Buckingham Notables: Peter Francisco, Part II
Locust Grove (1997), restoration in process
Courtesy Virginia Department of Historic Resources
In April of 1958, Charlottesville’s Daily Progress ran an article remembering the Revolutionary war hero who grew up in Buckingham County. Click here for Peter Francisco, Part I.
According to the article, among his friends was Gen. Nathanael Greene, who had a “razor case” made especially for Francisco. In 1958, it was on display in the Hall of History in Raleigh, North Carolina. Gen. George Washington had a five foot sword made for the giant Francisco, which became the property of the Virginia Historical Society.
Francisco’s life following the Revolution was marked with sadness and, according to the unidentified author, his life was often “shrouded by loneliness.” His first wife died though, later, he found “comfort and companionship” in a second marriage, living at one of the several plantations in Buckingham County named Locust Grove. The legend continues that this humble house attracted such men as Chief Justice Marshall and Henry Clay, who apparently consulted Francisco on important matters of the day.
Coming next: Peter Francisco, Part III
slate river ramblings . . . . 
Dear Reader:
I strongly believe that there were other places in Buckingham County named “Locust Grove.” My great-great aunt, Dolly Hooper, daughter of Capt. Benj. and Permelia Moseley Hooper, wrote a letter from “Locust Grove” in 1860. I have seen this name associated with some of our kin–possibly Elcans. Have others seen this name for a plantation in addition to Peter Francisco’s family home?
Sincerely,
Harry S. Holman
Harry, There were at least five or six Locust Groves in Buckingham County, as evidenced by the WPA surveys. I was once told it might have been the most popular plantation name in Virginia. In Buckingham, one of my uncle James Harris’ farms, as well as a Turner farm, were both called Locust Grove at one time. Joanne