Culpeper County VA

Formed in 1749 from Orange County, Culpeper County VA sprawls across a landscape of undulating hills and valleys, nestled on the borderlands of the northern and central regions of the Commonwealth. Its namesake, Thomas Colepeper, 2nd Baron Colepeper, a colonial governor of Virginia, lends historical significance to the county. Notably, Culpeper County boasts the honor of hosting George Washington as its inaugural official surveyor. The county seat of Culpeper County is the town of Culpeper, Virginia.

Fisher Genealogical History

Fisher Genealogical History by Gertrude Fisher Harding

This manuscript starts with Sebastian Fisher, a native of Germany, with his wife Susanna and their two small children, embarked for England at Rotterdam, Holland, on July 28, 1708. The family came with the intention of settling on land in the Schoharie Valley in New York, but found on arrival that they did not hold legal tender to the land, since the land was not first purchased from the Native Americans. Sebastian then moved with other German immigrants who had also purchased land to the Tulpehocken Valley of Pennsylvania, where he settled his family. The 76 pages of the manuscript take some of the descendants of Sebastian and Susanna Fisher into the 20th century.

Manahoac Indians

The Manahoac Tribe, part of the Siouan linguistic family, inhabited northern Virginia, specifically between the Potomac and North Anna Rivers and the Rappahannock River’s headwaters. They comprised several subtribes, including Hassinunga and Stegaraki, with Mahaskahod being the only named village. Historically, they were discovered by John Smith in 1608, engaged in conflict with the Powhatan and Iroquois tribes. By the early 18th century, the Manahoac faced displacement and likely merged with other tribes, particularly the Tutelo and Saponi. Population estimates varied, with around 600-700 recorded in 1654.

Biography of P. A. Kemper, M. D.

P. A. Kemper, M. D., was born on August 31, 1832, in Culpeper County, Virginia. After moving to Illinois at 16, he studied medicine under Dr. D. O. McCord and attended Rush Medical College. He began practicing in Pleasant Grove Township in 1858, with a two-year military service interruption during the Civil War, where he faced challenges in securing a commissioned role. In 1876, he settled in Mattoon, married Mary J. Glenn, and together had five children. He currently serves as City Physician.

Biographical Sketch of James H. Williams

James H. Williams, born on June 12, 1826, in Culpeper County, Virginia, was the son of William and Elizabeth Williams. His family relocated to Coles County, Illinois, in 1836. A farmer by trade, he owns 171 acres valued at $4,500. He has served as Commissioner of Highways for seven years and as School Director for eight. Williams remained unmarried throughout his life. His parents both hailed from Culpeper, with his father passing in 1855 and his mother in 1873.

Biography of Fenton M. Slaughter

Fenton M. Slaughter, born on January 10, 1826, in Virginia, emerged as a notable figure in San Bernardino County. After training as a mechanical engineer, he served in the Mexican War, where he faced challenges including capture by Navajo forces. A seasoned entrepreneur, he pioneered the thoroughbred sheep industry in Southern California, established the first blacksmith shop in San Gabriel, and built a successful winery. Slaughter was active in local politics, serving as a state assembly member and a county supervisor, and contributed significantly to community development. He married Dolores Alvarado and had nine children.