Nathan Florence Culpepper

Male, #33490, (16 Sep 1867 - 17 Jul 1954)
Father*Simeon Fletcher Culpepper
Mother*Ellen Clay Nall
DNA* Nathan has been proven by DNA and genealogical research to be a descendant of Joseph Culpepper of Edgecombe Co., NC, who is a son of Robert Culpepper of Lower Norfolk, the son of Henry Culpepper of Lower Norfolk, VA. 
Birth*16 Sep 1867 Nathan was born at Meriwether Co., Georgia, on 16 Sep 1867.1 
Employment* Nathan's occupation: GA legislator. 
1870 Census1 Jun 1870 James, Ellen and Nathan listed as a household member living with Simeon Fletcher Culpepper on the 1870 Census at Meriwether Co., Georgia.2 
1880 Census1 Jun 1880 Nathan, James, Homer, Edgar and Wilbur was listed as a son in Simeon Fletcher Culpepper's household on the 1880 Census at Meriwether Co., Georgia.3 
Birth of Son24 Jul 1888 His son John T. Hardaway was born on 24 Jul 1888 at Meriwether Co., Georgia.4 
Photographed*1889 He was photographed in 1889 at Oxford College of Emory University, Oxford, Newton Co., Georgia.5
Nathan Florence Culpepper
1900 Census1 Jun 1900 Nathan, Wilbur and Thomas was listed as a son in Simeon Fletcher Culpepper's household on the 1900 Census at Greenville, Meriwether Co., Georgia.6 
Marriage*21 Jan 1904 He married Martha Augusta Park on 21 Jan 1904 at age 36. 
Birth of SonJan 1909 His son Infant Son Culpepper was born in Jan 1909. 
Birth of SonDec 1909 His son Infant Son Culpepper was born in Dec 1909. 
1910 Census*15 Apr 1910 Nathan was listed as the head of a family on the 1910 Census at Greenville, Meriwether Co., Georgia.7 
Death of Spouse20 Jan 1919 His wife Martha Augusta Park died on 20 Jan 1919 at Greenville, Meriwether Co., Georgia.8,9 
1920 Census*1 Jan 1920 Nathan was listed as the head of a family on the 1920 Census at Greenville, Meriwether Co., Georgia.10 
Death of Mother19 Jan 1929 His mother Ellen Clay Nall died on 19 Jan 1929 at Greenville, Meriwether Co., Georgia.11,12 
Death of Father22 Jun 1929 His father Simeon Fletcher Culpepper died on 22 Jun 1929 at Greenville, Meriwether Co., Georgia.13,14 
Photographedsay 1930 He was photographed say 1930 at Meriwether Co., Georgia.15
Nathan Florence Culpepper
1930 Census*1 Apr 1930 Nathan was listed as the head of a family on the 1930 Census at Greenville, Meriwether Co., Georgia.16 
Photographedsay 1940 He was photographed say 1940 at Meriwether Co., Georgia,
standing left to right: Nathan Florence Culpepper, James Wesley Culpepper, Homer Lee Culpepper, Wilbur Clay Culpepper, Thomas Jefferson Culpepper; seated: Edgar Clarence Culpepper.17
sons of Simeon Fletcher Culpepper
Residence*Jul 1954 Nathan resided at Meriwether Co., Georgia, in Jul 1954.18 
Death*17 Jul 1954 He died at Macon, Bibb Co., Georgia, on 17 Jul 1954 at age 86.18,1 
Burial*circa 19 Jul 1964 His body was interred circa 19 Jul 1964 at Greenville City Cemetery, Greenville, Meriwether Co., Georgia.1 
Biography* Nathan F. Culpepper was a solicitor at the City Court of Greenville, GA 8 Jan 1900 to 1904, 1908 and 1910. He also represented Meriwether County in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1913 to 1918. He was also a Senator representing the 36 District in the Georgia Senate in 1933.
      Mrs. Ellen Clay Culpepper Doughtie, a daughter of Nathan Florence Culpepper, wrote in a 30 May 1977 letter to Margaret Culpepper and Eleanor Culpepper Willingham: Dad said - I think the way to success can be summed up in three P's: Poise, Perserverance, and Patience. I said - I never knew Patience was one of your long suits. He said - You have never seen me trying to get evidence out of a reluctant witness.
      Mrs. Eleanor Culpepper Willingham wrote the following in "The Sim Culpepper Boys": Nath[an Florence Culpepper] and [his brother] Wes were prominent lawyers. They were noted for clearing their clients in most every case. When anyone in Meriwether County got into trouble, he went to "Mr. Nath." In one of the stories we have heard about him, he was defending an old negro for making liquor and the negro came to Greenville dressed in his best clothes.... It is said the conversation went something like this.... "What do you mean coming here with your Sunday clothes on? Go home and put on the raggiest old overalls you've got. In fact, put on those you had on when they caught you at the still. And another thing, when you get on the stand, you tell the truth and I'll do the lying."
