Laid out in 1818; part set off to Decatur in 1823; part set off to Baker, 1825; organized in 1825, named after Governor Peter Early.
According to the last census, there are in this county 656 dwellings, 656 families, 1,909 white males, 1,807 white females, 1 free coloured male. Total free population, 3,717; 3,529 slaves, 55 deaths, 367 farms, 11 manufacturing establishments. Value of real estate, $757,005; value of personal estate, $2,067,717.
The Chattahoochee is the chief stream. Various creeks water the county.
The face of the county is gently undulating, almost without an elevation worthy of being called a hill, and two-thirds covered with forests of the tallest long-leaf pine.
This section of our State, except in the lime-land valleys, is decidedly healthy. There are no diseases peculiar to the county.
Among the original settlers of this county were, Isham Sheffield, West Sheffield, Arthur Sheffield, James Bush, John Hays, Joseph and Richard Grimsley, Richard Spann, Frederick Porter, Joseph Boles, John Roe, Abner Jones, Nathaniel Weaver, James Carr, John Tilley, William Hendrick, John Floyd, D. Roberts, Andrew Burch, B. Collier, J. Fowler, Martin Wood, George Mercier, William Dickson, A. Hays, James Brantley, E. Hays.
BLAKELY is the county town, named after Captain Blakely, of the navy. It is 180 miles from Milledgeville.
Fort Gaines is on a high bluff of the Chattahoochee, and is a place of considerable business. It derived its name from a fort built against the Indians, in 1816, by order of General Gaines.
Six miles north of Blakely, on the Little Colomokee Creek, at the plantation of Judge Mercier, are some ancient works. Annexed is a view of them.
In Pickett's History of Alabama and Georgia, they are thus described: ---
"No. 1. The large sacrificial mound, seventy feet in height, and six hundred feet in circumference. This mound is covered with large forest trees, from four to five hundred years old. A shaft has been sunk in the center to the depth of sixty feet, and at its lower portion a bed of human bones, five feet in thickness, and in a perfectly decomposed state, was passed.
"No. 2, 2. Like the former have earth stones on the summit, with charred wood around them, which would show that they, too, were used for sacrifices. They are thirty feet high.
"No. 3. A wall of earth inclosing these mounds.
"No. 4, 4, 4, 4. Mounds outside of the inclosure, twenty feet high, and probably used as watch-towers.
"No. 5. Entrance to the inclosure.
"In the rear of these mounds is a creek, No. 6, and from the large mound there has been constructed an arched passage, three hundred yards in length, leading to the creek, and probably intended to procure water for religious purposes."
Major JOEL CRAWFORD resides in this county. He was born in Richmond County, on the 15th of June, 1783. His early education was received at a school kept by Dr. Bush.1 At the age of twenty he became a student of law under Hon. Nicholas Ware, of Augusta, and was admitted to practice at Washington in January, 1808.
He then removed to Milledgeville, and in a few years succeeded in obtaining an extensive practice.
In 1813, Mr. Crawford joined the army of General Floyd, and although a perfect stranger to him, he appointed him his aid, and in this capacity he served through the whole of the campaign. In his official dispatches, General Floyd spoke in the highest terms of Major Crawford. After the war, he resumed the practice of the law, and in 1826 removed to the County of Hancock, where he became very popular, being elected to the Senate of Georgia for three consecutive years. Anterior to his removal to Hancock, he had been elected to Congress. In 1823 he was brought out as a candidate for Governor in opposition to Mr. Gilmer, but as defeated. On 1831 he was again a candidate for the Executive chair, and was defeated by Mr. Lumpkin.
To Major Crawford many important trusts have been committed, all of which he has discharged with fidelity. He has a commanding person, and is possessed of fine conversational powers.
This county formerly constituted a part of the Parishes of St. Matthew and St. Philip, formed in 1758. In 1777 it was laid off, and received its present name in honour of the Earl of Effingham, an ardent supporter of colonial rights. In 1793, a portion of it was added to Screven, and in 1794 a portion to Bryan. Length, 30 m.; breadth, 16 m.; area square miles, 480.
SPRINGFIELD is the county town, 140 miles southeast of Milledgeville.
Ebenezer is an old German settlement, twenty-five miles from the City of Savannah. The Lutheran Church, of which a view is annexed, was used by the British, in the Revolutionary War, as a hospital.
Whitesville is on the Central Railroad.
