Date post: | 06-Mar-2018 |
Category: |
Documents |
Upload: | truongdiep |
View: | 215 times |
Download: | 0 times |
Volume 35, No. 4 Fall 2013
THE HERITAGE MUSEUM NEWSLETTER Home of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society
Published Quarterly by the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society
Col. S. B. Gibbons of the 10th Virginia Infantry
Colonel Simeon Beauford (S. B.) Gibbons was a
military commander of remarkable talent and a leader
who showed superior kindness to his men. Although
he was not born in Rockingham County, he came to
Harrisonburg early in life and later
transformed local militiamen into pol-
ished soldiers. He was a respected Con-
federate commander whose life, by any
measure, ended too soon.
Simeon Gibbons was born May 25,
1833, on land that later became the
Shenandoah Iron Works at the current
town of Shenandoah in Page County.
He was a son of Samuel and Christina
Miller Gibbons. Christina was the
daughter of Capt. Henry Miller, Jr., the
grandson of Adam Mueller (Miller)
who is considered to be the first perma-
nent white settler in the Shenandoah
Valley, settling north of present-day
Elkton in 1727.
Samuel Gibbons formed a partner-
ship with Daniel and Henry Forrer in
1836 to open an iron works on Gibbons’ land. The
next year Samuel and Christina Gibbons sold their
land and their interest in the iron works to the Forrers
and moved into a new home in Harrisonburg where
they lived until 1843. Samuel Gibbons became active
in the affairs of his new hometown and served as sher-
iff of Rockingham County for two years during this
time.
Simeon Gibbons began his schooling in Harrison-
burg. The family, however, moved briefly to near
Orange Court House and then in 1844 bought a farm
known as “Willow Grove” near Luray in Page County.
Simeon completed his primary education in a private
academy at Luray. In July 1849 he entered the Virgin-
ia Military Institute in Lexington where he became a
three-year member of the class of 1852. Thomas Jona-
than Jackson was his professor of natural philosophy.
Simeon excelled while at VMI ranking 7th out of 24
graduates.
With his educational achievements in hand, Simeon
was hired as a teacher at the Charlotte Hall Military
Academy in a town of the same
name in southern Maryland,
south of Washington, D.C. This
academy had been established
by Queen Charlotte, wife of
King George III, in 1774. As
such, it is considered to be one
of the oldest educational insti-
tutions in the United States.
Gibbons taught mathematics
and military tactics at the
school for two years.
In May 1855, Simeon re-
turned to Harrisonburg to mar-
ry his childhood sweetheart,
Frances “Fannie” Shacklett,
daughter of Samuel and Maria
Henry Shacklett. The next year
Simeon went into the mercan-
tile business with his brother-in-law Henry Shacklett.
Tragically, Fannie Gibbons lived only nine months
after her marriage. She contracted typhoid fever, be-
came gravely ill, and died February 27, 1856 at age 21.
While Gibbons was still working as a Harrisonburg
merchant in the spring of 1859, he began recruiting
area men to form an infantry company known as the
Valley Guards. He enlisted the help of E. T. H. Warren
and Samuel T. Walker to be lieutenants in the militia
organization. Warren was a prominent, young attorney
in Harrisonburg, whose house is the current home of
the Virginia Quilt Museum. Walker was editor of the
New Market newspaper, The Valley Democrat. In
See Col S. B. Gibbons on page 7
By Dale MacAllister
Colonel Simeon Beauford Gibbons
Calendar Of Events
Sunday, November 3: Last Seasonal Sunday
Saturday, November 9, 12 - 2 pm Lunch/Lecture
Fundraiser: “The Union Fish Hook Breaks! The 10th
Virginia at Culps Hill during the Battle of Gettysburg”
with Jeremy Hilliard, 10th Virginia Volunteer Infantry.
$15 per person.
Tuesday, November 19, 7 pm: Rockingham County
Orchard Exhibit Opening Reception with special guests
and hard cider tastings. Member preview 6:30 pm.
November 28-29: Museum & Offices Closed
Sunday December 8: Open House 1-5 pm
Tuesday, December 10: Volunteer Luncheon
December 24-26: Museum & Offices Closed
Wednesday, January 1: Museum & Offices Closed
Thursday, January 16, 7 pm: “Elder John Kline” with
Paul Roth.
