Under the trees
Late in the summer of 1884 the survivors of Co. D, the Clarke Cavalry, gathered "Under the shade of the trees" in front of Lieut. R. O. Allen's house and formed the "Association of the survivors of the Clarke Cavalry." A. Moore, Jr. brought in a constitution, they elected officers, and at the calling of the roll 32 answered to their names.
Source note: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., 1884
The Clarke Courier of September 4, 1884 reported that the survivors of Co. D, the Clarke Cavalry, met under the trees in front of Lieut. R. O. Allen's house and formed the "Association of the survivors of the Clarke Cavalry"; 32 answered the roll.
What the source supports
The founding of the survivors' association.
Uncertainty
The report gives "last Friday" for the meeting, not a date.
Source
Evidence role: supports. The meeting and the society's name.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 4, 1884, page 3: "Clarke Cavalry—Its Re-organization"
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1884-09-04 (publication)
Locator: Page 3, "Clarke Cavalry—Its Re-organization"
Relevant passageUnder the shade of the trees that ornament the grounds in front of Lieut. R. O. Allen's residence the survivors of Co. D, Clarke Cavalry, assembled last Friday, and there formed a society to be known as the "Association of the survivors of the Clarke Cavalry,"
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
Evidence role: supports. The constitution, presented by A. Moore, Jr.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 4, 1884, page 3: "Clarke Cavalry—Its Re-organization"
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1884-09-04 (publication)
Locator: Page 3, "Clarke Cavalry—Its Re-organization"
Relevant passageMr. A. Moore jr. from the committee appointed to draft and report a constitution and rules presented the same and they were unanimously adopted.
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
Evidence role: supports. The 32 at the roll call.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 4, 1884, page 3: "Clarke Cavalry—Its Re-organization"
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1884-09-04 (publication)
Locator: Page 3, "Clarke Cavalry—Its Re-organization"
Relevant passageAt the calling of the roll 32 responded to their names
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
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"Clarke Cavalry—Its Re-organization": the survivors of Co. D form their association under the trees at R. O. Allen's, and 32 answer the roll.
What this image does and does not showA crop of part of one page; the rest of the page is not shown.
Clarke Courier (Berryville, Va.), September 4, 1884, page 3. Library of Congress, Chronicling America. Rights Changes: Cropped from the Library of Congress page image to the region of this item, then cropped again to the opening of the report: 849 by 1150 pixels, shown at its own 849 by 1150 pixels; re-encoded as JPEG. Nothing retouched or added.
Source: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 4, 1884, page 3: "Clarke Cavalry—Its Re-organization" Open the full image
A monument for the dead
The next summer the survivors decided to build a monument to the Clarke men "who were slain in battle, or died from wounds received, or sickness contracted" in the war, and a committee, with A. Moore, Jr. as chairman, appealed to the county for help. Not everyone was pleased that the cavalry had taken the lead. A guest at the reunion of 1885 wrote that it was "possibly just a little grating to the feelings of old infantrymen to find themselves quietly 'left out in the cold'," but that the cavalry reunion was the best working association for the purpose.
In March 1886 the Legislature incorporated the association and let the Board of Supervisors give it ground in the court-yard square for the monument. It was unveiled fourteen years later, on Saturday, July 21, 1900.
Source note: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., 1885
In June 1885 a committee of the survivors, with A. Moore, Jr. as chairman, appealed in the Courier for help to build a monument to the Clarke men "who were slain in battle, or died from wounds received, or sickness contracted" in the war.
What the source supports
The survivors' plan for a monument and who led it.
Uncertainty
An appeal in the committee's own words; it did not yet say where the monument would stand.
Source
Evidence role: supports. The decision to build.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 18, 1885, page 4: "Confederate Monument. To our Fellow Citizens of Clarke County," an appeal signed by the survivors' committee
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1885-06-18 (publication)
Locator: Page 4, "Confederate Monument"
Relevant passageAt the late meeting of the survivors of the Clarke Cavalry, it was determined to erect a suitable monument to the memory of our county men, and others members of military organizations from this county, who were slain in battle, or died from wounds received, or sickness contracted in the military service of their country during the late war.
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
Evidence role: supports. The chairman.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 18, 1885, page 4: "Confederate Monument. To our Fellow Citizens of Clarke County," an appeal signed by the survivors' committee
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1885-06-18 (publication)
Locator: Page 4, "Confederate Monument," the signature
Relevant passageA. Moore, Jr., Ch'n.
