Gloucester, Virginia History: Extremely Old Tombstone Headings

Ware Episcopal Church, Gloucester, Virginia

Tombstones of gloucester, virginia 1 from Chuck Thompson

Gloucester, Virginia is one of the oldest areas in the nation when it comes to early English settlements.  Its as old as Jamestown, Virginia as it was once a part of Jamestown back on 1607.  Later it was a part of Yorktown, but records show Yorktown being even younger than Gloucester which is just the way things get recorded.  For that matter, everything from North Carolina to Massachusetts was all a part of Virginia.  For the record, the American Indians or what is commonly know as native Americans which turns out are Chinese immigrants, were here before English settlers and so was Spain.  But its the English who were successful at settling the area.  (Politically correct history reporting is a pain in the ...).

  The main focus here is maintaining history.  Above is from the College of William and Mary that recorded the headings of old Gloucester tombstones.  Many which can no longer be read.  Some blame acid rain for not being able to read these headings, I blame nature.  Water is the worlds finest solvent.  It has nothing to do with so called acid rain.  (I refuse to argue politically correct areas when there is no real science behind it.)  There are many folks who like to wander through old grave yards and read the Tombstone headings and there are also family who can no longer read what the tombstones once said, so for these reasons, we have decided to reprint the information.

  Anyone is free to print out the above pages for historical research and or family posterity.  You may also download free copies of the above from our Slideshare site.  You have to be a member of Slideshare and if you are not already, then you can join for free.

Above:  The Godspeed.  One of the 3 ships that came from England to Virginia in 1607.  Jamestown Yorktown Foundation re creation.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Appointments to Virginia College and University Boards of Visitors

Newport News Victory Arch (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Today Governor Terry McAuliffe announced his appointments to the boards that govern Virginia’s higher education system, including the Boards of Visitors for Virginia colleges and universities, the Virginia State Board for Community Colleges and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

“Virginia’s higher education system is one of the best in the world and a cornerstone of our economic future,” said Governor McAuliffe. “As I spoke with each of these appointees I urged them to use their positions to help manage our colleges and universities prudently, to find cost efficiencies in order to keep tuition rates as low as possible and to embrace innovation in order to prepare every Virginia student to compete in a 21^st Century economy.”

The Governor’s appointments to Virginia’s college and university Boards of Visitors and higher education boards are below:

Christopher Newport University

·         Bill Ermatinger, of Newport News, Corp VP & CHRO of Huntington Ingalls Industries

·         *Vicki Siokis Freeman, of New York City and Newport News, Owner, PS Paperie

·         Charles B. "Brad" Hunter, of Portsmouth,  Assistant Vice President - Commercial Lending, TowneBank

·         The Honorable Gabe Morgan, of Newport News, Sheriff of Newport News

·         The Honorable Dr. Ella P. Ward, of Chesapeake, Chesapeake City Council member

College of William and Mary

·         *Sue H. Gerdelman, of Williamsburg

·         Christopher M. Little, of McDowell, Retired

·         William H. Payne, II, of Henrico, Principal with Bull Moose Strategies, LLC

·         Lisa Roday, of Henrico, Consultant

George Mason University

·         Mahfuz Ahmed, of Great Falls, CEO, Digital Intelligence Systems LLC

·         Claire Dwoskin, of McLean, President, Children’s Medical Safety Research Institute

·         Jon Milton Peterson, of Fairfax Station, Principal, The Peterson Companies

·         Tracy Schar, of Fairfax, Vice President of Marketing, Comstock Companies

James Madison University

·         The Honorable William T. Bolling, of Mechanicsville, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for RCM&D and former Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.

·         Warren K. Coleman, of Henrico, CFO Harper Associates LLC

·         Vanessa M. Evans, of Charlottesville, Associate Director, Ron Brown Scholar Program

·         Lucy Hutchinson, of Falls Church, Senior Manager for Executive and Commercial Recruiting of Capital One

·         Edward Rice, of Vienna, Consultant

Longwood University

·         Eileen M. Anderson, of Glen Allen, CFO of InfoPro Incorporated

·         Katherine Elam Busser, of Goochland, CEO, Virginia Children’s Hospital Alliance

·         Lucia Anna “Pia” Trigiani, of Alexandria, Attorney at Law, MercerTrigiani

Norfolk State University

·         The Honorable Lamont Bagby, of Henrico, Director of Operations at Peter Paul Development Center and Henrico County School Board Member

·         Elwood B. Boone III, of Virginia Beach, President, Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital

·         *Thomas N. Chewning, of Richmond, Retired Executive Vice-President and CFO of Dominion Resources

·         *Bryan D. Cuffee, of Virginia Beach, Vice President of Development for Gold Key / PHR Hotels & Resorts

·         Larry A. Griffith, of Annandale, Senior Vice President Programs and Student Services, UNCF – the United Negro College Fund

Old Dominion University

·         Carlton Bennett, of Virginia Beach, Law Partner at Bennett and Zydron, P.C.

