A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Part 25

Author: Martin, Joseph. ed. cn; Brockenbrough, William Henry
Publication date: 1835
Publisher: Charlottesville, J. Martin
Number of Pages: 1278

USA > Washington DC > Washington DC > A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia > Part 25
USA > Virginia > A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia > Part 25

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Slaves, 2,293

Free colored persons, 607

5,737

By the census of 183Q, the frec

whites amounted to 7,755

Slaves, 6,349

Free colored,

1,956

16,060

The several classes have increased in nearly corresponding ratios.

Richmond has been frequently re- proached for a want of hospitality, and if this virtue consists in unreserved and indiscriminate attention to stran- gers and visitors,-the reproach is probably not altogether unfounded. It must be acknowledged too, that the manners and customs of what are called the leading classes, are not characteristic of the old Virginia cha- racter, which was frank, simple and

Besides the manufactures produced at the Penitentiary on state account, the city has its due proportion of the various mechanic trades, and private manufactories. Of printing establish- ments there are as many as 11, (per- haps an undue proportion) from 2 of unostentatious. In almost all consid-

195

EASTERN VIRGINIA-IJENRY.

erable towns, even in republican America, artificial castes or classes exist, which are founded principally upon the possession of wealth, or the mysterious refinements of fashion, and have but little reference either to moral or intellectual distinction. It is probable that this vice of cities is one of the chief sources of that preju- dice which is felt towards them by the people of the country. These re- marks, however, are not to be con- strued into a sweeping censure upon towns,-for although in all dense populations, there is always a greater or less degree of human infirmity,- there is also an equal concentration of the more virtuous and noble qualities ms. from R., and 134 from W. of our nature.

Corporation Courts are held for the City of Richmond, on the Friday be- fore the last Monday in every month: Quarterly in February, May, August and November. Terms of the Gene- ral Court are held on the 1st Monday in July and December. Circuit Court of United States, at Richmond, on the 22nd of May and November. The Federal District Court on the 15th of May, and November.

BELLONA, P. O. 2 ms. N. of Bel- lona Arsenal, Chesterfield Co. and 10 ms. of R., situated on the main road, leading from Richmond to Charlottesville.

SHORT PUMP, P. O., situated 12

HENRY.

HENRY was created by the Legislature in 1776, from a part of Pittsyl- vania county: It is bounded N. by Franklin,-E. by Pittsylvania,-S. by Rockingham Co. North Carolina,-and W. by Patrick. It is nearly in the form of a rhomb ; and its mean length 203 miles, mean breadth 173 and area 357 square miles. It extends in lat. from 36º 30' to 369 50' N. and in long. from 29 41' to 3º 08' W. of W. C. Its extreme southwestern angle is crossed by the two branches of Mary's river, but the greater part of the area of the county is included in the valley of Smith's river, which enters the county near its N. W. angle and leaves it near the N. E. angle. Population in 1820, 5,624,-in 1830, 7,100. Henry belongs to the tenth judicial circuit and fifth district. Tax paid in 1832-3, 81117 16-in 1833-4 .-- On lots, $9 66-on land, $642 26-on 1538 slaves, $384 50- 1409 horses, $84 54-5 studs, $51 00-6 coaches, $16 50-8 carryalls, 88 00-11 gigs, $5 50. Total, $1201 96. Expended in education of poor children in 1832, $149 52-in 1833, $277 11.

TOWNS, VILLAGES, POST OFFICES, &c.

DIXVILLE, P. O. 199 ms. S. W. Įcounty buildings which are spacious by W. of R. and 291 from W.

LEATHERWOODS STORE, P. O. 284 ms. from W. and 192 from R.

