USA > Georgia > Statistics of the state of Georgia : including an account of its natural, civil, and ecclesiastical history ; together with a particular description of each county, notices of the manners and customs of its aboriginal tribes, and a correct map of the state > Part 10
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" The people of this province, in opposing the designs of a cruel and corrupt ministry, have surmounted what appeared insuperable difficulties, and notwithstanding the artifice and address that for a long time were employed to divert their at- tention from the common cause, they at length by impercepti- ble degrees, succeeded, and declared their resolution to assert their liberties, and to maintain them at all events in concur- rence with the other associated colonies. For my part, I most candidly declare, that from the origin of the unhappy disputes, I heartily approved of the conduct of the Americans. My ap- probation was not the result of prejudice or partiality, but proceeded from a firm persuasion of their having acted agreeably to constitutional principles and the dictates of an upright disinterested conscience. This is no time to talk of moderation ; in the present instance it ceases to be a virtue. An appeal, an awful appeal is made to Heaven, and thousands of lives are in jeopardy every hour. Our northern brethren point to their wounds and call for our most vigorous exertions ; and God forbid, that so noble a contest should end in an infa- mous conclusion. Remember in all your deliberations that you are engaged in a most arduous undertaking ; generations yet unborn may owe their freedom and happiness to your de- termination."
When intelligence of the glorious events of the 4th of July,
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119
BULLOCH COUNTY.
1776, reached Savannah, Mr. Bulloch read the Declaration of American Independence to a crowded assembly, being the first man who read this precious document in Georgia. How must his noble soul have glowed with proud emotions upon this oc- casion ! This good man did not live to see the issue of the strug- gle for liberty, for in less than one year after the Declaration of Independence, his country had to mourn his death. Mr. Bulloch was of a commanding carriage, and regarded one of the best looking men of his day. He had received a liberal education, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in Charleston, S. C., but upon his removal to Georgia devoted himself to agricul- tural pursuits. He was one among the most popular men of his day, and deservedly so. Col. Lachlan McIntosh, com- mander of the Continental troops in Savannah, in honour of the high office which Mr. Bulloch held as President of the Executive Council, had ordered a sentinel* to be posted at his door. This did not suit his notions, as a republican, and he accordingly requested the removal of the sentinel, saying, " I act for a free people, in whom I have the most entire confi- dence, and I wish to avoid on all occasions the appearance of ostentation." Mr. Bulloch, whilst in Congress, had acquired great distinction for his uncompromising and firm conduct, for in a letter addressed to him by John Adams, dated July 1, 1776, now before us, are the following lines :
"I was greatly disappointed, sir, in the information you gave me that you would be prevented from revisiting Phila- delphia. I had flattered myself with hopes of your joining us soon, and not only affording us the additional strength of your abilities and fortitude, but enjoying the satisfaction of seeing a temper and conduct here somewhat more agreeable to your wishes than those which prevailed when you were here be- fore. But I have since been informed that your countrymen have done themselves the justice to place you at the head of their affairs, a station in which you may perhaps render more essential service to them and to America, than you could here."
* This sentinel was Mr. Belshazzar Shaffer, father of Jacob Shaffer, Esq., of Savannah.
120
BAKER COUNTY.
Georgians ! let the memory of Archibald Bulloch live in your breasts. "Tell your children of him, and let their chil- dren tell another generation."
BAKER.
BOUNDARIES, EXTENT .- This county was laid out from Early, in 1825, and is bounded N. by Lee, and a part of Ran- dolph ; E. by Thomas and Irwin ; S. by Decatur and Tho- mas ; and W. by Early. It is about 37} miles in length, and the same in breadth.
POST OFFICES .- Newton, Albany, Concord, Fishtrap, Oak Lawn, Gillions.
RIVERS, CREEKS, &c .- The Flint river runs almost diagon- ally through the county. The Cooleewahee, Ichawaynocha- way, Chickasawhachee, are large streams, discharging them- selves into the Flint. Turkey, Toms, and Walden, streams which help to form the Ochlockonee river, rise in this county. Pine Woods, Dry, &c., empty into the Flint from the east. There are many singular ponds in the county, strongly im- pregnated with lime.
POPULATION, TAXES, REPRESENTATION .- When the cen- sus of 1845 was taken, the population stood thus : 2729 whites, 1924 blacks. Total, 4653. State tax for 1848, $2539 49 cents. Entitled to one representative in the Legislature.
TOWNS .- Newton is the capital, situated on the west bank of Flint river, 45 miles E. of Blakely, 22 from Bainbridge. It contains a court-house, jail, and two or three stores. Population about 30. Made the county site in 1831.
