On April 8, 1880, a meeting of the Stephens City (then Newtown/Stephensburg) Town Council was held. On motion of Captain George A. Grove, a grant of one-half acre of ground on the western side of the Village on what is known as Academy Hill was made to the African American people as a burial place. The burial ground would later be named Locust Grove Cemetery.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0OIuEQ_0vj0kRYf00 — Locust Grove Cemetery, established in 1880, is an active burial ground where old headstones worn down by time and the elements share space with newer headstones.

The one-half acre grant was recorded by the Frederick County circuit court clerk in Deed Book 96, pages 147-148. A summary of the entry is provided.

Whereas the mayor and councilmen of the town of Newtown/Stephensburg, Frederick County Virginia being desirous to provide a cemetery or burying ground for the use of the colored people of the said town and the vicinity. Whereas at a town meeting of the colored people of the said town the following named persons were appointed trustees to whom the said burying ground should be granted and conveyed to be held by them in trust for the purposes and uses of aforesaid namely Robert Turner, George Harris, Euro Wormley, Robert Robertson, Allen Robertson, Daniel Winesberry, Thomas Hottel, and Enoch Jenkins. Therefore, this deed made and entered by the mayor and councilmen of said town of the one part and the said Robert Turner and other trustees as aforesaid of the other part and dated this tenth day of September 1880.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3aEpiy_0vj0kRYf00 — American Flag flies on early August morning at Locust Grove Cemetery in Stephens City. Eight Armed Services Veterans are buried here.

The land constituted a part of the town commons and was bounded as follows on the north by Locust Street, on the east by the commons of the town, on the south by the town commons, and on the west side by West Street and opposite to John Hoover’s lot. The land was transferred for the payment sum of one dollar.

The plot of land was originally referred to as a Colored peoples cemetery on D. J. Lake & Co. map in in 1885. How it received the name Locust Grove is not known. Some say because the property lies at the intersection of Locust and Grove Streets. But Grove Street was called West Street in 1880. Byron Smith, Executive Director & Curator of the Stone House Foundation, believes the road name was changed to Grove Street when M. J. Grove Lime Company began business here in 1902, with six kilns in operation. Others believe the land was called Locust Grove for the stand of Locust Trees that covered the property.

Many African American families living during the Antebellum South period are buried here. Addison, Armistead, Avery, Baker, Ball, Barber, Berger, Best, Boyd, Brown, Cambell, Cash, Corley, Curry, Day, Doleman, Dorman, Ford, Gaither, Gant, Harris, Hill, Holness, Holtz, Huddle, Humbert, Jackson, Johnson, Lewis, Long, Martin, Mason, Medley, Minifield, Nickens, Oaks, Peyton, Phoenix, Pines, Rhodes, Roberts, Robinson, Shields, Splawn, Stern, Taper, Tokes, Trent, Turner, Walker, Wallace, Wanzer, Washington, Willett, Williams, Willis and Wilson.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3Nez0S_0vj0kRYf00 — Splawn Family Plot. Wrought iron fence encloses grave sites from 1900 to 1949.

The first known written record referring to Locust Grove can be found in the Winchester Evening Star, dated February 28, 1903, Page 1. John W. Tokes of Opequon, Frederick County was buried at Locust Grove Cemetery. Stephens City. The Funeral Directors were Funk & Ray, Rev. B. J. Layton officiating.

So, why did the Stephens City Town Council grant one-half acre for the purposes of establishing a cemetery for African Americans? The Council was aware that Middletown’s founder, Peter Senseney, deeded a one-acre lot in 1801 for a meeting house and burial place for “people of the African race” living in the Middletown area. Peter Senseney is not believed to have owned slaves. The Mt. Zion Cemetery was in operation from 1801-1954.

The Council could have been influenced by Rev. Robert Orrick, a man of impressive appearance and magnetism who became a noted minister, evangelist, prosperous businessman. Beginning in the 1860s, Rev. Orrick preached in African-American Methodist churches throughout the Winchester area, always filling the pulpits.

After the Civil War, Rev. Orrick was one of the leading African American businessmen in the greater Winchester area. He was a major contributor to building a new church for African Americans in Stephens City. The church was built between 1866 and 1869 on Mulberry Street largely through the efforts and generosity of Rev. Orrick who donated and hauled the construction materials to the site. In recognition of his contributions, the church was named Orrick Chapel.