MARTINSVILLE, P. V. and county seat, situated near the left bank of Irvine or Smith river, about 70 ms. S. W. of Lynchburg, 207 ms. S. W. by W. of Richmond, and 299 from W. C. Besides the ordinary for the good health of its inhabitants ;

and handsomely built of brick-the court house being enclosed with a brick wall and having a well of ex- cellent water attached: It contains 8 dwelling houses, 2 taverns, 2 mer- cantile stores, 1 tanyard, and several mechanic shops. This little village is fast improving,-it is remarkable

196

EASTERN VIRGINIA-ISLE OF WIGHT.

being situated on a beautiful emi-'main southern post read leading from nence, commanding an extensive view Salem, N. C. to Fincastle, Botetourt of the surrounding country, and well'Co., in a romantic position, among supplied with excellentsprings. Seve- hills, rivers and creeks. It com- ral buildings are being erected. Popu- lation, 50 whites. of whom 3 are phy- sicians ; and 34 blacks.

mands a magnificent view of the Blue Ridge, and its collateral ranges. There is great variety in the soil in County Courts are held on the 2nd Monday in every month: Quarterly in March, June. August and Novem- ber the neighborhood, the land being of a free, productive character, and well watered; but not very fertile except on the water courses. At this place there JUDGE SAUNDERS holds his Cir- cuit Superior Court of Law and Chan- cery on the 1st of May and October. are strong indications of gold and iron, which are thought to be abundant in this section of country. There are TRAYLORSVILLE, P. O. 305 ms. S. W. of W. and 213 from R .-- situ- ated in the western part of the coun- located here a mercantile store, sad- dler, house of entertainment, and a blacksmith shop. Population 25 per- ty, 6 miles from Martinsville and 16 sons: one of whom is a physician. from the North Carolina line, on the

ISLE OF WIGHT.

ISLE OF WIGHT was one of the eight original shires, into which Vir- ginia was divided in 1624. Its name was originally Warrosquyoake shire. It is bounded N. by James river, which separates it from James City, and Warwick counties,-E. and S. by Nanscmond, -- W. by Black- water river, which separates it from Southampton,-and N. W. by Surry. Its length is 37 miles, width 11; and arca 407 square miles ; and it extends in lat. from 36° 38' to 37° 07' N. and in long. from 0° 02' to 0° 36' E. of W. C. This county inclines to the N. E. and S. W. towards the James and Blackwater. It has many creeks and swamps upon its surface, and a great variety of soil, though it is generally thin and sandy.

Population in 1820, 10,139 -- 1830, 10,517. It belongs to the first judi- cial circuit and first district. Tax paid in 1832-3, $1840 95; in 1833-4- on lots, 894 34-on land, 3906 62 -- 2178 slaves, 8544 50-1176 horses, 870 56-7 studs, 868 00-25 coaches, 859 90 -- 6 carryalls, $6 00-219 gigs, $125 62. Total, 81876 54. Expended in educating poor children in 1832, 8442 98; in 1833, $375 40.

TOWNS, VILLAGES, POST OFFICES, &c.

COROWAUCH, Swamp, Creek, and Monday in every month ; Quarterly P. O in the S. W. part of the county, in March, June, August and Novem- 35 miles S. W. of Norfolk, 101 ms. from R. and 223 from W.

ISLE OF WIGHT C. H. P. O. situated near the centre of the county, 89 miles S. E. bv E. of R. and 35 ms. a little N. of W. Norfolk.

JUNGE BAKER holds his Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery on the fourth of May and seventh of October.

MAYFIELD, P. V. 72 ms. from R.

County Courts are held on the 1st and 195 from W. This little village

197

EASTERN VIRGINIA-JAMES CITY.

stands upon 'one of the handsomestjother schools containing generally and most highly improved situations 150 pupils jointly, children being in the county, about 14 miles W. of Smithfield, 13 S. of Surry C. H. 12 N. of Isle of Wight C. H. and 28 N. of Jerusalem, the seat of justice of Southampton county.

