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 40
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NATURE OF THE SOIL, PRODUCTIONS, AVERAGE PRODUCT PER ACRE .- In this county there is little rich land, except on the Flint river and the creeks, but large bodies of fair average land. It is interspersed with gray and mulatto soil. The southern part is hilly. Cotton averages 400 pounds per acre ; corn, 4 barrels ; wheat, 10 bushels; bags of cotton annually produced, about 8,000.
EARLY SETTLERS .- Gen. Daniel, James Neal, J. B. Read, J. B. Williamson, H. G. Johnson, W. E. Mangum, Gideon
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PIKE COUNTY.
Barnes, Willis J. Milner, Wm. Ellis, Burwell Orr, and John Neal.
NAME .- The name of Zebulon Montgomery Pike (after whom this county is called) will descend to posterity as one among the most gallant heroes which any age or country ever produced. He was the son of an officer in the American army, and was born in the State of New Jersey, on the 5th day of January, 1779. At a very early age he received a commis- sion as Ensign, and afterwards of Lieutenant, and attached himself to his father's company, which was then stationed on the western frontier of the United States. Whilst engaged in his military duties, he endeavoured to supply the defects of his early education by diligent study. Almost without any aid he made considerable proficiency in the Latin, French, and Spanish languages, the elementary branches of mathe- matics, and polite literature. He had the habit of writing upon the blank pages of some favourite volume any thought that occurred to him whilst reading. The following extract is from the blank leaves of a book, which he valued very highly, and will illustrate his lofty spirit :- " Should my country call for the sacrifice of that life which has been devoted to her services from early youth, most willingly shall she receive it. The sod which covers the brave shall be moistened by the tears of love and friendship ; but if I fall far from my friends, and from you, my Clara, remember that the choicest tears which are ever shed are those which bedew the unburied head of the soldier : and when these lines shall meet the eyes of our little -, let the pages of this little book be impressed on his mind as the gift of a father, who had nothing to bequeath but his honour ; and let these maxims be ever present to his mind, as he rises from youth to manhood. First, preserve your honour free from blemish ; second, be always ready to die for your country."
" Z. M. PIKE.
" Kaskaskias, Indian Territory."
In 1805, this ambitious youth was sent by the government of the United States at the head of an expedition for the pur- pose of tracing the Mississippi to its source. He embarked at St. Louis, on the 9th of August, 1805, with twenty men, in a
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PIKE COUNTY.
stout boat, with provisions for four months. The narrative of this expedition has been given to the public, and evinces on the part of Pike an invincible fortitude amidst perils, and a cheerful endurance amidst privations. After eight months' absence he returned, and shortly afterwards was appointed by Gen. Wilkinson to command an expedition to explore the interior of Louisiana. This expedition was accompanied by hardships to which the former bore no comparison. Cold, hunger, and every privation, were willingly suffered to fulfil the objects of the expedition ; and he arrived at Natchitoches on the 1st July, 1807. Upon his return, Congress was pleased to signify to him their sense of his zeal, perseverance, and intelligence. He then was appointed Captain, shortly after Major, and in 1810 a Colonel of Infantry. During the inter- vals of military duty he published an account of his two expeditions ; and although this work is far from being fault- less, it is nevertheless a very sprightly and highly interesting narrative. Upon the declaration of war, Colonel Pike was stationed with his regiment upon the northern frontier ; and at the beginning of the campaign, in 1813, was appointed a Brigadier General in the army of the United States. The eyes of the country were directed to the man whom they regarded as the chosen champion who was to redeem their reputation from that disgrace with which it had been stained by a long series of disasters. In the expedition against York, he was selected as the commander. On the 25th of April, he sailed from Sackett's Harbour in the squadron of Commodore Chauncey. On the day before the expedition, he thus writes to his father :- " I embark to-morrow in the fleet at Sackett's Harbour, at the head of a column of 1500 choice troops on a secret expedition. If success attends my steps, honour and glory await my name ; if defeat, still shall it be said we died like brave men, and conferred honour even in death on the American name. Should I be the happy mortal destined to turn the scale of war, will you not rejoice, oh my father ? May heaven be propitious, and smile upon the cause of my country ! But, if we are destined to fall, may my fall be like Wolfe's-to sleep in the arms of victory." These words were prophetic. After the whole force had landed, Gen.
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PULASKI COUNTY.
Pike, in person, led on the attack. The fire of the enemy was soon silenced by his artillery, and a surrender was momently expected, when the British magazine exploded, causing death all around.
