Murfreesboro North Carolina .... History

Murfreesboro NC - Wesleyan Female College - 1882-83

2010-01-28T11:11:00.000-08:00

Wesleyan Female College, Murfreesboro N.C.
E.E. Parham, A.M. President
Session 1882-83

Board of Corporators

Hon. D.A. Barnes - President
J.N. Lawrence - Secretary
J.N. Harrell
J.W. Hill
Jno. W. Harrell
H.T. Lassiter
G.N. Harrell
Rev. Wm. Grant
T.W. Mason
Jno. C. Lawrence M.D.
L.B. Kilby
L.C. Lawrence
J.T. Lewter, M.D.
E. Jacobs
S.F. Pearce
J.M. Wynns
Hon. J.J. Yeates

Faculty 1882-1883

Literary Department
E.E. Parham, A.M.
Mental and Moral Philosophy

J.T. Littleton. A.M.
Physical Sciences and Higher Mathematics

Miss Lelia Camp
English and Arithmetic

Miss Maggie Parham
English and French

Miss ---------
English Literature and History

Prof. J.T. Littleton
French and German

Prof. E.E. Payham
Latin

Miss Lelia Camp
Calisthenics and Elocution

Music Department

Prof. ----------
Piano and Organ

Mrs. Sue Montgomery Funk
Instrumental Music

Mrs. Blanche C. Myrick
Vocal Music

Art Department
Miss Ella L. Jester

Domestic Department
Mr. and Mrs. Parham

SESSION 1881-82

List of Students

Miss Mattie Ames Nansemond County, Virginia
Miss Lelia Adams Southampton County, Virginia
Miss Pattie Adams Southampton County, Virginia
Miss Natalie Applewhite Southampton County, Virginia
Miss Elma Bryant Southampton County, Virginia
Miss Blannie Britton Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Jimmie Cullens Harrellsville, North Carolina
Miss Linda Carter Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Annie Douglas Norfolk County, Virginia
Miss Minnie Durfey Harrellsville, North Carolina
Miss Mollie Futrell Northampton, North Carolina
Miss Gertrude Harrell Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Mary Lassiter Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Fannie Marks Warrenton, North Carolina
Miss Laura Morrisette Camden, North Carolina
Miss Carrie Moodie Greensville, Virginia
Miss Georgie Pipkin Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Belle Stevenson Northampton, North Carolina
Mis Lillie Vick Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Addie Walker Greensville, Virginia
Miss Ella Williams Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Annie Williams Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Indie Ward Northampton, North Carolina
Miss Lillie Whitehead Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Ella Whitehead Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Mary Wynns Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Jennie Wynns Murfreesboro, North Carolina
Miss Lucy Wynns Murfreesboro, North Carolina

German Only:
Miss Sallie Vaughan Murfreesboro, North Carolina

German and Music Only:
Miss Maggie Parham Murfreesboro, North Carolina

Origin and Location

This college had its origin in the desire of certain gentleman of Murfreesboro and the neighboring counties in Virginia and North Carolina, to promote the cause of Female Education, and especially to provide for their own daughters the best collegiate instruction in their midst, in that region of country in which they were born and were likely to live.

The location was fixed at Murfreesboro, Hertford County, N.C., a place of 700 or 800 inhabitants, agreeably situated, and perhaps more healthy than any within the tidewater region, where the Baptist church has already established the Chowan Baptist Collegiate Institute.

The climate during the winter is especially mild. Pulmonary diseases and the typhoid fever, so fatal in the upper country and among the mountains, are of very rare occurrence here. In six years before the war, out of more than 700 students, there were but two deaths, and few cases of real illness; and in eight years since the war, with nearly 1000 pupils, there has been but one death and no very serious sickness. This testimony as to the healthfulness cannot be surpassed in any part of the country.

Within two hundred yards of the building is a valuable mineral spring. The water is cold, pleasant to the taste, and an excellent tonic. Those who have used it regularly have found it to be a specific remedy for dyspepsia and general debility.

The New Building

As us generally known, the first building, with the furniture, was totally destroyed by fire about four years ago. With a spirit most commendable and loyal to the demands of the higher education of young ladies, the Board of Corporators determined to rebuild as soon as practicable.

As the result of their untiring efforts and liberality, an elegant edifice now stands on the site of the old, admirably suited to the purposes for which it was designed. Situated in the middle of its spacious grounds, which are ornaments with shade trees and flowers, it furnishes ample room for out-door exercise and recreation. Containing all under one roof a spacious and beautiful chapel, parlor, dining-room, music rooms, high pitched and well ventilated dormitories, all heated by steam, it prevents exposure and affords all the anxious parents may desire, or that young ladies may need or health, comfort, and convenience.

The old furniture having been destroyed, all the sleeping apartments, as well as the other rooms are supplied with new and tasteful sets, not surpassed, if equalled, by our first-class institutions.

Apparatus

A new Philosophical and Chemical apparatus will be purchased in time for the session, enabling the Professor to explain and illustrate more fully the principles of Natural Philosophy and Chemistry.

College Library

Steps will be inaugurated at an early day to form a library of books on general literature, and efforts used to foster a taste for a careful and discriminating perusal of our best authors.

The young ladies have organized a Literary Society for mutual improvement in Composition and Elocution. They will thank their friends for contributions of money or books.

Board of Instruction

Under the new organization there is ab able and experienced faculty, consisting of eight or nine instructors.

The high grade of scholarship which gave prestige to the College and enhanced the value of its diplomas will be maintained.

Modern methods and appliances, when deemed valuable, will be adopted and used, and constant efforts will be made to add to the well merited reputation of the Institution for the extent and thoroughness of its course of instruction.

(etc etc etc)

Interesting New Book

2009-06-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

An interesting new book was just published. Titled "The Nat Turner Insurrection Trials - A Mystic Chord Resonates Today", the work was written by attorney Walter L. Gordon III, and is available from Amazon.com for $13.99.

"Walter L. Gordon's A Mystic Chord Resonates Today: The Nat Turner Insurrection Trials is the first book by a legal scholar to examine the 50 trials of slaves and free blacks charged with insurrection. Of the 45 slaves tried, 15 were acquitted, an acquittal rate in excess of 30%. Of the 30 convicted slaves, nearly half were granted mercy. The Nat Turner insurrection was the crest of a wave of insurrections in Virginia between 1800 and 1831. After the Nat Turner insurrection trials there were no further slave insurrections in Virginia until John Brown's raid in 1859. In addition, it is the first book to compare the aftermath of the Nat Turner insurrection, the largest terrorist attack on American soil at that time, to 9/11, with an effort to draw lessons for today from the past. "

Although the book doesn't appear to mention Murfreesboro's role in the Nat Turner Story, it is an interesting account of the insurrection with special emphasis on the trials. For a detailed account of the events from Murfreesboro's point of view, consult Thomas Parramore's 2004 book "Murfreesboro, North Carolina and the Roots of Nat Turner’s Revolt".

Fannie Southall's Death

2009-06-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

Raleigh Biblical Recorder, April 15, 1853:

(From Dr. Samuel J. Wheeler, on a visit to relatives in Mississippi. Samuel Wheeler at the time owned and lived in the Wheeler House.)

"My pen is sad to-night; news from Carolina renders me melancholy. A letter just received, contains the following morceau:

'When quiet and composure were brought about, they proceeded from giving away of the power of life. It was the calm preceeding death. As the lamp of life flickered in its socket for the last time, her consciousness returned, and reason reascended her throne; she recognized her father, who had been her constant attendant during the wild delirium that had supplanted her judgement, with her dying breath whisperedin his ear 'though I walk the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil' and died quiet and resigned. G.C.M.'

I had left this fair young being blooming in health and beauty but a few short months since, the life of every circle, the cynosure of all eyes;and hoped again to see her, and spend years of pleasure with her; but she is gone. I can only say, farewell, dear cousin. To relieve an aching heart, before closing my eyes in sleep, I penned the following lines:

'In memory of Miss .F. Southall, late of Murfreesboro N.C. ....