·         Jay Harris, of Bristol, Connecticut,  Sportscenter Anchor, ESPN

·         The Honorable William D. Sessoms, Jr., of Virginia Beach, President/CEO of Towne Financial Services Group and Mayor of Virginia Beach

·         Lisa Smith, of Norfolk, Community Volunteer

·         *Fred J. Whyte, of Virginia Beach, President of Stihl Incorporated

Radford University

·         The Honorable Andrew Fogarty, of Chesterfield, retired

·         Susan Whealler Johnston, of Berryville, Executive Vice President and COO, Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB)

·         *Steve Robinson, of Chapel Hill NC, Assistant Basketball Coach at the University of North Carolina

·         The Honorable Javaid Siddiqi, of Chesterfield, Director Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows

State Board for Community Colleges

·         Dr. Thomas Brewster, of Falls Mills, Superintendent, Pulaski County Public Schools

·         Eleanor Saslaw, of Springfield, retired career educator and former President of the Virginia State Board of Education

·         The Honorable Michael J. Schewel, of Richmond, Partner, McGuireWoods LLP

State Council of Higher Education for Virginia

·         Marge Connelly, of Keswick, financial services executive

·         Henry D. Light, of Norfolk, retired Senior VP Law of Norfolk Southern Corporation

·         Bill Murray, of Henrico, Managing Director, Public Policy, Dominion

University of Mary Washington

·         *Holly Tace Cuellar, Coronado, CA, Membership Development Coordinator, IABM

·         The Honorable R. Edward "Edd" Houck, of Spotsylvania County, former State Senator

·         Fred M. Rankin III, of Stafford, President and CEO of Mary Washington Health Care

University of Virginia and Affiliated Schools        

·         L. D. Britt, MD, MPH of Suffolk, Henry Ford Professor & Edward J. Brickhouse Chairman, Eastern Virginia Medical School

·         Frank M. “Rusty” Conner III, of Alexandria, Partner, Covington & Burling LLP

·         Barbara J. Fried, of Crozet, Chairman, Fried Companies, Inc.

·         John G. Macfarlane III, of Darien, CT, Managing Partner of Arrochar Management LLC

Virginia Commonwealth University

·         *William M. Ginther, of Midlothian, retired banking executive

·         The Honorable Franklin P. Hall, of Richmond, Attorney and Chairman of the Board of Hall & Hall, PLC, former Member of the Virginia House of Delegates

·         Colette Wallace McEachin, of Richmond, Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney, Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney's Office

·         *The Honorable Alexander B. McMurtrie Jr., of Richmond, retired and former Member of the Virginia House of Delegates

Virginia Military Institute

·         *Bruce Gottwald Jr., of Richmond, Managing Director of Jonah, LLC

·         Conrad M. Hall, of Norfolk, retired President and CEO of Dominion Enterprises

·         Richard K. Hines, V, of Atlanta, GA, a partner of the law firm Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP

·         The Honorable Joe R. Reeder, of Alexandria, Shareholder at GreenbergTraurig and former United States Under Secretary of the Army

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

·         *Michael J. Quillen, of Bristol, Founder/retired Chairman Alpha Natural Resources 

·         Wayne H. Robinson, of Greensboro, North Carolina, Chief Diversity Practice Leader, Wyndham Mills International, Inc. and Senior Pastor, New Millennium Christian Center, Inc.

·         Mehul Sanghani, of Vienna, President & CEO of Octo Consulting Group, Inc.

·         Horacio A. Valeiras, of La Jolla, CA, Managing Principal of HAV Capital LLC

Virginia State University

·         *Harry Black, of Baltimore, MD, City of Baltimore Chief Financial Officer

·         Thursa D. Crittenden, of Suffolk, retired broadcast television and public affairs executive

·         Charlie W. Hill, of Hampton, President of the Hampton Roads Prostate Health Forum and retired Executive Vice President, Human Resources of Landmark Communications, Inc.

·         Dr. Alma C. Hobbs, of Richmond, retired

·         Xavier R. Richardson, of Spotsylvania, Executive Vice President, Mary Washington Healthcare

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Governor McAuliffe Names Steve Staples as Superintendent of Public Instruction

Seal of the United States Department of Education (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Governor Terry McAuliffe on Monday announced the appointment of Steve Staples as Superintendent of Public Instruction. Staples, who most recently served as Executive Director of the Virginia Association of School Superintendents, has dedicated his career to improving public education through innovative educational programs and by focusing on the specific needs of local communities.