Among the early settlers were Thos. Gsohwandel, Gabriel Maurer, John Maurer, Geo. Kogler, Paulus Zittrauer, Peter Renter, Simon Reiter, Matthias Brandner, Christian Leimberger, Martin Lackner, Lupretcht Steiner, Veit Lemmenhoffer, John and Car. Floerel, Rupretch Zimmerman, Simon Steiner, Geo. Schwaiger, John Schmidt, Leonhard Crause, Peter Gruber, Jacob Schartner, Joseph Leitner, John Cornberger, Andreas Grimmiger, Matthias Burgsteiner, Veit Landselder, Joseph Ernst, John Michel Rieser, Thomas Pichler, John Spielbiegler.
Abercorn, sixteen miles from Savannah, was a noted place in the early settlement of Georgia. No memorial of its former condition can now be seen.
A history of this ancient county would furnish material for a large volume. Our thanks are due to Rev. P. A. Strobel, of Americus, Georgia, for the following items in relation to the settlement of Ebenezer:---
Persecution first brought the Salzburgers to America. As soon as the object of the Trustees was made known, the Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge began to interest itself for the removal of some of the Salzburgers to Georgia; and as early as the 12th of October, 1732, they applied to the Trustees to aid them in their benevolent designs. The Trustees did not feel authorized at this time to do more for the Salzburgers than to offer them grants of land in their new colony. Steps were, however, immediately taken to ascertain whether any of the German Protestants were willing to remove to Georgia, and become British subjects, submitting themselves to such rules as the Trustees might prescribe. The Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge opened a correspondence with several Protestant ministers in different parts of Germany, in order to ascertain if the Salzburgers were disposed to avail themselves of their kind offices. From their correspondents, the Society learned that there were hundreds of the persecuted Protestants, who were not only willing, but anxious to emigrate. This fact was communicated to the Trustees, who, warranted by a special fund recently raised for this purpose, sent in December, 1732, an invitation to fifty families of the Salzburgers, to remove to Georgia. At the same time, the venerable Society proposed to pay their expenses to from Germany to Rotterdam, and to furnish the means to support amongst them a pastor and a catechist. Various causes prevented the immediate execution of these plans. But they finally wrote again to Germany, and requested that a portion of the Salzburgers might be sent over to England to prepare for their transportation to America; and in the meantime, money and articles of clothing were furnished. To such as were deemed worthy of their patronage, the Trustees advanced the funds necessary to pay their passage and stores. On arriving in Georgia, each Salzburger was to receive three lots,---one for a house and yard, within the town, one for a garden near the town, and one for tillage, at a short distance from the town, (the whole embracing fifty acres;) said lands to be a freehold to them and their heirs forever. In addition to this, The Trustees engaged to furnish them with provisions until their lands could be made available for their own support. In consideration of these grants, the Salzburgers were to obligate themselves to obey the Trustee's orders, and become citizens of Georgia, with all the rights and privileges of Englishmen.
The necessary arrangements having all been completed, the company of emigrants began to prepare for their journey. These were from the town of Berchtolsgaden and its vicinity. Setting out on foot from their homes, the direction of their journey required them to pass through Bavaria; and at almost every step
they were exposed to insult. At length they arrived before the gates of the free city of Augsburg, in Swabia. Here they were at first repulsed; but at length they were reluctantly permitted to enter the city. The news of their arrival in Augsburg soon spread through the neighbouring countries, and all classes vied with each other in doing honour to those who, in obeying the dictates of conscience, had preferred banishment rather than renounce their attachment to the Gospel. On the 21st of October, 1733, the Salzburgers recommenced their pilgrimage. This company consisted of forty-two men with their families, numbering in all seventy-eight persons. The arrangements for their transportation to Georgia had been previously made with the Trustees by the venerable Samuel Urlsperger, then pastor of the Lutheran Church of St. Ann, in the city of Augsburg, who bestowed special attention upon them during their sojourn, and ever afterwards watched over their welfare with the solicitude of an affectionate father. Pursuing their pilgrimage, they arrived at the Protestant city of Frankfort, in Nassau, where they were welcomed and hospitably entertained. After remaining here a short time they set out for Rotterdam, at which city they arrived on the 27th of November. Here they were joined by their teacher, the Rev. John Martin Bolzius, and their catechist, Rev. Israel Christian Gronau.
These pious men had consented to relinquish the lucrative and honourable positions which they held in the Orphan House at Halle, that they might accompany the Salzburgers to Georgia. After staying a week at Rotterdam, the emigrants embarked on board one of the Trustees' ships, on the 2d of December; and on the 21st day of the same month they arrived safely at Dover, in England. Here they were visited by the Trustees, who bestowed upon them every attention in their power. The arrangements for their voyage to America having been made, the emigrants embarked on board the Purysburg, on the 28th of December, destined for America. After a perilous voyage of one hundred and four days they reached Charleston, S.C., in March, 1734. Here they met General Oglethorpe, who came with these exiles to Georgia to aid them in making an advantageous settlement.