(Long poem follows. Dr. Wheeler had heard of Fannie Southall's death from his brother-in-law, Dr. Godwin Cotton Moore. She was the daughter of John W. Southall by his first marriage to Julia Johnson.)

"The Dr. Gary House" or "The Benjamin B. Camp House"

2009-06-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

The historic Murfreesboro residence known as the "Dr. Gary House" is currently for sale.

Photographs and a description of the house (list price $399,000) can be viewed on the United Country Realty site.

I recall once having to give a tour of the Dr. Gary house to descendants, and not being able to find much of a written history. However, I recently came across something Thomas Parramore wrote in 1975. His research at the time left some questions unanswered (perhaps they remain unanswered ??) but I thought it might still be interesting to post his research anyway.

"This property was sold by James W. Hill in 1879 to Kader Biggs, a merchant from Martin County. Biggs sold it in 1881 to Cornelia Grimes and Mrs. Grimes, I believe, sold it to Dr. John Turner Eldridge. The 1881 deed states that Hill bought the property from heirs of Benjamin B. Camp (see Deed Book K, p. 228, at the court house).

Benjamin B. Camp was a native of Connecticut who came to Murfreesboro around 1821 and became a business partner of Joseph G. Rea, in "Rea and Camp's" store. They were also ship owners. Camp was colonel of Murfreesboro's militia unit, the "Governor's Guards', which escorted Lafayette in 1825. He died on October 9, 1833, at the age of 39.

Dr. Thomas O'Dwyer's diary for July 29, 1825 records that "Dr. O'Bryan called & says he sold his lot & buildings to J.G. Rea for B. Camp for $950." O'Bryan had offered the place to O'Dwyer on July 7th, "as he declines the Practice of Phisic & wishes to move to the Westn. Country - decline purchasing as I would rather sell." It is not certain that this is the same property that was sold by Camp's estate to Hill, but it could be.

In the 1845 Tax Census of Murfreesboro, James W. Hill is listed as owner of one piece of property valued at $120. He was also co-owner with Lewis T, Spiers, of "Hill & Spiers" general store at the northeast corner of Sycamore and Main, valued at $500.

The brick said to have been found in the main chimney bearing the numbers 1766 should not be taken as evidence of the antiquity of the house. The brick may have come originally from some other structure and the numbers may not refer to a date at all. It may originally have been a one-story, four-room house, as is thought, but there is no house in Murfreesboro that can safely be regarded as having been built before 1810. Earlier dates are claimed for many of the present structures there, but none will stand the test of critical analysis. When Murfreesboro was laid off in 1787, there is reason to believe that there was nothing in the vicinity except the Murfree home, which probably stood near the old landing. William Murfree sold the land to the state, 97 acres, for $1000, a price which suggests that the town-site itself was devoid of any structure. The "Dr. Gary House" stands to the west of this 97 acre tract, on land annexed to Murfreesboro in 1825, and it is conceivable that somebody had a small house on the site before 1787. But conceivable is by no means good enough to satisfy the purposes of historical scholarship.

The likelihood is that Dr. Lawrence O'Bryan built this house around 1822, or acquired it from someone who had built it only a short time earlier. In the light of our present information, the house might appropriately be known as the "Benjamin B. Camp House."

The Camp family seem pretty well to have been wiped out in 1833. Joseph R dying on Oct 2, Leonidas on Dec 25, and Juliet E. on Jan 22. J.R. was aged 5, and Juliet aged 12.

Thomas Parramore
9/18/75

Upon Her Pure and Gentle Dreaming ...The Shadow of Death Was Stealing

2009-06-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

From " Memories over the Water, or Stray Thoughts on a Long Stroll" by Henry Maney. Nashville, Tenn: Toon, Nelson & Co. 1854

(This is about a trip to Europe in 1852 by the author, a son of Judge Thomas Maney, formerly a Murfreesboro attorney, who moved to Tennessee. The dedication of the book is to "Miss F.W.S. of Murfreesborough, N.C." and it is followed by a poem on her death.)

"On the morning of the 2nd of May we took the steamer down the broad-flowing Potomac .... Passed through Richmond and Petersburg, Va., and reached Weldon N.C. that night.

Here we got out, and in the old village of Murfreesboro', and on the banks of the Megerrin and the Chowan, we learned the hospitality of the old North State. Many were our evening rides on horseback, and many a cozy hour, with our lady friends and favorite poets, went magically by. But among those bright-eyed ones there was a being of youth and beauty, from out whose wild blue orbs broke a wild and spiritual light. Into the fair paradise of that young heart no thought of evil passes - over the glad canopy of her life no storm-cloud sent its frown. From out of the sweet, unbroken dream of youth she had ne'er awakened. She

Dream'd that earth was bright with beauty
Dream'd that hearts grew never cold,
Dream'd that all were true and worthy,
And dreaming sought the spirit-fold.

Upon her pure and gentle dreaming, and all unknown to the loved and loving ones about her, the shadow of death was stealing. We have stood by her side, at evening's blushing sunset, and by the grave of those who had gone before her to the spiritland; and we heard, as though it were the voice of an angel, her thoughts of the life that was, and of the life that is. At that lone spot, where weeps the willow, she slumbers now. She bloomed awhile, like some fair lily by the shore of death's dark stream. The envious current saw and bore away the flower. But the kind mariner looked upon the lily, tossed upon the turbid tide, and taking it up transplanted it to smile forever in his garden home."

Schooner "Two Brothers"

2009-05-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

Edenton N.C. Oct. 1

The schr Two Brothers, of this port, Thos. Dough, master, from New-York, with dry-goods &c. for Danl. Southall, and others, Murfreesboro’, was cast away on the 30th ult. On cape Hatteras Shoals, in a heavy blow, after carrying away her foremast. Crew and cargo all saved. The vessel lies on the beach, but will probably be got off without much damage.

(Christian Secretary, October 18, 1823)

MHA - 43rd Annual Meeting

2009-05-02T18:33:00.000-07:00

The 43rd Annual Meeting of the Murfreesboro Historical Association will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2009. The lunch meeting will take place at John's Seafood and Steaks at 315 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, at 12 noon.

The theme of the day will be a look into the future of the Association. The keynote speaker will be Mr. Vann Rogerson, President and CEO of the Northeastern North Carolina Regional Economic Development Commission.

The cost of the lunch is $15.00 per person.

Attractive Young Miss Wahab and the Mystery of the Missing Piece Goods

2009-02-18T06:33:00.000-08:00

I came across an interesting letter in the files of B.B. Winborne.

It was written almost exactly a hundred years ago, and I thought you might enjoy reading it:

Small, MacLean & McMullan
Attorneys at Law
Washington North
Carolina

March 9, 1909

Hon. B.B. Winborne,
Murfreesboro NC

Dear Sir ---

We are in receipt of your favor of the 7th, in which you state that you will be glad to represent Miss Hattie Wahab in the event she is arrested upon the warrant sworn out against her by the Pittman's. Since we wrote you our last letter, we have heard nothing further as to an arrest being made, but do not think that the warrant has yet been sent to Hyde County or if this has been done, we have heard nothing of it, although we instructed our client to advise us by telephone as soon as he ascertained that the warrant had in fact been issued. For this reason, it is possible that the prosecution will not be started, and that there will be nothing for us to do in the
matter in such an event. However, we desire to give you a somewhat detailed statement of the matter so that you may be fully informed beforehand, and as you suggest, use your influence towards having the matter ended before the prosecution is begun.

