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 44
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chochee or Bear creek. The other streams are, Slaughter, Kinchafoonee, Allonahachee, &c.
NATURE OF THE SOIL, PRODUCTIONS, VALUE OF LAND .- One-third of the lands is of the first quality, of a dark gray colour, peculiarly adapted to cotton, corn, sugar-cane, potatoes, oats, &c. The second quality embraces what are called the level pine lands, colour inclining to that of red, suitable for wheat, corn and cotton. The third quality embraces a sort of land containing a little of every colour and degree of fertility. Lands of the first quality are worth $7 per acre; second, $4; third, $2.
AVERAGE PRODUCT PER ACRE .- On lands of the first quality, the average product of cotton per acre is 1,000 lbs .; corn, 30 bushels. The second quality lands will produce 700 lbs. of cotton per acre, and corn, 20 bushels.
MINERAL SPRINGS .- Ten miles west of Lumpkin are two or three springs, within a short distance of each other, im- pregnated with sulphur and iron.
MINERALS .- Iron is found in a few places. Excellent marl, shell rock, and fossils.
MANUFACTURES, MILLS .- One wool factory ; 20 grist-mills ; 15 saw-mills.
TowNS .- Lumpkin is the seat of justice; situated in the centre of the county, on the waters of Hodchodkee creek, dis- tant from Milledgeville 160 miles S. W., 36 from Columbus, 35 from Americus, and 22 from Cuthbert. It has the usual county buildings, three hotels, two churches, and two acade- mies, seven stores, five groceries, three tailors, two blacksmiths, two carriage-makers, one cabinet-maker, two shoe shops, one silversmith, 10 lawyers, four doctors, and one minister. Con- siderable business is done in this place. Population, from 800 to 1,000.
Florence is on the Chattahoochee river, 16 miles W. of Lumpkin. Population, 200. This was once a flourishing place ; but from its unhealthiness, it has lost much of its business.
Lannahassee is a prominent place in the eastern part of the county.
ROADS .- The roads, with few exceptions, are kept in good order.
523
STEWART COUNTY.
RELIGIOUS SECTS, EDUCATION .- Methodists, Baptists, Pres- byterians, and a few Universalists.
The citizens are not indifferent to the subject of education. Good schools are increasing.
VALUE OF TOWN LOTS, &c .- The value of town lots is $34,295. Value of stock in trade, $42,250. Money at in- terest, $91,616.
CLIMATE, DISEASES, LONGEVITY .- The climate is warm. The diseases are such as usually prevail in south-west Georgia.
The following cases of longevity have come to our know- ledge : Mr. William Elliott, 90 years old; Mrs, Elliott, 85; Mr. Bush and wife, both 90; Z. Elliott, 84; Benjamin Smith, 88; Robert Melton, 82; Thomas Glenn, 81.
NAME .-- The chronicle of great names connected with the history of Georgia, would be incomplete without that of Gene- ral Daniel Stewart, whose name this county bears. He was born in St. John's parish, now Liberty county, in 1762. It will be remembered, that at an early period the citizens of St. John's parish took a very firm stand in favour of independence. The early, open, and determined resistance of this parish, did not escape the notice of the enemy; and accordingly it was made to feel the full measure of royal vengeance. " The Bri- tish army laid waste the whole parish of St. John's ; burnt their church at Medway, destroyed almost every dwelling- house, and the crops of rice then in stacks, drove off the ne- groes and horses, carried away the plate belonging to the planters, and trespassed upon the sacred dwellings of the dead." Such proceedings only served to increase the flame of opposi- tion among the patriots of St. John's parish. Many fearless spirits, such as the Bakers, Winns, Maxwells, Screvens, and Joneses, and a host of others, repaired to the standard of their country, resolved "to do or die." Among these was Daniel Stewart, who at the age of 15 or 16 years joined the American army. He was frequently in battle under Generals Sumter, Marion, and Col. W. R. Harden. At Pocataligo, in South Carolina, he was taken prisoner, and put on board of a prison ship, from which, after suffering the most rigorous treatment, he made his escape. Throughout the whole strug-
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524
SUMTER COUNTY.
