Jackson County, Georgia - Chapter 8, 1914

The Draper and Modin Families at Snodon - The Jug - The Circle - Abe Trent - Animals - Trouble Brewing in 1794 - The Wog - The Watchers - Haitauhuga - A Discovery - A Conspiracy - The Signal - The Kidnapper - To Talasee - Ocean - The Dance - Nodoroc.

When in 1793 Alzono Draper, Herman Scupeen and Homer Jackson moved from Talasee to Snodon, the lovely extended plain was densely covered with a luxuriant growth of black and sweetgums over which reached many tall pines and huge poplars. Lon Draper, as he was usually called, was a small man, but muscular, active and brave. His wife, Mary Draper, though not unusually handsome, was pleasing and attractive in her manners and of most excellent character. Like most other pioneer women she was "a dead shot," and brave even to a fault. Their daughter, Helen Draper, is already known. It may be added here, however, that because of her quick action she was sometimes called "POWDER." Her best thoughts came like a flash, and her efforts to execute them as suddenly. These features added to her other qualities, made this young child of the forest a girl of wonderful force.

Only the three white families mentioned lived at Snodon in 1793; but ten or twelve others had previously settled in Beadland, the nearest being some half mile distant. For some curious reason which required a long time to explain, only a few natives lived within the boundaries of the purchased territory. Onlj^ one small family lived in the immediate vicinity of the whites, and all the members proved to be welcome neighbors. It consisted of husband, wife and daughter. The man's name was Modin, one of the few Bible names mentioned in the history of the red race. He was of medium size, well formed, good-looking, of a friendly, sociable disposition, and distinguished as a fast runner. His wife, or squaw as he called her, was a native of the lower Creek tribe and well known by the pleasing name of Nyrulyn. All the white men who saw her said she was beautiful. Her complexion was fair even for a Creek ; but this was no uncommon distinction. Her hair was a curiosity. Fine as silk, jet black, and without a kink, it swept the ground when walking. To prevent this she rolled it into balls, being careful to make a large one on top, and gradually taper others to her ears. There were two rows, the lower one not being rolled to the scalp hung, pendant, over her shoulders. Whether pretty or not the style was certainly unique, and to imitate it would probably bother a modern hair dresser. Below the row of hanging balls was a good face with mild, persuasive features, large black eyes, well-rounded cheeks and a slightly dimpled chin, all making her look like a woman superior to her station in life.

Mera, the only daughter of Modin and Nyrulyn, and the girl that Banna had so favorably recommended to Ruth Lahgoon, was nearly grown, her exact age being unknown. She was sometimes called "Blue Bird," because, unlike most of her race, her eyes were of a clear, liquid blue, and her voice of a bird-like melody. Otherwise she was much like her mother; but her melting blue eyes and retiring modesty gave her such a superior appearance that if she had been placed among girls of any race few would have been called more beautiful than Mera, the Blue Bird.

But the personal appearance of this child of the wilderness was not the only feature that distinguished her from other girls of her race. Her intellectual endowments were of a high order, her powers of imitation without any known limit, her fleetness on foot equal to that of her father, and her skill with the bow as true and unerring as that of Tata Nyxter, except at long range. Modin and his interesting little family lived near the Dr. Saunders residence in Winder, and were neighbors of Lon Draper who built his first substantial log cabin on ground that is still called the Black Gum Hollow, which he selected as a strategic point. Around his house, and thirty yards from it, he left a circle of timber fifty feet wide from which he cut nothing except a few unsightly shrubs. Outside this wooded belt he cleared a circular field three hundred yards wide and on which he left nothing

Mr. Draper called the circular field "THE JUGr," the timbered belt "ITS NECK," and his house "THE STOPPER." So the place went by the name of "The Jug" for many years, leaving it to a future generation to add the word "TAVERN."

It may be stated that there were no drunkards in Beadland or in the Talasee Colony at this time, and that jugs were used generally as "jars" are now. It is further explained that Mr. Draper's reason for clearing a circular field was threefold : First, to enable a watchman in the circle of woods to readily see an approaching enemy; second, it was several years before bears, panthers and wolves would enter any large open space ; and third, a circle mystifies any animal, and if long traveled in a narrow circuit, any living thing. The jug is a circle, and both before and since Mr. Draper's day has mystified, not animals, but men - men by hundreds and by thousands.

For a few months the Draper family lived quietly at their new home. The Scupeens and Jacksons, besides the Modin family lived near. Helen and Mera had become close friends and were almost constant companions. Though in some respects unlike Banna and Ruth, they were as devoted to each other and as true to their friends as the lovely heroins of Talasee could be, and, as was often proven, the love and friendship of the two pairs were as strong as love of life itself. Then, too, Abe Trent, the always welcome Abe - welcome anywhere that true men were needed and respected - often visited there.

