Birdsville Plantation has been owned by the Jones family since the mid-1700s and is one of just a few well-documented 18th-century residential structures still standing in the interior of Georgia. Modifications giving the house its present appearance were made circa 1847.
Thankfully, it was spared by Sherman on his March to the Sea.
Mary F. Andrew clarifies the history: For the record*, this was not the home of Francis Jones. F. Jones settled south of Rocky Ford. His son, Philip, most likely built the older part. He acquired the land in 1785 for his services in the Revolutionary War. He died in 1789. His son, Henry Philip Jones, is responsible for the front addition seen in the picture. See Bell-Parker above. I have researched it as thoroughly as I can and know this to be accurate. H. P. Jones’ youngest son, Wm. B. Jones, lived there during the Civil War. The twins were his. Gen. Sherman stayed briefly at the magnificent home of his brother, Jos. Bertram Jones, near Herndon. Unfortunately, J. B. Jones’ home, which was visited by many important people of the day (latter half of the 19th century) and the site of much social activity, burned in the early 1900’s.
*I was initially of the impression that this was first the home of Francis Jones. I’m grateful for Mary F. Andrew’s research and for her sharing it here.
This is the old Birdsville commissary, which served the plantation for many years. I would guess that it served as a schoolhouse or chapel at one time.
The entire plantation and all structures located thereon are on private property. I’m grateful to have been given permission to photograph and greatly enjoyed my brief visit there.
Bill Hozey recently wrote: I lived in the newer house just down the lane from the main house as a child. I have spent many a day in the Franklin house and with the family. I remember vividly the human skull in the basement and was told by the Franklins about Sherman sparing the house due to the death of the twins. Mrs. Grizzard lived in the old Post Office during this time. She was the piano teacher at the private school, Buckhead Academy.
Wonderful memories of Birdsville.
National Register of Historic Places
Vanishing Georgia: Photographs by Brian Brown 
According to Francis Jones’ 1774 will, he had previously made a deed of gift to sons John and Philip for “a certain tract of land in Saint George Parish and includes a mill formerly the property of John Lott”. I have a copy of the original will. This tract of land was not inherited (as is often claimed), but gifted to the sons some time prior to 1774. John was probably one of the oldest sons since he was one of the extrs of Francis Jones’ will. More research needs to be done to determine if the John Lott land was the original Birdsville plantation land. Francis Jones was living on 200 acres of land in St Matthew’s Parish that he had purchased from Josiah Dickson by 1768.
Is there any history of John Wesley Callahan living in Montgomery County. He was my great grandfather, and moved to Bainbridge. He was a turpentine dealer and timber grower. Moved on to Bainbridge and had the Callahan steam boat line up the applilachcola, chattahoo river. Excuse my spelling.
Thanks to all for the wonderful information and stories. I’m doing genealogy on the Roberts-Jones line. My mother was the daughter of A. J. Roberts (a direct descendant of Rev. Pierre Robert who came to the French Santee area near Charleston SC in the late 1600’s. And, my maternal grandmother was Elizabeth “Lizzie” Margaret Jones from Palestine near Raymond MS.
And, I’m doing my wife’s family genealogy. She is a Boyle-Jones, her maternal grandfather being Warren Lathrop Jones, descended from the Savannah GA Jones clan. These areas of “Jones” research brought me to Birdsville Plantation and Jenkins County GA. I look forward to researching more about Francis Jones, the elder…. He may be a common Jones link to both my wife and me. My wife is from Valdosta GA. Many of her kin are buried in the Midway GA cemetery. Dr. Anita Boyle Renfroe grew up on Magnolia Street in Valdosta one block from the Jones Kindergarten. Your work on Valdosta architecture is outstanding. Again, thank you.
I am researching for a book about Sherwood, Tennessee. Rev. George W. Jones was the Mission Priest of the Epiphany Church in Sherwood from 1932 until his death in 1952. He baptized my dad and he was one of the most respected men in Sherwood. He spoke often of his mother that lived in Sherwood for seven of those years. She left Sherwood and returned to the plantation where she died on November 12, 1939 and is buried there. Father Jones spoke of a black friend on the plantation by the name of Walton Jones. I understand that it isn’t possible to visit his home but I would like to find out who his parents were and to use a picture of his home place in my writings. Anything would be greatly appreciated.
