USA > Georgia > Jackson County > The early history of Jackson county, Georgia. "The writings of the late G.J.N. Wilson, embracing some of the early history of Jackson county". The first settlers, 1784; formation and boundaries to the present time; records of the Talasee colony > Part 4
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In the summer of 1786, when few white people lived within the present limits of Jackson County, Richard Easley, Abednego Moore and Johnson Josiah Strong,* came from Effingham County and settled near Talasee Shoals on Mulberry river, then called Tishmaugu. Wishing to conciliate the natives, and knowing they were excessively fond of showy trinkets and gay apparel, the newcomers brought with them a liberal supply of glittering beads and some remnants of cloth of various colors.
At the time of their arrival a noted Indian whose name was Umausauga, and his only daughter, Banna, somewhere in her early teens lived in the immediate neighborhood. Though not a chief, his influence was considerable, his intellect of a high order, his physical strength gigantic, his prowess undisputed, his friend- ship true, and his hatred implacable. Contrary to usual custom of his people, he claimed a large extent of the adjacent territory as his individual property, and no one was allowed to live, hunt or fish on it without his permission. His claim lay on the south side of the river, and fortunately, the newcomers, without knowing anything of the reserved territory, pitched their tent on the north side at Jasacathor, afterwards known as the Dr. Pendleton spring where John Duncan now lives.
Some days passed before the white men and the Indian nabob met. They had seen him in the distance and thought he tried to shun them; but one evening while fishing at the shoals, a native appeared on the opposite bank, and wading into the water caught several fish with his hands before they captured one with their hooks. Apparently satisfied, he returned to the bank, and Mr. Strong, wishing to show a friendly front, and being able to speak the Creek language, told him that if he would come over his pale- faced friends would give him some hooks made to catch fish in
*See White's "Historical Collections of Georgia, " page 499 .- Ed.
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deep water where there were no rocks. After some hesitation the Indian accepted the invitation, and when given the promised fish- hooks and their use was explained, his eyes sparkled with delight, and giving three distinct grunts, one for each of his benefactors, he, to their astonishment, said in broken English, “U-mau-sau-ga hook take. He much thank you. Hook good fish catch." Then and there began a friendship which, though often tried, was never broken.
At their urgent request the Indian went home with his newly found friends who treated him with kindness and respect. Among other things they gave him a long string of white, red and blue beads, and what Mr. Easley called "a frock pattern" of valuable red merino cloth and a string of small beads for his daughter, Banna, whom the white men had never seen.
Having manifested his gratitude in many curious ways and grown hilarious over the brilliant color of the cloth, Umausauga invited his new neighbors to move on his side of the river and live, hunt and fish where they pleased. This led to a full explana- tion of his claims as already stated, and, as afterwards found, were quite a departure from his usual custom. They gave him to understand that they did not want to impose on his generosity ; but that if he would take beads in payment for a part of his land, they would willingly buy. This proposition seemed to please him, and the following day was appointed to fix upon the price and boundaries. Repeating his significant grunts the Indian then re- turned to his wigwam over the river with as proud a step as any lord that ever ruled a kingdom.
The Indian highway known as the Okoloco Trail, was, when opened for travel by the white man, called the Hog Mountain road. Near the spot where the Jefferson and Monroe road crosses that old Trail on the late John M. Austin place, there stood, a little to the south, a huge chestnut tree. Its ponderous branches, reaching far and wide, offered such ample protection from the heat of summer that the natives, who often traveled the Trail in single file, called the great tree Calamit, which means the place of rest. There they smoked the Calumet, the pipe of peace, and there they ratified their treaties and confirmed their trades.
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It was a matter of much surprise to Easley, Moore and Strong, when Umausauga conducted them to Calamit to begin a survey of the land he had promised to sell them. They had expected it to be near the shoals but thinking it good policy to remain silent, and not caring much about the matter anyway, they offered no ob- jections.
As the Okoloco Trail was the southern boundary of Umau- sauga's little kingdom, he made no claim to any exclusive rights and privileges pertaining to Calamit; but placing a large stone a little beyond its shadow he designated it as the beginning corner. Carefully taking his bearings, he stood upon the rock, and facing to the northwest, threw his tomahawk at a small pine tree some fifteen feet distant, and with such force that the blade went deep in the solid wood. Selecting another tree in range with the mark- ed pine and the rock corner, he proceeded as before, and thus continued until the party reached a point called Talapahoo, but afterwards known as the Rock Ford on the Hinton plantation.
