Quitman County Georgia Charles A. Lanier 1873 Submitted by Charlene Parker Sep 2002 ****************************************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profitor for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. ****************************************************************************************** From "History of Bethel Association Including Centennial Meeting", by Alexander Lee Miller C. A. LANIER C. A. Lanier was born May 8, 1873 at Georgetown, Ga. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Lanier, being farmers, he was reared on a farm near Hatcher Station, Ga. Mr. C. A. Lanier inherited a musical talent as both his father and grandfather were lovers of gospel music, the latter being director of the singing in Georgetown Baptist Church before the war between the States. At the age of twelve years, C. A. Lanier, had manifested a keen interest and love for music, to the extent that with the aid of his older brother, R. R. Lanier, had with the use of a cigar box constructed a violin and was able to play simple melodies and about this time his father purchased an organ and he immediately took the job of learning to play and sing. At the age of fifteen he united with Enon Baptist Church in Quitman County and was baptized by Brother T. H. Stout who was pastor of the church at that time. It was only a few years thereafter, the church saw fit to place the duty of directing the singing for the church service upon him and churches of other communities began to use him in their revival services, and from thence into the towns and cities in an evangelical way. In 1898 he was married to Miss Donie May Sharley, the daughter of T. J. and Roxie Sharley of Cuthbert, Ga. where he still lives. In 1918 the Bethel Association convened with Edison Baptist Church and on motion of J. W. Stanford the office of music director was created and Bro. C. A. Lanier was elected music director which office he has held till the present time. following notes added by Debra Crosby 1920 Randolph County GEorgia Cuthbert Town page 39 99 Lanier, Charlie A. head m 46 Ga Ga Ga Donie M. wife f 40 Ga Ga GA Mamie dau f 17 Ga GA Ga Johnie? B. dau f 15 Ga Ga Ga Drover?? son m 15 Ga Ga GA Charles A. Jr. son m 13 Ga Ga GA Cecil son m 9 Ga GA GA