for gallantry by Gen. Stephen D. Lee. After the war he continued his legal education at Harvard University. For several terms he represented this county in the Legislature and was Speaker of the House during the term of 18 82- 18 83. As a lawyer he represented large interests and took part in many noted cases. He was responsible www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

HYDRO-ELECTRIC DEVELOPMENTS 25 1

for a large part of the success of the local utilities company. Among the first industries to take advantage of the power generated on the river here, and to locate in Columbus is the Meritas Mills, established in 191 1. This corporation is owned and operated by the Standard Textile Products Company of New York and manufactures drills, duck, sheeting, a special kind of imitation leather for automobile upholstering, and a fabric for wall covering. When the Meritas Mills was established 9900 spindles and 170 looms were put into operation. Since that time the plant has been enlarged several times and now runs 64,000 spindles and 1360 looms. Other industries already here have increased from year to year, and it is a significant fact, of which Columbus is justly proud that there has never been a factory failure or strike in the city. In 1909 the Eagle and Phenix Mills began to generate electricity for lighting their own plant and were the first in the world to do so. In this way the mills were enabled to keep the machinery in operation both night and day, and as a consequence, greatly increase the output. Meanwhile the transportation lines increased. The railroads built additional facilities and river navigation continued to flourish. In 1910 the United States census showed Columbus' population at 20,554. With other improvements the school system was called upon to increase its influence and equipment. Under the management of the school board the Carnegie public library was completed in 1907. The Columbus public library built in 1907 resulted from interest that began two years after the schools were put in operation in 1867. The minutes of the board of trustees for March 23, 1869 record that a "valuable collection of shell and other minerals" could be purchased at $200. However, through the manipulation for one of the board members this price was reduced and on April 13 they were secured for the schools at a cost of $175. This was the nucleus of the school library and museum collection. Donations were made from time to time of books and curios. In 1875 the library of the Mechanical and Scientific association, recently disbanded, was put up for sale at auction and through Col. W. L. Salisbury of the board of trustees it was purchased. There were about three hundred volumes in this collection. They, with other books and the curios which had been obtained, were kept in one of the office rooms at the Boy's School at Tenth street and Second avenue. This collection with a subscription library which the citizens of Co- lumbus supported were combined in 1907 upon the completion of the present Carnegie building, and the library as now existing was begun. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

2 52 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

The subscription library was started about 1896. Mrs. Nina Hol- stead was librarian and the rooms were located on Eleventh street over the office of the "Enquirer-Sun?'. When the new Episcopal church was built a few years afterward, the library was moved to the abandoned church building which was located across the street from the present structure of the church. After a number of years, owing to lack of subscriptions, and the conqquent lack of support, the library was discontinued and the books turned over to the Columbus high school of which Mr. Marshall Morton was principal. A few years later in 1907, $30,000 was obtained from the Carnegie library fund. This amount was to be used for a library building, the city obligating itself to support the library yearly with ten per cent of the appropriation. The lot on which the building was erected was contributed by the city and George Foster Peabody donated $300 toward improving the grounds. For a number of years the city appropriated the $3,000 which was pledged in 1907, but later the amount was increased to $7,000, part of this including fees collected at the desk. This is the sole support of the library at the present time, there being no endowment. Upon the organization of the library as it now is, the city council appointed the board of school trustees to act as trustees for the library. Mrs. Nina Holstead was made librarian, to be assisted by Mrs. C. L. Gordy. The books from the subscription library and those in the high school collection formed the nucleus of the new collection. The library was formally opened October 15, 1907, the exercises being held in the lecture hall. At that time G. Gunby Jordan was president of the board of trustees and Carlton B. Gibson, school superintendent. Both made addresses on this occasion. In 1917 Mrs. Holstead resigned and Mrs. Gordy was elected librarian, having meanwhile taken library courses at Columbia University in New York. Miss Loretto Chappell was made assistant and a few years later Miss Frances Daniel was added to the force. In 1923 Misses Chappell and Daniel resigned, and Misses Mildred Daniel and Marion Munro were elected their successors. Featuring the work of the library is its co-operation with the English departments of the schools in Columbus, particularly those of the two high schools. Another feature is the weekly story hour conducted by the juvenile department during the school session. Large numbers of children throughout the city and the county take advantage of the opportunity to hear the stories told. Only the best children's literature is included in these weekly hours of entertainment, which are held in the library auditorium. The juvenile department has also sponsored the organization of the ChildrenJs Reading Club. Small notebooks are furnished the children in www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

HYDRO-ELECTRIC DEVELOPMENTS 253

which they write the title and author of the books read, and also their appreciation of the work. Special arrangements are also made with summer vacationists who like to keep up with the best thoughts. To encourage this, members leaving the city are allowed the privilege of taking as many books as desired to be kept during the vacation period. The last annu-a1 report of the library which was published in August showed an issue of 64,522 books during the year. The total numbers of volumes was given at 25,950, more than a thousand having been obtained during the fear. Six newspapers and 56 magazines were reported as being on the regular subscription list. The total registration was given at 11,800. For several years Muscogee county gave $100 a month to the support of the library, and residents of the county and Fort Benning were given library privileges. However, it was found to be illegal and discontinued. The board of trustees continued to give residents of the county and Fort Benning the privileges of the library, however. The books and periodicals of the library are chosen through a committee of the board appointed for that purpose." The Fifth Avenue school for the negroes, a large brick building which accomodates the higher classes, was completed during this period of the city's growth. The death of Judge John H. Martin in 19 1 1 was the occasion of much regret and sadness among the citizens of Columbus. The following memorial of Judge Martin will be found on record in the office of the Clerk of the Superior Court: "Judge John Henry Martin, the son of John Catlett Martin and Mary Letitia (Leonard) Martin, was born in Talbot County, Georgia, on a farm, December 23, 1848; and he died in the City of Columbus, Georgia, on September 30, 191 1, from an apoplectic stroke. He was buried in Linwood Cemetery at Columbus, Georgia. "Me left six daughters: Mrs. J. H. McGehee, of Talbotton, Georgia; Mrs. A. W. Cozart, of Columbus, Georgia; Mrs. Holmes Frederick, of Atlanta, Georgia; Mrs. Dana Brown, of St. Petersburg, Florida (now Mrs. C. K. Mahone); Miss Ruth Martin, of Columbus, Georgia, (now .Mrs. Persons Dozier); and Mrs. W. A. Scarborough, of St. Petersburg, Florida. The first four children were by his first wife, who was Miss Caroline Oslin; and the last two daughters were by his second wife, who was Miss Elizabeth Toole, of LaGrange, Georgia. His last wife died September 20, 191 1, just ten days before his death. ('He read law in Talbotton and was there admitted to the bar. He formed a partnership for the practice of law at Talbotton with his cousin, Hon. James H. Worrill, a most brilliant and popular criminal lawyer who was Solicitor-General of the Chattahoochee Circuit. This partnership was dissolved when Judge Martin was elected Judge of that Circuit. Before he was elected Judge, he represented Talbot County one term in the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of Georgia. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

254 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS. GEORGIA

"Upon the death of ex-Governor James Milton Smith who was at that time Judge of the Superior Courts of the Chattahoochee Circuit, Judge Martin was elected by the General Assembly to fill out the unexpired term. He held the office for about two years and at the expiration of the term, formed a partnership for the practice of law at Columbus, Georgia, with Hon. John Peabody, Judge William H. Brannon and Hon. Samuel B. Hatcher, which partnership continued until the death of Mr. Peabody; then Brannon, Hatcher & Martin practiced law until Mr. Hatcher retired from the firm; and then the firm of Brannon & Martin continued until the death of Judge Brannon. When Judge William A. Little resigned as Judge of the Chattahoochee Circuit, Governor Hoke Smith appointed Judge Martin to fill the vacancy but he resigned the office at the expiration of about one year. "His accurate knowledge of the law and his amplitude of such knowledge, his sound judgment, his skill as a pleader, his wonderful ability as a cross-examiner of witnesses, his unceasing and untiring industry, his high character, and his rule not to represent a cause unless it was just, made him one of the best and most successful lawyers who ever practiced in this State. "His arguments were close, concise, clear and convincing. He was in no sense an orator. He never made occasional addresses. His style was not flowery or ornate, witty or humorous, pathetic or tender-it was simply logical. "He was an incorruptible and firm but not a stern judge; he dispatched business and withal he was a terror to evil-doers. Not many of the cases tried by him were carried to appellate courts and very few of his decisions which were reviewed were reversed. "During the last ten years of his life he represented about one-half of all of the large estates which were administered upon in Columbus; and he was attorney on one side or the other of nearly every one of the more important cases tried in the Chattahoochee Circuit or in the United States Court in the Western Division of the Northern District of Georgia during the last ten years which he devoted to the practice of law. "He was counsel in only one case (Columbus Water Works Company vs The City of Columbus) in the Supreme Court of the United States. This case went to that Court twice and was finally won by his client, the City. It is said that Chief Justice John Marshall argued only one case in that Court and he lost it. "Judge Martin never attended school after he was sixteen years old, nevertheless he acquired much learning. He learned Latin and assisted his children with their Latin lessons when they attended High Schools. He was a mathematical genius. He was one of the most widely and wisely read men at the Columbus Bar. He was a master of nearly every branch of the law, and especially of the more profound and difficult subjects. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

HYDRO-ELECTRIC DEVELOPMENTS 255

Dickens was his favorite author. "Judge Martin was five feet and seven and one-half inches high j he had brilliant gray eyes set deep in his head-Bleckley-like; his hair was dark brown and very fine-not as brown as Schiller's; his head was well shaped and he wore a 6 7-8 hat. His temper was high to hotness and the element of fear was not in his make-up; and he was never known to act from motives of policy. Honesty constituted a very large part of his religion. He seemed to hate a dishonest man more than any other being. He never told coarse or vulgar stories, did not enjoy them, and did not willingly listen to them. He was as pure in life as Toombs, Calhoun, Jackson or Benton. He could tell a lie but he would not, and, in this respect he was a better man than Washington. He was a faithful member of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, South, and a regular attendant upon its services. "Thomas Paine said, (Reputation is what men and women think us to be; character is what God and the angels know us to be.) Judge Martin's reputation and character were one and the same. He was courageous among the bravest, honest among the most honorable, pure among the chaste, and upright among the best." For many years Columbus had been known far and wide as the home of "Blind Tom7' a negro musical prodigy, who had been born a slave on the plantation of Gen. James N. Bethune. He was variously known as Thomas Greene Bethune and Thomas Wiggins. Born blind, and with a very weak mental development he showed very early a remarkable aptitude for music and after hearing a selection played once could reproduce it ac- curately on the piano. As a child his mimicry of the birds and beasts of the plantation brought his genius early to the attention of his master. For a number of years he was exhibited in various cities of this country and Europe. After playing he would usually spring up and applaud himself and he was very particular as to the piano he used. He reappeared on the stage in 1904-1905 but being difficult to manage he was soon withdrawn, his lack of intellect having developed into almost brutal insanity. He died in Hoboken, New Jersey, June 13, 1908 where he had been cared for by Mrs. Eliza Lerche. Mrs. Lerche was the widow of John G. Bethune the former master of Blind Tom. His death had already been reported on several previous instances, first, during the Johnstown Flood. The story was told in the 'sixties just after the war concerning the faithfulness of "Blind Tom's" father to General Bethune : "Immediately after a decision was rendered in Cincinnati in respect to Blind Tom in favor of General Bethune, a Yankee and a negro started for Columbus to induce Mingo, the father of Blind Tom to break his contract with General Bethune. Twelve thousand dollars in specie were offered him General Bethune. Twelve thousand dollars in specie were offered him and the money exhibited. Mingo was loath to break his engagement, and sought the advice of Mack Stewart, the pastor of the colored Methodist church in Columbus, stating to him offers made. Mack asked him if he had made a contract with General Bethune. He replied, 'yes,) and that he www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org 256 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS. GEORGIA

was more willing that his son should be with him than with any one else. '' 'Then', replied Mack, in substance, 'don't break your contract, no matter what they offer you.' And Mingo has followed the counsel." Recently Mrs. Routt Johnson Manning of Washington who was formerly Miss Georgia Routt of Columbus wrote concerning "Blind Tom" in a communication to one of the local papers. She said:

