Chatham County GaArchives History .....Chronological History - 1850-1890 1900 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 October 25, 2004, 12:15 am 1850.—January llth, first issue of Morning News by John M. Cooper, with motto of "Neutrality, Independence and Industry." January 15th, Savannah Gas Light Company organized. August 8th, the city was draped in mourning on account of the death of President Zachary Taylor. Francis S. Bartow delivered funeral oration at the Methodist Church. August 26th, contract closed with city for lighting streets with gas. November 10th, State of Georgia made a separate diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, and called the Diocese of Savannah, Rev. Francis X. Gartland, D. D., Bishop. The erection of Custom House begun. DeKalb Riflemen organized. Population, 14,000. 1851.—September 24th, Hebrew Benevolent Society established . 1852.—January 10th, bill passed Legislature, authorizing organization of the Independent Volunteer Regiment. The regiment was organized with A. R. Lawton, Colonel; George W. Stiles, Lieutenant Colonel; William S. Rockwell, Major. March, corner stone of present St. John's Church laid. November 10th, Laurel Grove Cemetery dedicated. 1853.—January 17th, cornerstone of Medical College laid at Taylor Street, corner Habersham. The building was used as such until 1875, when the College was moved to the City Hospital. March 13th, St. John's Church opened for service. August, Cathedral Cemetery opened. October llth, cornerstone of present Pulaski Monument laid. Savannah and Albany Railroad organized, with Dr. John Screven, president. Water Works erected. 1854.—April 21st, city visited by ex-President Fillmore, who remained until April 25th, attending three different churches on Sunday, the 23d, and on Monday, held public levee at the Pulaski. August 12th, yellow fever broke out in Washington Ward, near St. Julian and Houston Streets. Of population of 18,-000, but 0,000 remained in city, of these, nearly all were sick, and mortality reached 1,040, the highest point of the fever being September 12th, when fifty-one interments occurred. Ten physicians, three medical students and three preachers, one, the Right Reverend F. X. Gartland, .Bishop Diocese of Savannah, died, and every preacher who remained was stricken. The last death occurred November 29th. September 8th, severe and destructive storm occurred, Hutchinson Island flooded, Fig Island light washed away, and many persons drowned. October 12th, Savannah Benevolent Association organized. Savannah and Albany Railroad changed name to Savannah, Albany and Gulf, and city subscribed |1,000,000 towards its construction. Exports for year, $17,881,806. 1855.—Exports for year, f20,129,230. 1856.—January 8th, Oglethorpe Light Infantry organized, John N. Lewis, Captain. Savannah Turn Verein organized. Exports for year, $22,027,500. 1857.—Exports for year, $22,500,000. 1858.—Masons and Odd Fellows, jointly constructed building, now occupied by Oglethorpe Club, corner Bull and Broughton Streets. St. Stephens Episcopal Church organized under Rev. Mr. Kennerley. 1859.—July 16th, Dr. John P. Screven, originator of Savannah Water Works, projector of the Savannah, Florida and Western Railway, later Mayor and State Senator, died, aged 60 years. The Savannah Georgian, established in 1818, suspended. Working Mens' Benevolent Association organized. 1860.—December, announcement of secession of South Carolina created great enthusiasm. Flag bearing representation of rattlesnake, with inscription "Don't tread on me," hoisted from Greene Monument, and meetings called to ratify the action of South Carolina. All military companies tendered services to the State. Call for State Convention issued. Savannah, Albany and Gulf Railroad completed to Thomasville. Exports for year, $17,798,922. 1861.—January 2d, delegates to State Convention elected. Francis S. Bartow, John W. Anderson, and A. S. Jones. January 3d, Savannah Volunteer Guards. Oglethorpe Light Infantry and Chatham Artillery, under command of Colonel A. E. Lawton, took possession of Fort Pulaski. January 19th, ordinance of secession passed by vote of 208 to 89. Much enthusiasm in Savannah. March 7th, State Convention met in Savannah, and adopted new Constitution. March 8th, Confederate States flag hoisted on Custom House, and saluted with seven guns. Colonel Lawton appointed Brigadier General, and Hugh W. Mercer elected Colonel of First Georgia. May 21st, Oglethorpe Light Infantry, 106 strong, under command of Captain Francis S. Bartow, left Savannah, for Richmond. July 27th, remains of Colonel Bartow, who was killed at Bull Run, brought to