Virginia Family Tree Genealogy: Henrico

Showing posts with label Henrico. Show all posts

Saturday, September 24, 2011

The Daily Dispatch, January 13, 1880, Richmond, Virginia - Marriages and Deaths

The Daily Dispatch, January 13, 1880

Richmond, Virginia; p. 2, col. 5

MARRIAGES.

"Married, December 23, 1879, at the residence of T. G. Dashiel, D.D., Mr. EDDIE W. BRACKETT, of Henrico, to Miss EMMA H. POWELL, of this city. No cards.

DEATHS.

Died, at Ashland, on Monday morning, January 12th, WILLIAM G. PAINE, in the sixty-third year of his age.

The funeral services will be held at Ashland. The burial will take place from Elba Station, on Broad street, TUESDAY MORNING at half-past 11 o'clock. The friends of the family are invited to attend.

Died, on Sunday evening, January 11th, WILLIAM FLEISHMAN; sixty years of age.

His funeral will take place from his late residence, 308 east Leigh street, on Wednesday MORNING at 10 o'clock. Friends and acquaintances of the family are invited to attend without further notice."

The Daily Dispatch, January 10, 1880, Richmond, Virginia - Marriages and Deaths

The Daily Dispatch, January 10, 1880

Richmond, Virginia; p. 2, col.6

MARRIAGES.

"Married, by Rev. James H. Holmes, December 25, 1879, at Second Baptist church, Miss AMY PRICE, daughter of Abraham Price, to Mr. PHILIP SCOTT, Richmond, Va.

DEATHS.

Died, Thursday evening, at 6:35 o'clock, of diphtheria, ELLEN T., beloved wife of Charles H. Tinsley, and daughter of Thomas and Mary Landers, in the twenty-ninth year of her age.

Her funeral will take place THIS (Saturday) MORNING at 10 o'clock from St. Peter's Cathedral. The friends and acquaintances of the family are respectfully invited to attend.

Died, on the morning of January 9th, at 9 o'clock, at the residence of her brother, in Henrico county, Miss MILDRED ANN COX, daughter of George H. and the late Eliza Ann Cox.

The funeral will take place at 10 1/2 A.M. TO-DAY from the residence of her brother, on the Richmond and Henrico turnpike. Friends of the family are invited to attend.

Died, at his residence, in this city, on Friday morning the 9th instant, after a protracted illness, Major W. WIRT HARRISON, in the forty second year of his age.

The friends of the family and those of Mr. William F. Taylor are invited to attend his funeral from the First Presbyterian church (Dr. Preston's) TO-DAY (Saturday) at 1 o'clock.

Died, at 4:30 o'clock P.M., on January 9, 1880, at No. 327 west Main street, MATTIE B., wife of William M. Evans and daughter of W. P. W. Taylor, Esq.; aged twenty-seven years.

The funeral will take place from Centenary Methodist church SUNDAY the 11th instant at 3 o'clock P.M. Friends and acquaintances are invited to attend.

Died, in Lexington, Va., on the 7th of January, after a long and painful illness, Mrs. ANNIE R. LEWIS, aged forty-nine years, wife of William W. Lewis, daughter of the late Dr. John W. Paine, of Lexington, and sister of William G. and Robert A. Paine, of this city."

Thursday, December 30, 2010

A Must-Read: Finding the Henry Brock family cemetery of Henrico County, Virginia

If you only read one post I write this year, let this be the one...it is going to be a good one if I do say so myself!

The other day I was out Christmas shopping when I passed by an old conquest of mine...the Henry Brock family cemetery. I like to say that I "found" it but I am sure it was never really lost. The information to find the cemetery was there all along, someone just had to take the time to piece it together. Let me give you some background on the Brock family.

Henry and Mary Ann Griffin Brock were my great-great-great-grandparents. Henry was born around 1791 and grew to be a prosperous farmer in western Henrico County, Virginia. His two-hundred acre farm was located on Old Coal Field Turnpike, later known as Broad Street Road. At the time Mr. Brock purchased his land, that portion of Henrico County was rich in coal - hence the road's name. There were several active mines in and around the area.

The Brock homestead was demolished at some point, perhaps at the time of the road's widening in the mid-1950s. Situated on present-day West Broad Street, I believe that the former Brock land is occupied by the current Virginia Home for Boys (8716 West Broad Street). From an aerial photograph, it appears the Boy's Home tract is the approximate size and shape of the Brock property. I believe that the old homestead was situated where the Home's main entrance sign exists today.

Now, I will admit that I have never sat down and fully traced the deeds from Henry's ownership of the land to the modern day. The main tract was divided multiple times and I am sure it passed through many hands. The fact if I was right or wrong about the homestead's exact location was not overly important in this case.

My main interest was to locate a family cemetery, noted on the following land plat. You can click on this scan to see a larger version but it is still hard to read. What you will see are two tracts of land, one large and one small. The smaller tract has a note that states something along the lines of "1/2 A. Res-erved for a grave yard." The area is boxed off as a perfect square, right along the property line. There is also a note that states something like "52 1/2 Acres of Woodland situated about 6 3/4 miles east of the Home Tract." Again, the exact acreage and mileage is hard to read but I know that there is a cemetery within say 10 miles of the home tract...to the east.

In this case, exact figures did not matter too much. I knew in my brain, roughly where the different Brock families lived over the generations. I knew that Mary Ann Griffin Brock's family owned land near the county courthouse. With that in mind, I started looking at a modern county map for features that matched the Brock plat. I knew that the southern boundary of the property adjoined "Old Coal field Turnpike, now Broad Street Road." Broad Street Road stretched from the city of Richmond, all the way through Henrico County and into Goochland. I am sure it goes further than that, but I digress. I needed to look to the north of Broad Street (they now drop the word Road from the end in Richmond and Henrico but still use it in Goochland).

The original plat was drawn in 1857 so I was sure a lot had changed. A few things I noticed about the plat, for one was its shape. It was narrow at the bottom and spread out toward the top. It was also pretty regular in shape, the sides did not vary much. I also saw that, to the west, was a road of sorts. The road was not drawn the entire way down so it may either have curved off or stopped. I also noticed the branch that flowed in the middle of the tract and forked off. When it comes to creek branches, they can be a little deceiving. What constituted a branch was subjective. It could have been a tiny ditch or a large stream. I think the key was that the body of water remained somewhat constant in shape and size and the water actually flowed, it did not tend to sit stagnant. With that in mind, I kept an eye out for creeks on my modern map but I did not fixate on their being a creek.

After following Broad Street from Richmond toward Goochland, something caught my eye. It was a tract of land, the scale seemed about right and the shape looked pretty close. I did not see any creeks, although they could be hidden in the tree line. There is a pond or lake near the tract so maybe the branch was diverted into a larger body at some point. There appear to be neighborhoods in the direction from which the branch was running so maybe they did away with the water when the houses were built? Take a look for yourself and see if you think the plat and this aerial view match up?

I went ahead and finished looking up Broad Street and never found anything else that seemed to fit. I thereafter zeroed in on this spot being the Brock home tract. It was definitely in the area I knew later generations of the Brock family lived, so I felt pretty good about it. With my newly discovered information, I went down to the Virginia Historical Society to check out their map collection.

The Virginia Historical Society has a great collection of Civil War-era maps from Virginia, known as the Gilmer Collection. I wrote an article about the GilmerCivil War Maps of Jeremy Francis Gilmer

The Gilmer maps show, in great detail, the outline of personal property boundaries and give the name of the various landowners. I obtained the map for Henrico County, Virginia. I cannot remember the exact date of creation but the map was probably drawn between 1861 and 1865. Luckily, I was able to locate "Mrs. Brock" on the map with R. Ford as her neighbor. The shape of the land was similar so I knew I was on the right track. In this drawing, there is a creek but it is shorter and does not fork off. Maybe the creek started drying up between 1857 and say 1865? Now, keep in mind that Gilmer's maps were not scientific. He did not survey the land necessarily so his maps are more artistic than scientific.

As a side note, Gilmer maps are protected property of the Virginia Historical Society. I am including this tiny portion of the map, so you can see Mrs. Brock's name and to let you get a general feel for how the maps look. The Historical Society sells posters of the maps at a reasonable price. If you are interested in the history of a specific Virginia county, you should seriously think about ordering a Gilmer map if it is available. You can check out their website here: Virginia Historical Society Gilmer Maps

With the Gilmer map, we can see more roads and even a set of railroad tracks. However, if you notice, the railroad tracks are actually just a spur that goes to the Springfield Coal Pits. Perhaps that set of tracks was allowed to decay once the coal pits closed up?

So, once again, there was nothing to say the Brock home place was located where the Boy's Home current sits. However, looking at the overall modern map, I knew I was in approximately the right area on the modern version. Remember, I was looking for the cemetery, not the home tract so precision was not required at this point. I only needed a rough starting point.

Once I decided on an approximate location for the Brock home place, I took a stickpin and placed it where the house would possibly have stood. I took a piece of string, and using the scale of the map, cut a piece that was approximately ten miles long. I tied a pencil to the string and drew a twenty mile circle (ten on each side) that featured the "Brock farm" at the center. I then cut the circle out and folded it in half, bring east and west together. I opened the circle and cut it down the fold, leaving me with the eastern half of the circle. My cemetery should be somewhere in that half.

What happened next was almost comical now that I look back on it but I had no idea how this would unfold at the time...

