Tinsley Mill

Throughout the years, the mill had been called Ware’s Mill, Greer’s Mill, Russell’s Mill, Leech’s Mill and Tinsley’s Mill. In the 1870 census, it was known as Leach’s Mill, ground corn only and was owned by E. W. Leach. The mill was in what is now Peachtree City and near what today is the 12^th green of the Flat Creek Golf Course. The mill was powered by Flat Creek, had a horsepower of 40 and could grind 40 bushels daily. It employed one person with wages of $200.00 per year. The mill was originally built by George Ware. He also owned a woolen mill across the creek that produced socks. There was also a cotton gin and a government licensed distillery that produced peach brandy. In 1910 Mr. Leach sold the mill to the Russel Brothers, Charles, Frank, Will and Bo. They rebuilt the mill which had been allowed to rundown, “Doc” Tinsley bought the mill in 1936. The dam washed out later in 1936 and the mill was operated by gasoline powered motors until 1960 when Tinsley sold the property to Phillips-Harrington Land Company. The mill later burned down.

Adapted from an article by Sandra Grist Woods

Source: The Fayette County Georgia Heritage Book

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The Battle of Ellison’s Mill, Virginia

On June 26, 1862 during the War Between the States a local company of infantry was involved in one of the most hotly contested battles of the war. The 44^th Georgia Regiment under the command of General Roswell S. Ripley had made a charge upon the enemy but were impeded by a mill pond full of fallen trees and other obstructions. As the brigade moved forward it became pinned down on an open field under a constant volley of Union lead and shrapnel, causing men to literally “hug the ground”. Company “G”, the “Huie Guards” losing a total of 21 men killed or wounded in the action. The casualties for the regiment was the 2^nd greatest loss for any Georgia regiment during the entire war., however, the “Huie Guards” would sustain even more losses almost a year later at the battle of Spotsylvania, Virginia, where they would lose 3 killed and 19 wounded and/or captured.

Source: The History of Fayette County 1821 – 1971 Carolyn Cary, Ed. 1977 Fayette County Historical Society

History of the Doles Cook Brigade

By John Lynch

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Robert Burch

Robert Burch was born June 26, 1925 in Inman to a large family. He graduated from Fayette County High School and then joined the Army. His travels took him to many foreign places. While taking writing courses in New York City after his military service his teacher encouraged him. His teacher felt he could be an author. This led to Burch’s prolific career. He penned 19 children’s books, including Tyler, Wilkin and Skee and Queeny Peevy. Most of his books reflected on his own youth in Fayette County. A school is named in his honor. Burch was the winner of the Georgia Children’s Book Award three time. His legacy continues as many children read his books and learn of early life in Fayette County.

By Deborah Riddle

Source: Fayette County Georgia Heritage Book

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Local Men serve as Honor Guard for Late President

The Fayetteville News of June 9, 1893 carried a column by “Kenwood Kracker”, a regular contributor to the paper concerning local residents Samuel Bailey Lewis and William S. Miller. Mr. Lewis was one of the honorary guards over the remains of the late Confederate president Jefferson Davis, as they passed through Atlanta on May 29, 1893. Mr. Milner was one of the three Honorary guards carrying the colors bearing both the U. S. and Confederate flags. The Confederate States flag was draped in mourning. Mr. Davis died on December 6, 1889 and was originally buried in Metaire Cemetery in New Orleans. His remains were being transported to Richmond, Virginia where they would be re-interred in Hollywood cemetery. The funeral train was scheduled to stop in several southern cities, including Atlanta. He was the only president to lie in state in the state capitol of Georgia (May 29, 1893). Mr. Lewis and Mr. Milner were both Confederate veterans from Fayette County. Judge Lewis was Ordinary for Fayette County for eighteen years and a postmaster for thirteen years.

By: John Lynch

Sources: Fayette News June 9, 1893

Confederate Veterans Magazine, February 1925

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G.S. McGough & Russell McGough killed by lightning

At about 6:30 p.m. a bolt of lightning hit the veranda and went through the home of Judge and Mrs. B.L. McGough on Railroad Street. Glen S. McGough, aged 23 and his nephew Russell, aged 13 were both struck and thrown to the floor dead. Harry, the brother of Russell was also at the scene, but unhurt.

The bolt went about the house, splitting a post on the veranda, the bedstead and dresser in the front room was struck and split, and another bedstead was split at the headboard and footboard. Misses. Lizzie and Gladys McGough and Bessie Smith who were in the bedrooms were not hurt.

Glen and Russell are buried side by side at the Historic Cemetery of Fayetteville.

By Angela Pendleton

Sources: News article in McGough Family file

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Jimmy Carter visits Fayetteville

Opening ceremonies for the Sesquicentennial of Fayette County were kicked off today with an appearance by Governor Carter and his daughter Amy. Carter was seen in the parade riding a horse drawn wagon being driven by Richard Carter, who was not related to the governor. Amy was sitting in his lap as they waved to the crowd. No one in attendance would ever realize that they were waving to a future president of the United States. A resolution had been passed by the Georgia House of Representatives for the celebration of Fayette County’s sesquicentennial. The weeklong event lasted from June 26 – July 3, 1971.

Source: Fayette County News

By John Lynch

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Fire destroys much of Downtown Fayetteville

A devastating fire occurred in Fayetteville Friday evening, June 9, 1893. Several businesses were destroyed including the drugstore operated by Doctor N. J. Gizzard. The adjacent building, a family grocery store of G. P. Yates, in which the post office was located, was the next to burn, but most of his goods were saved. A concrete building of Silas A. Burks was engulfed; however, his inventory was rescued. A store of R. G. Kitchens and Company was also destroyed but fortunately his goods were removed before the flames could do much damage. Three of the stores were owned by Cam Bennett, who like Mr. Yates and Grizzard were uninsured. Undaunted, Mr. Bennett rebuilt four new brick stores and Mr. Burks built two. Mr. Burks owned a row of professional offices west of the jail including a barbershop, doctor and lawyer offices and a millinery shop. He also owned the elegant Burks Hotel, which ironically would fall victim to a fire in 1907. Mr. Bennett owned most of the buildings on the west side of the square, many which are still standing today.

By: John Lynch

Sources: History of Fayette County 1821 – 1971

Fayette County News (undated Varney Graves column)

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Burks Hotel Destroyed by Fire

The Burks Hotel in Fayetteville burned to the ground on June 21, 1907. Mr. Silas Asbury Burks was the owner, having bought the large structure a few years earlier from Dr. James Bennett. The spacious two-story building was originally a dwelling house built in the 1850s and occupied by Colonel Mial M. Tidwell, a prominent lawyer in town. Sometimes after the fire (about 1909 or 1910) Mr. Burks rebuilt the hotel and it continued to operate until the mid-20^th century. Mrs. Mamie Burks Allen, daughter of Silas A. Burks, was the last owner and resident of the building. The historic structure stood until 1976 when Fayette County bought it and razed the building to make way for a parking lot. The Holiday Inn Express now occupies the site.

By John Lynch

Source: The History of Fayette County 1821 – 1971 Carolyn Cary, Ed. 1977

Ledger book of George Dorman

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