Jackson County, Georgia - Chapter 1 (3 of 4 so headed), 1914

For many years after the first settlement of Jackson County, the logrolling (logpiling) was the most popular public occasion known to the times. The vast forests which reached to an unknown distance in every direction contained a great number of large trees which had to be cut into convenient lengths and piled for the purpose of burning. This was the "logrolling." It was a big occasion, and in the way of good cheer and a spontaneous flow of friendship and neighborly love, extraordinary preparations were made for it. Though not in the flash of modern advancement, the people were happy, loyal to themselves, to each other, to their country, and to their God,

It was not deemed necessary to give any one a special invitation to a logrolling. The day was appointed, notice given, and that was all. The whole family, men, women and children, were glad to go, and glad to stay all day, frequently all night. And all were welcome. Their happiness was at high tide.

However, this was not all that pertained to the old-time logrolling. A quilting was nearly always simultaneous with it. While the men were rolling logs in the field, their mothers, wives, sisters and sweethearts were making bed quilts in the house, and the children were playing in the creek or wading through the swamp.

Nor indeed was this all. At night the dance was always provided for. It was not known by the flippant name of "frolic," or softened down to the easy word "party." It was a dance, and the dancers danced.

The logrolling which I have selected to illustrate pioneer life in this county became known as the "Dunson Logrolling," and I have chosen it because it represents one, and only one feature

William Dunson was of German descent, and one of the early settlers of the county. As we are to learn of him further on, it is only necessary to state here that he pitched his tent on Little Sandy Creek, about two miles southeast of Groaning Rock, and that he became a strong, progressive and honorable farmer.

A short time after this, Gendelph LeCain came from Virginia, and settled near Mr. Dunson. His wife, Mrs. Florette LeCain, was a magnificent woman, in the prime of life. Large, unusually tall, no sculptor ever dreamed of a more graceful figure. Educated and refined, her manners were dignified, but pleasant and agreeable. She claimed to be a graduate of a celebrated cooking school in Paris, and of the many who enjoyed the hospitality of her table, not one ever doubted her claim.

Idalone, pronounced Id-ah-lone was their only daughter, and though quite young at the time of her arrival, she soon became a Hebe in beauty and a Sampson in physical strength. At the time of the Dunson logrolling she was said to be 18 years old, and more powerfully and elegantly developed than her mother. She was very beautiful. Her features were regular and her form classical. She had been educated by her parents, was a lover of books, and often studied them far into the night. She cooked, knit stockings, carded and spun wool, wove cloth, cut and made clothes, fed cattle, and jumped the calf-rope when on her way to the cowpen. Her step was graceful and seemed to be as firm as the hills over which she so often roamed.

Thus Idalone LeCain stood, waiting for her mother, on the hill which overlooked the "new ground" where Mr. Dunson had arranged to have his annual logrolling that day. It was a bright April morning, when the singing of birds and the chirping of crickets seemed to proclaim joy and gladness for all. But for once the young girl was sad. She could see that some of the logrollers had already arrived ; great, broad-shouldered men of fabulous strength and heroic endurance. Though it was some re- lief to know that her father was among them, her sadness increased with each recurring thought. She felt that the day might shape her destiny for all time to come; for odd as it seems, Idalone LeCain was to be one of the logrollers that day. She, and other girls, too, had often attended these gatherings; and one day a gallant young fellow playfully bantered her to become his "toting mate." She accepted the challenge, and with one hand carried her part of the log, and defiantly patted the log with the other. This was a revelation, and continued from time to time, until Mr. Dunson, having discovered her amazing strength, pitted her against any young man that could be brought on the field. This continued for two seasons, and though several of the most powerful men in the surrounding country accepted the challenge, none of them were able to bring out her strength.

Finally she playfully remarked that she would marry any clever, good-looking young man who, "could make her walk unsteady while carrying a log." She made this offer because all the young men with whom she was acquainted already knew better than to put her to such a test. Still she thought that some stranger might appear, and it was this that made her feel sad. As already seen, she was waiting for her mother on the hill which overlooked the logrolling ground. She did not have to wait long, and arm in arm, mother and daughter approached the men who were waiting for all "hands" to arrive.

"Great Jupiter," exclaimed an old man, Thomas Perry, who was present, not to roll logs, but to carry the demijohn and water for those who did. He was sitting on a stump with his mouth wide open, as some one asked :

" Gewhillicans ! such a sight !" was the only answer given, as the old man turned his eyes from the approaching "beauties," as they were often called.

Idalone was not mistaken in her apprehension. William T. Brantly of Jefferson, the same that had caught and plowed the Shaddon steer, had not seen the wonderful girl, but had often heard of her. Learning of the Dunson logrolling, and that the famous beauty might be there as a champion, he at once decided to attend ' ' the show, " as he termed it ; not, however, with the intention of entering any contest. He was among the first arrivals and was sitting on a log when mother and daughter appeared. It was a case of love at first sight. This was no usual occurrence. He afterwards said, "I at once felt stronger, and could have jumped ten feet further than ever before." He was a powerfully made man, tall, broad-shouldered, well-formed, athletic, and "good-looking." Some thought that for once the champion girl was overmatched. Most admitted that there was some danger. *'Not a bit of it to our girl," said Mr. Dunson, defiantly.