To an Indian, Talapahoo meant about the same thing that a slaughter pen means to us. There the natives dressed the animals caught in the chase, and their children washed all blood stains away. There Britt Langworth, believed to be a member of Mur- rell's Pony Club, dressed in fine broadcloth and sparkling with jewels, was drowned in time of high water; and there too was found the celebrated Miller camp which created much excitement in that community as late as 1873. An entire stranger who said his name was Garvin Miller, was an outlaw who sometimes made his headquarters in that immediate community, out-generaled all the officers with whom he came in contact, and made a plaything of the old jail at Jefferson. There are men still living whose faces will wear a broad, dry grin every time Miller's name is mentioned in their presence.
Leaving Talapahoo the unique surveyor turned nearly west and proceeded as before to Poganip, now Cedar Hill, on the old trail. Away back in the shadowy past a large town is said to have flourished there; but only a few legends relating to its history have come down to us. The name signifies cold weather, and the
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Comanches of the Far West, when referring to anything very cold, use the same word to this day.
The southern boundary of Umausauga's claim being already well defined by the Okoloco Trail, the surveying party went south- east to an obscure Indian settlement called Snodon, where the pretty city of Winder now flourishes. A small number of natives who, by Umausauga's permission, lived there, gathered around the little party to stare and gaze at the white men. Barnum never exhibited a greater curiosity than they were to the simple natives of Snodon. Some examined their shoes to see if they were hoofs or bear-skin moccasins, and others felt of their noses to see if they had bones in them. An old squaw wanted to wash Mr. Eas- ley's blue eyes to learn if they were painted that color, and be- came indignant because he would not allow her to make the ex- periment. One boy proposed to stick a thorn in Mr. Moore's leg to know if it would bleed, and another, more bold, actually pulled a lock of Mr. Strong's curly hair out of his head to see if both ends grew in the scalp. This came near causing serious trouble ; but when Umausauga slapped the boy to the ground the white men thought it good policy to do nothing themselves. The boy's name was Quakow and was a stranger at Snodon.
While the natives showed much curiosity, they manifested some friendship also. With friendly mind all went even unpleasantly near except one young girl who studiously remained at a respect- able distance, silent, thoughtful; but closely watching every move- ment made. She was evidently reading a new chapter in the his- tory of human life, and she was puzzled to understand it. Her movements were easy and graceful, her form unusually elegant, and her general appearance that of a queen born to command without speaking and to be obeyed without question. Her features were regular, and a flood of buoyant life of a soft red tinge seemed to play over her well-rounded shoulders, and flowing higher to her slightly oval face, danced upon her cheek in open revelry. Her large jet-black eyes were intelligent, and her hair, without a wave, was of the same color and reached much below her waist. She wore a robe made of fawn skins, which, being confined at the waist by a belt overlaid with small sea shells, gave
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the spots on her dress that glittering appearance seen on the feath- ers of a peafowl when in the sunshine. On her feet were dainty moccasins made of the skin of a full grown deer, and conse- quently without spots.
These were all very distinguishing features to find in that wild, isolated region, deep in the seemingly boundless forest where no Anglo-Saxon foot had ever trod before! Still another significant feature was that the wild-wood beauty wore a three-fold string of beads around her neck-small, white, red and blue beads! Was she some mystical being who had been wafted thither by a passing zephyr from some enchanted island of a far southern sea? No! No! not that. The white men knew the beads. From the center of the lowest fold hung a large scarlet bead which rested upon the bosom of her spotted robe as if satisfied to remain there forever. They knew that it was the central bead of the string sent by them to Umausauga's daughter whom they had never seen. So the beautiful girl thus surrounded by savages was Banna !
"O my God!" exclaimed Josiah Strong as he turned his eyes away for a moment, "can it be that such a creature is herself a savage?"
