Petersburg (Va.) Circuit Court

This unidentified liquor dealer operated in Virginia during the early twentieth century. It is possible that the business was owned by either John L. Mulcaha or B. D. Booth & Co., both of whom were liquor dealers in Petersburg, Virginia, in the early 1900s. Loose receipts in the ledger are addressed to either Booth or Mulcaha.

From the guide to the Unidentified Liquor Dealer Ledger, 1903, (The Library of Virginia)

Petersburg was formed from parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Chesterfield Counties. It was established in 1748 and incorporated as a town in 1784. In the latter years the towns of Blandford, Pocahontas, and Ravenscroft were added to Petersburg. It was incorporated as a city in 1850.

On 8 March 1819, the Town of Petersburg purchased the land of the ruined 1737 era Blandford Church and the adjoining graveyard for use as a public burial ground. Both white and African American, slave and free, residents of Petersburg are buried in the cemetery. A large number of Civil War era soldiers are buried there and have been tended over the years by the Ladies Memorial Association of Petersburg, formed in 1866. Some basic restoration work was performed on Blandford Church in 1882. Later, it became another project of the Ladies Memorial Association. In 1900, the group petitioned Petersburg for the right to convert it into a "mortuary and memorial chapel." Over the course of 1904-1912, fifteen original Tiffany windows were installed, including eleven donated from the states of the former Confederacy, one each from Maryland and Missouri, one from the Ladies Memorial Association, and one from Lewis Comfort Tiffany called the "Cross of Jewels." Over the years, the Association also directed its energies to the building of an iron bandstand (dedicated in 1908) and of a granite arch marking the entrance to Memorial Hill (dedicated in 1914), among other things. The City of Petersburg continues to own and operate the Cemetery. Through multiple land acquisitions, it has grown the property from just over four acres (the size at the time of the 1819 purchase) to some 189 acres. The part of the cemetery dating from its 18th-century origins to a twenty-acre addition made in 1854 form the Cemetery's "Old Ground." The land added from the next addition, purchased in 1866, and beyond make up the "New Ground."

From the guide to the Petersburg (Va.) Blandford Cemetery Records, 1843-1977, (The Library of Virginia)

Petersburg was formed from parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Chesterfield Counties. A garrison and fur-trading post called Fort Henry was established there in 1645 on the site of the Indian village Appamattuck. The present name, suggested in 1733 by William Byrd II, honors Peter Jones, Byrd's companion on expeditions into the Virginia backcountry. Petersburg was established in 1748 and incorporated as a town in 1784. It was incorporated as a city in 1850. Petersburg was enlarged by annexation from both Prince George and Dinwiddie Counties in 1972.

First Baptist Church (Petersburg, Va.) was founded in 1756 in Prince George County and organized in 1774 as First African Baptist Church. Later, the organization moved to Petersburg and a house of worship was built on Harrison Street.

First Baptist Church (Petersburg, Va.) Baptism Register and Membership Directory was used as an exhibit in Petersburg Chancery Causes Pleasant Webb, etc. vs. William H. Major, etc. and James Blackwell, etc. vs. William H. Major, etc.

From the guide to the First Baptist Church (Petersburg, Va.) Minute Book, 1914, (The Library of Virginia)

Thomas M. Rowlett and Sons conducted business in Petersburg, Virginia and adjoining Nottoway County in the nineteenth century.

From the guide to the Thomas M. Rowlett and Sons Ledger, 1871, (The Library of Virginia)

Petersburg was formed from parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Chesterfield Counties. It was established in 1748 and incorporated as a town in 1784. In the latter years the towns of Blandford, Pocahontas, and Ravenscroft were added to Petersburg. It was incorporated as a city in 1850.

Declarations of intent were the record by which an applicant for U.S. citizenship declared their intent to become a citizen and renounced their allegiance to a foreign government. A declaration of intention normally preceded proof of residence or a petition to become a citizen by two or more years. Beginning in 1795, a person could declare their intent to become a citizen at any time and in any place after they arrived in the United States. After three additional years, a person could apply to become a citizen. These two steps did not have to take place in the same court. Derivative citizenship was granted to wives and minor children of naturalized men.

