DISCLAIMER: This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locations, with the exception of historical persons and events, is entirely coincidental.

© 2010 George D. N. Coletti, Third Edition Revised

All rights reserved. No part of this book or supplemental CD may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher.

Summary: This historical novel, set in the little hamlet of Stone Mountain, Georgia, occurs just before, during and after the Civil War. The story revolves around a fictitious family, the Jernigans, and abruptly ends on July 4, 1865.

Cover Art: Wilbur Kurtz with permission from the Stone Mountain Memorial Association, Curtis Branscome, CEO.

Inside Front and Back Covers: Repinted with permission from Stone Mountain Memorial Association and Curtis Branscome, CEO.

Interior Photographs and Maps: Used by permission from the individual artists, photographers or owner of each image.

Cover Design: Julia Amirzadov

Interior Design: Julia Amirzadov

Editors: Charlie Hooper and Pamela Kohn (Third Edition revisions)

ISBN—Book: 978-0-615-53669-9

ISBN—Supplemental CD: 978-0-615-53670-5

To purchase Supplemental CD, visit www.TheGraniteSentinel.com.

Printed in China

Publisher: The Granite Sentinel Press, Stone Mountain, Georgia

This book is dedicated to the seventy known Confederate Veterans and the approximately two hundred fifty-nine unknown Confederate Soldiers and possible Union Soldiers buried in the City of Stone Mountain Cemetery.¹

contents

Part I

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

FICTICIOUS CHARACTERS

INFORMATIONAL

POEM BY LUCIAN LAMAR KNIGHT

PROLOGUE

1.   APRIL 16, 1852

2.   MEET THE NEW SHERIFF—SPRING 1853

3.   FIVE YEARS LATER—A QUEST FOR THE BEST

4.   ENDEARMENT, ADVANCEMENT AND PROGRESS

5.   EMBRACING THE CHALLENGE

6.   HONOR AND TRUST

7.   EMOTIONS REIGN—NOVEMBER 1860

8.   JOE BROWN DRAWS THE SWORD

9.   LOST ON THE MOUNTAIN

10.   THE SABER STRIKES

11.   ADVANCED WEAPON TESTING

12.   A NEW DAWN

13.   A NEST ON THE RIVER

14.   PANIC IN THE STREETS

15.   MEDICINE, SURGERY AND HOPE

16.   BACK IN STONE MOUNTAIN

17.   THE STORK ARRIVES

18.   DELIBERATING GEORGIA

19.   HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEGARE

20.   THE SPIRIT OF MISTLETOE

21.   PLUM PUDDING

22.   HOME TO RECOVER

23.   THE NOBLE AND THE VALIANT

24.   DALTON TO RESACA

25.   DEFIANT GENERALS

26.   IN PURSUIT OF VICTORY IN WAR AND POLITICS

Part II

PROLOGUE

1.   THE MESSENGERS

2.   BRAGG’S DECEIT

3.   SURPRISE

4.   SAVING THE HOSPITALS

5.   THE BATTLE FOR DECATUR

6.   IN DEFENSE OF…

7.   THE FORTUNE OF WAR

8.   COLLEAGUES FOR THE UNION

9.   A FRIEND’S TALE OF WOE

10.   PREPARATION

11.   EYE WITNESS

12.   WITHOUT RESISTANCE

13.   TÊTE-À-TÊTE

14.   PASSING THROUGH

15.   PROUD AND STRONG

16.   AGAINST ALL ODDS

17.   SURRENDER OR DIE

18.   REFLECTIONS

19.   CHRISTMAS 1864

20.   QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

21.   WHAT DO YOU THINK?

22.   POLITICS AND GENERALS

23.   SUDDENLY

24.   HOMEWARD BOUND

25.   IN THE SHADOW OF THE GRANITE SENTINEL

EPILOGUE

ADDENDUM

MAPS APPENDIX

ENDNOTES

acknowledgments

I could not have written this book without the genuine contributions of the following individuals.

My sincere gratitude cannot truly be expressed.

DESIGN AND LAYOUT EDITOR: Julia Amirzadov; ART AND ILLUSTRATIONS: My wife Susan Spickerman Coletti; CIVIL WAR HISTORIANS: Barry Leo Brown, Rusty Hamby, E. J. Seguin; FORMER MANUSCRIPT AND CONTENT EDITORS: Nancy Knight—Chief Editor, Mary F. Belenky, Kelli Watson Coletti, Dr. Wood E. Currens, Charlie Hooper, Pamela Kohn, Doc. Lawrence, Gerald T. Rakestraw, Jackie C. Reid; GULLAH TRANSLATION: Mr. Alfonso Brown, Charleston, SC; MASONIC CONTRIBUTION: James Payne and Charles Nash, Stone Mountain Masonic Lodge: no. 449, Will Simmons—Lithonia Masonic Lodge no. 84; MATERIAL CONTRIBUTIONS INCLUDING COPYRIGHT MATERIAL: Alabama Historical Society, Atlanta History Center, Cathy Colasanto—The Pirate’s House, Curtis Banscome, CEO— Stone Mountain Memorial Association, Bob Cowhig— Stone Mountain Memorial Association, DeKalb History Center—Decatur, GA, Gary Livingston—Cradled In Glory Georgia Military Institute 1851-1865, Robert Niepert—Samuel Moore Diary, Gary Peet—Mayor of Stone Mountain, Professor Craig Symonds—Joseph E. Johnson, A Civil War Biography, Mr. Bill Scaife—March to the Sea Maps, Marietta Museum of History, Morgan County Records Archives, Anne Barnett, MD—Photographs of Congressman & Mrs. Dent, Larry Winslett—Stone Mountain a Walk in the Park, Mary Beth Reed, President—New South Associates.

