If that was her meaning, then, as Harold mentions, "powdering of meat and fish" with salt and seasoning was a most common expression, and even now "powdering tubs" - hollowed logs up to a size adequate to hold a whole half hog for salting - are frequently seen in antique auctions. Paul Drake JD Genealogist & Author <www.DrakesBooks.com> 931-484-9129 ----- Original Message ----- From: Harold Gill To: Paul Drake Sent: Wednesday, November 23, 2005 8:29 PM Subject: Re: Powder Mills in 1800 VA I'm not so sure the reference Joanne mentions concerns gunpowder but rather salt which was used to preserve meat--often called powdered meat or powdering meat. I seem to remember reading many years ago about that in 18th century Virginia cooking material. HB At 08:22 PM 11/23/2005 -0600, you wrote: >I might have added that the Duponts made the beginning of their fortune by >making powder for the Revolutionary forces. Then too, the mining of coal >and other minerals that was then in its infancy here but growing rapidly, >required powder - dynamite - for their efforts. > > 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 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Yahoo! FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. > > To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at > http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.362 / Virus Database: 267.13.6/179 - Release Date: 11/23/2005 > > >To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at >http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.362 / Virus Database: 267.13.6/179 - Release Date: 11/23/2005 To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html