From the guide to the Petersburg (Va.) Naturalization Records, 1907-1918, (The Library of Virginia)

The Cocke and Gilliam law firm, known earlier as the Davies and Cocke law firm, practiced law during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in Petersburg, Va. The firm also practiced in the surrounding counties of Dinwiddie, Chesterfield, Prince George, and Surry, and in the Supreme Court of Appeals and United States Courts in Richmond.

Robert Gilliam, born in 1847, was a leading attorney in Virginia. His grandfather, John Gilliam, a native of Prince George County where he was a planter, was a lieutenant in the Prince George Cavalry during the revolution and was present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown. His father, Robert Gilliam (1796-1884), was a clerk of court for Prince George County.

Robert Gilliam lived in Prince George County until 1861 when he moved with his parents to Richmond. There, he became a messenger in the Confederate treasury department and rose to the level of assistant cashier by the end of the war. In 1869, Gilliam became a clerk of court in Prince George county, a position he held until 1874 when he removed to Petersburg and began practicing law. In 1879, Gilliam married Mary Love Bragg, daughter of former North Carolina governor Thomas Bragg. Gilliam also served as clerk of court for Petersburg from 1888 to 1915.

John Gilliam, born around 1846, lived most of his adult life in New York where he was a merchant and a broker on Wall St.

Samuel D. Davies, born in Petersburg in 1839, was a son of Colonel William Davies and a grandson of Samuel Davies, a former president of Princeton College. Educated at William and Mary College, Davies served in the Civil War as a lieutenant under Generals Pettigrew and Archer. Throughout his adult life, Davies practiced law and was a contributor of both poetry and prose to periodicals such as the "Southern Literary Messenger" of Richmond.

From the guide to the Cocke and Gilliam Business Records, 1870-1895, (The Library of Virginia)

Petersburg was formed from parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Chesterfield Counties. A garrison and fur-trading post called Fort Henry was established there in 1645 on the site of the Indian village Appamattuck. The present name, suggested in 1733 by William Byrd II, honors Peters Jones, Byrd's companion on expeditions into the Virginia backcountry. Petersburg was established in 1747 and incorporated as a town in 1784. In the latter year the towns of Blandford, Pocahontas, and Ravenscroft were added to Petersburg. It was incorporated as a city in 1850. Petersburg was enlarged by annexation from both Prince George and Dinwiddie Counties in 1972.

This record was 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 Petersburg (Va.) Court Records, 1821-1851, (The Library of Virginia)

The City of Petersburg was established in 1748. It was incorporated as a town in 1784 and incorporated as a city in 1850. Parts of Prince George and Dinwiddie Counties were added in 1972.

From the guide to the Petersburg (Va.) Boisseau v. Butler Judgment, September 1841, (The Library of Virginia)

Planters and Mechanics Bank was incorporated in January 1875 and conducted business in Petersburg until it dissolved in May of 1884. William Baird McIlwaine and Robert Gilliam were trustees of the bank during the late nineteenth century.

The volumes were used as exhibits in the chancery suit W.R. Nichols for others, vs. Planters and Mechanics Bank and others, and W.R. Nichols for others, versus S.P. Arrington and others, heard in the City of Petersburg Circuit Court.

William Baird McIlwaine was born in Petersburg, Va., in 1854. He studied at Hampden-Sidney College and graduated in 1873. McIlwaine went on to study law and was admitted to the Bar in 1878. In addition to his work with the bank, McIlwaine was president of the Petersburg Telephone Company, a representative to the house of delegates, and a state senator for three consecutive terms.

Robert Gilliam, born in 1847, was a leading attorney in Virginia. Gilliam lived in Prince George County until 1861 when he moved with his parents to Richmond. There, he became a messenger in the Confederate treasury department and rose to the level of assistant cashier by the end of the war. In 1869, Gilliam became a clerk of court in Prince George County, a position he held until 1874 when he removed to Petersburg and began practicing law. Gilliam also served as clerk of court for Petersburg from 1888 to 1915.

From the guide to the Planters and Mechanics Bank General Ledger, Tellers Book, and Discount Ledger, 1883-1886, (The Library of Virginia)

This unidentified general store operated in Virginia during the nineteenth century.

