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About Wilkinson County news. (Irwinton, Ga.) 1922-2008 | View Entire Issue (March 28, 1925)
VOLUMN NO. 3. EAKLY GEORGIA HISTORY keVjEALED BY OLD VOLUME This newspaper is indebted to Vic tor Davidson, attorney at law, Irwin t n, Ga., for a highly interesting, as well as instructive narrative dealing with the early history of Twiggs county,' which he kindly contributed to it with the following self-explana tory communication; Editor, The Middle Georgian: A few days ago I had the good fortune to find a set of “Bench and Bar of Georgia” by Stephen F. Mill er, who practiced law at Marion while that was the county site of Twiggs county. This work is very rare and contains much invaluable historical data concerning this immediate sect ion of the state. Inasmuch as yc-.r next issue will be on the hundreath anniversary of the incidents herein contained ,and feeling that practical ly every person in Twiggs county will enjoy as I did, reading the account of the part Twiggs county played in this celebration, I am copying it out and sending to you. * VICTOR DAVIDSON, Irwinton, Ga. March 24, 1925. LAFAYETTE IN GEORGIA. The matter to which the foregoing introductory note has reference fol lows: Pages 249 et sequitur, Vol. 1. In March, 1825, while General La- Fayette was making his triumphant tour through the Southern states, a company was formed, called ‘LaFay^ ette Volunteers,’ of which John G. Slappey was elected captain, Theo philus M. Camberlain, Ist, Hamilton R. Duppee, 2nd, and Francis W. Job son, 3rd Lieutenant, and the author, (Stephen F. Miller) was appointed orderly sergeant. This corps adopt ed a cheap uniform, and with drum and fife, and a beautifully painted white silk flag, presented by the ladi es, it took up the line of march for Milledgeville, having as a much ven erated charge three Revolutionary soldiers, Fathers William Duffel, Jno. Shine, and Charles Raley, in a con x eyance provided for the occasion. When the troops reached Marion from Tarversville, they halted an hour or two, in which time the order ly sergeant availed himself of the courtesy of a friend to obtain a sword to Tender him more worthy of xespect in his official character. That sword belonged to Major William Crocker.**** The .LaFayette Volunteers had reached a hid near Fishing Creek within sight of Milledgeville, when the roar of cannon announced the arrival of Gen. LaFayette. An ex press was sene to tender our com mand to the marshal in the ceremoni ies of reception. The reply was that the great reception and review would be the next day, at ten o’clock, when our presence would be very accepta ble. This was in the afternoon. Wish ing to show ourselves, and to get a glimpse of the “Nation’s Guest,” we marched into the town and halted op posite the government house, where General LaFayette was quartered. Our captain went in and was intro duced by Gov. Troup; then the cap tain introduced the three Revolu tionary veterans to Gen. LaFayette, who, on seeing Father Duff ell, cor dially ambraced him, saying, “I re member you 1 remember you well. You were one of my bodyguard, and helped carry me from the field when I was wounded at Brandywine. I am happy to see you—very glad to see you/’**** Demonstration of Gratitude. Early the next morning all was life and motion. Before the appointed hour, some eight or ten military com panies, from Wilkinson, Hancock, Jones and the adjoining counties, were to be seen marching to the re view-ground.* * * * The line being formed two deep, stretching several hundred yards, the cannon at the arsenal began to thun der, when a fine barouche, drawn by four horses, was seen advancing up the line in front, with Governor Troup, and Gen. LaFayette, seated tn his right. The major-general and other officers entitled to the privilege presented swords in salutation of the “Nation’s Guest.” The author has a very distinct recollection of the phy siognomy, the beaming smile, of Gen. LaFayette, as he sat in the barouche with his hat off, bowing as he pass ed ths different companies and as the standards waved a salute. That was a proud demonstration of grati tude, and the illustrious man to whom it was given felt it, as his glistening eye and rapt countenance clearly re vealed.**** Two tables, about one hundred yards long each, with cross-tables of fifty feet at the. ends, were covered with barbecue, roast-beef, bread and other The Wilkinson Coun.y News edibles for the military. At the up per end, in the center, Gen. LaFayet te was placed, with Gov. Troup on one side, and his aid, Col. Seaborn Jones, (the master of ceremonies) on the other side of the “Nation’s Guest.” Gov. Troup’s staff, including Col. Henry G. Lamar, Col. Samuel A. Bailey, Col. Yelverton P. King, Col. John W. A. Sanford, Col. Samuel T. Bailey, and perhaps others, were ar ranged at the same end of the table, all taking part in the administration of order, in the observance of proper etiquette.