“I am proud to announce that Steve Staples will serve as Virginia’s next Superintendent of Public Instruction,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Steve has a deep understanding of Virginia’s strengths, its challenges, and the opportunities we have to take bold, innovative steps to improve schools in every corner of the Commonwealth. He has what it takes to drive Virginia’s public education system into the future.”

Staples added during the announcement, “These are important times for public education in the Commonwealth and I can assure you that it has become quite clear to me that the Governor and the team he has assembled care deeply about our public schools. We've got a lot of work ahead of us. It's time to review the two decades old accountability system to better align it with the needs of the 21st Century, and we need to encourage our schools to innovate and meet the changing expectations of workplace and society. I am ready to hit the ground running to tackle the challenges Virginia’s education system faces and ensure every Virginia student has access to quality public education.”

Virginia Secretary of Education Anne Holton stated, “I am excited to partner with Steve, a true education leader and innovator, and I look forward to the progress we will make over the next four years improving our education system and preparing our students with the tools and resources they need to succeed in a global economy. I want to thank everyone who offered input in this decision and I am grateful to the exceptional education interest and talent we have in the Commonwealth.”

Staples has served as the Executive Director of the Virginia Association of School Superintendents for nearly two years, during which time he has visited almost every school superintendent in the Commonwealth in his or her office, seeking to understand local perspectives and needs. Prior to that, he served on the faculty at William and Mary’s School of Education from 2008-2012.  Previously, Staples was school superintendent in York County (serving 13,000 students) for 16 years, during which time York County was named by Money Magazine’s as one of the “Top 100 Best Buys in Public Education in the United States”.  Staples implemented a variety of exemplary programs in York County, including magnet programs in fine arts and in math, science and technology, and a charter school program that links academic standards to licensure competencies in career/technical fields.

In 1997, Staples was selected by his peers as Virginia Superintendent of the Year. He received his Bachelor of Arts and a Masters of Education at William and Mary and a Doctorate of Education in Administration and Supervision at Virginia Tech.

Staples joins the McAuliffe Administration on the heels of the release of the Governor’s proposed biennium budget for FY2015-FY2016, which closes the health care coverage gap and uses hundreds of millions in savings associated with that action to invest in key educational priorities including a 2% raise for teachers and other state employees across the Commonwealth.

“If members of our Senate and House of Delegates put politics aside and pass my proposed budget, we can begin Steve’s term as Superintendent on the strongest possible footing, with a budget that creates jobs, keeps families healthy, and honors our commitment to schools and students.”

Staples will replace Superintendent Pat Wright, who announced her retirement earlier this month. Wright was appointed Superintendent of Public Administration by Governor Tim Kaine in 2008 after serving nearly 30 years in the Department of Education.

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Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on Virginia College Rankings in Princeton Review’s Best Value Colleges for 2013

University of Virginia (Photo credit: Phil Roeder)

University of Virginia Ranked Nation’s “Best Value College”; William & Mary Ranked #4

Nine Virginia Schools Make List

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement today regarding the Princeton Review’s release of the “Best Value Colleges for 2013.”  Among the 75 best public colleges, the University of Virginia is ranked No. 1 and the College of William and Mary No. 4.  Christopher Newport University, George Mason University, James Madison University, Longwood University, Radford University, and Virginia Tech are also on the list.  The University of Richmond is on the list of private colleges.  The Princeton Review rankings are based on 30 data points covering academics, costs and financial aid, as well as the percentage of graduating seniors who borrowed from any loan program and the average debt those students had at graduation.

“We continue to see Virginia’s public and private colleges lead the rankings of top colleges and universities nationwide.  That is because we truly have one of the best higher education systems in the world.  I want to congratulate the University of Virginia and the College of William and Mary for their number one and number four rankings respectively, as well as the nine total Virginia schools who were ranked among the best value colleges in the nation.  Over the last three years, we have strived to increase access to a top-quality education in Virginia while making sure our students are adequately prepared for the top-jobs of tomorrow by placing a greater a greater emphasis on the high demand subjects of science, technology, engineering and math.  At the same time, through reform-based investments we have worked to get tuition increases in check and reduce the cost of higher education for Virginia’s students.  In all, we have invested close to $400 million into higher education and undergraduate enrollment at our public and private institutions have increased by 17,000 students. We continue to work to ensure that Virginia’s colleges are more affordable and accessible for our students, and we are seeing the results of this work in rankings such as these.”

