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HISTORY
OF
TROUP COUNTY
1800
S
Glass
F292
Book .. 17556 Copyright N.ยบ. 5042
COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT.
This volume is dedicated to the memory of the Unsung Heroes of both WAR AND PEACE who by their sturdy valor and tireless energy pre- pared the way for the development of the para- dise wherein we have found our prosperity and happiness.
1
HISTORY OF TROUP COUNTY
urs
CLIFFORD L. SMITH
I 933
PRINTED BY FOOTE & DAVIES COMPANY, ATLANTA, GEORGIA
1935, Copy 2
F292 T75 Sb Copy 2.
COPYRIGHT L 9 3 5 CLIFFORD L. SMITH
APR 23 1936 CCIA 93775
THE AUTHOR
IN O HISTORY of Troup County would be complete without the biog- raphy of the author of this book, the man whose brain and pen have preserved for future generations the traditions and achievements of the people of this county.
Clifford Lewis Smith, the fifth child of Rufus Wright and Oreon Mann Smith, was born in Greene County, Georgia, March 25, 1867. He came of a family of artists and educators. April 2, 1893, he was married to Miss Pearl Long of Greenwood, Florida, whose genius and culture have been an inspiration to him. After attending Emory College and Chicago University, he selected teaching as a profession and taught several years in LaGrange Female College. When LaGrange established a public school system, he was elected superintendent of the schools and held the position for fourteen years. He assisted in completing the plans for Harwell Avenue Grammar School and the High School buildings. For a number of years he held a most responsible position with the New England Southern Mills and the Callaway Mills, rendering valuable service in the research and engineering departments of those mills.
It is said by those who know that Professor Smith is the most versatile man in this section of the state. He has no particular hobby, but takes a delight in solving problems in higher mathematics. Some years ago, he pre- sented a monograph of seventy-five solutions to the Pythagorean Problem to the University of Chicago and received a letter of congratulations from the pedagogical department on the work. He has mastered chemistry and phys- ics. He is an authority on subjects pertaining to botany and astronomy. He is a master in mechanics. He is a musician and knows the technique of music. He speaks French, reads Latin and Greek, and understands some German, Italian and Spanish.
A distinct honor came to Mr. Smith in 1908. He was one of a number of American teachers invited by the teachers of Great Britain to visit the school systems of England, Scotland and Ireland. He made an extended trip to those countries and on his return wrote a report to the American Civic Federation under whose auspices the visit was made. This report
iii
relating to these schools and the educational systems was given the title of "Views and Values." He has written a number of treatises on different subjects, the most recent of which is a booklet on the Trees and Birds of Troup County.
The people of Troup County are fortunate in having the history of the county written by Professor Smith. As an evidence of this, a resolution was introduced by Senator J. R. Terrell, Jr., and passed by the last Georgia Senate in the session of 1932 commending Professor Smith for his work in the preparation of the History of Troup County.
Professor Smith is a most pleasing conversationalist. He possesses a rare grace and charm of manner. He is courteous, unpretentious, genial and efficient. He is loved and respected by all who know him. He is a loyal friend, a good neighbor, an upright citizen, a Christian gentleman. Such is the author of the History of Troup County.
J. H. MELSON, Superintendent Troup County Schools.
iv
INTRODUCTION
I N PRESENTING this compilation of the history of Troup County, the author wishes to acknowledge the generous assistance of many citizens and of numerous contributors to the local papers, and of the county and municipal officials in searching among the old records.
The information of the early days seems now to be sadly lacking in many details, and some characters stand out in exaggerated prominence, while the feats of many modest heroes of the long ago are lost in oblivion. The apathy of their descendants and the absence of definite recorded facts have precluded them from the permanent record. The very names of many brilliant actors in the drama and tragedy of the pioneer days excite no throb of remembrance or interest in the minds and hearts of many of our modern citizens.
The author wishes especially to acknowledge the assistance of the follow- ing citizens and officials:
Barker, Novatus L., Jr., city clerk of West Point.
