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 25
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56
CLIMATE, DISEASES, LONGEVITY .- This county has a fine cli- mate, and is generally exempt from diseases, except those which emanate from colds. Instances of longevity are numerous. Daniel Clover, aged 87 ; John Lawrence, 85; Stephen Har- ris, 90 ; Jonathan Johnson, 80; Lewis Dishons, 90 ; Owen An- drews, 90; Edward Jackson, 87 ; Sarah Hunt, 81; Mrs. Sha- dock, 100; Mrs. Ruth Liddel, 90 ; Mrs. Campbell, 90; John Davis, 110, who connected himself with the church when he was 99 ; Mr. Hunt, 100; John McDade, 95; George Thrasher, 93; George Wilson, 100; and many others might be named, who reached a great age. There are now living, Nathan Dobbs, aged 92 ; Mrs. McCree, 93 ; Thomas Cox, 92; Leonard Wills, 92; John Brown, 90; John Bowen, 90; J. S. Head, 85; Mrs. Elizabeth Haney, 84 ; Elizabeth Gower, 83.
297
GWINNETT COUNTY.
EARLY SETTLERS .- Among the early settlers were Wil- liam Nesbitt, Isham Williams, Ashel R. Smith, William Malt- bie, and Colonel Hutchins.
ROADS, BRIDGES .- The roads are generally in good order. There is a fine bridge, called Mc Afee's Bridge, over the Chat- tahoochee, 220 feet in length, covered, and on stone arches. It is on the main road from Lawrenceville, west.
RELIGIOUS SECTS, EDUCATION .-- Baptists, Methodists, Pres- byterians, Episcopalians, Universalists, and New Lights. Good schools are in Lawrenceville ; but generally speaking, too lit- tle attention is given to the subject of education.
MOUNTAIN .- The Hog mountain is in the northern part of the county.
MANUFACTURES, MILLS, DISTILLERIES .- The streams, par- ticularly Ivy creek, afford many facilities for manufacturing purposes. In the county are, 2 wool-carding mills, 9 saw- mills, 26 grist-mills, 3 merchant mills, 7 distilleries. Three of these only do a regular business.
CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE .- The citizens of this county are industrious and frugal ; and it is worthy of special remark, that they have always been noted for their promptness in re- sponding to the calls of their country in times of emergency. During the Creek outbreak in 1836, a call was made upon the county for volunteers ; and in less than two hours after the re- ceipt of the Governor's orders, two companies, having each 100 men, were organized. The citizens contributed $600 to aid in fitting out these brave soldiers. In the Court House Square at Lawrenceville is a monument reflecting much cre- dit upon those who erected it. On one side of the monument is this inscription : "This monument is erected by their friends, to the memory of Capt. James C. Winn, and Sergeant Anthony Bates, Texan volunteers of this village, who were taken in honourable combat, at Goliad, Texas, and shot by order of the Mexican commander, March 27, 1830." On the other side : "To the memory of Ensign, Isaac S. Lacy, Sergeant James C. Martin, and Privates William M. Sims, John A. V. Tate, Robert T. Holland, James H. Holland (brothers), Henry W. Peden, James M. Allen, members of the Gwinnett Company of Mounted Volunteers, under the command of Capt. H. Garmany,
298
GWINNETT COUNTY.
who were slain in battle with a party of Creek Indians, at Shepard's, in Stewart county, June 9, 1836. Their remains rest beneath this monument."
TowN .- Lawrenceville is the county town, and is eligibly situated on the ridge which divides the head waters of the Al- covy and Yellow rivers. It is 90 miles N. N. W. of Milledge- ville, 30 miles S. of Gainesville, 45 miles W. of Athens, 21 miles N. W. of Monroe, 28 miles N. of Covington, 16 miles N. W. of the Rock mountain, 24 miles N. E. of Decatur, 40 miles from Marietta. It has a handsome brick court-house, jail constructed of granite, two churches, Presbyterian and Me- thodist, two hotels, &c. Population 400. There are two academies, one for females, the other for males. The male academy stands upon a high hill, from which is presented a fine view of the Rock mountain. The citizens are quiet and orderly, but are sometimes disturbed by noisy persons from the country. A rigid police is much wanted. Incorporated in 1821.
