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Camp Manufacturing Company

IMCOH»ORATKO

Franklin, Virginia

Office of the President

September 23, 1949

The Southampton County Li-Centennial Celebration Committee Franklin Virginia

Gentlemen:

We wish to congratulate you for making possible this celebration commemorating the 200th anniversary of the founding of Southampton County. We know that it was made possible by the unselfish sacrificing of your time and through the cooperative efforts of all of the civic organizations throughout the county. Southampton County has played a signal role in the development of our great commonwealth, and its sons and daughters have served the nation with honor and distinction.

The future of Southampton County rests in its young men and women, and its natural resources. This company has an abiding interest in both. The county provides us with a portion of the raw materials which we use and we are proud that during our more than sixty years of operation most of our employees have been the sons and daughters of Southampton County.

We congratulate you on the steps which you have taken to portray the historical and industrial development of this county and we are happy to take this space in your program as evidence of our goodwill and our confidence in the continued development of Southampton County.

Most cordially,

NEWS PUBLISHING COMPANY. Inc.. FRANKLIN. VIRGINIA

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, by approval of the State Corporation Commission of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there has been created The Southampton Bi-Centennial Corporation, whose duty it becomes to properly prepare for a fitting celebration in the

TWO HUNDREDTH YEAR OF THE FOUNDING

OF SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY

And, whereas, the celebration is to include a portrayal of the History of Southampton County through a dramatic spectacle entitled

"LEGEND OF THE NOTTOWAY"

and other impressive ceremonies taking place from October twenty-second to October twenty-sixth. Nineteen Hundred and Forty-Nine.

Therefore. We. The Southampton County Board of Supervisors, do hereby proclaim and set aside the period beginning October twentieth and lasting through the twenty-sixth of October for the observance of

HOME-COMING WEEK

And do call upon all those who claim nativity or former residence in Southampton County, wherever they may now reside, to appear in this County during the period designated, to participate in the festivities incident to this occasion. In thus honoring the memory of those who have made the life of this great County one of the most glorious in the annals of history, we keep ever alive the lessons of Courage, F orbearance. Honesty. Industry, and Thrift as examples for all to emulate.

In extending this invitation to return to your home county. We would remind you of the welcome that awaits you. of the joy of renewing old friendships, and of the happiness that home alone can hold for us.

Given under our hand and the seal of the County of Southampton, this tenth day of September,in the year of our Lord Nineteen Hundred and Forty-Nine and of the County of Southampton the Two Hundredth.

JL gM

Chairman of the Board of Supervisor»

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SOUTHAMPTON. B1-CENTENN1 AL

OFFICERS

Frank R. Day. Jr................................-..............................................................................^Pre”^dent

Mrs. William E. Snipesce-P resident

Mrs. Ernest G. Evans-................................................................Secretary

Robert E. Watson..............................................................................................................^Treaiurer

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

W. J. M. Holland. Jr:Honorary Executive Chairman

A. M. Executive Chairman

D C Cotton Jr        Assistant Executive Chairman

BI-CENTENNIAL COMMITTEES

SOUTHAMPTON FOLKLORE

In the early days there was a port of entry on the Nottoway River, near Monroe Bridge. A river captain, whose boat plied up and down the river, grew lonely as his craft churned through the still waters of the Nottoway. There were fish to be caught, true; or he could practice on his violin, which would help to dispel the gloom. The stillness was indeed more than he could bear, so he decided to take his wife with him on his next trip. She would enjoy the ride as they moved slowly upstream, the sunlight filtering through the fragrant pines which lined the bank.

She had not been on board many days when she became desperately ill. He moored the boat, so that she might be more comfortable, near a spot surrounded by six sycamore trees. Each night during her illness he played his violin to entertain her. In spite of his solicitude, she died and he buried her beneath the sycamores.

On still summer nights it is said that the soft haunting strain of the river captain's violin can be heard floating through the trees.

Southampton County has long been noted for its hams and apple brandy. A Richmond tavern keeper, serving apple brandy, kept the Southampton brandy on a special shelf within easy reach to please the taste of his special guests. When serving he always announced that it was Southampton brandy, known for its fine flavor and potency.

Hogs were driven here from Kentucky and North Carolina to be fattened, killed and cured. Die hogs were herded in droves over the mountains, up hill, and down dale. At night the swineherd would buy a whole field of corn to feed his noisy charges. It was said that Carolina hogs could always be told from Kentucky hogs because they would have scratches and bruises on their hides. Their drivers knew what awaited them upon arrival at their destinations and whacked the laggards with sticks and switches, in their hurry to get to Virginia and sample the Southampton brandy.

One time after a W.C.T.U. campaign a minister returned home to End his very fine apple orchard had been cut down upon orders from hts wife.

It was said that the public buildings were so similar in general appearance, it was difficult to tell the courthouse from the surrounding buildings unless one noticed the prolific mint beds growing in close proximity, for the use of the court house occupants.

A certain man had been put in jail for being drunk and disorderly—perhaps he. too, was addicted to brandy. He was a grist mill keeper, it was said. He awoke in the middle of the night aware of a storm raging and rain falling in torrents. In desperation he broke out of jail, leaving his hat and this message, I will be back, but I've got to go home and raise the gates first.

******

Miss Fannie Barrett, postmistress of the Town of Jerusalem in 1868, suggested that the name of the town be changed. At the request of the citizens of Jerusalem, legislature authorized the change in the name to Courtland. since it had become Court Town. Hon. James E.. Sebrell. Southampton’s representative at that time, had introduced the Bill.

The Barn Tavern was located at Sebrell on the old Plank Road between Petersburg and Courtland. The men used to assemble there for gaiety, sports and tournaments. One unique contest, among others, was a gander pulling. These gay blades would pick clean the neck of a gander, grease the neck and hang the hapless fowl from a tree by its feet. They would then ride toward it at great speed, grab it and try to pull its head off. For a little diversion from such activities they would then go on to Charlie's Hope and dance until dawn.

******

A farmer named Sharper Vick drove his ox cart into town with his small dog trailing behind him. Children playing in the street noticed the procession and called out to him asking the name of his ox. His reply invariably was. "The steer’s name is Hell Fire and the dog's named Damnation.’’ He apparently had a cantankerous disposition inasmuch as. while on a witness stand, and told by the judge to kiss the Bible, he said ^Vell, Jedge. shall I kiss the inside or the outside?

******

During the period of the War Between the States there lived in Ivor a beautiful young girl by the name of Geor-gianna Bailey. She had many beaux In fact there were said to be 90 suitors and she had an equal number of rings. No doubt she had to do some maneuvering as they came to call.

She would peep through the window to see which suitor was dismounting, dash to her room, rummage among the assorted rings in her jewel box and pick the ring of

• the swain who had come courting.

It is probable that many gay parties were held at that time, “sugar stews" and "candy crackings" being popular.

When the war began it was said that the ninety suitors of Georgianna Bailey formed a company. She loved to go out to the parade grounds to watch them drill. One day while she was watching from her coach, her horses became frightened. They reared, plunged and ran away. Poor Georgianna was killed, and very probably the ninety suitors were united in mourning their loss.

LEGEND OF THE NOTTOWAY

Welcome my friends:

I am Chief of the Nottoways. My tribe flourished many, many years ago on the banks of the winding Nottoway River in lovely Tidewater Virginia. As time passed and my people were dispersed, I settled down to watch, from beneath the singing pines, the changes wrought by the years.

Harken as I tell you of events and growth: of how my beloved land became strong and prospered as it lived up to its glorious heritage.

* Southampton County, one of the larger Virginia counties, was formed from Isle of Wight County in the middle of the eighteenth century. The parent county was one of the original shires of 1634. Four years before the formation of Southampton County we learn, by study of a “Proposition from the County of Isle of Wight, of conditions in that county giving rise to dissatisfaction con cermng the bounds. Under date of March 7. I 745 we find "That there are upwards of Three Thousand Tit hables in the said County; that the vast extent of the same makes it very bothersome to many of its inhabitants, who are obliged to meet near the Black-Water, at the General Musters, and abundance of poor people walk thirty miles, and oftentimes lie in the Woods; others not beiny able to undergo such Hardships, suffer themselves to be fined: That the Distances of the Justices is so far from Court, and no Conveniency of Lodging there, that they seldom attend more than Six times in a Year. And pray that the said County may be divided into two distinct Counties, by the Black-Water Stream."

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Although the above statements strongly indicate the need for dividing the county of Isle of Wight, the division did not take place until 4 years later (1749). The dividing line suggested in the “Proposition," however, was followed in the act of establishment and all of that part of Isle of Wight County which lay on the west side of the Blackwater River became a separate and distinct county, and was ordered to be called Southampton in honour of Henry Wriothesley, second earl of Southampton, prominent member of the Virginia Company and friend to Shakespeare.

Southampton County is bounded on the northwest by Surry and Sussex Counties, on the west by Greensville County, and on the east by Isle of Wight and Nanse-mond Counties, while the southern boundary is formed by the North Carolina State line. The area of 604 square miles comprises a territory with a length and breadth of 40 and 15 miles respectively. Lying in Tidewater Virginia, the soils of Southampton County, like all of that famous section, are composed of alluvial deposits. Those of the inlands are naturally thin, light and soft, but being warm and under the influence of a mild climate, a near ocean and the dense crops of wild plants that grow and rot upon them they become very productive. Drained by the Meherrin. Nottoway and Blackwater Rivers, Southampton County leads Virginia in production of cotton and peanuts.

This county, with a population of 26,870, has 6 incorporated towns—Courtland. Franklin, Boykins, Capron. Ivor, and Branchville—the town of Franklin leading in size with a population of 3,466 persons according to the 1940 census. Courtland, the centrally located county seat, has a population of 355 persons, a bank, an accredited high school, and several churches, the Methodist being the strongest denomination in the county. Joining these and numerous other communities are 124.34 miles of primary and 553.56 miles of secondary highways, the principal ones being U. S. Routes 58 and 258 and State Routes 33 and 35.

