The Butler Herald Thursday, October 17, 1918 Page Seven Another Taylor County Boy Writes From France Somewhere in France September 16, 1918 Editor Butler Herald Butler, Ga. Dear sir: Having a little spare time I thought I would take the liberty of dropping you a few lines to let my friends know, through you, how I am getting along on this side. My first glimpse of the ocean impressed me very much. The trip across was very pleasant - with the exception of two days of rather bad weather. Quite a few of the boys, myself included, had a little touch of seasickness but thank goodness it was all over in a surprisingly short time. We landed in some part of England and then we boarded a train for a rest camp. Everything here was different from our dear U.S. The train coaches were divided into compartment a squad was assigned to each compartment. We then passed thru some of the most beautiful countries of England. What struck us as a very funny scene was the girls working here and there. You have probably heard of them "Woman's Land Army." Also saw my first game of cricket while enroute to rest camp. Well, we finally arrived so to say rested a few days, and then prepared for the great event. We were to parade before the king and queen in London and can bet every one of us were on our best, for our regiment was the first fighting unit to have this honor. The people sure did welcome us and the way they treated the "Sammies" sure did win our hearts. But our days of enjoyment were limited. Soon we were crossing the English channel bound for somewhere in France. Well, there is not much to tell. You know what we are all doing over here. We are having our baptism of fire and are still smiling, perhaps here and there are faces missing but we only fight all the harder for that. The Boche first misread our smiles but he is now well acquainted with the "Sammies" fighting grin. We have our tour of front line trenches, the support and back to the village to rest and bath and get rid of a few or more troublesome shirt turtles. I and all the boys are in the best of health and certainly hope all my friends back home are enjoying the best of everything. Its get a little lonesome here in this "parley land" when I think of my wife and baby back yonder in Georgia, but still I am glad to be over here doing my duty and if by God's will I come back and my baby asks me,"daddy what did you do in the great war?" I can answer her unshamed. Regards to all my friends, with the hope of seeing them soon, I am Respectfully, Private A.T. Aultman 3rd Bn. 325 Draft, A.E.F.

The Butler Herald Thursday, September 26, 1918 Page Seven Letters From Taylor County Boys Fighting For Their Country In France Camp Johnson, Fla. September 12, 1918 Dear Mother and Everybody: How are you, fine I hope. I am o.k. Mother I will not be able to see you all before leaving for France, so I will have to say good-bye to you for a while in this letter. I have a detail of men out this morning loading our supplies in the cars. We will leave here tomorrow or tomorrow night, I don't know just the time but we are under orders to be ready at any moment. I think we sail from Hoboken, N.Y. Tell the children howdy for me and give them my love and best wishes, tell them their brother goes to France as a first class sergeant, next to a commissioned officer. I have direct charge of nine touring cars, one truck, a motocycle, one-third of a train and it is a lots of responsibility but I feel good over my promotion and am going to try to make good in everything. Get grandpa to tell you what the top sergeant was in the civil war. I get $51.00 per month and will get a 20 percent increase "over there." Now, aren't you proud of your soldier boy, Mamma? You can tell grandmother Adams that I am leaving, I will write her a card if I have time. I am working hard now. Its some work getting a company of men fitted for "overseas" service. Tell grandpa I guess that I will get enough of shooting pistols now for I have a 45 automatic and a belt of cartridges. A complete outfit for the field, I carry no rifle although I handle one well. The pistol is my own weapon unless I get something else "over there." I stood the gas test fine. I took off my mask in a house filled with gas and merely burned my nose a little and made me cry. A mask protects you entirely, they are great things. My girl has made the best sweater and put my initials in it, and also sent me a box of cigarettes. I will have to close and let the boys eat some "grub." Give my love to my grandparents and the children and tell them all good-bye for me. I will come home some day. With love from your son, Sergeant Lewis M. Adams

The Butler Herald Thursday, September 26, 1918 Page One - continued on Page Seven Letters From Taylor County Boys Fighting For Their Country In France Mr. J.J. Shealy, son of Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Shealy, who is with the Colors, is at Liverpool, England. The accompanying letter from him has just been received by homefolks. Liverpool, England August 21, 1918 Dear Papa and Mamma: I received two letters from you this morning and was so glad to hear from you and to know that you are both well. I am glad you are receiving my letters, I am getting yours promptly now. I get one or two every week and I want you to continue writing to me for I appreciate hearing from home, I write home about twice a week to let you hear from me and to let you know that I haven't forgotten you. I would like to have seen uncle Dan and aunt Berta and also aunt Lula, when she comes tell her to write to me for I have written to her nearly every week but haven't received a letter from her yet. I am glad that Morgan landed safe, also did Mack Mathews, I would like to see them, but don't expect that I will. I am going to try to see Thea when he comes but it is a hard job to find anyone that you know as there are so many at the same place. I guess the peaches were fine but I have gotten use to doing without them although when you mention them it made my mouth water for them. I wish you could have had good luck with your turkeys. Papa, I am glad to know that my hogs are all right and that you are getting my allotment, you may do the best that you know how with the hogs. What is Dock doing. I would like to hear from him some time. I haven't received the Herald yet I am expecting it every day, I surely would enjoy getting one and see what the people are doing. Don't you get uneasy about me for I will take care of myself. I am doing fine now. Every since I landed I have put my life in God's hands and taken Him as my Saviour. I believe that He will send me home to you some sweet day. I would like to see you all but as I cannot I will make the best of it I can. Write to me often for I have just begun to receive your letters. I will close for this time but will write again soon. Your loving son, J.J. Shealy Co. K 325 Inft. American E.F. Belmont Pd. Miltary Hospital Liverpool, Eng. August 23, 1918 Dear Papa, I will write to you today to let you hear from me, I am getting your letters allright now. I have received four this week and am so glad to hear you, this leaves me all right and hope it will find you all well and enjoying life. I have made lots of friends over here and the boys seem like brothers to me. I have met some Scotchmen and they seem to be fine boys. I am still with the U.S. boys they are from Missouri. Well I am glad that you and mamma are getting my allotment all right. I got paid yesterday and it came in handy, of course, but I haven't been broke since I have been here. I am getting my smoking tobacco from the Y.M.C.A. now and it surely smokes as good as it is so much better than any we can get here. Papa, I am glad that my hogs are getting along fine and I want you to take care of everything for me. Tell Aunt Lula to write to me for I would like to hear from her. I have written her often but have not heard from yet. Tell the children to write. I hope Ethel will go to Aunt Mamie's, I would like to hear from her. I have written to most all my relatives but haven't heard from any except you at home, haven't even heard from my girl, but of course, would like to hear from her. I am praying for all of you every day and am trying to live a life that will bring me back to you, so don't feel uneasy about me for I will do the best I can and will take care of myself. I am glad that you have a good crop and wish that you could have had part of the rain that we have been having, but it is getting dry over here now. Well, I will close, give my love to all and write soon. Affectionately yours, J.J. Shealy

I'm so happy that Carla is transcribing these WW I letters.... please... if you know anything at all about these men, write to Carla or I, so we can collect as much information about them as possible. We have a listing of those who served from WWI.. http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/ga/taylor/military/ww1/taylormen.txt We should go ahead and add their parents, wifes, burials....so take a look and help me out. Some of the men writing letters aren't listed: Walter Hill (for instance) There is a Chester, Houston, Leonard M. I can't find any of them on the Ancestry Draft Card site...so it must not be complete either.... unless I'm just not doing it correctly. Please....help us out! Virginia

