-Chapter V- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Special Features
The following is by Nina J. Hill and was published in The Daily Citizen News on March 31,1976.
Former Slave and Wife Have Scores of Descendants
"My Life and Travels" is the title of a small book written by Levi Branham, a former slave who enjoyed talking about his life in Murray County and his travels in Georgia. The book was printed and published by A.J. Showalter Co., Dalton,in 1929.
The following excerpt from the book introduces a large number of descendants of this man who still live in the area:
"I was born in 1852 in Murray County, Georgia, and lived there until 1863. Then I refugeed from here (Murray County) to South Georgia, Terrell County, of which Dawson was the county seat.
"My first owner that I am able to remember was Dr. Black who later sold me to Mr. Jim Edmondson. Dr. Black not only sold me but he sold all of his Negroes to Mr. Edmondson, declaring that he (Mr. Edmondson) would not separate the Negroes.
White Playmate
"A white boy, Sam Carter, brother to Sooth Carter, was my first white playmate that I am able to remember. We would tie pine tops together to make a seine to catch fish. The place where we fished in our childhood days is now under cultivation. During Sam's and my play together he claimed that I gave the whooping cough to him. This was during the Civil War and Sam was living in Spring Place.
"In 1873 1 left the South and came back to Murray County to see my old playmate. When I arrived at his home he was sick with the measles which he said he was going to give to me because I had given him the whooping cough. Sure enough I took the measles.
"I spent a large part of my life with my old master in the Chief Vann House. One of my young masters was John Edmondson. I was Tom Polk's waitman until he went to the Civil War between the North and South. All the waitmen stayed in the Edmondson's house, now known as the Chief Vann House.
"My old mistress, 'Miss Becky' was very good to us. She took more pains with us darkies than our parents did, simply because she had more to care for us with, and, too, she loved us. I thought as much of 'Miss Becky' as I did my mother.
"When all the white boys and girls would be away 'Miss Becky' would gather the Negro children around the fire and talk with us. One day J said to her 'Why do we little Negro children have to work for you?'
"She said, That's the way our fore-parents fixed the matter.' "I said to her, "When I get grown I am going to change the situation somewhat.'
"I had some very bad times when I was small and some very good times, too. Mr. Edmondson, my master, owned two farms, one in Tennessee and another in Georgia. My mother was in Tennessee on his farm while 1 was in Georgia with my old mistress whom I loved as well as my mother, for she was very dear to me."
13 Chapters
The history in "Life and Travels" is told in 13 chapters. There are many facts of interest, some sad and others happy and joyful.
In chapter 13 Levi tells of the three wars he had seen and stated that he thought the Civil War was the worst. Levi was a Christian and he often stated that he loved everybody, both white and black. He closed his book with several familiar quotations of Scripture which he liked. Among them was Ecclesiastes 1st Chapter 91st verse. His own thought ended the writing: "God has always intended to do whatever He does. We choose and can act freely and are held accountable for all our actions. Amen."
Levi Branham never talked too much about his father, Lewis Branham, but he often told of the stories told by his mother, Allie. She told of how she saw the slaves being loaded on ships in Africa and brought to America. He had several sisters and brothers: Rosa, Alice, Susan, Amanda, Richard, Abe. Perhaps they stayed on the farm in Tennessee of which she spoke.
Married Half-Indian
On December 15, 1880, Levi Branham was married to Amanda McDade, a half-Indian, whose mother was a full blooded Indian from the hills of Kentucky. Her mother was Judy McDade.
"I feel that I was blessed because I had the privilege of living with my grandparents in a home on a large farm for about 30 years. They were hard working people and instilled within their children and grandchildren a love for hard and honest labor, a love for people, and a love for God," is the statement of the author of this article.
Nine Children
Children of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Branham, better known to the older generation as "Uncle Boisey" and "Aunt Mandy," are: Lewis (Tump) born 1882; Houston (Huse) born 1884; Carrie bom 1886. died in childhood; Eula (Pat) 1888-1938; Joe born 1890 (deceased);Essie born 1892; Matthew (Dock) bom 1898-1957; Katie (Sister) born 1900 (died in early childhood); Luke Elijar born 1902 (died in infancy).
