The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-05-18
Seat of a RichAgricuItural County
of Same Name.
DECLARATION INDEPENDENCE
The First Made in Virginia, and from
DAYS of Revolution Until Now Al
WAYS Sen. Full Quotas of Men
10 the Front-Enterprse.


eastward TO the Little Roanoke River, Is
located the town OF Charlotte Court
house. The seat of the rich agricultural
county OF t1a: name
The plat of land upon which the public
buildings, the Presbyterian Church, the
county and public park are located, was
given TO the county by Colonel Thomas
Read, the first and for fifty-two years
clerk of the county. He was co-mem-
Der with Judge Paul Darlington Sr., OF
the Committee of 1776, and they received
from their constituency instructions
Which being the first coming up from
.ny county and breathing such paulouc
1ervency.
give them as characteristic of the
people. SAYS Henry: When all efforts
10 change the oppression policy OF Great
Britain had proved vain. ana ner acts
had become more harsh and reFeieelui,
the county of Charlotte led the way in
Virginia in demanding independence. Her
instructions on the subject to her dele
gates. given April %. l116, and found III
Forces Achieves. volume Y. page 1854,
were not only the first in GATE. but I'M
surpa ssed in ability and patriotism by
any which came up from the counties
a NOBLE /
After reciting the vain endeaNors to
affect a reconciliation with Great Britain,
the committee of the county addressed
Paul Carrinston and Thomas Read. their
delegates, as follows:
I'VE give it you in charge to use your
best endeavors that the delegates which
are sent to the General Congress are IN
stlucted to cast off the British yoke. ana
- enter into commercial alliance with
any nation or nations friendly to our
cause And as Hing George the Third.
of Great Britain. &c, has manifested de-
lherate enn!ity toward US. and under the
character of parent. persists IN pc
having as q tyrarlt that they. In our be-
half. renounce allegiance to him forever:
and that taking the God of Heaven to be
our king and depending on His pro-
lection and assistance. they plan out the
form of government which may the most
erfectuafly secure 70 us the enjoyment
of our civil ard religious rights and
privileges to the latest property
The delegates to whom these instrrc-
lions were given vo-ad for the resou-
.ions which brough: the Revolution
srv War. in which each of them bore
conspicuous parts.
CULTURE AND REFINEMENT.
Charlotte a large slave-holding county,
had always taken first rank in the State
for intellectual culture and refinement
tionai councils some of the most illus
trious sons of the Old Dominion.
AS lust tribute to the donor this town
was originally named ''MarysSifle. = in
honor of Colonel Reads only child. who
7ied in infancy Confusion. however.
arising from there being another town
of the same name in the State. the name
was changed to Srnithville about the year
1870. in honor of Captain William Smith.
man of large property and influence IN
MS dav and generation.
Trouble still arising through miScar-
r;aees in the mari. much going to Smith
field. the name of the place was again
changed the first of this year to Char
lotte Courthouse. the original name
This place has been the scene of Won
derful display of forensic ability. 1t Vas
here that Patrick Henry made his last
and John Randolph. of Roanoke. his first
speech. the one called the rising and the
other the setting sun.
THE ORIGINAL COURTHOUSE.
The courthouse in which they spoke
was wooden structure, now used as a
stable by the "Caledonian" Hotel 1t was
supplan:ed in the year 1928 by the pres
ent imposing building, planned by the
great commoner. Thomas jefferson, him.
self.
Inspired by the examples of these and
MANY others of Charlotte's distinguished
sons, the county has always played an
Important part in politics: il seems to
come in the air they breathe. and as a
consequence the courthouse has always
been the theatre of great gatherings AID
brilliant oratorical displays. Upon the
field. no Jess than upon the hustings has
she always been in the forefront.
In every way she has contributed a
full quota of volunteers. and the gallan-
try and daring of her soldiers are inn
bedded in history. Nor did the late wal
= ~ t.,,S 3a>lt, -,
the ralor of the county. Eleven com.
panies of volunteers went from the county
and from the first shock of the confiic,
at Rich Mountain, through all the cam.
paigns and hard fought battles OF the
Army of Northern Virginia. and in the
last sad drama at AppomattoS her sons
bore honorable parts. Six companies OF
infantry were in Pickett's charge at Get
tysburg which for bravery and steadi-
ness has never been surpassed in the an
nails of war.
In the town there are three religious de
ions-Preshyterian Methodist anc
| baptist. The distinguished James w
Alexander, D. D.. for some years held
a pas,orate at the Presbyterian Church
before going 10 the Fifth-Asenue Church
New York. and he was succeeded by
his son, the late beloved and lamented
DR. II. G. Alexander, who for a lone
| pcriod was the able and beloved sheppard
| of the Hock.
| INCORPORATED TOWN.
Charlotte Courthouse is an incorporat.
ed town of 500 Inhabitants. n. E. Flour.
l noy is the present Mayor of the town. il
1 has a bank the Charlotte Banking and
Insurance Company" which did a bust
ness last year of over 100000, 1t has q
| handsome new tire-proof clerks office
with all modern improvements and con
i .eniences This is presided over by Mr.
/ r. c. Darlington. the county clerk. Stand
/ ing IN silent majesty upon the courthouse
green is handsome Confederate monn
1 rnent. erected under The auspices of II
fiA. Darlington Camp C. V. No 81. whict