Smithville, Georgia…a glimpse into the past

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975. 894
SHI
Ga. Rm.
S wit fa* 6 tie, (fevityia,
. . . A Glimpse Into The Past

7^e flccKCU&K
StKit&vUte,
A View of the
Past, Present and Future
KINCHAFOONEE
REGIONAL
LIBRARY
LEE COUNTY
LIBRARY
To The Reader:
The Bicentennial Committee of Smithville, Georgia has prepared this
informal history of Smithville and Lee County on behalf of our Nations
Bicentennial Celebration.
We wanted to give the citizens of Smithville and surrounding areas a
view of the past and a perspective to the change in our way of life from
1826 to 1976. This goes back to the time Lee County was created.
To bring together the records of the past and to house them in
buildings where they will be preserved for the use of men living in the
future, a nation must believe in three things. It must believe in the past. It
must believe in the future. It must, above all, believe in the capacity of its
people so to learn from the past that they can gain in judgement of the
creation of the future. Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
It is our desire to give as much history from the past as possible, We
then go forward with local history up to the present day. This is the best
our committee could secure with the help of many local citizens and past
records. We hope to contribute this history to you and to thank all indivi-
duals who help secure it. Their help made it possible.
Historical Committee
Smithville Bicentennial Commission
Euaene Pitts and |o Ann Pitts
D J
Editors

Introduction ........................................................ 4
Indian Life ......................................................... 5
Our Beginning....................................................... 7
The War Between the States .......................................... 9
McAfee Hotel ....................................................... 12
Wells Mill.......................................................... 15
Frank L. Stanton......... .......................................... 20
Newspapers ...................................................... 21
Schools .......................................................... 23
Hotels.............................................................. 33
Doctors ............................................................ 35
Men In Service...................................................... 37
Agriculture ........................................................ 41
Interesting People ................................................. 45
Churches............................................................ 47
Smithville Today.................................................... 54
Acknowledgements.................................................... 59
f)*&l*cUccti&K
In order to leave behind a brief history of our community, we give you
this collection of memories from the past to the present. We have touched on
early Indian life and parts of our history up to the present day. Due to the
burning of records, we were unable to get an accurate history on some years
in the past. We were able to interview local residents and found some books
from our state archives.
Smithville was a junction for the railroad in the beginning and the rail-
road played an important role in our citys way of life in the past. Dating back
to the War Between the States, our citizens shipped foodstuffs by rail.
We have given you a glimpse into the lives of some of our local residents
and businesses. We have also included some of our farmers and a look into our
rural life. This area is known for agricultural pursuits. Farms surround our city
and our farmers make up an important part of our community.
Faces will appear and fond memories emerge as you remember days of
long ago. We could not include everyone and did not have as many photo-
graphs as we desired. We apologize for anyone that might have been slighted.
We hope that in the future some of your decendants will find a part of their
heritage in this history.
4
To give our readers a glimpse into the past and to inform them of the
original Indian life in this territory, we supply this brief history.
Lee County was composed of Quitman, Randolph, Stewart, Sumter,
Terrell, Webster and parts of Schley, Chattahoochee, Macon, Clay and
Marion Counties. It was created in 1826 and acquired from the Creek
Indians. The county was named for Major General Henry Lee.
In 1843, justice of peace courts had begun to function in the dis-
tricts. In 1866, the election of Militia districts had assumed approximately
their present boundaries. Smithville was 976th district extending east to
Muckalee Creek.
Prior to 1836, danger from Indian marauders, the Seminoles of lower
Alabama and particularly the Cussetuhs, who had lived partially in the
northwest section of original Lee County and who had not agreed to the
cession of lands in the treaty of Indian Springs in 1825 had prevented
many settlers from coming to Lee County. These Indians had been making
numerous hostile demonstrations throughout Alabama and on the border
of Georgia. At that time, there were approximately 1,000 settlers, white
and colored and they were mostly stock raisers.
In May 1836, the Indians gathered in a large group and began a
march down the Chattahoochee, as they passed through Lee County, they
were pursued by Capt. Jernigan and several other companies making a
regiment of about 300 men. A short and bloody encounter occured on July
25th. After several battles, they were scattered and contrary to their custom,
left many of their dead and wounded behind. A similar battle occurred in
Chichasawhatchee swamp in Baker County in which settlers from Lee un-
doubtedly took part.
With elimination of danger from the Indians, agricultural settlement
in Lee County increased. Life began to take on a new form and civilization
of the white man bagan to move forward. But expansive Lee County, just
acquired from the Indians, was almost unknown to white men, had no stage
coach line, and no town nor hamlets, and was slow in organization. The
only officers elected in 1827 were five justices of the inferior court; Levi
W. Moore, James R. Loyns, E. H. Hall, Elbert Milton, and Axum Webb.
Nathan Powell, Sheriff, and a clerk of the inferior and superior courts,
Joseph White. The first session of the superior court is said to have been
held under the giant live oak tree at Chehaw. This tree issaid to be the one
that the Che-au-hau or Chehaw, one of the six most important towns of the
Confederacy of Creek, held their council meetings. It measured 9 feet in
diameter and 120 feet from tip to tip.
5
This two story building was built in 1909. The owner, Mr. J. A. Hill, ran a hardware store and sold
caskets also. It was torn down in 1975 and used in the residence of C. Boyd Jackson. The small one
story building was built after the two story. Date unknown. It was in the same transaction as above.
Smithville is located in the northwest corner of Lee County. It was in-
corporated April 18, 1863 and was chartered in 1901. Smithville, alias
operated a farm and established a grist mill. A request was made that Thad D.
Butler, O. C. Clark, Council Clark, J. C. McCrary, and others hold an election for
five commissioners. This section with the railroad junction came into prominence
during the War in the raising and shipping of foodstuffs.
In 1900, it had within its corporate limits a populations of 597 and in its
entire district, 1,954. There were two large sawmills, a blacksmith shop, a wood-
working shop, a turpentine distillery, while just across the line in Sumter County
was a large grist mill owned in the main by Smithville people, with a daily capacity
of 600 bushels of corn. In the town were express and telegraph offices, a money
order postoffice with rural free delivery, a bank, a public cotton gin and several
prosperous business houses. Large quantities of pears were shipped every season
and about 3,000 bales of cotton were handled annually.
In 1895, the water supply for the city came from two flowing artesian wells
which flowed about five thousand gallons of water per hour. Chemical analysis of
the artesian water in Smithville put it as absolutely pure drinking water.
The mayor of Smithville is the chief executive officer of the city. To be
eligable for this office, a citizen must be at least twenty-five years of age and a
resident of the city for two years immediately preceding the election. The mayor
has general supervision of the towns affairs, presides over the meetings of the
council, enforces all ordinances, and tries all cases of offenders and imposes fines.
The city council is composed of five aldermen who are elected annually.
That at least some of these lands in this section were in the original lottery
parcels and had not been consolidated into large plantations was indicated by the
fact that John L. Wilkerson, born here in 1866, later inherited a lottery parcel of
20214 acres, and built up his plantation to 1,455 acres in subsequent years.
At one time, Smithville was known as Branchville. No records could be
found on the origin of this name. Smithville was named for a family of Smiths
that moved here from Atlanta. Their family burial plot is located in the Smithville
Renwick, was at the junction of the railroad. One of the lines going to Albany
and the other to Eufaula, Alabama. William David Wells, one of the first settlers,
Cemetery.
7
Naomi Beauchamp. Said to be the first White girl born ii

