THE PROMISED LAND THEN AND NOW
Envision with me the scene of a thousand acre antebellum plantation with twenty-six slaves...
by Dorethia Livsey,
The original owner of this historical plantation was Thomas Maguire, an immigrant from Ireland. He settled at Rockbridge just south of Centerville in 1820. There he built his life around this 956-acre plantation, he called it, "The Promised Land". Along with his 10 children and 26 slaves, Maguire cultivated the land and built a small empire around himself.
He built "The Big House", as it is referred to today. It was comparatively modest in size and ornamentation, but substantial. It stands today. Though one wonders how it escaped the torches of General Sherman's men when they passed by here on their 'March To The Sea'.
This spectacular story can be found in the pages and between the lines of a Farm Journal or diary, that was kept from July, 1859 to July 1866 by the master of this plantation. Maguire came from Ireland as previously indicated and settled in Gwinnett County. He became one of the leading citizens of the county.
His surviving diary, chronicles the daily activities of plantation life. It tells of growing cotton, wheat, corn, vegetables, fruits, raising hogs, cattle and sheep. Activities on the plantation also included carpentry, blacksmithing, ginning, tanning hides, milling flour, grinding cane and making brick. The big house was also used as a court house and post office during the Civil War days. Maguire's journal also records the effects of the War Between States on his plantation and the Atlanta area.
In November of 1864,Yankee soldiers on their "March To The Sea", passed by the Promised Land and burned Maguire's gin house, stables, barn and fences, while Maguire hid out in the woods. The soldiers also slaughtered his livestock. He and his family, along with his slaves, hid out in the woods for three weeks. They were in fear for their lives.
But fortunately Maguire's house was spared, and stands today in the Promised Land Community. It is privately owned, and not opened to the public..The "Big House" is now 189 years old.. The house is beautiful. It has been restored numerous times. Thomas Maguire perhaps had some funds when he came to Gwinnett county .It would have been difficult to acquire 956 acres and twenty-six slaves otherwise. He and his sister owned some very fine pieces of furniture, that was brought over from Ireland.
Mr Robert and Moena Livsey (my inlaws), purchase the plantation in the 1920's. They were farmers and the parents of eighteen children, thirteen lived. They felt that if a person think highly of themselves, they will act that way. The Livseys have a lot of dignity and high self esteem. They advocated for their family, a firm faith in God, hard work,education, so they could become achievers. Be the best of whatever you are. Fortunately today we have entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, teachers, editors, white collar and blue collar workers, politicians and the list goes on.
The revival of the Promised Land begin in 1969, Thomas and Dorethia Livsey, returned to Georgia after spending ten years in Chicago. They started a business, you guessed it, we named it the "Promised Land", because of the historical significance.
We have five children, Sheryl, Yolanda, Thomas A (Tommy), Kevin and Kobie. The business consisted of a grocery store, restaurant, barber shop, beauty shop,a washerette, and a car wash. Even though the business was opened and operated by family members including our children.Thomas was employed at the United States Post Office in Atlanta. I was employed at Georgia Power, in Atlanta.
Yes the journey wasn't easy, it required a lot of hard work and sacrifice. Thomas also sub-contracted eight homes in the community. We are proud of this community. There is a lot of heritage and a lot of sweat went into it. Previously it was a community rich in family ties and traditions, today it has grown immensely. The results is what you are observing today. This is not the Land of 'Milk and Honey', because sometimes emotions over rule good judgment. The cliche that I frequently share with visitors goes like this, "If you don't make it over yonder, you can always say that you have been to the Promised Land".
Descendants of the Anderson, Blackmon and Lyon families, still reside in the community. They have also made outstanding contributions. We feel blessed to have the New Bethel A.M.E. Church in our community this church is now 118 years old. This church offers a beacon of light for the community and for weary souls to worship. It is where we obtain the blessings of the Lord, which motivates and sustains us to continue to press forward. The New Bethel A.M.E. Church has grown from thirty members in 1968 to 2000 in 2009. We have experienced phenomenal growth in this community.The Reverend Ronald L Owens is the pastor.
In conclusion soon after that terrible invasion of the Promised Land. The Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln was written into law and adopted, as a result of that, the slaves were freed. The nations slaves were liberated. The Promised Land became the free home for blacks,as well as, whites in 1863. The belief was during the years of slavery and afterward during reconstruction, if the blacks made it to this particular area, the Promised Land would offer them safety and provisions.
Now in that same belief, a vibrant community has emerged. This is a community of cooperation for everyone regardless of their race, creed or color. The spirit of accomplishment continues to grow. Ambitions, concerns and desires prevail.
Recently on Dec 10, 2009, Gwinnett County Board of Education renamed the first county school in the Promised Land Community from Snell Elementary to Anderson Livsey Elementary, in an attempt to honor our forefathers, Mr. Thomas Mitchell Anderson and Mr. Robert (Papa Bob) Livsey.
The inspiration passed down by our ancestors continues to resound, like phrases such as: 'Good, Better, Best...Never Let It Rest Until Your Good Becomes Better and Your Better Becomes Your Best !!!
Dorethia Livsey is an accomplished journalist, and a leading citizen of Gwinnett County, Ga. U.S.A.
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