lilSS_ DOOK ■liliSICVTi;!, ny Co f y "3. CHARLOTTE COUNTY VIRGINIA ^^3 I Historical, Statistical . ♦ and . . Present Attractions COMPILED BY J. Cullen Carrin.crton CHARI.Orrii COURTHOUSE, VA. RICHMOND. VA : THL HERMITAGE PKLSS, Inc. 1907. M COUNTY GOVERNMENT. Name of County Seat — Charlotte Courthouse. The Coiinty is divided into six Magisterial Districts, each having three Magistrates, one Constable, one Overseer of the Poor and one lload Commissioner. Our County Government consists of the following officers: Hon. George J. Hundley, Judge of the Circuit Court. -J. CuLLEN Carrington, C ouut]) Clerk. Thomas E. Watkins, Commonwealth Attorney. George B. Russell, County Treasurer. C. A. Osborne, County Sheriff. John H. Shorter, Superintendent of the Poor. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS. P. N. Morgan, Chairman. G. W. Berki,ev, A. S. Barksdale, a. B. Rice, W. E. Hailey, W. D. Clark. DIVISION SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. Charles C. Paris. COMMISSIONERS OF REVENUE. Upper District C. M. Hutcheson. Lower District D. B. Hutcheson. 1/ . e)"A . W\^^ft^fiO TABLE OF CONTENTS. Page County Goveruraent 2 Preface 3 History 4-23 Population 25-26 Schools 26-29 The Negro 29 Laws 29-33 Geography , 33-37 Character of Soil 37-43 Climate 44-52 Healthfulness 52-54 Valley of the Staunton 54-60 Natural Products 60-68 Lower End of the "County 68-72 Bee-Keeping 72-75 Poultry 75-82 Stock Raising 82-91 Test Farm 92-96 Agriculture Diversified 96-108 Tobacco, Corn, Wheat, &c 108-121 Fruits 121-125 Values, Taxation and Indebtedness 125-127 Transportation and Markets 127-133 Subdivision of Large Farms Desirable 134 Advantages Summarized 134-136 Charlotte Courthouse '. 136 Drake's Branch ] 36-140 Keysville 141-143 Advertisements 145-148 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. C Page Red Hill, as it appears to-day 4 Red Hill, as it formerly appeared 6 Roanoke 9 Mulberry Hill 10 Ingleside 12 Woodfork 13 Col. Joseph Morion's Residence 15 Cub Creek Church 16 Edge Hill 18 Keysville Baptist Church 19 Old Courthouse 21 Charlotte Courthouse 22 Clerk's Office 24 Keysville High School 27 Courthouse High School 28 Hon. D. Q. Eggksfon's Residence 30 McAdam Road .' 32 Bridge across Roanoke 35 Beechenbrook 3G High Hill 39 W. S. Pugh's Residence 41 Test Farm Scene 43 January Plowing at G. W. Watson's 45 January Plowing at S. C. Daniel's 47 Merry Oaks 49 Arcadia 51 Landscape Test Faini 53 Staunton Hill 55 The Oaks 57 Ridgeway Plant ;i lion •'">f) Wood 1 turn ^'1 Do Well fi3 L. S. Jackson's Residence ^^ Green Level •''•'» Staunton River Bridge ^7 Red Oak Grovr> C>^ Hay Field. Red Oak, Va "1 Saw and Planing Mills, Red Oak. Va 73 W. T. Marrilla's Residence 71 The Oak '^^ LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Page Silver Lace Wyandots 78 Barwyns 80 Buff Orpingtons 81 The Virginian 82 Elm Shade 84 Sheep at John H, Hatch's 8G Cattle Scene J. L. Edmund's 87 Cattle Scene Geo. G. Moseley's 89 Cottage Valley Farm 91 Sylvan Hill, Residence Test Farm 93 Barn Scene Cottage Valley Farm 95 Scene Cottage Valley Farm 97 Alfalfa Scene 99 Barn Test P^arm 101 Wheat Field, A. B. Rice's 103 Roxobel 105 Tobacco Scene, Staunton Hill 107 Belle-Monte 109 Hillcroft Ill Tobacco Scene, Dr. G. V. Mortons' 113 Cornfield, Staunton Hill 115 Avondale 117 Farm Scene, Maj. R. V. Gaines 118 The Grove 120 Saxe 122 S. C. Adams' Residence 124 F. C. Thornton's Residence 126 Tramways, Tidev^^ater R. R. Company 129 Residence Wm. H. Pettus, Jr 133 Fair Oaks 135 Bank Chase City 137 Tobacco Wagons, Drake's Branch 138 Summer. Residence of Chas. W. Priddy 140 Bank of Keysville 142 Residence of Jas. A. Bailey 143 PREFACE. Feeling a deep niul iiljiding- interest in the county of my nativity, where all of my life has been spent, and bemg willing to make any sacrifice that would advance her interests, I accepted the appointment of the Board of Supervisors to pre- pare a Hand Book of the County, although the time within which to do so was very limited and mj^ time fully occupied with oflicial duties. The historical sketch down to a descrip- tion of tlie Courthouse is from the facile pen of the Hon. William Wirt Henry; and I am indebted to the excellent work of Major II. V. Gaines for certain well established facts which 1 have found useful in the preparation of this book. The- selection of historic places and the houses of the Char- lotte of to-day was made by a committee composed of Messrs. A. J. Terry, F. C. Thornton and W. G. Williams. These gen- tlemen exercised their best judgment in these selections, and have been very considerate and helpful in other ways. To all who have contributed letters or rendered other assistance, I am profoundly grateful. That the book may rise to the hopes and expectations of those who have committed it to my charge and result in })lacing the county's attractions properly before the public, is my earnest and only desire. J. C. C. = ;^ m <5 CHARLOTTE COUNTY, VIRGINIA. HISTORY. The county of Charlotte was set off from the county of Lunenburg- in 1764. The House of Burgesses at the time, one of the most lo^al bodies on tlie continent, named the new county after the young- Queen of George III, tlie Princess Charh)tte, of Mecklenburg. The white population was composed of English, wntli a trace of French Huguenots, and a considerable admixture of Scotch-Irish. At the time it became a separate county it was embraced in Cornwall I'arish, the established religion of the colony being that of the English Protestant Episcopal Church. But the Scotch-Irish and Huguenots had introihiccd Pres- byterianism, and one of the earliest preaching places of the great Samuel Davies was Cub Creek church, in the south- western portion of the county. Afterwards the Baptists and Methodists gained strong foothold. The same loyal House of Burgesses that nauu'd the county did not fail, however, to protect it against the proposed passage of the famous Stamp Act, intended by Parliament to be a tax upon the colonies. The two repre- sentatives of the county, chosen for the Legislature, were Paul Carrington, afterwards one of the Committee of Safety of the colony, and later a distinguished judge of the Court of Ai)peals, and Thomas Bead, afterwards the County Lieutenant and Clerk of the Count3\ Both were men of fine talents and devoted to the cause of civil and religious liberty. A few days after they took their seats in the House of Biirgesse^s the news of the actual passage of the Stauip Act was received. I*atrick Henry offered his famous rcsohitions, indicating resistance to its enforcement, wliich Itiought on a bitter con- flict in the body. Upon being adopted ami |>iil»Iishei| llie continent was aroused so thai it was impossible (o caii-y the act into execution. 'I'he (wo dc|c(ra(('s ft-oni Charlotte were N CHARLOTTE COUKTY HAND BOOK RED HILL ON THE STAUNTON. The last home of Pairiek Henry, the great orator of the Revolution. ratilck Ileniy died in June, 1799, at his home at Red Hill, and is there buried. The place has been preserved with jealous care by his descendants. Jn 1833 his son, John Henry, added some new rooms, and the grounds were planted with box hedges, which mark tlie tracks and drive ways. In 1906 Mrs. Mathew Bland Harrison, his great grand daughter and one of the present owners of the Red Hill estate, made further additions, as shown In the picture of the house as it is to-day. The wood work inside and out is white ; tall mantels and big lire places give a (niaint character. The brass locks on the old building are historic, being part of a fee of I'atrick Henry in a famous criminal case. The Tidewater railroad runs in front of tlie house and has granted a flag station, which will make the place accessible. A recent writer has said of the mansion that " It gleams on the summit of the hill like some old abbey or monastery." Tlie Hiaiinton and Falling rivers make their junction near tlie house, and to the west on any clear day can be seen the Peaks of Otter. Besides holding many other public positions of distinction Patrick Henry was elected Governor of Virginia In 177C and served two terms. In 1794 Governor Henry Lee appointed him United States Senator to fill an unexpired term. This he declined, as he did also the office Governor of Virginia, to which he was elected by the General Assembly In 1795. The same year Wash- ington offered him the position of Secretary of State and that of Chief Justice of the United States. In 1799 John Adams appointed him Minister to France. All of these positions he was forced to decline on account of falling health. The grave of Patrick Henry lies at the back of the old fashioned garden at Red Hill. An oblong slab of marble covers It, with inscription of his name, the dates of his birth and death and the simple words. " Ills fame his best epitaph." Under the adjoining slab rests the remains of his wife, Dorothea Dandrldge. 8 CHARLOTTE COtJKTY lIAND BOOK among those who voted for these resohitions, which brought on the Kevohition, From that day the county of Charlotte was among the foremost m the cause of liberty, her delegates persistently supporting the patriotic measures which were brought forward from time to time. When all efi'orts to change the oppressive policy of Great Britain had proved vain, and her acts had become more and more harsh and re- vengeful, the county of Charlotte led the way in Virginia in demanding indejicndence. Her instructions on the subject to her delegates, given April 23, 177G, and found in Force's Archives, Vol. V., page 1034, were not only the first in date, but were unsurpassed in ability and patriotism by any which came up from other counties. After reciting the vain en- deavors to affect a reconciliation wifli Great Britain, the committee of the county addressed Paul Carrington and Thomas Read, their delegates, as follows: We give it you in charge to use your best endeavors that the dele- gates which are sent to tlie General Congress are instructed imme- diately to cast off the British yoke, and to enter into a commercial alliance with any nation, or nations, friendly to our cause. And as King George the III., of Great Britian, etc., has manifested deliberate enmity towards us, and under the character of a parent persists in behaving as a tyrant, tiiat they, in our behalf, renounce allegiance to him forever; and that taking the God of heaven to be our King, and depending on his protection and assistance, they plan out the form of government which may the most effectually secure to us the enjoy- ment of our civil and religious rights and privileges to the latest posterity. The convention, which met in May following, proceeded in the exact line of these instructions to instruct her delegates in Congress to move independence, and at once framed an independent form of government for Virginia. The county was as brave in defense of American rights as it Avas quick in recognizing them. It contributed its quota to the regular army, and when, in 1781, General Green retreated through North Carolina, pursued by Cornwallis, and crossing the Dan river, halted and called for reinforcements from Vir- ginia, the militia of Charlotte, under Col. Thomas TJcnd, ihe county lieutenant, turned out en masse. CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK K0AN0KE5. The lioiiu of the (jyeut yenius, John Randolph, and of Jtuhfc Hoot/ lioulilin, of ihc Supreme Court. The original house, whiili was oiciiiiicd liy .loliii Kiindoliili. was dcst royrd l>y tiif ill 1.S7K. when il was tlic pntpciMy t>f the heirs of the late .indue Wood I'.oul- rlin. In li;.'nro I of tlie illustration, the honse on the rljtht was the Ivilchen of Jolin Kaiidolph. which was moved np after tlie hnrninK of the honse near its site. The liiiiJdiiiK on the left Is the original olUcc of John Randolph, which lemalns Inlacr. In lit'iire •_• of the llliisl rat ion Is the handsome residence of ("laienre G. ('loiiey. of CiiirnKo, hiiilt npon tlie e.\acl site of the oilninnl in. use occupied by .Inhii Kandolph, whlcii was hmnt down In IHTN, as aitove de!!l. and, with the Intermls hIom of two terms, seiviHl as a memher of that liody until IS'^,".. when he was elected Inited Stales .Senator from Virginia, and served from IS'J.'". to 1H*J7. In IX'jf) he was appointed n memher of the ( onstltnlional Convention of Vlr- Klnla, and In IS.'U) Minister to Itiissia. He died In Philadelphia In 1S.13 and was Imried at Uoaiioke. Ahont twenty five years a«o his remains were removed to Itlchmoiid and Interred In Hollywood cemetery. .IiidKe Honldin was a distlnKiilshod lawyer; was n memher of the Convcn- lloii of l.sfil ; heciime a .ItidKo of the Supreme Court April 2, 1H"'J, which posi- tion he held iintll Ills death. October 10, 1870. IIlii remains arc burled at Koanoke. 10 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK MULBERRY HILL.. The home o/ Paul Carrington, Revolutionary patriot and Hupremc Court judge. The house was built entirely with timbers grown upon the place, and with the exception of the left wing, which was added afterwards, presents the same appearance as when first built. The property is now owned by his great grandson, Taul C. Mcl'hail. PUBLIC POSITIONS HELD BT PAUL CARRINGTON. Appointed King's Attorney of Bedford May 3, 1756, Major of Lunenburg Malitia in 17C1, Colonel of Charlotte Malitia December 3, 1764. Member of House of Burgesses from Charlotte 1765 to 1775, King's Attorney of Mecklen- burg November 3, 1767, Botetourt May 4, 1770, Lunenburg October lo, 1770. County Lieutenant of Charlotte April 11, 1772, Clerk of Halifax November 17, 1772, Member of State Convention August, 1774, Chairman of Charlotte County Committee 1774-1776, Member State Conventions March. 1775, July, 1775, and December 1, 177o, Member of first Committee of Safety August to December, 1775, and Second Committee of Safety .January to .Tuly, 1776, Con vention of May 20 to July 5, 1776. House of Delegates 1776 to 1778, State Convention 1788, Member of Committee to Draft Bill of Rights and Consti- tution, was one of the Charter Trustees of Harapden-Sidney College. He was a member of the first General Court in 1778. In 1770 he was elected a judge of the Supreme Court of Appeals, which position he held until 1807. when he resigned at the age of seventy-five years. His letter of resigna- tion to Governor William H. Cabell begins thus : " I have served my country for forty-two years without intermission, twenty-nine of those years devoted to the judiciary department, and being now in the seventy-fifth year of my age. I think It time for me to retire from public business to the exalted station of a private citizen." lie died In tlie year 181S and Is buried at Mulberry Hill. CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK 11 Many of (lie men followed General Greene when he re- crossed the Dan and drove the British general into Wilming- ton. When, afterwards, Cornwallis returned to Virginia and was reinforced, a further call was made for men, Colonel Read reported to the (iovernor that every man capable of bearing arms in the county Avas ready to march, if he could be armed, although many of them had just returned from service with General Greene. This militia Avas a part of that braA^e band that Avithstood the British regulars at Guilford, and came near destroying the army of Cornwallis. The officers of the county met and tendered their services to the Governor, though they had just returned from North Carolina. Their names are Avorthy of lasting remembrance. They were Thomas Read,/- County Lieutenant, Lieutenant-Colonel Joel Watkins, and Lieutenant- Colonel INIorton; Captains W. Morton, AVhite, Barksdale, James Morton, Richard Gaines, Jr., Spencer, IIolloAvay, Wallace, and Jameson. They sent their communication to Richmond by Lieutenant ^fadison. T\\v Cliarlottc militia Avere placed under the gal- lant General Robert Lawson, of Prince Edward, and served under Lafayette in the camj^aign. ending in the surrender of (lie ainiy of Cornwallis at YorktoAvn, Avhich virtually closed (he war. While the militia were Avith Lafayette, Colonel Tarleton, the celebrated British officer, led a raid through the northern part of the county into Campbell, and traversed also the lower part of it on his return to the main force near Norfolk. Tie met Avith sncli a wai-ni reception, however, from the men at home that he lepoiled I hill he suffered at least as much injury as he in- flicted. Among the soldiei's of the county Avho distinguished them- selves dui'ing the T^'volulion should be mentioned Colonel Clenicnl Cai ringlon, son of Judge Paul Carrington. He joined (he legion of (Jeneriil I fm ry T^eo Avhen a youth, and, after disdngnishing himself in (he service, Avas severely Avounde(l :i( Kndiw. lie Ijved (o serve the coimty wi(h dis- tinction in the L(\irislatnr(> and in (he County Coui'l for many years after the Revolution. 12 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK IINGLKSIDE. The home of Colonel, TItonnis Ueinl, a puty'')t of the Revolution. The house was built in the year 1810. aud a luiik ollico in tlie yaiil, not shown in the picture, was loi- a long time the clerli's oflice of the county — until tlic dealh of Colonel Kead, in 1S17. At his death lugleside became the property of the late Henry Carrington, who lived there until his death in the year 1SG7. About the year 1870 it was sold to the late John W. Daniel, whose heirs now own It. Colonel Read was the tlrsf, and for fifty-two years, cleik of the county. He was county lieutenant during the Mar of tlie lievolulion; marched with the County Levy to Petersburg, and again to oppose Cornwallis on the Dan. He was a member of the Conventions of 1774-1775 and 177G, and in the Coo- vention of 1788 he opposed the adoption of the Federal Constitution. CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK 13 W OOUlt UUK. The home of Colonel Joel Watkins, another Revolutionary patriot. At his death, In 1820, It became the property of his son, Captain Henry A. Watklns. Upon his death, in the year 1848, it became the property of Ur. Joel Watkins, and is now owned by the heirs of the late James W. Klllott. The small house on the right was Die home of Colonel Joel Walklns. The large brick liouse on the left was built in 18J!t. and the homo of t'aplaln Henry A. Watkins. John Randolph wrote the following obituary of Colonel Joel Watkins: "On Sunday, the 2nd of January, 1821), departed this life, at an advanced age, beloved, honored and lamented by all who knew him, Colonel Joel Watkins, of the county of Cliarlotle and State of Vliglnla. "Without shining abilities, or the advantages of education, liy plain and straight forward industry, under the guidance of old fashioned honesty and practical good sense, he accumulated an ample fortune. In which It Is firmly believed by all who knew him tliQre was not one dirty shilling. "The fruits of his labors he distributed with a promlllude and liberality seldom er|ualled, never 8un)assed, in snilable provision l<> bis cliildri'n at their entrance in life, and on every deserving obJe< t of private l)enevolence. or public spirit, reserving to himself the means of a generous l)Ut unostentatious hospi- tality. " Nor was he liberal of his money only. Ills time, his trouble, were never withheld on the bench, in his neighborhood, where (hey could bo usually employed. " If, as we are assured, the peace makers are blessed, wlio shall feel stronger assurances of bliss than must have smoollied this old man's passage to the unknown world." 