-Chapter IV- TOWNS, COMMUNITIES, AND MILITIA DISTRICTS (1880-1980)
Shuckpen District
Shuckpen District (Georgia Militia District No. 1039) is among Murray's most historic. Formed from Spring Place and Tenth Districts around 1848 or 49, Shuckpen was sometimes called Vining's district in its early years. The Vining clan was a pioneer family in the area, as was the Bond family. Paul Bond, a longtime Murray County tax receiver, passed down this story of how the area obtained the name Shuckpen:
"Before the little courthouse was built at Fashion, people met and voted under a large oak tree on election day. One election day it was raining and there was no place to hold the election. A man who lived nearby told the election officials that he had a pen (shed) he kept his shucks in and if they wanted to use it, the shucks could be moved out. So, that they did ... the district . . . was given the name 'Shuckpen.' " (Recorded by Charlie Ruth Bond Ross.)
In addition to the Vinings and Bonds, other pioneer families in the vicinity were the Berrys. Harrises, Heartsells, Frakers, Ingles. Ellises. Thompsons. Mc-Carnys, Smiths, Ayers', Vaughns, and Masons. These people called Sumach, Woodlawn. Fashion, Center Valley, Fullers, Franklin, and "Shakerag" home.
Among Shuckpen's justices of the peace were James M. Poag (1885-89), E.W. Bond (1885-93), L.P. Gudger (1889-97), D.W. Bond (1893-1912), R.N. McCamy (1905-21), G.W. Centers (1912-17), P.H. Bond (1916-21), A.F. Smith (1920-29), John White Harris (1923-27), H. Caldwell (1928-36), Gordon L. Hammontree (193640). Harrison Ingle. Joe Dill, Mr. Lindsey. Fred Fraker, Jarroyd Smith, and Ralph Fraker.
Early school trustees were Berry Vining (1877), J.H. Miller (1877-79), P.H. Teasley (1877), S.L. Brewer (1879-82). William G. Harris (1880-86), John Mc-Neil (1881), Nathaniel McGhee (1882), John E. McEntire (1884), AJ. Mason (1890), J.W. McKay (1890-95), A. Miller (1890-95), D.W. Bond (1895). and J.M. Poag (J895). During the first year of the public school system (1877), N.A. Kuhn, Ona McGhee. S.D. Pailon, and S.E. Berry were Shuckpen's leachers. In 1882 three schools operated in the district with Miss Ora McGhee, D.C. Vining, and W.E. Burch in charge. No school had more than 60 students in 1882.
An active group in the Shuckpen area for many years has been the United Friendship Homemakers Club. The United Friendship Homemakers Club was organized in 1951. Mr. W.A. Gaines was county agent at the time. Coleen Poole came to the county as home demonstration agent and organized the club at Chatsworth. The United Friendship Club covered an area of two or three communities namely from Fashion to just above Sumach Creek. Mrs. Poole worked to build the club into a large membership.
Some of the charter members were Mrs. Nora Bond, Mrs. Laura McEntire, Mrs. Evelyn Chapman, Mrs. Minnie Dunn, Mrs. Marcel Gladden, all of whom are deceased. The other charter members are Mrs. Mary Keener, Mrs. Flora Swilling, Mrs. Rossie Dunn. Mrs. Earlie Shelton, Mrs. Ruth Springfield. Mrs. Louise Tatum, Mrs, Addie Treadwell. and Mrs. Ruth Bates.
The club has been very active over the years although we have not had an active county home economist to come to the homes for the meetings. The members have given the programs on cooking, sewing, dressmaking, quilting, needlepoint, macrame, ceramics, and other crafts. We have planted shrubbery at churches, made cancer pads for the hospital, placed magazines in the hospital, and made contributions to charity organizations.
Club members participated in both the Whitfield and Murray County Fairs and won numerous ribbons. They also participated in the Flower Show sponsored by the County Council and made and sold two cook books.
The members have attended district and state meetings in Augusta. Macon. Jekyll Island, and Atlanta. One of the members was elected woman of the year in 1963-Mrs. Mary Keener, who attended the national meetings.
Other members have included Mrs. Cecil McCamy, Elaine Welch, Flossie McCamy, Lois Moore, Frances Kirby, Juanita Brown, Judy Owen, Joyce Reed, Yvonne Owen. Frances White, and Oveda Jones. (Submitted by Mrs, Louise Tatum. 1980.)
For many years the Sumach community was a center of activity in the Shuckpen District. Drawing clientele from the entire county, but particularly from the neighboring districts of McDonald's and the Tenth, Sumach boasted a post office, a store, a blacksmith shop, the well-known Sumach Seminary, and the equally famous Sumach Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Named for the creek which forms the boundary between Shuckpen and the Tenth, this community is one of Murray's oldest.
The Sumach post office was established May 27, 1878 with George W. Warmack as postmaster. After a brief tenure. Mr. Warmack was succeeded by Ethelred I.F. Cheyne on Nov. 29. Mr. Cheyne was the first principal of Sumach Seminary. The next three postmasters were John G. Spruill (1880-1882), John H. Phillips (1882-83), and John D. Townsend (1883-84). The location of the office probably changed several times and during Nasa Payne's tenure (1884-88) the office was possibly moved from Sumach hill to across the road from Frances Thompson's house.
John Martin, who also ran a store, enjoyed more years as Sumach postmaster than any other, serving from January 28, 1888 until October 31, 1898. Benjamin A. Gregory succeeded Mr. Martin, but he held the position for just over a month when Nannie Harris became postmistress on December 20. 1898. She moved her office into her father-in-law's house. The Sam Harris home, located just south of the present Masonic lodge, stood for many years before it was dismantled a short time ago.
