Category: Communities

Urban Legends: Octagon House Hauntings

February 16, 2025February 16, 2025 Admin No Comments

DISCLAIMER: 𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗅𝗅𝗈𝗐𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖺𝗋𝗍𝗂𝖼𝗅𝖾 𝖾𝗑𝗉𝗅𝗈𝗋𝖾𝗌 multiple urban legends. 𝖯𝗅𝖾𝖺𝗌𝖾 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗌 𝖽𝖾𝗌𝖼𝗋𝗂𝖻𝖾𝖽 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗉𝖺𝗋𝗍 𝗈𝖿 𝖿𝗈𝗅𝗄𝗅𝗈𝗋𝖾, 𝗆𝗒𝗍𝗁, 𝗈𝗋 𝗎𝗇𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖿𝗂𝖾𝖽 𝖺𝖼𝖼𝗈𝗎𝗇𝗍𝗌, 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝖻𝖺𝗌𝖾𝖽 𝗈𝗇 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝖿𝗂𝗋𝗆𝖾𝖽 𝖿𝖺𝖼𝗍𝗌. 𝖱𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝖽𝗂𝗌𝖼𝗋𝖾𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇 𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝖽𝗏𝗂𝗌𝖾𝖽, 𝖺𝗌 𝗌𝗈𝗆𝖾 𝖽𝖾𝗍𝖺𝗂𝗅𝗌 𝗆𝖺𝗒 𝖻𝖾 𝗎𝗇𝗌𝖾𝗍𝗍𝗅𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗈𝗋 𝖽𝗂𝗌𝗍𝗎𝗋𝖻𝗂𝗇𝗀. 𝖳𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝗋𝗍𝗂𝖼𝗅𝖾 𝗌𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝖻𝖾 𝗍𝖺𝗄𝖾𝗇 𝖺𝗌 𝖺𝗇 𝖺𝖼𝖼𝗎𝗋𝖺𝗍𝖾 𝖽𝖾𝗉𝗂𝖼𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇 𝗈𝖿 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗅 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗌. There are several urban legend-like stories that have been around for decades surrounding the Octagon House. These tales have almost become a part of local culture, at least with people of a certain age group. Let’s explore some of these tales. We have an actual brief history of the Octagon House HERE if you would like to read about the factual history before you embark upon the local stories. Abijah’s Ghost Walk On December 1st, it is said that the ghost of Abijah Thomas appears at dusk as an eerie blue-white glow, moving between the remains of his beloved octagonal house, Mountainview, and the Thomas family cemetery just up the hill, where his grave is located. It is believed that he returns on the anniversary of his unexpected death to check on his cherished home. The sightings are not interactive, and all reports suggest that this is a residual haunting rather than an active one. This ghost story is perhaps one of the longest standing stories to be passed around locally. The Cellar The cellar is often regarded as the most haunted spot on the property and is the focal point of numerous tales of malevolent paranormal encounters. It is said to have been the site where slaves were beaten for failing to perform their work properly. Various versions of the story have circulated, but the most widely known claims that if you stand on the ground behind the house, where the cellar once was, after sunset, you will be confronted by an evil spirit that demands you leave the property. Those who do not heed the warning may suffer physical harm. Other accounts suggest that visitors can hear the anguished screams of those who died on the property, emanating from this mysterious cellar. This version also ends with the evil spirit confronting those present, urging them to depart. Some people feel compelled to bring a rosary, crucifix, or other spiritual items for protection if they dare to visit the location. It is factually known that there was no evidence of a cellar found anywhere around the house and specifically not at the rear of the house near the back door as most of these tales indicate. Additionally, according to various local historical sources, many of the slaves who were owned by Abijah Thomas remained there after slavery was abolished following the Civil War and done so because they were treated well by the family. The Dark Room The dark room was another area on the property known for paranormal activity. Located on the second floor at the top of the stairs, it was centrally situated in the house. The room had no windows and only one door. Popular stories about it included rattling chains, eerie screams, slamming locking doors and blood stains on the floor and walls. It was said to have been a place where slaves, and sometimes even the Thomas children, were punished—locked away for long periods without food. Given its location on the second floor, attempting to access the room, especially in the dark, would have been dangerous—particularly during the time when people dared to enter the house after it had been condemned. The room itself was oddly sized, making it suitable for storage as it was intended. While no blood stains were found on the remaining white plaster walls, there were dark stains on the floorboards. However, it was determined these were not blood stains, but rather food stains from canned goods that had either broken or spoiled, leaving the dark stains. Priscilla Thompson, the daughter of Abijah Thomas, clarified in writing that the room had always been used for storage and that no one was ever punished there. She also mentioned that when the door was open, enough light came through to see whatever one was looking for in the room. This writing was reproduced in the article about the octagon house. The Ghost Who Threw People Out the Window As early as the late 1990s, a popular story began circulating about an especially angry spirit said to haunt the Octagon House. The tale was linked to a broken window on the second floor at the back of the house. A particularly jagged shard of glass remained hanging in the window frame, having not fallen out. According to the story, the spirit that haunted the second floor and guarded the dark room was so enraged by a trespasser who could not be convinced to leave, that it hurled them out of the window, throwing them from the second story with an unseen force, effectively ejecting them from the house. This became a widely circulated tale, often used to warn people to stay away from the second floor. While there are no verified reports of anyone actually being thrown out of a second-story window, countless stories have been passed down through the years about people—mostly young adults—visiting the property as a sort of rite of passage. Many went there in groups for a thrill, to get scared, or to drink and smoke pot. It’s possible that someone could have fallen out of the window, though it likely went unreported, possibly to avoid trespassing charges or other consequences. The Sign Of The Cross This story dates back to 2002. One evening, a group of high school students from Marion, along with a few from Sugar Grove, decided to visit the Octagon House just before sunset. Their goal was to explore the house and see if the rumors about it being haunted were true. They even considered holding a séance to see if they could provoke any paranormal activity. To avoid getting caught, they arranged for a friend to drop them off,…