**** The band of music was few steps in the oblong square formed by the tables. It played whenever Col. Jones waved his hand as a signal. The author was some thirty paces from Gen. LaFayette, but within good seeing and hearing distance. George Washington La- Fayette, son of the general was pointed out. His bald head, and the wig of his father gave the latter the advantage in youthful appearance. There was quite an array of public characters, of men known in the history <,i Georgia—among them, Gen. John Clark, formerly governor and again a candidate. EVery Man Did His Duty. The appetite being satisfied with strong meat, next came the wine, bot tles of which, with wine glasses, were distributed on the tables sc that ev ery one could have his share, x'hen proclamation was made by Col. Jones: “Gentlement, fill your glasses for a toast from Gen. LaFayette!’’ The obedience was prompt. Not a growl was heard, not a frown was seen, at the command; like good soldiers, ev ery man did his duty. The “Apostle of Liberty,” the companion and bosom friend of Washington, rose to his feet, and, in broken English, all heard with delight, he gave, “The <.aurgia v oiunveex-s: the worthy sons of my Revoluntionary brethren.” Cheer after cheer resounded, the mu sic struck “Hail to the Chief,” the cannon uttered its loud rejoicing and soon all was again quiet. “Prepare for a toast from Gov. Troup.” was the next order. With solemn and distinct enunciation, that Julius Caesar of a chief magistrate gave forth.” A union of all hearts to the Nation’s Guest—a union of all heads for our country’s good.” Again the air was rent with cheers, the band ex ecuted a national march, and the cannon fairly jarred the square. The next order was to prepare for a toast from Gen. Clark. Until then, the author had never seen the cele brated leader of a party. A tall, bony man, with an open, honest face, rose at the table, and, with a shrill voice, gave, “Count Pulaski; the gallant Frenchman who fell at Savannah.’’ We all emptied our glasses in honor of Gen. Clark and his French Count as though history had not been con tradicted by the sentiment. Gen. La r'ayette must have esteemed it a special compliment to himself for such renown to be transferred to his own country in presence of such a multitude of witnesses. Whether the mistake was accidental or otherwise, it did not detract in the smallest de gree from the valor or integrity of General Clark.**** Shakes Hands All Round. It should be remembered that be fore the military companies retired from the square they were formed in to line when Gen. LaFayette, leaning on the arm of Gov. Troup, walked along (a little lame) and shook hands with every man—officer and pri vate—Col. Jones officiating in the introduction.* * * * ♦ A splendid military ball was given in the Capitol that night, in honor of Gen. LaFayette. The author attend ed duly equipped with sword; it looked official. The representative and senate chambers were stripped of all furniture and formed into danc ing saloons. The company was in deed gorgeous. Epaulettes, swords, sashes, and other war trappings look ed terribly beautiful. And then the matchless array of ladies, skimming in the dance like fairies—many oi them. There was a full band of mu sic in the gallery of each hall. Every thing had a- classic air, particularly the Generals and Sergeants—the lat ter claming equality, at least for a few hours, in the republic of amuse ment formed by a junction of France and the United States for a limited period. The republic of social enjoy ment was plain enough to interest great minds, and yet so magnificant that the feeble was astonished—not excepting the orderly sergeant of the LaFayette ^’’nteers.**** Twiggs County, 1825. Captain . . •>-1 orderly in the ballroom despatched him to headquarters with a polite re quest to the first Lieutenant to IRWINTON, GA., MARCH 28, 1925. Miss Peggy Brooks. Miss Peggy Brooks, daughter of Mrs. J. J. Brooks, of Gordon, died at her home at 10 o'clock Sunday morning; Miss Brooks was ill only three days, pneumonia causing her death. She was 20 years of age, and was the phone operator at Gordon. Miss Brooks was popularly known. Surviving are her mother, Mrs. J. J. Brooks, five sisters and three broth ers. Misses Blanche, Mildred, Lessie, Ollie, Catherine, Jones, James and Freeman Brooks. She was an act ive member of Clear Creek Baptist church. Funeral services were held from Clear Creek church yesterday after noon at 3 o’clock. Rev. Mr. Lx..co if iciating. Interment was in the family ot in uie church cemetery. send the flag of the company, to be displayed as the committee ox ar r mgements might direct, they having exp.esoed a aesne to have it for this occasion. But, before the plot tniexens beyond expianation, let it dimensions, with an eag»e tastefully painted on one side, with the arrows ana olive branch in his talons like other