This county was one of the eight original shires into which Virginia was divided in 1634. It lies near the mouth of James River, and is bounded by the counties of Surry, Southampton, and Nansemond, Smithfield, the county seat, is situated on Pagan Creek, a navigable stream, about 60 miles from Richmond, and has a population of about 1000. The soil is generally thin and sandy. Average value of lands by the assessment of 1850, $5.99 per acre. Population--whites 4704, free colored 1252, slaves 3295. Number of whites over the age of 20 who cannot read and write 918.
Education--There are many good schools in this county, both male and female.
Churches--There are 8 Episcopal Methodist, 2 Protestant Episcopal, 4 Methodist Protestant, 4 Baptist, 1 Presbyterian, and 1 Christian church in the county.
Circuit Superior Court--R. H. Baker, Judge; Nathaniel P. Young, clerk; Richard H. Riddick, Jr., attorney; Watson P. Jordan, High Sheriff; A. A. Jordon, Josiah P. Guy, Deputies; court held 16th May and 18th October.
County Court--N. B. Young, Clerk Wm. H. Day, Attorney, court held the 1st Monday in each month; quarterly terms in March, June, August and November.
Merchants--Wonbe & Wilson, Wm. H. Jordan, Thomas & Adams, S. & N. W. White, D. B. Pasteur, Boykin & Chapman, E. H. Valentine, Smithfield; Jesse Fangham, Feansville; Eey & Primer, Mills E. Marshall, Barbers Cross Road; Edward Rawls, Carrsville; Irvin W. Duck, Ducksville; Jones and Joyner, Burwell's Bay.
Attorneys--Archibald Atkinson, Wm. N. Day, Robrt H. Whitfield, Charles B. Hayden, George R. Atkinson, A. A. Whitefield, Joseph D. Thomas, James P. Wills, Smithfield
Physicians--John B. Purdie, Anthony G. Boykin, James B. Southall, Joseph N. Atkinson, W. P. Jordan, Jr., John B. Butler, T. J. Cheatham, Smithfield, F. T. Vail, Burell's Bay; Franics M. Boykin, Anthony Person, H. B. Councill, Carrsville, George A. Glover, Crawley Finney, Barber's Crossroad.