James Rusk Grant

James Rusk Grant, son of William Daniel Grant and Samantha Jane Holland, was born March 30, 1876 in Clarkesville, Habersham County, Georgia. Together they had 12 children—John W. Grant, Asa Preston Grant, Thomas Lee Grant, Charles E. Grant, Joseph Henry Grant, Savannah J. Grant, Sarah Etta Grant, Starling S. Grant, James Rusk Grant, Noel Willis Grant, Judson Speer Grant, and Mamie Lillian Grant. James is my 1st cousin 3x removed with our nearest common relatives being John Holland and Elizabeth Hutchinson Majors, my 3rd great grandparents.

Before James celebrated his first birthday, his brother Starling, just two years old, passed away on Christmas Eve, 1876. Starling was buried at the Old Clarkesville Cemetery.

On June 1, 1880, the Grant family still lived in Clarkesville. James’ father worked as a blacksmith; his mother kept house. His brother William apparently worked with their father at the blacksmith shop. Thomas, Charles, Joseph, Savannah, and Sarah were all attending school.

James was admitted to the bar in March 1898 and practiced law first in Clarkesville, then in Clayton, Rabun County, Georgia for 10 years. 

The Spanish-American War began on April 21, 1898. Two weeks later, on May 4,1898, James answered the call of duty, enlisting with Company G of the Second Georgia Volunteer Infantry, in Athens, Clarke County, Georgia. Shortly after, he traveled the approximately 71 miles to Griffin, Spalding County, Georgia, and was mustered into service as a Corporal on May 14. The war was brief, spanning a mere six weeks, concluding on July 17, 1898. James, in his later years, was frequently addressed as Colonel (Col.) Grant. Regrettably, I found no official records to corroborate this rank.

James Rusk Grant Spanish-American War Service Summary Card

On June 14, 1900, the Grant family lived in Clarkesville. James, now age 24 and still single, was a lawyer. His brother Noah was employed as a schoolteacher. James’ mother was enumerated as having had 11 children, 10 of which were living. His brother Judson was enumerated as Judge Grant.

James and Mary Trist Reynolds exchanged vows in a February 10, 1901 ceremony held at the Blue Ridge Hotel in Rabun County, Georgia. The nuptials were officiated by D. T. Duncan, a Notary Public and Justice of the Peace. The Atlanta Constitution hailed the event as the “society affair of the week.” Mary, the daughter of John Adams Reynolds and Isabella “Jane” Jackson, had been the belle of Rabun County for the preceding two years. Mary’s father was a prominent figure in the county, serving as the editor of the Clayton Tribune. The couple settled in Clayton after their marriage, approximately 25 miles from Clarkesville. 

Grant-Reynolds marriage certificate

James and Mary were blessed with five children—Mildred Ellene Grant, Willie Jane Grant, Jessie Isabelle Grant, James Rusk Grant Jr., and John Daniel Grant.

Mary Grant and daughter Mildred, ca. 1905

Two fire-related incidents occurred in 1903 that involved James. The first one was in January when flames erupted from the stove flue in the cook room of the Blue Ridge Hotel, spreading to the roof. The fire was quickly extinguished thanks to James climbing to the roof and dousing the flames with the hose connected to the well pump. The second one took place in August. James played a crucial role in saving the Clayton home of Judge and Mrs. Long from a fire that had started on the roof above the kitchen. His swift action helped prevent further damage to their residence. 

In September 1903, James “purchased a part of the Tilley block” and then began to build a house on the property. He also sought to purchase 1500 bundles of fodder and 50 bushels of corn, presumably to feed livestock he owned.

James’ wife, Mary, apparently opened a shop in the fall of 1905 where she sold the “finest lot of ladies and children’s hats that was ever in Clayton.”

In 1906, James’ law practice specialized in collections and criminal law. His office, consisting of two rooms, was in the Tilley Building in Clayton.

In 1909, the Grant family made a significant move from Clayton to Hazlehurst, Jeff Davis County, Georgia, approximately 25 miles away. James established a law practice alongside John Rogers Jr. in Hazlehurst, which they named Grant & Rogers. Mary and the children joined him in Hazlehurst mid-March 1909.

James held the position of solicitor in both the Jeff Davis County and Hazlehurst city courts. As such, he would have spent much time at the Hazlehurst courthouse pictured below.

