CAMPBELL COUNTY, VA - HISTORY - Campbell Chronicles and Family Sketches Preface and Introduction ----¤¤¤---- CAMPBELL CHRONICLES and FAMILY SKETCHES Embracing the History of CAMPBELL COUNTY, VIRGINIA 1782-1926 By R. H. EARLY With Illustrations J. P. BELL COMPANY LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA 1927 Community Settlement Chapter II Three Groups of Settlers NEAR the middle of the eighteenth century there appeared in what was then Lunenburg county, two groups of people who had come to settle, and were later to wield influence in their neighborhoods; one of these groups was a colony of Presbyterians and they located at Hat Creek, the other was Quaker who settled at South river; both came for a similar purpose, that of establishing a community where they could secure freedom in religious observance: there was an interval of ten years between the coming of the first and last group and they were fifteen or twenty miles apart. Here was an anomalous situation of two religious bodies, segregated as it were, with no variant sect or influence to disturb the harmony of their communion, a condition lasting for some years, because of isolation, distance and difficult travel. Between the two pilgrimages, a third group of home-seekers had established themselves in a different locality, on Buffalo creek; yet their movement was not an outgrowth of religious zeal, but more likely instigated by reports of available land. They were conformists to the Anglican church and enjoyed a certain prestige from that association, for at that time church moved with state; other sects were classed as dissenters and were not accorded equal privileges. A certain degree of sympathetic toleration for this latter class caused the passage of a bill by the Assembly in 1772 entitled "A bill for extending the benefit of the Act of Toleration to his Majesty's subjects dissenting from the Church of England in the Colony of Virginia"; the provisions of the bill did not meet with the satisfaction of those most interested and in consequence the Presbyterians drew up a petition "in behalf of themselves and all Presbyterians in Virginia in particular and all Protestant dissenters in general" for less restricted toleration; to what issue this discontent would have led we can not know, for revolution along other lines soon appeared to divert thought and action. FIRST SETTLEMENT Hat Creek Forty years before the establishment of the county—which was to receive the name of Campbell—came into contemplation, the land it inherited was being distributed to various claimants by grant and by transfer. Many names of those so procuring it have already been noted; numbers of these owners never became residents nor contributed towards county development; it remains a question as to whether some of the English people holding title to land in the county ever came to this country. Such, for instance, as "Lady Mary Read," recorded in several deeds of transfer. She may have been the wife of Clement Read (of the adjoining county) who from her prominent social position was known as "Madame Read," or some one who never left her English home; but her land was purchased for the purpose of occupying it by those who became settlers. The first settlement made in the section which became Campbell, but was then included in Brunswick—was by a colony of Presbyterians from Pennsylvania about the year 1742, following the favorable response to a petition sent in 1739 by John Caldwell, the grandfather of John C. Calhoun, to the governor of Virginia, requesting permission for those of the Presbyterian denomination moving into the state to have the free exercise of their religious liberty. Three colonies of this sect thereupon came respectively into Campbell, Charlotte and Prince Edward, the Campbell contingent of them settling about Hat Creek locality. John Irvine, pioneer of these settlers, came alone into the virgin forest and blazed the way for others who were to follow him. In a wilderness of thirty-five or forty miles extent, he only found one very old white resident. Patenting there a large tract of land he prepared for the settlement of his family upon it, returning to Pennsylvania for them. His report of the likelihood of a living being obtainable in this new country induced others to follow, and people then flocked to the neighborhood, for land was cheap and wood for building and for fuel was abundant. As soon as they had established themselves in their new homes, Irvine persuaded the settlers to unite with him in building a place of worship, and the first church was given the name Hat Creek from that of the nearby stream. Community interests centered around this church and as its membership became extended through the adjoining country, its influence increased and it eventually became the mother of other county churches. John Irvine continued to be the leading spirit in all progressive innovations. In payment for his part of the building expenses Irvine gave the land upon which the church was erected; and this first rude structure was completed for worship about three years after he came. According to an agreement previously made with Gilbert Tennant of Philadelphia that he would send for him if a preacher was needed, the latter was summoned and took charge of the services, preaching at Hat Creek on Sundays for twelve "months following. By the time the year had expired a good sized congregation had been drawn together, cemented in good fellowship by mutual interest in church growth. It became easier to secure preachers less distant, and calls were made for those near at hand. Succeeding Tennant in the pulpit came Waddill, David Rice, William Mahon, Cary Allen, William Irvine (son of John) and James Allen. About this time it was found necessary to replace the old church building with a new one, which was more pretentiously constructed of plank: again John Irvine gave of his adjoining land, reserving a few acres for the benefit of the church which still belong to it. The elders of the church were John Irvine and his son, Major John Irvine, Captain John Marshall, Captain Charles Cobbs, Captain Publius Jones, Joshua and Samuel Morris. No other denominations had erected churches in the community then, so other sects were allowed to preach in their church, provided they did not interfere with the arrangements made for the Presbyterian service: the spirit of toleration also caused those of different belief to meet together as one congregation, whether Presbyterian, Methodist or Baptist. Among those who availed themselves of this pulpit privilege was William Dodson, a Baptist minister, who made the boast of a successful