The Messenger OF THE CHESTERFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF VIRGINIA

Number 78 July 2006

July Quarterly Meeting IN THIS ISSUE Sunday, July 23, 2006 at 5 p.m. at Castlewood July Quarterly Meeting 1 Board of Directors Nominees 1 Make plans to attend the third CHS quarterly meeting of 2006. There Drewry’s Bluff 1 will be a concert by the Chesterfield Community Band. Pack yourself a picnic and come to Castlewood. Beginning at 5:00 p.m. there will be a CHS News 2 brief membership meeting to elect a slate of three new directors to the President’s Letter 2 board; then the festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. There will be an exhibit in Library Acquisitions 3 the ballroom that day. The nominees for the CHS Board of Directors are: Out on a Limb 3 Ms. Brenda Briggs - Brenda has been a CHS member since 2003 and is CHS Membership List 4 currently involved in an oral history project. Father Halbleib 5 Dr. Jeanne von Schilling - Jean has recently completed a third book on Bermuda Hundred Resolution 6 her family history. She is on the Board of Directors at GRIVA and has Need Your Help 6 been a CHS member since 2003. Historical Markers 7 Mrs. Liess van der Linden-Brusse - Liess currently serves as chairman Bottle Donated 8 of the Library Committee. She volunteers at CHS on Thursdays and has been a member since 1998.

Drewry’s Bluff Noted Civil War historian Bob Krick spoke at the last quarterly meeting about the history of Drewry’s Bluff. Twenty eight members were in attendance. The fort was strategically important because it was situated on the James River overlooking the approach to Richmond, and was its only defense from the Union navy. On May 15, 1862 a fleet of Union ships including the ironclad Monitor were defeated at the Battle of Drewry’s Bluff. The defenses of the fort proved too formidable to seriously challenge again. Drewry’s Bluff is now called Fort Darling because that is the Federal name for it, but the origin of the name is not known. The fort was commanded by the brother of Robert E. Lee. Mr. Krick told us of an account of how President Lincoln was nearly drowned in the river near the fort. After the Union army invaded Richmond, the President desired to travel upriver to Richmond. His boat became tangled up in the paddlewheel of a much larger boat and very nearly was broken. Civil War re-enactors at Plantation Day on June 17

Mission Statement The Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia serves as the center for Chesterfield County history. Its purposes are to collect, preserve, interpret and promote the county’s unique past for the education of present and future generations 1

CHS News CHS Video Project – A remake of the 30-minute video of Chesterfield’s Chesterfield history is now underway, led by Margo Carlock. CHS signed a contract with Historical Society Cinabar to update and shorten it to ten minutes. Additional members to work on the committee are welcome to assist. The original video produced by of Virginia Arline McGuire is now available in the library. 10201 Iron Bridge Road The Bermuda Hundred Historical Designation is moving forward. The P.O. Box 40 Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution supporting the Chesterfield, VA 23832 designation and a parcel of county property in the area will be included in the application. The framed resolution was presented to Gloria Hewlett, a pastor at the First Baptist Bermuda Hundred Church. It will be on display at the church. See the resolution on page 7 of this issue. The Military History Committee met on June 7. The committee is prioritizing projects and determining how to fund the projects. Scott Williams is the new chairman of this committee. Faye Crenshaw has left CHS to take a new job at Stony Point Fashion park .

From the President –

As I glance over messages from the president in publications that I receive, I realize that our societies and organizations are extremely busy and creative. Officers There are many dedicated people who put in a lot of hours to their causes. The President – Angela Wilderman Chesterfield Historical Society is no different. I want to thank our members and 1st Vice-President – to be named very active volunteers for all they do. During this year, so many people have 2nd Vice-President – Barbara Yandle come forward to lend a helping hand. George Reynolds is one of those Recording Secretary – Jane Harmon volunteers. He is a docent at Magnolia Grange and gave numerous tours at the Corresponding Secretary – Phyllis Bass Treasurer — Jim Evans museum when the school children visited during the year. He’s involved in the