Thursday, February 20, 7 pm: “Learning English
Through the Study of History,” with Dr. Nuray Grove
and Dr. Dan Roberts, University of Richmond
Saturday, February 22, 10 am - 4 pm: Quilt Docu-
mentation & Discovery Day. Snow date: March 1
Thursday, March 20, 7pm: “For Dixie Children:
Teaching Students What it Meant to be Confederate
Americans,” with Nathan Ryalls.
Thursday, April 17, 7 pm: “Life on the Frontier,” with
Patrick Murphy.
Page 2 Volume 35, No. 4
The Heritage Museum Hours
Tuesday—Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Seasonal Sundays 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Genealogy on Mondays by appointment
Office closed on Saturday and Sunday Telephone: (540) 879-2616
Email: [email protected] www.heritagecenter.com
www.HeritageMuseumStore.com
Trustees
Chairman: Greg Owen
Vice-Chairman: Irvin Hess
Secretary: Monica Frackelton
Treasurer: L.J. Purcell
Resident Historian
Dale MacAllister
HRHS Staff
Executive Director: Penny Imeson
Administrator: Margaret Hotchner
Archivist: Laura Adams
Staff: Amy Kiracofe, Juanita Wysong
Museum Assistant: Tom Knight
2014 Newsletter Submission Deadlines
All articles are subject to editing. Ideas for feature articles
must be submitted in advance of the article. We reserve the
right not to use unsolicited feature articles. Genealogical que-
ries welcome.
Submissions can be emailed to
or mailed to HRHS
P.O. Box 716
Dayton VA 22821
Winter January 24
Spring April 25
Summer July 25
Fall October 24
THE HERITAGE MUSEUM HARRISONBURG-ROCKINGHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Charlie Collette Wes Graves
Michael Hill Nathan Miller
Lew Taylor David Wood
Paper or Digital?
Please keep your contact addresses
and preferences up to date!
Let Margaret know at [email protected]
Our Wish List
Volume 35, No. 4 Page 3
THE HERITAGE MUSEUM HARRISONBURG-ROCKINGHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Notes from the Executive Director
In the midst of our daily efforts
to promote the mission and activi-
ties of the Historical Society at The
Heritage Museum, Margaret and I are often interrupt-
ed by phone calls or visitors who wish to donate bits
and pieces of local history and family memorabilia.
When they ask if we would be interested, I always say
“Yes!” with the exclamation emphasized.
Reviewing the offerings of the donors is a little
treasure hunt for me, but I really appreciate the fact
that the donors of The Heritage Museum as a new
home for their items. I accept every donation with ef-
fusive thanks to the donor for remembering the His-
torical Society. We are the community’s attic, scrap-
book, and photo album, after all. Some museums have
large acquisition budgets, but The Heritage Museum
relies on the generosity of the community. For that
reason, each object that adds to the collection is more
personal. Building the collection really is about and
for our friends and neighbors.
You will see from the long list of acquisitions that
our inventory of artifacts and archives is growing and
growing. These items will provide for future exhibits
and supplement research and education for everyone.
Just yesterday, an extraordinarily large donation came
in. I haven’t seen all if it, so the details must remain
for a later date. But I did notice a small item that will
be useful for the upcoming orchard exhibit. In the
meantime, here’s one of my favorite recent photos . . .
Cool Stuff
Do you own a quilt? The Virginia Consortium of
Quilters (www.vcq.org), is looking for new and old
quilts made in Virginia before the year 2000 to be
added to their research data base. You may bring up
to three undocumented quilts to be measured, photo-
graphed, dated, and patterns identified. Please also
bring a photograph of the quilt maker(s), if available,
for copying. The data gathered will be recorded for
future use by researchers of history, genealogy, and
material culture of Virginia. Confidentiality of quilt
owners will be protected. This is a continuation of
earlier documentation projects. For more information
please call 540 427 0184.
*Snow day - Saturday, March 1, 2014. Save the dates!
Quilt Documentation & Discovery
Day, Saturday, February 22nd*
Who are these cool cats? You’ll find the an-swer in the Acquisitions list on page 11.
THE HERITAGE MUSEUM HARRISONBURG-ROCKINGHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Annual Banquet & Replica Raffle Drawing
The Terrace at Rocktown, home of Early Katering,
provided a new venue for the Annual Banquet on Fri-
day, October 18th, when over 100 members and
guests gathered to celebrate another year of collecting,
preserving, and educating at The Heritage Museum.
Special guests included Mark Thomas, gunstocker and
engraver of the Replica Raffle Longrifle, Raffle Apple
Quilt creator, Bonnie Spoon, and featured speaker Jo-
seph W. A. Whitehorne.
