February 10, 2020 / Joanne Yeck

1898: News From Lawford

In the April 28, 1898 issue of the Appomattox and Buckingham Times, a new correspondent was heard from — Willie Witt who lived in the neighborhood of Lawford. He wrote:

To the Editor of the Appomattox in Buckingham Times: — A copy of your paper fell into my hands sometimes since and I was struck forcibly with it. While I read various articles etc., I found no piece from my neighborhood — Lawford, Buckingham Co. Standing in fear of the waste basket I write a few words, just to show that we are in the land of the living.

The wheat crop here promises good and fruit is not all killed. We have a few peaches left and apples promises to be about one-half crop.

This is a very quiet business-like vicinity. The farmers are preparing for a large crop of tobacco as the prices are good this year. Everybody is talking war talk just at this time, nearly all the men around here are too old, so they needn’t come around here looking for soldiers. I agree with Sam Jones in regard to the war. I do not see that Spain could insult the honor of the United States and if she did destroy 266 men on the Maine, the war will destroy more, but if the men want to fight I can stand it.

Willie Witt.

Google Maps locates the neighborhood of Lawford near the intersection of Routes 717 and 613, in the eastern part of the county.