Don -
I wish I were able to share the files I have accumulated but the Cherokee Phoenix is PDF and copywrite to the Univ. of Ga. Library... but I plan to use the articles to write a short explanation.
Mostly these were men who just 'took' what they wanted from the Indians, and anyone else who interferred - they struck fear in the other citizens, and most joined them rather than opposed them. They 'ran' Carroll County, just moved onto land that had been awarded in the land lottery - if someone came to claim the land, they just moved to the next unclaimed lot... I read that when the Creeks left, the White families just moved into their cabins and claimed their fields.
Some expanded their criminal activities by jumping claims in the gold rush counties around Dahlonega - they were also involved in 'slave' running - encouraging slaves to 'run away', only to sell them after moving them, usually by water (rivers) further south.
They had a 'chain' of 'safe houses' from N. Ga. to Carroll County, Ga., which was the 'nest' where members of the 'club' sat on the juries and one of the 'most vile', James Philpot, was Treasurer of the county, which led to many abuses. Even the sheriff was a member of the 'club' and responsible for the death of an elderly Indian, pulling him off his horse and leaving him laying on the ground when the night was cold.
Most of these 'stories' came from The Cherokee Phoenix, so have a bit of a 'spin', however, I don't think they were far from the truth - they even refer to the 'club' being busy running a county.
The Phoenix is available through any public library that has access to the Univ. of Ga. Galileo website, and I will be happy to share, although it has to be remembered that these are not for publication.
Diane S
IBSSG