Zachariah Gholston was born 1790 in Wilkes Co., GA to Dabney Gholston and Elizabeth Pulliam. He grew up in Wilkes and Madison Co.s, GA in a large family. When he was nine years old, his grandfather, John Pulliam, Sr. of Abbeville District, SC died and in his Will of 2 May 1798, left a legacy to Zachariah and his siblings. The father, Dabney Gholston, was appointed guardian to administer the legacy.
With the headstart afforded by his Grandfather's legacy, as well as the considerable property that he inherited from his father's estate in 1825, Zachariah Gholston quickly became one of the largest property owners in his sector of the state. He established himself on a plantation in DeKalb Co., GA after residing in Madison and Gwinnett Co.s. His combined land interests were over 3,000 acres in various counties and more than 100 slaves.
Zachariah Gholston represented Madison County in the Georgia Assembly from 1820-6 and Gwinnett County from 1830-4. Zachariah Gholston received a commission as Captain during the Indian Wars and commanded a company of mounted infantrymen during the Cherokee removal. One of the privates in his company was Miles Whitlow, a future son-in-law.
On 22 Nov 1816, Zach Gholston had the good fortune to marry young Nancy Gilbert of Madison County, GA. Nancy was born 1802, to John Gilbert and Nancy Strickland. Although only fourteen years old on her wedding day, she had already gained many womanly attributes. She spent her life practicing the qualities of a Christian wife and mother, making a good home for her husband and large family.
The Gilbert family had removed from North Carolina to Georgia in 1769, according to the earliest family records. John Gilbert moved back to North Carolina to serve in the Revolution in the company of trusted friends. He married while home in Carolina but she died young and produced no progeny for John.
After the Revolution, John Gilbert, again, returned to Georgia, settling in the area of Old Franklin County. By 1782, he had accummulated a significant estate for himself. Records show that he took care of his ailing Mother, a fact brought out in her Will in 1803.
The children of John Gilbert and Mary Strickland were: 1. James Gilbert, who mar. Ms. Eberhart in 1811, 2. William Gilbert, who mar. his cousin, 3. John Gilbert, Jr., DSP 1832, 4. Elizabeth Gilbert, who mar. Mr. Kinnings, & 5. Nancy Gilbert, who mar. Zachariah Gholston, the subject of this biography.
Nancy Gilbert Gholston's parents, John Gilbert and Mary Strickland were married Saturday, 1 Dec 1787. He died abt 1818. The Gilbert line has been traced back to Sir Humphrey Gilbert of England. Mary Strickland was a daughter of Jacob Strickland of Franklin Co., GA. Jacob Strickland was from Guilford Co., NC but settled on Rocky Comfort Creek in Franklin Co., GA, where he died 1804. His father was Jacob Strickland, Sr. who died 1790 Nash Co., NC and grandfather was Matthew Strickland who lived and died in Isle of Wight Co., VA. The patriarch of the family was the man of the same name, Matthew Strickland, Sr. who had mar. Eliz. Loreen in Liverpool, England and settled in Maryland before 1679.
Nancy Gilbert died abt 1846 and Zachariah Gholston died early in 1854. His estate records can be found in the probate files of DeKalb Co., GA.
Zachariah Gholston's palatial plantation in DeKalb Co. was near Decatur. He is buried on his homeplace, which is now near Avondale, south of the Covington Road.
Issue of Zachariah Gholston and Nancy Gilbert:
1. Gilbert Clark Gholston, b. 15 Dec 1821, in Madison Co., GA, resided in DeKalb Co., GA in 1850. Mar. 1844 to Martha Loveless. Moved to Bartow Co., GA. Confederate service in Co. I, 63rd Georgia Infantry from 23 Dec 1862 until 1 May 1865, the same unit in which Thomas Wm Powell, mentioned below, served. Gill Gholston was one of 47 men of an original Regiment of over 1200 men at the Surrender at Smithfield, NC.
2. Emaline "Emily" Gholston, b. 19 Sep 1822 in Madison Co., GA. Mar. in 1839 at Hardeman Bapt Church to Miles Washington Whitlow of Walker Co., GA. Removed to Kensington, Walker Co., GA to live in McLemore's Cove with the Whitlows and kin. This union was blessed with: John Gholston Whitlow b. 1842, Emily Whitlow b. 1844 (mar. Wm A. Williamson; died of breast cancer 1868), Nancy Jane Whitlow b. 1846 (mar. S.G. Williamson) and Albina "Allie" Tabitha Whitlow, b. 1847.
