HISTORY

MONROE COUNTY HISTORY

The Creek Indians had been living on the land that now comprises Monroe County, Georgia, from long before the colonial expansion in 1540 until 1821 and the Treaty of Indian Springs. On January 8, 1821, the Treaty of Indian Springs was signed by the head chiefs, including General McIntosh, of the Creek Nation, ceding the land between the Ocmulgee and the Flint Rivers to the U.S. Government. Five counties were created from the ceded lands, Dooly, Fayette, Henry, Houston, and Monroe. The original Monroe County included all of what would become Pike County and Upson County and parts of Bibb, Butts, and Spalding Counties. Monroe County was named for James Monroe, author of the Monroe Doctrine and fifth president of the United States. The county seat of Monroe County is Forsyth. Other communities in this county are: Bolingbroke, Culloden, Dames Ferry, High Falls, Indian Springs, and Smarr.

The Carl Vinson Institute of Government at University of Georgia provides a wealth of information about every County in Georgia. Monroe County Courthouse Monroe County Historical Markers Monroe County Historical Maps

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Historical Collections of Georgia

MONROE COUNTY HISTORY-MONROE ADVERTISER - JULY 1935 Written by: An Old Timer MONROE ADVERTISER, JULY 11, 1935 File submitted by Jane Newton, Transcribed by Eliz. Robertson MONROE COUNTY HISTORY On Route 42 to Atlanta, the first house was built by Cat. Jeff Dumas where he lived for many years. He was a partner in the firm of Dumas & Allen. This is now operated by C. A. Ensign. The next was the D. J. Proctor place, now owned by Mr. Maddox. This was built by Major J. R. Banks, and uncle of Mr. R. B. Stephens. Major Banks ran a large farm and had for his manager, Mr. J. F. Hanson, who later was president of Central of Georgia Railway. Also he later became president of the Bibb Manufacturing Company. This shows how merit will tell. About the time there was a cargo of Peruvian guano shipped to Savannah, Major Banks being a progressive farmer, bought a ton as an experiment. He prevailed on his neighbor, Mr. Ben Watkins, the father of Taylor Watkins. He was the grandfather of Chief Ben T. Watkins of Macon. Mr. Watkins used this guano on his farm and was much astonished at the results, as this was the first commercial fertilizer used in Monroe County. It brought visitors from the counties near by. This farm is still in the Watkins family. The adjoining farm is the old Callaway place where all the Callaway boys were raised. They often invited friends to enjoy their hospitality. The place is now in charge of Mr. George McMullan. At the right, in the oak grove, is the old Bob McCough home, now owned by Mr. V. B. Hooks. This place was one of the first places settled in the county. Mr. George Waldrep, one of the old Confederate veterans, still looks closely after his farm. When he takes a notion to come to town, he saddles his horse. The next farm is the old Dock Wilder place, now owned by Mr. Clarence Waldrep, who is a progressive and successful farmer and has shown what good farming will do. The old Logwall church was built long before the Civil War. It was a popular place where the farmers held their big meetings. The church was built by the Barkleys, Akins, Tommie Stewart and Dr. Mann and others. Across the Towaliga is the old Richard McMullen place. Mr. Dick McMullen represented the county in the legislature. His brother, Chap McMullan, lived across Eight Mile Creek and was a good farmer. Joe McMullen married Ellen Sutton. Mr. C. M. Sutton and his brother, Aaron Sutton, came from Buncomb county, North Carolina, with their father, Phineas Sutton and mother. This couple settled near Rocky Creek on the farm where Mr. J. T. English lives. The are buried in the Rocky Creek cemetery. Mr. C. M. Sutton built the first log house that was built on the Sutton farm. He had his own blacksmith shop and sharpened his plows and repaired his wagons. He was the father of several sons and daughters. Martha married Major D. G. Proctor, who had the first store that was ever in Blount, or as the district was called then, Proctors or the fourth. His daughter, Sarah, married Thomas Tucker, the father of Charlie and Sing Tucker. Mary married Frank Gilmore, Nancy married Tomlinson, Ellen married Joe McMullan and Amanda married Alexander Spicer. He was the father of Ben, who married Miss Hamilton; Jack, who married Miss Tomlinson; Harrison, who married Edna Proctor, and Moses, who died in the Civil War. He was a Primitive Baptist and a member of the Smyrna church where he always went on meeting days. He never bought any corn or meat. Wesley Tucker owns that farm. Edward Butler owned a large farm near there. He was also a large owner of land on the Towaliga River. Mr. Frank Anderson ran a tanyard and made many old-fashioned brogan shoes. He was also a farmer and made good crops. Mr. Chestney Smith, father of Mr. R. C. Smith, came from Virginia. He was the father of Andrew, Wiley, Rich, George and Bob. He owned a large amount of land near Blount. He ran a blacksmith shop and made many plows for the farmers. Major D. G. Proctor owned the two-story house where he lived and raised his family. Mr. Aaron Sutton was the father of Mr. Jim Sutton, and grandfather of Mr. J. P. Sutton. Mr. George Edwards lived at Blount. Mr. John Watson married his daughter. Charlie Edwards moved to Texas. Mr. Green Westbrook lived west of there and was the father of Mr. W. H. Westbrook. He married Miss Huddleston. The Freeman Brothers own a store and do a large business with the farmers. We have heard it said that the merchants of Forsyth never lost any money in the fourth district. We have written this to show that the section was made up of small farmers, who raised about all they used on their farms. Messrs. George and Bob Smith are good farmers and live at home. The Webb family lives in that neighborhood and has a large farming interest. We will try to give you a little more of the history of the section. It was always the home of small farmers who did their own work and lived at home. (SIGNED) AN OLD TIMER.

