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 20
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* It may be said that this was nothing more than a qualification or pre- liminary to the holding of that commission required by Governor Wright. It is remarkable that Elbert and Joseph Habersham signed the pledge on the same day, and are commissioned on the same day in the same company, di- rectly after the news was received of the despotic measures enforced against Boston, under the well-known Boston Port Bill. The address from Boston to the other provinces, was dated the 13th of May, 1774, and sent by express. This paper was signed three weeks after that date.
239
ELBERT COUNTY.
On the 16th of September, 1776, Elbert was promoted to the rank of Colonel, and in May, 1777, he commanded in an expedition intended by President Gwinnett for the reduc- tion of East Florida; but it failed in its object, and after some skirmishing, the troops were withdrawn. In the next year, 1778, the British retaliated, and an invasion of Georgia was projected by General Provost, aided by the Indians and Royalists from Florida. The Carolinians were called upon for their aid, and it was promptly and liberally afforded.
On the 19th of April, 1778, Col. Elbert having heard that some British vessels were at anchor at Frederica, obtained the galleys and manned them with some of his own landsmen. With these he went in pursuit of the enemy. They proved to be the brigantine Hinchenbrook and sloop Rebecca, privateers which had been infesting the southern coast, and had gone in with their prize, a brig, for refitting and plunder. Colonel Elbert boarded them, and after a smart resistance, succeeded in capturing all of them.
The combined movements of the Georgians and Caro- linians, on this occasion, certainly saved the State from the intended invasion, but they did no other good. Their army was badly provided for and badly conducted. General Robert Howe, of North Carolina, was unfortunately the commander of this gallant but ill-fated army. A want of concert among the commanders caused the expedition to be abandoned, and Elbert returned to Savannah, with his regiment shattered by disease and thinned by death. Here they were attacked on the 29th of December, 1778, by an expedition sent direct from New-York, under Col. Arch. Campbell, defeated, and driven at the point of the bayonet through the streets of Sa- vannah. The Georgia troops, under Elbert, made a brave but ineffectual stand against the victorious British regulars, and retreated fighting them.
The next battle in which Col. Elbert was engaged, was at Briar creek, where General Ashe, of North Carolina, com- manded the Americans. This was a complete surprise and total defeat. The British amused General Ashe by a feint at the bridge, while they crossed the creek above him, and
240
ELBERT COUNTY.
had actually gained the rear of his army before the alarm was given. Col. Elbert rallied a few of his command, and fought until he was struck down. He was then on the point of being despatched by a soldier with uplifted bayonet, when he made a masonic sign of distress. An officer noticed it, instantly responded, stayed the arm of the soldier, and Elbert's life was saved by the benevolent principle of brotherly love, even among enemies, and in the heat and hurry of battle.
While a prisoner on parole in the British camp, Elbert was treated with great respect and kindness. Offers of pro- motion, honours and rewards, were made to him ; and cour- tesy, persuasion and blandishments, used to seduce him from the American cause. It is a tradition in his family, that when these were declined, an insidious attempt was made by means of two Indians to murder him, his person being mi- nutely described as the object for their aim. Elbert, in his mercantile transactions with the Indians, was a favourite among them. He fortunately discovered his enemies in time, gave a signal which he had formerly been accus- tomed to use among them, when their guns were immedi- ately lowered, and they then came forward and shook hands with him.
This signal had probably been agreed upon and used, when with his company, by order of Gov. Wright, he guarded the Indian chiefs back to the Cherokee nation. This attempt on Elbert's life was probably not made by any of the British army, all of whom continued to treat him kindly. There was a gang of lawless marauders calling themselves Royalists, but by the Americans called Schofelites, plundering and devas- tating the south of Georgia, and retreating with their plunder into Florida. Against these men Elbert had been particularly active, and they were remarkably vindictive. At that time, also, there was much virulence prevailing between the Whigs and Tories, inciting them to acts more cruel than those of the savages. Even the atrocities of civil war can neither justify nor excuse such deeds as were then com- mitted.
When the three southern States were overrun by the
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ELBERT COUNTY.
British troops after the fall of Charleston, Col. Elbert having been exchanged, went northward, and offered his services to Gen. Washington. They were gladly accepted by this excel- lent judge of human character, and at the siege of Yorktown, in Virginia, Col. Elbert was honoured with the command of the grand deposit of arms and military stores, a post of great trust and responsibility ; and by his strict adherence to his orders, merited and received the approbation of the Com- mander-in-chief. Here also he contracted other friendships. Here he became intimate with Lafayette, and corresponded with him several years. One of his sons was called Lafayette in consequence of this intimacy.
