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Please note that the annual meeting will be on Monday, May 20, 2002 at 7:00 P. M., at The Surry County, Va. Recreation Center. This meeting marks the end of our fourth year. It will be an important meeting. We will be electing officers and some Board Members. Please try to attend this important meeting. Our guest speaker will be Louis J. Malon, a native of Prince George County and a life long resident of Virginia. He has been with APVA for twenty years, the last six as Director of Properties. APVA owns and maintains 33 historic properties and sites across the Commonwealth. Louis attended William & Mary, graduated from VCU in 1977 with a degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies, and is currently enrolled in VCU working towards a Masters of Architectural History degree. We will have election of officers and board members pursuant to Article VII of our bylaws. The nominating committee presents the following partial slate of candidates for election to the designated offices for a two year term to end in May 2004:
The nominating committee presents the following slate of candidates for election of 5 directorship for a three year term to end in May 2005:
Additional names of candidates may be nominated from the floor at the annual meeting. All nominees shall have consented to serve if elected. 350th Celebration activities - Surry to Surrey Tour. The Surry to Surrey tour is on. We have over 20 who have signed up and paid their deposit. There is room for several more. If you are interested, Please Act Quickly, contact Alice Elmore at P. O. Box 227, Waverly Va. 23890. Phone (804) 834-2446, E-mail [email protected] Garden Party. Semiformal Garden Parry featuring United States Senator John W. Warner as keynote speaker. To be held at Bacon's Castle on Sunday, May 26, 2002 at 4:00 PM. Includes dinner on the grounds and big band music by Buddy Clark's Spirit of America Orchestra. Tickets available by mail only, limited to 200 guests. Price $55 per individual, $95.00 per couple. Mailing address is Surry County, Va. 35th Anniversary Committee, P. O. Box 387, Surry, Va. 23883. For information call (757) 294-0432 or (757) 294-5463. E-mail at [email protected]. [Note: This event was cancelled after newsletter was mailed. EG] Chippokes Peanut, Pine and Pork Festival. Special guests from Surrey, England are expected to be here and be a keynote speaker. Dr. Brian Coffin, Chairman of Council of Surrey County, England will be our guest and bring greetings from our namesake county in England. E-mail at [email protected] for information as plans are completed.
by Dennis Hudgins 17th century travel in Surry County was primarily by way of old Indian paths, Horse paths, Blands path, various cart paths, the College path [to the mill on the Lower Sunken Marsh, later known as the College Run], various foot paths, various mill paths [i.e. Weir Neck Mill Path] and, of course, paths to the many early houses such as the path to the house of Mr. John Byrd [Oct 1690]. The first roads in Surry County included one near upper Chippokes Creek [Jun 1669], the road to Mr. Win Edwards [Sep 16781, the road from Augustine Hunicutts to Sunken Marsh mill [Apr 16851, a road on Arthur Jordan's land over Stoney Runn Branch [Apr 1681], Blackwater Road [May 16921 & the Main Road [near Southwark Church, Apr 1692]. By the late 18th century, Surry County had nearly reached its peak in development and this is evident in the number of roads which had been constructed by orders to the surveyors of the roads in the Court Order Books. In Court Order Book (24 January 1775 - 28 December 1785) pp.1-474, we find a most extensive road organization assignment as follows: [p.438] At a Court held for Surry County July 26th 1785 [p.441] Ordered that the County be laid off into convenient Precincts for keeping the several Roads within the same in lawful repair Precinct No. 1 shall be known by the name of Cabin point precinct commencing at the fork of the roads next above James Belsches's, from thence to low point, then from Archibald Dunlop's upper Mill run along by Fletchers Ordinary to the run the County line near Averys Ordinary and also from the said Archibald Dunlop's mill run to Fletchers Mill run: That William Milby be appointed surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said William Milby, Archibald Dunlop, James Belsches, James Willison, Thomas Bartle junr, Andrew Mackie, Thomas Fletcher and Carter Bassett Harrison do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the said road in lawful repair Precinct No. 2 shall be known by the name of Harriss's precinct commencing at the fork of the Road opposite William Harriss's Plantation, thence leading towards Cooks Bridges to Busby's Nursery - that John Burges junior be appointed surveyor of the