col. s. b. gibbons of the 10th virginia...

Volume 35, No. 4 Fall 2013

THE HERITAGE MUSEUM NEWSLETTER Home of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society

Published Quarterly by the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society

Col. S. B. Gibbons of the 10th Virginia Infantry

Colonel Simeon Beauford (S. B.) Gibbons was a

military commander of remarkable talent and a leader

who showed superior kindness to his men. Although

he was not born in Rockingham County, he came to

Harrisonburg early in life and later

transformed local militiamen into pol-

ished soldiers. He was a respected Con-

federate commander whose life, by any

measure, ended too soon.

Simeon Gibbons was born May 25,

1833, on land that later became the

Shenandoah Iron Works at the current

town of Shenandoah in Page County.

He was a son of Samuel and Christina

Miller Gibbons. Christina was the

daughter of Capt. Henry Miller, Jr., the

grandson of Adam Mueller (Miller)

who is considered to be the first perma-

nent white settler in the Shenandoah

Valley, settling north of present-day

Elkton in 1727.

Samuel Gibbons formed a partner-

ship with Daniel and Henry Forrer in

1836 to open an iron works on Gibbons’ land. The

next year Samuel and Christina Gibbons sold their

land and their interest in the iron works to the Forrers

and moved into a new home in Harrisonburg where

they lived until 1843. Samuel Gibbons became active

in the affairs of his new hometown and served as sher-

iff of Rockingham County for two years during this

time.

Simeon Gibbons began his schooling in Harrison-

burg. The family, however, moved briefly to near

Orange Court House and then in 1844 bought a farm

known as “Willow Grove” near Luray in Page County.

Simeon completed his primary education in a private

academy at Luray. In July 1849 he entered the Virgin-

ia Military Institute in Lexington where he became a

three-year member of the class of 1852. Thomas Jona-

than Jackson was his professor of natural philosophy.

Simeon excelled while at VMI ranking 7th out of 24

graduates.

With his educational achievements in hand, Simeon

was hired as a teacher at the Charlotte Hall Military

Academy in a town of the same

name in southern Maryland,

south of Washington, D.C. This

academy had been established

by Queen Charlotte, wife of

King George III, in 1774. As

such, it is considered to be one

of the oldest educational insti-

tutions in the United States.

Gibbons taught mathematics

and military tactics at the

school for two years.

In May 1855, Simeon re-

turned to Harrisonburg to mar-

ry his childhood sweetheart,

Frances “Fannie” Shacklett,

daughter of Samuel and Maria

Henry Shacklett. The next year

Simeon went into the mercan-

tile business with his brother-in-law Henry Shacklett.

Tragically, Fannie Gibbons lived only nine months

after her marriage. She contracted typhoid fever, be-

came gravely ill, and died February 27, 1856 at age 21.

While Gibbons was still working as a Harrisonburg

merchant in the spring of 1859, he began recruiting

area men to form an infantry company known as the

Valley Guards. He enlisted the help of E. T. H. Warren

and Samuel T. Walker to be lieutenants in the militia

organization. Warren was a prominent, young attorney

in Harrisonburg, whose house is the current home of

the Virginia Quilt Museum. Walker was editor of the

New Market newspaper, The Valley Democrat. In

See Col S. B. Gibbons on page 7

By Dale MacAllister

Colonel Simeon Beauford Gibbons

Calendar Of Events

Sunday, November 3: Last Seasonal Sunday

Saturday, November 9, 12 - 2 pm Lunch/Lecture

Fundraiser: “The Union Fish Hook Breaks! The 10th

Virginia at Culps Hill during the Battle of Gettysburg”

with Jeremy Hilliard, 10th Virginia Volunteer Infantry.

$15 per person.

Tuesday, November 19, 7 pm: Rockingham County

Orchard Exhibit Opening Reception with special guests

and hard cider tastings. Member preview 6:30 pm.

November 28-29: Museum & Offices Closed

Sunday December 8: Open House 1-5 pm

Tuesday, December 10: Volunteer Luncheon

December 24-26: Museum & Offices Closed

Wednesday, January 1: Museum & Offices Closed

Thursday, January 16, 7 pm: “Elder John Kline” with

Paul Roth.

