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 9
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APPLING COUNTY.
Americans, but one man was lost. Three gun-boats were cap- tured, besides several small vessels and equipments. After this affair, Appling was breveted lieutenant colonel. In the attack on Plattsburg, Colonel Appling, with 100 riflemen, rendered important service. After the termination of the war, he re- turned to Georgia and received the congratulations of his countrymen. The Legislature of Georgia, to show the high sense of his gallantry, passed the following resolution, 22d October, 1814 : ' While the Legislature of Georgia view, with the liveliest sensations, the glorious achievements of the Ame- rican arms generally, they cannot but felicitate themselves par- ticularly on the recollection of the heroic exploits of the brave and gallant Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Appling, whom the State is proud to acknowledge her native son; and, as a tribute of applause from the State which gave him birth-a tribute due to the lustre of his actions-be it unanimously resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly met, that his Excellency the Governor be, and he is hereby requested to have purchased and presented to him, an elegant sword, suitable for an officer of his grade.' Colonel Appling died before this resolution was carried into effect, 18th March, 1818, at Fort Montgomery, of an attack of pleurisy, after three days illness ; and, at the next session of the Legislature, the Committee upon the State of the Republic reported, ' That, as Lieutenant Colonel Appling was removed by death, before the laudable design of the Legislature of 1814 could be car- ried into execution, and as there was no male heir either to the fortune or honours of this deserving young soldier, into whose hands the State could commit this sacred pledge of its affection and respect-Resolved, that the State will assume to itself the guardianship of the fame and military reputation of her distin- guished son, the late Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Appling ; and that the sword intended by her, as the just reward of his mili- tary achievements, be deposited in the executive chamber, there to be preserved and exhibited as a lasting memorial of his fame, and a grateful proof of the sensibility with which Georgia cherishes the recollection of the patriotic services of her citizens.'" The sword may be seen in the executive office, at the seat of government, with the resolutions relating to it.
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108
BIBB COUNTY.
BIBB.
Bounded N. by Monroe, N. E. by Jones, E. by Twiggs, S. by Houstoun, and W. by Crawford. Laid out in 1822. Length 19 miles, breadth 16 miles, 304 square miles.
RIVERS AND CREEKS .- The Ocmulgee river is in the eastern part of the county. The creeks are: Tobesofkee, Rocky, Savage, Echaconnee, Coleparchee, Stone, Swift, and Walnut.
POPULATION, TAXES, REPRESENTATION .- In 1845, the popu- lation was 5957 whites, 4791 black; total, 10,749. Amount of State tax for 1848, $9,742 09. Sends two representatives to the Legislature.
POST OFFICES .- Macon and Echaconna.
ORIGINAL SETTLERS .- Charles Bulloch, N. W. Wells, Geo. B. Wardlaw, Timothy Matthews, H. G. Ross, E. McCall, R. McCall, C. McCardill, Thomas House, Joseph Willet, David Flanders, A. Merriwether, J. Stone, Robert Colman, S. Rose, &c.
TOWNS .- Macon, named after the Hon. Nathaniel Macon of North Carolina, is the seat of justice. Few places have advanc- ed with more rapidity. The first lots were sold in 1823. It is situated on both sides of the Ocmulgee river, 30 miles from Milledgeville, 12 from Clinton, and 25 from Forsyth. The municipal government consists of a Mayor and eight Aldermen, who are known under the name and style of "The Mayor and Council of the City of Macon," elected annually on the first Saturday in January. The city officers are : Clerk and Treasurer ; Marshal, who is styled Captain of the City Guard ; a first and second Deputy Marshal, Bridge Keeper, Clerk of the Market, Sexton, City Surveyor, and Keeper of the Magazine, and Board of Health. We have not been able to learn exactly the population of Macon, but according to the best sources of information, we think we are safe in putting it down at 5,200. The Court House is a commodious brick building, three stories high, 93 by 47 feet, with a cupola. The Market House is a neat brick edifice, 100 feet by 40. In the second story is the Council Chamber, besides room for the city
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BIBB COUNTY.
officers. The Jail is of brick, situated near the Court House. The Georgia Female College is situated upon an eminence, commanding a fine view of the city. It is constructed of brick, 160 feet by 60, four stories high, including the basement. The Academy is a fine brick building, situated in a beautiful and retired part of the city. The churches are, the Presby- terian, constructed of brick ; Episcopal, a small, but neat build- ing ; Baptist, Methodist, and Catholic ; besides two or three churches for coloured persons. The Hotels are commodious and ably conducted. A new Hotel has recently been com- menced ; probable cost $26,000. Many of the private resi- dences, on the " Hill," are beautiful, enclosed by grounds, or- namented with flowers, trees, &c. A bridge connects both parts of the town. This was built by the State and purchased by the City for $25,000. Among the many things of which the citizens of Macon may justly boast, is their Cemetery. It is called "the Rose Cemetery," after S. Rose, Esq., a gentle- man distinguished for his public spirit, and who, we believe, originated the plan. We are indebted to Mr. Rose for the fol- lowing description of this interesting spot.
