EASTERN VIRGINIA— PITTSYLVANIA.
261
principally adapted to the cultivation
of tobacco, Indian corn, rye, oats, &c.
Population 30 persons, of whom 1 is
a physician.
Crafton, P. O. 156 ms. S. W. by
W. of R. and 236 S. S. W. of W.
It contains 7 dwelling houses, 2 ta-
verns, 2 blacksmith shops, a tailor,
and boot and shoe maker. Popula-
tion 28.
Chalk Level, P. O. 169 ms. S.
W. of R. and 247 from W.
COMPETITION, P. V. and seat
of justice, is situated near the centre
of the county, on a branch of Banis-
ter river, 1 67 ms. S. W by W. of R.
and 259 S. W. of W. in lat. 36° 50'
and loner 2° 20' W. of W. C. Be-
sides the ordinary county buildings,
it contains 125 dwelling houses, 3
mercantile stores, 3 taverns, 1 house
of public worship, (Methodist,) and 2
common schools. The mechanics
are, 1 watch maker and silversmith,
1 tailor, 1 boot and shoe maker, 2
blacksmiths, 1 wheelwright, 2 tan-
ners, and several saddlers in the vi-
cinity. This town is rapidly improv-
ing. Several large and handsome
brick buildings have lately been erec-
ted. The situation is considered
healthy. The land of the surround-
ing country is fertile, producing well
all the common staples — Indian corn,
wheat, tobacco, &c. Population 200
persons, of whom 3 are attorneys,
and 2 practising physicians.
County Courts are held on the 3d
Monday in every month; Quarterly,
in March, June, August and Novem-
ber.
Judge Saunders holds his Cir-
cuit Superior Court of Law and
Chancery on the 20th of May and
October.
Danville, P. V. 168 ms. from
R. and 258 from W. Danville is a
nourishing village, situated at the
falls on the right bank of Dan river,
near the S. border of the county, and
about 5 ms. from the N. C. line.
Dan river is navigable for batteaux
40 ms. above this place. Danville
was incorporated in pursuance of an
act of the Legislature in 1831-2.
It contains about 115 houses, 9
miscellaneous stores, 3 groceries, 2
commission houses, 2 tobacco ware-
houses, 2 Branch Banks, (Virginia
and Farmers,) 1 masonic hall, at pre-
sent vised as a place of public wor-
ship by all denominations, 1 male
and 1 female academy, in a flourish-
ing condition, also a private seminary
for young ladies, with upwards of 40
pupils, — 1 well organized Sunday
school, 1 apothecary shop, 2 tobacco
factories, 1 oil mill, 2 manufacturing
flour mills, 3 saw mills, 1 iron foun-
dry, and 2 taverns. The mechanical
pursuits are, 1 printing office, issuing
a weekly paper, {Danville Reporter,)
2 tanyards, 1 saddler, 2 boot and shoe
factories, 4 tailors, 3 cabinet makers,
1 chair maker, 2 milliners, 1 plough
factory, and 3 blacksmiths. The
principal staples of this market are
wheat and tobacco. Population sup-
posed to be about 1000. It contains
3 attorneys, and 7 regular physicians.
Hill Grove, P. O. 150 ms. S.W.
by W. of R. and 228 from W., situa-
ted 4 ms. S. of Ward's bridge on the
post road leading from Lynchburg to
Danville, 30 ms. S. of the former, and
40 N. of the latter place. This sec-
tion of country is healthy, and well
watered; the soil moderately fertile,
well adapted to the culture of tobacco
and grain. The growth of timber is
generally oak, pine, hickory, &c.
Liberty Hall, P. O. 121 ms. S.
W. by VV. of R.
Monroeton, P. O. on the right
bank of Staunton river, in the ex-
treme north western angle of the
county, 161 ms. S. W. by W. of R.
and 239 from W. This place some
10 or 12 years ago, promised fair to
become a town of some magnitude.