During last fall Mrs. Pittman employed Miss Wahab to work with her as a milliner. At the time of making the contact of employment, Miss Wahab was working for a firm in Baltimore, who make it their business to train young ladies for positions as milliners and get them a job after they have been instructed. The contract of employment was made by Miss Wahab, Mrs. Pittman and the Manager of this institution. Miss Wahab went to Aulander and worked with Mrs. Pittman for two or three months, or until a few weeks before the time she contracted to work would expire. About this time the relation between Mrs. Pittman and Miss Wahab became unpleasant on account of some accusations made by Mrs. Pittman against Miss Wahab in connection with some young men of the town. Thereafter she accused Miss Wahab of taking from her store certain pieces of goods or remnants, about five or six pieces. Miss Wahab states that Miss Pittman locked her in her house and held her there for some time after this accusation was made, and demanded that she pack her trunk and leave town without letting the people of the town know what had become of her. This Miss Wahab refused to do and was held in confinement in Mrs. Pittman's house until she was taken away through the efforts of Dr. Harrell and Mr. Dunning . These two gentlemen were very kind to Miss Wahab and interested themselves in her protection. They seem to think that she was unjustly accused and that the accusations were made against her for some sinister purpose. Miss Wahab went to Dr. Harrell's house and stayed there for a few days, having in the meanwhile wired to her father in Hyde County to come to her rescue. The writer went with Mr. Wahab to Aulander in response to this telegram and when we arrived there, found that Miss Wahab was staying at Dr. Harrell's and that her trunk was held by Mrs. Pittman, who refused to give the same up after being demanded by right.

After Mr. Wahab had brought his daughter back, suit was instituted in the Superior Court of Hyde County by Mr. Wahab and his daughter against Mr. and Mrs. Pittman for false imprisonment, slander, etc. and in this suit arrest and bail proceedings were issued and served on the male defendant. Bond was given by him and the proceedings now stand in that shape. After that time, claim and delivery was taken out in this action pending in Hyde County for the recovery of the trunk. After considerable correspondence with the Sheriff of Bertie County, and some confusion in regard thereto, the trunk finally turned up here in Washington, being sent by express in care of us. When the trunk was opened in Hyde County, it appeared that the goods claimed by defendants had been taken out, and that the trunk had been inspected by someone unknown to us.

Miss Wahab states that the goods claimed by Mrs. Pittman were given to her by certain friends who worked with her in the store in Baltimore, whose names she gives and states that she can prove this fact by them. She is about twenty years old and quite an attractive young lady.

We did not know her personally before this occurrence but her people are of the highest standing and regarded in their County as having the highest sense of honor. Mr. Wahab was at one time Clerk of the Superior Court of Hyde County and a very good old man. However, they are people of very moderate means. The purpose of the suit brought in Hyde County was merely to vindicate Miss Wahab from the accusations made against her. At any time Mr. Wahab would have been willing to settle this suit upon a full and fair retraction being made by the defendant and his actual loss compensated. Messrs. Mann & Jones, of Swan Quarter, appear with us, representing the plaintiffs in this case. When the writer was at Aulander, he found that the sympathies of the people generally were altogether with Miss Wahab and most people seems unwilling to place any credit in the charges made by Mrs. Pittman and freely stated that they regarded her as unworthy of belief. We sincerely hope that the prosecution will not be undertaken, but in the event it is, we are glad that you will co--operate with us, as we are particularly desirous of doing all in our power to vindicate Miss Wahab. We will advise you as soon as we hear anything further about the warrant. In the meanwhile, we will be glad to hear from you.

Yours very truly,
Small, MacLean
& McMullan

I wonder what happened to the "attractive and young" Miss Wahab? Or Mrs. Pittman ?

Tune in next time and I'll try to have some of the answers for you.

2009 ... HAPPY NEW YEAR .... !!!!

2009-01-04T17:09:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year !

I'm afraid we may be in for a bumpy ride in 2009, but as these historic manuscripts show - "the more things change, the more they seem to stay the same".

Littleton Mission School
Littleton NC
3/17 1897

Mr. Winbourne,
Please don't take any steps yet. I can not get all the money together until Sat. the 20th and will forward at once.

Yours, Virgil N. Bond

North Carolina Insane Asylum
Geo L. Kirby M.D.
Superintendent

Raleigh NC ..... 189 ...

R.W. Winbourne Esq.
Murfreesboro NC

Dear Sir:

Kindly advise me if Murfreesboro is a good location for a physician and if not can you tell me where to find one. I expect to lose my place here in next few days whether by legislative action or by action of incoming Board of Directors to be appointed by the Gov. Kindly advise me at once as my days here are numbered
and oblige.

Very respectfully
J.A. Faison M.D.

Allison & Addison
Manufacturers of Fertilizers
1322 Cary Street
PO Box 365
Richmond VA
April 19, 1897

Dictated by J.H.A.

Mess. Winbourne & Lawrence
Murfreesboro NC

Gentlemen,

Replying to your favor of the 16th inst., we note that you have collected a check from A.B. Adkins, Esq., for $100 on account, and we hope that the check will be paid and that we will soon have the remittance in hand. In regard to granting his request for the extension until next fall we have to say that we are not willing to do so, unless he can give us gilt edge security for the balance due; if he cannot do this we will ask that you push the matter as previously advised and secure a judgement before a magistrate and have the execution issued at once. If, however, he can give you a new note for the balance due with gilt edge security for the payment of the same, interest to be added, we would be willing to extend the time until next fall, otherwise, we wish the matter pushed to a speedy conclusion.

Yours truly,
Allison & Addison

Lafayette's Visit

2008-11-17T15:06:00.000-08:00

Typewritten document dated Jan 14, 1962:

C.C.Lawrence says that his grandmother, Miss Mary Pipkin, later Mrs. John W. Southall, told him as a child that she attended Lafayette's address at a house at the head of a gully making up from Broad Street, across and slightly east of the Wheeler House. This house had a brick cellar,bricks rising from the ground about four feet, extending to weatherboarding. One floor after the weatherboard; two floors with cellar. On top of the building there extended from the comb a square hewn timber, approximately 6 x 6 " square, upward approximately 4 or 5 feet high, atop which rested "something similar to a 12 o'clock bell" (farm bell). This house was in use "during my days" as a lodge house for the colored ones. The bell in 1962 is still being in use for the colored ones lodge.

River Town Crossings

2008-10-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

Typewritten document dated Jan 14, 1962:

Crossings of Murfreesboro Streets before the paving and when C.C. Lawrence was a child, were of stones. Old folks said they were ballast stones for the sailing ships of olden days. The rocks were placed in the hull of the boats upon return trips from the east Indies to prevent strong winds from capsizing the sailing ships. There were walk crossings to keep folks from the mud.

The stones were laid a little above the surface, and a person could cross without muddying feet.

The one I remember most distinctly was leading from north side of Main Street to the south connecting with College Street.

Another one near present Boyette's Hotel. A big elm tree on the north of the street and there was a big elm tree on the west side of the crossing. Went directly in front of the Boyette Hotel, originally Lassiter Hotel.

In front of Jim Babb store ballast stones (flat sided ones) were used to form a sidewalk. This store was immediately east of the old Methodist Church, now west of the Nicholson Building housing Murfreesboro Pharmacy. West side of the Babb store had a soda fountain.

The Witches of Murfreesboro

2008-10-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

Some "how to" advice from Roy Johnson seems appropriate as Halloween nears:

Mrs. Lee Smith of Winton, native of Fort Island in Gates County, says if a screech owl is bothering you, tie a knot in the corner of a sheet and he won't hollar but one time more.

Mrs. Smith says also if your husband forsakes you at night for the opossum hunt you can kill his luck. Take off your shoes and stand then against the side of the house with the soles in the direction of the dogs and they'll catch nothing. She says,"I've worked it many a time on my old man and Albert Liverman."

Mary Ellen Crawford Dilday of Route 3 Ahoskie says, "It was popularly known in Gates COunty that a wooden latch was the only sort that could bar entry of witches."

Mrs. Smith says you could take a fork, "stick it up towards the seat of a bottomed chair and a witch would sit there all day long or until the fork was removed."

and my favorite -

Anyone with a rudimentary acquaintance with witchcraft knows a witch will not step over a broom, and often in the Roanoke-Chowan area people suspected of the Devil-pact have been given the broom test. Mrs. Mary Ellen Crawford Dilday of Route 3 Ahoskie, native of Eure community of Gates County, say a Fort Island witch suspect visited a neighbor and they sat in the house talking. The hostess found occassion to go outside for a few minutes whereupon she placed a broom beneath the door step. The visitor extended her visit hours beyond customary and eventually she asked the broom be removed so she could go home.

That tells how to keep a witch from entering the house.

But what can be done to keep ugly old witches from leaving nasty blog comments calling me "pretentious"???

