{"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Winchester+%28Va.%29+Chancery+Causes%2C+%0A1787-1936+%28bulk+1859-1936%29","last":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Winchester+%28Va.%29+Chancery+Causes%2C+%0A1787-1936+%28bulk+1859-1936%29\u0026page=1"},"meta":{"pages":{"current_page":1,"next_page":null,"prev_page":null,"total_pages":1,"limit_value":10,"offset_value":0,"total_count":4,"first_page?":true,"last_page?":true}},"data":[{"id":"vi_vi02312_c01","type":"File","attributes":{"title":"1885-004: Fairfax Colored Cemetery vs. City of Winchester, etc.:","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02312_c01#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eDispute over ownership of an African American Cemetery located in Winchester. The plaintiffs were members of John Mann Chapel, an African American Methodist Church. They asserted ownership of the cemetery and that only members of their congregation were to be buried in it. The defendants, also African American, claimed ownership of the cemetery stating their right came from the city of Winchester. They argued that the cemetery was to be for the burial of all African Americans regardless of religious affiliation. The plaintiffs accused the defendants of illegally taking possession of the cemetery to bury deceased individuals not affiliated with the church and keeping the burial fees for themselves. See also Frederick County Chancery Cause 1849-004 which involves the Grim family. The plaintiffs reference a decree from this case in their bill of complaint. \u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02312_c01#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vi_vi02312_c01","ref_ssm":["vi_vi02312_c01"],"id":"vi_vi02312_c01","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02312","_root_":"vi_vi02312","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02312","parent_ssi":"vi_vi02312","parent_ssim":["vi_vi02312"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vi_vi02312"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"text":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)","1885-004: Fairfax Colored Cemetery vs. City of Winchester, etc.:","Dispute over ownership of an African American Cemetery located in Winchester. The plaintiffs were members of John Mann Chapel, an African American Methodist Church. They asserted ownership of the cemetery and that only members of their congregation were to be buried in it. The defendants, also African American, claimed ownership of the cemetery stating their right came from the city of Winchester. They argued that the cemetery was to be for the burial of all African Americans regardless of religious affiliation. The plaintiffs accused the defendants of illegally taking possession of the cemetery to bury deceased individuals not affiliated with the church and keeping the burial fees for themselves. See also Frederick County Chancery Cause 1849-004 which involves the Grim family. The plaintiffs reference a decree from this case in their bill of complaint.\n "],"title_filing_ssi":"1885-004: Fairfax Colored Cemetery vs. City of Winchester, etc.:","title_ssm":["1885-004: Fairfax Colored Cemetery vs. City of Winchester, etc.:"],"title_tesim":["1885-004: Fairfax Colored Cemetery vs. City of Winchester, etc.:"],"normalized_title_ssm":["1885-004: Fairfax Colored Cemetery vs. City of Winchester, etc.:"],"component_level_isim":[1],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"collection_ssim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["File"],"level_ssim":["File"],"sort_isi":1,"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eDispute over ownership of an African American Cemetery located in Winchester. The plaintiffs were members of John Mann Chapel, an African American Methodist Church. They asserted ownership of the cemetery and that only members of their congregation were to be buried in it. The defendants, also African American, claimed ownership of the cemetery stating their right came from the city of Winchester. They argued that the cemetery was to be for the burial of all African Americans regardless of religious affiliation. The plaintiffs accused the defendants of illegally taking possession of the cemetery to bury deceased individuals not affiliated with the church and keeping the burial fees for themselves. See also Frederick County Chancery Cause 1849-004 which involves the Grim family. The plaintiffs reference a decree from this case in their bill of complaint.\n \u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Dispute over ownership of an African American Cemetery located in Winchester. The plaintiffs were members of John Mann Chapel, an African American Methodist Church. They asserted ownership of the cemetery and that only members of their congregation were to be buried in it. The defendants, also African American, claimed ownership of the cemetery stating their right came from the city of Winchester. They argued that the cemetery was to be for the burial of all African Americans regardless of religious affiliation. The plaintiffs accused the defendants of illegally taking possession of the cemetery to bury deceased individuals not affiliated with the church and keeping the burial fees for themselves. See also Frederick County Chancery Cause 1849-004 which involves the Grim family. The plaintiffs reference a decree from this case in their bill of complaint.\n "],"_nest_path_":"/components#0","timestamp":"2026-05-21T09:38:24.659Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vi_vi02312","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02312","_root_":"vi_vi02312","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02312","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/lva/vi02312.xml","title_ssm":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"title_tesim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"text":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)","14.75 cubic feet (32 boxes); Digital images.","Patrons are to use digital images of Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes found on the  Chancery Records Index  available electronically at the website of the Library of Virginia.\n","Organized by case, of which each is assigned a unique index number comprised of the latest year found in case and a sequentially increasing 3-digit number assigned by the processor as cases for that year are found. Arranged chronologically.  \n","Arrangement of documents within each folder is as follows: Bill, Answer, and Final Decree (if found).","Context of Record type:  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; however, the judge is basing the decision on findings compiled and documented by Commissioners. Chancery causes are useful when researching local history, genealogical information, and land or estate divisions. They are a valuable source of local, state, social, and legal history and serve as a primary source for understanding a locality's history. Chancery causes document the lived experiences of free and enslaved individuals; women; children; people living with physical disabilities or mental health struggles; people living in poverty; defunct institutions and corporate entities; or those that may not have otherwise left traditional written histories.","Locality History:  Winchester, in Frederick County, was first known as Opequon, then as Frederick's Town (or Fredericktown), and, finally, on establishment as a town in 1752, as Winchester. According to tradition, one of the town's founders, James Wood, named the town in honor of his birthplace in England. Winchester was incorporated as a town in 1779 and as a city in 1874.\n"," Processed by E. Woodward in 2000.","Encoded by G. Crawford: 2009; Updated by E. Swain: June 2024.","Additional Winchester Court Records can be found on microfilm at The Library of Virginia web site. Consult  \"A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm.\"","See also  Frederick County (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1860-1912.","Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936, consists of cases concerning issues of equity brought largely by residents of the county and filed in the circuit court. These cases often involve the following actions: divisions of estates or land, disputes over wills, disputes regarding contracts, debt, divorce, and business disputes. Other less prevalent issues include freedom suits, permissions to sell property, and disputes concerning trespass. Predominant documents found in these chancery causes include bills (documents the plaintiff's complaint), answers (defendant's response to the plaintiff's complaint), decrees (court's decision), depositions, affidavits, correspondence, lists of heirs, deeds, plats, wills, records involving enslaved individuals, business records or vital statistics.","The collection also includes chancery suits heard in Frederick County Circuit Court.\n","Dispute over ownership of an African American Cemetery located in Winchester. The plaintiffs were members of John Mann Chapel, an African American Methodist Church. They asserted ownership of the cemetery and that only members of their congregation were to be buried in it. The defendants, also African American, claimed ownership of the cemetery stating their right came from the city of Winchester. They argued that the cemetery was to be for the burial of all African Americans regardless of religious affiliation. The plaintiffs accused the defendants of illegally taking possession of the cemetery to bury deceased individuals not affiliated with the church and keeping the burial fees for themselves. See also Frederick County Chancery Cause 1849-004 which involves the Grim family. The plaintiffs reference a decree from this case in their bill of complaint.\n ","A divorce suit involving Russian immigrants.\n","The plaintiffs leased an auditorium from the city to show \"moving pictures.\" They wanted to show a movie titled \"The Lure.\" The mayor of Winchester claimed the \nmovie was indecent and prohibited them from screening the movie to the public. Plaintiffs questioned the legality of the Mayor's action.\n","There are no restrictions.\n","Library of Virginia\n","English\n"],"collection_title_tesim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"collection_ssim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"repository_ssm":["Library of Virginia"],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"creator_ssm":["Winchester (Va.) Circuit Court.