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MURRAY COUNTY HERITAGE
John Howard Payne
Murray in the 1840's
The 1850's
CHAPTER III SLAVERY, WAR, AND RECONSTRUCTION (1850-1900)
Slavery
War Comes to Murray
A Sketch of My War Reccord as a Confederate Soldier
The Reconstruction Era
The KKK
Confederate Veterans
CHAPTER IV TOWNS, COMMUNITIES, AND MILITIA DISTRICTS (1880-1980)
Spring Place District
Horrible Holocaust
Brave Sheriff Dead
Spring Place Post Office
Spring Place Government and Politics
Spring Place Residents & Businesses
Schools in Spring Place
Spring Place Cemeteries
Other Communities in the District
Bull Pen District
The Eighth District
Carters - Ball Ground District
The Ball Ground Area
Doolittle District
McDonald's District
Pleasant Valley and Eton
Schools in Eton
Cisco-Alaculsey District
Fairy, Hall's Chapel, and Fancy Hill
Tennga District #1713
Tenth District
Shuckpen District
Town District - The Founding of Chatsworth
Schools in Chatsworth
Chatsworth High School, 1922-1934
Chatsworth High School, 1922-1934
Businesses in Chatsworth
General Merchandise, Food, and Grocery Stores
A Chatsworth Chronology
The Chatsworth Post Office
Other Communities in Chatsworth District
CHAPTER V GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT The L&N Railroad
Moving The County Seat
Building The Courthouse
Murray County Agriculture And Mining
Mineral Resources
Murray County Newspapers - by J. Roy McGinty, Jr.
WPA And CCC
Education - County School System
Murray County High School
Murray County Junior High
Adult and Post-Secondary Education
County Services - Murray County Library
Health And Welfare Services
Industry & Transportation - Industry
Transportation
The People, Housing, and Statistics
Special Features
Clubs And Organizations
-FOREWORD-
At last Murray County Heritage is in your hands. No one is more pleased than I am to finally see the book roll off the press. Writing the book has been a tremendous labor for the other committee members and me. However, we are overjoyed to see the results of almost a decade of work.
The Murray County History Committee was jointly appointed by the Whitfield-Murray Historical Society and the Murray County Grand Jury in late 1977. We began work in 1978, knowing that a book was far in the future because we were virtually "starting from scratch." The only history of Murray County in existence was the short volume written by Charles Shriner three quarters of a century ago. Therefore, we began our labors not sure when we would see the results.
As the committee worked, we surveyed cemeteries, wrote letters, visited libraries and archives, read countless volumes of deeds and county records, researched a hundred years of newspapers, and interviewed many older residents. As our files grew, we tried to compile the information, but, as the months passed, more facts kept coming to light and we just could not go to press when so much history was not yet recorded. Attempts to get others to help us with church and organization histories as well as histories of specific eras, areas, and events were only somewhat successful. Yet, we pressed on.
At the same time, members of the committee restored the Old Spring Place Methodist Church to house the materials we collected. We were also involved with other historical society projects, families, school, jobs, church, personal interests, and other activities. All the work has been donated and I am grateful to the many who have helped this book become a reality.
Foremost among the contributors have been the committee members-Mildred McCamy (who suggested the book's title), Sarah Dillard, Sybil Mc-Lemore, Katherine Raine, Nell Ruth Loughridge. and especially Louise Coker and Emily Cogburn-along with my very supportive family. In the long course of our work many of those we interviewed first have since passed away. While I am glad we recorded their memories, my greatest regret is that people like R.E. Chambers, Mamie Pierce, Carl Davis, Jennie Weyman, Mattie Lou Pritchett, Mark Baxter, Roy McGinty, and our own Kate Raine did not live to see their words in print. A special thanks to Polly Boggess for all her help.
Also, 1 know some areas are sketchy, omissions will be noted, and some inaccuracies will be found. I apologize for this. We tried to include everything possible, but we are not experts on all aspects of Murray County history. No one knows how many hours were spent researching, writing, reconciling different versions of the same stories, editing, verifying, proofreading, and indexing. Even while we were writing things changed—Tennga's stores closed and it got a new postmaster, new churches (like Liberty Bell Baptist) were established, businesses came and went, and new facts kept coming to light-like the location of a Civil War prison camp 8 miles northeast of Spring Place and the site of a Union camp of 400 men 4 miles north of Spring Place. We just could not include every detail.
However, we are pleased with the book and hope you will be, too. Read, learn, and enjoy along with people all across the country who have a Murray County "connection." To quote the Psalmist David, "The lines are fallen ... in pleasant places... I (we) have a goodly heritage." (16:6);
Yours,
Tim Howard, Chairman
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-ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS-
Appreciation is expressed to all those people who have helped us gather the information for this history. Over the years we have had countless people loan us pictures, pass on information, provide us with encouragement, tell us about resource people, give us documents, and assist with the actual research and writing. Without you we could never have accomplished what we set out to do back in 1978. The history is truly a book about Murray County by Murray Countians (whether by birth or by feeling). Following is a list of many who helped. If your name is omitted, please forgive us-we still appreciate you.
| Conway Gregory, Jr. | Emily Cogburn | Polly Boggess | | Joann Warmack | Bill Warmack | Louise Mitchell | | Frances Heartsell | Marie Kelly | Mr. &Mrs. Hill Jones | | Tucker & Grace Brown | Lovadah Maynard | R.F. & Wave Hill | | Minnie Gryder | Charlie Hall | Kirby & Lucy Young | | Lee Timms | Frank &, Lee Brindte | Bertie Robinson | | John & Mae Fox | Mattie Lou Pritchett | Willie Mae Sexton | | Mina Biamblett | Mattie Robinson | Agnes Kemp | | Edna Jo Butler | Carl & Ora Davis | Jim & Odetta Howard | | C.N. & Sarah King | Pauline Hemphill | Mr. & Mrs. Colquitt Carter | | Dan & Milma Einest | Sadie Wilson | Marie Roe | | Mr.&Mrs. R.E. Dillard | Bessie Mae Adams | Lula Bates | | Tom & Louise Gregory | M/M James Loughridge | Blane Tillman | | Harold Wilson | lone Hemphill | Marvin Middleton | | G.l. Maddox | Ethel Moore | Maty Lou Richardson | | Dale Lowman | R.E. Chambers | Charlie Ruth Ross | | Ronald Richardson | RebaWestfield | Ed & Pat Hall | | Marion "Pete" Sims | Mark Baxter | Forwell Studios | | Joe Holcomb | Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Richardson | Ethel Brown | | Aldyne Maltbie | Annie Laurie Howard | E.A. Ernest | | C.T. Ernest | Ermina Vann Campbell | Jacqueline Gray | | Tom Plott | Ruth Springfield | Rossie Ann Henry | | Pat Dunn | Mittie Adams | Jon Howard | | Estelle Middleton | Stella Baxter | Icy Plemons | | Mamie Pierce | Johnnie Hartley | W.W. & Nadine Keith | | Will Ross | Henry Epperson | Olivene Godfrey | | Lee Bramblett | C.C. & Biddie Langston | Oscar Luffman | | George Ridley | Felton Quarles | Nina Middleton | | C.W. Bradley | Edith Heartsell Bullaid | Henry McEntire | | Melbarine Phillips | Murray County Retired Teachers | Bernita Harris | | Nina Hill | Ruth Cox | Louise Tatum | | Dr. Derrell Roberts | Edna Dunfoid | Louise Wilson | | Moravian Archives | Georgia Dept. of Archives | Crown Gardens & Archives | | Dalton Regional Library | Murray County Library | Murray County Officials | | Lela Lloyd | The Chatsworth Times | Homer Luffman | | Jessie Brewer | Lora Compton | Ruth Young | | Roy Hawkins | Richard Kendrick | Mildred McCamy | | Sybil McLemore | Katheiine Raine | Louise Coker | | Walter Bogle | Jack Clayton | Jewell Lawson | | J. Roy McGinty | Leta Tankersley | Jennie Weyman | | Charles Pannell | Daily Citizen News | Judy Kreuger | | Mike Garland | Miles & Carolyn Andersen | Ruth Bates | | Harriett DiGioia | Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources | |
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-INTRODUCTION-
Murray County, situated in northwest Georgia, is bounded on the east by Fannin and Gilmer Counties, on the south by Gordon, and on the west by Whit-field County. The northern boundary of the county, part of the state line between Tennessee and Georgia, is the 35th parallel of latitude. Once much larger. Murray County now consists of 342 square miles.
Murray has a variety of topographic elevations ranging from 700 feet above sea level in the valleys, to more than 4,000 feet in the mountains. Prominent peaks in the Murray skyline include Fort, Grassy, Cohutta. Bald, and Potato Patch mountains. Mountains occupy about one-third of the eastern part of the county and have long been noted for their beauty.
All surface drainage in the area flows into the Mobile River Basin. The Conasauga and Coosawattee Rivers, the two most important streams in Murray, join to form the Oostanaula near Resaca in Gordon County. Other significant streams are Sumac, Mill, and Holly Creeks, all of which flow westward into the Conasauga—the boundary between Murray and Whitfield.
Many minerals are present in Murray. Gold was mined for a time while marble, iron, lead, silver, and manganese exist in smaller amounts. For many years large quantities of talc {earlier called soapstone) have been mined in the mountains.
Long an agricultural region, Murray fields have yielded countless amounts of corn, cotton, wheat, fruit, grasses, other vegetables, and, in more recent years, soybeans. The land is fertile and provides excellent pasturage for cattle as well as other animals. The lumber business has also thrived in the area for many decades.
Murray's population has shown various increases and declines in the 20th century. The number of residents climbed from 8.623 in 1900 to 9,400 in 1920. Although the population decreased to 9,215 in 1930, it rose almost 2,000 by 1940 (11,137). During the years during and following World War II the number of residents declined and by 1960 the population was 10,447. This change is attributed to agriculture declines and the number of people who left the area for jobs in other places during the war. Between 1960 and 1970 Murray enjoyed a population increase of 24.3 percent (12.986). Since then the population has continued to grow. Thus the labor force and school enrollment have increased steadily.
Murray County has changed tremendously in the last two decades. Many long-time residents have passed away and, with them, much of our heritage. A significant number of people have moved to Murray, and are learning about the area's long and fascinating history. Here then is the written account of "Murray County Heritage."
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-Chapter I-
The Old Federal Road
As mentioned earlier, James Vann helped get the Cherokee Nation's first highway built by convincing the chiefs that a road would be beneficial to the Indians (and perhaps more importantly, to James Vann). In 1803 the Cherokees granted informal permission for the Federal government to build a road across heir land. This major thoroughfare became known as the Federal Road and connected Tennessee with points to the southeast.
Mr. Lewis Richardson again shares his knowledge of early North Georgia history as follows: . . . These [roads] served a dual purpose: provide easier movement of supplies to the [Indian] agencies and western settlements and, if war came, speed the passage of army baggage trains . . .
The informal agreement was ratified by the Treaty of Tellico in 1805 and the road was opened for wagons by the next year. Mr. Richardson continues:
By this time, there was no money available from the federal coffers. The Administration referred the matter to the Governors of Tennessee and Georgia, suggesting that the states pay for locating and opening the road. Both states refused any responsibility. The road was actually opened by private effort, for the most part by tavern owners and trading post operators. No federal money was expended on any part. It should have been christened the "Cherokee Road."
In a few years there was an increasing flow of traffic on the route. At first there were the heavy freight wagons with four and six horse teams; later lightly built post stages began to carry the mail and an occasional passenger. By 1820, there were the "movers," families passing through the Nation seeking new homes in Tennessee or Northern Alabama. Some few liked what they saw in the Cherokee country, made an accomodation with the Indians and settled along the road. The track also became an important drovers route, with herds of cattle and droves of hogs, from Hast Tennessee to markets in Georgia. And always there were the individual horsemen, politicians, military men, traders, missionaries and curious travelers.
It was inevitable that other connecting toads would be opened to serve the larger villages. New Echota and Ellijay, for example. By the rnid-1830's, there was a considerable network of wagon roads, cart tracks and pack horse trails in the Nation, ll should be noted, however, there had been almost no attempt to improve any of these roads There was no grading, bridges, or surface treatment other than poles d brush thrown in the worst stretches of mud and swamp. By our standards, they could hardly be classed as roads. This was the transportation system in the region when the removal of the Cherokees began in the late 1830's.
The Old Federal Road began west of Athens, went to Vann's Ferry near present-day Lake Lanier, curved north and west through several modern counties, and entered Murray County near Carters. In the early 1950's John H. Goff, a professor at Emory wrote this description of the Road in Murray County:
Travelers......forded the [Coosawattee) river just above [the old bridge | .where the stream widened into swift but shallow shaols ... At Cuniston, two miles farther on. the old road strikes U.S. 411...
Near this place also, not far from a present large dairy barn, in frontier days was an interesting place named "Bloodtown." Origin of the name is obscure, but the site was a noted spot where south-bound cattle drovers penned their stock at night for feeding and resting while en route to markets. Traces of Bloodtown have long since disappeared, but tales of the reveling and brawling which took place there persisted long.
Up the road a little farther, in front of a filling station which now marks Ramhurst, Georgia, on U.S. 411, the Old Federal Road branched. One fork . . . turned left toward Chattanooga and Nashville. The other continued straight ahead, approximately along the course of U.S. 411. via prcscnt-day Chatsworth, Eton, and Cisco to Tennga on the Georgia-Tennessee line.
(The U.S. 411 mentioned is old 411 today.)
Goff gave additional information about the western fork of the Road from Ramhurst as follows:
... the left branch leads northwest by historic Spring Place in Murray County toward Chattanooga. No one living along its course now seems to remember it as a Federal route; generally it is referred to as the "Old Chattanooga Road," although in rare instances a few old timers recall it as the "Georgia Road." The last is its oldest name, under which the government first sought a passageway through the Cherokee country. At Spring Place the road bore to the north of the village and the majestic old Vann house that stands just notth of that place.
A stretch of the early trail is missing along here, But it takes up again at Free Hope Church Crossroads, northwest of Spring Place, and runs straight north to the Old Chattanooga l-ord below the mouth of Mill Creek on Conasauga River. The ford is no longer used, but the former trace is still there.
The road then went through Whitfield County.
The Old Federal Road soon became the major post and stagecoach route in the Cherokee Nation. A stage began running through Spring Place as early as '825 and by 1833 regularly ran to Athens, Tennessee. A post office had been established at Spring Place earlier.
Another important event during this era was the beginning of a canal system in Georgia. Designed to improve "internal" transportation, these canals were very ambitious undertakings, but the canal era did not last long due to the coming of railroad and almost none were even begun in Georgia. However, "the Conasauga River was once a busy artery of commerce and was twice considered as part of a canal system," according to historian Lewis Richardson. One proposal was for the River to become a portion of Georgia's Northwest Canal. "In 1825. Wilson Lumpkin and State Engineer Hamilton Fulton led an exploratory party through the area and selected the river as the best route." The Cherokees refused to permit the canal building at that time or in 1826 and 1827 when the Tennessee General Assembly chartered the Hiwassee Canal Company. Plans were drawn to connect the Conasauga with the Ocoee River by means of 15 locks spaced over 10 miles. However the canals were not to be.
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-Chapter I-
Indian Settlements And The Moravians
The area that now comprises Murray County was long the home of native Americans. Paleolithic and Archaic Era Indians were gradually replaced by the Woodland Indians after 1000 B.C. Although hunting, fishing, and gathering remained the principle sources of food, agricultural methods and larger, more permanent villages characterized this Woodland period. The Woodland Indians were also the first to develop religious systems and to build dirt mounds over graves of important people. Mound building reached its height during the succeeding "Mississippian Age." Evidence of this period exists in Murray County near Carters Darn. Several mounds have been excavated there.
Around 900 A.D. a strong group of Indians from the north invaded Georgia, probably from Tennessee. About 200 years later the older natives reconquered parts of Georgia and their descendants, the Creeks, later played an important par! in Georgia history. The invaders from the north retained control of the Murray area although some Creek placenames were retained in North Georgia. By 1540, when the Spanish explorer Hemando DeSoto came through Georgia, two groups of Indians existed, the Creeks in the south and in the north the people who were to be called Cherokees.
An Indian town called Guaxule is mentioned in DeSoto's records. The Spaniards received a warm, peaceful welcome from the chief of this village which included some 300 houses. Five hundred warriors dressed in skins with feather decorations escorted their leader to his meeting with De Soto. Georgia historian Charles C. Jones, Jr. identified Guaxule as being in Murray County. Apparently the Cherokees occupied an old Creek settlement and later renamed it "Coosawattee" which means "old Creek place." DeSoto's men stayed in the area about 4 days and following their departure, the Cherokees were left alone for about 200 years.
In the early days of the 18th century, the Cherokees roamed freely over most of what is now the states of Virginia, Kentucky. North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee. Georgia, and Alabama. As the white settlers moved inward from the Atlantic the native Americans were forced to relinquish pieces of land, first in Virginia and South Carolina, then in North Carolina and Georgia, then in Tennessee and Alabama. Finally, by the 1820's the once vast Cherokee Nation included only a small area where North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia, and Alabama join. But many changes had taken place within the Nation in that space of 100 years.
The Cherokees had decided that there was no need to try to fight the encroaching white people, but rather agreed to settle down, build log homes, become an agricultural nation and adopt the ways of the whites in hopes of retaining their homeland. Traders were allowed into the Cherokee domain as well as French and British Indian agents. As the American colonists revolted for their independence, the Cherokees felt they should fight with the British, feeling that the mighty Englishmen would surely defeat the Americans and would then treat the Cherokees in a favorable manner. Unfortunately for the Cherokees, the British lost the colonies.
After the War for Independence, the Cherokees made peace with the new United States Government. More and more whites pushed toward the Indian lands and with this came a greater exchange of ideas between the Indians and the white culture. Murray County soon had a number of white residents who lived among and married Cherokees.
Coosawattee Old Town, located near Carters, became a thriving settlement. Ebenezer Newton traveled through the area in 1818 and found that Coosawattee was "a considerable town of the Indians on both sides of the river." Newton commented that the Indians were "very civil and kind" and that the area was very beautiful. The Newton party spent the night at "Captain Foster's" in a comfortable log cabin. Foster was a prominent Cherokee who had several slaves. Newton remarked that the blacks spoke English better than their master.
Other early names near Coosawattee were the McDaniels, Harlans, and the Martins. Judge Martin built the house now known as Carters Quarter. During the Carter ownership of the land much was discovered about the earlier Indian settlement. In the 1880's two large silver crosses which pointed to DeSoto's visit were unearthed. In the late 1920's and 1930's excavations were conducted on the burial mounds, by Prof. Warren Moorehead, while in 1934 a large cave was discovered and was thought to contain lost Indian treasures. Professor J.R. Stull was told of the cave by an aged Cherokee in Utah and followed markings on trees to the spot where some "stone images" were found. Iron objects, shells, arrow points, pottery, and skeletons had been found during the earlier diggings. Other burials were unearthed in the 1960's prior to the building of Carters Dam.
Apparently this area, under its various names of Guaxule, Coosawattee Old Town, and Carters, is the oldest continually occupied "town" in Murray County.
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-Chapter I-
The Vanns and the Vann House
While Coosawattee was older and the home of the wealthy Martins, no other town or family could rival the Vanns of "Diamond Hill," "Vann's Town," and Spring Place. No family adopted white ways to the extent that the Vanns did. Their fame, fortune, and failures are known not just in Murray County and Georgia, but across the United States. Their story is the story of the Cherokees as well as the story of Murray County in the first quarter of the 19th century.
Accounts of the first Vann to come to the Cherokee Nation vary a great deal. Some say his name was James, others say Clement, and still others compromise and say it was James Clement. Several versions of the family story report that the first Vann to come to Georgia was James Vann's father, while others feel that it was James's grandfather, a Scot trader perhaps running from the law, who entered the Cherokee Nation near its southern boundary and married a full-blooded Cherokee princess named Wawli. Some authors write that the first Vann had married Ruth Gann. A more recent genealogist proposes that two brothers began the Vann family trading business with the Cherokees. James came first but died a short time after marrying Waw-li who then married James's brother. Clement, a later arrival to the Cherokee lands. At any rate, Waw-li, the chieftain's daughter, married a Scot trader named Vann and had at least three children: Avery, James, and Nancy (according to most sources, anyway). Here the saga of the Murray County Vanns really begins.
The Vann family moved to the Murray area in the late 1700's. Since they were already well-to-do traders and farmers, the clan quickly built up vast land-holdings. Avery Vann moved back south to what became Vann's Valley in Floyd County, while James built his Murray plantation called Diamond Hill. At this time Spring Place was still merely a stopping place for hunting and trading parties.
James increased his wealth, establishing a mill, trading post, and slave cabins on Mill Creek. He is said to have built the first wagon in the Cherokee Nation. He married three wives. Jennie Foster, Elizabeth Thornton, and Margaret "Peggy" Scott (born 1783). Of the first two, one was Indian and one was white, while "Peggy" was of mixed blood. Her father had been an Indian agent for the British. James fathered five legitimate children: James, John, Sally, Delilah and, the youngest, Joseph (bom 1798), his only child by Peggy.
Mr. Vann developed quite a reputation as a fierce man, particularly when he had been drinking which was very often. Nevertheless, in 1793 he was called upon by U.S. Government Indian Agents to clear the Cherokee lands of thieves and other white men who were causing trouble. He continued in this "police" action until his death. James Vann killed many white men in duels or to enforce his authority over them. One account reports that he murdered Georgia militiaman Leonard Rice and most sources reveal that he was very strict on his workers, whites as well as slaves. He once whipped his overseer Mr. Crawford 100 strokes and tried to shoot another employee, Mr. Giger, on another occasion. He also had an overseer named Bohing at one time. His most violent action came in 1805 against a slave named Isaac. Isaac and three other blacks (two were Bob and Peter) stole $3,500 from Vann's money chest upon the instigation of a white visitor named Spencer, along with Mr. Bowen. When Isaac was captured he was burned alive while the others were shot or "strung up in a tree." Earlier, Vann had abused an elder chief and even shot his own uncle under terms of an old Cherokee blood law which demanded revenge.
Despite his fierce temper and drinking problem, James Vann did care for his mother's people, the Cherokees. He hated to see them robbed and mistreated by white intruders. He was also concerned for their education. While on a business trip to the eastern coastal cities, including Washington, D.C., he met a group of Moravian Missionaries from Salem, North Carolina. Impressed with their dedication and desire to work among the Cherokees, he promised them support—financially and physically—if they would come to Georgia and establish a school for the Cherokee children.
Vann took the plan to the other chiefs and persuaded them to allow the establishment of a mission on James Vann's property.
The Moravians were installed in two small cabins which were being vacated by a Mr. Brown and located about 1& miles from Diamond Hill between James Vann's field and his mother's field near a limestone spring. Vann promised them some new buildings and the Moravians were pleased with the arrangement—until they found that Vann was planning to build a still on the spring a short distance from the missionaries' cabins. They asked Vann about building their new mission complex on a hill just west of their present spot and he agreed, but to the missionaries' dismay, Vann soon had plans made to build a new house for himself on the hill. The missionaries then were given land a short distance southeast of the proposed spot for their mission. They were not displeased at being a distance from the home of Vann.
Vann hired a German named Vogt to design his new house, a house which would rival any house within the bounds of the Cherokee nation, a house on the scale of others Vann had seen in the east during his many travels. So while the Moravians were attempting to build their own dwellings and a school, Vann asked them to help instruct his slaves and other Indians in how to build his new brick house. All Moravians were excellent craftsmen and he must have been pleased at his choice of missionary teachers to come to his town. The work on the house began late in 1803 with most of the work being done in 1804. The Vanns moved into the newly completed house in March, 1805. Everything used in building the house was made on the site except the glass for the windows which was shipped from Savannah.
Meanwhile the Moravians had begun their school which also pleased James Vann. In sponsoring the school, Vann contributed greatly to the education of the many men who would lead the Cherokees through their most trying hours in the next two decades. Although the Moravians were interested in making Christian converts, this was difficult since the spirits of James Vann were in such close proximity.
The Moravians named the mission complex Springplace or "place of many springs" due to the large number of excellent streams in the area. The town which sprang up after Vann moved his family nearby was soon going by the name of Vann's Town. Vann reigned both as plantation owner and master as well as a town chief over the area. He had increased his wealth until he owned over 4,000 acres of land as well as operating taverns, stores, a grist mill, a sawmill, a blacksmith shop, ferries, and other types of businesses throughout the Cherokee nation. Many of his business ventures were located on the Old Federal Road, built in 1805 under his sponsorship. While the other chiefs voiced protest about building a road through the Cherokee lands, James Vann forced it through the Council—the road would be very advantageous to his businesses. His Diamond Hill complex became known as Vann's "Old Town."
However, James Vann did not get to enjoy his fine "Showplace of the Cherokee Nation" very long for his life was nearing its end. In 1807 or 1808 James killed his brother-in-law, John Falling, in a duel near Spring Place. Some say the duel came about after James abused his mother and beat his sister (Falling's wife) while she was with child. Another source mentions that Falling had been involved in the theft ring which had resulted in Isaac's death. Whatever the cause, the following account of the duel was recorded later:
Vann met Falling. He charged him with Treachery. Words ensued. A challenge passed. Such an instance never before occurred in the nation; nor has it ever occurred since.
The parties agreed !o meet at a certain cross path, where four roads intersect. They were to be armed at their own choice. Vann had a long French musquet, Falling a double bundled fowling piece; each were loaded with 21 buck shot; each well mounted.
At the hour fixed, each started at a full gallop. When they caught view of each other, each gave the war whoop, as they dashed onward. Their horses heads neatly struck together, ere they fired. The guns went off almost on the same instant. Vann's horse gave a slight dodge, and the charge grazed Vann as it passed. Falling dropped dead , ..
It caused much excitement and it was thought prudent that Vann should not be seen until the excitement could have time to cool.
The death went unavenged until February 21,1809. At this time there were loud complaints of the depredations committed in the nation by horse thieves, white and red, as well as other rogues, emanating from the whites upon the border. James Vann gathered some followers and paraded the country to punish the aggressors. They caught and flogged some of each complexion. Vann now returning from his judicial and patriotic expedition; and at Buffmgton's on the Etowah he stopped to wind up his adventures with a frolic. In the log hut tavern the interstices between the logs of which were open, he stood in the center of the group carousing. He had been at high words with some of his ancient associates-to Alexander Sanders, for one, he had been very abusive. The bottle was in one hand & he was lifting the cup of whiskey to his lips with the other. The door, which swung loosely, was silently pressed open by the point of a rifle. In an instant, James Vann was dead, and no one has ever known his slayer. He was buried at High Tower, near Blackburn's. The death of Falling by his hand had never been revenged and hence there was no search made to discover his own murderer.
The Moravian missionaries added that "after hearing the shot, Joseph (James's son) and a Negro rapidly gathered up the belongings of father and son including Vann's "pocketbook" containing . . . cash and valuable bank notes. Wrapped in a blanket Joseph and the Negro fled to his father's plantation on the Chattahoo-chee River . . . Almost frightened to death, Mrs. Vann and her parents-in-law fled to Buffmgton's at dawn." The body had already been buried in an old nearby cemetery when they arrived.
Reaction to Vann's death was mixed. Mrs. Vann and "Mother" Vann were distraut for weeks as were other members of the Vann household. The missionaries wrote:
Thus ended the life of one who was feared by many and loved by few in the 41st year of his life ...
Vann had been an instrument in the hand of God for establishing our mission in this nation. Never in his wildest orgies had he attempted to harm us. We could not but commend his soul to God's mercy.
They had lost their "greatest friend and benefactor."
According to legend a rhyme was placed on his marker which said "Here lies the body of James Vann who killed many a white man. At last by a rifle ball he fell and the Devil dragged his soul to Hell." Ebenezer Newton, the 1818 traveler, gave this report of the inscription: "here lies the body of James Vann who departed this life Feb. 1809 aged 43. This man was once a Chief of the Cherokee Nation, and was considered a great man among them, and was very rich. But his greatness and his riches could not ward off the stroke of death.
He lies a monument of greatness lost and an evidence of the frailty & mutability of Man, whether he be white or red."
James Vann had expected to leave his vast holdings to his young son, Joseph, but the Council of Chiefs intervened to divide the property between his widow and all his children. Nevertheless, the 11-year-old Joseph inherited the bulk of his father's estate. Joseph grew up. married, and began his family as master of the Vann House. Upon reaching legal age, he received full title to the plantation and made many improvements in the house and on the land. He was an even better businessman than his father and won the nickname "Rich Joe" because he had a cousin also named Joseph who was not quite as wealthy. (The cousin was Teaultle or "Big Joe.") Rich Joe had been educated at the Moravian School and in South Carolina. At the young age of 16 he had joined other Cherokees and Americans under the command of Andrew Jackson to defeat the Creeks at Horseshoe Bend, Alabama, during the War of 1812. The "Cherokee Croesus" was a representative of the Coosawattee District (along with John Martin) in the Cherokee legislature. He was also a delegate to Washington. D.C., as the Indians sought governmental recognition. The 6-feet-6 man had two wives, Jennie Springston and Polly Black. His children were James Springston, Mary, John Shepherd, Delilah, Henry Clay, Sally, David, Nancy, William, Jane Elizabeth and Joe.
In 1819 Joseph entertained President James Monroe at Spring Place when the President made a trip through the South. Both James and Joseph left their doors open to any visitors and. like his father. Joseph also loved to drink, but apparently was not quite so beliggerent. Lewis Richardson, a descendant of an old area family and now a resident of Gainesville, wrote (his account of the presidential visit:
The tour of James Monroe through the Southeast and the Cherokee Nation in 1819 is of interest for two reasons. He was the firsl President to visit what is now Murray County and the travel arrangements, the size of the party and the lack of publicity is in startling contrast to similar Presidential tours today.
Monroe made this southern joumey for three reasons. First, to review the defenses of the young nation along the coast and on the southern frontier; second, for political purposes. As do all politicians, he welcomed the chance to meet people and to promote the policies of his administration and his party. His last objective was to view the work of the Government and the private Missions in the Cherokee country. Monroe was a compassionate man and sympathized with the plight of the native Americans. He believed that with the help of tools and implements supplied by the Government, by teaching the older Indians the arts of agriculture and by educating the young, the Indian problem would cease to exist. On this trip he would see for himself how well his policies were working.
There were only (hree in the original group, the President; his secretary, Samuel Gouvernor and his military aide, Lt. Monroe, It was almost a family affair. Lt. Monroe was the son of the President's brother, Joseph, and, in the following year, Gouvernor would marry Hester Maria, the President's youngest daughter. In the course of the journey, this small group would be augmented by numerous politicians, military officers, office holders and assorted notables. Most would travel only a short distance and would be replaced by others in each new town.
The party left Washington, April 1, 1819 and proceeded to Savannah by slow stages. From the Georgia coast they went northwest through the State, arriving in Athens, May 21st, seven weeks from Washington. The next morning they traveled to Jefferson in Jackson County where they partook of a "noon dinner" provided by the citizens of the village.
From this point they would follow the Federal Road into Tennessee. That afternoon, they crossed the Georgia State line and entered the Cherokee Nation. The Chattahoochee River was crossed at Vann's Ferry and they spent the night in the village on the west bank. The Ferry and the Tavern in the Indian village had been opened by James Vann about 1805. (The old Tavern building has been moved to New Echota State Park, near Calhoun,)
The 24th of May was spent in crossing present Forsyth County. That night they forded the Etowah River and slept at Lewis Blackburn's Tavern about a half mile west of the river. Ten years before, James Vann had been murdered near Blackburn's place and he is said to lest in the Blackburn Cemetery nearby.
The next day, the route was west, then north to the crossing of Long Swamp Creek, just east of Tate, in present Pickens County.
On the 26th, the travelers continued through Pickens County, passing the Indian village Of Sanderstown. They arrived in Spring Place late in the evening, unexpectedly, and the Moravians recorded the event:
May 25, 1819. Very late In the evening, Mr. James Monroe came with the overseer. Brodewell, to announce that the President of the United States and his party had arrived at Joseph Vann's. We were told by James Monroe that because so many were in his party that they did not wish to worry us for a night's lodging. The President had sent him to tell us thai he was in the neighborhood and that he would like to see Br. Gambald before the party leaves the next moming. The overseer asked for several lights for the company.
The "Mr. Monroe" was, of course, Lt. Monroe, The President's announced reason for not stopping at the Mission may be classed as a polite subterfuge. He was acquainted with Joe Vann, and the prospect of staying in the comfortable Vann home rather than the austere quarters of the missionaries is understandable. He did take time the next morning to inspect the Indian school and expressed his satisfaction with the work of the Brothers. There is no evidence of Federal aid having been offered or solicited. The Moravians were self sufficient.
Later in the day, the party left Spring Place, going northwest to the old crossing of the Conasauga River, later known as the Chattanooga Ford. In present Whitfield County, they crossed the Coahulla Creek below the site of Prater's Mill and spent the next night at Richard Taylor's Tavern, just east of present Ringgold. Early the next afternoon, they arrived at Brainerd Mission, again unheraJded.
The party lefl Brainerd on May 27th and visited Winchester, Huntsville, Fayette-ville, Murfreesboro and Shelbyville before calling on Gen. Jackson at the Hermitage. They arrived in Nashville, June 13th.
When they left the Tennessee Capitol, the route was north to Frankfort and Lexington, then east to Washington where they arrived on Sunday moming, the 8th of August. They had traveled about 5,000 miles in four months.
The long journey was unremarkable, except for the distinguished participants, for that period in our history. Two factors however, make it almost unbelievable by present-day standards. First, the trip was accomplished with so little attention. Newspapers of the day gave the President little space, even in those towns he was visiting. In fact, for the time between the departure of the group from Jefferson the arrival at Jackson's home near Nashville, the nation had no idea of the President's whereabouts.
Even more astonishing, the four month junket cost the taxpayers nothing! In those days, "Traveling Presidents sponged, like royalty, on the local gentry, (and) accepted free transportation from the mail contractors . . .
Some say that Andrew Jackson, John C. Calhoun, and Sam Houston might have also visited Spring Place.
By the 1820's the Cherokees had discarded the traditional Indian clan system of ruling a tribe, with an indefinite number of clan and town chiefs making up the council. Instead, they patterned their government after that of the United States with a written constitution and a republican form of control with four delegates from each of the eight districts making up the National Council.
The capital was moved from Tennessee to New Echota, near present-day Calhoun in Gordon County, and since the Vanns lived on the major thoroughfare through the land, many of the visitors to Council at New Echota stopped at Vann's Town and Spring Place for refreshment. The Cherokees also had a written language, thanks to Sequoyah, and in 1826 established the only newspaper printed by an American Indian tribe–the Cherokee Phoenix. The Cherokees were very advanced-thanks to leaders like the Vanns.
But all was not to last for the wealthy Vanns and their Cherokee brothers. Gold had been discovered in the mountains of North Georgia and the white citizens of Georgia began demanding immediate removal of the Indians so that they could take the gold from the Indians who had known of its existence for many decades. Georgia had surrendered its claim to western lands to the Federal government in 1802 with the concession that all Indians would be removed from its borders. The Creeks in South and Middle Georgia had been moved already, but until now no one had wanted the mountain land of the Cherokees. The demands of the State of Georgia now found a listener in Washington-Andrew Jackson. The Cherokees would be removed he said and the State began passing a series of laws extending its authority over the Cherokees.
Without waiting for the Federal government to remove the Cherokees, white Georgians began moving in to claim their property. Inevitably Joseph Vann and his fine home became involved in the "land grab-" At this time his holdings in Georgia included 800 acres of cultivated land, 42 cabins, eight com cribs, six barns, a sawmill, the grist mill, five smokehouses, a blacksmith shop, a foundary, a trading post, a peach kiln. 1,133 peach trees, 147 apple trees, a whiskey still, 110 slaves, and "other property" besides the house.
In the fall of 1833 Joseph left on a business trip, but before leaving he "employed a Mr. Howell, a white man, to oversee for him in the year 1834—to commence on the first day of January, 1834. He returned about the 28th or 29th of December. 1833, and learning that Georgia had prohibited any Cherokee from hiring a white man. told Mr. Howell he did not want his services. Yet Mr. Bishop, the State's agent, represented to the authorities of Georgia that Mr. Vann had violated the laws of that state by hiring a white man. had forfeited his right of occupancy and that a grant ought to issue for his lands."
In February, 1835, Bishop, who happened to command a militia unit of the "Georgia Guard," arrived at Vann's with a detachment of soldiers to take possession of the house. A white boarder. Spencer Riley, claimed the house as his and a battle resulted between the rival claimants while the Vann family huddled within the house. Gunfire was exchanged before Bishop ordered that a small fire be built on the stairway to smoke out Riley. Riley left-for the time being!
Since the winter was not yet over, the Vanns moved to a small farm Joseph owned near Ooletewah, Tennessee. They lived there until about 1836 and Vann built a racetrack where he raced his favorite horse "Lucy Walker." The family then moved on to Indian Territory, Oklahoma, where Joseph began operating a steamboat line. Named for his racehorse, the boat had been docked at Ross's Landing (Chattanooga, Tennessee) when Vann lived in Georgia. Now the goods it carried helped the dispossessed merchant reaccumulate his wealth.
As early as 1834 Vann began legal proceedings against those who had taken his property. Though the case began in Murray County Superior Court, not until 1840 did he receive payment for his land-after his claim went to the Federal government. He received S19,60S for all his Georgia holdings; his Murray County property alone had been valued at over 518,000 in 1836. Nevertheless, according to the government, the claim was settled.
The Vanns made Webber Falls their Oklahoma residence and built a replica of the Spring Place mansion there. Unfortunately, Federal troops destroyed this western Vann House in 1863 during the War Between the States. However, by that time Joseph Vann, like his father, had met a tragic end.
In the fall of 1844 Vann went on what was both a business and a pleasure trip to Louisville, Kentucky. "The Lucy Walker," under the command of Captain Hadderman, was laden with produce from Vann's plantations. After selling these goods and buying wood, coffee, gunpowder, calico, linen, etc. to take back to Oklahoma, Joseph, along with friends and business associates went to a horse race. Some say Vann's Lucy Walker was in the race and won. At any rate, Vann and his guests returned to the steamboat to celebrate.
Soon. Joseph was drunk and in a rage quarrelled with Captain Hadderman over just who really ran the ship. As the return trip was about to begin, the captain, who had had enough, walked off the ship. Vann decided to be his own captain and ordered the vessel to set forth.
Vann's valet. Percy, was still serving drinks to his master's guests when another boat, the "Firefly," eased past the "Lucy Walker." To the intoxicated Vann, this marked the beginning of a race! He ordered that some salt pork be put on the fire to create more steam and slowly his own vessel passed the "Firefly." However, the "Lucy Walker" had to stop at New Albany on the Indiana shore to let off some of the guests and the "Firefly" steamed past. When Vann's craft resumed the race, he ordered more steam. A servant, Nebuchadnezzar, protested that the boiler was taking all the steam it could, saying, "But Massa' Vann, if I t'rows dat [more meat] in dere, dem b'ilers is goin' to splode an' blow us all to Hell!" The angry, drunken, self-appointed captain replied, "If they do, we'll all go together and if you don't I'll blow you there by yourself!" "Nebby" threw the meat on the fire, jumped overboard, and by his account was the only survivor of the explosion which occurred seconds later. Some bodies, including that of Vann's youthful son-in-law Preston Mackey were recovered, but not Joseph Vann's.
Meanwhile the Vann House in Spring Place was suffering through rough times. Captain Bishop took possession of the place, and then rented it to his brother, Absalom. The actual owner of the house was Revolutionary War veteran Thomas Turley of Warren County who had drawn lot 224 (9th District, 3rd Section) in the land lottery. Mr. Turley died soon after and in 1837 the administrators of his estate, J.R. and Jane Brooks, authorized none other than Spencer Riley to sell the Vann property for them. At last Riley got the upper hand over the Bishops! He sold the 160-acre lot to Alexander Shotwell of Decatur County and then purchased the house, kitchen, barn, orchards, and one-third of the land from Shotwell for himself.
Barely a year later Riley sold his prize to a Roger McCarthay who in 1840 surrendered title to the Bank of the State of Georgia. For the next decade the Bank officially owned the house but several people occupied it. Apparently at one time it was a sort of hotel. George Wacaser lived in the house once as did the Charles Warmacks (1846). Joseph B. Smith also tried to purchase the house during this era. Finally in January, 1S49 the Bank deeded the house to Benjamin Snider and Henry Weed.
By 1852 James Edmondson. who had come to Murray County very early, owned the house. For the next 11 years the home was once again the center of an extensive plantation as former Edmondson slave Levi Branham recorded in his My Life and Travels years later. During the Civil War Mr. Edmondson refugeed to South Georgia after selling the Vann property to William H. Tibbs, a Tennessee Confederate of some means who had recently arrived in Spring Place and had begun to accumulate large land holdings.
In 1866 Tibbs deeded the Vann House to his son and daughter-in-law. Jacob and Lavinia. They used the house as rental property at least part of the time for the Stephen John Howard family occupied the house in 1873. John Bryant bought the place in 1875 and sold it 2 years later to Oscar and Esther Coins.
The Coins couple resided in the house for some years and for some time it even look the name "Coins Hill." During their ownership the outside kitchen, dating back to the Vann era. was dismantled. Some say that it also was a two-story brick house smaller and not as well built as the Vann House, Its second floor had lately been used for a ballroom. The Coins built a one-story frame building on the same spot and added a kitchen to the north side of the Vann House. They also constructed a large barn west of the house (across the road).
On the interior, Mrs. Coins is said to have sold some of the hinges for $5 a set and removed some original carvings of scorpions, snakes, lizards, and frogs from tops of mantels.
Mrs Thomas (Nannie) Dill, a friend of the Coins family, became the owner Of the Vann House in October, 1895. From 1901 until 1906 Mr. C.T. Owens technically owned the house although Mrs. Dill continued to live there for a time Mr. D.D. Kemp bought the house in 1906 and his family moved in the following year. C.E. Dooley was me owner from 1914 until 1917 and sold it to jW Sellers. Dr. J.E. Bradford, who bought the house in 1920, owned the house longer than anyone-even the Vanns. Dr. Bradford used the house for rental purposes as had several of the earlier owners. Countless people occupied tile house during this era. Among those remembered are the W.L. Roberts, W.G. Blassingame, Pritchett. John Cox (1927-30), Jim Jones (1926), Morrison (1940's), and Jase Jones (1945) families.
Over the years all the Vann plantation buildings had disappeared and the porches on the house itself had been changed several times. By 1950 the house was in very poor condition. The roof was gone; parts of the floor had collapsed; the brick arches over the doors had cracked; and every window pane had been shattered by vandals. Therefore, various groups began discussing the possibilities of restoring the Vann House as a shrine to the Cherokees.
The Chatsworth Lions Club sent a committee to see Dr. Bradford in hopes of obtaining an option to purchase the house if Bradford were not going to restore it himself After the committee was turned down, V.C. Pickering, a state official, offered to buy the place. He too was refused. Then in 1948 a Chamber of Commerce which became Chatsworth Enterprises, was founded. The group's officers, consisting of President J.T. (Dick) Kenemer, Vice President Charles A. Pannell. Sr and Secretary-Treasurer R.E. Chambers, comprised a Vann House Restoration Committee. For 2 years these men tried to interest Dr. Bradford in a plan to restore the rapidly deteriorating Vann House, but could not do so. Finally Mr Pannell contacted members of the Georgia Historical Society feeling that outside help would convince Dr. Bradford to sell the property.
Dr. A.R. Kelly of the University of Georgia Department of Anthropology and Archeology and consultant Dr. Joe Mahan met with the committee, examined the Vann House, and agreed that Dr. Kelly would talk with Dr. Bradford. When the two met, Dr. Bradford explained why he had refused earlier offers. The Doctor felt that those groups which were financially able to carry out the project were more interested in making a profit than in preserving the landmark and that those who cared the most did not have the resources needed. He had been particularly bothered by a proposal by a Dalton group which said "The Vann House, in its present location, would never pay back its restorers. Therefore , . . recommended that it be moved and restored at Dalton, which needs an outstanding tourist attraction, and could commercialize on this property ..." The plan would have made the Vann House a drawing card to sell bedspreads! Dr. Bradford told Dr. Kelly that he would consider the new proposal.
In the meantime Mrs. Sidney H. (Gertrude) Ruskin of Decatur, a leader in the District Womans Club, unaware of the efforts already underway, called a public meeting for October 10, 1951 for the purpose of acquiring the Vann House. Held at Atlanta's Henry Grady Hotel, the meeting was attended by a large delegation from North Georgia and prominent Atlanta people, including Ivan Allen, Sr. a native of Dalton whose ancestors had lived in Spring Place. The result of this meeting was that the committee, now including Dr. Kelly, could arrange for an option to purchase the Vann House in the name of the Georgia Historical Commission, newly created by the Legislature to take important landmarks out of private hands for public ownership.
Dr. Kelly visited Dr. Bradford on December 27, 1951 and left with a handwritten "Memorandum of Agreement for option for Purchase of Vann House:... It is agreed that the owner will give an option to purchase of this property for the cash payment of six thousand dollars, of which the owner will give one thousand dollars. It is further agreed that the owner will be paid five hundred dollars in^advance, to be applied on the purchase price, at the time the option is signed." The first $500 was raised in Murray County and on January 3, 1952 the option was signed.
During the next six months many people across the state worked many hours to raise the needed 4,500. Dr. Kelly worked in Athens, Mrs. Ruskin, Mrs. Kooert Jones, and Mr. Allen in the Atlanta area, and Miss Agnes Kemp, a one-time Vann House resident, in Spring Place. Her students pooled their nickels to make a contribution to the cause.
Mr. Chambers and Mr. T.W. Kenemer called a meeting of interested citizens in Dalton on February 19. 1952. This meeting resulted in the formation of the Whit field-Murray Historical Society, Mrs. B.J. Bandy of Dalton was elected president and became the driving force behind the Vann House Restoration. She was joined by Mr. Kenemer, Odell Ingle, Mrs. W.M. Sapp, Mrs. A.K. Gregory, Miss Mary Louise Horan. Blanche Gardner, and the original committee in fund-raising efforts. They got an extension on the deadline, but made the $4,500 payment only 2 days late. On July S, 1952 the Vann House and three acres of land became the property of the State of Georgia. The restoration began.
After making emergency repairs the Historical Commission and the Historical Society began researching to find information about the house and its original owners. From April through June, 1953 Clemens de Baillou conducted an archeological investigation at the Vann House. Brick walkways were uncovered along with signs of a kitchen, a guesthouse, and an office to the east of the house. In 1956 a 120-year-old cabin of Indian origin was reconstructed on the site of the Vann "harness and tack" shop. South of the house were a blacksmith shop and stables as well as a garden. Slave cabins were probably located farther south. The carriage drive was uncovered on the north side and marked the original entrance to the house. The site of the brick kilns where the bricks for the house were made was uncovered near the Bradford Spring.
Since the Vann House was the first project either of the historical groups had undertaken, progress on the house itself was slower. Odell Ingle was selected to be the contractor for the repairs as designed by restoration architect Henry Forman of Easton. Maryland. Frum a painting of the house as it was in 1884, the men learned that the house had originally had gabled porches though later owners had changed them several times. The porches were rebuilt; the more recent kitchen addition was removed; plaster was replaced; missing hinges and locks were reproduced; damaged flooring was replaced; broken glass was replaced; and original doors, trim and wainscoting were copied. Interior decorator Marjorie Rhodes spent hours scraping through layers of paint and wallpaper (19 in some places) to find the original colors of the woodwork. The house was then repainted with the colors of nature-blue for the sky, green for the grass and trees, yellow for ripened grain, and red for the rich Georgia clay. A safety rod was added to the mysterious hanging or floating stairway, the oldest example of cantilevered construction in Georgia, but workmen did not discover the secret of the stairway which originally had no visible means of support. Cherokee Roses adorn the house both inside and out.
Furnishing the house was not an easy task. Franco Scalamandre of New York's Scalamandre Silk Mills donated $10,000 worth of fabric for draperies and upholstery. Ivan Allen donated several pieces of furniture from the old Chester Inn in Spring Place. Other pieces were purchased or donated and loaned by other individuals. Finally by July 27, 1958 the house was ready for a great day of dedication. Some 42 descendants of the Vann family and dignitaries from across the country gathered on the hill to hear addresses by Secretary of State Ben Fortson and Governor Marvin Griffin. More than 6,000 people visited the house that day.
In the course of the restoration and during research since that time, many important facts about the house have been uncovered and legends proven false. The bricks were made on the farm; only the glass had to be brought from Savannah. According to tradition James Vann had visited England, Charleston, Boston. New York, and Savannah where he saw the type of furnishings he wanted. Robert Howell, an Englishman, was the brick mason. Moravian missionaries Byhan and Schneider, both excellent craftsmen, helped build the house. Their influence is particularly evident in the Christian doors whose top contains a cross and whose bottom represents an open Bible. There is no secret passageway from the third floor to the basement and the third floor coffin-shaped rooms were bedrooms for the children, not secret council rooms. The only secret compartments in the house are drawers beneath two windows in the dining room which were used for storing silver and tableware. The basement was sometimes used as a prison for slaves that misbehaved while another room was a storage area and wine cellar.
Mrs. Bandy hoped to find the grave of James Vann and move the remains to Spring Place. Mrs. Heard of Forsyth County remembered seeing the grave as a child. Located in the Blackburn cemetery near the tavern where Vann was killed, the cemetery was later used as a Negro burial ground. In 1959 Mrs. Heard had described the area where the grave was. Three years later Mrs. Bandy, Raymond Vann (a descendant), and two experienced excavators looked for the exact spot. Eventually a grave site was found and excavated. Several buttons, nails, screws, a buckle, and two rings were found along with the skeleton. Authorities with the Historical Commission examined the evidence and felt that the remains were those of a male, but were much too recent to be those of James Vann. Mrs. Bandy was firmly convinced that they were the remains of Mr. Vann and buried a small box of the Forsyth County ashes at the Vann House, a small disiance southwest of the reconstructed cabin.
Another accomplishment of the early preservationists was the designation of Georgia 225 between Spring Place and Calhoun as the "Chief Joseph Vann Highway," The authorizing legislation was passed in 1955 under the sponsorship of Representatives Fred Long of Murray County and Henry Mauldin of Gordon County.
Dr. Bradford once estimated that the cost of building the Vann House was about $10,000. Excluding the purchase price, the initial restoration bills totaled at least $75,000. Since 1958 several improvements have been made at the beautiful historic site which has been under the operation of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Historic Sites Division since the Historical Commission was abolished in 1973. Soon after the dedication additional furniture reproductions were placed in the house and in 1962 a log kitchen was reconstructed just east of the house. Due to structural and historical problems the building was dismantled in 1965. In 1968 five more acres of land were purchased from the Bradford Estate and in 1985 fifteen additional acres, including the springs, were obtained. Lightning protection was installed in 1973 and in that same decade a security system, window light shields, new draperies and upholstery, and further landscaping were added to the house and site. A climate-control system designed to preserve the house and furniture has since been installed. Several paint jobs and repair work have kept the National Register of Historic Places site looking grand. In 1981 the house was included in a Georgia Historic Homes cookbook and has been featured in countless periodicals and on television and radio. Mr. R.E, Chambers donated his papers relating to the purchase and restoration to the site in 1978.
Visitation at the Vann House has consistently ranked in the top four of all Georgia Historic Sites. Several special programs have brought additional attention to the Vann House in recent years. For several years students from Spring Place Elementary School performed a drama highlighting President Monroe's visit and the eviction of the Vanns. C.L. Dunn and Frances Townsend directed these plays. In 1978 two annual events were begun-Vann House Days in July in commemoration of the restoration and the Moravian Christmas featuring candlelight tours. Local volunteers and groups such as the Garden Club, Woman's Club, the Sheriffs Auxiliary, and the Historical Society have contributed to the success of these programs. Lela Latch Lloyd who authored the book // The Chief Vann House Could Speak frequently visits the site and meets some of the 14.000 guests who enter the gate each year. R.E. Ellis was the first curator of the Vann House. Present Superintendent James E. Hall and his wife Pat have cared for the site and greeted guests for 15 and 20 years respectively. Others who have worked at the site for several years are Mildred Ellis, France Adams, and Tim Howard.
Today, the Federal-style mansion boasts a sleigh bed from Carters Quarter, a table that is said to have been used by Alexander Stephens and novelist Will Harbin, a canopy bed that was possibly owned by General P.G.T. Beauregard.a corner cabinet and chair from the pioneer Bates family, an 1825 Rosewood piano loaned by Inez Gurley, and a reproduction of Chief John Ross's dining room table, a gift of Mr. & Mrs. R.G. McCamy of Dalton. The Vann House has often been called me "Showplace of the Cherokee Nation" and it is certainly that. However, it is more; it's the Showplace of Murray County.