It was laid off in lots, and a consider-
able number of them sold, several
houses were built and occupied, and
one or two stores established; but by
262
EASTERN VIRGINIA— POWHATAN.
some fatality, it had no sooner com-
menced its career, than it begun to
decline, and every one of the first
settlers left the place, and most of the
houses were thrown down; others
moved off and rebuilt where they
were of more service, and it now
contains only 2 families, 1 tannery,
and 1 manufacturing flour mill.
Mount Airy, P. O. 164 rns, S.
W. of R. and 242 from W., situated
in the lower end of the county,
in a healthy and flourishing neigh-
borhood, about 5 miles from Halifax
county line, at the intersection of the
roads leading from Lynchburg to
Danville and Milton, and the road
leading from Charlotte to Franklin
C. H., 39 ms. from the former, 32
from Danville, and 16 N. E. of Pitt-
sylvania C. H. It has 1 mercantile
store, several dwelling houses, a saw
and grist mill, and 2 cotton machines
are in the neighborhood, and 3 houses
of public worship, 1 Episcopalian, 1
Methodist, and 1 Baptist. The face
of the surrounding country is level,
population not very dense, — the soil
fertile, and well adapted to Indian
corn, wheat, oats, and tobacco.
Paytonsburg, P. O. distant 148
ms. from R. and 248 from W., situa-
ted on the road which leads from
Danville to Richmond, 30 miles be-
low the former. It contains several
dwelling houses, 1 mercantile store,
1 tavern, 1 tan yard, 1 saddler, 1 tai-
lor, and a blacksmith shop, with seve-
ral private families. The situation
is eligible and handsome.
D
Robertson's Store, P. O. 174
ms. from R. and 252 S. W. of W.
Smith's Store, P. O. 162 miles
from R. and 244 S. W. of W.
Spring Garden, P. O. 160 ms.
from R. and 250 S. W by W. of W.
It is situated 18 ms. N. of Danville,
and 8 E. of Competition. It contains
a country store, house of entertain-
ment, and a blacksmith shop. There
is a Baptist house of worship in the
neighborhood, called "Shockoe meet-
ing house." The soil in the imme-
diate neighborhood is not very fer-
tile, The productions are tobacco,
wheat, corn, oats, &c: that of the
surrounding country is more so, be-
ing well adapted to Avheat; large
crops of which will probably be
raised as soon as the Roanoke im-
provements, which are now in a state
of forwardness, shall have been com-
pleted.
Sugar Tree, P. O. 20 ms. to the
S. W. of Competition, 187 ms. S.W.
by W. of R. and 280 S. S. W. of W.
It contains 4 mercantile stores, 1
Methodist house of worship, 1 com-
mon school, and 1 Sunday school, 1
manufacturing flour mill, and 1 black-
smith shop. The lands in this
neighborhood are generally good, ex-
cept immediately on the public road.
There are several small streams
which pass through this part of the
county and empty into Dan river.
Watkins' Store, P. O. in the S.
W. angle of the county, 192 ms. S.
W. by W. of R. and 285 from W.
Williams' Store, P. O. 152 ms.
from R. and 242 from W.
POWHATAN.
Powhatan was created by the Legislature in 1777, and formed out of a
part of Cumberland county. It is bounded on the N. by James river,
which separates it from C4oochland — on the E. by Chesterfield — on the S.
by the Appomattox river, which separates it from Amelia, and on the W.
