Bradshaw's dwelling

 

In Bradshaw's dwelling there is a large fire-place, which occupies one entire side, the gable end. The chimney is enormous and so short (hat the room is filled with light which enters this way. It is an ingenious contrivance for letting all the warmth escape through the chimney, whilst most of the smoke is driven back into the chamber In me chimney-comer I prepared my legal papers before a roaring fire, surrounded by rough mountaineers, who were drinking whiskey and as night advanced, growing riotous. In the back part of the room two beds were curtained off with horse-blankets—one for the Judge and one for myself. Referring to Col. Peyton

  "Bradshaw's table is well supplied. There is profusion, if not prodigality, in the rich, lavish bounty of the goodly tavern. We had no venison, as this is a shy season with the deer, but excellent mutton with plenty of apple sauce peach pie, and roasting ears. As a mark of deference and respect to the Court, I presumed, we had a table-cloth—they are not often seen on Western tables and when they are, are not innocent of color—and clean sheets upon our beds. This matter of the sheets is no small affair in out of the way places, as it not unfrequentiy happens, that wanderers communicate disease through the bedclothing. Old Bradshaw’s family is scrupulously clean, which is somewhat remarkable in a region where cleanliness is for the most part on the outside. A false modesty seems to prevent those salutary ablutions which are so necessary to health, and I did not commend myself to the good graces of ihe hired woman by insisting on my foot-bath every morning.

Col. J. Howe Peyton was the first commonwealth's attorney of Rockingham County, Virginia. He was a man of education and refinement, and he was somewhat dismayed by the crudeness of the manner of living in Rockingham County when he first arrived. However, he was also impressed by the potential of the county, and he played a significant role in its early development.

Peyton was born in 1778 in Stafford County, Virginia. He attended Princeton College and then studied law. After being admitted to the bar, he moved to Rockingham County in 1830. He was elected commonwealth's attorney in 1831 and served in that position until 1836.

In 1830, Huntersville was the county seat of Rockingham County. Peyton traveled to Huntersville with Judge Stuart from Staunton, and he was considerably impressed with the crudeness of the manner of living west of the Allegheny Mountains. However, he also noted that the county was already an important center of commerce and government.

Peyton played a significant role in the early development of Rockingham County. He was instrumental in the establishment of the county's first school system, and he also helped to build the county's first courthouse. He was a strong advocate for the development of the county's resources, and he helped to attract new businesses and residents to the area.

Peyton died in 1847 at his home in Montgomery Hall, Virginia. He was a respected leader in Rockingham County, and he is remembered as one of the county's most important early figures.

Here are some additional details about Col. J. Howe Peyton's connection to Huntersville:

• He traveled to Huntersville with Judge Stuart from Staunton in 1830 to attend the first term of the Superior Court held in the county.
• He was present when the two buildings used for the court were built on the site of Mr. C.R. Moore's store.
• He was somewhat dismayed by the crudeness of the manner of living in Huntersville, but he was also impressed by the potential of the county.
• He played a significant role in the early development of Huntersville, and he is remembered as one of the town's most important early figures.