Savannah, and buried at Laurel Grove, amid imposing ceremonies. September 5th, Morning News gives list of 26 companies already raised in Savannah for the Confederate service. An examination of files, however, shows 7 other companies formed to that date, in addition to 5 reserve companies. November, Port Royal captured, and it was believed Savannah would be next point of attack. Vessels laden with stone were sunk in channel of river, and batteries erected commanding the obstructions. Tybee evacuated, and Fort Pulaski made the outwork of line of defence. Colonel Mercer promoted to Brigadier General and Major C. H. Olmstead appointed Colonel of the First Georgia, in charge of defence of Fort Pulaski. November llth, General R. E. Lee arrived in Savannah, and inspected Fort Pulaski, expressing belief that it could withstand all the attacks of the enemy. 1862.—February 3d, Remains of members of Oglethorpe Light Infantry, who fell at Manassas, arrived and received funeral honors. February 22d, the Union forces succeeded in passing their vessels through Wall's Cut entering Savannah river above Fort Pulaski, and cutting it off from all communication with the city. March 4th, Orders published for every man between 18 and 45 to appear on parade ground. March llth, Correspondent of Morning News says Chatham County has now 39 companies in the Confederate service. April 10th, bombardment of Fort Pulaski opened. Garrison consisted of about 305 men and 34 officers. The German Volunteers, Captain Stegin; Oglethorpe Light Infantry, Captain Sims; Washington Volunteers, Captain McMahon; Montgomery Guards, Captain Guilmartin, and Wise Guards, Captain McMuller. April llth, Fort Pulaski surrendered. May, General Lawton ordered to Virginia with 5,000 men, and General Mercer assumed command of the city and its defences. June 29th, Fort McAllister attacked. Was garrisoned by DeKalb Riflemen, under command of Captain A. L. Hartridge; attack repulsed with loss of two men wounded. November 2d, and November 19th, Fort McAllister again attacked, but both attacks repulsed. 1863.—January 27th, another heavy attack upon Fort McAllister, the Montauk, with 15-inch guns leading, but the enemy was repulsed without loss. February 1st, a fifth bombardment of Fort McAllister occurred, in which the enemy retired vanquished. Major Gallie, commanding the fort was killed, and seven of the garrison wounded. March 3d, sixth and last attack on Fort McAllister, the enemy appearing with four ironclads, five gunboats, and two mortar schooners. Captain George W. Anderson was in command of fort. Bombardment continued through day and night, resulting in wounding of three men. On the morning of the 4th, the enemy withdrew. July llth, Captain C. Werner, of the German Volunteers, killed at Battery Wagner. 1864.—July 22d, Captain Screven Turner of the Coast Rifles, killed at Atlanta. November 15th, General Sherman, with 60,000 men, left Atlanta on his march to the sea. November 28th, Sherman's approach elicited a call from the Mayor for all men capable of bearing arms, to report for organization for the defense of the city. December 10th, the Union Army, composed of about 70,000 men of all arms, enveloped the city. Against this force General W. J. Hardee had less than 10,000 men. December 13th, Fort McAllister, garrisoned by about 150 men, under Major George W. Anderson, assaulted by the Second Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps, under General Hazen, and after a hard struggle, capitulated. Union loss, 134 officers and men; Confederate loss, 17 killed, 31 wounded. December 17th, General Sherman demanded surrender of city, which was refused. Hardee, in meantime, was locating his only line of retreat, by laying pontoon from West Broad to Hutchinson Island, building roadway across the island, laying pontoons across Middle River, another roadway across Pennyworth Island, and a, third pontoon over Back River, to the Carolina shore. December 20th, evacuation of city begun in evening, and rear guard of Hardee's army had crossed to Hutchinson Island by three o'clock in the morning. December 21st, Savannah surrendered to Union forces, and General Geary marched into city and took possession, making headquarters at Central Railroad Bank. December 25th, General Sherman arrived in city, making headquarters in Green Mansion, now occupied by P. W. Meldrim, telegraphing President Lincoln that he presented him Savannah as a Christmas gift. December 28th, meeting of citizens held at Masonic Hall, presided over by the Mayor, Dr. R. D. Arnold, where resolutions were adopted to "lay aside all differences," and exert "best endeavors to bring back the prosperity and commerce we once enjoyed." December 29th, "Republican" office taken possession of by military authority, with John E. Hayes as publisher. December 31st, blockade runner "Rebecca Hertz" entered port, to find city in the hands of Union forces. The vessel was turned over to the Government. R. R. Cuyler, president of the Central Railroad, died during this year, and W. B. Johnston was elected in his stead. Sherman's Army destroyed 139 miles of the Central Railroad track, from Savannah to Gordon. 