Emily died 9 Jul 1847 in childbirth with daugther Albina "Allie" Whitlow (mar. Rev. Thomas Wm Powell, 1871, Antioch Bapt Church, Cedar Grove, Walker Co., GA.)
Emily Gholston Whitlow is buried in an unmarked grave in the Miles Whitlow family plot at Old Antioch Baptist Church, Cedar Grove, Walker Co., GA.
Zachariah Gholston's estate left an inheritance to the children of Emily Gholston and Miles Whitlow consisting of money, property and a slave woman named Mariah. Mariah Whitlow is living with the Miles Whitlow family in 1860 and nearby in 1870, residing on Whitlow property and still loyal to the family.
Miles Whitlow, b. 1812 Clarke Co., GA, was an avid land speculator who had accummulated property in eight counties across the state of Georgia and Alabama before his death in 1885.
3. Ellen Gholston, b. 1826 DeKalb Co., GA, mar. Ryal W. McAllister 1846.
4. Harriett Gholston, b. 1827 DeKalb Co., GA, mar. Joseph Rankin White.
5. Isaac Gholston, b. 1829 DeKalb Co., GA. Svc in Confederate Army. DSP 1874, Gilbert Gholston admin. his estate in Bartow Co., GA.
6. William Dabney Gholston b. 1831 DeKalb Co., GA. Svc CSA as a Captain, commanding a company of infantry. Mar. Sarah E. Sheppard.
7. Elizabeth Gholston, b. 1833, DeKalb Co., GA, mar. James Riley Loveless.
8. Nancy Josephine Gholston, b. 1835, DeKalb Co.. GA, mar. 1. Ebenezer Loveless, 2. George Oliver Reed.
9. Sergeant Zachariah Gholston, Jr. b. 1838. Killed in action, Confederate States Army.
Collected Interviews, Vol. III, Kennesaw College Oral History Project. Excerpt of interview with Alice B. Howard:
"Was there anyone in your growing up years that really had a profound influence on you?"
"My grandmother Reed (Nancy Josephine Gholston, wife of George Oliver Reed) was the greatest influence in my life because I was with her constantly until I was 17 years old, when she died. She read to me when I was little from my gift books and from her favorite portions of the Bible -the Psalms. She often retold me the stories of Civil War incidents in which she had a part. She told about her former slaves, Jim and Emma Gholston, who refused to leave her. They never abandoned her and returned to look after her and help in any way they could. I loved to listen to the old soldiers who came occasionally to sit on the front porch steps while she sat in her rocking chair, recalling the stark events of the War. Many of the women and children refugeed to various points in South Georgia when they heard that Sherman was heading toward Atlanta with his horde of looters. I remember she said that she and her sister, Aunt Elizabeth Gholston (Mrs. James Loveless), had resolved to remain, no matter what, to protect their homes. Their neighbor on the hill across the road, Mrs. Bowdoin, also stayed. Her husband was with the Army at Kingston as a surgeon and physician to the wounded and ill Confederate soldiers. But, those women were helpless to protect their possessions. The soldiers looted my grandmother's house of everything they could carry off. My grandmother lived right in the center of Adairsville, just across the street from some of the stores. Her house was the only brick house there at the time. I should give you a little background on how she came to be in Adairsville. She was born and reared in DeKalb County, the daughter of Zachariah Gholston and Nancy Gilbert. She was one of nine children. Zachariah Gholston was a prominent landowner. He represented Madison County in the Georgia Assembly from 1820 to 1826 and represented Gwinnett County from 1830 to 1834. His 3,000 acre plantation is now incorporated as the city of Avondale. When Zachariah died in 1854, the estate was sold and the proceeds divided among the nine children. Gilbert Gholston, and his sisters Nancy and Elizabeth, came to Adairsville, which was a thriving location due to the building of the Western & Atlantic Railroad. Adairsville was the meeting point for the railroad, which was being constructed from Atlanta and Chattanooga simultaneously and scheduled to meet at the point 60 miles in each direction, which was Adairsville. The Gholstons came to invest in property in this booming town. They bought business and residential property, and Uncle Gilbert went into business on Front Street. Nancy bought several houses and lots on Main and Summer Streets. Uncle Gil served in Company I of the 63rd Georgia Regiment in the War, and married Martha Ann Loveless, Elizabeth married James Loveless and Nancy married Ebenezer Loveless - brothers and sister in the same Loveless family."