Barnes, Mrs. Pearl W., of Abbottsford, for church records.
Boddie, Miss Belle, of Mountville, for numerous contributions.
Bradfield, Mrs. Jennie E., of LaGrange, for Confederate records.
Dickinson, Marvin M., of LaGrange, for assistance in paper files. Dozier, Rev. W. E., of Loyd Chapel, for church history and records.
Faver, Mrs. Mattie T., of LaGrange, for papers of Judge W. W. Turner. Griggs, Miss Carrie Lou, of West Point, for clippings and data.
Henderson, Miss Lillian, of Atlanta, for Confederate rosters.
Heyman, Miss Bertha, of West Point, for data and contributions. Hightower, Charles T., of Hogansville, city clerk.
Hill, Mrs. Annie Bass, of West Point, for data and contributions.
Hudson, Asa C., of LaGrange, for Ferrell Battery data.
Johnson, Mrs. Ola M., of West Point, for papers, records and data. LaGrange Graphic, for use of files.
LaGrange Reporter, for use of files.
Lanier, Mrs. Ada F., of West Point, for church records.
Loyd, Walter R., of East Vernon, for assistance in investigations.
V
Mclendon, Mrs. M. F., of LaGrange, for numerous old paper files. Melson, J. H., of Hogansville, for county school records.
Moon, Mrs. E. T., of LaGrange, for diary and papers of West Point. Moss, J. H., of LaGrange, city clerk.
O'Neal, V. R., of LaGrange, for numerous papers and investigations. Oslin, Mrs. Mary P., of West Point, for scrapbook and data.
Park, Mrs. Annie Lizzie, of LaGrange, for papers of Judge J. B. Strong. Pharr, R. O., of LaGrange, for church records.
Polhill, Mrs. Mary P., of LaGrange, for records of U. D. C. and D. A. R. Rakestraw, Mrs. Elizabeth D., of LaGrange, for old diary and papers.
Render, L. J., of LaGrange, much interesting data.
Slack, Dr. and Mrs. H. R., of LaGrange, for numerous contributions.
Smedley, D. B., of West Point District, for church records.
Smith, Mrs. Pearl L., of LaGrange, for assistance in editing.
Traylor, G. T., of LaGrange, for assistance in county records.
Traylor, J. E., of LaGrange, for locating the "Burnt Village."
Traylor, Miss Lizzie, of Atlanta, for scrapbook and documents. Trimble, W. S., of Chickamauga, for Hogansville data.
Wells, Mrs. Bettie B., of Mountville, for diary and documents.
Whatley, S. H., of Thomaston, for church records.
Young, Mrs. R. M., of LaGrange, for scrapbook and papers.
The contributions referred to above were in the form of manuscript, verbal information, or clippings of articles published in various newspapers and magazines.
The author presents this volume with the accompanying wish that the reader dwell not on its imperfections, nor berate the omissions, but that he may note the errors and omissions, and carefully preserve such notes for the use of the compiler of our next county history.
CLIFFORD L. SMITH, County Historian.
LAGRANGE, GA. December 31, 1933.
vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
CHAPTER I.
George Michael Troup
1
CHAPTER II. Acquisition 3
CHAPTER III.
Subdivision and Distribution
9
CHAPTER IV. Boundaries
27
CHAPTER V.
Organization
38
CHAPTER VI. Troup County Courts 41
CHAPTER VII. Municipalities 47
CHAPTER VIII.
Troup County Localities 64
CHAPTER IX. Troup County Military 67
CHAPTER X. Troup County Minerals and Rocks 84
CHAPTER XI.
Troup County Trees
88
CHAPTER XII.
Troup County Birds
99
CHAPTER XIII. Transportation
106
CHAPTER XIV.
Public Utilities
112
CHAPTER
XV.
Troup County Textile Industry 115
CHAPTER XVI.
Industrial and Commercial
123
CHAPTER XVII.