Among the few who lived at Snodon were Etohautee, Umau- sauga's brother, and his son, Tata, who was something more than half grown. They lived in an old, dilapidated wigwam which stood on the ground now occupied by the Winder College Build- ing. Near the wigwam was a large rock pillar built of huge stones dressed well enough to remain in position readily. It was about eight feet square at the base, tapered to some six feet at the top, and was perhaps a little more than ten feet high. Through the lower half was an opening in the form of an arch about three feet wide, and the upper half was hollow like a chimney through which the top was reached. The opening at the base was pro- vided with shelving rocks which seemed to have served the pur- pose of seats as well as a ready means of reaching the opening above.
When Umausauga was asked to explain the purpose of the pil- lar, he only said, "Nere Nara," shook his head, chased gathering tears from his eyes, and turned away sadly.
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Another strange feature about Snodon was its neglected, dilapi- dated appearance. Though doubtless once a thriving community, the few remaining wigwams had begun to fall down, its corn patches were uncultivated, and its once well-worn footpaths were overgrown with weeds and briers.
When ready to leave the place, Umausauga held a brief conver- sation with his pretty daughter, but nothing they said was heard by the white men. It was noticed, however, that his demeanor towards her was kind and affectionate, and that her attention to him was that of an obedient and loving child.
"How strange! how very strange, that we should have such an illustration of filial affection and parental love in this God-for- saken part of the world," said Josiah Strong as his companions walked away, and casting a long, lingering look at the beautiful girl, he joined them hurriedly.
Etohautee and his son, Tata, accompanied the surveying party back to Calamit, the beginning corner. The whites were puzzled to know why the boy carried a chunk of fire and a short hickory stick burned to a point at one end. Unlike other mysteries of the day, that was soon solved. Arriving at the place the Indians with a sharp stick and their hands soon dug a hole large enough to bury the corner rock so to as prevent its easy removal. The par- ties then seated themselves in a circle near the big tree, Umausauga filled his huge pipe made in the shape of a flying pigeon, Tata touched it with fire, and the ceremony necessary to confirm the land trade began, not by written document and offi- cial signature; but by smoking the calumet, the pipe of peace.
Each man present, six in all, took one whiff, and so on, in- creasing one every time until the sixth round was made. Thus the trade was confirmed by a process as binding on an Indian as any legal document is on a white man. Though unwritten, Indian law was sometimes very precise. Etohautee and Tata were the witnesses-an old man to see that the work was done properly, and a boy to transmit it to a future generation.
The trade being thus sealed, Umausauga received 14 pounds of beads in payment of his land, that is, one-eighth of a quintal avoirdupois as was counted in those days. Etohautee and his son
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each received several yards of blue cloth, and the boy a Barlow knife, extra. The boy valued the knife much more highly than the white men valued their land, and voluntarily bound him to them with hooks of steel that never, either bent or broke. Again the pipe went around. Each one present took six distinct puffs, and blew the smoke upwards that all might be endowed with the spirit of peace which it was supposed to impart. The first smoke sealed the trade and the second showed that both parties were satisfied with it. The Indians gave their usual grunts, and going, single file, in the direction of Snodon, they walked away silently.
In addition to the curious features already mentioned, the ad- venturers, being left to themselves, began to consider others which they did not clearly understand. Being far beyond the reach of any well-known friends, and surrounded by savages whom they knew to be crafty and treacherous, it was quite necessary that they should be on guard at every turning and ready for ac- tion at a moment's warning. Though Umausauga had manifested strong friendship, and shown consummate skill as a woodman, he had that day constantly acted as if apprehensive of danger. He did not talk in the forest and when they spoke he placed his fore finger on his lips and shook his head. Then why had they not seen a native until they reached Snodon, and why had he allowed them more land than they wanted? Why had he made it in form of a triangle when some other shape would have been more prac- tical? Why had he selected a territory that included Snodon where all the people they had seen were living, and where stood the curious rock pillar that brought tears to his eyes? These were some of the things that puzzled them and continued to do so for a long time.
