Making Headlines
New Material Added to Archives Website
May 11, 2020
Tattnall County Archives has updated its online presence by uploading a number of databases to its website. Most important of these is the Genealogical Index, which contains over 40,000 names important to Tattnall and regional history. This index is now available for use. It may be searched online or downloaded for your convenience. The website address is tattnallarchives.org.
In addition, the following databases have been uploaded:
· Research books in the Reading Room.
· Historical Volumes.
· Finding Aids for all Special Collections, including the Lillian Eason Papers, Dot Simmons Papers, and Alexander Hotel Papers.
· List of folders in Vertical Files, including family histories.
· Alexander Hotel Guest Registry 1913-1942.
These changes ensure that its resources become more available to the greater public and more accessible digitally to interested persons no matter their location. Consultant Jen Glenn of Fitzgerald, Ga. worked with the Archives to improve its online platform. The work was completed through a generous grant from the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council. The Archives was eligible for this grant after Signe Anderson attended and graduated from the Archives School in 2019. For more information, call the Archives at 912-557-6049.
May 11, 2020
Tattnall County Archives has updated its online presence by uploading a number of databases to its website. Most important of these is the Genealogical Index, which contains over 40,000 names important to Tattnall and regional history. This index is now available for use. It may be searched online or downloaded for your convenience. The website address is tattnallarchives.org.
In addition, the following databases have been uploaded:
· Research books in the Reading Room.
· Historical Volumes.
· Finding Aids for all Special Collections, including the Lillian Eason Papers, Dot Simmons Papers, and Alexander Hotel Papers.
· List of folders in Vertical Files, including family histories.
· Alexander Hotel Guest Registry 1913-1942.
These changes ensure that its resources become more available to the greater public and more accessible digitally to interested persons no matter their location. Consultant Jen Glenn of Fitzgerald, Ga. worked with the Archives to improve its online platform. The work was completed through a generous grant from the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council. The Archives was eligible for this grant after Signe Anderson attended and graduated from the Archives School in 2019. For more information, call the Archives at 912-557-6049.
Archives Receives Receipt Showing 1937 Poll Tax
May 4, 2020
In April state officials announced that Georgia’s primary would be moved to June 9 and mailed applications for absentee ballots to Georgia households. These applications have to be filled out and mailed in, then the ballot itself mailed in. This involves paying for at least two postage stamps. Some have likened the cost of postage stamps to a poll tax.
This situation reminded Mr. Dennis Martin of Collins of a historic document he owned. He dug it out. It is a receipt for payment of 1937 Tattnall County Tax taxes. Mr. Martin delivered the document to county manager Frank Murphy and asked that it be kept at the Tattnall County Archives.
According to the receipt, E. D. Hadden of Collins, Ga. is paying $2.40 in taxes for the year. Forty cents go to the county and fifty cents to Collins schools. This bill includes a poll tax of $1.00.
A poll tax is a sum levied on individuals. The word “poll” means “head,” or one person.
In 1870 the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution extended voting rights to all races, and afterwards many states implemented a poll tax to exclude African-Americans from voting. Essentially every person had to pay a tax, and if they didn’t, were unable to vote. Native Americans and poor whites were also effectively disenfranchised by a poll tax.
Georgia had a poll tax of $1.00 in place from 1877 until it was repealed in 1945.
Tattnall County Archives thanks Mr. Dennis Martin for his donation.
The Archives is currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Once it reopens to the public you are invited to come by and view this document.
May 4, 2020
In April state officials announced that Georgia’s primary would be moved to June 9 and mailed applications for absentee ballots to Georgia households. These applications have to be filled out and mailed in, then the ballot itself mailed in. This involves paying for at least two postage stamps. Some have likened the cost of postage stamps to a poll tax.
This situation reminded Mr. Dennis Martin of Collins of a historic document he owned. He dug it out. It is a receipt for payment of 1937 Tattnall County Tax taxes. Mr. Martin delivered the document to county manager Frank Murphy and asked that it be kept at the Tattnall County Archives.
According to the receipt, E. D. Hadden of Collins, Ga. is paying $2.40 in taxes for the year. Forty cents go to the county and fifty cents to Collins schools. This bill includes a poll tax of $1.00.
A poll tax is a sum levied on individuals. The word “poll” means “head,” or one person.
In 1870 the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution extended voting rights to all races, and afterwards many states implemented a poll tax to exclude African-Americans from voting. Essentially every person had to pay a tax, and if they didn’t, were unable to vote. Native Americans and poor whites were also effectively disenfranchised by a poll tax.
Georgia had a poll tax of $1.00 in place from 1877 until it was repealed in 1945.
Tattnall County Archives thanks Mr. Dennis Martin for his donation.
The Archives is currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Once it reopens to the public you are invited to come by and view this document.
Archives Thanks Lyndal Tatum for Donation of Material
April 27, 2020
Tattnall County Archives would like to thank Ms. Lyndal Tatum for her donation of a large box of historic materials that once belonged to Lillian Eason. These were given to Ms. Tatum following an estate sale of Ms. Eason’s belongings. She safeguarded them until the time came to pass them along to the Archives.
The Archives is home to the Lillian Eason Papers. The documents from Ms. Tatum will be added to this collection.
Lillian Gertrude Eason was born November 29, 1916 in Tattnall County, to Lillian Gertrude Cobb and Michael William Eason (solicitor and judge of City Court) and. She was a 1937 Graduate of South Georgia Teachers College, with a major in English. She continued to live in her father’s home as she never married or had issue. She taught high school in both Sylvania and Reidsville. Lillian was an avid genealogist and proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and was very civic minded, working diligently to record and preserve local history. Lillian died December 30, 2002.
The box contains information on Tattnall Campground, legal documents, and historic photographs. One item of particular value is a “Historic Resources Survey” of the county, which includes thumbnail photos of historic structures, some of which are now destroyed.
If you have papers of historic value that you think need to be preserved, consider donating them to the Archives. Please leave a message at (912) 557-6049. The Archives is closed at present, but someone will return your call.
April 27, 2020
Tattnall County Archives would like to thank Ms. Lyndal Tatum for her donation of a large box of historic materials that once belonged to Lillian Eason. These were given to Ms. Tatum following an estate sale of Ms. Eason’s belongings. She safeguarded them until the time came to pass them along to the Archives.
The Archives is home to the Lillian Eason Papers. The documents from Ms. Tatum will be added to this collection.
Lillian Gertrude Eason was born November 29, 1916 in Tattnall County, to Lillian Gertrude Cobb and Michael William Eason (solicitor and judge of City Court) and. She was a 1937 Graduate of South Georgia Teachers College, with a major in English. She continued to live in her father’s home as she never married or had issue. She taught high school in both Sylvania and Reidsville. Lillian was an avid genealogist and proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and was very civic minded, working diligently to record and preserve local history. Lillian died December 30, 2002.
The box contains information on Tattnall Campground, legal documents, and historic photographs. One item of particular value is a “Historic Resources Survey” of the county, which includes thumbnail photos of historic structures, some of which are now destroyed.
If you have papers of historic value that you think need to be preserved, consider donating them to the Archives. Please leave a message at (912) 557-6049. The Archives is closed at present, but someone will return your call.
1927 Collins, Ga. Map Added to Archives
Feb. 4, 2020
Joe Singleton, volunteer with the Tattnall Archives, brought in a wonderful map to add to our Map Files. This is a 1927 map of Collins, Georgia, showing the first major expansion of the waterworks system, including fire hydrants and water lines.
Apparently the Georgia Pine and Turpentine Company had furnished a 1-inch line to the city of Collins as payment for being able to put in a well. Very close by was a pickle factory. A single line went to the front of G.W. Gore's store, near where the current firehouse is located. When the lumber company closed, they sold the well, and it later was sold to the city, at which time other lines and hydrants went in.
The map show multiple railroad lines, including the Wadley Southern, Seaboard Air Line & the Collins-Reidsville-Glennville Line.
Singleton got the map from Linda Jarrell. He is a retired teacher, retired military, and retired owner of Singleton's Hardware. He has lived in Collins all his life.
If you would like to peruse this map and any other historical material at the Archives, we are open every Friday 12-4. Our phone is 557-6049.
Feb. 4, 2020
Joe Singleton, volunteer with the Tattnall Archives, brought in a wonderful map to add to our Map Files. This is a 1927 map of Collins, Georgia, showing the first major expansion of the waterworks system, including fire hydrants and water lines.