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
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Source note: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., 1885
A guest at the 1885 reunion wrote to the Courier that it was "possibly just a little grating" to the old infantrymen to be "left out in the cold" while the cavalry raised the monument, but that the cavalry reunion was the best working association for the purpose.
What the source supports
That the infantry noticed being left out.
Uncertainty
One writer's view.
Source
Evidence role: supports. The letter.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., August 27, 1885, page 3: a communicated letter on the Clarke Cavalry's reunion at Greenway Court
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1885-08-27 (publication)
Locator: Page 3, the letter on the reunion at Greenway Court
Relevant passageIt was possibly just a little grating to the feelings of old infantrymen to find themselves quietly "left out in the cold" in such an arrangement; but on consideration it will appear, that to carry out this desirable object, it is necessary to have a working association; and this can probably be better effected through the Cavalry reunion than in any other way.
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
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Source note: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., 1886
In March 1886 the Courier reported that the Legislature had passed bills to incorporate the association and to let the county's Board of Supervisors give it ground in the court-yard square for a monument to the Confederate dead.
What the source supports
The legal footing for the monument.
Uncertainty
A one-sentence report; the acts themselves were not read for this story.
Source
Evidence role: supports. The two bills.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., March 4, 1886, page 3: "Briefs"
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1886-03-04 (publication)
Locator: Page 3, "Briefs"
Relevant passageBoth houses of the Legislature have passed the bills to incorporate the association of the Survivors of the Clarke Cavalry, and to give to the Board of Supervisors of this county the power to convey to the said association enough ground in the court-yard square to erect a monument to the memory of the Confederate dead.
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
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Source note: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., 1900
The monument to the Confederate dead of Clarke County was unveiled on Saturday, July 21, 1900, the Courier reported.
What the source supports
The date of the unveiling.
Uncertainty
The report is written in the language of the day; only the date is taken from it here.
Source
Evidence role: supports. The unveiling.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., July 25, 1900, page 3: "Good Speeches, Fine Music," on the unveiling of the Confederate monument
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1900-07-25 (publication)
Locator: Page 3, "Good Speeches, Fine Music"
Relevant passageThis imperishable tribute to the Confederate dead of Clarke county was unveiled Saturday last, the 21st day of July,
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
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The survivors' committee, A. Moore, Jr., chairman, asks the county's help with a monument to its dead.
What this image does and does not showA crop of part of one page; the rest of the page is not shown.
Clarke Courier (Berryville, Va.), June 18, 1885, page 4. Library of Congress, Chronicling America. Rights Changes: Cropped from the Library of Congress page image to the region of this item: 879 by 1638 pixels, shown at its own 879 by 1638 pixels; re-encoded as JPEG. Nothing retouched or added.
Source: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 18, 1885, page 4: "Confederate Monument. To our Fellow Citizens of Clarke County," an appeal signed by the survivors' committee Open the full image
Bringing Topper home
In June 1885 the survivors brought home one of their own. F. P. Topper, "a Pennsylvanian," had fallen near Luray in 1864 and been buried there. His remains came to Berryville on the 10:38 train, and the Clarke Rifles escorted them to Grace Episcopal Church, where they lay under guard until three o'clock. Then the survivors of the company, under the command of Capt. J. McK. Kennerly, veterans of other commands under T. D. Gold, and townspeople on foot and in carriages followed the hearse to Green Hill, in "one of the largest processions that ever entered the cemetery," the Courier said.
Source note: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., 1885
In June 1885 the survivors brought home the remains of F. P. Topper, "a Pennsylvanian" of the company who had fallen near Luray in 1864; the Clarke Rifles escorted them to Grace Episcopal Church to lie under guard, and the survivors, other veterans under T. D. Gold, and citizens followed the hearse to Green Hill in one of the largest processions the cemetery had seen, the Courier reported.
What the source supports
Topper's reburial and who carried it out.
Uncertainty
The paper's words for the cause are its own, of 1885.