-Chapter I-
The Moravian Mission
Whether the project was house building, canal constructing, road building or any other project, James and Joseph Vann were certain to be involved. However, their greatest contribution to the Cherokees was their sponsorship of the Moravian Mission at Spring Place. Dedicated missionaries labored in the Cherokee Nation for more than three decades and from their diaries we have much information about the days before Murray County was drawn on the map.
The Moravian Church traces its origin to the pre-Reformation awakening led by John Hus and was formally organized as the Unity of the Brethren in 1457. Because much of its early history centered in Moravia the Brethren's Church later came to be called the Moravian Church. Persecution and wars reduced the Brethren to a few scattered remnants in Central Europe until 1722 when the church was revived in Saxony. Within 10 years the reorganized Moravians launched into a world-wide foreign mission program.
Among the teachings and practices of the Moravian church include Infant Baptism. Confirmation, and missions. It is a Protestant church with evangelical emphasis on salvation through faith in Jesus Christ as personal Savior. Subscribing to the Apostle's Creed, the Moravian Church is life-centered rather than creed-centered, however. Noted for beautiful music, love feasts, and historic preservation, the Moravians follow the motto; "In essentials unity; in non-essentials liberty; in all things charity."
Christian charity brought the Moravians to Georgia with James Edward Oglethorpe in 1735. When war broke out between the colonists and the Spanish in Florida, the Moravians resettled in Pennsylvania in 1740. Some of the group returned to the South in 1753 and made North Carolina their home. By the end of that century Salem and Wachovia had become thriving Moravian communities.
In 1784 Martin Schneider had tried to begin a work among the Cherokees, but the chiefs, busy with other matters, did not have time to discuss the mission with him. By 1799 the Cherokees were more open and the Society for Propagating the Gospel at Salem appointed Abraham Steiner to visit the Indian leaders. Christian Frederic de Schweinitz volunteered to go with him, but when they reached the Cherokee capital in Tennessee, the chiefs were on a hunting expedition. The next year the two men were more successful. Through the influence of Charles Hick, a half-blood interpreter, and James Vann, the ministers were granted permission to establish the long-desired mission on land provided by Mr. Vann.
In 1801 Rev. Steiner and young Gottleib Byhan rode horseback to Spring Place to begin the first mission in a small cabin built with their own hands. Three months later a Mr. Brown vacated his farm and the brethren moved there. Due to the longevity of the mission, the meticulous ministers accumulated volumes of records now in the Moravian Archives at Salern. Some of the materials have never been translated from the original German. However. Records of the Moravians in North Carolina by Adelaide Fries, Edmund Schwarze's History of the Moravian Missions Among Southern Indian Tribes, and the Spring Place Mission Diaries translated by Carl Mauelshagen tell us the story of the mission and the Cherokees of Murray County.
The Moravians began their diaries with many descriptions of the geographic and natural features of the area. In addition to identifying the various springs, the writers listed the many types of plants and trees which grew in the area. In early days the name was often spelled in one word-Springplace-but as the years passed many people, particularly the white men, changed the name to Spring Place.
Additional information about the Vanns and other Indians is given, such as the fact that the due] between James Vann and John Falling occurred near Spring Place. Falling and his wife Nancy lived near Coosawattee where several Indian ballgames were held. After Falling's death, Nancy married George Harlan, another Coosawattee Indian resident. Also, several Indians and whites made "Sumach Town" their home. Among them were Edmund Falling, Charles Hicks, and "Doctor" Bean-a white man who was a self-taught physician.
The Brethren were as amazed (or confused) by the Vann family tree as many present-day genealogists. The Moravians mention many Vanns by name and record that Wawli, James Vann's mother, had several sisters, while Clement Vann had at least one. Jenny. Wawli also had several daughters besides Nancy Falling, including Jenny Brown who lived near the mission for a time. Also noted is that as James built his new house, his mother, who had been living near the construction site, planned to move 3 miles away!
The brethren recorded that Joseph Vann entered their school in 1806 but often accompanied his father on trips and therefore was absent a great deal. After James' death. Margaret Scott Vann, Joseph's mother, moved away from the brick mansion to a new house about 1 mile away. Later she married Joseph Crutchfield. her former husband's overseer, and moved to Montjoy, a plantation south of Spring Place. After her death, Mr. Crutchfield left Montjoy. By this time. Joseph (described as a behavior problem by the missionaries) had two wives. Jenny lived at Spring Place while Polly resided at Montjoy.
The Moravians were extremely dedicated to their work, to the Cherokees, and to God. They labored long hours and were hampered by language difficu ties. Several interpreters helped them, but services were often canceled when no one who knew both English and Cherokee was present. Many times Negro slaves were the only ones who understood the sermons. Negroes regularly attended Moravian services, particularly at Christmas. According to tradition the Moravians possibly had the first Christmas tree in Georgia at Spring Place in 1805.
The names of many visitors to Spring Place are recorded in the diaries. Some were curious Indians, others were white travelers on the Old Federal Road, many were residents of the Spring Place area, and some were employees of the Vanns. Among the Cherokees who visited were Chulea (an early supporter of the school), MacDonald from Coosawattee, Bear. Red Bird, Sour Mush, Fish, several Hickses, Standing Turkey, Tussiwaliti, Major Ridge. Dear Head, Little Broom, Squirrel, Bark, and the Flea. Major Lovely, the Markhams, Mr. Geiger, John Miller, Indian Agents Return Jonathan Meigs and Hugh Montgomery, a Vann blacksmith named Hall, Clarks, and Mr. McNair were among the white and mixed-blood visitors. Additional Vann overseers are mentioned including Tynor, Bridewell, Gann, Josiah Vann. and George Brown, as administrator of James Vann's will.
Many visitors were itinerant ministers of various faiths. Some came to Spring Place to examine the Moravian work prior to beginning a mission of their own. Others were merely curious, but the Brethren were happy to see anyone who "loved the Savior" and spoke English. These visits were probably the most welcome of any of the thousands they received. Among the notable religious visitors were a former Jewish rabbi, an Episcopal priest, a Quaker elder, and several Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists like Samuel Worcester and Cyrus Kingsbury of the "American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions" which began a work at Spring Place about 1817. Two famous Baptists were Jesse Bushyhead, a native, and Humphrey Posey, who spent some months in the Murray area.
The Moravians were called upon to feed these "guests" as well as the various Indians who came for assistance and instruction. They performed baptisms for travelers and became a haven for the poor, the families of men who were away on trips, and the ill. Many times school was dismissed so that pupils could help the Brethren tend the crops. They raised sheep, flax, hogs, oats, wheat and sweet potatoes in large quantities. Several times the Mission Board at Salem sent extra household and farm laborers. More than one missionary felt as if they were operating an inn!
The day at Spring Place began in winter at day break, in summer at sunrise, all up and dressed and kneeling in family prayer. Breakfast over, school was in session until dinner. The hours until late afternoon were spent working in the houses or on the farm, with some time allowed for play. Another school session followed by supper, evening songs, prayer, and an early bedtime completed the day. One historian noted that "Moravian Mission dwellings and premises were always noted for spotless cleanliness and well kept appearance."
The curriculum of the school included reading, grammar, writing, sacred history, mathematics, geography, weaving, and botany. Music was also important and. when interpreters were scarce, music was the line of communication. In later years the mission had a piano but several missionaries possessed musical talents. Jacob Wohlfahrt played the trumpet and Christian Burkhardt the clarinet, while Henry Clauder and Karsten Petersen were violinists. Gottlieb Byhan is thought to have built and played the first organ in what is now Georgia. He was also a trombonist.
Several Spring Place students went to the Salem Female Academy and several future chiefs left Spring Place for further education in Cornwell, Connecticut. Among them were John Ridge, John Vann, Buck Watie (Elias Boudinot), and David Taucheechy who visited in Salem and Washington, D.C.
Mission founder Abraham Steiner (born 1758) had several attacks of fever and was not able to stay at Spring Place very long, but continued to visit regularly. Gottlieb Byhan (born 1777 in Saxony, died in Salem 1861) and his wife Dorthea Schneider (1769-1854) were the first Moravians to be regularly in charge of the Spring Place Mission. They began the diaries which were continued by their successor and which yield the following chronology of interesting, noteworthy events:
1802 - Jacob (175S-1807) and Elizabeth (1759-1812) Wohlfahrt came to assist the Byhans.
School opened with two pupils: Sally Vann and her cousin Polly, with one hour of instruction per day. Progress slow, chiefs more interested in the 3 R's than in the Trinity, and put the mission "on trial."
1803 -Two cabins built
1804 - More land cleared Nathaniel Byhan born
1805 - Rev. John and Anna Rosel Kleist Gambold arrive to replace the Wohlfahrts, This devoted couple gave the rest of their lives to the Chetokees, remaining at Springplace for 16 years. Several descriptions of their work reveal the extent of their labors:
"Rev. & Mrs. Gambold made (he ... mission famous for their hospitality and kindness to strangers and their earnest zeal for the education and Christianization of the Cherokees. Mrs, Gambold was a good botanist. She furnished and correctly named about fourteen hundred botanical specimens to Henry Steinhauer, a distinguished scholar of Fulneck, England.
Correa de Serra, a Catholic abbe'. Minister to Portugal from the United States and a naturalist, after spending a day and night at Spring Place, wrote as follows: "Judge of my surprise, in the midst of the wilderness, to find a botanic garden, containing many exotic and medicinal plants, the professor, Mrs, Anna Rosel Gambold, describing them by their Linnean names. Your missionaries have taught me more of the nature of the manner of promulgating civilization and religion in the early ages by the missionaries from Rome, than all the ponderous volumes which I have read on the subject. I there saw the sons of a Cherokee Regulus learning the lessons, and reading their New Testaments in the morning and drawing and painting in the afternoon, though to be sure in a very Cherokee style; and assisting Mrs. Gambold in her household work, or Mr. Gambold in planting com.
Traveler Ebenezer Newton wrote in 1818:
... we came to Mr. Gambold's, a Moravian missionary in the Cherokee Nation; he said he had been established there now 13 years. He appears to be a very pious man, and zealously engaged in the laudable employment of endeavoring to enlighten & civilize the Indians. He has had some success, and seems very sanguine as to the ultimate success of the important business of Christianizing the natives.
To relate how our company was received by this aged man and his lady exceeds my powers of description. The good lady used all the politeness and put on all the airs of a French Lady just from the city of Paris. She is, I believe very pious, and wishes to be useful, and has been useful, to the Indians. She was not willing that we should depart, untill she had prepared some refreshment for us. In the meantime while this was preparing, the male part of the company took a turn or two into the gardens, the work shop and some other things about the lot & yard.
In due time the repast was prepared, and we were invited in to partake of it. The table was spread & covered with eatables. A dish of bacon occupied one end, next a plate of bread, after that a dish of stewed pumpkins and a pan of butter occupied the centre; towards the other end a dish of smoked beef chipped, then another plate of bread & a vessel of pickled cucumbers, which were nearly as large as stuffed chickens. By the side of each one's plate was a large bowl or mug of tea with a spoon that each one may sweeten to his own liking
A later historian wrote:
.Brother Gambold's optimism and purely consecrated spirit were the inspiration dvanced this cause. He had charge of all religious instruction and services besides temporal affairs, taking an active part in the labor of the mission home and Every Moravian' Brother was truly a missionary in spiritual matters; at the same he was also skilled in some vocation either as carpenter, joiner, cooper, weaver, or shoemaker. Mission work included careful instruction and training of pupils and converts in Christian life, besides giving due attention to their temporal interests and needs which built up "the physical, moral, and spiritual life of the native community 'thus making "its good influence contagious."
Mrs Gambold had charge of the school at Springplace. She has been described as ...sprightly in person as well as in fancy and imagination" with the gift of making the hearts of her Indian pupils "blossom like the rose," Her first Christmas at the mis-'on a few weeks after her coming, six children in the school under her direction sang "How shall I Meet My Savior?," each child carrying a real wax taper. They had helped to decorate the room with evergreens and a gilded inscription "Christ is Born! " Thus, many years before festivities had been made a usual part of the Christmas celebration in the States, these Cherokee girls and boys had learned old-time Moravian customs. Mrs. Gambold was a highly talented woman who had previously been for a number of years, principal of the Moravian Boarding school for young ladies in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Gambold had another claim to fame. She had once met George Washington and had been given a lock of his hair. She gave the souvenir to Abijah Conger a Presbyterian missionary who married at Spring Place in 1823. Mrs. Gambold became the next diarist.
1806 - "Many Indians coming for food," 8 pupils. 3 living at mission and 5 at Vann's.
1807 - Sophia Dorothea Byhan born in October.
Christian Burkhardt and Karsten Petersen, master craftsman, make an extended visit and build a loom,
1808 - Rev. Gambold's brother Joseph (born 1753) sent to help with fanning. Missionaries now held in great esteem by Cherokees.
1809-7 scholars; big Christmas celebration
1810 - The widowed Margaret Vann, a year after her husband's murder, becomes the first Christian convert among the Cherokees. Her baptism took place on August 13th in the large new barn-the only building big enough to hold the crowd. This description was left by Mrs. Gambold:
The Candidate had spent most of the preceding night in prayer. She was radiantly happy when the great morning of her life dawned, and the light in her face on that morn was prophetic of the Sun of Righteousness arising with healing jn His wings upon the whole Cherokee Nation. Dressed in white, she entered before the Urge congregation and the service began. The school children sang heartily with their teachers and Brother Gambold delivered a short, earnest address and poured out his heart in prayer to God for the Candidate, the whole assemblage, the entire Cherokee Nation. Many persons wept during the service, early from her heart Margaret answered the questions directed to every Candidate for Baptism in the Moravian Church, whereupon she knelt and was baptised by Brother Gambold, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, receiving the name Margaret Ann."
Springplace, though struggling, was the only school in the Cherokee Nation.
1811 - June: grain scarce, no mills operating.
December 16 & 17 - "earth tremors" shook Springplace
1812 - Margaret Vann marries Joseph Crutchfield. They become the mission's greatest friends, supporters, and good will ambassadors. The Byhans leave in October due to Mrs. Byhan's poor health. One of the students, Dawnee age 11, dies.
1813 - Charles Renatus Hicks, second chief of the Nation, becomes the second Cherokee convert. Mrs. Littlefield, daughter of Revolutionary War General Nathaniel Greene and Mrs. Gam bold's former student, visited.
1814 - Joseph Crutch field joined church.
1815 June - A big ballgame was held at Spring Place. 'There was such a rush of Indians that we could not have service ... it resembled a battleground , . . Around 30 drunk and injured left behind."
September 6: "Drying house caught fire . . . able to save most of the dried apples and peaches,"
1816 - March 11: McKinney and Marshall from Tennessee here to repair mills. April & November - streams flooded
Oct. 15: "The child of Crutchfields' Negress died of whooping cough and was buried beside the grave of little Dawnee."
1817 - January 18: "So cold this morning that every drop of water which fell . . . froze immediately as it struck the floor." 19: "So cold that it was impossible to get warm by standing before the fire wrapped in fur blankets." February - 5-6 inches of snow
1818 - April II: "Had a talk with Joseph Vann , . . about card playing."
June 25: "Humphrey Posey, a Baptist minister, . . . visited ... on his way to the
council meeting at Coosawattee ... He was met here by Governor McMinn of
Tennessee ..."
July: "much illness"; "Mounted postman stopped here for first time."
August: An Irishman, Mr. Gahagen, collector at the Coosawaltee turnpike visited;
Progress on new building slow.
1818 - March 14: Wawli, who had earlier caused some trouble, joined followed soon by her husband. Clement Vann. Given the Christian name Mary Christiana, "Mother Vann" later went on the Trail of Tears and is said to have lived to be 130 years old! Also in March, then Secretary of War John C. Calhoun sent a $100 donation.
April 25: "Hail stones the size of hen eggs made quite a noise as they struck the house . . . not nearly as bad as several years ago , . ."
June: "Lightning storm damaged buildings and trees at mission and Vann's." November: new church and school building completed, said to have been a "blockhouse" design. Dedicated by Rev. Steiner. December 30 - 6" snow.
1820 - A sad lime, Margaret Vann Crutchfield died Oct. 18. Interred in new "God's Acre" - Moravian term for cemetery.
Johann Renatus (1784-1852) and Salome Gertraud Sponhauer Schmidt arrive to help in the school.
Johann Martin Lick came to help with farm, stayed only until 1821 because the place was "too lonesome." Springplace had 13 members and 10 children attending.
1821 - January 5 & 6 unusually cold with much snow.
February 19: The beloved Mrs. Gambold died as they were preparing to go to the new Oothcaloga Mission near New Echota. The funeral was held on the 21st with more than 100 attending; buried close by the grave of Mrs. Crutchfield in a field amidst a fenced orchard east of mission.
August 21: Children's ballgame near Sumach Town. "28 members & children comprise congregation!" Harvested 500 bushels of corn.
1822 - Joseph Vann built a new mill and a sawmill at the old Vann place Conasauga River flooded. Vann also built a racetrack near the mission. "Number of Methodists growing."
1823 - Many cattle killed by disease. Several pupils residing at Vann's.
Mr. Dawson, a Baptist missionary at Coosawattee, visited. Much visiting between Spring Place and Oothcaloga missionaries.
1824 - Salome- Reich, farm helpei since the Gambold brothers went to Oothcaloga, left. Martin Rominger also. "Dry weather, famine" noted.
1825 - Bible was translated into Cherokee along with Moravian hymnal and liturgies "Lovely & spacious church" used to house guests June - intensely hot, many visit "Mineral Springs at Sumach" October: "Big ballgame about two miles from here ... A certain sorcerer, who was accused of having brought on rain, was tried and thrashed." December 18: heavy snow.
1826 - January 19-20 "Snow fell to a depth of two feet . . . Had not experienced the like here." February: "flooded conditions" (again in June)
March: Mouse, an Indian, killed a wolf which had become a menace. Missionaries paid him a 6 ½ cents bounty.br>
William Henry and Maria Clayton arrived to help with "secular work" To date 105 pupils had attended the Springplace School. During this Silver Anniversary year 42 souls were under the care of Spring Place. Rev. Theodore Schultz visited and left this description
"Spring Place, located six hundred steps from the main road between Nashville and the interior of Georgia, is barely three miles from the Tennessee road leading to Georgia. It is a healthful location, good soil, plenty of woods, good pasturage and wonderful springs. The mission buildings area blockhouses, placed in a square, enclosing a yard. The church stands fifty steps from the dwellings. The yard is very pretty with cherry trees, china trees, catalpa, peach and apple trees. There is an orchard in fine condition, in the midst of which lies the graveyard."
December: Church bell was rung for first time. It's clear tone can be heard for several miles. (This is probably the bell now on display at the Vann House and was given to the mission by Joseph Vann.)
1827 - The Schmidts transfer to Oothcaloga and the Byhans along with their son, Nathaniel, and daughter, Rachel return. Nathaniel was schoolmaster. January 20, Longtime leader, member, and chief Charles R. Hicks died and according to his own wishes he was brought to Spring Place for burial. He was dressed in white, placed in a walnut coffin, and carried to God's Acre by six Indian pall bearers. November 7 - Word came that Rev. John Gambold died at Oothcaloga.
1828 - January 1: "Joseph Vann arranged a race in his field near God's Acre. Many Indians have gathered with the usual amount of whiskey." February 4-5: "Rivers flooded by incessant rain. Another child died. May - "A disease has killed seven of Vann's Negroes this spring." May 11 - Brother Samuel (an Indian convert) "Urged all to attend services regularly every Sunday and not be detracted by Methodists and Baptists who frequently hold services near by."
August 15 "Ballgame in the neighborhood and for all things for Indian women their conduct was not decent."
The Brethren began plans for a new "children's house." Jenny (Mrs. Joe) Vann attended services. Sister Byhan's brother John Schneider and a former worker, John Adams visited. Anna Margarette Becker came to be a household assistant. Br. and Sister Franz Eder from Austria work at Spring Place briefly along with H.C. Clauder before going to Oothcaloga.
1829 - John Vogler and Van Zevely from Salem visited.
March: new "house" completed
April a late freeze killed fruit and damaged com, potatoes, and beans.
Aug. 3 - "Many Indians passed by here on their way to the Green Com Dance in the Cohutta Mountains."
Remarked that they had fed 24 horses for guest but according to custom they cannot "charge for this service."
December: aged Clement and Wawli Vann's moved back nearby.
December 29: "Vann's overseer Nicholson requested e plot in God's Acre for his wife." Also buried there was "our own Negro Brother Christian Jacob."
1830 - 32 adults, 31 students.
Naeman Reminger came "to serve in secular affairs," Clauders' son Charles Ignatius born, George Proske and Theophius Vierling from Salem visited, and Nathaniel Byhan began a Sunday School.
June 20: "Because of the Methodist campmeeting not far from here . . . few attended our service.
July: Horse race! "Indians rummage through cabins and stripped fruit trees."
"Indians are working gold mines," but relations between whites and Indians were deteriorating.
The 1830's saw a turbulent decade for Murray County. Disturbances between the Cherokees and whites increased, soldiers arrived, two forts were built, the Indians were removed, land was surveyed, and white government was established.
Goff gave additional information about the western fork of the Road from Ramhurst as follows:
... the left branch leads northwest by historic Spring Place in Murray County toward Chattanooga. No one living along its course now seems to remember it as a Federal route; generally it is referred to as the "Old Chattanooga Road," although in rare instances a few old timers recall it as the "Georgia Road." The last is its oldest name, under which the government first sought a passageway through the Cherokee country. At Spring Place the road bore to the north of the village and the majestic old Vann house that stands just notth of that place.
A stretch of the early trail is missing along here, But it takes up again at Free Hope Church Crossroads, northwest of Spring Place, and runs straight north to the Old Chattanooga l-ord below the mouth of Mill Creek on Conasauga River. The ford is no longer used, but the former trace is still there.
The road then went through Whitfield County.
The Old Federal Road soon became the major post and stagecoach route in the Cherokee Nation. A stage began running through Spring Place as early as '825 and by 1833 regularly ran to Athens, Tennessee. A post office had been established at Spring Place earlier.
Another important event during this era was the beginning of a canal system in Georgia. Designed to improve "internal" transportation, these canals were very ambitious undertakings, but the canal era did not last long due to the coming of railroad and almost none were even begun in Georgia. However, "the Conasauga River was once a busy artery of commerce and was twice considered as part of a canal system," according to historian Lewis Richardson. One proposal was for the River to become a portion of Georgia's Northwest Canal. "In 1825. Wilson Lumpkin and State Engineer Hamilton Fulton led an exploratory party through the area and selected the river as the best route." The Cherokees refused to permit the canal building at that time or in 1826 and 1827 when the Tennessee General Assembly chartered the Hiwassee Canal Company. Plans were drawn to connect the Conasauga with the Ocoee River by means of 15 locks spaced over 10 miles. However the canals were not to be.
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-Chapter II-
Murray County's Early Years
The 1830's were troubled years in Murray. This decade saw the Moravian Mission close, a Cherokee Land Lottery, the Trail of Tears, military rule in Spring Place, a hanging in Murray County, innocent people arrested, bloodshed at local elections, and the beginnings of white rule in an Indian land. This era's story is not easy to record.
As the decade began the Moravian brethren found themselves in a precarious position. In early 1831 Georgia passed a law saying that al! white males living within the Cherokee Nation without a license or permit from the governor or Indian agent must take an oath to the State of Georgia or they would be imprisoned at hard labor for 4 years. However, Moravians did not take oaths or take part in political affairs, but "went about the Master's business." The Oothcaloga mission closed. Reminger left, and then the Clauders and Sister Gambold were ordered out of Georgia. The news of the death of Joseph Gambold in Friedland, NC, caused even more sadness. Gambold had labored at Spring Place for almost 20 years.
Many white men were thus forced out of the Cherokee Nation. Only those who chose to obey the Georgia law and Brother Byhan who was the Federally appointed postmaster were allowed to stay. Other missionaries went to McNair's just inside Tennessee while some returned to North Carolina. The Spring Place congregation then numbered 71. The Moravian diarist of 1831 noted that the mission's guest facility "was more like a public inn" and by December even other religious groups called Spring Place "Pilgrim's Rest."
A Colonel Nelson was sent to Sumach town where "Bean" and others were arrested. Fort Gilmer was also mentioned and in the fall a Lieutenant Brooks arrived in Spring Place with a company of soldiers. Several mixed-blood Cherokees from the area signed to go to Arkansas, but some stayed and even dared to try to mine gold. This angered the white men even more.
The new year began ominously with a 6-inch snow on January 29; 1832 would be a hard one for both Indians and whites. Byhan left Spring Place and Henry Clauder was allowed to return as postmaster. His wife, the former Sophia Dorothea Ruede, was in charge of the school when classes resumed. In April, surveyors for the State of Georgia appeared and even though the Georgia Guard was at Sumach the missionaries saw conditions worsen. Laws were lax and there was much theft. "Georgia abrogated Indian law, but doesn't bring in anything else." wrote the brethren. Then, in December, men appeared at Spring Place and told the devoted Moravians about the land lottery and that they now lived in Murray County, Georgia.
The Georgia Laws of 1832 said:.... And be it further enacted, That such parts of the twenty-seventh, twenty-sixth, twenty-fifth and twenty-fourth districts of the second section, as lie west of the lines here-in-before designated, and the seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth, twenty-fifth, twenty-sixth, twenty-seventh, and twenty-eighth districts of the third section, and the sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, eighteenth and nineteenth districts of the fourth section, shall form and become one county, to be called Murray . ..
And be it farther enacted by the authority aforesaid, That on the first Monday in Much next, the persons who may be resident in said counties, entitled to vote for members of the Legislature, may meet together at the several places herein-after designated in their respective counties, and under the superin ten dance of three suitable and capable persons, elect five justices of the Inferior Court, a clerk of the Superior and Inferior courts, a Sheriff, a Tax Collector, a Tax Receiver and a county Surveyor, and Coroner for each county-who shall hold their respective offices, for and during the time hereinafter prescribed in the seventeenth section of this act.
And be it further enacted, That the placed of holding elections for said counties, shall be as follows: ...
In the county of Murray, at New Echota ...
And be it further enacted. That the Justices of the Inferior courts in their respective counties or a majority of them, shall designate the site for the necessary county buildings as they may think most conducive to the public good, and they shall have power of erecting all necessary county buildings.
And be it further enacted, That the said Justices shall, as soon as practicable lay off their respective counties into Captain's districts, and when said districts may be defined, they shall advertise, and one or more of said Justices shall superintend the election for two Justices of the peace in each Captain's district, giving fifteen days notice of said election at two or more public places in said district, which said justices of the peace when elected, shall be commissioned by the Governor • ..
And be it further enacted, That an election shall be held on the first monday in January eighteen hundred and thirty-four, at the various places for holding elections in the said counties for all county officers in said counties in terms of the law now in force in this State, and the persons elected are to be commissioned, and hold their several offices so as to end at the same time that the commissions of the county officers of the old counties of this State will end, according to the laws now in force, so that all the county officers in this State may be hereafter elected at the same time . . .
And be it further enacted. That so soon as the militia officers of the said several districts in their respective counties shall be elected and commissioned, it shah1 be the duty of the justices of the inferior courts to advertise the election of field officers for each county, giving fifteen days notice thereof in one or more public places in each captains district-and it shall be the duty of two or more justices of the peace to superintend said elections and certify the same as required by the militia laws now in force.
And be it further enacted. That the justices of the inferior courts of the respective counties shall, as soon as practicable proceed to the selection of grand and petit jurors in the manner pointed out by the laws now in force . , .And be it further enacted. That the several counties hereinbefore organized, shall form and become a judicial circuit to be called Cherokee-and that so soon as may convenient after the passage of this act there shall be elected for said circuit a Judge of the superior courts, and a Solicitor General.
And be it further enacted, That the times of holding the superior courts in the Cherokee circuit shall be as follows:
In the county of Murray, on the first Monday in March and September in each and every year. ...on the third Monday in May and November in each and every year.
And be it further enacted. That the places of holding the superior and inferior in the several counties of Cherokee Circuit, shall be the places designated in this act for the elections of county officers until the inferior courts of the respective counties shall otherwise order and direct ...
ASBURY HULL,
Speaker of the House of Representativs. j
THOMAS STOCKS,
President of the Senate. : ,
Assented to, Dec. 3, 1832.
WILSON LUMPK1N, Governor.
With the stroke of his pen Governor Lumpkin brought a Nation of Indians to an end and changed the course of North Georgia history forever. In the process of surveying land, conducting a lottery, and organizing a county, Cherokees as well as whiles were displaced. The original land surveys list some 200 "improvements" owned by natives or whites. Improvements included houses, fields, cabins, farm buildings, streams, roads, and trails. Not all surveyors listed the improvements but among the names mentioned were Joseph Vann and John Martin, of course, but also George Harlin, Mill Creek, Will Orwell, Roach, Sanders, Vann's Quarters. Belle, Downley, Will Arnel, William May, Darnelly, Whitton's Creek, Mrs. Berry, Mr. Bean, Johnson, Sol Perry, Barnett, Wacaser Road, Burgess. Murphy, Bullfrog's, Sumac Creek, Wilson, Cromwell ("plantation"), Denton. Charly's, Berrien. Fishing Hawk, Goose, Spring Place Road, Federal Road. Coosawattee, and Vann's Stand. These were scattered over present-day Murray County, particularly near streams.
An interesting account of how the lottery affected white families has been recorded by Mildred Bryant Brackett, a descendant of one of Murray's original families.
Soon after the 1830 Census, John and Mary Hill came across the Conasauga River from McMinn County, Tennessee . . . Their first claim on the land now owned by their great-great-grandson, Robert Fariss Hill and his wife ... was by trade with an Indian Chief who lived there. This acquisition was invalidated by the Georgia Legislature before the ... lottery of 1832 ... The Hills were priviledged to buy the land lots they were developing from those who drew them (LL No. 13, 10th District, 3rd Section and others totalling about 750
Apparently it did not matter who was occupying the land in the newly created
Nine other counties besides Murray were formed out of "old" Cherokee me which had been on the maps less than a year itself. The divisions included Gilmer, Union, Lumpkin, Cherokee. Forsyth, Cobb, Cass (now Bartow), Paulding, and Floyd. Murray, with the fewest white inhabitants and the poorest gold prospects, was the largest of the ten.
Murray, the eighty-sixth Georgia County formed, was named for Thomas' Murray, a Georgia statesman from Lincoln County. Probate Judge Alex Ferguson of Lincolnton provided this information about Mr. Murray:
Thomas Walton Murray, legislator, was bom in what is now Lincoln County, Georgia, in 1790, and he was the son of David Murray, who came from Prince Edward County, Virginia, and settled in what was then Wilkes County immediately after the Revolutionary War. His education was received at Dr. Moses Waddell's School, at Willington, Abbeville County, South Carolina, a school noted for its number of students who became famous, including John C. Calhoun, George Mc-Duffie, Hugh Swinton Lagare and others. He studied law in the office of George Cook, in Elberton, Georgia. On August 8, 1819, he married Miss Elizabeth Harper, of Lincoln County, and of the issue of this marriage were three children, one son, John Dooly, and Iwo daughters.
At the age of twenty-eight, he entered public life and gained distinction, not so much for his brilliant talents, as for his industry, his independence and his unquestionable honesty. He served in the Georgia House of Representatives from Lincoln, from 1818 through 1822, from 1824 through 1826, and from 1830 through 1831.
In 1825 he was Speaker of the House and presided with great dignity and impartiality. In politics he was affiliated with the Clarke party, though he did not always support it. He formed his own opinions after careful deliberation and adhered to them regardless of party. His fine send of honor lifted him above the petty schemes of designing politicians, and he lent no encouragement to questionable methods f oolitical success. He recognized that integrity could be found among enemies, d he treated them with fairness. In the early forties, he was an unopposed candidate for Congress, but he died before the election.
Little is known of the personal appearance of Mr. Murray, It is recorded that he was five feet eleven inches in stature, and that he had remarkably large features, but beyond that the record in silent.
In recognition of his popularity and high character. Murray County was named for him while he was still living, a signal honor that has come to few men.
Sadly there was much which was less than honorable about the way Mr. Murray's namesake came into existence.
In a letter written afterward. Missionary Clauder told what happened after the 1832 laws were passed: After mentioning how the mission had grown (to around 130), Clauder wrote:
Early in the Fall, the survey before mentioned was completed, & one of the first acts of the Legislature, . . . was an Act to commence the drawing. We felt ourselves quite secure In our domicile & entertained little anxiety about the probable issue of the aggressions of the State of Georgia upon this Territory, firmly believing thai the so called l-'ortunate drawers would not forth with seize their prizes. The Laws, moreover, were of such a nature at this time, that the occupant Claims of the Cherokees were respected &. all lots upon which any Indian held an improvement, were to remain untouched. Our Spring Place possessions were altogether embraced in the claims of Joseph Vann, a Cherokee, & more than two thirds of the Lot upon which the Mission buildings stood were owned and cultivated by him. The greater therefore was my astonishment, when on the 24th of December several men rode up & announced the fact that our lot had been granted to the "Fortunate Drawer" who was willing out of peculiar favour to us to rent our premises to us at tile moderate sum of S150 per annum. ~
This man was General Hardin of Milledgeville who sent this message by his agents: "I ask the kindness of you to take the usual care of the houses, fences, orchards, gates, etc. and to consider yourself at home upon these conditions." The condition was that a work which had been financed through gifts, societies, the church, and even government grants was now to pay rent for use of its own buildings! Clauder continued:
My efforts to convince these visitors, of the illegality of this proceedings, were utterly vain, & in vain did I point out to them that the exact position of the lines landmarks & how our possessions were entirely involved with the claim of Mr. Vann. I refused renting, upon which possession was demanded, and denied. Here negotiations ended for the present. 1 had however many reasons to apprehend another attack, and in order to satisfy myself of the fact of the issue of the Grant, I addressed a line to his Excellency the Governor, in which I represented the claims of Mr. Vann, solicited if possible a withdrawal of the Grant, if indeed one had been issued for our possesions. Thus we lived in suspense until Monday evening, Dec. 31, 1832, when a loaded waggon drove up- and asked leave to unload-as the effects belonged to several families who would be there next day, & who had rented our possessions. In consequence of my refusal ... the waggoner was compelled to wait until next day, when at a late hour the company consisting of 18 persons arrived. My protestations against their intrusion availed nothing-* by force & fraud they obtained possession of all our buildings, leaving 2 small rooms for my family .... On the 4 of January, a suspicious looking personage arrived & spent the greater part of the day in the company of my new housemates & held long consultations with them- This person 1 was told was a certain Col. Bishop, of Gainesville-& "moreover the Governor's aid-de-camp," On Sabbath the 6th this same person again made his appearance & now a transfer of the claim of one of my housemates to our possessions, took place & was transferred to Bishop. Now he sought my acquaintance-& notwithstanding his profession of kindness & great politeness-1 could very readily discern what his character and disposition was; indeed before I had conversed many minutes with him he began to urge my speedy removal from the place & took great pains to make me feel the support he had "in high places" . . . Next day the remaining two claimants sold their right to said Bishop-& now he was sole Lord & claimant of the far known "Spring place station." On this day 1 commenced my retreat-to Mr. McNairs on the Connessauga. And 6 days all our effects, including stock of every description were beyond the limits of the state of Georgia.
Bishop gave Clauder the conflicting reason that only improvements made by Indians were protected but yet the missionaries could have no title to their property because it was on Indian land. The man finally gave Bishop the post office and abandoned Spring Place. Ironically. Rev. Steiner, who had founded the mission more than three decades earlier, died the same year as the mission closed.
However, the Moravian work continued from Tennessee at McNair's. A small school was built there and Clauder commuted to Spring Place and Oothcaloga at various times for services. Within days of his departure the "once sacred ground" had become "a hotbed of vice and every manner of wickedness" under the name Camp Benton. In September, 1833 Clauder wrote in the mission diary:
Joseph Vann has taken legal action through the Federal Agent for the recovery of our land at Spring Place, at present occupied by Col. Bishop. I received notice to appear as a witness at the Murray Co. court on September 3. The matter had not reached a final stage and from all indications it seemed as though Vann would regain the land. It seemed that Col. Bishop had taken the land in an illegal manner. By inciting family hostility toward Vann, Bishop was able to delay action against him until the law under which land could be confiscated had been amended . . . Vann's loss to all claim to Spring Place shattered all our hopes ever to return ....
Eventually the Moravians received $2,878 for the loss at Spring Place. The Clauders left mission work in 1837, but Brethren Miles Vogler, Herman Ruede, and Schmidt followed the Cherokees to the west where they founded New Springplace Mission in Oklahoma. (In 1975 the Moravians returned to Georgia and founded a church at Stone Mountain.)
The court session mentioned above was the first held in Spring Place. Under the terms of the original act creating Murray County the March 1833 elections were to be held at New Echota. Thereafter the Justices of the Inferior Court could '"otherwise order and direct" that court be held in other places. They were authorized to choose the location for county buildings. According to early Murray County historian Charles Shriner the first court session was held in what is now Walker County between Ringgold and Lafayette. This was in 1832 or 1833 and David Irwin was judge. Shriner continued:
The first volume of the Superior Court Record . . . opened with the following
-As a Superior Court began and holden in and for the county of Murray on the first Monday in September in the year eighteen hundred and thirty-three, pursuant to the law. Present his honor, John W. Hooper."
The First Grand Jury was sworn in as follows: Benjamin Clark, foreman, Asa May Eli Bouling, Daniel Anderson, Samuel Johnson, James McGhee, John R. Smedley Samuel Miller, Roger Markins, John Gillian, Ambler Casey, John W.Cain, Thomas Bryant, Robert C. Cain, John B. Marstin, Wilson R. Young, Robert Smith, Benjamine Wheeler.
The First True Bill recorded is against George Tooke, charged with murder.
W.J.. Cotter, then a young resident of Murray County, described Tooke's offense (although he gives the date as 1835) as follows:
We suffered more from the bad Indians and white outlaws; for instance, the killing of the Bowman family, which consisted of Bowman, his wife and little girl, and an old blind aunt. Having a grudge against him, George Tooke, a bad Indian, and five or six more went to the house. Bowman fought them bravely, wounding one of them. Overpowering him, they split his head open with an ax, then did the same to his wife. They left the old aunt in the house to be burned. The Indians set the house on fire and stood around to see it burn. The little girl ran out. They saw the little girl, and Tooke snatched her up in his arms. She clinched his shirt sleeves in her hands. He then threw her into the flames, she with part of his shirt still in her hands. The whole family suffered death in the burning house. Tooke and his men remained in the neighborhood for some days. Creek Ben, the one whom Bowman had wounded, was thrown in a deep creek and drowned. Tooke fled to Cherokee County. Upon being arrested, he was severely wounded by a gunshot. He lay in jail at Canton until he was able to be carried to Cassville, where he was hanged.
Charles Shriner wrote in 1911 that "several old citizens . . . informed me that the lawless element defied the courts for some time and that the next Judge, O.H. Kenan was the first who succeeded in holding court and enforcing respect for the law." Cotter agreed saying that
The same conditions entered into the courts. This rougher element violated their oaths without a qualm of conscience, especially where the rights of the better classes involved. My father was deeply interested in public affairs and did what he could to have good men elected to office. He himself was a judicial offer. He suffered dearly for his effort in behalf of the general welfare and the office he held, on one occasion barely escaping with his life. One evening he was sitting quietly in his house when one of the outlaws forced his way through the door. He was a large man, and before we were hardly aware of his intentions he had given my father some heavy blows with a club. Father sprang from his seat and grappled with the the club. My brave little mother seized the assailant around the waist and cried to me: "William get the ax." This 1 did and began to use the blade with all my might on the man's legs. When I began this attack, the man hastily retreated.
Allen Lumpkin Henson. in a book entitled Confessions of a Criminal Lawyer praised Judge Hooper, however and recounted this story about the judge and his "coterie of lawyers" who "rode circuit" with him in Cherokee country:
It was uncertain . , . whether the Georgia courts would be accepted by the people or recognized by Federal authority .. .
At Spring Place, in Murray County, deep in the heart of a territory somewhat untamed compared to other sections, the sailing was not so smooth. A man named Bishop was indicted for murder. Bishop was the leader of a powerful faction in that area. An opposing faction sensed the advantage of his downfall and commenced pushing the case. Soon every family in the county became embroiled. A feud was imminent. So marked was the fear of violence that Colonel Lindsey, who commanded Federal troops based nearby in Tennessee (probably sent there initially to keep an eye on Governor Lumpkin's militia), sent a detachment to Spring Place, the scene of the trial. When the judge rode into town, he found this detachment bivouacked conveniently nearby. Not sure that their mission was a friendly one, he ordered the officer in command to get his "foreign troops" off Georgia soil. He thought it the part of prudence not to open court until they were gone. The sheriff was more afraid of the Bishop faction than of the Indians or the soldiers. Insisting that trouble was certain if a court were organized to interfere with the way things were being run, he was reluctant to attempt it at that time. The Judge took him by the arm and walked with him to the entrance of the borrowed church building where the court was to be held, and stood beside him while he falteringly intoned "O-yez-O-yez, the honorable Superior Court of the County of Murray, the State of Georgia, is now in session! Press forward all ye who have grievances and ye shall be heard!"
The court was organized and the Bishop case completed without incident. The sovereignty of Georgia has never again been challenged in the Cherokee Country . . . There was a good deal of rowdyism, as is invariably true in frontier settlements . . .
Evidently, Murray Countians were at their "rowdyist" during the first election in January, 1834. Shriner wrote that they "excited bitter feelings . . . Fraud was charged, and street fights were common ... assault, riot, and murder are some of the charges that show the intense animosity that existed ... opposing forces sometimes would fight battles... with sticks and stones."
Contested elections continued through the summer of 1834. In May an election was held at George W. Wacasser's to elect two justices of the peace for what was then Murray's "second district," probably the Pleasant Valley area. James Edmondson, a Justice of the Inferior Court, had trained Nathan Ward and Jesse Casey to manage the election. They questioned Edmondson's decision to allow George Wilson and Robert T. Banks to vote since they did not meet the residency requirement. Saying that he had "total control," Edmondson dismissed the men. He then hired Peter Fry and George Rollins. who were not even "freeholders" to hold a new election and voided the first balloting. Fry and Rollins allowed Robert T. Banks, another Banks, a Henry, Burton and Ambrose McGhee, Thomas J. Harper, and James Edmondson to vote—even though Edmondson was the only one who met the residency requirement, a1 least according to Nelson Dickerson who petitioned the Governor to call another election.
Other county J-P-'s Larkin Satterfield and John R. Smedley took depositions Asa Keith Dickerson, Ward and John Gillian. Others who signed the petition were candidates Carey M. Jackson and Martin Keith (who had lost to McGhee in the second balloting), Elijah King. H. Hartness, Warren and John F. Sams, Joseph Richardson, Michael Wacaser, James Ross, Littleberry Jackson, Benjamin C. Sams, George Wilson, Samuel H. Keith, Duncan Terry, James Brookshien and Samuel Miller.
The Governor must have ordered a new election because on August 16 the group met again at George Wacaser's to vote. This time, however, Edmondson allegedly did not advertise the election, failed to open the polls until "three or four o'clock" after many voters had left, and again allowed people to vote who had not lived in the district 6 months. Again some of the same men plus Moses Dunn petitioned the Governor. Records in the Georgia Department of Archives and History end with the second petition.
Since the whites in Murray County fought with one another, it is no surprise that they did not get along with the many Cherokees who remained in the area. The same Nelson Dickerson who contested the election earlier, became the foreman of the jury which found James Graves guilty of murder in September, 1834. Two months later, Graves, a Cherokee, became the only person in Murray County history to be hanged (legally).
Graves was accused of murdering a white man 4 years earlier. Elias Boudinot served as interpreter for the Indian while Cherokees James McDaniel, William Downing. John Martin, and David Bell testified that they had heard an intoxicated Graves boast that he had killed a man. Some of them had found a few scattered bones, considered by a few to be too small to be those of the supposed victim whose name was not known. Based on this weak, circumstantial evidence, Graves was hanged. The jury consisted of Dickerson (who was clerk). Sheriff James C. Bamett, Jesse Bookout. William Elland, Berry Jackson, William L. Dates. James Whittenburg, Thomas Simmons, Archibald Stone, Moses Dunn, William Holcomb, and William Gillehan.
Since Murray had no jail, Graves was held at the Cassville jail until November 21, 1834 when he was returned to Spring Place for this sentence to be carried out:
"between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. you will be taken by the Sheriff of said County of Murray with a rope around your neck, and by him conducted to a gallows to be for that purpose erected upon Lot No. two-hundred and forty-five in the ninth district of the third section of the Cherokee Territory, now situate in the said county of Murray and by the said Sheriff hung upon such gallows by the neck until you are dead. And may the Lord have mercy upon your soul."
A note in an old county record book reveals the "gallows and other expense or hanging James Graves cost $14.00." Even though, the U.S. Supreme Court questioned the trial and the sentence, Georgia Governor Wilson Lumpkin ignored e questions and allowed the execution to take place.
The infamous murder trial was not the only important case to come before Murray's Superior Court that fall. On October 1, 1834 Joseph Vann secured an injunction against William N. Bishop, James Edmondson, James T. Gary, John J. Humphreys, James Donohoo, James Kincannon, Barney West, Harris Bradin, Johile Hilton, Matthew and George Kincannon, John Irvin, Wesley Raines Daniel Comwell(?), Jonathan Bailey, Nathaniel Connally, John Taylor, Paten Wade, and William Smith to keep them from "trespassing on the improvements upon lots of land numbers 116-137, 152-153, 163, 244, 245,243,262 189, 188, 190, 192, 154, 155.134.156,133,187,194, 224-225 in the ninth District of the third section of originally Cherokee now Murray County . . ." Judge Hooper granted the injunction, much to the dismay of Governor Lumpkin who wanted the whites to be able to get the land. However the Federal government had promised the Cherokees protection until the removal which was still years away. Georgia then passed the infamous "Law of 1834," under which any Indian with improvements could hold as much as two lots of land until he forfeited this right by violating Georgia laws in some way. Of course the legislators^ immediately added more laws to the books which were designed for the Indians! to break so to speak. The laws barred Cherokee witnesses in any court (a littlel late to save James Graves), banned Cherokee assemblies, voided all contracts! made by or with them, prohibited them from hiring whites as employees, and I referred to the Indians in degrading terms. (Not until the early 1960s were these laws removed from the Georgia code. Then Representative Charles A. Pannell, Sr. of Murray County led the effort to repeal these laws.)
William Harden of Cassville, son of General Edward Harden who had purchased the Moravian lot in 1833, recommended none other than William N. Bishop to Governor Lumpkin as a suitable person to enforce the law of 1834. Bishop, already living in the county, was "energetic and zealous in his work to pursue the state's policy in the area." The appointment became official in January, 1835. By that time, however, Bishop was also Representative, Clerk of Court, and Commissioner for the new "county site"—Spring Place.
According to Georgia historian Lucian Lamar Knight, white families from the Carolinas and lower Georgia settled near what became Spring Place in the latter part of the 18th century. The area was then called Vann's Town or Vann's Station and several whites are mentioned in the early Moravian diaries. Prior to this time the Indians had often stopped at the "Place of Many Springs" on hunting trips. The Moravians then named their mission Springplace. When the mission was confiscated. Bishop renamed it Camp Benton.
Since the county officials had the power to move the site for court and elections and Spring Place had worked out well in 1833, by the next year Spring Place (now two words) was on its way to becoming the permanent county seat. On September 19. 1834 Abner E. Holliday and Matthew Jones jointly deeded 40 acres and a spring for the "county site."
For a time the residents had considered calling the town Poinsett, but when the act passed the legislature December 20, 1834 it said that "the public site in the county of Murray shall be called Spring Place." Bishop, John J. Humphries, John S. Bell, Seaborn Lenter, and Burton McGhee were appointed the first commissioners. The name Poinsett probably came from Joel Roberts Poin-sett (1779-1851), a South Carolinian who had served as U.S. minister to Mexico and was an ardent Jacksonian Democrat on his way to the head of the War Department. He is also the person for whom that famous Christmas flower, the poinsettia, is named. The people of Murray County, however, disliked the name and the town remained Spring Place.
Originally the town proper was the northeast corner of land lot 245. The mission was in the northwest corner of lot 244. Today these two lots join No. 225 and No. 224 (where the Vann House is located) for form the present town.
Colonel Bishop wasted little time in asserting his new authority. Soon many Indians had violated the law in some way. By March, 1835 the Moravian diarist, though safely in Tennessee wrote: "Indians of all classes are being severely pressed by whites. They are being put out of their houses and driven from their Property by force, particularly at ... Spring Place and Sumach Creek." Even the wealthiest Cherokee, Joseph Vann, was suddenly told that it was illegal for him to keep his miller, a white man, for another year. He must vacate his home, too.
Although some say that the event occurred in 1834, Spencer Riley, one of the principal characters in the drama, penned this letter clearly dated March 1 ] 1835.
To the Public: There being many erroneous reports concerning the transaction detailed in the following statement, I have deemed it necessary to present ... the facts.
I became a boarder of Joseph Vann, a Cherokee residing near Spring Place, in Murray County, in October last, and continued to board with him up to the 2d March inst., when the outrage hereinafter stated look place.
On the 23d of February last, Mrs. Vann, in the absence of her husband, received a written notice to quit the possession of the lot, from Wm. N. Bishop, one of the agents of the State of Georgia, appointed by the Governor under the law of 1834. This was done without the request of the drawer or any person holding or claiming under him. It was known that one Kinchin W. Hargrove, brother to Z.B. Hargrove, had obtained a certificate from Wm. N. Bishop with the view of obtaining the grant from Milledgeville, in consequence of which the grant issued some time in February upon his application. This lot on which Joseph Vann lived is an Indian improvement and his right of occupancy is not forfeited by any provision of the laws of Georgia. It is known as Lot No. 224, 9th district and 3d section, and was drawn by a Mr. Turley of Warren; it contains a spacious two-story brick house and many outhouses and is very valuable, particularly as a public stand. It had been returned as a fraudulent draw by Major Bulloch, whose stive facias had obtained preference by being first filed. It was also returned by Z.B. Hargrove as informer in a second seive facias.
Such was the situation of the lot on the 2d of March, when W.N. Bishop, as agent and acting under the state's authority, summoned some 20 men and placed in their hands the muskets confided to him by the Governor for another purpose, and furnished them with ammunition, came over to Mr. Vann's at the head of his guard, resolved to clear the house and put his brother. Absalom Bishop, in possession, who afterwards opened a public house. Some articles of Mr. Vann were allowed to remain in the house and he was permitted to occupy at sufferance a small room. 1 occupied a room on the second floor at the head of the stairs. This armed force was accompanied by one Kinchin W. Hargrove, a sort of deputy to Bishop. When they approached the house, I inquired of W.N. Bishop what all of this meant, and stated to him that he had given Mrs. Vann until Saturday, the 7th, in which to move. He replied that Joshua Holden was the agent. This man Holden is notorious in the upper part of the state for his vices and subservience to Bishop. Upon receiving this reply from W.N. Bishop, I inquired of Holden if he was the agent for the drawer. He replied, "No, I am agent for Mr. Hargrove, and have a power of attorney from him." Mr. Hargrove did not claim to have any right or title to the lot as derived from or through the drawer. Convinced as I was that this was all a trick to get Vann out of the house, and to put him out unlawfully and fraudulently, in order to get possession for Absalom Bishop, 1 demanded of W.N. Bishop to see the plat and grant and his authority for thus acting. He stated that Holden was seeking possession, but exhibited no authority, and there was no agent of the drawer or person claiming under him seeking possession.
W.N. Bishop rushed into the house with his guard and commanded them to present arms. Having some things in the room I occupied, I went up to take care of them. 1 heard Bishop demand possession of Vann, who answered that he considered himself out of possession from the Monday previous. "Where is that damned rascal Riley?" inquired Bishop. The reply was, "He is in his room." By this time 1 had got to the head of the stairs and called out to Bishop that there was no use for any violent measures or for bloodshed, for if he would acknowledge he had taken forcible possession from me, he could throw my things out of doors. His reply was, "Hear P°Tdamned rascal; present arms and match upstairs, and the first man that gets a ' •* se of him, shoot him down." Upon hearing these orders given to his guard, I ^ eht it high'time to defend myself as best I could, and exclaimed, "The first man that advances to obey Bishop's orders 1 will kill!"
