Snowden Dairy
In the 1950s, a former German soldier named Dominik Stillfried settled in central Virginia and developed a successful dairy farm at Snowden, once the home of Randolph Jefferson. In 1964, Stillfried was ready to sell his 600 acres and placed an advertisement in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on August 23, 1964. Though the farm was labeled, “historic,” no mention was made of the Jefferson family connection.
HISTORIC SNOWDEN FARM – Located on James River, Scottsville, Va.; prosperous dairy farm is being offered as an operating unit, has nice dwelling, beautiful shrubbery and trees. 2 tenant houses, all necessary buildings and silos for operation of efficient dairy. Approximately 600 acres of land, 150 acres of river bottom corn land, 70 acres of alfalfa upland, 50 acres of pasture land. This farm has been maintained in top condition and soil brought up to proper balance each year. 225 head of top quality Guernsey cattle producing golden Guernsey milk at this farm each year. Excellent financing.
Apparently, the dairy did not attract a buyer and, one year later, the Richmond Times-Dispatch advertised the dispersal of Snowden Farm. 200 cows and heifers, as well as the dairy and farm equipment, were auctioned. Today, ruins of the silos can still be seen on the lowlands at Snowden.
For more about life at Snowden in the 18th and early 19th century, see The Jefferson Brothers.
slate river ramblings . . . . 
Is this the structure you see on the right before you cross the James into Scottsville? I’ve always wondered what that was! Now I know!
Miranda — Yes, the silo is on your right as you cross the bridge heading into Scottsville.