FREDERICKSBURG, VA - CEMETERIES – St. George’s Cemetery ----¤¤¤---- Source: Library of Virginia Digital Collection LVA Titled Files: Survey Report, St. George’s Cemetery: 1936 Feb. 5 Research made by Sue K. Gordon Cemetery Location: Northeast corner of Princess Anne and George Streets City of Fredericksburg DATE: 1630. OWNERS: St. George’s congregation owned this property. DESCRIPTION: The graveyard is enclosed with an iron fence on a brick foundation, which encloses church and graveyard, and a brick wall at the back. Saint George’s graveyard comprises about one-half acre of land, and is enclosed with a substantial iron fence and gate. On one side is the dignified, historic church and on the other the little Parish House, which has withstood many stormy years. There are roses, shrubs and old English ivy which have been planted by those who have loved ones resting in this spot; an old Linden tree sways back and forth and seems to keep a watch over the grave of William Paul Jones (brother of John Paul Jones). When we enter the little enclosure and wander around we forget the hustle and confusion, which is within a few feet of us, and feel the tranquility and solemnity of this modest, naturalistic resting place for many who faithfully performed their tasks and made this country a better, brighter and happier world to live in. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This graveyard adjoins Saint George’s Church and is held in trust by the Vestry, but as there is no longer room for new graves it has, by order of the Vestry ceased to be used as a place of burials. When it was laid off and used as a graveyard, or by whom it was done it is now impossible to ascertain. Tradition has it that the first legal recognition of Saint George’s Parish is an act of Assembly in 1720, founding the Parish. The first church was erected in 1731 and at that time was surrounded by a burying ground. In 1891, the Saint George’s Cemetery Guild was organized, the sole purpose being to restore the cemetery. By an expense of $160.00, the cemetery was cleaned, ground rolled, and sowed in grass, trees planted, tombstones cleaned. Since that time the cemetery has been nicely kept and is visited by many sightseers. The graveyard fence originally was placed far beyond its proper bounds, and many persons were buried in Hanover and George Streets. In 1772, the city trustees made the church discontinue using the streets and move its fence to the correct line. There are many graves now under the streets and sidewalks. Fielding Lewis and three of his children are buried beneath the church steps. Colonel Lewis was a man of great wealth and owned many acres of land west of Fredericksburg. He built “Kenmore” and took Betty Washington there as his bride. He was an officer in the Patriot Army and commanded a division at the seige of Yorktown. During the Revolutionary War, he made small arms for the Government. He was never fully reimbursed for money he expended for the Government, and therefore, was ruined financially. After his death his wife was compelled to sell “Kenmore” the home she had learned to love, and was taken to as a bride, and where they had lived in affluence and comfort. Colonel Lewis was a magistrate in the town after the war, a member of the City Council and represented the county in the Legislature. In 1824, when LaFayette was in Fredericksburg, Colonel Lewis was selected to deliver the address of welcome. Colonel Fielding Lewis was a son of Colonel John Lewis of “Warner Hill” and Frances Fielding, his wife. He was born on July 7, 1725 and resided in Spotsylvania County. He represented this county in the House of Burgesses in 1760-1761; 1761-1766 and 1766-1766. He was a vestryman of Saint George’s Church. Colonel Lewis married first Catherine Washington, a cousin. They moved to Fredericksburg in 1746. In 1749, Catherine Lewis died and Colonel Lewis commenced to address his cousin, Betty. She was only sixteen and at first she did not seem to smile upon the Colonel. Finally, she accepted him and they were married on May 7, 1760. George Washington in February, 1762, surveyed the land on which “Kenmore” stands, it consisted of a tract of 861 acres, and Colonel Lewis bought it from Richard Wyatt Royston. Referring again to the manufacture of guns for the Revolutionary War in which Colonel Lewis was so interested, records indicate that the Government only appropriated $20,000 and Colonel Lewis was never reimbursed for the amount he invested. Colonel Lewis died the day the Battle of Yorktown was fought with his guns. A tablet with the following inscription is on the steps of Saint George’s Church, Colonel Lewis being buried under the steps. No. 1. Colonel Fielding Lewis of “Kenmore” is buried under these steps. Manufacturer of the First Guns for the Revolutionary War. Died