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Waterford in 1861
By John Divine
Reprinted from the Booklet of 1961.
The story of Waterford
during the Civil War is the story of many Virginia towns caught in
the ebb and flow of the changing fortunes of war; only the central
characters are different.
Waterford in 1860 seemed the most unlikely place for the fury and
destruction of war to strike, for the community had been founded by
a people whose cardinal principle was non-resistance.
Settled in 1733 (1) by a sturdy band of pioneers from Bucks County,
Pennsylvania, they came to make a home, free from Old World persecutions
and the increasing population of eastern Pennsylvania. These people
were members of the Society of Friends (Quakers) and were led by Amos
Janney(2), a man of courage and character, wise in the ways of establishing
a colony in a sparsely inhabited region. Janney, his wife, Mary (Yardley),
and young son were the forerunners of a large emigration of Friends
who were to come between the years 1733-1750. (3)
 Here in the valley, at the foot of the western slope of Catoctin Mountain
intersected by South Fork of Catoctin Creek, they found the fertile
land and water power they had been seeking. These Friends were not
typical of early pioneers; their simple dress replaced the buckskin
shirt; their Bibles supplanted the long rifles; their Meeting House
took the place of tavern or ordinary as a focal point for community
gatherings.
Within the first year of his arrival, Janney “obtained leave to hold
a Meeting for worship on first days."(4) Until 1741, these meetings
were held in the newly built homes of members. In that year (1741)
land was purchased, and "a rude place worship of logs was
built.(5) This place of worship was designated "Fairfax Meeting" after
the proprietor of the Northern Neck, Lord Thomas Fairfax. By that time
a village had been started on the banks of Catoctin Creek; it consisted
of a mill, black smith shop, tan yard and four or five houses.(6) This
early hamlet was called Milltown and continued under that name until
the coming of Thomas Moore in 1750, when he suggested that the "rising
community" be named Waterford for his ancestral home, Waterford,
Ireland. (7)
These new settlers were to find that they were wedged between two
vastly different forms of society. To the north, the "German Settlement" had
begun its development some eight years earlier on lands immediately
south of the Potomac River. These people had come to Pennsylvania from
the lower Palatinate(S) in search of relief from the oppressions there.
Being basically agriculturalists, they had moved west from the Philadelphia
area before turning south through Maryland - always following fertile
lands – until finally they reached the northern area of Loudoun County.
The farms taken up by these people were small in comparison with the
Virginia estates or plantations of that period, but, they tilled their
own land and improved its fertility with the less soil-depleting crops
of small grains.
In contrast to these frugal people, eastern and southern Loudoun was
settled by English Cavaliers from Tidewater.(9) Here, to this section,
came families of the great Virginia names - Carter, Noland, Lee and
Mason - to establish great estates with large mansion houses. With
them from Tidewater they brought tobacco, the crop that had been the
greatest economic factor in Virginia; and with them, to work their
large holdings, came their slaves.
There is no indication that social intercourse with either neighboring
group was carried on by the Quakers, but a common love for soil improvement
bound them closer to the Germans. The un-pretentious, but solid homes
they built, and the gentle care they showed the land, indicated that
this settling was not an interlude in a passing migration - they had
come to stay.
Also from Pennsylvania close in the wake of the Friends came another
group into Waterford, which has left an indelible mark on the community.
These were the Scottish-Irish, who, being skilled craftsmen, did the
lasting work of construction that we still see around us today.
Thus, long before the events of the 1860's, which erupted into civil
strife, there were drawn the lines that marked a clear division of
sentiment concerning slavery. These small land owners had never needed
slaves to till their small farms; had they been so inclined, the rules
of their Meeting prohibited owning slaves. Consequently, on the great
issues of the day their sympathies were with the Union rather than
with the rest of Virginia.
It would be erroneous to give the impression that the entire community
was Unionist in its views; there were those who shared the political
views of their brothers to the south, and, although in the minority,
supported the cause until the end of the war. Fire-brand oratory shook
the walls of the Nation's capitol, and the State capitol at Richmond,
with Unionists and Secessionists debating the issue; but it does not
appear that it excited the town that was founded by a people seeking
peace.
The War Starts 
Suddenly there was an awakening to the fact that not all men were
living in this same harmony. Seven hundred miles away, in the early
morning of April 12, 1861, a shell sputtered in lazy flight across
Charleston Harbor to crash into Fort Sumter, and precipitate a bloody
struggle that caught a hundred gentle towns in a hundred fertile valleys
in the deadly grip of war.
On April I 7, 1861, the convention then assembled in Richmond, passed
an Ordinance of Secession subject to ratification by the people, and
set May 23rd as the date for this referendum.
