Jackson County, Georgia - Chapter 7, 1914

Trained by Banna and Ruth, Helen Draper soon learned "to drive the cross" on horseback; but it was another thing to load the rifle and drive the cross when the horse was at full speed. Yet in the course of a few days the skill of her trainers and her own unyielding disposition "to do or die" enabled her to occasionally succeed in both loading and shooting. Having done so for a few times, she threw her bonnet high in the air and shouted :

"She can practice on Iro," said Banna as she led the white horse forward. When the necessary movements are learned by actually performing them, Helen will ask Mr. Frisky no odds."

"Hurrah for success!" exclaimed the girl as she again threw up her bonnet, and bouncing upon Iro's black as a sparrow to the top rail of a fence, she continued, "Please give me my gun, bullet pouch and powder horn. Hurrah for success and the scamp of a boy I left behind me !"

So saying she gave Iro the necessary signal, and at high speed he dashed into the woods. Aiming at a large tree the bullet "barked" a smaller one near by and the horse went on. Now came the tug of war; her gun was empty. After many ineffectual efforts she finally succeeded in loading when Iro was at a full run. Having thus practiced for a part of several days, her teachers informed her that it was only necessary for her to practive awhile on her own horse and then she "would be fully competent to meet an enemy on the wing." This so greatly pleased her that she rode to the front door of Mr. Lahgoon's dwelling where a number of the colonists had assembled, and shouted :

"Hurrah for success, Helen Draper, Iro, Scat, my darling girls, and every one else that lives here and at home, especially my mother who is the dearest, best and sweetest woman in all the world. ' '

The "darling girls" were present, and leading Helen into the house, they crowned her with a wreath of wild flowers which they had prepared for the occasion. Having securely fastened the wreath upon her brow, they threw up their hands and said laughingly, "Hurrah for success and Helen Draper, our own victorious queen!"

A lively, good natured tussle followed, which soon turned into a real break-down dance. Most of those present quickly joined in the giddy whirl, and round and round, back and forth went the uproarious revelers in what they called "a Georgia gallop," until the strongest became exhausted. Such was life in the olden time when life was real, when life was earnest, and effeminacy and mistrust were almost unknown.

As it was impossible to obtain a marriage license in that part of the country, after the dance was over a party was formed to visit Yamacutah or Tumbling Shoals where lived a minister who was authorized to issue such papers. It consisted of Josiah Strong and Banna Mar de Vedo, Leon Shore and Ruth Lahgoon, Abel Trent and Helen Draper, to which, Joseph Starr, the former messenger to that place, was added as guide and always welcome companion, especially in time of danger.

Abe Trent, as already known, had long ardently loved Ruth Lahgoon, but proved himself to be too much of a gentleman to bear ill will to the man who had supplanted him. Speaking of the matter he said: "I attach no blame to any one. If I loved Ruth Lahgoon it was because I had never seen Helen Draper."

No wonder then that Abe was anxious to accompany his friends, especially as he too was always a welcome companion as well as a friend who never failed to respond to the call of duty.

Well mounted, well armed, and carrying their dogs and hunting horns with them, the party reached their destination in due time. They rejoiced to meet that noble band of pioneers who had preceded them, and whose fame had reached far beyond the lim- its of their travels. They received that royal welcome which such men as Jordan Clark, Jacob Bankston, John Harris, Dale Clover, Dr. Henry Therrauld, Jared Cunningham, James Montgomery and Hiram Bingham can only give. A salute of fourteen guns, two each, for their guests, was fired, and in response double that number was given by the visitors. All this was followed by the united shouts of both parties which raised such a din that, as usual, the dogs howled and the wild animals in the neighborhood ran to their hiding places. Dinner, consisting of *'hog and hominy" and many of the meats known to the native forests and streams - meats boiled, stewed, baked and broiled after the toothsome style of Mrs. Clover's cooking. Then too there were butter and milk and cheese made after the old Virginia fashion, and rich, porous "johnny cakes," and "batter cakes" made of unbolted rye flour, good to the taste.

