In 1663 King Charles the second granted to a company of men known as the Lord Proprietors, all of the country between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, setting aside that portion between parallels 31 and 36 degrees latitude to be named in his honor. It would be called Carolina for his name Carolus.  The first white settlers in Franklin County is said to have been located on Sandy Creek in 1740.

Settlement of Piedmont North Carolina began between 1730 and 1740. Growth of the "western frontier" began as Virginians flowed into upper Granville. Few settlers fame from the east as travel was distant and difficult.  Immigrants from Virginia and more northern points, seeking better climate, better land, and more religious freedom. 

In 1728 when William Byrd and his party of surveyors reached the border of Granville and Person counties, in their job of establishing the dividing line between North Carolina and Virginia, he recorded in his journal that they were at least fifty miles west of the residences of any white inhabitants. Mr. Byrd mentioned an abundance of deer, buffalos, bears, fox, turkeys, squirrel, geese and wild-cats with meat as white as veal. This wild cat was twice as large as any household cat, the fiercest animal of the woods. He spoke of meeting Sapponi Indians and described them as "having something great and venerable in their countenances -- honest and brave." 

In history of the Dividing Line, Wm. Byrd makes note of meeting Sarah Winston Syme, widow of John Syme, who later married John Henry and became mother of Patrick Henry. ("History of the Dividing Line, by Willam Byrd.)

Many of Youngsville citizens today trace their ancestry directly back to the colonies of Virginia. However, some came from Maryland, Pennsylvania and the New England Colonies. Daniel Boone's family came down from Pennsylvania and was in North Carolina a number of years before moving to Tennessee. There were Boones, Winstons, Hendersons living in areas just north of Henderson, some of whom spread into our area. Daniel Boone's family moved on to the Yadkin Valley area prior to Tennessee. Winstons and Hendersons were associated with him in some of his ventures, such as the Transylvania Compact. 

Many early immigrants settled first on the "Tar "River, the original name of which is said to be the "Tau" and Indian word for health.

The story of Youngsville is the story of America on a smaller scale. From its immigrant beginnings, to hard work, faith, and courage, Youngsville developed a strong sense of community and opportunity. 

The first permanent settlement of Englishmen and their families in what is now Youngsville appears to have begun around 1750-1760 when hardy frontiersmen pushed into the woods and forests occupied only by scattered Indian tribes.  There are indications that French Huguenots were also among the early pioneers. The examination of records of those early settlers, more than 270 years ago, reveal names that are strikingly similar to those in today's records. Many of their descendants still call Youngsville home. The trail of many local family histories picks up after the immigration and initial settlement at James City, Virginia. As the settlement increased there, Virginia families began migrating inland, going south to North Carolina and some to South Carolina and beyond. Family treks southward and westward resulted in many coming into Carolina through the old Tuscarora trading Path, which came across the Roanoke or "Moratuck" river and on down a course almost parallel with what later became the Raleigh and Gaston Railroad. Those railroad tracks still traverse Youngsville, N.C.  (Excerpts: Sketches of Youngsville and Pacific, Mr. R.E. Cheatham)

During these settlement years between 1750-1760, many of the early settlers came from the Virginia colonies to settle and work the land which is today Youngsville. Acres of land could be had for small sums. The Earl of Granville would issue a land grant of 50 acres to an immigrant, plus 50 more acres for each additional member of his family and for each servant with him. The early years of settlement was a story of survival in the wilderness, clearing and cultivating the land. Colonial adventurers migrated across the newly drawn Virginia-Carolina line.  During the period of 1790-1800 and for some time later Henry Goodloe seemed to have a general store and operated a stagecoach inn at his home. The population at this time was mainly farmers, who grew tobacco, cotton, grain and other crops. Nearly all of the food was provided from their own farm land.

Later around 1848 some of these settlers banded together with their neighbors to establish a more formal community known as "Pacific." Pioneers sought land by good creeks and springs. Water being essential, Richland Creek and its branches attracted families to what is now Youngsville.  As time went on, lands were divided and resold a number of times before the first settlements.

Many Carolina immigrants were the sons of fine Virginia families, leaving old plantations which would according to custom be inherited by their older brothers. A few pioneers were bond servants, some indentured for the cost of passage to America, now free of debt. Groups who came down together varied and included carpenters, farmers, bricklayers, tanners, hatters, ministers. etc.

 Old Granville County records show that one John Young (Sr.) came from Essex County, Virginia to Carolina in the 1750's. Decedents multiplied and settled in various sections of the county. In our vicinity earliest Young family settlers were in the Harris Crossroads area and Goodloes.

• Indian Trails -  Youngsville was in line with the old Indian Trading Path and its branch paths, which seem to have been the forerunners of Stagecoach roads.

• Stage Coach Roads - The Raleigh-Richmond Road. Near Youngsville this stage road crossed another well-known stage road known as the Hillsborough-Tarboro Road. This road came through the eastern section of Youngsville, went in a northwesterly direction to Goodloe's Crossroads where it intersected with the Oxford Petersburg Road. These roads paved the way for Youngsville's future.

• Youngsville Roads - The old Hillsboro-Tarboro Road was located about two or three blocks north of the present depot. When Youngsville was incorporated, the road was changed to come through what is now the Main Street, Old deeds still refer to it as Hillsboro Street.

• Railroad - (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad)

From the 1750's to the present day, Youngsville has been an example of America's growth and struggles for prosperity. From the settlers following the Indian trails, to the stagecoach roads, to the railroad tracks all were the highways to today's prosperity.  On the road to prosperity comes economic, governmental, societal and personal struggles.

Forests were cleared, trees cut for homes and fields were prepared. Tobacco became a chief product. Meat was secured by hunters. Few families had cattle or hogs in the earlier days of settlement. Clothing was often made of buckskin rather than cloth which was not easy to come by. What products farmers raised, made or grew were chiefly for their own survival. If the settlers raised tobacco or had surplus of other products, it was carted up the Indian trading path to Virginia or to the Roanoke river for shipment to the coast. The task of getting their crops and goods to market for sale was a hard, long and dangerous journey.

Before Pacific was settled, there were storehouses established to store their goods and crops on surrounding plantations, at crossroads of old Stage Roads, and in Stage Coach Inns. Farmers closest to Pacific at that time were the Winstons, Greens, Holdens, Hudsons, Martins, Carsons, Davis, Youngs, and Fullers. Families operated businesses in various outlying areas. Duke Davis, Goodloes, Fullers, Winstons, Mitchells, Greens, Whites, Joyners, Holdens and probably others.  (Courtesy of "Sketches of Youngsville and Pacific," Mrs: R.E. Cheatham). When the first post office was established in 1848 the community went on record as "Pacific." According to legend, the little settlement west of the railroad tracks was accepted as "Pacific," though land on the east side was believed to be called "Atlantic."  Between 1780-1790 living conditions began to improve somewhat.  Churches were established, though in widely scattered locations. Circuit rider preachers visited in the vicinity. One of the first well-known ministers in our vicinity was Rev. Bartholomew Fuller, who bought land on both sides of present Youngsville, besides at one time owning the part that is now the town of Youngsville.  The part that Rev. Fuller sold, eventually went to John Young, Jr.