Source
Evidence role: supports. The remains and who arranged their return.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 25, 1885, page 3: "Reinterment of Topper's Remains"
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1885-06-25 (publication)
Locator: Page 3, "Reinterment of Topper's Remains"
Relevant passageThe remains of F. P. Topper—a Pennsylvanian who died in defence of the lost cause—which had been lying near Luray, where he fell and was buried in 1864, were brought to this place on Saturday last and reinterred with military honors—the arrangements originating with and being conducted by the survivors of the Clarke Cavalry, C. S. A., to which command he belonged.
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
Evidence role: supports. Under guard at Grace Church.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 25, 1885, page 3: "Reinterment of Topper's Remains"
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1885-06-25 (publication)
Locator: Page 3, "Reinterment of Topper's Remains"
Relevant passageTopper's remains reached here on the 10:38 train, and were escorted by the Clarke Rifles from the depot to Grace Episcopal Church, where they were placed under guard until the hour for reinterment—3 o'clock in the afternoon.
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
Evidence role: supports. The procession.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 25, 1885, page 3: "Reinterment of Topper's Remains"
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1885-06-25 (publication)
Locator: Page 3, "Reinterment of Topper's Remains"
Relevant passageFollowing the hearse were the survivors of the Clarke Cavalry, under command of Capt. J. McK. Kennerly, soldiers of other regiments and battallions, under charge of Mr. T. D. Gold, and citizens on foot and in carriages, the whole—making one of the largest processions that ever entered the cemetery
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
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"Reinterment of Topper's Remains": the survivors bring a comrade home from Luray, twenty-one years after he fell.
What this image does and does not showA crop of part of one page; the rest of the page is not shown.
Clarke Courier (Berryville, Va.), June 25, 1885, page 3. Library of Congress, Chronicling America. Rights Changes: Cropped from the Library of Congress page image to the region of this item: 851 by 1855 pixels, shown at its own 851 by 1855 pixels; re-encoded as JPEG. Nothing retouched or added.
Source: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 25, 1885, page 3: "Reinterment of Topper's Remains" Open the full image
Around the festive board
The reunions were where the company told its war. In August 1888 A. Moore, Jr. read his own narrative of the company's charge at Trevilian Station, and the Courier printed it. They were also feasts. A guest who had been to three of them wrote in 1891 that "Time has left its impress upon many of these old soldiers," and that they would "one by one drop from the ranks." But once a year, he wrote, the hardships of the war were "almost forgotten in the pleasure of meeting around the festive board."
Source note: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., 1888
At the reunion of August 22, 1888, A. Moore, Jr. read his own narrative of the company's charge at Trevilian Station, which the Courier printed.
What the source supports
That the reunions were where the company told its war.
Uncertainty
Only the editor's note is used here, not the narrative.
Source
Evidence role: supports. The narrative and its author.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., August 30, 1888, page 1: the editor's note introducing A. Moore, Jr.'s narrative of the Clarke Cavalry at Trevilian Station
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1888-08-30 (publication)
Locator: Page 1, the editor's note before the narrative
Relevant passageThe following narrative of the heroic charge of the Clarke Cavalry at Travilians Station was written by A. Moore, Jr.,
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
Evidence role: supports. Read at the reunion.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., August 30, 1888, page 1: the editor's note introducing A. Moore, Jr.'s narrative of the Clarke Cavalry at Trevilian Station
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1888-08-30 (publication)
Locator: Page 1, the editor's note before the narrative
Relevant passageand read by him before the annual reunion of the survivors of that command held on the 22nd of August, 1888.
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
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Source note: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., 1891
A guest who had been to three reunions wrote in 1891 that "Time has left its impress upon many of these old soldiers" and that they would "one by one drop from the ranks," but that once a year the hardships of the war were "almost forgotten in the pleasure of meeting around the festive board."
What the source supports
How the reunions looked to a guest.
Uncertainty
One writer's view.
Source
Evidence role: supports. The letter.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., August 20, 1891, page 3: "Clarke Cavalry Reunion," a communicated letter
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1891-08-20 (publication)
Locator: Page 3, "Clarke Cavalry Reunion"
Relevant passageTime has left its impress upon many of these old soldiers, the lengthening shadows admonish them that as the years roll by, they will one by one drop from the ranks; but it is a pleasant reflection that, at least once each year, to the survivors the hardships and dangers through which they have passed are almost forgotten in the pleasure of meeting around the festive board.
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
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A guest at three reunions: once a year the war's hardships were "almost forgotten in the pleasure of meeting around the festive board."