Southampton County is served by six banks, two of which are located in Franklin, one each in Courtland. Capron, and Boykins, while Ivor is served by the bank of Sussex and Surry, a branch of the Wakefield bank. Other corporations serving the people of Southampton County include four railroads, the Norfolk & Western. Seaboard Air Line. Atlantic St Danville, and Virginian; numerous Western Union and Postal Telegraph stations:

several railroad express agencies; and the airport of • Franklin which is located just across the county line.

Since 1870 Southampton County has operated under the board of supervisors plan of local government. The first board, consisting of Messrs. Robert Rowland. James M. Corbitt. John H. Bogart, James H. Devany, John C. Griffin and William H. Daughtrey, with Mr. Bogart first chairman, met in August of that year (1870), and represented the townships of Drewryville, Boykins. Franklin. Jerusalem, Berlin and Ivor, and Newsoms Depot, respectively. The names of the townships of 1870-75 are remembered in magisterial districts of today, with one addition, Capron, which was created in 1915.

Southampton County, with Nansemond, Isle of Wight, and the city of Suffolk, constitutes the fifth senatorial district, while the second judicial district, (which has been presided over by Judge James L. McLemore since 1907), is composed of this county with Nansemond and the city of Suffolk.

It would appear from the records that there were no legal settlements south of the Blackwater River prior to the first decade of the eighteenth century. In March, 1697, the surveyor of Surry and Isle of Wight Counties was ordered to appear on the 6th day of the next General Court and bring copies of all entries made by him on the "Black Water". Mr. Williamson appeared in Council and "presented a copy of all the entry’s of land by him taken on the South side of the Black Water Swamp, but not shewing by what authority he does them nor having his Commission nor instructions with him was ordered to attend the next Council. On June II, 1697. he presented his commission "and not having any wayes clear'd himself for taking entrys of Land on the Black Water contrary to restrictions and orders of Council, it was the opinion of the Council that he should be suspended.

Among the early landowners of Southampton County were Joseph Wall. Jr., Joshua Turner. Thomas Barrow, Francis Huttchms, Benjamin Chapmen. Richard Vick. John Pope. James Mercer, and Francis Cox, all of whom patented land in Isle of Wight County on the south side of the Blackwater Swamp, or on the Nottoway River, between 1711 and 1713.

A proclamation of December, 1710. prohibited the seating of land between the Nottowav and Meherrin

Rivers. However, diverse persons had so seated themselves by January. 1711, and it would seem that the settlements prospered, for in September, 17 34. a new courthouse was ordered erected on the north side of Blackwater River near Quinny's Bridge and a parish was formed on the south side of the Blackwater River. As previously noted, a petition was drawn up by the inhabitants of Isle of Wight to divide the county in 1745. and the levy of 1750 shows 1,802 tithables in Southampton County, all of which proves that the settlements on the south side of the Blackwater River prospered greatly.

At the first court, held at the home of Elizabeth Ricks, June 8. I 749, John Person, Joseph Gray. Jesse Brown, Benjamin Simmonds. Nathaniel Ridley. Thomas Jarrell, Etheldred Taylor, Howell Edmonds, Benjamin Ruffin, Albridgeton Jones. James Ridley, Peter Butts. Samuel Blow, and Thomas Williamson each took the oath of a justice of the peace and judge in chancery. Richard Kello was sworn first clerk and Benjamin Ruffin first sheriff of the county. Thomas Jarrell and Peter Butts became coroners while Benjamin Branch. Arthur Arrington, Joseph Cobb, Samuel Kindred, and John Bowen. Jr., were sworn constables. Richard Murphey. James Jones. Benjamin Britt and Thomas Clark were appointed constables and ordered to be summoned to the next court to be individually sworn.

The early Burgesses for Southampton County were Etheldred Taylor, Thomas Jarrell. Joseph Gray, and William Taylor.

The public buildings of the county were also considered at this court and it was agreed that the same were to be "fixed” on the land of Elizabeth Exum near Flowers Bridge. The justices were also commissioned to purchase 2 acres of said land and to advertise publicly that any builder desiring to erect these public buildings should meet them and agree for the building of the same. The courthouse was to be 40 feet long and 24 feet wide and the other buildings were to be as the said contracting justices should think fit. Exum Scott was licensed to keep an ordinary at his house near Flowers Bridge and the rates were listed according to law.

The court met at the house of Elizabeth Ricks in June, and July. I 749. The August term of court was held near Flowers Bridge at the house of Exum Scott and it

was at this latter court that John Simmonds. Joseph Gray. ' Thomas Jarrell, and Jesse Brown were sworn county lieutenant, colonel, and majors respectively; Howell Edmonds, Albridgeton Jones, and Timothy Thorpe, captains and James Jones, lieutenant. Leonard Claiborne. Jr., gentleman, produced his license and was sworn an attorney at law. and Robert Jones presented his commission from the president and masters of the College of William and Mary and was sworn surveyor of the county.

By order of the June court, 1750, Robert Ricks was paid 23 pounds, 10 shillings for raising the frame of the prison for Southampton County. On February 14, 1751, a committee was ordered to view the prison, pillory, stocks and whipping post, and report to the court whether or not Robert Ricks had complied with his agreement in the building of the same. The building was evidently satisfactory, for the court ordered that Mr. Ricks be paid 23 pounds, 10 shillings, the balance of the agreed price for the construction.

The building intended for the Courthouse was apparently finished by April 9, I 752, for on that date certain persons were ordered to examine the said building and report to the court as to whether the workmanship had been performed according to contract. The structure was at first found unsatisfactory. The next court, however, ordered that Mr. Arthur Williamson be paid 50 pounds for finishing the courthouse, but there was a further order describing the work required to complete the structure according to the agreement. On January II, 1753, Harry Blount and Micajah Edwards were ordered to appraise the lands on which the county buildings were erected, pursuant to an act of assembly. The value thereof was found to be 2 pounds. 3 shillings, which amount was ordered to be paid to Exum Scott, former committee of Elizabeth Exum, deceased

The relative wealth and. to some extent, the social status of the inhabitants of the county may be deduced from the inventories and appraisements, which show al the same time the necessities and luxuries of Colonial life. Such varied articles as cooper's tools and silver spoons, “ivory hefted" knives and mourning rings are listed concurrently with quarters of bacon and casks of brandy.

With the outbreak of the Revolution. Southampton County threw her men and supplies into the fight for independence. As early as March 9, I 775. the Committee of Public Safety of Southampton County made arrangements for aid to be sent to the suffering inhabitants of -, Boston and on August 6, 1776, a letter went out from the Governor and Council requiring that the colonel of the minute battalion hold his troops in readiness to march whenever called upon. Four days later it was ordered that four companies of minutemen be raised to replace certain Continental forces. In September of that same year, two companies of volunteer militia were ordered to Williamsburg for the protection of the Capitol. In February, 1 777, 200 men, 50 of whom were of Southampton County, were ordered to Hampton, and John Crittenden and Luke Camron, of Southampton County, were appointed second lieutenant and ensign, respectively, for the Continental service in July. I 777.

Among the officers of the Southampton County Militia were Henry Browne, colonel, Henry Taylor, lieutenant colonel, and John Simmons, Arthur Boykins. John My-rick and John Kirby, captains, John Pond and William Boykins, lieutenants.

In November, 1777, when commissioners were appointed to execute the act passed by the Virginia Assembly to clothe the troops raised within the Commonwealth, Thomas Newton of Southampton County was one of this group, and in December, it was ordered that the magistrates were to provide for and relieve the widows, wives and children of the soldiers who had died or were then in the service of the United States.

Certain portions of the Southampton County Militia were called into active service on several occasions. January 2, 1781, one-fourth of the militia were ordered to rendezvous at Petersburg when news of the invasion of Virginia reached the Governor and Council and in March others were called into service after a consultation with Baron Von Steuben. In August, 1781, the county lieutenant was ordered to keep one-fourth of his militia in the field with Colonel Parker on the south side of the James River.

In July, 1781, "Representation” was made to the Governor and Council showing that the citizens of Southampton County had furnished large supplies of "necessaries for the use of our armies in that Quarter, both voluntarily and by impressment," for which certificates had been granted by persons appointed to procure supplies for the troops; and the sheriff not thinking himself authorized to receive these certificates in payment of taxes, caused the citizens to be much aggrieved. The Governor and Council advised that those countersigned by Colonel Josiah Parker or Colonel Thomas Newton be received.

In May, I 782. a new commission of the peace was issued to George Gurley, Henry John Burges, William Urquhart, John Simmons, Sr., Jesse Whitehead. James Gray, Timothy Thorpe. Miles Cary, John Blunt. David Barrow. Thomas Butts, and Thomas 1 umer. Elias Herring was high sheriff with John Mitchell his under sheriff. The settlement of the public debts was taken up; in March. 1781, a wagon and team had been purchased by William Hines for the use of the county, the cost of which was 35,000 pounds in paper currency: it was ordered by this court that he receive the sum of I 16 pounds and 1 2 shillings in lieu of the same. However. William Hines was to receive whatever paper currency might be on hand at the rale of one thousand for one, as part payment of the said debt. It was at this court that the value of all seized articles was ascertained and a certified copy thereof was sent to the Auditor of the Commonwealth.

By an act of 1785, a small portion of land, south of the Blackwater and Nottoway Rivers and formerly in the bounds of Nansemond, was added forming the southeastern corner of present Southampton County.

In 1791 the need was felt for a town. An act passed that year established the town of Jerusalem on I 0 acres of land adjoining the courthouse. Under an act of nearly a century later (1888) Jerusalem was incorporated as the present town of Courtland.