Apparently the Georgia Pine and Turpentine Company had furnished a 1-inch line to the city of Collins as payment for being able to put in a well. Very close by was a pickle factory. A single line went to the front of G.W. Gore's store, near where the current firehouse is located. When the lumber company closed, they sold the well, and it later was sold to the city, at which time other lines and hydrants went in.
The map show multiple railroad lines, including the Wadley Southern, Seaboard Air Line & the Collins-Reidsville-Glennville Line.
Singleton got the map from Linda Jarrell. He is a retired teacher, retired military, and retired owner of Singleton's Hardware. He has lived in Collins all his life.
If you would like to peruse this map and any other historical material at the Archives, we are open every Friday 12-4. Our phone is 557-6049.
Yearbook Donation to the Archives from Sigrid Russell
Jan. 27, 2020
Sigrid L. Russell came by Tattnall County Archives recently and donated items of historical value, including the 89th annual that we have received in our Yearbook Project. She donated a 2012 yearbook from Tattnall County High School, “Catch the Dream.” Ms. Russell was married to the late Dr. Phil Russell, who retired as assistant superintendent of schools in 1995. She lives in Collins.
The Archives is grateful for all 89 yearbooks that have been donated to the collection. If you wish to peruse them, or any of the material held at the Archives, please note that we are open on Friday afternoons from 12-4. You may leave a message for us at the Archives phone, 557-6049. If you have material you’d like to donate but are unable to drive to the Archives, please let us know and we’ll arrange pickup.
Our mission is to serve Tattnall County and the region by preserving the records of our local government, as required by law, as well as by holding documents, photos, and artifacts of historic value.
Jan. 27, 2020
Sigrid L. Russell came by Tattnall County Archives recently and donated items of historical value, including the 89th annual that we have received in our Yearbook Project. She donated a 2012 yearbook from Tattnall County High School, “Catch the Dream.” Ms. Russell was married to the late Dr. Phil Russell, who retired as assistant superintendent of schools in 1995. She lives in Collins.
The Archives is grateful for all 89 yearbooks that have been donated to the collection. If you wish to peruse them, or any of the material held at the Archives, please note that we are open on Friday afternoons from 12-4. You may leave a message for us at the Archives phone, 557-6049. If you have material you’d like to donate but are unable to drive to the Archives, please let us know and we’ll arrange pickup.
Our mission is to serve Tattnall County and the region by preserving the records of our local government, as required by law, as well as by holding documents, photos, and artifacts of historic value.
Signe Anderson Graduates from Archives School
July 7, 2019
Our own Signe Anderson, archivist with Tattnall County Archives, graduated from the Georgia Archives Institute in June.
In its 52nd year, the two-week course is held every summer at the Georgia Archives in Morrow, Georgia. It offers general instruction on the preservation and care of archival materials, as well as the basic concepts and practice for archival administration.
Part of the training is a three-day internship, which provides hands-on experience to enhance the academic curriculum. Anderson completed her internship at the Atlanta History Center in Buckhead. There she processed Marcia Bansley’s papers regarding Friends of the Chattahoochee River and created a finding-aid for that collection.
Tattnall Archives is thrilled that Anderson received one of two scholarships provided by the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council, funded by a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. This covered her tuition plus $1500 in travel expenses. Anderson gleaned experience that will benefit our local repository in a variety of ways, including processing collections and enchancing our ability to share our collections with researchers.
When she returned from the Institute, she immediately began to accession what will become The Lillian Eason Collection.
The annual course is co-sponsored by the Georgia Archives, Society of Georgia Archivists, and Friends of Georgia Archives and History.
Note: Signe Anderson is standing bottom left in the photo of graduates.
July 7, 2019
Our own Signe Anderson, archivist with Tattnall County Archives, graduated from the Georgia Archives Institute in June.
In its 52nd year, the two-week course is held every summer at the Georgia Archives in Morrow, Georgia. It offers general instruction on the preservation and care of archival materials, as well as the basic concepts and practice for archival administration.
Part of the training is a three-day internship, which provides hands-on experience to enhance the academic curriculum. Anderson completed her internship at the Atlanta History Center in Buckhead. There she processed Marcia Bansley’s papers regarding Friends of the Chattahoochee River and created a finding-aid for that collection.
Tattnall Archives is thrilled that Anderson received one of two scholarships provided by the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council, funded by a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission. This covered her tuition plus $1500 in travel expenses. Anderson gleaned experience that will benefit our local repository in a variety of ways, including processing collections and enchancing our ability to share our collections with researchers.
When she returned from the Institute, she immediately began to accession what will become The Lillian Eason Collection.
The annual course is co-sponsored by the Georgia Archives, Society of Georgia Archivists, and Friends of Georgia Archives and History.
Note: Signe Anderson is standing bottom left in the photo of graduates.
Archives Starts Phone Book Project
June 28, 2019
Tattnall County Archives is starting a collection of telephone directories. Older directories not only contained names, but physical addresses, as well as names of businesses in operation, all of which could be helpful for researchers. If you have a telephone book that may have historical significance and that you would be willing to donate, please bring it by the Archives any Friday from 12-4 or call us at 557-6049 and leave a message. We are located just west of the Courthouse in Courthouse Square.
June 28, 2019
Tattnall County Archives is starting a collection of telephone directories. Older directories not only contained names, but physical addresses, as well as names of businesses in operation, all of which could be helpful for researchers. If you have a telephone book that may have historical significance and that you would be willing to donate, please bring it by the Archives any Friday from 12-4 or call us at 557-6049 and leave a message. We are located just west of the Courthouse in Courthouse Square.
1950 Yearbook Repaired and Ready for Use
June 18, 2019
In March Mr. Terry Waters donated yearbooks to the Tattnall County Archives in memory of his late wife, Cherrie Tatum Waters. The spine of the 1950 Yearbook for Glennville happened to be broken. The Archives would like to thank Steve Anderson for repairing the volume so that it can be used by the public. Anderson is a leather-worker who is also a long-time Archives volunteer. He can be found most Friday afternoons helping people research family histories, filing historic documents, or working on a history of the Old Jail. The Archives is grateful for his talents.
June 18, 2019
In March Mr. Terry Waters donated yearbooks to the Tattnall County Archives in memory of his late wife, Cherrie Tatum Waters. The spine of the 1950 Yearbook for Glennville happened to be broken. The Archives would like to thank Steve Anderson for repairing the volume so that it can be used by the public. Anderson is a leather-worker who is also a long-time Archives volunteer. He can be found most Friday afternoons helping people research family histories, filing historic documents, or working on a history of the Old Jail. The Archives is grateful for his talents.
Archives Looking for Industrial High Yearbooks
June 3, 2019
Mr. William Seay visited the Archives last Friday looking for information on Tattnall County Industrial High School. At this moment the Archives does not have any yearbooks from the all-black high school, which operated from 1956 until it merged with Tattnall County High School in the 1970s. These volumes would be extremely helpful to citizens doing genealogical and historical research of all types. The Archives would appreciate any donations of annuals from any years that this high school was in operation. Please leave a message at 557-6049 or come by the Archives any Friday afternoon, 12-4. It is located on Courthouse Square, in the Old Jail. Thank you for your assistance with our Tattnall Yearbook Project.
June 3, 2019
Mr. William Seay visited the Archives last Friday looking for information on Tattnall County Industrial High School. At this moment the Archives does not have any yearbooks from the all-black high school, which operated from 1956 until it merged with Tattnall County High School in the 1970s. These volumes would be extremely helpful to citizens doing genealogical and historical research of all types. The Archives would appreciate any donations of annuals from any years that this high school was in operation. Please leave a message at 557-6049 or come by the Archives any Friday afternoon, 12-4. It is located on Courthouse Square, in the Old Jail. Thank you for your assistance with our Tattnall Yearbook Project.
Over 100 Visitors to Tattnall for Local History Conference
May 20, 2019
The first weekend in May brought over 100 visitors to our fair county. They came for a series of events centering around history, culminating with the Wiregrass Local History Conference.
The conference, in its third year, attracted Tattnall descendants from as far away as Arlington, Va. and Kansas City, Kan. It was held at the Tattnall Courthouse.
The conference was preceded by Brewton Day on Friday, which took place mostly in Claxton, Ga., a day for descendants of Nathan and Nancy Brewton to convene to further their research into their past. The group toured Brewton Cemetery, gathered at the library for talks on Brewton history, lunched at the First Baptist Church in Claxton, toured the Tattnall Archives, and attended a social at Johnson Hill in Bellville, the home of Pharris and Annie Johnson. Cindy Henry, Pam Peace, Pharris Johnson and Brian Nilsson coordinated the event.