Another piece of the puzzle ....

2008-09-18T12:37:00.000-07:00

Another vague handwritten reference to the African-American school in Murfreesboro (see previous entry)....

"The Elizabeth City North Carolinian for August 12, 1869 has an article on commencement exercises at Murfreesboro for Lincoln Institute, taught by Miss Lydia Warrick. Must be same school previously known as O.O. Howard School. Had 60 or more students, orations by Master James J. Reynolds and Master George Raynolds, both students. Remarks by Rev. L. Washington Boone, Joseph P. Waever, Simon Collins, Esq. and the Hons. William Reid and J.T. Reynolds. Next issue, that of August 19, 1869, contains column-length address delivered on above occasion by J.T. Reynolds. of Northampton."

It seems that the school was larger than I imagined - 60 students ! But whoever wrote this note appears to have made a mistake about the name of the school. He/she mentions that it was "previously known as O.O. Howard", but that seems backwards because the reference in 1870 refers to it as O.O. Howard, while this reference in 1869 calls it the Lincoln Institute. It was probably originally called Lincoln Institute and then became the O.O. Howard School.

"O.O. Howard" is for Union Civil War General Oliver O. Howard. From May 1865 to July 1874, General Howard was commissioner of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands.

And "Lincoln Institute" ... well, I think we can assume that was named for Abraham Lincoln.

We have citations for exact dates - anyone want to try to track down the microfilm for the Elizabeth City North Carolinian for 1869 and send the complete articles?

If we all add to the pieces we'll quickly solve this historic puzzle.

Nineteenth Century African-American Education in Murfreesboro

2008-09-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

(I'm not even going to try to apologize for my long-term neglect of this blog - but I am going to try once again to start adding entries on a regular basis. Stay tuned.)

I recently came across a historical reference in a note written decades ago. I found it very exciting and want to share:

"See Raleigh Daily Standard, Feb 23, 1870, for letter from "Joannes" at Murfreesboro re O.O. Howard School for colored youths there, taught by Miss Lydia Warrick, in operation then for three years. Taught orthography, math, geography, grammar and science. Had rented school heretofore but now in process of buying a lot and hope to build on it. Plan to add a Female Industrial Department. (A Hertford County Deed of 1869 shows Eley Carter selling lot on north side of Broad Street, to William Reid, Phillip Weaver and Andrew Reynolds as a place for a Negro school house and church.)"

I don't have access to the Raleigh Daily Standard, but I would greatly appreciate it if someone in NC could try to get a copy of that article. I imagine the newspaper is on microfilm and available through some of the larger research libraries. Maybe try Whitaker Library at Chowan?

Only two years after the Civil War, and Murfreesboro's African-American community had an established school for it's youth. What an amazing achievement, and a great topic for the Murfreesboro Historical Association to be researching and promoting through educational programs with the local schools.

MHA this is a gift from the past ---- now let's see what you can do with it.

HELLO long lost blogging friend .....

2008-05-18T17:19:00.001-07:00

Forgive my extremely long absence. I could come up with all sorts of excuses about why I've been away - but what good would that do?

The important thing is that I'm back and ready to add some more posts to this blog !!!

I'm Back .... (almost)

2007-10-05T12:30:00.001-07:00

Finally, everything (minus three and a half storage units full of furniture still in Murfreesboro) is in the new house in Petersburg.

Now I'm just looking forward to the day when the boxes are empty and things have found a proper place in the house. But much of that involves having bookshelves constructed, etc.

I ask the readers of this blog to please extend a tiny bit more patience with my lack of posts, and I promise there will be lots of Murfreesboro news in the near future.

Historic Petersburg Virginia Building # 29 ...

2007-08-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

Excuse my sparse blogging over the past few weeks.

It's been a busy summer. Not the "busy" summers of my youth - spent each year on Chincoteague Island - when summer days stretched out before me and the light didn't fade until almost bedtime. No, this has been a "busy" adult summer, mainly spent driving back and forth between Richmond and Murfreesboro. It's been a summer of vacation days spent packing boxes, renting storage units, and looking for a new places to live. The good news is that the effort has paid off - and a new house has been found !

Historic Petersburg Building Number 29, cited by the VA Historic Landmarks Commission as "a rare Italianate Double House of outstanding significance and of great importance to the neighborhood" will soon be called home. The new house is half of a double house that was completed in December 1861. (Gee .... in hindsight, 1861 probably wasn't the best year to be building a new house in Petersburg VA !)

My favorite part about the new house is that it has been completely restored by an award winning contractor. He just finished the restoration last month. For once I'll be moving into a historic house without having to try to explain to my friends and family "what it will look like when it's done." .

Two complete house restoration's (New York and North Carolina) have worn me out. It can be very rewarding to restore a house, but at this point in my life I'm really glad not to have to !

Give me a little time - and then you will all be invited over for a tour of the new house !

A Mother's Love ....

2007-07-20T11:32:00.000-07:00

Susan J. Myrick, or Murfreesboro, appears to have struggled when writing her will dated Novemeber 24, 1916. She had specific bequests to family and friends, but seemed frustrated by her desire to divide the estate evenly between her two sons.

Ultimately, common sense pervailed. Or perhaps her lawyer, B.B. Winborne, played the role of wise King Solomon and suggested a solution.

In Item 12 of her will, Myrick explained that although she loved them both equally, her sons were not equal. One son was financially successful and had grown children, while the other had young daughters and serious health problems. She felt that she had no choice but to provide more for the son that had less.

I'm not sure why I find comfort in reading Myrick's will .... unless perhaps it's because I'm younger and less successful than my brother.

North Carolina, Hertford County.

I, Susan J. Myrick, of sound mind and memory, but realizing the uncertainty of life do make and declare this to be my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former wills made by me.

Item 1 – I bequeath to my son Walter Myrick, my silver sugar dish.
Item 2 – I bequeath to my niece Lizzie B. Hubbell, my mahogany table in my dining room in Murfreesboro.
Item 3 – I bequeath to Blanche Myrick, widow of my Step-Son C.E. Myrick, the painting over the mantel in my parlor in Murfreesboro.
Item 4 – I bequeath to Julia Myrick, wife of my son Walter, my breast pin and ear rings.
Item 5 – I bequeath to Susan Baker Myrick, daughter of my son Lawrence Baker Myrick, the portrait of my late husband Dr. Thomas N. Myrick.
Item 6 – I bequeath the portrait of Mrs. Julia Myrick, the first wife of my late husband, to her Grand-daughter Mary Myrick, daughter of Charles E. Myrick.
Item 7 – I bequeath the remainder of my silver ware to my two sons, Walter D. Myrick and Lawrence Baker Myrick.
Item 8 – I bequeath to Sophia Tyner, My faithful servant, twenty-five dollars in money.
Item 9 – I devise and bequeath to my son Walter Douglas Myrick of Texas my house and lot in the town of Murfreesboro, N.C. together with all furniture not herein otherwise disposed of, subject to the next item.
Item 10 – I bequeath to Miss Maggie Jeggitt all the furniture in the South bed room in my dwelling in Murfreesboro and all the bed clothes in said dwelling.
Item 11 – I devise to my son Lawrence Baker Myrick for life, my house and lot in the City of Norfolk, State of Virginia now occupied by him, and after his death I devise said house and lot to the children of my son Lawrence Baker Myrick, upon the condition that my son Lawrence Baker Myrick pays to my dear friend Maggie Jeggitts the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Dollars per annum during her life.
Item 12 – I regret that I have to make a distinction in value of the property given to my two sons. It has always been my desire and purpose to make an equal division between them, but my son Lawrence has grown very deaf and his health is not good and he has a family of young girls to rear and care for, while my son Walter’s children are almost grown and he is in much better circumstances. I hope and believe that my son Walter will understand and appreciate my feelings and will approve of the division that I have made. There is no difference in my love and affection for them.
Item 13 – All other property which I own and have not herein disposed of, I give to my two sons, Walter and Lawrence, equally.
Item 14 – I nominate and appoint my son, Lawrence Baker Myrick, my sole Executor. This the 24 day of November 1916.