The Young family, the Winstons, Bentons, Mitchells, Dents, Wiggins, Jeffreys, Goodloes, Davis, Greens, along with other courageous settlers, arrived in this locality more than a century before the town of Youngsville was incorporated on March 17, 1875.  

It was John Young Jr., [for whom the town was named] known as "Jack" who

in 1873 conveyed land for a railroad depot to be built. 

In 1837, Mr. John Young, Jr. purchased 302 acres of land from Mr. Joseph Winston. It was in the northwestern section of that large tract that the community of Pacific - Freemans Township  (also known as Pacific Depot) was established in 1848. Farmers closest to Pacific at that time were Winstons, Greens, Holdens, Hudsons, Martins, Carsons, David, Youngs and Fullers.

In 1873, Mr. John Young, Jr. conveyed land to the Raleigh and Gaston Railroad for the building of a railroad depot. Then in 1875 The Town of Youngsville was incorporated. 

With the establishment of the railroad depot and subsequent warehouses, the farmers now had an easier connection to the railroad, to sell and transport their crops to market.  As a result many businesses were established to support this agricultural boom. It was a strong sense of community, their faith and agricultural/technological development (the railroad) that helped Youngsville attain economic prosperity. When the railroad built the depot, the name posted  was "Youngville", [without the s], and so it remained that way for years. While signs on the station for passengers read "Youngsville" [with the s] and so the name Youngsville remains to this day.

After incorporation in 1875, the town of Youngsville began an upward swing to prosperity. Farmers were growing increasing amounts of tobacco and cotton. Lumber also became a necessary business. Multiple supportive businesses sprang up and multiplied. Merchants needed supplies and outlets for their products and services. Cotton gins and tobacco & cotton warehouses were built. The establishment of the railroad depot in Youngsville in 1873 was the catalyst for economic prosperity and growth into the early 20th century. The seeds of prosperity had been planted.  (Excerpts: Sketches of Youngsville and Pacific, Mr. R.E. Cheatham)

The land that is now Franklin County, where Youngsville is one of its towns originally in 1664 Was Albermarle County. In 1668 Albemarle County was subdivided into Carteret, Berkeley & Shaftesbury Precincts. In 1681 Saftesbury Precinct was renamed Chowan Precinct. In 1722 Bertie Precinct was formed from Chowan Precinct. In 1739 Bertie Precinct becomes Bertie County. In 1741 Edgecomber County was formed from Bertie County. In 1746 Granville County was formed from Edgecombe County. In 1754 the creation of Bertie Precinct, Edgecombe County and Granville County was repealed by King George II, in Privy Council. In 1756 Bertie, Edgecombe and Granville was re-created. In 1764 Bute County (extinct) was formed from Granville County. In 1787 Franklin County gains land from Wake County. In 1875 Franklin County gains land from Granville County. In 1881 Franklin County loses land to help form Vance County.  In 1779 Franklin County was formed from Bute County.

The territory embraced in Franklin County:

• Craven up to 1733

• Edgecombe  (1733-1745)

• Granville (1746-1764)

• Bute (1764-1779)

• Franklin (1779 - Present)

Tobacco was first discovered by the native people of Mesoamerica and South America and later introduced to Europe and the rest of the world. Eastern North American tribes has historically carried tobacco in pouches as a readily accepted trade item, as well as smoking it in pipe ceremonies, whether for sacred ceremonies or those to seal a treaty or agreement. Tobacco was also used as a medicine to treat physical conditions. Historically, this herbaceous plant was used as a pain killer by Native American tribes.  It has been used for earache and toothache and occasionally as a poultice. (See: Wikipedia.org/History_of_tobacc.)

The story of Tobacco in the colonies begins in colonial Virginia when settlers were in search of gold. Instead, these farming settlers found tobacco. Tobacco soon yielded riches greater than all of the mines of Spain. From the Jamestown colony, John Rolfe sent the first shipment of Virginia leaf in 1613. Within one generation, this newly introduced tobacco was sent to England and was known around the world. John Rolfe was the husband of the famous Indian Princess, Pocahontas. this daughter of Powhatan Indian emperor of Virginia, saved the colony from disaster several times, It is likely that Rolfe learned tobacco cultivation from Princess Pocahontas. Princess Pocahontas died in England in 1617. Growing tobacco crops in the Virginias (North Carolina, etc.) expanded and became a principal crop for sale to external markets. As time progressed tobacco and cotton grew in importance as a cash crop and farmers were growing less for subsistence. The culture of the plant which sustained one of the greatest industries in the world begins with a seed so tiny that a tablespoonful is enough to plant six and a half acres- an area larger that the average tobacco planter's plot. (Courtesy of: The Story of Lucky Strike by Roy C. Flannagan and Pat Flannagan Hooker)

The establishment of the Youngsville Railroad Station in 1873 facilitated the farmers to get their agricultural products to markets and factories quicker. In 1874 Washington Duke and Sons builds it first tobacco factory in Durham, N.C.  R. J. Reynolds builds his first tobacco factory in Winston Salem, N.C.  By 1879 North Carolina had 126 tobacco factories that annually manufactured 6.5 million pounds of plug tobacco and 4 million pounds of smoking and other tobacco.  Later additional tobacco manufacturing becomes located in Durham, Winston-Salem, Reidsville, and Greensboro, N.C. The time of economic prosperity is beginning and continues until the financial crash of 1929. 

Youngsville Tobacco Market: 

The Youngsville Tobacco Market was established in 1896 as the result of the determined foresight of the following Youngsville citizens: Burton H. Winston, James Sidney Timberlake, Cheatham Bros., J.B. Perry, G.C. Patterson, J.W. Woodlief and Dr. Ivery G. Riddick and others. Knowing that Youngsville was located in one of the best tobacco growing areas of North Carolina, resourceful men of the town pushed the tobacco enterprise ahead. (For further info. (See "Sketches of Youngsville and Pacific" by Mrs. R.E. Cheatham).

Until 1883, tobacco excise tax accounted for one third of internal revenue collected by the United States government. Internal Revenue Service data for 1879-1880 show total tobacco tax receipts of $38.9 million, out of total receipts of $116.8 million. Following the American Civil War, the tobacco industry struggled as it attempted to adapt. Not only did the labor force change from slavery to sharecropping, but a change in demand also occurred.  As in Europe, there was a desire for not only snuff, pipes and cigars, but cigarettes as well.

Youngsville Cotton Market:

The Youngsville Cotton Market was established and around 1897, between 5,000 to 8,000 bales of cotton were sold annually at this market. A large cotton yard occupied much of the area across from the depot, between West Main Street and Franklin Street.

Cotton is not an easy crop to grow and even harder to harvest. Until the late 1700s, processing cotton required lots of manual labor. In 1793 Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin, a machine that makes the processing of cotton quicker. Eli Whitney's cotton gin meant that they could process cotton (separating the cotton from the seeds) ten times faster than by hand. With the ability to process the cotton faster, farmers could grow more and get it to market sooner. That resulted in the need for more laborers in the fields, thus increasing the slave trade. The cotton industry grew and so did the selling of textiles made from cotton.