fictitious characters

Buck and Betty Gail Jernigan

Polly and Norman (Wee-Bean)—The twin children of Buck and Betty Gail

Uncle Isaac and Aunt Sally—Two slaves belonging to the Jernigans

Little Joshua—Son of Polly and Hugh Legare Hill*

Georgie—Nephew to the Jernigans

Elias Mason—Freelance Writer

Buster Phillips—Neighbor of the Jernigans

Joe—Attendant at the Wayside

Richard and Charlotte—Cousins to Congressman Joshua Hill*

Marie, Keaton, Ian, Claire, Matthew, Jordan, Marcelle—Children of Richard and Charlotte

Al, Jemima, Jesse, Tot, Le Roy—Slaves belonging to Richard and Charlotte

Jodi—Social Friend of Charlotte

Katherine Turner—Friend of Congressman and Mrs. Hill*

Katherine Turner’s Children—“Cannon Ball”, Stephen Charles & Christopher Richard

Donald Lilly—Bank President

Dr. Frederick Daniel—Surgeon in Savannah

Jennifer—Niece of Thomas Purse,* Mayor of Savannah

Rooster—Confederate Soldier

Sharon & Beverly—Beautiful Young Maidens

Chip and Allen—Railroad Conductors

Antonio—Restaurant Owner

Jack & Ferry—Soldiers departing Savannah

Robin, Jane, Nan, Linda, Aunt Bess—Good Citizens

Any name resembling a living or dead individual other than the historical individuals listed is purely coincidental. All other names in this historical novel are historical individuals.

* Historical individual

informational

The Confederate army operating in Georgia was:

The Army of Tennessee

The Union armies operating in Georgia were:

The Army of the Tennessee

The Army of the Cumberland

The Army of the Ohio

In order for the reader who is not familiar with the names of individuals connected with either the Confederate or Union forces the writer is using the following table to assist in identifying whether the individual is a Confederate or a Union officer.

Abbreviations for military ranks:

Any rank not accompanied by an individual name can refer to either Confederate or Union. The “Captain” of any civilian ship is simply addressed as “Captain.” When a new character is introduced his absolute rank, i.e. Major-General, Lieutenant General or Brigadier General is first used. Afterwards the form of address will be “General.” For Lieutenant Colonel the form of address will be “Colonel.”

Unit Composition and Strength:

COMPANY: Captain, Two Platoons, 50-100 men

REGIMENT: Colonel, Ten Companies, 400-1000 men

BRIGADE: Brigadier General, Three-Six Regiments

DIVISION: Brigadier or Major General, Two-Four Brigades, 4000-12,000 men

CORPS: Major General or Lt. General, Two-Four Divisions, 25,000-40,000 men

ARMY: Major General or Lt. General, Two or more Corps, 120,000 men

Gray minstrel of the past, but monarch, too,

Of all the country-side, for many a league—

Unmated in thy Jovine gianthood,

A solitary pile, whose shadow vast,

Falls like a benediction upon the plain.²

Part I

prelude to the war

PROLOGUE

When the United States Government was formed, slavery existed in every state in the union. Slavery was distinctly recognized in the Constitution and its legality was reinforced by the Supreme Court’s decision in Dred Scott v. Sanford which stated that slaves were private property, giving owners the right to carry slaves into any part of the United States or her territories. On two separate occasions, Congress enacted legislation regarding fugitive slaves. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 required the return of runaway slaves to their owners; however, it was rarely enforced by northern states, which led to the more direct Fugitive Slave Law of 1850. Under this law, all United States Marshals and other Federal officers were required to aid in the capture and return of a fugitive slave or face penalties. Every Act of Congress and every decision of the Supreme Court had sustained the rights of citizens to own slaves. Additionally, the Senate of the United States adopted a resolution that “all of the states were sovereign and equal,” and that Negro slaves were property. Therefore, Congress had no right to interfere with this kind of property in the territories, and each state had the sole right to legislate on the subject.

In Georgia, the fourth state to ratify the Federal Constitution and enter the Union, there had always been a strong Union sentiment. Conversely, under the leadership of “The Great Calhoun,” South Carolina had resorted to nullification of the Constitution. New England had often threatened secession—first after the election of Thomas Jefferson, again during the War of 1812, and finally over the issue of slavery.³ However Georgia had always set herself sternly against both. In 1850, the contest for governor in which the question of secession played an important part, the people of Georgia elected Howell Cobb, an ex-Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. Cobb defeated a distinguished former governor, Charles J. McDonald, a secessionist, by the largest majority the electorate had ever given any man for governor within the state’s entire history.

When Missouri was admitted into the Union as a slave state in 1820, a compromise measure was adopted. Under the terms of the compromise, all territories or future states north of thirty-six degrees and thirty minutes north latitude should be admitted into the Union as free states. All south of that line came in as either a free or slave state as the people of the territory would determine when the request for admission was submitted. This was an injustice to the South, because Congress, by this Act, assumed a right which had never belonged to it, to-1860wit, the right to legislate on a subject which belonged solely to the states.

It was at this time, because of this concession by the South, that the vexing question of slavery would no longer be a question. But in 1850, when California was finally admitted into the Union with a constitution prohibiting slavery, one-half of her territory being North and the other half being South of thirty-six degrees and thirty minutes, the Missouri Compromise was abrogated. The status of the territories became the same as it was before The Compromise was adopted.

