USA > Georgia > Jones County > History of Jones County, Georgia, for one hundred years, specifically 1807-1907 > Part 20
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37. Chas. J. McDonald House
38. Judge Gray's Office
39. Morgan's Woodshop
40. Morgan's Grocery and Bar
41. Henry Glover's Tailor Shop
42. Clinton Cemetery
43. Store
44. Tavern
45. Bar Room
46. Johnson's Store
47. Dr. Hamilton's Office
48. Holsenback House- (Jack Jones)
49. Massey's Machine & Carriage Shop
Streets: Pinckney, Pulaski, Madison, Washington, Jackson, Cook's Lane, Liberty and Walnut.
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night and to enjoy the sumptuous fare at the tables and drink at the famous bar which was provided with the best brandies at 50 cents a quart.
From the March 29th issue of the Milledgeville Recorder is copied the following advertisement: "The Clinton Hotel is now completed and ready for the reception of customers. This large and commodius building is situated at the east corner of the public square, immediately on the main road leading from Milledgeville to Fort Hawkins and Macon. It will be conducted by John Carter, Mrs. Evans and C. Minor, who take this method of informing their friends and the public generally that no pains will be spared to render all those who will favor them with their company, comfortable. They flatter themselves from their long experience in the business and appropriate situation of their house to share a part of the public patronage. Their table will be furnished with the best the country affords and the bar with the choicest liquors. Their tables are convenient and will constantly be supplied with wholesome provender and at- tentive hostess."
Registered at hotels in Clinton in 1850, were: Frances Gib- son, 64, b. in North Carolina; Ann Leslie, 64, b. in South Caro- lina; W. B. Walsh, 33, b. in Ireland; Sanford Tippett, 54, b. in North Carolina ; Saunders D. Allen, 40, b. in North Carolina ; Lucius Donnally, 25, b. in Massachusetts ; Samuel F. Anderson, 20 b. in Georgia ; Samuel Blau and family from North Carolina ; Asa Holmes, 50, b. in South Carolina ; John Bassieux and wife b. in Virginia; David Defoor, b. in South Carolina; Timothy Auright, 33, b. in Ireland; Catherine Hailey, 27, b. in Ireland; James Kennedy, b. in Ireland; Solomon and Hetty Lockett, b. in Maryland; Sara Horn, 34, b. in New York with ch. Samuel and Elizabeth. There were other names from Georgia.
Not only business flourished there in Clinton but it was be- coming the seat of culture and learning. On the hillside back of Lowther Hall and south toward Macon was the Academy op- erated by Thomas Bog Slade. Here came girls to be taught, Latin, Greek, music, voice and all of the things that enabled a young lady to be "finished," when she graduated. Slade later
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went to the infant female college in Macon, Wesleyan and was one of the first instructors.
As early as 1821 Macon, then Fort Hawkins, was drawing the business men from Clinton. About 1822-25, a huge slice of Jones County was taken by the legislature to make Bibb County. Many families were moving into Macon. The coming of the railroad to Macon as well as Wesleyan and the river boat trade all attracted men who were ambitious.
Further loss came to Clinton when the railroad in 1886 was run two miles away and the town of Gray started. After the courthouse was rebuilt at Gray the old historic one at Clinton was allowed to deteriorate, and the rooms where Ben Hill, Aleck Stephens, L. Q. C. Lamar and Robert Toombs had practiced law are gone forever.
Though Clinton became a lost town, the glories which were once hers will not die in Georgia's history. Many Revolutionary heroes lived there. Many fine men who wore the Confederate gray had their homes in Clinton and their descendants will re- member their valor and mourn over the burning of the fine homes and the hardships which the survivors of the War Be- tween the States endured during the terrible years of Recon- struction.
After 150 years, a few of the fine old houses still stand, some are gray with neglect and falling into decay, others are well-kept and freshly painted standing proudly as they did over a century ago, hauntingly reminiscent of a past era.
Lowther Hall built in 1818 by Daniel Pratt for Samuel Lowther and later owned by Dr. and Mrs. Frank Jones was a show place in Georgia but unfortunately burned in 1946. It stood on the right of the road as one drives from Macon. It was sur- rounded by a write picket fence and shaded by giant trees. The wide green lawn and gaily blooming shrubs made a delightful picture. On the same side of the road and next to it was the old Jesse Pope house built in 1820, later bought by W. W. Barron and now is occupied by his daughter Miss Ben Barron. Directly opposite where Lowther Hall stood is the home occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Stewart, which was the Richard Hutch-
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ings home, later F. S. Johnson (who married a daughter of Sam Griswold) then H. S. Greaves and now the Reuben Stewarts.
