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 34
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Of his political creed it is scarcely necessary to speak. His unconquered consistency-the frank and manly avowal of his opinions on all proper occasions-the prominent and distinguished part it was his lot to act in support of every re- publican administration, sufficiently proclaim it. Suffice it to say, he was a republican of the old school, and possessed, with- out qualification or abatement, the affection and confidence of a Jefferson, a Madison, a Monroe, and a Jackson ; and of the whole host of distinguished statesmen with whom he was a co-labourer in the cause of democracy and free government. His political principles were deep-rooted; he became attached to them from early examination, and was confirmed in their correctness from mature reason and long experience. They were the principles of genuine republicanism ; and to them through life he gave a hearty, consistent, and, available sup- port. With them he never compromised ; and the greater the pressure, the more pertinaciously he stood by them. Adopt -- ing, to the fullest extent, the doctrine which allowed to man the capacity and the right to self-government, he was a strict constructionist of the Constitution of the United States ; and never would consent, however strongly the law of circum- stances-the common plea of tyrants-might demand it, to exercise doubtful powers. Jealous of federal authority, his most vigilant efforts were directed towards restraining it with-
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MACON COUNTY.
in due limits. A democrat by nature as well as education, he was persuaded, that on the popular part of every government depend its real force, its welfare, its security, its permanence, its adaptation to the happiness of the people.
Though so long honoured and so many years the depositary of public confidence and public trusts, he had the rare merit of never having solicited any one to vote for him, or even in- timated a wish that he should ; and, though no one ever shared more fully the confidence and esteem of a large circle of warm and influential friends, his is the praise of never having soli- cited the slightest interest for his own preferment.
But it was in private life the rare excellences of this great and good man shone brightest. " To be and not to seem," was his maxim. Disdaining the pride of power-despising hypocrisy, as the lowest and the meanest vice-with an honest simplicity and Roman frankness of manners, he gave to inter- course an ease and freedom which made his society and con- versation sought after by all who knew him. Industry, eco- nomy, and temperance distinguished the character of Mr. Macon, during every portion of his long life, and he was always truly exemplary in the discharge of every social and domestic duty. His love of justice and truth, and his integrity of heart commanded universal confidence, esteem, and respect. In his dress,' his manners, his habits, and mode of life, he in- dulged no fondness for superfluities ; but he never denied him- self the use of what was necessary and convenient.
The vainness of ostentation and the littleness of pride were alike disgusting to him. His neighbours, even the humblest, visited him without ceremony, and in all their difficulties ap- plied to him for advice and comfort, which he never failed to afford in a manner the most acceptable. The society of his neighbourhood, embracing an unusually large circle, seemed as it were to constitute but one family, of which he was the head and the guide ; and the rich stores of his mind were com- mon property. Such was the moral influence which he ex- erted around him, that his example and his precept were allowed the force of law. His heart was the seat of the benevolent affections ; and that he enjoyed, while living, the happiness that attends their constant exercise, was sufficiently attested
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MADISON COUNTY.
by the many, of both sexes and all ages, who attended his interment, with tears and deepest sorrow; and that he was not wanting in the offices of humanity, was proven by the heart-rending scenes exhibited in the moans and lamentations of his numerous black family, when they were permitted to view, for the last time, his mortal remains. They, indeed, had cause for sorrow. Never had slaves a kinder master. In every thing connected with their health and comfort he made the most liberal and ample provision-in food, raiment, bedding, and dwellings. In their sickness, his attentions to them were those of a kind and tender friend. Nor did he neglect their moral instruction and discipline. He was fond of reading, but his favourite study was man. To this predilection did he owe that consummate knowledge of the human character, and those practical lessons of wisdom, of so much consequence to the conduct of life, which gave him rank among the " wisest and best." He died in Warren county, North Carolina, on the 29th day of June, 1837, in the 79th year of his age .*
MADISON.
BOUNDARIES, EXTENT .- Madison is bounded N. by Frank- lin, E. by Elbert, S. by Oglethorpe and a part of Clarke, and W. by Jackson. Laid out from Oglethorpe, Jackson, Frank- lin, and Elbert, in 1811, and additions made to it in 1813, '19, '23, '29,'31. Length 14 miles, breadth 13. Square miles, 182. RIVERS, CREEKS .- North and south prongs of Broad river, Mill Shoal, Brushy, Holly, Fork, Blue Stone, and Shoal creeks. POST OFFICES .- Danielsville, Brookline, Madison's Springs.