patriotic eagles, and a scroll in his beak inscribed “The Nation’s Guest,” and ''elow this bird of Jove, “Welcome LaFayette.” On the reverse side was a pile of cannon bails guarded by a large rattlesnake in ’ coil, with uplifted head, flaming ey , es, and darting tongue. The picture blocked dangerous indeed. But to relieve the mind of the beholder,' the word “Liberty” appeared in biasing characters above the snake. With : such protection, all knew that “lib : erty” was safe. And then, to make it doubly secure, the name of the company was painted below the balls and the serpent: “LaFayette Voun teers, Twiggs county, 1825.” Such was the flag; and now the fol lowing: The sergeant, with a touch of his । hat, delivered the captain’s message Ito the lietuteant. To account for the - rigid puntilio of the latter, be it known that he was an Englishman, formerly a purser in the British navy, and had great fondness for I rank and ceremony. Instead of «•- ' dering Ensign Walton to bear the flag, or entrusting it to the supposed fidelity of the sergeant, to be con i veyed to the captain, the iieuteant ; declared that as he was second in - command, and the flag an emblem of honor, which especially devolved on him, he would carry it in person to the ballroom. He took the standard in his hands, neatly folded the silk and । secured by the cords pendent, • and then rushed out with the sergeant as an armed escort. Arriving at the door, he attempted to pass in, when ' he was stopped by the doorkeeper and | his ticket demanded. “Ticket, Sir? No j ticket, sir, on public duty,” shouted j the lieuteant, in a voice of command. . The doorkeeper mildly replied, “I ; have orders to admit no person what ; ever without a ticket. From the I Major General down, all have to । present tickets to be admitted.” “Well i Sir, we’ll see about that,” sternly re i plied the lieuteant. Then turning to ; the sergeant, he said sharply, “Do you i allow this, Sergeant Miller ? Where lis your sword? What do you wear it for but to protect your flag ? Cut down this insolent doorkeeper at at once and proceed to your captain. Never let it be said that your flag was insulted and you did not protect it at all hazards.’’ The poor sergeant protested, “I respect your authority Lieutenant Chamberlain, and know that it is my duty to obey orders; but you should recollect that the doorkeeper also has orders which it would be wrong in us to force him to violate. We should rather commend than blame him for his firmness. I must decline using my sword against him.” The retort was, “No argument, sir, no argument; there is principle in this matter above your conception and I will maintain it to the last.” Leaving the Lieutenant with the flag at the door the sergeant passed in and stated the difficulty to the cap tain who sought Col. Triplett, one of the managers. They came to the door, and, after soothing explanations were made the flag was committed to the custody of the captain, and by him transfered to the managers. Enters By Ticket At Last. In the meantime the lieutenant de- I dared his intention of watching that ' flag all night, if necessary, until it i was restored to his Ipnds; and, tc- : enable him to do so, the sergeant pro cured a ticket for his superior, who । had placed ten dollars in his hands for the purpose—that being the price of each ticket to the ballroom. When it was presented by the furious lieu tenant, the doorkeeper, with a look of triumph and respect, said “Now, sir, you may pass in.” The lieutenant immedmtoly hunted up his flag and GA. COMPANY FURNISHES POWER FOR WILKINSON Irwinton, Maren, 25. — What per haps will mean more to Wilkinson county than any factor since the ad vent of the Central of Georgia rail road.is the impending extension of the power lines of the Georgia Power Company, from the Jackson plant by way of Macon has just been announc ed here . A representative of the com pany was here today for the pur_ pose of getting maps of roads and land lots and making a tentative survey. This proposed . ing a tentative survey. The proposed । routing of the lines lead from Macon, through the rich mineral lands of Twiggs, county to Dry Branch, thence across Big Sandy Creek and through the rich kaolin and bauxite deposits of Wilkinson to Gordon where it will furnish the unmerous plants there thence down the Central railroad to wards Toomsboro. With the immediate coming of this I cheap power it is generally conceded I that there will be an unprecedented development of the mineral resou-coc of the whole coun.y, as the expens? I x putting the clay into salable form is the one great deterrent factor to , chose owning onvaluable deposits, and ■ the use of this power wiil eliminate , much of this expense. It is now ex- I needed that the number of plants ; along the railroad will be trebled and । that not only will there be plants for ; the preparing of the crude clay for • shipment to the outside