What is known as the Dr. Kingman house built in the 1820's across from the W. W. Barron house, once belonged to the Kingmans first of whom was Dr. Asbury Kingman.
The old home of the Gen. Alfred Iversons is north of the Kingman house, and once was owned by the Juhans then Rev. and Mrs. T. W. Ellis and now owned by Ben Willingham. It sets back among the cedars atop a hill and the lawn slopes down to a stream which comes from the famous old springs that en- ticed early settlers to Clinton. That stream known as Tanyard branch, was the site of the Morgan tanyard in the 1820's. Here too, lived Mrs. P. T. Anderson a descendant of Sam Griswold and the Hutchings family.
Tumbled down and about to fade away is the old Worsham house about a hundred yards before you reach the location of where Lowther Hall stood. This old house has defied the ele- ments for well over a century and for many years was the post office of Clinton. Here lived twin sisters, one a widow and one an old maid. Miss "Zet" handed out the mail each day from the little old house and Mrs. Pope was the other twin. For about fifty years these two served as post office officials.
Northeast of the square is the house of two stories and tall white columns with a wide veranda which was the Clinton Hotel and later lived in by Solicitor James Smith, Sr. Mr. Jim Turk and then the Barrons and is now owned by Mrs. Valentine Bar- ron Blair.
The Dennis Greens live in the home built in 1810 by the Hutchings, also owned by Captain and Madame Parish. While Captain Jonathan Parish lived there in 1825, Gen. LaFayette made his historic visit to Clinton and went to this house to re- fresh himself. (Gen Kilpatrick also occupied the house in 1864.)
Mr. and Mrs. Will Johnson live in the home that has been in the Johnson family for more than a hundred years. It is a beautiful example of New England architecture just off the public square. It has narrow green blinds, a stoop on two sides, it is two stories and the huge magnolias and old cedars make a wonderful setting for this attractive home. The wallpaper a
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hundred and thirty years old is in perfect condition and the French scenes that reach from floor to ceiling is worth traveling a great distance to see. Built by Thos. Hamilton in 1824.
In front of the Will Johnson's home is the home of once Peter and Lurany Clower built in 1816-19. The huge square columns and the paneling were unusual. (Still standing.)
Still standing is the Earl Hamilton's house which was built in 1830 by James Lockett (wife was Rebecca Barron) next owned by Blount, the birthplace of Mrs. Dorothy Lamar Blount later owned by Roland T. Ross.
The lovely home built in 1826 by Mrs. Beersheba Jones, now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Jim Ross stands just north of the old Methodist church, and is in good condition.
Clinton may some day come back, as Macon stretches out to the northward, who knows, and may those who come later al- ways cherish the memories of that historic town.
The back room of most of the groceries in those early days, was the bar room equipped with drinks, a barman and tables to accommodate the patrons.
Stirring political days called forth much controversy. The Whigs and Democrats would argue over the annexing of Texas, the Union, secession and quote Ben Hill's speeches. The only public halls were the Masonic Lodge and the courthouse.
There is ample evidence of the fact that Clinton enjoyed a great measure of culture and good living. The tables had damask cloths, sterling silver and the food was served lavishly from sauterne with the fish, to port wine for the men's conversation, after the ladies with much rustlings of stiff petticoats and taffeta dresses had retired to the parlor.
There were week-end house parties when the guests danced until the wee hours while the fiddle played merry tunes. The nights were gentle and charming with perhaps a full moon, the white columns, cool porches, the fragrance of cape jasamine blooming, dark shadows cast by boxwoods and myrtle and a whiff of honey suckle. Shading the porches were either huge mag- nolias or towering oaks, and the land stretched on and on with the growing cotton plants.
What did it matter if the mail only came once a week? What
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mattered that the only lights were tallow candles or twenty miles was all that one could travel in a day ? Was there not happiness, gallantry and loyalty ?
The housewife hailed peddlers with delight as she could buy things from the outside and hear of his travels, get fancy laces, patterns for dresses and many gadgets unknown to the country stores.