What this image does and does not showA crop of part of one page; the rest of the page is not shown.
Clarke Courier (Berryville, Va.), August 20, 1891, page 3. Library of Congress, Chronicling America. Rights Changes: Cropped from the Library of Congress page image to the region of this item: 708 by 629 pixels, shown at its own 708 by 629 pixels; re-encoded as JPEG. Nothing retouched or added.
Source: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., August 20, 1891, page 3: "Clarke Cavalry Reunion," a communicated letter Open the full image
Answering the roll
Many reunions opened with a roll call, and the Courier printed the names. In 1896 "Thirty-two survivors of the gallant old company" attended. At the twentieth reunion, in 1903, the members stood bareheaded while "the roll of the honored dead was called." Two years later only sixteen came, and six had died since the summer before.
At the 34th reunion, in August 1918, four men answered the roll: J. S. Ware, Nicholas Moore, Jos. N. Wheat and A. Moore, Jr., who had presented the association's constitution thirty-four years before.
Source note: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., 1896
At the reunion of 1896, the Courier reported, "Thirty-two survivors of the gallant old company" attended, with ex-Confederates of other commands.
What the source supports
The company's number in 1896.
Uncertainty
The paper's count.
Source
Evidence role: supports. Thirty-two.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 9, 1896, page 3: the report of the Clarke Cavalry reunion of 1896
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1896-09-09 (publication)
Locator: Page 3, the reunion report
Relevant passageThirty-two survivors of the gallant old company were in attendance with a number of ex-Confederates who had served in other commands,
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
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Source note: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., 1903
At the twentieth reunion, in 1903, the members stood bareheaded while "the roll of the honored dead was called."
What the source supports
That the reunions called the roll of the dead as well as the living.
Uncertainty
A one-sentence report.
Source
Evidence role: supports. The roll of the dead.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 2, 1903, page 1: the report of the twentieth annual reunion of the survivors of the Clarke Cavalry
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1903-09-02 (publication)
Locator: Page 1, the reunion report
Relevant passageWhile the roll of the honored dead was called, the members stood with reverence and uncovered heads.
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
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Source note: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., 1905
In August 1905 only sixteen of the survivors were present, and six members had died since the reunion of the year before, the Courier reported.
What the source supports
How fast the company was dying in 1905.
Uncertainty
The paper's counts.
Source
Evidence role: supports. Sixteen present; six dead in a year.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., August 30, 1905, page 1: the report of the Clarke Cavalry reunion of 1905
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1905-08-30 (publication)
Locator: Page 1, the reunion report
Relevant passageOnly sixteen of the survivors were present, thus emphasizing the rapidity with which they are passing away. Since the previous meeting, a year ago, six of the members have answered the last call.
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
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Source note: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., 1918
At the 34th reunion, in August 1918, four members answered the roll: J. S. Ware, Nicholas Moore, Jos. N. Wheat and A. Moore, Jr.
What the source supports
The last roll call this story found.
Uncertainty
The report names the four who answered; others living may not have attended.
Source
Evidence role: supports. The four.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 5, 1918, page 1: "Clarke Cavalry Reunion," the report of the 34th reunion
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1918-09-05 (publication)
Locator: Page 1, "Clarke Cavalry Reunion"
Relevant passagethe following members on the call of the roll answered to their name: J. S. Ware, Nicholas Moore, Jos. N. Wheat and A. Moore, Jr.
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
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"Only sixteen of the survivors were present": six had died since the year before.
What this image does and does not showA crop of part of one page; the rest of the page is not shown.
Clarke Courier (Berryville, Va.), August 30, 1905, page 1. Library of Congress, Chronicling America. Rights Changes: Cropped from the Library of Congress page image to the region of this item: 985 by 462 pixels, shown at its own 985 by 462 pixels; re-encoded as JPEG. Nothing retouched or added.
Source: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., August 30, 1905, page 1: the report of the Clarke Cavalry reunion of 1905 Open the full image

The 34th reunion, August 1918: four members answer the roll.
What this image does and does not showA crop of part of one page; the rest of the page is not shown.
Clarke Courier (Berryville, Va.), September 5, 1918, page 1. Library of Congress, Chronicling America. Rights Changes: Cropped from the Library of Congress page image to the region of this item: 723 by 351 pixels, shown at its own 723 by 351 pixels; re-encoded as JPEG. Nothing retouched or added.
