Jackson County GaArchives History .....History of Harmony Grove-Commerce, Chapter 4 1949 ************************************************ 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 August 21, 2004, 4:11 am CHAPTER V DEVELOPMENT OF HARMONY GROVE FROM 1810 TO 1884 Some pioneer families and individuals who laid the foundation and formed the background of the village and town of Harmony Grove from its beginning in 1808 to 1880- together with their children and some of their grandchildren: Hardy Minish-His two sons: Eli and Pierce. Dickey Minish-Three sons: B. J., Will and Jesse. Eli Shankle-Three sons: James W., Levi, S. M. and five daughters: Polly, Elizabeth, Eritha, Martha Ann, Ophelia. Levi Shankle-Three sons: Sam, Ras, and Dr. William M. and four daughters: Virginia, Mrs. Levi Mathews, Mrs. D. D. Baugh and Sara King. S. M. Shankle-Five sons: A. G., A. M., L. P., Claud and O. E.; four daughters: Anelia, Ida, Maggie and Pauline. Tapley Bennett-Two sons: Captain A. T. and Hosea C. W. Hood-Two sons: C. J. and C. W., Jr.; two daughters: Mary and Ruth. W. C. Hood-Three sons: John H., Ben and W. T.; two daughters: Estelle and Delia. W. B. J. Hardman-Six sons: H. E., L. G., R. L., W. B., T. C., and J. B.; five daughters: Anelia, Ethlene, Lanora, Sallie, Mildred. His sons were: two preachers, H. E., and T. C.; two physicians, L. G. and W. B.; two business and public men, R. L. and J. B. W. C. Farrabee-Three sons: C. O., L. J. and Luther B.; five daughters: R. A., R. D., L. H., P. C. and Loonie B. Caleb Wood-Four sons: M. P., J. N., J. P. and M. C. M. P. Wood Four sons: John W., Ed, Pleasant and Ernest; five daughters: Julia, Laura, Viola, Maggie and Marion. Samps Butler-Two sons: Jesse and Tom; one daughter, Miss Jenny Butler; two grandsons, Bob and Joe. J. N. Wood-Five sons: D. C., Lee, E. S., C. C. and Omar; four daughters: Josie, Mattie, Nezzie and Maude. Jesse P. Wood-Two sons: Carey and Calvin; three daughters: Leila, Toonie and Jessie. M. C. Wood-One daughter: Lizzie. Solomon Seegar-Two sons: J. Ansel and Thomas; one daughter: Mrs. J. C. Yeargin. John C. Yeargin-Two sons: William J. and Charlie. J. Ansel Seegar-Three sons: S. J. T., P. S. B. and J. W. J.; three daughters: Lizzie, Francina and Mary. J. A. Williford-Four sons: Q. L., J. H., W. D. and Robert. D. J. Sanders-Four sons: D. G., C. B., C. M. and R. L.; three daughters: Ella, Florence and Mary. P. C. Pittman-Five sons: P. O., J. I., N. O., T. C. and C. E.; three daughters: Alice, Sue and Octie. P. O. Pittman-One son: W. O.; two daughters: Maud and Lillian. T. C. Pittman-One son: O. C.; one daughter: Reba. C. E. Pittman-Two sons: Brooks and Clarence. W. T. Stapler Three sons: Odell, Carl and Hoyt; three daughters: Emma, Gussie and Hallie. C. T. Nash-Four daughters: Addie, Rosa, Lovie and Lula. Dr. V. H. Deadwyler-Eight sons: Henry, Phil, Will, John D., A. B., O. E., Hoyt and Clyde; two daughters: Savannah and Lula. A. B. Deadwyler-One son: Joe; one daughter: Rene. James C. Campbell-Three sons: Chan, J. B. and Gibson. Wilson Lord-Five sons: Jim, Dave, Bob, John and Emory. Mrs. C. A. M. Mann-One son: W. D.; two daughters: Lizzie and Nelia. J. S. P. Ritchie-Six sons: L. A., R. C., Jim, Gamer, John and Otis; two daughters: Cornelia and Lilly. L. H. Gober-Four sons: Willie, Marvin, Olin and Lenos; three daughters: Carrie, Emma and Mera. J. Madison Keith-Three sons: Claudius Alphonso, Byron Sebastian and Adrian Alfucius. J. M. Chandler-Five sons: Walter, Edgar, Arthur, Herbert and Clovus. Rush Cromer-Five sons: Eddie, Rondo, Theo, Roscoe and Ponto. Jonah A. Bonds-Two sons: Charlie and Luther; two daughters: Minnie and Bertie. Littleton Barber-Five sons: C. T., W. L., Dee, Ed and Henry; four daughters: Jennie, Emma, Frances and Minnie. C. T. Barber-Nine sons: Clint, Fred, Theo, Wily, Rob, Dave, Calvin, Howard and Talmadge; three daughters: Marion, Estelle and Bell. W. L. Barber-Three sons: Earl, Hugh and Alf; four daughters: Kathleen, Gertrude, Nan and Camille. Dee Barber-One son: Cliff D.; two daughters: Pearl and Ruby. J. O. Adair-Two sons: Thomas B. and Ferdinand; three daughters: Hattie, Montine and Mary. W. B. Barnett-Two sons: Keff and John. J. D. Barnett-Three sons: Horace, Harold and Paul; three daughters: Kathleen, Lorena