The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1894-03-20
STIRRING STORIES.
INTERESTING INCIDENTS ABOUI
OLD LIBERTY COUNTY,
Tie Midway Society Holds Its Yearly Ceie-
bration at the Place Where Geor-
gia's Civilization was Born.
Last Wednesday was great day down IN

ance stors-those old fellows who frst start
ed the ball of civilization a-rolling here
in Georgia.
And they will meet on the most historic
soil in the state, for right there under the
big oak grove where, last "Wednesday the
barbecue in all its fragrant glory was
spread, transpired some of the most thrill
ing events of the revolution and that very
church in which the school boy will apostro-
phize the shades of his forefathers was
reared by hands which helped to wrest
American liberty from the grasp of the
Briton.
The old cemetery is there too, near by
Midway church. Some of the tombstones
still stand, silent reminders of what used
to be. The tooth of time has gnawed OIL
many of the inscriptions and all Of them
are moss covered and decayed but once
year the people of Liberty gather there
and point out with patriotic pride the graves
of their great progentors.
There they indulge in legend and lore,
rehashng tales and traditions which have
been handed down even to the third ana
fourth generation-tales which make the
youngsters listen with wide-eyed wonder
ment and over which the gray boards
chuckle just if they had never heard
them before.
The story of SaIette.
There is the story of Salette, the Rob
| Georgia.
ter is scarcely known outside Oh Liberty,
but his deeds of valor and reckless daring
are held up to the children down there
and any of them can tell you about him
Robert Salette was chiefly distinguished
for his opposition to the tories 1t is not
| known with certainty to what particular
command he belonged He appears to have
cen a sort of rowing character, dong
rings his own way. The tories stood very
uch in dread of him, we'll they might,
tl.aNy had mo ff,-T
On one occasion a tory who possessed
uch property offered a reward of one
lndred guneas to any one who would bring
him Salette's head.
Salette heard of it. He got a bag, put
big pumpkin in it and started out fol
e home of the tory Walking in, he said
at he had understood that big re-
ard had been offered for Salette's head;
1T he had it with him in the bag and
7, ut he was ready to give it up provided
e money was first counted out The
ny believing that the bag really contained
lette's head, laid down the money, upon
hich Salette pulled off his hat, and, plac-
his hand on his head, said: Here, sir,
the head of Robert Salette.'
The tory took to his hells, but sho from
iette brought him to the ground.
ere are other tales # this wonderful
w. Once Salette and Andrew Walthour,
Sc descendants still live in Liberty,
some others, were the advance guard
he American army, and, meeting with
advance of the British sharp skirm-
took place. In the skrmish a large
Der of the British was killed. Noticing
of boots upon the feet of a dying
Salette resolved to possess them.
pulling them off while his COM
ere hallooing to him to leave, as
IN imminent danger, but he an
cave me alone. l must have
] want them for my cousin.
Way"
Sale%te that it was frequently
Ito leave the American army
,,.r.t battle, get around to the rear
of Tao pemy and kill many of them be-
fore he was discovered.
One day he dressed himself in British
uniform, dned with party of the enemy
and while the toasting and drinking was
going on, suddenly drew his sword, killed
the right and left hand man, sprang upon
his horse without having time to throw
the bride over his neck and rode off at
gallop amidst the fire of his pursuers. There
are other stories about this wonderful man.
equally as graphic.
General Screven n Peucemaltcr.
About Major John Jones there are many
stories in old Liberty. No Drawer soldier
was known than he. Here is little Incl
dent which has been handed down about
Inn and authenticated in Whites Georgia
Collections"
Upon one occasion Major Jones and Col
onel William Baker disagreed and chal-
lenges passed. They We're to fight in uni
form, on horseback and with broad swords
The morning came and the appointed hour
found them upon the ground when Gener-
al James Screven. who was killed shortly
after, unexpectedly presented himself be-
fore them He well knew their courage
and settled determination. Approaching,
he said: My friends and companions in
arms! Can It be when your country is
bleeding at every pore and needs the sup
port of her sons in her defense, that you
are about to sacrifice your lives to feelings
e al
cannot extend to each other the hand of
confidence and friendship D. your country's
sake, do not destroy each others lives"
The appeal was heard. The drawn swords
were returned to their scabbards and they
lived to die for their country.
Major Jones killed afterwards in a
charge led by Count d'Estaing.
And thus incident after incident could be
told of these old fellows who rocked the
cradle of Georgia civilization
Next Wednesday they will all be told and
retold there under the rottng rafters of
Old Midway church.
State School Commissioner Bradwell and
countless other distinguished c. men came
from old Liberty. The other day, Captain
Bradwell growing reminiscent talked inter
estingly about the place and it's people
He told something also about DR.. Samuel
| Talmage of much interest.
Some Interesting "Reminiscences.
Il am proud to be-" he said, "a native of
that old historical county, as was my father
| and grandfather before me; and while
! cannot say about many events which have
| transpired there quorum pars fu, yet many
| things which are not written have come
down to me by tradition.
1T is well known that the name of the
| county owes its origin to the active part
| taken by the early settlers in behalf of the
| independence and liberty of the colony of
| Georgia. Lyman Hall and Button Gwn-
| nette lived here and George Walton presided
| over the first superior court which ever
| assembled in Liberty county. All the
| signers are thus identified with the parish
| of st. Johns and the county of Liberty.
| "Old Midway church is, perhaps, the most
| historical spot in he state. Many distin-
| guished men have been sent out from it's
portals, and many. equally distinguished.
rest in the cemetery near by.
| THE members of the Midway Society
| still keep up an annual reunion, and next
| Wednesday many of the former residents
| as we'll those who are living in the coun-
| ty will repair to this Mecca.
| But" continued Captain Bradwell, 81
! started to tell you something of the cele-
| brated educator of Liberty county, Rev.
| William McWhir-not that. can recollect
| much about him. but l have heard many
things about him from my father, upon
| whose shoulders his mantle as teacher fell
| and from Rev. John Jones, who recently
| harn t1ap f,,I ,f1