Newsletter. Special Edition. New Kent Historical Society. Featuring The NK Middle School Junior Historical Society. May 2015 Founded 1988

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com OR 804-966-8587 Records Office Courthouse Burned Jail May 1962 Special Edition Featuring The NK Middle School Junior

1 11 New Kent Historical Society Newsletter May 2015 Founded Courthouse Circle, PO Box 24, New Kent, VA OR Records Office Courthouse Burned Jail May 1962 Special Edition Featuring The NK Middle School Junior Historical Society Our next general meeting will be held Sunday, July 1, 2015 at 2:30 pm at the historic Courthouse at Courthouse Circle. The speaker will be Scott McPhail, an NKHS member who has written numerous articles about NK history. 1

2 From the President s Desk This Special Edition Newsletter is all about the New Kent Middle School (NKMS) Junior Historical Society. I thought it would be good gesture to have the New Kent Historical Society (NKHS) reach out to students in an effort to discuss New Kent history and to build a lasting relationship between the two. An was sent to Dr. Byron Bishop to ask the history club, (in which I thought it was) to submit articles about New Kent for a "Special Edition Newsletter". Imagine my surprise when I found out it was a Junior Historical Society. The rest is history.. The articles that you will read have not been edited and are the actual articles submitted by the middle school society members. Editing the articles would not enhance the overall objective of the newsletter, having the students express themselves. The students have done an excellent job and the NKHS will devote a Special Edition Newsletter to them each year in the month of May. In closing, I would like to commend these wonderful group of students with sincere thanks going to Mrs. Lindsay Horne and Dr. Bishop for making this possible. With this said, on behalf of myself, the NKHS Jailor, Martha Martin (who was there at the beginning), executive officers, board members, and the overall NKHS membership, we thank these students so much for their time and dedication to the success of this special edition newsletter. As always, feel free to contact the New Kent Historical Society or visit our office in the Historic 1909 Jail on Mondays from 10:00 to 2:00 PM. President and Newsletter Publisher and Editor Camilla H. Tramuel 2

3 The New Kent Historical Society Welcomes the NK Middle School Junior Historical Society Future New Kent Historians & Authors 3

Biography and Beginnings of the NKMS Junior Historical Society The New Kent Middle School Historical (NKMS) Junior Society was founded in 2014 by 6 th grade teacher Lindsay Horne and New Kent

4 Biography and Beginnings of the NKMS Junior Historical Society The New Kent Middle School Historical (NKMS) Junior Society was founded in 2014 by 6 th grade teacher Lindsay Horne and New Kent Historical Society member, Martha Martin. Our purpose was to extend the history curriculum being taught in the classroom and allow students to interact with local history and people. We currently have twelve members and meet bi-monthly during club time at the middle school. Projects thus far include four local oral histories, a collection of historical articles for the New Kent Historical Society newsletter, and creating New Kent history themed postcards. We are incredibly proud of our accomplishments and look forward to immersing ourselves in more history in the coming years! Authors of the Newsletter articles include: Standing: Paige Hillis Hailey Patterson Caleb Kowlessar Elena Gutierrez Mrs. Lindsay Horne On one knee: Emma West Jesse Cousins 4

John Smith and the Powhatan Indians (1607) By Jesse Cousins And Caleb Kowlessar Smith repeatedly ran food and supplies from Powhatan to the colonists. Smith was also a very successful explorer.

5 John Smith and the Powhatan Indians (1607) By Jesse Cousins And Caleb Kowlessar Smith repeatedly ran food and supplies from Powhatan to the colonists. Smith was also a very successful explorer. His exploration covered all of the Chesapeake Bay and into the Rappahannock River and the Potomac River. This allowed him and his fellow colonists to learn and know more about their land. John Smith was definitely a key factor to the settlement! SOURCES: It was a cold day in December of 1607 when John Smith went looking for food. While he was out he heard something - it was the Powhatan Indians. The tribe members were also hunting for food when they came upon Smith. He was taken hostage by the tribe and was taken to the chief in Werowocomoco. Chief Powhatan wanted to kill him but then reversed his decision. People say Pocahontas, his daughter saved Smith from his execution. This began a relationship between the tribe and the white settlers. Soon after in January of 1608, more settlers arrived. To help, Powhatan had been sending food and supplies to the English over in Jamestown. When the new settlers arrived, there were many men dead and dying due to extreme cold and starvation. To help, Smith tried to focus on what the survivors really needed, instead of trying to find riches. 5

Richmond/York River Railroad Completed Key Role in 1862 Civil War Peninsula Campaign (1861) By Caleb Kowlessar Railroads were extremely important to both sides during the Civil War.