Homes had governesses for their children, usually from the north. Church discipline was practiced and imprudent conduct and brethren disputing, drinking and cursing were forgiven if it was asked for, but if not, they were excluded from member- ship.
A couple in old Clinton who had no children of their own but truly loved everyone else's were Captain and Madame Par- rish. They lived in the house later occupied by Richard Henry Hutchings I, and now by Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Greene. They had large plantations and many negroes. Madame Parrish was a sister of Mrs. Samuel Lowther, and like her, was a smart business woman, having her own plantation and managing it herself. She used to give table-board to the young men of the town. She had splendid servants, and was a fine housekeeper, grew vegetables to perfection in her garden ; raised her own hams, poultry, mutton and beef on her own plantation. She had fruit orchards, her own dairy and the food there was known far and wide. Her price was ten dollars per month in gold, payable the last day of December each year.
One year on the last day in December ten young men put the one hundred and twenty dollars in gold each on the table. This $1,200.00 Madame Parrish paid for a Negro girl for a house servant, whom the boys immediately named, "Gold Dust."
When people on the stagecoaches had to stay overnight in Clinton, the ladies chose to stay at the quiet home of the Par- rish's and enjoy the wonderful hospitality and delicious foods, unequalled anywhere, while the men usually stayed at the tavern where politics were discussed and the bars made for conviviality. The Parrishes are buried in the old Clinton cemetery near the Methodist church.
Clinton had some fine teachers, among whom were: Thomas
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Bog Slade of North Carolina a minister, leader and educator; J. P. Barrow a brother of Chancellor Barrow of the University of Georgia ; a Mrs. Parks who was outstanding in education and methods of teaching; Miss Sara Rockwell an excellent teacher and John Harris Chappell. He taught in Clinton when he was only twenty years old and afterwards became President of G.S.C.W. then known as G.N.&I.C. Mr. Chappell came from Columbus.
In the early days of Jones County mail was brought from Gordon to Clinton by a mailman riding horseback over the red hills with heavy pouches on each side of his saddle. Others dis- tributed this mail over the county at the stores in each village. It is said that General Sherman used Pitts Chapel at the Cross- roads as a hospital, in 1864.
Durrsville was a settlement in the Camp Hope part of Jones County, which is in the southeastern part. A community known as Darbysville was an early village, now lost to sight or loca- tion. The lower eastern part of Jones County was called the "piney woods section" and the upper part the "oaky woods" section. Most of the best homes in the county were made from the virgin longleaf pine in that "piney woods," section.
During the period along about 1835, Clinton had fifty-six substantial homes, ten stores, two churches, three doctors, a tannery, a silversmith, a photograph gallary. Clinton was a large town before Macon was settled, and many people in the early settlement of Macon came to Clinton to shop and to wor- ship.
The factory and iron foundry of Samuel Griswold were busily turning out implements and cotton gins. At that time Griswold made more cotton gins than any place in the world. These gins were sent all over the South by wagons, before the railroad was built.
On an old ledger of a store of Clinton kept in the 1820's we find these names : William Butler, Mr. Thigpen (Dad Thigpen), Sam Dole, Roger McCarthy, Robert Cunningham, Sam Mor- gan, John R. Gregory, Dr. Bowen, Dr. Hamilton, Sam Lowther, Peter Clower, Green Clower, Chas. and Robert Hutchings, Tim Furlow whose first wife was Mary Charlotte Lowther, Dr. Bar-
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ron. On other old documents at that time the names of these citizens are found : Henry G. Lamar, Alfred Iverson, James M. Gray, Robert V. Hardeman, Thomas Blount, John Bayne, Peter Kolb, Abner Slaughter, Abner Flewellen, Peter Northern, Ster- ling Lanier, David E. Blount.
Many of these men represented Jones County in the Senate and Legislature in 1840-50 when she had three or four repre- sentatives.
The Clinton Courthouse
The courthouse was a square two-story building set in a public square. The building was made of brick, with the lower floor having rooms for county offices with a large hall in the center. Up stairs was the main courtroom and a room each for the grand jury and the petit jury. Around the courthouse were large shade trees and a decorative iron fence (now owned by the Whitehurst family of Jeffersonville). This square with the sturdy building was the nucleus of the town as well as the county for many years.
