The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-05-20
County-Sassafras
49, NeMs. 49,


Nottoway County -sassafras -sumac-
lFrom our Travelling Correspondent
BURKEvILLE, May IL, 1873.
This county was formed from Amelia,
in l7SS, and receives its name as does also
its principal river, from the Nottoway In.
dams, who used to inhabit this region.
More will be said of it in my succeeding
letter from the county seat, next week.
Burkeville Junction is the principal
railroad station, and is lively, thriving
little village. of between two and three
hundred population, and nearly fifty
houses, most of which have been built
since the war among which are several
stores, churches, school-houses, and a
splendid, large row of depot buildings, for
the two railroads, the Richmond and Dam
vile road and the Lynchburg road, which
cross here, and make busy, busting
display, most of the time.
There are several stores and mechanic
shops here and tobacco factory soon to
be finished; while tobacco exchange is
talked of.
Near by the village, in beautiful grove,
on elevated ground, is the handsome resi-
dence of the Burkes, which attracts consid-
CiaDiC HOtiCt ITUI1 SlTAtlSeTS.
There are two hotels here, the " South
side hotel" where am stopping, being q
fayorite, and kept by Colonel Flippens,
who supplies good meals, clean beds, and
is as attentive and obliging as one can de-
sire. He also does some farming, and, |
with the help of large piles of manure, he |
expects to make a big crop Of tobacco, the
coming season; plenty of manure is what
will do it-or any other crop. .E
But the distinguishing feature of bust
ness. at this point, is the sassafras oil fac
tory, of which Mr.. M. r. DE Mortie is
the proprietor he came here some five
years ago, bought lots for his factory, and
his home; erected buildings for both, and
went to work; in his factory he placed a
hiteen horsepower steam engine, and
copper still of thirty-two hundred gallons
capacity he buys about $4,000 tons of
sassafras roots, paying fifty cents per one
hundred pounds, in cash, which furnishes
support and labor to good ,
many industrious colored people he in
forms me that one family made and saved
money enough from this source, to buy
twenty-five acres Of land, and build o.
dwelling on it; the man would die Che i
roots and his wife would haul them (
% the q factory. In digging these
'Oots the land is benefited. where
hey grew. Altogether this factory keeps
line hands at work most of tho year;
bout Is, 900 lbs of oil are made annually. i
elling at 20 cents per ID until recently the
rice has fallen. ~
am told by the people that sunsac
Mill is needed here, and would well nav q
fair income on the capital invested in the 7
nc hr,, -. | z
eglon, and could be obtained in any de- q
irable quantity to supply the mill. Ct
Everywhere hear much said in regard :
, candidates, for governor and, SO lar. 1
he general expression is in favor of Colo
Ell Hughes. In Amelia, and some other
laces, people express earnest desire to
ee General Wickham brought out as the
andidate; they say they have known him
ing, and know he can be trusted. On the
Their side r. M. T. Hunter is often spoken :
T, in this region, as the popular candidate \
r governor. Many others are spoken of.
At this place had the pleasure of meet
g an old and intelligent correspondent of 50
line, who is a systematic farmer of Motto IN
ay-Col. w. II. Caruthers. He is en- m
lusiastic in the labor of love to unite the p
,rculturists of the state, in such efforts of y,
as will secure q higher and :.
ore effective style of farming, by adding M
ore mental labor to the physical toll. He an an
lily appreciates the order of /" Patrons of wi
usbandry," in this connection; he insists
at all sectional feeling should cease-and
at all prejudice against northern emf
ants should be forgotten, and they be
rdially welcomed to come among us and
lip to improve our lands and build UP the
aSte places which thew can do to tha;r |