For the sake of peace and harmony, the South once again acquiesced. Four years later when Kansas and Nebraska were seeking admission into the Union, many Southern men had settled and others were settling in Kansas and Nebraska, especially the former. The abolitionists organized and sent into Kansas and Nebraska bands of armed men from the free states to drive the Southerners out. This would prevent the adoption of a state constitution recognizing slavery. A condition of civil war in essence resulted. Through this means, anti-slavery constitutions were adopted and both territories were admitted as free states.

So violent had the hostility to slavery and to the Southern slave owners become that a dozen Northern States enacted “personal liberty laws.” These actions were considered by many to be a violation of the Acts of Congress, the Constitution and the decisions of the Supreme Court of preventing citizens of the South from going with their property into the territories with equal protection as provided by the various federal decisions regarding slavery. This equal protection was to slaveholders and their property as that accorded to citizens of all the other States. The people of the South could only be alarmed at the situation.

The Republican Party and the election of Abraham Lincoln as President in 1860, served to increase the agitation by seemingly trampling upon the Constitution, nullifying the Acts of Congress and defying the Supreme Court. It was not a party of fixed and well-defined principles but rather was believed to be a coalition of several parties and fragments of dead parties organized in its day to combat the principles of the party of Thomas Jefferson. This coalition agreed to nothing, except hostility to the party of Thomas Jefferson and the Southern States, the stronghold of Thomas Jefferson’s influence.

None of these factions was within itself strong enough to be dangerous. However, united as they now were under the leadership of fanatical and unscrupulous partisans, every pronouncement made was a threat, an insult or a denunciation of the South. They became a menace to the peace of the entire country and to the material interest of the Southern States. Another factor in this coalition was a small but militant fragment of the old Federalist Party, aristocrats who favored a strong central government. The Federalist Party had opposed the adoption of the Constitution on the grounds that under it, the powers of the central government were too limited and those of the states were too broad.

The Federalist Party’s leader was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John Marshall. Justice Marshall, by judicial construction, constantly amplified the powers of the Federal Government, and at same time, restricted those of the states.

Another factor in the coalition was the old Abolition or Free-soil Party which had existed since the establishment of the Union. The Free-Soil Party was perhaps more threatening because it was sincere in its fanatical desire to abolish Negro slavery. It had demonstrated that it would stop at nothing to accomplish its goal.

Still, another factor in the coalition was the northern wing of the old Whig Party which believed in protective tariffs and a national bank.

The last and most formidable factor in this coalition was made up of the army of manufacturers located in the middle and eastern states. The shipbuilders and the fishermen had for many decades fattened on subsidies, bounties and protective tariffs, all at the expense of the people of all other sections of the Union. They were not scrupulous about party alignment, but were willing and ready to coalesce with any party which would continue and increase the special privileges they had enjoyed.

The new coalition promised all of this. These factions joined eagerly, or rather were absorbed eagerly by the Republican Party, acceding to all of their demands for centralization of power in the Federal Government, creation of a national bank, granting special privileges to the favored few, and the abolition of Negro slavery. Thus, the coalition became all things to all men, North and East. The coalition arrayed a solid North bound together by sectional prejudice and the cohesive power of public plunder against a solid South, which asked nothing but equal rights in the Union.

The South asked nothing which was not guaranteed to them by the Constitution and continually reinforced by Congressional legislation. They had shown their attachment to the Union by sacrifices and concessions, never appreciated by their adversaries. These adversaries, in the meantime, had been successful in making a solid North, whose object was to deprive the South of equality in the Union and the rights guaranteed to them by the Constitution. So intense had become the hostility of the dominant party to the South and Southern rights and interests that every utterance of its press and of its leaders in the campaign of 1860 was a menace, a threat or an insult to the Southern people. The Southern people had forborne with their fanatical enemies until forbearance had ceased to be a virtue.

For the most part, the five thousand Freedman Negroes who were slave owners in the South were simply darker copies of their white counterparts. To the Negro slave owner, slavery was an oppressive institution only when a beloved relative or trusted friend was a slave. Beyond these feelings, the Negro slave owner had the same feeling and thoughts as the white slave owner; slavery was a profit-making institution. When Negro masters made use of their slaves for business reason, they would encounter similar problems which bewildered the white slave owners. Regardless of the race of the slave master, the oppressive nature of slavery was met with resistance and antagonism from the slaves.

1

APRIL 16, 1852

The sun, rising from behind Stone Mountain bestows a beautiful spring morning on the inhabitants of the village and farms in the area. The perfume of flowers abounds, and the crowing of a rooster saturates the still air. The Jernigans are already busy, beginning their morning chores early in anticipation of a trip to town. Over by the barn, the rabbit box is closed, possibly concealing a successful catch inside. Uncle Isaac, one of the Jernigan slaves, peeks into the rabbit box, looks up, grins and calls out to Wee-Bean, “Mars Norman dis a fat-un!”

A lark darts from a fragrant cedar to an oak sapling, singing merrily. Standing in the front of the house the wagon is full of the last of the winter crops of greens and cabbage, ready for the trip to town. Jack, the pet mule, is harnessed and raring to go. Wee-Bean clatters out of the house and down the steps. He reaches down and pats their brown hound, Charlie, and tosses him a biscuit. His twin sister, Polly, watches as Jack turns his head, swishes his tail and neighs for Wee-Bean to come over. Wee-Bean plucks a fresh clump of tall spring grass and delivers it to Jack’s smacking lips. Betty Gail sits in the wagon, studying the bright and busy scene. She pulls her beautiful auburn hair away from her face, all the time, smiling at the familiar family scenes occurring on their little farm.