One man named Winters, an itinerant carpenter, advanced upstairs with a loaded musket and his valiant commander behind him. As soon as they saw me they fired m° n me and fell back; 1 then fired, too. Their shot slightly wounded me in my hand arms, and immediately after, ten or twelve muskets were fired at me, but being protected by the stairs, the shots did not take effect. I being out of sight, they aimed at the spot where they supposed I was and shot the banisters to pieces. I then presented a gun in sight to deter their further approach, and prevent if possible the accomplishment of their murderous design. Then a rifle was fired by Absalom Bishop; the ball struck my gun and split, one part of it striking me glancingly on my forehead iust above my right eye, and fragments of it wounding me on several other places on my face. I desired them to bear witness to who shot that rifle, for I had been severely wounded. Wrn. N. Bishop called out tauntingly, "The State of Georgia shot the guns!" After 1 was thus wounded and bleeding freely, 1 opened the door of the room and called out to them that 1 was severely wounded, and they could come and take my arms. As soon as I showed myself, several more muskets were fired on me. One shot struck me on the left cheek, another wounded me severely on the head and one went through the door over my head.
During this extraordinary outrage, W.N. Bishop was heard frequently exclaiming, "Kill the damned rascal; we've got no use for nullifiers in this country!" and K.W. Hargrove also often exclaimed I should come down dead or alive. W.N. Bishop procured a flaming firebrand and threw it upon the platform of the stairs, exclaiming that he would bum him out or bum him up. After the fire had made some progress, and probably recollecting that if the house was destroyed, Absalom Bishop would have no house to occupy, Vann was requested to go up and extinguish the fire. Being much debilitated by the loss of blood, I laid down on the bed. They soon after entered my room and seized my desk and papers as if 1 had been a malefactor. I desired them to permit me to put up my papers in my secretary and to lock it. Hargrove replied, "Let him put what he pleases in the desk, but don't let him take anything out." I had $10 in money in the desk. After 1 had locked it, they took the keys from me and the desk also, under the pretext that they would secure the costs. The money I never saw afterwards.
Just before the close of the conflict, Hargrove called out to me and asked if I did not know that there was an officer who had a warrant against me. I answered, no, but if such were the case I would submit to the laws of my country and surrender to the sheriff. Bishop then abused the sheriff and cursed him. In a short time the sheriff, Col. Humphreys, came, and I was asked to show myself, which I no sooner did than several muskets were levelled and fired at me, but happily without much injury.
It afterward appeared that in order to give their conduct the semblance of law, they had procured this tool of Bishop, Holden, to make an affidavit to procure a warrant for the forcible entry and detainer. Both affidavit and warrant, upon being produced, proved to be in the handwriting of Z.B. Hargrove, and dated first in February, but that month was stricken and 2nd March inserted. It is believed that this notable proceeding was planned in Cassville, 45 miles off, and given to Kinchin W. Hargrove when he went to Spring Place.
After my surrender to the sheriff, I was taken out of his custody, conveyed before a magistrate, also under the control of Bishop, charged with an assault with intent to murder, and immediately ordered off in my wounded condition, 45 miles, in a severe snow storm under a strong guard, my wounds undressed, and filched of the little change 1 had in my pockets, and lodged in the Cassville jail in the dungeon. The guard received their orders from Bishop and Hargrove not to allow me to have any intercourse with my friends, and so rigidly were these orders observed that when I arrived at Major Howard's in the neighborhood of my family and desired him to inform them of my situation, and not to be alarmed, the guard threatened to use their bayonets if I did not proceed. Bishop even designated the houses at which we were to stop on our way, I was placed in a dungeon until my friends at Cassville, hearing of my situation, relieved me on bail.
The foregoing statement can be attested by many respectable witnesses, and is substantially correct. The transaction has created a greet sensation in Murray County, and must have received the unqualified condemnation of every law-abiding citizen.
SPENCER RILEY.
The Riley-Bishop incident did indeed create a sensation and there are several versions in which details vary—according to which group the recorder happened to interview. W.J. Cotter added that "another battle was fought after this at Milledgeville. When Berry Bishop and Riley met, they commenced to fire. Bishop knocked Riley down and placed the muzzle of his pistol at his ear, but the gun flashed and did not fire. This ended the fighting ... at that time."
Various Cherokee leaders were kept prisoner at Spring Place, often by Col. Bishop or his subordinate, Sgt. Young. In May, 1835 Walter S. Adair, Thomas F. Taylor, Johnson Rogers, Brice Martin, and Methodist missionary James I. Trott were arrested. One witness gave this account of the affair:
These gentlemen were conducted to the headquarters of the guard, Spring Place, Murray County, where they found Mr. Thomas Fox also under guard . . . Through some of their friends, the case was communicated to Major Hansel ... As counsellor for the nation, he immediately appeared at the guard's Headquarters and was refused admittance ... It was known that the Sheriff was absent, and preparations were forthwith made to remove the prisoners. They were taken out about Vi mile upon the main road, the guard then struck into woods, & dodged about among unfrequented hills & deep swamps, thus hiding them for three or four days & nights from the relief of the law . . . After Major Hansel had departed, the prisoners were noiselessly marched back to Headquarters . . . [Later, after bond was posted, the prisoners were set free.]
In June, Governor Lumpkin authorized Bishop to raise a company of forty men "to protect the people of the Cherokee territory and the friendly Indians." Housed at the mission, the company was not part of the regular militia and was to exist only until December. Before the group disbanded, however, they succeeded in drawing national attention to Spring Place when they arrested, in Tennessee, Principal Chief John Ross and famed writer, John Howard Payne.
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-Chapter II-
John Howard Payne
Payne had written operas, had acted in some, and had compiled a great amount of data on the Cherokee Indians, but he is remembered mainly as the author of the lines:
" 'Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home;.. ." never had a real home in his adult life, so these words were written by a man who really knew how it felt to "want to go home."
Sources do not even agree upon the date of Payne's birth. He was born in York City- they know, either on June 9, 1791, or January 9, 1792. He spentt much of his early youth on Long Island, and was described as a precocious child with considerable interest in acting and the stage. Following a short residence in Boston and 2 years at Schenectady's Union College, he went on the stage, playing in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Richmond, and Charleston. For a time he enjoyed great popularity, but, by 1812. his reputation declined, and in January, 1813, he sailed for Europe.
In Europe he made a tour of the literary and acting circles of London and Paris He remained abroad for 19 years and during that time he became acquainted with the actor Kembles, Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Sir Walter Scott, and Shelley, One of his closest friends was another expatriate American, Washington Irving, with whom he roomed in Paris. Payne teamed up with Irving for a time, and together they wrote a brilliant social comedy of the Restoration entitled "Charles the Second" or "The Merry Monarch." Since Payne was always in debt, once even thrown into debtor's prison, Irving helped him out several times. Payne was a fine writer, but a poor manager. He was described by E. Merton Coulter as:
. . . sensitive and petulant, with an instability of spirit, vacillating from achievement to failure. He was a romanticist through and through; his emotions were deep. He was an impractical dreamer of grandiloquent schemes and ideas, and utterly incapable of knowing how to manage money. He loved beauty and nature in its wildest forms. He loved his country and hated injustice whenever he saw it.
Payne met with initial success in Europe. He wrote 60 plays and several operas. "Brutus," his most successful play, finally ran for 7 years, with the famous Edmund Kean playing in the first title role.
In 1823 he wrote a play which, though not his best, was certainly his most popular. Entitled "Clan, the Maid of Milan," the play was converted into an opera at the Covent Garden Theatre. One of the songs was "Home, Sweet Home." first sung there by Ann Marie Tree. Payne sold the opera, which naturally included the song, for 50 pounds, then about $150. His song became popular immediately, and in due course was sung the world over. The music was a tune which Payne had heard a peasant girl singing in Italy. If Payne had in mind any particular place as the "sweet home." it must have been his boyhood home on Long Island.
In 1832 he left Europe to return to America. He was through with the stage and acting, but, still being literary minded, he vowed to start a magazine. His vision was an American magazine which would be as popular as European magazines were in the United States. It would be scientific as well as literary, but not political or commercial, with both American and European contributors, thus giving these little-known writers a reputation on both sides of the Atlantic. Subscriptions were $10 a year, and the name of his publication was "Jam Jehan Nima." This was the name of a mythical Persian cup; its meaning "The Goblet wherein you may behold the Universe."
In 1833 or 1834, Payne next set out on a journey to increase subscriptions and to learn more about his native land. He toured Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana Illinois, Missouri, Mississippi. Alabama, and Louisiana before reaching Georgia' On the way from New Orleans to Macon, he came across a Creek Indian village There he saw two things which contributed to his quickly developed interest in the American Indian. One was the Green Com Dance, and the other was the chiefs daughter. Had he been allowed to remain in the village longer, Payne might have married this Indian princess and never made it to Spring Place, for he records in his letters that he felt a considerable attachment to the maiden. Payne's next authenticated stop was Athens, where his host was Edward Harden. There he became a close friend of Harden's daughter, Mary. The 40-year, old bachelor fell in love with the 18-year-old girl. He may have proposed to her then. If not, he did later, though he never saw Mary again.
In September 1835, Payne left Athens to see more of northern Georgia. He met a Dr. Tennille, of Sandersville, who acquainted him with the accomplishments of the Cherokees of Georgia, remarking that it would be good if someone wrote the history of that tribe. A Mr. Samuel Rockwell put Payne on the right road and gave him letters of introduction to Chief John Ross.
Payne met Chief Ross at his home just inside the Tennessee line, since Ros» had been forced out of his home in Rome. During the following days, Ross familiarized Payne with the political events of the last 30 years involving the removal of the Cherokees from Georgia. As Ross poured out the plight of the people he led, providing documents to prove his words, Payne became incensed with indignation. He began writing letters and articles to various places across the land. His actions angered the U.S. officials in charge of Indian affairs. One of those sent to obtain Cherokee signatures agreeing to removal was John F. Schermerhorn, a clergyman who had been at school with Payne at Union College^ Since they were on opposite sides, Payne enjoyed having it out with Schermerhorn.
Tensions mounted, and on November 7. 1835, soldiers from Colonel William N, Bishop's Georgia guard stationed at Spring Place crossed the line into Tennessee. They entered the Ross home and accused Payne of instigating the Indians against signing the treaty agreeing to removal. Ross and Payne were arrested and taken to Spring Place to be imprisoned in a hut on the grounds of the Chief Vann House. Payne's papers were confiscated, and they were under close guard for several days.
On November 15 Colonel Bishop ordered Ross released, but Payne was held until November 20 so that Bishop could examine his papers. The entire time, Payne had been protesting the arrest on the grounds that the soldiers had no jurisdiction. However, since he was imprisoned by the offenders, that had no bearing on the situation. Payne felt that the real man behind the arrests was Schermerhorn. because he knew that Payne would disclose his dishonest actions and the treatment of the Cherokees.
Pavne was released, the news of his arrest spread. The press attacked the Georgia Guard, the Governor, Colonel Bishop, the War Department, and, in the end, even the President.. Payne then wrote an address "to his countrymen" expounding the Cherokee cause and the use of force upon them by the United States government, as well as his arrest. The address is a remarkable literary essay, not just a statement of facts. When it became too long for publication in newspapers, the address and another essay, "The Cherokee Nation to the People of the United States." were published in book form. By then Payne was joining the Whigs in fighting the Jacksonian Democrats who favored removal.
Since he had been ordered by Colonel Bishop never to enter Georgia again, Payne could not return to his Athens sweetheart, Mary Harden. He went to his brother Thatcher's home in New York and began corresponding with the Hardens. Payne wrote asking Mary to marry him, but, for reasons lost to history,
Mary refused.
Neither Mary nor Payne ever married, and this led to exaggerated exploitations in imaginary accounts of their romance. Neither spent a life pining away for a lost love. The affair was never mentioned in Athens newspapers till after Mary's death, and her fellow townsmen seem to have been oblivious of her romance. As for Payne. Mary was one of many women Payne had been prepared to marry after one brief meeting. If his two biographers even knew of the Harden affair, they never mentioned it.
Many legends arose about Payne, particularly involving his Harden episode, but others centered about his imprisonment at Spring Place. One, which incorporates several others, is that Payne was actually kept a prisoner in the Vann House and wrote the words to "Home. Sweet Home" on the basement walls. The story about the song helping win his release from prison is, like the others, completely false.
Payne continued his interest in the Cherokees for some years after his Georgia adventure. He visited them in the West in 1840. However, the talented man was rarely a step ahead of his creditors and in 1842, with the Whigs in power, he obtained an appointment as consul to Tunis. After Democrat James K. Polk took office following the 1844 election, Payne was recalled but remained in Washington awaiting reappointment.
At one of Jenny Lind's concerts in December, 1850, attended by President Fillmore, Daniel Webster, and other cabinet members, she saw Payne in the audience. Turning to him, she sang "Home, Sweet Home" with such electrical effect that Webster was seen to weep. If Payne's Whig support had not been sufficient. Jenny's singing "Home, Sweet Home" got Webster to support a reappointment of Payne as consul to Tunis. His reappointment came in March, 1851. On April 9, 1852, John Howard Payne died in Tunis and was buried there,
William W. Corcoran, an old friend of Payne, provided the money for bringing Payne's remains back to his native country. The ship reached New York on March 22, 1883, and the coffin was taken to City Hall where it lay in state for a day. Over 12,000 people passed by. Payne's remains were then taken to Washington and interred in Oak Hill Cemetery. Paynes was at last resting in the country he loved.
Many John Howard Payne stories live on in Murray County. Ross, not he, perhaps the principal target. John Oates, one of the soldiers who lived Spring Place for some years afterward, refuted Payne's words, saying that Payne was released quickly "when the fact was ascertained that he was innocent." and adding that the men were imprisoned in the Vann House, not in the old Spring Place "jail" which had not even been built! Payne clearly stated that he ': was in another building on the Vann property. He was also plainspoken when ho described that fascinating person in charge, William Bishop!
Payne wrote:
There was a sudden announcement of the arrival of the Captain-Colonel Bishop , .. the mighty chieftain appeared. He is a dapper, well-dressed, and well made little man with a grey head and blue coat, well brushed, and bright yellow buttons ... In manner, his grandeur was somewhat melodramatic. I have seen Napolean Bonaparte . . . the Duke of Wellington . . . Emperor Alexander . . . Emperor Francis-the King of England-the King of Prussia . . . most of the contemporary great men of Europe, as well as America; but I have never yet seen quite so great a man as the Tavern Keeper, Clerk of the Court, Postmaster, County Treasurer, Captain, Colonel, W.N. Bishop.
Although Payne. Riley, and Vann disliked Bishop, the Indian leader Major Ridge praised Bishop's efforts to control things. W.J. Cotter added that "the wives of the Bishops were sisters and excellent women. Capt. A.B. Bishop lived in the Vann House and Col. W.N. Bishop in the mission house."
During those early years after 1835 when the Cherokee signed a treaty for their removal, a large number of white families started to move into the area ofj North Georgia, assured of protection by the U.S. government. According to newspaper article written by an early pioneer.
After finding a section of land, each one claimed title to as drawer (purchaser), than settled down and began to make improvements as he had opportunity, or, ability, being careful not to infringe on the Indians who might be living upon the same lot of land, his right of occupancy having been guaranteed to him until he was legally removed according to the treaty.
The first business of the newcomer was to build himself a tent, or cabin for protection of his family, to build stalls for his stock, then clear land to cultivate corn, beans, potatoes, and other vegetables. In the meantime, he had to look out for provisions for his family and stock. The Indians sometimes sold venison, or ham, but no com. Ross Landing (now Chattanooga) on the Tennessee River was the nearest point where provisions could be obtained.
At that time, there was only one wagon road leading to the section and that was a government road extending through from the Coosawattee River in a northwesterly direction to Ross Landing, but soon other ways were opened along the trails through the valleys and over the ridges from settlement to settlement. The road between the towns of Spring Place, in Murray County and La Fayette, in Walker County was opened in the spring of 1836. All the white men, liable to road duty, living in the 27th land district (which was nine units square) were called together to help do the work. When one had a cabin to raise, or logs to roll, all in the same neighborhood, extending four or five miles around would cheerfully meet and help do the work. At such gatherings it was not uncommon for persons to meet who lived seven or eight miles away. When supplies were needed, two or three teams and wagons were banded together and sent to Ross Landing. This was a necessity as the roads were new and rough, and the streams were unbridged and difficult to cross. This was a time when men felt their dependence upon each other. Friendships were formed which continued for life and may be traced today through the second and third generation of those early settlers
By 1836 Murray was more and more of a white man's county. Mrs. W.L. Roberts Sr wrote in a 1958 article that William P. Nichols arrived in Spring Place in 1834 to learn that there were some "40 fine bubbling springs" in the area. Nichols worked for Eli Bowlin who made additional benches for the mission turned courthouse. He was then hired by Matthew Kincannon, surveyor and builder of a new road from Spring Place to East Tennessee. Mrs. Roberts continued:
My father's next employer was Robert T. Banks who in 1834 got the contract to clear the land on which the city of Spring Place was to be a reality. Mr. Banks instructed the workmen to clear the 15 acres and Banks was paid $15 an acre to do !hc job. All trees and undergrowth was to be cut out and all stumps, except the trees seven feel tall were to be left unless they were too crowded for free movement of business, and only the most choice trees were left.
My father said that it was a most beautiful sight to walk about in the grove of fine shade trees that remained to beautify the young town. He said that all underbrush and stumps were cleared off completely.
Bowlin. James Kincannon. John Adams and Francis Burke were Justices of the Inferior Court which first convened at Spring Place on February 19. 1834. Thomas J. Harper was clerk.
Many of Murray's first merchants also sold liquor. From early license applications names like the following can be obtained: McGhee & Ellison; Andrew Holder; Hiram Gillehan; Seaborn Lentor; Laymance & McGhee, Bowen & Traynor. and James McCasland (all 1834); Moses R. Thompson (1835), John Holbrooks (1838), B.C. Tyler, John Davis, Nathaniel C. Gordon, James H. Thomas. Puckett & Stacy. Spencer Riley (1837), Dean W. Chace, Mark Thompson, Thomas P. Robbins ("in his own home"), Charles Kilgore (1839), Caldwell & Ellison (1838), William C. Standley, George W. Wacaser, and Henry Landan (at Bean's old Stand) all 1838. Most of these were in Spring Place while John A. Duckett, Martin Keith. T. Cockbum. William Whitten. Thomas Leltifflp(?), John Lynan. W.T. Caser were located elsewhere in Murray. Other merchants included Harvey Harman, James P. Isbell, Finly M. Riley and Frederick Cox, Elijah Kursan, James Buckhanan, James Whitlenburg. and William A. Banks.
A well-known business in early Spring Place was the Chester Inn. Built by William P. Chester, Jr., the Inn was a long white structure with many windows and possibly had three floors. "A guest of the Chester Inn was General Winfield Scott who made his home there while moving the Cherokee Indians west," said Ivan Allen, Sr., grandson of the owner. Chester's daughter, Mary Adams Chester, married George Reece Harris in the hotel in 1841. The Chesters then moved to Dalton where he served as postmaster and opened a new hotel.
The Moravians at McNair's wrote in February, 1836 that they had "received numerous invitations from a Christian white family in Murray County (not Spring Place) to conduct a meeting in their area. On the 26th I preached at home of a Mr. Jackson in that county. The community, in large measure adhered to the Baptist faith. Never before had they heard a sermon by a Moravian Brother. They pleaded with me and insisted that 1 return to them." On. 10 the Brother held services at Mr. Carroll's at Sumach.
The last record of a Moravian service in Murray County was on Easter sum day. 1837 when Clauder visited Spring Place and more than a hundred people attended. He reported "much joy among members" and that natives had been conducting services. Time was running out for the Cherokees, however, removal was closer than before and Colonel Bishop was still busy dominating Spring Place.
Missionary Clauder wrote the following in a letter dated February 8, 1837:'
From Capt. McNair I hear that Spring Place, of dear, though painful memory, is still a place of lawless violence. At their late elections-Bishop prevented the opposite party from coming to the polls-fi. in the fracas shot several persons, severely-the opposition party collected to about 80 in number and marched on, at the head of Sergeant Young (who is now antiBishop) to storm the Kennel-but lo! they found the Valiant Hero, Col. Bishop forted-in the brick house (Vann's formerly) & from sundry Windows & extra port holes, projected the ghastly muzzles of muskets & Rifles-threatening death & destruction to all who should possess the bold daring to attempt a reduction of the Castle; this Sergeant Young, -at the head of "80" sturdy fellows-wheeled to the "right about"-& left the "dapper" little Col. in the quiet possession of the Offices, gained at the Election &. everything besides . . .
Another source said that 23 were killed.
In the summer of 1837 a traveler named G.W. Featherstonhaugh visited Spring Place. This writer and diarist left the following entry concerning his visit:
July 29 ... we reached a settlement prettily situated, called Spring Place, with a fine line of Cohuttie Mountains in view, and stopped at a tavem kept by a person named McGaughey, who very obligingly, upon my request, gave me a room upstairs. This I took possession of, and having made my toilette, descended to a comfortable breakfast...
Understanding that another stage would depart in the morning for Gainsville in Georgia, a village distant about eighty miles, where I had directed my letters to be forwarded, I determined to go there and return to the meeting in the same vehicle.
I should have been glad to have made an excursion in the neighborhood of the petty place but Fahrenheit stood at 90°, and it was so excessively hot that I was compelled to keep to the house, so getting my papers in order, I brought up my diary and wrote some letters.
In the evening I ventured out to look at an ample and most pellucid spring in the vicinity, from whence the settlement takes its name. The water flowed copiously from seams in the limestone, which in its cavernous parts no doubt contained great bodies of it. Here I sat down upon a log; not a breath of air stirring, and it was still too close and warm to walk with comfort. A Georgian, however, whom I found there, told me he found it cool at this place compared with his residence in the low country-On my return to the village, 1 observed that almost every store in the place was a dram shop, and the evening's amusement of a great part of the population seemed to consist in going about from one to the other, and, when they got what they call in this part of the country "high," which means red-hot drunk with whiskey, they would go to the tavern and bully the people they found there. Several times in the course of the evening, the landlord had great trouble in turning them out of his house. Two incidents occurred before I went to bed, very characteristic of the habits of the country.
A young white fellow came to the tavern with a frightful wound in his leg, and so drunk that all we could get from him amidst a torrent of the most audacious blasphemies was that "his horse had fixed it for him." Next came a halfbreed youth, about twenty years old, with his wife, a pretty Cherokee creature about seventeen, each on horseback on their way to the Council. This young fellow's head was bound up and when they removed the handkerchief, his eye was so dreadfully bruised that it appeared to me he would lose the use of it. He got beastly drunk on the road and tumbling from his horse the animal had struck him with his hoof.
On August 4 Featherstonhaugh wrote:
This morning, whilst we were at breakfast, a company of Georgia mounted volunteer! rode through the place on their way to the Cherokee Council. All had their coats off with their muskets and cartouch boxes strung across their shoulders. Some of the men had straw hats, some of them white felt hats, others had old black hats on with the rim torn off, and all of them were as unshaven and as dirty as could well be. The officers were only distinguished by having Cherokee fringed hunting shirts on. Many of the men were stout young fellow*, and they rode on talking and cursing and swearing, without any kind of discipline.
These men were probably some of the same ones listed on the muster roll of the "Murray County Rangers" of 1838:
1. Bishop, Absalom, Capt.
2. Sample, James, 1st. Lt.
3. Cloud, George, 2nd Lt.
4. Terry, Wm.
5. Lemming, John
6. Sams, B.C.
7. Hannah, Samuel W.
8. Hise, James
9. Lenning, Wm.
10. Car. Charmich L.
11. Terry, G.C.
12. Carder, Thomas
13. Bolan, Eli
14. Davis, Harrison
15. Fain, Samuel C.
16 Meares, AJ.
17.Lowry, Thos. F.
18.Greenwood, Beverly
19. Springfield, S.L.
20. Chase, Dean W.
21. Meare, John R.
22. Terry, Duncan
23. McCord,Wm. F.
24. Ellard, Jeptha
25. Haynie, Stephen
26. Walker, Thomas
27. Gillen, Hirarn
28. Holton, Miles
29. West, Barney
30. Martin, John S.
31. Oates.John
32. Jackson, Abel
33. Rollins, George
34. Harper, Brooks
35. Davis, Greenville
36. Haralson, John
37. Bradberry, James R.
38. Greenwood, Joshua
39. Stancit, Hillsman
40. Dates, William S.
41. McGhee,J.M.
42. McKoy.John
43. Nell, Adam
44. McNamer.James
45. Brown, Robert
46. Stancil, John
47. Springfield, Aaron
48. Springfield, Bennett
49. Hoopman, Jacob
50. Springfield, Hugh
51. Austin, Thomas 0.
52. Jones, Stephen
53. Senior, Albert N.
54. Nandyke,C.P.
55. Jones, Runsome
56. Griffin, Heath
57. Ward,Nathan
58. Blair, F.L.
59. Cloud, Issac
60. McGhee, James
The commander was, of course, Colonel William N. Bishop.
In January. 1838 a group of Murray citizens petitioned Governor George R. Gilmer to address "the subject of [their] exposure to Indian hostilities." J.W.P. Buckanan and William McGaughy apparently led the effort. The men wanted a "competent military force, composed of ... residents of the county, and therefore best calculated to protect it," feeling that "the time has arrived when! it is indispensable to the safety of the people and property of the section"! The mounted soldiers would be accepted as part of the U.S. forces protecting the frontier, but they would be stationed in Murray. Some 80 men signed the petition and soon the Rangers were formed, The Georgia Militia District system came to Murray County this same year.
Among the surnames of the petitioners were Morgan, Smith, Keith, Douglass, Jackson, Ledford. McCasland, Robins.King,Mauldin,Graves, Shamblin, Laymance, Holbrooks, Edwards, Carder, Terry, Reid, Johnson, Cook, Cromwell, Martin Harper, Thompson, Satterfield, Burke, Burns, Morris, Hodge, Daniel, Williami Malone, Varnell, Slone, Young, Hetton, Wade, Fitzpatrick,Morton,and Adbrook.
By the summer the Rangers were involved in the Indian Removal. One estimate of Murray's Indian population was 2,000, and several lost all their property. Cherokee Returns of Property left in Tennessee and Georgia listed several Indians of Murray County by name. Among them were Mushroom, Wootta, Batt. Neawee. Nancy Dogherty, Fool, Pumpkin. Oocoosa, Tykier, Connaoy, Rachel Manning, Walter Saunders. Enetic, James Toster, Toosawatter, Wifl Arnold. Sunday (or Tow-Ta-Waska), Watta, and Grasshopper, all of Coosawat-tee; Elijah Hicks (for a printing press) of Spring Place; Tin Cup, Swimmer, Wattayoha, and Kianee of Rock Creek; Chittawaygas Bearspan, Colaichee, Tons Galaspy, Willy Colarekey, Hot Water, and Sootoo all of Sumach;Muskrat of Holly Creek; and many others of Swamp Creek, Conasauga, Rabbit Trap, Chicken Creek, Oostanolla, Red Hill, Chatapatch, and Mountain Town.
Historian Lewis Richardson tells the story of the next and most tragic event in our nation's history—The Trail of Tears.
The army was assigned the grim task of planning and executing the move to the West . . . officers decided to build stockades in suitable locations. The scattered native families could be rounded up, brought to these spots and held until all hod been accounted for and travel plans were complete. The Army, following military practice, called these holding pens "Forts." . , . sites for the Forts [were] presumably based on the density of Indian population and topographical factors.
The forts were usually large enclosures of upright logs with towers in each comer. Two of them were located in present-day Murray County. Fort Gilmer (sometimes called Coosawattee) mentioned as early as 1831, was officially established Dec. 29, 1835. The log structure was first occupied in July, 1838. By 1842 it had been abandoned. Located just off old Highway 411 near the Hemphill and Carter farms of today, only a historical marker gives evidence that the fort ever existed. Near Spring Place was Fort Hoskins which stood just east of Georgia 225 at the McGhee and Boyd Cox property line. (Some soldiers, either from this period or from the Civil War era, were buried on "McGhee Hill.")
In the fall of 1838 the round-up ended and the march to Oklahoma began. Some of the dozen groups were on the road more than 150 consecutive days. Marion Starkey quotes a "historically-minded Cherokee" as saying "When Sherman marched to the sea, you Georgians got a taste of what your ancestors gave the Cherokees in 1838, and I'm bound to say it served your state right."
The 1830s were troubled times. Such was the beginning of Murray County.
-Chapter II-
Murray in the 1840's
After the turbulent 1830's, the next decade must have seemed extremely tame to Murray Countians. Information about this era is sketchy, primarily from census records, deeds, and old minute books. Residents evidently saw the need to get this new county off to a good start following the Bishop era, although the man was around until about 1853.
Absalom Holcomb was selected to be Murray's first census taker in 1840. He covered five large districts which included what is now Whitfield, Catoosa, and Murray Counties. Three schools were established early in this decade: Sandy Springs and Clear Springs (in Whitfield) Academies both in 1840 and Sharon Academy in 1841. Trustees of the latter school were James Edmondson. Eppy W. Morris. Dennis Carroll, Robert McCamy, and Charles Lewis. In 1842 a "Poor School" Fund provided education for 190 males and 176 females.
Much of the county's activity centered around Spring Place. There James Edmondson, Latch & Ellis, Aaron Springfield, Andrew Holder, Hale & Murphy, and John H. Hawkins all applied for liquor licenses during the I840's. Wacaser's Tavern was located near the courthouse square in 1841. Edward Edwards (1842), William L. Phillips (1840). Uriah Duncan (1840), A.V. Hargrave (1841), and Willis Mote (1842) also applied for licenses. Edmondson owned a hotel. Ed Gault operated a lanyard and brickyard between the town branch and the Vann House. Thomas Seay and the Dwights were also prominent area residents along with James Morris, an extensive land owner, merchant, builder, "real estate" agent, financier, and benefactor of schools and churches. (The Morris family later moved to Dalton where Morris Street was named in their honor.) Mr. Morns also owned a lanyard which he sold to A.N. Hargrove in 1843. Hargrove ran the business at least until 1846.
In 1843 newly selected Judge of the Superior Courts of the Cherokee Circuit, on. George D. Anderson, died at his lodgings in Spring Place during the March term. He was a native of South Carolina but was a resident of Marietta at the time of his death. Judge Anderson was a highly respected man and had risen rapidly in Georgia government, having been elected to the Legislature at the age of 35 and appointed Judge in the next session. He was 37 at the time of his death. According to The Bench and Bar of Georgia Judge Anerson, the son of John and Nancy Anderson of Anderson District, South Carolina, had held a variety of positions before becoming judge. The same book also includes this account of the Judge's death:
On the morning of his decease. Judge Anderson arose as usual and opened his door that a servant might light a fire. He was for half an hour lefl alone, but at that time he was found expiring on the floor - . . His pulse had ceased to beat and he was perfectly insensible. It was an awful and sudden visitation of Providence, cutting him off in the midst of his usefulness and at the post of duty , . . Judge Anderson seemed to have died without the slightest struggle. His features were as placid and composed as if he had gently fallen asleep. From Spring Place the body was transported to Marietta to receive the last duties of his bereaved wife and little ones and his numerous friends . . .
Members of the bar in the Cherokee circuit wore crepe on their left arms for 30 days "as a slight tribute to his memory."
Legal matters were of major concern to Murray Countians in the 1840'| Court was first held in the old Moravian mission building. In 1839 the Grand Jury recommended that "a courthouse and a jail the size of the one at Cass be constructed. Henry Steed built it and it was located in the center of town. An old minute book records that on August 3, 1842 James Morris was paid $1,000 as the "first installment on courthouse." Apparently, Mr. Morris financed the building, but another reference, in 1853, is to "8% interest to be ' paid on money for a courthouse." Financing must have been a major problem because earlier county officials had sought to rent two jury rooms "in the west end of the courthouse ... to the highest bidder" (1849-51). In 1859 three chairs were purchased for the building at a cost of 60¢ each and three years later the building was recovered at a cost of $1,010. The old mission-courthouse was dismantled after 1867.
Finances also created difficulties in the building of a jail. Mose Winters built the first jail on town lot 20 in 1835. This jail burned soon after because in 1837^ prisoners were sent to Cassville. An 1845 act of the Georgia legislature authorized a "tax of 25% for building a jail." The 1839 effort had apparently failed, but this one was successful. In July, 1849 plans to "build a house for the jailer,) James Buchanan, on the jail lot in Spring Place, 36'x 18'with a portico and two chimneys, 10'9" high, good well-burnt brick, with floor well-layed, with ceiling overhead in a workmanlike manner." According to county historian, Charles H. Shriner the second jail burned and this house was then used as the jail. "The! jail had two rooms, one for criminals and one for debtors.. . The debtor's room was better furnished and the debtor could take his own bedding ..."
Murray's population increased during the 1840's as lots which had not be-claimed in the 1832 Lottery were sold. Many lots in Murray were purchase! by land speculators who then re-sold the acreage to people who were willing ti, move to this last Georgia frontier. (See Appendix B for Lottery records.) Historian Eulalie M. Lewis wrote that "freight and passenger train service was available over the W&A Railroad as far north as Dublin (now Resaca) in June, 1846. Any travelers or immigrants who came north into Murray County at that time could avail them selves of this new and faster means of transportation. They could then continue their journey by wagon or on horseback from this point. ..
Many pioneers did move into Murray from other parts of Georgia. Another large group moved south into Murray from East and Middle Tennessee. South Carolina, and Western North Carolina. One early Murray settler was Dawson A. Walker who later ran against James Milton Smith for governor of Georgia in 1872, Unfortunately, Walker, by this time a county judge and a Republican, lost to the incumbent 104,252 votes to 45.812. Other pioneer settlers were C.B. Tucker. Arthur Gilbert, Thomas Hames (all in the 1830's), John Bryant, James McEntire, John Rollins, Jacob Holland, the Peeples family, John Otis (who had been a guard for the removal), the Bateses, George Cleveland (who had known Joe Vann), and Maynard W. Harris who had joined a company to remove the Indians but returned to Murray in 1844 to purchase 200 acres of land.
George White's Statistics of the State of Georgia gives considerable information about Murray County in the 1840's. The population was 6,678 in 1845— 6,160 whites and 518 blacks. Taxes in 1848 totaled $2,199.65. Post offices in the county were Spring Place, Coosawattee, Dalton, Holly Creek, Red Clay, Sugar Valley, Tunnel Hill, Resaca, and Turnersville. According to White, Spring Place had "the usual county buildings, two hotels, one academy, four stores, three groceries, one saddler, one carriage maker, two blacksmiths, two lanyards, three lawyers, and two physicians (Anderson and Underwood). Population: 250." The author also felt that "religion and morality are on the advance. Thel religious sects are Missionary and Anti-Missionary Baptists, Cumberland Presby-1 terians, Methodists, Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, and Uni versa lists." Some! 322 children received education through the "poor fund." White added that "the amusements are dancing, racing, cock-fighting, gander-pulling, and bear fights!" He also praised the numerous fine springs, the acres of beautiful forests, and the abundance of fruits, minerals, and crops. The county boasted fourteen saw mills, twenty grist mills, and three "merchant mills." The roads were only fair and due to a "changeable climate," the residents suffered "considerably from sickness."
-Chapter II-
The 1850's
Mr. Holcomb was also the census taker in 1850, the last time Murray figures included what is now Whitfield and Catoosa Counties. Approximately 48% of the 12,503 inhabitants were Georgia natives. Fifteen percent were from Tennessee and South Carolina, while eleven percent were North Carolinians by birth. Seven percent were from the British Isles. The remaining four percent were from other states, like Virginia and Kentucky, or other countries such as Canada or Germany. Murray's citizenry included 2.047 dwellings, 6,604 white males, 5.888 white females, 3 free black males, eight free black females, and 1,930 slaves. There were 20 schools serving 646 boys and 442 girls. Three hundred benefited from the $1,100 in poor funds. Almost 300 males were illiterate as were 555 females. During the census year there were 98 marriage and 462 births. Twenty-five manufacturing establishments were operating and among the churches in existence were 17 Baptist, eight Methodist, and two Presbyterian congregations. The value of real estate was 51,660.705 while personal property was valued at SI,268,406. The 1.035 farms in the county included 51,102 acres of improved land and 163,470 unimproved acres.
Spring Place was growing rapidly. At the time of the census, Franklin Morris, Addison Jarnagan, John Tyler. John Beall, and John O'Conner were merchants; Charles E. Broyles. Anderson Farnsworth, Dawson A. Walker, John C. Buich, William Loften, James Douglas, J.A.W. Johnson, James A.R. Hanks, Owen H. Kenan, Ambrose Blackwell. and R.H.L. Buchanan were listed as attorneys; James Henry. James Ramsey, William Hunter, Asa May, James Dykes, E.S. Bird, and Wesley Mauldin were blacksmiths; and James J. Allen, Samuel Dwight, William Anderson. Joseph McDowell, Baxter Brown, and J.A. Black were doctors. Brickmasons were Joseph Reuble(?), William H. Steed, Alfred Wheat and John Bowman-while George M. Brown, Mr. Dickinson, John Taiiaferro, and Hugh Goddard were tanners. William Chambers was a cooper, William Laughmiller was a saddler, Abraham Wilson made chairs, Benjamin Buchanan taught school, and S.H. Sterling was a barkeeper.
Also on the census were tailors Robert Stansberry, J.M. league, and John H. Williams; shoemakers John Conally and William Stanfield; wagon makers Gordon Webb, Alex Paul; cabinet maker Thomas Crews; "plasterers" John Shamblin(?) and James Young, carpenter Hugh Shannon; and William Hames, a "gold digger." Clerk of Court Ralph Allison, Tax Collector Thomas J. Harper, Sheriff Buchanan, Postmaster Andrew Morris, and Presbyterian minister William B. Brown were also living in Spring Place. Another early Murray family was the Nathanial Harben clan, owners of a farm here before they moved to Dalton between 1855 and 1858 for the children to attend school. The youngsters born in Murray were Frances, Thomas, and Georgia, while Will, born soon after the move to Dalton. became a well-known Georgia novelist.
While the census of 1850 was a major occurrence in Murray County, another important event was the establishment of the "General System of Public Schools." Apparently the old plan where the Justice of the Inferior Court (Ordinary) was responsible for administering school funds had not worked in Murray County. Therefore, an act of the legislature created the equivalent of a Board of Education whose duty it was to appoint a clerk/treasurer to receive and distribute "poor school funds." The Board of Commissioners as it was then called also had to examine the teachers for the poor schools. The first commissioners were J.A.W. Johnson, Dawson A. Walker, John C. Birch, John A. Tyler, and William R. Bernier.
Permission to form school districts was granted by the legislature in 1857 and during the next year several were established. By this time the ordinary was once again paymaster for the teachers. Another act regulating schools in Murray was passed in 1859.
This decade also saw the last major physical changes in Murray County. Walker County had been taken away in 1833 and Dade was formed from Walker 4 years later. Murray also gave up land to Bartow (1834) and Gilmer (1838). As the 1850's began the Murray-Walker line was adjusted and a small area added to Gordon. In 1851 Whitfield was created from Murray and two years later Catoosa was formed out of Whitfield. Other boundary adjustments were made with Bartow County in 1850. with Gordon (formed in 1850) in 1852, 1853, 1866 and 1876. and with Fannin in 1856. Taxes were increased and laws were changed in 1859. Within two decades Murray County had been reduced to approximately 342 square miles in area.
The 1850's saw the first of several mining crazes spread across the county. Euclid Waterhouse, Gideon B. Thompson, Thomas H. Caloway, John Towns, and Thomas Leach made up the Tocoah Mining Company while Archibald Fitzgerald. Dawson A. Walker, Edward M. Gait, Francis W. Gait, John W. Wood, Caloway and Waterhouse comprised the Spring Place Mining Company. These ventures were chartered in 1854 along with the Conasauga and Cohutta Mining Companies. A drought occurred in 1852.
G.W. Fowler and B.B. Brown were doctors in 1853 while Thomas May was Justice of the Peace in 1856. Also in Spring Place was the Jarnagan Tanyard located west of the Cleveland Road in the 1850's and 1860's. In 1860 H. Heart-sell sold his lanyard to John C. King who in turn sold it to Henry Williams 11 years later. Rev. Selvidge preached to blacks around Spring Place during the 1850's. In 1860 an act was passed to suppress the use of intoxicants at elections in Spring Place.
A militia company known as the Spring Place Volunteers was formed in 1859. Within a short time these soldiers would be involved in the Civil War for throughout this decade the clouds were gathering. Eulalie Lewis wrote that at the time of the Civil War "a good hard-surfaced road ... led from Spring Place to Sonora (now Sonoraville)." Perhaps this was the road used by Major Lemuel Dillard (father of the late J.T. Dillard and grandfather of R.E. Dillard) when he brought mail on horseback from Cassville and other points south to Spring Place.
On the eve of War a Mr. Garrett took the 1860 Murray County Census. The now smaller Murray included eight districts with the following post offices listed: Spring Place, Woodlawn. Rock Creek, Hassler's Mill, Fancy Hill. Holly Creek. Conasauga. Cohuttah Springs, and Upper King's Ridge (or Bridge). In Spring Place a few of the businessmen from the 1850 count were still around, but most of the names were new. Frank Vonberg and Mr. Crews were cabinet makers, John Russell was a silversmith, Mina Crews was a dressmaker, and Mary Adams was a seamstress while John O'Donally was a tailor, Burger Gaither a tanner, Hiram Garrett a carpenter, and Zachariah Walls a farm agent. N.P. Fams-worth was "a drygoods clerk," F.C. Farmer was a mail carrier, Joel Henry made wagons. John Glover was a miller, and Solomon Plemons made shoes. Doctors were E.H.L. Keister. P.P. Sloan, Anderson. Elias McCutcheon, and James F. Haley. Lawyers included William Luffman, John H. Moffett. W.W. Wilkens, Joseph Slate. Jarnes W. and J.S. Powell. John Oats, and Anderson Farnsworth. Several blacksmiths worked in the town. Among them were J.J. & James H. Cantrell, M.W. Woodard. James C. Henry, and Nathan Davis. Grocerymen and merchants included Matthew Adams, E.W. Jackson, John Edmondson, Whitfield, Robert Powells. A.F. Lowery. and Daniel Nix. John O'Connor and W.W. and Hannah Stone were hotel keepers while John Beall was postmaster. Teachers were J.H.H. Parker, James and L.A.G. Randle, and William Drewsford. James Adams and J.L. Burns were Baptist ministers while Rev. Brown remained at the Presbyterian church. N.T. Osborn was Clerk of Court.
Murray County's early years ended. The struggles to establish the county were over, but another nation-wide struggle was beginning.
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-Chapter III-
SLAVERY, WAR, AND RECONSTRUCTION
(1850-1900)
Slavery
Situated in the mountains of northwest Georgia, Murray County of the 1850's was an agricultural land of small farmers. Most inhabitants did not and would never own a single slave. However, all were a part of that agricultural system! upon which the southern economy was based and a minority of Murray residents were slave owners (See Appendix H). Both the slave owners and the non-owners were pretty typical Southerners of their class. Such a state would seem likely since most of Murray's original settlers came directly from the yeoman stock of the Carolinas and east Tennessee with the remainder moving from other parts of Georgia and middle Tennessee. Most of the Murray slaveholders migrated from one of the latter places.
Since communication was slow in this region, the controversial national events of the 1850's such as the Compromise, the Kansas-Nebraska Act and Dred Scott, might not have mattered a great deal to those settled in this area. (There was no newspaper in this locale until after the War.) Perhaps the bitter arguments between the North and the South were too far away to worry about. However, by 1860 all had heard of Abraham Lincoln, the Republicans, and the four-way contest for the Presidency as well as what would happen if Lincoln were elected. Even in Murray County a little Negro boy asked his mistress why the blacks had to work for her and expressed a desire to be free.
The Census of 1850 reported 2,047 families in Murray. Making up these families were 6,604 white males, 5,888 white females, 11 free Negroes, and 1,930 slaves. The next year a new county, Whitfield, was created out of Murray reducing its size from 625 square miles to 342 square miles and its population accordingly. By 1860 a few families owned a large percentage of the slaves in the then smaller Murray County. Among the slaveholders were the Morris, Seay, Black, Wilson, Treadwell, Tibbs, Fouts, Carter, Dwight. Edmondson, Bryant, and Waterhouse families.
James Morris came to this area in the 1840's and made a good deal of money in real estate and as a merchant and planter. A letter written in 1897 by Elias Camp Morris of Arkansas speaks fondly of the Morris family and recalls numerous pleasant experiences. Elias Morris was a former slave and one of the many who adopted the name of their former owner. The letter, now in the Georgia Department of Archives and History, reads:
Helena, Arkansas —————,1897
Mr. J.C.Morris
Spring Place, Ga.
Having learned when passing through Dalton a few weeks ago that you were living at or near the old homestead, 1 told my sister Sarah about it and she wrote you at once and received your reply today. I was exceedingly glad to hear from you. 1 have passed through there quite often and had I known any of you were still living 1 would have stopped off to see you.
Perhaps you hardly remember me. I was only nine years old when we left to go to Dalton in 1864 but I have a clear recollection of you and all your people.
Your father will remember me if he is still living, for 1 used to carry messages for my sister to her husband, Robert, when he was hiding from the patrollers. God bless your father, he was one of the best men that ever lived.
I remember your Aunt Lizzie well and used to nurse for your Aunt Sarah. What has become of her boy by the name of Jeff Davis? 1 was so small I could hardly carry him about ... All the Morrises I ever saw were industrious ... I have four children. I am holding to the old family manners. I am very glad to hear that your children are doing so well . . .
I can't tell you how near I feel towards you and all those who are left of the family. My father and mother used to talk about you all so much before they died. All us boys learned trades. Jim and William . . . learned the blacksmith trade under father. Tolliver and I learned the shoemaker's trade. I followed my trade with great profit until 1 took charge of a church. (17 years earlier). . .
1 am glad that you and I were on the same side of the political question in the last campaign. 1 was a delegate to the convention that nominated McKinley . . .
1 hope you will get whatever you aspire to, and if I can be of any benefit to you, command me, for I flatter myself to say that I stand as well with party leaders as any colored man in the country. I live in a Democratic stronghold but 1 enjoy the respect and confidence of all the people, white or black.
Is old Temperance Hill church still standing? God bless the sacred old spot. I know you will tire of reading this, so will close.
Yours very truly,
Elias Camp Morris
PS. I can almost feet the kiss which your grandpa gave me the morning we left to go to Dalton.
An agreement between Wilson Norton of Whitfield County and John Bryant of Murray reveals that in July, 1863 Mr. Bryant purchased nine slaves, a single family, for $13,200. Even in the midst of war the slave trade continued. Upon reading the document one feels that Mr. Bryant might have bought the group just to keep the family together since the mother, Sidney, was only 32 years old and already had problems with her leg. The father, Frank, was 34 years old and referred to as "a boy." Family members say that Mr. Bryant sold all nine before the war ended. Following is the document (provided by Mrs. Louise Mitchell of Chatsworth):
State of Georgia Whitfield County
I have this day sold and do hereby transfer and convey to John Bryant, his heirs and assigns forever for thirteen thousand two hundred dollars to me paid, nine slaves 1 boy named Frank about 34 & 6 months of age, 1 woman named Sidney aged about 32 years and 6 months 1 boy named James aged about 14 years, 1 boy named Ben aged about 15 years 6 months, 1 boy named Jack aged about 12 years of age, 1 girl named Mollie aged about 8 years, 1 girl named Sallie aged about 6 years, 1 girl named Allis aged about 5 years 1 girl child named Fanna(?) aged about 2 years old, I warrant the title of these said nine slaves to the said John Bryant his heirs and assigns against the lawful claims of all others. I also warrant the said slaves to be sound and healthy and sensible and slaves for life. But as to the health of the woman Sidney she has some broken veins and (?) her leg otherwise healthy so far as I know. Given under my hand and seal This July 8th, 1863.
Wilson Norton (Seal) Test. L.P. Gudger Wilson Norton (SEAL)
Following is another slave transaction (courtesy of Jackie Gray. San Luis Obispo.CA).
Georgia Murray County
This -----
Made and entered into the March 29, between William Mitchell of the one part and John H. Hawkins and Charles D. Durham of the other part all of the county aforesaid. I the said William Mitchell Doth bargain and sell _____ to the said Hawkins & Durham three negroes One woman Sarah Twenty-eight years of age Two Boy children, the Oldest One by the name of Joseph Eight years old and the other boy Three years old by the name of Jeny-all Black Complettined
I the said Mitchell for an consideration of the sum of Thirteen Hundred in hand paid Doth warrant and Defend from Myself and all other parties unto the said Hawkins and Durham the three Negroes above stated the Wright and Title for ever in fee simple.
Signed Sealed in the present John B. Mitchell Wrn Mitchell
The Seay and Wilson families intermarried and were reported as being very good to their slaves. The Dwights were wealthy and came from South Carolina. They built a fabulous mansion west of Spring Place called "Hopedale."
Mr. Black, who was also a physician, sold all of his slaves to James Edmondson in the late 1850's upon the agreement that Mr. Edrnondson would not separate the Negroes. One of the slaves involved in the transfer was a young boy named Levi Branham. Levi possessed an excellent memory and later put the story of his life in a small book called My Life and Travels. Published in 1929, the book gives a fascinating account of life in Murray in the 1800's, though the greatest distance Mr. Branham ever traveled was to South Georgia.
According to Levi, Mr. Edmondson owned many, many acres on several farms. Levi's mother was on her master's Tennessee farm while Levi was on the Spring Place plantation and, at other times, on his master's country estate at Mayhill in southwest Murray County on Holly Creek. Levi had much to say about his owners:
One of my young masters was Tom Polk Edmondson. I was Tom Polk's waitman until he went to the Civil War ... All of the waitmen and waitresses stayed in the Edmondson house now known as the Chief Vann House. The room in which we stayed had a fine carpet on which we slept. Mr. Edmondson gave us fine blankets and we surely did sleep warm and comfortable.
My old mistress, 'Miss Beckie," was very good to us. She took more pains with us darkies than our parents did, simply because she had more to care for us with, and she loved us ... I thought as much of 'Miss Beckie' as 1 did my mother. When all the white boys and girls would be away Miss Beckie would gather the little N children around the fire and talk with us. . . One day I said to Miss Beckie: •Why do we little Negro children have to work for you?' She said: 'That's the way our fore-parents fixed the matter.' My mistress told me that the Negroes were brought from Africa so that they could be enlightened and that they may be taught to serve God . . .
My master owned all the land west from the ... Vann House to the Conasauga river . .. He owned 35 or 40 slaves . . . never had any overseers, but had a foreman. After crops were laid by, Mr. Edmondson would give a picnic for his slaves. He would take part. .
The Edmondsons seem to have been unusually benevolent owners. Levi played with both the black children and the white. Many white people were among his closest friends. However, the kind owners also demanded respect and discipline for in another place Levi writes;
My . . . mistress would always say she was going to whip me, but she never whipped me but once . . . one morning after the others had gone to work and I was still lying in the bed, my old mistress came upstairs to my room with an old cow hide and struck me three or four licks. 1 jumped up and ran to the fields . . . One day while a crowd of children and I were pulling up cotton stalks, my hands became very tired so 1 went to the House, Mr Edmondson asked my why 1 quit. I told him that 1 was tired, so to punish me for my laziness he carried me upstairs and put me on a very high porch so that I could not escape. . . Within a few days .. . I began to play off again, so Mr. Edmondson ... carried me to a dark room in the ... house and made me stay there until dark and ... I got enough of it that time.
In still another chapter the writer states:
In 1862 the slave owners had paddle rollers that they used to whip their slaves with when they were caught away from home. Once two slaves who belonged to Seay were caught on Mr. Edmondson's place ... I ran along behind them to see what the white people were going to do with the slaves. They whipped them ... All slaves caught after sundown without a pass were beaten. It was always an easy matter for Mr. Edmondson's slaves to obtain a pass . . . The slaves of other owners would hardly ever get a pass.
The Edmondson's also allowed their slaves to attend the funeraJ of their former mistress, Mrs. Mary Black.
The Edmondsons also allowed visitors to tip their slaves for things tike putting up horses or shining shoes. Levi saved his tips so that he could visit his mother in Tennessee. Though he lost the money on the way, Levi got there safely and visited for six months.
When Levi returned to Spring Place in 1861, he was given a new job-that of fanning flies in the dining room during meals. Even though he was always well fed, Levi reports that watching the white folks eat all that good food always made his mouth water. Among his other duties were to help mind the calves, to carry water, to churn, and to carry sugar from its keeping place in the garret down to the kitchen each morning for breakfast.
Soon, Levi begged Mr. Edmondson to let him stay with another white family, the Keisters. Mrs, Keister was extremely good to the young slave and taught him arithmetic, geography, and history. Levi also wrote:
In 1862 Spring Place was a wealthy little town. Mr. Edmondson, Mr. Wilson and Mr. Scay were very good to their Negroes. Some of them around were regular speculators. I knew a preacher by the name of Selvidge who preached around Spring Place to the Negroes, and his text was "Servant Obey Your Master." And he would have them washed and dressed; then he would put them on the block and bid them off like a group of horses or mules.