This message posted by Daniel McCance May 2003 on Genforum-gives too much information-on this family-not to share again-- TAYLOR COUNTY GA MARRIAGES 1852 - 1924 Bateman, John married McCants, Mary 14 May 1857 Cameron, J(ames) C. married McCants, Clara 30 Jan 1907 Foy, C(oley) W. married McCants, Lela J. 2 Nov 1897 Fuller, W.H.? married McCants, A(delaide) R. 15 May 1866 Halley, James M. married McCants, G(iffie) G. 5 Nov 1868 Jarrell, (Albert) Thomas married Mary McCants 7 Jan 1872 Jarrell, A(lbert) H(ardy) married McCants, Willie 3 Dec 1908 Jarrell, F(elin) R(ucker) married McCants, Kate 5 May 1909 Jarrell, F(loyd) C(annon) married McCants, Mary 28 Aug 1904 Jarrell, Hinton (W.) married McCants, Monie 25 Sep 1904 McCants, B.J. married McCants, Lenora 7 Nov 1871 McCants, J(eff) G(eorge) married Murray, J(oanna) J(ulia) 17 Dec 1872 McCants, J(onathan) J(ack) married McCants, Jennie 23 Dec 1869 McCants, J.A. married Edwards, Nellie R. 1 Oct 1867 McCants, Jefferson G. married Hays, Virginia H. 7 Sep 1869 McCants, Jerry J. married Windham, Kate 27 Jun 1908 McCants, John A.W. married Bateman, Martha A. 7 Dec 1852 McCants, John C. married Brooks, Bessie 28 Dec 1898 McCants, K(enon) B(artley) married Gardner, A(lice) E. 12 Oct 1873 McCants, Morgan married Booth, Leila B. 10 Jun 1923 McCants, Otis Gordon married Malan, Susie Bell 18 Aug 1915 McCants, R(entz) E. married Anthony, Mattie A. 14 Mar 1909 McCants, R.E. married Foy, Frances V. 31 Aug 1905 McCrary, Bartley married McCants, Sarah 7 Dec 1854 Peed, J. R(obert) married McCants, Virginia 2 Oct 1887 Perry, Mark Allen married McCants, Nancy 10 May 1874 Peterman, C(harlton) J. married McCants, Lva 7 Aug 1900 Smith, Zachariah married McCants, Sarah 26 Sep 1867 Stokes, J(ames) G. married McCants, Clifford G. 30 Dec 1888 Windham, J(ames) F(rancis) married McCants, Monnie 20 Nov 1917 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- 1860 Census of Taylor County, GA 8 450 433 MCCANTS John W. 26 M Miller 100 500 Ga 2 442 425 MCCANTS Joseph B. 22 M Farmer 2,400 Ga 25 454 437 MCCANTS Jeremiah C. 51 M Farmer 18,00 0 18,160 SC 26 454 437 MCCANTS Nancy S. 20 F Domestic Ga 27 454 437 MCCANTS Jeremiah A. 22 M Farmer Ga 28 454 437 MCCANTS Adlade R. 18 F Domestic Ga X 29 454 437 MCCANTS George J. 16 M Farmer Ga X 30 454 437 MCCANTS Jonathan J. 14 M Ga X 31 454 437 MCCANTS Georgia G. 12 F Ga X 32 454 437 MCCANTS Kinion B. 10 M Ga X 33 454 437 MCCANTS Martha M. 8 F Ga X 10 459 442 MCCANTS Andrew J. 48 M Farmer 6,400 24,175 SC REMARKS: Widower 11 459 442 MCCANTS John J. B. 15 M Farmer Ga X 12 459 442 MCCANTS Bartley J. 12 M Ga X 13 459 442 MCCANTS Henry G. R. 10 M Ga X 14 459 442 MCCANTS Sarah J. E. 8 F Ga Descendants of John J. McCants Generation No. 1 1. JOHN J.6 MCCANTS (JOHN5, DAVID4, ANDREW III3 CANT, ANDREW II2, ANDREW I1) was born 1750, and died 1813. He married SARAH BLACK Abt. 1778 in Of Tarfield, , , South Carolina. She was born February 28, 1765 in Ireland, and died 1858. Notes for SARAH BLACK: Sarah and her sons moved from S.C. to Bibb Co. Georgia in 1820, to Crawford Co. in 1830. They moved to Talbot in 1850, which becam Taylor in 1952. Children of JOHN MCCANTS and SARAH BLACK are: i. ALEXANDER7 MCCANTS. ii. GEORGE B MCCANTS. 2. iii. SAMUEL MCCANTS, b. 1779. 3. iv. JEREMIAH CREALMAN MCCANTS, b. July 8, 1808, Tarfield, , , South Carolina; d. August 10, 1866. 4. v. ANDREW J. MCCANTS, b. 1811; d. 1857. Generation No. 2 2. SAMUEL7 MCCANTS (JOHN J.6, JOHN5, DAVID4, ANDREW III3 CANT, ANDREW II2, ANDREW I1) was born 1779. He married ELIZ. Notes for SAMUEL MCCANTS: 5 children Child of SAMUEL MCCANTS and ELIZ is: 5. i. CYNTHIA8 MCCANTS, b. Abt. 1800, South Carolina. 3. JEREMIAH CREALMAN7 MCCANTS (JOHN J.6, JOHN5, DAVID4, ANDREW III3 CANT, ANDREW II2, ANDREW I1) was born July 8, 1808 in Tarfield, , , South Carolina, and died August 10, 1866. He married TABITHA MCCRARY Abt. 1843 in Of, , Talbot, Georgia. She was born November 10, 1816, and died May 12, 1854. Children of JEREMIAH MCCANTS and TABITHA MCCRARY are: i. JOHN W8 MCCANTS, b. October 25, 1833, Butler, Taylor, Georgia; d. 1861; m. MARTHA A BATEMAN, December 7, 1852, , Taylor, Georgia; b. 1835. 6. ii. JEREMIAH ANDREW MCCANTS, b. April 28, 1836, , Talbot, Georgia. iii. SARAH ALICE MCCANTS, b. December 15, 1838, , Talbot, Georgia; d. December 19, 1884; m. BARTLEY MCCRARY, December 7, 1854, , Taylor, Georgia; d. 1928. iv. NANCY L MCCANTS, b. April 3, 1840, , Talbot, Georgia; m. MARK ALLEN PERRY, May 10, 1874, , Taylor, Georgia. v. ADALAIDE R MCCANTS, b. April 22, 1842, , Talbot, Georgia; d. January 14, 1929; m. WILLIAM ZACHARIAH FULLER, May 15, 1866, , Taylor, Georgia; d. April 26, 1923. 7. vi. JEFFERSON GEORGE POPE MCCANTS, b. February 29, 1844, , Talbot, Georgia; d. January 10, 1913. 8. vii. JONATHAN JACKSON MCCANTS, b. October 5, 1845, , Talbot, Georgia; d. March 11, 1920. 9. viii. KENION BARTLEY N. F. MCCANTS, b. December 2, 1849, , Talbot, Georgia; d. August 3, 1893. ix. GEORGIA JEFFIE MCCANTS, b. April 10, 1851, , Talbot, Georgia; d. March 29, 1936. x. ALBERTUS U MCCANTS, b. September 8, 1853, Butler, Taylor, Georgia; d. December 25, 1855. 4. ANDREW J.7 MCCANTS (JOHN J.6, JOHN5, DAVID4, ANDREW III3 CANT, ANDREW II2, ANDREW I1) was born 1811, and died 1857. He married ELIZABETH MCCRARY January 14, 1844 in , Talbot, Georgia. She was born 1814. Children of ANDREW MCCANTS and ELIZABETH MCCRARY are: i. ANDREW8 MCCANTS, b. 1847, , Talbot, Georgia; d. 1850. ii. BARTLEY J MCCANTS, b. 1848, , Talbot, Georgia; d. 1870. iii. THOMAS HENRY MCCANTS, b. July 14, 1850, , Talbot, Georgia; d. July 16, 1876. 10. iv. SARAH JANE JENNIE MCCANTS, b. November 6, 1851; d. July 11, 1925. Generation No. 3 5. CYNTHIA8 MCCANTS (SAMUEL7, JOHN J.6, JOHN5, DAVID4, ANDREW III3 CANT, ANDREW II2, ANDREW I1) was born Abt. 1800 in South Carolina. She married ELIAS FISH Abt. 1820 in South Carolina. He was born Abt. 1800 in New York, and died Abt. 1855 in TX. Child of CYNTHIA MCCANTS and ELIAS FISH is: i. JASON SAMUEL9 FISH, b. August 23, 1826, Fairfield District , S.C; m. ANN ELIZA GOINGS, January 20, 1848. Notes for JASON SAMUEL FISH: From Goodspeed's "Biographical & Historical Memoirs of Southern Arkansas, published 1890: JASON SAMUEL FISH: Father of Eveline Elizabeth Watson (Fish) Thomasson Biography: "Janson (Jason) S. Fish is one of Lincoln County's leading citizens, and was born in Fairfield District , S.C., on August 23, 1826, being the son of Elias and Cynthia (McKance) Fish, natives of New York and South Carolina, respectively. The father came from the state of Connecticut, setting in South Carolina, and after his marriage moved first to Georgia, and later to Alabama, then to Mississippi, back to Georgia, and finally to Texas, about 1855, where he died. Janson spent his school days in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, and when 21 years old, commenced farming for himself. He located in Arkansas in 1856, on the farm where he now resides. He entered 160 acres of land, and after clearing it thoroughly, began a system of improvement and cultivation that does great credit to his superior judgement. He has served several terms as Justice of the Peace. During the late war he served in the Confederate army, and was dismissed at Marshall, Tex, May 5, 1865, after engaging in many of the chief battles and undergoing the hardships and deprivations necessary to a soldier's life. January 20, 1848, he married Miss Ann Eliza Goings, daughter of Drew and Elizabeth Goings, and of this union were born eleven children, nine of whom are still living: Eveline E., Charles A., John W., Samuel J., Eugene A., H.M., Mary J., Mattie Ann and Joseph E. Seven of the family belong to the Missionary Baptist Church, of which the father is a decon. One of the boys, J.W. is a Baptist preacher 6. JEREMIAH ANDREW8 MCCANTS (JEREMIAH CREALMAN7, JOHN J.6, JOHN5, DAVID4, ANDREW III3 CANT, ANDREW II2, ANDREW I1) was born April 28, 1836 in , Talbot, Georgia. He married NELLIE CLAY MARTHA REBECCA EDWARDS October 1, 1867 in , Taylor, Georgia. She was born 1840. Children of JEREMIAH MCCANTS and NELLIE EDWARDS are: i. WALTER9 MCCANTS, b. 1869, , Taylor, Georgia. ii. CLARA RANDOLPH MCCANTS, b. June 22, 1871, , Talbot, Georgia; d. October 1, 1943. iii. JOHN JEREMIAH MCCANTS, b. December 27, 1874, , Navarro, Texas; d. August 3, 1892. iv. OSCAR JACKSON MCCANTS, b. December 27, 1875, , Navarro, Texas; d. May 9, 1941. v. GEORGE EDWARDS OR ED MCCANTS, b. November 8, 1877, , Navarro, Texas; d. November 23, 1976. vi. FRANCES LEONORA MCCANTS, b. February 13, 1883, , Franklin, Arkansas; d. October 26, 1975. 