Smithville, Georgia.
8
TOO* etwee* *7&e State*
We found no records of the men enlisting in the War from Smithville. Some
of our residents remember these two who served their confederate army. Mr.
Dick Richardson and Mr. John William Beauchamp were guards at Andersonville
Prison. Mr. Beauchamp joined the calvary at the age of fifteen. He was a courier
for General Albert Johnson.
Lee County voted for secession January 19,1861 and was placed in the 2nd
Confederate Georgia Congressional.District on March 23,1861. On April 12, 1861,
the Confederates in South Carolina fired on Fort Sumter and Governor Brown of
Georgia proclaimed the existence of a state of war April 22,1861. Lee Countys
first confederate company was the 11th Regiment, known as the Georgia Volunteers.
The second company from the county seems to have been the Lee Guards,
Company B, 51st Georgia Infantry. At different times, it was said every man in
Company B was killed, wounded, or taken prisoners. They continued to reorganize
and were with Lee at Appomattox when the Stars and Bars Furled Forever.
The company had four sergeants, four corporals, forty privates, twenty-eight
recruits, nineteen discharges and twenty-five deaths.
Medical doctors from the county who served the Confederacy included Drs.
H. B. Lipsey, E. J. Elridge, W. A. Green, and William A. Love.
Care of the soldiers families was acquired by a fund called the Indigent
Soldiers Fund. There were 100 grown females given an amount of $8 a month.
An allowance of $2 a month was given to 216 children. The citizens were taxed to
take care of these funds. In January, 1864, the amount paid to soldiers wives and
children was raised to $26 a month and $12 a month. At this time in Albany, lard
was selling for $3 a pound, brandy was $50 a bottle, and shoes, $80 a pair.
On March 7,1865, the following persons were appointed to report monthly
to the court, the conditions and needs of the soldiers families: Smithville |&G. C.
Edwards and J. G. McCrary. The following year, 57 disabled soldiers and 116
orphan children were reported in need.
The slaves during this time were docile and making no trouble. Because of
their large number, approximately 5,000 to the 2,200 whites, patrol commissioners
were appointed for the districts. For the district of Smithville, T. D. High and E. D.
Watson were appointed.
Sherman came through Georgia in July 1864, leaving a path of destruction
we will never forget. The citizens of Lee County organized into a police force. The
inferior court appointed the following district patrolmen for Smithville, E. D.
Watson, W. J. Tilman and A. Newsom.
9
Goodroes Store. Located near J. C. Longs house.
J. D. Beauchamp
Left to right Mr. Goodroe, Mr. Exuni,
Mr. DeVille Beauchamp and Mr. Starling
Wilkerson.
'ZtccUtH cutci Tfcvicilt tUt TV cut
During the reconstruction following the Civil War, our soldiers and
citizens were wounded and broken in spirit. Their morales were also lowered.
A large majority of the citizens of Smithville and immediate vicinity en-
dorsed a request for a retail license for spiritous liquors February 22,1864.
This was a preventative medicine for malaria rampant in the swampy sections
of the county. The inferior courts appointed district inspectors for the stills.
They visited the stills and reported every week. On April 4,1865, the court
decided that 500 gallons was all the county could use for medicinal purposes.
Licenses were issued in 1866 to two Starksville bars, another to sell in quan-
tities of less than one gallon not be retail, and one each for Adams Station,
Smithville, Wooten Station, and Sumterville.
Crime and fighting were prevalent during this period of our history.
Some of the crimes were listed in the grand jury presentments of September,
1868: Continuing petit crimes, willful crime and the Troubled and de-
moralized condition of our society were noted and condemned. The jury
recommended that the people educate the ignorant. Gun-toting in excess
was probable due to the fact that 5,000 newly freed colored people were mis-
guided by the carpet-baggers, who were known trouble makers. The white popu-
lation numbered about 2,000.
Interest in church was among both races. The plantations had been the
main source of social and spiritual life. After the war, some of the slaves stayed
with their old masters. A population increase of 2,500 blacks during 1860-
1870 provided numerous members for those churches already established. The
increase was due to the false promises of the carpet-baggers and a hope of a dif-
ferent life. Agricultural prusuits and attempts to begin a new life in better condi-
tions than left behind. The colored turned to the church as a constructive social
and spiritual center.
11
This picture of the famous McAfee Hotel in Smithville, was made about 64 years age. The buggy
is the one which was driven out each day for the chickens used in the McAfee chicken pies.
12
From the nostalgic past comes memories of the Famed McAfee Hotel. Nation-
ally known as the chicken house it was a legend in its time.
Mrs. Julia McAfee Montgomery, great-granddaughter of William Madison
McAfee, who was founder of the hotel before the Civil War, has a scrapbook with
pictures and many stories about the hotel. One clipping from the scrapbook says
the soldiers during the Civil War called for chicken pie and declared it to be the
best pie on earth.
The hotel was a regular stop for the Central of Georgia Railroad for break-
fast and dinner. The circus trains would come through Smithville enroute to
Montgomery and Florida. They would wire ahead for chicken dinners to be ready
when they arrived. Sometimes as many as 50 and 75 were on the table when the
trains arrived.
Smithville had a livery stable and salesmen traveled by train to the hotel
and hired a horse and buggy to go to surrounding towns. The hotel was thfcir head-
quarters.
School teachers, business men, young married couples, and a well known
lawyer were among the boarders. Frank L. Stanton lived at the hotel for years. He
wrote a poem for Howell McAfee on his birthday and published it in his paper.
The poem was about Martha Eugenia Cherry, wife of Archibald Howell, who took
over the hotel when his father died.
William Madison McAfee was born in 1809 and died in 1884. He is buried
in Smithville. His son, Archibald Howell had two sons, William Fort and Emmett
Madison, named for their grandfather. Fort McAfee was a well known baseball
player. He also had a position with the International Harvester Co. and was general
manager when he died. He had three daughters and two sons. One of the sons, W.
F. McAfee, served as mayor of Albany. The other son, Emmett, died Oct. 2, 1955,
when he was 72 years old. He was serving his second term as mayor of Smithville.
He was a retired conductor of the Central of Georgia Railroad after serving more
than 50 years with the company. He headed the movement to pave Smithvilles
streets.
Direct descendants of William Madison McAfee are Emmetts grandchildren,
Mrs. Stephen Murray of Strakville, Miss, and John Madison Culler of Columbia,
S. C., who is editor of a wildlife magazine. William F. McAfee, III, Mrs. Bill Halford,
and Mrs. Julia Montgomery.
The other decendants are living in various sections of the United States.
The hotel burned in 1933, leaving behind memories of its crusty pies and an
era of our time dear to those who visited our famous McAfee House.
TfCemviitt tyullut
Julian Brown was a waiter in the McAfee Hotel in 1919. He started work
there when he was twenty years old. He remembers when the trains arrived for
breakfast and lunch. They only had twenty minutes to eat.
In 1919, J. B. Fite bought the McAfee Hotel and Julian worked there until
it burned in 1933. Mrs. Ella Turner operated the hotel for Mr. Fite for approxi-
mately seven years. Others operating the hotel were W. H. Phillips, Mrs. Barbara
Lyons, Mrs. Annie Lou Johnson, Mrs. Louise Hinman and Mrs. Edgar Wilkerson
who ran the hotel until the first fire. This fire was in a clothes closet and was
put out with little damage. She moved out immediately after the fire, going to the
JoHaMa to operate it. After she left, the building completely burned by unknown
origin.
The hotel employed two morning cooks, three dinner cooks and one supper
cook. It also had three morning waiters, four dinner waiters, two night waiters,
desk clerk, porter, and two maids. There was a total of eleven full time employees.
Julian left Smithville shortly after the Hotel burned and recently returned to
retire in Smithville.
Julian Brown

14
WELLS MILL
TOelW (fiat TfCUt
The hundred year old grist mill built by J. L. and W. D. Wells just following
the War between the States and in continuous operation since that time, was
destroyed by fire on July 5, 1965 which was believed to have been struck by
lightning.
The water-driven mill located approximately one-half mile North of Smith-
ville was operated at the time by the Pond Lilly Milling Co. and owned by the
City Gin & Mill Company of Albany.
The mill formerly known as the old Wells Mill, included two sets of grind-
ing rocks and was believed to be one of the oldest water driven mills in the South.
The three-story structure was built of hand-hewn timbers cut from pine,
some timbers were forty feet long. The building was put together with wooden
pegs.
The capacity of the mill was originally 600 bushels daily. There were three
sets of corn stones and one wheat stone. The pond covered 100 acres of land and
afforded sufficient power for a cotton factory. The mill was on the Southwest
Railroad and there was no need for drayage.
For a number of years, churches, places of business and homes were sup-
plied with electricity from the mill for a flat rate. Charlie Avera was the first
operator of the electric plant.
On hot summer days, the young people accompanied by L. D. Hays, C C.
Bridges, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Randall, Jr. and Mrs. H. T. Simpson, affectionately
known as Miss Ola Mae, would go to Wells Mill to go swimming in the pond
or down by the railroad trestle.
m
By Dorothy Hays
n
aflliili/S