and Merle. R. S. Cheney-Five sons: Roy, Rob, Hood, Mell and Berkley; five daughters: Kate, Wertie, Edna, Olive and Agnes. B. S. Bohannon-One daughter: Ida. Buck Nunn-Home near the L. P. Shankle residence. Frank Sewell-Home near Methodist Church; later the T. A. Little home. W. S. Edwards-Four sons: Joe, Hugh, S. N., and Lamar; two daughters: Fannie and Delia. W. B. Power-Three daughters: Emma, Pearl and Ossie. W. R. Goss-Two sons: W. J. and I. H.; three daughters: Mrs. D. M. Burns, Dora and Ella. W. J. Gross-Two daughters: Lady and Grace. J. L Ray Two sons: Charlie and Frank. W. T. Thurmond Two sons: Thad and A. H.; four daughters: Exa, Kyle, Alma and Sue. Micajab Williamsson-Three sons: John, W. L. and L. W.; one daughter: Mary Appleby. W. F. Stark-Five sons: C. D., Young, W. W., Albert and A. G.; three daughters: Mrs. Clara Maddox, Lula and Ellie. C. D. Stark-Four sons: Homer, W. F., E. C. and Hope D. W. W. Stark-One son: William; two daughters: Ruth and Zelma. Eli Crow-Two sons: Frank E. and Lonnie; two daughters: Mattie and Lena. W. T. Harber-Four sons: H. R., P. T., T. A. and R. B.; five daughters: Lizzie, Nelle, Estelle, Lucy Bell and Thelma. Development of Harmony Grove from r 8 r o- r 884 25 G. W. D. Harber-Four sons: W. Y., John, Henry and Leo; five daughters: Ethel, Ruth, Pat, Marie and Mary Dillard. W. B. Hardman-Four daughters: Wilda, Elizabeth, Helen and Ida Shankle. T. C. Hardman-Three sons: Colquitt, Lawrence and Joseph; two daughters: Francine and Mary. SOME OF THE MEN WHO CAME TO HARMONY GROVE BETWEEN 1880 AND 1900 E. F. Adair F. H. Aderhold C. C. Alexander N. C. (Lat) Alexander N. Stiles Alexander Dr. W. A. Alexander W. G. Alexander T. J. Allen E. B. Anderson Ezekiel Anthony J. H. Ayers Neal Bates A. N. Bellamy T. J. Bennett A. M. Benton M. A. Benton J. W. Black R. L. Black C. C. Bolton Herchel Bolton Lenard Bolton A. H. Boone C. H. Brock E. G. Brock R. B. Burgess W. B. Burns D. U. Carson G. L. Carson, Sr. G. L. Carson, Jr. John M. Carson C. W. Cooper Addison Crisler A. S. Crow J. H. Crow W. A. Dale S. G. Dale John Dale T. M. Daniel Cicero H. Daniel L. L. Davis J. F. Dowdy John W. Dowdy J. L. Dunson W. L. Dunson Ed P. Eberhart Jack Eberhart R. A. Eckles Charley Eckles J. H. Eckles Neal Eckles W. C. Eckles R. S. Eidson J. F. Goode George W. Gordon Taylor Gordon John M. Gordon W. C. Green John H. Gunnels S. D. Harber Dr. Charles Harden Dr. R. R. Harden Dr. W. P. Harden I. H. Harris A. D. Harris B. B. Hawks Obe Hawks R. H. Hawks S. P. Hawks Henry Herring Joe W. Hill H. Corbin Hood Reuben Howington Robert Howington P. D. Howington Dr. F. M. Hubbard G. L. Hubbard Marcus Jacobs Jefferson Jennings J. P. Johnson L. B. Johnson J. W. Johnson Y. J. Johnson G. T. Jones W. W. Jordan T. E. Key W. W. Landrum W. F. Langston Henry Langston John Langston W. P. Lovin T. A. Little J. R. Little T. C. Little W. L. Little Claud Little J. E. Massey M. T. Massey J. C. Massey J. U. Merritt W. S. Mize Lonnie Mize Charley Mize Theron Mize Horace Mize W. W. Montgomery J. O. Montgomery Claude Montgomery Dr. M. F. Nelms D. C. Nichols J. M. Nix R. C. Nix D. M. Nix Reuben C. Nunn Lovic Oliver R. S. Pomeroy Bit Peeler H. W. Peeler W. D. Power W. A. Quillian J. T. Quillian Joe A. Quillian T. F. Quinlan D. D. Qnillian R. T. Quillian J. M. Rhodes E. P. W. Richey A. P. Rice G. T. Rice W. B. Rice J. T. Rogers Eli J. Rylie John W. Sailers W. L. Sailers Dr. L. J. Sharp Nathaniel (Nat) Sharp K. N. Sharp W. G. Shrarp B. B. Sharp J. F. Shannon W. A. Shannon J. J. Sheppard W. D. Sheppard Paul Sheppard Frank Sheppard P. W. Sheppard Press Shore H. C. Sims W. H. Simpkins Kimsey Smith R. L. J. Smith Jeremiah Strickland J. N. Telford William Thurmond, Sr. J. H. Walker C. M. Walker W. B. Wagnon Alex Webb F. P. Webb William Webb A. S. Webb Alcane Webb Joe H. Webb George Webb Leon P. Webb Albert Webb G. B. Whitehead W. T. Whitehead F. O. Whitehead J. G. Whitehead O. J. Whitehead W. Ed Whitehead James E. Williams Henry E. Williams John T. Williams Harmon Williams Isaac Wilbanks H. O. Williford G. N. Wilson L. W. Williamson B. F. Wardlaw Neal Yarbrough Mack Yarbrough Family Record of Eli Shankle who was probably the first settler of Harmony Grove. Eli Shankle-Born Aug. 5, 1784, died April 15, 1852. Rebecca Hargrove