Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 39

Author: Cartmell, T. K. (Thomas Kemp), 1838-1920
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: [Winchester, Va.] : [Printed by the Eddy Press Corp.]
Number of Pages: 607

USA > Virginia > Frederick County > Frederick County > Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia. > Part 39

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

for their dead; but the limits of the Eastern suburbs of the City pressed on, until this, too, was abandoned; and, maybe, all that remained of the old pioneers of this Church, were gathered up and carried to their new cemetery at the South end of Market Street. The Methodist congregation, for many years, interred their dead in the other lot. Some were removed to Mt. Hebron. The Friends had their graveyard near their old Meeting House that stood between Stewart and Washington Streets. Some removals were made prior to the Civil War. During the War, hundreds of Confederate soldiers were buried on the same lot, in the Episcopal grave- yard, and afterwards removed to Stonewall Ceme- tery; likewise, many Union soldiers were buried there. The Society of Friends for many years interred many of their dead in the two graveyards South of Winchester, one on the Valley Pike near the Hollingsworth Mill property, and the other N. W. from the paper mill.

It was found desirable about the year 1840, that there should be some common place of burial, provided and maintained on some legal plan. Steps were taken to organize a company to pro- vide the necessary funds. This being assured, The Mount Hebron Cemetery Company was chartered; and when the present location was adopted, a large lot was purchased adjoining the old Lutheran and Reformed Calvinists grave- yards on the East. The grounds having been suitably laid off in plats and driveways by an accomplished landscape engineer, Mount Hebron was ready for dedication June 22, 1844 The impressive services were conducted by Rev. Dr. A. H. H. Boyd, pastor of Loudoun Street Pres- byterian Church, with an introductory address, reading of Scriptures by Rev. Dr. Wm. Rooker, rector of Christ Church, and dedicatory prayer by Rev. Dr. Wm. M. Atkinson; address by Wm. L. Clark, Esq., concluding prayer by Rev. Wm. B. Edwards; Rev. D. H. Bragonier read one paper.

After the singing of three hymns, Rev. Joseph Baker pronounced the Benediction. The first interment was made August, 1844, the wife of Dr. Atkinson. The newspapers of that date gave extended notices of the dedication services. Dr. Foote, in his sketches, says: "The first interment in the graveyard was the body of Mrs. Atkinson,

219

220

CARTMELL'S HISTORY

wife of Rev. Wm. M. Atkinson, D.D., pastor 01 the old school Presbyterian Church, Winchester." The lots were sold at a reasonable price; and 'ere long, the removals from the old graveyards pro- duced the appearance of a cemetery of long standing. The transfer of old slabs and monu- ments with old inscriptions, gave the impression often felt by visitors, that Mt. Hebron started with the 19th Century. Genl. Daniel Morgan, and the Huguenot General Roberdeau, were re- moved from their old places and became part of Mt. Hebron history; and as the century closed, nearly all the participants in the dedica- tion had been laid to rest in the various lots. Previous to this, however, every lot had been taken, and other additions required to meet the increasing demand. The original plans were ex- tended to new purchases; and before the Twen- tieth Century was ushered in-less than sixty years since the first interment-the Cemetery embraced thirty-five acres. The first addition, lying between the original plat and Stonewall Cemetery, started about 1870, has long since been well filled with imposing monuments, and simpler slabs, that speak to the passer-by volumes for reflection. The silent city is increasing in num- bers that may soon equal the living city, that nestles so beautifully between the hills a few hundred yards West. (The number of interments are 4,485 at this writing). The site was well chosen for this city on the hill, the elevation being sufficient to command a view of the entire lower Valley. To the East is that transcendent prospect, the Blue Ridge, at whose base one can outline the turbulent Shenandoah, hastening on to meet the Potomac at Harpers Ferry; out on that Western horizon are the foot-hills of the Alleganies; and to the South the inimitable scenery of the Alps of America, the Massanutton peaks and ranges. The skill of man has done much to bring out the attractions that Nature had founded. The sighing evergreens and wav- ing foliage of towering trees, enhance the lines of beauty; and the quiet visitor strolls 'neath the overhanging boughs, and really learns to enjoy the impressive solitude. The sacred place, with each succeeding year, becomes the mecca of many new visitors, seeking communion of kindred spirits, where so many hallowed memories cluster, that can never be imparted to others.