same; that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said John Burges junr, John Cooke, William Harriss, at his manor Plantation, Henry Harrison, Hannah Bagley, and John Bishop do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the same in lawful repair Precinct No. 3 shall be known by the name of Cooks bridge Precinct commencing at Busby's Nursery, thence to the said Cooks Bridges: that Nathan Jones be appointed surveyor of the same; that the male labouring Tithables of the said Nathan Jones, the Estate of Hamilton Jones deceased, John Avriss, the hands that may be on the Plantation belonging to the Estate of Mason Bishop deceased, Benjamin Bishop, Betty Howard, and the hands belonging to William Harriss at his quarter do severally attend the said Surveyor and that He keep the same in lawful repair Precinct No. 4 shall be known by the name of Huntington precinct commencing at the fork of the road next above James Belsches's, thence to the fork thereof near Richard Blunts, that Stirling Hill be appointed surveyor of the same; that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said Stirling Hill, Catharine Cocke, John Stewart, Swan Lunsford, the several hands that may be on the lands belonging to the Estate of Stephen Lucas deceased, James Shuffield, Hardy Shuffield, John Emery senior, Howell Emery, John Emery Junior, Levi Johnson, Peter Johnson, William Johnson, the hands that may be on the Land belonging to the Estate [p.442] of Henry Cocke deceased at the Otter dams, Avriss Bishop, James Emery, Wyatt Emery, Peter Shuffield, the hands that may be on Huntington Plantation, and Thomas Bishop do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the same in lawful repair Precinct No. 5 shall be known by the name of the Lawyers Road precinct commencing at the Huntington road, thence to Prince George County line: that Lemuel Cocke Gent. be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables of the said Lemuel Cocke, Mary Hill, and Lemuel Barker do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the same in lawful repair Precinct No. 6 shall be known by the name of the Bowling Alley precinct commencing at the fork of the Road near James Belsches's from thence to the County line at Black-water Bridges near Richard Blunts; that James Rae be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the hands of the said James Rae, Henry Howard junior, Henry Howard senior, Benjamin Ellis, William Thompson, Charles Emery, Jane Jones, the several hands that may be on the lands belonging to the Estate of Archibald Campbell deceased, David Bishop, James Bishop senr, John Norsworthy, Thomas Howard, Jesse Shuffield & Joseph Ellis, do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the same in lawful repair Precinct No. 7 shall be known by the name of the Raleigh precinct commencing at the fork of the road at Jane Jones's, thence to the fork of the road at John Tillotts, and thence to the Bowling Alley road; that Michael Caseley be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said Michael Caseley, John Tillott, John Cooper, William Justiss, Frederick Cooper, William Rae, and the hands that may be on William Blunts Plantation do severally attend the said surveyor and that he keep the same in lawful repair Precinct No. 8 shall be known by the name of Simmons's precinct commencing at the cross road near the Church at Cabin point, thence to the cross roads at Simmons's old Ordinary; that Thomas Sorsby be appointed surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said Thomas Sorsby, Andrew Nimmo, William [p.443] Laughton, Thomas Peter at his Quarter, Rebecca Simmons, Robert Cunninghame do severally attend the said surveyor and that he keep the same in lawful repair Precinct No. 9 shall be known by the name of the Governours road precinct commencing at the fork of the road above late Doctor Campbell's Plantation, thence to the fork of the road at the late Doctor Adams's plantation, that Benjamin Putney be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said Benja. Putney, Thomas I'Anson, Stephen Collier, Randall King, John Moring, David Charity, Nicholas Scott, Moses Randall, John Debereaux, Armistead Peter, John Wagoner, and Benjamin Charity do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the same in lawful repair. Precinct No. 10 shall be known by the name of Jordan's precinct commencing at the fork of the road near the late Doctor Campbells quarter, thence to Jordans Bridge; that Stephen Sorsby be appointed Surveyor of the same, and that the hands at the said Stephen Sorsby, John Cheatham, Archer Moody, Jesse Dewell, Drewry Dewell, William Dewell, Thomas Dewell, Duncan McGuriman, and Peter Valentine do severally attend the said surveyor and that he keep the same in lawful repair. The division of the county into precincts continued in later