Stories, Thomas, Thomas Bridge

Abijah Thomas and Holston Mills

February 10, 2025 Admin No Comments

The Rise and Fall of Holston Mills: A Historic Textile Town In 1844, industrialist Abijah Thomas made a significant investment in a 344-acre tract of land, complete with a sawmill and grist mill, in what would later become the town of Holston Mills. This land was nestled within a growing area that would become the heart of a bustling industrial hub during the 19th century. By the early 1860s, Thomas, along with a business partner, founded the Holston Woolen Factory, marking the beginning of the town’s rise as a textile center. The Holston Woolen Factory became a major producer of textiles, particularly wool, and played an integral role in the local economy. The village that grew around the factory adopted the name Holston Mills, a nod to the success and importance of the textile mill in the region. The town’s growth was not limited to the mill itself; as the factory flourished, so did the surrounding community. Residential areas, shops, and services began to spring up, creating a vibrant, self-sustaining village. The Impact of the Civil War During the American Civil War, Holston Mills found itself at the center of wartime industry. The village became the site of Co. A of the 23rd Battalion of the Virginia Infantry, and the woolen mill played a crucial role in supporting the Confederate war effort. The factory produced textiles for Confederate uniforms, contributing to the logistical needs of the Southern army. This connection to the war effort highlighted the strategic significance of Holston Mills, not just as a community, but as an essential manufacturing hub during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history. However, following the end of the Civil War, the mill and the town faced challenges. The industry was left dormant for a time, and the post-war years proved difficult for many Southern communities, as they struggled to recover from the destruction of the war. But Holston Mills would not remain stagnant for long. A New Era of Prosperity In the years following the Civil War, the Holston Woolen Factory saw a revival. In 1875, new ownership took over the mill, marking the beginning of a period of renewed prosperity for the town. With fresh investment, the mill, now known as Holstein Woolen Mills, began to expand once again. This resurgence allowed Holston Mills to grow into a fully developed village, with a school, shops, a post office, and a telegraph office. The mill and the infrastructure surrounding it helped solidify the town’s status as a thriving industrial community in the late 19th century. The new owners were instrumental in modernizing operations at Holstein Woolen Mills, ensuring that it remained competitive in a rapidly changing industry. As the town’s population grew, so did the demand for services, and Holston Mills became an attractive place for workers and families looking for employment opportunities in the textile industry. The Decline of Holston Mills However, as with many industrial towns, the fortunes of Holston Mills would eventually shift. In the early 1890s, Holstein Woolen Mills relocated to Salem, marking the beginning of the village’s decline. Without the mill as the central driving force of its economy, the town began to lose its former vibrancy. The population dwindled as people moved away in search of new opportunities, and the shops, post office, and other services that had once been vital to the community fell into disuse. Over time, Holston Mills was abandoned, and what had once been a bustling industrial village gradually disappeared. Today, little remains of the once-thriving town, but its legacy as an important part of the 19th-century textile industry lives on. The rise and fall of Holston Mills serves as a reminder of the rapid changes that can occur in industrial communities, and the impact that one mill can have on the development of a town. Holston Mills may no longer be a vibrant community, but its history stands as an important chapter in the story of America’s industrial past, illustrating both the opportunities and challenges that came with the growth of the textile industry in the 19th century. The location is on Red Stone Road, north of Old Mill Road/South Fork Road (County Routes 648/650). When traveling north, it will be on the right-hand side. A historical marker is located at or near 2107 Red Stone Rd, Marion, VA 24354, United States.

