Coweta County GaArchives History - Books .....Chapter VII The Prosperous Period, Continued 1928 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Alice Allen http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00025.html#0006233 August 6, 2008, 12:38 am Book Title: Coweta County Chronicles CHAPTER VII. The Prosperous Period, Continued. Little Newnan Boys. Macedonia Academy. Extracts from the "Independent Blade," a County Paper. Prices Current. Rules for the Treatment of Slaves. Little Newnan Boys of the Early Fifties. By Robert H. Harris. Yes, I was one of them—one of the little boys who, from the year 1849 to 1854, ranged in age from 7 to 8, to 12 or 13. There was a swarm of little fellows below our age limit. I am not talking about them, although there were many beyond that limit—from 13 to 16. They are not my subject. We were a "gang"—or, rather, several gangs; for we did not all go in one "bunch." We had never heard the word "clique," and the word "coterie" would have sounded as strange to us as Choctaw. But there were two or three groups of us, resultants of temperament, I think, rather than of family wealth and social standing. Indeed, none of us had ever heard the latter term, and the former meant simply a matter of "niggers an' mules," that nine out of ten of us didn't care a straw about. Page 112 ============================================= Yes, there were little girls, too—plenty of them—in long pantelettes and curls and, "pig-tailed" hair and sunbonnets. But we were shy of girls; and they are not my theme anyway. By the by, speaking of headgear, I do not remember ever having seen a "hat" on a girl's head in those days. Sunbonnets were the only head-covering worn, except in winter, when warm hoods were substituted. Young ladies also, and many of their elders, wore sunbonnets on most occasions. I have often seen ladies of all ages at church in that garb. But I am bringing out reminiscences of little boys. What did they wear? Our head-covering consisted in summer of the coarsest kinds of straw hats, worn to look like a hornet's nest before the season was over, with tufts and wisps of our hair sticking out through sundry holes. In winter we wore warm caps. Our clothing in summer was "composed" (literally) of a pair of "britches" (that's the way we pronounced it) of the thinest material, and a buttonless cotton shirt fastened (or not) at the collar with a string. The "britches" were supported by a pair of home-knit "galluses"—frequently, if not usually, only one of them in operation over one shoulder. I don't think I ever heard the word "suspenders." There was no undergarment worn beneath the "britches" even in winter. The winter material was heavier, however— usually of wool—and a short jacket was worn (or supposed to be) over the shirt. No shoes were worn by any of us in summer. In winter stout cowhide shoes with home-knit socks protected our feet. But some of us went barefoot through all the seasons. There was a boy who never had a "full set" of toe-nails on at one time until 10 or 12 years old. They had been "stumped" off. Our hair-cutting was done by our mothers at home. A little fellow with an air of martyrdom and long hair brushed down straight all around, over eyes and all, was seated on a stool. A porcelain bowl the size of his cranium was placed inverted upon his head, arid so adjusted that the rim came down as far as the operator desired. Then she took a pair of scissors and cut the hair off all around, following the edge of the bowl. The job was done. Such a thing as "shingling" or "clipping" hair I never heard of in my childhood. Our trousers were worn long, down to our heels—that is, when not rolled up, which was mostly our style—especially one leg higher than the other. Otherwise a boy was sometimes "tripped up" by the big toe of one foot catching in the open trousers leg flapping over the other foot while running. We never heard of "knee pants." Page 113 ============================================= None of us had ever heard the words "trousers" or ''pantaloons;" hence our word "britches," (aiming at breeches," which we had heard.) And we knew no distinction between "coat" and "Jacket" as garments. Each was, to us, a "coat." I don't remember ever hearing the other word at all except as the name of an insect. I did not, and don't yet, know what girls' shoes were made of. Boys' shoes were of cow leather, calf-skin not being worn until lads were well up in their "teens," when they put on " pump-soled" boots with long, soft legs. Tom Calhoun is the only boy I remember as wearing boots, and he was rather too large for our class. I now recall the names of those boys. There were Phil and "Shack" Simms; Ben and Morgan Colbert; Joe Keller, a native wit; Joe Nat Beadles, his brother Billy, a little older than our set, and Ed, among the younger boys; Geo. and Bill Ramey, a little older; the Orr boys; Davis Owen; long-legged Tom Walker; Andrew Boyd; Tom Brown. But let me tell you about Tom Brown. His father was a merchant and kept "playin' marbles"—among them genuine "aggits," and they were costly. As a rule we had no money, but learned how to trade other things to Tom for "aggits," and thus numbers of us soon became posse-sors of "carnelian taws"—beauties, too. Now, Tom was no thief. He felt that what was his father's was his, and his father seemed to recognize this right. But to proceed with the names of the boys of those days: There were Charlie Arrington; Bill Kennedy, another long-legged fellow, whom we called "Cannady;" Ab Culberson; Jep Davis, his younger brothers, Dawson and Posey, and Minor, a little older; Rhode Hackney; "Doc" Thomas; Charlie McKinley, and a brother whose name I do not now recall, sons of Ebenezer McKinley. Speaking of odd names, there was "Bugg" Leigh; (that boy was no hum-"bug," either.) Then there was an old chair-maker named Bradley, whose weight was, I think, in excess of 400 lbs., whom we called Mister "Chur" (chair) Bradley. Mr. Potts Nimmons was, to us, Mr. "Pot Simmons." An eccentric old man, with long, gray, untrimmed hair and beard, lived a hermit life in the forest near town. His name was Jake Abrams. He always appeared in town coatless and wearing a "checked" shirt. We boys called him "Mr. Check Apurns," so understanding the pronunciation of "Jake Abrams." But on with the roll-call. There were Dick and Henry