Thursday, February 20, 7 pm: “Learning English

Through the Study of History,” with Dr. Nuray Grove

and Dr. Dan Roberts, University of Richmond

Saturday, February 22, 10 am - 4 pm: Quilt Docu-

mentation & Discovery Day. Snow date: March 1

Thursday, March 20, 7pm: “For Dixie Children:

Teaching Students What it Meant to be Confederate

Americans,” with Nathan Ryalls.

Thursday, April 17, 7 pm: “Life on the Frontier,” with

Patrick Murphy.

Volume 35, No. 4

The Heritage Museum Hours

Tuesday—Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Seasonal Sundays 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Genealogy on Mondays by appointment

Office closed on Saturday and Sunday Telephone: (540) 879-2616

Email: [email protected] www.heritagecenter.com

www.HeritageMuseumStore.com

Trustees

Chairman: Greg Owen

Vice-Chairman: Irvin Hess

Secretary: Monica Frackelton

Treasurer: L.J. Purcell

Resident Historian

Dale MacAllister

HRHS Staff

Executive Director: Penny Imeson

Administrator: Margaret Hotchner

Archivist: Laura Adams

Staff: Amy Kiracofe, Juanita Wysong

Museum Assistant: Tom Knight

2014 Newsletter Submission Deadlines

All articles are subject to editing. Ideas for feature articles

must be submitted in advance of the article. We reserve the

right not to use unsolicited feature articles. Genealogical que-

ries welcome.

Submissions can be emailed to

[email protected]

or mailed to HRHS

P.O. Box 716

Dayton VA 22821

Winter January 24

Spring April 25

Summer July 25

Fall October 24

THE HERITAGE MUSEUM HARRISONBURG-ROCKINGHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Charlie Collette Wes Graves

Michael Hill Nathan Miller

Lew Taylor David Wood

Paper or Digital?

Please keep your contact addresses

and preferences up to date!

Let Margaret know at [email protected]

Our Wish List

Volume 35, No. 4


Notes from the Executive Director

In the midst of our daily efforts

to promote the mission and activi-

ties of the Historical Society at The

Heritage Museum, Margaret and I are often interrupt-

ed by phone calls or visitors who wish to donate bits

and pieces of local history and family memorabilia.

When they ask if we would be interested, I always say

“Yes!” with the exclamation emphasized.

Reviewing the offerings of the donors is a little

treasure hunt for me, but I really appreciate the fact

that the donors of The Heritage Museum as a new

home for their items. I accept every donation with ef-

fusive thanks to the donor for remembering the His-

torical Society. We are the community’s attic, scrap-

book, and photo album, after all. Some museums have

large acquisition budgets, but The Heritage Museum

relies on the generosity of the community. For that

reason, each object that adds to the collection is more

personal. Building the collection really is about and

for our friends and neighbors.

You will see from the long list of acquisitions that

our inventory of artifacts and archives is growing and

growing. These items will provide for future exhibits

and supplement research and education for everyone.

Just yesterday, an extraordinarily large donation came

in. I haven’t seen all if it, so the details must remain

for a later date. But I did notice a small item that will

be useful for the upcoming orchard exhibit. In the

meantime, here’s one of my favorite recent photos . . .

Cool Stuff

Do you own a quilt? The Virginia Consortium of

Quilters (www.vcq.org), is looking for new and old

quilts made in Virginia before the year 2000 to be

added to their research data base. You may bring up

to three undocumented quilts to be measured, photo-

graphed, dated, and patterns identified. Please also

bring a photograph of the quilt maker(s), if available,

for copying. The data gathered will be recorded for

future use by researchers of history, genealogy, and

material culture of Virginia. Confidentiality of quilt

owners will be protected. This is a continuation of

earlier documentation projects. For more information

please call 540 427 0184.

*Snow day - Saturday, March 1, 2014. Save the dates!

Quilt Documentation & Discovery

Day, Saturday, February 22nd*

Who are these cool cats? You’ll find the an-swer in the Acquisitions list on page 11.


Annual Banquet & Replica Raffle Drawing

The Terrace at Rocktown, home of Early Katering,

provided a new venue for the Annual Banquet on Fri-

day, October 18th, when over 100 members and

guests gathered to celebrate another year of collecting,

preserving, and educating at The Heritage Museum.

Special guests included Mark Thomas, gunstocker and

engraver of the Replica Raffle Longrifle, Raffle Apple

Quilt creator, Bonnie Spoon, and featured speaker Jo-

seph W. A. Whitehorne.