Also on Friday the Archives hosted a Genealogy Research Workshop with the Statesboro-Bulloch County Library’s genealogy coordinator, Lillian Wingate. This was held at the Adult Education Center. Over thirty people attended this event and their evaluations included high praise for the information they received. They ate a Dutch-treat lunch at Smith’s Restaurant.
The conference itself was headlined by two speakers, one to kick off the day and one to end it. Dale Couch drove in from the Georgia Museum of Art in Athens to talk about the material culture of our area. Material culture means the useful and also beautiful objects of people in a place and time, including furniture and quilts.
At the end of the day, Robert S. Davis, who hails from Hanceville, Ala., gave an entertaining and highly informative talk on oddball records of genealogical value. He wrote the two-volume set called The Georgia Black Books.
This year’s theme was “Postcards from the Past,” and postcard collector Pharris Johnson of Bellville, Ga. kept the audience laughing with his slides of vintage postcards. Brian Nilsson of Arlington talked about getting the most out of DNA results and Lillian Wingate, genealogist and librarian from Statesboro, Ga., covered Online Resources for Family History Research. Skip Skinner of Ailey, Ga. discussed The Unusual Life of Judge E.C. Collins. Author Kay Westberry of St. Marys, Ga. detailed how to Restore an Old Cemetery. A Vanishing Tattnall County slide show with Dylan Mulligan of Glennville, Ga. was a highlight.
Pharris Johnson was named Volunteer of the Year for the Tattnall Archives. This is an award given annually to a person who has devoted himself or herself tirelessly to the cause of promoting the local history of our region. Jackie Trim signed the award.
Other features of the day was an informational booth with the Ladson Genealogical Library, a silent auction, and a book and map sale. Local stylist Janet Gray served as hostess, creating beautiful table decorations made of old glass transformers, and setting up a well-stocked and beautiful coffee and snack bar, featuring pine-cone pastries and doughnuts from Womble Bakery and baked goods from the kitchens of Janet Gray and Janisse Ray. Local caterer Tonie Jordan prepared a delicious and attractive barbecue lunch for everyone, with barbecue from Rusty Pig in Glennville and four kinds of desserts, including strawberry shortcake.
Two other events dovetailed nicely with the conference, and that was the Tales of the Altamaha folklife play in Lyons, Ga. and the Sunday services at Pearson’s Chapel Church in old Altamaha, Ga. In addition, visitors to town toured on their own such places as the Cedar Grove Restoration, different historic cemeteries, the Veteran’s Park downtown, and Alatamaha-Gordonia State Park.
The Conference Committee consisted of Janisse Ray, Pharris Johnson, Signe Anderson, Sandra Wingate, Ola Faye Rumpf, Steve Anderson, and Joe Singleton. Tattnall participants in the events included those mentioned above, as well as Renee Johnson, Glenda Cowart, Greg Paradice, Dennis Odom, Debbie Powell, Zach Turner, Jim and Carol Haney, Donna Boyett, Francine Jarriel, James Daniel, Eleanor Surrency, and Lucille Coleman.
Events such as these bring visitors with means to the county, helping improve the economy through tourism and allowing us to showcase the historic and natural resources of Tattnall.
May 20, 2019
The first weekend in May brought over 100 visitors to our fair county. They came for a series of events centering around history, culminating with the Wiregrass Local History Conference.
The conference, in its third year, attracted Tattnall descendants from as far away as Arlington, Va. and Kansas City, Kan. It was held at the Tattnall Courthouse.
The conference was preceded by Brewton Day on Friday, which took place mostly in Claxton, Ga., a day for descendants of Nathan and Nancy Brewton to convene to further their research into their past. The group toured Brewton Cemetery, gathered at the library for talks on Brewton history, lunched at the First Baptist Church in Claxton, toured the Tattnall Archives, and attended a social at Johnson Hill in Bellville, the home of Pharris and Annie Johnson. Cindy Henry, Pam Peace, Pharris Johnson and Brian Nilsson coordinated the event.
Also on Friday the Archives hosted a Genealogy Research Workshop with the Statesboro-Bulloch County Library’s genealogy coordinator, Lillian Wingate. This was held at the Adult Education Center. Over thirty people attended this event and their evaluations included high praise for the information they received. They ate a Dutch-treat lunch at Smith’s Restaurant.
The conference itself was headlined by two speakers, one to kick off the day and one to end it. Dale Couch drove in from the Georgia Museum of Art in Athens to talk about the material culture of our area. Material culture means the useful and also beautiful objects of people in a place and time, including furniture and quilts.
At the end of the day, Robert S. Davis, who hails from Hanceville, Ala., gave an entertaining and highly informative talk on oddball records of genealogical value. He wrote the two-volume set called The Georgia Black Books.
This year’s theme was “Postcards from the Past,” and postcard collector Pharris Johnson of Bellville, Ga. kept the audience laughing with his slides of vintage postcards. Brian Nilsson of Arlington talked about getting the most out of DNA results and Lillian Wingate, genealogist and librarian from Statesboro, Ga., covered Online Resources for Family History Research. Skip Skinner of Ailey, Ga. discussed The Unusual Life of Judge E.C. Collins. Author Kay Westberry of St. Marys, Ga. detailed how to Restore an Old Cemetery. A Vanishing Tattnall County slide show with Dylan Mulligan of Glennville, Ga. was a highlight.
Pharris Johnson was named Volunteer of the Year for the Tattnall Archives. This is an award given annually to a person who has devoted himself or herself tirelessly to the cause of promoting the local history of our region. Jackie Trim signed the award.
Other features of the day was an informational booth with the Ladson Genealogical Library, a silent auction, and a book and map sale. Local stylist Janet Gray served as hostess, creating beautiful table decorations made of old glass transformers, and setting up a well-stocked and beautiful coffee and snack bar, featuring pine-cone pastries and doughnuts from Womble Bakery and baked goods from the kitchens of Janet Gray and Janisse Ray. Local caterer Tonie Jordan prepared a delicious and attractive barbecue lunch for everyone, with barbecue from Rusty Pig in Glennville and four kinds of desserts, including strawberry shortcake.
Two other events dovetailed nicely with the conference, and that was the Tales of the Altamaha folklife play in Lyons, Ga. and the Sunday services at Pearson’s Chapel Church in old Altamaha, Ga. In addition, visitors to town toured on their own such places as the Cedar Grove Restoration, different historic cemeteries, the Veteran’s Park downtown, and Alatamaha-Gordonia State Park.
The Conference Committee consisted of Janisse Ray, Pharris Johnson, Signe Anderson, Sandra Wingate, Ola Faye Rumpf, Steve Anderson, and Joe Singleton. Tattnall participants in the events included those mentioned above, as well as Renee Johnson, Glenda Cowart, Greg Paradice, Dennis Odom, Debbie Powell, Zach Turner, Jim and Carol Haney, Donna Boyett, Francine Jarriel, James Daniel, Eleanor Surrency, and Lucille Coleman.
Events such as these bring visitors with means to the county, helping improve the economy through tourism and allowing us to showcase the historic and natural resources of Tattnall.
Old Collins & Glennville Railroad Article Donated
By Pharris Johnson
April 5, 2019
Derwood Tootle of Bellville recently donated a copy of the August 1940 Railroad Magazine to the Tattnall Archives. This publication features an excellent article on the Collins and Glennville Railroad. The story provides history of the railroad as well as the story of Percy J. Maund, the C&G engineer, conductor, and master mechanic rolled all in one. The magazine article also contains a map of the C&G route, its predecessor lines, and other rail links. The Archives greatly appreciates Derwood’s gift.
If you would like to take a look at this historic document, come visit the Archives any Friday afternoon from 12-4. For more information, call 557-6049.
By Pharris Johnson
April 5, 2019
Derwood Tootle of Bellville recently donated a copy of the August 1940 Railroad Magazine to the Tattnall Archives. This publication features an excellent article on the Collins and Glennville Railroad. The story provides history of the railroad as well as the story of Percy J. Maund, the C&G engineer, conductor, and master mechanic rolled all in one. The magazine article also contains a map of the C&G route, its predecessor lines, and other rail links. The Archives greatly appreciates Derwood’s gift.
If you would like to take a look at this historic document, come visit the Archives any Friday afternoon from 12-4. For more information, call 557-6049.