Brewster— the former called "Fate," (I never knew why,) and the other called Page 114 ============================================= "Fink" by his brother, (for some reason also unknown.) The Argo boys—General Andrew Jackson and Dandy, (not nicknames;) We pronounced the name "Ahgrow," and called the boys "Gen'l" and "Daindy." In those days brown sugar was shipped in hogsheads. When one had been emptied it was rolled out back of the store. Then we boys would gather to scrape off flakes of sugar left sticking to the staves on the inside. Only one boy at a time would enter the hogshead, and we either drew lots or fought for our turn at the sugar. On one occasion, while "Gen'l" was on the inside, one of the boys gave the hogshead a shove on the upper side of the steep declivity that had previously supported the big barrel. Away went the hogshead "bumpetty-bump," with "Gen'l" tumbling "lumpetty-lump" within. The instant the cavortin' paused out popped "Gen'l," bilin' hot, and made for us. "Hold my sugar, hold my sugar, Daindy," he kept exclaiming as he came, "hold my sugar till I whup 'im!" But Dandy had caught a warning glance and would not tell on us; so the culprit escaped the well-deserved "whuppin" threatened. And "Gen'l" never lost a grain of his sugar in his mad chase after us! There were the Martin boys, Billy and Hollis; and Joe Pinson. Joe was called "Jo-per-cow-patch"—I never knew why. His mother's backyard was covered with "tea-weed," and 'twas in there, according to report, a turtle's dissevered head caught in its mouth a little chicken while the family were dining off the reptile within the house. You may not believe this "yarn," but some others of that day just "knowed" it to be true. There were Geo. Burch, Len Bolton, Joe Dent, (with his long logs), Ben Corbin, Jimmie Heflin, two Wilcoxon boys, Sam Harlan; the Words —Rhett, Ike and Edward. As I pass the boys in review I feel tempted to comment upon their fine qualities, but space will not permit. Not all of us were saints, nor do I remember seeing indications of sprouting wings on any of them; but many were tip-top boys, and some were just lovely. Had there been any "rale mean fellows" I wouldn't tell their names anyway— so let it go at that. Am not quite sure, but I seem to recall a Walter Cole. Then there were Will Tucker and his brother, Edwin Berry; Jim Combs and his legs, Frank Simril; Jodie Welch, and Lee; John and Jimmie Rheinhardt; Abner Calhoun. Page 115 ============================================= But I must stop to tell you something about Ben Colbert, mentioned back yonder. Ben and I were desk-mates—and such love as existed between us! Well, Ben "raised him a bite" on his temple—a whopper— big as a guinea egg! Wouldn't allow it lanced, and it looked like an over-ripe tomato. Made me swap seats with him for fear I'd hit his "bile," which was on the side next to me. At recess he would stand around with both hands up to fend off boys who came near. At recess one morning I picked up a big oak chip and sent it "sailin,' " as we boys called it, toward him, but without any idea of striking him. "Look out, Ben!" I exclaimed as I threw the chip. He ran exactly into the curving path of the chip, and, whack!—it struck the "bile" cornerwise precisely in the center! A mass of bloody pus gushed out and ran down his cheek, and the "core" tumbled out like a big, defunct grubworm. I "lit out," Ben after me. Round and round we went, until Ben was winded and in a good humor. I had cured the "bile." But there were still other boys—Alvin Freeman and his brother, Bill, the latter a little over our "age limit;" a Ligon boy; two Gwins; one or two Luckies; a Bowen or two; the Leigh boys; and a gentle young Geo. Potts, in age below long Bill Potts. Some of these names are only vaguely remembered; but here are two about which there is not a shadow of a doubt—John and Lavender Ray. Being asked by his teacher how the earth is supported in space, John forgot what the book said, (if he had ever known it,) and answered promptly, "Dey holds it up wid a dreat big rope." We all laughed; but why was not John right? What better name for "gravity" could be given? What better definitive figure of the combined strands of the centripetal, centrifugal and other forces of gravity, and what not else yet undiscovered? We had not at that time, any of us, ever heard any of those terms; but ideas are ideas, and John had one. On being asked his name by the teacher at the opening of the term John's brother, Lavender, replied: "Yalender Yobinson Yay," but everybody called him, "Paddy"—because his father was Irish, I suppose. And he was as game as any Paddy that ever "shinned up a mast" in a storm or charged a battery. I give an illustration: The postmaster ("John Ellick," everybody called him,) contracted with a bunch of little boys at a "thrip" apiece to destroy a yellow jackets' nest in a rotten sill at one of the corners of the postoffice building. We organized and drew for places in the assaulting column. Paddy drew No. 1, and his part in the attack was to rip off the plank covering the sill and dig out the nest with a sharp stick. Page 116 ============================================= I drew No. % and my part was to thrash the insects off Paddy with a brush. Drew Brown, one of the bigger boys, was No. 3, and his part was to protect me in like manner, and so on down to the end of the line. Perhaps a hundred men and boys stood around as spectators. The assault was made in the order described. Paddy ripped off the plank and dug out the nest, completely destroying it. The "creeters" swarmed out and covered Paddy. I wore my brush to a frazzle beating them off, but scores upon scores stung him; yet the game little fellow never flinched. Drew Brown performed his part well, as did the other "brushers," but practically all on the ground, including spectators, were set a-dancing and slambanging. The postoflSce was rid of the yellow jackets, but Paddy was kept in bed for several days with "big head" and fast closed eyes. Mr. Alexander ("John Ellick") paid us off and we were as happy as "flop-lips" and bunged up eyes would permit. Now, speaking of our pay, what was a "thrip?" It was a piece of silver half the value of a "sevenpence," old Federal coinage, worth l%}4 cents; a "thrip," then, was $% cents. The "sevenpence" (one word) was by many called a "bob," and after the introduction of decimal coinage was called "long bit," while a 10-cent piece (dime) was called "short bit." In those days, and later, a quarter-dollar piece was called "two bits." These fractional pieces gradually disappeared from circulation, until in the course of years all were gone. Many of these found their way into the puch1 of the old black mammy called "Aunt Synie," who sold gingercakes and persimmon beer at a chosen corner on the street. Don't know whether she was a slave or not; never inquired. In fact, we little boys knew nothing about "slavery," and cared less. We played with little "niggers" of our size, "wrastled" with them, went "a-fishin' " with them—and that was the end of the matter with us. A very important boy has been overlooked in this rambling sketch. His name was Charlie Sanders. His father was a physician and kept a "doctor shop." Within that building were stored many medicinal supplies—among them, in glass jars, sticks of licorice. The Doctor allowed his son free range of the "shop." Some of us traded "aggits," fishhooks and other things to Charlie for licorice. He sported carnelian "taws," angled with us on Wahoo creek, and we—ate licorice. By the way, there was a "tag-on" nuisance of a boy named Jimmie ______, whom none of our crowd wanted with us, but who would follow us about. One day that boy discovered that I was fishing (1) Pouch or pocket. Page 117 ============================================= in the branch below his home, and, despite my qbjurgative protests, inflicted himself upon me. I had just decided to give up my sport when I heard his mother's voice: "Jimmie! Jimmie— you, Jimmie!" No answer. Then, with shrieks: "You, Jimmie!" again and again. "Look a-here," said I, "that's your maw a-callin', an' you gotta go;" and I escorted him. Arrived at the house, Jimmie's "maw" took him into a shed-room for an "interview," to which I listened with much satisfaction. The good woman soundly bereated her son for allowing that "bad boy" (deponent) to "toll him off" from home; and then I heard the rythmic "swish" of a peach-sprout as it was being applied to that part of the anatomy that would do the most good, accompanied by wailings and sounds of distress which indicated that the peach-sprout was "hitting the spot." Then I overhead a prayer in jerky sentences, in which the Lord was asked to "forgive Jimmie for yielding to the wicked enticements of that "bad boy," and so on. The "interview" ended and Jimmie out in the yard again, I "enticed" him into the woods back of the houselot. There occurred another "interview," in which no peach-sprouts figured, nor prayers—unless Jimmie made them soto voce. But there was left "some signs" of it among the leaves under the big red oaks. * * * * * I pull up here. You've heard enough about the little Newnan boys of the early '50's, haven't you. All right. I wish merely to remark, in conclusion, that so far as I know only one other of those small boys besides mayself is living today—Henry Brewster, of the distinguished legal firm of Dorsey, Brewster & Howell, of Atlanta. But maybe some of those boys whose names have not recurred to me are still among the living. If so, may the blessings of the Almighty God attend upon every one of them. (The author of these delightful reminiscences is a retired Baptist minister, now nearly 80 years of age, and wellknown throughout the State. His present residence is in Columbus, Ga. 'He has omitted the names of at least two of his boyhood chums whom we know to be yet living—Col. Jos. H. Dent, of Oakley, Md., and Mr. B. D. Brewster, of Sunny Side, Ga. There may be others; but, alas! nearly all have answered the last "roll-call," as the author puts it. There are numerous descendants of his "compatriots" of early days, however, and they will greatly enjoy his charming sketches of persons and incidents now almost forgotten by the present generation.—Editor Heiald.) Page 118 ============================================= This other reminiscence of this time from the "Herald" was written by Mrs. William Redwine nee Julia Leigh: Within a stone's throw of the northeast corner of Macedonia church, there stood a little log school-house, in the edge of a primeval forest. It had north and south doors and a huge rock and stick chimney on the west side, between the spacious jambs of which several children might stand and, looking up, see the summer clouds sail by. Around the inner wall were nailed desks (wooden boxes with sloping tops, open underneath) a plank seat, also fastened to the wall, which the "scholars" who "did 'ritin" occupied. Above the desks were wooden pegs upon which were hung the dinner buckets and baskets; also the wool hats and home-made caps of the boys and the girls' homespun and calico bonnets. Most of the clothing was woven at home, the boys wearing copperas and indigo blue and pepper-and-salt "breeches" with knit "galluses" in summer, and brown and gray jeans in winter; while the girls wore gaily striped cotton and linsey-woolsey dresses. At intervals over the house stood benches—some with backs and some with none—where sat the "small fry." As a crowning centerpiece stood the teacher's desk, on top of which lay a rule that was brought down with considerable force upon the desk, after the manner of a Speaker's gavel, to "wake up" the school and keep them in wholesome fear o^ authority; also, when idling and whispering were observed, the rule was thrown at the culprit who was made to pick it up and stand holding, it by the teacher's desk, to the chagrin of the guilty one and the amusement of the school. The pedagogue was Mr. David Moseley, who taught "readin', 'ritin and 'rithmetic;" also Smith's grammar and g'ography. The books of the time would amaze later generations—Walker's dictionary, "blue-back speller," (conning their pages produced many wonderfully good spellers!), New York readers Nos. 1, 2 and 3, and others from which selections were read or "spoke" on occasions. "The copies written by the teacher with the goosequill pens that he made with his "pen" knife, "Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth," "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." The pens had to be mended or made over very often. The pupils all studied aloud, if they wished, and when the order, "Get the spelling lesson," was given a veritable