Explore Brief Biographies
Read posts relating to the lives of family members and other interesting local characters throughout the past. Collectively, these folks can put a face to the lesser-told histories that fueled the regional culture of the rural American narrative.
Note: There are not widely recognized generational labels for people born during the 18th and 19th century as there are for recent generations. Names and date ranges vary in usage among historians and scholars. These dates are chosen based on the contexts of this collection.
The Founding Generation (1783-1815):
This generation includes people born after the American Revolution and prior to the closing of the War of 1812. This generation came of age during the Early National Period of the United States.
Owen Sanford Adkins,
“Owen of All”
(1785-1885)
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Antebellum Generation (1815-1860):
This generation includes people who lived through the height of plantation agriculture and the events leading up to the American Civil War.
Hezekiah Ford Pigg,
“Pigg’s Mill at
Pudding Creek”
(1823-1908)
Dr. Edward D. Withers,
Confederate Physician
(1825-1917)
Delaware Watson Pruett
“Letters from Grandmother”
(1848-1915)
Tarpley White Jones
& the Distiller’s Heirs
(1852-1907)
Anthony H. Blunt
Photographic Artist
(1847-1912)
Dr. James Dabney Estes of Cascade Village
(1836-1928)
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Reconstruction Generation (1861-1879):
Born during the American Civil War (1861-1865) into the late 1870’s, this generation lived through the period of Reconstruction and the gradual healing and rebuilding of the country.
William Thomas Pruett
“Letters from Uncle Willie”
(1868-1945)
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Lost Generation (1880-1900):
This generation includes people born prior to the Great War (World War I). Many people of this generation felt that the war had shattered traditional values and left them disconnected from the pre-war world. They were “lost” in the sense that many people struggled to find meaning and purpose in the aftermath of such a devastating conflict.
Charlie W. Grant
“Legacy of Grant’s Store”
(1883-1953)
Joseph Ephraim Pruett,
Tobacco Farmer
(1883-1916)
Mary Ida Pruett
“Letters from Aunt Ida”
(1886-1980)
Lillie Carr Pruett
“Letters from Aunt Lillie”
(1889-1959)
Lovick Schoolfield
(1890-1922)
& Bernard Pritchett
(1889-1955)
James M. Woodson
(1880-1970)
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GI Generation (1901-1927):
This generation includes people who came of age during the Great Depression and whose families were impacted during World War II. The term “Greatest Generation” is a common tribute that underscores their significant resilience, sacrifices, and contributions during hard times.
Nettie Green Meadows,
“Aunt Nettie Gal”
(1903-1997)
Oscar F. Meadows,
“Uncle Oscar’s Store”
(1908-1986)
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Silent Generation (1928-1945):
This generation was born during the Great Depression and World War II, experiencing the economic and social uncertainties of these times during their formative years. They are characterized by their strong work ethic, loyalty, and respect for authority, having grown up in an era that valued stability and cautious advancement.
“Sheriff” Shelton
of Dry Fork
(1940-2000)
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Villages and Small Communities
Explore research about the notable rural communities and legacies in county heritage.
“Chestnut Grove”
or “The Whitmell Community in 1850”
The Village of
Dry Fork, Virginia
The Old Wilmer Community
Main Street Chatham in 1896
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