Just before the explosion Gen. Pike had sat down on the stump of a tree, engaged with one of his aids in examining a British sergeant, who had been taken prisoner. In the explosion a quantity of large stones was thrown in every direction, one of which struck Gen. Pike on the breast ; upon which he said, "I am mortally wounded; write to my friend D., and tell him what you know of the battle, and to comfort my -. " As the troops passed by their dying General, he exclaimed, " Push on, my brave fellows! push on, and avenge the death of your General." Whilst the surgeons were carrying him off the field, a great noise was heard in the direction of the American troops. Pike turned his head anxiously, upon which a sergeant said, "The British union jack is coming down, General, and the stars are going up." Smiles lighted up the countenance of the expiring chief. He was carried to the Commodore's vessel; and just before he breathed his last, the British standard was brought to him, upon which, having made a sign to have it placed under his head, he expired. A more gallant hero never lived. Noble man ! " When our children shall read the history of patriots and heroes who have fallen in the arms of victory ; when their eyes glisten, and their young hearts throb wildly at the kindling theme, they will close the' volume that tells of Epam- inondas, Sydney, and Wolf, and say, We too had our Mont- gomery and our Pike."
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PULASKI.
BOUNDARIES, EXTENT .- This county is bounded N. by Twiggs and a part of Wilkinson, E. by Laurens, S. by Telfair and Irwin, and W. by Dooly and Houstoun. Laid out from Laurens, in 1808. Length 32 miles, breadth 17; square miles 540.
477
1
PULASKI COUNTY.
RIVERS, CREEKS .- The Ocmulgee flows through the county. Gun Swamp creek is quite a large stream. South Fork Shell Stone, Jordan's, Limestone, Moscheto, Cross, Cypress, Fol- som's, Cedar, Bluff, Reedy, Muddy, and Tucsawhachee or Big Creek discharge their waters into the Ocmulgee.
POST OFFICE .- Hawkinsville.
POPULATION, TAXES, REPRESENTATION .-- In 1845, the po- pulation of this county was 3,512 whites, 2,399 blacks ; total, 5,911. Amount of tax returned for 1848, $2,224 81 cents. Sends one representative to the Legislature.
- TOWNS .- Hawkinsville is the county town, situated on the west side of the Ocmulgee river, 61 miles from Milledgeville, 47 from Macon, 32 from Vienna, and 45 from Jacksonville. It has the usual county buildings; six stores, two churches, two hotels, &c. Population, 175. It is an unhealthy place. About $150,000 worth of goods are sold per annum. Amount of cotton received per annum, 6,000 bales. Incorporated in 1830.
Hartford is opposite to Hawkinsville, formerly a thriving place ; but now nearly abandoned on account of its unhealthi- ness.
EARLY SETTLERS .- James Phillips, M. McCormick, S. Mitchell, S. Coalson, J. Johnson.
MILLS .- There are in the county between 20 and 25 saw- mills, and about the same number of grist-mills.
RELIGIOUS SECTS, EDUCATION .- The prevailing sects are Baptists and Methodists. There is a want of interest in the subject of education.
VALUE OF TOWN LOTS, &c .- The value of town lots is $49,866 ; value of stock in trade, $43,250 ; money at interest, $7,445.
FACE OF THE COUNTRY, NATURE OF THE SOIL. - The lower part of the county is level. The upper part is rolling. Much of the land is unproductive. The lands on the east side of the Ocmulgee are rich, producing cotton, corn, &c. Land is worth on an average, $3 per acre.
ROADS AND BRIDGES .- The roads are good. The bridges are neglected.
CLIMATE, DISEASES, &c .- The climate is hot and un-
31
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PULASKI COUNTY.
healthy. Remote from the swamps diseases are not so com- mon. We have been able to ascertain but one case of longevity, Jacob Parkerson, a soldier of the Revolution, was 79 at his death. One or two negroes have reached an advanced age.
CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE .- The temperance effort has had a happy influence upon the population. The amount of immorality has greatly diminished. Hospitality and kindness to strangers are traits in the character of the people.
ROCKS .-- Pulaski offers a wide field to the geologist. The rotten limestone formation prevails, filled with shells of almost every variety. Fossil bones and petrified wood are very com- mon. On the banks of the river at Hawkinsville, petrifactions are abundant.
ANTIQUITIES .- There are a number of small mounds in various parts of the county, on the Ocmulgee river.