On the 9th of March the Salzburgers left Charleston, and on the 11th day they entered the Savannah River. On the 12th they reached Savannah, and met with a cordial reception. General Oglethorpe informed Baron Von Reck, who conducted this expedition, that his people might exercise their own choice in regard to location. They expressed a desire to be removed some distance from the sea, where the scenery was diversified with hill and dale, and they might be supplied with springs of water. To carry out their view, General Oglethorpe, in company with several gentlemen and some Indians, made a tour of observation into that part of the country now known as the County of Effingham. They penetrated about thirty miles into the interior, where they discovered a place which it was supposed would meet the wishes of the emigrants. The place was described as being on the banks of a river of clear water, the sides high; the country of the neighbourhood hilly; with valleys of rich cane, intermixed with little brooks and springs of water.
With the selection and general appearance of the country, the Salzburgers expressed themselves highly gratified. After singing a psalm, they took up a rock which they found on the spot, and named the place EBEN-EZER, (the stone of help,) for they could say truly, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." The lands allotted to the Salzburgers bordered on the possessions of the Uchee Indians, from whom General Oglethorpe obtained them some time previously. It is worthy of remark that these Indians were near neighbours to the Germans, and that the most friendly relations always subsisted between them. The site for the settlement having been agreed upon, General Oglethorpe marked out the town, and sent up workmen to assist the colonists in clearing lands and erecting temporary dwellings, which consisted of tents and sheds constructed from rough planks. In a few weeks, the preparation for the accommodation of the settlers being in a suitable state of forwardness, the whole body of the Germans, in company with their pastors, went from Savannah to their new home at Eben-ezer.
From the journal of Baron Von Reck we extract the following :---"The lands are inclosed between two rivers, which fall into the Savannah. The town is to be built near the largest, which is called Eben-ezer, in remembrance that God had brought them hither. It is navigable, being twelve feet deep. A little rivulet, whose water is clear as crystal, glides by the town. Another runs through it; and both fall into the Eben-ezer. The woods here are not so thick as in other places. The sweet zephyrs preserve a delicious coolness, notwithstanding the scorching beams of the sun. There are very fine meadows, in which a great quantity of hay might be made with very little trouble. The hill-sides are also very fit for vines. The cedar, walnut, cypress, and oak make the greatest part of the woods. There are likewise a great quantity of myrtle trees, out of which they extract, by boiling the berries, a green wax very proper to make candles with. There is much sassafras, and a great quantity of those herbs of which indigo is made; and an abundance of china-root. The earth is so fertile that it will bring forth anything that can be sown or planted, whether fruits, herbs, or trees. There are wild vines which run up to the top of the tallest trees; and the country is so good that one may ride in full gallop twenty or thirty miles. As to game, here are eagles, wild turkeys, &c."
To one living at this distant period who has any knowledge of Old Eben-ezer and the general character of the surrounding country, the above description appears to partake somewhat of the marvellous. We must either make considerable allowances for the warmth of the writer's imagination, or conclude that the country has undergone a very great change. The site of their town was about four miles below Springfield, in a region which is composed of hills and plains that are very sterile, and upon which no one having any correct knowledge of the character of the soil would ever think of settling a farm. But circumstanced as the Salzburgers were, exiled from their country, and worn out by fatigue in travelling both by sea and land, they, no doubt, were inclined to regard with favour any spot which promised them rest from their toils, and a period to their cruel sufferings. Upon the arrival of the Salzburgers at their home, it was deemed proper to assign a lot of land to each family. This having been done, arrangements were made for the erection of more permanent and comfortable dwellings upon it. Captain Hernisdorff succeeded in raising a small company of volunteers, and they offered their services to General Oglethorpe, and requested that they might be put upon any service that he deemed necessary. This company was accordingly ordered to Frederica, to aid in defence of that place against the Spaniards. It became the nucleus for a Lutheran congregation, which was organized in 1743, under the care of Rev. Ulrick Driesler, a German missionary, sent over by the Trustees, and supported by their funds. The rest of the Salzburgers immediately repaired to Eben-ezer, where they were received with great kindness.
