Effingham County GaArchives History - Books .....Old And New Ebenezer 1878
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Book Title: The Dead Towns Of Georgia

I. OLD, AND NEW EBENEZER.

  Daring the four years commencing in 1729 and ending in 1732, more than thirty
thousand Saltzburgers, impelled by the fierce persecutions of Leopold, abandoned
their homes in the broad valley of the Salza and sought refuge in Prussia,
Holland, and England, where their past sufferings and present wants enlisted
substantial sympathy and relief from Protestant communities. Persuaded by the
"Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge," and acting upon the
invitation of the Trustees of the Colony of Georgia,—who engaged not only to
advance the funds necessary to defray the expenses of the journey and purchase
the requisite sea-stores, but also to allot to each emigrant on his arrival in
Georgia fifty acres of land in fee, and provisions sufficient to maintain
himself and family until such land could be made available for support,—
forty-two Saltzburgers, with their wives and children,— numbering in all
seventy-eight souls,—set out from the town of Berchtolsgaden and its vicinity
for Rotterdam, whence they were to be transported free of charge to Dover,
England. At Rotterdam they were joined by their chosen religious teachers, the
Reverend Jolm Martin Bolzius and the Reverend Israel Christian Gronau. The oath
of loyality having been administered to them at Dover by the Trustees, these
pious, industrious, and honest emigrants, on the 28th of December, 1733, set
sail in the ship Purisburg and, after a tedious and perilous passage, reached
Charlestown, South Carolina, in safety. Mr. Oglethorpe, chancing to be there at
the time, arranged that the Saltz-burgers should proceed without delay to
Savannah. The Savannah river was entered by them on the 10th of March, 1734. It
was Reminiscere Sunday, according to the Lutheran calendar;—the gospel of the
day being "Our Blessed Saviour came to the Borders of the Heathen after He had
been persecuted in His own Country." "Lying in fine and calm weather, under the
Shore of our beloved Georgia, where we heard the Birds sing melodiously, every
Body in the ship was joyful." So wrote the Reverend Mr. Bolzius, the faithful
attendant and spiritual guide of this Protestant band. He tells us also, that
two days afterwards, when the ship arrived at the place of landing, "almost all
the Inhabitants of the Town of Savannah were gather'd together; they fired off
some Cannons, and cried Huzzah! which was answer'd by our Sailors, and other
English People in our Ship in the same manner. Some of us were immediately
fetch'd on Shore in a Boat, and carried about the City, into the woods, and the
new Garden belonging to the Trustees. In the meantime a very good Dinner was
prepared for us: And the Saltzburgers, who had yet fresh Meat in the Ship, when
they came on shore, they got very good and wholesome English strong Beer. And
besides the Inhabitants shewing them a great deal of Kindness, and the Country
pleasing them, they were full of Joy and praised God for it."*

* Extract of the Journals of Mr. Commissary VonReck, &c, p. 32. London, 1734.

  Leaving his people comfortably located in tents, and in the hospitable care of
the Colonists at Savannah, Mr. Von Reck set out on horseback with Mr. Oglethorpe
to take a view of the country and select a spot where the Saltzburgers might
form their settlement. At nine o'clock on the morning of the 17th of March they
reached the place designated as the future home of the emigrants. It was about
four miles below the present town of Springfield, in Effingham County, sterile
and unattractive. To the eye of the Commissary, however, tired of the sea and
weary of persecutions, it appeared a blessed spot, redolent of sweet hope,
bright promise, and charming repose. Hear his description: "The Lands are
inclosed between two Rivers, which fall into the Savannah. The Saltzburg Town is
to be built near the largest, which is called Ebenezer,[1] in Remembrance that
God has brought us hither; and is navigable, being twelve Foot deep. A little
Rivulet, whose Water is as clear as Crystal, glides by the Town; another runs
through it, and both fall into the Ebenezer. 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 Pains: there are also Hillocks,
very fit for Vines. The Cedar, Walnut, Pine, Cypress and Oak make the greatest
part of the Woods. There is found in them 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 Abundance of China Roots. The Earth is so fertile that
it will bring forth anything that can be sown or planted in it; whether Fruits,
Herbs, or Trees. There are wild Vines, which run up to the Tops of the tallest
Trees; and the Country is so good that one may ride full gallop 20 or 30 miles
an end. As to Game, here are Eagles, Wild-Turkies, Roe-Bucks, Wild-Goats, Stags,
Wild-Cows, Horses, Hares, Partridges, and Buffaloes." [2] Upon the return of Mr.
Oglethorpe and the Commissary to Savannah, nine able bodied Saltzburgers were
immediately dispatched, by the way of Abercorn, to Ebenezer, to cut down trees
and erect shelters for the Colonists. On the 7th of April the rest of the
emigrants arrived, and, with the blessing of the good Mr. Bolzius, entered at
once upon the task of clearing land, constructing bridges, building shanties,
and preparing a road-way to Abercorn. Wild honey found in a hollow tree greatly
refreshed them, and parrots and patridges made them "a very good dish." Upon the
sandy soil they fixed their hopes for a generous yield of peas and potatoes. To
the "black, fat, and heavy" land they looked for all sorts of corn; and from the
clayey soil they purposed manufacturing bricks and earthen ware. On the 1st of
May lots were drawn upon which houses were to be erected in the town of
Ebenezer. The day following, the hearts of the people were rejoiced by the
coming of ten cows and calves,—sent as a present from the Magistrates of
Savannah in obedience to Mr. Oglethorpe's order. Ten casks "full of all Sorts of
Seeds" arriving from Savannah, set these pious peoples to praising God for all
His loving kindnesses. Commiserating their poverty, the Indians gave them deer,
and their English neighbors taught them how to brew a sort of beer made of
molasses, sassafras, and pine tops. Poor Lackner dying, by common consent the
little money he left was made the ""Beginning of a Box for the Poor." The
repeated thunderstorms and hard rains penetrated through the rude huts and
greatly incommoded the settlers. The water disagreed with them, causing serious
affections of the bowels, until they found a brook, springing from a little
hill, which proved both palatable and wholesome. By appointment, Monday the 13th
of May was observed by the congregation as a season of Thanksgiving.

  Depending entirely upon the charity of the Trustees for supplies of all sorts,
and having but few mechanics among them, these Saltzburgers labored under great
disadvantages in building their little town in the depths of the woods, and
surrounding themselves with fields and gardens. Patient of toil, however, and
accustomed to work, they cut and delved away, day by day, rejoicing in their
freedom, blessing the Giver of all good for His mercies, and observing the rules
of honesty, morality, and piety, for which their sect had been so long
distinguished. Communication with Savannah was maintained by way of Abercorn; to
which place supplies were transported by water.

