Bartow County Genealogical Society and Family Research Library

United States]] Georgia  Archives and LibrariesBartow_County_Genealogical_Society_and_Family_Research_Library

Contact Information
Address:  101 North Erwin Street Cartersville, Ga. 30120

Post Office Address: P.O. Box 993, Cartersville, Ga. 30120-0993

Facebook: Bartow County Genealogy Society

E-mail: [mailto:genhelp2@att.net genhelp2@att.net]

Webpage: www.barctygen.org

Telephone: 770-606-0706

Library Hours: Monday-Wednesday-Friday 10:00 A.M. till 3:30 P.M.

Services: 3 computers, 2 scanners; family histories; microfilmed newspapers

Directions: From Atlanta, go north on Interstate 75 North to exit 288. Turn left on Ga.113 (Main St.) and proceed toward downtown. After passing Applebee's restaurant, turn right on Church St.; cross over highway 41, cross Tennessee St.; go over bridge,then turn right at the four-way stop. We are located in the Arts Center building on the right. Ample parking is available. A handicap entrance is available at the front of the building.

Membership: Open to any person regardless of residence, age, race, creed, or age who is interested in genealogy or the history of this area; dues are $20 per year and includes 4 quarterlies.

Meetings: Open to the general public and held at 2:00 P.M. on the first Sunday of each month at the Bartow County Family Research Library. If the first Sunday falls on a holiday weekend, the meeting is held the following Sunday. No December meeting!

Society History:

An organizational meeting was convened in January 1992 with the expressed purpose of forming the first genealogical society in Bartow County. Records indicate that 26 people attended the meeting held at the public library. Mrs. Rita Linker, county librarian, acted as host.

The Bartow County Genealogical Society was officially organized on January 22, 1992. The following officers were elected: Jean Belew, President; Linda Gossett Cochran, Vice-President; Martha Hale; Secretary; and Jerry Bohannon, Treasurer. The groundwork and goals developed by its charter members have served the Society well. Shortly after the organization, the Society began to sponsor a Family Research Library that now houses numerous genealogical records.

Society Goals:


 * 1) Create an interest in genealogical research and local history by presenting informative programs
 * 2) Promote the collection and preservation of family records, manuscripts, and other documents of genealogical value
 * 3) Encourage and acquaint the Society members with sources of material and serve as a medium for exchange of genealogical information
 * 4) Publish and distribute information on records that has been collected

Publications for Sale:


 * Bartow County Georgia Heritage Book, Volume I and II
 * Favorites From Our Table Cookbook
 * Bartow County Genealogical Society Quarterly,1992-2013

History of Oak Grove Methodist Church (appeared in the Summer 2003quarterly)

Oak Grove Methodist Church was organized in October, 1871. The building was constructed from wood cut from the building site, which was donated by the late Levi Jolly. The church, situated on a knoll and surrounded by oak trees was given the name Oak Grove by one of its charter members, Mrs. Hayne Dodd. The first trustees were G.A. Fink, R.H. Dodd, William Brandon, J.C. Dodd and R.F. Jolly, Sr.

The church was first on the VanWert Circuit, which included some churches in Polk County, one of them being the Rockmart Church. In December 1887, Oak Grove was transferred to the Kingston Charge and so has remained. The other churches on the charge at the present time are Barnsley and Kingston. The Kingston Charge was in the Dalton District until July, 1962, when it was transferred to the Rome District.

The first pastor was the Rev. Joseph Carr. Several prominent ministers served the church in the early days. Oak Grove was the first pastorate of the Rev. Sam Jones. Others include the Rev. Gus Harris, father of the Rev. Pierce Harris, and the Rev. Edward Mackey.

Two members from the church have gone into the ministry. They are the Rev. Hubert Dodd and the Rev. Reynolds Groon, Sr. Both of them are retired at this writing.

The original building was completely destroyed on Marh 21, 1932 by a tornado which hit this section of Bartow County.

On the same site, and again using native material, a rock church was constructed during the summer months by members and friends in the community with the help of only one rock mason.The church was financed by contributions of the members and friends for the sum of $715.00, most of which was used for material. The furnishings were also donations. The old seats, which were left standing on the floor after the tornado, were used until one year later when new pews were bought with funds from a benefit barbecue. The altar rail is the only piece of furniture that was salvaged from the wreckage and pieced together so that it is in use today.