Archeology Committee, Historic Sites Committee, Military History Committee, Directors and works on many of the events that we hold during the course of the year Margo Carlock Jo Garey Don Gobble including the recent Plantation Day. He is working with a new member, George Dr. Peter Lipowicz Arline McGuire Cranford, who is scanning records and taking photographs of the museum Mike Poarch Dr. Jean von Schilling collection. If you are interested in the collection at the museum and old jail, Ken Shiflett Sam Tarry please consider assisting the Historic Sites Committee pack the collection up so that it can be removed from these sites and put into storage. The buildings are Committee Chairs going to be renovated with paint and new carpet and improvements made to Cemetery – Rachel Lipowicz 739-7225 ensure the building is dry. There will be a new exhibit created by Ammons Finance – Jim Evans Studio installed in the museum later in the year. Many of the items in the Library – Liess van der Linden-Brusse collection will not be used. A new location to safely store the collectibles must be Historic Sites – to be named found. The cookbook project is moving along. We need your recipes. Do you Membership – Barbara Yandle have some historical trivia about Chesterfield or old photographs that you think Military History – Scott Williams Hospitality – Barbara Yandlle might be of interest? Send them in also. Volunteers are needed to help select and Bermuda Hundred – Sam Tarry & Ruth Snead write short historical items about Chesterfield for the cookbook. Can you help? Batteau – Will Turnage Please give me a call. We’re gearing up for the auction in November. If you can contribute your time, talents, and items for the auction, please step forward and Staff let us know. We need you. If you have not attended this event, you have really Tamara Evans - Gift Shop Manager missed a fun-filled evening and an opportunity to bid on some great items. In October, a traveling funerary exhibit from J.T. Morriss and Sons will be on exhibit in the ballroom at Castlewood. Fortunately, it will be here for Halloween Hours of Operation but not for Christmas. As you may know, there are a number of garden clubs that Castlewood and Magnolia Grange Gift Shop volunteer to decorate Magnolia Grange at Christmas. However, Castlewood is 10 a.m. — 4 p.m. always overlooked. If you have a talent in decorating a historic home and making Monday — Friday Castlewood festive for the holidays, please let us know. Peter Lipowicz made a presentation about the CHS library to the Board of Supervisors on May 24. He Phone Numbers did an excellent job of showcasing, in a very brief time slot, some of the very Castlewood (804) 777-9663 interesting items to be found on the shelves and in the files of our library. At that Magnolia Grange & Gift Shop (804) 796-1479 same meeting, Mrs. Rebecca Dickson, the new Deputy County Administrator for Human Services, made a presentation about the twinning of Chesterfield County Messenger Editor and Gravesham, England, where Pocahontas is buried. The CHS made a Peter Lipowicz contribution of $2,000 to the county in support of this Jamestown 2007 project.

From the Messenger editor – please e-mail by September 10 any submissions you would like to see in The Messenger to [email protected]. Thank you. 2

Recent Library Acquisitions and Donations The Library is always happy to receive books, documents, research notes, photos, maps, newspaper clippings and other printed items that provide information about our County’s past, so please think of us when doing your research or when clearing out the attic! Thank you. -- Liess van der Linden-Brusse, Library Committee

History Books & Genealogies Chesterfield County, Virginia, 1957, by Bettie Woodson Weaver, gift of the author. Legends of Virginia Lawyers, 1934, by John H. Gwathmey, gift of the Chesterfield County Police Department. Some Remembrances of Linwood E. Hudson, 1995, by Linwood Eugene Hudson, gift of Mr. & Mrs. Linwood Hudson. The Dyson & Eanes Families of Chesterfield County, Virginia, 2006, by Larry Franklin Holt, gift of the author. Gregory Families of Rockwood, 2002, by Thurlow Gates Gregory, gift of the author’s son Marcus W. C. Gregory. Ahnentafel of Joseph Clayton Family (Ancestors of Robert William Clayton), 2006, by Betty J. Martin Clayton, gift of the author. Chesterfield County, Virginia, a History, 1970, by Bettie Woodson Weaver, gift of the Chesterfield County Police Department. Crabgrass – Robert Bowman (1600-1667) and Descendants, 2005, by George P. Bowman, gift of the author. Henrico County Cemeteries, Volume I, 2005, by the Henrico County Historical Society, gift of Terry Roach. Ettrick, Virginia; Historical Survey of an American Village, 1979, by Bethany Davenport, gift of Ley Diller.

Periodicals Virginia Magazine of History & Biography, Vol. 113 Nos. 3 & 4, Vol. 114 No. 1, gift of Debbie Dendtler

Manuscripts Letter from Horace Mann, Sr., to Bettie Woodson Weaver, dated February 28, 1957, describing the history of Ettrick and Matoaca, gift of Bettie Woodson Weaver. Photocopies of Hymnbooks belonging to Nancy Belcher Perkinson and Sarah Maeker Holt, worshippers at Wesley Chapel, gift of Jack (J.W.) Britton.

