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Gc 976.8 F87h 1687286
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01712 9823
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2
HISTORY OF TENNESSEE
FROM ITS FAKEIESI DISCOVERIES AND SETTLEMENTS TO THE END OF THE YEAR 194.
BY CEORGE D. FREE, A. M ..
Author of "A Popular Geography.". .. The Principles of Civil Government in the United States and State of Tennessee." "Map of Kentucky and Tell- nesses." "Rare frems." "Our Girls." "History and (icil Government." "Marriage and Di- V ree." - Immigration." Etc.
.breathe- there the man with soul so dead. Who never to him-elf hath said .This is my own. my native lan ! .. ..
SEAL OF
TENNESSEE.
Adapted for General Reading and the Use of Schools.
Copyrighte 1. 1895. by G. D. Free, Charch Thy Ey ..
Primeil For the Author. 1:45.
1687286
HA POPULAR GEOGRAPHY,
By G. D. FRSE, A. M.
-
-
An absolutely new book just from the press. containing full and explicit det. .. tions. o., concisely and accurately compiled from all recent authentic sour: . The matter is admirably adapted to all, for the diction is simple and paire, the vyle clear and direct, and the manner of presentation bright and attractive Wonderfully compact, marvelonly complete, beautifully printed. and excellent material. Hundreds of books have been consulted in its preparation. Matin. matical and Physical Geography are stringed of all abstand technicalitiesil plainly and forcibly presented in such an attractive menteras to instinctively (- gross the student's attention, thereby urging him to scientifically investigate and carefully dissert the infinitesimal beauties of nature. The various phenomen. are graphically explained. Political Geography is discussed by the Aperati . method. Every cour vivable question of potent interest that would likely beast in the raost rigid examination is intelligently propounded and concisely and cor- reetly answered just below it.
A FEW TESTIMONIALS.
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Southern School Journal, Little Rock, Ark .. Hon. J. H. Shinn. Sapt. Publio Instruction and ex-Pres. of S. E. A. I'ditor: "This book is within the reach of all ruchers, and should be owned by barn of them. It is a theathens of geography- iral knowledge and presents in compact compres thousands of facts which truth- errunot remember, but which ar of Herpen sable importance in the teachers work. The author has done a good work for teachers.'
Normal Journal. Fort Scott, Kansas: "The "Popular Geography' is an exe !. lent work. It supplements the common school prographies and affords informa- tion of great value to both teachers and pupils. I will undoubtedly meet with a ready sale.
Col. A. B. Parker, Lafayette, Ky: "It is concise, clear, logical, fas inating and all in all a most valuable contribution to se gra hical information.' Prof. J. C. Davidson, Supt. Public Schools. Helena, Ark .: "The pli isa good one, and it is an attractive volume.
Mrs. Robinson. Honolulu, s. I : "A inost excellent book."
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Joshua W. Field, Sidney. Australia: "Evers teacher should have it. I hav never wenn oyun. Prof. Fr ist who what a tracher needs. Joven stephe: 1. Denver, Col: "I like it so much, it is the embodiment of all Love !!. S Francisco. Cal: "Just the very book for all preparing forex. imination. J. W. Bald .. "It is clear, comeise, accurate, and contains all hat is necesst J. I. Thom Tokio. Japan : "Au admirable book. brief, systematic, clear and orvinis writtenly andkolan
. ROUNDER CLOTHI, 60 CENTS.
Correspondence solicited. Au Tress. GEO. D. FREE, CHURCH HILL, KT.
Preface.
The history of Tennessee is fraught with many interesting and bright laurels which should be made familiar to the Tennessee pupils who will in time become the sovereign people of Tennessee. The boys, after attaining manhood, must make her laws, shape her policy, guard her honor, and maintain her high rank among the States of the Union. A knowledge of the legislation and policy of the past is a most important preparation for the wise exercise of this sovereignty. With such a knowledge they will profit by the experience of their fathers, avoiding the mistakes and emulating the wisdom of those who have gone before them. A knowledge of the past history of the State, brilliant with illustrious names and heroic deeds of her gallant sons, will make their hearts thrill with pride and patriotism, and inspire in early youth a firm resolution to sustain the honor, promote the welfare, and add to the fame of Tennessee among her sister States.
In political matters even-handed justice has been invoked iron every question. The author believes that the lull presen- tation of both sides of every question is the surest and most direct route to truth, and that truth is the only basis for a com- mon love of country.
An honest effort has been made to be accurate, clear, and impartial. Every line has been penned with a sincere desire to
6
THE HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
magnify the greatness of the whole State by presenting faith- fully the wisdom, prowess, and energy of her people.