bedlam ensued. When visitors came, after each word was spelled, the pupil named the syllable accented. Page 119 ============================================= "The boys' games were town ball and marbles, but a near-by blacksmith shop, where Shep, the negro smith made farm implements as well as horseshoes, and could be seen shoeing horses, was often more interesting than any game. The girls' games were "Johnny Brown;" "Nan, Nan, thread the needle;" "Blacksmith very fine, can you shoe this horse of mine?" and "Chase the fox," under the long grapevine used as a rope. In spring-time searching for violets, daisies, crabapple and honeysuckle blossoms, and heartleaves with jugs under them, was the favorite pleasure. Sometimes the little girls would follow the larger ones across the road to the graveyard, there one grave, surrounded by a stone wall, would be remarked as "The first one made here—Grandfather Gay's." Grown girls brought their knitting to school, there were no knitting machines in those days and every woman and girl kept her knitting ready when the hands had no other work to do. They knitted gloves, "gallusses" and trimming, besides all the hose worn. "Children for leagues around came to this school. One father, poor in health, came with his children to get the schooling denied him in his youth. After 'laying by' so many older pupils came that a bush arbor had to be put up for those capable of self-government. One of 'Em." 1855 The Methodists moved their church to the lot on Wesley street on which is located the house used as parsonage, (1) and enlarged it, Reverend Walter E. Evans was pastor for this and the following year, and pastor of Mount Zion; at Mount Gilead the pastor's name on the list, W. Evans, seems to indicate the same man. From William U. Anderson: "This year our county was thoroughly canvassed. We had for the Senate Honorable Hugh Buchanan and Honorable William F. Wright; Honorable John S. Bigby, Honorable Richmond P. Bridges, Honorable Glen O. Winn and Honorable William Amis for Representatives; Honorable Hiram Warner and Honorable Ben. H. Hill for Congress . . . . We had a large barbecue. We had the day before raised a large liberty pole. About qne hundred and fifty young ladies and gentlemen on horseback made a splendid show. Some say this carried the election for the Democrats—Warner, Buchanan, Winn and Amis. "Mr. Colyer sold his hotel to a company; it was kept by Dr. Bruce. (1) Up to 1926. Page 120 ============================================= From W. U. A. "This fall your author concluded to visit Florida with his son Thomas and two or three others . . . . purchased a farm, left his son in charge of it, and returned home and prepared to move to the Land of Flowers, but did not get off until the next February—remained in Florida for six years. His history will have to be made by others mostly for that time. It looks like a county is a small space for a history, but when you look it over you find you have left out more than you have written." W. B. W. Dent, Congressman for the District, one of the 1830 settlers, a teacher, a merchant at Bullsboro, a large land owner and man of influence, died in November. "Our member of Congress was not a professional man, but one of fine business talents, good sound, practical mind, one of the active, persevering men of his time; a fine trader. It was said of him, by some, if he had stayed in Congress five years, he would have bought out the Presidency and Washington, and moved the seat of government to Stone Mountain, which he then owned, but his usefulness was cut short." William U. Anderson wrote. Of the later fortunes of the Creek Indians we have an interesting account, given in the year 1855 by that great Georgian, Bishop George F. Pierce, to the Southern Christian Advocate: "It would be well if all who are skeptical about the possibility of evangelizing the Indians could attend a session of our Conference among them. Indeed, those who never doubted the redeeming, elervating power of the gospel might have their faith confirmed and their ideas exalted by the services and sympathies of such an occasion. I confess to strange and commingled emotions, for days and nights, while the business of Conference was in progress. The place, the school, the Conference, each and all make an interesting paragraph in the history of this aboriginal race. But a generation gone they were heathens; now they have flourishing academies, houses of religious worship, the apparel and the manners of civilization, districts, stations, circuits, the white man's book, his gospel, and his preacher. Page 121 ============================================= "How strange is every thing around me! I have just passed over a wild, vacant country, dreary but for its beauty, with here and there, at long intervals, a hut or a wigwam; and now, here is a large three-story brick building—a schoolhouse—with superintendent, teachers, male and female, and an Annual Conference assembled within its walls! The bell rings, and we descend to the dining-hall; the boys sit at one table, a teacher at the head; the girls at another; the guests at a third. All in order; no rushing and jamming; and now every one at his place awaits in silence the invocation of a blessing upon the bounteous board. Is this an Indian country? Who maketh these to differ from their kind and even from themselves? Is this magic? Yes, but not of Aladdin's Lamp. Christian benevolence has wrought the change. The gospel and schools, Christianity and education, have greatly reformed, improved, and elevated these tribes. You can see it in the first red man you meet on the highway. Yon cabin and enclosure evince the fact. That quiet audience, eager for the word of life, proclaims change and the cause of it. Listen to that song—that prayer . . . . "Chili McIntosh informed me that the Creeks had increased two thousand in five years! He is now a Baptist preacher. * * * * "I must close my account of this interesting Indian Mission Conference. Nothing special occurred during the session save the admission into the travelling connection of James McHenry—better known in Georgia and Alabama as 'Jim Henry'—the hero of the Creek war in 1836. The lion has become a lamb—the brave a preacher. The war-whoop is hushed; the midnight foray is with the past; the Bible and the Hymn Book fill the hands that once