General Interest Books Proposed General Plan 2000 Land Use and Public Facilities in Chesterfield County, by the Chesterfield County Planning Department, gift of the Chesterfield County police Department. Richmond National Battlefield Park, VA; Final General Management Plan, 1996, by , US Dept. of the Interior. Chesterfield County, Virginia, Commemorative Album (1749-2010), 2005, by Dean A. Vonetes, complimentary copy.

Out on a Limb This continues a series by Angie Wilderman of transcribed court records. These are from Page 189, Chesterfield County December Court 1788 Court Order Book 8.

Ordered that Peter Talbott, Jordan Anderson, Francis Patram, William Hill and James Moody or any thee of them do appraise the estate of John Elam deceased they being first sworn for the purpose and return and inventory thereof to court.

A deed from John Brown and Ann his wife to Edward Bass was acknowledged by the said John Brown and also by the said Ann she being privately examined and ordered to be recorded.

A Deed from Edward Bass and Judith his Wife to John Goode senior was acknowledged by the sd Edward Bass and also by the said Judith she being first privately examined and ordered to be recorded.

A Deed from Sarah Pilkington to Edward Loafman was further proved by the oath of Peter Rowlett a Witness thereto and ordered to be recorded. A Deed from William ___ to Joseph Roper was acknowledged by the said William and also by Anne his wife, she being privately examined and ordered to be recorded.

The last Will and Testament of Phebe Farmer deceased was proved by the oaths of Robert Haskins and Elam Farmer Witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded and on the motion of Henry Farmer an executor therein named who gave bond and took the oath as the Law directs. Certificate for having obtained a Probate thereof in due form is granted him.

Ordered that King Graves, Thomas Worsham Thomas Burfoot and James Baugh or any three of them do view the grounds proposed to turn the road on by Mary Blankenship and make report.

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Chesterfield Historical Society June 2006 Membership List

