A Tavern with a Story to Tell


John Vick Jr and his family were Whigs (Patriots) during the Revolutionary War. An interesting little story about John states that his house, which sat along the Dry Bread Road in Brunswick County, served more purposes than the usual, namely a stagecoach inn (Vick Tavern), before and after the war. I'm sure it was frustrating for him and his wife, but they were forced to host British commander, Earl Cornwallis, and his staff. There the enemy ate their supper, being delayed when part of his army became bogged down on a muddy hill west and below the site of the old tavern. One can only imagine the tension in that household, and the restraint that it would have taken to serve these men. Possibly, even, there was an underlying element of fear among family members and servants alike, as the British were known to have committed atrocities against the countrymen who supported the Patriots' cause. Surely a collective sigh of relief followed the departure of Cornwallis.

Source - Paraphrased from "Joseph Vick of Lower Parish, Isle of Wight County, Virginia - and his Descendants" by John D. Beatty and Di Ann Vick, 2004, as quoted here ➚

Notes -
John Vick Jr, son of John Vick Sr and Catherine Howell, was born in about 1715 in Lower Parish, Isle of Wight County, Virginia. He married Sarah Brewer, daughter of George Brewer and Sarah Lanier, 18 Nov 1730 in Brunswick County, Virginia. John owned hundreds of acres and had slaves, as shown in his will. Sarah preceded John in death, as she is not listed in his will. John passed away in Meherrin Parish, Greensville (formerly Brunswick) County, Virginia between 19 Feb 1787 (will written) and 24 Dec 1789 (will probated).

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