In I 794 there was much discussion concerning a new clerk's office. It was first resolved to build a new one but later ordered that the existing one be examined. On July 17, 1797, it was ordered that Benjamin Blunt. Robert Mabry. Samuel Calvert. Jr., and Thomas Blow contract for the building of a prison. Yet on September 22 of that year Thomas Hunt was ordered to employ some person to repair the prison "at present." while on December 18. 1797, it was ordered that Spencer Pierce be paid $200 "if in hand " for building the "gaol and office" for the county. The following June. William Cricklow and Samuel Kello were ordered to lay off the ground where the gaol of this county was to stand, and these two gentlemen were appointed to superintend

the building thereof. The ground for the clerk's office was also to be selected, the front of which was to range .with the street.

In September, I 798, the court appointed certain persons to let the removal of the courthouse and point out to the contractor the place where it was to stand. The present courthouse was completed in 1834.

Southampton County, always with a large Negro population. was the scene of the now famous Southampton Insurrection of August 21 and 22. 1831, at which time a group of Negroes under the leadership of "Capt." Nat Turner massacred 58 persons, causing widespread alarm over the entire Tidewater Virginia and North Carolina. The Insurrection took place in Boykins District, near Cross Keys, the region most thinly settled. The insurrectionists hid in the woods until 10 o clock Sunday night in order to give the victims time to retire, then proceeded to murder all at each house visited, sparing neither age nor sex. The number of insurrectionists, armed with all manner of weapons, increased until it reached at least 60. Nat Turner was hanged at "Precisely I 2 o’clock" on November 11,1831. It has been said that this insurrection was indirectly instrumental in bringing about the great slavery debates which undeniably resulted in abolition.

Since the founding of the colony, transportation has been of great importance to its inhabitants. As early as 1632 the General Assembly passed certain laws in regard to highways, and in I 662 an effort was made to keep up permanently the highways. Under the law passed at the latter date, surveyors were appointed who, with the help of the tithables within their precincts, were to clear new roads and maintain those already constructed.

This system was in force at the time of the formation of Southampton County in 1749; hence we find among the first orders those concerning roads. At the first court held for the county Joseph Griffin. Joseph Williams. William Exum. Joseph Jones. Richard Kirby. Charles Simmonds. Thomas Westbrooke. Joshua Cloyd, Matthew Griffin. David Burn. Jacob Flowers, John Thomas. Thomas Williams, and Joshua Dawson were appointed surveyors of the highways. The Three Cypress Bridge was also ordered to be inspected and repaired if needed. In fact, the early orders are filled with various references to roads and bridges. Toward the end of the eighteenth century and during the early decades of the nineteenth, much activity was concerned with establishing public ferries and keeping in repair the bridges.

The rivers also played an important part in early transportation. In 1790 an act was passed to make navigable the Blackwater River from Little Town to Broadwater Bridge, and county courts were given authority to appoint surveyors to superintend the removal of all obstructions. Apparently these gentlemen went to work with much energy, for the following year an act was passed to prevent these surveyors from forcing the workers to spend more than I 0 days in I year on this work.

The next few decades found several companies incorporated to make navigable the rivers touching Southampton County. The Meherrin Navigation Company, incorporated in 1811 for $10,000, was permitted to open books in Southampton and Greensville Counties and proceed to sell stock. This company was to make navigable the Meherrin River from the Lower Falls in Greensville County to Murfreesboro. North Carolina. It would seem that the company did not prosper, however, for in February. 1817, an extension of 10 years was granted. The Nottoway Navigation Company, incorporated in 1812 with an equal capital, was to make navigable the Nottoway River from William Parham's Mill in Sussex County to the Narrows above Brown's Ferry in Southampton County. This company was reincorporated in 1819.

With the coming of the railroads. Southampton County, entered a new era. A most important event in the history of the county was the incorporation of the Portsmouth and Roanoke Railroad Company in 1832—incorporated for $400.000 to build and operate a railrosd from the town of Portsmouth to some point on the Roanoke River. Books were ordered to be opened in several locations, among them Jerusalem (now Courtland), and the company proceeded to sell stock On November I. 1834, the president stated in an official letter that “The graduation of the road from Suffolk to Nottoway River will be completed in a few days ... In February next. . . . should the weather prove favorable, that section may be finished." Much had been done in grading the lines between the Nottoway and Meherrin Rivers. However, in May. 1835, the completion of the road from Suffolk to the Nottoway River had been delayed because of the severity of the winter. The president stated at that time that it would be in use to the Nottoway River in a few days. The report made by the president of this road on October 31, 1838. stated that the road was daily traveled to its intersection with the Petersburg and Roanoke Railroad. The Portsmouth and Roanoke Railroad at this time boasted six locomotives, five of which had been imported from England. The early station agents for this road in Southampton County were John R. Williams, John M. Neal, and Edward Beaton who served at Franklin, Newsoms and Boykins, respectively, in 1838. After several years litigation, the Portsmouth and Roanoke Railroad was sold, pursuant to an act of assembly, on September 4, 1846. John S. Millson became the purchaser of the same for the Commonwealth. The act authorizing the sale stated that the purchaser of the same might incorporate under the law as the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad Company.

The Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad later came under the control of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad Company and as such serves the county of Southampton. Another early railroad in Southampton County was the old Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad incorporated in 1851. This company consolidated with the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad in April, 1871, thus forming the Atlantic. Mississippi ic Ohio Railroad. The reorganization of the latter took place after it was sold in February. 1881, and on May 3, of that year became known as the Norfolk and Western Railroad.

The two other railroads serving Southampton County are the Southern organized June 18. 1894. and the Virginian, organized February 20. 1904.

In 1801 Mr. Strickland, an Englishman, in an article on “Agriculture in America,” spoke of Virginia as being in a rapid decline. This Commonwealth was the southern limit of his inquiry since agriculture here, he said, had already reached its lowest stale of degradation. The organization of a state agricultural society, around 1820, was one of the first concentrated efforts to make planters realize the need for a decided change of method in this field.

Unlike most Virginia counties. Southampton County raised little tobacco during the first half of the nineteenth century, as is shown in the 1850 census which reports only 97 I pounds grown as compared with 869 bales of cotton. The leading agricultural products of this decade were sweet potatoes, peas and beans; 235.337 bushels of the former and 125,218 of the latter were raised that year. The number of acres of improved land was 159,668 and the cash value of the farms was estimated at $996,607; to this may be added $71,496 worth of implements and machinery. The average value of land per acre increased from $1.67 in 1800 to $4.75 by 1820. and decreased from $4.15 in 1840 to $2.96 by 1850.

Agriculture has been and continues to be the principal interest of Southampton County. In I860 only 45 persons were employed in manufacturing pursuits, and this figure had only risen to 871 in 1935. The reports for 1860 did, however, show cooperage in the county, as well as flour milling.

Tidewater Virginia was omitted when the tobacco regions of Virginia were shown in the 1880 census, but elsewhere the census shows that 775 pounds of that commodity were produced on 5 acres in Southampton County. J. B. Killebrew spoke of the fact that the plants of this section had long ago changed from tobacco growing to crops more suited to the soil of this region. The census would bear out his statement, for 101 acres of land were planted in wheat. 36,012 acres in corn, 1 I .-500 acres in cotton and 628 acres in sweet potatoes, while all cattle numbered 5.478. The farm products sold and consumed in 1879 are shown at a value of $976,430. Southampton County led Virginia in the production of cotton, having raised 5,200 bales.

It is not definitely known when peanuts were first cultivated. Several species of plants closely allied to the peanut are natives of Brazil. While the indications are that the peanut came originally from tropical America and was introduced much earlier than 1870. it was of no importance commercially until that date. The soil ok Southampton County is ok a sandy, loamy nature, light in color, and is perfectly suited to the culture ok peanuts; the same is true of the climatic conditions which afford a long, growing season (from 90 to 120 days required according to variety), abundant sunshine, and a high temperature. The census of 1890 which reports 16,338 acres producing 329,750 bushels of this commodity in Southampton County represents the largest figures in the State. The lead taken at this time, in the production of peanuts, still holds true. There are at least five concerns dealing with the commercial needs of the peanut growers.

By 1900 some interest was also taken in the production of clover and grasses for 936 acres are listed as being alloted to their culture. The corn acreage was listed at 39.400 acres, while sweet potatoes formed a major crop with 1.050 acres producing 122.380 bushels of this vegetable. The culture of the peanut was even more marked as 31.781 acres produced 1,087,529 bushels. Cotton production continued. 3,705 acres producing 2.079 bales.

An interesting note on agriculture in Southampton County is a study of the size and tenure of the farms over a 50-year period. In 1880 there were 1.648 farms within the county, of which 906 were cultivated by their owners, the largest number ranging in size from 100 to 500 acres. Three hundred and thirty-seven farms were rented on a cash basis, the largest number of this group being from 20 to 50 acres in size; and 405 farms were rented on shares, the largest number in this group ranging from 100 to 500 acres in size. The farms of Southampton County numbered 3,212 in 1930; 1.303 were operated by the white race with a total acreage of 141,490 and 1.909 by Neg’.oes with a total acreage of 125,082. Fifty-nine thousand three hundred and ninety-six acres of crop lands were in the hands of tenants in 1929, while 5.501 acres of crop land were being purchased. The largest number of farms averaged 20 to 49 acres with 34,71 7 acres in the 1,073 farms of that size. The value of the land and buildings of the white race was $5.-5ZS. 850. while the value of this same type of property operated by the Negro race was $3,903,659. The total cattle reported April I, 1930 numbered 4,372 head. Forty-one thousand seven hundred and eleven acres of land were used for the cultivation of hay while corn was reported grown on 2,905 farms.

The census reports of 1935 show 2,987 farms within the county with a total acreage of 266,057; 89.293 acres were owned by white operators and 24,568 acres owned by Negro operators. The value of the lands and buildings of each race is given as follows: white owners $2.330,415, Negro owners $563,195.

A comparison of the 5-ycar period 1930-35 shows a slight decrease in the number of farm operators. The earlier date shows 1,303 white operators in 1930 and 1.382 in 1935, while Negro operators numbering 1.909 in 1930 are shown to have decreased to 1.605 in 1935. but the number of tenants decreased only 20 from 1930 to 1935. The value of land per acre in Southampton County decreased, its average value in the latter year being $26.67 per acre. These values, it will be remembered. were given during the depression and no doubt have already risen to the 1930 level which was $35.42 per acre. With 2.127.015 bushels of peanuts grown in 1934, the peanut industry is naturally important to the inhabitants of Southampton County.