October 19, 1781 Archibald McPherson was born in 1715 in the Northern part of England. He came to this country in early manhood and settled in Spotsylvania county. He was a gentleman of education, refinement and wealth, and a friend to the poor and needy. Mr. McPherson created a fund in 1795 for the benefit of the Episcopal Charity School of Fredericksburg. This fund was to be held in trust by the Mayor and Common Council of the town. Afterwards by an act of the Legislature six trustees were appointed annually. The school was kept in the building on the north side of Hanover street just below the Masonic Hall. This building is now used as a storage room for a merchant of Fredericksburg. Tradition has it that George Washington visited this school and talked to the children on one of his visits here. In the back of this quaint little building there is a tablet of marble let into the wall with the following inscription: “In memory of Mr. Archibald McPherson. He bequeathed his property to the trustees for the education of the poor. By an act of the Legislature the funds were transferred to this institution as best fulfilling the Testator’s charitable design. Died A.D. 1754, age 49.” Mr. McPherson was a member of Saint George’s Church, and is buried in Saint George’s Graveyard. A marble slab was erected over his grave. This is now fastened to the wall of the Parish House, at the west end of the lot on Princess Anne street. The following inscription is on the slab: No. 2. Here lies the body of Archibald McPherson, born in the county of Murray, in North Britain, who died August 17, 1754, aged 49 years. He was judicious, a lover of learning, open hearted, generous and sincere. Devout, without ostentation; disdaining to cringe to vice in any station. Friend to good men an affectionate husband. “A heap of dust alone remains of thee ‘Tis all thou art, and all the proud shall be.” Elizabeth, his disconsolate widow, as a testimony of their mutual affection, erected this monument to his memory. Reverend Edward C. McGuire came to Saint George’s Church first as a Layman, and after he was ordained as rector. The following is quoted from his diary: “I was received, by the people, with very little cordiality in consequence, I suppose of the shameful conduct of several ministers who had preceded me in this place. The church was in a state of complete protraction; many people had been driven away, and those who remained were much discouraged.” (There were only eight or ten communicants of the church). “Under these disastrous circumstances I commenced a career most unpromising in the estimation of man.” Reverend McGuire’s labors here were most successful although he was only thirty years of age, and he was much beloved by all classes. The church members increased, and they were faithful, zealous, workers. He served the Parish for a period of forty-five years. During his ministry there were several revivals held at Saint George’s which great increased the membership, and just about six months before the death of Rev. McGuire, eight-eight persons were confirmed, and Rev. McGuire’s cup of happiness over-flowed. There is a memorial tablet in Saint George’s Church on the right hand side, as you enter side aisle, next to George Street, near the pulpit, erected to the memory of Rev. Edward C. McGuire, D.D., born in Winchester, Virginia with the following inscription: “Reverend Edward C. McGuire, D.D. born in Winchester, Virginia, July 26, 1763, died October 8, 1858. During forty-five years the faithful, beloved and highly blessed pastor of Saint George’s Church, Fredericksburg. Amiable in character, prudent in action, wise in counsel, evangelical in doctrine, experimental in preaching, he was a pastor of great influence and success, highly esteemed for this sound judgment and consistent during a long and useful life.” Reverend Edward McGuire’s grave is marked by a grey marble slab, about five feet tall, in the northeast corner of Saint George’s graveyard, twelve feet from the church and the inscription as follows: No. 3. Reverend Edward C. McGuire Born July 26, 1783 Died October 8, 1856 In the northwest corner of the graveyard there is a flat brown stone marking the grave of Alexander Rose with the following unique inscription. There is really no historical value attached to this tombstone, as far as we know, except the wording of the inscription, stone etc. No. 4. In memory of Alexander Rose of the Parish of Vere in the Island of Jamaica. Merchant and a native of North Britain who visited the United States of America for the recovery of his health and departed this life in Fredericks- burg, Virginia, on the 28 day of November, 1800. This stone is placed over his remains in testi- mony of affection and fraternal regard by his brother William Rose of the said Island. Colonel