George's Creek to Georgia

By Barbara Dumas Ballew

This novel tells the story of four generations of author, Barbara Dumas Ballew’s, pioneer family who loved and lived through some of the toughest times in the history of our country. Most of the facts contained in this book were true people, dates, and places. The story takes you through a period of time from 1795 to 1880 and ties in events that were happening in the United States at that time. Let your imagination take you back to these times and enjoy their experiences of good times and bad through the eyes of this family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbara Dumas Ballew
• Release date: Sep 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301416356

Barbara Dumas Ballew

After doing research on my family history for more than twenty years, I knew I had a story. I wrote and published my first novel, "George's Creek to Georgia", about my ancestors from 1790 until 1880. Since then, I have penned an additional nine books, four are chapter books for young readers. One of them, "Little Man: A Little Girl's Dream", is being used in reading classes and the libraries in the Mesquite, TX, elementary schools. I love writing!! It brings back so many memories of things from my past, and since my husband is retired, I can spend full time on it. I do business with Createspace.com which is a POD subsidiary of Amazon. It gives me so much more control over my work and my pricing. I can publish within a month after completion and my previous publisher could only do one book per year. I hope you like my style. It seems to fit my time periods nicely.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The sky was bright blue, and he could hear the crows over on the next ridge causing a ruckus. The crows were so persistent that Elijah thought there must be a red-tail hawk in the area. As his eyes searched above the treetops trying to get a glimpse of the invading hawk, Elijah thought, They’ll chase that rascal out of their territory, especially if they have nestlings. However, try as he might, the trees were too tall for him to get a clear view. He gave up the search and resumed his thoughts.

He was sitting on a mossy log under a big, spreading oak tree. The smell of the damp, rich mold and the rotting leaves that lay on the forest floor filled the air around him.

Climbing these ridges all morning could sure tire a fellow. He had been hunting and had a couple of nice, fat squirrels tied to his belt. They would make a good stew with some carrots, potatoes, and maybe some dumplings.

As he sat there, the young man was a perfect picture of his rugged character. Although not exceedingly tall, he was straight as a stick. His long, dark hair had not been trimmed in several weeks, and it hung down onto his shoulders. His buckskin shirt covered broad shoulders that had seen a lot of farm work. His skin was tanned from being out in the sun so much. The pants he wore were woven from wool and came to the middle of his calves, and underneath were homemade moccasins. A strap of leather was around his waist with a large, bone-handled hunting knife in a deerskin sheath hanging on his right side. As he sat there, he held his musket in his right hand and balanced the butt on his right thigh with the barrel pointing upwards.

Elijah was born and had grown up in these parts. His family had come out of Virginia and settled here in the up-country of South Carolina years ago. At that time it was Indian land, and there were very few white people living in this area. One had to have an adventurous nature to want to make a home in a place like that.

Elijah’s parents had come here as newlyweds. They had followed kin and friends here, as word had come back to Virginia that land was cheap. People said the forests were lush and full of game and the streams had fish leaping in them. Sure enough, it made day-to-day existence easier for folks who settled here.

Elijah’s papa believed in hard work, and he was getting to the age when he appreciated what his papa had taught him. Papa wanted his sons to know how to run a farm of their own. He had always instilled in the Barnett children a love for the good Lord, life, and all that had been laid before them in this world. They had grown up in the church and were always taught to listen to the voice deep within. Things always happen for the best. They might not understand the happenings at first, but later they would.

Elijah’s thoughts turned to his brother, Luke. What a good time they had hunting and playing together in these woods as young boys. He could remember the warm summer days working in the fields and then racing to the creek to see who could be the first to feel the cold, fresh water against their sweaty skin. Luke had even taught him how to swim. At an early age, their papa had taught them how to build a good, sturdy fish trap with leather straps and strong sticks.

Luke was a couple of years older and had recently married Margaret Jameson. He had met Margaret at a church social and had been taken with her from the beginning. After the marriage, Margaret’s folks moved to the Pendleton District, South Carolina, and Luke and Margaret moved with them to the new area.

Mr. Jameson had gotten a grant for a large parcel of land in that county. He was planning to attempt to sell off acreage, hoping people would settle on the new land. Luke had told Elijah it was a good location, as it was only a few miles out of Pickensville, South Carolina.

There hadn’t been any word from Luke or the Jamesons since they had moved. Although they had only been gone a few months, he and Luke had been really close growing up, and Elijah was getting a hankering to see the two of them. It would be a big trip for him, as he had never been that far from home and it was a two-day trip on horseback. He would have to convince his mama that he would be fine traveling alone.