About this time Messrs. Bolzius and Gronau visited Savannah to confer with General Oglethorpe in reference to the propriety of changing the location of their town. They stated to the General that there was great dissatisfaction among the people, which induced him immediately to set out for Eben-ezer. The settlers informed him that they were disappointed in the character of the soil--that the climate had proved unhealthy--that the stream upon which their town stood could not be navigated to any advantage. Here it may be proper to remark, that the water-course upon which the Salzburgers were originally settled was not properly a river, but a creek, which at times is swollen to a considerable size, and there are not perhaps many streams in Georgia which are so serpentine in their course. Some idea may be formed of it, when it is stated that although the distance from Old Eben-ezer to the Savannah River by land does not exceed six miles, the distance by the course of the creek is not less than twenty-five miles. General Oglethorpe listened patiently to their representations, but informed them that, although he was satisfied that there were embarrassments connected with their situation, yet he was convinced from his acquaintance with the nature of the country to which they desired to remove, that as soon as the forest should be cleared, and the lands brought under cultivation, they would be again subject to the diseases peculiar to the climate, and would be forced to leave the neighbourhood. Still, if they persisted in their wishes, he should not oppose them. But the settlers would not be induced to give up the idea of removing. The site selected for the new town was on a high ridge within a short distance of the river, and which, from the peculiar colour of the soil, was called Red Bluff. The new town was laid off after the plan of the city of Savannah, and covered an area of a quarter mile square. This space was divided into smaller squares, each containing ten building lots, and these latter numbered one hundred and sixty. Three wide streets passed through the town from east to west, which were intersected at right angles by four others running from north to south; besides which there were a number of narrow lanes, but these extended only in one direction, from north to south. Four squares were appropriated for the sale of produce, and called market-places, and four were reserved as public parks or promenade grounds. Two-thirds of a square were appropriated to the church, parsonage, and academy, and an equal quantity to the Orphan Asylum and the public storehouse. On the east, a short distance from the town, was the cemetery. On the north and east was a large pasture for cattle; and on the south was one for sheep and goats. On the north and south, garden lots were laid out; and still farther south, beyond Little Creek and Mill Creek, and upon their waters, the farms were located, each farm consisting of fifty acres. The country to the north beyond Eben-ezer Creek was occupied by the Uchee Indians. In the course of a few years, Eben-ezer began to give evidences of its future growth and prosperity. Houses were again erected, gardens and farms were inclosed, and brought under cultivation. No church was erected here for several years; whether it was for want of funds, we are unable to say. The Orphan Asylum was for a long time used as a place of worship.
As a religious community, the Salzburgers may be properly viewed as a missionary station, under the fostering care of the English Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Germany. It was required of the pastor and each member of the congregation to subscribe to the Augsburg Confession, and to submit to a code of regulations drawn up by the Rev. Samuel Urlsperger, of Augsburg, Rev. Frederick M. Zeigenhagen, of London, and Rev. Gottluff Augustus Franke, of Halle. These regulations were prepared in 1733, and continued in force, with some alterations, which were made principally by Dr. Muhlenburgh, until 1843. The immediate superintendence of the settlement was assigned to Rev. John Martin Bolzius and his colleague, Mr. Gondau.
The church in Germany kept its ecclesiastical connection with the church at Eben-ezer, and continued to send it donations, which from time to time amounted to 12,000 guilders.
In the establishment of this colony, the cause of education was not overlooked; for, in every instance in which a pastor was sent over, a schoolmaster accompanied him, and a plan was adopted for a house of worship. In building their houses, they were much hindered by the scarcity of materials. Among them there were few mechanics, and not being able to erect either saw-mills or grist-mills, their situation became very trying. In a newly-settled country, too, the means of transportation were very limited, and having no boat of their own, they were entirely dependent upon the Government for the conveyance of their supplies; and such were the straits to which they were compelled to carry their provisions upon their backs from Savannah, a distance of twenty-five miles. To add to their sufferings, much sickness prevailed; but, amidst all their distresses, the emigrants exhibited patience and fortitude.
Such was the state of things when a second party of emigrants arrived. These were likewise Salzburgers, who had been sent over by the Trustees in the ship Prince of Wales, which left England in November, 1734, and arrived in Georgia the early part of the next year, which consisted of fifty-seven persons. This expedition was conducted by Mr. Vat. On reaching Savannah, they immediately set out to join their brethren at their new town. They were kindly received, and provision made for them, as far as the means of the colonists would warrant. It was with difficulty, however, that they could be furnished with lodgings; and the stock of food was not very abundant. Nevertheless, by this accession to their numbers, the Salzburgers were greatly benefited; for amongst the new-comers were many mechanics, whose labours were of essential service. By their aid, planks were soon sawed, timber was hewed, boards and shingles split, and the good people went cheerfully to work to improve their dwellings. As to the church, they were compelled as yet to worship in a large tent, which, during a part of the time, had been the residence of their minister.