John Dandridge, father-in-law for George Washington was a brother of Colonel William Dandridge of the Council, was born in 1700 and came to Virginia about 1722. He had grant of a water front lot in Hampton, Elizabeth City County. His children were all born there. He served as County Clerk, which is those days (Colonial days) was considered a very lucrative position. Colonel Dandridge married Frances Jones, daughter of Orlando Jones on July 22, 1830. He was the father of Martha Dandridge who married first Daniel Parks Custis, second George Washington. He died on August 31, 1756, aged 56 years. Historians do not seem to know why he died in Fredericksburg. Some state that he was here visiting his daughter, Martha who married General Washington, but that cannot be true because he died more than two years before his daughter was married. I have also read that he was here attending races at “Chatham”, held by William Fitzhugh. In Saint George’s graveyard, near the northeast corner of the church Colonel Dandridge is buried. His grave is marked by a flat stone, about four feet from the church, and with the following inscription: No. 5. Here lies the body of Colonel John Dandridge, Of New Kent County, who departed this life the 31st day of August, 1756, aged 56 years. Below is a letter written by George Washington to Charles Carter of Fredericksburg: “Dear Sir: When Mrs. Washington was at the Church of Fredericksburg she perceived the Tomb of her father, the late John Dandridge Esquire, in a ruinous condition, and being desirous of having it done up again. Will you permit me, my dear Sir, to request the favor of you to engage a workman to do this. The cost I will remit so soon as it is known, and you shall inform me of the execution. I would thank you for ascertaining the price before hand, having from disinclination to dispute accounts, felt, in too many instances, the expansion, of Tradesman’s consciences when no previous agreement has been made. My best wishes in which Mrs. Washington joins me, are tendered to Mrs. Carter. With much truth, I am Dear Sir, Your Most Obedience and Affectionate, Honorable Servant, George Washington” No. 6. Here lies the body of John Patterson, who died 10 September, 1814, age 34 years. I have in my possession a letter written by Ann J. Carter, great-niece of John Patterson from which I have selected interesting facts, and have not quoted the letter verbatim. John Patterson never married but lived with his sister, Mrs. John James, wife of Captain John James of Matthews County, on what was known then as “Gunnery Green”. Captain John James owned three vessels the “Contented”, the “Anne Elizabeth” and the “Delight”. Most of Captain James’ voyages were to the West Indian Islands from Cuba down to the smallest. There is nothing left at “Gunnery Green” of the lovely gardens which were filled with lilies, roses, larkspurs, hollyhocks and periwinkle. These gardens extended to the spring, which is known as “Gunnery Spring” and still furnishes delicious, healthy water. This spring is southeast of Fredericksburg and on the outskirts of the town. There is no trace left of the old Patterson home, but in those days the Elite of Fredericksburg would assemble on the “Gunnery Green” and have pleasant chats and a cup of tea. John Patterson was a very successful merchant on Main Street. In the War of 1812, when the British were expected to land at Acquia Creek and march to Fredericksburg, John Patterson with a company of volunteers went to repell the invaders. He was taken with camp fever and brought home ill. He told Mrs. James (his sister) that he never expected to marry but that he wanted to live for her sake and her childrens’. He died at the age of thirty-four, and had a grand funeral for he was very popular. We can visualize on the “Gunnery Green”, (in 1814) a beautiful garden of flowers – the long porch to the house where Mr. Patterson resided, crowded with Masons and other citizens. Their servants Matilda and her brother Jared with tears streaming down their cheeks, carrying around waiters of wine. As was the custom at that time, the glasses tied around the stems with crape, and cake in papers sealed with black sealing wax. In great solemnity the funeral guest drank the wine and ate the cake. Then a procession was formed and all that remained of John Patterson was borned to Saint George’s Episcopal graveyard by the music of the drum and fife playing the sweet mournful strains of “Rosalin Castle” and there interred with Masonic rites. John Patterson’s grave is marked by a medium height brown stone with fluted top, about ten feet from the alley, in the middle of the graveyard, and the following inscription: marked number 6. The first marker for William Paul was erected by his brother, John Paul Jones, and when it commenced to crumble it was