1865.—January 27th, fire started in stable in rear of "Granite Hall," comer West Broad and Zubly Streets, and destroyed over 100 buildings. Several thousand rounds of fixed ammunition stored in Granite Hall, was ignited, and the explosions killed one and wounded three citizens, adding terror to the occasion. October, reconstruction of Savannah. Albany and Gulf Railroad begun, one-third of it having been destroyed during the war. Harmonie Club instituted. W. M. Wadley elected president of the Central Railroad. Population 24,000. 1866.-March 21st, Public School system of Savannah established. March, Savannah, Albany and Gulf Railroad reopened to Thomasville. December 18th, powers of Board of Public Education extended to embrace County of Chatham. December 20th, charter granted to Savannah, Skidaway and Seaboard Railroad. Merchants' National Bank incorporated. First steam fire engine, the J. J. Waver, purchased. 1867.—January 29th, Savannah Fire Company resigned in a body. February 1st, Savannah Volunteer Fire Department organized. Savannah, Albany and Gulf Railroad opened to Bainbridge. Second steam fire engine, the John W. Anderson, purchased. Exports for year, $4.1,225,488. 1868.—July, the City Council granted to Savannah, Skidaway and Seaboard Railroad Company, privileges through streets, which was the beginning of street railway system. Exports for year, #50,226,209. 1869.—Savannah Bank and Trust Company incorporated. 1870.—April, General R. E. Lee visited Savannah. Southern Bank of the State of Georgia incorporated. Main building of Bethesda Orphanage constructed. 1872.—June llth, Savannah Cotton Exchange organized. Imports for year, $32,849,056. Exports for year, $39,509,716. 1873.—February 21st, First fatal casualty at a fire in Savannah, George Puder being killed by falling walls. Imports for year, $38,135,382; exports, $67,826,399. 1874.—June 16th, cornerstone of Confederate Monument laid. Youth's Historical Society, now Young Men's Hebrew Association, organized. Exports for year, $38,370,685; imports; $54,261,553. 1875.—February 1st, Industrial Relief Society and Home for the Friendless organized. February 14th, Hodgson Hall, present home of Georgia Historical Society, dedicated. April 26th, Confederate Monument unveiled. Cost $25,000. June, Medical College removed to City Hospital and building occupied as St. Joseph's Infirmary. September, the "Advertiser and Republican," direct descendant of the old Georgia Republican, established in 1802, suspended, and subscription list transferred to Morning News. September 21st, Oglethorpe Club organized. St. Joseph's Infirmary established. Imports for year, $41,072,750; exports, $50,282,282. 1876.—July 10th, Doctor Richard D. Arnold died in room in which he was born, 68 years before. He was largely instrumental in organizing Georgia Historical Society, and was Mayor when Sherman captured the city. August 21st, first recognized death from yellow fever. August 25th, fire starting on Kelly's wharf, foot of Drayton, destroyed all the buildings on the north side of Bay, from Drayton, west to Bull. August 31st, first public announcement of the presence of yellow fever in city, though much excitement had prevailed for several days, and hundreds of people had fled. Committee appointed by Savannah Benevolent Association, reported August 30th, that there had been 39 cases and 9 deaths. September 20th, fever reached highest death rate, 34 whites, 5 colored. November 26th, last death from yellow fever. Total deaths from fever, from August 21st to date, 940. Among those who died, was Rev. E. H. Meyers, pastor of Trinity Church. Imports for year, $37,691,967; exports, $38,885,464. 1877.—Present Savannah Hospital constructed on site of former structure. Catholic Library Association organized. Reverend I. P. Meades became rabbi of synagogue. Imports for year, $36,307,908; exports, $32,103,853. 1878.—Reverend C. H. Strong assumed charge of St John's Church. First Georgia Battalion, (colored), organized. Imports for year, $42,948,465; exports, $46.028,988. 1879.