The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-29
BITS OF VIRGINIA HISTORY.
Discussion by the Geographical and His
tOfiC Society.
THE BIRTH PLACE OF JOHN RANDOLPH.
Sussex and Prince George Counties-Man
Against Whom the Charge Only was
that He Wrote Poem.

The regular senli-monthly meeting OF the
Richmond College Geographical and Historic
Society, held yesterday afternoon in the Latin
lecture-room, was well attended. After INTRO
ductory remarks by President T. W. Boat
wright and the transaction of important ousi-
ness, II. F. Warren, of Texas. read an inter-
esting paper on Sussex county.
With productive soil. good transportation
facilities and educational advantages, this
county is in a prosperous condition.
There are no stirring events connected with
the past history of Sussex county. but ITS
present prosperous condition and progressive
spirit indicate brighter future.
w. b. Loving, Of Albemarle, presented a
sketch of Prince George county.
In 1884 the colony of Virginia was DIVIDED
into eight shires or counties. one of which,
Charles City. regardless of natural divisions,
extended some distance on both sides OF the
James river.
In 1902 n new county was formed on the
south side and named Prince George, IN
honor of the only son of George /, OF Eng
land.
John Randolph, of Roanoke. was born in
this county. George Keith Taylor. an orator
scarcely inferior 10 Patrick Henry was also
native OF Prince George.
Perhaps the most widely known and useful
citizen this county has ever had was Colonel
Theodore Bland, Jr.. who was prominent and
influential in the councils of his native STATE
and OF the nation in the early days OF the ke-
public.
The only serious charge recorded against
him in the whole course of his eyentful life
was that he wrote poem on the battle or
Lexington.
City Point in this county, was talked of in
location
great commercial city, and would probably
have been made the seat of government but
for the fact that the owner. Dutchman. re-
fused TO sell the place on any terms. Nj APP
pearances seem to indicate that Prince
George county has n bright future.
W. l.. Britt was elected n member OF tho
society. At the next meeting OF the society
papers will be read on Norfolk and Ports
mouth. and on the Eastern Shore.
The work of this society becomes more and
more interesting and valuable.
Professor f. w. Clarke. of Boston. will de-
liver the first Of the series OF Thomas lee
lures tomorrow evening beginning at 3
o'clock. Subject: The Geological Chemis-
try Of the Earth's Crust"
These lectures will be held in the College
chapel this year and not III the Thomas Hall,
"a heretofore.
The Thomas Hall is being fitted up for n
museum and art hall. Some choice works Of
art have already been placed in 1t, and Others
will be brought in soon.
Visitors to the college library observe some
recent improvement in the hall.
The columns have just been painted a
bright bronze. and tasty brackets have been
put up, on which busts of eminent men vii
be placed from time 10 time as they can be
secured An admirable bust OF Bismarck IS
already in the hall
Some new paintings have also been recently
placed in the library.
Since field day Mr. James r. Sheppard has
kindly donated a medal for the best record
in the jumping contest.
Mr. +. b. Winfrey, OF Buckingham. has
been quite i'll for several days. He Is thought
TO be improving