Honoring Our Founding Members: The Charter Members of the Rotary Club of Milledgeville
Building a Legacy of Service Since 1937
The Rotary Club of Milledgeville was chartered on November 12, 1937, through the leadership of Porter Carswell and a group of visionary community leaders dedicated to bringing Rotary’s mission of service, leadership, and fellowship to Milledgeville. These charter members—business owners, professionals, educators, and civic leaders—laid the foundation for what would become a thriving organization committed to making a lasting impact in our local community and beyond.
Their commitment to “Service Above Self” has shaped our club’s values and traditions, inspiring generations of Rotarians to follow in their footsteps. We honor their legacy and the remarkable contributions they made to both Rotary and Milledgeville.
Charter Members of the Rotary Club of Milledgeville
- Tom Hall Smith – 1987 Honorary Member of Milledgeville Rotary; South Wayne Street grocer and community leader.
- J.C. Baston – Prominent merchant in the seed and feed business on Hancock Street.
- J.F. Bell, Jr. – Cashier of the Merchants and Farmers Bank and distinguished World War I veteran.
- D. Richard Binion – Leading physician and surgeon, affectionately called “Big Shot” by friends; director in many enterprises.
- J.C. Cooper – Clerk of Superior Court and leading politician.
- William L. Fraley – Owner and manager of Fraley’s Pharmacy.
- Lee N. Jordan – Chevrolet dealer and the club’s wit, known for keeping members laughing.
- E.B. Keel – Agent for Gulf Oil Company.
- A.C. McKinley – Agent for the Georgia Railroad.
- W.B. McKinnon – Ford dealer for the community.
- Jere N. Moore – Editor of The Union-Recorder and Trustee of Georgia Military College.
- Joseph A. Moore – Funeral director and mortician; Baldwin County Representative in the Legislature.
- W.L. Ritchie – Owner and manager of Williams and Ritchie Jewelers.
- Ralph Simmerson – Buick dealer and farmer.
- Charles L. Toole – Dentist at the State Hospital.
- Guy H. Wells – President of Woman’s College and later Rotary District Governor.
- H. Stewart Wooten – Owner and manager of an insecticide business; active in many community endeavors.
- Y.H. Yarbrough – Psychiatrist and Superintendent at State Hospital.
- Marion Ennis – Distinguished lawyer and Representative of Baldwin County in the State Legislature.
- Harry Bone – Clay manufacturer and Mayor of Milledgeville.
- Lewis Flemister – Head of Fowler Flemister Coal and Lumber Company.
- George Hollinshead – Dirt farmer and cattle raiser.
- J.W. Overstreet – Head of Overstreet’s Pharmacy; long-time Secretary of the Rotary Club.
- Hoy Taylor – Dean of Woman’s College and religious leader.
- L.S. Fowler – Bursar of Woman’s College and prominent business leader.
- Dr. Otis Woods – Physician and surgeon.
- Ed Newmeyer – Pastor of Hardwick Methodist Church.
- Joe Thrailkil – Pastor of First United Methodist Church.
- Elliott R. Sims – Manager of Atlanta Gas Light Company.
These founding members helped shape the Rotary Club of Milledgeville into what it is today—a club dedicated to service, leadership, and community impact. Their vision and dedication continue to inspire our members to carry forward the mission of Rotary.