National Republican., 1883-07-28
CULPEPER,S CHAPTER.
n Prominent Citizen - The Mortality
Among Colored People-General Notes.
Special Dispatch.

Special Dispatch
CULPEPER, VA, July 27.-The friends here
of Mr. Robert L. Menefee, of Rappahonnock
county, were panied to learn of his death,
which occurred suddenly at his home, near
Sperryville, on Sunday night last Although
but "a years of age, he had filled many posi-
tions of trust and honor in his native county,
and was widely known and highly respected.
He was buried with Masonic honors late Mon
day evening.
Tuesday afternoon last terrific rain and
thunder storm passed over this section of
country in southeasterly direction. At sew
eral places in the county the corn crop sus-
tanned considerable damage by the heavy
fall of hail. In some fields the stalks were
entirely stripped of their blades as we'll as
the ears, which are beginning to shoot
Fences, trees, and few farm buildings were
blown to the ground. The rain was needed,
and tho cornhelds which have escaped the
hail showers are greatly benefited by it.
The engine drawing the north bound mail
train on the Virginia Midland railway came
into town, the same evening, considerably
damaged from the effects of the storm. As
the train approached Orange Court House q
tree was blown across the track, which, in its
fall, struck the engine and completely demol-
ished the COW catcher. No other damage was
done the train, though it was n miraculous
escape for the engineer aud fireman, if not for
the passengers.
Col James Cochran, highly esteemed citi-
zen of this town, who has long been promi-
nently identified as a republican with the
politics of the state, had a severe attack of
paralysis Wednesday morning, at his place Of
business from the effects of which he is now
confined to his bed. 1t is hoped he may have
a speedy recovery.
Two of the best farms in the county ex-
changed hands Wednesday morning. One of
them, containing 1900 acres, situated on the
Rappahannock river, was purchased by
Thomas b. Nalle for $4,000 cash. the other
containing 200 acres, near Brandy station
was sold at $4,000, our county treasurer, S.
Russell Smith, becoming the purchaser. Both
sales were made privately.
The mortality among the cOlored people of
the town is of late, becoming noticeable
Several causes may be assigned for it. The
exposure to cold to which many of them sub
ject themselves during winter is probably
the chief cause, as more of them die with pull
monary consumption than from any other
disease. 1t sweeps them OF in little time
when they take it.
Several stacks of wheat on the farm of B.
johnson Barbour, near Barboursville, Orange
county, were consumed by fire Monday last,
caused by spark from an engine which was
being used in threshing the wheat.
The Horseshoe Seven Musical Concert COM
pany, under the direction of Messrs Mosely
and Tucker have engaged the RiXly opera
house the three nights of the fair, Sept. IL,
IL, and 10. This will be their first perform
ance after leaving Washington for "sea-
son on the road If there be anything in n
name and odd numbers, this company ought
to meet with an abundance of good luck.
A special election to fill vacancy on the
council was held in the town yesterday. At
the same time the question of street lamps
was voted upon, which was carried by a small
majority for the negative. There being no
party interests involved, the election passed
of very quietly.
AS add this paragraph fancy calico ball
is well under way ut the Waverley. The
costumes are very handsome, and many of
them unique:in style. The festooned walls
of the room environ brilliant asscmblage.
Brave mon and beautiful women are moving
to and fro in the ever changing figures of the
quadrille, and perhaps as many as thirty-tw two
couples are now on the smoothly waxed floor.
Terpsichore may be proud of her votaries
here; they follow her dictates in way that
is really exhilarating to behold.