Late in 1936 Southampton County gained much when the Chesapeake-Camp Corporation chose a location adjoining Franklin for its $3,500,000 pulp and paper mill, employing directly or indirectly 2,000 persons. 1 his together with the peanut factories, constitute most of the manufacturing livelihood of this county.

An important factor in the cultural history of any section involves the facilities furnished by that section for the education of its youth. As early as 1771 a school was kept by Mr. Samuel Nelson at Broadwater. His advertisement, stating that he intended to continue his school at this location, appeared in January of that year. Latin. French, and Greek were offered and the leisure hours of Mr. Nelson’s students were intended to be improved by the use of his library, which included among other items a work on astronomy. Mr. Nelson was also to import in that year a pair of globes which were considered an important adjunct to his establishment.

About 1776, Rev. Henry John Burges resigned his charge in order to teach at Millfield Academy, located at or near Berlin. William Henry Harrison was, at the time of his election to Presidency of the United States, one of lour surviving students of this academy. However, in December, I 790. an act was passed authorizing John S. Wills. William Urquhart. Benjamin Blunt. James Wilkinson. John Taylor. Francis Boykin. George Pur-die. James Wills and Samuel Kello to raise 300 pounds by means of a lottery, to be used toward the erection of an academy in Southampton County which was to be called Millfield Academy. The following year Rev. Henry John Burges of Nottoway Parish and Sally, his wife, deeded for 5 shillings to Edmund Tyler. Samuel Kello and William Boykins. 2 acres of land on which was to be erected Millfield Chapel and a school house. The deed stated that sundry persons had already contributed to this end. Morrison says, however, that Mill-field Academy appears not to have prospered until about 1830 when it was under the superintendence of Mr. Edward Smith and Mr. William C. Clark, at which time extensive courses embracing all the higher branches of science and literature usually taught in first class schools were offered.

It would appear from an official communication of the period that little effort was made to establish a public school prior to 1809 in spite of the act of assembly, dated 1 796. which authorized free schools. It was under the school act of 1818 that Samuel Blunt. James Rochelle, Benjamin Cobb. John Urquhart. Jacob Darden. Benjamin W. Johnson. Clements Rochelle. James Gee, Jeremiah Cobb, William B. Goodwyn. Francis Ridley. James Trezvant. William Ricks, Carr Bowers, and John Saunders were appointed school commissioners March of that year. The school commission appears to have functioned, for in 1836 Samuel H. Holmes gave bond as treasurer of the commission, having been appointed for that year.

By 1850 there were in Southampton County 20 public schools with 288 pupils enrolled therein, and $4,580 was expended that year for public education within the county. During this same period there were five academies operating.

Under the school laws of 1870. J. F. Bryant was appointed first superintendent and served from 1870 to 1882. A strong interest in school affairs was taken by Southampton County after this period, for by 1885 there were 75 teachers employed, and although most of the schools consisted of only I room, the full amount of operating costs requested was levied by the board of supervisors. The superintendent wrote, in answer to a query, that public sentiment was "very favorable” toward free schools at this time; 50.5 percent of the school population were enrolled.

In spite of the interest shown by Southampton County, there were, in 1885. 42 white children between I 8 and 21 years of age who. could not read, and 54 of the same age group who were unable to write. The total expenditures this year were somethin* over $ I 2.000 for public education.

By 1900 the public school system of Southampton County had grown considerably; there were enrolled in the I 09 schools throughout the county 4.605 pupils, comprising 58 percent of the white and 44 percent of the Negro school population. Funds available for this year ( 1900-1901) amounted to $24.5 I 7 for school purposes, of which approximately one-fourth was raised in the county-

The State Superintendent of Public Instruction staled in 1901 that "The improvement of the rural schools continues to be the most important as well as the most perplexing problem with which educations) administrators have to deal;” consolidation and concentration of school energies were also mentioned. The consolidation of schools is gradually taking place: 95 schools were shown for the year 1920-21. while by 1930-31 there were only 74 schools within Southampton County. The reports for the 1937-38 show a further decrease of four buildings for the Negro race. It is to be noted that nine one-room schools have been abandoned since 1930-31.

The present school system of Southampton County, composed of 71 schools of which 8 are accredited high schools. 6,424 pupils (70 percent of the total school population), libraries consisting of 16.500 volumes, and real estate valued at nearly one-half million dollars supplemented by $76,000 worth of equipment, indeed reflects the great strides made by the Commonwealth since 1870 in public education.

As in many Virginia counties, the formation of the parish of Nottoway antedates the formation of the county of Southampton. By an Act of August. I 7 34. the parish of Nottoway was formed from those parts of Newport and Warwicksqueake which lay on the south side of the Blackwater River. Much of the Colonial life centered about the Established Church and a great deal of the work performed by the present board of welfare was. in Colonial days, carried on by the churchwardens.

By I 762. the parish of Nottoway was considered large and unwieldy, for in that year it was divided and the Parish of St. Luke was formed. The new parish lay between the Nottoway and the Meherrin Rivers.

Among the ministers of these parishes were George Gurley of St. Luke’s from at least 1773 to 1792, loyal to the American cause, and William Andrews, I 776, a Tory, of Nottoway Parish. Henry John Burges was also in Southampton County during the Revolution, ministering in five churches and teaching school. This patriotic minister was captured and imprisoned by the British. At the close of the Revolution, both George Gurley and Henry John Burges served as justices of the county court It will be recalled that Rev. H. J. Burges gave the land for the chapel and school at Millfield. During this period there were at least several Baptist ministers within the county of Southampton—among them David Barrow, Henry Jones, and Beverly Booth—while the earliest records mention the presence of prominent Quakers. For the first half of the nineteenth century the Baptist Church prospered within Southampton County; the census shows six churches of this denomination in 1650. In spite of the patriotism of the Episcopal ministers during the Revolution, not one church of this faith is shown in this census within the county of Southampton.

Much has been accomplished in the held of public • welfare since the days when this important work was carried on by the churchwardens. Writing in 1854. Edmund Ruffin speaks of the general advancement made during the preceding two decades, in regard to health in Tidewater Virginia. The welfare work was handled by the board of supervisors for many years: however, a board of public welfare was ret up in 1923 and functioned for about 10 years. In 1933. the board of supervisors again took up this work and issued orders, for cash or groceries, to the needy families of the county.

In September. 1936, a superintendent of public welfare. Miss Beulah Daves was appointed by the board of supervisors and assumed her duties in October. The present local board of public welfare was established in 1938. In July, 1939, Southampton County abolished its almshouse and thus disappeared the last of the antiquated methods in public welfare.

And that, my friends, is my story. Should you hear a sigh or a soft lilting melody wafting through the lofty pines as the Nottoway flows on to the sea. remember that I still watch and am content with the wonders unfolding before me.

THE FAMILY CHOIR

Under The Direction of MRS. VIOLET HARRISON

Mr». Violet H. Harrison will furnish introductory music each evening of the pageant from 7:45 P. M. to 8 P. M.

Mildred Barrett                               Margaret Jenkins                             Geraldine Pierce

James Bolden                               Verlessie Jenkins                            Nelson Perry

Madeline Bolden                          George Jones                              Marnn Robinson

Wythe Bowman                           Eva Johnson                              Jessie Stephens

Eva Boykins                              Susie G. Johnson                          Thomas Stephens

Jack Camp                                Jessie Joyner                              Thelma Taylor

Henretta Chambliss                        Odell King                                Hazel Thomss

Lillian Cromartie                            Kathleen Lee                               Anna Turner

Susie Darden                              George Mangrum                          Kathleen Turner

Julia Dotson                                Pauline Morton                             Lelia Turner

Marie Greene                             George Moses                             Patnck Turner

Maggie Harper                            Hattie Moss                               Douglas Twitty

Dr. Ernell Harris                          Richard Myrick                           Unwood Vinson

Junius Holland                              Cordelia Owens                             Gladiola Wells

Hattie Holland                                                                      Andrew West

PARADE

TUESDAY. OCTOBER 25. 1949       GOVERNOR S DAY

STARTING POINT FRANKLIN ATHLETIC FIELD—3:00 P. M.

ROUTE:          FOURTH AVENUE TO HIGH STREET

SOUTH ON HIGH STREET TO SOUTH STREET EAST ON SOUTH STREET TO MAIN STREET NORTH ON MAIN STREET TO FOURTH AVENUE WEST ON FOURTH AVENUE TO FRANKLIN ATHLETIC FIELD

PARADE MARSHALL CAPTAIN ROBERT C. RAY. Battery B, 129th AAA AW Bn.. Franklin. Va.

PARTICIPATING BANDS         50th ARMY BAND—FORT MONROE. VIRGINIA

POST BAND—FORT EUSTIS. VIRGINIA

392nd ARMY BAND—CAMP LEE. VIRGINIA

5th NAVAL DISTRICT BAND—NORFOLK. VIRGINIA SUFFOLK HIGH SCHOOL BAND—SUFFOLK. VIRGINIA

MILITARY UNITS         BATTERY B. 129th AAA AW Bn.. FRANKLIN. VIRGINIA

FLOATS BY ALL INTERESTED PARTIES

BI-CENTENN1AL PROGRAM

SATURDAY OCTOBER 22

10:00 A.M.-8:00 P.M. Historical Museum—Armory Hall

8:00 P.M.               First performance "Legend of the Nottoway"

Franklin Athletic Field

SUNDAY OCTOBER 23

2:00 P.M.-4:00 P.M. Historical Museum—Armory Hall

4:00 P.M.               Vesper Service

MONDAY OCTOBER 24

10:00 A.M.-8:00 P.M. Historical Museum—Armory Hall

8:00 P.M.               Second performance “Legend of the Nottoway"

Franklin Athletic Field

The Queen will be announced at this performance

10:00 P.M.-2:00 A.M. Square Dance, Sunshine Sue and the Old Dominion Barn Dance The Hangar—Franklin Airport on Route 58 East

TUESDAY OCTOBER 25. GOVERNOR’S DAY

10:00 A.M.-8:00 P.M. Historical Museum—Armory Hall

3:00 P.M.              Parade

8:00 P.M.              Third performance "Legend of the Nottoway"

Franklin Athletic Field

The Queen will be crowned at this performance

10:30 P.M.-I :00 A.M. Street Dance

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 26. HOMECOMING DAY

10:00 A.M.-8:00 P.M. Historical Museum—Armory Hall

8:00 P.M.               Last performance "Legend of the Nottoway"

The Brothers of the Brush and the Sisters of the Swish will be judged at this performance.

