Meriwether County GaArchives Biographies.....Darden, Samuel May 16, 1796 - June 30, ````````1872 ************************************************ 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: Mary Wolfe Graylwolfe@aol.com August 10, 2005, 11:21 pm Author: "The Meriwether Vindicator" October 21, 1904 "The Old Settlers Samuel Darden, reared near Washington, Wilkes County this state, planter, trader and money lender, conscientiously just and honorable in his business transactions-never oppressed anyone-acquired a fine property. By nature and breeding he was refined in feeling, very courteous in manner, notably hospitable and charitable, a true type of the antebellum southern gentlemen. Having much pride, rare taste and judgment he owned one of the most attractive and best appointed homes in the country. His vechicle equipages and horses were most excellent in beauty, style and quality. The Judge was distinguishably cleanly and dressy and believed in fine and fashionable apparel for his family. His doors were cordially opened to the reputable poor and rich alike and allwere attentively entertained. He esteemed others more for their intrinsic worth than for their dollars or rank.Had keen disgust for a swaggerer, and unconcealed aversion to selfishness, deception and tricking. He was exceptionally loyal to his relatives and numerous friends. Was not a churchman but held the Christian religion and its devotees in high regard. A pronouned democrat though not extreme in his partizan views. Serrved creditably several years as judge of the Inferior Court, which trust was probably thrust upon him, as he had no thrist for official distinction. He married Miss Mary Sidwell of near Madison, GA, an admirable, queenly lady of fine family. Winsome Mrs. Julia Lovett of Greenville is the only surviving child of Judge Darden." "Historical Account of Meriwether County" By Regina P. Pinkston p. 87, 262-263 "in the Jones Mill community was the Lovett place (Darden). Markings in one of the chimneys shows that the Lovett house was in existence in 1845. Judge Samuel Darden had bought the original land grant (dated December 19, 1832). Mrs. Julia Lovett who was the daughter of Judge Darden, had a private school in one of the rooms. In 1895 she sold the place to Dr. John W. Pinkston. In 1969 Dr. Pinkston heirs sold the house, which had remained in excellent condition, to Mrs. William Keith, who had it faithfully restored to its original state. Now know as Champinole, this is one of the most outstanding homes in Meriwether County."87, Photo: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/meriwether/photos/bios/darden833gbs.jpg File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/meriwether/bios/darden833gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/gafiles/ File size: 3.0 Kb