During the social time attendees greeted one anoth-
er with cheerful smiles and enjoyed convivial conver-
sations which continued to the dinner tables. The
beautiful prizes for the Replica Raffle Drawing were
on display, encouraging last-minute ticket purchases.
Tabletop decorations designed with apples, kale, and
hydrangea blooms added to the festive atmosphere.
After an invocation lead by Resident Historian Dale
MacAllister, the fall-flavored menu was served.
Executive Director Penny Imeson, acting as Master
of Ceremonies, lamented interrupting the lively table
talk but recognized the need to begin the evening’s
full program. In the absence of Trustee Chairman
Greg Owen, Vice-Chairman Irvin Hess started the of-
ficial business of the banquet meeting. Trustee Nathan
Miller provided the nominations report for the Trustee
Class of 2016. By unanimous consent Irvin Hess and
Wes Graves were elected for second terms and Mi-
chael Way and Dana Fenner were elected as new
Trustees.
With voting complete, Dr. Hess introduced the
“Wayland Society Grand Plan,” an incredible fund-
raising opportunity for the coming year. The Wayland
Society is the highest membership level for those
members who give $1,000 or more annually. “It
serves as a significant source of energy and creates a
stable rudder for The Heritage Museum,” he said. An
anonymous and very generous donor is “putting their
money on our members” by matching dollar for dollar
the $1,000 dues of every Wayland member who joins
between October 2013 and October 2014 (up to forty
memberships). This in an unbelievable offer to match
$40,000 with another $40,000.
As members considered this incredible investment
opportunity, Penny Imeson rose to present the Volun-
teer of the Year award to a very humble Glenn Huff-
man for his many years of service in the Genealogy
Library. Just as Nancy Hess began to introduce the
featured speaker, Penny interrupted to give away one
of the Replica Raffle prizes. Dr. Whitehorne pulled
the winning ticket for the Tiger Maple Sugar Chest—
Jocelyn H. from Harrisonburg, Vir-
ginia. Nancy then continued her in-
troduction for Dr. Whitehorne who
presented a detailed account of the
events leading to the division of
West Virginia from Virginia in 1863.
Following the presentation was
the much anticipated culmination of
the year-
long Repli-
ca Raffle
fundraiser.
Over 850
tickets were
sold to al-
most 350
individuals
with pro-
ceeds close
to $19,000!
All eyes
were on Dr. Hess as he shook and shuffled the large
bag of raffle stubs. Mark Thomas drew the winning
name for the Apple Core Quilt—Amanda A. from
Richmond, Virginia. Penny took the opportunity to
note that the Replica Raffle allowed for The Heritage
Irvin Hess delivers the Wayland Society Grand Plan.
Joseph Whitehorne chats with a guest.
See Banquet on next page
Page 4 Volume 35, No. 4
THE HERITAGE MUSEUM HARRISONBURG-ROCKINGHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Volume 35, No. 4 Page 5
Trustee Class of 2016
Michael Way graduated from Turner Ashby High School and then James Madison University with a major in history, minors in education and political science, as well as a master's degree in counseling. He taught history and government in a local high school before serving in various ad-ministrative positions at JMU until his 2006 re-tirement.
Dana Fenner grew up in Arlington, graduated from James Madison University, and obtained a master’s degree in Health Care Administration from George Washington University. She worked as a health care consultant, raised two children, and then returned to her original love of design, becoming a Master Gardener and
building a landscape design consulting business in Pittsburgh.
Wes Graves is a life-long resident of Rocking-ham County and Managing Director of Wells Fargo Advisors. He has been a leader and con-tributor to many community organizations over the years. He is nominated for his second term.
Irvin Hess is a retired orthopaedic surgeon and chairman emeritus of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Sesquicentenni-al of the American Civil War. He is nominated for his second term.
The Trustee Class of 2016 will take office on Jan-uary 1, 2014. Congratulations and thank you!
Museum to be promoted well beyond Rockingham
County and expressed appreciation to all the volun-
teers and members who supported ticket sales
throughout the year. Amidst a drumroll of spoons on
dinner glasses, Bonnie Spoon drew the winner of the
much-coveted Replica Rifle—Mary F., from Nash-
ville, Tennessee. There was clear disappointment
among the guests who did not hold winning tickets,
but everyone agreed that supporting The Heritage
Museum was a winning cause!
Irvin Hess and Penny Imeson stir up raffle anticipation.