From the guide to the Unidentified General Store Ledger, 1879-1889, (The Library of Virginia)

The Charlotte, Columbia, and Augusta Railroad Company was formed in 1869 by the merger of the Charlotte and South Carolina Railroad with the Columbia and Augusta Railroad. The resulting 191 mile line ran between Charlotte, North Carolina and Augusta, Georgia. The Charlotte, Columbia, and Augusta Railroad became part of the Richmond and Danville Railroad in 1878, and in 1894, Southern Railway took over control of the railroad.

From the guide to the Charlotte, Columbia, and Augusta Railroad Company Ledger, 1887-1888, (The Library of Virginia)

The City of Petersburg was established in 1748. It was incorporated as a town in 1784 and incorporated as a city in 1850. Parts of Prince George and Dinwiddie Counties were added in 1972.

From the guide to the Petersburg (Va.) Cooke v. Hannon Judgment, November 1841, (The Library of Virginia)

Webb and Sandford was a sale and exchange stable operating in Petersburg, Va., from 1878 to 1879. Managing partners of the livery stable were William A. Sandford and E. M. Webb.

From the guide to the Webb and Sandford Ledger, 1878-1879, (The Library of Virginia)

Petersburg was formed from parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Chesterfield counties. A garrison and fur trading post called Fort Henry was established in 1645 on the site of the Indian village of Appamattuck. The present name, suggested in 1733 by William Byrd II, honors Peter Jones, Byrd's companion on expeditions into the Virginia backcountry. Petersburg was established in 1748 and incorporated as a town in 1784. In the latter year the towns of Blandford, Pocahontas, and Ravenscroft were added to Petersburg. It was incorporated as a city in 1850. Petersburg was enlarged by annexation from both Prince George and Dinwiddie counties in 1972.

Police Court was a city court that had jurisdiction in all petit criminal cases that involved only confinement in jail and smaller fines, including minor traffic violations, public-health nuisances, petty theft or assault, violations of city ordinances, and warrants for indebtedness. Persons arrested for greater criminal violations could begin their legal process at the Police Court and be referred on to higher courts for trial or other disposition of their case. The police justice was an elected city official.

From the guide to the Petersburg (Va.) Police Court Docket, 1914-1928, (The Library of Virginia)

Petersburg was formed from parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Chesterfield counties. A garrison and fur trading post called Fort Henry was established in 1645 on the site of the Indian village of Appamattuck. The present name, suggested in 1733 by William Byrd II, honors Peter Jones, Byrd's companion on expeditions into the Virginia backcountry. Petersburg was established in 1748 and incorporated as a town in 1784. In the latter year the towns of Blandford, Pocahontas, and Ravenscroft were added to Petersburg. It was incorporated as a city in 1850. Petersburg was enlarged by annexation from both Prince George and Dinwiddie counties in 1972.

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 Petersburg (Va.) Roll of Voters Registered, 1902-1903, (The Library of Virginia)

The unidentified law firm operated in the Petersburg, Virginia, area during the nineteenth century.

It is possible that this law firm was connected to the Gilliam family of Petersburg, Va. A loose letter in the ledger, dated 10 February 1893, is addressed to Uncle Jimmie and signed Julian Gilliam. The Cocke and Gilliam law firm, known earlier as the Davies and Cocke law firm, practiced law during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in Petersburg, Va. The firm also practiced in the surrounding counties of Dinwiddie, Chesterfield, Prince George, and Surry, and in the Supreme Court of Appeals and United States Courts in Richmond.

Richard B. Davis was one lawyer listed in the ledger as a co-partner in the firm. Born in 1845 in Norfolk County, Va., Davis was a graduate of both Randolph-Macon College and the University of Virginia. Davis served for three years in Company E, Twelfth Virginia Regiment and saw action in the battles of Seven Pines, Chancellorsville, second Manassas, Gettysburg, and Petersburg. After the war, Davis began practicing law in Petersburg.

From the guide to the Unidentified Law Firm Ledger, 1886-1893, (The Library of Virginia)

Petersburg was formed from parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Chesterfield Counties. A garrison and fur-trading post called Fort Henry was established there in 1645 on the site of the Indian village Appamattuck. The present name, suggested in 1733 by William Byrd, honors Peter Jones, Byrd's companion on expeditions into the Virginia backcountry. Petersburg was established in 1748 and incorporated as a town in 1784. In the later years the towns of Blandford, Pocahontas, and Ravenscroft were added to Petersburg. It was incorporated as a city in 1850. Petersburg was enlarged by annexation from both Prince George and Dinwiddie Counties in 1972.

