Pike County GaArchives News.....Zebulon In The Long Ago (Part 1) March 6, 1914
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Lynn B. Cunningham http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00011.html#0002535 August 13, 2007, 9:48 am

The Pike County Journal March 6, 1914

Zebulon in the Long Ago
By Mrs. M.J. Redding

Our kind editor is anxious for his readers to know something of Zebulon in the 
past; so he has requested me to give him the facts as I remember them. Having 
no talent in that line of work, and feeling keenly the infirmities of old age, 
it was but natural that I first declined. But after reflection I yielded to 
his request.

It has always been a real pleasure to me to contribute in any way I could to 
Zebulon and her interests, for my whole life is identified with the town and 
her dear people. To her citizens I am indebted for all that has come to me in 
life; and in looking back through the mists of eighty-three years, and 
thinking of those who have come on down through time with me, they almost seem 
a part of my own being, so sacred are the memories of those bygone days.

Now I cannot recall but two of the ladies, besides myself, who were here in 
the thirties. Mrs. Mary A. Murrell, who now lives in California. She was my 
lifelong friend, and was the daughter of Mr. John Neal. The other was Mrs. 
Anna Green (who was Miss Anna Johnson) of North Georgia. The others are all 
quietly sleeping in their last resting place.

Zebulon was laid off early in the 20's. Among the earliest settlers was Mr. 
Hugh G. Johnson, who built the first house in Zebulon, on the lot now owned by 
Mrs. Maples. He afterwards built a home on the lot where the nice new home of 
Mr. Jim Slade now is. Of the old landmarks there are four of the houses left. 
The Ballard house that was built by Mr. James Gray, who was sheriff of the 
county, and afterward representative in the legislature. The Blasingame house, 
which from time to time has been remodeled. Its first occupant was a Mr. 
Duggar, a wealthy gentleman. In his home were two beautiful girls who married, 
and then they moved to LaGrange. The place was bought by Mr. Jurnsey Neal, who 
was very wealthy and a great help financially to the county and town. His 
remains now rest in the Baptist cemetery.

The Wells home was improved by himself, and where he lived for so long is now 
standing. Mr. Wells was a fine educator, and he acted in that capacity. He was 
the father of our esteemed neighbor, Mrs. Rebecca Mitchell. He, too, is lying 
near Mr. Neal, in the quiet city of the dead.

The house recently occupied by Mr. Ed Eppinger was built by Mr. Egbert Daniel, 
grandfather of our efficient judge of the Superior court. He afterwards moved 
and kept a hotel on the lot where Sullivan-Slade’s store now stands.

Opposite the Daniel home is the little cottage known as the Arnold home, which 
was built by Mr. John Hall and sold to Mr. Jacob Martin, then a lawyer of much 
ability and a self-made man.

Where the Howard home now stands was a small home, then the property of Mr. 
Wesley Leak and in this home there occurred a strange thing. A little baby 
girl was given them without arms. She grew up to womanhood and learned, with 
her toes and feet, to be proficient in all kinds of needlework, and could play 
well on the piano. I expect some who will read these lines will remember Toody 
Leak.

The corner lot, now owned by Mr. Harrison, was owned by Mr. Madison 
Bloodworth. On it he remodeled a house and made a nice hotel, of which he 
himself was the manager. He was an uncle of our former solicitor, O.H.B. 
Bloodworth, and in addition to being a hotel man he was also a merchant.

The next home built was on the lot now owned by Mrs. Lou Mathews. Mr. Sidney 
Rivers lived there. He, with his brother, George, came here when a young man. 
They were not only successful in their business as tailors, but also in 
securing two noble women as their wives. Mr. Geo. Rivers lived where Mr. Sam 
Means lives now. I am here reminded of a joke I must tell. Mrs. Rivers, who 
owned a negro woman that she thought a great deal of, and her name was Hagar. 
It was about the close of the Indian war, and somebody came in town and said 
the Indians were coming in, and, as had been previously planned, all the women 
and children were to go to the courthouse for safety. Mr. and Mrs. Rivers took 
the children and went, and after reaching there, she thought of Aunt Hagar - 
for in those days, next to our own family, came the black mammy, especially by 
the children was she loved, and she was always allowed many liberties - so she 
sent Mr. Rivers for Hagar. He went until he found her, and delivered the 
message of her mistress. To his surprise she replied, “I aint a gwine nary 
step, I ain’t; I’se been down to de spring a washin’ all day, an’ I’se tired, 
I is; an den b’sides dere’s no Injuns in foh hundred miles o’ heah.” So she 
did not go, and it all turned out to be a joke, and after the excitement was 
over, Hagar enjoyed it as much as her mistress.

In my next letter I will tell of the business houses and courthouse.

[Transcribed 8/4/2007 Lynn Cunningham]


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