Coopers/Stevens Pottery News
May 5, 1870
Atlanta Constitution
The Eatonton Press and Messenger says: A large well on Mr.
Stevens' place, near Milledgeville, caved in last Friday, killing a
negro man and severely injuring Mr. Cooper.
June 17, 1870
Porcelain clay or Kaolin, has been found on the lands of Henry Stevens,
at
Whiting on the Milledgeville and Eatonton railroad, and a pottery has been
established here.
October 2, 1879
The Atlanta Constitution
Mr. Columbus H. Webb, formerly
of Covington, but who has been teaching school at Steven's pottery, near
Milledgeville, died recently of gastric fever.
March 4 1886
The Augusta Chronicle
Stevens Pottery, near Macon, is to have an artesian well.
March 12, 1887
The Augusta Chronicle
A TRAGEDY IN BALDWIN COUNTY
C. J. Robinson Kills Abe Youngblood, In Coopersville
Milledgeville, Ga, March 11 - (Special) The following note was received
at 12 o'clock today by Coroner Scott:
Dear Sir: I have shot and killed Abe Youngblood, of Washington
county. come down and hold an inquest. Tell Sheriff Ennis to come.
I am here subject to the order of the law. Yours, etc.
C. J. Robinson
The cause of the tragedy is about as follows:
One year ago Robinson loaned Youngblood five dollars. A few
days ago Robinson reminded Youngblood of the debt and asked for a remittance.
Youngblood at once board the car at his home (Davisboro,) and came up to
Cooperville, where Robinson clerked. Robinson was absent and Youngblood
notified Cooper, Robinson's father-in-law, that he intended killing Robinson.
Robinson was made acquainted with Youngblood's threat and when
he went to the store this morning carried his pistol with him. About 9
o'clock, Youngblood came up and began cursing Robinson, and with his hand
in his pistol pocket applied to Robinson a foul epithet and threatened
his life. Robinson saw that he was in a dangerous position and drawing
his pistol shot Youngblood in his breast, near his heart and blew his brains
out, killing him instantly. Robinson is a quiet, peaceable man while Youngblood
has a reputation of an overbearing bully. The coroner's jury justified
Robinson in protecting himself. Both parties are married . When the coroner
reached the scene he found Youngblood with his hands in his pocket
on his pistol.
July 19, 1887
Atlanta Constitution
The Coopersville Tragedy.
Milledgeville, Ga. July 19 (Special) The grand jury here today found
a true bill against Chas. O. Robinson for the murder of Abe Youngblood,
at Coopersville, in this county, on March 11, of this year. A full report
of the tragedy then appeared in The Constitution. The coroner's jury investigation
resulted in a verdict of justifiable homicide. It is claimed that some
additional evidence has been obtained and the case will be watcher with
interest. Robinson was placed under a fifteen hundred dollar bond and will
be tried during this term of court.
July 31, 1887
Atlanta Constitution
Charles J. Robinson has been acquitted by Baldwin superior
court. On the 9th of march, 1887, Abe Youngblood, received an insulting
letter from Charles J. Robinson about a debt he owed that party. The following
day he left his home in Washington county, on the branch of the Central
road, to have, as he said, a settlement with Robinson. Robinson appeared
soon after Youngblood's arrival, when the latter approached him and said
he would like to see Robinson, who replied he would see him in the presence
of those present, adding that he was too much of a gentleman to associate
with a Youngblood. Youngblood cursed Robinson and asked him to repeat the
language used in his letter, whereupon he said he did repeat it. Youngblood
repeated his curses following Robinson (who continued to retreat) and threw
open his short, pointed to his heart and said: "Here it is; shoot, G_d
d-n you." Robinson said he was unarmed, but soon turned on his enemy and
fired, the first shot taking effect in the left arm, the second attempt
missed fire and the third effort sent a ball through the back of Youngblood's
head, he having begun to retreat from the shots. The wounded man walked
a feet feet and fell face forward, with his right hand under him and the
left extended. Some time after, the body was turned over and a pistol found
under it.
December 19, 1887
Atlanta Constitution
ACCIDENTALLY SHOT
A Lad Near Steven's Pottery Badly Hurt Saturday
Macon, Ga, December 18 (Special) On Saturday last Ben Finney,
aged about nineteen, who lives near Steven's pottery, accidentally shot
himself. It appears that he had a shotgun, which he was handling in a wagon
in which he was riding. In some manner the hammer of the gun struck the
railing as the boy was in the act of leaping out, and the gun fired, lodging
the charge in his left thigh. The limb will probably have to be amputated.
