Bedford County (Va.) Circuit Court

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle was added in 1754 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Thomas Phelps Estate Sale, January 1852, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County probably was named for John Russell, fourth duke of Bedford, who, as secretary of state for the southern department from 1748 to 1751, had general supervision of colonial affairs. It was formed from Lunenburg County in 1753, and parts of Albemarle and Lunenburg Counties were added later.

The records were replevined by the Library of Virginia following the trial entitled Commonwealth of Virginia vs. Larry I. Vass heard in Henrico County Circuit Court in November 1972.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Court Records, 1845-1849, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle County was added in 1753 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Deed, 1763, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Parts of Albemarle and Lunenburg Counties were added in 1755. The county was named probably for John Russell, fourth duke of Bedford, who served as secretary of state for the southern department from 1748 to 1751 and had general supervision of colonial affairs.

"Processioning consisted of a person or persons appointed by the vestries (later the county court) meeting with the land owners and walking their property boundaries with them and remarking their lines and corners. At least one other person, preferably an adjacent land owner, would accompany the owner and the processioner. Perhaps this "processioning" of people walking the boundaries is the basis for the term "processioning." The objective of this practice seems to have been to prevent boundary disputes between adjacent land owners by renewing and maintaining survey marks. However, most of the marks used were temporary items such as trees and bushes. Processioning was not done annually, nor was the entire county done at the same time. Usually processioning was done by militia districts, or some other governmental subdivision of the county."

Until 1780, marriages could be performed only by ministers of the Established Church, who were required by law to record marriages in the parish register. In 1780, dissenting ministers (only four per county from each sect) were first permitted to perform marriage ceremonies. Ministers' returns were required by law beginning in 1780, so all marriages from that date would be of record in the county court clerk's office--thereby creating an official record. Some ministers adopted a custom of making collected returns--a list of marriages performed within a period of time such as a year or several years. In 1784, the General Assembly made it lawful for an ordained minister of any Christian Society to celebrate lawful marriages in Virginia provided such ministers received a license in the county to do so.

The original volume, comprised of a processioners' book in one section and marriage returns in a second section, found in the Circuit Court Clerk's Office was created by the County Court.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Processioners' Book and Marriage Returns, 1785-1812, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle County was added in 1754 and an additional section of Lunenburg County was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Public Buildings and Grounds, 1764-1840 and undated, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle County was added in 1753 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Deed, 1769, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle County was added in 1753 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Deed, 1764, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County probably was named for John Russell, fourth duke of Bedford, who, as secretary of state for the southern department from 1748 to 1751, had general supervision of colonial affairs. It was formed from Lunenburg County in 1753, and parts fo Albemarle and Lunenburg Counties were added later.

Modern Woodmen of America was founded in 1883 by Joseph Cullen Root, an Iowa businessman, to provide financial services, life insurance, and opportunities for fellowship for men ages 18 to 45. The Mountain Valley Camp was organized at Rusher's Store in Montvale, in Bedford County, in 1907.

From the guide to the Modern Woodmen of American (Mountain Valley Camp) Minute Book, 1907-1923, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was created in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle was added in 1754 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

In seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Virginia, the term "tithable" referred to a person who paid (or for whom someone else paid) one of the taxes imposed by the General Assembly for the support of civil government in the colony. In colonial Virginia, a poll tax or capitation tax was assessed on free white males, African American slaves, and Native American servants (both male and female), all age sixteen or older. Owners and masters paid the taxes levied on their slaves and servants. For a more detailed history of tithables, consult "Colonial tithables" found on the Library of Virginia's web site.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Tithables lists, 1764, 1773, and 1782., (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was probably named for John Russell, fourth duke of Bedford, who, as secretary for state for the southern department from 1748 to 1751, had general supervision of colonial affairs. It was formed from Lunenburg County in 1753. Parts of Albemarle County and an additional part of Lunenburg County were added in 1755.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Recorded and Unrecorded Deeds, 1751-1925, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle was added in 1754 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Depositions Given in the Criminal Cause, King v. Hickey, 1764, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle County was added in 1753 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Survey, 1812, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle County was added in 1753 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Deed, 1778, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle County was added in 1753 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Bond, 1799, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle County was added in 1753 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Bill of Sale, 1794, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle was added in 1754 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Deed, Heath to Todd, 1761, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle County was added in 1753 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Subpoena, 1771, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle County was added in 1753 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Constable's Bond, 1809, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle County was added in 1753 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Order to Examine Witnesses in a Chancery Cause, 1785, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle was added in 1754 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Various Court Records, ca. 1797-ca. 1798, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle was added in 1754 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Road Petition, undated, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was probably named for John Russell, fourth duke of Bedford, who, as secretary for state for the southern department from 1748 to 1751, had general supervision of colonial affairs. It was formed from Lunenburg County in 1753. Parts of Albemarle County were added in 1754, and an additional part of Lunenburg County was added later.

The 1902 voter registration books were created following the passage of the 1902 Virginia state constitution. The purpose of the 1902 state constitution was to maintain white suffrage while eliminating African-American voters by means of literacy tests as well as property and poll tax requirements.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Roll of Voters, 1902-1960, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle County was added in 1753 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Deed, 1783, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was probably named for John Russell, fourth duke of Bedford, who, as secretary for state for the southern department from 1748 to 1751, had general supervision of colonial affairs. It was formed from Lunenburg County in 1753. Parts of Albemarle County were added in 1754, and an additional part of Lunenburg County was added later.

