In 1786, a tract of Georgia Land on Mulberry River near Talasee Shoals in Jackson County was purchased from the Creek Indians. That summer, a few white people came from Effingham County to the site, then called Tishmaugu. The new settlers wished to be friendly with the Indians and, knowing the Creeks were excessively fond of showy trinkets and gay apparel, brought a liberal supply of glittering beads and some remnants of cloth of various colors to trade.
The New Colony
The little colony now consisted of eight brave and determined men, four equally courageous and resolute women, and everyone with a dead shot with the rifle. Richard Easley, Abednego Moore, Josiah Strong, Phelan Lagoon, Joseph Starr, and Edward Belknap were all revolutionary soldiers, fresh from the field of battle.
Talasee Shoals
The following resolution was passed at a meeting called to consider the public welfare:
“RESOLVED FIRST: That this colony shall be known as the Talasee Colony in the State of Georgia and County of Franklin; that in the name of said state, we now take formal possession of that part of its territory lying and being on the north side of Tishmaugu River, to the extent of two miles above and two miles below Talasee Shoals on said river and thence two miles north of it to west and east rock corners placed there to define said boundaries; that we proceed at once to improve the same as time and circumstances may allow, by clearing land, building houses, and, when thought necessary, a substantial fort for our protection. The location was later known as Statham, Georgia.
“SECOND: No person not of good moral character and industrious habits shall become a citizen of this colony; that one proving himself or herself to be unworthy shall be driven away by force, if necessary.
“THIRD: That the land lately purchased from Umausauga, a native resident of this community, beginning at Calamit on the Okoloeo Trail; thence northwest to Talapahoo, on the headwaters of Taurulaboole Creek; thence west to Poganip on the said trail; thence easterly down the trail to the beginning rock corner at Calamit, will not be occupied by any member of this colony until further developments may justify us in doing so; that other emigrants who are peacefully and industriously inclined, have per- mission to settle there at any time and place they may see proper, always provided that they do not trespass upon the claims of the said Umausauga; that in consideration of the price paid for the land whose boundaries are herein given it shall be called Beadland. RICHARD EASLEY, President.
“MRS. LETTY MOORE, Secretary.
“October 20th, 1786.”
It might seem strange that such a large tract of land known as Beadland in Creek Territory should be purchased for a mere fourteen pounds of beads, but such trades among Indian tribes were not isolated in history.
For example, when our forefathers purchased the site of New York from the Indians, the price was a peck of glass beads and brass buttons. All of Chicago was purchased for a pair of old boots!
Source: The Early History of Jackson County, Georgia, from the writings of G. J. N. Wilson.
Genealogy Hints by Jeannette Holland Austin:
- Jackson County was taken from Franklin County, where many Revolutionary War soldiers settled.
- Click on the link below to see the names of testators of old wills, etc., in Jackson County.
- Jackson County Cemetery Records, a book by Jeannette Holland Austin, is available on georgiapioneers.com