Instead of sitting around in idleness and waiting for their hostess to serve them, the three Talasee girls went to work as they did at home. Rolling up their sleeves and tucking up their dresses, they cooked, washed dishes, carried water and swept the houses and yards around them. Then shouldering their rifles they roamed through the woods and showed the admiring citizens that they could "bring down a buck at full tilt," or "chip a squirrel" from the top of the loftiest tree when riding at full speed.

"Can it be," thoughtfully observed the quaint John Harris when speaking of these girls one day, "can it be that such flowers will ever fade, such eyes ever grow dim, and such nerves ever become unsteady?"

"Yes, yes, but they will bloom again in Heaven; for I find that all three of them are devoted Christians," replied Dr. Therrauld who happened to hear the remark so seriously made.

And that was the turning point in the life of the wonderful John Harris who, though never a bad man, was never seriously inclined until he began to consider the mutations of time as brought to his attention by the foregoing episode.

circle* and its appendages which then existed at that place. Thus four days passed away like the shadows of an hour before the Talasee party could get their own consent to leave such congenial friends as the Yamacutahans proved themselves to be. But early on the morning of the fifth day after their arrival they tore themselves away and began their homeward journey.

The parting of the girls with the lovely and accomplished Mrs. Clover and her little daughter Flora was touching, even to the lion-hearted men who stood about them.

Josiah Strong and Leon Shore carried their long-coveted marriage licenses with them. They had been issued by Dr. Therrauld, the same that afterwards gave a license authorizing the marriage of William T. Brantly to Idalone LeCain at the Dunson log-rolling. He and the two famous singers of that age, Jared Cunningham and James Montgomery, accompanied the party to Talasee.

"I can not bring Miss Helen around to the sticking point. She seems to think pretty well of me ; but then she apparently thinks the same of everybody else. Somehow she refuses to make any distinction. 'Speet that harum-scarum Ocean Scu - or whatever his name is, has something to do with it. That's just my luck at any rate."

However, Abe did not relax in his attentions to Miss Helen. She continued to be kind, gentle and sometimes affectionate even to loveliness. Her individuality was very marked, and frequently hard to understand.

One of the peculiarities of the visit was that the dogs of the two colonies refused to be friendly, and on several occasions open hostilities arose between them. This continued until the returning party reached some point not far from where Jefferson now is. There the Talasee dogs, led by Pyth and Damon, brought a huge black bear with two half-grown cubs to bay. A battle royal followed which seemed to be going in favor of the dogs until another still larger bear came to the rescue of, perhaps, his family. Then for once Pyth and Damon had to stand back. Upon this the Yamacutah dogs evidently thought that foul play had been used, and dashing forward, with bristles erect, the battle was renewed and soon ended in favor of the dogs. Though several rifles were ready for instant use if necessary for the safety of the furious assailants, not a shot was fired. The curious feature of the case was that on all future occasions these dogs, when thrown together, were not only friendly, but fought for each other and played together like so many puppies. Will those who profess to believe the dog destitute of reasoning power explain this wayside incident?

Early in the afternoon the Talasee party reached the crest of the hill that overlooked Fort Strong a little beyond the branch which still goes rippling by. Their arrival had been anticipated. That moving Tata, like a disembodied spirit floating through the silent air, reported them homeward bound more than two hours before they were seen on the hill. Consequently their friends were prepared to give them a gracious reception.