Adwolfe, Black History, Communities, Holston Mills, Industry, Thomas Bridge

The Abijah Thomas Octagon House

February 10, 2025February 16, 2025 Admin No Comments

Abijah Thomas was born on May 21, 1814, in what was then Washington County, later part of Smyth County when it was formed in 1832. He was the son of Thomas Thomas and grandson of John Thomas. At the time of his birth, the United States was still in its infancy, with only 18 states in the union, James Madison serving as the 4th president, and the War of 1812 just concluded. That year also marked the establishment of Francis Cabot Lowell’s textile mill in Massachusetts, which would later inspire Abijah’s own textile operations in Southwest Virginia. Raised in a farming family, Abijah’s father and grandfather had worked the land, but the region was rapidly industrializing, embracing manpower, water power, and horse power. Abijah adapted to this change, becoming a manufacturer of iron, textiles, and leather goods. His father, Thomas Thomas, held several significant roles in the community, including Justice of Washington County in 1806, overseer of roads in 1819, and Sheriff of Washington County in 1831-32. He also carried the title of “Esquire,” reflecting his high social standing. In 1795, a land survey granted John Thomas 230 acres along the South Fork of the Holston River, where he established a grist mill and sawmill. This same land would later become the site of Holston Mills, one of Smyth County’s first industries, founded by Abijah around 1860. Abijah’s father married Freelove Cole, daughter of Joseph and Remember Cole, early settlers from New York. She is credited with naming Marion, the county seat, in honor of Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, during a conversation at the Thomas home in 1832 during a visit from a commissioner. Abijah grew up on the farm, learning traditional skills like hunting, fishing, blacksmithing, and tanning animal hides. He attended a private school in Wythe County, learning reading, writing, and arithmetic, and later became a skilled carpenter and surveyor. Notably, he was one of the few to subscribe to a newspaper, which he would read aloud to neighbors. Abijah also built the first threshing machine in Smyth County and operated several iron furnaces and Holston Mills. When Smyth County was formed in 1832, Thomas Thomas and William Porter, Abijah’s brother-in-law, became justices of the new county. Abijah married Priscilla Cavinette Scott in 1836 in a ceremony performed at her parents’ home by Reverend Robertson Gannaway. At 22, Abijah and his 16-year-old bride set up their first home in a log cabin on the Thomas farm, near the site of the later famous Octagon House. Abijah owned slaves, and Priscilla managed the household, training servants, educating children, and caring for the servants, providing for their well-being, including sewing clothes and supplying bedding, blankets and quilts as needed. In 1856-57, Abijah constructed the Octagon House, also known as Mountainview, a striking and unusual architectural feat in the region. Built with the help of skilled carpenters, brick masons, and slaves, the house was inspired by Orson Squire Fowler’s octagonal designs and was the only one of its kind in Southwest Virginia before the Civil War. The home featured innovative design elements like triangular spaces used for closets and custom-shaped corner bricks. Built on a 10×10 central beam, the home sat on limestone hauled from an unknown quarry, with materials crafted on-site. It boasted 17 rooms and an intricate roof structure to support shingles and metal coverings. The Octagon House reflected a national “octagon fad,” inspired by Fowler’s own 1853 construction in New York. Some suggested that Abijah chose the design to ward off wind or to avoid being trapped in a corner by the Devil, while others thought he believed in the octagon’s superior qualities. The house’s 16-foot thick walls rose 22 feet to the roofline, with 32 windows providing natural light. A porch ran along the three front sides, and a second-floor promenade deck was accessible from the second-floor doors. The interior had a spacious layout with 8 rooms on the first floor, including a parlor with pink marbleized plaster and a chandelier, a family room with built-in storage, and a winter kitchen. Upstairs, there were bedrooms, including the Thomas girls’ rooms, a master bedroom, and the infamous “dark room,” used for storage, not punishment as urban legends suggest. The Dark Room is located in the center of the 2nd floor of the Octagon House and therefore has no windows or natural light. It has been the subject of many a horrific tale and has become an urban legend over the years. This room measures 15’ 8” x 8’ 1” and was factually used for storage of food and other items in the Thomas house. Some information can be found in a 1940 writing of Priscilla C Thompson, Abijah’s daughter which reads: The dark room upstairs was used as a store room, a catch-all for cotton bats, patent office reports, Congress records, etc. When the door into the upstairs hall was open, the room was sufficiently light to find anything wanted. The idea of my father using this room as a jail to punish any one of the children is all a myth. Urban legends tell a more horrific story of a haunted “slave house” where the owner used the dark room to whip and punish slaves and also lock up his own children as punishment. The size of the room wouldn’t be adequate for this as well as the fact that it is located on the 2nd floor making it not readily accessible for these purposes. Furthermore, the dark stains on the floor said to be blood stains are factually food stains from canned food that broke or spoiled after bring stored there long after the civil war and abolishment of slavery. The white plaster walls do not reflect any such stains. Abijah Thomas was said to treat his servants well contrary to urban legend. Upon close examination of the brick in the Octagon house, you can find the remaining fingerprints of the slave children who formed the bricks that were used in…

Black History, Families, Holston Mills, Homes, Industry, Slavery, Thomas, Thomas Bridge