7. JEFFERSON GEORGE POPE8 MCCANTS (JEREMIAH CREALMAN7, JOHN J.6, JOHN5, DAVID4, ANDREW III3 CANT, ANDREW II2, ANDREW I1) was born February 29, 1844 in , Talbot, Georgia, and died January 10, 1913. He married (1) VIRGINIA JENNIE H HAYES September 7, 1869 in , Taylor, Georgia. She was born December 17, 1847. He married (2) JOANNA JULIA MURRAY December 17, 1872 in , Taylor, Georgia. She was born April 12, 1847 in <, Taylor, Georgia>, and died June 17, 1932. Child of JEFFERSON MCCANTS and VIRGINIA HAYES is: i. VIRGINIA9 MCCANTS, b. 1870, Butler, Taylor, Georgia. Children of JEFFERSON MCCANTS and JOANNA MURRAY are: 11. ii. JOHN C9 MCCANTS, b. November 9, 1876, Butler, Taylor, Georgia; d. March 25, 1917. iii. JULIA C MCCANTS, b. March 29, 1879, Butler, Taylor, Georgia; d. October 1, 1893. iv. GEORGE MCCANTS, b. December 10, 1880, Butler, Taylor, Georgia; d. March 21, 1900. v. MONTIE JOE MCCANTS, b. May 29, 1885, Butler, Taylor, Georgia; d. January 10, 1972. vi. WILLIE F MCCANTS, b. October 7, 1889, Butler, Taylor, Georgia; d. September 17, 1978; m. ALBERT HARDY JARRELL, December 3, 1908, , Taylor, Georgia; b. January 6, 1885, , Taylor, Georgia; d. October 26, 1967, , Taylor, Georgia. 8. JONATHAN JACKSON8 MCCANTS (JEREMIAH CREALMAN7, JOHN J.6, JOHN5, DAVID4, ANDREW III3 CANT, ANDREW II2, ANDREW I1) was born October 5, 1845 in , Talbot, Georgia, and died March 11, 1920. He married SARAH JANE JENNIE MCCANTS December 23, 1969 in , Taylor, Georgia, daughter of ANDREW MCCANTS and ELIZABETH MCCRARY. She was born November 6, 1851, and died July 11, 1925. Children of JONATHAN MCCANTS and SARAH MCCANTS are: i. CLIFFORD9 MCCANTS, b. September 9, 1870, Butler, Taylor, Georgia; d. November 8, 1959. ii. BESSIE MCCANTS, b. January 8, 1873, Butler, Taylor, Georgia; d. March 20, 1904. iii. CLARA MCCANTS, b. September 25, 1877, Butler, Taylor, Georgia; d. May 26, 1967. 12. iv. JESSIE JACKSON MCCANTS, b. March 22, 1881, Butler, Taylor, Georgia; d. July 10, 1924. v. KATE MCCANTS, b. December 21, 1885, Butler, Taylor, Georgia; d. November 25, 1952. vi. MURRAY MCCANTS, b. September 10, 1888, Butler, Taylor, Georgia; d. June 26, 1920. vii. JONATHAN MORGAN MCCANTS, b. July 2, 1889, Butler, Taylor, Georgia; d. April 28, 1950. viii. OTIS GORDON MCCANTS, b. December 10, 1891, Butler, Taylor, Georgia; d. November 25, 1952. 9. KENION BARTLEY N. F.8 MCCANTS (JEREMIAH CREALMAN7, JOHN J.6, JOHN5, DAVID4, ANDREW III3 CANT, ANDREW II2, ANDREW I1) was born December 2, 1849 in , Talbot, Georgia, and died August 3, 1893. He married ALICE E GARDNER October 12, 1873 in , Taylor, Georgia. She was born April 10, 1851. Children of KENION MCCANTS and ALICE GARDNER are: i. RENTZ EDWARD9 MCCANTS, b. September 25, 1877, Butler, Taylor, Georgia; d. July 16, 1949. ii. IVA MCCANTS, b. March 1882, Butler, Taylor, Georgia. iii. HUGH G MCCANTS, b. January 1880, Butler, Taylor, Georgia; d. 1957. iv. LEILA JANE MCCANTS, b. September 6, 1874, Butler, Taylor, Georgia; d. May 3, 1961. 10. SARAH JANE JENNIE8 MCCANTS (ANDREW J.7, JOHN J.6, JOHN5, DAVID4, ANDREW III3 CANT, ANDREW II2, ANDREW I1) was born November 6, 1851, and died July 11, 1925. She married JONATHAN JACKSON MCCANTS December 23, 1969 in , Taylor, Georgia, son of JEREMIAH MCCANTS and TABITHA MCCRARY. He was born October 5, 1845 in , Talbot, Georgia, and died March 11, 1920. Generation No. 4 11. JOHN C9 MCCANTS (JEFFERSON GEORGE POPE8, JEREMIAH CREALMAN7, JOHN J.6, JOHN5, DAVID4, ANDREW III3 CANT, ANDREW II2, ANDREW I1) was born November 9, 1876 in Butler, Taylor, Georgia, and died March 25, 1917. He married ELIZABETH BROOKS December 28, 1898 in , Taylor, Georgia. She was born in <, Taylor, Georgia>, and died March 16, 1966. Child of JOHN MCCANTS and ELIZABETH BROOKS is: i. JULIAN WYATT10 MCCANTS, b. December 16, 1914, , Taylor, Georgia; d. October 5, 1963. 12. JESSIE JACKSON9 MCCANTS (JONATHAN JACKSON8, JEREMIAH CREALMAN7, JOHN J.6, JOHN5, DAVID4, ANDREW III3 CANT, ANDREW II2, ANDREW I1) was born March 22, 1881 in Butler, Taylor, Georgia, and died July 10, 1924. He married KATE WINDHAM June 27, 1908 in , Taylor, Georgia. She was born July 22, 1886. Child of JESSIE MCCANTS and KATE WINDHAM is: i. JESSE10 MCCANTS, b. July 15, 1909, Butler, Taylor, Georgia; d. July 17, 1909. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- Crawford County Georgia Marriages L-M 1823-1960 McCANTS, Alexander K. + BROOKS, Elizabeth W. 02-07-1828 McCANTS, Henry + WEAVER, Viola 06-11-1927 McCANTS, Samuel + WALKER, Susan 01-15-1880 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ UPSON COUNTY, GA - NEWSPAPERS 1858 Delegates to the Gubernatorial Convention: Wm.J.F. Mitchell, L.Q.C. McCrary, Elijah M. Hicks, Jeremiah Wilchar, C.F. Fickling, D.O. Smith, James Griffith, Y.H. Caldwell, Andrew McCants, Willis Jinks and W.W. Corbitt The Democrats of Taylor have nominated Wm S. Wallace for Senator and J.C. McCants for Representative. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ Crawford County Georgia Marriages C-D 1823-1960 COLBERT, Erlie + McCANTS, Mary Eliza 04-14-1946 COLBERT, Tom + McCANTS, Frances 10-03-1945 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- 1850 Census of HARRIS COUNTY GEORGIA 412 441 Samuel McCANTS 37 M W farmer 1800 SC Mary 35 F W SC John A. 12 M W GA Jason S. 8 M W GA Sarah F. 6 F W GA Mary E. 4 F W GA William 1m M W GA 1850 Census of HARRIS COUNTY GEORGIA 413 442 Lovey KING 40 F B GA Surray 19 M B farmer GA Evaline 16 F B GA Antonette 15 F B GA Henderson 9 M B GA Amanda 6 F B GA Jane 4 F B GA Dick 1m M B GA 1850 Census of HARRIS COUNTY GEORGIA 414 443 Robert McCANTS 35 M W farmer 500 SC Mary A. 28 F W GA Adaline 10 F W GA James 9 M W GA Albert 6 M W GA Chany KING 14 F B GA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- 1870 Federal Census Taylor County, Georgia (Index McCants Amanda 22 Georgia 309A pg0305b.txt Butler District McCants Amy 12 Georgia 323B pg0320b.txt Butler District McCants Bartley 20 Georgia 323B pg0320b.txt Butler District McCants Bella 3 Georgia 309A pg0305b.txt Butler District McCants Ben Georgia 309A pg0305b.txt Butler District McCants Benjamin 25 Georgia 288B pg0285b.txt Reynolds Dist G.M. McCants George 25 Georgia 323B pg0320b.txt Butler District McCants Harriet 23 Georgia 309A pg0305b.txt Butler District McCants Henry 19 Georgia 309B pg0305b.txt Butler District McCants James 26 Georgia 309A pg0305b.txt Butler District McCants Lenora 18 Georgia 323B pg0320b.txt Butler District McCants Margret 52 Georgia 307B pg0305b.txt Butler District McCants Mary 24 Georgia 307B pg0305b.txt Butler District McCants Ona 4/12 Georgia 309A pg0305b.txt Butler District McCants Peter 35 Georgia 309A pg0305b.txt Butler District McCants Virginia 22 Georgia 323B pg0320b.txt Butler District McCants Wash 12 Ga 353A pg0351b.txt Cedar Creek Dist GM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- Taylor County Courthouse Inferior Court Minutes Abstracted from Court Minutes Book in Probate Judge's Office, Butler Courthouse Page 297 Oct 5, 1868 R.B. McCants and L.L. McCants, orphans, minors of J.C. McCants deceased, without a Guardian. We are over the age of 14. Appointment of K.G. McCants, our brother. He is asked to come forward and present Bond.