With the headstart afforded by his Grandfather's legacy, as well as the considerable property that he inherited from his father's estate in 1825, Zachariah Gholston quickly became one of the largest property owners in his sector of the state. He established himself on a plantation in DeKalb Co., GA after residing in Madison and Gwinnett Co.s. His combined land interests were over 3,000 acres in various counties and more than 100 slaves.
Zachariah Gholston represented Madison County in the Georgia Assembly from 1820-6 and Gwinnett County from 1830-4. Zachariah Gholston received a commission as Captain during the Indian Wars and commanded a company of mounted infantrymen during the Cherokee removal. One of the privates in his company was Miles Whitlow, a future son-in-law.
On 22 Nov 1816, Zach Gholston had the good fortune to marry young Nancy Gilbert of Madison County, GA. Nancy was born 1802, to John Gilbert and Nancy Strickland. Although only fourteen years old on her wedding day, she had already gained many womanly attributes. She spent her life practicing the qualities of a Christian wife and mother, making a good home for her husband and large family.
The Gilbert family had removed from North Carolina to Georgia in 1769, according to the earliest family records. John Gilbert moved back to North Carolina to serve in the Revolution in the company of trusted friends. He married while home in Carolina but she died young and produced no progeny for John.
After the Revolution, John Gilbert, again, returned to Georgia, settling in the area of Old Franklin County. By 1782, he had accummulated a significant estate for himself. Records show that he took care of his ailing Mother, a fact brought out in her Will in 1803.
The children of John Gilbert and Mary Strickland were: 1. James Gilbert, who mar. Ms. Eberhart in 1811, 2. William Gilbert, who mar. his cousin, 3. John Gilbert, Jr., DSP 1832, 4. Elizabeth Gilbert, who mar. Mr. Kinnings, & 5. Nancy Gilbert, who mar. Zachariah Gholston, the subject of this biography.
Nancy Gilbert Gholston's parents, John Gilbert and Mary Strickland were married Saturday, 1 Dec 1787. He died abt 1818. The Gilbert line has been traced back to Sir Humphrey Gilbert of England. Mary Strickland was a daughter of Jacob Strickland of Franklin Co., GA. Jacob Strickland was from Guilford Co., NC but settled on Rocky Comfort Creek in Franklin Co., GA, where he died 1804. His father was Jacob Strickland, Sr. who died 1790 Nash Co., NC and grandfather was Matthew Strickland who lived and died in Isle of Wight Co., VA. The patriarch of the family was the man of the same name, Matthew Strickland, Sr. who had mar. Eliz. Loreen in Liverpool, England and settled in Maryland before 1679.
Nancy Gilbert died abt 1846 and Zachariah Gholston died early in 1854. His estate records can be found in the probate files of DeKalb Co., GA.
Zachariah Gholston's palatial plantation in DeKalb Co. was near Decatur. He is buried on his homeplace, which is now near Avondale, south of the Covington Road.
Issue of Zachariah Gholston and Nancy Gilbert:
1. Gilbert Clark Gholston, b. 15 Dec 1821, in Madison Co., GA, resided in DeKalb Co., GA in 1850. Mar. 1844 to Martha Loveless. Moved to Bartow Co., GA. Confederate service in Co. I, 63rd Georgia Infantry from 23 Dec 1862 until 1 May 1865, the same unit in which Thomas Wm Powell, mentioned below, served. Gill Gholston was one of 47 men of an original Regiment of over 1200 men at the Surrender at Smithfield, NC.
2. Emaline "Emily" Gholston, b. 19 Sep 1822 in Madison Co., GA. Mar. in 1839 at Hardeman Bapt Church to Miles Washington Whitlow of Walker Co., GA. Removed to Kensington, Walker Co., GA to live in McLemore's Cove with the Whitlows and kin. This union was blessed with: John Gholston Whitlow b. 1842, Emily Whitlow b. 1844 (mar. Wm A. Williamson; died of breast cancer 1868), Nancy Jane Whitlow b. 1846 (mar. S.G. Williamson) and Albina "Allie" Tabitha Whitlow, b. 1847.