During the social time attendees greeted one anoth-

er with cheerful smiles and enjoyed convivial conver-

sations which continued to the dinner tables. The

beautiful prizes for the Replica Raffle Drawing were

on display, encouraging last-minute ticket purchases.

Tabletop decorations designed with apples, kale, and

hydrangea blooms added to the festive atmosphere.

After an invocation lead by Resident Historian Dale

MacAllister, the fall-flavored menu was served.

Executive Director Penny Imeson, acting as Master

of Ceremonies, lamented interrupting the lively table

talk but recognized the need to begin the evening’s

full program. In the absence of Trustee Chairman

Greg Owen, Vice-Chairman Irvin Hess started the of-

ficial business of the banquet meeting. Trustee Nathan

Miller provided the nominations report for the Trustee

Class of 2016. By unanimous consent Irvin Hess and

Wes Graves were elected for second terms and Mi-

chael Way and Dana Fenner were elected as new

Trustees.

With voting complete, Dr. Hess introduced the

“Wayland Society Grand Plan,” an incredible fund-

raising opportunity for the coming year. The Wayland

Society is the highest membership level for those

members who give $1,000 or more annually. “It

serves as a significant source of energy and creates a

stable rudder for The Heritage Museum,” he said. An

anonymous and very generous donor is “putting their

money on our members” by matching dollar for dollar

the $1,000 dues of every Wayland member who joins

between October 2013 and October 2014 (up to forty

memberships). This in an unbelievable offer to match

$40,000 with another $40,000.

As members considered this incredible investment

opportunity, Penny Imeson rose to present the Volun-

teer of the Year award to a very humble Glenn Huff-

man for his many years of service in the Genealogy

Library. Just as Nancy Hess began to introduce the

featured speaker, Penny interrupted to give away one

of the Replica Raffle prizes. Dr. Whitehorne pulled

the winning ticket for the Tiger Maple Sugar Chest—

Jocelyn H. from Harrisonburg, Vir-

ginia. Nancy then continued her in-

troduction for Dr. Whitehorne who

presented a detailed account of the

events leading to the division of

West Virginia from Virginia in 1863.

Following the presentation was

the much anticipated culmination of

the year-

long Repli-

ca Raffle

fundraiser.

Over 850

tickets were

sold to al-

most 350

individuals

with pro-

ceeds close

to $19,000!

All eyes

were on Dr. Hess as he shook and shuffled the large

bag of raffle stubs. Mark Thomas drew the winning

name for the Apple Core Quilt—Amanda A. from

Richmond, Virginia. Penny took the opportunity to

note that the Replica Raffle allowed for The Heritage

Irvin Hess delivers the Wayland Society Grand Plan.

Joseph Whitehorne chats with a guest.

See Banquet on next page

Volume 35, No. 4


Volume 35, No. 4

Trustee Class of 2016

Michael Way graduated from Turner Ashby High School and then James Madison University with a major in history, minors in education and political science, as well as a master's degree in counseling. He taught history and government in a local high school before serving in various ad-ministrative positions at JMU until his 2006 re-tirement.

Dana Fenner grew up in Arlington, graduated from James Madison University, and obtained a master’s degree in Health Care Administration from George Washington University. She worked as a health care consultant, raised two children, and then returned to her original love of design, becoming a Master Gardener and

building a landscape design consulting business in Pittsburgh.

Wes Graves is a life-long resident of Rocking-ham County and Managing Director of Wells Fargo Advisors. He has been a leader and con-tributor to many community organizations over the years. He is nominated for his second term.

Irvin Hess is a retired orthopaedic surgeon and chairman emeritus of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Sesquicentenni-al of the American Civil War. He is nominated for his second term.

The Trustee Class of 2016 will take office on Jan-uary 1, 2014. Congratulations and thank you!

Museum to be promoted well beyond Rockingham

County and expressed appreciation to all the volun-

teers and members who supported ticket sales

throughout the year. Amidst a drumroll of spoons on

dinner glasses, Bonnie Spoon drew the winner of the

much-coveted Replica Rifle—Mary F., from Nash-

ville, Tennessee. There was clear disappointment

among the guests who did not hold winning tickets,

but everyone agreed that supporting The Heritage

Museum was a winning cause!

Irvin Hess and Penny Imeson stir up raffle anticipation.