  Early in 1735 the settlement was materially strengthened and encouraged by the
arrival of fifty-seven more emigrants under the conduct of Mr. Vatt. Among the
new-comers were several mechanics whose knowledge, industry, and skill were at
once applied to hewing timber, splitting shingles, and sawing boards, to the
manifest improvement of the dwellings in Ebenezer.

  About a year afterwards occurred what is known as the great emharcation.
Including some eighty Germans from the city of Ratisbon, under the control of
Baron VonReck and Captain Hermsdorf, twenty-seven Moravians under the care of
the Rev'd David Nitschman, the Rev'd John and Charles Wesley, and the Rev'd Mr.
Ingham,—Missionaries to the Indians,—and a number of poor English families, this
accession to the Colony of Georgia aggregated some two hundred and twenty-seven
persons, of whom two hundred and two were conveyed upon the Trust's account.
Francis Moore was appointed keeper of the stores. Oglethorpe in person
accompanied the Colonists, and exercised a fatherly care over them during the
voyage. They were transported in the Symond of 220 tons,—Capt. Joseph
Cornish,—and the London Merchant, of like burthen, — Capt. John Thomas. [3]
During the voyage the German Dissenters "sung psalms and served God in their own
way." Turnips, carrots, potatoes, and onions, issued with the salt provisions,
prevented scurvy. In order to promote comfort and good order, the ships had been
divided into cabins, with gangways between them, in which the emigrants were
disposed according to families. The single men were located by themselves.
Weather permitting, the vessels were cleaned between decks and washed with
vinegar to keep them sweet Constables were appointed "to prevent any disorders,"
and so admirably was discipline preserved, that there was no occasion for
punishment except in the case of a boy, " who was whipped for stealing of
turnips." The men were exercised with small arms, and instructed by Mr.
Oglethorpe in the duties which would devolve upon them as free-holders in the
new settlement. To the women were given thread, worsted, and knitting needles;
and they were required to employ "their leisure time in making Stockings and
Caps for their Family, or in mending their Cloaths and Linnen." In this sensible
way were matters ordered on these emigrant ships, and the colonists, during a
protracted voyage, prepared for lives of industry in their new homes.

  On the 5th of February, 1736, these ships, with the first of the flood, were
carried over Tybee bar and found safe anchorage within. The emigrants were
temporarily landed on Peeper island, where they dug a well and washed their
clothes. It was Mr. Oglethorpe's purpose to send most of these Saltzburgers to
Frederica that they might assist in the development of that town and the
construction of its fortifications. Desiring the benefit of their ministers, not
wishing to divide their congregation, and being reluctant to go to the Southward
where "they apprehended blows,"—fighting being "against their religion,"—they
persuaded Mr. Oglethorpe to permit them to join their countrymen at Ebenezer,
whither they accordingly went some days afterwards and were heartily welcomed.
It will be remembered, however, that Captain Hermsdorf, with his little company,
assured Mr. Oglethorpe "that he would never forsake him, but serve with the
English to the last." His offer was accepted, and on the 16th he set out with
Mr. Oglethorpe for Frederica.

  By this second accession the population of Ebenezer was increased so that it
numbered in all some two hundred souls. Contentment and prosperity did not
obtain in the town. In the fertility of the soil the inhabitants had encountered
disappointment. Much sickness prevailed, and they were oppressed with the
isolated character of their location. The creek upon which the town was situated
was uncertain in volume, serpentine, and difficult of navigation. Although the
distance from Old Ebenezer to the Savannah river by land did not exceed six
miles, by following this, the only outlet by water, twenty-five miles must be
passed before its confluence could be reached. [4]

  Moved by these and other depressing considerations, the Reverend Messrs.
Bolzius and Gronau visited Savannah at the instance of their flock, and
conferred with Mr. Oglethorpe as to the propriety of changing the location of
the town. Moore says the Saltzburgers at Ebenezer were so discontented that they
"demanded to leave their old Town, and to settle upon the Lands which the
Indians had reserved for their own Use." [5]

  Having patiently listened to the request, Mr. Oglethorpe, on the 9th of
February, 1736, set out with the Saltzburger ministers and several gentlemen for
Ebenezer, to make a personal inspection of the situation and satisfy himself
with regard to the expediency of the removal. He was received with every mark of
consideration, and proceeded at once to consider the causes which induced the
inhabitants to desire a change. Admitting that the existing "dissatisfaction was
not groundless, and that there were many embarrassments connected with their
situation," he nevertheless endeavored to dissuade them from their purpose by
reminding them that the labor already expended in clearing their lands, building
houses, and constructing roads would, upon removal, be almost wholly lost. The
hardships incident upon forming an entirely new settlement were urged upon their
serious consideration. He also assured them that in clearing the forests, and in
bringing the lands on the bank of the Savannah river under cultivation they
would encounter the same diseases which afflicted them in their present
location. He concluded, however, by assuring them that if they were resolved
upon making the change he would not forbid it, but would assist them, as far as
practicable, in compassing their design.

  After this conference, and upon Mr. Oglethorpe's return to Savannah, the
question of a change of location was again considered by the Saltzburgers, who
resolved among themselves that a removal was essential to the prosperity of
their colony. [6] Acting upon this determination the community, without delay,
set about migrating to the site selected for the new town. This was on a high
ridge, near the Savannah river, called "Red Bluff" from the peculiar color of
the soil. It received the name of New Ebenezer; and, to the simple-minded
Germans, oppressed by poverty and saddened by the disappointments of the past,
seemed to offer future happiness and much coveted prosperity. The labor of
removal appears to have been compassed within less than two years. In June,
1738, Old Ebenezer", had degenerated into a cow-pen, where Joseph Barker resided
and "had the care of the Trust's Cattle." William Stephens gives us a pitiable
view of the abandoned spot when he visited it on the 26th of that month:—Indian
traders, returning from Savannah, lodging for the night with Barker, who was
unable to give due account of the cattle under his charge, and a servant,
Sommers, moving about with "the Small-Pox out full upon him." [7] Thus early did
"Old Ebenezer" take its silent place among the lost towns of Georgia. Its life
of trials and sorrow, of ill-founded hope and sure disappointment, was measured
by scarcely more than two years, and its frail memories were speedily lost amid
the sighs and the shadows of the monotonous pines which environed the place.

