YERGAIN.
John Yergain came to the county in the latter part of the
last century, probably from Tidewater Virginia. He was a
resident of Charlottesville in 1796, and in that year obtained
a license for keeping an ordinary. He subsequently bought
one of the houses that are situated to the east of the Farish
House, and there for many years kept a store, chiefly for
the sale of liquor. He never married, and lived alone.
Hard and parsimonious, he hoarded his earnings, and was
reputed to be rich; and this impression was strengthened
by his mode of living, and the jealous care he took in his
latter years to barricade his door against all who approached.
A report prevailed that he had a large amount of specie
buried in his cellar. Altogether from his peculiar habits,
his solitary life, and the rumors of his hidden wealth, he
was an object of great curiosity in the community. He died
in 1837. The reports of his concealed treasure were verified
after his death, but its amount fell far short of the general
supposition. A relative named William Lee appeared from
New Kent, and administered on his estate.