SMITHFIELD, P. V. in the northern part of the county, 80 ms. S. E. by E. of R. and 204 from W. C. It is situ- ated on the south side of Pagan creek, a bold and navigable stream, 3 ms. from James river and 15 above Hamp- ton .Roads, on an elevated bank, about 25 feet above the waters of the creek ; commanding a beautiful view of both land and water scenery,-the country for 10 ms. on the opposite side of James river is in full view.

sent here to school from the surround- ing country, and some from great distances, in consequence of the heal- thiness of the place. The mechani- cal pursuits are 1 saddler, 1 cabinet maker, 2 tailors, working constantly several hands, 2 coach making estab- lishments, 1 extensive tannery ; and in the vicinity 2 cotton manufactories. The Bacon curing business is car- ried on here to great perfection, more extensively and perhaps more profit- ably than in any other place in the U. S. The bacon cured here has, long been celebrated for its superior flavor, and the manner in which it is cured ;- large quantities of it are shipped annually in coasting vessels; it commands the preference in all the markets, and it is a source of great revenue. The village is located on the main post road leading from Pc- tersburg to Norfolk 60 ms. from the former, and 40 from the latter. Popu- lation 850 persons; of whom 3 aro

It contains 350 houses, some of them handsome, 10 general stores, and onc apothecary shop, 3 spacious houses of public worship, 1 Episco- palian, 1 Baptist and 1 Methodist, 1 hotel kept in the best style, and seve- ral boarding houses, a male and a fernale academy, in which are taught all the branches of polite education, 4 attorneys and 3 regular physicians.

JAMES CITY.

JAMES CITY was one of the eight original shires, into which Virginia was divided by the Legislature in 1634. It is bounded on the N. and N. W. by New Kent, W. by the Chickahominy river, which separates it from Charles City; S. by James river, which separates it from Surry, and E. by Warwick and York counties, and York river, separating it from Glou- cester. Its length is 23 miles; its mean breadth 8; and arca 184 square miles; and it extends in lat. from 37° 09' to 37° 25' N. and in long. from 0° 03' to 0° 24' E. of W. C. The surface of the county is in undulating hills. Population in 1820, 3,161-1830, 3,838. It belongs to the third judicial circuit ; and second district. Tax paid in 1832-3, 8655 44, in 1833-4 on land, 303 41-1001 slaves, 8250 25-397 horses, 823 82-2 studs, 830 00-8 coaches, 817 00-2 carryalls, 82 00-81 gigs, $43 80. Total, 8670 28. In 1832 no school commissions report. Expended in 1833 in educating poor children, 854 23.

TOWNS, VILLAGES, POST OFFICES, &c.

JAMES TOWN. This town the first [now no longer exists as a place of British settlement in America (1607,) resort to the merchant or artizan; but -

€

198

EASTERN VIRGINIA-JAMES CITY.

the spot on which it stood must ever mile of the city, 60 miles E. of R. be full of interest to the Antiquarian and the Historian. The land on which it stood has been for a number of years in the family of the Amblers, and has been for some time past in cultivation. The only relic of the olden time, which is pointed out to the traveller, as he hurries past with the swiftness of the wind in the fleet and beautiful and modern steamers which navigate the James, is an old chimney, which we believe be- longed to a church. This old town, stood on a point of land projecting into James river in the southern part of James City Co., in lat. 37º 12' and long. 0° 14' E. of W. C.

STITH, in his history of Virginia, pleasantly laid out in parallel streets, (p. 160) says that in the latter end of June 1619 Sir George Yeardley, then Governor, called the first assembly that was ever held in Virginia, at Jamestown; which at that time and for many years afterwards was called James City. Counties not being then laid off, the representatives of the people were elected by townships : the Boroughs of Jamestown, Hen- rico, Bermuda Hundred and others, sending their members to the assem- bly; from which circumstances, the lower house was first called the House of Burgesses. The acts of this as- sembly, says Stith, were remitted to England and presented to the London Company, to be read in the court on the 20th March following; for the company had then the regal power of settlements, principally from James confirming or annulling the acts of Town, 7 miles distant. This place assembly.

We refer to the compendious his- this colony in 1698, some short time tory of Virginia, in the first part of this work, for more information con- cerning the history of James Town.

