Three Funerals and a Wedding-- 1842

Died, on the 7th of April, in the 48th year of his age, at Rose Cottage, his residence, in New Kent county, DR. JOHN W. ROYSTER, leaving an affectionate and devoted wife and nine children, to mourn their sad loss. For more then 20 years, he was a successful practitioner of medicine, enjoying considerable celebrity, and the full confidence of the people in neighborhood He was a firm and doubting believer(??) in the great plan of human redemption through the atonement of the Saviour and consequently a practical Christian, and an honorable, conscientious, honest man, commanding the respect of all in life and to death universally lamented. If the warm, heart-felt sympathy of relatives, friends, and a whole neighborhood can alleviate the deep grief of his bereaved family, they have that consolation, for there are many who claim the privilege of mourning with them for the lamented dead.

-Richmond Whig,  6 May 1842

John Woodson Royster was born in North Carolina in 1794.

                                                   

Died, in the town of St. Charles, on the 23rd of March, Mr. William H. Parkinson, late of New Kent County, Va. He was a young man about 22 years of age, well educated, of fair character, amiable manners, and correct deportment. He came to Missouri a few months ago with high hopes and fair prospects, but was accidentally thrown from his horse and died A few days afterwards, in consequence of the injury received from the fall. He died unexpectedly in a strange land, but during a short residence here he had acquired the respect and good will of many friends. The Richmond papers will please copy. 

-Richmond Whig,  18 May 1842

There was a Parkinson family in New Kent at the time but I have been unable to narrow down any direct connection.

                                               

Died at his residence, Hampstead, in New Kent county, at 18 minutes past 9'clock, A.M., this 26th day of July, instant, CONRAD WEBB, Esq, in the 65 year of his age.

-Richmond Enquirer,  29 July 1842

Conrad Webb, the builder of Hampstead, was the last of his line hence the rather small notice for such a wealthy man. Hampstead passed out of the direct family at the time.

and . . .

Married, at St. Peters Church, New Kent county, on the 21st ultimo, by the Rev. Henry Smith, Mr. WM A. CHRISTIAN, of the U.S. Navy, TO  Miss JANE WARREN, daughter of Mrs. Louisa Warren, of the above county. 

-Richmond Enquirer, 12 August 1842

William Armistead Christian was the son of Robert Christian of Cedar Grove. Young Christian was a purser in a variety of US Navy ships including the USS Princeton, USS Cyane, and USS San Jacinto; unfortunately he died in August of 1852 in Gibraltar on the San Jacinto's maiden voyage. 

Interestingly, a lot of the belongings of William A. Christian, including a portrait and a fascinating trove of letters, was up for auction in 2021.

Signs a Marriage Is Going Poorly

MILDRED BRADLEY,

 Heretofore Mildred Coleman. having in vain attempted to live with her husband, (if he can be entitled to that appellation) in New Kent (where however he had made no sort of provision for a family,) has, with his consent, under a promise that he would restore to her the little property he may justly be said to have robbed her of, but which, regardless of that promise, he now refuses to do. returned to Richmond, where, as she is, in consequence of the conduct of Mr. Bradley, destitute of say other means of subsistence, she has again resorted to the MANTUA MAKING BUSINESS for a support. She is thankful for the encouragement she has heretofore received, and will be grateful for a continuance of it. Her residence for the present, is opposite to Mr. Thomas Wilson’s office, where her business will be assiduously attended to,
Richmond, Nov. 7, 1805.

- Virginia Argus, 16 November 1805

Researching the 1810 Census shows a Pleasant Bradley living in the county. That census only listed the names of heads of households. The household breakdown was three males one between 10-15 years of age, another 16-25, and the third between 26-44. It also showed two women, one between 10-15 and the other 45 or older.

A question arises: Could this be the mother of our young wayward apprentice Daniel Bradley?