"It is situated about half a mile above the city on the banks of the Ocmulgee river, mostly on elevated ground, the highest point being 142 feet above its bed. Its entrance is through a lofty arched gate, constructed after the Doric order of architecture. The area of ground comprised within the enclosure is about 50 acres. Another spot could scarcely be found in any section of our country so much diversified, and comprising so many distinct objects and combinations going to form a perfect picture of rural beauty. Many who have visited the Cemeteries of the North, and even the far famed Mount Auburn, think it far inferior in natural beauty and location to Rose Hill. A prominent feature in its scenery is the Ocmulgee river, along which it extends nearly half of a mile. The banks are from thirty to sixty feet high, and gene- rally rocky and precipitous, and form an impenetrable barrier to its approaches. The higher parts of the ground are nearly level, and laid out as places of interment ; other places have been selected by many in the wildest parts, almost overhang- ing the deep valleys. From the river deep and narrow dells
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110
BIBB COUNTY.
penetrate the ground from fifty to two hundred yards; one of them divides it entirely near its centre, through which a rivulet murmurs over a steep and rocky bed to the river. This is supplied by four springs, one at the head, outside the ground, and three within it. The water of one is reputed to be the coolest and purest in this vicinity. It is most beauti- fully located, and is the most attractive spot for visitors. The banks around it are high and steep, and thickly wooded. Above it, tower giant poplars and the shady beech, and the sun can scarcely penetrate a beam to enlighten this quiet and solemn solitude. Seats are provided here for visitors, as well as in many other parts of the ground. Two rustic bridges of rock and earth cross this valley ; and in it a pond of about 80 yards in length, by 20 in breadth, has been excavated, supplied by pure water from the springs, and its banks neatly sodded with grass. Around it, are several cypresses and weeping willows, and one rises from a mound in its centre. A variety of fine roses are also near it, and in perpetual bloom. These are also scattered over the ground, and along the walks and roads, in great profusion. The ridges between the dells are steep, and generally terminate abruptly in rocky cliffs at or near the river. On their summits are most beautiful sites for burial lots, most of which are occupied. A broad avenue from the gate terminates on a rocky bluff at the river. Car- riage ways are laid out wherever necessary. One makes the entire circuit of the ground; another winds along the heads of the valleys, and presents most picturesque views. The entire length of the roads and foot-walks is about 5 miles. Many of them have been constructed with great labour, being cut into the steep sides of the river bank and hills, wind- ing through every place that presents any object of attraction. The lots of families are of different dimensions, from 20 to 40 feet square, and at prices varying from 10 to 30 dollars. About 150 have been allotted for strangers. A record is kept of all the interments, by which the occupant of every grave can be designated. Many of the lots are enclosed with iron and handsomely improved with monuments, and the most choice shrubbery, making it emphatically a "Garden of Graves." The first object that strikes a visitor on entering the gate, is
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BIBB COUNTY.
a lot belonging to Macon Lodge, No. 96, handsomely en- closed, and planted with evergreen trees and shrubs, many of which are from far-off lands. The oriental cypress, from Asia, raises its graceful spire ; the balm of Gilead, Norway and silver firs, the hemlock, arbor vitæ, cedar, juniper, and wild olive, the broom and furze, and even the humble thorn, from whose branches was plaited the crown worn on Mount Calvary. This sacred ground is appropriated as the resting place to strangers belonging to the Masonic order. The Odd Fellows have also their enclosure, and beside it " that ancient and peculiar people," the Jews, have also their resting place. Most of the Cemetery is thickly wooded by a young and thrifty growth, interspersed with the towering poplar, giant oaks, beech and sycamore ; and it is worthy of remark that there is scarcely a tree, shrub, or wild flower, that is known in our country, that may not be found within this area of 50 acres. Among those that most adorn it are the wild honey-suckle in abundance, woodbine, golden hypericum, &c. These, with its improvements and diversified landscape, cannot fail to attract the attention and leave deep impressions on every visitor. The river, murmuring over its rocky bed, wheeling around immovable cliffs of granite and flint, rolling on and on for ever, like the tide of human life, to mingle in the unfathomed and undefined abyss of eternity, imparts an instructive lesson, while the beauties of the scene disarm death of half its terrors."
