Georgia and Georgians - the Digital Library of Georgia

3196 GEORGIA AND GEORGIANSD. Stewart became a member of the firm, the style of which was then changedto J. H. Almand Son & Company. In a few years this enterprise had takenleading rank among the merchandise stores of Rockdale County. Mr. Almandwas in active business as a merchant for more than twenty years.In September, 1892, he established the first bank at Conyers, a privateinstitution, established more as a convenience to the customers and friendsof Mr. Almand than with a view of profit. The bank continued in a flourishing condition, and in 1901 a state charter was taken out, and it has since beenknown as the Bank of Rockdale. Under the charter it started with a capitalof $25,000, and in 1905 the capital stock was increased from the earnings ofthe bank to $50,000, besides a good surplus of undivided profits. The firstpresident was John H. Almand. On the llth of January, 1916. Mr. Almandretired from the banking business, after over twenty-three years spent in itsservice.Probably of still more importance than this bank has been Mr. Almand'senterprise in connection with the Millstead Manufacturing Company of Conyers. He was one of the organizers and is one of the largest stockholders anda director in this company, which was incorporated in 1908 with a capitalstock of $250,000. The capital has since been increased with the rapid growthof the business. The facilities of the company are employed for the manufacture of heavy duck cloth. A splendid modern factory was erected at theoutskirts of Conyers, and at the present time its equipment comprises 10.000spindles and 104 duck looms. The product is heavy duck, in varying widthsto six feet or more, and about 1,000 individuals find employment and dependupon this business for their livelihood. The payroll is of vital moment andinterest to the little City of Conyers, and the business has more than anythingelse brought about the industrial prosperity of this community.Mr. Almand is also largely interested in a financial way in farming andfarm lands. Having come up through hard circumstances in his own youth,he has always had a ready sympathy for struggling young men, and has beenthe direct means of assisting many a young fellow to acquire a homestead ofhis own. Mr. Almand is one of the stockholders in the Third National Bankof Atlanta. His best service to the public has been through his work as abusiness man and his helpful co-operations with his fellow citizens and assistance to those not so fortunate as himself. He has never sought any publicoffices, and yet from time to time has consented to serve at the request, of thepeople. He was elected and for nine years served as a member of the schoolboard, and resigned from that office when elected mayor of Conyers, to whichoffice he gave two terms. During that time he took an active lead in developing the lighting and sewerage system. He is a democrat, a member of theMasonic fraternity and the Knights of Pythias, and in earlier life was especially active in the Methodist Church, serving as steward and trustee.( On January 5, 1871, Mr. Almand married Miss Sarah Saleta Stewart. whodied April 9, 1911, daughter of Dr. J. A. and Martha (Stansell) Stewart.Doctor Stewart was a prominent man in his day, and besides his work as aphysician was a member of the House and Senate of Georgia. Mr. and Mrs.Almand have two children: James Clarence Almand, who was born in Conyers, November 20,1871, is now engaged in the real estate business in Atlanta.Ruth, born March 7, 1878, is the wife of Robert D. Hewlett, a well knownmerchant of Conyers, and their three children are named Mary Stewart,John H. and Sarah Hewlett. John H. Almand was married the second timeto Mrs. Ida (Johnston) MeKoy, widow of Dr. J. R. McKoy, of Douglasville,Georgia, on the second day of February, 1916.JOHN GORDON JARRIEL. Of the follower of any of the important trades,no better recommendation is required than the credit of employment undera reliable management. Since the outset of his career John Gordon Jarriel