Shankle-Born Dec. 4, 1786, died Dec. 4, 1866. Polly Shankle-Born March 5, 1811; married Henry B. Gober, father of L. H. Gober. James W. Shankle-Born Oct. 18, 1812, died Feb. 12, 1847. Levi H. Shankle-Born Feb. 9, 1815, died 1883. Elizabeth Shankle-Born May 20, 1819. Eritha Shankle-Born June 1, 1821; married Linton C. Dunson. Martha Ann Shankle-Born Jan. 29, 1823; married Linsey Dunson. Seaborn McKendree Shankle-Born July 8, 1825, died 1885. Ophelia Amanda Shankle-Born Sept. 11, 1830; married C. W. Hood, Sr.; died 1857. Eli Shankle married Rebecca Hargrove whose father lived on Hargrove Creek. They married about 1808 or 1809 and settled at the head of a large spring on the east side of Spring Street. Later he built a log house on the hill west of the spring, where he reared his family. The home was owned later by Levi Shankle who sold it to his oldest daughter, Virginia Baugh. Mrs. Baugh sold it in 1883 to Mrs. M. M. Barber of Washington, Ga. After the death of Mrs. Barber in 1906 this home was bought by her daughter, Mrs. T. C. Hardman. In 1915 this house was taken down and a home built on that site, for her eldest son, T. Colquitt Hardman. Some of the original timbers were put into the new building. HARMONY GROVE-COMMERCE POST OFFICE AND POSTMASTERS The Harmony Grove Post Office was established October 14, 1825 and evidently located near Pittman's Bridge on the place known as the John B. Jackson farm, in the vicinity of the Harmony Grove Female Academy. There is no recorded information that this school ever functioned to any great extent and as the site of the town later known as Harmony Grove began to settle up and to establish business places, the post office was evidently moved to that place, probably in the 1830's, not later than 1840. The post office when moved from its original site was first located at a point near the present Harmony Grove Mills office. Soon afterward it was moved to the center of business activities which was then on State and Cherry Streets and known as the Athens and Clarksville road. The first location I remember, about 1876, was in a wooden building on the present site of the C. E. Pittman brick building. The office was moved in 1882 to a corner in the L. G. Hardman Drug Store building. Some years later it was moved to North Elm Street in a building now occupied by Dr. A. A. Rogers. Still later about 1910, or 1912, it was located on the corner of Central Avenue and South Elm Street where it remained until 1933. At this date it was moved to the present site into the government owned building. The Commerce Post Office was raised from the fourth class to the third class on January 1st, 1903. The name was changed to Commerce, November 17, 1903. Russell Jones was appointed first postmaster in 1825 and served at the original location. Of course there were other postmasters during the fifty year period from 1825 to 18751 but their names are not available. Those who have served as postmasters with dates as far as can be obtained: Under the name of Harmony Grove: W. J. Goss 1875-1880 Taylor Gordon 1880-1888 C. C. Alexander 1888-1892 A. C. Appleby 1892-1896 R. C. Moss 1896-1898 J. L. Dunson 1898-1904 After the name was changed to Commerce: C. C. Alexander 1904-1908 N. C. Alexander 1908-1912 G. L. Carson, Sr. 1913 W. T. Thurmond 1913-1922 J. L. Dunson 1922-1933 Mrs. C. C. Ward 1933-1949 There are six rural mail routes radiating from Commerce in every direction and covering all the territory in a radius of eight to ten miles. INDIVIDUALS WHOSE PERSONALITIES CONTRIBUTED TO THE CHARACTER, TONE AND REPUTATION OF HARMONY GROVE TOGETHER WITH THE EARLY BUSINESS FIRMS WHO FIRST PUT HARMONY GROVE ON THE MAP Little is recorded or known of the very early settlers as to their particular personalities, but from the beginning of the growth of the village of Harmony Grove, about 1845 or 1850, a number of men came upon the scene whose characteristics are worth noting. (1) C. W. Hood, Sr., who was born in 1827, was the son of William C. Hood and Winnifred Hood who were charter members of the Beaver Dam Baptist Church in 1826. Mr. C. W. Hood, Sr., was reared near Apple Valley and while a young man came to Harmony Grove and entered into the mercantile business which he conducted