Buckingham Notables: Louise Harrison McCraw
One of Buckingham County’s shining lights was Louise Harrison McCraw.
Don’t miss my profile of Louise in the February 2014 issue of the Buckingham Beacon. It begins:
The daughter of William Emmett and Bettie (Gilliam) McCraw, Louise Harrison McCraw was born in Buckingham County in February of 1893 at her family’s home, The Pines, near Andersonville, in the southern part of the county. By the age of five, she was determined to become a writer. When one of her story-telling, older sisters angered little Louise, she went to the vegetable garden, stamped her foot, and announced, “When I get grown, I’m going to write a book about how bad it is for older children to boss younger children.”
Louise followed through, dedicating her life to writing and to serving the blind through her work at the Braille Circulating Library.
For the rest of the story, download a PDF of the February 28th issue and turn to page 11: Louise Harrison McCraw
slate river ramblings . . . . 
“The Pines” farm is owned by Kyle and Allison Bryan. They breed draft quarter horse crosses for jumping and riding. Our family “pets” Zack, Misty, and Lily were born on their farm. Ms. McGraw is buried in the family cemetery on their farm.
Thanks, Hal. How nice to know that Louise Harrison McCraw is sharing the fields with fine horses.
Thanks Hal, I know that farm as Rev. Dott Bryan was the owner and Kyle is his son. I’ve actually been there. Rev. Bryan is the minister that baptised me in the Appomattox River. Had no idea of the history until Joanne’s article.
Great story, Fran. So nice to make connections.
Joanne, thank you for writing these articles. I enjoyed reading about the life of Louise Harrison McCraw and had no idea of her connection to The Braille Library and the YMCA here; just a young girl from Buckingham. I plan to look for a copy of her 1936 book “Hearts That Understand”. Next time I go down to the LVA, I want to drive by her home on Grove. As a teenager, I grew up on Hanover just a few blocks away. Would like to know where her home near Andersonville was located?
Thanks to you Fran and all those who love Buckingham County history. Writers need enthusiastic readers!