Beginning in the 1870s, Orrick wanted to establish a cemetery for African American families which was not an open common pauper’s field where strangers and criminals were buried, and cattle freely grazed. He believed industrious and enterprising African American citizens should establish and maintain a cemetery where their families could be buried and continue to be a proper burial place to bequeath to their children.

The Locust Grove area might have been a pauper’s field where free Blacks and slaves were buried. Orrick could have convinced the town councilman to donate a half-acre to African American trustees to manage the property as their own cemetery.

Frederick County court records reflect that Stephens City Town Council transferred a second half-acre in a supplemental deed to seven new trustees on September 15, 1923 (George Harris, Gus Boyd, Henry Dorman, Isaac Avery, R. A. Robinson, Lathan Williams, and Andrew Wanzer) to increase the size of the Locust Grove Cemetery. The sum of $300 was paid by the trustees.

Like Green Hill Cemetery, across Martin Street, African Americans owned and maintained family burial plots. Winchester Evening Star brief, dated October 15, 1954, Page 5, cites Eldridge F. Wanzer was buried in the family lot in Locust Grove Cemetery. The service was held at Orrick Chapel Methodist Church, Rev. Odell Carr, pastor, and officiating.

Rick Kriebel, Manager of Collections & Programs of the Stone House Foundation, includes a mid-20th century description of Locust Grove Cemetery in his 2023 Guided History Trolley Tour. Some of the information is summarized as follows. During the 1950s, there was a dirt road around the cemetery, and a dirt drive running through it. There was a steeper slope from the road to the actual burial ground which made it difficult for the elderly to traverse the gravesites. The African American community gathered at the cemetery once a year to provide their labor and capital to clean, clear, make level, and restore the burial grounds.

May 1985

In 1985, the cemetery was in disrepair with volunteer custodians mowing the grass around the graves. Gravestones leaned, some were sunk in the ground and others fallen over. Vandals, time, and overgrown vegetation had also taken their toll on the cemetery. No fence surrounded the grounds at that time. All the former trustees from 1923 were presumed dead and no new trustees were ever recorded at the town office or with the Frederick County circuit court clerk.

A few town residents like Jessie Curry and Anna L. Wanzer began taking an interest in revitalizing the historic cemetery. Their uncles were trustees and several of their relatives were buried here. Curry, Richard Medley, and Charles Corley all would take turns cutting the grass and trimming the weeds.

Residents of Stephens City with relatives buried in the cemetery wanted to do more than mow the gravesites. The group of Wanzer, Curry, Medley, Corley, John Shields III, Charles Richard Berger, Jackie Cain, and Lawrence Williams wanted to become the new cemetery trustees. They were motivated to ensure that the cemetery was managed and maintained in a dignified manner.

When land has been conveyed as a cemetery, a state statute allows any ten residents within a jurisdiction to approach the circuit court to be named trustees.

Money was raised to build a proposed fence and landscape the cemetery. The congregation of Orrick Chapel took up a collection of $500. Besides the improvements, Curry said that once the trustees were officially installed, a plan for administering the land should be developed with consideration for charging fees for any future burials. The money would be used for the cemetery’s upkeep. As it was then, burials were free and virtually unrestricted.

June 1994

The nonprofit Locust Grove Cemetery Inc. was founded June 30, 1994. Anna L. Wanzer’s labor was instrumental in obtaining incorporation. The organization was established with a charter to protect, restore, preserve, and maintain the burial grounds. The board members strove to establish the importance of maintaining Locust Grove as a memorial to African-American families that not only lived, worked, prospered, and died in the Stephens City, but were also connected by bloodlines.

The cemetery provided physical evidence of African Americans past and their existence as a family. It was the organization’s objective to become more aware of their genealogical connection to ancestors who lay at rest in these burial grounds. Awareness of their ancestors, their trials, tribulations, and achievements, would help strengthen the roots that bind generations together.

A six-foot-high chain-link fence was installed around the entire cemetery in 2005 with money received from fundraisers and assistance from the Town of Stephens City.

June 2017

On a Saturday morning, Locust Grove Cemetery Inc. held a program at the cemetery located at 5300 Grove Street, to educate the public about its history and to seek assistance in its preservation. Locust Grove board members had been working to compile and update the burial register with a more comprehensive list of the people buried here.

The cemetery had been neglected in the past and the organization’s members feared if not properly managed, the people buried there would be gradually forgotten. The members were so passionate about the cemetery because many of their ancestors were buried at the site.