“Let’s git. We’re burnin’ daylight,” hollers Buck Jernigan, summoning their children, Polly and Norman, to hurry to the wagon.

Their darkies, Uncle Isaac and his wife Sally, climb into the back and the wagon rumbles off toward town. Jack heads up the hill and along the narrow dew-moistened trail toward the little Village of Stone Mountain.

Although the village is growing because of the newly finished railroad, it is still considered as an insignificant town, consisting only of several churches, a grocery, a grog shop, a tavern, a blacksmith shop, ten pin alleys and a few tumbled-down shanties. Yet this little hamlet stands in full view of the sloping side of the mountain. In contrast, Stone Mountain is home to Stone Mountain Academy, one of the finest education institutions in the state.⁴ Arriving at the academy, Wee-Bean and Polly leap from the wagon.

“We’ll pick you up after Mr. Johnson’s funeral,” Buck calls to his two children. Wee-Bean links up with one of his friends. Just as the bell rings, Polly, her brother Wee-Bean and his friend enter the school looking for their teacher, Miss Martha Tweedle.

“Giddy-up Jack,” commands Buck. The wagon slowly turns as they head toward the depot track crossing. The plaintive sound of the train whistle can be heard in the distance. Peering over the tree tops, he sees the billowing clouds of smoke indicating the distance remaining before the train arrives. The engine rolls into view. “Squeakkkkk,” echo the brakes, which slowly bring the train to a stop. The mail car door opens, and the railroad agent throws the mailbag to the waiting postal clerk.

“Thanks!” The postal clerk shouts as he grabs the bag and climbs onto his buckboard, heading to the post office. In passing, he shouts to the Jernigans, “Good morning to you, Buck. Good morning, Betty Gail.”

“And a good morning to you! It’s a fine day, ain’t it?” Buck replies, offering a friendly wave. Betty Gail nods and smiles.

The engineer jumps from the fuming steam engine as it reaches the water tank. He grabs the handle of the waterspout and slowly lowers it, turning the valve to allow water to flow into the boiler. When the boiler is full, the engineer retracts the large metal nozzle and closes the valve. He climbs back into the engine cab and slightly releases the brakes on the engine, allowing the cattle car to roll where it needs to be. The car’s agent raises his hand indicating to the engineer to prepare to stop. As the cattle car nears the proper alignment with the corral gate, the agent drops his hand. The engineer pulls the brake handle, stopping the cattle car precisely before the corral gate. The railroad agent unlocks the large sliding door. Around thirty head enter the corral. A flatbed rail car loaded with cut granite is parked on a sidetrack waiting to become a part of a southbound train due that afternoon.

“Hey, Buck!” James W. Goldsmith yells. “Can you help me a moment?”

Buck stops the wagon by the depot. “Might can. What do you need?”

“Jesse Lanford bought six heifers, but he isn’t here to claim them. I don’t mind doing it for him, but I need a witness. Would you sign the papers with me?”

“Anything for a neighbor.” Buck takes the pen and signs the document willingly, knowing his neighbors would do the same for him.

Then, the cattle are driven into the corral. Buck hears the conductor shout, “All-aboard!” and watches as a few passengers approach the train. He places the “lady step” down to help board the train. Buck and Betty Gail exchange waves with some friends. In moments the old iron horse chugs out of sight, heading to Decatur and then on to Atlanta.

The Jernigans hurry to the church. Today is a sad day for the village and its residents. One of the town’s founders and a good friend, Andrew Johnson, is to be buried in the afternoon. Betty Gail and some of her friends are going to prepare the family meal to be served after the funeral service. Other families providing food pull their wagons up to the church and begin to unload. Betty Gail, Sally and Isaac unload their contribution. Buck holds the halter of the lead horse while the other takes the fare to the basement of the church, and nods to Betty Gail as she retrieves the last of the vegetables. He takes a seat in the buggy and shifts until he finds a comfortable position. “I’m headed to the blacksmith shop. Jack sorely needs a foot trimming and to be shod. The wagon wheels need greasing, too. I’ll be back in plenty of time for the funeral service.”

“Whoa, Jack.” Buck climbs down and clasps the calloused hand of his old friend, Levi Hambrick, the blacksmith. “Nice seeing you and your wife at the laying out last night, Levi. I’m sorry Betty Gail and I didn’t get to spend more time talking with you. There were a lot of folks there.”

“Yes, so were we. There was a fine turnout there, Buck. We need to get together and have a long talk sometime. I don’t believe anybody had much time to talk with anybody else at length. I know you and the Johnsons are very close friends. I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Yes, we are,” replies Buck. “Our families came from the Carolinas about the same time. My father and Andrew’s father were very close.” He chuckled for the first time since Andrew’s death. “Talk about spinning tall tales, whenever those two gents got together, they could really mystify their listeners with Indian war stories. I’ll pick my mule up after the funeral and will have Isaac get the other horse and buggy we left here yesterday.”

“I should have everything ready in a couple of hours. Instead of having Isaac pick up the buggy, I’ll leave it for you in front of the church.” Levi released Jack from the wagon and looked back at Buck. “Please give my regards to the Johnson family. My wife will be at the funeral but I told the Johnsons I could not make it today.”

“I’ll be sure to do that, Levi.” Buck left his friend and strode the two blocks to the church, focusing on his obligation. This isn’t the way he would have chosen to spend his day. The loss of his good friend weighs heavily on his mind as he hurries the last few steps of his walk.