Emily died 9 Jul 1847 in childbirth with daugther Albina "Allie" Whitlow (mar. Rev. Thomas Wm Powell, 1871, Antioch Bapt Church, Cedar Grove, Walker Co., GA.)
Emily Gholston Whitlow is buried in an unmarked grave in the Miles Whitlow family plot at Old Antioch Baptist Church, Cedar Grove, Walker Co., GA.
Zachariah Gholston's estate left an inheritance to the children of Emily Gholston and Miles Whitlow consisting of money, property and a slave woman named Mariah. Mariah Whitlow is living with the Miles Whitlow family in 1860 and nearby in 1870, residing on Whitlow property and still loyal to the family.
Miles Whitlow, b. 1812 Clarke Co., GA, was an avid land speculator who had accummulated property in eight counties across the state of Georgia and Alabama before his death in 1885.
3. Ellen Gholston, b. 1826 DeKalb Co., GA, mar. Ryal W. McAllister 1846.
4. Harriett Gholston, b. 1827 DeKalb Co., GA, mar. Joseph Rankin White.
5. Isaac Gholston, b. 1829 DeKalb Co., GA. Svc in Confederate Army. DSP 1874, Gilbert Gholston admin. his estate in Bartow Co., GA.
6. William Dabney Gholston b. 1831 DeKalb Co., GA. Svc CSA as a Captain, commanding a company of infantry. Mar. Sarah E. Sheppard.
7. Elizabeth Gholston, b. 1833, DeKalb Co., GA, mar. James Riley Loveless.
8. Nancy Josephine Gholston, b. 1835, DeKalb Co.. GA, mar. 1. Ebenezer Loveless, 2. George Oliver Reed.
9. Sergeant Zachariah Gholston, Jr. b. 1838. Killed in action, Confederate States Army.
Collected Interviews, Vol. III, Kennesaw College Oral History Project. Excerpt of interview with Alice B. Howard:
"Was there anyone in your growing up years that really had a profound influence on you?"
"My grandmother Reed (Nancy Josephine Gholston, wife of George Oliver Reed) was the greatest influence in my life because I was with her constantly until I was 17 years old, when she died. She read to me when I was little from my gift books and from her favorite portions of the Bible -the Psalms. She often retold me the stories of Civil War incidents in which she had a part. She told about her former slaves, Jim and Emma Gholston, who refused to leave her. They never abandoned her and returned to look after her and help in any way they could. I loved to listen to the old soldiers who came occasionally to sit on the front porch steps while she sat in her rocking chair, recalling the stark events of the War. Many of the women and children refugeed to various points in South Georgia when they heard that Sherman was heading toward Atlanta with his horde of looters. I remember she said that she and her sister, Aunt Elizabeth Gholston (Mrs. James Loveless), had resolved to remain, no matter what, to protect their homes. Their neighbor on the hill across the road, Mrs. Bowdoin, also stayed. Her husband was with the Army at Kingston as a surgeon and physician to the wounded and ill Confederate soldiers. But, those women were helpless to protect their possessions. The soldiers looted my grandmother's house of everything they could carry off. My grandmother lived right in the center of Adairsville, just across the street from some of the stores. Her house was the only brick house there at the time. I should give you a little background on how she came to be in Adairsville. She was born and reared in DeKalb County, the daughter of Zachariah Gholston and Nancy Gilbert. She was one of nine children. Zachariah Gholston was a prominent landowner. He represented Madison County in the Georgia Assembly from 1820 to 1826 and represented Gwinnett County from 1830 to 1834. His 3,000 acre plantation is now incorporated as the city of Avondale. When Zachariah died in 1854, the estate was sold and the proceeds divided among the nine children. Gilbert Gholston, and his sisters Nancy and Elizabeth, came to Adairsville, which was a thriving location due to the building of the Western & Atlantic Railroad. Adairsville was the meeting point for the railroad, which was being constructed from Atlanta and Chattanooga simultaneously and scheduled to meet at the point 60 miles in each direction, which was Adairsville. The Gholstons came to invest in property in this booming town. They bought business and residential property, and Uncle Gilbert went into business on Front Street. Nancy bought several houses and lots on Main and Summer Streets. Uncle Gil served in Company I of the 63rd Georgia Regiment in the War, and married Martha Ann Loveless, Elizabeth married James Loveless and Nancy married Ebenezer Loveless - brothers and sister in the same Loveless family."
