1895: Buckingham and Environs
This map is from the 1895 US Atlas. Lacking a “city,” rural Buckingham County was dotted with numerous “service centers” with names like New Store, Sheppards, New Canton, and Centenary. They typically had post offices, general stores, a grist mill, and, maybe, a black smith shop.
My grandmother was born in 1891, near Well Water which was in northern part of the county. Fortunately, it was significant enough to make the map. Today, there is nothing left of Well Water except the ruins of the two-story school house.
slate river ramblings . . . . 
LOVE IT …MORE, MORE!
MORE, MORE! That’s about as good as it gets. Thanks, Martha!
New to site and loving it!
Welcome Frank! We’re all new to the site. Looking forward to a lively conversation!
RE: 1895 R.R map Buckingham. I can scan the 1896 postal routes for the county map [presumably on roads] for you. ‘Twill give a more complete picture of transportation in the county at the turn of the century. Also re railroads Buckingham, at the end of the line at Rosney [also Rosny]… my cousin Forrest Guthrie 1924-2011 was reared at Rosney and pointed out to me the location of the turn table for that railroad. It’s south of the old home, on the right just before you get to US-60 Shall I?? mc Date: Thu, 13 Dec 2012 23:41:02 +0000 To: mcmitton@hotmail.com
We’d love to see the 1896 map with the postal routes. Scan and send and we’ll post! Thanks!
Love this map! Also, at Well Water, I believe there was a Masonic Lodge. I know there was one at Centenary.
Yes, there was a Masonic Lodge at Centenary, though I’m not sure there was a long-term lodge at Well Water. Well Water’s “founder,” Frank Maxey, was a Freemason. Here’s what I had to say about his involvement in “At a Place Called Buckingham,” —
“Frank was also a Freemason and a founding member of Buckingham’s Stonewall Lodge #200, which held its first meeting at Buckingham Female Collegiate Institute on October 13, 1865. Described as a ‘very intelligent and bright Mason,’ Frank served as Senior Deacon, Tyler, Junior Deacon, and Senior Warden. By 1870, he was on the roster as Worshipful Master and was listed as a Past Master when the newly-formed Taylor Lodge #117 held its initial meetings at Well Water on November 2, 1895. Not surprisingly, given Frank’s level head for business, he served as Treasurer for many years.”
I never realized until now that Appomatox was part of the county.
Appomattox County was formed in 1845, parts were taken from neighboring Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte & Prince Edward Counties. The map from the 1895 Atlas is a bit deceptive because the county lines are not very clear.