How does Morgan fit into the Taylor Co. McCant's? I have two Jonathan's on my data base-and he is neither... Jonathan "Jonny" born 9 Nov 1876 Butler, Taylor, Ga died 25 Maar 1917- child of George Jefferson Polk McCants 1844-1913 and Joanna Julia Murray 1847-1932 Grandparents Jeremiah C J McCants & Tabitha A McCrary John S C Murray & Julianne Royal Great- Jeremiah C McCants and Sara Black (She is my ancestor by another marriage to Hamilton) William McCrary & Mary McCrary Stephen Murray & Mary White Asa Royay & Nancy The other Jonathan is Jonathan Jackson 5 Oct 1845 Talbot -11 Mar 1920 married Sarah Jane McCants He is the son of Jeremiah Crealman"Jerry" McCants 1808-1866 and Tabitha Adalade McCrary 1816-1854 Taylor Grandson of Jeremiah C & Sara Black She is the dtr of Andrew McCants of Talbot-Taylor 1857- and Elizabeth McCrary 1831 Grandtr of John McCants-another husband of Sara Black- and John McCrary Ms. Gerry Hill-Albany Ga.

Hi List, The following two letters were written by Ralph Heath to his parents. Please post to the list if you have any details about Ralph. Thanks, Carla Miles The Butler Herald Thursday, August 22, 1918 Page One Letters From The Boys "Over There" From Ralph Heath On Active Service with the American Expeditionary Force July 26th, 1918 My dear Mother and Father: I have received and enjoyed several letters from you since I wrote last. I am so glad to know you have heard from me. Well, we have at last gotten in the war game. We spent last week in the trenches. We are out now for rest. It is not as bad as it has been pictured, or not now in the summer. I received a letter from Frances last week. I think I get all of your letters, but they are a long time reaching me. I must get them some better than you do mine, however, for I have written about every week since May 15th. They are short and a very poor letter, but lets you know I am well. That is about all we are allowed to tell. I never see anyone I know for we are camped in small groups. I did see Frank Slaughter for a few minutes several weeks ago. Don't worry about me, I am getting along fine so far. Tell Herman and the other boys who are coming over here not to worry for it does no good and any way there is some pleasure of the soldier life if he looks for it. With much love for each of you. Affectionately your son, Ralph Heath ------------------------------ July 28th, 1918 My dear Mother and Father: Can't write much more than to tell you that I am well. I am feeling fine these days. I have at last gotten rid of the cold I had so long. I wrote you a letter Friday but as I am near the Y.M.C.A. headquarters, and as we work nights and sleep days I have time to write, for I can't sleep all day. You wrote that you heard that Frank had been captured. That must have been a mistake for I saw him about the time your letter was written. So should you ever hear such rumors as that concerning me don't ever believe them. Father, I sent you through the Y.M.C.A., on July 25th, $50.00. Use it as you see best or put it in the bank to my credit. I know Margaret had a pleasant and profitable trip to Milledgeville for I recall very well the summer school there last year. Well, I spent this week a year ago at home and with a camping party at Park's pond. I will be thinking of you at the reunion Wednesday for I haven't missed one in several years. Remember me to all the people. Wish I had time to write to them all. Hope to receive another letter from you real soon. Affectionately yours, Ralph Heath Co. C 328th, Inft. AM. E.F. A.C.F. 742