Teas School

January 12, 2025January 13, 2025 Admin

Teas School: A Glimpse into the Past and the Struggles of Rural Education In the early 1900s, the small town of Teas, Virginia, was a thriving community born from the success of the Extract Plant, which had been established around 1910. The plant’s superintendent, Mr. W. H. Teas, lent his name to the town, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the area’s history. As the plant grew, so did the community, and with that came the creation of company housing, a post office, a commissary, and more. One of the most significant establishments was the Teas School, which became a central institution for local children. The school operated through the 1950s, and some say it possibly remained in service into the very early 1960s. During its years of operation, however, it became clear that the conditions at Teas School were far from ideal. A newspaper article published in March of 1954 in the Smyth County News sheds light on the challenges faced by the school and its students during this period. This “tell-all” piece was part of a series focusing on rural schools in the county and aimed to highlight the dire circumstances at Teas School. The article, titled “Bleak Conditions at Teas School,” painted a bleak picture of the school’s state. The article emphasized that the lunch period for students was a “sad time” due to the inadequate equipment available. The kitchen only had running water when the basin in the hall was not in use, and hot water for washing dishes and other equipment had to be heated on a stove. The building itself was in a state of disrepair, with the exterior missing underpinning, a loose gutter that allowed snow and water to drip onto the steps, and railings around the porch completely absent. The lack of proper doors, broken windows, and deteriorating plaster made the school a cold and uncomfortable place for children to learn. The conditions inside the classrooms were equally concerning. Desks were old double seaters requiring students sit two to a seat, and some were seated too close to the stove, while others sat in areas that were too far from it to stay warm. There was only one light in each room, and the overall atmosphere was not conducive to learning. In fact, the article noted that the school’s environment was so challenging that it was hindering the students’ ability to receive a proper education. The author of the article, whose identity remains unknown, clearly intended to bring attention to the serious shortcomings at Teas School and maybe even embellish them a bit. It is unclear why Teas School did not receive funds or repairs over those years it was in service. The article’s detailed descriptions of the physical problems, along with the poor educational conditions, demonstrated just how much the community and its children were suffering by this time. By the 1960s, the inevitable conclusion was reached: Teas School was abandoned, and its students and teacher were transferred to Sugar Grove School, where better conditions awaited them. Looking back on the history of Teas School is a reminder of the resilience of rural communities and the challenges they faced in providing education to their children. While the conditions at Teas School were far from ideal, the spirit of the community and its efforts to keep the school going speaks to the importance of education, even in the most difficult circumstances. Today, Teas School may be a distant memory, but its story is a vital part of the Rye Valley’s history. The building that served for decades as Teas School was finally torn down sometime in the early 2000s. Most who attended Teas School have fond memories of their time there and their teachers and unlike the description of the article, seemed to have very happy memories of school there and then later at Sugar Grove. We do not have a lot of information about the students or teachers at Teas School It was a small two room school. We have several photos shared on this article from Lucille Kinkade’s collection. She taught there for several years before moving to Sugar Grove School along with a Mrs. Slemp during the 50s. If you have additional information or stories about Teas School, please comment on the article. Photos of Teas School Through The years photos of Teas School before it was torn down Photos of Teas School before it was torn down Photos of Teas School Before it was torn down Mrs. Lucille Kinkade, Teacher at Teas School and Sugar Grove School Lucille Kinkade’s painting of Teas School Teas School Class Photos at Teas School Students at Teas School Conditions 1952 Continued Conditions 1952 Continued Conditions at Teas School 1952 Ruth Slemp, Teacher

Communities, Education, Teas, Teas School

From Sugar Grove To The American Red Cross National Capital Region

December 21, 2024 Admin No Comments

Preface: This article will not be written by the editor of the site but rather its original author through the transcription of her original notes. The following comes to us from Janelle Hamric (1916-2022), a lifelong resident of Sugar Grove. Through her writings, we will now learn the full story of how Sugar Grove attained national recognition and played a notable role in the history of the country during WWI and then gained national recognition nearly one hundred years later. Donna (Hamm) Keesling’s Quilt 1918 “From the back roads of my mind…” Each Red Cross (small) joining the quilt represented a .10 cent donation. After the signing of “Armistice” on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month 1918, the war which began in 1914 was over. Mama embroidered a “Gold Star” on any name of a serviceman’s square who had been lost in action. When my grandparents F. Jackson and Emma (Phipps) Hamm decided to sell their property at auction, including the mill they built, now known as the Hamm Roberts Mill, and move to Rising Sun, MD, chances were sold on the quilt at mama’s request and proceeds added to the Quilt Fund. Aunt Lora Hutton, her sister, had the lucky number! She said “I would like to let it go to the highest bidder.” Grandfather bought the quilt and gave it to mama. Presently, I am the “Keeper” but it will be placed in the Smyth County Museum at a later date. Total amount collected for The Red Cross was $111.50 (In mama’s writing on the back of the quilt) The same buying power today would be $1868.65. My mother died at age 57 and we wondered what other things she could have done. She “loved her neighbors as herself” and was a dedicated Christian. I displayed the quilt for Elizabeth Church and the Ruritan Club November 4, 2013. Red Cross (Cont.) Mama thought the child who remained home the longest should have the quilt. My brother, Dean who lived in California had claim to the quilt. I kept it for several years and on his last visit here, I insisted he should take it with him. Two years ago, my brother realized his failing health and sent the quilt back to me UPS knowing it would find its rightful place in a museum. I am now the sole survivor of four siblings and “keeper” of the quilt. November 20. 2015 a letter was sent to Mrs. Hamric from the American Red Cross National Capital Region thanking her for her donation of her mother’s quilt. It went on to say “The quilt was on display at the Annual Salute to Service Gala in Washington DC. It served as the centerpiece in an exhibit celebrating the long history of support the American Red Cross has provided our men and women in the military. Over 700 guests were present for this event including US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter.” This letter further went on to say that given the historical importance and age of the quilt, a textile expert had been engaged from the Corcoran Gallery of Art to ensure proper preservation of this quilt. It also specified that it was believed that this quilt was part of a larger national fundraising effort for the war in 1918 and further research would be done for additional examples across the country. Sugar Grove’s Red Cross quilt serves as the centerpiece for this exhibit.