for more than forty years. Mr. Hood was a man of retiring disposition, limited education, but with great business qualifications, noted for his economy and thrift. Having large farm interests, he ac-cumulated a princely fortune for those days. Mr. Hood was very active in church and school affairs and contributed largely to these institutions, donating land and money in a liberal way. He had a large part in building the Northeastern Rail-road, subscribing stock and giving the site for the depot. Verily, it can be said, he was one of the founders of Harmony Grove. C. J. Hood, son of C. W. Hood, Sr., entered into the affairs of the town and community about 1883. He was the chief promoter of the Northeastern Bank, the first banking institution in the town. Mr. Hood in many ways contributed to the progress of the city, serving as mayor three times and noted as one of the most liberal contributors to the community welfare. (2) W. C. Hood, who was the younger brother of C. W. Hood, Sr., was identified with the progress of the town after the Civil War. Owning a good portion of the land in the business section, he sold lots for business enterprises and was himself engaged in the mercantile business for several years. (3) S. M. Shankle was the youngest son of Eli Shankle, born in 1825 and was the brother-in-law of C. W. Hood, Sr. Mr. Hood's first wife was his sister. Mr. Shankle inherited a large section of land on the eastern side of the town, most of which has since been developed as a residential section. Mr. Shankle was engaged in the mercantile business some thirty-five years. All his life he was a strong supporter of the Methodist Church in Harmony Grove. He reared a family of five boys and four girls, all of whom were worthwhile contributors to the progress of the town and community. (4.) Dr. W. B. J. Hardman: Dr. Hardman was born November 23, 1822 and reared in Oglethorpe County and came to Harmony Grove in 1848 or '49 as a practicing physician. He boarded with Mr. S. M. Shankle for about two years and was married to Miss E. S. Colquitt of Oglethorpe County, January 2, 1851. His first residence for one year was the old Bowden house on State Street. Then he resided five years in the J. P. Wood house across the street. In 1856, he built his home on Madison County road. Having purchased a large tract of land, he engaged in farming while he continued the practice of his profession. Dr. Hardman, in cooperation with C. W. Hood, Sr., was active in the promotion of a number of institutions and industries in Harmony Grove. Among these were the establishment of the Harmony Grove Baptist Church and the fostering of the schools of which he was for a long time a trustee, serving as Chairman of the Board. He aided in locating the Northeastern Railroad through Harmony Grove. He, with C. W. Hood, Sr., was the author of the section in the Harmony Grove Charter prohibiting the legal sale of intoxicants within the incorporate limit of the town perpetually. Dr. Hardman had a wide range of territory in his practice before and during the war as he was the only physician in this section. Dr. Crawford Long of Jefferson and Dr. Daniel of Danielsville were his contemporaries and were the nearest located physicians. After practicing his profession for nearly thirty years, he was called to the ministry and be-came the first pastor of the Harmony Grove Baptist Church. His family consisted of six boys and five girls, two of whom died in early girlhood. Two, L. G. Hardman and W. B. Hardman, became physicians. Dr. L. G. Hardman had a wide sphere of influence and as a practicing physician, he succeeded his father in this community. He served in the State House and Senate and was co-author of the Prohibition Bill that gave Georgia a dry law in 1907. He served two terms as Governor of the State of Georgia. W. B. Hardman enjoyed the distinction of being one of the finest surgeons in this section and his reputation was state-wide. He was also a popular practitioner who knew how to treat patients in the home and to meet their needs. His friendly approach was greatly appreciated and he found a place in the hearts of the people. Two, H. E. Hardman and T. C. Hardman, were ministers of the Gospel. These two ministered to the