Being in the centre of a thickly settled and fertile part of the State, Macon enjoys many advantages for business.
The value of real estate, according to the report of the assessors, is $1,098,760. The amount of goods sold is over 2,000,000 dollars.
The societies in Macon are the Masonic Lodge, Odd Fel- lows' Lodge, Medical Society, Mechanics' Society, Benevo- lent Society, &c.
In point of health, Macon will compare favourably with any place in our country. According to statistics prepared by the editors of the Georgia Journal and Messenger, it appears that the mortality in 1848 was only one to every 76 inhabi- tants, or one and one-third per cent. of the entire population.
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BIBB COUNTY.
The water of Macon is very good ; better than any between Savannah and Atlanta.
Vineville is about a mile from Macon. Population between 300 and 400. A delightful retreat from the noise and heat of the city.
CLIMATE, DISEASES, AND LONGEVITY .- The climate is as pleasant and as favourable to health as most places in Georgia. Bilious fevers, chills and pneumonia are the most prevalent diseases. The instances of longevity are the following : Mr. Richard Bullock died at 95, John Dalton at 80, Mrs. Cleve- land at 90, Mrs. Mary Bullock at 84, Mrs. Fluening, 82. A negro man, belonging to Mrs. Williamson, died at the age of 100. There are now living Mr. David Gurganus, aged 80 ; Mr. Caleb Malden, 80; Mr. Johnson, 86 ; Mrs. Hightower, over 85.
ROADS AND BRIDGES .- The roads, generally, are in good order. There are fourteen bridges in the county.
MANUFACTURES, MILLS .- Flour mills, two ; grist mills, seventeen ; saw mills, eighteen. Efforts are now making to raise a sum sufficient to establish a cotton factory ; and it is the general opinion that they will be successful.
FACE OF THE COUNTRY, NATURE OF THE SOIL .- The face of the country is hilly. The larger portion of the land is poor. The lands on the Ocmulgee, below and above Macon, are very productive, as well as the lands on some of the creeks. Land is worth about $4 per acre.
PRODUCTIONS .- Cotton, corn, wheat, &c. Cotton averages 400 pounds per acre ; corn from ten to twelve bushels. Bushels of corn for 1848, 177,416 ; ditto of wheat, 3,902 ; ditto of sweet potatoes, 5,905; bales of cotton, 3,050 ; pounds of pork, 703,262 ; number of calves, 862 ; ditto of lambs, 826.
RELIGIOUS SECTS .- Episcopalians, Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, and a few Lutherans.
CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE .- In the character of the peo- ple there is much variety. In the country the citizens are industrious, frugal, and kind. The inhabitants of Macon are devoted to business.
EDUCATION .- Schools are numerous. It speaks well for Macon that it has three bookstores. The newspapers are well
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BIBB COUNTY.
supported. The names of gentlemen might be inserted who pay much attention to literature.
MINERALS .- Gold, granite, geodes, mica, quartz, &c.
MINERAL SPRINGS .- Two chalybeate springs in the vicinity of the Cemetery, and one ten miles north of Macon, near the Ocmulgee.
ANTIQUITIES .- Abut nine miles from Macon, on the eastern side of the Ocmulgee river, there is an isolated eminence, known as Lamar's, usually called Brown's Mount, its base covering an area of 300 acres ; and on its summit there is a level area of perhaps fifty acres. Its size and conformation distinguish it from the artificial mounds in the vicinity. It is evidently the work of nature, and remarkable for being just on the verge of the flat river bottoms, and presenting all the rugged appearance of mountain precipices on its western front. Upon its summit there is an old fortification, the stone walls of which embrace a space of about thirty acres. The walls of limestone are yet perfect, to the height of two and a half feet; and the fosse, on the outside, is yet knee-deep around the whole enclosure. The walls were evidently built by a civilized race acquainted with military science, as, at intervals of sixty or eighty feet along the wall, there are buttresses and salient angles, not differing materially from those in use at the present day. Near the centre of the fortified area is an exca- vation, floored with limestone, and the remains of an enclo- sure of the same material around it. Its situation, size and appearance, point it out as a reservoir to contain water for the troops. The lands on the river, for several miles, are remark- ably fertile, and were cultivated at the earliest period by the Ocmulgee tribe of Indians, and were known as the Ocmulgee Fields. The extent and fertility of these fields may have tempted some race of discoverers to wrest them from the natives ; and it may be that this fort was built to protect them in their usurpation. These fields yet retain their character for fertility, as they receive annually a deposit from the waters of the Ocmulgee, when it overflows its banks, to the depth of eighteen inches, or two feet. About three miles above Lamar's Mount commences a chain of five artificial mounds. The two first are on the plantation of John B. Lamar, Esq. The re-
114
BIBB COUNTY.
