USA > Virginia > Tazewell County > Tazewell County > Annals of Tazewell County, Virginia from 1800 to 1922 > Part 26
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37
No country can equal ours, and why be poorer than the poorest? Let us urge upon our respective states the importance of placing us on an equal footing with others, or ask leave to help ourselves, by making us a separate and distanct commonwealth. Let us do this, and show the world that here is the garden-spot.
Too little has been said, by writers of Virginia history, upon south- western Virginia. Several works have been written purporting to be his- tories of Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina, and all neglect their mountainous sections. The last works I have seen upon Virginia, are those of Howe and De Hass. Neither of these, do that justice to the south- west, which it so justly merits. The character of Mr. Howe's work pre- cluded the possibility of saying much of any section. But, De Hass's work purports to be a History of the Settlement and Indian Wars of Western Vir- ginia." If he had called it a history of the settlement and Indian wars of North-western Virginia, he would certainly have been quite as near the thing. It is most undoubtedly a history of north-western Virginia, and as such is an honor to its author.
To write a history of Virginia which should do justice to every section, would be a task greater than could be performed by any one man; for, to use the words of one well versed in Virginia history "the half will never be told."
Local history is rather a new feature in literature, and must be written for the people of its locality. I write the history of a county and for the people of that county. After the history of every county shall be written, a condensed work of the whole will be called a History of the South-west.
CHAPTER II. DISCOVERY AND SETTLEMENT.
1766.| It has been with much difficulty that I have been able to collect anything of importance, relating to this section, at the date indicated in the margin. Perhaps there is really little to record. What little I have gleaned from the obscured pages of the book of the past, has now become little more than mere tradition. For, situated as I am, in an isolated region, the ad- vantages of a public library are denied me, and from a large private library little is to be found, throwing any light on this uncertain part of my work. The information here embodied, was received from the grandsons, sons, and even from the men themselves who were the principal actors in the drama to be recorded. Memory cannot survive the decay of the physical system, unimpaired; and hence, caution is necessary, in recording an event told us, even by the chief actors therein. With this fact before me, I have placed more reliance on an incident related to me by a son of a pioneer, than if related by the pioneer himself.
Whether the discoverers were allured to this section, by the exaggerated tale of some friendly Indians; the hope of finding some valuable mineral, with which to enrich themselves; or to find a region more abundantly stocked with game, from the peltry of which they would derive a profit, cannot now be easily determined. It is most likely that the latter supposi- tion is the true cause; for, it is certain, that at the date indicated, hunting was considered a manly exercise, and one of which Virginians have ever been fond. They would brave every danger to enjoy the sport. Amuse- ment was here combined with labor and profit; and hence, the hardy back- woodsman of Augusta frequently left home and all its endearments, and took upon himself the toil and fatigue, as well as the pleasures, of a trapper's life. The "trapper life" here led, differed, in many respects, from that followed by the north-western trapper, or courceurs de bois, who married among the Indians, assumed their dress, and remained out on an expedition, one, two, and even three or four years; while the backwoodsman returned regularly to his family, at the end of a few months, perhaps poorer, but equally as happy as the courceurs de bois or rangers of the wood.
The hunters usually went to the mountains in companies of eight or ten, having pack-horses, with which they brought home their peltry. The equipment, for a trip of this kind, consisted of a rifle, powder, ball, a hatchet or tomahawk, knife, and blanket. They also carried salt and provisions enough to last them two days or beyond the settlement, from which time the forest yielded a plentiful supply. Tobacco, and a clean shirt a-piece, generally made up the remainder of their stores, which was to serve them for months in the western wilds. Their dress was usually of heavy woolen, and the manufacture of their wives and daughters. The suit worn off had to last till their return; for, except the spare shirt, they carried but one suit.
[ 341]
342
BICKLEY'S HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY, VA.
Heavy buckskin moccasins and leggins were usually worn, with a hunting shirt, and a cap made of beaver or otter-skin. The hatchet was worn in a belt around the body, while hunting-knife was lodged in a sheath fastened to the strap of the shot-pouch. I know of no more formidable personage than a backwoodsman in full dress; expecially if you reflect upon the pre- cision with which he deals the missiles of death, from his long black rifle, and his great power to endure the fatigue and hardships incident to a hunter's life.
