Heritage & Culture

     Anson County when it was first founded in 1750 stretched all the way to the Mississippi River. It was named in honor of Lord George Anson, the first British sailor to circle the globe. Our people take great pride in those who came before us. From the Anson “Regulators,” who in 1768 demanded reform from British rule, to Hugh Hammond Bennett, a native son who revolutionized the world’s natural habitat through soil and water conservation districts.
     During your visit you won’t want to miss the Boggan-Hammond House. This original structure was built in 1783 by Captain Patrick Boggan, one of Wadesboro's founders as well as one of 98 Regulators who signed the Protest Paper of 1768. Other museums include the Ashe-Covington Medical Museum, the Tom Little Museum, and the recently opened Wadesboro High School Museum. In addition, while out enjoying a scenic drive, you might want to pull over and check out any one of 500 cemeteries located across the county.
     Anson County is alive with art! You will be amazed by the many talents we have right here in our backyard.  From innovative potters to impressionistic portrait artists, the Anson County Arts Council is host to a number of talented artists.

About Anson County

By John Jennings Dunlap, III

The beginning

     When was Anson County formed?  1748?  1749?  Or 1750?  Take your choice and you will be partially correct. 
     In 1748, two delegations appeared before the Royal Governor Gabriel Johnston. One group petitioned for the establishment of a new county; the other opposed such formation. After consideration, the Governor read into the records — “by virtue of the power vested in me, I do create...a county, by the name of Anson County, by itself, separate and independent.” The Assembly still had to approve. Also in September 1748, the Governor and council named Justices of The Peace and the Sheriff.
     In 1749, the bill in the Assembly creating the county did not complete passage although many thought it done. This date was used when Anson County observed its Bicentennial in October 1949.
     The bill finally was passed and gained assent by the Royal Governor on April 9, 1750, the legal date of establishment.   

Why form a new County?

     Settlers continued to move west.  Remember in the early 1700s this area was the western frontier.  As a result some had to travel more than 100 miles to the courthouse in Bladen.   The trip took several days to go and return.  This made business and government almost impossible.  The Governor realized this.  Distance and poor roads were the primary reasons for allowing the formation of a new county. 

How large was this new County of Anson?

     Anson County was huge, much too large even from the start.  Its boundary to the east was not the Pee Dee River as it is now.  In fact, the eastern boundary was Drowning Creek and the Lumbee (Lumber) River now located in  Robeson County.  Bordered on the north by Virginia and Granville’s claim, and on the south by South Carolina, Anson extended west to the Mississippi River or wherever the charter of Carolina indicated, possibly to the Pacific. What later became the state of Tennessee was included.

For how long was Anson County this size?

     Not long.  Rowan County to the north was established in 1753, and Mecklenburg to the west was formed in 1762.  The territory that became Tennessee was ceded back to the United States Government in 1790 and became a state in 1796.

Who was Anson County named for?

     Anson was named for Admiral George Anson, First Lord of the Admiralty, highest ranking officer of the British Navy.  Anson was the third Englishman to sail around the world.

Who settled Anson?

     A great number of the settlers were Scots-Irish and Germans.  Some French families settled the area.  Scots, Welsh and Englishmen also settled here.
     When formed, most of the population was located between Drowning Creek and the Pee Dee River.  However, the population west of the Pee Dee continued to grow from the 1750s.  They moved farther west as the years passed.
     >Most settlers came up the Cape Fear from Wilmington, up the Pee Dee from Georgetown and Charlestown.  Others followed Indian and animal trails and other settlers from Pennsylvania through Virginia to Carolina lands.

About John Jennings Dunlap, III

     John Jennings Dunlap, III, is our county history buff and current president of the Anson County Historical Society.  He has worked with the Society for  years.