10:00 P.M.-2:00 AM. Queen's Ball. Music by Doug Parker and his Orchestra The Hangar. Franklin Airport

PROGRAM FOR VESPER SERVICE

Sunday, October 23, 1949

Organ Prelude ........................................................Hal J. Lyon

Processional by Choir

Call to Worship ............................................................Rev. R. D. Stephenson

Invocation

Hymn. “O God Our Strength In Ages Past” Congregation

Statement of Purpose

Anthem. “God of Our Fathers” Choir

Recognition of Pastors

Hymn, “Faith of Our Fathers" Congregation

Address Dr. R. Orman Bryant, Pastor Park Place Methodist Church Norfolk. Virginia

Hymn of Dedication Choir (Words by R. F. Phillips)

Benediction

Organ Postlude Hal J. Lyon (Choir Under Direction of Joel Cook Holland)

HYMN OF DEDICATION

Your sons have sought to laud your name O'er land and sea and air;

To distant corners of this earth.

Which we’ve been taught to love since birth.

Your heritage is great.

In your two hundred years of growth We’ve learned that we must stand; Within the bounds of harmony. And labor onward peacefully To keep your heritage great

And as we stand to sing your praise We pledge our loyalty.

And pray God bless us everyone To work and strive till time is done To keep your heritage great. Amen.

SOUTHAMPTON BI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. INC.

A Non-Profit Corporation Organized by The Franklin Junior Chamber of Commerce and

The Franklin Woman’s Club PRESENTS

"£ecjen<) of the C^Lottowaij ”

Produced by

The John B. Rogers Producing Company Directed by Duane Klein

Introductory and Background Music by the Family Choir

Directed by Violet H. Harrison

October 22nd-26th, 1949—8:00 p. m.

Franklin High School Athletic Field

_x                 Franklin. Virginia

PROLOGUE

Colorful drill groups appear on the field to form a court of honor. Queens of the nations and their attendants and flag bearers add to the array. The Bi-Centennial Queen advances toward us with her attendants through an avenue of flags. Our visitors are greeted and the Queen Commands the performance to begin.

EPISODE I—INDIAN VILLAGE

Traces of prehistoric man have been found in our county, but our story begins with the historic American Indian. In early times surrounding our site were the Iroquois, the Nansemond and the Nottoway tribes. We are most concerned with the Nottoways however, and pictured here we see a typical Indian village of long ago.

EPISODE 2—LEGEND OF NOTTOWAY

There is a legend that the Nottoway Indians had a large diamond—So large in fact that its light was used as a visual aid while sewing moccasins at eventide. The story goes that the chief of the tribe threw the diamond into the Nottoway River so that no foreign visitor should ever have it.

EPISODE 3—EARLY PIONEERS

Prior to the year 1714, die spirit of immigration was making itself felt in Southampton County. Families began arriving to make their home here. We see now a typical family, and some of the hardships then endured, to make this great county what it is today.

EPISODE 4—FIRST LAND PURCHASE

About the year I 749-50. the Nottoway and Nansemond Indians were empowered to sell land in the County of Isle of Wight At that time, the county that is now Southampton was part of the County of Isle of Wight. The land was sold for no less than I 2 pounds, I 0 shillings for every hundred acres. Here we witness the first land purchase.

EPISODE 5—FIRST COURT IN SOUTHAMPTON

The justices of the peace and the judges in chancery were sworn in along with the constables. It was the business of the cuurt. along with regular duties, to consider public buildings. It was decided in this court that the Courthouse was to be 40x24 feet and the other buildings as the justices saw fit We witness now an early court session.

EPISODE 6—EARLY SOCIAL LIFE

It is said that many of the prominent people of today can be traced to Virginia, and Southampton County has had its share. There were such names as: Person, Kello, Reese. Gray, Cotton and many others. Let s look in upon a little celebration of that day and watch the ‘‘Minuet”—

EPISODE 7—MINUTE MEN FOR FREEDOM

The flame for freedom was lit and flared . . . During the Revolution, Southampton threw her men and supplies into the fight

EPISODE 8—SPIRIT OF ‘76

To those men who so gallantly gave their lives in the cause of freedom, we dedicate this tableau . . .“The gentlemen of 1776."

EPISODE 9—EARLY CHURCH

In the archives of our history it is noted that there were many churches in the county of Southampton prior to the year of 1700. There is no factual record of these very early churches, nor the year in which they were established. There were, however, in later years many churches of many different faiths. We see now a typical Church in Southampton at that time.

EPISODE 10—FIRST IRON HORSE

The first railroad was incorporated in the year 1836. The first town was incorporated in 1791. The first railroad was the Portsmouth and Roanoke railroad. We see depicted here a replica of an early train and the reactions of the people as it steamed in for the first time . . .

EPISODE II—ONE ENCHANTED SOUTHERN EVENING

This is the day of the hoop skirts and the Gay Virginia Reel, popular dance at that time. If we hurry, maybe we’ll catch these early belles and beaux in a wedding and a dance.

EPISODE 12—WAR BETWEEN THE STATES

In December, I860, Lincoln became president In January, 1861, Jefferson Davis resigned from the United States Senate. The result of all this along with economic conditions in the country was at least a part of the cause of the War Between the States.

EPISODE 13—EARLY SCHOOL

The first more or less PUBLIC AND PRIVATE school was established in Southampton County several years after the school for which the Reverend Charles Griffin was the school master. This school was for the Indians. Later came Millfield Academy. Sunbeam. Franklin and Corinth schools. Many more followed at a later dale, being set up under the public law system in 1924.

EPISODE 14—GAY NINETIES

This was the era of the Mocking Bird, the Merry Oldsmobile and the horse and buggy days. Maybe some of you people remember racing your buggies around the county of Southampton at the reckless speed of ten miles per hour. Well, let's look in on a scene and see how much you do remember about it . . .

EPISODE 15—ROARING 20's

This is the era of the flappers, and the Gay Blades of the Blazer Jacket Period, the Charleston and the Blackbottom and Ukulele.

EPISODE 16— IWO JIMA

To our brave sons who gave their lives in the last two World Wars, we dedicate this tableau, depicting the spirit that raised the flag on Iwo Jima.

EPISODE I 7—MARCH OF DEMOCRACY

Our entire cast participates in a glorious finale to represent the growth of our great country and county. OUR county of Southampton. Today we are a composite people. We live. work, play and work in unity for our home and community.

MEMBERS OF THE CAST OF

“THE LEGEND OF THE NOTTOWAY”

NARRATORS—Mr». John T. Claud. Mr». Homer Saunder». Charte. F. Urquhart *nd John C. Parker.

PROLOGUE

Queen and Attendant»: Train Bearer*. Linda Duck and Ann Carri Crown Bearer. Wilma Drake ; Miu France. Peggy Lawler; Miu England. Martha Edward.; Mia. Canada. Elaine Doughty; Mi-. Mexico. Pat Pomeroy; Mi». Colonial. Ann Boll..

SAILORETTES

Betty Row Kelley        Ellen Gilmore             Emile Fowler             Harrietta Harcum         Loi» Drewry

Bootie William.           Myrtle Britt               Caroline Edward.         Joyce Daei.              Shirley Steinbach

Marian William.         Jean Rhode.             Mary P. Wad.          Hop. Scott

STATES TO COLUMBIA

Gaynelle Edward.        Barbara Scott            Carolyn Overby          Joan Allen               Martha Ann Port.r

Joyce Smith              Audrey Newwme         Su»an Pace              Mona Powell             Mari. A.t.r..

lune Sechrie.1             Evelyn Cobb              Joyce Davi.               Demila A.ter,,

‘                                               U. S. A. GIRLS

Beverly Vaughan         Judy Pittman             Jane Newwm.            Glynda Jone.            Su. Walker Pace

Mary Ann Brett          Kathleen McCulley        Mildred Holland         Maaine Steinbach         Greta Fowler

CADETS

Diaoe Doughty            Joyce Morri.              Carole King              Charlotte Holl            ^ây Baker

Alma Brown            Alice Smith             't'rUMPeYeRS        Marian Maltraw         Sh.lby Holl

Irene Lankford           Audrey Lankford         Janet Pace                Beverly Roger.            Martha Lae William»

Iris Lankford

BOY SCOUTS

Jim William.             Walter Barron            Roger Steinbach           Tony Buller              Malcolm Culchin.

Jerry Culchin             Thoma» Callr...           Frankie Powell            Ken Peace                Richard Bowen

Dean Wagcnbach        Frank Keeter            Jimmy Cogmdal.         Sammy Holland          Frank Beal.

Jimmy Rebick            Kenneth Bradford        Eugene Butler            Shep Bell                Jack Pomeroy

Bobby Gooden           Joe Stull.                Bobby Jone.