A New Kent Widow and her Beau

The Courtship of Washington, 1860- John C. McRae

Today we celebrate the the anniversary of the marriage of George and Martha Washington with an article from the website of Mount Vernon on the courtship of the nation's First Couple.

More Valentine Marriages . . .

MARRIAGES

CHAPMAN-BOSWELL.- Married, by Rev. John A. Richardson, on the 16th day of February, 1887, at "Fairfield," New Kent county Va., the residence of the bride's mother EDWIN C. CHAPMAN, of James City county Va. and Miss ANNIE E. BOSWELL, of New Kent county, Va.,

SHERMAN-HAZLEWOOD.- Married at the residence of the bride's parents James City county Va., on the 14th day of February, 1887 by Rev. John A. Richardson, Mr. BALLARD F. SHERMAN, of New Kent county Va., and Miss CYNTHIA EDEN HAZLEWOOD, of James City county, Va.

-Richmond Dispatch, February 18, 1887

The busy Rev. John A. Richardson was the founding minister of Corinth Baptist Church.

More on him soon.

250 Years Ago, A Valentine Marriage . . .

Married.

On February 15th, at Monumental Church, by Rev. Mr. Norwood, rector of St. John's Church, Dr. H. Wythe Davis (Surgeon First regiment Virginia reserves) of Richmond city, and Miss Mary E. Apperson, only daughter of John C. Apperson, of New Kent county, Virginia.

-The Daily Dispatch(Richmond), February 18, 1865.

The good doctor's biography from Vol. IV Lyon Gardiner Tyler's Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography . . .

Hugh Wythe Davis, M. D. Born in Richmond, educated classically and professionally in Richmond, and for over half a century actively engaged in medical practice in Richmond, Dr. Davis acquired an intimacy with Richmond and her people little short of marvelous. He was perhaps the best known and best loved physician of the city, knowing his vast army of patients and a true doctor of the old school, ministered to body, mind and soul, regarding his patients many of them as his especial charge, to be freely admonished and reproved, as well as treated for bodily ills. His maternity practice was very large, three generations in the same family in several instances having been brought into the world by the aid of good Dr. Davis. He was in the truest sense, the family physician, knew the intimate life history of hundreds of his clientele from cradle to grave, rejoiced in their success, sorrowed with their misfortunes and often by timely advice and aid enabled them to pass safely perilous points in their careers. He held true to the soundest principles of medicine and never followed the fads of his profession, never countenanced the newer theories and rarely left the city to attend medical gatherings. This was less from inclination than the fact that his very large practice occupied every moment of his working hours. From the age of twenty-one years until the December preceding his death, at the age of seventy-four years, he was actively in practice and barely able to meet the demands made upon him. A newly fledged M. D., in 1861, he was almost immediately appointed assistant surgeon to Dr. Samuel Preston Moore, surgeon general of the Confederate States and until the war, 1861-65, closed, served with devotion and distinction in field and camp hospitals, always in or near Richmond. His devotion to the southern cause was deep and lasting and Richmond had no more loyal son. For forty years he lived at 110 West Grace street, his address being better known than any other private citizen in the city. He now lies in Hollywood Cemetery, near by the scenes of his childhood, youth, manhood and old age. His life was filled with good deeds and his memory will long be cherished.

Dr. Hugh Wythe Davis was born in Richmond, September 20, 1840, died June 29, 1914, son of John F. and Delight (Thomas) Davis, and nephew of Dr. Creed Thomas, who was a schoolmate of Edgar Allan Poe at the University of Virginia. Dr. Davis, after attendance at private schools in Richmond and Chesterfield county, Virginia, entered Richmond College, there completing his course of classical study. He decided upon the profession of medicine and prepared in the Medical College of Virginia, received his degree of M. D. with the class of "61." The war clouds which had been hovering burst asunder in that year and the young doctor, a personal friend of Surgeon General Dr. Samuel Preston Moore, of the Confederate army, was at once selected by Dr. Moore as his assistant. The ensuing four years were spent in active hospital service, much of Dr. Davis's time being spent in the hospital located on what is now the campus of Richmond College. After the war he began private practice in Richmond, in association with his maternal uncle, Dr. Creed Thomas, one of his first patrons being Surgeon General Moore, whose family physician he remained until Dr. Moore's death, the two men always continuing warm friends until separated by death. Dr. Davis was entirely devoted and absorbed in his practice, ministering to a very large clientele. He won the love and confidence of his parents and was held in highest esteem by all who knew him. For fifty-three years he practiced the healing art and only desisted when nature gave way and when he was unable to continue. He retired from practice, December 20, 1913, and about six months later a complication of diseases ended his long and useful life.