revival he had held over the mountains, but enquiries concerning this claim revealed the fact that no revival had taken place. Dodson then was dismissed from the use of Hat Creek church. In leaving, however, he drew some of the Presbyterians into his Baptist fold. Among these were Charles Cobbs, his sons John and Jesse and his daughter Mary. Elder Cobbs ultimately became a Baptist minister. His wife remained a while longer with the Hat Creek congregation and when she finally left she was regarded by the Baptists as a very distinguished convert. Dodson contrived to baptize her at night by the light of torches on the banks of Little Falling river to create an effect of the supreme importance of immersion—that if one of Mrs. Cobb's standing could not wait until daylight, others could not follow too quickly. John Irvine died in 1788, not long after the completion of the second church, and Elder Morris a few years later. Lacking a Presbyterian preacher those of other denominations were called to Hat Creek and in the interval a Methodist, Bishop Moore, served there, giving much satisfaction. About 1799 Rev. Archibald McRoberts was procured for Hat Creek, but he did not preach during the winter months and the pulpit was then filled by others; at one time by James Tompkins of Old Concord and John Weather ford of the Baptist church. McRoberts died in 18O6 and Hat Creek was again without a preacher. In the summer of 18O7 John H. Rice came from Charlotte and advised petitioning the next Presbytery to provide supplies. In 18O8 Mr. Lumpkin and Clement Read of Charlotte came to Hat Creek, followed by Nash Legrand, with John H. Rice and Clement Read as assistants on sacramental occasions. At this time a third church, a frame structure as the previous one had been, was built: the elders then were Paulett Clark, Captain William Smith, Benjamin Chapman and William Armistead; but the last named died in the following year. Major John Irvine and Rev. Legrand both died in 1814 and John S. McLain succeeded, being ordained pastor by a Presbytery composed of Drury Lacy, Matthew Lyle, William S. and Clement Read. When McLain became afterwards a student of medicine his connection was then severed. Captain Smith and Elder Chapman having moved away and Elder Marshall deceased, the eldership was renewed with Richard Hammersley, John W. Marshall of Little Concord, Andrew Mann and Paulett Clark as associates: Samuel Armistead succeeded McLain in the pulpit. So far everything had gone on harmoniously at Hat Creek: but a change now occurred. A call was made out for Armistead and sent to the Presbytery. In 1826 Stephen Taylor, by appointment, preached his installation sermon at Hat Creek. After Armistead became pastor, the opposing party would not be quiet, and complaints were sent to Presbytery, which appointed committees to examine into the state of things and make a settlement. The committee after hearing both sides cut off the opposing party and gave them to Little Concord; both parties declared themselves satisfied, until the Presbyterian controversy burst out through the states and the cry of "Old School" and "New School" was heard, when contentions again arose at Hat Creek between those siding with one or the other of the schools, as Armistead sided with the "New," those favoring the "Old" opposed his remaining as pastor, several members withdrawing to worship at Rudd's Old Store, who contemplated building another meeting house, and Mr. Cunningham preached to them. Finally Armistead decided to withdraw. After some delay the parties at Rudd's and Hat Creek agreed to worship together at Hat Creek with Hammersley as pastor. Those also at Little Concord returned and quiet became restored. The elders then chosen were William, James and Christopher Clark, Dr. Robert Smith, Matthew T. Irvine, Brice A. Martin, Sampson Wood-all and Captain Robert Armistead, and in addition, Paulett Clark and Andrew Mann. Sunday school was started about 185O. The bury ground which had been used since Hat Creek church was first built, was enlarged in 1825 because it had become so filled up and several times its enclosure became renewed. In 1882 a fourth church was built. Elders at the time were Paulett Clark and his son, O. C. Clark, James Clark, Dr. Robert Smith, and Captain Robert Armistead. The church which has been often rebuilt and restored still occupies the old site given it by John Irvine. Irvine had come into Brunswick county. At its division in 1745 to form Lunenburg he became a citizen of the latter county and when Lunenburg was divided in 1753 to form Bedford he then became a resident of Bedford. At a court held at New London in 1766 "Sundry Presbyterian Protestant Dissenters' new meeting house erected near Six Mile Tree was set apart for the worship of God," showing that Presbyterians were establishing churches in new communities. Again in 1774 "members of Peaks of Otter Presbyterian church asked that elders might be entitled to take and hold lands for the use of ministers under proper regulations." In 1785, three years after the formation of Campbell, seventy signers petitioned against the passage of a bill for the support of preachers of the gospel, "which was an imposition upon the rights of free men for legislation favorable to any one group." SECOND SETTLEMENT — 1753 New London Around the year 175O a second group of people came to settle in Lunenburg near its county seat, and they conformed to the established English church. Among these was the family of William Callaway, who had obtained a grant of 15,OOO acres of land in different sections of the county: 1,6OO acres upon the upper side of Buffalo creek, 4,5OO acres lying both sides of Elk creek. Richard and Francis Callaway, brothers of William, patented land in Lunenburg in 1747; these three settlers are said to have been the first men who cleared land and raised corn on Otter river. William Callaway was living in the county when on March 12th, 1750, Dr. Thomas Walker passed through it during his second expedition as agent of the Loyal Company. Walker travelled from his home in Albemarle through Nelson and Amherst to James river, which he crossed near where Lynch-burg was afterwards established; probably over the ferry Nicolas Davies operated, which furnished communication and transportation from one side of his land to the opposite, as that appears to have been the only ferry in the locality at that period. From there Dr. Walker went on to Callaway's merchant store, supplied himself with rum (an article considered of the first importance) thread and other necessaries; and thence pursued his journey over the main wagon road leading to New river. The