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 15
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NAME .- This county was named after the Cherokee tribe of Indians, who once occupied the northern part of Georgia.
CLARKE.
BOUNDARIES, EXTENT .- Bounded north by Jackson and Madi- son, east by Oglethorpe, south by Greene, and west by Morgan and Walton. Laid out from Jackson in 1801, and parts set off to Madison in 1811, to Oglethorpe in 1813, and to Madison in 1829. Length, 20 miles ; breadth, 14 miles; containing 280 square miles.
RIVERS AND CREEKS .- The Oconee flows through the county, and the Appallachee forms a part of its western boundary. The streams of less importance are Green Briar, Rose, Wild Cat, Porter, Little Sandy, Big Sandy, Shoal and Cedar creeks, discharging themselves into the Oconee. Bar- ber's and McNatt's empty into the Middle Oconee, and Lane's and Freeman's into the Appallachee.
POST OFFICES .- Athens, Farmington, Salem, and Watkins- ville.
POPULATION, TAXES, REPRESENTATION .- In 1840, the pop- ulation was 10,552. In 1845, 10,343; of these 5364 were whites, and 4979 blacks. Emigration has been considerable. Amount of State tax returned for 1848, $6070 53. Sends two representatives to the Legislature.
MINERAL SPRINGS .- Near Athens are chalybeate springs. Helicon Springs, some years ago, were the most celebrated.
TOWNS .- Watkinsville, named after Col. Robert Watkins of Augusta, was made the county site in 1802. It has a good brick court-house, jail, two churches, two taverns, two schools, two stores, three groceries, one billiard room, one carpenter, one tailor, two blacksmiths, two tan-yards, two wagonmakers, one saddler, two shoe shops, two lawyers, one doctor, and one
180
CLARKE COUNTY.
minister. Population, 240. Amount of goods sold per an- num, $25,090. Situated 3 miles west of the Oconee, 64 miles north-northwest of Milledgeville, 7 miles south of Athens, 25 from Greenesborough, and 20 from Monroe. A very obliging and kind people reside in this village.
Athens is on the west bank of the Oconee, 71 miles from Milledgeville, 92 from Augusta, 27 from Madison, 16 from Lexington, 33 from Greenesborough, and 40 from Washington. Few places have advanced with more rapidity than Athens. At this time it has a population of 3000. Amount of business done per annum, over $400,000. It is the market for Clarke, Jackson, Franklin, Habersham, Rabun, Elbert, Union, Madi- son, Oglethorpe, Lumpkin, a part of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The public buildings, not including those connected with the University, are the Episcopal, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, and two churches for col- oured people, town hall with a bell, market, and two or three large hotels. The Newton House is capable of accommodating 100 boarders. Franklin House is a spacious building, under the supervision of an obliging gentleman. The Planters' Ho- tel is conducted by a worthy man, whose attention to his guests is well known to travellers. The societies are branches of the Masonic Order, Odd Fellows' Lodge, Division of the Sons of Temperance, Bible Society, Mechanics' Mutual Aid Association, Lyceum, &c. The health of Athens is unsurpassed by that of any town of the same size in the United States. The citizens are noted for refinement and taste. Many of the private residences are beautiful, and are furnished in a costly manner. The gardens are laid out with much taste. The mansions of Col. Franklin, Judge Lumpkin, Gov. Lumpkin, Mrs. P. W. Thomas, Col. Lamar, and Mr. George Dent, are ornaments to the town. During Com- mencement, Athens is thronged with the beauty, fashion, and wealth of the State. Large parties are given nearly every eve- ning during Commencement. At the Legislature of 1847, a charter was granted to a company for the purpose of construct- ing a railroad from Clarkesville to Athens.
Salem, 11 miles south of Watkinsville. Population, 100. Has a church, school, &c. Much to the praise of this village, it has always supported good schools.
181
CLARKE COUNTY.
Farmington, 6 miles S. of Watkinsville, is a healthy place, with a church, schools, &c.