Dr. Davis was a member of the Virginia State Medical Society, trustee of Richmond College, trustee for the Baptist Home for Aged Women and a deacon of Grace Street Baptist Church. He was an authority on all that pertained to the medical history of the Confederacy, his close association with the surgeon general giving him opportunity to obtain accurate information. While a true son of Virginia, he took no active part in political life, held no public office but by official appointment for special service, one of such instances being the examination of the body of Mrs. Jeter Philips, murdered by her husband at Drinker's Farm in Henrico county in 1870. Dr. Davis being one of the two physicians appointed by the state for that duty.

Dr. Davis was married in Monumental Church, Richmond, February 15, 1865, by Rev. Dr. Norwood, to Mary Elizabeth Apperson, of New Kent county, Virginia, who died June 4, 1900. Seven of his children survived the good doctor: 1. Dr. Wray Wythe, now located at 614 West Grace street, graduated from the University of Maryland, class of 1890, as D. D. S., has thus been for twenty-four years in dental practice in Richmond; he married Mary Hopkins, November 12, 1895, and they have four children, all living: James Hopkins, Hugh Wythe, Mary Elizabeth, and Wray Wythe Jr. 2. John A. 3. Eva T., married C. L. Moore. 4. Bessie C., married W. G. Bragg. 5. Rhoda L., married H. Seldon Taylor. 6. Susie T. 7. Edna S. All are living in Richmond.

A Marriage

Married.

In New Kent county, on the 12th of January, by the Rev. Mr. Turner, Mr. Thomas C. Wilkse, company F. Third Virginia cavalry, to Mollie P., the second daughter of John E. Epps, of Richmond, Virginia.

-The Daily Dispatch- January 21, 1865.


This should be the 25 year old Charles Thomas Wilks, son of Abner Wilks and his wife Mary. Sometimes spelled Wilks, sometimes Wilkes, depending on what record you consult.
Company F, Third Virginia Cavalry was of course the New Kent Cavalry or New Kent Dragoons.

She Said . . .

SHE WOULD NOT GO SO FAR WITH HIM

Pretty New Kent Girl Declined to Wed and Go to the Far Away Philippines.

 (Special Dispatch to The Times.)

ROXBURY, VA., August 8.— Wednesday. August 13th; was the day appointed for one of the most brilliant marriages of the year to take place near here. Invitations had been sent out and preparations had been made. The young lady is one of the most beautiful and most popular of the county. The young, man is also a handsome soldier boy; stands six feet, with piercing black eyes, and is as straight as an Indian. He was reared in this county and is now at home from the Philippines, where he. has been doing service for Uncle Sam, and carries the honorable scars of many a hard-fought battle.

It had been understood between the two that when the time of his enlistment  was out they would marry. So true to his word he came to claim the one who had promised to be his bride, and all arrangements had been made for the happy event, when - a few days ago, this handsome soldier boy received  this message: "I love you. Jimmie, but I cannot go with you to that far-off country. So we had better declare our engagement off. It was a great surprise to all.

The young man will leave September 13th to join his command, as he has reenlisted for five years more, though his heart will be sad.

- Richmond Times, August 9, 1902

Christmas Nuptials

Married.

