Martha Smith Steele arrived in Henry County, GA about 1835

Who was the first Steele family member to arrive in Georgia?

She was Martha Smith Steele from  South Carolina.

In 1820 Henry County, Georgia was opened for settlement.  In 1830 Railroads were established in Georgia, which could have provided transportation from the Carolina's to Henry County, Georgia

A Brief History of Henry County, Georgia and the town of Hampton, Georgia where the Steele's first settled, follows at the end of this Post.

Martha Steele and her 5 children probably arrived in Henry County, Georgia  between 1835 – 1839.

NOTE AND UPDATE AS OF DECEMBER 2015

See latest Post
 "William G Steele found in Charleston, South Carolina"

There is very good documentation that Martha Steele and William separated, she must have received a monetary settlement and moved with her children to Henry County, Georgia where it is believed she had Smith family relatives already settled there.
Further documents indicate that William G Steele remarried.
He was a successful lumber merchant and build an historic mansion in Charleston, SC. 

The 1830 census shows no reference to her, but the 1840 census list Martha Steele as head of household #336-755 as follows:

1840 Census, District 755, Henry County, GA: 
1 male age 10-14
1 male age 15 -19
l male age 20 – 29 
1 female 5 – 9 
1 female 10 – 14 
1 white person over 20 who cannot read or write 
4 white persons under 20 
total white persons 6

The first evidence of Martha Steele in Henry County, GA was the Census of 1840 showing Martha Smith Steele as head of household #336-755 and 5 children.  She was a widow and came to GA to start a new life.

On February 10, 1843, Martha Steele gave James Russell a promissory note for $386, payable April 16, 1841, plus $5 recorded February 14, 1843, also bearing the signatures 2 of her sons, Henry Steele and Robert “Rob” Steel, witnessed by Jones S Smith, David Cagle, recorded February 14, 1843 by John Godwin, Clerk. In Henry Co GA Deed Book K, page 122.
  
The purchase included household goods, animals, tools Lot # 62, 7^th District.   On April 6, 1842 on same deed book page, Sheriff James W Crockett seized Lot 204, District 7 from Henry Rape and sold to highest bidder James Russell for $45. On April 6, 1842 James Russell sold to James W Crockett Lot 204, District 7 for $45 101 ¼ acres of land in Henry Co for $81.   Henry Steele & Robert Steele bought at public outcry 202 ½ acres of land in Henry Co for $81. 

Refer to Post:  "Where Did The Steele's Come From and Where In South Carolina did they Live."                                                                      

1850   Census of Henry County District 42, taken October 30, 1850  lists Martha Steele, Henry County, GA  as head of household as follows: 

[Note on this Census “Steele” is spelled with the “e”]

*Martha Steele, female, age 50, born in SC

*Henry Smith Steele, farmer age 29, born in SC 1821, Real estate valued at $300

   Wife:  Elizabeth Ann Pair, age 23 b. in GA 1827,

   Child:  John Wesley Steele, age 5 months

*R.  Steele, farmer, age 27, born in b. SC 1823, Real estate valued at $250

   Wife:  M. (Mary Ann) Steele, F. age 18, b. 1832 IN GA.  Her first child, Walter Simeon, was born August 19,  

    1850 and would have been 2 ½ months old, but was not listed on the Census.

*E. C. Steele F, age 17, b. 1833 born in SC

 J. O. Carter, M, age 16, farmer, born in SC, is also a part of the household and in school.

* William married in 1849, separate household, age 24, farmer, b in ALA (error) can read and write.

   J. A. Steele, age 15, F, b. in GA, can read and write.

It is noted that on the same 1850 Census, neighbor Household # 1214, is the family of S. Smith, W, M, born in GA with real estate valued at $200.  Family members are:  M Smith, F, age 20, A. A. Smith, F, age 4, W.M. Smith, M. age 3,  M. Smith, F, age 6 months, all born in Georgia.  
Could this be Martha’s family?

No confirmed record has been located of where in South Carolina Martha Steele came from.  It is assumed that her maiden name was "Smith" and some published family trees indicate that is true.

The traditional  naming pattern of the Scotch-Irish gives some indication of names.  While this is helpful, the repetition of names through generations makes it more difficult to determine accurate genealogy information.  

