Col. Hardeman, Jr. News

HARDEMAN, Thomas, Jr., A Representative from Georgia; born in Eatonton, Putnam County, Ga., January 12, 1825; was graduated from Emory College in 1845; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1847; abandoned his profession and engaged in the warehouse and commission business; served in the State house of representatives in 1853, 1855, and 1857; elected as an Opposition candidate to the Thirty-sixth Congress and served from March 4, 1859, until January 23, 1861, when he withdrew; captain of the Floyd Rifles; during the WBTS was major of the Second Georgia Battalion and, later, colonel of the Forty-fifth Georgia Infantry of the Confederate Army; again served in the State house of representatives, in 1863, 1864, and 1874, and was speaker during these sessions; delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1872; president of the State convention and chairman of the Democratic State executive committee for four years; elected as a Democrat to the Forty-eighth Congress (March 4, 1883-March 3, 1885); chairman, Committee on Expenditures in the Department of State (Forty-eighth Congress); died in Macon, Ga., March 6, 1891; interment in Rose Hill Cemetery.

The funeral services of Hon. Thomas Hardeman were held this afternoon at 3 o'clock at the First Baptist church.

Despite the great torrents of rain that had been falling for hours and were pouring down at the time of the funeral,
the large evidence was packed with a great congregation of mourners, representing all classes of citizens.
That was so large a multitude of people should have braved so terrible weather to attend the funeral shows
the esteem and admiration with which he was held in this city. His death is indeed, deeply lamented.

Besides the vast concourse of citizens, there were also present the Confederate Veterans Association,
Knights of Pythanias, Masons, Knights Templars and the Floyd Rifles.

The services were conducted by Rev. Dr. E. W. Warren pastor of the First Baptist church.
He was assisted by Rev. Dr. McFerrin, pastor of the Mulberry Street Methodist church and
Rev. W. B. Jennings, pastor of the First Presbyterian church.

Dr. Warren paid a beautiful and glowing eulogy to the dead. He dwelt upon his brilliant public services,
the Masons took charge of the remains and concluded the ceremonies at the grave.

A long line of carriages followed the body of the great dead to its last earthly resting place.

General Philip Cook, secretary of State, Hon. Mark Hardin, clerk of the house of representatives;
C. T. Watson and others of Atlanta, were here in attendance at the funeral of their old friend,
and Macon's most honored and favorite son.

State Treasurer Hardeman, a brother of the deceased, was also present from Atlanta.

The Butler Herald Tuesday October 28, 1879

Volume IV

Butler Georgia

To The Farmers of Georgia

The suggestion that the farmers of Georgia be requested to contribute to the Hood fund by donations of cotton having met the approval of many; we take the liberty of inviting every farmer in Georgia to give his share to the support of the orphans of the lamented Hood. The plan proposed is as follows: The farmers in each neighborhood or county are invited to contribute as much lint cotton as their means and inclination may permit, have it all packed in a bale, or in bales and ship it to either of the committee named below who will have it properly marked and exhibited at the coming State Fair as contributions to the Hood fund, and during the fair it will be sold and the proceeds placed in the hands of those who have the care of these children. It is not intended to limit the contributions to cotton, but we ask you for anything that you will give of the product of your land, or industry of your hands. We desire to have the articles hereby the 29^th of October, so as to make exhibition of them at the fair. Mark all contributions “For the Hood Fund”, and ship to either of us at Macon. Proper acknowledgements, with names of donors, will be made through the press. We appeal to you, farmers, to come to the help of the tender orphans of him who periled his life for you and your children. Exchanges will confer a favor by copying

Thomas Hardeman, Jr.,

Geo. S. Jones

Ben C. Smith

The History of Georgia 1850-1881

Pg. 196-197

On the 13th of April 1861, the siege of Ft. Sumter ended by the surrender of Major Anderson. On the 15th of April, President Lincoln made his call for 75,000 men to suppress the rebellion. On the 18th of April, Virginia seceded from the Union. On the 19th of April, President Davis telegraphed Gov. Brown for two or three companies to go immediately to Norfolk, Virginia, and inquired when he could have them ready. Gov. Brown went tot eh telegraph office in Milledgeville and telegraphed for volunteer companies in Macon, Griffin and Columbus, asking each Captain whether his company would like to go, and when they could be ready. The responses in every case were: "We would like to go; how much time can you give us?" He replied, "You must start tomorrow.". While some of them said they would need more time, yet rather than lose their place in the battalion they would fo thus hastily. In twenty four hours the battalion w as on the oars in motion for Norfolk, and they wee said to have arrived there about the first troops that reached the place, and little before the Virginia troops arrived at the sea board of their own state. This incident will shoe the eager war spirit of the people, and Gov. Brown's swift celerity in answering requisitions. The four companies forming this battalion were Macon Floyd Rifles, Capt. Thomas Hardeman; Macon Volunteers Capt. Smith; Columbus City Light Guard, Capt. P. H. Colquitt, and Griffin company under Capt. Doyal. Col. Thomas Hardeman, ex-member of Congress, was made the commander of this gallant corps, and he and they did some of the finest service performed in the war.

Page 262
The Legislature of 1863

Excerpt.

Among the leading Representatives were Gen. W. S. Holt and Thomas Hardeman of Macon, the latter an ex Congressman.

The Hon. Thomas Hardeman was elected Speaker of the House and Hon. R. R. Wright President of the Senate. The fourth inaugural address of Gov. Brown was a remarkable ringing document, that seemed to have caught the clang of steel from the spirit of the great conflict.