What would be the position of these staunch Union people of Waterford
now that they were faced with the issue of a divided country?
Loudoun County was beginning to prepare for war before the referendum
was held, as evidenced by two notices in a local paper: (10)
General Orders
Headquarters, 6th Brigade, V.M
Leesburg, May 7, 1861
To Col. Wm. Giddings, 56th Reg., Col. S. L. Ramey, 57th Reg., and Col.
L. Chancellor, of the 132d Reg.:
You will immediately collect all the arms belonging to the State
within the bounds of your Regiments, and not in the hands of Volunteer
Companies, and have them delivered to me in Leesburg.
All private
citizens who may be in possession of such arms, are requested to
deliver them to Colonels of the Regiments.
R L. Wright
Brig. Gen'l. 6th Brigade, V.M.
And the following which appeared at the top of the editorial column:
(11)
"At a meeting
of citizens of the county of Loudoun, held in the Mayor's Office,
Leesburg, on Wednesday, May 8, 1861, to take into consideration the
best mode of assisting in the support of the families of the soldiers
called into service of the State, William H. Gray, Esq., was called
to the chair, and William Beverly, Esq. appointed Secretary. On motion
of L. W. S. Hough, Dr. T. H. Clagett, T. W. Edwards and Wm. V. Casey
were appointed a committee to receive contributions.
The committee can be seen at the Washingtonian Office any hour in
the day, and will thankfully receive, and faithfully distribute, all
contributions sent to them.
We want money,
wood, bacon, flour, meal, candles, butter, eggs, lard, &c.
The women and children MUST be cared for -and those that don't fight,
should care for the families of our brave volunteers.
Mr. Wm. Cline will receive at his
store near the railroad, any or all of the above named articles."
Would the Quakers Fight
What would the men of the "Quaker Settlement" do when the
militia companies were called into State service? Many young men of
the Society of Friends had been "disowned" by their Meeting
for bearing arms in the Revolutionary War; would they fight in this
impending war, or would they run the risk of being termed traitors
to the State?
All of these questions were soon to be answered.
Throughout the County large majorities followed the action taken by
the State Convention, and supported the Ordinance of Secession.(12)
In Waterford, however, the Pennsylvania back-ground was quite apparent,
as the vote was 221 to 30 against secession. Few eligible voters stayed
away from the polls that day, for the 1860 census had shown but 822
whites and 177 colored as the entire population for the Waterford
District (those receiving their mail from the Post Office).
When the Waterford company of the 56th Virginia Militia was called
up, less than half of its members responded to the call(13) - this
was the first outright indication that the majority of the citizens
would not support the Confederate cause.
War fever was running high in Loudoun County, and the local press
added to the tumult with an editorial; "Liberty or Death":(14)
"This was the cry of Patrick Henry in the great struggle for
out national independence. We believe, at this moment, it animates
the hearts of all true Virginians. Indeed, we have never seen nor imagined
anything comparable to the feeling which pervades this Commonwealth
at this time. Since the foul invaders have polluted our soil with their
footsteps, an irrepressible eagerness to give them bloody graves pervades
all classes. Old and young, women and children all share in the exciting
and universal motion. Death to the tyrants is not only on the lips,
but in the hearts of our whole population. The restraints of military
discipline are scarcely thought of in the intense and restless anxiety
to rush on the foe and avenge in blood the outrage on her honor and
freedom." ...
The war was young, and excitement was great, but the impetuous would
have done well to heed the advertisement of two Quaker businessmen
of Waterford:(15)
"To the People of Virginia"
The unfortunate state of affairs that now exists in the country demanded
the serious consideration of the people of Virginia how they can
best restore peace to the country, and stay the effusion of
blood - the crisis has come, how shall we meet it, by division and
contention in our midst? Certainly not. Let us – not only maintain
the honor, but the industrial pursuits of Virginia.
We have determined
to do so, to prosecute our business with the same vigor as formerly
- agricultural pursuits must go on.
We much desire that agriculturists
may not let the excitement that now prevails deter them from having their implements
of husbandry put in order for service. We are prepared and will do it, so long
as the people of Virginia will sustain us. (providence permitting. )
That peace
and prosperity may speedily be restored, to our
now distracted country, is our most ardent desire.
Signed, STEER & SCHOOLEY
Waterford
Virginia had seceded to join the Southern Confederacy, thus leaving
an isolated area north and west of the Catoctin Mountains as a virtual
no-mans land. So close to the border that neither Union nor Confederate
could effectively control the region for any length of time, it was
subject to constant raids and skirmishes throughout the war.