I was at the archives one day, talking to one of my buddies who works there. I mentioned that I was looking for a family cemetery in Henrico County. He told me that a woman, representing perhaps the Henrico County Historical Society, was compiling a book of all the county cemeteries. It has been awhile since this happened, so my memory is a little fuzzy. I think I gave him my name and number to pass along to the woman when she came to the archives. A little time passed and, if I remember correctly, she called me. We spoke on the phone for just a few minutes and she asked what family was I looking for. The second I said Brock, she said there was a Henry Brock cemetery near the county courthouse...and my jaw dropped!

She told me that the cemetery was noted on the official tax map for Henrico County as the "Henry Brock Family Cemetery." It was located in an apartment complex but she was never able to find it for herself. She also told me of another cemetery in the complex but that one had been found. Here is a photo of that cemetery and its one stone.

Getting back to my story... After thanking the woman, I got off the phone and went straight to the apartment complex. I walked all over the place and could not find anything. There is a hospital next door so I went over there, asking if anyone knew of a cemetery in the area. I was told that a cemetery was in the hospital parking lot, in a bricked section, but I knew that was probably not what I was looking for. Later I found more on that cemetery but that is another story, for another time.

I left that day, dejected because I could not find anything. I did not give up hope though. It was a day during the week and I cannot remember why I was not at work! Anyway, I went to the court house and asked for the personal property tax division. When I got there, I explained that I was looking for a family cemetery and was told that it was on the tax map. The woman was very helpful and, in the matter of a few minutes, she was able to produce a map that showed the "Henry Brock Family Cemetery" boxed off. It was in the apartment complex but it was split into two pieces...that seemed strange to me. No matter, I was thrilled with the find because now I had a treasure map with an "X" on it.

I do not exactly remember how this part happened, but I am glad that it did. Maybe I asked her who owned the property but either way she looked it up in the computer. It turns out that no one owned the land, that it was just tax-free land with no contact person. I asked if she could put my name on it and, within a few seconds, I was listed as the contact person for the tract. No paperwork, nothing. I guess only a relative would be looking for a 150 year old cemetery with no owner on file!

I left the courthouse with all kinds of excitement. I went back across the street, map in hand. Surely I would find it now! But no luck! All I found was the building on the map and a playground. I sat there and studied the map for awhile and started to realize that something was not right. Now remember, I do not know what happened to the land after the 1857 deed, but it looked to me as if that building was built in the middle of the cemetery. The 1857 tract does not show two graveyards, it shows one half-acre graveyard. I still, to this day, do not know the answer but it seems to me that building was put up on the Henry Brock family cemetery. One day I am going to research it and find out for sure.

Anyway, I wanted to find out if the apartment complex people knew anything about the cemetery so I went to the office. The lady there was not helpful, defensive even. She refused to talk to me and said I had to talk to the property manager, who was not there. Again, I do not remember all of the story, but I do not remember the manager ever calling me back. I finally wrote them a letter and faxed it. I did not say anything mean or accusatory. I wanted to make them aware that my family cemetery was basically in their playground. I also wanted to know what was there when the apartments were built and if any tombstones or graves were moved. I never received any response.

Time went by and I stopped by the site a few times. One day I was walking around and I bent over to pick up some trash. For whatever reason, something caught my eye. I passed this thing at least ten times and never noticed. Maybe I was too worked up on my other trips but there, in plain view, was a tombstone. It is just a rock but it is definitely marking some one's grave. After all of that time, I finally found the Brock cemetery! I had no idea who it belonged to or how many people were buried there but I found it!

Years went by and, without asking, the apartment complex moved the playground. I guess they realized that the land was not theirs so they moved their stuff off of it. It worked out for the kids who live there because they got a nicer play area in another part of the complex. I still want to ask about the building...who knows, maybe I will prove they do not own the land that it is built on. That could open up a can of worms at this point so I have pretty much let it be. I would like to maybe fence the cemetery one day but that takes money. It would probably also invite vandalism whereas the cemetery now sits in peace.

So, after all of this writing, what is the lesson to be learned here? This one is simple...never assume that something is lost. The Henry Brock cemetery was on the county's main map. I assumed that it was lost to time and that I had to rescue it in some way. If I checked with the county first, I would not have needed Gilmer maps, pieces of string and stick pins. It was hiding in plain sight, I was just to blind to look for it. Even when I "found" the cemetery, I did not see it. It took probably five trips before I actually noticed the tombstone! Overall, it was a very humbling experience.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Get To Know The Rich History Of Henrico County Virginia

Among the oldest political designations in the country, Henrico County, Virginia was the site of the second settlement in the colony and today occupies about one-third of the greater Richmond metropolitan area.

Captain Christopher Newport led the first group of English explorers into the area and claimed the land north of Jamestown in the spring of 1607. Four years later Sir Thomas Dale left Jamestown and settled Henricus, or the City of Henrico, as the second settlement established by the New World colonists.

In 1612 the economy was established when John Rolfe introduced a new strain of tobacco. Two years later Rolfe married Pocahontas, the daughter of Powhatan, and that was enough to establish a temporary peace agreement with the Native Americans in the area. The couple is believed to have lived at Varina Farms plantation, which was the original county seat and remained so until 1752 when the City of Richmond was given that designation.

In 1619, the City of Henrico was included as one of seven settlements established and those in charge saw fit to set aside 10,000 acres as the site for the first English university in America. Later that year the seven plantations sent a contingent to Jamestown to attend the General Assembly. This is the first example of representative legislature being exercised in any British colony.

Henrico became one of eight original counties established in Virginia in 1634. It was named for Henry, Prince of Wales, the eldest son of James I, the King of England at the time.

It was Henrico planter Nathaniel Bacon, Jr. Who led one of the first revolts against the crown in 1676. The movement known as Bacon's Rebellion would serve notice that Virginians were not going to sit back and put up with anything they viewed to be unfair policies set forth by any governing body.

The economy of the county throughout the early years of the 19th century depended on milling, farming and coal mining. At that time, slaves were relied upon as the primary labor source. What is thought to be the most elaborate slave uprising ever conceived was organized in Henrico County by a slave named Gabriel. When several slaves spilled the beans, Gabriels Rebellion was effectively shut down.

Henrico County is the site of seven major Civil War battles during the Peninsula Campaign in 1862. The Overland Campaign took place in 1864 and the fighting that took place during the Siege of Petersburg eventually led to the fall of Richmond. General J. E. B. Stuart was mortally wounded there in May 1864 during the Battle of Yellow Tavern.

Many reconstruction efforts in Virginia were centered around education and central to the efforts was Virginia Randolph, who was born five years after the Civil War ended as the daughter of a slaves. Known largely for her help in the advancement of vocational education, she founded the Virginia Randolph Training School in 1915.

Home to nearly 300,000 people today, the country embraces its rich heritage and through various preservation efforts, several county sites are recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Drowned in James River, John W. Clarke of Williamsburg & Richmond, c. 1840-1893

John's middle name may have been Westley or William. He went to school as a child, learning to read and write. His parent apparently divorced when he was young and John lived with his father and stepmother after that time.

In April of 1861, John enlisted as a private in Capt. Jno. A. Henley's Co. C., 32nd Regiment Virginia Infantry, better known as the "Williamsburg Junior Guards." John served the Confederate army off and on until May of 1864 when listed in Richmond, Virginia's Chimborazo Hospital because of a gunshot wound to the flesh of his hip and thigh. He stayed in the hospital for about six months and returned to duty. John missed a few scattered months due to illness and went AWOL twice, once in February of 1862, the other at Christmas in 1864. Despite his absences, John served for the whole of the Civil War.

After the war, John returned to Williamsburg, Virginia where he owned $500 worth of real estate. However, his wife died and he left for Richmond in the early 1870s. John settled in the Tuckahoe district of Henrico County but ultimately made his home at 1505 W. Beverly Street in Richmond, now Idlewood Avenue near downtown.

Richmond Times, October 17, 1893:
"MR. JOHN W. CLARKE DROWNED. - HE AND HIS BOAT SWEPT OVER THE FALLS BY A STRONG CURRENT. - A very sad accident occurred Sunday morning between 11 and 12 o'clock, when Mr. John W. Clarke, of No. 1505 Beverly street, was drowned in James river. Last Thursday morning Mr. Clarke went up the river on a fishing trip near Williams' Island, about five miles above the city, and left his boat. Early Sunday morning he returned, accompanied by his son Thomas and Mr. Frank Wasmer, to remove the boat (which was in danger of being carried down the stream by the high water) into the canal. He did not have any oars, but getting into the boat, attempted to pull it around into the canal by catching hold of the branches of the bushes along the river bank. His companions offered their assistance, but Mr. Clarke said he thought he could manage the boat alone. He had not gone far, however, when the willow branch he had hold of broke, and the boat drifted out into the current, which is especially swift at that place. He was unable to control the boat without oars, and the craft rapidly went down the stream, and dashed with its occupant over the falls. The unfortunate man was seen standing in the boat some distance below the falls, the boat being nearly full of water. He sunk, and the boat floated ashore near the old pump-house. Searching parties dragged the river, and made ever effort to recover the body, but up to a late hour yesterday afternoon failed, as the water in the river was quite high. Mr. Clarke was about fifty-three years of age, and was a carpenter. He was a son-in-law of Deputy Collector of Customs Robert B. Pettis, and was twice married. He leaves a widow and nine children, five sons and four daughters. Mr. P. L. Clarke [sic.], a son of the deceased, who resided in Charleston, S. C., has been telegraphed for, and was expected to reach the city yesterday evening. The bereaved family have the sympathy of a wide circle of acquaintances and friends."

