The state chronicle. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1883-1893, 1883-11-24
BLADEN COUNTY.
A Ride Through a Section of Old Caro-.
lima Which recent Years have Chang
ed Very Little.

A Ride Through a Section Of Old Caro-
lima Which recent Years have Chang
ed Very Little.
Special Correspondence Of the Chronicle
WILLIS CREEK, BLADEN COUNTY, Nov.
2Oth.-1t was my good fortune recently to
enjoy pleasant ride from the Cumberland
line to EliZabethtown, the county seat of
Bladen, one Of the Oldest in the State, and
situated on the murky Cape Fear, nearly
midway between Fayetteville and Whining
ton. 1t has history of some interest. The
Tory Hole is still there, and larger consid-
erably than when Coils Brown and Robson
drove the Tories into it. Recent rains have
so washed it that in order to maintain the
street on which it is situated, the road
master has been obliged to log up one side
with abuttments. While the Carolina
Central drew off and cut off the trade of the
place, the merchants there are enterprising
and,successful. Mr.. j. NICK milford is the
A. T. Stewart of the place, and does lively
business. The court house is a solid editice
of brick and has been recently painted and
otherwise improved. The JAIL. built just at
the close of the war, Is wooden structure,
and not very attractive, but when built was
1.-THE best our poor country could do"
The road to Elizabethtown from Fay ette
vile hugs the river close, after you get into
Bladen, and has many large plantations and
residences along it. For the first few miles
the country IS poor and sandy, possessing
many streams offering their power to the
manufacturer. Then comes the Prospect
Hall plantation, owned and cultivated by
Mr.. Nash Whitted, and extending two miles
down the river. You will soon strike, after
leaving this, the Robeson neighborhood,
which reaches to Pendie's," the home OF
J. Westly Pendie, we'll known for his ster-
ling worth and patriotism. Col Thomas
Pendie who fell at Charlottesville at the
head of the 18th Reg was his brother.
Next comes that enterprising young busi-
ness man, C. w. Lyon, Esq, whose tact
| and industry has made you almost believe
you had reached town, as he has built
| fine store, dwelling, &c Just below him is
Owen Hill, where resides Mrs. Ellen Guion,
the widow of the late Haywood w. GuiOn,
and daughter of Governor Owen. This
place was once the home of Governor
Owen, and while the old residence was des-
troyed few years ago by fire, new and
cosy one has taken its place. Twas here
that Mr.. Guion wrote that wonderful book
'The Comet" The avenue leading to the
road impresses one with the idea that the
home of some distinguished person was at
the other end.
Pursuing the journey you soon reach the
fertile lands Of Bakers creek, held for gen
erations by the Cromarties, Whites and
Gillespies. After passing Squire Tom Nor
ment, the " old bacheor' whose bacon
hams are famous, you strike the home Of
Hon. 1. -. Mcdowell, the most prominent
| A"n o1n"P0 -. ''o county, Dut WIZ VI Ie.
cent days prefers the quiet and sweets Of
home, and continues to decline preferment.
! Joining him, and next to Elizabethtown, is
the home of his brother COL Jno. Nc.
Dowell, who was Major of the First Regi-
ment when Matt Ransom was Lieutenant
Colonel. and the good feeling of those days
is there yet, as the Colonel is a Ransom man
first and last. Though disabled by wounds
in the lost cause, sunrise will find him on
his horse. here and there directing his farm
and turpentine operations, which have made
him, perhaps. our wealthiest citizen.
Well, Mr.. Editor, I've got you TO Eliza
bethtown and don't know how to get you
away. After twenty two miles ride to the
place. and talking and shaking hands with
friends our journey is reversed. The miles
seem longer, the sand deeper, shadows
lengthen, and ten o'clock brings us "hame
where sits our sullen, sulky, dame" &c.
| CUPID.