The Scotch-Irish had a set tradition of naming children as follows:

1st Son named after Fathers Father i.e. 1st son – Henry Smith Steele ?
2nd Son named after Mothers Father

     i.e  2^nd son – Robert Roy Steele, called “Rob”, either Martha’s father's name or could be a  takeoff of the famous Scottish fighter “Rob Roy” ?
-3rd Son named after the Father i.e. [3rd son –

      William G Steele, thus Martha’s husband would be “William”
-4th Son named after Father's eldest brother
-5th Son named after 2nd oldest brother or mother's eldest brother
-lst Daughter named after Mother’s Mother

       i.e  4^th child, 1^st daughter – Martha Jane Steele
-2nd Daughter named after Fathers Mother – 

      i. e  2^nd daughter – Elizabeth Cathrine Steele, “E C”
3rd Daughter named after Mother
4th Daughter named after Mothers eldest sister
5th Daughter named after 2nd oldest sister or Fathers eldest sister

One difference between the Scottish & Irish naming patterns was that when the Irish father remarries after his first wife died, the first daughter born to this new marriage was often named after the deceased wife, and included her whole name.

  Also, if a child died young then their name was then used for the next child of the same sex, thereby keeping alive the name of the relative who they were 'named for'.

  There were cases within the Irish community where a child was named after a person of esteem such as an Aunt, or an Uncle.

  They have even given their child, as a middle name, the last name of the pastor/ priest of their local Parish or an influential person in the community. Also, parents may have used the mothers or grandmother's maiden name as a child's middle name.                                                                                                                                  

The following is a brief history of Henry County Georgia and the town of Hampton, Georgia where the Steele family first settled.  The Steele family are recognized and documented in the "First Families of Henry County".

A Brief History of Henry County

Written by  Mrs. R.H. Hankinson in 1921

The following record of Henry County's past was originally printed in 1921 as part of the celebration of the county's 100th birthday. With only a 100 year  history, the author's perspective is itself near the origin of the county's birth. This perspective offers a unique look into the past.

On May 15, 1921, Henry County will have reached its one-hundredth birthday. In celebration of this event, Henry County will be “At Home” to her children at McDonough on Saturday, May 14th. These children are many, for Henry County at one time embraced, in whole or in part, Spalding, Dekalb, Fulton, Newton, Butts, Rockdale, Clayton, and Campbell Counties. 

The land obtained from the Creek Indians by treaty on January 8th, was divided by an act of the legislature of May 15, 1821, into the counties of Henry, Houston, Monroe, Dooly, and Fayette. John Clark was the governor of Georgia. The county was named after Patrick Henry, of Revolutionary fame, thus spreading the mantle of distinction on it at its birth. This distinction was further contributed to, when on December 17, 1823, the county seat was incorporated and named in honor of the hero of the war so fresh in the minds and hearts of the people, Commodore McDonough, who on September 11, 1814, won such a brilliant victory over the British on Lake Champlain. Further distinction was given the county by naming the town of Hampton after the Hampton family, famous soldiers of South Carolina. 

Traces of the Indian possession of the county are still found in the broken bits of pottery and arrow heads occasionally picked up, in such names as Indian river, and Indian fisheries, and in a road known as the “Old McIntosh Trail” in Spalding County, and which was the route followed by the Indians on their pilgrimages to and from the medicinal waters of Indian Springs. 

Originally Henry County was about seventy miles square, and comprised eighteen land districts. It is now about twenty seven miles in length, and fifteen miles in width, and has one district left intact, the Seventh.  

The earliest settlers came mainly from the counties of Morgan, Walton, Putman, and Jasper, and scattered over a broad area. The main point of entrance to the county was at the convergence of two Indian trails at a place on the Ocmulgee river, which was later given the name of Key’s Ferry after one of the earliest settlers, a name which has since spread to a road through the county, and to a street through the county site. This road was part of the stage coach line between McDonough and Madison. The names of the earliest settlers included Glen, Strickland, Heflin, Woodward, Blissett, McClendon, Turner, Harper, Griffin, Grice, Green, Russell, Johnson, Brooks, Jackson, Malone, Weems, Armstrong, Beard, Patillo, McCally, Brown, Sims, Moseley, Abercrombie, Gay, Dearing, Callaway, Jenks. Eason, Kirk, Smith, Tuggle, Lovejoy, Key, Terrell, Shaw, Lasseter, Clayton, Kimbrough, Pearson, Pate, Sellers, Wood, Barnes, Coldwell, McKnight, Patton, Steele, Stokes, Tye, Lemon, Speer, Price Nolan, Copeland, Carmichael, Berry, Ward, Stillwell, Markham, Cox, Wall, Crabbe, Clements, Brannan, Lowe, Campbell, Ray, Everett, Sloan, Stewtra, Peeples, Askew, Nolly, McDonald, Connell, Rodyhan, Terry, Setzer, Maxwell, Darbey, Hale, Goodwin, Pullin, Foster, Tidwell, Fargason, Varner, McDaniel, Bennett, Adams, Atkins, Tomlinson, Murray, Harris, Fears, Stockbridge, Sowell, Whittaker, Raven, and Crumbley. 