My grandmother, Mary Alice Sanders, was married to Beaman Jones. He died of typhoid fever on their honeymoon trip around the world. So sad. Is it possible that I can visit Birdsville ? I have heard stories about it from my grandmother. I believe his brother’s name was Vicus Jones.
If any one has information on Beaman Jones who grew up at Birdsville Plantation please let me know. He was married to my grandmother Mary Alice Sanders Jones Kilgore. He died on their honeymoon around the world . So sad…
Instead of acanthus leaves at the tops of the columns, I remember spike-like decoration….could that be right….it’s been decades since i was there…
When Francis Jones, the original land holder died, he had a way of pairing up his sons, eldest and youngest, next eldest, next youngest, etc. After much research, 30 plus years, I can say that Francis’ genius was well rewarded in getting this building built originally, and I would add that his youngest son, James Jones, who was paired up with his eldest brother, had a hand in its original build and as a young co-owner, it really served him well the rest of his days. Thank you for the pictures. They are wonderful, as is the mistress of the house, a lovely, lovely Southern cousin, Mary Andrew.
My research leads me to believe my Family was on this plantation as Servants. Furthermore, based on genealogy, there was an awful lot of breeding that occurred in this place as well.
So, everyone sees a nostalgic view and ignore the humanity of those innocent people tortured in this place, bred and discarded, to this day.
Mr. Brown- I would be glad to share any information about your ancestors’ story from this plantation. I do my best to note that slaves built most of these grand homes, by tagging them for their relation to slavery, etc. I can only share the stories I know. As to nostalgia: many whites know nothing of the realities of these locations and their nostalgia is often ill-informed, thanks to Hollywood and years of incomplete histories. You’re welcome to send me an email about this at wbrianbrown@gmail.com.
Mr Peter Brown, I must admit that those thoughts have been on my mind too, but in truth, Mr. Brian Brown has been very respectful with the histories of these locales. I must say though, I have NEVER read a response by any of these relatives, regarding the sacrifices made by slaves to their ” family legacies”.
Ms. Smart- I, too, would like to hear input on that, but never do.
The church the owner spoke of is Old Buckhead Church which is not far from Camp Lawton and Magnolia Springs State Park.
I’m not 100% Certain but I have been told that the James Jones that you mentioned earlier, was my paternal grandfather. Do you know what his middle name was and what year he was born?
For the record, this was not the home of Francis Jones. F Jones settled south of Rocky Ford. His son, Philip, most likely built the older part. He acquired the land in 1785 for his services in the Revolutionary War. He died in 1789. His son, Henry Philip Jones, is responsible for the front addition seen in the picture. See Bell-Parker above. I have researched it as thoroughly as I can and know this to be accurate.
HPJones’ youngest son, Wm B Jones, lived there during the Civil War. The twins were his. Gen. Sherman stayed briefly at the magnificent home of his brother, Jos. Bertram Jones, near Herndon. Unfortunately, JBJones’ home, which was visited by many important people of the day (latter half of the 19th century) and the site of much social activity, burned in the early 1900’s.
My family is from Millen and ever since my husband told me about this home I have been fascinated with its history. Since it is on the national registry, is it possible to tour the home and grounds?
It is not publicly accessible.
I lived in the newer house just down the lane from the main house as a child. I have spent many a day in the Franklin house and with the family. I remember vividly the human skull in the basement and was told by the Franklins about Sherman sparing the house due to the death of the twins. Mrs. Grizzard lived in the old Post Office during this time. She was the piano teacher at the private school, Buckhead Academy.
Wonderful memories of Birdsville.
Thank you so much for sharing, Bill.
In the mid 1990s a friend and I booked a quail hunt at Birdsville and were put up in a building not far from the plantation house. I have a VHS tape of the mule and wagon that we followed the dogs with and also an old black gentleman that drove the mule and wagon. The lady that owned the house was of the Jones family. She heard that I was a history buff and invited my friend and I to have lunch with her at the big house at which time she gave us a tour of the house and a history lesson of the plantation. She also told us the story of Sherman’s men digging up the 2 graves and then ordering the men to put out the fires as they let the house stand. She also told us of a church nearby that they used the benches seat and backs to throw accross the creek to run their horses and wagons over. She said they were put back together and used in the church again with scars and hoof prints in the wood.
