Thanks, Paul. You always seem to come through with the answers to my questions.
What you wrote makes sense. Thomas Rowland was a militia officer, recoginized for his expertise with a rifle. I was just surprised the building was so small.
Joanne
Paul Drake <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
A few LARGE plantations had a powder house, however most farmers and those others who needed to use weapons bought powder from their merchants. Most of all, it was vital to removing stumps to clear land. As to those needs, note that virtually everyone had and used guns for hunting and varmints, though few made the powder.
A building that size would hold MUCH gunpowder, and to mix it was not complicated nor did that activity require much space. Thus, a structure of that size would meet the needs of all except those who manufactured that commodity for sale.
As you saw, indeed it was a dangerous product to have near any dwelling or other building.
Saltpeter, sulphur and lamp black were the only ingredients needed, and those too were widely available. Since keeping powder VERY dry was a requirement of manufacture, those who made powder for resale went to considerable expense to create a building that was out of the reach of dampness, that factor once again being prohibitive of manufacture by small planters and ordinary men.
Paul Drake JD
Genealogist & Author
<www.DrakesBooks.com>
931-484-9129
----- Original Message -----
From: qvarizona
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Wednesday, November 23, 2005 1:01 PM
Subject: Powder Mills in 1800 VA
Included among 6-8 out-buildings in a Declaration for Assurance policy (Mutual Assurance Society of VA) written May 1811 in Botetourt Co. is a 10' x 10.5' "Powder Mill" (insured for $100.) From the drawing at the bottom of the policy, it appears the powder mill is within 20-50' of other buildings, which include a 1-story log house and a 2-story framed house, stills, a malt house, blacksmith shop, etc.
According to guidelines for agents, "Gun Powder Mills or such great hazards, are not insurable, unless by special contract with the President and Directors", so it is assumed the owner had been approved.
Q's: Was such a small building --approx. 10' x10.5' -- usual for a powder mill? Did most plantations have their own powder mill? Wasn't it a bit dangerous to have a powder mill close to other buildings?
Isn't genealogy fun? All I really wanted to do was prove/disprove who built a particular house and when, but I've found myself researching early rifles, Gen. Greene's battles with Cornwallis, a possible duel between my ancestor Thomas Rowland and Lt. Horse Harry Lee, and now powder mills. Where will it ever end?
Thanks for any help.
Joanne
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