From the July 15, 1926 issue of The Tunica Times-Democrat.
Note: W.G. Jaquess was the son of Colonel James F. Jaquess, who commanded an Illinois regiment during the Civil War and came to Tunica County as a "carpetbagger" in 1866, and was appointed Probate Clerk by the Union occupation general. Too young to be a soldier, he served as a drummer boy in his father's Illinois regiment in the Union Army. The title, "Colonel", given to him in Tunica County, reveals that he was a respected citizen, even though from "up North" (1.)
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Tunica County organized in 1837. County site located at Commerce. Remained there a few years and moved to Kerr's Landing on the Mississippi River, known then as Peyton, now known as O.K.Landing. The Court House was a two story log house, and was standing a few years ago. Later moved to Austin, where it remained until 1889, when it was moved to Tunica. This article is intended more a history of Austin than of the County. It might, however, be interesting to mention a few of the settlers of the county before the Civil War. Not having written records to which to refer, I will have to rely upon my personal recollections of persons and events.
Among the residents of the county before the Civil War, I recall the following with whom, with one or two exceptions, I was personally acquainted.
At and near Commerce, Ransom Burns, Richard Abbay, Ed Dale, Polk Tatum, and De Be Voise.
Along and near Kinney Bayou, McPeaks, Fletchers, Kinneys, Judge Archibald, Wright, (Father of Gen'l Luke Wright, Secretary of War).
Near where Tunica now located, Phillips, White's, Col. Hunt, J.M. Owens (grand father of the present Owens'), Don Dockery living in Hernando, a fine old ex-Confederate, Tom Saunders (father of Eva a noted actress recently died).
On Coldwater River where Savage is located, Andy Hudson, who operated the ferry, Savages', Evans', Dollahiden, Askews', and Mottley's.
In and near Austin, J.D.Ussery, Dr. Bostick, E.G. Mitchell, Bump Wormeley, Houck, Turner, Dr. J.F.Sample, Dr. J.M.Phillips, Dr. J.C.Nelson, Judge A.M. Clayton, John McCann, J.H.Anderson, F.T.Neblett (father of little sister, John Neblett), Gatewood's, Kelly's, and Austin Miller for whom the town named.
From Austin South, J. B. Carnes, Rivers', Perkins', Dr. C.E.Nash, Ferguson's, Smith's, Trotter's, Rand's, Alexander's, Bradley's, Avant's, Wendle's, Dr. Dunlop, Barkesdale's, Berriam Weathers, Col. John Powell, Lt.I.N.brown of the Confederate navy, and Jacob Thompson, just across the line in Coahoma county, Treasurer of the Confederate States, and for whom a large reward offered after the war. J.K. Jeffries, father of Maud a noted actress, still living.
Quite a number of the above named lived on, and operated their own property, but some lived away but visited quite often. They were pioneers and aided largely in clearing the lands. The country was very wild, not a church in the county for whites when I came 60 years ago(1866), not a school house, but one bridge built of lumber by a carpenter, all bridges were made of logs rolled into the bayou's and dirt thrown on them to prevent floating during high water, these bridges served very well during low water, but when the river was high, we swam the bayou's.
When buying a saddle horse, about the first question was, is he a good swimmer, and frequently a sale could not be made until tested as to his swimming qualities. Some animals would swim so low in the water as to wet one to the arm pits, and again, one could stand in the saddle and not get their feet wet, you can readily see the importance of a good swimming animal. Sixty years ago(1866), there was not a buggy in the county, all travel by horseback or wagon.
The first church built for whites was erected by a Mrs. Wilson, who lived on the place now known as the Crews place, just east of Trotters Landing, this was a very small building, about 18 X 20 feet, but easily accommodated the congregation. In 1874 a Methodist church was erected in Austin, and is still being used now by the colored people. In 1871 school houses were being erected.
In the early 50's a levee was built, it was a very small levee. During the war this levee was washed away practically. In 1871 another levee was begun, much larger than the old one. This protected us until the very high water of 1882 when it was almost entirely washed away. In 1885 the present system of levees began, as to its ability to protect the country is too well known to comment upon.
It might be of interest to mention the sheriffs since the Civil War. I give them in the order in which they served: J.F. Sample, Isaac Boatman, F.S. Belcher, M.J. Manning, W.G. Jaquess, I.L.McKee, J.H. Owen, J.B. Harris, J. H. Johnson (served 10 years), T.O. King, Dr. F.L. Hope, A. S. Ivey, I.G. Owens, J.L. Savage, E.G. Woolfolk, E.T. Woolfolk, J. Mack Cox, and the present incumbent William Nichols.
The town of Austin was settled when the county was formed. It is a beautiful site for a town, high dry and sandy, no mud. During the war the entire town was burned except the residence of Mrs. Parmer. After the war a court house was built, and in its day, was considered a fine structure, its cost being around 69,000 dollars. In drawing the plans to the building, a stair way to the second story was overlooked, and no place provided for one. To remedy this, they had two stair ways built of iron, and placed them on the front porch, not having any too much room, they were made winding, on the order of a corkscrew (now out of existence). These stair ways were quite eunique and caused many favorable comments.
