James Lea of Caswell County

That the Bankston and Lea families were early on the scene in that part of North Carolina that became Caswell County is supported by the following excerpt from the 1810 letter to the editor written by Bartlett Yancey, Jr.:

This county was first settled about the year 1750; from that time until 1754 or 5, there were about 8 or 10 families in that part of the county, now known by the name of Caswell: A family by the name of Reynolds, and two others by the name of D[page edge worn] and Bankston were among the first settlers; not one of the family are now in county, and it is believed not one of their descendants: The Lea's, Graves', Patersons, & Kimbros came to this County about 1753, 54 & 55: they came from Orange and Culpepper in Virginia: Several hundred of there families and their descendants are now living in the County: The object of the first settlers, was to possess themselves of fertile land, and good pasture: I am told by the first settlers, that cane was so plenty, at that time, that their cattle [smudged] fat all thru winter without feeding.

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Slave Cohabitation Records (North Carolina)

Although there was no legal recognition of their unions and, in some cases, laws strictly forbade it, slaves married. Like the whites who lived about them, they chose their partners from among their fellow workers on their own plantation or from a local farm. On rare occasions, owners would choose the partners for their slaves. It has been estimated that one out of ten slave marriages were arranged in this fashion. And, in an even more rare-- although not unheard of--situation, some masters actually treated their slaves like breeding stock.

Those Slaves who were allowed their own choice in the matter usually chose a husband or wife when they were in their mid to late teens. The owners, as well as the parents, had to approve of the choice. Even though owners frowned upon their slaves taking a partner from a nearby farm, the practice was fairly common. Male slaves had "'broad" wives. That is, they had wives who lived "abroad," or on another plantation. The men would work and live on their owner's farm but would visit their wives once or twice a week, usually Wednesdays and Saturdays after work. During these visits, the husband might bring a gift to his wife and family: a few extra vegetables, a possum, or a mess of fish, and the wife would fix a large meal, mend her husband's clothing, and generally make a fuss over him. In some cases, owners were known to purchase a slave so that families such as these might live together. After all, slaves who stayed on the place and who were not slipping off to attend to family business on a nearby farm were,

Obituary of Dr. John Alexander Pinnix (1846-1931)

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The Caswell Messenger Newspaper 6 Aug 1931

Two Thousand People Attend the
Funeral of Dr. J. A. Pinnix Thursday

Beloved Physician and Proud Veteran of the Confederacy is Laid to Rest at Bethel Church in the Presence of What Was Estimated to be the Largest Concourse of People Ever Gathered at a Funeral in Caswell. Rev. J.S. Carden of Durham and Rev. J.S. Jones of Cross Roads Church Officiate.

The finest character created by any writer of the 19th century was the good Scotch physician, Doctor McClure, (Dr. John Watson) in Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush, according to Bishop William McDowell's opinion. One cannot read of great unselfish services rendered to scattered people of the extensive parish in the rugged highlands of Scotland by Dr. McClure without realizing that he is in the presence of one of the really great men of the earth.

On last Thursday the family and numerous friends of Dr. John Alexander Pinnix of Caswell County laid to rest in the quite country church yard at Baynes Store the mortal remains of a similar character, who had spent his long and useful life in devoted and unselfish service to mankind. It was estimated that there were two thousand people present at the funeral. Twelve ministers were there, two of whom officiated. These were Rev J.S. Carden, pastor of the Christian Church in Durham and the Rev. J.S. Jones, pastor of the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church.

The aged physician had been a loyal Mason and was buried with Masonic honors by the Caswell Lodge No. 539, assisted by the Yanceyville, Burlington and Mebane lodges, Dr. Patton of Elon College acted as master of ceremonies. Dr. Pinnix had long been the chairman of the Oxford Orphanage committee in his lodge. He loved Masonry devotedly, it is said.

Dr. John Alexander Pinnix, son of John Calvin and Barbara Pinnix was born in Caswell county on Oct. 8 1846, and died at his home in Caswell County at Baynes Store on July 29th, 1931, which made the days of his life to be 84 years, nine months and 21 days.