M'INTOSH TABLET UNVEILED SATURDAY (Monroe Advertiser, June 30, 1911) Interesting Exercises will be Held at Indian Springs --Bronze Tablet Entered upon Historic Rock. On next Saturday afternoon an event of much importance will take place at Indian Springs. On that day at 2:30 o'clock the Piedmont Continental Chapter, D. A. R. of Atlanta will unveil the bronze tablet which they hve placed upon the historic "McIntosh Rock." This tablet commemorates one of the most important treaties signed on Georgia soil. It was the cause of two thrilling events which followed the signing. By this treaty Georgia acquired all the Creek Indian lands west of the Flint River. General William McIntosh, head of one of the factions of the Creek Indians, signed the treaty for the Indians. Hopcetablebolo, the silvertongued orator of the Creeks headed this opposing faction, and jumping upon the same rock made his famous speech of vengeance, in which he declared that McIntosh should die for the act of ceding away Indian lands. On the night of April 30th McIntosh was savagely murdered by a party of Indians at his home on the Chattahoochee river, in what is now Carroll county. The other event of interest resulting from the signing of the treaty is that it was the cause of much heated discussion between the United States authorities at Washington and Governor Troup of Georgia, which came very near resulting in Georgia's seceding from the union in 1825. The Piedmont Continental Chapter has sent out unique invitations to this event. They are postcards bearing a correct likeness of General McIntosh and a picture of the rock. Special invitations are sent to only a few, but all Daughters of the American Revolution and the people of Georgia are invited to be present. The exercise will be short and exceedingly interesting. Judge James H. Lumpkin will deliver the address of the occasion. He will be preceded by the regent of the Piedmont Continental Chapter, Mrs. William H. Heandle, of Atlanta, and will be followed by a talk from the state regent, Mrs. John M. Graham of Marietta. Not since the unveiling of the Oglethorpe monument in Savannah in November of last year, has an event of so much historic interest occurred in Georgia. This work the Piedmont Continental Chapter inaugurated, and has carried to success alone. This was undertaken because this chapter believe the D. A. R. is first of all a Historic society and that all historic spots in Georgia should be suitably and permanently marked.