At the residence of the bride's mother, by the Rev C. S. Mountcastle, on the 24th December, Mr. Richard Tyler and Miss Lizzie S. Dandridge, both of New Kent county.

-The Daily Dispatch: (Richmond, Va.) January 6, 1864.

"Cruelty Unsurpassed": The Drake Divorce Petition I

"Before 1848, If Virginians . . . .wanted complete divorces on the ground of adultery, they had to petition the General Assembly to pass a private act in their behalf. Upon their receipt in Richmond, such petitions were referred to the Committee of Courts of Justice in the House of Delegates. Committee members sorted through the documents, discussed whether they believed the petitions" reasonable", and sent their recommendations for action to the entire House. The delegates then considered the opinion of the committed and voted whether to draw up a private bill to grant the divorce. The bill then had to pass both the House and the Senate before being enrolled into law."*

From the Virginia General Assembly Petitions files . . . with perhaps a little hyperbole thrown in . . .

Your Petitioner Louise W. Drake respectfully represents that she was married in the year 1822 to Robert Drake of New Kent County, by whom she has, without any reasonable cause on her part, been treated with a degree of cruelty unsurpassed in any civilized community- That she has, at length, been driven to the neccesity of quitting his house forever, and throwing herself and her two infant children on the charity of her poor relatives & her own feeble physical resources, to avoid a lingering death, from which there was escape if she remained in the inhospitable mansion of her husband. That after making every effort which could be desired by herself, and her friends to regain his lost affections, after she had drained the drop in the cup of humiliation, by stooping at his mandate to his base mistress, and had remained for months in his house altho' deprived even of the bed on which she lay and cut off by his orders from the charity of her neighbors, whom he would not permit to furnish her, or even his own babes, with a bed, she has felt herself impelled by every feeling of honour and by a regard to her own safety, and that of her children, to ask to be forever divorced from the monster in human shape, who would sacrifice not only the life of his wife, but the present and eternal welfare of his children to the indulgence of a low and grovelling(?) passion, which seems to have expelled every feeling of humanity from his [      ] breast. 

She has accordingly filed her statement under the act of Assembly in such case provided, preparatory to application to your Honourable body for a divorce- 

This statement has been found true by an intelligent jury of the county, and the copy of the record thereof, duly authenticated, is hereto attached, as a part of this Petition. 

Your Petitioner begs leave to remark that no language, however strong, can in general terms convey an adequate idea of the cruelty practised on your Petitioner by the said Robert, and she deeply regrets that your Honorable body cannot hear the testimony which at the trial of said Statement aroused the indignation of every person present. No one acquainted with the facts would consider any language too harsh, from your Petitioner. 

She humbly solicits a divorce from the said Robert Drake- and that there two surviving children, a son and a daughter, now under her care may be saved from the grasp of an unfeeling father, and his base and miserable mistress by confiding them to her own protection- To this last prayer, your Petitoner hopes there may be no objection on his part, as he has never since they were taken from his house altho' residing near them, envinced the least regard for them- neither seeing nor supporting them- enquiring after, nor sending, the smallest token of affection. As your Petitioner is suffering from no imprudence or fault of her own, and no earthly tribunal can grant relief save yr. Honorable body, she hopes altho' an humble member of society, that her grievances will be redressed by the General Assembly of Virginia- & she will, as in duty bound, ever pray.

Louise W. Drake


Drake V Drake
Petition for a Divorce
Dec 3  1834
refd. to Atty G

* "To Be Freed from Thate Curs and Let at Liberty". Interracial Adultery and Divorce in Antebellum Virginia
Joshua D. Rothman
The Virginia Magazine of History and Biography
Vol. 106, No. 4 (Autumn, 1998),

Married

Garland-Richardson

(Special Dispatch to The Times.)

BARHAMSVILLE, NEW KENT CO.