Four doctors had Sumach addresses-J.C. Henry. W.F. Holland (1880's), O.G, Hughes (1902), and J.M. Gregory (1904). The Sumach Masonic Lodge No. 55, organized in 1882, now has members from across the county. In 1911 an Odd Fellows lodge at Sumach had 53 members. In 1937 the community had a population of 78 and was served by an Eton rural route. In more recent years Route 1, Chatsworth carriers Carl Tanksley and Jim Howard have delivered mail to the Sumach area.
John Green had a grist mill on Sumach Creek east of the main community. A relatively small mill built of logs, this mill had an unusually long mill race before it collapsed about 1972. Many years earlier, probably in the 1860's, James L. McEntire deeded property in land lot 265 (10th & 3rd) to Silvamous Dedmon for a vineyard.
The Sumach church is the oldest Cumberland Presbyterian church in Georgia and is the subject of Sumach on the Hill, a 1977 history of the congregation by Conway Gregory, Jr. The book is a comprehensive study of the entire Sumach community.
Sumach Cumberland Presbyterian Church was 133 years old on October 18, 1984. The first organizational meeting was held by the Rev. S.H. Henry under a huge chestnut tree at the home of George Hall in Murray County. Georgia. The home was located where the Fairy Valley Baptist Church now stands.
The Rev. Henry, a charter member of the Ocoee. Tennessee. Cumberland Presbyterian Church, was licensed to preach in 1848. In 1849 or 1850 he was ordained and was sent to Georgia as a missionary to establish a permanent Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He settled on the Old Federal Road near Fairy. On July 4. 1850. he and Miss Rossie Ann Harris were married. Later he built a home near Sumach. The home presently belongs to Clarence Cross. The Rev. Henry lived at this location until his death in 1905.
The congregation met from 1851 to 1853 in the Hall's Chapel School. In 1853. 614 acres of land was donated by John Isenhower and James McEntire for a church building. That same year the first building, a shed with a campground, was completed. The congregation called it Mount Cumberland and the Cumberland Shed. It is believed the shed had kitchen facilities and a storage room to be used by those who camped on the grounds during revival meetings. Recent research revealed that this shed was used for services until August 16, 1876 at which time the first church building was dedicated. The name was changed to Sumach Cumberland Presbyterian Church. This building was destroyed by fire in 1895. The shed had continued to be used, but was torn down at this time.
The second building was built and dedicated the same year. Two annexes were added. The first annex was completed in 1923 and the second in 1954. A second shed was built in 1913 by W.D. Petty. It was torn down to make room for the first annex. This second church building was destroyed by fire on May 22, 1966. The present building was built and was dedicated on November 22. 1966.
In 1910 Sam Harris donated an acre of land across the road east of the church to build a manse. A two-story rnanse was built that year and used until the early 1940's when the building was sold to Mrs. Joe McEntire and moved to her farm. The property now belongs to the Masonic Lodge. A second manse was built in 1973 on the church property to the north of the building. It was destroyed by fire in 1982. A third manse was built after this.
In 1884 the Ladies Aid Society was organized. The name was later changed to the Ladies Missionary Auxiliary and is now Cumberland Presbyterian Women. After a period of inactivity, the group was reorganized by Mrs. Swartz in 1922 and has remained active since that time.
During the church's 135 years of existence, 35 ministers have served here. The Revs. Henry and Hayes served a total of 81 of these years. The Rev. Henry was the first minister who served from 1851 until his retirement in 1895. The Rev. Hayes served 7 years, at intervals, from 1912-1940. He returned in 1942 to begin 30 years of uninterrupted leadership which ended with his death on August 19. 1972. His influence is still felt in the thoughts and actions of many of Sumach's members today.
Another minister who provided great leadership at Sumach was the Rev. Walter Swartz. He came to Sumach in 1919 and served until 1922. He resigned his position at Sumach to become the first Cumberland Presbyterian missionary to South America, After he and Mrs. Swartz completed their studies, the Rev. Swartz sailed for Colombia in 1925 and Mrs. Swartz followed in 1926. After returning to the United States in 1930. the Rev. Swartz again served at Sumach in 1931-32.
The Rev. Don Carter came in 1973 at a very difficult time in the life of the congregation following the death of Rev. Hayes. He provided the strong leadership needed at that time. The congregation went through a period of change and emerged with growth in all areas of church and community life. During this time on May 25. 1975, the C.W. Hayes Memorial Library was opened.
On April 1, 1977 a church history. Sumach on [he Hill, was completed by Conway Gregory, Jr.
The Rev. Carter resigned in early 1977 to accept a call to the Lebanon Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Lebanon. Tennessee.
The Rev. James Kelso came to Sumach on April 1, 1977. With his capable leadership the congregation is moving forward with much enthusiasm in many areas, including Bible study, children's ministry, and church growth.
The fourth Sundays in May and August have been days of celebration at Sumach since the congregation was organized. They began as days to celebrate the Holy Communion and later became homecoming and reunion days.
God is continuing to bless the Sumach Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Through the grace of God may we pass on the rich spiritual and historical heritage that was passed down to use. (Conway Gregory. Jr. & Mildred McCamy, 1984.)