The board members wanted their children to remember their people have a proud legacy and an important history here and these burial grounds retain memories of their family’s past.

The Locust Grove Cemetery Treasurer, Garland Williams (since 2008), said knowing the past gives the younger generations even more reason to connect now. Children who grow up in this area do not truly understand that at one time people were buried in certain cemeteries based on their ethnicity or the color of their skin.

Saturday’s program gave the organization the chance to identify and share the needs of the cemetery and solicit help from residents, community business, and local government.

A presentation explained various ways volunteers could help with the preservation. The opportunities included educating others about the historical significance of the cemetery. Establishing identity and permanent grave markers for unmarked graves. Mapping the lot to help to plan for future gravesites. Identifying and restoring tombstones and making a financial contribution to purchase supplies and equipment.

July 2018

Stephens City residents were honored by the Locust Grove board after sixty years of volunteer service.

Richard Medley began cleaning up the historical African American cemetery when he was 28, (1958). He started mowing his relatives’ gravesites and decided to go ahead and mow the rest of the cemetery.

He was soon joined by his cousins Jesse and Alfred (Alf) Curry. Each man took great pleasure in the restoration and maintenance of the cemetery. Board treasurer Garland Williams said the men cleared a fair amount of the land that was covered in thickets of locust trees and honey suckle.

“They used their own scythes, sickles, lawn, and riding mowers, and weed eaters to mow and trim the one-acre property. The cemetery underwent property improvements to include clearing unruly vegetation, downed or dead trees, and received more frequent grass cuttings to make the cemetery more attractive,” Williams said.

In 2019, a boundary survey of both parcels, known as Locust Grove Cemetery, was completed by David E. Lellock of Lellock Consulting, PC, and recorded in Frederick County, Virginia, on June 12, 2019.

August 2022

The historic Locust Grove Cemetery finally received a paved driveway that makes negotiating the burial site much easier. The 450-foot-long road was previously dirt and gravel. The improved entrance not only meets the cemetery board’s desire for a more attractive driveway, it resolved the issues of safety and comfort. The board wanted visitors who may often be elderly, frail, or distracted by concerns associated with the loss of a loved one to feel comfortable, while driving or walking the grounds.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0Yyivg_0vj0kRYf00 — Locust Grove Cemetery looking north to south, Green Hill Cemetery and 2,106-foot Signal Knob Mountain in the background.

Slonakers Custom Paving of Kearneysville, West Virginia, paved the driveway using a donation of 110 tons of crushed stone by the Carmeuse Winchester Operation in Clearbrook, VA. The Town of Stephens City completed the needed excavation. The project was coordinated by Denise Medley and approved by the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Scouting America sponsored scouts who performed service projects to include installing a flagpole and lighting, placing brick pavers donated by Frederick Block of Winchester, around the flagpole, and planting shrubs around the circular paved base of the flagpole.

Each year, since 2018, volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have rendered their services to the cemetery. These activities have included picking up trash, planting trees, weeding, trimming, and cleaning the head and footstones.

September 2024

Currently, the Locust Grove burial register contains 240 graves. 135 were interred before January 1, 1948. Many of these graves are unmarked, while the elements have rendered some headstones illegible; marriage, birth, and death certificates of persons living in or near the Stephens City area who may have been buried at Locust Grove Cemetery can be helpful. “We may not know the exact burial spot of an unknown or discovered person, but for me, it is an even greater blessing to be able to find the names and missing facts concerning persons recorded as having Locust Grove Cemetery as their final resting place. It is good to have a name for those to be remembered and honored,” Denise Medley said.

Former Locust Grove Director and Secretary Denise Medley (2017-2023) continues efforts to research and compile a more detailed list of the people buried here. The primary resource used to support and document the research is Ancestry.com. Find a Grave.com has also been a reliable and contributing source. It is Medley’s hope to compile her research in a book and share this information with families looking to trace their ancestry. Medley requests any information, persons of interest, photos, and documents that would support the history of Locust Grove Cemetery be submitted to the board of directors.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2ISvQ5_0vj0kRYf00 — 2024 Locust Grove Cemetery Board of Directors on a rainy, foggy, Saturday morning in September. L to R: President Alesha Whitmore, Jackie Cain, Larry Cain, Kenneth Minifield Sr., Secretary Yvette Stallings, Treasurer Garland Williams, and Latasha Vanderpuye. Not Pictured: Bryan Washington. All photos courtesy Harry Newman.