—January 8th, Hon. Julian Hartridge, member of Congress, died in Washington. _____ _____, General U. S. Grant, ex-President of the United States, visited Savannah. July 12th, Hottest day on record for Savannah, 105 in shade. October 9th, cornerstone of Jasper Monument laid. Imports for year, $43,064,472; exports, $40,901,421. 1880.— Imports for year, $45,552,480; exports, $47,836,411. 1881.—Imports for year, $48,716,900; exports, $58,985,901. 1882.—July 18th, Savannah, Naval Stores Exchange organized. August 10th, W. M. Wadley, president Central Railroad, died, and E. P. Alexander elected to succeed him. December 1st, first issue of Savannah Evening Times. Imports for year, $45,952,105; exports, $52,004,248. 1883.—February 12th, the Sesqui-Centennial of the landing of Oglethorpe was celebrated. Governor Alexander H. Stephens attended the ceremonies, and from the exposure and fatigue, contracted a cold, from which, shortly after, he died. April, President Chester A. Arthur visited Savannah as the guest of his kinsman, Henry T. Botts, whose home is now occupied by Mr. E. A. Weil, corner Bull and Gordon Streets. April, Savannah Board of Trade formed as successor to Savannah Naval Stores Exchange. May llth, Brush Electric Light and Power Co. incorporated and proceeded to erect works. August, First electric light turned on. October 31st, over 300 houses in Yamacraw destroyed by fire, 1,200 people being made homeless and eight lives lost. Telfair Hospital founded. Mary Telfair Home opened for reception of widows with small children. Gordon Monument erected by the Central Railroad and Banking Company. Imports for year, $47,699,796; exports, $53,915,934. 1884.—Imports for year, $49,112,316; exports, $46,425,513. 1885.—October 31st, National Bank of Savannah incorporated. November, Savannah and Tybee Railway incorporated. First artesian well in South Georgia, and second in Georgia, sunk near Laurel Grove by Captain D. G. Purse. Imports for year, $49,881,080; exports, $48,313,216. 1886.—May 3d, Telfair Academy dedicated and opened. During the first week of this month, Chatham Artillery celebrated the completion of its first century of existence, and Jefferson Davis and daughter, Winnie, visited the city, remaining during their stay as guests of Mr. H. M. Comer. August 9th, Ground broken for construction of Tybee Railway. August 30th, severe shock of earthquake, damaging many houses, and causing much alarm. Public squares filled during night, and for weeks afterward with people who feared to remain in their houses at night. A second lighter shock was felt shortly after daybreak, next morning. November 5th, a very perceptible earthquake shock felt throughout city. Savannah Volunteer Guards' Armory completed. Imports for year, $51,118,524; exports. $51,033,190. 1887.—July 18th, temperature attained 102 degrees in shade. September 12th, Cotton Exchange building occupied. Savannah and Tybee Railway completed. Oglethorpe Savings and Trust Company incorporated. Odd Fellows' Hall completed. Imports for year, $52,659,223; exports, $54,774,682. 1,003 Vessels entered and cleared. 1888.—January 3d, Citizens' Bank incorporated. January 5th, new County Jail completed, and sheriff extended invitation to the public to visit and inspect it. January 8th, Dr. James J. Waring died. He originated the system which drained the swamp lands east of the city, thus removing a fruitful source of disease. January llth, first vestibule train arrived in Savannah, making phenomenal run from New York, 903 miles, in 26 hours. January 20th, First Bryan Baptist Church, colored, celebrated its centennial, it having been organized by Rev. Andrew Bryan, January 20th, 1788, with eighty members. February 20th, Knights of Pythias Hall dedicated. February 22d, Jasper Monument unveiled, Governor John B. Gordon delivering oration. President Cleveland and wife arrived at 8:40 A. M., and after a drive over the city, and reviewing procession, left for Florida at 10:35 A. M. February 29th, Title Guarantee and Loan Company organized . March 16th, severe storms throughout country destroyed communications, and first Northern mail in five days arrived this date. Government accepted site for new Post Office at Abercorn and York Streets. March 17th, broken truck on south-bound train, on Savannah, Florida and Western Railway, caused it to crash through trestle at Hurricane Creek, near Blackshear, killing 17, and injuring 34 people. Oglethorpe Barracks property bought by Savannah Hotel Company for $75,000. March 21st, contract awarded for construction of Whit-field building. March 27th, workmen began tearing down the old Masonic Hall on President Street, west of Whitaker. This building was erected in 1799, and was destroyed to make room for the present Whitfield