Elijah noticed the crows had quieted down and decided they must have chased the hawk away. He had been sitting deep in thought much longer than he had intended. He decided he had better go home and get those squirrels dressed if mama was going to make them into stew for supper.

****

When he stepped up on the porch, he could hear his mama singing a hymn. Singing was one of her favorite things to do while she was working. When he walked in, she was standing at the table with a pan of water washing some dishes. Her hair was back in a bun and an apron was draped around her middle. She was short, and the hard work she had done all of her life showed in her face.

I’ve got some nice squirrels for supper, and I’ll get ’em dressed and ready for you to cook. He headed for the woods where he could skin the squirrels and get rid of the waste parts. As he walked out, Brown Dog came out from under the porch and followed right in behind him, no doubt hoping to get some scraps. Elijah turned and hollered, Git! and Brown Dog turned, tucked his tail, and headed back to his resting place under the porch.

Elijah dressed the squirrels, buried the entrails in a hole, and put the skins in the barn for tanning. He carried the squirrels back to the house for mama to cook for supper.

The family took their usual seats at the supper table. Elijah sat next to his younger brother on the side of the table opposite his three younger sisters. Papa took his seat at the head of the table, and mama took the other end next to the cook stove.

After papa said the supper prayer, they dished out the food and began to eat. Mama was known throughout the community for her skill at making squirrel dumplings, and they were a great change after so much pork. Pork was considered to be the staple meat, as it was easy to raise, preserve, store, and was the only source for lard.

Papa took his second helping. Your dumplings are especially good tonight. You got the seasoning just right.

Thank you. I cooked a dried sage leaf in with them. I’m glad you like them.

As they ate, Elijah raised the subject about making a trip to visit Luke and Margaret. I’ve been thinking about Luke today and wondering how he and Margaret are doing. What would you think about me making a trip to see them?

Papa pushed back from the table. It’s a long way, and you’ve never been that far by yourself. Are you sure you’re up to it?

Luke told me it’d be just one night on the trail. I know I could find a good place to stay the night. I’d be careful and I’m sure I’d be all right. Besides, there’ll probably never be a better time.

Mama couldn’t resist getting in on the conversation. I’ve got some things I’d like for you to take to them. Plus, I’m ready for some news from them.

They started talking about what news they would like Luke to know, so he took that to mean he had their blessings to make the trip.

****

Elijah lay in his bed that night making plans for what he would need to take with him. He would be gone for about two weeks. First off, he didn’t know exactly how to get there, so papa would need to help him decide just what roads to take. Luke had given some directions before he left, and he and papa could go over it in the morning. The excitement would have to wait as sleep finally came.

****

The next morning, Elijah busied himself helping with the chores and putting together his pack of things to take. After chores, he and papa sat on the porch and had a nice talk.

You know you’ll need to be on the lookout for Indians. Sometimes little bands of them attack and rob a man alone.

I don’t expect to have any trouble along the trail. I’ll probably have more to fear from the bears than the Indians. Surely I’ll meet more travelers on the road. I’ll be okay.

As they sat there, Elijah looked at his papa and noticed how old he was getting. His hair was gray, what there was of it, for it had receded from the front and was only left around the sides. His face was wrinkled and extremely tanned, almost dark. The years of hard work showed in his face and on his scarred hands and arms. Yet, from his movements, one would never know his age.

His mind was keen, as he and Elijah remembered what landmarks to watch for to get to Luke’s place. Neither of them could read or write, but Elijah made a picturegram of what landmarks to look for on the trail. He would be leaving on his journey the next morning.

****

The excitement was growing within Elijah. He wanted to get an early start, so right after breakfast he saddled Pete. He tied a rolled pack of clothing behind his saddle.

I’ve packed some dried meat and some other things for you and put them in your knapsack.

Don’t forget what we talked about--the Indians and wild animals. You take care of yourself. The whole family gathered on the front porch to say their good-byes. Elijah mounted Pete, laid his flintlock across his lap, and rode off down the road. There was nothing for his family to do but go about their daily chores and wonder how far down the road Elijah was and if he was all right.

Chapter 2

This was a new experience for Elijah. This was the first time he had been on his own, and it was an exhilarating feeling—at first. But sometimes the road turned into nothing more than a two-rut trail, and he began to be a little apprehensive. He wondered if he had taken a wrong turn. Was he going in the right direction? A feeling of loneliness began to come over him. He had no one to ask if he was on the right trail or not.

