Coweta Co. was created in 1826, formed from lands ceded to the federal government through a treaty with the Creek Indians. These families lived in the community of Handy, located in the Fourth district and west of Newnan, in the corner bordering Heard Co. and Carroll Co. Families on this page include Millians, Grimes, and Walden.

• An 1886 obituary for the wife of Christian Millians states that she and her husband married in 1830 in Henry Co. and then moved to Coweta Co. 
• The 1920 death certificate for Sarah A. Millians Grimes states that her father James was born in Henry Co.
• A document called "Geanology [sic] Millians Family," which is held in the Coweta County Genealogical Society, indicates that Christian [Christopher] Millians was born in Henry Co.

Before that, the family probably lived in Putnam Co., GA. Several Millirons were enumerated there in the 1820 federal census and Christian Millians' application in 1895 for indigent status indicates his birthplace was Putnam Co.

The 1880 federal census indicates James Millians' parents were from Virginia.

James Millians (about 1818-after Jan. 1895)
James Millians was born about 1818 in Georgia and married Elizabeth Gillom Brown from Heard Co. on January 16, 1844 in Coweta Co, GA.

The following are the known children of James and Elizabeth:

• Sarah Millians. Born April 26, 1846. Married Frederick Grimes on December 7, 1865 in Coweta Co., GA. Died November 20, 1920 in Newnan, Coweta Co., GA. Buried in Elim Baptist Church Cemetery in Coweta Co.
• James A, Millians. Born April 30, 1849. Died June 29, 1918. Married M. A. ? Buried in Elim Baptist Church Cemetery in Coweta Co.
• Andrew Millians. Born February 20, 1851. Died May 20, 1915 in Cedartown, Polk, GA. Buried in Carroll Co., GA.
• Alexander C. Millians. Born about 1853. Died May 1, 1895 in Gadsden, AL. (Newnan Herald and Advertiser, May 17, 1895)
• Margaret "Dollie" Ruth Millians. Born about 1856. Married William T. Richards on November 25, 1891 in Newnan, Coweta Co., GA. Died July 1, 1901 in Carroll Co., GA.
• Mary Millians. Born about 1860.
• Captain Brown Millians. Born about 1863.

In the 1850 federal census in Coweta Co. GA, James Millians had real estate valued at $800. The family was listed as:

• James Millirons, 31, farmer.
• Elizabeth G. Millirons, 28.
• Sarah A. Millirons, 4.
• James T. Millirons, 1.

In the 1860 federal census in Coweta Co. GA, James Millians had real estate valued at $1000 and personal estate at $640. Their family was listed as:

• James Millions, 42, farmer.
• Elizabeth Millions, 40.
• Sarah Millions, 14.
• James Millions, 11.
• Andrew Millions, 9.
• Alexander Millions, 7.
• Margaret Millions, 4.
• Mary Millions, 9/12.

In the 1870 federal census in Coweta Co. GA, James Millians had real estate valued at $800 and personal property at $600.  The family was listed as:

• James Millines, 52, farmer. $800 in real estate; $600 in personal property.
• Elizabeth Millines, 50, keeping house.
• Andrew Y. Millines, 19, farm laborer.
• Alexander C. Millines, 17, farm laborer.
• Margaret Millines, 14, at home.
• Mary F. Millines, 11, at school.
• Captain Brown Millines, 7, at school.

In the 1880 federal census in Coweta Co., the family was enumerated as:

• James Millians, 61, farmer.
• Elizabeth Millians, 56, keeping house.
• Margaret R. Millians, 22, no occupation.
• Mary F. Millians, 20, no occupation.
• Captain B. Millians, 17, farmhand.

In 1885, the family moved to Sitesville Street in Newnan, Coweta Co., and Fred Grimes bought the Millians' farm.  James Millians died sometime between 1895 and 1900.

Sarah A. Millians
Sarah A. Millians was a daughter of James Millians and Elizabeth Gillom Brown.  She was born April 26, 1846 in Coweta Co. She married Frederick Grimes on December 7, 1865 in Coweta Co., GA. For information on their children, see the material on Fred Grimes.