\n"],"creator_ssim":["Winchester (Va.) Circuit Court.\n"],"acqinfo_ssim":[" These records came to the Library of Virginia in a transfer of court papers from Winchester (Va.).\n"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"physdesc_tesim":["14.75 cubic feet (32 boxes); Digital images."],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePatrons are to use digital images of Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes found on the \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"http://www.virginiamemory.com/collections/chancery/\"\u003eChancery Records Index\u003c/extref\u003e available electronically at the website of the Library of Virginia.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions\n"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Patrons are to use digital images of Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes found on the  Chancery Records Index  available electronically at the website of the Library of Virginia.\n"],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eOrganized by case, of which each is assigned a unique index number comprised of the latest year found in case and a sequentially increasing 3-digit number assigned by the processor as cases for that year are found. Arranged chronologically.  \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eArrangement of documents within each folder is as follows: Bill, Answer, and Final Decree (if found).\u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement\n"],"arrangement_tesim":["Organized by case, of which each is assigned a unique index number comprised of the latest year found in case and a sequentially increasing 3-digit number assigned by the processor as cases for that year are found. Arranged chronologically.  \n","Arrangement of documents within each folder is as follows: Bill, Answer, and Final Decree (if found)."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ctitle render=\"bold\"\u003eContext of Record type:\u003c/title\u003e 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; however, the judge is basing the decision on findings compiled and documented by Commissioners. Chancery causes are useful when researching local history, genealogical information, and land or estate divisions. They are a valuable source of local, state, social, and legal history and serve as a primary source for understanding a locality's history. Chancery causes document the lived experiences of free and enslaved individuals; women; children; people living with physical disabilities or mental health struggles; people living in poverty; defunct institutions and corporate entities; or those that may not have otherwise left traditional written histories.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ctitle render=\"bold\"\u003eLocality History:\u003c/title\u003e Winchester, in Frederick County, was first known as Opequon, then as Frederick's Town (or Fredericktown), and, finally, on establishment as a town in 1752, as Winchester. According to tradition, one of the town's founders, James Wood, named the town in honor of his birthplace in England. Winchester was incorporated as a town in 1779 and as a city in 1874.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Information\n"],"bioghist_tesim":["Context of Record type:  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; however, the judge is basing the decision on findings compiled and documented by Commissioners. Chancery causes are useful when researching local history, genealogical information, and land or estate divisions. They are a valuable source of local, state, social, and legal history and serve as a primary source for understanding a locality's history. Chancery causes document the lived experiences of free and enslaved individuals; women; children; people living with physical disabilities or mental health struggles; people living in poverty; defunct institutions and corporate entities; or those that may not have otherwise left traditional written histories.","Locality History:  Winchester, in Frederick County, was first known as Opequon, then as Frederick's Town (or Fredericktown), and, finally, on establishment as a town in 1752, as Winchester. According to tradition, one of the town's founders, James Wood, named the town in honor of his birthplace in England. Winchester was incorporated as a town in 1779 and as a city in 1874.\n"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936. (Cite style of suit and chancery index no.). Local Government Records Collection, Winchester Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 23219.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":[" Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936. (Cite style of suit and chancery index no.). Local Government Records Collection, Winchester Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 23219.\n"],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e Processed by E. Woodward in 2000.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncoded by G. Crawford: 2009; Updated by E. Swain: June 2024.\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information \n"],"processinfo_tesim":[" Processed by E. Woodward in 2000.","Encoded by G. Crawford: 2009; Updated by E. Swain: June 2024."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAdditional Winchester Court Records can be found on microfilm at The Library of Virginia web site. Consult \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/local/results_all.asp?CountyID=VA840\"\u003e\"A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm.\"\u003c/extref\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSee also \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=lva/vi03945.xml\"\u003eFrederick County (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1860-1912.\u003c/extref\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Material\n"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Additional Winchester Court Records can be found on microfilm at The Library of Virginia web site. Consult  \"A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm.\"","See also  Frederick County (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1860-1912."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWinchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936, consists of cases concerning issues of equity brought largely by residents of the county and filed in the circuit court. These cases often involve the following actions: divisions of estates or land, disputes over wills, disputes regarding contracts, debt, divorce, and business disputes. Other less prevalent issues include freedom suits, permissions to sell property, and disputes concerning trespass. Predominant documents found in these chancery causes include bills (documents the plaintiff's complaint), answers (defendant's response to the plaintiff's complaint), decrees (court's decision), depositions, affidavits, correspondence, lists of heirs, deeds, plats, wills, records involving enslaved individuals, business records or vital statistics.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe collection also includes chancery suits heard in Frederick County Circuit Court.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDispute over ownership of an African American Cemetery located in Winchester. The plaintiffs were members of John Mann Chapel, an African American Methodist Church. They asserted ownership of the cemetery and that only members of their congregation were to be buried in it. The defendants, also African American, claimed ownership of the cemetery stating their right came from the city of Winchester. They argued that the cemetery was to be for the burial of all African Americans regardless of religious affiliation. The plaintiffs accused the defendants of illegally taking possession of the cemetery to bury deceased individuals not affiliated with the church and keeping the burial fees for themselves. See also Frederick County Chancery Cause 1849-004 which involves the Grim family. The plaintiffs reference a decree from this case in their bill of complaint.\n \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA divorce suit involving Russian immigrants.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe plaintiffs leased an auditorium from the city to show \"moving pictures.\" They wanted to show a movie titled \"The Lure.\" The mayor of Winchester claimed the \nmovie was indecent and prohibited them from screening the movie to the public. Plaintiffs questioned the legality of the Mayor's action.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Content\n"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936, consists of cases concerning issues of equity brought largely by residents of the county and filed in the circuit court. These cases often involve the following actions: divisions of estates or land, disputes over wills, disputes regarding contracts, debt, divorce, and business disputes. Other less prevalent issues include freedom suits, permissions to sell property, and disputes concerning trespass. Predominant documents found in these chancery causes include bills (documents the plaintiff's complaint), answers (defendant's response to the plaintiff's complaint), decrees (court's decision), depositions, affidavits, correspondence, lists of heirs, deeds, plats, wills, records involving enslaved individuals, business records or vital statistics.","The collection also includes chancery suits heard in Frederick County Circuit Court.\n","Dispute over ownership of an African American Cemetery located in Winchester. The plaintiffs were members of John Mann Chapel, an African American Methodist Church. They asserted ownership of the cemetery and that only members of their congregation were to be buried in it. The defendants, also African American, claimed ownership of the cemetery stating their right came from the city of Winchester. They argued that the cemetery was to be for the burial of all African Americans regardless of religious affiliation. The plaintiffs accused the defendants of illegally taking possession of the cemetery to bury deceased individuals not affiliated with the church and keeping the burial fees for themselves. See also Frederick County Chancery Cause 1849-004 which involves the Grim family. The plaintiffs reference a decree from this case in their bill of complaint.