gle for liberty, he continued in active service, enduring suffer- ings, the recital of which would hardly be credited. At the close of the war he retired to his native county, but the Indian depredations on the frontiers called him again to arms. To the protection of the inhabitants of the southern sections of Georgia, none contributed more than did the men under Co- lonel Stewart. Indians in detached bodies were constantly making inroads upon the settlements, carrying off their pro- perty, and often murdering whole families. We have had an opportunity of examining full accounts, written by the actors of these eventful times, of the state of things which then existed in the counties of Liberty and Camden ; and they all award to Col. Stewart the meed of high praise for the measures he adopt- ed to secure the helpless inhabitants against their savage assail- ants. The responsible and dangerous duties devolving upon Colonel Stewart, were performed with a fidelity and perseve- rance which entitle him to the gratitude of his countrymen. He filled many important offices in the gift of the people. The Legislature of Georgia conferred many appointments upon him. He was an elector, and voted for Madison for the Pre- sidency ; and on raising a brigade of cavalry, he was elected Brigadier General. In 1791 he was placed upon a committee in the name of the Church and Society at Medway, to present an address to General Washington, who was then on a visit to Georgia. In the war of 1812 he was again in the field as Bri- gadier General of Cavalry, ready, had it been necessary, to meet the foes of his country. In private life he shone most conspicuously. In all the relations of husband, parent, and master, he was affectionate and humane. For many years, he was an exemplary member of the church in Medway. He died at his residence in Liberty county, in the 69th year of his age.
SUMTER.
BOUNDARIES .- Bounded N. by Macon and Marion, E. by Dooly, S. by Lee, and W. by Stewart. Laid out from Lee, in 1831.
525
SUMTER COUNTY.
POST OFFICES .- Americus, Danville, Friendship, Plains of Dura, Pondtown.
POPULATION, TAXES, REPRESENTATION .- According to the census of 1845, the population was 4,926 whites, and 2,515 blacks ; total, 7,441. Amount of State tax returned for 1848, $2,619 90. Entitled to one representative to the Legislature.
RIVERS, CREEKS .- The Flint river forms the eastern boun- dary of the county. The Muckalee, Muckaloochee, and Kin- chafoonee, are considerable streams. Spring, Mountain, and Little Sweet Water, are among the largest creeks.
TOWNS .- Americus, the county site, is a pretty and thri- ving town on the waters of Muckalee creek. It contains the usual county buildings, three churches, male and female acade- mies, two hotels, four drygoods stores, one drug-store, three groceries, one tan-yard, two blacksmiths, two shoe and boot shops, nine lawyers, and six physicianss. Population about 450. The town is well shaded with trees of natural growth. Distance from Milledgeville, 165 miles S. W .; from Flint river, 16 W .; from Columbus, 59; and from Albany, 40. Made the county site and incorporated in 1832.
Danville is 16 miles E. of Americus, on the Flint river. Population, 200. This is an unhealthy place.
Pondtown is 12 miles N. of Americus. Population, 150.
FACE OF THE COUNTRY, NATURE OF THE SOIL, PRODUC- TIONS .- The face of the country is flat. Much of the land is very productive, particularly on the rivers and creeks. Cotton is the principal article cultivated. Corn, wheat, rye, and sugar-cane do well.
MARKETS .- Farmers send their cotton to Macon, Columbus, and Albany.
MILLS .- Merchant-mill, 1; saw-mills, 7; grist-mills, 12.
COTTON .- Between 8,000 and 9,000 bales of cotton are annually produced.
ROADS AND BRIDGES .- These are kept in good repair.