NAME .-- This division of the State was named after Count Pulaski. After Casimir Pulaski had unsuccessfully contended for the principles of liberty in his own country, he determined to connect himself with those who were engaged in the same struggle in America. Dr. Franklin, then minister to the Court of France, to whom Pulaski was introduced in Paris, thus writes to Gen. Washington : " Count Pulaski, of Poland, an officer famous throughout Europe for his bravery and conduct in de- fence of the liberties of his country against the great invading powers of Russia, Austria, and Prussia, will have the honour of delivering this into your hands. The Court here have en- couraged and promoted his voyage, from an opinion that he may be highly useful in our service." Furnished with such a testimonial, Pulaski found no difficulty in getting employment in the American army. In the battle of Brandywine he had a post near Washington, and by his bravery and activity, con- firmed the reputation which he had in Europe, as an accom- plished officer. After the battle, Congress appointed him to the command of the cavalry, with the rank of Brigadier Gene- ral ; but owing to some dissatisfaction among the officers un- der him, he resigned his command and joined the main army at Valley Forge. In 1778, with the approbation of Washing- ton and Congress, he raised a corps, which was afterwards
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PUTNAM COUNTY.
called Pulaski's Legion. In February, 1779, Pulaski and his legion were ordered to Savannah, to join General Lincoln. On his way thither he entered Charleston three days before General Prevost invested that city. In an attack upon the British force he greatly distinguished himself, although the superior numbers of the enemy compelled him to retreat. When a majority of the inhabitants of Charleston desired to capitulate, Pulaski succeeded in calming their fears, and in- duced the Council to inform the British commander that all negotiations upon that subject had terminated. In the as- sault upon Savannah, in 1779, he sealed his devotion to liberty by his blood. Upon the details of this siege, we have not space to dwell, and can only say, that understanding that Count D'Estaing was wounded, and that the French troops were in a state of confusion, Pulaski rushed among them, and was wounded by a cannon shot and fell. Some of his men proceeded to the place where he lay and bore him off. He died at sea a few days after he received his wound, and his remains were committed to the deep. In the city of Savan- nah there is a monument to the memory of Pulaski and Greene. It is hoped, that an appropriate inscription will soon be placed upon it.
PUTNAM.
BOUNDARIES, EXTENT .- This county is bounded N. by Morgan and Greene, E. by Greene and Hancock, W. by Jas- per, and S. by Jones and Baldwin. Laid out in 1807, lines established and confirmed in 1808, and a part taken from it and added to Jones, in 1810. It is about 20 miles long and 18 wide, and contains 360 square miles.
POST OFFICES. - Eatonton, Clopton's Mills, Rockville, Glade's Cross Roads, Stanfordville.
POPULATION, TAXES, REPRESENTATION. - The census of 1845 gives the population thus : whites, 3,756 ; blacks, 7,183; total, 10,939. State tax returned for 1848, $4,831 37 cents. Sends two representatives to the Legislature.
RIVERS, CREEKS .-- The Oconee and Little rivers are the
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PUTNAM COUNTY.
chief streams. The creeks are Murder, Rooty, Crooked, Glady, Lick, and others.
TOWNS .-- Eatonton, named after General Eaton, is the seat of justice, in the centre of the county, on a high ridge, 22 miles N. N. W. of Milledgeville, 22 from Greenesborough, 22 from Madison, 18 from Monticello, 28 from Clinton, 28 from Sparta, and 24 from Macon. It has a court-house, jail, one church for Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyterians ; a branch of the Bank of the State of Georgia, Masonic Hall, two academies, eleven stores, mechanics' shops, &c. The town is distinguished for its beautiful groves. It was made the county site in 1808. Population, 600.
Stanfordville, 12 miles from Eatonton, has a church, two stores, school, &c. This place was formerly known by the name of Half Acre, or Devil's Half Acre, an appellation given to it, from the wickedness of the inhabitants. We are pleased, however, to say that it no longer merits this name. It is now a quiet and moral village.
Rockville, 11 miles from Eatonton. It has two stores, church, school, &c.
Glade's Cross Roads, 92 miles from Eatonton.
NATURE OF THE SOIL, VALUE OF LAND .- The soil is of the description called mulatto, peculiarly adapted to cotton. The soil has been impoverished by a bad system of cultivation. The farmers are beginning to adopt measures to reclaim the lands ; and a hope is entertained that they will be restored to a produce sufficient for all purposes. The county was origin- ally laid off into lots of 2022 acres; and such has been the fertility of the soil, that in 1847 there was only one lot which retained its original growth. Lands are increasing in value, and are scarce at $5 and $8 per acre.
IMPROVEMENTS .- Farmers are providing themselves with useful agricultural fixtures.
FRESHETS .- These are sometimes very tremendous, sweep- ing away dams, bridges, and mills.
MANUFACTURES, MILLS .- The Eaton Manufacturing Com- pany, situated on Little river, three miles west of Eatonton. Capital $70,000.