by Cumberland. It is situated about 37° 30' N. lat. and 1° long. W. of
W. C, extending about 30 miles in length, and averaging about 14 in
EASTERN VIRGINIA— POWHATAN. 263
breadth, with an area of 280 sq. ms. The face of the county is level as a
territory ; although undulating with small sinks and swells, or bottoms
and hills running from the main ridge, which passes through the centre of
the county E. and W. to the James and Appomattox rivers. The James
river washes the whole extent of the northern frontier from W. to E. and
the Appomattox the southern frontier in like manner and direction. The
creeks are numerous: those which empty into James river beginning near
the Cumberland line, on the N. W and proceeding E. to the Chesterfield
line are, Muddy creek, which rises in Cumberland, runs in a meandering
direction N. and empties into James river between Cumberland and Pow-
hatan. On this creek there is a manufacturing mill, called Muddy creek
mills near Carters ville. Deep creek rises in Cumberland, runs N. E. re-
ceiving the tributary waters of Little Deep creek, Indian Camp creek,
Moore's creek, Mosbij s and Horscpen Branches, Swarm's creek, and Bailee's
creek, all empty into James liver some 7 or 8 miles below the mouth of
Muddy creek. On Sallee's creek are situated two grist mills. Jefferson
creek rises in Powhatan, runs N. and empties into James river, at the town
of Jefferson. Mohawk creek, rises in Powhatan runs N. and empties into
James river, one mile above Michaux's Ferry; on this creek is situated one
grist mill. Fine creek rises near Powhatan C. H. runs 8 or 10 miles N.
E. and empties into James river. On this creek is situated the Fine creek
manufacturing and grist mills. Jones'' creek rises in Powhatan, runs 12
miles E. and N. E. and empties into James river. On this creek are situa-
ted a manufacturing and grist mill, also another merchant mill running
2 pair of burrs, to which is connected a grist and saw mill, with 1 general
store. On this creek are also located a cotton factory and 2 other grist
mills, with 1 saw mill. Burner's creek rises in Powhatan, runs 7 or 8
miles N. E. and empties into James river, near the line between Chester-
field and Powhatan.
Those in the southern part of the county beginning at the lower end
and proceeding upwards or westwards are — Swift creek, which rises in
Powhatan, runs S. E. through Chesterfield into Appomattox; on this
creek in Powhatan are situated the Cedar Grove manufacturing and grist
mills. Hurricane creek rises in Powhatan, runs S. and empties into
Swift creek, 3 miles long. Skin Quarter creek rises in Powhatan, runs 8
miles S. W. and empties into Appomattox. Buttcrwood creek rises in Pow-
hatan, runs 7 or 8 miles S. W and empties into Appomattox; on this creek
Haskins' mill, near Genito, is situated. Gcnito creek rises in Powhatan,
runs S. W. and empties into Appomattox — 3 miles long. Lower Fighting
creek rises near Rocky Oak meeting house, runs S. W. receiving Scott's
creek and Hobson's creek, unites with Upper Fighting creek, and empties
into Appomattox. Upper Fighting creek rises near the Buckingham road,
runs S. E. receiving Tucker's and Blunt' s creeks, unites with Lower
Fighting creek, and empties into Appomattox. Between the mouth of
this creek and the Cumberland line, there are many branches, and small
creeks running through almost every plantation.
There are two principal roads running through the county — the Buck-
ingham road, on the high ridge between the two rivers, and the Manakin
Town road, between the Buckingham road and James river, together with
numerous cross roads.
The soil of Powhatan is various both in quality and appearance. The
old farms have been much exhaused by long and injudicious cultivation,
264 EASTERN VIRGINIA— POWHATAN.
but a revival of a geological spirit, with the use of clover and plaster,
Seems to authorise the prediction that in twenty years the land of this coun-
ty will again become fertile. The James and Appomattox rivers bounding
two sides of the county at full length, afford great qualities of rich low
grounds, and thousands of little branches and creeks intersecting and
variegating 1 every portion of the county, render the soil quite productive
generally. The principal crops are corn, oats, wheat and tobacco. The
last two are the staple products.
There are some coal mines in the lower end of this county. A pit has
been for several years regularly and profitably managed by the judicious
owner, Capt. Wm. Finney, in whose immediate neighborhood another
vein of coal has been discovered on the land of Mr Edward Scott. Indi-
cations of coal have also been discovered on the surface of the earth in
many places in the lower end of the county.
There are ten male schools now in operation in this county, under the
superintendence of competent teachers for the instruction of youth in the
ordinary branches of education. There are also two female schools under
the management of judicious and able teachers.
The Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians, are the only regularly formed
churches There are some Episcopalians, but no officiating minister of
that denomination. The old Episcopal churches, Peterville and Manakin
Town, have become free for the use of all denominations. There is also
a church recently established in the lower end of the county called the
Reformed Baptist, now composed of 12 members. There are also many
Unitarians in the county, but no established church of that faith.
Powhatan belongs to the seventh judicial circuit and fourth district.
Population in 1820, 8,292 — 1830, 8,517 persons, of whom more than half
were slaves and free blacks. Tax paid in 1833, $2752 46 — in 1834 on
lots, $45 58— on land, $1512 58—3049 slaves, $762 25—1791 horses,
$107 46—3 studs, $100 00—86 coaches, $198 75—16 carryalls, $16 00
—89 gigs, $50 25. Total, $2792 87. Expended in educating poor chil-
dren in 1832, $106 84— in 1833, $45 36.
TOWNS, VILLAGES, POST OFFICES, &c.
Ballsville, P. O. 48 ms. from R.
and 147 from W.
Flat Rock, P. O. in the eastern
part of the county, 25 ms. W. of R.
and 147 from W.
Genito, P. V. 29 miles S. W. by
W. from R. and 151 from W., situa-
ted on the E. or left side of the Ap-
pomattox river, in the southeastern
part of the county, and 36 ms. from
Petersburg. It contains 6 dwelling
houses, 1 mercantile store, a tavern,
blacksmith, and a tailor's shop. A
permanent bridge is thrown across
the Appomattox at this place, at
which is situated a large manufactu-
ring flour mill. Population 25 per-
sons; of whom 1 is a physician.
Jefferson, P. V. is pleasantly
situated on the south bank of James
river, 35 ms. above R. 144 from W.
and 7 ms. from the county seat. It
has a direct water communication
with Richmond, being situated only
12 ms. above the head of the James
river canal. The elevation of this
place affords the most beautiful pros-
pect of the surrounding country, of
any town or village on James river.
From a farm half a mile below T and
in sight of Jefferson, may be seen the
farms and residences of 8 wealthy
EASTERN VIRGINIA— PRINCE EDWARD.
265
and extensive farmers in the county
of Goochland, besides some four or
five in the county of Powhatan, and
from the same place there is a desi-
rable prospect of James river, both
up and down. It is a place of con-
siderable trade for its size. The ex-
ports are principally wheat and to-
bacco. They ship annually about
40,000 bushels of wheat, and 250
hhds. of tobacco. It contains besides
a public ferry, 2 stores, 1 manufactur-
ing mill, 1 tailor shop, 2 shoemakers,
and 1 saddler and harness maker,
The mail from Richmond arrives at
this place 3 times a week. It has
besides houses of deposite, 8 dwel-
ling houses; with a white population
of 50 — and a population of 70 color-
ed persons.
SCOTTSVILLE, P. V. and seat
of justice, 32 ms. W. of R. and 139 S.
S. W. of W. in lat. 37°32' and long. 0°
56' W. of W. C. This village con-
tains, besides the Court House, Clerk's
office and jail, 20 dwelling houses, 3
miscellaneous stores, a tanyard, sad-
dler, boot and shoe maker, 2 tailors, 1
blacksmith shop, and 3 taverns.
County Courts are held on the 3^
\Monday in every month; — Quarterly
in March, May, August and NovW.
Judge Clopton holds his Circuit
Superior Court of Law and Chan-
cery on the 8th April and 1st Octo-
ber.
Smithsville, P. V. 38 ms. W. of
R. and 1 32 from W., situated between
two creeks — Deep creek on the W.
and Sallee's creek on the E. It con-
tains several dwelling houses, a
house of public worship, (Presbyte-
rian,) called "-Mount Carmelp 1
country store, 1 house of entertain-
ment, a plough maker f and black-
smith shop; in the vicinity and on
Sallee's creek, there is located a
manufacturing flour mill, the pro-
prietors of which have it in contem-
plation to extend the navigation of
the creek to James river. There are
several benevolent societies organized
in this vicinity. Population 30.
Sublett's Tavern, P. O. in the
eastern part of the county, 23 ms. S.