The Mount Hebron Cemetery comprehends the entire grounds now enclosed by an iron fence, the gift of Mr. Rouss. This incloses Stonewall and also what is generally known as the Old Lutheran Graveyard, with the ruins of the old Lutheran Church standing near the centre, a description of which will be found in the sketch of the church, elsewhere in this volume.

Stonewall Cemetery.

Immediately to the East and adjoining Mt. Hebron, is Stonewall Cemetery, beautiful in situ- ation, and sacred by reason of what it contains. Here are entombed the Confederate soldiers who succumbed to disease or went down in the shock of battle on the fields lying in full view in every direction. This has the distinction of being the first Memorial offered to the soldiers who perish- ed in the Civil War; and the noble women of this section are entitled to the honor, for they sank not when the Banner was furled; they who had been in camp and hospital, and cheered the marching columns, scarcely allowed the smoke and din of War to pass from the Valley, before they rallied to their support willing helpers, to gather together the thousands of fallen brave; and succeeded after untold trials, in transferring all to this plat of ground secured for that pur- pose, until, with continued perseverance, they produced the impressive picture seen to-day. The unknown dead were consigned to one great mound. Eight hundred and twenty-nine of the Boys in Grey were found without a vestige to tell their name, regiment, home or kindred. All knew what they were. Their remains were laid away with imposing ceremonies; and the lofty marble shaft standing in the centre of their mound, at- tests the devotion of those who performed the service. On the base of the monument is read "Who they were none know; what they were all know." A sentiment that will be held in re- verence as long as time spares the marble from destruction. This magnificent shaft is 48 feet high, crowned with the life-sized figure of a Confederate infantryman, in full uniform, with rifle and accoutrements. The imposing monu- ment impresses all beholders with its grandeur. The writer has never in his varied travels, seen any that approached its impressive effect. All the Southern States have large sections in the ceme- tery, including Maryland and Delaware. Nearly every grave is now marked by marble head- stones ; while several States have imposing monu- ments in their respective sections, where several thousands of their gallant sons are sleeping the years away-now almost a half-century since they yielded up their lives. This cemetery was dedicated October 9, 1866; Ex-Governor Henry A. Wise the orator. Language fails in attempting to describe the scenes of that day. The country far and near fairly poured forth the entire popu- lation, who participated in the ceremonies with so much solemnity, that its impressions are felt to this day by those who witnessed the great concourse, as it wended its way through Mt. Hebron, and finally massed itself in the hallowed grounds.

221

THE CEMETERIES

Beyond all doubt, the first step taken to organize memorial associations of this character, was in Winchester in the Spring of 1865, shortly after peace was declared. The writer, to preserve the evidence, gives it here, knowing the circum- stances and being made familiar with the facts at the time :- Mrs. Williams, wife of Mr. Philip Williams, the renowned lawyer, visited Dr. A. H. H. Boyd early in May, 1865, and related an in- cident that deeply interested the persons there present in Dr. Boyd's room, who was an invalid. Mrs. Williams stated that a farmer had told her that while plowing in one of his fields for corn, he had turned up the bodies of two Confederate soldiers, and believed that many more such things would occur ; and suggested that something should be done. It was determined then in that room, that Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Boyd would make the effort to get the ladies of the town and country to join them in what soon became a prodigious undertaking. The organization, known ever after as the "Ladies Memorial Association" was effect- ed, with Mrs. Williams as president and Mrs. Boyd vice-president, with numerous committees. As the result of their efforts, we have but to examine the records of the Society, which shows that June 6, 1865, witnessed an outpouring of people assembled on the grounds, where hundreds of Confederates had been re-interred, and the foundation laid for the first Confederate cemetery in all the land. There was a floral offering on that day, and addresses by popular speakers, and, informally, the Stonewall Cemetery became a fact, which, as already said, was formally dedi- cated in October, 1866. The scenes of that day can never be effaced from the memory of those who witnessed it. Thousands of people came with evergreens and flowers; processions of small girls arrayed in white, wearing sashes, formed on the grounds ; and then the floral offerings began. We must mention, however, that a large concourse of people first visited the Confederate graves in the Episcopal graveyard, and also the lot ad- jacent called the Quaker Lot-both these places receiving floral tributes. A considerable sum of money was collected that day through various agencies, to aid the ladies in their laudable work. Of course, every surviving Confederate was anx- ious to aid them. Word went out through various channels, what the Ladies Memorial As- sociation desired to do. The far-away Southern homes caught the sound echoing there every- where; and soon substantial answer came. Ala- bama was the first State heard from in January, 1866. She sent by the hands of Capt. - Roy, twelve hundred dollars. This was by private con- tribution from what was regarded an impoverished people ; and all funds were so skillfully handled, that by the next 6th of June, the work of re-

