William Joseph Pulliam Property: Leasburg, Caswell County, North Carolina

Curtis Briggs General Merchandise: Leasburg, Caswell County, NC

We have been discussing Mattie Link Pulliam (1889-1975) and her family. She lived in the old Milton Methodist Church manse/pastorage immediately west of the church. Her house was placed for sale at auction in 1960/1961. She served as Leasburg postmaster and operated the family store.

The photograph most likely is the store or the site thereof. It is immediately across the road/street (Highway 158 ) from her home and from the old Leasburg post office. Thus, her commute was short, being easy walking distances from her home to the post office and to the store.

Her father, William Joseph Pulliam (1850-1934), was killed walking across Highway 158 from his home to his store. In later years, this store was owned and operated by Clyde Curtis Briggs (1917-1981). The building apparently is for sale by owner. Note the newer metal roof.

Photograph: Google Maps July 2022.

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One architectural historian states this house was built around 1870 to serve as the parsonage for the Leasburg Methodist Church, which is located immediately to the east (out of frame to the left in this photograph).

However, at some point it became the Mattie Link Pulliam home, being sold at auction by her in 1961:

"In this sale we are selling the Mattie L. Pulliam Homeplace, in the village of Leasburg, N.C. This property consists of a beautiful 7-room house, with bath, hardwood floors, new heating system of forced air heat, being insulated with storm doors and windows throughout. Also on the same lot is a small building now being used for the Post Office. Extra large spacious tract of 3.75 acres of land surrounds this property. Also three-fourth acre tract to be sold separately or grouped back with larger tract as interest justifies. This is truly some of the very best property that is now available for sale in Leasburg."

The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), 21 May 1961.

Photograph: Google Maps, July 2022.

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Leasburg Pulliam Homeplace Sale: 1960

Mattie L. Pulliam is Mattie Link Pulliam (1889-1975). Why in 1960 was she selling her family "homeplace"? Where did she live?

Note ownership of the old "Drummers' House," which for many years was used as the Leasburg post office.

The Bee (Danville, VA), 26 September 1960.

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Citizens Honor Leasburg Postal Official

Leasburg -- Mattie Pulliam, local postmaster, recently retired from office after 31 years of service in the post.

During her administration, the post office was raised from fourth to third class. A group of citizens, expressing appreciation for her efforts in improving postal service here, presented her with a check on her retirement.

The News and Observer (Raleigh, North Carolina), 3 July 1959.

Mattie Link Pulliam (1889-1975) served as Leasburg, Caswell County, North Carolina, postmaster 1927-1959. She is a daughter of William Joseph Pulliam (1850-1934) and Mary Frances Newman Pulliam (1853-1939) and never married. She also operated the family store in Leasburg.

The photograph of the Leasburg Post Office (1972) is not associated with the newspaper item.

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William Joseph Pulliam and Mattie Link Pulliam Property Sale: 1961

The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), 21 May 1961. Click image to see the full item.

William Joseph Pulliam (1850-1934) is the father of Mattie Link Pulliam (1889-1975). The trustees named Helen Poole and A. Marvin Newsome, are a granddaughter of William Joseph Pulliam and a son-in-law of William Joseph Pulliam, respectively.

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William J. Pulliam Killed In Accident

Roxboro, Nov. 16 -- "William J. Pulliam, 83, was killed at 6 o'clock near his home at Leasburg by an automobile driven by Delbert Clayton. Mr. Pulliam was crossing the road on his way to his store. He was prominently connected and one of the best known men in his section. A relative, Pink Newman, was killed in a similar accident a short while ago 900 yards west of the scene of tonight's tragedy."

"Mr. Pulliam is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary Fanny Pulliam, three daughters, Mrs. Cora Newman, Littleton; Mrs. R. T. Pool, Troy and Miss Mattie Pulliam, postmistress at Leasburg and one sister, Mrs. J. I Newman, of Winston-Salem.

"Funeral arrangements had not been completed tonight."

The News and Observer (Raleigh, NC), 17 November 1934.