SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY
BI-CENTENNIAL 1749 - 1940
Camp
Manufacturing Company
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.
L. H. Babb
Chairman of the Board of Supervisors
J. D. Woodard H. E. Grizzard
Johm M. Camp R. L Porter
W. M. Story J. M. Bland
SOUTHAMPTON B1-CENTENNIAL
OFFICERS
Frank R. Day Jr. .....,............................................ President
Mrs. William E. Snipes ....................................... Vice-President
Mrs. Ernest G. Evans .............................................. Secretary
Robert E. Watson .................................................. Treasurer
W. J. M. Holland. Jr. ............................ Honorary Executive Chairman
A. M. Kehyas .............................................. Executive Chairman
D. C. Cotton Jr. ................................ Assistant Executive Chairman
Mrs. W. W. Snipes, Jr., R. E. Watson, Frank R. Day, Jr., A. M.
Kehayas, D, C. Cotton, Jr. Frank R. Day, Jr., A. M. Kehayas
BI-CENTENNIAL COMMITTEES
BANOS AND PARADE: Mrs. T. P. Whit. Will H. Story
Robert C. Ray } Co-Chairmen Mrs. Marion S. Whitfield J. D. Woodard, Jr.
Jesse W Reel ) Mrs. James Campbell
PROPERTIES:
CONCESSIONS: MAKE-UP: J. J. Forrer, Jr.---Chairman
George Jakeman---Chairman Mrs. Robert B. Allport, Jr.---Chairman William H. Culchia
Jack Fanner Mrs. Travis P. G. Barham lames H. Drewry
Thomas Pittman Miss Peggy Beale Wayne Drewry
Jimmy Wright Mrs. William M. Bradshaw, Jr. Henry L. Gardner, Jr.
Thomas Williams Mrs. Hudson Conwell William E. Harding, Jr.
Mrs. l_ L. Doughty John O. Haslett, Jr.
CASHIERS, GATEMEN AND USHERS: Mrs. Wyatt B. Durrett. George G. McCann, Jr.
John E. Ray. Ill---Chairman Mrs. Linwood Eure Edward T. Rogers
John M. Camp, Jr. Mrs. Britt Holland William A. Turner
Herbert G. Cobb, Jr. Mrs. Leigh W. Johnson
Philip E. Frankfort Mrs. S. W. Rawls, Ir. PUBLICITY:
William E. Snipes Mrs. J. L. Sinclair, Jr. R. Baird Cabell---Chairman
L. Winder Lane, IV Mrs. A. J. Sweitzer Arthur Behrer }
Mrs. K. B. Trousd.ll Hunter Darden, Jr. } Sub-Chairman
DECORATIONS: Mrs. R. E. L. Wheless, Jr. Mrs. J. Paul Council!, Jr. }
Robert E. L. Whole-s, Jr.---Chairman Mrs. B. M. Wills
Mrs. J. M. Camp, Jr. MUSEUM: Mrs. David H. Bell
J. Paul Council), Jr. Mrs. John B. Watson---Chairman Mrs. R. N. Darden
Marion S. Whitfield Mrs. Robert B. Allport, Jr. Mrs. E. Beale Carter
Charles Stradley Mrs. James 1. Beale. Ill Mrs. Homer Sounders
Rudolph Rogers Miss Peggy Beale John M. Camp, Jr.
J. L. Sinclair, Jr. Mrs. Roger 1. Beale, Jr. John Y. Mason
Mrs. Hudson Conwell Fred C. Stewart
GROUNDS: Mrs. Stuart Crawford William V. Rowlings
H. Sheppard Johnson } Co-Chairman Mrs. Ernest G. Evans Edward Trica
Arthur Behrer } Mrs. Jack G. Holland Harry Wellons
Jethro B. Majette Mrs. W. Tall Jones
Cy Lewis Beale Mrs. L. Winder Lane, IV QUEEN’S CONTEST:
Maxie R. Day Mrs. James Nicholas Mrs. D. C. Cotton, Jr.---Chairman
George Dodson Mrs. F. F. Powell Mrs. John M. Beale
Roger Drake Mrs. R. H. Powell, Jr. Mrs. William H. Jennings
Irving Porter Mrs. R. Ashby Rawls
James Drewry Mrs. Jesse L Sinclair, Jr. SPECIAL EVENTS:
Billy Williams Mrs. Joseph A. Staidl D. C. Colton, Jr.---Chairman
Mrs. Jonah Soble James M. Best
HISTORICAL: Mrs. R. E. L. Wheless, Jr. Preston Cotton
Mrs. Jonah Soble---Chairman Mrs. William Woodley Robert E. Johnson
Mrs. Nancy Bon Mrs. R. N. Darden William T. Jones
Mrs. F. F. Jenkins Mrs. Frank R. Day, Jr. Vincent C. Lankford, Jr.