Richmond Dispatch, October 17, 1893:
"MR. CLARKE DROWNED ON SUNDAY - HIS BOAT DRIFTED OUT INTO THE CURRENT AND HE WAS LOST - Mr. John W. Clarke, of this city, was drowned in James river just below Williams's Island Sunday morning about 8 o'clock. Williams's Island is some five miles above Richmond, and near that place Mr. Clarke had a boat tied up to the river bank. Sunday morning early, in company with his son Thomas and Mr. Frank Wassmer, a neighbor, he left his home, No. 1501 Beverley street, for the purpose of transferring the boat form the river to the canal, as he feared that the high water would carry it away. Mr. Clarke, it seems, got into the boat alone and was pulling it by catching hold of the branches of the bushes along the bank to a place where it could be carried over to the canal without making it necessary to climb a steep hill. Suddenly, however, a branch that he was using in the maneuver described snapped, and the boat becoming unmanageable drifted out into the current and over a natural dam. The son and Mr. Wassmer ran down the canal bank for a considerable distance, and some five hundred yards below where the boat got adrift saw Mr. Clarke standing up in it. A cluster of trees then sent him out from their sight, and when they next caught a view of him he was in the water with his hands to his head and was sinking. Mr. Clarke was an excellent swimmer, but had on very thick clothing and a very heavy pair of boots. The deceased was a coach painter by trade; was 53 years old, and had been twice married. He leaves a wife and nine children. His son, O. L. Clarke, who resides in Charleston, S. C., has been telegraphed for. The news of the accident spread very rapidly in the section of the city in which Mr. Clarke resided, and a large number of persons went to the scene Sunday and remained there until nightfall, hoping the body would be washed up. At a late hour last night it had not been recovered."

Richmond Times, October 18, 1893:
"HIS BODY NOT RECOVERED. - All efforts to recover the body of Mr. John W. Clarke, an account of whose death by drowning was published in yesterday's Times, have proved futile. Up to a late hour yesterday the body had not been located."

Richmond Times, October 19, 1893:
"TWO MEN DROWNED. - ONE OF THEM WAS CAPT. PETE VAN HAME, AN OYSTER PLANTER. - WILLIAMSBURG, VA., - Oct. 18. - Special - During the great storm of Friday last, Captain Pete Van Hame, and a man by the name of Purcell, who were trying to secure a boat anchored out in the river, were capsized and both drowned. Captain Pete was an old oyster planter on York river, and was favorably known to a large number of people. Mr. John W. Clarke, notice of whose drowning appeared to-day in the Times, was a native of this place. He left here some where in the seventies to make Richmond his home. The new reservoir at the asylum has just been has just been completed and is now being filled with water, forced into it from the lower pump house. When filled the asylum will be in a better condition to extinguish fire than ever before. Mr. George Dabney Wootten, who died here recently, was buried yesterday in the cemetery of the asylum. Up to a few weeks ago the deceased was a familiar figure on our streets and will be much missed."

Richmond Times, October 20, 1893:
"WAS THIS MAN DROWNED? - THE BODY OF AN UNKNOWN MAN FOUND ON EPPES' ISLAND. - The remains of a white man, five feet ten inches in height, were found on Eppes' Island, on James river, opposite City Point. The body is supposed to have been washed ashore in Friday's storm. The man wore a pair of lace shoes, nearly new, brown socks, jeans drawers, blue striped cotton pants, blue checked shirt, short black coat. There was a silver dollar in the pants pocket. The right shoe was laced with a cotton string. The body was mutilated almost beyond recognition."

Richmond Times, October 21, 1893:
"THE BODY FOUND. - The body of John W. Clarke, who was drowned on Sunday last, was found yesterday at 2 o'clock by John Johnson opposite Six Gates, near Richmond. The body had drifted owing to the high water a distance of nearly four miles, and when found was in a very bruised condition. It was taken to Laube's, corner of First and Broad, to be properly prepared for burial. The funeral services will be held at 11 o'clock to-morrow at Lakeview [sic.] cemetery."

Richmond Dispatch, October 21, 1893:
"MR. CLARKE'S BODY FOUND - The body of Mr. John W. Clarke, who was drowned in the river just below Williams's Island last Sunday, was found yesterday afternoon wedged between two rocks in front of River View. Mr. Frank Wassmer, who went with Mr. Clarke up the river on the morning of the accident for the purpose of helping him remove his boat to the canal, discovered the body. The burial will be in River-View cemetery at 11 o'clock this morning."

Richmond Times, October 22, 1893:
"OBITUARY - JOHN CLARKE. - The funeral services of the late John Clarke were held at River View yesterday morning at 11 o'clock. The following gentleman acted as pall-bearers: C. A. Little, J. K. Groner, C. Grant, Mike Wosser, John Kemp and C. Heimline."

John is buried in plat F, half section 10, division 5, grave 1 of Riverview Cemetery.

Sunday, February 01, 2009

Obituary for Donald Ray Adkins, II of Mechanicsville

Donald was married to my cousin, Linda... Richmond Times-Dispatch, 2/1/09:
ADKINS, Donald Ray II, 42, of Mechanicsville, Va., left this world to be with our Father on Friday, January 30, 2009, after fighting a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Ray Adkins. He is survived by his wife, Linda L. Adkins; four daughters, Tara Herren, Alyssa Adkins, Somer Adkins and Sadie Adkins; his mother, Charlotte Adkins; grandmother, Nanny Ruth Odle; brother, Doug Adkins and wife, Cindy; sister, Revina Payette; brother-in-law, Walter Payette; father-in-law, Ray Lett; mother-in-law, Linda Estis and husband, Wayne Estis; sisters-in-law, Cindy Farrar and husband, Frankie, Connie DeVed and husband, Dean, Jill Dunn and husband, Christopher, and Kim Talley and husband, Barry; dear friends, Mary Ellen Davis and Scottie Dowell; eight nieces, Randi, Delani, Dawn, Chloe, Sarah, Whitney, Melody, and Maurissa; seven nephews, Brandon, Mitchell, Will, Nathan, Baby Dean, Austin and Noah; also many other family and friends. Donald was a loving husband, father, and son, and a dedicated employee of Coca-Cola. His love was all the women in his life. He will be greatly missed by all of those who knew and loved him. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, February 2, at the Mechanicsville Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Rd. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday at Atlee Community Church, 7171 Verdi Lane, Mechanicsville. Interment will follow at Washington Memorial Park, Sandston, Va. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donald's memory to Duke University Brain Tumor Center, Trent Drive, Durham, N.C. 27710.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Some burials of Bethlem Baptist Church, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia

I transcribed these many years ago and had them in my notes. This is a very incomplete list but I thought I would throw them out there...

Joseph GONCZI, 10/30/1914 - 1/12/1986
Elizabeth GONCZI, 3/8/1914 - 4/20/1993

Calvin Russell GORDON, 12/17/1939 - 10/23/1984
Ann S. GORDON, no dates, m. 2/24/1962

Charles Edward DAVIS, 8/19/1919 -
Rebecca Lloyd DAVIS, 10/26/1924 -

Larry HOWELL, no dates
Elsie HOWELL, 1935 - 1985

D. S. “Johnny” WRIGHT, no dates
Lora Mae WRIGHT, 1915 -

William A. JEFFERSON, 6/20/1897 - 11/18/1987
Nellie D. JEFFERSON, 8/25/1913 - 5/15/1998

George W. HATCHER, 11/3/1892 - 5/10/1980
Cora E. HATCHER, 3/6/1891 - 9/3/1958

Harold Leon BURRUSS, 5/9/1943 - 10/12/1982

Clyde Hunter EDMONDS, 9/20/1913 - 8/27/1995
Marguerite W. EDMONDS, 8/15/1916 - 6/5/1993

Owen O. STARNES, 9/22/1950 - 7/28/1995, L. Cpl. US Marines Corps, Vietnam

Amanda J. HATCHER, 1854 - 1931

Minnie H. POWERS, 1894 - 1974

Robert E. ISBELL, 10/28/1904 - 11/20/1983
Maude L. ISBELL, 1/17/1907 - 7/9/1980

Willie T. HALL, 7/4/1905 - 7/26/1982
Lorendy K. HALL, 2/15/1910 - 1/19/1996

William Raymond KESSLER, 8/7/1915 - 7/17/1988
Alma Clark KESSLER, 11/4/1912 - 10/8/1982

Thomas Raymond JOHNSTON, 8/4/1911 - 7/21/1994
Stella McNamee JOHNSTON, 5/3/1917 - 1/16/1988

John Fleming ROBINSON, 12/14/1913 - 6/10/1991
Lorene Carter ROBINSON, 8/1/1913 -
Barbara Gale ROBINSON, 8/20/1940 -

Amanda Lynn COURTNEY, 9/13/1991, stillborn
Sarah Paige COURTNEY, 9/30/1991 - 10/13/1991, “Courtney Twins”

O. Linwood MARTIN, 2/22/1918 - 12/19/1995
Alice P. MARTIN, 6/11/1924 - 2/24/1979

Raymond E. KEEN, 8/13/1914 - 6/12/1978, masonic
Margaret H. KEEN, 11/30/1919 -

Carson T. DAVIS, 9/9/1927 - 6/23/1992
Gloria F. DAVIS, 10/2/1931 - 4/3/1987
Deborah D. DAVIS, no dates

Basil M. LUKHARD, 11/25/1909 - 4/17/1977
Edith J. LUKHARD, 2/25/1913 - 8/14/1992

Wayne Lynn HOLMES, 12/26/1948 - 11/5/1950

Gilbert W. HOLMES, 6/14/1912 -
Leonora P. HOLMES, 10/1/1914 - 12/10/1984, m. 4/3/1934

Harvey A. VENNING, 9/18/1920 - 2/15/1995, Cpl. US Army WWII, two stones
Esther B. VENNING, 11/3/1911 - 12/1/1998

Vernelle H. WEAVER, 10/24/1922 - 1/1/1988

John Oliver WEAVER, Sr., 12/12/1921 - 9/29/1979

William DENT, 1/1/1924 - 5/20/1996, US Army WWII

George Walter WEAVER, 9/3/1891 - 10/2/1967

John Travis WEAVER, Jr., 10/15/1865 - 12/15/1920

Josephine WEAVER, 2/19/1896 - 5/18/1918

Gilbert L. WEAVER, 4/22/1920 - 11/25/1944, VA PFC Co. G 158 Inf WWII BSM

Adeline Rachel WEAVER, 2/4/1898 - 6/10/1940

Monday, November 24, 2008

Obituary for Alice Shell Jarvis Burnett of Richmond/Henrico

Richmond Times-Dispatch, November 17, 1937:
"MRS. ALICE J. BURNETT - Funeral services for Mrs. Alice J. Burnett, 85, who died Monday at the home of her son, H. L. Jarvis of 2925 Ellwood Avenue, will be held at 2 P. M. today at the residence. Burial will be held in the Ridge Church Cemetery, Henrico County. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Eda E. Ambold and Mrs. A. L. Vass; a son, H. L. Jarvis; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren."

