Book Description

Founded in 1746, thirty years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Granville County has grown from a string of disconnected colonial settlements to include five vibrant municipalities surrounded by charming rural communities. In Looking Back: 275 Years of Granville County History, local historian Lewis Bowling intersperses historical facts with conversational, engaging stories about notable people, places, and events. Readers will learn about the founders and leaders of some of Granville County's major institutions and towns-Thomas Person, John Chavis, George C. Shaw, John Penn, and Maude Lassiter, to name a few. They will also learn about Granville County natives who received national recognition for their accomplishments-people like NASA Director James Webb, poet Sam Ragan, and daring female aeronaut Tiny Broadwick. In this book Bowling gives equal space and respect to regular citizens-teachers, farmers, coaches, and others-who worked to make Granville County a special place to call home.The narrative is enriched by newspaper stories, letters from soldiers, and first-person accounts such as reminiscences about growing up on a farm. Over 400 photographs, many never published before, vividly illustrate the text, making Granville County's past come to life.