Source: Georgia's Landmarks, Memorials and Legends by Lucian Lamar Knight, Published 1913, Page 790 - 797, Volume MONROE COUNTY Created by Legislative Act, May 15, 1821, out of lands acquired from the Creeks under the first treaty of Indian Springs, in the same year. Named for James Monroe, author of the famous Monroe doctrine and fifth President of the United States. Forsyth, the county-seat, named for the illustrious orator and statesman of Georgia, Hon. John Forsyth, who, while occupying the office of United States Minister to Spain, negotiated the purchase of Florida, in 1819, from King Ferdinand VII. When organized in 1821 Monroe embraced Pike and Upson and in part Bibb, Butts, and Spaulding. REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS. Anderson Redding, a veteran of the Revolution, died in Monroe, on February 9, 1843, at the age of 80. The following account of him is preserved in Historical Collections of Georgia: "No sooner had he arrived at manhood than he was enrolled among those who determined to be free. He served under his country's banner with a patriot's zeal and devotion. He was present at the consummation of American Liberty; the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown. The recollections of the glorious day lingered long in his memory, a rehearsal of which often caused him to feel as though the ardor and buoyancy of early days were yet fresh upon him, while a big round tear would fall and moisten the old man's cheek." Rev. Isaac Smith, who died in this county, in 1834, aged 76 years, was another Revolutionary soldier, who fought under Washington. Says White:"He was pre-sent at most of the principal actions which were fought by this distinguished leader, and although his term of service expired before the close of the war, yet he was present as a volunteer at the capturing of Cornwallis at Yorktown; after which he retired from military life and was soon after, under the preaching of the Methodists, awakened and converted, and called of God to preach deliverance to the captives and the opening of the prison doors to those who were bound by the fetters of sin." Historical Collections of Georgia, Monroe County Savannah, 1854. Wm. Jones, a patriot of the Revolution, was granted a Federal pension in 1814, while a resident of Monroe. Eight miles from Forsyth, near the public highway to Griffin, lies buried an old soldier of the first war for independence - WILLIAM OGLETREE. His grave in the family burial ground is at present unmarked, but the spot has been identified beyond any question and will be marked by the Piedmont Continental Chapter of the D. A. R. Between Yatesvill and Cullodon, in a grave at present unmarked sleeps William Haygood also a patriot of '76. His grave will likewise be marked by this same Chapter. * Mrs. Richard P. Brooks, of Forsyth, Ga., Regent Piedmont Continental CHAPTER D. A. R.

BESSIE TIFT COLLEGE , located at Forsyth, is one of the oldest institutions in the State for the higher education of women. It is the outgrowth of a school taught by the Rev. E. J. C. Thomas, in a building known as the Monroe Railway Bank and owned by the Masons. In 1850, the citizens of Forsyth acquired the property, enlarged the building, and established here the Forsyth Collegiate Institute, under the government of an interdenominational board of trustees. It was duly incorporated, and Dr. W. C. Wilkes, a distinguished educator, became the president. Two years later, the old Monroe Bank building was abandoned. The growth of the institution demanded ampler quarters, and for this purpose the old Botanic College building was acquired, in an unfinished condition and put in readiness for occupancy by this school. It was not long thereafter before the Baptist of Forsyth by an agreement in equity obtained exclusive ownership and control of the plant; and from the date of this transfer it became the Monroe Female College. Dr. Wilkes remained at the helm for seventeen years, after which Dr. Shaler G. Hillyer, a noted Baptist devine, became president. In 1879 the plant was almost completely destroyed by fire, a disaster little short of fatal to the institution. But friends came to the rescue. It rose once more from the ashes, and in 1898, the college became the property of the Georgia Baptist Convention and the support of the denomination throughout the State was henceforth insured. The presidents of the institution, succeeding Dr. Wilkes, have been as follows: Dr. Shaler G. Hillyer 1867 - 1873 Prof. R. T. Asbury 1873-1884 Rev. Moses M.McCall 1884-1885 Prof. R. T. Asbury 1885 - 1890 Rev. J. E. Powell 1890 - 1895 Rev. Marshall H. Lane 1895 - 1897 Mrs. C. D. Crawley 1897 - 1898 Rev. S. C. Hood 1898 - 1899 Dr. A. A. Marshall 1899 - 1900 Prof. C. H. S. Jackson, LL.D., since 1900 to present time Under the wise direction of Dr. Jackson, a new era of growth began. The present executive head of the institution proved to be a masterful administrator. There has been no backward step since he formally took charge, and today the institution is one of the foremost in the land; enjoying the liberal patronage of many States. In 1907, the name of the school was changed to the Bessie Tift College, in compliment to one of the most generous friends of the institution, Mr. H. H. Tift, of Tifton, Ga. His wife, nee Miss Bessie Willingham, was a graduate of this school, in the class of 1878, and one of the most unwearied workers in the cause of her alma mater. To Mr. W. D. Upshaw, an eloquent layman, much credit is also due for raising funds throughout the State, and one of the handsomest buildings on the campus bears the name of Mr. Upshaw's mother. By reason of an accident in early youth, Mr. Upshaw has not walked for thirty years without his crutches, but in spite of this handicap he has been one of the most magnetic advocates of temperance reform and one of the most zealous champions of education. He was a recognized leader in the fight for State-wide prohibition.