  The situation of the new Town, Mr. Strobel says, was quite romantic. "On the
east lay the Savannah with its broad, smooth surface and its every varying and
beautiful scenery. On the south was a stream, then called Little Creek, but now
known as Lockner's Creek, and a large lake called 'Neidlinger's Sea;' while to
the north, not very distant from the the town, was to be seen their old
acquaintance, Ebenezer Creek, sluggishly winding its way to mingle with the
waters of the Savannah. The surrounding country was gently undulating and
covered with a tine growth of forest trees, while the jessamine, the woodbine
and the beautiful azalia, with its variety of gaudy colors, added a peculiar
richness to the picturesque scene. But unfortunately for the permanent
prosperity of the town, it was surrounded on three sides by low swamps which
were subject to periodical inundation, and consequently generated a poisonous
miasma prejudical to the health of the inhabitants." [8]

  The plan adopted in laying out the town was prescribed by General Oglethorpe,
and closely resembles that of Savannah;—the size of the lots and the width of
the streets and lanes being in each case quite similar. To John Gerar, William
DeBrahm, his Majesty's Surveyor General for the Southern District of North
America, who in 1757 erected a fort at Ebenezer, are we indebted for an accurate
plan of that town. [9] As the village increased, this plan was extended;—its
distinctive characteristics being retained. From contemporaneous notices we
learn that New Ebenezer, within a short time after its settlement, gave manifest
token of substantial growth and prosperity. The houses there erected were larger
and more comfortable than those which had been built in the old town. Gardens
and farms were cleared, enclosed, and brought under creditable cultivation, and
the sedate, religious inhabitants enjoyed the fruits of their industry and economy.

  Funds received from Germany for that purpose were employed in the erection of
an Orphan House, in which, for lack of a Church, the community worshipped for
several years.

  We presume the account of the condition of Ebenezer in 1738-9, furnished by
Benjamin Martyn, [10] is as interesting and reliable as any that can be
suggested. It is as follows: "Fifteen miles from Purysburg on the Georgia side,
is Ebenezer, where the Saltzburghers are situated; their Houses are neat, and
regularly set out in Streets, and the whole (Economy of their town, under the
Influence of their Ministers, Mess. Bolzius and Gronau, is very exemplary. For
the Benefit of their Milch Cattle, a Herdsman is appointed to attend them in the
Woods all the Day, and bring them Home in the Evening. Their Stock of out-lying
Cattle is also under the Care of two other Herdsmen, who attend them in their
Feeding in the Day, and drive them into Cow-Pens at night. This secures the
Owners from any Loss, and the Herdsmen are paid by a small Contribution among
the People. These are very industrious, and subsist comfortably by their Labour.
Though there is no regular Court of Justice, as they live in Sobriety, they
maintain great Order and Decency. In case of any Differences, the Minister calls
three or four of the most prudent Elders together, who in a summary Way hear and
determine as they think just, and the Parties always acquiesce with Content in
their Judgment. They are very regular in their public Worship, which is on
Week-Days in the Evening after their Work; and in the Forenoon and Evening on
Sundays. They have built a large and convenient House for the Reception of
Orphans, and other poor Children, who are maintained by Benefactions among the
People, are well taken Care of and taught to work according as their Age and
Ability will permit. The Number computed by Mr. Bolzius in June, 1738, whereof
his Congregation consisted, was one hundred forty-six, and some more have since
been settled among them. They are all in general so well pleased with their
condition, that not one of their People has abandoned the Settlement."

  General Oglethorpe received a letter, dated Ebenezer, March 13, 1739, signed
by forty-nine men of the Saltzburgers and verified by their Ministers, in which
they assured him that they were well settled and pleased with the climate and
condition of the country; that although the season was hotter than that of their
native land, having become accustomed to it, they found it tolerable and
convenient for working people; and that their custom was to commence their
out-door labor early in the morning and continue it until ten o'clock; resuming
it again from three in the afternoon until sun-set. During the heated term of
mid-day, matters within their houses engaged their attention. The General was
also informed that they had practically demonstrated the falsity of the tale
told them on their arrival that rice could be cultivated only by negroes. "We
laugh at such a Talking,"—so they wrote, "seeing that several People of us have
had, in last Harvest, a greater Crop of Rice than they wanted for their own
Consumption. Of Corn, Pease, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Cabbage, &c, we had such a good
Quantity that many Bushels are sold, and much was spent in feeding Cows, Calves
and Hogs." The letter concludes with an earnest petition that negroes should be
excluded from their town and neighborhood, alleging as a reason that their
houses and gardens would be robbed by them, and that, "besides other great
inconveniences, white people were in danger of life from them." [11]

  Of humble origin and moderate education, of primitive habits, accustomed to
labor, free from covetousness and ambition, temperate, industrious, frugal and
orderly, solicitous for the education of their children and the maintenance of
the needy and the orphan, meddling not in the affairs of their neighbors,
acknowledging allegiance to the Trustees and the King of England, maintaining
direct connection with the Lutheran Church in Germany, and submitting without
question to the decisions of their ministers and elders in all matters, whether
of a civil or ecclesiastical nature, engaging in no pursuits save of an
agricultural or a mechanical character, and little given either to excitement or
wandering, these Saltzburgers for years preserved the integrity of their
community and their religion, and secured for themselves a comfortable
existence. As early as 1738 the Saltzburgers at Ebenezer made some limited
experiment in growing cotton and were much encouraged;— the yield being
abundant, and of an excellent quality. The Trustees, however, having fixed their
hopes upon silk and wine, the cultivation of this plant was not countenanced. [12]

  It was estimated by Mr. Benjamin Martyn, Secretary of the Trustees, that up to
the year 1741, not less than twelve hundred German Protestants had arrived in
the Colony. Their principal settlements were at Ebenezer, Bethany, Savannah,
Frederica, Goshen, and along the road leading from Savannah to Ebenezer. They
were all characterized by industry, sobriety, and thrift.

  About the year 1744 the Saltzburgers at Ebenezer and along the line of the
public road running from that town to Savannah, through the assistance of
friends in Germany, were enabled to build two comfortable and substantial houses
for public worship,—one at New Ebenezer, called Jerusalem Church, and the other
about four miles below, named Zion Church. The joy experienced upon the
dedication of these sacred buildings was soon turned to grief by the death of
one of their faithful pastors,—the Reverend Israel C. Gronau,—who, in the
supreme moments of a lingering fever, desiring a friend to support his hands
uplifted in praise of the Great Master whom he had so long and so truthfully
served, exclaimed "Come, Lord Jesus! Amen!! Amen!!!" and with these words,—the
last upon his lips,—entered into peace. [13]

  Reverend Mr. Bolzius continued to be the principal pastor and, as an
assistant, the Reverend Mr. Lembke was associated with him.

