Buckingham County, 1908: Part V

Occasionally the 19th century news of Buckingham and Appomattox counties crossed over. After all, the territory was once all Buckingham County. In the December 1908 issue of the Appomattox and Buckingham Times, one article mentioned several Buckingham-Appomattox families. Can a Slate River Ramblings reader familiar with Appomattox help identify any of those mentioned?

An Old Resident Visits Us — News from Hubard.

Well Mr. Editor I want to tell the readers of the Times about my trip through old Appomattox.

On the 5th Saturday I assisted New Hope church. There were so many vacant seats that it made me feel sad. I met with many of my old friends. I also met with Bro. Davis and Bro. Harris, of Buckingham, which made me feel at home.

After morning service there was a bountiful dinner served after which I drove to the surrender grounds, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. M. R. Reynolds and children and Mrs. M. E. Decker, of Rockbridge. We drove from the surrender grounds to Appomattox, where I met many old friends. I tell you, they were all smiles, and so was I. I also found the editor in his office, attending to his own business. Well I forgot, I went down to Purdum & Caldwell’s and there I found Miss Maud, who reminded me of our friend Mr. P. R. Wooldridge. Many other friends I saw, but I have not the space to mention them. I was advised then to drive to the new school building, which I thought was grand, with many other improvements around your town since I left the county.

During the time I was in the county I visited several homes around Wildway, there I was made sad again seeing the vacant seats that were once filled. I found the same hospitality in those christian homes as it was in the past.

Now I must tell you the news of this neighborhood.

There was a large congregation at Mt. Tabor the 1st Sunday expecting to hear the new preacher, Mr. Valliant, but he failed to come, but we were glad to say that people did not wait. They had a nice prayer meeting and returned home.

Mr. Geo Bolton, who has been sick for some time is improving.

Mrs. Chas Turner, who has been sick for several days is improving, under the skillful care of Dr. Morris.

Mrs. Susan Harris has returned home after a long visit to her daughter, Mrs. Roberts, of Roanoke.

Mrs. Albert Ragland returned home Saturday from the slate quarry.

Mrs. W. O. Ragland is still ill at this writing.

Mr. Alic Stinson and wife are visiting their parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Ragland.

Mrs. Eugene Spencer is no better.

What has become of the Andersonville correspondent? We would like to hear from him, also the writer of West Buckingham. They [write] some interesting letters.

I forgot to state that our neighborhood was made lively Saturday by a fox chase. They captured him after about six hours run.

A loss for posterity, this colorful correspondence is unsigned.

Coming next: Buckingham County, 1908: Part VI