Weary and a little anxious the pioneers returned to their tent at Jasacathor, and setting a watch they slept by turns that night. As their larder was scantily supplied just at that time, they de- voted a part of the next day to hunting; and after killing a fine buck and several turkeys they returned home to find that a com- pany of nine fresh emigrants had just arrived from the low coun- try, all being relatives or other personal friends. It consisted of Mrs. Martha Easley, wife of Richard Easley, Mrs. Letty Moore,
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wife of Abednego Moore and sister of Josiah Strong, Thelan Lah- goon, his wife Orpah and their daughter Ruth who was nearly grown, Leon Shore and Abel Trent, both young men, Joseph Starr and Edward Belknap, bachelors.
Besides other things of prime importance the late emigrants brought with them four horses, two wagons, four head of cattle, four sheep, six pigs, a good supply of tools, ten new rifles, and a large quantity of ammunition.
The little colony now consisted of eight brave and determined men, and of four equally brave and resolute women, and every one with a dead shot with the rifle. Richard Easley, Abednego Moore, Josiah Strong, Phelan Lahgoon, Joseph Starr and Edward Belknap were all revolutionary soldiers, fresh from the field of battle.
The following resolutions passed at a meeting called to con- sider the public welfare, will serve to show something of the spirit of these hardy pioneers :
"RESOLVED FIRST: That this colony shall be known as the Talasee Colony in the State of Georgia and County of Franklin; that in the name of said state we now take formal possession of that part of its territory lying and being on the north side of Tishmaugu river, to the extent of two miles above and two miles below Talasee Shoals on said river, and thence two miles north of it to west and east rock corners placed there to define said boundaries; that we proceed at once to improve the same as time and circumstances may allow, by clearing land, building houses, and, when thought necessary, a substantial fort for our protection.
"SECOND: That no person who is not of good moral character and of industrious habits, shall become a citizen of this colony ; that one proving himself or herself to be unworthy, shall be driven away by force, if necessary.
"THIRD: That the land lately purchased from Umausauga, a native resident of this community, beginning at Calamit on the Okoloco Trail; thence northwest to Talapahoo, on the head waters of Taurulaboole creek; thence west to Poganip on said trail;
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thence easterly down the trail to the beginning rock corner at Calamit, will not be occupied by any member of this colony until further developments may justify us in doing so; that other emi- grants who are peacefully and industriously inclined, have per- mission to settle there at any time and place they may see proper, provided always that they do not trespass upon the claims of the said Umausauga; that in consideration of the price paid for the land whose boundaries are herein given it shall be called Bead- RICHARD EASLEY, President. land.
"MRS. LETTY MOORE, Secretary.
"October 20th, 1786."
It doubtless seemed anomalous to the purchasers of Beadland that so large a territory should be bought for fourteen pounds of beads; but it was by no means an isolated case in history. When our forefathers purchased the site of New York of the Indians, the price was a peck of glass beads and brass buttons. All Chicago was bought for a pair of old boots, and the ground upon which Milbourne, one of the richest cities of Australia, now stands, was sold for two old woolen blankets. When Queen Dido first set foot on African soil, she told the natives that she only wanted a patch of land big enough to be inclosed in a bull's hide, and a contract was made on those terms. But the crafty queen cut the hide into leather shoe strings, and tying them together took in all the land upon which ancient Carthage stood, and the price paid for it was less than one dollar of our currency. Up to about 1840 the tax rate on Beadland and surrounding territory was based on a valuation of from 61/4 to 121/2 cents per acre.
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CHAPTER II.
JOHNSON JOSIAH STRONG MAKES A DISCOVERY.
As the days passed into months material changes took place among the Talasee colonists. Though few in number, they had good tools and every man knew how to use them. From sun to sun and sometimes far into the night, the men labored so con- stantly that they soon had a sufficient number of substantial log cabins completed to live comfortably, and, as they believed in security. Ruth Lahgoon had brought with her two powerful dogs called Pyth and Damon, and as all the women were experts with their rifles, they and the dogs kept a bountiful supply of meat on hand which left the men little to do besides clearing land and building houses.
The social condition of the colonists also soon began to improve. Various natives, some of them of high rank in their nation, often visited them-a few from friendly motives and others as a matter of mere curiosity. So far no hostility had been shown. Seem- ingly to encourage the social feature, one day Josiah Strong, after some hesitation and much circumlocution, said to Mrs. Moore : "Sister, though Umausauga is a savage, he seems to be our friend, and as the time may come when his services would be of great value to us, I wish you would visit him and open friendly re- lations with his daughter, of whom I believe you have heard. I dare say you will like her, and if you should, then take Ruth with you so that the girls may become acquainted, and perhaps enjoy each other's company." Mrs. Moore gave her brother a searching glance, smiled, and said playfully, "Since you show yourself to be such a splendid diplomatist, why not go yourself, Josiah ?"
