Since the sign was removed, I assumed this church was abandoned, but Jeresa Ellison writes that it was being restored at the time. Her father, Emmanuel Ellison is the pastor.
New Bethel Church, Lax
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Category Archives: Lax GA
Griffin-Bradford Monument, 1976, Lax
Set amongst stately old oaks and pines, this monument was placed by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1976 to honor the memory of two of Irwin County’s pioneer settlers and veterans of the American Revolution. Corporal James Griffin and Lieutenant Thomas Bradford lived and were buried near this site. Both families are still well-represented in the county today.
James Griffin was born in Edgecombe County, North Carolina in 1753. He enlisted in the Continental Army in 1776 and made the rank of corporal in 1777, seeing action at Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, and Guilford Courthouse. After migrating first to Burke and then Montgomery counties with his wife Sarah Lodge (b. October 23, 1766, d. between August 22, 1853 and March 4, 1854) they finally settled in Irwin County in 1827.
His close friend for many years, Thomas Bradford, and Thomas’s wife are also buried here. I’ve been unable to locate further information on Lieutenant Bradford, but some of his children married into the family of Corporal Griffin.
The historical marker reads: This Historic Marker Erected by Descendants of Corporal James Griffin 1753-1836 and Lieutenant Thomas Bradford 1756-1840. These Revolutionary War Heroes were both Born in Edgecombe County, N. C. and their remains are near this site where they settled these lands in the early 1800’s.
More about Corporal Griffin can be found at Find A Grave.
Heritage Chickens, Lax
Welsummer Rooster
Best known as the Kellogg’s Cereal Rooster, the Welsummer originated in Welsum, Holland.
Cuckoo Marans Rooster
Marans originate in France; the cuckoo or barred variety is but one of nine.
White Cochin Bantam Pair
Cochins originate in China and are considered excellent setters.
In recent years, there has been an explosion of interest in backyard poultry. Driven largely by the organic and whole foods movements, “free-range” poultry and eggs are in greater demand than ever. Since most individuals don’t have the vast acreage required for true free-range habitats, the next best thing is “limited range” or fenced habitat. This is far superior to chickens kept in factory-like “coops”. These photographs were made in Lax, Georgia, at the home of my friend Jerry Youghn. While Jerry’s brood is a bit larger than most, it’s well-maintained. He enjoys experimenting with many different varieties, and raises pheasants, peafowl, ducks and other poultry from time to time.
Simple roost constructed with logs and recycled materials
Red Ranger & Rhode Island Red Hens on Natural Roosting Pole
Rhode Island Reds are large chickens raised primarily for meat. They are the state bird of, you guessed it, Rhode Island. Non-industrial strains are now recovering after years of decline.
Young Dark Brahma Roosters Eating Watermelon Rinds
Brahmas are often called the “King of All Chickens” for the large size. They are on the watch list of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, but appear to be increasing in number in recent years. Brahmas originate in India and are a close relative to the progenitor of all chickens, the Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus), which are the wild chickens so well-known in Fitzgerald. Ranger Reds are a more recent variety, hybridized from Rhode Island Reds and kept for their meat and egg-laying qualities.
Natural Nest of Welsummers(Brown) & Red Rangers (Cream)
Silver Pheasant, Standard Dark Cornish & Red Ranger Chicks in Pen
White & Partridge Japanese Silkies
Silkies are a variety kept mostly for show and curiosity. They are actually believed to have originated in China and were first documented in the 13th century.
Silver Pheasant (Lophura nycthemera)
This variety is native to Southeast Asia.
Precinct House, Lax
Lax Baptist Church, Irwin County
Vanishing Georgia: Photographs by Brian Brown 