14 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK After the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown niaii}^ of the French troops were wintered in Virginia, and some Avere quartered at Marjsville, the county seat of Charlotte. By the gold they paid out, the distress of the people for lack of a sound currency w^as greatly relieved, and there was a most agreeable intercourse between them and the citizens of the county. When Virginia assumed independence and adopted a Bill of Rights and Constitution, the principle of religious liberty was embodied in the fundamental law of the State, but the Legis- lature was slow to repeal the laws supporting the Episcopal Church by taxation. At the first session of the new Legisla- ture, in 1776, the Baptists and Presbyterians sent up memo- rials, urging that religious liberty be fully established. The Presbyterians acted through their church court, Han- over Presbytery, and its very able memorial was drawn by Rev. Caleb Wallace, the pastor of Cub Creek church, and one of the Scotch-Irish settlers in Charlotte. These memorials caused the tax for church support to be suspended, and the memorial drawn by Mr. Wallace is so like the celebrated bill of Mr. Jefferson, for the establishment of religious liberty subsequently offered and adopted, that a comparison will show that the memorial suggested the bill. In the War of 1812, the county was no less prompt to do her duty than in the Revolution. When Admiral Cockburn en- tered Chesapeake bay in May, 1813, with a British fleet, and the attack upon Craney Island, near the mouth of Elizabeth river, was made, an artillery company from Charlotte, under the command of Captain John D. Richardson, carried off the laurels of the day in repelling the enemy, who soon after left the bay. Nor did the late War between the States find any decline in the valor of the county. She furnished her full quota of troops, including infantry, cavalry and artillery. From the first shock of the conflict at Rich mountain, through all the campaigns and hard fought battles of the Army of Northern Virginia, and in the last sad drama at Appomattox, her sons bore honorable part. The first and last guns of the war were fired by them. Six companies of infantry were in Pickett's CHARLOTTE COUNTY ttAKD BOOK 15 THIO RKSIDENCE OF COLONEL JOSEPH MOUTOM. Built hy him in 1735 on a tract of land on Little Roanoke granted to him by Oeoroc the III., the oriyinal (jrant being in the possession of Dr. Goodrich V. Morion, of Texas. The plantation is noio owned by one of his descendants, J. F. Morton. Joseph Morton was one of the early pioneers of this section, and settled upon the above place, when there was not a neighbor In thirty miles of hlra. He was a surveyor by profession, was a member of the House of Burgesses and also a member of the County Court of Charlotte for many years, owned a large estate, and was a man of great Influence. All of the lands patented by him are still In the possession of his descendants. nis son, Colonel William Morton, was a distinguished Revolutionary officer, and at the battle of Guilford " slew the gallant Colonel Webster, the pride of the army of Cornwallls." 16 CIIAKLOTTE county tlAND BOOIt CliB CltKiOK CllUUClI. The Mother I'reshyterian Church of this part of Virginia. The first house of icorship iuilt and conyrcyation onjanized about 1735. The original building is probably a part of the present one, which assumed its present shape, with elevated front', about 1852. The first preacher was the llev. William Robinson. The neighborhood was originally " 'I'he Caldwell Settlement," led by John Caldwell, the grandfather of John C. Calhoun. Many distinguished Divines have graced its pulpit. Kev. Sam'l Davies often preached there. Dr. Archibald Alexander and Dr. John H. Rice also preached there, the former 1795-7, the latter (ordained there) 1804-1812. Rev. Clement Read soon afterwards, until about 1842. The village church, Bethesda, Hermon and Roanoke churches are daughters of Cub Creek. CItAnLOTTE COUNTY HAND noOK 17 division, Longstreet's corps, which made the celebrated charge at Gettysburg, which for bravery and steadiness has never been surpassetF in the annals of war. Aj)proximately 1,500 soldiers enlisted in the Civil AVar; all on the Confederate side — no negro soldiers. Among those who gave their lives and their fortunes to this cause, it will not be considered invidious to mention the name of the late Colonel H. A. Carrington, who commanded the Eighteenth regiment, nor can we repress those noble senti- ments of the human heart which compel us to reverence the memory of such a patriot. The people of the county have been noted also for their intelligence and cultured refinement, and within her borders some of the most distinguished men of the State have resided. Many of her sons likewise have emigrated to other counties and States, to whose fame they have added lustre in all depart- ments of life. Space would fail to mention all who are worthy of commemoration, but in addition to those already mentioned a few of the most conspicuous names may be given. In iTOf) Patrick irenry made his home at Red Hill, on Staunton river, in the northwest corner of the county, where III' di(Hl in ITOO and lies buried. In the spring of 1799, at the earnest solicitation of General Washington, he offered for the House of Delegates, in order to oppose the movement of the |)revious session, known as the Kesolutions of 1798-9, in which the right of a State to resist the execution of a Federal law was proclaimed. He, with Washington, believed the doctrine of these resolutions would lead to civil war. At the same lime the celebrated John Randolph, of Roanoke, taking the opposite side, first offered for Congress. They addressed the people of Charlotte at the Courthouse on March court day. It wan Governor Henry's last speech and Mr. Randolph's first. Both men were elected, though Mr. Henry died before taking his seat. Mr. Randoljih always afterwards resided in the county, and some of his most l>rilliant speeches were made in its Courthouse. He was succeeded in Congress by another very able citizen of tJio county, Judge Thomas Tyler P)Ouldin, wlio dropped dead in his seat while announcing the death of Mr. Randolph. 18 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK EUGEH1L.U The home of Colonel Clement Varrtngton, of Revolutionary fanie^ ana and of Hugh Blair Ch'igshy, the historian. The house was built about the latter part of the eighteenth century ; has one of the best private libraries in the South, and is now owned by Carrington Grigsby. " Colonel Carrington, at a very early age, joined Colonel Lee's legion of the army of General Green as a cadet. At the age of nineteen he fought bravely at the bloody battle of Eutaw, where he was struck down by a very severe and dangerous wound in the thigh." John Kandolph, in a public speech, described him as " The sri-ippung wno shed his blood at Eutaw." He was one of tlie largest land owners in the State, served In the Legislature, was many years Presiding Justice of the county and held many positions of public trust. He died in the year 1847, and Edgehill then became the property of bis son-in-law, Hugh Blair Brigsby, who was a member of the Convention 1829-1830, the tlilrd chancellor of William and Mary College, president and a life long supporter of the Virginia Historical Society and a historian of national reputation. CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK 19 Ki:VSViLI>IC ItAl'TlST ClllJUClI. Kcysvllle Baptist chnrch (formerly Ash Camp KaptisL church) Charlotte county, Va., was organizod in 1 .S(i2. willi Ihirty-five members. Eleven members have been ordained to the gospel ministry. Seven colonies have been sent out and organized into churches. Her contributions for tlie maintenance of the work at home and abroad, for educational worl{ and benevolence can be counted by tens of thousands oT dollars. The Virginia Temperance Society was organized In this church (In the old building two miles from present site). In 1H2G, by Kcv. Abncr W. Clopton, then pastor of the church. Tlie i)i'ps('nt building was erected In ]S.'»8. All of Its records, from 1802 down to the i)resent time, arc In possession of the church clerk. The mem- bership at present Is 185. 20 CTTARl.OTTt: COUNTY HAND BOOK His son, Hon. Wood Boiildin, was even more distinguished than his father, and, after becoming one of the foremost lawyers in the State, he was elevated to the Court of Appeals. He died the owner of Mr. Randolph's residence, and was honored and loved by all who knew^ him. Another distinguished citizen of Charlotte county was Hon. Hugh Blair Grigsby, the accomplished Belles-Lettres scholar and historian, whose pen greatly enriched the literature of the State. He married a daughter of Colonel Clement Carring- ton, while a resident of Norfolk, and afterwards removed to this county. He was one of our most public spirited and valuable citizens, devoted to the best interests of his county and State, chivalrous and courtly in his manners, and at all times and under all circumstances the Christian gentleman. Courthouse. The land upon which the Courthouse and other public build- ings are situated was donated to the county b}^ Mrs. Marj' Read, who was commonly known as "Madam Read," on account of her marked individuality and strength of character. A wooden Courthouse was built in the year 1764, when the county was cut off from Lunenburg. In the year 1788 the court order recites that "some evil disposed persons had burnt up the Courthouse building." Whereupon the court appointed a committee to have a new Courthouse built. This committee, in pursuance of instructions, reared another wooden structure, which at once became the theatre of brilliant forensic displays by the great orators of that period, and was made historic thereby. It was from the portico of this building that Patrick Henry made his last, and John Randolph his first, public speech — the one called the setting and the other rising sun. The people of Charlotte were the first to rebel against British tyranny ; and it was in this historic old building that they assembled in mass meeting on April 3, 1770, and passed the memorable resolutions embodied in the historical sketch of the county. But times change and men change with them. CIIAKLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK 21 The old CoiirthonsG no longer resounds with the eloquence of Henry, Randolph and their compeers, but stands as a relic of other daj^s, at one time used as a stable for the Caledonia hotel, but now abandoned even for that. Old Courthouse — Built in 178S. Fioiu the Portico of which Patrick Henry made his last and John Randolph his first speech. Lives of great men all rcuiiiid us, We can make our lives sublime, And, deiiarling. leave beiliind us. Foot-prints on the sands of time. The [iresent C()iir(lious(>, a cul of wliicli is here given, was built in the year 1823, being planned by Thomas JelTerson, at the instance of the County Court, which sent five of its leading citizens to ''IVfonticello" to consult with the old sago in regard to the matter. CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK 26 A beautiful luoimment adorns the Courthouse Square to perpetuate the luonior}^ of Ihc heroes of 18G1-65. Charlotte or To-day. With a :esses, and (he Continental Compress, who had fought valiandy uiidei- V\''ashing(on. LiglH Horse Harry Lee and Nathaniel (ireen. and crowned the Cxdonists wi(h victory at Vorldown : and of those, Avho nearly a century later, liad dis|)hiyed such valor on (he battle field, such chivalry and magnaniuiity in Aic(()ry and such wonderful self control and resignadou in defeat, who made vi( tory possible at Gettys- burg at the high tide of American valor, have shown in peace that they possess the same sturdy and courageous qualities of their ancestors. They have bravely overcome the ravages of war, and, with a tender and affectionate love for the county, have been building up her waste places, keeping step to the march of jirogress; and to-day they are as ]>rosperous as any rural pojjulation in the land. It is to this side of (he picture that the attenticm of the in([uirer is directed. To best illustrate the character and condition of our i)eople, the book' will be illiistralcd from now on with some of our modern i)ublic Kiiiidings, fai'ui scenes, and the residences of some of our mo>,t successful citizens, and Avith letters and statements showing the successes of those who ha\i' gone to work and become iix'fnl and pi'o^perous cili/.ens. But before going inio I he material it may be well lo note tlie literary (rend (>( onr people, ("harlotte has ol' recent years produced a unmber ol' noted anlhors. among (hem may be mentioned Dr. 11. C. .\le\auder. Hon. William W'wi I bury. Dr. C. K. A'^aughan, Dr. l'liili|) .\. liruce, Trofessor dames Douglas Bruce, Mr.s. Iv C. Cabell, Maj. K. V. Gaines, Rev. Leonard Co.x; and Mrs. Terliune. celebi'a(e(I as '"Marion liar- land," lived here about ten years, and wrote some of her most chaiininir l)Ooks wliile a i'esiden( here. t^ttAftLOTTE COTTNTY tTAND noOK 2.^) POPULATION. Character of the People. The people of Charlotte present that type of Virginia character which is formed npon the Cavalier and Pjstablished Church of Eno-land as the basis, into which has been infused the Scotch-Irish, Puritan and Huguenot strains of blood. Hence, as might be expected, no more conservative or orthodox j)eople can be found, nor one more homogeneous in thought, sentiment and action. Virginians "intus et in cute," yet thoroughly attached to the principles and forms of govern- ment established b}- their fathers and the Constitution of the United States. The people of the county are noted for their intelligence, morality, hospitality and general thriftiness. That they are law al)iding is am])ly demonstrated by the fact that with a population of 15,355 it is no uncommon occurrence that the county jail is witViout inmates; and as an evidence of their thrift. th(^ re|)()rt of the superintendent of the county poor- house for year ending fJu]y 1, 100.",. shows Hutc was :in average of only eleven inmates. • Peligion and Moraijty. The people are very i-eligious in their tendencies, as will be shown by the number of churches and church membership of the different denominations. Churches. Members. WniTKs— Presl)yterian 11 622 Mothodist n 1044 Baptist 9 1584 Episcopal 2 4U Cor.oREr)— Baptist 20 3921 Methodist 3 70 Presbyterian G 225 Total number 62 7506 26 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOIv The Sal)l)ath is universallj^ observed, and the people, ahnost without exception, attend upon the ordinances of divine worship. It is due to the colored people to say that nearl}^ all of the churches owned by them have been built since they were emancipated, and mainly out of their own resources. They also have benevolent orders — the Grand United Order of Moses, True lieformers and Good Samaritans — each having good lodge property. SCHOOLS. Richmond, Va., January 3, 1907. Mr. J. C. Caruington, Cliarlotte Courthouse, Va. My Dear Sir: I have your letter of January 1st, asking me to give a frank opinion of the climate, people and the public school system of Cdiarlotte county. It gives me pleasure to comply with your request, especially as I am able to speak in high terms of the climate, people and soil, and to state in regard to the public school system that we regard the outlook for your county as very encouraging. Having lived nearly all my life in the county of Prince Edward, which adjoins Charlotte, I can speak at first-hand. The climate is mild; the natural drainage is practically perfect, an"d your soil, consist- ing of bobb highland and valley, is well adapted to the production of corn, wheat, tobacco, oats, fruits and grasses of all kinds. One of the most encouraging signs in your county is the interest that is now being taken in the building of macadam roads. If your policies con- tinue, it will result in much wealth and many people coming to your county. I cannot speak too highly of the people of Charlotte county. There are no better people anywhere in point of industry, character, business ability and general intelligence. The building of the excellent graded and high school at Keysville, and the contemplated erection of a new graded and high school at Charlotte Courthouse and a similar one at Drake's Branch next sum- mer, prove that the people of Charlotte county are awakening on the subject of good schools. The State Inspector for your circuit informs me that the public CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK 27 school outlook in your county is encouraging. Your country schools need longer terms, which I understand will probably be given them next session. 1 may say finally (hat the excellent telephone system, which reaches every part of Charlotte county and is connected with all railroad sta- tions, places the people at small expense in immediate communication with depots, express offices, and in fact with everybody and every point throughout the county and adjoining counties. I am very truly yours, J. D. Egg'Leston, Jr., Superintendent of Pul)lic Instruction. January 15, 1907. The public schools in Charlotte county began with the provisions of the Constitution of 1S70. At that time the best element of the white High School, Keysville, Va. people were opposed to them, and this opposition for a time crippled their efficiency, but now the public schools are the pet and pride of our people. Log hut.s for school-houses have been abandoned, and nicely-con- 28 ClTARl.OTTtC COUiSfTY HAND BOOK structed, painted houses have been erected in their stead. The long felt need for something to bridge the chasm between the public schools and the colleges and universities has been met by the establishment of high schools. There are two high schools in the county — one at Charlotte courthouse and the other at Keysville. A child can begin in the public school and then go to a graded school (of which there are one or more in each district), then to the high school and from there he can creditably enter college. A comparison of first year's m J linK i^ ill 00 1 ViT ,"b- Cut of New School at Charlotte Courthouse. statistics, 1870-1871, with last year, 1905-1906, will help to show briefly the strides of improvement. In 1870 there was a school popu- lation of 4,719 (between ages of five and twenty-one years) ; number of schools, 3G; pupils enrolled, 1,550; amount of expenditures, $5,589.51; value of school property owned by the county, $2,275.00. School population for 1905-OG (between the ages of seven and twenty years), 5,121; number of schools, 86; pupils enrolled, 3,280; amount of expendi- tures, $12,156.50; value of school property owned by the county, $22,- 850.00. .