Never Cross Your Dentist.

Dangerously Wounded.- -Oliver F. Taylor, a dentist, is now in the jail of New Kent county, charged with stabbing with intent to kill, Thomas Q. Gilliam. The parties met at Franklin's store, about six miles from the court house, on  Saturday last, and engaged in a game of dominos. A dispute arose between them, and as they had had a difficulty two or three years before, Mr. Taylor charged Mr. Gilliam with a desire to crow over him. Mr. G. then gave him the lie. With this T. Gave G. a blow in the face, and drawing a bowie  knife, gave him three stabs in the left side, one of which penetrated the lung. Mr. Gilliam was thought to be in a critical condition yesterday, though hopes are entertained of his recovery. The prisoner will undergo an examination on 22nd the Inst.

- Richmond Daily Dispatch, January 15, 1858

The census has Thomas Quincy Gilliam, born 1828, who lived in New Kent at that time.

Who lived until 1900.

In fact surviving his attacker Oliver Francis Taylor who died 1897.

Then and Now: 1950-2025

 This year, in July, we will be getting the 2025 Census projection for New Kent County which will probably be just under 30,000. For a while now New Kent has been the fastest growing county in Virginia.

But this was hardly always the case. Exactly 75 years ago, in 1950 (yes, 1950 was 75 years ago) New Kent was the second smallest county in the state and the smallest county outside Appalachia.

The population was only 3,989. That is just 14% of our current 2024 estimate. Just some 534 more than the smallest, Craig county's 3,455- Charles City was 4,667. The population density was 18.8 per square mile compared to our present 109.2.

The breakdown was 917 people in Black Creek, 1390 in Cumberland, 953 in St. Peters, and 832 in Weir Creek.

There were some 368 farms in the county (a massive 23% reduction from 479 just five years before.) 114 acres was the average farm size.

1950 Census- New Kent/ Charles City

Providence Forge Fire - 77 Years Ago

 

Providence Forge Fire; Destroyed by Fire; $75,000 Damage Estimate; Eight Escape

PROVIDENCE FORCE. June 17th- Fire destroyed Charles E. Hughes' general store here early today with a loss estimated at $75,000. Both an old structure, facing old Route 60. and a newly erected two-story wing extending back to the new double highway were gutted. 

 Eight persons sleeping in rooms above the store escaped after one man awoke and discovered the fire at 4 A. M. He warned, other occupants. 

 A fire company from Henrico County joined two engines from James City, one from West Point and a forest-fire fighting truck from New Kent in a futile attempt to halt the flames. The adjacent Layfield Motor Company was saved when shift in the wind carried the flames away as men stood on the roof of an automobile lubrication building. and threw water on the walls. Cars in the building were moved to safety.

 R. M. Hughes, brother of the proprietor, estimated the damage to the store at $75,000. He said the building was destroyed about an hour after the fire was discovered and that the cause of the fire was not determined.

 Only about $1,000 in merchandise was saved, Mr. Hughes said.

 Another section of the Hughes store and hotel, across old highway Route 60 was not damaged.

 The Hughes store was widely known as a stopping place for fishermen and was open day and night during the past Winter, a restaurant and general sports goods department were opened.

-Richmond News Leader, 17 June 1948

 

C. E. Hughes, merchant at Providence Forge, who was burned out with about a $76,000 loss, on June 1C, is already at work on the erection of a cinder block structure of about the same size on his store site. Mr. Hughes states that with the help of his brother, R. M. Hughes, and friends, that he expects to be open tor business in the new building in 30 days.

 As a reporter, we went over to the smoking ruins that morning at 9 o’clock. There was very littlie of the trick hull left standing end merchandise that had been burning since about 4 A.M. was still smoldering, especially the huge amount of motor oil that was on hand. It is said the fire started in Room 5 upstairs over the store. Eight people were awakened and saved themselves, but not belongings, just in time, as in a matter of minutes the ceiling caved in. Only about $1,000 worth of store goods was saved, which included the English spode china, some feed and a few automobile tires.

 Recently Mr. Hughes had added a sportsman’s department for the benefit of fishermen especially, and restaurant equipment and had stated that at last he had his place of business like he wanted it. “I even have the colored and white adequately taken care of, separately."