Mrs. Howard Melvin Mrs. J. R. Lawrence Stanley McDermott
Miss Bessie Shands Mrs. B. R. Rogers Cecil Porter
Mrs. Joseph A. Staid! Mrs. T. A. Morgan Irving Porter
Miss Fannie Webb Mrs. J. A. Jacovides Thomas Williams
Richard E. Barrett, Jr. Mrs. James Campbell James Wright
John M. Britt
Charles W. Davis NOVELTIES: TALENT:
H. L. Duff Mrs. Samuel Bradshaw---Chairman Mrs. J. C. William.---Chairman
Edgar Jackson Mriss Fay Thomas Mrs. Robert C. Ray
John Y. Mason Mrs. Jean A. Veche Miss Winnie Frances Eubank
J. Edward Moyler Mrs. W. P. Newsoms Mrs. Ralph Gadberry
W. T. Pace. Sr. Mrs. O. L. Joyner Mrs. Warren C. Councill
John C. Parker Mrs. Edward M. Trice Mrs. F. F. Jenkins
George O. Watkins Mrs. Vernie Francis Mrs. Lynn Melgard
Mrs. Bessie M. Wills Mrs. R. N. Darden Mrs. T. J. Dameron
Mrs. R. E. Barrett Mrs. Wyatt B. Durrelta
HOMECOMINGS: Mrs. Roy Stewart
Mrs. J. Felton Johnson---Chairman Mrs. Homer Sounders TICKETS:
Mrs. J. Irving Beale. Ill R. D. Barham Ernest B. Gallen } Co-Chairman
Mrs. Francis Clark Herbert C. Manry Jemet I. Beale, IV }
Mrs. George W. Conwell Matt. B. Drewry Mrs. R. H. Powell
Mrs. Hunter Darden William T. Jones
Mrs. Maxie R. Day OFFICIAL PROGRAM: Hunter Darden, Jr.
Mrs. Ernest G. Evons Clifford A. Cutchins, III---Chairman Robert Johnson
Mrs. Kurt Hirsch Mrs. Francis P. Bradford lack Farmer
Mrs. J. H. Holland Mrs. Emerson P. Jones Vincent C. Lankford
Mrs. Hudson R. Lankford Mrs. H. A. Purnell Mrs. G. H. Parker, Jr.
Mrs. G. G. McCann, Jr. Mrs. Joseph A. Staidl
Mrs. R. Ashby Rawls Mrs. R. E. L. Wheless, Jr. VESPERS:
Mrs. William E. Snipes Malt. B. Drewry Robert F. Phillips--- Chairman
Mrs. T. A. Vaughan, Jr. H. Sheppard Johnson Rev. Elmer N. Hassell
Vincent C. Lankford, Jr. Rev. Randolph Gregory
L. Winder Lane. IV
Sol W. Rawls, Jr.
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 his 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 "Well, 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 Georgianna
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
concerning the bounds. Under date of March 7, 1745 we
find "That there are upwards of Three Thousand Tithables
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."
------
Excerpt from: Inventory of the County Archives of Virginia.
Project of the Virginia Historical Records Survey Project
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 Nansemond
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 11, 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, 1734, 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, 1749, 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, 1749. 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, 1752, 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 11, 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 at
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, 1775, 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,
1777, 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, 1777.
Among the officers of the Southampton County Militia
were Henry Browne, colonel, Henry Taylor, lieutenant
colonel, and John Simmons, Arthur Boykins. John Myrick
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, 1782, 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 Turner. 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
116 pounds and 12 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 10 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 1794 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.
