KITV Interview: Harold Capps, September 1997

Gary: The following is from the book called THE HERITAGE OF CURRITUCK COUNTY OF 1670-1985. This is a book that is published by The Albemarle Genealogical Society and the Currituck County Historical Society. What we have today is the story of Harold Oliver Capps. I would like to remind listeners that this information is through 1985. And the pictures you will see are not necessarily in the order of the names mentioned in the article. (Gary is showing various black/white photographs on KITV’s screen.) Harold Oliver Capps was born April 19, 1916 on Knotts Island in Currituck County. His parents were Harry Oliver, born May 31, 1890 and died December 12, 1950 and Claudia Elizabeth Munden Capps, born January 14, 1892 and died January 28, 1982. Harold and his younger sister, Mabel Petrie, was born October 29, 1918, grew up on Knotts Island where they both enjoyed the out-of-doors. They spent many hours tramping through the woods, marshes and fields on the Island. Mabel married Nelson Paige Brock from Back Bay, Virginia (VA) on July 6, 1940.

On July 23, 1938 in Princess Anne County, VA, Harold married Mattie Elizabeth Gornto, who was born July 1, 1920. She was the younger daughter of Cecil Clark who was born May 31, 1887 and died in December of 1955 and Verna Napoleon Bruce Gornto who was born July 2, 1892 and died July 14, 1936 of Back Bay, VA. Mattie and Harold had met at Creeds High School in Creeds, VA where they both attended. There was no high school on Knotts Island - only an elementary school for grades one through seven.

For twelve years, Mattie and Harold lived and worked the family farm on Knotts Island owned by Harold’s father. This was previously owned by Harold’s grandfather, Walter Edmond Wilson Capps, who was born April 1, 1846 and died March 16, 1928 and great-grandfather Tully L. Capps who died in 1882. After Harold’s father ‘s death in 1950, he and Mattie purchased the farm where they continued to live and farm.

The farming operation included the production of corn, soybeans, wheat, hogs, and cattle.

Mattie and Harold have two children, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Their daughter, Sandra Fay, was born June 6, 1942. On September 24, 1960, she married Nathan Monroe Roberts who was born January 23, 1940 of Corner Gum in Currituck County. They have two daughters, Natalie Beth who was born September 19, 1968 and Marsha Dawn, born January 11, 1963. Marsha has a son born September 12, 1982 and is married to Robert Ambrose Neal, Jr. who was born December 9, 1962, Moyock, North Carolina (NC).

Harold and Mattie’s son, Harold Clark was born July 18, 1946, resides in Virginia Beach, VA. He has a son, Harold Clark, Jr., who was born March 15, 1982.

Harold is a member of the Knotts Island United Methodist Church. His parental grandfather, Walter, donated the land on which the church now stands. Harold is also a Mason.

Harold’s maternal grandfather, John Edmond Munden, Sr., born July 12, 1869 and died February 5, 1937 was an instigator of the construction of the causeway which connects the Island to the Virginia mainland. A wealthy businessman from New York, Joseph Palmer Knapp, played a very important part in the construction, although he was against the plan. He felt Knotts Island would never be the same, because more people would come to the Island.

For twenty-five years (1943, 1957- 1977, 1981- 1985), Harold served on the Currituck County Board of Commissioners. He served as its chairman from 1975 - 1976. The distance to and from the courthouse for meetings was always a hardship. Nevertheless, Harold attended these meetings regularly for he always felt a strong desire and obligation to serve the citizens of Currituck the very best he could. On December 3, 1984, Harold’s years of service were formally acknowledged. His twenty-five years as a commissioner came to an end.

Since Harold’s retirement from farming in 1982, he enjoys fishing and hunting - pastimes he had little time to pursue until now. According to many Islanders, he is a very knowledgable guide and sportsman.

Sources of the personal knowledge: family records and family Bible. This article was written by Sandra, their daughter.

TYPED BY SUE FENTRESS AUSTIN