Dodge County GaArchives History .....Town of Chauncey ************************************************ 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 December 27, 2004, 5:59 pm The Town of Chauncey. The first settler in the town of Chauncey was Mr. W. K. Bussey. In 1869 he was appointed agent for the station then known as No. 12 on the Macon and Brunswick, now the Southern Railway. He also did a mercantile business in the warehouse. In December of that year he built for himself the first residence, to which he took his bride, who was Miss Rachel Laslie. The first child born in the new town was in 1871, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bussey, named Leila, now Mrs. Walter Smith, of Atlanta. In 1870 Mr. W. H. Berryhill was appointed postmaster of the little town. In 1872 A. and D. B. Curry erected the first store house. In 1873 Sumner, Mullin & Hill erected an extensive shingle mill in the edge of town, which was named Mullingar, but when the town was incorporated it was annexed to it. The name Chauncey was given to the town in honor of a Mr. Chauncey, of New Hampshire, who promised to erect a church in the town, but died before it was accomplished. The town was incorporated in 1883, the first mayor was 0. W. Bush, and the board of aldermen were: Hamilton Clark, L. M. Curry, J. J. Lamb, and W. P. Burt. G. P. Bussey was clerk and treasurer. In 1874 Sumner and Mullin built a small church for all denominations. Rev. D. G. Pope, a supply in the South Georgia Conference, preached to the Methodists, and Elder Matthew Sikes preached to the Primitive Baptists. In 1876 the first ginnery was erected by Mr J. F. Wright, propelled by horse and mule power. A hand press, built by Mr. D. F. Maloy, was used. In 1876 this little town was saddened by the passing away of the beloved Mrs. W. K. Bussey, which marked the first death of a white lady in the town. About 1882 the Methodists erected a church. Rev. George Thompson was the pastor and rendered valuable aid as a carpenter as well as pastor. The Missionary Baptists built a church in 1884. In 1885 the Primitive Baptist Church was built. The first wedding solemnized in the Chauncey Methodist Church was that of Miss May Colville to Mr. L. M. Curry on February 15, 1886. The first Masonic funeral was that of Judge Angus Curry, in September, 1886. Mr. L. M. Curry built the first two-story brick building in 1883, the lower story was used for a store conducted by Mr. Curry, and the upper story was used for a public hall and rooming apartments. Mr. Thomas Laslie built a two-story hotel about 1880. This building is now owned and used as a hotel by Mrs. D. B. Phillips. In 1892 the Methodist Church and a large sawmill across the street from it were destroyed by fire. In 1893 another Methodist Church was built. Also, this same year, a large sawmill was erected by A. B. Steele Lumber Company, of Atlanta, Ga. It is said that the first telephone in the State of Georgia was in Chauncey, some time between 1880 and 1885, and was owned by Mr. James Mullin, connecting his store at Mullingar with the depot. In 1912 a telephone exchange was introduced, with Miss Vesta Reid as manager. Among the first physicians of Chauncey were: Dr. Tucker, Dr. Montgomery, Dr. Geo. Blanton, Dr. I. H. Harrison and Dr. C. J. Clark. Dr. Clark is still a practicing physician of the town. The first Masonic Lodge was organized in 1895. The first school in Chauncey was in 1875, and was taught by Mr. G. C. Bailey in the little church donated by Sumner & Mullin. Rev. J. E. Rorie taught in 1876, and was also pastor of the Methodist Church. Miss Eliza Harrison was the teacher in 1878 and 1879. Miss Fannie Harrison taught from 1884 till 1894 and again in 1908 and 1909. Miss Eilleen Horton, later Mrs. Dan Lanier, of McRae, taught the school in 1897. Miss Lizzie Daniel, of Eastman, now Mrs. W. H. Clark, of Chauncey, taught the school in 1907. There were other teachers, among whom were Rev. P. A. Jessup, Rev. Stewart Rogers, and Messrs. Mclntosh and Walsh. From 1895 to 1905 Chauncey was at a low ebb, business became very dull and property owners were discouraged, the timber around the town was exhausted, and this caused the sawmill and turpentine men to seek pine belts elsewhere, and quite a number of families moved away. In 1906 the town began taking on new life. A system ginnery was erected, also a cotton warehouse and the bank. In 1909 an Odd Fellows Lodge was organized. From 1875 to 1890 the leading merchants of the town were: Angus Curry, W. K. Bussey, T. V. and G. P. Bussey, 0. W. Bush, Maj. Smith, William Harrell and James Mullin. In 1910 the old wooden stores on main street were torn down and replaced by handsome up-to-date brick buildings with a paved sidewalk in front. A large hardware store was owned and operated by Wm. and B. N. Bussey, sons of Mr. W. K. Bussey, the first resident of the town. Dr. Collum and brother became proprietors of a nice drug store. At this time Mr. J. J. Cadwell operated a large mercantile firm, as did also Mrs. D. B. Phillips and Miss Ruth Curry, daughters of Mr. Angus Curry. Mr. W. H. Clark, son of Mr. Hamilton Clark, also erected a brick store in which he kept a large stock of merchandise. The bank was located on this street. In 1913 a Board of Commerce was organized and bonds were voted for the erection of a $10,000.00 schoolhouse. In 1914 the present high school building was erected. J. H. Hargrove and Son were the contractors, and Mr. Ed Horsford, of Eastman, was the architect. It is a handsome building and has all modern conveniences, and would reflect credit on a much larger town than Chauncey. The first teachers in the new school were: Prof. Harrison, principal, with Misses Cole and Puckett assistants, and Miss Lewis teacher of music and expression. The location of the town is fine, the surrounding country filled with prosperous farmers, and the outlook for the growth of the place is brighter than it has ever known. The following poem was written by Clarence Hawkins and published in the Eastman Times January, 1874: Now, Mr. Editor, 'tis my intention A few facts to mention Concerning a Station On the M. & B. Road. Its name is Chauncey, For a New Hampshire Yankee Who left in a hurry Though 'tis said he promised a church. There is the jolly good squire Who does up his justice by a lightwood fire; He is fat, but not fussy, You know I mean W. K. Bussey. Our friend Curry, Who is never in a hurry, But keeps the same gait All the year round, By the smile on his face And the way he says grace, You may know his conscience is clear. Messrs. Humphreys and Willcox, Both young men and smart, One to head them in business Should take a soon start. John W. Bohannon Don't shoot a big cannon, But makes considerable noise By running a store And peddling more Family groceries and toys. The Shingle Mill Run by Sumner, Mullin & Hill, Now with the Hills cleared away Which happened one day, Will do you fair. Manager "Pap" Not cutting much sap, And all things done Done on the square. Additional Comments: From: HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY COPYRIGHT 1932 By MRS. WILTON PHILIP COBB Printed by FOOTE & DAVIES CO., ATLANTA. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/dodge/history/other/gms551townofch.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/gafiles/ File size: 7.6 Kb