Among the very first to come to the county were John Glen, Soloman Strickland and Wiley Heflin who settled on the Towaliga River. Aaron Woodward Elisha Blissit and Thomas McClendon came from Walton County about the same time, and settled on the Hampton road southwest of McDonough. Wade Turner and Roddy Harper went to the eastern part of the county and Mr. Hinton to Cotton Indian river. Mr. Frank Pearson, the progenitor of Mrs. Charles Bankston, of McDonough, settled east of McDonough, as did also William Wood. Thomas Russell came from South Carolina to McDonough. Jethro Barnes settled at Snapping Shoals, Jacob Hinton at Whitehouse, Parker Eason on the Towaliga River. John Dailey came from North Carolina to McDonough. Ezekiel Cloud came from Putnam in 1824. He was a distinguished Revolutionary soldier. Wade Turner came from Jasper County. His brother Allen Turner was a Methodist preacher of prominence, who once came within one vote of being made a bishop. He was so fired with the zeal of his work that he would inquire about the spiritual welfare of everyone he met, and was frequently known to hold prayer services by the roadside with chance passers-by. The Clements family came from Virginia to McDonough. Benjamin and Barton Crabbe came from Wiles County. Samuel Weems settled near Bear creek. Elijah Foster, from whom Mrs. J. B. Dickson is a lineal descendent, came from Virginia and settled near Jonesboro. The Copelands came from South Carolina in 1826. John Stillwell came from Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Dr. Tye accompanied him about 1830. William Berry came in 1836 and settled west of McDonough. John Crockett came in 1840. W. A. Stewart came from South Carolina with his parents in 1833, aged four years. Abel Lemon came from South Carolina to Georgia in 1813, and later entered Henry County. Alexander Price came from Virginia and settled near Flippen. His original home is still in possession of the family. John Cox came to McDonough in 1838, some years after his brother Oliver. John Ward came from Putnam in 1845 and settled at Lovejoy. Q. R. Nolan came in 1846; Miss Pamelia Campbell came in 1848 and settled in McDonough. J. M. Carmichael came in 1849, and settled west of McDonough. Thomas Speer came in 1852. Col. C. T. Zachary in 1854, A. R. Brown in 1873. 

On December 24, 1821, an act was passed by the legislature which provided for the election of five justices of the inferior court who should define the militia districts of the county, provided for the election of the officers for the county site. William Harkins, David Castleberry, Cheedle Cochran, Soloman Strickland, William McKnight, Charles Gates, Sr., and Lee Jeffers were named as commissioners to hold the election for the justices. Henry was placed in the western circuit. The Flint Circuit had been created of the five new counties by the legislative act of December, 1824, to be effective after the next meeting of the legislature. To this circuit DeKalb, Bibb, Pike, Crawford, and Newton were attached later. This first session of the couth was held on June 10, 1822, at the home of William Ruff, Judge Augustus Clayton presiding. It was for Judge Clayton that Clayton County was later named, and McDonough still boasts lineal descendents of the illustrious old founder in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Jullian Weems. This session of court lasted one day. Another one-day session was held on December 9, 1822 – Henry County then belonged to the Flint Circuit. William Harden was Clerk, and a Mr. Cook solicitor general pro tem. The first session of the inferior court was held in March, 1825, with William Griffin, Garry Grice, Wade Turner, Joseph Green, and Thomas Russell presiding as justices, and Samuel Johnson serving as clerk. Cheedle Cochran was chairman of the first grand jury.  

The first deed of record was drawn on March 7, 1822, between John and Mary Phillips, of Savannah and Thomas Elkins of land lot No. 71 in the Seventh District of Henry County. The first marriage was that of Bradford Hinton and Patience Lucre in November, 1822. Three marriages took place in the county during that year. 

The first grist mill was erected by Jethro Barnes. Cattle raising was instituted in the county on a comparatively large scale for that day by Mr. Frank Pearson. A comparison of the taxes imposed on the citizens of Henry in that day with those of the present day reveals some interesting figures. Mr. Wade Turner paid taxes on two lots 202 1-2 acres each, four slaves and one poll, which amounted to the sum of $2.43. In 1837 the entire tax of the county $1,309.22, a sum less than some corporations and several individuals of the county now pay. 

Agriculture was the leading pursuit of the early settlers, though corn and tobacco were raised more extensively than cotton because of the difficulty of separating the seed from the lint, and because it was not easy to secure gins. Game abounded throughout the county, and is remembered as being plentiful by even the oldest living citizens. A grog shop on the road near Locust Grove, called attention of passing planters, by a stuffed rattlesnake skin twined over the door, that thirst might be quenched within.  