The full list of “Best Value Colleges for 2013” is available at http://www.princetonreview.com/best-value-colleges.aspx.

Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on Performance of Virginia Universities in Forbes Annual Report

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / Srpski: Застава америчке савезне државе Вирџиније. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

– University of Virginia and William and Mary No. 2 and No. 6 Public Non-Service Academy Colleges in America–

5 Virginia Public and Private Institutions in Top 100; 9 in Top 200

RICHMOND - Governor McDonnell issued the following statement following the release of Forbes' annual “America’s Top Colleges” report, which found the University of Virginia and William and Mary ranking No. 2 and No. 6 for public non-service academy colleges. Virginia Military Institute also ranked among the top public schools at No. 17.   The University of Virginia improved 7 positions in the overall rankings to No. 29 this year. While Washington and Lee (No. 21), College of William and Mary (No. 44), Virginia Military Institute (No.87), and the University of Richmond (No.88) all ranked in the nation’s top 100.  Virginia Tech, James Madison University, Hampden-Sydney College and George Mason University all ranked in the nation’s top 200. All together, 22 Virginia schools were included in the “America’s Top Colleges” report. The Forbes rankings are based on 'quality of teaching, great career prospects, high graduation rates and low-levels of debt.’

“Virginia’s higher education system is one of the best in the nation and the world. I congratulate the University of Virginia and the college of William and Mary for once again proving to be leaders among our nation’s public non-service academy colleges. I applaud the work of all of our college presidents who have recognized that Virginia schools must continue to improve in order to remain national leaders in public higher education. Together with the General Assembly and our great college presidents we have made significant new investments in higher education that will reap benefits for Virginians for years to come. After years of double-digit tuition increases and cuts in state funding, we have invested more than $200 million into higher education funding and our colleges have responded by last year posting the lowest average yearly tuition increases in a decade. At the same time, they are expanding accessibility and have added 3,800 new slots for in-state undergraduate students in just the last two years. Virginia’s colleges continue to become more affordable and accessible for Virginia’s students. We know that a high quality education is essential for the high quality, high paying jobs of the future. We must continue to invest in higher education while implementing smart reforms and innovations to ensure that Virginia’s distinguished colleges and universities will continue to lead the nation.”

Governor McDonnell Announces Administration and Board Appointments

English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced additional appointments to his administration under the Health and Human Resources Secretariat and Press Office. Governor McDonnell also announced appointments to five boards of visitors: College of William & Mary, George Mason University, Old Dominion University, University of Virginia, and Virginia Commonwealth University. He also announced appointments to 13 other Virginia boards and commissions. Further announcements regarding additional appointments in the McDonnell administration will continue to be made in the months ahead.

Secretary of Health and Human Resources

Karin Addison, Deputy Secretary for Education and Children’s Services

Appointed by Governor McDonnell in October 2010, Karin Talbert Addison serves as a policy advisor to the Secretary of Education as well as the Secretary of Health and Human Services on matters affecting early childhood education and children’s health. 

Prior to joining the McDonnell Administration, Mrs. Addison specialized in legislative lobbying and grassroots organization.  She owned her own consulting firm and represented clients primarily interested in health care and education policy.  She has extensive experience in both legislative and budget advocacy.  Mrs. Addison began her career in public policy as a legislative assistant to several members of the General Assembly. 

Mrs. Addison graduated from the College of William and Mary with a BA in Government.  She serves on the Saint Gertrude High School Alumnae Association Board and lives in Richmond’s Ginter Park with her husband and their two sons.

Press Office

Taylor Thornley Keeney, Press Secretary

Taylor Thornley Keeney has returned to work for Governor Bob McDonnell after leaving the McDonnell Administration in August 2012 to serve as Communications Director for Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling’s campaign for governor.  Before leaving the administration, she served as McDonnell’s deputy director of communications, where she worked closely with members of the media and helped to oversee the communications office’s daily operations including events, interviews, and messaging.  Keeney began working for McDonnell during his 2009 campaign for governor as his deputy press secretary and press assistant.  Keeney got her start in politics working as Cindy McCain’s press assistant on Senator John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign.  Keeney graduated from Southern Methodist University in 2009 with a degree in corporate communications and public affairs.