BELMONT
Here it was that Nat Turner's insurrection was stopped by Major
Ridley and his faithful slaves—Home at one time of Norfleet
Blount Ridley. Originally built by Dr. Blount,
In September, 1798, 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
12 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 1662 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 10 days in 1 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 1,
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 Atantic,
Mississippi and 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 971 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 1860 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, 11,500
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 of
Southampton County is of a sandy, loamy nature, light
in color, and is perfectly suited to the culture of 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 Negoes 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
34,717 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 1, 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-year 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. This 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 four surviving students of this academy. However,
in December, 1790, an act was passed authorizing John
S. Wills, William Urquhart, Benjamin Blunt, James
Wilkinson. John Taylor, Francis Boykin, George Purdie,
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 Millfield
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
1796, 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 1 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 18 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 something over $12,000 for
public education.
By 1900 the public school system of Southampton
County had grown considerably; there were enrolled in
the 109 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 $24.517 for school purposes,
of which approximately one-fourth was raised in the county.
The State Superintendent of Public Instruction stated
in 1901 that "The improvement of the rural schools continues
to be the most important as well as the most perplexing
problem with which educational 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.
ROTHERWOOD
Home of Colonel Thomas Ridley.
Built in 1860.
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, 1734, 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.
This ia an 1890 view of High Sheet looking north, taken from near what is now Third Avenue.
By 1762, 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, 1776, 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 set 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.
FAMILY CHOIR
Under The Direction of
MRS. VIOLET HARRISON
Mrs. 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
"LEGEND OF THE NOTTOWAY"
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
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. Hinson Parker. Jr.
CHILDREN
BOYS
David Williams Jimmie Rhodes J. W. Reel. Jr. Bucky Tart George Parker
Mike McCulley
GIRLS
Glenda Nicholas Linda Holland Joanne Drewry Gwendolyn March Larue Rainey
Beth Jones Eileen Hassett
FATHER—One of the men from Minuet
SCENE XV—GAY 90's
MAYOR—Emmett Davit FIRST BUGGY DRIVER—C. B. Owen
CAMERAMAN—Roy Lamiter SECOND BUGGY DRIVER—L. L. Poole
BATHING BEAUTY-Evelyn Parker FIRST AUTO DRIVER-J. R. Hooke
SECOND AUTO DRIVER—W. P. Newsomm.
WOMEN
Mrs. Herman McCoy Mrs. Roy Lattiter Mrs. Lonnie Story Mrs. James Jenkins Mrs. Sam Purviance
Mrs. Stephen Bryant Mrs. Johnny Owen Mrs. I— P. Clary Mrs. W. H. Dodd Miss Joy DeLoatche
MEN
Herman McCoy Johnny Owen Turner Lassiter James Jenkins Sam Purviance
Steven !iryant Lonnie Story C. B. Rock Hasell Lattimer 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 Lois Brown Martha Ann Wellons Ann Wallons
SCENE XVI—ROARING 20'S
MEN
Thomas Ervin Bradthaw Johnie Beale Hubert Raiford William Slieth. Jr. Garland Beale
George Samuel Drewry Earl Drewry Charles Bulls Gilmore West
WOMEN
Virginia Lee Parker Annie May Griffin Jennie Mae Stephens Jannet Slieth Rena Bradthaw
Polly Parker Jean Griffin Sue Mumford ]essie Tomlin Elsie Drewry
Jackie Edwards
SCENE XVII—IWO JIMA TABLEAU
MARINES
Norman Lankford Mills P. Dsughlrry Richard Edwsrds
SCENE XVIII—MARCH OF DEMOCRACY
MEMBERS OF THE ENTIRE CAST
Due to printer's schedule cast listing may not be complete at the time of going to press.
COPY OF FIRST DEED RECORDED TRANSFERRING
LAND FROM INDIANS TO SETTLEMENT
This Indenture Tripartite made the Second Day of
January in the twenty-third year of the Reign of our
Sovereign Lord George the Second by the Grace of Great
Britain. France of Ireland King Defender of the Faith,
etc., and in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hun-
dred and forty-nine Between Sam, Frank. Jack Will.
John Turner, Watt Bailey. George Skiper, Chief men of
the Nottoway Indian Nation of the first part Joseph Gray
and Thomas Jarrell Gentlemen of the County of South-
ampton of the second part and Joseph Gray of the Coun-
ty of Southampton of the third part.