FACE OF THE COUNTRY, NATURE OF SOIL .- The face of the country is hilly. One-third of the land is worn out; but, in the opinion of many, may be restored with proper care. The richest lands are on the different forks of the Oconee, of a gray colour, adapted to cotton and grain, value $6 per acre. The other lands, not embracing those that are worn out, may be worth from $2 to $4 per acre.
CLIMATE, DISEASES, LONGEVITY .- The climate is mild. During the months of July and August, it is warm in the day, but the nights are pleasant. It is a healthy county. The dis- eases are few and confined to certain localities. The opera- tives in the factories enjoy fine health. The instances of longevity are numerous. A few will be mentioned. Mrs. Esther Chesser died at the age of 100; Mr. Ned Bolan over 100; John Oliver, 80; Daniel McDonald, 80; Solomon Ed- ward, 80; George Clifton, 80. Wm. Daniels lived in this county many years ; he was 96 years old when he died, and had 27 children. Mrs. Catherine Newton, was over 90. There are now living in this county the following persons : Mrs. Gardner, 90; William Clark, 80; Mr. Levin Smith, 80; Thomas Wade, 80; Thomas Woozencraft, 80. A negro died a few years ago named America, at the advanced age of 120 years.
MINERALS .- Rocks, mostly of the granite kind, are abun- dant.
Precious Garnets,
College Campus, Athens. Athens.
Gold,
Black Tourmaline,
Athens.
Arragonite,
Near Barber's spring.
Trail creek.
Kaolin, Fine limpid prisms of Quartz,
Near Rock spring.
Fine Pyrites,
Near the Helicon springs.
Gneiss,
Ditto.
Hornblend Slate,
Road to Lexington.
Sulphate of Barytes in tabular Crystals,
Lower end of the county.
Felspar,
Asbury Hull's plantation. Various places.
Mica, .
182
CLARKE COUNTY.
EARLY SETTLERS .- Robert Barber, Rev. Hope Hull, A. Boggs, Jesse White, Gen. Meriwether, Thomas Mitchell, Joseph and John Espey, and Esley.
MANUFACTURES-
Athens Manufacturing Company, capital, $92,600
Spindles,
2,500
Looms, .
40
Operatives, mostly females, 85
Overseers,
3
Expenses per month, $800
Goods manufactured per day, 1500 yards.
Bunches of yarn, " 100
Machinery made in N. Jersey, cost $60,000
Amount of goods sold in Jan. 1848, $7,589 86
Aug. $5,172 60
Goods sold mostly in the surrounding country. Some sent to Augusta, Charleston, Savannah, Mobile and New Orleans. Osnaburgs, stripes, bed-ticking, linsey-woolsey. Wages of operatives from five to twelve dollars per month. Situated within the limits of Athens.
Princeton Manufacturing Company, capital $54,000, or- ganized in 1836, and purchased by the present company, in 1845. Situated two miles S. W. of Athens, on the middle branch of the Oconee.
Cotton spindles, 2184
Wool do. 240
Looms,
45
Bales of cotton used per week, 21
Yards of cloth made per day, 1700
Bundles of yarn 90
Mattresses made per year, 100
The goods manufactured are shirtings, bed-ticking, linsey- woolsey, jeans, checks, quality very superior ; sent through Georgia, and to N. Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, New-York and Philadelphia. Operatives healthy. The company make ar- rangements to have divine service at the factory twice a month, and have provided a library for the operatives. This estab- ment reflects credit upon the spirited owners.
Mars Hill factory, situated on Barber's creek, seven miles
183
CLARKE COUNTY.
S.W. of Athens. Capital $20,000 ; owned by Moses & Jen- kinson. Water power fine.
Spindles,
350
Looms,
12
Machinery cost.
8000 dols.
Yards of cloth made per day, 400
Bags of cotton consumed per day, 13
Number of operatives,
25
Wages of operatives per month, from 5 to 25 dols. Saw-mill, 1
Grist-mill, 1
Georgia factory, owned by John White, Esq., situated four miles S. of Athens. Machinery cost $50,000.