Fortunately, the feeling only lasted for a little while, as he soon saw a horseman traveling in the opposite direction. Elijah was relieved. After greeting the stranger, Elijah said, I’m on my way to visit my brother and his wife near Pickensville. I’m beginning to think I might be lost. Am I headed in the right direction?

You’re headed right, but you’ve got a long way to go. Good luck on your travels, and the stranger rode on.

Occasionally Elijah would stop to rest and to let his horse graze a bit or get a drink of water out of one of the streams. The day was filled with new sights for him, and time passed fairly quickly. He saw a lot of wildlife—turkey, deer, and even a glimpse of a black bear.

A picturesque creek had paralleled the road for a few miles now, and this was probably attracting the wildlife. As he rode along, Elijah noticed it had gotten wider and was flowing a little faster.

He was deep in thought when he heard anguished cries for help coming from the direction of the creek. He turned Pete in that direction and slapped him on the neck with the reins to hurry him up. The cries were getting louder as he neared the creek, and he could see a young boy clinging to a rock that rose from the water in the middle of the creek.

Elijah quickly jumped down off Pete’s back and ran to the creek bank. He shouted to the boy, Hold on, I’m coming to help.

The water looked to be about waist deep, and Elijah didn’t hesitate to jump in. The creek was clear and had a rocky bottom, but it was flowing fast. It was hard for Elijah to keep his legs under him, but he knew if he didn’t he would be swept farther downstream.

As Elijah was making his way toward the boy, his feet sometimes slip on a slick rock. Once, he stepped in a hole, and the water was almost up to his shoulders. Elijah was trying to position himself just a few feet downstream from the boy. The water was swirling around the rock, and he didn’t want to chance getting in the swirl. When he battled his way nearer, he untied his leather belt and shouted to the boy, Grab my belt, wrap it around your wrist, and hold on.

It took two throws before the boy caught the end of Elijah’s belt. Elijah, with all the strength he could summon, pulled the boy across the stream toward him. He reached and grabbed the lad in his arms. Then he turned and began to make his way back to the bank while clinging to the young boy.

As they reached the shallow water and the boy could get his footing, Elijah helped him up on the bank. They both were exhausted and sat for a moment to catch their breaths. The first words the boy spoke were, Mister, you saved my life.

It was lucky that I happened along and had the strength to do it. This was the first chance that Elijah had to observe the youngster. He was a cotton-headed, stocky kid, and Elijah guessed his age at about eleven or twelve years.

Elijah saw the boy shiver, either from fright or having been in the cold water for so long. He got a blanket from behind his saddle and wrapped it around the boy’s shoulders. I’m Elijah Barnett, and what’s your name?

The boy, still excited, began to speak so rapidly it was hard for Elijah to understand all he was saying. I’m Ben Taylor, and I live not far from here. I was fishing and climbed down the bank to put a fish on my stringer. Before I could even untie it from the stake where I had it tied, my feet slipped and I hit the water. I lost that last fish and couldn’t stand up before the water began to sweep me downstream. I tried to swim, but I couldn’t because the water was carrying me too fast. All I could do was try to hold my head up and get a breath. I managed to catch that rock as I went by, but I don’t know how long I could’ve hung on. I was gettin’ mighty tired. Thank ya, thank ya, Mister Elijah.

Elijah picked up his leather belt and realized it was not quite as heavy as usual. He checked his scabbard and realized it was empty. He instantly knew his bone-handled knife was missing and must be in the creek. He looked at the water and quickly decided he was not going back in the creek to look for it. It was hard for him to think about his knife for he had made it when he was a young boy. His father had helped him, and now it was gone forever. He didn’t mention it to Ben, as he didn’t want the boy to feel badly about it.

If you’ll hop on Pete, we can ride double and I’ll take you home. I know you’re probably too tired to walk.

I still have a big mess of fish on that stringer back up the creek. If we can get ’em, you can stay and have supper with us. I’m sure my mama will be glad to cook ’em for us.

When Ben mentioned supper, it did occur to Elijah that the sun was getting lower in the sky. He mounted Pete and held a hand down to help Ben up on Pete. They started back upstream to find the stringer of fish. Ben recognized the spot where he had been fishing and told Elijah the fish were right down there.

Hop down, and I’ll get off and get the stringer.