The People of Sneedsborough

By John Jennings Dunlap, III

     Much has been written about Sneedsborough, but we still know so little. Many of those writings are suppositions rather than factual.
     In this article I plan to tell you what we know about some of the people who established and settled Sneedsborough. Many became prominent citizens of the county, state, and nation.
     Sneedsborough, the second town to be established in Anson County, existed only 40 years or so, from 1795 to around 1835. It was located on the Pee Dee River, some two miles east of present McFarlan. Authorization to establish a town was enacted by the General Assembly in1795. Sixty-four half-acre lots, with convenient streets, were laid off. In 1800 the Charter was amended to include the dwelling home of William Johnson and instead of sixty-four lots, the number was increased to 250.
     Sneedsborugh was the dream of Richard Edgeworth, who arrived in the Pee Dee area in the 1780s.With funds from his father, he purchased 512 acres in Anson County on September 22, 1794. He named the property Ashton.
     In 1794 Edgeworth again visited England, but he became ill. Upon his return to Ashton, he suffered financial problems and was forced to sell Ashton to William Johnson. Edgeworth died August 19,1796.
     William Johnson carried out Edgeworth’s plan for the town of Sneedsborough. Records show over 40 deeds from Johnson to various individuals from 1795 to 1825 for lots in the town, selling for $2 to $100. The first deed was issued to William Cupples, January 21, 1799, for four lots and had the town’s name spelled Sneedsborough. Eventually some 500 people lived in the town.
     William Johnson owned a large cotton gin and a three-story mill located at the end of the canal. The structure stood for years after the town had died. It was finally washed away in a flood.
     Archibald D. Murphy, a lawyer from Hillsborough, believed a great inland port should arise on the Pee Dee River and worked to create such a port at Sneedsborough. A navigation company was formed. Because of shoals discovered south of Sneedsborough which prevented the river from being navigable, the canal to connect Sneedsborough with the Pee Dee was never finished. However, remains of the canal can still be seen.
     Murphy was the first and greatest leader in North Carolina to work for public schools, good roads, and other means of making the state prosperous and great. He became a noted lawyer, law teacher, and judge. Murphy Hall at UNC Chapel Hill is named in his honor.
     John J. McRae was born in Sneedsborough in 1815. He was governor of Mississippi from 1854 to 1857. He was a member of the United States House and Senate and was also a Confederate Congressman. There is a state historical marker in his honor at the junction of Sneedsborough Road and U.S. 52.
     John Grady clerked in the town’s general store. He later served as a member of the North Carolina General Assembly. He was an ancestor of the well-known editor of the Atlanta Constitution, Henry W. Grady.
     Charles Harris, chairman of the faculty of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and its first professor of mathematics, is buried in Sneedsborough cemetery. His epitaph reads “Charles W. Harris, who departed this life January 15, 1804, after 33 years. At an early period his mind was enlightened with the beams of science. His prospects were flattering of high respectability in life. But, ah, he fell an early victim of that great destroyer DEATH.”
     Charles’ brother Robert is also buried at Sneedsborough, and he, too, died at age 33. Other marked graves include William Johnson, town founder, and John Hinson, US Senator.
     The Anson County Historical Society maintains the cemetery using the income derived from a gift to the society from the Johnson family descendants.
     William Little, famous cabinet maker and head of the now prominent Little family of Anson, settled in Sneedsborough around 1800. He built his home and shop there in 1802. In 1815 he built a home on Jones Creek, about five miles south of Wadesboro. He is buried in what is known as the William Little Cemetery, about 100 yards east of his home. The Anson County Historical Society owns and maintains the cemetery as well. William Little was my great-great-grandfather.
     Samuel Knox, another noted cabinet maker, owned the most famous landmark in Sneedsborough—the Knox Inn. Said to be three stories high with 15 rooms and a bar in its brick basement (after examining the site, I question the brick basement), the Inn was adorned with hand-carved mantelpieces and furnished eloquently. Existing until 1929, all that now remains of it and the town is part of a chimney.
     Other notables that bought lots and/or lived in Sneedsborough were John McLester, Joseph Pickett, John J. Cabrol, Thomas Stegall, Jerome Lee, John Ingram, William Henry, Alexander McLeod, Archibald McLeod, Robert Troy, William Terry, Malcolm Campall, James Wade, John Taylor, John Nicholson, Willis Godwin, Ephraim Davidson, and Herbert Pearson.