grasped the torch and the tomahawk. The bold, valient savage, who spread consternation among the peaceful settlements on either side of the Chattahoochee, now travels a circuit, preaching peace on earth, good-will to men." "Macedonia Academy, Jacobus Gibson, John E. Conyers, Benjamin Leigh, Rezin Mobley and Joseph Smith, trustees, was erected, and Andrew Rutherford Liddell, of Lawrenceville, studying for the ministry, was elected principal. From an old scrap-book is taken this account of this school: "Two of the teacher's nephews, Moses and Jim Brown, came from Decatur; John Ross and Billy Conyers from Cass county; Billy, Joseph, Mary and Arthur Hutchinson, from County Page 122 ============================================= Line; Bob Perkins from his uncle Billy Perkins' place near the river; Dosha Hubbard from Dent's mill; the Sewells and various others totalling quite a phalanx. Students ranged from a-b-c-darians to higher mathematics; hie, heac, hoc; alpha, beta, gamma, delta; Algebra and geometry were demonstrated on the board; also diagrams from Clark's grammar, which seemed almost like the work of a magician. Perhaps no greater spirit of emulation existed in any school at that date. "A class from eleven to fourteen years of age, beginning in Bullion's Latin grammar, soon reached the stage of "ego amo te;" Esop's Fables; ere long mythology, and Roman History, which completed the readers. Next several of Virgil's Bucolics or Pastoral Poems were read, finally ending the term with two books of the AEneid. This may not now be considered much progress, but, remember, this was several years ago!" "One of the fair pictures in memory's hall is that of the schoolhouse sentinelled by giant oaks and monarch pines, where winds brought the aroma of fresh pine and played soft melodies amid the branches, and birds caroled sweetly. "Then come visions of forms and faces accompanied by words and tones: 'We have no better method of judging the future than by the past,' in the serious tones of an older school-mate; the next voice is stentorian, 'Why is the forum crowded?—what means this stir in Rome?' And a soft voice repeats, 'A soldier of the legion lay dying in Algiers,' and a timid one, 'The Assyrians came down like a wolf on the fold.' All these and many others were found in Sargent's Standard Speaker. "Daily exercises closed with a Psalm or other selection from Holy Writ, and a prayer for the school. "School continued without vacation till the end of September. * * * * "That initial year has never been surpassed, perhaps not equalled, though many fine teachers have taught here at Macedonia Academy." The Baptist State Convention met in Newnan. Page 123 ============================================= College Temple was the first college—so far as is known—to confer the degree MAGISTER IN AETIBUS on women and those, the first graduates of that institution, who were so honored were: Emily Elizabeth Jones (Mrs. Stacy), Fayetteville, Georgia, Rosa Wilson Thomas (Mrs. Broadnax), Newnan, Darthula Brewster (Mrs. Woodroof), Newnan, Hibernia Lawrence Dougherty (Mrs. Berry), Newnan; Elizabeth Rebecca Kellogg (Mrs. Edmonds, Elmira, N. Y.), Richford, Vermont, Catherine Cole Edwards (Mrs. Trippe) Coweta County; Amelia S. Wright, Marlboro, Massachusetts, (Mrs. Edwards, Cincinati, Ohio), honorary. Margaret Ann Menefee (Mrs. Wiley), Palmetto, Ga. It was the rule in slavery days for the slaves to belong to the churches with the whites. Seats were always prepared for them On many occasion negro preachers conducted the services. Many of the plantations were in fact mission stations. There is abundant testimony to the conduct of Southern women in Christianizing the Negroes. Dr. Draper says, "They took an active interest in the eternal well-being of those who came into their hands, administered consolation to the aged, the sick, and dying, and taught religion to the young. The annals of modern missions offer no parallel success to theirs." Thomas Carlyle, the great writer, speaking of the condition of the negro slaves as he had them from many eye-witnesses, said: "Sup- Page 124 ============================================= ported by his master in infancy, in sickness and old age, the slave was a hired servant for life, and paid throughout that life at a far higher rate than the Irish potato-grower. He received more than the European servant and did less than haK the work. Old age was to him a period of peace, ease, comfort and honor. He occupied his cabin or cottage, he basked in the sun, his grandchildren playing around his knees, his gray hairs respected, his infirmities cared for, his temper and vanities humored." There is a record that Ole Bull gave a concert in this year—when, where, the record does not state—presumably, it was at College Temple. 1856 From the Independent Blade: NEW CANDY MANUFACTORY AND BAKERY. In William Kay's old book store Newnan, Ga. The subscriber would inform the public that he has constantly on hand at his Confectionery and Baking establishment all kinds of Confections, Pastries, Fruits &c, He is prepared to furnish every description of plain and ornamental Cakes for weddings, or parties at short Page 125 ============================================= notice, Imported wines and brandies of all descriptions for medical purposes, kept always on hand. VALENTINO & FAY. NEWNAN STEAM WORKS. The undersigned having purchased the interest of Mr. Barnes in the above works, would inform the public that he is prepared to fill all orders for SASH. BLIND & DOORS, at short notice, and has constantly on hand the ordinary size of Sash, and a good assortment of FURNITURE . . . He also makes DOOR and WINDOW FRAMES, BANISTERING and all other work in his line. R. D. Cole. REMOVAL. The subscriber would respectfully inform his friends and the public generally that he has removed his stock of Dry Goods to the large and commodius Store House situated on the North East corner of the public square formerly occupied by Hilley & Alexander, where he is receiving and opening one of the largest and best selected stocks of DRY GOODS ever offered in Western Georgia. O. P. FEARS. WOOL CARDING. N. M. ROBINSON. MRS. ANN McKINLEY will resume the exercises of her School, assisted by MISS HILLSMAN, on the 18th of August. Her prices are the same as last session. No deduction made unless for Providential causes. $102,000.!! 