An interesting article appeared in the Hanover County Herald Progress
newspaper on Oct 30th.  An area called "Church Quarter" was dedicated as a
historical site.  It was owned at one time by John Thornton Jr., who was also
called "Captain".  People with Hanover County Thorntons in their linage will
be interested.  I can send a copy of the picture of the roadside marker to
anyone who wishes it.  This article is reproduced using scanning/OCR
conversion.  There may be some mistakes.
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VISIT us AT www.hamoverva .com

HERALD-PROGRESS HANOVER COUNTY, VIRGINIA MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2000

By DEBBIE MURPHY

H-P Neighborhood Network Hanover has a new historical roadside marker. On
Sunday, Oct. 15, the new marker at Church Quarter on Old Ridge Road was
unveiled and dedicated. The Daughters of the American Revolution have
accomplished much at Church Quarter over the years, The group of women
purchased the historic log cabin and 3 acres of land in 1969 with only $600
in their treasury. The cabin, which was built in 1843, cost the DAR $5000,
which they borrowed from a relative of one their members. The group held
fundraisers and bazaars each year to obtain enough money to pay off their
loan. It took them only a few years to pay off the note. Since 1969, the
ladies of the Scotchtown Chapter of the DAR have sustained the house and
grounds with the utmost of care and concern while maintaining the cabin's
authenticity to its very important history in Hanover County. The Oct. 15
ceremonies began with a warm welcome by Betty Kniesche, Rege! nt, followed by
an invocation delivered by Sen. Bill Boiling. Ms. Carole Morehead, chaplain
of the, Scotchtown Chapter of the DAR lead over 200 guests in the pledge of
allegiance to the flag. Mrs. Michael Schoenenberger, Re-gent of the Frances
Bland Randolph Chapter, DAR led in the National Anthem followed by a lovely
greeting by Del. Frank D. Hargrove Sr. A history of Church Quarter was toldby
Mrs. Ashley M. Neville, a preservation consultant. Mrs. Donald Gonchar, State
Regent of the Virginia Daughter's of the American Revolution gave the keynote
address. Then came the arrival of Stonewall Jackson, as recounted in the
diary of Capt. Charles M. Blackford, with the re-enactment written and
narrated by Mrs. Robert DuPriest. The unveiling of the historic marker was
accomplished by Maurice Howland Redding, IV, Benjamin Wingfield Redding and
Grace MaeGregor Redding, grandchildren of Mrs. Bettie Gary Redding, who is a
charter membe! r of the Scotchtown Chapter. Following a benediction by the Rev.
John B. Austin of nearby Fork Church, all guests were invited to enjoy
refreshments on the grounds and tour the inside of the log cabin. Inside,
there was a display of 'First Lady Dolls" in period costumes. This collection
belongs to Mrs. William A. Butler, a member Of the Scotchtown Chapter. This
historic location played a small but charming role in history when General
Stonewall Jackson, on his way from Richmond to Gordonsville, stopped there
for water in 1862. The story of this event is told on the new marker. The
marker tells the story of the woman of the house taking water out to General
Stonewall Jackson, and once finding out who he was, she poured out the
remaining water and said that no one would ever drink out of the pitcher
again and that she would pass the pitcher on to her children. This episode
was re-enacted at the ceremonies by The Captain William Lat! ane Camp, #1690
Sons of the Con-federate Veterans, the Mechanicsville Chapter. The nomination
of Church Quarter to the Virginia Landmark Registry and the National Register
of Historic Places was approved on September 13,2000.The Scotchtown Chapter
of the DAR is a non-profit organization endeavoring to maintain and up keep
the property. Soon, they will undertake an expensive renovation of the roof.
Donations would be greatly appreciated and put to good use. If you are
interested in helping "this cause, mail donations to Church Quarter 14505 W.
Patrick Henry Road Montpelier, Virginia 23192 or call Betty Kniesche, at
883-5411.