Zachariah Gholston was born 1790 in Wilkes Co., GA to Dabney Gholston and Elizabeth Pulliam. He grew up in Wilkes and Madison Co.s, GA in a large family. When he was nine years old, his grandfather, John Pulliam, Sr. of Abbeville District, SC died and in his Will of 2 May 1798, left a legacy to Zachariah and his siblings. The father, Dabney Gholston, was appointed guardian to administer the legacy.
With the headstart afforded by his Grandfather's legacy, as well as the considerable property that he inherited from his father's estate in 1825, Zachariah Gholston quickly became one of the largest property owners in his sector of the state. He established himself on a plantation in DeKalb Co., GA after residing in Madison and Gwinnett Co.s. His combined land interests were over 3,000 acres in various counties and more than 100 slaves.
Zachariah Gholston represented Madison County in the Georgia Assembly from 1820-6 and Gwinnett County from 1830-4. Zachariah Gholston received a commission as Captain during the Indian Wars and commanded a company of mounted infantrymen during the Cherokee removal. One of the privates in his company was Miles Whitlow, a future son-in-law.
On 22 Nov 1816, Zach Gholston had the good fortune to marry young Nancy Gilbert of Madison County, GA. Nancy was born 1802, to John Gilbert and Nancy Strickland. Although only fourteen years old on her wedding day, she had already gained many womanly attributes. She spent her life practicing the qualities of a Christian wife and mother, making a good home for her husband and large family.
The Gilbert family had removed from North Carolina to Georgia in 1769, according to the earliest family records. John Gilbert moved back to North Carolina to serve in the Revolution in the company of trusted friends. He married while home in Carolina but she died young and produced no progeny for John.
After the Revolution, John Gilbert, again, returned to Georgia, settling in the area of Old Franklin County. By 1782, he had accummulated a significant estate for himself. Records show that he took care of his ailing Mother, a fact brought out in her Will in 1803.
The children of John Gilbert and Mary Strickland were: 1. James Gilbert, who mar. Ms. Eberhart in 1811, 2. William Gilbert, who mar. his cousin, 3. John Gilbert, Jr., DSP 1832, 4. Elizabeth Gilbert, who mar. Mr. Kinnings, & 5. Nancy Gilbert, who mar. Zachariah Gholston, the subject of this biography.
Nancy Gilbert Gholston's parents, John Gilbert and Mary Strickland were married Saturday, 1 Dec 1787. He died abt 1818. The Gilbert line has been traced back to Sir Humphrey Gilbert of England. Mary Strickland was a daughter of Jacob Strickland of Franklin Co., GA. Jacob Strickland was from Guilford Co., NC but settled on Rocky Comfort Creek in Franklin Co., GA, where he died 1804. His father was Jacob Strickland, Sr. who died 1790 Nash Co., NC and grandfather was Matthew Strickland who lived and died in Isle of Wight Co., VA. The patriarch of the family was the man of the same name, Matthew Strickland, Sr. who had mar. Eliz. Loreen in Liverpool, England and settled in Maryland before 1679.
Nancy Gilbert died abt 1846 and Zachariah Gholston died early in 1854. His estate records can be found in the probate files of DeKalb Co., GA.
Zachariah Gholston's palatial plantation in DeKalb Co. was near Decatur. He is buried on his homeplace, which is now near Avondale, south of the Covington Road.
Issue of Zachariah Gholston and Nancy Gilbert:
1. Gilbert Clark Gholston, b. 15 Dec 1821, in Madison Co., GA, resided in DeKalb Co., GA in 1850. Mar. 1844 to Martha Loveless. Moved to Bartow Co., GA. Confederate service in Co. I, 63rd Georgia Infantry from 23 Dec 1862 until 1 May 1865, the same unit in which Thomas Wm Powell, mentioned below, served. Gill Gholston was one of 47 men of an original Regiment of over 1200 men at the Surrender at Smithfield, NC.
2. Emaline "Emily" Gholston, b. 19 Sep 1822 in Madison Co., GA. Mar. in 1839 at Hardeman Bapt Church to Miles Washington Whitlow of Walker Co., GA. Removed to Kensington, Walker Co., GA to live in McLemore's Cove with the Whitlows and kin. This union was blessed with: John Gholston Whitlow b. 1842, Emily Whitlow b. 1844 (mar. Wm A. Williamson; died of breast cancer 1868), Nancy Jane Whitlow b. 1846 (mar. S.G. Williamson) and Albina "Allie" Tabitha Whitlow, b. 1847.