Banquet Volunteer of the Year
Penny Imeson in-
troduced the 2013
Volunteer of the
Year with the fol-
lowing words, ”In
my tenure I have
seen this individu-
al devote hours
and hours of time
to the Historical
Society, but really
it has been years
and years. With
such a quiet and
unassuming man-
ner, most may not
realize the depth of knowledge and devotion that
this individual contributes. With deep roots in Rock-
ingham County and family tree branches that extend
over half the population and on into West Virginia,
plus decades of genealogical research, in addition to
his dedication to the unending task of searching old
newspapers to expand our obituary records, Glenn
Huffman shows extraordinary devotion as a volun-
teer.” Thank you to Glenn and all volunteers!
David Hatmaker and Glenn Huffman share research notes.
Continued from previous page
Page 6 Volume 35, No. 4
THE HERITAGE MUSEUM HARRISONBURG-ROCKINGHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Notes from the Bookstore
Your purchases support HRHS! heritagemuseumstore.com Please note: not all gift shop items are available online. Thank you!
A Mennonite Journal
1862-1865: A Father’s
Account of the Civil War in
the Shenandoah Valley. Edited by John R. Hildebrand
A unique perspective of Civil
War home-front life.
$13.95 softcover
A Trip by Rail in the Shenandoah
Valley on the Baltimore & Ohio
Railroad and the Southern Railway
by Bob Cohen
Travel by each
passenger stop
with maps, im-
ages, and infor-
mation.
$59.99 hard-
cover
Appalachian Heart by Lynn Coffey
Oral Histories of Blue
Ridge Mountain people.
$20 softcover
Magnet, actual size
Quote on mug: “The very sight of him was the signal for cheers. . .” from
John H. Worsham, author of One of Jackson’s Foot Cavalry.
Shop Local!
The magnet and all mugs in the
bookstore are created by LDA
Creations, Inc. at the Silver Lake
Mill in Dayton.
New Gift Ideas!
The Heritage Museum Magnet, $3.75
Stonewall Jackson Mugs, $10
plus Shenandoah Valley Battlefields
Foundation coffees to fill your mug! Several varieties, whole bean and ground.
Volume 35, No. 4 Page 7
THE HERITAGE MUSEUM HARRISONBURG-ROCKINGHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY
coming years both men would become leaders in the
famed 10th Virginia Infantry Regiment.
In October 1859, the Valley Guards, made up
mostly of Rockingham County men, traveled to Harp-
ers Ferry and Charles Town to serve as honor guards
during the trial of John Brown. They returned there
several weeks later for his hanging.
Simeon’s family, due to impending social and po-
litical difficulties surfacing in the Valley, sold Willow
Grove and moved to Georgia. Simeon planned to relo-
cate to San Antonio, Texas, with a friend from Luray,
but other circumstances intervened. In early April
1861, Simeon Gibbons was given orders from Rich-
mond to take command of a newly formed 4th Regi-
ment of Virginia State troops. He received a commis-
sion to the rank of full colonel. Gibbons returned to
Harrisonburg and quickly led the initial seven compa-
nies to Harpers Ferry to capture the arms stored there.
His 4th Regiment soon formed the nucleus of the 10th
Virginia Regiment.
As the Civil War began, reorganizational efforts
within the military temporarily caused Gibbons to lose
his rank. But as the Army of the Shenandoah became
fully organized, his rank of colonel was restored, mak-
ing Simeon Gibbons, at age 28, the youngest colonel
in the Confederacy at that time. When the 10th Virgin-
ia achieved full strength, with seven of its companies
from Rockingham, Gibbon’s regiment was among
those sent to Martinsburg where Union General Rob-
ert Patterson had occupied the town on July the 4th.
No battle resulted, so the 10th Virginia soon withdrew
to Winchester. It was during this occupation of Mar-
tinsburg that the famous Confederate spy Belle Boyd
shot and killed a Union soldier who had sworn at and
insulted her mother.
Within weeks, the 10th, as part of General Arnold
Elzey’s brigade, would be given much credit for turn-
ing Union forces back in the South’s first victory at
Manassas. That winter the 10th was dug in near Fair-
fax Station and were considered the best-drilled regi-
ment in the camp.
In April 1862, the 10th Virginia was assigned to the
army of Thomas Jonathan Jackson as he retreated up
the Valley following the Battle of Kernstown, his only
defeat. The forces marched to Conrad’s Store (Elkton)
and set up headquarters in the Henry Miller home, a
house that coincidentally had been built by Simeon’s
father Samuel Gibbons and his boyhood friend. Gen-
eral Jackson used this time to plan his Valley Cam-
paign while the 10th camped nearby at the old Elk Run
Church. While stationed there, the regiment was
strengthened by nearly 100 new volunteers from
Rockingham County.