When General Oglethorpe visited Europe in 1734, he made such representations of the prospects of the colony, as induced the Trustees to resolve strengthening it by sending out new settlers. The Trustees invited one hundred Germans from the city of Ratisbon to remove to Georgia, and settle under their patronage. They engaged to give them a free passage, with an ample supply of sea-stores, and a free-hold of fifty acres of land to every settler, together with such an outfit of clothes, tools, and farming utensils, as might be deemed necessary. To these proposals the Salzburgers consented, and about eighty of them, under the conduct of Captain Hernisdorff and Baron Von Reck, repaired to England to avail themselves of the liberality of the Trustees. A sufficient number of emigrants having been secured, the Trustees chartered two ships, the Symond, of two hundred tons, Captain Joseph Cornish, and the London Merchant, of the same burden, Captain John Thomas; the whole number consisted of 227 heads. This was called the great embarkation. Among the passengers were twenty-seven Moravians, under the care of their Bishop, the Rev. David Nitsehman, and Messrs. John and Charles Wesley. The embarkation reached Georgia early in the month of February, 1736. Shortly afterwards, they were required to take up arms in defence of the colony; but refusing to do so, they were obliged to leave, and sought an asylum in the peaceable domain of William Penn. 2
Of Mr. Commissary Von Reck, who conducted the First Transport of Salzburgers to Georgia; and of the Rev. Mr. Bolzius, one of their Ministers, giving an Account of their Voyage to, and happy settlement in, that Province. Published by the direction of the Society for the Promoting Christian Knowledge. London: MDCCXXXIV.
January 8, O. S., 1733-4.---Having a favourable wind, we left Dover, and again set sail. An universal Joy appeared amongst the Salzburgers, who praised God that he had heard their Prayers.
Jan. 9.---We discovered at Noon the Isle of Wight.
Jan. 10, 11.---At eleven in the morning, having happily passed through the Channel, we left the Land's End. Thus God was pleased to rejoice us and give us Hopes, that, through the continuance of His Mercy, the rest of our Voyage would be no less prosperous. May the Lord be pleased always to assist us. Towards night the wind increased so much, that it broke the Stay which held the main-topmast; and we had been exposed to great Danger, if Divine Providence had not averted it.
Jan. 24.---The Weather was fine and pleasant. According to Reckoning, we passed the Latitude of the Canary Islands, and through the adorable Mercy of the Almighty, approached the Trade-winds, which are reckoned to blow all the year from the Eastward.
Jan. 25.---We sung Te Deum, and praised the Almighty with our lips and hearts.
Jan. 26.---God was pleased to give us very fair Weather, with the continuation of the Trade-wind.
Jan. 28.---An alarm of fire caused a great consternation in the whole ship, but no ill accident ensued.
Jan. 30.---This day we felt a great deal of heat; and for refreshment washed between the decks, where the people lay, with vinegar.
Feb. 6.---At night a tempestuous wind arose, but God in his goodness held his Almighty hand over us, and was pleased the next day to give us a good wind, which advanced us five or six miles an hour.
Feb. 17.---We had this evening at Prayers, Psal. L. 14, Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay thy vows into the Most Highest.
Feb. 18.---At two in the afternoon, the wind was strong at S., and soon after it proved contrary, and extremely violent. I was surprised to see the sea rise so high; a tempest darkened the sky; the waves swelled and foamed; and everything threatened to overwhelm us in the deep. All the sails were furled; the violence of the wind was so great that it tore the main-sail to pieces. Besides which, the mate cried out that the water rose fast in the hold; but though he spoke truth, the ship received no damage.
Feb. 27.---Last night we had the wind contrary, W. S. W., but God granted us sweet repose, and renewed our strength, the better to undergo a tempest which a wind at W. by S. brought upon us by break of day. The storm was more dreadful than the other. At night the wind abated.
March 4.---We sounded this morning at six, and drew up some sand and soil of Carolina. The Captain told me we were ten leagues distant from the shore.
March 5.---A S. S. W. arose, which carried us, through the mercy of Jesus Christ, within sight of Carolina. We sung Te Deum, which was the psalm for the day.
March 7.---At nine there came from Charlestown a pilot on board our ship. We immediately cast anchor, and at ten the Captain, the Rev. divines and I, went into the pilot's boat. At one in the afternoon, we came to Charlestown, where I immediately waited on his Excellency, Robert Johnson, Esq., and Mr. Oglethorpe. They were glad to hear that the Salzburgers were come within six leagues, all safe and in good health, without the loss of any one person. Mr. Oglethorpe showed me a plan of Georgia, and gave me liberty to choose a settlement for the Salzburgers, either near the sea or further in the Continent. I accordingly accepted his favour, and chose a place 21 miles from the town of Savannah, and 30 miles from the sea, where there are rivers, little Hills, clear brooks, cool springs, a fertile soil, and plenty of grass. Mr. Oglethorpe sent on board our ship, by the Pilot's Sloop, a large quantity of fresh beef, two butts of Wine, two Tunn of Spring Water, Cabbage, Turnips, Radishes, Fruit, &c., as a present from the Trustees, to refresh the Salzburgers.