Spindles,
1,836
Looms, 36
1
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PUTNAM COUNTY.
Bundles of yarn per day, 100
Yards of Osnaburgs, " 1000
Number of hands employed, 97
Wages of operatives, from $12 to 20 per month.
Annual expense of hands, $7,000.
About 100 yards of bagging per day are made from waste. and inferior cotton.
In addition to the above, a quantity of rope is also made. Proper attention is paid to the instruction of the children of the operatives.
Merchant-mills, six, of a very superior character ; grist-mills five ; saw-mills fourteen.
FOREST TREES, FRUITS, FLOWERS .- The various kinds of oak peculiar to middle Georgia, pine, poplar, sycamore, beach, maple, ash, gum, elm, cucumber, &c. Fruits do well when proper attention is paid to them. In Eatonton some taste for flowers is displayed. The garden of Judge Meriwether is well worth a visit.
CLIMATE, DISEASES, LONGEVITY .- The climate is the same which prevails in the middle counties of Georgia; and the diseases are similar in character. Mr. William Hathorn died in this county at the age of 109 ; Mr. Francis Ward was be- tween 80 and 90; Mr. Joseph Turner was over 80.
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS, EDUCATION .- The principal re- ligious denominations are Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyte- rians. Education receives a due share of attention. Number of poor children, 164. Educational fund, $142 24 cents.
ANTIQUITIES .- On the road to Covington are the remains of an ancient fortification. , Six miles W. of Eatonton are two or three Indian mounds.
PRODUCTIONS .- Cotton, corn, wheat, rye, barley, peas, &c.
AVERAGE PRODUCT PER ACRE .- Cotton, 600 pounds ; corn, three barrels ; wheat, 10 bushels. From 8 to 10,000 bales of cotton are made per annum.
ROADS AND BRIDGES .- These require more attention.
MINERALS .- A vein of copper has been found in the west- ern part of the county, one mile from Stanfordville. Granite is abundant; iron ore, tourmaline, quartz. Some years ago, a few particles of gold were found.
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PUTNAM COUNTY.
MARKETS .-- Savannah, Augusta, and Macon.
VALUE OF TOWN LOTS, &c .- The value of town lots, ac- cording to the Digest of 1848, is $49,666. Value of stock in trade, $42,127 ; money at interest, $325,920. Capital invested in manufactures, over $50,000.
MISCELLANEOUS .- The first Superior Court for this county was held at Hillsborough, by Judge Early. The first election was held in January, 1808.
NAME .- This county received its name to commemorate the services of Israel Putnam, a hero of the Revolution, who was born at Salem, Massachusetts, January 7, 1718. The accounts we have of his intrepidity border on the marvellous. His bold attack of a wolf, while in her den, is related with great parti- cularity, in a memoir written by General Humphrey, and need not be repeated in this sketch. In the war which broke out in 1755, between England and France, he was appointed. a captain of Rangers, and afterwards served under Generals Abercrombie and Amherst, on the frontiers, and in Canada. His numerous adventures would fill a volume. Upon one oc- casion he was compelled to surrender to an Indian, who bound him to a tree which stood directly between the fires of the contending parties. The balls flew thick from each side ; many struck the tree, whilst some passed over the sleeves and skirts of his coat. During this time, a young savage amused himself by hurling his tomahawk, to see how near he could throw it without striking his head. The weapon struck in the tree a number of times, at a hair's breadth from the mark. Af- ter this, a Frenchman levelled his gun within a foot of his breast, but it missed fire. Whilst a prisoner among the In- dians, he endured the most shocking barbarities. In one in- stance he was stripped, and a fire was kindled to roast him alive ; but a French officer saved him. After the close of the war, he commanded the Connecticut troops in an expedition against the Western Indians. In 1762, when war was de- clared between England and Spain, he had the command of the Connecticut regiment, which was sent to Cuba, and was present at the taking of the fortifications of Havana.