Board Appointments

Board of Visitors:

The College of William & Mary Board of Visitors

·         Lynn R. Dillon of McLean, President of ARCS Foundation – Metropolitan Washington Chapter

·         DeRonda Miniard Short of Williamsburg, Attorney

·         The Honorable John Charles Thomas* of Richmond, retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia and Senior Partner at Hunton & Williams LLP

·         H. Thomas Watkins of Lake Forest, Illinois

George Mason University Board of Visitors

·         Kelly McNamara Corley of Winnetka, Illinois, Executive Vice President, General Counsel for Discover Financial Services

·         The Honorable Tom Davis of Vienna, Director of Federal Government Affairs at Deloitte, LLP

·         Anne C. Gruner of McLean, Vice President of J.K. Gruner Associates

·         John M. Jacquemin* of McLean, President and CEO of Mooring Financial Services

Old Dominion University Board of Visitors

·         Richard T. Cheng of Virginia Beach, CEO of JRC, LLC

·         Jodi S. Gidley of Virginia Beach, President of Virginia Natural Gas, AGL Resources Company

·         Robert M. Tata of Virginia Beach, Partner at Hunton & Williams LLP

·         Dr. Mary Maniscalco-Theberge of Reston, Deputy Medical Inspector Professional Services, Office of the Medical Inspector for the Veterans Health Administration

University of Virginia Board of Visitors

·         Kevin J. Fay of McLean, President of Alcalde & Fay

·         Frank E. Genovese of Midlothian, President of The Rothbury Corporation

·         William H. Goodwin, Jr.* of Richmond, President and Chairman of CCA Industries, Inc.

·         John A. Griffin of New York, New York, Founder & President of Blue Ridge Capital

Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors

·         Nancy C. Everett of Richmond, Managing Director for BlackRock

·         John W. Snow of Richmond

·         G. Richard “Rick” Wagoner, Jr. of Birmingham, Michigan

·         Steve Worley of Harahan, Louisiana, President & CEO of Children’s Hospital New Orleans

Additional Board Appointments:

Board for Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

·         Gretta B. Doering*of Winchester, Former Special Education Teacher, Mom and Primary Caregiver for 21 year old son with CP

·         Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond of Virginia Beach, Director of Service Learning and Distinguished Professor, Civics Engagement with Norfolk State University and Council Member for the City of Virginia Beach

Board of Dentistry

·         A. Rizkalla of Falls Church, Dentist with A. Rizkalla, DDS

·         Bruce S. Wyman, DMD of Vienna, Periodontist in private practice in Springfield, VA and Assistant Clinical Professor of Periodontics with University of Maryland School of Dentistry

Board of Nursing

·         Louise E. Hershkowitz, CRNA, MSHA of Reston, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with FOAA Anesthesia Services

·         Kelly S. McDonough, DNP RN of Fredericksburg, employed with MW Healthcare

·         William Traynham* of Glen Allen, retired

Board of Physical Therapy

·         Dixie H. Bowman, PT, DPT, EdD of Chesterfield, Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University

·         Melissa Wolff-Burke* of Winchester, Associate Professor in the Division of Physical Therapy at Shenandoah University

Board of Social Work

·         John M. Salay, LCSW of Midlothian, Vice President of Development, Performance and Quality Improvement for Dominion Youth Services

Board of Veterinary Medicine

·         Bayard A. Rucker of Lebanon, self-employed veterinarian

Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative Advisory Board

·         Rosemary Rawlins of Glen Allen, Author, Speaker and Blogger for BrainLine.org and self-employed with Rare Compositions, LLC

Milk Commission

·         Ken Smith* of Remington, full-time Dairy Producer

Richmond Eye and Ear Hospital Authority

·         Greta B. Peters of Richmond, Community Volunteer

State Council of Higher Education for Virginia

·         W. Heywood Fralin of Roanoke, Chairman of the Board for Medical Facilities of America

·         G. Gilmer Minor, III* of Richmond, Chairman Emeritus of Owens & Minor

State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision

·         James E. Parks of Richmond, Director of Offender Management Services for the Virginia Department of Corrections

·         Brian R. Swann, Sr. of Midlothian, Deputy Secretary of Public Safety for the Commonwealth of Virginia

Virginia Fire Services Board

·         Dawn E. Brown, CPCU, ChFC, CLU of Earlysville, Underwriting Section Manager for State Farm Insurance Company

·         James R. Dawson of Smithfield, Assistant Fire Chief and Director of Community Risk Reduction for Chesterfield County

·         Steven DeLuca of Richmond, Volunteer Firefighter, Hanover County Fire and EMS

·         The Honorable William B. Kyger, Jr.* of Bridgewater, Member of the Board of Supervisors for Rockingham County

·         Felix Sarfo-Kantanka, Jr.* of Richmond, Assistant Vice President of State Government Relations for McGuireWoods Consulting

Virginia Workforce Council

·         Danny Hunley of Mathews, Vice President, Operations at Newport News Shipbuilding

*Denotes re-appointment

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