Stranica 91 [91]
CS eee =
HistorRic GARDENS OF VIRGINIA
paper houses and war munitions, now transformed to stable peace¬
time 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 dis¬
aster, 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
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