Impact Blog Post Written for Digital Library of Georgia Blog
By Janisse Ray
April 1, 2019
Five year ago a group of us reorganized Tattnall County Archives and opened it to the public. During that time we have focused on documents mostly governmental in nature. As those get in order, we have slowly begun to fill other community needs, including the need to archive photos of vanished and vanishing people, places, structures, townscapes, and landscapes.
About all I know of photography is whether a picture is color or black-and-white. Fortunately, our board chair has a motto that has saved me many times: when you don't know, ask a pro.
A series of inquiries brought us to Sheila McAlister. But she was headquartered in Athens, and we were four hours southeast, in Reidsville. No problem, she said. She'd drive down. Since part of her job was outreach, she wouldn't charge us. Our biggest question proved how to feed her, since she was vegan! Going out to the barbecue joint was not an option.
Sheila drove down on a sunny March day. Entire fields were the blood-red of sheep sorrel with lavender washes of toadflax bloom. Each tree in the bottomlands was a different shade of green. Dogwoods were wearing their wedding veils.
For three hours we sat with Sheila, firing our questions at her and scribbling pages of notes. From the most basic question to the most complicated, Sheila patiently advised us on how to proceed. She praised us for wanting to plan ahead, not just jumping into the middle of a big project without laying the groundwork first. She didn't mind that she had to start at the beginning. Soon we were deep into terms like "resolution" and "server space" and "metadata." Sheila's answers were comprehensive and she always made sure to give us choices.
For lunch, we pulled out a Mediterranean platter of hummus, pita, olives and lots of sliced vegetables, perfect for Sheila.
Being a small, rural, volunteer-run repository, our resources in terms of finances and skills are limited. We do a good job with what we have, but sometimes we need a pro, and when we needed Sheila, she didn't hesitate. She was incredibly generous with her knowledge and her time. And the minute she arrived back to her desk at the Digital Library of Georgia, she emailed us with links to tutorials, contacts at other repositories, and examples of documents.
Since we reorganized the Tattnall Archives, we have received the most surprising and wonderful assistance from all directions. This keeps us on our path and inspires us to make our repository into a valued community resource. Without Sheila helping us to set up a digital photo archives, we'd still be lost in the dark.
By Janisse Ray
April 1, 2019
Five year ago a group of us reorganized Tattnall County Archives and opened it to the public. During that time we have focused on documents mostly governmental in nature. As those get in order, we have slowly begun to fill other community needs, including the need to archive photos of vanished and vanishing people, places, structures, townscapes, and landscapes.
About all I know of photography is whether a picture is color or black-and-white. Fortunately, our board chair has a motto that has saved me many times: when you don't know, ask a pro.
A series of inquiries brought us to Sheila McAlister. But she was headquartered in Athens, and we were four hours southeast, in Reidsville. No problem, she said. She'd drive down. Since part of her job was outreach, she wouldn't charge us. Our biggest question proved how to feed her, since she was vegan! Going out to the barbecue joint was not an option.
Sheila drove down on a sunny March day. Entire fields were the blood-red of sheep sorrel with lavender washes of toadflax bloom. Each tree in the bottomlands was a different shade of green. Dogwoods were wearing their wedding veils.
For three hours we sat with Sheila, firing our questions at her and scribbling pages of notes. From the most basic question to the most complicated, Sheila patiently advised us on how to proceed. She praised us for wanting to plan ahead, not just jumping into the middle of a big project without laying the groundwork first. She didn't mind that she had to start at the beginning. Soon we were deep into terms like "resolution" and "server space" and "metadata." Sheila's answers were comprehensive and she always made sure to give us choices.
For lunch, we pulled out a Mediterranean platter of hummus, pita, olives and lots of sliced vegetables, perfect for Sheila.
Being a small, rural, volunteer-run repository, our resources in terms of finances and skills are limited. We do a good job with what we have, but sometimes we need a pro, and when we needed Sheila, she didn't hesitate. She was incredibly generous with her knowledge and her time. And the minute she arrived back to her desk at the Digital Library of Georgia, she emailed us with links to tutorials, contacts at other repositories, and examples of documents.
Since we reorganized the Tattnall Archives, we have received the most surprising and wonderful assistance from all directions. This keeps us on our path and inspires us to make our repository into a valued community resource. Without Sheila helping us to set up a digital photo archives, we'd still be lost in the dark.
Archives Opens Rare Documents for DAR
By Signe Anderson
March 3, 2019
Tattnall County Archives hosted the Josiah Tattnall Chapter of the DAR for their monthly meeting on Feb. 19, 2019. Sandra Wingate, who works at the Archives, was DAR hostess for the evening. Janisse Ray presented the program. It featured viewing of historical documents that included a Civil-War-era map, George Walton (signer of the Declaration of Independence) signatures, as well as land grant books dating back to 1805. She explained what the Archives offers to those interested in genealogy and local history. DAR members also got a tour of the facility.
The Archives has made amazing progress in the last four years, as DAR member Mary Ann Carter remembered saving documents from the leaking old courthouse attic and dumpster. Now housed in the Old Jail with climate-controlled AC and a new roof, the documents, which date back to 1790, are stored in archival safe folders and boxes. Thousands of documents have been preserved, with over 30,000 names now entered into a computerized “Genealogical Index” file.
Refreshments were provided by Wingate and included pigs in blankets, veggie tray, cheese ball with crackers, fruit tray, deviled eggs, and cheesecake with fresh strawberries.
The Archives thanks the DAR for their generous donation.
DAR members are looking forward to returning to research their own family names during the Friday 12-4 hours when the facility is open to the public. Some will be attending an In-Depth Family Research Workshop on Friday, May 3 taught by genealogist and librarian Lillian Wingate, as well as attending the “Postcards from the Past” Wiregrass History Conference on Saturday, May 4.
By Signe Anderson
March 3, 2019
Tattnall County Archives hosted the Josiah Tattnall Chapter of the DAR for their monthly meeting on Feb. 19, 2019. Sandra Wingate, who works at the Archives, was DAR hostess for the evening. Janisse Ray presented the program. It featured viewing of historical documents that included a Civil-War-era map, George Walton (signer of the Declaration of Independence) signatures, as well as land grant books dating back to 1805. She explained what the Archives offers to those interested in genealogy and local history. DAR members also got a tour of the facility.
The Archives has made amazing progress in the last four years, as DAR member Mary Ann Carter remembered saving documents from the leaking old courthouse attic and dumpster. Now housed in the Old Jail with climate-controlled AC and a new roof, the documents, which date back to 1790, are stored in archival safe folders and boxes. Thousands of documents have been preserved, with over 30,000 names now entered into a computerized “Genealogical Index” file.
Refreshments were provided by Wingate and included pigs in blankets, veggie tray, cheese ball with crackers, fruit tray, deviled eggs, and cheesecake with fresh strawberries.
The Archives thanks the DAR for their generous donation.
DAR members are looking forward to returning to research their own family names during the Friday 12-4 hours when the facility is open to the public. Some will be attending an In-Depth Family Research Workshop on Friday, May 3 taught by genealogist and librarian Lillian Wingate, as well as attending the “Postcards from the Past” Wiregrass History Conference on Saturday, May 4.
Archives Receives Historic Grant
Jan. 28, 2019
Sen. Jack Hill is pleased to announce that the Tattnall County Archives has received a grant in the amount of $4,900 from the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council (GHRAC). The grants were open to local repositories in Georgia to develop and/or implement projects to identify, preserve, and improve access to historical records.
Tattnall County Archives applied to use the funds to purchase archival folders and document cases in order to continue processing historic court records; to purchase flat storage boxes to better protect historic volumes; to hire an archival consultant; to develop a digital photo archives; to purchase metal shelving; and to upgrade the security system.
Toby Graham, who is the GHRAC chair, UGA librarian and associate provost, said, “I am delighted that you have been selected for this opportunity, and we trust that it will be an excellent investment in the preservation and use of Georgia’s historical record.”
GHRAC seeks to enrich the culture and protect the rights of Georgians by fostering activities that identify, preserve, and provide access to the State’s documentary heritage.
A historical repository is defined as a non-profit or government organization that houses, preserves, and provides access to historical documents. This may be a local government, historical society, library, museum, or similar organization. The archival collections of the applying institution must be available, without charge, to the public on a regularly scheduled basis.
Recipients of grant awards must provide a minimum one-to-ten match of grant funds requested, through cash and or in-kind contributions. The Archives will match the grant funds both financially and with contributions of trained staff and volunteer hours.