 Mr. Hughes only lost one day in being out of business. Since then he has had the bus depot, etc., in the Layfield grease building, which is only a few feet away. This building and Layfield Motor Company proper were threatened by the fire and would have burned had not men and fire trucks kept the buildings constantly under a flow of water. New Kent fire truck, the two James City fire trucks, the Henrico fire engine and the West Point fire engine all came when called and kept the fire from spreading. Mr. Hughes has been, a merchant at Forge for 35 years. Besides the novelty store, with hotel upstairs and his hotel across the road, Mr. Hughes has a peach orchard at Forge and also a holly wreath factory there.

-Tidewater Review, 24 June 1948

This is the same C. E. Hughes is the Charles Evans Hughes of the Christmas Wreath factory post of last Christmas. 

250 Years Ago- "I Am Truly Sensible of the High Honour Done Me in this Appointment"

 

Published by Currier & Ives, c1876

This weekend is not only the 250th anniversary of the United States Armed Forces AND the 250th anniversary of the flag of the United States on June 14- June 15 is the anniversary of George Washington, New Kent's favorite's son (OK, favorite son-in-law) assuming command of the Continental Army. Unanimously voted to assume command of the forces outside the city of Boston by the Continental Congress, John Adams, who moved the nomination, gave this account in his autobiography-

I had no hesitation to declare that I had but one Gentleman in my Mind for that important command, and that was a Gentleman from Virginia who was among Us and very well known to all of Us, a Gentleman whose Skill and Experience as an Officer, whose independent fortune, great Talents and excellent universal Character, would command the Approbation of all America, and unite the cordial Exertions of all the Colonies better than any other Person in the Union. Mr. Washington, who happened to sit near the Door, as soon as he heard me allude to him, from his Usual Modesty darted into the Library Room. . . . 

 Below is the account of Washington's acceptance written by Virginia Delegate Edmund Randolph-

The President informed Colo. Washington that the Congress had yesterday, Unanimously made choice of him to be General & Commander in Chief of the American Forces, and requested he would accept of that Appointment; whereupon Colo. Washington, standing in his place, Spoke as follows.

“Mr. President, Tho’ I am truly sensible of the high Honour done me in this Appointment, yet I feel great distress, from a consciousness that my abilities & Military experience may not be equal to the extensive & important Trust: However, as the Congress desire it I will enter upon the momentous duty, & exert every power I Possess In their service & for the Support of the glorious Cause: I beg they will accept my most cordial thanks for this distinguished testimony of their Approbation.

“But lest some unlucky event should happen unfavorable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every Gentleman in the room, that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity, I do not think my self equal to the Command I ⟨am⟩ honoured with.

“As to pay, Sir, I beg leave to Assure the Congress that as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to have accepted this Arduous employment at the expense of my domestic ease & happiness I do not wish to make any profit from it: I will keep an exact Account of my expenses; those I doubt not they will discharge & that is all I desire.”

The New Kent Resolves of May 1775

,  These two resolutions appeared in the Virginia Gazette of May 19, 1775 and are New Kent's response to the Gunpowder Incident of 1775.

AT a meeting of the committee for NEW KENT county, at the courthouse, the 3rd day of May, 1775. Resolved unanimously, that Lord Dunmore's conduct, in removing the powder from the magazine of this colony, on board an armed vessel, at the time and in the manner it appears to have been done, was an ill-advised and arbitrary step, tending to disquiet the minds and endanger the safety of his Majesty's loyal subjects us this colony in general, and as the inhabitants of the city of Williamsburg in particular.

Resolved that his Lordship's verbal answer to the address of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of city of Willliamsburg, was unsatisfactory and evasive; and that his Lordship's not returning the powder, agreeable to their request, and the known desire of the people of this colony, is a sufficient proof that he was influenced by the worst motives.

Resolved, that this, and other parts of his Lordship's conduct, which have lately transpired, evince him to be an enemy to liberty and the true interests of this colony, and a zealous supporter of tyranny and despotism over the people who have the unhappiness to live under his government; and that he has, thereby, forfeited all title to their confidence.

Resolved, that the city of Williamsburg are entitled to the ready and cheerful assistance of this county, in case they should be in danger from any invasion or insurrection.

Resolved, that the thanks of this committee are due to the committee of Hanover, for communicating their order of the ad instant; that this committee are sensible of the dangers that threaten us from the Governor's conduct, as well as from other quarters, and will co-operate with a majority of the counties of this colony in such measures as shall be adopted for their defence and preservation.