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.

Pocahontas Island is a peninsula in the Appomattox River in Petersburg that bills itself as the oldest black community in America. Originally populated by Native Americans, the first white settlement there was founded in 1749. Beginning in the 1830s to 1850s the area became predominantly African American and home to many former slaves.

From the guide to the Petersburg (Va.) Free Negro and Slave Records, 1787-1865, (The Library of Virginia)

Petersburg was formed from parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Chesterfield counties. A garrison and fur trading post called Fort Henry was established in 1645 on the site of the Indian village of Appamattuck. The present name, suggested in 1733 by William Byrd II, honors Peter Jones, Byrd's companion on expeditions into the Virginia backcountry. Petersburg was established in 1748 and incorporated as a town in 1784. In the latter year the towns of Blandford, Pocahontas, and Ravenscroft were added to Petersburg. It was incorporated as a city in 1850. Petersburg was enlarged by annexation from both Prince George and Dinwiddie counties in 1972.

From the guide to the Petersburg (Va.) Commonwealth Causes, 1786-1920 circa, (The Library of Virginia)

Petersburg incorporated as a town in 1784. In later years, the towns of Blandford, Pocahontas, and Ravenscroft were added. Incorporated as a city in 1850, Petersburg was enlarged by annexation from both Prince George and Dinwiddie counties in 1972.

From the guide to the Petersburg (Va.) Public Buildings and Grounds, 1785, 1819-1891., (The Library of Virginia)

Robert O. Epes operated a glass and china business in Norfolk, Virginia, and a feed, seed, agricultural implements, and hardware business in Petersburg, Virginia.

The journal and cashbook were used as exhibits in the chancery suit Administrator of Robert O. Epes versus A. Rosentock and Company, etc., heard in the City of Petersburg Circuit Court.

Petersburg was formed from parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Chesterfield counties. A garrison and fur trading post called Fort Henry was established in 1645 on the site of the Indian village of Appamattuck. The present name, suggested in 1733 by William Byrd II, honors Peter Jones, Byrd's companion on expeditions into the Virginia backcountry. Petersburg was established in 1748 and incorporated as a town in 1784. In the latter year the towns of Blandford, Pocahontas, and Ravenscroft were added to Petersburg. It was incorporated as a city in 1850. Petersburg was enlarged by annexation from both Prince George and Dinwiddie counties in 1972.

From the guide to the Robert O. Epes Sales Journal and Cashbook, 1873-1876, 1881, (The Library of Virginia)

Petersburg was formed from parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Chesterfield counties. A garrison and fur trading post called Fort Henry was established in 1645 on the site of the Indian village of Appamattuck. The present name, suggested in 1733 by William Byrd II, honors Peter Jones, Byrd's companion on expeditions into the Virginia backcountry. Petersburg was established in 1748 and incorporated as a town in 1784. In the latter year the towns of Blandford, Pocahontas, and Ravenscroft were added to Petersburg. It was incorporated as a city in 1850. Petersburg was enlarged by annexation from both Prince George and Dinwiddie counties in 1972.

A breach of promise is a shorthand expression for "breach of promise of marriage." It is a tort, or a civil wrong or injury, for which the court will provide a remedy in the form of an action for damages.

From the guide to the Petersburg (Va.) Judgments, Permelia F. McKinney vs. Frank Roberts, letters used as exhibits, 1915-1916, (The Library of Virginia)

Petersburg was formed from parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Chesterfield counties. A garrison and fur trading post called Fort Henry was established in 1645 on the site of the Indian village of Appamattuck. The present name, suggested in 1733 by William Byrd II, honors Peter Jones, Byrd's companion on expeditions into the Virginia backcountry. Petersburg was established in 1748 and incorporated as a town in 1784. In the latter year the towns of Blandford, Pocahontas, and Ravenscroft were added to Petersburg. It was incorporated as a city in 1850. Petersburg was enlarged by annexation from both Prince George and Dinwiddie counties in 1972.

From the guide to the Petersburg (Va.) Commonwealth Causes Ended, 1803-1938 (bulk 1823-1859), (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.