POPULATION, TAXES, REPRESENTATION .- The census of 1845 gave to this county 3,615 whites, 1,699 blacks ; total, 5,314. Amount of State tax for 1848, $1,498 70 cents. Sends one representative to the Legislature.
TowN .-- Danielsville, named after General Allen Daniel, situated on a high, uneven surface, is the capital. Distant from Milledgeville 87 miles N., 15 from Athens, 23 from Lex-
* Furnished by the Hon. Mr. Edwards, of North Carolina.
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MADISON COUNTY.
ington, 8 from the Madison Springs, 23 from Jefferson, and 20 from Carnesville. This is quite a small village, having a court-house, jail, two stores, mechanics' shops, one Pres- byterian church, and one or two schools. Population 35. Healthy and quiet village. Made the county site in 1812. Incorporated in 1817.
RELIGIOUS SECTS, EDUCATION. - Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, a few Universalists and Reformed Methodists. In the county are six Baptist churches, two Presbyterian, three Methodist. Education is beginning to be appreciated. Number of poor children 210; educational fund, $182 13 cents.
CLIMATE, DISEASES, LONGEVITY .- The climate is pleasant and healthy. Fevers occur on the water-courses. There are several instances of longevity. Mr. James Pittman is 93 ; Mrs. Lettuce Milligan 89, and reads without glasses ; Mr. Stephen Groves is over 98 ; Mr. James Thompson is 80; Mr. James Caruth is over 80; Mr. James Saunders is 80; Capt. Robert L. Tate, 80.
EARLY SETTLERS .- Samuel Long, Jacob Everhart, Sa- muel Woods, Stephen Groves, and others.
MINERALS .- Gold on Broad river, eight or nine miles E. of Danielsville. Large quantities of iron ore ; and several years ago iron works were in successful operation. Four miles be- low Danielsville, on the south fork of Broad river, granite, quartz, and the minerals of the adjoining counties are found.
CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE, AMUSEMENTS .- The people of this county have the reputation of being industrious and fru- gal. Hospitality is one among their most prominent charac- teristics. The amusements are dancing, hunting, fishing, quiltings, and sociables. One or two instances of gander-pull- ing, have occurred within a few years past.
NATURE OF THE SOIL, PRODUCTIONS, VALUE OF LAND .- Good lands are on Blue Stone creek peculiarly adapted to corn, wheat, and cotton. Value about $4} per acre. The lands on the north fork of Broad river are very inferior. On the south fork the lands are productive, valued at about $8 per acre. The northwest part of the county is poor ; the land hardly worth $1 per acre. The productions are cotton,
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MADISON COUNTY.
corn, wheat, rye, oats, barley, sweet potatoes, and Irish pota- toes. Fruits and vegetables do well.
AVERAGE PRODUCT PER ACRE .- Cotton averages 400 pounds per acre ; corn, 2} barrels ; wheat, 5} bushels. Two thousand bags of cotton are annually produced.
AVERAGE PRICE OF GRAIN, PROVISIONS, LABOUR .- Corn averages $1 25 per bushel ; wheat, 75 cents ; butter, 12} cents per pound ; eggs, 6 cents per dozen ; pork, 4 cents per pound ; bacon, 7 cents; beef, 2} ; turkeys, 75 cents per pair ; fowls 20 cents do. ; geese, 50 cents do .; tallow, 8 cents per pound ; wax, 20 do. Board at hotels, $8 per month. White men hire at $8 per month ; negro men, at $60 per annum ; negro women, at $45 do.
ROADS, BRIDGES, FERRIES .- The market roads are kept in good order. There is only one bridge of importance in this county. Ferries, eight.
MILLS, DISTILLERIES .- Saw-mills 13; grist-mills 14 ; flour- mills 3; and a number of small distilleries.
VALUE OF TOWN LOTS, &c .- The value of town lots is $2,150. Value of stock in trade, $11,000. Money at interest, $44,790.
MINERAL SPRINGS .- Madison Springs, 23 miles N. W. of Athens. The water is impregnated with iron, and efficacious in the cure of several diseases, and is much resorted to in the summer.
MISCELLANEOUS .- AUSTIN DABNEY .- In the beginning of the revolutionary conflict, a man by the name of Aycock removed to Wilkes county, having in his possession a mulatto boy who passed for and was treated as his slave. Aycock was not the bravest of men, and when called upon to do mili- tia service manifested much uneasiness, and did his duty so badly, that his Captain consented to exchange him for his mu- latto boy, then eighteen years of age-a stout, hardy youth- upon Aycock's acknowledging that he was the son of a white woman, and consequently free. The boy had been called Austin, to which the Captain added Dabney.