churches in the surrounding section as pastors of various churches. They strengthened the faith and stabilized the spiritual life of the people. These two preached salvation by grace, a new life and a transforming Gospel. Two, R. L. and J. B. Hardman, were business men. R. L. Hardman spent his life in the hardware business, opened the first hardware store in Harmony Grove in 1884. He was the second mayor of the town. A few years later he moved to Atlanta and continued in the hardware business. J. B. Hardman served the town both as a merchant and in the insurance business. He served four terms as mayor of Harmony Grove and Commerce. He was later a member of the Georgia Senate. The number of his friends was measured only by the extent of his acquaintance. (5) Caleb Wood was one of the early settlers who lived about two miles northwest of Harmony Grove at what is now known as the W. B. Hardman Peach Orchard. He bought and owned a large acreage near the center of town which his four sons inherited and which was divided into four tracts. From best information, Mr. Caleb Wood never lived in Harmony Grove, but bought part of the land he owned in town from Samps Butler; certainly the house and lot on State Street later owned by his son, Jesse P. Wood and probably some other portions of land owned by Caleb Wood. Two of his sons, J. N. and Jesse P., engaged in business at various times in Harmony Grove and all four of his sons had a part in the growth of the community. The two above mentioned reared good size families, most of whom continued here and furnished growth and strength to the town. (6) W. C. Farrabee was a unique character in Harmony Grove. He was high tempered, temperamental and excitable, with a good bit of Irish in him. He was always ready to con-tend for what he considered his rights. Harmony Grove was not complete without this man of eccentricities, yet withal a valuable citizen. Mr. Farrabee's family consisted of three boys and five girls. These for the most part remained as citizens of Harmony Grove-Commerce. The eldest son, Cecil, went to Arkansas in his early manhood and made a success in that state. (7) Solomon Seegars was a rather old man when he came from Madison County and established the Northeastern Hotel some years after the Civil War and had a small part in the mercantile realm. His son, J. Ansel Seegar, was pioneer in the livery stable business. For quite a while he furnished the transportation and drayage facilities for the town. (8) W. T. and G. W. D. Harber were brothers who came to Harmony Grove in 1875 or 76 and established a mercantile business together. They were reared in Franklin County. W. T., the older of the two, had had some business experience in Marietta, Ga. This firm of W. T. Harber & Brother was one of the stalwart business institutions' for some thirty years. Both of these men were frugal, industrious and wise business men and each had accumulated a sizable fortune for himself and family. After the death of W. T. in 1902, G. W. D. with his son, W. Y. Harber, conducted a thriving business for a long period. Each of these men had a family of four boys and five girls, several of whom have made Commerce their permanent home and contributed to its progress. (9) W. B. Power. Perhaps no man was more closely associated with the business life of Harmony Grove than W. B. Power. Coming here from Oglethorpe County in 1877, he engaged in several enterprises. In 1882 he formed the partner-ship with J. M. Chandler and R. L. Hardman under the firm name of Power-Chandler & Company. After a year or more in business, this firm enlarged its partnership and changed the firm name to Power-Key & Company. This partnership was not a success and was liquidated. Mr. Power then formed a partnership with John H. Gunnells which continued for some five years and was finally dissolved. Then, Mr. Power formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, H. O. Williford. They built a large supply store in 1891 where the Blue Bell Overall Plant is now located. Here they conducted a large supply business and cotton buying enterprise that gave Harmony Grove a wide reputation as a good market. Mr. Power died in 1904 and the business continued under the firm name of Williford, Burns & Rice. (10) C. D. Stark. C. D. Stark came to Harmony Grove from his country home in Jackson County in about 1885 and entered the mercantile business. Mr. Stark was full of life, unbounded energy, good business ability and a liberal supply of gab. In the thirty-five years of his business activities, he added much to the reputation of the town as a business center. He often sold goods at a close or cut price which gave much concern to his competitors, the Harbers, Powers, Hoods, and others. He had a family of four boys, all of whom have made a success in life. (11) W. A. and J. T. Quillian. These brothers came to Harmony Grove in 188o and entered into the mercantile life of the town. When Harmony Grove was incorporated, W. A. Quillian was elected the first Mayor and served for two years. After some years of partnership, J. T. Quillian withdrew and set up a separate business in the sale of wagons and buggies, also in the brokerage of grain, flour and other lines. W. A. continued the business under the name of Quillian & Sons, T. F. and R. T. being members of the firm. (12) E. B. Anderson-W. D. Mann. About the time the Northeastern Bank was founded, C. W. Hood & Son sold their mercantile business to Anderson & Mann, who conducted a large supply and general mercantile business which added much to the assets of the town. This firm continued its operation and became one of the large cotton factors of the city. After some twenty years, Mr. Anderson withdrew and established a private bank. Mr. Mann continued the business until after 1920. (13) T. E. Key and J. D. Barnett. These men under the firm name of Key & Company did a general supply and grocery business from about 1888 for fifteen or twenty years. This firm had a large trade and bought a considerable amount of cotton during their business career. Each of them served as Mayor of Harmony Grove and Mr. Key was the first Mayor of Commerce after the new name was adopted. (14) J. M. Nix, L. L. Davis, P. W. Sheppard. These fine men came to Harmony Grove in 1895 and opened the firm of Sheppard, Davis & Nix, later changed to Davis & Nix when Mr. Sheppard withdrew. This firm supplied a place in the town of supply merchants after most of the others had discontinued and was probably the last firm who carried on this method of business after the retirement of other firms. Mr. Davis became the chief cotton factor under the name of L. L. & V. L. Davis. (15) Among others who did a mercantile business in Harmony Grove from 1880 to 1900 were W. J. Goss, W. S. Edwards, Key & Williamson, Burgess & Allen, Isaac Wilbanks, W. W. Jordan, Jeremiah Strickland, Alexander & Teasley, A. H. Boone, B. B. Hawks, Kimsey Smith, J. E. Massey, Hardman & Shankle, Hardman Merchandise Company, Hardman Hardware Company, L. J. Sharp & Bro., L. G. Hardman & Bro., Wagnon & Wood, Marcus Jacob, Bennett & Wilson, A. C. & J. H. Campbell and W. A. Dale, William Thurmond, Sr., John M. Gordon, I. H. Harris & Co., and Herschel Bolton, and Benton and Adair Hardware Co. HARMONY GROVE CROWD DOES NOT WANT To BE BRACKETED WITH EARLY COMMERCE By Paul T. Harber, Commerce News, Sept. 13, 1945 Recent comment in the News relative to Harmony Grove and its successor, Commerce, and a comparison of the times years ago with conditions today, has roused the feelings of some of the real old-timers who want to be known as the Harmony Grove crowd. One of them said, "Don't bracket our crowd with the early Commerce contingent. They are a different species. Call them old-timers, if you choose, but let our crowd be known as P.S.A.W., Pre-Spanish American War, which represents a period before 1898." But let him tell it. Here's what he has to say. Furnished Spark "Our Harmony Grove crowd" don't want any disunity or unfriendly feelings, but we want it to be known that it was old Harmony Grove that did big things and furnished the spark for later progress by the new city of Commerce which carried on successfully for many years and then was let down by a generation that seemed to have forgotten the lessons taught them by their grandfathers. Original Industry What was this community's first industry? Why it was R. A. (Bob) Eckles exterior finish shop, or buggy and wagon factory, a contribution of Harmony Grove to