Alice is buried in an unmarked grave at Ridge Baptist Church. I walked the entire cemetery and did not find any stone for her. There were some partially buried markers that I did not dig up, one of which could have been hers. I called the church but they do not have records indicating the location of Alice's burial.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

A Bunch of Brock Obituaries, Part III

A Bunch of Brock Obituaries, Part II

These are a bunch of obituaries for the Brock family, mostly of central Virginia, namely Hanover, Henrico and the city of Richmond. They were part of a research project I did several years ago so I might as well post them here. They are in no particular order. There may also be some associated notes for different people. If you are interested in anyone here, let me know as I probably have a lot on them.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, November 22, 1964:
"MRS. JOE TRAINA - Mrs Lillie M. Traina, 74, of 3113 West Marshall st., wife of Joe Traina, died Saturday. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. Other survivors include three daughters, Mrs. H. D. Taylor, Mrs. R. K. Lacy and Mrs. J. G. Harris, all of Richmond; four sons, James J., Joseph H. and John W. Traina, all of Richmond, and Wilson C. Traina of Philadelphia; three sisters, Mrs. Frank Zelenka of Philadelphia, Mrs. W. D. Leath of Arlington and Mrs. W. H. Parker of Richmond, and two brothers, Morgan Brock of Richmond and Wilbur Brock of Philadelphia. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday at Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home, with burial in Riverview Cemetery."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, November 22, 1964:
"TRAINA - Died Saturday, November 21, 1964, at a local hospital, Mrs. Lillie M. Traina, of 3113 W. Marshall St. She is survived by her husband, Joe Traina; three daughters, Mrs. H. D. Taylor, Mrs. R. K. Lacy and Mrs. J. G. Harris; four sons, James J., John W., Wilson C. and Joseph H. Traina; three sisters, Mrs. Frank Zelenka, Mrs. W. D. Leath and Mrs. W. H. Parker; two brothers, Morgan and Wilbur Brock; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Remains rest at the Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home, Third and Marshall, where services will be held Monday at 3 P. M. Interment in Riverview."

Lillie is buried in plat G, section 173, division 4 of Riverview Cemetery.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, February 5, 1969:
"TRAINA - Died at his residence Monday, Feb. 3, 1969, Joseph Traina of 2128 Nelson St. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Rosa Traina; four sons, James J., Wilson C., John W. and Joseph H. Traina; three daughters, Mrs. Mary T. Taylor, Mrs. Thelma T. Lacy, Mrs. Louise T. Harris; one sister, Mrs. Antona T. Rizzico; 10 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, three step-grandchildren. Remains rest at the Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home, Third and Marshall Sts., where services will be conducted Wednesday at 3 P. M., with interment in Riverview Cemetery."

Joseph is buried in plat G, section 173, division 4 of Riverview Cemetery.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, June 9, 1952:
"MARCELLUS JACK BROCK - Marcellus Jack Brock, 90, of RFD 2, a retired carpenter, died Sunday at a Richmond hospital. A funeral service will be held at 11 A. M. Tuesday at Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery. Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Lillie Traina and Mrs. Evelyn Parker, of Richmond; Mrs. Ella Zelenka, of Philadelphia, and Mrs. Elizabeth Leath, of Falls Church; four sons, Morgan J. and Jerry F. Brock, of Richmond; Walter H. Brock, of Cincinnati, and Wilbur J. Brock, of Philadelphia; a sister, Mrs. Emma Blackburg [sic.], of Hyattsville, Md.; 26 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, June 9, 1952:
"BROCK - Died at a local nursing home Sunday, June 8, 1952, Marcellus Jack Brock, aged 90 years. He is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Lillie Traina and Mrs. Evelyn Parker, of Richmond; Mrs. Ella Zelenka, of Philadelphia; Mrs. Elizabeth Leath, of Falls Church, Va.; four sons, Morgan J. and Jerry F. Brock, of Richmond; Walter H., of Cincinnati, and William [sic.] J. Brock, of Philadelphia; one sister, Mrs. Emma Blackburn, of Hyattsville, Md.; 26 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. The remains rest at the Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home, Third and Marshall, where services will be held Tuesday at 11 A. M. Interment in Riverview."

Marcellus is buried in plat G, section 173, division 4, grave 3 of Riverview Cemetery.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, June 9, 1952:
"Marcellus Jack Brock, 90, of RFD 2, a retired carpenter, died Sunday at a Richmond hospital. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM Tuesday at Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery. Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Lillie Traina and Mrs. Evelyn Parker, of Richmond; Mrs. Ella Zelenka, of Philadelphia and Mrs. Elizabeth Leath, of Falls Church; four sons, Morgan J. and Jerry F. Brock, of Richmond; Walter H. Brock, of Cincinnati and Wilbur J. Brock, of Philadelphia; a sister, Mrs. Emma Blackburg, of Hyattsville, Maryland; 26 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, June 4, 1943:
"MRS. MARY E. THOMAS - Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Thomas, 79, who died Wednesday night at a hospital here, will be held at 11 A. M. Saturday at the Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home. Interment will be in Riverview Cemetery. She is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Lillie M. Traina, Mrs. Ella V. Zelanke, Mrs. Elizabeth M. Leath and Mrs. Evelyn M. Parker; four sons, Jerry F. Brock, Walter H. Brock, Morgan J. Brock and Wilbur J. Brock, one brother, Jenkins Jones; one sister, Mrs. Ella Whitlock; also by 24 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, June 4, 1943:
"THOMAS - Died, at a local hospital, Wednesday, June 2, 1943, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Thomas, aged 79 years. She is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Lillie M. Traina, Mrs. Ella V. Zelanka, Mrs. Elizabeth E. Leath, and Mrs. Evelyn M. Parker; four sons, Jerry F., Walter H., Morgan J. and Wilbur J. Brock; one brother and one sister; twenty-four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Remains rest at the Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home, Third and Marshall, where services will be held Saturday, at 11 A. M. Interment in Riverview."

Mary is buried in plat G, section 173, division 4, grave 1 of Riverview Cemetery. Her tombstone is broken in half.Mary may have married a Thomas.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, January 8, 1916:
"WALDROP - Died, at her home, North Run, Henrico County, at 1 A. M. Friday, January 7, 1916, MRS. MARTHA A. WALDROP, in her eighty-ninth year. Funeral from North Run Church THIS SATURDAY AFTERNOON at 3 o'clock. Washington, D. C., Tennessee and Kentucky papers please copy."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, March 20, 1943:
"MRS. MARY BLACKBURN - Mrs. Mary Brock Blackburn, 91, died Friday at her home, 12 South Auburn St. Funeral plans are incomplete. Mrs. Blackburn is survived by two daughters, Mrs. E. J. Stumpf and Mrs. Mary E. Combs; four sons, Willie and Eddie Alley, and John and Rufus Blackburn; one sister, Mrs. Emma Blackburn, of Hyattsville, Mr. [sic.], and a brother, Jack Brock."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, March 21, 1943:
"MRS. MARY BLACKBURN - Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Brock Blackburn, 91, who died Friday at her home, 12 South Auburn St., will be held at 3 P. M. Sunday at the Park View Baptist Church, with burial in Riverview Cemetery. Mrs. Blackburn is survived by two daughters, Mrs. E. J. Stumpf and Mrs. Mary E. Combs; four sons, Willie and Eddie Alley, and John and Rufus Blackburn; a sister, Mrs. Emma Blackburn, Hyattsville, Md., and a brother, Jack Blackburn [sic.]."

Mary is buried in plat G, section 179, division 4, grave 1 of Riverview Cemetery.

Daily Dispatch, August 28, 1877:
"Died, at his residence, in Henrico county, August 19, 1877, at 2 1/2 P. M., J. F. ALLEY, of cholera-morbus."

Richmond Dispatch, May 15, 1899:
"PATMON - Died, May 15, 1899, at the residence of his son-in-law, James A. Lawrence, No. 1514 west Broad street, WILLIAM R. PATMON. Funeral from Pine-Street Baptist church THIS AFTERNOON at 3 o'clock. Friends and acquaintances invited to attend. Interment in Riverview."