\n ","A divorce suit involving Russian immigrants.\n","The plaintiffs leased an auditorium from the city to show \"moving pictures.\" They wanted to show a movie titled \"The Lure.\" The mayor of Winchester claimed the \nmovie was indecent and prohibited them from screening the movie to the public. Plaintiffs questioned the legality of the Mayor's action.\n"],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Use Restrictions\n"],"userestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc label=\"Location\"\u003eLibrary of Virginia\n\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Library of Virginia\n"],"language_ssim":["English\n"],"total_component_count_is":3,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T09:38:24.659Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02312_c01"}},{"id":"vi_vi02312_c02","type":"File","attributes":{"title":"1901-003: Abram D. Toporosky vs. Rosie Ziman Toporosky:","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02312_c02#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eA divorce suit involving Russian immigrants. \u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02312_c02#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vi_vi02312_c02","ref_ssm":["vi_vi02312_c02"],"id":"vi_vi02312_c02","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02312","_root_":"vi_vi02312","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02312","parent_ssi":"vi_vi02312","parent_ssim":["vi_vi02312"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vi_vi02312"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"text":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)","1901-003: Abram D. Toporosky vs. Rosie Ziman Toporosky:","A divorce suit involving Russian immigrants.\n"],"title_filing_ssi":"1901-003: Abram D. Toporosky vs. Rosie Ziman Toporosky:","title_ssm":["1901-003: Abram D. Toporosky vs. Rosie Ziman Toporosky:"],"title_tesim":["1901-003: Abram D. Toporosky vs. Rosie Ziman Toporosky:"],"normalized_title_ssm":["1901-003: Abram D. Toporosky vs. Rosie Ziman Toporosky:"],"component_level_isim":[1],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"collection_ssim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["File"],"level_ssim":["File"],"sort_isi":2,"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eA divorce suit involving Russian immigrants.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_tesim":["A divorce suit involving Russian immigrants.\n"],"_nest_path_":"/components#1","timestamp":"2026-05-21T09:38:24.659Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vi_vi02312","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02312","_root_":"vi_vi02312","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02312","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/lva/vi02312.xml","title_ssm":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"title_tesim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"text":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)","14.75 cubic feet (32 boxes); Digital images.","Patrons are to use digital images of Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes found on the  Chancery Records Index  available electronically at the website of the Library of Virginia.\n","Organized by case, of which each is assigned a unique index number comprised of the latest year found in case and a sequentially increasing 3-digit number assigned by the processor as cases for that year are found. Arranged chronologically.  \n","Arrangement of documents within each folder is as follows: Bill, Answer, and Final Decree (if found).","Context of Record type:  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; however, the judge is basing the decision on findings compiled and documented by Commissioners. Chancery causes are useful when researching local history, genealogical information, and land or estate divisions. They are a valuable source of local, state, social, and legal history and serve as a primary source for understanding a locality's history. Chancery causes document the lived experiences of free and enslaved individuals; women; children; people living with physical disabilities or mental health struggles; people living in poverty; defunct institutions and corporate entities; or those that may not have otherwise left traditional written histories.","Locality History:  Winchester, in Frederick County, was first known as Opequon, then as Frederick's Town (or Fredericktown), and, finally, on establishment as a town in 1752, as Winchester. According to tradition, one of the town's founders, James Wood, named the town in honor of his birthplace in England. Winchester was incorporated as a town in 1779 and as a city in 1874.\n"," Processed by E. Woodward in 2000.","Encoded by G. Crawford: 2009; Updated by E. Swain: June 2024.","Additional Winchester Court Records can be found on microfilm at The Library of Virginia web site. Consult  \"A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm.\"","See also  Frederick County (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1860-1912.","Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936, consists of cases concerning issues of equity brought largely by residents of the county and filed in the circuit court. These cases often involve the following actions: divisions of estates or land, disputes over wills, disputes regarding contracts, debt, divorce, and business disputes. Other less prevalent issues include freedom suits, permissions to sell property, and disputes concerning trespass. Predominant documents found in these chancery causes include bills (documents the plaintiff's complaint), answers (defendant's response to the plaintiff's complaint), decrees (court's decision), depositions, affidavits, correspondence, lists of heirs, deeds, plats, wills, records involving enslaved individuals, business records or vital statistics.","The collection also includes chancery suits heard in Frederick County Circuit Court.\n","Dispute over ownership of an African American Cemetery located in Winchester. The plaintiffs were members of John Mann Chapel, an African American Methodist Church. They asserted ownership of the cemetery and that only members of their congregation were to be buried in it. The defendants, also African American, claimed ownership of the cemetery stating their right came from the city of Winchester. They argued that the cemetery was to be for the burial of all African Americans regardless of religious affiliation. The plaintiffs accused the defendants of illegally taking possession of the cemetery to bury deceased individuals not affiliated with the church and keeping the burial fees for themselves. See also Frederick County Chancery Cause 1849-004 which involves the Grim family. The plaintiffs reference a decree from this case in their bill of complaint.\n ","A divorce suit involving Russian immigrants.\n","The plaintiffs leased an auditorium from the city to show \"moving pictures.\" They wanted to show a movie titled \"The Lure.\" The mayor of Winchester claimed the \nmovie was indecent and prohibited them from screening the movie to the public. Plaintiffs questioned the legality of the Mayor's action.\n","There are no restrictions.\n","Library of Virginia\n","English\n"],"collection_title_tesim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"collection_ssim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"repository_ssm":["Library of Virginia"],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"creator_ssm":["Winchester (Va.) Circuit Court.\n"],"creator_ssim":["Winchester (Va.) Circuit Court.\n"],"acqinfo_ssim":[" These records came to the Library of Virginia in a transfer of court papers from Winchester (Va.).\n"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"physdesc_tesim":["14.75 cubic feet (32 boxes); Digital images."],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePatrons are to use digital images of Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes found on the \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"http://www.virginiamemory.com/collections/chancery/\"\u003eChancery Records Index\u003c/extref\u003e available electronically at the website of the Library of Virginia.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions\n"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Patrons are to use digital images of Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes found on the  Chancery Records Index  available electronically at the website of the Library of Virginia.\n"],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eOrganized by case, of which each is assigned a unique index number comprised of the latest year found in case and a sequentially increasing 3-digit number assigned by the processor as cases for that year are found. Arranged chronologically.  \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eArrangement of documents within each folder is as follows: Bill, Answer, and Final Decree (if found).\u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement\n"],"arrangement_tesim":["Organized by case, of which each is assigned a unique index number comprised of the latest year found in case and a sequentially increasing 3-digit number assigned by the processor as cases for that year are found. Arranged chronologically.  \n","Arrangement of documents within each folder is as follows: Bill, Answer, and Final Decree (if found)."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ctitle render=\"bold\"\u003eContext of Record type:\u003c/title\u003e 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; however, the judge is basing the decision on findings compiled and documented by Commissioners. Chancery causes are useful when researching local history, genealogical information, and land or estate divisions. They are a valuable source of local, state, social, and legal history and serve as a primary source for understanding a locality's history. Chancery causes document the lived experiences of free and enslaved individuals; women; children; people living with physical disabilities or mental health struggles; people living in poverty; defunct institutions and corporate entities; or those that may not have otherwise left traditional written histories.