As a young man he read medicine at The College of Physicians and Surgeons in Baltimore and under the direction of Dr. Yancey of Yanceyville. He began the practice of medicine in 1875 while living at his birthplace in the Stoney Creek township. Thirty-five years ago he moved to Corbett, where he has lived and labored ever since. In August of 1894 Dr. Pinnix was married to Miss Ester Walker, daughter of Lieut. L.H. Walker of Caswell, who survives her husband. This union was blessed with one child, Mrs. A. Clay Murray, of Corbett, who, with her husband, resides with her mother. A foster daughter, Mrs. Clyde Fuqua of Hightowers also survives.

Dr. Pinnix was the last of his father's family. Some cousins of his now living are, W.B. Pinnix of Danville, Mrs. Virginia Hatchett of Ruffin and J. Charles Pinnix, a lawyer in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. W. B. Pinnix of Danville is the son of Alexander Kerr Pinnix. He says the name of "Alexander " in Dr. Pinnix's name was placed there in honor of Alexander K. Pinnix, who mas a magistrate at Pelham for 50 years.

Dr. Pinnix had a honorable war record, as a follow of Lee and Jackson, and is said to have been a gallant soldier. He entered the Confederate Army at the age of 16 and served continuously from then to the close of the war, being paroled as a lieutenant at Appomattox following the surrender. He kept his parole which is said to be the only one now known to be in the county. He was a member of company E, Eleventh North Carolina Regiment.

Mrs. Pinnix said that the Doctor accepted the Christian faith many years ago, but did not make a public profession of his faith until about ten years ago. She said the good Doctor assured her, before his death, that he was ready to go. When Kirk's army marched to Caswell to avenge the death of Stevens, some of Kirk's men captured Dr. Pinnix at Slade's Mill, and were marching with him towards Yanceyville. On the march Dr. Pinnix, then but a young man, escaped and hastened ahead to warn the people of Yanceyville that Kirk was coming.

No one but the Recording Angel knows how many people Dr. Pinnix has helped, during the half century of his active practice as a physician. It is said that he practiced medicine for love not money. He was never known to ask if the patient was able to pay, before responding to a call, and he never failed to go when called, even by a pauper.

Dr. John Pinnix has helped many people to purchase a farm or a home and was never known to foreclose on any one. He always gave his debtors all the time needed.

In the death of Caswell's veteran physician many have lost a wise counsellor. He would write a deed or a will for anyone and would never take a cent of pay. In his latter years when his trembling hand made writing difficult for him, he would ask his daughter, Mrs. Murray, to serve as his amanuensis.

Those who knew Dr. Pinnix well say that he lived only to help his fellow-men, as a tender hearted, skillful physician, as a wise counsellor, as a generous benefactor and as a patriotic citizen Dr. Pinnix was a zealous Confederate. But when the war was over he emulated Robert E. Lee and gave ardent and sincere devotion to the Union.

Such a man deserves a fitting memorial. The Messenger suggest that the proper steps be taken to secure and establish a fitting memorial to the high character and beneficent service of Dr. John Alexander Pinnix.

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Caswell County Courthouse Fire

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In 1951, the Caswell County Courthouse had a fire in the attic/roof area. Above are two photographs of that event. A long-time Yanceyville resident and friend of the Caswell County Historical Association took these photographs and kindly allowed them to be shown here. That person, through the Caswell County Historical Association, does retain all rights to these images, which cannot be reproduced elsewhere without written consent.

In the photograph taken on the court house roof, the person second from the left is Roy Irvin ("Jiggs") Hodges (1918-1992). He was the son of Claude Henry Hodges (1894-1960) and Addie Linnie Poteat Hodges (1892-1970). Jiggs Hodges married Helen Powell.

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Caswell Artists League

Caswell Artists League Hosts Studio Tour

With a spate of new orange and red foliage having appeared and clear, crisp weather predicted, this weekend should be perfect for traversing Caswell County to take part in the Caswell Artists League First Annual Studio Tour.

The tour will be held Saturday, November 10 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 11 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Stretching about 25 miles diagonally across the county, tour stops will include the studios of artists Shirley Cadmus, Mike Stanley, Louellen Vernon-White, Russell Watlington and Pat Ewalt.

"Caswell Artists League members featured on the tour will have their studios open and fine art and craft will be on view and available for purchase," Caswell Artists League tour literature states.

"Some of the artists will be demonstrating their art or craft. All will be available to answers questions and share their time and expertise."

Tour Artists

Shirley Cadmus produces raku vessels that are more meditative than functional. The luminous glazes complement the sophisticate forms. Shirley's pottery is sought after by those who appreciate fine art pottery.