William is buried in plat B, section 1/4 6, division 1, grave 1 of Riverview Cemetery.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, April 23, 1994:
"OLIVER - Mattie B. Oliver of Richmond, died Wednesday, April 20, 1994: She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Phillip and Elizabeth Gardner; her daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Ganis Heisler; one sister and brother-in-law, Elna and Earl Ford; one sister-in-law, Hazel Hargrove; eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held 4:00 p.m. on Saturday (today) at the Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home's, Chippenham Chapel, 6900 Hull Street Rd."

Mattie's body was cremated and I believe spread over the grave of her deceased son.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, September 1, 1933:
"ROBERT J. BROCK - Robert J. Brock died yesterday at the age of 78, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C. H. Carter, 2414 Grove Avenue. Besides Mrs. Carter, he is survived by another daughter, Mrs. B. H. Kelly; two sons, Lloyd and Robert Brock, all of Richmond. Funeral services will be held from Bennett's funeral parlor, tomorrow at 3 P. M. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery."

Robert is buried in plat M, section 10, division 3, grave 2 of Riverview Cemetery.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, April 29, 1919:
"BROCK - Died, at her residence 2210 Beverly Street, Laura S. Brock, in her sixtieth year of her age. She is survived by her husband, Robert J. Brock; two sons, L. B. and R. M. Brock; two daughters, Mrs. B. H. Kelly and Mrs. C. H. Carter; one sister, Mrs. R. H. Carter, and five brothers - W. H., C. E., J. A., H. W. and C. L. Lawrence. Funeral service Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock from Tabernacle Baptist Church. Interment in River View. Friends and acquaintances invited."Laura died at 2210 Beverly Street.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, September 10, 1982:
"TUCKER - Mrs. Ruth A. Tucker, of Richmond, died September 8, 1982. She is survived by one daughter, Betty L. Hardaway; three grandchildren, Diane Bunce Childress, Bernard Bunce and Tammy Hardaway; one great-grandchild, Joey Childress. Her remains rest at the Joseph E. Bliley Funeral Home, Third and Marshall Sts. where services will be held Saturday at 1 P.M. Interment family cemetery, Crewe, Va."

A Bunch of Brock Obituaries, Part I

These are a bunch of obituaries for the Brock family, mostly of central Virginia, namely Hanover, Henrico and the city of Richmond. They were part of a research project I did several years ago so I might as well post them here. They are in no particular order. There may also be some associated notes for different people. If you are interested in anyone here, let me know as I probably have a lot on them.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, August 11, 1918:
"The funeral services of the late Mrs. P. F. Lawrence will take place from the residence, Broad Street Road, Sunday at 4 PM. Burial in the family burying ground."

Beulah was buried on the Old Brock homestead on Broad Street Road in Henrico County. In the early 1980's, all of the graves from that site were moved to Westhampton Memorial Park on Patterson Avenue because of the expanding road.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, December 31, 1970:
"BASS - Died Tuesday, Dec. 29, 1970, Mrs. Dorothy Allen Bass, 315 S. Cherry St. She is survived by her husband, Lawrence Lee Bass; two sons, Melvin A. and Kenneth E. Glenn; two daughters, Mrs. Linda Brennen, Mrs. Birchie Church; three sisters, Mrs. Mattie Oliver, Mrs. Ruth Alise Tucker and Mrs. Elna Ford; one half brother, George W. Brock; 14 grandchildren. Remains rest at the Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home, Third and Marshall Sts., where services will be held Saturday 1 P.M. with interment in Riverview."

Doris is buried in plat B-B, division 25, row 12, single grave 27 in Riverview Cemetery.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, October 16, 1956:
"BROCK - Died at a local hospital, Saturday, Oct. 13, 1956, Miss Florence Brock, of 1108 North 36th St. She is survived by two nieces, Mrs. W. L. Butler and Mrs. W. B. Drudge. Remains rest at the Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home, Third and Marshall, where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 4 P. M. Interment in Riverview."

Florence is buried in plat E, section 45, grave 7 of Riverview Cemetery. She does not have a tombstone.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, August 17, 1937:
"GEORGE W. BROCK - George W. Brock of 115 South Belvidore [sic.] Street died at a local hospital yesterday. Funeral services will be held at 2 P. M. tomorrow at the Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home; Third and Marshall Streets, with burial on the old Brock homestead, Henrico County. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mammie Clarke Brock; two sons, four daughters, one brother and two sisters."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, August 17, 1937:
"BROCK - Died at a local hospital, August 16, 1937, George W. Brock, of 115 South Belvidere Street. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mammie Clarke Brock; two sons, four daughters, one brother and two sisters. The remains rest at the Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home, Third and Marshall Streets, where services will be held Wednesday at 2 P. M. Interment on the old Brock Homestead, Henrico County, Va."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, June 30, 1945:
"Mrs. Mamie Alease Clarke Brock, 228 1/2 South Laurel Street, died Thursday at a Richmond hospital. Final rites will be held at 2 PM Saturday at Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home, with burial in Riverview Cemetery. She is survived by a son, Carlton Edward Brock, four daughters, Mrs. Raymond Gardner, Mrs. B. A. Tucker, Mrs. Grayson Glenn and Mrs. Earl Ford, two sisters, Mrs. S. H. Wilburn and Mrs. R. E. Murray; three brothers, J. P., W. W., and George E. Clarke, and 13 grandchildren."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, June 29, 1945:
"MRS. MAMIE C. BROCK - Mrs. Mamie Alease Clarke Brock, 228 1/2 South Laurel St., died Thursday at a Richmond hospital. Final rites will be held at 2 P. M. Saturday at Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home, with burial in Riverview Cemetery. She is survived by a son, Carlton Edward Brock; four daughters, Mrs. Raymond Gardner, Mrs. B. A. Tucker, Mrs. Grayson Glenn and Mrs. Earl Ford; two sisters, Mrs. S. H. Wilburn and Mrs. R. E. Murray; three brothers, J. P., W. W. and George E. Clarke, and 13 grandchildren."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, May 1, 1949:
"HARVEY L. BROCK - A funeral service for Harvey L. Brock, 79, of 1219 North Twenty-second St., who died Friday at a local hospital, will be held at 3 P. M. Monday at the Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, May 1, 1949:
"BROCK - Died, at a local hospital, Friday, April 29, 1949, at 8 P. M., Harvey L. Brock, age 79 years. He is survived by his wife, Anna Farmer Brock, and one sister, Miss Florence Brock. The remains rest at the Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home, Third and Marshall Streets, where the funeral will be held Monday, at 3 P. M. Interment in Riverview.

Harvey is buried in plat E, section 45, grave 4 of Riverview Cemetery. He does not have a tombstone.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, January 2, 1954:
"MRS. ANNA F. BROCK - Mrs. Anna Farmer Brock, of 1219 North Twenty-second St., died Friday at her home. She is survived by two nieces. A funeral service will be held at 3 P. M. Sunday at Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home, with burial in Riverview Cemetery."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, January 2, 1954:
"BROCK - Died at her residence Friday, Jan. 1, 1953 [sic.], Mrs. Anna Farmer Brock, of 1219 N. Twenty-second St. She is survived by two nieces, Mrs. W. B. Drudge and Mrs. W. L. Butler. The remains rest at the Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home, Third and Marshall, where services will be held Sunday at 3 P. M. Interment in Riverview."

Anna is buried in plat E, section 45, grave 6 of Riverview Cemetery. She does not have a tombstone.

Religious Herald, July 6, 1843:
"DIED, on the 24th instant, at his late residence, 'Aspin Grove,' Henrico county, HENRY BROCK, in the 52d year of his age, after an illness of twelve weeks of liver affection. The deceased was for many years a deacon of the Baptist Church at Deep Run; and it may be truly said he was a man of sound and unshaken faith, and of most stern and unwavering integrity, rendering him thereby uniform in his course of life. He was a kind and affectionate husband, a devoted father, a good neighbor, and most humane master, all of which characteristics, when combined in any human being, make a good citizen. But, he had more - he, it may be truly said, was a Christian, a lover of Jesus Christ, and had an unwavering confidence in God, of which, in his walk and conduct through life, he gave testimony; and in his attachment to his Saviour, who is a safe retreat to all prepared spirits. He has left a wife and seven children, and numerous relations and friends to mourn his loss - but not as those without hope, for their loss is his inestimable gain. 'Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, for they shall have a right to the Tree of Life, and shall enter through the gate into the city.'"

Richmond Times-Dispatch, August 2, 1969:
"BROCK - Leslie J. Brock, of 9401 W. Broad St., died Thursday, July 31, 1969. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Evelyn F. Brock; five daughters, Mrs. L. R. Thurston, Mrs. H. L. Proffitt, Mrs. Viola Ranes, Mrs. R. A. Mills, Mrs. J. F. Cook; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren. The remains rest at the Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home, 3rd and Marshall, where the funeral will be held Saturday at 1 P. M. Interment in Westhampton Memorial Park."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, July 7, 1942:
"COTTRELL - Died at her residence, 2016 Venable Street, Tuesday, July 6, 1942, at 8 P. M., Mrs. Julia B. Cottrell, aged 73 years. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, one brother, one sister and one grandson. Funeral notice later."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, July 7, 1942:
"MRS. JOHN R. COTTRELL - Mrs. Julia B. Cotrell, 73, wife of John Richard Cottrell, of 2016 Venable St., died Monday at her residence. She is survived, in addition to her husband, by two daughters, Mrs. W. L. Butler and Mrs. W. B. Drudge; one sister, Miss Florence Brock; one brother, H. L. Brock, and one grandson, all of Richmond."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, July 8, 1942:
"MRS. JOHN R. COTTRELL - Funeral services for Mrs. Julia B. Cottrell, 73, wife of John Richard Cottrell, of 2016 Venable St., who died Monday at her home, will be held at 4 P. M. Wednesday at the Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home, with burial in Riverview Cemetery."