Arizona Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Bollinger Ms Kathryn H. Geranios Mrs. Betty J. Matthews Mr. Warren Seay & Ms Susan Ms Nina Thaxter Mrs. Ruth Boyd Ms Karla Jo Gerner Ms Janet D. Maurer Fitzgerald Arkansas Mr. & Mrs. Smith Bradford & The Honorable & Mrs. Herbert Mrs. Becky Maxwell Mrs. & Mr. Mike Seckman Ms Lynn P. Collis Family C. Gill Jr. Ms Anne A. May Mr. Ronald Shamblin California Mrs. Anne M. Brandon Mr. Don F. Gobble Mr. & Mrs. Donald McCabe Mrs. Ann Shelton Mr. Robert Michael McCraw Mr. & Mrs. M. Lloyd Breeden Mr. C. Hobson Goddin Mr. & Mrs. Wallis M. The Honorable William R. Mr. & Mrs. William Poindexter Ms Brenda E. Briggs Mr. & Mrs. Ellis B. Grady Jr. McCormick Shelton Colorado Mr. James E. Briggs Ms Sherry L. Graves Mr. & Mrs. John K. McEwen Mr. & Mrs. Russell E. Shifflett Mr. James R. Rooks Ms Nita Brothers Mr. & Mrs. Moring Gravitt Ms Margie G. McGee Mr. & Mrs. Ken Shiflett Florida Ms Rebekah T. Brothers Mrs. Evelyn J. Gray Mrs. Arline W. McGuire Mrs. Anne J. Smith Mr. Richard T. Baker Mr. G. David Brown Mrs. Mildred M. Greene Ms Mary E. McKinney Miss Joyce L. Smith Commander Jack L. Elam Ms. Debbie Bruce Mr. Steven Groseclose Mr. & Mrs. L. O. Midkiff Mrs. Thelma A. Smith Mr. & Mrs. Charles Foster Ms Charlene Bullard Mr. & Mrs. Bill E. Gupton The Honorable Kelly Miller Ms Ruth Snead Georgia Mrs. Delores Jean Bullock Mr. Lawrence Haake IV Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Miller Mr. Earl Spencer Jr. Mr. Marcus W. Gregory Mrs. Margaret Burgess Mrs. Helen W. Hall Mr. & Mrs. Robert B. Miller Ms Janet Steinberg Hawaii Mr. & Mrs. Burkey Mr. & Mrs. Leroy Hamilton Ms JoAnn Mollisee Ms Isabel C. Steiner Mrs. Marie Paradiso Mr. & Mrs. Phil Burks Mr. & Mrs. John Hancock Mrs. Lorraine B. Moody Mr. & Mrs. William F. Stevens Jr. Indiana Ms Elizabeth I. Burton Mr. & Mrs. Percy T. Hancock Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Moody Mr. Fletcher Stiers Jr. Allen County Public Library Ms Carloyn M. Bush Mr. & Mrs. John W. Harmon Mr. & Mrs. William P. Moore Mrs. Ruth Stover Louisiana Mrs. Nathan Bushnell Ill Ms Ree Hart Mr. C. B. Morris Mr. S. L. Tarry Sr. Ms Mildred H. Bradford Mrs Marie Butler Mr. & Mrs. Bill Hastings Mrs. William P. Morrissette Jr. Ms Estelle G. Taylor Maryland Ms Margot Carlock & Mr. Mr. Sterling L. Hawkins Mr. Charles Morton Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Taylor Mr. Ray A. Robertson TTEE Michael Henry Mrs. Betty Hay Mr. Charles G. Motley Mrs. Goldie K. Taylor Minnesota Ms Charlotte L. Carr Mr. & Mrs. Ed Henderson Mrs. Evelyn (Patsy) G. Mr. Thomas E. Tennille Ms Ann H. Rest Mrs. Mabelle W. Causby Mr. & Mrs. Jack Hill Murphey Mr. James T. Thacker Sr. New Mexico Mr. George W. Cecil Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Joseph C. Hillier Mrs. Harry Murray Mr. & Mrs. David A. Thomas Mrs Betty J. Christiansen Mr. Mason T. Chalk!ey Mr. Harold E. Himes Mrs. & Mr. Frank X. Nause Jr. Mrs. Elmer L. Thomas North Carolina Mrs. Virginia D. Chapman Mrs. Kim Holland Dr. M. K. Neate Ms Jennifer L. Thomas Mr. & Mrs. Jim Brandt Mr. & Mrs. G. Milton Mr. & Mrs. Preston Holmes Ms Donna Orr Mrs. June Treece Mr. Carlton S. Clarke Cheatham Mr. Larry F. Holt Mrs. Julian H. Osborne Mr. & Mrs. William E. Trout Ill Mr. & Mrs. Wilbur E. Traylor Mr. & Mrs. Ron Chervenak Mrs. Eileen T. Honkala Ms Barbara P. Owens Mr. William E. Turnage Ohio The Library of Chesterfield Ms Ilona Hooper Mrs. Patricia T. Parham Ms Margaret S. Turner Mr. William J. Memmer County Mr. & Mrs. George F. Hoover Ms Dorothy Parker Ms Ruby J. L. Turner Pennsylvania Mrs. Jean K. Childs Mr. & Mrs. Irvin G. Horner Jr. Dr. George R. Partin Miss Cierra S. Uzzle Mr. & Mrs. Bert Blanton Jr. Mrs. & Mr. Chris Clark Mrs. & Mr. Charles B. Horton Mr. & Mrs. David Pase Mr. & Mrs. Joe Vaden Rhode Island Mr. Freddie Lee Clark Jr. Mr. & Mrs. George D. Howe Ms Helen Patrick Mrs. Mary S. Vaden Mr. Walter J. Whitley Mrs. Evelyn F. Clarke Ms Jennie S. Howe Mrs. Diana V. Paulus Mrs Liesbeth van der Linden- South Carolina Mr. & Mrs. Henry U. Coalter Jr. Mr. & Mrs. David Howell & Ms Jane M. Payne Brusse Mr. Linvil Rich Mr. & Mrs. Henry U. Coalter Ill Family Mr. Marshall Pearman Dr. & Mrs. Robert E. Tennessee Mr. John V. Cogbill Ill Mrs. Hilda G. Hubbard Mr. & Mrs. John W. Pearsall Wagenknecht Mrs. William H. Clark Mr. & Mrs. John V. Cogbill Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Linwood Hudson Mrs. Franda D. Pedlow Mr. & Mrs. Bryan H. Walker Texas Ms Amber Cole Mrs. Mary Plummer Humphrey Ms Sue Peek Mrs. Stacy Wallace Mr. Walter L. Boyd Mrs. Hazel Cole The Honorable Renny B. Mr. Stephen B. Perez Mr. Walsh & Ms Reichler Ms Elizabeth Fleming Mrs. Joan W. Collins Humphrey Mr. J. E. Perkins Ms Dorothy L. Walshe Mrs. Gordon L. Hall Mrs. Nellie Ashby Collins Ms Janet G. Jackson Mr. W. Baxter Perkinson Sr. The Honorable Art Warren Ms Jane Lassiter Mr. T. Palmer Condrey Mrs. Barbara W. Jernigan Ms Linda Pettus The Honorable & Mrs. John C. Ms Susan E. Leney Mr. James B. Cook Jr. Ms Rita K. Johnson Mr. Robert Pettus Watkins & Family Mr. Kenneth L. Moody Mr. & Mrs. Alfred M. Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Jonas Mr. Charles F. Phelps Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Miles Waugh Mrs. Page T. Steele Covington & Family Mr. Donald R. Jones Jr. Ms Dianett Phifer Mrs. Bettie W. Weaver Washington D. C. Mrs. Eva M. Cox Mr. & Mrs. Donald R. Jones Mrs. Jean S. Philpy Mrs. Grace Webb Mr. & Mrs. Carl E. Lightfoot Mrs. Greta S. Craddock Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth P. Jones Ms Gail C. Plante Mrs. Jennifer Weiskotten West Virginia Mr. & Mrs. George L. Cranford Mr. & Mrs. Robert P. Jones & Mr. & Mrs. Mike Poarch Ms Jean Bass Welch Ms H. Stacy LaBare Ms Faye Crenshaw Family Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd M. Poe & Mrs. Mary D. Welchons Virginia Ms Mildred A. Crostic Mr. & Mrs. William H. Jones Jr. Family Mr. & Mrs. Donald Wells Ms Jane W. Akom Mr. & Mrs. Billy Croxton & Mrs Maude Jurgens Dr. A. Wright Pond Ms Whitney E. Wetsel Mr. James Alberston Anne-Curtis Croxton Mrs. Marie C. Justis Mr. & Mrs. Edwin E. Puckett Mr. & Mrs. Dallas C. Whipp Mr. Edward D. Allen Ms Ella L. Crump Mrs. Virginia A. Justis Mrs. Elizabeth W. Quaiff Ms Anne R. White Mrs. Patricia B. Alling Mr. James Crumpler Mr. Thomas P. Kidd Mr. Lane B. Ramsey Mr. & Mrs. Bob Wilderman Mr. Curtis L. Andrews Mrs. Darlene B. Cutts Ms Louise King Mr. Clyde H. Ratcliffe Mrs. Mary L. Wiley Mr. & Mrs. James W. Mrs. John F. Daffron Mr. & Mrs. James Kinzie & Mr. & Mrs. George Reynolds Ms Pamela C. Wiley Applewhite Mr. & Mrs. James V. Daniels Family Mrs. Elizabeth G. Richardson Mr. James H. Willcox Jr. Mrs. & Mr. Richard Armstrong & Family Mr. E. Paul Kreynus Mrs. Terry Roach Mr. Gary M. Williams Ms Geneva D. Austin Ms Ruth DeVore Mr. & Mrs. Billie C. Mr. & Mrs. B. Roberts & Mrs. Lois T Williams Ms Beth Baker Mr. & Mrs. Chip Dicks Kronmeister Jeremy Roberts Mr. Timothy L. Wilson Mrs. Kathleen Baker Mr. & Mrs. Louis A. Diller Mrs. Jane C. Ku!ikowski Ms Caroline L. Roberts Mrs. Lula G. Winfree The Honorable Edward B. Mr. Dan Downs Mr. & Mrs. Peter B. Lambert Mr. Gregory A. Robertson Ms Nicole Wood Barber Ms Jane Drisko Ms Rebecca S. Lang Mr. & Mrs. Ingram Robertson Ms Ann Woodlief Ms Doris J. Barden Ms Marilyn Dundon Mr. & Mrs. Jay A. Langston Mr. L. Rogers & Mr. William Ms Judy L. Worthington Mr. Charles T. Barham Sr. Mrs. Sara G. Eanes Mr. & Mrs. Randolph C. Miller Mr. & Mrs. Peter Wyman Mrs. Elizabeth C. Barker Ms Bonnie A. Eichler LaPrade Mr. & Mrs. G. D. Rollings Sr. Mr. & Mrs. David Yandle Mr. & Mrs. Robert S. Barnes Mr. J. Steven Erie Mr. & Mrs. Bernard LaRoy Mrs. & Mr. Paul S. Roper Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Zehner Mrs. Esther P. Bass Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Etheredge Mr. & Mrs. R. H. Leonard Jr. Ms Sunta C. Rosapepe Mr. & Mrs. Carl E. Lightfoot Mr. & Mrs. Roger Bass Mr. & Mrs. James E. Evans Mr. & Mrs. Ronald W. Lester Mr. William Rose Mr. George A. Beadles Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Jerold W. Evans & Family Mrs. Janet Moore Ross Walter & Marian Beam Mr. & Mrs. Peder Falstad Mr. & Mrs. Walter C. Link Mr. Jerry Rudd Ms Barbara Gore Belcher Mr. David M. Fitzgerald Dr. & Mrs. Peter Lipowicz Mrs. Suzanne C. Rudd Ms Anne J. Belsha Reverend & Mrs. George A. Mrs. Shirley S. Longest Miss Virginia C. Rudd Ms Louise A. Berger Fleming Mr. & Mrs. Jerome L. Lonnes Mrs. Margaret H. Rudy Mrs. Ida Dewell Best Mr. & Mrs. Henry C. Fogle Mrs. Patricia G. Love Mr. Oliver D. Rudy Mr. & Mrs. Elton R. Beverly Mrs. Virginia Boggs Frymier Mr. & Mrs. J. Luck Ms Monica Rumsey Ms. Linda Biercz Ms Sharon B. Garber Mr. & Mrs. Calvin T. Lucy Jr. Mrs. Emily Golightly Rusk Ms Bonnie Bissette Major General & Mrs. Donald Mr. & Mrs. James Lush Ms M. Ursula Salo Mr. & Mrs. Douglas B. Blake R. Gardner Mrs. Betty B. Mann Ms Marie G. Sandy & Family Ms Jo Garey Colonel & Mrs. Horace Mann III Ms Karen T. Scherrer Reverend James H. The Honorable & Mrs. Ernest Mr. David G. Marshall Sr. Dr. Jean von Schilling Blankenship Sr. P. Gates Mr. & Mrs. Richard Martinko Mr. Charles C. Schwartz Ms Brenda Boggs Ms Jo Elam Gates Mr. Wayne R. Marvan 4

