Tag: Black History

First Baptist Church Of Sugar Grove

March 28, 2025May 6, 2025 Admin No Comments

This article is being published in memory of Nancy Ann Purefoy 10/26/1933 – 3/26/2025 This beautiful little church house dates back to 1915 in the community of Sugar Grove. Records found at Smyth County Courthouse reflect March 10, 1915, a deed was made by Chaley Barber and his wife Alice to Andrew White Walter Stuart and A. F. Wilson who were both named as trustees. The sum of money exchanged to execute this deed was $30. This deed was made with specific restrictions that read “…said lot to be used for building a church house and not for any other purpose. Said church to be known as Shugar Grove Missionary Babtis Church- colored.” James Purefoy provided the following information and photo about the church on the Rye Valley History Group: This was the First Baptist Church in Sugar Grove, Va. It was the African American Church in the area.I can remember attending all day services there as a child. My mother, Nancy Lee Purefoy, attended there as a child. Her father, my grandfather, Fred Lee was a deacon there. My grandmother, Cleo Lee, was a deaconess. Some of the names of other people that attended were Barbers, Stuarts, Lees, Goins, Madisons, Thompsons, and Murrells. There were others that I cannot mention. This information was provided by my mother Nancy Lee Purefoy. Services continued at this church into the early 2000s. David Rutherford, then employed by Rye Valley Water Authority, shared the following about the property: When Rye Valley Water Authority was getting easements for new water line I traced the deeds back to try to find a signatory for the church property. Ended up getting Mrs. Cleo Lee to sign. Great Lady. The deeds referred to it being in the “colored section of Sugar Grove”. The details in the deed made it sound like the area was from the church back to where Gene Ross now lives out to Flat Ridge Road and back to Quarter Branch Road. (2022-2024) The building collapsed under a heavy snow. The photo at left was what remained of this beautiful little church as of 2024. The church is shown on a 1935 Quadrangle map by location only, no name. Also on that same map, just down the road near the Quarter Branch and Flat Ridge Fork on the opposite side is another church labeled as “Union Ch.” It is speculated that this could have served as the Sugar Grove Negro School up until the early 40s. The Sugar Grove Negro School is documented by Evelyn Thompson Lawrence in a book available about all of the Colored Schools in the county that can be found in the Heritage Room at the Smyth County Public Library in Marion, VA however, it does not mention any specific location where this school was located. *If you have additional information to add about this church, please comment or use the contact form. We would love to add additional information.

Barbers, Black History, Churches, Communities, First Baptist Church Of Sugar Grove, Goins, Lee, Madison, Murrell, Purefoy, Stuart, Sugar Grove, Thompson

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

Thompson & Susanna James

June 29, 2024June 29, 2024 Admin

When Thompson B James was born on 9 July 1813, in Wythe, Virginia, United States, his father, Ezekiel James, was 36 and his mother, Frances Baker James, was 21. He married Susanah Jolly Porter on 20 September 1836, in Smyth, Virginia, United States. They were the parents of at least 3 sons and 5 daughters. He lived in Smyth County in 1850. He died on 24 December 1853, at the age of 40, and was buried in Sugar Grove, Virginia. Susannah Jolly Porter James was born on May 14, 1820 to William Porter and Mary Thomas in Wythe County. She married Thompson James at the age of 16 on September 16, 1836. Thompson James was 23 at the time of their marriage. They were married for approximately 17 years until his death in 1853 from Tuberculosis. During their marriage, they had 8 children. Mary, Francis, William, Louisa, America, James, Oscar and Susannah. Thompson was the son of Ezekiel James and Frances Baker. Susannah’s uncle on her mother’s side of the family was none other than Abijah Thomas. In 1862, Susannah married widower William James. He had 3 young children from his prior marriage in the home who are mentioned on census records. Thompson and Susannah James’ burial location was discovered and identified recently (7/22) in Sugar Grove located in what is now listed as the “Thompson James Family Cemetery” with two stones still standing that are readable. It was previously thought that Susannah was buried beside her 2nd husband at Blue Springs until her burial location was discovered. It is evident that there are several other unmarked graves near those of Thompson and Susannah James. 3 of them may account for their children who died before reaching adulthood. Others could be those of slaves and their children or potentially a Native American who remains unidentified but was said to live with their family. The cemetery is undocumented in Smyth County except for being annotated on old plats as “Private Cemetery” or “Cemetery” as provided by records located at the courthouse. It covers approximately a 30×30 area in the middle of a larger 22 acre field and is not readily visible from any of the 3 roads that surround this field. It has gone largely unknown. It is known that the Boy Scouts cleaned it up sometime in the 90s under the direction of Tommy Miller. Per his input, there were in fact more than two stones standing at that time, they were photographed, documented and mapped with good intentions. That information cannot be located at this time but would be wonderful to have for further research on this pioneer family of Sugar Grove. If you were one of those who cleaned it up in the 90s and have photos or any other information to share, please use our contact form. We would love for you to reach out!