Around eleven o’clock, the friends of Andrew Johnson begin to gather outside the church. They greet each other somberly and, forming small groups, inevitably begin discussing local matters, and how Andrew has touched nearly everyone in the community. Buck is talking to Lewis Tumlin and Michal Winningham. “Michal, I know you dug the first grave in the new cemetery for the Guess child.⁵ As I remember it, he is supposed to be a descendant of George Guess.”

“You are right. George Guess’s Indian name was Sequoyah. He was the man who wrote the alphabet for the Cherokee Indian Nation.”⁶

“Yeah, exactly right. Did you prepare the grave site for Andrew as well?”

“Preacher asked me if I would do it and I did. Andrew will be buried on his family plot on top of the hill. Mighty purty spot.”

“Yes, Betty Gail told me.” Then Buck turns to Lewis Tumlin. “Has anybody started to dig in the Etowah Indian mounds you bought in ’38?”

“Ever now and again some ask and some try and slip in. We can see the mounds from the house and try to keep everybody out. The mounds are an important archeological site and we hope to preserve them forever, if possible.”⁷

Clusters of mourners talking in whispered tones wait patiently for the start of the funeral services. Some of Buck’s Masonic Brothers gather to discuss local issues. Other neighbors mill around for a comfortable spot and talk that will momentarily free their minds of their grief. John Beauchamp, who sold the mountain to Andrew, talks with the Veal brothers about his first impressive meeting with Andrew.⁸

Aaron Cloud and Thomas Henry are discussing Thomas’s effort to build a new tower on top of the mountain after Aaron’s blew down. “Thanks for the valuable information about building a tower, Aaron, and what I should do to keep it standing. I tell you, it’s not as easy as I thought.”

Aaron laughs. “Just be sure your tower is anchored better than mine was or the wind will make short work of it! I saw yours last week, and everything looks great. The anchors seem to be deep enough in the granite, but you never know. When do you think it will be finished?”

“Hoping by June. Mine is about half the size of yours, only forty square feet at the base and eighty feet high.⁹ I hope to turn the tower into a popular observatory with the finest telescopes available in the South to exhibit the wonders of Heaven in their utmost glory.”

“Professor Harper’s astronomy lectures about the Glorious Sun during the day and the Wonders of the Heavens at night will draw a big crowd to the observatory, we hope. Should be a good attraction.”¹⁰

“That’s right. Thomas Johnson and John Quack are going to sponsor the lectures and observatory for me. Should be quite an enterprise.”

“Anything to bring in the tourists will help all of us. Stone Mountain has become a very popular destination since the road¹¹ was completed.”

Jesse Lanford is talking with a freelance writer in town to cover the funeral when he spots William Adair, Jr., who lives on the Lumpkin place outside Madison. “I see someone you should meet. He was in charge of laying the rail iron that brought the first train through our little town then to Decatur and on to Atlanta. William, I would like you to meet Mr. Elias Mason, a freelance reporter. I thought maybe he could write an interesting story about you and the road coming through Stone Mountain.”

“Nice meeting you, Mr. Mason. Be glad to answer most any question you have about the road through these parts. Help put the Georgia Road in place from Madison to Atlanta.”

“Thank you Mr. Adair. How has the road helped this little place?”

“Why, it’s helped to increase the influx of tourists to Stone Mountain. Crowds are getting bigger every day on the train, but hauling cotton and livestock is the biggest business.” More locals gather to hear what William has to say to the reporter.

“Mr. Adair, tell me how you got started with the Georgia Railroad and how you took that first train through here to Marthasville.”¹²

The clanging of church bells interrupts the conversations and everyone falls silent as they turn toward the church and begin to move in that direction.¹³

“Please, Mr. Mason, look for me at the mercy meal after the funeral. I will be glad to continue our conversation then,” whispers William as he moves toward the church doors with the rest of the crowd.

“Yes, sir, Mr. Adair. I will look forward to continuing the interview after the funeral. Thank you, kind sir.”

The crowd is silent as the funeral coach approaches. Friends form lines on each side of the path leading from the street to the front doors. Betty Gail, Isaac and Sally rush to join Buck just as others seek solace with their families.¹⁴

Two black horses slowly draw the shiny funeral coach up the gentle hill and come to rest in front of the Baptist church. Stable boys secure the horses and buggies as the family members and pallbearers step quietly from their buggies and wagons, gathering at the rear of the coach. Buck can’t help but notice the large decorative windows of the coach that extend the full length of each side. The rear door’s top half is glass with an upper border ornate with perfectly cut and beautiful stained glass. In the center of the stained glass border is a design depicting the crucifixion glistening brightly in the midmorning sun. In the simple, wooden coffin lays the body of Andrew Johnson.

The family and pallbearers silently assemble at the rear of the funeral coach. The minister opens the door. The pallbearers assume their positions. Men who had served with Andrew as Commissioners or Postmasters of New Gibralter, their current situation having taken a toll on each one. Aaron Cloud is the last to grasp his friend’s coffin. The family escorts the coffin as Pastor Lewis Towers, proceeds in front.¹⁵ Passing by the line of friends are William Edgar Johnson and Jane, both eighty years of age, the father and mother of Andrew. Each uses a cane and needs assistance upon reaching the steps of the church. Andrew’s son, thirty-five year old William II, assists his grandfather. Andrew’s other two sons, thirty-two year old Thomas and thirteen year old George, assist their grandmother. Next are Andrew’s sister Lucretia and her husband James Goldsmith. Andrew’s other sister, Sara, and her husband, John Ford, follow Lucretia. The last of the family to enter the church is twenty-six year old Mary, Andrew’s daughter and her husband, Dr. John Hamilton.