Religion came to Henry County with the first settlers. The first religious service was held at the home of Wade Turner. The first campground was laid off in the Rowan settlement. William Harden later donated the land for the Shingleroof campground to the Methodist Conference, and services are still held regularly at this place. It was in Henry County at a church in the Turner neighborhood that those differences, which had been existing for some time in men’s minds first, were made public in 1825. These differences culminated in 1835 in Monroe County in a division, the branches of which were later as the Primitive and Missionary Baptist. In December, 1823, one acre was deeded to the Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian, each. The denominations carried the title of “Societies.” The act that authorized the making of the deeds carried a provision that no cemetery should be laid off within three hundred yards of the Big Spring. This spring, located in McDonough, supplies water for the city of McDonough today. Mr. Gamble was the first Presbyterian, Mr. Cyrus White the first Baptist, and Mr. Bellah the first Methodist ministers of Henry County.  

Four years later the town was incorporated. Tandy Key, Andrew Brown, William Clayton, James Kimbrough, and William Harden were named commissioners. McDonough was made from one half of lot No. 134, one half of lot No. 123, and one square lot of land, all in the Seventh district and purchased from Mr. Turner Evans. The site of the town was chosen with reference to the Big Spring. A courthouse was built of plank and cost $1,000.00. In 1824, there were five dry goods establishments in McDonough. They were owned by Clayton, Kimbrough, Shaw, Findley, and Hutcheson. There are seven such establishments now. The little daughter of Turner Evans was the first to die in the town, and was buried in the cemetery belonging to the old Presbyterian Church. A second cemetery was chosen on the old Methodist Church lot, but was moved to its present location to get it farther away from the Big Spring. 

The first school was built of logs, and had a dirt floor. It stood on the hill above the Big Spring. The school was conducted by Mr. Fish. On December 12, 1853, a brick school house was built, and was called McDonough Collegiate Seminary. The trustees were Mr. Adam Sloan, Humphrey Tomlinson, Leonard Doyal, Thomas Speer, and Asa Brown. This building was destroyed by fire. The late Mrs. William Healey, of Atlanta, was one of the teachers in this building. She belonged to the Markham family. Mrs. Robert Lowery, of Atlanta is also a descendent of this family. 

The county muster ground was near the present school house, and here the old Revolutionary soldiers met regularly to drill and reunion. 

The first tavern was conducted by Tandy Key on the site occupied by McDonough Drug Company. It was a long house, built double. This was followed by Cox’s tavern. Mrs. Enoch Callaway, of LaGrange, is a lineal descendant of the Cox family.  

Among the early industries were a jug factory near Flippen, a brick plant near McDonough near the Tomlinson residence, an old tannery, opened by W. Tomlinson, and a silk factory, the last named being owned by John Dailey. Silk culture was not a success, and after a period of in-operation started as a cotton factory with one wing used for wool carding. The cotton was made into five pound hanks, and was sold to be knitted into clothing by hand. The factory later became a ginnery, and later a flower and corn mill. This building was washed away, but was rebuilt on the same site. This property is still in possession of the Dailey family. A nursery was also instituted by the Daileys and there are trees in the county now that were bought from this old nursery. Mr. Billy Beck introduced Bermuda grass into the county by way of the old Lemon estate. Mr. Minor started the first newspaper in 1828, the Jacksonian. It is claimed that is was the first newspaper in the United States to put the name of Andrew Jackson in nomination for the presidency. Here again Henry won historical distinction. 

Even before Atlanta was built, McDonough was a town of considerable prominence. The development of the town was retarded because the old citizens and the town council objected to the entrance of the railroads, believing that they would bring with them objectionable features. Serving was actually done by the Central of Georgia Railroad, but because of the violent opposition, it was never built. Later on when railroads came to Griffin and Hampton, many people left McDonough and moved to these towns, tearing down their houses and hauling them with them. 

Henry County lost land on all sides. On December 9, 1822, DeKalb County was made almost entirely from Henry. Fulton County was made from DeKalb in 1853. DeKalb also gave a portion of her land at an earlier date to Campbell County. In 1825 Butts County was created, and embraced a portion of Henry. In November, 1858 Clayton County was formed, and embraced a generous portion of Henry. In 1870 Henry again made a contribution to Rockdale upon the creation of that county. 

At the begging of the Civil War Henry was one of the leading counties in Georgia, and McDonough one of the leading towns in the middle part of the state. It lay in the region of greatest production, and consequently was of great importance to the Confederacy, a fact later attested to by its being included in Sherman’s path of destruction on his way to the sea. The free population at this time was 9,759. The real estate was valued at $1,726,595.00 and the personal property at $2,869,342.00. The population now is $20,400, and the property valuation $7,372,599.00. 