6 Richmond/York River Railroad Completed Key Role in 1862 Civil War Peninsula Campaign (1861) By Caleb Kowlessar Railroads were extremely important to both sides during the Civil War. They could be used to help an army transport supplies and troops and they could also be used to slow your enemy down and prevent them from resupplying. The York River Railroad was completed near the Pamunkey in 1861 near the White House Plantation. This railroad stretches thirty-nine miles long connecting Richmond to the shipping ports in West Point. The Railroad was key to the Civil War as the Union and Confederacy used it to transport supplies, soldiers and artillery. This was also part of the capturing the Confederate capital of Richmond during the Peninsula Campaign. On July 2, 1862 it was reported that Union troops set fire to some of the railroad cars in an effort to burn it down. Although eighty feet of trestlework and four or five cars loaded with ammunition had been blown up by the Union. In 1863 a journalist reported that there was smuggling going on. They were using the Railroad as a transport, but were caught when the train they were on came under fire by the Union. 6

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Brick House Became the First Town In New Kent (1680) By Emma West Brick House Brick House was the first town incorporated along the York River in New Kent.

Descriptions of the land includes details such as the high land from marsh to marsh. Brick House was founded in 1680, seventy-three years after Jamestown.

8 Brick House Became the First Town In New Kent (1680) By Emma West Brick House Brick House was the first town incorporated along the York River in New Kent. It was the first seat of the County Courts and was a place of real importance during this time period of Virginia (and New Kent) history. Descriptions of the land includes details such as the high land from marsh to marsh. Brick House was founded in 1680, seventy-three years after Jamestown. It was founded shortly after Bacon s Rebellion. Interestingly, the New Kent County clerk at the time (who supported Nathaniel Bacon), Thomas Hall, was hung for supporting him. The county seat was moved to New Kent Village in 1691 because people in the western end of the county found it hard to get to the courts. Because of this, the Courthouse was moved to its present location. We don t have many early historical documents because most of the county s colonial files were destroyed in the burning of the clerk s office in 1787 and a second burning of New Kent s records when Richmond was burned at the end of the Civil War,

9 Today, a local attraction, Gauthier Vineyard is located about five miles from the site of Brick House. On their menu, they have an assortment of products, one of which is named in honor of the county s first town. SOURCES: Book: Old New Kent County [Virginia]: Some Accounts of the Planters, Plantations and Places Volume 1 by Dr. Malcolm Harris 9

Martha Washington (1731) By Elena Gutierrez Born and raised in Virginia and married twice, Martha Washington became a wealthy woman and the very first First Lady.

Martha was taught what every woman should have known, sewing, cooking, excreta, but she was also taught plantation management, crop sales and medicine.

10 Martha Washington (1731) By Elena Gutierrez Born and raised in Virginia and married twice, Martha Washington became a wealthy woman and the very first First Lady. Martha Dandridge Custis Washington was born to John and Frances Dandridge on June 2, 1731, at Chestnut Grove Plantation. Martha was the oldest of nine; she had five sisters, and three brothers. Martha was taught what every woman should have known, sewing, cooking, excreta, but she was also taught plantation management, crop sales and medicine. Martha Dandridge was married at nineteen to Daniel Parke Custis, twenty years older, and manager of New Kent plantations. They were married at St. Peter s Church in Martha bore Daniel four children, two girls and two boys. Daniel, Frances, John, and Martha (referred to as Patsy), but Daniel and Frances died at infancy. When Martha was twenty- six Daniel died of a brief sickness, and Martha was left with a three and one year old to care for, along with the estate and household. 10

11 Martha fell in love with a Virginia militiaman, George Washington, who found her attractive. The fact that she was wealthy was another bonus for an ordinary planter. Martha and George were married on January 6, 1759 at St. Peter s Church. George took in John and Martha like they were his own. Martha had seizures and died at seventeen while her brother was at school. Martha and George were devastated, and so was John. John switched schools, and meet Nelly, and they were married. War began and John wanted to join his step-father, but died in the Yorktown Campaign from camp fever. Martha and Nelly were devastated, and by this time Nelly already had six children. She was very weak and was sent to Mt. Vernon, and her brother George soon joined her there. They were treated like Martha s own children, and when their mother remarried and moved with her husband, they stayed in Martha s custody at Mt. Vernon. Young Nelly and Martha were very close, and Nelly gave birth to her first child twenty days before George Washington s death. George freed half of his slaves before his death, and Martha freed the rest of them when she sensed that she was dying herself. She made her will, burned all of her letters that she and George wrote to one another except for two, and died on May 22, 1802 with her granddaughter nearby. Martha is entombed next to her husband at Mt. Vernon. SOUCES:

Reverend Charles Smith Establishes A Presbyterian Settlement At Providence Forge (1770) By Emma West/Elena Gutierrez Olivet Presbyterian Church In 1855, there was a small group of Presbyterians.