Owners of early cotton gins in and around Youngsville were: James S. Timberlake and J.M. Winston on Winston Street and Mr. Isham Mitchell who founded the Sugar Loaf Gin on Sugar Loaf Street which later became Pine Street. A highly developed type of early maturing pure sugar loaf cotton was produced in the area. Mr. Isham Mitchell, founder of Sugar Loaf Cotton Farm, owned the Sugar Loaf Cotton Brand. He got his first Sugar loaf seed by going into his, as well as other cotton patches, picking cotton which he carefully measured. When he found cotton fibers one and one eighth inches long he grew it on his test plots to get the length fixed. The seed from this cotton became in great demand and large quantities were sold and shipped to many Southern parts of the Cotton Belt each year. From Sugar Loaf Street (Pine) the gin was later moved to the site of the J.M. Winston Gin on Winston Street.  It appears that this town street was named for the Winstons who owned property there. At one time George Winston operated a business which later became known as the Winston-Underwood Gin.  Records show that in 1935 Mr. J.C. Winston or his estate, owned a gin lot in town. Many others followed this agricultural pursuit.

The Raleigh and Gaston Railroad was constructed through the local area about 1837-1840. Farmers who conveyed land to the Raleigh and Gaston Railroad Company were John Young (Senior) 1837; Anthony Winston in 1837; Moses Winston in 1838; David Wall 1838 and others.  In 1869 Ben Winston conveyed land to the railroad, then in 1874 Henry Winston conveyed land.  It was in 1873 that John Young, Jr. conveyed land for a new railroad depot to be built in the town of Pacific [later to become known as Youngsville]. 

The introduction of the railroad in the mid 1800s and more railroad stations in the later 1800's, enabled farmers to get their tobacco, cotton crops to market easier. The first water tank to service the train was apparently the one on Brandy Creek north of town. It was located in a low area downhill by the track, where there is a long curve in the tracks. In later years a wooden tank was erected near the present Union Grove Church. Water was pumped up from Brandy Creek. 

It is alleged, that Confederate forces destroyed the Railroad trestle over Cedar Creek in an effort to prevent Union forces from using the railroad to move Union soldiers and equipment South toward Raleigh. U.S/ Military rebuilt the temporary trestle in 1865.

When the old railroad stations burned in 1907 (Freight Station) & 1909 (Passenger Station), both the freight and passenger stations had been located very close to Main Street. When rebuilt, each was moved further back from the street, up the tracks about a half-block, but still close to the tracks.

Before the first white settlers were here more than two centuries ago, the lands of Franklin County (formerly Granville County) and surrounding areas were inhabited mainly by the Saponi and Occaneechi  (part of the Saponi Nation) and Tuscarora Indian tribes who lived and hunted these lands. The Occaneechi and the Haliwa Tribes became part of the Saponi Nation.

 The very first white settlers in our area were probably white pioneer hunters who came in from Virginia and lived among the Indians. But the fear of the numerous Indians in the area made the process of settlement very slow.  There is practically no evidence of the presence of white settlers in Granville until after the strength of the warlike Tuscaroras was broken in 1711. From that date on, the arrival of white settlers was steady. (See Granville Connections - Journal of the Granville County Generalogical Society 1746, Inc. Volume 2 Number 1 - Winter 1996)

It is believed that in 1676, due to trouble over beaver skins and difficulties with the Susquehnna Indians, the Oconeechi Indians (who lived on Oconeechi Island in the Roanoke River) moved to the area around what is now Hillsboro; therefore, between 1676 and 1701 the entire tribe crossed over Granville County to the area where John Lawson (a surveyor and historian who made trips to the interior of North Carolina in the early 1700's.) found them in 1701.  (See Granville Connections - Journal of the Granville County Generalogical Society 1746, Inc. Volume 2 Number 1 - Winter 1996)

The Tuscarora Indian Nation (believed to have been six tribes) occupied much of the North Carolina inner coastal plain at the time of the Roanoke Island colonies. They were considered the most powerful and highly developed tribes in North Carolina. The Tuscarora Upper Towns, those under the sway of Chief Tom Blount and occupying sites along the upper Neuse, Tar and Roanoke rivers had sufficiently profitable relations with white [colonists] to accept the new situation as long as they were not directly threatened. (See "Tuscarora Indians" by Thomas C. Parramore, 2006, Published on NCpedia https:www.ncpedia.org)

The Tuscarora Indians, a very warlike tribe, lived in the Granville District along the headwaters of the Neuse River in the vicinity of Knapp of Reeds Creek. Granville (County) was part of the original home of the Tuscaroras and it was the hunting ground for several other tribes. (See Granville Connections - Journal of the Granville County Generalogical Society 1746, Inc. Volume 2 Number 1 - Winter 1996)

The Occaneechi Indians were a tribe of American Indians who lived in the Piedmont region of what are now North Carolina and southern Virginia prior to European settlement. Although no written accounts of the Occaneechi language have survived, the tribe is thought to have spoken an eastern Siouan dialect like many of their Piedmont neighbors. The early Virginia historian Robert Beverley noted in 1705 believed that Occaneechi was the general language used by other Indians in the trade. (see "Occaneechi Indians", by R.P Stephen Davis Jr., 2006, Published on NCpedia https:www.ncpedia.org)

On through the 1700's, settlers drifted south from Virginia seeking new land for planting not only tobacco, but many other crops, many of them introduced to the settlers by the Native American Indians: corn, beans, sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkins, peanuts. Colonial settlers learned and adopted beneficial agricultural practices from these Native American Indians.

Through the years, many Indian relics have been found, especially near creeks and waterways. Relics found on Cedar Creek, farm of Dr. Walter Thomas were examined by experts who reported that an Indian Village must have been located in that vicinity in the valley east of "Mountain Hill" behind the old homestead which is on the old Simms property. Archeological investigations have uncovered the remains of small villages. These discoveries (graves, pottery, etc.) has yielded the belief that Iroquois war parties and European-introduced diseases had devastated the Occaneechi in the early eighteenth century. By 1712 portions of the Occaneechi had left the Eno River Valley area (Just west of Durham, N.C.) and moved to the northeast.

The ancestors of the Occaneechi-Saponi were an ancient people who collectively call themselves YESAH or the people. The YESAH originally came for lands to the west, over the Appalachian and Blue ridge Mountains in the area known today as the Ohio River Valley. As the Yesah settled in the new land to the East (Virginia and North Carolina) they formed numerous villages such as the Saponi, Totero and Occaneechi. During the Revolutionary War the Saponi people split into two factions, one siding with the British Crown and other stayed and fought on the American side. The side loyal to the Crown migrated north to New York. By 1790 the bulk of the remaining Saponi tribe migrated down the old Occaneechi trading paths onto their former lands near the Eno river in the northwest section of Orange County, NC.

Since 1980 the Occaneechi tribe has been involved with the research laboratories of Anthropology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the excavation of the old Occaneechi village on the Eno River in Hillsboro, NC.  The Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation has expressed an interest in uncovering and preserving it rich cultural and historical legacy. Since 1985, the Occaneechi tribe has conducted extensive genealogical and historical research for the preparation of petitions for official state and federal recognition.