Educational
129
CHAPTER
XVIII.
Literature and Arts 143
CHAPTER
XIX.
Public Buildings 149
CHAPTER
XX.
Churches
154
CHAPTER
XXI.
Organizations 175
CHAPTER
XXII.
Architectural Features
185
CHAPTER
XXIII.
Customs and Practices
198
CHAPTER
XXIV.
Confederate Roster
205
CHAPTER
XXV.
World War Soldiers and Sailors
237
CHAPTER
XXVI.
Troup County Cemeteries
255
CHAPTER XXVII. Officials and Old Citizens 258
CHAPTER XXVIII. Statesmen of Georgia
306
CHAPTER
XXIX.
Acts of Legislature
312
vii
CHAPTER I. GEORGE MICHAEL TROUP
EORGE M. TROUP, for whom Troup County was named, was the son of John Troup and Catherine McIntosh, and was born on the Tombigbee River, then in the territory of Georgia, on September 8, 1780. His maternal uncle, William McIntosh, married the daughter of an Indian chief, and their eldest son was William McIntosh, the president of the Creek Nation.
George M. Troup was graduated from Princeton in 1797. He was a Georgia congressman from 1807 to 1815, and in 1816 was elected as United States senator, but resigned in 1818. He was governor of Georgia from 1823 to 1827, and in 1829 was again elected as United States senator.
It was during his administration as governor that the treaty with the Creek Nation was negotiated by the United States for the cession of the territory, of which Troup County forms a part, as it was dated February 12, 1825.
His old home was in Laurens County and was named by the Troup family "Valdosta," but it is not the site of the city of that name. He died while visiting one of his plantations near Soperton in what was Montgomery, but now Wheeler County, on April 26, 1856, and was buried on the Rosemont plantation, about seven miles from Soperton. His grave is marked by a substantial monument, erected originally to the memory of his brother, who had died in 1848. One face of the monument bears this inscription:
"Erected by G. M. Troup, the brother, and G. M. Troup, Jr., the nephew, as a tribute to the memory of R. L. TROUP who died September 23, 1848 Aged 64 years."
On the opposite face of the monument is the following inscription:
"GEORGE MICHAEL TROUP Born September 8, 1780 Died April 26, 1856 No epitaph can tell his worth
The History of Georgia must perpetuate His virtues and commemorate His Patriotism There he teaches us the argument being exhausted To Stand by our Arms."
2
HISTORY OF TROUP COUNTY
Governor Troup was a fearless and upright man, uncompromising in his allegiance to principles, and one of the most earnest advocates of States Rights in the commonwealth.
It is fitting here to record the address of welcome given by Governor Troup to LaFayette on the occasion of his visit to Georgia in 1825, which was delivered on the banks of the Savannah River. It is probable that this address inspired Col. Julius C. Alford to offer the home of LaFayette as a name to LaGrange at the public meeting held for the purpose of selecting a name for the county town.
"Welcome, LaFayette! "Tis little more than ninety years since the founder of this state first set foot upon the bank on which you stand. Today 400,000 people open their arms and their hearts to receive you. Thanks to the kind Providence which presides over human affairs, you were called to the stand- ard of independence in the helplessness of the American Revolution and you have been graciously spared that in your last days the glory of an empire might be reflected upon your countenance amid the acclimations of millions.
"For you the scenes which are to come will be comparatively tranquil; the waters no longer turbulent but placid. No more dread of dungeons; no . more fear of tyrants for you. Oh, sir, what consolation it must be to one who has passed through seas of trouble to know that between you and them are the countless bayonets which guard the blessings of freedom! Welcome, General! Friend of Liberty, welcome! Thrice welcome to Georgia!"
GEORGE MICHAEL TROUP.