M
16
cUOi&a
The first section of the railroad from Americus to Albany was opened to
Sumter City, in Sumter County, just above the site of later Smithvillc, on
December 1,1855, regularly carrying passengers and freight. On reaching the
site of Smithville, the road branched, one line going to Fort Gaines on the Chatta-
hoochee, and the other continuing on to Albany. Certain citizens of Lee County
promised to subscribe S50.000 in stock if the Albany line would run near Stark-
ville, but, following the high land between the Kinchafoonee and Muckalee Creeks,
the railroad was laid some 3 or 4 miles west of Starkville. The road was completed
to Albany by September 5, 1857.
Early records of roads development in Lee County were destroyed in the
courthouse fire about 1857, but records after that time indicate that because of
the countys five creeks and adjacent swampy lands, building bridges and turn-
pikes across this difficult terrain had for some years been the major activity of
the county in its road construction. Bermuda grass was sometimes planted on
these turnpikes to prevent washing, and wooden culverts were built to drain
stagnant water.
The first of the 9 bridges across the Muckalee Creek about 3 miles east of
Smithville was repaired and supplied with culverts and a turnpike in 1860 by John
T. Brown at a price of SI,600. Early bridges in the county probably dated from
the founding of the towns in 1832 and 1836. Wrights bridge across the Kinchafoonee
Creek between Lee and Terrell County was mentioned in the inferior court minutes
in 1866.
Going back to the stagecoach days, the Alligator stagecoach line from
Milledgeville to Tallahassee furnished the county with mail and travel service from
about 1827 to 1857.
The telegraph lines came through the county along the railroad in 1866.
Railroad Crew, 1926 Mr. M. C. Miller and Arthur Gentry
17
Rural mail routes were established throughout the county in 1904. The
mail was carried by horse and buggy. John Whitt Edwards was the first mail
carrier. He was succeeded by Hugh Hale.
Automobiles had not yet become common in Lee County in 1916 when
the May grand jury hired one to inspect the county roads, probably to recommend
their improvement for adaption to motor traffic. The Dixie Highway was al-
ready passing through the county.
In 1905, there were plentiful crops of sweet and Irish potatoes, field and
ground peas, cotton, sugarcane, and the cereals being produced in the county.
Trees lined the streams in abundance. Lumbering gave employment to many. The
countys first bank, the Bank of Smithville, was serving the county.
Early photo of Smithville Bank. Lofton Beauchamp and A. P. Lane.
THE STATE OP OEORQIA.
Bank of Srmtbvulle
($nngd m&tr.-.
r'&f' -_______________1. ___
L v * f)//ASif///i/////e/2nr/- {S
6ajst:&; of smithville,
/&.<&////'&// /Mr ,/y.///: /rrmyC-///
i UJhrmrf. S/m, ra/wf/- /vjtM/rtd' /// t&dht/v
itSjnltbvlIle.a., ' 7


18
(}tcui6 cuicUvcuit Stare
The present hardware store was begun in the year 1910. It was known as E. A.
Clark General Merchandise and was owned by the late E. A. Clark, Sr. All kinds of
goods were sold, including shoes, cloth, groceries, farm tools, some ready-to-wear and
miscellaneous items.
It was in 1919 that Mr. Clarks son, Hiriam, entered the business with his
father. In 1920, George, the second son, bought stock and entered the business. He
changed the name of the store to E. A. Clark and Sons. George enlarged the business
by acquiring two store buildings which were located next to the original store. These
were bought from the Simpson estate. At that time, George connected the three
stores and discarded some of the items he had previously sold. He then put in a stock
of hardware, electrical appliances, some furniture and plumbing equipment. The name
was changed again to Clark Hardware.
Plez Hardin bought the store in 1973. It has been completely renovated and is
now modern in every detail. The present name of the store is Nidrah Hardware and is
owned by Larry and Dan Hogsed.
This hardware store and the T. S. Burton store are the only original stores that
are still operating in Smithville.