Col. Elbert was gradually advanced in rank by the Legis- lature of Georgia, and finally made Major General, the highest military rank in the State. In civil offices he was also fa- voured, having been elected Sheriff, an office then considered the most desirable, the most profitable in Georgia. In 1785, he was elected Governor by a vote almost unanimous, at a time when the affairs of the State required to be conducted with energy, judgment and decision. The State has gratefully perpetuated his good name by calling one of its best cotton counties " Elbert."
On the 2d of November, 1788, Gen. Elbert died in Savan- nah, after a lingering illness, at the early age of 48 years, leaving a widow and six children. His funeral was honoured by the attendance of the Cincinnati Society, the Masonic Lodges, and all the military of that city. Minute guns were fired by the artillery, and a funeral sermon delivered by the Rev. Mr. Lindsay. His remains were interred in the family cemetery on the mount at Rae's Hall, three miles above Savannah. His honour, patriotism, and valour, are com- mended as examples to future generations.
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242
EMANUEL COUNTY.
EMANUEL.
BOUNDARIES, EXTENT .- Bounded N. by Jefferson and Burke; E. by Scriven, Bulloch, and a part of Tattnall ; S. by Tattnall and Montgomery ; and W. by a part of Washington and Lau- rens. Laid out in 1812 from Bulloch and Montgomery. It is. 45 miles long and 41 wide, containing 1845 square miles.
RIVERS, CREEKS .- Besides the Ogeechee river, which sepa- rates it from Burke, there are the Big Cannouchee, the Little Cannouchee, Great Ohoopee, Little Ohoopee, and Little Ogee- chee rivers, and Pendleton's, Daniel's, Long, Deep, Cypress, Sculls, Fifteen Mile, Jack's, Sartain's, and Yamgrandee creeks.
POPULATION, TAXES, REPRESENTATION .- When the census was last taken, the county had 2,936 whites, and 747 blacks ; total, 3,683. Amount of tax returned for 1848, $1,058 83. Sends one representative to the Legislature.
POST OFFICE .- Swainsborough.
TowNS .- Swainsborough is in the centre of the county, 80 miles S. E. of Milledgeville, 30 from Statesborough, 44 from Waynesborough, 35 from Dublin, 40 from Mount Vernon, and 98 from Savannah; it has a court-house and jail. Two or three families reside here.
Opposite to the Ninety-five mile Station there is a settle- ment, made by some of the planters in Burke county, to which they resort in the summer for health.
CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE .- Emanuel is inhabited by peo- ple in whose character republican simplicity and kindness of heart are very conspicuous. Wealth does not abound, but the inhabitants are perhaps as happy and comfortable as those who live in cities. They are accustomed to labour from their youth, and are satisfied with little. Health is their only inheritance.
AMUSEMENTS .- The county abounds with game, and the citizens spend much of their time in hunting. Dancing is a favourite amusement.
RELIGIOUS SECTS, EDUCATION .- The most numerous sect is the Anti-Missionary Baptists. There are a few Missionary Baptists and Methodists. Education is at a low ebb. There are but few schools, and those of the most inferior description.
243
EMANUEL COUNTY.
ROADS AND BRIDGES .- The roads and bridges are not kept in good order.
MILLS .- Four or five saw-mills, eight or nine grist-mills.
EARLY SETTLERS .- Philip Newton, Mr. Kennedy, William Stephens, Edward McGar, Edward Lane.
CLIMATE, DISEASES, LONGEVITY .- The climate is very healthy. There are but few diseases, except those common on water-courses. There are several aged persons now living in this county. Mr. Philip Newton is supposed to be 80 years of age. Mr. Millar is over 80. Mr. Headspeth is 80. Mrs. Campbell died in this county at the age of 100, Benjamin Fareclauth 83, A. Sutton 82, Jacob Durdan 85, David Eden- field 79, Matthew Curl 78, Wilson Drew 75, Henry Brown 70.
FACE OF THE COUNTRY, NATURE OF THE SOIL, PRODUC- TIONS .- The face of the country is level. Most of the land is unproductive. On the Ogeechee some good land may be found. The productions are cotton, corn, sugar-cane, and rice. About 1,000 bags of cotton are annually produced. The county affords a fine range for cattle and hogs, and probably no part of the State furnishes better beef and pork.
VALUE OF LAND .- The average value of land is fifty cents per acre.