PUBLICLYTESTING the phenomenual gift of "Blind Tom'' in the hey- day of his career amounted to an ordeal requiring both nerve and concentration. "Before a capacity audience in the Macon, Georgia, opera house I was coerced into this predicament by insistent request from my students at the Wesleyan, as well as its president and faculty-several hundred of whom were present; compelling me to respond after Tom's managers usual invitation for 'some musician to come forward.' Finding that accept- ance was less conspicuous than further hesitancy, I smothered rising anger and went to the sacrifice, allowing myself to be seated at the piano behind the grotesque, half-idiot negro who stood facing the crowd-delightfully twisting his enormous light hands which contrasted singularly with his black face (at prospect of a new tune). "First: I was asked to test 'absolute pitch' on any part of the keyboard. I quickly dashed with both hands into a chromatic progression of intricate chords. With lightning rapidity, he named each note as struck! Never before or since have I seen anything like it. "I gave one number, then I played a novel selection for the left hand (right hand behind me). No word was spoken save the manager's ex- planations to the audience that this was something lzever before attempted. (It must be understood that no one approached the blind negro.) I expected him to imitate me with both hands according to the sound of the piece as in the others. Tom didn't. He rushed to the piano, almost push- ing me from the stool, and paralyzed us by playing it with his right hand behind him. I was so frightened at this uncanny climax I left at once. When the deafening applause ceased I was safely hidden among my college crowd of presidents, teachers and school girls. And to this day, I am wondering why 'Blind Tom' put his right hand behind him! " www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

CHAPTER XVII

The Water Works Becomes A City Property

HE story of how the water works in Columbus came to be a municipal property dates back into the early history of the city, and involves many discussions and legal procedures before the final settlement which occurred more than seventeen years ago. At first there were cisterns in the streets and pumps were used to raise the water to the desired levels. The numerous accounts of the fires occuring in Columbus before the 'fifties and the inefficiency of the system to ~rovidea sufficient pressure for use of the fire engines showed how poor that type of water supply was. Later, the Leonard or Garrard spring, east of the city, was equipped with a series of wooden pipes, and water was conducted to the homes of various residents who thought well enough of the supply to pay for it. Col. Seaborn Jones owned the spring at the time it was considered as a source of supply for the city and he proposed to sell it to Columbus. His proposition was not accepted, however. At a still later date, another system was tried which proved to be entirely inefficient. This system connected certain springs on the Alabama hills with the Columbus establishment, and for some years the old reservoir supplied what water the public copld obtain. During the first ten years of the twentieth century, the water works proposition was a very sore point with local government. The city had permitted a private concern to have charge of furnishing water, and in 1903, the supply was so poor, in both quality and volume, that a bond issue was floated by the city to provide a municipally owned system. This procedure provoked the Water Works Company to file an in- junction suit in the United States court, to prevent the city from building its own system, and for several years, the case was on the calendar. A review of the proceedings which resulted in a final victory for the city has been made as follows: The Columbus Water Works Company was a corporation, chartered for the purpose of furnishing water to the City of Columbus. It obtained its supply of water from a creek in Lee County, Alabama, some distance beyond what is known as Ingersoll's Hill, and it owned certain water pipe lines and hydrants constituting a water system throughout the City of Columbus. The company proceeded to issue bonds, and the Mercantile Trust and Deposit Company, of Baltimore, was made the Trustee for the bondholders. 257 www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

258 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA t The company entered into a contract with the City of Columbus to supply the city with pure and wholesome water for a period of thirty years but for many months prior to July 30, 1903, the company breached its contract by failing to supply the water, that is, failing to furnish pure and wholesome water; and the City of Columbus held an election for the purpose of issuing-bonds to build its own water works system, which election was practically unanimously carried in favor of bonds. On July 30, 1903, the Trustee filed a suit in the United States Court, seeking to enjoin the City of Columbus from building its own water works system. The case was referred to the Master in Chancery, Honorable Henry R. Goetchius, and after hearing much evidence he made his report, finding that the water works company had breached its contract but that in order to do equity to the bondholders of the water works company the city should be required to purchase the usuable parts of the water works system then owned by the company before the city should be permitted to build its own water works system. The city filed exceptions to this report, and Judge W. T. Newman sustained the Master in these findings. The city carried the case to the Supreme Court of the United States. Judge J. H. Martin, Honorable T. T. Miller and Honorable William A. Wim- bish, being counsel for the city, and Honorable L. I?. Garrard, of Colum- bus, Honorable Joseph Packard, of Baltimore, Maryland, and Messrs. Hall and Wimberly, of Macon, Georgia, being the council for the Mer- cantile Trust and Deposit Company, of Baltimore, Trustee, and Colum- bus Water Works Company and W. S. Greene, as Receiver thereof. While the litigation was in progress, Rgceiver W. S. Greene operated the water works plant under the direction of the court. The case was argued in the Supreme Court of the United States on November 7, 8, 19 10, and decided December 12, 19 10, just a little over a month after it was argued. The decision of the court was unamimous, and the opinion of the court was written by Mister Justice Horace H. Lurton. The court decided that the company had breached its contract and that the City of Columbus had a right to have the contract rescinded because the company had not furnished an adequate supply of wholesome water; and the court further held that the bondholders had no right and that the water works company had no right, to require the city to purchase the usable part of the water works system, and that the city could not be enjoined; and the court reversed the decree of Judge Newman and demanded the case with directions to dismiss the bill and grant the release as prayed in the cross bill. The relief prayed in the cross bill was that the court decree that the contract be rescinded. There are two excerpts which may be taken from the opinion, that may be of general interest, and the first is: "Indeed, the attitude of the city and its people towards the water company, as shown by the record, seems to have been forbearing and generousyy;and the second is: "The complaint had, beyond serious doubt, failed to make a case entitling it www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

THE WATER WORKS BECOMES A CITY PROPERTY 259 r to relief. But the court in substance said to the city that unless the city would agree to mitigate the injury and loss which must come to the credi- tors of the defaulting company by buying so much of the company's plant as the court should think adapted to use in the plant to be constructed & the city, that a decree should go for the complaint, unless it had failed to make a case entitling it to the enforcement of the contract between the company and the city. Manifestly the maxim can not vest in the - -.-.. Chancellor the power which has been exercised." The final decree in the case was entered in the Federal Court in the City of Columbus on February 4, 19 1 1, and, therefore, the case was pend- ing in the courts for more than eight years. The costs in the case amounted to more than five thousand dollars, and the final decree showed that the last item of cost paid was $2,418.75. While the amount involved was large the question of both law and fact were exceedingly few and simple. There was no question of fact because it was practically conceded that the company had breached the contract by failing to supply an abundant supply of pure and wholesome water, and the technical legal question involved would seem to be just about as plain as the question of fact involved, and, therefore, the Supreme Court of the United States acted with as much dispatch in disposing of the case as the lower court was dilatory. After the bill was dismissed by the final decree the City of Columbus, through its water commission, constructed one of the most beautiful and efficient water works plants to be found anywhere, the plant being, with its reservoir, located about two miles north of the City of Columbus on a high elevation, on the River Road, near the site of the old Clapp7s Factory. The water is pumped from the Chattahoochee River into the reservoirs, where it is filtered, and the city obtains its supply of the filtered water in great abundance and purity, by gravity, for domestic purposes, fire protection, and sanitation. Those_ interested in the famous litigation are referred to the case of City of Columbus vs. Mercantile Trust and Deposit Company, of Balti- more, Trustee, and Columbus Water Works Company and W. S. Greene, as Receiver thereof, 218 U. S. 645 (54 Law Edition 1193). Mayor Lucius H. Chappell was at the head of the affairs of the city at the time, having refused election several terms and taken the office only at the request of certain citizens who wanted to have the matter of the water works concluded. Since the city took charge of the system, Columbus has had an abundance of pure water at one of the lowest rates in the country. Some months ago, A. J. Smalshaf, assistant superintendent and chem- ist of the Columbus Water Works Company, made an address before one of the local civic clubs and reviewed the system since that time. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

260 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

Extracts from his address follow: '(There are several reasons for this unvarying plenitude of good water. First of all the source of supply, the Chattahoochee, is a stream relatively free of pollution although continually laden with the clay washed from Georgia's red hills. Other cities in our state derive their supplies from streams of nearly as good character as the Chattahoochee and in this respect are indeed fortunate for Georgia waters are markedly free from lime and magnesium salts which constitute hardness or soap-consuming power. Nearly everyone is familiar with the difficulty df using soap with hard water. Hard waters waste soap, cause boilers to scale, interfere with bleaching and dyeing of fabrics and with other operations. The very soft local water constitutes a great advantage to our mills where soft water must be had even if at a greater price, and in many hard water states the price is high while in Columbus no softening is required in our mills at all. Power company and mills officials recognize this advantage which they have over the mills where added costs are caused by hard water. "The source, then, of our water supply is very desirable, with less dissolved matter present than in any other river in the country, barring one, a relatively unimportant stream in Maine. At this point should we not remember the debt of gratitude we owe those who--some thirteen years ago-held out against considerable opposition for the Chattahoochee as a source supply. That their judgment was admirable was strikingly known during the memorable drought of September 1925, when no other of the streams within a very great distance of Columbus carried enough water to supply the city or even a very small city. How often have we seen instances of cities laboring under the handicap of an insufficient or un- desirable water supply with consequent bankruptcy to many of the business houses of the city and a steadily shrinking population. How often have we seen instance of cities voting themselves into huge indebtedness to over- come the handicap of a poor or failing water supply. In other ways the judgment of those who chose the Chattahoochee was admirable for no other stream within a reasonable distance of the city contains a water with such desirable qualities for household, boiler and textile use. "Now that we have given the Chattahoochee such a glowing tribute for quality we must hasten to explain that the job of handling it is not so

easy a thing after all. ' Indeed a continuous, unvarying control of the rather complex purification plant is very essential. Only a brief attempt will be made to describe this process with the hope that we may so arouse your interest that visits at the plant will show you what efforts are being made to insure the purity of your supply. In short, water is pumped from the Chattahoochee about four miles above Twelfth street by centrifugal pumps, motor driven, to a reservoir of 45,000,000 gallons storage capacity on the River Road. The pumps, of which there are three with a total capacity of 1 6,O 0 0,O 0 0 gallons a day, are highly efficient, particularly one purchased www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

THE WATER WORKS BECOMES A CITY PROPERTY 261

recently in which the most modern devices are incorporated and the man- ufacturer of which was required to meet a very exacting specification for efficiency which was corroborated by a test before our witness who was of mechanical engineering-at Princeton University. "After storage in the large reservoir, which is intended only for emergencies such as machinery breakdown, the water is carried to a mixing basin and agitated with a small quantity of aluminum sulphate or alum; here the action between the alum and the lime or other alkaline substance naturally present in the water produces a precipitate or, it is known to the operator, a 'floc,) which will not dissolve but falls to the bottom of a basin especially arranged for this purpose known as the coagulation basin. This floc for various chemical or electrostatic reasons which will not be explained at present, settles to the bottom of the basin enmeshing and carrying down the major part of the mud with it. You might consider this floc as being gelatinous, which it really is, and the mud as adhering to the floc and falling with it. Now remember that the floc was formed by action between the alum and the lime, that is the alum has been removed as such, so that even if it were objectionable, which it is not, there is none present after the next process which is filtration. Here a 30" layer of pure white silica sand, especially chosen for the work, removes the last traces of mud and floc. "On the way to the filtered water reservoir, which is connected to the distributing system, a very small quantity of chlorine gas is added, so little, that in the words of Professor Hulett of Princeton University, it would be necessary to drink 2 1-2 million gallons of the water to get a medicinal dose which, in actuality, is the size of the flltered water reservoir itself. Yet the chlorine gets in its work completely so that the city water is free from any objectionable bacteria whatever and due to carefully ad- justed treatment is clear and free from any objectionable chemical. Fin- ally, if we may be permitted and will be forgiven for what may seem lack of modesty, the Columbus plant has been described as the best operated plant in the State in a letter from the Chief Engineer of the State Board of Health. We pass this statement on to you because of your vital interest in your water supply, the most necessary public utility which we have. "The brief description of the purification plant just given you does not in any measure adequately describe its many details which were designed by a firm of skilled water filtration engineers. The filtration plant is a structure which has demonstrated its efficiency over a period of years due of course to excellence in its original design and its good quality of construction by a highly skilled organization of filter builders. Over the country the record of filtration plants does not show that all of them have been operating as successfully as the Columbus plant, many of them requiring revamping or reconstruction after a period of ten years or less. A well designed plant deserves care and a good quality of operation; to insure the latter result a laboratory, completely equipped for the chemical, www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