According to Dr. George G. Smith, the first brick church ever erected by Methodist in Georgia was built in the town of Forsyth. It is also a fact for which this same authority vouches that the Congregational Methodist church, a body which is Congregational in form of government and Methodist in doctrine, was first organized in the county of Monroe. The Presbyterians were never strong in this locality, but the Episcopalians hoped at one time to establish here an educational center. At Montpelier, fourteen miles from Forsyth, was formerly located the Georgia Episcopal Institute, founded by Gazaway B. Lamar, at one time a resident of Savannah, afterwards of New York.

Historic Culloden. Volume II The Falls of the Towaliga. Volume II

ORIGINAL SETTLERS. The first comers into Monroe, according to White, were: O. Woodward, B. Rogers, P. Lacy, Rev. O. Rogers, Job Taylor, T. Harpue, A. Ponder, Mr. Lester, Williamson Mims, John Brown, E. Brown, A. Chapman, A. Lockett, A. Redding, Thomas Holland, Simon Brooks, Thomas Dewberry, Josiah Horton, A. Davis, Joseph Dunn, Moses Dumas, Benjamin Dumas, D. Ponder, Thomas Battle, E. Jackson, A. Chappell, W. P. Henry, Wilkes Hunt, Andrew West, Rev. G. Christian, Dr. Brown, Dr. E. W. Jones, David McDade, Dr. Law and George W. Gordon.

On June 3, 1822, at the home of H. H. Lumpkin, Esq., nine miles northwest of Forsyth, was held the first session of the Superior Court in Monroe, Judge Christopher B. Strong presiding. A. G. Saffold was Solicitor-General. The following citizens qualified as Grand Jurors: George Cabaniss, Isaac Welch, Abner Lockett, James D. Lester, Hugh W. Ector, Lemuel Gresham, Henry Wimberly, John C. Willis, Thomas Wynn, Wood Moreland, David Dumans, Roland Parham, William Saunders, John Hamil, James Slattings, Joseph Youngblood, William D. Wright, William Bell and Jesse Evans.

There were numerous instances of longevity among the early settlers. Mrs. Haygood died at the age of 93. Says an old newspaper: "She was born on Christmas, married on Christmas and baptized on Christmas." John Watson was 86 at the time of his death. Mr. Harper was 90, and Mrs. Brooks was between 80 and 90. W. A. Wheeler and Benjamin Haygood were each 83. Mrs. Sarah Woodward reached the age of 84. Aaron Jordan was 82 when he died, and the following old residents reached the age of 80: John Chappell, Philemon Lacy, Rev,. Richard Holmes, Mrs. Richard Holmes, Mrs. Joiner, Simon Brooks, and Major Sullivan. Jesse Powell died at 81.

To the foregoing list of early settlers may be added a number of others who came within the next decade: Robert McGough, a soldier of the War of 1812, came to Monroe from Jones, with the first band of immigrants and blazed a trail thrugh the forest to a place on Tobesofkee Creek, where he built his home. He was a large land-owner and a man of affairs. Mr. McGough died at the age of 96.

In 1821, Elbridge G. Cabaniss, then a yough of nineteen, settled in the town of Forsyth, where he became principal of the local academy; and, after teaching for a few years, he studied law, rose to a seat on the Superior Court Bench, and became one of the foremost jurist of his day in Georgia. The family originated in one of the cantons of French Switzerland, where it bore a conspicuous part in the great Protestant reformation. Several of the sons of Judge Cabaniss became distinguished men, including Thomas B. Cabaniss, a member of Congress, and H. H. Cabaniss, a journalist of note and a man of affairs. His daughter, Eliza, married Judge Cincinnatus Peeples.