“With two major awards and now with this grant, 2018 was a wonderful year for the Archives,” said Pharris Johnson, chair of the Board of Trustees. “We are very grateful for this generous assistance in accomplishing our mission.” Trustees include Mark Baxter, John Rabun, Janisse Ray and Ola Faye Rumpf. Archivists are Sandra Jones Wingate and Signe Anderson. Staff includes Steve Anderson and Joe Singleton.
The Archives operates as a department of the Tattnall County Commissioners. It is open to the public for research and tours each and every Friday from 12-4. The phone number is (912) 557-6049.
Jan. 28, 2019
Sen. Jack Hill is pleased to announce that the Tattnall County Archives has received a grant in the amount of $4,900 from the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council (GHRAC). The grants were open to local repositories in Georgia to develop and/or implement projects to identify, preserve, and improve access to historical records.
Tattnall County Archives applied to use the funds to purchase archival folders and document cases in order to continue processing historic court records; to purchase flat storage boxes to better protect historic volumes; to hire an archival consultant; to develop a digital photo archives; to purchase metal shelving; and to upgrade the security system.
Toby Graham, who is the GHRAC chair, UGA librarian and associate provost, said, “I am delighted that you have been selected for this opportunity, and we trust that it will be an excellent investment in the preservation and use of Georgia’s historical record.”
GHRAC seeks to enrich the culture and protect the rights of Georgians by fostering activities that identify, preserve, and provide access to the State’s documentary heritage.
A historical repository is defined as a non-profit or government organization that houses, preserves, and provides access to historical documents. This may be a local government, historical society, library, museum, or similar organization. The archival collections of the applying institution must be available, without charge, to the public on a regularly scheduled basis.
Recipients of grant awards must provide a minimum one-to-ten match of grant funds requested, through cash and or in-kind contributions. The Archives will match the grant funds both financially and with contributions of trained staff and volunteer hours.
“With two major awards and now with this grant, 2018 was a wonderful year for the Archives,” said Pharris Johnson, chair of the Board of Trustees. “We are very grateful for this generous assistance in accomplishing our mission.” Trustees include Mark Baxter, John Rabun, Janisse Ray and Ola Faye Rumpf. Archivists are Sandra Jones Wingate and Signe Anderson. Staff includes Steve Anderson and Joe Singleton.
The Archives operates as a department of the Tattnall County Commissioners. It is open to the public for research and tours each and every Friday from 12-4. The phone number is (912) 557-6049.
Junior Board Visits Archives
Nov. 19, 2018
The Junior Board of the Chamber of Commerce toured Tattnall County Archives on Thursday, Nov. 15. Sixteen high-school students packed into the Reading Room. They each received a blank Family Tree to fill out and one student was able to name all of her great-grandparents. Then the group heard about the history of the county, learned the age of the oldest document in the facility, looked at photos of our old courthouses, and found out about documents preserved in the Old Jail.
They perused a store ledger from the late 1800s, the Alexander Hotel Guest Register from the early 1900s, and the earliest Reidsville High School annual from the Tattnall Yearbook Project, from 1947. They also saw one of the George Walton signatures that our county possesses.
During a tour of the depository, they imagined life in the jail cells and heard ghost-stories, saw the 1862 Civil War map, and got to touch the oldest book. They were a curious and eager group, fascinated by what they saw, and very quick to answer history questions correctly and take part in a discussion about Tattnall’s history. Many wanted to return and volunteer.
They decided to take a selfie so everybody would be in the photo.
The Archives commends David Avery and the Chamber for this wonderful program to educate our young people on the resources of our county. The Archives thanks Janisse Ray for hosting the group.
Nov. 19, 2018
The Junior Board of the Chamber of Commerce toured Tattnall County Archives on Thursday, Nov. 15. Sixteen high-school students packed into the Reading Room. They each received a blank Family Tree to fill out and one student was able to name all of her great-grandparents. Then the group heard about the history of the county, learned the age of the oldest document in the facility, looked at photos of our old courthouses, and found out about documents preserved in the Old Jail.
They perused a store ledger from the late 1800s, the Alexander Hotel Guest Register from the early 1900s, and the earliest Reidsville High School annual from the Tattnall Yearbook Project, from 1947. They also saw one of the George Walton signatures that our county possesses.
During a tour of the depository, they imagined life in the jail cells and heard ghost-stories, saw the 1862 Civil War map, and got to touch the oldest book. They were a curious and eager group, fascinated by what they saw, and very quick to answer history questions correctly and take part in a discussion about Tattnall’s history. Many wanted to return and volunteer.
They decided to take a selfie so everybody would be in the photo.
The Archives commends David Avery and the Chamber for this wonderful program to educate our young people on the resources of our county. The Archives thanks Janisse Ray for hosting the group.
Archives Wins Statewide Award from GHRAC
Oct. 29, 2018
Tattnall County Commissioners are pleased to announce that Tattnall County Archives has won the 2018 Award for Excellence in Local History Advocacy from the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council (GHRAC).
Trustees John Rabun and Janisse Ray accepted the award on behalf of the Commissioners and the Archives Board on Thursday, Oct. 16 at the Georgia State Archives in Morrow.
The Archives was selected for its “concerted efforts to develop a strong local archives program, including preservation of records, archival training for volunteers, newsletter publication, and hosting a local history conference.”
GHRAC is the state's advisory board to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia with respect to historical records throughout our state.
The award was presented by Dr. Tristan Denley, assistant vice-chancellor for academic affairs, and Dr. Toby Graham, director of the University of Georgia Libraries and associate provost.
Oct. 29, 2018
Tattnall County Commissioners are pleased to announce that Tattnall County Archives has won the 2018 Award for Excellence in Local History Advocacy from the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council (GHRAC).
Trustees John Rabun and Janisse Ray accepted the award on behalf of the Commissioners and the Archives Board on Thursday, Oct. 16 at the Georgia State Archives in Morrow.
The Archives was selected for its “concerted efforts to develop a strong local archives program, including preservation of records, archival training for volunteers, newsletter publication, and hosting a local history conference.”
GHRAC is the state's advisory board to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia with respect to historical records throughout our state.
The award was presented by Dr. Tristan Denley, assistant vice-chancellor for academic affairs, and Dr. Toby Graham, director of the University of Georgia Libraries and associate provost.
Tattnall Yearbook Project Grows
Oct. 22, 2018
Recently June Cowart Clifton stopped by Tattnall County Archives and donated four historic yearbooks from Reidsville High School. One of her gifts, the 1946-47 volume, is the oldest in the growing collection. The Archives thanks Mrs. Clifton for 1947, 1948, 1951 and 1954.
Yearbooks in the Archives now include the following.
Many donors have added to this collection, including Dr. Martha Cain, Nancy Jo Hodges Crosby, Alton Driggers, Pat Harris, Tona Rae Hightower, Renee Johnson, Carroll Oliver, Jimmy Rich, John Rabun, and June Clifton.
These volumes are available for perusing on Fridays from 12-4 during the regular hours of the Archives, 557-6049, located next door to the courthouse in the Old Jail. The Archives team welcomes donations of yearbooks for years we don’t currently have.
Oct. 22, 2018
Recently June Cowart Clifton stopped by Tattnall County Archives and donated four historic yearbooks from Reidsville High School. One of her gifts, the 1946-47 volume, is the oldest in the growing collection. The Archives thanks Mrs. Clifton for 1947, 1948, 1951 and 1954.
Yearbooks in the Archives now include the following.
- Reidsville High/Tattnall County High School – 1947, 1948, 1950, 1951, 1954, 1957, 1959, 1961, 1963, 1965, 1968, 1970, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985. In addition, a mimeographed issue of Chatterbox from 1951 is available.
- Glennville High School – 1953, 1966, 1967, 1968.
- Collins Junior High – 1970, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978
- Collins High (some include grades 1-12) – 1957, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963.
- Cobbtown Elementary – a rare copy of the 1958 yearbook
- Georgia Teachers College – 1943, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1950.
- Armstrong Junior College – 1945.
- Swainsboro Tech – 1983, 1985.
Many donors have added to this collection, including Dr. Martha Cain, Nancy Jo Hodges Crosby, Alton Driggers, Pat Harris, Tona Rae Hightower, Renee Johnson, Carroll Oliver, Jimmy Rich, John Rabun, and June Clifton.
These volumes are available for perusing on Fridays from 12-4 during the regular hours of the Archives, 557-6049, located next door to the courthouse in the Old Jail. The Archives team welcomes donations of yearbooks for years we don’t currently have.