Father August Joseph Halbleib

Father Halbleib was a County resident and the author of the book: The Autobiography of a Fallen ―Christ‖, (Haltina Publishing Company, Richmond, Virginia, 1927). This account of his life was prepared by CHS member Pattie Grady.

August Joseph Halbleib was born August 9, 1874, to Valentine A. Halbleib and Catherine A. Kinker in Richmond, Virginia. He was the firstborn of five boys and two girls. The family resided on West Marshall Street in Richmond where Valentine, a German immigrant, made his living as a watchmaker on nearby East Broad Street. In the 1920 Federal Census of Virginia, Valentine was listed with a younger wife, Theresa. Very little is known about Father Halbleib’s childhood. Conversations with persons who knew him have revealed that his early life was difficult. In his book he shares only small remembrances but did point out his overwhelming desire to be a Catholic priest. The book must have been quite controversial for the time period in which it was written. Father Halbleib was careful not to divulge any personal information or to give names of family members and places where he had served. He seemed to be very aware of the embarrassment this might cause others.

It is not known exactly when Father Halbleib entered the priesthood or when and where he received his formal education. He probably entered a seminary outside of Virginia but when he was ordained is not known. In the 1910 Federal Census of Virginia he was listed as an assistant Catholic priest under Father A. R. Drake, head of a parish house in Norfolk, Virginia. In his autobiography, Father Halbleib told of his problems with the church. His disenchantment apparently became more difficult for him and probably in the 1920’s he made the decision to leave the priesthood. During this time he had been sent to a rather remote area - possibly to punish him for his unacceptable views or to keep him away from large populated areas where he could be more readily heard. In the 1920 Federal Census of Virginia, Father Halbleib was living in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, and this may have been the ―remote‖ area to which he alluded. His occupation was listed as a priest and in the household with him was a housekeeper, Tina O’Pry, and her son. It is thought that she is the woman he married and brought with him to Chesterfield County in the 1920’s although no marriage record has been found. In 1927, Father Halbleib purchased a parcel of land on Hull Street Road a short distance east of Courthouse Road. He and his wife made their home in a yellow clapboard house on what is now Ladino Lane.

