USA > Maryland > Caroline County > History of Caroline County, Maryland, from its beginning > Part 15
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An act for erecting a town at the bridge near the head of Great Choptank River in Dorchester and Queen Anne's counties was passed in 1732. The act made these provisions for the laying out of the town.
1 Commissioners were to purchase twenty acres of land in each of the counties at Choptank Bridge, lying most convenient to the river, and have it surveyed and laid out in forty equal lots, al- lowing sufficient space for streets etc. with posts towards every street. For better distinction the lots were to be numbered from one to forty. 2 The owner of the land on each side was to have first choice of one lot, after which the remaining lots were to be taken up by others. No person could purchase more than one lot during the first four months and these were to be purchased only by inhabi- tants of the respective counties. Any lots not thus taken up at the expiration of six months could be bought by any one desiring them, and gave the purchaser an absolute estate in fee simple, if they complied with other requisites of the act.
3 The surveyor was to return a plat of the town to the Clerk of the court of each county, to be kept among their records.
4 To secure the ownership of a lot it was necessary within eighteen months from the date of purchase, to erect thereon a house covering 400 square feet of ground. In case this was not done any one else had the privilege of building there, by paying the original sum set and assessed upon such lots.
5 Lots not taken up within seven years after publication of this act were to revert to the original owner.
6 The name given to the village was Bridge-Town. Pos- sessors of lots were to pay one penny current money of Maryland each year to his lordship for each lot.
A sale of one of the lots above mentioned is recorded in the following.
August 27, 1734. Nathaniel Wright of Queen-Anne's County conveys to Peter Rich, of same county, for 500 lbs. of tobacco, "A lot or parcel of ground lying or being in a town lately laid out at the head of Choptank River called Bridge-town, the said lot being numbered six, beginning at a chestnut stake marked as aforesaid and runs according to the plat of said town, together with all hous- es, gardens, orchards, wood-way, waters, water sources and all profits, commodities etc."
The warehouse at Bridgetown was built under the follwing act :
"BE IT ENACTED by the General Assembly of Maryland, That William Hughlett, of Caroline County, be and he is hereby author- ized to build at Bridgetown a warehouse, for containing and secur- ing tobacco offered for inspection, if in the judgment of the levy court of Caroline county, the erecting of such warehouse would promote the public interest and convenience, and he. the said Wil- liam Hughlett, or those claiming to hold under him, shall provide and keep constantly in repair, beams, screws, scales, weights, brands and marking irons, and all other things necessary for n-
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specting tobacco brought into the said warehouse for inspection; and the said warehouse, when erected and finished, shall be deem- ed a public warehouse, and the proprietor or proprietors thereof may demand, and shall be entitled to receive, one dollar for each hogshead of tobacco inspected at the said warehouse, before such hogshead shall be removed, as a full compensat on for the expense of erecting the said warehouse and keeping the same in repair, and for the providing of proper scales, weights, brands and marking irons, and all other things necessary for inspecting tobacco and for the payment of the salary or salaries to the inspector or in- spectors of the said warehouse, as the proprietor or proprietors of the said warehouse shall agree to pay; and if any tobacco shall remain in the said warehouse above one year after inspection, the proprietor or proprietors of the said warehouse may demand, and shall be entitled to receive for each hogshead the further sum of twelve and one-half cents for every month thereafter."
Another interesting act passed in regard to this vil- lage is given here.
"BE IT ENACTED, by the General Assembly of Maryland, That it shall and may be lawful for any person or persons residing within the limits of the said village, after the first day of March next, to seize and secure any swine or geese that he may find at large within the limits of the village aforesaid, belonging to any person residing therein, and the same retain in his, her or their possession, till the owner or owners thereof shall pay the sum of five shillings for every hog or half dozen of geese, and a propor- tionable sum for every goose, so taken up, one half for the use of the person or persons taking up and securing the same, the other half for the use of the poor in said county; and in case the owner or owners of swine and geese seized and secured as aforesaid shall not, within three days notice after such seizure pay the aforesaid sum of five shillings for every hog or half dozen geese, and in pro- portion for every goose seized as aforesaid, to the person or per- sons seizing the same, in such case the whole of such seizure shall be absolutely forfeited for the uses aforesaid, and it shall be law- ful for the person or persons, seizing to sell the game, by public vendue. in the said village, within five days between nine and ten o'clock in the forenoon of the said day, and to apply the monies arising from such sale to the use aforesaid."