The bank was somewhat slick, but Elijah managed to untie the fish and make his way back up the creek bank. He handed Ben the fish to hold while he mounted Pete again. He helped Ben mount up behind him.

Now, if you’ll show me where you live, we’ll get you home.

As they rode up in front of the Taylor cabin, they could see Mr. Taylor out in the garden. Mr. Taylor looked up and came to see who was bringing Ben home. When Mr. Taylor got closer, he could see the clothing of both the man and Ben was wet.

Did you have trouble? Mr. Taylor asked Ben.

Mister Elijah here saved my life, Pa. I slid in the creek and it was washing me away. I hung on to a rock as long as I could, and I was lucky Mister Elijah came along and fished me out.

Mr. Taylor hugged Ben. I’ve told you to be careful off by yourself like that. He thanked Elijah for helping his boy. Sometimes they just don’t realize the danger of rushing water.

Elijah introduced himself to Mr. Taylor and told him that he was traveling to visit his brother and family near Pickensville.

I’ve asked him to eat supper with us, Pa.

You better go get those fish cleaned then.

If you’ll get me a knife too, I’ll help you clean them, Ben, Elijah added.

I’ll get you one and meet you out back of the cabin. There are some good stumps there to clean the fish on.

Ben went into the cabin to get the knives and to tell his mama what had happened to him.

Mr. Taylor and Elijah stood talking for a few minutes, as Mr. Taylor seemed to want to hear more about the incident. Ben’s papa thanked Elijah once again and said he better take some more wood into the kitchen for cooking. Elijah walked toward the back of the cabin.

As Ben came out the back door, his mama and little sister followed him. Mrs. Taylor went over to meet Elijah. As they spoke, Elijah could see a timid little girl peeping out from behind her mama’s skirt. Elijah judged the little girl to be about four years old.

That’s my ma and my sister, Lucy. Lucy smiled but ducked back behind her mama. Elijah speculated that sooner or later she would become friendly.

Ben had gotten two sharp knives for cleaning the fish. He motioned Elijah toward two big stumps at the edge of the yard and put a pile of fish on each stump. They talked while they cleaned the fish.

We moved from Anson County, North Carolina, a year or so ago. I like it here, but I wish it was nearer a town. Not many people come by with us livin’ way out here. Every once in a while a rider’ll find us, or the circuit preacher comes by two or three times a year. The preacher usually spends the night when he comes by.

Elijah could detect a bit of loneliness in the conversation. I bet it’s hard on a fellow living way out here. It won’t be long until you’ll be able to go into town on your own, so that’ll make it better. My papa taught me how to run a farm. Aren’t you learning that? I bet you’ll have one of your own in just a few years.

I guess you’re right, but it’s still lonesome, and time goes by slow.

When the fish were all cleaned, they took them into the house for Mrs. Taylor to cook for supper. She washed the fish in a big pan of water. She had built up the coals in the fireplace and put the fish on a rack over the fire to let them smoke and sizzle until they were done. She also had boiled up a pot of greens and potatoes. The food smelled good and Elijah was hungry—a combination that was hard to beat.

As they ate, Mr. Taylor asked Elijah, Where do you plan on spending the night?

I don’t have any plans as of now.

You’re welcome to bed down in our barn if you like. There’s a pile of hay that you should be comfortable on. And there’s some oats for your horse. This was a welcomed invitation for Elijah, and he quickly accepted.

The conversation continued with Mr. Taylor telling of their trip from North Carolina. We didn’t see any Indians, but the trail was so rough that a wheel on our cart came off. We had to unload the cart ’cause it was so heavy we couldn’t lift it. I greased the wheel and put it back on. I always carry tools for repairs; however, it cost us a good half-day’s time.

Yes, sir. It’s really tough when you have to make repairs out on the trail. Good thing you had the right tools with you. My papa kept warning me about running into Indians, but I didn’t see a one on the trail either. This is the first time I’ve been on a long trail by myself. I’m on my way to visit my brother, Luke, and his wife near Pickensville. I guess it was natural for my folks to be worried about me. Have you ever been to Pickensville?

No, can’t say as I’ve ever been that far west.

As the conversation died down, Elijah realized that he was fortunate the Taylors had asked him to spend the night with them. Before he went to the barn for the night, he thanked Mrs. Taylor for the wonderful meal and thanked both for the warm hospitality they had given him.

Elijah fed and bedded down his horse for the night. He found the big pile of hay and laid down. He thought of the Taylors again. They were really nice people, and it would be good to have a safe place to sleep on his return trip home if they didn’t mind.