Spindles,
1704
Bundles of yarn per day,
140
Looms, . 20
Yards of cloth per day,
800
Operatives, 70
Goods sent to North and South Carolina, Philadelphia, and New Orleans. New machinery has recently been erected.
Pioneer Paper Mill, owned by Albon Chase, and J. S. Linton. Located on Barber's creek, three and a half miles S. W. of Athens. Building of wood upon a stone basement, two stories high. It is intended to manufacture writing, printing, and wrapping paper ; but at the time we visited this establishment, the machinery for writing paper had not yet been obtained. From 5 to 600 pounds of paper will be made per day .*
Besides the factories just enumerated, there are in the county
23 Saw-mills.
17 Grist do.
3 Merchant do.
6 Distilleries.
RELIGIOUS SECTS .- Methodists, Missionary and Anti-Mis- sionary Baptists, Christians, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and a few Roman Catholics, Jews, and Universalists. In the county are-
* Now in operation.
184
CLARKE COUNTY.
11 Methodist Churches.
7 Baptist do.
2 Presbyterian do.
1 Episcopal do.
1 Christian do.
ROADS, BRIDGES .- Some of the roads are in good order, and others much neglected. Over the Appallachee are three bridges. Over the middle branch of the Oconee, four. Over the north branch, one. Over Barber's creek, one. Over San- dy creek, one.
NAME .- General Elijah Clarke, after whom this county was named, was a native of North Carolina ; came to Georgia in 1774, and settled in Wilkes county. He was among the first of our revolutionary worthies. Endowed with hardihood and decision of character, he was fitted for any enterprise. When Georgia and South Carolina were evacuated by their governments, and the forces of the United States were with- drawn from them, Clarke alone kept the field, and his name spread terror through the whole line of British posts, from the Catawba to the Creek nation. Justice has not been done to this meritorious officer. " The first action," says the late Ge- neral James Jackson in his manuscripts, "in which the militia were brought to disregard the bayonets of the British, was gained by him over a British detachment in South Carolina, at the Enoree : and yet the credit has been given to Colonel Williams, who left the ground." It is proper that Georgians should be made familiar with the history of those who, in "the times that tried men's souls," devoted themselves to the cause of freedom, and at the expense of their fortunes and lives, pur- chased the blessings which we now enjoy. In 1776, Clarke makes his first appearance in the history of Georgia, as captain of a company intrusted with the care of some wagons loaded with provisions for the army. Whilst crossing a small stream, he was attacked by a body of Indians, who, after a severe con- . test, were put, to flight. In Howe's expedition against East Florida, he rendered important services, which were duly ap- preciated by his commander. In the battle of Ketttle creek, he increased his military fame. On the opposite side of the creek
185
CLARKE COUNTY.
there was a rising ground, in the rear of the enemy ; and with a foresight eminently characteristic of him, Clarke perceived that they would attempt to form upon it, and after some hours of severe fighting, he succeeded in gaining its summit. The enemy were beaten back, with a loss of 70 men killed and wounded, and 75 taken prisoners. Clarke's horse was shot under him, but he quickly mounted another, and rushed again into the fight. After the victory at Kettle Creek, many of the citizens of Georgia who had gone into South Carolina for safety, returned with their families and property to Wilkes county, but shortly afterwards were much alarmed by the ap- proach of a body of Indians ; and to Colonel Clarke was com- mitted the highly responsible duty of remaining on the fron- tiers to guard the forts. This was a trying period. The ene- my had devastated the fairest portion of Georgia. Cruelties which would have disgraced savages, marked their steps in every direction. Colonel Clarke's house was pillaged and burnt, and his family ordered to leave the State. Mrs. Clarke with her two daughters departed for the North, with no other means of conveyance than a small pony of little value; but even this was taken away after they had proceeded but a short way on their journey. The love of freedom, a persuasion that Heaven would favour the righteous cause of the Americans, in- spired Clarke with hope; and the loss of his property, and the indignities offered to the helpless females of his family, did not in the least intimidate him, but nerved him to renewed action. Accordingly, he succeeded in recruiting men for his regiment, and gave the enemy so much trouble, by cutting off their sup- plies, that it was determined to bring him to a general action. Colonel Innis pursued him to Wafford's iron works, where his ground had been judiciously chosen. Clarke waited the attack, and bravely defended his post. His constant annoy- ance of the foraging parties of the enemy became so provok- ing, that Colonel Innis resolved to augment his force, and drive him from the country. Having received reinforcements, Clarke met the enemy about four miles north of Musgrove's Mill, and defeated him. The loss of the British was 63 men killed, and 160 wounded and taken prisoners. In this battle Clarke received two wounds with a sabre on the back of his
186
CLARKE COUNTY.