In 1863 the Edmondsons moved to their Terrell County farm as the war moved closer to Spring Place and Levi stated: "My master always said that his Negroes did not pay him anything; what he had, he had made in the legislature . . . Some Negroes had good masters and some had bad ones, but 1 think I had a good master."
Near the end of the War all the Edmondson Negroes were sent into town to fast and pray. Levi prayed, "Oh Lord, please help Abraham Lincoln to whip Jefferson Davis." When Mr. Edmondson asked him what he prayed, the young boy answered: "Oh Lord, please help Jefferson Davis to whip Abraham Lincoln," to which Mr. Edmondson replied: "You prayed right," and gave the slave a half dollar.
Thus the Edmondsons seem to have been much like many other slave holders in the South in terms of discipline, working conditions, and general treatment. Two other slave owners of Murray County were a little different.
Euclid Waterhouse, a very wealthy native of Tennessee, owned much of the land in what became known as Little Murray, an area which was dominated by large farms. Waterhouse eventually acquired 3,000 acres of land at one tent an acre and increased his fortune by selling it at a higher price. Most of the land in Little Murray (much of which is still under cultivation) was cleared by slave labor. Mr. Waterhouse produced vast quantities of grain on his rich river-bottom land. After harvest and during the winter rains, the corn was shelled, loaded on barges, and floated down the Conasauga River and other streams until it reached market at Rome. The Waterhouse home was Oakwood, about a mile south of the state line on the Spring Place-Cleveland Road (Georgia Highway 225).
Mr. Waterhouse was a pacifist, called in his day "a Union man," and hoped to just live quietly without trouble when the War began. However, his neighbors would not allow it and finally Mr. Waterhouse sold his property and freed all his siaves. He then moved north for the duration of the conflict. Even though it meant a severe decline in his fortunes, Waterhouse would not go to war to preserve slavery. His home was purchased by Major M.D.L. McCroskey and is now owned by the Colvard family.
The largest plantation in Murray County was the famed Carter's Quarters owned first by Farish Carter . Mr. Carter was a self-made man who had amassed a fortune selling supplies to the U.S. Arrny during the Warof 1812. He first saw the Murray area and what was to become his home when Cherokees lived there.
As the Indians were removed, he bought up the land lots from the Land Lottery drawers until he had about 15.000 acres. Here at Rock Springs, which was also called Coosawattee and has since been named Carters, Mr. Carter spent the summer months, returning to his home in the then state capital of Milledgeville in the winter.
The operation of the farm was left to Farish Carter 's son, Samuel. Together: they ruled a vasl empire of several farms scattered over the state. So abundant; were the Carter crops that the expression, "more money than Carter had oats"' was formed to suggest the highest level of wealth in the ante-bellum days. The base of this wealth was the slave force, numbering over 300 in Murray County alone. Many steamboats came up the Coosawattee River to Carter's Landing and returned to Rome full of crops.
The Carters treated their slaves extremely well. Food was plentiful, the slaves content, and the appearance of the quarters so pleasing to the eye that the plantation took on the name "Carter's Quarters." In the 1850's the elder Carter considered selling his slaves and investing the capital otherwise. This shocked his family and friends so much that his wife persuaded him no! to do so.
Farish Carter died just after the firing upon Fort Surnter, leaving Samuel Carter to preside over the empire alone during the War and Reconstruction. The sway which Colonel Sam Carter exercised over his plantation was one of "firmness tempered with gentle speech and kind treatment. When he died in 1897, eight of his oldest servants acted as pallbearers for a beloved master to whom they had once been slaves and whose service they never left," according to his obituary in The Atlanta Constitution, This must have been one of the reasons for the success of the Carter plantation even into the twentieth century.
However, the old way of life, the way of life for folks like the Carters, Ed-mondsons, Waterhouses, and Wilsons did not last, for war came-even to Murray County. Every citizen of the area was affected by this conflict between the North and the South
-Chapter III-
SLAVERY, WAR, AND RECONSTRUCTION
(1850-1900)
War Comes to Murray
The War Between the States drew closer and closer. The Southern states called for conventions to decide on the question of secession. Georgia was no exception and set January 16, 1861 as the date for the convention to open in Milledgeville. Each county sent delegates and Murray was represented by Euclid Waterhouse and Anderson Farnsworth (County Ordinary and Justice of the Inferior Court).
Since plantation-owning, slaveholding men like Edmondson. Morris, and Carter were in the minority, the citizens of Murray, like most of the mountain counties, sent "Union" delegates to the convention to voice their opinions and vote against secession. However, the majority of the delegates voted to leave the Union and Georgia seceded.
After Georgia cast her lot with the Confederacy, the men of Murray rallied to protect their homeland. Ten full companies went to the front from Murray led by R.E. Wilson, William Luffman, J.D.W. McDonald, John Beck, John Oats, I.W. Avery, William Harris, Tom Polk Edmondson. A.J. Leonard, and Sam Garner. At least 1000 men enlisted in Murray County and several hundred others enlisted in surrounding counties such as Whitfield, Gilmer. and even in Tennessee. Additional men left Murray County and joined the Federal troops, refusing to fight for slavery and see the Union dissolved.
Levi Branham records seeing a group of soldiers drilling near Spring Place in 1861. Recruiting officers visited the area often and advertised their arrival like the poster below which was provided by Miss Lula Bates of Atlanta:
The war began. More and more men left their homes in the shadow of Fort Mountain for Virginia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Many felt the war would last only a few months and each side was sure of winning. Thus few long-term preparations were made to keep things going at home and by 1863 many residents were suffering though the war had not yet come to Murray soil. County historian Charles Shriner described the situation in Murray as follows:
. . . turn with pride to the brave deeds and unselfish devotion displayed by Murray's sons on many a field of battle. . .The slaves as a rule, remained true to their masters during the war. While the men were away fighting, the slaves stayed to labor for and protect women and children at home. . .Murray's noble women deserve a tribute for their great self-sacrifice. Wilh their own hands often unused to toil, they struggled to keep the wolf from the door and even found time to make clothing. . .for the boys at the front. All honor to these noble women and may their daughters not be found wanting in those graces that have made their mothers immortal.
Levi Branham adds: "Salt was so scarce that my mistress had her servants dig up her smoke house and boil the dirt down to salt."
The Civil War Diary of John Coffee Williamson reveals the sad condition in Murray County by 1864. A member of General Joe Wheeler's party when it rode through Murray on its way to help defend Dalton, Mr. Williamson penned these lines on April 14. 1864:
I came on into Murray. . .and found many. . .glad io see us. . The bushwhackers are having everything their own way. and are taking any kind of property they want. . . Passed through Spring Place and found things in a very dilapidated condition.
No military action took place in Murray until the late summer of 1863 as the Battle of Chickamauga occurred. According to Mr. Branham the sound of that battle could be heard in Murray and as the Edmondsons "refugeed" to South Georgia, a detachment of Bragg's army rode through the Spring Place area. The Confederates won at Chickamauga and the Union forces retreated to Chattanooga. In November, 1863, the Confederates were driven south and Bragg set up headquarters in Dalton. In all likelihood Confederate soldiers visited Murray County to gather food for the arrny during the winter. Bragg was then replaced by General Joseph E. Johnston, who began rebuilding the morale of the troops. In the spring General William T. Sherman look command at Chattanooga, replacing Ulysses Grant who had been moved to Virginia to oppose Robert E. Lee. Two skirmishes took place in the vicinity of Spring Place. One occurred on February 27, 1864 as Thomas was advancing. The second and seemingly more severe was in April. Both encounters took place west of Spring Place. A letter from Union General George H. Thomas describes the April battle as follows;
Early on the morning of the 15th Maj, Gen. Steedman, with two regiments of white and six companies of colored troops arrived at Dalton from Chattanooga and immediately attacked the enemy, driving him off toward Spring Place, after four hours of fighting. The enemy's loss was heavy-he left his dead and wounded on the field. Our loss was 40 killed, 55 wounded. We captured about 50 wounded and two surgeons.
Thomas remained on Murray soil until the next day when he crossed the Conasauga River and returned to Dalton.
On May 4, 1864, Sherman received orders to advance toward Atlanta. The strategy of General Johnston was to preserve the Western & Atlantic Railroad while the strategy of General Sherman was to move Johnston east toward Murray County away from the railroad. Therefore, Sherman placed very few troops other than scouting parties on the eastern side of Dalton, Most of these raiding and scouting parties were met by General Joe Wheeler's troops.
The Federal troops advanced toward Dalton via Ringgold and Catoosa Springs, but they were met with heavy fighting at Tunnel Hill and "Buzzard's Roost." Sherman then went around Dalton, forcing the Confederates to retreat to Resaca in Gordon County. Many Murray soldiers participated in this battle. The Yankees camped at Tilton and some might have crossed over into Murray in that area. After Resaca, Sherman moved steadily toward Atlanta which after many battles and the siege, finally surrendered to him on September 4,1864. After the fall of Atlanta, General Hood, now in command of the Army of Tennessee, came back through Dalton in October on his trip to Nashville where he was again defeated.
From October to the following April most of what took place in Northwest Georgia was guerrilla-type raids on Union troops. One of the most famous of these raids occurred in Murray County in April, 1865. The leader was none other than Tom Polk Edmondson.
For many years the only knowledge of this battle was a poem entitled "North Georgia Scouts" written by James Maurice Thompson. Finally a Murray County historian, Conway Gregory, Jr., did extensive research on this topic and here we turn to his fascinating account of the life and death of Tom Polk Edmondson and his North Georgia Scouts.
The entire Edmondson family strongly supported the tradition of slavery. Tom Polk was among the first Murray Countians to join the cause of the Confederacy, enlisting at the age of 17. He first joined the "Murray Rifles" but was soon given a position as staff clerk and later as a recruiter. Eager to see action and bored with his current assignment, Tom Polk paid someone to substitute for him. He then reenlisted as a second lieutenant in another regiment. Tom Polk immediately found himself in the thick of many battles having become a part of the Army of Tennessee. In 1864 he obtained the rank of major.
During General Sherman's Atlanta campaign, Major Edmondson was in command of a small cavalry unit of about 75 men near Spring Place. From this base of operations, the North Georgia Scouts carried out raids against the Union Army and harassed citizens who were sympathetic to the Union cause. His tactics allegedly included killing men and women. From the Southern perspective, his guerrilla-type operations proved to be highly successful.
These hit-and-run maneuvers finally drew the Federal Cavalry into the area to stalk Edmondson and his Scouts. On October 20, 1864 Major U.K. Fox wrote to Major General Steadman, commander of the Army of the Cumberland around Dalton, requesting that a cavalry unit of 25 men who were familiar with the area around Spring Place be placed in his charge to pursue Edmondson. During the fall of 1864 and winter of 1865 Major Fox tried in vain to track down the North Georgia Scouts.
Not until April 3, 1865, during a Dalton-to-Spring Place expedition of the 147th Illinois Infantry and Sixth Tennessee Cavalry under the command of lieutenant Colonel Werner W. Bjerg, did Edmondson and his little band of Confederates meet their doom. Bjerg's forces left Dalton around 9:00 Saturday morning April 1, enroute to Spring Place. He had a force of 300 men at his disposal, infantry under the charge of Major Bush and an 80-man cavalry under Major Bean. After crossing the river at Glace Ferry, the expeditionary force camped in Spring Place Saturday night following an exchange of gunfire with pickets. Six known Rebel sympathizers were taken prisoner including A. and Z, Wilkins, Jared Fox, J.C. Henry, Charles Staples, F.C, Farmer, and Judge Ellro(d). On Sunday morning the Infantry and Cavalry began their advance south to Holly Creek. About two miles south of Spring Place, Bjerg's advance guard was attacked by a small force of Confederates under the command of a Captain Williams who was badly wounded in this skirmish. Oliver Brown, a Confederate private, was taken prisoner near Holly Creek. The Federal force moved down the Calhoun Road to Tucker's where a horse, a saddle, and a shotgun were confiscated. After passing Lee Allen 's house the company left the Calhoun Road to travel a country road to Hogan's house on the Coosawattee, On the way, B. Gassaway was taken prisoner. Since it was quite late in the afternoon when the Federals reached the river, Bjerg decided to camp at Hogan's house and wait until morning before attempting to cross the river.
On Monday morning, April 3, 1865, the expedition advanced to McLoath Ford on the Coosawattee. There were two ferries near Mr. Hogan's, one above the house and the other below it. Bjerg planned to utilize the ferries in addition to the ford. With a force of between 150 and 200 men, Major Edmondson had set up headquarters and a line of defense on the other side of the river to thwart the Federal's crossing. His North Georgia Scouts had been reinforced with several squads under the charges of Captain Rodgers, Captain Willraur, Captain Tate, and Lieutenant Ring.
Edmondson had his force waiting in ambush to attack when the attempted crossing began. Bjerg quickly ordered his force divided into two detachments. He sent Majors Bush and Bean up the Coosawattee with orders to cross and outflank the enemy. The Majors went about two miles up the river where they seized Samuel Montgomery's boat and successfully crossed the river. Bjerg took his other detachment 1 ½ miles south where he forced a Confederate sympathizer (known only a citizen Fuqua) to give him his boat which was anchored in the Sallicoa (Salliquoy) Creek. Under fire from hidden Rebels, Bjerg's detachment crossed the Coosawattee in the boat. Once across, the Federals captured and set fire to a small log house which the Confederates were using as a defense barrier. The force then began their advance north along the river.
At the Rullarno Ferry, Bjerg divided his detachment. Half of the men were left to guard the ferry and the teams of wagons which were under constant fire from the Rebels. The remainder of his group continued their advance north toward Shepard's to link with Majors Bush and Bean. After rendezvousing with Bush and Bean, Bjerg moved swiftly back down the river to John Ballew's house which had been Edmondson's headquarters earlier in the day. When they arrived Edmondson and his force had already deserted the home. Bjerg ordered the torch set to Ballew's distillery and began his pursuit of Edmondson.
The Federals advanced rapidly south along the river to Zachariah Wilson's house. Here Major Edmondson regrouped his forces and, after observing a scattered enemy force, decided upon an offensive assault on the Federal's rear guard. When the attack came, Bjerg moved to regroup his forces around the wagons and supplies at the Rullarno Ferry crossing.
All afternoon, Edmondson ordered offensive charges against Bjerg's force as they retired back across the river. Each time the Scouts were repulsed. In one of the last charges of the day, personally led by Edmondson, the Major received a fatal wound to the face and back in hand-to-hand combat.
At the end of the day, the Federals withdrew to Hogan's house and bivouacked for the night. They returned Edmondson's body to the Confederates, but kept his gun and saddle. The next morning they returned to Dalton via the Tilton Ford on the Conasauga River. Hogan. his son, and citizen Fuqua were taken prisoner.
The Federals suffered only three casualties and no deaths in the entire day of fighting. Besides Major Edmondson's death, the Confederates sustained a loss of 12 to 15 men including a lieutenant whose name is unknown. Captain Rodgers assumed temporary command of the North Georgia Scouts which remained active until shortly after General Johnston's surrender to General Sherman in Durham, North Carolina, on April 26, 1865. Captain Rodgers ordered Major Edmondson's body returned to his family. Today he rests in the Spring Place Cemetery in the family plot. The tombstone, small but not hard to find, reads: "Tom Polk Edmondson Born August 1844, Killed in Battle, April 3, 1865." Thompson's poem which records the battle is well written and is the only historical reminder of the most important military engagement on Murray soil.
North Georgia Scouts
rode a horse, a dappled bay.
Coal black his mane and tail-
A horse that never needed spur.
Nor curb, nor martingale.
And by my side three others rode,
Sun-tanned, long-haired and grim,
Wild men led on by Edmondson,
Tom Polk, you 've heard of him.
Behind us galloped, four by four
A swarthy, mottled band
Of reckless fellows, chosen from
The bravest in the land.
Whether away on that fair day?
Oh, just a dash of fun.
To speed our horses and keep up
With Tom Polk Edmondson.
Behind our backs we left the hills;
We crossed the Salliquoy:
My right-hand Comrade smiled and said:
"I fished here when a boy. "
Then from the rise at Hogan 's house,
I saw as in a dream
Red-fringed and silver-blue and deep.
The Coosawatte gleam.
A shot rang out! A bullet split
The air so close to me,
I felt the keen hot puff, and then
A roar of musketry.
A leader wind blew from the wood;
We met it at a run;
We sped so fast along the lane
The worn fence panels spun.
A horse went down, a dying face
Scowled darkly at the sky;
A bullet clipped my Comrade's hat.
And lopped the brim awry.
"Come boys; Come on!"our leader cried.
Pell mell we struck the line.
My Comrade's pistol spat its balls.
And likewise so did mine.
A swirl of smoke with rifts of fire
Enveloped friend and foe;
Death, so embarrassed, hardly knew
Which way his strokes must go.
The fight closed in on every side.
And tore one spot of ground;
There was not room to swing an arm
Or turn your horse around.
A moment thus and there we broke
The circle of our foes.
Old Hogan, in his doorway, heard
The crunching of our blows.
Then, while we used our pistol butts.
As swords on many a head;
And yet, and yet, down in that wood
We left our leader, dead
So, now you know just how it was
We had our little fun,
Speeding our horses to keep up
With Tom Polk Kdmondson.
James Maurice Thompson, In History of Murray County, 1911The residents of Murray suffered a great deal during this time. Mrs. Milma Earnest remembers her grandmothers telling of "hogbacks" who roamed the area pillaging and destroying property. "My grandmother Peeples' silver was stolen and my grandmother Stanford persuaded the raiders to leave a half-blind horse so that she and the children could make a garden," Mrs. Earnest says. The Home Guard, consisting of men too old for active service and boys who were too young, was left to protect the area. However, late in the War, the ranks of the Home Guard had been depleted as young men lied about their ages and older men were allowed to enlist when the conscription age was raised to 45 and then to 55 in order to fill the gaps in the Confederate ranks. Mrs. Bill Warmack reports that Joseph C .Henry was the only man left in the town of Spring Place one time because he was a blacksmith and indeed a very few males were civilians by 1865.
Mr. J.M- McGhee of Spring Place hid his wife and children in meat boxes for protection on one occasion. The McGhees lived quite near the skirmish of 1864 as several soldiers were buried on their property. Many buttons, mini-balls, and relics were found in this area—now known as McGhee Hill, just south of Spring Place. On another occasion Mrs. Mary Amanda Cleveland McGhee found a 16-year-old Union soldier in her barn. She and the youngsters dug a shallow grave and buried him in the Spring Place Cemetery where the American Legion Post 167 placed a marker in 1976.
A house near the Spring Place Cemetery was converted into a hospital in 1864. Some sources say the site was on the north side of the cemetery while others say the hospital was located a short distance west of the cemetery near the present Spring Place Church of God. Records reveal that several patients died of smallpox at this hospital.
Other areas of the county were subject to raids also. One group of soldiers went through the northeast corner of Murray and it is said that they actually rode their horses through the wide, central hall of the old Summerhour House near Crandall, (Located on what is now Highway 225, the house was torn down in 1980) This group could possibly be the same one that raided the Alaculsey Valley area in the extreme northeast corner of Murray, deep in the mountains.
One of the early settlers in this area was Solomon Fouts, a well-to-do businessman and slaveowner. Apparently he used slaves to help operate his mills and wood-working shop as well as his farm. His descendants tell that early one winter morning a raiding party came to the Fouts home and stayed four days. The invaders killed cattle and hogs, had the women cooking around the clock with no rest, took the beds, and crowded the fire, even burning the furniture. The men abused the children and finally hanged Solomon Fouts to a limb of a large oak tree in the yard. Following an argument, the group shot one of their own men. The women fainted and someone then discovered that Mr. Fouts was not dead! Evidently, the noose was not tied properly and so Mr. Fouts was released and ordered to bury the dead soldier. Finally the intruders decided to leave but took all the livestock and money they could, leaving only a calf and a pig.
Over in the northwest part of the county three interesting incidents are remembered, all involving Rev. S.H. Henry, founder and pastor of Sumach Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Early in the War a group of soldiers raided his farm and impressed all of the minister's horses. Thus, Mr. Henry was forced to walk to meet his appointments for the next four years, but was never late to a religious service. The second incident was later in the War when troops entered the house while the family was having devotions and demanded the keys to the smokehouse. Rev. Henry calmly told the officers that he would talk to them when the worship was over. Soon the room was filled with kneeling soldiers. Instead of robbing the smokehouse, the soldiers thanked the minister for the prayer and departed. The last event happened during the August 1865 revival at Sumach. Rev, Henry unbuckled pistols from many Union and Confederate soldiers who still wore the blue and the gray, placing the firearms on the altar.
Also, in this section of Murray, soldiers were buried on the R.F. Hill farm on Highway 225 North. Many other Murray residents report that soldiers' graves could be found on their property.
Finally the long war ended, Murray soldiers were present with Lee at Appomattox and with Johnston in North Carolina. A number of the men returned to their mountain homes, but many did not. Some had wounds from which they would never fully recover, while others were soon restored to health and lived for many years after the war. There are many sad stories which could be recounted in this respect, but space does not permit the inclusion of all of them. However, two particularly touching accounts warrant mention.
William and Lucy Morris Jackson, respected citizens who lived near the foot of Fort Mountain, had six sons who enlisted in the War. Three of them— Benjamin, Eppie and John—were killed in battle while a fourth, William, Jr., died from exposure soon after the surrender. Only Tom and Frank survived the conflict.
In another instance Harris Bramblett, who lived south of Spring Place, was over 50 and did not enlist until July 1, 1864 as Sherman progressed through Georgia. He already had two sons fighting for the South. He was mustered into service on July 2 and was sent to Atlanta. There, on July 22, he was killed, only 21 days after enlisting. The sons were in the same battle.
All of those who returned to Murray soil were shocked at the state of their society. They had given their all for a lost cause. Murray County was not a Richmond or a Vicksburg, but it, too, suffered greatly during this War Between the States The veterans returned home to rebuild their lives and their county, succeeding very well. For the remainder of the nineteenth century these veterans dominated the government of Murray County and were among the most respected of all citizens.
No history of the Civil War would be complete without letters and sketches written by the participants. James Y. Baynes, who lived in the Bull Pen District, penned these lines to his wife, Bettie, from Portsmouth, Virginia, June 23,1861-soon after the War began: Dear Bettie,
I received your letter two weeks ago it was only four days on the way here. I was very glad to hear from you that you were all well. 1 wrote to you a few days ago but the letter by some neglect of our mail boy it was not carried to the office, so I will not send that one but the one I write today, 1 was very sick last week but I am well at present. There has been two deaths in out regiment and one drummed out on account of being a rouge, . . his company beat him neatly to death, he was from Augusta. Another from the same place had to wear a ball and chain fourteen days, he deserted last night. Another has been severely punished this week, he has a large pasteboard on his back with "A coward in war, bu( base enough to offer violence to a woman" in great big letters on the pasteboard, he is chained . . .for public spectacle. He is from Covington but 1 forget his name. There is nearly two hundred men sick in our camp with measles and pneumonia. Ben Hollis is very sick at a friend's house in Portsmouth ... We in our regiment has had no fight yet, but can hear the guns of those that are fighting everyday. It is very probable that we will have chance soon as we are expecting orders to march into Pennsylvania .. .
We are well supplied with corn, meal, flour, bacon, beef, mutton, peas, beans, cabbage, and sugar and coffee, living very well I think, each mess has a negro woman to do their cooking and washing ... $1 for each man,
Bettie I never have had the least idea of being killed or wounded. 1 do not believe that god ever intended for a Yankee to kill me. I'm not afraid of being killed ... 1 am willing. 1 never think in the least that we are parted forever. I believe firmly we will meet again and live some time in peace and happiness ... I will have money to send you very soon ... do not refuse to take what was promised to me by my Captain that you and the children should be provided for...
Kiss Bob and ____ for me and I want you to take particular care of them for you have nothing else to do....your affectionate husband,. James Y. Baynes
P.S. 1 weigh eight pounds more than I ever did in my life and they all say here that I look younger... I will look so well when I come home I am afraid you will fall in love wirh me!
(Courtesy of Louise Coker)
This undated and unsigned letter shows the sadness endured by the young who were separated by the conflict:
My Dear Esther, 1 regret to have to report to you that 1 have to report to Dalton tomorrow at my company and you see that I can not go with the one that feels dear to me to Calhoun. My loving Esther if you please take my watch and ring and keep them for the one that loves you dearer than any person until I get to see you. I am going to try and get a furlough when 1 go over to Dalton. 1 will return, if not I will stay with my company. I would like to see you before you left but I suppose I can not. 1 wrote you a note by your ______ last evening but I did not know at that time that 1 would have to go but since I have been informed different. Betsy has said a great deal about you and I instructed her last nipht on your account and I will again, I do not allow people to talk about my friends if I can prevent it. 1 think I did right. If it is agreeable with you I will visit you at your new home but 1 want you to address me at Dalton and 1 will be sure to get it. If I come back home Mr. Durham will bring my letters to me. The mail is so uncertain at Spring Place, I might not get it. Direct in care of Capt. Wilson Co. A 87th a Reg. Bells Brigade, Dalton, Ga. 1 will think of you often and 1 hope you will of me. I would be glad that you would stay but 1 hope you will return with me in the summer. My dear please write me a note. By M,_______
Letter courtesy of Mrs. Jackie Gray, San Luis Obispo, CA
One veteran wrote the following account several years after the war ended. (Retaining his spelling and punctuation.)
-Chapter III-
SLAVERY, WAR, AND RECONSTRUCTION
(1850-1900)
A Sketch of My War Reccord as a Confederate Soldier
I voleteered as a private solier for 12 months under Capt. N.A. Mcghee in Co. A 3rd Ga. Battallion. on May the 10 1861 from Spring Place Murray Co., GA. From Spring Place I went to BigShatyGa.at that time we could not be mustered in for 12 months. So we were given 2 weeks to raise our Co to one hundred men for 3 years or during the war. Mcghee resinded. We then elected R.E. Wilson Captain & in 2 weeks we had our Co. up to the standard of one hundred. We remained in Cobb Co about 2 months drilling. We ware then called Stovealls 3d Ga Battallion 7 company. M.H. Stoveall Lieutenant Col Commanding. We left Ga for Va the 7 day of August 1861 arriveing in Linchburg Va We were ordered to gotn to camps as we were too late for the first Manasses Batle. I remained in Linchburg nea 2 months then was ordered to Richmon Va, remaining 4 days there. Our command was ordered to goldsbarrow NC there we remained until Nov 1861 From there we were ordered back to Richmon From there our Battallion was detached from the regular Army & sent to East Tenn, We were stationed a long the railroad from Moss Creek to Greenville where we taken up deserters & Bridge Burners until Feby 62 when we were ordered to Cumberland Gap where we were stationed until! 1863 when we were ordered to fall back We moved back some 20 miles The Federals then advanced a cross the Cumberland Mountain to Taswell We then advance on them & drove them to the Cumberland Mountain with but little loss. We then were attacked to the renolds Brigade and went to Lexing-ton Kentucky on arriving in Lexington we the 3rd Ga Battallion was detailed to Lenores Station there my Battalion was a gain detached and ordered back to garrison the citty there we remained untill the army fell back to East Tenn, Cumberland Gap There we petitioned the war department to be released from that station so we were ordered back to the regular army on arriving at Lenores Station we were attached to General Rains Brigade it was com posed of the second 20 & 27 Tenn & the 4 Ky and the 3rd. Ga Battallion we went from Lenores Station to Murfress Burrer Tenn there on the 30 & 31 days of Dec 1863 we had our first hand faught batle. General Rains was killed Wm. B. Bates of Tenn was promoted to Brigadier General in this batle My Co only lost two men Dead W. Gladden & Abe Kindry Severile were woonded in our brigad and especially our 3rd Ga Battallion gained a glorrious victory driving the Federals 3 ½ miles. our 3d Ga Battallion was in good trim we capture on the first line severile peaces of arttilery & a nice Brass band from Crown Gardens and Archives
Charles F. Durham, son of veteran Charles D. Durham, though not an actual participant, was as true a Rebel as any who were soldiers. A merchant and farmer near Ball Ground for many years, he wrote the following to his Oklahoma relatives in July, 1913:
I suppose . . . you nave been keeping up with (the) . . . reunion at Gettysburg, Pa. This old county gave some of its most gallant sons for the Southern Cause at this great Battlefield. On Cemetery Ridge where Gen. Meade had his artilery, Hills Brigade of Georgians . . • made just famous a charge as did Picket with his Virginians. Hills Brigade charged the Federal Infantry . . . and . . . artilery . , , The Rebs held the Ridge 4 hours In this was a Murray co(untian) L.F. Peeples ... a 1st Sargant (and A.K. Ramsey ... a Capt. . . .thenext day . . . the Yankees had them surrounded 6000 to 400 . . , Mose Holland killed a Yankee Capt to keep the Capt from putting him through with his sword. This is just a little side history that you cannot get from the books- (Letter provided by Mrs. Jackie Gray,
San Luis Obispo, CA)
Records in the Murray County Courthouse reveal the following:
March 19,1863
Certification exam of Achley? Martin. Found sound in every particular, in every way qualified to perform alt duties of a soldier.
Signed J.A. Stewart Asst Surgeon 37th(?) Confederate Cavalry
Carnp near Shelbyville, Tenn.
Deed Book L, page 157
Also in 1863, records contain a lengthy description regarding the case of Private James Ellard. He had lost his left arm at Manassas, August 30, 1862 and his superior officers were trying to procure work for him.
-Chapter III-
SLAVERY, WAR, AND RECONSTRUCTION
(1850-1900)
The Reconstruction Era
The returning veterans united with those who had settled in Murray while fleeing the Yankees to rebuild the county. They faced a difficult task as is reflected in the following announcement which appeared in The North Georgia Citizen (published in Dalton) in June 1868:
Notice
The citizens of Murray County are respectfully requested to meet at the courthouse in the town of Spring Place, on the first Tuesday in July next, for a thorough organization of the Conservative Party. Corne out gentlemen, laying aside all party prejudices and past political differences and save, if possible, our ruined country-Murray.
W.S. Callaway, Sheriff
Anderson Farnsworth, Ordinary
Though the task was difficult, the men rebuilt the county. Several important events helped bring about the needed improvements. One was the formation of the Board of Roads and Revenues by act of the Georgia Legislature in 1873. The act read:
282. SECTION I. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Georgia, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same. That from and after the passage of this Act, there shall be established in the county of Murray a board of five commissioners of revenue, roads, bridges, ferries, paupers and pauper's fund, with full power to levy all taxes for county purposes; to appoint all road commissioners; to establish new roads and abolish old ones; to establish or abolish ferries; to build and repair bridges; to change lines of militia districts or to establish new districts; to appoint overseers of the poor, and to say who shall be beneficiaries of the pauper fund. The first board shall consist of John Bryant, Miniard W. Harris, Samuel M.
Carter, John H. Kuhn and William Luffman. The commissioners above stated shall hold their offices for the term of four years, and shall be commissioned by the Governor and take the usual oath of county officers, and to hold their offices until their successors are elected and qualified; which election for the second board shall be at the same time and place of the election of Ordinary and other county officers.
283. SEC. II. That the said board of county commissioners shall meet at the Court-house in said county at least four times a year, and as often as the interest of the county in their opinion require; and may appoint a clerk who shall keep a complete record of all the orders passed by the board, but his (the clerk's) salary shall not exceed twenty-five dollars per year.
284. SEC. III That the board of commissioners shall receive no emoluments for their services, but shall be relieved from road, jury and militia duty.
285. SEC. IV. That the county board created by this Act shall audit and pass upon all claims for and against the county, and the county treasurer shall obey and respect all orders for money ordered to be paid out by the board and no others.
286. SEC. V. That the said board shall have all the powers the Inferior Court had prior to the adoption of the Constitution of 1868, as prescribed by the Revised Code on all county matters, but shall have no other jurisdiction.
287. SEC. VI. That the vacancies in said board by death, removal or resignation shall be filled by the Governor, upon the recommendation of a majority of the surviving board. This Act to go into effect from and immediately after its passage.
SEC. VII. Repeals conflicting laws.
Approved February 21st, 1873.
In 1874 The North Georgia Citizen reported the following about Murray:
The taxable property of the county according to the Tax Receiver's report . . . amounts to one million two hundred sixty-five thousand and sixty dollars, an excess over last year of one hundred forty-six thousand and forty-seven dollars. There are twelve hundred twenty seven . . . who pay poll tax ... twelve professional characters-four attorneys and eight physicians.
Another 1874 issue of the paper recorded that the scholastic (school) population of Murray was 2006, one-seventh of these being Negro.
While some signs of recovery were visible, the area still struggled because the same year (1874) Bennett Springfield wrote to his son, George, who lived in Texas that "we have the worst prospects for a crop in this country I ever saw. .. it has been a wet spring , , . and now it is dry . . . for we haven't had any rain in 4 weeks . . . what people is to do, 1 don't know," Four years later J. B. Springfield wrote to George, his brother, that "everything is cheap. Wheat from 60 to 80 cents a bushel. Corn from 45 to 50 cents . . . Bacon from 6 to 8 cents per pound. Flour from 2 to 2% cents . . . This is a hard old country to live in but a man can live here if he will work. I believe I had rather stay here and have good health than to go west and be sick all the time . . ." (Letters from the Springfield family.) However, everyone did not feel the same as Mr. Springfield, because frequently entire families, tired of the hardships in Murray, left to begin new lives "out west," particularly in Texas. Hardly a Murray family did not have relatives in the west by 1890. Railroads even offered special rates for "emigrant tickets to the west." Sometimes the family would return to Murray County, often leaving behind the graves of a mother or a child who did not survive the rigors of "the west."
Perhaps one of the things which contributed most to Murray's reconstruction was the establishment of the count-wide educational system in 1877. Due to the dedicated service of many of the finest men in the county, the system was a success. Rev. S.H. Henry, the first superintendent, served until 1900. The First Board of Education, appointed by the Grand Jury on February 6, 1877, consisted of James Y. Hempliil), William Johnston, Benjamin Wofford, and James A. McCamy who served on the board for 14 years and during his 7 years as chairman never missed a meeting. W.D. Petty was added to the Board in August, 1877. (See Appendix J for other Board of Education members and superintendents.)
The Board paid Mr. Henry $130 for the year 1881. In December 1896 the Board was in debt for the first time, owing $51. Beginning in 1897 regular monthly meetings were held on the 30th unless the 30th came on a Sunday. Until the 1890's the Board also decided which textbooks would be used. The Board and the superintendent were general overseers of the county school system. Much authority and much work was left in the hands of the local school district trustees appointed by the Board.
The first contracts with teachers were in 1881. Teachers were paid on the basis of average daily attendance and a considerable length of time was needed to convince the Board to pay teachers monthly rather than at the end of the term. In 1891 teachers' salaries were $25-$32 and Teachers' Institutes were held each summer, led by "an expert" (Prof. M.L.Parker in 1896). Teachers were fined if they did not attend unless they presented a doctor's excuse. In terms of statistics, four colored schools operated from 1886-1889 with a fifth one being added in 1890. The number of white schools varied from 41 in 1886, to 39 in 1887, 38 in 1889, and 46 in 1890. In 1887 the average attendance for the term was 1,600 while in 1889 the average attendance was 1,961. The 1890 total included 1,084 white males, 998 white females, 194 colored males, and 190 colored females.
The general concensus is that the public education system was the best thing to come out of Reconstruction, particularly education for blacks. However, another outgrowth of Reconstruction was a very controversial organization, directed to a great degree against the blacks. Murray County, too, was touched by this organization-the Ku Klux Klan.
-Chapter III-
SLAVERY, WAR, AND RECONSTRUCTION
(1850-1900)
The KKK
In northwest Georgia, though the whites usually outnumbered the Negroes, relations between the two groups were terrible. The Ku Klux Klan, representing themselves as the ghosts of soldiers who were slain in battle, was organized to deal with the problem and whipped offenders for sass, insolence, and theft, as well as lynched those accused of rape. The blacks and some whites were warned against loafing, thievery, and prowling. The warning, sometimes a stern lecture but often a bundle of switches left on the offender's doorstep during the night, was enough to cause anyone, regardless of color to stop his wicked ways.
The Ku Klux Klan was condemned by Congress and by negative sentiment in the South and, as far as Congress knew, the Klan disbanded by 1869. But in Northwest Georgia, including Murray County, the flame of the Klan had just kindled. The KKK and its successor, the "White Caps" were responsible for several hangings, shootings, and whippings in Murray County in the last decades of the nineteenth century.
The first Murray County Klan members were very respected men, mainly Civil War veterans, who wanted to keep order and were reasonably successful in doing so. The men met during the day in front of the courthouse in their regular clothes to plan their nocturnal activities. At night they would ride through the town toward their destination wearing their white robes. Seeing the Klansmen start out on a raid was exciting and frightening for children who happened to be looking out the window!
Although the Klan was a secret organization, most people had pretty good ideas as to who were members. Some people still do not want anyone to know about membership in the Klan, while others are like Mr. Hill Jones of Chats-worth who quickly states that his grandfather, M.M. Bates, was a Murray County Klansman. Another self-admitted leader was Dr. E.G. Stafford of Ramhurst. Both were well-known Murray residents.
In Murray County, the Klan was active in the 1870's. A black man. Carter Griffin, was hanged by the Klan in Spring Place in 1874. Levi Branham wrote in his My Life and Travels that the Klansmen entered a store to buy forty feet of rope with which to hang another Negro, John Ward, in 1875 and told other customers, "Every rat to his hole." Mr. Branham continued his account of the episode by saying: "I suppose every rat did get to his hole. I know I got to mine ... I don't know whether I made any tracks or not, but I got home."
In a newspaper article of 1930, Branham told that in 1885 a rumor started that a black Ku Klux Klan existed in Murray because a white man poisoned a black man. Of course, the white KKK immediately investigated, but no organization was discovered. However, by this time, the old Klan was dying out in Murray County, having served whatever purpose it had had for a time. Unfortunately, another organization arose, similar to the KKK in dress and occasionally in leadership. This organization was called the "White Caps." Although not formed for that purpose, it soon became involved with the whiskey business. Since the county voted "dry" in 1886, moonshining abounded. County historian Charles Shriner wrote in 1911:
Although many joined it (White Caps) from honest motives, it must be admitted that reckless daring and love of adventure prompted others. Persons who were suspected of reporting stills were beaten or killed. Personal malice quite often prompted their raids. They soon became dreaded by the law-abiding citizens as a menace to public peace and safety . . . Fortunately the strong hand of the law has put a stop to the Order in this part of the country and none perhaps are more pleased to have it so than the very men who unthoughtedly instituted it.
In the winter of 1888-89 the "Distillers Union" was formed in the Cohutta Mountains and spread to other counties. This so-called Union was the White Caps. Each area had a club with captains, a lieutenant, and four referees. They were mostly autonomous within each district and at first wore black caps and hoods, but then began wearing the white hoods modeled after the KKK. They were responsible for at least 18 night attacks and acts of collective violence between 1889-1894. The peak was in 1894 with five reported raids. Naturally, not all events were reported in what newspapers then existed and if any cases went to court, there were fewer convictions because some of the "White Cappers" would be on juries. In 1889 the White Caps, alias the KKK, shot John Duncan, a black tenant farmer living with a white woman. Later they attempted to raid Walker Dwight's farm, but he and his wife hid and were never found by the men. Dwight was also a black man. In 1891 members of the White Caps killed Hosey Jones on what has been termed a personal vendetta and also shot John Bentley Davis, another black man who was involved with a while woman. The most famous of the White Caps' escapades occurred in 1894 and was the turning point in the history of the organization. Levi Branham wrote that on June 7, 1894, he and Will Roper went to Nix Spring to purchase some whiskey. Four days later five White Caps shot Roper and threw him in a pit in the hills of east Ramhurst. The men felt that Roper had reported the site of iheir still. Branham said that Roper was not actually a "reporter," but he had testified against moonshiners. Roper remained in the pit for five days according to official accounts, though some say eight or nine. He survived on roots and water found in the bottom of the pit until a Mr. Springfield heard Roper's cries while hunting and rescued him. After being nursed back to health, Roper went directly to the sheriff who arrested the men who had thrown Roper into the pit. When he testified against them, four of them were sentenced to ten years in prison along with a $1,000 fine while the fifth man received an eight-year sentence and a $500 fine. The White Caps, who were mostly Democrats and owned little or no land, had been condemned by the "Murray County Farmer's Alliance" for their night riding in 1890 and 1891. The Alliance could not stop them, but Mr. Roper did!
The White Caps died out after 1894 and following the turn of the century the KKK in general weakened. However, the Klan was revived in 1915 with bitter opposition both state- and nation-wide. The revival began in Atlanta and the major concern was World War I. Colonel William Joseph Simmons of Atlanta and Imperial Wizard of the KKK visited Chatsworth on Sunday, March 31, 1918. Following an introduction by Mr. R. Noel Steed, Col. Simmons gave what The Chatsworth Times termed "an eloquent address" to "a large crowd assembled at the courthouse." Members of the local Klan attended wearing their robes. The Times went on to say that at the end of the speech "the audience ... expressed its appreciation in a great burst of applause. The local Klan at Chats-worth . . . received its charter and elected officers Tuesday night (April 2). It is steadily adding to its ranks.. ."
As the revival continued in the 1920's, Murray County was again touched. On October 25,1923, the following appeared in The Chatsworth Times-
If you are interested in the principles for which the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan stand, and desire to know more about this growing patriotic organization, or to become a member of the same, address inquiries to Box C, Chatsworth, Georgia, and the same will be referred to the proper authorities.
Since the 1930's the Klan has become less and less active in Murray County, though crosses have been burned at various intervals. The Chatsworth Times of March 31 I960 reported, "A cross was burned on the vacant lot next to Chatsworth Cabinet and Supply just outside the city limits on March 26, 1960. Just who was responsible or exactly what was the motive has not been determined." Thus a part of Reconstruction has lingered well into the last half of the twentieth century.
Though Confederate veterans had organized the original KKK in Murray County, they must have looked upon the new organization with dismay. While the White Caps and new Klansmen rode through the land or aroused others with their oratory, these stately old gentlemen were elected to local offices in order to rebuild Murray through good government. They came to represent the best of the Old South and Old Murray.
-Chapter III-
SLAVERY, WAR, AND RECONSTRUCTION
(1850-1900)
Confederate Veterans
Space does not permit mention of all the veterans who achieved great recognition for their work, but a few cannot be overlooked. William Luffman, a member of the Eleventh Regiment of Georgia Volunteers, rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel by 1862. Col. Luffman was commander of the regiment until he was wounded at the second Battle of Manassas, and his regimental historian described him as "a cozy old bach, reaching . . . forty, and possesses withal a very presentable contour. He is indifferent to danger. . . speaks quickly, thinks independently, . . . acts decisively . . . quite communicative . . . indulgent and reasonable, and to the orders of his ranking officers all obedience-provided those orders correspond with his ... opinions ... a lawyer by profession . . ," Col. Luffman generally accompanied his men into battle rather than merely sending them. The historian wrote later, "Col. Luffman . . . has been severely wounded in both legs . . . able to walk only with great difficulty, still stays with and encourages his men until the relief arrives." After the war Col. Luffman continued his law practice in Spring Place, one of the few lawyers who bore the title "Colonel" from actual combat and not just from respectful courtesy. He died in 1893 and is buried in the Spring Place Cemetery.
Two veterans who settled in Murray after and during the war were Col. John H. Kuhn and Col. William H. Tibbs. Col. Kuhn, a resident of Tennessee when the War began, fought with the Confederate cavalry in that state as well as in Georgia and the Carolinas. His descendants lived in Murray for several decades following the conflict.
Near the end of the War another reknowned Southern gentleman from Tennessee moved to Georgia and purchased large tracts of land in Murray, including the Vann House property at Spring Place. Col. William H. Tibbs had served in the Confederate Congress and in the Army. Though he spent most of his time in Dalton, Col. Tibbs' name is preserved on the Tibbs Bridge across the Conasauga which joins his adopted counties west of Spring Place.
Inclusion of the summaries of all careers would be impossible, but several bear mention. Several physicians from Murray served in the War including Doctors E.G. Stafford, T.H. Hall, and E.H.L. Keister. Mr. Emory A. Earnest served as secretary in the service of Robert E. Lee and others won the respect of the entire community such as Maj. R.E. Wilson, Lt. Col. James A.McCamy, Lt. William Jasper Peeples, Lt. A.K. Ramsey, D.E. Humphries, Maj. M.D.L. McCroskey, Pleasant McGhee, S.L. Trimmier, L.F. Peeples, B.W. Gladden, W.C. Tilton, M.M. Bates, W.H. Ramsey, S.G. Carter, J.D.W. McDonald, S.G. Tread-ell, W.G. Harris, J.A. Baynes, and many others.
Several years after the war, the veterans in Murray formed the "John B. Gordon Camp of Confederate Veterans." Named in honor of the famed general and governor of Georgia, the organization enjoyed a lengthy period of success. According to the constitution of the organization, the objects were "the preservation of Confederate history and memories, the promotion of good fellowship, the renewal of old ties between the surviving soldiers and other organizations in the service of the Confederacy, to keep alive the memories of our dead comrades, and to care for the needy orphans." Members also served as pall bearers when a veteran died, certified war records so that veterans could receive pensions, and assisted widows of veterans who were in need. The group also lobbied to get pensions increased.
Membership was open to any honorably discharged veteran and eighteen-year-old sons of veterans were permitted as auxiliary members if they paid the 25 i annual dues. Veterans had to apply for membership in writing and the camp had to vote on each application. Meetings were sometimes held monthly, but the group specified four meeting days each year: Robert E. Lee's birthday (January 19), Confederate Memorial Day (April 27), the anniversary of the first Battle of Manassas (July 21), and the fourth Saturday of October. Officers were elected at the January meeting and nine members constituted a quorum. Among the first officers were Major R.E. Wilson, Commander; Col. William Luffman and John McNeal, Vice-Commander; J.A. McCamy, Adjutant (Secretary); T.A. Ramsey, Quartermaster (treasurer); E.W. Rembert, Aide-de-Camp; M.M. Bates, Chaplain; and T.H. Hall, Surgeon. Early members of the Camp included:
G.G. Adams
J.S. Addington
Etisha Allen
W.W. Anderson
J .A. Baynes
R.T.Beck Amos Bishop
W.R. Black
W.H.Bramblett
John B. Brindle
W.C. Campbell
S.G. Carter
Joshua Chapman
M.R. Chastain
Henry Coker
W.E. Covington
E.E. Daniel
WJ.Duncan
C.D. Durham
Weldon Durham
S.W. Eldridge
W.A. Ellis
O.C. Goins
C.D. Gilbert
B.W. Gladden
E.H. Gladden
W.C .D.Gordon
C.C.Halman
J.W. Hammock
W.G.Harris
W.D. Heartsill
B.B. Hemphill
W.G. Hill
G.R. Howard
C.C. Howell
D.E.Humphries
Jesse Jackson
A.O.Johnson
W.J. Johnson
F.M.Kendrick
Frank Kilgore
J.H.Kuhn
J.T.Kuhn
W.J.E. Long
J.D.C. Loughridge
J.D.W. McDonald
Pleasant McGhee
J.W. McCamy
D.F.McMahan
J.W. Mackey
A.K. Martin
W.C. Martin
W.M. Moreland
J.F.Nolen
L.F. Peeples
W.J. Peeples
F.M. Pierce
J.M.Plemons
T.C.Pope
J.D. Priest
A.K. Ramsey
W.H. Ramsey
G.M. Roberts
M.L. Smith
W.W. Smith
S.E.Stanford
W.H. Staples
C.N.Stroud
W.C. Tilton
S.G.Treadwell
S.L. Trimmier
J.W. Tucker
W.R. Tyson
John W. Webb
M.M. Welch
G.W. Wilbanks
Henry Williams
W.J. White
Several of these men had enlisted in places other than Georgia and thus the list includes the names of many folks who moved to Murray after the War. Some of the men were "sons" and classified auxiliary members. In 1903 Mr. T.J. Ramsey became Adjutant of the Camp. His descendant, our current representative in the Georgia House, Tom Ramsey, has preserved the minutes Mr. Ramsey recorded during his fourteen years as secretary. The minutes reveal that the Camp encouraged its members to write histories of their war records for the United Daughters of the Confederacy. The U.D.C. Chapter also awarded medals called the "Southern Cross of Honor" to surviving veterans or their widows near the turn of the century. On October 4, 1904 Mr. Ramsey wrote that the group "marched to King Spring . . . some 25 in number to have a picture taken." This must be the picture below as it is the only known picture of such a group. Notice that several of the men are wearing their medals. Unfortunately not all the men can be identified but among those who have been are John M. Plemons standing 4th from left, WJ.E. Long seated first from left, W.W. Johnson 5th from left, D.E. Humphreys 6th from left, Perry Bramblett 7th from left and Henry Snow Hoi-comb is seated on far right. S.G. Carter is also in the picture.
Evidently the Camp was organized prior to 1893 and Major Wilson remained Commander until his death in 1902. W.J. White succeeded him and served until his death in 1908. In 1910 Mr. Ramsey noted in the minutes that the group was trying to get those who were not in the camp to join since "we are dropping out and going to that last role call very fast." B.W. Gladden was elected Commander in 1908 and probably served in the capacity until his death in 1919, though the Camp seems to have been inactive by that time. The last minutes are from 1917 and record that there had not been enough members present to elect officers for the year.
Members who joined after the formation of the Camp include:
Henry Bagley
J.J. Bates
J.Y. Baynes
H.R. Beamer
J.E. Beck
John S. Bettis
W.G. Blassingame
Dock Bond
S.C. Calhoun
W.A. Campbell
E.H. Dickson
E.A. Earnest
J.W. Ellard
L.W. Ellis
G.W. Etheridge
Albert Green
J.W. Gunter
Robert E. Hannar
N.H. Henry
Sam Higdon
W.J. Holloway
J.P. Kelly
W.R. Lackey
J.A. Langston
James Lawson
Daniel Leonard
J.A. Mathews
G.W. Mooney
E.M. Morris
W.L.? Morris
TJ.Oveby
R.H. Patterson
J.A. Richardson
J.L. Robinson
John A. Robinson
W.G. Sanders
J.C. Spears
J.B. Springfield
T.J. Springfield
N.W. Stroud
John Thomas
John Vaughn
S.W.Waggoner
Elijah Williams
H.M. Yother
Many of the men served as officers at various times. Mr. Ramsey also made special notes of veterans and widows of veterans who died whether they were members of the Camp or not.
Most of the Camp meetings were held at the courthouse in Spring Place, even after the county seat moved to Chatsworth. The most important meeting of the Camp, however, was the annual picnic which drew members and non-members as well as the entire community. The site seems to have changed at various times, though the first ones were held at the King Spring in Spring Place or at the spring on the Old Federal Road near the former Harrison (more recently Ensley) Home. One was held at Chatsworth. but after Mr, Gladden became the Camp commander the picnics were generally held at Gladden Springs (on the present Highway 76). Mr. Homer Luffman, a long-time resident of Gladden Springs, remembers the gray-bearded men making proud speeches on a platform near an equally proud oak tree. He thinks the last reunion took place in the early 1930's since most of the aged soldiers had passed away. Henry Beamer, the last surviving member of the Tom Polk Edmondson company, died in 1932 at age 92 and Murray County's last Civil War veteran, Mr. W.C. Graves, passed away January 18, 1942. Mrs. Nola Beaver Rodgers, widow of Newt Rogers, was the last Civil War widow in the county.
Though the Civil War and Reconstruction had ended many, many years before, the memory of the war and its aftermath lingered in Murray much longer. As early as 1905 the John B. Gordon Camp discussed the formation of a Sons of the Confederacy chapter in Murray County. Several "sons" joined the camp and in 1912 the camp minutes record that a Sons chapter had been formed though The Chatsworth Times of October 9, 1919 reports that the new Sons group, which had 54 charter members, elected J.C. Ellis, Commander; T.P. Ramsey. First Lieutenant; and W.B. Robinson, Secretary-Treasurer. The Group was named in honor of Major R.E. Wilson who attained one of the highest ranks of any Murray Countian in the War and served as Doorkeeper in the Georgia Legislature. He was also asked to introduce President William McKinley at a gathering in Atlanta on one occasion. The Sons camp has been inactive for many years.
From the minutes of the John B, Gordon Camp it seems that an informal or unofficial group of United Daughters of the Confederacy met in Spring Place as early as 1904, possibly as a unit of the Dalton chapter. In 1922 a U.D.C. Chapter was organized in Chatsworth, sponsored by the Dalton group. Appropriately, Miss Lula Gladden was elected president. Other officers included Cora Peeples Gregory, recording secretary; Lela Wilson, vice-president; Nettie Gladden, treasurer; Vera Edwards McGinty, registrar; Maud Edmondson Gudger, corresponding secretary, and Mrs. W.J. Johnson, historian. Other members were Etta Bradley Barnett, Nannie Bradley, Mrs. Jim Springfield, Nett Winston Campbell,. Alta May Fincher, Frances Annie Heartsell, Ella Bell Fincher, Marguerite Heartsell Barnett, and Pauline Booth Green. This group, too, has been inactive for many years.