CLIMATE, DISEASES, LONGEVITY. - During the summer months it is excessively hot. The climate can hardly be called unhealthy, although there are several localities where sickness prevails. Fevers and chills are the most common diseases. The following are the cases of longevity which
34
526
SUMTER COUNTY.
have come to our knowledge. Mr. Wyatt Oates, over 80 ; Mr. A. Godwin, over 80; Mr. R. Satlar, over 80; Daniel Flanigan, 83.
RELIGIOUS SECTS, EDUCATION .- The religious sects are Missionary and Anti-Missionary Baptists, Methodists, Presby- terians, and Universalists. The interest in the subject of edu- cation is daily increasing. In Americus and some other places, there are schools having a high reputation. Number of poor children, 279. Educational fund, $241 95.
CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE, AMUSEMENTS .- The inhabit- ants of this county are intelligent, hospitable, and frugal. The forests abound with game, and hunting constitutes one among the chief amusements.
EARLY SETTLERS. - Among the early settlers were Mr. L. B. Smith, Mr. J. Tyner, and Mr. W. Brady.
VALUE OF TOWN LOTS, &c .- According to the Digest for 1848, the value of town lots is $13,240. Stock in trade, $20,325. Money at interest, $22,231.
NAME .- The following account of Major General Thomas Sumter, is abridged from a memoir written by William Gil- more Sims, Esq. :
Thomas Sumter, after whom this division of the State was named, was born in Virginia, in the year 1734. When a boy, he went as a volunteer against the French and Indians, in the "old French war." Not long after Braddock's defeat he came to South Carolina, where he was engaged in active service against the Indians. Known to be a warm friend to the principles of those who were opposed to the usurpations of Great Britain, as early as March, 1776, he was appointed by the Provisional Congress, Lieutenant Colonel of the 2d regiment of riflemen, and was engaged in watching the outbreaks of the disaffected on the frontier, and the hostile red men. After the fall of Charleston, Sumter retired to the swamps of the Santee ; but he soon emerged from his hiding place, went to North Ca- rolina to obtain recruits, and stopped at a place known as the " Gillespie Settlement." Of the Gillespie family were nu- merous brothers, all of whom were famous cock-fighters. They were content with the conflicts of the barn-yard, hav- ing in their possession, amongst other famous fighting birds, a
527
SUMTER COUNTY.
blue hen of the game species, whose progeny were particularly distinguished for their martial qualities. Of one of these chick. ens, called Tuck, there is quite a biography. His reputation was extended far and wide, from mountain to mountain. He was never known to refuse a fight, or to lose a battle. At one time Sumter suddenly appeared at the cockpit and surprised the Gillespies at their usual occupations, and in abrupt language called upon them to leave the cockpit, and go with him, where he would teach them how to fight with men. They took him at his word. "Tuck for ever," was the cry of the Gillespies. "He is one of the Blue Hen's chickens." The sobriquet stuck to him always after; and the eagerness with which he sought his enemies on all occasions amply justified in the opinion of his followers the name of the Game Cock.
In raising recruits our hero was successful, and on the 12th of July, 1780, he gave the Gillespies the amusement he had promised them, by suddenly attacking a body of Tories, and completely defeating them. After this affair Sumter had the pleasure of receiving from Governor Rutledge, a commission as a Brigadier in the service of the State, and was ordered to re- cover a certain portion of the country from the power of the enemy. On the 30th of July, 1780, he advanced upon the British post at Rocky Mount ; but for want of artillery, he was compelled to abandon the attack.
Hanging Rock next attracted the notice of Sumter. This was garrisoned by a force of 500 men ; and although in the battle fought here he could not be said to have obtained a complete victory, yet it is acknowledged by the enemy, that they got the worst of the battle. About August of the same year, he surprised the British near Carey's fort. Hav- ing taken the fort, stores and troops, he commenced a retreat ; but Tarlton overtook him two days after, at Fishing creek. Burdened with his baggage and his prisoners, 300 in number, his movements were necessarily slower than those of the light armed troops which Tarlton commanded. The camp of Sumter was surprised; his troops were dispersed, the pri- soners recaptured, and Sumter again a fugitive. Again he made his way into North Carolina, and after raising a force, he took the field and occupied a post at the Fish Dam ford.