On September 18, 1932 the new church was dedicated. The Rev. W.A. Simmons, a former pastor, delivered the dedicatory sermon. A great crowd attended. A basket dinner was served at noon. A song service and informal talks in the afternoon concluded the program for the day. The pastor was the Rev. H.G. Garrett and the District Superintendent was the Rev. J.R. Turner. The Board of Stewards were Frank Jolly, C.W.Wade, Frank Brandon, Noel Jolly, R.L. Beardon and W.J. Fountain.

Since the new building was built, improvements have been made from time to time which include a red velvet kneeling pad, the addition of a steeple, painting the interior and exterior wood work, refinishing the floors, installing an accoustical tile ceiling, gas heat and most recently screens for windows and doors.

In the past several years additional gifts have been given to the church including hymn books and a bulletin board by the daughters of the late Mr. and Mrs. Dillard Sims. The bulletin board was erected in January 1965 and dedicated on Sunday, February 21, 1965. Dr. and Mrs. Hamilton S. Dixon gave a Hammond Spinet organ in November,1961.

Homecoming day was observed July 30, 1961. The Rev. Hubert Dodd, son of the late Sim and Irene Dodd, delivered the sermon. A large congregation was present. This was the first homecoming since the dedication of the new building in1932.

Oak Grove is one of the few Methodist churches which was established in Bartow County in the late 1800's which is still active. The present Board of Stewards and Trustees are Carl Dover, Frank Jolly, Neel Jolly, Odell Nally, E.L. Wade, Robert Jolly and C.W.Wade.

Many individuals and families by word and deed have helped to make its history. Although the membership is small, the Faith of our Fathers presents a challenge to the present and future members. In so doing Oak Grove Methodist Church will continue to advance the cause of Christ. For who can tell what will be accomplished through even a few, who are fully dedicated to Him.

Written June 6, 1965; Church Records and History Committe: Mrs. R.F. Jolly, Mrs. Ray Worthington, and Miss Adys Jolly

Submitted to quarterly by Mimi Jo Butler of Jasper Ga.

Bartow County, Georgia Residents Who Applied for Presidential Amnesty, 1865-1867 1. Akin, Warren, member of Confederate Congress

2. Barrett, Eli, rebel postmaster

3. Bates, Gustavus, taxable property over $20,000

4. Benham, Willis, taxable propertyover $20,000

5. Brooks, William W., rebel county tax assessor

6. Burge, William T., taxable property over $20,000

7. Cunyus, Daniel, taxable property over $20,000

8. Davis, Israel P., taxable property over $20,000

9. Field, Elias E., taxable property over $20,000

10. Fitten, John H., taxable property over $20,000

11. Howard, Nathan, rebel postmaster

12. Howard, Mrs. Susan J., taxable property over $20,000

13. King, Noah, taxable property over $20,000

14. Lewis, John Wm., member of Confederate Congress/taxableproperty over $20,000

15. Milam, Riley, rebel tax assessor

16. Milner, A.J., rebel tax collector

17. Milner, James, rebel commissioner of claims

18. Milner, Wm., taxable property over $20,000

19. Morrison, Albert Franklin, rebel deputy postmaster

20. Rowland, Mrs. Frances M. taxable property over $20,000

21. Rowland, John L., taxable property over $20,000

22. Rowland, William L., taxable property over $20,000

23. Sproull, James C., taxable property over $20,000

24. Trammell, Caswell, proceedings instituted because of confiscation of land

25. Trimble, Augustus, taxable property over $20,000

26. Tumlin, Lewis, taxable property over $20,000

27. Wikle, John L., rebel postmaster

28. Wofford, William T., rebel brigadier general

29. Young, Pierce M.B., graduate of West Point/rebel brigadier general

30. Young, Robert M., taxable property over $20,000

Newspaper Abstracts:

Cassville Standard, Feb. 9, 1854

Prohibition Meeting in Cass Tuesday: Doct. W.J. Benham. Col. Z. Edwards, J.R. Parrott, Col. W. Akin, John H. Rice, Rev. R.A. Milner, J.J. Howard. Rev. A.W. Buford. E. L. Hamilton, Rev. J.W. Givens, Rev. C.A. Crowell. Prohibition meeting resolved to support George W. Tumlin for senator and Joseph Bogle and Elisha King as representatives

The prohibition meeting selected the following delegates: John H. Rice, E.L. Hamilton, Benjamin Brantley, G.W. Tumlin, W.H. Felton, Joel Foster, J.J. Howard, I.W. Givins, W.J. Benham, Elisha King, M.J. Murphy, R.H. Jones, D.M. Hood, John Greenwood, Alexander Todd, John W. Hooper, A.W. Buford, John A. Terrell, Wm. Bradley, W.V. Wester, A.C. Trimble, R.A Milner, J.R Towers