Many companies left Henry County during the Civil War. In all the county contributed about one thousand men to the cause. The first company organized, and the first to leave McDonough was under the command of Captain Flynt. The Lieutenants of the company were H. Stokes, J. R. Selfridge, and John R. Elliott. Captain Sloan led another company later. A part of the actual warfare was wrought into the country towards the end of the conflict. After the battle of Atlanta, July 22, 1864, Kilpatrick’s raiders made a visit to Henry under the direction of Sherman. Consternation seized the people. Men concealed themselves to prevent capture, and the women and children received the invaders and saw their cherished possessions thrown about in confusion, and their provisions destroyed at this time by the invaders. Many of the county records were also destroyed at this time by the invaders. Confederate forces under the command of General Ross and General Ferguson pursued these invaders, and overtook the last remnant of them to Cotton Indian river on Peachstone Shoals road. By leaving them no alternative, they forced them into the water where horses and wagons were lost and a number of soldiers were drowned. 

Later Hood’s Army with Wheeler’s cavalry as advance guard, made a visit to Henry County and McDonough, and lighted the night with camp fires of twenty thousand soldiers. The battle of Jonesboro was fought next day, and the army moved on into Tennessee to threaten Sherman’s line of supplies.  *On November 14, 1864, a wing of Sherman’s army started to the sea by way of Jonesboro and McDonough. On the next day fighting took place *between Jonesboro and Lovejoy.  (refer to Post "Steele Gunter House, General Sherman's headquarters during this battle)   On November 16th, the enemy reached McDonough by way of Stockbridge, and left confusion and destruction in their wake. Here the army divided, a part leaving the county by the Macon road, and the other division leaving by the Key’s Ferry road. A portion lost their way going down Peachstone Shoals road. Heavy rains came up, the river was flooded, and a number lost their lives in tuning to cross. Names of prominence during this period were Sloan, Zachry, Ward, Hitch, Brown, Peeples, Elliot, and Farrar. After the surrender of Lee, General Stoneman entered the county with a body of soldiers in pursuit of President Davis. 

During the period of Reconstruction, James Johnson was the provisional governor of Georgia. One of the features of this period most objectionable to the people of Henry County was the educational policy. The school system was directly under the control of the state. In 1872 the county system was again inaugurated, with Hon. Q. R. Nolan as first superintendent. In April, 1875, a resolution was passed by the grand jury that no more teachers should be elected from the colored schools of Atlanta because of objectionable teachings that had been traced to such teachers. A little later a gin and corn meal, the Baptist Church, and the McDonough Institute were burned. Out of such emergency the Klu Klux Klan was born. Its operations were confined principally to the eastern part of the county. Dave Fargason, a negro was killed. Those charged with the killing were arrested and imprisoned. The matter was adjusted by the Bureau Agent from Henry County, the appointment of Mr. George M. Nolan to the position, the turning over of the prisoners to the civil authorities of Henry County, and the promise of dissolution of the Ku Klux Klan in the county. The clan had existed from spring until fall of 1866.  

Two chapters of the United daughters of the Confederacy have been organized in Henry County to preserve the history of this period and to do honor to the living, and keep bright the memory of the Heroes in Gray who have passed.  

Since the war and the period of Reconstruction, Henry County has made steady progress. Henry is one of the most important agricultural counties of the state. The land is rich and productive, and is the farming is largely intelligent white farmers who live on the farms and look after their own work. Vegetables, fruits, grains, forage crops, and cotton are raised. The soil is particularly adaptive to the raising of cotton. A belt reaching from Stockbridge to the lower end of the county, and stretching entirely across, produces, according to local cotton men, a staple from an inch to an inch in quarter in length. McDonough cotton is known not only in domestic markets, but in foreign markets as well; and it demands a premium over other north Georgia cotton. The average yield for the county is between 25 to 30 thousand bales. The yield last year was about 28,000 bales. This fact establishes the productiveness of the county, for while other counties were cut short, Henry still produced a splendid yield. 

The lack of manufacturing enterprises has been one of the serious handicaps to the county. However, advances have been made in this direction. The Hampton Cotton and Knitting Mill is a splendid enterprise, and particularly consumes all the cotton brought into the market. A guano factory has also been established at Hampton, which is meeting, if not shutting out, foreign competition.  

A drainage project near Stockbridge is increasing the cultivatable area by hundreds of acres, and adding materially to the wealth of the county. A main canal sixteen miles in length, beginning at a width of 25 feet, and increasing to 42 feet, and eight feet deep, is being dug at a cost of $100,000.00. The Morris Construction Co., of Marietta, is in charge, and is using two dredges in the construction of the ditch. Pates creek, Rum creek, and Big Indian creek are in the line of activity. 

One of the recently acquired industries is the Grist Mill and Ice Factory of McDonough, managed by Mr. Fred Varner, and known as the Henry County Milling and Ice Company. 

