Retired sheriff Tommy Allen will lead the Anson County Historical Society into its 51st year as the group’s president.
The society recently announced its board members and officers for 2016. Joining Allen, who has served on the board for several years, are Vice President Lonnie Baucom, Treasurer Katie Scarborough, Secretary Kandie Sparger and Board of Directors members Kathy Barringer, Ralph Coble, Calvin Gaddy, Leon Gatewood, Betty Horan, Patty Jennings-Shipley, Steve Lear, George Puryear, Marlene Richardson, Leslie Rivers, Walter Turner, James Wall and Bill Wall.
“We want to better inform and share with the public our history and heritage,” Allen said. “Our purposes are about understanding our past; where Anson County has been; how we got to where we are today and the many people who were involved along the way. In addition to our office and research files and documents, we have four museums that will interest all ages.”
One new project started last year that will continue this year is developing a new section on black history. The society recently documented the history of more than 500 black families, going back many generations. Members welcome anyone to visit the historical society’s office to view and research these new family files.
The historical society hopes to expand its role in the community by publishing regular news articles, working with the schools and holding special events to encourage public participation.
“Our motto is to ‘educate and preserve,’” Allen said. “We’ll be sharing interesting news articles every month about people and places in Anson County. For example, did you know Leonidas L. Polk, who founded the town of Polkton in 1875, started a weekly newspaper, The Ansonian; and who in 1886 founded the magazine The Progressive Farmer, still published today? Elijah W. Flake, also from Polkton, served on the Merrimack, in the famous naval battle with the Monitor in 1862; sometimes called the Battle of the Ironclads, arguably the most noted naval battle of the Civil War.”
Allen went on to name other Ansonians such as Hugh Hammond Bennett, known as the father of conservation, who developed many agricultural management practices such as soil erosion controls and crop rotations to combat the “dust bowls” of the 1930s.
Eliza Jane Pratt, born in Morven, attended public schools there and, in 1947, was the first woman from North Carolina to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Dr. Edward L. Thomas, one of the first black doctors in Anson County, set up practice in 1907. He also was editor of a black newspaper published in Anson County called The Enterprise.
And an individual named Andrew “Mome” Diggs, who grew up and lived near Peachland, once rode with the outlaw Jesse James and is buried in the family plot in the Peachland Cemetery.
“Anson County has a long list of individuals who, some were famous and some were infamous. But they were all interesting and contributed in some way to help make Anson County a true part of the experiment we call America,” Allen said.
To tour one of the museums or have someone speak to a civic group, club, or organization, contact the office at 704-694-6694.
To become a member, email ansonhistorical@windstream.net for an application form or see any of the board members.