Dabney proved himself a good soldier. In many a skirmish with the British and tories, he acted a conspicuous part. He was with Col. Elijah Clarke in the battle of Kettle Creek, and
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MADISON COUNTY.
was severely wounded by a rifle-ball passing through his thigh, by which he was made a cripple for life. He was unable to do further military duty, and was without means to procure due attention to his wound, which threatened his life. In this suffering condition he was taken into the house of - Harris, where he was kindly cared for until he recovered. His grati- tude to the good people by whose attention he was restored, was never forgotten. He laboured for Harris and his family more effectually than any slave could have been made to do.
After the close of the war, when prosperous times came, Austin Dabney acquired property. In the year 18- he removed to Madison county, carrying with him his benefactor and family. Here he became noted for his great fondness for horses and the turf, and was seldom without a fine racer. He attended all the races in the neighbouring counties, and betted to the extent of his means. His courteous behaviour and good temper always secured him gentlemen backers. His means were aided by a pension which he received from the United States, on account of his broken thigh.
In the distribution of the public lands by lottery among the people of Georgia, the Legislature gave to Dabney a lot of land in the county of Walton. The Hon. Mr. Upson, then a representative from Oglethorpe, was the member who moved the passage of the law. The preamble was as follows :- " Whereas, by an act of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia, passed on the fourteenth day of August, 1786, it is stated that the said Austin Dabney during the Revolution, instead of advantaging himself of the terms to withdraw him- self from the American lines and enter with the majority of his colour and fellow-slaves in the service of his Britannic Majesty and his officers and vassals, did voluntarily enrol himself in some one of corps under the command of Colonel Elijah Clarke, and in several actions and engagements behaved against the enemy with a bravery and fortitude which would have honoured a freeman, and in one of which engagements he was severely wounded, and rendered incapable of hard servitude ; and policy and gratitude demand a return for such service and behaviour, from the Commonwealth; and it was further stated in said act that said Austin should be entitled
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MADISON COUNTY.
to the annuity allowed by this State to wounded and disabled soldiers ; and the said Austin having petitioned the Legislature for some aid in his declining years ; and this body considering him an object entitled to the attention and gratitude of the State."
At the election for members of the Legislature theyear after, the county of Madison was distracted by the animosity and strife of an Austin Dabney and an Anti-Austin Dabney prty. Many of the people were highly incensed that a mulatto negro should receive a gift of the land which belonged to the freemen of Georgia. Dabney soon after removed to the land given him by the State, and carried with him the family of Harris, and continued to labour for them, and appropriated whatever he made for their support, except what was necess y for his coarse clothing and food. Upon his death, he left them all of his property. The eldest son of his benefactor he sent to Franklin College, and afterwards supported him whilst he studied law with Mr. Upson, in Lexington. Wien Harris was undergoing his examination, Austin was standing outside of the bar, exhibiting great anxiety in his counter ance ; and when Harris was sworn in, he burst into a flood. of tears. He understood his situation very well, and never 4 guilty of impertinence. He was one of the best chroniciers of the events of the war, in Georgia. Judge Dooly thought much of him, for in the war of the Revolution he had servec under his father, Col. Dooly. It was Dabney's custom to be at the pub- lic house in Madison, where the Judge stopped during court, and he took much pains in seeing his horse well &'tended to. He frequently came into the room where the judges and law- yers were assembled on the evening before the court, and seated himself upon a stool or some low place, where he would commence a parley with any one who chose to talk with him.
He drew his pension in Savannah, where he went once a year for this purpose. On one occasion he went to Savannah in company with his neighbour, Col. Wyley Pope. They tra- velled together on the most familiar terms, until they arrived in the streets of the town. Then the Colonel observed to Austin that he was a man of sense, and knew that it was not
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MADISON COUNTY.
suitable for him to be seen riding side by side with a coloured man through the streets of Savannah ; to which Austin replied, that he understood that matter very well. Accordingly, when they advanced along the principal street, Austin checked his horse and fell behind. They had not gone very far before Col. Pope passed by Gen. James Jackson's house, who was then Governor of the State. Upon looking back, he saw the Governor ran out of the house, seize Austin's hand, shake it as if he had been his long-absent brother, draw him off his horse, and 'carry him into his house, where he stayed whilst in town, and was treated with marked kindness. Col. Pope used to tell this anecdote with much glee, adding that he felt cha- grined when he ascertained that whilst he passed his time at a public house, unknown and uncared for, Austin was the hon- oured guest of the Governor.