building. May 23d, more building in progress in Savannah than in any previous year, estimates showing f 1,250,000 in building-contracts made since January 1st. July 24th, German Benevolent Society incorporated. August 10th, yellow fever in Jacksonville causes Savannah to quarantine against her. August 25th, Edward Lovell, one of the oldest merchants, died. September 1st, total shipment of cotton for twelve months past, 898,702 bales; of lumber, 83,000,000 feet; timber, 2,200,000 feet. Entire business for year, $104,000,000. Over $2, 000,000 invested in improvements; 1,314 vessels entered and cleared. September 12th, Savannah contributes over $5,000 in aid of yellow fever sufferers in Jacksonville. October 22d, Richmond Terminal Company secured control of Central Railroad. October 24th, Mrs. Mary Hazard Hamilton, widow of Colonel Everard Hamilton, secretary of state under Governor Troup, died, aged 94. November 6th, Colonel Rufus E. Lester elected to Congress . November 27th, quarantine against Florida raised. November 29th, riot in Yamacraw, in which two policemen were badly injured, one negro killed and many wounded. December 5th, contract awarded for construction of De Soto Hotel. December 29th, Savannah's bonded indebtedness announced as $3,654,000, a reduction of $20,000 for the year. Imports for year, $53,412,920; exports, $56,435,601. 1889.—January 15th, Major John Schwarz elected Mayor. January 18th, health officer's report showed deaths during the year 1888, 366 white, 655 colored, 220 less than 1887. February 6th, cornerstone of St. John's Mission, now St. Paul's Episcopal Church, laid. March 12th, the Savannah Brewing Company organized. April 6th, fire starting in store of D. Hogan, Broughton Street, corner Barnard, destroyed property to value of nearly $1,000,000, including Independent Presbyterian Church, Guards' Armory, Odd Fellows building, and many other buildings. April 10th, Arkwright Factory, employing 100 operatives, destroyed by fire. April 19th, contract for building new Court House awarded at $97,500. May 4th, Hon. Robert Falligant commissioned Judge of Superior Court. • June 8th, Savannah contributes $4,500 for the benefit of flood sufferers in Pennsylvania. July 1st, fire starting in store of A. J. Miller & Co., destroyed $150,000 worth of property. Falling walls killed Fireman Wiehrs, mortally wounding Foreman Goodson, and injuring eight other men. July 2d, Savannah Brewing Company treated Savannah citizens to "home brew" for the first time, formally opening their brewery today. The beer was sampled by thousands of visitors. July 4th, General A. R. Lawton returned, after absence of two years as Minister to Austria July 14th, cornerstone of St. Benedict's Catholic Church laid. July 20th; Steamer St. Nicholas ran into closed bridge over St. Augustine Creek, killing three persons, and injuring thirty others. July 31st, cornerstone of new Court House laid. August 25th, M. T. Lewman, contractor for construction of De Soto Hotel, drowned in surf at Tybee. September 1st, shipments of cotton for year, 826,528 bales; of lumber, 78,000,000 feet. Entire business for year, $108,000,000. About $2,000,000 placed in improvements during past twelve months; 1,324 vessels entered and cleared at the port. October 6th, Reverend W. L. Houston, pastor of Bryan Baptist Church, (colored), buried, the funeral being the largest which was ever held in Savannah. October 8th, fire on the lower wharves destroyed two cotton compresses, and other property, to the value of nearly $400,000, with insurance of $286,000. October 10th, cornerstone of new Odd Fellows' building laid. October 13th, Thomas Henderson, the oldest undertaker in Georgia, having been established in Savannah since 1843, died. November 12th, the State Legislature, as invited guests of the city, assembled at Masonic Hall, and were later entertained by city officials and citizens. December 6th, flags of the city at half mast, on account of death of ex-President Jefferson Davis. December llth, business suspended and memorial services held in honor of ex-President Davis. December 31st, new steamer, Kansas City, arrived in port. Imports for year, $55,062,710; exports, $62,892,429. Additional Comments: From: CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF SAVANNAH, From Its Settlement by Oglethorpe down to December 31, 1899, Together with a Complete Record of the City and County, and SAVANNAH'S ROLL OF HONOR, A Roster of the Soldiers who have in three wars Gone Forth at their Country's Call, from this City. A. E. SHOLES, Compiler. SAVANNAH, GA.: THE MORNING NEWS PRINT. 1900. 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