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47-793: State Senator John W. Stephens was assassinated by the Ku Klux Klan in the courthouse on May 21, 1870. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. It is located in the Yanceyville Historic District . This article about a property in Caswell County, North Carolina on the National Register of Historic Places is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . John W. Stephens John Walter Stephens (October 14, 1834 – May 21, 1870)

94-559: A death sentence verdict was rendered. Claims were made by Klan members that Stephens was given a "vigorous defense", though no evidence in this regard has ever been proffered. It was under the auspices of this "verdict" that the assassination of May 21, 1870 was carried out. According to news accounts from around that time, the assassination was carried out in a backroom of the Caswell County Courthouse in Yanceyville. Stephens

141-406: A successful attempt at reorganization and incorporation occurred in 1986. The identity of Yanceyville's namesake has been a matter of historical debate. The prevailing view is that the town is named after U.S. Congressman Bartlett Yancey, Jr., (1785–1828). Surviving documents had strongly suggested that it was named for Bartlett Yancey, Jr.'s older brother James Yancey (1768–1829). The elder Yancey

188-777: A town manager. The town manager's responsibilities include directing operational activities, supervising personnel, budgeting, planning, zoning, and purchasing. In July 2021, Kamara Barnett was appointed the town manager of Yanceyville. In July 2021, the Town Council's members were: The Town Council conducts meetings at the Yanceyville Municipal Services Building. Yanceyville's government has additional offices for economic development, public services, public safety, human resources, finance, utilities, planning, zoning, and general administration. The Caswell County Board of Commissioners holds its regular meetings at

235-584: Is located at the center of Caswell County . According to the United States Census Bureau , Yanceyville has a total area of 6.96 square miles (18.0 km ), of which 6.93 square miles (17.9 km ) is land and 0.03 square miles (0.078 km ) (0.43%) is water. On the Köppen climate classification scale , Yanceyville is in the Cfa ( humid subtropical ) zone, which is standard for the state. Its location in

282-497: Is to facilitate economic, infrastructure, and community development. Moreover, it determines which services to offer citizens to ensure the community stays socially and fiscally prosperous and healthy. The Town Council is also responsible for establishing policies guiding the town's administration e.g., public safety, law enforcement, fire and rescue, and emergency services issues. Additionally, its responsibilities include setting Yanceyville's tax, water, and sewer rates, and appointing

329-513: The Confederate army . Later, he moved back to Wentworth, and worked as what was known as an "impressment agent", mustering draftees for the Confederate army. Toward the end of the war, Stephens signed up for the armed forces, but it is unclear whether he actually saw action during this time. At the conclusion of the war, Stephens returned to Wentworth, and once more worked as a tobacco trader. It

376-746: The National Register of Historic Places . The town's cultural attractions also include: The Caswell County Civic Center has a full-size professionally equipped stage, a 912-seat auditorium, meeting and banquet facilities for up to 500, a lobby art gallery, and accessories for concerts, theatre, and social functions. Events are also held at the Yanceyville Pavilion and the Fulton-Walton Fellowship Center. Gunn Memorial Public Library offers summer reading programs to children of all ages. Outdoor recreational areas in Yanceyville include: S.R. Farmer Lake, located in Caswell County,

423-662: The Piedmont Triad region of the state, the town had a population of 1,937 at the 2020 census . The town was established in 1791 as "Caswell Court House" and was later named Yanceyville in honor of U.S. Congressman Bartlett Yancey, Jr. when it was chartered as an incorporated town in 1833. There are three public schools in Yanceyville as well as a satellite campus for Piedmont Community College . Maud F. Gatewood Municipal Park and Caswell Community Arboretum are popular recreational areas. Yanceyville Municipal Airport serves general aviation aircraft. When Person County

470-524: The Republican Party , as well as the Union League . As part of these organizations, he helped to politically organize the majority black population. These activities made many enemies for him amongst the conservative white Democrats of the state, who were fighting to prevent freedmen from gaining political rights, and especially so in Caswell County. With the support of most African Americans, Stephens

517-447: The CBD include banks, law offices, CPAs , a newspaper company, an auction house, hair salons, a coffee shop, restaurants, a bike shop, and a general store . CoSquare, a county-supported coworking space, is located in the downtown historic area. The largest industries in Yanceyville are accommodation and food services, health care and social assistance, and manufacturing. Manufacturers in

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564-560: The Caswell County Courthouse's first floor. After a search by family and friends Stephens' lifeless body was discovered in the first-floor room the following day. There were multiple versions of the assassination published in the American media; The Charleston Daily News reported that his body was found with a rope around his neck, his throat cut in two places, and a knife body wound, while The Daily Phoenix reported that his body

