er lumber was shipped from that point
belonging to private individuals. A wharf was built at the mouth of
Shingle creek (I imagine long before the Jericho canal was dug), and
large quantities of lumber was hauled to it by persons living on the
edge of the Dismal Swamp. I knew of several persons who owned large
juniper glades on the edge of Dismal Swamp one in particular. His name
was Thomas Swepston and lived not far from Suffolk, on the line of the
Seaboard railroad, which divides his farm. He was agent of the Dismal
Swamp Land Company for several years, and may have been the first
after the Jericho canal was opened. The last agent, of whom I have any
knowledge, was W. S. Riddick, Esq., who died several years ago. The
last inspector of lumber was J. E. Bonnewell, of whom it is my
pleasure to notice particularly. Perhaps no man was more generally
known and respected in Suffolk than he. He was a true friend,
benevolent and kind, never refusing to bestow charity when called
upon. He succeeded Mr. Joseph Hill as inspector for the company, which
office he held until his death. It was during his term of office that
it was made so pleasant to visit the Lake. By giving timely notice he
would always give the parties the best boats and the most trusty hands
as drivers, and would always be present when the boat left its landing
and when it returned, and was anxious to know if any mishaps had
occurred to any of the party. And if it should be reported that some
lady had fallen into the canal, he would always very politely ask that
she be carried into his house to be made more comfortable. Capt. Babel
Ions, of Philadelphia, was his bosom friend. When the Captain was in
Suffolk, they could always be found together. They both have passed
away, and a generous people will do justice to their memory. Captain
Connewell died leaving a rich heritage behind--a name that will live
as long as it is called. But few have lived and died who was so much
beloved and respected as he. He was proud but not haughty, and
flexible to kind impulses. He was the soul of honor, and no one can
say that he even failed to accord to every one their just dues. I knew
him from my boyhood up and never knew a better man. He left an
interesting family--Mrs. H. R. Culley being his eldest daughter. I
could write many noble traits in the character of that good man, but
it is not necessary. There are but few of his compeers now living, and
soon they will all have passed a