This the third in a series of an interview with Esq Andrew H. NEELY of the 7th dist of Carroll Co, copied from an unknown newspaper, on the 11th of July 1885. The transcribed copy was shared by Bob MCCOLLUM through our connection with the WHITE surname. ...continued....As to the face of the county, the narrative of R. H. CRIDER, which appeared in the "Republican" of the tenth inst., is very correct. During the summer it was all wrapt up in pea vine grass and wild strawberries; and in the winter the annual fires continually swept over the whole country, which kept the undergrowth down. The soil was a loose loam and produced wonderfully, but did not appear at that time to be adapted to wheat culture, it was too loose and porous. Wheat would grow as high as a man could reach, and then fall down without amounting to much; such as could be saved was of a very indifferent grade. Corn grew and yielded to great perfection, and without much work. As to the history the country had abroad, I have heard my father say that before leaving South Carolina it was reported that there were fifty bushels of frogs per acre and snakes enough to fence the land. The country was so open that in many places a deer could be seen a mile. The first settlers were generally a hardy thorough going of people, full of energy and proud of their honor and integrity; and generously hospitable, neighbouring at a distance of ten miles. If there were any criminals in the country it as not known. But the population increased, petty offences were sometimes committed, for which penalty was inflicted at the whipping post. I think that Cion RODGERS, the first sheriff of the county, was the first chance with a legal sentance. This penalty was visited upon a man, whose name I have forgotten, for hog stealing. Our first corn, before we raised a crop, was hauled from the Tennessee river, and to prepare it for the table we beat it in a mortar, making a very rough kind of meal. Opportunities to hear the gospel preached were not very frequent. But when there was any preaching in the county people would collect from a great distance. The Primitive Baptists led the way in this county and I think that the Rev. Willis BRIDGES was the first to preach in the county. The first physician was Dr. WHITE, who was located at McLemoresville, but afterwards changed his residence to Huntingdon. And then soon came Dr. NICHOLSON, of Nashville; and some time afterwards Dr. HOGG, who lived in Huntingdon, and was esteemed to be a fine physician....to be continued Surnames I am searching: BLACK, RUCKER, MCCOLLUM, WHITE, DECK, JONES,THOMPSON, FOSTER, BARKER, CHAMPION, OVERALL, DIGGS and many others. I have strong ties to Rockingham Co NC, Union Co SC, Rutherford Co. TN, Weakley Co TN, Henry Co TN, Putnam Co GA and many other NC and VA counties. _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com