Soapy Smith's father and maternal grandfather, Georgia, 1861.

Jefferson R. Smith, Adm'r.
Georgia Banner and Sentinel
Newnan, Georgia
February 1, 1861

(Click image to enlarge)

 

 

oapy Smith's father and maternal grandfather.

     Jefferson Randolph Smith, Sr., (1831-1902) is my great-great-grandfather, father of Jefferson Randolph Smith, II (alias "Soapy"). Jeff Sr., was an attorney in Newnan, Georgia. The newspaper clipping is from the Georgia Banner and Sentinel, of Newnan, dated February 1, 1861 just about two months before the start of the Civil War. The clipping shows that Jeff Sr., is administrator for the estate of Joseph Henry Edmondson (often spelled Edmundson).

     Joseph Henry Edmondson (1792-1858) is my 3rd great-grandfather. Joseph is the father-in-law of Jeff Sr., as Jeff Sr., married Joseph's daughter, Emily Dawson Edmondson, who would give birth to Jefferson Randolph Smith, II (alias "Soapy"), making Joseph, Soapy's maternal grandfather. At the date of this clipping, Jeff II ("Soapy") is age four months. 

     There are very few known samples of the two newspapers in Newnan, Georgia in existence so I am lucky to find my ancestors named.

 

Joseph Henry Edmondson
 Oak Hill Cemetery
Newnan, Coweta County, Georgia

 (Click image to enlarge)

 

 

Joseph Henry Edmondson
 Oak Hill Cemetery
Newnan, Coweta County, Georgia

(Click image to enlarge)

 

 

Joseph Henry Edmondson
 Oak Hill Cemetery
Newnan, Coweta County, Georgia

(Click image to enlarge) 

 

SOURCES

• Find-A-Grave
• A History of Coweta County from 1825 to 1880, by W. U. Anderson, p. 19.

Visit the Soapy Smith Soap Box blog

 

Joseph Henry Edmondson

Apr 07, 2010

May 29, 2010

Mar 20, 2012

"Win if you can, lose is you must, but ALWAYS cheat!"

—Jesse Ventura

Soapy Smith and the quote: "Charity covers a multitude of sin."

(Click image to enlarge)

 

 

harity covers a multitude of sin."

 

     I posted the above quote image on my Facebook group, Soapy Smith's Old West, and friend Markie Whalen asked if "the ends justify the means?" I occasionally hear from people who believe that because I am a descendant of Jefferson Randolph "Soapy" Smith, that I am guilty of defending his crimes. Below is my response to that allegation.
     No, I do not believe that the "ends justify the means." Nonetheless, "Soapy" was indeed known for his charity around the west, as well as his crimes. In turn, I ask the question, If Soapy's crimes are not lessened because of his charity, should Soapy's charities be lessened because of his crimes?
    Personally, I don't believe that charity reduces the severity of the criminal act, but there are many who do believe this. Just ask anyone who follows Democratic and Republican politicians!
     "Charity covers a multitude of sin." This expression above originated in the New Testament (I Peter 4:8): “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”

Visit the Soapy Smith Soap Box blog

 

  

"The bunko sharp walks up to the man on the street, claiming his acquaintance at once. A gentleman who has seen this done several times says: “It is perfectly astounding how they impose upon a man when they have once settled upon him. They walk up with the most perfect air of gratified surprise, grasp the man’s hand warmly and shake it vigorously. The man is astonished at first, but time after time, after a short conversation I have seen them walk off arm in arm."

—Evening Post (San Francisco), May 6, 1876