WILLIAMSBURG, P. T. and scat of justice for James City county, situated on the summit level between the rivers of York and James; six miles distant from each, though navi- gable streams for small vessels ap- some of our most distinguished pa- proach on either side, within one triots concerted measures for aiding

12 N. of York Town, and 163 miles from W .- lat. 37º 16' and long. 0° 20' E. of W .; immediately on the line dividing the counties of York and James City, embracing a part of each county in the corporation. This little city, though it has not advanced much in wealth or population, has many very interesting claims on the student of the U. S. It was the cradle of our political existence, and for a long time the seat of govern- ment of "infant Virginia." It now contains about 200 dwelling houses, some of which are going fast to de- cay, and more than 1500 inhabitants, many of whom are wealthy. It is with a pleasant square in the centre of more than 10 acres, where is situ- ated the Court-house, Clerk's Office, and Markethouse, lately built, through which runs the principal street, east and west, one mile in length and more than 100 feet in width. There is also a beautiful. green square fronting the old Palace, which was formerly the residence of the Colonial Governor. At one end of this street stands the remains of the old Capitol, which was consumed by fire, in April, 1832, and at the other William and Mary College. The place where this city now stands, and the adjacent country, was first known by the name of the Middle Plantations, and was settled in 1632, by drafts from the adjoining

became the seat of government of previous to which a great fire occur- red at Jamestown, which consumed the public records, and a larger part of the town, and continued as such until 1779, when it was removed to Richmond. The old Raleigh Ta- vern, where many important commit- tees of the Legislature met-where .

199

EASTERN VIRGINIA-JAMES CITY.

in the arduous struggle for liberty, men already prepared for entering on and where, it is said, Richard H. Lee the sciences, they were discouraged and others originated the plan to es- from resorting to it, and thus the tablish corresponding committees throughout many or all of the colo- nies, is yet remaining, and is occu- school for Mathematics and Moral Philosophy, which might have been of some service, became of very lit- pied as a public house; over the por- tle. The revenues too were exhaust- tico of which is placed a bust of Sir ed in accommodating those who came Walter Raleigh. William and Mary only to acquire the rudiments of sci- College, which was founded in 1693, ence. After the revolution, the Visi- during the reign of William and Mary, tors, having no power to change those who granted to it a donation of 20,000 circumstances in the constitution of acres of land; is situated at this the College, which were fixed by the place, and with various fortunes of charter, and being therefore confined advance and recession, has continued in the number of professorships, un- to exist as a respectable Literary In- dertook to change the object of the stitution. Besides this donation it professorships. They excluded the received a penny a lb. duty, on cer- two schools for Divinity, and that for tain tobaccos, exported from Virginia and Maryland, which had been levied by the statute of the 25th of Charles II. The Assembly also gave it, by temporary laws, a duty on liquors imported, and skins and furs export- ed. From these resources it received upwards of €3000, communibus an- nis. The buildings are of brick and

the Greek and Latin languages, and substituted others. At present it has 19 acting Visitors, and is under the superintendency of a President and 5* Professors, embracing the Professor of Humanity, who has charge of the classical department. There is also a Law department in this Institution. Fronting the building is a beautiful sufficiently large for the accommoda-|green square, of about 4 acres, In tion of 100 students. By its charter the walk leading from the gate to the dated the 8th of February 1692, it

College, stands the marble statue of was placed under the direction of not Norborne Berkeley, (Lord Botte- less than 20 Visitors, and to have a tourt,) who was formerly Governor of President and 6 Professors, who were Virginia, and .a man distinguished incorporated. It was formerly al- for love of piety, literature, and in the lowed a representative in the General early part of his administration Assembly. Underthis charter a pro- good government, which was removed fessorship of the Greek and Latin from the old Capitol in 1797, where languages, a professorship of Mathe- it was first erected, at the expense of matics, one of Moral Philosophy, and the colony, in 1774. It is much mutilated, though it still presents a specimen of superior sculpture. A very respectable Female Academy,

two of Divinity were established. 'To these were annexed, for a sixth professorship, a considerable donation, by Mr Boyle of England, for the in- and 3 other private schools are estab- struction of the Indians and their lished in this place. conversion to christianity. This was 'There is also here a Lunatic Hos-

- called the professorship of Brafferton, pital, sufficiently large for the accom- from an estate of that name in Eng- modation of 60 patients, in separate land purchased with the monies given. rooms or cells; and an addition is The admission of the learners of now making to enlarge the building, Latin and Greek filled the College by an increase of 24 cells. The hos- with children. This rendering it pital is neatly kept and the patients disagreeable, and degrading to young are well etended. Besides the court

200

EASTERN VIRGINIA-KING & QUEEN.

house, and other public buildings This city is remarkably healthy for mentioned, there is a public jail, an 9 months of the year. It has the reputation of being unhealthy the re-

County Courts are held on the 2d Monday in every month ;- Quarterly in March, May, August and Novem- ber.