After a prayer and the singing of two songs, Pastor Lewis Towers begins the eulogy for Andrew Johnson. “We are here to celebrate the life of the founder of the City of Stone Mountain Andrew Johnson. He was our loved one, our neighbor, our friend and our leader. He has gone to be with his wife, Elizabeth, who has been waiting for him in the hereafter for two years.”

Betty Gail reaches for Buck’s hand. As good friends of the Johnsons, they remember how painful it had been for Andrew to lose his wife. The pastor’s words of reunion are a great solace to Buck as he glances at his beloved Betty Gail. He listens intently as the pastor gives a brief synopsis of his friend’s great life.

“Andrew was born in South Carolina on June 4, 1800, and, as we all here know, he passed away on April 16 of this year 1852. Just short of 52 years, Andrew lived his life to the fullest. Around 1828, he and his wife, mother, father and three sisters moved here from the Indian territory of South Carolina. In 1830, he and his family owned and operated a general store on Killian Hill Road. Andrew, who always believed in a strong state militia, became a First Lieutenant in Captain Latimer’s Voluntary Enlistment in the 4th Regiment of the Georgia Militia in 1836. When he realized the value of the mountain as the most popular tourist spot in our state, he decided to purchase the entire mountain. Andrew bought the mountain from his, and our, good friends, Mr. John Beauchamp and William Meador.¹⁶ In 1836, he built a hotel at the foot of the mountain, right at the spot where most people begin their trek up the mountain.

“When the first gold rush in America began in Dahlonega, his investment in his property around the mountain and in town begins to grow. Stagecoaches from Milledgeville stopped at his hotel. Passengers would spend the night and then travel on to Dahlonega the next morning.

“On December 21, 1836, Andrew was appointed to the DeKalb County Commission. With his influence, the Stone Mountain Academy was incorporated and approved by The General Assembly on December 31, 1838.¹⁷ In 1839, he assisted in having New Gibraltar incorporated as our town and served as our first commissioner. The city limits ran from his house to three hundred yards in all directions.¹⁸ He also served as our postmaster for seven years beginning in October 1839. Thanks to his persuasion, the railroad officials brought the Georgia Railroad through our city in 1845.”

The sermon reminds Buck of the many good times he had with Andrew. The two of them watched the first load of granite leave Stone Mountain on the newly constructed spur line of the railroad, both laughing at how long it would take until the entire mountain had been hauled away. He remembers the time Andrew and John Graves announced that the Southern Central Agricultural Society would be holding a fair for all Georgians, right in Andrew’s beautiful grove. Buck nearly laughs when he recalls the main feature of the fair: a traveling exposition complete with a run-away elephant. And there were the sad memories, like when Weldon Wright¹⁹ used blasting powder to make a trail 25 feet long and two feet wide upon the steep side of the mountain. This was to be a tourist attraction for adventurers to walk on for a mere twenty-five cents. Then, while trying to extend the trail in 1846, he was blown off the mountain by a pre-mature explosion. Buck squirms in his seat as he thinks of poor Weldon’s remains at the base of the mountain. A brief pause in the pastor’s sermon brings Buck’s attention back to the moment at hand.

“Andrew’s hard work and determination helped him become one of DeKalb County’s wealthiest landowners. His two-thousand-acre plantation at the steep side of the mountain is a perfect example of cotton farming. His success and vision have become this community’s success and outlook for the future. He took us from Rock Mountain to New Gibralter, and then to Stone Mountain. Andrew was the catalyst for developing our community into a rare pearl. We must all strive to protect and build upon the inheritance and vision given to us by Andrew Johnson. May his soul rest in peace and may his memory be eternal.

After a communal reading of the Twenty-third Psalm and the Lord’s Prayer, the congregation stands. The pallbearers, with Pastor Lewis Towers leading slowly and solemnly, return the casket to the funeral coach. The family and friends form the funeral procession to the Johnson Cemetery. Betty Gail begins to cry as she sees the open grave and the four strong straps that will support the coffin and lower it to its final resting place. Buck pulls her into a close embrace and comforts her.

The pallbearers remove Andrew’s casket from the funeral coach for the last time, placing it on the straps. After the family and friends gather around the grave, Pastor Towers delivers the final prayer. Then each pallbearer takes one end of the strap, lifts the coffin and walks on each side of the grave site, centering the coffin over the grave. In unison, they lower the body of Andrew Johnson slowly to its place of eternal rest.²⁰

Isaac and Sally take Buck and Betty Gail to Levi’s to get Jack and the buckboard. Buck assists Betty Gail from the wagon and into the buckboard. He holds onto the horse’s bridle and turns the wagon. “Isaac, you and Sally head for home. Betty Gail and I are going back to the church. After the family meal, we have to pick up some dry goods, several bags of chicken feed, corn, okra and pea seeds and some new plow heads. Then we will pick up Polly and Wee-Bean and head home.”

Those who attended the grave side service are returning to the church for the mercy meal. This gathering is less solemn than the actual funeral. The people are more out-going and talkative. After a brief prayer, they eat.

Mr. Elias Mason and William Adair sit together and pick up their discussion about the railroad. Elias asks William, “When did you first start with the railroad?”