Susan J. Myrick
Signed, published and declared in the presence of Stanley Winborne, B.B. Winborne

North Carolina,
Hertford County.
I, Susan J. Myrick, desire to make the following codicil to my last Will and Testament above written.

Item 1 – I bequeath to my son Lawrence Baker Myrick my China dinner set.
Item 2 - I bequeath to my son Walter Douglas Myrick my piano and organ.

This November 24th 1916 Susan J. Myrick

Balancing Small Town Charm with Economic Viability

2007-07-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

Murfreesboro faces significant challenges in the planned development of the land along the riverfront. Hopefully we'll know a little more about the site's future in the coming months.

A potential buyer and developer would have a prime piece of real estate, nestled in the heart of historic downtown Murfreesboro. But they'd also have a unique problem: building something that's cost effective while maintaining the historic integrity of the area. The location of the original King's Landing, the Murfree House, the Indian Queen Tavern, the Dr. Thomas O'Dwyer residence, and by some accounts a significant nineteenth century free-black community, fall within the area being considered for possible development.

The site needs structures that will enhance Historic Murfreesboro and that will last and get better over time. Understandably, the development needs to be economically viable for the private sector, but it also needs to be something that starts out good and ages even better. One cannot overstate the importance of crafting a development that enhances the historic district. From a visitor's standpoint, it is the one element that best sets Murfreesboro apart from other northeastern North Carolina towns.

(stay tuned ... more thoughts to come)

Mary Ann Little and Her Four Mahogany Tables

2007-07-18T16:02:00.000-07:00

An interesting Murfreesboro will:

In the Name of God Amen. I Mary Ann Little being of sound and perfect Mind and Memory do this 1st day of June 1812 Make and publish this My last will & Testament in Manner following that is to say - First I give and bequeath unto William P. Little one Mahogany Table (Tea) one Bed & Furniture & Floor Cloth likewise his own Picture. Secondly I give and Bequeath to William Blunt all the Household Furniture that I bought at the Sale of Sharp Blunt,
Three Lots in Murfreesboro one on the Main street and two Back Lots. His Mothers Picture and the eldest of My Bay Mares Fillys to him and His Heirs forever. Thirdly I give and bequeath unto George Blunt the following Negroes: Old Lamb, Aggy, James son of Aggy, Little Lamb, Riddick, Mary, Creasey, Martha, old Tim, Daphney, Liddey, Pompey son of Daphney, Chloe, Matilda, Hampton, young Will, Rhealy, Leving, Tempy, Harry & Simon. Also the tract of Land I bought of the Estate of Abram Porter. My Bay Mare & Colt & Two Mahogany Tables to Him and His Heirs forever. Fourthly I give and bequeath unto Jacob Blunt the following Negroes - Patty, Scott, Beck, Essex, Ephraigm & Exum also My other three Lots in Murfreesboro & My Bay Horse & one large Mahogany Table to him & His Heirs forever. .
Fifthly I give & bequeath unto Thomas P. Little all the rest of my Negroes after all My just debts shall be paid to him and his Heirs forever. Sixthly I give & bequeath unto George Little son of William P. Little the tract of Land whereon I now live to him and his Heirs forever.

My Will & desire is that the Negroes that I have given to George Blunt should be kept on the Plantation whereon I now live for the benefit of George Blunt until he shall arrive to Lawful age or dies.

Seventhly My will & desire is that all the residue of My Estate after the payment of all My just debts should be equally divided between my four grand daughters - Mary Ann Little, Lucy Little, Nancy Little & Cinthia Little to them and their Heirs foreverAnd hereby Make and ordain My Worthy Friends Timothy Ridley, William H. Murfree & My Son William P. Little Executors of this my Last Will & Testament. In witness whereof I the said Mary Ann Little have to this My Last will and Testament set My hand & Seal the day & year above written signed sealed published & declared by the sd Mary Ann Little, the testator as her last will & Testament in the presence of us who were present at the time of signing and sealing thereof Henry Wright & Isaac Langston.

I Mary Ann Little being of perfect Mind & Memory do Make & ordain this to be a Codicil to My Last Will & Testament bearing the date of the first day of June anno Dom 1812, and to Make & Constitute a part thereof as Much as if it had been Contained in the Body of My said will : First the Land whereon I now live which in My will to which this is a Codicil is devised to George Little. I do hereby give unto the said George Little & Thomas P. Little sons of William P. Little to them and Their Heirs forever to be equally divided between them. It is however my desire & Will that the Negroes given to George Blunt should remain on & be kept on the plantation whereon I now live until the end of the year 1821 unless he should die previous to that time & my son William P. Little have one half the profit thereof as compensation for his Trouble as one of my Executors & that George Blunt have the other half. Secondly it is My Will & desire that my son William P. Little convey to George Blunt a tract of land lying near Granvill Court House containing four hundred acres More or Less adjoining the Land of the Heirs of Pomplorey Davis decd. Thirdly It is My Will & desire that My woman Aggy have the free use of her time during three years Next succeeding My Death as a compensation for her faithful services & that after the expiration of that time she is considered the property of George Blunt, as Expressed in My Will. Fourthly I give unto William Little, son of William P. Little a Negro Child named Moses, son of My woman Ruby Boon. Making my Will above mentioned. Lastly It is My Will & desire that My friend Doctor James Maney Act as one of the Executors of this My last Will & Testament with these heretofore Named in My Will signed sealed & acknowledged as a codicil to her Last Will & Testament by the Testatrix in presence of us - J.S. Baker, Lewis Gatling, This 25th Feby AD 1813.

I wonder what became of those four mahogany tables that were so important to Mary Ann Little ? As important (or more so) than the human lives she equally divided amongst her kin? Were the tables handed down from one generation of Littles to the next? Did they travel West as the country expanded? Are they in a museum, on display somewhere? Or perhaps they were lost over the centuries - to war, or natural disasters, or perhaps just benign neglect.

I wonder what became of them ....

There is a difference between "Progress" and "Development" ...

2007-07-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

A recent article from the Roanoke-Chowan News Herald:

M'boro studies waterfront development

By Amanda VanDerBroek
Friday, June 29, 2007 7:53 PM CDT

MURFREESBORO - Every town is always trying to find a way to bring progress to the neighborhood and Murfreesboro is no different.A special meeting of the Murfreesboro Town Council was held on Wednesday to discuss possible development of the water front and other properties in the town. Murfreesboro officials along with citizens and interested developers from William E. Wood and Associates Realtors attended the meeting. Bobby Roberson, planning and development director of Washington, NC, was on hand to give recommendations to the board and community. Roberson shared his experiences and lessons he learned from being a part of Washington’s downtown development. He said the city often ran into problems with land regulations, building density and parking. “There was a lot of outcry from the public,” said Roberson, concerning the citizens’ desire for buildings located on the same block to be the same height. That similar concern was echoed by Murfreesboro citizen Gertrude Revelle. She explained while traveling she has seen cities that have lost their history to progress. “I don’t think we should encroach on history,” she said. Revelle also expressed concern for local restaurant owners in the area. “I would not want to run those people out of business,” Revelle said. All of the developers agreed that in order for development to happen, everyone, including the town, Chowan University and the Murfreesboro Historical Association, had to work together. “There has to be value to what we do,” said Geary Crist of William E. Wood and Associates Realtors. “Murfreesboro is a piece of clay; we can mold it as long as we communicate. We can make it work for everyone.” Mayor Lynn Johnson asked Roberson if he thought the flavor of Washington had been lost due to development. “I don’t think so,” Roberson replied. Roberson said Washington has a lot of history and noted there were retail shops and a civic center. Developer Ray Roenker added to Crist’s comments about wanting to work with the Murfreesboro community. “We’re just saying tell us what you want,” Roenker said. “This is not Reno. You don’t build glass buildings around here, it doesn’t fit here.” “I recommend a request for proposals and get someone on staff, like a city planner,” said Roberson. Roberson also noted the current wastewater project and suggested to make sure the town could provide sewer hookups before anything was done. Councilman Bill Theodorakis noted he would like to see completed projects done by the developers. “I’m all for it,” said Theodorakis. “If it’s done correctly it could be beneficial.”
Johnson described the meeting as “good dialogue.”