Historical Readings and Appendix have been added which contain many valuable facts for the consideration of our pupils. The author regards these readings as especially important to the young people whose fathers and grandfathers fought in that war-fought for something they believed to be right. No pre ference is evinced in the war-fact, cold facts are given.
The author acknowledges many favors rendered by author and teachers in the preparation of this work. all of which are highly appreciated. In conclusion, this history is submitted to you, my dear pupils and co-workers, with a desire that our noble people, faithful teachers and genial pupils shall never cease to add lustre, patriotism and zeal to the development of this great State.
GEORGE D. FREE.
Contents.
-
PALE.
Chapter 1 .- Introduction
Chapter 2 .- DeSoto and His Men 16
Chapter 3 .-- Aborigines of Tennessee. 21
Chapter 4 .- The First Settlements
Chapter 5 .- Tennessee, Part of North Carolina 62
Chapter 6 .- The State of Franklin 59
Chapter 7 .- Middle Tennessee
Chapter 8 .- West Tennessee.
Chapter 9 .- Early History of Tennessee 52
Chapter 10 .- Development of the State 50
Chapter Ir .- The Creek War.
Chapter 12 .- The War of IS12-15 6;
Chapter 13 .- An Era of Peace
CONTENTS. 7
Chapter 14 .- Institutions Organized 79
Chapter 15 .- Great Heroes Elevated S6
Chapter 16 .- The Rise of Parties 92
Chapter 17. - The Mexican War 97
Chapter IS .- The Feud Strengthens 102
Chapter ro .- Just Before the War 107
Chapter 20 .- The Civil War. III
Chapter 21 .- The Civil War-Continued 116
Chapter 22 .- The Civil War-Continued 125
Chapter 23 .- Reconstruction 130
Chapter 21 .- Return of Peace. 134
Chanter 25. - The Democratic Party 142
Chapter 26 .- Geography of Tennessee 153
Chapter 27 .- Geology of Tennessee 160
Chapter 28 .- Civil Government .. 167
Chapter 29 .- Chronology of Tennessee. 1796-1995
Chapter 30 .- Historical Readings-The African Slave Trade,
Its Origin and Growth. 185
Chapter 31. - Historical Readings -- The Condition of the Ne-
gro as a Slave. .193
Chapter 32 .- Historical Readings-Why Tennessee With-
drew from the Union 198
Chapter 33-Historical Readings-The Common People and the Aristocracy 202
Chapter 34 -- Historical Readings-The Common People and
the Aristocracy-Continued
.204
Historical Recreations
209
APPENDIX.
The Formation of Counties 211 County Seats. 213
State Officers from 1,90 214
Aggregate Population of the State 220
Index 222
Advertisements 224
8
List of Illustrations.
PAGE. !
1. The Capitol of Tennessee 2 27. Gov. William B. Campbell ...
2. The Great Deal of Tennessee 3
3. An Indian Chiet. 14
4. An Indian Warrior 2.4
5. Battle at Flat Islands. 31
6. Fast View of Science Hall and Y. M. C. A. Building 3:
7. Tome, Robertson 33. Pres. Lincoln. (. S. A
S. Gov. John Sevier 52
9. West Tennessee Hospital for the Insane 54
10. Gov. Willie Blount.
11. Gen. Andrew Jackson.
12. Deof and Dumb Asylum. Knox- ville. 68
13. Gov. William Carroll 75
14. Court House. Clarksville.
15. Gov. Samatl Houston 42. Gov. Alvin G. Hawkin
16. Gov. William Hall SI
17. East Tennessee Asylum for the Insane
IS. Col. David Crockett.
19. Gov. Newton Cannon. So
20. Hon. John Bell. 45. Supt. Frank M. Smith.
21. Hon. Felix Grundy 91
22. Gov. James C. Jones 96
23. Gov. Aaron V. Brown 97
24. Pres. James K. Polk
25. Gov. Neil S. Brown. TO2
26. Gov. William Trousdale 102
25. Southwestern Presbyterian Uni- versity. Clarksville
29. Gov. Andrew Johnson 107
go. Gov. I bam fi. Harris. 100
SI. Diagram of Fort Donelson. 12.