Courthouse, Hazlehurst, Georgia, The Macon Daily Telegraph, August 10, 1915

James, spoke at a Woodmen banquet in June 1909. The event was deemed a grand success. The Woodmen of the World is a privately held insurance company whose mission is “to offer financial security and peace of mind to its members” “by providing reliable life insurance policies and a range of benefits than can support individuals and families during difficult times.” The organization is “committed to supporting veterans and their families.” They also support “various causes, including disaster relief efforts, youth program, and medical research.” James, a member of Jeff Davis Camp No. 278, attended the annual memorial services. 

On April 20, 1910, James and his family resided in a rental home in Hazlehurst where he was judge of the city court. He was enumerated in the census as a general practice lawyer. Mary was enumerated as having had three children, all of which were living. James and Mary had been married for nine years. 

In September 1910, James visited Dr. J. E. Masrow, a local eye doctor, to be fitted for a new pair of glasses. He was so satisfied with the services he received, as well as the quality of the glasses, that he wrote a letter to Dr. Masrow stating he would recommend his business to fellow community members. Dr. Masrow recognized the value of this endorsement and used his statement in an advertisement in the local newspaper.

Before the end of March 1911, James apparently dissolved his law practice with John Rogers and established a new venture with attorney R. B. Price. Together, they formed a firm called Price & Grant. However, this partnership was short-lived and Mr. Price sold his interest in the firm to James resulting in the dissolution of Price & Grant. Just two and a half years after hanging up his shingle in Hazlehurst, James was considered one of the leading attorneys in the area. In May 1912, he set up an office in the Hall Building located on Tallahassee Street.

James was an active member of the Democratic party in Hazlehurst. He was also actively engaged with the local school system. In late May 1912, he delivered an educational speech at the Satilla School commencement, which was described as “one of the best.” Three years later he ran for a position on the school board.

An odd story was published in the Hazlehurst News on July 25, 1912:

Mayor McDonald has a case in his court which he don’t exactly know how to handle. It is this way; The city of Hazlehurst is going to try Col. James R. Grant for exceeding the speed limit Friday night when he was returning home from the lodge meeting and run upon a large Alligator in the street just beyond the Light and Water Station. Col. Price and Cap’t Wilson said the Colonel run so fast he had to turn side ways to keep from flying.

I am not quite sure what this article means, but wanted to share. A week later, James withdrew from a race for the position of Solicitor General of the Brunswick Circuit. He blamed his demanding law practice and other personal reasons for dropping out, but perhaps the alligator incident had something to do it.

In August 1912, the Hazlehurst News published a cryptic report stating that James had accidently shot himself at his office. The incident unfolded two minutes before their press deadline, leaving them without an opportunity to gather further details. Curiously, the newspaper never followed up on the report. One might have expected them to at least clarify the incident, whether it was true or not.

In September 1912, James, and J. C. Bennett, both attorneys, won every case they took to the courts that term, a record for the city of Hazlehurst.

On October 31, 1912, James issued a notice in the Hazlehurst News, urging individuals who owed him money to promptly settle their debts. Failure to do so would result in legal action during the next court term. This suggests that some of his clients were not fulfilling their financial obligations for the services he provided.

On June 24, 1913, James’s brother, Charles, aged 46, passed away in Montana. Charlie had relocated there for health-related reasons. 

In late July 1913, James attended a river barbeque at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Grey. The guests of this annual event, who “voted it as one of the most delightful affairs that they had attended in years” were treated to a spread of barbequed pig, sheep, goat, and Brunswick Stew. 

In mid-December 1913, after 16 years of practicing law, James declared his candidacy for the position of Judge of the City Court of Hazlehurst. Many believed he would easily be elected with a “sweeping victory.” James did in fact win, and then sought and won re-election in 1914. 

Mid-May 1914, James published an ad in the Hazlehurst News selling a “nice young mare, with Rock Hill buddy and harness, as good as new.”

James, a member of the Hazlehurst Masonic Lodge, delivered the welcome address for the Eleventh District Masonic convention at his lodge in July 1914.

After enduring a 24-hour bout of cholera morbus, a severe form of gastroenteritis, James’ mother died on October 4, 1914. She was buried at the Old Clarkesville Cemetery in Clarkesville.