7,805 PRIZES, Amounting to $102,000. Put money in thy purse. The placers of California and Australia sink into absolute insignificance, when compared with the mines of wealth that are poured out monthly from our Lucky Lottery office overflowing with Treasures for the People Gold is here and it must flow O'er this care worn land; Buy, and you no more shall know Want's unpitying hand Class Q To be drawn September 15, 1856. Tickets $10, Halves $5, Quarters $2.50. Wealth, that all men love so well, Dwelleth in dame Fortune's cell, Would you float 'mid golden skies Page 126 ============================================= Send to Mangum for a prize. S. W. MANGUM, Agent, Jonesboro, Ga. COWETA SHERIFF'S SALE: Will be sold before the Court House door in Newnan, Coweta county, within the legal hours of sale, the following property, to-wit: Four Negroes-Mariah, a girl sixteen years of age; Lawrence, a boy eight years of age; Levy, a boy eight years of age, and Osman, a boy six years of age: levied on etc. Drs. John R. Brown & Joseph W. Wiley, Surgeon Dentists. Dr. W. F. Whelan, Physician and Surgeon. Dr. C. D. Smith, " " " Dr. A. W. Griggs, " " " Jones, David & Campell, Surgeon Dentists. R. W. Simms, Attorney-At-Law. Law Firm: Ebenezer D. McKinley, Francis D. Bowen, Charles D. McKinley. Thomas Barnes, Watch, Clock & Jewelry Repairer. W. M. R. Bowen, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in Groceries, Dry Goods and Hardware. H. Brewster, Fancy and Staple Goods. Carriages! Carriages! Butler & Marsh. What Coweta people bought in 1856. Some old advertisements: We have a lot of MOLESKIN HATS, the style introduced by Genin, the celebrated New York Hatter, manufactured expressly for us, and warranted superior to any article in town. T. G. Simms & Co. Just received and for sale at low prices, a fresh supply of those new and beautiful NEAPOLITAN BONNETS. BONNET RIBBONS. & STRAW TRIMMINGS. BONNET RUCHE. WHIST BLONDE LACE FOR BONNETS. WASH BLONDE. Also a FEW PIECES PLAIN STRIPED, and PLAID NAN-SOOK MUSLINS, at W. S. HILLEY'S Cheap Cash Store. A fine lot of Printed Jaconets, Printed Organdis Brilliants, Embroideries, Hosieries, all colors and qualities, some as low as one dollar a dozen; Kid, Lisle Thread and Chamoise Skin Gloves; Silk Mits, long and short, for Ladies and Misses. Page 127 ============================================= DR. FEEMSTER has just received another supply of the Balm of a Thousand Flowers, together with numerous other extracts for the Handkerchiefs of the "Upper Ten;" Musk, Sweet Brier, Sweet Pea, New Mown Hay, West End, Jockey Club, Geranium, Golden Dew, Jassamine, Sweet clover, Pacthouly, and Mignonet, all of which are of such a delicious odor as to remind one of the breezes that are wafted o'er Ceylon's spicy Isle. The Fair are respectfully invited to call and examine them. To Invalids. PORT, SHERRY AND MADEIRA WINES. The subscriber invites the attention of the Medical Profession to his stock of superior Port and other Wine, which are old and pure. H. J. SARGENT. A fine lot of Party and Wedding VESTS. GENTS CONGRESS GAITERS, as well as other articles for gents at W. J. RANSOM & CO. AMBROTYPING. PROF. T. J. HOLLIS. They do not fade with years or grow dim with age. In the Independent "Blade", whether copied or an editorial utterance is not noted, appeared this comment on the style of the neckline of women's dress in 1856 that sounds like some of those written in 1926: "Many of our present day writers are finding fault with the way our ladies dress, but we have no criticism to make; they evidently know best what they like. We were at a party last week and Jones, standing by US, remarked, I have not seen anything like this since I was weaned.' and later when we remarked the number of beautiful ladies present by saying, "Well, it is a perfect galaxy of beauty,' he retorted, 'Galaxy nothing! It is the whole milky way,' and as another exceedingly fashionable lady entered, we agreed that she outstripped them Page 128 ============================================= all." From the Presentiments of the Grand Jury we much regret that we are forced to the necessity of noticing the entire remissness of our Inferior Court in neglecting the important duty of appointing Road Commissioners for the several Districts of our County; which accounts mainly for the bad condition of roads in our county generally, and we would respectfully call their attention to that important duty. We find the duty of the Patrol very much neglected in our county, and to this subject we would respectfully call the attention of the Inferior Court, whose duty it is not only to appoint Patrol Commissioners, but to hold them to a strict accountability for the faithful discharge of their duty. We believe that an illegal traffic is carried on with the slave population of our county, much to the injury of the owners of slaves, and to the good citizens, generally, and recommend that the patrol law be more vigilantly executed. Of "The Independent Blade," F. D. Bowen, T. W. Bolton were Editors and Proprietors. Henry A. Livingston Editor and Publisher. At Newnan Male Seminary, Mr. Daniel Walker followed Mr. Davis as principal. Page 129 ============================================= College Temple performed a Christmas Festival in two concerts. Newnan was represented at the Southern Conventions which had been held in the interest of Southern prosperity at Macon, Augusta, Charleston in 1838 and 1839, at Memphis in 1845 and 1849, at Baltimore in 1852, New Orleans in 1851 and 1854, at Charleston 1855, at Richmond in February 1856 and at Savannah in December of the same year. Among the objects of these gatherings were the enlarging of Southern Industries and diversifying Southern agriculture. In Avery's "History of Georgia" is a lengthy and spirited account of the. gubernatorial contest between Joseph E. Brown and Ben Hill and of their joint discussion at Newnan. Politics then and politicians were of amazing importance (when contemplated from the present condition of indifference) in those years, and one can easily picture the town on such an occasion: horses.and vehicles would be as thick as automobiles are now; only men would be on the streets and the percentage of them that were drinking and drunk would dumbfound the present vociferous proclaimers of the doctrine that the more plentiful liquor is the