NAME .- The gentleman in honour of whom this county is named was the Honourable David Emanuel, who came to Georgia about 1768 or 1770, and settled on Walnut Branch, near Waynesborough, from whence he moved to the head of Beaver Dam creek. At a very early age he took up arms in defence of his country. Burke county was the scene of some very severe skirmishes between the Americans and British, in which Emanuel participated under his brother-in-law, General John Twiggs. On one occasion he was captured by a party of loyalists commanded by Captain Brantley, and conveyed to McBean's creek, where, after consultation, it wasdetermined to shoot him. Brantley ordered a large fire to be made, and made Emanuel and his fellow-prisoners, Lewis and Davis, take off their clothes, with the exception of their shirts. They then de- signated three men to shoot them, and placed the prisoners be- tween them and the fire. The word " fire" was then given,
244
FAYETTE COUNTY.
upon which Davis and Lewis received their death-shot ; but the man who was directed to despatch Emanuel missed his aim, upon which our hero, with the rapidity of lightning, leaped over the fire and made his escape. For many years he was a member of the Legislature from Burke county. He was Presi- dent of the Senate, and for some time filled the executive chair. He is represented to have been a fine-looking man, amiable, of good judgment and inflexible integrity. He died in 1808, at the age of 64 years. We are sorry to learn that the lot in which this patriot was buried has been of late years converted into a horse lot!
FAYETTE.
BOUNDARIES, EXTENT .- Bounded N. by De Kalb, E. by Henry, S. by Pike, and W. by Campbell and Coweta. This county is a portion of the territory acquired by the United States, for the use of the State of Georgia, of the Creek Indi- ans, by a treaty made at the Indian Springs, January 8, 1821. Organized in 1821. Medium length, 27 miles ; breadth, 18. Square miles, 486.
POST OFFICES. - Fayetteville, Fairburn, Jonesborough, Rough and Ready, York, Red Oak.
POPULATION, TAXES, REPRESENTATION .- In 1845, the popu- lation was 5,895 whites, and 1,669 blacks ; total, 7,514. Amount of State tax returned for 1848, $1,917 08. Sends one representative to the Legislature.
RIVERS, CREEKS .- The Flint river flows along the eastern part of the county. Line, White Water, Flat, and Rose creeks are some of the other streams.
TOWNS .- Fayetteville, the seat of justice, is a pretty town in the centre of the county. The court-house is a very sub- stantial and neat brick building ; cost $8,000. The jail is of wood. There are two churches, two good schools, three stores, five groceries, and several mechanics' shops. More than $100,000 worth of goods are annually sold. It was incor-
245
FAYETTE COUNTY.
porated and made the county site in 1823. Distant from Mil- ledgeville 107 miles, N. W .; from Griffin 20 miles, from Newnan 23, from McDonough 21, from Campbellton 20, and from At- lanta 25. One Masonic Lodge, one printing office, one Divi- sion of the Sons of Temperance.
Jonesborough, on the Macon and Western Railroad, 10 miles N. E. of Fayetteville, has been settled about six years, and has a population of 200. It contains one church of the Methodist denomination, three schools, besides stores and shops. The population is improving. The place is called after Samuel G. Jones, Esq.
Rough and Ready is 11 miles from Atlanta, on the Macon and Western Railroad.
RELIGIOUS SECTS, EDUCATION .- Baptists, Methodists, Chris- tians, Presbyterians, Universalists, Roman Catholics, Episco- palians, and a few Mormons. The subject of education does not engage the attention of the people as much as it ought, although there are indications of a greater interest than formerly.
CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE .- The citizens are spirited, industrious and temperate. Great changes have been pro- duced through the instrumentality of religion and temperance.
ROADS AND BRIDGES .- The roads are far from being in the best condition. There are more than a dozen bridges which are kept in tolerable repair.
CLIMATE, DISEASES, LONGEVITY .- The climate is generally healthy. . The most common diseases are fevers of the remit- tent and intermittent character, pleurisies, &c. Mr. W. Waldroup died in this county, at the age of 104 years; Mr. Graves died over 80; Mr. Hanes, 87 ; Mr. Gray, 80 ; Mr Gil- bert Gay, 80; Wm. Gay, over 80; Mrs. Waldroup, over 80 ; Mr. John Fuller, 94; Morris Harris, 87; Wm. Powell, 90; Wm. Shaddix, 82; Greene Hill, over 80 ; Henry Mitchell, 85. S. R. Minor, now living, is 90, and editor of the Fayetteville Advertiser ; says he owns the original type of Dr. Franklin. John Dearing, S. Wilkins, Simon Whitaker, James and Wm. Brassell, Z. Petty, C. Williford, are over 80.