In 1910 she applied for a Confederate veteran's widow's pension.  She indicated she had 100 acres of land in the Fourth district, worth $1000, a cow worth $20, household goods worth $30, and $100 in cash.  She received $150 in rent for the land each year.

In the 1910 federal census, Sarah was living with her son Travis and his wife Susie and their son Fred in the Fourth district of Coweta Co.  Sarah's children Fred and Annie were also living with them.

She died from acute uremia and pneumonia on November 20, 1920 in Newnan, Coweta Co., GA.

The following obituary appears in the Newnan Herald on November 26, 1920:

The Herald regrets to note the death of Mrs. Sarah A. Grimes, which occurred Saturday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. E. C. McKoy on Greenville street, following a week's illness. She was the widow of the late Fred Grimes, a former resident of the Fourth district and well-known throughout the county. At the time of her death she was 64 years of age.  She leaves six children--four sons and two daughters. They are Mrs. E. C. McKoy of this city, Mrs. W. T. Brazzil of Corinth, C. R. Grimes of Gordon, C. B. Grimes of Ft. Valley, F. A. Grimes of Tennille, and A. L. Grimes of Sandersville.  The funeral and interment took place at Elim church Sunday afternoon, Rev. F. J. Amis conducting the service.

Pioneer Grimes. - We believe he emigrated from South Carolina. He improved a land lot adjacent to what is now the plantation of Col. Butler Reed on Oseekee Creek long known as Red Oak. Here he diligently stirred the production sod through many seasons and with the early and latter showers he gathered in profusion the sustaining fruits of the soil. His cribs and bin and larder were never empty. Strong, sleek horses pulled his plows. His fat kine lazily chewed their cuds and yielded golden butter and nourishing drink; his flocks grew heavy fleece; the swine waddled in their grease; a numerous variety of fowl - chicken, turkey, duck, geese - enlivened the premises; busy bees made honey; the orchards bore various fruits; the great housewife and smart daughter, Jane filled well their places in the domestic department; Leavis [Travis?], Calvin, Pete [Harbert, Jr.] and Fred all vigorous and vivacious scions made merriment in the home. Such were the cheering environments of pioneer Grimes when from some unknown cause he became mentally unbalanced and suicided. The family soon sold their farm and removed to Coweta County.

There is a marriage record in Clarke Co., GA for Harbert Grimes and Polly Moore for January 12, 1817. It is not known if "Polly" was a nickname for "Mary," or if Harbert Grimes had another marriage later.

The known children of Harbert Grimes and Mary are:

• Jane Grimes. Born 1818 in Clarke Co., GA. Died after 1880.
• Travis Grimes. Born October 11, 1822 in Clarke Co., GA. Married Ruth Young Brown on October 8, 1846 in Coweta Co., GA. Served in Phillips Legion Cavalry, Co. D. Died on February 14, 1890.  Buried in Yellow Dirt Cemetery in Heard Co., GA.
• Calvin Grimes. Born September 8, 1824 in Clarke Co., GA. Married Martha Hardegree in 1849 in Clarke Co., GA. Served in 4th/12th Georgia Cavalry Regiment. Held as prisoner 1863-1865. Died on October 30, 1894 in Coweta Co., GA.   Buried in Elim Baptist Church Cemetery in Coweta Co., GA.
• Harbert "Pete" Grimes, Jr. Born January 13, 1830 in Walton Co., GA. Died April 3, 1905 in Coweta Co., GA. Buried in Elim Baptist Church Cemetery in Coweta Co., GA.
• Mary Grimes. Born March 10, 1836. Married John Short Hardegree on November 6, 1836 in Coweta Co., GA. Died May 8, 1900 in Clem, Carroll Co., GA.  Buried in Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Clem, Carroll Co, GA.
• Emeline Grimes. Born about 1837. Died after 1880.
• Frederick "Fred" Grimes. Born on May 17, 1840 in Meriwether Co., GA. Married Sarah A. Millians on December 7, 1865 in Coweta Co., GA. Died November 24, 1903 in Coweta Co., GA.

In the 1820 federal census, Harbert Grimes and his family were enumerated in Salem, Clarke Co., GA.  There was a male between 16 and 24 years of age, no doubt Harbert Grimes; a female under 10, two females between 16 and 26, and a female older than 45.