Black History, Cemeteries, Families, James, Native American, Porter, Slavery, Thomas, Thompson James Cemetery

Undocumented and Forgotten: The Thompson James Family Cemetery

May 3, 2024June 22, 2024 Admin

Unveiling the Mysteries: The Hidden Legacy of the Thompson James Family Cemetery Situated discreetly within the serene landscape of Sugar Grove, Smyth County, Virginia, lies an enigmatic relic of bygone eras – the Thompson James Family Cemetery. Despite its historical significance, this sacred site has languished in obscurity for well over a century, its existence known to few save those who stumble upon its quiet repose just off Red Bud Lane. Intriguingly, the coordinates 36.781699736426575, -81.40864265128751, when entered into the digital realm of Google Maps, serve as a gateway to this clandestine enclave, inviting intrepid souls to traverse the threshold of time and uncover its long-forgotten secrets. At the heart of this secluded sanctuary stand the weathered markers of Thompson and Susannah, steadfast sentinels bearing silent witness to the passage of nearly 170 years. Their enduring presence serves as a poignant reminder of a familial legacy etched into the very fabric of this hallowed ground. Yet, beyond the stoic guardianship of Thompson and Susannah lie untold tales of sorrow and loss. Two young souls, offspring of the James lineage, are also thought to have found their final resting place within these sacred precincts, their names unmarked but their memory preserved within the whispers of the wind. Susannah Columbia James, age 1 and America Adaline James, age 3. Intriguingly, the shadows of Willaim and Elizabeth James loom over the cemetery’s narrative, their earthly abodes shrouded in mystery and not entirely known, yet their presence palpable. While the lack of any known physical markers obscures their potential resting places, fragments of their story emerge through the annals of time, hinting at lives lived and loves cherished. They were included here until further information is available. Susannah Porter-James, once thought to have found eternal repose beside her second husband in the Blue Springs Cemetery, finds her true resting place amidst the tranquility of Sugar Grove. This revelation serves as a poignant reminder of the fluidity of history, where the sands of time often obscure rather than reveal. In the tapestry of memory, the early 1990s emerge as a beacon of remembrance, as Tommy Miller and the Boy Scouts undertake a noble endeavor to restore dignity to the forgotten graves. Through their tireless efforts, the cemetery is cleared of neglect, its sacred precincts documented and its weathered fence lovingly restored. Though Tommy’s earthly journey concluded on December 20, 2022, his legacy endures as a testament to the enduring power of community and remembrance. Despite the valiant efforts of those touched by its silent allure, the Thompson James Family Cemetery remains a ghostly specter in the eyes of official record-keeping. Neither the Virginia Department of Historic Resources nor the Smyth County archives bear mention of its existence, leaving it to linger in the shadows of historical oversight. Amidst the somber silence of the Thompson James Family Cemetery, there exists the haunting possibility of unmarked graves, bearing witness to the untold stories of enslaved individuals who may have toiled upon these lands. Additionally, whispers of a teenage Indigenous boy, rumored to have found solace within the James household, add further layers of intrigue to this enigmatic narrative, his final resting place thought to also be located in their family cemetery. Moreover, it’s imperative to note that the Thompson James Family Cemetery stands distinct from the James cemetery adjacent to Sugar Grove School on Teas Road. Though both bear testament to the interconnected web of familial ties woven by Thompson and Susannah, they each possess their own unique stories waiting to be unveiled. As we endeavor to peel back the layers of time, it becomes increasingly evident that the preservation of the Thompson James Family Cemetery is not merely a matter of historical curiosity but a solemn duty to honor the memory of those who have gone before us. With roots extending back to the tumultuous era of the Civil War, this sacred ground serves as a tangible link to our collective past, deserving of reverence and protection for generations yet to come. As we stand at the threshold of rediscovery, let us heed the silent call of this forgotten sanctuary, where the echoes of generations past reverberate through the corridors of time. In unveiling the mysteries of the Thompson James Family Cemetery, we pay homage to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring legacy of those who rest beneath the hallowed embrace of Sugar Grove’s mountains.