Petersburg was formed from parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Chesterfield counties. A garrison and fur trading post called Fort Henry was established in 1645 on the site of the Indian village of Appamattuck. The present name, suggested in 1733 by William Byrd II, honors Peter Jones, Byrd's companion on expeditions into the Virginia backcountry. Petersburg was established in 1748 and incorporated as a town in 1784. In the latter year the towns of Blandford, Pocahontas, and Ravenscroft were added to Petersburg. It was incorporated as a city in 1850.

From the guide to the Petersburg (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1914-1960, (The Library of Virginia)

This unidentified hardware store business did business in Petersburg, Va., during the nineteenth century.

From the guide to the Unidentified Hardware Store Ledger, 1889-1892, (The Library of Virginia)

Petersburg incorporated as a town in 1784. In later years, the towns of Blandford, Pocahontas, and Ravenscroft were added. Incorporated as a city in 1850, Petersburg was enlarged by annexation from both Prince George and Dinwiddie counties in 1972.

From the guide to the Petersburg (Va.) Public Buildings and Grounds, 1785, 1819-1891, (The Library of Virginia)

Quin and William L. Morton was a commission merchant business in Petersburg, Virginia, that sold bulk merchandise to individuals and businesses during the Civil War era.

From the guide to the Quin and William L. Morton Daybook, 1863-1867, (The Library of Virginia)

The cashbook identifies J. P. Williamson as president of the company and T. M. Rowlett as vice president. Census records of 1860 identify Williamson as a tobacco manufacturer, and Rowlett is listed as being a tobacco inspector.

From the guide to the Unidentified Tobacco Business Cashbook, 1871, (The Library of Virginia)

Petersburg was formed from parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Chesterfield Counties. A garrison and fur-trading post called Fort Henry was established there in 1645 on the site of the Indian village Appamattuck. The present name, suggested in 1733 by William Byrd II, honors Peter Jones, Byrd's companion on expeditions into the Virginia backcountry. Petersburg was established in 1748 and incorporated as a town in 1784. It was incorporated as a city in 1850. Petersburg was enlarged by annexation from both Prince George and Dinwiddie Counties in 1972.

First Baptist Church (Petersburg, Va.) was founded in 1756 in Prince George County and organized in 1774 as First African Baptist Church. Later, the organization moved to Petersburg and a house of worship was built on Harrison Street.

First Baptist Church (Petersburg, Va.) Baptism Register and Membership Directory was used as an exhibit in Petersburg Chancery Causes Pleasant Webb, etc. vs. William H. Major, etc. and James Blackwell, etc. vs. William H. Major, etc.

From the guide to the First Baptist Church (Petersburg, Va.) Baptism Register and Membership Directory, 1908-1911, (The Library of Virginia)

Petersburg was formed from parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Chesterfield counties. A garrison and fur trading post called Fort Henry was established in 1645 on the site of the Indian village of Appamattuck. The present name, suggested in 1733 by William Byrd II, honors Peter Jones, Byrd's companion on expeditions into the Virginia backcountry. Petersburg was established in 1748 and incorporated as a town in 1784. In the latter year the towns of Blandford, Pocahontas, and Ravenscroft were added to Petersburg. It was incorporated as a city in 1850. Petersburg was enlarged by annexation from both Prince George and Dinwiddie counties in 1972.

From the guide to the Petersburg (Va.) Jail Meal Account Books, 1937-1946, (The Library of Virginia)

Petersburg was formed from parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Chesterfield Counties. A garrison and fur trading post called Fort Henry was established there in 1645 on the site of the Indian town Appamattuck. The present name, suggested in 1733 by William Byrd, honors Peter Jones, Byrd's companion on expeditions into the Virginia backcountry. Petersburg was established in 1748 and incorporated as a town in 1784. In the latter year the towns of Blandford, Pocahontas, and Ravenscroft were added to Petersburg. It was incorporated as a city in 1850.

Individuals dying with a written will died testate. After the death of an individual, his or her will was brought into court, where two of the subscribing witnesses swore that the document was genuine. After the will was proved, the executor was bonded to carry out his or her duties to settle the estate. The court then ordered the will to be recorded.

From the guide to the Petersburg (Va.) Wills, inventories, accounts, and sales, 1784-1928 (bulk 1784-1912), (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.