CHAPTER II. ACQUISITION
HE STATE of Georgia was formerly inhabited by two distinct In- dian groups, one of which was the Cherokee Nation, mountaineers or uplanders as their name signifies in their own language; the other group was a federation of several tribes, who retained their own tribal names. Among the latter were found the Coosa, Kasita (Cusseta), Kawita (Coweta), Alibamu, Yamasi (Yemassee), Shawano (Shawnee), Seminoles and some other small tribes. This confederation was called by the northern Indians in the Algonquin tongue: "Muscogi," the English translation of which name came into common use and was adopted by the confederation as their official name of "Creeks."
The attitude of the Creeks towards the colonists was friendly and cordial. In the first treaty of October, 1733, the settlers were invited "to make use and possess all those lands, which the Nation hath not occasion to use." Six years later in 1739, there was held at Coweta town, an Indian town near Columbus, a council of Creeks, Cherokees and Chehaws, which con- firmed the treaty of 1733 and fixed the bounds of the cession as between the Savannah and Ogeechee rivers as far north as Little River, which is north of Augusta. At the same council the boundary of the Creek Nation was set forth as "from the St. Johns River westward to Apalachee bay and northwards to the mountains," and the council recognized these as bounds of the Creek territory, and the mountains were recognized as Cherokee ter- ritory. The next convention was held at Augusta in 1763. It was attended by the chief executives of four colonies: Governor Dobbs of North Caro- lina, Governor Boone of South Carolina, Governor Wright of Georgia, Lt. Governor Fauquier of Virginia, and seven hundred tribesmen representing all southern tribes. This convention merely confirmed the original cession of territory.
In 1773, forty years after the first treaty, the Cherokees ceded twenty miles further north, which cession is the present Wilkes County, and the Creeks ceded the coast between the Ogeechee and Altamaha rivers. Both of these cessions were financial transactions. During the War of Independ- ence, in 1778, inasmuch as the Creeks fought with the Tories and English, the coastal plain was widened by seizure, which marked the beginning of the end of cordial relations.
The following purchases were made in addition to those mentioned above: in 1790, the territory between the Ogeechee and Oconee rivers; in 1802 and 1804, from the Oconee to the Ocmulgee River; in 1814, the southern part of the state as far west as the Chattahoochee River and as far north as Fort Gaines, Georgia.
4
HISTORY OF TROUP COUNTY
In the eighty years after the first cession in 1733, the Creeks had made wonderful progress in agriculture and government. Near the towns there were patches of corn, yams, beans, melons, gourds and tobacco, which were tended by the squaws and their negro slaves, who were acquired at an early date in the slave trade. For it must be remembered that the importation of slaves was prohibited by the Constitution of Georgia, which was adopted in 1798. The Creek houses, consisting of two or four rooms separated by an open hallway, were of their own design and later were imitated by the pioneers. The central hallway was used by the Indians as a council gather- ing place, but was called by the pioneers the "Dog-Trot." The early roads were little more than trails or bridal paths, and were usually located across the crests of hills in order that the distant landmarks might be easily seen.
The capital city of the Creek Nation was Indian Springs (near Flovilla, Georgia) and the government consisted of representatives from every town to constitute its assembly or legislature. As early as 1763, there were fifty towns and the Indian population was as much as forty to fifty thousand, for the warriors or soldiers numbered 5,860 exclusive of old men, squaws and children.
The head chief and president of the assembly had built a capitol and a presidential residence at Indian Springs and the Creek Assembly had con- ferred on the president the rank of General of the Creek Armies. The commissioning of colonels, captains and other military officers followed soon thereafter. The passing visitor was introduced to Gen. William McIntosh, President of the Creek Nation, whose home was at McIntosh Reserve in Carroll County, and whose residence as president was at Indian Springs, capital of the Creek Nation.