Julia is buried in plat E, section 45, grave 3 of Riverview Cemetery. I do not believe that she has a tombstone.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, January 7, 1950:
"COTTRELL - Died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. W. B. Drudge, 2105 Fairmount Ave., Friday, January 6, 1950, John R. Cottrell, age 74. He is survived by two daughters Mrs. W. L. Butler and W. B. Drudge; one brother, O. L. Cottrell; a grandson, J. R. Drudge, and two great-grandchildren. The remains rest at the Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home, Third and Marshall, where funeral services will be held Sunday at 4 P. M. Interment in Riverview."

John is buried in plat E, section 45, grave 5 of Riverview Cemetery. I do not believe that he has a tombstone.

A Bunch of Phillips and/or Philips Obituaries, Part II

A Bunch of Phillips and/or Philips Obituaries, Part I

These are a bunch of obituaries for the Philips family, mostly of central Virginia, namely Hanover, Henrico and the city of Richmond. They were part of a research project I did several years ago so I might as well post them here. They are in no particular order. There may also be some associated notes for different people. If you are interested in anyone here, let me know as I probably have a lot on them.

Richmond Dispatch, July 4, 1889:
"PHILLIPS - Died, on Wednesday, July 3, 1889, at 12:15 A.M., at the residence of her husband, Mrs. ALICE G., daughter of Miles T. Phillips, Esq., and beloved wife of Oscar E. Phillips, in the forty-first year of her age. She leaves a husband and four children to mourn their loss.
Blessed are those who die in the Lord. Funeral will take place from Pine-Street Baptist church TO-DAY, July 4th, at 11 A.M."

Alice died from neurasthenia, a neurotic condition accompanied by exhaustion, depression, inattentiveness, loss of appetite, insomnia and gastrointestinal problems.

Richmond Dispatch, July 27, 1898:
"PHILLIPS - Died, Tuesday morning, July 26, 1898, MILES T. PHILLIPS, in the 75th year of his age. Funeral from Seventh-Street Christian church THURSDAY AFTERNOON at 5[?] o'clock. Boston and Arlington (N. J.) papers please copy."

There is a bronze marker at the head of Miles' grave that reads as follows:
"Miles Turpin Phillips - 1st First Vice President of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution Son of Mourning Phillips of the 2nd Virginia Regiment Continental Line."

Miles is buried in section 10, lot 19 of Hollywood Cemetery.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, May 13, 1909:
"PHILLIPS - Entered into life eternal Tuesday, May 11, at 3:55 A. M. at the residence of her grandson, Rev. P. A. Arthur, 1247 West Cary Street, MRS. ALICE ELIZABETH PHILLIPS, relict of Captain Miles T. Phillips, in the eightieth year of her age. Funeral private from the residence THIS (Thursday) AFTERNOON at 5 o'clock."

Alice is buried in section 10, lot 19 of Hollywood Cemetery.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, September 10, 1962:
"EDWIN B. PHILLIPS SR. - Edwin Brock Phillips Sr., formerly of 123 Granite ave., died Sunday at a local hospital. He was a retired employe [sic.] of Richmond Hotels, Inc. He was a member of First English Lutheran Church and St. John’s Lodge No. 36, AF&AM. Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Stuart R. Kellam, Mrs. Thelma Prescott, Mrs. Charles E. Rose and Mrs. L. F. Trevillian and two sons, Edwin Brock, Jr. and Richard A. Phillips. A funeral service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at Bennett Funeral Home, with burial in Riverview Cemetery."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, September 11, 1962:
"PHILLIPS - Entered into rest at a local hospital, Sept. 9, 1962, Edwin Brock Phillips, Sr., formerly of 123 Granite Ave. He is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Stuart R. Kellam, Mrs. Thelma Prescott, Mrs. Charles E. Rose and Mrs. L. F. Trevilian; two sons, Edwin Brock, Jr., and Richard A. Phillips; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Remains rest at Bennett Funeral Home, 3215 Cutshaw Ave., where services will be held at 3:30 P. M. Tuesday. Interment in Riverview."

Edwin is buried in plat G, section 42, division 3, grave 2 of Riverview Cemetery.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, September 25, 1950:
"MRS. EDWIN B. PHILLIPS, SR - Mrs. Grace Dance Phillips, of 123 Granite Ave., wife of Edwin B. Phillips, Sr., died Sunday in a Richmond hospital. Besides her husband, she is survived by four daughters, two sons, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were incomplete last night."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, September 26, 1950:
"MRS. EDWIN B. PHILLIPS - A funeral service for Mrs. Grace Dance Phillips, wife of Edwin B. Phillips, Sr., of 123 Granite Ave., who died Sunday at a Richmond hospital, will be held at 2 P.M. Tuesday at First English Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, September 26, 1950:
"PHILLIPS - Died at a local hospital 9:40 P. M. Sept. 24, 1950, Mrs. Grace Dance Phillips, of 123 Granite Ave. She is survived by her husband, Edwin B. Phillips; four daughters, Mrs. S. R. Kellam, Mrs. J. T. Prescott; Mrs. Chas E. Rose, Jr., and Mrs. Lorin T. Trevillian; two sons, E. B., Jr., and R. A. Phillips; six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, also two sisters, Mrs. Raymond Burley and Mrs. Chas. Mayes. The remains rest at the Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home. Funeral from First English Lutheran Church, Tuesday at 2 P. M. Interment Riverview Cemetery."

Grace is buried in plat G, section 42, division 3, grave 1 of Riverview Cemetery.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, September 26, 1953:
"MISS MABEL PHILLIPS - Miss Mabel Phillips, of 123 Granite Ave., died Thursday in a Richmond hospital. She is survived by one brother, Edwin B. Phillips, of Richmond, and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 2:30 P. M. Saturday at Bennett’s Funeral Home, with burial in Hollywood Cemetery."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, September 26, 1953:
"PHILLIPS - Entered into eternal rest at a local hospital, Thursday, Sept. 24, 1953, Miss Mabel Phillips. She is survived by one brother, Edwin B. Phillips, and several nieces and nephews. Remains rest at the Bennett Funeral Home, 3215 Cutshaw Ave., where services will be held Saturday, September 26, at 2:30 P.M. Interment Hollywood."

Mabel is buried in section 10, lot 19 of Hollywood Cemetery. I believe that Mabel was an inmate of Western State Hospital in 1920. This facility, located in the Staunton/Augusta County area, was a mental hospital.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, July 21, 1972:
"JONES - Mrs. Evelyn P. Jones, widow of George L. Jones, died Wednesday, July 19, 1972, in the hospital in South Hill. She is survived by one son, Dr. George L. Jones. Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. Saturday in the South Hill United Methodist Church with burial in Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends between the hours of 2 and 4 and 7 and 9 P.M. Friday, at Crews Funeral Home."

Richmond-Times Dispatch, c. March 1943:
"G. L. JONES, OF SOUTH HILL, DIES HERE - MASONIC ORDER TO CONDUCT RITES - SOUTH HILL - George L. Jones, 52, husband of Evelyn P. Jones, died Sunday in a Richmond hospital. He was a member of South Hill Methodist Church and was active in Virginia Masonic circles, at the time of his death being worthy patron of Loyalty Chapter 48, Order of the Eastern Star and past master of South Hill Lodge 297 A. F. and A. M. In addition, he was a member of the Royal Arch Chapter 59, of Victoria, and was long employed by the Southern Railway, serving as agent at South Hill when he died. Surviving are his wife and one son, George L. Jones, Jr., of South Hill; two sisters, Mrs. Edward Denby, of Boydton, and Mrs. Carrie May Jones, of Richmond, and one aunt, Miss Mary R. Jones, of Boydton. Funeral services will be held at 4 P. M. Monday at the graveside in Oakwood Cemetery in South Hill, with the Rev. Ira Astin officiating. Masonic Lodge 297 will observe the last rites of Masonry."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, October 6, 1976:
"MOSLEY - William L. Mosley Sr., died Tuesday, October 5, 1976, at his residence, 2838 Broad Rock Rd., Apt. 1. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Hattie Elma Mosley; daughter, Marietta Conklin; son, William L. Mosley Jr.; all of Richmond; three sisters, Mrs. Elsie Kain of Norfolk, Mrs. Esther Copley of South Boston, and Mrs. Evelyn Thompson of Courtland; and one granddaughter. Funeral services 11 A.M. Thursday at the Watkins-Cooper Funeral Home, Clarksville, Va. Interment Presbyterian Church, Boydton, Va."

Sunday, September 07, 2008

Obituary for Walter Jackson Golden of Henrico County d. 1972

Richmond Times-Dispatch, Friday, June 9 1972:
"GOLDEN - Walter J. Golden, age 51, of 7605 Brookside Blvd., died Wednesday, June 7, 1972. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Doris Stone Golden; two daughters, Mrs. Betsy G. Robertson, and Miss Barbara E. Golden; two sons, Thomas M. and James M. Golden; two sisters, Mrs. Dorothea G. Holmes of Palm Bay, Fla., and Mrs. Estelle G. Atkins of Santa Ana, Calif.; also three grandchildren. Remains rest at the Laburnum Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 2110 E. Laburnum Avenue, where services will be conducted 11:30 a.m., Friday. Interment Forest Lawn. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Trinity Presbyterian Church Building Fund."