March 9.---We beg'd of God that he would permit us to go to our Georgia. We went away this morning at ten, and got on board our ship at two in the afternoon.
March 10.---God blessed us this day with the sight of our country, our wished-for Georgia, which we saw at ten in the morning; and brought us into the Savannah River, and caused us to remember the vows we had made unto him, if he did, through his infinite Goodness, bring us hither. We were to-day very much edified with the 32d Chapter of Genesis, and the 26th of Leviticus. At noon we cast anchor, because of the Tide; at night, during the Evening Prayers, we entered the river of Savannah.
March 12.---The magistrates of the town sent on board our ship an experienced Pilot; and we were carried up to the town of Savannah by eleven in the Forenoon. They returned our salute of five guns, with three; and all the Magistrates, the citizens and the Indians, were come to the River side. The two Divines, Mr. Dunbar, some others and myself, went ashore in a boat. We were received with all possible demonstrations of Joy, Friendship, and civility. The Indians reached their hands to me, as a testimony of their joy also for our arrival. The Salzburgers came on shore after us, and we immediately pitched a tent for them in the Square of the Town.
March 13.---I went to see the Indians, and their King, Tomo-cha-chi. I caused some raisins, of which they are very fond, to be distributed amongst them.
March 14.---Mr. Oglethorpe had given orders for three horses to be ready for my service, to take a view of the country, and to ride to the place where the Salzburgers were to settle. I went this morning at nine of the clock, with a Constable and a Guide; but after we had gone a mile or two, we entered some thick woods, divided by deep brooks of water, and though we could with great difficulty pass over some, yet there were others we could not pass; wherefore we returned back to the town.
Mr. Oglethorpe, and Mr. Jenys, Speaker of the Assembly of Carolina, arrived at Savannah from Charlestown; the first having, out of love to our Salzburgers, put off his Journey to England, being resolved to see them settled before he went. Having informed him that the Floods had made it impossible for me to pass the woods by land, he said he would go himself, to show me the country and see what place I would choose. The Speaker desired to accompany him; and I did myself the honour to make one of the company. He sent to the Indian King to desire two Indians to hunt for him in the Journey; who not only granted them, but his chief War Captain, Tuskeneoi, out of civility to Mr. Oglethorpe, came along with them to accompany us. We went on board a ten-oared boat to the place where a house was building by Mr. Musgrove, six miles up the Savannah River.
March 16.---Having slept well in a tent, which we pitched under the shade of a tree by the river side, last night, I accompanied Mr. Oglethorpe on horseback, and the Speaker and others went by water. If you ask how a country that is covered with wood, and cut with river and morasses, is passable, I must acquaint you that since the colony was settled, the ways were marked by barking off the trees, to show where the roads should go, and where the rivers were passable. After passing a morass covered with canes, we came to an unfordable river, through which the Indians swam our horses, and we crossed over upon a great tree, cut down for that purpose. The tree was cut down so as to lie across the river and serve for a bridge. And after riding some leagues in the woods, we passed another river. Night overtaking us, we were obliged to take up our quarters upon a little hill, round a fire with the Indians, who brought us a wild turkey for supper.
March 17.---We continued our Journey, and set out by break of day; and at nine arrived at the place where the Salzburgers were afterwards settled. From hence I returned to the town of Savannah, through Abercorn, a village newly settled by order of the Trustees, upon the Savannah River, near where Ebenezer falls into it.
March 27.---Mr. Jones, who is a surveyor, and I went away this night in a small boat for Abercorn, in order to go from thence to seek and clear the River Ebenezer.
March 30.---Towards night we came out of the river, which fell into the Savannah eight miles above Purysburg; so our design was frustrated, by missing the River Ebenezer, and we returned the same night to Abercorn, where we stayed.
March 31.---We arrived this afternoon at Savannah.
April 1.---We put on board a sloop provision for three months, with necessary tools, and the baggage of the Salzburgers.
April 2.---We all went on board the little sloop, but found it was too much loaden; wherefore I went with only a few of the men, and was obliged to leave the rest in the town.
April 3.---We came to the village of Abercorn at four in the afternoon; from hence we were forced to carry our provisions and baggage to Ebenezer by land.
April 4.---I stayed at Ebenezer; and could not but commend the diligence and industry of the nine Salzburgers who were come before, and whose labour God has given a blessing to. They had erected two good tents made of the barks of trees, one of which was forty feet long; and had cut down abundance of trees, in order to breathe a free air; and besides all that, they were obliged in the greatest heats, almost every day, to walk to Abercorn, which is twelve miles, and to carry their utensils and daily provision upon their backs.