Hi List, I've already posted one letter written by Jonathan Morgan McCants and have located some additional ones. Carla Miles The Butler Herald Thursday, August 22, 1918 Page One Letters From The Boys "Over There" From Mr. J. Morgan McCants Somewhere in France July 22nd, 1918 Dear Mamma: I write to let you know I have arrived safely "Somewhere in France." I am just as well as can be and must say we had a grand trip crossing over. We enjoyed it so much better than we had expected. Did not have any trouble on sea and Mamma, we all feel like we could never get through thanking the good Lord for our safe arrival on land once more. When we landed on shore there were 50 little boys singing "Our Welcome Song," and I thought it was the sweetest and best song I ever heard. Lots of the Camp Wheeler boys came over as we did, some that we knew. The Red Cross girls and the Y.M.C.A. are so very kind to us, in fact we don't see how we could get along without them. I have never seen so many little children in one place in my life as there are here, and they are all so pretty. The French people are very kind to us. They are crazy about the American boys. I have received two letters from you since I landed and you may know what a letter from home means to us. Our letters are passed by Censor, and if anything is taken out of them you may know why. I am so glad papa is still improving. Now, you all please don't worry about me, I am getting on nicely and God is with me and I believe by His help I am coming back home some day. Give my regards to all my friends. Much love to each one of you. Your devoted son, Jonathan Morgan McCants Mech. No. 1342553, Co. C. 1st Pioneer Inft. A.E.F, France The Butler Herald Thursday, September 26, 1918 Page One Letters From Taylor County Boys Fighting For Their Country In France Private J. Morgan McCants, son of Hon. and Mrs. J.J. McCants, who is serving his country in France, writes his parents that he will have lots to tell them when he returns home, and that he would not take anything for his experience and what he has seen since leaving the states. He writes as follows. Somewhere in France Aug. 13th, 1918 My dear Mamma and Papa: I received several letters from you and other members of the family today, dated from the 8th to the 15th of July, so you see it takes them a long time to reach me, but words are unable to express the pleasure those letters gave this old boy. It is a lot of consolation for me to know you all were very well at this date, and I do hope that the Lord will spare you both for me, as I just don't feel like I could come back home knowing I would not find my mamma and papa. I am still in good health. My greatest trouble is thinking about you all too much and then a lots of things I see over here doesn't make me feel good, but I don't think we will be over here long. I only wish I could tell you all what I have seen with my own eyes but of course I can't tell till I see you and then it will take me a long, long time. Papa, I would not take anything for what I have learned since I left our dear old U.S.A. I sure have enjoyed this trip all the way, better than I ever dreamed of. I know this is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and I will always love these French people, for they certainly have been very kind to us. They are Godly people and I surely think we will win this war. Well the Pioneer boys are attached to the Engineers, so you see we are behind the firing lines. Our work is to wait on the fighting men, but we are near enough the front to hear the guns and we see a plenty but cannot tell you much, only we have the Huns on the run and I am sure we shall keep them on the go. I know that you all keep up with us in the papers as far as you can. The Germans were driven off this place where I am just a few days before we came here and as they were in a rush they left lots of things that are real interesting to us. I wish I could send some of them home. Some of the boys from the front have been bringing us lots of "war relics" and also good news. We boys are camping in barracks now and we are having nice times, as we are out of all the bad weather. We are having bad, rainy weather over here, I hope you all are getting some in the pond. Mamma, I sure do feel sorry for these poor little French children. I see just numbers of them over here the size of Clifton, Jack and Verna. Most all of them are orphans and I tell you it hurts me worse than anything I see. I give them part of my food each day and they always say "merci" their word for "thank you." Well I hope Otisis at home yet. I do hope they won't have to send any more of our boys over here. Tell Murray I think of him every day and wish I was there to help him out and eat some fish. Yes I wish I could go coon hunting but you see I am out on a hunt for Uncle Sam just now, which is much important. Say hello to Robert for me and tell him I say stay with you until I come. Tell Mr. Oscar Cox I say write me all he knows. I often think of him and Jere making that flying trip to Camp Wheeler for me and how glad I was to see dear old home once more before crossing over. How is Jay? I have tried to hear from him but guess his address has changed. Has Parker and Thea left for over-sea yet? I am sure they have. You all please worry as little as you can now and write often. Much love to all. God be with you until we meet again is my prayer. Your Loving Son, Morgan McCants