There are currently more than two hundred burial plots available. About three to six burials take place each year.

Bryan Washington has served on the board of directors for thirty-four years.

Board members Larry Cain and Garland Williams are the current volunteer groundskeepers.

Anyone who has information about Locust Grove Cemetery or who would like to donate or assist with its upkeep should email locustgrovecemetery5300@gmail.com.

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2024 International Gold Cup Races Move to Glenwood Park in Middleburg, Virginia, with New Date of Sunday, Oct. 27

The International Gold Cup, one of Virginia’s premier horse racing events, has announced a venue and date change for its 2024 race. Originally set for Saturday, October 26 at Great Meadow in The Plains, the event will now take place at Glenwood Park in Middleburg on Sunday, October 27.

The decision to move the date and location was influenced by the annual Mille Miglia USA Warmup auto race, which runs from October 22-26 in Middleburg. The Mille Miglia, modeled after the iconic Italian race, has become a signature event for the town, with North Madison Street serving as both the start and finish line. Since the road is crucial for both the Mille Miglia and for most attendees traveling to Glenwood Park, organizers saw the need to avoid overlap between the two events.

“We realized the need to move our race date when we learned about the Mille Miglia in Middleburg,” said Al Griffin, co-chairman of the Virginia Gold Cup Association. “The two events in Middleburg on the same date just didn’t make sense. Sunday is a better day to ensure horse vans, trailers, and spectators can effectively get to the racecourse.”

Race organizers are working closely with ticket holders to accommodate the change. Tickets and parking passes for the original Saturday event will be honored at the new location on Sunday, October 27. Those unable to attend on the revised date can request a refund. The International Gold Cup ticket office will provide further details.

This year’s move to Glenwood Park offers a new experience for fans of the International Gold Cup, a prestigious steeplechase event that draws horse-racing enthusiasts across the region. Glenwood Park, located in the heart of Middleburg’s horse country, has long been a beloved venue for equestrian events, providing a picturesque setting for the 2024 Gold Cup.

For additional details and updates on the race, visit vagoldcup.com.

Virginia State Police Introduces New “CODI” Alerts to Aid in Searches for Missing or Endangered Children

The Virginia State Police have launched a new tool in the fight to find missing and endangered children: the “CODI” Alert, short for Critical Operation for a Disappeared Child Initiative. This alert system, now operational, was approved by the 2024 General Assembly and is named in memory of Codi Bigsby, a four-year-old boy from Hampton who disappeared in 2022 and has yet to be found.

The CODI Alert is designed to assist law enforcement when a child goes missing under suspicious circumstances or faces a credible threat. According to the Virginia State Police, the alert will be issued upon request by the investigating agency when specific criteria are met.

To qualify for a CODI Alert, the missing individual must be 17 years old or younger or enrolled in a secondary school in Virginia, regardless of age. The child’s location must be unknown, and law enforcement must determine that the circumstances surrounding the disappearance are suspicious or pose a credible threat to the child’s safety or health. The case must also have enough information to share with the public that could aid in locating the missing child. If a local law enforcement agency believes these conditions are met, they can contact Virginia State Police to activate the alert.

While the CODI Alert operates similarly to the well-known AMBER Alert, key differences exist. The AMBER Alert is triggered only if an abduction is suspected, but the CODI Alert does not require proof of abduction. This broadens the scope of when the alert can be issued, providing law enforcement another resource to help bring missing children home.

In addition to CODI and AMBER Alerts, Virginia State Police have several other alert systems available for activation, each targeting different vulnerable populations. These include:

Senior Alerts for missing individuals over 60 years old with cognitive impairments.
Critically Missing Adult Alerts for adults 18 and older whose disappearance poses a credible threat to their safety and health.
Missing Person with Autism Alerts is for individuals on the autism spectrum who are missing and face a serious threat.
Blue Alerts are issued when a law enforcement officer is missing, or a suspect involved in the injury or death of an officer is being sought.

These alerts help spread vital information quickly across Virginia, increasing the chances of locating missing individuals. Each type of alert has specific criteria that must be met before it can be activated. More details can be found on the Virginia State Police’s active alerts webpage.

In 2023, the Virginia State Police issued six AMBER Alerts, 42 Senior Alerts, 30 Critically Missing Adult Alerts, and three Missing Person with Autism Alerts. There were no Blue Alerts issued that year.

