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Note: From: kniel56541@aol.com
Subject; Earl/Harris Family
Date: Monday, March 10, 2008 10:48:36 PM
Edward N. Crews lived a mile west from Dabney and three-quarters of amile northeast from his father. He bought one of the poorest farms in the country, and improved it until it became one of the best. He was a 'hustler,' and enthusiast. He specialized in being a good farmer, a good Democrat, a good churchman and living a good life.
If one went to his house to get something good to eat, 'he didn't miss it.' If someone depended on him for a church or a party contribution, he was not disappointed. He was almost sure to attend church or party conventions and notable occasions. Though my father's man, Bill,was over persuaded by his wife to go to E. T. Crews at once after Lee's surrender, he went to Uncle Ed's next year and stayed about 25 years. Bill's son lives there now.
E.N. Crews was one of the first of his section to start the making offlue cured tobacco and one of the first to introduce Jersey cattle. He went to Raleigh when the best fresh cows about Oxford and Hendersonsold for $20.00, and paid about $100 for a Jersey heifer. When she began to give milk, she was the talk of the neighborhood.
Uncle Ed invited his 'Brother Jeems' to come down. That night at thetable Uncle Ed said, 'Brother Jeems, how do you like that milk?' Uncle Jimmie: 'Very good, but I think I've drank as good at home many a time.' Uncle Ed was somewhat set back, and next morning at breakfast he had Aunt Martha provide a glass of pure Jersey cream for Brother Jeems. As the breakfast proceeded, Uncle Ed said; 'Brother Jeems, how do you like that milk?' Little Jimmie. 'Very well, but I think I've seen it as rich at my house many a time.'
Uncle Ed. 'It ain't so! It ain't so! It's every bit pure cream!' and then he laughed at having caught 'Brother Jeems.' This joke is allthe better to those who remember the immense voice of Uncle Ed and thezest with which he talked and laughed.
Uncle Ed enjoyed the companionship of his friends. He was well knownin Vance and Granville, and many good stories were told of him, by himand some at his expense. He acquired a thousand acres of land, more than thirty thousand dollars in money and never lost any. His estate he left to his wife with the understanding that she would leave it to their dearly beloved adopted son and nephew, Norfleet G. Crews. This Aunt Martha did soon after. They both died in the fall and winter of 1899. Norfleet more than doubled the estate in value in the followingtwenty years, dying in middle life in the year 1919. Edward N. Crewswas a man of strong prejudices and an emotional nature, but he hadtherespect of all and was beyond question a fine and notable man."
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