In the 1830 federal census, Harbert Grimes and his family were enumerated in Walton Co., GA.  There were two males under the age of 5, one male between 5 and 10, one male between 15 and 20, one male between 30 and 40, one female under 5, one female between 15 and 20, one female between 30 and 40, and one female between 60 and 70.

In the 1840 federal census in Meriwether Co., this Grimes family has Mary Grimes as the head. Her husband would have died around 1839 or 1840. One male was under 5, one male between 10 and 15, two males between 15 and 20, one female under 5, one female between 5 and 10, one between 15 and 20, one between 40 and 50, and one between 80 and 90.

In the 1850 federal census, the Grimes family was enumerated in the 19th Division of Coweta Co.  Her real estate was valued at $600. In the 1850 federal census, Mary A. Grimes had three slaves. The household is as follows:

• Mary A. Grimes, 53, place of birth is Virginia, farmer.
• Jane Grimes, 32.
• Hubbert [Harbert] Grimes, 20, farmer.
• Mary A. Grimes. 15.
• Emeline, 13.
• Frederick, 11.

Enumerated nearby were Calvin Grimes, age 26, and his wife Martha and daughter Martha.  Also nearby were Travis Grimes, age 27, and wife Ruth [Brown] and daughters Frances and Mary.

In the 1860 federal census in Coweta Co., Mary A. Grimes had real estate valued at $1800 and personal property valued at $6533.  In 1860, Jane, Emerine [Emeline], and Fredrick were listed with her. In the 1860 census, she had eight slaves.

Mary Grimes must have died between 1860 and 1870. In the 1870 federal census, her daughters Jane, 54, and Emeline, 32, were enumerated with the family of their brother Fredrick. 

Frederick Grimes (1840-1903)
Frederick Grimes was born on May 17, 1840 in Meriwether Co., Georgia and died on November 24, 1903 in Coweta Co.. In spring of 1862, he joined Company D (Coweta's Rangers), a cavalry battalion that was part of Phillip's Legion. His brothers Travis and Harbert also served in Company D. For most of the war, Phillip's Legion was part of the Army of Northern Virginia and was involved in many battles and skirmishes. He surrendered with the remainder of the unit at Greensboro, NC on April 26, 1865. His wife later received a Widow's pension.

On December 7, 1865 in Coweta Co., GA, Fred married Sarah A. Millians. They had the following children:

• Cora J. Grimes. Born February 14, 1867 in Coweta Co., GA. Married Augustus Copeland in December 13, 1883 in Coweta Co., GA. Died October 31, 1902.
• Christopher Robertus Grimes. Born March 15, 1869 in Coweta Co., GA. Married Effie Beavers in 1895. Died September 22, 1944 in Washington Co., GA.
• Mary Grimes. Born 1871 in Coweta Co., GA.
• James Grimes. Born 1873 in Coweta Co., GA. Died May 21, 1886 in GA.
• Andrew "Lennie" Leonard Grimes. Born January 3, 1876 in Coweta Co., GA. Died July 11, 1947 in Washington Co., GA.
• Fred "Lonnie" Alonzo Grimes. Born January 3, 1876 in Coweta Co., GA. Died April 20, 1946 in Jenkins Co., GA.
• Calvin "Bee" B. Grimes. Born 1878 in Coweta Co., GA. Married Minnie L. Hardegree in 1898. Died April 5, 1951 in Crawford Co., GA.
• Travis Cliff Grimes. Born 1881 in Coweta Co., GA. Married first Annie E. McKoy in 1898. Married second Susie Elder on May 3, 1908. Died 1912 in Coweta Co., GA.  Buried in Elim Baptist Church Cemetery in Coweta Co.
• Eva Grimes. Born May 20, 1884 in Coweta Co., GA. Married Earle McKoy. Died July 14, 1968 in Coweta Co., GA.

In the fall of 1885 Fred Grimes bought part of the Walker farm near the old mill in Heard Co. and moved his family there (Newnan Herald, September 15, 1885). In 1886 there was a tragedy in the family, an account of which appeared in the Newnan Herald on May 25, 1886:

Fourth District.