restored with the following inscription: No. 7. Restored 23 September, 1930, by admirers of John Paul Jones, Commander United States Navy. By whom this stone was first set in place in memory of William his older brother. This stone is on the left hand side as you enter the graveyard, three feet from the gate, near the Parish House. William Paul was a son of a Scotch gardener on the estate of Lord Selkirk at Kircudlright, Scotland, and brother of John Paul Jones. William Paul conducted a tailor shop in Fredericksburg. Filed with the Executive Archives of the State of Virginia is an interesting letter from Judge Francis T. Brooke to General Lambert in which he mentions that William Paul was a Scotch tailor, and that he made clothes for him. He also states that when William Paul died he saw John Paul Jones in the tailor shop when he went to get his clothes. At the time he did not know that he was Paul Jones, but later on knew that it was him from his pictures. William Paul made his will in 1772, leaving all of his property to his sister, Mary Young, and her two oldest children in Abigland, in the Parish of Kirkbeen, in Stewarty of Galloway, North Briton, and their heirs forever. He died in 1773, and his executors, (as appointed by him) William Templeman and Isaac Heslop declined to serve, and it was not until November, 1774, that anything was done about the estate. It is assumed that John Paul Jones arrived here then. Records indicate that William Paul only owned property within the town of Fredericksburg. As you enter the graveyard to your right, close to the fence, is a brown stone tombstone. The first legible date in the cemetery, but unquestionably there were burials here long before this date, as tradition is positive on this point. Inscription as follows: No. 8. John Jones, 1752 This is a roughly hewn brown stone and there is nothing known about John Jones, except that his remains are resting in the old historic graveyard. Just on the right, as you enter, the graveyard is a plain brown stone, just the head stone, with the following unique inscription: No. 9. Here lies the body of Winefrid the wife of Daniel Ritchardson, who died October the 16, 1763, aged 23 years. Three children lies en- terred by her. “Remember man as you pass by you are now so once was I as I am so must you be there- fore prepare to follow me.” Next to the above stone is the following one, nothing really historic about these, but rather interesting on account of the rude stones and unusual inscriptions. No. 10. Sacred to the memory of George Richardson, stone cutter, who was killed by an accident, May 12, 1807, aged 45 years. “Stay passenger thy step reflect awhile. Thee now in health and vigour thou may smile. Tomorrow’s fun thy obsequies may fee; The silent grave may then thy mansion be Then seek in God’s favour to poffess And to thy fail secure eternal happiness.” Mrs. Maury is buried nearly in the middle of the graveyard with the following inscription on her tombstone: No. 11. Mrs. Catherine Maury, wife of James Maury, American Consul of Liverpool. He was appoint- ed by General Washington, and held the office until removed by General Jackson. At the east end of the Parish House in the burial ground there is a grave stone which cannot be satisfactorily explained it is as follows, and very legible. No. 12. Charles M. Rothrock, departed this life Sept- ember 29, 1084, aged three years. Close to the Parish House there are two flat brown stones with the following inscriptions: No. 13. Here lies the body of James Duncanfon Born in Scotland the 11th of February, 1735 Arrived in Virginia in July, 1752 Died the 4th March, 1791 No. 14. Here lies the Body of Mary the beloved wife of James Duncanfon. She was born the 3d of February, 1748 Died the 10th, October, 1790 In the center of graveyard, little to the left, as you enter, flat stone on legs is the grave of Seth Barton, one of the old citizens of Fredericksburg. No. 15. Here lies an affectionate parent sincere friend, Seth Barton. Was born near Warren, Rhode Island, July 29 A.D. 1755 and died at his seat near Fredericksburg, Dec- ember 29 A.D., 1815 Close to the Parish House is roughly hewn stone, brown very picturesque in its ruggedness, with the following inscription: No. 16. Here lies the body of William Lewis, who de- parted this life, January 28, 1763 Aged 40 years Also Ann, his daughter died in 1756 Aged 1 month and George his son died 1763 Aged 5 years. To the right, about five feet, as you enter the gate, and three feet down, there is an oval shape tomb, stone head and foot, white marble with the following inscription. No. 17. Sacred to the memory of James Ware Born April 19, 1812 Departed this life September 7, 1850 “Beloved in life and lamented in death.” Approximate ten feet from the back of the church, north side, is