Off about one hundred yards across the street from the back of the courthouse was a two-story jail built of hand hewn blocks of granite (see picture). Later these blocks were placed as a retaining wall around the new courthouse at Gray.
Around this square were grouped many stores, barrooms, three taverns, the Masonic Hall, a photograph gallary, shops and other businesses. The presiding Judge and the Solicitor General traveled on horseback for there were no railroads and few roads. There were two court terms a year which rarely lasted over a week each. The Judge was usually a man of wide experience and had to judge the law as there was no library or reports for reference. Court week was a big occasion for the county seat and for weeks preparations had been going on. Eggs and butter had been saved up, chickens fattening in the pens, the cedar water buckets were scrubbed until the bands of brass looked like gold. The drinking gourds had been scrubbed and sunned. The gingercakes and poundcakes and custards were made the day before and the homes were scrubbed, curtains washed, beds aired and things were clean from steps to attic.
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Every house within two miles of the courthouse was a board- ing house or had visitors which the men brought home with them. The Judge and the Solicitor usually had a bed in a select home. For a quarter one could spend the night and eat of the best foods. Some Jurors would stay with friends, others would come with wagons and bedding and camp. Around these camp fires at night there were many tall stories and merrymaking, also fist and skull fights. About one-third of these gathered had any real business at court, they came to find those with which they wanted to do business. Contracts were made, accounts opened or settled. The newspaper man sat under a shade tree and wrote out re- ceipts for subscribers. The horse swappers were trying out horses and trading. The stores did a landslide business and the bars did a thriving business. The fiddlers played from morning until far into the night. Inside the courthouse the legal grind went on, but not so monotonous as you might think for some of these speeches were masterpieces of eloquence. Many of these lawyers became statesmen. There were some men of great strength in this pioneer county.
This square brick courthouse built in 1816 was the third build- ing to be used as such. The William Jones home (in another chapter) was the first in use in 1807-8 and then a frame struc- ture near the later built brick house was built in 1810, but was evidently hastily and poorly built as we find where in five or six years the minutes of the Inferior court states that the building was inadequate and recommended that a more substantial build- ing be constructed.
It is a source of everlasting regret that the sturdy courthouse of red brick which was in the center of Clinton was allowed to fall down after the new one was built in Gray; however we rejoice that the first courthouse, built by William Jones in 1803 still stands and is duly revered by Col. Samuel Gordon Green, the owner.
The William Jones house was located in Finney's Militia Dis- trict, No. 299 G.M.D. In minutes of the Inferior Court of 1809, County Affairs, pp. 15-17 we notice Albany, called Clinton for in 1808 the Inferior Court passed orders to lay out roads from
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Albany in Jones to the Garrison Reserve : Albany to the Hurri- cane, and to Walnut Creek where the Garrison Road crosses.
So actually the date fixed when the name of Albany was changed to Clinton is January 20, 1809. Roads were ordered at this time to be laid out from Clinton to Thrower's Mill on Fall- ing Creek, and from Clinton to the courthouse in Randolph County (now Jasper County ) .
The square building with a basement and two stories was built in 1816-18 and used until the county seat was moved to Gray in 1905. After this it stood neglected and uncared for for many years and finally a windstorm so damaged the building that part of it fell in and the owner finished taking it down and moved it away.
Clinton's Red-Letter Days
Clinton was connected to the Garrison Road to Milledgeville by the road going by Lowther Hall. The stages went to Colum- bus from Milledgeville over the Garrison Road. Atlanta was not in existence at that time. There was a stagecoach road from Clinton to Monticello, which was then not as large as Clinton. These stagecoaches were large four-wheeled vehicles drawn by four horses. There were seats on top for six passengers and one sat in front by the driver. Inside there were comfortable seats for six, where the ladies and children rode.
These stages ran on schedule and the arrival was heralded with shouts and friendly assistance to unload the bags and there was much speculation on the nature, origin and character as each one came out of the coach.
In the first years of Clinton's existence, Indians would bring in their furs to exchange for goods. They would camp outside of the town for weeks. Many of the people could talk to them in their own language.
Each summer the military organization, "The Independent Blues," held a "muster" drill at Clinton. This was a red-letter day and there was a big barbecue under the huge trees around the courthouse followed by a ball that night in the Masonic Hall. Everything was decorated in patriotic colors, and the horses and carriages were looking their best as the officers marched up their
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riflemen. The Cavalry rode in with the band playing and lined up for the General's review of the troops. The riflemen marched and drilled, the cavalry put on their best show and as the exer- cises came to a close they fired their guns in a crashing volley, that the onlookers, and especially the children, would never for- get.