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ctitle render=\"bold\"\u003eLocality History:\u003c/title\u003e Winchester, in Frederick County, was first known as Opequon, then as Frederick's Town (or Fredericktown), and, finally, on establishment as a town in 1752, as Winchester. According to tradition, one of the town's founders, James Wood, named the town in honor of his birthplace in England. Winchester was incorporated as a town in 1779 and as a city in 1874.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Information\n"],"bioghist_tesim":["Context of Record type:  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; however, the judge is basing the decision on findings compiled and documented by Commissioners. Chancery causes are useful when researching local history, genealogical information, and land or estate divisions. They are a valuable source of local, state, social, and legal history and serve as a primary source for understanding a locality's history. Chancery causes document the lived experiences of free and enslaved individuals; women; children; people living with physical disabilities or mental health struggles; people living in poverty; defunct institutions and corporate entities; or those that may not have otherwise left traditional written histories.","Locality History:  Winchester, in Frederick County, was first known as Opequon, then as Frederick's Town (or Fredericktown), and, finally, on establishment as a town in 1752, as Winchester. According to tradition, one of the town's founders, James Wood, named the town in honor of his birthplace in England. Winchester was incorporated as a town in 1779 and as a city in 1874.\n"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936. (Cite style of suit and chancery index no.). Local Government Records Collection, Winchester Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 23219.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":[" Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936. (Cite style of suit and chancery index no.). Local Government Records Collection, Winchester Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 23219.\n"],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e Processed by E. Woodward in 2000.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncoded by G. Crawford: 2009; Updated by E. Swain: June 2024.\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information \n"],"processinfo_tesim":[" Processed by E. Woodward in 2000.","Encoded by G. Crawford: 2009; Updated by E. Swain: June 2024."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAdditional Winchester Court Records can be found on microfilm at The Library of Virginia web site. Consult \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/local/results_all.asp?CountyID=VA840\"\u003e\"A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm.\"\u003c/extref\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSee also \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=lva/vi03945.xml\"\u003eFrederick County (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1860-1912.\u003c/extref\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Material\n"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Additional Winchester Court Records can be found on microfilm at The Library of Virginia web site. Consult  \"A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm.\"","See also  Frederick County (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1860-1912."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWinchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936, consists of cases concerning issues of equity brought largely by residents of the county and filed in the circuit court. These cases often involve the following actions: divisions of estates or land, disputes over wills, disputes regarding contracts, debt, divorce, and business disputes. Other less prevalent issues include freedom suits, permissions to sell property, and disputes concerning trespass. Predominant documents found in these chancery causes include bills (documents the plaintiff's complaint), answers (defendant's response to the plaintiff's complaint), decrees (court's decision), depositions, affidavits, correspondence, lists of heirs, deeds, plats, wills, records involving enslaved individuals, business records or vital statistics.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe collection also includes chancery suits heard in Frederick County Circuit Court.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDispute over ownership of an African American Cemetery located in Winchester. The plaintiffs were members of John Mann Chapel, an African American Methodist Church. They asserted ownership of the cemetery and that only members of their congregation were to be buried in it. The defendants, also African American, claimed ownership of the cemetery stating their right came from the city of Winchester. They argued that the cemetery was to be for the burial of all African Americans regardless of religious affiliation. The plaintiffs accused the defendants of illegally taking possession of the cemetery to bury deceased individuals not affiliated with the church and keeping the burial fees for themselves. See also Frederick County Chancery Cause 1849-004 which involves the Grim family. The plaintiffs reference a decree from this case in their bill of complaint.\n \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA divorce suit involving Russian immigrants.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe plaintiffs leased an auditorium from the city to show \"moving pictures.\" They wanted to show a movie titled \"The Lure.\" The mayor of Winchester claimed the \nmovie was indecent and prohibited them from screening the movie to the public. Plaintiffs questioned the legality of the Mayor's action.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Content\n"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936, consists of cases concerning issues of equity brought largely by residents of the county and filed in the circuit court. These cases often involve the following actions: divisions of estates or land, disputes over wills, disputes regarding contracts, debt, divorce, and business disputes. Other less prevalent issues include freedom suits, permissions to sell property, and disputes concerning trespass. Predominant documents found in these chancery causes include bills (documents the plaintiff's complaint), answers (defendant's response to the plaintiff's complaint), decrees (court's decision), depositions, affidavits, correspondence, lists of heirs, deeds, plats, wills, records involving enslaved individuals, business records or vital statistics.","The collection also includes chancery suits heard in Frederick County Circuit Court.\n","Dispute over ownership of an African American Cemetery located in Winchester. The plaintiffs were members of John Mann Chapel, an African American Methodist Church. They asserted ownership of the cemetery and that only members of their congregation were to be buried in it. The defendants, also African American, claimed ownership of the cemetery stating their right came from the city of Winchester. They argued that the cemetery was to be for the burial of all African Americans regardless of religious affiliation. The plaintiffs accused the defendants of illegally taking possession of the cemetery to bury deceased individuals not affiliated with the church and keeping the burial fees for themselves. See also Frederick County Chancery Cause 1849-004 which involves the Grim family. The plaintiffs reference a decree from this case in their bill of complaint.\n ","A divorce suit involving Russian immigrants.\n","The plaintiffs leased an auditorium from the city to show \"moving pictures.\" They wanted to show a movie titled \"The Lure.\" The mayor of Winchester claimed the \nmovie was indecent and prohibited them from screening the movie to the public. Plaintiffs questioned the legality of the Mayor's action.\n"],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Use Restrictions\n"],"userestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc label=\"Location\"\u003eLibrary of Virginia\n\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Library of Virginia\n"],"language_ssim":["English\n"],"total_component_count_is":3,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T09:38:24.659Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02312_c02"}},{"id":"vi_vi02312_c03","type":"File","attributes":{"title":"1914-005: Fred H. and Heman H. Hable vs. Mayor of Winchester:","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02312_c03#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThe plaintiffs leased an auditorium from the city to show \"moving pictures.\" They wanted to show a movie titled \"The Lure.\" The mayor of Winchester claimed the movie was indecent and prohibited them from screening the movie to the public. Plaintiffs questioned the legality of the Mayor's action. \u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02312_c03#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vi_vi02312_c03","ref_ssm":["vi_vi02312_c03"],"id":"vi_vi02312_c03","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02312","_root_":"vi_vi02312","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02312","parent_ssi":"vi_vi02312","parent_ssim":["vi_vi02312"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vi_vi02312"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"text":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)","1914-005: Fred H. and Heman H. Hable vs. Mayor of Winchester:","The plaintiffs leased an auditorium from the city to show \"moving pictures.\" They wanted to show a movie titled \"The Lure.\" The mayor of Winchester claimed the \nmovie was indecent and prohibited them from screening the movie to the public. Plaintiffs questioned the legality of the Mayor's action.\n"],"title_filing_ssi":"1914-005: Fred H. and Heman H. Hable vs. Mayor of Winchester:  \n","title_ssm":["1914-005: Fred H. and Heman H. Hable vs. Mayor of Winchester:"],"title_tesim":["1914-005: Fred H. and Heman H. Hable vs. Mayor of Winchester:"],"normalized_title_ssm":["1914-005: Fred H. and Heman H. Hable vs. Mayor of Winchester:"],"component_level_isim":[1],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"collection_ssim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["File"],"level_ssim":["File"],"sort_isi":3,"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe plaintiffs leased an auditorium from the city to show \"moving pictures.