Communities, Families, Hamm, History, Keesling, Mill, Sugar Grove, Teas, WWI

The Smyth County Almshouse at Teas

December 2, 2024December 2, 2024 Admin No Comments

In 1874, the Smyth County Board of Supervisors purchased 274 acres from John M. Williams in the Rye Valley. This land was purchased to create an almshouse or poor farm in this part of the county. The Sheriff was ordered to collect 18 3/4 cents from every taxable person for the support of the almshouse. The Smyth County Almshouse is established in 1874 near Teas, Virginia on present day Slabtown road. Mr. Will Keesling was listed as a superintendent of the poor house at one time and Mr. Samuel Wilkinson is listed as superintendent on the 1910 census and his wife, Jennie Wilkinson is listed as housekeeper. During the Civil War and following the war, most of the men had gone to serve and were either killed or returned home with injuries that left them unable to work. This was one basis of establishing these almshouses. The poorhouses population was more narrowly defined during the twentieth century when social welfare legislation such as workman’s compensation, unemployment, benefits and social security began to provide a rudimentary safety net for people who would previously have been pauperized by such circumstances. Eventually the poorhouses evolved almost exclusively into nursing homes for dependent elderly people . But poorhouses left orphanages, general hospitals and mental hospitals for which they had provided the prototype as their heritage system that such people in institutions would provide the opportunity to reform them and cure them of bad. habits and character defects that were assumed to be the cause of their poverty. This as they soon found out was not the case. Often the poorhouse was located on the grounds of a poor farm, on which able-bodied Residents were required to work, Such farms were common in the United States in the 19th and early 20th century. A poorhouse could even be part of the same economic complex as a prison farm. and other penal, or charitable public institutions. Poor farms were county or town run. Residences where paupers (mainly elderly and disabled people) who were supported at public expense. The farms declined in use after the Social Security Act took effect in 1935, with them disappearing completely by about 1950. Most were working farms that produced at least some of the produce, grain, and livestock they consumed. Residents were expected to provide labor to the extent their health would allow, both in the fields and in providing and housekeeping and care for other residents. Rules were strict and accommodations minimal. The photo at the top of this article was taken many years after the poorhouse closed. It met the basic needs of people who did not have anywhere else to turn. They were given a roof over their head , a bed for sleeping and three meals a day during the late 1800s and early 1900s. In 1910, a census document lists the following as Inmates at the poor farm at Teas: Robert Harris, 35 Bettie Harris, 30 Guess Colin, 89 Leander Walls, 83 Mary Hogston, 67 Dollie McGee, 46 Ivans Willard, 6 Neoma Ranels, 80 Maud Marshall, 52 Mary Losson, 41 Mary Pickle, 35 Corrill Crutchfield, 20 The poor farm was sold in 1914. By 1927, Smyth County had joined others in the establishment of a district home in Pulaski. During the days of the almshouse in Smyth County, there were reportedly about 1200 people who were dependent on the county. There were multiple poor farms around the county during this time. Special thanks to the research of Donald Harrington for some of the details of this article. Without his work and his family’s contribution to this article, we would not have a photo of the Poor Farm house or much of the information that has been presented here.