Source: Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 5, 1918, page 1: "Clarke Cavalry Reunion," the report of the 34th reunion Open the full image
About the reportsWhat the evidence says
Twelve Clarke Courier items of 1884 to 1918, read on the Library of Congress page images, report the founding, the monument effort, the reburial of F. P. Topper and the reunions of the survivors of the Clarke Cavalry.
The reports are contemporary, and two letters give their writers' views. Counts are the paper's. Roll calls record attendance, not survival.
- An account exists✓ Supported by a source
The Clarke Courier of September 4, 1884 reported that the survivors of Co. D, the Clarke Cavalry, met under the trees in front of Lieut. R. O. Allen's house and formed the "Association of the survivors of the Clarke Cavalry"; 32 answered the roll.
See the evidence
✓ Supported by a sourceAn account existsThe Clarke Courier of September 4, 1884 reported that the survivors of Co. D, the Clarke Cavalry, met under the trees in front of Lieut. R. O. Allen's house and formed the "Association of the survivors of the Clarke Cavalry"; 32 answered the roll.
What the source supports
The founding of the survivors' association.
Uncertainty
The report gives "last Friday" for the meeting, not a date.
Source
Reporting Evidence role: supports. The meeting and the society's name.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 4, 1884, page 3: "Clarke Cavalry—Its Re-organization"
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1884-09-04 (publication)
Locator: Page 3, "Clarke Cavalry—Its Re-organization"
Relevant passageUnder the shade of the trees that ornament the grounds in front of Lieut. R. O. Allen's residence the survivors of Co. D, Clarke Cavalry, assembled last Friday, and there formed a society to be known as the "Association of the survivors of the Clarke Cavalry,"
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
Reporting Evidence role: supports. The constitution, presented by A. Moore, Jr.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 4, 1884, page 3: "Clarke Cavalry—Its Re-organization"
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1884-09-04 (publication)
Locator: Page 3, "Clarke Cavalry—Its Re-organization"
Relevant passageMr. A. Moore jr. from the committee appointed to draft and report a constitution and rules presented the same and they were unanimously adopted.
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
Reporting Evidence role: supports. The 32 at the roll call.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 4, 1884, page 3: "Clarke Cavalry—Its Re-organization"
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1884-09-04 (publication)
Locator: Page 3, "Clarke Cavalry—Its Re-organization"
Relevant passageAt the calling of the roll 32 responded to their names
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
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- An account exists✓ Supported by a source
In June 1885 a committee of the survivors, with A. Moore, Jr. as chairman, appealed in the Courier for help to build a monument to the Clarke men "who were slain in battle, or died from wounds received, or sickness contracted" in the war.
See the evidence
✓ Supported by a sourceAn account existsIn June 1885 a committee of the survivors, with A. Moore, Jr. as chairman, appealed in the Courier for help to build a monument to the Clarke men "who were slain in battle, or died from wounds received, or sickness contracted" in the war.
What the source supports
The survivors' plan for a monument and who led it.
Uncertainty
An appeal in the committee's own words; it did not yet say where the monument would stand.
Source
Reporting Evidence role: supports. The decision to build.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 18, 1885, page 4: "Confederate Monument. To our Fellow Citizens of Clarke County," an appeal signed by the survivors' committee
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1885-06-18 (publication)
Locator: Page 4, "Confederate Monument"
Relevant passageAt the late meeting of the survivors of the Clarke Cavalry, it was determined to erect a suitable monument to the memory of our county men, and others members of military organizations from this county, who were slain in battle, or died from wounds received, or sickness contracted in the military service of their country during the late war.
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
Reporting Evidence role: supports. The chairman.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 18, 1885, page 4: "Confederate Monument. To our Fellow Citizens of Clarke County," an appeal signed by the survivors' committee
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1885-06-18 (publication)
Locator: Page 4, "Confederate Monument," the signature
Relevant passageA. Moore, Jr., Ch'n.
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
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- An account exists✓ Supported by a source
In June 1885 the survivors brought home the remains of F. P. Topper, "a Pennsylvanian" of the company who had fallen near Luray in 1864; the Clarke Rifles escorted them to Grace Episcopal Church to lie under guard, and the survivors, other veterans under T. D. Gold, and citizens followed the hearse to Green Hill in one of the largest processions the cemetery had seen, the Courier reported.
