ST. STEPHEN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH CEMETERY, CULPEPER, VIRGINIA File submitted for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Donna S. Boyd ************************************************************************ USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ************************************************************************ St. Stephen's is the only antebellum church in Culpeper, the building dating from 1820, although there are records of vestrymen from here in pre-Revolutionary times. This cemetery is located on the church property at 115 N. East Street, Culpeper, Virginia. It lies to the right (south) of the front door of the church, and is composed of only four (4) rows of graves. Some of the stones are broken or chipped; one or two are so badly weathered that they can no longer be read at all. One has fallen victim to ice damage from water getting into fissures, freezing, and cracking off whole sheets of the stone. Twice in the last fifty years the steeple has fallen off this church when it was struck by lightning and high winds, once in 1956 and again in 1989. At those times, it fell on some of the headstones and damaged them slightly. One has been knocked over and now leans against another. A couple of the stones are not in the regular rows, indicating that they were once upright and had been knocked down. A road/driveway bounds the south and east sides of the cemetery. It is no longer an active cemetery, although the columbarium between the church and the parish hall is still active and accepts the ashes of parishioners. I have surveyed this cemetery starting from the road at its rear (east) side, numbering the rows from there, and reading from left to right. Row One is closest to the road. There are four rows. Names and dates in parentheses indicate that they were obtained from alternate sources since they were illegible on the stone. Dashes (---) indicate writing that could not be read. An asterisk indicates that I have done more research on that item which I will provide for descendants interested. Row One: Stone 1: tall, upright rectangular stone with roof peak shape at top. NORRIS children of Richard Norris and his wife Sarah Newby 1802 Sarah Ann 1886 1803 Ann Eliza 1868 1804 Mary Thomas 1869 1806 William Calvert, Sr. 1887 son of Thaddeus Norris and his wife Ann Calvert children of William Calvert and Ann Eliza Norris 1840 William Calvert, Jr. 1909 1843 Ann Eliza, Jr. 1894 Row One: Stone 2: upright stone, about 2 1/2 ft. tall, fancy top; writing very hard to decipher from being eroded by weather. One foot high footstone in the same design as the headstone with initials C. E. N. One of six children, he never married. Dotted lines indicate portions that could not be read. In Memory Of Charles E. Norris son of (Richard) & (Sarah Newby) Norris --------------------------------- He was born---------- ---------- 1797 and died on the 20th day of May 1831 in his 35th year. He was ---- -- ------ dispensation of providence in the early part of his life, but continued till the day of his death. Stone 3: This is a large flat rectangular stone (3' x 6'), completely covering the grave. SACRED To the memory of SARAH ANN NORRIS relict of RICHARD NORRIS She was born in Lancaster on the 18th day of January 1768 and died in Culpeper on the (24)th day of July 1886 in the (86)th year of her age.* She stretched out her hand in the ------ She -------- -------- --------- ---------- ------- ------ ------ ---- the ---- of -------- Her children arise and will be blessed Her husband also, and he praised her. Stone 4: matches Stone 3 in its size, shape, and lack of ornamentation. THIS MONUMENT is erected to the memory of RICHARD NORRIS who was born in the County of Lancaster on the 6th day of March 1765 and died in the County of Culpeper on the 29th day of September 1833 in the 67th year of his age. He was polite, kind, and gentle in his manner sincere in his friendship and hospitable to his acquaintances. His family and his friends bewail his departure and all who knew him bear testimony to his worth. Stone 5: This is a small, 2-foot tall headstone shaped like a scroll. Art work on both sides of headstone. Footstone 6" high, with wide space between initials. T. N. From their family records, it would appear that this baby was named for his grandfather of the same name.