Other Descendants
Lewis Branham married Florence Beck and their children are: Essie Mae, who married Rev. White;Thelrna, who married John Famber (daughter Carolyn Gay); Eugene who died in infancy; Colquit Branham, an employee at Sterchi Brothers Furniture; Fannie L., a nurse at the Government Hospital in Tuskeegee, Ala., married Frank Thompson and has a son. Kenneth. Her second husband is Ted Buiney, a Tuskeegee car salesman; Marie, married to a retired army officer James Brown, is a graduate of Fort Valley State College and teaches in North Carolina.
Houston Branham, a farmer, married Effie Beck. They have one daughter, Aleen (Mrs. tester) Bonds who is a graduate of Fort Valley State College and a retired teacher, resides in Chatsworth taking care of her blind invalid father, Houston Branham at his home.
Eula Branham married Edgar Moore, a farmer. Mrs. Moore graduated from Tuskeegee Normal and Training Institute, and taught school in Murray County for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Moore were parents of Carrie. Esthernette, Nina J., and Howard Moore (deceased), died in infancy.
Carrie's Family
Carrie Moore attended Murray County schools and graduated from Dalton Public schools. She taught school in Murray County. She was married to Ernest Ramsey. and their children are Kate Lynn, Ernest Jr., and Roberta, Kate Lynn Ramsey married George L. Benton and their child is Ernestine Benton, graduate of Clarke College and a teacher in Murray County. (Ernestine Benton married Donald Sumlin, a graduate of Clark College with a BS degree in chemistry.) Ernestine and Sgt. John Davis of USA Army had a son Anthony Benton Davis prior to this marriage. Kate Lynn's second husband was Willie Kemp and their children are Samuel, Daniel, James, and Karen, students of Murray County High School. Ernest Ramsey Jr. married Annie R. McDade and their sons are Ernest III, and Kenneth, students at Dalton High School. Roberta Ramsey, college graduate and teacher, married Jimmy McCluer, General Electric Co., Cincinnati, 0., and their children are Jacqueline, Judy, and Alan.
Esthernette
Esthernette Moore graduated from Dalton High School and attended Spell-man College and Savannah State. She is a teacher and married to C.T. Gay, farmer, also of Gay Lint Co., and Real Estate business. Their daughter is Mary Lynn who is married to William J. Breeding. Mrs. Breeding is a graduate of Clark College, and holds both a master's degree and six year's certificate from the University of Georgia and is teacher in Greensboro, Ga. Mr. Breeding holds a master's degree from Atlanta University and is a past president of Georgia Education Association 1972-73. Their daughter, Katrina is a graduate of Clark College and received a scholarship to study at Oxford in England. After traveling in Europe, she is currently a law student at Howard University, Washington, D.C. Their son, William, is a senior in Greensboro High School with a football scholarship to the University of Georgia for 1976-77.
Nina Moore married the Rev. J.E. Hill. After graduating from Fort Valley State College, she studied at Atlanta University and Peabody College. She retired last year after having taught in Murray, Catoosa and Wilcox Counties and Dalton Public Schools. Before his death, Rev. Hill was pastor at St. Timothy A.M.E. Church, Valdosta, and principal at Rochelle High School.
Joe Branham married Onnie Beck and their children are: Lucille.Eula, Aman-da, Ruby, and Murray (deceased). Lucille Branham married Mr. Murphy and their daughter Edna Joe graduated from Clark College and did further study at Howard College, Washington, D.C., before her death. Eula Branham graduated from Emory High, Paine College, and holds a master's degree from Atlanta University and six years in library science from Georgia State University. She is employed by the Atlanta Public School system.
Amanda Branham married William Calhoun and their children are Mary (Mrs. Henry L. Sims). William, and Elaine (Mrs. Herman) Wynn. Capt. and Mrs. Henry L. Sirns returned to Dalton after a tour of overseas duty and Mrs. Sims attended Dalton Junior College and was recipient of a scholarship to Georgia State College.
William is married to Susie Hill, Day Care Center instructor and they have two children. Stacy and Gary.
Elaine (Mrs. Herman) Wynn is in nurse training at Dalton Junior College. She and Mr. Wynn have two daughters, Letitia and Everette Wynn.
