Page 91 [91]
OCR
CS eee = HistorRic GARDENS OF VIRGINIA paper houses and war munitions, now transformed to stable peacetime industries; to City Point, whose newly-laid-oft streets and building lots for World War developments were acquired from the acreage of the Eppes Farm. ‘Turning into a picturesque avenue of century-old cedars, and passing old St. John’s Church whose steeple was used as a signal tower in wartime, and on through the splendid trees which surround it, we catch our first glimpse of Appomattox Manor. Just beyond sparkle the waters of the James and the Appomattox. We are at once reminded that the first of the family of Eppes approached this matchless site for a home from the water, travelling by boat or canoe on the river, the natural highway in those early roadless days. Seals attached to old deeds in possession of the late Dr. Richard Eppes of City Point bore the arms ascribed by English heraldic writers to Epes or Eppes of Canterbury, Kent, England. The records of Prince George County which would have thrown most light on this family history were burned by Federal Troops during the War Between the States, and but few family letters and other personal records survive the burning and sacking of two great wars. Of this we are assured: the family embarked from “Merrie England” not as men in political disfavor and threatened with disaster, nor yet as cavaliers with dreams of fame and fortune, but as colonists and settlers to found a home in a new world of peaceful employment and productive enterprise, to till the soil and plant and reap. To Francis Eppes, a member of His Majesty s Council, was granted in 1635 broad acres of land, which included estates on both . sides of the James and the Appomattox, and an island laved by the waters of both rivers, called ‘Eppes’ Island,’’ still owned by the family. On a most beautiful and commanding eminence, jutting out into a broad expanse of water at the confluence of the two rivers, Francis Eppes built his frame dwelling. ‘The place is still the home of his descendants, and represents a tenure of nearly three hundred [56]