The question of taxation or raising funds for the central government was a difficult problem for the Creek legislature: the agricultural products were cultivated on a scale commensurate with the family needs; and the trade in baskets, pottery, moccasins, fur caps and coats was generally in the form of barter; hence, there seemed to be no feasible or practical form of taxation. The Assembly finally concluded that the cession and sale of territory was the simplest method of securing means for the purchase of arms and tools for their military and agricultural equipment. These re- peated cessions of territory for such equipment were complicated by the increasing number of tribesmen from year to year and the constantly de- creasing area of hunting grounds. The consequence was an increasing dis- satisfaction among the tribesmen with the course of events. The clashes between the conflicting interests of the pioneers and the Indian trappers and hunters emphasized the growing dissatisfaction.
5
ACQUISITION
Most of the legislation of the Creek Assembly was of a military character and the most important issue was a method of equipping the army for which a large sum was necessary for arms and uniforms. In 1821 an Assem- bly was called to consider this momentous question, and there followed the largest sale and cession of territory in the national Creek history. This sale included the central part of Georgia southeast of the Thronateeska River, which is now called the Flint. While the desire for money and arms finally overcame the hesitation to surrender this territory, yet the Assembly also passed an enactment that no further cessions of territory should be made except by unanimous consent, pledging their lives as forfeit for the violation of the edict.
The next cession of territory, which gave the state of Georgia that part in which Troup County is situated, was made by a council or assembly summoned to Indian Springs on February 12, 1825. This transaction was of little credit to either of contracting parties, for it is easy to read between the lines the persuasion, bribery and promises of protection on one side and the treachery and violation of the law on the other. The price paid to the Creeks for the cession was $400,000.00 in cash, an equivalent area beyond the Mississippi River, and the expense of moving. The text of treaty fol- lows:
CREEK TREATY OF 1825. Articles of a Convention entered into and concluded at Indian Springs, between Duncan G. Campbell and James Meriwether, Commissioners on the part of the United States of America, duly authorized, and the Chiefs of the Creek Nation in Council assembled.
Whereas the said Commissioners, on the part of the United States of America, have represented to the said Creek Nation that it is the policy and earnest wish of the general government, that the several Indian tribes within the limits of any of the several states of the Union should remove to territory to be designated on the west side of the Mississippi River, as well for the better protection and security of said tribes, and their improvement in civilization, as for the purpose of enabling the United States, in this instance, to comply with the compact entered into with the State of Georgia, on the twenty-fourth day of April, in the year one thousand eight hundred and two; And the said Commissioners having laid the late Message of the President of the United States, upon this subject, before a General Council of the said Creek Nation, to the end that their removal might be effected upon the terms advantageous to both parties; And whereas, the Chiefs of the Creek towns have assented to the reasonableness of said proposition and expresses a willingness to emigrate beyond the Mississippi, those of Tokaubatchee excepted:
These presents therefore witness, that the contracting parties have this day entered into the following Convention: The Creek Nation cedes to the United States all the lands lying within the boundaries of the State of Georgia as defined by the compact hereinbefore cited, now occupied by said Nation, or to which said Nation have title or claim; and also all other lands which they now occupy, or to which they have title or claim, lying north and west of a line to be run from the first principal falls upon the Chatauhoochie River above Cowe- tau town, to Ocfuskee Old Town upon the Tallapoosa, thence to falls of Coosaw River,
6
HISTORY OF TROUP COUNTY
at or near a place called Hickory Ground. The next eight paragraphs merely give the de- tails of the manner of payment and the plans for the final removal to the selected place beyond the Mississippi River.
In testimony whereof, the Commissioners aforesaid, and the Chiefs and Headmen of the Creek Nation have hereunto set their hands and seals, this the twelfth day of February, in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-five.
(Signed) DUNCAN G. CAMPBELL, JAMES MERIWETHER, Commissioners on part of U. S. WILLIAM MCINTOSH, Head Chief of Cowetaus.