On moonlight nights he and Helen sometimes walked around the outer edge of the cleared field in search of a place to cross it without exposing themselves. They seldom went around more than twice before they seemingly became disgusted at a place that had no end and returned to their native woods where they often joined in a chorus of such dismal howls that the watchers instinctively grasped their rifles more tightly.

Hitherto the mass of the natives had been friendly with the white settlers generally; but in the spring of 1794 it was noticed that parties of red men passed up and down the Okoloco trail more frequently than at any previous time. The maxim that "When an Indian wants to fool you he goes both ways," gave the whites a hint that mischief was brewing. Talitchlechee himself passed several times, and on one occasion stopped and asked some questions. Abe Trent happened to be present, and being familiar with the old warrior's language, they engaged in the following conversation :

"We have none - don't want any," answered Abe, pointing to a crow that was sitting on a tall tree some distance away. "See that crow fall," he continued, and with the crack of his rifle the bird fell to the ground. "That," still continued Abe, "shows the sort of arrows we shoot. ' '

The old leader looked surprised as well as a little incredulous; but after apparently considering the matter, he shook his head violently, and said as if to himself: "Nodoroc! Nodoroc!" and passed on hurriedly.

If Abe Trent had puzzled the wiley old chief, he was in turn puzzled himself. Though fluent in the use of Greek words, he did not know the meaning of Nodoroc. Somehow the short, jerky way the Indian pronounced the word gave it an ominous sound, and he resolved to apply to Umausauga, the best authority he could think of, for an explanation.

A short time after the chief's visit the country was thrown into confusion by the always dreaded visit of the "WOG." Though his appearance seemed to be familiar to some of the natives in the surrounding country, none of the white people had ever seen him.

It was a few hours in the night. The half moon hung low, and barely gave light enough to reveal the outlines of an object ; just enough to make shadows that swayed back and forth in the passing breeze seem ghostly. As usual there were sentinels in the timbered circle ; for now that the friendship of the natives was doubted, the white people, though few in number, managed to know almost everything that was carried on in the country. Looking to the four points of the compass stood the Draper family and Abe Trent, all heavily armed, Helen's position facing to the east. At her feet, curled up nearly into a ball, was Lion, a huge Egyptian dog as fierce and almost as powerful as a mad tiger. Suddenly the dog unrolled himself. ''TOO HOO" broke the reigning silence. It was Helen's signal to the other sentinels that something unusual was on hand. Lion's growl always meant something.

The girl stood looking and listening. Lion was at her side, bristles erect and occasionally giving a low growl ; lower than before. Like an apparition emerging from the ground Abe Trent appeared on the other side. She realized that she stood between two powerful friends. Just then her father and mother came near, and Mrs. Draper, pointing across the field whispered, "LOOK." Lion increased his growls, and all plainly saw a wolf enter the field for a short distance, look around, and then hastily retreat. Another and another did the same way until a dozen or more appeared and looked across the field as if in doubt as to what they should do. While thus looking, they suddenly scampered away and disappeared in the woods.

While wondering at the unusual actions of the wolves, a dark object that appeared to be carrying a white flag, emerged from the woods and stopped at the outer rim of the field. It was then seen that the white flag was waved from side to side like one motioning to another to get out of the way. This continued for several minutes when at last the dark object moved forward still flourishing its white banner. When little more than half across the field a whizzing sound was heard as the flag went back and forth like a boy cracking his hickory bark whip. Even Lion became uneasy, and turned his growls into low whines. This was

"The good Lord! It's that infernal wog!" As bad as Lion had seemed to be scared, his courage returned and it required all of the family's efforts to keep him from meeting the still advancing monster. Mr. Draper's rifle carried an ounce ball, and though he had heard that it was best to let the creature alone, and that its hide was impervious to a bullet, he felt sure in the light of past experience, that he could, to use his own words, "send a leaden messenger clean through any part of its body, or plug one of its fiery eyes out either." He was, however, persuaded to wait for further developments, and the party retired to the house, barred the doors, and stood by their guns, axes and knives, awaiting the gage of battle, if need be.

The near approach of the animal was plainly indicated by the whiz of his tail, and when he reached the door he made a noise similar to the long-continued hissing of a goose. Having done this several times, he began his serenade around the house and finding a small opening between the logs, he poked his forked tongue through it as if trying to impale some one between its slimy prongs. Lion saw this and rushed to grap the tongue, but Mr. Draper succeeded in stopping him just in the nick of time. Having thus twice gone around the house, he gave a short shout similar to one made by a wild hog in the woods, and going west, slowly disappeared. Awhile after the animal left, a light tap was heard at the door. It was Mera who said that her father had seen the wog going away, and that she had come to see if her friends were safe, and to offer such assistance as she might be able to give. When asked why she was not afraid to be out at such a time, the noble girl modestly replied that she could outrun anything that carried along one side at a time. Though evidently willing to return alone, Abe Trent would not allow her to do so, and shouldering his rifle he accompanied her home "with as much pleasure," he said, "as I ever felt in my life."