611-514: The Historic District ), West Main Street, and Highway 86 . The town's central business district (CBD) starts at NC 62 and Main Street, extending west on Main Street for roughly one mile (1.6 km). Its focal point is Court Square, which contains the county's historic courthouse . Approximately half of the central business district is located within the town's historic district. Businesses in

658-654: The Piedmont region means average winter temperatures ranging from 28.9–52.4 °F (−1.7–11.3 °C), with moderate snowfall, and mild to hot summers. The county is sometimes included in the well-known "Carolina Alley." This is mostly caused by the cold air from the Appalachian Mountains mixing with the warm Piedmont air. According to USA.com, the county ranks No. 79 in tornado risk out of all 100 counties in North Carolina. It also ranks No. 41 in earthquake risk in

705-438: The age of 18 living with them, 33.0% were married couples living together, 24.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.2% were non-families. 36.8% of all households consisted of individuals living alone and 19.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.88. The age distribution of the town's population consisted of 19.6% under

752-410: The age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 32.9% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median income for a household in Yanceyville was $ 20,353 and the median income for a family was $ 26,417. Males had a median income of $ 24,632 versus $ 20,398 for females. The per capita income for the town was $ 16,956. About 23.3% of families and 27.7% of the population were below

799-482: The chickens. One account states that it was a simple misunderstanding and that Stephens had thought the wayward chickens were his own. In his history of North Carolina, Professor William Powell presents a picture of Stephens as a vindictive man, who killed the chickens almost purely out of spite or greed. The stories converge again when dealing with what happened after Stephens shot the chickens. All accounts have Wentworth merchant and postmaster Thomas Anderson Ratliffe,

846-471: The claims' impact. Due to threats against his life raised during this period, Stephens was known to always be well armed. Additionally, it was said that he took out a quite substantial life insurance policy (worth a reported $ 10,000) on himself. Stephens' political activities greatly angered the Ku Klux Klan in Caswell County. The Klan held a "trial" in absentia of Stephens, in which he was convicted and

893-509: The dire economic situation led to a sharp decline in the township's population. Such agronomic challenges persisted well into the 20th century. Improved farming techniques in the 1940s and 1950s curbed further land degradation , which contributed significantly to Yanceyville's economic development and revitalization. During the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st, the local economy continued to develop, diversify, and experience growth away from tobacco cultivation. Yanceyville

940-502: The dismissive nickname by which his enemies would refer to him the rest of his life and even to this day was established then and there at Wentworth. Due to his unpopularity in Wentworth, Stephens moved to the adjacent Caswell County seat of Yanceyville in 1866, continuing to work as a tobacco trader, and also beginning to serve as an agent for the Freedmen's Bureau . He became a member of

987-526: The early stages of the American Civil War . If Yanceyville had not been the county seat, it likely would have been abandoned as a ghost town after the war's end in 1865. The previous plantation way of life had disappeared. No clear geographic or commercial reason for the town's existence remained other than the purpose of functioning as the county's seat of government . With no railroad, major waterway , or ability to attract commerce, Yanceyville

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1034-543: The elderly John G. Lea confessed his role in the assassination of Stephens in 1870. Lea proclaimed that the assassination had been the work of the Caswell County Ku Klux Klan chapter and that he had prepared the ground for white supremacy rule in North Carolina in the early 20th century. Notes References Yanceyville, North Carolina Yanceyville is a town in and the county seat of Caswell County, North Carolina , United States. Located in

1081-635: The historic courthouse in Yanceyville. The following public schools are located in Yanceyville: Yanceyville is the town of license for 1540 AM WYNC , Gospel music Yanceyville is part of the Greensboro– High Point – Winston-Salem designated market area , the 46th largest broadcast television market in the United States. Yanceyville's electric system is maintained by Duke Energy and Piedmont Electric Cooperative. The town

1128-463: The most recent was Tropical Storm Ana in 2015. From 1950 to 2010, there have been 13 reported tropical storms/hurricanes that have hit the area. One reason that August and September are among the wettest months is due to the influx of precipitation caused by the yearly hurricane season. The mildest months of the year for Yanceyville and the region are May, September, and October. There are seven months (April–October) with average high temperatures in

1175-439: The owner of the chickens, complaining to the sheriff, and Stephens spent a night in jail. Upon release, he confronted Ratliffe his next-door neighbor, sporting a seven-shot revolver. During the altercation, the gun was discharged (whether intentionally or accidentally is again a matter where accounts vary), and two bystanders were wounded. Records do not indicate that Stephens ever spent further time in jail regarding this matter, but