On May 8, 1862, Jackson’s army clashed with Un-
ion forces atop Bull Pasture Mountain east of
McDowell, in Highland County. Minor skirmishes
broke out during the day, but by late afternoon the
fighting had escalated into a full and bloody battle.
That evening, Colonel S. B. Gibbons was leading his
men up Sitlington’s Hill to confront enemy troops un-
der Union Generals Robert C. Schenk and Robert H.
Milroy. Colonel Gibbons raised his sword and shout-
ed to his men, “Boys, stand to your colors!” Another
witness remembered the words as, “My brave boys,
follow your colors!” Although essentially the same
command, it would be the last one issued by the
brave, young Colonel. Nearly simultaneously, two
balls pierced the Colonel’s forehead, and he fell to the
ground mortally wounded. His brother Billy Gibbons,
who had joined the 10th in 1862 as Colonel Gibbons’
orderly, cradled his brother in his arms as he died. Bil-
ly accompanied the body back to Harrisonburg for a
Masonic funeral. Colonel Simeon Beauford Gibbons
was buried in the Shacklett family plot in Harrison-
burg’s Woodbine Cemetery beside his beloved Fan-
nie. He was 17 days shy of his 29th birthday.
S. S. Lambeth, chaplain for the 10th Virginia, re-
membered Colonel Gibbons as follows: “As an officer
and a soldier few were more competent . . . He com-
manded the Valley Guards and was fully versed in
tactics and in all the minutiae of the soldier’s life. Re-
spectful to his superiors, kind to his subordinates, gen-
erous and accommodating to his men, he rendered
himself the idol of the regiment he commanded.”
Colonel E. T. H. Warren was appointed as command-
er of the 10th Virginia to replace Colonel Gibbons.
In November 1893, local veterans met in Harrison-
burg to organize Camp 438 of the United Confederate
Veterans. They chose to honor the fallen leader, so
Col. S. B. Gibbons
Continued from front page
See Col. S. B. Gibbons on next page
Page 8 Volume 35, No. 4
THE HERITAGE MUSEUM HARRISONBURG-ROCKINGHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Col. S. B. Gibbons
admired by his soldiers, by calling their group the
S. B. Gibbons Camp. In 1914, more than fifty years
after Simeon’s death, the VMI newsletter, The Ca-
det, paid special tribute to Colonel Gibbons: “He was
at the First Battle of Manassas with his regiment, and
in May, 1862, fell at the head of his regiment at the
battle of McDowell. He was known for his high
Christian character, for his brave and chivalrous spir-
it and his gentle and loving disposition. No man died
more lamented and mourned.”
Main Sources:
Gibbons, Alfred, “Simeon Gibbons: Hero of the Confed-
eracy,” Daily News-Record, July 3, 1980.
“Colonel S. B. Gibbons, First Commander of the Tenth
Regiment, Virginia Volunteers, C.S.A.” manuscript by
unknown author and date, Harrisonburg-Rockingham
Historical Society files.
Moore, Robert H., II, “Simeon B. Gibbons (1833-
1862)” [Weblog entry.] Cenantua’s Blog. October 4,
2010. October 28, 2013.
<http://cenantua.wordpress.com/web-pages-within-my-
blog/biographical-sketches/page-county-virginia/simeon-
beauford-gibbons-1833-1862/.
Continued from previous page
Celebrate your Harrisonburg-Rockingham Roots! Share your family stories with us!
Editors note: In the Winter 2012 Newsletter, Harvey Wise
requested information regarding Wise family descendants,
particularly in the Bridgewater and Centerville areas. The
Wise descendants have kept busy and recently gathered to
celebrate their efforts.
On Sunday, October 20, 2013, at St. Michaels UCC, near
Bridgewater, Delegate Steve Landes and former State Sen-
ator Nathan Miller presented a resolution from the Virginia
General Assembly to Rev. Dr. Hollis Dodge, the pastor of
St. Michaels. The resolution recognizes Michael Wise
(c1730 to 1799) for his military service in the American
Revolution and for his generosity in donating the land for
St. Michaels Church and Cemetery. Also pictured are de-
scendants of Michael Wise, from left to right: Norma Wise
Landes, Lucretia Lane, Sen. Nathan Miller (also a Michael
Wise descendant), Rev. Dr. Hollis Dodge, Delegate Steve
Landes, Harvey Wise, Ann Callender, and Nancy Gum.
