Asheboro, NC – Local historian Ross A. Holt, Director of Randolph County Public Libraries, has released a captivating research paper detailing the history of Haskett's Creek, just in time for an educational event at North Asheboro Park with Stormwater SMART. Holt's work sheds light on the creek's namesake and its significance in the region's past.

The research paper, penned in April 2025, dives deep into the story of Abraham Haskett (1733-1818), who journeyed to Randolph County from Pasquotank County in the mid-1760s. Haskett, a Quaker, settled in the area when it was still part of Rowan County. Interestingly, he arrived around the same time as Jesse Henley, another prominent figure in Randolph County's early history. Both Haskett and Henley were Quakers who moved westward from the Albemarle region.

Holt's research reveals that Randolph County's Quaker heritage played a significant role in its early development. English "dissenters," including Quakers, were invited to immigrate to North Carolina in 1663 to bolster the struggling colony, promised freedom of religion. By the mid-1700s, as eastern North Carolina became crowded and disease-ridden, many residents, including Quakers, moved inland.

Abraham Haskett's family history is equally intriguing. Born to William (1703-1772) and Mary (1706-1785) Haskett, Abraham's grandfather, Anthony (1675-1735), was among the earliest settlers of the Albemarle. In 1761, Abraham was "disowned" by the Perquimans Monthly Meeting for being slow to repay a debt and "not in a spirit to receive advice." It seems even our historical figures had their financial hiccups!

In 1784, Haskett received a land grant of 200 acres in present-day North Asheboro, along what would become Haskett's Creek. The creek rises near Amity Road and winds its way to the Deep River. Holt's research suggests that Haskett's land likely adjoined the northwestern corner of the Scarlett Copper Mine property.

Adding a touch of mystery, Holt notes that a deed from 1812 refers to "Abraham's Creek," raising the question of whether Haskett also lent his name to Abram's Spring, traditionally associated with the county seat.

This historical deep-dive comes at an opportune time; eighth-grade students from South Asheboro Middle School are set to tour North Asheboro Park to learn about a stream restoration in the works along Haskett's Creek. The school's visit on Tuesday, April 29, marks the public launch of the project, and the students are among the very first to hear about the stream restoration project and its importance for water quality.

Thanks to Holt's research, these middle schoolers will also gain a richer understanding of what really defines a watershed, which is the land itself. 

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Additional Resources:

• Download and/or print Holt's full research paper
• Do you know of a school in the Asheboro area that would enjoy a field day to the park? Teachers, homeschool groups, civic club leaders, and afterschool care providers are invited to email stormwatersmart@ptrc.org to plan an educational Creek Walk in the park and learn about the stream restoration
• View the initial plans for the restoration of Haskett's Creek and submit comments and questions before the plans are finalized!