The Valley of the Shadow - Civil War-Era Newspapers

I stumbled upon a website last night, after a trip to Waynesboro, Virginia, called The Valley of the Shadow. I was looking online for a map of Riverview Cemetery when I stumbled upon this jewel of a website. It is apparently part of the University of Virginia's website, at least it is housed there. The site has summarized all of local happenings from newspapers of Augusta County, Virginia (as well as Franklin County, Pennsylvania) between 1857 and 1870. Their goal was to capture attitudes and events on the home front before during and after the Civil War. They do not focus on national or international events, unless they absolutely involve local interests.

Papers for Augusta County, Virginia include:

• Staunton Vindicator (1859-1870)
• Staunton Spectator (1857-1870)
• Valley Virginian (1865-1870)

Papers for Franklin County, Pennsylvania include:

• Franklin Repository (1859-1870)
• Semi-Weekly Dispatch (1861-1862)
• Valley Spirit (1859-1870)
• Waynesboro Village Record (1863)

I will give you an example of what can be found. There is a nice search feature, pretty basic but it does the job. I searched by last name and found these articles about my wife's great-great-grandfather, Alexander S. Bush and his brush with the law. I would have never known about this incident if it were not for this website! Just think of how things would have changed for my family if he now not acquitted. Alex was just married in August of 1869 and got into a heap of trouble only a few months later.

Staunton Vindicator, February 11, 1870

Arrest of the Waynesboro Burglars
(Page 3, Column 01)

"Summary: Deputy Sheriff Bull arrested a black man named Bill Mowry, aka Murray, who was wanted for a number of burglaries. "He was known to be a desperate character, and one that would resort to any expediency to accomplish his purpose." On his testimony, warrants were issued for the arrest of a white man named Alexander Bush, a white man named James Terrell, a black man named Jesse Harden, and a black man named Sam Harden. All are wanted for robbing the store of C. R. Haines, the home of Mrs. Wright, and stealing brandy from the distillery of Simon Koiner, the property of John N. Crouse. Warrants were also issued for a black man named Isaac Walker and a black man named Primus Bowles for stealing from the smoke house of David Wines. Justice Clinedinst committed all in custody to jail to await trial. The paper extends thanks to the sheriff for chasing Murray through the brush and arresting him, even though the suspect was armed with a Colt navy shooter. (Names in announcement: SheriffBull, BillMowry, BillMurray, AlexanderBush, JamesTerrell, JesseHarden, SamHarden, C. R.Haines, Mrs.Wright, SimonKoiner, John N.Crouse, IsaacWalker, PrimusBowles, JusticeClinedinst)"

Staunton Spectator, , 1870
(Page 3, Column 01)

"Summary: Seven prisoners charged with felony were sent from the Waynesboro to the Chambersburg jail under the direction of Justice William W. Clinedinst. Two prisoners were white men: Alex Bush and James Terrill. The remaining five were black men: William Murry, Primus Bowles, Isaac Walker, Jesse Hardin, and Samuel Hardin. (Names in announcement: AlexBush, JamesTerrill, WilliamMurry, PrimusBowles, IsaacWalker, JesseHardin, SamuelHardin)"

Staunton Vindicator, April 1, 1870
(Page 3, Column 01)

"Summary: Briefly summarizes cases at the court, mostly dealing with theft. (Names in announcement: JamesTerrell, AlexBush, JesseHarden, SamHarden, CharlesHaines, WilliamMurray, SimonKoiner, DanielWine, PrimusBowles, IsaacWalker)

Full Text of Article: The County Court has been in session since Monday last. Very little of general interest transpired. The trial of Jas. Terrell, Alex Bush, Jessee and Sam Harden (colored,) for breaking into the store-house of Mr. Charles Haines, of Waynesboro', took place on Wednesday, and all the parties were acquitted.

Alex Bush, Jesse and Sam Marden, colored, and Wm. Murray, colored, were retained in custody and tried on Wednesday evening on the charge of stealing 40 gallons of Brandy from Simon Koiner's still-house, and acquitted. Murray was re-arrested on the charge of stealing bacon from Daniel Wine. A nolle prosequi was entered in the cases of Primus Bowles and Isaac Walker, charged with larceny."

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."

Library of Virginia Chancery Records Scanned, More Coming

I found something hot yesterday that I did not know existed. I was almost ashamed when I found it, for the fact that I did not realize it was there all of this time. I consider myself an expert on the holdings of the Library of Virginia, I even volunteered there for almost a year. I just could not believe that I missed their project for scanning chancery court records. These are free, online records for anyone to use. Be warned that the records can be very long, some more than 1,000 pages, and they can get very addictive!

Here is the deal, the Library has scanned several counties and are working on the rest. If you do not know, a chancery cause is basically a court case where there is no clear cut law to decide who is right or wrong in a civil case. All of the evidence is gathered and presented to a judge who rules on that evidence. This can include old wills, deeds, Bible records, letters, anything to help win your case. I will give an example of a chancery cause that I found in my family...

Ann's husband died and she sold twenty acres of their farm to one of their freed slaves. Twenty years later, after Ann's death, one of her children decided that they wanted the twenty acres back but the freed slave had sold the land to a white family ten years ago. They all go to chancery court and the judge rules that Ann had no right to sell the property because 2/3 of it belonged to the heirs of her husband. Furthermore the freed slaves had no right to purchase property so the sale was doubly invalid. The white family had to give the land back to Ann's estate and had no recourse since the original sale was not valid. That is a true chancery cause as no clear-cut law applied to the situation. It took a judge's understanding of the laws to come to a conclusion.

Anyway, the Library of Virginia has already scanned the causes for the following areas:

• Alexandria City
• Caroline County
• Fauquier County
• Hanover County
• King & Queen County
• Lancaster County
• Middlesex County
• New Kent County
• Northampton County
• Prince William County
• Rockbridge County (some)
• Shenandoah County
• Staunton City

These areas are in the process of being scanned at this time:

• Amelia County
• Cumberland County
• Page County
• Rockbridge County (some)

You can check out the records at this link: Library of Virginia Chancery Causes

Obituaries for Julia Ann Liptrap Terrell c. 1818-1892 of Augusta County, Virginia

Obituaries for Julia Ann Liptrap Terrell c. 1818-1892 of Augusta County, Virginia

Staunton Vindicator, September 9, 1892:"TERRELS. - On Saturday, Sept. 3d, at her home in Basic City, Mrs. Julia Ann Terrell, in her 74th year. Interment at Waynesboro."

The Augusta County Argus, September 13, 1892:"TOMB - TERRELL - September 6, 1892, at Basic City, Mrs. Julia F. Terrell, aged 73 years."