September 5, 1888
The Augusta Chronicle
A correspondent from Stephens' Pottery, Ga. says: A large crowd was
at Camp Creek church on Sunday to witness the ordinance of "foot washing".
It may seem incredulous to people even in Baldwin county, that there are
churches in this the 19th century that observe that custom.
January 3, 1891
The Augusta Chronicle
Valuable Property
For Sale
Surviving Partners' Sale of Stevens' Pottery
Georgia-Baldwin County- Will be sold before the court house door, in
the city of Milledgeville, and said state and county, on the FIRST TUESDAY
IN FEBRUARY, 1891, between the legal hours of sale, to the highest
bidder, the entire plant known as STEVENS' POTTERY, in said county, consisting
of twenty-six hundred acres of land, more or less, on which there is a
sewer pipe, fire brick and stoneware of all descriptions plants complete,
and all modern conveniences necessary for the production of the above articles
or goods. Eleven mules, 1 horse, 1 bull, 800 bushels of corn, more or less;
7000 pounds of fodder, more or less; 1 store house and mixed stock of goods,
notes and accounts- good and bad, amounting to $10,000; lease of 30 convicts
with various terms to serve, 1 greist or custom mill complete, dwelling,
tenant and outhouses of every description, ample and complete; In fact,
everything for the successful working of this valuable plant and property
is now on it, and will be sold in a lump and entire. The Milledgeville
and Gordon railroad runs through this property, and there is not a more
healthy location in the state; sold for the purpose of division between
the surviving partners and the legatees of Wm. Stevens, the deceased partner.
Purchasers are invited to examine and inspect the property. Terms of sale
cash.
W.C. & J. H. STEVENS
Surviving Partners of Stevens Bros. & Co.
This 1st day of Dec. 1890.
June 24, 1891
Atlanta Constitution
THE STORM IN BALDWIN
Fatal Work of the Lightning Near Milledgeville
Milledgeville, Ga, June 23 (Special) During the great rainstorm here
yesterday, there was considerable wind and lightning, but not until morning
was it learned that there were fatalities connected with it.
The reports brought to the city this morning indicate that the
damage was greater in the southern part of the county than elsewhere.
Mr. Charles Finney, near Stevens' pottery, was riding
his horse from his field, when a lightning bolt killed both rider and horse.
Lightning struck a horse at Warren Edwards's place and killed it,
while it is reported that cattle in different parts f the county were killed
by lightning. A corner of the Male Convalescent buiding at the asylum was
knocked off by a bolt, but none of the inmates felt any severe shock.
The storm was severe and the electric current shattered trees
in every direction and considerable damage was done to crops.
August 13 1893
Atlanta Constitution
IN A MISTRIAL
The Case of the State Against Upshaw Ended. It Was for Murder.
Milledgeville, Ga, August 12 (Special) Without a doubt the most interesting
case that has been before the superior court of Baldwin county in the last
decade was ended in a mistrial at 1 o'clocl today, after a jury had remained
in the jury room since Thursday.
The case was that of David Upshaw, charged
with the murder of Daniel Goodwin
at Steven's pottery on May 16th, when the deceased was shot down like a
dog and while he piteously begged for mercy another load from a shotgun
was emptied in his face and eyes.
The defendant's plea was that he shot Goodwin because of slander
heaped upon his wife and that it was done after he had tried to check Goodwin
in his slander by legal redress. Finding that he could get no satisfaction
from the law, both being poor men, he warned the deceased not to attack
the character of his wife again.
June 25, 1896
Atlanta Constitution
A GREAT SUCCESS
One of the South's Leading Manufacturers in Macon
H. STEVENS' SONS COMPANY
Goods Are Shipped All Over the Southern States from This Manufactory-A
Medal Winner
One of the best known and most successful manufactories
in Georgia, if not in the south, is the Sanitary Sewer and Culvert Pipe
Works of H. Stevens' Sons Company at Macon, Ga. The products of this mammoth
factory are shipped all over the southern states and are the standard wherever
known
The origin of this great industry traced property is located
in the birth of Mr. Henry Stevens, which occurred in Cornwall, England,
in 1813, who gave a great many years of his life to this branch of commerce,
coming to this country when yet quite a young man, and in Georgia, more
than a third of a century ago started the first factory of this kind in
the south, which stands today without an equal in capacity or quality of
production. Some years before Mr. Stevens's death he sold out to his sons,
who now own and operate the two plants.