--^ There is -sCschool in easy reach of every family in the county. The school-houses are comfortable and attractive in appearance, and well equipped with patent desks, globes, charts, maps and other necessary appliances. Indigent children are supplied with books free CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK 29 of cost when applied for. There are in the county 28 schools ex- clusively for colored children and taught by colored teachers. Believ- ing, with many of our leading educators, that the hope of the negro lies in industrial education, we have established at Keysville an industrial school, in which all the industrial arts are taught. This school has five teachers and an enrollment of over 200 pupils. WitJh the interest and zeal manifested in education throughout the State, and with our efficient young and aggressive State Superintendent, J. D. Eggleston, at the helm, who can predict the future of our schools. I venture to say that the day is not far distant when this grand and historic old county, after telling you of her Henry, her Randolph, her Carrington and other noble sons, will turn from them, and, pointing with peculiar pride to her schools, will say, but " these are my jewels." Charles C. Pakis, Division Superintendent of Schools. THE NEGRO. Uiuler the new Constitution of Vii-i>iniii tlie ria-ht of suffrao-e i.s based upon an educational qualification and but a limited number of negroes enjoy this privilege, the electorate thereby being purged of the ignorant, venal class of negroes. This has had a marked and hapi)y effect upon the complexion of political affairs, and has redounded to the good of society generally. No county in the State has a more orderly or hnv abiding class of negroes than Charlotte, and the relations existing between the two races ai-e exceedingly friendly. Separate schools are pro\ idcd for both races, cacli race has its OAvn churches, and tlic statute law t'orbids intermarriage. AN'hile thesis ivst rict ious exist lliei'e is no reason for any friction bctwcrn tlic raparates it from Halifax. The water-shed between the Staunton liver, on one CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK 35 side, and the Appomattox and Meherrin rivers on the other, constitutes its northern and eastern boundary line and sepa- rates it from Prince Edward and Lunenburg. Topography. The face of the county presents the appearance of a gently undulating plain, rising from 679 feet in height on its north- eastern boundary above sea level, while on the southeastern boundary it has an elevation of 535 feet, giving it a dip on this line of 144 feet to the sea. The bed of the Staunton river, however, has a fall of only 75 feet on the southern boundary, the elevations being 355 feet at the mouth of Falling river and 280 feet at Abbeyville. Numerous streams find their sources along this elevated water-shed, cutting across the dip of the country nearly at right angles, and entering into Staunton river, with a fall from north to south averaging 300 feet. These streams, with their tributaries branching out on every side, interspersed with fertile valleys, give an infinite variety to the undulations, which stretch out gracefully in all directions. On every hill top may be found handsome buihling sites, and in every field living streams of water, while trees and shrubs in endless variety spring spontaneously from the soil. There is great diversity also in the character and nature of the soil of the county; the hills generally being formed from the disintegration of the primitive Archaean rocks, which appear in every variety, wliile the liroad bottoms, which flank all of tlie streams, are composed of drift and alluvium, broken up by atmospheric agoncies and broiiglit down by diluvial ctirrents. Geoi-oov. Charlode counfy belongs to (lie priniitivo or most ancient geological fonuatiou, which s(ro(ches from Pennsylvania to Alabama, and lies between the liead of Tidewater and the crest of the I'lno Pidgo. The hills aud ridges are granitic, while the vallovs mtc tuoto oi- Ic^s intermixed with metamor- 36 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK phic rocks, which are formed above the primitive by the action of the water. The rocks here, as elsewhere in this belt, have been crumpled and tilted by subterranean disturbances until they stand nearly at right angles, showing great variety and many repetitions. There are some bands or ledges of hard gneiss, quartz and mica schist, but most generally the " Beechenbrook " — Residence of R. T. Priddy, Keysville, Va. rocks consist of decomposing gneissoid, feldsphatic, horn- blendic and argillaceous strata, and shales, which weather deeply, and are only seen in their normal conditions in cuts and washes. In the southern portion of the county, along the Staunton river and its principal tributaries, many places are topdressed with drift precipitate and show indications of glacial action, which belong probably to the quartenary period, and gives to this county both extremes of the geologic formations. * Dr. Wm. B. Rogers, in his geological report of Virginia, p. 26, Appleton's edition, 1884, in remarking upon the diver- CHARI.OTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK 37 sified and complex formations of this region says: "There is no division of the State which presents greater difficulties to the geological enquirer, and none which will require for its elucidation more minute and patient investigation." Mineralogy. Minerals occur in great variety; among which may be mentioned iron, ores, copper, mica, kaolin, soapstone, etc., some of which have good working qualities, and have been partially developed. The Carnegie Copper Co. is successfully mining kaolin at Red Oak, Below is given letter showing operations of Dixie mine. Dixie Copi'EB Mine. Baltimobe, Md., January 8, 1907. I submit the following short statement of facts in regard to the operation now being carried on to be published as you stated: Prospectus of Dixie Mine, Charlotte county, Virgiiiia. The property consists of about 400 acres of land, situated about three miles from Drake's Branch, Southern railway. There are two veins on the property that have been prospected thus far, but the present work is now being done on the west vein, where there is an incline shaft down to a depth of about 130 feet, with a vein being about N. E. and S. W. and varies in width from G to 3G inches, showing copper from 8 to 20 per cent, by assay; the ore being ehalcocite, with some green carbonate in quartz; the walls being a dark greenish slate. None of the ore has been shipped to the smelter, but is being piled ou dump for sorting. Some of the ore will be placed on exhibition at the Exposition. Respectfully, Henhy C. Weaveb. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. CHARACTER OF PI IK SOIL. The great hulk of (he soils of this county, including nearly all of the highlands, is what is known geologically as soils of disintegration, arising from a disintegration of (he subja- cent rocks by atmospheric agencies. As has been seen, these 38 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK rocks belong to the archaean or igneous formations, consist- ing of granites, gneisses, hornblends, etc., which contain abundance of silica, potash, soda, magnesia, lime, iron and phosphoric acid in the form of apatite, in combination with these substances. They present every variety of character, both in regard to their chemical composition and physical properties. The surface soil contains, in addition, more or less humous or vegetable matter mixed with animal remains; these are classed generally as sandy, loams or clay, according to the preponderance of one or the other of their elementary constituents. The soils of transport and drift embrace all the coves and bottom lands upon our rivers, creeks and branches, and also form a considerable part of the hills bordering Staunton river and some of its tributaries. The natural soil of this county, in which the different species of oak predominate, interspersed Avith hickory, walnut, wild cherry, etc., must contain abundant supply of every essential mineral ingredient. This is demonstrated by the analysis of the ashes of these plants. That the supply of them is inex- haustible, is proven by the fact, that when the surface soil has been exhausted of its carbon and nitrogen, which gives rise to further and rapid disintegration, we find these same plants growing from the bottom of our deepest gulleys. The celebrated Dr. AV. H. Euffner, writing from the Valley of Virginia, said about Charlotte lands: You well know that a Valley man, when consulted about the improvement of soil, at once says " grass and cattle." My travel through your county has satisfied me that it may be made a good grass, grain and live stock section. When you get your lands to a certain point of fertility you can raise more corn and wheat than we can on lands of like quality, and in the vegetable and fruit crop you can greatly surpass us. In tobacco you can of course excel us, your soil being so much better adapted to this plant than ours, and I suppose that with proper management you can get more immediate profit out of this crop than any other, and more than we usually do out of our crop. Charlotte has more than the usual share of transported soils, which are generally very good. Outside of the strips of transported soils your lands are the product of the underlying rocks. As to potash, there can be no doubt, and that phosphoric acid does largely exist in 40 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK the rocks is sufficiently proved by the forests and successive crops whicli tlie land lias heretofore produced. Your lands have the advan- tage of being based on readily decomposing rocks, whereby fresh soils can be formed to almost any depth. Of course the different strata differ in their composition. In one line of outcrop you may find more of one fertilizing element, and in another close by more of another, while, the combination of the two might result in tbe increased fertility. Certainly you have' phosphoric acid in your rocks in some form, and, if hunted for by the mineralogist or chemist, I doubt not it would be found as it has been somewhat abundantly in Amelia county, but whether discovered or not, you may safely proceed upon the assumption that it exists in the soil, and still more in the sub soil. Since the above was written by Dr. Ruffner, large and inexhaustible deposits of phosphates have been discovered in Florida and Tennessee, which, with the return of all bone material to the soil, will suppl}^ all dehciencies in phosphates. Soil Improve^ient by the Use or Fertilizer. r ■•'■ ' Stable and farm pen manures excel all others in the perma- nent improvement of lands. Commercial fertilizers stimu- late lands and cause large returns in crops, but a proper rota- tion of crops should be observed, ahvays looking to a sod fallow, or some leguminous crop, as clover, peas or beans turned into the land. A Good System of Rotation is — On highland — first, tobacco; second, wheat; third and fourth, grass; fifth and sixth, pasture. On low-grounds — two years, corn; third, oats; fourth, fifth and sixth, grass, which is pastured during fall and winter. Col. Thomas Whitehead, late Commissioner of Agriculture of Virginia, in writing on this subject said: The conformation of Charlotte makes it a most admirable location for general farming, as well as planting. Across the county from northeast to southwest is a vein of peculiar rich formation, along which grows naturally tobacco; peculiar because of this formation. 42 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK tlhie most exhausted land, if supplied with a reasonable amount of ferti- lizers, will produce a full crop of tobacco of a texture, color and fra- grance most valuable and found only in special localities. The Staunton river, which makes the wonderful valley that has produced more grain than any other river valley of its dimensions in the State, runs on its southwestern boundary for many miles, furnishing broad, low grounds for those princely estates that made tlhis, before the war, one of the richest, most hospitable and refined sections of the State. Into the river, from the northeast bearing southwest, run a number of large creeks with broad rich bottoms, dividing the county like an irrigated garden. These large farms, under the intelligent rotation and Cultivation of well-informed farmers and educated owners, were their boast and pride. It was a part of the famous " race horse region," and fine, throughbred racers, roadsters and thoroughbred cattle were to be found in every section. All that is needed to make this county an agricultural paradise; to fill it with orchards, sheep walks and cattle farms, rolling fields of waving grain, and golden hills of yellow tobacco, is to cut up these large farms, bring into cultivation these unturned unfallowed acres, put into the county one thousand families of honest, intelligent, respectable people, free from debt and used to agricultural pursuits, believing in our institutions and respecting our laws. Hon. G. W. Koiner, present Commissioner of AgTicultiiro and Immigration of Virginia, writes: Virginia is now a great agricultural State, and her importance as such is increasing year by year. She is now the richest Southern State except Texas. Charlotte county is exceptionally well located in the State of Virginia. Her soil was originally fertile and strong, and is blessed with a good, tenacious clay sub-soil. The lands in Charlotte county are susceptible of the highest state of improvement. There are now many farms in the county highly improved. She has good trans- portation, facilities by rail, and has numerous springs of purest water — many of them contain lithia. All kinds of fruit, grasses and grains grow well in Charlotte county. She is accessible to the best markets, and her climate is salubrious and delightful. Her people are known far and wide for their hospitality and intelligence. Nature has given Charlotte county all of the essentials for a happy and prosperous abid- ing place for man. '^ . & 44 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK CLIMATE. Wliether "vve have regard to general salubrity — exemption from storms, cyclones and tornadoes — the equable distribution of rain throughout the year — the abscence of extremes of heat and cold — the long periods adapted to seed time, cultivation and harvest, or the peculiarly favorable conditions which affect every kind of agricultural operation and production, no portion of the United States can offer its inhabitants climatic conditions superior to this county. The great Appa- lachian chain of mountains, extending across the State from northeast to southwest, and rising from 8,000 to 4,000 feet above the level of the sea, affords an effectual barrier against the blizzards and storms which SAveep across the continent from the north and northwest, whilst our proximity to the Atlantic ocean, tempered as it is by the Gulf stream, softens and mollifies the frosts of winter. Short Winters. Our winters do not exceed tAvo months ; the cold spells rarely last more than two or three days, and it is only in exposed situations that the thermometer has been known to reach zero for a few hours. Snows Rarely fall to a greater depth than six inches, and are gen- erally of short duration. Yet we have never known a winter when ample supplies of ice could not be gathered from properly-constructed ponds for summer use. The general range of thermometer during these spells is from 15° to 35° Fahrenheit — very rarely lower. The Heat of Summer Is equally modified by the same genial influences. The high- est hills are generally selected for residences, from many of which the Blue Ridge mountains are plainly visible, and which always enjoy, during the heat of the day, refreshing breezes. o 46 charlotte county hand book The Winds, Which are nature's great agents in equalizing temperature and distributing moisture, rarely remain more than one or two days at the same point. The prevailing movement of the wind during the cold season is from the north and west, which is always dry. From the northeast, coming down the coast, we have during the spring and fall more or less wind and rain, which makes the most disagreeable weather to which we are subject. We are also under the influence of the great atmos- pheric movements, which come from the tropics along the Atlantic coast, extending across Middle Virginia to the foot of the Blue Kidge. From this source Ave have the prevailing winds and rains of summer, as they follow the general direc- tion of our w^ater courses. They are sometimes attended by freshets. Temperature. Charlotte is located (latitude, 37'; longitude, 78') in Mid- dle VirginiiT. The elevation of Charlotte ranges from C69 feet on the highest hills to 300 on the lowest levels. The thermometer falls one degree for 300 feet of elevation above sea level. The rainfall also diminishes from the seacoast inland. The mean elevation of the surface of Charlotte county is about 486 feet, calculated from about twenty observations, taken in different places, including some of the highest and lowest levels: Keysville G25 feet above sea level. Drake's Branch 375 feet above sea level. Mossingf ord 357 feet above sea level. Randolph 331 feet above sea level. Charlotte Courthouse 560 feet above sea level. Mosaic Temple 545 feet above sea level. Rough Creek Road 459 feet above sea level. Roanoke Creek 350 feet above sea level. Wardsfork Creek 376 feet above sea level. Cub Creek 355 feet above sea level. CO 48 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK The records, as furnished by the weather bureau for seven- teen years, from 1889 to 1905 inchisive, make the mean annual temperature 5G°, 6. The mean annual rainfall for same period, 42.40 inches. Highest average temperature during said period 81.33, and lowest 29.34, and the greatest precipita- tion in any twenty-four consecutive hours, .10. The mean temperature of the respective months of the year for the same period (seventeen years) was — January 36.4 July 75.6 February 38.1 August 74.1 March 48.0 September 69.8 April 56.0 October 55.6 May 65.8 November 47.3 June 73.6 December 39.0 Rainfall. — Mean monthly precipitation for same time: January 3.02 July 5.22 February 3.86 August 3. 82 March 4.14 September 2.83 April 2.88 October 3.11 May 5.08 November 2.30 June 3.57 December 2.57 The heaviest rainfall in any one month during this period was 11.74— in July, 1889; next, 7.95— in March, 1891. In only five months during this period was the rainfall less than one inch, the lightest being 0.20 — in November, 1890, while the mean temperature of this month was 48.03°. The highest mean temperature for any month during these seventeen j^ears was 77.0G — for July, 1905. The lowest mean temperature of any month during same time was 31 — for Feb- ruary, 1905. The lowest minimum temperature recorded was 0.5 — for February, 1905. The highest maximum temperature noted was 101°— for August, 1903. The mean temperature for tlie three summer months cor- responds with that of New^ York, Madrid, Constantinople and Jerusalem. $0 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK Guyot, in his Physical Geography, a standard authority, says: In the eastern half of the United States the southwesterly winds which prevail in the summer spread over the interior and Atlantic plains an abundant supply of vapors from the waters of the Gulf. Frequent and copious showers refresh the soil during the month of greatest heat; which show a maximum, of rain. Thus the dry sum- mers of the warm temperature region disappear, and with them the periodical character of the rains so well marked in tliis belt elsewhere. \ Commodore M. F. Maury, in his Physical Survey of Vir- ginia, says: Virginia answers geographically to the southern half of Spain, Portugal, Sicily, Greece and Turkey as to climate. The chief difference between theirs, and tlhe climate of Virginia is in favor of Virginia. She is better watered than they, and cultivation is carried on without artificial irrigation. Captain John Smith, the founder of the colony, says: Heaven and earth never agreed better to frame a place for man's habitation. What the owner of " Roanoke " says : Randolph, Va., January 4, 1907. Deak Sib: Enclosed are two photographs, one showing our resi- dence, comparatively modern, on the " Roanoke " plantation, and one showing John Randolph's office and a dwelling of same date, all situated in a grove on what is known as Randolph mountain, where this dis- tinguished man once lived. This plantation is located at Randolph, Va., on the north bank of the Staunton rivei*. The low lands are noted for their fertility, producing the superior white corn. The climate and soil is especially gifted for the growth of all kinds of grain, tobacco, fruits, flowers and trees, and mild enough for live stock to thrive in all seasons. These conditions assist in making the place a " paying farm," so that season by season, with variety of crops, the revenue is sufficient to net a fair income on the value of the plantation. These conditions apply to most places upon this river, where the work upon them is done under energetic management, with intelligent system. Very truly yours, Clarence C. Cheney. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. 52 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK A New Yokkek's Testimony After Many Years' Expebience. Wylliesburg, Va., December 27, I90G. Dear Sir: Replying to your inquiry as to my impressions of soutliern life, and the opportunities offered for industrious settlers, will say, 1 was born in Otsego, N. Y., and moved with my father to Charlotte county when a mere boy. It gives me pleasure to say that I have found the people kind and hospitable and the climate salubrious and delightful. My opinion is there is no county in the United States that offers as many inducements to industrious settlers. Lands are cheap and farming is very profitable, especially to the man of moderate means. I know of many instances of farmers who purchased farms a few years back, and have paid for them from the earnings of the farms, and are independent citizens. Indeed, there is one instance in my neighborhood of a man who made enough tobacco the first year to more than twice -pay for his place. Taxes are low, communities are well governed and everything seems to conspire to make it a most desirable country to live in. Yours truly, ' D. C. Jackson. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. HEALTHFULNESS. As might be expected from such climatic conditions in health, the most essential element to comfort and all the pleas- ures of life, Charlotte stands among the most favo;;ed portions of the globe. It's comparative exemption from sudden and violent storms, from extremes of heat and cold, renders all those who use adequate food and clothing, free from those diseases which result from sudden and violent changes of weather. The average daily run of thermometer between extremes of heat and cold is about ten degrees, making changes of weather very gi-adual, extending usually over two o.r three days. A run here of twenty degrees in twenty-four hours is very rare; whereas a run of forty degrees in a few hours, which is not uncommon in New England, along the Gulf States and throughout the Mississippi Valley, is unknown in this county. When we consider that the entire area of the county is tho- roughly drained by the Staunton and its tributaries, that the 54 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK dip of land from west to east is fully 150 leet, while that from north to south is double that amount, it is impossible that any undrained land should exist except by a contravention of the laws of nature. Charlotte county has never had a case of yellow fever or cholera, nor is it subject to disease of a violent or malignant Virginia not being a registration State, the mortality rate cannot be given, but a letter from the secretary of the county board of health is herewith published as the best evidence obtainable. Letter From Secretary of County Board of Health. Charlotte C. H., Va., January 7, 1907. Dear Sir: In reply to your request for report of sanitary condi- tions of Charlotte county, I beg leave to submit briefly as follows: I consider the health conditions in this county as good as any in the State. From the standpoint of a general practitioner, and member of County Board of Health, I assert that we have no endemics, or mild ones if at all. Epidemics touch us lightly. Pneumonia is rare and typhiod fever is unknown in many sections of county. Tliese two last are the most serious diseases in this belt of the Old Dominion. Will be glad to answer any question pertinent to this matter you wish to submit. I am, Very truly and hastily, C. H. Gibbs. M. D. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. A DESCRIPTION OF THE VALLEY OF THE STAUNTON. BY HON. II. C. RICE. As requested, I write of some attractions of the Valley of the Staunton river within the boundaries of Charlotte county. Before they had railway facilities, the large planters of this valley, owning from 500 to over 5,000 acres of land, lived in large, commodious, in some cases elegant and imposing resi- dences, overlooking broad acres of fertile soil, reaching out into magnificent distances. Pi 5C CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK Skillful managers directed well-trained laborers on these plantations, and all necessary mechanics lived upon them. The planters were attended by accomplished servants, and had carriages and horses always at command. They lived in lavish abundance and Avith the independence of "barons. Their leisure hours were devoted to the best literature and to the study of public affairs. From this class naturally sprang leaders and statesmen of the South and of the nation. Patrick Henrj^, of Red Hill, and John Randolph, of Roanoke, resided here upon their large landed estates. The basis of the prosperity of these planters was the ownership of labor, skillful management and inexhaustible fertility of soil. The one factor lacking Avas transportation facility. Sydney Smith said that his living in Yorkshire was "actually twelve miles from a lemon." This fully expresses the isolation of these land owners of a former generation. Now the Southern railway crosses this valley at Randolph, the Norfolk and Western at Brookneal, and the Tidewater, soon to be finished, a few miles off will almost parallel it for a considerable distance. The last will be one of the finest roads in the South, both in gracje and equipment. Besides, the Staunton is navigable for small steamboats. The land can still i:»roduce thirty-five bushels of wheat, seventy-five or eighty bushels of corn and tAvo tons of hay per acre. Dark tobacco has sold for $160 per acre, and bright, the "golden leaf," for $50 per hundred pounds. Besides, the soil is specially adapted to horticulture. Marvellous results may be expected under these favorable conditions. New developments have already begun. At Brookneal, a tliriving progressive town just beyond the Charlotte boundary, now the junction of the Norfolk and Western and the Tide- water railways, a new steel bridge and a number of buildings are being erected. Steps have been taken to utilize one of the finest unimproved w\ater powers of the State. Other falls along the river can furnish ampfe water power. Another steel bridge at Clarkton, a few miles below Brook- 58 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND fiOOK neal, shows the Staunton and hinds, all rapidly appreciating in. value. These are some of the business attractions of this valley. Mineral Waters. In recent years health-giving waters have been discovered within or adjacent to the valley. Users of these waters en- dorse them in the strongest terms, vand analyses seem to indi- cate special value for many human ailments. They contain sulphur, magnesium, calcium, lithium and other valuable minerals, some of these in large quantities. Game. You find here also extended fields intersected by ditches and hedge-rows. This is the home of the partridge and the para- dise of the sportsman. Here the wild goose and the duck and Mallard come from their northern-rearing winter grounds to winter. During a morning, from a single point, as many as nineteen flocks of geese have been seen winging their way across the valley. They feed upon wlieat fields and meadows, and when weary of wing alight upon waters to enjoy a swim. Space does not furnish a description of the wild turkey rang- ing through forest and field, of the pheasant of our woods, of the snipe, whose haunts are the small streams and marshes, and of the beautiful woodcock. Fishing. I cannot picture the delights of the anglers on the banks of the Staunton, in which, among many other varieties, are found the round fish — -sometimes a six-pounder — and the silver and red-eye perch. All of these are game to the last. The hauling of seines has been engaged in, not only as a source ot pleasure, but of profit. I cannot dwell upon the pleasures of boating on its waters, whose current requires a vigorous oar. 60 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK These are some of the rare opportunities for pleasure, hcalthfulness and profit which the Valley of the Staunton affords. It would be hard to equal them in any part of our much-favored land. Chantilly Springs. AsPENWALL, Va., January 17, 1907. Deae Sib: Replying to your letter, recently received, will say the Chantilly dyspepsia mineral water on my place is attracting a great deal of attention, and is highly recommended by physicians. The well is forty feet deep, with seven feet of water. I have drawn as much as 150 gallons of water per day, and could have drawn much more. Distance from Tidewater railroad and depot, about 100 yards. Name of my place is Chantilly. Yours truly, J. E. Tally. To J. G. Carrington, County Commissioner. Justice Baldwin Writes of the Giant Peter Francisco. AspENWALL, Va., January 30, 1907. Dear Sir: Replying to your inquiry, will say the people of JOur section have been very prosperous of late years. They have gone to work, and in every instance the success has been wonderful. Our climate is fine, and people hospitable, and our lands are very produc- tive. We have fine springs of free stone water, and the celebrated "Chantilly" mineral springs are in the neighborhood. The famous giant, Peter Francisco, lived at Aspenwall, and upon his place is a spring of refreshing water, with a rock across the top (more than one horse can pull), carried there on his shoulders by this wonderful giant. The logs of his house, now standing were also carried there by him. I might add that among the most successful of our farmers are the William Bros., who moved in from Halifax county some years since. They rented at first, but now own good farms, well-stocked, and are independent. The same can be said of Messrs. A. J. Middleton, Deaner, Jennings and others. Sam'l Baldwin. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. NATURAL PRODUCTS. Forestry. More than half of the surface of the county is yet covered with forest, much of which is second growth, which springs up spontaneously on lands left out of cultivation. 62 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK Adjacent to the railway lines, which furnish both a market and cheap transportation, the forests have been very much pillaged; but there still remain many large bodies of very valuable timber in various parts of the county. The chief varieties are white oak, post oak, turkey oak, poplar, heart j)ine, hickory, dogwood, persimmon, cedar, wal- nut, ash, wild cherry, beach, birch, maple and locust, which are regarded the most valuable; but there are also, used for in- ferior purposes, the black, red, Spanish and willow oaks, honey locust, sweet and black gum, sycamore, sassafras, old field pine and some half dozen varieties of the elm. Wild Nuts and Fruits. Our forests and fields moreover abound in a great variet}' of nuts and acorns, which furnish valuable food for man and beast. Among these are the white and black walnut, more than a dozen varieties of hickory nuts, pecans and shell barks, chestnuts, beachnuts, hazlenuts, chinquapin and thirteen varie- ties of acorns. Some of these bear more or less every year, furnishing ample food for game and wild animals. About every other year there is a heavy mast, sufficient to fatten hogs and keep stock well through winter. Wild Fruits. — The provision made by nature in the way of wild fruits is equally abundant; beginning about the middle of May with strawberries, followed by raspberries, dewber- ries, blackberries, whortleberries, gooseberries, mulberries, cur- rants, cherries, plums, apples, peaches, pears, grapes, persim- mons, haw apples — black and red, haws, etc., all of which appear in great variety and of superior excellence. So abundant is the supply, that with ordinary care the table can be furnished the year round from this source alone, besides furnishing a large quantity for canning and drying, which find a ready and profitable market in the cities. From many of these also, particularly some varieties of the grape, very oxcellent wine is made, which is superior for domestic use to those of foreign manufacture. Do Well " — Residence of Maj. R. V. Gaines, Mossingfoid, Va. Residence of L. S. Jackson, Drake's Branch, Va. 64 charlotte county hand book Wild Game. Owing to this abundant provision by nature, no section of the United States has a greater variety or is so well stocked with game, animals and birds. Standing at the head is that incomparable bird — the wild turkey — in its native heather. Large flocks may be seen roaying over the fields, some of which, at full maturity, reach twenty-five pounds in weight. In the forests pheasants are often found, and in every field one or more covies of quail. These furnish sport during the latter part of the fall and winter, wdiile in the later winter .and spnng we have wild duck, snipe and wild geese upon our own water courses in endless profusion. In August and September the woodcock makes his appearance. Of late years deer have become quite abundant in some sections of the county, and deer hunting is becoming popular, but from colonial days down to the present fox-hunting has been the favorite pastime of the Virginian; he is never so happy as when mounted on a blooded steed, with long horn around his neck and followed b}^ a large pack of hounds. , Fish. Our streams are well stocked with fish, which, in their several varieties, furnish a supply the year round. Shad, which were formerly abundant in the Staunton river, are now rarely found, but the sorrel horse makes his appearance in large numbers in the month of February, and during the spring months penetrate all the smaller streams to deposit their spawn. In addition to these we have the fat-back, red, blaclc and silver perch, jack, pike, chub and cat. Of late years black bass, scale and leather carp have been introduced into our ponds and streams, to which they seem admirably adapted. Grapes and Wine. The geological formation and climatic conditions of Char- lotte correspond exactly with those portions of Europe which GG CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND ROOK have for centuries been devoted to vineyards and in which are produced the most celebrated and delicious wines. Not less than twenty varieties of grapes are found grooving along our hedges, fences and throughout the forest, running up often to the tops of the highest trees. From actual experiment it has been found tliat our native grapes, including Concord, Norton, Cunningham, C3^nthiiina, Catawba, etc., produce wines of great excellence, varying in body, color and aroma with the character of the soils upon which the}^ grow. A?f Adoi'ted Citizen Who Speaks What He Knows. The adaptedness of the Virginia soil and climate to the industry of viniculture is not a mere item of idle speculation, as has been proven by many successful experiments in different sections of the State, which shows fully that every essential requirement has been provided by nature. Looking around us we see wild grapes of many varieties growing luxuriously on every hill and crag, while on the lowlands we view them in great profusion weaving thieir way among the trees, and often bearing their extended branches to the ground beneath the weight of their abundant fruit. These natural advantages have long since impressed the progressive farmers of Albemarle, Amelia, Chesterfield, Nelson and other counties with an appreciation of the profitable value of this industry; and here is to be found a truly developed manifestation of the capabilities of viniculture. Yet when we analyze the formation of the soil in Charlotte county, and find it either naturally fertile or easily and cheaply fertilized, and laying over a strata (at the depth of from four to six feet) of loose, rocky sub-soil, we at once observe its superior quality over other lands in this State for grape growing purposes. Here the hills slope gradually to thie east and south and west, giving the land the proper exposure and effecting the best drainage; here is to be found clheap land and labor, and easy accessibility by direct rail route to Richmond, Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York— the best grape markets of America. The noted colonial hospitality — long lost to other sections of this country— is still the pride of this locality, and th:e exemplary moral white population may well form the pride of any Commonwealth. The climate, too, is mild, and only sufficiently moist to render it healthful, and malarial ailments are almost unknown. It is not generally known that two of the finest grapes produced in America— the Catawba and Norton seedling— are native wild grapes of Virginia, developed by cultiv^tjou. County Bridge Across Sluuiituu River. 68 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK The hills of Charlotte county, wihen brought before the notice of grape and fruit growers, will in a short time grow in beauty to favor- ably compare with the vinenclad hills of Lombardy or the smiling vineyards on the banks of the noble Rhine. The writer has had occasion to taste native wine from every acknowledged wine-growing section of the world, and has found many Virginia wines not only equal, but superior to most of the so-called fine wines. A sample tried in Charlotte county proved of such excellency of flavor as is only found in the wine of a few silent vineyards of Europe. It is a remarkable fact that in this county the many diseases so common to the European and American vines were found to be totally unknown. The land in this county, as has been before stated. Is peculiarly adapted to the production of wines, and when new land is cleared all tlhat is necessary is to burn the stumps, branches of trees, etc., and distribute the ashes over the soil, in order to destroy any sourness that may exist and to destroy the germs of Insects. The cultivation of grapes, as few agricultural industries permits of a small subdivision of land, a thing highly desiraljle in Virginia. It is also a pursuit that requires intelligence and skill and not a large capital. In this field Charlotte county invites not only the outside world, but her own people. J. F. Z. Caracristi LOWER END OF THE COUNTY. Hon. B. D. Adams, member of a colony from Pittsylvania count}'-, who moved to tliis county only a few years ago, whose success has been truly Avonderful, Avrites of the develop- ment of the lower end of the count3^ January 15, 1907. Dear Sir: Replying to your inquiry, will say: First. The development and improvement made in the southern end of Charlotte county, especially the section around Red Oak, has ^een wonderful during the past ten years. Second. The rapid, but substantial, growth of this section has t)een due first to its fertile lands and other natural resources, and secondly to the determination of progressive men to take advantage pf our hitherto dormant possibilities. Our people have truly pu^ their shoulder to the wih«el of progress, and are proud of the results.. >' -'it* t^^flpV^'^-a* ^:-l|- ^^Of.'