 The Occaneechi band of the Saponi Nation was recognized by the state of North Carolina in 2002. (Excerpts Courtesy of: WWW.OBSN.ORG   prepared by Forest & Lawrence A. Dunmore, III Esq.)

For further detailed history of journey of these native American people - See WWW.OBSN.ORG 

In State records of 1754, we find a muster roll of a regiment of militia in Colonial Granville County, which at that time included what is now Franklin County. The militia was under the command of Colonel William Eaton, Lt. Colonel Will Person and Major James Paine.  

It consisted of eight companies.  One of the companies was under the command of Captain Osborn Jeffreys. Some of the men whose decedent's are still in our locality. Family names in that early militia included: Winston, Cooke, Young, Fuller, Allen, Perry, Bridges, White and many other familiar names.

Prior to 1806 there were only the unorganized groups of militia made up of volunteers for service in such conflicts as the Tuscarora Indian War, the French and Indian conflict, then later the Revolutionary War. In 1806 the General Assembly of North Carolina passed an act for statewide organization. 

Colonial North Carolina & The American Revolution  (Fight for Freedom & Independence)

The American Revolution was an ideological and political revolution that occurred in British America between 1765 and 1791. The Americans in the Thirteen Colonies formed independent states that defeated the British in the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), gaining independence from the British Crown establishing the constitution and establishing the United States of America. American colonists objected to being taxed by the British Parliament, a body in which they had no direct representation. (See WIKIPEDIA,  "American Revolution"). 

"The first Provincial Congress held in defiance of the British authority was held at New Bern in August of 1774. The first action against the Stamp Tax took place, not in Boston, but in eastern North Carolina at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence  was signed, we believe, on May 20, 1775, (Possible misapplication of the 20 May date to the authentic Mecklenburg Resolves of May 31, 1775) and the Halifax Resolves on April 12, 1776." (Lt. Governor Jim Hunt 1975)  Note: [The Halifax Resolves ordered North Carolina's delegation to the second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, not only to form foreign alliances, but also to seek and vote for independence from Great Britain. This action made North Carolina the first of the colonial governments to call for total independence. As such, it became a factor leading to the writing of the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted on July 4, 1776. ] (Courtesy of https://www.nps.gov/)

While we celebrate the Declaration of Independence as occurring in 1776 (Final draft being adopted by the Continental Congress July 4, 1776). It was not until the 1783 Treaty of Paris where under the terms of this treaty, which ended The War of the American Revolution, Great Britain officially acknowledged the United States as a sovereign and independent nation. (See: "The Declaration of Independence, 1776", history.state.gov)

Organized home-front protection began with Colonial settlements in our area around 1736-1750.  Isaac Winston, Jr. and his son Anthony were among the first Winston's to settle in North Carolina about 1736. Isaac Winston, Jr. was born in St. Paul's Parrish New Kent Virginia about 1690. 

Pioneers banded together to ward off Indian attacks and to protect themselves from wild animals. Prior to 1806 only unorganized groups of militia existed determined to defend their communities in such conflicts as the Tuscarora Indian War, the French and Indian Conflict; then later the Revolutionary War. A muster roll of N.C. Militia Regiment of October 8, 1754, under the command of Col. William Eaton, lists the name of William and Isaac Winston in the regiment of Capt. Osborne Jeffreys of Granville County. Isaac Winston was the father of Anthony Winston.

Sons of the American Revolution Pledge:  "We, the descendants of the heroes of the American Revolution, who by their sacrifices established the United States of America, reaffirm our faith in the principles of Liberty and our Constitutional Republic, and solemnly pledge to defend them against every foe."

"Members of the Youngsville Museum of History were privileged and honored 

to have been part of this ceremony recognizing these American Colonial Patriots."

Program Booklet from the Revolutionary War Recognition Ceremony

Southerners consistently argued for states rights and a weak federal government, but it was not until the 1850s that the South raised the issue of secession.  Southerners argued that having ratified the Constitution and having agreed to join the new nation in the late 1780s, they retained the power to cancel the agreement and they threatened to do just that..." (See: States' Rights - American Battlefield Trust.)

When Abraham Lincoln won the 1860 election on a platform of halting the expansion of slavery, seven states seceded to form the Confederacy. Shortly afterward, the Civil War began on April 12, 1861, when Confederate forces attacked the U.S. Army's Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina.  On April 15, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln called forth in response "the militia of several States of the Union, to the aggregate number of seventy-five thousand, in order to suppress the rebellion, four additional slave states then joined the Confederacy.

In February of 1861, the Confederate Congress elected Jefferson Davis as President in Montgomery Alabama. President Jefferson Davis' popularity and effectiveness were not enhanced by the growing numbers of Confederate defeats in the latter years of the war. On April 2, 1865, he and other members of the Confederate government were forced to flee Richmond (Capitol of the Confederacy) before the advancing Union Army. 

Robert E. Lee, at age 54, resigned his commission as a Colonel in the United States Army on April 20, 1861, after having spent 34 years of his adult life in the service of the United States Army. "At the time, I [Robert E. Lee] hoped that peace would have been preserved: that some way would have been found to save the country from the calamities of war; and I then had no other intention than to pass the remainder of my life as a private citizen." On April 19, as Lee was struggling over his personal decision, the Virginia Convention passed an ordinance creating the post of major general to act as "the commander of the military and naval forces of Virginia," and the following day Governor Letcher accepted his advisory council's recommendation of Lee.  Ex-Colonel Lee enjoyed only one day as a private citizen, Sunday April 21 while messengers from Richmond were on the way to the plantation at Arlington. On Monday April 22 Robert E. Lee rode by train to Richmond, and in an informal interview with the governor [of Virginia], accepted the command of Virginia's forces, under the control of governor's constituted authority. The following day, April 23, the new major general went to the Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson, to receive his formal appointment from the Convention. Major General Robert E. Lee had little more than six weeks to organize armed forces and a system of defense before shifting to the uninspiring assignment of transferring units and positions to the new arrivals from the original Confederacy, (North Carolina, Tennessee and Arkansas came in simultaneously with Virginia."  (Excerpts from: "The Wartime Papers of Robert E. Lee", Edited by Clifford Dowdey and Louis H. Manarin)

While he looked for a long war, the "fire-eaters" (pro slavery Democrats from South Carolina who urged secession) looked to the one battle that would send the invaders back home and convince the world that the sovereign people of the Confederate States could not be coerced by force. The one big battle came at Manassas on July 21, 1861 and - by the chance of action and no credit to General Beauregard - the invaders did leave Virginia very unceremoniously, but the war was only beginning. (Excerpts from: "The Wartime Paper of Robert E. Lee", Edited by Clifford Dowdey and Louis H. Manarin)

The Old North State (North Carolina) provided between one-sixth and one-seventh of all Confederate troops during the War Between the States.  (See: It Happened in North Carolina - Scotti Cohn). After many years with long and deadly battles (Manassas, Gettysburg, Antietam, Richmond and Petersburg,), the Battle of Appomattox Court House, fought on the morning of April, 9, 1865, was one of the last battles of the American Civil War. It was the final engagement of Confederate General in Chief, Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia before they surrendered in the afternoon of April 9, 1865 to the Union Army of the Potomac under the Commanding General of the United States Army, Ulysses S. Grant. On April 10, 1865 Commanding General Robert E. Lee, Army of Northern Virginia issued his famous "General Order 9", surrendering to U.S. General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. April 20, 1865, Lee as a paroled prisoner of war, at last wrote Jefferson Davis that he recommend a "suspension of hostilities and the restoration of peace."  (Note: When General Robert E. Lee and his commanders realized that the cavalry was now backed up by two corps of federal infantry, he had no choice, but to surrender with his further avenue of retreat and escape now cut off , if he hadn't, his forces would have been demolished.) 