22 Tennessee Institute for the Blind .!??
34. Pres. Davis, C. S. 1 121
35. Battle of Lox kout Mountain. 27
30. Gov. William G. Brownlow.
59 37. Gov. D. W. C. Senter 135
35. St. Luke's Theologeal Hast. I'ni-
versity of the South. Sewanee. 130
39. Gov. John C. Brown 40. Gov. James D. Porter.
70 48. Gov. Albert S. Marks
43. Gov. William B. Bate
44. Gov. Robert L. Tavlor : 45
$4 45. Gov. J. P. Buchanan
40. Gov. Peter Turney
47. Hon. H. Clay Evans 144
49. Main Building. Vanderbilt Li- versity. Nashville
50. ** vd Volunteer" 15-
51. Tennessee Hospital for the In- pane. Bolivar
History of Tennessee.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION.
1. The religious and political condition of Europe in the fif- teenth century was full of unrest and unhappiness. The masses of people were very poor, oppressed and destitute, and the rulers Were arrogant and cruel, and the best men and wisest thinkers were on the alert to better the condition of church and state and home.
2. Much attention was devoted to maritime undertakings, hoping that they might bring fame and remuneration to the country that organized and equipped them. It was Spain that equipped Christopher Columbus, who discovered the new world in 1492, and made it known to Europe. At once, all Europe was enthused with an inclination to come hither, and ere long many nations were striving to secure domination in America.
3. Of course, the first white settlers found the same rivers, hills and other natural features of country that now exist, but the co intry then presented a very different appearance from what it
: 10
THE HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
does now. Everything was just as nature had placed it. The hand of man had not disturbed nature's order. There were no roads, no cities or towns. and not many fields.
4. The navu al features of the country were such as to offer many inducements to tillers of the ground. The soil was very prolific and capable of producing large crops with little labor. The ground. in many localities, was carpeted with the finest grasses which would sustain great herds of cattle. The forests abounded in various kinds of fine timber.
5. On his arrival, Columbus found a people whom he called Indians. They were savages, who lived by hunting, fishing and agriculture. Their farming, however, was of the rudest kind. For weapons, they used bows and arrows and heavy clubs. The males did the hunting, fighting and scalping: the females did the work. There were many tribes of Indians, and they were fre- quently at war with each other.
6. They believed their spirits after death would return to the happy hunting ground of their fathers, where all would be peace and tranquillity. They deposited with each dead warrior his favorite weapon, in the vague hope of its ultimate utility.
7. Nothing is known of the origin of the American Indians. Their language appears to be unlike that of any other race. Their civilization, customs and manners varied widely. Those of the northern part of the country were much more barbarous than those of the southwest. The four chief families east of the Mississippi were Algonquins, Iroquois, Mobilians, and the Natchez.
. 8. Formerly, historians supposed there was a race that lived here before the Indians who built the mounds, but now it is believed on good authority that the Indians erected these earth- works. They are fortifications, burial mounds, inclosures of villages, and ridges of earth, shaped like serpents and animals. etc. They are numerous in the Mississippi Valley.
9. For a long while after the discovery of the new world, the
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I I
INTRODUCTION.
whole southern part of it was considered as one country. Eng- land, France and Spain claimed it on grounds of nearly equal right. At first, the English named it Virginia, but afterwards called that part which comprises North and South Carolina, Carolina. The French named it New France after their own country: the Spanish named it Florida.
ro. This whole section was claimed by the English because John and Sebastian Cabot, whom King Henry VII. of England had employed, visited it in 149 ;. The French claimed it because Verrazani visited the northern part of it in 1523. while in the service of the French king, Francis I. The Spanish claimed it because Ponce de Leon, a Spanish explorer, visited Florida in 1512.
It. These nations contended bitterly for a while for the pos- session of this country, but at last the English became the masters of nearly all of it. The struggle between France and Spain is noted for bloody butchery rather than for warfare. The Spanish settled in what is now Florida, and made several attempts to drive out the English, but failed.
12. The country was not divided into States then as it is now. but presented an expanse of unexplored territory which all nations desired to penetrate in pursuit of wealth. The prestige and domination of foreigners in different localities frequently fluctuated and finally waned until there is not an acre of land in the United States owned by a foreign nation. This is a great tribute to the perseverance and prowess of our people. The original, feeble colonies of liberty-seeking immigrants, under the benign influence of Heaven, have grown into the mightiest nation in the world, rightly deserving the title, "the land of the irce and the home of the brave."
13. The Indians are, like all other rude and untutored races or tribes of people who have lapsed into the lower stages of bar- harısın. the creatures of passion and appetite: yet none of the barbarous races, red, white, or black. have a more marked and
12
THE HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
individual character, showing the possession of latent faculties of mind of a high order, of resolute will, and of rare qualities of physical action and endurance.