262 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

bacteriological and microscopical examination of water is mainly to insure water good for boiler and textile use and to insure efficiency and economy in the operation of the filter plant, the bacteriological equipment to insure a quality of water always fit for drinking, the microscopical equipment mainly to insure a water free of vegetable or odor. As to the latter the water of the Chattahoochee in common with many of the rivers of the country during the spring and summer seasons frequently harbors a growth of vegetable organization, microscopic in size, harmless to health, but capable of causing a taste or odor when present in sufficient number. "The water supplied to Columbus is also used as drinking water on trains engaged in interstate traffic and consequently comes under the juris- diction of the United States Public Health Service which has established a very stringent standard for bacterial quality of water. Of recent years this standard has been made very exacting but the Columbus water does not fail to pass it with a margin to spare. Daily bacteriological tests are made in the plant laboratory while monthly samples are shipped to the State Board of Health from whom a recent letter was received with the following pertinent statement: 'We wish to congratulate you upon the quality of your water supply to date this year. Out of ten sets of samples sent in to date there has been no contamination in any sample.' ('A close laboratory check has resulted in other advantages not the least of which is indicated by a comparison between two monlhs, one of September, 19 15, and the other of September, 1925, showing a reduction of chemical consumption amounting to $600 for that particular month, while other similar periods show like savings. The mere installation of a ~urificationplant does not guarantee safe water. Even if perfect in design and construction, unless efficiently operated and controlled, a safe effluent need not be expected. Fortunately there are responsibilities in conserving the public health by a safe water supply and in Columbus, such a community, represented by the Board of Water Commissioners, is found. Economy of operation, consistent with maintaining a high standard of purity for the effluent of the plant, must be carefully and continuously studied. The safety of the supply however must always be kept in mind, for 'eternal vigilance is the price of pure water.' "The growth of the water works is almost invariably the best indicator of the growth of the city itself. In 1897 the consumption of the city averaged 1,O 0 0,O 0 0 gallons daily, in 19 17-2,3 0 0,O 00 gallons daily and in 1927 the average daily use of water exceeded 5 million gallons. There are now over 6900 services of which 465 were added in 1926. There are 70 miles of 4" to 25" cast iron pipe in the distribution system. The steady and rather remarkable growth of the city has required additions to your water works so that today the filter capacity is 8 million gallons daily as compared with 4 in 1917. New pumps and basins have been added and a plan for improvements adopted which will, it is believed, keep the plant somcwhat ahead of the requirements due to the growth of the city. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

THE WATER WORKS BECOMES A CITY PROPERTY 263

"An improvement of much importance of recent years has been the construction of a second 24" supply main from the plant to the city end- ing at Twenty-seventh street and Hamilton, assuring the continuity of the supply should the old supply main be broken. The second main was built at a cost of $75,000. "The inclusion of the Wynnton district within the city limits made it necessary that fire protection be available to these new city tax-payers on the day of the induction of this district into the city, which it was, after the construction of approximately 8 miles of trunk and distribution mains at a cost of about $70,000 with no increase of revenue accruing to the waterworks but with a reduction in fire insurance rates to these new citizens which would not otherwise have occurred. To properly care for the growth of the city a comprehensive plan for extension has been adopted and the approval of the Underwriters' engineers received. The maintenance of the distribution system is a major problem, requiring sometimes the repair of a fire hydrant broken by a speeding car at any hour of the night, often necessitating long stretches of work on pipe replacement for the service must be continued with as little interruption as possible. "Of importance to all of you is the financial condition of the city- owned system and the rates charged for water. The city is in ownership of a system of a present value of somewhat over a million and a quarter of dollars upon which a bonded debt still exists of about $285,000. A number of new structures and much pipe has been added to the original system which was purchased and built for $525,000, all of the additions having been made from income. "In marked contrast with many other city-owned systems the Co- lumbus Water Works shows a record of economy which has made it possible to expand without resort to bond issue up to this time. To illustrate the value of this situation an example might be given: the city manager of a small town in Wisconsin reports that over 60 years ago an original issue of $30,000-. in bonds for water works construction was made, the town never being in condition to establish a sinking fund the bonds were never paid off, but were refunded at the end of each 30 year period. The town today has begun to pay off some of the debt but the interest costs to this time have been over $90,000 while the improvement which was obtained for the original $30,000 has long since depreciated and become obsolete. When the Columbus system was company-owned, a rental of $25 each was annually charged the city upon approximately 250 fire hydrants while schools and other public usage was charged for by meter. Today the system includes 500 hydrants while school use, sprinkling and flushing now constitute a very large use of water from the plant which is supplied free. To illustrate the assertion that economy is practiced in the local plant it should be stated that five men handl; the-pumping and purification of well over 5,000,000 gallons per day. In another plant in Georgia with which the writer is familiar seven men do the work of delivering one www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

264 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS. GEORGIA

million gallons per day. Identical conditions are true in the business and distribution end of the system. "The rates in Columbus are very low having been established in 19 14 and never been raised, one of the few things which have not increased in cost since that time. Materials and labor used by the water works have in common with other things about doubled in cost. Recently there has been received a schedule of the rates of Texas cities which have higher rates than has Columbus. The lowest is that of Waco, 24 cents per thousand gallons as compared with 15 cents locally. Although water is as free to all of us as the air requiring only the going and the getting of it, yet to make it available in the home requires cost of transportation and of treatment which the consumer should in proportion to the amount used. The water works has found that if it makes the consumer pay at the rate of three cents per ton for the water delivered in the home the business can be carried on successfully and this is the low rate which you pay at 15 cents per thousand gallons. "To make as fair a charge as possible a meter is installed at an added cost of at least $15 to the water works, and the allowance of water within the minimum payment of $3 per quarter is so large that the ordinary family of five has no difficulty in staying within that minimum. Many cities col- lect the cost of the meter and service thereto from the taker. When plumbing leaks are allowed to occur even if apparently small the continuous stream soon causes an excess bill, or running the water to prevent freezing may add to the bill but this should be considered a just cost as an attempt to avoid a plumber's bill. Meters are standardized, they are alike, none of them runs too fast, but they may let pass water for which the water works receives no revenue. "In general, of the money expended on a complete water works system only about 25 per cent of the total is applied to works above the ground and visible. .While it is of prime importance that the hidden portions be properly designed and constructed it is logical to maintain that the small portion which can be seen should not only be as well constructed and properly ~lanned,but should, in addition, present an attractive appearance. Many cities are spending great sums in tearing down the ugliness, con- demning property and reclaiming land for improved streets, parks, play- grounds, etc. The water board has realized the important place of the water works buildings and grounds in this scheme. "In conclusion, may we repeat that we owe a considerable debt to those who originally worked for a city-owned water works and placed it where it now is, to those who designed it so well and set a standard of quality in their design which it has been ever the aim of the operators to equal in operating performance and finally to those men who assumed responsibility for the design and construction of the plant and who today guide its operation and its growth, namely the Board of Water Commis- sioners." www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

THE WATER WORKS BECOMES A CITY PROPERTY 265

During Mr. ChappellJs term as mayor in 1912 and while the water works proposition was being discussed there occurred the largest fire in the history of the city, and the only one which got out of control of the local fire department. The fire occurred during the day of April 25, 1912, and consumed forty-two houses, besides doing other damage in the way of scattering sparks and burning debris which ignited other buildings several blocks away from the main conflagation, and destroyed several thousand dollars worth of personal property. The fire began about noon in the kitchen of the home of J. R. Page, 11 12 Fifth avenue, and the alarm was immediately turned in by the householders. Chief Ike Pearce was out of the city at the time and his assistant, A. J. Land, answered the call. Chemicals were at first used, but a wind began to scatter sparks and neighboring houses caught fire. For three hours the flames made headway with house after house, and Mayor Chappell telegraphed to nearby cities for aid. Equipment from Opelika, Americus, and Macon departments was started on special trains for Columbus, but before any could reach the city, the local companies had ,gotten control and they were returned. The special train from Macon was derailed en route to Columbus. This fire caused a total loss of more than $300,000. Of this amount some $200,000 was given as the loss of -real property while that of personal property was listed between $50,000 and $100,000. Only about $137,000 of insurance was carried. During the progress of the conflagration the wind changed and blew toward the portion already consumed, and thus a much larger damage was averted. Five of the firemen were injured in fighting the flames, but no loss of life was sustained. This was considered particularly fortunate as the fire covered such a large area, and several invalids lived in the houses which were among those burned. The water supply was very low at the time and many of the houses had shingle- roofs. Some of those destroyed included some of the oldest and most attractive in the city. The area covered by the flames was the east side of Fifth avenue between Eleventh and Twelfth streets and the entire block bounded by Fourth and Fifth avenues and Twelfth and Thirteenth streets, with two more houses in addition. Besides the homes in that locality, others caught fire in other sections of the city from the burning fragments of wood and sparks carried in the wind. This conflagration was said to be wider in area and more costly than the Columbus Iron Works fire and twice as big as the Fifth avenue fire of October 30, 1895, the latter of which originated within twenty-five feet of the fire of 1912. Besides the distress caused by the actual burning of the fire, there was www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

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much fear and panic throughout the whole city, and in addition to the loss sustained by destruction by the flames, there was a great deal of theft. The Columbus Guards were called out to aid in preventing the pilfering of the possessions which were brought out of the burning homes and piled in places several blocks away. The church square, occupied by the First Baptist and St. Luke Methodist churches, was covered with the belongings of those who had to save whatever they could remove, and it was said that many articles of household furniture disappeared while the owners were trying to remove other things from the advancing flames. One lady had succeeded in having her piano placed in the church yard and had returned to her home to attempt to save whatever else she could. When she came back later to see about her possessions she discovered a dray drawn up near the curb and another woman whom she had never seen, directing the drayman to remove her piano. She remonstrated and threatened to call the authorities, when the other woman decided to give up the piano, and ordering the draymen to leave the instrument where it was, she left in high dudgeon. This was said to be only one of many more similar instances, that harassed the home owners, already distressed by the loss of most of their belongings. Following the fire there was a great deal of distress, and aid was offered by many other localities. Real estate firms in the city gave houses rent free for several months to many of those who had lost their homes. Rebuilding began very soon after the fire and shortly afterward, there was no trace of the burned remnants left by the flames. Many of those whose homes were destroyed moved out to the rapidly developing Wynnton section and built new homes. Two of the immediate results of the fire were the increase of the water supply so as to furnish better pressure and the enactment of a city ordinance to prohibit the using of any but fireproof material for roofing purposes. Since that time there have been no very large blazes, and none have gotten beyond the control of the local department. In 1917, when At- lanta experienced a large fire, the Columbus Fire Department was prepared to render assistance there if needed. In 19 12 Columbus was the center of attraction for a group of prominent industrial and railroad officials. On May 30th, upon the occasion of the annual dinner of the Board of Trade, President W. W. Finley, of the Southern Railway, of Washington, D. C., and Edward H. Edmonds, editor of the Manufacturers' Record, of Baltimore, Maryland, were guests of the city and made addresses which brought forth a great deal of com- ment on the part of those interested in the progress of the industries in the South. Some two hundred guest were present at the banquet. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org THE WATER WORKS BECOMES A CITY PROPERTY 267

The next day the local press carried glowing accounts of the addresses, a part of which follows: "In a review of the advantages and the needs of the South, Presi- dent Finley of the Southern Railway in a speech, which was permeated with optimism, made some timely suggestions and splendid recommendations for betterment in the South, at the Board of Trade banquet last night, which are sure to bring about awakening among our people. "President Finley truly said that Georgia and this section, meaning the Southeastern States, has made rapid progress during the past few years. 'It is the duty of all of us who are interested in this section', he said, 'to get together and co-operate with energy and enthusiasm for the broadest possible development. Primarily, we should aim to bring greater prosperity for those already living in our section by interesting them in the adoption of the most advanced methods of farming, by encouraging the establishment of industries, and by aiding in finding markets for Southeastern products. " 'Secondly, we should all work together to make the resources and opportunities of our section better known throughout the world, to attract to each locality the character of immigration that may be desired, and by encouraging the investment of outside capital.' "There is food for though in the above. "The speaker continuing, strongly urged the development of the manufacturing possibilities of Columbus, of Georgia and the South along lines calculated to supply the ultimate consumer of the South with goods of Southern manufacture. He asserted that an effort should be made to attract to the South immigration of a character that would build up the country, and develop its resources, and he recommended immediate action, to take advantages of the opportunities to be opened to the South by the Panama Canal. '(These are suggestions which would mean a new and more progressive South, if acted upon." Also : "A representative gathering of Columbus business men last night, while seated around a banquet board, were treated to a discourse by a man who has untiringly and fruitfully labored for the Southland. We refer to Editor Richard H. Edmonds, of the Manufacturers' Record, who has championed every cause on which the commercial South hopes to build until she is fully recognized as the leading commercial section of the great nation, of which she is a part. "Supplied with statistics that caused his hearers to marvel, and with an eloquence that may be looked upon as the result of inspiration, the noted editor told a pretty story of the land that has, by a marvelous endowment from nature surpassed all similar areas in the world for agricultural and manufacturing advantages. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