(Information for this article was compiled from records in the files of the Anson Historical Society or from my private collection. —J.D)

D.A.R. Gazebo on the Square and Memorial Drinking Fountain

By John Jennings Dunlap III

     The structure, affectionately known as “The D.A.R. Gazebo on the Square,” is located within a well-kept garden on the northeast corner of Greene and Wade streets.
     This drinking fountain was constructed as a memorial to the patriots of theRevolutionary War and the heroes of the World War by the Thomas Wade Chapter D.A.R. and unveiled in May 1922.
     The fountain is made of Winnsboro granite, enclosed by brownstone pillars, with a tile roof. The inscription on the southside reads: “Erected by the Thomas Wade Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, to the memory of our fathers, those heroes of 1776 who made this America possible,1921.”
     On the north side is written: “Erected in honor of Anson County soldiers who served in the World War to preserve the principles and ideals of American Independence and to vouch safe tosucceeding generations the sublime truth and the sacred trust of Liberty, Equality and Justice.”
     The account of the dedication and unveiling program as described in the book, Anson County in the World War 1917-1919 follows: The streets were gay with bunting, and an enthusiastic crowd, estimated at between eight and ten thousand people gathered for the occasion. The Camp Bragg Band furnished excellent music, and the two cannons from Camp Bragg fired salutes. Mrs. Frank Bennett, regent, presented the fountain, which was unveiled while the band played ‘The Star Spangled Banner.’ Mr. T.L. Caudle accepted it on behalf of the county. Following an inspiring address by Col. Frank MacNider 750 ex-servicemen were served a bountiful barbecue.”
     UptownWadesboro Inc, the Historical Society and other organizations are making every effort to restore Wadesboro, the important county seat of Anson County, to its former beauty and glory. The Ola Kala Garden Club maintains the garden in which this memorial is located.

The Anson County Flag

By John Jennings Dunlap III

     As part of the celebration of the Bicentennial of our country in 1976, the local bicentennial committee sponsored a contest to design an official flag for AnsonCounty.
     The winning entry was submitted by Grace Allen Liles. As president of the Society, I appeared before the Anson County Board of Commissioners to request this entry be declared the official flag of the county. The commissioners passed the resolution adapting the entry as the official county flag.
     Explanation of the Flag by Grace A. Liles, 5/29/76
     1750—The first land grant recorded in Anson County, as such, was made in 1749 but the Provincial Assembly did not get around to passing an act creating Anson County until April 3, 1750.
     1768—Anson County is regarded by many scholars as having kindled the spark of independence. On April 28, 1768, a band of Regulators marched on the first Court House at Mt. Pleasant on the Pee Dee River, demanding more just and moderate courts and less taxes and fees for public officials.
     Judge Samuel Spencer who was Clerk of Court was sympathetic toward the dissenters sent the Protest Papers to Governor Tryon and on to King George III in London where they were recorded. Spencer later joined the colonies in their fight for independence.

Did you know...

     • In 1750 Anson County was formed from Bladen County, North Carolina. At that time, it stretched all the way to the Mississippi River. Since then Anson County has been cut in size five times.
     • Anson County was named in honor of British Admiral Lord George Anson. Not only was he the first British sailor to sail around the world, he also commanded the vessel which brought Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Germany, to her future husband King George III. For Anson’s service, the King rewarded him with the land west of the Pee Dee River.
     • President Andrew Jackson received his law license from Anson County in 1787.
     • State Supreme Court Justice Samuel Spencer, an Anson native, argued in 1788 that the US Constitution needed a Bill of Rights.
     • Polkton founder Leonidas Lafayette Polk was instrumental in the start of NC State University and Meredith College.  In addition, his agricultural interests led to the publication of The Progressive Farmer.
     • Dr. Parks Turner Beeman, of Peachland, became known for his successful treatment of fever patients by feeding them when other physicians starved them. His grave in Peachland reads "I Fed Fever."
     • In 1900 astronomers from across the globe journeyed to Anson County to view the eclipse. Wadesboro was considered the ideal location for viewing by such institutions as The Smithsonian and the British Astronomical Association.
     • Lilesville schools were the first in the nation to serve hot lunches in the early 1920s.
     • Susan E. Braswell was one of the first women mayors (mayor of McFarlan) elected in North Carolina, 1928.
     • Hugh Hammond Bennett, an Anson native, is the "Father of Soil and Water Conservation Districts."  Anson County was also the site of the first Soil and Water Conservation District in the world.
     • Anson resident Eliza Jane Pratt, was the first woman from NC to serve as a US Representative (1946-47)
     • Morven resident George Byrd was the first African-American to conduct the West Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in 1959.
     • The Ansonia Theatre was built in 1925 for vaudeville shows.  Currently under renovation, the theatre’s dressing room walls include the signatures of Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and Lash LaRue, who all passed through Wadesboro in the 1950s.
     • The Pee Dee Wildlife Refuge, a federal agency managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, was created in 1963 following the closing of Gaddy’s Goose Pond, a popular stop in the 1950s for migrating geese and tourists.
     • Internationally-acclaimed opera singer Nova Thomas was raised in Anson County.  
     • Anson County was the site location for most of the filming of the award-winning movie “The Color Purple.” A modern classic, the movie introduced Whoopi Goldberg in her first big screen debut, and starred Danny Glover, Margaret Avery, and Oprah Winfrey. The movie was directed by Steven Spielberg in 1985.
     • Also, filmed in Anson County was the horror flick, “Evil Dead 2” in 1987. Many locals take great pride in their roles as zombie extras.
     • Wadesboro native John Kiker pioneered the mechanism that allows NASA’s space shuttles to attach to a 747 when approaching the earth’s atmosphere.
     • Former Lt. Governor of North Carolina, Pat Taylor, still calls Wadesboro home.  In fact, he just wrote an entertaining novel, “Fourth Down and Goal To Go.” A must-read for any native North Carolinian, Taylor’s accounts will spark laughter and recognition among any reader who grew up in the American South during the past 75 years.