the world of transportation. Mr. Eckles first made two-horse wagons and began majoring in buggies. He finished his buggies with 14 to 16 coats of varnish and they shined until you could see yourself in the body. Judge B. S. Bohannon was one of the painters and Mr. Petat an expert trimmer. No such buggy or wagon, for durability, ever rolled out of any factory. Studebaker, White Hickory and other wagons were manufactured in large numbers, but no wagon was superior to that of Robert A. Eckles. His buggies and carriages were equally as durable and popular. Ask your granddad about this successful industry in Harmony Grove. Good Schools Our crowd believed in providing a good education for children. We didn't ask the state and the federal government for money. Two school buildings were built by the pioneers. The first was where the grammar school is now located. It was a two-story frame structure, built in 1874 and it was razed in 1889, and was replaced by a brick structure which burned to the ground in 1895. The second brick building burned in 1903. Capable Teachers The first teachers after the Civil War were G. J. N. Wilson, R. S. Cheney and G. W. Brown, a one-armed veteran of the Civil War. Mr. Cheney taught again in 1875 and 1876, after which he became the first local agent for the Northeastern Railroad. M. L. Parker succeeded Prof. Cheney in January 1877 and taught for five years. L. M. Landrum taught in 1882 and 1883 and afterwards was Superintendent of Boys High School in Atlanta for over thirty years until his death. W. H. Key succeeded Prof. Landrum in 1884 and he was followed by Joe A. Quillian in 1885 and 1886; F. M. Blount in 1887; Henry Walker from 1888 to 1891 inclusive; Harry Strozier and his brother, A. J., in 1892 and 1893; W. Herschel Cobb in 1893 to 1895 inclusive; Claud Gray in 1896 to 1898; M. L. Parker in 1899 to 1900 and Peter Zellers from 1902 through 1904. Prof. Cobb was the father of Tyrus Raymond Cobb, the noted baseball player. Miss Rosa Taylor, Mrs. Jennie Truitt, Mrs. Nettie Methvin Holder and other highly capable women teachers were among those who served in the local school back in the days of Harmony Grove. We went after the best teachers and got 'em. Able Pastors In religious circles Harmony Grove was a leader. Such able, consecrated' and influential preachers as Dr. W. B. J. Hard-man, Dr. Henry F. Hoyt, Rev. W. M. Coile, Henry E. Hardman, Rev. John H. Wood, Dr. B. F. Riley, Rev. Groves Cartledge, Rev. G. W. Duvall, Dr. M. L. Troutman and other leaders in religious thought were among the pastors of the local and nearby churches. Congregations were large. People went to church in those days. Dr. B. F. Riley was pastor of the First Baptist Church from 1894 to 1896 and the present brick structure which houses the church in Commerce was built in 1896. The wooden structure was moved from the present location of the First Church to Madison Street Baptist Church where it now stands. Rev. Henry Hardman was the first pastor of the Madison Street Church. Rev. W. B. J. Hardman served the First Baptist Church from 1874 to 1890, a period of sixteen years. He was followed by Rev. W. M. Coile and then Dr. B. F. Riley who served for three years. Rev. G. W. Garner served the First Baptist Church from 1897 to 1902. Somebody ought to write a complete history of the schools and churches of those days. It would be an inspiration to the newer generations. Big Retail Stores Our merchants and store-keepers were known for their full stocks of high class merchandise, consisting of dry goods, groceries, notions, and plantation supplies. Among the pioneers were Solomon Seegar, Seabom M. Shankle, C. W. Hood, W. J. Goss, W. T. Harber, G. W. D. Barber, W. B. Power, Jasper Wood, H. O. Williford, C. D. Stark, T. C. Hardman, W. D. Mann and others who sold goods over a period of years. After the railroad was constructed from Athens to Lula in 1876, Harmony Grove became one of the leading distributing communities of Northeast Georgia. Trade from four counties was built up and in time the freight receipts of Commerce exceeded those of any other town of similar size on the Southern Railway. Real Farmers Rural soundness was one of the reasons for Harmony Grove's solidarity and progress. Farmers