* THADDEUS Son of R. C. & A. E. Norris Born April 3, 1843 Died (April 5, 1844)* Stone 6: An ornate upright headstone, this has an elaborate curved design at top of stone, which has upturned rounded outside corners. Centered beneath that is an inset oval containing a rose lying sideways, with the flower pointing right and the stem extending to the left. Beneath that is the inscription, followed by another inset oval with rose, matching the one above. In cemetery art, a rose symbolizes the brevity of life,* especially apropos in the death of a young girl named Rosalie. There is no footstone. IN MEMORY OF ROSALIE S. oldest daughter of W. C. & Ann E Norris who departed this life June 12, 1851 aged 15 years & 10 months. STONE 7: This stone has an ornate top, similar to stone 2. Footstone is badly damaged by weathering. Only the initial G. is visible. IN MEMORY OF GEORGE MERCER aged 66 years second son of Genl. Hugh Mercer who fell at Princeton January 3rd, 1777 STONE 8: This is a tall rounded upright stone. Footstone: S. S. IN MEMORIAM SAMUEL SLAUGHTER OF WESTERN VIEW 1766 - 1857 THE VENERABLE VESTRYMAN AND WATCHFUL WARDEN OF ST. MARK'S PARISH* THE CHIEF FOUNDER AND FOR 4-- YEARS VESTRYMAN* OF ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH CULPEPER, VA. STONE 9: upright marker. Footstone: L. H. The words "In Memoriam" are written curved around the top of the headstone. Centered under that arch is a weeping willow tree. Beneath that is the inscription. This is one of the characteristic designs of J. B. Gaddess & Bro. of Lynchburg, who cut the stone.* In Memoriam LUCY consort of A. P. HILL who departed this life Sept. 13, 1812 in the 50th Year of her age. Stone 10: This is a tall obelisk with square double base. Obelisk is mounted on smaller square, which is mounted on larger square. The inscription begins about a third of the way down the shaft. The shaft is badly worn in oblique ridges, which not only obscure the inscription, but also thwart any effort to interpret the inscription by rubbing. The dotted lines below what is given represent words that could not be deciphered. Obelisks were typical of the Gaddess works. IN MEMORY OF AMBROSE P. HILL Born March 13, 1785 Died Feb. 26, 1858 Aged 72 years 11 Months 13 days ---------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- This Ambrose P. Hill is the lineal ancestor of the Ambrose Powell Hill who was a general in the C.S. A. He was also a soldier, having served as a captain in the War of 1812. His father was Henry Hill and his mother was Ann Powell, both of Culpeper. He was a vestryman of the old Bromfield Parish, Culpeper, in 1752. Stone 11: This stone lies halfway between Rows 1 & 2. It has fallen and broken crookedly in half, so that part of it is under the grass thatch. Its design matches the design of Stone 9 exactly. In Memoriam FRANCES consort of A. P. HILL Died Sept. 19th 1820 in the 31st Year of her age. Stone 12: Very small stone; it appears to have been a larger stone, broken and reset in a flat rectangular concrete base approximately 30 inches by 14 inches. The upright portion has an arched (curved) top, around which are inscribed the words "IN MEMORY OF," that are nearly illegible. Beneath that is an inset oval carving of some sort, so worn as to be unrecognizable. Under that, partially obscured by being inset, is an illegible line of writing. Stone 13: Only a footstone marked with the initials L W R. Row Two: Stone 1: Large upright rectangular stone; 2 footstones: Left: F. M. Right: S. P. B. FAYETTE MAUZY BORN 1801 DIED MAR. 1873 HIS WIFE SALLIE PEYTON BRADFORD BORN JAN. 1819 DIED JUNE 1845 MARY MAUZY RIXEY DIED MAY 22, 1925* Stone 2: Rounded stone, with weeping willow tree inset at top. Name set in curved outline. This stone was broken/cracked and mended at the left side of its base. Footstone: F. D. FLORA Wife of TRAVERS DANIEL Died Oct. 16, 1883 Aged 27 years Weep not, she is not Dead but sleepeth. Stone 3: Pointed stone, with what appears to be laurel decoration above and below the inscription. Footstone: S.A. B. SALLIE ALICE wife of S. S. Bradford DIED Oct. 20, 1858 Aged 44 years Stone 4: Large obelisk, with triple base. Footstone S.K.B. SAMUEL KELLETT BRADFORD, BORN 1786 DIED 1850. HIS WIFE EMILY SLAUGHTER BRADFORD BORN 1791 DIED 1871 surname on first rectangular base of obelisk: BRADFORD Stone 5: Octagonal shaped stone; footstone: S. S. B. written on the top of the footstone, rather than on the front side as all the others are. Quotation inscribed at bottom of headstone very difficult to read. S. S. Bradford, Jr. Sept. 30, 1880 July 27, 1901 _____________ To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. Stone 6: Footstone F. B. B. Frances Battle Bradford Born May 29, 1848 Died Dec. 16, 1943 Nearer My God to THEE. Stone 7: Plain rectangular marble stone. Caroline Grandin Bradford Virginia Y3 USNRF World War I April 12, 1883 February 11, 1959 Stone 8: Upright stone with curved top. Footstone I. F. To the memory of ISAAC FOOTE Born June 21, 1786 Died July 1, 1815 ________________ Both died in the hope of the Glorious Resurrection. Stone 9: Upright stone with curved top, matching Stone 8. Footstone E. H. F. To the memory of MRS. ELLEN H. FOOTE Born Sept. 27, 1793 Died Aug. 11, 1852 Stone 10: Large flat stone with jagged diagonal crack running from left to right about in the middle of the stone.(Asterisks [*] mark the beginning and end of the crack.) The crack runs from the beginning of the seventh line of the inscription through the next four lines to the middle right side of the stone. SACRED to the memory of HANNAH DREW WIDOW OF WILLIAM DREW Who died June the 4th 1828 At her residence in the County of Culpeper IN THE 76TH YEAR OF HER AGE. *The bland and accomplished manners Open and generous charities And exemplary virtues of this lady Secured to her The respectful regard and kind wishes of society* In the various relations of domestic life. Of social intercourse and christian piety The measure of her duties Was sacredly fulfilled. This memorial of her worth Is laid upon her tomb in the fervent hope That she has escaped from the perils of time To the bliss of eternity. Stone 11: Upright stone with pointed arched top; SACRED to the memory of J. C. GIBSON Born the 17th of November 1793 Died the 6th of December 1919 in the 67th year Of his Age. Stone 12: Huge flat stone containing the vital statistics of the Gibson family. GIBSON JONATHAN CATLETT GIBSON 1793 --------------------- 1849 COLONEL WAR 1812 HIS WIVES MARTHA DANDRIDGE BALL (stone 13) 1799 ---------------------- 1822 MARY WILLIAMS SHACKLEFORD 1798 --------------------- 1892 THEIR CHILDREN MARTHA DANDRIDGE FRANCES ANN MARY CATLETT FITZHUGH 1826 ---------- 1897 LUCY ELLEN BUCKNER 1827 ---------- 1920 ANNE EUSTACE GERRY SUSAN (SUE) WELCH MILDRED (Stone 14) ELIZABETH WILLIAM ST. PIERRE LT. D 4TH REG. VA CAVALRY "LITTLE FORK RANGERS" C.S.A. KILLED BATTLE ANTIETAM JONATHAN CATLETT, JR. CAPT. CO. K, 49TH REG. VA INF "SPERRYVILLE RIFLES" C.S.A. EDWIN (NED) 1ST SGT. CO. K, 49TH REG.VA INF "MOSBY'S RANGERS" C.S.A. JOHN WILLIAMS PVT. CRENSHAW'S BATTERY VA ART EUSTICE CAPT. & Q.M. CO. K "SPERRYVILLE RIFLES" 49TH REG. SMITH'S BRIG. VA. INF. "DANDRIDGE," CULPEPER CO., VA Stone 13: Fancy arched top (see Stone #2, Row #1) However, stone was broken horizontally just below the inscription and has been mended. SACRED to the memory of Martha D. Gibson Wife of J. C. Gibson Born the 9th of October 1799 Died in April 1822 In the 23rd year of her age. Stone 14: Arched (curved) top inscribed with the word SACRED following the curve. SACRED to the memory of MILDRED W. GIBSON Daughter of Col. J. C. Gibson Born Jan. 18th, 1832 Died April 3rd, 1859 Blessed are the dead who die in the LORD. Lev. CL. 14 VM Stone 15: Small stone. This one also appears to have been broken and reset. Footstone M W F, with left side partially crumbled off. It is impossible to tell whether the second T in her name is part of the Margaret or an initial, though probably the latter. In Memory of Mrs. MARGERETTFREEMAN Born 11 May 1800 Row 3 Stone 1: This stone is so weatherworn as to have rendered the name and some of the rest of the inscription illegible. It seems to be the softest stone in the cemetery. The surname of the decedent was ascertained