more temperance you have. There would be many fist and skull fights and much jollity. From The Independent Blade of December 16th: A Debating Society has been organized with Judge Dennis F. Hammond as Chairman and John Orr as Secretary. The subject chosen for the first debate is: "Are the doctrines of Calvin in accordance with the teaching of the Bible?" We are requested by the managers and Committee of Invitation to the Complimentary Party at College Temple next Friday night, to respectfully request the trundle bed stock to stay at home. Children in their places are good things to have, but their attendance at Musical Entertainments above their comprehension is simply a nuisance. Time to nominate Town Commissioners. We nominate for Intendant: Judge A. J. Berry; for Commissioners : T. G. Simms, John Ray, Esq., P. H. Whitaker, R. D. Cole. We know neither of these wants the office, but hope they have patriotism enough to serve. Every good citizen knows that for months past Newnan has been on the retrograde in morals; pistol and gun firing, whooping and hallooing and rowdyism on the Page 130 ============================================= increase. For the good of the town we hope the gentlemen named will consent to act. Dr. J. T. Reese has bought out Dr. Feemster, wholesale and retail druggist. The town raised the liquor license fees from $25 to $100. 1857 From "The Independent Blade" for January 6th: "Once more we have an organized town government. We trust to see that efficient laws are passed and executed to protect the lives and property of the tax-payers and to preserve their wives and daughters from insult while passing through the streets. Another evil—' trading with slaves-should have attention first. Negroes can be found any Sunday intoxicated, prowling around the back streets. We hope the streets will be cleaned up and the merchants fined who suffer filth and trash to accumulate before their doors." Newnan seems to have folded her arms for a Rip Van Winkle sleep. Jonathan Norcross, of Atlanta, made a visit to Newnan to stimulate interest in a railroad that years after, became the Charlotte Air Line, and later, the Southern railway. In those days high-topped shoes for women were anathematized as short dresses are now, and called 'fast', 'suggestive' and 'vulgar'. January 19th was extremely cold, the Chattahoochee was frozen over at Moore's Ferry; a daughter of Colonel Thomas O. Carter crossed on the ice. In March there was a fuel famine in the West. Reverand James Stacy came to the pastorate of the Newnan and White Oak Presbyterian Churches. Reverand J. Y. Alexander died in his twenty-seventh year of service to these churches, and to the town, and county, as teacher. Three papers competed for the public support: "The Georgia Banner," which has been described, was in its nineteenth volume, a half-dozen copies have come to enlighten this age as to that long past era; "The Independent Blade," owned by Thomas W. Bolton, of which three complete files, are known to exist, but only that for 1856-57 has been examined and quoted for this history; and "The Progressionist," no scrap of which has come to light, only its name surviving, Page 131 ============================================= and that of its editor, Reverand C. R; Sherborne, an Universalist preacher. In the "Blade" for April 21st there is an account of an ink made by Judge U, B. Wilkinson that was indelible on paper and cloth, that did not corrode the pen. The editor said: "It is an article superior to anything we have met with." A beautiful letter from Daniel Webster written from Richmond, Va. and from a May number, an announcement of a May 1 celebration by "The Saxe Home Band at Berry's Hall, at early candle light, with dancing." On May 30 Reverend Dabney P. Jones delivered a temperance lecture and organized a Sons of Temperance Society and one of Wash-ingtonians, called, the "Uncle Dabney Division", of forty members. College Temple's fourth commencement with seven graduates is elaborately written up. The following is an old, old complaint that has not ceased to find a place in print even to this day of 1926. "Recent developments go to establish the fact that rottenness has crept into high places, and that Congress has dwindled from the representatives of the people into an insignificant body of swindling policians." July 4, brought a nipping frost and the record adds that there was frost in the county every month of this year except August. 1858 The "Georgia Banner," published June 25, Vol. 19, No. 1, a four-page six-column paper, without display advertisements locals or personals in it except the announcement of the marriage of Mr. David P. Woodroof, of Richmond, Va., to Miss Darthula Brewster, by Rev. George E. Smith and the death of Mrs. Jane Elizabeth Stacy, wife of Rev. James Stacy, June 8, in her twenty-third year. One of three lottery advertisements was of Swan & Co's lottery, licensed by the state of Georgia, in the first column of the front page; and, on the same page, appears a long letter from Jefferson Davis, U. S. Senator from Mississippi, dated May 5, on the anti-slavery situation. The Mormons and Utah were discussed at length, and a hanging reported. The office of this paper was in a little building in the editor's yard. It was the official organ of Coweta, Heard, Carroll and Meri- Page 132 ============================================= wether counties. (From the Carrollton Times many years later. Rules for the Treatment of My Slaves by the Overseers, By John Ray The Overseer must keep his temper in check; never whip in a passion; control his passions at all times. All hands must obey the Overseer in all matters in and about the plantation and work—must not disobey orders given, must do the work as directed, must not be impudent. Must not quarrel among themselves, must not steal, kill hogs, injure stock, nor leave fences down; must have all the tools forthcoming, let none be lost; when done using a tool, put it in its proper place. All hands must sweep their houses out at night before they lie down, bring in fresh water and throw out the dirty water, must retire to bed at ten o'clock every night unless kept up by the order of the overseer or by special business. Must not leave the plantation without permission at any time— except on Saturday nights those who have wives will be permitted to