The beautiful, well-kept Sumach Cemetery is the final resting place of many Shuckpen residents. Among the oldest graves is that of Florence Edna Broyles who died in 1857. Several individuals have interesting markers including J, Frank Hall (died 1948) whose marble slab contains an excerpt from his will mentioning a trust fund to maintain the cemetery. Many people have read the inscription on Nehemiah Stanford's stone which says "Here lies Nehemiah Stanford, grandson of 2 noblemen who fought in the Revolutionary War and was always true to their country. He was a strict adherent to their faith and always voted the democratic ticket." In recent years the cemetery has been the setting for a live nativity each Christmas. West of Sumach on the Frank Ross property is the T.A. Berry (1828-1890) Family Cemetery. Mr. Berry, his two wives, and four children are buried there. Some members of the Berry clan were connected with the Sumach Seminary.
Rev. S.H. Henry, founder of the church, was Murray County's first school commissioner, elected in 1870. A year earlier he had established the Cumberland Shed School which united with another school nearby to become Sumach Seminary in 1876. The shed and. later, the church building were used for classes until the fall of 1881 when a large two-story building was completed south of the church and the cemetery. Three dormitories were also constructed to accommodate the students who could not commute. Soon Sumach was known far and wide for its fine educational institution.
For many years the Seminary provided instruction at the primary, secondary, and junior college levels. Students from as many as 15 states attended school there. Many prominent Murray Countians received their educations "on the Hill." Miss Lula Gladden, a well-known Murray educator, was Sumach's first female graduate on May 26, 1897.
A board of trustees oversaw the general operation of the school, particularly m money matters. The County Board had to approve all decisions of the trustees who included John Bryant. B.F. Smith, William Dunford, Samuel Grigsby Stephen Gregory. James Gregory. S.E. Gregory, Sam Haggard. J.T. Waterhouse, and Benjamin A. Gregory at various times.
Much of the success of the Seminary was due to a fine group of "professors" who headed the school. The first was a Tennessean. E.I.F. Cheyne who served trom about 1876 until 1885. His first assistant was Sam E. Berry (until 1878) who later worked at Eton but is recognized for many accomplishments in whittield County. Sumach also became a "college" for "graduate study" as many teacher-training sessions were held there in the summer. Other principals included Charles H. Humphreys (1885-90. and 1892-94), Rev. A.J. Mann (1890-^J Rev. E.B. Shope (1894-95). J.H. Anderson (1895), and J.B. Andersen, leacners at the Seminary included W.E. Burch (1881). T.F. Shackleford (1891), Miss Ome Henry (1891-97), W.L. Henry (1884. 1892, 1894 & 1900), W.M. Lowery (1899-1900), and Hattie Poag (1899).
Around 1909 the Murray County Board of Education assumed control of Sumach Seminary though the trustees continued to serve in an advisory capacity. With the county's establishment of Colvard High School for this northwestern part of the county, Sumach became an elementary school for students in grades 1-7. Classes were held in the old Seminary building until the structure burned in 1921. A new building was erected on the same site, but it also burned in 1926. Following this fire, the County Board asked the local trustees to find a new location for the school. In August elections, district residents voted 63-60 to accept Luke Baxter's donation of a 4-acre tract south of Sumach (near today's Northwest Elementary School). As Sumach Elementary continued, it still enjoyed successes—academically and extra-curricularly in baseball, basketball, and 4-H.
Trustees for the Sumach Elementary School included John Isenhower (1921), John Stroud(1921),Joe McEntire(1921),L.C. Baxter (1929), P.H. Bond (1931). Abe Tatum (1930), A.B. Thompson (1933), J.W. Hawkins (1932), J.C. Smith (1934, 1947-53), Elmer Rogers (1947-53), F.W. Shelton (1947-53), D.M. Keener (1947-51). Fate Freeland (1947-51). O.L. Keener (1951-53). and C.L. Freeland (1951-53).
Other teachers at Sumach Seminary and/or Elementary were Lucy Harris Humphreys, J.C. Haggard, Mrs. S.E. Isbel, E.A. Earnest, Rev. Samuel Bennett, Ina Henry Gregory, Fannie Varnell, Rosie Freeman, Fred Lowe, Charles Shriner, Lilly Hansird, Mrs. Sara Leonard Kemp, Rev. Lyle (1916), J.H. Wood (1916), Oscar Holcomb (1917), Mae Johnson (1916-17), Price Bracket! (1918-19), Lois David (1918-19), E.N. Tarpley (1919), Nora Bond (1919), Estelle Wil-banks (1928-29), Eualee Brown and Jim Ross (1928-29), Principal Etta Hampton and Gretel Tucker (1929-30), Harold Ellis (1932-34), Edward Chapman (1933-34), George Colvard (1934-36), Wilma Cobb (1935-36), Harriett Evelyn Smith (1934-35), Heartsell Bond (1935-38), George Ross (1938-39), and Joe Holcornb (194445). Two long-time teachers (and the last two educators at Sumach) were Mrs. Minnie Dunn (1929-55) and Mrs. Mary Dill (1948-55).
In 1956 Sumach, Colvard. and Franklin Schools were consolidated into the Northwest Elementary School which was constructed across the road from the last Sumach school site. Trustees at the new school were Winfrey Crider, Homei Carson, Elmer Rogers, and Luther Smith (all 1955-56), Carl Smith (1955), and Carlton Petty (1956).
George Ross was the first principal at Northwest. His successors have been Jirnmy Witherow, Doug Meyer, William D. Whitener, and Larry Loughridge. Among those who have taught there for several years are Mildred McCamy, Mary Dill, Richard Raber, George Baxter, Rossie Dunn, Stella Baxter, Ruby Bumett, Rossie McNeely, Mattie Harris, James Turner. Carolyn Zelinsky Luffman, Ruby Sanders, Barbara Beaty. Shirley Kimsey, Hazel Smith, Beverly Petty, and Hayes Ramsey. Brenda Ross had been school secretary for several years and Lucy Beavers is known across the county as a fine lunchroom manager.