% si ? jiiinHi jui hush

E. A. Clark, Sr. and Mrs. Lora Ansley
19
'Pact laureate af (pe&ipta
Frank L. Stanton
Smithville was once the home of the Poet Laureate of Georgia, Frank L.
Stanton. Stanton was born in Charleston, South Carolina in 1857. In 1887, Mr.
Stanton moved to Smithville and began the publication of a newspaper which he
called the Smithville News. His first printing press, according to some of the
older residents of Smithville, was located in the house now owned by Mr. and
Mrs. J. F. Herrington. The poems he wrote and printed gained national attention
and Governor Clifford Walker proclaimed him Poet Laureate of Georgia in 1925.
At this time, he was a resident of Atlanta, Georgia. While in Smithville, Mr.
Stanton met and married Miss Leona Jossey. Smithville is proud to claim Frank
L. Stanton as her own.
MIGHTY LAK A ROSE
Frank L. Stanton
Sweetest lil fellow
Everybody knows
Don't know what you call 3im
But he's mighty lak a rose
Lookin'at his mammy
With eyes so shinny blue
Makes you think that heav 'n
Is comin' close to you.
When he's dare a'sleepin
In his lil place
Makes you think de angels
Is a peepin' thru de lace.
When the dark is fallin'
When the shadows creep
'Den Day comes on tiptoe
To kiss him in his sleep.
Sweetest 'lil fellow
Everybody knows
Don't know what you call 'im
But he's mighty lak a Rose.
20
SmitUviltt 'JfttiMfi'Cifi'CXA
The Enterprise was established in 1892 by S. R. Blanton. He came to
Smithville from Camilla, Georgia. It was noted as an official organ of Lee County.
The paper consisted of eight pages and had enough advertisements to be on a
paying basis. Mr. Blanton was an able and forcible writer. The Enterprise was
known as a democratic paper.
In 1887, Frank L. Stanton settled at Smithville in his thirtieth year, married
Leona Jossey, and became also the owner and editor of a newspaper, the Smithville
News. Here he had full opportunity for publication of his poetry. In 1888, he
joined John Temple Graves on the staff of the Rome Tribune. Graves being editor
and manager.
The Whitsett Courier was another newspaper printed by Frank L. Stanton. He
printed this in a house-situated at the intersection of Lee Street Road and Leslie
Highway. The house in which he lived and printed this paper was recently torn
down.
In 1911, the Lee County Journal was being published weekly. This paper
was described as the official Gazette of the county, by 1915.
NEWSPAPER ITEMS FROM THE PAST
Americus Times Recorder:
J. D. Reichert of Smithville was in the city of Americus Monday with two wagon
loads of Keefer pears. Carried to the Georgia and Alabama State Fairs ten bushels.
He has been raising pears for years and had made money from them.
Tuesday, Oct. 1,1889.
Dr. J. W. Clark of Smithville spent the day in Americus.
Friday, October 11, 1889.
Colonel Warwick of Smithville spent the day in Americus.
August, 1890.
In 1890, Friendship Baptist held associational meeting in Smithville.
October 1887Times Recorder has a few quotations noted about Smithville
Enterprise. A newspaper printed in Smithville at that time.
21
rsrXR?i3Lj
S c<y<yt&
The backbone of a community is its schools. Smithville has always had edu-
cational facilities to supply our children with knowledge, ability, and wisdom. In
the minutes kept by our county schools, we found these interesting facts:
February 14, 1890 Captain G. M. Pattersons school at Smithville was
recognized before the board of education at Leesburg. There is a record of Barfields
and B. F. Rollins Schools at Smithville.
Moved and carried that Amos Barfield at Smithville and W. O. Reynolds be
allowed pay for ten to fifteen additional pupils provided said schools should have
that many extra pupils with which to employ another assistant.
Feb. 10,1891 Moved that Smithville have one school and that Ida
Mitchell be first assistant if she had proper license.
Oct. 7, 1898 Colonel G. W. Warwick was ordered to have colored school
house at Smithville put in good condition at as little cost as possible.
Oct. 10,1899g| That the white academy at Smithville is crowded and in
need of an extra room for the Primary Department. Known as Smithville Hill School
this academy was used as a public school. Colonel Warwick was a member of the
board and given $300.00 to build this room.
Sept. 8, 1902 The board appointed Colonel Warwick a committee to buy
the Negro Odd Fellows Lodge House from D. C. Jones at Smithville for $250.00 to
be used as a school house for the Negroes.
April 9, 1905 A committee from the people of Smithville town, B. I.
McKennie, W. W. Thompson and T. S. Burton, Sr., met the board to agree as to
building a school house at Smithville. The board then passed a resolution that we
accept the offer of the trustees of Smithville Academy to lease their school site
and all their assets for a term of 25 years. Terms are to be agreed on that we proceed
as soon as the lease can be legally perfected to erect an Academy on said site to cost
approximately $3500.
May 22, 1905 An offer was accepted to build school houses at Leesburg
and Smithville from S. R. Baynes, July 11, 1905. Board authorizes the chairman to
borrow $1000 to finish school house at Smithville.
February 19,1906 Board then passed a resolution requesting Mr. Baynes,
the contractor building the new school house at Smithville, not to allow dances in
the new school house at Smithville upon its completion.
January 27th, 1907 W. D. Wells succeeded Colonel Warwick on school
board.
23
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SMITHVME HIGH -1900
1. Ola Mae Randall, 2. Mary Laramore, 3. Nettie Burton, 4. Susan Lansford, 5. Willie Pearl Mathis, 6. Lillie
Belle Mathis, 7. Bonnie Mae Usry, 8. Annie Randall, 9. Ura Bell Thomas, 10. Frank McDonald, 11. Lucile
Cochran, 12. Rosa Christie, 13. Vivian Harris, 14. Bessie Richardson, 15. Ada Salter, 16. Ada Bell Usry, 17.
Earnest Simpson, 18. Maggie Barton, 19. Rosalie Edwards, 20. Nell McKenney, 21. Tom Bass, 22. Frank
Cobb, 23. Milton Booker, 24. Ben Christie, 25. J.C. Webb, 26. George Adams, 27. Prof. Blackman?, 28. -
Suggs, 29. Ruth Edwards, 30. Florrie Webb, 31. Lorena Cobb, 32. Annie Mae Avera, 33. Nettie Lee Goodroe,
34. Lloyd Cochran, 35. Mattie WiIkerson, 36. George Burton, 37. Agnes Wells, 38. Ethel McManus, 39. Erwin
Thompson, 40. Willie Randall, 41. Clarence Hale, 42. Hugh McKenney, 43. Milton Webb, 44. Elmo Bass?, 45.
Spencer Pryor, 46. ?, 47. - Young, 48. Musa Usry, 49. Susie Pryor, 50. Florence Adams, 51. Edith McKenney,
52. Pearl Hale, 53. Prim Smith, 54. Cliff McMannue, 55. Warwick Batts, 56. George Ansley, 57. John Robert
Usry, 58. Mary Pryor, 59. Martha Pryor, 60. Erin Wells, 61. Agnes Goodroe, 62. R.J. Richardson, 63. John
Batts, 64. Ruby Wilkerson, 65. Mamie Wilkerson, 66. Blandis Cobb, 69. Hugh Adams, 70. Annie L. Wells, 71.
Clara Adams, 72. Kate McKenney, 73. Tom Burton, 74. Marvin Bass, 75. Harry Burton, 76. Henry Grant, 77.
Tom Christie, 78. Rob Salter, 79. Bob Salter, 80. Terrell Simpson, 81. Russell Harris, 82. Will McManus, 83.
Harold Richardson, 84. Denice Tracey, 85. C.W. Grant, 86. Morris Hale, 87. Charlie Adams.
24
1st and 2nd GRADE 1931.
1st row: Miles Varner,________________________ Henry Young,______Vamiyn, Dock Rigsby,_____________ ____________,
2nd row: Bessie Duckworth, Ann Varner, Clara Laramore,_______ , Nina Stanford, Miss Falba Atwater, Miss Mary Hanner,
Mabel Young, Betty Pryor, Daphne Beauchamp,__________, _____________ 3rd row: Leonard Childers, William Scott,_,
George Selph, James Selph, Clifford Long, Beanard Parker and Verna Christie. Smithville 1931.
Smithville School, 1st and 2nd Grade, 1936.
1st row: Jean Watley, Mary Ansley, Louette Beamon, Mattie Scott, Dollie Stinson, Minnie Scott, Jacqueline Dixon, Lizzie Scott,
Beulah Miller,______________, _____________ 2nd row: Mack Young, Martin Smith, Alvin Laramore,___________, Rhunette Pitts,
Jack Long,_______________, Earnest Land, 3rd row: 5th from left George Dorman,______________ John Ansley, Miss Falba Atwater,
and Miss Mary Hanner.
25
Smithville High School Girls Basketball, 1937. Bottom row: Left to right: Helen Callaway, Laverne Avera, Erianne Chance, Coach