Banquet Volunteer of the Year

Penny Imeson in-

troduced the 2013

Volunteer of the

Year with the fol-

lowing words, ”In

my tenure I have

seen this individu-

al devote hours

and hours of time

to the Historical

Society, but really

it has been years

and years. With

such a quiet and

unassuming man-

ner, most may not

realize the depth of knowledge and devotion that

this individual contributes. With deep roots in Rock-

ingham County and family tree branches that extend

over half the population and on into West Virginia,

plus decades of genealogical research, in addition to

his dedication to the unending task of searching old

newspapers to expand our obituary records, Glenn

Huffman shows extraordinary devotion as a volun-

teer.” Thank you to Glenn and all volunteers!

David Hatmaker and Glenn Huffman share research notes.

Continued from previous page

Volume 35, No. 4


Notes from the Bookstore

Your purchases support HRHS! heritagemuseumstore.com Please note: not all gift shop items are available online. Thank you!

A Mennonite Journal

1862-1865: A Father’s

Account of the Civil War in

the Shenandoah Valley. Edited by John R. Hildebrand

A unique perspective of Civil

War home-front life.

$13.95 softcover

A Trip by Rail in the Shenandoah

Valley on the Baltimore & Ohio

Railroad and the Southern Railway

by Bob Cohen

Travel by each

passenger stop

with maps, im-

ages, and infor-

mation.

$59.99 hard-

cover

Appalachian Heart by Lynn Coffey

Oral Histories of Blue

Ridge Mountain people.

$20 softcover

Magnet, actual size

Quote on mug: “The very sight of him was the signal for cheers. . .” from

John H. Worsham, author of One of Jackson’s Foot Cavalry.

Shop Local!

The magnet and all mugs in the

bookstore are created by LDA

Creations, Inc. at the Silver Lake

Mill in Dayton.

New Gift Ideas!

The Heritage Museum Magnet, $3.75

Stonewall Jackson Mugs, $10

plus Shenandoah Valley Battlefields

Foundation coffees to fill your mug! Several varieties, whole bean and ground.

Volume 35, No. 4


coming years both men would become leaders in the

famed 10th Virginia Infantry Regiment.

In October 1859, the Valley Guards, made up

mostly of Rockingham County men, traveled to Harp-

ers Ferry and Charles Town to serve as honor guards

during the trial of John Brown. They returned there

several weeks later for his hanging.

Simeon’s family, due to impending social and po-

litical difficulties surfacing in the Valley, sold Willow

Grove and moved to Georgia. Simeon planned to relo-

cate to San Antonio, Texas, with a friend from Luray,

but other circumstances intervened. In early April

1861, Simeon Gibbons was given orders from Rich-

mond to take command of a newly formed 4th Regi-

ment of Virginia State troops. He received a commis-

sion to the rank of full colonel. Gibbons returned to

Harrisonburg and quickly led the initial seven compa-

nies to Harpers Ferry to capture the arms stored there.

His 4th Regiment soon formed the nucleus of the 10th

Virginia Regiment.

As the Civil War began, reorganizational efforts

within the military temporarily caused Gibbons to lose

his rank. But as the Army of the Shenandoah became

fully organized, his rank of colonel was restored, mak-

ing Simeon Gibbons, at age 28, the youngest colonel

in the Confederacy at that time. When the 10th Virgin-

ia achieved full strength, with seven of its companies

from Rockingham, Gibbon’s regiment was among

those sent to Martinsburg where Union General Rob-

ert Patterson had occupied the town on July the 4th.

No battle resulted, so the 10th Virginia soon withdrew

to Winchester. It was during this occupation of Mar-

tinsburg that the famous Confederate spy Belle Boyd

shot and killed a Union soldier who had sworn at and

insulted her mother.

Within weeks, the 10th, as part of General Arnold

Elzey’s brigade, would be given much credit for turn-

ing Union forces back in the South’s first victory at

Manassas. That winter the 10th was dug in near Fair-

fax Station and were considered the best-drilled regi-

ment in the camp.

In April 1862, the 10th Virginia was assigned to the

army of Thomas Jonathan Jackson as he retreated up

the Valley following the Battle of Kernstown, his only

defeat. The forces marched to Conrad’s Store (Elkton)

and set up headquarters in the Henry Miller home, a

house that coincidentally had been built by Simeon’s

father Samuel Gibbons and his boyhood friend. Gen-

eral Jackson used this time to plan his Valley Cam-

paign while the 10th camped nearby at the old Elk Run

Church. While stationed there, the regiment was

strengthened by nearly 100 new volunteers from

Rockingham County.