A cheer followed this expression, and the necessary preparations began. A poplar log, three feet and two inches in diameter at the small end, and fifteen feet long, was selected by mutual consent, for the great trial, and it was to be carried to a large flat rock ten yards distant. Such a log, green and solid, was very heavy, and to "tote" it usually required about as many men as could walk on both sides.

This list presents a formidable array of physical power, and is given here as a slight memorial of the substantial worth of those who composed it. Wish it could be greater ! Seems like the mute eloquence of their dust can almost be heard moaning amid the few tree-tops left of those primeval forests through which they once so gladly roamed. A deep thinker has asked, "What matters it if the individual dies, since the race continues?" It is some consolation to know that descendants of some of "the famous ten" still live in the county.

Rev. James Rogers, a young minister of the gospel, was chosen umpire. When they heard that the interesting, but dreaded, contest was actually to come off, all the ladies who attended the quilting rushed to witness the scene. When they saw the manly form and stately bearing of Brantly, they trembled for the result; they did not want their favorite girl to leave them. Her mother wept like a stricken child. The girl herself appeared to be composed and self-reliant. This had always been one of her sustaining powers.

"All ready!" called out the umpire. The sets advanced to take their places as indicated by the list, the first being in front at the heavy end of the log.

As Idalone went forward she drew her right sleeve above her elbow, lest her left hand should become entangled in it. And such an arm ! It was noticed that when Blantly saw the great muscles below the elbow, like layers of knotted ropes twisted together, he turned pale, and compressed his lips. When at their places, he looked over the log and thought the prize worthy of the best effort of his life. And he made it. Idalone only blushed.

Then such a great shout went up that the echo came reverberating over the hills and met and clashed in the valleys. The squirrels came from their hiding places in the surrounding forests, ran along the limbs of the trees, suddenly stopped, gave their pretty tails a few spasmodic jerks, and began to bark. Droves of wild turkeys roving the woods hard by stopped scratching among the fallen leaves, raised their great red-wattled heads high in the air, listened, then spread their tails, and with their ominous "quit, quit," went further into the forest. They nor the squirrels had ever heard such an alarm before.

Then Uncle Tom Perry carried the old Dutch demijohn around, and most, but not all, took a "dram." "Oh, horrors!" the modern reader may exclaim; and well he might if such a thing was done in these days. But, then, as a rule, people did not get drunk. No boy or young man was ever seen drunk, and women did not drink at all. We may notice that the shouting began before the dram was taken, nor was it repeated afterwards.

When the shouting ceased, Idalone was leaning against the log. Her fine eyes sparkled like opals in the sunlight. Brantly came and stood by her. He was evidently embarrassed, and in deep meditation. When about to speak, Mr. Rogers came to the rescue, saying :

"Miss LeCain, you are still uneonquered, and in my opinion are likely to remain so. Mr. Brantly is at least your equal; for I saw that you both made desperate efforts to gain the mastery. Neither wavered for a moment. You are therefore equal so far as this contest is concerned, and I can make no decision. Therefore, I shall shift my responsibility as umpire, to you."

"Now, Miss LeCain, there is nothing between you, as I believe, but the log. If you are both willing to remove this barrier, shake hands over it."

Without hesitation Brantly offered his hand. Idalone was taken by surprise ; her face turned pale ; she had not time to think. After some hesitation, she turned her great blue eyes toward her father and mother, who were standing near. Tears were chasing each other down the cheeks of both. They too, hesitated ; but finally nodded their heads; they could not speak. Covering her eyes with her left hand, and resting her head on what she afterwards called "the dear old poplar log," she extended her right hand toward Brantly. He quickly grasped it, and before any one had time to think, he had leaped back over the log and there was nothing between them.

sibility of saying that if there are any present who object to their marriage, say so here and now, or else forever hereafter hold their peace."

"Victory without a battle. Then as our good Dr. Therrauld is an ordained minister of the gospel, and is duly authorized to issue and return marriage licenses, he will prepare the papers and perform the marriage ceremony I claim the privilege of giving the bride away, and after the marriage the bride and bridegroom will return with the ladies present to Mr. Dunson 's residence, where we all feel they will enjoy themselves as becomes this interesting occasion."

All the young girls present at once formed into two parties; one, led by Miss Kathleen Strother, a fine Dutch girl, swept and garnished a large circle with "brushbrooms. " The other, led by Miss Eunice Emory, gathered rabbit pinks, snowdrops, ox-eye daisies, forget-me-nots, lady's slippers and anemones, and scattered them in rich profusion all over the "Wedding Circle," as these two leaders named it. I have heard it said that old-time people had no sentiment. In whose parlor have you seen a higher order of sentiment than was shown by the Misses Strother and Emory?