world, but ! |hat there will be numerous plants built for manufaeiuring Jie c ay in. the finished products right here and the excessive freight rates saved, now that this power will make the manu ' facture possible. It is believed that not only will this new power cause the growth of plants । along the railroad but that the ex , cellent deposits which are to be found ' at a distance from the railroad can be profitably mined and by reason of ‘ this the whole county will be develop ! ed. Large deposits of bauxite are I known to exist on Big Sandy creek and other points but heretofore they have been worch.ess vu .he expense of ge^.ng it to .. Many calamity howlers who have been bemoaning the early approach , ing time when th? innumerable saw. mills would be forced to shut down on saw it streaming proudly from th. gallery of the Representatives chamber, a hundred eyes gazing with I admiration on the rich material and I the expressive devices upon it—even General LaFayette smiling as he , looked upon it saying handsome words to captain Slappey. The lieutenant soon made his way to the gallery where he sat hour after hour at the end of the flagstaff, guarding his ; treasure. He did not appear at the - supper table, nor was he seen in the I dance or in the spectators below. The sergeant left the scene at twelve o’clock, his parting glance resting on his gallant suprior whose preemptory order he had ventured to disobey at the door. An hour before day the | lieutenant returned to Capt. Bet ; ton’s with the flag safe and sound.*** Refreshments on Way Home, j On marching homeward, the com ’ pany was supplied with refreshments s they passed Dr. Williamson's splen did mansion (formerly Robert Ruth- V.iUUil cl ii.z.U vi 1.. u Vx Milledgeville; and again, a few mi.es farther, when opposite Gen. Clarke’s residence another favor of the same kind was experienced. Gen. Clark himself came to the road and con versed familiarly with the officers be here said that the flag was of juxe white silk, very ample in its ;nd men (about eighty in all) most of whom received a personal intro duction to him. Nothing special occured until the company reached Merriweather's store, within four miles of Marion. There they saw a large collection of persons, many of whom were intoxi cated and disposed to quarrel. Robert L. Perryman, the lawyer, had just been seriously stabbed in the ab domen and was lying in a room near the store. While Ensign Walton was in the act of mounting his horse with the standard of colors in his hand the horse took fright; and, i holding on to the standard the en- I sign became entangled in it, was ' thrown, and had his underlip and chin severely gashed. Dr. Slappey, 1 our captain, an excellent surgeon > sewed up the wound, put on straps of ' adhesive plaster and we continued our ! march, the ensign along with us. As we passed the house of Archibald Me ; Intyre, Esq., the clerk of the superior court, a signal gun was fired from his piaxza, and he was soon in our midst, praising our soldierly appearancejmd talking in his lively Scotch style, treating us to very substantial re freshments. i WILKINSON TEACHERS MEET AND ORGANIZE. The teachers of the county were called together last Friday, March 20, for the purpose of organizing and considering a number of important .uesuons touching the welfare o. .he schools. The meeting was held .n the auditorium of the Wilkinson County High School and was calleu ,o order at 10 a. m. by Superin.enu. mt J. T .Dupree, Jr. After singin America,” led by Prof. Sheaiy judge J. S. Davis offered a short ... ;r for the success of th? meetin .nd for the general good of m cachers and the system as well a :r all good to everything and every oody. After a strong appeal from Mr. uproe tor coopera lion and concerted ■--tion tn the part of the teachers he recommended the organization by the teachers of som? kind of associa n whereby they could best effect .his purpose. Prof. Bowles Heads Organization. Artex- the mee-ing voted unani :s y to go info an organization c his kind, the name of Prof. H. R. iowles, Superintendent at Gordon, .as put in nominal. _n for prsci d?nt by Prof. Lawrence and he was elected unanimously wi h rr per Jon. Then^ the names of Miss Izetta Davis, principal at Toomsboro, was PUu in nomination for secretary <yid treasurer by Prof. Shealy and she was also unanimously elected without opposition, after which the organiza tion chose for its official name “Th-> Wilkinson County Teachers Associa tion.” A number of those present spoke at some length cn the purpose and the value of organized effort, ■aoug tne Humber being Prof. Bowl- Fros. Lawrence, Prof. Shealy, Mrs •kitchens, County Home Demonstra -or, and Judge Davis. The first thing the newly organized । association did was to vote unani j mousiy to join the Georgia Education. xi Association in a body and t equest the County Board of Educa ion to give them Friday, April 17. o attend the