Once upon the route, thus equipped and prepared, none were so happy or so free from the cares and vexations of civic life, as the Augusta back- woodsman, to whose homes even Washington, in after years, expected to be compelled to fly, to nourish and defend the last faint spark of republican liberty.
Pasturage for thier horses was to be found everywhere; and, game in such abundance, that plenty of good cheer were their companions from the time they left their homes, till their return. After having reached the game region, and were seated around the camp-fire, at night, their thoughts might revert from the incidents of the day and the anticipation of the morrow's scenes, and kindly hover over those left behind; but, if so, such thoughts invariably brought forth the soliloquizing ejaculation, "Well now, if I had the old woman and babies here I should be fixed !"
It will be recollected that, previous to this time, the French had mingled with the Indians, and given countenance to their acts, till the close of the war between France and England, in February, 1763. This peace did not, however, terminate the Indian war against the colonies. They were displeased with the provisions of the treaty, and commenced a war of merciless extermination against the western frontier settlements, which was waged till December, 1764, when it was brought to a close by what is usually known as Johnston's treaty.
The Shawanoes, who lived on the Wabash, Scioto, and Ohio rivers, soon after the completion of Johnston's treaty, became engaged in a war with the Cherokees, who lived in the upper parts of Alabama, Georgia, and the western part of North Carolina, and continued it till 1768, when the southern Indians, who were being pressed by the Shawanoes and Delawares, sued for, and obtained a peace, which restored quiet to the frontiers, till April, 1774.
The reader will bear in mind that this war, between the Shawanoes and Cherokees, was waging at the time of which we are writing (1776), and that the country, of which Tazewell now forms a part, lay between the con- tending nations, so that the hunter was in danger of falling into the hands of the predatory bands of either tribe. There was, however, little danger, for each nation was anxious to secure the sympathy of the whites. A few loads of powder were sufficient to have ransomed a man. But it appears that no company was molested, who were hunting within the present limits of Tazewell.
The first of these hunting companies visited this part of the Clinch valley in 1766; of their acts nothing is known. In the following year another
343
BICKLEY'S HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY, VA.
company came out, in which were two men, named Butler and Carr. They were, also, in the first company.
1767]. When this second company was ready to start back, Butler and Carr concluded to stay and wait the arrival of a company expected out that fall. They built a small cabin, at a place now known as the Crab orchard, about three miles west of the present seat of justice. During the spring they opened a small field, and planted some corn, which they received from a band of Cherokees. In the fall, the expected company of hunters arrived, and were joined by Butler and Carr, who had, by this time, acquired a correct knowledge of the geographical features of the country. They hunted till spring, leaving Butler and Carr to spend another summer in the moun- tains. Having received, from the last company, a supply of ammunition, etc., they became settled in their resolution to make the wild backwoods their home, and, accordingly, began to improve around their camp, and open lands, on which to raise bread.
1768.] Early in the summer, about two hundred Cherokee warriors camped near them, to spend the summer and kill elk, which frequented a lick near, and on the present plantation of, Mr. Thomas Witten. These were, however, soon disturbed by the appearance of several hundred Shaw- anoes; men and women. The Shawanoes and Cherokees had long been deadly enemies, and it was not to be supposed that they could camp near each other, and hunt at the same lick, without a battle.
The Shawanoes, as a people, are overbearing: and they were not long in exhibiting this feature of their character. The Shawanoe chief sent a peremptory order to the Cherokees, to evacuate their position and seek a new hunting-ground. This was early in the day. The messenger was sent back to defy the Shawanoes, who soon began to prepare for battle.
The Cherokees retired to the top of Rich mountain and threw up a breastwork, which was finished before night. It consisted of a simple em- bankment, about three or four feet high, running east and west along the top of the mountain about eighty yards, and then turning off at right angles to the north or down the mountain side. The Shawanoes commenced the ascent of the mountain before night of the first day, but finding their enemies so strongly fortified, withdrew and posted themselves in a position to com- mence the attack early the following morning.