See the evidence
✓ Supported by a sourceAn account existsIn June 1885 the survivors brought home the remains of F. P. Topper, "a Pennsylvanian" of the company who had fallen near Luray in 1864; the Clarke Rifles escorted them to Grace Episcopal Church to lie under guard, and the survivors, other veterans under T. D. Gold, and citizens followed the hearse to Green Hill in one of the largest processions the cemetery had seen, the Courier reported.
What the source supports
Topper's reburial and who carried it out.
Uncertainty
The paper's words for the cause are its own, of 1885.
Source
Reporting Evidence role: supports. The remains and who arranged their return.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 25, 1885, page 3: "Reinterment of Topper's Remains"
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1885-06-25 (publication)
Locator: Page 3, "Reinterment of Topper's Remains"
Relevant passageThe remains of F. P. Topper—a Pennsylvanian who died in defence of the lost cause—which had been lying near Luray, where he fell and was buried in 1864, were brought to this place on Saturday last and reinterred with military honors—the arrangements originating with and being conducted by the survivors of the Clarke Cavalry, C. S. A., to which command he belonged.
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
Reporting Evidence role: supports. Under guard at Grace Church.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 25, 1885, page 3: "Reinterment of Topper's Remains"
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1885-06-25 (publication)
Locator: Page 3, "Reinterment of Topper's Remains"
Relevant passageTopper's remains reached here on the 10:38 train, and were escorted by the Clarke Rifles from the depot to Grace Episcopal Church, where they were placed under guard until the hour for reinterment—3 o'clock in the afternoon.
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
Reporting Evidence role: supports. The procession.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., June 25, 1885, page 3: "Reinterment of Topper's Remains"
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1885-06-25 (publication)
Locator: Page 3, "Reinterment of Topper's Remains"
Relevant passageFollowing the hearse were the survivors of the Clarke Cavalry, under command of Capt. J. McK. Kennerly, soldiers of other regiments and battallions, under charge of Mr. T. D. Gold, and citizens on foot and in carriages, the whole—making one of the largest processions that ever entered the cemetery
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
AI-assisted source check (Claude Opus 5.5) · 2026-10-12. How this project checks its sources
- An account exists✓ Supported by a source
At the 34th reunion, in August 1918, four members answered the roll: J. S. Ware, Nicholas Moore, Jos. N. Wheat and A. Moore, Jr.
See the evidence
✓ Supported by a sourceAn account existsAt the 34th reunion, in August 1918, four members answered the roll: J. S. Ware, Nicholas Moore, Jos. N. Wheat and A. Moore, Jr.
What the source supports
The last roll call this story found.
Uncertainty
The report names the four who answered; others living may not have attended.
Source
Reporting Evidence role: supports. The four.
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va., September 5, 1918, page 1: "Clarke Cavalry Reunion," the report of the 34th reunion
Clarke Courier, Berryville, Va. · 1918-09-05 (publication)
Locator: Page 1, "Clarke Cavalry Reunion"
Relevant passagethe following members on the call of the roll answered to their name: J. S. Ware, Nicholas Moore, Jos. N. Wheat and A. Moore, Jr.
Checked: Original inspected. A digital reproduction was inspected; no original has been handled.
Open sourceSource family: clarke-courier. Multiple passages from one source are not independent witnesses.
AI-assisted source check (Claude Opus 5.5) · 2026-10-12. How this project checks its sources
Each statement above is assessed on its own evidence. Nothing here is averaged, scored or voted on, and a well-attributed account can be documented while what it describes stays unconfirmed.
Source note
This story rests on the Clarke Courier's reports and letters, 1884 to 1918, read on the Library of Congress page images. The words of the appeal and of the reports ("the lost cause," "the heroic charge") are theirs and of their time; this site does not adopt them. The roll calls show who attended, not who was living: a man absent from a list may simply have stayed home. The men named are on this site's roll of Clarke's veterans, with the years each answered the roll.
When did the Association of the Survivors of the Clarke Cavalry hold its last meeting, and who was its last member?
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Go deeper: every source under this story Follow another threadThe Clarke Rifles: Berryville's company, 1859 to 1920
The county's infantry company, the Clarke Rifles, as its comrades remembered it.