Happy 4th of July !!

2007-07-05T06:36:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the delay in posting recently - summer has arrived and I seem to be constantly on the run. But check back soon and you'll find lots of new Murfreesboro related information.

Digging Up the Past

2007-06-26T07:11:00.000-07:00

Archaeological remains are a finite and non-renewable resource, in many cases highly fragile and vulnerable to damage and destruction. Appropriate management is therefore essential to ensure that they survive in good condition. In particular, care must be taken to ensure that archaeological remains are not needlessly or thoughtlessly destroyed. They can contain irreplaceable information about our past and the potential for an increase in future knowledge. They are part of our sense of national identity and are valuable both for their own sake and for their role in education, leisure and tourism.

It has been a very LONG time since Murfreesboro has undertaken even a small archaeological survey. With several key historic sites now threatened by development - this might be the perfect time to start thinking about such projects again.

Is the Board Bored .....

2007-06-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

I know many men and women who serve on the boards of local historical societies. Most of them are extremely dedicated to their sites. They bake cookies, serve at various fundraisers, buy and sell tickets (tons and TONS of tickets), and often give up precious summer weekends to lead walking tours and introduce new visitors to a bit of local history.

These individuals read minutes and financial reports, and they know about grant deadlines, proposals, and matching funds. They represent the voice of the membership in forming policy, and they reach out - good board members do - into the community and find out what people think of and how they use the local historical association.

But with all the education board members receive concerning policy and board etiquette, rarely do they ever receive any education about history.

When was the last time a Murfreesboro Historical Association board meeting agenda contained an item about history; how it's done, why one topic is considered more important than another, or about a subject that has been suggested by recent academic interest. When was the last time a discussion was held at an MHA board meeting about what makes a particular book of history popular - or not? Or about a debate in the media over a controversial historical exhibition? These are national issues, but concern ideas that could easily be applied to local sites.

I understand that board meetings are times to move along agendas, to vote for resolutions, and to listen to administrative reports. But, members of history boards should be able to bring historical perspectives to their conversations. They should be able to talk about more than just the need for money or for new members.

Shouldn't a history board devote time to questions of interpreting history?

Shouldn't this happen at least some of the time?

"Love is just friendship - set on fire."

2007-06-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

It's June - and that makes me think of weddings. (OK, actually June makes me lazy and sleepy and I spend a lot of time thinking about vacations at the beach. But since I wanted to post some historic Murfreesboro marriage notices, I decided to think about weddings instead.)

One of the most rewarding moments, during my time at the Murfreesboro Historical Association, was spent attending a local wedding. I've attended many weddings (and just between us - I'm not a big fan of weddings), but this one was unique.

A descendant of one of the Wheeler slaves had decided she wanted to get married at her "ancestral" home ... the John Wheeler House (one of MHA's house museums). I thought it was a brilliant idea and encouraged her by offering to help in any way I could.

Well, it turned out to be one of the hottest, most humid afternoons I can recall - without even the slightest summer breeze. There was absolutely no escape from the mid-day sun. (Oddly, the air conditioning in the house was also not working that afternoon.) But when the bride walked toward the Wheeler house, from the direction of the slave cabin, I forgot all about the heat. I sat there in stunned silence. Here we were, watching a wedding take place on the exact site where the bride's ancestors had been held in bondage.

The fact that this lovely June bride could overcome that painful shared history, and still appreciate the natural beauty of a site where her ancestors had suffered such oppression .... humbled me.

There was a good lesson to be learned that afternoon on the back porch of the Wheeler House. It's a shame that more MHA members were not present.

Some historic Murfreesboro marriage notices:

Near Murfreesboro, on the 27th ult. Mr. Augustus C. Moore, to Miss Mary Finney
(Raleigh Register, and North-Carolina Gazette, March 12, 1813)

On the 27th ult. In Murfreesborough, N.C. Mr. Matthias B. Murfree, of Murfreesborough, Tenn. To Miss Mary Roberts, daughter of Benj. Roberts, Esq. decreased, of the former place.
(Raleigh Register, and North-Carolina Gazette, June 21, 1816)

At Murfreesboro’, in this state, on the 13th ult. Mr. Benjamin B. Camp to Miss Mary Rea, daughter of Ww. Rea, Esq.
(Raleigh Register, and North-Carolina Gazette, March 22, 1822)

In Washington City, on the 19th inst. John H. Wheeler, Esq., a member of our Legislature from Hertford county, to Miss Mary, only daughter of the Rev. O.B. Brown, of that city.
(Raleigh Register, and North-Carolina Gazette, April 26, 1830)

In Murfreesboro’, by the Rev. James Dey, Mr. F.M. Capehart, to Miss Martha Cowper. (Raleigh Register, and North-Carolina Gazettte, November 11, 1830)

At Philadelphia, on Thursday morning, the 8th inst. By the Rev. Mr. Furness, Col. John H. Wheeler, Superintendent of the U.S. Mint, at Charlotte, in this State, to Ellen, daughter of Thomas Sully, Esq. Of Philadelphia.
(Fayetteville Observer, November 14, 1838)

At Murfreesboro’, on the 14th inst. By the Rev. Chas. E. Disbow, Mr. John Kimberly, of New York City, to Miss Carolina Amelia, only daughter of Tristam Capehart, Esq. Of the former place.
(Raleigh Regsiter, and North-Carolina Gazette, July 29, 1842)

On the 19th inst., in the Methodist Episcopal Church, by the Rev. B. Devaney, Dr. Thos. N. Myrick to Miss Julia R. Eldest daughter of John W. Southall, Esq., all of Murfreesboro’, N.C.
(The Weekly Raleigh Register, and North Carolina Gazette, January 05, 1848)

Like Finding a Needle in a .... Towel ?!?!?

2007-06-05T18:49:00.000-07:00

Carolina Observer
(Fayetteville NC)
April 03, 1828

Death Notice:

In Hertford County, North Carolina, a short time since, Col. William D. Britt. The cause of his death was apparently trivial; After washing his hands, he took a towel to dry them, in which a needle was stuck, without perceiving it, which entered the back of his hand, giving him, however, but little pain. - The next day his hand inflamed, and the inflammation and swelling extended to his arm. He died on the 9th day, though, it is said, there was no mortification nor tetanus. He was of full habit, and looked healthy.

2007-05-29T19:10:00.000-07:00

Daily National Intelligencer
(Washington DC)
February 08, 1828

Two counterfeiters have been arrested at Murfreesboro', N.C.

Two counterfeiters have been arrested at Murfreesboro', N.C. they had succeeded in passing several fifty dollar spurious notes of the Farmers' Bank of Virginia, and also several ten dollar Newbern notes. They were both professional gamblers.

ROUGH ON RATS .... Rough on Humans !

2007-05-23T17:59:00.000-07:00

In 1936, Mary Francis Creighton (of New Jersey) was executed in Sing Sing for the poisoning of Mrs. Ada Appelgate. It was a sordid story involving child sexual abuse, betrayal and murder. At the center of the vortex was Creighton, a deeply disturbed woman who was acquitted at two murder trials and later killed her boyfriend's wife so he could marry her 14-year-old daughter. Her "murder weapon of choice" was arsenic, which she purchased over the counter in the form of a chemical designed to kill rodents.

"Rough on Rats" was the brand name.

And that's the Hertford County NC connection (you were beginning to wonder weren't you). Nearly four decades earlier, in 1897, a young girl in Hertford County was equally attracted to "Rough On Rats" when she too decided to murder.

The following article appeared in the News and Observer (Raleigh NC) on May 18, 1897:

PUT "ROUGH ON RATS" IN FOOD
Little Colored Girl Attempts Murder of a Whole Family.

Norfolk, Va., May 17 - A little colored girl living near Union, Hertford County, North Carolina, with the family of Mr. William Horton, attempted to murder the family yesterday by putting "Rough on Rats" in the food. Three of the family were affected and came near dying. Mrs. Horton is still in a precarious condition, but the rest are recovering. The girl has been arrested. She gave her reason for attempting the wholesale murder "that she was tired of living with the family."