maining three are at regular intervals, the last one situated near the old block-house at Fort Hawkins. * On one of them are the traces of a garden laid out and cultivated by Col. Hawkins. The two on Mr. Lamar's plantation have had the forest growth but recently cleared from around them, and present a very distinct outline of the circumvallations and other works con- necting them. Near each of these mounds are protuberances of earth, as if the design had been to begin other mounds and the idea abandoned.
About one mile south of Macon, there are two conical mounds.
MISCELLANEOUS REMARKS .- In 1817 and 18, Mr. Roger McCall went down the river with 500 bags of cotton, the first that went from this point.
In 1825, first bank located at Macon.
In January, 1833, the first steamboat arrived at Macon,
The first court for Bibb county was held on the 20th of March, 1823, in a small log building which stood near the depot of the Macon and Western Railroad. Judge Shorter presided.
The first presentment was against a free man of colour, for retailing liquor. The first indictment was for stabbing.
NAME .- This county was named in honour of Dr. William Wyatt Bibb, a gentleman who, in the various positions that he occupied, acquired great popularity. He was the son of Wil- liam Bibb and Sarah Wyatt, and was born in Charlotte county, Virginia. His parents came to Georgia in 179-, and settled in Elbert county, on the Savannah river, several miles above the Cherokee ford. After the death of Dr. Bibb, his wife ma- naged the estate which came into her hands with great pru- dence, so that she was able to educate her children and give to each a competency. Dr. Bibb commenced his public career about 1803. His skill and attention as a physician secured him an extensive practice ; and, after serving in the Legisla- ture at a very early age, was transferred to the Congress of the United States by a vote so large that it was evident he was a favourite of the people. During Mr. Madison's adminis-
* Fort Hawkins, east side of the Ocmulgee. Col. Hawkins for many years resided here.
115
BULLOCH COUNTY.
tration, he was a leading member of the House of Representa- tives. The compensation law, passed by Congress in 1814, was so unpopular in Georgia, that all of her representatives who voted for it, except Mr. Forsyth, lost their seats. Mr. Madison offered Dr. Bibb the appointment of Governor of Alabama Territory, which he accepted, and continued to dis- charge its duties until his death. He married the daughter of Col. Freeman, of revolutionary memory. Dr. Bibb was a spare man, with but little muscular power, his features good, hair light and thin, face handsome, with an expression kind and conciliatory. No man of the same grade of qualifications exercised a greater influence. He governed by seeming to obey.
BULLOCH.
BOUNDARIES, EXTENT .- Bounded N. by Emanuel and Scriven, E. by the Ogeechee river, dividing it from Scriven and Effingham, S. by Bryan, and W. by Tattnall. Laid out in 1796, and a part set off to Emanuel, in 1812. Length about 40 miles ; breadth 30. Square miles 1200.
RIVERS, CREEKS, LAKES .- The rivers are the Ogeechee and Cannouchee. The streams of minor importance are Ne- vills, Big Lotts, Little Lotts, Ten Mile, Mill and Black Creeks. Near the Ogeechee is a lake 10 miles long.
POST OFFICES .- Statesborough and Mill Ray.
POPULATION, TAXES, REPRESENTATION .- According to the census of 1845, the population was 2145 whites, and 1160 blacks. Total, 3305. Amount of State tax for 1848, $1270 30 cents. Sends one member to the Legislature.
EARLY SETTLERS .- The families of the Hodges, Cones, Everetts, Measles, Nevills, Oliffs, Williams, Burnetts, Jones, Waters, Hagans, &c.
TowNS .- Statesborough is the county site ; a small place, having a court-house, jail, two stores, &c. From Milledge- ville it is 120 miles; from Savannah 53 miles, and 15 from the Central Railroad. It is a healthy place.
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BULLOCH COUNTY.
FACE OF THE COUNTRY, NATURE OF THE SOIL .- The country is level. The soil is generally poor. Hammock lands are the best. The lands on the river are productive.