(It should be noted that both Robert E. Lee and U.S. Grant fought in the Mexican War and knew of each other at that time. 

Both were serving in the U.S. Army. Robert E. Lee was a Captain and U. S. Grant was a Lieutenant during the Mexican War.)

"About 9 o'clock a.m., it was whispered among our men that a surrender was to be made. All talk  of this kind was soon hushed up by the officers. We still could not understand why we did not charge until about 12 o'clock, when we found out that we had indeed surrendered, During the afternoon we learned the terms of surrender that we would be paroled and allowed to go home. Next morning General Robert E. Lee's farewell address to his troops was read to our regiment. We remined in this position till Wednesday, April 12, 1865, when we marched over near the Court House and stacked our arms in front of the enemy. Having received our paroles we started that evening for home, the men of the different companies forming into squads took the nearest route to their own section, and the 27th NC Regiment (State troops) passed out of existence." 
Courtesy of: J.D. Lewis (https://www.carolana.com/NC/CIVIL_WAR/27th_nc_regiment.html)

On April 11, 1865, at 1 o'clock General Joseph E. Johnston learned from an unofficial yet reliable dispatch that General Robert E. Lee had surrendered the remnants of his army near Appomattox Court House, Virginia. Prior to this, the last shred of hope for an independent and the victorious Confederate States of America rested on Johnston uniting his army with Lee's somewhere near the North Carolina-Virginia border. Lee's surrender dashed those hopes. On the morning of April 17, 1865 General Sherman learned by a coded telegram from Federal Secretary of War Edwin Stanton that President Abraham Lincoln had been assassinated. On April 27, 1865 President Andrew Johnson and his cabinet approved these terms of surrender [at Bennett Place] and did not take issue with General Johnston"s supplement. (Excerpts from: www.battlefields.org  "Bennett Place Surrender")

The Confederate President Jefferson Davis was captured by Northern soldiers near Irwinville, Georgia on May 10, 1865 and imprisoned at Fort Monroe, Virginia for two years.

Many men fought [At the Battles of Manassas, Gettysburg, Antietam, Richmond and Petersburg, etc.] some did not return. Those soldiers who were able to return home, many came home on foot, wounded and sick, minus a limb or an eye. There was very little food, money or clothing left. Homes had been ransacked and greatly damaged. A few valuables such as silverware had been saved by families who buried their treasures. (Excerpts: Sketches of Youngsville and Pacific, Mr. R.E. Cheatham)

The following is a sample of some of the Youngsville area's young men that served during the Civil War:

Mr. John Young Jr. had four sons who enlisted in the Army of the Confederacy during the Civil War: 

• Thomas Jefferson Young (Enlisted September 5, 1862), Captured September 12, 1864 at Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia and was imprisoned at Point Lookout Prison, Maryland. He was paroled in exchange for a Union soldier on September 18, 1864.  He died September 24, 1864 in Richmond Virginia from dysentery. 

• Henry H. Young (Enlisted September 2, 1862)  He served Co. G. 2nd North Carolina Infantry.  He surrendered as a parolee on April 9, 1865 at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia and returned home.

• Francis Marion Young (Enlisted July 7, 1862), He served as a private in Co. 1, 1st Carolina Infantry. He was taken prisoner at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania October 6, 1863 and subsequently imprisoned at For Delaware, Delaware. He died in prison October 6, 1863 and was interred at Finn's Point National Cemetery, N.J. 

• Allen P. Young enlisted in the 44th Regiment, North Carolina Infantry Company A.  Records shows he found a substitute to go to war for him.  (See: Young Brother of North Carolina, Civil War History Center, Ginny Young Kellum, November 7, 2014).

Mr. J.B. Timberlake fought with Col. Bradford's Bn. in Co, A under Capt. Price. On the third day of the Richmond seven-day fight, he remembers seeing General Robert E. Lee. "He was riding up and down the command on his gray horse." says Private Timberlake, "and he was the most fightinest man I ever saw".  Many other men of Youngsville also served in the Army of the Confederacy.  (Excerpts: Sketches of Youngsville and Pacific, Mr. R.E. Cheatham)

Mr. Burton Herbert Winston (1st Lieutenant Co I, 55 NC Inf.) The 55th NC Regiment was organized at Camp Mangum, near Raleigh, in the early part of 1862.  1st Lieutenant Burton Herbert Winston was the great grandson of Isaac Winston, Revolutionary War patriot. When the Confederacy called, Burton enlisted even though his father owned Holly Springs Plantation. The Winstons did not own slaves. Burton, along with many other North Carolina citizens, fought for state's rights. He was elected as an officer and led his men at the Battle of Gettysburg. He was captured and was sent to Union prison camp, where due to starvation they were forced to eat rats in order to survive. Burton came home after the war and laid down his gun in 1865. With grit and determination he started his work with a borrowed horse and rented land. He later became one of the largest land owners in Franklin County.

Judge D.W. Spivey, Furney P. Pierce and Calvin Mitchell were Captains in the civil war. Thomas Martin, Silas Stone (lost leg), Joab Mitchell, Michael Dent, William Columbus Hart served and came home. For names of other local soldiers in the Civil War, (See T.H. Pearce's book "They  Fought.")

On April 15, 1865, Mr. Jones Fuller and Dr. Ellis Malone [from Franklin County, N.C.] had travelled to Raleigh to meet with members of General Sherman's Army to ask that Louisburg, N.C. be spared from the ravages of  General Sherman's Army. "This mission had apparently spared this village on the Tar River as General Sherman promised that Louisburg would not be molested". 

On April 29, 1865, Yankee Troops had been passing through Youngsville (and surrounding areas) on their way to Louisburg, NC. Into a town of several hundred citizens 12,000 to 15,000 soldiers came, followed by an extensive wagon train. The infantry was to remain for several weeks. In this time slaves were freed and owners were to pay wages to the remaining freed slaves. The Yankee Army was camped in the beautiful college groves on N. Main Street, which had been the pride of village. 

Finally, on the 28th of July 1865, the Yankees left, although their hospital remained in an occupied hotel near the river. (Note: Excerpts of information was taken from the Diary of Mrs. Anna Long Thomas Fuller who lived in her old homeplace at 307 N. Main Street, Louisburg, NC.)