During the last few years in which finances and trade have been
so demoralized all over the country, the company has never shut down, except
for repairs. In a few instances competitors have made it a point to agitate
the advisability of having a test made, where large contracts were to be
let, but having been defeated in every instance, this mode has been abandoned
. Stevens' Sons Company have the contract for furnishing the city of Atlanta,
also the city of Charleston, with sewer pipe for 1895, besides a good trade
in nearly every southern town and city. They have but recently finished
a contract for the city of Macon, Ga., for over thirty miles of pipe, the
largest single order ever placed in the south, and the high quality of
their goods in becoming greater every day.
The Stevens' Sons Company is the recognized leader in its line
in the south, and takes precedence over all competitors. The company makes
not only all styles and grades of goods in its staple line of sanitary,
sewer and culvert pipe, but many beautiful specimens of other articles
made from clay.
At the Atlanta exposition its exhibit attracted wide-spread
attention, and as well as remembered. The committee on awards gave them
a gold medal. That they justly deserved this recognition on the part
of the committee goes without saying, and the thousands of visitors that
gave this exhibit their attention were indeed loud in their praise of the
excellent quality of good exhibited.
May 28, 1898
Atlanta Constitution
H. Stevens & Sons Co.,
Fire Brick, Fire Clay, Prepared Clay, Border Brick, Traps, Branches,
Etc.
Before the people for thirty years
Manufactuers
Sewer and Railroad Culvert Pipe
Plant equal to any in the south
Telephone call: 283 Macon, Ga
July 16, 1899
Atlanta Constitution
Miss Marie Stevens is entertaining a number of friends at her
beautiful home at Steven's pottery. Her guests are Miss Marie
Spain of Quitman; Misses Walden Roberts, Percy and Berrien Williams
and
Mr.
Robert Taylor of Macon.
Mrs. Maury Munnerlyn Stapler and Master Walter Stevens Stapler
are spending the summer at Steven's Pottery with Mrs. Stapler's parents,
Mr.
and Mrs. Walter Stapler.
January 23, 1900
The Union-Recorder
Mr. Will Mansfield, who is employed at the sawmill near Ivey's
Station happened to a painful accident this week, getting his foot caught
badly cut by the machinery. We hope to see him out soon.
March 30, 1901
The Constitution
John H. Martin was cut to death in his
sawmill, near Stevens Pottery, Baldwin County, Saturday morning. He was
engaged in sawing lumber, when the piece of timber caught and he was thrown
against the saw. His right arm and side were terribly cut, and he suffered
great pain for an hour, before death relieved him.
January 30, 1904
Atlanta Constitution
LEG CUT OFF BY CAR WHEELS
Pink Bloodworth Falls Beneath Central Train at Steven's Pottery
Milledgeville, Ga. January 29(Special) The northbound passenger train
on the Central of Georgia railway from Macon to Eatonton ran over Pink
Bloodworth, of this county, last night, cutting off one of his legs.
The train left Gordon without a conductor and ran by Iveys Station,
the place where Mr. Bloodworth was to get off.
On reaching Steven's Pottery the train crew discovered there
was no conductor on board and started back to Gordon.
Mr. Bloodworth states he got off the train to find out the reason they
ran by Iveys and as the train started back he went to get on and slipped
under the train, the wheels passing over him.
June 12, 1904
Atlanta Constitution
Mrs. L. C. Manley spent last weeek at here old home at
Stevens Pottery, where she was called by the sad news of the death of her
young sister, Miss Pearl Stevens, last Monday.
Feb 18, 1905
Atlanta Constitution
Veterans Going Fast.
Macon, Ga., February 17 (Special) D.
H. Wilkinson, a confederate veteran died suddenly in the crib of his
barn in Baldwin county late yesterday afternoon. His death was unexpected,
as he was in the best of health.
Hardly a dozen of the hundred who followed the flag of company
G, Forty fifth Georgia, through the civl war live to tell the story of
that sad-starred company. Mr. Wilkinson was one of the last of these. Out
of nineteen of his children seventeen still survive him.
July 31, 1906
Atlanta Constitution
THEY WERE SHOT WHILE AT SUPPER
Attempt of Negro to Kill George Bloodworth
The Negro Made His Escape From Prison, and Going to the Home of
His Prosecutor, Fired, Wounding Bloodworth and His Wife.
Constitution Bureau, 467 Second Street, Macon, Ga., July 30 - (Special)
Bent upon getting even with George E. Bloodworth for the part this
citizen took in sending George Morris, a negro, about twenty years
of age, to the Baldwin county chaingang, the later secured a shotgun last
night, after he had escaped from prison, and after slipping up to the house
where Mr. and Mrs. Bloodworth were seated at their supper table, near Stevens'
Pottery, he took deliberate aim through an opening and fired, the
shot taking effect in the faces of both Mr. and Mrs. Bloodworth.