  As early as January 31, 1732, Sir Thomas Lombe [14] certified to the Trustees
of the Colony that silk produced in Carolina possessed "as much natural Strength
and Beauty as the Silk of Italy." In his "New and Accurate Account of the
Provinces of South Carolina and Georgia," [15] Mr. Oglethorpe enumerated among
the chief revenues which might be anticipated from the settlement of Georgia,
profits to arise from the manufacture of silk. His opinion was that between
forty and fifty thousand people might be advantageously employed in this
business. In view of the encouragement which might reasonably be expected from
Parliament, and the cheapness of the labor and land, he estimated that the cost
of production would be at least twenty-five per cent, lower than that then
current in Piedmont. Sharing in this belief, the Trustees sent to Italy for
silk-worm eggs, and engaged the services of several Piedmontese to go to Georgia
and instruct the Colonists in the production of silk. [16] In the grants of land
to parties emigrating to Georgia either at their own expense or at the charge of
the Charity, may be found covenants on the part of the grantees to "keep a
sufficient number of white mulberry trees standing on every acre," or else to
"plant them where they were wanted." A special plea is entered by Benjamin
Martyn in behalf of silk-culture in Georgia and the manifest benefits to be
expected. [17]

  The early accounts all agree in representing the production of silk as one of
the most important matters to be considered and fostered in connection with the
establishment and development of the Colony of Georgia.

  In 1735, Queen Caroline, upon the King's birth-day, appeared in a full robe of
Georgia silk; and in 1739 a parcel of raw silk, brought from Georgia by Samuel
Augspourguer, was exhibited at the Trustees' office in London to "Mr. John
Zachary,— an eminent raw-silk merchant, — and to Mr. Booth,—one of the greatest
silk-weavers in England,"—both of whom "declared it to be as fine as any Italian
silk, and worth at least twenty, shillings a pound." [18]

  With that industry and patience so characteristic of them as a people, the
inhabitants of New Ebonezer were among the earliest and the most persevering in
their efforts to carry into practical operation Mr. Oglethorpe's wishes in
regard to the production of silk. In 1730 each Saltzburger there was presented
with a mulberry tree, and two of the congregation were instructed by Mrs. Camuse
in the art of reeling.

  Under date of May 11th, 1741, Mr. Bolzius, in his journal, records the fact
that within the preceding two months twenty girls succeeded in making seventeen
pounds of cocoons which were sold at Savannah for £3, 8s. The same year £5 were
advanced by General Oglethorpe to this Clergyman for the purchase of trees. With
this sum he procured twelve hundred, and distributed them among the families of
his parish.

  On the 4th of December, 1742, five hundred trees were sent by General
Oglethorpe to Ebenezer, with a promise of more should they be needed. Near Mr.
Bolzius' house a machine for the manufacture of raw-silk was erected, and the
construction of a public Filature was contemplated. Of the eight hundred and
forty-seven pounds of cocoons raised in the Colony of Georgia in 1747, about
one-half was produced by the Saltzburgers at Ebenezer. Two years afterwards this
yield was increased to seven hundred and sixty-two pounds of cocoons, and fifty
pounds thirteen ounces of spun silk. Two machines were in operation in Mr.
Bolzius' yard, capable of reeling twenty-four ounces per day. It was apparent,
however, that while, by ordinary labor, about two shillings could be earned,
scarcely a shilling per diem could be expected by one engaged in the manufacture
of silk. This fact proved so discouraging to the Colonists that, except at
Ebenezer, silk culture was generally relinquished. The Germans persevered, and
as the result of their energy, over a thousand pounds of cocoons and
seventy-four pounds, two ounces of raw-silk were raised at Ebenezer in 1750, and
sold for £110 sterling. The community was now pretty well supplied with copper
basins and reeling machines. Considerable effort was made in England to attract
the notice of the Home Government to this production of silk in Georgia, and to
enlist in its behalf fostering influences at the hands of those, in authority.
In 1755 a paper was laid before the Lords of Trade and Plantations, signed by
about forty eminent silk throwsters and weavers, declaring that "having examined
about 300 wt. of Georgia raw-silk they found it as good as the Piedmontese, and
better than the common Italian silks." Assurance was given that there was the
utmost reason to afford "all possible encouragement for the raising of so
valuable a commodity." [19]

  In 1764 fifteen thousand two hundred and twelve pounds of cocoons were
delivered at the Filature in Savannah, then under the charge of Mr. Ottolenghe,
of which eight thousand six hundred and ninety-five pounds were contributed by
the Saltzburgers. In 1766 the production of silk in Georgia reached its acme,
and from that time, despite the encouragement extended by Parliament, continued
to decline until it was practically abandoned a few years before the inception
of the Revolution. Operations at the Filature in Savannah were discontinued in
1771; and Sir James Wright, in his message to the Commons House of Assembly,
under date 19th of January, 1774, alludes to the fact that the Filature
buildings were falling into decay, and suggests that they be put to some other use.

  Despite the disinclination existing in other portions of the Colony to devote
much time and labor to the growing of trees and the manufacture of silk, the
Saltzburgers,— incited by their worthy magistrate, Mr. Wertsch,—redoubled their
efforts, and in 1770, as the result of their industry, shipped two hundred and
ninety-one pounds of raw-silk. At the suggestion of the Earl of Hillsborough,
who warmly commended the zeal of these Germans and interested himself in
procuring from Parliament a small sum to be expended in aid of the more indigent
of the community, Mr. Habersham distributed among them the basins and reels then
being in the unused public Filature in Savannah.

  "So popular had the silk business become at Ebenezer that Mr. Habersham, in a
letter dated the 30th of March, 1772, says: 'Some persons in almost every family
there understand its process from the beginning to the end.' In 1771 the Germans
sent four hundred and thirty-eight pounds of raw silk to England, and in 1772
four hundred and eighty-five pounds:—-all of their own raising. They made their
own reels, which were so much esteemed that one was sent to England as a model,
and another taken to the East Indies by Pickering Robinson." [20]

  In the face of the distractions encountered upon the commencement of
hostilities between the Colonies and the Mother Country, silk culture languished
even among these Germans, and was never afterwards revived to any considerable
degree. The unfriendliness of climate, the high price of labor, the withdrawal
of all bounty—which had been the k chief stimulus to exertion,—and the larger
profits to be derived from the cultivation of rice and cotton combined to
interrupt silk-raising, and, in the end, caused its total abandonment.

  The construction of a bridge over Ebenezer creek materially promoted the
interests and the convenience of those residing at Ebenezer; and the erection of
Churches at Bethany and Goshen,—the former about five miles northwest of
Ebenezer, and the latter some ten miles below and near the road leading to
Savannah,—indicated the growth of the German plantations along the line of the
Savannah river.