Petersburg was formed from parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Chesterfield Counties. A garrison and fur trading post called Fort Henry was established there in 1645 on the site of the Indian town Appamattuck. The present name, suggested in 1733 by William Byrd (1674-1744), honors Peter Jones, Byrd's companion on expeditions into the Virginia backcountry. Petersburg was established in 1748 and incorporated as a town in 1784. In the latter year the towns of Blandford, Pocahontas, and Ravenscroft were added to Petersburg. It was incorporated as a city in 1850.

From the guide to the Petersburg (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1912 (bulk 1802-1912), (The Library of Virginia)

Petersburg was formed from parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Chesterfield counties. A garrison and fur trading post called Fort Henry was established in 1645 on the site of the Indian village of Appamattuck. The present name, suggested in 1733 by William Byrd II, honors Peter Jones, Byrd's companion on expeditions into the Virginia backcountry. Petersburg was established in 1748 and incorporated as a town in 1784. In the latter year the towns of Blandford, Pocahontas, and Ravenscroft were added to Petersburg. It was incorporated as a city in 1850. Petersburg was enlarged by annexation from both Prince George and Dinwiddie counties in 1972.

From the guide to the Petersburg (Va.) Roll of Voters Registered, 1903, (The Library of Virginia)

Petersburg was formed from parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Chesterfield Counties. A garrison and fur-trading post called Fort Henry was established there in 1645 on the site of the Indian village Appamattuck. The present name, suggested in 1733 by William Byrd, honors Peter Jones, Byrd's companion on expeditions into the Virginia backcountry. Petersburg was established in 1748 and incorporated as a town in 1784. In the later years the towns of Blandford, Pocahontas, and Ravenscroft were added to Petersburg. It was incorporated as a city in 1850. Petersburg was enlarged by annexation from both Prince George and Dinwiddie Counties in 1972.

From the guide to the Petersburg (Va.) Free Negro Delinquent Tax List, 1863, (The Library of Virginia)

Petersburg was formed from parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Chesterfield Counties. It was established in 1748 and incorporated as a town in 1784. In the latter years the towns of Blandford, Pocahontas, and Ravenscroft were added to Petersburg. It was incorporated as a city in 1850.

The Sanborn Map Company was founded by D. A. Sanborn, a surveyor from Massachusetts, in 1866. The maps allowed fire insurance underwriters and policy holders to more accurately protect the risks of business even if a building was not able to be inspected in person and to prevent an insurance premium from being set too low or high. Aside from fire insurance companies, the Sanborn Maps are useful to people involved in government, business, engineering, health and sanitation, planning and zoning, public works, tax assessment, education, highway development, public libraries, architects, geographers, environmentalists, water works, banking, mortgages, and life insurance, utilities and many other professional industries. Sanborn Maps also serve as historical documents for cities and towns and are important to those involved in social history, local history, architectural history, genealogy, urban studies, and preservation. The detail provided by the Sanborn Maps about each city in terms of its physical make-up, as well as the infrastructure of each city or town, provides important insights into a locality for professionals of all sorts.

From the guide to the Petersburg (Va.) Sanborn Fire Insurance Company Maps, 1903, (The Library of Virginia)

The city of Petersburg was formed from parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Chesterfield Counties. A garrison and fur trading post called Fort Henry was established there in 1645 on the site of the Indian town Appamattuck. The present name, suggested in 1733 by William Byrd (1674-1744), honors Peter Jones, Byrd's companion on expeditions into the Virginia backcountry. Petersburg was established in 1748 and incorporated as a town in 1784. In the latter year the towns of Blandford, Pocahontas, and Ravenscroft were added to Petersburg. It was incorporated as a city in 1850.

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 Petersburg (Va.) Coroners' Inquisitions, 1807-1947, (The Library of Virginia)

Petersburg was formed from parts of Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Chesterfield counties. A garrison and fur trading post called Fort Henry was established in 1645 on the site of the Indian village of Appamattuck. The present name, suggested in 1733 by William Byrd II, honors Peter Jones, Byrd's companion on expeditions into the Virginia backcountry. Petersburg was established in 1748 and incorporated as a town in 1784. In the latter year the towns of Blandford, Pocahontas, and Ravenscroft were added to Petersburg. It was incorporated as a city in 1850. Petersburg was enlarged by annexation from both Prince George and Dinwiddie counties in 1972.

From the guide to the Petersburg (Va.) Deeds, 1776-1924 (bulk 1801-1848 and 1880-1924), (The Library of Virginia)