With the CODI Alert now in place, law enforcement agencies have an additional resource to help in the critical early hours after a child is reported missing. This initiative represents a step forward in protecting vulnerable children, and officials hope it will play a significant role in safely reuniting families in Virginia.

For more information about the CODI Alert and other Virginia alert programs, visit Virginia State Police’s active alerts page.

Warren County Airport Commission Transacts Routine Business at its Quarterly Meeting

“Situated amidst the scenic backdrop of the Shenandoah Valley,” its website reads, “the Front Royal-Warren County Airport (FRR) spans 90 acres, offering panoramic views of the Shenandoah River as it winds past the iconic Blue Ridge and Massanutten Mountains. Conveniently located, the airport is a mere three miles from Front Royal and a 15-mile drive from Winchester.”

The Front Royal-Warren County Airport anticipated exciting times ahead at the quarterly meeting of its commission, beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, in a conference room located in a building at the airport. Many concerns faced the commission on its two-page agenda which it transacted speedily under the leadership of Paul Kosubinsky, the commission’s chairman. Despite its quarterly nature, the commission has recently averaged two meetings per year and would like to increase that number to four. In keeping with that goal, its next meeting will occur on January 22, and it is open to the public.

One of its top agenda items was the upcoming “Trunk or Treat” on October 19, in which children from the community will be invited to celebrate Halloween a little bit early with candy as well as a pancake breakfast, which will be served to anyone who might fly in. The commission discussed the possibility of children eating for free. They also prioritized safety concerns, imagining how young people might move about on the premises and which areas need to be roped off to prevent any accidents. Commissioner Sean Roe presented this portion of the meeting’s agenda.

Another top priority item was the Rules and Regulations Report, concerning a document that is updated on a reoccurring basis and represents all the rules and regulations pertaining to how the airport does business. The current iteration which is still under revision was submitted to the Board of Supervisors, to which the commission forwards its recommendations for approval or denial on various issues, on June 9, 2024, by Kosubinsky. Several board members requested further clarification and corrections to the document, hence, it is still under development. This portion of the meeting reached completion under the report of Vice-Chairman Erik van Weezendonk.

At one point in the evening’s discussion, Kosubinsky expressed his desire to keep the airport running as a place that serves the county’s need for convenience in air travel. To do so, certain improvements need to be made, whether regarding the size of the airport’s office complex or the availability of storage units that are used as they were leased to be used. Those improvements and others are not free. They require financial support from the state and federal levels. Kosubinsky lamented that he wishes he could make all those improvements tomorrow, but the reality is that the improvements will happen over time.

Before the meeting adjourned, the new ASN representative, Mary Ellen Brown, was thanked for the critical service she is providing. ASN stands for Airport Support Network, a program by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) to protect and preserve airports in the United States. The goal of the program is to have an ASN volunteer at every public airport in the country. Board of Supervisors representative Jay Butler went out of his way to express to Brown his appreciation for what she is doing. After the airport’s tenants, those of whom who were present, were given the opportunity to make a report, and no further public comments being received, Kosubinsky adjourned the meeting.

Virginia Prepares for Hurricane Helene: VDOT and State Police Ready to Respond

As Hurricane Helene approaches Virginia, both the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Virginia State Police are fully prepared to handle the storm’s expected impacts. With forecasts predicting heavy rain, high winds, and potential flooding, particularly in Southwest and Central Virginia, state agencies are urging residents to stay safe, plan ahead, and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

VDOT crews have already been hard at work inspecting drainage systems, readying trucks and equipment, and coordinating debris and tree removal teams to respond to storm-related hazards. The agency emphasizes that strong winds could lead to downed trees and power lines, which could cause scattered power outages and block roads. Additionally, localized flooding is expected, especially in areas that have already seen significant rainfall.

The Virginia State Police will have all available troopers and supervisors on duty before and during the storm. They have pre-positioned swift water rescue teams, drones, and aviation resources in areas most likely to be affected. State police strongly advise Virginians to postpone any non-essential travel and to be prepared for flash flooding, especially if they live in flood-prone areas.

