John Wayne McRae notes that this was the home of Maxwell Lamar McRae (1875-1951) & Emma Sue Griffith McRae (1875-1972). He adds: Judge McRae read law under the Honorable Tom Eason and was admitted to the bar in 1895. In 1902 he was appointed city judge by Governor Terrell, a position he held until 1907. He was Secretary and Treasurer of the McRae Grocery Co., which he organized in 1906 and President of the Telfair Fertilizer Company, which he organized on 1910. In 1921 he returned to farming, owning about 3,000 acres of land. He was a member of the Georgia Legislature from 1898-1899, served as Mayor of McRae for several terms and was vice-president of the board of trustees of South Georgia College. He was a 1st Lieutenant during the Spanish-American War. Judge McRae was also a co-founder of Brewton Parker College in Mt.Vernon.
National Register of Historic Places
We are the current owner of the historic Max and Emma Sue Mcrae house. 41 south 2nd ave. McRae-Helena Ga.
If anyone has pictures of Max, Emma Sue, their family or inside of the house when they lived there we would like to see them. We would also likke to have nice copies to be able to display them for others to appreciate. We are in the process of remodeling and making this amazing home into a bed and breakfast and fine dining establishment, but bringing this historic home back to it’s natural beauty will take some time. You can email us at 2ndavesteakhouse@gmail.com. We also own The 2nd Ave Steakhouse in McRae which occupies a lot of our time. We thank you, and we hope you can share your photos. Harry and Lee Cregar
Jean, Email is jwwmc@comcast.net.
Max and Emma Sue McRae were my great grandparents. My mother has a lot of McRae history. Would love to see the house again as the last time was when I took my great aunt (Max’s daughter, Sallie) down there from Atlanta before she died (2002). She is buried in McRae with her family.
Hello Margaret!
I am interested in knowing if you able to get back to the home since the time of this post.
I am purchasing the property the end of this month. April 2022 . I saw your post. Very interesting. I would be more than happy to let you visit the property and share your family history.
I would also like to know if you have any pictures of your grandparents. Having a hard time finding any older pictures of this beautiful property. It would be a pleasure to hear from you.
Sincerely, Harry Cregar, III
Thank you for your nice response. I have a great picture that I could scan and email to you if you wish. I live in Williamsburg, Va so not down your way too often as my mother lives near me in Virginia now but would love to see the house again. I will be in touch the next time I am down there. Where are you moving there from?
Hello, John Wayne Mcrae… I am a descendant of Duncan McRae and Flora McMillian through their dau. Margaret Ann McRae who married Archibald McLean. I share with you Christopher and Catherine McRae as G my GGGGrandparents. Don’t know how in the world I found this site… or who in the world Brian Brown is …. but, as I grew up in Coffe County, have been on a trip down memory lane and more on this cold rainy Oregon afternoon…
many thanks…
Jean Charlotte McLean
Hi Jean,
Memory Lane is one my favorite places,:-). My email address is jwwc@comcast.net. Let me hear from you.
Spent a delightful evening at the house with Rip Maneely, the current owner. We are related to Maneeley’s from the area, but not Rip’s family. .
John Wayne McRae.
My fault Jean, email is jwwmc@comcast.net.
Judge Maxwell Lamar McRae, was born 4th of October 1875 in Lumber City, Ga.Died 15 th Feb. 1951. He read law under Hon. Tom Eason and was admitted tithe bar in 1895. 1902 je was appointed city judge by Gov. J.M.Terrell, a position he held until 1907. He was Secretary and Treasurer of the McRae Grocery Co., which he organized in 1906 and President of the Telfair FErtilzer Co., which he organized on 1910. In 1921 he retunrned to farming, owning about 3,000 acres of land. He was a memebr of the Ga.,Legislature 1898-1899, served as Mayor of McRae, Ga., for several terms and was Vice-President of the board of trustees of South Georgia College. He was a First Lt. during the Spanish -American War Judge McRae was a co -founder of Brewton Parker College in Mt.Vernon, Ga. He is a descendant of Jodge Duncan McRae, Of China Hill, Telfair Co., Ga. Our common ancestor’s are Christoprher and Catharine (McLeod) McRae , my GGGGrandparents.