The memory of the War Between the States and Reconstruction lingered and then faded, but it is a rich part of Murray County's heritage.
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-Chapter IV-
TOWNS, COMMUNITIES, AND MILITIA DISTRICTS
(1880-1980)
Spring Place District
Spring Place
By C.R. Vance
In a little southern village
Where the atmosphere is good,
And fragrant flowers blossom
In the home of my childhood.
How picturesque and pretty
Are the scenes about the town.
With the mountains in the distance
And the rivulets winding 'round.
'Tis not a noisy, smoky city
Where men bustle, fret and worry
But just a quiet little hamlet
Is the County seat of Murray
Though I may travel a thousand miles
My steps I must retrace,
If I would find the garden spot
For after all, 'tis old Spring Place.
One of Murray County's oldest and most historic areas is Spring Place District which surrounds the town described in the above poem. Originally numbered 824 among Georgia Militia Districts. Spring Place was the first such division created in Murray County and was named for the many springs in the vicinity. Today Spring Place is No. 1895 and is bounded by Shuckpen District on the north, Chatswoith (Town) District on the east, Bull Pen District on the south, and Whitfield County on the west.
Most of the springs in the town of Spring Place empty into Town Branch. Among them are the King Spring, Clear Spring, Bradford Spring, Lucy Hill Spring, and five west of town. Others which join the main stream are the Sand Spring near the Spring Place Church of God, Trank Spring near Sand, and Walls Spring.
The Spring Place District Justices of the Peace have included H. Heartsill (1885-93). S.G. Carter (1889-93), J.M. Campbell (1893-1905), T.B. Camp 0893-97), L.M. Jones (1894-98). W.D. Heartsill (1904-12), W.A. Childers (1909-21). L.F. Peeples (1912-24), J.S. Keister (1917-24), J.L. Robinson (1923-38X M.L. Roberts (1924-29), and B.E. Pritchett (1938-40).
Several schools have operated within the district. Teachers in 1882 were J.D. Varnell, Mattie Lockaby, O.M. He art sill, and E.W. Ballenger. Victoria Johnson taught at "Forrest House" in 1885, the second year that school operated. A Steed School operated during the next decade. Bates Smith and William Holland (1891) and J.G. Chapman (1893-94) were teachers there. School sizes ranged from an average attendance of 18 up to an average of 49 in the largest school.
Spring Place now has an active Ruritan Club but in earlier days had a Junior Order United American Mechanics (1910-11), an Odd Fellow Lodge, and a Masonic Lodge, The Spring Place Lodge I.O.O.F. was instituted about 1898 with C.L. Henry the first leader. In 1911 the group had 81 members. The Spring Place Masonic Lodge, No. 145, began in 1851 as the Cohutta Lodge. David J. Johnson, William A. Lofton. and Dawson A. Walker were the charter officers- When the' name was changed to Spring Place in 1869 James McEntire, Walter J. Johnson, and William Hassler were the leaders. In 1902 T.J. Ovbey, W.L. Isenhower (in town as D&A Railroad "Commissary man"), and D.C. Kenner were active masons. By 1919 lodge leaders included J.M. Wilbanks. J.E. Bradford, and C.N. King. People from throughout the district attended meetings at Spring Place until the 1930's at least.
The city of Spring Place was once a thriving town and the center of activity for the entire county. In addition to a variety of businesses, the town had two schools, three churches, and many houses. There were plank sidewalks and. as county seat. Spring Place was the site of many exciting Election Days and "Court Weeks." Many interesting events, some good but some tragic, have occurred in this "peaceful, healthful, place of many springs."
Surprising to us today is that Spring Place once had a high volume of liquor sales. Liquor licenses had been approved by the Georgia legislature in 18634 and 1869. Until several years after the Civil War as many as five saloons or public taverns operated in the town. In 1875 a "local option" measure attempted to control the sales, but was amended and then repealed during the 1876 legislative session. An 1878 newspaper said that Spring Place then had "two bar rooms and two dry goods stores." In 1882-3 other acts raised the license fee and restricted sales, but in September, 1883 The Spring Place Times said that "neither local option or high license has given that village a temperance aspect." Finally in 1886 the county was "voted dry." The "manufacture of liquor" in Murray County was prohibited by a 1901 Legislative Act.
Other newspaper tid-bits from the 1880's record that the Conasauga River was extremely low in September, 1883 and that "thieves were operating in the village of Spring Place" in February 1885. Mr. John O'Conner, a native of Ireland who had come to Spring Place in 1844, died in December, 1885 at the "advanced age" of 73. January. 1886 was extremely cold and one account even mentioned "a blizzard." Captain W.C. Tilton was pushing "Mineraline," an "excellent lubricator" of "his own discovery." Reporters also remarked that "Texas fever" hit North Georgia "occasionally." Many Murray families did move to Texas, hoping to begin new, prosperous lives there. Frequently the trip and settlement was rough, dangerous or even tragic and some returned to Georgia. Some pioneered and persevered in the West, but today several of their descendants return to this area in search of their roots and wonder why their ancestors ever left these beautiful mountains and valleys. In 1885 the newspaper reported that one must "sadly shed a tear" because Dalton was larger and was receiving more business than Spring Place.
However, several promising events were occurring in Murray County. In early 1885 a North Georgia Citizen correspondent in Spring Place reported that the "mineral excitement continues." Another hot issue was the building of a railroad, first proposed as early as 1875 when the following act passed the Georgia legislature.
Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Slate of Georgia, That from and after the passage of this Act, John E. Meister, J.D. Wilder and H5. Chamberlain, and such persons as may be associated with them, be, and they are hereby, constituted a body politic and corporate by the name of the Murray County Mining and Railway Company, . . . said company shall have the powers, facilities franchises and rights necessary and proper for the carrying on the mining for iron, copper, S°ld, silver, slate, mica, and such other minerals as may be found on the land now owned by them, or as they may hereafter acquire by law, purchase, gift, grant or otherwise, for the erection and carrying on mills, furnaces, and all other buildings, machinery and fixtures, necessary for the successful operation of the business of said company, and the beneficial management of its property, and for the transportation of its iron or other mineral or minerals to market; and shall have all the power and authority of a natural person to acquire, purchase, lease and hold any property, real, personal or mixed, which may be deemed by said company necessary or advantageous for its purposes . . .
Sec. Ill, Be it further enacted. That said company shall have the privilege of conducting either a broad or narrow gauge railroad from the City of Dalton, in Whitfield county, to their mining property on Cahuttah mountain, in Murray county, with such branches, as they may deem advantageous, from the main line to any of their present or future acquired mining property on said Cahuttah mountain, and for the purpose of constructing and maintaining said railroad, all the rights and privileges , . . with all the burthens and liabilities ... are hereby granted to and conferred on the Murray County Mining and Railway Company ,..
Three decades passed before Murray County got a railroad and any mining became successful.
Newspapers reported in 1885 that companies had been formed to "mine in the Cohuttahs" and mentioned legal tender silver mines. One account told that "another" vein of silver had been discovered on the "plantation of Jesse and Gid Jackson." The writer added his hope that "with others this will result in a financial boom for the county." In May. Mark Leonard discovered a gold nugget but refused to "divulge the exact place" of the find although he was positive that there was more.
In 1903 a special term of the Murray County Superior Court was ordered for the purpose of granting charters for the Cohutta Gold Mining Company and the Cohutta Talc Company. Both businesses were successful for a time, but the gold mine, located on Fort Mountain, closed during World War I. The talc mines have operated for more than eight decades. In 1905 the North Georgia Mining and Milling Company was chartered at Spring Place.
Throughout 1885 and 1886 articles mentioned the Augusta and Chattanooga Railroad. Little progress was made on the A&C project and by 1888 Dalton had thought of a new proposal. A September 20 editorial in the North Georgia Citizen explains the situation as follows:
A Railroad to Operate between Dalton and Spring Place? Some Facts and Figures about the Project - Will Whitfield and Murray Counties Build the Road?
A railroad from Dalton to Spring Place! This is a project that the people of Dalton and Murray County have quietly agitated for some time. We do not know that it has ever been put squarely before the people, but it has been discussed more or less by them and through the public prints. It is generally admitted by everyone who has given the matter thought and consideration that the road would pay. It would be the only road tapping the County of Murray and it would be the means of developing a rich section. That county furnishes a large amount of trade that Dalton receives, and, if by chance it should be lost to this city, il would materially affect our business interests. It behooves our people, then, to unite with the county of Murray and give them what they have long wanted and needed-a railroad connection.
If this is not done by Dalton, it may be done by some olher place. If the Augusta and Chattanooga railroad is built it is not certain it will come by Dalton and if it goes in another direction this town will be completely shut off from Murray County trade ... as well as the trade of that section of the country. The citizens of Cartersville will apply to the next legislature for a charter for a railroad to run from that place to Carter's Quarter and if built, and Dalton will have no railroad into Murray County, the trade will be directed that way.
As to the question of whether or not the road will pay . . . The agricultural products that Murray County annually sends out, the passenger traffic, the express business, the carrying out of mails and the new business that will be developed, offer to those who will go into il a safe investment for their money. The running expenses would be very small. What would it cost to build a road? It is only ten miles to Spring Place and the cost certainly would not be great. People Of the two counties could build the road and not fee! it. To be exact, the road can be built and equipped and ready for business and with everything necessary to run . it for one year for forty thousand dollars at the most. (This included tracks, cars, an engine, 2 depots, switches, 2 bridges, 2 tanks, a roundhouse, 2 safes and office supplies, picks, shovels, and 4 side tracks.) . . . Now how is this $40,000 to be raised? Forty men subscribing $1,000 each could build the road. There are gentlemen who have large interests in Murray County who have expressed themselves ... to subscribe to one-third of the stock if the people of the two counties would raise the balance ...
The Citizen gives the above for the consideration of all who are interested . . . hopes that it will meet with the attention that it deserves. We are here to advocate the interest of this section of the country and any scheme that will be of benefit of the people will receive the enthusiastic aid and championship of the paper. If anyone feels disposed to say anything on this subject, the columns of the Citizen are at his disposal.
The only mention of the road in the next week's edition is that the price for building the railroad had been upped to $50,000. However, other interesting things like the number of churches that were being built in Murray, the suggestion of a fair for Murray, Whitfield and Gordon Counties, and the fact that the cotton crop was doing better than expected received additional attention.
These plans moved slowly and by the turn of the century another had surfaced. Georgia historian Allen Candler wrote the following of Spring Place in 1901:
When the projected railroad from Dalton, Ga., to Murphy, N.C., is built, it ought to give to Springplace the impetus that has built up so many towns in Georgia. Its location is attractive, being in the midst of charming scenery, with the Cohutta Mountains in full view, and within ten miles of the Cohutta Springs, whose waters are said to possess great medicinal values. It has a handsome court house, good schools and churches, a money order postoffice with rural free delivery and stores welt stocked for the country trade. The population of Springplace according to the census of 1900 was 213.
Murray County historian Charles Shriner recorded the fate of this railroad like this. "The Dalton and Alaculsey R,R. was begun in 1902, and for a time went rapidly forward. The grade was almost completed and the road had come to be considered an established fact, when it was suddenly abandoned." According to other informants, the company simply "went broke." The plan had been for the tracks to start near Cisco, located at the end of the Alaculsey Valley where much timber was cut. The road then went south through Pleasant Valley (now Eton), before curving west in front of the present-day Hardee's. (Part of the grade is still visible in front of the Tom Greeson residence on the old Ellijay Road near Murray County Junior High School.) Following a southwesterly path, the "D&A" reached Spring Place where a depot was to be built near the Vann House and the tracks were parallel to the town branch. Several sections of present-day Georgia 52 and U.S. 76 follow the old D&A railroad grade from Spring Place to the outskirts of Dalton.
The optimism the A&C and the D&A railroad projects had brought to Spring Place is expressed vividly in this letter from septugenarian Martl Durharn of near Ball Ground community to her daughter, Mrs. Richard (Mary) Bramblett in Texas. Dated January 18,1902, the letter says:
. . . there is a railroad (D&A) building through Murray, It goes through Spring Place by where the old school house used to be, then on to Dalton, The Augusta & Chattanooga road is coming on. It will cross the big road between here and Ramsey. It has been said that Springplaee was finished, but il's booming now with a first class school, livery stable, telephone, big flour mill, cotton gin, railroad, and lots of other things we never dreamed of. , ,"
Unfortunately for Spring Place the D&A did not materialize. In February 1905 "condemnation proceedings" began for the Atlanta, Knoxville, and Northern Railway Company's L&N line. As Mr. Shriner wrote in 1911, the Louisville and Nashville "did not prove to be a disappointment . . . Several thriving little towns {sprang] up along its route." One of them was Chatsworth which came to rival Spring Place for the county seat.
Other interesting events took place in Spring Place, also. In 1890 Spring Place formed a military company and the town's residents were probably envious of "a lady living at Dunn (near Eton)" who had "several silk worms at work." A newspaperman remarked that "silk spinning [was] something new in Murray | County." In 1891 or 92 "Blue Mountain Show," a combination carnival-circus, came to town. Bessie Mae Adams remembers night performances and high wire acts as part of the show. Also, during his term as state representative, JJ. Bates.] introduced a bill which would have established an agricultural branch of the University System in Spring Place. Needless to say, this never came to be.
However, Spring Place also had its share of tragedies. Foremost among them were the many fires which plagued the town. In 1884 a store, one residence, and the courthouse were destroyed. All were eventually rebuilt. The courthouse, built by Henry Steed was a brick structure which had replaced the old Moravian Mission courthouse. A March, 1885 news item said that Spring Place was "to have one of the neatest and most convenient of courthouses." Court was held in the three churches until James Bible and his nephew William H. Williamson, who were given the contract for the new facility, completed their work. According to an 1886 newspaper they were "rapidly working to rebuild the courthouse." The new edifice, located on the old site on the southwest corner of Ellijay and Elm Streets, was completed and by February, 1887 the county was out of debt. The walls of the courthouse were 27 inches thick at the base and 12 inches at the top. Interior walls, also of brick, were 18 inches thick. Offices were located on the ground floor and the courtroom on the second while a third floor room was used for lodge meetings. In 1906 the grand jury recommended that "a wire of proper height be placed around the Solicitors' and Clerks' stands so as to keep the public from crowding upon them during business hours."
Soon after the courthouse was completed efforts to build a new jail began. In the early 1890's a two-story brick building replaced the old wood and brick two-room structure. This old jail later burned. Located near the ford of Town Branch at the north end of Elm Street, the new jail also provided living space for the sheriff or a jailer. Since the county seat has been at Chatsworth this last Spring Place jail has been converted into a residence, preserved by its owner. Mrs. Dessie Roberts Walls.
The saddest of all Spring Place fires, sometimes called the worst event in Spring Place history, occurred in 1899. The following account of the Bagwell fire appeared in the May 12 edition of the Spring Place Jimplecute:
-Chapter IV-
TOWNS, COMMUNITIES, AND MILITIA DISTRICTS
(1880-1980)
Horrible Holocaust
Dr. Bagwell, Three Children, and Mrs. Williams Burned to Death
Last Wednesday morning at 2 o'clock all that was mortal of Dr. L.P. Bagwell, his three children, Emmelt, Ernest, and Florence, (aged six, three years, and six months, respectively) and Mrs. Williams, who kept house for him, went up in the flames and smoke of his burning residence-the Dr. and Mrs. Williams dying with the children in their arms, martyrs upon the cross of parental love and sublime duty.
Dr. John Gilbert and Frank Williams were sleeping in another room and were awakened by the smoke and groans of the dying ones, and bravely tried to go to the rescue, forcing a window and enlering, but were driven back by the angry flames. The heat was singeing to their hair and severely blistered the ears and face of young Williams. Dr. Bagwell had returned from a professional visit about 1 o'clock and as the fire undoubtedly started in his room, it is supposed that he left a lamp burning, and it either turned over or exploded, or that he had unthoughtedly dropped a lighted match upon the floor before retiring. About two o'clock the alarm of fire and the whole population turned out to Tight the flames but they were too late, the entire front of the house being a sheet of fire. When it was seen impossible to help the ones in the fire, attention was directed to the protection of adjacent property, and it took a hard and furious work to accomplish this seemingly impossible task, but every one did his duty and in an hour's time the heal had abated to such an extent as not to be dangerous, in view of the fortunate fact that not the least air was stirring-else there is not a doubt that every building in that part of town would have been burned.
As soon as it was possible to get (here one line is faded out) carried bucket after bucket of water and threw it upon the coals of that part of the house, (the northeast window) at which the bodies were supposed to be and soon a ghastly spectacle was before the anxious workers. There, just inside the window, on the very brink of life and safety, lay the charred remains of Dr. Bagwell and Mother Williams and by and under them the blackened trunks of the three babies. What a sacrifice upon the pyre of affection had this noble father and grand old lady undergone for those innocent and helpless babes! What pathetic and sublime heroism they exhibited during the last moments of their existence. It is a towering monument to their spotless memory. Too brave and too loyal to leave them, they gathered the little tots to their bosoms and, together, they joined the waiting wife and mother in the realm of the Omnipotent Ruler.
The harrowing details of the holocaust are without a parallel in this section. No description can give one not present an insight into its horribleness. Strong men wept and ladies grew frantic at the appalling destruction of human life. All five bodies were found in a heap, lying on their faces within a few inches of the wall under the window, through which they had intended making their escape. The Dr.'s body was nearest the window. His limbs were burned off from the knees down and his whole frame was scorched, blackened, and drawn beyond recognition. Mrs. Williams' body was nothing but a ghastly black trunk without head or limbs or human shape. The oldest child's legs were burned off and the back of his skull had bursted leaving the entire brain exposed. Ernest, the second child, was wholly consumed, except the spinal column and the heart and lungs. Only one body was recognizable, that of the baby, and its features had been protected by being held under the breast of either Dr. or Mrs. Williams.
Dr. Bagwell was a native of Pickens County, and moved to Spring Place less than six years ago. His success as a physician was phenomenal from the first, his practice growing greater every year. As a man and citizen he had no superiors. His unobtrusive manner and genteel disposition made a friend of every one he met-he never had an enemy. No one ever appealed to him for professional aid and was denied. A manlier man, truer friend, nobler citizen never lived. This county is bereft of one of its most potential powers for good and every citizen feels deeply and keenly the loss of this embodiment of all that was grand and noble. Peace to his precious spirit.
The funeral service was held at the Baptist Church yesterday, conducted by Rev. J.W. Bailey. Kully one thousand people formed the procession to the grave, all the bodies being buried in one grave, those of the Dr. and children in one casket and that of Mrs. Williams in another.
The Masonic fraternity conducted the exercises at the grave. Appropriate resolutions follow::
Spring Place Lodge No. 145 F. & A.M.
Brethren :-We your committee appointed to draft suitable resolutions to the memory of our beloved brother, Dr. L.P. Bagwell, submit the following:
It having pleased the Supreme Architect of the Universe to call from labor to refreshment our dear and devoted brother and friend, be it resolved,
1. That we bow in humble submission to Him who doeth all things well, in this our great affliction, and let us rejoice in the hope that we may, by and by, join him in that country from "whose bounds no traveler returns," and meet him on that level where parting is no more.
2. In the untimely death of our (here it Is faded out) member-one of her chief supporters has fallen, the community a worthy and enterprising citizen and a useful man to his profession.
3. That we sympathize deeply with those of his relatives who are weighted down with grief, and,
4. That a copy of these resolutions be furnished the father of the deceased; spread upon the minutes of our lodge and published in the "Spring Place Jimplecute." Fraternally Submitted: J.A. McKamy TJ. Ovby C.N. King, Committee
The North Georgia Citizen of May 11, 1899 contained some additional information about the fire. The L-shaped house faced east and was across Elm Street from the Temple Hotel. One theory of the fire's cause involved a paper cone placed over a chimney of a lamp which normally burned low throughout the night. Dr. Bagwell returned from a call about 1:30 a.m. and possibly left th lamp turned too high or else the paper cone got too hot. Another theory that either the doctor or Mrs. Williams accidentally turned over the lamp while getting up to care for the baby. The Citizen added that the caskets were "draped" bv Charlie Carter and J.T. Newsom of "J.A. Carter undertaking establishment in Dalton."
The victims of the tragedy were buried next to Mrs. Bagwell who had died just a few months earlier. The graves are marked with a prominent monument in the southeast section of the Spring Place Cemetery. The Bagwell house was located south of the courthouse on what later became a recreation area for the Lucy Hill-Spring Place Schools. A marker inscribed "Bagwell Memorial Playground" is still near the spot where the family lost their lives.
Dr. Gilbert, one of the fire's two survivors, went on to practice in Murray and Gordon counties for some time. Frank Williams, who was Mrs. Williams' grandson, later moved to Texas. Mrs. Williams, the former Nancy Rogers and a native of Murray County, has many relatives in the Rogers and Springfield families living in Murray County today.
Unfortunately, the new century saw more fires in Spring Place. In 1906 a jewelry shop and a store burned while in 1909 the Bond Johnson Hotel and the entire block was destroyed. The Shields Hotel burned about 1914 or 16, and other fires occurred in 1920, 1921, 1922 when the D.D. Kemp house burned, 1927, and 1929. Several other structures burned in the 1930's and the 1970s.
Another tragic event, not just for Spring Place but for the entire county, occurred in 1907 when sheriff Ben Keith died from wounds received in the line of duty. The North Georgia Citizen of August 1, gave front page coverage to Keith's passing as follows:
-Chapter IV-
TOWNS, COMMUNITIES, AND MILITIA DISTRICTS
(1880-1980)
Brave Sheriff Dead
Ben Keith Passed Away Last Sunday Morning - End Came at 5 O'clock
Ben C. Keith ... died Sunday morning about five o'clock, after lingering between life and death for five days. His death resulted from a bullet wound which he received while making the arrest of John Harper, an escaped murderer for whom there was a reward of $300.
In conducting his prisoner from Eton, where the arrest was made after Harper had fired the shot which later proved fatal, to Spring Place and lodging him in the Murray County Jail, Sheriff Keith gave an exhibition of true grit. With the bullet lodged in his bowels, he kept a tight grip on his prisoner until he was locked in a cell. He then went home and a physician was summoned. Dr. S.A. Brown . . . was the physician who attended him, and, seeing the dangerous condition of his patient, he called in Dr. J.G. McAfee (of Dalton) and Dr. J.M. Gregory. The very best of medical attention was given, but (he wound was of such a serious nature that the doctors could not avert the end . . . The wound from which President McKinley died was nearly similar . . . Such a wound almost always proves fatal.
Mr. Keith, at the time of his death, was about thirty-five years of age. He was a son of Mr. Amos L. Keith, one of the most prosperous and highly respected farmers of Murray county. He married a sister of Dr. W.L. Looper, of this city, and three children were born to them. He was a brother of Mrs. H.H. Gregory, of Dalton.
Though, at the time of his demise, he had served only a small portion of one term as sheriff, he had, on all occasions, proved himself to be a brave, conscientious officer, serving the people to the best of his ability. The expressions of regret heard at his death, give evidence of his popularity among all who knew him. All Murray rang with praises for his courage in making the arrest of Harper and for his exhibition of grit in taking his prisoner to jail after having received the painful wound.
The murderer, John Harper, was tried at Spring Place, found guilty and sentenced to hanging. The gallows were built east of the Morris-Pendley House between Elm and Pendley Streets, but were never used because Harper's sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. According to the late Mrs. Johnnie Hartley Harper was taken to Atlanta's Fulton Tower where he later escaped. The gallows meant for him in Spring Place stood for some time-possibly as a reminder of this sad event.
Life went on, however, and in 1913 Spring Place lost the county seat to Chatsworth after a bitter, year-long fight. Many old residents moved to the new town taking their business enterprises with them. Spring Place would never be the same.
In 1920 Spring Place got "a new light plant" and in 1930 had three stores, a gin, a post office, two school buildings and two churches (active). A 1937 WPA writer said that the town then had "a population of 219, a post office, Postal Telegraph and Western Union facilities, and an altitude of 730." The author had to include the fact that "Chatsworth is the nearest railroad."
The 1950's brought many improvements to the town as the community got involved in many activities such as Ruritan, Vacation Bible Schools. Youth Recreational Clubs, paving and improving streets, remodeling houses, beautifying grounds, organizing church groups such as WMU, starting 4-H Clubs, helping the school, building a picnic area near the gym, and restoring the Chief Vann House. Loren Ross was chairman of the community improvement in 1953 and Mrs. Attie Myrtle Ballew was president of the Spring Place Home Demonstration Club in 1957.
In July, 1963 a storm struck the town. High winds did damage at the cemetery, Floyd Cook's, Mike Ballew's,.Cecil Roe's. Mrs. Sidney Rouse's, J.B. Green's, J.C. W right's Store, and the power station.
In 1977 the WhitfieId-Murray Historical Society began the restoration of the old Spring Place Methodist Church. Many residents of the town contributed to the project and sought help from former citizens as well as other groups, businesses, and individuals in the area. Journalist Olivene Godfrey, then of The Chatsworth Times, wrote this account of the dedication ceremonies:
At the restored old Spring Place United Methodist Church, May 20, 1979, Sen. W.W. Fincher, Jr.. paid tribute to Ben Fortson, Jr., Georgia's secretary of state, who was to have been the guest speaker at the dedication.
Rep. Tom Ramscy announced at the beginning of the service that Fortson had died Saturday night and asked for a moment of silent prayer.
Sen. Fincher, who was to have introduced Fortson at the service, gave a brief biographical sketch of the secretary's background and said, "In my lifetime, the greatest statesmen Georgia has seen are Sen. Walter George, Sen. Richard Russell, and Ben Fortson."
Tim Howard introduced special guests and acknowledged those whose contributions brought about the church restoration. Murray County Commissioner Kirby Patterson commended the Whit field-Murray Historical Society and members of the restoration committee for their work and asked that members of the community assist the group in the future. The Rev. Walton McNeal, pastor of the Spring Place United Methodist Church gave the invocation and the Rev. Danny Walters, pastot of the Spring Place Baptist Church, gave the benediction.
Dr. Oscar Poole, pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Chatsworth, gave the ptayer of dedication and presented the prelude, "Largo" (Handel). Dr. and Mrs. Poole sang a duet, "Bless This House." Mrs. Emily Davies led the congregation in the vows of dedication.
In 1977 the Whit field -Murray Historical Society voted to sponsor the restoration of the old church. The restored building houses a small museum of Murray County, a historical research library, and meeting facilities. Howard, chairman of the restoration committee, said the restoration was financed through personal contributions, a paper drive and a SI,000 donation from the City of Spring Place.
Rooms in the building were named to honor outstanding members of the Spring Place United Methodist Church, the Whit fie Id-Murray Historical Society and the Spring Place Community.
Howard introduced those whom the committee honored by naming rooms for them. Introducing Mrs. Katherine Raine, he said, "The research library was named for an active member of the WhiIIleld-Murray Historical Society, the Hist Baptist Church of Chatsworth, and Eastern Star. The Murray County native spent 38 years as & public health nurse to Indians in the southwest and was one of the main persons behind the restoration of the church."
The committee room was named in honor 01 Mr. and Mrs. Curl Davis. Howard said of them, "This room is named in honor of a wonderful couple. Mr. Davis was a longtime member of the Murray County Board of Education and served as mayor of Spring Place. They are members ol Spring Place Baptist Church where Mr. Davis has served as a deacon for 59 years. They have been married 62 years. We're grateful to their children for furnishing this room."
The upstairs display room was named for Miss Agnes Kemp and Mrs. Minnie Gryder. In his introduction of Miss Kemp and Mrs. Gryder, Howard said, "This room has been named for two wonderful members of the Spring Place Methodist Church, One of them has served as a teacher for 47 years and has been a member of the church since 1914. Miss Kemp has been the backbone of the church, always willingtodo more than her share in the new church as well as helping with the restoration of the old building. Mrs. Gryder has been a keen inspiration to many in her over 40 years as a Sunday School teacher and community leader.
A room was named for Howard, a Berry College student and active member of the Whit fie Id-Murray Historical Society, who devoted a great deal of time and work to bring about the church restoration. This room was furnished by his parents, Mr. and Mrs, Jim Howard.
Members of the restoration committee are Howard, chairman, and Mrs. Raine, Sarah Dillard, Kenneth Ross and John Wilbanks, Howard expressed gratitude to members of the committee and said that during the summer of 1978 a new roof was put on the building and it was painted. Over the ne\t six rnontlis committee members and volunteers painted and cleaned the interior of the church. He also thanked Polly Boggess, director of Crown Gardens and Archives, for making curtains for the church sanctuary.
Howard recognized those who helped to paint and clean the building and those who helped to prepare for the dedication service. They include Mis. Sybil McLemore, Mrs. Reba Wcstfield, Mrs. Mildred McCamy, Mrs. Mary Petty, Jimmy Wilbanks, Miss Allison Ross, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Howard, Jon Howard, Mr. and Mrs. James Lough-ridge, Frances Heartsell. Pilot Club of Chatsworth, Mrs. Olivene Godfrey, Louise and Earl Coker,
Others acknowledged were Mr. and Mrs. Tom Edwards, Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Mosteller, Averil Ballew, Mr. and Mrs. Dick Haffner, Edna Dunford, Jesse Jones, Albert Edwards, Doug Griffin, Mrs. Ed Warmack and family, Mattie Co.\ Robinson, the church's oldest living member, Mrs. Bessie Mae Adams, Mrs- Mattie Lou Pritchett, Galaxy Carpet, Chief Vann Carpet, Harry Wilbanks, Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Pcikins, Betty James, France Adams, City of Spring Place, Dottie Stewart, Inez Gurley.
Howard expressed special thanks to those who gave financial gifts and assisted in the paper drive.
Appreciation was expressed to the following who provided cookies for refreshments: Marie Kelly, Ruth Mauldin, Mildred McCamy, Louise Coker, Mary Petty, Willie Mae Sexton, Agnes Kemp, Syble McLemore, Nell Ruth Loughridge, Reba Westileld, Ina Ballew, Gallic Knight, and Mrs. Gryder. Sarah Dillard kept the guest book. Hosts and hostesses were Mrs. McCamy, Mrs. Davies, Kenneth Ross and Jon Howard.
Since those ceremonies the work has continued. Additional furnishings have been obtained and the original altar rail has been reinstalled due to Mr & Mrs C.N. King. former members. The church was the site of the first autograph session for Lela Latch Lloyd's book If the Chief Vann House Could Speak in 1980. Groups such as the Pilot Club, the Northwest Georgia Travel Association, Historical Society, Lucy Hill reunion classes, the Chamber of Commerce and the Springdale Estates Property Owners Association have used the building for special events. Upon the death of well-known Murray Countian R.E. Chambers, the church became the depository for his papers which reveal much about his long life and contributions to Murray as well as the growth of the county.
In 1981 Miss Agnes Kemp and Tim Howard of the Historical Society asked Spring Place Mayor Carl B. Davis to place a historical marker near the old courthouse site With the assistance of County Commissioner Kirby Patterson, the marker was erected just south of the actual spot where the courthouse sat on Elm Street.
-Chapter IV-
TOWNS, COMMUNITIES, AND MILITIA DISTRICTS
(1880-1980)
Spring Place Post Office
The Spring Place Post Office was the second one opened in Northwest Georgia. Established shortly after Rossville's office, Spring Place operated for a century and a half. Since the first postmasters were the Moravian missionaries, the mission was the first post office. After the Indian Removal the residents picked up mail at various places. Frequently the office was located in a store, but eventually a small building south of the courthouse was officially designated as the post office. Later it was moved north and east near that corner of Elm and Ellijay Streets, William N. Bishop replaced the last Moravian postmaster, Henry C. Clauder, on February 26, 1833. Clauder had served less than a year.
Succeeding postmasters included John L. Beall (1837-49). Andrew M. Morris (1849-53), Franklin B. Morris (1853-55), William C. Loughmiller (1855-57), John S. Beall (1857-66), William Anderson (1866-74), William J. Worsham (1874-78), John Gates (1878-81), William Anderson (1881-87), Daniel C. Ken-ner (1887-90), M.W. Shields (1890-91), Miss Mary E. Morris (1891-93). E.H. Keister (August 12-18, 1893), Margaret A. Keister (1893-1901), James C. Curett (1901-06). Theodosia E. Everett (1906-10). Charles W, Brown (1910-16). Mary S. "Miss Mollie" Brown (Mr. Brown's widow) (1916-41), Mrs. Elizabeth M. Freeman (194142), Miss Sudie L. Walls (1942-57), and Maxine H. Freeman (1957). On October 30, 1957 Spring Place post office became a rural station from the Chatsworth office. Mrs. Marie Roe became the postal official and the office was in her home on Elm Street. In 1973 the office was discontinued.
Rural Free Delivery began in 1904 and Spring Place had three routes. The first carriers were Ben F. Bates. William Lowery, and M.W. Shields. Other mailmen included E.W. Shields. Richard Springfield, Mr. Everett. and Will Roberts who transported mail from Spring Place to Chatsworth. Minerva Bagwell and Mrs. William Lowery were also postal employees at some time. In 1931 Spring Place had only one rural route. A post office named "Eldow's" was operated by John L. Davis outside Spring Place in 1884.
-Chapter IV-
TOWNS, COMMUNITIES, AND MILITIA DISTRICTS
(1880-1980)
Spring Place Government and Politics
Spring Place was designated as Murray's County Seat in 1834 although court had been held there a year earlier. Naturally the town was the center of government and politics for the entire county. Perhaps since it was the county seat and administered by county officials almost no "city" government existed until 1885. Prior to this time the only legislative acts concerning governmental functions in Spring Place involved "road hands" (1839) and a tax for roads and streets (1860).
An act of the Georgia General Assembly incorporating the City of Spring Place passed on October 9, 1885. However, few city records exist for the next 100 years. The town's population varied little after the county seat moved to Chatsworth-186 in 1930, 219 in 1940. 214 in 1953, 194 in 1960. and 241 in 1975. The city limits extended ½ mile from the north steps of the courthouse to form a circle. The government consisted of five people. The person receiving the most votes was declared mayor with one of the four remaining councilmen designated as Clerk.
When the county seat moved to Chatsworth, the city government became less and less active as time passed. Some of the mayors of Spring Place were W.K.. Jones, Jason Robinson, D.D. Kemp. C.N. King, Jr. and Floyd Cook. John Cole was once a councilman.
In 1952 the city government was reactivated when residents felt the need to secure water services. In elections held on the first Saturday In January, Floyd Cook won the mayor's office. He served two terms and saw Dalton Utilities bring water to Spring Place. Later natural gas came to the town also. Carl B. Davis was elected mayor in 1956 and served until his death more than a quarter of a century later. Councilmen elected at that time were E.B. Sexton, Leslie Kilgore. Robert Ballew, and John Wilbanks. The city received a new charter in 1957 which re-defined the corporate limits, provided for elections, terms, meetings, salaries, and taxes, and granted powers to the mayor and council. Other tax measures were passed in 1960 and 1961. A Mayor's Court was also provided for under the 1957 legislative act. Another act of the General Assembly authorized "alley closings" in 1953.
Although the city government is considered "inactive," the necessary services of water and natural gas are still provided. There are no taxes, but Georgia Power and Atlanta Gas and Light Company give the city 3% of their revenues from within the city limits. During the last decade the City has provided funds for paving streets, assisted with the establishment of the Spring Place Cemetery perpetual care fund, placed historic markers at old Lucy Hill and at the old courthouse sites, and assisted with the restoration and maintenance of the old Spring Place Methodist Church as a museum/meeting place.
The city is now part of the Spring Place Militia and School District. In 1984 this district had 1.455 registered voters. According to an Atlanta Constitution story on October 30 of that year, the Spring Place voting district was "no longer solid for Democrats," although it had been for most of the past 150 years.
-Chapter IV-
TOWNS, COMMUNITIES, AND MILITIA DISTRICTS
(1880-1980)
Spring Place Residents & Businesses
Over the years many, many businesses have been located in Spring Place and countless people have lived there. To compile a complete listing is impossible-Spring Place alone could fill an entire history book. Residents of the town operated a wide variety of enterprises from mining companies to hat shops, and from cotton gins, stores, and livery stables to a brick plant, a bank, hotels and saloons. In 1866 Spring Place had a population of about 300.
The Murray County Gazette of 1879 cost 50¢ for a year and was "a lively weekly paper on live issues, published every Wednesday morning at Spring Place." M.F. Boisdair was editor and H.C. Holcomb publisher. The June 3 issue included several advertisements. William Luffman and W.D. Harris were attorneys with "offices on the public square south of the courthouse." J.P. Cole operated a Leather. Shoe, and Harness Shop while L.S. Dates'& Bro, offered "dry-goods and groceries" as well as boots, shoes, and harness. Dr. E.H.L. Keis-ter's office was in his drug store and W.C. Tilton wanted workers "to dig soap-stone" and haul it to Dalton. J.C. Henry & Co. offered "the largest and best stock of staples and fancy goods." John H. Evans "tendered his thanks to his friends and to the weary traveller, and solicits a continuance of more patronage." He kept "on hand a full line of groceries consisting of confectionaries. pure whiskies, brandies and wines." Prospective customers were told to "look for the saloon on the west side of the public square." Doctor William Anderson and C.W. Coie were druggists dealing in "medicines, chemicals, perfumery, soaps, pomades, cosmetics, hair dyes, and toilet articles." Kenner and Holcomb were real estate agents. The newspaper also carried ads for special train rates for trips "to the West" as well as the following.
A young man 5 feet 6 inches high, weighs one hundred and thirty pounds, has a fair education, and in the best standing of society, wishes to correspond with some young lady. Object, amusement, improvement and perhaps marriage. Address Amo, care editor Gazette Spring Place.
It is rumored that Col. Tibbs will shortly put up a steam flouring and saw mill at the Morris mill site, on the Conasauga.
Our jail is only encumbered with one prisoner, and he is charged with larceny. He complains of the low stature of the jail stories, and is compelled to lie down all the while for rest!
Attention is called to the advertisement of Messrs. Anderson and in this weeks issue-Drugs fresh and cheap, and polite gentlemen in charge. On Vornberg & Henry corner, near post-office.
An evening entertainment at Maj. Wilson's residence was given on Monday last-quite a number of the gay and festive gave protracted attention.
Prof. Boswell, well and favorably known to our citizens will deliver one of his popular lectures in this village on next Saturday night on the subject of Intemperance.
We notice a determination on the part of our corporate authorities to fix up properly the public, and otherwise to improve the village by arranging safe side walks.
Can't our ladies manage to call a meeting in a short time and in connection with the gentlemen, determine on a day to clean off and better adorn our cemetery? It is sadly in need of repair.
William G. Stuart was also a prominent Spring Place merchant who died in 1873.
Ramsey, Ovbey, Moss, and Moss were manufacturers of bed springs invented by E.T. Moss. Operating successfully from 1882-1885 in a location near Ram-sey's store across from the courthouse, the business then moved to Ovbey's House. W.H. Ramsey was Secretary-Treasurer. His time book records that at least 50 different people worked for the men during that 3-year period.
Near the Ramsey building was one of Spring Place's most famous establishments—the Temple Hotel. People came from miles around to partake of the wonderful meals served at the Temple House. One Dalton lady recalled "straw rides out to Spring Place to the Temple House where there would be a table groaning with everything under the sun good to eat, outrivaling anything of old Nero's feasts-and all for 50 cents!" In i896 Dalton Argus writer Scylla Thomas wrote the following upon the death of Mr. Temple:
With the passing away of the genial innkeeper, J.D. Temple of the Spring Place Temple House, to the undiscovered country in which bourne no traveler ever returns, a sigh of sincere regret went from many hearts.
How many of us have enjoyed those delightful moonlight drives to the little city of Spring Place? How many of us have been the recipient of many kind attentions from his hospitable board and enjoyed the delightful suppers for which he was famed?
Time, with inexorable slowly passing steps, has brought many changes and many of the bright laughing faces that have gathered at that hospitable board are in distant states or in the tomb; but the news of the grim reaper's visit will sadden many hearts for memory's picture recalls most vividly those happy days gone by. There are those who have knelt at Hymen's altar in the little parlor, for long the resort of runaway lovers from Dalton-and they always received a parental blessing and Godspeed from Mr. Temple. Will they not too grieve? And so with us all.
In 1899 The Spring Place Jimplecute carried much more Dalton advertising than earlier papers. Fincher & Brother was then the leading store in Spring Place, advertising hardward, clothing, shoes, ladies' hats, groceries, tobacco, and produce. Bagwell Brothers were the largest drug store operation although Drs. James B. Hughes and W.W. Anderson had "doing considerable practice" due to "an epidemic of malarial complaints in the community." W.W. Sampler, C-N. King, J.J. Bates, and Luke Henry advertised their legal services. J.L. Robinson was sheriff while W.L. Henry (Chairman), J.C. Morris, H.R. Beamer, D.M. Peeples. and E.W. Bond were on the county Board of Roads and Revenues.
A November, 1902 issue of the Jimplecute, edited by J.C. Heartsell, recorded that John N. Burks of Holly had been appointed assistant doorkeeper of the 8fineral assembly, and that "Arrowood & Dunn completed their new shop, in South Spring Place." Lucy Hill Institute, Pleasant Valley High School, and Sumach Seminary were recruiting students while Hull Kerr. Lewis Thompson, and J.L. Robinson were the leading merchants. Shriner and Everett were closing their store and dissolving their partnership. Bill Jones and Will Childers were challenged by George Moore and Sid Keister in the race for town constables. Pendley & Son were buying all available cotton seed while W.J.& J.E.Johnson had "greatly replenished their stock" to have "one of the neatest stores in town." S.A. Brown and J.H. Steed, physicians, had formed a partnership while W.W. Anderson continued his practice, King's Spring had become the popular Sunday afternoon gathering place for young people.
By 1908 Hull Kerr's major competitor was Arrowood & Rouse according to the November 23 issue of the Murray News. The Pendley Gin was about to close, since the family had opened a new brick plant in Chatsworth. Dr. Steed continued his practice and Mr, Kerr had entered the insurance business. Mr. Shriner had opened his photographer's shop. By this time, also, the Cohutta Banking Company had opened. Founded in 1905 with a capital stock of 525.000, the Bank is now Murray County's oldest business. Original officers were President M.C, Horton, Vice-President C.N. King, and Cashier Elbert N.Whitmire. Others associated with the bank during its Spring Place days were Cashier, W.Z. Latch, Cashier Florence Lowery, M.W. Shields, Bill Martin. Jack Keith, George Arrowood, Mr. Strickland of Cartersville.
A later but equally important business in Spring Place was the C.B. Davis Store. In highlighting the owner's 85th birthday Chatsworth Times reporter Ruth Cox included the following account of the store in 1981:
Among my earliest memories are those of visits to what was then known as the General Store or the "Old Country Store." As 1 was talking Saturday with Carl B. Davis of Spring Place, I was reminded of those days. Mr. Davis went into the store business in 1922, moving from Eton to Spring Place where he became a successful businessman. Not only did folks go there to replenish their flour bins, salt cellars and sugar bins, but come cotton pickin' time, everybody in the household would get a brand new pair of shoes which would last until the next year.
The C.B. Davis Grocery was the place to go to buy these shoes. If the patches in your best pair of overalls were too numerous to menlion, this was also the place to 6° to get yourself a brand new pair. Remember the Duckheads and "Osh-Gosh-B-Gosh" brand? . . . One could even buy plows, planters and fertilizer. Just about anything a person would need to use on a farm job which so many people depended on back then. At one time Mr. Doc Roe even had a grist mill there.
Mr. Davis' son, Leon, recalls working in the store as a young lad when gas was selling for IB cents a gallon, and 1 for one, remember the old gas pumps at the C.B. Davis Grocery. Leon recalls working at the store after school hours. He told about the school kids who would come in the store to trade eggs forcandy. To them, this was very convenient since the school was located just across the road. A lot of penny pencils and nickd tablets were also sold to the students. I remember that a stalk of bananas hung just inside the door, and if you cared to purchase one for a quick snack, you just took it from the stalk.
Mr. Davis was the first store in Spring Place to sell ice cream and the brand was Mayfield's, still going strong today. The first loaf of bread ever sold in Spring Place came from the C.B. Davis Grocery. It was delivered by automobile and before entering the store one could see the advertisement which read "Colonial is Good Bread" displayed on the screen door. Mr. Davis had a lot of customers and among some of them were such names as the Ballcws, Kemps, Coles, Smiths, Jones and Rouse.
Mr. Davis remembers Mr. Arthur Coffey who would catch the "short dog" at Eton and travel to Chatsworth. l-'rom there he would come by bus to Spring Place most every day to play checkers on the old checker board at the store. In talking with different folks I find that the pot bellied stove and the old checker boards are two of the things they remember most. Rembert Ballcw remembers it very well as he was telling about the checker games of the late Doc Cox and John Cole. He said some of the players would be so deeply involved in a good checker game that they would just skip lunch. Mr. Davis didn't play checkers very much because his customers always came first. He was usually busy trying to please a customer with whatever they came in to buy. Rembert Ballew said "I've stood under the tin roof on the front porch of that store many a time and watched it rain."
Among other things on sale at the store were the loose pinto beans and even material with which the madam could make her a Sunday dress. For a time Mr. Davis even ground his own coffee and the coffee mill is still in the family, being passed on to son Rembert. In later years when the boys went off to college, Mr. Davis found himself alone in the store. This was when he sold his goods to Mr. Keat Jones and the store was finally torn down. The old country store went out of business in 1953 but many memories linger.
Lumpkin. Coffee. Forsyth. and Cumming were other street names in old Spring Place. They were probably located north of the courthouse square, near the last jail- Among other professionals who worked in Spring Plage at various times included lawyers Ben F. Carter (1885), Noel Steed, H.H, Andersen, and W B Robinson along with doctors L.C. Greer(1877), E.H. Hope (1885), Horace G Evans (1876), J. Black (1850's). George L. Chastain (1892). John H. Steed (1902). B.W. Bagwell (1904). O.C. Mills (1893), M.W. Anderson (1911). and dentist F.S. Rorox (1909).
Alexander Leonard owned a grist mill near Spring Place in the 1800's, and in 1879-80 the Vonberg mill produced 336,000 pounds of meal and 42,000 pounds of feed in only 6 months of operation. Two of the oldest stores in Spring Place were operated by the Morrises (on town lot No. 4 in 1869) and the Nixes (1851-80). Other store owners included Bob Gudger, Sam Kelly,and Harve Long (1922). "Cage" Everett once had a blacksmith shop and the Patrics also had a shop.
Presently Spring Place boasts Crossroads formerly G & H Supermarket and Gas Station. Chief Vann Video, Golden Gallon Food Store, Hatton's Tires, two lawn mower repairmen. Craig's Fruit Stand, a beauty shop, and the popular Four Way Drive-in Restaurant, now in its second location. Other enterprises have existed along Highways 225 and 52. north and west of town.
Even though so much of the old Spring Place is gone, the town does have several old houses along Ellijay and Elm Streets as well as the Vann House and the Rouse-Branham-Gurley Home. The Rouse home dates back to the 1850's and was restored by Mrs. Inez Rouse Gurley in 1967. The house, a white, two-story structure with an L-shaped wing and a red tin roof, originally had a hall that ran through its center. The fireplace in the living room has its original brick and the post at the foot of the stairway came from the old Spring Place Courthouse. Mrs. Gurley named the acreage surrounding the house Vann-Mont Farm in honor of the Vann House which can be seen in the distance and in memory of her grandmother whose maiden name was Mont, an Indian word meaning Mountain. The Gurley home, once owned by the Henry Rouses and the Levi Branhams, was on the Pilot Club Tour of Homes in 1976.
Another Spring Place house that has been restored and opened to the public on occasion is the Starr-Maddox-Robinson House on Elm Street. This two-story Victorian structure was built by attorney Trammell Starr as a gift for his new bride, Miss Leona Frances Kelly. Mr. Starr had purchased the land from his wife's grandmother. Nancy Ogletree. By early 1892 the Starrs had moved to a home on Thornton Avenue in Dalton. and Mrs. James (Martha) Maddox became the owner of the house in Spring Place. Mrs. Maddox died soon after and willed we house to Miss Mary Maddox who lived there with her relatives, the Pierces, u"til her death in 1905. Murray County Ordinary, R.M. Gudger. owned and occupied the residence from then until 1919 when J.L. Robinson purchased it.
(Note: Book included a drawing with numbers keyed to Spring Place Landmarks. Although that drawing could not be reproduced here, the descriptions of the landmarks are included.)
Key TO MAP OF SPRING PLACE
1.Phipps, later Roe, House
2.Tenant House
3.Will Latch House {laler tenant house, burned 1921)
4. Carries House (also a tenant house, dismantled 1910) 5.Dipping vat to treat cattle for parasites before sales (early I900's) 6.Seay House (later owned by Treadwells, made 2-story by the C.N. Kings, burned 1976)
7.Tieadwe!l Cemetery, once known as Black-Seay Burial Ground
8.J.J. Bates home, built about 1900, owned by the C.B. Davises for many years.
9.Tom Elrod Home
10. John Rouse Home, later Levi Branham residence, now owned by Inez Rouse Gurley.
11.Flour Mill - owned for some time by "Chip" Owens, Sid Keister worked there, possibly officially known as North Georgia Milling in last years. Now site of Golden Gallon Food Store.
12.Cotton Gin - Among the owners at various times were Owens, Phipps, Vonberg, Anderson & Huffstetler, the Bishops (Jim & Henry), and Gregory (1950). Fires plagued the gin operation, destroying the business or the warehouses in 1927, 1929, and 1933. Johnsons and Kemps also owned the property, as did Jason Robinson (1900's), and J.W. Langston (1S9S).
IS.Rankin Blacksmith Shop (1940's).
14. Ford of Town Branch which is formed from the waters of the numerous springs in the area.
15.W.T. Richards Store (1936-58), later operated by J.C. Wright and Leon Grecson. In more recent years the site of restaurants operated by Joan Leonard, Bill Penland, and the Chief Vann Restaurant owners, Leon and Vivian Ridley.
16.Lucy Hill Institute
17.Site of the Moravian Mission Complex
18 Probable site of the Moravian Mission Cemetery and Camp Benton
(1830's)
19.Dr. Anderson Home, {since in the W.R. Ballew family many year)) 2Q.Edmondson House, now owned by Mr. & Mrs. N.A. Ballew
21.Steed House, long occupied by the Prilchett and U\bert Sextons, now owned by Marvin & Trilba Bcaveis.
22.Methodist Church parsonage, later owned by the Mark Bagleys, dismantled in 1975. The W.W. Samplers also lived there earlier.
23.Tom Ramsey House, later owned by the Kings. Now site of Annie
B. Gallman residence. 24.Spring Place Presbyterian Church
25.Dixon, now Roe, House
2SA. Jim Dixon Blacksmith Shop, once owned by Branham & Austin
26.Pickering Home, now owned by Vilena Kilgore 26A. Dr. James Hughes Home (1902-12), later Roberts residence, now occupied by Aileen Kilgore
27.Charlie & Mollie Brown Home, later occupied by Slaffords, now owned by the Bob Hills. 28.Site of last official post office building; Mr. Brown once had a soda parlor with the post office here
29.Probable site of the Chester Inn (dismantled in 1900 after it had been converted into a store. Another store building was con-stnicted. Among the merchants on this site were John Luffman, Davis, Charlie Williams, and in earlier days had been the Rouse Hat Shop before it became Arrowood's Store and soda fountain.
30. Last jail at Spring Place, has since been converted into a residence now owned by Dessie Walls. Earlier the Charles Staples Inn, Store, and Stables had been in this area (1860's). Samuel M. Walls helped select this site for the jail.
31.Hull Kerr's Store, formerly Alvin Jones's, later site of Roland
Rouse and B.E. Pritchett Store. Burned 1930. 32.Site of the old Cole & Henry Blacksmith, Harness Shop & Livery Stable. Also once owned by Mr. Vonberg. 33,George Jones Home, later owned by the Chester Hannahs and now by the Richard Ridleys. 34.Site of the Jones Livery Stable 35,In earlier days the site of the Frank V. Vonberg & Bill Henry
Store, furniture & Cabinet Shop. They also made coffins. In more recent years the site of a store operated at various times by W.K. Jones, Walter Walls, Cecil Roe, and Dutch Jones.
36..Cohutta Bank Building (had law offices in the rear), former home of Johnson Store.
37. Once the site of a saloon.
38.Frank Peeples House, now owned by the Craigs.