  The settlement at Bethany was effected in 1751 by John Gerar William DeBrahm,
who there located one hundred and sixty Germans. Eleven months afterwards these
Colonists were joined by an equal number,—"the Relations and Acquaintance of the
former." The Saltzburgers then numbered about fifteen hundred souls. [21]
Alluding to the location and growth of these plantations, and the agricultural
pursuits of their cultivators, Surveyor-General DeBrahm says: "The German
Settlements have since Streatched S:Eastwardly about 32 miles N: W-ward from the
Sea upon Savannah Stream, from whence they extend up the same Stream through the
whole Salt Air Zona. They cultivate European and American Grains to Perfection;
as Wheat, Rye, Barley, Oats; also Flax, Hemp, Tobacco and Rice, Indigo, Maize,
Peas, Pompions, Melons—they plant Mulberry, Apple, Peach, Nectorins, Plumbs and
Quince Trees, besides all manner of European Garden Herbs, but, in particular,
they Chose the Culture of silk their principal Object, in which Culture they
made such a Progress, that the Filature, which is erected in the City of
Savannah could afford to send in 1768 to London 1,084 Pounds of raw Silk, equal
in Goodness to that manufactured in Piemont; but the Bounties to encourage that
Manufactory being taken off, they discouraged, dropt their hands from that
Culture from year to year in a manner, that in 1771 its Product was only 290
Pounds in lieu of 1,464:, which must have been that year's Produce, had this
Manufactory been encouraged to increase at a 16 years rate. In lieu of Silk they
have taken under more Consideration the Culture of Maize, Rice, Indigo, Hemp &
Tobacco: But the Vines have not as yet become an Object of their Attention,
altho' in the Country especially over the German Settlements, Nature makes all
the Promises, yea gives yearly full Assurances of her Assistance by her own
Endeavours producing Clusture Grapes in Abundance on its uncultivated Vines; yet
there is no Person, who will listen to her Addresses, and give her the least
Assistance, notwithstanding many of the Inhabitants are refreshed from the
Sweetness of her wild Productions. The Culture of Indigo is brought to the same
Perfection here, as in South Carolina, and is manufactured through all the
Settlements from the Sea Coast, to the Extent of the interior Country." [22]

  On the 19th of November, 1765, the Ebenezer congregation was called upon to
mourn the loss of its venerable Spiritual Guide, the Reverend Mr. Bolzius, who
had been at once teacher and magistrate, counsellor and friend during the thirty
years of poverty and privation, labor and sorrow, hope and joy, passed in the
wilds of Georgia. He was interred, amid the lamentations of his people, in the
cemetery near Jerusalem Church, and no stone marks his grave.

  After his demise the conduct of the Society devolved upon Messrs. Lembke and
Rabenhorst. This involved not only the spiritual care of this people, but also
the preservation and proper management of the mill-establishments and public
property belonging to the Ebenezer Congregation. "These two faithful men,"
writes the Reverend P. A. Strobel, [23] "labored harmoniously and successfully
in the discharge of their heavy civil and religious obligations, and gave entire
satisfaction to those with whose interests they were intrusted." During their
administration the large brick house of worship, known as Jerusalem Church, was
built at Ebenezer. The materials used in its construction were, for the most
part, supplied by the Saltzburgers, while the funds necessary to defray the cost
of erection were contributed by friends in Germany.

  Upon the death of Mr. Lembke, the Reverend Christopher F. Triebner "was sent
over by the reverend fathers in Germany as an adjunct to Mr. Rabenhorst. Being a
young man of talents, but of an impetuous and ambitious disposition, he soon
raised such a tumult in the quiet community that all the efforts of the famous
Mr. Muhlenburg, who was ordered on a special mission to Ebenezer in 1774 to heal
the disturbances which had arisen, scarce saved the congregation from
disintegration. The schism was, however, finally cured, and peace was restored."
For the better government of the Society, articles of discipline were prepared
by Dr. Muhlenburg, which were formally subscribed by one hundred and twenty-four
male members. This occurred at Jerusalem Church on the 16th of January, 1775,
and affords substantial evidence of the strength of the congregation.

  The property belonging to the Church, according to an inventory made by Dr.
Muhlenburg in 1775, consisted of the following:

  "1. In the hands of Pastor Kabenhorst a capital of £300, 16s. 5d.
   2. In the hands of John Casper Wertsch, for the store, £300.
   3. In the mill treasury, notes and money, £229. 16s. 2d.
   4. Pastor Triebner has some money in hands, (£400) the application of which
has not been determined by our Reverend Fathers.
   5. Belonging to the Church is a Negro Boy at Mr. John Floerls', and a Negro
Girl at Mr. David Steiner's.
   6. A town-lot and an out-lot, of which Mr. John Triebner has the grant in his
hands.
   7. An inventory of personal goods in the mills belonging to the estate.
   8. And, finally, real estate, with the mills, 925 acres of land."

  Including certain legacies from private individuals, and donations from
patrons of the Colony in Germany, which were received within a short time, it is
conjectured that this church property was then worth not much less than twenty
thousand dollars.

  So long as the congregation at Ebenezer preserved its integrity, direct
allegiance to the parent Church in Germany was acknowledged, its precepts,
orders and deliverances were obeyed, its teachers welcomed and respected, and
accounts of all receipts, disbursements, and important transactions regularly
rendered. Its pastors continued to be charged with the administration of
affairs, both spiritual and temporal, and were the duly constituted custodians
of all church funds and property. Upon their arrival in Georgia these
Saltzburgers, wearied with persecutions and stripped of the small possessions
which were once theirs, were at first quite dependent upon public and private
charity for bare subsistence. They were then unable, by voluntary contributions,
to sustain their pastors and teachers, and build churches. Foreign aid arrived,
however, from time to time, and this was supplemented in a small, yet generous
way, by the labor of the parishioners and such sums and articles as could be
spared from their slow accumulations. With a view to providing for the future,
all means thus derived were carefully invested for the benefit of church and
pastor. This system was maintained for more than fifty years, so that in the
course of time not only were churches built, but reasonable provision was made
for clergyman, teacher, and orphan, aside from the yearly voluntary
contributions of the members of the Society. The education of youths was not
neglected; and DeBrahm assures us that in his day a library had been accumulated
at Ebenezer in which "could be had Books wrote in the Caldaic, Hebrew, Arabec,
Siriac, Coptic, Malabar, Greek, Latin, French, German, Dutch and Spanish, beside
the English, viz: in thirteen  Languages." [24]

  In the division of the Province of Georgia into eight Parishes, which occurred
on the 15th of March, 1758, "the district of Abercorn and Goshen, and the
district of Ebenezer—extending from the northwest boundaries of the parish of
Christ Church up the river Savannah as far as the Beaver Dam, and southwest as
far as the mouth of Horse-Creek on the river Great Ogechee "—were declared a
Parish under the name of "The Parish of St. Matthew." [25] The parish just
below, on the line of the Savannah river, and embracing the town of Savannah,
was known as " Christ Church Parish."