G» wL Vv I w

Sara Lee Johown         Florence Edward.        Lucille Webb            Addie Lee Lloyd         Peggy Howerton

Carolyn Bedford          Louiw Pool               Alice Parker              Mary Ann. Brett         Diana St.phen.on

Rachel Brett             Naney Harcum          Judy Carr                Anne Scott              Nancy David.on

Kav Currier              Diane Taylor

^y                   .            AMERICAN LEGION

G H. Parker. Jr.        c. C. Vaughan. IN       Franklin Edward»         J J. Finley. Jr.           Robert C. Ray

J M Minton           Franc» E. Clark         Samuel Braddiaw         W. M. Dedge

^J‘                           VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS

John Allen Daughlrey Jack Farmer              Allen S. Whilehead       Lewi. E. Brill            R C Eubank

Lawrence Adam.        J. G. Cobb             Jimmie Duck

SCENE I—EARLY INDIAN VILLAGE INDIAN CHIEF—Thoma I Earl Bau. Jr. INDIAN BRAhES

Fred Barker. Jr.          Frank Foder              Graham Pulley           Carl Vaughan             Gharle. W. Da tn. Jr.

Phillip Nixon            Marion Joyner            Clyde Vaughan          Andrew Sipicxky         Jimmie Mark.

Nathan Fo.ler

INDIAN SQUAWo

Betty F. Gillette           Lorraine Flower.          Natalie Worrell            Clyde Crichton             Betty Fox

Marv C. Babb           Wrenn Magetie           Mildred Overby

^y                                 INDIAN BOYS

Joe Chaw                 Wyatt Durrette. Jr.       Joe T. Slewart            Bennie Scott              Johnny Wright

Dick Morgan                                INDIAN GIRLS

Fannie G. Gardner       Virginia Scott             Pat.y Branch             E»lelle Crichton           Wilmer Scott

Fay C. Durrette                    INDIAN PRINCESS-Amh. Jean Cobb

SCENE II—THE NOTTOWAY DIAMOND INDIANS FROM SCENE I ENGLISH CAVALIERS

Tad Darden            Bev Browne             Ed Wade               Ted Peace              Tommy Caldwell

George Barron            Everett Rutledge          Pete Hunter

SCENE III—EARLY PIONEERS

MEN

John Roll iron           Fred C Stewart         TPCilnt           Frank I. Whitley        H. B. McUmore. Jr.

Clayton Whilehead       L. A. Magelle           EUt. Harn.              Jo. D. William.

⁷                                WOMEN

Lorraine Duck            Mr*. Elli. Harri.         Ann Mark.              Mr. H. B McLemore. Jr. Haiti. Simmon.

Row Whilehead          Mr.. T. P. Gilbert      Mabel Kitchen

How w tuieneaa                             PIONEER BOYS

Hervie Lewi.            Tommie Wade           Paul Lar.!.              Tommy Lew..

PIONEER GIRLS Harriet Edward.          Pat.y Burrow.            Phylli. Howell            Peggy Day

SCENE IV—FIRST LAND PURCHASE

INDIANS FROM SCENE I and II          PIONEERS FROM SCENE III

SCENE V—FIRST COURT

JUDGES

John T. Claud                  Eldridge Pope

MEN OF THE COURT

A. D. Lewi.             Burton Drewry           Roy Harri.              Georg. Harr»            Maunc. S.mmon.

Bobby Cobb                               WOMAN

Mr». Jame. Drewry

SCENE VI—SOCIAL LIFE (Minuet) MEN ' S. C. Vick               L_ D. Story               Uoyd Taylor             E. B. Prince              Earl Worrell

J. l_ Dail               Raymond Vick           J. D. Darden            “Cat" Pope              J. C. Story

WOMEN Mr*. S. C. Vick         Mr». L. D. Story         Mr*. Uoyd Taylor        Mr*. E. B Prince       Mr*. Earl Worrell

Mr*. J. L. Dail           Mr*. Raymood Vick      Mr*. J. D. Darden         Mia* Jotephine Futrell     Mr*. J. C. Story

SCENE VII—MINUTE MEN

Richard Drewry          Forte>4 Drewry           S. L. Joyner             Warren Beale            Cookie William*

James Beale             Cy Lewis Beale          Dick Hardy              Thomas Irving Darden    Jerome Gagner

Billy Eley               Talmadge Gale           Milton Turner

SCENE VIII—SPIRIT OF 76

DRUMMER—F. Bryant Holt          FIFE—G. W. Turner, Jr.              FLAG BEARER—Julian Felt*

SCENE IX—EARLY CHURCH

MINISTER—Billy Benton                       MEN and WOMEN—From Scene VI (Minuet)

SCENE X—FIRST IRON HORSE POLITICIAN Aubrey Pope Mark* MEN P. C. Mark*              Benjamin Gillette         J. W. Crichton            H. W. F ranci*            Je**e T. Mark*

E. W. Crichton          Bryant Holt              G. W. Turner

WOMEN

Mr*. P. C. Mark*         Mr*. Benjamin Gillette    Mr*. J. W. Crichton     Mr*. H. W. Franci*       Nancy Beale

Mr*. E. W. Crichton

SCENE XI—ONE ENCHANTED SOUTHERN EVENING

BRIDE—Mr*. Elton L. Stephen*or>          GROOM—Elton L. Stephenton             MINISTER—Roy Stephenton

MEN and WOMEN-From Scene X

SCENE XII—WAR BETWEEN THE STATES OFFICERS Walter Neave                  Will Roy Stephenson

SOLDIERS—Men from Scene V||

SCENE XIII—BOOK OF FAME

SCENE XIV—FIRST SCHOOL TEACHER-Mr. G. Hin*on Parker. Jr. CHILDREN BOYS Davit William*           Jimmie Rhode*            J. W. Reel. Jr.           Bucky Tart               George Parker

Mike McCulley GIRLS

Glenda Nichol a*          Linda Holland           Joanne Drewry           Gwendolyn March        Larue Rainey

Beth Jone*                 Eileen Ho*«ett

FATHER—One of the men from Minuet

SCENE XV—GAY 90S

MAYOR—Emmett Davit                   FIRST BUGGY DRIVER—C. B. Owen

CAMERAMAN—Roy Lamiter               SECOND BUGGY DRIVER—1_ L. Poole

BATHING BEAUTY-Evelyn Parker         FIRST AUTO DRIVER-J. R. Hooke

SECOND AUTO DRIVER—W. P. New mm. WOMEN

Mr*. Herman McCoy Mr*. Roy Lattiter        Mr*. Lonnie Story         Mr*. Jam.* Jenkin* ■ Mr*. Sam Purviance

Mr*. Stephen Bryant     Mr*. Johnny Owen        Mr*. I— P. Clary         Mr*. W. H. Dodd        Mi»* Joy D.Loalche

MEN

Herman McCoy          Johnny Owen            Turner Latiiler           June* Jenkin*            Sam Purviance

Steven !iryant              Lonnie Story               C. B. Rock                Hataell Lauiler            Jack Powell

Roy Lattiter COMEDY COP—Victor Grinard BOYS AND GIRLS

Sandra Blythe            Larry Johnton            Larry Sinclair             Audrey Owen            June Elder

Jane Beale               Dan Fowler             Lot* Brown              Martha Ann Wellon*     Ann Wallon*

SCENE XVI—ROARING 20*S MEN Thoma* Ervin Bradthaw   Johnie Beale             Hubert Raiford           William Slieth. Jr.        Garland Beale

George Samuel Drewry     Earl Drewry           Charle* Bull*            Gilmore We*!

WOMEN

Virginia Lee Parker      Annie May Griffin        Jennie Mae Stephen*      Jan net Slieth              Rena Bradthaw

Polly Parker              Jean Griffin               Sue Mumford             ]e*»te Tomlin              El tie Drewry

Jackie Edward*

SCENE XVII—IWO JIMA TABLEAU MARINES NormG. Lankford                        Mills P. Dsughlrry                        Richard \ . ILdwsrds

SCENE XVIII—MARCH OF DEMOCRACY MEMBERS OF THE ENTIRE CAST Due tn nrinier’a achedule cat! litltni mar not be complete al the time of Usine Io pre**.

COPY OF FIRST DEED RECORDED TRANSFERRING LAND FROM INDIANS TO SETTLEMENT

The terms of the Court at the present time are third Monday in January. March. May. July and October, at which time the docket is called and the cases «et on a day agreed upon by the attorneys and the judge. The Order Books, both Chancery and Common Law, are open at all times between the five terms for orders entered by the judge.

COMMISSIONERS OF REVENUE

(Nottoway Parish)         Served

William W. Briggs                     1855-1857

William Murfee                       1857-1859

William E. Gay                       1859-1862

Joseph Gardner                         1862-1865

Orris Moore                            1865-1871

Later divided into Magisterial Districts (District No. 1)                       i

Joseph P. Gay, Jr.                      1871-1875

L A. Gay                         1875-1887

John H. Pope                         1887-1892

R. M. Edwards                        1892-1900

A. F. Cobb                           1900-1916

J. B. Hedgepeth                        1916-1920

Franklin Edwards                      1920—

(Saint Luke’s Parish)          Served

John M. Gurley                       1855-1859

John Barham                          1859-1862

John M. Gurley                        1862-1865

Benjamin F. Applewhite                 1865-1869

(To hit vacancy left by Gurley) Jeremiah O. Johnson                     1869-1870

Later divided into Magisterial Districts (District No. 2)

David H. Kindred                       1870-1871

Benjamin F. Applewhite                 1871-1875

John J. Deyer                          1875-1879

Benjamin F. Applewhite                 1879-1883

H. L. Hill                             1883-1887

W. P. Gillette                            >887-1895

Joseph S. Gilliam                         1895-1900

S. B. Drewry                          1900-1904

J. R. Dickens                           1904-1912

S. B. Drewry                           1912-1916

J. R. Dickens                           1916-1924

J. S. Musgrave                          1924-1928

Note:

Districts Number I and 2 combined in 1928—Franklin Edwards, Commissioner of Revenue for the combined districts since that date.

PERSONAL' SKETCHES

The editors realize that the list of personal sketches following is very incomplete and that there are many of Southampton's illustrious sons and daughters who should have been included but were not. Every effort posiible has been made to include all who deserve recognition: however, the press of time and the failure of people to respond to our published requests for information leave us with no course to follow but to publish all the sketches we have as this work goes to the printers. We sincerely hope that those who have information about persons who should have been included will convey that information to Mrs. Jonah Soble. chairman of our Historical Committee, so that it might be preserved for future generations.