Not far from Northwest is Zion Hill Church, the oldest Baptist congregation in Shuckpen District. On record as early as 1847, Zion Hill was originally situated about 2 miles southwest of the present site on Highway 225. The first church was destroyed in a storm and church records prior to 1888 are lost. Originally a member of the Middle Cherokee Association, the congregation joined the new North Georgia Baptist Association in 1861. Records of this latter group reveal that Zion Hill had 54 members in 1870 and that Giles Dunn was the pastor. Other names mentioned in connection with the church during this era were J.T. Baber(?), W.R. Lackey, and J.L, Brotherton. Early, if not charter, members included John B. Robins, John Brooks, Rebecca and Fannie Brooks. Sarah Ann Keith, William Bates, Rosey C. Bates, and Deacon N.A. Me Ghee.
The second church structure, built in the 1880's, was a small frame building located within a few feet of the existing edifice. Bob Fraker is reported to have given the land for the new building. In 1913 a larger building was erected and in 1927 the greatest revival on record was held. Rev. W.F. Huffaker was the pastor, Rev. Samuel Melton was the evangelist, and 22 were baptized. Silas R. Jones was one-time church clerk.
Asbestos siding and new benches were added in 1942 while in 1954 five classrooms and gas heat were added. The present sanctuary was erected in 1968 adjoining those Sunday school rooms. The following have been pastors: B.F. Foster. M.M. Bates, W.H. Boyd. J.M. Slone, C.E. Summey, Rev. Terry, Eldridge Sharp, H. Fore. R.W. Stokes, A.P. Stokes, E.P. Stokes, W.E. Dawn. H.R. North, James Dunn. Oscar Davis, A.H. Nanney, A.M. Latimer. J.W. Watkins, G.Walter Bennett, T.A. Brown, Samuel Melton. M.H. Welch, W.F. Huffaker, Walter Harper, F.A. Webb, Frank Harper. John Vineyard. Rembert Moore, G.D. Legg, J.C. Plemons. Ernest Young, Frank Harper, J.D. Johnson. Fletcher Goswick, John E. Bledsoe, Fioyd Dugger. Itsel Headrick, J.D. Cox. Grover Broom, Johnny Payne, and James Smith.
In 1859 John Harris donated land on lots 317 (I0th & 3rd) and 8 (9th & 3rd) for the old Zion Hill Church and its cemetery. While the last burial, a Spruill, was well into the 1900's. the old cemetery is abandoned and most grave signs are gone though there were several interments in this cemetery. In 1969 a new Zion Hill burial ground opened just north of the church with the interment of Mrs. Julia Rogers.
Two other cemeteries are also located in Shuckpen. An Indian burial ground was on a hill across from the Russell Presley homeplace. The B.J. Thompson family cemetery is on the David Causby farm off highway 225. Mr. Thompson, his wife, and three daughters were buried there between 1857 and 1861.
West of Zion Hill is the old "Rich" McCamy house. Though now abandoned, the structure was once a beautiful home overlooking the surrounding farmlands. Built around 1850 from locally made bricks the house has two main floors (each with two fireplaces) and a large basement. Water for the house was furnished by a nearby spring. Now owned by Troy McCamy. it is one of the county's oldest homes.
Near the center of Shuckpen District is its oldest community-Fashion. Formerly called Woodlawn, the area was important even in Indian times when a trading post was located there. Among the earliest residents of the Woodlawn community were the Becks and Gaithers who provided the first three Woodlawn postmasters-John W. Beck {1848-52 and 1854-57). Wiley S. Gaither who served just over a year from January 20, 1852 before his death in the early summer of 1853 at the age of 29, and William A. Beck (1853-54). The Beck-Gaither Family Cemetery is located on the Claude Clark farm northeast of Fashion. Though in poor condition, the burial ground contains several interments of a long-ago prominent Murray County family from the 1850's, 60's. and 70's.
Following John Beck's second tenure as Woodlawn postmaster. Ancellum S. Vining (1857-58), William H. Moore (1958-59), and Daniel Johnson (1859-67) filled the position before the office was discontinued Mar. 4, 1967. The office was re-established June 11, 1875 with James R. DeJournette serving briefly as postmaster until John D. Harris was appointed to the position in December. Captain William R. Davis became postmaster June 15, 1886 and during his years of service the name was changed to Fashion in 1894. Sibyl G. Davis succeeded Captain Davis in 1906 and worked a year before the office closed for good, Mar. 15, 1907. Residents then had to gef their mail at Spring Place before Rural Free Delivery from Eton began. (The area is now served by routes from Chatsworth.)
Mr. Gudger operated a store a Fashion in the 1800's and long-time area resident Blaine Fraker Tillman gave additional information about businesses in the community:
One of the oldest General Stores on record was owned by Mr. William Roscoe Davis [who] was postmaster. Sometime later Mr. Spruill built a store near the site of the Davis store. He also owned a home next door . . . Less than 2 miles south of Fashion was the Hammontree General Store, owned by Mr. Bill Hammontree and his friendly and always cheerful wife. "Miss Lizzie. Their home was across the road and one could be sure of getting what he needed at any hour-day or night.
Marvin Adams opened a store at Fashion in 1935. Later Thomas King operated a store on the same spot from 1963 until 1981. Neal Hatton operated "the store on the corner" after that.
Three of the largest landowners in the area in times past were "Red" John Harris, Elisha Wright Bond, and L.P. Presley whose son Spurgeon is still farming several acres. John "White" Harris owned one of the first cars in Fashion and also owned the first cotton gin. The Hammontrees and Mrs. E.D. "Miss Lou" Bond were probably the earliest residents to have telephones.