The court room was large, well ventilated and lighted, and the young folks found it a splendid place for dancing, for which it was frequently used. And usually once a month for preaching purposes.
The town of Austin never exceeded five or six hundred persons. More like one large family than any town to be found. Its location at that time on the channel of the Mississippi river, it was visited by all kinds of people, many very rough characters, this is the principal reason why it achieved the name of being the worst town on the river between Cairo and New Orleans. However, it did not deserve this name. The citizens were quiet and peaceable, but at all times and under all circumstances perfectly able to take care of themselves, if any one came into the town with a chip on his shoulder looking for trouble, they were sure to find it and that quickly.
I lived in the town for twenty years and during that time about ten men were killed and two wounded who recovered, usually the first shot did its work. In nearly every instance, except possibly one, the party was justifiable it being a question as to who could draw more quickly.
No one ever lived in Austin in its palmy days who did not dearly love the town. And now, to meet an old Austin-ite, he or she will speak of it in the most tender terms, and recall fond recollections.
In 1883, the railroad having reached a point east of Austin, and the river having changed its course so that it was necessary to go about two miles to a landing, we realized that it would not be long before the county site would be moved. But loving our town as we did, we fought the question of removal as so long as we could. But finally in 1888, the people demanded a vote upon the question of removal, and if removed where, and election was held in the summer of that year to decide the question. Robinsonville, Hollywood, Tunica, and Evansville became contenders for the location
In this election, all persons over the age of 21 duly registered were allowed to vote irrespective of race or color. You can imagine the "hot" time especially when votes were on the market for a sum as low as a dollar each. Robinsonville and Hollywood being too far from the center of the county, it became apparent that the contest would be between Tunica and Evansville. When the vote was counted, it was found that Tunica had won by the small margin of 37 votes, and the question of the county was settled. The Board of Supervisors at once had plans prepared for a Court House and Jail, and the contract let for the sum of 23,000 dollars. It was estimated that the court house cost 19,000 dollars and the jail 4,000 dollars (not the present jail, the original one burned) and were paid for in cash without a bond issue or notes being issued.
Note: W.G. Jaquess was the son of Colonel James F. Jaquess, who commanded an Illinois regiment during the Civil War and came to Tunica County as a "carpetbagger" in 1866, and was appointed Probate Clerk by the Union occupation general. Too young to be a soldier, he served as a drummer boy in his father's Illinois regiment in the Union Army. The title, "Colonel", given to him in Tunica County, reveals that he was a respected citizen, even though from "up North" (1.)
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Tunica County organized in 1837. County site located at Commerce. Remained there a few years and moved to Kerr's Landing on the Mississippi River, known then as Peyton, now known as O.K.Landing. The Court House was a two story log house, and was standing a few years ago. Later moved to Austin, where it remained until 1889, when it was moved to Tunica. This article is intended more a history of Austin than of the County. It might, however, be interesting to mention a few of the settlers of the county before the Civil War. Not having written records to which to refer, I will have to rely upon my personal recollections of persons and events.
Among the residents of the county before the Civil War, I recall the following with whom, with one or two exceptions, I was personally acquainted.
At and near Commerce, Ransom Burns, Richard Abbay, Ed Dale, Polk Tatum, and De Be Voise.
Along and near Kinney Bayou, McPeaks, Fletchers, Kinneys, Judge Archibald, Wright, (Father of Gen'l Luke Wright, Secretary of War).
Near where Tunica now located, Phillips, White's, Col. Hunt, J.M. Owens (grand father of the present Owens'), Don Dockery living in Hernando, a fine old ex-Confederate, Tom Saunders (father of Eva a noted actress recently died).
On Coldwater River where Savage is located, Andy Hudson, who operated the ferry, Savages', Evans', Dollahiden, Askews', and Mottley's.
In and near Austin, J.D.Ussery, Dr. Bostick, E.G. Mitchell, Bump Wormeley, Houck, Turner, Dr. J.F.Sample, Dr. J.M.Phillips, Dr. J.C.Nelson, Judge A.M. Clayton, John McCann, J.H.Anderson, F.T.Neblett (father of little sister, John Neblett), Gatewood's, Kelly's, and Austin Miller for whom the town named.
From Austin South, J. B. Carnes, Rivers', Perkins', Dr. C.E.Nash, Ferguson's, Smith's, Trotter's, Rand's, Alexander's, Bradley's, Avant's, Wendle's, Dr. Dunlop, Barkesdale's, Berriam Weathers, Col. John Powell, Lt.I.N.brown of the Confederate navy, and Jacob Thompson, just across the line in Coahoma county, Treasurer of the Confederate States, and for whom a large reward offered after the war. J.K. Jeffries, father of Maud a noted actress, still living.