It appeared that the Draper family was the only one visited by the monster at Snodon, and that after leaving there he was not heard of until he reached Haitauthuga, a small settlement of wigwams that stood on the plain now covered by the fine oak grove east of the residence of Rev. H. N. Rainey at Mulberry. There lived Siloquot, a head man among the Creeks, and a sort of politician. He was one of the signers of the treaty made at Shoulderbone in 1786, and a man of some consequence. When the unscrupulous wog reached his wigwam there were two Lower Creek dignitaries present, perhaps on official business, and as he began to blow and hiss like a monster goose, they ran to the woods as only scared Indians can run, leaving their host to his fate. But Siloquot found safety in the top of a tall tree where the beast, having hoofs instead of claws, could not follow him.

The spring season was now far advanced and Abe Trent's stay at Snodon where he was helping Mr. Draper do some heavy work was drawing to a close. Still he had not advanced one step in his love affair with Helen. They went hunting on horseback by day, and sometimes walked around the wood circle watching for Indians at night, but she would not talk about anything except "hunting" and "watching." Still she was the same lovely, kind and attentive girl that she was at first. Not one word would she say about loving anybody.

"Why," passionately exclaimed Abe, one night, when on watch "do you refuse to let me tell how much I love you when you know that I am anxious to do so?"

"Dear me, Mr. Trent," she said, stooping low to look under the hanging branches of a tree, "look at that dark spot on the far side of the field. I have been watching it for some time, and it seems to be coming slowly but constantly nearer."

"What do you mean by - " Just then a well-known "TOOHOO-HOO" came from a long distance to the left. It was the signal of Ocean Scupeen warning the family that an enemy was lurking in the woods. Abe ceased to press his suit further, and he and Helen listened. The signal was not repeated. If it had been they would have known that the danger was to be met at once. While still listening Mr. and Mrs. Draper appeared, bringing Mera and Lion with them. The girl, wholly unexpected at the time, was greatly agitated, and threw herself into Helen's wide open arms, saying in broken language :

"0 Helen, I have seen such an awful time this evening! About sundown I went to the big rocks to grind corn. I heard one man tell another that the pale-face girl who lived in the circle must be carried away to-night, and that she would be returned only when all the pale-faces left the country. They did not see me and I hastened away to tell you. I soon met Ocean Scupeen, and we decided that it would be best for him to warn you by a danger signal and for me to come at once and tell you what the danger is. There are watchers all around here and that is the reason why I did not come sooner, and why, I suppose, Ocean is so far away. Did you hear his signal?"

Utter silence prevailed for awhile. Abe or Draper was constantly walking around the belt and looking across the field. The object of the crawling Indian as discovered by Helen had been revealed. It was uncertain as to how soon a similar effort might be made by an increased number. When Abe was about half way around his beat, he heard a low growl, and looking saw Lion standing near with one foot off the ground and with bristles erect. "TOO-HOO!" bravely escaped his lips and he was soon joined by his companions. It was quite dark and nothing unusual was in sight. Yet the dog continued to growl and to show a great desire to rush forward. Mera had in the meantime crawled a little way into the field and discovered four men in a stooping posture a little more than half way across it. Doubtless their presence had caused Lion's growls, and now that they were so near they heard him and ran back to the woods on feet and hands like so many animals. An hour or more of silence followed. Even the dog lay quietly at Helen's feet. That was almost a sure sign that no enemy was near.

By and by the long-drawn hooting of an owl was heard, but nearer than before. Was that hoot made by an owl? No, owls do not dwell on their syllables. Was it made by an Indian? No; Indians say "TU-HU." Then it was made by Ocean Scupeen. Yes, listen "TO-HU-0-0."

Soon Ocean himself joined the sentinels and reported that he had learned enough to satisfy him that no further attempt to capture Helen would be made that night; but that they would try some other plan in the future when the dog was out of the way.

"So, Helen," concluded the faithful boy, "hereafter look to the welfare of both yourself and your dog. I am indebted to Etohautee for most of this information, and he will keep us informed of the movements of the enemy as well as he can. That means very much, for we all know both his fidelity and his consummate ability. I can say the same for the Modin family ; but in no case use one of their names in connection with this matter except to a known friend." Such were the faithful services rendered and the sage advice given by a mere boy. Nor will his shadow grow less.

Sure enough, nothing more of the foiled kidnappers was heard that night. Believing that any further attempt to interfere with the liberties of Helen Draper would result in open war, and expecting other emigrants to arrive at an early day, it was thought good policy for her to go to Fort Strong on the following morning and, with her dog, remain there until such time as circumstances would justify her return.

a bold and fearless rider, and when on "DART," his well-trained horse, his handsome face and elegant form all combined to give him a fine appearance, Abe, knowing that this dashing youngster and Helen were close friends, was a little jealous; still he admired the boy for his well-known bravery as well as for his kind, unselfish heart.