court sessions to reach 37 numbered precincts & probably 3 more unnumbered for a total of 40 precincts. [p.447] Precinct No. 11 shall be known by the name of Stony run precinct commencing at Dunlops Mill run, thence down to the River shore at William Allen's, and also from the said Mill run to the fork of the road leading to the Court house and swans point; that William Collins be appointed surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said William Collins, William Allen, Nathaniel Harrison, William Cocke, Martha Reade, Elizabeth Burt & James Steward, do severally attend the said surveyor and that he keep the same in lawful repair. [p.448] Precinct No. 12 shall be known by the name of Swans Point precinct commencing at the fork of the road next below the late Doctor Adams's late dwelling place, thence to Swans Point Ferry, thence to Thomas Marriotts Mill dam, and also the angle road from swans point Church leading into the road that leads from swans Point Ferry to Cabin Point; that Benjamin Edwards Browne by appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables of the said Benjamin Edwards Browne, Ann Cocke, John Hartwell Cocke, William Browne, William Browne of Pipsco, Thomas Bage, James Clarke, Nathaniel Adams, Rebecca Holdsworth, the Tithables that may be at Sterling Edmunds Plantation's, also those at Thomas Harriss's Plantation, Patty Collier, Henry Charity, and the Tithables that may be on the Plantation formerly Doctor Adams's do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the same in lawful repair. [p.449] Precinct No. 13 shall be known by the name of Beaver dam precinct commencing at the fork of the road next below the plantation formerly the late Doctor Adams's, thence down to the road near the Court house leading to Browne's and Marriotts Mills, that John Watkins the younger be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said John Watkins, John Watkins senr, Richard Cocke at his Quarter, Michael Smith, John Bartle senior, John Bartle junior, Nicholas Cryer, William Cryer, John Marks, and the Tithable Persons that may be on the late Charity Colliers Plantation do severally attend the said surveyor and that he keep the same in lawful repair. [p.466] Precinct No. 14 shall be known by the name of Onicks's precinct, commencing at Moores Bridge, thence the right hand fork to the top of the hill in the Holly swamp, also from the said Moores Bridge the left hand fork to Obadiah Pylands Plantation: that William Carter be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said William Carter, Henry Moring, William Cocks junior John Slade, William Hart, (son of Hartwell) Thomas Turner, Mourning Carter, Hannah Warren, Jesse Holloway, Job Holloway, Lazarus Holloway, James Barlow, Samuel Millington, Patience Ingram, and Joel Thompson do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the said road in lawful repair. Precinct No. 15 shall be known by the name of Sunken Marsh precinct commencing at the main run near Robert Macintosh's, from thence to Monks run: that James Adams be appointed surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said James Adams, Joseph Barham, Elizabeth Crafford, William Philip Edwards, Thomas Swan Edwards, James Seward, Britain Seward, John Judkins senr John Judkins junior, Jesse Judkins, Mary Judkins, Mary Cocks, Thomas Lane, Mary Lane, John Treakle, Faithy Ward, and Nathaniel Berriman do severally attend the said Surveyor & that he keep the same in lawful repair. Precinct No. 16 shall be known by the name of Persimon hole precinct commencing at a Turky oak on the top of the hill near the Holly swamp, thence down to the sunken Marsh road that William Salter Gent be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said William Salter, John Hunnicutt at his Quarter, William Dering, William Hart at his Quarter, Richard Rowell senior, Richard Rowell junior, free negro old Sam, Jemmy, Hercules, David Alexander, James Alexander, Henry Crafford, Elizabeth Holt, and William Wright do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the same in lawful repair. Precinct No. 17 shall be known by the name of Walls bridge precinct commencing at the north end of the said bridge, thence to Cypress Church. that John Presson be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to John Bailey, John White, Lewis Pully, William Holt, James Wall, Joel Wall, Wilson Holleman, and James Inman do severally attend the said surveyor and that he keep the said road in lawful repair. [p.467] Precinct No. 18 shall be known by the name of the reedy branch precinct commencing at the south end of Walls bridge, thence the left hand fork to the county line near Arthur Hollemans. that Benjamin White be appointed surveyor of the same, that the hands of the said Benjamin White, Joseph Holleman junior, Joseph Holleman senior, Arthur