Early History of Polk County, Georgia

Multi Part Series From the 1875 and 1876 Cedartown Standard Newspaper

June 26, 1875

Transcribed by Debra Tumlin. We owe her a big thanks for her efforts.

THE RECORD

CEDARTOWN, GA, JUNE 26, 1875

Early History of Polk County

BY ONE OF THE FIRST SETTLERS

Continued

Upon the map of a large county like Paulding originally was, you need not expect to see a distinct exhibition of every hill, dale, and valley. An attempt at such ___ would defeat the design of geographical distinctness. The most interesting and prominent objects only can be sketched, and if this is performed with judgment and accuracy, every reasonable expectation is satisfied. so upon the map of Polk county, which is the object of this communication, which is to e held up to public view, and to be criticized by those who know as much and perhaps more, than the writer. You must only look for the most prominent incidents. I would be glad to give the name, character, and political status of every prominent man from 1832 to this date, but it would take a longer life and better mind to scan everything; in fact but about five or six persons live in this county now who were here as far back as 1833. I have no one to assist me in getting up information, and rely solely on my memory, and I was quite young at that time. I must not forget an old scar worn veteran who fought, bled, and died in the trying days of the Pony Club, Jonathan Long, who done gallant service. He was good on a chase, and never failed to bark when he treed, while many other men were good in a chase, but failed to bark. He treed an old fox in the shape of a Wright, and caught him, but he was very hard to handle. They had it up and down, over and under, buckle and tongue, and finally the other foxes pitched on him, all going for Jonathan, over the head and eyes, back and front, and the result was, Jonathan came out only second best and badly hurt. Nothing daunted, he was soon up and ready for another chance. He was ready to denounce wrong and defend the right, contending strictly for his own rights, but no more. In politics he was then called a Democrat, but unless he thought a man a gentleman, and he treated him all right, he never got his vote. I most leave Jonathan for the present, but will have something more to say.

I am compelled to make this communication short for the want of a proper recollection of dates and circumstances. A great change has taken place -- the Pony Club has left, good men are coming in, and everything has assumed a new shape - but one difficulty in the country, the Indians. Will get up something better next week.

TO BE CONTINUED

Faithfully transcribed as printed on July 4, 1999. Debra Tumlin

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