Stephens-Habersham-White County GaArchives News.....Biographical Sketches--Thomas A. Capps October 22, 1908 ************************************************ 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: June McNew http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00030.html#0007420 January 23, 2012, 9:12 pm The Toccoa Record, Toccoa, Stephens County, Georgia October 22, 1908 The Toccoa Record, 15 Oct 1908, p. 1. Biographical Sketches—Story of Two “Self-Made” Men. Thomas A. Capps. Born in Nacochee Valley, White county, Nov. 14, 1846, Mr. Thos. A. Capps is a living example of what a man who is possessed with will- power and energy can do. While yet a lad his mother and four sisters looked upon him for support; his hand and head must needs make a living from the poor farm left to them at the death of his father. He was more than equal to the emergencies that came so often during the years of the war, and the following still harder years of the reconstruction. He yearned for a complete education, but this he could never get. Undaunted, he studied hard during the spare moments, and went to the country school every opportunity during the winter months and the few weeks between the making and gathering of the crops. When he entered the business arena as a merchant in Hiawassee, Ga., in 1871, Mr. Capps had to his credit $1,000. This money he had saved by his wise and economical management of the farm from 1861 to 1871. His business career in Hiawassee lasted for five years. Next he is found in Mt. Airy, our neighboring town, where he spent twelve years as head of a cotton, fertilizer and general mercantile business. During this time he succeeded in everything he undertook, but came to Toccoa in the fall of 1888 because of better school and church facilities. Mr. Capps has been active in every movement for Toccoa’s growth, and to tell it all would fill an ordinary book. He has been successful as a merchant, a real estate man and as a manufacturer. Years ago the tanyard was bought by him and its capacity enlarged and sales increased. He was one among the first stock-holders of the Toccoa Cotton Mill, and later was its president, which position he held for two years, resigning on account of the pressure of other business. In 1900 Mr. Capps organized a company in which he owned the majority of stock, and built a cotton mill which was called by his name. Hardships were encountered, but again he is equal to them and places the manufacturing concern on a paying basis. He is practically the sole owner now, and has leased the property to the Toccoa Cotton Mill for fifteen years. This mill represents and outlay of more than $60,000. During the lst eight years Mr. Capps has paid for labor in Toccoa approximately $75,000. Though a monied man he is a friend to labor, and has been a great help to the working people in this section. Mr. Capps served in the City Council six years; as a member of the School Board for nine, and as a Steward in the Methodist Church nearly ever since he has been in Toccoa. Mr. Capps is perfecting arrangements and will move to Atlanta to engage in the real estate business, some time during the first of the year. This fact is regretted by the people here because he is a man who accomplishes things. He is an upright and honest man, a man of integrity and a consistent Christian gentleman. [The other biography on this date was of Daniel E. Hogsed. Photos of both men appeared at the top of this article.] Transcribed by June Coker McNew, January 2011. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/stephens/newspapers/biograph3184nw.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/gafiles/ File size: 3.9 Kb