A small son sitting between them at the table was uninjured.
The lives of the two people were saved only through the
fact that the shot were small and scattered. Only a few shots took effect,
but both were dangerously wounded.
In the midst of the excitement the negro threw down his
gun and fled. Mr. Bloodworth soon regained himself and gave the alarm.
Mrs. Bloodworth and here son were left to the care of neigbors and a searching
party started out.
The woods in the vicinty of Brown's crossing, and all the way
to Macon, were scoured with dillgence and every effort was made to locate
the negro, but thus farm he is out of reach. Fifteen or twenty armed citizens
have visited Macon during the day hoping to trace the fugitive here. Officers
have been notified and all precautionary steps taken.
Early this morning, Deputy Tom Jones was said to have
seem a negro skulking in the shadows who filled the description, and as
all searching parties believe he came here, a thorough search is being
made in Macon.
George Bloodworth, bother of the injured man, was among
the searchers, his brother having been too badly injured to make the hunt.
The wounds of the injured Bloodworths have been attended and
are thought to be not necessarily fatal. Mr. Bloodworth may lose an eye,
but he and his wife will recover. They realize that they had a very close
call and neighbors who learned of the negro's deed, have become greatly
wrought up. He would have been lynched without ceremony if he had been
captured last night.
January 13, 1907
Atlanta Constitution
Milledgeville, Ga.
One of the prettiest of home weddings was that of Miss Alma
Echols to Mr. Cleveland Cooper, which occurred at the home of
Mr. and Mrs F. A. Echols, of Steven's Pottery, on Tuesday morning,
of last week. The bride wore a traveling suit of blue cloth, and the couple
left for Atlanta immediatley after the ceremony, for a stay of a few days.
After a week they will be at hom at Coopers, Ga.
June 2, 1907
Atlanta Constitution
Invitations have been received to a reception to be given
by Mr. and Mrs. Lu Manley on next Tuesday evening to meet Mrs.
B. B. Brown. Miss Webb's marriage to Mr. Brown occurs
Tuesday morning at Stevens Pottery and Mr. and Mrs. Brown will reach Griffin
that afternoon.
March 11, 1908
The Augusta Chronicle
Extensive mines of pure kaolin. The Stevens Pottery, up the Georgia,
near Milledgeville is the finest deposit of clay in the world.
January 18, 1910
The Union-Recorder
Two Deaths in Family
Mr. Isaac Mansfield died in
this city Sunday, and his remains were buried at Stevens Pottery Monday,
Rev.
B.P. Searcy officiating. His daughter, Mrs. Emma
Etheridge, died in Macon Monday and was buried at Stevens Pottery this
morning.
Mr. Mansfield was an old soldier, and was an honest hard working man."
June 6, 1910
The Augusta Chronicle
At Warm Springs Mr. & Mrs. J. H. Stevens, of
Stevens Pottery, Georgia are entertaining for a week, at least a large
house- party at the hotel in honor of their young attractive daughter Miss
Ruby Stevens. Among the house-party guests of the Stephenses are Mr.
and Mrs. L.C. Mauly, Griffin, Misses - Marjorie Woolcott, Louise Durkee,
Louise Drewry, Sarah Garland, Mary Blanton, Mussadon Brown, of Griffin;
Miss
Mary Davis of Decatur, Ga.; and Mr. W.B. Webb of Jackson. In
addition to entertaining these guests, Mr. and Mrs. Stevens expect a number
of visitors here to the house-party during the length of it.
November 27, 1913
Atlanta Constitution
McKinley-Bone
Milledgeville, Ga., November 26 (Special)
The marriage of Miss Anne Ansley McKinley to Mr. Russell
Glenn Bone took place last evening at the suburban home of the bride's
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Guy C. McKinley. Miss Pauline McKinley, sister
of the bride, acted as maid of honor, and Mr. Jesse Bone, the groom's
father, as best man.
The bride is the youngest daughter of her parents, and is pretty
and attractive and popular. The groom is a well-liked young business man
of Stevens Pottery, where the young couple will make their home.
August 1, 1914
Atlanta Constitution
STEVENS VICTIM OF A PAINFUL ACCIDENT
Macon, Ga., July 31. (Special) W. C. Stevens, one of middle
Georgia's wealthiest citizens and head of the Stevens pottery in Baldwin
county, sustained a broken collar bone at the home of his daughter, Mrs.
