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MY DADDY Seaborn
Judge Tecumsech Harden 1871-1938 My
Daddy, Seaborn Judge Harden, was born in Pike County, Georgia, November
15, 1871. He was given the
name "Tecumsech" for an old Indian Chief who was a friend of his
father, William Harmon Harden, but
he never used it. Seaborn
Judge Harden died March 26, 1938, and is buried in Old Prospect Church
Cemetery, Ben Hill County. His
grave is marked. He married
twice, his first wife was Nancy Lewis who died in child birth.
Later he married Ola Esther Lee. "The
Judge' as he became known, was son of William Harmon Harden and Nancy
Jones. William Harmon was a
Minister of the Gospel, being of the Primitive Baptist Faith. He moved his
family from Pike County to Irwin County when Daddy was twelve years old.
He established several new churches and soon became so busy as a
pastor and ministering to his church people he did not have time to care
for his family and his farm. Daddy
became the one responsible for caring for the family and the farm.
Hence, his formal education consisted of four days as he found
school dull and too he needed to be busy with the farm and family. Daddy
had a sharp, retentive mind; my Mother, (Essie) always remarked that he
had more natural wit in a minute than she had in a week. He
was a great judge of people, recognizing good character immediately, and
deceptiveness as quickly. Daddy
was interested in politics on all levels; local, state and national. He kept well informed on business and was a good manager of
what possessions he had. During
the Big Depression of the thirties he was one of a very few farmers in his
area who managed to save his farms. He
also attended church every Sunday taking his family with him. and
contributed to several churches. After
church services he would invite the preacher to go home with him and
"Break Bread".
Daddy was a strict disciplinarian but was kind and understanding.
He loved his own family and aided his brother and sisters whenever
needed. He wanted his children to have education available sending
Lewis to Gordon Institute; Gladys and Annie Bell to Douglas boarding them
to complete high school and later Gladys attended GSCW Milledgeville;
Henry and Harmon to Douglas and then to Fitzgerald to complete High
School- I finished in Ocilla. Although
he was not financially able to send Henry, Harmon, and me to college he
aided us with transportation and other ways. Daddy
was tall, probably 6 ft. 1, slender, of medium build, with black hair,
dark brown eyes, and a nice smooth complexion.
He died from stomach ulcers after a sickness of about four years. Signed James Harden May 1999
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