In 1900 Fashion had a population of 66, while in 1937, 81 people lived in the community.
Education was important to early residents. In September. 1873 Daniel Johnson deeded 3 acres on lot 299 (10th & 3rd) to the trustees of Woodlawn Academy. The trustees included James L. McEntire. L.B. Vining, John L. Baber. William G. Harris, and William McCamy and the school was located east of Zion Hill Church. Teachers here were Bill Cleveland, Bascomb Gates and J.J. Bates. The Woodlawn School was destroyed by a tornado in 1880.
The next year N.A. McGheeand A.S. Vining gave land on top of a hill approximately 1A mile west of the Fashion crossroads for a new school. Trustees E.W. Bond, L.B. Vining, William Loughridge, Harrison W. Osbom. and John C. Harris built a large one-room structure which served as the community's school for the next four decades. Early teachers here were E.A. Earnest (1884). W.W. Davis (1884), Whiley Glass (who had 52 pupils in a "well organized" school in 1891), Mrs. N.E. Osborn (1893-94), and N.M. Bain (1895). The name of Woodlawn School then changed to Fashion. J.W. Harris (1897). W.A. Gladden( 1899-1900), Annie Woods (1917), Mary Fetzer (1918-19), and A.R. Howard (1921) were among later teachers.
One area resident recorded the end of the Fashion school as follows:
"During the school term 1924-25 the roof caught fire; slowly but surely the beloved old building burned to the ground . . . there was no water available except by a bucket brought from the well at the foot of the hill. The school children were able to save all the benches, the windows, and the blackboard. One of the spectators who came to watch the fire, Erskine Ellis . . . noticed the little young teacher in tears and in his usual affable manner came quickly to her side, cheerfully saying, "Now don't cry! Come on, let's have a ballgame!" . . . Within a few days the trustees had located an old building nearby on the properly of Mrs. Sadie Davis and school was held there until the new consolidated school was built."
Blaine Fraker taught there.
A long-time landmark west of Fashion was the Lower King's (or Boyles) Bridge across the Conasauga River. Replaced by a new span in 1983, the old 1890's metal and plank bridge was preserved for pedestrian traffic.
For many years Fashion also had a black community which centered around the Shiloh Baptist Church located west of Fashion crossroads. Shiloh was originally known as Shady Grove Church and was organized in the middle 1800's near the Goswick community. In 1884 the group moved to the Jack Keith farm and in 1888 found a more permanent home at Fashion. T.B. Vining deeded property to Richard Wofford, Henry Holmes, and Henry Reynolds, deacons of Shiloh Church. The building was also used for school purposes.
Richard Morris. Joseph Gilbert, and George Bonds were Shuckpen's first trustees for black schools. They were appointed in 1879 and in 1880 Levi (Boisey) Branham was the teacher at Shady Grove. Four years later the school was first called Shiloh when Alfred Morris taught there, though in 1888 it was once again referred to as Shady Grove with Mr. Branham teaching once more. In 1891 Mr. Branham had 18 pupils enrolled at Shiloh and the school was "doing tolerably well." A Miss Riverson was the teacher in 1895 but Mr. Bran-ham returned the next year. In 1898 the school was moved to near the old Daniel Dunn home for a time and 2 years later Tennessee Greene was the teacher at Shiloh. Two other early teachers were S.H. Carter (1877) and Miss Georgia L. Brooks(1882).
In the 20th century Shiloh became one of four black schools in Murray County. Trustees included Jim Ramsey (1929). Will Bonds, and Sol Mann. Teachers were Jessie Beck (1917). Fannie Wofford (1918). Sol Mann (1920), Bertha Peters, Bertha Washington, Alice Wilson (1922, 1928-30). and Aileen Booker (1934-35 and 1937-38).
Following World War II the black student population declined and transportation improved. Therefore, the County Board of Education consolidated schools both black and white—until only Chatsworth and Carters colored schools remained. The Shiloh Church, however, continued to call Fashion home for several more years.
The old church burned in 1922 and for a time the community was left without a church or school. During Rev. Tom Ray's pastorship the church was rebuilt in 1924. In the late 1950's plumbing, kitchen facilities, and a choir stand were added to the building. In 1972 Shiloh church moved to Whitfield County where most of its members now lived and a new structure was erected on land purchased from Mr. & Mrs, C.T. Gay. At its new location Shiloh has grown and progressed rapidly. Many of the present leaders and members are descendants of the old Murray County families.
Among Shiloh's pastors during the Murray years were Frank Jackson (1914-15), Rev. Dillard (1928-30), J.C. Murray (1930-33), J.A. Ester (1933-39). Frank Williams (1939-40). Rev. White (194044). Rev. Flemister (1944-50), J.H. Sparks (1950-52). Rev, Gibbs (1952-56). D.L. Bussie (1956-67). and Solomon Whitfield (1967-75). Other ministers who served Shiloh included Revs. Kilgore. Beck. Lawson Halloway. J.B. Davis, Will Black. Sullivan. Phillips. Lee Mack, and Luther Williams. The church is active in the North Georgia General Missionary Baptist Association.
Deacons and other leaders of Shiloh-past and present-include Alfred Beck. Isaac Bonds. John H. Betton, Blant Rivers, Moses Wofford. Will Bonds. Charlie Rivers, Joshua Betton, Robert Wofford, Jim Ramsey. Charlie Rivers. James Wofford. Sr.. Darce O'Neal. Curtis Rivers, Sr.. Henry McDade. Sr.. J.P. Bonds. Fannie Wofford, Adrain O'Neal. Ralph Whitener, Herl Bonds. Eugene Wofford.