. :: 70 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK Third. The land in this section is particularly adapted to tobacco, both bright and dark — especially bright. Farmers here in recent years have been cultivating large fields of bright tobacco, that yielded as much as $275.00 per acre. Farms of several hundred acres have been purchased in this neighboihood for from $3 to $5 per acre and paid for in full from pi'oceeds of first tobacco crop, and the tobacco was cultivated on from eight to fifteen acres of the laud. Fourth. Our soil, unlike most land in Piedmont section of the State, yields a rich harvest, when properly cultivated, in grain and grasses. Ask any man who (has been through this section in past few years and he will tell you of our hay, corn and wheat fields — for it is a fact that no stranger comes here without being impressed with our magnificent fields and heavy crops. Corn on our improved high lands yields from fifty to sixty bushels, wheat from fifteen to twenty- five bushels and hay from one and one half to two tons per acre. The growing of clover, timothy tall meadow, oat grass and red top for hay ^ has given the very best results, and our farmers are fast realizing that we can raise hay at good profit and at the same time beautify and improve our farms. Where there was one acre of grass grown for hay in this section ten years ago there are now one hundred acres. Our land is usually allowed to stand from three to five years before plowing up, and in most cases grass is cut twice a year, thus yielding from, two and one-half to three tons per acre each year. Our farmers are buying the most improved machinery for saving hay, and the cost of saving the crop is reduced to a minimum. Tliey are now selling nay at $20.00 per ton that cost them less than $2 per ton to harvest. The cost of preparing and seeding the land is practically eliminated when we consider the improvement of our lands from the crop. Hero you can see the fields of a 100 acres of hay without a rock or stump, and the crop is heavy and clean as any in the valley of Virginia. Fifth. All kind of fruits do well here, especially apples, pears, peaches and grapes. Peach trees come into full bloom within three years after planting, and apples from four to five, according to variety. While we have no very large orchards, yet numbers of farms have from 250 to GOO fruit trees just beginning to bear. Sixth. This section has been materially benefitted by its timber lands. We have had for ten years a well-equipped plant for the manufacture of rough and work lumber of all kinds, barrel heads, shuttle blocks, hickory and white oak wagon and buggy spokes. The products of our forest are finished up at home, ready for the consumer, and our people derive the benefits of the industry that fits the rough tree for parlor furniture or the wagon wheel. There are yet thousands of acres of timbered Ijind in tins section, and the quality of our forest pine and white oak cannot be excelled. 72 CHARLOTTE COUNTr HAND BOOlC Seventh. Copper has been recently discovered here, and in paying quantities, and the mines of the Carnegie Copper Co., bid fair to be one of our largest industries — full line of macliinery to be in operation in the near future. We have also large deposits of soap-stone and Kaolin, and northern capitalists are now beginning operations towards developing these industries. Eight. This section has had a large number of farmers to come here in the past ten years from other counties of the State, being drawn here by the fertility and cheapness of our land, and they have taken a leading part in developing the county. Ninth. A large cannery has been recently erected for canning apples, peaches, corn, etc., and we will have market for all such things. Yours truly, B. D. Adams. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. BEE-KEEPING PROFITABLE. Taking into consideration the va.st amount of money ex- pended by the United States annually for sugar, the imj)ort- ance of bee-keeping can be readil}^ seen. From a Bee-Keeper who Makes Beautiful Honey. Cub Creek, Va., January 21, 1907. Dear Sir: I have been in the bee business twenty-six years and find it profitable. Sold my 1906 crop of honey at 1214 cents per section for comb and 10 cents, per lb., for extracted. My bees usually produce from fifty to one hundred pounds per colony, spring count. Bee Pasturage. Tlie natural resources are fruit blooms. In the months of April and May, clover, linden or poplar, and sourwood from the IStih of May to the 1st of August; golden rod, asters and other fall blossoms first of September to October 15th. Have raised buck wheat and alsike clover for bee pasture. They both grow well here. There is no better plant for honey than alsike clover. It is also good for hay and grazing. Bees winter well here outdoors, on summer stands, with no other covering but what tJiey have in the summer. Never had foul brood or any other disease in my Apiary. In fact, never heard of any disease among bees in this county. S. J. Adams. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK 75 From a Bee-Keeper, Farmer and Canner. CiiAuroTTE CouitTiiousK, Va., January 2G, 1907. Dear Sir: Replying to yours, concerning my experience in bee- keeping, will say I am no expert; never saw a queen. Started with, one stand; now keep ten. Have taken 120 pounds from supers, do*^ touching the body — that being full. Wheat. Have raised sixty bushels of wheat on one and three- fourths acres of land. Corn. Have gathered fifteen bairels of corn from one acre of high- land, the only fertilizer used being stable manure. Vegetable cannery. I have been operating a cannery for four years. Output first year, 15,000 cans from four acres. Not in full operation other years. Land well adapted to growth, flavor and sweetness of tomatoes and other vegetaliles, excels for canning further north. I expect to put out five acres this year and resume business. R. B. Moore. POULTRY RAISING. Poultry raising is increasing in popularity with our house- keepers. It has been found that with very little attention and a siiijill output of ca])ital no other indiisli-y brings blotter returns, The mild climate aiul large field and wood ranges conspire to rediu-e the cost to a mininutni and render the business very profitable. Letters from some of our poultry raisers are here given. S.MAi.f. Atte.ntio.n hi t L.mhik Puoirrs. Kkvsvm.i.i;, Va., .lanuary 10, 1907. I herewith furnish for ijuldication in the haiul hook my record of net sales of i)oullry for twelve moiUhs — from Dccemljer 22, 1905, to December 21, 190G. Amount received from sales: Kggs, 520 dozen $102 50 From sales of seventy-one turkeys 130 57 From sales of ninety-eiglit chickens 45 20 Total ^278 29 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK 77 I keep sixty chicken hens, and in addition to the 52G dozen egga from them, they also furnished eggs and chickens for the table for a family of six persons (a part of this time a boarder also), of which no record was kept. These fowls are common, mixed breeds, except six leghorn hens. They do their work in common, log hen-houses, with dirt floors — no brooders no incubators are uaed. Five turkey hens composed my spring flock, from which my "turkey crop" is raised. The fowls are fed on food the farm produces. We do not record just how much, but the whole amount is small. Mrs. Lee W. Norton. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. Large Profits — Small Capitol. Charlotte Courthouse, Va., January 22, 1907. My success in poultry-raising, on a small scale, has been very gratifying. For the year 1906 I had twenty-three hens. From these hens I sold $50.00 worth of eggs and $35.00 worth of chickens, besides supplying my family the year through. I paid but little attention to my fowls, and am satisfied that with the proper attention poultry- raising on a large scale would be extremely profitable. Mrs. B. J. Atkins. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. TuRicEY Raising Proi'itable. Charlotte Courthouse, R. F. D., January 20, 1907. From three turkey hens and one gobler last year I raised twenty- five young turkeys, which (sold when the market was off, delay being made in shipment) netted mo $25.00; besides, some were consumed on my table. J. W. Cabden. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. Successful Poi;ltrv- Raiser, but Mostly tor Home Consumption. Hii.LCROKT, Va., January 23, 1907. Dear Sir: I do not attempt to raise chickens for market, but usually keep between forty and fifty hens and pullets, which have the run of the plantation and supply my tal)lo witih poultry and eggs all the year. In April, 1905, I bought four single comb Rhode Island red pullets and a cock. Kept them yarded during spring months, and in October, 190fi, had 150 pure bloods to my credit; one-third of which I have sold at fancy prices and replaced with common chickens for the Silver Laced Wyandottes. CltAftLOfTfc COUNTY llAXt) fiOOK T9 table use. I keep no account of feed, as Lhey consume waste wheat, corn, etc., raised on the place, but I sell enough, after supplying my table, to more than cover cost of that. Mus. Samuel C. D.\mel. To J. C. Carrington, County Cornmissiotier. Balance on the Right Side. Saxe, Va., December 12, 190G. Dear Sir: I have now about 400 chickens. Keep only one kind- single comb, white leghorn. Have never kept an account of the net income, but know the balance is on the right side. Am satisfied that poultry-raising can be made a prCTfitable business in this section. I sell stock for breeding purposes and eggs for (hatching in season, but do not undertake to raise chickens for the general market, because not fixed to engage in this branch of the business. Make a specialty of fresh eggs for the general market — shipping to Richmond and Lynch- burg. Get from two to three cents more per dozen than eggs shipped from stores. Without a line of advertising we sold seventy-two set- tings for hatching and thirty pullets last season. J. W. Howard. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. Successful Chicken-Raiser. Charilotte Courthouse, Va., January 2G, 1907. Dear Sir: I have seventy hens of ordinary breeds, and, without paying them any special attention, I sold during the year 190G in chickens and eggs $114.00 worm, piactically all i)rofit, as the chickens had a good wood range and had to be fed but little. Mrs. B. M. Pillow. Handsome Returns From Poultry and Butter. Charlotte Courtii(u:se, Va., January 2S, 1907. Dear Sir: You want to know my experience in the poultry busi- ness. I am a farmer and leave the management of chickens , turkeys, etc., to my wife. She keeps eighteen hens and two roosters. From these sold, in 190C, about $50.00 worth of eggs and about $00.00 worth of frying chickens. Total income, $ll(t.(i(i. and from an investment of $.').00. As a side-line I don't doubt there is anything more profitable than the poultry business, except perhaps the dairy business, which is even more profitable than the poultry business. I have one cow. She furnishes ample milk for my family, besides wp make a pound of nice l)uttpr every day. Another good investment. Yours, etc., E. W. Wilkkrson. To ,1. C. Carrington. County Commissioner. a i^v y- Buff Orpingtons. o ^ § t5 CO rt M CHARLOTTE COUXTY HAND ROOK 83 STOCK RAISING. Stock raisiiio- forms an important industry as an adjunct to agriculture. Charlotte is in what is known as the llace-Horse District of Virginia. In the ante-bellum days many of the best thoroughbreds of England, and some of the best types of the Arabian horses were imported into this section. Diamed, Eclipse, Rowton, Trustee, Flj'de and others, from which have descended the most celebrated horses upon the American turf of to-day, have graced our breeding studs, and formed the basis of the Virginia cavalry horse, which added eclat to that branch of service during our late sectional conflict. Some of the most celebrated horses which have adorned the annals of the American turf register were bred in this section; among which may be mentioned Sir Archer, Sir Charles, Boston, Keality and Bonnets O'lilue. In later years these have been sui)i)hintod by trotting and harness horses; and hiter still, we have had an imi)()rtalioii of Pcrclierons. Our people have turned their attention more to raising their own horses and nudes of late years, and with very marked success. It is found that the home-raised animals arc superior in style and action and much more, durable than any imported I'rom other States. Conservative estinuites place the value of the home- raised horse, or mule, at least 25 per cent, greater than any raised elsewhere. Cattle. Cattle raising lias proved a profitable industry for the market, to all who have tried it. It takes but little to carry them through the winters, as they are generally mild and cattle fair well \\[Hm the natural grasses, liroom sedge, burnt oil' in the spring, malies the linest milk and buttei- in the world, and cattle always become fat upon it. (Jood butter commands twenty-five cents a pound tlic year lound, and daiiying olfers an invitinir lieM. charlotte county hand book 85 Sheep. In no portion of the United States can small Hocks of sheep, properl}' tended, yield a larger profit. They feed the entire year upon the natural grasses, except in very cold spells when snow is on the ground ; then a small supply of provender is all they need. The breeds of sheep mostly raised here are the Southdown and Merino. The following letters from some of our leading and most reliable citizens attest their success in this line: Sheep not Housed ok Fed, but Yield About $G.00 Per Head Annually. Keysville, Va., January 7, 1907. Deak Sir: I herewith hand you for publication in Hand-Booli some data on my experience in sheep raising. I keep a flock of eigh- teen to twenty ewes and one buck. The sheep were originally com- mon stock, but have been graded up by the use of Southdown, Oxford- down and Shropshire bucks. The average net sales of lambs from this flock amount to about $85.00. and sales from wool about $28.00. These lambs have sold upon an average of $4.60 a piece net. The climate is so mild that my sheep are never housed, and as a rule are only fed when the ground is covered with snow, which is very seldom the case. Salt is practically all that is fed them. They are pastured with hogs, horses and cows and have a large range. They have received little attention. With a larger flock more feeding and care would be necessary. I consider the sales from my sheep practically clear profit. I purpose increasing my flock and giving them more attention, as it is clearly demonstrated that " the hoof of the sheep is golden." Very truly, Lee W. Morton. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. The Ex-Sheriff Speaks — Sheep Pay Their Value Annually. Charlotte Courthouse, Va., R. F. D., .January 17, 1907. Dear Sir: Your inquiry about sheep raising and other stock to hand. This is a fine country for sheep. The climate is not too cold or warm for them, and they will pay over 100 per cent. I sold my last year's lambs at six cents per pound gross, and the wool was worth thirty cents per pound, uncleaned. Hogs pay well. Our hams have a big reputation and bring from twenty to twenty-five cents per pound, and the bacon sells well also. Hogs can be raised cheap on vegetables, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, pumpkins and corn field peas, with a 86 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK little corn. This is a good clinxate for all vegetables and corn field peas. Pea hay grows fine and Is very profitable. The finest type of shipping tobacco and wrappers is raised in this county, which is also adapted to wheat, corn, oats and all grasses. Yours respectfully, J. H. Price. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. SiiEEi' Raising That Pays $G.OO Per Head. Madisonville, Va., January 1, 1907. Dear Sir: In response to your inquiry, I would say that I have been farming on my own account about twenty years. I commenced on a farm containing 232 acres, bought for $1,050.00. I paid $300 cash and had just enough money left to buy two horses. To-day I have Sheep at John H. Hatchs', Wylliesburg, Va. a well-stocked and improved farm, enclosed with woven wire fencing. My buildings are allin good repair, and I would not sell my farm for $5,000.00. I have enough money to conduct all of my operations on a cash basis. I have raised a large family and spent a large sum in educating my children, and my only source of income has been from the farm. I will add that, in my opinion, diversified industries are the surest success to the farmer. Take for example sheep raising. I have a small flock of seventeen, from which) I derived a net profit last year, from sale of lambs and wool, of $0.00 each, or $112.00, and still have the same number on hand. Yours truly, D. A. Maloney. To J. C. Carrington. County Commissioner. o 88 charlotte county hand book Hogs. Hog raising has become an important industry, and the county has made such a reputation upon her hams that the demand for them cannot be supplied. Indeed many epicures pronounce the Charlotte ham as very superior to the celebrated Smithfield hams. Our hams are sold in a good many States of the Union — New Tork and Texas among them. They bring twenty-five cents per pound, and numbers of orders which went over from last season have already been filed for the next year's croj:) of hams. The cured middlings are also in demand, tlic strips making what is known as' breakfast bacon. They sell for seventeen cents per pound and shoulders for twelve and one-half cents per pound. To raise pork, when you have even small pasturage, costs about five cents per pound. With large ranges the cost is proportionately less. From the prices given for the cured meat it will readily be seen that there is an immense profit in this industry. Fine Tobacco, Wheat and Hogs. January 7, 1907. I bought the Roach farm in 1888, containing 350 acres, and paid $1,420.00 for it. Have supported myself and eleven children on the farm, and refused $4,200.00 for it recently. On a lot of ten acres 1 made 15,000 pounds of tobacco in the year 1905, which averaged me $9, or $135 to the acre, and then made ISO bushels of wheat upon the same land. I killed eight hogs in December last, which averaged 250 pounds, and have one hog yet to kill, which will weigh 500 pounds. W. C. Carwiles. To J. C. Carringlon, County Commissioner. Randolph, January 1, 1907. De.\r Sir: Your letter received. Yes, my success has been satis- factory. I started thirty years ago a poor man, with only one ox and no land. Now I have 1,200 acres of land, good teams of horses and mules and plenty of agricultural machinery. Have made it raising hogs and bright tobocco. I sold my last two year's crops of tobacco 90 CilARLOTTK COITXTY IIAND ROOlC at an average of $225.00 per acre — the price ranging from $7.50 to $50.00 "per hundred pounds. I killed twelve hogs last fall, with an average of 300 pounds— two of them weighing 1,1G4 pounds. -- S. C. Newcomb. To ./. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. Raisers of Fine Horses and Cattle. Saxe, Va., December 17, 190G. Dear Sir: Replying to your innuiry, as to our success in horse and cattle raising on our " Cottage Valley Stock Farm," will say our success has been very marked. By crossing coarse mares with a very fine registered horse, we get the very best combination horse, which sells at our stable door for from $175.00. to $225.00 each, without the trouble and expense of taking them to the market, and the cost of raising these horses on the farm is very small indeed — the selling price being nearly all profit. We raise the Polled (hornless), Aber- deen, Angus cattle, which we find very thrifty and saleable upon the rnarket. Our calves bring us from $75.00 to $100.00 each before they are six months old. Our bull, " Kenwood Major," whose picture appears herewith, is only fifteen months old, and shows for himself. We have been very successful in hog raising also. Our varieties being the Berkshire, Poland-China and the Oic. We have had splendid success in chicken raising, our choice being the Wyandotte. To show the kind of cattle we raise we publish the award of the N". C. State Fair, viz: To whom it may concern: Charlotte, N. C, January 7, 1904. Messrs. W. M. Watkins & Sons, of Saxe, "Va., exhibited at our Fair, held at Charlotte, N. C, October 27-30, 1903, two head of Angus cattle, on which they received nine (9) first and four (4) second prizes. The officers and members of the Mecklenburg Fair Association appre- ciate this display of Messrs. Watkins & Sons and assure them that in their opinion they would, on this herd, stand well with any exhibit at any show. With success to you gentlemen, we are Most respectfully, R. J. Brevard, President, W. S. Obr, Secretary and Manager, W. J. Ciiajibebs, Treasurer. With our mild winters and good grazing lands our cattle cost us practically nothing. Yours very trul}^ W. M. W.vtkins & Sons. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. 92 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK THE TEST FARM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. Letter fkom Secretary or the State Board of Agriculture. The central portion of the old Sylvan Hill estate, located at Saxe, on the Southern railway, was generously donated a feAV years ago by Charlotte county to the Department of Agriculture of Virginia, to be used as an Agricultural Test Farm. The farm extends from Little Roanoke river back over the hills, which rise to an elevation of something over a hundred feet above the i-iver bottom, and includes part of the plateau beyond. The farm thus contains bottom land, hillside and plateau, furnishing quite a variety of land. There are two distinct types of soil on the place. One is a light, sandy loam, suitable for bright tobacco, while the other is a red clay soil, suitable for dark tobacco and for the pro- duction of all the staple crops, and is the strongest and best land on the place. There are also various mixtures of the two soils where they come together. A large and well-planned house has been built, so arranged that nearly all of the lower floor can be thrown into one large room, in order that farmer's institutes may be conducted there. A very large and commodious barn has just been completed. The most celebrated piece of ground in the world, from an agricultural point of view, is at Rothamsted, England. This experimental farm was founded in 1843 by Sir John B. Laws, with whom was associated from the first Sir J. H. Gilbert, and at which, for the past sixty-three years, the most rigidly systematic plot experiments on different crops have been and are still being conducted. No other investigations on kindred subjects have had such a beneficial effect upon the agriculture of the world, and this is due to the fact that these experiments ha\e been conducted for such a long period of time, and from first to last with the greatest care and accuracy. This Rothamsted Experimental Farm will be taken as a guide and the experiments conducted at the Test Farm will be carried 94 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK out in a similar luaiiiior, but modified and aliered, of course, io suit (ho conditions of Southsido Virginia, and it is hoped that in time these experiments will be of the same benefit to the Southsido and the State at larjjo that the Ivothamsted oxpoiiuienls liave been (o Eni>land and to the worhl. Much preliminary work had, of necessity, to be done, and some preliminary ex])ei-iments had to be made, in order to get things in shape and discovei- just Avhat thorough-going ex- periments were most desii-able and how best to conchict them. Most of this preliminary work has been completed and the real experimentation will now be begun. The objects to be accomplished at the Test Farm are four fold. 1st. To determine for each crop what fertilizer, or mixture of fertilizers, will produce the best and greatest jaeld for the money expended. Snd. To determine what are the best crops to be grown and what rotation of crojjs is the most economical. This involves the trial of new plants and crops and new varieties of old ones. 3rd. To improve the A^arieties of those crops Avhich are found to do best, by ])roper selection and breeding, so that the 3'ield and quality will be improved. 4th. To determine whether stock raising can be made a profitable business, and, if so, what breeds are best. To accomplish the foregoing, thei'c will be reciuired much of the most careful and painstaking work, extending over years. There will have to be tested the different fertilizer materials, alone and together, in different amounts and projjortions, on the (lillerent cro])s. Differeut crops and dill'crcnt \arieties of each crop, including new varieties of the standard crops, will be tested, also new crops Avhich have never before been tried in this section. Different isolations and combinations of crops will be tried, in order to determine just what rotation will produce the best crops for the least outlay, and at the same time maintain the fertilit}^ of the soil with the smallest ex- penditure for fertilizers, -ji ismtm 96 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK Seed will be selected in the most careful and approved manner, in order that greater yield, better quality, or both, may be obtained without greater outlay than at present. The hills which are, on account of their steepness, unsuited for testing fertilizers or crops, will be gotten into grass, and thoroughbred stock run upon them and a strict account kept of them, m order to determine their profitableness and which are best suited for that section. In order to accomplish all of these purposes, the following experiments have been or will be started as soon as circum- stances will permit: Experiments, In tobacco culture and breeding, wheat, corn and corn breeding, grass and alfalfa. The raising of stock, and testing their suitability for this section, etc. The motto of the Test Farm Avill be thorougJincss. The policy Avill be to only undertake such experiments as can be properly and actually conducted, and not to undertake a greater number than can be properly conducted. It is better to have one thoroughly-reliable experiment than a hundred poorly-conducted, sli])shod, inaccurate ones. The Test Farm is for the benefit of the people, and all honest suggestions Avill be gladly received and utilized when practicable. It is desired to take such steps as will be of most benefit to the farmers; therefore, all who care to are invited to come to the Test Farm, see what is being done, make such sugges- tions as they think are needed, and so k>t all Avork in harmony for the upl)uilding of the agricultural business. AGRICULTURE DIVERSIFIED. The old adage, "it isn't well to put all of your eggs in one basket," has come more into realization with our people, and 98 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK they are beginning to diversify their crops and are raising horses, cattle, sheep and hogs with great success, thereby making the returns from the farm hirger and more reliable. Our genial climate and variegated soils combine to make the production of all crops and horse and cattle raising profitable. Poultry, Hogs and Dairying. Charlotte Courthouse, Va., January 25, 1907. Dear Sir: Replying to your favor, will say I have been very suc- cessful with poultry raising on a small scale. Keep from thirty to forty hens of the Wyandotte breed. From these hens, during the year 1906, I realized about $150.00 clear, after paying for their feed and furnishing my table. I have about six hogs, and last year, after supplying my family of three with meat, I sold $150.00 in meat and pigs. Keep two cows. Last year sold $50. oO in butter and supplied my family with all they could consume. Sold three calves for $24.00. I came to Charlotte from Pittsylvania and consider Charlotte the place of the best opportunity for industrious citizens that I know of. J. O. BURCH. Owner Refused 600 Per Cent. Profit on Farm, Which Raises Fine Crops of all Sorts and Pound Peaches. Reeses, Va., January 7, 1907. I bought the Ben Dickerson farm in 1893, containing 220 acres, for $425.00. This was considered one of the poorest farms in the county when I bought it. In 1905 I planted 17,000 hills of tobacco and made G,000 pounds, which brought me an average of 9^ cents, or $555.00 for the crop. I seeded on the same land three bushels of wheat and threshed 102 bushels. On this farm I averaged from two to two and half tons per acre. Have been offered $5,500.00 for the farm, but refused it. I raise from seven to eight barrels of corn to the acre, and also raise a large quantity of pork. Have planted an orchard of some 500 trees, consisting of apples, peaches, pears, plums, grapes and prunes, which grow to the greatest perfection. My peaches last year, a bad fruit year, many of them, weighed as much as a pound. I can sell all the peaches I can raise at $1.50 per bushel at my orchard. Yours truly, A. B. Rice. To J. C. Carrmgton, County Commissioner. Twenty-Seven Bushels of Wheat and Tex Barrels of Corn TO THE Acre. Keysville, Va.. R. F. D., January 7, 1907. I live upon the farm which I bought in 1887, containing 350 acres. 100 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK for which I paid $2,100.00. This farm lies three miles from Keys- ville. In the year 1905 I made 9,450 pounds of tobacco, and upon the same land I made 185 bushels of wheat. Think this is a fine fruit coun- try, and have just set out upwards of 30(i fruit trees. From eighteen acres of highland corn I measured 175 barrels. I averaged from one and one-half to two tons of grass per acre. Yours truly, R. E. Pettus. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. Randolph, Va., February 1, 1907. Dear Sir: In reply to yours, will say I commenced life on my own resources in the year 1890, without a dollar and largely in debt. It took me about two years to pay out, and then I commenced saving each year. On one year's crop I netted $1,300.00. The crops usually cultivated by me are corn, wheat, oats, hay and tobacco. I raise sheep on a small scale, and find there is nothing more profitable on a farm. Hog raising is also found very profitable. Last fall 1 butchered 6,G00 pounds of pork, fattened upon peas and the waste stuff upon the farm. This pork did not cost me over four cents per pound. I raise cattle and find this very profitable, also. Poultry raising is wonderfully renumerative. Have planted quite a large number of trees, and expect to have plenty of fruit in a few years. Since I commenced farming on my own hook I have bought and paid for over 1,400 acres of land, and have it well stocked. The actual cost of the same, and the amount of money I have on hand, amounts to $12,500.00; besides, I have supported my family all the while. C. T. Layne. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. * What One Man Can Do. Rough Creek, Va., January 24, 1907. Dear Sir: According to promise, I will tell you what one man can do if he will work. When I was twenty-one years old I was not worth twenty-one cents, and then I saw my only chance was to go to work, and at it I went. Saved my money until I had $600.00; then I bought 325 acres of land and paid $500.00 for it. It was grown up and very little open land. I had to take everything from the stump. A few years later I added to my farm 257 acres, at the cost of $600.00. This makes my farin 582 acres, and cost $1,100.00. Four years ago I had bad luck. I had a fire that burnt my stable and six head of horses and mules and a lot of other things. My loss was $1,500.00, with no insurance. I had money enough to replace 102 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK everything that was burnt and had money left, and now I have on my farm a good dwelling-house, worth $1,200.00, ten cabins, eleven tobacco barns, all necessary buildings, about 4,000 panels rail fence and G,000 pounds wire fence. Now my farm is worth about $4,000.00, and I dont owe a dollar in the world and have some money ahead. Yours truly, W. A. Tkent. Remarkable Success. Charlotte County, Va., January 1, 1907. t>E\R Sir: You want to know something as to our experience in farm- ing. We commenced work about twenty years ago on a farm that had been rented for twenty-five years. Our capital was very limited; our buildings and fences had been neglected. We have built a dwelling- house at a cost about $1,500.00. We now have a well-stocked farm, in a high state of cultivation. Our annual income from crops is about $2,000.00. We are able to conduct our business on a cash basis and have money ahead. We have no hesitancy in saying that, with energy and fair amount of good judgment, farming pays well in Charlotte. Yours truly, Jno. L. & N. H. Marshall. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. Farming Pays and is a Profitable Investment. Charlotte Courthouse, Va., January 1, 1907. Dear Sir: Fifteen years ago I bought 050 acres of land, which left me largely in debt. To-day, with no other income save from the sale of my farm products and stock raised on the farm, I have paid for my land, which I have greatly improved; my buildings and fences are in good repair and I Ihave $5,000.00 in cash, and would not accept $10,000.00 for my farm to-day. I would unhesitatingly say that farming in Charlotte county pays, and that the prices at which our farm lands are now being sold offer a most profitable investment and to the practical farmer a safe income and a good living. Yours, etc., M. L. Dunnavant. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. A T'HBiFTY Settler. December 29, 1906. I moved from Henry to Charlotte county, Va., in the year 189G with very little cash. Took advantage of the cheap price of lands and bouglht the homestead of the late John Edmunds for the sum of $2,100.00 — terms one-fourth cash, balance in one, two, three and four years. My farming operations enabled me to meet the deferred pay- ments upon the farm and to clear up a great deal of wood 104 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK land, and I have gotten the land down in grass. To-day 1 would not take $10,000.00 cash for the place. I consider the advantages of climate, soil and people of Charlotte county superior to any county that I know of. Industrious settlers will find rare opportunities here. The lands are well adapted to tobacco, grain of all sorts and grasses. J. M. Martin. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. Land increased 400 Per Cent, in Value. January 18, 1907. In the year 1889 I bought a farm at Ontario, R. and M. railroad, containing 302 acres, for which I paid $2,275.00. Have been offered $5,000.00 for the farm, and would not take less than $10,000 for it. On a lot on this farm I averaged twenty-five bushels of wheat to the acre, an J there has been raised by one of my tenants $158.00 worth of tobacco. C. M. Hailey. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. Wonderful Success From Small Beginnings. Wylliesburg, Va., January 14, 1907 I am a native of Pittsylvania county, but came to Charlotte in the year 1895, without a single year's rations ahead. Had only one horse, no cow or hog and rented a farm from Dr. Mason for $50 per year. I had only $80 in money, which I invested in provisions for myself and family and feed for my horse. TIhe first year I made enough from my bright tobacco crop to pay the rent and buy the farm, consisting of eighty-two and one-half acres. I have supported my family all along, and, in addition to the farm above described, have bought 330 acres mere of land, and have a team of three horses, five head of cattle, raise a plenty of meat and some to sell. All my farming (except tobacco) is done by machinery, and I have binders, drills, mowers and corn planters. Have about fifty acres of my farm down in grass. All of tne above land cost me about $1,800.00. I sold ninety acres for $910.00, so am out in purchase-money only about $900.00 and have a farm of 320 acres. I would not take less than $5,000.00 for my farm torday. The climate is the best I ever knew, the land is cheap and productive, and the people are kind and hospitable. Yours truly, J. R. Allen. To •/. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. One Blind Horse — Now Three Farms. Red House, January 5, 1907. Dear Sir: I hardly know how to reply to your favor of the 2d, 106 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK but can say that Mr. T. H. Wright bought a farm adjoining me ten years ago. He had nothing but one blind horse. Since that time he has paid for the place— $950.00 (250 acres); has bought another farm, for which he paid $2,300.00 casih, and still has money and a plenty of everything around him. He also bought the White Place and paid $1,000.00 for that. Very respectfully, H. N. Andrews. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. From the Enterprising Editors of the Ciiar-lotte Gazette. Office of the Charlotte Gazette. Charlotte Courthouse, Va., February 7, 1907. J. C. Carrington, Esq., County Commissioner Jamestotvn Exposition: Dear Sir: It gives us pleasure to comply with your request and give you a letter on the material development and progress of the county of Charlotte for the county Hand-Book. After personal know- ledge and connection with the county for the past thirty years, we are firmly convinced that the county is now entering on an era of great prosperity, not only in its agricultural development, but also , in regard to the timber and manufacturing interests. In the past the county has been almost exclusively engaged in the cultivation of tobacco for a money crop, but the farmers are now awakening to the advantages of diversifying their efforts, and the result is, that it is now being demonstrated that all crops are raised in tihe county as profitably as can be done not only in this State, but almost any State in the Union. There has come under our notico instances where poor men have taken up farms, paid for them from the productions, improved their lands and banked _money from Charlotte county farms. Our lands are naturally very productive, rapidly improve under proper cultivation and are adapted to the growth of all kinds of crops. The cultivation of small fruits has received but very limited attention, which is greatly to be regretted, as fruits of all de- scription take most kindly to our climate and thrive abundantly. The timbers of the county deserve especial prominence in the Hand- Book, as they are almost unsurpassed and constitute a source of great wealth to the county. The difficulty in transportation has prevented much being done in this line in the past, but the increased facilities tihat are now being built throughout the county will enable this source of wealth to be utilized. For a man of limited means, who desires to engage in agricultural operations, this county presents facilities and advantages that will be hard to duplicate in any section of the country; cheap lands, a kindly soil, genial neighbors, church and school facilities, and a mild w 108 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK and healthful climate that is unsurpassed. With a little capital, energy and up-to-date methods this county presents a field for remuner- ative effort that will compare favorably with that offered by any. With best wishes, we remain, Yours, very truly, Leonard Cox & Son. What Poor Land Properly Cultivated Will do. Dear Sir: I have thirty-five acres of land that I took up that was poor and full of gullies. I sowed this land in peas and used some fertilizer on it, and also what farm manure I could raise. I got this piece of land down in grass and think I have cut as much as one and one-half to two tons good hay per acre from a great deal of it. I sow a mixture of sapling clover, timothy and herds grass, and find that this mixture does better than any I have tried; and I find that hay is the best paying crop I can raise as I can always find a ready sale for it at home and at a good price. We have no poorer land in our county than this thirty-five acres was when I took it up; so this demonstrates what can be done with our Charlotte county land when properly cultivated. One year I had this thirty-five acres in corn and tobacco. I made one hundred barrels of corn, at $3.00 per barrel. $300.00; 18,000 pounds tobacco, which netted me $1,525.00. This was several years ago that I did this — ^before this land was in as good shape as it is now. I shall be glad to show anyone this piece of land and the land adjoining it, that has not been cared for. This will show what my land was before I took it up. Yours veiy truly, L. S. Jackson. To J. C. Carrington. County Commissioner. i TOBACCO, COEN, AVHEAT, ETC. Tobacco. Tobacco has always been one of oiir staples, and, like most other crops, depends largely upon the adaptability of the soil, though it is not always the case that any particular kind of tobacco requires a peculiar kind of soil. Dark tobacco will flourish well upon a loamy, chocolate soil, and also upon a light gray soil. As evidence of the latter, some of the most prosperous sections of the county have become so by the culti- vation of dark tobacco upon light-gray soil. Bright tobacco ^^y\.p- ' 4ti ■ y ^ m 4 a? n-?!i m 110 • CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOGl^ is more fickle in her taste and nourishes best upon a yelloAvish- gray soil. The lands of Charlotte produce a peculiar- texture of tobacco, which easily surpasses other tobacco-growing sec- tions, and is always popular upon the markets. Remarkable instances are here given of farmers who, starting with small means, have become independent, raising tobacco. What Mr. Dunnington says of our tobacco : Farmvii-le, Va., February 9, 1907. J. G. Carrington, Esq., Commissioner. Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of recent date, asking me to state for use in the Charlotte County, Va., Hand- Book, my opinion of the tobacco produced in that county and I take pleasure in doing so. The superior quality of your dark types of tobacco attracted my attention years ago, and I established an agency at Drake's Branch, Va., the leading market of the county, fifteen years ago, and have maintained it ever since. I have used these tobaccos in my export business with great satisfaction, and in considerable quantities — prob- ably 1,000,000 pounds annually — and have found them admirably well adapted to the wants of my foreign trade. Charlotte tobaccos seem to be growing in popularity, as evidenced by the fact that most of the large manufacturers, both domestic and foreign, now buy extensively in your local market. The production of tobacco could be largely increased by an increase in your population, for which there is still ample room. More labor is needed, and could find steady employment at good wages on your sur- . plus lands, which can be bought at reasonable prices. Yours very truly, W. G. Dunnington. Letter from agent of American Tobacco Co.: Ricii.MOND, Va., February 9, 1907. Mr. J. C. Carrington, County Clerk, Charlotte County C. H., Ya. Dear Sir: Your favor of the Sth instant received and contents noted. Our company has been buying tobacco on the Drake's Branch market for the past four years, grown in Charlotte county, and we think Charlotte county tobacco equal, if not superior, for domestic or shipping purposes to any grown in the dark belt of Virginia. Yours respectfully, Richmond Stemmebt, W. J. Walker. il2 CHAftLOTTE COUiSfTY HAND BOOK From agent Imperial Tobacco Co.: Richmond, Va., February 9, 1907. J . C. Carrington, Esq., Charlotte C. H., Va. My Dear Sir: I am duly in receipt of your favor of the 8th instant, and in reply beg to say that the character of the best tobacco hitherto grown in your county is especially suited to the Italian and Austrian markets, and this is probably the safest style for your planters to grow, as they understand the methods ,of cultivation and growing the above styles. If, however, the same varieties were grown on your rich plots or strong lands, and cured after the manner of the Powhatan and Buckingham tobaccos — that is, hard-fired — the tobacco would find a good demand on the Richmond market for the English trade. Yours respectfully, W. C. Reed. Hon. A. Osterloh, late German Consul, Avho bought tobacco for that Government for many years, wrote as follows : When I look back over the last twenty-two years which 1 have spent in Virginia, many of my pleasantest recollections are associated with Charlotte county and its good people. I have had the pleasure of knowing many of them, and nowhere could be found a more genial, whole-souled and honest people than in your good old county. Many were old men wihen I first knew them, but I will not refer to age in your section, which always breeds longevity. The true old Virginia gentleman could and can be found in your county by simply going from one home to another. The county of Charlotte has always been pre-eminent for fine tobacco, such as used to be in vogue, an,d is to a great extent now. Its fertile soil can produce as fine an article of shipping tobacco as can be grown anywhere. Southern Kentucky and Tennessee cannot equal it in fineness of texture, substance and silkiness, and far sur- passing it in flavor and delicate aroma. But the soil of Charlotte county is such that it can be made to produce any other article the trade calls for — variegated, as it lies on hill or creek. I have seen samples of Sumatra and Havana seed which, with proper attention and study, could be made to supply the home demand for cigar purposes. Letter from Inter-State President, showing the object of the association and what it has accomplished: January 15, 1907. Dear Sir: From the early days of colonization, when it was found necessary to import wives to this country, and tobacco was Il4 . CllARLOtTE COUNTY HAND BOOK exported in exchange for them, down to about fifteen years ago, tobacco steadily advanced in production, became the leading manufactui'ed product of the State, employing large capital and thousands of laborers. Manufacturing plants were scattered all over the tobacco-growing sections, creating competitive markets and profitable prices for leaf tobacco. Some fifteen years ago, insatiate greed of monopoly was first felt in this industry, and under trust methods competition was driven from our markets. This condition became so oppressive that pro- ducers were forced to consider plans of relief and this association was formed. The plans of the association have advanced prices from $7 to nearly $10 on Danville market, the largest leaf market in the State, and the same results apply to other markets handling same types. The producers, through this association, are now successfully operating, reordering, etc., where the leaf tobacco is put in safe keeping condition and is good collateral for loans. No agricultural section can produce crops per acre equal in value to the tobacco belts of Virginia and North Carolina, of which Charlotte is a part, and under association methods this tobacco belt will become the wealthiest farming section in the United States. Values of lands will continue to increase, and the interest of every legitimate business will be enhanced. Yours truly, S. C. Adams, Inter-State President Tobacco Growers Association. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. Randolph, January 30, 1907. Dear Sib: I moved to this county the beginning of the year 190G, which was a wet, bad crop year. From the labor of myself and two little boys I made $1,G00.00 worth of tobacco, of this amount $500.00 were realized from two acres, I had five acres in corn, on highland, and made thirty-five barrels of corn. W. M. Jones. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. $412.00 From One Acre in Bright Tobacco. Red Oak, Va., January 19, 1907. Dear Sir: I bought a farm of 118 acres at Red Oak, Charlotte county, Va., five years ago, and I certify that I cultivated five acres in bright tobacco that brought me clear check of $1,200.00. A part of the five acres was planted late and was inferior. One acre brought me $412.00 clear check in tobacco. By "clear check" I mean after deduct- ing all selling charges, I paid $4.00 per acre for my land. W. A. ROWLES. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. w o 116 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK Doubles Price Paid for Farm in one Year. Red Oak, Va., January 19, 1907. Dear Sir: Two years ago I bought a farm, containing 470 acres, near Red Oak, Charlotte county, Va., and paid $3.20 per acre for it. I cultivated twelve acres in bright tobacco and sold the tobacco for $2,500.00 the first year. I raised also usual crops of corn, wheat, etc. My corn crop yielded ten barrels to the acre. I am from Pittsylvania county, but think Charlotte county land produces better than any land I ever saw. J. W. Lovelace. To J. C. Carrington, County Cotiunissioner. $3850.00 From Fifteen Acres. Red Oak, Va., January 12, 1907. Dear Sir: This is to certify tliat I recently cultivated fifteen acres in tobacco, near Red Oak P. O. in Charlotte county, Virginia, and sold the tobacco for $3,850.00. I also made plenty of forage, corn, oats and wheat for my use. I bought farm here five years ago. W. H. Rutledge. Place for the Industrious Settlers. January 1G, 1907. In 1891 I bought a farm of 291 acres, for which I paid $500.00. When I bought this farm it was considered one of the poorest places in the county, and at the time of purchase I was not worth a dollar. I moved on it and went to work, and now have a new, comfortable dwelling and all out buildings, which I have built since I purchased it. I have now twenty-five acres in grass, and my crop of tobacco last year averaged me $152.00 an acre. I am out of debt, with money ahead. This, after supporting my family, consisting of a wife and four children. Last year I refused an offer of $3,500.00 for my farm. I would further state tuat, in my opinion, any industrious, practical farmer can do fully as well as I have done if he will come to Charlotte and buy, for here he can buy lands susceptible of the highest improve- ment at a reasonable price, and on reasonable terms. B. L. Jordan. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. December 18, 190G. Letter from one of our largest, thriftiest and most pro- gressive farmers: Dear Sir: In answer to your letter of recent date, inquiring about o 118 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK the number of pounds of tobacco per acre, price or market value of same, and the amount of labor and cost to cultivate the same. I take pleasure in furnishing the following facts, the figures being taken from my books, and are exact: Prom a good clover fallow, and planted the 20th of May, 1905, one of my tenants cultivated two and one-'half acres in tobacco that made 2,730 pounds, and was sold on the market at Drake's Branch, after all warehouse charges were paid, for $400.45— net average, $160.16 per acre. The balance of his crop was on land not quite so good. Farm Scene — Maj. R. V. Gaines. On seven acres he made 7,000 pounds that brought net $735.55, an average of $105.06 per acre. This tenant hired one hand and worked himself, and paid the hand $7.00 per month. His crop yield for tho year was: Net amount tobacco $1,136 00 350 bushels corn, at .50 cents per bushel 175 00 168 bushels wheat, at .90 cents per bushel 151 20 $1,462 20 Off fertilizers $102 50 Labor 204 00 Feed, etc 150 00 450 50 Clear profit $1,005 70 CHARLOriE COUNTY HAND BOOK 119 One of my other tenants planted six acres in tobacco and made 8,150 pounds, which netted $610.40, being $103. 23i;5 per acre, and used only $44.00 of fertilizer. Timothy. — Timothy grows fine where the land is rich and moist. I had twelve acres in timothy and cut twenty tons. F7-uits. — This soil is well adapted to fruits of all kind — grapes, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, pears and apples. I have peaches that ripen the 12th of June and successions that last until October. The winesap is my favorite apple. Have almost every variety of apple trees, but find the winesap the hardiest. They bear every year. Among my varieties there are a good many cheese apples and summer varieties that will make forty-five gallons of cider from a single tree. Yours truly, G. W. Watson. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. Corn. Corn makes the best jneld upon the river and creek bottoms, where (he 3'iokl is from fifty to seventy-five bushels per acre. Highhinds viehl from thirty to forty bii.shels Avilh favorable seasons. Upon improved lots the yield has gone much higher. Corn with a pea fallow makes an admirable preparation for grass. Wheat. The average yield of wheat is about fifteen bushels to the acre. The yield sometimes goes as high as forty-five bushels. Clover sown with wheat usually makes a good yield and acts finely upon the soil. Oats. The winter oat succeeds best and sells readily on the market for $1.00 per hundred. Rye. Rye is one of the most useful of all crojis, thriving well on almost any kind of .soil. It makes good grazing for cattle all through the winter, and is ready for the blade earlier in the spring than any other crop, furnishing from two to throe cut- tings a season. Rye cut in the green state makes the finest food for milk cows, and is also excellent for horses and a very popular diet with them. Tt is also an improver of the soil. Charlotte county hand book 121 Hay. Grasses of all kind make splendid yields. The main varieties cultivated here are herds, orchard, timothy, german, red and saplin clovers and alfalfa. These grasses yield from one and one-half to three tons per acre. Alfalfa makes a fine yield and is becoming very popular with our people. Fowls are very fond of it in the green state, as are also horses and live stock of all kinds. German clover makes excellent feed and is a great soil improver. FRUITS. Our climate and soil are admirably adapted to fruits, though little general attention has been paid to fruit raising. Those who have given the matter some attention have reaped the most flattering resuUs. Apples, peaches, pears, grapes, cherries, dewberries, raspberries, blackberries, plums, damsons and prunes all flourish and make ample yields. Our people know but little about fruit culture, having given the matter very little attention. Few know anything about spraying or the use of the Bordeaux mixture. As a consequence, orchards are generally allowed to take care of themselves. When ever the slightest attention has been given an orchard the results have been most gratifying. Vegetables of all kinds grow to as great perfection and are as delicious as anywhere else upon the globe. The principal vegetables cultivated in our gardens are Irish and sweet potatoes, tomatoes, beets, okra, salsify, onions, corn, peas, squash, cucumbers, lettuce, kale, parsnips, turnips, and pro- duces the finest salad and celery. Charlotte Excfj.s Ohio in Corn Raising. Dkckmhkr 2S. 190C. I moved, with my family, from Wood county, Ohio, to Charlotte county, Virginia, in "Kovember, 19<»r), having purchased a small farm in the latter county a few months prcviouft. I have found the people Intelligent and hospitable, the climate almost tropical and the lands \ CHARLOTTE fOUNTV HANI) BOOK 123 productive. I do not believe any section of our country offers better advantages to industrious settlers than does the county of Charlotte. My experience in raising corn the present year justifies the belief that Charlotte easily equals — yes, excels Wood county — in this product, comparing amount of money invested. The county is well adapted to cattle and sheep raising on account of the mild winters, living water and the natural grasses which furnish them food nearly the whole year through. In conclusion, will say I am well pleased with the move I have made and believe this county has a great future. C. C. Giiin-mi. To J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner. Peaches Bring $4.00 Per Bushel. Charlotte Courthouse, December 21, 190C. Mr. J. C. Carrington, County Commissioner: Replying to your inquiry, as to my success in fruit raising, will say I have about one hundred and sixty (IGO) apple trees bearing, consisting of winesap, Johnson's winter red. Den Davis and Payne's late winter. I have one hundred and sixty (ICO peach trees, consisting of the Greensboro, Connet, Thiumph, Mamieross, Green Twig, Mammoth Heath, Worth, Carmen and a few other varieties. I have sixty (GO) pear trees in bearing, consisting of the Keiffer, Triumph, Seckle, Garber, Lincoln and Duchess. Besides I have about two acres in young orchard of the above varieties. I have been very successful in raising al] of, the above fruits, and my experience is the soil is well adapted to fruit raising and the climate is as good as can be had anywhere. All of the above varieties of apples produce well, but I consider Payne's late winter the best keeping apple. I consider the Connet peach the l)est variety for sandy soil, but all of the varieties mentioned prodiice well on any of the soils of this section — the Worth and Carmen especially adapted to red soils. Pears all, seem best adapted to red soil. Apples bring $1.00 per bushel, peaches $2.50 per bushel and pears $1.50 per bushel, and find ready sale at these prices. The Connet peach does better than this. I ran net $4.00 for every bushel of this variety that I can make. In conclusion, let me say that my success in fruit raising has been extremely gratifying, and I believe the time is near at hand when our people will engage in the enterprise more largely and find greater profit therefrom than from farming. I live near Bethlehem Church, and have orchards in both Charlotte and Prince Edward Counties. Very truly ynnrs. .T IT Thvckston. CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK 125 A Successful Fruit Gboweb. HiLLANDALE, Va., January 24, 1907. Among the various undeveloped resources of the county fruit grow- ing is one that promises to be most profitable. Pleretofore, fruit has been grown for merely domestic uses, while, during recent years, considerable orchards have been planted for commercial purposes. On a well-regulated plantation fruit can be found, either in the orchard or on the table the year round. If one were to name the kind of fruit grown in this county he would give almost the entire catalogue, but the apple, peach and