Southampton County Virginia USGenWeb Archives News.....Courtland, 1906 

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COURTLAND - SOUTHAMPTON'S COUNTY SEAT. 

The History of the Town and its People - Its Business Firms - 
   and the New High School. 

[photo, captioned:] 
Southampton County Court House. Clerk's Office in Rear. 

         Early History. 

  A few years prior to the beginning of the 18th Century the early records 
tell us that Southampton County was cut off from Isle of Wight and that the 
County Seat was temporarily located two miles east of the present location 
on a farm now known as the "Bloomfield" farm and owned by Mr. Jas. E. Sebrell, 
of Courtland.  The only mark to indicate the old site is the number of mint 
beds now on the farm, from which in the good old days many a julep was 
concocted crowning a tumbler of the apple brandy for which Southampton has 
long been famous.  Not many years after this Jerusalem, on the north bank of 
the Nottaway, was chosen as the County Seat, and a wooden Court House built 
which was replaced by the present brick building in 1844.  Southampton has 
been fortunate in preserving its records from the ravages of fire which, in 
many counties through the South, have destroyed so much valuable history, and 
deeds under date of 1749 are in a good state of preservation in the Fire-proof 
vault at the Clerk's office. 

[photo, captioned:] 
Confederate Monument. Unveiled Sept. 17th, 1902. 

         Prominent Men. 

  Southampton's first Clerk of the Court was Samuel Kello, whose name is 
perpetuated up to the present time by many good citizens of our County.  He 
was succeeded by Jas. Rochelle, who held this office for many years.  Mr. 
Rochelle was an uncle of Gen. Geo. H. Thomas of the Union Army, and the 
great-grandfather of Senator Wm. Shands, the present State Senator from this 
District.  The next Clerk, who was a native of Brunswick County, Mr. Littleton 
R. Edwards, is still affectionately remembered by many citizens now living as 
a remarkably efficient Clerk and a man of fine character and principle. 
Following Mr. Edwards was the late Judge Jos. B. Prince, who up to this date 
had been Commonwealth's Attorney and who afterwards resigned the Clerkship to 
accept the position of County Judge.  The next incumbent of the office was Mr. 
B.F. McLemore who is now holding the Clerkship. 

  The old system of County government, known as the "Magistrate's Court," 
obtained in Virginia until "Underwood's Constitution" was embodied in the 
State Government in the stormy Reconstruction period just after the Civil War. 
Hon. Jos. W. Urquhart, a prominent member of the well-known Southampton family 
of this name, was the first County Judge and was succeeded by Dr. E.C. 
Barrett, who at the time of his election was a practicing physician in the 
county.  Dr. Barrett's successor, was the late Judge Jos. B. Prince, whom we 
have spoken of before as resigning the County Clerkship to accept this 
position of honor.  In his last illness Judge Prince resigned the Judgeship, 
and his son, who is Southampton's present representative in the House of 
Delegates, filled the office until it was abolished by the Constitutional 
Convention in 1902. 

  Jerusalem was the former home of Gen. Wm. Mahone, the Hero of "The Crater," 
and one of Virginia's most intrepid and fearless generals in the great 
conflict of '61-65.  Gen. Mahone's father, Col. Fielding Mahone, died a 
resident of Courtland.

[photo, captioned:] 
The Old Sebrell Homestead. 

    Legal Lights of this Period. 

  Perhaps no Bar in the State of Virginia was more renowned for its able legal 
talent during this period than Southampton's.  Among the lawyers both native-
born and those from adjoining counties, who plead in Southampton's Courts are 
mentioned: Broadnax, Claiborne, Gray, Thos. S. Gholson, Wm. H. Pretlow, Jas. 
Alfred Jones, Col. Jno. R. Chambliss, Jno Y. Mason, C.B. Hayden, R.H. 
Whitfield, (afterwards a member of the Confederate Congress) E.W. Massenburg, 
Gen. Wm. B. Shands, and Hon. Jno. J. Kindred.  The last named, who was a most 
brilliant lawyer, was a member of the Secession Convention in 1861. 

[photo, captioned:] 
Residence of J. T. Knight and Sycamore Tree under which Nat Turner was Hung. 

     Nat Turner's Insurrection. 