268 HISTORY OF COLURTBUS, GEORGIA

CHAPTER XVIII

Columbus During The World War

IEN war was declared between the United States and Germany on April 6, 1917, Columbus was on the crest of a rising wave of development and expansion. The forces which had been accumulating with the industries, the hydro-electric developments, and a general spirit of progress were about to break, when the advent of the war temporarily suspended these local interests and turned all the energies of the people into organizations of co-operation with the United States government for the successful prosecution of the war. Prior to the actual declaration of hostilities, numbers of the young men of the city had volunteered for service with the allied armies, and others had joined auxiliary organizations such as the Red Cross service and the Y. M. C. A. forces. Several of the local physicians had responded to the call for doctors and surgeons and already had given aid to the cause of humanity before the United States was called in to participate in the actual warfare. Among these were Drs. Mercer Blanchard, A. N. Dykes, Roscoe Johnson, and Bert Tillery, recently having concluded their medical and surgical training. Dr. G. C. Murray also joined the British forces, being a citizen of that empire. When the troops were recalled from the Mexican border, the Co- lumbus Guai-ds were included in the number returned to their homes. They were given only a short rest, however, before they were mustered into the Federal service and ordered to Camp Wheelsr, in Macon, to train for overseas service. They left Columbus during the early summer in 1917 and a few months afterward, embarked for Europe. They were assigned to the 121st Infantry of the 3 1st Division and on landing in France, the local group was broken up as the various units were called upon for service on different parts of the Allied fronts. Since the close of the war and the consequent return to Columbus, this company has not been reorganized, though there is some discussion now as to the reforming of the Guards, which is the oldest of the local military companies. Georgia furnished 93,559 men and women in the various departments of [he Army during the war, and Coiumbus, aiways noteci for her prompt and splendid response in former wars, was quite equal to furnishing her part of this number. Besides these, hundreds of other citizens joined the naval and marine forces, and many were active in Red Cross and Y. M. C. A. work, both in this country and abroad. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

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The draft board for Muscogee county had headquarters in Columbus, and was composed of Early H. Johnson, clerk of the superior court, Dr. F. L. Cosby, Sr., county physician, and J. A. Beard, sheriff. Dr. Bland- ford assisted with the physical examination of the soldiers and Dr. M. L. Taylor, a negro doctor of the city, gave his aid in examining the negroes who were drafted. There was one draft board for each 30,000 citizens and at the beginning of the World War, there were not twice that many in the combined populations of Columbus and Muscogee county. For that reason, one board had to supervise the registration of all those who were drafted from this county. From time to time other local physicians volunteered their aid in this work. With the increased demand for supplies the government began launching the series of five Liberty Loan drives, and the War Savings Stamps were put out for purchasers who felt they could not afford to buy the larger bonds. Mr. James B. Key, president of the Merchants and Mechanics Bank of Columbus, was appointed by the government to have charge of all the Liberty Loan drives in this section of the state. This particular division, the West Georgia District, was composed of sixteen counties. Atlanta was head of the district, as well as headquarters for eight Southern States. As each of the five calls came, the citizens of Columbus and Musco- gee county never failed to respond, and in each case subscribed amounts larger than apportioned by the government. This district was in the lead for all five drives, among all other divisions under the superintendency of the Atlanta office, which included the eight states of that Federal Reserve territory. Various local industries subscribed most generously to the loans, and the men of means in the city were very liberal. For his work in so successfully putting across the Liberty Loan drives, Mr. Key was awarded a special medal by the United States government. Numbers of the local citizens gave their services to Mr. Key and contributed largely to the record made by the county and city. The most able and forceful speakers of the section were secured to make "Four Min- ute" talks at every opportunity and on every occasion. Among them were C. F. McLaughlin, now superior court judge, T. Hicks Fort, G. Gunby Jordan, and J. Homer Dimon, now mayor. Miss Edwina Wood was chairman for the work among the women and she was also called upon for short patriotic addresses on numerous occasions. Every night a speaker appeared in each nf the Inel theatres. Besides the local speakers who were active in the Liberty Loan drives, many notables and high government officials from Washington and elsewhere came to Columbus in the interest of securing large subscriptions, and officers of the French Army were also detailed here to aid in arousing enthusiasm for the war loans. The workers who assisted in other ways during these drives included www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

COLUMBUS DURING THE WORLD WAR 271

H. B. Crowell, W. H. Young, Thos. W. Peters, and others. Mr. Peters was chairman of the Third Loan for this city, and at the time was connected with the Stone and Webster interests here. The Columbus Man- ufacturing Company led that loan with a subscription of $25,000. This was only one of the numerous other instances of the prompt and generous response of the local concerns to the call for war funds. During the latter loans, after Camp Benning had been temporarily established near Columbus, Chairman Key secured the services of a military band, and it was carried in trucks all over the district, where it succeeded in arousing a great deal of patriotic enthusiasm, and rendered large services in the ultimate success of the campaign. Among the workers sent out by the United States government to this district was Capt. Walter A. Richards, of Virginia. He had been wounded early in the war and was ordered back to America to assist in other ways. He was of great help during the latter drives. While here in the interest of aiding the Liberty Loans, he met Miss Margaret Gordon, the youngest daughter of Mr. Fred B. Gordon, president of the Columbus Manufacturing Company, and they were married. Mr. Richards was for a while City Manager, and also served as Com- mander of the American Legion post in Columbus. With so large a number of men in service the casualty lists which appeared daily in the newspapers were scanned with fear and apprehension by all the relatives and friends of those who were away. One of the most touching was the death of Charles S. Harrison. Lieutenant Harrison, as an officer in Company F, 328th Infantry, was killed in the Argonne Forest, September 12, 1918, while leading his platoon in a daylight raid on the defenses of the enemy. His commanding officer, Capt. Howell Foreman, of Atlanta in a communication to the '(Atlanta Constitution", written a few days after the drive in which the young man was killed, told in most vivid and realistic detail of the attack in which Lieutenant Harrison lost his life. Extracts from the letter follow:

"What a Sunday morning; What a blue sky; what a three days we have just spent! Safe and sound at the end of our part of the big push in the St. Mihiel salient, I have just read of the great American victory all along the sector, and I feel an even greater pride in these drawn and weary faces of the men in my company. This morning not all of them are here. Ten per cent are casualties, including First Lieutenant Charles S. Harrison, of Columbus, Georgia, who was killed in the preliminary patrolling that led to the advance. "For some time we had been holding the line just north of Pont-a- www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

2 72 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA Mousson, on the western bank of the Moselle. Our division spreads toward the east from here, my regiment being on the left bank, and the only one west of the Moselle. Our battalion led our attack and my company held the line at H-hour and bore the brunt of the work. <'Early Friday morning the artillery preparation began to the west. Standing in my little observation post, protected by sand bags, near my P. C. dugout (the command ~ost),I could see the great fist of flaming metal catch the Boche in its grip. No one ever could have witnessed a more miraculous spectacle than this. Our great guns which had been cluttering the dark roads at night for the past month belched forth all at a single second, and every killing thing from molten metal to poisonous fumes were poured upon the Hun in one continuous stream for four steady hours. "Then came H-hour (zero), and the infantry advance. Above the orchestra of the battle sounded the steady roar of the creeping barrage as it began to walk toward Metz. "We did not advance behind the barrage. We waited for the unit on our left to flank the positions in front of us-positions of strength and height-between Pont-a-Mousson and Norroy just beyond. "Holding the regimental front with my company, my orders were to gain and maintain contact by deep and continuous patrolling. All four of my mobile combat groups, a platoon each, began to probe the front ahead of me. The lieutenants, N. C. O.'s, and men showed a spirit of surpassing courage and divine devotion to duty. flarrison and a number of enlisted men were the sacrifice that America had to pay, but they carried out their missions. Lieutenant Cox, of Atlanta, took his platoon to a Boche strong point-Maison Gauthier--caught anpofficer and men at dinner, and occupied part of the place until I ordered him to withdraw. Lieutenant Love, of Philadelphia, went alone to the northern outskirts of Norroy and observed the enemy in the town for three-quarters of an hour. While on this daring hunt for information of the enemy, Love was knocked out by a shell bursting near him, and lay shell-shocked for an hour before he re- gained consciousness, and crawled back into our lines. Both Cox and Love are now with me-neither scratched. "Charlie Harrison was also leading a platoon on the patrol when he caught sight of several German snipers. In aiming his pistol at them he was hit by flanking fire and shot through the lungs. The men, exposed to a sudden burst of fire, tried to lift their wounded lieutenant, who said, 'Well, boys, I've got mine. Go ahead and save yourselves~. It was his characteristic way of thinking of his men and the other fellow. His men withdrew slightly and then the platoon sergeant, Carl Heinel, a native German, born near Montsec, and now one of my bravest and most skill- ful N. C. 0.'~-crawled out under the Boche fire and caught Harrison and dragged him in. Charlie was already dead, though, and the fire became so fierce that even Heinel had to witdraw. The next night we recovered Charlie's body." www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

COLUMBUS DURING THE WORLD WAR 273

The letter continues to tell of the attack and of the commendation of the higher command for the bravery on the part of the troops participating. The objective was reached and the enemy driven out as desired. Then the communication again refers to Lieutenant Harrison: '(In all the nerve-racking work the most severe shock I suffered struck me cold and dumb when, as I crawled forward through the wire in front of the German trenches on the night we went over, I came to Charlie's body. I shook him and whispered to him, but he was gone, his pulse was still. God only knows how hard we had tried to believe that he was only wounded and could recover, but he was gone, and we put a handkerchief over his face and the chaplain will hold services over his grave in a soldiers' cemetery...... "September 17, 191 8 (the letter continues)-Doubtless you have read in the papers how we carried the red line forward along the west bank of the Moselle from Port-a-Mousson to Norry. "We went over the top at twilight, and the next morning after a thrill- ing and fruitful night, saw dawn rise way beyond our objective. Scared and yellow, the Boche had beat it like a hunted beast. "The black splotch on the whole business was my discovery of Charlie Harrison's corpse on the battlefield. I had hoped so that he was only wounded, and we would find him as we had 'others-still alive." In a letter a few days afterward to the late Capt. Joseph S. Harrison, the father of Lieutenant Harrison,-Captain Foreman told further details of his death. "Charlie was leading one of four platoons, carrying out the General's mission 'to gain and maintain contact with the enemy by deep and continuous patrolling'. The platoon on my right flank, led by Lieut. Bertrand Cox, of Atlanta, was held up by a Boche machine gun nest-a regular hell hole called 'Maison Gauthier', just north of Pont-a-Mousson, on the eastern hinge of the Saint Mihiel salient, which is now wiped away. With his everlasting devotion to 'the other fellow,' Charlie, seeing Cox7s plight, immediately took his platoon to aid Cox by an encircling maneuver, calculated to envelope the German gunners. Well ahead of his men, Charlie approached a spot whence Boche bullets were cracking when he was suddenly caught by a machine gun and snipers sweeping his flank. 'Well, I guess I've got mine, boys', he told the soldier who bended over him as he fell, 'you boys had better get out of the way.' For some time the men of his platoon, under a brave sergeant, worked in increasingly hot fire to get Charlie under cover and dress his wounds, but the sergeant felt him and came back to report him already dead. The bullets. had lodged right under his heart and lungs. A little later, when our battalion went over the top, I found him there, pistol in hand and the same sweet old smile on his lips. "We advanced our lines three kilometers that night, and on our left the whole salient was being wiped out, but it was at a great price. The www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

2 74 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS. GEORGIA

battalion that relieved us on the following day suffered even greater losses. "I can never tell you, Mr. Harrison, how much we have lost with Charlie. He was second in command for me and the finest officer in the regiment. Only tonight I was talking again with my lieutenants of Charlie's eternal devotion to duty and his absolute unselfishness. We had to guard ourselves to keep Charlie from putting himself out to do us favors. I never knew him to crawl into his bunk until he had done every detail of his day7s duty; I never knew him to refuse a helping hand to his fellow. His men knew him for the truth that was in him and they would live or die for him, ever since that sunny day at Camp Gordon when Charlie's platoon won the regimental championship and he commanded them in exhibition. "I was never more convinced of an eternity, of a world in the here- after than after Charlie% death. Somewhere his twinkling eye and rip- pling laughter are still making men merry, and I haven't much doubt but what we'll see him somewhere later on. "A11 the men and officers in my company express their sincerest sympathy in your bereavement. Please express my sympathy to all the members .of his familv. "I am gadually getting all his personals together, and I will have them forwarded to you. If there is any information regarding his insurance, allotments, etc., which I can get for you, please do me the favor to call on me. "Sincerely,

"Captain 328th~lafantry, Commanding Company F." Sometime after Lieutenant Harrison's death the news reached Colum- bus that he had been awarded a posthumous citation for heroism. An extract from the official citation is as follows: "Headquarters 82nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces, France, 13 January, 1919. "General Orders, No. 1 ). . . . 4 The Commanding General announces to the command the splendid conduct of the following officers and soldiers in action against the enemy '' 1st Lieut. Charles S. Harrison, 3 2 8th Inf. (Deceased). <'On September 13, 191 8, north of Pont-a-Mousson, France, Lieu- tenant Harrison, while leading his platoon in a daylight raid on the de- fences of the enemy near Norroy, France, encountered a much superior force of the enemy who were entrenched in well fortified positions. How- ever, Lieutenant Harrison undaunted, led his men forward in the attack in the face of heavy machine-gun fire, exposing himself without thought or re- gard for his safety, and by so doing inspired his men with his spirit of bravery and fearlessness, enabling them to accomplish their mission, although at www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