Ruby married Mack Goodlette after graduating from Emory High School and studying at Albany State college. They have one son, Murray G. Goodlette, graduate of Ernory Street High School and Clark College and listed in Outstanding College Athletes of America. Murray married the former Deborah Small, a graduate of Morris Brown College with a master's degree, and is a teacher with Atlanta public schools. They have a daughter, Camilla.
Maynard Faintly
Essie Branham is married to Jim Maynard, farmer. She taught for a number of years in Murray County. Their children are; Levi (deceased), James and Houston, Nina J., and Esther Kate.
Levi Maynard, eldest son of Essie and Jim Maynard, married Marguerite Bond. Their children are Charles, Levi Jr., and Peggy Maynard. Levi's first wife was Fleta Bannister. They have a daughter, Lesia. His second wife, Mary Moore and Levi have a daughter. Lassie. Peggy Maynard and a Mr. Williams have a son, Patrick Williams.
Houston Maynard served in World War II and married Inez Bonds. Their children are Jerry (deceased); Sherlie. Inez and Juanita. Shirley and Ervin Jackson have a daughter. K. Rochelle Jackson,
Esther K. Maynard graduated from Emory Street High School, attended Morris Brown College, married a Mr. Bowie, got a degree from Atlanta University. They have a daughter, Brenda Bowie. She also attended Emory Street School and Clark College and is presently employed as a secretary to an Atlanta firm.
Esther K. Maynard later married Ralph Alford (now deceased). They had two daughters, Carol and Judy Alford. Carol is a graduate of Dalton High School and attends Dalton Junior College. She is married to Charles Powers, a student and outstanding athlete. He was transferred to Georgia State College where he participates in sports. They live in Marietta and have two children, Melissa and Charles Powers Jr. Judy Alford resides in Dalton with her mother and grandmother, Essie Branham Maynard who is a partial invalid.
Nina J. Maynard graduated from Emory Street High School and tookGrady nurse's training. She married Freddie Richardson and their daughter, Barbara, is a graduate of Spellman College, teacher in Dalton Public School System, and is married to Kenneth Willis. After U.S. Army service. Mr. Willis accepted a position with the Dalton Police Department. Mr. and Mrs. Willis have two children: Kimberly and Kenneth Jr.
James Maynard, who is separated from his wife and has no children, lives with his mother Essie Maynard on Fredrick St. He and his brother, Houston, were among the first blacks to volunteer for military duty in World War 11, but he was turned down for physical reasons.
Matthew Branham, farmer, married Louise Ramsey. Their children are Matthew Jr. (Jack) and Bertha Mae.
Jack Branham married Ora V. Phillips. They have two sons, Matthew 111 and Martin Branham. a student at Dalton High School. Matthew III and Patricia Grissom have a son, Carey Branham.
Bertha Mae Branham married D.L. Taylor. They have two daughters, Jane and Tennie Taylor. Jane married James Calvin Macon and their children are Loretta. Eric and Tony Macon.
Tennie Taylor married William Dwight. a victim of the Vietnam War. Their children are Patricia and David A. Dwight. Both Jane and Tennie are graduates of Dalton High School and are now employed in Dalton industry.
John William Greene, M.D.
I do not believe the history of Murray County would be complete without some mention of the contributions of John William Greene. M.D. Dr. Greene was born in Tilton, Whitfield County, Georgia, on September 20,18S4, the son of Dr. Henry Haines and Elniina (Jackson) Greene. His early life was spent there and in Murphees Crossroad, Blount County, Alabama, where his father relocated the family during his service in the War Between the States.
In 1876, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, John Greene married Ellen Luanda Treadwell, the daughter of Senator Smith Treadwell. Senator Treadwell, whose life is amply recorded elsewhere, was a prominent figure in the history of the northwest Georgia region. Dr. and Mrs. Greene set up housekeeping in a home near Mill Creek, on 65 acres of land given to them by her father. Shortly afterwards. Dr. H.H. Greene moved to Atlanta, and his son John took over the manufacturing business in Tilton. In 1881, John Greene decided on anew career and also moved to Atlanta to attend the Medical College there. When he graduated, he joined the Dr. H.H. Greene and Sons in their practice of medicine in Atlanta.