Albany, on the Flint river. It contains two churches, one hotel, five stores, one drug store, ten lawyers, eight doctors, and a number of mechanics. Population about 7 or 800. It is a place of some business, but considered unhealthy. The water is bad, and many of the citizens use cistern water. From 10 to 12000 bales of cotton are annually shipped from Albany.
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BAKER COUNTY.
Byron is a small place in the north part of the county, for- merly the seat of justice.
EARLY SETTLERS .- The Howards, the Dennards, Jordens, Catons, and others.
ROADS AND BRIDGES .- The roads and bridges are much neglected.
CLIMATE, DISEASES, LONGEVITY .- The climate is un- healthy. Chills, fevers, &c., prevail, and often prove fatal. There may be some localities where health is enjoyed; but these are few. There is a lady now living in this county, 82 years of age, who has had 21 children.
RELIGIOUS SECTS, EDUCATION .- Baptists and Methodists are most numerous. There are a few good schools in the county ; but generally, education is neglected.
FACE OF THE COUNTRY, NATURE OF THE SOIL .- The face of the country is level. The soil is uncommonly fertile, perhaps more so than any other portion of Georgia. The pine lands have the reputation of being very productive ; almost every thing grows well. Cotton averages from 800 to 1200 pounds per acre ; corn, from 10 to 40 bushels per acre. Wheat does not appear to succeed, and little is sown. Sugar cane flourishes, and many of the citizens make sugar and syrup. 6000 bales of cotton are annually produced.
MILLS .- One steam saw-mill, and one about to be built. There are several saw and grist-mills.
MINERALS .- Very superior burr stone on Flint river. Shell rock abounds, filled with fossils.
CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE .- The people are hospitable, and are improving in habits of industry and temperance.
NAME .- This county was named after Colonel John Baker. In the year 1752, three families of high respectability emi- grated from Dorchester, South Carolina, and formed a settle- ment in St. John's Parish, now Liberty county, which they named Medway. Among these, was the father of Col. John Baker, a gentleman who had been a soldier under Oglethorpe, in the expedition against St. Augustine, and who, in the early annals of Liberty county, is represented as having acquired much distinction for strength of intellect, kindness of temper, and steadiness of conduct, as well as for his patient endurance
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BAKER COUNTY.
of the sufferings which were heaped upon him on account of espousing the cause of his country. We, who are now happy in the enjoyment of the blessings of civil and religious freedom, are incapable of fully appreciating the immense sacrifices, the incomparable hardships, and the dangerous struggles which accompanied the revolutionary conflict. That portion of the State in which Col. Baker resided had, from the very begin- ning of the rupture between England and her colonies, evinced open and unreserved opposition to the former, and was doomed to experience a full measure of unmitigated severities from the hands of our unfeeling invaders. John Baker was one among the first objects of British vengeance. He beheld his house robbed, his bed and clothing destroyed, the temple of his God profaned, its minister thrown into a prison ship, and de- nied the rights of a common burial when the enemy had caused his death ; and worst of all, he saw the tombs in the church-yard broken open, and their contents scattered to the winds. Is it any wonder, therefore, that his son, Col. John Baker, should always have been distinguished for his implacable hatred to tyrants ? In 1774, we find Mr. Baker associated with others of a kindred spirit, in devising a plan to produce a concert of feeling and action, throughout the parishes of the province. In 1776, Capt. Baker collected a body of men, and made an attack upon Wright's Fort, on the St. Mary's river, but owing princi- pally to the treachery of a part of his force, he was compelled to retreat. Among those who deserted the standard of free- dom at this time, were the McGirths, members of Baker's com- pany, and who afterwards obtained great celebrity as leaders of the tories, and whose progress was always marked by cru- elties that would have made savages blush. Soon after this af- fair he was engaged as commander of a body of observation, stationed between the posts of Fort Howe, Beard's Bluff, and Fort McIntosh ; and throughout the whole war he contributed his utmost efforts in favour of independence. He first entered the army as a captain. In a skirmish at Bull Town swamp, he was wounded. After the war he resided in Liberty county, where he died.
123
BRYAN COUNTY.
BRYAN.
BOUNDARIES, EXTENT .- This county has Bulloch on the N., Chatham on the N. E., Atlantic on the E., and Liberty on the S. Laid out in 1793. It is 31 miles long, and from 5 to 8 wide.
RIVERS, CREEKS .- The rivers are the Ogeechee, Cannou- chee, St. Catherine's. The creeks are Taylor's, Black, Bird's, Mill, &c. Collins's creek is a branch of the Medway.
POST OFFICE .- Eden.