In November 1791 the General Assembly of Mary- land authorized the purchase of "any quantity of land not exceeding one hundred acres contiguons to Chop- tank bridge."
This was to be surveyed and erected into a village to be called Greensboro and takes in what was originally known as Bridgetown.
Bridgetown was the site of the county court which was held here for four sessions-Nov., Dec., 1778. June, 1779, Oct., 1779, March, 1780.
It has long been an open question as to where the Bridgetown Court met. However we have definite knowledge that it met in an Almshouse which stood about a quarter of a mile down from the present Chop-
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tank Bridge, at some distance back from the water. Since then the river has changed its course somewhat and the site is now closer to the water. A few years since, al- most a century and a half after the courts, while exca- vations were being made for some buildings the workmen dug up bones from what had once been the old pauper graveyard. (For the above information we are indebt- ed to Mr. James Nichols and older citizens of Greens- boro.)
A RHYME OF BYGONE YEARS.
Listen, good people, and you shall hear The story of many a bygone year, Reaching back to the days of yore When Indians wandered on Eastern Shore. Even to sixteen-hundred eight (160S) When Smith explored the Eastern state.
Once more, five years ere Baltimore came Claibourn exploring found again
Metapeake, Nanticoke, and Choptank,
Lurking in forests deep and dank.
Sixteen-hundred sixty-nine (1669) This is the year in which I find Governor Calvert-Charles by name Granted the Indians certain claim
To lands. These they could call their own
A "Reservation". The Indians home. Six beaver skins they yearly sent To the Lord Proprietor for rent.
For sixteen-hundred eighty-three (1683) An interesting chapter see. To the home of William Troth one day A drunken Indian chanced to stray, He, both with tomahawk and gun, Tried for Troth's life-Then away he run.
The trial came, Court judgment sent The Indian far. 'Twas, "Banishment". On the Court records e'en to-day is The noted trial of Poh Poh Caquis.
Years passed. In seventeen-hundred-four (1704) The rising power of the white man bore The Red man backward through forest glade, 'Twas then the Nanticoke Treaty was made. So civilization rose like the tide And the Indians were scattered far and wide.
As time rolled on the traffic grew, And so, in seventeen thirty-two (1732) The government granted the people right To plot a town on Greensboro's site. A bridge across the river was thrown, Accordingly it was called Bridgetown.
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Twenty acres in Dorchester lay Per acre twenty-four shillings they pay, Twenty more by Queen Anne were given Shillings per acre, twenty-seven, And the purchasers paid for years,-oh many The Lord Proprietor a tax of one penny. Such is the story I tell to you Of Greensboro,-Seventeen thirty-two. (1732)
In fifty-six Arcadians came (1756) The Huguenot French well known to fame, Who knows but some fair Evangeline At Bridgetown crossing was oftimes seen.
Then just before the birth of our Nation Caroline County was given foundation,
Made from Queen Anne and Dorchester-
Talbot also formed part of her. Caroline Calvert the name was for,
Wife of Lord Eden, the Governor
Who served the King on Eastern Shore
The year of our Lord. seventeen-seventy-four. (1774)
Soon was the Revolution here
With its midnight ride of Paul Revere.
Soldiers were gathering by the score, And Caroline added one company more.
What found we then in a soldiers pack? What carried he in his haversack?
One half pound powder; a bag of ball;
Two pounds of lead, Nor was this all, A cartridge box filled with cartouch ;
A powder horn. What more could you wish
Except his flintlock with trigger set. And barrel pointed by bayonet.
Some of the bravest no doubt were found,
Carrying guns from old Bridgetown Then, they made the English run, Just as yesterday they made the Hun.
Seventeen hundred ninety-one (1791) War was over. Peace had come. The State Assembly authorized That Bridgetown be reorganized. The old town stood as heretofore But added one hundred acres more
Purchased from lands on the Western bank
Where the bridge led over the old Choptank.
There on an Indian summer day Old Bridgetown was laid away. The new town born was called I trow By its present name of Greensboro. Both records and folk-lore prove I ween That the town was named for one Valentine Green.
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You know the rest,-How Greensboro through The following century steadily grew,
How in eighteen-eight (1808) a new bridge was thrown Over the Choptank. The old was down, How eighteen-sixteen (1816) Public School And free education became the rule, Then at a date that has not appeared A Presbyterian Church was reared.
Later Episcopal and M. E.
Were added to Greensboro's family tree.
