Daniel Tucker
Encyclopedia
Daniel Tucker was a Methodist minister, farmer and ferryman as well as a Captain during the American Revolution
. Tucker ministered to slaves, and is known for the song "Old Dan Tucker
", which was (possibly) written about him.
to take up a land grant
and served as a Captain in the American Revolution
. Farming the rich land along the Savannah River
, he became a capable farmer. At least one man was bound to Daniel Tucker to learn how to farm. One of his closest friends and neighbors was the former Governor of Georgia, Stephen Heard
.
Tucker also ferried
people across the Savannah River
between the states of Georgia
and South Carolina
. Records in the Elbert County Courthouse show that in 1798, Tucker bought from Mr. John Heard for $1,000 in cash, part of the "Cook's Ferry Tract" with a ferry and all the items that went with it. The ferry was well situated and continued to serve the traveling public until bridges
were built for the coming of automobiles.
Besides farming and carrying travelers across the river, Daniel Tucker was a Methodist minister. He spent much of his time teaching slaves and praying with them. The song written about him called "Old Dan Tucker
" has become a part of American folk music
.
Daniel Tucker died in 1818 and was buried near his home. Today, his grave lies on a hill overlooking Lake Russell. "Old Dan Tucker's Grave" marks the burial site of Reverend Tucker in Elbert County. His grave site is located off Highway 72 east of Elberton, Georgia
.
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
. Tucker ministered to slaves, and is known for the song "Old Dan Tucker
Old Dan Tucker
"Old Dan Tucker", also known as "Ole Dan Tucker", "Dan Tucker", and other variants, is a popular American song. Its origins remain obscure; the tune may have come from oral tradition, and the words may have been written by songwriter and performer Dan Emmett...
", which was (possibly) written about him.
Daniel Tucker
As a young man Daniel Tucker came to Elbert CountyElbert County, Georgia
Elbert County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. It was established on December 10, 1790 and was named for Samuel Elbert. As of 2000, the population was 20,511. The 2007 Census Estimate shows a population of 20,525...
to take up a land grant
Land grant
A land grant is a gift of real estate – land or its privileges – made by a government or other authority as a reward for services to an individual, especially in return for military service...
and served as a Captain in the American Revolution
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
. Farming the rich land along the Savannah River
Savannah River
The Savannah River is a major river in the southeastern United States, forming most of the border between the states of South Carolina and Georgia. Two tributaries of the Savannah, the Tugaloo River and the Chattooga River, form the northernmost part of the border...
, he became a capable farmer. At least one man was bound to Daniel Tucker to learn how to farm. One of his closest friends and neighbors was the former Governor of Georgia, Stephen Heard
Stephen Heard
Stephen Heard was briefly the 12th Governor of Georgia from when he was appointed on February 18, 1780 until Nathan Brownson was elected the tenth Governor of Georgia in August of 1781 Stephen Heard (November 1, 1740 – November 15, 1815) was briefly the 12th Governor of Georgia (a position later...
.
Ferry
A ferry is a form of transportation, usually a boat, but sometimes a ship, used to carry primarily passengers, and sometimes vehicles and cargo as well, across a body of water. Most ferries operate on regular, frequent, return services...
people across the Savannah River
Savannah River
The Savannah River is a major river in the southeastern United States, forming most of the border between the states of South Carolina and Georgia. Two tributaries of the Savannah, the Tugaloo River and the Chattooga River, form the northernmost part of the border...
between the states of Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
and South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
. Records in the Elbert County Courthouse show that in 1798, Tucker bought from Mr. John Heard for $1,000 in cash, part of the "Cook's Ferry Tract" with a ferry and all the items that went with it. The ferry was well situated and continued to serve the traveling public until bridges
Bridges
-People:* Alexander Bridges, English footballer* Angelica Bridges , American actress, model and singer* Barry Bridges , English footballer* Beau Bridges , American actor* Bles Bridges , South African singer...
were built for the coming of automobiles.
Besides farming and carrying travelers across the river, Daniel Tucker was a Methodist minister. He spent much of his time teaching slaves and praying with them. The song written about him called "Old Dan Tucker
Old Dan Tucker
"Old Dan Tucker", also known as "Ole Dan Tucker", "Dan Tucker", and other variants, is a popular American song. Its origins remain obscure; the tune may have come from oral tradition, and the words may have been written by songwriter and performer Dan Emmett...
" has become a part of American folk music
American folk music
American folk music is a musical term that encompasses numerous genres, many of which are known as traditional music or roots music. Roots music is a broad category of music including bluegrass, country music, gospel, old time music, jug bands, Appalachian folk, blues, Cajun and Native American...
.
Daniel Tucker died in 1818 and was buried near his home. Today, his grave lies on a hill overlooking Lake Russell. "Old Dan Tucker's Grave" marks the burial site of Reverend Tucker in Elbert County. His grave site is located off Highway 72 east of Elberton, Georgia
Elberton, Georgia
Elberton is the largest city in Elbert County, Georgia, United States. The population was 4,743 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Elbert County and serves as a hub for industry and small business in Northeast Georgia...
.