Two Storms- 1893 & 1894

 AFTERMATHS OF THE STORM. 

Destruction In New Kent, at West Point and Along the York River. 

(Correspondence of the Dispatch.) 

 OAK. NEW KENT COUNTY, VA. October 16.- Last Friday this section was visited by the most terrific wind and rain-storm that has ever been witnessed by our oldest Inhabitants. The rain seemed to fall in sheets, sometimes so dense that one could not see but a short distance.

 The crops of corn are not only lying flat in the fields, but large trees which have stood the storms of ages had to succumb. The public roads are literally blocked up by fallen timber, and at many points, it impossible to pass, except by winding through the woods or going through some private plantations. On the York river the storm was particularly severe. Many person having cord-wood corded on the landing haves suffered great loss. Captain George E. Brown, living on the Brick House farm, opposite West Point in this county, told your correspondent this morning that he sustained a loan of not less than $250. 

BREASWORK SWEPT. 

 The breastwork opposite Plum Point, which was thought to be so substantial as to defeat any power that might be brought to bear upon it by the wind and waves, was broken in many places. The tide was said to be two feet higher than ever before known. At West Point I learn that a one time it was thought the Terminal Hotel was in danger of being washed away. The lawn in front was washed to the steps of the hotel, and I learn it will take a large sum to place it in proper condition again. Although I hear of much loss of property, I hear of no lives lost.

-Richmond Dispatch,  October 17 1893

DEATH AND DESTRUCTION. 

The Storm of Tuesday Kills George Davis. 

Wrecks Houses, and Ruins Crops. 

 OAK. NEW KENT COUNTY, VA.. June 8.-(Special.)~The most terrific Wind, hail and rain storm known to any of our oldest citizens visited the section lying between the villages of Barhamsville and Plum Point on Tuesday the 5th instant leaving death and destruction in its path. 

 Mr. A.R. Jennings¹ had two chimneys blown down which had stood the winds and storms for near a century. Mr. W.F. Woodward², who lives about one mile from Barhamsville, had the most of his potato plants washed into am adjoining field.

 Your correspondent visited the damaged section, and found that many of the crops were partly, and some totally destroyed.

 The crops of wheat and oats of Mr. A.G. Farinholt will prove a total loss. I was told by a gentleman that after the storm bushels of hail could have been collected, and by another that quantities of hail could be seen next morning. But the saddest case was the killing of George Davis, aged 14. The youth, with three colored men, had taken refuge in an unfinished log house, which was blown down, one of the logs striking the boy on the head and shoulders killing him instantly, but the colored men, with one exception, and he only slightly hurt, escaped.

 Many other houses in the stricken section were blown down, but I hear of no other injury to person or beast.

 Master George Davis was the stepson of Mrs. Rebecca Davis (nee Timberlake), and a son of John A. Davis.

 Were I to attempt to report all I hear of the storm, I should weary your patience too much. Let the above suffice

-Richmond Dispatch, June 9 1894

"Oak" was a post office in New Kent near the present location of the Saude Creek Winery

¹probably Alonzo R. Jennings

² probably Wyatt Franklin Woodward

Happenings - 1925

 

 QUINTON

Tuesday was regular term of court for New Kent. Judge Robertson presided¹. The court was in session two days it being regular grand jury term. There were three indictments brought in for prohibition violations. One was fined $50 and sentenced to 30 days in jail, but jail sentence was suspended. Others were acquitted. One colored boy was indicted for breaking into the store of Goode Brothers² near Quinton. Case continued until next term, Sept. 15. A large crowd was present from Providence Forge, interested in the case of a young merchant, Mr. Charlie Hughes³of Providence Forge, who was indicted the last term of court for selling groceries on the Sabbath. Mr. Hughes is a hustling young merchant, doing a fine business, has beautiful property, beautiful dwelling, fine hotel, and is a fearless plunger in any enterprise where the vision of an extra dollar is in sight. He is on the job, and when he puts out a dollar there is soon another to keep it company. In a few years he will be wealthy, another New Kent millionaire. Another hustling merchant there is young Lem Binns.⁴ He is doing a fine business, as also are R. F. Mountcastle and R. E. Richardson, all in this growing little town of 500 inhabitants (soon will reach 1000).

Another at this place is Dr. Parker⁵, a retired physician. He is now on Easy street, has a beautiful home and happy family. Doing an immense business at his large garages and selling automobiles, trucks, and tractors. He has sold more cars and trucks than all others combined. Wealthy he is, yet plain and sociable. Across the street is the beautiful home of Sheriff E. F. Gill⁶, one of the happiest homes of the village. Electric lights, porcelain bath tubs, running water in every room, cold or hot as needed. Several years ago he married the beautiful operator Miss Cammie Robertson⁷, one of the four beautiful Robertson girls. Unusual to see, yet it was a family off operators, they having learned under their devoted father, who served as such for the C. & O. for 30 years. All these sister operators, yet all of these sisters decided to get married and have homes of their own and now they have them. “While we are young we have a position as long as we want it, but the day will come when younger ones will take our places.” So all decided, as wise girls will, to marry young, and often if need be, for they would say we have no time to wait for time is flying, the rose that blooms today tomorrow may be dying.                                                                                TRUTHFUL JEEMS.

 

-West Point News, 7 August 1925

 ¹ Judge Thomas B. Robertson of the Hopewell corporation court who was sitting on the bench due to the illness of Judge D. G. Tyler.

² I have not been able to find a thing about any "Goode Brothers" store.

³ Charles Evans Hughes, but not that Charles Evans Hughes. He owned the wreath factory in Providence Forge as well as the general store. 

⁴Leonard Binns the postmaster?

⁵Dr. J. Russell Parker(Nov 20 1880- Dec 10 1964) owned Woodberry and Sycamore Springs

⁶Sheriff Edward Franklin Gill (b. 1879) would be killed in a hit and run incident in 1929

⁷Camilla J. Robertson one of the seven daughters of Junius Edward Robertson.