the grave of Judge John Coalter marked by a flat stone, on a two foot foundation of stone with the following inscription: No. 18. This stone erected in memory of John Coalter of “Chatham” of humble origin he rose to eminence less by the display of uncommon talents, than by moral worth. By an integrity that none ever questioned. A fidelity that evaded no duty. A firmness that defied alike temptation and danger. And a sincerity, simplicity and kindness of na- ture, That won the hearts of all who approached him. The records of his Country testify the hon- orable post which he filled. Of his private vir- tues all who knew him can speak but the depth of his unpretending goodness is known only to the God whom he worshipped in the secret of his own heart. While in every act of his life he served him openly. To him who gave it the spirit has returned The dust lies here. His children have placed this stone to record his virtues to his Children’s Children. He was born in Rockbridge, Virginia, August 20th, 1769 and died at “Chatham” near this place Feb- ruary 2, 1838. Touching this spot is the remains of Saint George Tucker Coalter, Esquire, only son of John Coalter, who followed his father to the grave before this tomb- stone was completed. He died August 19, 1839, aged 30 years 2 months and 7 days. “A son worthy of such a Father.” Judge Coalter was born in Rockbridge County on August 20th, 1771. He was the son of Michael Coalter and Elizabeth Moore, daughter of James Moore. He was a tutor in the family of Judge Saint George Tucker in Williamsburg and studied law in William and Mary College. In 1789, he took a course under Chancellor Wythe and Bishop Madison, president of institution. After completing his law course he settled near Staunton and practiced law. He was very much reduced in circumstances and at first used to walk to his courts with clothes and papers in a bag on his shoulders. At first he was attorney for the commonwealth and in 1809, he was appointed a Judge of the General Court. On May 11, 1811, he was promoted to the Court of Appeals. About 1821, he went to Richmond to live and soon after purchased “Chatham” in Stafford County, (opposite Fredericksburg) on the Kings Highway, Route #37. Judge Coalter resided at “Chatham” until his death which occurred on February 2, 1838. Charles Augustus Marray, grandson of Lord Dunmore has drawn in his “Travels” 1839 a flattering picture of Judge Coalter in these picturesque surroundings. In this picture his face denoted frankness, energy and shrewdness. Judge Coalter married three times (1) Maria Rind, daughter of William Rind of Williamsburg, Editor of one of the Virginia Gazettes published in that City at the time of the Revolution. He married (2) Margaret Davenport of Williamsburg and (3) Frances Bland Tucker daughter of Judge Saint George Tucker. By his last wife he left issue. When Washington Irving was here collecting information for his “Life of Washington” Judge Coalter took him to “Chatham” to dinner. It was in the spring and he had for dinner jowl, turnip salad, poached eggs and corn pone, and dried cherry roll and hard sauce for desert. In the year 1796, a petition was presented to the General Assembly of Virginia for permission to build a toll bridge across the Rappahannock river to Fredericksburg from the lower line of land of “Chatham”. This was granted and records indicate that it was a toll bridge and owned by private parties for nearly a century, and yet when the city purchased the bridge it had been owned by only three people, William Fitzhugh, Judge John Coalter and Charles S. Scott. The bridge was formerly known as the “Chatham Bridge” but it is now call the Free Bridge as there is no longer any toll charge. In 1861, the bridge was destroyed by fire. In 1889, by a flood. In 1890, the site was purchased by the City of Fredericksburg and they erected the present iron bridge which is about 1000 feet long. By the side of Judge John Coalter is the grave of his son, marked by a simple white stone, Saint George Tucker Coalter, with the following inscription: No. 19. Saint George Tucker Coalter Born June 2, 1809 Died August 19, 1839 Mr. Coalter gave to the Presbyterian Church when it was completed in 1833, a very handsome organ. Ten feet from the church north side the following inscription on the tombstone. Brown stone, foot stone A. R. 1811: No. 20. In memory of _____ wife, of Richard Robey, who died November 28th, 1811. Aged 38 years. “The severed ties of kindred dear demand the fervant sigh But sacred hope dries every tear And point to bliss on high.” In the center of the graveyard a white standing tombstone with the following inscription: No. 21. Sacred to the memory of John T. Ford Esquire Who departed this life June 20th, 1824 In the 44th year of his age. “He possessed a mind of the first