Georgia Ann Jack

(Taken from the writings of Garth N. Jones Dean/Professor Emeritus, College of Business and Public Policy, University of Alaska, Anchorage)

Doris Faye Bingham—Father, James Edward Bingham—Grandmother, Ada Zoa Jack—Great Grandmother, Georgia Ann Horton

Born on the 30th of May 1841, Georgia Ann Horton, one of six sisters of part Cherokee blood, remembers that just before the Civil War, several denominations “came into the county: Methodists, Campbellites, Hard Shells…. They were very strenuous in their preaching”.

The war had taken its toll on the South, not to exclude the small hollow community of Groveoak, Alabama. Georgia Ann, now 35 years of age, and her husband James Hazlette Jack were living near extended family, in the tight knit community. In the fall of 1876, a Mormon Elder by the name of James T. Lisonbee came to their little settlement preaching the restoration of the gospel.

On November 5th, 1876, Georgia Ann attended a meeting held by Elder Lisonbee at the Pine Grove School House, about three miles from Groveoak. She opened her home for a second preaching service the very next day at “early candle lighting”. The house was filled to capacity with people sitting and standing on the front porch. She responded promptly and enthusiastically to his message. She readily accepted the gospel, made every effort to share the truth she had found and later wrote: “I don’t know how anyone with my sense could fail to see the light”

When aggressive preachers and individuals sought to drive Elder Lisonbee from the area, Georgia Ann was not intimidated. Throughout November and December, she opened door after door for Elder Lisonbee to deliver his gospel message. As opposition increased, she became bolder and bolder, finally becoming alienated from her husband’s family as well as several of her own family. Georgia Ann was a person of conviction. She had seen the light and her soul burned with the Truth.

Georgia Ann was instrumental in introducing the gospel to many of her family, friends and neighbors. Scores were baptized and would soon gather to “Zion”. Only their Zion would be Manassa Colorado: A unique settlement of southern saints.

Compiled by E.J. Dobbins