IVyor, Ruth Richardson, Mildred Christie and Barbara Burton. Back row: Left to right: Sara Lay fie Id, Virginia Phillips, Elizabeth
Parker, Mervin Hamilton, Frances Enzor and Viriginia McDonald.
About 1923. 1st row: Gilbert Beauchamp, Very Webb, Horace Richardson, Thelma Webb, Durelle Wiggins. 2nd row: Henry
Williams, Ellen Dean, DeWitt Webb,_______________ Roma Phillips and Pearl Webb.
Smithville School about 1934.1st row: Juanita Smith, Martha Cooper, Betty Jo Parker, Theresa Thomas, rMary Bowen,
Wennie Wisener, Patricia Parker,______________ Mabel Young, Carrie Laramore. 2nd row: Nina Stanford, Dick Young, Charles Avera,
Eugene Richardson,______________________________ Jacqueline Burtdh, Jack Usry,__________. 4th row: Annett Hale,_______________
William Scott, John Ansley,_______________ Geo. Burton,___________, Fred Beamon, _____________, Leonard Childers, __________,
________________ _____Varnum, Miss Carolyn Wilson.
26
SMITHVILLE ACADEMY
Basketball Team 1917. Left to Right Luther Bridges, Shep Gibson, George Clark, Lee Suggs, Francis Pryor, Coach Mr. Forbis.
Back Row: Left to right: Leila Maude Williams, Ethelyn Bond, Susie Pryor, Marie Williams, Ora Jenkins, Lorene Wilkerson, Mr.
J. H. Forbis. Second row: Lois Bond, Mary Ella Jones, Durelle Wiggins, Rosa Wilkerson, Wattie Bridges, Helen Hays, Elton Wiggins,
Myrtle Clark, Elizabeth Richardson and Thelma Clark.
27
Smithville High Graduating Class about 1944.
Class of 1941. Front Row: James Cooper. Second Row:
Lottie Gosa, Hazel Miller, Carolyn Clark, Ann Varner,
Bessie Duckworth, Myrtice Gosa. Back rbw: Frances
Bowen, Martha Sprouse and Hazel Hale.
Class of 1938. Mervin Hamilton, Ruth Richardson, John
Shell, Pastor, Frances Enzor, Helen Calloway.
Teachers of Smithville School, 1962. Mrs. Thelma Roberts, Mrs. Lloyd
Caswell, Mrs. Mabelle McLendon, Mrs. Birdie Long and Mrs. Falba
Webb.
51st Class Reunion of 1923 Graduating Class.
Left to right: Gatewood Pryor, Horace Richardson,
Lofton Beauchamp, Hattie Sue Wells, Mary Sue
Forbis, Ellen Cowart and Sara Foster. Second row:
Henry Williams,--------------, - ,
Vantez Phillips, Laura Williams,__ Grace
Richardson. Back row: Gilbert Beauchamp, Gerald
Wiggins,________________ Miss Ora Jenkins, Eilleen
Roades.
29
Smithville School built in 1921. Served as High School, then Elementary. Later became Smithville Academy. Now closed.
Basketball Team. Front row: left to right: Emily Phillips, Becky Montgomery, Branda Worthy, Janice Gosa. 2nd row: Charlene
Usry, Priscilla Childers, Kay Chambers, Branda Smith, Claudia Raybon, Kathy Milton and Ann Childers. Coach Jackie Smith.
Smithville Black School. Opened September 1928. Abandoned May 1955. This
building is now being used as an apartment house.
1923. Back row Ceola Hill, Wiola Braines, Julia Johnson, Debbie Johnson,
Lillie D. Williams, Lousie Ladd, Jessie Sullom, and Nellie Brown. 2nd row left
to right Teacher, Miss Ruth Harris, Annie Clarie Sammer, Minnie Lee Love,
Jencey Searcy, Ethel! Hick, Mary Thomas, Doll Snead, Wille Bell Nunn, Lillie
Mae Snead, Bell Blecher. 3rd row Rubie Williams, Ruby White, Missie Moreland,
Irene Thomas, Ruby Burton, Rushie Bell Johnson, Mary Ladd, Johnie Newson,
Marther Ladd, Jimmie Momes and Jeweral Bell Carter. 4th row Joe Evans,
_____________,______________, Will Allen, O. C. Draen, Jessie Tucker, Dost Ladds
son.
31
Eagle Pond School. Located near Eagle Pond. Building no longer stands.
Back row left to right Lillie Mae Robinson, Mrs. Lee J. Henny. Next row
Sammie Sneed, Nig Mosely,-------------- , Dozier Twins, Rushie Bell Sneed,
_______Scott, Friends of Mrs. Henny (Ohio Tourist). 3rd row. Nellie Ruth
Sneed, Clinton Sneed, Betty Jean Mosley, Front row ----------Dozier, Henry
Lee Bass.
Back row left to right Charles Curtiss Hall, Ulyses Bass,
Enzor Low, Nathaniel__________ Teacher, Lilie Mae Roberson, Nellie Ruth Sneed,
__________________________________Banks, Front row Arthur Jr. Orange,
Bennie Lee Orange, Henry Lee Bess, Clarence Bess, Estella Bess, Doll Seay,
Banks.
32
The McAfee Hotel was the oldest and most famous in Smithville; however,
there was an era when our small town was bustling with hotels and rooming houses.
These businesses catered to the tourists as well as the local residents.
Dr. W. T. Simpson and his son, Dr. H. T. Simpson, built the Simpson Hotel
which was located in the area behind what is now known as Eldons Grocery. This
hotel was originally built for a hospital; however, this dream was never realized and
the building became a hotel. The first telephone switchboard in Smithville was
located in the Simpson Hotel and Miss Amma Moore was the telephone operator.
At one time, this hotel was used to show movies on Friday and Saturday
nights. The hotel burned in 1952.
The JoHaMa Hotel was a brick building and was located on the curve where
the post office is today. Mr. John Forbes built this hotel. He named it from taking
the first two letters from his name, John, his wifes name, Hanna and his daughter,
Mary.
Mr. Hiriam Clark built the building that now houses the Textile Outlet Store.
This building was originally known as The Tavern and was mostly used as a boarding
house. Mrs. Wilkerson operated The Tavern for several years. Mr. George Clark re-
modeled the building and opened a motel and restaurant known as The Village Inn.
He served excellent food. William McTyre now owns the building.
JoHaMa Hotel about 1936.
The Tavern, 1936.
33
This picture of George Wall was made about 1934. This rustic log cabin deplicts an
era true to our American heritage.
34
Stoty TKtcUtal PiactfoKcnt
As far back as 1887, records show that Smithville had its own resident
doctors. Dr. Louis A. Peacock was the medical practitioner at that time in our city.
Dr. W. T. Simpson and his son, Henry, practiced medicine here in the late
1800s and early 1900s. They built the building that was known as the Simpson
Hotel to use as a hospital. This project was never completed and they opened a
hotel.
Dr. Tallerson took over the Simpson practice after Dr. Henry Simpsons death.
There was also a Dr. Radgedale who practiced for a short time.
Dr. Herbard Smith entered Emory University at the age of thirty and graduated
four years later. His family moved to Smithville in 1894 and he practiced medicine
for twenty-five years.
Dr. R. H. Enzor was the last resident physician to practice in Smithville. He
came to our city in 1933 and practiced until his death in 1950. He was one of the
last country doctors. He also served as health officer for Lee County.
Perhaps there were other doctors who served our community in the past but
these were outstanding.
Today, the residents of Smithville travel to Americus, Albany, Dawson, Leslie
and as far away as Columbus and Atlanta to visit a doctor. Indeed times have changed.
Dr. R. H. Enzor
35
Tragedy struck our city around 1908. A dry cleaning plant was in the rear
of a store on Main Street. A colored man stuck a hot iron in some cleaning fluid.
It exploded and all the stores in that block burned. They were of wooden structure.
There were approximately fourteen.
N. R. Blackman taught school in early 1900s. Mr. Jack Usry, Spencer
Pryor, and Shep Pryor went to the Jamestown Exposition from school on a holiday.
The complete trip for ten days cost $50.00 Railroad tickets were $33.50 plus $2.00
for a trip to Washington for one day on the 4th of July.
March 24, 1930, streetlights were installed by the Georgia Southern Power
Company. In 1950, Georgia Power Co. bought out Georgia Southern and a new
type of light was installed.
1907 Jamestown Exposition and Washinton. Spencer Pryor, Charles Sheppard,
Pryor, John Usry. N. R. Blackman, Teacher.
36
World War II came to our town in the early 40s. Several of our residents
were drafted and some of them lost their lives. Others lived to return but to never
forget the impact it would leave on their lives and our community. Here are some
of those men who served their country from Smithville. This includes other wars
also.
Eddie Montgomery
James Long
j
Prater Miller
a ^
Johnny Worthy
Marvin Childers