POPULATION, TAXES, REPRESENTATION .- In 1845, the popu- lation of the county was 971 whites, and 2,387 blacks. Total, 3,358. Amount of State tax returned for 1848, $1,398 84 cts. Sends one representative to the State Legislature.
FACE OF THE COUNTRY, NATURE OF THE SOIL .- The face of the country is very similar to that of the adjoining counties. The lower part is known as Bryan Neck and lies between the Great Ogeechee and Medway rivers. This part is settled by wealthy planters. The upper portion is inhabited by farmers, who own a few slaves. The lands of the Ogeechee are of good quality, adapted particularly to rice. The inland swamps are small and few in number. The quantity of high land adapted to cotton and corn, is limited.
PRODUCTIONS, VALUE OF LAND .- Rice and cotton are the chief products. During the two last years sugar and syrup have been made. Rice land has averaged when reduced to cultivation about $50 per acre, though at present it would sell for $75 or $100 per acre. Uncleared river lands have generally sold for $10 per acre. High land of mixed quality uncleared and without a settlement sells from $1 to $2 per acre. Negro men hire at $60 per annum, women at $50. The average pro- duce of rice annually, is 46,000 bushels, of Sea Island cotton 500 bags.
ROADS AND BRIDGES .- The roads are good. The bridges stand in need of repair. There is a bridge over the Ogeechee, on the road leading to Darien, 14} miles from Savannah.
AVERAGE PRODUCT PER ACRE .- The average product of Sea Island cotton is about 100 pounds per acre ; rice from
124
BRYAN COUNTY.
40 to 50 bushels, corn 15 bushels. When the rice lands on the Ogeechee were first cultivated, 92 bushels per acre have been harvested from selected land, and 82 bushels the average of an entire crop. But the soil deteriorates under the present system of culture, and cannot without rest and manure be made to yield much more than one-half as much as when new.
RELIGIOUS SECTS.+-Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians.
EDUCATION .- There is no academy, and no schools except those supported by the Poor School Fund. The children of the wealthy are either educated by private teachers or sent to school in the more favoured portion of the country. The popu- lation is too sparse to furnish pupils enough to sustain a regu- lar school.
CLIMATE, DISEASES, LONGEVITY .- The climate is warm. In the fall chills and fevers prevail. The only instance of lon- gevity which has come to our knowledge is Mrs. Christiana Smith, who reached 88 years. This county has generally been healthy. The average number of deaths for a series of 20 years on Bryan Neck has been about 1 in 75.
REMARKABLE PLACES .- Fort Argyle, so called by Ogle- thorpe, after John, Duke of Argyle, stood upon the west bank of the Ogeechee river, built in 1733 as a defence against the Spaniards.
Hardwick, so called from the Earl of Hardwick, Lord High Chancellor of England, situated on the south side of the Ogee- chee river, 15 miles from the ocean.
NAME .- This county bears the honoured name of Jonathan Bryan, one of the founders of the State of Georgia. He was born on the 12th of September, 1708, and was the youngest son of Joseph Bryan, an early colonist of South Carolina, and who rendered General Oglethrope very important aid upon his first landing in Georgia. Mr. Jonathan Bryan, after settling vari- ous places in South Carolina, came to Georgia in 1752, the year in which the trustees resigned their charter. His know- ledge of the country fully qualified him to impart useful in- formation to those who desired to settle in the province, and the benevolence of his disposition was often displayed in ad- vising and aiding the new settler. Three years after his ar-
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BRYAN COUNTY.
rival in Georgia he became a prominent man, for upon the appointment of Mr. Reynolds as the royal governor, he was commissioned by the King a Judge of the General Court. This was a highly responsible office, and Mr. Bryan's ap- pointment to it, is an evidence of the high stand he had so early acquired. In addition to this office, he was appointed one of the royal counsellors of the colony. As long as the Crown respected the rights of the province, Mr. Bryan was disposed to recognize its authority, but when these rights were violated his independence would not suffer him to submit. According- ly, when the friends of liberty convened in Savannah to give expression to their feelings, although Mr. Bryan at this time was 66 years old, he was placed upon the committee of cor- respondence. Governor Wright learning the proceedings of this meeting, called the Executive Council together, at which a motion was made to expel Mr. Bryan from the Council, be- cause he had allowed his name to appear on the above-named committee. Mr. Bryan said, " that he would save them the trouble," and handed his resignation to Governor Wright. There is now in the possession of his family a silver vase pre- sented to him with the following inscription : "To Jonathan Bryan, who, for publicly appearing in favour of the rights and lib- erties of the people, was expelled from His Majesty's Council of this province. This piece of plate, as a mark of their esteem, is presented by the Union Society of Georgia. Ita cuique eve- niat de Republica meruit." The depredations committed on the frontiers of Georgia, had awakened many apprehensions in the minds of the friends of America, lest the cause for which they were struggling might be injured in Georgia, unless a sufficient force could be obtained to prevent their repetition. Mr. Bryan exerted himself to remedy this very serious diffi- culty, and repaired to Charleston and conferred with General Lee on the subject. He succeeded in convincing the Gene- ral how much would be gained by an expedition to Florida, and it was determined to undertake it; troops were sent to Savan- nah, but the necessary arrangements for the expedition not having been made, it was relinquished. At the commence ment of the Revolution he was particularly active. He ha. been in the Council of Safety, the Convention, and State Con
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126
BURKE COUNTY.