Black History, Cemeteries, Families, Genaology, James, Native American, Porter, Slavery, Stories, Sugar Grove, Thomas, Thompson James Cemetery

The Octagon House

April 10, 2024September 21, 2024 Admin

Tucked within the quaint landscapes of Smyth County, Virginia, stands a remarkable testament to architectural ingenuity and the pioneering spirit of its builder, Abijah Thomas. The Abijah Thomas Octagon House, situated near Thomas Bridge, serves not only as a historic landmark but also as a symbol of progress and innovation in the heart of Marion and Sugar Grove. Abijah Thomas, a visionary figure of the mid-19th century, was deeply rooted in the fabric of Smyth County. Born into a family of settlers, Thomas possessed an innate appreciation for the land and its potential. His entrepreneurial endeavors and community involvement marked him as a leader within the region, poised to leave a lasting legacy. Inspired by the writings of Orson Squire Fowler and the architectural trends of the era, Thomas embarked on an ambitious venture: the construction of an octagonal house for his family. In 1856, this project commenced, with Thomas overseeing every detail, from the selection of materials to the meticulous craftsmanship required to bring his vision to fruition. The Abijah Thomas Octagon House, completed in 1858, stood as a striking embodiment of Thomas’s vision. Its unique design, featuring eight sides and a commanding cupola atop its roof, captured the attention of all who passed by Thomas Bridge. The house quickly became a symbol of progress and prosperity in Smyth County, reflecting Thomas’s belief in efficiency and innovation. However, amidst the grandeur of its architecture lies a poignant reminder of the past. During the ante bellum construction of the house, enslaved individuals and children were involved in the laborious process of brickmaking. Each brick bears the imprints of their hands and fingers, a silent testament to the toil and hardship endured during its construction. For generations, the Abijah Thomas Octagon House served as the cherished residence of the Thomas family, bearing witness to the passage of time and the evolution of Smyth County. Its preservation in the 20th century as a historic site ensured that Thomas’s legacy would endure, offering future generations a glimpse into his remarkable life and achievements. Today, visitors to Smyth County have the opportunity to explore the Abijah Thomas Octagon House, immersing themselves in its rich history and paying homage to the enduring spirit of innovation and perseverance that defined its builder. As this architectural gem stands as a beacon of the past, it continues to inspire and captivate all who encounter its timeless charm. **Unveiling the Legacy: “Abijah Thomas and His Octagon House” by Mack Sturgill** In the annals of Smyth County’s rich history, few figures loom as large as Abijah Thomas, the visionary pioneer whose legacy is forever intertwined with the iconic Octagon House near Thomas Bridge. While the octagonal residence has captured the imagination of many, it is Mack Sturgill’s seminal work, “Abijah Thomas and His Octagon House,” that offers an unparalleled exploration into the life and times of this remarkable individual. Sturgill’s book, a labor of love and meticulous research, delves deep into the story behind the creation of the Abijah Thomas Octagon House. Through meticulous detail and vivid storytelling, Sturgill paints a vivid portrait of Thomas’s journey, from his humble beginnings in Smyth County to his enduring legacy as a pioneer of architectural innovation. At the heart of Sturgill’s narrative lies the compelling tale of Thomas’s inspiration and determination to build a home that defied convention. Drawing upon the architectural theories of Orson Squire Fowler and the burgeoning octagon house movement of the mid-19th century, Thomas embarked on a bold endeavor to construct a residence that would not only stand as a symbol of progress but also reflect his own values and aspirations. “Abijah Thomas and His Octagon House” goes beyond mere architectural analysis, delving into the social and historical context of the era. Sturgill sheds light on the laborious process of construction, revealing the role of enslaved individuals and children whose handprints adorn the bricks of the house, a poignant reminder of the human cost behind its creation. Through Sturgill’s meticulous research and evocative prose, readers are transported back in time to experience the sights, sounds, and struggles of life in 19th-century Smyth County. From Thomas’s entrepreneurial endeavors to his community involvement and enduring impact on Marion, Sugar Grove, and beyond, Sturgill’s narrative captures the essence of a bygone era and the enduring spirit of a visionary pioneer. “Abijah Thomas and His Octagon House” stands not only as a testament to the remarkable legacy of its titular subject but also as a tribute to the power of historical storytelling. Through Sturgill’s insightful exploration, readers are invited to discover the untold stories and hidden complexities that lie beneath the surface of one of Virginia’s most iconic landmarks. As visitors to Smyth County explore the Abijah Thomas Octagon House, they do so with a newfound appreciation for the man behind the masterpiece, thanks to Mack Sturgill’s illuminating work. In bringing Thomas’s story to life, Sturgill ensures that his legacy endures, inspiring future generations to embrace innovation, perseverance, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Today the Octagon House is in the process of getting a restoration. For more information, check out the Octagon House Foundation for events and fundraisers to help!

Adwolfe, Black History, Communities, History, Slavery, Thomas