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eral farm properties totaling about 200 acres. This was quite an accomplishment for a man of color in Sperryville during that time period.
In his book, Mr. Russell states, “Seven area homeowners owe their initial success at becoming landowners to the very Christian and liberal consideration by the heirs and widow of James Engham’s estate, which was like buying land on a lay-away plan. One local man, after being disabled in a farming accident, sold apples on the roadside and earned enough to purchase a lot from Mrs. Florence Engham. I recall watching the smiling face of Mr. Gaylord Butler as he counted out sixty-one dollar bills to my grandmother and in a neverending smile declared, ‘Aunt Florence, I do believe this just about makes it’. The purchase was recorded some days later and Mr. Butler became a landowner for the first time.”
Spring walking tour
There were, of course, more stories and Mr. Russell has promised when spring comes he will lead another walking tour to the grave site of his great-grandmother and former slave, Sister Caroline, and other ancestors. Many are looking forward to this event and to more of this rich oral history. As one tour participant, Joy iorien, said, “Thanks for your .memories Mr. Russell, they showed brilliant in the misty air of Sperryville.”
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