The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-06-13
THE STATE OF FRANKLIN.
A Bit of American History Not Much
Written About.
Chicago Post.

A Bit of American History Not Much
Written About.
Chicago Post.
The State OF Franklin once formed in
area, If not in population, an important
part of the Union. 1t had its executive,
cised governmental functions, maintained
respectable militia, fiourished apace, and
then, after a varied experience, completely
disappeared from the 'sisterhood of states"
From historians the State of Franklin has
received scant attention, and to the major
ity of the present generation its identity
mythical as that of PlatoS Atlantis with
the American continent. Yet though Ten
nessee is to-day at Nashville celebrating,
with great eclat, the centennial OF its adj
mission, statehood had in fact existed with
in it's present limits considerably over
hundred years ago.
one desirous of dwelling on the romance
of facts may find much to attract in this
obscure chapter of our national history
A few thousand mountaineers, in a remote
wilderness, infused with the principles
which inspired the revolution, had banded
together and formed a state government or
their own. With John Sewer, an ideal
frontiersman, as the hero. with local self
government as the animating motive, with
a variety of plots and counter-plots to lend
comedy interspersed now and then with
episodes truly tragic, the drama was acted
out amid the scenery fornished by the
mountain regions of Tennessee.
When the American revolution broke out,
what is now the State of Tennessee was an
unorganized, sparsely settled territory. In
I776 its inhabitants, under the leadership of
Captain Sewer, petitioned the North caro-
lima Legislature to be annexed to that
State, in order to contribute their share
toward national independence, AS the eX-
penses of the war bore heavily on the old
North State" her Legislature was only too
glad to divide the burden. The petition
was granted, and what is now Tennessee
formed part of North Carolina until the
close of the revolution. AS il had now be-
come a source of expense rather than help,
the North Carolina Legislature in June,
1884. without consulting those most az
fected, coded to the federal government
the whole annexed territory under the
name of the District of Washington, pro-
vided the government should within two
years signify its assent.
The settlers naturally objecting to such
wholesale disposition of themselves, rose
up in wrath. The manner and conditions
of the cession were repugnant and the peo-
pie felt that they had not only been trlt1ed
with but subjected to two years of anarchy
and disorder Calling a convention IN Au-
gust, 1854, they formed the State OF Frank
lin. The North Carolina Legislature, real
izing it's error. fastened to undo its mis-
take and reannexed the Washington dis
trict." The inhabitants of Franklin re-
jected offers of reconciliation, and Captain
Sewer, though at first inclined to ADVISE
a return of allegiance to North Carolina,
yielded TO an overwhelming public senti-
ment and accepted the governorship of the
new State He was inaugurated at Wa
tauga March /, 1875. Some sort of order
was now established, at least for a time.
n court was CESdlcQ, the IHlillId lhOibhBA4y
reorganized and peace effected with In
dams who had been carrying on a destruc-
tive warfare for quarter of a century.
But peace did not long prevail. Compll-
cations arose which kept the young State
of Franklin in constant turmoil. Con-
gress refused to recognize it and North
Carolina still asserted jurisdictions. reac-
ton, stimulated by disappointed ofhce-seek-
ers, ensued among those who had been
most clamorouS for the new. state. Jeal-
ousy of Sewers success animated his ri
walls, who henceforth sought to make his
into the Franklin and the North Carolina
factions. Elections were held and appoint
ments made under the laws of both States.
Two sets of officers claimed authority, each
multiplying the acts of the other. One fac
ton would steal the public records from
the other. only to be treated in like manner
in turn. The courts were in chaotic con-
dtion. Wills could not be proved, titles per-
fected or justice administered. No taxes
were paid. Marriage performed by officials
of one faction were not recognized by the
other
Still the determined young State fought
for its life 1t exercised even federal power
and authorized the coinage of specie,
though its chief medium of exchange con-
tinued to be the skins of wild animals.
Finally emiSSarieS were sent to the North
Carolina Legislature to make overtures of
peace. The address of Franklins represen-
tative a model of eloquence, fervid
with the rhetoric of the revolutionary era.
But 1t fell upon unheedng ears. No recog-
milton would be made of the rebellious
cut her off without her consent
The last session of the Franklin Legisla-
ture met in September 11S7. That there
was then no intention of surrendering is
evident from one of the acts of the Legis-
lature. which has been preserved and which
is interesting as an example of primitive
financiering. The law is as follows:
Be it enacted by the General Assembly
of the State of Franklin, and it is hereby
enacted by the authority of the same: That
from the first day of January, 1888, the sal
aries of the officers of this commonwealth
be as follows, to-Wit:
His eXcellency, the Governor, per annum
l. GOO deerskins.
His honor, the chief justice. 500 deerskins.
The secretary TO his eXcelency, the Gov
ernor, 500 raccoon skins.
The treasurer of the State, 450 raccoon
skins.
Each county clerk, 800 beaver skins.
Clerk of the House of Commons, 200 rae
coon skins.
Member of the Assembly, per diem, three
raccoon skins.
Justices fee for signing a warrant. one
muskrat skin.
To constable for serving a warrant one
mink skin.
Enacted into a law the 18th day of Octo-
Der. 1877. under the great seal of the State.
Meantime, Governor Caswell. of North
Carolina, issued his proclamation declaring
the government of Franklin Illegal. stig-
matiZing its officers and adherents as reb-
els and demanding surrender ana acknowl-
edgment of the authority of North Caro-
lima The Franklinites refused. and it was
only when forced by superior number of
troops that they yielded. The State ended
its short-lived career with a sort of judi
clal 1afCe. sewer. or course. was arrested
and prosecuted. During the proceedings an
ardent Franklinite rushed into the presence
of the court and dramatically referred to
the popular idol then on trial In the up
roar that followed Sewer walked out of the
courtroom and was not again molested.
Years afterward he was elected first Gov
ernor of Tennessee.
The State of Franklin was obliterated its
territory forming part of North Carolina
once more. until 1880. when. under the name
of the District of Washington, ii was ceded
TO the federal government June l. 1896
1t was duly admitted TO the Union The
Nashville exposition is a fit expression of
its achievements during the century that
has interviewed.
Mortality.