order a temper mild and benevolent and feelings exquisite and honorable. A purer spirit never left this earthly tenement to inhabit the mansion of in- mortality.” Northwest from the church, middle of the graveyard, under a maple tree is the following inscription: No. 22. Sacred to the memory of Frederick Pilcher Born 7th of August, 1769 Departed this life the 13th day of April, 1832 “He lived and died an honest man.” Directly at the back of Saint George’s Church there is a rather unique brown stone with a scroll top and the following name and date. Unfortunately I was unable to read, which looked as if it might be a most interesting inscription: No. 23. In memory of Pricilla Edrington, wife of Edmund Edrington of this town. She was born the 10th day of October, 1778 Died 10th day of June 1801 Aged 23 years and 8 months Mr. James Young was the second proprietor of the Indian Queen Hotel. This hotel was on the south corner of Main or Caroline Street, and Charlotte Street. The site is now occupied and owned by Dr. F.T. Cassidy. Dr. Cassidy conducts a drug store. Historians state that the Indian Queen Hotel was a large Colonial building with a colonnade porch the entire length of the edifice. The hotel property embraced a large lot at the back which was used as a stage yard and the stables were located where the Southern Foundry now stands. John Randolph of Roanoke on one occasion stopped here. The Democrats were much enthused when they heard of Mr. Randolph’s arrival and congregated to entertain him. They prepared delicious punch in an adjoining room and then invited Mr. Randolph in to meet the guest and partake of the drink. In a gruff voice he replied to the committee that waited on him, “I don’t drink with strangers and if I can’t rest here one night without being disturbed by a mob I will drive to the Sycamores.” The Sycamores was a hotel twelve miles from town on the Bowling Green road, or Old Stage road between Richmond and Washington, and now known as Route #2. Tradition has it that it was in the Indian Queen Hotel that the statute of religious liberty was considered, adopted and written. The Committee composed of Thomas Jefferson, George Wythe, Archibald Cary, George Mason and Ludwell Lee. On the left of the gate about three feet as you enter the graveyard flat white stone marks the grave of Elizabeth Young, wife of James Young, Proprietor of the old, historic Indian Queen Hotel. No. 24. In memory of Elizabeth Young, wife of James Young Born 22nd November, 1778 Died 10th July, 1806 “Weep not dear friends tho I’ am no more When God thus calls it’s not amiss He bade me come I go before To meet you in eternal bliss.” John Chew, Esquire was appointed clerk of the Fredericksburg Hustings Court on August 6, 1767, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of the first clerk of that Court, Henry Armistead, who died in August, 1787. The Chew family held the clerkship of the Hustings Court, except for a short time it was held by W.C. Strait, under military appointment, covering a period of ninety-nine years and eleven days. The flat white stone on the right as you enter the graveyard is evidently the grave of Mr. Chew’s daughter, inscription as follows: No. 25. In memory of Lucy Chew, daughter of the late John Chew, Esquire of Spotsylvania, Died on the 5th October, 1815 “Go spotless honor and unsullied truth Go smiling innocence Go soft humanity that blessed the poor Go Saint and patience Go modesty that never wore a frown Go virtue and receive the Heavenly Crown.” Flat white stone, right hand as you enter, about two feet from the gate is a grave I am assuming is that of John Chew’s wife, inscription as follows: No. 26. Sacred to the memory of Ann Chew Relict of Captain John Chew, who died October 7, 1821 in the 67th year of her age. “Few Females were more constantly for cor- rectness of deportment---of All the christian virtues---conjugal as a widow exemplary as a neighbor christian kind friend steady and sincere.” “Into Thy hands I commend my spirit For Thou hast redeemed me O Lord God of Truth.” “Dr. James Cooke was a druggist, owning the largest establishment perhaps south of the Potomac river; was an Old Line Whig and a prominent member of the Episcopal church.” History of Fredericksburg, Virginia, By S. J. Quinn, page 79. Three feet from the church, north side, with a rose bush which is covered with blossoms in the spring is the grave of Dr. Cooke’s wife with the following inscription on her stone. No. 27. In memory of Emily M. Cooke, wife of Dr. James Cooke Born 12th November, 1799 Died 1st July 1832 In 1849, Mr. William H. White was one of the prominent citizens of Fredericksburg. He was on the committee appointed for the purpose of examine and report to the court, the court composing of the following gentlemen: Mayor Semple, Justices