COLUMBUS DURING THE WORLD WAR 275 the sacrifice of his own life. "5. The Commanding General takes particular pride announcing to the command these fine examples of courage and self-sacrifice. Such deeds are evidence of that spirit of heroism which is innate in the highest type of the American soldier and responds unfailingly to the call of duty, when- ever or wherever it may come. 6 This order will be read to all organizations at the first formation after its receipt. "By command of "Maj.-Gen. Duncan Gordon Johnson, "Chief of Staff." The death of Lieutenant Harrison was much like that of another soldier who went from Columbus during the Civil War. He was Adj. James H. Ware, his great uncle. Both were young men of about the same age, and both were killed in their first engagement. The commendations on their loss by the higher officers were very similar, telling of their devotion to duty and unselfishness. Adjutant Ware's death is given in a former chapter. After the war when the local post of the American Legion was organized, it was named in honor of Lieutenant Harrison, and is one of the largest in the United States. While the Columbus Guards were away from home at the Mexican Border and in France two other local companies were organized. One under W. E. Heard, as captain, and the other under John P. Illges, as captain. They were formed for protection of the city in the absence of the men at the front, and it was not long before they were called on to render such service. In the early part of May 1918, labor conditions among the textile workers in the mills of Columbus aroused the suspicions of the authorities as to the sources of certain threats and disturbances which had been evident for some time. It was thought that alien agitators were busy among them and that the anti-war propaganda in circulation was having an effect. Finally when the strike was called in May, and some 9,000 operatives were expected to walk out, the United States troops had to be called to the city to assist in keeping order. Maj. B. H. Hardaway and a detachment of 2,500 men came to Co1u;mbus from Fort McPherson, near Atlanta, when Sheriff Beard, of this county, put in the call for aid. This body of troops with the two local companies, went into camp in the Southern Railroad freight yards, and for nearly a week succeeded in preserving order among the hundreds of workers turned loose by the strike on the community. At the close of that time, they returned to work and the troops were ordered back to Atlanta. The cause of the strike was traced to two enemy aliens, one of whom www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

276 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

was arrested, tried, and later deported to Europe. A registration of enemy aliens made in Columbus at the time showed that there were ten Germans, two Austrians and two Turks, besides a number of women. During the war, the local industries flourished and were called upon for additional output to meet the demands of the United States government. Additional hands were employed, and with those others during war times, their wages were raised. The Columbus Iron Works was put under Federal control and an army officer detailed here to have charge of production. The daylight saving system was inaugurated by the United States government and by turning the clocks backward one hour's time, there was made possible a large increase of the output of all the manufacturies in this city as well as all over the nation. The great slogan of those days was "Efficiency" and "Help America to Win the War". The artists of the nation were engaged to make posters advertising the various ways in which everyone could aid in bringing the war to a speedy end. The posters were printed in most effective colors and placed throughout the country, on bill boards and in all public places. The post office and other government buildings set aside special bulletin boards for the display of the war time advertisements. One of the most important of the organizations for the help of the men at the front and their families at home was the local Red Cross. The Muscogee Chapter of the American Red Cross was organized Jan- uary 14, 1916 and was the oldest in the state. At the time it was formed the officers elected were as follows:, Chairman, Mrs. John T. Fletcher Vice Chairman, Mrs. J. C. Wooldridge Secretary, Mrs. Henry J. Banks Treasurer, Mrs. E. F. Roberts. There were sixteen members of the original chapter. When the war was declared, the work of the chapter was consequently increased on an enormous scale both in amount and in range, and the membership grew monthly until in 1918 there were some 5,000 members. Mr. Herman Swift and Mr. John T. Davis, Sr., acted as chairmen of the local chapter at various times. The membership which was achieved during war times has continued to the present day, and .interest in the peace time work of the Red Cross is still very keen. The Red Cross work room where bandages, surgical dressings, etc., were made was located on the first floor of the Ralston Hotel, in one of the First avenue apartments. Each day a large contingent of local women gathered there to make up the hospital supplies for which the national organization was always calling. Mrs. Edith Kyle Harrison among the women of Columbus, took the first course at one of the central stations www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

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and she returned here to instruct others in the duties required of them in the work room. Mrs. Anna Pease, who had four sons in the service, was another of the principal workers and there were a great many more who gave untiringly of their time and energies in this phase of war. Besides the hospital supplies, the Red Cross called upon the women to furnish sweaters, knitted helmets, etc., that organization furnishing the yarn and the women doing the work. To this, Columbus women responded eagerly and wholeheartedly. There was hardly a conversation between two neighbors that was not accompanied by the click of knitting needles, and all public gatherings were scenes of busily flying yarn and fingers, while their owners listened to the lecture or the program on hand. Another part of the Red Cross work was the meeting of the troop trains as they passed through the city. Mrs. Lucius H. Chappell was in charge of this canteen service, and with her helpers was called upon to meet the trains and furnish the soldiers with cigarettes and coffee, or a more substancial repast if they were to be at the station for any length of time. This canteen organization was on hand in 19 18 to meet the first train load of soldiers who came to Columbus and formed the beginning of what was later to develop into Fort Benning. The encampment was temporarily located on the Macon Road at the Reid place. Another phase of the Red Cross work among the women of Colum- bus during the war was the motor corps. Mrs. Marshall Morton was head of this organization, and she with her assistants, was constantly in demand to transport supplies all over the city. During the influenza epidemic of 1918 the motor corps was of invaluable assistance in aiding in the care of the thousands who were stricken in the epidemic of Spanish influenza, as it was called, which struck the armies at the front, as well as those who remained at home, and took its toll of the people of Columbus. All the churches, schools, theatres, and other public gathering places were closed down to prevent further spreading of the disease. Volunteer workers were called in to aid in caring for the sick, and the doctors who had not joined the forces overseas or in the training camps, were busy night and day with the sufferers. The Red Cross was busy making thousands of gauze masks which were saturated with antiseptic and worn over the nose and mouth of the workers to prevent those who helped with the ill from catching the influenza as far as possible. It was a common thing for whole families to be stricken, and volunteers had to be called in to look after those who before had been utter strangers. By the spring of 19 18 the United States government had the system of war organizations formed to a smoothly running perfection. Experts in all lines were sent throughout the country to urge conservation and instruct in economy. Even the children were urged to co-operate and many of their quarters went into War Savings Stamps which were sold in the schools. There were also the school gardens. Each institution had a plot on www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

278 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

which to grow vegetables which were to be used in place of other foods which could be sent to the soldiers overseas, and in order to conserve the home supply and leave a larger margin for the cantonments. Front yards, back yards, and spare lots where only weeds had grown before, suddenly were green with flourishing vegetables, and the American menu was changed as if by magic. The food administration department of the government limited the amount of white sugar to a pouid a month per person, of white flour to an eighth of a barrel per family, and other things accordingly. There were "meatless days", iiwheatless days," and sometimes almost "heatless days" when the government began to reduce the consumption of coal. The eating of meat and flour substitutes created a new demand on industry and the foodstuffs discovered through necessity during war times have come to be a daily need now. Mr. Frank U. Garrard was head of the Muscogee county board of food administration. Mr. W. L. Miller was agent for the distribution of nitrate of soda in this section. Other groups which sprang up to answer the needs of the war were the Columbus League for War Service, the United War Work organization which correlated the duties of the various activities, and others. The public library was a center for the collection of magazines and books for the soldiers and sailors. The close of the War, November 1 1, 191 8, brought a frenzied cele- bration to Columbus which characterized other cities when they learned

that the hostilities were over. Parades' and holidays were given and there were all sorts of patriotic displays. The list of the number and rank of the men from this city who served in the army and navy during the World War is at present being com- plied in the offices of the State Capitol in Atlanta. When the registration lists were made they sent to Washington and no local records were kept here. In recent months these lists have been returned to the various states, and will be sent out to the counties before 1929, it is planned. Besides those who joined the service in this city, there were many Colum- busites who enlisted in other localities. Among the physicians who served are the following: Drs. J. M. Anderson, W. L. Cook, F. L. Cosby, Jr., A. N. Dykes, Roscoe F. Johnson, W. P. Jordan, G. S. Murray, J. H. McDuffie, Jr., Clifford A. Peacock, and Bert Tillery. Among the local bar association members, the following named served during the World War: Chas. R. Williams, Major, Judge Advocate, A. E. F.; H. H. Swift, Judge Advocate; W. R. Flournoy, Captain, infantry, A. E. F.; B. H. Chappell, 1st Lieutenant, Machine Gun Bat. Rainbow Division, A. E. F.; W. Paul Miller, Medical Corps, A. E. F. j R. M. Arnold, Captain, In- www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

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fantry; S. B. Hatcher, Jr., Lieutenant, Officers' Training 6mp; J. M. Hatcher, Lieutenant, Officers' Training Camp; J. A. Lynch, 1st Lieutenant, Infantry, A. E. F.; W. C. Quattlebaum, Medical Department, A. E .F.; Paul Blanchard, 2nd Lieutenant, Infantry; A. S. Bradley, Aviation service; 0. D. Smith, Officers' Training Camp; Willis Battle, Officers' Training Camp; H. D. Gaggstatter; and H. B. Pease. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

CHAPTER XIX

Fort Benning Is Established

ARKING another epoch in the history of Columbus7 growing importance was the establishment of Fort Benning. This was accomplished by the hard work of a few local citizens who obtained the co-operation of high officials in the War Department, and for nearly five years devoted their utmost in time and energy toward securing the permanent location of the largest training school for infantry in the world. Not until Camp Benning was changed to Fort Benning in 1922, was Columbus entirely at ease as to the outcome of the project. In 1917 when it was decided by the War Department to establish cantonments in the South for the training of men to join the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce submitted to those in charge, prospects for a military camp in this section. A. F. Kunze was president of that body at the time, and among the directors were Homer McClatchey, Marshall Morton, Reynolds Flournoy, J. Albert Kirven, and T. T. Miller. As a result of these intensive efforts to secure a wartime camp for this locality, a committee from Washington reported favorably on the matter, and by July, 19 18, the first proceedings toward Fort Benning7s establishment were begun. By October 9th of the same year it had been definitely decided to establish the camp as an "Infantry School" to accommodate some 24,000 troops and student personnel for service overseas. Meanwhile, a body of troops had arrived for training in the new camp, the temporary site for which was located at the Reid place near Columbus on the Macon road. Col. H. E. Eames was in charge of the men. On November 2, 1918, Hooper Alexander, the United States Dis- trict Attorney in Atlanta, filed a suit in the Federal Court to condemn 115,000 acres of land in Muscogee and Chattahoochee counties. Colonel EGLmes was chairman of a committee of the War Department on the selection of a suitable site for the Infantry School, and while in Columbus became convinced that the present site was an ideal one for the school proposed. He devoted a great deal of his influence and energy toward securing the permanent location of Fort Benning where it is now established, and was largely instrumental in its being chosen. When Colonel Eames came here from Hawaii in 1918 to take www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

FORT BENNING IS ESTABLISHED 28 1

charge of the camp, he was assisted in the work of construction by Maj. John Paul Jones, who was construction quartermaster at the post. He was commandant of the post for two years when he was succeeded by Gen. C. S. Farnsworth. Nine days after the suit of condemnation of the land was brought, the Armistice was declared and many thought Camp Benning was doomed to go the. way of other war projects of the Federal government. On December 26, 1918 estimates were submitted to the War De- partment based on the purchase of the land and construction work for 10,000-a peace time project for the training of troops. However, it was met unfavorably, and in about two weeks an order came from the Director of Operations to the Purchase, Storage and Traffic Division that all new construction should be abandoned, leases, options, and all condemnation ~roceedingsbe cancelled, with further orders for salvaging the work already done. Once more the future of the Infantry School at Fort Benning seemed doomed. There was a chance, though, for the securing of the camp, as operations during the war had proved the establishment of an infantry school necessary to the American Army. Some of the forward looking citizens had realized the danger threatening the proposition and had put forth their energies toward preserving what chances were possible. When the order to salvage the buildings at Camp Benning reached Columbus, some of the directors of the Chamber of Commerce, with Mr. Kunze, president, called on Col. Paul B. Malone and asked his co-operation in giving them time to work out plans for keeping the camp here. "The order says to salvage existing buildings," Colonel Malone was reminded, "But what exactly does 'salvage' mean?" ''It means 'to save7," responded the officer literally. "And that is exactly what we want," said the committee, "why don't you salvage these buildings-paint them up and save them while we work out other things?" Colonel Malone was enthusiastic over the proposals to establish an Infantry School in this country and he knew that the land selected in Muscogee and Chattahoochee counties was the best location for it. Immediately the services of Mr. John Betjeman were secured and he was employed to remove to Washington and keep Columbus constantly informed as to the status of Camp Benning with the government. Mr. Betjeman was declared to be the ideal man for such a delicate position, and many think that it was due, in a large part, to his tactful manipulations that the camp was finally secured for this city. In 1920 matters were brought to a head concerning the ultimate future of Benning. By a vote of eight to six a bill providing for the establishment of a permanent Infantry school at Fort Benning and appropriating funds for its maintenance had been killed when it came before the Senate Committee on Military Affairs. It had already been passed by the House www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