home of Callaway was not far from where the town of New London, as Bedford county seat, was located a little later, on Buffalo creek near the main road. At the formation of Bedford in 1753 there were no public buildings which could serve as court house for the new county and the newly commissioned justices met on May 27th, 1754, in the house of Matthew Talbot. Callaway had applied for the patent on 445 acres of land on both sides of Little Otter—2,35O acres on the upper side of Big Otter adjoining the land of Sherwood Walton and 288 acres on the north side of Staunton river joining Echols' land. When court met at Talbot's on July 22nd, 1754, it was ordered that application be made by the sheriff to the governor, for a writ of adjournment from Talbot's to Callaway's on Buffalo creek; awaiting official authority for change of meeting place, court was held again at Talbot's on August 26th, at which time Callaway agreed to build a prison immediately near the main road; and in case the court house should be established upon his land he was to be paid for the building, if part of Arbemarle on the south side of James river should be added to Bedford and the court house be located on his land—in such event he agreed to give 10O acres at the forks of the road upon which court building and prison could be erected—5O acres in fee simple when required and the balance when he had obtained the patent for it; in the meantime he offered to provide a rough house for court meetings. At a court held November 25th following, a writ of adjournment from Talbot's to the lately erected court house was produced, and two days later the justices adjourned to the Callaway building. The deed for the fifty acres from himself and wife to the trustees, Richard Callaway, Zachary Isbell, and Benjamin Howard (who had been appointed by order of court in 1755) was recorded March 27th, 1757, at which time it was ordered that the town be given the name of New London. Callaway received patents for 35O acres on both sides of the south fork of Otter in 1756 and for 39O acres on a branch of Little Otter in 1759. He gave the county in 1761 the other 5O acres promised, with a deed to newly appointed trustees—Richard and James Callaway, Benjamin Howard, Jeremiah Early, William Meade, John Payne, Jr., and William Stamps. Proceeding with county affairs it was ordered that town land be laid out in half acre lots and sold, with the previso that they be built upon within a year's time or the land revert back to the county. The court house erected at this time was replaced by order of court, July 23, 1766, for a new one, to be built 24x36 with 12-ft. pitch, wainscoting 4-ft. high, plastered above and six glass windows with underpinning of brick, 1 1/2-ft. from the ground. At a court held there on January 23rd, 1776, of the ten justices in attendance, seven of them came from the Campbell section of what was still Bedford county. In 1784 Robert Ewing, William Leftwich and Robert Clark, trustees empowered by the Assembly, sold "the late court house, prison and lots" to Christopher Irvine for £125. The building was standing in 1856 but was either burned or pulled down later. At the time of the Revolution New London contained about 80 private residences, and a number of merchant stores. It acquired importance as a base of supplies, for it contained an arsenal and a long wooden structure used as a magazine, which was kept under guard of soldiers. Its possession of these military stores drew to it the attention of the British forces, and Tarleton was dispatched there to destroy them. His forward march was by Petersburg, Amelia Court House and Prince Edward Court House, reaching New London July 16, 1781; leaving there on the morning of the 18th via Lunenburg and Dinwiddie to join Cornwallis at Suffolk on July 24th. Hunter of the Federal army raided the town en route to Lynchburg, June 16th, 1864, but failed of his object as had Tarleton; thus New London participated in two wars. On December 13th, 1813, a petition bearing many signatures of Bedford and Campbell people was presented to the Assembly requesting the formation of a new county with New London as the center; and that it be bounded by four lines making a square of it, and the middle of each line be six miles from town; but the petition was rejected as undesirable. VOICE OF THE REVOLUTION Patrick Henry delivered his celebrated speech on the John Hook case at New London court house, appearing there as counsel for John Venable, the defendant. He excited the indignation of his audience against Hook, in painting the distress of the American army, exposed, almost naked, to the rigors of a winter's sky and marking the frozen ground over which they marched with the blood of their bare feet. "Where was the man," said he, "who had an American heart in his bosom, who would not have thrown open his barns, his cellars, the doors of his house, the portals of his breast, to have received with open arms, the meanest soldier in that little band of famished heroes? Where is the man? There he stands! Whether the heart of an American beats in his bosom, you, gentlemen, are to judge." Henry concluded with a description of Yorktown surrender, the British dejection and the patriot's triumphal cry of "Washington and Liberty," then the discordant note, disturbing the general joy, of Hook hoarsely howling through the American camp, "beef, beef, beef." The legal record of this case is preserved in the circuit court of Franklin county, Virginia. John Venable was fortunate in the selection of counsel for his defense, and no doubt Henry was no unwilling advocate for the cause in which Hook became a victim of popular political feeling. With such an opponent Hook could have no showing, yet his attorney, William Cowan, proved his ability later by his marked success in his profession. Henry brought to a climax—at which patriotic judgment could give but one verdict —this suit of long standing (once settled in court against Venable) by his appeal to patriotic sentiment, while that feeling in the community was still inflamed; it was as an echo of the oratory, at St. John's church, in Richmond, which had furnished a spark that kindled Virginia's smoldering revolt against England's exactions. John Hook was a Scotchman by birth. After he had established himself near New London, he became a prosperous farmer and merchant, operating in the latter industry under the firm name of Hook and Ross. Christopher and Mary Irvine sold John Hook and David Ross, merchants in partnership, in 1783, a hundred acres of land lying on both sides of Watery branch, both sides of Irvine's road at Anthony's corner, along John