"Well, I could do that," said the brother demurely, "but my diplomatic code teaches me that one woman should deal with another in all such cases as this. Besides, since I think of it, the girl has, or I suppose she yet has, enough real fine merino to make her an elegant dress. We sent the cloth by her father be-
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fore we had seen her, and our kindness has certainly had a good effect. Of course she does not know what to do with such a charming dress pattern, and it is a shame for it to be used as a mere wrapper. Then please go, sister, and in your own charming way, offer to cut and make her a dress in first-class style, and I am free to say you'll never regret it."
"It may be, Josiah, that the girl is not as ignorant as you sup- pose her to be. I have heard that she is very handsome and that her deportment approaches that of a refined lady."
"I don't think Banna a fool; but as her father told me that she is a native of the wilderness and had never been anywhere else, I take it for granted that she knows nothing of English man- ners and customs. I gladly admit that her deportment seems to approach elegance and refinement; but I can account for it only on the theory that God in his providence has, for some reason, im- planted something in her nature that is as broad as earth and as high as heaven. Then so much the better and greater the reason why you should comply with my request."
"Granted; but how would it do to have such a pretty girl, dress- ed as you want Banna to be, here in this wilderness with three such hotheaded young men as you, Leon Shore and Abe Trent are?"
"Why not include Joe Starr and Ed Belknap?" "Oh! they are such incorrigible old bachelors they would not be in the way. If you want heavy work done or a hard battle fought, call on Joe and Ed; but not to make love to a girl."
"That seems to be true; but you need fear no rivalry. Ruth has the exclusive control of the hearts, heads, hands and feet of Leon Shore and Abel Trent. She is the prime cause of them being here. As you say they are both so hot-headed that I sometimes feel concerned about the final result."
A pause followed. Brother and sister seemed to be pondering over all they had said, and speculating upon the probable out- come of the future. Finally the sister said thoughtfully, "I admit that some of your argument is very good, especially that part of it which pleads for the friendship of the natives around us. Therefore, with some misgivings I consent to comply with your
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request at a convenient time during to-morrow afternoon." "I thank you, sister, and again say you will not regret it," replied the young man in tones of deepest thankfulness.
The truth was Mr. Strong had, at first sight, fallen deeply in love with the shy Indian girl whom he had seen at the old town of Snodon. Though a strong man he fought against it with all his power ; but like Banquo's ghost, it would not down. Unsought and unbidden, an unfaltering love for the unknown girl entered into every fibre of his heart and took full possession. Gentle as a lamb among his friends and as dreadful as a maddened lion amid his enemies, it was strange that an untaught child of the forest should bring him to his knees at the first shot; but, even in spite of himself, it was so.
Johnson Josiah Strong was our hero's full name; but the first part is generally omitted in this narrative because he seldom used it himself, perhaps for the reason that his uncle, Gov. Josiah Tat- nall, for whom he was named, had also dropped Johnson on ac- count of its inconvenient length.
Josiah Strong was an ensign at the siege of Augusta where he carried the national standard with distinguished bravery, and had one finger shot from his left hand. He was 22 years old at the time of his arrival at Talasee, stood six feet and four inches in his shoes, and was well proportioned. He was as fearless as he was strong and athletic, and as fleet on foot as any man that ever ran against him. Beneath a rich profusion of curly black hair there flashed a pair of coal-black eyes that always commanded respect and attention. Yet he had a kind heart and a sympathetic nature which, when added to his handsome features, caused him to have many close friends.
The to-morrow evening of which Mr. Strong and his sister had spoken came none too soon for the anxious brother. They went to the shoals at the time appointed, silent and thoughtful. There being neither bridge nor foot-log across the water, Mrs. Moore, seated upon her brother's strong right arm was quickly carried to the opposite bank. Though Umausaugua could speak broken English to a limited extent, they decided upon such Creek words as they thought would be necessary to use on the occasion. The
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