Rooted Since 1889
What many visitors don't know is that Peggie Mattocks was born Peggie Spicer - daughter of Joe and Catherine Spicer, who had farmed this exact land since around 1889. When financial hardship threatened to displace her family, Peggie stepped forward. First in 1920, paying $3,000 to cover her father's debt. Then again in 1930, when the land was put to auction - she and Major Mattocks purchased it back to keep her parents in their home.
They bought this land twice. According to public records in Onslow County Registry (Section B&C), this land has been in continuous family and family-lineage stewardship for over 135 years. The Warranty Deed, finally received in 1942, only confirmed what had always been true.
Algonquin Heritage
The Algonquin Indians were the original stewards of this land - a legacy of deep connection to the river, wetlands, and forests that the Mattocks family continues to honor.
The Spicer Family
Joe and Catherine Spicer began farming this land in Onslow County, NC. Their daughter Peggie grew up here - and her bond with this land would define the family's story for generations to come.
A Daughter Steps Forward
When Joe Spicer fell into debt with E.W. Sabiston in 1919, his daughter Peggie paid $3,000 out of her own pocket to cover the debt and keep her family on their land. It was the first of two times she would step in to save her parents' home.
The Auction
On December 8, 1930, E.W. Sabiston put the land up for auction, claiming the debt had not been paid. His son won the bid for $700. To prevent Joe and Catherine Spicer from losing their home, Peggie and Major Mattocks purchased the land again - for the second time.
The Warranty Deed
The mortgage was paid in full in 1935. W.E. Sabiston died in 1937, and it took until 1942 for Major and Peggie Mattocks to receive their Warranty Deed. The land they had purchased twice - and farmed for decades - was finally, legally theirs.
Working the Land
Peggie and Major raised nine children on this farm, growing cattle, hogs, tobacco, cotton, peanuts, cucumbers, watermelons, soybeans, corn, and sweet potatoes - and fishing and hunting the river. Every acre was tended with purpose and love.
A Living Legacy
615 acres. A tree farm, working agricultural fields, and a high tunnel partnership with United Way of Onslow County. The Major Mattocks Real Estate Trust - managed by three trustees - carries forward over 135 years of family stewardship. The land has never left this family.