Luckily "the little colored girl" was not as skilled with rat poison as Mrs. Creighton. I wonder what happened to that young girl, whose name was not given ? Or to the William Horton family, of "near Union" ?

Does anybody know more details of this story ?

(Look, there was even a song advertising "Rough on Rats")

RUN AWAY BOB

2007-05-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I stumbled on this very early newspaper advertisement for a runaway slave. Although mis-identified as "Hartford County, North Carolina", it was clearly meant to read "Hertford County, North Carolina".

I sent the transcript to Alice Eley Jones, a native Murfreesboro historian who was working on a book about African-American tradesmen in North Carolina. Alice included it as part of the introduction to her book.

I think it's worth repeating:

April 16, 1767. RUN AWAY from the subscriber, near Williamsburg, last Saturday night, a Negro fellow named BOB, about 5 feet 7 inches high, about 26 years of age, was burnt when young, by which he has a scar on the wrist of his right hand, the thumb of his left hand burnt off, and the hand turns in; had on a double breasted dark coloured frieze jacket and yellow cotton breeches. He was lately brought home from Hartford [Hertford] County in North Carolina, where he has been harbored for three years past by one Van Pelt, who lives on Chinkopin creek; he passed for a free man, by the name of Edward or Edmund Tamar, and has got a wife there. He is an extraordinary sawyer, a tolerable good carpenter and currier, pretends to make shoes, and is a very good sailor. He has been gone for eight years, a part of which time he lived in Charlestown, South Carolina. He can read and write; and, as he is a very artful fellow, will probably forge a pass. All masters of vessels are hereby cautioned from carrying him out of the colony, and any person from employing him. Whoever apprehends the said fellow, and conveys him to me, shall have 3 [pounds] reward, if taken in this colony; if in North Carolina, 5 [pounds], and if in any other province, 10[pounds]

William Trebell

The Virginia Gazette. Williamsburg [Va.]
Printed by Alexander Purdie and John Dixon.

It's a fascinating document, listing the many skills "Bob" (Edward/Edmund Tamar) possessed, a description of his clothes, and it points out that many slaves had their own names (including surnames).

With a little online digging I was able to "flesh out" some of the references.

The custom ports with their large warehouses were King's Landings. Van Pelts' on Chinquapin Creek was such a landing. It had been established by John and Jacob Van Pelt, New York Dutchmen, who began visiting Carolina around 1722. They were mariner-merchants. They bought 100 acres of land in Chinquapin Neck. John was master of the Sloop "John and Mary", built in New York 1732. This sloop was owned by John Van Pelt and Paul Richards, New York merchants. The second customs' warehouse in the vicinity of the Wiccacon River was on the Wiccacon and Catherine Creek near the present town of Harrellsville. There was a short lived settlement, four miles above Murfree's Landing on the Meherrin River that was called Pitch Landing, later known as Princeton. Afterwards, Van Pelts' on the Chinquapin Creek was called Pitch Landing and that name identifies the spot today.

And some specific information about the Van Pelts:

Captain John Van Pelt (1691-1748), his brothers, and his sons settled in this area beginning in the 1720s and 1730s. Today, this land would be found east of Bethlehem as you approach Chinkapin Bridge. His descendants gradually moved northeast of this area toward Wiccacon Creek. When they first settled in this area it was part of Bertie County until Hertford County was formed in 1759.

Captain John Van Pelt died in 1748, so "Bob" (Edward/Edmund Tamar) was more likely harbored in Hertford County by one of his sons (John or Daniel).

MHA Board of Directors

2007-05-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

The Murfreesboro Historical Association, Inc.
Board of Directors

Term Expires
2007/2008

Danny Blowe
Lynette Bunch
Norman Buskill
Liz Brown
Eley Whitehead

2008/2009

Phyllis Underwood Bryant
Jimmy Gray
Lynn Warren
Tim Barnes
Dwight Kirkland

2009/2010

Brenda Davis
Carole Farnham
Carol Lassiter
Dale Neighbors
Arthur Warren

Pork Fest 2007

2007-05-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

Today is PORK FEST 2007 - an annual fundraiser for the Brady C. Jefcoat Museum of Americana (in Murfreesboro NC).

In honor of Pork Fest 2007, I thought I'd post another primary research tool. This time it's the transcription of a letter related to the historic PIGS of Murfreesboro !

March 29th, 1904

Mr. B.B. Winborne
Murfreesboro N.C.

Dear Sir:

Your valued favor of 25th just reached me here in New York having been forwarded by Mrs. Owens. I thank you very much for the order for eggs which Mrs. Owens wrote you about and wish you every success with them. You will certainly get the best that can be bred. Its alright about the money and you can remit to Mrs. Owens.

Now about the Duroc Jersey pigs. While I claim to have the best fowls in the State I know I have the best hogs east of Ohio. Had an order today for a pair of pigs to go to Morehead City to be shown at the State Fair this fall and they will win first prize sure. Can furnish you a fine pair of Duroc Jersey pigs entitled to registry, one boar and 2 sows 8 weeks old for $22. The pigs will not be ready to ship for several weeks but you had better place your order at once for I have orders booked now for 20 pigs and orders and queries coming in every day. I thank you very much for your query and trust I may be favored with your order and guarantee to give you the best that can be bred.

Very sincerely yours,
William G. Owens & Co
"The Cedars"
Poultry and Stock Farm
Midlotian Virginia

Eggs and Ham ... hmmmmm .... suddenly I have an strange craving for breakfast !

Question: Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road ? Answer: To Live in Historic Murfreesboro !

2007-05-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

Chickens crossed the Atlantic with the Jamestown settlers, but proper breeding only gained attention in the mid-1800s, when gentrified American farmers made caged chickens all the rage. According to historian Glenn E. Bugos, “Traveling merchants, naval officers, and diplomats – under instruction from the U.S. Treasury Department – combed the seaport markets of Europe and Asia for chickens to ship back to fanciers in America, chickens with rainbow tails, feathered feet, freakish shapes, or the long curved neck of a fighting cock.” Bugos concluded that though the chicken had come first, with all its dazzling plumage, the egg gave the chicken its industrial future. “Though poultry fanciers had popularized systematic breeding, progressive farmers redefined the role of the breeder so that, by the 1880s, breeding looked less like gambling and more like an industry.”

Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rocks, Leghorns, and other distinctly “American chickens” were designed as general purpose chickens – good egg-layers that grew large enough to make a meal. These breeds could be housed virtually without cost. They gleaned the fields or ate spoiled grain. The farmwife or farm children collected the eggs for breakfast or cakes and slaughtered the hens when they grew too old to lay. By the 1880s hens and “roosters” (Protestant mores demanded a term more genteel than the traditional “cock”) had become fixtures on the American landscape.

Based on the transcription of the following Murfreesboro chicken related manuscript – by the 1890s, they had also become fixtures on the Murfreesboro landscape.

Garysburg NC
March 3rd, 1896

Dear Capt. Anderson:

Remembering our “chicken conversation” on “New Year’s night”, I embrace the first opportunity to send you down a game chicken cock. I send down a pair of them by Wednesday’s boat from Franklin. One of them is for Herod. But you can take your pick of the two and give him the other one.

They are both stags and I have just cut their combs off. The red one is the offspring of an English cock that Senator Murphy of New York gave to General Ransom and is one of the best bred chickens in the State. The other is a cross between the “Tennessee White” and the old “Red War Horse”. He s a real blue grey in color, but lacks weight. I send him to you in pleasant remembrance of the night we “stormed you”.

I would send you some hens if I had them, but have only fifteen, in all, and would like to add a few to mine if could get the kind I want. Give Herod the one you like less, with my love to him.

Very truly yours,
F.S. Faison Jr.

Washington Slept Here ?!?!?!

2007-05-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

While working on an upcoming exhibition for the Winborne & Winborne Law Office, I recently discovered an interesting letter addressed to B.B. Winborne. The letter was written in 1904, by a gentleman busy preparing a catalogue announcing a school that Judge Winborne was planning for Murfreesboro.