  The Parish of St. Matthew, and the upper part of St. Philip lying above the
Canouchee river, were, by the Constitution of Georgia adopted at Savannah on the
5th of February, 1777, consolidated into a county called Effingham. [26]

  In the opinion of the Reverend Mr. Strobel, to whose valuable sketch of the
Saltzburgers and their descendants we are indebted for much of the information
contained in these pages, Ebenezer attained the height of its importance about
1774. The population of the town proper was not less than five hundred,
embracing agriculturists, mechanics, and shop-keepers, who pursued their
respective avocations with energy and thrift. Trade with Savannah and Charleston
was carried on by means of sloops and schooners. In a contemporaneous picture,
representing the general appearance of the town, may be seen two schooners
riding at anchor near the Ebenezer landing. [27]

  Although there arose a sharp division of sentiment when the question of direct
opposition to the acts of Parliament was discussed at Ebenezer in 1774, and
although quite a number of the inhabitants favored "passive obedience and
non-resistance," the response of the majority was: "We have experienced the
evils of tyranny in our own land; for the sake of liberty we have left home,
lands, houses, estates, and have taken refuge in the wilds of Georgia; shall we
now submit again to bondage? No, never." Among the delegates from the Parish of
St. Matthew to the Provincial Congress which assembled in Savannah on the 4th of
July, 1775, were the following Saltzburgers: John Stirk, John Adam Treutlen,
Jacob Waldhauer, John Floerl, and Christopher Craemer. Despite the fact that as
a community the Saltzburgers espoused the cause of the Revolutionists, a
considerable faction, headed by Mr. Triebner, maintained an open and a strenuous
adherence to the Crown. Between these parties sprang up an angry controversy,
replete with the bitterest feelings, and very prejudicial to the peace and
prosperity of the congregation. In the midst of the discussion the Reverend Mr.
Rabenhorst, who exerted his utmost influence to curb the dominant passions and
inculcate mutual forbearance, crowned his long and useful life with  a saintly
death.

  Three days after the capture of Savannah by Colonel Campbell, a strong force
was advanced, under the command of Lieut. Col. Maitland, to Cherokee Hill. The
following day [January 2, 1779,] Ebenezer was occupied by the British troops.
Upon their arrival they threw up a redoubt within a few hundred yards of
Jerusalem Church and fortified the position. [28] The remains of this work are
said to be still visible. The moment he learned that Savannah had fallen before
Colonel Campbell's column, Mr. Triebner hastened to that place, proclaimed his
loyalty, and took the oath of allegiance. The intimation is that he counselled
the immediate occupation of Ebenezer, and in person accompanied the detachment
which compassed the capture of his own town and people. He was a violent,
uncompromising man,—at all times intent upon the success of his peculiar views
and wishes. Influenced by his advice and example, not a few of the Saltzburgers
subscribed oaths of allegiance to the British Crown, and received certificates
guaranteeing Royal protection to person and property. Prominent among those who
maintained their adherence to the Rebel cause were Governor John Adam Treutlen,
William Holsendorf, Colonel John Stirk, Secretary Samuel Stirk, John Schnider,
Rudolph Strohaker, Jonathan Schnider, J. Gotlieb Schnider, Jonathan Rahn, Ernest
Zittrauer, and Joshua and Jacob Helfenstein.

  "The citizens at Ebenezer and the surrounding country," says Mr. Strobel,
"were made to feel very severely the effects of the war. The property of those
who did not take the oath of allegiance was confiscated, and they were
constantly exposed to every species of insult and wrong from a hired and
profligate soldiery. Besides this, some of the Saltzburgers who espoused the
cause of the Crown became very inveterate in their hostility to the Whigs in the
settlement, and pillaged and then burnt their dwellings. The residence on the
farm of the pious Rabenhorst was among the first given to the flames. Among
those who distinguished themselves for their cruelty was one Eichel,—who has
been properly termed an 'inhuman miscreant,'—whose residence was at Goshen, and
Martin Dasher, who kept a public house five miles below Ebenezer. These men
placed themselves at the head of marauding parties, composed of British and
Tories, and laid waste every plantation or farm whose occupant was even
suspected of favoring the Republican cause. In these predatory excursions the
most revolting cruelty and unbridled licentiousness were indulged, and the
whole country was overrun and devastated.   *   *   * The Salzburgers,
nevertheless, were to experience great annoyances from other sources.   *   *  
* A line of British posts had been established all along the western bank of the
Savannah river to check the demonstrations of the Rebel forces in Carolina.
Under these circumstances, Ebenezer, from its somewhat central position, became
a kind of thoroughfare for the British troops in passing through the country
from Augusta to Savannah. To the inhabitants of Ebenezer, particularly, this was
a source of perpetual annoyance. British troops were constantly quartered among
them, and to avoid the rudeness of the soldiers and the heavy tax upon their
resources, many of the best citizens were forced to abandon their homes and
settle in the country, thus leaving their houses to the mercy of their cruel
invaders.

  "Besides all this, they were forced to witness almost daily acts of cruelty
practised by the British and Tories toward those Americans who happened to fall
into their hands as prisoners of war; for it will be remembered that Ebenezer,
while in the hands of the British, was the point to which all prisoners taken in
the surrounding country were brought and from thence sent to Savannah. It was
from this post that the prisoners were carried who were rescued by Sergeant
Jasper and his comrade, Newton, at the Jasper Spring, a few miles above Savannah.

  "There was one act performed by the British commander which was peculiarly
trying and revolting to the Salzburgers. Their fine brick church was converted
into a hospital for the accommodation of the sick and wounded, and subsequently
it was desecrated by being used as a stable for their horses. To this latter use
it was devoted until the close of the war and the removal of the British troops
from Georgia. To show their contempt for the church and their disregard for the
religious sentiments of the people, the church records were nearly all
destroyed, and the soldiers would discharge their guns at different objects on
the church; and even to this day the metal "Swan" (Luther's coat of arms) which
surmounts the spire on the steeple, bears the mark of a musket ball which was
fired through it by a reckless soldier. Often, too, cannon were discharged at
the houses; and there is a log-house now standing not far from Ebenezer, which
was perforated by several cannon shot. * * * The Salzburgers endured all these
hardships and indignities with becoming fortitude; and though a few were
overcome by these severe measures, yet the great mass of them remained firm in
their attachment to the principles of liberty." [29]

  It is suggested that the establishment of tippling houses in Ebenezer, during
its occupancy by the British, and constant intercourse with a licentious
soldiery, corrupted the lives of not a few of the once sober and orderly
Germans. That the protracted presence of the enemy, the confiscation of estates,
the interruption of regular pursuits, the expulsion of such as clave to the
Confederate cause, and the general demoralization cosnequent upon a state of
war, tended to the manifest injury and depopulation of the town, cannot, for a
moment, be questioned. Indications of decay and ruin were patent in Ebenezer
before the cessation of hostilities. From the time of its occupation by
Maitland, shortly after the capture of Savannah by Colonel Campbell in December,
1778,—with the exception of the limited period when its garrison was called in
to assist in the defense of Savannah against the operations of the allied arm}-
under the command of Count DeEstaing and General Lincoln in the fall of
1779,—Ebenezer continued in the possession of the British until a short time
prior to the evacuation of Savannah in July, 1783. In his advance toward
Savannah, General Anthony Wayne established his head quarters at this town. The
Tory pastor, Triebner, who, during the struggle had sided with the Royalists and
remained unmoved amid the sufferings and oppressions of his people, betook
himself to flight so soon as the English forces were withdrawn, and found a
refuge in England, where he ended his days in seclusion.