by the surname of her husband, given on the stone. SACRED to the memory of (ELIZABETH M. BERNARD) Wife of D. M. Bernard of Petersburg, Va. Who died 6th Oct. 1837 In the 24th year of her age. Her ________ was that of a meek and mild spirit Which is in the sight of GOD, of great ________ __________ Stone 2: Highly decorated top with scrollwork on a rectangular stone. Sacred To the memory of JOHN VEVERS who departed this life on the 2nd July, 1838 aged 60 years. He was born in Yorkshire England who for the last 30 years a Citizen of the United States. He was an honest man and a worthy member of Society. And died in full assurance of -------- -------- which remains -----the people of God. This memorial to his memory is erected by his bereaved Widow. Stone 3: Large flat stone with a raised cross at the top over the inscription. No footstone. Rev. Charles Aylett Ashby July 19, 1874 Aug. 14, 1962 Son of William Aylett Ashby & Eleanor Pearson Ashby Stone 4: Identical to Stone 3. Evelyn Willis Garnet Wife of Rev. Charles Aylett Ashby Aug. 23, 1879 Dec. 20, 1940 "It Is All Right." Stone 5: Small upright stone with curved top, very worn and eroded; hardly legible. In Memory of CHRISTIAN MANN Native of Germany Died Feb. ---, 1833 Aged about 45 years. Stone 6: Very ornately decorated upright stone with slightly rounded top. Name is carved in a rainbow-type curve beneath a curved floral carving under a bulls-eye centered between two decorative borders in a roughly triangular shape. Below the first three lines, the italicized eight-line inscription is nearly impossible to read. Elizabeth T. Cook Died July 2, 1850 in the 65th year of her age. Stone 7: This stone has an arched top. In the middle of the arch is a flower set within a circle; it appears to be a rose. In Memory of ELIZA H.F. STORROW daughter of ......Campe & M. C. Carter and wife of Col. Samuel ? Storrow Born March 6, 1794 Died April 12, 18?0 Our Mother She sleeps in Jesus Stone 8: To the memory of Francis J. Thompson Who departed this life April 7, 18?? (could be 55) in The 63rd year Of his age. Stone 9: completely unreadable Stone 10: Badly broken, but still upright, this stone has been flaked off by the elements. There are only a few words and parts of words visible that can be read, but some can be inferred from the context. The Christian name on the top line is unreadable, but the first letter appears to be either a C or a G followed by 3 other letters. The next row is indented, as is each alternate row for the rest of the inscription. On it, the letters "Ligh" can be made out, seeming to indicate this may have been a Lightfoot infant. The third row is missing the first letter of the first word, but the next letters are "-ied Dec." The fourth row consists only of the number 18, centered on the stone. The fifth row says, "aged 2 mo (and a portion of the letter "n" shows). The sixth row, which is indented, says, "and 13 days." Beneath that, beginning at the edge of the stone, is the scripture, "Suffer little children (stone is broken here)... The next line says "...come unto..." and at the very bottom, scarcely visible now in the grass and the staining from weather "...of Heaven." Stone 11: This stone is a very large, flat stone. It has much mold on it, making parts of it difficult to read. Sacred to the memory of FRANCIS THORNTON LIGHTFOOT BORN November 1, 1809 DIED April 6, 18--- and his wife GERALDINE FIELDER LIGHTFOOT BORN January 26, 18--- DIED April 20, 1896 Stone 12: Another large, flat stone; this one is even more mold-covered than the previous one. It is very difficult to read. In Memory of Thomas Walker Lightfoot who departed this life March 6, 1851 in the forty-second year of his age. Exemplary in all the relations of life Both social and domestic and blending with a rare felicity INFLEXIBILITY OF PRINCIPLE with MILDNESS OF TEMPER, He commanded respect and esteem AND PREEMINENTLY ENJOYED the love and confidence OF ALL WHO KNEW HIM. Stone 13: Upright rectangular stone with rounded top. Name is in fat block letters and surrounded by a rectangular double border. MAJ. PHILLIP LIGHTFOOT Died April 17, 1877 In the 81st Year Of his age. _____________ "An honest man is the noblest work of