The Library of Virginia has Fauquier County judgments that often include criminal suits beginning in 1830. I suggest you visit the Fauquier County courthouse for pre-1830 nonchancery suit papers.



Greg Crawford

Local Records Program Manager

Library of Virginia

800 East Broad Street

Richmond, VA 23219-8000





-----Original Message-----

From: Research and writing about Virginia genealogy and family history. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Michelle

Sent: Friday, September 26, 2014 12:28 AM

To: [log in to unmask]

Subject: [VA-ROOTS] Criminal Court Records/Murder Trial Fauquier County



I am wondering if there are records that exist in Fauquier County for Criminal cases, specifically a murder trial.  I just discovered through copies of Estate Accounts that my ancestor Mason Owens was murdered in January 1804 by a Peter (C?) Brook.



Joshua Owens was his brother and it states in the document, "...that immediately after Mason Owens was killed in January 1804, Joshua Owens took charge of the corpse, that in consequence of a deep snow and severe weather several days passed before an inquest was held on the body and burial performed that during that time the incidental charges was to Joshua Owens, that he became the prosecutor of Peter (C? N?difficult to read this single letter in the document) Brook for the murder of his brother paying extra fees for the prosecution..."



So a trial definitely did occur it seems.



I really want to find out more about all of this and what was the outcome.  I have tried to find a newspaper article, but so far haven't been able to find any that exist as early as 1804.



I know about and have utilized Chancery Court records online from the Library of Virginia, but criminal courts records are an unknown area for me.



It sounds like there was a Chancery case for the estate of Mason Owens over his land, but my first interest and priority is to try and learn more about the trial and outcome for the murder of Mason Owens and the fate of his accused murderer.



Anyone have any answers or advice for me?



Sincerely,



Michelle Allensworth Pendleton



To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html



To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at

http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html