head and neck ; his stock buckle saved his life .* For a few minutes he was a prisoner in charge of two men ; but taking advantage of his strength and activity, he knocked one of . them down, and the other fled. In 1780, Cornwallis issued a proclamation, which instead of producing the effect which he confidently believed it would, only roused the patriots to greater exertions. Colonel Clarke about this time returned to Wilkes, for the purpose of raising a force to aid in the reduc- tion of Augusta, then in possession of the British. He suc- ceeded in obtaining 350 men, and reached Augusta unob- served by the enemy; but owing to the loss of men in the siege, and to desertions, was compelled to retire, first to Little river, and then to Kentucky, having under his protection not only his troops, but nearly four hundred women and children. Cornwallis hearing of his retreat, despatched Captain Fergu- son with one hundred men to cut him off, supposing that he would be forced to return through South Carolina; but Clarke, with his wonted foresight, secured himself against a capture by recrossing the mountains. This led to the decisive battle of King's Mountain, which resulted in the death of Fer- guson, and the destruction of his whole force. On the 20th of October, 1780, Clarke returned to his former position, on the borders of South Carolina, ready again to battle with the foe. On the 9th of November, his gallant band joined General Sumter's camp, at the Fish Dam Fords on Broad river ; and on the 18th of the same month, Sumter took post at Black- stock's house, 35 miles from his former position, and in con- junction with Majors Jackson and Chandler, Clarke was posted on the left of the house. We have now before us a letter, writ- ten by one of the commanders at Blackstock's, in which he says : "At Blackstock's, at the head of his Wilkes rifle- men, Clarke charged and drove the British light infantry in an open field, where, although he did not command, he might be said to have insured the day, by turning the enemy's right flank. This also, as well as the merits of his compatriot, Ge- neral Twiggs, who commanded during two-thirds of that ac- tion, and gained it after General Sumter was wounded, Dr. Ramsey has accorded to South Carolina."
* McCall.
187
CLARKE COUNTY.
In the battle of Long Cane Creek, Col. Clarke was severe- ly wounded, and was carried off the field. After his recovery he joined the command of General Pickens, and was sent by him against Major Dunlap whom he compelled to surrender. For a short time after this affair he was confined with the small- pox, but on the 15th of May he was so far recovered as to re- sume his command, and was present when Augusta surren- dered to the Americans. Indeed, he had gallantly confined the British garrison to their works, for weeks before Col. Lee ar- rived. His last opposition to the British arms was under Gen. Wayne before Savannah, which city he had the satisfaction to see evacuated, and his country altogether relieved from the British yoke. With the Indians, Col. Clarke was engaged in several battles, the principal of which was the battle of Jack's Creek, fought in 1787, in which he defeated the Creeks.
In 17-, Clarke made an attempt to settle on the Indian side of the Oconee river, and also crossed the St. Mary's to the Florida side and drove in the Spanish posts. For these acts he incurred the displeasure of the United States Government. His merits as a soldier may be easily known, when it is remem- bered that he was solicited by two great European nations to engage in their service. That he had a commission of Major General, with a salary of $10,000 a year in the service of France, can be seen by reference to the documents of Blount's conspiracy and impeachment in the report of the committee of the House of Representatives of the United States ; page 143. He signed the treaty with the Cherokees made at Augus- ta in 1783, the treaty of the Creeks in the same year, and that with the Creeks at Galphinton in 1785. He died in Wilkes county, December 15, 1799 .*
COBB.
