The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1921-07-20


man in the territory now embraced
within the boundary lines Of the old
county. 1t must have been crude
building, constructed without nails,
glass or boards. Most probably it
was a crude pen of logs covered with
boards rived from the giant oaks, with
long poles laid the entire length of the
roof on top Of the boards t0 hold them
In place Oak pins were used where
nails have, since that date, become
necessary. 1t is fact that all nails
used late as the Revolution Of 76
were made by hand in blacksmith
shops. The floor Of the cabin was
doubtless made of large logs split in
the center and the split surface hew-
ed smooth. These punchcons were
notched down on the under side Of the
sleepers, making floor as substantial
as could be constructed with timber.
One end sought in the cabins Of these
early settlers was to make them secure
against the attacks Of the Indians.
John Duncan may have cut PORTFOLIOS
through the great logs through which
he might fire his trusty rifle IL neces-
sary to defend his home.
This pioneer settled Oh tributary
OF ltnOree, in what is now Jacks town
ship. and the creek on which he built
his cabin afterward took his name.
~ nj
made certainly not later than l775.
Having no neighbors it is said a very
friendly black bear paid him Il social
visit one day soon after he had built
his cabin The bear walked in un-
heraldcd, viewed the surroundings
for few minutes and then beat a
hasty retreat. The woods were then
full Of these animals and doubtless
bruins curiosity was aroused by so
strange sight as settlers cabin.
and therefore determined to invcsti-
gate it.
This isolated Pennsylvania Irish
man could not long have enjoyed the
distinctio Of dwelling alone in the
forest. for Logan says that Robert
Long was among the first settlers OF
the county and that he likewise lived
on Duncans creek. long was doubt
less a carpenter. for the authority
whim | have just quoted, says, Rob
crt Long, one OF the first settlers Of
Duncan's Creek. in the vicinity Of the
Old Church, was one winters night
returning home through the swamp
with several carpenters tools on his
shoulder, when he heard behind him
the familiar howl OF a pack OF wolves
hunting in a body for their prey.
| MDprehcnding his danger he quickly
threw down his tools and setting off, >"
it is not said how fast, did not cease
to run until he found himself safe
| within the door OF his house" Though
Logan does not say so it is most prob
able that, contrary to we'll established
| southern custom, he closed the door
quickly behind him. Such exper-
fences were not uncommon with the
earliest settlers. Two distinct species
Of the Wolf were found in the forests
Of Upper Carolina. the black and the
most highly priced by the CherokceS
because of its warm FUR The gray
wolf was more vicious, ficrccr and
| harder. They made their denS under
the great rocks protruding from the
hillsidcs and became very trouble
some to the settlers. fcasting in the
winter on their hCgS and cattle. The
wolves. however, were rapidly cXter-
minated when the settlers began to
multiply. The government at Charles
ton in 1896, 1900 and l7SG enacted laws
looking to the destruction OF the wolf
and other wild animals. Bounties
were paid for their skins. The Cher
okec Indians also cherished an invet-
! crate hatred for. and racial con
tempt for the wolf. not only because
Of its cowardicc, but because it was
one Of the greatest enemies to their
favoritc wild animal the deer The
hate which the Cherokces cherished
for the wolf is cnshrined in their an
cicnt war-whoop, Echa hero. inlay
the wolf"
These rapacious animals gathered
in great packs in winter when food be.
came scarce and ran down any ami
NAL or even man, whose trail they
scented. If the prey was so unfortu-