Anson County Arts Council

     Anson County is alive with art! You will be amazed by the many talents we have right here in our backyard.  From innovative potters to impressionistic portrait artists, the Anson County Arts Council is host to a number of undiscovered, yet talented artists.
     For more information, visit www.ansoncountyartscouncil.org

Meet some of Anson's artists...

Copper-enamel folk art by Denny Maloney

     Denny and his wife Alison live in Peachland. In 2001, Denny won Best of Show at University Place Fest in Charlotte. In 2004 he won Best of Show for Mixed Media in the Lazy Daze Show in Cary, as well as Best of Category for Master Craft at the Matthews Art Fest. Denny’s work is on display at the Anson County Arts Council.
     Visit the studio at www.artrageousfolk.com.

Handcrafted soaps and lotions by Seven Kids Farm

     A native of Brazil, Patricia Cabrera, her husband and seven children live on a farm in Peachland. In addition to their garden, chickens and cows, the family raises goats. The goats’ milk allows them to make a number of items including shampoo, soap, lotion, face cream, and eye cream. These natural products, as well as their handcrafted pottery, can be found for sale at Fancy Crafts or on their website at www.7kidsfarm.com

Original watercolors by June Rollins

     A Wadesboro resident, June is a member of the Watercolor Society of NC and the Art League of the Sandhills, June’s work of watercolors and pastels can be found throughout North Carolina shops. Visit her website at www.artbyjune.net.

Paintings by Barry Stebbing

     A resident of McFarlan, Stebbing’s studio overlooks his wooded farmland. Most of his works are done in oils and pastels. His paintings have been exhibited on both the East and West Coast, as well as Cortona, Italy. Visit his website at www.howgreatthouart.com




 

Pottery by Danny Beachum

     Danny Beachum has always been a great admirer of pottery.  When he had the opportunity to take classes on pottery throwing, a great talent was discovered and Granny Hollow Pottery was born.  A miniature piece of Danny's pottery hangs on the official North Carolina State Christmas tree representing Anson County.  Danny’s pottery is available at Fancy Crafts, www.fancycrafts.net.

Woodcarvings by Mike Jackson

     Mike Jackson of Wadesboro has won numerous ribbons and awards for his woodcarvings and caricatures. His most recent achievement was being recognized as one of only three woodcarvers by the Caricature Carvers of America at the 2005 Charlotte Showcase of Wood Carvers by Woodcraft.com. Mike was also runner-up at the national level for one of his Santa figurines at the WoodCraft store in Charlotte, NC.  Mike’s work can be purchased at Fancy Crafts, www.fancycrafts.net.  
     To learn more about Mike, be sure to read an article that was printed in "Carolina Country" magazine in August 2005. (download pdf)

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