Painting of White Hall Inn by William G. Kurtz
Charner Humphries (1795-1855) was brother to my G-G-G-G-Great Grandfather, John Humphries. He was among the first settlers of the Atlanta area. John followed him to the area. Charner opened an inn/tavern near the railroad; which was called White Hall because it was the first/only painted building. It became a central hub for the town of it’s namesake (Whitehall), before Marthasville (Atlanta) was established. Elections, meetings and events were held there. The area later became the section of Atlanta called West End (because of Atlanta’s encroachment). It’s namesake, Whitehall Street still runs through the area.
Charner was described by his son-in-law as a heavy-set man, medium height, with a smooth face. He was said to be a “good judge of horseflesh and good liquor.” He had 3 sons (Charner Jr., George and John), and several daughters. George and John were suspected to have killed a man in a disagreement of some sort; but disappeared before they could be arrested or charged. One daughter married Judge A.A. Wilson, a prominent Judge in Atlanta (died 1892).
White Hall (the building) was lost during the Civil War. It was in poor shape by then. It was apparently used as officer quarters when the North took the city. During the occupation, nearby residents fled. When they returned, reports are that the structure was burned to the ground.
He was brother to my G-G-G-G-Great Grandfather, John Humphries too. Thank you so much for sharing this information..
charner humphries was my great great great uncle his brother was amos humphries who went to missississippi when they all left home. I wondered did i have any relatives here in atlanta. i have lived here 25 years and never made any contact with any one.
does anyone have a picture of charner humphries.I do know that he is buried in oakland cemetery.
sorry Charner Humphries buried in westview cemetry not oakland my mistake
to j Humpries: Do you have a picture of Charner Humphries or anyone here that was related to him.He was brother to my great great great grandfather.I’ve never seen a picture of my great grandfather.Thank you if you have any information.
CHARNER HUMPHRIES- THAT BUILT THE WHITEHALL HALL INN WAS FROM CHESTER COUNTY SOUTH CAROLINA NOT SURE JASON IF YOU ARE RELATED TO HIM I HAVE ORIGINAL PAPAERS THAT WAS RESEARCHED OVER 30 YEARS AGO.