From descendants of families who lived on the Oak Level or Simms Road during the Civil War, have come stories of Yankees marching down this road causing great fear, ransacking fields and homes. Hattie Thomas, descendant of a pre-civil war slave tells of ancestors working in the field near Oak Level Church one day, when Yankees came by and went out in the field and took away the horses they were plowing with. She talks about how frightened everyone was.

An African American school teacher, Queen Esther Daye, whose father was Squire Jones, related handed down family stories. She recalls sitting around at "grand-mammys" knees, with other children, listening to stories of trials and tribulations. As personal experiences were told, tears would flow. (Excerpts: Sketches of Youngsville and Pacific, Mr. R.E. Cheatham)

After the war, barns and stables were empty and falling down from neglect. Farm tools were rusty. Horses and mules had been lost or stolen by the hundreds. There were barely enough left to cultivate the soil and so farmers borrowed from each other in order to farm and harvest their crops. Oxen were often used in place of horses. Roads and railroad tracks had been destroyed. Families were in severe poverty.  

On 29 May 1865, President Andrew Johnson (17th President of the United States of America) unveiled two proclamations designed to bring North Carolina back into the Union after the Civil War. First proclamation was: "Proclamation of "Amnesty and Pardon"; Second proclamation was: "Appointment of William Woods Holden as governor of North Carolina." A convention was held to discuss and ratify these and other issues of the day. Patrick Henry Winston was selected to represent Franklin County.

Following the Civil War, plantations, crops, homes and businesses had been destroyed. Confederate money was worthless, bridges and railroads had been damaged. Banks failed and the wealthy became poor overnight.  

William T. Young came home from Appomattox after the Civil War without a cent in his pocket and borrowed money to get married. With pluck and energy he soon accumulated enough money to buy a farm.  He was described as "...a man of quiet habits but a hustler." (Excerpts: Sketches of Youngsville and Pacific, Mr. R.E. Cheatham)

Sharecropping and tenant farming took the place of slavery, replacing the plantation system of agriculture in the South. Because prices on cotton and other crops remained low, sharecroppers and tenant farmers often fell into a cycle of indebtedness. Many lost all for which they had worked so hard. 

After the civil war, a world wide economic depression occurred (1873-1879).  "The struggles would continue."

It was not until 1898 that the first real test of the ability of the Adjutant Generals Department was tested. this was during the Spanish American War. In 1916 there was trouble on the Mexican Border, then Came World War One.  Effectiveness of the Guard improved with experience over the years. Many local citizens served in each of these conflicts.

World War I:

After World War One the Guard was disbanded but began reorganization in 1920 with expanded activities. Guardsmen were called upon to control railroad and textile strikes. 

The 30th Division was created in 1917 and included units in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. From the beginning it was known as Old Hickory in honor of General Andrew Jackson. 

The first National Guard Unit was organized in Youngsville on June 3, 1921 as Headquarters and Combat Training First battalion, 117th Field Artillery's. Drills were first held in an old frame tobacco warehouse which stood on College Street across from the old Graded School. One of the first outstanding commander of the unit was Captain Earl Underwood.

World War II:

In September 1940, shortly before the United States entered World War II, National Guardsmen throughout the nation were activated. It was on September 16, 1940 that 74 men from the Youngsville Guard were called and sent to Fort Jackson, South Carolina. In December of 1941 when the 630th. Tank Destroyer Battalion was activated, personnel was drawn from the 30th. Division, including men from Franklin County. The 630th trained for about 3 years before being sent overseas. On June 3rd 1944 that the 630th left the port of New York on the ocean liner "New Amsterdam." On June 12th 1944, the unit arrived in England where they stayed near Birmingham for about 5 weeks. 

On 24 July 1944, the 630th T D Bn. crossed the English Chanel in one day landing at Omaha Beach, Normandy France. They immediately saw action, receiving commendations for their bravery. They fought in 5 major campaigns: Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Germany, Ardennes-Alsace France Central Europe. They were in action for about 252 days.

The day after the brilliant victory achieved on the plains of Alsace (France) by your divisions fraternally united with French Forces, I am particularly happy to convey to you my gratitude and appreciation. "I humble myself in the memory of those of your comrades who have given their lives for France, for their Country, for the Liberty of the World and I hope, a day will come when once again, side by side, our united armies will achieve final victory." 14 February 1945, General J. de Lattre, Commander in Chief of the First French Army  

As this Battalion departed for the redeployment back to the United States of America their Major General Cota commended the Battalion for its "superior Teamwork, gallantry, resourcefulness & cooperation." In closing he wrote:  "I wish to commend the superior leadership, initiative and gallantry displayed by the officers and men of your Battalion. It is, my opinion,  a "crack" outfit and it is hoped we will again ROLL ON together in the very near future!" 15 March 1945 Major General Norman D Cota, USA

To:  The Officers and Men of the 630th Tank Destroyer Battalion - "The Fightingest TD Battalion in the ETO"

" You have heard the dramatic news that the War with Germany is over. The enemy has surrendered unconditionally - the peace terms will be ours. I know that no body of men received this news with greater joy than you. Throughout the past ten months you participated in fighting which has made history. You have helped to liberate France, Belgium and Luxembourg. You marched through Paris. You were one of the first units to invade the enemy's home - to walk  upon the Fatherland.  A grateful nation at home and a grateful world give you their thanks today for a job well done. May I add the personal commendation and appreciation of one who served with you in training and has been with you every day in combat. The memory of our fine work and friendship will be forever with me." 8 May 1945, Patrick G. Emmanuel, Major, F.A., USA Commanding.

Korean War, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other Military Actions:

Members of the Youngsville National Guard have and continue to serve community and our country to this day.

In April 1960 Lt. Robert Hill met with the Youngsville Board of Commissioners to discuss the need and possibility of securing an Armory. Mayor A. E. Hall led an extensive campaign to build an Armory in Youngsville.  In 1970 Colonel John E. Fleming reported that construction funds might be available.  CWO-4 R.E. Cheatham and First Sgt. Delmus Hudson were chosen as project coordinators. The town of Youngsville secured a site for the Armory purchasing land from Mr. Robert Need and Mrs. E. M. Mitchell & family.  

The Armory was to be named "Youngsville Memorial Armory." The building was completed March 1974 and the dedication was held March 9, 1975. Captain Richard H. Cash conducted the Armory Dedication Celebration opening remarks and became Commander, Battery B 5th Battalion (8"SP) 113 FA North Carolina National Guard.

The rapid expansion of the cotton industry in the Deep South after the invention of the cotton gin greatly increased demand for slave labor, and the Southern states continued as slave societies. The United States became ever more polarized over the issue of slavery, split into slave and free states. Driven by labor demands from new cotton plantations in the Deep South, the Upper South sold more than a million slaves who were taken to the Deep South.  

As the United States expanded [west], the Southern states attempted to extend slavery into the new western territories to allow proslavery forces to maintain their power in the country. Southerners consistently argued for states rights and a weak federal government, but it was not until the 1850s that the South raised the issue of secession.  Southerners argued that having ratified the Constitution and having agreed to join the new nation in the late 1780s, they retained the power to cancel the agreement and they threatened to do just that..." (See: States' Rights - American Battlefield Trust.) The new territories acquired by the Louisiana Purchase and the Mexican Cession were the subject of major political crises and compromises. 