July 3, 1913, Cartersville News Mrs. Mattie Brawner Dies At The Home Of Her Mother In City Mrs. Mattie Brawner died at the home of her mother, Mrs. Fannie Wells on Wells Street, Wednesday night of last week. The cause of her death was tuberculosis from which she was a constant sufferer for many months. She was about 35 years old. She was a member of the East Side Baptist Church, and was a good consistent Christian and had many noble and admirable traits of character. Her little daughter preceded her in death about two weeks ago. She had been married twice, the first to a Mr. Cook and the last time to Mr. D.H. Brawner, who survives her. The funeral services were conducted last Thursday afternoon at four o'clock at the residence of Mrs. Wells and interment was at Oak Hill cemetery. Rev. George Brown officiated.

July 10, 1913; Doctor Rhodes Dead Dr. M.M. Rhodes died at his home near Taylorsville a few days ago. He had been in bad health for a number of years and for some time had been deprived of his sight. Dr. Rhodes was a prominent physician of the county and had many friends who regret his death.

Obituaries:

Mrs. Mary Nichols Mrs. Mary Rebecca Nichols, 94, of 102 E. Eighth St., died Thursday at 11:05 p.m .at the residence following an extended illness. Mrs. Nichols was born inBartow County Sept. 11, 1874, daughter of the late Marion and Ann Dodd Martin. She had been a resident of Rome and Floyd County most of her life and was a member of the Second Avenue United Methodist Church. Survivors include two sons, Roy and Sproull Nichols, both of Rome; four daughters, Mrs. Horace Litton of Lindale, Mrs. Lloyd Barton and Mrs. Lorene Luckett, both of Rome, and Mrs. Jim Dodd of Cedartown; two brothers, Dewitt Martin of Rome and Allen Martin of Kingston; a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 in Spring Creek Baptist Church with the Revs. Jack Nelson, Hoyt Coker and Paul Willis officiating. Interment will be in Spring Creek Cemetery. The body will lie in state at the residence until 2 p.m. Saturday when it will be taken to the church to lie in state from 2:30 p.m. until the funeral hour. Pallbearers include Carl and Michael Nichols, Harvey Litton, Jimmy Dodd, James Luckett and Larry Barton. Rome News-Tribune, Friday, June 27, 1969 Mr. Jeff Dodd, aged ninety years, died at Adairsville Saturday. He was among the oldest residents of the county. Columbus Daily Enquirer, Sun. Nov. 10, 1885, page 2

COURT RECORDS:

Court of Ordinary, May (2nd) Term, 1853 Page 1 It appearing to the Court that Sarah Ann M. Earp (over 14) minor heir of Cannon Earp, deceased, having selected Gray Earp as her Guardian, ordered that said Gary Earp, be and he is hereby appointed Guardian, for the aforesaid Sarah Ann M. Earp, and that Letters of Guardianship do issue to said Gray Earp upon his giving bond in the sum of Five hundred dollars and taking the usual oath prescribed by the Statute. T.A. Word, Ordinary

Page 2 The application of John A. Upshaw for Letters of Guardianship for the person and property of Louisiana T. McMullin, orphan of Sinclair McMullin, deceased, having been published agreeably [sic] to law, and no objection having been filed, it is therefore ordered that Letters of Guardianship do issue to said John A. Upshaw, upon his giving Bond in the sum of Four Thousand dollars, (with George W. Stubbs as security) and taking the usual oath. Thomas A. Word, Ordinary

The application of Baylis W. Lewis, to be appointed Guardian for Martha Ann A. Roberts orphan of E.W. Roberts, deceased, having been published as required by law, and no objection having been filed to said application, It is therefore ordered that Baylis W. Lewis, be and he is hereby appointed Guardian to said Lewis, upon his giving Bond with Ezekiel Graham as security in the sum of Sixteen hundred dollars, and taking the usual oath required by the Statute in such cases made and provided. This A. Word, Ordinary

The application of William T. Barton to appoint Guardian for Lewis J. Davis, and Hulda J. Davis minor heirs of William E. Davis, decd, having been published according to law and no objection been filed, It is ordered by the Court that William T. Barton, be and he is hereby appointed Guardian for the above mentioned orphans, by his giving Bond in the sum of Twelve hundred dollars, and taking the usual oath prescribed by the Statute, Thos A. Word, Ordinary