-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.
Murray County Heritage