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Zackariah Taylor Shell of Henrico County, June 26, 1848 - July 17, 1925

Richmond Times-Dispatch, July 19, 1925:
"Z. T. SHELL - Funeral services for Z. T. Shell, 77, who died Friday at his home on Parham Road, Henrico County, will be conducted at Ridge Church this afternoon at 4 o'clock. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ellen Shell, and two daughters, Mrs. Lizzie Browning and Mrs. Lillian King; two sisters and two grandchildren."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, July 19, 1925:
"SHELL - Died at his residence, on Parham Road, Henrico County, Friday, July 17, 1925, at 10:30 P. M., Z. T. Shell, aged 77. He leaves to mourn their loss a devoted wife, Mrs. Ellen Shell, and two daughters, Mrs. Lizzie Browning and Mrs. Lillian King; two grandchildren, Kathryn Browning and Arthur Ford; also two sisters, Mrs. Alice Burnett and Mrs. Amanda Brown. Funeral from Ridge Church, Sunday evening at 4 o'clock. A precious one from us has gone. A voice we loved is stilled. A vacant place in our home, Which never can be filled. Asleep in Jesus."

I called Ridge Baptist Church but they do not have records indicating the location of Zackariah's burial.

Amanda Elizabeth Shell Brown of Henrico County, March 9, 1852 - December 27, 1936

Richmond Times-Dispatch, December 29, 1936:
"MRS. AMANDA E. BROWN - Funeral services for Mrs. Amanda E. Brown, who died Sunday at her home in Laurel, will be conducted at the J. W. Bliley Funeral Home at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Burial will be in the cemetery at Ridge Church. Surviving are a son, William H. Brown; a daughter, Mrs. Ethel L. Isaacs; a sister, Mrs. Alice Burnette; a granddaughter, Frances E. Isaacs, and several nieces and nephews."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, December 29, 1936:
"BROWN - Died at the residence, Laurel, Va., Sunday, December 27, 1936, at 9:45 P. M., Mrs. Amanda E. Brown, age 84 years. She is survived by one son, William H. Brown; one daughter, Mrs. Ethel L. Isaacs, one sister, Mrs. Alice Burnette, on granddaughter, Frances Elizabeth Isaacs, and several nieces and nephews. The remains rest at the Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home, Third and Marshall. Funeral from the Joseph W. Bliley Funeral Home, Third and Marshall, Tuesday at 2 P. M. Interment Ridge Church."

Saturday, August 23, 2008

James F. and Mary E. Blackburn vs. William R. Patman, etc.

I was going through some old files and found this set of notes. It was a chancery cause that I sort of transcribed at the Library of Virginia. This will give you an idea of the type of information you can get from a chancery cause. The notes may not be complete, I do not really remember doing this but I guess I did.

Henrico County Circuit Court Chancery Papers
James F. and Mary E. Blackburn vs. William R. Patman and cb’y
1924-001/CC (1)
Library of Virginia, Richmond
March 1, 2003

Bill filled March 30, 1886. Subpoenas issued in April 1886.

To the Hon. B. R. Wellford Jr. Judge of the Circuit Court of Henrico County, Virginia…. your orators James F. Blackburn and Mary E. Blackburn his wife that the said Mary E. Blackburn as one of the children of Ro. H. Brock decd lately of Henrico Co is interested in a small piece of land in said County on the old Deep Run Turnpike about Eight miles from the City of Richmond containing fifty acres with some improvements…which was allotted as dower to Mary Ann Brock ^now deceased the mother of said Robert H. Brock in the division of the real estate of Henry Brock decd…a plat showing the subdivision of the real estate of Henry Brock decd which was made in the year 1857 is of record in the Clerk’s office of the County Court and a copy of it will be filed herewith as part of this bill. The said Henry Brock left seven children, but some of them sold their interests in this Dower lot to the others and now only three of the children or the descendants of them are intrusted and as follow Martha A. Waldrop wife of P. A. Waldrop and daughter of Henry Brock decd owns her original one seventh, the children of Mary F. Patman decd wife of W. R. Patman owns three sevenths subject to the curtesy of their said father; their children Charles Patman and Sarah F. Lawrence wife of B. F. Lawrence and the children of Robt. H. Brock decd own three sevenths, the said R. H. Brock in addition to his own original one seventh interest having bought the one seventh of Richard Brock and the one seventh of his sister Elizabeth Philips who is now deceased…not having obtained a conveyance of this last named interest in his life time. Your orator James F. Blackburn has recently procured a deed from Oscar Philips the only child and heir of said Elizabeth Philips, decd which he will file in the papers of the Court…and he asks that the court to refund to your orator the charges incurred by him in getting this conveyance amounting to about ten dollars. The children of R. H. Brock are entitled to his interest…his will recorded in the county court…to be equally divided between…Mary E. Blackburn, William H. Brock, Robert J. Brock, Martha A. Marshall wife of John Marshall, Marcellus J. Brock, Emma J. Brock and George W. Brock (the last two are under twenty one years of age). The said land is not susceptible of being divided in Kind in any of the modes prescribed by the statutes without great injury to the rights of some of the parties interested and a sale thereof is both necessary and best for all. In tender consideration whereof your orators pray that Wm. R. Patman, Charles Patman, Benj. F. Lawrence and Sarah F. Lawrence his wife, P. H. Waldrop and Martha A. Waldrop his wife, Wm .H. Brock, Robert J. Brock, John F. Marshall and Martha A. Marshall his wife, Marcellus J. Brock, Emma J. Brock and George W. Brock be made factor dependant to this bill and required to answer (the said Emma J. and George W. Brock infants by a guardian…)…[to distribute] the proceeds of sale according to the rights of parties after paying the costs of this suit and all proper charges against said land and a reasonable fee to your orators counsel…

Answer of Geo. W. Carter, guardian for Emma and George Brock
July 10, 1886

…Reserving all benefit of exception &c., for answer to said bill this respondent says that he is unacquainted with the merits of the case as set out by complainants…

Answer of Marcellus J. Brock by counsel Minor and David
July 10, 1886

…he believes the allegations of said bill to be true, and does not object to the prayer of same that the case may go before a commissioner for all proper enquiries in the premises… [signed Marcellus J. Brock]

Commissioner Sand’s Office
July 31, 1886

Court order that the commissioners enquire as to the following:
1 - Who are the persons entitled to the lands in the bill you mentioned and the interest of each therein
2 - Whether the said land can be conveniently partitioned in kind among the parties entitled thereto in any of the modes prescribed by the statutes in such cases.
3- Whether it would be to the interest of all parties to sell the whole subject and divide the proceeds according to their respect in right therein.
4 - Report any other significant matters to the court

Wm. H. Brock deposition
November 18, 1886

Q - Name, age, occupation
A - W. H. Brock, age 34, Henrico County, Fa Carpenter
Q - Are you William H. Brock from the suit
A - Yes, Sir
Q - Who were the heirs of Henry Brock, decd entitled to 50 acres assigned to widow Mary Ann Brock, decd as her dower interest
A - Robert H. Brock, W. R. Brock, John J. Brock, Mary F. H. Brock who was the wife of W. R. Patmon, Martha A. Brock who married P. H. Waldrop, Sarah Brock who married A. M. Lawrence and Oscar Philips, son of Elizabeth Phillips, daughter of Henry Brock
Q -State the interest of Robert H. Brock’s heirs in the land
A - First, his right as an heir of Henry Brock, 1/7th. Portion purchased of Oscar E. Phillips and wife by deed dated October 8, 1878. The interest of W. R. Brock was purchased by my father Robert H. Brock, this I know both because I heard my father say so, and because…this deed was left among my father’s papers which was turned over to J. W. Southward? Sheriff and administrator of said Robert H. Brock.
Q- What other interests do you know about?
A - Mrs. Patmon died entitled to her own interest and that of J. J. Brock from when my father bought it as trustee for her, I know this from having seen a receipt …my father for the interest of said John J. Brock. Mrs. Waldrop still has her interest. As for the remaining interest that of Mrs. Lawrence, I know nothing other than heresay.
Q - Can it be partitioned?
A - Do not know.
Q- Do you think it better to sell the land?
A - Ok with that
Q - How do you know your father had 1/7th to begin with?
A - By him telling me so several times; I remember particularly about the time he bought these (three) interests
Q - Did he ever tell you that he sold his own interest and the which he bought of W. R. Brock, to Mr. W. R. Patmon?
A - No
Q - You said your father got a deed from W. R. Brock, when and what interest
A - I forgot the date, the dower interest

Sands asks that William produce the deed if he can. [Signed Wm. H. Brock]

W. R. Patman and children deposition
December 11, 1886

There is some question as to the competencey of both William Brock and William Patman as witnesses but since William Brock is the only representative of Robert H. Brock, deceased and William Patman is the representative of Mary F. H. Patman, deceased, it irons out.

