"My Pleasure!" – a delightful phrase that echoes the warm and welcoming experience initiated by Samuel Truett Cathy when he laid the foundation for Chick-fil-A in 1946. Born in 1921, not in Henry County but in Eatonton, GA, Cathy's roots intertwine with the rich history of the region. His parents, Lilla Kimball and Joseph Benjamin Cathy, were integral to his upbringing, especially his father, J.B., who had connections that reached back to Henry County through Elizabeth Tidwell, his grandmother.
Elizabeth Tidwell, daughter of Seaborn and Elizabeth Tidwell, holds a significant place in the Cathy family lineage. Seaborn and Elizabeth, who initially resided in Butts County, eventually moved to Henry County, settling near Turner Church Rd, precisely behind present-day Southern Belle Farm. Their farm, adjacent to the Fargasons and Turners, became a source of income through agriculture and Seaborn's proficiency in mechanics.
A compelling chapter in Seaborn's life emerges through a petition he submitted to the Southern Claims Commission in 1871. This commission, a branch of the U.S. Government, aimed to compensate Union sympathizers in Confederate states who suffered financial losses during the Civil War. Seaborn Tidwell sought reimbursement of over $200, equivalent to around $4,267 in 2021, citing losses from his horses and property. The government approved the claim, shedding light on Seaborn's stance as a Union sympathizer. His pre-war vote against secession, assistance to a Union soldier during Sherman's march, and joy at the Union's victory marked him as one who did not align with the Confederate cause.
Post-Civil War, Seaborn continued to reside in Henry County until his death in 1893. While his final resting place remains unclear, some records suggest McDonough City Cemetery. The legacy of Seaborn Tidwell echoes through the generations, connecting Samuel Truett Cathy to Henry County. The family acknowledges and cherishes this ancestral tie, and one can only speculate how Seaborn would perceive the remarkable achievements of his great-grandson. Undoubtedly, pride would fill his heart as he reflects on the impact Cathy has made on the world.
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