Callaway's line. In 1782 Hook patented 285 acres on Beaverpond creek. Hook married Elizabeth, the daughter of Colonel John Smith of Goochland county. His descendants are amongst the most respected citizens of the country. His two sons are reported to have died unmarried, but all four daughters married. His daughter Elizabeth married Christopher Clark (3rd of his name, son of Robert and Susan Henderson-Clark, grandson of Micajah and Judith Adams-Clark, great grandson of Christopher Clark, Sr., of Louisa county). Clark was a prominent attorney in Bedford which district he represented in Congress from 18O4 to 18O6. The names of Robert and Stephen Hook are found among county records. Stephen was listed in John Hook's store accounts. Robert's will was recorded in 1781. A suit of Robert Hook's estate against Hector Harris, administrator, was conducted by William Leigh, attorney-at-law. In 1785 John and Elizabeth Hook sold Thomas Jones 200 acres lying on both sides of Little Mill creek, which was part of a patent to Hook and Ross of 565 acres obtained in 1780. Then in 1786 John Hook sold 350 acres of land adjoining Crockett Thompson. At this time he appears to have disposed of all his Campbell county property and removed to Franklin county, where he conducted a store at Hale's Ford, about a mile from the river. One of the Hook name married Quintilla Adams. This Hook operated a ferry across Staunton river in early times. COURT PENMAN Less than a mile from New London, on an eminence overlooking the old town, there still stands the home, Federal Hill, of Bedford's first clerk, James Steptoe, familiarly known as "Jimmie." Also remaining within his home grounds is the clerk's office, noticeable for its enormous brick chimney built on the outside, a style prevalent when it was constructed. Here all county business belonging to his office was transacted and the records of his long term in his fine writing are preserved at Bedford City, the name of Bedford's seat changed in 189O from Liberty of Steptoe's day. The Federal Hill, seen to-day, replaced an earlier residence, which was destroyed by fire, but is itself over a hundred years old and is a more substantial building than the one it superseded. The entrance porch and cornice have dental ornamentation; and chairboarding and stairway are well preserved in the hall and reception rooms. James Steptoe married a daughter of Col. James Callaway (county lieutenant), and his first wife. Beginning with 1772 he remained clerk of county court during his life; was also clerk of circuit and district court, composed of Bedford, Franklin, Campbell, Pittsylvania and Henry, from 1772 to 1797. At the time he moved to Bedford that section of country was still unsettled and subject to disorders. The tradition is extant of passing Indians coming upon his mother-in-law as she was returning from a spring at the foot of the hill, and pointing a drawn bow at her as long as she was in sight. This incident caused the spring to receive the name of Indian Spring. The former home of clerk Steptoe was sold about 185O to a family of Carters from Fredericksburg, a daughter of which married Augustus Labby, son of Captain Pleasant Labby of Lynchburg; she still owns and resides at Federal Hill, and charms visitors by her courteous greeting of them. Between New London town and the Academy of that name, is the old rockwalled graveyard which contains the graves of Steptoe and many of his neighbors, but the stones have fallen out of position and the inscriptions are barely traceable, though a few have withstood neglect and the wear of time. There can be deciphered Frances Langhorne, 1832; Anne Bowker Callaway, 1834, wife of Col. Wm. Callaway; William Callaway, 1827; Ann Bowker Mennis, wife of Callohill Mennis; Callohill Mennis; Samuel Read; Elizabeth Read; Frances A. C. Mennis and a few others. Wild vines and dense undergrowth with a tangle of briars render a visit to the enclosure one of risk to clothing if not to the person of the intruder. Speece writes of this old landmark, which contains his beloved son's remains as well as his own: On Campbell county's western verge Where wasting down with slow decay New London mourns her better day, And here, a little further west, The founders have been long at rest. Yet now the casual tread alone Discovers graves no longer known, Whose mouldering tenants cannot claim The honors even of a name. Tradition, when affection slept, In legendary record kept Their birth, their actions and their age, Oblivion stole the tattered page, And shrouded in impervious gloom, Hid the frail record in the tomb. Ye noiseless slumberers who repose From all your wanderings, cares and woes Low as yourselves, your annals keep, Involved in night and silence deep. Your secrets none can now reveal, Death and the grave have fix'd the seal, That renders all inquiry vain. Conrad Speece bought a tract of land lying on Flat creek from Christopher Irvine, which had been granted to Wayley, was surveyed in 177O for John H. Weaver and conveyed to Irvine by Weaver in 179O. Conrad Speece, an early Campbell settler, married in 1796 Rachel Clay well. In 179O he purchased the tract of land on Flat Creek from Christopher Irvine. His daughter, Mary, married Thaddeus Kabler in 1821. A son, Joseph M., married Louise M… and had children, John, Morton, and daughter, Josaphine N.: sons George W. and Frederick were the executors of Conrad Speece's will. In 1827 Thaddeus and Mary L. Kabler made a deed to Geo. W. Speece, an heir of Conrad Speece, of an equal part of the land and mansion house at the Water Lick (Jefferson and Mitchell's pointers were called the Water Lick) 4O2 acres on Cottontown road (Richard Callaway's former road). Just outside of New London, where two roads meet at a sharp angle, stands the old brick residence of Frederick Speece. None of his descendants remain in the country and his property has passed from the family to a succession of owners. Speece wrote of himself that he was a wayward boy of a melancholy turn, a stranger even in his own home; so he bade adieu to the land of his birth and went wandering afar; yet in the course of a few years he returned well satisfied to revisit his old haunts. It seems to have been at that period of his career that he wrote his "Sketches," which were collected together in one volume, and were issued from New London Academy in 1823. The loss of his young son was a great grief to him, and left him with an only daughter. In the latter years of his life the impulse seized him to play the King Lear act. He accordingly made a proposal to his daughter and her husband to take charge of his property and divide the proceeds