Since the early Eighteenth Century, one of the premier newspapers in Virginia was the Virginia Gazette published in Williamsburg. The four-page issues described worldly and local news, as well as advertisements sent in by residents of all the different counties throughout Virginia. As of 1775, there were three separate newspapers published under the same name, so particular references to the Virginia Gazette(s) include the publisher, date, and page number. Skimming through the decades of papers can uncover very intriguing nuggets of context about the past. Land dealings were vast and some of the names are still familiar nearly 250 years later. Here are a few examples of ads placed in and around Pittsylvania County.

John Brooks sent in this advertisement in the early 1760s (Royle: 4 Nov. 1763 – pg. 4): “To be SOLD for ready money, or on short credit, FIVE hundred acres of good land, great part thereof low grounds, lying on Dan River, near Boyd’s Ferry, in Halifax county, upon which is an extraordinary good fishing-place, a good dwelling house, two good tobacco-houses, &c. Also 648 acres of land, lying on Sandy creek, near Halifax Courthouse. The terms may be known by applying to Mr. Clement Read, whom I have empowered to sell both tracts.” The noted Boyd’s Ferry later served as a strategic location during the American Revolution when Gen. Nathanael Greene crossed the river heading north following the Battle of Cowpens in 1781. In 1763, the location of Halifax Courthouse was in the former town of Peytonsburg, which became part of Pittsylvania when the county was established four years later.

A scan of the original 1763 advertisement by John Brooks

William Tunstall, the first clerk of Pittsylvania County, sent in this advertisement (Purdie: April 14, 1775 – pg. 3): “To be SOLD, on the fourth Thursday in May next, being Pittsylvania court day, by virtue of a deed of trust from James Roberts, THE tract of land where the courthouse stands, containing about 1000 acres, 50 of which are laid off into a town, and several houses are built thereon. It would be profitable to any person that inclines to keep a tavern, as that, without any land but a garden, now rents for 60L per annum. (60 pounds yearly) There are near 100 acres cleared, and in good order for cropping. Also the following tracts of land, viz. one on Dan river, in the said county, joining the great falls, containing about 700 acres. Another tract on the said river, in Guilford county, North Carolina, containing 650 acres, 100 of which are cleared, and in good repair. It is known by the name of Covington’s or Matrimony Quarter, and has rented for 25L per annum (25 pounds yearly).” James Roberts owned the land upon which the first court buildings were built in the area now known as Callands. The fifty-acre town was called Chatham before the present town of Chatham was established decades later to the east. 

Lastly, one segment of the newspapers includes notices for lost or stolen horses. This advertisement from David Owen paints a vivid picture: (Dixon & Nicolson: 16 Oct. 1779 – pg. 3): “STOLEN from the subscriber on Dan river, in Pittsylvania county, the 24th day of June, a brown bay horse, near 4 feet 10 inches high, branded on the near shoulder R, and on the near buttock M, but bloted, has a star in his forehead, a mealy nose, and a snip, one of his hind feet white, 9 years old left spring, paces, trots, and gallops. The said horse was stolen by George Dunkin, and Wilson Smith, alias Joseph Rogers. Rogers has lost part of his 4th finger. Whoever delivers the said hose to me shall receive FIFTY POUNDS reward, and on conviction of the above mentioned thieves FIFTY POUNDS more.”

Whether the old news articles detail large tracts of land or descriptions of missing horses, the Virginia Gazette breathes life into history. The little details help paint a vivid mental picture of the locations and people whose likenesses are lost. It shows the wants and worries of the different regions of Early Virginia and provides perspectives from the people who influenced the formation and development of the county.