Look ! Yonder on the outskirts of the still increasing company as the people emerge from the adjacent houses, stands Richard Easley, Abednego Moore, Edward Belknap and Phelan Lahgoon. They are dressed in the same old blood-stained garments they wore on the battle fields of Brandywine and Saratoga. See! The bullet and sabre scars cross upon their hands and faces. They stand at dress parade. In front of Ed Belknap there is an old drum, beaten and bruised by hard service. His fingers clutch the drum sticks, and the spirit of war glitters in his eyes. At his side stands Phelan Lahgoon with a fife in his hand. All eager to peal forth its shrill notes once more, his lips pucker and his fingers move from note to note silently. On the left is Eichard Easley, a tall, angular man of iron nerve and immense physical power. He carries a heavy rifle, and at his side hangs a tattered and torn haversack and a dingy wooden canteen. In front stands the tall and elegant form of Abednego Moore. He holds the same battle-scarred flag that his brotherin-law, Josiah Strong, carried at the siege of Augusta. All eager to move, Mr. Moore waves the flag back and forth and begins to mark time. The soldiers, all of whom had seen hard service, make one step forward, the drum roars, the fife screams, and the old flag flutters in the brisk evening breeze. Tramp ! tramp ! tramp ! go the men to the thrilling tune of Yankee Doodle.* They turn to meet the approaching party from Yamacutah. The concourse of all the people present fall into line. Men pull off their hats, and women flutter their handkerchiefs around their heads. The marching throng begins to shout. Old Tom, the bell in the fort, sends forth its sonorous peals. The keen, quick, discordant blasts of five or six tin trumpets, about seven feet long, unite with the bell, drum and fife, to swell the loud acclaim. The men shout and the women sing the grand old song,

Look ! The columns meet between the branch and the fort. The returning party has thrown itself into single file. The heroic Dr. Henry Therrauld is in front. In copious torrents tears are streaming from his eyes. The scene is too much for him, strong as he is. It carried him back to the trying times when he too, like Easley, Moore, Strong, Belknap, Shore, Trent and Lahgoon, so valiantly fought for God and their native land.

The columns unite and march to the front of the fort. The general uproar ceases, congratulations go around and all engage in a general conversation.

Umausauga is sitting on a stump, arms folded across his breast, and as immovable as a marble statue. In an open space near by him Tata Nyxter, the scout, is dancing the ramoja, or green corn dance. It strains the eyes to follow his movements. Sometimes he seems to be a shadow flitting through the air, or becoming rigid, forms himself into a hoop and bowls over the ground like a running wheel. See! he now assumes the form of a bow, and, in perfect time, dances with both hands and feet until he reaches

*This old air, "Yankee Doodle," was known in England in the time of Cromwell, and was sung in our New England colonies before the Revolution. - Ed.

a tall tree, up which he scampers much like a scared cat. Reaching the branches he looks down with a comical expression playing over his face, as much as to say, "You can't do that."

A hearty laugh greets the comical looks and grotesque actions of the boy, and again the drum, fife, bell and bugles create a wild concourse of sounds which cease only when dinner is called.

Though no special preparations had been made, it was substantially like that served at Yamacutah, and like that was greatly enjoyed by all present. Yet not one drop of intoxicating liquor was seen at either place. Once more, such was life in old times when selfishness had small share in shaping the affairs of men.

It was Friday evening. That same afternoon it was arranged by common consent, "That next Sabbath at 4 o'clock P. M. May the 4th, 1794, Johnson Josiah Strong and Miss Banna Mar de Vedo are to be married inside the altar in front of the preaching stand ; that Umausauga give his adopted daughter away, and that Rev. Henry Therrauld of Yamacutah, perform the marriage ceremony. And furthermore, that Leon Shore and Miss Ruth Lahgoon be also married at the same time and place ; that Phelan Lahgoon give his daughter away and that Rev. James Tinsley of Talasee perform the marriage ceremony. And further, that the contracting parties shall kneel while their vows are being made; that the brides shall wear plain home-spun and homewoven dresses, and be of the same style and finish precisely; that Abel Trent and Miss Helen Draper shall be the special attendants upon both parties, and that the day shall be devoted to religious services entirely."

The foregoing account of the remarkable events which were to be celebrated at a future time is given in the exact words of the original record. It was written by a secretary with whom we have not met before, Mrs. Clara Linton, probably wife of Robert Linton. Evidently she did not use the common goose quill pen, but one made of a reed that grew on the river bank. Anyway, the writing was in an elegant, bold round hand, "plain as print."

If even a small proportion of the important events that took place during the settlement of this country had been as carefully recorded as those of Talasee an interesting history of the people

It was Sunday. Two days had come and gone since the jubilee. Things holy and divine were to take the place of worldly gladness. A large arbor had been erected with improvised seats for the accommodation of the people ; and it had been announced that at 10:30 A. M. Dr. Therrauld, the great and good man from Yamaeutah would preach. Every citizen of the country both white and red, had a special invitation to attend the meeting.