Safety Measures for Drivers During Hurricane Helene

For those who must travel, VDOT and Virginia State Police provide the following safety reminders:

Use headlights: Virginia law requires headlights to be on whenever windshield wipers are in use. This helps drivers see more clearly and makes vehicles more visible to others.
Avoid standing water: Just six inches of water can cause a vehicle to lose control. Standing water may also conceal dangers beneath the surface. If you encounter flooded roads, “Turn around, don’t drown.”
Slow down: Reduce your speed to match road conditions. Even with VDOT crews identifying problem areas, drivers need to exercise caution, as wet, slick roads can lead to accidents.
Don’t tailgate: Leave extra space between vehicles to allow for increased stopping distance on wet roads.
Buckle up: In case of a crash, wearing a seatbelt is your best defense against injury.
Put down your phone: Heavy rain demands a driver’s full attention. Texting or filming while driving in poor weather puts everyone at risk.
Check your vehicle: Make sure your car is ready for stormy conditions. Check your windshield wipers, tire tread, battery, and fuel levels before heading out.
Pack essentials: If you must travel, bring bottled water, snacks, a cell phone charger, and a flashlight in case of emergencies.

Public Safety and Emergency Response

Both VDOT and State Police emphasize that safety is the top priority. Drivers should obey all road closures and avoid flooded areas, as doing so could prevent unnecessary accidents and injuries. If traffic signals are out, drivers should treat intersections as four-way stops or follow law enforcement directions.

VDOT also warns motorists to pay attention to High Wind Advisories, especially on bridges. High-profile vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, and vans are particularly vulnerable in these conditions and should avoid crossing bridges when advisories are in effect.

Stay Informed

Before traveling, the public is encouraged to check real-time road conditions using the 511 Virginia mobile app or by visiting www.511virginia.org. You can also report road hazards like flooding or fallen trees through VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center at my.vdot.virginia.gov or by calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).

For emergencies, Virginians should call 911 or #77 from a cell phone, but only in urgent situations to keep emergency lines open for those in need of police, fire, or medical assistance.

With both VDOT and Virginia State Police on high alert and prepared to respond, residents are urged to stay cautious, stay informed, and stay safe as Hurricane Helene impacts the state.

Mosby’s Rangers Remembered: Historian Don Hakenson Revisits the Tragic Hangings of Mosby’s Men

On September 23, 2024, historian Don Hakenson delivered a compelling presentation at the Warren Rifles Confederate Memorial Museum in Front Royal, Virginia. His speech, sponsored by the John S. Mosby Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans, recounted the tragic events surrounding the hangings of Mosby’s Rangers during the Civil War.

Hakenson, a descendant of one of the hanged men, shared a personal connection to this dark chapter in Civil War history. Richard Anderson, his great-great-uncle, was among those executed by Union forces on September 23, 1864. With vivid storytelling, Hakenson offered both historical facts and deeply emotional insights.

Hakenson began by highlighting the role of John S. Mosby, known as the “Gray Ghost,” and his Rangers, who used guerrilla tactics to harass Union forces in the Shenandoah Valley. Mosby’s men were both admired and feared for their effectiveness, often targeting Union supply lines and disrupting military operations. However, their success came at a high cost as Union leaders grew increasingly frustrated with their hit-and-run strategies.

A turning point occurred in August 1864 when Mosby’s men attacked a Union supply wagon train near Berryville, Virginia. The raid, which resulted in the capture of over 200 prisoners and substantial supplies, infuriated Union leadership, including General Ulysses S. Grant, who issued orders to retaliate by hanging any of Mosby’s men caught in action.

This escalation of violence set the stage for the events of September 23, 1864, in Front Royal. On that day, six of Mosby’s Rangers, including Hakenson’s ancestor, Richard Anderson, were captured and executed by Union forces under the command of George Armstrong Custer, a Union officer who would later achieve fame for his role in the Battle of Little Bighorn. Custer, described by Hakenson as “not one of my heroes,” was a central figure in these retaliatory killings, which took place as an act of revenge for Mosby’s attacks on Union troops.

One particularly emotional part of the story involved Henry Rhodes, a young man from Front Royal, who was captured and executed in front of his mother’s house. Hakenson described the scene where Rhodes’ mother pleaded for his life, only to be pushed away by Union soldiers. Another man, William Overby, became known as the “Nathan Hale of the Confederacy” for his defiant refusal to provide information on Mosby’s whereabouts, choosing instead to face the gallows.

The execution of Mosby’s men deeply affected the local community, and their memory has endured. Hakenson emphasized the long-lasting impact of these events on families in the area, including his own. He shared how the hangings left scars that still resonate 160 years later, and he spoke of how the local community continues to honor the memories of the fallen Rangers.