While the vote had been predominantly in favor of remaining with the
Union, the majority of the citizens were Quakers who attempted to maintain
a strict neutrality despite this strong sentiment. Considered disloyal
by the Confederates, and situated geographically so that Union troops
could give but little protection, they were to suffer much during the
four years of conflict. Burned out by their friends and robbed by their
enemies, would be an appropriate description of what happened.
On May 27, 1861, the Post Master General of the United States issued
an order suspending all postal service in the Seceded States; this
order to become effective May 31, 1861.(16)
The Confederate Government established a postal system, and the following "Postal
Information" was given:(17)
"On and after the first of June
(Saturday) the Southern Confederacy assumed the entire control of
the postal service within its limits. Some changes then took place
which it will be well for the public to remember, otherwise there
will be many letters delayed in the offices where they are deposited,
among these may be mentioned the following:
1. All letters of single rate must be paid five cents in money, or
Confederate stamps, and where the distance is over five hundred miles,
they must be paid ten cents. Persons therefore, should be
careful to count distances.
2d. United States postage stamps cannot be used in this Confederacy
and consequently will be of no use, unless it be to send letters North,
with an additional five cents added.
3d. All the newspapers and circulars must
be paid at the rates of about two cents each, instead of only one
as formerly."
There is no evidence that the Confederate Postal System ever operated
a Post Office in Waterford, and with the United States System suspended
for the duration, the effects of war were felt by June 1st.
The Confederate Government realized that Loudoun County was vulnerable
to invasion, and immediately started building fortifications against
this threat. Impressment for work on these fortifications, near Leesburg,
proved distasteful, and caused many of the Unionists to flee into nearby
Maryland. This was not confined alone to the younger men, but threats
of conscription forced many of the prominent business men of the town
to seek refuge north of the Potomac. A particular target of the Confederates
was Samuel C. Means, prosperous
Waterford mill operator. After repeated refusals to cooperate and support
the Confederacy, Means was forced to flee to Point of Rocks, Maryland,
where he also had business interests. Immediately, much of his personal
property was seized, including large quantities of meal and flour,
more than twenty horses, two wagons, and about forty hogs. Being more
or less of Quaker lineage it is doubtful if Means would have taken
an active part in the war he not been driven from his home and had
seen his property confiscated.
He later came back to Virginia to organize the Independent Loudoun
Virginia Rangers under direct commission from Secretary of War Stanton;
the only organized body from Virginia to fight for the Union. The Loudoun
Cavalry, under Capt. W. W. Meade, came into the area confiscating horses
and wagons for the Confederate Army;(l8) this seriously curtailed the
operations of the farmers, and had its effect on the town which was
supported by agriculture.
Former friends now became enemies as opinions were voiced, and the
town founded in peace became a community of recrimination and bitterness.
Word of the struggle within the community reached the outside world
and caused the Baltimore Sun to print the following article in its
issue of July 16, 1861:
Reign of Terror in Loudoun County
Washington, July 15 - The reign of
terror in Loudoun County
is at its height. Notices of a militia muster for to-day were given
on Saturday when citizens were told to be ready to be drafted into
the militia for an immediate march to Manassas Junction, to fill
up the ranks of Gen. Beauregard's forces. All the Union men of
Waterford determined to escape. Twelve fled from their homes night
before last, and evaded the Confederate pickets for nine miles, arriving
at the ford at Point of Rocks, which they crossed, and soon got inside
the lines of the First New Hampshire regiment, stationed at the Point
of Rocks. They were kindly cared for by the New Hampshire boys, and
came to Washington to-day, arriving here this evening.
Forty more
Union men were to run away yesterday and try to cross the above mentioned
ford last night. During yesterday evening the Confederate pickets
on the other side were seen to stop and drive back several squads
of men who were coming in the direction of the ford, who are supposed
to have been some of the escaping party to which allusion is above
made.
********
With the delivery of the mails suspended, and Confederate picket lines
along the Potomac River, those citizens of Waterford, whose sympathies
were with the Union, were prevented from carrying on their usual intercourses
with Maryland, and the rest of the United States. An underground was
established with Thomas Fouch, a citizen of the outskirts of Waterford,
as the hero.(19) Fouch, of strong Union proclivities, would slip through
the Confederate picket line, and cross the river into Maryland, carrying
information and letters. His route across the fields avoided the usual
paths of travel, and with a boat to cross the Potomac at a little suspected
crossing, he was never detected.