back in those days were real dirt farmers. They lived in large white houses with green blinds and broad porches. Commodious barns, smoke-houses and storage buildings were on the premises. Corn, wheat, oats, potatoes, peas, sorghum and other crops were raised in addition to cotton. On the place were apples, peaches, grapes, scuppernongs, figs, and other kinds of fruits. There were fine farm animals, milk cows, pigs, cattle, and sheep. Yes, the people believed in raising their own food products and did. Rural sections had good church buildings and school houses. Communities like Arp, Beaverdam, Ashland, Hebron, Nails Creek, Apple Valley, Hudson River, Blacks Creek, Ft. Lamar, Ila and other country communities, were well known for their good farms and excellent citizens. In those days the country sections had medical facilities. Such able physicians as Dr. H. P. Quillian, Dr. W. P. Harden, Dr. Frank Payne, Dr. George Westbrooks, and Dr. Robert Westbrooks were among the practitioners who resided in the country districts. You said in your paper that the new Commerce women made the old Harmony Grove store keepers remove the chicken coops from the front of their establishments. This was true but don't forget that the P.S.A.W. pioneers went in for a chicken in every pot and a good horse in every stable. Sociable People People in those days were friendly, sociable, generous and democratic. Picnics, barbecues, ice cream festivals, school entertainments, family reunions and candy pullings were popular. A young man could have more fun with a nickel than modem youth with a dollar. There wasn't much to buy for pleasure purposes. And there was no such thing as juvenile delinquency. Children had homemade fun. They were too busy playing wholesome games and working to get into mischief. Beautiful Women Harmony Grove was also noted for its pretty girls and handsome boys. While the girls wore puffed sleeved dresses, buttoned shoes, Flora Dora big hats (done over by milliners each season) and long hair rolled up in a long psyche, their complexion was peachy and positively beautiful. No period has ever seen such beautiful Georgia women as those magnolia and old lace days. Handsome Men And the boys were really handsome. They wore black high-top shoes, detached white collars and cuffs, bow ties, dark coats and striped trousers and sported a black derby and a mustache. This combination had its appeal. Topped off with a bay horse, a red rubber-tired buggy, a highly colored embroidered lap robe and a $1.50 sporty whip, young men did some fancy courting. Their clothes and technique were of the Gay Ninety days but no more ardent lovers were ever known than your grandfathers. Used Candles and Some Oil Lamps Yes sir, Mr. Editor, the man of yesterday wore jeans breeches, brass toed leather shoes, boots with red tops, sprouted mustaches, wore long hair which was cut semi-occasionally by their mothers, using plain scissors, studied by candle light, played town ball in the streets, cat ball at the church buildings, baseball in pastures, went barefooted until they were six-teen years of age, fed the stock, held the calf off at milking time, and helped their mothers with the chores. And the girls canned fruit, helped cook and wash dishes, sewed, darned, churned the milk, worked in the flowers and learned to make their own dresses. Call them old fashioned if you want to but your grandmothers of Harmony Grove were among the finest and best looking women the world has ever seen. These are just some of the evidences of a sturdy, dependable, thrifty, God fearing people who paved the way for and set an example for succeeding generations to follow. So in talking about the new and big things to be accomplished by Commerce in 1945, look back to the days of Harmony Grove, the days of your grandparents, for inspiration. Remember the P.S.A.W. people. They were worthy of your best efforts to build a better community and a better civilization. Additional Comments: From HISTORY OF HARMONY GROVE - COMMERCE JACKSON COUNTY, GEORGIA BY THOMAS COLQUITT HARDMAN 1810-1949 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/jackson/history/other/gms151historyo.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/gafiles/ File size: 34.8 Kb