Episcopal church, Methodist chapel, and one Baptist meeting house. The maining 3 months, though for many public buildings were no doubt erect- years past it has been quite the reverse. ed at great expense, but now present the appearance of decaying grandeur. There are also 16 stores, 1 manufac- tory a short distance from the city, 4 merchant mills in the vicinity, 3 tan- JUDGE UPSHUR holds his Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chan- cery on the 7th of April and the 22d of October. yards, 1 saddler's shop, and a num- ber of mechanics, who are generally employed, 2 benevolent societies, 9 attornies, and 5 regular physicians.

KING & QUEEN.

KING & QUEEN was created by act of the Colonial Legislature in 1691, in the third year of the reign of William and Mary, and formed out of a part of New Kent county. It is bounded by Caroline on the N. W .- Es- sex N. E .- Piankatank river, separating it from Middlesex, E .- Gloucester S. E .- James river S .- and Matapony river, separating it from King Wil- liam S. W. and W .- Its length is 40 miles, mean width 11, and area 335 sq. miles-Extending in lat. from 36° 27' to 37º 56' N. and in long. from 0° 18' E. to 0° 13' W. of W. C. The surface slopes southward towards Ma- tapony river, or southeastward towards Piankatank. Large and extensive banks of marle run entirely through the county, which furnish an inex- haustible source of improvement to this once barren soil: many of the most enterprising farmers have tried it, and the land which previously produced only six to eight bushels of maize or Indian corn to the acre, now bring 20 and 25; and as might be anticipated from such a result a considerable spirit of improvement has been excited among the farmers. Marshes abound in this county, and if reclaimed would doubtless prove valuable .- No county in the state contains memorials of greater magnificence than King & Queen, -on the Matapony a beautiful stream which borders the southern part of the county, till it empties into the York river, are the vestiges of many an- cient and once highly improved seats .- Among these we might enumerate Laneville-Pleasant Hill -- Newington -- Mantapike-Mantua-Rickohoe -White Hall, S.c .- known as the former residences of the Braxtons, Cor- bins, Robinsons, &c. The prevailing religion of King & Queen, is that of the Baptists, who have seven churches, and five ministers. The Metho- dists have four houses of public worship. There is one free for all deno- minations, and one belonging to the reformed Baptists (or Campbellites.) There are four classical, and many common schools; one extensive manufac- turing flour mill, and 25 others, and 2 tanyards. Population 1820, 11,798 -in 1830, 11,614. This county belongs to the fourth judicial circuit and second district. Taxes paid in 1833, 82340 91-in 1834, on lots, 81 79- on land, 81042 18 -- 3061 slives, 8766 00-1139 horses, $86 34-5 studs, 882 00-50 coaches, 8127 00 --- 1 stage, 82 50-10 carryalls, 812 30-

201

EASTERN VIRGINIA-KING & QUEEN.

315 gigs, 8176 20-Total, 82296 31. Expended in educating poor chil- dren in 1832, 8320 22 -- in 1833, 8329 37.

TOWNS, VILLAGES, POST OFFICES, &c.

BRUINGTON, P. O. 36 miles N. E.| buted the small amount of its popula- of R. and 240 from Washington ;- tion. situated in the N. E. part of the county.

CARLTON'S STORE, P. O. 44 ms. E. of R. and 137 from W. .

of R. and 115 from W.