By Act of Assembly made in 18th year of present
majesty—Nottoway and Nansemond Indians—by Trus-
tees to sell part of lands. The Nottoway Tribe in
Southampton impowered to sell 5000 acres part of their
Tract of 6 miles square lying between their western
boundary and Buckhome. Swamp on South Side of
Nottoway River in the County of Isle of Wight (which
part of the Said County of Isle of Wight is since called
Southampton).
To be sold not under the rate of 12 pounds ten shil-
lings for every hundred acres.
Since passing of first Act the Number of Indians has
been greatly reduced by sickness and otiter casualties, for
better support and maintenance another Act of Assembly
lately at Williamsburg made in 22nd year of the Reign
of his present Majesty George the Second was passed to
allow Nottoway Indians to sell and convey the remaining
part of said land being 3000 acres.
Signed. Sealed and Delivered in presence of :
James Ridley, William Taylor, Benj. Simmons, Chas.
Simmon, Joseph Gray, L. S., Thos. Jarrell. L. S..
Frank, L. S.. Sam, L. S., Watt Bailey. L. S.. John
Turner, L S., George Skiper, L. S., Jack Will, L. S.
Indian Trustees To:
Thomas Westbrook (1750) 1-102
John Fort. (1749) 1-151
Simon Turner (1749) 1-135
Richard Kirby. (1749) 1-144
William Barnes. (1750) 1-206
Joshua Pretlow (1750) 1-210
Etheldred Taylor (1750) 1-230
Others—William Urquhart, Thomas Ridley, Samuel
Blunt.
Chief Men of Tribe:
Frank, Watt Bailey, Geo. Skiper, Sam, Jack Will,
John Turner.
Trustees : '
Joseph Gray, Thomas Jarrell.
First Deed: January 2, 1749, from Indians.
Last Deed: March 4, 1830, from Indians.
Last Indians to sign Deed:
Littleton Schollar, Edith Turner, Anne Woodson.
These Deeds proved in Court—First Order
Book—Page 30.
Pictured above is the Public School House used in the 1890's which was located on Norfleet Street in Franklin. In the
picture standing in the doorway is Mrs. M. L Bryant. Principal, and her daughter, Mill Nettie Bryant, who also taught
in the school.
SOUTHAMPTON COURTS CIRCUIT COURT JUDGES
From the time of the formation of the County in 1749 Richard H. Baker, Judge 1831 to 1870.
to the year 1870, the courts were held by a group of.
justices varying in number from three to nine. In the. Ceorge Blow, Judge 1870 to 1887.
year 1870, the County officers were set up. Judges
as follows: C. W. Hill, Judge 1887 to 1895.
Joseph W. Urquhart, Commissioned by the Governer. Robt. R. Prentis, Judge 1895 to 1907.
Served 1870 to 1880.
Jas. L. McLemore. Judge 1907 to 1940.
E. C. Barrett, Commissioned by the Governor, Served.
1880 to 1892. John K. Hutton. Judge 1940 to date.
J. B. Prince, Commissioned by the Governor. Served.
1892 to 1903. Resigned January 19, 1903.
J. B. Prince. Jr., Served 1903 to 1904 when County
Court was abolished.
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 John M. Gurley 1862-1865
Benjamin F. Applewhite 1865-1869
(Nottoway Parish) Served (To hit vacancy left by Gurley)
William W. Briggs 1855-1857 Jeremiah O. Johnson 1869-1870
William Murfee 1857-1859 Later divided into Magisterial Districts
William E. Gay 1859-1862 (District No. 2)
Joseph Gardner 1862-1865 David H. Kindred 1870-1871
Orris Moore 1865-1871 Benjamin F. Applewhite 1879-1883
H. L. Hill 1883-1887
Later divided into Magisterial Districts W. P. Gillette 1887-1895
Joseph S. Gilliam 1895-1900
S. B. Drewry 1900-1904
(District No. 1) J. R. Dickens 1904-1912
S. B. Drewry 1912-1916
Joseph P. Gay, Jr. 1871-1875 J. R. Dickens 1916-1924
L A. Gay 1875-1887 J. S. Musgrave 1924-1928
John H. Pope 1887-1892 Note:
R. M. Edwards 1892-1900 Districts Number I and 2 combined in 1928—Franklin
A. F. Cobb 1900-1916 Edwards, Commissioner of Revenue for the combined
J. B. Hedgepeth 1916-1920 districts since that date.
Franklin Edwards 1920—
(Saint Luke’s Parish) Served
John M. Gurley 1855-1859
John Barham 1859-1862
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 born in Greenville, Sussex County, April 13, 1799, 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 CARY, 1811-1850. At the age of thirty years, he was elected as a Democrat to the
27th Congress (March 4, 1841 - March 3, 1843). He had been afforded a liberal education and was 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's
bridge near Applewhite’s church was undoubtedly named 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 West Point graduate. When the Mexican War broke out he joined the ranks and
went to defend his country from Mexico's depredations. For the valiant service he rendered the citizens 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 his 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, 1860. 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 "Falmouth"
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 River, 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 some 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 States by joining the Nansemond
Rangers, 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 Forks. He
graduated from the University after the war, studied medicine at New York University and interned in Bellevue Hospital.
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 1, 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 States. 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 favored the forcible readjustment of the State
Department, on terms involving conditional or partial repudiation, namely by the supporters of this movement. He was
elected in 1880 to the U. S. Senate where he acted with the Republicans, 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 on the 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 carried on to a brilliant victory, for which we, as Virginians, are so duly proud. There were two
from Southampton in the thickest of the fray:
JAMES DAVID DARDEN, born April 10, 1845, 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 Eliza Blunt, 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 1895-96-97-98, 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 civic 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, born March 18, 1860, 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.
General Vaughan served the State Senate representing the people of the second district for many years. He was
Chairman of the Senate Committee of the World War Memorial Commission, appointed to erect the Carillon in Richmond.
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 11, 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 Public Health. He became
Chancellor of the College of William and Mary in 1946, 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 vicechairman
and then chairman of the Civilian Advisory Committee on naval affairs. In World War I 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 1860. He spent his boyhood
at the old Drewry home known as Westover, near Drewryviile. He was educated at the Murfreesboro Academy in
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 1928 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 having 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 school now existing in the county is that operated by Miss Fannie
L. 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 1,200
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 Wight 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 1736 and died in 1794.
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 1789. 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. 13th 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 Treasurer 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
HOUSE John Denegre 1826- 1828 Guy T. Horner 1914-1915
Meriwether B. Brodnax 1827- 1828 J. S. Musgrave 1916-1918
Edwin Gray 1776 William B. Goodwyn 1828-1831
Henry Taylor 1776-1777 Benjamin Griffin 1828-1830
Richard Kello 1777-1778 Jeremiah Cobb 1831-1832 SENATE
John Rogers 1778-1783 Benjamin Griffin 1832-1834