39.Shriner House, also parts were used as a shoe store, and photography studio at times
40.Charlie Wilbanks House, burned 1976; last owner Randall Pharr
41.Tenant house now site ot Craig's fruit stand
42.Cole Warehouse (for the coffins Mr. Cole sold).
43.John Cole House
44.Will and Mattie Robinson Home (burned)
45.George Moore, Pritchett House, now owned by Mrs. Delanie Lewis
46. Johnson Hotel {burned 1909) operated by Fannie McGhec Johnson47.Delma Wood's Hat Shop - 47A. Print shop and newspaper office.
48. Findier, Rouse, Wilson, Lowery House-a 2-story (later burned).
The J.B. Green House now occupies the site. 49.Spring Place Cemetery
50.Robinson, Batnes House; also Pinchers
51.Frank Vonberg House, now owned by Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ballew
52. Site of the first Spring Place Baptist Church
53. Site of the old "calliboose" or small jail
54. Kelly, Thompson. Cole, Steed, and Anderson Store. Steed also had a cotton gin. Later site of Lucy Hill and Spring Place School. Now Retirement Home.
55. Dentist E.B. Hall's office, possibly Dr. E.H.L. Keister's office once, later a barber shop.
56. R.A. Davis Jewelry Store (burned 1906)
57. Site of the second two-story brick house built by one of the Morris brothers, later home of Mr. Kenner-postmaster, merchant, and captain. Susie Kenner was "an authoress of sheet music" according to an 1882 newspaper. Several of her works were published. Later site of the Ernest and Mattie Lou Pritchett House, built in 1930's.
58. Dixson Ho use-Miss Alva was a seamstress, Miss Lizzie ran a boarding house (1920's) for school teachers. Dr. J.E. Bradford also once lived there.
59. Heartsell Home
60. Site of the old Russell Store possibly 61-Will Henry House (burned and rebuilt once)
62. Third and Fourth sanctuaries of the Spring Place Baptist Church 63.Shields House, later Sue Brown's, now site of the new Baptist Church sanctuary.
64. Rouse, Pendley, Etheridge, Shields Home, last occupied by Mrs. Addie Wilbanks, dismantled as new church was constructed.
65. McGhee House and Farm
66. Johnson Farm
67. Site of the Cherokee Removal era "Fort Hoskins."
68. Frank Vonberg cotton gin and mill
69. Pendley Lumber Co., cotton gin, brick plant, and planing mill
70. Blassingame House. Further south on this road was the Wilson (later George Cox) home (burned 1983).
71. The Everett, Anderson, and Baggett home.
72. O.K. Bates Home, for many years the home of Henry & Laura and Gordon & Ina Ballew.
73. Spring Place Methodist Church
74. Luke Henry, then Noel Steed house, occupied for many years by another lawyer, W.B. Robinson and wife Mattie. Built early 1900's. 75 .James Morris House, owned in succeeding years by the Stone, Pendley, Love, Robinson, and Jones families, among others.
Now restored by the Carlton McDaniels. Built ca. 1840.
76. Site of the second Spring Place Baptist Church, later the school, and then the Hilliard Livery Stable.
77. Starr-Maddox-Robinson House, now owned by Gene Cook &. family
78. Elliot! House
79. Lem Jones House
80. Dr. L.P. Bagwell House - burned in a terrible fire in 1899.
8l. Fincher-Robinson Store - operated by Mr. Jason Robinson for some time; building faced courthouse and had long front porch.
82. Dr. Brown's office and "drug store"
83. Dr. Anderson's office
84. Lowery's Cloth Store on one occasion; Dr. Bagwell's office (1899)
85. Old post office; later Dr. Hughes' office; then Dr. J.E. Bradford's
86. Keister House buill ca. 1852 by builder Thomas Pierce to replace an even older house. Now owned by the Bob Andersons.
87. Edmondson House, since owned by Mr. & Mrs. Cecil Roe. Also once the Lowery home.
88. Nolie Smith House, now owned by the Russell Franklins.
89. King and Kelly Store and/or warehouse, although could have been on the west side of Elm on another occasion. Later Lynch home.
90. Former site of George W. Howard's cobbler shop and house (1860's), later owned by W.W. Giddens before it was added to the Temple property. Earlier known as the D.A. Walker lot.
91. Once called the Temple Grocery House lot (1860's); these lots were later the site of the Temple Hotel, later known as the Shields Hotel which burned in 1914. The fire began when a gas tank exploded as Dr. J.E, Bradford, then a hotel guest, was putting gas into his car-one of the first automobiles in Spring Place. Sam Carter's Store was later located there.
92. This had to have been the busiest corner in Spring Place! W.H. Ramsey had a store here in the 1880's and it was also the site of the Oats Store in the 1890's. Later owners or operators were John Luffman, Bob Bates (1918), Mashbum, Shields, and C.B. Davis. The Odd Fellows Lodge held meetings on the second story of the brick Shields building in space later used by Dr. Bradford (1923). A newspaper note of 1908 mentions that "the Lynn or Osborne corner is being improved by M.W. Shields." He took it when it was out of repair, insured it, and when the old building burned, used the money to rebuild the brick structure.
93. Stables for Temple Hotel
94. Site of old Jail
95. Dobbs House
96. Site of another Pendley Cotton Gin
97. Louis Thompson House, later owned by the D.D. Kemp family. The large two-story house burned in 1922 and a smaller house was built on the site. Now home of Miss Agnes Kcmp.
98. Iitheridge Home (burned)
99. Greeson Home site
100. Walls House
101. Chamblee House site
102. Site of present-day Spring Place Elementary School, built 1969.
103. T.J. Ovby House, later owned by the Smith family. Now owned by Mrs. R.E.Dillard.
While living in the house, Mr. Gudger performed the marriage of Mr. & Mrs. Sam Kelly. Mr. Kelly was the nephew of the original owners.
During the years of Robinson ownership, several families lived in the house including the Claude Andersons. the Joe Loves, the Herbert Andersons, the Milrnores, and the Ed Johnsons. After Mr. Robinson's death in 1938, his widow "Miss Nora," continued to occupy parts of the house and rented other rooms at various times. In 1969 Gordon and Carolyn Wills purchased the house from the Robinson family.
Paul and Sue Anderson bought the structure and surrounding lots in 1971.] During the next decade they carefully but completely restored the house. In 1983 they opened their home as a major attraction of the Whitfield-Murray I Historical Society Christmas Holiday House Tour. The house in now owned by |the Gene Cooks.
Of course the oldest house in Spring Place is the Vann Mansion, built in 1804. Often used as rental property, this structure has had 16 owners over the years. Among them were Spencer Riley, James Edmondson, William H. Tibbs. D.D. Kemp. Dr. J.E. Bradford, Mrs. Tom Dill. John Bryant. and Oscar Coins. The Coins family owned the Vann House from 1877 until 1895—long enough for the house to gain a new name, Coins Hill, rather than "the Vann House." Mr. Coins, a Tennessee native, was a merchant and Civil War veteran who first settled in Murray County in 1873. A Coins descendant, Mrs. Louise Richardson of Paragould, Arkansas, contributed this letter written by Mr. Coins from the Vann House.
Spring Place, Ga Sept. the 13. 1881
Dear Son,
Yours to hand. 1 was glad to hear from you all So to hear that you was well and doing we"- Vou stated that your boy could ride a horse. I would like to see him. I know he must have a smart mother. Well, Preston, I think I will come out and see you next fall. We did not make a good crop this year. It was almost a failure. We won't make a half crop here, I would like to have 10 bushel of good seed oats. If you can send me 10 bushel I will send the cash as soon as 1 hear from Them. We think the west oats does better sowed here than ours. I will be ____ to send the money by post office money order. Where is your nearest money office? Is Charleston a money office? If you can get good seed wheat at $1.25 you may send 10 bushel of that. I can buy oats at 50¢ and wheat at $I.40 here, but they ran out. We think they do pest when we send off for our seed. How far are you from a railroad? If you haft to haul too far don't buy the wheat and oats, I would send the money now and pay for them if I knew how much to send. So 1 will close for this time. Hopeing to hear from you often. Give your wife and boy my love and tell them I am coming to see them next fall.
Yours truly,
O.C. Coins
-Chapter IV-
TOWNS, COMMUNITIES, AND MILITIA DISTRICTS
(1880-1980)
Schools in Spring Place
The first school in Murray County was the Moravian Mission School. Immediately following the closing of this school, the Murray County Academy was incorporated in 1833. Original trustees were William N. Bishop, Nelson Dickerson, William Oats, James C. Barnett, and John J. Humphreys. James Morris and Charles Bonds were later added to the Board. Located near the Presbyterian Church, the school evidently suffered financial difficulties following its 1835 opening. Sheriff Bonds had to sell the property, described as being "a little piece below the public spring." in 1845. Trustee James Morris bought the lot for $25 and the money was divided among the trustees which included Alfred M. Turner, William P. Charles(?), James A.R. Hanks, and Franklin Morris, as well as the purchaser.
In 1849-50 a system of "common schools" for the county was established and a group of residents asked the legislature to incorporate the Spring Place Academy. Apparently this school was built on the same lot of land which had been designated for the earlier school. Little specific information is available about this school, but several 19th century Spring Place deeds mention the "Academy Lot" as a point of reference. The original legislative act of 1850 lists Robert McKamy. John W.A. Johnson, Gideon Gamer, John A. Tyler, James Edmondson and Francis B. Morris as trustees. The self-perpetuating Board had total control of the school.
The next detailed information about schools in Spring Place is this paragraph from the July 30, 1874 North Georgia Citizen:
Spring Place has just shaken off her literary lethargy and now demands patronage for two schools. Both seem to be in successful operation, one in the charge of Mrs. Mattie Lockaby and the other in the charge of Miss Crawford of Chattanooga.
One of these schools was the Academy, sometimes called the "Central Academy." while the other educational facility was generally referred to as the "town" school. Academy teachers included J.D. Vamell (1885), ___ Pricks (1893), W.A. Gladden (1894-97), Hattie Poag, and Nettie Gladden (1899-1900).
The location of the town school evidently changed at various times. For a time classes were held in the old jail located between Elm and Pendley Streets-Kate Keister went to school there. In the early 1890's "Professors" Stousberry, Bates, and Harper taught in the old Baptist Church and on other occasions students met in the Methodist building. In 1896 Mollie Glass (Brown) taught in the Hull Kerr store building, directly north of the courthouse. Teachers at the town school included J.F. Harris (whose school was "flourishing" in 1881), A.B. Smith and Lela Wilson (1884), D.C. Trirnmier (1891), Aggie Ramsey (1891-92), J.B. Terry (1893), Minnie Daily (1894), M.W. Shields (1895), Miss V.B. Osborn and Jennie Gilbert (1897), W.H. Harler (1899). M.S. Blassingame (1899-1900) and D.D. Stanton (1877).
By this time the Georgia Public School System had been created and each school district had three trustees appointed by the county Board of Education. Trustees for the town district had included Richard Walls (1877-90), Captain J.W. Patric (1877-79), M.R. Chastain (1877-90), J.C. Henry (1879-83), A.B. Walls (1883-90). B.W. Gladden (1890-91), C.P. Vance (1890-91), Gus Hill (1890-95), Trammell Starr(1891).J.S. Addington (1891-92), Elisha Allen (1891-92). J.L. Robinson (1892-95), J. Etheridge (1892-95), James Ellis (1895), S.H. Fincher (1895), and J.W. Langston (1895).
Finally residents felt the need to combine the schools and began fundraising efforts for a "Spring Place School." In late 1899, 2 ½ acres of land were obtained from Julia E. Jones and construction began. Then came a large donation from George Hill in memory of his daughter Lucy. The school, erected south of the old Academy near a spring just off Ellijay Street, was re-named Lucy Hill Institute. Opening in 1900 or 1901, the school became one of the most famous facilities in the county, but its story began a few years earlier with the tragic death of Miss Lucy Hill.
Lucy Hill, born in 1879. had attended the Sumach Seminary and had begun teaching by 1895. In October of 1895 her beloved parents fell ill and Lucy had to go get medicine. A correspondent for the Dalton Argus recorded the death as follows:
Again our community has been plunged in deep gloom and sorrow by the tragic death of Miss Lucy Hill, daughter of G.W. Hill, Thursday evening. She had been to Dr. Price's at Sumach; and on returning, it is supposed her horse ran away, and, near Parson Henry's, threw her and killed her. The horse galloped home riderless, and her brother, Willis, started back on search and was the first to find her. She was already dead, her head crushed, arm broken, and back dislocated. Miss Lucy was one of those few young ladies that had not an enemy in the world. She was kind and affectionate to all alike, and being an only daughter, was the idol of her parents. It seems hard that one so young, so beautiful, so talented, and with so bright a future, should be so suddenly and shockingly snatched from her friends and loved ones. But "He that doeth all things well knoweth best," Miss Lucy was a Christian girl, and no doubt has gone from her present home on earth to her better home in heaven. She was interred Saturday near the home of her parents . . .
"Beaverdale Dots" in the Dalian Argus. Oct. 12, 1895
The Sumach correspondent to the Argus added the following:
The death was a sad one. [Lucy] was one of our prettiest, sweetest, and most accomplished young ladies. She had been a student of our high school, of the Dalton Female College, and also of the Cleveland, Tenn., Female College. Consequently, she had a host of friends ...
After Lucy's death her father wanted to do something to honor his daughter's memory and a school seemed a fitting way to do so. When he and the Board of Education agreed on the spot, the Hill money went to work.
In 1901 a Georgia legislative act was passed to establish a system of public schools in Spring Place, Murray County, Georgia, and to provide for the maintenance and support of the same by local taxation and otherwise; to provide for the government of the same; to provide for a board of education for said public schools in said city; to authorize and require the county school commissioner of Murray county to pay over to the treasurer of the board of education, for the use of said public schools, such of the State school funds as may be the just pro rata share of the said city of Spring Place, to be determined by the school census of the said city of Spring Place, and for other purposes.
The original Board members were Willis Pendley. W.J. Johnson. C.N. King. Dr. J.B. Hughes, and S.H. Fincher. By 1903. when an additional piece of land "in the wash back of the Presbyterian property . . . north of the Dickson's Shop," was obtained. T.J. Ovby, C.L. Henry. J.L. Cole. Mr. King, and Mr, Fincher were on the Board. This Board had total control of the school whose "principal" also served as "city" superintendent. Under the terms of the act the mayor and council could put the question of the independent system to the city's voters every 6 months "until said system is established,"
The school enjoyed several years of success. In 1919 a high school was added and these students attended school in the old courthouse where former offices became classrooms and the old courtroom was converted into an auditorium. Primary pupils continued to attend classes at the old Institute building until 1924 when a new brick structure was erected across the road, west of the courthouse-school. A year earlier the 1901 school act had been repealed when Lucy Hill was designated to be the official county high school and was returned to county control. Officers of the Spring Place Board of Trustees at the time were C.N. King - President. W.B. Robinson -Secretary, and J.E. Bradford -Treasurer.
After a period of time as a private residence, the Institute building was dismantled in 1930 and a large wooden gymnasium was constructed on the site. This was in keeping with the terms of Mr. Hill's gift that the property be used for school purposes. As much material as possible was salvaged from the old structure for use in the gym. Spring Place merchant Carl B. Davis provided nails and other materials for the project at cost while Mr. D.D. Kemp donated logs and some lumber. Paul Smith. Hill Hannah. Luke Ballew, and Ted Kemp were among the other townspeople involved in the project.
The gymnasium served Lucy Hill High School and its successors until it burned in the 1960's. The Spring Place Ruritan Club then constructed a picnic shelter on the grounds which they continue to maintain.
Although the institute is gone, the memory of Lucy Hill lives on. George Hill's descendants still own the large farm in northwest Murray County on which the Hill family cemetery is located and pictures of Lucy Hill and the Institute still hang in the Spring Place School library, A marker at the former site commemorates the school and the young lady for whom it was named. Each year modern-day Spring Place pupils visit the area for recreational activities and to learn about their school's history. Since 1977 former Institute, High School, and Primary School students have gathered there to relive their days at Lucy Hill.
Among the often talked about memories are the Lucy Hill baseball and basketball teams. Gus Terry. Raymond Cox, Willie King, George Colvard, Houston Childers. Harry Smith, and Vanoy King made up one basketball squad of the 1920's while Max Keister. Malcolm Anderson, Ed Cox. Will Overby, W.B. Robinson, Lee Cox. Dennis Groves. Fain Heartsell. Colquitt Cole, and Grover Henry comprised an early baseball team. Another important athletic event was when Lucy Hill won first place in five of six events the school entered in the 1929 Northern Division of the Seventh District Track Meet. Lucy Hill brought home the cup due to the efforts of George Ross who won both the 100-yard and 440-yard dash, Loren Ross who won in pole vaulting. Homer Robinson, the shot put winner, and Heartsell Bond who captured the high jump.
Lucy Hill also boasted a "Cherokee Literary Society." Clara Gregory, Verna Gregory, Mary Robinson, and Mary Harris were active in this group in 1930 and presented several programs of songs, readings, and recitations for the school.
In 1918 The Chatsworth Times carried this front page announcement:
GRADUATING EXERCISES - LUCY HILL INSTITUTE
The graduating exercises of the Lucy Hill Institute at Spring Place, will take place on next Tuesday evening. May 28, at 8 o'clock.
The members of the graduating class are Misses Annie Lou Bates, Nettie Winston Campbell, Clarence Edith Heartsell, Vivian Clyde Loweiy. Mary Adalyn Kemp, Thelma Merritt Treadwell.
PROGRAM
The program is as follows:
Reading-"Shall Autocracy or Democracy Live?" - By President of Claw.
Pantomime-"Star-Spangled Banner."
Response-"America"-By Audience.
Delivery of Diplomas-By Hon. C.N. King, President of Board of Education.
Vacation Song-By Piimary Boys.
Play-"Prof. James"-By Seventh and Eighth Grades.
Song-"Maidensof Japan"-By Primary Girls.
Play-"My Mother-in-Law"-London Scene-By Senior Class. ,
Curtain.
In these days students "graduated" from the eighth grade. Murray King and Bill Cole (Warmack) had been the first to graduate.
Former Lucy Hill students and teachers Willie Anderson Freeman, Frankie Anderson Zimmerman and Agnes Kemp remembered the Lucy Hill Institute School Song as follows:
In the shadows of old Cohuttta
Not far from Maddox Hill
Is the little town of Spring Place
And a school called Lucy Hill.
Chorus (repeated after each verse):
Then three cheers for Spring Place and give them with a will
Three rousing cheers for Spring Place and three for Lucy Hill.
Friends we are to Spring Place and friends we'II ever be.
For Lucy Hill and Spring Place are good enough for me.
What's that awful noise we hear
Come rolling o 'er the land?
That's not an earthquake, children.
That's just the Eton band.
The hissing and the rattle
Disturb you as they pass
Don't be alarmed, children,
It's just the natural gas.
Three miles east of town you will find
All on the L&N
Will someday be the capital
And they will tell you when.
They boast about the guano mill
Perhaps it's just as well...
No trouble finding Chatsworth,
You will know it by its smell.
The song, which captured some of the rivalry of Eton, Chatsworth, and Spring Place residents, was sung to the tune of "Way Down in the Diving Dells." Its author was teacher Charles H. Shriner.
The Lucy Hill Reunions have always been enjoyable although none have measured up to the first one, attendance-wise. More than 100 former students and their families returned to Spring Place that year, but since then the ranks have grown thinner.
The only relic of Lucy Hill Institute which survives is the school bell. When it was salvaged from the demolition of the building, the bell was broken. In 1956 Luke, Robert, and Michael Ballew transported the bell to Manly Jail Works in Dalton. That firm supplied the steel and former student Steve Luffman repaired the old bell. Placed in storage until the first reunion, the bell once again called students to Lucy Hill. The Spring Place Ruritan Club plans to mount the historic artifact in the present Spring Place Elementary School.
During the almost three decades of Lucy Hill's existence, many people served as instructors. Among the earliest teachers were "Professors" Nelson, Sampler. J.V. Trotter, Roach. Harper, and C.G. Byington (1902) in the upper grades along with Mollie Glass Brown and C.H. Shriner in the primary grades. Other teachers at the Institute included J.C. Bell (1917-18). J.C. Adams, Jennie Terry, Mr. Johnson. Oscar & Fletcher Charles. Luke Cantrell, Meady Shields (1916-17). Mamie King Trotter, Pansey Heartsell, Mrs. J.C. Barnette (1917-18), Gothrie, Choice Perkins and Chloe Cochran (1916-17), Lula Gladden (Principal 1918 or 19), Louise Picket!, Annie Lou Bates and Mary Kemp Ellis(1919), Sudie Walls, Christine Bagwell, Edith Heartsell Bullard, Marguerite Heartsell, Frankie Anderson (1919), Florida Harris, Mattie Lou Walls Pritchett (1917-21), Mrs. Sat-terfield. Agnes Kemp, Blanche Salts, Winona Salts, and the Freeman sisters.
High School teachers included Mr. White (1919). Principal W.F. Huffaker (1923-30), Principal Roland D. Carter (1930-34), Margaret Reems (music), pfpe Hill, Zack Head, Rose Blankenship (music), Frank Huffaker, Beulah Naive (music), Sarah Lee Leonard (1929-32), J.H. Morion (1932), Mr. Entrekin (1930), Pauline Ogle tree (1932-34), Mrs. Roland Carter (1931-34), Allen Pannell (1931), Charlie Pannell (1932-33), Mr. Horton, Misses Murphy and Yates, and Alwayne Bowers. Lucille Rogers, Thelma Cox (1933-34), Mrs. W.F. Huffaker (1929-32), Grady Robinson (1932). Eula Mae Thornton, A.N, Sanders (1929-30). Wright Loughridge (1933-34), and Agnes Kemp were among the primary teachers during the high school's existence.
Mr. D.D. Kemp was a trustee for some time. Willie Walls (1932), C.C. Whit-tenburg. C.C. Smith (1931). J.H. Robinson (1930). James Bearden (1931), John Luffman (1934), and J.A. Wilbanks (1933) were among Lucy Hill's last trustees.
Mr. Shriner also penned these lines about the famed institution:
There are places that may be fairer than ours.
Other schools may be more noble and grand.
But for true honest friendship and bliss.
Lucy Hill is the first in the land.
When all county high schools were consolidated in 1934, Lucy Hill High School became Lucy Hill Grammar School. Classes were held in both the courthouse and the 1924 building which was enlarged in 1949 with the addition of six classrooms. Additional land was obtained from the Pritchetts in 1953 and in 1956-57 the courthouse building was closed and dismantled. A lunchroom, new offices, a library, and more classrooms had been added to the other building which housed grades 1-8. Older students continued to use the courthouse lot as a playground until 1969.
School trustees during this era included Odell Ingle (1947-52), Paul Smith (1947-52). Chester Hannah (1947-52), Walt Scott (1947-50). C.B. Davis (1951-53). Bob Holcomb (1953), Ben Jones (1954-56). Walt Baggett (1954-57). Leslie Kilgore and Jess Fowler (1954-56), Cecil Roe, H.E. Rouse. Bill Timms, and W.K. Jones (all 1956-57). and John Wilbanks (1966).
The school lunch program began in 1947 with Mrs. Ruby Cook as the manager. The cafeteria was housed in an old army barracks that had been moved from Fort Oglethorpe. In 1985 Mrs. Cook and her long-time co-worker Rosa Ross gave Chatsworth Times writer Ruth Cox the following information about the lunch program. Other schools probably had similar beginnings.
... it was a cold day in January and two pot-bellied stoves had been set up to heat the building. A wood burning cook stove was used to cook the meals.
The first few years, of course, were the roughest, considering that they had no refrigeration or other conveniences such as we have today. The milkman delivered in the late morning, ll was then taken outside to keep cool until lunch time.
In the first days, a few picnic-style tables that had been brought from Fort Oglethorpe were used as well as a long shelf built along the walls on which the children could tat. No chairs were available, therefore they stood to eat. Later, long tables with benches were erected. Due to a limited amount of cooking utensils, food was cooked and removed from pans so as to use these pans for cooking more food. Sometimes by 11 a.m., the dry beans were not done after being on the stove all morning. If this happened, the stove eye was lifted, and the bean pot was placed over the flame in order that the meal be ready when the children came in for lunch. Cabbage used for cole slaw was grated with a hand grater and potatoes were peeled by hand.
Hours spent in the early lunchrooms were long; the work was hard and some of the work was done without pay, just loyal dedication to the job. On the opening date there were four workers and the salary was a mere $12 for five long days of labor. The price of lunch was 10 cents for each type-A lunch served with one-half pint of milk. All of the food, milk, and salaries for lunchroom employees were paid from this money.
The wintertime weather at the old barracks was unbearable, but with deterrnina-tion, they managed. Frozen water pipes would often burst and ice would remain on 'he floor all day. Workers would cautiously prepare lunch under these conditions and try to avoid the ice by standing in pasteboard boxes to serve and prepare foods, 'n the summertime the employees worked in 100-degree temperature.
Before moving from the old barracks, the workers began selling school supplies and were allowed to use the money for little "extras," such as paint, pots and pans.
The year 1956 was the time when the lunchroom was moved into the new addition. The equipment was more up to date. To be out of the barracks was good within "self, but here they had two refrigerators, a chest-type freezer, two electric stoves and ovens, and even a dish washer. They thought nothing could be any better.
The barracks then became classroom space for the next dozen years. Sometime during the 1950's the school was officially re-named Spring Place Elementary School. Lunchroom workers include names such as Estelle Hannah, Rosa Ross. Edna Burt, Martha Cook Hamrick, Ruth Ross, Henrietta McDaniel. Marcelle Kilgore. the late Mrs. Mattie Robinson. Attie Myrtle Ballew, Averil Ballew, Aileen Pritchett. the late Mae Davis. Ruby Davis. Glenice Ridley and possibly others. Mrs. Cook retired in 1979, 10 years after the school moved to a new location near the southeastern edge of town on the Leonard Bridge Road. The new land had been obtained from Mr. & Mrs. Ed Burger.
The Church of God of the Union Assembly eventually bought the old property and converted the building into a retirement home for its members. With the move to the new school Spring Place residents left behind memories of eighth-grade graduations, various school athletic events, a multi-level building, barracks rooms and rooms made from combining former "cloak rooms." and a coal-burning furnace.
During the years following the closing of the high school. Lucy Hill-Spring Place had many fine teachers. Among them were Charlie Ross. Ruth Kemp-Eldora Ballew. Nadine Wilbanks. Thelma Cox, Will Frances Robinson, Guy Jones. Ralph Richards. Elvira Hicks. C.W. Bradley, H. H. Cordell,, Fred Driver, and Verna Gregory all in the 1930's. Principals of the school in succeeding years were Hoke Jackson (1945-48). Wallace Petty (1942-45. 1948-55), W.A. Crump (1955-56). L.B. Ross and Carl L. Davis who has the record for years of continuous administration at any Murray County school.
Spring Place was fortunate to have a very stable faculty during the 1940's. 50's. and 60's. Indeed some of the teachers came to be as much of an institution as the school and were the living symbols of education in Spring Place. Miss Agnes Kemp, who taught at the old Institute building went on to teach for more than 40 years. Willie Mae Pritchett Sexton was another long-time educator who came to the school in the 1920's and spent the better part of four decades at Spring Place. Mrs. Annie Ross Welch also taught at the school for a number of years as did Mrs. Mamie Hannah. These taught in at least three of the school's buildings. Other teachers in this era were Birdie Lyles (1942, 1952-56), Cordelia Timrnons (1942). Troy Richards (1950-51), Ella Mae Duvall (1950-51). Ruby Burnette (1950-53). Margaret Gregory (1952-55), Joan Peeples Leonard (1952-55). Thelma Petty (1953-55), Billie Morrison (1955-59.1965), Mrs. H.C.Boston, (1955-56), Mrs. Fred Fraker (1957-58). Mrs. W.C. Heirs (1958-60), Bernice Groves (1965-67), Charolette Ford Cantrell (1965-69), Julian Coffey (1965-67) Hiram D. Coffey (1965-68), Juanita Coulter (1966-68), Sue Tanksley (1967-69),' Nadine Keith (1967-68). Irene Malone (1967-69). and Gordon Horner.
Another group of long-time faculty members who retired after extended service at Spring Place includes Jennie Peeples (1952-68). Frances Jordan Green (1942, 1948, 1950-76). Attie Myrtle Ross Ballew (1952-70), Gallic Peeples Knight (1952-59). Loren B. Ross (1953-72), Sybil McLemore (1964-76), Frances Townsend (1975-86), Estelie Townsend (1955-85). Maxine Tracy (1969-74), Hubert Seal, and Milma Earnest.
Today Spring Place is the largest elementary school in the county with an enrollment twice as large as the 582 students who attended the new school in 1969. Three wings have been added to the main building which now houses most of grades 1-6. Separate structures provide classrooms for kindergarten, special education, and other students. A new gymnasium was built in 1976-77 due largely to the work of the Spring Place Ruritan Club and the school's PTA, led by Carl and Wanda Poteet and Mike Ballew. A $10,000 contribution from the Governor's Emergency Fund also helped complete the project.
Jean Ballew, a long-time English teacher at the school who succeeded Bernita Harris and Jetta Vinson as librarian, is now the senior faculty member at Spring Place. Two other teachers, Ann Green Bailey and Lois Faith Parrish, also taught at the school's former location. Mildred Ingle and the late Byrd Daviswere also school employees for some time.
Since the move to the new school, lunchroom manager Martha Ridley and teachers like Clarinda Ballew Ridley, Kinma Huffstetler Bond, Ranelle Hannah West, Sheila Spivey Rich. Gary Garland, Nell Wilburn, Diane Hester. Nan Oz-ment. Nancy Kinser, Lois Tilson. Judy Reece, Gary Ross, Darlene Hilton Hoi-comb, Lynn Murphy, Leroy Hamrnett, Karen Ross Waters, Filbert Lewis, Rickie Elrod Caldwell, Betty Henry, Marvene Green, and Assistant Principal C.L. Dunn have worked at the school for several years.
Spring Place Churches
Since the days of the Moravian Mission, Spring Place has generally been the home of three churches. In the 1830's the town boasted Baptist. Methodist, and Presbyterian congregations. Then, in the early days of this century, the Church of God was established just as the Presbyterian church began its final decline.
The Spring Place Presbyterian Church was formed prior to 1835 and is thought by some to have been the second church organized in Murray County. Presbyterian missionaries had visited the area as early as 1817. Deeds show that on October 8, 1835 James Morris sold 4 acres of land to the trustees of the church for "worship and for an academy." The trustees included James A.W. Johnson. S.M. Nelson. William C. Lough and Mr. Nedler.
While many believe that the church had only one home, it most likely had two. for not until the 1850's was the real church structure built. Where the Presbyterians worshipped until then is not clear, but in that decade Robert Woods built the brick structure using slave labor. This building was one of the most beautiful in the county. It had a fine organ, red carpet (as did no other church), and "gates on the pews."
The church was successful for many years. William Beard Brown of Chattanooga served as minister in 1862-63 and the North Georgia Citizen of September 3, 1874 carried this bit of news;
Sabbath services at the Presbyterian Church in Spring Place were unusually interesting and impressive. Rev. Mr. Jones preached to a large and attractive audience in his unusual fellicitious style. Col. James A. McKamy was ordained Elder and sacrament administered to a goodly number of communicants.
In 1893 an issue of the Spring Place Jimplicute contained this story which was re-printed in the Dalton newspaper since Rev. Matthews lived in that city, but also served Spring Place.
"Rev. Mark Matthews came over Friday and filled his appointment here. Regardless of the rain a good crowd assembled and heard a fine sermon on "Consider The Way.' Our reporter called on Brother Matthews and had the following interview: " 'Good evening Mr, Matthews.' " 'Good evening my dear friend. Come in. 1 am glad to see you and I hope you are well and happy.'
" 'Well, Mr. Matthews, tell me of your work,'
" 'Well sir, my work is very heavy. 1 have as much as two men ought to do. But the work is prospering in every respect. I am happy when I can be doing the work of the Lord. If I go a day and don't make somebody happy I don't sleep good at night. 1 am truly a servant of the people. I have been coming to this place about a year and 1 feel that some good has been accomplished. I come without the hope of any financial reward and 1 have not received any thing and do not want it. You can say to the little 'doodlebugs' who have been prying into my business that I am not needy. Yes, I love the people of Spring Place and 1 will always love them for their kindness to me.' "
For many years, services were held regularly and attendance was good. However near the turn of the century the church began to decline. Many members had died or moved away. In an effort to improve attendance, services were moved to Sunday afternoons so that people who lived in other parts of the county or attended other churches could get to Spring Place, too. Efforts to rebuild the congregation failed and in the teens services were discontinued.
In 1932 The Chatsworlh Times printed this account and letter on the front page.
Presbyterian Church Al Spring Place Being Demolished
The Presbyterian church building, at Spring Place, which was built in the eighteen fifties and which has become one of the outstanding historic spots in this county, is being demolished.
The destruction of this building has caused much protest from those who have known about it and Miss Lela Wilson, one of the members of the church, and probably the only one now living, has written a letter of protest and requested that it be Published.
A Protest
A few days ago two of my nephews and I were driving from Dalton and they expressed a desire to drive by and see "Mother's Old Church," as they called it. What was our consternationtosee it being demolished. My very soul was hurt to see tile only spiritual home 1 have ever known being destroyed. My earliest memories of Christian things were learned tlicre. My church vows were also taken there and with my people I for years took the communion there. To me every brick in its walls was sacred, and its altar holy, I exclaimed: "Who has dared profane this sanctuary?" My grandmother, moving here from South Carolina, was instrumental in its erection and the largest doner and remembered the church in her will. My family, impoverished by war, made every sacrifice to keep it alive and provide a minister. This is well known over the county. 1 am the only communicant left in the county, and it strikes me if the church was to be handed over to a member of another church, common courtesy demanded 1 at least have notice. There were many things of no intrinsic value 1 would have treasured for their association, but I sec even God's house is not immune from slick trading.
The last and bitterly hurt member of the dear old Presbyterian church at Spring Place.
LELA WILSON,
While Miss Wilson's words were very stirring, she was a bit inaccurate in one instance. She was not the last member of the church for at least one other member was. and is still, living in Murray County. Mrs. E.P. (Bessie Mae) Adams joined the Spring Place Presbyterian Church around 1903 or 1904, Her father, Thomas B. Davis, was ordained an Elder of the congregation on November 14, 1906 and Mrs. Adams possesses many memories of the church as well as the last records.
In this first decade of the 20th century, the group pledged support ranging from 50¢ to $6 to obtain a regular pastor. Rev. Kiddo P. Simtnons of Rome served from 1907 until 1908 at least. Regular monthly preaching services continued, but often the members sought financial support from leading Spring Place citizens like W.W, Sampler, R.M. Gudger, George Chamblee, Frank Peeples, Lewis Thompson. William Pendley, and O.K, Bates who attended other churches. The membership roll numbered 23: Elders James McCamy (who died in 1906). f H Dickson, Mr. Davis, and T.J. Ramsey (also ordained in November, 1906), John McKamy. Nancy McKamy, Mrs. E.H. Dickson, Lizzie and Eva Dickson, Mrs. T.J. Ramsey. Mrs, M.B. Stewart, James Whitecotton, Mrs. R.E, Wilson, Lela Wilson, EulaEdmondson.Marnie and Addie Pendley, Elizabeth Ellen Rouse, Harvey Rouse, Ethel Chamblee, Mrs. Laura Davis, and Bessie Mae Davis (Adams).
Other names associated with the church in earlier days included James A. Randell, Dawson Walker, W.W. Gilles, A.L. Ramsey. M.B. Stewart, and Elder John Glass whose daughter Mrs. Mollie Brown was a long-time postmistress in Spring Place. Mr. Davis did much to beautify the church and grounds.
According to Mrs. Adams the church boasted a pretty altar, solid wood pews, a beautiful yard with much shrubbery, nice windows, a picket fence built by Mr. Ramsey, an open porch, and a plank walkway in front of the building. The yard extended westward to the road which went to Lucy Hill Institute while the small cemetery was very near the church on the east side. Mr. Ramsey was the long-time caretaker and lived across Ellijay Street from the church. He also tolled the bell for services. This bell had once rung at the Moravian Mission and is now at the Vann House Historic Site. The church also had a successful Sunday school.
When the Presbyterian Church property was sold, Mr. C.N. King, a well-known lawyer, became the owner. Today, Mr. Mike Ballew's residence stands on the site of the old church.
The history of the Spring Place United Methodist Church also goes back to the days of the Cherokees as a mission to the Indians. The exact date of the establishment is not known, but the first reports to the Holston Conference of Tennessee were in 1835, The mission was a member of the New Town District along with seven other missions.
After 1832, when the Cherokee lands were opened forwhite settlement, the early Methodist settlers also worshipped at the mission. The Cherokee Removal in 1838 saw the group at Spring Place become an all-white congregation by 1839. The Holston Conference met Oct. 9, 1844 and the area of the conference within Georgia was given to the Georgia Conference. This territory, including Spring Place and Murray County, was formally accepted by the Georgia Conference on January 18- 1845. Nathaniel Harrison was an early member.
The mission was located near [he old Moravian Mission on what is now the old Ellijay Road. In 1851. the congregation moved to a site on Elm Street in Spring Place and built a brick church facing north. James Morris sold the land to the trustees for $5. The trustees were. John O'Donnall, David Jay.W.W. Stone, R.S. Morris and E.H.L. Keister. James Edmondson and Sarah H. Powell had earlier held an interest in the property.
Over the next quarter of a century the church grew, surviving the Civil War which divided the Methodists into the Methodist Episcopal Church and the M.E. Church South. In 1870 Trustees Keister, William H. Steed, U.H. Duncan, and William J. Worsham purchased additional property from the Morris estate, At one time the church also owned a parsonage on Ellijay Street. W.H. Staples and A.J. Leonard were also trustees in the 1870's. In 1873 Frank Vonberg sold another parcel of land to the church and 2 years later a new building was erected on the brick foundation of the 1851 building which had burned a short time before. The new edifice faced east, however, and was to be the Methodists' home for the next 101 years.
As Spring Place grew, so did the churches. Regardless of denomination, the citizens worshipped at all the churches as the circuit riders made their rounds. Many home-comings, conferences, box suppers, Sunday school meetings, revivals, and women's group meetings highlighted the history.
After the county seat moved to Chatsworth, a new church was established there and the membership at Spring Place declined. However there remained a faithful number to carry on the church.
Pastors of the church during that century were numerous but included J.S. Embrey (1876), Freeman Rush Smith (1890). B.N. McHan, J.B. Godfrey, N.A. Parsons, Rev. Cook (1941-44), Clyde Blackstock, H.G. England, Ellis Brashear, Horace Webb, Boyd Wagner, Charles Burton, John Underwood, Robert Cagle, C.L, Peck, and Walton McNeal.
During the 1970's the congregation saw the need to build a new church with more parking space. When no land became available in Spring Place, 5 acres were purchased just north of the Vann House and a new sanctuary completed in 1976. Rev. McNeal left the church in 1979 and was succeeded by Charles Davis, Mark Westmorland, and David Bilhimer,
Over the years many dedicated leaders worked and worshipped at Spring Place Methodist Church. Among the older ones are Mattie Henry, Sally Kemp, Sam and Laura Fincher (superintendent and organist), Mr. & Mrs. Frank Vonberg the Cox family. Edd Pritchett, Mr. & Mrs. W.B, Robinson and Kate Keister w[io often tolled the bell for services and to sound the alarm of a fire in the town. Other long-time leaders of the congregation include Miss Agnes Kemp (a member since 1914), Mrs. Minnie Gryder (a Sunday school teacher for most of four decades). Mr. & Mrs. C.N. King, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Odell Ingle, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Smith, Mr. & Mrs. Carl L. Davis, Mrs. Rosa Ross, Mr. & Mrs. Jay Cox, and Mr. & Mrs. William L. Hawkins.
The WhitfieId-Murray Historical Society has preserved and restored the old Methodist church which is now used as a museum and as a public meeting facility.
The exact date for the founding of the Spring Place Baptist Church is not known, but it is possible that it was founded by Humphrey Posey, a staunch Baptist who was an early teacher and a zealous missionary in the area during Indian days. In 1846 Spring Place left the Coosa Baptist Association to join the new Middle Cherokee Association so the church was established sometime earlier.
The first home of the church was a log building located northwest of the present church near the Robert Ballew residence, not far from the cemetery. According to tradition this structure burned while in use as a school. Early pastors included A.E. Vandivere (1848) and W.A. Ellis (1849-50).
Around 1850 a second church was built directly across Highway 225 from the 1956 church. A deed made by James Morris, M.D. Jones, Mitchell Jones. Mary Jones, and Frances Jones was recorded in September. 1850 and mentions "where the Baptist Church is built." The church still owns the property which was the church site for 40 years.
In 1870 Martin Isbell was the Spring Place pastor while James C. Henry and C.B. Holland were leaders. Records of the North Georgia Baptist Association show that the congregation included 12 Negroes, Also in the 1870's the church obtained another parcel of land from W.W. Gibbs (or Gillas). Deeds mention a parsonage and a nearby brick kiln. The North Georgia Citizen carried the following somewhat premature announcement in December. 1874:
There is a strong idea afloat that at no distant day the building of a Baptist Church in Spring Place will be commenced. A small amount of funds with which to begin is now all that is required.
Not until November 7, 1891 did the church appoint J.F. Harris. John McNeal, M. Roberts, T.J. Overby, and O.C. Coins to "lay off" the building on land given to the trustees by J.C. Henry. A beautiful white frame building was constructed by the members in 1892-93. Bill Henry and Frank Vonberg made the pews for the third Spring Place Baptist Church.
The old building was then used as a school but later became a livery stable. Mattie Lou Walls Pritchett remembered the structure as a wide, "low-like" weatherbeaten and, unpainted building with a gently sloped roof when she went there in 1903 to ask Mr. Hilliard, the liveryman, to take her to her first teaching job in Whitfield County. "Miss Mattie Lou" said that the building had a big wide door and faced east. The windows had been boarded up when it was converted from the school into the stable. Along-time member of the Church, Mrs. Pritchett. saw four Spring Place Baptist sanctuaries, this older one which was torn down or burned around 1915 as well as the three which have followed.
The 1892 building was used by the growing congregation until it was dis-mantled in 1955. The best lumber and materials were salvaged fromtheold building and used in a new brick sanctuary with several classrooms which was dedicated in 1956. The dour trim from the last Spring Place courthouse was placed over the front door of this structure.
By 1980 the congregation saw the need for another sanctuary, more classrooms, and a fellowship hall. A building program was begun with Alton Wagnon, Johnny West. Maynard Young. Ernest Witherow. Leonard Thomas, Randall Richards and Mike Ballew on the original committee. The new masonry building with a wood arched roof was occupied on Easter Sunday, 1982. Danny Walters was the pastor. Noteburning services were held in December, 1985.
In 1875 Spring Place Baptist had 136 members; 110 years later it boasted 345. Some of the earliest members of the congregation were the Anderson, Henry. King, Johnson, Lowery, Carter, Rollins, Ellis, Temples. Roberts. Henderson, McGhee, Hill, Etheridge, Black, Bagley, Adams, Howard, Shields, Wells and Ovbey families. Several generations of Ballews, Rouses, Elrods, Robinsons, and Richardses have also attended services there.
Many men have pastored at Spring Place including W.P. Fore, J.W. Bailey C1899) V.J. McVeigh, H.D. Gilbert, E.H. Scott. W.C. Luther. J.E. Hudson MQOO)' C.C. Maples (1913), Revs. Austin and Stone. A.F. McDenne?. M.H. Welch (1920- W.F. Huffaker, W.M. Kelly, Charlie Plemons. Kirby Park (1946), C E Ward, Walter Harper, Frank Harper, Revs. Compton. Seymore. and Bur-nette Bob Porch. Tom Turner (1960's). Marshall Bamett, Jack Whitehead (1970's), and Danny Walters. Mike Purdy is the present pastor.
Deacons at the church in times past included C.N. King, Sr., W.L. Roberts, C C. Smith. Oliver Pierce Ballew, W.R. Ballew, Tom West, Carl B. Davis, Luke Ballew, Joe Tucker. Troy Richards, Tom Morris, Ed Ballew, Jim Roberts, and Emest'Pritchett. J.W. Robinson, C.W. Brown, W.L. Roberls. C.N. King, WJ. Johnson, and C.E, Wilbanks all served as clerk.
The third church in Spring Place today is the Church of God, now located west of the cemetery on the Ellijay Road. Founded in 1909, the first services were held al Shriner's store in Spring Place. When charter members Sam Latimer. Lee Jones, Bill Coker. and Mamie Carter organized this group, it was only the third Church of God in Georgia. Land for the church home was donated by Lee Jones and Mrs. Arthur Jones.
In 1913 the original building burned and during the next year a second structure was built. The present building was constructed in 1936 and has been remodeled in 1961, 1965. and again in more recent years.
Some of the past pastors were: S.W, Latimore, Wesley Murphy, T.S. Payne, Henry Murphy, S.L. Cantrell. Joe Moon, J.H. Nix, J.R. Davis, W.M, Murphy, C.A. Culpepper, Hubert Davenport, J.P. Green. Frank Swaggarty, Francis Bell. Joe Jordan, Homer Milon. L.C. Smith, Don Tatum, J.D. Bazemore. Bill Cantrell, Hoyt Scroggins, Clyde Richmond, Roy Shields, Richard Harkins, Annette Whitley. a Hulsey, Bob Cox, George Douglas. Edd Messer.
Rev. Bill Parker, a great-grandson of charter member Mamie Carter, has been pastor of the church for several years, (Information from Margaret Jones.)
-Chapter IV-
TOWNS, COMMUNITIES, AND MILITIA DISTRICTS
(1880-1980)
Spring Place Cemeteries
The Spring Place area has some of the most historic burial grounds in Murray County. The oldest cemetery was the God's Acre of the Moravian Mission. The final resting place of Cherokee Chief Joseph Vann's mother, a devoted missionary, Indian children, and others, this graveyard has been long since destroyed. A State Historical marker, a D.A.R. marker, and a marker for Chief Charles R. Hicks stand at the corner of Ellijay Street and Highway 225, commemorating the mission and the cemetery. The cemetery was actually located east of that spot.
According to Mrs. Bessie Mae Adams and the late W.K. Jones, the Presbyterian church had a cemetery also. However, the names of any who might have been buried there have been lost. Undoubtedly the congregation had an area set aside for a cemetery, but all of their known leaders are buried elsewhere, so the church plot must have been used very seldom and in early days-if at all. A third cemetery near Spring Place is the Williams-Reed family burial ground off the Williams Road, north of town and south of Green Road. The Williams family were once very prominent in the town and owned much land near the cemetery. Those buried in the cemetery were all related to Seaborn Reed who lived from 1809 until 1884. His four daughters. Morning Reed, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Gallman, and Mrs. Johnson and their descendants are interred there. In 1921 Mr. Charlie Williams asked the deacons of the Spring Place Baptist Church to accept a deed to the Williams-Reed Cemetery. Nol used in more than 30 years, the cemetery is not in good condition.
South of Spring Place off the Bishop Pond Road was an old black cemetery, possibly dating back to pre-Civil War days. Long abandoned, the graves were barely distinguishable in the 1920's.
The most famous cemetery in all Murray County is Spring Place's Treadwell Cemetery named for Smith Treadwell, an extensive landowner, whose face is said to have appeared on his monument soon after his burial. Treadwell descendants Ethel Green Brown and Aldyne Maltbie supplied the following information about Mr. Treadwell.
In 1838, while living in Henry County, Georgia, Smith Treadwell, Esquire and William White purchased land in recently created Murray County. Soon after, he moved to Murray County and in 1840 married Mary (Polly) Mobley {1818-1851}, the daughter of Peyton and Susannah Hill Mobley, residents of Cross Plains (Dalton). Smith and Polly lived in the Tunnel Hill area and he rode horseback to Spring Place where he served as a county Justice of the Inferior Court for a time. The couple had seven children: Mary Ann, Susan Ann, Rachel F., John, Martha E., Miriam, and Smith Jr. called "Tuck. "
Polly Treadwell died in 1851 and was buried in the "Mobley Hill"Family Cemetery in present day Whitfield County. Before her death, Polly asked her husband to try to win her sister, "Betsy," as his second wife and on November 12, 1854, Smith married Nancy Ann Elizabeth Mobley (1826-1905). To this union were born Sarah Jane, Mahala Evaline, Ellen Lucinda, William Peyton, Tuton /Torn/, Nancy Augustine, Stephen Lee, andAdelade.
Mr. Treadwell served as State Senator from the 43rd District (Murray, Gordon, and Whitfield} in 1857-58. Also during this time, he accumulated many acres of land, owning property in Floyd, Cass, Terrell, Whitfield, and Murray Counties. He owned a colonial home at Tilton and his descendants still own portions of this property.
During the war Between the States he moved the family to his Terrell County plantation near Dawson so they would be out of danger while he was away at war. Though he was too old for active duty, he enrolled from the Eleventh Senatorial District in Military Company District 1150 under the Reorganization Act of 1863. Mr. Treadwell was sent to guard prisoners at Andersonville, Georgia.
After the War, he freed his Terrell County slaves and moved to Spring Place. His home was a two-story colonial home on the Chatsworth Highway, later owned by the King family. Also on his property was a small cemetery called the Seay, or sometimes the Black, Cemetery. From this time on, however, it would bear the name of its most famous owners-the Treadwells.
During the time he lived at Spring Place, Smith Treadwell built and owned several wheat and com water mills and also several bridges.
According to his descendants. Smith Treadwell lost much of his land paying damages to other landowners whose property was destroyed when heavy rains caused the mill ponds to over-flow. Fortunately, he had given most of his children some land at the time of their marriage.
In his later years Smith moved several times, living at Tilton, and in Rome before returning to Spring Place in 1888. On February 20, 1893 Smith Tread-well passed away and was buried in the Treadwell Cemetery.
A short time after his death, a marble monument was placed at his grave and soon people who visited the grave noticed that the streaks in the marble resembled the face of a man. Levi Branham, a former slave, who knew Smith Tread-well for many years, wrote the following about the marker in his book, My Life and Travels:
"1 helped bury Mr. Treadwell but I did not help put the tombtohis grave. 1 was there a few days after his tomb was put up, but I never saw any sign of the picture which resembles a man. Within a year 1 noticed the picture.
"I think it resembles him very much. It seems to me that the picture becomes plainer every day ."(p. 47)
Walter L. Bogle wrote the following about the marker:
"The face on the tombstone in the cemetery just off the Dalton Chatsworth Highway near Spring Place is a wonderful likeness of the man who is buried beneath it. The marks in the marble outline the face in a remarkable way and hundreds of sightseers have visited this." {Daily Citizen-News, May 22, 1875, p. 4)
However. Mrs. Thelma T. Bond of Dalton, a granddaughter, says the likeness in the stone bore little resemblance to pictures of Smith Treadwell. So the question. "Was the likeness on the stone really that of Smith Treadwell?" will continue to amaze people. Two people who knew the man write that it was his likeness, yet pictures do not bear this out.
When asked why the likeness came on the monument, Mr. Branham replied:
"1 was not able to tell them. One man asked me if the picture came there because Mr. Treadwell was a good man ... or a bad man ... I told him ... a good man. I had ... always found him to be an honest man. He attended to his own business and let other folks' business alone. That's what it takes to be a good man." {p. 47)
Family members and others who knew or knew of Smith Treadwell agree that he was a good man.
However, another statement by Mr. Branham throws a different light on the picture of Smith Treadwell:
"In 1889 Mr. Treadwel! told me that he had distilled whiskey and brandy nearly all his life, but he had never been arrested ... If anyone wanted to buy whiskey from him . . . they would have to carry it from his premises. 1 suppose that accounted for his not being arrested." The statement is true, but requires clarification. Mr. Treadwell did make whiskey at times, but for the government, reports Mrs. Bond. She adds that Mr. Treadwell "was not a bootlegger," Murray County was not voted dry until 1886 (Georgia Laws 1886).
Regardless of the tales told about Smith Treadwell a man's likeness did exist on his marker. Photographs reveal this, but the face is more easily visible to those who know they are supposed to see a face.
The Smith Treadwell marker received national attention when it was featured in Ripley's "Believe It or Not" column sometime in the 1930's. The article featured an exaggerated drawing of the marker and the following information: "The Tombstone Portrait—Spring Place. Georgia. A few years after the death of Smith Treadwell an exact likeness of him appeared on his gravestone."
After this, hundreds of people visited the grave site and almost that many tales about Mr. Treadwell sprang up. One said that the likeness appeared because he was a mean man who had murdered his wife. Another said he was a thoroughly dishonest man and a bootlegger. The list is as long as mankind's imagination.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl B. Davis moved to Spring Place in 1922 and bought a house near the entrance to the cemetery. In the months following the Ripley's column, people were constantly at their door, asking about Smith Treadwell. the cemetery, and the marker. The Davises said people would come at all hours and they never knew who or what they would find at their door next, nor what new tale they would hear.