EARLY SETTLERS .- Collin Alford, Alexander Ware, T. D. King, C. Terry, James Montgomery, Gilbert Gay, Wm. Gay,
246
FAYETTE COUNTY.
Robert and Wm. Harkins, James and Irvine Spradley, J. R. Cox, Joseph Anthony, Jesse Laseter, I. Haines, Wm. Gille- land, James Alford.
FACE OF THE COUNTRY, NATURE OF THE SOIL, AVERAGE PRODUCT .- The county is generally level. The lands are principally gray, suitable for cotton, corn, wheat, oats, rye, barley, &c., valued at five, three, and two dollars per acre, according to quality. Corn averages three barrels per acre ; wheat, eight bushels per acre ; cotton, 500 pounds per acre. Over 4,500 bags of cotton are annually raised in this county.
MILLS. - Saw-mills, eight ; grist-mills, nine; merchant- mills, three. A cotton factory is about to be erected on White Water creek, ten miles from Fayetteville. One wool-carding machine.
MINERALS .- Granite, quartz, iron, tourmaline, mica, &c.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTICE .-- First court held at the house of J. R. Cox.
NAME .- In the oration delivered by the Hon. John Quincy Adams before both houses of Congress, on the life and character of Lafayette, the speaker said : " As in the firmanent that rolls over our heads, there is among the stars of the first magnitude one so pre-eminent in splendour, as in the opinion of astronomers to constitute a class by itself; so, in the fourteen hundred years of the French monarchy, among the multitudes of great and mighty men which it has evolved, the name of Lafayette stands unrivalled in the solitude of glory." Gilbert Mottier Lafayette, the asserter of the rights of man, the intimate friend of Washington, was born in France, at Chavagniac, in the province of Auvergne, September 6, 1757. At seven years of age, he was sent to the College of Louis le Grand, at Paris, where he received his early education. Under the patronage of the Queen of France, he obtained the rank of a commis- sioned officer. In 1774 he married a lady of high birth and large fortune. This alliance procured for him every enjoy- ment which rank and wealth could bestow. About this time, the attempts of the colonies to acquire their freedom, had ex- cited in France a powerful sympathy in their favour; and among those who were desirous " to crusade for freedom in
247
FAYETTE COUNTY.
freedom's holy land," the noble Lafayette stands first. As soon as he heard that Congress had declared the colonies free and independent, he came to the resolution to devote himself to their cause. Accordingly, he presented himself before the American Commissioners at Paris, and offered his services. These were accepted ; and after various sacrifices and difficul- ties, he left France, and landed on the 25th day of April, 1777, in South Carolina. He immediately proceeded to Philadelphia, where Congress was then in session, delivered the despatches intrusted to him by the American Commissioners at Paris, and renewed his offer of devotion to the cause of liberty. Struck with astonishment at the gallantry of the young and noble foreigner, Congress appointed him a Major General in the army of the United States. Lafayette, losing no time, di- rected his course to the head-quarters of Washington, who received him with great cordiality, and took him under his special direction. He soon received a command in the conti- nental army, and throughout all the trying scenes of the Revo- lution, displayed a bravery and skill which more than realized the expectations of the country. At the battle of Brandy- wine he received a severe wound, but he would not consent to alight from his horse to have it dressed. In 1778, there was a probability that war would take place between England and France; and with the approbation of Washington he left the United States, to discharge his duty to his native country. His arrival in France was hailed by all classes with every demon- stration of respect. To his government he represented the wants of America, and succeeded in obtaining efficient aid. He remained in France throughout the year 1779, and was appointed to the command of the King's own Regiment of Dragoons. He returned to the United States in 1780, and from that period to the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, he was engaged in active service. After the capitulation of York- town, he again asked permission to visit France, which being granted, he again left the United States for his native country, and upon his arrival, spent much of his time in promoting the interests of the Americans. He succeeded in inducing the government to render further assistance; but peace having been concluded between the contending parties, the fleet des-
248
FLOYD COUNTY.
tined for America did not sail. In the year 1784 he again visited the country, the independence of which was owing in a great measure to his exertions. He was received with every mark of respect. In the States which he visited, legislative assemblies, municipal bodies, officers of the army, and all classes of society, vied with each other in rendering to him the homage of their gratitude. During the French Revolution, he was the steady friend of liberty. As commander of the National Guards, he saved the lives of the Royal Family of France. No man occupied a more prominent place than did Lafayette. In August, 1825, he again visited the United States, and from one extremity of the country to the other, millions of freemen gave him a hearty welcome. He died May 21, 1834. In the United States, the intelligence of his death was received with emotions of profound sorrow. All felt that one of the best of men was gone for ever.