Edwin Cray 1779 James C. Harrison 1834-1835 David Mason 1776
John Taylor 1780-1787 William B. Goodwyn 1834-1835 Edwin Gray 1777-1778
Albridgton Jones 1784-1785 Edward Butts 1835-1837 Augustine Claiborne 1779
Thomas Ridley 1785-1787 James Clayton 1838 David Mason 1779-1781
James Wilkinson 1787-1798 James B. Urquhart 1839 John Jones 1780-1783
Edwin Gray 1787-1788 Robert Ridley 1839-1841 Jesse Browne 1784-1788
Edward Gray 1789 James B. Urquhart 1841-1842 Joseph Jones 1788-1789
Benjamin Blunt 1790 William A. Spark 1842-1843 Thomas Ridley 1790-1800
Edwin Gray 1791 Carr Bowers 1843-1844 Benjamin Wyche 1800-1804
Robert Goodwin 1792-1799 Nicholas M. Sebrell 1844-1846 John Pegram 1804-1808
William Blow 1793-1802 William S. Goodwin 1846-1848 James Trezvant 1808-1812
William Bailey 1799-1801 Robert G. Griffin 1848-1850 Joseph Goodwin 1812-1813
Jacob Darden 1801-1802 George A. W. Newsom 1850-1851 John Cargill 1813-1820
Henry Blow 1802-1805 Thomas J. Pretiow 1852-1853 Benjamin W. Johnson 1820-1821
James Gee 1802-1804 S. B. Kello 1853-1856 William B. Goodwyn 1821-1823
John C. Gray 1804-1806 1. w. Gurley 1855-1856 Edmund Ruffin 1823-1826
Etheldred Edmunds 1805-1806 Louis E. Mason 1857-1858 John Y. Mason 1826-1831
Edward Bailey 1806-1808 Joshua Pretiow 1859-1861 Francis E. Rives 1831-1836
Mills Everett 1806-1807 Joseph H. Prince 1861-1863 Joel Holleman 1836-1839
James Trezvant 1807-1803 William H. Pretiow 1863-1865 Archibald Atkinson 1839-1843
Griffin Stith 1808-1812 P. J. Holmes 1865-1867 Robert Ridley 1843-1844
George Gurley 1803-1810 R. U. Burgess 1869-1671 William A. Spark 1844-1847
Benjamin Blunt 1810-1811 George E. Beaton 1871-1875 Thomas H. Daniel 1847-1851
Benjamin Blunt, Jr. 1811-1812 John H. Bogart 1875-1877 William B. Shands 1852-1854
Benjamin Blunt 1812-1813 Luther R. Edwards 1877-1879 William W Cobb 1855-1858
Jeremiah Cobb 1812-1814 Joseph B. Strayer 1879-1880 Thomas H. Urquhart 1859-1863
Francis Ridley 1813-1815 John J. Deyer 1881-1882 Richmond F. Dillard 1863-1865
Carr Bowers 1814-1817 J. Denson Pretiow 1883-1884 Samuel B. Kello 1865-1867
Benjamin W. Johnson 1815-1819 W. J. Sebrell 1885-1887 Washington L. Riddick 1869-1871
William Ricks 1817-1819 James E. Sebrell 1887-1888 Samuel H. Boykin 1871-1873
Henry Briggs 1819-1820 R. S. Boykin 1889-1890 John W. Lawson 1874-1877
Carr Bowers 1819-1820 Frank P. Pulley 1891-1892 Kenneth R. Griffin 1877-1879
William L. Everette 1820-1821 J. D. Pretiow 1893-1894 Richard H. Rawles 1879.1882
William B. Goodwyn 1820-1822 John C. Parker 1895-1398 C. B. Crumpler 1883-1884
Carr Bowers 1821-1823 J. S. Musgrave 1899-1900 Charles H. Causey 1883-1887
John C. Cray 1821-1824 John N. Sebrell. Jr. 1901-1904 Thomas H Barnes 1887-1894
Henry Briggs 1823-1824 B. R. Bryant 1904 R. E. Boykin 1895-1898
John Y. Mason 1823-1827 Joseph B. Prince 1906 William Shands 1899-1906
Francis Williamson 1823-1824 J. W. Williams 1908-1910 E. E. Holland 1906-1910
Carr Bowers 1824-1827 L. J. Bain 1912 J. E. West 1912-1918
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
Sessions House Senate
1919 J. S. Musgrave Junius E. West
1920 William J. Story Junius E. West
1922-1923 William J. Story Cecil Crawley Vaughan. Jr.
1924-27 William J. Sebrell Cecil Crawley Vaufhan. Jr.
1928 Charles W. Davis Cecil Crawley Vaufhan. Jr.
1930 Charles W. Davis Edward E. Hollaed
1932-1933 Paul Scarborough Edward E. Holland
1934-1939 John M. Britt Edward E. Holland
1940 Marvin Pretiow Sebrell Edward E. Holland
1942-1946 Marvin Pretiow Sebrell A. E. S. Stephens
(Died 1-22-46. succeeded by Samuel E. Pope)
1947-1948 Samuel E. Pope A. E. S. Stephens
Constitutional Convention of 1933 William J. Sebrell
Constitutional Convention of 1945 C. C. Vaughan. Ill
HOUSE OF BURGESSES
1752 TO 1775
SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY. VIRGINIA
Eiheldred Taylor 1752-1753 Etheldred Taylor 1754-1755 Joseph Grey 1756-175# Joseph Gray 1761-1768
Thom» Jarrell Joseph Gray William Taylor Benjamin Symmons
Robert Jones 1753-1754 Joaeph Gray 1766-1766 Benjamin Symmons 1756-1761 Henry Taylor 1768-177$
(In place of Will.am Taylor (In place of William Taylor Edwin Gray
Thomas Jarrell, deceased) Etheldred Taylor, deceased)
Etheldred Taylor
Pictured above is the Franklin Brass Band which journeyed to the Delaware Park in 1900 via wagon to play at the famous Southampton
Picnic Grounds.