Q- Age, residence, occupation
A - will be 55 next February, reside at 712 W. Marshall St., Richmond, works as a teamster
Q - Are you the same W. R. Patmon in the suit?
A - yes, I married the daughter of the late Henry Brock. Her name before marriage was Mary F. H. Brock.
Q- Is Mary F. H. living?
A - No
Q - Did she leave children?
A - Three, but one died in infancy. Two living are Ch. W. Patman and Sarah F. Patman, now Mrs. Sarah F. Lawrence.
Q - Are you and your children entitled to any of the dower, and if so, what?
A - 5/7. 1/7 from wife’s inheritance. Bought 2/7 from R. H. Brock who had bought 1/7 from W. R. Brock, bought 1/7 interest of J. J. Brock and that 1/7 of Mrs. Sarah F. Lawrence who was Sarah F. Brock.
Q - Did you ever get any papers to that effect.
A - Yes
Q - Look at the paper marked A.M.L, what is it?
A - deed for interest of Sarah F. Lawrence, wife of A. M. Lawrence.
Q - Now look at the paper labeled J. G. B., found in the papers of the late R. H. Brock, in possession of J. W. Southward, Sheriff of Henrico Co. and state what it is.
A - receipt dated August 1859 signed by J. J. Brock for his interest in the widow’s dower.
Q - Was Robert H. Brock trustee for your wife?
A - yes
Q - was W. H. Brock correct when he said that his father owned 3/7 of the dower at the time of his death?
A - no
Cross
Q - You claim 5/7th but only show evidence for 3/7th. Prove the other 2/7th.
A - Papers do exists, I do not have them, I guess they were in posession of Robert H. Brock as trustee from my wife and children.
Q - How was R. H. Brock constituted as trustee and what were his powers?
A - think he was appointed by the court with general powers
Q - When did you buy the R. H. and W. R. Brock interests and for how much?
A - 1859 or 1860. The papers are destroyed. Paid $100 per share.
Q - What was the nature of the papers and why were they not admitted to record?
A - I supplied a receipt marked J. J. B.
Q - Was the interest bought in your own account of that of your wife?
A - bought on my wife’s account and paid for with her money
Q - When did you buy the Lawrence part?
A - After I bought the R. H. and W. R. but before the war.
Q - Why is it that you bought the R. H. and W. R. with your wife’s account and the Lawrence with your own?
A - Mr. Lawrence lost his horse and came to my house and offered me his wife interest for a mule that I owned.
Re-Examination
Q - When was the deed from Lawrence to you made?
A - 13 September 1886
Q- Why was this deed made?
A - Because I bought and paid for the property
Q - Look at the J. J. B. receipt and tell who signed it and who wrote it.
A - I think the signature is that of J. J. Brock and the receipt was written by R. H. Brock.
Q - Did R. H. Brock manage and control the dower land?
A - Yes
Q - Can the land be fairly divided?
A - no it must be sold
[his mark]

W. R. Brock deposition
No date

Q- age, name, occupation, residence
A - I am 54 the sixth of this month, live in Richmond and am a carpenter
Q- Are you related to the late Henry Brock
A - I am his son
Q - Who are the owners of the interest in the late Mary Ann Brock’s dower?
A - Property was bought by my brother Robert H. Brock for my sister Mary F. Patmon, the part belonging to myself which I had previously sold to my brother Robert H. Brock and also his, Robert H. Brock’s portion. My brother RHB purchased the interest of my brother J. J. Brock also for my sister Mary F. Patman. He purchased also the interest in my sister Sarah M. Lawrence for the said Mary F. Patman, and my sister Mary F. Patman owned an interest in this property. 5/7ths owned by Mary F. Patman’s heirs.
Q - What about the other 2/7th?
A - Robert H. Brock owned 1/7th that he purchased of Oscar Philips, whose mother was Elizabeth Brock, one of the distributes and the other 1/7 is owned by my brother-in-law, Patrick H. Waldrop.
Q - When did you sell to RHB?
A - do not think it was later than 1859.
Q - Was RHB trustee for MFP?
A - I understood it so
Q - Did any paper pass in the interets you described?
A - RHB told me that he had them a few days before he dide
Q - Did RHB ever claim any of the interest he bought for MFP as his own?
A - No
Q - Were you intimate with RHB and would he have told you had he claimed such interests?
OBJECTION - Speculation
A - “I believe he would sir. Because I looked up to him as my best counsellor.”
Cross
Q - Did you mean to include the Lawrence interest in the 5/7 RHB got for MFP?
A - Yes, he held it as trustee
Q - How do you know he was acting as trustee and not buying them on his own account?
A - he tended to my sister’s affairs and settled off some debts by selling a negro boy and a portion of the same money was paid for this said land that was purchased by my brother for my sister Mrs. Patman.
Q - What was the amount of the debt, what did the negro boy sell for and what did the land sell for?
A - debt was about $160. Don’t remember what the boy sold for. Paid $100 a share for 3 (mine, JJBs and his own)
Q - Did Patman ever lay claim to the land during RHBs lifetime?
A - Yes
Q - You said that RHB had papers showing MFP ownership - what kind?
A - “From what he said, they must have been receipts. He said to me, when he was very sick, a few days before he died, that he was uneasy and bothered, that if he should die, that Patman’s children might have trouble in getting possession of this property. I then asked him if he had any papers to show that it had been purchased. He said that he did have some, but no deeds. That was about all that passed, except that I told him that I hoped that he would not die.”
Q - How many interest did the papers account for?
A - did not say
Re-Examination
Q - Mr. Patman says he gave a mule for the Lawrence property. Are you mistaken when you say that RHB bought it for MHP?
A - I do not know what was paid but RHB bargained for it.
Q - Do you have any interest in the land in dispute?
A - no
Re-Cross
Q - Look at AML deed that proports to be between AML and wife to WRP in his own right. Do you stick to your first statement?
A - RHB bargained for it as trustee but how it was paid for was unknown.
[signed Wm. R. Brock]

Petition of B. F. Lawrence
November 9, 1897

B. F. Lawrence…show unto the Court that on the 26th day of November, 1888, having before purchased at public sale the property hereinafter described…Special Commissioners…deeded to him all that certain tract of land lying in the County of Henrico about eight miles from the City of Richmond, on the Broad-Street road, containing about fifty acres of land, being the same property which was left as the dower property of Mary Ann Brock, deceased;…that since said purchase he has received an offer for said property, and is now desirous of selling the same, but that objection has been urged by the Examiner of title, that no deed ever actually passed from J. J. Brock, one of the children of the said Mary Ann Brock, conveying to R. H. Brock, Trustee, for Mrs. Mary F. H. Patman, his interest in said dower property; that whilst the Court decided that Mrs. Patman’s children were equitably entitled to said property, that there was no actual deed, and that the legal title was still outstanding. Your petitioner whilst not admitiing the claim of said Examiner to be sound in any particular, still desires to satisfy the proposed purchaser by obtaining such deed, and now, inasmuch as the said J. J. Brock departer this life long prior ro the institution of this suit, and left surviving his certain children, it is necessary that they should be made parties to this suit (the widow of the said J. J. Brock having made a quit claim to your petitioner for her dower right in the interest of the said J. J. Brock). Your petitioner is informed that the said J. J. Brock left surviving his two daughters, Aramentha and Johnanna Brock, but that both of these daughters subsequently intermarried one with Dr. W. F. Davison and the other with R. H. Ford, but that both of them died leaving surviving them a husband and certain children, the said Aramentha Davison dying on [blank], leaving one child, Ferdinand Davison, who is a boy now thirteen years of age; that Johanna died on [blank], leaving four children, Eddie W. fourteen years old, Leon O. twelve years old, Oscar L. ten years old and Virgie G. six years old. [Petitioner asks that all of these infant children, with guardians, be made party to the suit for him to gain proper title]. [Signed B. F. Lawrence].

Petition of George H. Alvis by Jas. W. Anderson, Atty.
May 23, 1923

George H. Alvis…present owner of a tract of land on the Broad street road, in Henrico County, containing 77 ¼ acres, more or less; that 50 acres, thereof, was formerly the dower tract of Mary a. Brock, widow of Henry Brock, deceased; that at her death the remainder under the will of said Henry Brock passed to his seven children; that the suit of Blackburn v. Patmon…was instituted to settle the estate…the dower tract was sold to B. F. Lawrence…later on it was ascertained that John J. Brock, one of the seven devisees of Henry Brock, had sold his one-seventh interest in the dower tract to Robert H. Brock, trustee for Mary F. H. Patmon, evidenced by the receipt for the purchase money therefore dated August 16th 1859...but said John J. Brock never conveyed his interest by proper deed…B. F. Lawrence, then owner of said property, filed his petition in said cause on November 9th, 1897, praying that the heirs-at law of said John J. Brock be made parties to said suit and that the court direct a deed by commissioners to said B. F. Lawrence for the purpose of vesting in him the outstanding legal title in the one-seventh interest…this decree of June 15th 1898, O. B. 15 p. 410...the court adjudged that B. F. Lawrence was entitled to the legal title in said one-seventh interest, and directed deed to him and his assigns by decree of June 15, 1898.…D. B. 161 A p. 397...upon a recent examination of the title to said property it was ascertained that John J. Brock died intestate, leaving as heirs-at-law: Araminta Brock (who married W. F. Davidson) and died leaving Ferdinand Davidson, sole heir-at-law; Jonanna Brock, who married R. H. Ford, and died intestate leaving Eddie W., Leon O., Oscar L. and Virgie G. Ford, heirs-at-law, all infants at that time, but now adults; that summons issued to said infants which were served on their respective fathers, who accepted service, but no guardian ad litem was appointed to protect their interests; that objection, therefore, has been made that the legal title to said one seventh interest has not properly been divested form said heirs of John J. Brock; that Ferdinand Davidson, we are informed, resides in Washington, D.C., Eddie W. Ford resides at 243 Vine Street, Leon O. Ford at 2410 or 2414 W. Cary Street, Oscar L. Ford at 2014 Gilbert Street and Virginie G. Blankenship, nee Ford at 230 Vine or Temple Street. Your petitioner prays that a proper deed vesting the legal title of the one-seventh interest formerly owned by John J. Brock may be decreed to him; that Ferdinand Davison, Eddie W. Ford, Leon O. Ford, Oscar L. Ford and Virgie G. Blankenship may be made perties defendant to this cause…

I do not know if this was the actual end of the file. I may have just quit at this point.

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