Emily died 9 Jul 1847 in childbirth with daugther Albina "Allie" Whitlow (mar. Rev. Thomas Wm Powell, 1871, Antioch Bapt Church, Cedar Grove, Walker Co., GA.)
Emily Gholston Whitlow is buried in an unmarked grave in the Miles Whitlow family plot at Old Antioch Baptist Church, Cedar Grove, Walker Co., GA.
Zachariah Gholston's estate left an inheritance to the children of Emily Gholston and Miles Whitlow consisting of money, property and a slave woman named Mariah. Mariah Whitlow is living with the Miles Whitlow family in 1860 and nearby in 1870, residing on Whitlow property and still loyal to the family.
Miles Whitlow, b. 1812 Clarke Co., GA, was an avid land speculator who had accummulated property in eight counties across the state of Georgia and Alabama before his death in 1885.
3. Ellen Gholston, b. 1826 DeKalb Co., GA, mar. Ryal W. McAllister 1846.
4. Harriett Gholston, b. 1827 DeKalb Co., GA, mar. Joseph Rankin White.
5. Isaac Gholston, b. 1829 DeKalb Co., GA. Svc in Confederate Army. DSP 1874, Gilbert Gholston admin. his estate in Bartow Co., GA.
6. William Dabney Gholston b. 1831 DeKalb Co., GA. Svc CSA as a Captain, commanding a company of infantry. Mar. Sarah E. Sheppard.
7. Elizabeth Gholston, b. 1833, DeKalb Co., GA, mar. James Riley Loveless.
8. Nancy Josephine Gholston, b. 1835, DeKalb Co.. GA, mar. 1. Ebenezer Loveless, 2. George Oliver Reed.
9. Sergeant Zachariah Gholston, Jr. b. 1838. Killed in action, Confederate States Army.
Collected Interviews, Vol. III, Kennesaw College Oral History Project. Excerpt of interview with Alice B. Howard:
"Was there anyone in your growing up years that really had a profound influence on you?"
"My grandmother Reed (Nancy Josephine Gholston, wife of George Oliver Reed) was the greatest influence in my life because I was with her constantly until I was 17 years old, when she died. She read to me when I was little from my gift books and from her favorite portions of the Bible -the Psalms. She often retold me the stories of Civil War incidents in which she had a part. She told about her former slaves, Jim and Emma Gholston, who refused to leave her. They never abandoned her and returned to look after her and help in any way they could. I loved to listen to the old soldiers who came occasionally to sit on the front porch steps while she sat in her rocking chair, recalling the stark events of the War. Many of the women and children refugeed to various points in South Georgia when they heard that Sherman was heading toward Atlanta with his horde of looters. I remember she said that she and her sister, Aunt Elizabeth Gholston (Mrs. James Loveless), had resolved to remain, no matter what, to protect their homes. Their neighbor on the hill across the road, Mrs. Bowdoin, also stayed. Her husband was with the Army at Kingston as a surgeon and physician to the wounded and ill Confederate soldiers. But, those women were helpless to protect their possessions. The soldiers looted my grandmother's house of everything they could carry off. My grandmother lived right in the center of Adairsville, just across the street from some of the stores. Her house was the only brick house there at the time. I should give you a little background on how she came to be in Adairsville. She was born and reared in DeKalb County, the daughter of Zachariah Gholston and Nancy Gilbert. She was one of nine children. Zachariah Gholston was a prominent landowner. He represented Madison County in the Georgia Assembly from 1820 to 1826 and represented Gwinnett County from 1830 to 1834. His 3,000 acre plantation is now incorporated as the city of Avondale. When Zachariah died in 1854, the estate was sold and the proceeds divided among the nine children. Gilbert Gholston, and his sisters Nancy and Elizabeth, came to Adairsville, which was a thriving location due to the building of the Western & Atlantic Railroad. Adairsville was the meeting point for the railroad, which was being constructed from Atlanta and Chattanooga simultaneously and scheduled to meet at the point 60 miles in each direction, which was Adairsville. The Gholstons came to invest in property in this booming town. They bought business and residential property, and Uncle Gilbert went into business on Front Street. Nancy bought several houses and lots on Main and Summer Streets. Uncle Gil served in Company I of the 63rd Georgia Regiment in the War, and married Martha Ann Loveless, Elizabeth married James Loveless and Nancy married Ebenezer Loveless - brothers and sister in the same Loveless family."