June 29..A pretty but quiet marriage was solemnized here Wednesday at "Holly Fork" the beautiful and hospitable old home of the Richardson family. The contracting parties were Dr. J. Powell Garland, the presiding elder of the Methodist Conference for the Richmond District and Miss Lucy Lee Richardson, the highly accomplished daughter of the late A. P. Richardson. The ceremony was performed by Dr. Spooner, of Richmond, assisted by Rev. R. T. Wilson, of Petersburg. Miss Nannie Wright, of Toano, was maid of honor and Mr. Thomas Gar land, of Bedford, acted as best man. The bridesmaids were Misses Ellen Richardson and Bessie Farinholt, of West Point. The house was beautifully decorated with ferns and potted plants. After a delightful luncheon. Dr. and Mrs. Garland left for Old Point and Virginia Beach. They will make their home in Richmond.

Among some of those present were: Mrs. Annie E. Richardson, stepmother of the bride; Mr. Thomas Garland, son of the groom; Mr. Murrell and Miss Mary Murrell of Bedford; Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Richardson. Mrs. Walter Hechler, Mr. Kenny Richardson, of Richmond; Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Wright, Mrs. John Geddy, Mrs. Carlton, of Accomac; Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Richardson, of Dinwiddie; Dr. G. W. Richardson, Misses Richardson, of West Point; Miss Goddin, Mr. Eddie Goddin, Mr. Robert Boswell and Mr. C.  Richardson, of New Kent.

 From the Richmond Times, June 29, 1902

Married

 

RUNAWAY COUPLE WED

Married Yesterday Morning In the Parlors of the Lexington Hotel.

The marriage of Mr. L. W. Sleater* and Miss Gertrude B. Cook, of New Kent county, yesterday morning in the parlors of the Lexington Hotel was the culmination of a romance which the good people of the county have watched with interest for many mouths.

The bride is the daughter of Mr L. W. Clark, of New Kent, and in the opinion of her parents, who opposed the wedding, was too young to marry, and time and time again they had interfered when the young couple had pressed the matter. Early yesterday morning they eluded the objecting parents, and driving across country several miles, caught a tram and came direct to Richmond, and within fifteen minutes after reaching the city applied at the office of the hotel for permission to be married in the parlors which was granted. The ceremony was performed by Rev. J. H. Franklin, a student at Richmond College, and a friend of the groom who had been notified by the couple if all plans carried they would allow him to perform this as his initial marriage ceremony.

Mr. and Mrs. Sleater did not register at the hotel, but left at once after the ceremony to visit friends in the city. The young lady's parents were notified last night.

-Richmond Times, November 21, 1901


*The Times article above is riddled with errors. "Mr. L.W. Sleater" is in fact Lawrence W. Slater.
Gertrude B. Cook, as one would expect is the daughter of Richard D. Cook, not "Mr L. W. Clark."

Married

Married at Walker's

A very pretty wedding was solemnized at "Palmer Cray" the historical old home of Mr. Robert Fox, near Walker's station, New Kent county, Wednesday February 14th. when Miss Nannie C. Fox became the bride of Mr. Richard Eggleston.

The ceremony was performed by Rev. Mr. Barnes promptly at 5 o'clock to the strains of Lohengrin's march, rendered by Miss Louise Mosmiller, of Richmond. The bride, leaning upon the arm of the groom, entered the parlor. The ushers were Messrs. Robert I Eggleston, Henry Eggleston, sons of the groom J. C. Fox, brother of the bride, and Edward Boswell.

The bride looked beautiful in a tailor made costume of pearl gray ladies' cloth with hat and gloves to correspond, and carried a large bouquet of white carnations.

The groom is a prosperous farmer of New Kent county. The bride is the daughter of the late Robert Fox ofKing William county, who by her cheerful disposition and loving kindness, has won a host of friends, both in her native and adopted county.

Immediately after the ceremony Mr. and Mrs. Eggleston left for their future residence, near Walker's, where they will. be at home to their friends.

-Richmond Times, February 18, 1900