The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-08-13

4 spot Where the Remains of Many Dis.
tinguishod Men Are Buried,


CULPEPER. VA. August 13.-speciaL-
Hon. John o.. Rixey. NJ c.. from this dis
trct, introduced into the last Congress
bin for compensation 10 ST. Stephens
Episcopal church in Cu'pcpor for damages
done the building and grounds during the
civil war
A bin % this effect was introduced soon
after the war ended, but has never been
acted upon.
Under Mr. Rixey's efficient management
10 is hoped The present bIll will be more
successful. ST. stephens church. with
The Old cemetery hack Of a., Us "a place
of much beauty and many interesting as
sociatiOns attached to IL.
10 was the first grave yard OF the town.
which in Colonial days and for some time
after was called FIirfax. being built
within the limits Of the princely estate Of
Lord FairfaX the employer and faithful
friend of the growing surveyor George
Washington. In this quiet spot beneath
the shadow Of venerable trees these
mute forefathers Of the village sleep"
Among them are the remains Of many
citizens, prominent i'm their day Many
of the older graves are marked by moss
grown slabs OF marble prone upon low
walls. a style Of tombstone much used by
eur ancestors. one OF these ancient
monuments bears the name OF George
Mercer. a son of General Hugh Mercer
who was mortally wounded at Princeton
in lI1.
In the winter Of 1S63-4 General Grants
army was cdmped In Culpeper and the
village was overrun by Federal soldiers.
The Baptist church was used as "a stable
and the Episcopal church, in its pretty
green yard. occupied as "A hospital. The
peWs We're removed and placed I'm a ware
house fitted mp by the troopers as thea
tire. Great injury was done TO the interior
of the church, and the llOor so damaged
that 20 was necessary 20 put in new
90. f..r NINH q
ter the war. The graves of the dead were
deseCrated, many Of the tomhstoues were
removed and used as tables Tor eating
and drinking. sometimes Tor gambling.
When the soldiers departed it was found
that many OF these memorials placed by
loving hands over the resting places of
their dead were hOpelcssly broken and de-
faced. The Rev Mr.. Cole then pastor
Of 81. stephens. In his report TO the Con-
vcnti0n of 1SGl-'GG SAYS: 80 All the
Episconal churches in the country. and
all the other houses of worship within
the lines OF the Federal army. except
the Baptist and Episcopal churches at the
Courthouse. were utterly DESTROYED by
the soldiers in l,W-'GL The whole COun-
try rs widespread dissolution. Dur
ING the Federal occupation we were not
permitted TO use our church, but Wor-
shipped, like the primitive Christians. IN
private houses =" visited the sick
and wounded and buried the dead OF both
or late wears the church-yard has not
been used as "a burial ground. EXCEPT I'm
rare cases where family owning Tot,
has wished 10 place the body or some
loved one az rest among the kindred gone
before
AS the village grew. and tho country
around filled uD with new settlers, many
families used the plantation grave-yards.
so dear tO the hearts OF Nirginians.
I'm the lapse OF time Masonic burial
q. her nF
that society about "a mile from the town
In this peaceful spot rest the mortal
part OF Cen Edward Stevens and hts fam
fly. The records tell that Gen. Stevens,
whose people were among the early colo
nists. was born in ll69-entered the Com
tineutal army at II. was distinguished AT
the battles OF Great Bridge Brandywine
Guilford Courthouse. and
the seige Of Yorktown After the revolu-
ton he filled important public positions
ard died fun OF years ana or hohor5 IN
1870.
In the list OF virtues credited 10 this
worthless of that time. not only are they
notable warrior and his wife. and other
stated 10 have been good spodses ana
parents. reliable as friends and neigh
bors, but also kind and indulgent mas
tiers and mistresses."
There was much lighting IN the vicinity
OF Culpeper from 81 20 20, and az the
close OF hOsfillties the government estah-
lshed National Cemetery here. wherein
over ! 900 OF the Union soldiers are BIZ
rled. II is n beautiful place. kept In adj
mirahle order hy Capt. Dickson the pres
emit superintendent, and a popular resort
for the citizens. who enjoy rambling
among its leafy shades.
About twenty years ago II was decided
to establish "a new burial ground for the
rapidly growing community and what IS
known as the Citizens Cemetery was then
opened. Part OF this was set aside for the