Published in THE FOREST NEWS, Jefferson, Jackson County, Georgia,

Friday, September 24, 1880,

Vol. VI, No. 16

Benjamin F. Suddath

The subject of this sketch was born on the plantation upon which he now resides, on Grove river, in Banks county, on the 22d day of November, 1840, and is consequently now in his fortieth year. His father being a poor man, his educational advantages were few. He attended the common schools of his county “after the crops were laid by,” until 1868, when he attended school at Carnesville, Ga., for a year under the tutelage of John B. Estes.

When the war broke out, our hero was in Thomas county, following his adopted calling – farming. He at once volunteered in what was afterwards known as Company “C” 29th Regiment of Georgia Volunteers. His regiment was at once ordered to the Western army and became a part of the renowned corps commanded by Gen. Hardee. It participated in all the battles of Johnson’s army, and young Suddath was present at all times and under all circumstances. At the battle of Chickamauga, our hero was a sergeant of his company, and when the commissioned officers were disabled in the conflict, he took command, and was publicly complimented for “gallant and meritorious conduct.” Promotion soon followed, and he was elected a Lieutenant, in which capacity he served until the surrender. When he returned to his home, after the war, he went to work at once with a smiling countenance and a vim that knows no such word as fail.

In August, 1865, Miss Chapman, a most estimable young lady of Hall county, agreed to share his fortunes for good or bad, and they were married, and have since “climbed the hill together” in such a way as to convince the world that they were each happy in their choice of life companions.

As was stated in the beginning of this sketch, Mr. Suddath (or Dock, as he is familiarly called by his friends) lives on the farm on which he was born. It is not intended to convey the idea that he inherited the place by any means. No, his family was a poor man, and was never able to help him in any enterprise to the amount of a dollar. He, by his indomitable energy and nerve, actually dug his farm out of the earth, and has added to it until he has one of the largest, best improved and most productive farms in his county

. . . Mr. Suddath is a strict and consistent member of the Baptist church . . .

Mr. Suddath is not an orator – (neither was old Joe Dunegan, who represented Hall county so successfully as long as he would consent to run) – and the same may be truthfully said of John W. Pruitt, Robt. Allen, Samuel Stephens, Gen. Wofford, deceased; Samuel Knox, E. W. Morris and others that could be mentioned

. . . North Georgian.

Provided by Faye Poss

copyright 2004 Vicky & Jackie

Background by Donna Brand