With the headstart afforded by his Grandfather's legacy, as well as the considerable property that he inherited from his father's estate in 1825, Zachariah Gholston quickly became one of the largest property owners in his sector of the state. He established himself on a plantation in DeKalb Co., GA after residing in Madison and Gwinnett Co.s. His combined land interests were over 3,000 acres in various counties and more than 100 slaves.
Zachariah Gholston represented Madison County in the Georgia Assembly from 1820-6 and Gwinnett County from 1830-4. Zachariah Gholston received a commission as Captain during the Indian Wars and commanded a company of mounted infantrymen during the Cherokee removal. One of the privates in his company was Miles Whitlow, a future son-in-law.
On 22 Nov 1816, Zach Gholston had the good fortune to marry young Nancy Gilbert of Madison County, GA. Nancy was born 1802, to John Gilbert and Nancy Strickland. Although only fourteen years old on her wedding day, she had already gained many womanly attributes. She spent her life practicing the qualities of a Christian wife and mother, making a good home for her husband and large family.
The Gilbert family had removed from North Carolina to Georgia in 1769, according to the earliest family records. John Gilbert moved back to North Carolina to serve in the Revolution in the company of trusted friends. He married while home in Carolina but she died young and produced no progeny for John.
After the Revolution, John Gilbert, again, returned to Georgia, settling in the area of Old Franklin County. By 1782, he had accummulated a significant estate for himself. Records show that he took care of his ailing Mother, a fact brought out in her Will in 1803.
The children of John Gilbert and Mary Strickland were: 1. James Gilbert, who mar. Ms. Eberhart in 1811, 2. William Gilbert, who mar. his cousin, 3. John Gilbert, Jr., DSP 1832, 4. Elizabeth Gilbert, who mar. Mr. Kinnings, & 5. Nancy Gilbert, who mar. Zachariah Gholston, the subject of this biography.
Nancy Gilbert Gholston's parents, John Gilbert and Mary Strickland were married Saturday, 1 Dec 1787. He died abt 1818. The Gilbert line has been traced back to Sir Humphrey Gilbert of England. Mary Strickland was a daughter of Jacob Strickland of Franklin Co., GA. Jacob Strickland was from Guilford Co., NC but settled on Rocky Comfort Creek in Franklin Co., GA, where he died 1804. His father was Jacob Strickland, Sr. who died 1790 Nash Co., NC and grandfather was Matthew Strickland who lived and died in Isle of Wight Co., VA. The patriarch of the family was the man of the same name, Matthew Strickland, Sr. who had mar. Eliz. Loreen in Liverpool, England and settled in Maryland before 1679.
Nancy Gilbert died abt 1846 and Zachariah Gholston died early in 1854. His estate records can be found in the probate files of DeKalb Co., GA.
Zachariah Gholston's palatial plantation in DeKalb Co. was near Decatur. He is buried on his homeplace, which is now near Avondale, south of the Covington Road.
Issue of Zachariah Gholston and Nancy Gilbert:
1. Gilbert Clark Gholston, b. 15 Dec 1821, in Madison Co., GA, resided in DeKalb Co., GA in 1850. Mar. 1844 to Martha Loveless. Moved to Bartow Co., GA. Confederate service in Co. I, 63rd Georgia Infantry from 23 Dec 1862 until 1 May 1865, the same unit in which Thomas Wm Powell, mentioned below, served. Gill Gholston was one of 47 men of an original Regiment of over 1200 men at the Surrender at Smithfield, NC.
2. Emaline "Emily" Gholston, b. 19 Sep 1822 in Madison Co., GA. Mar. in 1839 at Hardeman Bapt Church to Miles Washington Whitlow of Walker Co., GA. Removed to Kensington, Walker Co., GA to live in McLemore's Cove with the Whitlows and kin. This union was blessed with: John Gholston Whitlow b. 1842, Emily Whitlow b. 1844 (mar. Wm A. Williamson; died of breast cancer 1868), Nancy Jane Whitlow b. 1846 (mar. S.G. Williamson) and Albina "Allie" Tabitha Whitlow, b. 1847.