April 5.---I returned to wait the arrival of the other Salzburgers, who were to follow us immediately.
April 7.---The rest of the Salzburgers arrived.
April 9.---We began to make a bridge over a brook, and finished it.
April 12.---Good Friday. God was pleased to take to himself the soul of one of our people, called Lackner.
April 16.---Our Salzburgers continued to work upon the road.
April 19.---This day the Salzburgers finished the way for carriages.
We found before my tent a strong white horse; and as we wanted horses, and knew not from whence he came nor to whom he belonged, we received him with thankfulness to God.
April 22.---We found another horse in the woods to-day, which proved very fit for our service. Parrots and Partridges make us here a very good dish.
April 24.---The inhabitants of Edistow having given thirty Cows for the use of the Colony of Georgia, Mr. Oglethorpe ordered them to be sent up to the Salzburgers.
April 29.---I went this day from Abercorn, in order to take my leave of Ebenezer, and to build a Chapel.
May 12.---The chapel was quite finished, and we could worship our God in it.
May 13.---I took my leave, and left some rules for their direction.
March 7, Thursday.---Though the wind is fair, the ship will not go into Charlestown harbour, but lie at anchor till we get a Pilot to carry us to Georgia.
Sunday, March 10.---Blessed be the Lord that he has brought us within the bounds of Georgia upon the Sunday Reminiscere; the Gospel of which day tells us that our blessed Saviour came to the borders of the heathen, after he had been persecuted in his own country.
SAVANNAH, Tuesday, March 12.---At the place of our Landing almost all of the inhabitants of the town of Savannah were gathered together; they fired off some Cannons and cried Huzzah! which was answered by our sailors and other English people in our ship, in the same manner. A good dinner was prepared for us. We, the Commissary, and Mr. Zwefler, the physician, were lodged in the house of the Rev. Mr. Quincy, the English Minister here.
March 14.---Last night we prayed on shore for the first time in the English Chapel, made of boards, and used for divine worship till a church can be built; the use of which is allowed during our stay here. The inhabitants join with us, and show much devotion. The Jews, likewise, of which there are twelve families here, come to church, and seemed to be very devout.
March 15.---This day, Mr. Oglethorpe arrived here, and received our Salzburgers and us in a friendly manner, and we dined with him. He being very solicitous that these poor Indians should be brought to the knowledge of God, has desired us to learn their language, and we, with the blessing of God, will joyfully undertake the task.
Tuesday, March 26.---It is a great pleasure to us that Mr. Oglethorpe approved of our calling the river, and the place where our houses are to be built, Ebenezer.
April 13.---Lackner having been very long sick, died last night. He was to have had a coffin made for him, but the Salzburgers thought it unnecessary, being accustomed to bury no body in a coffin, but women that die in childbed. So they dressed the corpse, after it was washed, in his own clothes, laid him upon a board, and after he was brought to his grave, in an orderly procession, they wrapped him up in a cloth, and let him down into the ground.
April 16:---The deceased, Lackner, hath left a little money, with which we have made a beginning of a box for the poor.
EBENEZER, Tuesday, May 7.---To-day I had the happiness of seeing Ebenezer. The good people are already much advanced in tilling the ground.
May 9.---A tabernacle is to be made of boards till a church can be built.
Copy of a Letter from Governor Wright to the Earl of Dartmouth, inclosing
certain papers, &c.
Savannah, in Georgia, 13th October, 1774.
My Lord,---In my letter of the 24th of August, I mentioned that some protests and dissents were preparing in different parts of the Province, which were not then completed. These were not sent to town until lately, and only published in yesterday's paper, and which I now inclose. They have been wrote by the people themselves, just in their own way, as your Lordship will see by the style. However, they certainly show that the sense of the people in this Province is against any resolutions, and that those attempted by a few in Savannah, are held in contempt, and just nothing at all, whilst the resolutions and conduct of our neighbours in the other Northern colonies really make me shudder.
Wednesday, Sept. 21st, 1774.