NAME .- This county was named after the Hon. Button Gwinnett, who was born in England, came to Georgia in 1772, and settled on St. Catherine's island. For some time after the beginning of the revolutionary difficulties, he was in doubt as to the course he would take ; but the arguments of Dr. Lyman Hall, with whom he was intimate, convinced him of the jus- tice of the American cause, and in 1775 he commenced taking an active part in public affairs. In 1776, at the meeting of the General Assembly in Savannah, he was appointed a represen- tative to Congress, and his name is affixed to the Declaration of American Independence as a delegate from Georgia. He was a member of the Convention which met in February, 1777, to frame a constitution for the future government of the State. Upon the death of Mr. Bulloch, he became Governor of Georgia. A delegation from South Carolina called upon Mr. Gwinnett during the early stage of the Revolution, for the purpose of suggesting to him the expediency of recommend- ing that Georgia should place herself under the jurisdiction of the former ; but to the praise of Mr. Gwinnett let it be known, that he treated the suggestion with contempt. An unfor- tunate misunderstanding occurred between General Lachlan
299
HABERSHAM COUNTY.
McIntosh and Mr. Gwinnett, which resulted in a duel. The parties fought near Savannah, at the distance of twelve paces. Both gentlemen were seriously wounded. McIntosh reco- vered, but Gwinnett died twelve days after the combat- 27th of May, 1777.
HABERSHAM.
This county is bounded, N. by Rabun and Union, E. by the Tugaloo river, S. by Franklin and Hall, and W. by Lump- kin. Laid out by the Lottery Act of 1818. It is 31 miles long and 23 wide, containing 713 square miles.
RIVERS, CREEKS. - The Chattahoochee, the Soquee, and Middle rivers ; Duke's, Little Mud, Panther, Toccoa, Mossy, Shoal, Flat, Deep, Glade, Hazel, and other creeks.
POPULATION, TAXES, REPRESENTATION. - In 1845 there were in this county 7,216 whites, 1,195 blacks; total, 8,411. Amount of State tax returned for 1848, $1767 58. Entitled to two members to the Legislature.
POST OFFICES .- Clarkesville, Batesville, Dawson, Hollings- worth, Mount Yonah, Loudsville, Nacoochee, Walton's Ford, Toccoa Falls.
FACE OF THE COUNTRY, NATURE OF THE SOIL, VALUE OF LAND .- This county is broken by mountains. The soil is formed mostly from the decomposition of granite. The most valuable lands are below the Currahee mountain, on Tugaloo, Middle, Hudson's, and Soquee rivers, adapted to wheat and corn, and command $10 per acre. The oak and hickory lands are valued at $3 per acre. The mountain and ridge lands can be purchased at almost any price.
AVERAGE PRODUCT PER ACRE, COTTON, MARKETS .- Corn averages 15 bushels per acre, wheat 5 bushels. About 50 bales of cotton are annually produced. The markets are Athens and Augusta. Many of the merchants make their purchases in New-York, but most of them in Charleston.
CLIMATE, DISEASES, LONGEVITY .- The climate is unsur- passed by any in the world. The Indians were accustomed
300
HABERSHAM COUNTY.
to say that they never knew fever to prevail in Habersham, and always represented it as the most healthy portion of their country. There are but few diseases. The instances of lon- gevity are the following, viz .: Robert Turner, a soldier of the Revolution, 96; Mrs. Turner 90; Mr. McCollum, nearly 100; John Gibbes, 95.
RELIGIOUS SECTS, EDUCATION .- Methodists, Baptists, Pres- byterians, and a few Episcopalians. The latter are chiefly persons from the seaboard, who resort to Clarkesville in the summer. Considerable attention is paid to the subject of edu- cation, and common schools are numerous.