William H. White and Peter Goolrick, some plan for the enlargement and repairs or rebuilding of the courthouse of Fredericksburg. Ten feet from the north side of Saint George’s Church is a unique brown stone with fluted top marking the grave of Mr. White’s son. No. 28. Deposited here are the remains of Henry Garrett, son of William H. and Amanda White, who died 19 September, 1822. Aged 10 months and 11 days Next to the stone wall, north side, there is a brown stone with a scroll top and a star on it with the following inscription: No. 29. Here lies the body of Bradstreet Moody, a native of Sandbornton, New Hampshire, who died in this town on the 24th August, 1827 Right in front of the gate, as you enter, a unique brown flat stone with the following inscription: No. 30. Sacred to the memory of John Hull and Frances A. his wife. The former of whom died on the 10th day of April, 1841. Aged 35 years and the lat- ter on the 31st day of August, 1841, aged 43 years. “Blessed are the dead who died in the Lord.” “Lovely and beloved in life In death they were not separated.” At the side of the Parish House, unusual shape stone. No. 31. Margaret Garts Born September 29, 1766 Died On the south side of the Parish House a very old stone with the following inscription: No. 32. Here lies the body of Catherine, the beloved wife of David Simons Who departed this life May 14, 1794 Aged 36 years Also her two children Lie interred with her About ten feet from the gate on the left a white stone. No. 33. Sacred to the memory of Casper Wistar, son of Littleton and Ann Maria Goodwin, who departed this life at “Woodlawn” Spotsylvania County, on New Year’s morning, 1851. Aged 13 years and 5 months “Be ye therefore ready For the Son of Man cometh at an hour That ye think not.” Northwest side of the graveyard white standing tombstone, following inscription: No. 34. Sacred to the memory of Frederick Pilcher Born 7th of August, 1769 Departed this life the 13th day of April, 1832 “He lived and died an honest man.” Right at the entrance to the back of Saint George’s Church there is a very quaint old brown stone with the following inscription: No. 35. Park Hillyard Born October 7, 1783 Died October 31, 1867 A little to the left of the center of the graveyard, northwest side. No. 36. Sacred to the memory of Phillip J. Helmstabter who died 17th May, 1831 Aged --- years “This stone is placed here by an affectionate Mother to her son.” North side of the graveyard, to the left of the gate is a rugged broken old brown stone with the following figures and lettering. No. 37. G.R. N.R. 1807 1802 When we pass it we pause and wonder who they were and where they originally came from perhaps they were great in their small sphere by efficiently and successfully fulfilling the tasks which were assigned them. Northwest corner, very old brown stone. No. 38. Departed this life September 11th, 1838 Mrs. Elizabeth Lyon Lawrence W. Berry’s remains rests on the north side of the church, center of the graveyard, and marked by a flat, white stone. He was the father of John Scott Berry one of the prominent citizens of Fredericksburg and Deputy Clerk. The inscription on his stone is as follows: No. 39. In memory of Lawrence W. Berry Born on the 13th day December, 1792 And died on the 3d February, 1846 And near are the remains of two infante children John in his third year and Catherine in her fifth year on the left. On the north side of the graveyard graves of the Smiths evidently some of the descendants of the first Smiths who helped to make the old town. No. 40. Here lies the body of William Smith Glocestershire, England Born 25th May, 1716 And departed this life October 7, 1802 “An honest man the noblest work of man.” No. 41. In memory of Mary, Relict of William Smith Born March 20, 1750 Departed this life July 8th, 1822 No. 42. In memory of William, son of William and Mary Smith Born April 18, 1787 “At the commencement of the late War he entered the Army as a Lieutenant and departed this life whilst in the service of his Country on the 30th January, 1815.” East side of the Parish House, north of the Church, on the left hand side of the gate a short stone with the following inscription: No. 43. In memory of Mrs. Mary Hildroop who died on the 18th September, 1832 In the 77th year of her age Foot stone has M. H. cut on it. East end of the graveyard, about twenty feet from the alley, an old brown stone marks the grave of Mr. Beverley, one of the distinguished Beverleys of Virginia. No. 44. Carter Beverley Born at Blandfield, Essex County, Virginia Born 15th day of --- 1774 Died --- 1844 Cut in the foot stone the initials C. B. East end of the Parish House a tall, brown stone, very old and rugged looking with the following inscription: No. 45. Departed this life September 11, 1838 Mrs. Elizabeth P. Lyon Aged 52 