BOUNDARIES .- This county is bounded north by Chero- kee and Cass, east by Forsyth and De Kalb, south by
* Items furnished by Col. J. W. Jackson.
188
COBB COUNTY.
Campbell and a small portion of De Kalb, and west by Paulding. Laid out from Cherokee, and organized in 1832.
RIVERS, CREEKS .-- The Chattahoochee is the main stream. The creeks are Sweet Water, Powder Spring, Pumpkin Vine, Nickajack, Olleys, Noses, Proctors, Allatoona, Vickery, Rot- ten Wood, Noonday, Reubs, Wylleo, Soap, and Mud.
POST OFFICES .- Marietta, Powder Springs, Acworth, Gol- gotha, High Bridge, Lebanon, Mill Grove, and Roswell.
POPULATION, TAXES, REPRESENTATION .-- The population is increasing. The census of 1845 gave to Cobb 10,518 inhabi- tants, of which 1,474 were slaves.
Amount of State tax for 1848, $2,691 61. Sends two rep- resentatives to the Legislature.
TOWNS .- Marietta is the seat of justice, and one among the most pleasant towns in Cherokee Georgia. It is situated on the highest point between the Atlantic ocean and Tennessee river, being 1132 feet above the level of the former. It was incor- porated and made the county seat in 1814. Distance from Milledgeville 113 miles northwest, from Augusta 190 miles, from Atlanta 20 by the railroad, from Dalton 80, from Cum- ming 35, from Canton 22. The first house was built by James Anderson, Esq.
There are four churches-Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyte- rian, and Baptist; several schools, hotels, stores, &c. Population, 1,500. Does considerable business, being the market for Cobb, Cherokee, part of Lumpkin, Forsyth, Gilmer, Paulding, and Carroll counties.
The town is rapidly improving. Since the 1st of May, 1848, more than 60 houses have been built. Many persons from the low country of Georgia and South Carolina have recently re- moved here. The climate and water will compare with any in the world. Provisions are cheap. . Marietta, from the ad- vantages it possesses in point of situation, accessibility, cli- mate, and water, is destined to be one among the most attractive places in our State.
Acworth is a small village on the Western and Atlantic Railroad, twelve miles N. W. of Marietta, in the midst of a thickly settled country. Population about 50.
189
COBB COUNTY.
Powder Springs, twelve miles S. W. of Marietta, on the road to Villa Rica, in Carroll, has two churches, Methodist and Baptist, and one school. Population 200.
Roswell, a pretty village, so called from Roswell King, Esq., situated 13 miles from Marietta and one mile from the Chat- tahoochee. Settled by persons chiefly from the seaboard of Georgia and South Carolina, and is the seat of an extensive cotton factory. It has one store, one church, one male and female academy, &c.
FACE OF THE COUNTRY, NATURE OF THE SOIL, VALUE OF LAND .- The surface of the country is broken. The lands upon the Chattahoochee are rich, and will produce 800 pounds of cotton per acre, 8 barrels of corn, and from 20 to 30 bushels of wheat. The creek bottoms are also fertile, and well adapted to cotton, wheat, and corn.
The uplands are of a mulatto and gray colour, will produce 600 pounds of cotton per acre, 5 barrels of corn, and about 15 bushels of wheat. Best Chattahoochee lands are worth $20 per acre ; creek bottoms, $8; uplands, from $1 to $8 per acre.
AVERAGE PRODUCT PER ACRE .- Corn 5 barrels, wheat 6 bushels, rye 5 bushels, cotton 500 pounds.
MARKETS .- Marietta, Macon, and Augusta.
MANUFACTURES, MILLS, DISTILLERIES .- Roswell factory, at Roswell, on Vickery's creek, incorporated in 1840. Capital $80,000.