 Due to measures such as the Confiscation Acts and the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, the war effectively ended chattel slavery in most places. Following the end of the war in May 1865, and in December 1865, upon ratification of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution and the Civil Rights Act of 1866, African Americans were allowed by law to vote, actively engage in the political process and acquire land. By virtue of these laws chattel slavery was abolished in any place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.  (Excerpts from: Slavery in the United States - Wikipedia)

The struggle for civil rights would continue into the 20th Century. From 1955 to 1968 Martin Luther King, Jr. (an American Baptist Minister & activist) became the most visible spokesman and leader in the civil rights movement from 1965 until his assassination in 1968. Dr. King advanced civil rights for people of color in the United States through non-violence and civil disobedience inspired by his Christian beliefs, culminating in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This Civil Rights legislation is considered to be the crowning achievement of the civil rights era.

One of the ablest black leaders in North Carolina during the Reconstruction Era after the Civil War was John H. Williamson, a Georgia born slave, who moved to Franklin County with his Master's Widow, Temperance Body Perry Williamson. He represented Franklin County several times in the Legislature. Later he moved to Raleigh and became the editor of a newspaper.

Mrs. Rosanell Eaton was born in Franklin County, North Carolina April 14, 1921 as the seventh child. Rosanell was the great granddaughter of a slave. It was Rosanell's love for people that led her to become a strong advocate for civil rights, voting rights, human rights, and social justice. She knew that every race, color and creed should be treated fairly because all men were created equal. 

Rosanell lived a life characterized by her strength, dedication and faithfulness. "Her passion for the cause of Christ led her to actively work in His vineyards across nine decades in various capacities in both New Liberty and Faith Baptist Churches." She was a woman who sought to be a part of something bigger than herself and to set the example for others to follow. This guided her to focus on enhancing the lives of those she met through her affiliations and work on behalf of the greater good for people. 

She organized the Franklin County Chapter of the Concerned Women for Justice in 1975, assisted in establishing the Rainbow House for female ex-offenders in Raleigh, NC and was a supporting Founder of the Franklin County Boys and Girls Club.

Rosanell's dedication to a lifetime of service in uplifting the lives of mankind did not go unnoticed. Rosanell received numerous awards and acknowledgements of her life long work in voting rights, civil rights and equality for all. Rosanell's history can be found in the Oral History Collection and in the Southern Historical Collection in the Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

(Excerpts: Courtesy of the Franklin Times - December 13, 2018)

Youngsville and surrounding communities struggled on the slow road to recovery from the Civil War. In 1896 the Youngsville Tobacco Market was established.  In the same year the Eagle Tobacco Warehouse was built by the firm of Perry and Patterson who had been established in this local business since 1880.  In 1897 the tobacco business was on pace to growing and selling three million pounds of tobacco per year. Among the largest of Youngsville leaf dealers was J. T. Hart and Company, with a large well arranged factory, equipped for buying and handling the tobacco. In 1916 nearly three million pounds of bright leaf tobacco were sold on the Youngsville Tobacco Market alone.

Seeing a particular need for handling and storing tobacco, local men built warehouses and prize houses and enticed experienced tobacconists to come in from other markets. In 1890, Mr. James Duke made use of newly invented cigarette rolling machine to feed the growing market for tobacco and founded the American Tobacco Company in North Carolina. (See: "The New South.", Khan Academy). 

A cotton market was established about the same time as the tobacco market. In 1897, annual receipts were from 5,000 to 8,000 bales. A large cotton yard occupied much of the block across from the depot, between West Main Street and Franklin Street. Owners of cotton gins in and around town became prosperous. A highly developed type of early maturing pure sugar loaf cotton was produced in the Youngsville area (Pure Sugar Loaf Plantation). The seed from this cotton was in great demand and large quantities were shipped in the Southern part of the Cotton Belt each year. 

The road to economic growth and prosperity had begun.

• Flat Rock Church (1824)

• Oak Level Church (1868)

• The Youngsville Methodist Church (1878)

• The Youngsville Baptist Church (1880)

• The Christian Church (1886)

• The William T. Young Hotel 

• The May hotel

• The Harris Hotel

• The Riddick Hotel

The Youngsville Tobacco Market

(This market was established in 1896 by Burton H. Winston, James Sidney Timberlake, J.B. Perry, G.C. Patterson, J.W. Woodlief and Dr. Ivey G. Riddick)

• Eagle Tobacco Warehouse  -1896

• Cheatham Brothers Warehouse - (1896)

• The Harris Warehouse - (1897)

• J.T. Hart and Company (Largest Youngsville Leaf Dealers)

• Banner Warehouse: "For Best Accommodations and Highest Prices. No Market Can Pay More for Tobacco than Youngsville."

• Perry & Lumpkin Warehouse (1920-1925)

• The Allen House

• Union Store Company

• Barber Shop (T.M. Martin -"First class hair cutting, shampoo and shaving. Sharp razors and good services.")

• Youngsville Bottling Works

• J.W. Duke Company (First brick warehouse) - Sale of Medicines

• Pearce & Woodlief General Merchandise Store

• Williams Bros. Store (General Merchandise)

• Williams-Winston-Underwood Gin Lot

• Winston Brothers, Drug Company. (Drugs, Medicines, Stationery, Confectioneries, Fruits, Tobacco, Cigars, etc.)

• Youngsville Record - Newspaper

• Bank of Youngsville

• Atlantic Life Insurance (Youngsville, NC)

• Woodlief Building Supply (Prior Business Here: Old Eagle Warehouse)

• Isham Mitchell Warehouse

• T. L. Moss Store (Hardware, Dry Goods, Notions, etc.)

• Spivey & Timberlake General Store

• Tally's Hardware

• Dave Spivey General Merchandise Store

• Davis Department Store (Hats and other wearables)

• J. W. Winston Store ( Hardware, Heavy and fancy Groceries, etc.)

• Perry & Patterson Store (Dry Goods, Clothing, Shoes, Buggies, Wagons and Furniture)

• W.H. Hight Grocery Store

• B.G. Allen Store

• Green Milling Company

• The Youngsville Lumber Company

• Brown Furniture House

• Railroad  (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad Company)

• Railroad (Seaboard Air Line Railway Company)

• Livery Stables (Perry & Pearce, Addie Perry, Mr. Hollingsworth)

• R. C. Underwood Livery, Board and Sales Stables

• T.C. Harris Store (Men's & Women's Furnishings)

• Stagecoaches & Stagecoach Stops

• Youngsville Fire Company

• Sugar Loaf Cotton Farm  (I.W. Mitchell, Proprietor - April 6, 1919)

• Youngsville Police Department

• Post Offices (Pacific then Youngsville.)  In the early years prior to post offices, mail was usually distributed at the stagecoach stops.  

  • Postmasters: 

    • 1850 John Young, Jr.