There was great joy at Talasee when the trio arrived from Snodon. Ruth, Banna and Helen talked and talked until Abe became nervous and suggested that -

"Mr. Strong and myself be excused for the evening, and that our mutual friend, Mr. Scupeen, be allowed to remain, and if possible, prevent the ladies from talking themselves to death."

"Please let the boys, Master Josiah Strong and Master Abel Trent, pass up and down the river until midnight, and as much longer as they please. Signed,

Several of the neighboring families were present, and led by Mr. Strong, every man selected a "pardner" at random, and all, old and young, large and small, whirled off into the mazes of a giddy dance which turned out to be what they afterwards called, "The Regular Georgia Breakdown." Ocean, who was a sort of musician, snatched a fiddle from the table and stood in the corner and began to play. Tata Nyxter, who was looking in at the door, grabbed one of the long tin bugles that hung on the wall and began to blow it. Round and round, back and forth went the dancers; some with the "double shuffle," some cut the "pigeon wing," and some "jumped jim crow."

"Squeak! Squack ! Squeak!" went the rough, discordant notes of the fiddle; "toot-ta-tah-toot," went the blasts of the bugle, and some who were nearly exhausted kept better time by puffing and blowing than they did with their feet.

Though playfully requested, Abe Trent had a real motive for wanting to be absent that evening. He was anxious for an interview with Umausauga in regard to the meaning of the strange word, NODOROC ; and feeling sure that his friend had more influence over the Indian than any one else, he desired to transfer the interview to Mr. Strong. The friendship between the two was strong indeed. They addressed each other as "father" and "son," and because of these cordial relations Mr. Strong did not hesitate to comply with his friend's request to conduct the interview. Accordingly after the dance was over Josiah and Abe shouldered their rifles and crosing the river at the shoals, the former remained there to fish, apparently, and the latter proceeded on his mission. He found Umausauga smoking a corn-cob pipe of which he had become very fond, and seemed to be in excellent humor. "Father," asked Mr. Strong, after using some preliminaries, "would it be wrong for you to tell me what Nodoroc means?"

Mr. Strong proceeded to tell him the suspicious way in which Talitchlechee had used the word by evidently connecting it with Beadland, and then added :

"Father, when you went around the land with us you showed so many signs of uneasiness that we have never been able to understand. Only a very few natives live on it, and the appearance of Snodon shows that it is in a forsaken country. They seldom pass through it, and seem to be actually afraid of the place. And now, as you well know, that the presence of the white man in this part of the country is beginning to give some dissatisfaction, and inasmuch as you and your brother, Etohautee, together with his son, Tata, are already classed with the white people, we must know everything that is going on around us. We have full con- fidence in the three mentioned, and in the Modin family also, and when any of you want help come to us for it at once. Now, father, what do you have to say?"

"Yes," said the Indian after a long and thoughtful pause, "Talitchlechee fool. He knows Nodoroc nothing has to do with white man. Nodoroc in Beadland is, Umausauga to sell it wanted. White man 'fraid of it not. Indian is - scare him to death. Few have seen it ever. 'Fraid to go. To sell it that is why. Devil there lives. It hell is - Great Spirit not there."

"Please." said Mr. Strong mildly, "talk like Banna and I have taught you to speak, and tell me why you use the words devil and hell when speaking of Nodoroc?"

"Oh, Yes, Yes! I forgot! I'll leave off the old Umausauga and come back to the new man that you and Banna and the grace of God made out of the old one and tell you all important movements of the enemy as they occur, and, of the secret which Indians believe lies hidden in Nodoroc. It is kept a secret only because of the mystery connected with the horrid place.

"As I have already said, Nodoroc is hell, and the wog that passed through Snodon not long ago, is the devil and makes his headquarters there, where no one who gets in ever gets out."

"The Great Scott!" exclaimed Strong excitedly. "I am all anxiety to see the place, and instead of being sorry that it is in Beadland I am glad of it. And now that I know Nodoroc belongs to me and my friends, we will go and see the place very soon. I am sure that all will be glad for you to go with us, show us the way to go, and give us such information as we may need. Will you kindly do so?"

"Yes! Yes! Now that I am not an Indian because I have placed myself on the side of the white man and of the white man's God, and for these reasons have felt myself at liberty to give away a secret in regard to his place of torment, I therefore consent to go. Will Banna go with us?"

No man was ever more mystified than Josiah Strong was by Umausauga's description of Nodoroc. He could not even venture to dispute the Indian's word; yet almost every feature described as so unlike anything he had ever heard of before, that he was lost in wonder and amazement.