  This momentous event in our County history is too well-known to require a 
rehearsal of the facts in this article, and is only mentioned in connection 
with a picture in this issue of the sycamore under which Nat Turner was hung, 
now standing in the yard of Mr. J.T. Knight of Courtland.  Thirty-nine 
negroes, who were a party to this uprising, are buried near this tree and on 
the sites now occupied by the residences of Messrs. A.B. Cobb and E.P. Hart. 

  Jerusalem Becomes "Courtland." 

  So much for the history of old "Jerusalem."  In 1887-88 the Atlantic and 
Danville Railway (now the Norfolk Division of the Southern system) was built 
passing through Jerusalem, giving it a valuable connecting link with the 
outside world both east and west, and at the request of the citizens of 
Jerusalem, the Legislature of 1887-88 changed the name to Courtland and the 
town was incorporated by a bill introduced by the Hon. Jas. E. Sebrell, who 
was Southampton's representative at that time.  In this connection it is a 
striking fact that four members of the Sebrell family have represented 
Southampton in the Virginia House of Delegates: Dr. Nicholas Monroe Sebrell, 
Jas. E. Sebrell, Wm. Jas. Sebrell, (the present Commonwealth's Attorney) and 
Jno. N. Sebrell, Jr. 

[photo, captioned:] 
Southern Railway Depot. 

  Passing from the old Jerusalem to the new Courtland we find a pleasant town 
of something over five hundred inhabitants, with a number of merchants 
enjoying a good business, a town with people of culture and refinement, of the 
pure, patriotic Southern stock, prosperous merchants and progressive wideawake 
farmers in one of the best sections of Virginia.  The mercantile firms of 
Courtland are: E. Whitfield, general merchandise, clothing, groceries, etc.; 
Dr. E.F. Reese's Drug Store; Dr. W.T. McLemore's Drug Store; H.L. Williams & 
Co., Furniture and Undertaking; S.T. Whitfield, hardware; Dismuke & Williams, 
dry goods and groceries; Williams & Kitchen, general merchandise and 
millinery; R.A. Wynns & Co., general merchandise; J.T. Saunders & Son, 
groceries; Simon Merr, general merchandise; J.L. Emery, groceries; A.B. Cobb, 
general merchandise; L. Weston, groceries ; and Faltz, Brown & Co., (colored) 
general merchandise.  On Saturday of this week the Whitfield-Cobb Co., Inc., 
will open a large line of Shoes, Fine Dress Goods, Mens and Boys Clothing, 
etc., in their handsomely-fitted up new store on Main St.  Bain & Co. and W.J. 
Sebrell, Jr., deal in grain and fertilizers and are large buyers of peanuts. 
Mr. J.T. Knight operates a peanut factory and a sawmill; there are three 
livery stables operated by: Messrs. R.T. Whitfield, C.T. Grizzard, and W.E. 
Holcombe.  Wheelwrights and dealers in buggies and wagons: E.P. Hart, J.R. 
McLane and J.T. Johnson.  Mr. L.J. Eley is the barber and Mr. W.W. Moore has 
a jewelry shop in the town.  Miss Mattie R. Tyler is Uncle Sam's 
representative in Courtland, being the postmistress; Geo. Blow is the carrier 
on the R.F.D. route; W.N. Thornton is the Southern Railway Agent, and Mrs. 
Fanny B. Turner is the popular proprietress of the Peoples Hotel and dispenses 
goodly comfort to the travelling man.  Misses Lula Urquhart and Fanny Cobb 
also keep boarding houses. 

[photo, captioned:] 
Store of Dismuke & Williams in Peoples Hotel Building. 

  No town in Southampton is so well connected with its neighbors by 'phone as 
Courtland. In addition to the Southern Bell and Southern States, it has the 
Courtland [and]
Waverly; officers: Pres. 
Sebrell, Sr.; Treas. Dr. [torn] 
and Sec. J[torn] 
Southamplon Telephone 
F. P. Pulley of Ivor, Sec. [torn] 
E. Whitfield, T.A. Saunders, Vice-Pres.  The Courtland & Emporia Line under 
the general management of Mr. F.P. Pope, of Drewryville.

[photo, captioned:] 
Residence of Jno. N. Sebrell, Sr. 

  The town officers are: Mayor, W.J. Sebrell, Jr.; Councilmen: E. Whitfield, 
Dr. W.T. McLemore, W.J. Story, T.H. Birdsong, W.N. Thornton and C.L. Grizzard. 
Town Sergeant, J.W. Edwards. 

[photo, captioned:] 
Mayor W. J. Sebrell, Jr. 