    • 1879 J. S. Timberlake Postmaster

    • 1881 Meredith Woodlief

    • 1883 J. W. Duke 

    • Many others

• And Other Businesses

Families and friends had memorable times working together at these annual events. More accurately stated it was a year-round endeavor, for people talked and planned through the year with ideas put into action come harvest time. Weeks ahead of the set date, a building was secured and scrubbed up clean as a whistle. Trucks were borrowed to begin the big move - tables, chairs, tablecloths, cooking equipment, even stoves were transported by truck.  All cooking was done from scratch, there were no modern day shortcuts.  Each cook or helper is remembered for his or her respective talent. (Turkey, whipped potatoes, patted oysters, stewed oysters, Brunswick stew, home made chocolate ice cream, baked pies and coffee.) As there were no restaurants in town in those days it was a real treat for townspeople to eat out at the Bazaar. And its reputation drew friendly crowds from neighboring towns. 

Fun and fellowship were in abundance!   (Courtesy of: "Sketches of Youngsville and Pacific")

• Dr. John Winston - 1880

• Dr. P.R. Hatch (Also Postmaster)

• Dr. Ginnada T. Sikes  (b. 1857, d. 1932)

• Dr. Claude Reitzel - 1903

• Dr. Portor

• Dr. W.L. Hardister

• Dr. Richard Eppaphraditis [Epp] Timberlake

• Dr. Claude Vernon Timberlake

• Dr. Vernon Green (Son of Edgar Green)

• Dr. W.J. Buffaloe - Native of Garner

• Dr. Charles G. Tabor (Seminary Student, Foreign Missionary)

• Dr. Lowery

• Dr. Albert N. Corpening  (Wife: Mary C. Patterson) - 1930-2010

• 1802 - Birth of John Young, Jr.

• 1827 - John Young, Jr. was wed to Penelope Lassiter (1805-1868). Over the years that had nine children - four sons and five daughters.

• 1837 - Mr. Young bought from Joseph Winston 302 Acres of land for $500. Between 1837 and 1840, the first railroad tracks were laid through Franklin County, NC. Mr. Young conveyed land to the railroad company allowing them to go through his property.

• 1846 - Mr. Young conveyed to Wesley Hollister, an official of the Raleigh and Gaston railroad Company, 2 acres of his land on the west side of the railroad. The tract, which was sold for $15, was on the north side of what is now Main Street, but at the time known as the Hillsborough-Tarborough Road.  (Note: This land was owned by the railroad company from 1846 until it was sold to the Youngsville Rescue Service in 1976.)  A community began to rise up in this area, which for years was known as the "Cotton Yard."

• 1850 - John Young, Jr. was named the third postmaster of "Pacific." John Young, Jr. was known as "Jack" by his friends. The business was probably operated in part of his store. He served as postmaster for almost thirty years.

• 1854-1859  The Young family was very involved in debates and other activities at the Union Academy.

• 1861 - 1865  John Young, Jr. had four sons who fought in the Civil War (Allen P. Young, Francis Marion Young, Thomas J. Young, Henry H. Young)

• 1868 - Penelope Young, wife of John, died January 13, 1868.

• 1873 - John Young, Jr. gave some additional land to the Raleigh and Gaston Railroad Co. for a new depot to be built. This is when the  Youngsville was first declared as the new name of the town, having been previously known as "Pacific".  (The land was 526 yards in both northerly and southerly direction from the new depot, 120 feet west of the center of the railroad tracks, and 100 feed east of the track.)

• 1874 - John Young, Jr. gave a tract of land for the site of the Youngsville Methodist Church. The home of John Young, Jr. was located on West Main Street. (Home was torn down in 1971).

• 1875 - The Town of Youngsville was incorporated and officially named. Mr. Young served on the first Town Board of Commissioners. We do not have record of the first Mayor. We wonder if it was Mr. Young.  Mr. Young had already sold off several lots for new homes and businesses. After the town incorporation he sold more. After incorporation of the town, growth and prosperity began. It appears that some of his relatives moved into the area and became involved in businesses (W.T. Young Hotel, etc.), as well as other interested business people.

• 1880 - Records indicate that Mr. Young was listed as a Farmer, but was living in town.  He had apparently retired from his business as a merchant. He had purchased considerable acreages of farm land, some of which was in Harris Township. Mr. Young's daughter "Annie" and two young grandchildren were living with him in town.

• 1886 - John Young, Jr.'s brother W. T. Young conveys land to the Christian Church (Currently the Youngsville Museum of History.)

• 1887 - John Young, Jr. dies. When John Young, Jr. died he had only two children still living, they were two daughters.

"WE MUST NEVER FORGET!"

The following are highlights of some Youngsville events that occurred in the years that followed:

• 1950 - Town Librarian hired (Miss B. J. Mullen)

• 1951 - The first traffic signal was installed and the first record of Christmas lights (multicolored bulbs) for Main street.

• 1954 - Hurricane Hazel Strikes Youngsville

• 1955 - Youngsville Woman's Club founded.

• 1956 - Youngsville established "Community Civil Defense" Unit (Ground Observation Post)

• 1957 - Youngsville National Guard awarded the National Eisenhower Trophy for overall excellence.

Early fire-fighting equipment included a reel on wheels, which was hand pushed, plus ropes and ladders. Men, women and  children formed bucket brigades to pass water from pumps during fires. For years there were two wooden handled pumps on Main Street which reportedly provided the best drinking water ever tasted. Before a Fire Department was organized, buildings lost in town by fire included the Dave Spivey home on Winston Street, the old railroad passenger station and depot. In 1942 the Town Board of Commissioners organized a Fire Company with Mr. Jack A. Green as Fire Chief. The fire truck was a converted bus. A firehouse was built in 1944 on West Railroad Street, behind the Mayor's office, then on the corner of Main and South Railroad Streets.

"The New Millennium" 

(Year 2000 and Beyond)

• 2000 - The Town of Youngsville enters into a new Millennium with visions of great hope. 

• 2007 - Youngsville Woman's Club saves Christian Church, built in 1886, to become "Youngsville Museum of History".

• 2015-2019  Economic growth: The Town of Youngsville and Franklin County are growing.

• 2019 -2022 - "COVID 19" The Pandemic  (Illness, death and economic setback).

• 2022 - Community growth and new infrastructure upgrades for downtown Youngsville.  Hope is eternal.

• 2022 - September 5 - Griffin's Restaurant Building, Main Street Collapsed (No One Injured)

"As one lady, dressed in the long ruffled dress and sunbonnet of yesterday, so aptly stated, "I wish it would last more than ten days." 

"More than one person displayed the same attitude, if only in their actions during the Saturday Night Square Dance festivities that was attended by a record crowd of some 700 people. We doubt that memories of this celebration will ever end for the people of Youngsville and the surrounding communities who enjoyed watching, as well as participating. It is hoped that these events will further bind our citizens to a common cause of progress for the entire county."

(Courtesy: The Franklin Times - March 11, 1975)

Our Story:  "Reflections of Youngsville Basketball Champions" 

My Story:  "Reflections of a Youngsville Farm Girl" by Mary Jo Bridges Buffaloe

(Courtesy of:  Franklin County Times)