“In 1842 to be exact. We started working on the survey just as I was twenty-one. My pa gave me a dollar and told me to ‘work out my fortune!’” William chuckles. “So I applied at the Georgia Railroad office and got a job as the assistant surveyor. John A. Wright was my boss. It took us about six months to finish the road survey from Madison to Covington. It was December 22nd and cold when we were finally done. You want exact dates if I remember ‘em?”

“Yes, in fact, I do. Did you lay iron on the road right away?” asks Elias.

“Yep, as soon as possible. Although it was the middle of winter, a lot of farmers were holding their cotton. Anxious to get that cotton to Augusta for shipping to Savannah or to transfer the cotton to a connecting road. It wasn’t until August of ’43 that we began the survey from Covington to Marthasville. We followed the Stone Mountain-Sandtown Indian Trail from Stone Mountain through Decatur and to Atlanta.²¹ L. P. Grant was hired to run the survey of the Georgia Railroad from Covington to Marthasville. F. C. Arms, who later became the assistant to Mr. Grant, carried the level instrument while I lugged the rod. We completed the survey to, what was then, Marthasville on December 23, 1843.”

“How did you get to be the conductor and engineer?”

“Mr. Adams eventually became the superintendent in 1845 and hired me on full time. That’s when I boarded with Mr. Melton at Yellow River.”

“Yeah, and not long after that he married Mr. Adams’ daughter!” interjects Jesse clapping his hand on William’s shoulder genially.

“Sure ‘nough did. Got married on September 29, ’47 just after she turned eighteen. Where was I? Oh yeah, I was surveying with Ezekiel Sanford at Latimer’s Crossroads in February and March of 1844, staking out the road to Stone Mountain.” William shakes his shoulder as if he has the shivers. “Real cold winter! When it got warmer in April and May, I was assisting Mr. Grant at Decatur in the survey from here to Marthasville.”

“So what happened when you finished the survey?”

“I was stationed at Yellow River during June and July, receiving cross ties, string timber and mud sill for the railroad track from Covington to Conyers. The iron rails had been laid on the road to within three miles of Conyers and the first train crossed Yellow River on April 1, 1845. I continued supervising the laying of iron until we reached Stone Mountain.”

“What about driving the train to Atlanta?”

“It was on August 15th, Mr. Arms promoted me to conductor and put me in charge of the construction train. My run was from Covington to where the track was being laid. I retained the position of conductor until the road was completed to Marthasville. Then, on September 14, 1845 while at Decatur, I was told that the track would be finished to Marthasville that afternoon and I was being ordered to go there that night. I had ten car loads of iron for the Western and Atlantic railroad brought up from Augusta.”

“That’s a heap of rail iron!”

“Sure was! My engineer, John Hopkins, took violently ill about that time, but my orders were clear. I must be in Marthasville that night!”

“Why the rush?”

“Big news event. Nothing daunted me as I mounted my engine, the ‘Kentucky.’” Running his arm forward as if grabbing the throttle and pulling it back. “I pulled open the throttle and rolled out of Decatur at 8 o’clock PM. I halted the engine right where the car-shed now stands in Atlanta, a few minutes before 9 at night. The funniest thing was when Mr. John P. King, the president of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Company, disembarked from the train in the dark and fell into a well.”

“Oh, no. Did he get injured very bad?”

William laughs. “Only his pride.”

“Whew. You had me worried for a minute.”

“You have only to ask about the railroad construction from Covington to Atlanta. Do you know where the railroad really began?”

Putting his pencil down, Elias scratches his head thoughtfully. “Didn’t it begin in Athens, or was it Augusta?”

With a broad smile William tells the young Elias, “The Georgia Railroad Company was chartered December 21, 1833, by a group of Athens citizens led by James Camak. Their goal was to build a railroad from Athens to Augusta.”

Elias picks up his pencil and begins scribbling notes. “I remember reading about that now. That was the first railroad in Georgia and I think the third in all of the United States. Right, Mr. Adair?”

“That’s absolutely correct, Elias. Construction began in 1835, starting at Augusta. The company changed its name to Georgia Railroad & Banking Company in 1836 because the banking side of the business eventually proved more rewarding than the company’s leasing its railroad operations to others.”

“So, how long did it take to complete?”

“The thirty-nine mile Athens branch was completed in December 1841 and was operated with horse drawn cars until 1847 with a five-foot gauge track.” Elias leans back in his chair and places his coupled hands behind his head.

“So, the Atlanta branch was completed in 1845, and soon the 171-mile Augusta-Atlanta rail connection became the main line in Georgia.”

“Correct, and from early on, Augustans gained control from Athens interests, with Augustan, John Pendleton King, serving as president of the railroad.”

William leans over the table and pats Elias on the hand. “Come by and visit some time and bring plenty of paper. Then I’ll give you the full story of the Western and Atlantic state-owned road.”

Andrew’s father, William, and Buck are also engaged in reminiscing. “Buck, your Grandfather and my father fought the Indians together. It still burns me to think about how they murdered our neighbors, families and friends, the aged and young alike. Incarcerated our grandfathers and allowed them to perish in filth, famine and disease, knowing their mothers, wives, sister and young children had been robbed, insulted, and abused.” He slowly shakes his head remembering the awful details. “If it hadn’t been for Elijah Clarke … I’m sure your pa and grandfather told you some of the horrible stories.”

“They sure did. Several of my grandfather’s brothers were held captive and murdered by the British and the Indians. Knowing things like that makes it easy to fight because it’s the right thing to do.”