Alma O'Neal. Mary McDade, Ralph Wofford. and Jim Weaver. (Information provided by Nina Hill & Deacon Johnny McDade.)
After the Shiloh congregation left the building at Fashion it was vacant for a time. During the late 1970's a new group began a church called Holy Bible Gospel Way in the former Shiloh building. Harold England was pastor. The structure burned in the early 1980's.
Mt. Moriah Baptist Church was founded east of Fashion off the Fashion Road in the late 1970's. Many, many years earlier the Boiling Springs Baptist Church had been that denomination's representative in the Woodlawn-Fashion community. Located on lot 46 (9th & 3rd) south of Fashion, Boiling Springs was obviously named for some bubbling streams in the vicinity which were still known in the 1890's and early 1900's. The church, however, did not fare as well. According to the 1846 deed James Morris gave the land "for a new meeting house" to be used "only for church or school," Calvin Rollins and Ralph Jackson were deacons of the church which was to be located on "public road south along road east."
The oldest church in the area is the Center Valley Methodist Church. While its origins are not certain, the church is considered by many to be ISO years old. No deeds are recorded for Center Valley until 1868 when Dawson A. Walker and Elisha Wright Bond deeded one acre of lot 46 "on which the M.E. Church now stands" to the church trustees. According to tradition the church was so named because the first log building was constructed near the center of a beautiful valley about the time Shuckpen became a district. Since this was also about the same time Boiling Springs got a new building, and since the property mentioned in the deeds to the two churches is in such close proximity, one possibility is that the two congregations co-existed, maybe even using the same building until the Baptist group disbanded and only Center Valley remained. It is known that early services at Center Valley consisted only of "class meetings" with occasional sermons by "circuit riding" ministers. Since the Baptists probably had the same situation, it is likely the two worked together as they did in other communities. One of the known circuit riders was Bishop Scott.
During this early period E.R. Young was postmaster of a short-lived Center Valley mail stop from May 9. 1860 until January 5,1867. Also, school was held in the old log Center Valley church building until it was destroyed in an 1880 tornado. The group's second home was a one-room frame structure located across the drive (south) of today's church which was completed in 1952.
More than 60 men have served Center Valley as pastor. N.A. Parsons, Harvey A. King, A.W. Williams and W. Floyd Walden were outstanding ministers during the 1920's and early 1930's. Others who pastored at the "church in the beautiful valley" were W.R. Harrison, W.H. Heath. J.F. Tyson, H.H. Porter. John Oaks, J.T. Richardson, J.J. Harris, Tom Edwards. Rev. Hughes, Rev. Embrey, Rufus Hickey, Will Hambey, E.M. Stanton, Fletcher Walton. H.W. Morris, Rev. Ward, H.T. Smith. W.B. Austin, Lewis Lynn, J.N. Myers. J.K. Speck, M.M. Walraven, F.L. Church. W.T. Hambey, W.M. Arnold, B.B. Watkms, G.P. Gary, J.V.M. Morris. G.M. Eakes, R.A. Cliett, J.E. Russell, W.R. Kennedy, M.L. Harris, J.H. Bailey, J.F. Balis, J.H. Hardy. G.B. Barton. Rev. Alday, H.O. Green, J.W. Rawls, N.A. Parsons, L.M. Davidson, Rev. Spear, Harvey A. King, A.W. Williams, W. Floyd Walden, L.F. Huckaby. W.P. King, J.B. Godfrey, J.V. Jones, O.G. Burts, H.B. Free, E.W. McDougal, E.W. Dunnegan, Earl C. Black, Leroy Smith, S. Paul Stone. Ralph Broom, Charles R. Driggers. Wallace Bracket!. Asst. Ronnie Stocks, Harold Busey, W. Avery Dodd. Wm. C. Flurry, Floyd Wells.
Ministers who have come out of Center Valley include J.F. Tyson, Forrest Tyson. George C. Rankin. A.S. Vining, S.W. Bennett, Luke Whitfield, and George Bond Ross.
Some special members of this old congregation include Mrs. E.D. (Miss Lou) Bond who served for many years as Sunday school superintendent, organist, "card class" teacher, Steward, and first president of the Woman's Missionary Society; Mrs. P.H. "Miss Nora" Bond who was a long-time teacher; Mrs. George (Charlie Ruth Bond) Ross who was honored on "Charlie Ruth Day - March 20, 1977" for 50 years of service as a church musician; Joe Adams, a song leader; Mrs.Webby Coffey, Sr.. the flower lady; and Mr. & Mrs. Sam Swilling.
Other leaders of more recent years are: George Ross, Marvin Langston, Luther Smith, P.H. Bond, Lonnie and Jessie Keys, Spurgeon and Lucille Presley, Fletcher and Sybil Bond, Fred and Nell Fraker, Aaron and Lecil Leonard, Harlan and Ruth Ellis. Heartsill Bond. Mrs. Hugh McCamy, Odell Ingle, Mrs. Wilma Caldwell, Mildred and Edith Presley, Glenda Weeks. Paul Ross, Kenneth and Jo Ann Fraker, Sherman and Peggy Leonard, Doug and Shirley Fraker. Earl and Ellen West, Jerry and Judy Leonard. Randall & Linda Ingle, Webby and Marlene Coffey, Elaine Bridges, Ralph and Bama Fraker, Frank and Wanda Bailey, Blaine Tillman. Alton Bridges, Pat Presley. Marvin Adams, Joe Holcomb, Doug and Shirley Fraker, and Diana Davenport.