\" They wanted to show a movie titled \"The Lure.\" The mayor of Winchester claimed the \nmovie was indecent and prohibited them from screening the movie to the public. Plaintiffs questioned the legality of the Mayor's action.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The plaintiffs leased an auditorium from the city to show \"moving pictures.\" They wanted to show a movie titled \"The Lure.\" The mayor of Winchester claimed the \nmovie was indecent and prohibited them from screening the movie to the public. Plaintiffs questioned the legality of the Mayor's action.\n"],"_nest_path_":"/components#2","timestamp":"2026-05-21T09:38:24.659Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vi_vi02312","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02312","_root_":"vi_vi02312","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02312","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/lva/vi02312.xml","title_ssm":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"title_tesim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"text":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)","14.75 cubic feet (32 boxes); Digital images.","Patrons are to use digital images of Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes found on the  Chancery Records Index  available electronically at the website of the Library of Virginia.\n","Organized by case, of which each is assigned a unique index number comprised of the latest year found in case and a sequentially increasing 3-digit number assigned by the processor as cases for that year are found. Arranged chronologically.  \n","Arrangement of documents within each folder is as follows: Bill, Answer, and Final Decree (if found).","Context of Record type:  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; however, the judge is basing the decision on findings compiled and documented by Commissioners. Chancery causes are useful when researching local history, genealogical information, and land or estate divisions. They are a valuable source of local, state, social, and legal history and serve as a primary source for understanding a locality's history. Chancery causes document the lived experiences of free and enslaved individuals; women; children; people living with physical disabilities or mental health struggles; people living in poverty; defunct institutions and corporate entities; or those that may not have otherwise left traditional written histories.","Locality History:  Winchester, in Frederick County, was first known as Opequon, then as Frederick's Town (or Fredericktown), and, finally, on establishment as a town in 1752, as Winchester. According to tradition, one of the town's founders, James Wood, named the town in honor of his birthplace in England. Winchester was incorporated as a town in 1779 and as a city in 1874.\n"," Processed by E. Woodward in 2000.","Encoded by G. Crawford: 2009; Updated by E. Swain: June 2024.","Additional Winchester Court Records can be found on microfilm at The Library of Virginia web site. Consult  \"A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm.\"","See also  Frederick County (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1860-1912.","Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936, consists of cases concerning issues of equity brought largely by residents of the county and filed in the circuit court. These cases often involve the following actions: divisions of estates or land, disputes over wills, disputes regarding contracts, debt, divorce, and business disputes. Other less prevalent issues include freedom suits, permissions to sell property, and disputes concerning trespass. Predominant documents found in these chancery causes include bills (documents the plaintiff's complaint), answers (defendant's response to the plaintiff's complaint), decrees (court's decision), depositions, affidavits, correspondence, lists of heirs, deeds, plats, wills, records involving enslaved individuals, business records or vital statistics.","The collection also includes chancery suits heard in Frederick County Circuit Court.\n","Dispute over ownership of an African American Cemetery located in Winchester. The plaintiffs were members of John Mann Chapel, an African American Methodist Church. They asserted ownership of the cemetery and that only members of their congregation were to be buried in it. The defendants, also African American, claimed ownership of the cemetery stating their right came from the city of Winchester. They argued that the cemetery was to be for the burial of all African Americans regardless of religious affiliation. The plaintiffs accused the defendants of illegally taking possession of the cemetery to bury deceased individuals not affiliated with the church and keeping the burial fees for themselves. See also Frederick County Chancery Cause 1849-004 which involves the Grim family. The plaintiffs reference a decree from this case in their bill of complaint.\n ","A divorce suit involving Russian immigrants.\n","The plaintiffs leased an auditorium from the city to show \"moving pictures.\" They wanted to show a movie titled \"The Lure.\" The mayor of Winchester claimed the \nmovie was indecent and prohibited them from screening the movie to the public. Plaintiffs questioned the legality of the Mayor's action.\n","There are no restrictions.\n","Library of Virginia\n","English\n"],"collection_title_tesim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"collection_ssim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"repository_ssm":["Library of Virginia"],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"creator_ssm":["Winchester (Va.) Circuit Court.\n"],"creator_ssim":["Winchester (Va.) Circuit Court.\n"],"acqinfo_ssim":[" These records came to the Library of Virginia in a transfer of court papers from Winchester (Va.).\n"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"physdesc_tesim":["14.75 cubic feet (32 boxes); Digital images."],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePatrons are to use digital images of Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes found on the \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"http://www.virginiamemory.com/collections/chancery/\"\u003eChancery Records Index\u003c/extref\u003e available electronically at the website of the Library of Virginia.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions\n"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Patrons are to use digital images of Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes found on the  Chancery Records Index  available electronically at the website of the Library of Virginia.\n"],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eOrganized by case, of which each is assigned a unique index number comprised of the latest year found in case and a sequentially increasing 3-digit number assigned by the processor as cases for that year are found. Arranged chronologically.  \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eArrangement of documents within each folder is as follows: Bill, Answer, and Final Decree (if found).\u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement\n"],"arrangement_tesim":["Organized by case, of which each is assigned a unique index number comprised of the latest year found in case and a sequentially increasing 3-digit number assigned by the processor as cases for that year are found. Arranged chronologically.  \n","Arrangement of documents within each folder is as follows: Bill, Answer, and Final Decree (if found)."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ctitle render=\"bold\"\u003eContext of Record type:\u003c/title\u003e 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; however, the judge is basing the decision on findings compiled and documented by Commissioners. Chancery causes are useful when researching local history, genealogical information, and land or estate divisions. They are a valuable source of local, state, social, and legal history and serve as a primary source for understanding a locality's history. Chancery causes document the lived experiences of free and enslaved individuals; women; children; people living with physical disabilities or mental health struggles; people living in poverty; defunct institutions and corporate entities; or those that may not have otherwise left traditional written histories.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ctitle render=\"bold\"\u003eLocality History:\u003c/title\u003e Winchester, in Frederick County, was first known as Opequon, then as Frederick's Town (or Fredericktown), and, finally, on establishment as a town in 1752, as Winchester. According to tradition, one of the town's founders, James Wood, named the town in honor of his birthplace in England. Winchester was incorporated as a town in 1779 and as a city in 1874.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Information\n"],"bioghist_tesim":["Context of Record type:  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; however, the judge is basing the decision on findings compiled and documented by Commissioners. Chancery causes are useful when researching local history, genealogical information, and land or estate divisions. They are a valuable source of local, state, social, and legal history and serve as a primary source for understanding a locality's history. Chancery causes document the lived experiences of free and enslaved individuals; women; children; people living with physical disabilities or mental health struggles; people living in poverty; defunct institutions and corporate entities; or those that may not have otherwise left traditional written histories.","Locality History:  Winchester, in Frederick County, was first known as Opequon, then as Frederick's Town (or Fredericktown), and, finally, on establishment as a town in 1752, as Winchester. According to tradition, one of the town's founders, James Wood, named the town in honor of his birthplace in England. Winchester was incorporated as a town in 1779 and as a city in 1874.