It appearing to this committee, that a body of armed men, from the county of Hanover, have marched through this county in order to make reprisals upon the King's property, to replace the gunpowder taken from the magazine.

Resolved, that such proceedings make it particularly necessary for the inhabitants of this county to prepare for their defence, against any dangers that may ensue in consequence of it, by keeping their arms in the best order, and the greatest readiness, to act on any occasion.

Resolved, that it be recommended to the inhabitants of this county immediately to form a company of volunteers, to be assembled at the lower part of this county, ready to act on any emergency, as may be found necessary.

By order of the committee.

(A copy-) WILLIAM SMITH, clerk,

 AT a meeting of the committee for NEW KENT county, at the courthouse, the 11th day of May, 1775,

The committee taking into consideration Lord Dunmore's proclamation dated the 3rd day, of this month, said to be issued with the advice of his Majesty's Council, wherein the inhabitants of this colony an indiscriminately charged, in general terms, with disaffection to his Majesty's government, and a design to effect a change in the form of it, think it necessary, for themselves and their constituents, to declare their sentiments, and accordingly .

Resolve unanimously, that unfeigned loyalty to his Majesty's person and government, as by law established, and a due obedience to the laws of our county, are the ruling principles us the inhabitants of this county; and that the suggestion on which the said proclamation appears more to be sounded, so far as it respects the inhabitants this county, is an injurious reflection upon them, and has no foundation in truth. At the same time, we are determined, for ourselves and posterity, to support and maintain the rights and privileges of British subjects, which we are entitled to, against all tyrannical attempts whatever.

Resolved, that the resolutions of this committee, entered into on the 3rd of this month, and the first resolution entered into this 3rd day be sent to the printers, to be published.

By order of the committee.

(A copy.) WILLIAM SMITH, clerk:

 

JAMES FENDALL PARKINSON

Mrs. Hemans, in her poem, ''The Homes of England," says

 

"The stately homes of England,

How beautiful they stand,

Amidst their tall ancestral trees. O'er all the pleasant land !"

 

Virginia, in so many ways like England, has many such homes, and "Oak Spring," in New Kent County, since Revolutionary days the home of the Parkinson family, recalls the poet's lines. The place took its name from a splendid oak which shades a generous spring. The house, which was built before the Revolutionary War, stands on a slight elevation, and not far away are numerous poplar trees. In all these years many stories of romance and adventure have gathered around this Virginia country home. During the Revolutionary War two sons of the family were at home on furlough when suddenly numerous "red coats" appeared, who demanded the keys of the smoke house. Down from the "long room" the soldier boys came, and, with sticks as their only weapons, arrested the British soldiers. At "Oak Spring" James Fendall Parkinson was born May 9, 1814. Here he spent his life and here he died. He was the third son of Joseph and Ellie Parkinson. His mother was left a widow at the early age of thirty, but she managed her plantation with such remarkable ability that she succeeded in giving her children a good education. Upon a horse of pony build, she rode over the place from day to day giving directions as to how the work of the farm was to be done. Her son James, after having attended preparatory schools near home, entered the Virginia Baptist Seminary, now known as Richmond College. Here he gave his especial attention to mathematics and surveying, though the classics were not neglected, as he desired to fit himself for the position of county surveyor. This position, his father, a graduate of William and Mary College, had filled. For some years after leaving the College, Mr. Parkinson was a most successful teacher, and the accurate county surveyor. He was noted for his strict sense of honor and possessed in the highest degree the confidence of all classes of people.

 

 At a camp-meeting held at Emmaus Baptist Church, New Kent County, when Elders John Kerr and J. B. Jeter were the chief preachers, Mr. Parkinson made a profession of his faith in Christ, and was baptized into the fellowship of this church. While a consistent member of the church from the time of his baptism onward, it was some years before he gave himself to the gospel ministry. When this step had been taken his first pastorate was at North Run Church, near Richmond. Later he became the pastor of Emmaus, his mother church, but the greater, and what he considered the most useful, part of his ministry was given to Black Creek Church, in Hanover County, and to Hopewell Church, in New Kent County. These two churches, the former twelve miles and the latter eight miles from his home (New Kent and Hanover are adjoining counties), he served for almost a quarter of a century, and at the time of his death there were not more than two or three persons in either church who had not been received or baptized by him. With loyal devotion the welfare of these churches was among his last thoughts. As a preacher, he was earnest, pointed, practical. He preached Christ crucified, and his hearers always felt that the truth he proclaimed was very precious to his own soul. As a winner of souls he was successful in a high degree, and as a pastor he was faithful and devoted. He was a most useful man in his community, loved and trusted by all who knew him, and his advice was sought by those who were troubled or in perplexity. He was the peacemaker of the community, and on his own plantation had the affection of his slaves, to whom he was kind and generous.