Spindles,
3,500
Looms,
Operatives, nearly all whites, , 40
150
Bales of cotton used per day,
5
Yards of shirting made per day, 1,100
Osnaburgs, 66 66 1,500
Bundles of yarn made per week, 1,200
Hours of work per day, 11
The water-power fine. Wages of operatives dependent upon their industry. The temperance principle strictly enforced. Provision made for the instruction of the children. Goods ma- nufactured have a high character, and are sent to Tennessee, Alabama, and to various parts of Georgia.
Nickajack factory, on Nickajack creek.
13
190
COBB COUNTY.
At Lebanon, the Roswell factory have an extensive mer- chant mill, capable of making from 1 to 300 barrels of flour per day. An extensive tannery, the property of Colonel Dunwoody, is located at this place. The leather made here is pronounced equal to any in the United States.
Grist-mills 21, saw-mills 21, besides several merchant mills on Soap creek. Seven miles east of Marietta is an extensive distillery, at which are made 120 gallons of whiskey per day.
MOUNTAINS .- Kenesaw mountain, 2} miles from Marietta, is 1828 feet above the level of the ocean ; so called from an Indian chief who was accidentally shot by a white man, whilst on a hunting excursion. The view from the top of the moun- tain is beautiful. Lost mountain, Brushy mountain, and Sweat mountain, are considerable elevations.
MINERAL SPRINGS .- The Powder springs have acquired some celebrity, and will, in the course of time, attract the no- tice of persons seeking health and recreation. They are highly impregnated with sulphur and magnesia, and are efficacious in the cure of diseases, particularly those of a cutaneous cha- racter, and dyspepsia.
MINERALS .- Gold has been found on Proctor's creek, in the northern part of the county. At Allatoona, on Powder Spring creek, on Sweet Water creek, near Kenesaw mountain, and in Marietta. Granite is abundant. Silver, iron, lead, copper, talc, soap-stone, plumbago, quartz, &c.
ROADS .- The roads are as good as the nature of the coun- try will allow. The principal road crosses the Chattahoochee at the Standing Peach-tree, passes through Marietta and Allatoona to Cassville. Another main road passes through Sand Town in Campbell county to Allatoona, and is known as the Alabama road. Another road much travelled, is the one which crosses the Chattahoochee river at McAfee's bridge, and passes near Roswell to Vann's valley, and North Alabama.
RELIGIOUS SECTS .- The religious sects are Baptists, Mis- sionary and Anti-Missionary, Presbyterians, Methodists, Epis- copalians, and a few Universalists. There are about 20 churches in the county, and probably as many ministers.
EDUCATION .- There are many respectable schools in various sections of the county, particularly at Marietta and Roswell.
1
191
COBB COUNTY.
CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE .- Considering the recent settle- ment of the county, the people generally may be said to be orderly and temperate. On public occasions irregularities are often committed, but upon the whole the population of Cobb will compare favourably with many of the older counties of the State. The tone of morals is improving every day.
AMUSEMENTS .- These chiefly consist in hunting, dancing and visiting. Parties occasionally go to the Powder Springs, and the Kenesaw mountain. Soirées are quite common in Marietta.
CLIMATE .- The climate, though variable, is as healthy as any portion of the United States. Exposure to the cold and rain is hardly ever attended by serious consequences. No case of consumption has ever occurred in the county. The summer diseases are bowel complaints, &c. The winter dis- eases are pleurisy and pneumonia.
INSTANCES OF LONGEVITY .- Mr. Fleming is now living, over 94 years of age. Mr. J. Collins, a revolutionary soldier, over 88. Mrs. Henry is over 80. Mrs. Dougherty is 85. Mr. Smith is 80. Mr. Edwards died a few months ago, aged 90.
EARLY SETTLERS .- Among the early settlers were the fol- lowing: Mr. James Anderson, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Massey, Wil- liam Crane, William Morris, Tho. Whitehead, J. D. Mullins, James Mohon, W. P. Maloney, James Powers, Edward Mays, Bradley Smith, and J. Collins.
INDIAN TOWNS .- Sweet Water Town, once inhabited by Che- rokees, is on Sweet Water creek, 14 miles north of Marietta.
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