12 Reverend Charles Smith Establishes A Presbyterian Settlement At Providence Forge (1770) By Emma West/Elena Gutierrez Olivet Presbyterian Church In 1855, there was a small group of Presbyterians. They decided that if they were going to grow, they would need their own place of worship. Two miles north of Providence Forge they bought a small area of land. There was a small Methodist meeting house there called Mt. Olivet. The land was purchased for $ On it they built a church which cost $1,

$1,000 of it was for the woodwork. Henry M. Sherman donated plastering and John M. Gordon donated carpet for the aisles. Later money was raised for the rest of the church.

13 $1,000 of it was for the woodwork. Henry M. Sherman donated plastering and John M. Gordon donated carpet for the aisles. Later money was raised for the rest of the church. After Olivet Church was finished being built, it could seat 200 people. Reverend Isaac Sloan of Philadelphia was the first pastor. Soon after Olivet was built, war struck. The civil war had begun. Virginia seceded from the Union. The separation of the states was also separating the Presbyterian Church. The ladies of the church still tried to have Sunday school at Olivet, but the church was in the path of both armies. Reverend Sloan returned with the Union Army and was there to witness the destruction that was taking place. He was able to protect most of the church s carpets. The church still, to this day has scars of the battle. There are bullet holes and graves of the dead. Much later in 1930, the congregation moved into a different building called Forge Chapel. The Presbyterians from Olivet still are in the Forge Chapel today, although it is a newer building rebuilt after the original burned. Right now they are raising money to build a larger Church because they have grown so much from the time that it was first built. Providence Forge Chapel SOURCES: Providence Forge Presbyterian Church 75 Years of Service By: Martha A. Martin 13

Jeb Stuart Rides Around the Union Army in New Kent (1862) By Jesse Cousins June 10, 1862: Two years into the Civil War J.E.B. Stuart chatted with Robert E.

14 Jeb Stuart Rides Around the Union Army in New Kent (1862) By Jesse Cousins June 10, 1862: Two years into the Civil War J.E.B. Stuart chatted with Robert E. Lee in Henrico to discuss the vulnerability of the right wing of the Union Army. The next day, June 11th, he received orders to make an expedition. At two o clock in the morning Stuart s cavalry met at Mordecai Farm and at Kilby Station in Henrico. They headed west towards Ashland camping the night at Winston Farm in Hanover preparing for the next day and then on to Old Church. On the morning of June 13th, Stuart called his field troops together. He told them his plan to observe the Union Army and then broke camp. They quickly avoided Union troops near Old Church. Around Haw s Shop the Union charged, but then veered off. Later they crossed Totopotomoy Creek. Stuart was 14 miles from the Henrico Courthouse and he had a goal to attack the right side, which was weak. Quickly after the Confederates attacked some Union vessels that were unloading supplies at Garrick Landing here in New Kent. In the meantime Stuart s troops were arriving at Tunstall Station and started to cut telegraph lines, attacked a northbound train, and tried to burn the station. They rode past St. Peters Church and stopped by the Kearney s Division Hospital in Talleysville. 14

He then was given an order to move around by moonlight. They passed Olivet Church, then arrived at Christian s Ford along the Chickahominy River on June 14.

Raiders then rebuilt the bridge, so the troops quickly crossed, just before the Union cavalry. Stuart and his men rested in Charles City at Green Oak.

15 He then was given an order to move around by moonlight. They passed Olivet Church, then arrived at Christian s Ford along the Chickahominy River on June 14. Due to high water nobody could cross, so they needed a new route. In Providence Forge the bridge had been destroyed, although the structure was still there. Raiders then rebuilt the bridge, so the troops quickly crossed, just before the Union cavalry. Stuart and his men rested in Charles City at Green Oak. Finally, the Union cavalry was no longer a threat. While marching towards Richmond there were many Union vessels on the James River. J.E.B. Stuart left Col. Fitz Lee in charge and went to report to Robert E. Lee. Col. Fitz Lee and his men arrived in Richmond the day of June 16. SOURCES:

16 The New Kent High School (Historic Landmark) Is Built (1930) By Paige Hillis and Haily Patterson 16

New Kent, Virginia may be a small suburban county but it has much more to offer than just trees and fields. There are historical landmarks, restaurants, businesses and much more.