Emily died 9 Jul 1847 in childbirth with daugther Albina "Allie" Whitlow (mar. Rev. Thomas Wm Powell, 1871, Antioch Bapt Church, Cedar Grove, Walker Co., GA.)
Emily Gholston Whitlow is buried in an unmarked grave in the Miles Whitlow family plot at Old Antioch Baptist Church, Cedar Grove, Walker Co., GA.
Zachariah Gholston's estate left an inheritance to the children of Emily Gholston and Miles Whitlow consisting of money, property and a slave woman named Mariah. Mariah Whitlow is living with the Miles Whitlow family in 1860 and nearby in 1870, residing on Whitlow property and still loyal to the family.
Miles Whitlow, b. 1812 Clarke Co., GA, was an avid land speculator who had accummulated property in eight counties across the state of Georgia and Alabama before his death in 1885.
3. Ellen Gholston, b. 1826 DeKalb Co., GA, mar. Ryal W. McAllister 1846.
4. Harriett Gholston, b. 1827 DeKalb Co., GA, mar. Joseph Rankin White.
5. Isaac Gholston, b. 1829 DeKalb Co., GA. Svc in Confederate Army. DSP 1874, Gilbert Gholston admin. his estate in Bartow Co., GA.
6. William Dabney Gholston b. 1831 DeKalb Co., GA. Svc CSA as a Captain, commanding a company of infantry. Mar. Sarah E. Sheppard.
7. Elizabeth Gholston, b. 1833, DeKalb Co., GA, mar. James Riley Loveless.
8. Nancy Josephine Gholston, b. 1835, DeKalb Co.. GA, mar. 1. Ebenezer Loveless, 2. George Oliver Reed.
9. Sergeant Zachariah Gholston, Jr. b. 1838. Killed in action, Confederate States Army.
Collected Interviews, Vol. III, Kennesaw College Oral History Project. Excerpt of interview with Alice B. Howard:
"Was there anyone in your growing up years that really had a profound influence on you?"
"My grandmother Reed (Nancy Josephine Gholston, wife of George Oliver Reed) was the greatest influence in my life because I was with her constantly until I was 17 years old, when she died. She read to me when I was little from my gift books and from her favorite portions of the Bible -the Psalms. She often retold me the stories of Civil War incidents in which she had a part. She told about her former slaves, Jim and Emma Gholston, who refused to leave her. They never abandoned her and returned to look after her and help in any way they could. I loved to listen to the old soldiers who came occasionally to sit on the front porch steps while she sat in her rocking chair, recalling the stark events of the War. Many of the women and children refugeed to various points in South Georgia when they heard that Sherman was heading toward Atlanta with his horde of looters. I remember she said that she and her sister, Aunt Elizabeth Gholston (Mrs. James Loveless), had resolved to remain, no matter what, to protect their homes. Their neighbor on the hill across the road, Mrs. Bowdoin, also stayed. Her husband was with the Army at Kingston as a surgeon and physician to the wounded and ill Confederate soldiers. But, those women were helpless to protect their possessions. The soldiers looted my grandmother's house of everything they could carry off. My grandmother lived right in the center of Adairsville, just across the street from some of the stores. Her house was the only brick house there at the time. I should give you a little background on how she came to be in Adairsville. She was born and reared in DeKalb County, the daughter of Zachariah Gholston and Nancy Gilbert. She was one of nine children. Zachariah Gholston was a prominent landowner. He represented Madison County in the Georgia Assembly from 1820 to 1826 and represented Gwinnett County from 1830 to 1834. His 3,000 acre plantation is now incorporated as the city of Avondale. When Zachariah died in 1854, the estate was sold and the proceeds divided among the nine children. Gilbert Gholston, and his sisters Nancy and Elizabeth, came to Adairsville, which was a thriving location due to the building of the Western & Atlantic Railroad. Adairsville was the meeting point for the railroad, which was being constructed from Atlanta and Chattanooga simultaneously and scheduled to meet at the point 60 miles in each direction, which was Adairsville. The Gholstons came to invest in property in this booming town. They bought business and residential property, and Uncle Gilbert went into business on Front Street. Nancy bought several houses and lots on Main and Summer Streets. Uncle Gil served in Company I of the 63rd Georgia Regiment in the War, and married Martha Ann Loveless, Elizabeth married James Loveless and Nancy married Ebenezer Loveless - brothers and sister in the same Loveless family."
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