MANUFACTURES, MILLS .- There is no cotton factory in the county ; 3 gold-mills, 4 jug manufactories, 8 or 9 distilleries, 20 saw-mills, 30 grist-mills, 1 flour-mill. The females of this county are remarkably skilful in weaving jeans. Beautiful saddle-cloths are also made, and sent to Clarkesville, where they meet with a ready sale.
ROADS, BRIDGES .- For a mountain country the roads are fair. On the Tugaloo river, on the road leading from Clarkes- ville to Pendleton, South Carolina, is an elegant covered bridge, resting on three arches, 12 by 16 feet. On the Chattahoochee is a bridge 183 feet long. The Unicoy turnpike road runs from North Carolina to Clarkesville, 40 miles, crossing the Blue Ridge. There is also a turnpike from Major Logan's, at Loudsville, across the Blue Ridge, through the Tesnatee gap, seven miles long ; cost $3,000. It is the property of Major Logan, pays a good interest, and is chartered for thirty years.
TOWNS .- Clarkesville is most delightfully situated, near the southwest bank of the Soquee river, eight miles above its con- fluence with the Chattahoochee. The beauty of the village is greatly increased by the picturesque grandeur of the surround- ing country. On approaching the village, the first object which arrests the eye is the Blue Ridge. The Yonah moun- tain, ten miles distant, is in full view, and other mountains pre- sent themselves at a distance of from 8 to 20 miles. Clarkes- ville has become a favourite retreat of many families from South Carolina and Georgia, who have erected fine houses. The water is delicious. The court.house is of brick, but not well arranged. The jail is a plain wooden building. There are
301
HABERSHAM COUNTY.
three churches, Methodist, Episcopal, and Presbyterian ; and a Baptist church will soon be erected. The hotels are three in number, and understand the art of making travellers com- fortable. This town, named after Governor John Clarke, was incorporated, and made the county site in 1823. Distant 136 miles N. of Milledgeville, 58 from Athens, 50 from Pen- dleton, South Carolina; 12 from Tallulah Falls, 28 from Gaines- ville, and 24 from Clayton.
Loudsville is in the western part of the county, 13 miles N. E. of Dahlonega, and 21 from Clarkesville, surrounded by mountains, and amidst the gold region. The place has been settled 16 years, has one store, school, and a church belonging to the Methodists.
Mount Yonah is east of Dahlonega ; has three stores, one blacksmith's shop, one tailor, one hotel, one distillery, one school and church. Population about 70.
Nacoochee Valley, situated 12 miles N. W. of Clarkesville, has three stores, one hotel, one church, and several mechanics' shops. The valley is about eight miles long and about half a mile wide. It is one among the most beautiful valleys in the world. The land is productive, rewarding the farmer with liberal crops of corn, wheat, &c. More than 1,200,000 dollars worth of gold has been found in this valley.
MOUNTAINS .- Yonah, Ellick's, Sall's, Skitt's, Tray, and Cur- rahee. The latter deserves special notice. It rises gradually in a conical form until it reaches an elevation of 900 feet. On the east it sinks completely to the usual level of the land ; but, on the western side, after descending for many hundred feet, it blends with a ridge that unites it with the chain of the Al- leghanies.
FALLS .-- The celebrated falls of Tallulah are in this county, and all who have visited them unite in saying that they merit a high place among the natural curiosities of the United States. The following account of these falls is from the pen of David P. Hillhouse, Esq .: " The stream is, by the Cherokee Indians, called in some places Tarrurah, at other places Tallulah. It is the western branch of the Tugaloo river, and the rapids are situ- ated about ten miles above its junction with the Chattooga, which is the eastern branch of the Tugaloo. The rapids are
20
302
HABERSHAM COUNTY.