She was one of the most gracious host I have met and made memories I will never forget. She also allowed me to make pictures around the place. Thanks, Walter Prince.
A couple of years ago while exploreing back roads I found Birdsville. Missing the “no trespassing” sign, I walked down the dirt lane taking pictures and marveling at the history around me. I was run off, then chased by the owner. On the highway in front of the plantation I declared my ignorance , begged forgiveness, and was given a history lesson of the family during the civil war, and an explanation of the buildings on the site. This became the highlight of my trip that year, thanks to a most gracious Southern Lady.
Are there rooms available to rent as a bed and breakfast type at this location ?
No. It’s private property!
Please keep the comments civil in this thread. At the end of the day, everyone knows that slavery was a horrible institution and any argument to justify it will fall on deaf ears here.
Thank you for your civil response. While many people may give only mental assent to the truths you mention, it is good to know that they are not the majority on this site. Another great reference for those who would like further knowledge on the subject is Michelle Alexander’s “The New Jim Crow”. It provides a great read on ways to alleviate poverty for all people. Thanks again.
Members of my family were born field hands on this plantation. For us, it represents a very evil and sadistic part of America’s past. I can never look at any of these buildings without anger for the pain and loss inflicted on my family, much of which we are still dealing with today.
The story I heard was that at the time Sherman and his troops came through, they found freshly dug graves, and began to unearth them looking for hidden silver, valuables, etc. They stopped when they discovered they were actual graves. The lady of the house had recently given birth to twins who had not survived, these were the plundered graves. The plantation was spared complete destruction out of respect.
I have to disagree that the Italianate features are unfortunate! I have seen the house in person and they are original to this portion of the house, built c. 1847-1853. The front part of the house, which is a massive two-over-two structure, dates fully from this time. It is a blend of Greek Revival and Italianate features–a popular combination at a time when Americans were “warming up” the Greek Revival with less academic, more ornamental elements. In my opinion, the bay windows prevent the facade from being too flat. There is a nice play of depth between these windows and the recessed porch. The c. 1847-1853 structure masks an older structure, which adjoins it at the rear. The older structure is very early 1800s or before and is two-stories with shed rooms at rear. This older part is shorter and much less grand. Birdsville has a number of wonderful old outbuildings although many are gone, including a log kitchen in the backyard that was demolished in c.1970s. The original home was owned by Henry Philip Jones and either expanded by him in the late 1840s or by his son William B. Jones in the early 1850s. H. P. Jones had three other sons who inherited adjacent property and constructed Greek Revival houses in the 1850s. There houses are all long gone–one burned in 1901, another in the 1920s. No known photographs.
I agree, Bell-Parker…that comment was someone else’s, not mine!
Don’t worry Brian, you’re in the clear:) Glad you got to see this place on a pretty day. The trees are wonderful.
What a lovely place.
I sent you an email via your gmail address about places in Quitman county that I hope you can photograph before they fall in. I hope that it made it to you. Thanks.
On Mon, Dec 2, 2013 at 2:30 PM, Vanishing South Georgia Photographs by
Certainly an impressive facade and driveway. We can’t see the side or rear views, unfortunately. Have to dream some. 🙂
Randall, are you kin to the Barfield family from Louisville. I am Georgia Barfield’s daughter.
Thank You!! Heard stories of this house, but never thought it would look like this! If the church is Seed Tick I have family that went there! Thanks again.
No, I think the church would be either Fair Haven Methodist or Bark Camp. Both near by to Birdsville Plantation.
Went to a garden club meeting there. Beautiful home with a great story of history as to how Sherman decided not to destroy.
Elegant regency facade with unfortunate Italianate additions and modifications.
Gorgeous plantation and the old commissary building is wonderful. When I finish drawing architecture in Alabama and may just have to go on some road trips to Georgia.
Wow! Would love to see the inside of that plantation home!