REF 
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