For many years after, Dr. Greene and his wife and children, Thomas Elijah, Mary Ellen, Ethel Lucinda, Leila Treadwell and Elizabeth Mobley, spent their winters at their home on Washington Street in Atlanta and their summers in Murray County. All along. Dr. Greene continued to acquire land in Murray County and to take part in the political development of the area. In 1893, he built a home on a hilltop, near what was to become the town of Chatsworth. Because of its beautiful location and view of Fort Mountain, Dr. and Mrs. Greene called their home "Mountain View." The family would trave! by train to Dalton Shortly after the turn of the century, the Louisville and Nashville Railroad decided to extend its line from Cartersville to Knoxville, Tenn. One of the stations on this line was to be built at the foot of Fort Mountain, and several prominent citizens, including Dr. Greene, determined to locate a town at the site of the proposed rail station. Land was surveyed and lots were sold. A bank was needed so Dr. Greene and the Cohutta Banking Company constructed a two-story building on Market Street, one of the first brick buildings in Chatsworth. The bank and a drugstore occupied the first floor, and Dr. Greene's and others' offices were on the second floor. The railroad company was persuaded to open an express freight depot in their Chatsworth station, and the post office to open a branch in the bank building. In order to acquire a formal "first class" rating for this post office. Dr. Greene sent large volumes of mail, including boxed sets of encyclopedias and other heavy material, from his residence in Atlanta to Chatsworth.
At the time of the creation of the new town. Spring Place was the county seat of Murray County. For a number of years. Spring Place and Pleasant Valley (now called Eton) had disputed the proper location of county government. Around 1910, a sentiment arose among the county commissioners to have this location established nearer the railroad line in Chatsworth. Four years of debate ensued, during which time Dr. Greene and other prominent citizens were called upon frequently to travel to Atlanta to exert whatever influence theyt could on the state legislature to move the county government to Chats-worth. These journeys were often made overnight, so that the men could be present at the morning legislative sessions. There is a photograph of the men responsible for making Chatsworth the seat of county government, which the Greene family gave to the county, and which still hangs in the courthouse.
For many years after the founding of Chatsworth, Dr. John Greene and his wife continued to live in Murray County and to participate in the development of the area. Dr. Greene's son, Thomas, established his residence at "Greene Haven" on the family property and served as a state senator from Murray County in 1923 and 1924. In 1926. John Greene and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at their home "Greene Acres." It was there, in 1931, that Ellen Greene died. In 1938, having lived a full and useful life. Dr. John W. Greene died and was buried with his wife in Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta. Many years later, when the road past Dr. Greene's home was widened and straightened between Chatsworth and Dalton. his heirs gave the right-of-way through three entire land lots. The resulting highway is known to this day as Green Road. Some of his original land remains in his family, more than 100 years later.
Dr, Greene has no relatives in Chatsworth or Murray County.
By the late Ethel Greene Brown
The Quarles Quartet
For many year, singing conventions were popular and well attended in Murray County as well as surrounding areas. These gatherings drew large crowds, were well organized, and were planned months in advance. They were usually all-day affairs with "dinner on the ground."
The Quarles Quartet, a group of sisters from Chatsworth, was very popular during the 1916-22 era. The sisters traveled to various conventions and churches in this area and by 1919 were invited to sing throughout Northwest Georgia,
The ladies were the daughters of Mr. & Mrs. John Quarles. Julia Mae (later Mrs. Frank Westfield) sang soprano and played the organ; Ruth (Mrs. Stuart Crowe) sang tenor; Analee (later Mrs. Frank Huffaker) sang bass, and Hazel (later Mrs, Vin Haviland) sang alto. Their brother, Morgan, did not sing but often traveled with them and had several hymns published. He married Sibyl Dunn.
The group practiced at night after working in the fields and/or around the house all day. They designed and made their own dresses and hats. The youngest sister was 10 when she started singing and they carried a wooden box for her to stand on.
The Quartet performed their last songs as a group in 1922, School and marriages made other demands on the sisters. Several of their children and grandchildren have followed careers in music. At the time of this writing (1984) all the sisters are still living, while Morgan died several years ago.