with him. He soon discovered this was a most unsatisfactory arrangement, and in his will written in 1868 he covered several pages of it with minute details of the neglect and privations to which he was subjected by his daughter as well as her husband. Yet to that daughter he bequeathed 9O acres of land bounded by the turnpike and Richmond road and to his four grandchildren the property upon which his home stood. His poetic gift seems to have fallen to a relative, Douglass Kabler-Nelson, who has published two volumes of verse for children, and one number inspired by a visit to Speece's neglected grave in the old New London cemetery. One of Speece's few intimates was Augustine Leftwich, through whose assistance the poems were printed. At the death of Leftwich's beautiful first wife, Speece wrote a touching poem to her memory. His home is called "Ivanhoe Lodge." His daughter, Ann Booker, married Dr. William A. Rice: children, Nannie M. and Sarah F. Rice. Peter Hunter of Campbell was executer of Frederick Speece's will, witnessed by Dr. J. M. Speece, C. T. and Jerry Hunter, John F. Teas, Joseph Graham, T. L. KLabler and John M. Echols. In 1751 William Echols patented 317 acres, along both sides of Buffalo creek, a branch of Staunton river, of land adjoining the property of Nathaniel Dennis. The same year Joseph and Isaac Echols patented each several hundred acres on both sides of Strait stone creek and its branches. In 1831 Peregrine Echols bought 11O 3/4 acres on a branch of Flat creek and on Sawyer's road. In 1836 Gait, Bullock and Company, trustees, sold a tract of land in New London to Peregrine Echols, which property had been conveyed to Dabney by William C. Bowyer and his wife in 183O. Upon this land Echols erected a building which he used as a tavern. His land extended within the limits of Bedford and about ten years after he purchased it, a deposit of alum was found which led to the discovery of a spring there but no use was made of the mineral water until John R. Maben bought the property, improved the ground and built a hotel and cottages upon it for a resort, and for many years the place attracted health seeking visitors. New London was then embraced in the new community, which was christened Bedford Springs, and it is generally called by that name at the present time. But tradition, in connection with the spring, goes back to the time of the Revolution and attaches to it the romance of a soldier, who, returning home from Yorktown surrender, found his affianced sweetheart wedded to a civilian. In despair he turned away and worn and weary at nightfall, dismounted and laid down to die. A little girl from a neighboring farmhouse saw his wretched condition and in pity brought him a cup of water from the spring which revived and restored him, and prompted the resolve to live. He never married, and superstition says that periodically, at midnight, this soldier is seen dismounting from his white war horse and mingling, as in toast, his blessing to the water with a curse to the unfaithful one, then he disappears like a shadow, upon the wings of the wind. When Bedford Alum Springs became discontinued as a health resort a company was organized for the manufacture of salts from the water and located their works on James river near Lynchburg. John Minor Botts Echols, son of the original owner, was associated with the enterprise: but it did not long remain in operation. Maben, proprietor of the springs, had been one of the party of men who crossed the country as gold seekers in 1849. He married first Sarah Douglass of Campbell and lived not far from New London, where he owned and operated a mill. He was the subject of a suit which resulted in a judgment against him. This disappointment caused him to make complaints in writing his will, of how he had been plundered, harassed and robbed through bribery and perjury by unscrupulous men of what his industry and economy had accumulated. He was an eccentric character:-had travelled to California overland by horseback and brought back upon his return mementoes of his sojourn, one a "pure gold breastpin, and nugget of gold shaped into an American eagle," upon which he set much value. He died around 19OO and in making disposition of his property to his second wife and the children of his first marriage, he provided that the latter should receive their share of their grandfather Douglass' estate; the springs property was directed to be sold for the benefit of his heirs. Special instructions were given in regard to the disposition of an old Bible which he claimed was the first one printed in the United States. At the time of Bedford's division, the country was sparsely settled and farms covered large areas. New London was the only town and, being county seat, was the general meeting-place in all matters of public interest, regardless of distance. A radical change came with the county division, for Campbell as well as Bedford, took prompt measures to secure more central sites for their court houses; in the interim of construction of these buildings, official meetings were held at conveniently situated homes which were loaned for that purpose. New roadways, having for their objective, the nearest route to centers and to market, were laid off. New London then lost its prestige, although supreme court continued to be held there under the old district system. In October, 1791 an effort was made to remove this court nearer the center of the district, New London being at the extreme northeastern corner. Those favoring this movement were prompt with their reason for the change. "Houses there, ready for reception, had made an excuse at first but that could no longer be urged; a rich and fertile neighborhood was to be found near Staunton river, and the necessary buildings would not cost more than £1OO, a trifling sum in competition to the equal justice it would cause." This petition repeated next year met with violent opposition from the towns people of New London, who retorted that "District court was established to suit the general convenience. Assembly chose the court house already built and capable of affording entertainment, being most convenient and centrical in this district. That the bill was presented by only a few of those most interested, the center of the district, not being the center of inhabitants but a barren, poor country, very hilly, required travel as far out of the way as to New London"; hence an appeal was made that courts of justice reject the previous petition. For thirty years the center around which a large county's activities revolved, there being no rival town with which to divide honors, then suddenly deposed