It is a typical May morning. No where is a cloud to be seen between the green earth below and the clear blue sky above. Save the plaintive undertone that murmurs through the tree tops, silence reigns at Talasee. The woodman's axe, the crack of the rifle, the barking of dogs, the hunter's horn, and the rattle of the little mill at the shoals are all hushed now. Surely God is pouring down a shower of blessings from the wide-open windows of heaven.

Aye, verily ! And there is not room enough in Talasee to contain it silently. Listen ! some one is singing, and 0 such a sweet song! It is the full rich voice of Mrs. Letty Moore. She is sitting outside, near her cabin door, singing Watt's Sabbath Hymn - "Welcome sweet day of rest." Soon other voices unite with hers, and on and on to other hymns and other cabins the music spreads until the hills and valleys around become vocal with songs of praise and adoration.

Hark ! the singing ceases ! Old Tom announces from the fort that preaching hour is near. Soon the people begin to gather at the arbor. Most of the white people of the country, some from as far as Snodon and vicinity, were present. Umausauga, Etohautee, Tata, Notha Neva and a few other Creeks are there also. The preacher, being a man of imposing personality, was looked upon with something like awe, and his presence was not only an inspiration to the good, but commanded the respect and attention of even rude strangers. His text was from John 3 :16, "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. ' ' It was a powerful discourse for any time or any place, and though its chief purpose was to show Banna the plan of salvation, it produced much other good fruit.

After preaching, an opportunity was given to join the church, and the first to give her hand was Banna Mar de Vedo, and the last was Umausauga. All of her close companions were already members of the church and they had allowed no favorable opportunity to pass without giving her religious instruction. Rev. Mr. Tinsley had read the New Testament through in her immediate presence, always stopping to explain such parts as he thought necessary and to answer such questions as she asked him. He was an able expositor, and his labors were amply rewarded. Then, too, the sermon to which she had just listened, though the first she ever heard, threw a flood of light upon the Christian's pathway that enabled her to understand some of her duties as a traveler therein better than she ever understood them before.

It was 2 :40 in the afternoon. Again Old Tom in half dolorous tones announced evening services. Several more natives were present than in the forenoon. They had doubtless come to witness what they called ''the passing away" of one whom they had long thought a member of their own race, but somehow superior to them. The candidates were among the last to arrive. The girls were dressed as already indicated; and if one was a "Glittering Star," the other was certainly a close twin sister. They were radiantly beautiful. The most unique figure present was Umausauga. For the first time he had been induced to wear tight pantaloons and a swallow-tailed coat. Though not a bad looking man nor wanting in hard sense, circumstances had placed him in an awkard position that day. He did not know just what nor just how to do. He doubtless felt queer in his new suit. Much to the amazement of those inclined to smile, he was constantly fumbling with his long coat tail as if something serious was the matter with it. Seemingly however, he neither saw nor heard anything.

keep it ; I will water it every moment, lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day." This, like the morning address, was well received, and being chiefly directed to the new members did much to establish them in the "new life" firmly.

When preaching was concluded Old Tom announced that 4 o'clock was fast approaching. The ministers were seated inside the improvised altar, the candidates were conducted to the front, Umausauga and Mr. Lahgoon gave the brides away, and the marriage ceremonies proceeded with deep solemnity. The kneeling of the candidates was very impressive.

And yet the scene was not over. Umausauga, who sat in his usual statuesque form during the ceremony, suddenly stood up, and tugging at his coat tail, asked permission to make a little talk. When told to proceed, he once more gave his coat a sudden pull as if he wanted it to cover more of his body, and taking one step forward, made in substance the following talk :

"Brothers; the white man asked me for the child I found in the woods. I gave her to him. He is a good man. She is good, too, very good. It wounds my heart deeply to part with her; deeper than any of you know. I still love her dearly. She is now the pet of many strong friends. Still she has not changed. She is the same as before she met these strong friends; the same to me. 0 Banna, do not go far away ! Come to see me sometimes. Come to see me at Adabor - anywhere!"