In December 1914, a disgruntled man from a prominent Virginia family, challenged James (Judge Grant) to a duel. He had been arrested for carrying concealed weapons and was set to appear before Judge Grant in court, however, before his appearance, sent several insulting letters to the judge. He now faced a possible contempt of court judgment and a six-months suspended sentence. Following a guilty plea and a $200 fine, he threatened to kill the arresting officer and then escaped from the courthouse in handcuffs. He wired the challenge to Judge Grant at the city court in Hazlehurst, stipulating that the duel must be fought outside of Georgia. Judge Grant, unmoved by the threat, stated that he is “not mad enough to go over into another state in order to get to fight a duel.” The sheriff was asked to apprehend the man and then notify the authorities in Hazlehurst.

In May 1915, Mary Grant purchased a complete, modern printing outfit at the cost of approximately $2000 and established the Hazlehurst Enterprise. She would run the newspaper, the latest venture in the publishing world, with the help of James who was named an editor. This newspaper was described as a “clean up-to-date, live sheet” that “will do credit to Hazlehurst and Jeff Davis county.” James had experience as an editor having worked for the Clarksville Record, which was eventually consolidated with the Clarksville Advertiser, as an editor. Mary also had experience working for a newspaper having previously worked with her father in managing the Clayton Tribune. The newspaper was short-lived, however. By September 1915, James and Mary sold it to Otto Middleton who “consolidated it with the News under the name of the News and Enterprise.” It was felt that while owned by James and Mary, the newspaper was above the average, however, Hazlehurst was just not large enough to support two newspapers. 

Late December 1915, James announced his intention to run for re-election as Judge City Court in the next primary.

The morning of February 13, 1916, tragedy struck the Grant family when their Tallahassee Street house in Hazlehurst was engulfed in flames. The fire, which originated on the second level, destroyed the entire 10-room home. Amidst the chaos, James managed to save a significant portion of his furniture. The flames extended to two neighboring homes, leaving them scorched, but not burned. Some, but not all the house and contents, were covered by insurance. James resigned his job as judge of the city court and moved the family to Toccoa, Stephens County, Georgia, where he built a new home in the Summer Hill community. He went back to a successful career practicing law. 

In mid-September 1916, the Hazlehurst News reported that Governor Nat Harris appointed Judge S. D. Dell to fill the unexpired term of James, who had resigned.

James’ life story had a sad ending. Barely settled into their new home, tragedy once again struck the Grant family early morning June 17, 1917, when James accidentally shot himself in the heart with a revolver that he thought contained blank cartridges. It was reported James spent Saturday (June 16) drinking whiskey all day, after abstaining for 10 years. Friends urged him to stop drinking, go home and sleep it off, but his drinking continued into the night. When friends found him in town about 1 AM Sunday, they accompanied him to his Toccoa home and again, urged him to go to bed. He agreed to go, but first pointed his gun towards the sky and fired “just to scare his wife.” James’ friends left and he went inside. Seeing the state he was in, Mary asked James to go to bed. He went to the bedroom, only to return a few minutes later. To play a prank on Mary, he stood in front of her, put the gun to his chest, and pulled the trigger. The Athens Daily Herald reported “After loading his pistol with what he thought were blank cartridges, Judge Grant playfully told his wife he was going to kill himself; placed the weapon over his heart and fired. By mistake he had placed a leaded shell among the blank cartridges.” James died two hours after the fatal shot.

James, age 40, was buried in the Grant family plot at Old Clarkesville Cemetery in Clarkesville, leaving behind a wife and five small children. He was remembered as having “a jovial and energetic disposition, of good address, and made friends instantly. He had repeatedly been urged by many acquaintances to announce himself a candidate for Mayor of Toccoa at the next election, to which he had consented.”

Mary filed for a widow’s pension on June 22, 1920, from James’ time served during the Spanish-American War.

