Doug Flowers writes: Walter Clark’s A Lost Arcadia is the go-to to any questions on the town’s history. Freeman Walker built this home, according to Walter Clark in A Lost Arcadia on page 65, and we know Freeman Walker died in 1827. His wife continued to live in the home and it was sold to Absalom Rhodes. The area was settled by Thomas Walker between 1740 and 1745. Absalom Rhodes, Sr., was born 1770 and was a pioneer of the Brothersville community. His grandson, also named Absalom, was said to be born on the plantation in 1844. So, the home MUST be built before 1827 and for sure before 1844. There is a deed from 1830s on it, but most likely that is when the Rhodes family acquired “Tranquila”. There is a pump on the home that says 1814, so it very well could be before then. The Lansdell home was built in 1820’s, so one of these two homes are most likely the oldest two homes still left from Brothersville, which became Hephzibah 1870. I have a documentary coming out on the town’s history and this home and history will be included.
I have a letter written in 1834 to Amanda Edney in Augusta Ga signed Aunt Annabelle. She put the location from which she was writing as Tranquilla. I dont know if this is the same Tranquilla or not but would be interesting to know if it is the same and what relation Annabelle was to the owners.
Thanks so much for this info. I’m the GGGG Grandson of Absalom Rhodes. My Grandfather Eulie Frank Rhodes was born in Martinez GA in 1916 and lived there till he moved to Jacksonville around 1942. I love this stuff.
I too am interested in family history and I have a letter written in 1834 to Amanda Edney of Augusta Ga signed Aunt Annabelle or Arabelle. Along with the date she wrote Tranquilla which I take to mean the place she was writing from. I have no idea who these people are or how they relate to my family. Do you recognize those names?
Hey everyone. My name is Mike Hill My wife is Sybil Greer Hill. We both went to Hephzibah forever. Oh, Hey Doug 👋. I can’t find any pictures of our old two store school house. Do you know where I could find one? Also do you know where I can find old pictures and history or maps of McBean.
Hi Mike, The best source for any really old map of McBean is probably a railroad map for the rail line that connected Augusta with the Central of Georgia at Millen.
I attended the old two story high school at Hephzibah for one year (’68 – ’69) before moving on to the new building in 1969. I just tried a quick search for any image of the old school and got nothing about it. Probably a visit to the 3rd floor Georgia Room of the Augusta / Richmond County Public Library and checking the records of the Augusta Chronicle and Augusta Herald (long gone) would provide you some old photos of the building.
I hope this helps.
Dale E. Reddick, HHS Class of 1973
There were two marriages at Tranquilla in 1812 of the Creswell sisters. Valentine Walker was the official on one of these and later married one of the Creswell daughters after her husband died. Freeman Walker listed the home for sale in 1823 with the ad saying contact him or Absalom Rhodes. Georgia historic newspapers are a great resource.
Side note not related to this home: I grew up in one of the original Brothersville homes, known as Oakland which was Robert Malone plantation. Malone home became known as Overhome when the Malone was purchased by the Williams family. There are 2 other early homes built during the 1820’s still standing,
Hello Brian, I am looking for a historical map of Hephzibah. Do you have any idea how I can locate one?
Yes, there’s a great book written by man Daniel. Nathan Crumpton from Warren county will all maps from Richmond County, Burke, parts of others surrounding and land grants
Walter Clark’s “A Lost Arcadia” is the go to to any questions on the town’s history. Freeman Walker built this home, according to Walter Clark in ”
Lost Arcadia” on page 65, and we know Freeman Walker died in 1827. His wife continued to live in the home and it was sold to Absalom Rhodes. The area was settled by Thomas Walker between 1740 and 1745, Absalom Rhodes , Sr. was born 1770 and was a pioneer of the Brothersville community. His grandson, also named Absolom, was said to be born on the plantation in 1844.
So, the home MUST be built before 1827 and for sure before 1844. There is a deed from 1830’s on it, but most likely that is when the Rhodes family acquired “Tranquila”
There is a pump on the home that says 1814, so it very well could be before then. The Lansdell home was built in 1820’s, so one of these two homes are most likely the oldest two home still left from Brothersville, which became Hephzibah 1870. I have a documentary coming out on the town’s history and this home and history will be included.
Thanks, Doug. Please keep us posted as to where to find the documentary. My only reference for this was a resource survey and I don’t believe they cited a source. I’m always glad to update.
My book, “Arcadia Revisted: Brothersville to Hephzibah” is a look back at Walter Clark’s book, “A Lost Arcadia.” My book is 660 pages long and it has the history of the Anderson Brothers, Rhodes and all the prominent names from the early settlers. Maps are included and interviews from descendants. One correction from a previous comment I made regarding the Lansdell home. That home was built in 1862. Tranquila, the name of the home in the picture was built most likely 1810, but certainly by 1812 due to two weddings held there.
Knowing a bit about the settlement of the original Brothersville, and the subsequent creation of the community of Hephzibah around the old Hephzibah Baptist Church, then I find that date of 1815 suspiciously early.
Dale, I got this date from a resource survey. A newer one I use dates it to 1850, so I’ve changed it.
Hi Brian, I’ve got to get out more. Unbelievable how you find all these great places in Ga.!! Keep up the good work. Thanks