17 New Kent, Virginia may be a small suburban county but it has much more to offer than just trees and fields. There are historical landmarks, restaurants, businesses and much more. New Kent has many plantations such as The Cedar Grove Plantation, Jasmine Plantation and Criss Cross Plantation. There are also many houses from the 1800s as well. There are a variety of places to eat whether you want to go McDonalds, order pizza or have a fancy dinner - New Kent has it all! Businesses are coming all over the area and we even have four local wineries! Another great place to visit would be Rock Creek Villa. There they offer Dominos Pizza, Third Base Grill, a dental office, Mary Kay beauty products, a hair salon, The Dogwood Room, karate lessons, gym and a soon to be spa! New Kent also offers a variety of churches. There are over thirty churches in New Kent. Quinton Park is used for baseball, basketball and soccer. Our county also has New Kent Gymnastics Center where the Virginia Gems practice cheerleading. Our county is also filled with wildlife and a great place for hunters. We also have some of the best schools in the state of Virginia. Just recently we received a new superintendent, Dr. David Myers. If you are looking for a relaxing and suburban area, New Kent is the place to visit! SOURCES:

New Kent Today By Paige Hillis and Haily Patterson New Kent, Virginia may be a smaller suburban county but it has much more to offer than just trees and fields.

There are also many houses from the 1800s as well. There are a variety of places to eat whether you want to go McDonalds, order pizza or have a fancy dinner - New Kent has it all!

18 New Kent Today By Paige Hillis and Haily Patterson New Kent, Virginia may be a smaller suburban county but it has much more to offer than just trees and fields. There are historical landmarks, restaurants, businesses and much more. New Kent has many plantations such as The Cedar Grove Plantation, Jasmine Plantation and Criss Cross Plantation. There are also many houses from the 1800s as well. There are a variety of places to eat whether you want to go McDonalds, order pizza or have a fancy dinner - New Kent has it all! Businesses are coming all over the area and we even have four local wineries! Another great place to visit would be Rock Creek Villa. There they offer Dominos Pizza, Third Base Grill, a dental office, Mary Kay beauty products, a hair salon, The Dogwood Room, karate lessons, gym and a soon to be spa! New Kent also offers a variety of churches. There are over thirty churches in New Kent. Quinton Park is used for baseball, basketball and soccer. Our County also has New Kent Gymnastics Center where the Virginia Gems practice cheerleading. Our County is also filled with wildlife and a great place for hunters. We also have some of the best schools in the state of Virginia. Just recently we received a new superintendent, Dr. David Myers. If you are looking for a relaxing and suburban area, New Kent is the place to visit! SOURCES:

19 NKHS 2015 Calendar of Events May/June NKHS Scholarship program for a New Kent High School Senior who is a NKHS member July 19 General Meeting at the Historic Courthouse at 2:30 Oct 17/18 Cumberland Plantation Festival - Emphasis on the Civil War November 1 General Meeting at the Historic Courthouse at 2:30 November 7 November 29 Veterans Day Honors Photo Exhibit of New Kent Military Members NKHS Open House During NK Christmas Tree Lighting NKHS Officers and Board of Directors The following persons were elected at the December 14, 2014 meeting by the NKHS membership to serve two year terms: Officers Board President Camilla Lewis Tramuel Kent Radwani Vice President Dave Whiting Martha Martin Secretary Tamika Hathaway Stacey Hornor Treasurer Gussie Pomfrey Stran Trout Past President Loretta Davis Hawthorne Davis 19

Join the NKHS and support our efforts to preserve the county s history and fund a museum. Wouldn t you love to know who your ancestors are that may have originated from New Kent?

20 Join the NKHS and support our efforts to preserve the county s history and fund a museum. Wouldn t you love to know who your ancestors are that may have originated from New Kent? Your membership would be a contribution to the society as we continue to provide local and family history to you and the general public. Use the form below to mail your membership at your earliest convenience. Remember, we are always looking for volunteers Membership 2015 Yearly Membership (individual or family): $15.00 Lifetime Membership: $ Student Membership (Kindergarten through College): $5.00 Business Sponsor: $100 $500 New Member Membership Renewal Date: Name: Address: State: Mail to: NKHS Membership, PO Box 24, New Kent, VA Make checks payable to New Kent Historical Society 20

The Civil War Diary Of. Lieut. Francis Asbury Murphy

The Civil War Diary Of. Lieut. Francis Asbury Murphy The Civil War Diary Of Lieut. Francis Asbury Murphy As a teenager going through the public school system of New Jersey, history was not one of my favorite subjects. In fact, the only class I feared more