Long before day the fiendish yells of the warriors might be heard echoing over the rugged cliffs and deep valleys of the surrounding country. Day came, and for the space of half an hour, a deathlike stillness reigned on the mountain top and side. With the first rays of the rising sun, a shout ascended the skies as if all the wild animals in the woods had broke forth in their most terrifying notes. The sharp crack of rifles and the ringing of tomahawks against each other; the screams of women and children and the groans of the dying now filled the air for miles around.
Both parties were well armed and the contest nearly equal. The Shaw- anoes having most men, while the Cherokees had the advantage of their breastwork. Through the long day the battle raged with unabated vigor, and when night closed in, both parties built fires and camped on the ground. During the night the Cherokees sent to Butler and Carr for powder and lead,
344
BICKLEY'S HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY, VA.
which they furnished. When the sun rose the following morning the battle was renewed with the same spirit in which it had been fought the previous day. In a few hours, however, the Shawanoes were compelled to retire. The loss on both sides was great, considering the numbers engaged. A large pit was opened and a common grave received those who had fallen in this last battle fought between red men in this section. Both parties left Vir- ginia for their homes in the south and west, leaving Butler and Carr in pos- session of the Elk lick, which was the cause of dispute. My informant had this account from Carr, an eye-witness. the battle-ground, breastwork, and great grave are yet to be seen.
1769.] Carr separated from Butler and settled on a beautiful spot on one of the head branches of the Clinch river, two miles east of the present town of Jeffersonville. Peace being restored among the Indians, more hunters came out, who returned laden with peltries and giving such glowing descriptions of the country (which still perhaps failed to come up to its true description) that the desire to emigrate began to exhibit itself among the substantial men of worth.
1771.] In the spring of this year Thomas Witten and John Greenup moved out and settled at the Crab orchard, which Witten purchased of Butler. Absalom Looney settled in a beautiful valley now known as Abb's valley. Matthias Harman, and his brothers Jacob and Henry settled at Carr's place. John Craven settled in the Cove (see Map), Joseph Martin, John Henry, and James King settled in the Thompson valley, and John Bradshaw in the valley two miles west of Jeffersonville. The settlers, this year, found but little annoyance from the Indians, who were living peaceably at their homes in the west and south. The consequence was the settlers erected substantial houses and opened lands to put in corn, from which they reaped a plentiful supply, in the fall.
1772.] The following persons moved out, this year, and settled at the several places named. Capt. James Moore and John Pogue, in Abb's valley; William Wynn, at the Locust hill (the place that Carr settled), which he purchased from Harman. John Taylor, on the north fork of Clinch, and Jesse Evans, near him. Thomas Maxwell, Benjamin Joslin, James Ogleton, Peter and Jacob Harman, and Samuel Ferguson, on Bluestone creek. Wil- liam Butler,* on the south branch of the north fork of Clinch, a short dis- tance above Wynn's plantation; William Webb, about three miles east of Jeffersonville; Elisha Clary, near Butler; John Ridgel, on the clear fork of Wolf creek; Rees Bowen, at Maiden spring; David Ward, in the Cove, and William Garrison, at the foot of Morris's knob.
1773.] Thomas, John, and William Peery, settled where the town of Jeffersonville now stands; John Peery, jr., at the fork of Clinch, one mile and a half east of the county seat; Capt. Maffit, and Benjamin Thomas, settled about a mile above, and Chrisly Hensley, near them. Samuel Marrs settled in Thompson's valley; Thomas English, in Burk's garden (see de- scription and remarks); James and Charles Scaggs, Richard Pemberton, and Johnson, settled in Baptist valley, five miles from where Jeffersonville
* Perhaps the same from whom Thomas Whitten purchased the Crab orchard, and the first settler.
345
BICKLEY'S HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY, VA.
now stands. Thomas Maston, William Patterson, and John Deskins, settled in the same valley, but farther west-Hines, Richard Oney, and Obadiah Paine, settled in Deskins valley, in the western part of the county.