Here the speaker broke down and Banna hastened to wipe the blinding tears from his eyes. It was a pathetic scene. After awhile he became calm and motioning her to be seated near him, he gave his coat another pull and continued :

"Brothers, some of you want to know why Banna's hair changes. The waves are taken out of it by an ointment. Only a few of us know how to make it. I wanted the waves out of it so that others would not think her a pale-face. The Indian always has straight hair. Some of you were sharp. You found that the waves come back when she was in your presence for awhile. I have been asked to explain why this is so. I can not do it any more than I can explain why the leaves of some plants close when we touch them."

Again the speaker paused for a short time and stood in anxious thought. Then suddenly thrusting his hand into his coat pocket he slowly drew out a long necklace of glittering pearls and sparkling diamonds. It then dawned upon the audience that it was not for want of better manners that he pulled at his coat; but that he had been feeling to see if his treasure were still there, for it was very costly and very beautiful. He held it extended in his hands until all had looked at it with wondering eyes, and then turning to Banna he continued :

"My lost daughter - I must still call you by that endearing name - this was your mother's necklace. Your father gave it to her when he was made King of the Cherokees. As you know, he was killed at the battle of Numerado. Your mother quickly took his place. After mounting her white horse, Adar, she pulled off her necklace. She left it in the care of your nurse. It was stolen from her. Huanaco afterwards learned where the jewels were hidden. Soon after he left here he told Daxator your history. He was the chief who succeeded your mother. He ordered Huanaco to take some men with him and bring both necklace and thief to headquarters. The order was soon executed. Daxator took possession of the treasure and punished the thief severely. Only a few days ago he sent the necklace to me. He instructs me to give it to you. So now, my darling daughter," he said, as he raised the precious gift above her head, "I place this representative of royalty around your neck in the name of the Cherokee people. I have performed my mission. Umausauga is done."

When the speaker took his seat Banna fell fainting towards the floor; but she did not fall far. Mr. Strong reached her so quickly that she fell in his arms. The next moment Ruth, Mrs. Ruth Shore, was bathing Mrs. Banna Mar de Vedo Strong's face with cold water that Tata had just brought from the spring.

When some minutes of anxious solicitude had passed away, the sufferer opened her eyes, and finding herself in the arms of her husband, she threw hers around his neck saying : something closely connected with their memory, that I could constantly carry with me. This precious jewel - precious not because it is costly and beautiful ; but because it was the gift of my father to mj^ mother, so gratifies my long-cherished wish, that T was overcome by the sad memories of the past and the welcome joys of the present and fainted away. Please excuse my weakness."

"There is nothing to excuse, darling; but many things for which I and all our friends are profoundly thankful," replied Mr. Strong, while he was yet chasing the natural bloom back into her lovely cheeks with a hand so faithful, gentle and true, that it never afterwards touched her otherwise.

As if to pour a flood of thrilling gladness into every heart and make the place seem to be a foretaste of Heaven itself. Messrs. Therrauld, Cunningham and Montgomery began to sing in powerful, yet sweet and musical bass and tenor, the choice hymn of the ages -

Before the last stanza was reached a shout was heard in the camps of Israel. Another and another song followed with similar effects until the surrounding forest seemed vocal with praises to God. Taken altogether one of the most interesting and pleasing features of the day was the song-service of that eventful evening. Indeed the singing closed only at the instance of Old Tom in the fort when he gave notice that the baptismal hour was near.

The congregation adjourned to the Shoals, and there, just a few feet above the rock on which she and her heart-friend, Ruth Lahgoon, sat and speculated upon the drifting fish that passed by them, Banna the Beautiful was baptized by Rev. Henry Therrauld, than whom a better man never lived. To her a pleasing feature of the occasion was that Umausauga whom she had called father nearly all her life, was at the same time baptized at her side by Rev. James Tinsley, himself a great and good man. It was by the Indian's request that they went under the water at

In this pleasing way the first two marriages at Talasee were consummated. If ever a cloud lingered over their homes even for one moment it was never known.