Truckin' on the Western Branch

Civil War Comes to Churchland and Western Branch Diary excerpts from John Wise—Poplar Hill on Sterns Creek in Churchland

Until the second half of the 20th century, it was common practice for businessmen and farmers to keep a diary of day-to-day events, weather, and community activities. John Wise’s diary from March 18, 1861, through May 28, 1865, tells of his struggle to keep his farms going in the Churchland area during the Civil War. The value of the diary is in the details of daily farm work, the crops, family life, slavery, community, schools, and churches in and near the then-called Sycamore Hill village. Norfolk County farmers were changing from a plantation economy to a network of large truck farms. Families and farms in nearby Nansemond County were a part of their network.

March 21, 1861—“The weather is truly disagreeable. Carting a little manure and shucking corn.”

March 22, 1861—“ . . . snow fell yesterday at intervals in perfect gusts . . . we are doing little work.”

March 23rd. “Clear and moderate. It is now certain that all the fruit is killed. Bedding slips. Sold the white mule to Mr. Duke for $100.00.”

John Wise was a slaveholder and believed he was quite benevolent to his slaves. He voiced his opinion about Northern views of abolitionists and politicians and the unsettled atmosphere of political affairs. His feelings about slaves and their treatment probably reflected those of his neighbors. He did not feel that they were capable of learning to read or write and did not offer them the opportunity.

“Show them that you love them, indulge them warm clothing and plenty of wholesome food, and they are happiest and the best servants in the whole world.”

As April arrived and planting season began Wise wrote, “Bright and cool, beginning to be dry. Commenced laying off corn rows . . . oats coming up and I fear badly.”

April 8, 1861 “The news by Saturdays mail is more threatening . . . A storm has been raised by politicians that they cannot control . . . The result of all of this will most probably be the establishment of a military despotism . . . First I go for the Union and peace but with Virginia I go, right or wrong, with her I will live or die, sink or swim.” The next days of April in 1861 of Wise’s diary record rumors and news about war steamers leaving Washington heading to Charleston Harbor and the news that “the secessionists had opened fire on Fort Sumter. The war is now fairly begun; blood has been spilt. Virginia has not as yet cut loose from the union but . . . the standard of revolt will be erected in our own state.” On April 17 Wise wrote of the sinking of three light boats in the Elizabeth River to prevent the escape of union steamers filled with ammunition and of possible bombardment of Norfolk and Portsmouth. On April 18 citizens met at Churchland to organize a military company and Wise joined the home guard.

Home of John Wise, now owned by the Reese Johnson family, on Sterns Creek. Image by Sheally

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