Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-10-04
A BLOOD STAINED SITE.
One of The Historic Spots in the
Vicinity of Clark esViiIp

One of the Historic Spots in the
Vicinity OF Clark esvilIr.
Near Gainesville is pointed out the
SPOT where once stood the famous chop
ped oak tree. The spot lies within miles
of the Cherokee line. The gigantic pro-
portions fIhe tree rendered ii conspicn-
Dus aud prominent object, just such
landmark as would serve for meeting
poiSC. The spreading branches Of the
Tree made it a desirable retreat from the
heat Of the day. AS consequence the
trails stretching out from the tree led to
the various Indian VILLAGES.
In later years, when the pale faces be-
gan TO press IN upon The Indians, the lat
lei made many lorays upon the unwel-
come intruders. The old oak tree was the
headquarters from which the red men
started out upon their miestOn of eXter-
mlnatlOn. Back to the same spot thew
came when their work was done to re-
count their adventures and to display
their trophies. The captives were taken
to the same spot, where they We're sub
lected to the most eXcruciatinY torture.
1t was out of these raids that the tree
secured us name. The young braves
were always contentious as To who had
won most scalps, and disputes arose over
the number won By each. One Young
az duNduO W WIG Odh lIcC win MS
Ratchet, made indentatiOns To correspond
with the scalps he had taken. The other
braves adopted his idea, and ever after
the score was thus kept upon the Tree. 1t
was thus known as the Chopped OaG.
When at last the Indians were forced 10
retire, and the tree was included WITHIN
white territory, the spot retained lis char
acter as a station. People passing from
east 10 vest would halt beneR, its shade,
and travellers would haste 10 gain i; ere
Lbe darkness closed in Upon them.
Among those VINO frequently had Occa-
sion TO pass that way was IA wealthy
South Carolinian named Roper, who had
several speculations IN the Western
wilds. On one occasion Roper lett home
with several thousand dollars upon his
person. lie was accompanied by his
sOn-in-law, a man named Ward. The
two passed through to the West. trans
acted their business, and on their return
stopped over night 1t the Chopped Oak.
The two men drank considerably, and
at last fell back In n drunken siupar
Some time during the uigat Roper, VINO
WAS very thirsty, got up aud went down
10 the spring near BY, and laid down 10
lap up the water. As he did so he was
dealt murderous blow on the back of the
bead by Ward, VITO had followed him
stealtblly. The murderer went through
his victims pockets Tor 81 800 and then
hid the body behind 10y.
This took place on Thursday night.
Friday and Saturday paSser> by saw the
team standing under the oak Whenever
they made an attempt to approach it.
they would be driven back by ferOclous
dog. On Sunday the dog seemed to have
lost its ferOcity, and when a Venturesome
neighDor drew near, the do. retreated 10
The spring. When that point was reached
tue dog kept on TO the tree beyond, where,
covered by brush and leaves, the dead
body Of the wagner wac found.
In tue meantime Ward. VINO rode back
10 bis home in South Carolina IN The
greatest haste, called upon Mrs. Roper.
and told her that her husband had sent
him % get the rest OF the money. They
were engaged In an excellent trade. and
the money WAS needed. Mrs. Roper
handed over tho money without hesitation
aud Ward again disappeared.
n time the murder Of Roper became