Books of Interest - February 2020

Our February Book of the Month is Adam Boykin by James E. Atkins, and it's just $10 ( paperback).
The subtitle- Slave-Soldier-Citizen- is a great overview of who Adam Boykin was during his long life from 1842-1927.

He died at the “age of 84 years, 7 months, and 18 days,” and his long life during a time of war was certainly an indication of the strong person he was! Adam was born in a slave in Isle of Wight County, but lived in Surry County, VA for much of his life. He dared to join the Union Army, joining up at Wilson’s Wharf in Charles City.

The author offers possible scenarios as to how Adam would have gotten to the Wharf from Surry. “Perhaps he escaped by crossing the river in a boat in the dark of night. Perhaps he was going between various Wilson plantations in his work. Oral history indicates that Adam escaped from his master and hid out in the woods close to Swans Point, west of Gray’s Creek.”

The author extensively researched his subject and the events of the time, and has told a fascinating story of Adam Boykins’ amazing life, and his Surry connection to the Fields family!

$10 pick-up price at Surry County Historical Society, 281 Bank Street, Surry, VA 23883 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $12 mailed.
Requests may be sent to our P. O Box 262, Surry, VA 23883. All sales Cash or Check!