528
SUMTER COUNTY.
Here he was attacked by Col. Wemyss ; but so gallantly did Sumter defend his position, that the British fled, leaving their commander in the hands of the Americans.
Col. Wemyss had rendered himself very obnoxious to the Americans by his cruelties. In addition to many offences of the same character, a memorandum of the houses and es- tates he was yet to destroy was found upon his person. This was shown to Sumter, but he, with the magnanimity becom- ing a hero, threw the paper into the fire, and would permit no injury to be inflicted upon the British officer. After this ac- tion, he crossed Broad river, and being joined by an addi- tional force, he prepared to attempt the British post at Ninety- Six; but hearing of the approach of Tarlton, he changed his movements, and took up his position at the house of Black- stock, where he was attacked by the British ; but a well directed fire from the Americans forced him to give up the assault. In this engagement 192 of the enemy were left on the field, of whom 92 were slain, and the rest wounded. The loss of the Americans was almost nominal. General Sumter received a ball through the breast near the shoulder, which for a long time rendered him unfit for service. Congress ac- knowledged his services by a vote of thanks.
In the early part of 1781, he again took the field, and made a rapid movement towards Fort Granby, and succeeded in destroying its magazines, and the very next day he surprised an escort convoying wagons of stores from Charleston to Cam- den, slew thirteen of the escort, and made sixty-six prisoners. Not long after this he was attacked by Major Fraser, near Cam- den ; but that officer got the worst in the conflict, making off with the loss of twenty men. Receiving a letter from General Greene, requesting him to do all in his power towards break- ing up the British communication, Sumter was already in the field, sweeping the country lying between the Broad, Sa- luda, and Wateree rivers.
On the 10th of May, he took the British post, at Orange- burgh, with its garrison, consisting of 100 men, and all its stores. About this time Gen. Sumter, embroiled in a dispute with Col. Lee, sent his commission to Gen. Greene, whom he thought improperly partial to Lee. This was returned with
529
TALBOT COUNTY.
many expressions of kindness and compliment on the part of Gen. Greene ; and Sumter, cheerfully yielding his private grievances to his sense of patriotism, resumed his responsi- bilities ; but in a short time, fatigue and wounds demanded that he should have a respite from toils, and accordingly he repaired to the mountains, for the purpose of recruiting his health ; and when he was able to resume the field, the war was at an end. He survived long after the independence of his country was established. For many years he was a member of Congress, first as a Representative, and afterwards as a Senator. He lived to a mature old age, honoured to the last, and died on the 1st of June, 1832, at his residence, near Brad- ford Springs, South Carolina, in the ninety-eighth year of his age.
TALBOT.
BOUNDARIES, EXTENT .- Talbot county is bounded N. by Meriwether, N. E. by Upson, E. by Crawford, S. by Marion and Macon, and W. by Harris. Laid out in 1827. Length 25 miles, breadth 18 miles. Containing 450 square miles.
POST OFFICES. - Bluff Spring, Talbotton, Carsonville, Centre, Daviston, Pine Hill, Pleasant Hill, Prattsburg, Quito, Holt's Shop, Mount Pleasant.
POPULATION, TAXES, REPRESENTATION .- In 1845, the po- pulation was 14,192; of these 8,016 were whites, and 6,176 blacks. State tax for 1848, $5,278 98 cents. Sends two re- presentatives to the Legislature.
RIVERS, CREEKS. - The Flint river is the main stream. The water-courses of less magnitude are Patsiliga, Hachasof- kee, Lazer, Beaver creek, &c.
MOUNTAINS .- The Oak mountains are in the northern part of the county.
