History of

Franklin & Vance Counties, NC

New! 51 Page Illustrated Booklet

Early days in Franklin County and Vance County, North Carolina, are recalled in this new 51-page spiral-bound booklet, comprised of excerpts from several vintage books, the oldest dating from 1851. These source materials include John Hill Wheeler's Historical Sketches of North Carolina; North Carolina, A Guide to the Old North State, a product of the WPA; and A New Geography of North Carolina.

The tri-color front cover is printed on 80# card stock and has been protected with a vinyl sheet. The text is printed single-sided on 60# opaque paper, with the print enlarged to fit the 8.5" x 11" paper and improve readability.

Towns mentioned in the booklet include: FRANKLIN -- Louisburg (county seat), Ingleside, Centerville, Wood, Mapleville, Franklinton, Youngsville, Bunn and Pilot. VANCE -- Henderson (county seat), Williamsboro, Townsville, Chalk Level, Manson, Middleburg, Kittrell, Drewry, Epsom, and Greystone. (Some of these are extinct.)

Among the many subjects included are: Geological and Physical features, such as Kerr Lake; Members of the General Assembly from Franklin County before 1851; Tobacco, cotton, lumbering and industry; Major Orren Smith and the Confederate flag; NC's "black belt" with "paddyrollers"; Louisburg College, Early settlers and where they came from; Crops and Industries; Gold rush; the Civil War period; Schools and Churches, including the oldest church in the NC Diocese; John Williamson, a slave who became a legislator; Reconstruction stories; Judge Charles Cooke, Aunt Abby House and other colorful characters; Gold, Copper and Tungsten mining; Gov. Thomas Bickett; an unusual tomb, the first winter resort in NC, the "Sherman beetle" and the "Sherman itch", and other interesting bits of history and trivia.

Our North Carolina booklets, unlike some of our other offerings, do not include an abundance of specific genealogical and biographical data. They are, however, a good resource for learning about the history, geography and social climate of places you or your ancestors may have lived. Then, if you should happen to find an ancestor mentioned, consider it a bonus!

Wouldn't this make a unique gift?