from prominence, arrested in development and left on borderland — lacking water and rail facilities and shadowed by the pall of blighted hopes and discouraged efforts — it is no wonder that New London started on a downward course which has continued. It has still its memories of past use to secure for it a place in history — perhaps during the somnolent state into which it had fallen, it had its dreams of an awakening and re-establishment — for surely the glamor of glory which came to it through its eminent men clings to it in the association with their achievements and in the preservation of its ambitious name during more than a century of inactivity. Just at this time a development in the neighborhood has been started by a company of realtors, which embraces the construction of a large lake to be called "Timber Lake," with a surrounding driveway and the adjoining land divided into lake front lots. Towards the carrying out of this plan 325 acres of land at the intersection of three streams, which form Buffalo creek, have been purchased from the owners, T. F. Johnson "Closeburn Manor" tract: L. C. Leftwich, George J. Isaacs and Morton Leftwich. It is planned to stock the lake with fish and to provide boating facilities. A dam 6OO feet long, is to be erected to form the lake which will cover 75 acres of ground, the dam to be topped by a driveway, and the property to have two entrances - one from Salem turnpike on the east, and the other from Forest along Bedford Springs road. Interest in this enterprise is already awakened and motorists from near towns are attracted to the scene of the company's operations. THIRD SETTLEMENT South River Meeting The Lynch family was the third group of people to enter the county and establish a settlement there. Charles Lynch, Sr., had patented 2OO acres, in one tract, and 123 in another tract on the north side of Staunton river and 87 acres on the south side of Reedy creek in 1741; then in 1747 he bought two tracts of 425 acres and 125 acres from Colonel John Bolling, surveyed by Colonel William Cabell, and located at the mouth of Blackwater creek on James river, including the site of Lynchburg, "being one-half barren and the other plantable." Lynch then moved to Chestnut Hill on James river, but lived only a few years, dying there in 1753. He was not a Quaker; his wife joined the Society of Friends in 1750 about the time they moved from Lynch’s ferry on the Rivanna, north fork, and settled on lands near the ferry, on Fluvanna, the south fork of James river. Mrs. Lynch qualified as executrix on Lynch's estate, with John and Joseph Anthony and William Cabell as securities. She added to the estate in 1758, 57 acres on the north branch of Fishing creek, and three tracts of 1OO, 4OO, and 322 acres in 1759, land on Lynch's and Stovall's creeks, also 3,480 acres on the south side of Staunton, north side of Otter, including Briery creek. It was through efforts of Mrs. Lynch that a Quaker Meeting was established in the county, and this she started by sitting alone with her children for divine worship; a large quarterly meeting grew out of this small beginning. She provided the site upon which the first building was erected in 1757. The meeting becoming established, drew members and their families from other sections, and by the beginning of Revolutionary times, the community was well populated. Governmental requirements caused early settlers in Virginia to conform to the established English church. Laws of 1659, 1662 and 1693 prohibited unlawful assembling of Quakers-made it penal for any master of a vessel to bring a Quaker into the colony—ordered those already here, and such as should come afterwards, to be imprisoned till they should leave the country-provided a milder punishment for their first and second return, but death for their third. Prohibited all persons from suffering their meetings in or near their houses, entertaining them individually or disposing of books which supported their tenets. Quakers were escaping from persecution in England and turning to this country as a refuge affording civil and religious freedom. They found that legislation in Virginia only favored the English church, a condition lasting a century. Then other opinions began to be held and at the commencement of the Revolution two-thirds of the people had become dissenters. Laws were still oppressive, but moderation had replaced intolerance, and the determination of the Quakers had won for them respect and recognition. They were already settled in Bedford at the beginning of war, and some of their young men were incited to enter the patriot army, even with the penalty of disownment from the Society. During the war period that restriction caused disagreement among themselves. In 1749 a meeting was established near the Sugar Loaf Mountains with Christopher and Bowling Clark as overseers; this was in the present county of Albemarle near Stony Point. The road between the Camp Creek Quakers of Louisa and the Sugar Loaf meeting was called "Clark's Tract," that family having been among the first settlers in the locality. In August, 1754, the Friends of South River petitioned that they might have a meeting, which being granted them in October of that year, Bowling and Edward Clark were appointed overseers for the meeting which was to be located south of the river three or four miles southward of where Lynchburg was afterwards started, at Lynch's creek of Blackwater, on land given by Sarah Lynch, sister of the Clark overseers. In 1756 a second meeting was located on Goose creek, a tributary of Staunton river but was abandoned after two years on account of annoyances from Indians. When the division of Bedford was made Friends aided in the settlement of Campbell and deserve a place in the history of its early days. Many names of South River Quakers are held by descendants of those who remained—Adams, Clark, Davis, Lynch, Pleasants, Terrell, Moorman, Anthony, though we must look in other states for many other names. Inquiry into the history of these Quakers discloses two significant facts: that they were foremost in demonstrating their attitude towards slavery by freeing their slaves; and that whereas women of other sects were merely followers in religious exercises, Quakeresses were accorded equality in church government and furnish first suggestion of female suffrage. Mrs. Sarah Clark-Lynch was example of the latter, she having taken the initial steps to secure the meeting and provided a place; her daughter, Sarah Lynch-Terrell, was leader in anti-slavery movement, having, before her death in 1773, expressed her sentiments in that connection so forcibly, they were read