Mary Ann Pinnix Letter 1841

Letter from Mary Ann Pinnix (1816-1888) to her aunt (a sister of Reverend John Kerr (1782-1842). The letter was posted from Salt Sulphur Springs, VA (now WV) a resort on the popular "sprigs tour." Mary Ann had been to White Sulphur then to Blue Sulphur, on to Salt Sulphur and presumably Sweet Springs (near Union WV), and then was planning a return to Danville, Virginia.
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Salt Sulphur, August 13, 1841

I wrote to you from the White Sulphur and had hoped to receive here a letter from you in reply but in this I have been disappointed.

We reached this place last Monday. We left the Blue in company with Mr. Galloway, Mr. Leech and Mr. Patrick. The company here is principally composed of aristocratic South Carolinians, consequently there is our little sociability. But our company is very pleasant. My old friend Mary Perkins of whom you have heard me speak, arrived a few days since and we are again happy in the company of each other.

I've heard of you since we left Danville through Mr. Kerr's jr family physician who also informed us of the partial recovery of your daughter in law.

During the whole summer w whole Providence has preserved the health of the family and I think that all of us have been benefitted by travelling.

I received a letter a few days since from a friend saying that he would preach with pleasure the first Sunday in September. You can inform Mr. Kerr of this as he wished to make an appointment for him.

I fear my dear Aunt that you have been giving yourself unnecessary trouble in regard to a certain matter let me beg you again not to do so. I have another request to make of you that you will be kind enough to have a dove coloured drawn silk bonnet made for me. I would prefer plain silk but if that cannot be procured, plaid or striped will answer and please let the bonnet be drawn not plain. Ma begs that you will have those three gowns and the white dress done up for her but I suppose you have already had it done. I feel that I can never be too thankful to you for your kindness. I can only repay you with my affection. Cornelia received a letter from her mother saying that she and the doctor are very much obliged to you for their invitations and would accept it.

I am writing in the greatest hurry (as the mail will close in a few moments) and with a miserable pen, therefore I hope you will excuse this miserable scrawl and let no one see it. We leave this place next week, when we go to the Sweet and then to Danville where we shall probably arrive on the 3rd or 4th of September

Ma & Pa send their love to you and Mr Kerr. Cornelia is still where a gimaal.

My Dear Bro Kerr,

Bro Brante has assented to the request to preach in Danville the first Sunday in September 5th. I do not know who will be there … but probably and if he, no doubt, will fall a last of the day, we are all mercifully ….and looking forward to the …..all early

James Yancey Chandler Family

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James Yancey Chandler Family November 1919

Left-to-Right

Back Row: Georgia Beatrice Chandler (1913-2005); Gertrude Elizabeth Chandler (1911-1995)

Middle Row (Parents): Hattie Thomas Walters Chandler (1890-1950); James Yancey Chandler (1887-1938)

Front Row: Hattie Lucile Chandler (1915-1995); Lillie Mae Chandler (1919-2010); Willie G. Chandler (1917-1975)


Photograph courtesy Tyler James Chandler.

Samuel B. Cobb (1816-1887)

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At the time of the 1850 US Federal Census Samuel B. Cobb was living in the Caswell County home of his mother Nancy Jennings Cobb. His younger brother John Wilson Cobb also was part of the household. Both brothers listed their occupation as "Negro Trader." Their father, Joseph Littleton Cobb had died in 1827. Another brother, Henry Wellington Cobb, was living next door.

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In 1851 Samuel B. Cobb married Elizabeth C. Burton, daughter of Henry A. Burton and Nancy Graves Slade. By the time of the 1860 US Federal Census the couple had moved to the Oregon Hill Community in northern Rockingham County, North Carolina, and were engaged in farming. The couple had no children. Personal property owned was valued at $19,000. Before the Civil War this usually indicated substantial slave ownership. Real estate was valued at $5,860.

James Poteat (Yanceyville, N.C.) Envelope 1863

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CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA #11 cover with GIANT stamp E A Vogler SALEM NC VF

CSA COVER WITH COLORED CANCEL: 10c Davis; Type A, (Scott, tied to cover by RED Madison NC balloon postmark, stamp has huge margins but UL corner off, still only barely touches design, addr Yanceyville NC, some minor foxing, colored cancels are truly unusual on CSA stamps, Fine-VF.

Madison NC is listed in Dietz as one of fifty-five towns that used Red cancels. That may sound like a lot, but these cancels are truly unusual, especially so true to color like this example. From the GLADSTONE hoard of CSA STAMPS.

Source: https://www.ebay.com/usr/thecoverseller?_trksid=p2047675.l2559 [accessed 15 April 2019]

Caswell County Fire Service District: May 1, 2017

MINUTES – MAY 1, 2017

The Caswell County Board of Commissioners reconvened in regular session at the Caswell County Historic Courthouse in Yanceyville, North Carolina at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 1, 2017. Members present: Kenneth D. Travis, Chairman, David Owen, Vice-Chairman, Sterling Carter, William E. Carter, Nathaniel Hall, Jeremiah Jefferies and Rick McVey. Also present: Bryan Miller, County Manager. Paula P. Seamster, Clerk to the Board, recorded the minutes.


CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Travis stated “I would like to reconvene the May 1, 2017 Commissioners Meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to hold a public hearing on the Fire Service District Tax and when we start speaking on this we would like for everybody to limit it to 3 minutes each so that everybody that wants to speak will have a chance to speak.”

PUBLIC HEARING – FIRE PROTECTION SERVICE DISTRICT

Commissioner W. Carter moved, seconded by Commissioner Owen that the Board enter into a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed Fire Protection Service District. The motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Robert Vernon stated that he lives in the Cherry Grove district and he was been there for 47 years. He wanted to let the commissioners know that he is in favor of a countywide tax. He thinks the departments need it to be able to keep the equipment up and to supply the fireman the equipment that they need.

Bank of Caswell Articles of Incorporation

Bank of Caswell Articles of Incorporation

1. W. W. Kitchen could be William Walton Kitchin (1866-1924) who practiced law in Roxboro, Person County, North Carolina, and who served as North Carolina Governor 1909-1913.

From 1897-1909 Kitchin served in the U. S. House of Representatives. This may explain why Kitchin's signing the articles of incorporation was notarized January 10, 1905, in the District of Columbia. It may have been mailed to him for signature while he was serving in the U.S. Congress.

2. The other incorporators appear to be: R. L. Watt; R. L. Dixon; R. L. Walker; Jas. A. Hurdle; E. Hines Jr.; D F. Morton; F. B. Jones; and Robt Hairston. Please help with these names.

3. The Caswell County notary public was Marcus C. Winstead.

4. These materials may have been in the possession of Alice Charette because she is Alice Jacqueline Jones Charette (1925-2017), a granddaughter of Franklin Beauregard Jones (1860-1931) who may be the F. B. Jones listed as one of the incorporators and stockholders. Note: Alice Jacqueline Jones Charette is a maternal first cousin of Emily Jean Bradsher Scott and Martha Ann Bradsher Spencer.

5. A copy of the Bank of Caswell Articles of Incorporation was filed with the County Clerk in Caswell County, North Carolina. The R. L. Mitchelle whose signature is found on the document most likely os Robert Lee Mitchelle (1866-1935), who served as Caswell County Clerk of Court 1902-1922.

"During the busy Yanceyville years, Mr. Mitchell held many positions of honor and trust in addition to his duties as Clerk. In World War I he served as chairman of the registration committee, as County food administrator, and as chairman of the Liberty Loan Committee. As treasurer of the Red Cross, the Y.M.C.A., Jewish Relief and Armenian and Syrian Relief, Mr. Mitchell still found time to head the promotion for the Caswell County Agricultural Fair. Mr. Mitchell was president of the Bank of Yanceyville and responsible for training Mr. Sam M. Bason, his successor. He also bought the Yanceyville drug store and kept it open for the use of the doctors until Pharmacist T. J. Ham took over. He and his wife and family were greatly missed when they moved to Danville."

6. R. L. Watt became President, with E. Hines, Jr., Cashier. Later, F. B. Jones became President.

President: R. L. Watt
Cashier: E. Hines, Jr.
Capital Stock: $4,600
Chartered: 1905 (by the Secretary of State, Laws 1903)
Organized: 2 January 1905
Opened for Business: 8 February 1905

This was the only Caswell County bank reported in the 1905 Bank Report, which is a good indication that it was the only bank in the county. The Bank of Caswell, Milton, was in business from February 8, 1905, until November 28, 1914, when the bank ceased operation.

Local legend in Milton has it that one Daniel Hines, son of Bank of Caswell Cashier Edward Hines, absconded with the bank's funds around 1815 and departed Milton, presumably moving quickly. If correct, this certainly explains the bank's closing its doors.

The closing of the Bank of Caswell ended Milton's banking business, which had lasted, with some interruptions, for almost one-hundred years. No record has been found of a bank in Milton after November 28, 1814.

Note that the Bank of Caswell apparently was the third bank to occupy the "Milton State Bank" building. A 1908 map created to assist insurance companies assess risk identifies this building as the "Bank of Caswell."  This building is seen again on a 1925 map, but the use is not identified.

7. This 1905 Bank of Caswell apparently was the second bank of that name to operate in Milton:

"In 1871, a new bank was chartered, the Bank of Caswell, which was located at Milton, Caswell County, North Carolina. It was directed by "commissioners" John B. Blackwell, George Williamson, James Poteat, Thomas D. Johnston, and Thomas Bigelow. How long this Bank of Caswell operated is not known. However, it apparently ceased business before 1905."

Images courtesy Angela Daniel-Upchurch (March 2019). Click image to see a larger version.

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Emily Adeline Campbell Phillips 1840 Wedding Stockings

These are the wedding stockings of Emilea Adeline Campbell Phillps of Yanceyville. She was born in 1822 and married John Phillips in 1840. That makes them at least 176 years old.