Trinity, N.C. June 15, 1904

Judge B.B. Winborne, Murfreesboro N.C.

Dear Sir:-
I am down at work on the catalogue and I happened to think that we never said a word as to terms ! Strange, is it not ? So far as I now can tell, there will be two main divisions in the school - Primary and High School. The charges will be the customary charges for the studies pursued in each - not too little nor yet too large. I should be glad if you would suggest the charges as these ordinarily are put in the catalogues. I never thought to ask the customary charges for such and such a grade and I am afraid I should either make them too large and thus scare pupils away or too small and prevent the school from being self supporting.

Another thing or two will help me: - Have some pictures made of the mineral spring showing as much as possible of the hill back of it, also of the long bridge near the wharf (A splendid picture of it can be found in J.C. Scarborough's C.B.F. Institute catalogue). I want in these pictures to show the hills and that deep ravine. Besides these I want a picture of the house Washington stayed in. These can be easily had and are essential to my plans. Have clearly cut outlines in these pictures and let the contrast of light and shade be emphasized. This will assist the engraver and the best results will be obtained.

I want the following information also: - How far is it from Tunis by boat to Murfreesboro? What is the name of the stream upon which Murfreesboro is situated ? (Is it called the Meherrin?) Maps do not show the name, only as "Kirby's Creek" - What is the usual charge for board? What is the usual charge for washing ?

Now one or two more things and I am done. Send to me the pictures thus made of Mineral Springs, Long Bridge, Watson House (where Washington stayed), and the above information about Tuition, Board, Washing, and answers concerning Murfreesboro, etc. and I shall soon show you a fine catalogue.

Again let me thank you for your recent kindness and assure you I shall do all in my power to have a good school at that place. With the very best wishes,

I am, Sir,
Very respectfully,
W.F.McCanless

P.S. How many catalogues can we use this year ? W.F. Mc.

An interesting letter about the production and design of a proposed school catalogue. As a longtime Photo Curator, I especially like that he requested photographs to illustrate the catalogue.

But I was stunned to read the part about "the house where Washington stayed" ! He later identified it as the "Watson House". I don't recall ever hearing anyone mention the "Watson House" or the suggestion that Washington visited Murfreesboro.

Is that possible? Could George Washington have actually "slept here" ?

Murfreesboro NC: Genealogical Notes at LVA

2007-05-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

Note: The National Genealogical Society's "Conference In the States" is being held in Richmond Virginia this week (May 16-19, 2007) !

In honor of that event, I thought I'd include some Murfreesboro NC genealogical material found at The Library of Virginia:

Mary Priscilla Hill - Place of residence at the time of her death: Murfreesboro NC
(Richmond Enquirer, May 24, 1831)
Lizzie Trader Carter (of Murfreesboro NC) married William J. Echols (of Senatobia MS) in Memphis TN
(Petersburg VA Daily Progress, October 19, 1871)
W.W. Edwards (of Murfreesboro NC) married Martha A. White (of Elizabeth City NC)
(Petersburg VA Daily Democrat, August 25, 1856)
Professor William M. Jones (of Murfreesboro NC) married Pattie J. Lee (of Nansemond County)
(Petersburg VA Index, December 28, 1868)
Married- In Murfreesboro, N.C. on Apr. 2, by Rev. Henry Hines, Capt. Edward Murphy, to Miss Martha Cook of Northampton County, N.C.
(American Beacon and Norfolk and Portsmouth Daily Advertiser , April 9, 1836)
Smith, Dora. Race: Black. Gender: Female. Date of death: July 12, 1888. Age at death:
9 month(s). Place of birth: Murfreesboro, North Carolina. Source of information: Southampton County Death Records, 1888.
Died- Near Murfreesboro, N.C. on October 2, Mrs. Mary Long, wife of Henry W. Long.
(Visitor and Telegraph, October 31, 1829. )
Married- In Murfreesboro, N.C. on Oct. 14, by Rev. James Dey, F. M. Capehart, to Miss Martha Cowper, both of that place.
(Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald, October 25, 1830. )
Died- In Washington on Oct. 15, at the residence of the Secretary of the Navy, Rev. Daniel Southall, of Murfreesboro’, N.C.
(Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald, October 18, 1830. )
Married- On Apr. 14, Dr. Samuel Jordan Wheeler, of Murfreesboro, N.C., to Miss Lucinda Pugh Bond, daughter of Lewis Bond, of Bertie County, N.C.
(American Beacon and Norfolk and Portsmouth Daily Advertiser, April 23, 1836. )
Married- In Murfreesboro, N.C. on Thursday, May 12, by James Wells, Dr. Euclid Borland, to Miss Elizabeth R. Moore, only daughter of Captain Augustus Moore.
(American Beacon and Norfolk and Portsmouth Daily Advertiser, May 19, 1836. )
Married- In Murfreesboro, N.C., on Tuesday, Sept. 6, by Rev. James Wells, Bowers H. Wade, to Miss Elizabeth Cowpen, all of that place.
(Virginia Gazette, September 13, 1836. )
Married- In Murfreesboro, N.C. on Thursday (June 28), by Rev. William Neil, Dr. Godwin C. Moore, to Miss Julia Monroe Wheeler, daughter of John Wheeler.
(American Beacon and Virginia and North-Carolina Gazette, July 3, 1832.)
Married- In Washington City, on Monday, March 29, John H. Wheeler, of Murfreesboro’, N.C. to Miss Mary Brown, only dau. of O. B. Brown.
(Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald, April 23, 1830.)
Married- In Murfreesboro, N.C. on December 10, by Rev. William Neil, Mr Joseph Exum, to Miss Esther Roberts.
(Visitor and Telegraph, December 25, 1829.)
Married- In Washington, D.C. on April 29, John H. Wheeler, of Murfreesboro, N.C. to Mary Brown, daughter of O. B. Brown.
(Southern Religious Telegraph, May 1, 1830. )
Barrett, Lewis A. Race: White. Gender: Male. Date of death: July 12, 1873. Place of death: Franklin Township. Cause of death: Cholera Infantum. Age at death: 1 year(s).
Place of birth: Murfreesboro, North Carolina.
Kelly, Thomas. Race: Black. Gender: Male. Date of death: November 25, 1882. Place of death: District #1. Age at death: 1 year(s). Place of birth: Murfreesboro, North Carolina. Source of information: Southampton County Death Records, 1882.

Storytelling by Booker

2007-05-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the pleasure of attended a storytelling program. It was Open Mike Storytelling, which is held every 3rd Tuesday of every month at the Ashland Coffee and Tea, in Ashland Virginia.

What does that have to do with Murfreesboro history? One of the storytellers was Booker Daniel from Murfreesboro, who told several interesting stories related to Murfreesboro NC. My favorite was an amusing "funeral related" story that seemed to capture the true "Murfreesboro experience".

It was a fun evening and reminded me just how important the oral history tradition is to capturing the flavor of a small town. In recent years oral history has emerged as a powerful means of recording and preserving the unique memories and life experiences of people whose stories might otherwise have been lost. It enables us to eavesdrop on events, feelings, attitudes and ways of life which have been hidden from history, and thus create a more vivid and accurate picture of our past.

Oral history can enliven static displays in museums and galleries and more directly engage visitors in their own past. Isn't it time to try to revive the idea of starting an oral history project in Murfreesboro?

The generation that originally founded the Murfreesboro Historical Association is quickly disappearing. Shouldn't their memories and thoughts of those early years and projects be captured on tape .... before it's too late ?

Welcome ....

2007-05-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new Murfreesboro NC - History blog !

I'm hoping to use this new blog as an informal method to offer quick news updates about Murfreesboro NC history, to keep you informed about routine day-to-day happenings, and generally try to converse with those people interested in the history of Murfreesboro, North Carolina in a less formal, less structured way.

I'll report on new acquisitions by the Murfreesboro Historical Association, historical properties, new displays and revised interpretations. Plus, I imagine I'll include lots of Murfreesboro history and genealogy as I stumble across it. This is very much a "work in progress", so it will be interesting to see how it develops (or doesn't).

Comments are always encouraged. Please let me know what you think.