pear found in our orchards are admirably adapted to our soils and climate, and cannot be excelled either in quantity or quality. Our fruit season begins in May and lasts until October. Our orchards are comparatively free from diseases, blight being known only among these varieties that are known to blight in other climates and soils. Great care is had to fumigation by our State nurseries, which send out nothing but healthy stock. The writer speaks from experience, having lived in other latitudes and travelled extensively, in saying that the flavor of all fruits grown in tliis climate is more luscious than any he ever tasted. Charlotte county has two great railway systems passing through the county, giving easy access to all the markets— north, south, east and west. Anyone wishing to know what can be done in this line of business IS cordially invited to visit my orchard. W. S. Morton. To •/. C. Carri7i(/ton, County Commissioner. VALUES, TAXATION AND INDEBTEDNESS. Charlotte county has a bonded indebtedness of $27,000, in- curred for the construction of iron bridges, a IMacadam road, 1 est Farm and balance on fire-proof clerk's office. It contains 303,800 acres of land, a.ssessed at $lj;22.3n.00. It has 2,978 farm animals, as.sessed at $181,015.00, and farm stock valued at $69,654.00. Taxation. The rate of taxation for county purposes is seventy-five cents on $100.00, which includes twenty cents for county and district school tax. CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK 127 No Farm Mortages. As an evidence of the thrift and enterprise of our farming community, the farmers have jiaid off practically all the mort- gages on their lands and you can't lend money to them on real estate. On the contrary, farmers' deposits are large factors in the banking business. What a Bank Cashier Says of Farmers Deposits. Office Charlotte Banking and Ins., Co. Charlotte Courthouse, Va., January 1, 1907. Dear Sir: In answer to your inquiry, as to financial status of the farmers of Cliarlotte County to-day as compared with that of twenty years ago, I will say, that ])y reference to the books of the bank I find that when I became cashier, 1887, I found the bank carrying the farmers' notes to the aniiount of $15,000 while their deposits were very small — less than $10,000 — and that too when this was the only Bank in the county. Today conditions are changed, with three banks in the county bidding for patronage. The average balance carried by this bank of farmers is about $60,000, while their indebtedness has been greatly reduced. Yours etc., F. C. Thornton, Cashier. To J. C. Carrington, Comity Commissioner. TRANSPORTATION AND MARKETS. Transportation. The county is traversed by the Southern railway, which runs across the entire middle section of the county, a distance of 19.20 miles, being (he main line botwocn Danville, connect- ing with all points South and Richmond, (ho S(:i(o Capital, where it connects with all points North. Tlie Riclnnond and Mecklenliurg division is a branch of the Soiilhorn. and leaves (he main line at Keysville, and passes (hrough (he lower end of the county, a distance of 8.47 miles. The Tidewatoi- rail- way, which, when completed, will i>e (ho greatest coal-oai-rying road in the world, runs across the county from near Abilene to the Campbell line at Brookneal, a distance of 20 miles. This road pas.ses through a fertile section, abounding in timber and 128 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK good farm lands, and places the county in direct communica- tion with Deepwater at Norfolk. The Orange and Keysville road has been partially constructed, and will connect with the TideAvater near Abilene and with the Southern and its Richmond and Mecklenburg division at Keysville. Thus it will be seen the county has extraordinary railroad facilities, and best of all she does not owe a bond for their building. Markets. Thus placed in communication with all of the large markets, we still have the advantage of local markets at the Courthouse, Drake's Branch, Keysville, Ontario, and Saxe. In addition to these we have the substratum of small villages at Wyllies- burg, Madisonville, Aspenwall, Abilene, Randolph, Red Oak, Rough Ci'eek and the Red House, with Pamplins on our northern border, a growing town on the Norfolk and Western Railroad. Our chief markets for staple products are Danville, fifty miles south; Lynchburg, thirty miles Avest; Richmond and Petersburg, seventy miles east, and Norfolk at Deepwater, 140 miles southeast. There is no section of the county more than five miles from a Railroad. Norfolk, Va., January 2, 1907. Mr. J. C. Garrington, Clerk. Charlotte, Va. Dear Sir: I acknowledge receipt of your letter of December 27tJh, requesting some information with reference to the construction of the Tidewater railway through Charlotte county. I take pleasure in giving you, briefly, the following facts: Generally speaking, the Deepwater and Tidewater railways will constitute a system tapping the New River, Pocahontas and Kanawha coal fields in West Virginia, and forming a highway for the transporta- tion of this product, and of passengeis and freight, from "West Vir- ginia to the sea. At the present time, about 445 miles of standard gauge railroad of the most modern type is under construction; it reaches in an almost direct east and west line from Norfolk across the southern part of A^irginia to the West Virginia line, and then northwest and north through the latter State to Deepwater at the head of naviga- tion on the Great Kanawha river. About 110 miles of the main line of the railway is within the limits of the State of West Virginia and is known as the Deepwater. The entire remaining distance, constituting the Tidewater railway, is within the State of Virginia, o a Hi a a o U bfi a o 130 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK and extends entirely across the State to the terminus of the road at Sewall's Point on the waters of Hamjton Roads. A series of articles, descriptive of the road and its construction, are now (December, 190G), running in the Engineering Record, of New York, from which article many interesting facts may be gleaned. The road is being constructed upon the lightest possible grades, the maximum throughout being six-tenths per cent, compensated as against east-bound tiafEc and one and five-tenths per cent, as against west-bound traffic. But, from the summit of the Alleghany mountains in Montgomery county, Virginia, to the coast there is no grade higher than two-tenths of one per cent., as against east-bound traffic. These last figures cover the grades of the read through Charlotte county, where for the entire distance through this county there will practically be no grade higher than two-tenths of one per cent, against traffic either way. In Charlotte county the road will pass entirely across the county, from where it enters same just east of Brookneal, to where it leaves the county near the corner of Prince Edward, Charlotte and Lunen- burg. There will be approximately twenty-six miles of the Tidewater in the county of Charlotte. The road in Charlotte county will be single track, but with ample and convenient passing tracks and siding facilities. As to the general benefit to be derived to the county of Charlotte by reason of the con- struction and operation of this trunk-line road through its boundaries, there can be but little question. It is no doubt evident to all that there is not a county in the State touched by this road that will not feel its good effects. The situation of Charlotte is such as should cause it to receive its full and complete share of all the advantages an enterprise of this character will naturally bring to a county where the railroad facilities have heretofore been to some extent limited. While all the arrangements as to local stations, sidings and spur tracks have not yet been completed, nor all the plans for same fully matured, yet it is safe to say that ample facilities will be provided for the accommodation of the public and for the receiving and delivery for shipment and transportation of all products that may be offered. I feel that it is not necessary for me to go more fully into details of the construction or proposed operation of this line, as the grading throughout Charlotte is being rapidly completed, and no doubt every citizen of the county is acquainted with the progress that is being made and the manner in which the work is being carried on. In conclusion, I wish to say that our enterprise has been well received by the citizens of Charlotte county, and we have had but very little trouble securing the necessary rights-of-way through the county. The friendly interest exhibited by the citizens in the work is fully appreciated. Very truly yours, John Kee. Assistant Attorney. -r — ' 'J' C^ -rH r-^ i; ^ n o 00 o o i-i o o o ^ O O 31 lO o o 01 C o a, p. o P- ^ o- — " i:; '^ c 2 o ± lO ^ o ^ &. - ». ^ .5 - rr — ^ -'>'.♦-' 2 £ S oj a S s c a a /4 o .5 o .-^ H "2 o •32 w — ^ >. ■n b: il br ^ a ^ o o z; J^ cS rt ^ n •a n -1 S a is «2 a a O O 'm M o d CIS « > d :S « ■^ "S to d >^ cs o •1-1 Ji -o ^ o wl B > B o ^ ^ O a< o VJ Tl J3 d o cci « > XJ d d ctf o ^3 CO »H a> O -<-> <4H CCJ « d B C/3 C c o r O > :i^ £ = H L^ J ± s OS d ^ a a ^^ — D a S c3 o -^ - ^- CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND IlOOIv 139 Being in the hill country the health of the place is good, the climate being delightful and the water is pure, with one or more wells of lithia. It is an incorporated town of 500 inhabitants. No liquor sold here and the police regulations are good. The principal industry is the leaf tobacco trade, and there are sold upon the floors of the warehouses over four millions of j^ounds of tobacco annually. Representatives of the largest tobacco dealers and manu- facturers — the American Tobacco company and Imperial— besides, what are known as order men who take orders from Austria, France, Japan, Italy, England and American de-ilers, patronize the market. There are eight of these buyers upon the market, who are not only familiar with the markets but are experts in buying and preparing tobaccc for market. They furnish employment to a large force of hands, white and colored. There are two large sale warehouses; also six largo prizeries, Avhere the tobacco is carried from the ware- houses, prepared by machinery and hand, packed in large hogsheads and shipped to the various parties represented in the United States and foreign countries. There are ten stores, most of them conducting a genera' mercantile business, one drug store, one manufacturing plant, a foundry, where all kinds of moulding, etc., is done, and in connection with this is a planing machine. Four religious denominations — Presbyterians, Methodist, Baptist and Episcopal — ^are represented, and all liave nice comfortable church buildings. A first-rate graded school, with good school building and a very efficient corps of teachers. A high scliool will soon be in successful operation. A beautiful, modern bank building- up-to-date and made of brick. The bank has amjile capital and does a largo and lucrative business. The town has two first-rate hotels and a iiuiuImt of nice professional offices. No town in tlie Slate oILt'^ a more iinitiiiL'' Hrld fcir iiniim- facturing j)lants. Good climate, fine wntcr. excellent social and iiioimI cm ii-on ments render it very attractive to those seeking pleasant homes and making paying investments. CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK 141 KEYSVILLE, CHARLOTTE COUNTY, VIRGINIA. Keysville is a thriving town of 000 inhabitants. It lies in the center of a fertile and prosperous farming section, seventy- three miles south of Richmond, the capital of Virginia. There is no town of its size in Virginia which offers more attractions, both from a social and business standpoint than does Keysville. Her people are hospitable and kind, ever extending to the stranger, locating or sojourning with them, a warm old Virginia welcome. It is not by any means wholly from a social standpoint th:it makes Keysville a desirable town in which to live. It is an up-to-date town from a busi- ness point of view. Tobacco is its chief industry, having two large warehouses for the sale of leaf tobacco, and buyers of tobacco permanently located here, representing the Americ::n and Imperial Tobacco companies, and the large independent concerns. Keysville bids fair to become one of the largest tobacco markets in the State. Keysville is the business centre for a large section of back country, comprising a goodly portion of three counties, and while it has never been on a "boom," it has a steady and healthy growth. It lies at the junction of the Richmond and Danville and Keysville and Durham divisions of the Southern railway, making it very accessible from all i)arts of the coun- try, l)eing only two hours and thirty minutes fi-om Richmond and about the same time from Danvilh' -both large cities affording excellent markets for farm and d:iiry products. The climate of Keysville is ideal : being situated in iSTiddle Virginia, at an elevation of C2r) feet above sea level, it is thus free from the malaria of the Tidewatei- section and the typhus of the Mountain section. Its mean temperature is GC Faren- heit; its winters are never severe, there being no month of the year in which out-of-door work cannot be done, and its sum- mers are free of oppressive heat. All the water in this section is a pui'e and delicious free-stone water from deep wells and numerous springs, and the famous Keysville Tonic sjirings are situated here. The lands around Keysville produce tobacco, all the cereals i\\](\ grasses, and is Avell adapted to fruit raising. .142 CHARLOTTE COUNTY HAND BOOK Keysville has two banks — the Bank of Keysville and the Keysville branch of the Bank of Chase City, both of which have large capital, and do a flourishing business. Four churches — Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist; nine general merchandise stores, one drug store, saw Keysville, Va. mill, a large flouring mill, plow works, mattress factory, two hotels, two large tobacco warehouses, a large up-to-date high school, where, in addition to the primary branches, the lan- guages and music are taught. Five competent teachers con- duct this school. w E. F. DANIEL, President, F. C. THORNTON, Caihier. Charlotte Banking & Insurance Co. CHARLOTTE COURTHOUSE, VIRGINIA AUTHORIZED CAPITAL $100,000.00 Oldest Bank in Charlotte County. Does a regular Banking Business. Allows four per cent, on time deposits. Special atten- tion paid to collections. * DIRECTORS. » E. F. Daniel, W. G. Williams, James H. Price, B. P. Eggleston, B. W. Leigh, John H. Ingram, F. C. Thornton. ^ THE BEST ON THE MARKET ^ ^ USE j0^ PocomoKe Fertilizers FOR ALL CROPS They arc made of the finest materials and formulated to ^row bi^ crops on any soil. If you want the best crop, and largest yield per acre, use nothing but Pocomokc. : : : : « ^ MANUFACTURED BY ^ XShe PocomoKe Guano Co. IXOKF-OLK, VIROINIA. ^ SEE OUR AGENTS NEAR YOU ^ THE CHARLOTTE GAZETTE. The Only Paper in Charlotte County. ESTABLISHED 1878. LEONARD COX & SON, Proprietors. THIS PAPER IS PUBLISHED AT CHARLOTTE COURT-HOUSE, the county seat, and is the official paper of the county. It contains reports of the doings of the courts and supervisors of the county, sales of land and all otker matters of interest to those seeking homes in the county. Its location is in the centre of the tobacco-growing section of Southside Virginia. PRICE, $1.00— INVARIABLY IN ADVANCE. RBAL- ESTATE je/ in all branches. jS/ Virginia Farms and Colonial Homes a Specialty. Established 1874. Free Catalogue. R. B. CH AFFIN (a CO.. Inc. No. 1111 East Main Street, RICHMOND. - VIRGINIA. RICHMOND GUANO CO., MANUFACTURERS OF Pure and Reliable Fertilizers, ALL THE BEST DEALERS IN VIRGINIA HANDLE THEM. Address RICHMOND. VA. THE BANK OF KEYSVILLE, KEYSVILLE. - VIRGINIA. Located half way between Riclimond, Ya. , and Danville, Ya. , at a junction of the Southern Railway, witli eleven in- coming, and eleven outgoing daily mails, including rural routes, traversing the country in every direction, give us unexcelled facilities for handling your business. We confine ourselves to making colloctions, receiving deposits from Corporations, Manufacturers, Merchants and Individuals, and making loans and discounting paper for our customers for the up- building of legitimate business interests. We want to talk or corres- pond with everyone desiring new or better banking facilities. We pay 4 per cent, interest on time deposits. P.O. Box 114. Central Telephone No. 16. ANDREW J. TERRY, attornci? at Xaw, Charlotte Courthouse, - Virginu. PROMPT ATTENTION TO COLLEC- TION OP CLAIMS. References: R. «. Dunn & Co. and Charlotte Banking and Insurance Co. OFFICE OF . . THOMAS E. WATKINS attorney at Xaw, Charlotte Courthouse, Virginia. Courts: Charlotte and Prince Edward. BOYLAN GREEN, attorney? at Xaw, DRAKE'S BRANCH, - VA. W ill Practice in all of the Courts of Charlotte and Adjoining Counties. WM. C. CARRINGTON <^ttox*ntnt at Suu», LAW OFFICES : Ij.^w BuiLbiNG, Lynchburg, V.\., AND Charlotte Courthouse, Va. CLEMENT R. GREEN, Randolph Rural Free Delivery, Charlotte County, Virginia. JOHN W. HILLDRUP, attorney at Xaw, Attorney for Bank of Keysville. KKYSVILLE, VIRGINIA- LHAg'09 THE HCRMITAQE PRE8S, INC.. RICHMOND, VA BANK or GHASB GITY CHASE CITY, VA. T. E. ROBBRTS, Prest. N. H. Williams, V. P. and Cashier. H. R. CooLEY, Asst Cas. DRAKES BRANCH, VA. Geo. b. Russell, V. P. W. H. Pkttus, Jb., Cas. SOUTH HILL, VA. DE. 8. S. NORTHINQTON, Vice-President. W. W. Wbight, Cashier Capital, $50,000.00 Surplus, $25,000.00 Undivided Profits, $3,500.00 Deposits, $335,000.00 Total Resources, $435,000.00 DIRECTORS: T. E. Roberts, N. H. Williams, G. B. Russell, S. S. Northington W. H. Pettus, Jr., T. F. Pettus, R. L. Jeffreys, A. J. Moore, P. N. Morgan, R. W. Payne, W. R. Holden, J. A. Holmes, ® DRAKE'S BRANCH OFFICE. We respectfully solicit the accounts of individuals, firms and corporations, either active accounts subject to check without notice, or interest bearing deposits on which we pay Four Per Cent. Interest, if allowed to remain four months or longer. Especial attention paid to collection items, which we have splendid facilities for handling. Prompt and polite attention given to all business, entrusted to our care, and we especially invite those just moving into our community to call and see us and give us an opportunity for proving our ability to handle their accounts satisfactorily for them. ". C. MAiSHALL, C ffl. HUTCHESOH, Mtnaeer St«t« Test Farm. President. General Manacer Charlotte Land Improvement Co. ROBERT P. HUTCHESON. Secretary and Treasurer. Charlotte Land Improvement Go. (INCORPORATCD.) Post Office: Railway Station: Charlotte Courthouse, Va. Drakes' Branch, Va. 623 aores, 150 acres in original timber, balance under cultivation, will raise tobacco, corn, wheat, oats or grass. Fine improvements. This farm located in the farming belt of the middle west, would .sell for from $100.00 to $150.00 per acre. House alone would cost |5,000.00. ARCADIA. Soe Page 61. The above is one of the highest priced places on our \kt . can be bought for a little less than $23.00 per acre. V» CONSIDER. ^ THAT Charlotte County Is within 250 miiea of 20,000,000 people. THAT Charlotte County is clooe to an export market. THAT Charlotte County has almost perfect climate. THAT Charlotte County lands are capable of highest Improvement. All we ask you to do is to investigate. CORRESPONDENCE SOLICITED. HOME SEEKERS WELCOMED. •XJ \ >s