No doubt the "muster" was held in honor of General La- Fayette and his party in 1825 when he made his noted visit, and speech from the courthouse steps. The old men who had been soldiers in the Revolutionary War still wore their hair done in a "que" and were very much respected by all. The people called these old men, "Father Morton," "Father Roberts," and "Fath- er Jones."
About once a year a circus came to Clinton, traveling in wagons with cages of monkeys and a tame bear. The tent was put up with a crowd of children looking on and squealing with delight at everything the animals did. The next day was filled with suppressed excitement as the circus people talked with the people and they would actually see a "foreigner," and hear tales of other countries and the outside world. As the tickets were sold and the crowd gathered the famous clown, John Lylo, cut up capers and made jokes until everyone was in a festive mood. The little band played loudly as the horses cavorted around the dusty ring and the riders put on a good show. The trapeze troupe swung from the rings and then the bear was made to dance and do all of the stunts that he could. Our ancestors thought it all very fine and talked of it for months afterwards.
Occasionally a traveling theater group came in and gave com- edies ,or a tragedy, with music and dancing in the town hall, which was the Masonic Building. They rigged up a stage at one end and gave performances for a week, then moved on.
Other red-letter days were, the Bunkley trial, famous all over the world (given in another chapter), County Fairs held in the fall, lectures, all day dinners and preaching at the two churches, political speeches and picnics. Perhaps the day that was the best was the closing of Clinton's Seminary for girls and the clos- ing of the boys' school followed by a big dance at the tavern
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where the Virginia Reel, quadrilles and the stately minuet were danced by the belles and beaux. This was not only a countywide affair but at least a dozen counties were represented.
There was much social life here at that time and now as you stand in the few homes left, and look at the lovely wind- ing stairs, the quaint wallpaper and the huge open fireplaces, you can visualize the gay parties, the family dinners and the fascinating history and romance of those days. These stand as silent tribute to those who have passed on and left a rich heritage to their descendants.
Clinton
A small village, called Albany in 1808, then in 1809 the name was changed to Clinton and it was incorporated in 1816. Named for Gov. De Witt Clinton of New York, who figured prominently in politics at that time and who probably came to Clinton in company with Gen. LaFayette at the time of his well remem- bered visit there. It will ever remain Clinton as a wonderful memory in the minds and hearts of many who have lived there and whose descendants have become scattered all over these United States. To mention the name Clinton is to bring back enchantment, to recapture the spirit of the old South with its charming and gentle ways of living, and the lofty ideals of ante- bellum days.
Unlike other small towns, Clinton did not grow in a haphaz- ard manner. The village was laid out in 1811 with a square upon which the courthouse was built (it being the county seat). The town grew up around it with the whole laid off in lots in a neat manner. Robert Hutchings and James Smith were selected to secure plans for the courthouse. The lot of land on which Clinton was built containing 202 12 acres was bought from Thos. Johnson by the Judges of the Inferior Court and the sale of lots paid for the courthouse.
On Jan. 15, 1811, Robert Hutchings purchased from the Judges of the Inferior Court, for $164.00, one-half of lot No. 25, "lying lengthwise on Washington Street and endwise on Pulaski Street as to the end joining the Public Square in the town of Clinton."
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The contractors who built the courthouse were called "under- takers." Business and residence lots were laid off and some of the streets were named, Pinckney, Pulaski, Madison, Randolph, Washington, Jackson, Walnut, Jefferson, Liberty, Hawkins (Pu- laski Street was the Milldegeville Road). Around the courthouse square on the four streets which faced it were dwellings, stores and places of business. There were three large taverns, a hotel, cotton warehouses, a photograph gallery, churches, schools, many stables as well as shops of locksmiths, silversmiths, black- smiths, stores and bars. The general merchandise store of Winship and Hutchings was opposite the entrance to the court- house. There was a large three-story building facing the west corner of the square. The lower rooms were used for stores, the middle story for family living rooms and the third floor was a Masonic Lodge Hall. On another corner was Mrs. Gibson's tavern, where Dr. James Barron afterwards lived so long, and which he called "The Castle."
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