On May 8, 1862, Jackson’s army clashed with Un-

ion forces atop Bull Pasture Mountain east of

McDowell, in Highland County. Minor skirmishes

broke out during the day, but by late afternoon the

fighting had escalated into a full and bloody battle.

That evening, Colonel S. B. Gibbons was leading his

men up Sitlington’s Hill to confront enemy troops un-

der Union Generals Robert C. Schenk and Robert H.

Milroy. Colonel Gibbons raised his sword and shout-

ed to his men, “Boys, stand to your colors!” Another

witness remembered the words as, “My brave boys,

follow your colors!” Although essentially the same

command, it would be the last one issued by the

brave, young Colonel. Nearly simultaneously, two

balls pierced the Colonel’s forehead, and he fell to the

ground mortally wounded. His brother Billy Gibbons,

who had joined the 10th in 1862 as Colonel Gibbons’

orderly, cradled his brother in his arms as he died. Bil-

ly accompanied the body back to Harrisonburg for a

Masonic funeral. Colonel Simeon Beauford Gibbons

was buried in the Shacklett family plot in Harrison-

burg’s Woodbine Cemetery beside his beloved Fan-

nie. He was 17 days shy of his 29th birthday.

S. S. Lambeth, chaplain for the 10th Virginia, re-

membered Colonel Gibbons as follows: “As an officer

and a soldier few were more competent . . . He com-

manded the Valley Guards and was fully versed in

tactics and in all the minutiae of the soldier’s life. Re-

spectful to his superiors, kind to his subordinates, gen-

erous and accommodating to his men, he rendered

himself the idol of the regiment he commanded.”

Colonel E. T. H. Warren was appointed as command-

er of the 10th Virginia to replace Colonel Gibbons.

In November 1893, local veterans met in Harrison-

burg to organize Camp 438 of the United Confederate

Veterans. They chose to honor the fallen leader, so

Col. S. B. Gibbons

Continued from front page

See Col. S. B. Gibbons on next page

Volume 35, No. 4


Col. S. B. Gibbons

admired by his soldiers, by calling their group the

S. B. Gibbons Camp. In 1914, more than fifty years

after Simeon’s death, the VMI newsletter, The Ca-

det, paid special tribute to Colonel Gibbons: “He was

at the First Battle of Manassas with his regiment, and

in May, 1862, fell at the head of his regiment at the

battle of McDowell. He was known for his high

Christian character, for his brave and chivalrous spir-

it and his gentle and loving disposition. No man died

more lamented and mourned.”

Main Sources:

Gibbons, Alfred, “Simeon Gibbons: Hero of the Confed-

eracy,” Daily News-Record, July 3, 1980.

“Colonel S. B. Gibbons, First Commander of the Tenth

Regiment, Virginia Volunteers, C.S.A.” manuscript by

unknown author and date, Harrisonburg-Rockingham

Historical Society files.

Moore, Robert H., II, “Simeon B. Gibbons (1833-

1862)” [Weblog entry.] Cenantua’s Blog. October 4,

2010. October 28, 2013.

<http://cenantua.wordpress.com/web-pages-within-my-

blog/biographical-sketches/page-county-virginia/simeon-

beauford-gibbons-1833-1862/.

Continued from previous page

Celebrate your Harrisonburg-Rockingham Roots! Share your family stories with us!

Editors note: In the Winter 2012 Newsletter, Harvey Wise

requested information regarding Wise family descendants,

particularly in the Bridgewater and Centerville areas. The

Wise descendants have kept busy and recently gathered to

celebrate their efforts.

On Sunday, October 20, 2013, at St. Michaels UCC, near

Bridgewater, Delegate Steve Landes and former State Sen-

ator Nathan Miller presented a resolution from the Virginia

General Assembly to Rev. Dr. Hollis Dodge, the pastor of

St. Michaels. The resolution recognizes Michael Wise

(c1730 to 1799) for his military service in the American

Revolution and for his generosity in donating the land for

St. Michaels Church and Cemetery. Also pictured are de-

scendants of Michael Wise, from left to right: Norma Wise

Landes, Lucretia Lane, Sen. Nathan Miller (also a Michael

Wise descendant), Rev. Dr. Hollis Dodge, Delegate Steve

Landes, Harvey Wise, Ann Callender, and Nancy Gum.

