According to his granddaughter, Betty Courson, this was the homeplace of the late George Fredrick Allan Williamson (1896-1970). His grandfather George Williamson (1822-1901) and wife Charity Sara Frances Jeffcoat Williamson (1827-1898) came to the area from South Carolina in the 1840s and the community of Williamson’s Mill grew up around their farm and homeplace. Williamson owned 2000 acres and gave each of his sons a homesite. He also founded Salem Baptist Church. Betty notes that the old mill pond was located at the site of the voting precinct today and the mill produced wood shingles for the homes being built in the area, nearly all of which are long gone.
George Williamson, born March 31, 1822, in South Carolina, married Charity Suffier Jeffcoat (b. January 19, 1827). native of Lexington SC, in Salem Church in Orangeburg SC, on July 17, 1845. They moved to Ben Hill County, GA and established the Williamson Mill District, including Salem Baptist Church in the District. Charity died June 25, 1898, and George died February 18, 1901, both in Ben Hill County. They were my great, great grandparents. Their son, Barna Lafayette Williamson, was born July 30, 1859, in Ben Hill County and married Mary Susan Minchew (1867-1930) on March 11, 1888. They were my great grandparents. Barna Lafayette and Mary Susan had seven children (I think): Owen Jamison (1888-1968), Charles Crisp (dates?), Charity (1890 – ?), R.M. (dates?), Martha Jane (dates?), George Lafayette (dates?), Susie (dates?). Owen Jamison was my grandfather. He married Emma Amelia Walker (born December 31, 1894, in Wilcox County; died July 24, 1985, in Ben Hill County). Their daughter, Mary Ada Williamson (born December 16, 1913 in Ben Hill County; died January 4, 1981, in Atlanta, GA) was my mother. She married Henry Edmond Stokes, my Dad, on December 16, 1931, in Ben Hill County. He died on July 31, 1982, in Lebanon, TN. ************* If any of you out there who read this site can verify this historical info or have additional information, I would greatly appreciate sharing/learning. Chances are, if you read this information, we are related! I especially am interested in reading the book written by Betty Courson, if it is available for purchasing.
One of my first cousins name was Hugh Allen Williamson. His father’s name was Billy and Grandparents were Sam and Sula (?) Williamson. I remember them as being very good and respectful people as I spent a few weekends there on the farm as a child while visiting my cousin.
Just saw the abandoned barn photo. My father, Thomas M. Williamson, inherited this farm from his father, George F. A. Williamson. My father passed in May of 2012 and his wife, my mother, is the current legal owner. We have never lived close to the farm so I am not aware of much of the history except what I ‘ve learned from my cousins, such as Betty Courson, who grew up in that area. My mother is now 92 years old as was my father when he passed.
Thanks for sharing, Patti!
I know it was at the old mill pond ( the pond is where they have the voting precent in that area) & what they made at the mill were wood shingles for the homes being built in the area. My G.G.Grandfather owing around 2000 acres had several boys & he gave each of them a home. My g.g.Grandfather started Salem Baptist church. So much history where you are. Please keep it coming. I did a book about the Williamson family it took me 15 years.
Thanks again, Betty! Amazing that you did such a history, and I’m so delighted to know about the background…
Think I am related to these Williamsons’ Would love to hear from you. Mary Williamson was my ggg-grandmother. had son named John. Married George Woods then Isaac Thornton.. PH 912-312-0576 Please contact me. Thanks
that sounds like my family…mary 1790, George woods -three children, Isaac thornton, no children… I am trying to link tem with brown and Williamson tobacco co…have any connections..( Robert lynn willamson, Thomas farish Williamson.
Thank you so much for this picture. This is my grandfather & Grandmothers home place.HIs name was George F.A. Williamson his G. Grandfather George Williamson & his wife Charity came to this area in 1840’s & settled here from S.Carolina. I grew up in that area and it makes my heart sink remembering all the good times I had in that barn playing in the hay & just exploring.
Thank you, Betty! It’s so nice to know a little more of the history of this area. That part of Ben Hill County is one of my favorite places in the world…do you know much about the old mill?