John Epperson of Planterstown
In Genealogical Records of Buckingham County, Virginia, Edythe Rucker Whitley published a lengthy transcription of John Epperson’s Day Book, which she saw in 1930.
She also related the story of his death: “Epperson was killed in a stage coach accident about 1806. The widow [Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Woodson] married Claiborne West and they removed to near Hopkinsville, Kentucky.”
Epperson’s years of commerce at Plantersville resulted in a wide and honorable reputation; his obituary ran in the Richmond newspapers:
Departed this life at Planter’s Town (Buckingham county) on Tuesday the 20th ult. JOHN EPPERSON, Esq. late a merchant of that place.
In his death his much afflicted family has sustained an irreparable loss, and society also hath lost a truly valuable member. For industry and integrity he was exemplary; his uniform good moral conduct produced a calmness and serenity in his last short, but painful illness, peculiar to conscious rectitude.
Although he filled no high office under government and claimed not the reputation of being either learned or witty; all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance acknowledged him an honest and most respectable man; such a man as probably occurred to the celebrated poet, who so elegantly expressed this important truth: that
“A wit’s a feather–and a chief’s a rod.
“An honest man’s the noblest work of God”
Enquirer, 8 July 1806
To read more about Buckingham County’s town on the Appomattox River, type Planterstown in the search box to the right and enjoy the results!
slate river ramblings . . . . 
Wonder if this John Epperson was related to my Appersons of Buckingham Co. My ggg-grandmother was Rebecca Apperson (1815-1870+) who married Edmund England. Rebecca was the daughter of James Apperson (1783-?) and Sarah Noel Guthrie. James was the son of Jacob Apperson (1759-1836) and Elizabeth R. Beverly. Would enjoy learning more about any of these families. Thanks for sharing!
Dave, I don’t know if or how the names might be connected. You could be on to something. . . . Joanne