Ronnie Kennedy
Roscoe H. Enzor
37

Thomas H. Livingston
f jfl/jm&SSjljfaj
Freddie Montgomery

A
Mary Elizabeth Enzor
Phillip Smith
Bobby Gosa
Geise Ursy
Burrell Thomas, Jr.
The following men from Smithville lost their lives in WWII: Marvin Wiggins, James
Young, H. T. Wiggins and Jack Usry. Johnny Fred Scott and Charlie Burney in
Vietnam.
38
Standard Service Station early 1950s. Left to right: Preston Hogg, James Raybon, Sam Singletary,
Pink M. Smith and Willie Booker.
One Stop Service Station iMr. E. A. Hatcher and Alva Hatcher.
39
In the spring of 1974, a tornado hit Smithville doing considerable damage. Our
railroad depot was almost destroyed.
40

In 1917, Lee County was one of the pioneer counties in growing peanuts in
this section. It is said that $2,500,000 was secured from this crop in that year.
Other crops during this period of time were hay, pecans, peaches, grapes, hogs, live-
stock, velvet beans, tobacco and grains.
The invasion of the boll weevil that year found that cotton and corn were
continuing their lead in acreage, which they had held since the War Between the
States. Several disastrous cotton-crop failures followed. In 1919, 37,901 acres of
cotton produced only about one-fifth bale to the acre. A period of severe agricultural
depression ensued and there was an exodus of Negro laborers.
In 1920, the Census showed there were 1,691 farms averaging 101.7 acres.
Tenants operated 84.4 percent and 14.1 percent were operated by owners.
November 1923, the commissioners appropriated $1,500 to match $1,200 of
Federal and State funds to employ a competent county agent. With the agent to help
the farmer, production of crops produced larger yields. By 1930, the white population
was 1,839 and the colored 6,489, a loss of 82 white people from 1920 and a loss of
2,488 colored people from 1920. Of 304 families owning their own farms, 156 were
white and 148 Negro. The white farms, however, comprised many large plantations.
In 1941, truck farming played an important role in our rural communities.
Among truck vegetables produced were bell peppers, pimiento, cabbage, beans, green
peas, sweet potatoes, lettuce, and carrots, most of which were marketed locally and
Our crops consist of peanuts, corn, soybeans and cotton. Our farmers play an import-
ant role in supplying our nation with foodstuffs. Other crops are grain, nuts, livestock
and fruit.
in Albany.
Today our farmers have air-conditioned tractors and ultra-modern equipment.
41
Peanuts stacked. Farm of Maude Childers, 1946.
Baling Hay on Childers Farm, 1946.
Produce farm of Mr. F. S. Pitts, Mr. Pitts and son,
Eugene. 1952.
Watermelons produced on the farm of Dr. R. H.
Enzor. Dr. Enzors daughter.
42
Giese Usrys Alligator Farm.
Located near Smithville is one of Georgias two alligator farms. Owned by
Geise and Henry Usry, this farm is licensed to raise alligators. The brothers
originally started the farm with two alligators and have increased this to 286.
Nobody knows what the average life span is but the largest one owned by the
Usrys weighs approximately 300 pounds. The Usrys hope that in the future the
Georgia Game and Fish Commission laws will legalize the raising of alligator hides
for commercial use.
Goat man and his family. He used to travel Highway 19.
43
ScCKCA 'p'lO.Ht tHe 'PcmX,
Home of John B. Webb, RFD, Smithville. Built in Cook for McAfee Hotel.
1800s. John B. Webb and his brother.
McAfee Hotel.
Railroad Depot.

Pe&filt fault *!<U4ut
"Past to Present"
Juanita Childers, Mrs. C. C. Bridges, and
Miss Belle Wall. 1957.
Anna Smith Young and Muzzette Brantley Yates. Around
1948.
Mrs. Lois Pitts, Eugene Pitts and Marcia
Pitts Camden. Leesburg Centennial.
Mr. W. A. Jones president of Smithville
Bank. The child on the left is Mrs.
Helen Roberts, daughter of Mr. Jones,
and Marvin Wiggins, grandson. 1925.
Patricia Miller and Nell Jessup.
45
Mr. R. E. McDonald.
Snow falls on our city in 1973.
Mr. F. S. Pitts.
Mrs. Ruth Myers, our present post
mistress.
46
SrtiU&vUte @&cvt,c
The Smithville Baptist Church was first organized as the Hebron Baptist
Church in the year 1852 when a group of townspeople met in the home of Mr.
and Mrs. Tillman Jennings for the purpose of organizing a church.
As a result of this meeting, a committee was appointed to decide upon a
building site. In March 1853, a site was chosen about three miles west of Smithville
and a church house was erected at a cost of $260.00.
The churchs first pastor was Rev. Jepe Stallins, and the first clerk was G. R.
Battle. At this time, a Sabbath School was organized.
In 1865, it was decided that a new location should be selected and a new
church was built. The record does not show the reason for the desire to change the
location, but it is likely that Smithville was seeking to bring the church closer into
town. A committee was appointed to select this new site. Those serving on that
committee were William Wells, F. H. Cheves and T. C. Griffin. The committee chose
the present location, and estimated the cost of building the new church would be
$2,000.00. The land for the present church was deeded to the church by F. H.
Cheves who had served faithfully as church clerk for a number of years until the
year 1865 when he resigned as church clerk because of the loss of his right arm in
battle.
The deed was recorded on May 18,1869. It was kept by William Wells and
handed among his important papers to his son, J. L. Wells. Today, the deed is on
display in the cabinet along with other valuable church documents.
Other interesting information found in the first record book is as follows:
On February 4, 1854, the church voted to assist in paying the salary of I. M.
Turner, who was to serve as Comestic Missionary in Bethel Association.
On September 30, 1854, the church passed a resolution to invite Pedo-
Baptist preachers in her pulpit. June 4,1865, this resolution was annulled.
In 1858, the church voted to help support a Brother Hogan as a missionary
to the Chotaw Nation.
On April 5,1865, a Sunday School Celebration was held at the school house.
On May 11, 1865, the membership of the church consisted of 23 males, 51
females and 20 colored.
In 1870, a bell was purchased for the church, and, insofar as can be learned,
it is the same bell that is here now.
On March 1, 1871, the church changed its name from Hebron Baptist Church
to Smithville Baptist Church.
47
This picture was made around 1951 at the Smithyille Baptist Church. Left to right: Front row: Mr. Mason Beauchamp,
Mr. J. H. Davis, Mr. C. C. Bridges, Mr. G. G. Callaway, Mr. G. M. Callaway and Mr. Mathis. Back row: Mr. Alva Hatcher,
Mr. Tom Burton, Rev. Roy Lee, Mr. Dick Young and Mr. Johnny Worthy.
Smithville Baptist Church. 1958.
Those present May 9,1976.
Bottom G. G. Callaway, Pete
Long, Robert Dorminey, Ralph
Cornwell, Henry Young, Leonard
Childers, DeWitt Webb, J. P.
Flournoy, Robert Reid,
Johnny Worthy, James Raybon,
and Claude McRee.
Smithville Baptist Church Today.
Mr. G. G. Callaway. Oldest Deacon.
49