W. of R. and 145 from W.
PRINCE EDWARD*
Prince Edward was created by the legislature in 1753, and was form-
ed out of a portion of Amelia Co. It is bounded S. E. by Lunenburg, S.
and S. W. by Charlotte, W. by Campbell, N. W. and N. by Buckingham,
N. E. by Cumberland and Amelia, and E. by Nottoway. Its length from
E. to W. is 35 ms.; mean breadth 12 ms. and area 420 sq. ms. — Its mean
lat. is 37° 12', and long, from W. C. 1° 30' W. The Appomattox river,
separates this county from Buckingham and Cumberland,
This county is well watered by numerous creeks, emptying into the Ap-
pomattox river. They come in the following order, viz : Vaughan's, and
Harris 1 creeks: Buffaloe— This creek was examined a few years ago, and it
was contemplated to make it navigable for boats, in conjunction with the lit-
tle Roanoke, in Charlotte. The Engineer made an unfavorable report.
Briery, Bwsh and Sdiiiy creeks. These creeks all run nearly parallel.
Briery is a sluggish stream, Buffaloe and Bush swift. The Appomattox
is a fine stream, narrow but very deep.
The soil in this county is very good. The gray land predominates. It
is of a sandy texture, and well adapted to corn and tobacco. Much of the
land presents the same appearance as the state does generally. It has been
34
266 EASTERN VIRGINIA— PRINCE EDWARD.
exhausted by continual culture, without any regard to system. A large
quantity of it is unenclosed. The pine in this county, as in most parts of the
state, takes possession of the worn out land, and renders much aid in restor-
ing the lands.
Prince Edward is rich in minerals and fosils. In the last few years
there have been many developements of its mineral wealth. Numerous
beds of calcarious rock or marl, have been discovered; and from indications,
it is probable that it may be found in large quantities.
Near Farmville, and in other parts of the county there are very strong
indications, that coal of the finest quality may be obtained. It may be found
by digging a little way, and it is to be regretted, that regular attempts have
not been made to explore these mines of wealth. If the navigation of the
Appomattox is improved, at no distant day, coal may be a source ot much
wealth to this county.
Copper ore has been found in various parts of the county very pure.
There are some indications of gold, but not very strong.
There is one solitary mountain in this county, "Leigh's mountain." It
is an axact cone, and adds something to the scenery. It is between Bush
and Sandy rivers.
Farmville, is a town of considerable commercial importance. It is situated
at the head of batteaux navigation on the Appomattox: however, boats can
get up much higher. This is the fourth tobacco market in Virginia, and
in point of the quality of its tobaacco, it is the first. More than half a mil-
lion of dollars are annually paid here for tobacco. The trade of Farmville
is drawn from Halifax, Lunenburg, Charlotte, Nottoway and a part of Camp-
bell.
Hampden Sydney College AVas founded in 1774 for the purpose of cher-
ishing those ideas of civil and religious liberty which were beginning at
that time to be diffused. It was chartered in 1783 and received its present
name from those two martyrs to liberty, J. Hampden and. A. Sydney. It
was established and has ever been supported by the private munificence of
public spirited individuals. It has an elevated and pleasant situation, 1
mile from the C. H. and 80 ms. S. W. of Richmond. The healthiness of
its situation is well known, there having been but one death among the stu-
dents since its foundation. The annual income of the funds of the Institu-
tion has not, until recently exceeded $600: but within the last 5 years, it
has received a contribution of $30,000, of which $20,000 have been set
apart for a permanent fund. The only assistance it has ever received from
the state w T as 2 small tracts of escheated lands, which were of very little va-
lue. Although the Institution has had to encounter many difficulties for
want of funds, yet it has generally been in successful operation and has ed-
ucated upwards of 2,000 young men ; many of whom have been of eminent
usefulness, and some of great abilities. More instructors have emanated
from this Institution than from any other in the southern country. Connect-
ed with the College is a Literary and Philosophical Society, and an Insti-
tute of Education. There are also several societies among the students,
which are of great aisistance to them in the prosecution of their studies.
