All About Gabe Hunt
Campbell County has always been shaped by the people who lived, worked, and built their lives here. Among the many stories that define this community, the life of Gabe Hunt stands out as one of perseverance, service, and deep commitment to both faith and civic life. His legacy remains an important part of the history we continue to honor at the Campbell County Training School Complex in Rustburg.
Early Life and Service
Born into slavery in May 1846 at the Green Hill estate, Gabe entered the world during one of the most difficult chapters in American history. He grew up working on the property and in the store owned by Samuel Pannill—an establishment known for attracting influential people from across Southern Virginia. At the young age of sixteen, Gabe served with the Confederate Army. One of his stories that the community remembered well was the moment General Robert E. Lee saluted him while passing through Lynchburg—an experience he shared often. After the Civil War, Gabe adopted the last name “Hunt,” following his father’s chosen surname. Like many newly freed African Americans, he worked to rebuild his life, first as a blacksmith and eventually as a respected member of the Rustburg community. Family and Community Leadership
Gabe married Rhoda, with whom he had two children—Pauline and “Babe.” After Rhoda’s passing, Gabe worked hard to support his children on his own, sending his daughter to Lynchburg so she could receive an education. His belief in education was consistent throughout his life and later played a role in his efforts to support the development of educational opportunities for Black students in the county.
Gabe remarried in 1898 to Mary Cash Moore, and together they built a life steps away from the Historic Courthouse.
A LifeTIMe of public Service
For fifty years, Gabe served as the caretaker and custodian of the Campbell County Historic Courthouse. He was respected for his professionalism, reliability, and sharp understanding of the legal system. Local officials often commented on his remarkable intuition—he could nearly always predict the outcome of a jury’s decision.
His involvement in civic life went beyond his job. Gabe served on a jury in the 1880s, took part in political campaigns, and even ran for the state legislature. His intelligence and ability to connect with others made him a trusted voice across the community.
Faith and leadership at silver grove
Gabe was a founding force within Silver Grove Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and helped build two of the church’s early structures. Church members remembered him as someone who lived his faith daily—offering guidance, comfort, and wisdom whenever he could.
Contributions to education in campbell county
Gabe’s commitment to learning was especially significant at a time when schooling for African American children was limited. Though he could not read or write, he recognized the importance of education and supported efforts to bring a Rosenwald School to the Rustburg community—part of the broader history that eventually connects to the mission of the Campbell County Training School Complex. His advocacy helped lay the foundation for educational progress for Black children in the county.
honoring a local legend
By the 1930s, Gabe was recognized as one of the last surviving African American veterans linked to the Confederate service. He was featured in local historical projects, rode in the Lynchburg Sesqui-Centennial parade, and became an important source of oral history. Reporters and researchers visited him often, relying on his detailed memory of Campbell County’s past.
In January 1942, Gabe passed away at the remarkable age of 95. His funeral drew hundreds of people—Black and white—reflecting the deep respect the entire community held for him. He was buried at Green Hill, the place where his life began.
why his story matters today
The life of Gabe Hunt is a powerful reminder of how Campbell County’s history is built from the resilience and contributions of individuals who overcame extraordinary challenges. His commitment to public service, education, and community leadership continues to align with the mission of the Campbell County Training School Complex, which stands today as a symbol of progress, empowerment, and the pursuit of opportunity for African American students and families.
Gabe’s story is just one of many that reveal the rich heritage of Rustburg and the people who helped shape Campbell County. By remembering him, we continue to honor the generations who paved the way for the work we carry forward today.
All about Rev T.W. Tweedy
Crowd Attends Funeral For Rev. T. W. Tweedy By L. W. Spencer
Rustburg, VA -- Ministers, laymen, and civic leaders in Rustburg and the community crowded into Silver Grove Baptist Church near here Jan. 16 at 1:30 p.m. to pay their last tribute of respect to the late Rev. Thomas W. Tweedy, who died at Lynchburg hospital after a brief illness. His passing was a shock to the people of the community.
The Rev. J.A. Shelton was master of ceremonies. Music was rendered by the choir, accompanied by Mrs. Georgia G. Lander, teacher at the Campbell County Training School. Scripture was read by Rev. H. M. Stevens, pastor of Fifth Street Baptist Church, Lynchburg, VA. The sermon was preached by the Rev. F. G. Walker, pastor of Free Spring Baptist Church. He stated the deceased was a builder for humanity. Invocation was given by the Rev. T. N. McClendon, pastor of First Baptist Church, Beuna Vista, VA.
Tributes Paid
Tribute was paid to Dr. Tweedy by J.J. Frey superintendent of Campbell County School; Miss Fay Moorman, clerk of the school board; Mrs. Lottie H. Fennell, supervisor of the Campbell County
elementary school; Clyde Scott, principal of the Campbell County; Deacon Lyle Morgan, Hills Creek Baptist Church; John M. Fore, Silver Grove Baptist Church; Deacon T.H. Nowlin, Masonic Lodge; Rev. Mr. Hilton(White). The Rev. H. M. Stevens represented the ministers present, which were Rev. C.A. Organ, Cornerstone Association, D.W. Gilson, deacon, Pilot Mt. Church; Mrs. J.J. Jeffries, Charlotte Court House, and Mrs. Martha Yuille, Brookneal, VA., Moses Lodge.
Resolutions from the Campbell County School, Pilot Mt School, where the deceased taught. Free Springs Baptist Church, of which he was a member, was read by Mrs. Marie H. Davis, member of the faculty of the County Training School Resolution from the Campbell County teachers was read by Mrs. Lottie Fennell.
Dr. Tweedy was in the ministry for nearly half a century, during which time he pastored Pilot Mt. Baptist Church and Chapel Grove Baptist Church. He taught for a half-century in Campbell County and Bedford County. He had attained the highest degree Masonic Lodge, served as president of the Cornerstone Baptist Association for several years, served as secretary of the Otter River Sunday School Convention for at least 20 years, and organized the Baptist Sunday School Institute and instructed the class. At one time, he was the county agent of Campbell County.
Dr. Tweedy is survived by his wife, Mrs. M. D. Tweedy, of Rustburg; and four nieces, Miss Ruth Tweedy, Montclair, N.J.; Mrs. Sadonie Tweedy, Charleston, W. VA.; Mrs. Maggie Parker, of New York City, and Mrs. Carrie Spratly, Newport News, VA. Interment was made in the family cemetery in Rustburg, VA.