interment had been completed. Since that day, however, other bodies were found and placed in the cemetery. People of this day will never know what was required for this work. The whole country was searched for burial places ; and when the bodies were found, came the diffi- cult task of identification. It was desirable to not only learn the name, but the Company, Regiment and State, so they could be appropriately buried in their respective places; and the mound in the center attests the fact that many gallant men must be unnamed. There has never been any cessa- tion from this ceremony on each recurring Sixth of June; and as the years pass away, the attend- ance increases; so that at this writing, the Sixth of June has become the most notable day in the year.

The National Cemetery is located due North from Stonewall, and separated by a narrow Coun- ty road. It contains about five acres, and was de- dicated in 1866. Several thousand Union sol- diers, slain in battle, were gathered from various places within a radius of twelve miles and buried here by the U. S. Government. A large expendi- ture of money was required for this purpose, and for building a stone wall as enclosure. The Superintendent's Lodge on Valley Avenue, forms the entrance to the grounds, which was laid out in sections, forty-eight in number. Interments generally were divided between the States re- presented. We find here a section for unknown dead, the number being 2,382, while the known dead with headstones number 2,098. A number of handsome monuments have been erected by different organizations, who have visited Win- chester quite often. The Veteran associations are always cordially entertained by Turner Ashby Camp of Confederate Veterans.

The Catholic Cemetery.

This cemetery was located on the South end of the City, and has been handsomely laid out and adorned with trees and shrubbery. It was to this cemetery that the removals from the old graveyard referred to, were taken. Among those removed here, were many who emigrated from Ireland prior to 1800. Of this emigrant list was Patrick Denver and his wife. He was the Grand- father of Genl. Denver for whom the city of Denver is named.

This promises to be the chief Catholic burial place of the lower Valley. The location is un- surpassed; and many imposing monuments mark graves of well-known persons. The writer had personal acquaintances with many, and warm, friendly relations with others-John Fagan, the pioneer Catholic, Hassett and Rhyan-splendid specimens of the Emerald Isle. Patrick Rear- don who one time won laurels with the famous

222

CARTMELL'S HISTORY

squadrons of Mosby's Rangers; and later on, enthused Turner Ashby Camp with poesy, songs and story; Maurice Lynch, robust and vigorous after years well spent, noted for his integrity. Many more could be named. Reader, go read their epitaphs, and learn who have gone to form another city of our dead.

In The Old Lutheran Cemetery, commonly so called found within the enclosure known now as Mt. Hebron, seen on the West side, im- mediately to the left from the main entrance, the visitor soon finds himself among those who were part of the Eighteenth Century. Old Rev- olutionary heroes are here! Tread softly; and be patient to decipher many strange inscriptions, and you will gather bits of history that have been well preserved. Morgan's Sharpshooters are scattered here and there. Some are easily found and recognized by their epitaphs. Here we find some of the Dutch Mess-Lauck, Sperry, Grim, Kurtz. A little westward we find a white marble, upright slab, that tells the simple story of the fifth member : "In memory of John Schultz who departed this life 5th day of November, 1840, in the 87th year of his age." The sixth, Heiskell, found his grave in Romney. Men may safely say the last of the soldiers of Quebec lie here; while just on the edge of Mt. Hebron, the broken

slab tells where their General, Morgan, has lain for years. In the old churchyard you will find the Millers, Hoffs, Bakers, Singletons and many others; and hard by the old ruin, we stand by the grave of Streit, the founder of the English Lutheran Church. A substantial monument has been erected on his grave; but the old Church walls seem to have been spared all destroying elements, to lend pathos to the spot. May it be spared for other generations!