  Among the churches of the town, Dr. Geo. H. Ray is the pastor of the 
Methodist Church and Mr. Jas. E. Sebrell the Sunday School superintendent; 
Rev. E.S. Pierce of Newsoms is the Shepherd of the Baptist flock with Mr. G.C. 
Kirkland as Sunday school superintendent; Rev. F.A. Fetter of Franklin is the 
Rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, which has as its Sunday school 
superintendent Mr. Jno. N. Sebrell, Sr. 

[photo, captioned:] 
Dr. E. F. Reese's Drug Store and Barber Shop of L. J. Eley. 

  The Masons and Odd Fellows have flourishing lodges of more than fifty 
members each in Courtland.  The Jerusalem District School Board is composed of 
the following members: Jno. N. Sebrell, Sr., Chrm., Jno. I. Turner, Clerk, and 
J.W. Johson. Mr. Jno. N. Sebrell, Sr., is a magistrate and Notary Public of 
the town and other Notaties are Messrs. W.J. Story and Jas. E. Sebrell and 
Miss Ruth Owens.  The following members of the Southampton Bar reside in 
Courtland and practice there: Wm. Jas. Sebrell, Commonwealth's Attorney, Judge 
Jos. B. Prince, E. Frank Story and Senator William Shands. Courtland is the 
home of the State Corporation Commission [torn] 
[torn] The ills to 
[torn] are 
[torn]eese 
[torn] whom 
[torn] this 
[torn] two drug stores of the town.

[photo, captioned:] 
An Attractive Street Scene showing residences of Jas. E. Sebrell and 
   E. Whitfield. 

  It is perhaps not generally known that in Courtland is the best Negro Bank 
in the State of Virginia with the exception of Richmond.  This institution, 
the Surry, Sussex and Southampton American Home and Missionary Banking 
Association, is under the management of Rev. O.G. Jenkins, President and Jno. 
I. Story, Cashier, and is doing a credtabie business. 

[photo, captioned:] 
The Courtland High School. 

    The Courtland High School. 

  The great stride which Courtland has made in an educational way is a matter 
for wonder and admiration.  Such progress is almost unparalleled in the 
history of the State.  Eighteen months ago the new high school building was a 
"chateau en Espagne" which has been turned by vigorous effort and worthy 
impulse into a tangible edifice in America - a reality of which the people of 
Southampton are justly very proud. 

  The small frame building used for school purposes during the session 1905-
1906 dwindles into insignificance when compared with the present imposing 
edifice with its high class equipment and extensive grounds.  The statement 
that the total cost will exceed twelve thousand dollars is well substantiated 
by the appearance of the building, its very modern furnishings, and countless 
conveniences.  No half way methods have been pursued, and nothing has been 
left undone which would add to its attractiveness and efficiency. 

  Before awarding the contract for the erection of the building, great caution 
was taken to have it conform in every particular with the best ideals in 
school architecture.  The committee in charge made it a point to examine 
carefully other recently constructed buildings and to call into service the 
best architectural talent in the State.  The result is a magnificent brick 
structure trimmed with stone, and containing ten rooms. 

  Concrete walks lead up to and around the school, and it is fenced in with a 
handsome iron fence.  The front yard is being tastefully adorned with flowers. 
In the rear are two separate playgrounds which afford fine opportunities for 
physical development. 

  Inside, the halls are covered with cocoa matting; the recitation rooms are 
furnished with individual desks, and a complete assortment of maps, globes, 
and other accessories.  The auditorium, in which the morning chapel service is 
held, contains an excellent piano.  This room is especially well adapted for 
theatricals and such entertainments as the school from time to time may give. 
One of the rooms has been furnished as an office for the Principal, and as a 
library.  The School Board has decided to devote a certain sum monthly for the 
purchase of books, and cases for them have already been ordered.  The State 
Library in Richmond has generously promised to co-operate in building up both 
a school and a public library. 

  The graded system in vogue is modelled after those of the best city schools. 
In high school work, courses in Science, History, Literature, Mathematics, and 
the Languages are offered.  The Department of Instrumental Music is proving a 
success from the outset, and if demands call for it, a business course will be 
introduced. 