The Center Valley Cemetery has marked burials back to the 1850's. Among the oldest interments are Major Mony (1825-55), Eleanor Crumley (1809-60), Revolutionary War veteran John Rawlings. several Coffey family members, and Elmira McLain who died in 1858. Elisha Wright Bond made two grants of land to the trustees of the Center Valley Cemetery who were R.T. Bond, R.O. Os-borne. and John W. Fraker. While the first deed is from 1873, the second land transaction, in 1895, includes a provision that "the colored people have the right to bury in the said burying ground." Blacks were already using the cemetery as Margaret Seay was laid to rest there in 1882. Also buried in the black section is "Levi Branham, Historian, 1852-1944." Additional property has been purchased from surrounding landowners and a perpetual care fund has been established. Mr. Bob Osborn is one who has worked for many years to beautify this historic burial ground. Also at Fashion is the Harris Family Cemetery. Several members of the Mainyard (1809-1890), John White, and John D. (1849-60) Harris clan along with the related Vining family are buried there.
Southwest of Fashion on the road which bears its name is the Fullers Chapel Methodist Church, founded in 1884. Services were first held in a small school-house near the county line before S.L. Brewer donated land in lot 66 (9th & 3rd) to Methodist trustees W.M. Morgan. R.F. Morris, J.L.(?) Couch, A.T. Weaver. A.L. Clary, S.L. Brewer, and R.F. Smith. According to tradition Lee Brewer gave the church its name when he arose from his seat to testify and became so filled with the spirit that he commented "I became fuller and fuller... we should name the church Fullers." Originally Fullers was on the Ellijay circuit and Rev. W.A. Stiles was the pastor. Charter members were Mr. & Mrs. S.L. Brewer, Lee Brewer. Fannie Hammontree, John Brewer, Stella Brewer. Tom & Nancy Ingle, Clifford Brewer, Mont & Georgia Ingle, T.E. & Mollie Lotspeich, Melvin & Mary Sane, George & Lillie Smith. David & Ella White. Sam & Ludie Smith, William & Josephine Sane. Bill & Nancy Smith, Robert & Addie Palmer, Jim &. Lavada Smith. Cicero & Barbara Compton, Mr. & Mrs. John McCamy, and Lizzie Morris.
The community-built 1885 building was enlarged in 1915 and in 1961 Sunday school rooms, a kitchen, restrooms. and a fellowship hall were added as the Chapel was remodeled. In the late 1970's Harvest Festivals were begun and in 1979 groundbreaking ceremonies for a new sanctuary were held. Those participating in the groundbreaking were Mrs. Harold Swinney. Mrs. Henry Goodwin, Rev. Durwood Harris. Watson Bryant Jr., and Fred Smith. Soon, a new $40,000 steel-masonry structure replaced the almost century-old wooden building. Other members and leaders of recent years include Sybil Osborn. Nellie Sane, the Springfields, Willie Smith, Nadine Bryant, the Cavenders, Betty Duke, and Melinda Swinney.
Among those who pastored Fullers were J.W. Dunn (1885). J.H. Hurley (1886), D.W. Cook (1887). W.R. Parsons (1889), F.L. Cochran (1890, 1906), H.M. Boyd (1891). J.W. Hurley (1892), W.A. Syles (1894). J.F. Turner (1897), W.A. Parsons (1899). B.F. Allen (1901), J.J. Vellenouth (1903), J.A. Chastine (1904), E.D. Ridley (1915). W.L. Hampton (1942). W.J. Atha (1943), J.W. Bradley (1946), Coy Burnett (1961), Horace Webb (1962). Harold Busey (1973), Durwood Harris (1979). Cecil Dudley (1982). and David Bilhimer (1984). (In-formation from Melinda Swinney, Ruth Cox. and The Chatsworth Times.)
The Fullers community also had an Odd Fellow's Lodge for a time. There were 39 members in 191 i.
The school for the area adopted the Fullers name also and apparently classes were held in the church for several years—possibly until 1909 when J.A. and Rebecca Penland deeded 'A acre to the "Center Valley" school. The name probably refers to the district since the property described in the deed is adjoining Fullers. Teachers for Fullers on record are Lea Brewer (1891. 1894). A.R. Howard (1893), Lula Gladden (1895-97). E.G. Anderson (1899), ___Rollins (1900), Lena Cochran (]916. 1918). J. Davis and Troy Cox (1917), Lola Cochran and J.T. Charles (1918). and T.P. Thomton and Ora Scott (1919). In 1927 Fullers and Fashion schools were consolidated into Franklin School.
Also in the Fullers community is the Welcome Valley Baptist Church. Organized in 1948, charter member Dellis Ellis donated the land for the church. Other charter members were Pearl Ellis. Leonard Ellis and Barbara Lou Bartley. In 1962 a block building was constructed south of the original wooden sanctuary for a second church. A picnic shed and tables were added in 1978. Pastors have been: George Hooker, C.D. Cantrell. Astor Crumbley, Riley Bartley. Ellis Chas-tain. Fletcher Goswick, D.V. Mathis. Roy Cantrell, Bobby Souther, Houston Allen . Kenneth Hooker, and Bobby Green. (Information provided by WilburG. Souther. Church Clerk, 1982.)
Also near Fullers is another well-known Murray County landmark-the Goswick Store, described by Mrs. Blaine Tillman as follows:
"Another old general store still in operation today . . . This store has the reputation of having everything! If one cannot see what he needs, he has only to ask ... It can almost surely be found under the counters or one of the many shelves and tables. This store should be labeled the 'You Name It, We Have It' store."
Mr. C.D. Goswick is the owner.