Holleman, John Presson, the hands that may be at Samuel Baileys Quarter, do severally attend the said surveyor and that he keep the same in lawful repair. Precinct No. 19 shall be known by the name of Walls precinct, commencing at the south side of Walls bridge, thence the right hand road to Sussex County line: that Thomas Wren be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said Thomas Wren, Anselm Bailey, Samuel Bailey, the estate of Benjamin Bailey, John Atkinson, Benjamin Atkinson, David Andrews, Richard Andrews, John Wren, the hands that may be on [blank] Atkinsons Plantation, the hands that may be on the Plantation whereon Micajah Bailey formerly lived and Celia Hargraves do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the said road in lawful repair. Precinct No. 20 shall be known by the name of Birchen Island precinct commencing at the middle bridge, thence the left hand fork to Sussex County line: that James Harriss be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said James Harriss, William Browne at his Quarter, John Willson, Elizabeth Wilson, Rebecca Evans, Ann Inman, Mary Inman, Anselm Hargrave, John Hargrave, Hinchey Hargrave, Lucy Hargrave, Mary Pond, Etheldred Clark, Chapman Harriss, Randall Harriss, Thomas Pleasants junior, Thomas Pleasants senior, Burwell Pleasants, and William Rogers do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the said road in lawful repair. Precinct No. 21 shall be known by the name of Cypress-bridge precinct commencing at the south end of the said Bridge, thence to the middle bridge at Birchin Island; that Thomas Warren by appointed surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said Thomas Warren, William Spratley at his Quarter, John Spratley, Henry White, Jacob Judkins, John Judkins, the hands that may be on James Judkins, Jacob Faulcons, and Etheldred Grays plantations do severally attend the said surveyor and that he keep the said road in lawful repair. Precinct No. 22 shall be known by the name of Pigeon swamp precinct commencing at the cross roads at Jane Warrens thence to the cross roads at the Cypress Church: that Benjamin Riggan be appointed Surveyor of the same that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said Benjamin Riggan, William Clinch junior, William Spratley, Thomas Spratley, Nathaniel Thompson, Mary Smith, Benjamin Spratley, Joel Maddera, the hands that may be on Joseph Thorp's Plantation, [p.468] Elizabeth Maddera, Betty Maddera, Hannah Moody, William Thompson, and William Riggan do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the same in lawful repair. Precinct No. 23 shall be known by the name of branches bridge precinct, commencing at the fork of the road near William Clinch junior, thence the right hand road oposite Henry Gilberts; that Archibald Davis be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said Archibald Davis, William Clinch the elder, Henry Gilbert, William Clinch the younger, John Davis, Jesse King, Edward Bailey, William Maget Martha Davis, and Robert Barradall do severally attend the said surveyor and that he keep the said road in lawful repair. [p.469] Precinct No. 24 shall be known by the name of Hog-Island precinct commencing at Hog Island Ferry, thence out the said road to the plantation, and oposite, where Richard Scammell lives: that William Hart Gent. be appointed surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said William Hart, Ann Simpson, Peyton Skipwith, James Holt, Ann Holt, Mary S'George, Jeremiah Banks and John Banks do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the said road in lawful repair. Precinct No. 25 shall be known by the name of Bucks head precinct commencing on the Hog Island road oposite Richard Scammell's, thence the left hand fork to the run near Josiah Wilson's, also up the right hand road to the next fork that William Holt be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said William Holt, Joseph Pretlow, the hands under Richard Scammell, Rodwell Delk and William Boyce Gent. do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the said road in lawful repair. Precinct No. 26 shall be known by the name of Cockes precinct commencing at the fork of the road next above Bacons Castle, thence the right hand road to the next fork, thence to Craffords Mill, also from the last fork, the left hand road to Monks run, and likewise the road from the Church to Grays landing on Chipoax Creek; that Robert Hunnicutt be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said Richard Hunnicutt, the Estate of Allen Cocke deceased at the manor Plantation and also those that may live on the plantation whereon James Gray at present lives do severally attend the said surveyor and that he keep the said road in lawful repair. [p.471] At a Court continued and held for Surry County December 28th. 1785.