In eighteen-twenty-five (1825) you get Your medicine from Dr. Rousset. In 1880 a newspaper. Guess?
Why of course the Greensboro Free Press.
Railroad, factories, canneries came.
Now Greensboro is known to fame.
Here's a toast. May her fame spread far and wide Then, higher rise, like a Choptank tide.
And though in distant lands we roam
May we e'er be proud to call Greensboro-Home.
Recited by BESSIE EDWARDS.
LANDMARKS.
The following are links in the chain connecting Greensboro's past and present :
THE AILANTHUS GATEWAY.
On the Main street of Greensboro adjacent to Four Corners stand two Ailanthus trees, separated by less than six feet, their sturdy trunks and towering tops tell- ing of the passage of time.
The story goes that almost a century ago when the house was first built what is now the sidewalk formed a narrow front yard. The owner brought home his young bride and together they planted two slender trees, one on either side of the gateway.
Time passed and the slender trees grew until their massive trunks and overhanging branches formed an archway beneath which swung the gate.
As the years rolled on the hand of time rested heav- ily on the house, on the inmates, on all save the trees, which stand like faithful sentinels casting their shadows on the third generation who stand beneath at the Ailan- thus Gateway.
THE OLD TILDEN HOUSE.
On the south-west corner of Main Street and Rail- road Avenue stands a residence gray with the passing
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Old Main Street, Greensboro.
Ailanthus Gateway.
Crawford House.
Saddle Bags of Dr. Roussett. First School.
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years. This is one of the oldest buildings in Greensboro. The time of its erection has not been definitely deter- mined but we place it about 1844.
The court records give this land as part of a tract known as Ingram's Desire, and the sale of said lot, con- taining "One hundred and thirteen perches and seven hundredths of a perch" to Chas. M. Tilden by Henry M. Godwin on Apr. 11, 1844 for $138. No mention is made of improvements, but shortly afterward the property was sold at a much higher amount, indicating a building.
THE FRIEND'S MEETING HOUSE.
On the south side of town along Maple Avenue may be seen a plot of ground marked by two marble slabs. These are of a comparatively recent date-1862 and 1864 -- but they serve as a landmark and carry the mind back to the days of long ago.
Folk lore tells of the burying ground-The God's Acre of the Quakers-that lay there. Tells of many oth- er graves, always unmarked, now levelled and become but a memory. The property at that time extended from the present property of J. C. Smith to Main street. The Friend's meeting house stood next the street where part of it is incorporated in the present home of William Ken- nard (colored).
THE HUGHLETT RUIN.
On the North side of Greensboro may be seen sec- tions of the lower part of a one time substantial building in early days the property of the Hughletts, once pro- prietors of all Denton Valley.
Many conjectures have been made as to the time of its erection, etc. Appended are some facts that may aid in its "time" and "use":
1. The William Hughlett family came from St. Stephens Par- ish, County of Northumberland, Virginia in 1759.
2. William Hughlett died in 1771.
3. The purchase of the section on which the old ruin stands was in 1769 as recorded on stone post "W. H. 1769".
4. Thomas Hughlett, a son prominent in both political and military circles of Caroline Co. was born 1740.
5. On a door of the old ruin yet preserved are the initials and date "W. H. 1769" formed by brass nails.
These have been looked upon as the work of the sup- posed original owner (W. H., Sr.) but as he died in 1771
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that theory seems incorrect. Wm. Hughlett, son of Thomas, was then 20 years old and it seems more like the work of that youth to bring into prominence the old and respected "W. II." which marks a line of stone posts that make a land line reaching over into Delaware.
The most plausible lore is this: In the early days even before Caroline County was, law breakers must need be taken as far as Cambridge or Queenstown for safe keeping. At times this was difficult so W. Hughlett to meet his own personal needs for tobacco storage etc. as well as those of the community built the brick struc- ture before mentioned.
Pointing to this as the correct solution we have the facts that the lower section of the building was divided by brick walls into four compartments or cells. In one of these was a chimney and fireplace for heating. No other use or reason has been assigned for such division.
The second floor had, as far as the memory of the oldest inhabitant goes, groups of large spikes driven in such a manner as was customary for the hanging and drying of tobacco.
The third story seemed to be used for making bas- kets, packing cases, etc.
According to this the erection dates at any period from 1769 to 1775, the time of Wm. Hughlett or touch- ing the time when his son Thomas was first sheriff of Caroline County. Later it passed from the Hughletts to other hands.