Cedar Springs, Communities, Families, History, Keesling, Poor Farm, Teas, Williams

The Life of Mary Pickle: Part 2

December 2, 2024December 2, 2024 Admin No Comments

Introduction to Part 2 Mary Pickle lived in the Teas community for the majority of her life, yet little was known about her at the time the original article, The Life of Mary Pickle: From Smyth County Almshouse to Teas, Virginia, was published. The piece offered only a few facts and a photograph that did not reveal her face. Recently, however, additional details have emerged through newly found research conducted by Donald Harrington, which further illuminate her story. Jennie Shinault Williams Jennie Shinault Williams was born on August 22, 1855. Her husband, John Williams, was born on December 15, 1838, and passed away on November 22, 1910, ten years after Martha came to live with them. After his death, Jennie was left to support herself and Martha, the young girl whom John’s brother had entrusted to their care. The family resided in a large, two-story house near the river in Teas, Virginia. John Williams, a medical doctor who served in the Civil War, was injured by a bullet in his leg, which left him with a permanent limp. After her husband’s passing, Jennie needed a reliable source of income to cover living expenses, taxes, and the everyday necessities of life. A new industry had emerged in the community, bringing many workers in need of housing. With a large house and extra rooms available, Jennie decided to take in boarders and provide meals. This decision added to her workload, shared with Martha, but it was a practical way to sustain their household. As part of her efforts, Jennie approached the superintendent of the Smyth County Poorhouse to inquire about taking in a resident to help with the chores and farm work in exchange for their upkeep. The superintendent agreed, and three young people were sent to live with Jennie and Martha. One of these was a boy named Ed Godfrey. He stayed with the Williams family for a time before finding work at the nearby Extract plant. Later, Ed married Zenna Rector, a local girl, and moved to Northfork, West Virginia. He returned to visit Jennie on occasion and kept in touch through letters. Another young person who came to live with Jennie was Emma Osborn. She eventually married John Wilkerson, who ran a small country store about three miles from Sugar Grove, on Cedar Springs Road. Jennie married three times in her life. Her second husband was Alonzo Greear from Grant, Virginia, in Grayson County, and her third husband was Robert Young, from Troutdale. Throughout her three marriages, Mary Pickle remained a constant presence in Jennie’s household, either as a guest or as a helper. This explains her continued residence with Jennie, even as her family grew and changed. Mary stayed with Jennie until Jennie’s health began to decline, at which point they moved in with Martha, who was married and had her own family. Mary Pickle came to live with Jennie and Martha. She had a learning disability and was unable to support herself. She did not know her parents or where or when she was born. Mary was about 15 or 16 years old when she joined the Williams household. She was diligent about keeping the house clean, although she never learned to cook. She loved washing dishes and would gather eggs from the hen house in the afternoon. Mary also took the kitchen scraps to the hogs. One year, they had an unusually large hog, and Mary told the family that it was as big as a “hippo totus.” A willing worker, Mary did whatever was asked of her. Like many farm families, they kept milk cows, so it was necessary for someone to churn the sour cream into butter—a task Mary took on. Mary, like many women of the time, wore a bonnet and apron, both made by someone else. She was very particular about her bonnet and apron and insisted on wearing them all the time. Mary stayed with Jennie until Jennie’s health began to decline. By then, Martha had married Roy Griffitts and had a family of her own. Martha, however, could not turn away her old friend Mary. She welcomed her into her home, where Mary lived until her death. Although Mary never learned to read or write, she had a basic understanding of money and took great pride in the small amount she was given, often showing it off to others. However, she was not able to go to a store or make purchases on her own. Mary was a hardworking and pleasant person to be around. She helped with the family garden and contributed in many ways. She passed away in 1951 and was buried in the Teas Cemetery. Martha purchased a headstone and had it placed on her grave. The photo at the top of the article shows a younger Mary Pickle. This photo was contributed from those collected by Donald Harrington in his research. Additionally, much of the information in this article was transcribed from his original writings.

Communities, Families, Griffitts, Harrington, Poor Farm, Pugh, Stories, Teas, Williams