Editor Herald: —This community was severly [sic] shocked last Friday evening [May 21, 1886] by the news that Jimie Grimes, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Grimes, was drowned and that two others of their children made a narrow escape.  Mrs. [sic] Grimes and wife were reared in this settlement and have lived here until last fall, when they moved to Heard county near Walker’s old mill.

Friday morning Jimie 13 years old, Lonie and Lenie, twin brother 10 years, and Bee 8 years old went to a small creek to fish. The children scarcely know how the calamity occurred, but from their statements we draw these conclusions. Bee’s hook got hung and he waded into the water to loose it and there being a deep washout with a wall almost perpendicular, which the children knew not of, Bee stepped into it and we infer that Jimie and Lonie rushed in to rescue him when they likewise were precipitated into 12 feet of water.  Lenie, who was on the opposite side fishing, seeing the dilemma of his brothers, rand down the stream about 15 yards to where he could cross and rushing up to the boys handed Bee his pole and drew him to shore, then to Lonie, and when he was rescued thrust it back to Jimie who was sinking and he failed to get hold of it, therefore went down his last time and was drowned.

Their cries attracted the attention of a gentleman in a farm nearby who ran to their relief, but being unable to extricate the unfortunate boy, went for help, which was soon on the spot, but the water being so deep it was some half hour before he was removed from the water, therefore beyond recovery.

The remains were brought back to Elim, and after funeral services by Rev. F. J. Amis they were laid away in the cemetery in the midst of a very large concourse of his relatives and friends who have known and loved him from a child.  We know that such  bereavements make wide and painful gaps in the family circle, which will be seen through tears for a long time and in behalf of this entire community we join in extending our tenderest sympathies to the bereaved in this their first and sad berevement [sic].
 

VANPELT.

In the fall of 1886, Fred Grimes bought the farm of James Millians and moved his family back to the Handy community. (Newnan Herald, November 23, 1886).

The following death notice appeared in the Newnan Herald and Advertiser on November 27, 1903.

Mr. Fred Grimes, one of Coweta's cleverest and best citizens, died Tuesday at his home near Handy. He had been ill but a day or so, and death is supposed to have resulted from heart disease. The funeral took place Wednesday at Elim, services being conducted by Rev. F. J. Amis.

The following tribute appeared in the Newnan Herald and Advertiser on December 4, 1903.

Tribute From a Friend
Fred Grimes, who died last week at this home in the Fourth district, was born in Meriwether Co. and moved to Coweta when quite young. In 1862 he entered the Confederate army as a member of Dr. Long's company, and served throughout the war. In 1865 he joined the Baptist church at Elim, and his delight was to do his Master's will, and to know that his conduct was approved by his pastor. In the fall of 1865 he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Millians, and from this union nine children were born, seven of whom survive. He was a good friend and neighbor, a kind husband, and a devoted father. A large number of relatives and friends are left to mourn his death; but we feel assured that our loss is his eternal gain. "Verily, he that prepares to meet his God is wiser than kings and priests."
A FRIEND.

Fred Grimes is buried with his wife at Elim Baptist Church Cemetery in Coweta Co., GA. There are gravestones with their names.

Cora Grimes (1867-1902)
Cora Grimes, the daughter of Fred Grimes and Sarah Millians, was born on February 14, 1867 in Coweta Co., GA and died on October 31, 1902.

On December 13, 1883, she married Augustus McDonald Copeland in Coweta Co. 

In the 1900 federal census, the family was renting a house at 11 Bailey Street, Atlanta, Fulton Co., GA. For more information on their children, see the material for Augustus Copeland.

The following obituary appeared in the Newnan Herald and Advertiser on December 12, 1902:

Obituary
On Oct. 31, 1902, the Death Angel visited the home of Mr. A. M. Copeland and summoned his beloved wife, Mrs. Cora Grimes Copeland, to the great beyond. Mrs. Copeland was born Feb. 14, 1867. She was married to Mr. A. M. Copeland in 1882, and they lived happily together until she was taken away. She joined the Baptist church at Elim when 18 years of age.