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and by the Senate. On hearing of this situation, Mr. Kunze with Mr. McClatchey immediately went to Washington. With Mr. Betjeman, they conferred with the War Department and were rejoiced to find that bureau heartily in favor of the plans and location, and ready to lend all aid in securing the passage of measures authorizing the camp's establishment. One of the Georgia senators was persuaded that such was the situation and being a member of the committee on Military Affairs, he caused the matter to be reopened. By the time it was put to a vote again, one of the Democrat senators who had formerly opposed the bill, had changed his mind and the vote was a seven to seven tie. Then a Republican, who for party reasons had been voting negatively, though he was personally in favor of it, was induced to withdraw, with the result that Fort Benning was finally secured by a vote of seven to six. To obtain Fort Benning it has been estimated that Columbus paid out about $34,000 which was in addition to the efforts and time given by the public spirited citizens who would not be defeated. The exact cost of the land on which Fort Benning is located obtained from the office of the Quartermaster General of the Army was $3,366,- 883.76 and the total acreage was 96,616.3. The approval of the War Department and the favorable interest which the site had for those who understood the situation was a large factor contributing to the successful termination of the proposition. In a publication from Fort Benning it was explained, why, after investigations had been made all over the country, the present location was pre- f erred. Asking the question "why Columbus?" the account continues: "It is a natural and reasonable question. The Army Boards who were looking for an ideal site for The Infantry School visited a great many places and weighed their merits and demerits carefully. Why did all the Boards select Columbus, of all places in these broad United States? Why is the War Department so enthusiastic over Benning as a site for this great training establishment? Generals Pershing, Liggett, and Bullard strongly endorse it-there must be a reason. The Military Training Camps As- sociation and the National Rifle Association of America advocate it-there must be a reason. Finally-and this is official language: 'Every person competent to pass judgment upon the project favors its prompt development.' The following striking sentences are from a document of recent date, emanating from a high official of the War Department: " 'It is the only project earnestly sought with undivided voice by the Infantry, the dominant arm of the service, which always has and always will bear the brunt of battle, and all who have experienced its benefits or witnessed its work desire the immediate development of the School, no matter what policy may be adopted as to the ultimate distribution of its www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

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component parts. It is the only school for the Infantry in the United States and combines all of the technical and tactical training given Infantry officers.' ''Undeq date of February 19, 192 1, Assistant Secretary of War Williams outlined the requisites for an Infantry School. He then listed the advantages as a site for such a School possessed by Camp Benning, grouping them under nine separate headings. The assistant Secretary of War summed up in these simple but strong and impressive words: " 'Camp Benning, Georgia, fulfills the requirements for Infantry training better than any other terrain in America.' " Interesting data were given in 1926 by Judge A. W. Cozart in an address before the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. He said: "Former Secretary of War, Weeks, has said that 'The Infantry School at Fort Benning is the greatest school of arms in the world, bar none.' The reservation is composed of one tract of 97,000 acres, seventeen miles long, and thirteen miles wide, and is taken from Muscogee and Chattahoochee Counties. The Government has invested there $15,0 00,- 000. The annual pay rolls run into the millions. The population of the post is 5,500, and more soldiers are located there than at any other military post in the United States except at Fort Sam Huston. A thorough course is given in practical warfare of every kind. Graduates of West Point and veterans from Philippines, Panama, Honolulu, and from all parts of the United States come to take the courses. "I heard Gen. Leonard Wood say that he first suggested the location of Fort Benning and that he suggested that some sixteen or seven- ten military camps be located in Georgia and that if he had been permitted to have his own way more would have been located in our State. Then he added: 'That did pretty well for a damn Yankee.' "The United states has been engaged in war for twenty-four years, or for 16 1-2 per cent. of her entire life, and just as long as there is in- ternal or external violence, which threatens the peace of the Government or the citizens thereof, it must be put down by intelligent force. We must maintain a small but efficient army." The naming of Fort Benning for one of Columbus' notable citizens of the past came about through the efforts of Mrs. J. E. Minter, of this city. The camp had been temporarily established with Colonel Eames in charge, when it occurred to Mrs. Minter that it would be a good thing to name it for General Benning, who had been renowned as a statesman and a military leader. On -bringing the matter before Colonel Eames, Mrs. Minter was informed that she should get in direct communication with Secretary of War Newton D. Baker. Immediately she wired a long message to him stating the proposition and briefly outlining General Benning's career. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

2 84 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

She also sent telegrams to Congressmen W. C. Wright and W. C. Adamson asking for their assistance. When this had been accomplished, Mrs. Minter appeared before the Chamber of Commerce, and stating what she had already done, asked that organization to follow up her initial proceedings with further requests. The proposition of naming the camp for General Benning was enthusiastically received by the directors, and they immediately adopted the suggestion. In this way the new military center became Camp Benning, and in 1922 was named Fort Benning, a permanent post of the American Army. The government has expended on Fort Benning already more than fifteen million dollars, including the purchase price of the land. An ultimate investment of more than twenty-five million dollars is expected to be made before the reservation is brought up to the plans laid out. Each year sees the temporary wooden structures give way to fireproof buildings, and the quarters of the student officers and others, little more than shacks at first have nearly all been replaced by brick and stucco apartment houses. Such was the story of how Columbus got busy and finally suceeded in having established in the immediate vicinity the Infantry School. The genesis of the idea which caused the War Department to lay plans for such an institution and the account of its development, appeared in "The Doughboy" of 1920-1921, the annual publication of the senior class of the Infantry School. It follows in part: , "Do the mothers and fathers of the future America generations realize: That of every one hundred men called to the colors in the future sixty-six must be trained for service in the Infantry; that of every one hundred men who serve at the battle front for a period covered by our operations in the World War, thirty-one will be killed or wounded in battle against an enemy equal in efficiency to the German soldier, unless by adequate training we succeed in insuring victory at a lower cost in human lives? Do they realize that their sons may be among the one hundred so called and among the thirty-one so unfortunate? "Twenty-six out of thirty general officers holding command in the American Expeditionary Force declared that losses due to lack of training were approximately doubled during the World War. While it is impossible to fix any exact relation between lack of training and losses in battle, yet it is manifested that to send untrained troops into battle against a trained enemy is equivalent to imposing death by Government order. "It has required a World War, the organization of the man-power of the nation, and the staggering casualty lists of American troops on the battlefields of France to shock the attention of America into a recognition of these facts, but at last recognition has come. The dream of military www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

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students has been realized. We have an Infantry School where the leaders of Infantry Units be taught the principles of su~lcessfulleader- ship, and where, on a terrain of suitable extent and variety, a modern battle may be staged with live ammunition during any season of the year, thus duplicating war conditions in all details except the casualties. "Out of this system of theoretical and practical training will grow a thoroughly co-ordinated doctrine of American combat which will insure to our armies in the future victories more decisive and brilliant at costs far less extravagant than any that have characterized the achievements of Amer- ican arms in the past. "It is interesting to note the growth of this thought from its first vague conception to its present complete fulfillment. "Under the mistaken theory that wars are won by mechanicians and technicians instead of by the direct shock of Infantry in attack with rifle and bayonet, every technical school was encouraged and fostered, while training of Infantry Units was regarded as work so simple that it might be accomplished on the eve of battle. The folly of this view has been expressed in terms of American dead on every battlefield. "The demand of the army for more perfect training, especially for greater efficiency in the use of the rifle, resulted in the creation of the School of Musketry, at Monterey, California, in 1907, but the plan met the requirements of only one phase of Infantry training and was necessarily inadequate. In order to secure a more extensive terrain and to co- operate with the Field Artillery, the other brother arm of the Infantry, in battle, this School was transferred in 1913 to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, the location of The School of Fire for Field Artillery. The scope of the School was extended to include all Infantry weapons and became known as The Infantry School of Arms. While the Fort Sill Military Reserva- tion partically met the needs of this School for technical instruction, it was never satisfactory from the standpoint of all-round Infantry training, but no other site was available. "Then the war came. Confusion in theory of attack and defense followed and finally nearly crystallized on the theory of limited objectives and on an unbreakable 'Hindenburg Line7 from the Swiss border to the North Sea. "It was at this stage that America entered the World War. The situation demanded a clear enumeration of American policy. From the Headquarters of the American Expeditionary Force in France, General Pershing sent the following cablegram to the War Department on Octo- ber 21, 1917: '' 'Recommend that instruction of divisions in the United States be conducted with a view of developing the soldiers physically and in knowledge of sanitation, inculcating high standards of discipline, producing superior markmanship both on the range and in the field firing exercises in large bodies. Close adherence is urged to the central idea that the essen- www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

286 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

tial principles of war have not changed, that the rifle and bayonet are still the supreme weapons of the Infantry soldier and that the ultimate success of the Army depends upon their proper use in open warfare.' "Here was a theory of combat which rejected the idea of limited objectives and unbreakable lines, and based its reliance upon the rifle and the bayonet in the hands of the Infantry in the open warfare which follows the break-through which only the Infantry can accomplish. "On this theory the whole plan of instruction of the American Ex- peditionary Force was based. "In order to teach the use of the new weapon developed during the war, and to establish a uniform system of tactics to conform to the changed conditions of combat all the great belligerent nations had been compelled, as the war progressed, to establish a series of schools to which they sent officers and non-commissioned officers from combat units, even those hotly engaged with the enemy, to learn the latest phases of combat and return to the units from which they came to impart the instruction received. "Profiting by the experience of the Allies, a complete school system was established in France under the direct supervision of the General Staff. A single group of Army Schools was organized for the A. E. F. to produce Staff officers and instructors for Corps Schools. A secondary group of schools was organized for each Corps, the object of which was to train Unit commanders in the combat duties of their respective arms. "In America an effort was made to build by expansion upon the inadequate system which had gradually developed in time of peace. The expansion of the School of Fire for Field Artillery, incidental to the war, made it impossible for The Infantty School of Arms to perform its tasks on the same reservation. This resulted in the establishment of a Small Arms Firing School, at Camp Perry, Ohio, and The Machine Gun School at Augusta, Georgia, The Infantry School of Arms continuing to exist at Fort Sill in a very unsatisfactory manner. Thus the use of the Infantry Arms, whose close and harmonious co-operation is vital to success in battle, was taught at three widely separated points, while nowhere in America was there a central school for the teaching of Infantry tactics. The need for all of the area at Fort Sill for Field Artillery, fortunately compelled the removal of The Infantry School of Arms to some other site, where all phases of Infantry training might be consolidated under the same control. Camp Benning, Georgia, was chosen as the most suitable site, and in 1918 the three separate Infantry Schools were transferred thereto and the foundations of the present institution were solidly established. The name of the institution was changed to The Infantry School and a plan of progressive construction was drawn up which still remains the guide to development. "The manifest wisdom of applying in time of peace the lessons we had learned in war, led to the adoption of a comprehensive plan for our future military education as outlined in G. 0. 112, W. D., 19 19, which www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

FORT BENNING IS ESTABLISHED 287

plan roughly follows the system adopted in the American Expeditionary Force. "This plan contemplates, in addition to troop training, a system of schools under the direct supervision of the General Staff. These schools are divided into: "(a) The General Service Schools, which train their personnel for the performance of staff duties and high command. "(b) The Special Service Schools, which train Unit commanders for their specific duties in command of troops. "Under this plan every arm of the service has its own Special Service School to train Unit commanders in the specific requirements of that arm. The Infantry School, Camp Benning, Georgia, the offspring of the system of military education developed in the A. E. F. as a result of the World War, is one of the twelve Special Service Schools to be maintained in future both in peace and in war, no matter what the size of the army may be. "To accomplish the mission assigned it, the School has been organized into The Department of Military Art, which teaches the technique of In- fantry weapons and the tactics of Infantry Units to include the brigade. "The Department of General Subjects teaches Military Administra- tion, Mess Management, Hygiene, Equitation, and Military Law. The Department of Research with a view to improving and developing Infantry weapons and Infantry tactics, and anticipating the changes necessitates there- by, instead of waiting for the destructive casualties of the battlefield to point a lesson which might have been learned in the study hall; it teaches psychology especially with reference to the leadership of men drafted to the colors whose relation to the service is an incident, not a profession. Methods of teaching form a part of every course, and the object of all instruction is to return to the units from which they come, officers and non-commissioned officers thoroughly competent to instruct their organizations in the unified doctrine of tactics as developed in the School. Con- ference on the theory of tactical principles is followed at once by actual demonstration, and no theory is taught which cannot be tested satisfactorily under battle conditions with live ammunition. The Department of Ex- periment and The Infantry Board operate directly under the control of the Commandant, but the School Division co-operates in the solution of every Infantry problem presented to them for solution. Demonstration under war conditions of all the principles of battle tactics become the outstanding characteristic of The Infantry School. To accomplish the object sought, the necessary war strength demonstration units have been authorized by the War Department. "The reservation comprises a tract of approximately 97,000 acres of variegated and rolling terrain, located nine miles from the City of Columbus, bounded on the south and west by the Chattahoochee River www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