      The following is from a retrospective article "Mr. Jim Writes About Greenville Bar of 1909" written by James S. Peters which appeared in an unknown paper, probably between 1955 and 1968: In this my third letter I want to talk to you about the Greenville Bar as it existed in 1909 and what a group of distinguished men constituting one of the best County Bars in the state of Georgia. (4) The Honorable N. F. Culpepper, one of Georgia's most astute lawyers, could have practiced in any court or stood at the head of any Bar in Georgia... The Superior Court remained in session two or three weeks or a total of five to six weeks a year while the City Court was in session usually one week for the monthly term and two weeks for the jury term. For a whole the court was in session for about 1/2 of the year. Much trashy matter found its way into the City Courts and I would like to relate two of these which I remember quite well. First was a liquor case from Woodbury and I may say liquor was responsible for most of the litigation in the courts. A Negro home was raided home was raided in Woodbury, as I recall, a 1/2 pint bottle 1/2 full of whisky was found. Frank Hatchett prosecuted the case while Nath Culpepper defended the woman with all the resources at his command. Anyone who attended court when these two men clashed remembers Nath Culpepper always sought to make Frank good and mad and when he got really mad he would charge up and down the aisle of the courtroom running the fingers of one hand through his hair. I do not remember how this case came out but as I remember the Negro woman was found not guilty...
      The following, from an unknown source, notes Nathan F. Culpepper's stint as a campaign manager: Record Victory for Harris Is Predicted by Culpepper Headquarters Opened in Atlanta With Meriwether County Man as Manager Headquarters were opened in the Piedmont hotel Thursday by Senator William J. Harris, who spent the day in Atlanta in conference with his newly named campaign manager, Hon. Nathan F. Culpepper, of Meriwether county. Mr. Culpepper, a prominent attorney of Greenville, is a former member of the house of representatives, having represented Meriwether county for six years. He was chairman of the finance committee of the house and one of the outstanding members during his entire service. He was named campaign manager by Senator Harris when he volunteered his services for the month of August, during which time the courts of his circuit will not be in session. In connection with the opening of the Atlanta headquarters, Mr. Culpepper made a statement in which he predicted that Senator Harris will be renominated as the result of the most sweeping victory in the history of Georgia politics. "There is really no use for a general headquarters," he declared, "as far as Senator Harris' prospects are concerned, but we are doing so in order that we may have a central point from which to keep in touch with our friends throughout the state, and where they can come to visit and confer with us. "A careful canvass convinces us that Senator Harris will literally sweep the state. We do not know of a single county in Georgia which his opponent can claim as a certainty, nor do we know a county in which there seems to be any doubt of Senator Harris' carrying it. "I predict that his victory will be the most sweeping ever accorded any candidate for any office of state-wide importance in Georgia. Nevertheless we are going to be on our guard and conduct as active a fight as we would if the senator really had serious opposition. To this end we ask our friends from all parts of the state to keep in touch with us at our headquarters in the Peidmont hotel." Mr. Culpepper announced that Senator Harris would be in Rome Friday and Dalton Saturday. "I have pitched my campaign on the high ground of public records and issues, a plane that Mr. Catswell evidently knows not of--and I do not propose to sit supinely and be victimized by the insiduously circulated falsehoods that are being diligently spread by this candidate of an old political faction and his henchmen. I will not make any statement as to the public record or platform of any of my opponents that I am not ready and willing to repeat and defend in joint meeting with all the candidates."
      Nathan Florence Culpepper had prostate cancer. The following obituary is from an unknown source, possibly the Atlanta Journal & Constitution: N. F. Culpepper, Former Legislator, Dies at Macon Special to Atlanta Journal-Constitution GREENVILLE, Ga., July 17--Nathan F. Culpepper, former Georgia legislator, died Saturday in a Macon hospital after a year's illness. Mr. Culpepper, an attorney, had practiced in the Coweta Circuit more than 50 years. For more than 40 years he served as chairman of the Meriwether County Democratic Executive Committee and as chairman of the local school board. He was a member of the Greenville Methodist Church, where he taught a Sunday school class for many years. He was a Mason and a Shriner and took an active part in civic affairs. He had served in both the Georgia House and Senate. Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Harvey Cutts, Greenville; Mrs. Jerry Doughty, Atlantic Beach, Fla; Mrs. Herben Turner, Griffin, and Mrs. Bill Lee, Newnan; one sister, Mrs. Nettie Phillips, Atlanta; two brothers, J. W. Culpepper, Fayetteville, and T. J. Culpepper, Atlanta, and seven grandchildren. 