years At the extreme east end of the graveyard the following inscription on a stone: No. 46. Sacred to the memory of Maria Ann, wife of James G. Blakey who departed this life August 14, 1845 Aged 42 years and 2 months About in the center of the graveyard a very unique, brown stone with scrolled top and the following inscription: No. 47. In memory of French Strother who departed this life June 3rd, 1800 Aged 61 years On the northeast side of the graveyard nearly opposite the gate is the grave of Major Cyrus Bell’s child, evidently the same family that George Washington was related to. No. 48. R. W. Bell, only child of Major Cyrus and Fidelis Bell of Lancaster County, Virginia Died February 17, 1826 Aged 17 years Foot stone R. B., 1826. No. 49. The remains of Surgeon William Beck, United States Navy, rests un-marked in old Saint George’s graveyard, though not uncared for. Surgeon Beck came to Virginia from England at the early age of twelve in 1800. He located in Fredericksburg and married Miss England of Stafford County. He was a police officer in Fredericksburg and in performing his duty, as an officer in arresting a person, his arm was injured and it had to be amputated. He entered the Navy as an Assistant Surgeon and made several voyages in the old sailing ships to various ports of the world. He died in the fifties and was buried in Saint George’s graveyard. Marked by a white stone on the right of the gate, as you enter the graveyard is the grave of Thomas Goodwin. No. 50. Mr. Thomas Goodwin was Mayor of Fredericks- burg from February 12, 1829 to January 16, 1836. He died at the age of 65. His wife and children are resting by his side. Records indicate that Mr. Goodwin also operated a hotel called the Rappahannock House on the east side of Main Street, between George and Hanover Streets. In later years the name of the hotel was changed to the Shakespeare and was destroyed by fire in 1866-1867. No. 51. William Smock, Mayor of Fredericksburg, from August 11, 1808 to March 1809, is buried in this graveyard, but there is no mark over his grave. No. 52. There is a slab marking the grave of Mrs. Ann Tayloe Braxton Mason with an interesting inscription, but I was unable to make it out. This is a little to the left of the center of the graveyard. She died in 1831. Aged 23. No. 53. About four feet from the entrance of the graveyard to the right is Mr. John Coakley’s grave marked by a stone. He died a rather late date, but I am mentioning him due to the fact that he was Vestryman and Warden of Saint George’s Church for many years. He died in 1874. 71 years old. For some time he was a prominent merchant in Fredericksburg and was Superintendent of the Fredericksburg Aquaduct Company. To the right as you enter the graveyard, about ten feet from the gate and next to the church there is a tall white shaft marking the grave of Reuben T. Thom, the date he died is rather late, but I am giving it as the long, untiring, faithful service he gave old historic Saint George’s Church is rather unusual. No. 54. Reuben Triplett Thom, Vestryman 52 years, and Warden 40 years. Died in 1868, aged 85 years. There is a tablet in Saint George’s Church, to the right as you stand in the pulpit, north side of the church, side aisle, with the following inscription: “Reuben T. Thom, born 1782, died 1868. He was for 52 years a vestryman, and for 45 years Senior Warden of Saint George’s church. A father in Israel he was respected and beloved by three generations.” Mr. Thon’s wife is buried by his side, both of them lived to a ripe old age, one 85 and the other 79. SOURCES OF INFORMATION: Informant: Miss Mollie Mander, Fredericksburg, Virginia. Virginia Magazine of History and Biography Virginia Historical Society Richmond, Virginia Volume XXXIII: #2; April, 1925, page 200. Old Dominion Press, Incorporate, Printers Richmond, Virginia. History of Fredericksburg, Virginia volume #1 S. J. Quinn Pages #155-243-336 The Hermitage Press Incorporate, Richmond, Virginia, 1906 City and State Libraries. Historic Fredericksburg Volume #I John T. Goolrick Pages #120 and 121 Whittet and Shepperson, Richmond, Virginia, 1922 Public Libraries in Virginia Saint George’s Cemetery An Historical Sketch Volume I (Pamphlet) Reverend W. M. Clark Page number – entire pamphlet Printed by order of the Ladies Guild of Saint George’s Church, 1892 Copies of the pamphlet can be obtained from the Secretary of Saint George’s Cemetery Guild, Fredericksburg, Virginia Wallace Library, Fredericksburg, Virginia Tombstone Inscriptions Visit by worker. ___________________________________________________________________ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Joan Renfrow NOTICE: I have no relationship or further information in regards to this family. ___________________________________________________________________