EDWIN GRAY, who was a member of the Continental Congress of 1775. is buried in an old cemetery which is between Sebrell and Dory. His grave has been marked by the United States Government.

JOHN Y. MASON was bom in Greenville, Sussex County. April I 3. I 799, later lived in Southampton County and died in Paris. October 3, 1859. He was educated at the University of North Carolina, and admitted to the bar in 1819. Mr. Mason became a judge in State and Federal courts, and served several terms in the Virginia Assembly. From 1831 to 1837 he was a member of Congress, then to 1844 Judge of the United States Court for the district of Virginia. In 1844 he became Secretary of the Navy in the cabinet of President Tyler. Although he served temporarily as attorney-general under Polk, he re-entered the Navy Department President Pierce in 1853 appointed Mr. Mason Minister to France; until his death he filled this position. With James Buchanan and Pierre Soule he signed the Ostend Manifesto.

GEORGE BOOTH CARkt. 181 1-1850. At the age of thirty year», he was elected à» a Democrat to the 27th Congress (March 4, 1841 -March 3. 1843). He had been afforded a liberal education and wu engaged in planting at the time, but resumed his agricultural pursuits after his term of office. He died March 5. 1850, in Bethlehem, Virginia, and was buried in the family cemetery at his birthplace. Bonny Doon, near Courtland. Cary'» bridge near Applewhite’s church was undoubtedly ns med for the Cary family.

GEORGE HENRY THOMAS was born near Newsoms on July 31. 1816. He was among the outstanding men. one of national fame and a Wert Point graduate. When the Mexican War broke out he joined the rank» and went to defend his country from Mexico's depredations. For the valiant service he rendered the citizen» of Southampton presented him with a beautiful and costly gold inlaid sword. This may be seen in the building of the Virginia Historical Society in Richmond. Thomas married Miss Kellogg of Troy. New York. When the War Between the Stales broke out he remained in the U. S. Army and became a Major General. For merit and valor during the battle of Chickamauga. Tennessee, where he commanded a division, he was given the title of "The Rock of Chickamauga" and given command of the Army of the Cumberland. There is a legend, although the legend may not be a fact, that although he fought with the Northern forces he did not forget his native county and requested that the Federal troops not devastate his home county during the years of continuing strife. A handsome statue has been erected to hi» memory in Washington. D. C.

GENERAL WILLIAM BRIGGS SHANDS was born in Sussex County. Virginia, on the 7th day of February. 1820, the son of William Shands and Sarah Rives Shands. He was a practicing attorney in Southampton County at the time of his marriage to Letitia Christian Tyler on September 13. I860. Served as an officer in the Confederate States Army, in which conflict one-half of his able-bodied kinsmen, brothers and cousins, died, either killed in service or of disease contracted in it.

He died July 18, 1906, and is buried in the cemetery in Courtland. Virginia.

CAPTAIN JAMES HENRY ROCHELLE was born at his father's home, near the Courthouse, in Courtland—then called Jerusalem—on the first day of November, 1826. His parents were James Rochelle and Martha (Hines) Gray Rochelle. He graduated from Annapolis and served in the United States Navy on the "F almouth" and the “Decatur" in the Mexican War. During the War Between the States he served the Confederacy on the warship “Patrick Henry" on the James Riser, and was on the "Merrimac" when it fought the "Monitor "

After the war. Captain Rochelle returned to Southampton, but his old Comrade-in-Arms. John Randolph Tucker, asked him to go with him to Peru to make tome hydrographic surveys for the Peruvian Government. It was during the course of this survey, in 1873, that Captain Rochelle named a pretty site on the Amazon for his niece. Letitia Christian Tyler. He died March 31. 1889, and is buried in Courtland.

C. C. VAUGHAN, SR.. 1839-1924. Served during the War Between the State* by joining the Nansemond Rangers and. shortly after that, becoming a member of Company A, 13th Virginia Cavalry. In 1886 Mr. Vaughan founded the banking business of Vaughan & Company. When the town of Franklin was chartered in 1876, Mr. Vaughan was one of the first Councilmen. He was Mayor for several terms, and served on the Town Council. In 1896 he was elected Supervisor for Franklin district and served in that capacity for 28 years. Mr. Vaughan was one of the first to see the advantages of permanently improved roads, and with the aid of his son. Gen. C. C. Vaughan. Jr., launched a campaign for better highways in Southampton County.

DR. JAMES FENTON BRYANT. 1840-1909. He was educated in Albemarle County and at the University of Virginia. He left the University to enter the Confederate Army. Dr. Bryant was among the group that raised the first Confederate flag on the pole at the Courthouse. He was wounded at Five Fork*. He graduated from the University after the war. studied medicine at New York University and interned in Bellevue Hospital. He returned to Southampton County to practice medicine. Dr. Bryant was the first Superintendent of Schools in Southampton County, and first Mayor of Franklin.

WM. MAHONE, soldier-politican. born in Southampton County December I. 1826. and died in Washington D. C, October 8, 1895. He graduated from V. M. I. in 1847, as a civil engineer and railroad constructor.

He entered the Confederate Army at the opening of the War Between the State*. He took part in the Peninsula and Rappahannock campaign. By bravery at Petersburg he acquired the sobriquet “Hero of the Crater." In 1864 he was made Brigadier General, then Major General. After the war he accepted the Presidency of the Norfolk and Tennessee Railroad and also became active in politics. He was the principal organizer (1878) and leader of the Readjusters, chiefly a faction of the Democratic party in Virginia who fasored the forcible readjustment of the State Department, on terms involving conditional or partial repudiation, namely by the supporter* of this movement. He was elected in 1880 to the U. S. Senate where he acted with the Republican*, making the vote of the Senate a tie and disappointed the Democrats of their expected majority. He lost favor with his constituents and was not re-elected.

As has often been stated the men of Southampton have ever been in the thickest of conflict where their fellow Virginians and Americans have been engaged. Often oiuthe winning side, seldom on the losers. This likewise is the case of fact during the battle of New Market when a group of boys, just grown up. the V. M. I. Corps, plugged a hole in our lines and earned on to a brilliant victory, for which we, as Virginians, are so duly proud. Inhere were two from Southampton in the thickest of the fray:

JAMES DAVID DARDEN, born April 10, I 845. near Courtland, in Southampton County—Son of Richard J. Darden and Caroline F. Pope—In the battle he was shot through the left thigh and though bleeding profusely continued in the fight and was again wounded in the left arm, causing such exhaustion from loss of blood that he was unable to proceed.

ROBERT RIDLEY, born September 27, 1844 in Southampton County. Virginia, son of Robert Ridley and Ann Elira Blunk, entered at V. M. I. by Thomas Ridley and matriculated from Jerusalem, Southampton County. Virginia on January 7. 1862, while a third classman. participated in the battle of New Market as fourth cadet corporal. Co. C.

JOHN cRAFFORD PARKER was born December 16. 1862. in Isle of Wight County near St. Luke's Church, and attended local schools. He graduated in law from the University of Virginia on July 2. 1884. Coming to Franklin following graduation, he opened a law office, becoming a successful lawyer, having been greatly influenced by John B. Minor, a former teacher at the University. As an advisor and counsellor in his office, as an attorney ever mindful of the high ethical principles that gave him a pre-eminent position in the profession, and among his fellows, Mr. Parker had no peer. Mr. Parker served as Treasurer of Southampton County on a voluntary unpaid basis during the Spanish-American War.

An ardent Democrat, he was a delegate to the National Convention in Chicago in 1892. and to the St. Louis Convention in 1916. As a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from Southampton in I 895 96-97-98, he was a recognized leader. A member of the Virginia State Bar Association and as Chairman of the Association's standing

committee on the Judiciary, his reports for that committee made notable contributions to the Slate Court system which were adopted by the State Constitution in 1902.

Mr. Parker was an ardent Methodist church worker and teacher. He organized the first Red Cross Chapter in Southampton County during World War I. serving as County Chairman, and otherwise served as the cine leader for the County during World War I. The strain of his activities at this time made him a victim of influenza, and he died on December 14, 1918.

W. T. PACE, bom March 18. I860, at New Hope. Sussex County. Va. He attended Commerce School in Baltimore. He was Recorder and Treasurer of the Town of Franklin from 1892 to 1914. He was appointed school trustee in 1922. After much work and planning, Mr. Pace saw his dream realized, that of a playground in Franklin. His business. W. T. Pace & Co., has grown since its inception in 1890, and is therefore the oldest retail establishment in Franklin.

HON. JAMES l_ McLEMORE was born near Drewryville in Southampton County in 1866 and spent his boyhood days part of the time living in Jerusalem (now Courtland). He served as Deputy Clerk of the County under the then clerk, the late J. B. Prince, Sr. In 1907 he was appointed by Governor Claude L. Swanson as Judge of the Second Judicial Circuit of Virginia. He presided over this Court continuously from 1907 until retirement in 1940. In 1890 he established the National Bank of Suffolk and has been its President and Chairman of the Board of Directors since that time. He was a member of the Special Supreme Court of Appeals of Va.

MRS. BESSIE M. WILLS served as Deputy Clerk at the Courtland Court House with three generations of McLemores, and she still serves.

GENERAL CECIL CRAWLEY VAUGHAN. JR. was born on July 8, 1868, at the old Vaughan homestead in Southampton County. He served as Captain during the Spanish-American War. was appointed Brigadier-General in 1907, and was a patriotic worker during World War I, after which he was retired with the rank of Major General.

The General was a great advocate of good roads and it is to his ingenuity and legal knowledge of road building and finances, while serving as Senator, that Tidewater Virginia owes many miles of her good roads. He was directly responsible for the first state constructed road in the State of Virginia. The bridge which spans the Nottoway River at Smith’s Ferry on U. S. Route 258 is named in honor of General Vaughan.