1774-76.] The settlers who came in during the years of '74-5 and '6, generally pitched their tents near the one or other of the localities already mentioned. Even yet there is a preference manifested for the older settle- ments. This may be accounted for, from the fact that the first settlers generally chose the most desirable localities; the lands being now better improved, and society more advanced, still render these places more at- tractive than other parts of the county settled at a later period.
Cresop's war, as it is sometimes, though perhaps erroneously, called, broke out in 1774, which drove the settlers into neighborhoods where they might have the advantages of blockhouses, forts, and stations. The Revo- lution was soon resolved upon, and the frontiermen, having to combat the Indians, who had become allies to the British, were much from home. This tended, also, to draw still closer the families then settled in the county. Whatever contributed to the safety of one, conferred a like boon upon the rest. In speaking of the Indian wars, we shall see the utility of general rendezvous for families.
Our market at this time was in eastern Virginia, or the old settlements, and by the continued passage of the traders, a line of communication was kept open, over which was transmitted, with some dispatch, news of what was transpiring in the east. Even before the battle of Lexington, the subject of revolution had been talked over by the frontiermen, and we shall see, hereafter, how they conducted themselves during the war. After the declaration of war, emigration slackened, though a few, who either sym- pathized with the mother country, or felt no interest in the contest, moved out. Having now given such an outline of the settlement as will enable the reader to know the position in which the people were placed, during the first few years of the settlement, I shall proceed to a period somewhat later, that he may have an idea of the formation and outline geography of the county.
CHAPTER III.
FORMATION AND OUTLINE GEOGRAPHY.
By an act, passed December 19th, 1799, the county of Tazewell was formed of parts of Wythe and Russell. The following are the boundary lines: "Beginning on the Kanawha line, and running with the line which divides Montgomery and Wythe counties, to where said line crosses the top of the Brushy mountain; thence along the top of the said mountain to its junction with Garden mountain; thence along the top of the said mountain to the Church (perhaps Clinch) mountain; thence along the top of said mountain to the top of Cove creek, a branch of the Maiden-spring fork of Clinch river; thence a straight line to Mann's gap, in Kent's ridge; thence north 45° west, to the line which divides the state of Kentucky from that of Virginia; thence along said line to the Kanawah line, and with said line to the place of beginning."*
By an act of the Virginia legislature, passed February 3d, 1835, the line which had hitherto divided Russell and Tazewell counties was altered from Mann's gap, in Kent's ridge, so as to run north 45°, 45' west, to the distance of 974 poles, which portion was afterward ceded to Tazewell. An act of the General Assembly, passed February 4th, 1828, altered the eastern boundary line, in consequence of the formation of the county of Giles; and, again, in 1837, in consequence of the formation of the county of Mercer; which, however, owing to an omission in the act of Assembly, was not de- fined till April, 1848.
The subjoined Map exhibits the lines as they now stand; which owing to a want of facilities, is not offered as being in every respect correct, but near enough to convey a good general idea of the shape and geographical features of the county.
Tazewell county was named, not in honor of Littleton W. Tazewell, as is generally supposed, but received its name somewhat in the following manner. Simon Cotterel, who was the representative from Russell in 1799, having been authorized to apply for the formation of a new county, drew up a bill, and proposed it on the 18th of December, 1799, but met with the most violent opposition from Mr. Tazewell, a member from Norfolk county, and a relative of L. W. Tazewell then in Congress. Cotterel rose in his seat, and begged the gentleman to withhold his remarks till his bill was matured, to which he assented. Cotterel erased the proposed name and inserted that of Tazewell; and the next day (19th), presented his bill thus amended. Tazewell was silenced; the bill passed, receiving Tazewell's vote. To this stratagem the county is indebted for its name.
The county is bounded on the north by the State of Kentucky, Logan and Wyoming counties, Virginia; on the east by Mercer and Giles; on the south by Wythe and Smyth, and on the west by Russell. It has a super-
* Virginia Statutes, from 1792 to 1806 ; Vol. II, chap. 27, sec. 1, page 217.