  Upon the evacuation of Savannah, many of the Saltzburgers returned to
Ebenezer. Its aspect was sadly changed. Not a few of the abandoned dwellings had
been burned. Others had fallen into decay. Smiling gardens had been trampled
into desert places, and the impress of stagnation, neglect, and desolation was
upon everything. Jerusalem Church was a mass of filth, and very dilapidated.
Notwithstanding this sad condition of affairs, much energy was displayed in the
purification and renovation of this' temple of worship, and in the
rehabilitation of the town.

  The arrival of the Reverend John Ernest Bergman,—-a clergyman of decided
talents and of considerable literary attainments,—and the revival of the
parochial school greatly encouraged the depressed inhabitants and promoted the
general improvement of the place. The population began to increase. It assumed
an apparently permanent character, and countenanced the hope that the
ante-bellum quiet, good order, thrift, and prosperity would be regained. This
expectation, however, was not fully realized. The former trade never revived.
The mills were never again put in motion. Silk-culture was renewed only to a
limited degree. Having for twenty-five years more remained about stationary, New
Ebenezer commenced visibly to decline; and, when scarcely more than a century
old, took its place, in silence and nothingness, among the dead towns of
Georgia. [30]

  The act of February 26th, 1784, [31] provided for the erection of the "Court
House and Gaol" and for holding public elections in Effingham County at
Tuckasee-King, near the present line of Scriven County. The situation proving
inconvenient, three years afterwards the county-seat was removed to Elberton,
near Indian Bluff, on the north side of the Great Ogeechee river.

  On the 18th of February, 1796, the Legislature of Georgia[32] appointed
Jeremiah Cuyler, John G. Neidlinger, Jonathan Rawlin, Elias Hodges, and John
Martin Dasher "commissioners for the town and common of Ebenezer," with
instructions to have the town "surveyed and laid out as nearly as possible in
conformity to the original plan thereof, to sell all vacant lots, and such as
had become vested in the State, [reserving such only as were necessary for
public uses,] and appropriate the proceeds to the erection of a County Court
House and Jail." Any over-plus was to be applied to building a public Academy.
For three years only did Ebenezer remain the County Town of Effingham County. In
1799, its public buildings were sold, and the village of Springfield was
designated by the Legislature as "the permanent seat for the public buildings of
the County of Effingham." [33] David Hall, Joshua Loper, Samuel Ryals, Godhelf
Smith, and Drurias Garrison were appointed commissioners to carry this change
into effect.

  In 1808 the Ebenezer Congregation received legislative permission to sell the
glebe lands which it owned. By degrees all the real estate held by the society
was disposed of. The proceeds arising from these sales were invested in lands,
mortgages, and securities;—the interest accruing being applied to the payment of
the pastor's salary and the current expenses of the church. [34]

  Until about the year 1803 all the religious services observed by the
Saltzburgers were conducted in the German language; and, in the church at
Ebenezer, for a long time subsequent to that date, the religious exercises
continued in that tongue. Methodist and Baptist Churches springing up in the
neighborhood drew away many of the younger members of the congregation. The
introduction of the English language into all the Saltzburger Churches was
effected in 1824 through the instrumentality of the Reverend Christopher F.
Bergman.

  Year by year Ebenezer became more sparsely populated. Many of its citizens
removed into the interior and upper parts of the county. Quite a number formed
settlements in Scriven County, while others went to Savannah, and to Lowndes,
Liberty, and Thomas counties. Others still,— more enterprizing than their
fellows,—-sought new homes in South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Pennsylvania,
and Ohio.

  We close this sketch with a picture of Ebenezer painted by one of the late
Pastors [35] of Jerusalem Church,—a gentleman of cultivation and of piety, who
saw the last waves of oblivion as they closed over the town and obliterated its
decayed traces from the grass covered bluff of the Savannah.

  "To one visiting the ancient town of Ebenezer, in the present day [1855] the
prospect which presents itself is anything but attractive; and the stranger who
is unacquainted with its history would perhaps discover very little to excite
his curiosity or awaken his sympathies. The town has gone almost entirely to
ruins. Only two residences are now remaining, and one of these is untenanted.
The old church, however, stands in bold relief upon an open lawn, and by its
somewhat antique appearance seems silently, yet forcibly, to call up the
reminiscences of former years. Not far distant from the church is the cemetery,
in which are sleeping the remains of the venerable men who founded the colony
and the church, and many of their descendants who, one by one, have gone down to
the grave to mingle their ashes with those of their illustrious ancestors.

  "Except upon the Sabbath, when the descendants of the Saltzburgers go up to
their temple to worship the God of their fathers, the stillness which reigns
around Ebenezer is seldom broken, save by the warbling of birds, the occasional
transit of a steamer, or the murmurs of the Savannah as it flows on to lose
itself in the ocean. The sighing winds chant melancholy dirges as they sweep
through the lofty pines and cedars which cast their sombre shades over this
'deserted village.' Desolation, seems to have spread over this once-favored spot
its withering wing, and here, where generation after generation grew up and
flourished, where the persecuted and exiled Saltzburgers reared their offspring
in the hope that they would leave a numerous progeny of pious, useful, and
prosperous citizens, and where everything seemed to betoken the establishment of
a thrifty and permanent colony, scarcely anything is to be seen, except the sad
evidences of decay and death."


Additional Comments:
ENDNOTES

[1] The Stone of Help.

[2] An Extract of the Journals of Mr. Commissary VonReck, &c., 16, 18. London,
1734.

[3] Moore's Voyage to Georgia, p. 11. London, 1744,

[4] Strobel's Saltzburgers and their Descendants, p. 87. Baltimore, 1855.

[5] Voyage to Georgia, &c, p. 23. London, 1741.
  In reporting this change of location to the Trustees, Mr. Oglethorpe, on the
13th of February, wrote as follows: "The people at Ebenezer are very
discontented and Mr. Von Reck and they that come with him, refuse to settle to
the Southward. I was forced to go to Ebenezer to quiet things there and have
taken all the proceedings in writing. Finding the people were only ignorant and
obstinate, but without any ill intention, I consented to the changing of their
Town. They leave a sweet place where they had made great improvements, to go
into a wood." [4a]

[4a]  Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. III, p. 13. Savannah,
1873. 
Compare Harris' Biographical Memorials of Oglethorpe, pp. 130, 132. Boston, 1841. 
Wright's Memoir of Oglethorpe, p. 113. London, 1867.