DUNKIRK, P. O. some times called Todd's bridge, 54 ms. N. E. of R. and 140 S. W. of W .- It is situated on the left bank of Mattapony river, at the head of tide water, 60 miles a- bove York Town, on the main post road leading from Richmond to Tap- pahannock, 22 miles from the latter. It now contains only one mercantile store, and two dwelling houses. This place was at one time a village of considerable trade, it was the depot for the merchandise, and much of the agricultural produce of the contigu- ous upper country; but its extreme sickliness combined with other caus- es, has nearly obliterated it from ex. istence. There is a toll bridge across the Mattapony at this place, owned by a private individual.

KING & QUEEN C. H. 49 ms. from Richmond, and 142 from Wash- ington,-situated on the flat lands of tion 75. the Mattapony, about three quarters PATRICK, P. O. The distances of a mile from the river. It contains not mentioned on the P. O. list. besides the usual county buildings, 4 SHACKLEFORD'S, P. O. 67 ms. from R. and 160 S. of W. dwelling houses, 2 miscellaneous stores, a tavern, a magazine, and a tan- STEVENSVILLE, P. O. 31 ms. N. E. of R. and 130 S. of W. yard. There is in the vicinity a flour manufacturing mill and a grist mill WALKERTON, P. O. 30 ms. N. E. of R. and 123 S. of W .- handsomely which also has machinery for grinding and packing cotton. Population 14 situated on the west bank of the Mat- whites ; of whom lisan attorney, and 1 tapony river, 10 miles from King & Queen C. H. and from Dunkirk, It contains 3 dwelling houses, I miscel- lancous store, and 1 extensive flour a physician, and 40 colored-total 54. This village is proverbially unhealthy, being nearly surrounded by marshes, -- to this circumstance may be attri- manufacturing mill,

12 . 13. J.

County Courts are held on the 2d Monday in every month ;--- Quarter- ly in March, May, August and Nou'r. JUDGE SEMPLE holds his Circuit CLARKSTON, P. O. 32 ms. N. E. Superior Court of Law and Chance- ry on the 1st Monday in May and November.

LITTLE PLYMOUTH, P. V. 57 ms. N. E. by E. of R. and 150 from W. situated in the southern part of the county. It contains 7 dwelling hous- es, one female seminary, which ave- rages from 25 to 30 pupils, one com- mon school, two coach and gig manu- factories, 2 mercantile stores, and 2 smithshops. Population 50 persons; of whom one is a physician.

NEWTOWN, P. V. 38 ms. N. E. of R. and 99 S. W. of Washington- situated in the northern part of the county 3 miles north of the Mattapo- ny river. It contains 20 dwelling houses, one house of public worship belonging to the reformed Baptists (or desciples of Campbell,) 1 male semi- nary, averaging 30 pupils, 2 mercan- tile stores, a tailor, boot and shoe ma- ker, and a blacksmith, &c. Popula-

202

EASTERN VIRGINIA-KING GEORGE,

KING GEORGE.

KING GEORGE was created by the legislature in 1720, from a part of Richmond County. It is bounded N. by the Potomac river, separating it from Charles County, Md. E. by Westmoreland, S. by the Rappahannock river, which separates it from Essex and Caroline, and W. by Stafford. Its length is 18 ms. mean breadth 10, and area 180 sq. ms. It extends in lat. from 38° 11', to 38° 23' N. and in long. from 0° 03', E. to 0° 13' W. of W. C. The surface is hilly and soil diversified. Population in 1820, 6,116-in 1830, 6,397. It belongs to the 5th judicial circuit and 3d district. Tax paid in 1832-3, $1,724 87-in 1833-4, on Jots, $4 68-on land, $1,023 09-on 1,931 slaves, $482 75-1,353 horses, $81 18-4 studs, 837 00-32 coaches, $75 95-14 carryalls, $14 00-73 gigs, $42 10. Total 81,760 75. Expended in educating poor children in 1832, $249 92, in 1833, 8225 27.

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A new and comprehensive gazetteer of Virginia, and the District of Columbia, Part 25

Author: Martin, Joseph. ed. cn; Brockenbrough, William Henry Publication date: 1835 Publisher: Charlottesville, J. Martin Number of Pages: 1278

Author: Martin, Joseph. ed. cn; Brockenbrough, William Henry
Publication date: 1835
Publisher: Charlottesville, J. Martin
Number of Pages: 1278