JOHN N. SEBRELL. JR.. 1871-1947, a native of Southampton County, engaged in extensive private law practice. He was elected in 1901 to the General Assembly and served in that body almost continuously for four years while the Constitution of that time was being put in effect.

Later he moved to Norfolk, and in 1929 was chosen City Attorney. He was a former member of the Norfolk City Council and Chairman of its Finance Committee. After his service as City Attorney. Governor Brice appointed him to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. In 1934 he was elected Imperial Potentate of the Shrine of the North American Continent. He was an eminent trial lawyer.

MISS NANCY BABB, the daughter of the late Enoch and Judith Babb, was horn near Sedley on June 8. 1884. She attended Corinth Academy and Westtown Boarding School. During World War I she was an organizer and supervisor of relief in Russia, where she worked under the auspices of the American Friends Service Committee and the Red Cross. She became widely known for her humanitarian work. She died on June 28. 1948. She had been called the "Little Czar of Totskoe" by grateful Russian peasants as she risked her life distributing relief supplies to the starving people.

COLGATE WHITEHEAD DARDEN. JR.. President of the University of Virginia, is a former Governor of Virginia, Congressman, lawyer, farmer, teacher, banker and one of the Old Dominion s favorite sons. Born in Southampton County. February II. 1897. he received his education at the University of Va.. Columbia University and Oxford.

A member of the House of Representatives for nine years. He left the House to become Governor of Virginia in 1941, serving a term marked by advancement in Aid to Education. Penal Reform and I ublu Health. He be-

came Chancellor of the College of William and Mary in I 946, which office he left to become President of the University in 1947. His service as a Congressman was marked by his interest in naval affairs. Later he served as vice-

chairman and then chairman of the Civilian Advisory Committee on naval affairs.  In World War 1 he served with

French Ambulance Corps and later with the U. S. Marine Aviation Service as a pilot.

DR. WILLIAM FRANCIS DREWRY was bom in Southampton County in I860. He spent his boyhood at the old Drewry home known as Westover, near Drewryviile. He was educated at the Murfreesboro Academy >n North Carolina, at Randolph-Macon College and the Medical College of Virginia. After medical practice at Ivor he became attached to the staff of the Central Stale Hospital in Petersburg, later its superintendent, and became one of the greatest psychiatrists and public benefactors of his generation.

For a while, beginning in 1924, he left his chosen profession and was city manager of Petersburg, but his medical reputation pulled him away from the business world and in I 928 he returned to psychiatry as head of the Virginia Bureau of Mental Hygiene. He died in that position, a resident of Richmond, on October 19. 1934. A man of superb character, of tremendous influence in medical societies and in legislative bodies haring to do with care of the mentally ill, of tireless and selfish devotion to his chosen work, he was one of the most valuable contributions to humanity ever made by Southampton County.

MISS FANNIE L. WEBB. The only private schorl now existing in the county is that operated by Miss Fannie I Webb, which was opened in 1900 under the name Euphradian Institute. This school was operated by her continuously until 1929. It usually accommodated from fifty to sixty pupils, which included from fifteen to twenty-five boarding students. This institution was never chartered and did not have a board of trustees. Misses Fannie and Gattie Webb, and the late Lessie Webb were the original founders and instructors. Commercial subjects were added in 1922. and the name was changed to Euphradian Park Business School, which is conducted in the Webb home directly at the end of First Avenue in the residential section. Franklin. The work is continued under the name of Webb School of Business.

THE CAMP MFG. CO. is the outstanding industrial organization of Southampton County. It was incorporated in 1887, the incorporators were the brothers, Paul D. Camp. James L. Camp and Robert J. Camp. The original charter of the company permitted the manufacture of lumber in all of its branches and the company has conducted a continuous chain of lumber manufacturing operations for sixty years.

Several years ago a paper mill and chemical plant were added to their lumber interests. They employ over I 200 people and have been very interested and cooperative in all civic activities and improvements. Playgrounds Inc., the swimming pool, lights for the ball park, the new country club and lovely additions to the churches have been realized with their assistance. This organization is now being carried on by the sons of the original founders.

The plant is situated near Franklin in the Isle of ^Vight County—the Camp family and most of its employees reside in Franklin, Southampton County.

CAPTAIN SAMUEL CALVERT, first settler of that name in Southampton County, was associated with his father in the shipbuilding business on Nottoway River near Jerusalem (Courtland).

Captain Calvert was the son of Captain Christopher Calvert of Norfolk. Virginia, who married Miss Peggy Bush, a great belle and heiress of that time. Born in I 736 and died in I 794.

Just prior to 1775 he was sent to South Quay by the Virginia Navy for the purpose of building boats for the State for running supplies from West Indies, and for harassing British shipping in Chesapeake Bay.

On March 31, 1 766. Christopher Calvert and brothers Cornelius, II. Maximilian. William and Samuel, together with fifty-one other Norfolk citizens formed “Sons of Liberty" a project of the Stamp Act of 1765.

Samuel Calvert married Mary Mosely in I 789. a member of a prominent Princess Anne family. He owned the old hotel in Courtland for many years.

After the Revolutionary War Samuel Calvert did not return to Norfolk but remained in Southampton County, erecting his palatial home three miles from Courtland, known as Devaney Farm. The old Calvert coat of arms was in the gable having been three feet in diameter and made of plaster cast. The date of erection, 1812, appeared on the coat of arms. The builder was not spared long enough to enjoy his home, he died the first half of 1813. He was buried on this farm in the family burying ground, and his grave is marked by a large holly tree. After his death, his sons moved to North Carolina, headed by the eldest. Samuel, who founded Jackson. North Carolina in 1823— the closing of the Calvert records in Virginia.

JOHN JOSEPH KINDRED was born in Courtland, the son of Hon. John and Antoinette Drewry Kindred and the grandson of Captain Henry and Lucy Barrett Kindred, of the old Kindred Farm between Boykins and Newsoms. He was educated privately, and attended Randolph-Macon College and the Medical College of Virginia. He studied abroad, and returned to Courtland to practice medicine for a while, moving to New York, where he founded the Rivercrest Sanitarium at Astoria, Long Island, New York, which is operated by his son today. Dr. Kindred married Miss Ella Kramer of Switzerland. He was one of the most brilliant scholars of Southampton County, and was a member of Congress in New York several terms.

COLONEL LUTHER RICE EDWARDS was born July 19. 1839. at “Sycamore Hill.” which is on the western edge of Franklin and was the home of his father and grandfather, and his own life-long residence. He was a law student at the University of Virginia when the Civil War broke out. He immediately volunteered and became one of Southampton's leading military figures. As a lieutenant in Company A. I 3th Virginia Cavalry. he fought in many battles, among them Chancellorsville. Brandy Station. Spottsylvania Court House and Gettysburg. He was wounded three times and was with Lee when the Confederate army surrendered at Appomattox.

Some years after that war CoL Edwards became T reasurer of Southampton County, and held that office until his death in the influenza epidemic of September. 1918. He left the county temporarily in 1898. when he volunteered for the Spanish-American War, with the 4th Virginia Regiment. As Lieutenant-Colonel and Judge Advocate of that regiment, he served for months in Florida and Cuba. Erect and soldierly in bearing, alert and courteous in demeanor, he was for a span of two generations one of Franklin’s well-known and beloved leaders.

HOUSE OF DELEGATES AND SENATE

1776-1918 from Southampton County, Virginia

DELEGATES TO CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY. VIRGINIA

Convention of 1776                Convention of 1829-30              Convention of 1850-51          Convention of 1861

Edwin Cray                       John Y. Mason                    Robert Ridley                     John J. Kindred

Henry Taylor                       James Trezvant                      John R. Chambliss                   Convention of 1867-68

Convention of 1788        Augustine Claiborne                 John Y. Mason                     John Brown

Benjamin Blount                    John Urquhart                      A. S. H. Burgess                    Convention of 1901-02

Samuel Kello                                                                                          Joseph L. Barham

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE OF BURGESSES 1752 TO 1775 SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY. VIRGINIA

Eiheldred Taylor         1752-1753          Taylor         1754-1755       ^C"7       1756-175# fc*’* ^C'Z 1761-1768

Thom» Jarrell             '        Jowph Gray                        W.ll.am Taylor               Benjamm Symmoo.

Robert Jonea                        Joaeph Gray                        Benjamin Symmona ,7-- ,7., Henry Taylor |7AA|77$

(In place of 1753-1754         (In place of 1755-1756 Will.am Taylor          "bl

Thomaa Jarrell, deceaaeo)             Eiheldred Taylor. deceaaed)

Etheldred Taylor

Lawyers—William Gray, Jr., James Claiborne—Qualified to practice law—June 14, 1750.

Crand Jury—November 8. 1750.

“An indictment vs Arthur Arrington for an assault and battery—A true Bill.

"An indictment vs Thomas Stevens. Jr., for an assault and battery—A true Bill.

“Benjamin Johnson, overseer of the Highway from Littletown Landing to Flower's church for not keeping the same in repair of their own knowledge."

"Roger Woodward for profane swearing on the Sabbath Day by information of Mary Gurley."

COMMITTEE OF SAFETY

March 9. 1775

Gentlemen: (Names in first order as being present).

Edwin Gray—Chairman                    Benjamin Ruffin. Jr.                        Benjamin Clement»

James Ridley                               Benjamin Ruffin                            Joshua Nicholson

Richard Kello                               Albridgton Jones                            Nicholas Maget

Thomas Edmund                         Henry Taylor                           William Blunt

Thomas Blunt                             Peter Butts                               Thoma* Williamson

John Thomas Blow                       George Gurley

At meeting held September 9. I 775, “An ordinance for raising and embodying a sufficient force for the defence and protection of this colony" was read and approved.

Same meeting—Richard Kello nominated County Lieutenant of Mililia; James Ridley. Colonel; Thomas Wil-liamson. Lieut. Col.; Benjamin Blunt. Major.