Georgia and Georgians - the Digital Library of Georgia

GEORGIA AND GEORGIANS 3211was N. A. Tift, who came to what is now Dougherty County at an early datein the history of Georgia, secured land, laid out the Town of Albany, and herebuilt the first house. He subsequently became a man of broad influence inthe community, took an active part in the early development of the place, andwas elected mayor of the city, an honor which he held for several years.When he passed away, in advanced years, he left behind him a record of thingsaccomplished. Nelson F. Tift was born at Albany, in 1849, and was herereared and educated. He was still a lad in his early 'teens when he enlistedfor service in the Confederate army during the war between the North andthe South, becoming a member of Nelson's Rangers, an organization whichformed a part of the famous brigade commanded by the intrepid Forrest. Heserved during the last two years of the war and participated in numerousengagements, but escaped wounds or capture, and when the struggle wasclosed returned to his home better qualified to grapple with life. Not longafter the war he went to Oglethorpe County, Georgia, where he establisheda home by marrying Miss Susan Hall, a native of that county. For some timehe was engaged in the sawmill business at Tifton, but subsequently returnedto Albany, where he connected himself with mercantile ventures. At thetime of his father's death he took charge of the interests of N. A. Tift &Company, and these demanded his attention during the remainder of his activecareer. He is still living, hale and hearty, at the age of sixty-seven years, buthas retired from active pursuits and is living quietly in his comfortable homeat Albany. Like his father and his son, he has served as mayor of Albany,and has always been a man who has wielded an influence for good. Mrs. Tift.a lady of refinement and many social graces, was educated at MontpelierCollege, Georgia, and at a young ladies' school in Pennsylvania, and stillsurvives at the age of sixty-five years. There are five children still living, andof these Maurice W. was the first in order of birth.Maurice "W. Tift attended the public schools of Albany as a lad, followingwhich he entered upon an academic course at the University of Georgia.However, he was anxious to enter business life, for which he had an inherentpredilection, and gave up college when in his junior year to become cashierfor the firm of N. A. Tift & Company, which position he held for a number ofyears, and in which he gained much valuable experience. Later he went uponthe road for a wholesale grocery house as a traveling salesman, and as aknight of the grip secured an insight into the methods of that industry thatled him to decide to adopt it on his own account. Accordingly, he returnedto Albany, where he became the founder of the firm of Tift & Peed, which,during its fifteen years of existence has grown and developed into one of theleading concerns of Albany. Mr. Tift is an energetic, progressive man ofbusiness, who is thoroughly familiar with every detail of the enterprise ofwhich he is the head. His associates unhesitatingly place in him their utmostconfidence, and in business circles he has a reputation exceeded by few forintegrity and straightforward dealing. In public life Mr. Tift has upheldthe family reputation for helpful participation in community affairs. Afterholding several minor offices, he was elected to the Albany City Council, inwhich he served capably for three years, and in 1914 was sent to the mayoraltychair, which he still occupies. He has not only faithfully lived up to hispre-election promises, but has given his city a clean, business-like administration that has been a decided factor in advancing its prosperity. Mayor Tiftis a member of the Country Club and he and the members of his family areprominently connected in social circles of the city. They belong to theEpiscopal Church.Mayor Tift was married at Albany, Georgia, December 3, 1890, to MissLulu Wooten, daughter of Col. C. B. and Mrs. "Wooten, both of whom are nowdeceased. Colonel "Wooten was a colonel in the Confederate army during thewar between the states, and subsequently became a well known and prom-