NAME .-- This county receives its name from James Madi- son. This 'illustrious man was born in Virginia, on the 5th day of March, 1751. About the age of twelve, he was placed under the care of able teachers, and after the usual prepara- tory course, he became a member of Princeton College, where he graduated. Upon his return home he pursued an extensive course of reading, and thus laid the foundation for that emi- nence to which he afterwards attained. At the commence- ment of the difficulties between Great Britain and her colo- nies, he warmly espoused the cause of the latter ; but, owing to ill health, did not join the army. At 25 years of age, Vir- ginia honoured him with a seat in the Legislature. He was also a meriber of the Council of the State, until his election to Congress in 1779. The journals of this body show that he dis- tinguished himself as an active and leading member. Many of the state papers of this period were composed by Mr. Ma- dison, and are acknowledged to have been the product of a mind well trained.
In 1784, '5 and '6, he represented his State in the Legisla- ture. During these periods questions of great importance were discussed in the Virginia Legislature, and in all of these he took a conspicuous part. In the Federal Convention at Philadelphia for framing the Constitution, no member distin- guished 'himself more than Mr. Madison. The debates of this
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MARION COUNTY.
Convention, were preserved by him. In the interval be- tween the close of the Convention at Philadelphia for fram- ing the Federal Constitution and the meeting of the State Legislatures to sanction it, that celebrated work, the Federal- ist, was written, and the chief contributions to it, were made by Mr. Madison. He was in Congress in 1789, and remained a member until 1797. In 1801 Mr. Jefferson gave him the office of Secretary of State, which office he held through eight years of Jefferson's Presidency. In this department he estab- lished his reputation as a consummate statesman. "On the com- plicated questions of the conflicting rights of war and peace, colonial commerce, contraband trade, impressment of seamen, search and seizure of ships, and others too numerous to men- tion, Mr. Madison did not present one view unmarked with a power of research, of argument, and of reasoning, unsur- passed in the annals of diplomatic writing." In 1809 he was elected President of the United States, and was re-elected for a second term. The history of his administration is the his- tory of the country at a very trying period. Mr. Madison, at the close of his term, had the satisfaction of seeing his coun- try prosperous. At sixty-six years of age he retired from the turmoils of public life, and resided on his estate in Virginia. For twenty years his chief enjoyments were derived from his farm and books. In 1829, although eighty years of age, he was prevailed upon to become a member of the Convention which sat in Richmond to amend the Constitution of the State of Virginia. At the age of eighty-five his mind was bright, his memory retentive, and his conversation highly de- lightful and instructive. He closed his mortal career June 28, 1836.
1
MARION.
BOUNDARIES, EXTENT .- Bounded North by Talbot, East by Macon, South by Sumter and Stewart, and West by Musco- gee. Laid off in 1827, from Lee and Muscogee. Length, about 41 miles ; breadth 30 ; square miles, 1,230.
RIVERS, CREEKS .- There are no very large streams in this
,
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MARION COUNTY.
county. The creeks are the Kinchafoonee, Juniper, Buck, Pine Knot, Uchee or Richland, and White Water.
POPULATION, TAXES, REPRESENTATION .- The census of 1845 gave this county a population of 6,552; of these 4,701 were whites, and 1,851 blacks. Amount of State tax for 1848, $2,293 and 31 cents.
POST OFFICES .- Pea Ridge or Buena Vista, Tazewell, Glenalta, Pineville, Trycam, Poindexter.
TOWNS .- Buena Vista, made the county site in 1847, is situated 7 miles southwest from Tazewell, 101 from Milledgeville, 33 from Columbus, 28 from Talbotton, and 26 from Americus. A fine brick court-house is in the progress of erection. It has two large taverns, two churches, four dry goods stores, two groceries, seven lawyers, three physicians, &c. Amount of business done is over $40,000 per annum. Population about 200. It is a healthy village.
Tazewell, formerly the county site, is about 25 miles from Flint river. Population about 100. Since the removal of the county buildings, the place has declined.
Pineville, a small village in the western corner of the coun- ty, 15 miles from Tazewell.
Glenalta is in the northern part ; has a store, doctor's shop, &c.
Poindexter is in the southeast part.
NATURE OF THE SOIL .- There is a great diversity in the soil. In some parts the land is red and stiff; but the most of it is a loose sandy soil, and very productive. A consider- able portion bordering upon Talbot is poor pine land.