Widow’s Pension Spanish-American War Service Summary Card for Mary T. Grant

References

• $2500 Fire Visits Hazlehurst Residence, The Macon News, Macon, Georgia, February 14, 1916.
• 11th District Masons to Meet at Hazlehurst, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, June 26, 1914.
• A New Record, Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, September 26, 1912.
• Accidently Shot, Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, August 22, 1912.
• Announcement, Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, September 24, 1914, October 29, 1914.
• Atlantan Challenges Judge to Fight Duel, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, December 8, 1914.
• Charles Grant, Montana, Death Index, 1868–2011.
• Charlie Grant, The Clayton Tribune, Clayton, Georgia, July 4, 1913.
• Col. J. R. Grant: Candidane [sic] for Judge City Court, Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, December 18, 1913.
• Col. Jas. R. Grant is Assured Support of People, Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, January 1, 1914.
• Col. Jim Grant Kills Himself, The Toccoa Record, Toccoa, Georgia, June 21, 1917.
• Commencement of Satilla Scholl [sic], Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, May 30, 1912.
• Democrats Elect Offiers [sic], Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, March 28, 1912.
• Dr. J. E. Masrow is Again Coming to Hazlehurst Monday and Tuesday, September 12 and 13, Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, September 8, 1910.
• Extracts from the Macon Daily Telegraph Concerning Jeff Davis County and Her Citizens, Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, August 12, 1915.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/79277017/isabella_jane-reynolds: accessed March 9, 2024), memorial page for Isabella Jane Jackson Reynolds (1860–1 Jan 1901), Find a Grave Memorial ID 79277017, citing Hazel Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, Habersham County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Pat Sellers Gillespie (contributor 46926725).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/54786347/starling_s-grant: accessed March 15, 2024), memorial page for Starling S. Grant (4 Aug 1874–24 Dec 1876), Find a Grave Memorial ID 54786347, citing Old Clarkesville Cemetery, Clarkesville, Habersham County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Joyce DeCoff Winnett (contributor 48122649).
• Fire Alarm, The Clayton Tribune, Clayton, Georgia, January 22, 1903.
• Fire, The Clayton Tribune, Clayton, Georgia, August 27, 1903.
• For Sale, Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, May 14, 1914.
• For School Board, Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, April 1, 1915.
• Grant Out of Race, Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, August 1, 1912.
• Grant-Reynolds marriage, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, February 18, 1901.
• Harden, William, A History of Savannah and South Georgia, vol. 2, pp., 729-730, Chicago, Illinois, Lewis Publishing Company, 1913.
• Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, July 20, 1911, July 25, 1912, September 9, 1915.
• Hazlehurst to Have Another Newspaper, The Clayton Tribune, Clayton, Georgia, April 16, 1915.
• Here They Are, Boys, Who’ll Poll the Heaviest Vote?, Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, February 10, 1916.
• In the Local Field, Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, May 9, 1912.
• James R. Grant, Georgia, Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1828–1978.
• James Rusk Grant, Spanish-American War Service Summary Card.
• Jas. R. Grant Ends Life at Toccoa, Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, June 21, 1917.
• Jas. R. Grant Shoots Himself in Toccoa: Well-Known Lawyer and Ex-Judge Victim of Own Tragic Joke, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, June 18, 1917.
• Jas. R. Grant, Lawyer, The Clayton Tribune, Clayton, Georgia, June 14, 1906.
• Jeff Davis and Hazlehurst—Their Splendid Offerings, The Macon Daily Telegraph, Macon, Georgia, August 10, 1915.
• John Adams Reynolds, Certificate of Death no. 2021, Georgia State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, 1936.
• Judge Grant Elected Hazlehurst Judge, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, November 4, 1914.
• Judge Grant to Ask for Re-election, Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, December 30, 1915.
• Judge Grant’s Home at Hazlehurst Burns, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, February 14, 1916.
• Judge James Grant Accidentally Shot Self Early Sunday, The Athens Daily Herald, Athens, Georgia, June 18, 1917.
• Judge James R. Grant Carry Every District in County; Smith Run Second, Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, November 5, 1914.
• Little News Items Throughout State, The Clayton Tribune, Clayton, Georgia, April 16, 1915.
• Local Mention, The Clayton Tribune, Clayton, Georgia, March 12, 1909.
• Local Mention, The Clayton Tribune, Clayton, Georgia, September 28, 1905.
• Mary T. Grant, U.S., Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934 (note the citation shows “Civil War” but the records were not from that timeframe). 
• Mrs. W. D. Grant Dies at Clarkesville Home, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, October 6, 1914.
• News Gleaned from Georgia, The Butler Herald, Butler, Georgia, June 21, 1917.
• Notice, Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, June 8, 1911.
• Notice, Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, October 31, 1912.
• Personal and Gleanings, The Clayton Tribune, Clayton, Georgia, September 17, 1903
• River Barbacue [sic], Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, July 24, 1913.
• S. D. Dell Appointed as Judge of City Court, Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, September 21, 1916.
• The Woodmen Banquet a Grand Success, Hazlehurst News, Hazlehurst, Georgia, June 17, 1909.
• U.S. Federal Census, Clarkesville, Habersham County, Georgia, 1880, 1900.
• U.S. Federal Census, Hazlehurst, Jeff Davis County, Georgia, 1910.
• WoodmenLife; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WoodmenLife.