The main entrance to Mt. Hebron is appropri- ate; and impresses the visitor with its unique and solemn grandeur. Mortuary chapel on the left, and lodge for superintendent on the right, connected with an arched span, and heavy iron gates to bar the entrance, when required. Both chapel and lodge built of heavy cut, blue lime- stone,-the architect and builders have furnished a monument to their skill and workmanship. This, too, was a gift from Mr. Rouss, the Ceme- tery Company supplementing an equivalent. Mr. James Hamilton, an old Confederate soldier, has been the faithful superintendent for many years, and has grown familiar with all the tombs and inscriptions found within the enclosure.

Thus having briefly described the Silent City, we must again turn our attention to the city under the hill, in the next chapter.

. .

224

CARTMELL'S HISTORY

must be far removed from the building. To this the county people seriously objected, and the Board declined to make such changes. Up to this time, the relations between the council and board of supervisors had not been strained. It is true, individuals were found here and there who discussed the subject vehemently; and it was natural that the differences between the two bodies should be misunderstood; and preju- dices prevailed to some extent. During this apparent lull of action in the city council, they were advised by an attorney, acting as their counsel, at their June meeting, 1885, to at once assert the right to control the uses of the mar- ket square. The Council adopted the proposi- tion made by their attorney, and enacted an ordi- nance at. that meeting, so radical in its terms, that it would be well for the reader to see it for himself in the record, want of space not permitting its entry here. We have now ar- rived at the first step in the great suit. The next morning, when the writer arrived at the clerk's office from his home in the country, he was as- tonished to behold a member of the council in charge of a gang of hands, rushing the work of tearing up the stone pavement on that part of the square now known as Frederick Plaza. The writer approached the councilman, Mr. Wash- ington G. South, and requested an explanation. He abruptly replied that the city would at once remove the pavement and hitching posts, and plant trees on the ground, and convert it into a park. A protest was entered; the writer sought the attorney who advised this rash step, and re- quested a delay until he could summon the Board of supervisors. His reply was that the work would be completed before the day ended, if possible. The writer took the responsibility (there being no other countrymen in town at that hour, to consult) to take prompt action by injunction. He was disconcerted to some extent by mem- bers of the bar declining to take such a hope- less case. While in this predicament, he called upon Judge Wm. L. Clark who had been judge since Judge Sherrard resigned, Dec. 17, 1883; stated the case, and asked for a restraining no- tice until the injunction papers were prepared. The Judge enquired by what right I had to bring such action, and in whose name. Answer was promptly given that the suit would be in behalf of T. K. Cartmell and all other citizens of Frederick County. His answer was, this could only be done when the parties proved their right as owners of the ground in question. Answer was given that proof of ownership could be given. He answered that he had frequently heard of this claim, but it had always been re- garded as a myth. The answer to this was that

the writer knew there was a deed on record in his office, and he could furnish a copy within an hour. The Judge's reply was that he would await the production of the copy. The writer realized that he was surely alone in this attempt, the Judge himself standing upon technicalities, while the county was suffering loss every mo- ment. During the preparing of the copy, Rich- ard E. Byrd, the young attorney for the common- wealth, appeared in the office, to whom the sit- uation was briefly stated. He was requested to act for the county, and readily consented to do so. At that time, he and T. W. Harrison (now Judge of the circuit ct.) were law partners. The writer requested the firm to take the case. Both were young men of ability, but without experi- ence in legal battles-ambitious and courageous, however; and being conscientious, they under- took what they believed a good cause. From that moment, they won, not only the confidence of the county people, but their unstinted esteem and affection, which has never wavered; and the positions they hold to-day attest the con- tinued confidence of the people they have faith- fully served. Arrayed against them, were the brilliant lights of the Winchester bar, Hon. Holmes Conrad and Robert T. Barton. Every honorable legal effort was made by opposing counsel, from start to finish, to save their cli- ents; the injunction was granted after bond was given by the writer, with Jno. G. Miller surety. During the day, as country people came to town and became acquainted with the startling affair, a score of them rushed to the clerk's office and offered their support. The day was filled with excitement ; and all saw that an unfortunate battle was on. The city strove to dissolve the injunction, but failed. The case came on to be heard on its merits, before the circuit court. Judge Robert Turner, presiding. In preparing for trial, both parties ransacked old records for evidence to prove who had controlled the uses of the property. Scores of depositions were taken; and when the case was heard, counsel on both sides were well prepared with evidence. and with forceful argument, presented the case. Every munition of forensic warfare was ex- hausted during the trial. The youthful attorneys for the county, felt the stimulus of the crowded court room, where every vale and hillside was represented. They were nerved by this presence. All knew the giants standing forth in their power. It was a battle royal. After several days of he- roic effort, counsel rested their case. Then the stern, inflexible Judge announced his opinion- adverse to the County. The writer at once re- quested counsel to move for an appeal to the Supreme Court of the State. A heavy bond