This resolution concluded a year's effort which also includ-

ed the placement of a granite bench in front of the church.

Celebration of Michael Wise Resolution at St. Michaels United

Church of Christ near Bridgewater, Virginia.

Wise Family Update


Volume 35, No. 4

A Warm Welcome To Our

New Members

Kim Anderson, Cobbtown, GA

Jody Barr, Crossville, TN

Sara Beardsley, Columbia, SC

Amy Branam, Cumberland, MD

David Bronson, Moreland Hills, OH

Carroll & Maryjane Chewning, Bridgewater, VA

Kathleen Dobronyi, Inverness, FL

James Dorman, East Rockaway, NY

Jeanne Fuller, San Antonio, TX

Catherine Godfrey, Vancouver, WA

Lisa Hawkins, Bridgewater, VA

Nancy Lowder, Mint Hill, NC

Peter & Mary Mullen, Roanoke, VA

Carol Perruso, Long Beach, CA

Becky Poulliot, Virginia Beach, VA

L.J. & Kitty Purcell, Dayton, VA

Gilbert & Mandy Rice, Penn Laird, VA

John Rudmin, Harrisonburg, VA

Gary & Kathy Seek, Roanoke, VA

Christina Sheveily, Shelby, NC

Alvin Wise, Richmond, VA

Glen & Karen Zalkin, St. Augustine, FL

Volunteer Wayne Angleberger leads a lesson on local geogra-phy and Civil War history for a Stanley Elementary fifth grade field trip on October 11th.

The Heritage Museum hosted the Mountain Mille 2013 vintage vehicle rally on October 1st, including this visitor and his Red-Fan Parrot named Claude.

Volunteers staffed The Heritage Museum booth at the Rock-ingham County Fair, August 12-17, promoting the Museum and the Replica Raffle. At left, Greg Owen speaks with members Seymour and Barbara Paul. Above, John Sellers and L.J. Purcell enjoy a good ‘ole Historical Society chat.


Volume 35, No. 4

Chancery Court Records with Carl Childs

Carl Childs is the Local Records Services Director at the Library of Virginia. He traveled to The Heritage Museum on

Thursday, October 19th. For members who were unable to attend, this is a synopsis of his presentation on the Chancery

Records Index now digitized and online for research at http://www.virginiamemory.com/collections/chancery/

What are Chancery cases? The Chancery Court hears cases in

which justice is administered according to fairness or equity, as

opposed to the strictly formulated rules of common law. Juries

are not used and one judge, called the Chancellor, usually deter-

mines the outcome of the case. Cases in chancery often address

estate and business disputes, debt, the resolution of land disputes,

and divorce among many other diverse topics. Because the rec-

ords rely so heavily on testimony from witnesses, they offer a

unique glimpse into the lives of Virginians from the early 18th

century through the First World War.

The Chancery Records Index (CRI) is a result of archival pro-

cessing and indexing projects by the Library of Virginia (LVA)

and funded, in part, by the Virginia Circuit Court Records Preser-

vation Program (CCRP). Currently, indexes for over 90 localities

are available, including Rockingham County. Over 236,000 indi-

vidual cases have been indexed and 61 localities have been

scanned with many more microfilmed. Over 8 million digital im-

ages have been posted since 2005.

Chancery cases were heard in the Chancery District Court/

Superior Court of Chancery Western District held in Staunton/

Augusta County, a hybrid of an appellate court and a court of

origin. Chancery suits from all localities were filed in the Augus-

ta County courthouse. Rockingham County researchers should

also research Augusta County records because from 1802-1831,

the Augusta district included Rockingham County (among many

other counties).

The Chancery Records contain considerable historical and ge-

nealogical information creating a goldmine for family historians!

Topics to search include:

Church/Sectionalism Disputes

Slavery/African-American History

Business/Economic History

Useful Links:

Chancery Records Index -http://www.virginiamemory.com/collections/chancery/

Lost Records Localities Digital Collection http://www.virginiamemory.com/collections/lost

Legislative Petition Digital Collection – http://www.virginiamemory.com/collections/petitions

Virginia Heritage Project – Finding Aids http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/search

Out of the Box Blog - http://www.virginiamemory.com/blogs/out_of_the_box/

Carl Childs shares his expertise from the Library of Virginia.