M. M. Stapler, today when the chain of a swing in which he was seated
broke.
Mr. Stevens has been in poor health for some time, and because
of his advanced age some concern is felt as to the outcome of his injury.
1915
May 9, 1915
Atlanta Constitution
MINTER-CRAWFORD
Mr. and Mrs. John Easter Minter, of Columbus, Ga., announce
the engagement of their only daughter, Winnifred Bradley, to Dr.
Robert Lee Crawford, U.S.N., of Washington, D.C., the wedding to take
place in the early fall. Dr. Crawford is a son of the late E.A. Crawford,
of Tallahassee, Fla., and a descendant of a long line of physicians and
surgeons, among them being Dr. Crawford Long, who discovered anaesthesia.
After a brilliant record of three years at Vanderbilt university, and later
at the Army and Navy Medical college, at Washington, Dr. Crawford received
his first commission from the navy department at the age of 24. Miss Minter's
attractive personality and her musical and literary accomplishments have
won for her a large circle of friends who will be interested in the announcement
of her engagement.
Note: John Easter Minter, born in Baldwin County, was the son of Charles
Floyd and Martha Jane (Chambers) Minter.
1921
Feburary 20, 1921
Atlanta Constitution
Community Clebration In Baldwin County
Mrs. J. L. Beeson, of Milledgeville, president of
her district federation, writes of a sucessful community celebration in
her district:
On Georgia day the Salem school and community
invited their neigbors, the four-teacher Cooperville school and
the one-teacher Camp Creek school to join them in their patriotic
program.
The two schools accepted the invitation and so did representatives
from the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and twenty members from
the federated clubs.
At 1 o'clock was begun the first number on the program-a
barbecue and picnic dinnter.
This fine community followed the old tradtion of the Georgia
barbecue. Ogelthorpe himself, our great founder, set the example, although
he served his barbecue on South Carolina soil.
As the two-teacher schoolhouse, with Misses Smith
and Humphries in charge, was too small for the crowd, all the exercises
were held in the church with the exception of the raising of Old Glory
to the top of a beautiful flagpole and then reciting in concert " The Amercian's
Creed."
Song-"America"
Invocation - Rev. Mr. Jordan
Words of Welcome - Miss Mary Smith
Response to Words of Welcome on Behalf of Clubs - Mrs.
E. R. Hines
Response to Words of Welcome on Behalf of Junior Order
- P.N. Bivins
"Jes' a Wearyin' for You" (Frank Stanton); "Dreamy Days"
(Frank Stanton);
"It Isn't Raining Rain" (Robert Loveman) - Mrs.
L. P. Longio
"Jones' Private Argyment" (Sidney Lanier) Reginald
Martin
"Oglethorpe and Tomochich" - Robert Ivey
"Georgia Schools" - School children
"The Great Seal of Georga" - Three school boys
Presentation of Bible to School - Warren Edwards
Presentation of Flag - Hon. Howard Ennis
"The Americn Creed" - Recited in concert.
Benediction
October 17, 1921
Atlanta Constitution
KILLED IN AUTO WRECK
Macon, Ga. Oct. 10 -Frank Echols,
25, secretary and assistant general manager of Stevens Brothers, pottery
manufacturers at Stevens Pottery, was killed this afternoon when an automobile
turned over three times, on the national highway 40 miles south of here.
Tom
Lawson and Pariah Mercer of this city substained serious injuries.
Echols was a lieutenant in the seventh division and Mercer was an aviator
in the World War.
November 15, 1927
Atlanta Constitution
Milledgeville Pottery Plant Damaged by Fire; $50,000 Estimated Loss
Milledgeville, Ga. Nov. 14 (UP) Fire which started from a stove in
the molding room of one of the plants operated by Stevens, Inc., at Stevens
Pottery, nine miles from here, partially destroyed the smaller plant owned
by the company. The loss is estimated at $50,0000 by Walter S. Stapler,
president of the organization.
Stevens, Inc., which is owned and operated by heirs of the late
W.
C. and J. H. Stevens, manufacture firebrick at their two plants at
Stevens Pottery. Mr. Stapler said that the fire will not materially affect
the company as the larger plant was not damaged and plans will be made
for the rebuilding of the destroyed plant as soon as the board of directors
can be convened.
The company has its own fire apparatus and firemen were at work
soon after the flames were discovered. It was only due to the work of the
employers who aided in fighting the fire that the damage was not greater,
Mr. Stapler said.
The building was partially covered by insurance.
Eileen Babb McAdams copyright 2004-2005