Precinct No. 27 shall be known by the name of Chipoax precinct commencing at Craffords Mill dam thence to Lucas's landing on the River shore, from the said landing to the cross roads near William Salter's and also from the said Mill towards Cobham to Chipoax road: that Samuel Pretlow be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said Samuel Pretlow, James Allen Bradby at Craffords Plantation, John Paradise's under Richard Dixon Brown, John Hutchings at his Plantation, do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the said road in lawful repair. Precinct No. 28 shall be known by the name of Rich-neck precinct commencing at the cross of Chipoax and the road leading to Cobham, thence to the fork of the road at the mouth of Paradise's lane: that Benjamin Waller be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said Benjamin Waller, Philip Thompson, John Hunnicutt, Joel Newsum, Lucy Waller, Archibald Holt, John Ealy, Mary Wills, John Paradise's under Ephraim Crittenden do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the said road in lawful repair Precinct No. 29 shall be known by the name of Croutches Creek precinct commencing at the mouth of the said Creek thence to the fork of the road near Robert Pylands: that William . Edwards be appointed surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the [p.472] said William Edwards, James Allen Bradby at his River Plantation, Nicholas Faulcon at his manor plantation and also at the old plantation and George Gardner do severally attend the said Surveyor & that he keep the said road in lawful repair. Precinct No. 30 shall be known by the name of Cobham precinct commencing at the west side of Croutches Creek, thence to the Wharf landing at Cobham thence to the cross roads at Robert Macintosh's: that John Ellis be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said John Ellis, Jacob Faulcon, Nicholas Faulcon at Scotland-neck the several hands that may reside in Cobham, John Pettway, William Adams, Joseph Judkins, and Martha Judkins do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the said road in lawful repair. Precinct No. 31 shall be known by the name of Weir-neck precinct commencing at Thomas Marriotts Mill pier head thence the right hand road to the cross thereof at Robert Macintosh's, Thomas Marriott be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Titheables also the left hand road from the fork near Thomas Marriotts the sign post near John Ellis's: That belonging to the said Marriott at his manour plantation, Elizabeth Marriott, the Lands that may belong to the Plantation whereon Thomas Davis lately lived, William Hamlin, the hands that may be on the Plantation which belongs to the Estate of Randolph Price called Warrens) Frederick Warren, John Wesson, Elizabeth Warren and Robert Macintosh, do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the said road in lawful repair. Precinct No. 32 shall be known by the name of Piny-slash precinct commencing at Robert Macintosh's, thence to the run at the Mill necks: that James Gray be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said James Gray, William Benett, Robert Pyland, Faith Barham, the hands that may be on Nicholas Faulcons Plantation called the Mill-Necks, do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the said road in lawful repair. Precinct No. 33 shall be known by the name of Hull-cabbin precinct commencing at the cross roads at Jane Warren's, thence to the fork of the road next above John Warren junior, thence outward to the Court house road, and also from the said fork near the said John Warren junior to the fork of the road near Hannah Davis's: that John Lane be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said John Lane, Lucy Smith, John Warren junior, John Warren senior, William Lane, Joseph Warren, Mary Carrell, Mildred Coman, Micajah Coggin, [p.473] the hands that may be on lands formerly Zechariah Maddera's do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the said road in Lawful repair. Precinct No. 34 shall be known by the name of Green-swamp precinct commencing oposite Obadiah Pylands, thence to the cross at Robert Macintosh's and also the right hand road to piny slash road: that Charles Judkins be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said Charles Judkins, Obadiah Pyland, John Davis senior, John Davis junior, Hannah Davis, John Pyland and Thomas Pyland do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the said road in lawful repair. Precinct No. 35 shall be known by the name of Cypress-church precinct commencing at the north end of Cypress swamp bridge, thence the left road to the fork next above Charles Judkins's, and also the [right or left?] hand road from the fork next above James Bruce's to the fork near Moore's bridge; that James Judkins be appointed surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said James Judkins, Frederick Lane, Henry Lane, Jeremiah James, John James, the hands that may be on Jesse Cocks's Plantation, William Cocks senr, Samuel Judkins senior, James Brown, John Brown, Jesse Brown, Richard Drewry, James Bruce, Hartwell Hart, Ann Hart, Matthew Banks, John Savidge, Hartwell Savidge, Joel Savidge, Willis Savidge, William Savidge, Sarah Savidge, Mary Batts, the hands that may be on Burts Plantation, William Slade, Mary Longs, the hands that may be on Degge's Plantation, Michael Savidge & Samuel Savidge, do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the said road in lawful repair. Precinct No. 36 shall be known by the name of Indian-spring precinct commencing at the fork near the Glebe, thence the right hand to the cross of the road at Jane Warrens, thence down the Court house road to the fork next above the Court house, thence up to the fork near the Glebe begun at: That John Marks be appointed surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said John Marks, the hands that may be at the Glebe, Mary Bailey, the hands that may be at Thomas Marriots Quarter, William Bailey Senr, Nathaniel Andrews, John Andrews, John Jarratt, William Andrews, Blackburn Andrews, David Debereaux, and William Walden do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the same in lawful repair. Precinct No. 37 shall be known by the name of Galloways precinct commencing at the fork of the road near the Glebe; thence to the cross thereof at Simmons's old Ordinary, that Stephen Grantham Senior be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said Stephen Grantham, Thomas Grantham, Thomas Charrity, Thomas Bailey, Henry Dewell, Christopher Lucas, Hartwell Charity, the hands that may be at the Marsh Plantation do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the said road in lawful repair. Order Book (24 January 1786 - 27 May 1789) pp. 1-613
