Reconstruction in Buckingham County, Part VIII
Courtesy The Whig
To catch up, follow this link: Reconstruction in Buckingham County, Part I
In February of 1868, news of a “Conservative Meeting in Buckingham County” was reported in Richmond’s Whig. Names of several of the men listed by Lt. Col. Jordan as viable leaders in Buckingham County’s post-war government appear in the article. The purpose of the meeting was to organize a Conservative Party “in accordance with the plan recommended by the Conservative Committee in Richmond.” Mr. Richard Ivanhoe Cocke was named Chairman. Representatives from Buckingham’s District included: Dr. Charles E. Davidson (District No. 1); Alexander J. Bondurant (District No. 2); and J. B. Ficklin (District No. 5).
According to the article, the meeting attracted more than “an ordinary interest.” The “crippled condition” of the Commonwealth was discussed and attendees were encouraged “to put forth every effort to kindle the hope and arrest the sinking fortunes of the State.”
Whig Editor Alexander Moseley was in attendance and was asked to address the group:
He said his opinions in regard to the white man and the negro cooperating in any movement whatever, had undergone an entire change; he once thought there was hope of such a thing, but was now convinced that oil and water should sooner unite than the two classes upon any common measure; it was, therefore, necessary for us to make a “pull together” to defeat the forthcoming Constitution, although the captivating clause of repudiation should be inserted to make us except universal suffrage.
Alexander Moseley had long been known as a generous and equitable man. For him to despair the future of racial integration indeed represented a pivotal moment in Virginia’s political history. For more about Alexander Moseley’s gift of Alexander Hill to his former servants and slaves, click here: Alexander Hill.
For Moseley’s life story, consult “At a Place Called Buckingham,” Volume Two.
Coming next: Reconstruction in Buckingham County, Part IX
slate river ramblings . . . . 
Dear Reader:
Seymour W. Holman mentioned in the article was a local attorney who was nominated as Judge of the Circuit Court for Cumberland County in 1870, but he and his wife moved to Mexia, Texas that year. He was the son of Benjamin Holman of “Linwood,” which was in the area of Cumberland County near Trent’s Mill. He married Mary W. Moseley, the daughter of Dr. William P. and Nancy Trent Moseley of “Wheatland,” Buckingham County. After the Holmans moved to Mexia, Texas, he died shortly thereafter, leaving a young widow and two small children. The daughter Ruth was the grandmother of the notable Joanne Johnson King Herring of Houston, who was portrayed by Julia Roberts in the recent movie entitled “Charlie Wilson’s War.”
Harry, Many thanks for identifying this Holman and connecting him to Joanne Johnson King Herring of “Charlie Wilson’s War.” Joanne