As the years passed, the Treadwell saga would be revived now and then and a new stage of visitors would descend on the cemetery, Mrs. Bond, and the Davises. In 1951 the marker was stolen and was not located for some time. Finally, some fishermen found the marker in Mill Creek near Dalton. The family had grown tired of the phone calls, unwanted visitors, undesirable publicity, and much damage and vandalism in the cemetery so the decision was made not to re-erect the tombstone. They welcomed the relief and wanted to let Mr. Treadwell rest in peace.
Mrs, Davis said that many stories were told about the theft of the marker, Someone even said that foreigners stole it and sometimes people in uniform would go to the Davis' making inquiries about the marker.
Mr. Davis told of another interesting burial at Treadwell Cemetery. In 1941, while digging a grave, the workers discovered an earlier burial. The men, one of whom was Mr. Davis, obtained permission to move the coffin to another spot. In doing so the men found that the coffin was buried north and south, not in the usual manner facing east. Another fascinating thing was that the coffin was , solid iron and sealed air-tight. In the process of moving the casket, a piece of ; glass over the face of the body was broken and the men discovered that the . deceased was a golden-haired girl about seven or eight years old. The men reinterred the coffin a short distance away, once again in the north-south direction.
Mr. Davis made many inquiries but no one had any knowledge about the old burial, the unknown girl, or the solid-iron coffin. Mr. Davis said the only thing that might have served as a marker was a cedar tree at the end of the coffin. However, the men had already cut down the tree before discovering the grave.
The oldest marked grave in the Treadwell Cemetery is that of Margaret Baxter who died in 1847. Other pre-Treadwell burials include Caroline Buck-hanan (1852), Elizabeth Seay, and Mary Black (1860). Mrs. Bond said that she felt that these women were related to the Seays since the cemetery once went by that name.
The main Treadwell section was once surrounded by a hedge, fence, and filled with cedar trees. Now only part of the hedge and a few trees remain. In the early 1900s another section was added, north of the Treadwell family plots. Among those families using the newer part are the Ridley. Elrod, and Ballew families.
Spring Place Cemetery is the oldest and largest burial ground in the area which is still is use. An 1868 deed from W.W. Gates to A. Dexter and C.C. Clark provided 2 acres for a graveyard in lot 246 (9th District, 3rd Section). However marked burials date to the 1840's. Located on the Ellijay Road at the western boundary of Spring Place, this cemetery is the final resting place of many interesting and prominent Murray Countians.
Dimple Johnson Ferguson of Atlanta told the story of the Unknown Soldier who is buried near the original entrance to the cemetery: Mrs. Ferguson wrote that he was
. . . found in the McGhee barn after a contingent of Yankee soldiers marched by on the Calhoun Road. He was very young, 15 or 16, He was unconscious and died of dysentery a few days laler. They never knew his name. Granny told us that the women and children of Spring Place buried him because the men were all away at war. All my life we have visited this grave and told this story. 1 told it once to a Mr, & Mrs. Jones who were working in the cemetery and they, in turn, told the American Legion who contacted me for details. On a Sunday afternoon in November, 1976 they marked the grave with a lovely Patriotic Ceremony.
Two former slaves. Issac and Patience Venable, are also buried in the cemetery. Moving to Spring Place after the Civil War, the couple lived on the McGhee farm for many years. Only one of the graves is marked—as "Patient Venerable"— , on the westernmost edge of the graveyard.
In 1975 well-known Murray County journalist Olivene Godfrey wrote about some of the other important burials at Spring Place:
Captain W.C. Tillon who died in 1897 buried his bird, a parrot named "Ludie," in the family cemetery plot. The bird's marker reads: "Ludie, brought from South America. October, 1368 - died October 23, 1892 - Beautiful Bird - sweetest of pets." Stories handed down by old-time citizens say the bird was gorgeous and a "great talker."
Another old marker reads: "Captain Francis Marion Dwight, Company 36, Regiment C.A. Vol. died May 13, 1816, at 49 years old."
When a fire swept through Spring Place in the 1800s, a Dr. Bagwell, his six-month-old baby, two small boys, his housekeeper, a Mrs. Williams, were burned to death and are all buried at the Spring Place Cemetery.
V.C. Picketing, a prominent Murray County pioneer, who served as a state senator and helped to build the first hospital here is also buried in the cemetery, Mr. Pickering is credited with helping to build a road across Fort Mountain and the building of several Murray County churches. George Campbell, a midget who worked as a comedian for Paramount Pictures and for Ringling Bros, Circus, is buried in the cemetery. Byron Campbell, a pioneer resident of Murray County, and Charlie Campbell, who served as Justice of the Peace for 16 years in Chatsworth are buried in the cemetery.
Mrs. Virginia Bernard of Chatsworth had her husband, Lew Bernard, buried in the Spring Place Cemetery, Mr. Bernard, a native of Vienna, Austria, performed in silent movies and was later a banker before his death in 1955.
Among the other prominent Murray citizens buried there are Dr. J.E. Bradford, Civil War Colonel William Luffman, Major R.E. Wilson. War of 1812 Veteran George Cleveland. Educator Lula Gladden. Dr. J.F Harris, Jason Robinson, Dr. Anderson, Samuel Field. James, John and Tom Polk Edmondson, Dr. Sam Dwight of Hopedale, and many who served as county officials. Margaret Jones and her late husband, Luther, have worked for many years to beautify and maintain the cemetery. Due to their work and the generosity of Mrs. Edna Loughridge Gregory a perpetual care fund has been established for this historic burial ground.
-Chapter IV-
TOWNS, COMMUNITIES, AND MILITIA DISTRICTS
(1880-1980)
Other Communities in the District
When the county seat moved to Chatsworth. the Spring Place District was renumbered No. 1895 among Georgia's militia districts. Chatsworth became the No. 824 or "Town" precinct. Today voters go to Spring Place Elementary School to cast their ballots and the district encompasses several other communities-old and new.
West of Spring Place on the Conasauga River near present Highway 76 was the town of Amzi. The name has Biblical origins and is found in I Chronicles 6:46. A post office was established there in 1892 and in 1900 the Cyclopedia of Georgia recorded that Amzi was a post village with a population of 35, Postmasters at Amzi were James M. Stone (1892-94), M. Lartgston (1894-97), A.T. Dickson (Dec. 1897-Feb. 1898). Robert Fletcher (Feb.-Mar. 1898), James A. Langston (1898-1901). Jesse W, Langston (1901-04). and L. Choice Perkins (1904-09). Amzi and several other Murray post offices closed in 1909 when rural free delivery began.
The Langstons had a store at Amzi and sold everything from sugar, coffee, and beans to shoes. The area also had the Bettis School during the 1870's and 80's. John S. Bettis, a trustee, deeded 2 acres on land lot 184 (9th & 3rd) for a school "public or private." The land "fronted on the Spring Place-Dalton Road," The only known teachers were L.D, Bettis (1877), Miss Bettis (1881), and Mrs. Gideons (1884). although the school operated until 1888 at least.
On the same land lot was Bethel Church which appears on maps into the 1890's. Nearby is the Morris-Varnell Cemetery. Named for John Morris (1796-1871) and his wife Elizabeth (1794-1878) who were among the first to be interred there, the cemetery was in use until the middle of this century, but is today largely overgrown. Signs of many unmarked graves remain and one interesting gravestone simply says "Saphronia Key age 91." Other family names found in the cemetery include Bearden. Rainey. Ellis, Bettis, Vamell. Whitfield, Busie, Elrod, and Lollar. The cemetery, located just south of Highway 76 east of Keith Road, was set aside "for a neighborhood, graveyard" according to an 1886 deed which also included a road right-of-way. J.E. Bettis (and later the Treadwells) lived "opposite" of the cemetery. Names mentioned in the deed were trustees Joseph C. Morris, John F. Vamell, and John L. Lollar.
Dr. J.M. Harris had an Amzi address in 1893 and in a 1902 newspaper brief, Jesse Langston was called "Mayor" of Amzi.
The most famous landmark in the Amzi community was the impressive Treadwell Mill. The largest of all of Smith Treadwell's milling operations, this mill was built around 1870 (give or take a year) and had three stories. Anchored to the river bank, the building extended over the river and boasted two large, "undershot" mill wheels. 20 feet high and 12 feet wide. The mill ground flour as well as meal and the complex also included a gin in addition to a sawmill where shingles were made and lumber was dressed. The wheels were replaced by turbines in 1903 and the mill continued to operate until the years between the World Wars.
Early efforts to build a bridge across the Conasauga in this vicinity had failed due to "freshets" and shifting banks, so a ferry operated about 30 yards above the mill for some time. At one time a covered bridge was constructed but a metal structure spanned the river for many years. This Treadwell Bridgewas replaced with a more modern one when the present road was built, north of the old mill site.
In 1957 Mr. & Mrs. Leroy Coulter bought the Perkins home near the former mill complex and guard over the remains of the once thriving business. In the recent past the Coulters revived the old name with the Amzi Craft Fair held each October.
In 1980 another church came to this communiiy when the Keith Road Baptist Congregation was organized. Charter members were Mr. & Mrs. Conway Gregory. Rev. & Mrs. B.F. Babb, Pastor & Mrs. Richard Lawless, and Ricky Lawless. In less than 2 years the $100,000 building was completed and membership grew to 110. Deacons Danny Deal. Clay Ryles, Jr., Johnny Carden, Charles Stone, and Fred Russell joined the ministers and Mr. Gregory in note-burning activities in the summer of 1982.
In earlier days a school had existed between Keith Road and the River. Called Riverbend after an older school by that name (located farther south) which had closed, this school operated for a short lime. Teachers included T.P. Thornton (1933-34). Eula Thornlon (1935-37). and Ralph Richards (1937). The school was destroyed by fire in 1937.
Keith's Store and Murphy Ridley's Store were also well-known businesses in the Amzi-Treadwell communiiy. In recent years enterprises such as Loudermilk's Barber Shop, Sherwalson Carpets, Colonial Printing. O'Ryan's Carpets and mobile homes sales have been located on the "Chatsworth Highway," a four-lane from Chatsworth to Dalton since 1980.
Just east of Amzi is the Gladden Springs community, named for a well-known Murray family who lived there. In early days this was the site of Civil War reunions while Murray Homes, stores, Sandy's Beauty Shop, and a branch of Cohutta Bank (1974-84) have since been located there. Several businesses, have also operated on what is now Highway 52 between Spring Place and Gladden Springs. Flood's Auto Parts, H & K Superrite owned by Hoyt and Kathleen; Ridley. Elrod's Store, Colortone Carpets. Thomason Heating & Air, and Chatsworth Salvage along with a cloth store are some of the enterprises. The H & K building has since been the home of Fellowship Baptist Church, pastored by George Johnson, while another congregation has met in the old Elrod store.
A bit farther east of Gladden Springs is Jimmie's Florist, operated by Jimmie Hayes and her daughters, next door to the Free Hope Baptist Church and parsonage. Free Hope was originally a Primitive Baptist congregation, but this group disbanded sometime before 1895. The Missionary Baptist Church was constituted August 2. 1895. The organizing presbytery consisted of Rev. E.J, DeWeese, Rev, Robert Parker, Rev, Joseph Fore, and 13 charter members including J.W. Langston, Maggie Langston, William Davis, Mary Davis, B.F. Jones, Matlie Jones, Joseph Mallett. Margaret Mallett. E.E. Daniel, Hattie McHan, Jane Luffman, Robert Fletcher, and Isabella Fletcher, Rev. Parker moderated the first conference on August 24 and Rev. DeWeese, who often walked from his Ellijay home to the monthly services at Free Hope, was elected pastor while J.W. Langston became church clerk.
J.C. Morris. E.E. Daniel, and J.M. Luffman furnished land in an August 23, 1895 deed and soon the congregation enlarged the small, one-room Primitive Baptist Church. The church joined the North Georgia Baptist Association the same year. The original building was used until 1921 when it was torn down. A large frame structure with an auditorium and two Sunday school rooms was erected.
About 1948 a building fund was started and. upon land given by Alice Hill Scott, a brick building consisting of an auditorium and seven Sunday school classrooms was erected about 1/4 mile west of the old site. The reason for the change being that the new Chatsworth-Dalton highway ran at a distance to the rear of the building. This building was completed in May, 1953. Mr. George McHan drew the plans for this building and Rev. Frank Harper, a carpenter, helped build it. This building burned to the ground on Thanksgiving afternoon the same year. Although the church was paid for, there was no insurance.
With much sacrifice on the part of the members, donations by friends and churches, and a sizable loan from the Home Mission Board, the church was rebuilt in 1954 almost exactly like the one destroyed by fire, and it is said by many to be one of the nicest rural church buildings in this section. It is of brick and block construction with hardwood floors, gas floor furnace heat and has beautiful memorial windows. The auditorium seats 350 and there is ample parking space.
The following have served as pastors: E.J. DeWeese, Joseph Mallett, J.M. Cash, W.R. Lackey, M.S, Shugart. Ben Vaughn, T.A. Brown, Walter Bennett, J-W. Pitts, Robert Elliott, William Campbell,W.E. Self. B.R. Hogan, W.J. Darnell. T.P, Thornton. W.E. Chadwick. W.H. Cummings, E.G. Davis, J.O. Dantzler. J-M. Owens, M.M. Fowler, Lynn Wood. Alonzo Gibson. Frank Harper, Ernest Young. Van Compton, Gene Ridley, Charles Hambright. Raymond Gordon. Rembert Moore, Milton Wood. Carl King, Willis Moore, Bill Elsberry, T.D. Hooker. James Brownlee. Richard Lawless, and C. Lonnie Adams, present pastor.
The church now has a pastorium built next to the church site with a full-time pastor on the field and has added a new sanctuary complete with padded seats, plush carpet, and baptistry. There is also a Fellowship Hall in the rear. The grounds have been landscaped beautifully and the parking lot is paved.
The Free Hope Cemetery is located east of the church, south of Highway "6. It began as the McHan-Luffman burial plot, according to some.
On two occasions Free Hope Schools existed. In 1884 "local subscriptions" were received from various Spring Place area residents "for the purpose of building a school house" to be located near the residences of E.E. Daniel, J.C. Morris, H.H. Luffman, and others. Among those who contributed either "a day's work" or money ranging from gifts of 50¢ to $I were Trammell Starr. W.H. Ramsey, L.S. Dates, James C. Henry, Frank Vonberg, L.L. Gault, J.P. Hix, L.F. Henry, H.L. Smith, J.L. Robinson. Pleas McGhee. James Dickson. C.N. Vance, Jim E. Gait, James McCamy, P.M. Stewart. R.E, Wilson, D.C. Kenner, J.T. Henry, V.J. Peeples, J.H. Ellis, S.J. Ellis, J.H. Peeples, L.F. Peeples, and Elias Gladden. Daniel. Morris, and John M. Luffman provided land for the school in 1884 and 1888, Known teachers at the school were J.E. Jackson (1885) and "Professor" Fricks (1891). Evidently the school closed and the trustees then deeded the property to the Church.
In 1911 Maggie and S.J. Jackson deeded 1 acre in land lot 186 (9th & 3rd) for a school "just north of Free Hope." Teachers here included Sallie Johnson (1916), Mattie Bagley (1917), May Johnson (1918), and T.P. Thornton (1920). Joe Scott. J.H. Walker, and Johnny Vaughan were trustees for this second Free Hope School.
Today a thriving community north of Spring Place is Central, located at the intersection of Georgia 225 and U.S. 76. Paul Jackson Ford opened there in June, 1985 and Grassmore Carpets is also at Central. The crossroads also boasts s Golden Gallon Food Store, the Brass Lantern Restaurant (formerly Howard's Country Kitchen and others), a drive-in restaurant, and other businesses including the Central Barber and Beauty Shops, operated by Jay and Ruth Cox. Mrs. Cox. a writer for The Chatsworth Times wrote the following account of Central in July, 1984:
Many years ago, my brother, Odell Ingle, had a dream. With this dream in mind, he purchased the land now known as Central. It was not until years later that he decided to build the first business on the southwest corner of the crossing.
In 1951, work had begun on the building which would later be known as Central l-'ood Market. Today this building serves as a place of worship for the Day Spring Ministry where Rev. Lynn Hayes U the pastor.
Even though the work had begun on a new building, Odell had no idea who might want to rent such a building. As the footing was being poured, the late Arnold Hufstetler stopped to express interest in renting both the grocery store and the adjoining service station.
After renting the buildings, Hufstetler decided that the location needed an official name. He said that since this spot was in the center of the county, population wise (east and west), and geographically (north and south) a good name would be Central. They both agreed. Excitement over the business places mounted and the store was built to Mr. Hufstetler's specifications.
A bam, owned by the late John Wilbanks, had to be torn down to make room for the new service station to be operated by the late Wink Goodman. Today the station is operated by David Stover.
Odell's dream became a reality when Hufstetler opened the Central Food Market. A short while later, Frankle and John Woods became the new owners.
The February event in 1952 is still vivid in Frankie's mind as she says, "When I first walked into that store, I thought it was the prettiest thing I had ever seen." It took a lot of determination and hard work to make this venture a success, but Frankie and John supplied plenty of both.
At this time, only seven houses could be seen from either direction. Today most of those houses are gone but many more have taken their place.
Grady Bagley remembers when mules, wagons and a few cars did not generate enough traffic to warrant a traffic light at this intersection. He recalls the deep ditches, a few homes and the cotton and corn fields which were a part of Central al that time.
Going back many years before Central, John Cox,, Jay's grandfather, lived on the corner where the RTK Service Station, owned by Neil Keener, now stands. At one lime there was a hog lot and wallowing pond at this location.
In the later 1950's the dream became even bigger with the opening of the coin-operated laundry. It has been in operation since that lime.
The Central Beauty and Barber Shops became a reality in 1961. We have made many friends here since that time that will hold a special place in our hearts.
At one time, three corners at Central crossroads were owned by Odell. He sold the property where the Golden Gallon now stands. However, he was directly or indirectly responsible for almost a dozen businesses in this area.
He and another brother, Buck, built the Trinity Carpet Mill building. They leased it for many years but finally sold it.
In my salute to Central, let me close by saying that when my brother is no longer seen around the comer at Central, he will have left something for everyone to remember, just as Arnold Hufstetler left the name.
For a time Calfee's Minute Market No. 19 operated in the Central Food Market building and the Sanford family's "The Yam Center" is located just north of the crossroads. Also north of Central is the Chief Van Subdivision begun by R.E. Chambers, Charles A. Pannell, and Jim Springfield on the Hamilton Farm in the 1950's.
Two schools have operated in this section of Spring Place District. At the northern edge was the Garden School, built before 1871 on Simon Weaver's property. Trustees were Pleas McGhee, J.A. McCamy, and Jacob Miller. In what is now Central, the Bermuda School opened in 1897. W.J. White provided 3/8 of an acre on lot 172 (9th & 3rd) for the school which was located atop a hill on the present-day site of a carpet mill near the intersection. Teachers there included J.D. Smith (1899) and Victoria Osbom (1900). The Steed children, who became prominent citizens, attended classes at Bermuda.
The county poor farm was located near Mill Creek at the northern boundary of the District. Also, at least six graves are located on the Leonard property east of Central on the north side of Highway 76. The area is accessible only by an old field road.
Today Highway 225 and particularly Highway 76 between Central and Chatsworth are dotted with many businesses, but factories like Candlewick, Fort Mountain Spinners, Galaxy, Chief Vann Carpets, and others are predominant.
For some time Spring Place had a black community which centered around the Pine Grove school, located on the Treadwell farm on the Williams Road north of town. Levi "Uncle Boisey" Branharn was a well-known teacher while other older teachers were Isabella Whitecotton (1881) and Fanny Rivers (1896). Later teachers included Eula Moore (1916-17), Eula Branham Wynn (1929) Nina Moore (1933-35). Essie Mae Branham (1936-38), and Lucille Branham (1937). Trustees were Aaron Rhodes, Jim Bonds, and Joe Branham.
During 1921 a young, progressive minister, Jesse C. Murray from Dalton was sent to Spring Place to preach and teach. The result of his work was the establishment of the Pine Grove Baptist Church. Church members Kate Kemp, Charles Bonds, and Curtis Rivers helped Nina Moore Hill compile the following history of the Pine Grove congregation:
On the farm of Mrs. Ida Keith Treadwell was a little, old, worn one-room schoolhouse called Pine Grove, located in a beautiful shady grove of pines with plenty of playground space for the children and sufficient room for parking wagons and buggies. This is the little building where Rev. Murray was sent to hold services.
Rev. Murray came from Dalton on the jitney bus and usually got off at the Branham mailbox on the west side of Spring Place to visit or spend the night before services on Sunday. Sometimes he brought Mrs. Murray and their little daughter, Janie, with him when he could get transportation. Not too many people had cars in those days.
Rev. Murray had high hopes and was anxious to get a church building there. He visited Mrs. Treadwell with other members to see if it would be possible to build a new church on her property. Mrs. Treadwell readily agreed, promising that the land was theirs as long as it was used for school and church purposes.
All the people had a mind to work to raise money for the new church. Mrs. Treadwell and other white and black friends gave the group much financial and moral support. Mr. Murray invited a group of ministers and laymen from Dalton, Lafayette, and the Shiloh Church to help with the organization of Pine Grove. Those present at the October 7, 1923 organization meeting included Revs. Tom Ray of Hopewell, C.H. Maxwell of New Hope, Wynn ofMt. Ridge, Standard of \ Fair Ground, Lee Mack of Shiloh, Lean McCamy and Murray both of Liberty along with Deacons Aaron Anderson of Mt. Ridge and Sam Ware of Liberty in addition to Tom Beck, Levi Branham, Matthew Branham, Onnie Beck Branham, Eula Branham Moore all from Shiloh.
After the church was organized in the little old school, the people really went to work soliciting funds. Box suppers, rallies, picnics and all kinds of\ methods were used and soon they had enough money to start the church. Then, at last, the new white frame building was completed on the west side of the road. Pretty wooden benches, wall kerosene lamps, and a nice wood heater furnished the sanctuary. Everyone was proud when the structure was dedicated on May 1, 1927. Rev. C.H. Maxwell preached the dedication sermon. Rev. T. Ray led in prayer, and Deacons John and Joshua Betton received the offering.
Among the first deacons were Levi Branham, Aaron Rhodes, Houston Bran-ham (church treasurer), Jim Maynard, and Jim Bonds, Sr. Thelma Branham was the first member to unite for baptism and was named Mother of the Church. Many others followed. The church prospered for several years and people came [ from miles away to hear good singing and preaching.
In 1930 Rev. Murray, who had postered several other churches at the same time decided to leave Pine Grove. He was succeeded by Frank Williams, Rev. Reynolds, and Rev. Harris. During Rev. Williams'nine years at the church other ministers visited from time to time including Rev. Robinson, and White from Chattanooga.
By the 1940's most of the blacks were movingtoChatsworth or other places and interest in Pine Grove lagged. The church became delapidated and Geneva Wofford, Lillie Rivers, and Carrie Ramsey attempted to save the building, but if was too far gone. Some other ladies who worked faithfully in the church were Julia Gilbert, Addie Phillips, Elsie Bonds, Esther Moore, Florence Branham, Eula Branham, Fannie Bonds, and Carrie Moore.
Time passed and the church was rebuilt on Sixth Avenue in Chatsworth. Rev. Womble led the reorganization and pastored a faithful few for many years. Curtis Rivers became the pastor in 1969. Other leaders at the new home have been Kate L. Kemp, Secretary, and Deacons Willie Kemp, Charles Bonds, Ernest Ramsey, and Bennie Bonds. _____
While Amzi, Gladden Springs. Central, and Pine Grove are communities north of Spring Place, others exist within the district south of the old town. East of Spring Place on Leonard Bridge Road is the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, organized March 28, 1956. Charter members were Rev. & Mrs. Ernest Tudor and two children. Deacon & Mrs. J.D. Sanford and three children, Deacon & Mrs. L.H. Sanford. Sr. and two children, Mr. & Mrs. Bradford Long. Barbara Long, and Mr. & Mrs. L.B. Thomason and one child. Rev. Trammell Long was elected pastor and Bradford Long was superintendent, while Althea Thomason was clerk and treasurer. Associational Missionary J.C.Williamson led ground-breaking ceremonies on April 4. 1956. Succeeding pastors have been John Coe, Raymond Ballew, Floyd Childers, and Billy Ray Scott.
Near present-day Mt. Olive was Hill House or "Chigger Hill" School. In 1894 Mrs. Mary F. Hill sold 1 acre of land on land lot 265 (9th & 3rd) to the Murray County Board of Education. The school had operated for several years already, however. Known teachers there included Miss M.J. Williams (1881). M.W. Shields (1892), Mrs. Marintha Wells (1893). George Kelly (1894-95), W.D. Wilbanks (1896), MX. Peeples (1897), Amanda Peeples (1899). and W.E. Waters (1900).
South of Spring Place on the Ramhurst Road near the Adams and Bishop farms was once a school sometimes called the Adams or "Couger" School but officially named "Gum Swamp." Miss Lela Wilson taught there in 1881 and 2 years later G.G. Adams deeded "thirty square yards where the school now stands" on lot 278 for a school and Baptist church. In the 1890's. operating as Gum Swamp, the school was threatened with closing several times apparently due to the p00r condition of the building. Talk of building a new facility in 1897 did n°t get results and the doors never reopened. Teachers included George Kelly, M.W. Shields (1891). Sybil Keister (1893), Hardie Phipps (1894), and Mollie Glass Brown (1895). Later this area was served by the Oakland School near Smyrna Church where the Spring Place District meets Bull Pen District.
West of Spring Place on the Ellijay-Dalton Road were the famous Hopedale Plantation and the Marble Hill School. Called "the garden spot of Murray County." Hopedale was originally the home of the Dwight family. Dr. Samuel Dwight was born in Oak Grove in Georgetown District. South Carolina, in 1786, moved to Murray County, became successful, and died at Hopedale in 1859. The Dwight daughter married Captain W.C. Tilton and during their ownership Hopedale reached its zenith. Although they were nut very active in Spring Place "social circles," the Tiltons had large house parties twice a year and invited guests from Atlanta. The grounds were beautiful with walkways covered with marble slabs. A large house with a high, wide porch. Hopedale's most original feature was that the carriage house was underneath the main structure. Located west of the present-day Church of God, Hopedale burned, but was rebuilt in a similar style on a smaller scale. The Jones family has owned the property for many years.
Mr. Tilton was responsible for the discovery of talc in (he 1870's. Sometimes called "tripoli" or "soapstone," the talc operation went on for several years, but ended around the turn of the century. The mines were located on the north side of the road, west of Hopedale near the Walls-Robinson farm. Mr. Tilton died in 1907 just as the talc industry in Chatsworth was beginning. He and his family are buried in the family plot at Spring Place with their tall markers surrounded by an elaborate, iron fence. Marion Williams was a business associate of Mr. Tilton and lived at Hopedale for a time as did the Harve Hannahs and Claude Andersons later on.
The Walls Springs were a popular place for school picnics and other gatherings. Students from both Spring Place and nearby Marble Hill visited there in the 1890s. Probably so named because traces of marble had been found in the area, (he school operated for almost a quarter of a century near the present-day site of Claude Chapman's home and garage. Begun about 1895 or so. Marble Hill's first teacher was Eula Edrnondson. Others who taught there were George Barks-dale (1899). Mollie Glass Brown (1900). Harold Willingham (a summertime visitor to Hopedale who lived near Marietta), Mattie Lou Walls (who had 75 students enrolled), Ella Davis (1912-13). Bessie Mae Davis Adams (1914-15), Agnes Kemp (1916), and Sally Johnson Robinson (1917-19). The school consolidated with Spring Place in January, 1920.
A 1913 deed for Marble Hill School mentions Robert T. Heselton and his wife, Eveline, of Bradford. York County. Great Britain, as previous owners of the property.
Mr. Tim Ovby also organized a Sunday school at Marble Hill in the 1890's. Miss Mattie Walker was a teacher and Mr. Rucker Mauldin led the singing.
A long-time landmark in this vicinity was Tibbs' Bridge. Named for William H- Tibbs an extensive landowner during the Reconstruction Era, the first bridge was probably erected in the 1880's. Between 1913 and 1918 a steel bridge was constructed across the Conasauga at the site. This historic span was replaced with a concrete bridge around 1980 when flood prevention measures were taken, also.
In times past, another road joined the areas around Tibbs' Bridge with the Brown's Bridge vicinity. Smoke's Ferry (1900) formerly James Morris', located on the river between the bridges. A lanyard was once located on Tibbs' Bridge Road and in the same area was the old Ebenezer Campground. On August 29, 1848 James Morris deeded 2 acres on lot 320 (9th & 3rd) to trustees Elisha Trimble. James C. Loughridge, Bayles Donaldson, A. McHan, and Harvey McHan of the Methodist Campground at Ebenezer Church. Located "near the Lough-ridge Spring," the land could be used for school purposes, too. On November 7, 1868 Methodist Trustees E.H.L. Keister. W.H. Duncan, and John Gates sold the land to Mr. Tibbs. Three years later John G. Glover deeded property on adjoining lot 319 to Methodist Trustees William Mathis. William Morgan, James Lough-ridge. I.E. Casey, and S.J. Wyatt.
By far the largest community in the Spring Place District is the Springdale Estates Subdivision built on the former Brown farm off Highway 225 south of Spring Place. Work began on the subdivision around 1971 and within a short time scores of people had moved into newly built houses along streets named Torino, Charger, Chevelle, Bonneville, Skylark. Corvette. Electra, Grand Prix, and Monte Carlo Drives. Among those who began the development were Tom Turner, Charlie Richards, and Charles Bearden. Jim Howard moved Howard's Grocery and Service Station to a location at the south end of the subdivision in 1971, In 1976 James Ridley bought the business and renamed it Springdale Superette. The blue metal building burned in 1979 and in 1982 Lamar Kilgore rebuilt on the same site to open another store.
On Wednesday night, April 3, 1974, a tornado hit Springdale's southern portion after earlier damaging houses on Brown's Bridge Road. Several homes were damaged, but were quickly rebuilt. Less than a year later, during the winter of 1975, a severe ice and snow storm knocked out power in the area for over 2 days. Presently several hundred people reside in Springdale. The 1980's brought the organization of the Springdale Estates Property Owners Association with Margie Keener as president and the construction of a branch station by the Murray County Fire Service,
Several carpet establishments have dotted the landscape on the east side of Highway 225 across from Springdale. Majestic-Meridon, later Johns-Mansfie Id and now Beaulieu, was the first. It was rebuilt following the tornado. Other establishments have included Yarnset, Chatsworth Carpets. Pic-n-Pay, Malibu, Tesco, and Reed Tufting.
-Chapter IV-
TOWNS, COMMUNITIES, AND MILITIA DISTRICTS
(1880-1980)
Bull Pen District
Bull Pen District, bearing one of the most unusual names of any Murray County militia division, is bounded by Spring Place District. Holly Creek, and the Conasauga River. Until the post-Civil War era there had been little growth in the southern part of Murray County, but during Reconstruction the population began a slight increase and another militia and school district was needed. Bull Pen was formed in 1877 as No. 1291 from the original eighth District and named for die creek which flows across the district,
No major town ever developed in Bull Pen, but a number of communitites centering around schools and churches have characterized this area. Apparently the first community was Brown's, located on the Conasauga River. As time passed Tickle Gizzard. Hooker's and Hipp's Chapel became important community names along the Spring Place-Tilton and Brown's Bridge Roads. All four places were in fairly close proximity (by today's standards at least) and are now grouped under the name "New Hope Community." west of Highway 225 near the church which presently bears that name.
Nearer the center of the district on the present Highway 225 is what has been called Stafford's, Haw kins', or Young's Crossroads at various times. A short distance east of this intersection is the Center Hill community which was known as Osborn's earlier in its history. In the extreme eastern part of the district, near where Chatsworth, Doolittle, Spring Place, and Bull Pen Districts are almost ^distinguishable, is the Smyrna Community, close to the old Oakland School.
When Murray Countians think of the Bull Pen area a few families immediately come to mind, for the Robinson. Baynes, Bramblett. Kilgore, Ridley, Long, '-'avis, Young. Johnson. Fox. Baggett. Gray, Luffman. and Thomas families have been residents in large numbers for more than a century. However, in Bullpen's past the names of Brown. Hooker, Dugger. Stafford. Wilson, Weaver. Shannon, Osborn, Epps. Walton, Bagley. Parsons, Spence. Jennings. Martin, Wagnon, Fincher, Williams. Smith, Adair, Luffman, Ellis. Hipps. Stuart. Morgan, Fortner, Carter, Beamer. and Price were also prominent and have now been joined by family names like Walls. Thompson. Green. Langston, and Forrest. These are the pioneer families of Bull Pen.
The most widely known landmark in Bull Pen District was the historic Brown's Bridge over the Conasauga River. For many years the only links people in Bull Pen had with Whitfield County were "Smokes Ferry" (north of the present bridge) or the Zants Ford (down the river from the old bridge). Finally about 1890 plans were made to build a bridge near the Brown family's property. The result was a narrow, one-way, part steel and plank, part steel and concrete bridge-with a 30 degree turn in the middle. (Some people have said that the bridge was built about 1909, but a long-gone plate on the old bridge said 1890.)
Various explanations have been given for the unique construction of the bridge. One is that builders began on each side but did not make careful measurements so the angle was an accident. Another, and likelier, explanation is that the Murray side was built first while the Whitfield County section was added later. The land on the Whitfield side is much lower and was subject to flooding so when builders began the Whitfield portion, they sought a higher, firmer spot and decided to join the two spans at an angle, thus avoiding the expense of filling in or of building a longer bridge span.
As population grew and means of transportation changed, the bridge received increased usage. Time also took its toll as metal rusted and the plank surface of the Murray side deteriorated. The major problem, though, came as larger vehicles had difficulty getting across the structure. Then, in the early 1970's a mobile home subdivision was begun just southwest of the bridge and since this was the most direct route to Dalton, the bridge received even more use. "Travel at your own risk" signs had been on the bridge since the late 1960's, but large amounts of traffic continued to cross the bridge daily (even large Coca-Cola delivery trucks).
Finally, in 1973, plans were announced that a new bridge would be constructed a short distance upstream from the old one. This time the Georgia Department of Transportation would see that a wide, straight bridge was built! The new Brown's Bridge was opened in January, 1976 with various state and local dignitaries present. The total cost was $I million and Simpson Construction Company of Cleveland, Tennessee, did the work. A few months later the old bridge was dismantled.
In addition to families and landmarks, schools and churches have played an important role in Bull Pen's history. Early school trustees were Monteville Roberts (1877), John Shannon (1877), John Moore (1877). J.J. Forrister (1880-82), Dr. Bean Brown (1881). W.D. Hunsucker (1882), M.M. Morgan (1882). D.B. Brown (1883). V.A. Stuart (1883), P.M. Kitgore (1885), Samuel Brown (1885). A.J. Baynes (1892), Martin Roberts (1895), Robert Weaver (1895), and Henry Ridley (1895). Early teachers (whose schools are not known) included: M.M. Brown (1877), Elizabeth Moore (1877), N.E. Penderson (1877), Miss Bessie M. Gault (1882). and Miles Bramblett (1882).
One of the first schools in Bull Pen was a! Brown's Chapel, The chapel and school had once been located further south on Holly Creek before the group moved to a site just a few yards south of the old bridge following a fire at the old place. Little is known about Brown's Chapel, but most believe that no services were held there after 1900. A Mr. Thorn ton was one of the teachers at Brown's. The Bartonfield family lived in the old school after classes were moved up the road to the place with the unusual name "Tickle Gizzard,"
Tickle Gizzard was located on the Spring Place-Tilton Road at Alf Ridley's. While the exact year of its construction is unknown, it could have been built as early as the 1870's. The one-room building was made of logs and according to the Murray County School records, the official name of the school was Williams'.
Split logs served as seats and girls sat on one side of the room while boys sat on the other. There was one teacher who taught all subjects. Grades did not exist but advancement was made by learning certain books. Slates and chalk were used for "letters and numbers." Pupils studied and then recited lessons to the teacher. Noah Webster's Elementary Spelling Book was used to teach many subjects in addition to spelling. It was a reader, a dictionary, and a grammar book. The alphabet was printed in both block style and script while spelling words were printed in syllables with pronunciation marks and definitions. Sentences showing correct grammatical usage were also used as reading lessons. They covered all subjects, but dealt primarily with proper conduct and well being. Fables were included also.
Near the dosing of a school term spelling bees were held. The entire family attended school that day and watched as the members of both teams spelled until only one person remained standing. At these special gatherings pupils often recited poems and presented skits as well.
Among the teachers at Williams' House or Tickle Gizzard were Miss Carrie Brown (1881. 1885). W.A. Teasley (1884), Rosie White (1891), A.R. Howard (1892), Lou Wilson (1893), and Hattie Foster (1894). Mrs. Bert Robinson remembered one year when Tickle Gizzard School had 75 pupils and a brush arbor was constructed to handle the overflow.
The Tickle Gizzard School was also used as a meeting place by the congregation of the New Hope Baptist Church. In 1889 fire destroyed the old building and Mr. Ridley deeded land to trustees A.B. Ridley, W.F. Langston, A.N. "Bud" Thomas, and N. Robinson for a new building. While the transactions were taking place, students attended school at Hipps Chapel a couple of miles away.
Hipps Chapel (or some say Hipp's) had been a Methodist Church for several years, but when the group disbanded the New Hope Baptist congregation made the Chapel their permanent home. Even today some people still refer to it as "the Chapel." Hipps Chapel continued to be the name of the school there which operated at the same time as the rebuilt Tickle Gizzard. Teachers at the Chapel school included J.Y. Baynes(1881), W.D. Allen (1884), B.W. Huckabee (1885), Lela Wilson (189J), Charles H. Shriner (1892). Mattie Patric (1893), Mary Ann Walker (1877), James Baynes (1894), Betty Baynes, and Jim Steward. Hipps Chapel was at the intersection of the Spring Place-Tilton Road and Tibb's Bridge Road. Pastors of the Chapel included Revs. Meeks, Dawn, Cochran. Turner, and Caleb Pitts.
In 1895 the Board of Education voted to combine the Chapel and Tickle Gizzard Schools to form Hooker's Academy at Robert Hooker's spring. This was a good location, between the two older school sites, at a good source of water and on the Spring Place-Tilton Road. The consolidation was gradual but after the closing of Tickle Gizzard the Ridley family used the former school for a home. The building is still standing, but in poor condition, covered with ivy and hedges.
Hooker's Academy enjoyed a long period of success and occupied three buildings at the same location. Henry Ridley built the first school of logs at a cost of SI 10. Mr. Hookergave the land for this first school. The second Hooker's building was of wood and logs. This structure was dismantled and replaced with a larger brick building about 1930, The Board of Education furnished S200 for this purpose. Early teachers at Hooker's were John Gregory (1896). A.S. Vining 0897), Hattie Foster (1899). and George Barksdale (1900). Other teachers included Martha Holbrooks (1913). Jennie Parker. Mamie Morgan, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Howell, Richard Howard. Callie Black, Sally Robinson, Mr. & Mrs. Jewel Brown (1947), Dot Howell, Sybil Richardson (1930's), Bessie Mae Adams (1926). Sarah Kelly (1926-27), Jennie Mae Edmondson.W.V. Beane (1950-53), George Fuller (1950-53). Annie Woods (1915, 1917-18). Mrs. Ella Davis (1921), W-H. King (1916-17), Lucille Terry (1929-30), Oma Anderson (1929-30), Guy Jones (1932-34). Mrs. Omagene Smith (1932-33), Louise Johnson (1935-37), Ruth Goswick (1936-37), Hazel Currie (1937-39), Doris Leonard (1937-39), and Julian Kilgore (1947-48). Mr. Troy Richards had the longest tenure of any teacher at Hooker's, working for several years in the 1930's and I940's along with his wife Rilla Robinson Richards who was a native of the community.
One of the teachers at Hooker's, Mr. W.V. Beane. taught in many Tennessee and Georgia schools. Upon his retirement Mr. Beane wrote his autobiography entitled In Retrospect (1957). Following are his remarks about Hooker's School:
. . . I . . .found myself in Murray County, Georgia in a small school called Hookers . . . a two teacher school . . . Due to the desperate need for teachers, however, 1 had the best pay I had ever had . , , Hookers presented a rather uninviting appearance, but of a different aspect. The children the year before had gone "hog wild," so when we entered the school house we found the stove overturned, the books scattered over the floor, the doors off their hinges, and practically all the windows broken out of the three room brick building. The ceiling of the main school room was covered with the imprints of what had apparently been a violent eraser battle.
The superintendent was a bit "abashed" and I frankly told him I had never seen anything quite like it. One of the citizens was with us, however, and explained that my predecessor was a young man without experience, who came to school late in the mornings and left early in the afternoons before the children had gone home. He said that things were not quite as bad as they looked.
Although my wife advised against it, after a few days of thinking it over, I accepted the place, despite her prediction that 1 wouldn't stay there a week.
First, I secured me a place to board in the community , . . Next I got to school first every morning and left the last one. I provided at my own expense balls and bats and put the children to playing ball at recess . . . They . . . seemed full of appreciation.
Mr. Ray Bagley, superintendent, sent me a loyal, conscientious man, Mr. George Fuller, for a helper, I gave him the first three grades and 1 took the other four. We worked harmoniously and the parents came in and we organized them into a working group. The yards were improved and put in grass, the rooms were painted, and we put pictures on the walls. The superintendent replaced the broken windows and put everything else in shape.
Enthusiasm was at a high point and the supervisor provided us with moving picture shows both for the classrooms and for the parents at night , . ,
The children, upon the whole, were sweet boys and girls and during those two years we sent quite a number on to high school.
Mr. Beane goes on to relate more about the patrons and pupils of the school.
Since ... the people were so appreciative of my services, I wish to make special mention of a number of my fine patrons and their children.
Mr. & Mrs. Lee Timms . . . graciously took me into their home to stay the first year. Their four fine children were Louise, Myrazelle, Paris, and Rachel . . . J.E. Baynes, Grandpa, father of Mrs. Timms was a venerable old gentleman .. .
The next year I boarded with Mr. & Mrs, Claude Gallman who had three children . . . Hazel, Wayne, and little Cheryl ... I was never treated more royally in my life and could never forget [them] if 1 lived to be a million years old.
Perhaps my most outstanding parents were Mr. & Mrs. Van Robinson who have ten children . . . Shirley, Georgiann, Edith, Peggy, Henry, Norris, Myrazelle, Jeff, Pam.and David . . . Other patrons and children [were]
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Ridley-Tommy, Grace, & Grethel
Mr. & Mrs. W.A. Baynes-William, Harold, Eloise, Dimple
Mr. & Mrs, J.P. Robison-Lloyd,, Frank, Jesse, Larry, and Phillip
Mr. & Mrs. Grady Timrns-Janette and Janelle, Paul and Mildred
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Fox-Annie and Fannie
Mr. & Mrs. Buford Ridley-Caroline, Bobby, Randall, Jackie
Mr. & Mrs. Earl Ridley-Paul, Erlene, and Leon
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Davenport-Wimpy and Billie
Mr. & Mrs, Sid Baynes-Willie and Helen
Mr. & Mrs. Edd Orman Ridley-Steve and Harold . . . two most wonderful patrons. Other children in the school were: Huey Ridley, Edna Elrod, Glenn Johnson, Bill Bagley, Donald Young, Billy Carter, Leroy Cagle, Betty Jean Callahan, CJ. Walls, Roy Lee Walls, Lamar Kilgore,Charles Kilgore, Florence Walls, and her older brother ... Mr J.E. Ridley, an old-time resident lived near the school house ... He had a wonderful personality and two fine daughters, Velma and Lora . . .
Mr. Beane also gives a good account of why the Hooker's school closed:
Georgia was in the midst of a school building program, and it hadn't occurred to me but that our school would be enlarged and made into a much more up to date educational center. But not so, Georgia . . . has petty politics, and there was a move to do away with our school and move it over into a more "desolate community" much farther away from the high school "center." A "bus driver" was putting the project over.
Our people rebelled against this move so it was suggested the patrons of this community could just abandon this school and go to a larger one near by, which was rather near the high school. I advised them to do so, though in doing so I would be out of a job in Murray County.
Students who would normally have gone to Hooker's were soon attending Spring Place.
Men who served as Trustees of Hooker's included R.F. Jones, C.W. Langston, T.W. Ridley, J.E, Baynes, Walton Robinson. Claude Kilgore. C.C. Langston, John Fox, Ed Ridley, Barney Gray, Charlie Kilgore. and Van Robinson.
The New Hope Baptist Church is now the central landmark in this part of Bull Pen District. The earliest records of this congregation have been lost, but the account of how the group came to meet at Hipp's Chapel has already been mentioned. Following the move to the Chapel the congregation had a disagreement and some of the members returned to Tickle Gizzard for a short time. Later they reunited at the Chapel. Revs. Shugart and Lackey were two of the pastors during this period.
New Hope joined the North Georgia Association of churches in 1908 after belonging to the Coosawatee Association earlier. It is now a member of the Murray County Baptist Association. After a number of years in the old Chapel building, large attendance necessitated additional worship space. Mr. Samuel H. Fincher, owner of the adjoining property, deeded additional land as a gift for a new building in 1934. A Mr. Watkins and Walter Harper were the contractors for the new building which is located about 30 yards south of the Chapel site. Mr. and Mrs. Conroy Pickering were very supportive, both personally and financially, in the construction. Mrs. Pickering was the former Essie Langston whose family were long-time members of the church. When the Chapel was dismantled, the materials were given to Mr. Pickering.
Many church members donated their labor in constructing the church. Some of these were J.E.. Sid, and W.A. Baynes, Lee and Trammell Bramblett, Barney Brown. Luther Kilgore. Charlie Langston, George Ridley, Tom Ridley, Van Robinson, Lee Timms. Charlie Walls, Kirby Young, and Pete Young, The building was constructed of rock which came from two nearby farms including Tom Ridley's. The first service held in the new building was the funeral of Mr. Leondus Robinson, The workmen had to rush to get the ceiling installed and finished the morning of the funeral.
The worship area was doubled in length and four large Sunday School rooms were added in 1963 while additional interior improvements were done in 1977. Early family names of members included Baggett, Carter, Ellis, Holloway, Holley, Jennings. Johnson, Jones. Lance, Strickland, Thomas, and Westmoreland besides those already listed.
Since 1908 the following have served as pastors of New Hope: E.O. Davis. J A. Bonner. J.H. Fincher. M.H. Welch, S.W. Bennett. R. Womack, H.C. Shepherd, J.O. Dantzler, J.C. Cochran. J.N. Padgett, J.M. Owens. W.D. Lambert, L.C. Sluder. Floyd Dugger. Frank Harper. Keith Langston, Floyd Childers. John Raper, Grady England. John Bearden, Leon Ensley. and Thad Osborne, In 1972 the church had 300 members.
Information provided by Louise Coker, Bertie Robinson, Mr. & Mrs. Lee Timms, & Mr. Charlie Walls,
Cemeteries in the New Hope area include an old Indian burial spot north of the Spring Place-Tilton Road on property now owned by Mrs. Bea Charles, the Williams (Baynes) Cemetery in the same area, the Epps family Cemetery off highway 225 on the Dimple Bramblett Ledford property, the Smith Cemetery on the Johnson Road which contains two unmarked graves, and the large Robinson-Kilgo re/New Hope Cemetery between 225 and New Hope Church. This last cemetery began as members of the Robinson and Kilgore families (who had intermarried) set aside a portion of their inheritance for a family burial ground. Gradually as more and more people became related to these large families and as the community grew, the family plot became a community cemetery. New Hope Church has purchased property in recent years to enlarge the cemetery which has been maintained by donations through New Hope and Maranatha Baptist Churches for several years.
Maranatha Baptist Church was organized in the fall of 1962 by former members of New Hope who wanted an "Independent Missionary Baptist Church." The group first met at the home of Otis Burger and then at the home of Mr.& Mrs. J.E. Young where the first officers were elected on October 2. Grady England was selected as pastor, James Howard as clerk and treasurer, J.E. (Bo) Young as choir director, and Keith Langston, Ruth Young, and Grapell England as Sunday school teachers. Other charter members were Odetta Howard, Lucille Langston, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Compton, Mr. & Mrs. Sam Kilgore, Irene Beason, Mrs. J.A. Forshee. Minton Young, Wonda Young, Bemice Burger, Mae Fox, and Annie Fox. The name "Maranatha" meaning "Our Lord Cometh" was taken from I Corinthians 16.22 by Ruth Young. Trustees of the church are James Howard, J.E. Young, Ralph Compton. Keith Langston, and Otis Burger.
After meeting in rented facilities in Dalton for a year, the church moved into its own building on Highway 225 three miles south of Spring Place on January 5. 1964. The land had been purchased from Sam Kilgore. A $32,000 addition was completed in 1976 and the church now has over 200 members. Following Rev. England, Kirby Young served as pastor from 1965 until his retirement in 1979. Rev. Donald Young is the present pastor.
In the communities on the east side of Highway 225 other churches and schools arose. Three deeds are recorded for churches and schools on land lots 46 and 47 (8th District, 3rd Section). In 1876 John H. Thomas deeded one acre for a "school and preaching." Four years later Thomas W. Thomas deeded additional property for a school and church to Thomas Lowery, Silas Luffman, and Allen T. Osborn. trustees. The church was organized as "The Disciples of Christ at the Osborn School House" in 1881. Mary Gray deeded land on an adjoining lot to William Davis. trustee of Center Hill Baptist Church, in 1887 for the purpose of erecting a church. Evidently this effort at establishing a Baptist church failed for the Disciples of Christ remained the only church at Center Hill/Osbom for several years.
An old church roll reveals the following as members of that church. WW. Adair (Evangelizing Elder), Elder V.A. Stuart, Deacon A.T. Osborn, Deacon Joseph Bridges, Deacon and Clerk G.W. Adair, AJ. Thomas. R.H.A. Ellis. James and George Bridges, Sister N.A.S. Adair, Sister M.H. Stuart. Pollie C. Osborn, Sister, M.J. Adair, Sister M.L. Ellis. Betty Bridges, Jane F. Swann, Francis P-Thomas, James Adair, C.E. Lence, G.W. Ridley, Martha E. Ridley, Thomas Lowery. Elder M.T. Osbom, Nancy E. Osbom, E.S. Adair, Sister S.E. Adair, David Brown, Sister M.A. Brown, Ransom Turner, Susanna Turner, Malissa J. Lence. Hiram Stepp, T.J. Lowery, Mahala Stepp, Sister A.P. Williams, Manda Stuart. SisterM.G. Bridges. Maggie Adair. Margaret Wade, Jane and Cicero Stuart, Samuel J. Springfield. David Baggett, Sarah Thomas, Georgia Ann Baggett, "Hozy" Holcomb. Sister E.M. Adair. Gloria Jane Osbom. Frank Vonberg, Sally Thomas. Rosey Adair, John A. Osbom, William Kilgore, R.A. Ellis. Thomas Brown. P.A. Pitts. Sister L.J. Pitts. Martha and Lillie Thomas, Ella Adair, S.C. Britten, R. Holloway. Susie Gravely, Mamie Osborn, Lizzie Stuart, Marah Thomas, Nat Moreland. Thomas Adair, Marah Springfield, Liza Whitt, C.E. Morris. Stella Adair, Fannie Stuart, Lisey Thomas, James Edwards, May Osborn along with later members J.C. Osborn, Mary E. Osbom. Susie Hudgins, Irene Roberts. Thomas, Sinie, William. Walter and Henry Standley, Guy and Lula Dean, Hershell Roberts. Joe and Claudia Malinda Hensley, and Osie Panter. The last date of memberships is 1918 and within a short time the group must have disbanded.
The Center Hill Baptist Church was organized in 1924 at the old school with Charley Fowler, Mary Fowler, Charlie Davis (clerk), and Richard Sisson as charter members. Representatives Dawson and Lewis from Holly Creek, W.R. Posey from New Hope, Martin O. Casey from New Prospect, and G.W. Dyer and James Martin from Rock Creek made up the presbytery. W.R. Posey was elected moderator of the church for the following year.
In 1940 a new church building was erected on land given by Mrs. Sadie Wilson, Additions were made in 1967 and 1970. Members of the Gray and Hawkins families have long been members of Center Hill, Among the ministers who have pastored at Center Hill have been Kirby Young, Troy Ridley, J.E. Glass, Andy Kirby, Martin D. Casey, Berry Waters, Floy Bailey. Junior Johns, H.C. Hensley, John Gibson. and Danny Jenkins.