about 12 miles from Clarkesville. The river passes through a range or ridge of mountains, for somewhat more than a mile, forming for its bed an awful gulf, and for its banks stupendous fronts of solid rock, like those of Niagara, just below its great cataract, and of the Genesee river below the fall in that stream, a few miles above Lake Ontario. These banks of Tallulah are worn by its waters in many places into caverns and gro- tesque figures, and often the sides are perpendicular, and smooth beyond the means of art to imitate. Just at the head, and also at the foot of the rapids, the banks of Tallulah river are not more than ordinary height above common water mark. In the intermediate distance, the height of the banks varies from 200 to 500 feet perpendicular. The width of the river is from 15 to 100 feet. There are four perpendicular pitches of water, of from 50 to 80 feet, and a great many smaller cata- racts of from 10 to 20 feet perpendicular pitch. There are but two or three points by which a person can possibly descend to the bed of the river, and these are the tracks of small rivu- lets emptying themselves into the river on the west side, and making several very steep precipices, down which one may possibly pass by aid of the shrubbery that grows in the hol- lows. When arrived at the water's edge, to look out at the opening of the great cliffs above, is surprising, interesting, and alarming !
" These cliffs, combined with the foaming, roaring, bound- ing, impetuous current of water, exhibit novelty, beauty, and grandeur in the greatest degree. At the instant the visiter views the current some hundred feet below him, he shrinks back in apprehension of his destruction : still curious to view it more, he cautiously advances again, until by degrees he be- comes so familiar to the scenery, as to be perfectly delighted with it. At every step he beholds some new dress that gives ad- ditional interest to the prospect. But there is no tinselled or- nament to the banks of Tallulah. In a wild, uncultivated, and barren country, no art has been introduced to deface this grand exhibition of nature. Sculptured chasms and fonts, elevated por- tals, formidable stockades, impregnable fortresses, deep perpen- dicular cascades, and successive bounding currents, added to the many rainbows that continually shine (when the sun does)
303
HABERSHAM COUNTY.
through the spray that rises from the falling water, and the variegated colours in front of the rocky banks of red, white, yellow, and brown, and the small rivulets that pour down into the gulf from the mountain's top, give novelty, beauty, sublim- ity, and awe to the rapids of Tallulah."
The Toccoa falls are on a creek of the same name. The water falls more than 185 feet perpendicular. No description can give an idea of the beauties of this fall and the surround- ing scenery.
MINERALS .- A great variety of minerals is found in Ha- bersham. It was in this county that the first gold mines were discovered in Georgia. The following is a list of the princi- pal ones ;
Loud's vein has been a rich mine ; not now in operation. Has been excavated to the depth of 135 feet.
Gordon's, near Loudsville, is considered rich.
Lewis's, one mile from Loudsville, would be valuable were water convenient.
Holt's, two miles from Loudsville, is thought to be rich.
Richardson's mines, on Duke's creek, in Nacoochee valley, have yielded 150,000 pennyweights of gold. They are still worked. Forty hands employed. Deposit mine.
White & McGie's mines. Vein and deposit. Have yield- ed 66,000 pennyweights of gold in eight years.
Gordon & Lumsden's mines, on Duke's creek. Vein and deposit. Produced in 10 years 100,000 pennyweights of gold.
Williams's mine, on the Chattahoochee, has been in opera- tion about 20 months, and paid fair wages.
Little John's mine, on Duke's creek, is an excellent vein. Has been worked two years, and has yielded 30,000 penny- weights.
Horshaw's mine, on Sauly creek, has yielded largely.
Iron is abundant. Some years ago there were iron works on the Soquee river ; but for reasons unknown to us, they have been discontinued. In addition to the minerals already named, the county has cyanite, garnets, carnelians, augite, asbestos, tourmaline, rubies, plumbago. Three diamonds have been found in the county.
304
HABERSHAM COUNTY.
CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE .- The people of this section are accommodating and hospitable. To strangers they are particularly attentive, and take much pleasure in communicat- ing information in regard to the various objects of interest with which the country abounds. Some of the most intelli- gent men in the State reside in this county.