\n"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936. (Cite style of suit and chancery index no.). Local Government Records Collection, Winchester Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 23219.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":[" Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936. (Cite style of suit and chancery index no.). Local Government Records Collection, Winchester Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 23219.\n"],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e Processed by E. Woodward in 2000.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncoded by G. Crawford: 2009; Updated by E. Swain: June 2024.\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information \n"],"processinfo_tesim":[" Processed by E. Woodward in 2000.","Encoded by G. Crawford: 2009; Updated by E. Swain: June 2024."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAdditional Winchester Court Records can be found on microfilm at The Library of Virginia web site. Consult \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/local/results_all.asp?CountyID=VA840\"\u003e\"A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm.\"\u003c/extref\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSee also \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=lva/vi03945.xml\"\u003eFrederick County (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1860-1912.\u003c/extref\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Material\n"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Additional Winchester Court Records can be found on microfilm at The Library of Virginia web site. Consult  \"A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm.\"","See also  Frederick County (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1860-1912."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWinchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936, consists of cases concerning issues of equity brought largely by residents of the county and filed in the circuit court. These cases often involve the following actions: divisions of estates or land, disputes over wills, disputes regarding contracts, debt, divorce, and business disputes. Other less prevalent issues include freedom suits, permissions to sell property, and disputes concerning trespass. Predominant documents found in these chancery causes include bills (documents the plaintiff's complaint), answers (defendant's response to the plaintiff's complaint), decrees (court's decision), depositions, affidavits, correspondence, lists of heirs, deeds, plats, wills, records involving enslaved individuals, business records or vital statistics.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe collection also includes chancery suits heard in Frederick County Circuit Court.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDispute over ownership of an African American Cemetery located in Winchester. The plaintiffs were members of John Mann Chapel, an African American Methodist Church. They asserted ownership of the cemetery and that only members of their congregation were to be buried in it. The defendants, also African American, claimed ownership of the cemetery stating their right came from the city of Winchester. They argued that the cemetery was to be for the burial of all African Americans regardless of religious affiliation. The plaintiffs accused the defendants of illegally taking possession of the cemetery to bury deceased individuals not affiliated with the church and keeping the burial fees for themselves. See also Frederick County Chancery Cause 1849-004 which involves the Grim family. The plaintiffs reference a decree from this case in their bill of complaint.\n \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA divorce suit involving Russian immigrants.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe plaintiffs leased an auditorium from the city to show \"moving pictures.\" They wanted to show a movie titled \"The Lure.\" The mayor of Winchester claimed the \nmovie was indecent and prohibited them from screening the movie to the public. Plaintiffs questioned the legality of the Mayor's action.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Content\n"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936, consists of cases concerning issues of equity brought largely by residents of the county and filed in the circuit court. These cases often involve the following actions: divisions of estates or land, disputes over wills, disputes regarding contracts, debt, divorce, and business disputes. Other less prevalent issues include freedom suits, permissions to sell property, and disputes concerning trespass. Predominant documents found in these chancery causes include bills (documents the plaintiff's complaint), answers (defendant's response to the plaintiff's complaint), decrees (court's decision), depositions, affidavits, correspondence, lists of heirs, deeds, plats, wills, records involving enslaved individuals, business records or vital statistics.","The collection also includes chancery suits heard in Frederick County Circuit Court.\n","Dispute over ownership of an African American Cemetery located in Winchester. The plaintiffs were members of John Mann Chapel, an African American Methodist Church. They asserted ownership of the cemetery and that only members of their congregation were to be buried in it. The defendants, also African American, claimed ownership of the cemetery stating their right came from the city of Winchester. They argued that the cemetery was to be for the burial of all African Americans regardless of religious affiliation. The plaintiffs accused the defendants of illegally taking possession of the cemetery to bury deceased individuals not affiliated with the church and keeping the burial fees for themselves. See also Frederick County Chancery Cause 1849-004 which involves the Grim family. The plaintiffs reference a decree from this case in their bill of complaint.\n ","A divorce suit involving Russian immigrants.\n","The plaintiffs leased an auditorium from the city to show \"moving pictures.\" They wanted to show a movie titled \"The Lure.\" The mayor of Winchester claimed the \nmovie was indecent and prohibited them from screening the movie to the public. Plaintiffs questioned the legality of the Mayor's action.\n"],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Use Restrictions\n"],"userestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc label=\"Location\"\u003eLibrary of Virginia\n\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Library of Virginia\n"],"language_ssim":["English\n"],"total_component_count_is":3,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T09:38:24.659Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02312_c03"}},{"id":"vi_vi02312","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02312#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Winchester (Va.) Circuit Court.\n","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02312#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eWinchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936, consists of cases concerning issues of equity brought largely by residents of the county and filed in the circuit court. These cases often involve the following actions: divisions of estates or land, disputes over wills, disputes regarding contracts, debt, divorce, and business disputes. Other less prevalent issues include freedom suits, permissions to sell property, and disputes concerning trespass. Predominant documents found in these chancery causes include bills (documents the plaintiff's complaint), answers (defendant's response to the plaintiff's complaint), decrees (court's decision), depositions, affidavits, correspondence, lists of heirs, deeds, plats, wills, records involving enslaved individuals, business records or vital statistics.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02312#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vi_vi02312","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02312","_root_":"vi_vi02312","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02312","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/lva/vi02312.xml","title_ssm":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"title_tesim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"text":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)","14.75 cubic feet (32 boxes); Digital images.","Patrons are to use digital images of Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes found on the  Chancery Records Index  available electronically at the website of the Library of Virginia.\n","Organized by case, of which each is assigned a unique index number comprised of the latest year found in case and a sequentially increasing 3-digit number assigned by the processor as cases for that year are found. Arranged chronologically.  \n","Arrangement of documents within each folder is as follows: Bill, Answer, and Final Decree (if found).","Context of Record type:  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; however, the judge is basing the decision on findings compiled and documented by Commissioners. Chancery causes are useful when researching local history, genealogical information, and land or estate divisions. They are a valuable source of local, state, social, and legal history and serve as a primary source for understanding a locality's history. Chancery causes document the lived experiences of free and enslaved individuals; women; children; people living with physical disabilities or mental health struggles; people living in poverty; defunct institutions and corporate entities; or those that may not have otherwise left traditional written histories.","Locality History:  Winchester, in Frederick County, was first known as Opequon, then as Frederick's Town (or Fredericktown), and, finally, on establishment as a town in 1752, as Winchester. According to tradition, one of the town's founders, James Wood, named the town in honor of his birthplace in England. Winchester was incorporated as a town in 1779 and as a city in 1874.\n"," Processed by E. Woodward in 2000.","Encoded by G. Crawford: 2009; Updated by E. Swain: June 2024.","Additional Winchester Court Records can be found on microfilm at The Library of Virginia web site. Consult  \"A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm.\"","See also  Frederick County (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1860-1912.","Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936, consists of cases concerning issues of equity brought largely by residents of the county and filed in the circuit court. These cases often involve the following actions: divisions of estates or land, disputes over wills, disputes regarding contracts, debt, divorce, and business disputes. Other less prevalent issues include freedom suits, permissions to sell property, and disputes concerning trespass. Predominant documents found in these chancery causes include bills (documents the plaintiff's complaint), answers (defendant's response to the plaintiff's complaint), decrees (court's decision), depositions, affidavits, correspondence, lists of heirs, deeds, plats, wills, records involving enslaved individuals, business records or vital statistics.","The collection also includes chancery suits heard in Frederick County Circuit Court.\n","Dispute over ownership of an African American Cemetery located in Winchester. The plaintiffs were members of John Mann Chapel, an African American Methodist Church. They asserted ownership of the cemetery and that only members of their congregation were to be buried in it. The defendants, also African American, claimed ownership of the cemetery stating their right came from the city of Winchester. They argued that the cemetery was to be for the burial of all African Americans regardless of religious affiliation. The plaintiffs accused the defendants of illegally taking possession of the cemetery to bury deceased individuals not affiliated with the church and keeping the burial fees for themselves. See also Frederick County Chancery Cause 1849-004 which involves the Grim family. The plaintiffs reference a decree from this case in their bill of complaint.\n ","A divorce suit involving Russian immigrants.\n","The plaintiffs leased an auditorium from the city to show \"moving pictures.\" They wanted to show a movie titled \"The Lure.\" The mayor of Winchester claimed the \nmovie was indecent and prohibited them from screening the movie to the public. Plaintiffs questioned the legality of the Mayor's action.\n","There are no restrictions.\n","Library of Virginia\n","English\n"],"collection_title_tesim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"collection_ssim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"repository_ssm":["Library of Virginia"],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"creator_ssm":["Winchester (Va.) Circuit Court.\n"],"creator_ssim":["Winchester (Va.) Circuit Court.\n"],"acqinfo_ssim":[" These records came to the Library of Virginia in a transfer of court papers from Winchester (Va.).\n"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"physdesc_tesim":["14.75 cubic feet (32 boxes); Digital images."],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePatrons are to use digital images of Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes found on the \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"http://www.virginiamemory.com/collections/chancery/\"\u003eChancery Records Index\u003c/extref\u003e available electronically at the website of the Library of Virginia.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions\n"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Patrons are to use digital images of Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes found on the  Chancery Records Index  available electronically at the website of the Library of Virginia.\n"],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eOrganized by case, of which each is assigned a unique index number comprised of the latest year found in case and a sequentially increasing 3-digit number assigned by the processor as cases for that year are found. Arranged chronologically.  \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eArrangement of documents within each folder is as follows: Bill, Answer, and Final Decree (if found).\u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement\n"],"arrangement_tesim":["Organized by case, of which each is assigned a unique index number comprised of the latest year found in case and a sequentially increasing 3-digit number assigned by the processor as cases for that year are found. Arranged chronologically.  \n","Arrangement of documents within each folder is as follows: Bill, Answer, and Final Decree (if found)."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ctitle render=\"bold\"\u003eContext of Record type:\u003c/title\u003e 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; however, the judge is basing the decision on findings compiled and documented by Commissioners. Chancery causes are useful when researching local history, genealogical information, and land or estate divisions. They are a valuable source of local, state, social, and legal history and serve as a primary source for understanding a locality's history. Chancery causes document the lived experiences of free and enslaved individuals; women; children; people living with physical disabilities or mental health struggles; people living in poverty; defunct institutions and corporate entities; or those that may not have otherwise left traditional written histories.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ctitle render=\"bold\"\u003eLocality History:\u003c/title\u003e Winchester, in Frederick County, was first known as Opequon, then as Frederick's Town (or Fredericktown), and, finally, on establishment as a town in 1752, as Winchester. According to tradition, one of the town's founders, James Wood, named the town in honor of his birthplace in England. Winchester was incorporated as a town in 1779 and as a city in 1874.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Information\n"],"bioghist_tesim":["Context of Record type:  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; however, the judge is basing the decision on findings compiled and documented by Commissioners. Chancery causes are useful when researching local history, genealogical information, and land or estate divisions. They are a valuable source of local, state, social, and legal history and serve as a primary source for understanding a locality's history. Chancery causes document the lived experiences of free and enslaved individuals; women; children; people living with physical disabilities or mental health struggles; people living in poverty; defunct institutions and corporate entities; or those that may not have otherwise left traditional written histories.","Locality History:  Winchester, in Frederick County, was first known as Opequon, then as Frederick's Town (or Fredericktown), and, finally, on establishment as a town in 1752, as Winchester. According to tradition, one of the town's founders, James Wood, named the town in honor of his birthplace in England. Winchester was incorporated as a town in 1779 and as a city in 1874.\n"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936. (Cite style of suit and chancery index no.). Local Government Records Collection, Winchester Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 23219.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":[" Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936. (Cite style of suit and chancery index no.). Local Government Records Collection, Winchester Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 23219.\n"],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e Processed by E. Woodward in 2000.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncoded by G. Crawford: 2009; Updated by E. Swain: June 2024.\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information \n"],"processinfo_tesim":[" Processed by E. Woodward in 2000.","Encoded by G. Crawford: 2009; Updated by E. Swain: June 2024."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAdditional Winchester Court Records can be found on microfilm at The Library of Virginia web site. Consult \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/local/results_all.asp?CountyID=VA840\"\u003e\"A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm.\"\u003c/extref\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSee also \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=lva/vi03945.xml\"\u003eFrederick County (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1860-1912.\u003c/extref\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Material\n"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Additional Winchester Court Records can be found on microfilm at The Library of Virginia web site. Consult  \"A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm.\"","See also  Frederick County (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1860-1912."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWinchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936, consists of cases concerning issues of equity brought largely by residents of the county and filed in the circuit court. These cases often involve the following actions: divisions of estates or land, disputes over wills, disputes regarding contracts, debt, divorce, and business disputes. Other less prevalent issues include freedom suits, permissions to sell property, and disputes concerning trespass. Predominant documents found in these chancery causes include bills (documents the plaintiff's complaint), answers (defendant's response to the plaintiff's complaint), decrees (court's decision), depositions, affidavits, correspondence, lists of heirs, deeds, plats, wills, records involving enslaved individuals, business records or vital statistics.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe collection also includes chancery suits heard in Frederick County Circuit Court.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDispute over ownership of an African American Cemetery located in Winchester. The plaintiffs were members of John Mann Chapel, an African American Methodist Church. They asserted ownership of the cemetery and that only members of their congregation were to be buried in it. The defendants, also African American, claimed ownership of the cemetery stating their right came from the city of Winchester. They argued that the cemetery was to be for the burial of all African Americans regardless of religious affiliation. The plaintiffs accused the defendants of illegally taking possession of the cemetery to bury deceased individuals not affiliated with the church and keeping the burial fees for themselves. See also Frederick County Chancery Cause 1849-004 which involves the Grim family. The plaintiffs reference a decree from this case in their bill of complaint.