[5]  Strobel's Saltzburgers and their Descendants, p. 89. Baltimore, 1855.

[6] Reverend Mr. John Wesley, writing in 1737, records in his Journal the
following description of this abandoned settlement: "Old Ebenezer, where the
Saltzburghers settled at first, lies twenty-five miles west of Savannah. A small
Creek runs by the Town, down to the River, and many Brooks run between the
little Hills: But the soil is a hungry, barren sand; and upon any sudden Shower,
the Brooks rise several Feet perpendicular, and overflow whatever is near them.
Since the Saltzburghers remov'd. two English Families have been placed there;
but these too say, That the Land is good for nothing; and that the Creek is of
little Use; it being by Water twenty miles to the River; and the Water generally
so low in Summertime, thai a boat cannot come within six or seven miles of the
Town," [6a]

{6a] An Extract of the Rev. Mr. John Wesley's Journal, &c., &c., pp. 59, 60.
Bristol, n.d.

[7] Journal of the Proceedings in Georgia, vol. I, pp. 226, 227. London, 1742.

  In 1740 this Cow-Pen was still in existence at Old Ebenezer, the Trustees
having a great number of cattle there. "But," continues the narrative, "they
were much neglected, there not being Horses or Men sufficient to drive up the
young and outlying cattle." [6a]

[7a] A State of the Province attested upon Oath in the Court of Savannah,
November 10, 1740, p. 9. London, 1742.
  Compare An Impartial Enquiry into the State and Utility of the Province of
Georgia, p. 48. London, 1741.
  Harris' Complete Collection of Voyages and Travels, &c., vol. II, p. 837.
London, 1748.

[8] Strobel's Saltzburgers and their Descendants, p. 91. Baltimore, 1855.

[9] History of the Province of Georgia, &c, Plan facing p. 24. Wormsloe, 1849. 

[10] An Impartial Enquiry into the State and Utility of the Province of Georgia,
p. 17. London, 1741.

  Another contemporaneous account is almost identical; " On the Georgia side [of
the Savannah river], twelve miles from Purysburg, is the Town of Ebenezer, which
thrives very much; there are very good Houses built for each of the Ministers,
and an Orphan House; and they have partly framed Houses and partly Huts, neatly
built, and formed into regular streets: they have a great deal of Cattle and
Corn-Ground, so that they well Provisions at Savannah; for they raise much more
than they can consume." [10a]

[10a] A State of the Province of Georgia attested upon Oath in the Court of
Savannah, November 10, 1740, p. 5, London, 174*2. See also idem, pp. 29,;il. "An
Impartial Enquiry into the State and Utility of the Province of Georgia." p.
l;i.   London, 1741.
  Compare Harris' Complete Collection of Voyages and Travels, &c, vol. it, p.
3:57. London, 1748.

  The Rev. Mr. John Wesley's description is as follows: "New Ebenezer, to which
the Saltzburghers removed in March, 1736, lies six Miles Eastward from the Old,
on a high bluff, near the Savannah River Here are some Tracts of Fruitful Land,
tho' the greatest Part of that adjoining to the Town, is Pine-barren. The Huts,
60 in number, are neatly and regularly built; the little Piece of Ground
allotted to each for a Garden, is everywhere put to the best Use, no spot being
left unplanted. Nay, even one of the main Streets, being one more than was as
yet wanted, bore them this year a crop of Indian Corn."

  An Extract of the Rev. Mr. John Wesley's Journal, &c, p. 60. Bristol, n. d.

[11] An Impartial Enquiry into the State and Utility of the Province of Georgia,
pp. 69, 72. London, 1741.

  Compare A State of the Province of Georgia attested upon Oath, &c, pp. 5, 29,
80, 32. London, 1742.

  An Account allowing the Progress of the Colony of Georgia in America, &c., pp.
66, 69. London, 1741.

[12] See McCall's History of Georgia, vol. I, p. 190. Savannah, 1811.

[13] See Strobel's Saltzburgers and their Descendants, p, 123. Baltimore, 1855.

[14]  An Account showing the Progress of the Colony of Georgia, &c., pp. 39, 40,
London, 1741.

[15] Chapter V, pp. 55, 59. London, 1733.

[16] An Account showing the Progress of the Colony of Georgia in America, p. 13.
London, 1741.

[17] Martyn's Reasons for establishing the Colony of Georgia with regard to the
Trade of Great Britain, p. 9. London, 1733.

[18] An Account showing the Progress of the Colony of  Georgia in America, &c.,
p. 32. London, 1741.

[19] Gentleman's Magazine for 1755, p. 185.
London              "      "    "   p. 186.

[20] Silk Culture in Georgia, by Dr. Stevens. Harris' Memorials of Oglethorpe,
pp. 410, 411. Boston, 1841.

[21] History of the Province of Georgia, &c. p, 20,   Wormsloe, 1749.

[22] History of the Province of Georgia, &c., pp. 21, 22.   Wormsloe, 1849.

[23] The Saltzburgers and their Descendants, &c., p. 149. Baltimore, 1855.

[24] History of the Province of Georgia, 4c, p. 24. Wormsloe, 1849.

[25] Marbury and Crawford's Digest, pp. 150, 151.

  Under the Writs of Election issued by Sir James Wright in 1761, the following
gentlemen were returned an members from St. Matthew's Parish: 
  Abercorn and Goshen—William Francis.
   Ebenezer—William Ewen, N. W. Jones, and James de Veaux. [25a]

[25a] McCall's History of Georgia, vol I, p. 285.

[26] Watkins' Digest, p. 8.

[27] See Strobel's Saltzburgers and their Descendants, p. 194. Baltimore, 1855.

[28] In 1776, Ebenezer hail been partially fortified by the
Revolutionists. [28a] 

[28a] See letter of Sir James Wright to Lord George Germain under date March 20,
1776, Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. III, p. 239. Savannah,
1873.

[29] Strobel's Saltzburgers and their Descendants, pp. 203, 207. Baltimore, 1855.

[30] Ebenezer is not mentioned among the principal towns of Georgia enumerated
by George Sibbald in 1801.

  See "Notes and Observations on the Pine Lands of Georgia," &c., pp.58 to 66.
Augusta, 1801.

[31] Watkins' Digest, p. 298.

[32] Marbury and Crawford's Digest, pp. 154,155.

[33] Marbury and Crawford's Digest, p. 158.

[34] See Strobel's Saltzburgers and their Descendants, p. 234. Baltimore, 1855.

[35] Rev'd P. A. Strobel.

Extracted from:

THE DEAD TOWNS OF GEORGIA;
BY
CHARLES C. JONES, JR.

FOR HERE WE HAVE NO CONTINUING CITY.
Heb.: xiii. 14

SAVANNAH:
MORNING NEWS STEAM PRINTING HOUSE. 
1878.

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