The Osborn Family Cemetery is now known as the Center Hill Cemetery and is maintained by the church. Information provided by Mr. Roy Hawkins.
The Osborn School employed several teachers over the years such as Miles Bramblett (1881, 1884, 1890). S.H. Fincher (1885), W.A. Jones (1891), Lela Wilson (1892-97) and Eula Edmondson (1899-1900). After the turn of the century the school became known as Center Hill (before the church by that name was organized). Teachers here included: Maggie Woods. Annie Woods (1930), Mamie Osborn, Edith Allen , Howard Tate, Ruby Kate Poag, Ford Cochran. Zona Cochran (who in 1940 had a "large school progressing nicely" according to The Chatsworth Times), Lois Whitener (1937-39), Delia Howard, Sue Osborn Hawkins, Robbie Sue Wilson, Lucille Wilson Page (1932-37). Stella rown Woods (1942-43), Emma Woods (1917-18), A.R. Howard (1916-17), Pauline Luffman, Susie Bramblett (1928-30), and Mrs. Sam (Wilma) Caldwell had a salary of $45 monthly in 1944.
Among the trustees for the Center Hill School were Coleman Osbom, Tom Sringfieid. Henry Emberson. John Hawkins. John Gray, Oscar Luffman. Prince Beam,andHornerCoker.The school was consolidated with Spring Place in 1946.
Southeast of Center Hill the Edmondson family owned a large plantation that extended into the Eighth District. Several Negroes worked on the farm and at various limes a school was opened there. Early county school records reveal that in 1881 B.D. Daniel taught there while in 1891 Amanda Branham had 19 pupils enrolled. Mrs. Branharn also taught there in 1895 and 1900 when it was called "Edmondson's Colored School." According to several residents the Ku Klux Klan killed a Negro on the Edmondson place. An old slave cemetery was located on the farm and four unmarked graves in another spot. Residents also report an old cemetery on the north side of the dirt road from Center Hill to Holly Creek. Most say that these were Indian graves though others say that this was a Morris family plot. Few signs remain today.
At the eastern edge of Bull Pen District is Smyrna Baptist Church founded in 1901. The community is much older than the church, however, as some marked burials in the Smyrna Cemetery are much older. The Davis family settled in the area over a century ago.
Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church was constituted September 14.1901 with the following presbytery. Revs. E.J. DeWeese. John Poindexter, and J.F. Davis along with Deacons Martin L. Roberts of Spring Place, J.L. Long of New Hope. Taylor Swanson of Pleasant Valley. Thomas Brown of Holly Creek, and J.B. Walters. The 13 charter members were Samuel Jones. Martha Elizabeth Jones, U.N. Jones, Martha Jones, Malinda Jones. D.A. Young, J.F. Davis. W.C. Adams, L.J. Adams, J.C. Young. Tiney Swanson, W.L. Roberts, and Docia Roberts.
The site chosen for the church was on the old Ramhurst-Spring Place Road and a one-room white frame building was erected in 1904. In 1955 the old structure was sold for S350 and a new brick veneer building was constructed. Additions were made in 1963 and 1972. The church had 257 members in 1972. Rev. J.F. Davis was the first pastor and W.L. Roberts the first church clerk. The first Sunday school superintendent was P.N, Gates and the first secretary was Emma Roberts. Early pastors of the clu'rch were J.F. Davis (1901-02.1905-07), W.R. Lackey (1902-05), E.G. Davis (1907-10), M.H. Welch (1910-16. 1918-26, 1937-41), J.W. Dooley (1916-18), W.R. Hogan (1926-27), J.M. Owens (1928-34), J.O. Dantzler (1934-36). and Fred Brown (1936-37, 1941). Other pastors include Blake Carter. H.C. Hensley, Trammell Long. Floyd Childers, MilasWink-ler, Raymond Gordon. Tom Turner. Alton Stevens. and Grover Broom.
Several schools have been located in this area including one "near Monteville Roberts' house" in the 1890's and one at "Old Lady Davis' " in 1892. Among the teachers were Mrs- Maggie Giddens (1881). Miss Mat Lockaby (1884). D.H. Harris (1885). Sam Jackson (1891 had 27 enrolled and "advancing very well"). Mrs. Mattie Bradford (1893). William Morris (1894), and B.F. Collins (1895).
A more recent and better known school in the area was Oakland. Though technically in Spring Place District, many Bull Pen families attended the school which was located on the Welch homestead on the road to Spring Place just north of Smyrna Church. Teachers at Oakland were Lela Wilson (1916-17), Posey Wells. (1917-18). Fred Long (1929-33.1936-37), S.O. Williams (1933-34), Willie Frances Robinson (1933-34),Guy Jones (1935-39), Frankie Groves (1935-36). Annie Ross (1937-39). Dot Richards (194243). Zona Cochran (194243). Marie Kelly, and possibly several others.
The school suffered wind damage in 1931 and was rebuilt. It was consolidated with Spring Place in 1946. Among Oakland's trustees were P.L. Long. M.H. Welch. T.J. Welch. J.M. Owens. Will Roberts, C.J. Welch. Walter Jones. J.L. Long. Millard Welch, Harlan Davis. and Jesse Baggett.
Though Bull Pen has been characterized by farms, several small businesses have been located there. In the New Hope area Mr. Bagley, Frank Vonberg (1930's). Roy Ridley (1930's-1940's). Tom Ridley (1930's-1940's). and the Langston family all ran sawmills. More recently Roy Green has had a successful sawmill operation. Syrup mills were operated by Kirby Young near his home on Bull Pen Creek and by Tom Green about id mile east of Brown's Bridge just off the Spring Place-Tilton Road.
Several stores operated in the New Hope area. As early as 1890 Jake Hooker ran a store at what is now the intersection of Brown's Bridge Road and Young Road, A Mr. Jackson operated a store at Brown's in the early 1900's while Mr. Ed Ridley operated a store and grist mill, first near Tickle Gizzard and then at his home near Hooker's for many years. Will Walton had a store in a log building near Hipp's Chapel and Joe Nix had a business near Young's. George Robinson ran a store at his home east of the Robinson-Kilgore Cemetery while Hughes (and later his wife Martha) Kilgore had a business south of the present Maranatha Baptist Church on Highway 225. In the 1940's John Fox sold school supplies, candy, gum. etc. at his home on the Spring Place-Tilton Road (between Hooker's and Tickle Gizzard) as did Albert & Dollie Winters at their home on Young Road.
However, the most popular store for many years was the Pickering establishment near New Hope Church. Marion Thompson was a long-time operator/ partner with Mr. V.C. Pickering. Mr. Harve Long was also involved with the business for a time.
The Finchers, popular Spring Place and Dalton merchants, had a branch store at Johnson's for a time. More recent stores have been Ervin Ridley's business near the church (1959-85), Gallman's near the river, and Green's County Discount also near Brown's Bridge. Mr. C.W. Langston was one of the first to sell gasoline and did so at his home just west of the church on Tibb's Bridge Road. Mrs. Langston worked in the early textile industry distributing bedspreads to various people for hand tufting at home.
Grist mills were prosperous enterprises for some like George Ridley, Bill Baynes, Ed Ridley, and Marion Thompson. Nathan Robinson made and sold baskets and John Shannon was a carpenter while John Fox and Bill Baynes were blacksmiths.
Over Center Hill way, John Hawkins ran a grist mill and Mr. Oscar Luffman had a store for a time. The most famous store at Center Hill was Coleman Osborn's. Located just east of the present church on the left, the store received statewide attention in 1927 when Mr. Osbom was murdered there. The three suspects-Cliff Thompson, Jim Hugh Moss, and Eula Thompson were found guilty in a speedy trial at Chatsworth and sentenced to the electric chair. The men were executed, but Eula Thompson's sentence was changed to imprisonment. She was later released.
Mr. Sam Blassingame had a store near the Smyrna community. The intersection of Highway 225 and Brown's Bridge Road has long been an important stopping place. Once called Stafford's crossing for the Joshua Stafford family who owned the land, it was the site of a Morris store and mill while later on John Hawkins owned a building in which Charlie Hall, Walter Chapman,and Jim Howard (1961-71) operated stores. During that time some people began calling the place Hawkin's Crossroads, but now many refer to it as Young's as that family has operated the store there since 1976 after a period of operation by Max Henson.
Just south of the crossroads on Highway 225 is Weaver Hill, so named for Mr. Ab Weaver's family who once owned the property, now owned by the Horace Chapmans. Further south is the North Georgia Speedway, a dirt racetrack which has operated periodically for several years. Ernest Young was among the original developers.
Also in this southern portion of Bull Pen is the relatively new Cochran Cemetery (on the east side of the highway) and the very old Wagnon-Martin Family Cemetery, Located off 225 behind the Gordon Elrod home, the Wagnon-Martin Cemetery is the burial place of one of Murray's very first white settlers. Alexander Martin (1797-1874) obtained his large farm in the Cherokee Land Lottery. Members of his family operated a mill on Holly Creek at the dividing line between Bull Pen and the Eighth District. One of the descendants who ran the mill for many years was Alexander Wagnon (1856-1940). He is also buried in the family cemetery.
Regarding elections and officials. Bull Pen has had several polling places. The earliest "court ground" for elections and justice of the peace courts was at Stafford's Crossing where Taylor Stafford was an early justice of the peace. Then a building was erected near the New Hope Church for voting purposes. When this building burned a new courthouse was constructed west of Ridley's Store near Albert Johnson's. When this building was no longer used, elections were held at joker's School until the building was torn down. The next polling place was the old Kilgore's Store building on Highway 225. In 1962, due to a fire at the Kilgore building, John Hawkin's garage at the Crossroads was the place to be on Election Day. The present voting place, in use for several years now, is the clubhouse next to New Hope Church. The "court ground" has returned to former locations twice in Bull Pen's history. Justices of the peace have been V.A. Stewart (1886-94). J.W. Fincher (1889-1893), P.M. Kilgore (1893-97), J.A. Baynes (1894-1904. 1907-1911), J.Y. Baynes (1901-05). W.R. Lackey (1909-12), JC Langston (1911-15). J.D. Robinson (1912-17, 1921-25), W.W. Luffman (1916-21). J.M. Nix (1920-25). George T.Robinson (1926-60's). Van Robinson. Henry Robinson, and Jim Parrish.
Mail service to Bull Pen was sometimes a problem. For many years residents sent someone to Spring Place to get the community's mail. Then a carrier from Spring Place would drop off mail at designated spots such as Stafford's or Coley Johnson's. Rural delivery was a problem and today residents in west Bull Pen still get their mail from Dalton because Chatsworth routes were slower to arrive.br>
Other things of note in Bull Pen are the high Fincher's Bluff on the Conasauga River north of Brown's Bridge and "Hainted Holler," a dark forest area, west of where Ridley's Garage is now, that young people of the past were told to avoid. A rather large cave existed on Land Lot 320, but the area is now part of the rock quarry which has been in existence for several years.
The "rolling store" was an important part of life for many Bull Pen residents, particularly those around Center Hill and Smyrna where stores were not as numerous. These moving warehouses supplied many households for many years.
While residents of the area could generally get doctors from Spring Place, many mothers called on mid-wives to deliver their babies. Mrs. Mollie Young and Mrs. Florence Walls were two of the ladies who assisted in the births of many infants.
Other noteworthy items relating to Bull Pen are the presence of a steam mill land Lot 10 on the Center Hill to Smyrna Road in the 1880's, the paving of Highway 225 in the early 1950's. the arrival of telephones and electricity to homes in the late 1940's and 1950's in some areas, and the formation of New Hope Home Demonstration Club in the 1960's. The Club was very active for a while and helped the county build a community clubhouse where elections are now held.
The population of Bull Pen has increased in recent years due to the trailer park near Brown's Bridge, the breaking up of some old farms for land sales, and the availability of jobs in the carpet industry. Several small carpet plants have had businesses within Bull Pen including James Smith and others. Most notably Riverside Carpets which was operated by the Greens for several years. Robert Cruse and family have operated the Bull Pen Pillow Company for a time now. Thus the Bull Pen name is carried on by more than just the district and the creek.
-Chapter IV-
TOWNS, COMMUNITIES, AND MILITIA DISTRICTS
(1880-1980)
The Eighth District
The Eighth District (Georgia Militia District No. 984) is located in the extreme southwest corner of Murray County. This district is so named because most of the land is part of the Eighth District. Third Section, on the original 1832 land survey of old Cherokee County. (Some of the land on the western edge is in the 13th and 3rd.) The Eighth is bounded on the north by Bull Pen District and on the east by Ball Ground. Many people still refer to the area as the "Bloody Eighth" due to the numerous conflicts among residents over the years that resulted in bloodshed. Many stories of fights, knifings, and moonshining have settings in the Bloody Eighth, but there is much more to the history of the District than tragedy.
In some early county records (1863) the Eighth is called "Tucker's" and this family was among the very first to settle here. Some say the Tuckers were in Murray County before the Indians were removed. Other early families include the Brindles, Caseys, Loughridges, Brights, Timmses, Halls, Ingles, Browns, Cagles, Touchstones. McGinnis, Blankenships. Ellis, Hoopers, Gallmans, Beam-ers. Luffmans, Tates. Gilberts, Foxes, Couches, Pritchetts, Rogers, Hogans, Johnsons, Morgans, Mashburns, Sextons, Elrods, Jordans, Bracketts, Hawkins, Causbys, Burks, McBrayers, Teasleys and Sanders. Many of these names are still popular in the Eighth District.
Agriculture was the primary occupation of the districts's inhabitants. Some like Sam Weaver were sawmillers while others such as Henry Cagle, Frank Tucker, and Jack Cagle had syrup mills. Early doctors in the area were R.E. Dillard (1884), J.A. Craven (1889), and Thomas Hall. Dr. Hall (1837-1904) was a Confederate veteran who had a large family and was very well known in Murray County.
The "Courtground" or voting place for the area has long been in the Sardis community, though it was probably once located near present-day Casey Springs. There was once a "courthouse" at Ike Couch's north of Sardis and in more recent years elections have been held at the Davis store. Local officials formerly included road commissioners such as Belton Stancill, a Mr. Parker, and Henry Beamer, along with school trustees and justices of the peace. Early school trustees in the district were J.E. Jackson (1877), ___ Galaway (1877-78), E. Clary (1887), Absalom Weaver (1880), Thomas Clary (1881), Henry Beamer (1885-1890, 1892), Rev. J.H. Phillips (1882-1890), Ben Teasley (1890), A.J. Martin (1890-92), Ben Bright (1890), Abe Looney (1895-98), John P. Morgan (1898), and Drake Loughridge (1895). In 1877. the year the Murray County School System was organized, four schools operated in District No. 984. The teachers were B.A. Kuhn, T.M. Callaway, C.W. Grant, and J.W. Langston. In 1882 four schools continued to operate with Miss Bettie Moore, J.F. Petty, J.E. Eldridge, and Thomas S. Kelly as teachers. In 1885 A.L. Cleary had a school called Wilsons.
Justices of the peace for this district have included: J.H. Kuhn (1886-97), W.R. Lackey (1885-89), G.W. Couch (1889-93), A.O. Johnson (1893-97).W.F-Dugger (1904-12, 1924-32), W.J. Holcomb (1911-15, 1923-27), T.C. Bright (1912-17), James Ragsdale (1915-19), J.N. Burks (1916-20), S.C.Rogers(1916-21) I R. Buckner (1919-23). Harrison Ingle (1920-24, 193240). S.G. Hall 0920-25). J.M. Gallman (1924-29), T.C. Haygood (1927-29), W.W. Luffman (1928-32). WJ. Hall (1932-36). Knight Gallman. John Tucker, George Sissom, Alec Wagnon, ___Loughridge, Zach Sexton, and Ben Bright (1958-78).
Due to their location on the Murray-Gordon County line, residents of the Eighth District often have closer ties with Calhoun and Gordon Counties than with other Murray Countians. Census records reveal that families sometimes moved back and forth across the line and marriages were often recorded in Gordon County. Perhaps this is best evidenced in that much of the Eighth District is served by the Southern Bell Telephone Company from Calhoun. Thus, it is still long distance for those who live south of Holly Creek to call friends in Spring Place or Chatsworth.
Electricity was extended over most of this area in the 1950's though even today there are some "gaps" in the lines in secluded, non-populated areas. Mail service now comes from Route 4, Chatsworth, and Route 1, Resaca. As is the case in several Murray County Districts, no major town ever arose in the Eighth, but four principal community centers have existed. While the communities' names sometimes changed, their locations were not very far apart.
Holly Creek forms the dividing line between the Eighth and Bull Pen and near where the creek crosses Georgia Highway 225 was the thriving community of Holly (or Holly Creek). Holly was the oldest village and the only post office the Eighth District ever had. According to tradition the village was named for a Cherokee clan and one Georgia historian described Holly as "a post hamlet at an elevation of 727 feet above sea level." While some feel that the Holly post office existed as far back as 1834. it must have been just a mail drop since official records do not begin until 1843 when Absalom Bishop was appointed postmaster. Succeeding postmasters were Edward J. Bumyard (February 4, 1847 and re-appointed September 22, 1847), Arthur Gilbert (July 16, 1847), Elijah M. Ellis (December 21, 1853) and Churchwill B. Tucker (April 22, 1857). The post office was discontinued in 1866 and then re-established February 5, 1879 with Thomas M. Callaway as postmaster. Mr. Tucker returned as postal official a month later. Other postmasters at Holly Creek were John D. Townsend (1883-89), John H. Phillips (1890), Andrew J. Martin (1890-94). James A. Looney (1894-99). Jackson T. Cooper (1899-1901), Marion W. Pritchett (1901-05), and John N. Burks (1905-09). The Holly Creek post office was discontinued for good in 1909 as the days of rural free delivery began. Until then people had come for miles to pick up their mail at Holly Creek.
Holly Creek was the scene of a slight skirmish during the War Between the States. A Georgia historical marker on Highway 225 describes the event as follows.
Old Holly Creek P.O.
May 16, 1864. Brig. Gen. J.D. Cox's Div., 23rd C.C. (F), having crossed the Conasau-ga River at Hogan's Ford, 2 mi. south of Tilton, camped at or near Holly Creek P.O. in this vicinity.
May 17- Learning that 20th Corps troops (F) had usurped the Coosawattee Rivet Crossing at McClure's Ferry (at Pine Chapel), Cox moved his troops S. (via Audubon crossroads) to Field's Mill - two miles above McClure's where they were joined by the other two divisions.
The 23rd A.C. was the left flank of Sherman's army, enroute S. in pursuit of the Confederate Army, retreating from the battlefield of Resaca after two days of battle.
In March. 1865 additional activity occurred. Following the War. the KKK was fairly active in this area. A Mr. Brindle was sentenced to 5 years in prison for holding horses for KKK members on the old road from New Prospect to the old Brindle settlement.
Due to its location near the creek, the dominant feature of Holly was a grist mill. Gaits mill was in operation in 1854 and Alexander Martin once deeded property to James Morris for a water-powered grist mill, a sawmill, and possibly a cotton gin in this locale. The most famous owners at Holly Creek were the Edmondsons who had a vast domain extending north and east from the Creek for many acres. The Edmondsons also established the May Hill factory which made wooden chairs and broom handles. In operation by the 1860"s, the factory must have been named for a lady named May Hill since residents say there was no hill in the area. Due to the presence of the factory some people began calling the area May Hill and the bridge over Holly Creek (first built in 1874) was called May Hill Bridge, Bricks may also have been made at May Hill.
While no one knows the exact dates that May Hill operated. The Dalton Argus of November 16, 1895 reported that "Judge John Edmondson of Holly Creek has rebuilt the mill property which recently burned." The factory must have closed near the turn of the century. Later owners or operators of businesses at Holly Creek were the Pritchetts and the Burks. John Burks had a store at his home on the east side of highway 225 just south of the creek and some reports are that he had a cotton gin. a mill, and a blacksmith shop as well as the post office. Alec Wagnon had a mill and store on the west side of the bridge. Some say he also had the "post office." but it must have been just a mail drop after the Holly Creek office closed.
Long-time residents of the Holly area report that in 1925 the creek was almost dry, but that it frequently overflowed its banks and often froze—particularly in 1937 when snow drifts were 13 inches deep. Much timber was destroyed during that winter.
By the 1880's another community had arisen at Casey Springs, just south of old Holly Creek where Fox Bridge and Fidel Roads join 225 which was then called the Calhoun or New Town Road. The community was named for the Casey family and was a busy place for many years. Among the features of the Casey Springs area were a school, two churches, stores, and gins.
The Coopers ran a store in this locale very early and some say that Mr. Alec Wagnon moved his store here for a time. Henry James from Eton then had a business here which was next operated for many years by Mr. Jeff Green who also had a grist mill. Albert and Ruby Boekel were the next owners. Orvitle Stanley then bought the business and continued to operate the store into the 1970's.
Other Casey Springs businesses at various times were Frank Brindle's Grist Mill. John Bagley's cotton gin (near the Methodist Church on the branch), a flour mill, and Pendley's country store next door to the Methodist church in the 1930's or 4G"s. Henry Bearner was a "veterinarian" while Emma Kuhn Beamer (1848-1908). Savannah (Babe) Elrod Mullinax Hayes (1865-1938). and Martha Hall Bramblett Elrod (1875-1945) were midwives.
One of the two churches bearing the Casey Springs name is the Church of Christ which was founded by members of the Stanley family, probably after the Church of Christ congregation at Center Hill disbanded. The older of the two Casey Springs churches is the Methodist group.
Casey Springs Methodist Church was the second effort to start a Methodist place of worship in the area. On October 15, 1863 William A. Marshall. Robert Jennings, and A.J. Weaver accepted a deed from Nathan Jones for 1 ½ acres of land where the Marshall's Chapel "meeting house now stands." Located on land lot 141 (8th and 3rd) west of Casey Springs, the group must have dissolved a few years later for on November 12. 1870 a deed from the Marshall's Chapel group to Jane Jones, widow of Nathan Jones, is recorded.
By August. 1871 property on land lot 138 (8th and 3rd) was in use as a campground and thus Casey Springs Church was born. For many years the Campground was known far and wide as a place of good preaching, of much spiritual Power, and for large congregations. In August, 1878 Isaac Casey, Sr. and Isaac Casey, Jr. sold 4 acres of land to trustees William Mathis, A.T. Weaver, and Andrew Mauldin for $24. Casey Springs' first church, a log building, was erected soon after. For some time the brush arbor at the campground co-existed with the church and people came in wagons to spend the entire summer at worship Among the early members of the church were William Hooper (trustee) John. Liz, Fannie and Jane Couch. Jim Loughridge (trustee), Tilda Green' Rome Buckner, Bill Morgan, and several of the Ingle, Long. Rogers, Causby' Hall, Gallman, Hayes, Tucker, and Blankenship families. John Hames and Robert Wood are also listed as trustees on early deed records. A prominent church member for many years was Albert Tipton Weaver. An early history of the congregation describes him as follows: "There were few men of greater will power and he spoke his sentiments fearless of any man. He was a good farmer and was ever experimenting with things that promised progress. His most marked work as a citizen was for Casey Springs Church and Campground. He led in the organization of the church and was a trusted leader and official in it. For many years he was Sunday School Superintendent and directed the training of the youth of the community. When the new church was built, he took a large part in it both in money and work. Weaver was a liberal man in supporting the ministry and all the benevolent agencies of the church."
The new church was built by 1888 and some of the logs from the old edifice were used in the white frame building of today. The church has been on a circuit until very recent years, so, many men have served the congregation. Among them have been Revs. Thurman (1880's or 90's), Turner, Cochran (1908), Hampton, Cook. Chastain, Poteet. Posey, Smith, Duckett, AttiaParker, Stuart, Blackstock. Grady England, Brasher. C.B. Kinsey (1951), J.B. Godfrey, Bert Ingle, Boyd Wagner (1956-57), Charles Burton (1958-61). J.K. Underwood (1961-62), Bobby Cagle. Harrell. Peck, and WaltonMcNeil, Ken Phillips is the present pastor.
The greatest revival is thought to have been in 1926 when Brother Cook was the minister and Richard Poteet was preaching. Cook was a beloved minister who began the annual Homecoming and Decoration Day in the 1920's. Older members recall the days when Rev. Cook and John Brindle led the congregation, marching two by two, to the cemetery while singing "When the Roll is Called up Yonder" for decoration services.
During the 1950's Casey Springs was on the Spring Place Charge with Mt. Zion and Spring Place. In 1956 a parsonage was built just north of Spring Place on Highway 225 and on many occasions the congregation was served by a student minister. In the early 1960's many improvements were made to the church structure including painting, adding a steeple, reflooring, reroofing. as well as installing a new ceiling, a heating system, and windows. Membership was then about 76 with 35 attending regularly. Many contributions from former members such as the Weaver family helped finance these improvements. Since then a new porch and other additions have been made to the original building. Mr. Bob Causby, a long-time member, was superintendent for many years as was Mr. Ingle.
Casey Springs Cemetery, situated on a hill across the highway from the church, was donated to the church, but unfortunately a deed was never recorded so, many years later, the church had to actually buy the land from the Stanley family. Mr. Henry Blankenship worked for many years to beautify the cemetery and now a special fund has been established for the upkeep of this historic urial ground. The oldest marked grave is that of a child. Robert Morgan, who died in 1873 at the age of 4. {Information provided by Minnie Gryder, Maxie Gray, Ethel Curd, Rosco Long, the late Mrs. Columbus Tucker, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Bob Causby.)
As was so often the case in the rural South, the church building was also used as a school. Located east of the present church structure, Casey Springs School was operating as early as 1880 and enjoyed three quarters of a century of success in at least two buildings. T.L, Hilley and Mr. Green donated land to the school in later years and one school structure had four classrooms, kitchen space, and an auditorium. Trustees for Casey Springs School included John A. Johnson (1921), M.B. Tucker (192]), J.B. Sanders (1932). T.L. Hilley. W.W. Bright (1931). J.J.F. Brindle (1931), E.E. Brindle (1932, 51). W.F. Dugger (1933), W.F. Brindle (1944-50). P.L. Jordan (1944), John Brindle (1947), Columbus Tucker (1947), Grady Moore (1951). Elbert Bright (1951), and Martin Greeson (1951).
In its 75 years of operation. Casey Springs School had many fine teachers. Among the earliest educators there were C.W. Gram (1881), ___ Huckabee (1884). J.M. King (1891), Sam Weaver (1893-94), ___ Bagwell (1895). B.F. Collins (1896), John Gilbert (1897), John H. Loughridge (1899), and E.Q. Anderson (1900). Other teachers included Mamie Osborn (1916), Jessie Wells (1917). Vie Tucker (1921). Mary Stealy (1919), Maggie Woods (1929). Arvil Vaughn (1929), Beulah Ballew and Lucille Davis (1932), Gretel Cochran and Seward Mix (1932-1934). Charles Ross (1932-35). Hazel Williams (1934-36). J.P. Mosteller (1934). Ray Bagley (1935). Loren Ross (1935-38), Walter Richards (1938), Inez Brindle (1938-39), Mrs. Branch Tucker (1947-52), Mrs. EllisonHayes (supply 1947). Ava Nell Johnson (1948-5 l),Miss Gazel Turnage (1951-53). Betty Long (1952). John Bradley (principal (1953-54). Mrs. Wright Loughridge (1952-53), Frank Hall (1954). and Luke Hawkins (principal (1947-52. 1954-55). Among other educators remembered by local residents are Eula Edrnondson (described as "rough and tough"). Jennie Edrnondson, Will Smith, Minnie Stephenson, Octavia Perkins. Pansy Heartsell. Marguerite Heartsell, ____ Lewis, Minnie Barksdale. Charles Shriner, Lela Wilson, Sally Johnson, Charlie File, Murrell Vess. Paul Brindle, Cloe Middleton, Ruth Blackwell, Geneva Sanders. Troy Richards. Dot Richards, Mattie Charles, Willie Mae Pritchett Sexton, Tennie Cantrell, Zona Cochran, Grethel Tucker. Blanche Allen . Eunice Blackwell, Mildred Adams (1917), Zessie Whitfield, Choice Perkins. Jirn Ragsdale. Mary Blankenship.ClarlieMcAfee. Charlie Leonard, and _____ Brindle.
In 1956 Southwest Elementary School was built, consolidating all the rural elementary schools in the Ball Ground and Eighth Districts, Troy Richards served as principal until this facility was consolidated with Spring Place in 1969-Teachers and staff members at Southwest included Rilla Richards (1956-1969), Kathryn Loughridge (1956-67), Zona Cochran (1964-69). and Annette Patton. Trustees for Southwest included Grady Moore. Jeff Mashburn. John Fox, J.C. Hall. Ernest Brindle, Walt McBrayer, and Wright Jones. The former school, located on 225 at the intersection with Fox Bridge and Fidel Roads, was purchased by the Church of God of the Union Assembly and is used as housing for members during special church gatherings in Dalton.
Just south of Casey Springs is New Prospect Baptist Church, the oldest te\i-gious group in this part of the county. On September 15,1848 James C. Loughridge deeded 2 acres in land lot 150 (8th and 3rd) to Arthur Gilbert and Edward J. Bunyard. deacons of the New Prospect Baptist Church. When additional property was obtained in 1868 Kinney Johnson was the grantor while Mr. Gilbert and Gilford Martin were listed as deacons. The first church was a log building on the east side of 225. Union soldiers are said to have burned this structure and about 1868 another building was erected at the site (second deed). In 1870 the congregation reported 138 members to the North Georgia Baptist Association and W.A. Elhs was pastor. Messengers to the Association meeting were M. Roberts and A.J. Hunsucker.
In the 1890's the church moved across the road to the present site and built a new sanctuary. In May. 1978 a tornado severely damaged this frame, weather-boarded church and a new modern block building was constructed. The first services were held in the new church in January, 1979. From May until December, the services were held in the Chatsworth Christian Academy, located on the site of the first two New Prospect buildings. This Christian school was started by members of New Prospect-Max Henson. Danny Jenkins. Bobby Brindle. Clarence Baggett. and Max Chastain. The school had been renamed Canaanland Christian School and is now directed by Rev. Isaac Johns.
Members of New Prospect recall many good revivals back in the "ole days" when Casey Springs Methodist and Timms Chapel Church of God would join with New Prospect for the meetings. Schools dismissed early so that students could attend revival services during the day meetings. Other deacons of the church have included C.P. Brindle. Albert Hayes. Ernest Brindle, Malcolm Brindle. Danny Jenkins. Clarence Baggett, and Bobby Brindle. A special event at New Prospect was the ordination of M.O. Casey on November 1. 1919. "Preacher" Casey went on to pastor almost every Baptist congregation in the southern part of the county and enjoyed a long life. He died at the age of 95 in 1982 and was buried at New Propsect.
Pastors of the church since the turn of the century have been J.M. Couch (before 1906). J.F. Davis (1906-1910). J.T. Hales (1910-1913), W.J. Moore (1913-1914). J.W. Pitts (1914-1915). J.M. Waters (1915-1918). S.H. Pendley (1918-19), M.J. Taylor (1919. 1922-24). C.M. Pitts (1919-20, 1921), M.O. Casey (1920-21, 1924-30, & 1937-40), L.C. Sluder (1930-33), E. Oscar Davis (1933. died January, 1934). W.D. Lambert (1934-37), Charlie Hambright (1940-45). Kirby Young (194548). H.G. "Grady" England (1948-52). Jim Moore (1952-58). M.L. Clark (1958-61). Sammy Allen (1961-62). J.E. Glass (1962-66). Max Henson (1966-78). Danny Jenkins (1978-81). and Ed Kilgore (1981 to date). Church clerks have included C.L. Frost. J.S. Rodgers, C.P. Brindle. W.A. Chapman, W.D. Sanders. Harlan Brindle, Nettie Long. Isaac Johns. Truy Ridley. C.T. Rollins. and Bobby Brindle. (Information provided by Jtmelle Chapman andMr. and Mrs. Frank Brindle.!
The New Prospect Cemetery has many old graves including countless unmarked burials. The oldest marked graves are those of infants Mary and Sarah Fain who died in 1854 and 1856.
A little further down 225 from New Prospect is the Timms Chapel Church of God. This body was organized in 1934 and the next year Jim and Exie Timms donated land for the church. The first trustees were Mr. Timms, W.W. Bright and Lawrence Jones. C.L. Hall served as pastor for several years. Like New Prospect. Timms Chapel also received damage in the tornado in 1978. Total damages to the two churches, the Christian school and private property (at the Jenkins' and the Stanley's) was estimated at over $150.000. but no one was injured.
In years past three smaller communities have existed west of Holly Creek Post Office. Casey Springs, and New Prospect in areas that are now sparsely settled. One of these and perhaps the oldest was on Holly Creek near the spot where the Creek empties into the Conasauga River. Here the Teasleys and Browns were large landowners for many years. A Teasley family cemetery dating to the 1860's or 70's is the only reminder of this settlement. A Baptist church was founded in the area before the Civil War and on May 22. 1877 W.L. Brown deeded property to the trustees of a Methodist Episcopal Church South on Land Lot 73 (8th and 3rd). The trustees included T.T. Teasley. J.H. Kuhn, G.M. Brown, and Zion Spriggs. A school operated here for some time (from the 1880's at least) though a deed from I.B. Teasley and S.M.R, Huggins was not recorded until 1907. The property was located on the "south side of the public road leading from the Oscar Brown place to the Renfroe Huggins fence." One of these early churches could have been the one that moved to Browns. New Hope, or Tickle Gizzard in Bull Pen District.
Below Holly Creek, Looper Bend Road joined the road from Bull Pen and Spring Place, became one. and then crossed the river at Looper Bridge though the Vickery Ford was located in the vicinity at the turn of the century. This area is almost inaccessible today as parts of the road have not been maintained in many years.
South and west of the Teasley settlement, at the next bend of the Conasauga River, was the Touchstone settlement -about 2 or 3 miles east of the Whitfield County town of Tilton (named for W.C. Tilton of Spring Place). Landowners other than the Touchstones included the Townsends who gave their name to the Bend in the river at Tilton. the Hogans, Foxes. Shannons, and Bracketts. The residents of this area had many ties with Tilton after the Tiiton Bridge was built about 1885. For many years the area was served by John Gentles, a mail carrier from Tilton. (In recent years the one-lane, metal and wood Tilton Bridge has been replaced.)
The Jones Ford was east (up river) of the Touchstone community where a school operated from 1891 until 1897. Teachers there included W.A. Teasley, Mary Gilbert, and two others whose names are not recorded in school records-
Further east in the rugged area still known as the Bracket! Ridges was a school known as Bracketts or "Lone Cherry." (Maybe there was a single cherry tree there!) In the 1870's M.S. Vandever sold for $I an acre of land in lot 181 (8th and 3rd) for a school and Board of Education minutes mention Lone Cherry as operating in 1880. On June 30. 1897 J .B. Bracket! deeded property in the same lot for the Lone Cherry School, Teachers here included Mrs. Maggie Giddens (1881). Miss Mat Lockaby (1884), D.H. Harris (1885). Sam Jackson (who had 27 enrolled and was advancing very well in 1891), Mrs. Mattie Bradford (1893) William Morris (1894). B.F. Collins (1895). and M.W. Shields (1900).
Tom Fox once had a country store on the Tilton Road.
The third community in this section of the Eighth District was Bright's View, located on the road between New Prospect on 225 and Tilton which goes through the Bracket Ridges. Named for the Brights who were prominent residents of the area for many years, this school operated for some time. Among the teachers were Rev. Thornton, Julia Quarles (1916). Oscar Charles (1917). Edith Wells, and Bill Colvard. Frank Hayes was one of the last trustees for Bright's View before it was consolidated with Casey Springs in 1921. When the school closed J .W. Looper obtained the property from the Board of Education.
Much of the area just mentioned was included in an Industrial City created the Georgia Legislature in 1973. The city was to consist of a 24-square-mile area in Murray. Whitfield. and Gordon Counties and provide a central location for industrial expansion in the three counties. Some 6,768 acres of Murray land was to be included. Following several meetings of county leaders and the passage of the bill by the General Assembly, a committee was appointed by the Governor, the Speaker of the House, and each county to oversee the city. Torn Mitchell was selected Mayor, Adkins Henderson of Calhoun was Vice-Mayor and Stan Maples of Whitfield County was Secretary-Treasurer. Board members were Bob Collins of Calhoun and Bobby Mosteller of Chatsworth. This Council had complete authority over the area and received a grant to help finance the development. However, they faced the economic recession of 1973-74 and plans for the Industrial City were halted. Also, accessibility was a problem.
The Industrial City project was dependent on another project which has never gotten off the ground-the Dalton Dam and Reservoir. As planned by the Army Corp of Engineers, a dam would be built on the Conasauga River in an area near the Holly Creek junction with the River. An 8,650-acre lake and reservoir would provide water for the Industrial City, but also change the Eighth, Bull Pen, and Spring Place Districts very drastically. Plans for the dam were halted during the Nixon Administration and, though mentioned periodically, still seem far in the future. In 1975 the number of Murray Countians living in the Industrial City, whose northern boundary is the Brackett Road, was 168.
The eastern boundary of the proposed Industrial City was Highway 225 and in the area where 225 enters Gordon County a community has long existed. Union Grove or "Heppsedam" was west of 225 while Gallman's or Davis* is on the highway. Crick Hall had a store at Heppsedam while Knight Gallman ran a gin and Marion Gallman had a store near Sardis Church of God. Branch Tucker made syrup and in 1923 J.C. Fox had a garage on Route l.Tilton.
Churches in this area include a Methodist church at the county line (Land Lot 250. 8th and 3rd) which received a deed from John C. Mathis and Sarah Lewallen on September 13, 1869. Trustees were Daniel Johnson, H.T. Weaver, William Davis, Robert Woods, and RJ. Harris. The name of the church is not known.
The Sardis Church of God was organized in the 1940's. On February 17, 1947 Lawrence Jones deeded property to Trustees H.A. Duck, Ford Stancil, and J.C. Blackstock. The Sardis Cemetery is much older because a "Hardshell Baptist" church had existed at the site many years before. The oldest graves in the cemetery are from the 1860's or earlier and Sardis Church appears on a map of about 1890. but the church must have disbanded soon after the turn of the century. Older residents recall an old, delapidated building on the site of Sardis in the early 1900's.
A school operated at Sardis in 1885 with a McBrayer as the teacher. Six years later the school was open once more with Miss Naomi White the teacher. Miss White taught again in 1893 and was followed by Mary Gilbert (1894), G.W. Brogden (1896). J.H. Collins (1899) and J.W. Martin (1900). Miss Mamie Osborn also taught there.
The longest lived and most successful school in this area was Union Grove which was more commonly called "Happsedam." Spellings for the name vary and the origin of the name is unknown, but it could have been carried over from the school at Sardis. On November 20, 1905 Miss M.E. Kuhn deeded land on lot 217 for a church and school. The school at Sardis disappears from records about this time and soon Union Grove is listed. Located west of 225 on the road to Resaca across Pole Cat Creek, the Union Grove building was used for church services and singings at least until 1919. Trustees for the school included Tam-Piell Hall (1947-1952). W.H. Holcomb, W.I. Davis. R.M. Greeson. H.E. Gallman, and H.R. Hall, all in the I920's and 30's.
During its long history Union Grove had many teachers including Jessie Wells .(S916-18). Henry Mauldin (principal 1929-30), Beulah Ballew, Mrs. V.L. Brown-M Lizzie Swanson, Beatrice Hemphill and C.L. Hilliard (1932), Agnes Kemp (1932-33; Annie Ross (1932-37). Johnnie Shields (1933-34), Ruth Kemp (1933-38), Eldora Ballew (1933-37), Winfred Leonard (1934-35), Loren Ross (1935), Kachel Middleton and Cloe Middleton (1935-36), Katherine Ernest (1936-37), Harriet Smith and Opal Jenkins (1937-38). Aileen Clayton (194243), Dave and nomer Holcomb (1943-44), C.E. Hawkins (194748), Jeffie Gallman Sexton (1949-50), Marnie Osbom, Nadine Wilbanks, Ruby Causby. Miss ___Greeson.
armie Freeman, Mr. ____ Henderson, and the last two teachers before the school closed in 1952. Beatrice Defote (later Chapman) and Fred McBrayer. Both had taught several terms at Heppsedam. In 1954 the old school building was sold to Mr. Jones.
Two other schools in the area west of Heppsedam included one named Concord that was operating in 1880 but then disappears from records until 1893 when Rosie White was the teacher. Other teachers were Mollie Glass (1894). Rosie White (1895), John Loughridge (1897). and Mrs. M.B. Patric (1899). In 1884 a Miss Wyatte had a school "at the county line."
An old family in this vicinity were the Tales. Jacob Tate (1807-1888) and his wife (1817-1896) are buried on their old farm on the south side of the road to Resaca.
In more recent years Glen Davis's store has become a landmark in this section of the Eighth District, but long-time special events in the area were the Henry Gallman picnics. Mr. Gallman was a colorful, old-time local politician and served on the board of education for some time. It was through his efforts that the Southwest Elementary School was built in this district. Mr. Gallman's picnics were usually held in connection with his birthday and the festivities drew many Georgia political figures including Jimmy Carter. Bert Lance, Rosalynn Carter, and David Gambrell, Begun about 1929. the picnics were annual affairs for many years before Mr. Gallman's death in 1974. He was buried in the Sardis Cemetery.
The eastern boundary of the Eighth District is the road which leads from Casey Springs to the Gordon County "post hamlet" of Fidel (or Fidelle). Along this road lived the Blankenships (who had one of the first radios in the community in the teens), the Mashburns. the Pettys, the Hoopers, the Jordans, and particularly the Brindles. This early family gave their name to a school which operated on their property (lot 245, 8th and 3rd) for several years. Located on the west side of the Fidel Road, Brindle's School had the following as teachers: __ Galbreath (1884), Minnie Dailey (1891-92). Julia Hunsucker (1893-94), May" Addington (1895). E.J. Anderson (1896-97), Mary Edmondson (1899), and J.E. Everett (1899-1900). The school was then renamed Fairview. Later teachers included Frankie Anderson. Mattie Lou Walls (Pritchett). Tennie Can-trell. Wesley Everett, Posey Wells (1916), and Mary Brown (1917). The school was consolidated with Casey Springs about 1918.
Several business enterprises were located on or near the Fidel Road. Isaac Blankenship ran a store where the Emery Scotts now live and have a barber shop. G.W. Brogden and Henry Cagle had stores east of the road while George Overby once had a gas-powered grist mill on the Macedonia Road which is off the Fidel Road. Jeff Edwards also had a business for a time. Mr. Hayes was a sawmiller and Leach Richards carried the mail in the area. Doctors in the vicinity included Dr. Burton at Fidel and Dr. File who lived at Resaca but made calls throughout this section of the county. Also at Fidel was a community cemetery, stores, and a post office on the Gordon County side of the line. Jim and Jeff Mashbum ran a grist mill, a shingle mill, and a store at Fidel.
The Mashburns have long been residents of this area and Dave Mashbum, one of the patriarchs of the family, is buried in an unmarked grave on his former farm west of the Fidel Road behind the Dollar's home on land now owned by a pulpwood company. Another early family in this community were the Sextons. They have a family cemetery just inside Murray County off the new road.
The Sextons were early members of the Maple Grove Baptist Church and donated the land for the building in 1895. Church leaders mentioned in the deed were Joseph Rodgers, M.F. Petty, Ambrose Johns, and John M. Sexton. Rev. M.D, Lambert was the first pastor and J.M. Sexton. Jr. the first clerk. Other early members were G.L. Johns. Troy Etheridge, Rosa Sexton. Uzzie Sexton, G.W. Dean, and Blanche Dean.
The church had an uneven history in its early years and for brief periods was a Methodist and Holiness Church. Finally, in 1935, the Baptist Church of today was reorganized. Pastors have included Berry Waters, Walt Ballew, Blake Carter. Charles Moulton, Griffin Crumbley, Fred Winkler, Isaac Johns, and Johnny Payne, In 1948 while Rev. Crumbley was pastor, a new church was built beside the old structure. Since then the church has been remodeled several limes and in 1978 had 169 members. Homecoming is celebrated the second Sunday in July and an annual revival starts the second Sunday in August. The church now has a cemetery on adjoining property.
For about 10 years from 1928 until 1939. school was also held at Maple Grove. Trustees were John Sexton, Dennis Johns. Mr. Edwards, and Mr. Fiowers. Teachers included Geraldine Kendrick (1928-30). __ McBrayer (1832-33), Winfred Leonard (1933-34), Eula Martha Smith (1933-37). and Rossie O'Neal (1937-39).
Since the area was so closely associated with Fidel and Gordon County, many early residents of the area are buried in the Fidel Cemetery. Several other cemeteries are scattered across the Murray-Gordon line at various points east and west of Maple Grove. Fidel, Montgomery's and Carters. Among them are the Noblett, Evergreen. Corinth. Hopewell. Thompson. Westbrook. Holbrook, White Graves (Coosawattee). Baxter, and Durham cemeteries. Sometimes churches adjoined these burial grounds such as at the Baxter meeting house, Hopewell. and White Graves. Several families such as the Humphreys. Jacksons, Nesbits, Robinsons, Edwardses, and Coxes were "across the line" neighbors to Murray County residents in the vicinity of the Eighth and neighboring districts.
-Chapter IV-
TOWNS, COMMUNITIES, AND MILITIA DISTRICTS
(1880-1980)
Carters - Ball Ground District
Lower Murray County was once divided into three militia districts-the Eighth, Carters, and Ball Ground. While the Eighth is still geographically the same, Carters and Ball Ground have been realigned several times. Both areas have histories which go back to Cherokee times.
Militia District No. 825 was the second one formed in Murray County and was named for Farish Carter who owned some 15,000 acres of land in the area. By the 1880's the western part of this district was called Ball Ground, but then (to confuse matters) around the turn of the century another district, Coosawattee No. 1807, was formed when No. 825 was called Ball Ground. In 1934 District No. 825 in the extreme southeast comer of the county, once again became Carters and No. 1807 between Carters and the Eighth became Ball Ground. At last the name was official. Around 1959, however, the two were once again joined and No. 1807 was abolished. In more recent years Carters has been combined with Doolittle for voting purposes.
Geographic features of these areas are Fields Gap and Buck Knob Mountain in the northeast corner of Carters District, Talking Rock Creek in the southeastern corner, the Coosawattee River on the southern edge and Buck Creek north and west of Ball Ground. Parts of Sugar. Rock, and Holly Creeks form of the northern district lines. Several springs are also found in these areas.
As evidenced by the creation of an additional district and then two reductions in districting, the population of the area increased for many years, but then began a steady decline between the World Wars and afterward. Farming was the Primary occupation in this section of Murray, but "moonshining" was widespread for some time! Many people left the somewhat secluded areas to be closer to other jobs and better schools. Even today many roads are unpaved, houses are far apart, and some areas are not joined by power lines and telephone cables. Many acres are owned by pulpwood companies like Bowaters. Other is now part of the Carters Dam complex and the Coosawattee Wildlife Magement Area. Recently, however, some slight population growth has occurred.
Carters-Ball Ground never boasted a large town, but at least a dozen small afies or communities have existed within their boundaries. Justices of the peace and school trustees are the only district officials on record. Past holders of the trustee position include John Berry (1877-92), J. Love (1877-79). John D. Spruell (1877-78). James McEntire (1878-92), Cicero D. Gilbert (1879-92) A.J. Martin (1892-95). Ben Becton (1892.95). David Heartsill (1892-95). Steven E. Cowart (1895). W.J. Smith (1895) and J.D. Durham (1895). Teachers in No. 825 during the first year of the Murray County School System (1877) were D.V. Thomason, J.C. Ellis, M. Hubbard.G.B. Bolan, and T.R.Johns (colored). Teachers in 1882 were R.P. Messer. G.C. Dalton, J.L. Simpson.W.C. Martin, and Miss H.I. Spruell. H.W. Bagley was a long-time justice of the peace in the district serving from 1885 until 1893 and again from 1897-1901 before holding the office from 1904 until his death in 1929. Other J.P.'s include W.D. Heartsll (1885-93), S.G. Carter (1885-89), D.L. Ridley (1893-97), L.N. Moore (1893-97). J.D. Durham (1895-97), W.P. Hemphill (1905-09), Patterson Messer (1907-11). C.F. Durham (1911-15), J.D. Calhoun (1915-24). T.B. Foster (1924-28), D.W. Smith (1929-32) and C.C. Deal (1933-41).
-Chapter IV-
TOWNS, COMMUNITIES, AND MILITIA DISTRICTS
(1880-1980)
The Ball Ground Area
The Ball Ground area received its name in Cherokee days as Indians met in the vicinity to play ball in a game similar to lacrosse. Even now older residents sometimes refer to the spot as "ihe Ball Ground." Ball Ground has always been an important community because five roads meet there. The road on the west joins Ball Ground with Casey Springs and is sometimes called the May Hill-Ball Ground Road, while the one on the north connects Ball Ground with the Center Hill area. Two roads are on the east with the upper road crossing Rock Creek and leading to Ramhurst. while the lower road crosses Sugar Creek and goes to Coniston and Carters.
The May Hill-Ball Ground Road forked east of Casey Springs and the south-em branch curved toward Montgomery's. Off this road was the Macedonia Baptist Church. Mr. Elijah Pitts deeded this property in land lot 227 (8th and 3rd) to the church on December 14, 1900. The church was joined to the Eighth District by another road which connected with the Fidel Road. Among the families who attended Macedonia were the Pates. Pitts. Scotts. Maxwells. Bakers, and Holdens (who had three children buried near the church). M.O. Casey, G.W. Thomason, and Kirby Young were among the pastors of Macedonia before the congregation disbanded in the early 1940"s. Joe Robinson once had a store near Macedonia.
Long-time residents in the area west of Ball Gound were the Elrod. Ballew, Hayes. Pritchett. Davis. Cagle. and Walraven families. Tom Elrod (1823-1896) was a miller, Oliver Pierce Ballew ran a blacksmith shop, and Henry P. Ballew had a syrup mill. Two of these families-the Elrods and Pritchetts-gave their names to schools in the locale.
The Elrod school was established in 1890 on the old Elrod farm south of the Ball Ground Road near where Jim Cagle later lived. The first building was made of logs and was also used for Sunday school. Elisha Allen was the teacher in 1891. From 1893 until 1900 Elrod's was known as Pritchett's school since that family also lived nearby and provided two teachers at the school: M.W. Pritchett (1893-96) and W.H. Pritchett (1897 and 1900). Wesley Everett was the teacher in 1899. In 1908 J.H. Pritchett deeded part of land lot 192 (8th and 3rd) fora new Elrod facility and a nice wooden structure was erected. Other teachers at Elrod School included Victoria Bagley, Pritchett Tucker (1916), Ernest Pritchett (1920). Will Welch. C.P. (Paul) Brindle, Willie Mae Pritchett. Hattie Cochran (1917). Jessie Mae Wells. Posey Wells. Luke Cantrell. Joel Carney,.Will Smith, and Alfred C. Puckett (1921-22).
John Pritchett and Mr. McRee had stores near the Elrod School which was officially named East Point in 1917. In the early 1920's the Elrod/East Point School burned and a deed of September 3, 1923 mentions "the land on which the East Point School is now located." Rebuilding had resulted in a new location for the school on a more public road, but some still refused to call it East Point.
The new East Point school was about 1& miles south of the old spot and about 2 miles north of the Gordon County line at Mashburns. The structure here was also wooden, but many felt the construction was inferior to that of the old Elrod building. One teacher at the East Point School was the late Icy O'Neal Plemons who wrote the following:
"I taught at East Point or Elrod one room school in 1929-32. One boy (Floyd Mathis) was in 10th grade. His mother had died and he could not leave his father to board and go away to high school. The next year he went to Calhoun and graduated. The children-and sweet children they were-were families of Elrod, Mashburn, Moore, Scott, Johns, Mathis, Sosebee, Cagle, Blankenship, Johnson, and Jenkins."
Other teachers at this school were Clara McEntire, Viola O'Neal, Azzie Mc-Brayer (1928-29), Maggie Woods (1932-33). Opal Jenkins (1934-36), Ralph Richards (1933-34. 36-37). Neptha Rogers, Walter Richards (1937-38), and Ainslee Vaughn (1938-39). Trustees here included W.W. Shelton, Lee Yother, J.S. Rogers. Jeff Mashburn, J.D. Elrod. and W.I. Blankenship. The school was consolidated with Casey Springs.
Ironically, just over a decade after the Elrod school was moved south, another school was established a short distance north of the old Elrod location. In 1933 W. Gordon Mann and James Q. Steed deeded 1 acre of land lot 155 (8th and 3rd) "for school purposes." Some thought of this school as a new Elrod School, but its name was officially "Coosawattee"—though it was not that close to the river. The first teacher here (1934-36) was Miss Nina Middleton who reported that she had about 20 students with most of them from the Elrod, Cagle, W |