  The instruction is in the hands of the following teachers: 

  The Principal, Mr. Algar Woolfolk, is a graduate of Western Reserve 
University, one of the foremost institutions of learning in the Middle West. 
Miss Rena Sebrell, Vice Principal, received her education from the Southern 
Female College, Petersburg, Va., and is a teacher of wide experience.  Miss 
Nannie Birdsong of the Primary Department attended Nansemond Seminary and has 
special training in the State Normals.  Miss Mary Lassiter, who is an alumna 
of St. Mary's College, Raleigh, N.C., has charge of music.  Another teacher 
has been found necessary to assist in music and graded school work.  She will 
begin her duties in the next few days. 

  The plan of merging several mediocre schools into one good school has proven 
by experience to be less expensive to the tax-payers and more remunerative to 
their children, and has therefore, been approved of by both the State and 
County officials.  The wisdom of the idea has been seen by the patrons of 
several of the neighboring schools, and these schools have been consolidated. 
The plan also is fast gaining favor with others.  Expensive conveyances for 
transporting the pupils of the consolidated schools have been purchased, and 
the "Kid Car," as the vehicle has been dubbed, is already in operation.  By 
means of it children are brought dry shod and protected from all kinds of 
weather into a comfortable and well fitted building. 

  The introduction of anything out of the ordinary usually meets with some 
opposition, but the harmony and enthusiasm of all concerned is universally 
manifest.  A most healthy spirit, indeed, prevails.  Those living outside of 
Courtland realize that the school is theirs as well as Courtland's, and are 
daily sending in their children - some from quite a distance.  The number of 
boarders is also increasing, the present enrollment is more than double that 
of the previous session and promises soon to triple it. 

  The School hopes to fill a long felt want in the community, and there is no 
doubt that its training will do much towards preparing its pupils to fill with 
more advantage to themselves and others the stations which they will occupy in 
life.  With such a noble purpose and with a liberal-minded people behind it, 
the County High School cannot fail to be a success. 

[photo, captioned:] 
The Peoples Bank. 

         The Peoples Bank. 

  This flourishing institution which has done much for the advancement of 
business in and around the County Seat was chartered in Dec. 1903, with a 
minimum capital of $10,000, and has steadily increased its business until now 
it has a capital of $12,000 and has declared an annual dividend of 6 per cent, 
since its organization. 

  Its officers are: President, Wm. Shands, Vice-Pres. F.P. Pope, Cashier Jas. 
E. Sebrell and the Bank's directors are, in addition to the above officers, 
the following well-known business men of Southampton county: Col. C.C. 
Vaughan, Jr., Dr. J. Emmett Sebrell, Dr. B.R. Bryant and Messrs. W.P. 
Gillette, W.N. Sebrell, W.J. Sebrell, Jr., R.J. Camp, J.W. Ridley, J.S. 
Musgrave, E.W. Davis and Jno. N. Sebrell, Sr.

  The Bank owns and operates its business in a handsome banking house which is 
equipped with the best facilities and safeguards for the convenience and 
safety of its depositors. 

[photo, captioned:] 
Merchants & Farmers Bank. 

   Merchants and Farmers Bank. 

  The Merchants and Farmers Bank [of] Courtland, Va., is a branch of the 
Merchants and Farmers Bank of Franklin, Va. 

  The depositors are protected by a capital stock paid in of forty thousand 
dollars, and net profits earned since its organization in 1903 of more than 
twenty-two thousand, making capital and surplus more than sixty-two thousand. 

  In addition to this strong money guarantee, its officers are men who have a 
high standing throughout the county and have demonstrated their ability to 
manage their own financial affairs so as to fix their ability to manage the 
affairs of this institution along unquestioned safe, conservative and 
progressive lines. 

  Its officers are Mr. W.J. Story, Cashier; Directors: T.H. Birdsong, L.L. 
Manry, Jos. B. Prince, W.J. Sebrell, Jr., and E. Whitfield. 


"Tidewater News" (Franklin, VA),  Vol. 1, No. 52, Fri., Oct. 12, 1906, p. 1 
   LVA persistent link: 
   https://www.virginiachronicle.com/?a=d&d=TDWNS19061012 

Additional information: 

Placement of the photos shifted from that in the original. 

Most of those mentioned above are interred in Riverside Cemetery, Courtland. 
   Southampton County Historical Society {SCHS} Cemetery Project, 
   Riverside list: 
   http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/southampton/cemeteries/riverside.txt 


Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by 
Mrs. Bruce Saunders (bs4403@verizon.net), 
and re-formatted by File Manager. 

file at: 
http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/southampton/news/19061012tn.txt