PRODUCTIONS .- Cotton, rice, corn, potatoes, peas, and sugar cane. It has been ascertained that from 12 to 1,500 lbs. of sugar can be produced to the acre.
VALUE OF LAND, MARKETS, COTTON .-- Lands are worth from $3 to $20 per acre. Columbus and Macon are the mar- kets. From 8 to 10,000 bales of cotton are annually pro- duced.
ROADS AND BRIDGES .- The roads are neglected. Bridges are in good order.
RELIGIOUS SECTS, EDUCATION .- Methodists and Missionary Baptists are the most numerous. There are a few Anti-Mis-
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MARION COUNTY.
sionary Baptists, Episcopalians, and Presbyterians. In some neighbourhoods there are good schools, and we are happy to hear that the interest in education is constantly increasing.
CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE, AMUSEMENTS. - The citizens of this section of the State are orderly and moral. The chief amusement is hunting.
MANUFACTURES, MILLS .- At Tazewell is a wool-carding establishment, which does a good business; two merchant- mills ; ten saw-mills ; eight grist-mills.
MOUNDS .-- There are several mounds. The most re- markable are on Col. Brown's plantation. 4
CLIMATE, DISEASES, LONGEVITY .- The climate is healthy. Some fevers and chills occur on the water-courses in the fall. There are a few persons in the county over 80 years of age; George Buchanan and John Mayo were 81 at their death.
VALUE OF TOWN LOTS .- The value of town lots is $7,404. Value of stock in trade, $10,650. Money at interest, $32,475.
NAME .- General Francis Marion, after whom this county received its name, was born at Winyaw, near Georgetown, South Carolina, in 1732. It does not appear that he received any thing more than a plain English education. At the age of 16 he went to sea in a small vessel bound for the West Indies. Whilst on the voyage, the vessel foundered, and the crew, consisting of six persons, were compelled to take the boat, and after enduring incredible hardships, Ma- rion with three of the crew reached land. This disaster changed his wish to become a seaman, and he spent thirteen years in the cultivation of the soil. In 1761 he volunteered in an expedition against the Cherokees, first under the com- mand of his brother, and afterwards as Lieutenant under Cap- tain Moultrie. During this campaign, he led the forlorn hope at the battle of Elchoee, and displayed on that bloody occa- sion a firmness and skill which laid the foundation of that reputation which he afterwards gained. At the close of the Cherokee war, he resumed his agricultural labours, where he continued until 1775, when he was returned to the Provincial Assembly of South Carolina, as a member from St. John's Berkeley. This body resolved to risk every thing in defence
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MARION COUNTY.
of their rights, and raised three regiments. Marion was ap- pointed Captain in the second regiment. Until the attack upon Fort Moultrie he was engaged in the recruiting service. In the attack made by the British on Sullivan's Island and Savannah, his bravery was the theme of admiration. He was not present at the siege and capture of Charleston. Major Garden, in his Revolutionary Anecdotes, relates the following incident as explanatory of the reasons why Marion was not present with his regiment in the defence of the capital :- " Lieut. Colonel Marion had dined, a few days previously to the siege of Charleston, with a friend in the house next to
Roupel's, in Tradd-street. A mistaken idea of hospitality had occasioned his entertainer, according to the universal practice of the day, to turn the key upon his guests, to pre- vent escape until each individual should be gorged to a surfeit with wine. Marion attempting to escape by a window, fell into the street and dislocated his ankle in a shocking manner. This accident saved him from captivity. After he had partially recovered from this injury, he was again in the field, and joined the continental army under Gates, and was despatched by him to watch the motions of the enemy, and furnish intelli- gence. After he had collected a small band of patriots, he rendered various important services by his attacks upon the enemy. In 1780 he was appointed Brigadier General, and in- vested with the command of a military district, the duties of which he continued to perform until the 8th of September, when he commanded the front line of Greene's army in the battle at Eutaw Springs. Congress returned him their thanks for his gal- lant conduct on this occasion. He was in active service until the close of the Revolution, when he returned to his farm. " In the decline of life, in the modest condition of a farmer, Marion seems to have lived among his neighbours very much like the ancient patriarch, surrounded by his flock. He was honoured and beloved by all. His dwelling was the abode of content and cheerful hospitality. He died peaceful and assured on the 27th day of February, 1795, and was buried in St. Stephen's Parish. The marble slab which covers his remains, bears the following inscription :- ' Sacred to the memory of Brigadier General Francis Ma-
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