1222-473: The poverty line, including 41.7% of those under age 18 and 24.1% of those age 65 and over. Yanceyville's economy was historically reliant on tobacco cultivation. The local economy was negatively impacted when demand began decreasing in the late 1990s due to a crisis in the tobacco industry regarding the health effects of smoking . Three main areas of business are located in Yanceyville: Downtown (

1269-424: The range of 70.5–89.8 °F (21.4–32.1 °C). In 2018, July was the hottest month with an average high temperature of 89.1 °F (31.7 °C). January is usually the coldest month for the town. The most humid months are June, July, and August. At the 2020 census , there were 1,937 people and an estimated 1,208 households and 690 families residing in the town. In 2020, the estimated median age in Yanceyville

1316-515: The state forces. This fight against the Klan is now known as the Kirk–Holden war . The contested fairytales surrounding the murder of Stephens permeated the trial to find his killers and the impeachment of governor Holden. The life and death of Stephens were criss-crossed into apologist explanations for Klan violence in North Carolina. The murder of Stephens was long-mysterious. In the summer of 1919

1363-423: The state. From 1950 to 2010, there have been 28 tornadoes rated F2 / EF2 or higher; out of all 28, four have had a rating of F3/EF3. From 1950 to 2010, there were a reported 12,795 severe weather related incidents (hail, thunderstorms/heavy winds, and flooding). Yanceyville is in a very low-risk hurricane zone, with thirty-five occurring in the area since 1930. The largest was the 1935 Labor Day hurricane and

1410-503: The town include USA-RS Services, Chemtek, and Royal Textile Mills. Yanceyville is also home to one industrial park: Caswell County Industrial Park. The Caswell County Local Foods Council initiates community-driven projects and manages the Caswell Farmers' Market in Yanceyville. NC Cooperative Extension 's office in Yanceyville connects local farmers and agribusinesses with vital research-based information and technology. Yanceyville

1457-459: The town's historic district in Court Square, it has been restored and provides offices for county departments. A new county courthouse was constructed in the mid-1970s and is located a few blocks north of Court Square. Construction on the preceding historic courthouse began in 1858 during the tail end of the area's prosperous "Boom Era." Built using enslaved labor , it was completed in 1861 amid

Caswell County Courthouse - Misplaced Pages Continue

1504-515: The white population regarding his personal life, including claims that he was a spy for Governor William W. Holden , attempted to bribe local citizens, and had burned the crops and barns of fellow citizens loyal to the Confederacy. White conservative Democrats claimed Stephens had murdered his own mother, who died under the most "unusual circumstances." However, none of these claims ever resulted in any form of legal action against Stephens, which limited

1551-399: Was 450.9 inhabitants per square mile (174.1/km ). There were 748 housing units at an average density of 161.3 per square mile (62.3/km ). The racial makeup of the town was 53.99% African American , 44.29% White , 1.00% Hispanic or Latino , 0.33% Native American , 0.14% Asian , 0.33% from other races , and 0.91% from two or more races. Out of the 658 households, 29.3% had children under

1598-458: Was 48.9 years. For every 100 females, there were an estimated 113.6 males. At the 2010 census , there were 2,039 people and an estimated 671 households and 359 families residing in Yanceyville. In 2010, the estimated median age was 41.1 years. For every 100 females, there were an estimated 110.2 males. At the 2000 census , there were 2,091 people and an estimated 658 households and 400 families residing in Yanceyville. The population density

1645-465: Was a legislator, merchant, planter, public official, and educator. In 1977, North Carolina historian William S. Powell wrote that the preponderance of evidence supported Bartlett Yancey, Jr., as the town's namesake. Caswell County's historic courthouse is a prominent landmark and center of activity in Yanceyville. Its design combines Italian Romanesque and classical features in a manner unique to North Carolina courthouse architecture. Located in

1692-457: Was almost entirely reliant on agricultural enterprises in the surrounding county in the decades following the Civil War. These businesses focused mainly on tobacco and were dominated by markets beyond Caswell County. Agricultural practices in Yanceyville during the antebellum period and thereafter had overused the land and caused soil erosion . Gullies were evident on most farms. From 1880 to 1900,

1739-518: Was an assassinated state senator from North Carolina . He was stabbed and garroted by the Ku Klux Klan on May 21, 1870. This killing began the Kirk–Holden war . Born John Walter Stephens near Bruce's Crossroads (now Summerfield ) in Guilford County, North Carolina , he was the oldest child of Absalom Stephens and his wife, Letitia. Stephens had four siblings, three brothers and a sister. His family moved to Rockingham County when Stephens