 

In 1840, Mr. Parkinson was married to Miss Hannah Williams, daughter of Mr. Jesse Williams, of Richmond, Va. Her death, on the fourteenth anniversary of their marriage, left him with six little children. In 1857, he was married to Miss Maria Louise Cocke, a daughter of James and Elizabeth Cocke, of King William County. The only child of this second marriage was a daughter. The period of the Civil War and the Reconstruction days that followed was a peculiarly trying time to the section of Virginia where Mr. Parkinson lived, and he did not escape the stress and strain of those awful years. His sons went forth with their country's army, one of them serving all through the War as a scout under General J. E. B. Stuart. Mr. Parkinson rendered most valuable service to his community by teaching his neighbors' sons, who otherwise would have been deprived of school advantages, for it is too true that letters no less than laws suffer when war appears; inter arma silent leges. When the cruel conflict was over "Oak Spring," along with other Virginia homes, was in a devastated condition, but Mr. Parkinson, with brave and dauntless heart, set out, aided by his sons, to cultivate his farm, guiding with his own hands, when it was necessary, the plow. This severe manual labor, to which he was not accustomed, doubtless shortened his days. Mr. Parkinson was by inclination and habit a student rather than a farmer. His leisure moments found him holding converse with the great spirits of the world through their writings. It was the normal thing to see him with a book in his hand. Yet when the necessity came upon him he kept up his farm, and gave especial care to his apple orchard. As his sons grew up he sought to see them well started in life. For one he accepted a place in a Richmond tobacco warehouse. After a week or so, however, the youth returned, having ridden home on a passing wagon. He said that he could not stand the confusion of the city, and that he would choose the country even if it meant poverty. As the position offered was too good an opportunity to be lost, Mr. Parkinson sent another son to take it, and he is now one of Richmond's most prosperous citizens.

 

This record of Mr. Parkinson's life sufficiently shows the spirit of the man, and makes any attempt to further set forth his character unnecessary. Yet one other statement about him, at once interesting and inspiring, should be made. As a boy he is said to have had a most violent temper, but before his riper years were past he had come to have such complete control over himself in this regard that those who did not know him in his younger days little dreamed of the fire that once was quick to burst forth. Yet he had not lost spirit, for upon occasion he could be most positive and emphatic. His life was his best preparation for death, yet during his last illness he gave most emphatic evidence of his firm trust in his Redeemer, and of his entire resignation to God's will. On September 6, 1880, he fell on sleep. His wife followed him to the grave February 5, 1893, and her body sleeps beneath the sod in the beautiful Hollins cemetery

 

- Virginia Baptist Ministers. 3rd series- George Braxton Taylor, 1912

"The Year Saw the Completion of the Newport News Highway Known as the Pocahontas Trail. " 100 Years Ago

 ROBERTSON ACT SAVED SECTION

 Richmond District Allocations for the Past Year Were $536,000.

FAST TIME ON ROADS 

           Completion of Pocahontas Trail to Newport News One of Big Jobs.

 Great progress war made this year in the completion of Virginia highways despite the limited funds which were available for the state highway system. The Robertson Act saved the situation in the Richmond section of state, funds advanced under its terms being responsible for much of the road construction around Richmond. The district's allocations for the state system for the year totaled only $536,000.

 During the winter weather conditions were unusually, good and contractors made fast time on road contracts. Continuous rains fell in the and early summer and construction fell. In the late summer and during the fall weather conditions improved with the result that many sections of the state system were completed.

 The year saw the completion of the Newport News highway known as the Pocahontas Trail. The work this year was between Richmond and Toano, a distance of 41.3 miles. This, like that of the highway from Toano to this coast, is of concrete except a stretch of 5.2 miles of asphaltic concrete between Richmond and Seven Pines and a link of ten miles of gravel between Bottoms Bridge and Providence Forge. The road between Bottoms Bridge and New Kent Courthouse was graded and drained and graveled during the year. This is thirteen miles in length.

- News Leader, 27 December 1924