By Frances Westfield Townsend
Victor Conroy Picketing
Victor Conroy Picketing was bom in 1883 in Murray County and died in 1947. He spent his entire life in and doing things for Murray County. He was a philanthropist and one of Murray County's leading citizens. He made many contributions to Murray County. Below are some of his contributions:
After the Murray County courthouse was built, he built up the grounds and landscaped them. Built highway across Fort Mountain to Ellijay. Contributed money and labor to First Baptist Church at Chatsworth, Georgia. Also contributed large sums of money to First United Methodist Church at Chatsworth, Georgia, First United Methodist Church, Baptist Church and Spring Place Consolidated School at Spring Place, Georgia. He was largely responsible for grading and paving Highway 411 from Cartersville to Etowah, Tenn. This was done while he was in the Legislature. He gave a deed to the Murray County Board of Education of the Davis farm, consisting of over 100 acres. The new Murray County Hospital, Murray County Health Center, the new Murray County Farmers Market, Recreation Center and Developmental Center are located on this property. Many contributions of money and equipment were made to the Murray County High School Agriculture Department and Murray County Cannery. A large sum of money was left to build the first hospital in Murray County, the Murray County Memorial Hospital.
So many things, Victor Conroy Pickering did for humanity, about which we will never know. By Lovadah Maynard and G.I. Maddox
Murray County's Grand Man by Tim Howard
The little boy was as proud as could be. He and his father had just opened a savings account for him at Murray County's oldest financial institution-the Cohutta Banking Company in Chatsworth. While another employee took care of the final details of the transaction, a friendly senior citizen shook the boy's hand and said, "We are pleased to have you as a part of our organization ."The child's face was aglow and the father was equally proud.
The senior citizen mentioned above is in his 91st year and his is a familiar face to most Murray residents. Though this particular episode took place in l979, it has occurred countless other times in the past five decades. The gentleman is Mr. R.E. Chambers and his name appears high on the list of Murray County's past public officials, as well as on the list of leading businessmen and Prominent civic-minded individuals. The careful signature, "R.E. Chambers," appears on an unknown number of the County's legal and financial records and numerous organizations have his name on their membership rolls. The name itself is a symbol of honesty, dignity, integrity, and charity-lending credibility to any project or organization with which it is associated.
Robert Elisha was the name given to the son born to Richard Elisha and Mary Elizabeth Chambers on December 28, 1890 in Clifton, Wayne County, Tennessee. The boy attended school in Corydon, Indiana, and Montgomery County, Tennessee, completing his education in Gilmer County, Georgia, where his father had moved the family lumber business.
While working with his father, Young Bob developed good business acumen, which has served him well throughout his life. The family moved over the mountains to Murray County and the young man worked for a short time on the L&N Railroad and then as a rural letter carrier in the Ramhurst area. Reared in the Baptist church. Chambers began attending Sunday school at Mt. Pisgah Church and there he met Miss Laura Worley, the daughter of Joseph S. Worley of Ramhurst, On November 8, 1908 the couple rode to Spring Place, then the county seat, and began 72 years of married life.
A few years later opportunities presented themselves and the young couple moved to the likewise young town of Chatsworth, the new county seat. Chambers accepted a bookkeeping position with the Chatsworth Garage where Mr. T.L. Gregory was the local Ford dealer. Mr. Chambers still drives Ford automobiles.
As the county elections of 1924 approached several friends urged Chambers to run against incumbent Clerk of Court, W.B. Robinson. Always interested in politics, he entered the race and was elected. "Mr. Robinson and I were good friends after that," says Mr. Chambers. Thus began a 12-year stint at the Murray County Courthouse during which Mr. Chambers supervised the reorganization and indexing of county records, establishing the system still in use.
"His work is systematically and efficiently performed and has received high commendation," wrote a biographer in 1926, As Clerk, Mr. Chambers came to know many of Georgia's greatest leaders including Governors Cliff Walker, L.G, Hardaman, and Richard Russell. "Dick Russell was my favorite," says Mr. Chambers and the two continued to associate with each other after Russell went on to be U.S. Senator and Chambers had also taken a new job—at the Cohutta Bank.
In March, 1933 Mr. Chambers was named Cashier and Chief Executive officer of that institution. Richard Kendrick was sworn in as deputy clerk of court to serve out Mr. Chambers' term thus saving the county the expense of holding a special election and a love affair between R.E. Chambers and Cohutta Bank had begun. In 1936 he was named president of the bank and soon the two were synonymous.