ANTIQUITIES .- In 1834, says Mr. Sherwood, in his Gazetteer of Georgia, a subterranean Indian village was discovered in Nacoochee valley by gold miners, whilst excavating a canal. The depth to which it is covered varies from seven to nine feet. Some of the houses are imbedded in a stratum of rich auriferous gravel. They are 34 in number, built of logs from six to ten inches in diameter, and from ten to twelve feet in length. Cane baskets and fragments of earthenware were found in the rooms. Specimens of curious workmanship, such as crucibles and mortars, have been also found.
NAME .- This county was named in honour of Col. Joseph Habersham. This sterling patriot was born at Savannah, on the 28th of July, 1751. His father, James Habersham, was a native of England, and accompanied his friend the Rev. George Whitefield, to Georgia, in 1738, by whose advice he took charge of the Orphan House, situated about nine miles from Savannah. He was a man of uncommon piety, and ne- glected no opportunity of inculcating upon the minds of his children the important truths of religion. The subject of this memoir was educated at Princeton College, whilst under the able presidency of Dr. Witherspoon. At an early period of his life he imbibed a love for independence ; and accordingly, when only 23 years of age, he was placed upon the first com- mittee appointed by the friends of liberty, on the 27th of July, 1774. Not many months after this, several gentlemen met at the house of Dr. Jones to concert a plan by which access could be had to the magazine in Savannah, which contained a large quantity of powder. On the 11th of May, Mr. Haber- sham accompanied by Noble, W. Jones, Edward Telfair, Wil- liam Gibbons, Joseph Clay, and John Milledge, effected an en- trance into the magazine, took out the powder, sent a part of it to Beaufort, and concealed the remainder. Agreeably to notice given, a number of the sons of liberty met in Savannah,
305
HALL COUNTY.
on the 21st of June, 1775, to select a committee, whose duty should be to co-operate with the other colonies in the strife of freedom, and Mr. Habersham was placed upon this commit- tee. In the following month, learning that a vessel had ar- rived at Tybee, with powder for the use of the oppressors of their country, a band of patriots headed by Mr. Habersham took possession of her, and sent a large quantity of the powder to Savannah, 5000 pounds of which were immediately des- patched to Boston, and were probably used at the memorable battle of Bunker Hill. Mr. Habersham shortly after this, had another opportunity of showing his great decision of character. Gov. Wright having rendered himself very obnoxious to the patriots, Mr. Habersham raised a company of volunteers and took the Governor prisoner. Such devotion to the cause of his country placed him in the foremost rank of that illustrious company, who had hazarded every thing in the noble cause of freedom, and accordingly he was appointed Major of the first battalion of troops raised in Georgia, In this new capa- city he gave proof of his merits as a soldier. On every occa- · sion in which danger was to be encountered, or service per- formed, he was actively engaged. He was present at the siege of Savannah, and bore a conspicuous part in its dangers. Geor- gia was not unmindful of the worth of her faithful son. In 1785, he was elected Speaker of the General Assembly, and again, in 1790, was elected to this high office. In 1795, he received from General Washington the appointment of Postmaster General of the United States, the duties of which he discharg- ed, not only to the close of Washington's administration, but throughout that of the elder Adams. When Jefferson became President, Mr. Habersham resigned, and returned to Georgia. He closed his active and useful life on the 17th day of No- vember, 1815, in the 65th year of his age.
HALL.
BOUNDARIES, EXTENT .- This county is bounded N. by Habersham and a corner of Lumpkin, E. by Franklin and
306
HALL COUNTY.
Jackson, S. by Gwinnett, W. by Forsyth and Lumpkin. Laid out by the Lottery Act of 1818. 'Length 30 miles, breadth 24; 720 square miles.
RIVERS AND CREEKS. -- The principal streams are the Chattahoochee, Chestatee, Oconee and Little rivers. The creeks are numerous, among which are the following : Shoal, Flowery, Flat and Limestone, emptying into the Chattahoo- chee ; Middle Wahoo, East Wahoo, and others.
POST OFFICES .- Gainesville, Argo, Chestnut Hill, Gills- ville, Hog Mountain, Gailey's Mill.