meeting of this Asso- APRIL COURT TERM CONVENES FIRST MONDAY Jud<re Jas. B. Park to Make a Pub lie Address cn the Control of The 801 l Weevil. The April term, 1925, of the sup erior court of M ilkinson county will convene promptly on the first Mon day in April, and the session of court will be held in the old school house. The civil docket is light, and unless he grand jury returns some true bills it is very probable that the sess on will be short. It Was hoped that the new court touse would be completed in time to >’d the April term in it. but weath er conditions prevented the contract or from being able to complete it in CARD OF THANKS. Me wish to thank our neighbors and friends for their many kindnesses shown us during the sickness and death of our dear father and may God's richest blessings be with each and every one of you, is our prayer. O. F. Kingry, Mrs. J. T. Carr, T. B. Kingry, Mrs. E. F. McCook, Mrs. J. R. Shepherd, Mrs. W. F. Hardie, E. H. Kingry. Os the 299,927 civil servants now employed by the British government, '.41,730 are ex-service men. account of the exhaustion of the tim ber, now foresee not only continuous employment for all these hands but that to supply the need of new plants iarge numbers of more hands will be needed.. . FARMERS & MERCHANTS BANK Gordon, Georgia. For the many patrons that we have we are operating in which to deposit funds. ^Ve have combined safety this bank to give them something more than a safe place with courtsey and survice. SAFETY—COURTSEY— SERVICE. DEPOSITS INSURED. ♦ I. B. STINSON P^ES. F. S ENGLISH CASHIER ciation which will hold its regular meetng this year in Macon, April 15- 18. A number of other questions were discussed some of which will be heard from throughout the next term of school in the form of service to the several communities constituting our school system. Among such quest ion are the following: “The Adoptie’. of Standardized Tests,” “ Uniforu. Tests for High Schools”; “A More Efficient Seventh Grade Test”; “Uni form Standards for Promotion in th? Grades’’; and other like questions. Purposes of Association. It is the purpose of the Association to have a number of meetings e .eh year to consider our common probl . ems and to strengthen our ties of $ . , friendship and to keep cur forces fo^* yJ [progress working in harmony. Th.- W ; spirit of the meeting was excellent I““ „ ' ‘ »&-- : « Iso fine a body of teachers to hno ' ' I him in putting over whatever pro- ” gressive moves may b? desired in Uui- sms ..hoal sr Ar.a. Rev .J. £ | Townsend rspres-nted cur C.ww ® Board at this meefng and spoke on ■ 4 , some of the qaestim;. sways InH- 39 eating the desire of the board for I just such cooperation as hc id need I by this organization and predating 1 much good to our schools from it. • A *• *■ v x V- • the time and place for the scholarship _ j contest and the examination ot aj- 1 plicants for Seventh Grade Certificat es, which will take place at the court house in Irwinton, Saturday, April 11, Prof. Shealy announced that th? good ladies of Irwinton had prepared ‘ luncheon for the visit ng teachers and their friends ana just he.e th - promptly adjourned and a 1 ■ proceeded to give personal and in. dividual attention to a most del glp ful and refreshing course of sand wiches, cake and ice tei. It is a matter of regret that more of our school folk outsid? the ran’s of the teachers did not join us in * this meeting. We hope to see more -ium present at our future meet time. Judge Janies B. Park will give the ; peop.e of this county an address on Monday afternoon, April 6th., at 2 ' o’clock cn th? subject of the proper j control of the boll weevil. Judge Park is a large planter as well as a jurist, and has made this subject a special study ince the Ml weevil been in our midst, and the people will be given the benefit of his study and also his experience in controling the weevils on his large farms in Greene county. Every farm er in the county is urged to be presetn and hear Judge Park’s lecture. Th? lecture will be at the old school house on Monday, April 6th, at 2 o’clock, p. m. Mr. Wiil T. Ryles. Mr. Will T. Ryles, of Albany, died March 19,: 1925. His body ' was brought to Gordon for interment on Saturday, March 21st. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. W. L. Simmons at the Metho dist church. He was buried in the Gordon cemetery. The Gordon Mas onic Lodge conducting the burial ser vices. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ad Ryle, of Twiggs county. He is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Verda Kennington and Mrs. Ruby Keen, of Macon, Ga., and Mrs. low Smith, of Hardwick; one brother, Mr. Elma Ryle, of Gordon, Ga. High fur prices have brought pros perity to the Eskimos who are aban doning their primitive ’k'yaks” or canoes, for auxiliary schooners bought m Edmonton, Alberta. Sewing ma chines are in general use among these people. NUMBER 47 • —I s