This resolution concluded a year's effort which also includ-
ed the placement of a granite bench in front of the church.
Celebration of Michael Wise Resolution at St. Michaels United
Church of Christ near Bridgewater, Virginia.
Wise Family Update
THE HERITAGE MUSEUM HARRISONBURG-ROCKINGHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Volume 35, No. 4 Page 9
A Warm Welcome To Our
New Members
Kim Anderson, Cobbtown, GA
Jody Barr, Crossville, TN
Sara Beardsley, Columbia, SC
Amy Branam, Cumberland, MD
David Bronson, Moreland Hills, OH
Carroll & Maryjane Chewning, Bridgewater, VA
Kathleen Dobronyi, Inverness, FL
James Dorman, East Rockaway, NY
Jeanne Fuller, San Antonio, TX
Catherine Godfrey, Vancouver, WA
Lisa Hawkins, Bridgewater, VA
Nancy Lowder, Mint Hill, NC
Peter & Mary Mullen, Roanoke, VA
Carol Perruso, Long Beach, CA
Becky Poulliot, Virginia Beach, VA
L.J. & Kitty Purcell, Dayton, VA
Gilbert & Mandy Rice, Penn Laird, VA
John Rudmin, Harrisonburg, VA
Gary & Kathy Seek, Roanoke, VA
Christina Sheveily, Shelby, NC
Alvin Wise, Richmond, VA
Glen & Karen Zalkin, St. Augustine, FL
Volunteer Wayne Angleberger leads a lesson on local geogra-phy and Civil War history for a Stanley Elementary fifth grade field trip on October 11th.
The Heritage Museum hosted the Mountain Mille 2013 vintage vehicle rally on October 1st, including this visitor and his Red-Fan Parrot named Claude.
Volunteers staffed The Heritage Museum booth at the Rock-ingham County Fair, August 12-17, promoting the Museum and the Replica Raffle. At left, Greg Owen speaks with members Seymour and Barbara Paul. Above, John Sellers and L.J. Purcell enjoy a good ‘ole Historical Society chat.
THE HERITAGE MUSEUM HARRISONBURG-ROCKINGHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Page 10 Volume 35, No. 4
Chancery Court Records with Carl Childs
Carl Childs is the Local Records Services Director at the Library of Virginia. He traveled to The Heritage Museum on
Thursday, October 19th. For members who were unable to attend, this is a synopsis of his presentation on the Chancery
Records Index now digitized and online for research at http://www.virginiamemory.com/collections/chancery/
What are Chancery cases? The Chancery Court hears cases in
which justice is administered according to fairness or equity, as
opposed to the strictly formulated rules of common law. Juries
are not used and one judge, called the Chancellor, usually deter-
mines the outcome of the case. Cases in chancery often address
estate and business disputes, debt, the resolution of land disputes,
and divorce among many other diverse topics. Because the rec-
ords rely so heavily on testimony from witnesses, they offer a
unique glimpse into the lives of Virginians from the early 18th
century through the First World War.
The Chancery Records Index (CRI) is a result of archival pro-
cessing and indexing projects by the Library of Virginia (LVA)
and funded, in part, by the Virginia Circuit Court Records Preser-
vation Program (CCRP). Currently, indexes for over 90 localities
are available, including Rockingham County. Over 236,000 indi-
vidual cases have been indexed and 61 localities have been
scanned with many more microfilmed. Over 8 million digital im-
ages have been posted since 2005.
Chancery cases were heard in the Chancery District Court/
Superior Court of Chancery Western District held in Staunton/
Augusta County, a hybrid of an appellate court and a court of
origin. Chancery suits from all localities were filed in the Augus-
ta County courthouse. Rockingham County researchers should
also research Augusta County records because from 1802-1831,
the Augusta district included Rockingham County (among many
other counties).
The Chancery Records contain considerable historical and ge-
nealogical information creating a goldmine for family historians!
Topics to search include:
Church/Sectionalism Disputes
Slavery/African-American History
Business/Economic History
Useful Links:
Chancery Records Index -http://www.virginiamemory.com/collections/chancery/
Lost Records Localities Digital Collection http://www.virginiamemory.com/collections/lost
Legislative Petition Digital Collection – http://www.virginiamemory.com/collections/petitions
Virginia Heritage Project – Finding Aids http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/search
Out of the Box Blog - http://www.virginiamemory.com/blogs/out_of_the_box/
Carl Childs shares his expertise from the Library of Virginia.