God." A. Gaddess, Balt. Row 4: Stone 1: No footstone. Margaret Alexander Johnston Daughter of Thomas Seddon & Juliana W. Alcocke And wife of Edward Dudley Johnston Born Sept. 19, 1854 Died April 29, 1938 Stone 2: No footstone. Eleanor Roane Alcocke daughter of A. Roane Alcocke and Susan Matthews Alcocke Born Aug. 25, 1873 Died May 23, 1937 Stone 3: Plain rectangular footstone, 4" high. W. L. A. William Lawrence Alcocke son of Thomas Seddon & Juliana W. Alcocke Born Oct. 13, 1850 Died February 1, 1916 Stone 4: Plain rectangular footstone 10" high; W.A.A. William Aylett Ashby son of John & Emily Buckner Ashby Born 1837 Died March 30, 1908 Stone 5: Footstone 8" high; E. P. A. Eleanor Pearson Ashby daughter of Thomas Seddon & Juliana W. Alcocke and wife of William Aylet Ashby Born Jan. 20, 1848 Died Sept. 7, 1914 Stone 6: Footstone 10", rounded top; initials A.R.A. ABNER ROANE ALCOCKE SON OF THOMAS SEDDON & JULIANA W. ALCOCKE BORN JUNE 29, 1844 ` DIED FEBRUARY 12, 1897 "The bravest are the tenderest, The loving are the daring." Stone 7: Small rounded very mossy stone (child's grave-- only feet, -- Inches between headstone and footstone). Partially sunken, rounded footstone matches headstone. Initials O.C.A. half visible above the grass. In Memory of OLIVER CABELL only Son of A.R. & S. M. ALCOCKE Born June 27, 1875 Died Octr. 9, 1880 Stone 8: Matches Stones 1-6 in this row; perhaps the family got a discount for buying the same style from the same man. They are all in the style of the Gaddess stone yard. Rounded 10" footstone; initials S. M. A. SUSAN M. ALCOCKE WIFE OF ABNER ROANE ALCOCKE AND DAUGHTER OF SUSAN KEMPER & OLIVER MATTHEWS BORN NOV. 26, 1848 DIED SEPTEMBER 20, 1875 "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." Stone 9: Small upright stone, rectangular with curved top. Horizontal surface of top very white in contrast to darkened vertical face where the inscription is. Name is curved to correspond with the top of the stone; lettering begins about an inch and a half below top. Small footstone (4-5") with badly chipped left corner; initials J. W. A. JULIA WARRINGTON Infant daughter of Wm. A. & E.P. Ashby Departed this life Sept. 30, 1853 Aged 5 mos. & 15 days Stone 10: Rounded, very worn, upright stone. Decoration on the top face of the stone not recognizable. Stone is partially sunken, with only the top two lines below the name readable now. Like Stone 9, the face is greened with age, and the top of the stone is whiter. [This is probably also an infant's grave.] Footstone very worn as well; initials A. R. A. A. Roane Ashby Born July 16---- Died August 4 ---- Stone 11: Matches the other "adult" headstones in this row. Name slightly curved. JULIANA WARRINGTON WIFE OF THOMAS SEDDON ALCOCKE DAUGHTER OF FAYETTE & ELIZA JOHNSTON FREDERICKSBURG BORN MAY 19, 1817 DIED AUG. 11, 1867 _____________ "UNTIL THE DAYBREAK" Stone 12: This stone is another matching one. The first two names are slightly curved, with the surname centered beneath the arch thus formed. THOMAS SEDDON ALCOCKE BORN IN STAFFORD CO. APRIL 10, 1817 DIED SEPT. 3, 1902 _________ FOR FIFTY YEARS VESTRY MAN AND WARDEN OF ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH. Stone 13: Josephine Mayo wife of Thos. S. Alcocke Daughter of Robt. A. & Sarah T. Mayo "Powhatan Seat" Henrico Co. Va. Died Nov. 11, 1900 Aged 70 Years She Being Dead, Yet Speaketh. - Thomas Culpeper Stone 14: This stone is slightly different from the others in style. While the other stones in this row are on bases, this one is not. It has been knocked down, and now leans against Stone 13. There is no base on it, nor any indication in the cemetery that there has been one. Also, unlike the others in this row, the inscription does not begin with the name of the deceased. Instead, the first three words are slightly curved to match the curve of the top of the upright, rectangular stone. Although this stone is not situated in its original location, the footstone for it is still in place where it should be; initials E.S.A. To the memory of ELIZA SEDDON Wife of ABNER ROANE ALCOCKE Stone 15: Small stone half-buried in the grass. Last word after Hamilton is obscured. In Memory Of Margaret W. Wife of Hamilton (Cooke?)