Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1893 edition. Excerpt: ... where Kernstown now is, gave the lot on which the church stands for the use of the first Presbyterian congregation ever organized in Virginia west of the Blue Ridge. The introduction of the Episcopal Church in Frederick County dates from the organization of the county; but little is heard of either church, vestry, or wardens until after the arrival of Lord Fairfax in 1749. In 1752 a vestry was appointed, consisting of Lord Fairfax, Isaac Perkins, Gabriel Jones, John Hite, Thomas Swearenger, Charles Buck, Robert Lemmon, John Lindsey, John Ashby, James Cromley, andJLewis NeilL Lord Fairfax, in 1752, gave a lot in the southwest corner of the public square in Winchester, upon which shortly afterwards was erected a rude chapel. This was occupied many years, but a better one of stone was reared upon the same spot some years before the Revolution. "The first settlers were neither distinguished for literature nor religion. They were patient, enterprising men. A true account of their sufferings, their dangers, and their exploits would appear to us like tales of romance. They had not leisure, if they had the ability, to write history. They were much more conversant with the axe, the firelock, and the sword than books and pens. Their children were educated as their surroundings justified, --not for show, but for usefulness. The bravest and best man was the most popular and most respected. Those who possessed a goodly share of book learning could by no means be ignored." During the summer of 1759 the small-pox broke out in the town of Winchester, and carried many persons to the grave. The court was in consequence moved to Stephensburg for a year. The same dread disease again made its appearance in the years 1771 and 1776, and raged with great fury, ...