About 1825 Jonathan Nichols met Jos. M. Bernard and a partnership was formed after which a tannery was opened in the building. After the removal of the tan- nery John Sangston used it as a drying house for a num- ber of years.
Since then it has fallen into disuse and most of the brickwork has been removed for other uses.
REED'S BIG STORE.
This building altho' now removed from its original location and reincarnated as Wheeler's Feed Store, is worthy of mention.
In its early days it stood on the corner now occupied by the Caroline County Bank and was looked upon by Caroline County with even more respect than we today look on Hutzler's of Baltimore. People came from far
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and near to see the wonderful mereantile venture, and the aisles were thronged on a Saturday by sightseers as well as buyers.
Being built somewhat over 100 years ago it really was unusual in its day for its "bigness."
George Reed, previously mentioned, was sole own- er and proprietor.
THE ALMSHOUSE.
This was previously mentioned in the History of Caroline County Courts.
It stood on the Eastern Bank of the Choptank about 1/4 mile down stream from the Bridge. It is believed to have been there from 1778 to 1780 and served as a meet- ing place for the County Court. Nothing remains of it and even as a memory it was almost gone when a few years since some men in making an excavation found a number of scattered human bones. Then J. M. Nichols recalled the lip history received from his father of the Almshouse, the Courts, etc.
OLD MAIN STREET.
"Greensborongh" in 1791 was somewhat different in its plan than today. Main street at that time lay near- er the river. It joined R. R. Avenue a block below the present conjunction. then by a winding way reached the present Main street but a shore distance from River- side Hotel.
The old street has practically fallen into disuse but one need only walk that way to see the years that mark Greensboro's growth.
The weatherbeaten Crawford and Rousset houses tell the story better than any words can.
A FEW FACTS.
The earliest remembered families of Greensboro were :
a. The Hasletts, living over the river near where the present Christian home stands.
b. The Crawfords, whose first home seems to have been the brick building on "Old Main Street." This building has been previously referred to as the first home of Dr. Rousset. Later the Crawfords built and occupied the home now that of the Lobsteins. The latter house
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at that time fronted on "Old Main" but has since been reversed as shown by the front hall stairs ascending from the rear end of the hall.
c. The Tildens, whose Main St. home has previously been described.
d. The Hughletts, previously discussed.
In the early days of Nichols and Bernard's tannery a present day citizen of Greensboro worked for 121% cents a day (and board) driving the mule that furnished power for the tan bark mill.
In the days when a private school was held here (Miss Rich) punishment seemed even more severe than in public schools. In one case the girls were grouped close together, then a barrel hoop was put over their heads and slid down about their bodies. There they stood and any restlessnes was corrected with a switch.
Another-three girls did not know their definitions and were whipped with a "cowhide."
(By a Pupil)
HISTORY OF GREENSBORO PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Nineteen-sixteen was the Centennial year for the Public Free Schools of Maryland. Such schools were, a little more than a century ago, unknown in our state, but in 1816 a law was passed establishing free education.
Altho' the date at which Greensboro opened her first free school is not definite, folk lore points to a period al- most immediately after the passage of the law. Some time later a building for school purposes was erected on the north side of town. At the present time it is known as the Wyatt home.
At the time of erection it was a two story, two room- ed structure. The upper room was at first used only as an Odd Fellows Hall but later a private school was con- ducted there. The lower room was the District School, where, when the master found his pupils wanting on any subject he stimulated their mental activity by the use of the rod. He thoroughly believed in the old proverb, "Spare the rod and spoil the child."
In 1845 this building was repaired and continued in use as the district school until 1873. After that it was in use time and again for a primary school.
At this time (1873) the number of pupils demanded more room. W. C. Satterfield made a deal with the
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Board of Education contracting to erect a new school building near the Choptank bridge, and accept the old building in part payment. The ground on which the old (Wyatt) building stood had been originally donated for school purposes hence a clear deed of ownership could not (and cannot) be given for the property. As an eva- sion of law the foundation was (temporarily) removed and replaced by "props," and the house classified as movable or personal property.
The new building (Satterfield's) was located near where the Leverage home now stands. There school was conducted successfully for three years. Then in July, 1876 the new school was burned through some un- known cause.
A somewhat weird tale is told concerning the loss of this building. The ground on which it stood formed part of an old cemetery. There existed a superstition that any building placed on this consecrated ground would be destroyed by fire. The idea was based on the occurrence of a number of fires previous to this one, some very de- structive.
