The first settlers of the Cates District of southeast Gwinnett were two men from London, England - Thomas Snell and James Sawyer.  For a time they were partners in the Snell and Sawyer Dry Goods Store, and intended to call their place of business New London.

        As early as 1882 citizens were referring to the town as Snellville, after Mr. Snell.  The the post office was established in 1885, with Mr. Sawyer as the first post master.    The business partnership was desolved and each man owned and operated his own mercantile business.

        The Snellville Baptist Church was organized August 12, 1882 with the following as charter members:  Mr. and Mrs. Rufe Harris, W. H. Strand, and Mrs. and Mrs. T. W. Hay.  The first paster, for 14 years, was Rev. W. L. Singleton.  The church building was erected in 1883.  Ground was broken in 1946 for a new facility, which included a 600 seat auditorium and an indoor pool.

        The Snellville Methodist Church was organized in 1884 with ten members:  Alpharetta Cates, Lucinda Milles, Adeline Cates, M.L. Mahaffey, Mr. and Mrs. T.A. Pate, Mrs. Lizzie Snell, J. T. Snell, Mrs. Annie Snell and L.L. Snell  Service were held in the school house until the fall of 1886 when the church building was erected.

                What was left of the original businesses at the crossroads of Highway 78 and Highway 124 are no longer in existance.   South of 78 there is still some open land with a very few remaining older homes.

Sources:
History of Gwinnett County, 1818-1960, Volume II, by James C. Flanigan, copyright 1959

Dynamic Gwinnett, text by Bill Kirby, copyright 1993

 

This history is under construction.  I will be adding more information and photographs, so be sure to check back soon!
 
 

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