at meetings as "The last sayings of Sarah Terrell," and were promptly acted upon by Christopher Anthony, Christopher Johnson, Micajah Terrell, Charles Moorman, John Venable and others. Many gave up the Society and held their slaves; others held to the Society and freed their slaves. Some of the latter then moved to Ohio, and other non-slave holding states. Many outside of the Quaker fold were influenced to give up slaves at the time. The discipline of disownments caused breaks in society ties and Mrs. Lynch at her second marriage to Major John Ward, lost place for "marrying out"—Ward not being a Quaker. Her son, Charles, was disowned for taking "solemn oaths" upon his installation into office, instead of the "solemn affirmation" of the sect; besides Charles engaged in war, when patriotic fervor was uppermost in thought and action, and he appears to have remained cast out from Quaker Meetings. John was also disowned, but in 1787 he decided to make confession and humble himself before the society in order to rejoin them. Accordingly he sent to the monthly meeting of governors the following letter: "I have to acknowledge that being off the true watch I have given way to the spirit of resentment so far as to gratify that revengeful spirit by putting forth mine own hand to the dishonor of truth which has been a matter of sorrow to me and do sincerely condemn the same; and notwithstanding such conduct may justly deserve the censure of my friends, yet have I a hope and earnest desire remaining that I may be enabled, through a watchful care and diligent attention to that principle of Light and Grace, to surmount every difficulty that in future may be permitted to attend me. I therefore submit my case to the solid consideration of the Meeting." To the first Meeting house, erected four miles south of Lynch's ferry in 1757, an addition was made in 1763 and a graveyard provided nearby. In 1791 John Lynch deeded to Achilles Douglass and Ashley Johnson 1O acres where the Meeting house stood "in trust for the use of the congregation of people called Quakers; for encouragement and establishment of a public school for the pious education of youth; to build, uphold and repair the premises for purpose of divine worship; for regulation of church discipline, and for a burying ground, with entry in and out of the premises." Upon the land, then donated, a Meeting house was erected, walls of which form the base of the reconstructed church now used by the Presbyterians on Salem road. Between 1775 and 180O thirty Quaker members, some with large families, had brought certificates of removal and good standnig from Fairfax and the northern Goose creek Meeting to South River; and towards the end of the 18th century Quakers had become scattered over the county and had started places of worship at Hill's creek and other points, but they remained principally congregated at South River, which was headquarters for the Society until Meetings were completely laid down in 1858. QUAKER MEETING HOUSE ON SALEM TURNPIKE The building of the third Quaker Meeting House was begun in 179O but not completed for several years afterwards. It •was built of rugged natural stone collected and laid by the devout hands of those who later were worshippers within its walls. All councils and meetings of the Friends were held there until death or their removal to far-away sections depleted their ranks, and, finally, caused the disappearance of the sect from this community. Descendants of the Quakers, who remained, connected themselves with the religious bodies replacing this early sect, and in time all trace vanished of the latter as a body—which wore a distinctive dress, laid down and conformed to strict rules punishable with disownment if not observed, simplicity of living, and humility in worship— never to reappear, leaving behind the tradition of a peculiarly conscientious people who for years had exerted an influence for good, in living up to the tenets of their religion, and who had been amongst the earliest settlers in the county. The rockwalled graveyard in which numbers of the Friends were given a last restingplace, is near the church, and among those whose remains were interred there was John Lynch, founder of Lynchburg. No stone marks his grave, but from existing records it is known that he was buried in the northwest corner. Quakers did not approve of grave stones, and interments were only marked by rough head and foot stones, without inscription; it has long been an enclosed reservation where interments are not now permitted. Age and the elements combined to dismantle the old Meeting house of its roof and for years the neglected walls alone stood as a reminder of former service. Religious exercises conducted near the old ruin finally created the demand for a church, there. The preservation of the ruin was becoming exceedingly difficult and expensive, and while there was every reason for preserving it, the trustees although living in the vicinity found it almost impossible to prevent depredations. It seemed a happy inspiration of the Floyd Street Presbyterian church to acquire the property, and, in restoring it, to prolong its existence as an historic relic, and as a worthy memorial of its founders, by reopening it for religious services. Dr. John J. Terrell, then living, was one of the last surviving trustees and for 3O years its careful guardian. In his young days he attended services there with his Quaker kindred. His sympathy in the movement for its proposed restoration is expressed in a letter written July 2, 19OO, and was as follows: "In association of memories, as connected with Friends' Meeting House and graveyard, I stand nearly alone, and desire to see Christian work revived within its walls again. As expressed, within the past year, to Rev. J. A. McMurray, chairman of the building committee, I am in full sympathy with him and others in erecting a church on the walls as now standing. Unless so preserved, the stone walls, now partially remaining, will be despoiled to their foundation within the next decade or two. This I have prevented during the past thirty years by stress of the infliction of legal penalties." The ruin was reconstructed in 191O and christened "Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church." Rev. Arthur Rowbotham, of Alta Vista, former pastor there, has been succeeded by C. E. House, now resident in Lynchburg. CAUSES OF DISOWNMENT IN QUAKER GOVERNMENT Enlisting in military service: John Schoolfield and James Martin, 1795. Joining the Free Masons and conforming to sundry practices used amongst them that are burthensome to Friends, such as marching in procession with