There is considerable water power in the county, most of which up to date has remained undeveloped. Dr. J. G. Smith has built a dam on Cotton Indian river completed about a year ago, which supplies power for lights and other purposes for McDonough and vicinity. 

Henry County has had local tax for a number of years, and its rural schools are in good condition. Recently $1,500.00 state aid has been secured for a county high school for next year, adding to the importance and the efficiency of the McDonough School. Locust Grove Institute is one of the most important secondary schools of the state. Prof. Claude Gary has patronage from all sections of the state. Locust Grove Institute is regarded not only as a fine institution, but as a school of splendid ideals. 

Henry County does not lie in a mineral belt, however, mica has been found, and development has been begun on a farm by Mr. Fillmore Bowden. A rock quarry near Stockbridge produces an excellent quality of gray granite. 

Henry County has eight banks with resources amounting to one and three-quarter million dollars. 

Henry County played her part in the World War by sending volunteers and filling her quota in the draft. A number of her sons rose to positions of rank, and seven made the supreme sacrifice. They were Sergeant Troy Barret, Claude Babb, Corp. James A. Davis, Corp. Tom F. Gardner, William Mayo, B. F. Moseley, E. N. Williams.  

The Red Cross was particularly active, and the spirit of patriotism was maintained by the subscriptions to the Liberty loans. 

There are in Henry County five branches of the Georgia Federation of Women’s Clubs and four men’s organizations – Masons, Oddfellows, Woodmen, and Knights of Pythias.  

The Southern Railroad, which came in 1882, passes through the entire length of the county, and offers splendid schedules between Macon and Atlanta. This road was formerly called the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia railroad. This road had been surveyed through Jasper County. Mr. W. F. Smith, of Flovilla, in order to have the road pass through his town, with the assistance of Mr. Nolan, of McDonough, brought such pressure to bear on the officials of the road, that its course was diverted from the route originally proposed, to the present one, which passes through Henry County. Later another road was built connecting Columbus and McDonough. This road is now a part of the Southern system. 

The roads of Henry County have gradually been improved until they are now in fairly good condition. Under the present arrangement of co-operation between state and national governments, the Dixie Highway, which passes through the county, has been put into excellent shape. 

With lands that are fertile and productive, with an intelligent and industrious citizenship, the county’s growth and prosperity are assured.

Town of Hampton, Georgia  and Her History

 By Miss Emily Griffin written in 1921

The following record of Hampton and Her History was printed in 1921. Taking her part in the celebration of Henry County's 100th birthday, the author gives special attention to the details of Hampton's origin and developmental accomplishments. This detail offers a unique look into Hampton and Her History.

Two surveyors once lay down to rest from the heat of the noonday's summer sun near a cool spring beneath the shade of two magnificent poplars. Shading his face from the glare of the sun's rays, one of the men raised his eyes to the branches of the larger tree and, with a smothered exclamation, he jumped to his feet and grabbed his gun; for, sitting calmly upon a limb and each in the act of "surveying" the surveyors, sat two great, black bears!  

The village, which was being laid off, had up to this time, received no name, but in the future, because of the bears which inhabited the banks of the creek; it was to become known as Bear Creek, Ga.  

The first building erected was in the year, 1848. "Lowery's Store" and the Post office were in this same building and was for two years the gathering place for the male inhabitants of the village.  

For the next three years the village of Bear Greek continued to grow and prosper and it was decided to move it to a more convenient spot where the best interests might have the greatest advantages. So in 1851 Bear Creek moved half a mile in a southeasterly direction.  

Among the first settlers in Bear Creek were: Messrs. Tom Barnett, who succeeded Lowery as postmaster and who was also a merchant; Jim Hightower and Pete Knight, Lem and Ben Roan, Cas Black, another merchant, and Gray Hughes, the shoemaker. These settlers' homes were in the village and they are the pioneers who first promoted the civic improvement of Bear Creek.  

The men whose plantations formed the circle that skirted the village of Bear Creek were: T. J., J. L„ and Jim Edwards, Jim Cleveland, Buck Fears, Wade Westmoreland, Smith II. Griffin, George Barnett, R. A. Henderson, R. A. Moore, R. W. Turnipseed, and John H. Smith. The descendants of nine of these old families are living on the original sites of these old homesteads today.  

As time passed on and the village became known over the state, Bear Creek, after the perversity of her sex, decided to change her name. It was fitting that a name more in keeping with the new spirit of thrift and advancement should be accredited the little village which had now reached the size of a small town. So a meeting was held and at the suggestion of one of the residents. Rev. Smith H. Griffin, it decided to re-name Bear Creek and call it Hampton, after Gen. Wade Hampton.  

