The Land Lottery, 1832. Although the Indians still claimed the land, the State proceeded to survey and dispose of it to settlers by lottery. Those who drew a lot had to pay from $5 to $18. owing to the sort of lot he had drawn.
Disputes About Title. There was considerable rivalry between settlers, who were anxious to draw lots that were more or less improved. It seemed that the Vann lot was quite a prize, but contentions arose about possession and really there was quite a battle in the house. Blood was shed, but so far as known no one was killed. This battle was between A. B. Bishop and Spencer Riely. Some time after at Milledgeville Bishop knocked Riely down and attempted to shoot him, but his pistol failed to fire.
Enrolling Agents were sent by the Government to enroll the Indians, pay them for their land and improvements, and conduct them to the West. Chief Ross did all he could to persuade his people not to enroll. Joseph Vann left about 1834. Judge Martin, on the Coosawattee, owned nearly a hundred negroes, and accepted the terms.
Rev. Colter says "I saw his daughter sweep the house and burn the broom for good luck, walk out and start on the long journey, no doubt with a sad heart. The place is now known as the Carter place."
John Howard Payne, the author of Home Sweet Home, visited Murray just before the Indians left. The song was written in London and thousands of copies had been sent all over the civilized world. Payne, true to his roving disposition, found his way into the wilderness of North Georgia, made his headquarters with Chief Ross and traveled extensively through the country. People did not know what he was after. Poor Tray was in bad company to say the least of it.
Payne's Arrest. Capt. A. B. Bishop, who commanded the soldiers stationed at Spring Place, sent men to Ross to bring Payne to his command. This was in 1835.
One of the guards was John Oats, well remembered by people of Dalton and all over Murray County. The soldiers were stationed al the brick house (Vann's house). The prisoner heard the soldiers singing Home Sweet Home and satisfied them that he was the author. Payne had friends in Athens, where he was known and he was in a short lime set at liberty.
The Vann Property has been transferred twenty-seven times. Among its many occupants might be mentioned James Edmondson, who had a number of slaves, kept a hotel and was noted for his hospitality. George Waycasey also is remembered. He was a railroad man. He had a daughter, Miss Atlanta Waycasey, who was famed lor her beauty and dancing. Mr. Dee Kemp is the present occupant.
Murray County History 1911