In 1780 the Virginia General Assembly replaced the Anglican vestries and churchwardens of the colonial period with elected bodies called Overseers of the Poor. The Overseers provided food, clothing, shelter, and medical treatment for the persons who were too poor to support themselves or too ill to provide for their basic needs. They also bound out children whose parents could not support them or who failed to educate or instruct them, as well as orphans to become apprentices. The boys learned a trade and the girls learned domestic skills.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Board of Overseer of the Poor Minutes, 1816-1830, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle was added in 1754 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

The County Court was the original colonial court of adjudication and recordation, and it was the principal tribunal for the administration of local justice. The individual justices could act on small claims matters as well as criminal matters where imminent bodily harm was a possibility, there being an appeal to the full County Court, which met monthly. This court ceased to exist in 1904 and the recordation function was transferred to the circuit court.

The Superior Court of Law was created in 1808. It met twice a year in each county, presided over by a circuit-riding General Court judge. Records were filed with the County Court. It had civil and criminal jurisdiction. The court ceased to exist in 1831.

The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery, established in 1831, were the upper courts on the local level. Sessions were held twice a year in each county, presided over by a General Court judge. The counties were grouped into districts for the convenience of the judge. The court ceased to exist in 1851.

The Circuit Court was authorized by the Constitution of 1851 and established by an act of the General Assembly passed in May 1852. Courts were held twice yearly in each county, presided over by 21 judges who rode circuits in the area of their jurisdiction. The records were filed with County Court records. These courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrrent with that of the County Courts, as well as appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases of more than fifty dollars and criminal cases not "expressly cognizable in some other court," including those involving loss of life.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Judgments, 1753-1870, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle County was added in 1753 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Deposition, 1760, (The Library of Virginia)

Chancery Causes are cases of equity. According to Black's Law Dictionary they are "administered according to fairness as contrasted with the strictly formulated rules of common law." A judge, not a jury, determines the outcome of the case.

Bedford County was named probably for John Russell, fourth duke of Bedford, who served as secretary of state for the southern department from 1748 to 1751 and had general supervision of colonial affairs. It was formed from Lunenburg County in 1753, and parts of Albemarle and Lunenburg Counties were added in 1755. The county court first met on 5 May 1754.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1755-1912 (bulk 1783-1912), (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was named probably for John Russell, fourth duke of Bedford, who served as secretary of state for the southern department from 1748 to 1751 and had general supervision of colonial affairs. It was formed from Lunenburg County in 1753, and parts of Albemarle and Lunenburg Counties were added in 1755. The county court first met on 5 May 1754. The county seat is the city of Bedford.

The separate office of coroner appeared in Virginia about 1660. The judicial duty of the office is to hold inquisitions in cases when persons meet sudden, violent, unnatural or suspicious death, or death without medical attendance. The coroner would summon a jury to assist him in determining cause of death. Prior to November 1877, the jurors numbered twelve. Between November 1877 and March 1926, the jurors numbered six. The jury viewed the body of the deceased and heard the testimony of witnesses. The coroner was required to write down witness testimony. After seeing and hearing the evidence, the jury delivered in writing to the coroner their conclusion concerning cause of death referred to as the inquisition. After March 1926, only the coroner determined cause of death. He could require physicians to assist him with determing cause of death. If a criminal act was determined to be the cause of death, the coroner was to deliver the guilty person to the sheriff and the coroners' inquests would be used as evidence in the criminal trial.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Coroners' Inquisitions, 1813-1899, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle County was added in 1753 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Subpoena, 1760, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle County was added in 1753 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Summons, 1763, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was probably named for John Russell, fourth duke of Bedford, who, as secretary for state for the southern department from 1748 to 1751, had general supervision of colonial affairs. It was formed from Lunenburg County in 1753. Parts of Albemarle County were added in 1754, and an additional part of Lunenburg County was added later.

The 1870 Virginia Constitution required that each county in the state be divided into no less than three townships (see Article VII, section 2). Based on the New England administrative organization of a county, each township would elect the administration officials for the offices of supervisor, clerk, assessor, collector, commissioner of the roads, overseer of the poor, justice of the peace, and constable. The supervisors of each township would comprise the board of supervisors for the county, and would be responsible for auditing the county accounts, examining the assessors' books, regulating property valuation, and fixing the county levies. The Acts of Assembly provided that each township be divided into school and electoral districts (see Acts of Assembly 1869-1870, Chapter 39). A constitutional amendment in 1874 changed the townships into magisterial districts and each district elected one supervisor, three justices of the peace, one constable, and one overseer of the poor. The supervisors of the districts made up the county board of supervisors whose duties were identical as those set out in 1870. The published Acts of Assembly appended a list of township names by county following the acts for every year that townships existed in Virginia.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Township Records, 1871-1875, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was probably named for John Russell, fourth duke of Bedford, who, as secretary for state for the southern department from 1748 to 1751, had general supervision of colonial affairs. It was formed from Lunenburg County in 1753. Parts of Albemarle County were added in 1754, and an additional part of Lunenburg County was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Road and Bridge Records, 1751-1929, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle County was added in 1753 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Bond, 1800, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle was added in 1754 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Bill of Injunction from the Court Case Cundiff v. Kelly, 1822, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was formed in 1753 from Lunenburg County. Part of Albemarle County was added in 1753 and part of Lunenburg was added later.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Deed, 1762, (The Library of Virginia)

Bedford County was probably named for John Russell, fourth duke of Bedford, who, as secretary for state for the southern department from 1748 to 1751, had general supervision of colonial affairs. It was formed from Lunenburg County in 1753. Parts of Albemarle County were added in 1754, and an additional part of Lunenburg County was added later.

An act passed by the Virginia legislature in 1803 required every free negro or mulatto to be registered and numbered in a book to be kept by the county clerk.

From the guide to the Bedford County (Va.) Minute Book, 1871-1873, (The Library of Virginia)