William Hemphill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Hemphill
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| Mayor of Atlanta | |
| In office 1891–1893 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Arnold Hemphill
May 5, 1842 Athens, Georgia |
| Died | August 17, 1902 (aged 60) Atlanta, Georgia |
| Resting place | Oakland Cemetery |
| Spouse |
Emma B. Luckie
(m. 1871) |
| Education | University of Georgia |
| Occupation | Businessman, politician |
| Signature | .png){kind=small} |
William Arnold Hemphill (born May 5, 1842 – died August 17, 1902) was an important American businessman and politician. He is best known for serving as the Mayor of Atlanta from 1891 to 1893.
Contents
Who Was William Hemphill?
Early Life and Education
William Hemphill was born on May 5, 1842, in Athens, Georgia. He went to the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens. There, he studied engineering and earned his degree in 1861. He was also part of a student group called the Phi Kappa Literary Society.
Starting a Business Career
When the Civil War began, Hemphill joined the Confederate Army. He became a colonel during the war. He was seriously injured in the head during the Battle of Gettysburg.
After the war, in 1867, Hemphill moved to Atlanta to work as a teacher. A year later, he got an exciting offer from Carey Wentworth Styles. Styles wanted Hemphill to be the business manager and a co-owner of a new newspaper.
The Atlanta Constitution
Styles and James Anderson had just bought a small newspaper called the Atlanta Daily Opinion. They decided to rename it The Constitution. The first issue under this new name came out on June 16, 1868.
Styles soon had money problems and couldn't pay for his share of The Constitution. So, Anderson and Hemphill took over his ownership. Hemphill then married Emma B. Luckie in 1871, becoming Anderson's son-in-law. This led to Hemphill being put in charge of the newspaper.
Hemphill stayed as the business manager until 1901. He was very good at business, which helped the new newspaper become financially stable. To compete with other Atlanta newspapers, he even used special trains to deliver papers to Macon.
Over time, the ownership of the newspaper changed hands. In 1870, Anderson sold his share. Later, in 1876, Evan Howell bought a share. Howell's family would eventually own The Atlanta Constitution for many years, from 1902 to 1950.
Other Business Ventures
In 1883, William Hemphill was part of a group of investors. They started the Fulton County Street Railroad. This company used horse-drawn streetcars at first. Later, these streetcars became electric. The company became well-known for its "Nine-Mile Circle" route. This route went to an area now known as Virginia-Highland.
Serving the Public in Atlanta
Hemphill began his political career in 1887. He was elected as an at-large city councilman in Atlanta. Around the same time, he also tried a banking career, but it was not successful.
In the years that followed, he served as the president of the board of education. In 1889, he also took on duties as an alderman.
Becoming Mayor of Atlanta
While still managing The Constitution, Hemphill ran for mayor in 1890. He won the election by 1,773 votes and became the Mayor of Atlanta in 1891.
During his time as mayor, several important things happened for Atlanta. The first building of what would become Grady Memorial Hospital was constructed. Also, a new pumping station was built on the Chattahoochee River. This station brought fresh water to the city. It replaced the old system of wells and cisterns, which were used for fires.
Part of the land bought for the new water reservoir was about 55 acres (220,000 m2). A new street was built there and named Hemphill Avenue in his honor.
After His Term as Mayor
After leaving office, Hemphill learned about the Cotton Palace in Waco, Texas. He thought Atlanta could grow a lot by hosting a similar event. This idea led to the Cotton States and International Exposition of 1895. Hemphill later served as a vice president and director for this big event.
Death and Lasting Impact
William Hemphill passed away in Atlanta on August 17, 1902. He died from injuries he got in a fall. He is buried at Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta.