The above document was also signed by the following chiefs and headmen from the following towns, and a number not designating their town:
COWETAU: Etommee Tustunnuggee; Ahalaco Yoholo. BIG SHOAL: Halatha Fixico. HITCHATEE: Josiah Gray; William Kanard; Neha Thluco Hatkee. NEW YAUCO: Wa- lucco Hajo; Cohausee Ematla; Nineomau Toochee. SAND TOWN in Troup: Konope Emautla; Chawacala Mico; Foctalustee Emautla. TALLADEGA: Espokoke Hajo; Alex Las- ley; Emautla Hajo; Nincomatochee; Chuhah Hajo. TOWN NOT INDICATED: Benjamin Marshall; Foshagee Tustunnuggee; Tomico Holueto; Tomoc Mico; Cowetau Tustunnuggee; Artus Mico, or Roley McIntosh; Oethlamata Tustunnuggee; Emau Chuccolocana; Yah Te Ko Hajo; Hoethlepoga Tustunnuggee; Forshatepu Mico; Nocosee Emautla; Abeco Tustun- nuggee; Tallassee Hajo, or John Carr; Chilly McIntosh; Athlan Hajo; Tuskegee Tustun- nuggee; Enaha Hajo; Col. William Miller; Charles Miller; Tallassee Hajo; Hepocokee Emautla; Hijo Hajo; Holahtau, or Col. Blue; Joseph Marshall; Tuskenahah; Coccus Hajo; Thla Tho Hajo; Samuel Miller; Otulga Emautla.
Executed on the day as above written (February 12, 1825) in the presence of John Crowell, Agent for Indian Affairs.
(Signed) WILLIAM F. HAY, Secretary. WILLIAM MERIWETHER. WILLIAM HAMBLEY, U. S. Interpreter.
INDIAN SPRINGS RESERVATION. On February 14, 1825, two days after the signing of the above cession, the reservation of Indian Springs was bought and the text of the transfer is given below:
Whereas the foregoing articles of convention have been concluded between the parties thereto; and Whereas, the Indian Chief, General William McIntosh, claims title to the Indian Springs Reservation, upon which there are very extensive buildings and improve- ments, by virtue of a relinquishment to said General William McIntosh, signed in full Council of the Nation; and Whereas the said General William McIntosh hath claim to an- other reservation of land on the Ocmulgee River, and by his lessee and tenant is in possession thereof: Now these presents further witness that the said General William McIntosh, and also the chiefs of the Creek Nation, in Council assembled, do quitclaim, convey, and cede to the United States, the reservation aforesaid, for and in consideration of the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars, to be paid at the time and in the manner as stipulated for the first installment provided for in the preceding treaty. Upon the ratification of these articles, the possession of said reservations shall be considered as passing to the United States, and the accruing rents of the present year shall pass also.
7
ACQUISITION
In testimony whereof, the said Commissioners on the part of the United States, and the said William McIntosh and the Chiefs of the Creek Nation, have hereunto set their hands and seals, at Indian Springs, this the fourteenth day of February, in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-five.
WILLIAM MCINTOSH.
EOTOMMEE TUSTUNNUGGEE.
TUSKEGON TUSTUNNUGGEE. COL. WILLIAM MILLER.
JOSIAH GRAY. NEHATHLUCCO HATCHEE.
ALEXANDER LASLEY. WILLIAM CANARD.
(Signed) DUNCAN G. CAMPBELL, JAMES MERIWETHER, U. S. Commissioners.
Witnesses at Execution: WILLIAM F. HAY, Secretary. WILLIAM HAMBLEY, U. S. Interpreter.
QUITCLAIM OF CHIEFS. Three months later in order to have a written agreement of the oral relinquishment of the above properties on the part of the Council to General William McIntosh, the following document was exe- cuted by the parties thereto as indicated in the document:
Whereas by a stipulation in the treaty of Indian Springs in 1821, there was a reserve of land made to include the said Indian Springs for the use of General William McIntosh, be it therefore known to all to whom it may concern, that we, the undersigned Chiefs and Headmen of the Creek Nation, do hereby agree to relinquish all the right, title and control of the Creek Nation to said reserve, unto him the said William McIntosh and his heirs forever, in as full and ample a manner as we are authorized to do.
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