gress. To have such a man in their possession, was an ob- ject with the British commanders, and accordingly, three nights after the reduction of Savannah, Lieut. Clark, of the Phoenix or Fowey man-of-war, and a party of armed men, were de- spatched up Union creek, to his plantation in South Carolina, took him and his son James prisoners, and placed them on board one of the prison-ships. Mrs. Morel, afterwards Mrs. Wyley, waited upon Commodore Hyde Parker, and upon her knees solicited the release of her aged father. The unfeeling Commodore denied her supplication. The venerable patriot and his son James were sent to New-York, and after remain- ing a considerable time on board a prison-ship, were placed on Long Island with the American prisoners. He was finally exchanged, repaired to Georgia, and continued to the end of the war an active and determined patriot. In Wayne's en- gagement with Brown, Mr. Bryan, although 80 years of age, took a conspicuous part. In 1778, fears were entertained for the safety of the public records, and such confidence was placed in Mr. Bryan, that they were removed to his house at the Union. He closed his mortal career, March 12th, 1788. He was a tall and large man, of wonderful strength and hardihood, and of imposing appearance. He was the friend of the Wesleys, and Whitefield. His heart was the seat of kindness. To his neighbours he was obliging, to his servants remarkably in- dulgent ; and to his praise be it said, that he took active mea- sures to supply them with the ministrations of the Gospel. An' old and favourite servant of Mr. Bryan, named Andrew, was the founder of the first coloured church in Savannah.
BURKE.
BOUNDARIES, EXTENT .- This county is bounded North by Richmond, East by the Savannah river, South by Scriven, Southwest by Emanuel, and West by Jefferson. This divi- sion of the State was laid out as St. George's Parish in 1758, and the name and designation changed to Burke county in
127
BURKE COUNTY.
1777. In 1793 a part was added to Scriven, and in 1798 a part to Jefferson. It is 32} miles long, and 32 miles wide, containing 1040 square miles.
RIVERS, CREEKS .- The Savannah separates this county from South Carolina, and the Ogeechee from Emanuel. Briar creek flows through the whole length of the county, and is celebrated for the rich lands upon its borders. The following streams empty into the Savannah river :- McBeans, Boggy Gut, Jobler's, Telfair's Mill, Sweet Water, Rocky, Beaver Dam, Walnut, McIntosh, and some others, into Briar creek ; and Bark Camp, Jones's Mill, Baker's and Buck Head into the Ogeechee.
POST OFFICES .- Waynesborough, Brinsonville, Fryar's Ponds, Holcombe, Lester's District, Midville, Alexander, Sardis, Gerard.
POPULATION, TAXES, REPRESENTATION .- The population in 1845 was 13,636, of which 4,787 were whites, and 8,849 blacks. Amount of State tax for 1848, $6,111 60 cents. Entitled to two representatives to the Legislature.
TOWNS .- Waynesborough is the seat of justice, having a court-house, jail, two churches, Presbyterian and Methodist, one academy, market-house, &c. Number of inhabitants, 250. It is 80 miles East of Milledgeville, 25 from Louisville, 30 from Augusta, and 22 from the Central Railroad. Incorpo- rated in 1812.
Alexander is a village of recent date, on the road from Waynesborough to Savannah, having a church, school, one store, blacksmith, one wheelwright, and one carriage-maker.
CLIMATE, DISEASES, AND LONGEVITY .- The climate is mild. Formerly the county had the reputation of being sickly, but it is now the belief of many who have investigated the subject, that the health of the inhabitants has greatly improved; and this is attributed, in a considerable degree, to the draining of the lands. The climate of Burke is peculiarly favourable to persons labouring under pulmonary complaints. There are some cases of longevity. Mr. James Allen died at 95 years of age; Mr. John Sutton, aged 97; Mrs. Fletcher 108; Mr. Lowery, a soldier of the Revolution, died at 79.