Hi List, The following letters were written by Emory Parr, who was stationed in France during WWI. His letters are rather lengthy but very interesting. If anyone has details about Emory will you please post to the list?' Thanks, Carla Miles The Butler Herald Thursday, October 17, 1918 Page One Mr. Emory F. Parr Writes Interesting Letters From France American Expeditionary Forces Q.M. Corps Detachment, U.S.A. P.O. Box 708, Nevers, France Sunday morning, August 4, 1918 My Dear Mother: The first thing I do this morning will be to write to you and father - to start the day off well. I hope you are both feeling fine and that everything at home is all right. We are having some fine weather to sleep, but last night I did not sleep (word blurred) very usually do - but I don't think I will have any trouble tonight. Mother, I went to a picture show last night at the Y.M.C.A. building and saw five reels of splendid pictures, the first I have seen, with the exception of one French picture since I left Georgia. There were quite a good many soldier boys present and we all had a good time. One of the pictures was very funny and everyone had a good laugh. The Y.M.C.A. workers are doing their bit toward keeping the boys in good spirit and are succeeding wonderfully well, because everyone you see is always ready to smile or say something that will tend to make a fellow feel good. You have never seen a better looking bunch of boys: all strong and tanned. They are indeed, a fit lot and the Kaiser will soon learn that he stirred up a "hornet's nest" when he forced the United States to war by his inhuman treatment of innocent neutrals. Indeed, even now, he is beginning to "see things" and he isn't dreaming either; but I am inclined to think that before many weeks have passed, it will be like Sam Jones' ghost story - "he hasn't seen anything to compare with what he's going to see!" Mr. Lawson says that he is planning to be a regular farmer when he gets back to Georgia and I have about decided that there will be two farmers, for I think I will do likewise. Don't you think it would be very nice if I could be there on the farm and have everything moving along nicely? I will be there sometime soon, and we are going to have a good time together. When you fry a nice fat chicken just think of me, you know how I like chicken. I am sorry that it is necessary to limit the amount of sugar, flour, etc., in American now, but, in reality, Mother it is a good thing for America. People over there had been living entirely too fast and having everything their way. Now, they will be forced to realize that there is something else to life, other than a good time and satisfying their selfish wants - not needs. We, as a nation had begun to grow selfish, perhaps superficially, but it was there and if long continued would have had a bad effect. But now, it is wonderful how our people, individually and collectively, have responded to the call of Democracy and are offering everything they have to aid in crushing the common enemy. We soldiers know what it means to be an American - under the Stars and Stripes. The people on this side of the Atlantic (with the exception of the Hun, of course) look upon the American almost as a super-man and America as next to paradise itself; and Mother, they aren't far wrong. Our allies, too, are wonderful people and this we know. How is the crop? We have had some fine rains here and everything is looking prosperous; trust the drought has broken there and that the corn and cotton will be as good as usual. I think Earnest is a pretty good worker and hope it will not be necessary for him to go to the war and leave you, Father and aunt Matt there alone. Write often to me and tell me all the news from around home. I am thinking of you and Father and will keep in close touch with you. Lots of love from Your baby, Emory ----------------------------------- Wednesday, August 7, 1918 My dear Mother, How is my mother tonight? I trust that you and Father are both well. I am as well as usual and everything with me is alright. I am tired tonight and how I can sleep when it is time to retire. We are working hard to "clean out the Kaiser" and are having pretty good success so far. The majority of the boys are out playing ball this evening and are having a fine time yelling and laughing. When they get off from duty, they are just like children playing. You should see them play, and see them on duty. They are a wonderful lot. Mother you know the Government has a rest camp in the Alps mountains and every soldier is entitled to a vacation at the expense of the Government. I am going pretty soon and stay seven days. It is a wonderful trip in the French Alps and the scenery is magnificent, so the boys say. Will write when I go, but expect to go in September - not before. Write to me often and always be sure that I love you dearly. Good night. Your baby, Emory ------------------------------------- Sunday morning, Aug. 11, 1918 My dear Mother, Good morning to you all! How are my Mother and Father this morning? I am feeling fine and everything is alright. We have a beautiful Sunday morning; pretty clear-blue sky, just cool enough to make one feel good and fit for work. I enjoyed the clippings you sent me from the Butler Herald, and was agreeably surprised to see the names of so many boys from Taylor County lined up in the "Liberty Army" against the enemy. It's fine, Mother to see them line up and I am proud that I am one of them and that I am over here. It will do the boys good too; teach them discipline, obedience and give them the power of concentration and all of these combined will make of them better men and more valuable citizens after they return to their homes. So, you see, there's truth in the almost unbelievable statement that "There is good in everything" and that "everything is for the best" as we frequently say. We should get mail from the States this morning and if so I am hoping that there will be at least two or three letters from you to me. It has been practically two weeks since I have heard from you. But, do you know Mother that if it were possible for me to return to you and home this morning, the time spent over here would seem short then. Time is passing very quickly with me (because I am busy, I presume) and I feel that before very long we will be together again. Is Father well now and does he have any trouble in walking about the place? I hope he will never be so he can't walk about and live, part of the time at least, in the open, because he loves that life so much. I am sure he will be all right if you can manage to keep him out of the hot sun; let him exercise early in the morning and late in the afternoon. And, you must be very careful about your health. There is danger of you having another attack of fever if you aren't very careful this summer. How are Earnest and Aunt Matt? By this time he should know about what crop he is going to have and I am anxious to learn if everything is doing well on the farm. In your next letter, please tell me all about the crops; ask Earnest about it and give me the news. Earnest might write me a short letter too, if he can find the time and tell me how he is getting along and what the crop prospect is. I will write a letter to Earnest and Aunt Matt just as soon as I have time. Tell me also, if he will be called to the army before he can get his crop gathered. I believe that they should let him remain there, under the circumstances, to take care of you and father, because I am not able to be there. Keep up with the news from the front Mother, and you will see something good. Mr. Lawson is well and is looking fine this morning; I have just left him. So far as I can see there is absolutely no change in him, in any respect. He sends his best regards. Let me know about the increase allotment; whether it has reached you or not. By this time, though, you should have it. Be sure that is dates back to include pay for the month of May. Love, lots of it from, Your baby, Emory ---------------------------------------- Sunday, August 18, 1918 My dear Mother: Last night was indeed, one of the most beautiful nights I have ever seen; unusually clear, blue sky, studded with a million stars and the moon shining so softly, yet so brightly down upon the world. I walked out one of the roads leading from this place, a distance of about three miles, and enjoyed myself very much. I wonder if you, too, were looking at this moon and thinking of me, because I sent you a message along to America by moonlight, telling you that I was all right and sending love. You know, Mother dear, that the world is a very small place, after all, and we are always close, even if we can't be together. We have only to close our eyes and dream, as it were, of the ones who are near and dear to us, and to remember that only a few short months more and we will be together again; it won't be long. And then you know, the boys who return to their homes will have a richer, fuller life for having shared the burdens of our neighbors across the sea - the needy. In a struggle of such magnitude as this, and for such a priceless gift - liberty - a man is very fortunate if allowed to come over and share, even in a small way, in the movement that is slowly but surely restoring that heritage to the world. It seems slow to you dear Mothers back in America who lie awake at night and wonder and pray, and to the boys who are here who are fighting, working and praying, but then, you know - "the mills of the gods grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine." And too, Mother, you know the inevitable rule is that the harder the task and greater the effort, the sweeter the reward. The news is getting better every day and I know the Censor will not mind if I say that we, the Allies - are having our way about some things and will continue to have our way until it is over. By the way, I saw from one of the clippings you sent me that Earnest has been called to camp. I hope they will allow him to remain with you, father and Aunt Matt until spring again, at least, because you need him during my absence. Write me all about it in your next letter. Will you please continue to send me clippings from time to time from the Butler Herald. I enjoy having them for it keeps me in touch with how things are going at home. Tell Father for me that I am enjoying splendid health, get an abundance of good, wholesome food, have a good place to sleep and that everything is all right. I hope that he will continue to gain in strength and that the hot weather will not affect him. I am happy too, to know that you are well and will try to stay well. Be careful, Mother, especially during this summer and do not overwork yourself, because you haven't the reserve of energy and strength you once had. Tell Mabel that I received her letter yesterday and will write to her within the next day or two. I haven't gotten Julia's letter, but suppose it will come to hand in the next mail. It is just time to go to church - eight o'clock - and the bells are ringing for all they are worth. I would go to church, but then you know I can't understand French sermons very well yet and it would not do me very much good. Perhaps before very long I will be able to speak and understand more French. From today's paper I see that the price of October cotton is slightly higher than thirty cents per pound. That sounds good to me, and I hope it will stay there; or get better along about the time to market the crop. How is the cotton at home this year? I sent you a letter Wednesday from one of the big cities in France, where I went on business for a couple of days, and hope it will reach you all right. It was a beautiful place and the change did me good, for I had been at this station since my arrival in France last year. Pretty soon I am going to try to get a leave of absence for seven or eight days in order to go to the American Rest Camp at Aix-les-Bains, in the Alps Mountains. A great many of the boys have been and they say the scenery is beautiful. Write to me often and give me the news from home. I am thinking of you daily and remember you both in my prayers. Love from Your baby, Emory

Hi List, The following letters were written by Joe Rawls, who was stationed in France, to his father, B.B. Rawls. If anyone knows more about Joe will you please post to the list? Thanks, Carla Miles The Butler Herald Thursday, August 22, 1918 Page One Letters From The Boys "Over There" Letter from Joe Rawls, who is in France, to his Father, Mr. B.B. Rawls, of Butler It will be remembered that Mr. Rawls was one of the first enlisted men from Taylor County. He is in the Rainbow division which has recently been in the heaviest of the fighting on the firing line in France. This division has won the praise and admiration of the world. It is very gratifying to Mr. Rawls' many friends to learn he has passed thus far thru the war without injury. It is to be hoped that good fortune will continue to follow him, and bring him safely home soon. France, July 1, 1918 Dear Father: Your letter as well as those from other members of the family, received a few days ago. I received a letter from Lonnie recently. He said that he had joined the navy, suppose he has been ordered to report for service by this time. I don't think he will like the navy as well as he first thought he might. How did your peaches turn out this year? There ought to have been a fine crop on the old orchard. We have been out of the trenches for several weeks this time. This division was relieved by some drafted men. We have been moving most of the time since we were relieved. We have hiked most of the time but we move on the train awhile also. We passed through several large towns; also have seen a better class of people than those up around the front. We are now camped near a French aviation field. They sure have some fine planes, too. They were not red fighting planes up there, most of them were proto places. I will close for this time, hope to hear from you real soon. Joe Rawls The Butler Herald Thursday, October 3, 1918 Page One Joe Rawls Writes Interesting Letters From Battle Field August 15, 1918 Dear Papa: It has been a long time since I have written to you all, I have been so busy for the last few weeks that I haven't had time to write. I was on the front at the time the Boch began their big offensive last month, we were shelled very heavy and lost a few men, but the Boch did not make but very little advance where we were. The next time we saw the front we saw some real fighting, but the first thing we did was to go "over the top," we went over one evening and advanced a few miles through the woods, we then came to an open field we went across the field to the house and stayed there a few hours. We passed through a very heavy artilary and machine gun barrage that day. A machine gun cut two holes through my pants, but that wasn't a close call at all to what some of the boys had. I put one German out of his trouble over at the house, it was almost dark when give Germans came out of a "dug-out" just outside the house, three of them came to one window and were trying to talk like Frenchmen the other two jumped in the next window and jumped at the guard in there, but he ran out the door. I happened to be near the door and went to see what the trouble was, but just as I reached the door I saw a big German making for me. I shot him in the stomach with my pistol, he then jumped back out of the window and went to the "dug-out" but died later. We continued our advance for several days we captured a lots of machine guns and artilary and munition and also a few Germans. I must close but will write again real soon. Fondly, Joe Sept. 10, 1918 Dear Papa: I know that you think that I am not going to write at all, but it has been so lately that a fellow could not write no matter how much he wanted to do so. I am sending you a little slip telling all that we have done since coming over here. I am as well as usual and ready for the front again. I saw Mr. Harris' brother yesterday, he had just come back from the hospital. I was promoted the other day to a corporal, but I do not like the job much, had rather have my old place back any time. I have no news so will close and write again at the next opportunity. Your son, Joe