225

FROM TOWN TO CITY GOVERNMENT

was required, and a score of enthusiastic county men stepped up to the clerk's desk, requesting they be entered as surety on the writer's bond. The following day, June 9, 1885, the board of supervisors were in session, and an ordinance entered on their records. They pledged the sup- port of the county, and assumed all responsibil- ity for the suit. Counsel for both bodies, pre- pared for the appellate court. Judge Robinson, of Lexington, Va., was employed to assist Har- rison & Byrd in that court. The court met in Staunton in the Spring of 1889; the case was ably argued; and when that august body handed down their opinion, it was in favor of the coun- ty. The order made the injunction perpetual, giving the control of all uses of all the public property to the Board of Supervisors and Coun- ty court. Of course, the result was accepted by the county with jubilant feelings, but in no op- pressive spirit to the city. The case had been in litigation for three years, and all parties were tired out. And now, when the smoke of conflict had cleared, both parties once more opened ne- gotiations for some compromise, whereby the city might enjoy her much needed buildings. All propositions coming from the city, which af- fected the hitching yard question, were prompt- ly turned down by the Board ;- they seemed to bank strongly on the opinion handed down by the Court of Appeals. Perhaps this action was regarded by the city as an assumption of a right not given by the decree, in which it was clear enough the city should enjoy a just proportion of the public space; and the Board never denied this. They did, however, deny the right of the city to remove the hitching-posts. They accord- ed to the city the proper right of sanitary regu- lations and police jurisdiction. They also ac- corded them the right to remove the market house, and to erect on the site such municipal buildings as the city needed. But the city was anxious to secure the assistance Mr. Rouss had offered; and this meant obliteration of the hitch- ing yard. This condition of affairs continued several years, much to the annoyance and dis- comfort of all parties concerned. The city be- ing deprived of what she thought her just rights, and the Board perplexed and embarrassed, when called upon to consider propositions that affect- ed the convenience and declared rights of the county people when called to the city to attend court or to transact business, to be driven from the place which for generations had been used as their common heritage. We need not be sur- prised at the refusal of the Board of Super- visors, to compromise on any plan that would deprive the people of this right. Finally it was suggested by representatives of the city, that

they should have some control, and that a con- venient place might be found to take the place of the old square, and used to accommodate the country people. This seemed a most reasonable proposition; and the Board became deeply con- cerned, and felt this plan was the solution to the difficulty. Then the question was raised, could the settlement be made without legislative or judicial action. Counsel for the Board ad- vised against hasty action. For several months previous to this, Mr. Alex. R. Pendleton had been requested to act as associate counsel with Mr. Byrd; Mr. Harrison had been elected by the Genl. Assembly as Judge of this circuit. The last proposition from the city, was present-

ed to the Board in July 1897, which the Board regarded as one not clear as to the rights the county should retain in the public square. This was resented by the city, and Council prepared to bring suit to determine the respective rights. It must be remembered, that while the two bodies were making and rejecting propositions, there was one factor requiring constant attention. This was Charles Broadway Rouss, who had $30,000

to lay down on the market square, so soon as the warring factions in his old county furled their flags and proclaimed peace. And the records of the Board of supervisors of that period, show many of his letters. The correspondence between Mr. Rouss and Mr. Barton is worth study (see B. of S. Book, No. 3, p. 183). There are seen the characteristics of the man. The writer was induced to visit Mr. Rouss at his New York place, to interview him on the subject. We had always known each other, and the visitor was received cordially. The subject was discussed.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 39

Author: Cartmell, T. K. (Thomas Kemp), 1838-1920 Publication date: 1909 Publisher: [Winchester, Va.] : [Printed by the Eddy Press Corp.] Number of Pages: 607

Author: Cartmell, T. K. (Thomas Kemp), 1838-1920
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: [Winchester, Va.] : [Printed by the Eddy Press Corp.]
Number of Pages: 607