History of Valley View Baptist Church

November 24, 2024 Admin No Comments

In June 1939, a small group of men from the community gathered to build a brush harbor on the land of George and Carl Kirk, located about two miles below Teas. This shelter, constructed from pine boughs and trees, served as a temporary but vital space for worship. The seats were rough wooden planks, and the pulpit was made from simple boards, with the ground serving as the floor. As the people gathered for services, Roy Redding, a young preacher, went door-to-door, inviting members of the surrounding communities, including Teas, Sugar Grove, and Stoney Battery, to attend the revival. He also brought along a collection of used clothes for those in need. The revival, which took place in July 1939, was a transformative event. The brush harbor was filled to capacity every night, with people spilling outside to hear the preaching. The services were a resounding success, with many finding faith, including several individuals who had been involved in illegal activities. One local sheriff famously remarked that Roy Redding had done more to rid the area of bootleggers than the entire county law enforcement. Following the revival, a large baptism was held in the nearby river, where Roy Redding and young preacher James Powell baptized 22 people, including Mr. Alexander Kirk, a 75-year-old man who had to be carried into the water in a chair. Local photographers captured the moment, and the images were published in the *Marion Democrat* on July 11, 1939. As the revival ended, the community felt a strong desire to continue gathering for worship. Mrs. Deamie Nelson suggested starting a Sunday School, and Roy Redding organized a union Sunday School. Each Sunday evening, people from nearby hollows would walk to the brush harbor for services. The services were scheduled in the evening to accommodate those who attended other churches, and people traveled by foot, car, and truck to join the growing congregation. As winter approached, the need for a warmer place of worship became apparent. Jasper Nelson, a local resident, offered a small two-room house just up the road. The congregation removed the partition between the rooms, creating a larger space for services. They built rough benches and a makeshift pulpit. The community held a farewell picnic at the brush harbor before moving into the house, where the church continued to grow. In 1940, the church was officially organized as Quebec Baptist Church in the little house where services had been held. The name was chosen due to the proximity to Quebec Knob, though some later questioned the origin of the name. Reverend Gus Martin and Reverend Mahathy assisted in the church’s organization, with Gus Martin becoming its first pastor. Other key figures included Jasper Nelson, the first Sunday School Superintendent, Georgia McCarter, the first church clerk, and Maude Davis, the first Sunday School secretary. The first revival at Quebec Baptist Church took place in 1940, with evangelist Craig Lowe leading the services. During this revival, a local moonshiner named Milton Ford was saved and, in a powerful act of repentance, destroyed his still. He was later baptized and became one of the church’s first deacons. The first baptismal service, which followed the revival, saw several people immersed in the river, marking a new chapter in the church’s history. By 1941, the congregation had outgrown the small house and began looking for a more permanent place to meet. The church moved to the old Valley View Schoolhouse, located about a mile down the road. The school had ceased operations, and the church hoped to purchase the building, but plans fell through. It was at this location that the church formally changed its name to Valley View Baptist Church. In the midst of World War II, many young men from the community were drafted, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. Among them were Preston H. Martin, Jr., who was killed in action on July 31, 1943, and Cecil L. Ford, who died on March 23, 1945. Despite these hardships, the church continued to grow. In 1944, the congregation moved again—this time to a house owned by Charlie Gore, located near the original church site. A significant milestone occurred in May 1945, when George and Carl Kirk donated land to the church for the construction of a permanent building. The deed, signed by the Kirk family and church trustees, stipulated that the land be used solely for church purposes. With a combination of hard work, faith, and community support, the church began construction on its new building. The men of the community, including Preston Martin, George Kirk, and Milton Ford, helped cut logs from government land to build the church. The church was largely constructed by the volunteers, with some materials donated or repurposed. Bill Thomas, who worked at the Lincoln Furniture Factory in Marion, provided scrap plywood and theater seats for the new church. The church was finally completed and dedicated in the fall of 1945, marking a new beginning for the congregation. In 1946, the church purchased an organ, which was played by Lillie Owens, Valley View’s first pianist. The church’s first piano was purchased in 1949, and it was used until 1972, when it was replaced with a new one. Over the years, the church continued to grow, hosting its first Christmas program in 1940 and its first Bible school in 1941. Weekly cottage prayer meetings were held in homes across the community, and the congregation remained deeply committed to worship, prayer, and service. As the years went on, the church building and ministry expanded. In 1962, Valley View Baptist Church officially became a Missionary Baptist church, and a new Baptist Sunday School was organized. In the following decades, the church underwent several changes in leadership and continued to serve the community. In 1998, the congregation voted to expand the church to accommodate its growing membership. The church borrowed funds to finance the construction, and in 1999, a new sanctuary was completed. The old sanctuary was remodeled into classrooms and a nursery, ensuring…

Adwolfe, Baptist, Churches, Communities, History, Moonshiners & Bootleggers, Quebec, Sugar Grove, Valley View Baptist Church