Quite a number of the above named lived on, and operated their own property, but some lived away but visited quite often. They were pioneers and aided largely in clearing the lands. The country was very wild, not a church in the county for whites when I came 60 years ago(1866), not a school house, but one bridge built of lumber by a carpenter, all bridges were made of logs rolled into the bayou's and dirt thrown on them to prevent floating during high water, these bridges served very well during low water, but when the river was high, we swam the bayou's.
When buying a saddle horse, about the first question was, is he a good swimmer, and frequently a sale could not be made until tested as to his swimming qualities. Some animals would swim so low in the water as to wet one to the arm pits, and again, one could stand in the saddle and not get their feet wet, you can readily see the importance of a good swimming animal. Sixty years ago(1866), there was not a buggy in the county, all travel by horseback or wagon.
The first church built for whites was erected by a Mrs. Wilson, who lived on the place now known as the Crews place, just east of Trotters Landing, this was a very small building, about 18 X 20 feet, but easily accommodated the congregation. In 1874 a Methodist church was erected in Austin, and is still being used now by the colored people. In 1871 school houses were being erected.
In the early 50's a levee was built, it was a very small levee. During the war this levee was washed away practically. In 1871 another levee was begun, much larger than the old one. This protected us until the very high water of 1882 when it was almost entirely washed away. In 1885 the present system of levees began, as to its ability to protect the country is too well known to comment upon.
It might be of interest to mention the sheriffs since the Civil War. I give them in the order in which they served: J.F. Sample, Isaac Boatman, F.S. Belcher, M.J. Manning, W.G. Jaquess, I.L.McKee, J.H. Owen, J.B. Harris, J. H. Johnson (served 10 years), T.O. King, Dr. F.L. Hope, A. S. Ivey, I.G. Owens, J.L. Savage, E.G. Woolfolk, E.T. Woolfolk, J. Mack Cox, and the present incumbent William Nichols.
The town of Austin was settled when the county was formed. It is a beautiful site for a town, high dry and sandy, no mud. During the war the entire town was burned except the residence of Mrs. Parmer. After the war a court house was built, and in its day, was considered a fine structure, its cost being around 69,000 dollars. In drawing the plans to the building, a stair way to the second story was overlooked, and no place provided for one. To remedy this, they had two stair ways built of iron, and placed them on the front porch, not having any too much room, they were made winding, on the order of a corkscrew (now out of existence). These stair ways were quite eunique and caused many favorable comments.
The court room was large, well ventilated and lighted, and the young folks found it a splendid place for dancing, for which it was frequently used. And usually once a month for preaching purposes.
The town of Austin never exceeded five or six hundred persons. More like one large family than any town to be found. Its location at that time on the channel of the Mississippi river, it was visited by all kinds of people, many very rough characters, this is the principal reason why it achieved the name of being the worst town on the river between Cairo and New Orleans. However, it did not deserve this name. The citizens were quiet and peaceable, but at all times and under all circumstances perfectly able to take care of themselves, if any one came into the town with a chip on his shoulder looking for trouble, they were sure to find it and that quickly.
I lived in the town for twenty years and during that time about ten men were killed and two wounded who recovered, usually the first shot did its work. In nearly every instance, except possibly one, the party was justifiable it being a question as to who could draw more quickly.
No one ever lived in Austin in its palmy days who did not dearly love the town. And now, to meet an old Austin-ite, he or she will speak of it in the most tender terms, and recall fond recollections.
In 1883, the railroad having reached a point east of Austin, and the river having changed its course so that it was necessary to go about two miles to a landing, we realized that it would not be long before the county site would be moved. But loving our town as we did, we fought the question of removal as so long as we could. But finally in 1888, the people demanded a vote upon the question of removal, and if removed where, and election was held in the summer of that year to decide the question. Robinsonville, Hollywood, Tunica, and Evansville became contenders for the location
In this election, all persons over the age of 21 duly registered were allowed to vote irrespective of race or color. You can imagine the "hot" time especially when votes were on the market for a sum as low as a dollar each. Robinsonville and Hollywood being too far from the center of the county, it became apparent that the contest would be between Tunica and Evansville. When the vote was counted, it was found that Tunica had won by the small margin of 37 votes, and the question of the county was settled. The Board of Supervisors at once had plans prepared for a Court House and Jail, and the contract let for the sum of 23,000 dollars. It was estimated that the court house cost 19,000 dollars and the jail 4,000 dollars (not the present jail, the original one burned) and were paid for in cash without a bond issue or notes being issued.
In April 1889 the records were moved from Austin to Tunica, and the doom of old Austin settled. But notwithstanding, I make the assertion that whenever or wherever an old Austin-ite may be met, he or she, would in the language of Elizabeth Ayres in her "Rock me to sleep" say: "Backward turn backward oh time in your flight, make me an Austin-ite again for to-night."
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(1.) Tunica County - Scraps of History, Library of Congress Number: 2005909553, Xlibris Corporation, Copyright 2006, John W, Dulaney, Jr., p.25
