Old Man Owen Adkins of Turkeycock Mountain

Book excerpt: Pittsylvania County, Virginia native Owen Adkins lived from 1785 to 1885. In 1878 he was the subject of an in-depth interview and article for the New York Herald. He and the writer discussed many aspects of life in Virginia from the early 1800's through the American Civil War. They covered such issues as politics, horse racing, card playing, foot racing, fox hunting, George Washington, the War of 1812, John Randolph of Roanoke, and the Civil War. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Mr. Adkins' life is his claim to seventy children. He talks with the writer about his two lawful wives and numerous concubines. His descendants are said to have already numbered 550 at the time of the interview in 1878.