Well Water School
sketch by Dr. Margaret A. Pennington
photo by Jeremy Winfrey
These ruins of the Well Water School are all that remains of the community of Well Water, located in northern Buckingham County, Virginia. Once a bustling place, it was founded by Frank N. Maxey after the Civil War. In the late 19th century, my maternal grandmother’s maternal grandfather, John T.L. Woodson, taught at Well Water’s one-room school house; it was replaced by this spacious, two-story structure.
Frank N. Maxey’s obituary in the Appomattox and Buckingham Times read in part, “Mr. Maxey had been engaged in many business enterprises during his life. He conducted a large general merchandise store, built and put in operation a splendid wheat, corn and saw mill, foundry and etc., besides farming on an extensive scale. For many years he bought nearly all the tobacco that was raised in this part of the county. He took the deepest interest in the welfare and development of the community in which he lived. It was his home, and he was its son, and when his death was announced it came as a personal loss to every citizen.”
My Great Aunt Annie Patteson also taught at Well Water School. I have a picture of her and her children if you are interested in seeing it.
Is this the building located on the corner of Rt. 20 and Well Water Rd.? I lovingly refer to it as a great “fixer-upper”.
It is indeed the “fixer-upper.”
What was the reasoning behind the name?
Good question! Frank Maxey’s farm was called Well Water. The post office at his store on the place was called Well Water. So, calling the school Well Water naturally followed. But why did Frank Maxey call his farm Well Water? Did he depend on his well for water? Did the water make you well? Buckingham has other healthful springs….