For practice, consider researching Rockingham
County Chancery Cause #1895-043, HOSE CO
NO. 4 vs. HOSE CO NO. 1 ETC, which details a
dispute between the fire companies over the
winner of a “friendly” hose contest held during
Harrisonburg’s Fourth of July celebration in
1893. Photo courtesy of the Library of Virginia.
Volume 35, No. 4 Page 11
THE HERITAGE MUSEUM HARRISONBURG-ROCKINGHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Archives
Douglas Bartley donated a copy of "Our Salvation Bible," a special limited edition copyright by John Ray
Hinkle, Dayton, VA (2½” x 2”); and a souvenir program from the Narrow Gague (sic) School, Ashby Dis-
trict, School #37, Rockingham Co., VA, Term 1905-1906.
Nancy Byrd donated a copy of picture of the Black Cats,* a newspaper article picturing and naming the
Black Cats, a 1930 Trophy cup won by Dayton Athletic Club, and a photo of Mrs. Byrd's mother preparing
to march in a suffrage rally at Elkton, VA.
Dick & Doris Coffman donated an American Legion Band Uniform, VFW Hat, and photo of Basil Coffman
at Saint-Nazaire, France, a news clipping of Dayton Band veterans with 116th Infantry band (5/7/19), a
booklet with a brief history of the 116th Infantry 29th Division, a newspaper tear sheet, and a photo of the
Shenandoah College Band.
Dorice M. Coffman donated an old Williamson Pharmacy pill box.
Gary M. Diehl donated a copy of The Public Schools of Rockingham County.
Elizabeth Kaylor donated genealogy information regarding the Sandy family, including Pifer, Lam, and
Craun surnames.
Jerry Linder donated a copy of the August 2013 Journal of the Campbell Clan Society (North America)
newsletter which features the clan’s summer 2013 trip to Rockingham County.
Madison County Historical Society (Virginia) donated two very old ledgers and photos. The first ledger men-
tions the Valley Turnpike Company with entries dated in the 1860s; the second was a Day Book belonging to
Samuel Henry with entries dated between 1816 and 1817. The photos captured a wedding party circa early
1900s in a horse drawn wagon and a group circa 1920s, possibly of Lynchburg College graduates.
Marlena Powers donated the John D. and Elizabeth F. (Good) Wenger family bible.
Janet B. Senger McCoy donated Dayton High School memorabilia from her 1938 class, including the class
yearbook and photo, graduation announcement, and a scrapbook.
Bonnie Painter donated various editions of The Breeze from the Madison Normal School for 1928 and 1929.
Matthew Sunderlin donated a copy of a 1913 Bridgewater Commencement Program.
Library
Phillip Baker donated a copy of his book Movers and Settlers: The Yankee Family.
Robert Cohen donated a copy of his book, A Trip by Rail in the Shenandoah Valley.
Richard Early donated his book Descendants of Johannes "Hans" Jacob & Maria Narr Oehrle, Vol 1.
Robin M. Good donated copies of pages from the Sniteman Bible, Henry Sniteman's funeral card, photocop-
ies of family member photos, and the birth certificate of John J. Good.
Kathryn Mason donated a transcription of the will of John Garber, Sr. of Shenandoah County, which was
proved to the court in December 1787 from Will Book B., page 409.
Lois M. Rhodes donated a copy of her book, The James Turner III and Margaret Fulk Turner Family.
Raymond Rhodes donated family books written by various family members regarding his Rhodes genealogy.
Alan Shirkey donated copies from a ledger from the Bridgewater area recording deaths from 1898-1959.
Office
A special thank you to Kathryn Mason, Jane Smootz, and Juanita Taylor for donating various office supplies.
—Compiled by Margaret Hotchner
*The Black Cats were the Dayton basketball team photographed in 1929 as seen on page 2.
Acquisitions
Your treasures may rest at HRHS!
Please consider donating artifacts and papers unique to Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Items must be
reviewed before being accepted into the permanent collection. We request that you make an appointment with
the Collections Committee. For questions or to schedule an appointment, call (540) 879-2616.