Family 1

Cornelia Hardaway
Child

Family 2

Martha Augusta Park
Marriage*21 Jan 1904 He married Martha Augusta Park on 21 Jan 1904 at age 36. 
Children
ChartsJohn Culpepper of Randolph Co, AL: Descendant Chart
Last Edited10 Feb 2011

Citations

  1. Priscilla Turner, compiler, Meriwether Co., GA Cemeteries, Spartanburg, SC: , 1993, Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. US/CAN Book: 975.8455 V39.
    Greenville City Cemetery, Greenville, Meriwether Co., GA
    + Nathan F. Culpepper, 16 Sep 1867 – 17 Jul 1964
    + Martha Augusta Culpepper, 6 Apr 1879 – 21 Jan 1919.
  2. 1870 Federal Census, United States.
    Page 381A, Family 87, Lutherville PO, Meriwether Co., GA
    Simeon Culpepper, 26, M, School Teacher, $1000/$450, GA
    Ellen Culpepper, 24, F, GA
    Nathan Culpepper, 2, M, GA
    James Culpepper, 9/12, M, GA.
  3. 1880 Federal Census, United States.
    ED 81, Page 203C (34), Family 263, Luthersville, Meriwether Co., GA
    Sim Culpepper, Self, M, Md, 37, Farming, GA/SC/GA
    Ellen Culpepper, Wife, F, Md, 35, Keeping House, GA/GA/GA
    Nat Culpepper, Son, M, S, 12, Working On Farm, GA/GA/GA
    Wesley Culpepper, Son, M, S, 10, Working On Farm, GA/GA/GA
    Homer Culpepper, Son, M, S, 8, Working On Farm, GA/GA/GA
    Edgar Culpepper, Son, M, S, 6, --- , GA/GA/GA
    Wilber Culpepper, Son, M, S, 3, --- , GA/GA/GA
    Mary Lou Culpepper, Dau, F, S, 1, --- , GA/GA/GA.
  4. E-mail written Aug 2010 to Warren Culpepper from Robyn Hardaway Cook (#61700), Douglasville, GA, e-mail address.
  5. Emory University, Oxford College, Class and Faculty Photographs, 1860-1911, Decatur, GA: Emory University.
    http://www.emory.edu/OXFORD/EarlyEmoryPhotos/pages/small/188942_1.htm
  6. 1900 Federal Census, United States.
    ED 43, Pages 153A-B (3), Family 63, Seminary Hill, Greenville, Meriwether Co., GA
    Simeon F. Culpepper, Head, M, Oct 1842, 57, Md 34 yrs, GA/GA/GA, Clerk Superior Court
    Ellen C. Culpepper, Wife, F, May 1844, 56, Md 34 yrs, GA/GA/GA
    Nathan F. Culpepper, Son, M, Sep 1867, 32, Sng, GA/GA/GA, Lawyer
    Wilbur C. Culpepper, Son, M, Aug 1875, 24, Sng, GA/GA/GA
    Mary L. Culpepper, Daughter, F, May 1878, 22, Sng, GA/GA/GA
    Thomas J. Culpepper, Son, M, Aug 1881, 18, Sng, GA/GA/GA
    Nettie P. Culpepper, Daughter, F, May 1885, 15, Sng, GA/GA/GA.
  7. 1910 Federal Census, United States.
    ED 76, Page 14B, Lines 84-87, Church St, Greenville, Meriwether Co., GA
    Nathan F. Culpepper, Head, M, 42, md1-6 yrs, GA/GA/GA, Lawyer
    Martha A. Culpepper, Wife, F, 29, md1-6 yrs, ch 4/2, GA/GA/GA
    Sarah C. Culpepper, Daughter, F, 5, Sng, GA/GA/GA
    Ellen C. Culpepper, Daughter, F, 3, Sng, GA/GA/GA.
  8. Priscilla Turner, compiler, Meriwether Co., GA Cemeteries, Spartanburg, SC: , 1993, Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. US/CAN Book: 975.8455 V39.
