The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-03-02

CHE SACRED sPoT rs NOW THE PRO-
PERTY OF THE A.P.y.A.
A Cir, Including thu Old Church Tower
and tho Magazine, From Mrs. Louise j.
Barney TO the Association.

owner OF historic jamestown Island.
AZ is well known. one Of the first and
foremost objects had in view by this
most laudable organization OF represen-
tative Virginians was the acquisition OF
jamestown Island. the point Of occupancy
of the first white settlement OF America.
This spot. fun OF sacred historic memo
ries. is dear TO every ViTginian. and the
association has been working with more
or less success towards the preservation
and restoration OF the ancient church
tower. the OH magazine and the other
venerable landmarks on the island.
The association has sent representatives
20 the island frequently preparing plans
1oI the care OF these fast crnmbling
eelics of by-gone days. Entertainments,
balls and lectures have been given 10
raise funds for this purpose. and the
association had some money in hand as
> nucleus for future addition and work
there.
The island had been in possession Of
Mr.. and Mrs. Francis s. Brown, who
claimed a fee simple absolute to the
property. An effort was made by the
association 10 purchase from them the
ground on which was the old church
tower and the church-yard in which rest
the remains OF so many of Nirginia's
distinguished dead. but without avail,
for, as hear, these owners wanted from
$500 10 5000 for an acre or so Of ground,
which the association was unable and UNI
willing TO pay.
The association then applied TO and
obtained from the last Legislature of the
State n legislative grant for all the right
and title OF the State Of Virginia TO the
church-yard and church tower In the
meantime Mr.. Edward L. Barney. late
OF Dayton. o.. and for some years resi-
dent at Homewood, Surry county, Va,
purchased jamestown Island from Mr..
and Mrs. Brown.
The association soon began negotiations
with this gentleman regarding a prospec-
tive amicable arrangement for purchase
OF the land they desired.
The subject found ready and sympa-
thetic listener in Mr.. Barney. and he
promised TO give the matter his careful
consideration, assuring the committee of
the association who called on him of his
hearty desire TO do all in his power to aid
them In their noble and patriotic efforts
20 restore, preserve and improve that
most sacred historic spot.
On recent visit TO Richmond Mr..
Barney met informally representatives of
the association and told them of the de-
sire of Mrs. Louise j. Barney. his wife,
who had always manifested deep interest
IN jamestown, 10 have him make a deed
10 the association of not only the guam
tity Of land they desired referred 10
previously. but an ample area in addition
OF not less than twenty acres.
The members of the association were
further granted perpetually free access
through his grounds and prospective park
and the free use OF the new wharves
and bridges 10 the main land ne is about
10 build.
Mr.. Barney's intention OF identifying
the island with parks. building a hotel,
and making an attractive spot of II for
excursions from the cities of Richmond.
Norfolk. Petersburg. Washington. and
other points North and South, in con-
nection with the new line Of steamers on
James river. of which lately incorporated
company he is president and leading
spirit. has been told of before in this
paper.
The association is to cooperate with
Mr.. Barney in the protection by seawalls
Of the beach and shores OF the island,
from the incursions of the water OF the
river. which has lately been washing away
its banks and shores at an alarming
rate. endangering the old tower.
The estimate of engineers has been that
few years more would have
seen more encroachment on the
island. This cooperation Of the
association with Mr.. Barney will add
new interest and life TO the movement
towards the ends it has in view, and will
attract attention to jamestown in a
widespread way and manner never before
dreamed of by the most sanguine OF the
devoted few who have labOred for the
restoration OF this haliowed ground.
The enterprise of Mr.. Barney has been
fully evidenced by his reclamation from
marshes by improved systems of dykes,
and drainage of what are row the fine
plantations OF Homewood, in Surry, 1920
acres. and Meadowville. in Chesterfield,
2200 acres.
jamestown Island, comprising some
1000 acres. will receive the same careful
attention and Improvement, and in addi-
ton will be made attractive to the tourist
and pleasure-seeker. as we'll as the stu
dent of history.
Such, in brief, were the record and
plans which this gentleman formally laid
before the board of managers OF the
association at their called meeting held
yesterday afternoon at the residence OF
Mrs. Parke c. Bagby its faithful corre-
spending secretary, No. 81 east Grace
street.
There were then present the following
preventative gathering of the ladies' and
gentlemen OF the board: Mrs p. w. Nc
u
Carter Mrs. Z. T. Crump. Mrs. \. M.
Seldom, Mrs. J. S. Wexford. Mrs. q. w.
Bagby, Colonel Archer Anderson, Major
T. T. u. Myers, Mr.. Edward V. Valentine.
Mr.. Thomas n. Carter, Mr.. j. Aston
Cabeil, Mr. William l.. Sheppard, Mr..
Joseph Bryan, Mr.. Wyndham r. Mere
dith and Mr.. r. A. Brock.
The report from the committee regard
ing Its informal conference with Mr.. Bar
pey, and covering formally the PROPOSE
tion from him 70 the board on behalf of
Mrs. Barney. the merit OF which he
modestiy declined to have ascribed to
him was attentively heard with the
utmost satisfaction.
Resolutions authorizing the prompt on
summation OF necessary steps in the way
Of recording papers OF conveyance and
agreements. in all their legal details. were
promptly adopted with the hearty thanks
Of the board.
II has been proposed that an excursion
be planned to Jamestown on the ami
versary OF its settlement in 1907. the 18th
OF May next
BY this time the new wharves will be
completed. besides some OF the provisions
for the reception and comfort Of visitors.
II is expected that the new steamer OF
the Virginia Navigation Company, now
building at the well-known ship yards OF
the Harlan and Hollingworth Company,
Wilmington. Del. will be on the line at
that time.
This fine boat will be equal in all re-
spects OF speed. comfort and safety to
any afloat. and will be most appropriately
named "Pocahontas." and will be chris
tened on the occasion OF her launching. TO
occur IN the next thirty DAYS nv a UnA, A