Caleb Norwood, a native of England, settled in 1830 at Colloden. He married Jane Manson, a Tennessee lady, of Scotch-Irish parentage, who became the mother of the future United State Senator, Thomas Manson Norwood.

Andrew West, the grandfather of General A. J. West, was also an early settler of Monroe. The list also includes: Dr. B. F. Chambliss, a pioneer settler at Culloiden; Andrew Zellner, for whom the town of Zellner was named, and the father of Judge B. H. Zellner; Anderson Redding, a soldier of the Revolution; Thomas Redding, his son; Isaac Smith, a minister of the gospel and a soldier in the first war for independence; Dr. James Thweat, a surgeon in the War of 1812; Alexander Parker, a soldier in the Indian Wars; Davis Smith, John Moore, Ivy Brooks; Dr. Daniel B. Searcy, a noted physician and a man of large means; Samuel Barron, Thomas Hollis, John C. Anderson Hardy Lassiter, William Rowe, William Glenn, Henry W. Walton, the Sharps, the Willinghams, the Worshams, and other well-known families.

MONROE'S DISTINGUISHED RESIDENTS. Some of the most destinguished residents of Monroe lived in the town of Culloden, viz., Judge Thomas M. Norwood, a former United States Senator from Georgia, a noted author, and a well-known jurist; Judge Alexander M. Speer, a former occupant of the Supreme Bench of Georgia; Dr. Eustace W. Speer, a noted Methodist devine, at one time professor of Belle Lettres in the University of Georgia; Colonel N. J. Hammond, a former member of Congress and a great lawyer; Governor James Milton Smith, a former Chief-Magistrate of Georgia; and the two widely-beloved Methodist ministers, Dr. W. F. Cook and Dr. J. O. A. Cook.

Besides these may be mentioned a number of others identified with the town of Forsyth. The list includes: Judge Robert P. Trippe, a former member of Congress, afterwards a judge of the Supreme Court of Georgia; Judge Cincinnatus Peeples, one of the ablest jurist of the State, for years Judge of the Atlanta Circuit: Judge E. G. Cabaniss, also a noted jurist; his son, Thomas B. Cabaniss, a former member of Congress, afterwards a jurist of high rank. Colonel Robert L. Berner, a distinguished lawyer, who was commissioned to command a regiment of volunteers in the Spanish-American War; General L. L. Griffin, the first president of the old Monroe Road, for whom the town of Griffin was named; William H. Head, a distinguished financier and legislator, also a vetran of two wars , the Mexican and the Civil; O. H. B. Bloodworth, a brilliant lawyer, at one time a strong minority candidate for Congress Bartow S. Willingham, author of the famous Willingham prohibition bill, introduced in the Legislature sometime in the nineties, and a host of other no less worthy mention. General Philip began practice of law in Forsyth, but later removed to Americus

THURMOND MILL
	Abandoned Wheel
Contributed by Sandy Ross [email protected] July 10, 2003 William Harrison Thurmond built and operated Thurmond Mill. Thurmond Mill was just off Culloden Road on Tobesofkee Creek. It was a grain mill to grind different kinds of flour, such as whole wheat flour. It ground two grades of wheat flour and bran. William David Thurmond, son of original builder, invented a washing machine and an improved water wheel. He operated the mill after his father's death on Aug. 28, 1905. Another son, Jim Thurmond, also ran the mill despite being almost completely blind. The improved water wheel changed the way water flowed over it so more power was generated.

Additional notes from Jane Benson: Monroe Advertiser July 24, 1930 THURMOND GRAIN AND FEED MILL IN OPERATION The Thurmond grain mill, long known and patronized by the people of this section, has recently been improved and is now in operation. The products of the mill consist of flour, meal and graham flour and each is of the best grade that can be obtained, as those who have enjoyed the use of these products can testify. Dr. Thos. D. Thurmond has enlarged has enlarged the plant this year by the addition of a feed mill which brings to the farmers of this section the advantage of a modern plant where their feedstuff may be converted into the forms best suited for the effective and economical feeding of cattle and stock. It thus becomes unnecessary for the people who raise feed to go to the extra expense of purchasing that which has been manufactured away from home.

Flovilla & Indian Springs Railway

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