TOWNS .- Talbotton, the seat of justice, is situated on the waters of Lazer Creek. It is a neat town, 93 miles west of Milledgeville, 25 from Greeneville, 23 from Thomaston, 32 from Columbus, and 35 from La Grange. Talbotton was
530
TALBOT COUNTY.
incorporated and made the county site in 1828. The situa- tion is high and salubrious. Its public buildings consist of a court-house, jail, Masonic hall, two academies, one for males and one for females ; and three churches, Methodist, Baptist, and Episcopal. The court-house is of brick, and is large and well arranged. The Methodist and Baptist churches are large and handsome buildings. The Episcopal church has been re- · cently erected. It is a Gothic building, in perfect keeping throughout. It is an ornament to the town, and is perhaps the most perfect piece of Gothic architecture in the State. The population of Talbotton is about 1,500. It has seven or eight good stores. The Collingsworth Institute is within a mile of the town.
MILLS .- Saw-mills, 15; grist-mills, 25.
RELIGIOUS SECTS .- Missionary, Anti-Missionary and Free- will Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Episcopalians.
EDUCATION .- Education is rather neglected. Good in- structers are wanted. Number of poor children, 226. Edu- cational fund, $196.
CLIMATE AND DISEASES .- The climate is mild. The most common diseases are fevers. The only case of longevity with which we are acquainted is that of Shadrach Ellis, a soldier of the Revolution, who died at the age of 80. Other cases of longevity are doubtless to be found in the county.
FACE OF THE COUNTRY, NATURE OF THE SOIL .- The face of the country is very broken. The soil is various. The brown or mulatto lands prevail, but there is much red and gray ; the latter being porous and subject to washing. Along the margin of the streams there is some alluvium. In the south- ern portion of the county there is much pine land, through which courses several fine mill-streams. Some of the post-oak lands are very fine.
PRODUCTIONS .- Cotton, corn, wheat, rye, oats, potatoes, &c., are extensively cultivated.
CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE .- The people, as a mass, are intelligent and industrious, but are wanting in public spirit.
ROADS AND BRIDGES .- Some of these are in good order, while others are sadly neglected.
VALUE OF TOWN LOTS, &c .- The value of town lots is
531
TALIAFERRO COUNTY.
$28,904. Value of stock in trade, $29,300. Money at inte- rest, $73,955.
NAME .- Talbot county received its name in honour of Matthew Talbot. This gentleman came from Virginia in 1785, settled in Wilkes, and afterwards moved to Oglethorpe county. His honesty and firmness made him one of the most popular men in Georgia, and his fellow-citizens gave him many proofs of the confidence which they had in his ability and fidelity to represent their interests. In Wilkes, Mr. Talbot was always the man of the people, and for many years was the faithful representative of that county in the State Legislature. Whilst a resident of Oglethorpe he was elected a delegate to the Convention which framed the present Constitution of the State of Georgia. In 1808, he was elected to the Senatorial branch of the Legislature; and, from 1818 to 1823, was President of the Senate ; and, upon the death of Governor Rabun, was ex- officio Governor. In the various departments in which the par- tiality of his fellow-citizens placed him, he was never known to swerve from his duty. As a member of the Legislature, he in- variably had reference to the good of the State. As President of the Senate, his conduct was marked by dignity and impar- tiality. In private life he was friendly and amiable. His heart was the seat of kindness. He closed his life in Wilkes county on the 17th of September, 1827, in the 60th year of his age.
TALIAFERRO.
BOUNDARIES, EXTENT .- This county has Oglethorpe and Wilkes on the N., Warren on the E., Hancock on the S., and Greene on the W. Laid out in 1825 from Wilkes, Warren, Hancock, Greene, and Oglethorpe. It is 16 miles long and 11 wide, containing 176 square miles.
POST OFFICES .- Crawfordville, Raytown.
POPULATION, TAXES, REPRESENTATION .- In 1845 the popu- lation was 5,801, of which 2,130 were whites, 2,671 blacks. Amount of tax returned for 1848, $1639 96. Sends one repre- sentative to the Legislature.
532
TALIAFERRO COUNTY.
RIVERS, CREEKS .- Little river, and the North and South Forks of the Ogeechee ; Hardin's, Lick, Powder, and Reedy creeks.
