The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-05-13
RICHMOND COLLEGE NOTES.
Geographical and Historic society-Otber
Items.

Notwithstanding the attractions Of tennis,
croquet and other games on the campus, quite
a number of the students of Richmond Col
lege gathered in the Latin lecture-room yes
terday afternoon mt the regular semi-monthy
meeting Of the Society for Geographical and
Historic Study. Professor +. w. Boatwright
presided Mr.. III. T. Allison, OF Fauquler.
read nm admirable paper on Isle Of Wight
county.
The original name of this county, n name
which il retained for only short time was
WarrOsquyOake and it was one of the eight
shires or counties into which the colony of
Virginia was first divided. Situated near the
seaboard it has good commercial advantages,
and with thrifty and intelligent population
is IN fairly prosperous condition.
Smlthfeld. the county-seat, situated on an
emlnence about three miles from James river,
In the northeastern part of the county, IS a
sand inhabitants
On the road leading from Smithfield to Suf-
folk and about eight miles from the former
place. Is Benns church, one Of the most hal
lowed monuments of colonial days to be
found in Virginia. Tradition tells us that it
was the second house of worship erected in
| Virginia, and that it was built in the time of
Charles l., between the years 1880 and 1640
All OF the material was imported from Eng
land-the brick. lime and timber-and the
timber was framed before shipment
Forty years ago the old building was de-
scrlbed rs being in o state of neglect in the
the depths OF vast forest, the walls covered
with "A network OF vines. In recent years it
has been repaired. and the good people of the
| neighbOrhood now meet to worship in the
venerable sanctuary, where their fOrefathers
worshipped more than two aud half centu-
rles ago.
Mr.. w. Owen Carver, Of Tennessee, pre-
sented an interesting tch.ofIAccomac coun-
ty.
The Eastern Shore Of Virginia, especially
AccOmac county. is prominently associated
with colonial events. 10 WIS here that Sll
William Perlelev sought refuge Mt the height
Of Ia on g rebellion.
1t was Slr william Berkeley who said he
thanked God there were no newspapers or free
schools in Virginia. As to newspapers, how
ever. they were soon established, and have
ever since been abundantly able to take care
Of themselves.
In ITO Rev Sam. Sanford left large leg
acy for the education of children of poor pa
rents. and thus established in Accomac
county the first Tree school in Vir ginia.
Rev. Francis Nakensie, the father OF
American Presbyteranisn,' came as an
evangelist to America in 1852 or 1858. and
settled in AccOmac. where he soon afterward
organized the first Presbyterian church il
| Virginia.
The soil Of Aceomac is fertile, small fruits
| and vegetables flourish, and the people are
! intelligent, enterprsing and prosperous
At the next meeting OF the society
which will be the last meet
! ing Of the present college year
Mr.. w. b. Loving, of Albermarle will reaC
a paper on the history of Richmond before
| the Civil war; Professor Harris will discuss
/ Richmond as the Capital of the Confederacy
and Professor DOWNRIGHT will sketch the pro
/ gress of Richmond since the war.
Hon w. W. Henry Hon. J. J.. NJ. Curry
| Hon John f. Massey. Judge b. 7. Ginte
and Mr. K. A. Brock We're elected honorary
members Of the society subject to their &C
ceptance.