Salzburger Set Donated to Archives
Sept. 5, 2018
On behalf of the Tattnall Archives, archivist Sandra Wingate has accepted five additions to the Reading Room. These were donated by Debra Herrin, current registrar of the Georgia Salzburger Society.
One volume is the Passenger Ship List, 1734-1752, of the Georgia Salzburgers, who first settled at Ebenezer. The other four volumes make up a valuable set called Georgia Salzburgers and Allied Families. This was first published in 1956 by Pearl Rahn Gnann, who was genealogist for the Georgia Salzburger Society.
Some of the local family names that occur in the volumes are Bird, Burkhalter, Dasher, Ernst, Geiger, Griner, Groover, Rahn, Seckinger, Shuman, Shuptine, Weitman and Wilson.
The Archives sincerely thanks Ms. Herrin for her generous donation.
Sept. 5, 2018
On behalf of the Tattnall Archives, archivist Sandra Wingate has accepted five additions to the Reading Room. These were donated by Debra Herrin, current registrar of the Georgia Salzburger Society.
One volume is the Passenger Ship List, 1734-1752, of the Georgia Salzburgers, who first settled at Ebenezer. The other four volumes make up a valuable set called Georgia Salzburgers and Allied Families. This was first published in 1956 by Pearl Rahn Gnann, who was genealogist for the Georgia Salzburger Society.
Some of the local family names that occur in the volumes are Bird, Burkhalter, Dasher, Ernst, Geiger, Griner, Groover, Rahn, Seckinger, Shuman, Shuptine, Weitman and Wilson.
The Archives sincerely thanks Ms. Herrin for her generous donation.
Can You Give the Archives Two Hours?
Aug. 15, 2018
The Archives needs you for a couple of hours. We are looking for a few more volunteers to help process City Court records from 1900-1920. These are records that have been stored in boxes and we would like to make them available for public research. Volunteers will gather at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018 and can work one hour, two hours, or all morning. Coffee, snacks and lunch will be provided. We are calling it a Records Marathon.
Please register ahead so that we can be prepared for you.
The work involves putting a court case in a folder and labeling the folder with a small amount of information. The only thing you'll need is a love of history and a desire to help with a very worthwhile project. High school students are especially invited.
The event will be held at the Adult Ed Center, next door to the Tattnall County Library. We thank the county commissioners for use of the building.
We are deeply grateful to those who have signed up to volunteer so far: Signe Anderson, Steve Anderson, Brenda Buckbee, Pharris Johnson, Dylan Mulligan, Stephanie Packard-Hughes, Janisse Ray, Kathryn Reynolds, Ola Faye Rumpf, Mary Ellen Thrift, and Sandra Jones Wingate.
To sign up, call the Archives at 557-6049 or 557-1053.
Aug. 15, 2018
The Archives needs you for a couple of hours. We are looking for a few more volunteers to help process City Court records from 1900-1920. These are records that have been stored in boxes and we would like to make them available for public research. Volunteers will gather at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018 and can work one hour, two hours, or all morning. Coffee, snacks and lunch will be provided. We are calling it a Records Marathon.
Please register ahead so that we can be prepared for you.
The work involves putting a court case in a folder and labeling the folder with a small amount of information. The only thing you'll need is a love of history and a desire to help with a very worthwhile project. High school students are especially invited.
The event will be held at the Adult Ed Center, next door to the Tattnall County Library. We thank the county commissioners for use of the building.
We are deeply grateful to those who have signed up to volunteer so far: Signe Anderson, Steve Anderson, Brenda Buckbee, Pharris Johnson, Dylan Mulligan, Stephanie Packard-Hughes, Janisse Ray, Kathryn Reynolds, Ola Faye Rumpf, Mary Ellen Thrift, and Sandra Jones Wingate.
To sign up, call the Archives at 557-6049 or 557-1053.
Tattnall County Archives Receives Warlick Award
Aug. 7, 2018
The Archives is pleased and honored to receive the Roger K. Warlick Local History Achievement Award in Special Projects from the Georgia Historical Society, for the revitalization of the Tattnall County Archives.
GHS recognizes affiliate chapters that go above and beyond in the field of public history with the Roger K. Warlick Local History Achievement Awards. Named for former GHS president Roger Warlick, these annual awards recognize the best work in sharing local history across our state.
Elyse Butler, Outreach Director, presented the award at the August 6, 2018 meeting of the Tattnall County Commissioners. She said, "GHS recognizes the efforts of Tattnall County Archives to protect and share their collection and ensure a future for the records of Tattnall County's past. Congratulations to the Tattnall County Archives for their hard work."
The award was accepted by Pharris D. Johnson, Steve Anderson, Sandra Wingate, Janisse Ray, and Ola Faye Rumpf.
The Archives is pleased and honored to receive the Roger K. Warlick Local History Achievement Award in Special Projects from the Georgia Historical Society, for the revitalization of the Tattnall County Archives.
GHS recognizes affiliate chapters that go above and beyond in the field of public history with the Roger K. Warlick Local History Achievement Awards. Named for former GHS president Roger Warlick, these annual awards recognize the best work in sharing local history across our state.
Elyse Butler, Outreach Director, presented the award at the August 6, 2018 meeting of the Tattnall County Commissioners. She said, "GHS recognizes the efforts of Tattnall County Archives to protect and share their collection and ensure a future for the records of Tattnall County's past. Congratulations to the Tattnall County Archives for their hard work."
The award was accepted by Pharris D. Johnson, Steve Anderson, Sandra Wingate, Janisse Ray, and Ola Faye Rumpf.
Aug. 7, 2018
The Archives is pleased and honored to receive the Roger K. Warlick Local History Achievement Award in Special Projects from the Georgia Historical Society, for the revitalization of the Tattnall County Archives.
GHS recognizes affiliate chapters that go above and beyond in the field of public history with the Roger K. Warlick Local History Achievement Awards. Named for former GHS president Roger Warlick, these annual awards recognize the best work in sharing local history across our state.
Elyse Butler, Outreach Director, presented the award at the August 6, 2018 meeting of the Tattnall County Commissioners. She said, "GHS recognizes the efforts of Tattnall County Archives to protect and share their collection and ensure a future for the records of Tattnall County's past. Congratulations to the Tattnall County Archives for their hard work."
The award was accepted by Pharris D. Johnson, Steve Anderson, Sandra Wingate, Janisse Ray, and Ola Faye Rumpf.
The Archives is pleased and honored to receive the Roger K. Warlick Local History Achievement Award in Special Projects from the Georgia Historical Society, for the revitalization of the Tattnall County Archives.
GHS recognizes affiliate chapters that go above and beyond in the field of public history with the Roger K. Warlick Local History Achievement Awards. Named for former GHS president Roger Warlick, these annual awards recognize the best work in sharing local history across our state.
Elyse Butler, Outreach Director, presented the award at the August 6, 2018 meeting of the Tattnall County Commissioners. She said, "GHS recognizes the efforts of Tattnall County Archives to protect and share their collection and ensure a future for the records of Tattnall County's past. Congratulations to the Tattnall County Archives for their hard work."
The award was accepted by Pharris D. Johnson, Steve Anderson, Sandra Wingate, Janisse Ray, and Ola Faye Rumpf.
Archives Receives $1,000 Donation
July 27, 2018
The Huguenot Society of Georgia, a group of people who descended from the French Huguenots, presented a check in the amount of $1,000 to the Tattnall County Archives at the Wiregrass history conference on June 16. In attendance to present the check were, left to right, Natalie Brewton Barfield, Sara Parker Sims, Jane Parker Rogers, Lynne Allen Tate, and John Rabun. Rabun, who is also a trustee of the Archives, is shown here presenting the check to Pharris Johnson, also of Huguenot descent. Johnson accepted the check on behalf of the Archives. Huguenots were Protestants who escaped from their native France to America to end religious persecution. Everyone in this photograph except Mrs. Barfield has a Tattnall County background through the Brewtons.
July 27, 2018
The Huguenot Society of Georgia, a group of people who descended from the French Huguenots, presented a check in the amount of $1,000 to the Tattnall County Archives at the Wiregrass history conference on June 16. In attendance to present the check were, left to right, Natalie Brewton Barfield, Sara Parker Sims, Jane Parker Rogers, Lynne Allen Tate, and John Rabun. Rabun, who is also a trustee of the Archives, is shown here presenting the check to Pharris Johnson, also of Huguenot descent. Johnson accepted the check on behalf of the Archives. Huguenots were Protestants who escaped from their native France to America to end religious persecution. Everyone in this photograph except Mrs. Barfield has a Tattnall County background through the Brewtons.