288 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA and traversed by the Upatoi Creek. No more splendid tract for training purposes exists in America, or probably in the world. "Plans for the full development of the School have been ~erfected and the necessary appropriations will be sought from Congress until the plan has been fully realized. <'The Infantry may turn to the future with a'feeling of deep satisfaction. It not only possesses in The Infantry School all that is necessary to train its leaders in the most advanced thought in battle tactics, but can also illustrate the practicability and suitability of all that is taught by demonstration with live ammunition on a sufficiently extended battlefield. By means of the Department of Research, coupled with the work of the Department of Experiment and The Infantry Board, theories of war will never be allowed to harden into dogma, while demonstration will always serve to check the theorist who denounces existing methods but has nothing tangible to propose. Military thought will thus anticipate the future; students from foreign armies will seek the privilege of attending this great School; the School authorities will encourage the presence of officers of other arms whose co-operation with the Infantry is necessary to success in battle. "To the Infantry officers of the National Guard and the Reserve Corps, this School offers a most splendid opportunity for the training which will make them the recognized leaders in their respective groups, and the nucleus around which their Commanders will, necessity, build their fighting machines. They are cordially welcomed. Their numbers should rapidly increase and in the near future not less than 280 officers of the Na- tional Guard and Reserve Corps should attend the School during each half year. "The Coat of Arms of the School is the shield bearing across its face the silver blade of the bayonet surmounted by the motto 'Follow Me!' No more inspiring thought was ever written into heraldic form. Let The Infantry School achieve accordingly." Since Fort Benning has been established it has brought many high officials to this city and has proved a great asset in many ways. President Harding was a guest of the fort on one occassion, and General Pershing has paid three visits to this center of military training. Secretary of War Weeks and other officials, besides the members of the General Staff of the Army have also come to Benning on periodical trips. Usually the visits of high officials is featured by maneuvers on the part of the Fort Benning troops and the general public is nearly always permitted to be present at the demonstrations. In this way Columbusites are particularly fortunate in having such unusual opportunities. The population of Fort Benning is about 6,000 and includes infantry, artillery and tank troops. The infantry regiment, the 29th, is the only rFgiment in the service that still retains its full war strength, and is said to be one of the best drilled organizations in the army. During the scholastic www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

FORT BENNING IS ESTABLISHED 289

session at the Infantry School, the largest aggregation of army officers is located there. They come from all parts of the world, some of them caving served in the Philippines, Panama, Honolulu, and other stations abroad. Many of them are natives of the United States' foreign possessions and are commissioned officers in th7united States Army. Some few officers from foreign governments also attend the Infantry School. This cosmopolitan assemblage is another great asset to the social and intellectual life of Columbus. Many young women of the city have married into army circles and Columbus is familiarly referred to as "the mother-in-law of the Army." Since the post has become an established fact, a great deal of interest has been taken there in athletic events. The entire athletic project when completed will include besides the immense stadium and ball park, a polo field, golf course, a gymnasium, swimming pool, and other features which will give the post added attraction and will render it the greatest recreational center of any army post in the country. The Doughboy Stadium which was one of the first items on the program of construction to be completed will seat ten thousand. The baseball field with the reinforced concrete stands, which accommodate seven thousand spectators, was named the Hank Gowdy field in honor of the former Boston and New York catcher, who was the first major ball player to volunteer for service in the World War. The cost of the various features will mount up to about $500,00.0, and will be obtained without the aid of the government. Officers and men throughout the country are supplying the funds as a permanent memorial to the Infantrymen. Suitable plates that record the various donations are placed on the structures so that visitors may see them. The recreation project includes further, a large theatre, and the Service Club for the enlisted men. Since the inauguration of such an extensive athletic program, Fort Benning has become the sports center of the Army. Annual games in football, baseball, and basketball are staged with leading colleges and organizations in the South and other sections of the country. The most important event of the year is probably the annual football contest held in Washington for the President's Cup. It occurs each fall and the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps are permitted to compete for the cup which signifies the winning of the service championship before the eyes of the President. In 1924 the Fort Benning team won the coveted trophy. Since the completion of a first class paved highway between Colurn- bus and Fort Benning, the two communities have been brought into closer contact and there is a constant stream of automobiles going and coming. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

290 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

The commandants at Fort Benning have included some of the ablest officers of the United States Army, most of them being transferred to higher rank after their service at the post. Besides Colonel Eames, there have been Generals C. S. Farnsworth, Walter H. Gordon, Briant Wells, and Edgar T. Collins. The last named is as present in command at the Fort. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

CHAPTER XX

Commission Government And City Expansion

ITHIN the last ten years the one movement of greatest significance in local politics has been the change from the old aldermanic system of management of municipal affairs to the commission form of city government. For some years, as far back as 19 13, the more progressive citizens were working to bring ' about the adoption of the system, but public sentiment had to be worked up and many political affiliations readjusted. The main issue at stake in the proposed change was connected with the finances of the city departments. In the aldermanic system each organization had charge of its own purchase of supplies and the question of appropriations was always one in which each department head was most interested in securing the largest amount of money for his particular needs. Another fault with the old system was the increasing number of aldermen necessitated by the growth of the city. At the time the change finally took effect there were sixteen aldermen, in addition to the mayor, and there were sixteen committees always struggling for greater appropriations for their departments. In 1920 and 192 1 the matter was made a political issue to be settled by an election. By that time the women of the community had received voting privileges and they were for the most part in favor of the proposed change. Their activity was one of the main factors in bringing it about. At a meeting of the directors of the Advertising Club of Columbus, held at the Ralston Hotel, Friday, May 13th, 192 1, President W. W. Rainey presiding, Commission-Manager Government for Columbus was discussed, following which on motion unanimously carried, W. W. Rainey was appointed chairman of a committee to be composed of representative citizens, to inaugurate a movement for a chairman being given full authority to organize his committee. The following Sunday, both papers, at request of Mr. Rainey, carried a resolution endorsing Commission-Manager form of government for Co- lumbus. The following week, Mr. Rainey called together the people selected for his committee, and J. W. Woodruff was made chairman of a committee to present the matter to city council. At the next meeting of council, they adopted a resolution, calling for www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

292 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

a referendum of the voters of the city, but requiring that fifty per cent 01 the registered voters should vote for a change. On Wednesday, June 8th, Pres. W. E. Page called a meeting of the directors of the Chamber of Commerce, recommending that they take some action on the matter. At this meeting, Commission-Manager government was unanimously adopted, the resolution authorizing the President to name a campaign committee. President Page named Frank J. Lumpkin as chairman of this committee, which was called together Thursday night before the election, which was Wednesday of the following week. At this meeting of the committee, Mr. Lumpkin stated that he was heartily in favor of the movement, but owing to illness in his family, would be unable to serve. The committee then elected W. W. Rainey chairman, with full authority to conduct the short campaign. S. A. Spivey was elected secretary of the committee, and the next day, headquarters were opened at the Chamber of Commerce. Chairman Rainey called to his assistance, Wm. de L. Worsley, and put on an extensive campaign of publicity and advertising. Secretary Spivey wrote special articles for "The Columbus Ledger", and Leland J. Hender- son, Secretary, of the Ad Club wrote special articles for the "Enquirer-Sun". Messrs. Rainey and Worsley jointly handled the advertising and other publicity. The first. election was held on Wednesday, June 1 5th, 1504 voting for commission-manager plan, and lacking 85 1 votes of having a majority. Immediately after the election, chairman Rainey issued a statement, claim- ing that the election was a signal victory for commission-manager government. In his statement he said!: "The advocates for a change, and those supporting commission form of government, won a decisive victory, and in my opinion, these two questions were definitely settled at the polls yes- terday." He further stated that the fight had just begunj and there would be no let-up until the,matter had been carried to a successful issue. On Thursday, June 16th, the ccColumbusLedger" carried a news story with streamer heading, announcing that notice had been posted at the court house, stating that an amendment in the charter would be asked for, this notice being posted by Wm. de L. Worsley. Following this, Chairman Rainey called together a number of citizens interested in the movement, and stated that his work was completed and asking that he be relieved from further activity and a new committee be appointed to carry on the work. At this meeting Frank J. Dudley was elected chairman of the charter committee, and instructed to invite delegates from 2 1 civic, labor and religious organizations to help in preparation of a new charter. These delegates were called together, and the law firm of Slade and Swift were engaged to draw the charter. Chairman Dudley displayed great energy and interest in the preparation of the charter, and in a short while, the finished charter was pre- www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

COMMISSION GOVERNMENT AND CITY EXPANSION 293

sented to the Georgia Legislature, where it was promptly ~assedby the lower house, but struck a snag when it reached the Senate where it was opposed by Senator Wohlwender. When the change became a fact there were eleven candidates announced for.the five places of commissioner. Five of the names had been drawn up by a representative gathering from various local organizations. This slate was composed of the names of Miss Anna Griffin, J. Homer Dimon, R. E. Dismukes, Marshall Morton, and Reuben Kyle. There were six other candidates who entered the race independently. Miss Griffin was a well known club woman, and had been particularly active in the suffrage movement in this city. The men on the ticket had been selected for their knowledge of the city's affairs and proven abilities in other lines of work. As head of the finance committee under the old regime, Mr. Dismukes brought to the new system a complete knowledge of that situation. There was a great deal of opposition all the way around, to the new government, and particularly when certain department changes were made was this bitterness evident. Most of the old city employees were retained, but as a natural consequence of the readjustment of local affairs, some few had to be relieved of their duties. On January 1, 1922, the board of five commissioners took over the government of Columbus. J. Homer Dimon was elected mayor by the board and Mr. Gordon H. Hinkle of Altoona, Pennsylvania was secured for city manager. This choice as head of the city's purchasing department was a very unhappy one, both for Columbus and Mr. Hinkle. As an executive he was well recommended for his business abilities, but coming in with the inauguration of the new government, he was not the man to handle the situation. A great many people were opposed to his having the position on the score that he was a Northerner, and that he drew the largest salary among city employees. Some thought that a local man could have been secured with less cost. However, at the time those in charge could not obtain a Columbusite for the place who had the desired experience, and so had to look elsewhere. Finally, the opposition to City Manager Hinkle reached the point that his personal safety, and that of other officials was threatened. For some time the threats were not taken seriously, but when the mayorJs house was bombed one night, the matter assumed a more serious aspect. The element which was said to be responsible for the various threats and outrages was composed of some of those who had lost office when the new government began operation, with a number of the general lawless element of a city, and in addition, members of the Ku Klux Klan, an organization formed to deal with matters that the laws did not handle and which stirred up confusion generally. Mayor Dimon at the time was living at 11 16 Third avenue, and www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

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the explosion occurred one night in May, 1922. The front porch was nearly demolished, and the house shaken up, but no one was injured. Two soldiers were arrested in connection with furnishing the dynamite, but evidence sufficient to assure their conviction was lacking, and they were released. Sometime after that a group of the anti-commission element held a midnight session in the lower cemetery, which was discovered by friends of the new government and reported. Mayor Dimon, who was a member of the Rotary Club mentioned the meeting at one of the club's dinners, and the resulting publicity did much to prevent further disorders. City Manager Hinkle's troubles were not ended, however. .One night as he was going east on Twelfth street near the Murrah building he was attacked by several men. He managed to make his get away and so arrived at his apartment safely. He had tired of such affairs, by that time, and being afraid of other more serious attacks, left the city and the commissioners found it necessary to name another man to take his place. Mr. Henry B. Crawford, meanwhile, had returned to Columbus from Gilboa, New York, where he had been connected with the construction firm having charge of building the dam there, and he accepted the position which was offered him by the commission. He served as city manager for some months when he resigned and was succeeded by Walter A. Richards. Mr. Richards subsequently gave up the position to accept a similar one in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Mr. Crawford was given the place. He is at present the city manager. At various times City Engineer G. M. Mitcham has acted in that capacity. One of the first changes brought about in the city government was that in the offices of treasurer. Miss Margaret Affleck, who had been connected with the department for a number of years, was made city treasurer, and as the first woman in the state to hold such an office was given wide publicity. From time to time other departments were changed insofar as the general public and the financial affairs of the city would benefit, until, at the present, every part of the city's government is run on a much more systematic and economic plan than under the former mode. At the end of the first year of operation the commission form of government had been such a marked success, that many other cities began to look to Columbus for aid in their municipal problems. A review of the city at that time appeared in one of the local papers as follows: "In enumerating what has been actually done, perhaps annexation should head the list; this being the first step towards the building of a greater Columbus. "The people of Wynnton and outlying districts were so impressed with the new government, that they were anxious to come into the city, and the vote cast for annexation, was almost unanimous. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