visit them, but must return in time to do a full day's Work, at least about a half-hour after sunrise, the Overseer to be the judge, and if any one comes too late, on the second or third time he must come back on Sunday night. The married men must feed on Sunday in turn. The other hands must not leave the plantation until after breakfast on Sunday morning and must return between seven and eight o'clock in the evening. If the weather is bad, must not leave without the permission of the overseer and a pass. Must wash and patch their clothes once a week and keep them in good order. The woman at the house must sun all the bedclothes once in two weeks at least, on the fence, and bring them in before sunset or in case of rain. In good weather the doors and windows of their houses must be left open in order to air them. Must not steal from each other or any other person. Must feed and curry the mules carefully and must not throw Page 133 ============================================= sticks or stones at them when they attempt to catch them. If any negro should resist the Overseer when he goes to whip one, he is to call on two or three of the men to tie him and they must obey him promptly. Women and boys are not to get more than fifteen to twenty-five lashes with the strap—or small switches—to whiten the skin, but in no case to cut the skin; never giving more than ten lashes at a time without stopping a minute or two and talking to the negro, then resuming the whipping—if necessary—until humble, and he promises to do right, then take him or her on this promise. Never scuffle or run after a negro, if possible they must obey and stand and not resist at any time, if they do it shall be worse with them at all times. All punishment to be increased or diminished as the circumstance of the case seem to require in order to maintain good order and government in all matters, and for all persons. Hands must not be worked in a down-puring rain that will wet them if possible to prevent—particularly the women. In the short days give them about three-quarters of an hour to eat, but an hour in the long days from the time they get to the house till they leave, and the same when they eat in the field. See that their bread is well cooked and do not let them waste it. Make them sift the meal clean. When the negroes see a rail down, require them in passing to put it up and have draw bars, gates and water-gaps kept in good order to keep the stock out of the fields. Require the sheep feeder, the ox feeder, the cattle feeder, and the mule feeders to do their duty regularly, with economy and care; see to it yourself, and that they report the condition of all the stock. Keep a little corn in the pens for the small pigs through the day; have the sheep seen to every day,—give them sometime a little oats, cotton-seed, fodder or salt, of a night to make them come up more readily. Burn the beds of the hogs, change the plan of feeding if necessary, if mangy or lousy give them brimstone and copperas occasionally. Page 134 ============================================= Whip (the negroes) on the legs and thighs and butt, but never on the back; never be cruel, but be obeyed, and govern firmly and promptly—Make them love and obey you. When they do well, encourage them and show you are pleased; keep them in good heart and spirits and stimulate them, be at their work. Require all work to be well done, make them lap the furrows, break close and well and break new dirt every time, do not let the plow hands lose time at the end of the rows, but lift the plough around. Don't let them be jerking the mules as it will injure them. Make them plough up to the bank of the ditches and the side of them and into the corners of the fences. Be always with the hands when at work and go from hand to hand. Keep the gin and plough and tools in good order and let no one do bad work, keep them working at full speed. Keep your thought ahead of your work, and your work planned out for dry weather, and for wet weather, in order that no time be lost. Wet days let Simon work in the shop, and Wiley and you upon plough stocks, harrows, hoe handles and other tools. Burn a large coal kiln; make Simon tend it to have it well done, attended to night and day. Start the fire on a Monday and it will be burned that week. 1859 College Temple honored only two young women with degrees this year, but they were later to prove their titles to the distinction; they were: (Mrs.) Mary E. Bryan, who did brilliant work on the "Sunny South," (the most successful literary paper ever published in the South) for many years, and afterward, as many more years on a New York paper, and Elizabeth Douglas Arnold, of Greenville, Tennessee, who became Mrs. Broyles, of Atlanta, of whom Mrs. Wiley, of Palmetto, Georgia, wrote many years later: "In the class of 1859 Elizabeth D. Arnold, Mrs. Broyles, a woman of classic mind and rare intelligence. To her distinguished sons, Judge Nash Broyles, of the City Court of Atlanta, and Honorable Arnold Broyles, Clerk of the Superior Court, she has bequeathed much of her legal mind." Page 135 ============================================= An old invitation reads Newnan Guards February 22, 1859 The pleasure of your company is respectfully solicited to attend a military party to be given by the Newnan Guards, in Berry's Hall, Tuesday 22 inst, at 7 o'clock p. m. An address to the Guards will be delivered by Thos. Pinson, Esq., of this place. J. H. Hammond, Com. of invitation. J. T. Hollis, W. T. Cole, M. Cole. J. E. Luckie, Com. of arrangements. Captain Hanvey, Lieu't. Swint, Lieu't. Genovar, Sergeant Palmer. Captain George Smith, a galant officer of the War of 1812, died at Dr. George Edward Smith's home and was buried at Coke Chapel. Page 136 Additional Comments: Citation: COWETA COUNTY CHRONICLES FOR ONE HUNDRED YEARS WITH An Account of the Indians from Whom the Land was Acquired AND Some Historical Papers Relating to its Acquisition by Georgia, with Lineage Pages. EDITED AND COMPILED BY MARY G. JONES AND LILY REYNOLDS FOR SARAH DICKINSON CHAPTER DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION OF NEWNAN, GEORGIA THE STEIN PRINTING COMPANY ATLANTA, GA. 1928 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/coweta/history/1928/cowetaco/chapterv740gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/gafiles/ File size: 51.9 Kb