Fouch did odd jobs around the town, and in this way he was able to
contact the Union people who were interested in sending and receiving
messages. In returning from his nocturnal visits he feigned drunkenness
although seldom under the influence. He also guided many men from the
town to safe refuge in Maryland, who would otherwise have been conscripted
into the Confederate Army. When the Confederate forces had retreated
south, and Union troops entered the town, his usefulness in this capacity
had ended. He joined the local company of Union troops on July 27,
1863, the same organization that his two sons had joined the previous
year.(20)
Conditions in Waterford during the latter half of the year 1861 are
best described by Samuel M. Janney, prominent member of Goose Creek
Friends Meeting:
"During the autumn and early winter of 1861
the Southern troops remained in possession of our county. Their camps
were mostly near Leesburg, but a company or two of cavalry were kept
at Waterford and occupied one-half of Friends' Meeting- House for
their barrack. When they first came to Waterford they seemed to entertain
a strong prejudice and animosity against the Friends, having been
informed that they were Union men and abolitionists: but on becoming
better acquainted, some of the soldiers acknowledged that the storekeepers
who were Friends, dealt with them more fairly than any they had met
with on their march from the South, and their prejudices were removed.
When it was observed that they intended to occupy the Meeting- House,
some· of· the Friends called on the Captain and informed him. that
meetings had been held in that house regularly twice a week for more
than one hundred years, and they were loath to give it up. He agreed
to occupy one end of the house, leaving the other part for the use
of the meeting. The Captain and some of the men often sat in the
meeting, behaving with much decorum, and our beloved friend Miriam
Gover was favored to preach the Gospel to them in the authority of
Truth, which some of them freely acknowledged. I sometimes visited
that meeting when the soldiers were in attendance, and had to admire
the condescending goodness of the Heavenly Shepherd”… (21)
Roads radiating from the town to the principal river crossings made
it a key point of Confederate defense. In addition to cavalry, Southern
infantry was stationed in the town during the fall months, as a safeguard
against Union patrols from points in Maryland and Harpers Ferry.
The Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Loudoun County, which had been
organized in 1849 by local citizens, as a protection against the high
rates then charged on rural property, suspended operations on December
31, 1861; "In consideration of the many and great difficulties
by which the communication between the various members of this Company
and the Executive Officers thereof is at present surrounded.(22)
Thus, as the year ended, the Insurance Company and the mill were closed,
postal operations suspended, the merchant's stocks were depleted, and
soldiers occupied the town – a few months of war had brought many changes
to a once prosperous community.
Footnotes:
(1) Samuel M. Janney - History
of the Religious Society of Friends, Pages 248-9 William Wade Hingham
- Genealogy of Quaker Families, Vol. VI, Pages 515-6.
(2) Janney, page 248; Hingham, page 515: some sources, quoting tradition,
state that the town was founded by Asa Moore in 1732, but lack of evidence
would tend to discount this in favor of the reliable sources quoted
here. Evidence indicates that Amos Janney was in the area in 1732,
for the date of his request for a Certificate of Transfer from Falls
Monthly Meeting (Pa.) to Fairfax Meeting was dated 3rd month 1733,
although this certificate was not issued until 6th month 1734.
(3) Janney, page 249; William Williams' Papers; Notebook of the late
Mary Phillips Stabler
4) Hinshaw. page 516; Chalkely Matlack. Extracts From His Notebook
(5) Janney. page 249; Edward Hale Brush. Notes on Quakers of Loudoun
(6) William Williams - An Old Account of Waterford. 1860
(7) Mary F. Steer - "Old Memories"; Rev. Herbert Turner _
A History of the Philips Family
(8) Harrison Williams - Legends of Loudoun. page 45
(9) Harrison Williams. pages 37-38
(10) The Washingtonian (a newspaper published at Leesburg. Va.). June
7, 1861 28
(11) The Washingtonian
(12) The vote in Loudoun was 1626 for secession, and 726 against
(13) Briscoe Goodhart - History of the Independent Loudoun Virginia
Rangers, page 20
(14) The Washingtonian - June 7, 1861
(15) The Washingtonian - June 7, 1861
James M. Steer, a wheelwright, and Reuben Schooley, a blacksmith, operated
a manufacturing plant on Factory Street near the comer of 2nd St. There
they not only repaired all types of farm implements, but manufactured
one of the earliest grain drills.
(16) National Archives - Postal Records Branch
(17) The Washingtonian
(18) Goodhart. pages 21 and 25
(19) This is a story told by several Waterford families: in every case
their account agreed in all major aspects.
(20) Goodhart – page 229.
(21) Samuel M. Janney - Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney, pages 193·4
(22) Minute Book" A" of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company
of Loudoun County.
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