14. Gallantry among young braves, and coquetry on the part of the maidens, are not wanting in the social relations, however quietly form and expression may be given to these. In the wild. rude dances. heads are often bent close together as oppo- site lines meet. and soft whispers, covert glances, and gentle taps on the cheek are frequent indications that Indians are sensible to the charms of love signals, which are but human traits after all. But the courtship differs from that of the whites. With them, all the coyness, reserve, and pretty delays are con- fined to the male sex. The young squaws are bold, forward, and by no means delicate in urging their devotions, and a handsome or bright young brave is often trapped in the toils of these female charmers.
15. It was the custom among Indians to invite every visitor to eat as soon as he entered the wigwam. The host was much offended if the visitor refused to eat: while the guest was insulted if the food was not set before him, even though he might have partaken of a meal an hour before. This custom suited the In- dian habits and digestion very well, but to the white man it imposed an etiquette which often brought much pain and annoy- ance for him to comply with.
16. Depending upon hunting and trapping for wild meat. as. the Indian did, there was usually a feast or a famine within. Sometimes the meat of game was all the food he had, and as long as this lasted the feast went on: the supply exhausted, there was a famine for days. The settled tribes raised corn and vege- tables, but these lasted only for a part of the year. During the winter and early spring months the improvident savage lived as best he could. mainly upon the wild meat of the woods. Only necessity drove the vagrant glutton from his wigwam, with his bow and arrow. to supply the needs of hunger. When
13
INTRODUCTION.
the squaws tilled the fields and gardens with their primitive wooden implements, in the harvest season, there was plenty to eat: but when the reliance was on the indolent bucks, there was otten fast, and sometimes famine.
17. The devices adopted by the savages to allure and betray an enemy were often curious and wonderful. They would some- times deceive by imitating the hoot of the owl, the human-like wail of the catamount, or the bark of the wolf, at night: or the call of the turkey, the bleat of the fawn, or the bark of the dog. by day, and thus deceive the unsuspicious. Instances were known where they cut off the feet of buffalo and elk at the ankle joint, and, fastening these hoofs to their own feet, would make tracks through the frequented forest. and near salt springs, and then place theniselves in ambuscade, when they were conscious of an enemy in the vicinity. The braves of an opposing tribe. falling upon these tracks of buffalo and elk, were almost sure to follow them and fall into the ambuscade. On one occasion, a sinall party of Catawbas thus ambuscaded a more powerful body of Shawanees but feeling unable to give them final battle. they placed in the path of retreat a number of slender reeds, sharpened at the end and dipped in rattlesnake poison. The Shawanees, in pursuit, were wounded by these concealed weapons, and fell by the wayside. The Catawbas turned upon and overpowered them.
18. When not upon the war-path the warriors are shiftless and indolent. Nothing arouses them but necessity or excitement. In the season when roasting-ears and vegetables are made plenty by the labor and industry of the squaws, the men lounge at home utterly inactive, except in their sports. Then they dance with fantastic motion, play at foot-ball, or gamble with dice, feasting in the meantime on the fruits of the field until all are consumed. The squaws are able to pack immense burdens upon their shoulders, and to bear incredible hardships. The tilen are remarkable for their long endurance and swiftness of
1.4
THE HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
foot, and for their stoic forbearance under suffering and hard. ship.
19. The savages are not very strict with their children. Bodily punishment is rare. and looked upon as degrading. Ducking in cold water is the more common punishment; hence the children are much better behaved in winter than in summer. Instead of a cra - dle for the infant. a board. shaven thin, is prepared. On this the infant is placed, with its back to the board at a pro- per distance. Near the lower end is a projecting piece of wood. This is covered with the softest moss, and the heels of the infant rest upon it. Over the head of the child there is a hoop. projecting AN INDIAN CHIEF. four or five inches from its face. Two holes are bored on either side of the upper end of the board, for the passage of the deer skin strap. This rests on the forehead of the mother. The child is now bandaged to the board, from the feet to the shoulders, with the arms and hands to the sides. With this contrivance she carries it on her shou !- ders, leans it against a tree, or lays it upon the ground. When of sufficient age the board is removed, and the child taught t , cling to its mother's shoulders, and otherwise to help itself.
20. The Indians are very superstitious: yet their religion is more nearly a simple deism than that of most savage nations. One great spirit is uniformily worshiped among them, though
15
INTRODUCTION.
different tribes give him different names. On the prairies of the W'est, he was termed Wahcondab, or Master of Life: by the tribes on the Lakes, he was called Manitou, or the Spirit: and by the Miami tribes he was known by the title. Owaneeyo, or The Pos- sessor of all Things. They believe in a future state, in which they shall be introduced to ample hunting grounds, and where their passion for hunting and sporting shall be indulged without limit.