The legislative government of the College is vested in 27 trustees who fill
up vacancies in their own body.
EASTERN VIRGINIA— PRINCE EDWARD. 267
The Presidents of Hampden Sidney have been
Rev. S. S. Smith, from 1774to 1779. Rev. A. Alexander, D. D. 1777, to 1806.
Rev. J. B. Smith, from 1779, to 1789. Rev. M. Hoge, D. D. 1807, to 1820.
Pres. pro. tern. 1789, to 1797. J. P. Gushing A. M. 1821.
Besides the President there are Professorships of Chemistry, Natural
Philosophy, Mathematics, and Language. The number of students lor the
last 15 years has averaged about 100. The number of matriculates this
year is 69. It has a valuable and extensive Chemical and Philosophical
Apparatus and a library of about 5,000 vols.
The buildings connected with College are the College edifice, 190 ft. by
50, 4 stories high and containing 48 rooms for student's, a chape , a library
and 3 other public rooms ; a President's house and a steward's establish-
ment — all of brick, and 2 other houses for Professors. Annual expenses —
for tuition, board, room rent, washing, $150.
Commencement is on the 4th Wednesday in September. Vacations —
1st. the month of October; 2d. the month of May.
The Union Theological Seminary is located in Prince Edward Co. in
the vicinity of the C. H. and near Hampden Sydney College. The Institu-
tion had its origin in efforts made by the presbytery of Hanover, and the
Synod of Virginia, as early as 1812, to give to their candidates for the min-
istry a more complete theological education. It did not however go into
operation in a regular form until the year 1824.
The Seminary is under the controul of a board of 24 directors chosen
once in 4 years by the Synods of Virginia and North Carolina.
lis funds are derived from the free contribution of Presbyterians in va-
rious parts of the country, and amount to nearly enough to provide for the
support of 3 Professors.
Its buildings are of brick and consist of 2 Professor's dwellings, and a
central edifice, 196 ft. long and 4 stories high, containing a chapel, library,
lecture rooms, museum, depository, dining hall, rooms for 100 students, and
for the family of a steward. The library is small, containing only 3,000
vols, but is highly valuable from the care employed in its selection.
Its officers are the Professors of the Institution, namely, those of Chris-
tian Theology, of Ecclesiastical History and Polity, of Oriental Literature
and such others as may be chosen. These constitute a faculty for internal
government, of which the Professor of Christian Theology is ex-orficio
chairman.
Its students are only those who design to become ministers of the gospel.
Any such person can become a member of the Institution, who is a mem-
ber of any Christian church, who sustains before the faculty a satisfactory
examination on personal experience of religion, who has graduated at some
reputable College, or gained in some other way a liberal education.
The course of study in the Institution embraces the Hebrew and Chal-
dee languages, Jewisn Archiology, Sacred Geography, Biblical Criticism,
Biblical Literature, Biblical Interpretation, Theory and Practice, Biblical
History, Ecclesiastical History and Polity, Church Government, Natural
Theology, Evidences of Revelation, Canon Christian Theology, Confes-
sion of Faith, Pastoral Theology, and the Composition and Delivery of Ser-
mons.
268
EASTERN VIRGINIA— PRINCE EDWARD.
Since 1824, 127 students have belonged to the Institution, and its chairs
have been filled as follows : —
Theology— John H. Rice, D. D. inaugurated 1824,— died 1831.
Oriental Lit — Hiram P. Goodrich, inaugurated 1828.
Theology — George A. Baxter, inaug. 1832.
Church History — Vacant.
Assistant — Elisha Ballantine.
The people of this county are generally intelligent and well informed.
The Presbyterian denomination are more numerous than in any other Co.
in the state. Population in 1820, 12,587— in 1830, 14,109, or 55 to the
sq. m. giving an increase of 1,530 in 10 yrs; of the last amount there were
whites, 5,5 1 4, and 8,593 blacks, giving an increase of 3,079 over the free popu-