During the next 33 years. Chambers presided over tremendous change in the bank and in the county. As president of the major financial institution in the county, he had a great deal of influence in recovery from the Great Depression, surviving World War U, and a new wave of expansion in the 1950's and 60's. Bank capital had increased from under $25,000 in 1936 to $325,000 at the time Mr. Chambers stepped down from the presidency in 1969. Since 1967 he had served as chairman of the board and continued his association with the bank in this position until 1980 when he became chairman emeritus.
During these six decades as public official and businessman Mr, Chambers has participated in various civic and fraternal organizations. He is a Woodman of the World, a Shriner, A Fifty-Year Mason, and has been associated with the Eastern Star for more than half a century. He has served with the Murray Department of Family and Children Services since 1937. During World War II he received two Meritorious Service Awards for participation in the Georgia War Fund, also serving on the Advisory Board for registrants. He also attended the first Georgia Bankers Conference in 1939, As a charter member of the Chats-worth Lions Club he has actively supported that group in countless projects to improve the community and in several leadership capacities as well. He also participated in establishing boys agricultural clubs in Murray which has since evolved into the 4-H Clubs.
Perhaps the work dearest to Mr. Chamber's heart was his involvement with Chatsworth Enterprises, a group which promoted tourism and industry in Murray County during the 1950's (since replaced by the Chamber of Commerce). This group began the fight to save the historic Chief Vann House in 1952. This project brought Chambers into the Whitfield-Murray Historical Society and when he was asked to do the foreward for If The Vann House Could Speak, a book which tells the story of the old mansion, in 1980, he wrote: "I count it one of my greatest achievements that I was chosen to serve as treasurer of the committee that purchased the house , . . and helped raise the money to buy that house for the Georgia Historical Commission. My finest hour came during its dedication." He continues to support and have a special interest in the Vann House.
Mr, Chambers served 2 years as Mayor of Chatsworth and also 2 years as City Clerk. The Chatsworth First Baptist Church is very special to him as he served as Sunday school superintendent and as chairman of the board of deacons for some time.
Several honors have been bestowed upon this fine man. In 1971 the Murray Jaycees selected him as "Boss of the Year" and in 1973 he placed the first official direct-long-distance phone call from Chatsworth. At a special meeting of the bank's executive committee in March, 1973, the committee room of the bank's newest Chatsworth facility was named in honor of Mr. Chambers. The bank has also honored him with a scholarship fund for a deserving Murray student to go to Dalton Junior College each year. To further express their appreciation to Mr. Chambers, the bank employees hosted a special "R.E. Chambers Day" reception, at the bank of course. Numerous friends dropped by to extend best wishes to this true southern gentleman.
Mr. Chambers is the father of two daughters, Mrs. Irene Greeson and Mrs, Louise Miller. The family also includes three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. One grandson, Tom Greeson, succeeded Chambers as president of the Cohutta Bank and is now chairman of the board. Mrs. Chambers passed away in 1980.
A very modest man, Mr. Chambers does not talk much about his accomplishments saying that he "could not have done anything without good help." At 91 he still maintains an office at the bank, surrounded by many mementoes of his long and useful life, and works every day. He attributes his longevity to "hard work and moderation." Of the changes he has seen in his life the one which pleases him most are the many improvements which have taken place in education throughout the area.
An interviewer in 1926 ended his account of the first 36 years of Mr. Chambers' life as follows: "He has always been loyal to every trust reposed in him, whether of a public or a private nature, and he is a young man of fine character and pleasing personality, enjoying the esteem of many friends." Though not a "young man" now, the trust, character, personality, and esteem have ever remained the same. The slogan of the Chatsworth Enterprises billed Chatsworth and Murray County as "The Garden Spot of the World-A Good Place to Work, Live, and Play." Murray County is more of a garden spot and indeed a better place to work, live, and play because R.E. Chambers has lived and worked. We owe a great debt to this venerable leader, "Well done thou good and faithful servant"—Robert Elisha Chambers—Murray's Grand Man.
-printed in Conasattga Magazine, 1981. Mr. Chambers passed away in 1982.
Murray County Heritage