1786-640: Was born. Said to have been a member of the Methodist Church at Wentworth , Stephens also served for a time as an agent for the American Bible and Tract Society though he was barely literate. Soon after, he became a tobacco trader, moving to York, South Carolina . Early on in the American Civil War , Stephens was based in Greensboro, North Carolina . He served the Confederacy by commandeering horses for

1833-568: Was built in 1986 for the people of nearby Yanceyville. The Caswell County Department of Parks and Recreation offers indoor and outdoor recreational facilities as well as sports programs and activities. Yanceyville operates under a council–manager form of government. The Town Council is composed of four council members and a mayor who are elected at large by voters. Neither the mayor nor council members run for office according to party affiliation. Ballots do not contain their political party membership information. The nonpartisan Town Council's role

1880-547: Was chartered as an incorporated town. Years later this initial charter was seemingly forgotten because a municipal charter was obtained from the General Assembly again in 1877. In 1885, the state legislature passed a similar act, but why it was necessary is unknown. In 1899, the act authorizing the town's incorporation was repealed. In 1905, Yanceyville was incorporated again, only to have the charter repealed once more in 1915. The town remained an unincorporated community until

1927-448: Was created out of Caswell County in 1791, the original county seat, Leasburg , was close to the eastern newly formed boundary line dividing the two. Commissioners were named in the county formation act to create a new county seat and courthouse near the geographical center of present Caswell County. Hence, the village of Caswell Court House (later Yanceyville) was founded. In 1833, Caswell Court House's name changed to Yanceyville when it

Caswell County Courthouse - Misplaced Pages Continue

1974-553: Was discovered with 40 gunshot wounds. There is no question that Stephens had the broad support of the Black community of the time and that he was murdered in the basement of a courthouse by the Klan for his political views and for assisting freed slaves. The murder of Stephens prompted North Carolina's governor to William Woods Holden to impose martial law so as to stamp out the Klan. Insurrection conflicts followed with Colonel George Washington Kirk being appointed commanding officer of

2021-456: Was during this time that the incident that would lead his political enemies to refer to him as "Chicken Stephens" occurred. Accounts of this incident vary greatly, even amongst historians. Much of the variance apparently depends upon the view the historian takes regarding Stephens' later political actions. In all versions of the story, Stephens shoots and kills chickens on his own property. The accounts diverge as to Stephens' motives in shooting

2068-574: Was elected to the North Carolina Senate in 1868, defeating Democrat Bedford Brown , who had been a U.S. Senator before the war and was popular among former Confederates. During this time, Stephens became nearly completely ostracized socially by and from the white community of Caswell County , even to the extent that he was supposedly expelled from the Yanceyville Methodist Church. Many unsubstantiated rumors were circulated amongst

2115-400: Was in attendance at a Democratic gathering, in an attempt to convince a prominent Democrat to run for Sheriff as a Republican. The man he was attempting to sway signalled to him from the floor of the hall and Stephens followed him downstairs. Knowing Stephens' reputation for being quite well armed, his Klan assassins had assembled between eight and twelve men who lay in wait in a darkened room on

2162-1069: Was once home to the Madger Studios, later known as Carolina Pinnacle Studios, a film production complex. Today, the site is now used as industrial space. Yanceyville annually hosts the "Bright Leaf Hoedown," which takes place in the town square. It is a one-day outdoor festival held in late September featuring local food vendors, live entertainment, crafts, and non-profit organizations. The event usually draws more than 5,000 guests. The Caswell County Historical Association holds its annual Heritage Festival each May in Yanceyville. The festival celebrates town and county history through living history reenactments, tours, games, vendors, and live music. Yanceyville features an antebellum courthouse designed by William Percival in addition to other antebellum buildings and houses. The Yanceyville Historic District , Bartlett Yancey House , Graves House , William Henry and Sarah Holderness House , John Johnston House , Melrose/Williamson House , and Poteat House are listed on

2209-619: Was still young, living first in Wentworth , the county seat, and then in Leaksville . Stephens' father, a tailor by trade, died in 1848, while the family was living in Leaksville. Stephens married his first wife, Nannie Walters, in 1857. Only two years later, she died, leaving Stephens a widower, and the single father of an infant daughter, Nannie. Living in a Wentworth hotel in 1860, he married Martha Frances Groom. From this marriage, his daughter Ella

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