I Just posted the Mexican War pension of Uriah Collum of Schley County. This is our first Mexican War pension for Schley Co. I have to think there must have several others. If you know of a Schley, Taylor or Marion county citizen who may have served in the Mexican War, I'd be pleased to help you determine if he filed a pension. I have an index of those who filed for pensions. I would be happy to look up any in the index. Harris

Hi List, Below are letters written by soldiers from Taylor County who were in France during WWI. Please let me know if you have any information on these individuals, such as if they survived the war, parents names, birth and death dates,etc. I would like to post these letters online with details about each soldier. I will post more letters to the list as I locate them. Thanks, Carla Miles The Butler Herald Thursday, September 5, 1918 Page Seven Letter From France Periguenx, France August 3, 1918 My dear Sister: I received your letter today, and will answer tonight. I received nine letters this morning, five of them from my fiancée, well I am mighty proud I have a girl there in the states that thinks something of me. I was sorry to know that your babies had been sick. I am in fine health, and faring fine. It is a beautiful place here, a nice town with goodshows, nice parks a nice river, and many fine old castles that were built hundreds of years ago. I am going to bake again Monday. I like baking much better. As soon as I have time I will write you out some recipes and send them to you, of course, I have been always cooking in large quantities for when I make a cake I mix it in a tub. We sometimes make biscuits, and when we do it takes 600, for we use more bread than anything else. I have just been reading a San Francisco paper, and their camp cooks are getting $150.0 a month, but I guess I am as well off in the army for I have never saved anything. We have had some bad times over here, but we have had good ones too. I could never have a better time than I am having now I work only half of my time, so when I am off a lady friend and I go swimming or boat riding, then in the evening I go to her home and she teaches me French. She is a graduate of one of the best colleges in France. She speaks English, French and German, and, of course she smokes cigarettes and drinks wine, but that is the custom in France. Most of all the people here are Catholics, but this friend is a protestant, and on Sunday we go to church, it is really the only time I have been to church since leaving home, everything is in French, but we understand very well now. I must close for this time as we are having pay-day. With love to all, Your brother, Robert Scrimshire (Note: Robert was a son of Robert Wilson Schrimshire. He was a cook with the Co. C 18th Engineers, R.Y., American E.F., France. I don't know what became of him at this point.He was a younger brother of my great-grandmother Gussie Scrimshire Adams) The Butler Herald Thursday, November 7, 1918 Page Seven Letters From Our Soldier Boys Somewhere in France October 4th, 1918 Mr. C.E. Benns Butler, Georgia Dear Friend: I received a Butler Herald last week and I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it. It was just like a letter from home. I have read it over until I have almost memorized everything it contained. I do not know who sent it to me, but you can tell them to send another one if they life. A Butler Herald in France looks to me like a Chicago Ledger would in the states. I see old Taylor county's honor roll is still growing and it makes me feel good to see the boys fall in line, and I feel like every one will make a record for himself, and perhaps one that will go down in history, lets hope so for there is nothing too good for old Taylor and her's. I have been over here a little over three months and I like it here fine. If France was in the good old U.S.A. it would be grand. The place where we are now located makes me think of the Butler level, but they can't grow cotton here, but grow a lot of wheat, oats, potatoes and have some of the finest cows, hogs and sheep that I have ever seen. There are a lot of pretty French girls here, but they can't speak English and we can't speak French very well so you can see we are out of luck, but we all will speak French well if we are here any length of time, for we all have French books and every chance we have we get some pretty girl to teach us, as soon as we learn the first lesson it comes quite easy for us. There were three thousand American girls, who came over sometime ago to do Red Cross work, and among them I have met five that I knew while in the States, one from Atlanta who is now working in our canteen and I tell you it makes the boys feel good to have the girls come over here to care for them, when the boys speak of them, or to them, they speak of them as our little mothers. We have very good health over here and I have been lucky so far not to be wounded or killed, the French and British soldiers say they never saw better soldiers than the American soldiers, they say they are the coolest men they ever saw going over the top, all you can hear the boys say when they are going over the top is, on to Berlin, and believe me, we are going there soon. All of the Huns look small to us when we are behind the old machine guns. Well I will say goodbye for now. I hope everything is well with you and that victory wil come soon, then we boys can be with you once again and with our loved ones. Respectfully, Walter Hill MG Co. 304th Inf. 1st Prov. M.G. Regt. A.P.O. 773 American Ex. Forces, France The Butler Herald Thursday, November 7, 1918 Page Seven Letters From Our Soldier Boys Somewhere in France Sept. 19, 1918 Dear Otis: I have just received 12 letters from home and I feel like I have been talking to all of you. You can't imagine what a "letter from home" means to us. Well old boy, I am seeing some real service now, and am glad to say I am enjoying it very much, as I still have better health than I have ever had. I wish you could see the path behind our army they are sweeping everything as they go, and haven't failed to take what they set out for since I came over. The German aeroplanes try to visit every day, but the anti air-craft guns soon bring them down. It is just wonderful to see and know what good work our guns are doing. I only wish I could tell you all about this war Otis, but it never would pass the censor, so I must just say we have had a great victory and the good part is all going our way. You see I hear direct from headquarters every morning and we most always get good news. All the German prisoners we get now are mere boys and none of the men are under 50 and 60 years and you know this makes us feel like we will be home by next June. I certainly believe we will soon win. I went with my captain up in sight of the fighting line this P.M. but believe me we didn't tarry long. You see we don't see much of that, as our work is to clean up after the battles and wait on the men. The German coat buttons are the smallest "war relics" I have so I am sending them first. Tell Papa I have some real "war tales" to relate to him when I come. I am sure seeing some of this world at "my old uncle's" expense. Say if you want to see this part of France go up to Five Points and look around and you will almost see it, nothing but hills and mountains. Our winters are very cold over here, we have only 3 months of warm weather. This is the greatest wheat country in the world, but you never see any cotton or corn. I have not heard from Jay and Ambry yet but have written both of them several times. Their Regiment is not far from me, but it is hard for me to hear from them. Otis I have begun to get the Butler Herald and I am so glad to receive it. I notice that my old address is still on the "Honor Roll" and won't you please give Mr. Benns my new address and kindly ask him to change it, for I want my friends to write me. You all need not send my "Christmas box" until you hear from me again, as I am going to get an order from my captain and send you telling what I prefer. I am glad to know mama and papa are still very well. Write me again and tell the other home folks will write to them soon. Much love to you and all. Your Devoted Brother Jonathan Morgan McCants No. 1342553, Mech. Co. C 1st Pioneer Inf. American Ex. Forces, France

Taylor County GaArchives Obituaries.....Carson, Hager September 1918 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Carla Miles http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00010.html#0002476 July 2, 2005, 10:37 am The Butler Herald, September 19, 1918 The Butler Herald Thursday, September 19, 1918 Page Five Aunt Hager, a good, old family servant of the Carsons, and having been owned in the slavery times by the family of Major J.T. Carson, died and was buried at Reynolds Tuesday evening at 4 o’clock. She was ever faithful and devoted during the sad and trying times of the sixties and even since the war her loving interest in our family will always be a bright spot in our memory. We feel like Hager has gone where all good negroes go, and may her children honor and revere her holy name and call her blessed. She was nicely laid away by the side of Hudson, her husband, on a little mound just north of Reynolds, near her home. It was my last tribute to her memory to attend her funeral. J.T. Carson File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/ga/taylor/obits/c/carson7307ob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/gafiles/ File size: 1.4 Kb