Bear Creek had been incorporated in 1872, so by an amendment of the charter, which was in the year, 1873, she became known as Hampton, and Mr. Thomas Barnett, the justice of the peace, was elected mayor, and Hampton proper started on a career that she can be justly proud of.  

As "a chain is no stronger than its weakest link", so is a town or community no stronger that its schools. Realizing this fact, Hampton was maintaining a school whose boys and girls were being taught by Judge Mitcham, father of Mr. A. B. Mitcham. Judge Mitcham can be reckoned as an empire builder whose work was of lasting benefit. "The Pine Grove Masonic Lodge Building" was used for the school house and was situated beneath the giant oak on the lawn of Mrs. Irene Henderson.  

In 1851 the Central of Georgia had built her road that came through Hampton. This, of course, had been the greatest thing done for the business interests of the town. Since it was the only railroad in the section, until the Southern railroad was built in a neighboring town, Hampton was the center of every business activity within a radius of forty miles. All the cotton in surrounding counties was shipped from Hampton over the Central to its destination.  

The depot at Hampton was then in the center of the town and opposite the building now occupied by The First National Bank. The first agent was Mr. Bill Adair.  

Hotels sprang up after the building of the railroad and the first one was owned by John Turnipseed and Ben Thompson, and was under the management of Ben Thompson. Another hotel of that time was the McIntosh Hotel.  

The houses of worship, in order of their establishment, were: First—the Primitive Baptist, the Protestant Methodist, the Christian Church, and the Baptist Church. These churches are all represented today in the town, except that the Methodist Episcopal has taken the place of the Protestant Methodist. The Christian Church is a monument to the memory of "Uncle Buck Fears," who built it and who was its pastor for years. Besides these Hampton has four Negro churches.  

In 1875 occurred the greatest financial boom that Hampton has known. This was the year that George Schaeffer, sent down by Atlanta cotton buyers, was stationed at Hampton; and it was no uncommon sight to see hundreds of wagons of cotton standing in the road along the railroad waiting to be disposed of and then sent down the road for other interests.  

Situated in the midst of the richest cotton section it was but natural that manufacturing industries should spring up, and on May 17, 1900, the Hampton Cotton Mills were incorporated. Mr. A. J. Henderson, a wide-awake and energetic citizen started the company that grew and prospered and which at his death, three years ago, was one of the most solid business institutions of its kind in the state. The original capital $50,000.00 and the following directors were elected: President, A. J. Henderson; Vice President, W. P. Wilson; Secretary and Treasurer, W. M. Harris; R. J. Arnold, H. G. Fields, J. L. Moore, and R. F. Smith.  

Other original stockholders were P. W. Pullin, J. T. Lewis, and Mrs. Thomas McMahon. In 1904 the capital stock was increased to $100,000.00 and in 1908 was again increased to $150,000.00. In 1917 A. J. Henderson resigned and W. M. Harris was elected president and R. M. Harris, secretary and treasurer. In 1919 its capital stock was increased to $300,000.00 and the plant of Henderson Manufacturing Company was bought. In January, 1920, R. 0. Arnold was elected a director with office of secretary and treasurer and R. M. Harris elected superintendent and general manager. In July, 1920. W. M. Harris resigned as president and R. 0. Arnold was elected president. The present officers and directors are, R. O. Arnold, President; W. P. Wilson, Vice President; R. M. Halo-is, Superintendent and General Manager; W. M. Harris, Chairman Board of Directors; J. L. Moore, H. O. Fields, J. M. Tarpley, and C. V. Williams.  

The Hampton Cotton Mills has 1,400 spindles and 41 knitting machines, and 25 sewing machines. They manufacture soft and hard yarns and ladies' underwear. Also operate an ice plant with a capacity of five tons daily. The mills consume about seven or eight thousand bales of cotton annually and employ about two hundred and fifty people.  

Besides the mills, Hampton has other industries that are growing. One is a Foundry, which is "owned and operated by Messrs. Arthur and Jim Henderson, both sons of the late A. J. Henderson. The Hampton Milling Company makes both plain and self-rising flour and also has a bleachery for patent flour. In this same plant is a corn mill which is run by electricity.  

The Planters Warehouse and Gin Company also ran a grist mill. The Fertilizer Plant or the Porter Fertilizer Works have a capacity of fifteen thousand tons per year.  

The light and water system of Hampton is of the very best. The two deep wells furnish the water supply of Hampton; and it is given up by insurance companies that Hampton has the best water and fire equipment of any town.  

The two banks are. The Bank of Hampton and The First National Bank.  