POPULATION, TAXES, REPRESENTATION .- The number of inhabitants in this county, in 1845, was 6,817 whites, and 1,346 blacks; total, 8,163. The amount of tax paid into the State treasury, for 1848, $1, 773 65 cts. Sends one representa- tive to the Legislature.
CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE, AMUSEMENTS .-- The citizens are generally well informed. One hundred and seventy newspapers are taken in the county. The people are ge- nerally temperate and hospitable, but rather shy of strangers. More industry is wanted, although there is great improvement as far as this is concerned. Hunting and rifle-shooting oc- cupy a large portion of the time of the people ; and they have the reputation of being expert with the rifle.
RELIGION, EDUCATION .- The Baptists and Methodists are about both equally divided. There are a few Presbyterians. In the county are about seventeen Methodist churches, six- teen Baptist, and one Presbyterian. Education does not com- mand the attention which its importance requires.
NATURE OF THE SOIL, VALUE OF LAND, PRODUCTS, MARKET. -The bottoms of the Oconee river have the best soil, and are well adapted to the growth of corn. On the Oconee river there is a body of land in one locality consisting of 5000 acres, . said to be very superior. On the Chattahoochee river there is also much good land. By far the largest portion of the land in this county is sandy. Corn, wheat, rye, and some cotton, are the productions. Corn averages on the rich lands eight barrels per acre. On other lands two barrels. Wheat ten bushels per acre. Cotton about 300 lbs. per acre. Athens has a large share of the business of this county. The best
307
HALL COUNTY.
lands sell at $12 per acre. The inferior kinds from $2 to $8. 350 bags of cotton made in a year.
CLIMATE, DISEASES, LONGEVITY .- The climate in winter is variable ; in summer pleasant, and bracing. Most of the dis- eases are spring diseases. Cases of goïtre, in a mild and mo- dified form, occasionally occur. Several medical gentle- men have instituted inquiries whether any cases of consump- tion have ever occurred in this county, and they have not been able to learn the occurrence of a single case. The instances of longevity are Mrs. Floyd, over 106; Mrs. Young, 108; Mr. Young, son of this lady, 86; Mrs. Nancy Glaze, 102; Mr. Gowder, 96 ; Capt. Armour, over 80-was in the battle of Vinegar Hill in Ireland.
MILLS .- Ten saw-mills, fourteen grist-mills, two merchant mills, one upon the Chestatee, the other upon the Chattahoo- chee.
ROADS, BRIDGES, FERRIES .-- The roads are fair. Bridges two. Ferries two.
ORIGINAL SETTLERS .-- Robert Armour, Messrs. Boyd, Bates, Stringer, Floyd, Young, and Nicholls.
MINERALS .- To the geologist and mineralogist, this county offers an interesting field. A great variety of minerals exist. The first diamond ever discovered in Georgia, was found in Hall county. Dr. Daniell owns the diamond found about two miles from Winn's ferry. Those owned by Dr. Banks and Major Bell, were found among the old gold diggings of the gold region of this county. One of the diamonds found here brought $200. It is the opinion of several scientific gentle- men, that if proper attention were paid to this subject, large quantities of diamonds might be found in a certain section of Georgia, of which Hall is a portion. This county is also fa- mous for gold. We give a list of the principal mines.
The Glade mines are the most extensive, situated on Flat creek, about two miles from the Chattahoochee, thirteen miles north of Gainesville ; this is a deposit vein. These embrace sixty or seventy acres ; coin about 92 cts. per pennyweight; have been worked sixteen years ; owned by Dr. Banks.
Hayden's mine, joining the above, on the same creek.
Stocking Eater mine, on a branch entering into Flat creek. Deposit mine.
308
HALL COUNTY.
Smith's lot, on the same branch, a rich mine.
On the Chestatee, the Chattahoochee, on Mud and Camp creeks, and in various other places, gold is found.
More than a million dollars worth of gold have been ob- tained in Hall.
The other minerals are iron, silver, lead, ruby, tourmaline, amethyst, emerald, cyanite, granite, soap-stone, and elastic sand-stone.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.