Harrisonburg - Rockingham Historical Society
P.O. Box 716
Dayton, Virginia 22821
OR CURRENT ADDRESS
THE HERITAGE MUSEUM HARRISONBURG-ROCKINGHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Non-Profit U.S. Postage
PAID Permit No. 19 Harrisonburg/Rockingham
Fall 2013, Vol. 35, No. 4
We’ll see you in the galleries! On November 9, 2013, the well-received exhibit of the
Hopkins Family Civil War Letters will close. This unique
display of missives found in the wall of the Hopkins’ an-
cestral home, Cave Hill, will be put to bed, but there are
plans for future creative uses of the remarkable conversa-
tions held within. Stay tuned!
Replacing the Civil War Letters is an exhibit featuring the
orchards of Rockingham County. The Exhibit Opening is
scheduled for Tuesday, November 19th, at 7 pm, with
special guests and presentations, plus hard cider tastings
courtesy of Showalter’s Orchard in Timberville, Virginia.
A members only reception will start at 6:30 pm.
Exhibit Committee Note: The previously planned Music Traditions
exhibit has been postponed to a later date.
Book & Gift Shop sales support The Heritage Museum!
Just a sampling of our selection which is as unique as The Heritage Museum itself, with titles reflecting our
exhibits and local history as well as valuable research tools to supplement the Genealogy Library experience.
We are eager to expand our catalog with useful guides and compelling books. Please make a suggestion.
IT’S SO EASY TO SUPPORT THE HERITAGE MUSEUM!
Call HRHS at 540-879-2616 Visit www.HeritageMuseumStore.com for more titles
Mail order form with shipping instructions and payment to PO Box 716, Dayton, VA 22821.
THE HERITAGE MUSEUM HARRISONBURG-ROCKINGHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Price Qty Total
BACK IN PRINT MUST HAVE!
1885 Atlas of Rockingham County, Virginia—reprinted by HRHS with revised index $ 32.00
POPULAR HRHS PUBLICATIONS
Civil War Stories, Rosemarie Joswick Palmer $ 17.00
Bernhart & Company: Shenandoah Valley Folk Art Fraktur (1775-1850), Bonnie L. Paul $ 24.99
1864: The Valley Aflame $ 15.00
NEW IN THE BOOKSTORE
The Heritage Museum Magnet $ 3.75
A Mennonite Journal 1862-1865, edited by John R. Hildebrand $ 13.95
A Trip by Rail in the Shenandoah Valley, Bob Cohen $ 59.99
Appalachian Heart, Lynn Coffey $ 20.00
French and Indian War in Shenandoah County, Life on Inner Frontier, R. Patrick Murphy $ 30.00
The Battle of Fisher’s Hill, Jonathan A. Noyales $ 19.99
POPULAR IN THE BOOKSTORE
1863: Life in the Shenandoah Valley, Elsie Renalds Newcomer & Janet Renalds Ramsay $ 20.00
Unionists and the CW Experience in Shen. Valley Vol. 6, Wenger, Rodes, Bittenger $ 50.00
Zenda 1869-1930 - An African American Community of Hope, Nancy Bondurant Jones $ 22.00
The Undying Past of Shenandoah Park, Darwin Lambert $ 19.95
Welcome to Fort Valley, Jeanette Conner Ritenour, James Harris Trott, Margaret Akers Trott $ 59.95
The Red Flannel Rag, Peggy Ann Shifflett $ 22.00
Portals to the Shenandoah Valley Folkways, John Heatwole $ 15.00
The Burning (DVD), based on book by John Heatwole $ 20.00
The Great Valley Road of Virginia, Warren R. Hofstra & Karl Raitz $ 25.00
The Lost Art of Pie Making Made Easy, Barbara Swell $ 5.95
Hymns of the Old Camp Ground, Wayne Erbsen $ 5.95
The Heartland: Rockingham County, Nancy B. Hess $ 30.00
RESEARCH FAVORITES
Marriage Notices from the Rockingham Register, 1822-1870, Dorothy A. Boyd-Bragg $ 36.50
Death Notices From Extant Issues of The Rockingham Register, Dorothy A. Boyd-Bragg $ 23.99
Abstracts - Executive, Administrator, Guardian Bonds of R’ham Co 1778-1864, M. Pri- $ 10.00
Settlers by the Long Gray Trail, J. Houston Harrison $ 50.00
Augusta County, VA Earliest Will Index 1745 - Post 1900, Elizabeth Jane Sherman $ 32.00
The Genealogist’s Guide to Fraktur, Corinne Earnest and Beverly Repass Hoch $ 19.95
Subtotal
5.3% Sales Tax on Items Shipping in Virginia
Shipping ($6 for first item + $1 for each additional item)
Total (Thank you!)