PRODUCTIONS, VALUE OF LAND .- Cotton, long and short staple, corn, wheat, rice, and sugar cane. Many of the farm- ers make their own syrup and sugar. Five barrels of sugar have been made from three-quarters of an acre. Fruits of the best kind are raised, and large quantities carried to the Savannah market. The forests abound with excellent lum- ber, and are destined to be the source of great revenue to their owners. In the low grounds, the magnolia and bay are found in all their beauty. Cotton averages 400 pounds per acre ; corn, from 8 to 10 bushels. Wheat does not succeed so well, and probably averages about five bushels per acre. 2000 bales of cotton are annually produced and sent to Savan- nah. Land may he bought at almost any price. The price ranges from 25 cents to one dollar per acre.
CLIMATE, DISEASES, LONGEVITY .- The climate is healthy and pleasant. The appearance of the inhabitants speaks fa- vourably for the health of the climate. There are few dis- eases ; and we know of no section of Georgia in which there are more chances for health than among the pine forests of Bulloch county. The cases of longevity which have come to our knowlege are the following: Joseph Hodges, who died at the age of 80. Mrs. Everett is said to be 100 years of age.
MILLS .- Saw-mills, 8; grist-mills, 12.
ROADS AND BRIDGES .- Roads and bridges are kept in good order.
RELIGIOUS SECTS .- The most numerous are the Anti-Mis- sionary Baptists. There are a few Missionary Baptists and Methodists. About 14 churches in the county.
EDUCATION .- Education is much neglected. The school fund was once sufficient to educate many poor children, but owing to bad management, it has become exhausted. Few newspapers are taken, and few books read.
CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE .- The county is inhabited by an industrious and kind people. Although the lands which most of the citizens cultivate are poor, yet, by dint of industry and
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117
BULLOCH COUNTY.
economy, they manage to supply their wants, which, however, are very few. Many rely, in a great degree, upon game, with which the county abounds, and the productions of their or- chards. The Bulloch county farmer would get rich, while others would starve. Much to the credit of the people, it is said that indisposition to contract debtsis a peculiar trait in their character; and debts, when contracted, are honourably and punctually met. Whilst awarding praise to the inhabitants of this section of the State for many good qualities, it is our duty to say, that as far as temperance is concerned, they are behind the times. Whisky has its votaries. The temperance effort is opposed. Those who have attempted to show the citizens the folly and ill consequences of intemperance, have been insulted and threatened. Even ministers of our holy religion have pub- licly denounced the motives and efforts of those who have en- deavoured to form temperance societies. We hope, for the honour of Bulloch county, that this will no longer be the case.
NAME .- This county was named after the Hon. Archibald Bulloch, who was a native of Charleston, South Carolina, and came to Georgia in 1790, and purchased a plantation on the Savannah river, where he resided until the commencement of our revolutionary struggle. He then removed to Savannah, and became one among the most active of that illustrious band of patriots who opposed the arbitrary measures of the British Parliament. His name is signed to a call made in the Georgia Gazette, of July 14, 1774, to the inhabitants of Sa- vannah, to take into consideration the propriety of resisting the oppressions of Great Britain, and he was placed upon a committee appointed to confer with the committees from the distant parishes. On the 15th of July, 1775, he was appointed a delegate to represent Georgia in the Congress at Philadel- phia. On the 20th of January, 1776, he was elected President of the Executive Council of Georgia. At this trying period, he displayed great decision of character, and evidenced an attachment to the cause of freedom scarcely to be expected in a colony so weak as Georgia. The friends of liberty in Geor- gia were few, but Mr. Bulloch was not to be intimidated. Undismayed by difficulties, he employed his time in confirming the hopes of the desponding. In a letter addressed to Col.
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BULLOCH COUNTY.
Henry Laurens, of South Carolina, dated February 15, 1776, the stern patriot says, " there are few righteous souls among them ; a panic seems to have run among the people; assist- ance is wanted from Carolina to overawe such men as would sell their birthright for a mess of pottage." This letter in- duced Carolina to determine upon aiding the Georgia patriots. On the 2d of February, 1776, he was again elected to Con- gress, but his duties as President of the Executive Council detained him at home. At the time when Mr. Bulloch was elected President of the Executive Council, he delivered a speech, every sentence of which proves him to have been a firm champion of his country's rights. That speech is now before us, and we give the following extracts, that the people of Georgia may have an example of the spirit of their fore- fathers :
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