[p.19] [Projected to be Precinct No. 38 of 40] Nelsons Precinct commencing at the cross next below the lower Church, thence to the County line near Jeremiah Peirces and also the road from the run called Price's Bridge into the first mentioned part of the road near Nelsons Ordinary, that William Wilson be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to Ann Nelson, Jerimiah Peirce, Josiah Wilson, James Taylor, Frank Taylor and John Peirce do severally attend the said surveyor and that he keep the said road in lawful repair. [Projected to be Precinct No. 39 of 40] Cart-bridge Precinct commencing at the second fork next above Nelsons Ordinary, thence to the County line, that I'Anson Edwards be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said Edwards William Fisher, James Barlow, George Barlow, the hands that may be on Samuel Wilsons Plantation Lewis Edwards, James Shelly, Micajah Edwards [p.20] Dolphin Davis, George Godby, Charles Goodrich, William Holt (at his Mills,) Jesse Allen, Jesse Edwards, and James Bennett do severally attend the said Surveyor and that he keep the said road in lawful repair. [Projected to be Precinct No. 40 of 40] White Marsh Precinct commencing at the fork next below the Church, thence to the white marsh; that William Mitchell be appointed Surveyor of the same, that the male labouring Tithables belonging to the said William Mitchell, John Thomas, John Gray, John Thompson, Hartwell Hunnicutt, Augustine Hunnicutt, the Tithables that may be on Willis Wrights Plantation, William Wills, the Tithables that may be on Harwood Calcotes Plantation also those on Mary Mitchells and Richard Harrisons Plantations, Samuel Blow and Henry Gray do severally attend the said surveyor and that he keep the said road in lawful repair.
by James E. Atkins. Mules were a part of life in growing up in Surry County through the 1930s and 40s. They provided farm power until tractors took over most of the work by the 1950s. While the mules are gone, today evidence of those days remains on many farms: 5 shank cultivators, collars and hames, and perhaps some stalls where they lived. For our younger readers, and those who did not have the advantage of growing up on a farm, let me give you a description of a mule. They are the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. They are nearly always sterile. They have long ears, short manes and a braying voice. They are hard workers and generally live a long life. Mules are smarter than horses. In the small coal mines in southwestern Virginia they used mules to haul the coal out of the mines. If a horse hit its ears on the mine roof it would buck. A mule would bow its head and keep on going. Put too much load behind a mule, such as a plough stuck in a clay bank, it would try to move several times and then quit. Loosen the plough up and he would try again. The smartest mules I ever knew were those used in the log woods by Willis Reeson. They pulled the cut logs in the woods and swamps and put them in piles. Log carts behind Farmall M and Allis Chalmers tractors then took them to the steam powered ground sawmill. They used no lines on those mules. Voice commands made them stop, go, turn left or right or back up. Regardless of where they were working at the end of the day, turn them loose and they would go straight home to the mill by themselves. They were a joy to watch. If they were any smarter, they would not have needed the man. Every mule had its own personality and quirks. We had one that would only work double on the left side. Don't try him on the right side, or little work, mostly ploughing up the crop, would be done. One mule we had was bigger and stronger than the others. It was the only mule that could pull a middle buster or cotton plough all day without dragging by middle of the afternoon. It had one idiosyncrasy. No one had ever ridden this mule. When you are a young teenager, you think you can do anything. I decided I was going to ride that mule. We were laying by corn with the middle buster. I pushed the mule all day, keeping the plough deeper in the ground than normal. Talk about mulesweat, it was running off that mule. By late afternoon, I thought I had him whipped. I announced to Eldridge Bailey, who worked for my father, that I was going to ride that mule home. Time to quit, we unhitched the mules and I jumped on its back, holding the lines. Away we went, heading home fast. The only problem was that the quickest way home was across the corn field. That's the way he went. Pulling on the lines made no difference. That mule had a tough mouth. Back in those days corn was laid by later, when the ears were getting hard. Going across the rows, the corn ears beat up my legs something awful. I soon realized that I had a bigger problem. That darn mule wasn't going to stop until it was in its stall. That's where he was fed. Was I going to hit my head or legs going in? Should I bail out? How? I decided to ride him in. Ducking low as we entered, the mule turned and stopped, I didn't, he rolled me off, thankfully not hurt, but badly needing a bath. So - I rode that mule, but I surely did not win. Eldridge Bailey never let me forget that ride. I still have the middle-buster and collar and hames. The collar is white inside, crusted with perspiration. Some have told me I ought to clean and oil the collar. No way, that's mulesweat. I will have a display of genuine pre -1950 Surry County mulesweat at our next meeting.
