In the early 20th century Grovetown like many other Southern towns was not exempt from expressions of racism towards African Americans. A history long forgotten. On May 8, 1914, Montgomery Advertiser reported the following under the headline SHOE THIEF SUSPECT LYNCHED. Groveton, Ga, May 7-Charley Jones, a negro, was taken from two officers near here late last night by a number of white men and lynched. It is said that Jones was suspected of having shop lifted a pair of shoes.