For practice, consider researching Rockingham

County Chancery Cause #1895-043, HOSE CO

NO. 4 vs. HOSE CO NO. 1 ETC, which details a

dispute between the fire companies over the

winner of a “friendly” hose contest held during

Harrisonburg’s Fourth of July celebration in

1893. Photo courtesy of the Library of Virginia.

http://www.virginiamemory.com/collections/chancery/

http://www.virginiamemory.com/collections/chancery/

http://www.virginiamemory.com/collections/lost

http://www.virginiamemory.com/collections/petitions

http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/search

http://www.virginiamemory.com/blogs/out_of_the_box/

Volume 35, No. 4


Archives

Douglas Bartley donated a copy of "Our Salvation Bible," a special limited edition copyright by John Ray

Hinkle, Dayton, VA (2½” x 2”); and a souvenir program from the Narrow Gague (sic) School, Ashby Dis-

trict, School #37, Rockingham Co., VA, Term 1905-1906.

Nancy Byrd donated a copy of picture of the Black Cats,* a newspaper article picturing and naming the

Black Cats, a 1930 Trophy cup won by Dayton Athletic Club, and a photo of Mrs. Byrd's mother preparing

to march in a suffrage rally at Elkton, VA.

Dick & Doris Coffman donated an American Legion Band Uniform, VFW Hat, and photo of Basil Coffman

at Saint-Nazaire, France, a news clipping of Dayton Band veterans with 116th Infantry band (5/7/19), a

booklet with a brief history of the 116th Infantry 29th Division, a newspaper tear sheet, and a photo of the

Shenandoah College Band.

Dorice M. Coffman donated an old Williamson Pharmacy pill box.

Gary M. Diehl donated a copy of The Public Schools of Rockingham County.

Elizabeth Kaylor donated genealogy information regarding the Sandy family, including Pifer, Lam, and

Craun surnames.

Jerry Linder donated a copy of the August 2013 Journal of the Campbell Clan Society (North America)

newsletter which features the clan’s summer 2013 trip to Rockingham County.

Madison County Historical Society (Virginia) donated two very old ledgers and photos. The first ledger men-

tions the Valley Turnpike Company with entries dated in the 1860s; the second was a Day Book belonging to

Samuel Henry with entries dated between 1816 and 1817. The photos captured a wedding party circa early

1900s in a horse drawn wagon and a group circa 1920s, possibly of Lynchburg College graduates.

Marlena Powers donated the John D. and Elizabeth F. (Good) Wenger family bible.

Janet B. Senger McCoy donated Dayton High School memorabilia from her 1938 class, including the class

yearbook and photo, graduation announcement, and a scrapbook.

Bonnie Painter donated various editions of The Breeze from the Madison Normal School for 1928 and 1929.

Matthew Sunderlin donated a copy of a 1913 Bridgewater Commencement Program.

Library

Phillip Baker donated a copy of his book Movers and Settlers: The Yankee Family.

Robert Cohen donated a copy of his book, A Trip by Rail in the Shenandoah Valley.

Richard Early donated his book Descendants of Johannes "Hans" Jacob & Maria Narr Oehrle, Vol 1.

Robin M. Good donated copies of pages from the Sniteman Bible, Henry Sniteman's funeral card, photocop-

ies of family member photos, and the birth certificate of John J. Good.

Kathryn Mason donated a transcription of the will of John Garber, Sr. of Shenandoah County, which was

proved to the court in December 1787 from Will Book B., page 409.

Lois M. Rhodes donated a copy of her book, The James Turner III and Margaret Fulk Turner Family.

Raymond Rhodes donated family books written by various family members regarding his Rhodes genealogy.

Alan Shirkey donated copies from a ledger from the Bridgewater area recording deaths from 1898-1959.

Office

A special thank you to Kathryn Mason, Jane Smootz, and Juanita Taylor for donating various office supplies.

—Compiled by Margaret Hotchner

*The Black Cats were the Dayton basketball team photographed in 1929 as seen on page 2.

Acquisitions

Your treasures may rest at HRHS!

Please consider donating artifacts and papers unique to Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Items must be

reviewed before being accepted into the permanent collection. We request that you make an appointment with

the Collections Committee. For questions or to schedule an appointment, call (540) 879-2616.