For approximately 30 years the consolidated school for the Shuckpen District was Franklin, located on the southeast comer of the intersection of Georgia Highways 225 and 286, The brick structure with an ample playground made Franklin one of the best educational facilities in the county at the time of its construction in 1927. The school was named for the J.E. Franklin family who gave the land. The deed mentioned 3 acres on land lot 81 (9th & 3rd) for the Fullers Consolidated School, but with the new location, officials felt that a new name was more appropriate. Mrs. Daisy Ellis was co-donor with Mr. Franklin.
The first teachers at Franklin were Mr. Will Sampler and Misses Ainslee Vauglm. Maurine Keith, and Blaine Fraker. All three ladies taught several years, particularly Miss Vaughn. Other Franklin teachers included: Miss Ethel Ingle (1932-36). Miss Frances Coffey (1932-42). Edward Chapman (1934), Macie Jackson (1934-36), Maga Lynn Goswick (1942-46), Mrs. Annie Welch (1942), Mrs. McDonough (1942), Mrs. W.D. Freeland (1943-46, 1948-51). Mildred Baxter (1943-46), Icy Plemons (1948-49. 1953-56). Mrs. Walter Richards (1948-54), Myra Jo Smith (1950-51), Sara Bob Hix(1952-56).Mrs. E.C.Keith(1952-53), Stella Baxter (1953-56), Mrs. T.L. Harris (1953-54). and Mrs. Dick Raber (1955-56). Among the school's principals were Arvil Vaughn (1932), S.O. Williams (1930), Herbert Rogers (1932-34). George Ross (1935-37. 1942-48), A.J. Arthur (1938-39), Hoke Jackson (1948-51). and Harris Middleton (1953-55).
Trustees of the Franklin school included J.E. Franklin (1929). J.E. Vaughn (1931). C.H. Hammontree (1932-34), Huse Gregory (1933-34), J.C. Smith (1934-36), J.H. Adams (1934-36), Fred Fraker (1947-53). Tom Goswick (1947-50), Lester Gallman (1951-53), W.T. McCamy, Carlton Petty, and Milton Bartley (all 1951-53).
In 1956 Franklin school closed as the schools in Shuckpen were consolidated with those in the Tenth District. Northwest Elementary opened at that time.
Franklin, had a 4-H Club and in the 1950's the Franklin Community Improvement Club was active. Among its officers and leaders were: president, Roy Dunn; 1st vice president. Harold Springfield; 2nd vice president. Chester Hammontree; secretary, Mrs. Fred Fraker; treasurer, Ruth Springfield; reporter. Anna Jo Dunn; Mr. & Mrs. George Vaughn, and Clark Dunn.
Also in the Franklin community is the Vining Family Cemetery. Located just east of the modem Hampton's Comer Drive-In, this burial plot contains the lone marked grave of Albert Vining (1841-43). West of Franklin off Highway 286 behind the Noel McCamy home is the family burying ground of the W.C. Ayers (1825-1902) family which contains several burials from the 1880's and 90's. A deed to this 1/8-acre plot on lot 80 is recorded at the Murray County Courthouse.
A long-time landmark in the southern part of Shuckpen District is Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. The church was organized in 1909. but for the previous 30 years Sunday school had been held in the Mt. Carmel School. In December, 1879 Pleasant McGhee and S.G. Treadwell deeded property to the Mount Carmel School. Mr. Treadwell reserved the right to build "a storehouse and a shop and any other improvements thereon." The trustees of the school at the time were Pleasant McGhee, John M. Neal. and A.J. Mason.
Apparently the school was called Chestnut Grove for several years and began operation in 1880. B.A. Kuhn and Thomas Bridgeman taught there in 1881 and 1884. Around 1890 the Chestnut Grove name moved to a school near present-day Chatsworth. The school at Mt. Carmel then adopted the name Masons. Teachers included Free McGhee (1891), Bertie Leonard (1893), Miss Mary Holland (1894), R.J. Dunn (1895), Eving Gilbert (1896) and Hattie Poag(1897).
After the church was officially organized, the school, too, went by that name. Teachers there were Maggie Woods (1916), Jessie Copeland (1917-19), Francis Cox, and Magdalene Keith.
Mr. A.J. Mason deeded the land on lot 99 to the church. Mt. Carmel acquired the nickname of "Shakerag" because of the number of times the congregation got the banner at Associational meetings. Those who assisted in the organization of the church were: Rev. E.O. Davis, Rev. T.M. Davis, Rev. J.L. Davis. J.A. Edwards. B.J. Jones, L. Long. A. Higdon. M.H. Welch, A.H. Youngblood, and W.H. Roberts. The first pastor was J.L. Davis. T.P. Thomton was first church clerk. Deacons were: J.B. Scott, D.B. Southers, George W. Morris.
The following were pastors: J.F. Davis, M.H. Welch, T.A. Brown, T.W. Morris, N.R. Hogan, E.O. Davis, W.E. Self. J.M. Owens, H.C. Hensley, S.A. Crumbley, Alonzo Gibson, Arnold Adams, James Bowen. and Jack Moore.
The southern boundary of the district is Mill Creek. Several mills have been located along the creek including one owned by Gideon Jackson called "Mill Creek Mills." In later years Chastain's Mill operated east of Highway 225. This mill ground some 144,000 pounds of meal and 18.000 pounds of feed in 1880. Near the site of the Jackson mill property was also the site of an early "County Poor Farm" on lot 137 (9th & 3rd).
From Sumach to Shakerag, from Fashion to Fullers and Franklin, Shuckpen District has a rich, varied history.
Murray County Heritage