EARLY SETTLERS .- Col. John Clements, Messrs. William
128
BURKE COUNTY.
A. Burton, Absalom Pryor, John Whitehead, Capt. Lett, M. Marshall, Hugh Alexander, Wm. Greene, Clark Key, John Emanuel, David Emanuel, Capt. Whitaker, Daniel Evans, Lark Robinson, Wm. Paramore, John Fryar, James Rawles, Basil Grey, Samuel Lassiter, and Wiles Davies.
MINERALS .- Dr. John Ruggles Cotting, in his report of a Geological and Agricultural Survey of Burke and Richmond counties, has given to the public much interesting information, and the compiler of this work acknowledges himself indebted to this gentleman for the most of what is here said in regard to the rocks and minerals of Burke.
Beds of marl at Shell Bluff, Brushy creek, Briar creek, and calcareous marl in many of the springs, and in the banks of creeks, and forms much of the sub-soil of this region- abundant at Shell Bluff, at the south end of Harris's and Ben- noch's Mill and Buck Head creek.
Limestone, making good lime, is inexhaustible at Shell Bluff. Gypsum near Stone Bluff.
Burr stone in almost every part of the county.
Brown oxyde of iron, 16 miles northwest of Waynes- borough.
Chalcedony at Stone Bluff.
Agates 66
Pitch Stone " 66
Jasper 66
Fossils are abundant, among which are ammonites, encre- nites, spantangus, arca, buccinum, oliva, lucina, pecten, ba- lanus, and cardita cytheria.
NATURE OF THE SOIL .- The soil is fertile, and is constantly improving ; peculiarly adapted to cotton, corn, &c.
REMARKABLE PLACES .- Burke Jail is noted for a battle which took place in 1769 between the British, commanded by Cols. Brown and McGirth, and the Americans, under the com- mand of Cols. Twiggs and Few, in which the latter were vic- torious. In this engagement Capt. Joshua Inman, of the Americans, killed three of the enemy with his own hand.
Shell Bluff, on the Savannah river, is about 80 feet high.
PRODUCTIONS .- Cotton and corn are the chief productions. Rye, oats, and potatoes are successfully cultivated. Orchards
129
BURKE COUNTY.
would do well if attention were paid to them. The peaches which we have seen in Burke, would compare with any in Georgia.
RELIGIOUS SECTS .- Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyterians are the most numerous.
EDUCATION .- Due attention is paid to education, particu- larly among the wealthier classes. Provision is made for the instruction of poor children, although there is a large number who do not attend school. Some years back there was a library, known as the Burke County Social Library Company.
CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE .- The citizens generally of this county are in good circumstances, many of them wealthy, and are distinguished for benevolence and hospitality.
NAME .- This division of the State was named after Ed- mund Burke, a distinguished champion of American liberty. He was born in Dublin, Ireland, on the 1st of January, 1730. He finished his education at Trinity College, from whence he went to London, and entered himself at the Temple. Whilst here, he wrote several essays on subjects of general literature, which were published in the periodicals of the day ; for it does not appear that he studied law with any intention of making it a profession. His productions gave evidence of uncommon powers of intellect, and drew towards him the most learned men of the day, among whom was the famous Dr. Johnson ; and as proof of the high estimation which the Doctor had for the talents of Burke, it is affirmed that he would not tolerate contradiction from any one but Burke. His essay on the Sublime and Beautiful established his reputation as a writer, and will always stand as a monument of his extraordinary genius. Talents like those of Burke could not fail to pave the way to dis- tinction, and he was chosen member of Parliament under the Rockingham administration. The subject of his first speech was the affairs of America, in which he exerted himself to defeat the projects of a misguided ministry. During his par- liamentary career, he embraced every occasion to speak in glowing terms of injured America. He opposed with firm- ness the proposition to appoint in England a commission for the trial of treason beyond seas, the Boston Port Bill, the act for employing the Indians against the colonies, and indeed
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BUTTS COUNTY.
every proposition having in view the slavery of America. On one occasion in Parliament he said: " It is inconsistent with the constitution of Britain that any subject should be taxed, but by himself or representatives." When Franklin and his associates requested to be heard on the subject of the Ameri- can Congress, by the king, Mr. Burke exerted all his eloquence to procure them a hearing, but to no purpose. It was not only as a member of the British Parliament that he exerted himself in behalf of the colonies, but in various pamphlets did he show the folly of attempting to subjugate them. He died on the 8th of July, 1797, in the 68th year of his age, and left a reputation behind him for being a man of extraordinary understanding. He was noted for his benevolence and magnanimity, and to crown the whole, was a believer in religion. He was a mem- ber of the Church of England.
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