They lived on County home rd and Blanch rd. I found these through internet detective work and calling. Wanda from Danville was very gracious and giving in letting me have a number of pictures and items of clothing from the Philllips family. I am tracking descendants to give them to.

Source: Rob Langlois 17 May 2016 Post to the Caswell County Historical Association Facebook Page

Memories of Vietnam: 45 Years and Counting by Larry Stogner

While shooting a story at RDU recently, I recalled the day I returned home from Vietnam in late 1968. There were no jetways then. There were stairs. A 50-yard walk led to the only doorway into Raleigh-Durham Airport.

I’d been gone a year, and my family was there waiting for me.  I was pretty nasty from the arduous 21-hour hop-scotch from Bien Hoa Air Base near Saigon. And my joy of being home was overshadowed by fear – fear that I would fall back on old war zone habits and cut loose with a yard-long string of obscenities, horrifying my poor mother.  Consequently, I didn’t have much to say.

It’s been 45 years now. Yet I think about that war every day. I think about my friend Jim DesRochers – killed in the first few minutes of the infamous Tet Offensive, Jan. 31, 1968.  He was a kind, quiet boy who had been on my plane when we arrived in Vietnam months earlier.  He ran to the right when the Soviet-made rockets began to land around us, sending shards of metal in all directions.  I crawled to the left.  A rocket hit his bunker, cutting Jim in two.  A small piece of shrapnel in the knee is all I got.  Pure dumb luck.  Still, I have the memories.  Memories of a war everyone just wants to forget.

A big old country boy from the South Carolina Piedmont, Herhall Tallent couldn’t have cared less what that bloody little conflict was all about. We talked daily about his daughter, his pride and joy, born while he was in the jungle. Hershall died in my arms just 10 days before he was scheduled to get on that freedom bird for home and meet his baby girl. Each time my job takes me to Washington, I make a point of visiting the Vietnam Memorial and touching their names – Jim’s and Hershall’s – etched into that memorial’s sacred piece of black granite.

For 12 years I was a guest lecturer at Millbrook High School in a class called “Lessons of Vietnam.”  The curriculum was so popular there was a waiting list to enroll. Each semester I would “link” with one student who would pepper me with questions via email. Questions about war, communism, the anti-war movement, about the morality of a war that divided a nation.

And at some point I would speak to two straight classes of kids who at the start of the school year were only faintly aware of what the skirmish was all about. They wanted to know how it began, why it escalated, what led to the slow U.S. troop withdrawal, the Paris Peace Accords, and lastly ….the panicky, humiliating retreat of the remaining American troops when North Vietnamese soldiers closed in on Saigon, bringing an inglorious end to the war in Vietnam. The lectures were cathartic for me.  More than a few times I found myself choking up over things I hadn’t thought of in many years.  We didn’t lose that war. Our leaders chose not to win it. The price would be too great.

I’ve talked with dozens of fellow Vietnam vets about the spectacle of those final days in 1975.  There it was on television for everyone to see – Americans catching the last choppers out of Saigon as angry Vietnamese stormed the U.S. embassy.

In 1995 I went back to Vietnam to shoot a documentary. It was the 20th anniversary of the end of the war. It was surreal. Children played in the park in Saigon. No one was shooting. I visited deformed children whose parents had been showered with Agent Orange, a poison chemical sprayed from U.S. planes so many years ago. And I spent time at a camp for people the Vietnamese call “children of the dust.”  They are outcasts, children and grandchildren of Vietnamese women impregnated by American troops. For them the war never ends.

So what was it all about? What did we accomplish? The Cold War “domino theory” about the spread of Communism didn’t happen.  It seems all we managed to do was to buy South Vietnam 10 years. It ended pretty much the way it would have … had no American set foot on Vietnamese soil.

People like me trickled in to Vietnam. And 365 days later we trickled out. Most of us were glad to shed those uniforms and rejoin society when we hit the States. Some had a hard time doing it – and still do. Agent Orange, PTSD, drugs and booze are partly to blame. But we’re all brothers – survivors of a conflict America turned its back on.

My personal homecoming is still going on. I’ve made a point of staying close to the state in which I was born and raised. Several job offers years ago would have taken me to places like New York, Dallas or Chicago.  I turned them all down.  After a while, agents quit calling. North Carolina, its culture, its people, its very rhythm … are part of my DNA.

A year ago there was a huge Welcome Home celebration for North Carolina’s Vietnam veterans. For those of us who’d fought an unpopular war and hadn’t returned to parades and celebration, it was a special day.

Fifty thousand of us showed up at Charlotte Motor Speedway. There was music, a smaller portable version of the Vietnam Wall with all 58,000 names, and lots of hugging. Tears flowed freely and unashamedly. Young warriors – now old men – comparing stories and saying to each other finally – “Welcome Home.”

It was what we’d been denied so many years ago. A pat on the back…and a thank you from a grateful nation.

I think my friends Hershall and Jim would have enjoyed it.  Larry Stogner is an ABC11 news anchor

Source: http://www.waltermagazine.com/art-and-culture/memories-of-vietnam-45-years-and-counting/