Decatur County GaArchives News.....Post-Searchlight runs 9th in a series of biographies on some pioneer families in Decatur County history May 12 1966
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Janet Sumner gws0675@peoplepc.com May 1, 2004, 10:29 pm

Post Searchlight
From Southern Historical Association --- 1895

"John D. Harrell, United States marshal, southern district of Georgia, eldest 
child of W. W. Harrel, was born April 9, 1844.  The common school education he 
was receiving was cut short by the civil war.  In February, 1862, he enlisted 
as a private in Troop A, Fifth Georgia cavalry; soon after was made a corporal, 
and later was appointed second senior lieutenant, Company A, Twenty-ninth 
battalion, Georgia Cavalry -- his service being mostly guard duty on the 
Atlantic coast.  He was on his way to Virginia at the time of the surrender, 
and was paroled at Augusta.  Returning home he engaged as salesman until 1873, 
when, in company with his brother Charles, he embarked in a general merchandise 
business, in which he has continued.  He is best known, however, by his civil 
service, to which his capabilities and superior qualifications were adapted.  
He has been sheriff of Decatur county; he then served a two years' term as 
clerk of the superior court, and after that a term of treasurer.  For twenty-
five years he has been a much valued and serviceable member of the city 
council -- two years of the time as mayor.  In 1884 he was elected to represent 
Decatur county in the general assembly, and served by re-election until 1889.  
While in that body he was chairman of the committee on railways and finances.  
He was appointed on the governor's staff, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, 
by Gov. H. D. McDaniel and was reappointed by Govs. J. B. Gordon and W. J. 
Northen.  He has been an active member of the democratic executive committee, 
second congressional district, and was appointed chief of special land service 
at Washington by Secretary of the Interior Department Hoke Smith; an honor 
which the demands of his business compelled him to decline.  In 1894 he was 
appointed United States marshal for the southern district of Georgia by 
President Cleveland, an office whose duties he is discharging with his 
characteristic fidelity and efficiency.  No commendatory remarks could add 
anything to such a well-rounded public career.  Marshal Harrell was married in 
Burke county, Ga., Feb. 23, 1863, to Miss Annie E. Owens.  Of their children, 
Annie R. is the widow of J. M. Terrell, who was a confidential traveling agent 
of the Western Union Telegraph company; Evelyn H. is the wife of R. A. McTyer, 
Bainbridge, and an infant, which died unnamed.  He is a Knight of Pythias, a 
royal arch Mason, is grand senior deacon of the Grand lodge of master Masons, 
and is an active member of the Methodist church."    

			

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