Carla, thanks for sending out the obituary for Clifford Hobbs that appeared in the October 3, 1918 issue of the Butler Herald. Her death was on September 29, 1918. The article mentioned several persons in her family: 1. It said she died in the home of Mrs. W. W. Douglass, her sister. Ida Hobbs, her half-sister, married Will W. Douglass. 2. It said she was deprived of a mother's love in early life. Her mother was Ellen (Watson) Hobbs who died on January 19, 1902. 3. It said her father, Mr. J. B. Hobbs, late of Columbus, met his death by accident about two years ago. Her father, James B. Hobbs was struck by a car in Columbus, GA on February 23, 1917 and died shortly thereafter since his death was reported in the Butler Herald on March 15, 1917. James B. Hobbs married Emma Hunter on November 3, 1864 and had two daughters (Ada and Ida) and four sons (Hardy, Ferney, Herschell, and Marchant). He married Ellen Watson on March 24, 1878 and had one son (Perry) and four daughters (Clifford, Mattie, Zippa, and Clinton). 4. It said she was survived by three sisters, Mrs. W.W. Douglass and Mrs. W.A. Childs, of Taylor County and Mrs. Ada Perkins, Box Springs. Also two brothers, F. Hobbs of Vera, Fla. and Herschell Hobbs of Columbus, Ga. Ida Hobbs, her half-sister, married Will W. Douglass. Clinton Hobbs, her sister, married Warren A. Childs. Ada Hobbs, her half-sister, married a Mr. Perkins. Her half-brothers were Ferney Hobbs and Herschell Hobbs. You note helped me identify Clinton's husband, Warren A. Childs, and find them in the 1920 and 1930 census. Likewise, it helped me to identify Ida's husband, Will W. Douglass, and find them in the 1900, 1910, and 1920 census. Thanks. Larry Whittington

I'd like to get a biography on-line for the Bartley McCrary family.... I feel certain that someone on this list must research this pioneer Taylor County group... (or pass this along if you know someone who is researching this line) Bartley had a will 1867 naming LCQ and Wiley (his sons) as Executors. Wiley died 1876 with a will... with LCQ Executor Company F, 27th Regiment http://www.rootsweb.com/~gataylor/tayf-27.htm McCRARY, L.Q.C. 2nd Lieut Sept 9, 1861. Elected 1st Lieut Sept 11, 1861. Wounded at Seven Pines, VA May 31, 1862. Resigned, disability, Deb 23, 1863. (Born in Baldwin Co, GA July 22, 1826) LQC was sheriff 1858-1860

I love it when I run across these deeds -- I believe that when Robert Scandrett purchased the land, he wanted to be sure that all the previous deeds were duly recorded in Taylor County.... If anyone were looking for any of these previous owners this group of deeds supplies them with their county of residence at that time. Taylor Deed Book B pg 343 Cobb Co 1 April 1836 Joseph Chaffin , Cherokee County, to Shepherd W. Riley, Muscogee Co, $100 13th Dis LL116 Wit: Christopher McCrary, Wm P. Maloney, JP Recorded Dec 1, 1859 pg 343 Marion Co 7 Nov 1839 Shepherd W. Riley, Marion Co, to Hiram T. Marr, Jones $100 13th Dis LL116 Wit:Henry D. Hurst, Edward O'neal JP Recorded Dec 17, 1859 pg 344 28 Ap 1840 Hiram T. Marr, Jones Co, to David Patton, Houston Co $300 13th Dis LL116 Wit: J.R. Westbury, Edwin Manniger Recorded: Dec 17, 1859 pg 344 28 Apr 1859 David Patton, Houston Co to David Bowen, Sumner Co $300 13th Dis LL116 Wit: J.R. Westbury, Edwin Manniger Recorded: Dec 17, 1859 pg 344 24 Nov 1859 David Bowen, Lee county, to Robert Scandrett $312 13th Dis LL116 Wit: W.W. Huff, DAJ Willis, JP

With the very interesting tid-bit that John Adams shared about Taylor County memories of Timm Creek, it made me think that we really should be making an effort to gather up similar little stories. There must be so many of them out there -- - probably not people actually on this list -- but if those who are on this list would try to get some "oral history" from friends they know in Taylor County right now -- or those who lived there when they were younger -- that would be a wonderful collection for us. Did your Daddy share something about his early life in Taylor County? This could cover any remembrance dealing with Taylor County --- so put your thinking caps on! Virginia

Thanks to John Adams, we have the story behind the name for Timm's Creek.... you'll find it fascinating. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Folklore has it that an old Creek Indian, called Tim, lived on here after the Indians moved West, and so the creek became known as Tim's Creek, or Timms Creek. This creek runs behind the old farm of my mother's father, James Thomas Beeland, known as "Jim Tom". After we moved to Thomaston, my dad, brother and I often hunted squirrels on Timms Creek. It crosses the dirt road and there is no bridge so you drive through the creek. We would play in the creek and wash our cars. Very shallow and almost ran dry a year or two ago because of no rain. My grandchildren like to pick up the smooth rocks and carry them home.A very quiet and peaceful place. The sound of the water flowing over the rocks is very soothing to an old country boy!!

Taylor County GaArchives Obituaries.....Allen, L.A. September 5, 1918 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Carla Miles http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00010.html#0002476 July 1, 2005, 11:48 pm The Butler Herald, September 12, 1918 The Butler Herald Thursday, September 12, 1918 Page One L.A. Allen Instantly Killed By Lightning Many Others Received Burns and Shocks From Same Bolt. House Almost Demolished During a storm that swept this section Thursday afternoon last lightning struck the residence of Mr. J.W. Hancock, instantly killing his son-in-law, Mr. L.A. Allen, severely burning his wife, also an eighteen-year-old son, shocking several family members of Mr. Hancock’s family. A dog and a number of chickens, which had sought shelter under the house were also killed. The house and much of the household furniture were badly demolished. Mr. Allen, who is an industrious farmer, and cultivates lands of Rev. M.T. Gaultney, was together with his family, visiting at the home of Mr. Hancock at the time of the storm with its fearful result. The Hancock home will be better remembered as the Kit Hinton place, five miles north of Butler and now owned by Mr. L.F. Peebles. Mr. Allen was about 45 years of age, and while he had resided in this section only a short while had made many friends who were deeply grieved and shocked by the news of his untimely death. Besides a wife Mr. Allen is survived by three children, many relatives and hosts of friends. Those were received burns and shocks are said to be improving nicely. File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/ga/taylor/obits/a/allen7306ob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/gafiles/ File size: 1.9 Kb

Taylor-Crisp County GaArchives Obituaries.....Scandrett, George Lee September 10, 1918 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Carla Miles http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00010.html#0002476 July 1, 2005, 11:47 pm The Butler Herald, September 12, 1918 The Butler Herald Thursday, September 12, 1918 Page One Mr. G.L. Scandrett Victim Of Railroad Wreck Monday Former Butler Citizen Dies of Injuries Received in Wreck on G.S.&F. Road The news of the death of Mr. George Lee Scandrett, of Cordele, which was received in a telegram to relatives here, where he was born and reared, was a great shock to our people. Besides countless friends, Mr. Scandrett is survived by a wife and three daughters, of Cordele. One sister, Mrs. S.O. Adams, of Butler; two brothers, Messrs. R.A. Scandrett, of Macon, and John L. Scandrett, of this county. The manner in which Mr. Scandrett met his death is told in the following dispatch from Cordele: Cordele, Sept. 10 – When an out-going Southwestern and Gulf railroad passenger train was wrecked on the outskirts of Cordele this morning, George L. Scandrett, prominent businessman of Cordele, received injuries that caused his death within 30 minutes. He was thrown from the rear part of a coach and caught under a truck which had become dislodged in the wreck. Although Mr. Scandrett’s back was broken in the accident, he was conscious and gave directions for jacking up the truck to release his body. Mr. Scandrett was a contractor and a farmer, and he had large dealings with the railroads. File at: http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/ga/taylor/obits/s/scandret7305ob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/gafiles/ File size: 1.9 Kb