Conversations with several persons who knew Father Halbleib have revealed a most interesting side to a complex individual. He was involved in politics and campaigned heavily against Catholic candidates as it was his belief that they had no place in government. In his book he suggested difficulty with physical ailments and those who knew him have recalled that he was plagued with digestive problems and took paregoric to relieve his pain. A financial interest in a New Jersey fireworks factory gave him access to fireworks and during the summers he would put on great displays over Gregory’s Mill Pond. This absolutely delighted the neighborhood children who had few pleasures during the time period following the depression. Reports from neighbors seem to reveal that Father Halbleib’s wife was not as gentle and refined as he was. Despite this, those who knew them said that they seemed to be very much in love. Albertina Halter Halbleib is named as his heir in his will, recorded in Chesterfield County. He left instructions for the remaining copies of his book to be destroyed by his wife but in recent years many copies were found stored on their property. The book is in the library of the Chesterfield Historical Society.

Father Halbleib suffered from severe depression. This most likely was caused in part by his physical condition, his financial losses from an investment in a bank, and his general disillusionment with the Catholic church. One day he walked to a spot east of his house, marked it with a cross and made the announcement that when he died this was where he was to be buried. Soon after this on July 1, 1933, Father Halbleib took his life by shooting himself in the head. He was buried in the spot he chose, and a minister from Central Baptist Church performed the brief graveside service. Father Halbleib’s final resting place is nestled in a shady secluded spot in the woods beside a narrow road east of the yellow house. The grave is defined by a border. It was lovingly tended by a faithful and loyal friend who never knew him. It was she who brought this to the attention of others, and she who placed a marker at his grave.

SOURCES 1) Virginia Vital Statistics Birth Register, 1874; 2) Virginia Vital Statistics Marriage Register, 1873 3) Richmond City Directory 1882-1901; 4) Federal Census of Virginia; 1870, 1880,1900, 1910, 1920 5) Autobiography of a Fallen ―Christ‖ A. J. Halbleib; 1927, by Haltina Publishing Co., Richmond, Virginia 6) Deed Book 191 p. 83; Chesterfield County, Virginia; 7) Will Book 35, pp. 408-9; Chesterfield County, Virginia 8) Richmond Times Dispatch; July 3, 1933; 9) Mrs. Helen Bailey, Chesterfield County, Virginia 10) Mrs. Emily Bates, Chesterfield County, Virginia; 11) Mr. Joe Smyth, Chesterfield County, Virginia

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Resolution Supporting The Nomination Of The Bermuda Hundred Archeological And Historic District To The National Register Of Historic Places

WHEREAS, the Chesterfield Historical Society has applied to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources for nomination of the Bermuda Hundred National Archaeological and Historic District to the Federal Register of Historic Places; and WHEREAS, the Historic District generally includes the properties of the Bermuda Hundred Village and the county-owned Brown and Williamson Conservation area; and WHEREAS, Bermuda Hundred was the principal settlement of the Appomattox Indians for hundreds of years before their removal in 1611; and WHEREAS, Bermuda Hundred has been continuously occupied since it was established by the Virginia Company in 1613 and was fortified by Sir Thomas Dale; and WHEREAS, John Rolfe and Pocahontas lived in Bermuda Hundred and cultivated some of the first commercially cultivated tobacco; and WHEREAS, Bermuda Hundred was the site of the first private landownership; and in 1688, Bermuda Hundred became the first incorporated town in America; and WHEREAS, Bermuda Hundred was the site of significant colonial, Revolutionary War, and Civil War activity; and WHEREAS, the community has significant African-American history including the oldest predominately black Baptist church in the county, First Baptist Church Bermuda Hundred, and some of the first homes owned by African Americans in America; and WHEREAS, the designation will not be detrimental in any way to the adjoining industrial properties and the designation will include only those properties that have been voluntarily included. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors, this 12th day of April 2006, recognizes and supports the Chesterfield Historical Society’s nomination of the Bermuda Hundred Archaeological and Historic District to the Federal Register of Historic Places.