    Greenville City Cemetery, Greenville, Meriwether Co., GA
    + Nathan F. Culpepper, 16 Sep 1867 – 17 Jul 1964
    + Martha Augusta Culpepper, 6 Apr 1879 – 21 Jan 1919 (sic).
  9. Her obituary indicates she died on Monday evening and was buried on Wednesday. Thus, if this is correct, she died on 20 Jan 1919 (Mon) and was buried on 22 Jan 1919 (Wed).
  10. 1920 Federal Census, United States.
    ED 80, Page 4A, Lines 14-18, Greenville, Meriwether Co., GA
    Nathan F. Culpepper, Head, M, 52, Wd, GA/GA/GA, Lawyer
    Sarah Culpepper, Daughter, F, 15, Sng, GA/GA/GA
    Clay Culpepper, Daughter, F, 12, Sng, GA/GA/GA
    Orville Culpepper, Daughter, F, 8, Sng, GA/GA/GA
    Martha Park Culpepper, Daughter, F, 3 2/12, Sng, GA/GA/GA.
  11. Georgia Health Department / Office of Vital Records, compiler, Georgia Deaths, 1919-1998, Online database at Ancestry.com, 1998.
    http://www.ancestry.com/search/rectype/inddbs/5426a.htm
    Mrs. S. F. Culpepper, d. 19 Jan 1929 in Meriwether Co., GA.
  12. Priscilla Turner, compiler, Meriwether Co., GA Cemeteries, Spartanburg, SC: , 1993, Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. US/CAN Book: 975.8455 V39.
    Allen-Lee Memorial United Methodist Church Cemetery, near Lone Oak, Meriwether Co., GA
    + Ellen Clay Nall Culpepper, 5 May 1844 – 19 Jan 1929.
  13. Georgia Health Department / Office of Vital Records, compiler, Georgia Deaths, 1919-1998, Online database at Ancestry.com, 1998.
    http://www.ancestry.com/search/rectype/inddbs/5426a.htm
    S. F. Culpepper, d. 22 Jun 1929 in Meriwether Co., GA.
  14. Priscilla Turner, compiler, Meriwether Co., GA Cemeteries, Spartanburg, SC: , 1993, Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. US/CAN Book: 975.8455 V39.
    Allen-Lee Memorial United Methodist Church Cemetery, near Lone Oak, Meriwether Co., GA
    + Simeon Fletcher Culpepper, 11 Oct 1840 (sic) – 22 Jun 1929, Sgt., Co. D, 8th GA Inf.
  15. Correspondence from Nathan Culpepper Doughtie to Lew Griffin, say 1997.
  16. 1930 Federal Census, United States.
    ED 2, Page 1B, Talbotton Street, Meriwether Co., GA
    Home=$10,000, Radio=N, Farm=N
    Nathan Culpepper, Head, M, 60, M, Wid, GA/GA/GA, Lawyer
    Sarah Culpepper, Dau, F, 25, S, GA/GA/GA, HS Teacher
    Orville Culpepper, Dau, F, 18, S, GA/GA/GA
    Martha P. Culpepper, Dau, F, 13, S, GA/GA/GA
    From Page 7B:
    Clay Culpepper, Dau, F, 23, S, GA/GA/GA.
  17. Correspondence from Eleanor Herring Culpepper (Mrs. Albert Marvin Willingham), Grantville, GA, to Lew Griffin, 1976-2004.
  18. Georgia Health Department / Office of Vital Records, compiler, Georgia Deaths, 1919-1998, Online database at Ancestry.com, 1998.
    http://www.ancestry.com/search/rectype/inddbs/5426a.htm
    Nathan F. Culpepper, d. 17 Jul 1954 at 86 years in Bibb Co., GA; Res. in Meriwether Co., GA.