“That’s right. We were certainly glad to see you come to Stone Mountain after the Mexican War. Mexico got what they asked for … Defeat! They should learn to keep their word. “William glances around at the thinning crowd as his wife signals him it’s time to leave for home. “Well, it looks like the family is ready to head out. It’s been a long day for all of us.”

Buck shakes hands with William and the other members of the family as they leave. Other families follow suit, and soon the churchyard is empty. After tidying the church hall, Buck and Betty Gail leave to do their shopping. Once complete, they pull up to the Academy to pick up Polly and Wee-Bean. As the two chattering children jump into the wagon, the sky begins to turn ominously dark.

Buck points toward the rolling clouds. “A storm’s brewing and we best git.” Wind ruffles the leaves on the trees as they pass revealing the lighter undersides. The temperature drops suddenly and thunder rumbles in the distance. The wind gains force—thrashing trees like whips.

“Let’s git on Jack, only a half mile to go!” Buck calls out anxiously. Fat raindrops begin to fall. Lightning crackles across black clouds and thunder booms almost immediately. Hail pelts them as the dirt road turns to mud almost instantly. A bright flash and deafening boom knocks Jack over and carries the buckboard over into the ditch with him. Polly, Betty Gail and Wee-Bean are thrown into the mud. Blinding rain and wind cut into Betty Gail’s face as she searches for her children. She hugs them close for a moment before they resume the search for Buck. She hears his cries for help.

“There,” she shouts, trying to make her voice heard above the storm. “Merciful Lord, he’s trapped under the buckboard.” The muddy deluge floods over him. His shouts become garbled as the sienna colored water flows over his head. Jack lies motionless in the ditch, making no noise. They rush over to Buck and shield him from the rain and mud.

“Pa!” Wee-Bean scrambles down the bank, fighting a rising panic as he wipes water and mud from his father’s pain stricken face.

Betty Gail assesses the situation as quickly as she can. “All right, Wee-Bean, help me lift the buckboard. Polly, help your pa slide out from under.”

“No, no,” Buck cries. “Don’t touch my leg. It’s broken!”

“Go get Doctor Hamilton and whoever else you can find to help!” screams Betty Gail to Wee-Bean amidst the chaos and wreckage.

He darts off up the muddy embankment and dashes towards town just as the clouds separate and the wind becomes a little calmer. Still muddy, he reaches the livery stable and throws open the door. Screaming and crying, he calls out frantically, “Lightning struck us, and Pa’s trapped under the wagon! We need help!”

“Come here, Norman. Calm down son. What’s happened?” Levi takes Wee-Bean by the hand and tries to settle him down to get more information. Wee-Bean rubs his eyes. “Pa, Ma and Polly are over the crest of the hill, and Pa is pinned under the load.”

John Beauchamp jumps on his mount and goes for Dr. Hamilton, while others gather outside with their horses, wagons and ropes, ready to head toward the scene with Wee-Bean.

The storm disappears almost as quickly as it came. The sun is bright, and the sky sparkles blue once again. As the group led by Wee-Bean hurries toward the accident they encounter tree limbs, tin roofing torn from houses and water flowing on the red clay street. As the team tops the hill, Wee-Bean sees the overturned wagon Buck is trapped beneath.

“There it is,” he shouts.

Buster Phillips hastens to the Jernigans’ aid. The other men remove the harness from Jack. Then they line up on one side, push and return the wagon to the upright position. Wee-Bean scurries to his father’s side.

“I’m okay.” Buck says calmly. “Go check on Jack.”

Wee-Bean, with tears running down his cheeks, slowly approaches poor mud-covered, unconscious Jack. Expecting the worst, Wee-Bean pats poor Jack on the head and then realizes that he is blinking his eyes. “Jack! You’re alive!” bellows Wee-Bean as he scrambles to lift Jack’s head from the mud. Buster and his companions pull Buck cautiously from the mud and place him on a waiting wagon.

“Betty Gail, you take Polly and Wee-Bean on home while I go to Dr. Hamilton’s and get fixed up right,” shouts Buck.

As the wagon is about to pull away, Dr. Hamilton rides over the hill. He stops by the wagon, dismounts and begins to examine Buck’s leg. “Hello Buck. Looks like you had a little accident.”

“Sure did Doc. Be careful with this leg. I know it’s broken.”

Cutting away the cloth of Buck’s pants leg, Dr. Hamilton shakes his head. “It’s broken all right, but no tears in the skin. That’s good news. Take him to my house so I can splint him up!”

“I hate to bother you on such a day, Dr. Hamilton. I know you and your family must be exhausted.” Buck tries to find a comfortable position.

“No bother on my part at all, Buck. I’m glad I’m here to help.”

Jack begins to neigh louder and suddenly rolls over for a brief moment. He kneels and then stands erect while Wee-Bean is holding tightly to the halter.

“Good boy. Good boy, Jack.” Wee-Bean hugs and kisses his beloved animal. Polly hugs Jack and Wee-Bean together, trying to hold back the tears. As Polly turns to look back up the hill, she places her hand upon her chest and inhales quickly and deeply. She taps Wee-Bean gently on his shoulder.

Wee-Bean turns. “What Polly?”

With a grin and giggle, Polly answers, “Look at Jack’s tail!”

Wee-Bean stares, speechless, eyes and mouth open wide. Finally, he mutters, “His tail. It’s standin’ straight up … like a pole!” About the same time, Jack turns his head and flicks his tail but only the tip flickers in response to his attempts to place it in the inferior position. After their shock subsides, Polly and Wee-Bean walk Jack for a bit to check for other injuries.