From left to right: Sitting—unidentified. George Whitley, Tom Barrett. Willie Magee, E. P. Jones, Donald Spiers. Standing—unidentified.
unidentified, unidentified. Mr. W. H. Stroud. Hutson Councill, Dan Rawls, Herman Cobb, unidentified.
Mr. Tom Barrell was band leader. Mr. Stroud was manager of the "Southampton Democrat." one of the first newspapers in this
section of Virginia.
Lawyers—William Gray, Jr., James Claiborne—Qualified to practice law—June 14, 1750.
Crand Jury—November 8. 1750.
Joshua Cloyd Foreman Benjamin Clifton William Sandiver
Thomas Day Arthur Williamson Benjamin Vasser
Nicholas Gurley Benjamin Branch Benjamin Ellis
Nathan Vasser Daniel Pond William Jones
Philip Brantly John Ingram Richard Vick. Jr.
Charles Barham John Warren
"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 Clements
James Ridley Benjamin Ruffin Joshua Nicholson
Richard Kello Albridgton Jones Nicholas Maget
Thomas Edmund Henry Taylor William Blunt
Thomas Blunt Peter Butts Thomas Williamson
John Thomas Blow George Gurley
At meeting held September 9. 1775, "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 Williamson,
Lieut. Col.; Benjamin Blunt, Major.
Compliments of
South Quay Peanut Co.
WHITE WAY CAFE J. E. Jones J. J. Jones
W. A. Powell, Prop. Phone 31921
• H. 0. Carlton
The Finest in Meals and Sandwiches Be Comfortable Tins Winter
Your Choice of 20 Dinners Served to Order Use
• Essoheat --- Duotherm Stoves
Plenty of Parking Space NEWS PUBLISHING CO., INC.
Located 1 Mile North of Boykins Publishers of
THE TIDEWATER NEWS
Established 1905
SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY
SHERIFFS—1854-1949
Samuel Kello 1854-1857
William W. Briggs 1857-1863
Samuel Kello 1863-1865
William W. Briggs 1865-1867
Samuel Kello 1867-1869
D. L Doles 1869-1870
(By Act of General Assembly)
George W. Vick 1870-1871
William W. Briggs 1871-1885
George W. Vick 1885-1886
J. L. Barham 1886-1887
J. W. Williams 1887-1901
Frank P. Pulley 1901-1904
(To fill unexpired term of J. W. Williams)
J. Lewis Gillette 1904-1908
John I. Turner 1908-1916
C. L Grizzard 1916-1921
Charles A. Bell 1921-1926
Thomas Briggs Bell 1926—
JUDGE TRIAL JUSTICE COURT
Charles W. Davis 1934—
CLERKS OF COURT
R. Kello 1749-1773
Samuel Kello 1773-1814
James Rochelle 1814-1835
Major L R. Edwards 1835-1883
In 1869—from May 10 to Oct. 18. 1870—
Oswin White was appointed to act as Clerk during
illness of L R. Edwards. Clerk.
James R. Tyler, Deputy— March 1883, June 1883
J. B. Prince 1883-1887
B. F. McLemore, Clerk 1887-1909
H. B. McLemore. Clerk 1909-1934
H. B. McLemore, Jr., Clerk 1934—
ATTORNEY FOR THE
COMMONWEALTH
Joseph B. Prince 1870-1882
First Attorney for Commonwealth under new
Constitution establishing County Court
Joseph B. Prince resigned 1882
John J. Kindred appointed 1882
John J. Kindred resigned 1882
William H. Parker appointed 1882
William Shands 1887-1895
W. J. Sebrell 1895-1910
W. J. Sebrell died. E. Frank Story 1910-1916
R. E. L. Watkins 1916-1934
Junius W. Pulley 1934—Submit suggestion/comment/critique/error(s) to the Southampton Transcription Project by clicking the link here.