We Are The Maple Leafs: 70+ years of yearbooks

November 17, 2024 Admin No Comments

The Sugar Grove School yearbooks are more than just annual reflections of school life; they are a window into the past, offering a snapshot of the community, the students, and the evolving culture of the region. Now, thanks to the digital collection available on Archive.org, these yearbooks are preserved and accessible for generations to come. Covering more than seven decades of history, this collection includes the nearly complete Sugar Grove High School yearbooks from 1949 to 1969, and is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the school, its alumni, or the wider Smyth County area. The digital collection, which spans from 1949 to the present day, is a treasure trove of memories, showcasing not only the changes in the student body but also in the school’s academic and extracurricular activities. Through these yearbooks, you can trace the evolution of Sugar Grove High School, Middle School and Elementary School Grades—how fashion, social dynamics, and even the physical school buildings changed over time. The yearbooks contain candid photos, class portraits, sports team pictures, and more, each telling a story of youth, growth, and the passage of time. But the collection goes beyond the yearbooks themselves. A variety of supplemental materials are also available for browsing, including the “Gathering of the Maple Leafs,” a special publication from the 1990 reunion that brings together the memories and stories of former students, Maple Leaf Murmurs, The Buzzer and more! This reunion publication offers a deeper look into the lives of those who once walked the halls of Sugar Grove, sharing their experiences and reflections as they reconnect with their school days as well as a treasure trove of other data pertaining mostly to the high school. Other related materials, such as Dr. Mauck’s History of Education of Smyth County Schools, also form part of this rich collection, providing context and historical background for those interested in the educational history of the area. The digitization of these materials ensures that the stories and memories contained within them will not be lost to time. Whether you are an alum looking to relive memories of your high school years, a researcher interested in the history of education, or a local history enthusiast, this collection offers a valuable resource. It allows visitors to explore the full breadth of Sugar Grove School’s history, from its earliest days to the present, and offers a unique opportunity to engage with the past in a way that is both convenient and immersive. You can access the entire digital collection through Archive.org at https://archive.org/details/@regionalgirl. With each yearbook and document available for browsing, it is a fascinating journey through more than 70 years of local history and school tradition. The Sugar Grove School Yearbooks Collection is more than just a series of images; it is a living history of the students, teachers, and community that shaped the school and its legacy. Whether you are revisiting fond memories or discovering the past for the first time, this collection is a vital part of preserving the history of Sugar Grove School and the people who made it what it is today. The Sugar Grove School yearbooks collection is a vibrant testament to the rich history of the school and its community, but it’s far from complete. We’re constantly working to expand this digital archive, and we need your help! If you have old school newsletters, photos, or other memorabilia that hasn’t yet been digitized, we would love to include them in the collection. Your contributions can make a huge difference in preserving the stories, memories, and history of Sugar Grove School for future generations. By sharing your items, you help enrich the archive and ensure that the experiences of past students, teachers, and community members are not forgotten. Whether it’s a snapshot of a long-lost event, a class photo from years ago, or any other piece of school history, we want to hear from you! To contribute, simply visit our Contact page and get in touch. Together, we can make sure that the legacy of Sugar Grove School lives on for years to come. If you are an alumni of Sugar Grove School, please consider joining the group here. All members verified.

Communities, Education, Resources, Sugar Grove, Sugar Grove School, Teas, Uncategorized

The Life of Mary Pickle: From Smyth County Almshouse to Teas, Virginia

November 14, 2024December 3, 2024 Admin No Comments

The Life of Mary Pickle: From Smyth County Almshouse to Teas, Virginia The story of Mary Pickle, a woman who lived much of her life in the care of others, is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those who found themselves on the margins of society in the early20th century. Born in 1875, Mary’s life took a path shaped by circumstance, moving from household to household, and ultimately finding a final resting place in the small community of Teas, Virginia. Early Years and the Smyth County Almshouse Mary Pickle’s early years are shrouded in mystery. The precise date of her birth is unknown, and records of her parents are scant, leading some to believe she may have been an orphan. By 1900, at the age of 15, Mary was already contributing to a household as a “servant.” The U.S. Census for that year lists her as a servant in the home of Thomas Gardner in the Marion District, an indication that she was working to support herself at a young age. By 1910, Mary was 35 years old and found living in a very different setting—at the Smyth County Almshouse, also known as the Poor Farm. Located on Slabtown Road near the community of Teas, the almshouse was a place of refuge for those in need, providing food, shelter, and care to the poor, elderly, and infirm. The 1910 census records Mary as an “inmate” of the almshouse, indicating that she had fallen on hard times by this point in her life. It is also noted that she was single at the time, though little else is known about her personal circumstances. A New Life in Teas By 1940, when Mary was in her mid-60s, she had moved from the almshouse to the home of Martha Griffitts in Teas, Virginia, where she was listed as a “lodger” in the U.S. Census. According to a handwritten history by Lucille Kinkade, Mary lived with the Griffitts family for several years, likely providing domestic help in exchange for room and board. In fact, it was in this home that Mary would spend the final years of her life. Mary’s relationship with the Griffitts family was close, and by the time of her death in 1951, Martha Griffitts was listed as the informant on her death certificate. The certificate reveals that Mary had been suffering from a heart condition for several years before her passing. She died at the age of approximately 80, of a coronary, in the Griffitts household in Teas. Although Mary had never married and had no known children, she appears to have been a part of the Griffitts household in her later years, possibly acting as a housekeeper for Martha and her family. A Life Remembered Mary Pickle was buried in the Pugh Cemetery in Teas, Virginia, a small resting place in the rural community where she spent her final years. Despite her years of service to others and the hardship she endured, Mary’s life is remembered as one of quiet resilience, marked by the kindness of those who took her in. The exact details of Mary Pickle’s early life remain unclear—her parentage is unknown, and there are no surviving records of her childhood or family. However, the records that do exist offer a glimpse into the life of a woman who navigated difficult circumstances with an enduring strength. From her time at the Smyth County Almshouse to her years as a lodger in Teas, Mary’s story is emblematic of the many forgotten lives that shaped the fabric of rural Virginia during a time of great social and economic change. Mary Pickle’s death in 1951 marks the end of a chapter in the history of the Smyth County Almshouse and the community of Teas, Virginia—a community where, even in times of need, the bonds of family and neighborly care could offer a semblance of comfort and home. Her life, though humble and filled with hardship, remains an important part of the local history, a reminder of the forgotten stories of those who lived in the shadows of larger societal narratives. Read Part 2 Here

Communities, Families, Griffitts, Poor Farm, Pugh, Stories, Teas