The Historical Gazette

A Collection of News & Notices from the Virginias and Beyond (1822–1839)

🏛️ Politics & Editorial

CITIZENS RALLY FOR ADAMS, REJECT "MILITARY CHIEFTAIN" JACKSON

POCAHONTAS COUNTY (Jan 1828) — In a spirited meeting held at the courthouse in Huntersville, citizens of Pocahontas County gathered to declare their unwavering support for the re-election of John Quincy Adams and to vehemently oppose General Andrew Jackson.

The meeting, chaired by John Bradshaw, Esq., adopted a preamble asserting that Mr. Adams possesses "civil talent of the highest order" and a moral character "unsurpassed." In stark contrast, the committee declared they have "no evidence of [Jackson's] capacity for civil government," dismissing him as a mere "military chieftain" whose election would be a dangerous experiment for the republic.

The citizens resolved to co-operate with the legislative convention in Richmond to ensure the current administration is sustained and to prevent the "stain" of a Jackson presidency.

🛣️ Infrastructure & Development

PUBLIC MEETING: NEW TURNPIKE PROPOSED

FRANKLIN (May 1839) — A large public meeting was held at the courthouse in Franklin regarding the proposed construction of a Turnpike Road connecting the Potomac River to Warm Springs and Huntersville.

Dr. A. M. Newman explained the object of the meeting, arguing that the road would bring "great advantages" not only to the immediate counties of Hampshire, Hardy, Pendleton, Bath, and Pocahontas but to all of Western Virginia. Delegates, including Dr. Newman and Col. James Boggs, were appointed to attend a convention on the matter scheduled for June 14th.

APPEAL TO THE MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

AUGUST 1839 — In a passionate letter addressed to the citizens of the mountain counties, a correspondent for the Spectator urged unity in the push for the new Turnpike. The author argued that "self-interest is the main spring of all our actions" and that this road is essential for the active development of the region's natural resources.

The author pleaded for the end of "sectional feeling" and "jarring interests" between the counties, promising that the road would connect them to the great markets of the East and the Baltimore Railroad.

STOCK OFFERING: STAUNTON & IRON WORKS TURNPIKE

STAUNTON (Aug 1837) — Books have been opened for subscription to the capital stock of the Staunton & Iron Works Turnpike Company. The goal is to raise ten thousand dollars in shares of twenty-five dollars each. The road is authorized to run from Staunton to the Harrisonburg and Warm Springs Turnpike, near Miller’s Iron Works.

⚖️ Crime & Legal Notices

DEBTOR THREATENS VIOLENCE AGAINST BANK

PITTSYLVANIA (Feb 1822) — A startling letter addressed to the Bank of Kentucky has been published, signed by one "P. N. O'Bannon."

While admitting he is a debtor to the bank, Mr. O'Bannon refuses to pay in anything other than state currency. He issued a public and menacing warning to all Sheriffs, Constables, and Marshals: should they attempt to serve any legal papers upon him regarding the debt, he will "PUT A PERIOD TO THEIR EARTHLY CAREER." He justifies this threat by claiming that "all improper, oppressive or impracticable orders ought to be repelled with force."

ATTEMPTED BRIBERY IN MONTREAL

MONTREAL — In a bold display of corruption, John May, a party in a recent trial, was committed for contempt of court. May was charged with slipping a five-dollar bill into the hand of a man who was about to be examined as a witness.

PIRATE VESSEL DEFEATED

BALTIMORE (Feb 26) — The schooner Rolla has arrived from Matanzas after being detained by a piratical schooner cruising off the harbor. An American armed brig, accompanied by two others, engaged the pirate vessel in sight of the harbor. After a sharp engagement lasting 15 to 20 minutes, the pirate vessel "hauled off," ending the threat.

🏘️ Real Estate & Commerce

TAVERN AND LOTS FOR SALE IN HUNTERSVILLE

POCAHONTAS COUNTY (Feb 1832) — Jacob Grose is offering a "Great Bargain" on three lots in the town of Huntersville. The property includes a large, two-story log house in an L-form, featuring three large rooms on each floor and four fireplaces.

The site also boasts a large two-story kitchen, a smoke-house, and a frame house. Mr. Grose notes the buildings are perfectly calculated for a Tavern or Store and are situated in a central location with "good water convenient." He notes that if a sale cannot be made, he is disposed to rent the property on moderate terms.

📜 Local History & Society

ANCESTRAL RECORD: 1817 BILL OF SALE

MONTEREY — Mr. Arthur Hall has shared an interesting family memento: a bill of sale dating back to January 10, 1817. The document records the purchase of a "Negro woman named Abby" by his great-grandfather, John Forde, from Maximilion Herbert of Norfolk, Virginia. The transaction was for the sum of $375.

TRUISMS AND HUMOR

• "It's becoming harder and harder to believe that our country was founded as a protest against taxation."

• "The bulls and the bears get the credit for losses in the stock market, but they aren't nearly so responsible as the bum steers."

• "A shotgun wedding might be described as a case of wife or death."