SfKU^Ute TltUed TKetfocUtt
The Smithville Methodist Church reflects the history of the Smithville com-
munity. The railroad was extended south from Macon and families of sturdy, hard-
working folks came to live along it. Many of them held strong religious convictions.
Worship services were held in cabins. Meeting houses of hand-hewn logs soon appeared.
Sometime after the Civil War, a number of Methodist families living in Smithville
community banded together and erected a meeting house near the Sumter and Lee
County line, about one mile Northwest of Smithville. This building was by the side of
the Old Smithville-Dawson Road, near the present site of the colored Primitive Church.
The earliest official record of the Smithville congregation occurs in 1878 when the
South Georgia Annual Conference created the Dawson and Smithville Circuit. Rev. W.
M. Hayes was appointed pastor.
At the beginning of 1881, a new pastoral charge was created with Smithville as
head. The congregation was moved into town and erected a new house of worship on
Whitaker Street. This building set well back into the lot; its architecture was typical of
the day, featuring a spacious porch with wide columns across the front. The lot had
been purchased in 1870 by John W. Jordan, Sr., L. C. Harris, John Riddle, Ducan P.
McLane and Davis G. Rogers trustees from Thomas J. Avery. Included on the Smithville
Circuit were six churches on the Charge: Smithville, Harmony Grove, Wesley Chapel,
Adams Station, Mount Vernon and Leesburg. The Adams Station Church, located in the
Neyami Community, disbanded in 1933, contributed many of its families to the Smithville
Church, so the present congregation is the spiritual heir of both.
Frank L. Stanton united with the church on profession of faith in 1886, while he
was Editor and Publisher of the Smithville News.
Through the spiritual guidance of the church, the late Rev. O. L. Evans heard the
call to the ministry and served for a great number of years in the South Georgia Confer-
ence. This church has also sent one missionary abroad, Mrs. Alma Leonard McLane, who
served in China.
In 1912, the prosperous Smithville congregation erected a new building, featuring
a corner tower. Rev. N. H. Olmstead was pastor and was serving his second appointment
to the Smithville Circuit. This structure on Whitaker Street was the home of the congre-
gation until the end of World War II. At that time, the building had fallen into ill repair,
due to wartime restrictions on materials and labor.
The congregation under the leadership of Rev. J. D. McCord boldly erected a
concrete-block building in a modified Gothic style on Church Street in early 1946. It
was dedicated in October of the same year by Bishop Arthur J. Moore.
Due to the increased facility of automobile travel, it became possible for Smith-
ville and Bronwood, who have shared a pastor since 1965, to each have services every
Sunday.
No laymans history of the Methodist Church in Smithville, especially as concerns
the new building, would be complete without adding comment on the fine cooperation,
fellowship, and helpfulness accorded us by the people in and around the community,
and those interested in having formerly lived here and by the members of the Baptist
Congregation at Smithville. The building was only made possible by this combined
help and assistance.
By: Dorothy Hays
50
Official Administrative Board of Smithville United Methodist Church at dedication in 1946. First row bottom: L. I.
Pridgeon, Chairman of Board, Rev. Ralph Porterfield, Bishop Arthur J. Moore, Rev. J. D. McCord, Pastor, Mrs. Geo.
Clark, Mr. W. Poole. Second row: J. F. Herrington, J. L. Jessup, Warren Richardson, Miss Dorothy Hays, Third row:
Geo. Clark, Allen Ross, Mrs. K. P. Dorman, Charles A. Dean, J. O. Morris. Back row: R. D. McBride, Mrs. J. R. Teele,
Mrs. M. C. Miller and R. J. Richardson.
The dedication services were held October 13, 1946. With Bishop Arthur J
Moore in charge. A homecoming was observed on October 6, 1946 with the Rev
Joe Bridges as the guest speaker.
Smithville United Methodist Church Administrative Board, Present time.
Back row: Rev. Lamar Rabun, Pastor; Mrs. M. C. Miller, J. C. Long, Marvin
Childers. Next row: M. C. Miller, Mrs. Lamar Rabun, Mrs. R. C. Heath, Mrs.
J. C. Long, C. B. Railey, Mrs. J. F. Herrington, J. F. Herrington. Front row:
Miss Dorothy Hays, Mrs. Marvin Childers, Mrs. F. T. Poupard, Mrs. Carlton
Bihm.
Smithville United Methodist Church Today.
52
TftetfoeUAt
County's Oldest Church
One of the first Methodist Churches in Lee County was organized in 1853,
for the slaves. It was some two miles west of the later site of Smithville. First a
brush arbor was erected to hold their services in, then they built a small log cabin
church and in 1868, this building was destroyed by fire. Leaders of that project
were H. M. Mitchell, Sr. and P. J. Griffin. It was the Oldest church in this part of
the state of Georgia and used for school purposes, being the first school for Negroes
in this area.
The old building became delapidated and the membership increased untiL it
was necessary to start the third one in 1923. It was started by Rev. E. A. Clark and
was finished by Rev. S. Fields. In September, 1949, that building was also destroyed
by fire. The present building was started in 1950.
Stewards who are serving now are Arthur Lowe, Griffin Dismuke, Richard
Brown, Charlie Mosley and Joe Newsome. Jr. Stewards are Alfred Lawton and Henry
L. Sparks, Jr. Ladies on the Steward Board are Evelyn Dismuke, Bertha Lyles, Marie
Mosely, Arva Hargrove, Ester Mitchell and Fannie Sears. The present pastor is Rev.
W. C. Angry of Americus, Georgia.
New Hope A.M.E. Church Green Grove Baptist Church. Founded
in 1873. First Pastor, Sam Lamar.
New Jerusalem Baptist Church. Founded
1870. First Pastor, George Marlin.
53
Smit^aUCc t7*cteuf
Smithvilles corporate limits extend and embrace one mile with the exception
on the east side which is to the rim of the Muchaloochcc Creek, making the passenger
Depot of the Central of Georgia Railroad as the center.
The present Mayor is J. C. Long, succeeding E. M. McAfee in 1955, having
previously served eight years as councilman. The councilmen are G. G. Callaway with
a ten year service record, Robert Ivey with a twenty year service record, George R.
Davis, eight years, Thomas Jackson, three years, M. C. Miller, three years and Mrs.
Elnora Hogg serving her initial year. Miss Dorothy Hays, Clerk and Treasurer began
her duties for an unexpired term in June of 1936, succeeding Mrs. Charles Avera.
In recent years, the City of Smithvillc has been able to dig a second well, erect
a new water tank and install larger water mains. Also, a police car and fire truck were
purchased.
Some of the older places of business were the Smithville Gin owned by Orrie
Thompson, now owned and remodeled by J. C. Jones Inc., the J. H. Hill Hardware
Store, R. F. Salter, Sr. Livery Stable, Bank of S mithville, Ellington Dry Goods Store,
Mrs. Hairs Millinery Shop, C. C. Ansley, Sr. Grocery Store, famous for the hot
roasted peanuts to the children of the community; T. S. Burton, Sr. General Mer-
cantile Store which is still operated by T. S. Burton, Jr. and his son, Thomas S.
Burton, III. The E. A. Clark is now operated by Larry and Dan Hogsed under the
name of Nidrah Hardware Co. They also operate The Pulley Bone carry out snack
bar. This building was formerly owned by C. C. Ansley, Sr. Also, one of the stores
owned by Nidrah Hardware was the B. F. Christie General Mercantile Store. The
late Lee Childers operated a drug store which is presently Eldons Grocery. The Bank
of Smithville building is presently owned by the City of Smithville and used as a
City Clerks Office. Charles A. Dean, Jr., better known as Speedy, operated the
Smithville Drug Store for twenty-five years.
C. H. Clark owned and operated the filling station presently owned by Thomas
Jackson. R. F. Montgomery operates the filling station owned by J. C. Jones. Mr.
Essig owns and operates the Allens Grocery. The Post Office is located in the west
part of this building. Mrs. Ruth Myers is Postmistress, Mrs. J. C. Long, Asst, and Mrs.
Mary Jackson, a part time worker. Mr. R. A. Clark is Mail Carrier.
A. E. Clark operates the Fina Service Station, Preston Hogg, the Shell Station,
and J. C. Gosa, the Triangle Oil. The Country Kitchen is operated by Mrs. Elizabeth
Ivey. Johnny Gosa has a motorcycle repair shop on Main Street.
R. J. Richardson, Jr. owned and operated the Farmers Warehouse from 1920
to 1965, buying peanuts, cotton and cotton seed. J. C. Jones is presently in this
business.
Kaiser Chemical Co., dealer in chemical and fertilizers, operated by Everett
Copeland, began operation if 1968.
By Dorothy Hays
54
Mrs. Elnora Hogg Has played an important part in our bicentennial prepara-
tion. She has spearheaded the drive and inspired us to work diligently toward a
successful day. She is the first woman to serve on the city council. We salute you,
Mrs. Hogg.
Picture of City Officials of Smithville, Georgia.
Back row: M. C. Miller, Robert Ivey, George R. Davis, Councilmen,
and J. C. Long, Mayor. Front row: George Callaway, Councilman
and Mrs. Elnora Hogg, Councilwoman, Miss Dorothy Hays, Clerk
& Treasurer. Thomas Jackson, Councilman, was absent.
55
rflOUKct *7MV*
This home place is owned by Katie M. Moore.
Located 1 mile west of city.
Smithville Peanut Company.
Businesses on Main Street.
Eldons Grocery and City Clerks Office.
LMi;L-iiLJLZ S. . ci-J.
Cane Mill on Moore Farm,