COMMISSION GOVERNMENT AND CITY EXPANSION 295

('The present financial status of the city is of course gratifying to everyone. The commissioners have established a credit for the city with local merchants by discounting all bills. "When the commissioners took charge, January 1, 1922 ; the city owed current bills amounting to $7 1,068.27. They owed the local banks $70,000.00 borrowed money. "On January 1, 1923, the outstanding current bills against the city amounted to $41 1.75. The indebtedness to the banks had been entirely wiped out and the city had on deposit $62,976.63. This deposit earning 4 per cent interest. "During the year $5 1,00 0.00 worth of bonds were detired, and interest coupons amounting to $75,000.00 were paid. "All of this was not accomplished by economies of administration; there was some increase in revenues. "Much of it, however, is due to the business methods employed by the commissioners, and especially the establishment of a central purchasing agency. Under the new government, a purchasing department was organized, and instead of each department buying what it needed in a haphazard fashion, everything bought was handled by the purchasing agent, getting the benefit of quantity prices. By handling it this way, a check was established on the different departments j waste and duplication minimized. "Some savings has also been made in the consolidation of work in the different departments. By handling this intelligently, the commissioners have been able to increase salaries, thus encouraging efficiency and loyalty among the employees. "To the superficial observer, perhaps the outstanding improvement has been the cleanliness of the streets. This has been accomplished by the purchase of a motor driven flusher at a cost of $8,000.00. "This huge 'Water Wagon' does the work of more than 20 men. It does not simply lay the dust temporarily, but with its tremendous pressure and driving power, sends the dirt and trash to the river through the city sewers. "Another noticeable improvement so far as the streets are concerned, was the removal of the peanut and boot-black stands. For years, these stands on the most prominent corners, were the first thing seen by visitors. "The commissioners organized a board in order that property owners select an equilization or tax review might have an appeal from the assessors. "The system of accounting has been entirely changed and re-organized. All reports are handled through the city manager's office. "AU requisitions and receipts are scrutinized and passed upon by the city manager. "Previous to the new administration, a detention home had been operated at great expense to both the city and county, and without satisfactory results. This has been abandoned and venereal diseases are now www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

296 HISTORY OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

treated by clinics. "During the year, Columbus has had three city managers. The un- biased person will admit that the two that are gone were good, and that it would be hard to improve upon the one now in charge. "Much of the credit for the systems now in operation should be given to Manager Hinkle. There is no question but what Mr. Hinkle was efficient; undoubtedly he knew city management from 'A' to 'Z'; there is also no question but what he was lacking in tact, and for that reason, would never have been popular as a city official. "Manager Henry Crawford made a creditable showing for the short while that he was in office, and did much to bring the people together and cement good will. "Those who know Walter Richards best feel safe in saying that his administration will not only be successful, but popular. He is not making too many promises, saying that: 'actions speak louder than words.' How- ever, he is on the job and Columbus will grow and expand to the fullest extent with his guiding hand at the throttle. "The commissioners and the city manager are in almost daily con- sultation. They are planning many improvements for Columbus. They are undertaking to formulate a city plan, something that can be worked to for the next twenty years. "A survey is being made for a new sewer system, they are getting ready to take care of the 100,000 people who will be living in Columbus within the next ten or fifteen years. "Safe crossings over all railroads will be provided, either by viaducts or underpasses. "The names of all streets are to be plainly marked on the corners. "The commissioners are backing the movement for a bond issue to cover sewers, street paving, schools, play grounds, an athletic field, etc." In 1922 occurred the shooting of John B. Clements, reputed to be a bootlegger, by the chief of the county police, Mitch Huling. Chief Huling was widely noted for his ability in destroying whiskey stills in this county and in bringing rum runners to the courts. Some weeks before the shooting occurred Huling had made an attempt to enter Clements' home in order to search for whiskey. Some trouble occurred then, and Huling did not find any evidence. It was said that Clements threatened to shoot Huling when he saw him. At any rate, Clements and his wife were in town and saw Huling with other county officers. Mrs. Clements left her husband to do some shopping and Huling approached him. Huling said he saw Clements reach toward his hip pocket, and so pulled his own gun and fired. Clements was killed. Huling was arrested and charged with his murder. Feeling was so intense on both sides that a change of venue took place and the county officer was tried in Buena Vista instead of Columbus. He was acquitted. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

COMMISSION GOVERNMENT AND CITY EXPANSION 297

A feature of the case in Columbus was the activity of a certain faction of the women. Huling's reputation for bringing bootleggers to justice and for destroying stills had made him almost a hero in the eyes of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and chief among the workers in that organization was Miss Theresa Griffin, for whom the local union was named, and who was a sister of the commissioner, Miss Anna Griffin. When Huling was brought to trial the W. C. T. U. held numerous prayer meetings in his behalf and various members were in constant attendance to Mr. Huling's wants when he was in jail. Miss Anna Griffin was active in administering to him and her extreme partiality toward him during the whole course of his incarceration and trial did much to injure her political chances for re-election. As it was, the W. C. T. U. was severely censured, and Miss Griffin received very little support when she offered for another term as city commissioner. Accompanying the improvement in administration of city affairs was the program for territorial expansion and city beautification, which resulted in a marked increase in real estate and industrial advancement. The annexations of 1920 and 1925 practically doubled the corporate limits of the city. In 1920 sections were added to the north and east of the city and five years later further territory was taken in to include what was known as City View, with adjacent sections, and Wynnton. This latter division is one of the most attractive suburbs in the South and is known far and wide as the site of numerous lovely homes. Rapid real estate developments took place simultaneously with the advance of the city limits, and many new companies came into existence while the older firms of the city increased their scope of operations. The aim of the drive was to "sell Columbus to Columbus". It was during this time that the great "trek" to Florida was taking place and Columbus was the scene of many transient parties en route. Tourist camps were established in and near Columbus to take care of the large motorcades that were passing through, and it was the idea of the progressive citizens of the community to keep some of the transients in this section, as well as to make Columbus so attractive that her own citizens would prefer to remain here. Some of the real estate developments noted at that time follow: The Flournoy Realty Company, for many years prominent in real estate circles here, bought up property in and around the city, and after laying out streets and putting in conveniences, of electricity, water, etc., offered to the public the most attractive sites for homes. Peacock Woods, St. Elmo Place, Wildwood Circle and Wildwood Circle addition, are some of the projects of that company. The deLaunay place was developed by Lloyd Bowers into a most attractive residential section, located between East Highlands and Wynnton. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

298 HISTORY -OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

Later Mr. Bowers became interested in a large tract of land near his home place and had it laid out to form a very high class subdivision. It is "Overlook" and is admirably situated to become one of Columbusy most attractive seciions of homes. Wynnton Heights has been developed by Hez Land, who severed his connection with the Land and Taylor Shoe Company in the city to take up real estate. Lovely homes are being built on lots in that section. It is one of the several subdivisions in which Mr. Land is interested. Cherokee Heights, located near the Country Club and Wynnton Circle, has been developed by Albert S. Woolfolk. Many beautiful homes are being erected there. The Rose Hill Company, for many years one of the real estate firms of the city, has continued to expand its interests in the northern section of Columbus. Many lovely lots have been laid out and attractive houses built there. This company has also been interested in additions in other sections of the city. J. W. King has been another influential realtor. Through his activities Talbot Heights and Sherwood Acres have been added to Columbus' new developments. Talbot Heights has been laid out on the Talbotton Highway north of the city and Sherwood Acres is several miles out of the city on the same artery of traffic. Rosemont, which is located near the above subdivisions, was developed among the first of the Columbus real estate expansions. Many lovely homes have been built there, and a few years ago a brick school house was erected to serve the fast growing community. This development was made through the Armour Realty Company, and associates. Owen Edge, another of Columbus' prominent realtors has been instrumental in building up many new additions in and near the city. Among them have been Edgewood on the Macon road, Magnolia Heights at the Cody place on the Macon road, Willow Springs in the same general neigh- borhood, and the Andrews place on the Cusseta road. John T. Fletcher, always interested in farm and city developments, has been connected with various subdivisions, including one of the Talbot- ton road and the Hill House acreage. The Britt Addition, located in Wynnton between the Macon and Buena Vista roads was developed by J. E. and 2. D. Britt, and has been and is a most attractive section of new homes. Adjacent to the Britt subdivision is the George Tract which has sirni- larly developed. A like plot is being planned for the Reid place on the Macon road. Charles Frank Williams, one of the younger business men of the city, has inaugurated various new subdivisions in Columbus and also on the Alabama side of the river. The lumber company of which he is head has built numerous houses which have promptly found occupants. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

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Summerville Heights, located several miles from Columbus, over in Alabama, with sections farther out on the Summerville road have attracted the active interest of C. L. Mullins, who has also been instrumental in the building of attractive homes on Ingersoll Hill. Another recent subdivision is that near St. Elmo, and by name St. Elmo Park. It has been developed in the past year or so by the Columbus Investment Company, and is providing a very desirable location. The Waverly Terrace section which was laid out before many of the later tracts is completely built up, not a single lot remaining unsold. Dimond Circle has been developed near The Cedars, the old home of the Peacock family. It is the site of many lovely homes. Another old homesite recently developed is the Dinglewood place. A boulevard has been built through this section and to the east of it has been laid out Boulevard Terrace, through the activity of Hez Land. Several miles north of the city on the River Road the Jordan Com- pany is preparing a high class residential subdivision. It is located on the hills overlooking the Chattahoochee river, between Green Island Ranch, the estate of G. Gunby Jordan, and the property of the Columbus Electric and Power Company, down toward Roaring creek. The Woodruff development, "Wood Crest," mentioned above was purchased at a cost of $90,000. This amount was considered rather large by some but at the time the deal was made it was on a par with prevailing prices. At that time there was more activity in central real estate in Co- lumbus than ever before and higher prices were paid. Other subdivisions in and around Columbus are being made, included in which is Benning Park, on the Fort Benning road. A little further out other developments are in progress. Among those interested particularly in real estate within the city limits has been Roy Martin. He has built high class theatres in North Highlands, Phenix City, and operated two others in the main business section of the citv. He is planning another theatre on Talbotton avenue near the Rose Hill section and has built a large one for Negroes in the lower part of the city. He purchased the old Banks building, in the main business district, at the southeast corner of Broad and Triangle streets, and remodeled it during the last few years, to serve as a model office building for doctors. It is known as the Doctors7building. Diagonallv opposite that structure is the Swift-Kyle building, of six stories, which is one of the most up-to-date office buildings in the city. Besides these, many other improvements have taken place in all sections of the city. With the real estate and territorial increase in Columbus went the extension of the industries. Those already in the city enlarged their plants and increased their output while many new ones were located here. The cotton mill industry was one of the most important to take advantage of the new developments. The Bibb Company, the Meritas Mills. www.gagenweb.org (C) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. GeorgiaGenWeb.org

300 HISTORY OF COLUPI4BUS. GEORGIA

the Muscogee Manufacturing Company, the Bradley Manufacturing Com- pany, and the Perkins Hosiery Mills all increased their facilities and consequently their output. The Cen-Tennial Cotton Gin Company was the scene of an advance in business and enlargement of the plant. The clay working and lumber businesses in the city also showed remarkable growth at that time. During the Florida rush the building materials trade in Columbus was called upon to its utmost and since that time the general business has been carried on in a much larger scale. Many new companies were formed to handle the increased demand.

A PART OF THE BUSINESS SECTION

Many other concerns of different types were also established in this period of remarkable growth which followed the World War. During this period the railroad lines serving the city were also compelled to contribute their share in the development and to reap the benefits of an increase in freight. The Central of Georgia, the Southern and the Seaboard roads all improved their lines. The Central of Georgia railway constructed a new coal chute, a new roundhouse, enlarged the freight yards, built various other new buildings, and underpasses and renovated the union station. However, the most notable piece of construction work done by that company was the erection of the Thirteenth street viaduct which is the longest in Georgia, being 1,888 feet in length and 50 feet wide. It extends from Fifth to Tenth avenue, along Thirteenth street. It was built at a cost of nearly half a million dollars, a part of which amount