music and weapons, and also in the uniform of an apron, etc.: Samuel Jordan Harrison disowned 1794. Following the vain fashions of the world, making "bets" and using profane lauguage: William Harrison 1798. Attending and answering to his name at a military muster: Benjamin Bradford 1799. Gaming, using profane language and attending places of diversion: Moorman Johnson 1799. Dancing and attending places of diversion: Betty, daughter of Charles J. Johnson, 1799. Taking strong drink to excess, offering to fight, and hiring a slave: Thomas, son of John Johnson 18O2. For marrying (being first cousins) contrary to rules of Friends: Micajah Moorman, Jr., and Susanne Johnson 18O3. Following vain customs of the world and hiring slaves: Christopher Lynch 18O5. Moving out of the state without endeavoring to settle with his creditors, William Johnson, Jr., 18O6. Playing cards, taking oaths, attending places of diversion and joining the Masonic society: Asa Wood 1821. Disposing of a colored boy, named James, who was entitled to his freedom and who has since fallen into the hands of those who hold him as a slave and said Samuel would not endeavor to restore him to his freedom although Friends urged him to do so: Samuel Fisher 182O. Rhoda Terrell, daughter of Charles Terrell (who had an education amongst us), contrary to the good order used amongst Friends, joined in marriage to a man not of our Society, and having been repeatedly cautioned against it: disowned from our religious society until she makes satisfaction. 1804. Neglect in attending religious meetings: Robert Terrell. Hiring slaves and purchasing several: Jesse Terrell. Overseer of slaves; active in military service: Caleb Terrell. Catherine Pleasant Terrell: marrying James Bell (a man not professing with Friends). These were the parents of James Pinkney Pleasant Bell, author of "Quaker Friends," who was born in 1829 and who established the J. P. Bell book stores in Lynchburg and Richmond. Most of the disownments came through marriages contracted against Quaker rule; in the Terrell family alone there were twenty-two for this cause. In course of time many confessions followed their disownments, presented by those who were solicitous of returning into the Quaker fold. Enoch Roberts acknowledged that he had so far deviated from the peaceable principles professed by Friends as to suffer the spirit of anger and resentment so to prevail as to procure firearms for his safety, all of which conduct he did condemn, hoping at the same time that his future conduct would evince the sincerity of his acknowledgement: 1789. Milly Johnson acknowledged having married contrary to Discipline, for which she was justly disowned, and being lately measurably sensible of the disadvantage of such a separation, therefore condemned her misconduct in that respect and desired to be reinstated to Friends again, hoped that her future conduct, etc.: 1791. Judith Brown confessed that she knew not the worth of the right amongst Friends she once had in taking undue liberty, and suffering herself to be married by an Hireling Minister, which caused her to lose her right, which she had found to be a great loss, when it pleased the Lord to open her eyes and shew her whereabouts she was; therefore like a returning prodigal, she made her request to come under Friends' care again: 1792. Timothy and David Johnson acknowledged that they had deviated from Quaker principles in kissing the Book, etc., which they were inadvertently drawn into, not knowing the difference between an oath and an affirmation, which they were heartily sorry for, and if Friends could pass by that offense, they hoped in future to be more cautious how they committed errors: 1794. William Betts condemned his conduct in procuring a substitute to serve in the militia, although by indirect means; also removed and left some accounts unsettled, which had given trouble and uneasiness to Friends, of which he was sensible. Micajah Johnson condemned his conduct in being married by a hire-preacher. Achilles D. Johnson regretted the act of fighting, of which he had been guilty on account of its repugnance to the principles of the Society in which he had been raised and in which it was his desire to remain, and trusted that Friends would judge of his case in the spirit of forbearance: 1829. SOME OF THE QUAKERS WHO MOVED FROM SOUTH RIVER MEETING, CAMPBELL 1792—John Stanley and wife Sarah and children, to Westfield Meeting, Surry county. 1795—William Davis and wife, Zalinda, and daughter, Sarah, to Goose Creek, Bedford county. 1795—James Johnson and wife, Penelope, and ten children, to Goose Creek, Bedford county. 1794-John Johnson, son of James, to Cedar Creek, Hanover county. 1794 Abraham Runker to New Garden, North Carolina. 1796—Richard Tullis, Jr., to Goose Creek, Bedford county. 1796—Robert Wright and wife, Rachel, to Fairfax. 1796—Joseph Anthony and wife, Rhoda, and son, Samuel Parsons, to Henrico. 1797—Thomas Burgess to Deer Creek, Harford county, Maryland. 1798—Naomi Davis to White Oak Swamp. 1799—Jesse Williams and wife, Sarah, and children, to New Garden, North Carolina. 1799—Micajah Terrell and wife, Anna, and son, Achilles, to New Garden, North Carolina. 18OO—Agatha Dicks and her four minor children to New Garden, North Carolina. 1799—Micajah Davis and wife, Mary, and nine children, to White Oak, Henrico county. 18OO—Samuel Carey and wife, Rachel, and seven children, to Westfield, North Carolina. 18OO—Cynthia Bradfield and infant, John, to Westfield, North Carolina. 1799—Robert and Annis Pleasants to White Oak, Henrico county. 18O1—James and Mary Stanton, and two children, to Centre, North Carolina. 18O1—John and Martha James and children, to Westland, Penna. 18O1—Robert and Catherine Hanna, and four children, to Westland, Penna. 18O1—Jonas Harris to Westland, Penna. 18O1—Asa and Mary Holloway, and seven children, to Westland, Penna. 18O1 Benjamin and Amy Stratton, and three children, to Westland, Penna. 18O1—James Ferrell, minor, and his father, to Westland, Penna. 18O1—Daniel and Shady Stratton and five children, to Westland, Penna. 18O2—Mary Via, Westland, Penna. 18O2—Jacob and Rebecca Stratton, to Westland, Penna. 18O1—John and Sarah Tellus and four children, to Westland, Penna. 18O1—Joseph and Naomi Stratton and two children, to Westland, Penna. 18O3 Nicolas and Drucilla Crew and two sons, to Hanover. 18O3—James and Agnes Stanton, to Dinwiddie. The general exodus of Quakers occurred between 1835-7. ___________________________________________________________________ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com ___________________________________________________________________