All things were ready. Save the barking of a squirrel in the distant forest, and the drumming of a yellow hammer on a dead tree near by, all was hushed in silence until Dr. Therrauld arose and said :

And such a prayer ! In speaking of it afterwards, Mr. Rogers said: "It seemed like all heaven and all earth were listening to it." At the conclusion, Idalone was presented to William as "the precious gift of her father and mother." He led her to the charming flower circle, and then and there they were made one by the man of God. They ever afterwards lived as one - it was a happy

The big Indian, Anaxicorn, though not a resident, was sometimes seen in that community. Having watched the proceedings closely, he took a small package from his belt, and holding it in one hand, fell upon his knees before the bride and offered his congratulations in his own language. The following is a full translation of all he said:

He presented the small package to the bride and walked away. He was never again seen in the community. No one had ever thought that he, too, was in love with Miss LeCain, and even wanted her to make his shoes. He, however, acted generously about the matter, for the little package contained several bone needles of different sizes and two small balls of sinews taken from the legs of the red deer, then so common in the country. With these the natives made their moccasins, and Anaxicorn thought Brantly's should be made in the same way.

"How," some may ask, "were the bride and bridegroom dressed?" The answer is easy. The bride was arrayed in a dress, every thread of which had been carded, spun, woven, cut and made with her own hands. It was of white and black wool mixed, and in those days was called "flea-bitten" cloth. The skirts were more ample than in modern times; but the bodice fitted neatly over a superb form.

The bridegroom also wore a "homespun" suit, made from start to finish by Mrs. Eliza Boyd, wife of Peter Boyd, who sold the land on which to build the famous town of Jefferson. It was made, as then called, of "walnut dye" jeans, and in strict accordance with the aristocratic notions of the day. His coat was a "claw hammer," and the skirts somewhat resembled a wren's tail. The fit was good and brought out his manly form to great perfection.

As Mr. Rogers requested, Mr. and Mrs. Brantly and all the ladies present went to the Dunson residence where it soon appeared that the bridegroom was as good with the needle as he was

And, my ! my ! such a dinner. There were no candies, bonbons, ice cream, or milkshakes. Perhaps there was not a woman there, young or old, who was not a good cook. Mrs. LeCain was there, Mrs. Dunson's mother. Granny Walker, who had said that when she "had the move-a-diddles she felt like she had the jim-jams," and other good cooks were there. With respect, I dare say that there is not a cook in the state that can make such ginger cakes and such beer as Mrs. LeCain and Granny Walker baked and brewed that day.

Old-time johnny cakes, made of corn meal, baked before the fire on wooden boards made for the purpose, and turned and turned until they were cooked through, and both sides without any bottom crust, of a light-brown color, constituted the chief article of broad.

There were meats galore, boiled ham, roast beef, venison, kid, mutton ; barbecued shoats, squirrels and turkeys ; boiled chicken and partridge ; and fish and turtle, were some of the chief courses.

Such a dinner, prepared by such cooks, and for more than fifty people, all strong and hearty, hale and healthy, was indeed "a thing of beauty and a joy forever."

Late in the afternoon the heaping of the logs was completed, and then for the third and last time that day, the demijohn went around. It disappeared without leaving a sign of intemperance behind it. Supper was next in order.

The great "new ground" awaited only the burning of the log heaps to be ready for the plow. Such clearings continued many years ; but became smaller and smaller until the grand old forests, with their "droves" and "gangs" of animal life, have almost disappeared; and the hamadryad, which is said to die with the tree it lives in, the regular seasons, the uniform fall of rain, and the equable temperature of the air we breathe, have all gone with them. Our once valuable chestnut timber and the spreading grape vine which ran upon the ground, or climbed upon the tree, some of whose fruit was more delicious than any found in modern vineyards, have also gone with them.

Most of the few remaining forest pines are taking the dry-rot, orchards are failing, walnuts, hickory nuts, and acorns are smaller, and water in springs, wells, branches, creeks and rivers is becoming less and less every year ; so much so, that the historic fish has small chance to live in this country.

While all these things were going other things have been coming. Long, dry summers, irregular rains, malarial diseases, howling storms and terrific lightnings are more frequent and severe than when breathing forest leaves and clear running water equalized the furies. The Colorado beetle, the San Jose scale, the boll weevil, the curculio, the cabbage snake and other plant and tree life-destroyers have invaded the land without an invitation, and the indications are that they have come to stay.

The history of Greece, Egypt, Palestine and Spain contains fullpage illustrations which show that there is not a nation on the globe which has not, in the course of centuries, declined in proportion to the disappearance of its forests. What a pity that our forefathers did not study the improvement of land instead of exposing such a vast area to the burning sun and drying winds.