Pat Ewalt captures light and shadow in her oil paintings to create landscapes and still lifes that encourage the viewer to appreciate their everyday surroundings. Commonplace subjects are elevated by their treatment on the canvas and our appreciation for how the artists sees and interprets the world is renewed by Pat's work.

Mike Stanley begins with a rough block of reclaimed tree and creates an array of forms that are beautiful and functional. Mike's woodwork ranges from cutting boards, bows, utensils and vessels to furniture reproductions. Mike's studio and adjoining Woodhinge Gallery features his work and the work of other Caswell Artists League members.

Louellen Vernon-White creates detailed etchings depicting guardian angel dogs and cats of various breeds. Louellen's guardian angel etchings are intended to offer comfort to pet owners who have pets that need a guardian angel and for those who have lost beloved pets.

Russell Watlington renders meticulous pen and ink drawings and vibrant watercolor paintings which capture rural scenes in Caswell County. His work is widely appreciated and collected in Caswell and surrounding counties.

The Caswell Artists League

"The newly formed League has emerged from the artists' desire to find new ways to promote awareness and appreciation for fine art and fine craft," League literature continues. "With this primary vision, the artists have decided to invite the public into their studios. All of the artists reside in rural settings with farm life visible outside their windows and doorways. The artists gain inspiration from these natural environments. Some of these extraordinary treasures are known nationally and internationally.

"Join the free self-guided tour and discover where and how the artists work. Some studios will be open to the public for the first time and all will offer unequaled access to the workplaces in which highly refined art and craft is created. You will meet the artists and be rewarded with fresh insights and an understanding of the creative process."

The Caswell Artists League First Annual Studio Tour has been made possible, in part, by a grant from the Caswell Council for the Arts, with funding from the Grassroots Arts Program of the North Carolina State Legislature and the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency.

For more information, including a tour map, and to see examples of the works of Caswell Artists League members, go to the group's web site at www.caswellartistsleague.org.

Article courtesy of The Caswell Messenger.

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Orange School Bus

The following Yanceyville "memory" kindly was shared by its author, Ann Newman Gunn Everitt:

WHEN THE GIRL SCOUTS
MET IN AN OLD
ORANGE SCHOOL BUS
AND HELD PICNICS ON THE COURTHOUSE ROOF

The bus was on old one, derelict from the School Bus Garage across the back yard from the Courthouse, no good because it had no engine. But all the windows were there, and it made a place we could store our things and meet, even if it was raining (but not in cold weather--with no engine, no heat). Of course we hadn't always met in a bus. Before we got the bus, we met in the basement of the Agriculture Building (the “Ag” building) but that wasn't really OURS. Not like the bus. We had to share the “Ag” with Tuesday night Rotary Club meetings, canning workshops, and community suppers of all kinds (that was about the only place in town to meet, except for some church basements).

One side of the basement was the local library, a place where I spent a lot of time. I always liked the shaded brick steps that came down from the front lawn on the library side of the building. Sitting there on a hot summer day with a book just-gotten from the library was bliss. It was cool and always slightly damp, there between the brick of the building and the stone wall penning in the courthouse lawn, and nobody could see you, unless someone else came to the library which didn't happen too often. Even on the hottest day that stone wall was cool, and the moss was always green and soft, and there was enough moisture for other things to grow, sometimes strange wild flowers, sometimes just dandelions.

Susan Jane Butler Sampler (1834)

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Susan Jane Butler Sampler (12 June 1834)
Caswell County, North Carolina

The sampler pictured above will be auctioned at Mebane Antique Auction Gallery's December Americana Sale on Friday 14 December 2007. Set forth below is some information on Susan Jane Butler and her family.
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Susan Jane Butler 1834 Sampler
Caswell County, North Carolina

Susan Jane Butler was born about 1822 in Caswell County, North Carolina. She was the daughter of Joshua Butler and Susan Lovelace Butler of the Locust Hill Township of Caswell County. Susan never married and lived at home with her parents. Her oldest brother, William, married Keturah Brown* about 1845 in Caswell County. Her youngest brother, Joshua, died in 1862 (age 28) while serving during the Civil War in Company D of the 13th North Carolina Infantry Regiment.