21. The Indians are immoderately fond of whiskey. But they prepare for a drunken debauch, in which the whole tribe joins, with more system and care than the whites. They put out of reach their tomahawks, knives, and dangerous weapons, and they appoint a few warriors to keep sober and preserve order. Both sexes then drink to excess, and soon plunge into the wildest orgies of intoxication. The Indians paint in black and red for the war dance: in green and white for the peace dance; in black for dances over the dead, and in various other colors for the green-corn dance, the Wabana, in honor of the devil and others. In war dances, they repeat their deeds of cruelty.
QUESTIONS .- 1. What of Europe in the fifteenth century? What was the condition of the masses? 2. To what was much attention given? Why? What did Spain do? Who was Columbus? What did Europe do? 3. How did the colo- nists find the country? What of roads, cities and fields? 4. What did the country offer to tillers of the ground? Why? With what was the ground covered ? In what did the forests abound ? 5. Whom did Columbus find? What did the males do? Fe- males? 6. What did the Indians believe would become of them after death? ". What is known of their origin? Language? Customs? What tribes are mentioned? 8. What of a previous race? Discuss the mounds. 9. What of the new world and foreign nations? to. Why did foreign nations claim it? Name the explorers. tr. Tell of the results of the conquests. Locate the different nationalities. 12. What of divisions? Power: Prowess? Liberty? Bound each country that sent explorers. Give capital. 13. Outline the nature and customs of the Indians.
4
16
THE HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
14. What can you say of their gallantry and courtship? 15. How did the Indians treat their visitors? 16. What is said of feast or famine? tr. What cunning devices and strategy did they adopt? as. What is said. of their indolence and sporting ? 19. Describe how they treated their children. 20. What was their religion? 21. Describe their dances and debauchery.
CHAPTER II.
DE SOTO AND HIS MEN.
1. In 1533. Hernando De Soto, a Spanish soldier who had been with Pizarro in his Conquest of Peru, received from the Court of Spain a commission authorizing him to invade Florida. a Spanish possession in the New World. The name Florida had been given to a vast and almost unexplored region in the south- eastern portion of North America by Juan Ponce de Leon, an enthusiastic discoverer likewise in the service of Spain. He landed on the beautiful peninsula, near the spot where St. Augus- tine, Florida, stands, in 1512, and commenced his famous search through the interior for the fountain of Eternal Youth. His invasion of the country was resented by the Indians, who sur- prised him while encamped in a swamp. killed many of his men, and routed the rest. De Leon, himself mortally wounded, was carried to Cuba by a few faithful soldiers, where he died in 152 !.
2. De Soto's force consisted of nine hundred and fifty men. With these he landed at Tampa Bay in May. 1539, much to the astonishment of the natives, who docked to the shore to witness the disembarkation. The mail-clad knights, the cross-bow men. and the ponderous artillery excited their deepest wonder and reverence, and De Soto found very little difficulty in persuading them that he and his men were Children of the Sun, and as such entitled to their worship.
3. Turning first northward, and then westward, De Soto trav-
DE SOTO AND HIS MEN.
led through Georgia, and entered Alabama. Where Mobile Studs, a battle between the Spaniards and Indians was fought, the latter having by this time discovered the true character of the invaders. The Spaniards were victorious, but suffered intensely. leaving many killed and wounded on the field. After fighting mother battle on the banks of the Black Warrior, De Soto lett the limits of the present State of Alabama, and entered what is now Mississippi, probably at the place where Columbus stands. The country was very densely populated with Indians, who were much more friendly and hospitable toward De Soto than those nearer the seacoast had been.
4. De Soto passed the greater part of the winter of 1540 with the Chickasaws, a friendly, though brave and warlike. tribe. On making preparations for departure in the spring of 1541, he requited their hospitality by demanding of their chief a large number of men to transport his baggage and stores. Indignant at this proof of the ingratitude of the Spaniards, the Chickasaws made a furious night-attack upon De Soto's camp. surprising the troops with a shower of blazing arrows, by which their quarter. Were soon enveloped in flames. Recovering quickly from their surprise at this sudden attack, the Spaniards, with De Soto at their head, fought their way out of the burning camp, though forced to leave their baggage and a large number of hogs and horses to perish in the flames. Some of their bravest men had fallen in this conflict. The Indian loss was very great.
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