Drummondtown in 1827-28

The following interesting account of Drummondtown in 1827-28 was found among the papers of the late Hon. John W. H. Parker. So far as known it was never published.

"As it may be somewhat interesting to a portion of your readers, especially those residing in your town and its vicinity, to know what kind of a place Drummondtown was a good while ago, I will try to give some account of it, and, in order to avoid indefiniteness as to time, I will confine myself to the period embraced in the years 1827 and 1828.

The streets were just the same then as they are now, except only the very recent addition of Lilliston Avenue, so that in contour or general outline, the main features of the town were about as they are at present.

Hotels:

There were two first class hotels; one kept by Mr. Zadock Selby and the other by Mr. James W. Twiford.

Stores:

There were three stores dealing in general merchandise; having a full assortment of dry goods and groceries. One was kept by Alexander MacCollom, in the brick storehouse lately occupied by Mr. George F. Parker. Another by Parramore and Custis, the members of the firm being Mr. William Parramore and his brother-in-law, Mr. John W. Custis. The other by Mr. Samuel Walston and his son, William. There was also a hat store kept by Mr. James Wright, but more particular mention of it will be made hereafter.

Manufacturers:

Several important industries were in operation at that time which contributed materially to the prosperity of the town. I shall briefly notice each of them.

The carriage making business was carried on by Mr. Elisha Davis. The vehicles manufactured by him were called "gigs." Gigs then were all the go, as buggies are at present. They were made in elegant style and were very costly. Two hundred and fifty dollars was no uncommon price for a new one. A fine gig manufactured in Philadelphia by Oyle was of a price considerably more than the above mentioned. Mr. Davis also carried on the harness making business.

The manufacture of hats was conducted on a large scale by Mr. James Wright. His factory was located in the valley on the East side of Back Street. Fur hats were the kind manufactured by him and they were all the fashion at that time and very stylish. The merchants did not keep them, they kept leghorn and straw hats and some very common wool hats. If a person wanted a genteel, fashionable hat, in other words, a fur hat, he went to the manufacturer. Mr. Wright was succeeded in business by Col. James Russell and Mr. William Creakmore.

Another industrial business in Drummondtown of considerable importance was the manufacture of furniture, conducted mainly by Mr. Bagwell Topping. Furniture in considerable variety and fine quality was made in that establishment and largely purchased throughout the county.

A very large business in the manufacture of leather was carried on by Mr. MacCollom. His tannery was large and fully equipped and he carried on a very extensive business.

Shoes at that time were not kept in the stores except very nice shoes for ladies. Nearly all of our people wore shoes made in the county.

As carriages, hats, furniture and leather were in great demand among the people of the county, it will be readily understood how greatly the manufacture of those articles in Drummondtown must have added to its prosperous condition.

Physicians:

There were three excellent physicians; Drs. John R. Purnell, Southey S. Satchell and Hugh G. Seymour. Their field of practice was very extensive. I do not remember that nearest doctor in the upper part of the county, but I do remember that the nearest in the lower part was Pungoteague.

Lawyers:

There were three residing in the town, Messrs. Peter P. Mayo, Levin Rogers and George P. Scarburgh, the last mentioned being admitted to the bar in 1828. There were two others residing not far from town, Col. Thomas M. Bayly and Mr. Thomas R. Joynes.

Clerk's Office:

Mr. Richard D. Bayly was clerk of both courts. His deputy was Littleton P. Henderson. But, Mr. Bayly died suddenly in 1828. I saw him on the street as he was going home in the evening from his office in company with another gentleman. He was engaged in pleasant and loud conversation, as was his habit, and seemed to be in excellent health and spirit; but the next morning he was dead in his bed, a circumstance I have frequently thought of in connection with the exclamation of Mr. Burke, "What shadows we are and what shadows we pursue!" After the death of Mr. Bayly, Mr. Thomas R. Joynes was appointed in his place; and the office of commonwealth's attorney thus becoming vacant, George P. Scarburgh was appointed in Mr. Joynes' place.

Post-office and Custom House:

A great many persons were attracted to Drummondtown on account of the mail. I cannot specify the exact number of post offices in the upper part of the county, but in the lower parish there were only three:

Drummondtown, Pungoteague, and Belle Haven. Hence it will be seen why it was that Drummondtown, from sea to bay, was a place of frequent resort for post office purposes.

Courts:

Courts generally were numerously attended. People had matters to see to outside of court business. It was convenient to see about buying furniture, harness, shoes, hats, etc., as well as merchandise generally.

But among the courts there were three court days that were specially attended. The greatest of all in the point of attendance was August court. There was always an immense crowd gathered in hotels, stores, court house and the streets and public squares especially were packed with people, both white and colored. It was a general holiday for all. Cakes, cider and watermelons abounded.

"Here comes the Colonel."

March court also had its special features. It was great for the exhibition of fine blooded horses, that paraded the streets in numbers. But it was also a great day for candidates and politics. Our court had two delegates in the legislature and the elections were annual. The legislature generally adjourned before March court and that was a great day for electioneering.

In another article Eastville is described as follows:

Eastville in 1835 had 21 dwellings, 4 mercantile stores, 2 taverns, 1 Episcopal church, 1 common school, 1 Bible Society, 1 coach manufactory, which completed $6000 worth of work annually, 1 coach and harness maker, 1 cabinet maker, 2 black smiths, 2 boot and shoe manufacturers, 1 house and sign painter, 1 hatter and 3 castor oil factories (and two others in the county) the whole making and exporting 20000 gallons of oil yearly.