Susan’s younger sister, Emiline (“Emily“), married Joseph W. Nance June 4, 1853, in Caswell County. Joseph Nance was a “tobacconist” from Yadkin County, North Carolina. They had at least three children, Mildred born in 1855, Cora born in 1858, and Bettie born in 1861. Joseph Nance died October 25, 1864, of disease while being held as a prisoner of war at Elmira, New York. He was a full Corporal serving during the Civil War in Company F, 28th North Carolina Infantry Regiment. Emily Butler Nance brought her three daughters back home to Caswell County after the Civil War.

Susan’s youngest sister Mariah was not married by 1870 and still lived at home.

Joshua Butler, father of Susan Jane Butler, was born c.1797 in Guilford County, North Carolina. He was the son of Zachariah Gray Taylor and Elizabeth Driskill Butler. He served in the 11th Company, Caswell County Regiment in 1812. Joshua Butler married Susan Lovelace about 1818 in North Carolina. Susan Lovelace was born in Virginia, the daughter of James and Violet Webster Lovelace. Joshua Butler farmed in the Locust Hill area of Caswell County. He is listed as a “tobacconist” in the 1850 Census. Joshua and Susan Lovelace Butler had at least 5 children:

1. William F. Butler (born 1820) married Keturah Brown.* William is listed as a “tobacconist” in the 1850 Census. In the 1860 census, he was listed as a “teacher.”

2. Susan Jane Butler (born 1822) did not marry and lived with her parents.

3. Emiline D. Butler (born 1832) married Joseph W. Nance 4 June 1853 in Caswell County, North Carolina. Joseph W. Nance enlisted as a private on 18 June 1861 in Yadkin County, North Carolina. He served in Company F, 28TH North Carolina Infantry Regiment. He was promoted to full Corporal. He died of disease at the Elmira, New York, prisoner of war camp. Joseph W. Nance is buried at Woodlawn National Cemetery, CSA section, site 851.

4. Joshua H. Butler (born 1835) served in Company D, 13th North Carolina Infantry Regiment. He enlisted as a private on 1 May 1861 in Caswell County, North Carolina (age 27). He died 14 October 1862 in Caswell County, North Carolina.

5. Mariah G. Butler (born 1837) did not marry and lived at home.

William F. Butler Family

William F. Butler married Keturah Brown* (born 1824 in Virginia). William and Keturah had at least seven children. William and Keturah lived in the Locust Hill Township and were neighbors of William’s parents, Joshua and Susan Butler.

1. Elizabeth Butler (born 1849)
2. Susan Butler (born 1853)
3. Preston Butler (born 1855)
4. Martha Butler(born 1857)
5. John Butler (born 1858)
6. James Butler (born 1860)
7. Jefferson Butler (born 1862)


Sources

1840 US Federal Census, Caswell County, North Carolina
1850 US Federal Census, Locust Hill Township, Caswell County, North Carolina
1860 US Federal Census, Locust Hill Township, Caswell County, North Carolina
1870 US Federal Census, Locust Hill Township, Caswell County, North Carolina
1860 US Federal Census, East End Township, Yadkin County, North Carolina
NC Muster Rolls 1812-1814
American Civil War Soldiers Records
Civil War Prisoner of War Records, 1861-1865
US Veterans Gravesites, 1775-2006
Family Sources, Provo, Utah
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* The basis for ascribing the Brown surname to the wife of William Butler is the following, which is from The Heritage of Caswell County, North Carolina, Jeannine D. Whitlow, Editor (1985) at 138 (Article #99, "Family of Jefferson Davis Butler" by Iola B. Murphy):

Jefferson Davis Butler was born Oct. 12, 1861. His parents were William R. and Katurah Brown Butler. William Butler was born in Pittsylvania Co., Va. As a young man, he went to visit relatives who lived near St. Louis, Mo. While there, he met and fell in love with Katurah Brown, After much letter-writing and a train trip or two, they were married. After marrying, they lived in Caswell Co. They had eight children: Susan, Mattie, Bettie, Preston, John, James, Jefferson Davis "Jeff" and a young son who died early in life.

Jeff Butler, so called as a young man, went to visit his sister Susan one day. Susan had married Richard Graham and lived between Griers Presbyterian Church and Frogsboro. While there, he met Floretta Smith, a daughter of William Hill and Mary Dameron Smith. She was born Jan. 7, 1871. Jeff courted her for over two years before the were married. The settled in the community and had four children: Hurley Oscar, Elwood Marvin, Bertha Lea and Iola Dalice Butler.

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