John Jones Gresham, born in 1812 in Georgia, was a prominent figure in law, business, education, and religion. Despite financial challenges during the Civil War, Gresham’s commitment to education and community remained steadfast. He served on numerous educational boards, contributed significantly to local schools, and was deeply involved in the First Presbyterian Church.

When the Great War ended November 11, 1918, J. Gresham Machen’s work with the YMCA ceased but his return to Princeton was delayed because the troops were transported home first. He used the time to improve his French, travel the country, and attend lectures in universities. In a letter written in February 1919, he mentioned to his mother, Mary (Minnie) Gresham Machen, that he spent a night in Dijon and the city name reminded him of his grandparents’ home in Macon, Georgia, because it had the Gloire de Dijon Rose in the garden. The house can be seen in the header as it exists currently with two large magnolia trees flanking the entrance. The home was completed by Gresham in 1842 and is restored today as a bed and breakfast. However, the garden Machen remembered is no longer adorning the property.

John Jones was born January 21, 1812 in Burke County, Georgia, to Job and Mary (Jones) Gresham. He was raised in the country on his father’s farm near Brier Creek. His early education was aquired in local schools until he was fourteen when he attended an academy in Waynesboro, then another academy located at Richmond Baths. Gresham then joined the sophomore class of the University of Georgia in 1830. Gresham graduated with first honors. William T. Gould operated a law school in Augusta where Gresham studied before admission to the bar in Waynesboro in 1834. Gresham commenced practicing law but due to health concerns resulting from two bouts with fever he moved to Macon in 1836. After a brief partnership with Gen. Robert Beall that ended with his death, Gresham continued practice with Edward D. Tracy.

Gresham was first married to Miss Fiewellen sometime around 1839 but she lived only a few months, then on May 25, 1843, he married Mary Edgeworth Baxter who was the daughter of Thomas W. Baxter of Athens. She was described as “beautiful, refined, and cultivated.” They would have five children. Two children died in infancy; LeRoy Wiley would die in his teens; and Thomas and Minnie would mtaure to have families of their own. Practicing law provided a good income for Gresham resulting in his owning two plantations. He was elected the mayor of Macon for terms beginning in 1843 and 1847. However, by 1850, Gresham decided he had had enough of arguing cases in the courthouse, so he sought a new profession.

Manufacturing was on the rise in the nation particularly industries related to textile processing. Gresham joined Nathan C. Munroe, William B. Johnston, Thaddeus G. Holt, and others to open a large mill on Oglethorpe Street to process cotton and wool. The mill was incorporated the Macon Manufacturing Company by the General Assembly of Georgia in 1854. Two years later, Gresham and eight other investors incorporated the Warrenton and Macon Railroad Company to operate trains between the two towns. Thus, the railroad facilitated transportation of the goods produced by the Macon Manufadturing Company. Things were going well for Gresham, but events would soon take a turn for the worse.

In December 1861 Gresham joined other investors to establish the Georgia Mutual Insurance Company with capital stock including two-thousand shares at one-hundred dollars each. Notice the date, December 1861. The Civil War was in full swing with it looking as if the Confederacy could be victorious, however, as the war continued with the Confederacy defeated Gresham found himself financially strapped. He might have reconsidered entering the fire, marine, and life insurance business if he could have foreseen the way the war ended. Much destruction was wrought by Gen. William T. Sherman as he pressed his troops to take away the will and means for war from Southerners by destroying railroads, burning structures, and looting. Sherman would become acquainted with Gresham. The picture of a man upon his horse is Gresham. The story is the horse was stolen by Union soldiers. Gresham was enraged and wrote to Sherman demanding the return of his prize steed. The horse was returned and the photograph provides proof of Gresham’s victory over Sherman.

Reticent to return to law even though he was a judge for a time after leaving his law practice, the uncertainties of Reconstruction contributed to his decision to return to law because it was a reliable source of income. His renewed practice was enhanced by taking on his son, Thomas Baxter Gresham, as a partner. The absence from law for several years had not improved his opinion of courtroom wrangling, so after a few years of renewed practice and increased frustration he retired to manage his investments and promote improved education.

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