Hakenson concluded by recounting how Mosby himself responded to the killings. Though devastated by the loss of his men, Mosby eventually sought revenge. With the approval of Confederate leadership, Mosby’s Rangers executed several captured Union soldiers in retaliation. However, this cycle of violence would soon end as both sides grew weary of the brutality.

The presentation powerfully reminded us of the complexities and tragedies of the Civil War. Hakenson’s connection to the story and deep knowledge of the historical context made the speech a poignant reflection on the human cost of conflict.

The Warren Rifles Confederate Memorial Museum continues to serve as a place of remembrance for those who lost their lives during the war, and events like Hakenson’s speech help ensure that their stories are not forgotten.

Blue Ridge Independence at Home Welcomes Dr. Julie Landrio as Medical Director

Blue Ridge Independence at Home has appointed Dr. Julie A. Landrio as its new Medical Director, a move expected to bolster the quality of care for elderly participants throughout the northern Shenandoah Valley and northwest Virginia. Dr. Landrio, a well-respected healthcare provider in the Winchester area for nearly two decades, will now oversee the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), focusing on offering comprehensive care to seniors.

Dr. Landrio’s new role at Blue Ridge Independence at Home marks another milestone in her distinguished career. Since joining Blue Ridge Hospice in 2018, she has worked tirelessly to deliver personalized, compassionate care to patients in their homes. Her experience and commitment have already made her an invaluable part of the community, and her leadership in this new position is expected to deepen her impact.

Reflecting on her approach to patient care, Dr. Landrio shared, “I am passionate about a team-based approach that meets patients’ needs and respects their goals of care. Visiting patients in their own homes provides a deeper understanding of their daily challenges and allows me to offer support that goes beyond what can be achieved in an office setting.”

As Medical Director, Dr. Landrio will lead a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including physicians and nurse practitioners, to ensure that PACE participants receive the best possible care. Her work will focus on enhancing the quality of life for seniors by addressing their medical, social, and emotional needs. This model of home-based care aims to support elderly individuals in living independently while managing complex health conditions.

Jason Parsons, President and CEO of Blue Ridge Hospice and Blue Ridge Independence at Home, expressed his confidence in Dr. Landrio’s leadership: “Dr. Landrio has been a cornerstone of our community, providing exceptional care and a personal touch that resonates with so many families. Her transition into this new role highlights our commitment to providing the best possible care to those who need it most, in the comfort of their own homes.”

Before joining Blue Ridge Hospice, Dr. Landrio enjoyed a long career in internal medicine, serving the Winchester community for over 20 years. Her extensive experience in primary care, combined with her expertise in hospice care, equips her with the knowledge and empathy to lead Blue Ridge Independence at Home. Her leadership is expected to guide the program as it navigates the challenges and opportunities of home-based healthcare for seniors.

Dr. Landrio’s qualifications are as impressive as her experience. She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. In addition to being board-certified in internal medicine, she is certified as a Hospice Medical Director. Dr. Landrio’s deep ties to the Winchester area, where she has lived with her family since 1998, further reflect her commitment to the community she serves.

SueAnn Myers, Executive Director of Blue Ridge Independence at Home, praised Dr. Landrio’s appointment, emphasizing her personal connection to the community and her dedication to excellence. “Dr. Julie Landrio embodies the heart and soul of compassionate care. Her deep connection to the community and unwavering commitment to excellence make her an ideal leader for Blue Ridge Independence at Home. We are thrilled to have Dr. Landrio guide our efforts, ensuring that every participant receives the exceptional care they deserve.”

In her new role, Dr. Landrio will continue to collaborate closely with physicians across various specialties, including oral and vision care providers, to ensure that Blue Ridge Independence at Home delivers a holistic approach to senior care. Her leadership will help the organization meet its mission of providing compassionate, quality care that addresses all aspects of a participant’s health.

About Blue Ridge Independence at Home

Blue Ridge Independence at Home, an affiliate of Blue Ridge Hospice, is dedicated to delivering comprehensive and compassionate care to elderly residents in Winchester City, as well as Clarke, Frederick, Fauquier, Loudoun, Rappahannock, Page, Shenandoah, and Warren Counties. Through the PACE program, the organization provides personalized, interdisciplinary care that promotes health, independence, and a high quality of life for seniors. For more information about the PACE program or to find out if you or a loved one qualifies, visit brih.org or contact the organization at 540-313-9333 or info@brih.org.