TOWNS .- Crawfordville is the seat of justice, on the Georgia Railroad, 618 feet above the level of tide water, 45 miles N. E. of Milledgeville, 64 from Augusta, 18 from Greenesborough, 20 from Washington, and 18 from Warrenton, and contains a brick court-house, a jail, two public houses, one academy, one church, four lawyers, four or five physicians, three stores, three or four groceries, and several mechanic shops. Amount of goods sold in a year, $40,000. The water is good. Incor- porated in 1826. Population, 250.
Raytown is 7 miles N. E. of Crawfordville. It has two stores, two groceries, one tailor, two blacksmiths, one wagon- maker, and one physician.
NATURE OF THE SOIL, VALUE OF LAND .- There are some excellent lands in this county, particularly on Little river, adapted to cotton, wheat, and other grains; worth $10 per acre. The other lands command from $4 to $6 per acre.
ROADS AND BRIDGES. - The roads and bridges are in a good condition.
MANUFACTURES, MILLS .- One extensive cotton-gin factory in Crawfordville. Three flour-mills ; 3 saw-mills ; 6 grist-mills.
VALUE OF TOWN LOTS, &c .- Value of town lots, $8,797. Value of stock in trade, $4,065. Money at interest, $32,959.
RELIGIOUS SECTS .- The principal religious societies are the Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians. In the year 1800, several Roman Catholics emigrated from Maryland, and established a church at Locust Grove. The present pastor is the Rev. Peter Wayland. In the county are three Methodist churches, two Baptist, one Roman Catholic, and one Presby- . terian.
EDUCATION .- The citizens have not been regardless of education. Most of the children attend school. Number of poor children, 187. Educational fund, $162 16.
MINERALS .- Gold, iron, granite, quartz, mica, and gneiss. Sulphuret of iron and magnetic iron ore are found in various places.
AVERAGE PRODUCT PER ACRE .- Cotton averages 450 pounds per acre ; corn 2 barrels ; wheat 8 bushels.
:
533
TALIAFERRO COUNTY.
About 7,000 bags of cotton are annually raised.
CLIMATE, DISEASES, LONGEVITY .- The climate does not differ from that of the neighbouring counties. The diseases are fevers, chills, and pneumonia. Mr. Richard King, a sol- dier of the Revolution, died in this county at 96 ; Mr. Rich- ard Parker was over 80 ; Mr. Henry Stewart was 90. Mrs. Stewart, 86, and Mrs. Morris, over 80, are both living.
ANTIQUITIES .- There is a mound six miles west of Craw- fordville.
MINERAL SPRING .- In the upper part of the county there is a spring, which has been analyzed, and found to be possessed · of mineral properties.
PRODUCTIONS .- Cotton, corn, wheat, oats, rye, barley, peas, &c.
CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE, AMUSEMENTS. - The people are well informed and hospitable. The amusements are hunt- ing, fishing, dancing, &c.
EMINENT MEN .- Hon. A. H. Stephens, the able repre- sentative of the Seventh Congressional District of the State of Georgia, is a native of Taliaferro. His residence is at Crawfordville.
NAME .- The gentleman after whom this portion of the State is called, was Benjamin Taliaferro, whose ancestors were among the earliest settlers of Virginia, and many of the name are still to be found in the middle and low country of that State. The subject of this memoir was the son of Zack Talia- ferro. When a mere youth he joined the Continental army as lieutenant, and very soon obtained a captaincy. In the severe service which the American army had to perform in the Jerseys, he participated with undaunted firmness. At the battle of Princeton, the corps which he commanded forced a British company to surrender. When the captain stepped forward in his elegant uniform, and inquired for the American com- mander, that he might deliver up his sword, Captain Taliaferro felt some hesitation in presenting himself, as he was at that time without shoes or shirt, and his coat much the worse for wear ; but he finally advanced and received the sword of the dashing English captain. At the call of Washington, he vol- unteered to join the Southern army, and after seeing much
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