He was ploughing in the field when he heard of the battle of Lexington ; upon which, leaving his plough in the field, and
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PUTNAM COUNTY. 1
without changing his clothes, he repaired to Cambridge, riding in one day one hundred miles. He was immediately made a Brigadier General in the provincial army, returned to Connec- ticut, levied a regiment, and repaired again to the camp. In the memorable battle of Bunker's Hill he displayed consum- mate bravery. Washington had the greatest confidence in his courage and skill, and trusted him with the command of the city of New-York, at the time when it was thought that the whole force of the enemy would attempt to take possession of it. The fidelity with which he executed this important com- mand was acknowledged by Washington in general orders. In August, 1776, he was stationed at Brooklyn, Long Island. In the following October or November he was sent to Phila- delphia, to fortify that city. In January, 1777, he was ordered to take post at Princeton, where he remained until spring. At this place the following incident occurred: Captain McPher- son, of the British army, had been severely wounded ; and be- lieving that his end was approaching, expressed a wish that General Putnam would permit a friend in the British army at Brunswick to come and assist him in making his will. This re- quest created much embarrassment in the mind of Putnam. He desired to be humane, but was unwilling that the weak- ness of his post should be seen by a British officer, for at this time he had but fifty men under his command. . He therefore adopted an expedient to gratify the wishes of the British offi- cer, and at the same time prevent. any discoveries as to the weakness of his post. A flag was despatched with McPher- son's request, but under an injunction that his friend should be brought in the night. In the evening, lights were placed in all the College buildings, and in every apartment of the vacant houses throughout the town. During the whole night, the fif- ty men, sometimes all together, and sometimes in small detach- ments, were marched from various quarters by the house in which McPherson lay. The officer on his return reported, that General Putnam could not have a force of less than 4 or 5,000 men. On one occasion, a tory by the name of Palmer was detected in the camp. The enemy demanded him, threaten- ing vengeance if he were not given up; upon which General Putnam wrote the following reply : " Sir, Nathan Palmer, a
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RABUN COUNTY.
lieutenant in your king's service, was taken in my camp as a spy. He was tried as a spy, he was condemned as a spy, and he shall be hanged as a spy. P. S. Afternoon. He is hanged." Upon the loss of Fort Montgomery, Washington directed Putnam to fix upon a spot on which to build another fortifica- tion ; and to him belongs the credit of selecting West Point. In December, 1779, while on his way from Connecticut to Head Quarters, General Putnam was attacked by a paralytic affection, under which he languished until his life was brought to a close, 29th of May, 1790, aged 72 years. " Born a hero whom nature taught and cherished in the lap of innumerable toils and dangers, he was terrible in battle. But from the ami- ableness of his heart, when carnage ceased, his humanity spread over the field like the refreshing zephyrs of a summer's evening. The prisoner, the sick, the forlorn, experienced the delicate sympathies of this soldier's pillar."*
RABUN.
BOUNDARIES, EXTENT .- Rabun forms the N. E. corner of the State, and is bounded N. by Macon county, North Caro- lina, E. by Chattooga river, which separates it from South Carolina, S. by Habersham, and W. by Union. Laid out in 1819. It is 20 miles long, and 20 wide, containing 400 square miles.
RIVERS, CREEKS .- The Tennessee, Chattooga, Tallulah, and Ulufta rivers, are the principal streams. The creeks are Gumekeloke, War Woman's, Stekoa, Tiger Tail, Wild Cat, Persimmon, and Mud creeks. The Tennessee river rises in this county, within four miles of Clayton, and soon swells to a considerable stream. The gap of the Blue Ridge, near its source, is perhaps the lowest in the United States. The wa- ters of the Savannah rise near the same point. General Millar, who once resided in this county, commenced a canal to unite the waters of the Tennessee with those of the Savannah.
* Thatcher's Journal. American Biographical Dictionary. National Por- trait Gallery.
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RABUN COUNTY.
POST OFFICE .- Clayton.
POPULATION, TAXES, REPRESENTATION .- In 1845 the popu- lation was 1,825 whites, and 93 blacks. Amount of taxes returned for 1848, $409 90. Entitled to one representative.
TowN .- Clayton is the seat of justice, and is situated near the centre of the county, at the foot of the Blue Ridge. It is 156 miles N. of Milledgeville, 25 from Clarkesville, and 9 from the North Carolina line. Population, 16. It has a court-house, jail, and church, one grocery, one academy, and one lawyer. At the time this notice was prepared, there was no trade of any description carried on in Clayton. The town was loca- ted, incorporated, and made the county site on lot number 21, in the second district, in 1821. It was first named Claytons- ville, after Judge Augustus S. Clayton, but in 1823 the name was changed to that of Clayton.
NATURE OF THE SOIL .- A few fine bodies of land are in the county, principally on the water-courses. In the vicinity of Mockeson Court Ground, there is some superior land. This place is so hemmed in by impassable mountains, that it cannot without difficulty be reached by a vehicle, without passing through a corner of South Carolina. Twenty-five or thirty families reside here, composed of the most substantial citizens in the county.
MINERALS .- Granite abounds; iron, carbonate of iron, alum, &c. Gold has been found in several localities, parti- cularly on Persimmon creek. Powell's, Stonecypher's, and Smith's mines have been tolerably productive. Morgan's mines are thought to be rich
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