We who have just put our names to this paper, inhabitants of the Parish of St. Matthew, and Town of Ebenezer, think it necessary, in this public manner, to declare, that about the 4th day of this instant, August, we were told by certain persons, that we must send a petition home to our King, in regard to the Bostonians, to beg for relief, as a child begs a father, when he expects correction, and that all those who would not join must sign their name, that they might know how many would be in this parish, and that should we decline what was recommended, we must expect the Stamp Act imposed upon us. By these and like flattering words, we were persuaded to sign, but we find we are deceived, for, that the people who met at Savannah, on the 10th inst., did not petition our King, but made up a paper, which we think is very wrong, and may incur the displeasure of his Majesty, so to prevent us from having soldiers to help us in case of an Indian war. We, therefore, disagree entirely to the said paper, and do hereby protest against any resolutions that are, or hereafter may be, entered into on this occasion.Signed by the following persons :---Urban Buntz, George Gnann, Jaher Hangletter, John Paulus, George Gruber, Matthew Beidenback, George Ballinger, John Oexlin Rentz, George Buntz, John Pillager, Henry Ludwig Buntz, Jacob Metzger, John Metzger, John Adam Fryermouth, John Feberl, George Zettauer, John Heckel, Solomon Zondt, Jacob Guann, Jacob Keiffer, Christian Steiner, John Remshart, Israel Luineberger, Leonhart Kraus, George Bechley, Batlas Keiffer, Michael Mack, Jr., Peter Fryermouth, Solomon Prothero, John Grasentine, Christopher Rattenberger, Andrew Gnann.
We the subscribers, do hereby certify that we are against resolutions, this 2d of Sept., 1774.---Philip Dell, Paul Pinck, Mathew Meyer, Jacob Meyer, John Maurer, George Maurer, Daniel Weitman, Martin Reylander.
The inhabitants generally in this section in the very beginning of the Revolution, took an active part in favour of the colonies. This was to be expected. They said, "We have experienced the evils of tyranny in our native country; for the sake of Liberty we have left home, lands, houses, estates, and have taken refuge in the wilds of Georgia; shall we now again submit to bondage? No ! we will not."
The Rev. John E. Bergman died at an advanced age. He was born in Germany, and served the congregation, at Ebenezer, for thirty-six years.
Colonel Geo. G. Nowlan was one of the most estimable men in Georgia. He died at Milledgeville whilst discharging the duty of a representative from this county.
Laid out from Bulloch and Montgomery in 1812, and named after the Hon. David Emanuel. Length, 45 m.; breadth, 41 m.; area square miles, 1,845.
The rivers are the Ogeechee, separating the county from Burke, the Big Cannouchee, the Little Cannouchee, Great Ohoopee, &c. The creeks are Yamgrandee, Sartain's, Pendleton's, &c.
SWAINSBOROUGH is the county site, 80 miles S. E. of Miledgeville.
The face of the county is level. On the rivers, good lands may be found. The productions are cotton, corn, sugar-cane, &c.
The climate is salubrious. Instances of longevity are not rare.
Extract of the Census of 1850.---Families, 605, dwellings, 605. White males, 1,846; white females, 1,745. Free coloured males, 14; free coloured females, 10. Total free population, 3,615; slaves, 962. Deaths, 25. Farms, 511; value of real estate, $413,712; value of personal estate, $745,463.
Among the first persons who settled in this part of the State were, JAMES MOORE, Wm. STEPHENS, HENRY DURDEN, GEO. ROUNTREE, RICHARD EDINFIELD, M. THIGPEN, A. GARDNER, N. ROWLAND, E. SWAIN, JAMES TAPLEY, JOHN SNELL, JAMES HICKS, Wm. PHILLIPS, J. SUTTON, E. LANE, B. JOHNSTON, JOHN WIGGINS, P. NEWTON, Wm. ROWLAND, Wm. And J. NORRIS, Wm. DOUGLASS, S. POWELL, JOHN RHINER, M. CURL, S. KENNEDY, E. COLMAN, D. E. RICH, W. WILKS, S. WILLIAMSON, B. KEY, J. C. SUMMER.
Several years ago a very singular robbery was committed in this county. A physician had been attending on the daughter of a Mr. And Mrs. Gregory. After the recovery of the patient, her father had paid the doctor for his professional services the sum of forty-five dollars, which, with other collections he had made about the same time, amounted to seventy or eighty dollars.
While on his way home, and passing by a swamp, this infirm and aged son of Esculapius was accosted by a foe clad in no ordinary terrors. It was no less than Mrs. Gregory, the mother of his late patient, as the doctor declared under the solemnity of an oath before a civil tribunal, habited in the attire of a warrior, her face blacked, a musket upon her shoulder, and two or three pieces of pipe-stem thrust in her mouth. She advanced with the intrepidity of Joan of Arc,, seized his bridle rein with one hand, and with the other laid hold of the pocket which contained the money, and never relaxed her grasp til she tore away the pocket and secured its contents. We are unable to inform the reader whether Mrs. Gregory was tried for this offence.
1 - For many particulars connected with the history of Dr. Bush, see under the head of "Columbia County".
2 - We regret to inform the reader that a portion of the valuable paper furnished us by Mr. Strobel was unfortunately mislaid by the compiler, which will account for its abrupt termination.
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