Archives Proud of New Railing
July 20, 2018
Tattnall County Archives would like to thank Commission chair Jackie Trim, county manager Frank Murphy and all our Tattnall commissioners for the installation of a beautiful railing leading into the Archives building. The work was done by ironworker and welder Aldrick Hill of Reidsville, and coordinated by Don "Slick" Sikes, who is in charge of facilities. The brick steps are steep and many of our visitors needed assistance in navigating the entrance. The railing is beautiful to look at and is a great asset to the many visitors at the Archives. We are very grateful for the attention the commissioners put on making our facility safe and inviting while maintaining the historic authenticity of the Old Jail.
July 20, 2018
Tattnall County Archives would like to thank Commission chair Jackie Trim, county manager Frank Murphy and all our Tattnall commissioners for the installation of a beautiful railing leading into the Archives building. The work was done by ironworker and welder Aldrick Hill of Reidsville, and coordinated by Don "Slick" Sikes, who is in charge of facilities. The brick steps are steep and many of our visitors needed assistance in navigating the entrance. The railing is beautiful to look at and is a great asset to the many visitors at the Archives. We are very grateful for the attention the commissioners put on making our facility safe and inviting while maintaining the historic authenticity of the Old Jail.
Artist Donates Painting of Mule Barn
By Janisse Ray
March 3, 2018
Three weeks ago a stranger wearing a white Stetson and cowboy boots walked into the Tattnall County Archives. It was a Friday afternoon. As is the case on most Friday afternoons, a volunteer staff was working. We happened to be finishing up cataloguing the Superior Court records from the 1800s.
The stranger introduced himself as Steve Anderson and said he was a painter and that he was looking for historic photographs of Tattnall County buildings. The staff – namely Marie Moxley, Ola Faye Rumpf, Sandra Wingate, and myself -- began to offer helpful suggestions. I got up to gather some books and folders Mr. Anderson might peruse.
Someone suggested that Mr. Anderson paint the courthouse. Another suggested Pearson Chapel Church or Old Shiloh. When one of us mentioned the Old Mule Barn at the Alexander Hotel, Mr. Anderson’s eyes lit up. When he left, he said he was headed to photograph it.
A week later he knocked again at the Archives door and walked inside with something big wrapped in a plastic sack. It was a finished painting of the mule barn. The barn is in the foreground with the courthouse and a view of downtown Reidsville in the background. A buggy is unhitched at the barn. Even the pit greenhouse is in the picture! Mr. Anderson presented the painting and said it was a gift to the Archives. He said he began painting the day after he had visited. The painting was historically accurate yet imaginative, colorful, and well-executed. It is a wonderful addition to the Archives reading room, which used to be the office area of the Old Jail.
Steve Anderson, it turns out, was born in Collins to Ottis and Vesta Anderson. After ten years with the Vidalia Police Department he moved to Colorado and began a 21-year career with the Breckenridge Police Department. After reviewing some of his drawings, the FBI chose him to attend their Forensic Imaging Course at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va. Returning to duty, he began creating drawings of criminals based on descriptions of eye witnesses. As one of only about two dozen working police artists in the nation, he was frequently “loaned” to other agencies, including the Denver office of the FBI and the Vail PD. An on-the-job injury brought on early retirement and he returned to Collins two and a half years ago.
In addition to drawing portraits from photographs and painting buildings, Mr. Anderson carves gun stocks and tools leather, creating unique and heirloom belts, saddles, holsters, purses, and other leather items. To get in touch with him, call (912) 245-5936.
To see Anderson’s painting called “The Old Mule Barn,” you can drop by the Archives on a Friday afternoon. Call first to make sure the volunteers will be there – 557-1053 is the number at the Archives. Or call me at 557-1053. We’d love to have you.
By Janisse Ray
March 3, 2018
Three weeks ago a stranger wearing a white Stetson and cowboy boots walked into the Tattnall County Archives. It was a Friday afternoon. As is the case on most Friday afternoons, a volunteer staff was working. We happened to be finishing up cataloguing the Superior Court records from the 1800s.
The stranger introduced himself as Steve Anderson and said he was a painter and that he was looking for historic photographs of Tattnall County buildings. The staff – namely Marie Moxley, Ola Faye Rumpf, Sandra Wingate, and myself -- began to offer helpful suggestions. I got up to gather some books and folders Mr. Anderson might peruse.
Someone suggested that Mr. Anderson paint the courthouse. Another suggested Pearson Chapel Church or Old Shiloh. When one of us mentioned the Old Mule Barn at the Alexander Hotel, Mr. Anderson’s eyes lit up. When he left, he said he was headed to photograph it.
A week later he knocked again at the Archives door and walked inside with something big wrapped in a plastic sack. It was a finished painting of the mule barn. The barn is in the foreground with the courthouse and a view of downtown Reidsville in the background. A buggy is unhitched at the barn. Even the pit greenhouse is in the picture! Mr. Anderson presented the painting and said it was a gift to the Archives. He said he began painting the day after he had visited. The painting was historically accurate yet imaginative, colorful, and well-executed. It is a wonderful addition to the Archives reading room, which used to be the office area of the Old Jail.
Steve Anderson, it turns out, was born in Collins to Ottis and Vesta Anderson. After ten years with the Vidalia Police Department he moved to Colorado and began a 21-year career with the Breckenridge Police Department. After reviewing some of his drawings, the FBI chose him to attend their Forensic Imaging Course at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va. Returning to duty, he began creating drawings of criminals based on descriptions of eye witnesses. As one of only about two dozen working police artists in the nation, he was frequently “loaned” to other agencies, including the Denver office of the FBI and the Vail PD. An on-the-job injury brought on early retirement and he returned to Collins two and a half years ago.
In addition to drawing portraits from photographs and painting buildings, Mr. Anderson carves gun stocks and tools leather, creating unique and heirloom belts, saddles, holsters, purses, and other leather items. To get in touch with him, call (912) 245-5936.
To see Anderson’s painting called “The Old Mule Barn,” you can drop by the Archives on a Friday afternoon. Call first to make sure the volunteers will be there – 557-1053 is the number at the Archives. Or call me at 557-1053. We’d love to have you.
George Walton’s Signature Part of Donation
April 14, 2017
D. Mark Baxter, a Macon attorney originally from the Glennville area and a local historian, recently delivered a packet of valuable historic documents to Tattnall County Archives. These are documents that he collected over the years during his research. “These belong here at the Archives more than they belong with me,” he said.
A priceless inclusion was a document from the first decade of the 1800s that contains the signature of George Walton. Walton was a signer of the Declaration of Independence for Georgia and the first Judge of Superior Court of Tattnall County. He was twice elected governor of Georgia and was a U.S. senator in the late 1700s, succeeded by Josiah Tattnall. Walton County is named for him.
Other documents include a 1842 list of schoolchildren and the tuition they paid to go to school; an 1807 court document Barnes versus Harden; an 1802 indictment of Joshua Kemp for assault and battery; a marriage license for James A. Tippins and Margaret Todd dated Dec. 25, 1845; and an 1828 interrogation of a witness in a hog-killing incident. One particularly wonderful document from E. Bacon accuses William Edwards of not returning all of the 1 ½ bushels of wheat that Edwards has ground for him at his mill. In the note he says that he would rather “I would have the credit of giving it to you than you should have the disgrace of taking it.”
Staff and trustees of the Archives greatly appreciate these amazing gifts from Mr. Baxter. The documents are now available to the public, especially to researchers, and become part of the historic legacy of Tattnall County. “We’re grateful that Mr. Baxter trusts our mission enough to place these documents in our care,” said Pharris Johnson, chair of the board.
Anyone with historical documents, photographs, or volumes is invited to consider placing them in the Tattnall County Archives for longterm safekeeping and care. The Archives is open Fridays 12-4. It can be reached by calling 557-6049 – please leave a message.
April 14, 2017
D. Mark Baxter, a Macon attorney originally from the Glennville area and a local historian, recently delivered a packet of valuable historic documents to Tattnall County Archives. These are documents that he collected over the years during his research. “These belong here at the Archives more than they belong with me,” he said.
