I look for other of my families when I found these site. Thought someone
might like to see them.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~vapittsy/families.htm
CarterFamily
"The Early Homes of Chatham" by Maud CarterClement
Oakland
A few miles south of Chatham on the Danvillehighway stands Oakland, a white
frame house with four massive pillars supportingthe entrance porch. A grove
of lofty oaks still surrounds the house,from which it received its name. In
former days there strolled inthe grove those birds of gorgeous plumage, the
pea fowls, with their brillianthues and raucous cries. They were often seen
on old plantation lawns,giving a touch of European splendor to the peaceful
southern scene.
At the close of the Revolutionary War JesseCarter of Corotoman, Lancaster
County, Virginia moved to Pittsylvania seekingto escape the malaria of
Eastern Virginia. He purchased of John Burton of Charlotte County, for
4,500 pounds, 1,300 acres lying on both sidesof Banister River, where he
made his home on one of the main highways leading north and south.
Old homes, especially old country houses, have characters of their own and
this is true of Oakland with its unusual design and welcoming atmosphere.
There are two very large reception roomsacross the front of the house, each
with a fanlighted door opening ontothe front porch. The large fireplaces of
the two rooms have tallhandsome mantels of Adams influence. In the dining
room a bay ofwindows looks out over the grove, while the small study
overlooks the gardento the rear. There are two halls and two stairways
leading to themany bedrooms above. It is a good house in which to dream,
when summer'sheat lies over the land ripening the tobaccos in the field.
Colonel Jesse C. Carter, best known of theearly owners, was a man of jovial
genial nature, with a wide circle offriends. He married Miss Lucy Neale,
who was delicate without beingill, and shrank from facing life with its
problems and responsibilities. So she took refuge in her bed, from which she
ably directed her household.
Colonel Carter, like his neighbors, grew fine tobacco, for Oakland lay in a
section which was famed for its fragrantsilky leaf. These planters were
grounded in their fertile soil, ahdmuch knowledge in tobacco growing, and
were well versed in its varieties,qualities, and best methods of curing.
One autumn Colonel Carter returned, from looking after the sale of his
tobacco in Lynchburg, with a complete new outfitof clothes. When his wife
remarked upon his purchases, he repliedwith teasing good humor, "Well, my
dear, you are never very well. Since it is not good for a man to be alone, I
decided to be prepared forany occasion."
"I'll have you to know, Colonel Carter," exclaimed his wife with some
asperity. "I will out live You!" And so she didfor many a year.
Three daughters were born to Colonel and Mrs. Carter. Celeste, the oldest,
married Dr. John Hutchings, a youngphysician of the neighborhood; Nilla,
lovely and merry hearted, was herfather's constant companion; while Mary,
the youngest, gentle and shy,was her mother's shadow.
When one of the deadly epidemics of diphtheria swept through the county,
Nilla suffered a severe attack. She seemingly made a safe recovery to the
great joy of the family. In his delight, her father brought from Lynchburg
a lovely new dance frock for her to wear to a ball which was to be held in
Chatham on July the 4th, 1851.
When the eventful evening arrived, Nilla finished dressing and sent the maid
down to tell her father she would be down presently. He was to be her proud
escort, and the carriage waited at the door. When she did not come, the
maid was sent back for her; but though stillin front of her dressing table,
Nilla was lying peacefully still, withher lovely head upon her outstretched
arms. It was thought that herheart had succumbed to the exertion of
dressing.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~vapittsy/bible.htm#carter
Carter Bible Records
Jesse L. Carter was born the 27th day of March 1828
Rebecca S. Townes was born the 5th day of March 1835 and was married on the
12th day of February 1851
Reuben E. Carter son on Jesse and Rebecca Carter was born the 28th of April
1853
David Coleman and Stephen Coleman sons of the above were born the 29th of
January 1855 and died the 23 ofFebruary following.
William Daniel son of Jesse and Rebecca Carter was born the 7 of March 1856.
George Townes son of Jesse and Rebecca Carter was born the 30 August 1858
Mary Jessie daughter of Jesse and Rebecca Carter was born the 17 of March
1861
Jesse Lawson (illegible)
Rebecca Catharine was born the 3 day of May 1867
Robert Thomas Carter was born the ---------- February-----
Halcott Townes Carter was born the 6" July 1870
Mertle ? Carter Daughter of William an B H ? was born the 24 of July 1876
Submitted by Gayle Austin
Janet
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