The Bank of Hampton was organized and opened for business October 1, 1902, with a paid in capital of $25,000.00. The following were the incorporators: A. J. Henderson, Dr. R. J. Arnold, W. P. Wilson, Smith H. Griffin, W. M. Harris, J. C. Tarpley, W. D. Henderson, J. L. Moore, and I. D. Crawford. The first officers of the bank were W. P. Wilson, President; Smith H. Griffin, Vice President; J. O. Norris, Cashier. Since the organization, the bank has paid out in cash dividends to the stockholders $57,000.00. The book value of the stock is at the present more than $300.00 per share.  

There are few banks in Georgia that have done better than The Bank of Hampton. In fact, it is considered by leading bankers, business men, and state officials as one of the best all-round banks in the State of Georgia. It has always been the policy of the bank to be conservative, yet liberal in its dealings so long as consistent with sound banking. There is no bank that appreciates its good customers more than The Bank of Hampton.  

The following are the present officers and directors of the bank: W. P. Wilson, President; David J. Arnold, Vice President; J. O. Rutherford, Cashier; Miss A. L. Rutherford, Assistant Cashier. Directors: W. P. Wilson, David J. Arnold, J. M. Tarpley, J. O. Rutherford, H. G. Fields, H. T. Moore, and J. L. Moore.  

The First National Bank of whom W. M. Harris-is President opened for business on November 14, 1911, with a paid in capital of $30,000.00; surplus $3,000.00. The first officers were: President. W. M. Harris; Vice President, A. M. Henderson and E. R. Harris, Cashier. The directors were: W. M. Harris, A, M. Henderson, E. R. Harris, R. E. Henderson, R. M. Harris, W. W. Carmichael, and T. G. Barfield. The present capital is $50,000.00; surplus and undivided profits $40,000.00. As stated W. M. Harris is the President, T. G. Barfield. the Vice President, and E. R. Harris, Cashier. Directors of this bank are: W. M. Harris, R. E. Henderson, R. M. Harris, H. M. Lovern, T. E. Lindler, R. O. Tarpley, and John B. Weldon.  

One of the best schools for any town of its size in the state is the Hampton Public School. Mrs. Lucy P. Richard, who was for ten years connected with the Georgia Military College, has proven an able and efficient principal for the past three years, and through her suggestion and the efforts of the town at large, it is hoped that September will find the High School enlarged by an additional class. Fostered by the Woman's Club the campus has been beautified and playground equipment procured and the building and grounds are a source of pride to every resident of the town.  

Although not every farmer in Hampton is a merchant, yet most every merchant is a farmer. The oldest merchant - though not the oldest man-in Hampton, is J. C. Tarpley. Next in service as a merchant is Hamp Moore. These two have been in business on Main Street in the town for over twenty-five years.  

Two of the most modern drug stores in the county are: Cain's Pharmacy and The Service Drug Store.  

One of the most up-to-date stores in Hampton is that of H. T. Moore & Company, which is owned and operated by H. T. Moore and "The Moore Boys," Messrs. Arnold, Frank, and Norman Moore. This business house occupies two street fronts and is equipped with style and furnishings with a view to both beauty and service.  

Among the other merchants of Hampton are: H. M. Lovern, D. G. Hawkins, W. A. North, The Crescent Mercantile Company owned by Messrs. Moore and Peeples, The Hampton Hardware and Furniture Company owned by L. J. and E. C. Copeland, Henry Hand, and J. L. Turnipseed. The latter is the son of John W. Turnipseed, a pioneer of Hampton.  

Some of the prettiest homes in Henry County are those in and around Hampton. Among these may be mentioned the homes of J. L. Moore, A. B. Mitcham, W. M. Harris, Roy Harris, Will Art Wilson, Mrs. Irene Henderson, W. P. Wilson, Henry Moore, Will Edwards, Rome Moore, Robert Peeples, and Jim Minter. Two old homesteads are: The Edward's home, which is west of Hampton and the property of Lemmie Edwards; and "Oaklea," the home of Charles H. Griffin and which was built by his father, Smith H. Griffin. "Oaklea" is east of Hampton on the "Middle McDonough road," and was the scene of many a run-away marriage during the lifetime of Rev. S. H. Griffin.  

Hampton District is possessed of unlimited, undeveloped water power. It all has lain in reserve except that which the Georgia Railway and Power Company get from the Towaliga River that heads two miles of Hampton. As yet we only dream of the possibilities contained in the streams that flow between the emerald banks.  

It has been said that "History is a drama enacted upon the theater of time," and indeed it is. From the first characters, from the first mayor who presided in the early, days of Bear Creek up to now when our mayor, Mr. J. L. Pritchett, and his efficient Council play their parts in the story of our town, our history has been an unbroken, uninterrupted story with characters and acts befitting the drama which is constantly becoming bigger, better and quicker of action. It is the hope of every Hamptonian, that as the years glide by they, too, may leave works that will make the history of the next hundred years as full of benefit and promise as did the faithful ones whose work they now carry on.