We all think we know where Surry County is, and most know it went to the North Carolina line, originally. We also know that Sussex was taken from Surry in 1754. Beyond that there are many misconceptions. This article will not attempt to detail all the changes in lines that have taken place. Some are nearly unfathomable. First, the Surry-Isle of Wight line was not firmly established until generations of settlers had patented the land in that area. Land now known to be in each county was often mis-patented and deeded. This led to inconsistencies in many records, including marriage and death records. Checking land and family records in this area takes you back and forth between the two counties. Later Southampton and Sussex Counties added to the confusion. Brunswick County was formed from Surry County, the southernmost part, next to the North Carolina border in 1720. Some Brunswick land was formerly part of Prince George County. Some researchers may believe that their ancestors moved from Surry County to Brunswick County. Maybe so, maybe no. They could have moved to the area in Surry before 1720, and thus the name changed, but they stayed in the same place. Pre-1720 records would be in Surry. Additional land was given Brunswick County from Isle of Wight and Surry County in 1732. So in this area, records changed from Surry or Isle of Wight to Brunswick in 1732. Sussex was formed from Surry in 1754. Therefore, with their getting the land between Surry and Brunswick counties, the same thing is true. Their pre 1754 records would have been in Surry. There are further complications. In 1780 Greensville County was formed from the eastern past of Brunswick County, and in 1887 more land was given to them from Brunswick, previously Surry. The last change in previously Surry County land came in 1802 when Greensville county got a small southeastern piece of Sussex County. Thus, settlers could have lived in Surry, Sussex, Brunswick and Greensville counties and never moved. Land they settled could have become Greensville from Brunswick or Sussex. Their land and family records could be in all four courthouses. To further complicate this situation, the line between Virginia and North Carolina was inexact and many questions have arisen over the state lines. Some early Virginia Land Patents ended up in North Carolina. If there is any conclusion that can made from this article, it is that you should check Surry County, Virginia, for your roots and your lands roots if they are anywhere near this area. The best reference on these land changes is Royal Land Patents and Commonwealth Land Grants of Greensville County, Virginia by Ray R. Sasser. Happy Hunting! JEA
Perhaps no book of Surry County history has been as popular as this book written by A. W. Bohannan and first published in 1927. Mr. Bohannan was treasurer of Surry County for nearly fifty years and a great lover of Surry County and its history. He wrote of old homes, places, churches and events. As he roamed around Surry County he talked with the "old folks" and made notes of our oral history. Many had first hand recollections of the Civil War. From these conversations and his extensive research, this book was written. There was a second printing in 1957. For years it has been nearly impossible to secure a copy. The few that came to market were very expensive. The Society is pleased to announce that Gordon W. [Bo] Bohannan and his family have just received the third printing of this book. It is hard bound, and unlike earlier editions, is indexed. Everyone who has Surry County roots, or a love of its history should have a copy. The Society is very pleased to offer it for sale. An order form is at the end of the newsletter. While they are available, get one for every member of your family. They make great presents. They will also be available for sale at our May 2002 meeting. Also- It took a Village, by Gray Rowell Henry is for sale. These remembrances of growing up in Surry Village 1926 - 1944 tell of life in a slower time when doors were left unlocked and keys left in cars. Order forms below.
Membership Information and Application Form. It Took A Village, by Gray Rowell Henry. ($6.00 each, plus $2.00 handling, mailing and Virginia Sales tax, where applicable.) Old Surry, by A. W. Bohannan. ($20.00 plus plus $3.00 handling, mailing, and Virginia Sales Tax where applicable.)
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