Benjamin Clements received a land grant for the land that is now Fariss Farms as a reward for his efforts during the American Revolution. During the Revolution Clements mined Salt-Peter from this land for the production of gunpowder, which the British had embargoed.

William Reason Tipton was born the eldest of 11 Children of William Tipton and Mary King. Standing at 5’- 6.5”, fair complexion, Auburn Hair, Blue Eyes.

Above Image: Map depicts the entire operation in 1903.

WR Tipton was shot in the arm at Drewry’s Bluff.

WR Tipton was captured at the Battle of Five Forks and held Prisoner of War.

WR Tipton was released June 20, 1865.

WR Tipton Started Reed Island Iron Company. He mined iron from the hillsides, carried by mule drawn wagons to the New River to be barged to Radford, VA.

WR Tipton sells the company to DP Graham and John Robinson, Tipton remains Superintendent.

WR Tipton Sold 165 acres to DP Graham and John Robinson.

At the peak, the complex housed 63 tenant houses, 4 general stores, 1 post office, 1 hotel, 1 Iron manufacturer, 1 flour mill, 2 mines and 1 doctor. 

WR Tipton sold 37 Acre complex to DP Graham and John Robinson.

Above Image: Boom Furnace after the outbuilding burned in 1906

WR Tipton Survived gunshot wound from employee William Jones.

Reed Island Iron Company sold to George Carter’s Virginia Iron Coal and Coke.

WR Tipton dies.

 Furnace Operation Closed.

Above Image: Reed Island Iron Company's Furnace would have looked very similar to the operation at Foster Falls.

Restoration of Property.

Above Image: The buildings at Fariss Farms are 134 year old renovated structures. 

A commercial vineyard is established.