After the unexpected destruction of the riverside building the construction of the new (Maple Avenue) building was hastened and completed before the opening of school. September, 1876. The rooms (2) of the pres- ent building which front on Maple Avenue were opened. J. E. Carroll, who later became Superintendent of Kent Co. Schools, Delaware, was principal.
Since then by a process of addition and division of rooms this Centennial Year building has been made meet the educational needs of the town. It is a low rambling structure of seven rooms.
Although from time to time a number of private schools have been organized, and at one time the dignity of a boarding school was reached by one of these vet none of them had any permanency. Our state educational system alone remains and only the Wyatt house and the primary rooms of our school remains as landmarks of the educational history of Greensboro.
Late in 1919 the people of Greensboro raised by subscription about $1800 and purchased five acres of land from the Bernard estate for a new school site.
During the 1920 session of the Maryland legislature, provision was made for a new building by an Act autho- rizing the sale of $60,000 worth of County bonds for said
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purpose. A. W. Brumbaugh was the local member of the Legislature and the following persons compose the build- ing committee : C. B. Jarman, A. W. Brumbaugh, Burt Hobbs, W. P. Manlove and Jesse W. Porter.
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT.
Given by the Greensboro School, March 5, 1919.
PROGRAM.
1. Song "March On!" 2. Recitation- Bessie Edwards
"A Rhyme of Bygone Years."
3. Song- "Grow Greensboro!"
. Now as we sing this oldtime song Where the Choptank is washing to and fro, Upon its banks our Greensboro stands, Which was founded many, many years ago."
4. Original Play- First Primary
' The Red Men of Caroline County."
5. Indian Drama-
.Poh Poh Caquis.' Scene 1 Fifth Grade
Attack on William Troth.
High School Scene II Trial of Poh Poh Caquis.
6. Song- "Maryland, My Maryland."
7. Selected Story Play- "Little Black Sambo."
Grade Two
8. Dramatization- Grades Three & Four
"Greensboro's Slaves."
9. Historic Dialog- Grades Six & Seven
"Greensboro's Ancient Days."
"Home Again."
10. Song-
THE PLAYLET-GREENSBORO'S SLAVES.
During February our history work was about the slaves that lived around Greensboro before the Civil War.
We found there were quite a number. Some of them were owned by Miss Betsy Baynard, who lived a few miles from Greensboro. She was always kind to her slaves and they loved her and worked hard.
We found, too, that there was a slave dealer named M. Fountain who lived near here. He sometimes sold slaves into Georgia.
From these facts we wrote a play called "Greens- boro's Slaves." It was in two acts.
The characters in the first act were: Nancy, an old black mam- my with her little black baby which she is trying to get to sleep.
Nine pickaninnies who were always getting into mischief.
The characters in the second act were:
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Betsy Baynard, a slave owner. M. Fountain, a slave trader. Karl White, a Virginia planter.
Liz, (colored), a little house girl. Mick, (colored), a boy who helps around the house.
Old Mose, (colored), a slave that had been in the Bay- nard family for years.
ACT I.
Nancy enters the kitchen limping, carrying her sleepy baby on her arm. She sits down in a chair and says, "Dear me. How tired I is." She rocks her baby. Nine pickaninnies are playing around the kitchen.
Nancy: Sh! Sh! Sh! Everybody keep quiet while I gets ma
baby to sleep.
Violin plays "Humoreske". As Nancy sits rocking her baby the nine pickaninnies begin stepping softly to the music for eight measures-eyes wide, hands lifted-making no noise to disturb Nancy, their mammy.
Nancy stands and sings the following while she sways with the music pickaninnies still step softly: Go to Sleep Ma Dusky Baby-Tune, "Humoreske."
Sleep and dream of angels maybe,
While yo' mammy rests a little while,
Shut yo' eyes while I'se asingin, And the honey bees am winging Makin' honey fo' ma little baby chile.
Nancy: (To the baby) "Bless its little heart! Mos' asleep. Mammy'll put this chile to bed." She reaches behind her for the chair but a mischevious picaninny (Pete) had slipped it away while she was singing and Nancy comes near sitting on the floor. She catches Pete by the arm, shakes him well and says: "Why Pete! You pull a chair from under yo' mammy? Sposin I'd a sot down in dat flo'! I'd a most bust mysef open! Just you clean out ever las one of ye fo' I lick ye all."
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