FLOYD.
BOUNDARIES .- This county is bounded N. by Chattooga, E. by Cass, S. by Paulding, W. by Alabama. Laid out from Cherokee, in 1832.
RIVERS, CREEKS .- The chief rivers are the Oostenaula and Etowah, which unite their waters at Rome, forming the Coosa. The other streams are Armucha, Cedar, Heath's, Rocky, Ball Play, and Spring creeks.
MOUNTAINS .- There is a range of mountains entering the northwest corner of the county, and running through it in a southwest direction, separating the waters of the Chattooga from those that empty into the Oostenaula, and known as Taylor's ridge. The Turnip mountain is a spur of Taylor's ridge. There are other ranges of mountains of less magni- tude.
TOWNS .- Rome is the seat of justice, and is situated at the junction of the Etowah and Oostenaula rivers, upon several high hills, and commands an extensive view of Taylor's ridge
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FLOYD COUNTY.
and other mountains. It was incorporated and made the county site in 1834, since which time it has increased rapidly. It is thought that the construction of the Memphis Railroad will make Rome an important trading point. Property has greatly increased in value, and confidence is felt that capital- ists will be induced to settle in this place. In Rome is an elegant brick court-house, located upon a lofty eminence. The jail is a plain building, constructed of wood. Population 1,000. It is 176 miles from Milledgeville, from the Cave springs 17 miles, from the Alabama line 16 miles, from Cedar Town 17 miles, and from Kingston, by the railroad, 172 miles. Rome is considered healthy, and although situated at the junction of two rivers, has not suffered from the diseases incident to such localities. The citizens are intelligent, hos- pitable, and enterprising. The town can boast of a rigid police. Disorderly conduct meets with prompt punishment. Stages daily leave Rome for the west. The water of Rome is both freestone and limestone. In the vicinity are several fine springs.
Opposite to Rome is a small village called Hillsborough.
Cave Springs, situated in the southern portion of the county, near the Alabama line, with a population of 200. On the land belonging to the corporation, liquor cannot be sold. In the village are one hotel, two churches, three stores, &c. It was settled in 1831, by persons from different parts of Georgia, and whose character for morality and intelligence is unsurpassed by that of any people.
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS, EDUCATION .- Methodists, Pres- byterians, Baptists, Episcopalians, and a few Roman Catholics. Education has recently become a subject of much solicitude among the inhabitants. At Cave Springs there is an excellent academy, called the Hern Manual Labor School, under the care of the Baptist denomination. At this place, there is also a good female school, having about thirty pupils. The Georgia Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb is located here. The inmates number about eighteen, who are supported by the State. It is under the immediate direction of O. P. Fannin, Esq., aided by two competent teachers. The advancement of the pupils has exceeded the most sanguine expectations of the public.
250
FLOYD COUNTY.
POPULATION, TAXES, REPRESENTATION .- In 1845, the num- ber of inhabitants was 4,617 whites, and 1,604 blacks; total, 6,221 ; but it is thought that the population has increased 33 per cent. Amount of State taxes paid, $2,569 53. Sends one representative to the Legislature.
POST OFFICES .- Rome, Cave Springs, Hermitage, Mission- ary Station, Calipoenia, Coosa, Johnson, Vann's Valley.
NATURE OF THE SOIL, VALUE OF LAND, AVERAGE PRO- DUCT .- The lands in this county have a high reputation. The bottom lands are very productive. These are composed of a dark and loose loam, adapted to the cultivation of corn and wheat. Cotton does not succeed so well, owing to the seasons. These lands are valued at $20 per acre. The valley lands are also very fertile, composed of a dark mulatto soil, adapted to corn, wheat, barley, rye, oats, and cotton. It is the opinion of some of the experienced farmers that, take one year with an- other, the valley lands are better suited to cotton than the bottom lands. They sell for $12 50 per acre. The lands on the margin of the bottoms and valleys vary in character ; they are worth $5 per acre. The mountain and hill lands are worth about $2 per acre. There is in this county a tract of land, commencing on the west of the Oostenaula and Coosa rivers, extending to Turnip mountain, the surface of which is almost a perfect plain resembling the flat lands of Houstoun county, badly watered. Experiments prove, that this scope of country is susceptible of cultivation. Marl is found in several places, and many salt lakes. Some of the lands pro- duce 1700 lbs. of cotton per acre ; some 12 to 1400 lbs .; but the average may be put down at 800 lbs. per acre. Corn from 5 to 12 bushels, wheat from 10 to 30 bushels per acre.
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