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About The Henry County weekly. (McDonough, GA.) 18??-1934 | View Entire Issue (April 24, 1908)
Davison-Paxon-Stokes Compy MAP DEPARTMENTS 57 to 61 Whitehall St. Colonel Charles T. Zachry. Some time about the year 1854, ’5 or ’fi, a young man made a visit to old Henry county, to call upon a certain young lady. His object? Matrimony. This lady, Mins Francis Ann Tur ner, a most charming young maid en, was the grand daughter of William Greer, of Beersheba dis trict, in the eastern part of the county. The young man was the late Col. C. T. Zachry, of said coun ty, a sketch of whose life the writer proposes to give as he per sonally remembers him. As I remember, about the time above stated, Col. Zachry courted and married Miss Fannie A. Tur ner. He then moved to Henry county and settled the home now known as the Aslmry Turner home place, in Beersheba district, where ho entered upon the duties and re sponsibilities of married life. And here begun t he personal knoweldge the writer has of him. His occupation was that of a farmer, in which he was very suc cessful ; and, moreover, he was a very (as we might call it now) elegant and up-to-date young man. He soon forged his way to the front and became one of the lead ing citizens of the community—a representative man of his section in county matters—all of which lie did with credit to himself and per feet satisfaction to his people. Col. Zaehry politically at that time was a Whig. Col. Zaehry continued to build up his individual business, aiding in every way possible to advance his community (of which he never tired) until the question of seces sion arose, which was about the year 1860. This divided the people into two factions, one known as secessionists, the other unionists. The colonel espoused tho side of the unionists. These questions were fought very hard by both sides, the colonel taking a groat in terest in the issue, and in argument would put it to the secessionists very warmly. In one instance the writer remembers well that Col. Zaehry was arguing with some gentlemen from Newton county, and the colonel pnt it to them so hot that the Newton citizens threatened him that if he ever came over there they would tar and feather him. The colonel held his nerve and answered them that if he knew hy his wearing the tar and feathers would save the shed ding of blood alone which secession would cause, he would proudly wear it. But secession came, and with it the war. Then it was that men were put to to their true test. The writer's father being adjoining neighbor to Col. Zaehry. and being in full sympathy and accord with his views, the writer only a hoy of 13 years, had become so attached to the colonel that he watched and remembers well his every move. By this time Col. Zaehry bad built himself a nice tome, and had a family of two children, one boy (Col. J. G. Zachry now of New York) and one a girl (the late Mrs. Nannie McCalla) both small chil dren at that date. As I have stated, secession had come, and with it war, the time for men tc act, and well the writer remembers when the colonel made known his decision it was this, or words to this effect: “Although I opposed secession, and fought it with all my power, we have seced ed and the war is on us. It is the duty of every Southern nun to support his country.” Then put ting his words into action, he buckled on his armor and calling for volunteers he, with the aid of the gallant Lieutenant DeLamar, led from old Henry county one camp of as gallant young men as ever wore the uniform —at the same time paying his respects to the tar and feather men to join him. Did they go? No To the writer’s own knowledge, while the colonel was op the field of battle these same tar and feather men were at home seeking details to raise sheep's wool to make hats for tho boys—and similar excuses. Now, as to the colonel’s war rec ord, I will leave for some one else i to write, as I do not know it per- • sonally. I will state further that while Col. Zaehry was in service his love ly wife sickened and died, and the writer remembers well, in company with one T. J. Smith, carrying a dispatch to Griflin, Ga., it being the nearest office at that time, to the colonel, stating that his wife was sick unto death, 'and on our return met my father with one that I she was dead. Col. Zaehry told me after the war that he received it while in line of battle, and that it ; came as near unnerving him as he j ever was. During the war his father-in-law 7 , Mr. Jefferson Turner, died, and the colonel traded his home in Beershe ba to his mother-in-law, Mrs. Jef ferson Turner, for the home of his late father-in-law, Mr. Turner, in McMullen's district. After the war was over, Col. Zaehry came homo and 'settled, as above stated, at the Turner place in McMullen's district, and there begun the rebuilding of the waste places, hy first courting and marrying Miss Jennie Russell, and with her ns his aid proved to he very useful to his country, hy aid ing and advising in the days of reconstruction. He sold his Turner homo and bought and moved to Peachstone Slioals, on South river, and there raised a large family of five girls, and from there repre sented the county forseveral terms in the Lower House and one term in the Senate. While there he in troduced and had enacted into law several noted bills pertaining to the county. Some among them, the local prohibition hill, the stock law and others. ATLANTA, GEORGIA. Col. Zachry was in hip late years appointed to the office of Judge of the County Court, there serving until the breaking down of his health, at which time he resigned and retired. Col. Zachry was a noted man in every respect, to-wit: For liislong siglitedness into the future; his great ability in keeping abreast with the times. Even in his old age he was fully up-to-date in every movement, until a short, time be fore his death he completely broke down. Col. Zachry removed from his Peachstone Shoals home to Mc- Donough a few years ago and set tled at the old Adam Sloan home stead, living there until his death. He was buried in the McDonough cemetery, in a coffin of Confederate gray, wrapped in a Confederate flag—the Stars and Bars—the col ors he so dearly loved—with all the honors that could be bestowed on a man who was so dearly loved as a citizen, a soldier and official. W. H. Bryans. MAEAZIfiES FREE TC SCHOOL CHILDREN! I have at my home 1,000 Maga zines to be given away to the pu pils of the various schools of the county. Call for them at my borne. Paul Turner. Empire Marble & Granite Works Located at West Gate of Oakland Cemetery 402-406 East Hunter Street ATLANTA, GA. WE ARE IN POSITION to give you tirst-class work at reasonable prices, and our customers are our Friends in Business And we wish to number you among them. Call on us in person, write us or phone us. Bell Phone 2640 J Our work and finish is the best and satisfaction guaranteed. W. H. ALBRIGHT PROPRI EITOR. 46 to 50 South Broad St. REMEMBER! That I am the oldest merchant in town and cor dially invite you to come and see my “NEW SPRING STOCK.” Beautiful new line of Novelty Dress Patterns, braids to match. Pretty patterns ot Embroidery, Elastic Girdles, (all col ors), L aced Striped Hose, Ribbons, Easter Ties, Fancy Shirts and Notions. SHOBS For Men, Women and Children. Low quarters, tan and black. Trunks, Suit Cases, Crockery, Glassware, Farming Implements, Meats, Flour and Fancy Groceries. J. C. WALDEN Stockbridge, : : : Georgia.