A priceless inclusion was a document from the first decade of the 1800s that contains the signature of George Walton. Walton was a signer of the Declaration of Independence for Georgia and the first Judge of Superior Court of Tattnall County. He was twice elected governor of Georgia and was a U.S. senator in the late 1700s, succeeded by Josiah Tattnall. Walton County is named for him.
Other documents include a 1842 list of schoolchildren and the tuition they paid to go to school; an 1807 court document Barnes versus Harden; an 1802 indictment of Joshua Kemp for assault and battery; a marriage license for James A. Tippins and Margaret Todd dated Dec. 25, 1845; and an 1828 interrogation of a witness in a hog-killing incident. One particularly wonderful document from E. Bacon accuses William Edwards of not returning all of the 1 ½ bushels of wheat that Edwards has ground for him at his mill. In the note he says that he would rather “I would have the credit of giving it to you than you should have the disgrace of taking it.”
Staff and trustees of the Archives greatly appreciate these amazing gifts from Mr. Baxter. The documents are now available to the public, especially to researchers, and become part of the historic legacy of Tattnall County. “We’re grateful that Mr. Baxter trusts our mission enough to place these documents in our care,” said Pharris Johnson, chair of the board.
Anyone with historical documents, photographs, or volumes is invited to consider placing them in the Tattnall County Archives for longterm safekeeping and care. The Archives is open Fridays 12-4. It can be reached by calling 557-6049 – please leave a message.
New Books at the Archives
By Janisse Ray
April 7, 2017
John P. Rabun Jr. of Atlanta has donated a few new books to Tattnall County Archives. One is The Georgia Dutch by George Fenwick Jones. This book tells the history of the Germans and their settlements in Georgia in the 18th century. Their principal settlement was at Ebenezer in today’s Effingham County. Several of the Germans of Colonial Georgia left descendants who made their way to Tattnall County and some of the German names that appear in the book are familiar Tattnall County surnames, including Dasher (Taescher), Burkhalter (Burckhalter), Shuman (Schuman), Seckinger, Youngblood (Jungbluth), Groover (Gruber), and Griner (Greiner.)
Rabun also donated Charles C. Jones Jr.’s book called The Dead Towns of Georgia, published in 1878. In this volume, Jones recounts memories of towns once vital: Old and New Ebenezer, Frederica, Abercorn, Sunbury, Hardwick, Petersburg and more. This book was reprinted in 1997. We think of dead towns today when we think of places like Cedarfield or Tyson. It’s interesting to think of towns already dead by 1878.
In addition, Rabun donated photocopies of three Reidsville High School yearbooks: 1949, 1950, and 1951.
D. Mark Baxter of Macon donated an entire box of family history magazines. These include 5 editions of Huxford Genealogical Society Quarterly, 10 issues of The South Carolina Magazine of Ancestral Research, and 33 issues of The Georgia Genealogical Magazine. The volumes will be of great use to family and local historians.
Last, the Archives has a new and wonderful addition of ten volumes of the famous Pioneers of Wiregrass Georgia, originally a project of Judge Folks Huxford of Homerville. This is a wonderful resource for doing research. The library thanks the family of W. E. “Buck” Wasdin of Hazlehurst, Ga., especially Hilda Wasdin, who donated the set to the Archives.
Tattnall County Archives is now open on Fridays from 12-4 for visitors and researchers. Please come see us. We are located just west of the Courthouse, in the two-story, brick Old Jail building. Our phone number is 557-6049.
By Janisse Ray
April 7, 2017
John P. Rabun Jr. of Atlanta has donated a few new books to Tattnall County Archives. One is The Georgia Dutch by George Fenwick Jones. This book tells the history of the Germans and their settlements in Georgia in the 18th century. Their principal settlement was at Ebenezer in today’s Effingham County. Several of the Germans of Colonial Georgia left descendants who made their way to Tattnall County and some of the German names that appear in the book are familiar Tattnall County surnames, including Dasher (Taescher), Burkhalter (Burckhalter), Shuman (Schuman), Seckinger, Youngblood (Jungbluth), Groover (Gruber), and Griner (Greiner.)
Rabun also donated Charles C. Jones Jr.’s book called The Dead Towns of Georgia, published in 1878. In this volume, Jones recounts memories of towns once vital: Old and New Ebenezer, Frederica, Abercorn, Sunbury, Hardwick, Petersburg and more. This book was reprinted in 1997. We think of dead towns today when we think of places like Cedarfield or Tyson. It’s interesting to think of towns already dead by 1878.
In addition, Rabun donated photocopies of three Reidsville High School yearbooks: 1949, 1950, and 1951.
D. Mark Baxter of Macon donated an entire box of family history magazines. These include 5 editions of Huxford Genealogical Society Quarterly, 10 issues of The South Carolina Magazine of Ancestral Research, and 33 issues of The Georgia Genealogical Magazine. The volumes will be of great use to family and local historians.
Last, the Archives has a new and wonderful addition of ten volumes of the famous Pioneers of Wiregrass Georgia, originally a project of Judge Folks Huxford of Homerville. This is a wonderful resource for doing research. The library thanks the family of W. E. “Buck” Wasdin of Hazlehurst, Ga., especially Hilda Wasdin, who donated the set to the Archives.
Tattnall County Archives is now open on Fridays from 12-4 for visitors and researchers. Please come see us. We are located just west of the Courthouse, in the two-story, brick Old Jail building. Our phone number is 557-6049.
Crosby Donates Her Oral History to the Archives
Jan. 27, 2017
Nancy Jo Hodges Crosby stopped by the Tattnall County Archives recently and donated a copy of her oral history book called Tales of Old Tattnall and Evans: Stories from Interviews. Crosby is a native of the Bay Branch area and is now a resident of Townsend, Georgia. In homage to her passionate interest in local history she runs a Facebook site called “Vanishing Tattnall County,” which contains some really wonderful historic photographs from the area.
In addition to her own book, Nancy donated a dozen other wonderful volumes to the Archives, including Early Days on the Georgia Tidewater by the popular coastal historian Buddy Sullivan. The oldest volume she donated is the 1908 treatise, One Hundred Years of Methodism in Tattnall County, Georgia. Two of her donations are books that concern Evans County, including the Images of America book. In addition, Nancy brought in a 1994 church history of Shiloh United Methodist and a 2002 history of Bay Branch Primitive Baptist.
Nancy is a registered nutritional dietician and served as director of nutrition services at Evans Memorial Hospital for 28 years. Now retired, she is an avid birdwatcher who travels far and wide to see unusual birds. She monitors and bands birds at Harris Neck National Wildlife Reserve and along Georgia’s barrier islands.
Nancy is also a gardener and a photographer. She is married to Johnnie Crosby Jr. and has one son and a number of grandchildren.
Tattnall County Archives is deeply grateful to Nancy Crosby for her work in recording the history of our great region and for her donations to our Reading Room. If you would like to come peruse the books that she so generously supplied, the Archives is regularly open on Friday afternoons from 12-4. You may call (912) 557-6049 for more information. Please leave a message.
Jan. 27, 2017
Nancy Jo Hodges Crosby stopped by the Tattnall County Archives recently and donated a copy of her oral history book called Tales of Old Tattnall and Evans: Stories from Interviews. Crosby is a native of the Bay Branch area and is now a resident of Townsend, Georgia. In homage to her passionate interest in local history she runs a Facebook site called “Vanishing Tattnall County,” which contains some really wonderful historic photographs from the area.
In addition to her own book, Nancy donated a dozen other wonderful volumes to the Archives, including Early Days on the Georgia Tidewater by the popular coastal historian Buddy Sullivan. The oldest volume she donated is the 1908 treatise, One Hundred Years of Methodism in Tattnall County, Georgia. Two of her donations are books that concern Evans County, including the Images of America book. In addition, Nancy brought in a 1994 church history of Shiloh United Methodist and a 2002 history of Bay Branch Primitive Baptist.
Nancy is a registered nutritional dietician and served as director of nutrition services at Evans Memorial Hospital for 28 years. Now retired, she is an avid birdwatcher who travels far and wide to see unusual birds. She monitors and bands birds at Harris Neck National Wildlife Reserve and along Georgia’s barrier islands.
Nancy is also a gardener and a photographer. She is married to Johnnie Crosby Jr. and has one son and a number of grandchildren.
Tattnall County Archives is deeply grateful to Nancy Crosby for her work in recording the history of our great region and for her donations to our Reading Room. If you would like to come peruse the books that she so generously supplied, the Archives is regularly open on Friday afternoons from 12-4. You may call (912) 557-6049 for more information. Please leave a message.