Help Tell The Story of

The Civilian Conservation Corp Museum at Pocahontas State Park is interested in learning about families who lived within the boundaries of the Park. If your family or ancestors have ever lived there please help to tell their stories. Contact: Irene Frentz, Historic Resources Specialist District IV Pocahontas State Park 10301 State Park Rd. Chesterfield, VA 23832-6355

A Craftsman at Plantation Day Civil War Era Rations on Display at Plantation Day

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Chesterfield County Historical Markers

Virginia has a historical marker program run by the Department of Historic Resources to designate important historical places and events. These markers are found along busy highways, so they are not easy to read. There are compilations of markers in books, but there is none available that is up-to-date. The list shown below was compiled from various sources and should be comprehensive. If you know of any other markers, please contact me at [email protected]. Those marked with an asterisk are not extant. I plan to feature a marker or two each month in the Messenger.

S2O* A Railroad Road S24 Advance on Petersburg S12 Into the ―Bottle‖ S3 Ampthill Estate S38 Lee’s Headquarters S2* Arnold At Warwick S29 Magnolia Grange K201 Battery Dantzler S6* Main Confederate Line S8 Battle of Drewry’s Bluff K267 Mary Randolph (9 Aug. 1762 – 23 Jan. 1828) O40* Bellona Arsenal O26 Mattoax O40 Bellona Arsenal O35 Midlothian Coal Mines K202 Bermuda Hundred S14* Osborne’s Wharf O50 Bethel Baptist Church S14 Osbornes O27 Bethlehem Baptist Church M5 Piney Grove Church Meeting Site O34 Black Heath S16 Pocahontas State Park S17 Chester Station Fight S23 Point of Rocks Z47 Chesterfield County S22 Port Walthall S7 Chesterfield County Courthouse S22* Port Walthall Junction S7* Chesterfield Courthouse S11 Proctor’s Creek Fight O64 Chesterfield Railroad O37 Providence United Methodist Church S29 Civilian Conservation Corps Company 2386 S36 Redwater Creek Engagement M6 Clover Hill Mining District O29 Salisbury K203 Colonel Thomas Lygon Salisbury S19 Confederate Reconnaissance Mission S9 Second Battle of Drewry’s Bluff S15 Drewry’s Bluff S1* Steuben And Lafayette S5 Drewry’s Bluff S18 The ―Bottle‖ S13 Dutch Gap S6 The Howlett Line S37 Eleazer Clay M7 Trabue’s Tavern M8 Eppington S25 Union Army Checked K204 Ettrick S20 Union Army Railroad Raids K199 Farrar’s Island O47 Union Raid on Coalfield Station S4 First Iron Furnace S2 Warwick S30 First Railroad in Virginia O62 Winfree Memorial Baptist Church Midlothian M10 Goode’s Bridge Mines Disaster S10 Halfway House O28 Huguenot Settlement

O26 Mattoax Mattoax was located to the south on the Appomattox River. John Randolph, Sr. built a house there in the 1770s that burned after 1810; it was the boyhood home of his son, John Randolph of Roanoke. Mattoax also was the residence of St. George Tucker, a noted jurist, and his sons: Henry St. George Tucker, lawyer and legislator, and Nathaniel Beverley Tucker, novelist and law professor. In 1853 Sylvester J. Pearce built a second house on the site that stood until the 1930s. Department of Conservation and Historic Resources, 1986. 4501 River Rd. Photo to right is at site of the marker

O62 Winfree Memorial Baptist Church Winfree Memorial Baptist Church, constituted in 1852 as Jerusalem Baptist Church, originally stood to the west on Buckingham Pike. In September 1881, to better serve the coal mining community, the frame structure was rolled here on logs. On 3 Feb. 1882, a methane explosion killed 32 miners in the Midlothian Coal Mining Company's Grove Shaft nearby. David B. Winfree and other members of the congregation raised funds and provided assistance for the individuals who lost family members. The present brick church was dedicated in 1925, and the congregation was renamed in honor of pastors David B. Winfree and his son Robert H. Winfree. Department of Historic Resources, 2002. 7

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reads:―Crystal Lithia Co., Chesterfield C.H., VA.‖ He

Matoaca Supervisor Renny Humphrey made a donation ofbottle a at the 2 May Supervisors meetingon of behalf bottle on his familyfarm May in 2005. spring water a was thriving industry in Chesterfield There County. were that bottled water. Th location contact the Society.

The Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage P.O. Box 40 PAID Permit #28 Chesterfield, VA 23832 Chesterfield, VA 23832

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