Early the next morning, Ben came out to the barn and told Elijah to come to breakfast. After a quick breakfast, Elijah went to the barn to saddle Pete and get him ready for the day’s trip. Mrs. Taylor sent Ben out to the barn with some johnnycake, a bit of ham, and a cold baked sweet potato for Elijah’s dinner.

Thanks for the grub. It’ll sure taste good by noontime.

When Elijah said good-bye, the family invited him to stop by on his way back home. They were so thankful Elijah had been there to help Ben. They also were always anxious to have someone come by to talk and maybe share the latest news. It could get mighty lonely and quiet in the far reaches of these woods. This was the invitation Elijah was hoping for, as their barn was a fairly safe, dry place to spend a night.

Chapter 3

As he rode off down the trail that morning, he remembered what Luke had told him about Mr. Jameson’s parcels of land. Luke had said it was fertile with water, trees, and lots of flat farming land. The new land was on George’s Creek, and he had shown Elijah and papa a crude map that someone had drawn showing how to get to it.

Elijah thought, A hand-drawn map really doesn’t show you what the land looks like. He tried to visualize what the homestead might appear and what kind of crops the fertile land would grow. He wondered how big their cabin was. Did they have a barn yet? There were so many unanswered questions that he could hardly wait to get there and see it for himself.

The second day’s travel was uneventful. Elijah hoped this trip wouldn’t be too much of a surprise to Luke and Margaret since they wouldn’t be expecting him, but he was sure they would be glad to see him.

Luke had told him to stay on the road from Pumpkintown to Pickensville, and Elijah was sure he was getting near. He had just passed the little log church Luke had told him to watch for, and Luke’s place would not be far beyond—just off of the main road. He needed to turn left on a trail about a mile down from that church. There was the big, sweet gum tree that was supposed to mark the turn to the trail to Luke’s house. He made the turn, and, not too far down the trail, he saw a log cabin among the trees. This had to be Luke and Margaret’s place.

It was a beautiful location, with the cabin facing the incoming trail. As he rode up, he saw a fast-flowing stream running parallel to the trail. Off in the distance he could get glimpses of how the land rose and fell into rolling hills. Lots of trees outlined the property. There were several outbuildings and a barn, and Elijah knew there had to be a garden, although he could not see it from the trail.

As he was getting off his horse, he heard a shout, and about that time Luke was bounding down the front steps. At the same time he called to Margaret to come see who was here. Luke was giving Elijah a big bear hug when Margaret came out the front door saying, It’s my turn for a hug.

When they finally let go, Luke said, Let’s get your horse unsaddled and in the pasture.

It had been a good trip, and Elijah was glad he had been there to help Ben. He felt it was a real accomplishment to have traveled that distance alone, but it was a relief to finally be here. It was great to see Luke with a nice home. He could tell they had been busy since they had moved. He thought their folks would be pleased to hear how comfortable things were at Luke’s new place.

The cabin was larger than Elijah had imagined. There was one big room for sitting, eating, and cooking. Elijah was especially taken with their front door. It was made in two sections, so one could open just one section at a time. The top could be opened to let fresh air and light in and yet leave the bottom half closed and latched.

There was a large rock fireplace and chimney with a musket hanging over the mantel. At the other end were narrow stairs going up to a loft. Luke had built their bedroom at that end of the house, under the loft. It was obvious that Luke and Margaret were planning ahead for children.

While visiting, Elijah would sleep in the loft. He hoped that the bed would be as soft as the hay he slept on at the Taylors—probably not, so he had brought along a deerskin just in case.

They ate supper before dark while there was still light. Candles were at a premium, and they were only burned when it was necessary. After supper and dishes were washed and put away, they sat on the front porch and visited.

It had been several months since Luke had heard from his parents, and he was anxious to hear everything that had happened.

Mama, papa, and all the family are fine and send their love. All of us have sure missed you. The folks worry about you and Margaret being way off out here.

Luke knew they missed him. He missed them also, and he wanted to see them all. His younger brother and his sisters must be growing up fast. How is the farm doing? Did papa get the second well dug yet? What’s mama been doing?

Whoa, just one question at a time. The farm is doing great and the crops are good. Yes, papa got the well dug. It’s very good water and plenty of it. One of papa’s cows has a new heifer calf. Mama’s been drying fruit. I think she sent you some. She’s also been drying some of the herbs out of the garden.

Well, how’re the neighbors doing?