Their home was blessed with six children--three boys and three girls. Only four survive, two having died in infancy. She had been in feeble health for some time, but bore her sufferings with patience and Christian resignation. The page of her life was clearly written and brilliantly illuminated by the divine light of her Christian mother: "The Lord doeth all things well"--bearing her afflictions with the submission that only a true, devoted Christian could do. She expressed herself as ready and willing to die;--the only thing she seemed anxious about was to know that her children and husband would meet her in heaven. She was a loving mother, a gentle wife, and a true neighbor. To know her was to love her. Her memory is like the odor of some fragrant flower, and it may linger with all who knew and loved her until we, too, shall be called to our reward.

After a funeral discourse by Rev. F. J. Amis, her remains were laid to rest in Elim cemetery.

She leaves a vacant chair around the fireside that can never be filled. A faithful wife and loving mother is gone! 'Tis hard to give her up, yet the Lord knowest best. Weep not, children, for "I will be in heaven, out of my sufferings; live right and meet me there."

Dearest mother, thou has left us,
And thy loss we deeply feel;
But 'tis God that has bereft us--
He can all our sorrows heal.
"Yet again we hope to meet thee,
When the day of life is fled--
When in heaven with joy we'll greet thee,
Where no farewell tears are shed."
A.E.G.
Handy, Ga., Dec. 3, 1902

She is buried at Elim Baptist Church cemetery, and her gravestone is near her parents'.

"Fannie" McDonald was born in Heard Co., GA on June 8, 1839, the daughter of Hiram McDonald and Lovey Walden.  On November 29, 1859 she married Asberry Copeland in Franklin, Heard Co., GA. On October 18, 1861, their son, Augustus McDonald Copeland, was born.

On May 12, 1862, Asberry enlisted as a private in Company K, 56th Georgia Regiment, infantry. On May 27, 1863, he died while in the hospital in Lauderdale Springs, Mississippi, of a "sickness contracted at Vicksburg, Mississippi."  

After the death of Asberry Copeland, Fannie McDonald Copeland surely depended on the generosity of her family.  In the 1870 federal census, she and her son, Augustus, were living with her father's family in Heard Co., GA.

On February 13, 1876 she married John J. Millians of Coweta County, who died on March 18, 1896. He was a son of Christopher/Christian Millians.

They had the following children:

• John Caban Millians. Born December 28, 1877. Married Allie Heard on December 6, 1911. Died April 11, 1953 in Coweta Co., GA.
• Sarah Christian Millians. Born May 24, 1878. Died May 1900 in Coweta Co., GA.
• Frederick Ernest Millians.
Born March 18, 1880. Married Mattie Lou Carnes. Died November 30, 1959 in Coweta Co., GA.
• Arthur Linton Millians
. Born February 26,1883. Married Jimmie Cash on October 3, 1907. Died December 13, 1960 in Coweta, Co., GA.
• Annie Laura Millians. Born February 26, 1883. Married W. P. Jackson on January 7, 1904. Died January 3, 1907 in Coweta Co., GA.

In the 1900 federal census in Coweta Co. (4th district), Fannie's household contained:

• Martha Millians, 60, farmer.
• John C. Millians, 23, farm laborer.
• Sarah C. Millians, 22.
• Fred Millians, 20, farm laborer.
• Anna Millians, 17, farm laborer.
• Arthur Millians, 17, farm laborer.

In the 1910 federal census, Fannie's son John C. Millians was living with her in district 33 of Militia District 647 in Coweta Co.

In 1912, when she applied for a Confederate veteran's widow's pension, she claimed to have 80 acres of land worth $1,000. She stated that she had five children.  

In 1920, she was living with her son John C. Millians and his wife in the Handy area, Coweta County.

Fannie died in her eighties on September 16, 1921. An obituary appeared in the Newnan Herald on September 23, 1921. She was buried in Elim Baptist Church cemetery in Coweta County.

Mrs. Fannie Millians died on Friday last at the home of her son, Mr. J. C. Millians, in the Fourth district, following a long illness. She was the widow of the late J. J. Millians, Sr., and at the time of her death was 81 years of age. She leaves four children--A. M. Copeland, of Cobb county (a son of a former marriage), J. C. Millians of the Fourth district, F. E. Millians of Newnan, and Arthur Millians of Heard county. Funeral services were conducted at Elim church Saturday afternoon by her pastor, Rev. F. J. Amis, a large concourse of sorrowing friends attending the obsequies. The interment was at the same place.