Smithville Auto and Farm Machine Service
56
Union 76 Service Station.
mr^
335
Shell Service Station.
Textile Outlet Store.
Country Kitchen.
Businesses on Main Street
57
('l&ttcUl&l&K
We leave with you this brief history of our community. In our lives, it has
played an important role. This is our heritage and our city is the future for our
decendants. Perhaps they will benefit from this edition. It is our desire for the
residents of this city to keep records and pictures of important events in order to
write another history in a hundred years from now.
We join America in celebrating our Bi-Centennial. Although we are only a
small part of this great nation, we salute you, America.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Inventory of the County Archives of Georgia, No. 88.
Lee County Georgia. Climate, Soil, Healthfulness, 1895.
University of Georgia Libraries. Athens, Georgia.
Lee County Journal.
Americus Times Recorder.
58
j4c6*t<y<vte$e*Kc*t
The following persons contributed in various ways to this publication.
Mrs. Agnes Ward
Mrs. Annie Laurie Clark
Mr. C. A. Dean
Rev. Troy Sheffield
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Childers
Mrs. Henry Williams
Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Worthy
Mrs. Helen Milton
Mrs. Prim Smith
Mrs. Annie McDonald
Mr. J. C. Long
Mr. C. A. Jackson
Mrs. Elnora Hogg
Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Pryor
Mr. and Mrs. Giese Usry
Mr. and Mrs. Leon Brewer
Mr. Gilbert Beauchamp
Mr. and Mrs. M. C. Miller
Mrs. Falba Webb
Mrs. E. A. Hatcher
Mrs. R. H. Enzor
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Young
Mrs. Charlie Mosely
Mrs. Lelia Meyers
Mrs. George Clark
Mrs. Martha Phillips
Mrs. Lois Pitts
Mrs. Roy Gosa
Mrs. Thelma Roberts
Mr. Phillip Smith
Mrs. Freddie Mae Smith
Miss Dorothy Hays
Mrs. Jencey Lee Perry
Mrs. Lille Mae Robinson
Mrs. Rose Williams
Mrs. Hattie Holley
Mr. Ronnie Kennedy
Editors Eugene and Jo Ann Pitts
Assistant Frances Livingston
Sketches Boyd Jackson
Text Jo Ann Pitts
59
EUBANKS
HARDWARE
P. O. Box 237
Phone 759-6487
LEESBURG, GEORGIA 31763
Hopkins Gulf Service
C.W. HOPKINS
GAS - OILS - FUELS - LUBRICANTS
TIRES and BATTERIES
Wholesale and Retail
ROAD SERVICE
LEESBURG, GA.
Phone 759-6586
Compliments Of
KINGS INN
Ameicus, Georgia
s&s
TRACTOR COMPANY
your MASSEY FERGUSON DEALER
U. S. 19 NORTH
Leesburg, Georgia
Compliments Of
THE
SHIVER LUMBER CO.
Americus, Georgia
61
MERCURY
FORD
Aubrey Ward Ford, Inc.
SALES And SERVICE
LINCOLN
Aubrey E. Ward President
USRYs
PAINT
and BODY
SHOP
&Auto and Truck Glass
Cut anddlnstalled
Frame Straightening
Seat Covers -
Body Repairs -
Painting -
Radiator Repairs
Vinyl-Roofs-Restored
and Installed
[603 East Lamar Street^
Americs, Georgia
Phone 924-2692
CENTRAL
GROCERY
COUNTRY
CURED HAMS
130 Cotton Avenue
Americus, Georgia
320 West Lamar Street
Americus. Georgia 31709
Phone (912) 924-2702
AVCO
FINANCIAL SERVICES
1500 Forsyth St.
Grant Plaza
Americus, Georgia
Phone 912-924-9041
Randy Jones Oil Company, Inc
Union 76 Products
P. O. Box 984 Plains, Georgia
Americus, Georgia Phone 924-5534
62
a.sorvs
Salutes Our Nation
On Its 200th Birthday
OXFORD
MOTOR COMPANY
326 West Forsyth Street
AMERICUS, GEORGIA 31709
Telephone 912-924-4447
Americus Albany Atlanta
OLDSMOBILE
COHENS
MW
S
a
CONSTRUCTION CO.
217 W. LAMAR
AMERICUS, GEORGIA
P. O. Box 547
PHONE (912) 924-4001
AMERICUS, GEORGIA 31709
GENERAL CONTRACTORS
GRADING
CLEARING
CONCRETE WORK
READY-MIX-CONCRETE
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
64
66
67
Leesburg
Peanut Co.
THE TURNER BOYS
Hoggs Shell
Service Station
Highway 19
Smithville, Georgia
Preston Hogg owner

Sumner Furniture
Company
AMERICUS, GA.
Phone: 924-2221
68
COMPLIMENTS OF
BILL CHAMBERS
j CANDIDATE FOR
LEE COUNTY COMMISSIONER
; -PALMYRA DISTRICT-
Compliments of
BELL FARMS
NEYAMI
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Bell, Sr. and Sons
Lin - Elaine - Jack, Jr. Denise - Bi/hDebroh
Attyah's Pecans
We buy and sell pecans.
team & individual sports needs
tennis & softball
football - baseball - basketball
Men's Sport Shop
130 West Lamar Street Americus, Georgia 31709
We Care About Quality
COMPLIMENTS OF
Bob Wilson
COMPLIMENTS OF
Ray Flowers
Compliments of
Brooks Auto Parts
200 RAILROAD STREET
LEESBURG, GEORGIA 31763
70

Gammage Print Shop
109 East Lamar Street
P. O. Box 468
Phone 924-4029
Americus, Georgia
Printing Office Supplies
We Make Our Own Rubber Stamps
Gibson Greeting Cards,
Party Supplies, Eatons Thank You Notes
& Boxed Stationary
Also
Bicentennial Supplie
Walters Grocery
Plains, Georgia
SANDCRAFT
Antique Novelties
& Handmade Items
Choice Meats & Groceries
Ph. 824-5405
Owner: C.L. Walters III
open: Tuesday - Thursday
- Friday - Saturday
Ph. 824-6751
Owner -
Mrs. Sandra Walters
71
72
73
GAS
DISTRIBUTOR FOR
L.P. GAS
A Salute
to the 200th Birthday
of the United States
and the 100th Birthday
of the Telephone
STUCKEYS
UPHOLSTERY
Amoco Oil Co.
P. O. Box 1025
Americus, Georgia
- CUSTOM
UPHOLSTERING -
LARGE
SELECTION
OF
FINEFABNICS
MATTRESSES
A
BOX SPRINGS
DIAL
924-4044
LARRY STUCKEY
- OWNER -
OVEN IS YEANS EXPENIENCE
CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATES"
101 N. MAYO ST.
924-1071
74

Compliments of
Citizens Bank of Americus
and
Plains Branch
CITIZENS BANK OF AMERICUS
IFbaniTtF
Were Here On Your Account
MAIN OFFICE: 924-4011
PLAINS BRANCH: 824-4511
FDK
Compliments of
LOTT OIL COMPANY
\ WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTOR OF SHELL OIL PRODUCTS
In the oil business for 3 generations in Americus
L.S. Lott Jr., President
75
CONGRATULATIONS
TO
SMITHVILLE'S BI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

SMITHVILLE
PEANUT
CO.
We have complete facilities
for processing and maqketing your peanuts
P.O. BOX 38 SMITHVILLE, GEORGIA
A division of
McClesky Mills
Americus, Georgia
Thomas "Tom" Chandler
owner
Leon Brewer manager

OUTLET STORE
LEE COUNTY MANUFACTURING CO.
U.s. 19 LEESBURG, GEORGIA 31763
Clothes For the Entire Family
open from 9:00 till 5:30 - Mon. thru Saturday
Herman
Chi ppewa
Wolverine
Hunting & Work Boots
Red Wing
HUB SHOE STORE
FINE SHOES FOR MEN
128 LAMAR ST. PHONE 924-2942
AMERICUS, GEORGIA 31709
TURPIN DODGE
303 COTTON AVE.
CARS
AMERICUS, GEORGIA
TRUCKS
Groceries
Compliments of
W.K. Culpepper
Leesburg, Georgia
Leesburg Supermarket
Ph. 759-6476
Leesburg, Georgia
Compliments of
Eddie Montgomery
Meats
umn
IIXON
1209 North Sloppey Blvd. CHRYSLER - PLYMOUTH
D&S Furniture Company
Leesburg, Georgia 31763
Buy For Less At D&S
78
883-7500

ELDON S GROCERY & MARKET
SMITHVILLE, GA.
79
ixu^uHAFOONEE
REGIONAL
LIBRARY

REF 10003677LE
975. 894Smithville,
SHI Georgia... a
Ga.Rm. glimpse into the
SEP 2 4 -93
LEE COUNTY
LIBRARY