Martha Augusta Park1

Female, #33491, (6 Apr 1879 - 20 Jan 1919)
Father*John W. Park
Mother*Sarah Bull
Birth*6 Apr 1879 Martha was born at Georgia on 6 Apr 1879.1,2 
Marriage*21 Jan 1904 She married Nathan Florence Culpepper on 21 Jan 1904 at age 24. 
Married Name21 Jan 1904  As of 21 Jan 1904, her married name was Culpepper. 
Birth of SonJan 1909 Her son Infant Son Culpepper was born in Jan 1909. 
Birth of SonDec 1909 Her son Infant Son Culpepper was born in Dec 1909. 
1910 Census15 Apr 1910 Martha was listed as Nathan Florence Culpepper's wife on the 1910 Census at Greenville, Meriwether Co., Georgia.3 
Death*20 Jan 1919 She died at Greenville, Meriwether Co., Georgia, on 20 Jan 1919 at age 39.2,4 
Burial*22 Jan 1919 Her body was interred on 22 Jan 1919 at Greenville City Cemetery, Greenville, Meriwether Co., Georgia.4,2 
Biography* The following obituary is from an unknown source:
Mrs. N. F. Culpepper Goes Into Great Beyond
Monday night Mrs. N. F. Culpepper, wife of Hon. N. F. Culpepper, died at her home in this city. She had been ill for several days with influenza, which developed into pneumonia. She made a gallant fight but death won. The death of this splendid lady has cast a gloom of sorrow o'er this city. Here she was born, and lived all her days and won a large meed of the heart's love of all who knew her.
     Mrs. Culpepper was the daughter of the lamented Major and Mrs. J. W. Park. She inherited a brilliant mind and a golden heart and her life was one of great usefulness. She was an unusually bright talented woman. After graduating at the Wesleyan Female College, she took a course in a famous Boston school of oratory and was peculiarly gifted as a reader. She had a lively interest in every movement of progress in her native city, and as president of the Woman's Club had formulated plans for the upbuilding of the town. She always had a part in every enterprise which meant the amelioration of human woe.
     While she was a prominent factor in the material and moral progress of the community, the home was her throne, and there she reigned, the queen and light of the family circle. She was the source of the husband's pride and joy, as well as a wise and safe counselor to this gifted head of the of the household. The rearing of the children was the crowning work of her life. She absolutely put the best part of her nature into the warp and woof of these little ones, who are universally regarded as models of motherly training and possess perfection of character far beyond their years.
     Mrs. Culpepper was a devout Christian. From her sainted mother, she was heir, early in life, of those Christ-like virtues which beautify and sanctify womanhood. She was a member of the Methodist church and, before the cares of motherhood claimed so much of her time, she was always in her place at divine worship. Her faith took hold of Christ and never wavered. Her Godly life gave her an abundant entrance into the heavenly home. She will be greatly missed, in the home, the church and as a leader of the best element of womanhood. The sweet aroma of her saintly life remains to bless those who are left to mourn her death. The mother's chair is vacant around the fireside.
     A broken-hearted husband and four little daughters are left to tread life's winepress without the love of wife and mother. This is the saddest picture ever put upon the canvas of human life. May the strong man's grief, the sorrow of the older daughters and the prattling call of baby for mother, receive the response of the Father's balm. The great heart of God will, in love, encamp about this home so sorely stricken and provide relief for the wound so deeply driven.
     After funeral services at the home by Rev. T. J. Branson, Wednesday morning, the body of Mrs. Culpepper was carried to the cemetery for interment. She is survived by her husband, Hon. N. F. Culpepper, four young daughters and a brother, Hon. Orville A. Park, of Macon, who have the deepest sympathy of the people of this city. 

Family

Nathan Florence Culpepper
Marriage*21 Jan 1904 She married Nathan Florence Culpepper on 21 Jan 1904 at age 24. 
Children
Last Edited7 Sep 2004

Citations

  1. Priscilla Turner, compiler, Meriwether Co., GA Cemeteries, Spartanburg, SC: , 1993, Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. US/CAN Book: 975.8455 V39.
    Greenville City Cemetery, Greenville, Meriwether Co., GA
    + Nathan F. Culpepper, 16 Sep 1867 – 17 Jul 1964
    + Martha Augusta Culpepper, 6 Apr 1879 – 21 Jan 1919.
  2. Priscilla Turner, compiler, Meriwether Co., GA Cemeteries, Spartanburg, SC: , 1993, Repository: LDS Family History Library - Salt Lake City, Call No. US/CAN Book: 975.8455 V39.
    Greenville City Cemetery, Greenville, Meriwether Co., GA
    + Nathan F. Culpepper, 16 Sep 1867 – 17 Jul 1964
    + Martha Augusta Culpepper, 6 Apr 1879 – 21 Jan 1919 (sic).
  3. 1910 Federal Census, United States.
    ED 76, Page 14B, Lines 84-87, Church St, Greenville, Meriwether Co., GA
    Nathan F. Culpepper, Head, M, 42, md1-6 yrs, GA/GA/GA, Lawyer
    Martha A. Culpepper, Wife, F, 29, md1-6 yrs, ch 4/2, GA/GA/GA
    Sarah C. Culpepper, Daughter, F, 5, Sng, GA/GA/GA
    Ellen C. Culpepper, Daughter, F, 3, Sng, GA/GA/GA.
  4. Her obituary indicates she died on Monday evening and was buried on Wednesday. Thus, if this is correct, she died on 20 Jan 1919 (Mon) and was buried on 22 Jan 1919 (Wed).