Harrisonburg - Rockingham Historical Society

P.O. Box 716

Dayton, Virginia 22821

OR CURRENT ADDRESS


Non-Profit U.S. Postage

PAID Permit No. 19 Harrisonburg/Rockingham

Fall 2013, Vol. 35, No. 4

We’ll see you in the galleries! On November 9, 2013, the well-received exhibit of the

Hopkins Family Civil War Letters will close. This unique

display of missives found in the wall of the Hopkins’ an-

cestral home, Cave Hill, will be put to bed, but there are

plans for future creative uses of the remarkable conversa-

tions held within. Stay tuned!

Replacing the Civil War Letters is an exhibit featuring the

orchards of Rockingham County. The Exhibit Opening is

scheduled for Tuesday, November 19th, at 7 pm, with

special guests and presentations, plus hard cider tastings

courtesy of Showalter’s Orchard in Timberville, Virginia.

A members only reception will start at 6:30 pm.

Exhibit Committee Note: The previously planned Music Traditions

exhibit has been postponed to a later date.

Book & Gift Shop sales support The Heritage Museum!

Just a sampling of our selection which is as unique as The Heritage Museum itself, with titles reflecting our

exhibits and local history as well as valuable research tools to supplement the Genealogy Library experience.

We are eager to expand our catalog with useful guides and compelling books. Please make a suggestion.

IT’S SO EASY TO SUPPORT THE HERITAGE MUSEUM!

Call HRHS at 540-879-2616 Visit www.HeritageMuseumStore.com for more titles

Mail order form with shipping instructions and payment to PO Box 716, Dayton, VA 22821.


Price Qty Total

BACK IN PRINT MUST HAVE!

1885 Atlas of Rockingham County, Virginia—reprinted by HRHS with revised index $ 32.00

POPULAR HRHS PUBLICATIONS

Civil War Stories, Rosemarie Joswick Palmer $ 17.00

Bernhart & Company: Shenandoah Valley Folk Art Fraktur (1775-1850), Bonnie L. Paul $ 24.99

1864: The Valley Aflame $ 15.00

NEW IN THE BOOKSTORE

The Heritage Museum Magnet $ 3.75

A Mennonite Journal 1862-1865, edited by John R. Hildebrand $ 13.95

A Trip by Rail in the Shenandoah Valley, Bob Cohen $ 59.99

Appalachian Heart, Lynn Coffey $ 20.00

French and Indian War in Shenandoah County, Life on Inner Frontier, R. Patrick Murphy $ 30.00

The Battle of Fisher’s Hill, Jonathan A. Noyales $ 19.99

POPULAR IN THE BOOKSTORE

1863: Life in the Shenandoah Valley, Elsie Renalds Newcomer & Janet Renalds Ramsay $ 20.00

Unionists and the CW Experience in Shen. Valley Vol. 6, Wenger, Rodes, Bittenger $ 50.00

Zenda 1869-1930 - An African American Community of Hope, Nancy Bondurant Jones $ 22.00

The Undying Past of Shenandoah Park, Darwin Lambert $ 19.95

Welcome to Fort Valley, Jeanette Conner Ritenour, James Harris Trott, Margaret Akers Trott $ 59.95

The Red Flannel Rag, Peggy Ann Shifflett $ 22.00

Portals to the Shenandoah Valley Folkways, John Heatwole $ 15.00

The Burning (DVD), based on book by John Heatwole $ 20.00

The Great Valley Road of Virginia, Warren R. Hofstra & Karl Raitz $ 25.00

The Lost Art of Pie Making Made Easy, Barbara Swell $ 5.95

Hymns of the Old Camp Ground, Wayne Erbsen $ 5.95

The Heartland: Rockingham County, Nancy B. Hess $ 30.00

RESEARCH FAVORITES

Marriage Notices from the Rockingham Register, 1822-1870, Dorothy A. Boyd-Bragg $ 36.50

Death Notices From Extant Issues of The Rockingham Register, Dorothy A. Boyd-Bragg $ 23.99

Abstracts - Executive, Administrator, Guardian Bonds of R’ham Co 1778-1864, M. Pri- $ 10.00

Settlers by the Long Gray Trail, J. Houston Harrison $ 50.00

Augusta County, VA Earliest Will Index 1745 - Post 1900, Elizabeth Jane Sherman $ 32.00

The Genealogist’s Guide to Fraktur, Corinne Earnest and Beverly Repass Hoch $ 19.95

Subtotal

5.3% Sales Tax on Items Shipping in Virginia

Shipping ($6 for first item + $1 for each additional item)

Total (Thank you!)

col. s. b. gibbons of the 10th virginia...

Documents