[346]
347
BICKLEY'S HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY, VA.
ficial area of about 1,920,000 square acres, or 3000 square miles, and is traversed by numerous ranges of the Alleghany and Cumberland mountains. Clinch, one of the principal mountains, passes through it in an easterly and westerly direction, about forty miles. This mountain was named, as will be seen in the chapter on mountains, in consequence of the Clinch river. Rich mountain passes through the county about twenty miles; it is a branch of the Clinch. Garden and Brushy mountains are in the southern part of the county, the latter being the county line; they run parallel with Clinch mountain. Paint Lick and Deskin's mountains are also parallel and north of the Rich mountain. They are parts of the same range with East river and Elk-horn, being separated by the Clinch river, in the valley in which stands the town of Jeffersonville. There are no other mountains deserving of notice, at this place, except the Great Flat Top, in the north-east corner of the county.
The county is traversed by many streams; some of considerable size; the principal of which are Clinch river, Bluestone, La Visee, Dry, and Tug forks of Sandy river and their branches. The Clinch river rises from three springs; the first on the "divides," about ten miles east of the town of Jef- fersonville; the second in the valley between Elk-horn and Rich mountains; the third in Thompson's valley, about eight miles south-east of the county seat. The two first unite about one and a half miles east of Jeffersonville, and flow, in a westerly direction, about twenty-five miles, and unite with the Maiden-spring fork, and thence flow through Russell, Scott, Lee, and a part of Tennessee, and, after receiving the Powell river, empty into the Tennessee about sixty miles above Kingston.
Bluestone creek rises in the eastern part of the county; flows in a north easterly direction, and empties into the Great Kanawha. The different branches (see Map) of the Sandy river, rising in this county, flow in a nor- therly direction and empty into the Ohio. The county is well watered. The climate and soil are treated of, in other places, under appropriate heads (which see); as also, the manners, customs, etc. Jeffersonville is the county seat.
CHAPTER IV.
CLIMATE.
WINTER IN TAZEWELL.
Owing to its elevation, the climate, in winter, is more severe than in the surrounding counties. Snow appears generally before the commence- ment of the first winter month. The inhabitants, at this season, are much exposed in feeding and caring for their stock. Ice is seldom seen over six inches thick, and attains that thickness only a few times in the course of the winter. Less snow falls than would be supposed, from the latitude and ele- vation of the country. It lies but a short time, and is generally succeeded by rain, which is plentiful at this season. The water-courses are usually high during the winter, though seldom impassable, except for a short time immediately after long rainy spells. The reflection of light from the moun- tains, when covered with snow, renders a sunny day remarkably light: and to this circumstance is owing the absence of that gloomy appearance so often seen in level countries during the winter; except indeed, when snow is falling, at which time the mountains are obscured and a death-like shadow is cast over everything. During the winter season the country presents a business air to be seen at few other seasons of the year. This is owing to the return of the drovers, who supply the people with the almighty dollar, the influence of which is felt everywhere. Its plentiful presence seems to instil life, energy, and action into those ordinarily lethargic and idle. Con- tracts, based upon the credit system, are now discharged and pledged faith redeemed.
During the middle of winter comes Christmas, with all its joys and pleasures. It is here celebrated as in England four hundred years ago. The young people commence the dance, which is kept up for several weeks. The figures are mostly the variety of reels. The violin, triangle, and tambour- rine, constitute the band.
Dancing is an amusement greatly loved by the people of Tazewell and in which they excel. The intimacy and good cheer existing at these gather- ings (in which even the older people sometimes participate), will doubtless account for the general good feeling which exists among the people of the county, and which is proverbial.
The new year steals in amid all their hilarity, and is welcomed with hearty good-will. The end of winter puts a stop to all these amusements, and the people return to the plow, the loom, and the anvil.
SPRING.
Spring, which succeeds the cold and amusements, is the most beautiful season imaginable. At the earliest dawn of spring, the sap begins to flow
[348]
349
BICK LEY'S HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY, VA.
in the sugar-maple (Acer saccharinum), and then begins the process of sugar- making. This is effected by boring auger holes in the body of the tree, and introducing part of an alder stalk, or something of the kind, to serve as a conductor for the sap, which falls in a trough, and is conveyed in pails thence to the kettles, where it is boiled into sugar. The water is evaporated while the saccharine principle remains. It is a dark, compact sugar, which might be improved by slightly altering the mode of manufacture.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.