\n \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA divorce suit involving Russian immigrants.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe plaintiffs leased an auditorium from the city to show \"moving pictures.\" They wanted to show a movie titled \"The Lure.\" The mayor of Winchester claimed the \nmovie was indecent and prohibited them from screening the movie to the public. Plaintiffs questioned the legality of the Mayor's action.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Content\n"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936, consists of cases concerning issues of equity brought largely by residents of the county and filed in the circuit court. These cases often involve the following actions: divisions of estates or land, disputes over wills, disputes regarding contracts, debt, divorce, and business disputes. Other less prevalent issues include freedom suits, permissions to sell property, and disputes concerning trespass. Predominant documents found in these chancery causes include bills (documents the plaintiff's complaint), answers (defendant's response to the plaintiff's complaint), decrees (court's decision), depositions, affidavits, correspondence, lists of heirs, deeds, plats, wills, records involving enslaved individuals, business records or vital statistics.","The collection also includes chancery suits heard in Frederick County Circuit Court.\n","Dispute over ownership of an African American Cemetery located in Winchester. The plaintiffs were members of John Mann Chapel, an African American Methodist Church. They asserted ownership of the cemetery and that only members of their congregation were to be buried in it. The defendants, also African American, claimed ownership of the cemetery stating their right came from the city of Winchester. They argued that the cemetery was to be for the burial of all African Americans regardless of religious affiliation. The plaintiffs accused the defendants of illegally taking possession of the cemetery to bury deceased individuals not affiliated with the church and keeping the burial fees for themselves. See also Frederick County Chancery Cause 1849-004 which involves the Grim family. The plaintiffs reference a decree from this case in their bill of complaint.\n ","A divorce suit involving Russian immigrants.\n","The plaintiffs leased an auditorium from the city to show \"moving pictures.\" They wanted to show a movie titled \"The Lure.\" The mayor of Winchester claimed the \nmovie was indecent and prohibited them from screening the movie to the public. Plaintiffs questioned the legality of the Mayor's action.\n"],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Use Restrictions\n"],"userestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc label=\"Location\"\u003eLibrary of Virginia\n\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Library of Virginia\n"],"language_ssim":["English\n"],"total_component_count_is":3,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T09:38:24.659Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vi_vi02312","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02312","_root_":"vi_vi02312","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02312","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/lva/vi02312.xml","title_ssm":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"title_tesim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"text":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)","14.75 cubic feet (32 boxes); Digital images.","Patrons are to use digital images of Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes found on the  Chancery Records Index  available electronically at the website of the Library of Virginia.\n","Organized by case, of which each is assigned a unique index number comprised of the latest year found in case and a sequentially increasing 3-digit number assigned by the processor as cases for that year are found. Arranged chronologically.  \n","Arrangement of documents within each folder is as follows: Bill, Answer, and Final Decree (if found).","Context of Record type:  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; however, the judge is basing the decision on findings compiled and documented by Commissioners. Chancery causes are useful when researching local history, genealogical information, and land or estate divisions. They are a valuable source of local, state, social, and legal history and serve as a primary source for understanding a locality's history. Chancery causes document the lived experiences of free and enslaved individuals; women; children; people living with physical disabilities or mental health struggles; people living in poverty; defunct institutions and corporate entities; or those that may not have otherwise left traditional written histories.","Locality History:  Winchester, in Frederick County, was first known as Opequon, then as Frederick's Town (or Fredericktown), and, finally, on establishment as a town in 1752, as Winchester. According to tradition, one of the town's founders, James Wood, named the town in honor of his birthplace in England. Winchester was incorporated as a town in 1779 and as a city in 1874.\n"," Processed by E. Woodward in 2000.","Encoded by G. Crawford: 2009; Updated by E. Swain: June 2024.","Additional Winchester Court Records can be found on microfilm at The Library of Virginia web site. Consult  \"A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm.\"","See also  Frederick County (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1860-1912.","Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936, consists of cases concerning issues of equity brought largely by residents of the county and filed in the circuit court. These cases often involve the following actions: divisions of estates or land, disputes over wills, disputes regarding contracts, debt, divorce, and business disputes. Other less prevalent issues include freedom suits, permissions to sell property, and disputes concerning trespass. Predominant documents found in these chancery causes include bills (documents the plaintiff's complaint), answers (defendant's response to the plaintiff's complaint), decrees (court's decision), depositions, affidavits, correspondence, lists of heirs, deeds, plats, wills, records involving enslaved individuals, business records or vital statistics.","The collection also includes chancery suits heard in Frederick County Circuit Court.\n","Dispute over ownership of an African American Cemetery located in Winchester. The plaintiffs were members of John Mann Chapel, an African American Methodist Church. They asserted ownership of the cemetery and that only members of their congregation were to be buried in it. The defendants, also African American, claimed ownership of the cemetery stating their right came from the city of Winchester. They argued that the cemetery was to be for the burial of all African Americans regardless of religious affiliation. The plaintiffs accused the defendants of illegally taking possession of the cemetery to bury deceased individuals not affiliated with the church and keeping the burial fees for themselves. See also Frederick County Chancery Cause 1849-004 which involves the Grim family. The plaintiffs reference a decree from this case in their bill of complaint.\n ","A divorce suit involving Russian immigrants.\n","The plaintiffs leased an auditorium from the city to show \"moving pictures.\" They wanted to show a movie titled \"The Lure.\" The mayor of Winchester claimed the \nmovie was indecent and prohibited them from screening the movie to the public. Plaintiffs questioned the legality of the Mayor's action.\n","There are no restrictions.\n","Library of Virginia\n","English\n"],"collection_title_tesim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"collection_ssim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, \n1787-1936 (bulk 1859-1936)"],"repository_ssm":["Library of Virginia"],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"creator_ssm":["Winchester (Va.) Circuit Court.\n"],"creator_ssim":["Winchester (Va.) Circuit Court.\n"],"acqinfo_ssim":[" These records came to the Library of Virginia in a transfer of court papers from Winchester (Va.).\n"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"physdesc_tesim":["14.75 cubic feet (32 boxes); Digital images."],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePatrons are to use digital images of Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes found on the \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"http://www.virginiamemory.com/collections/chancery/\"\u003eChancery Records Index\u003c/extref\u003e available electronically at the website of the Library of Virginia.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions\n"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Patrons are to use digital images of Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes found on the  Chancery Records Index  available electronically at the website of the Library of Virginia.\n"],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eOrganized by case, of which each is assigned a unique index number comprised of the latest year found in case and a sequentially increasing 3-digit number assigned by the processor as cases for that year are found. Arranged chronologically.  \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eArrangement of documents within each folder is as follows: Bill, Answer, and Final Decree (if found).\u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement\n"],"arrangement_tesim":["Organized by case, of which each is assigned a unique index number comprised of the latest year found in case and a sequentially increasing 3-digit number assigned by the processor as cases for that year are found. Arranged chronologically.  \n","Arrangement of documents within each folder is as follows: Bill, Answer, and Final Decree (if found)."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ctitle render=\"bold\"\u003eContext of Record type:\u003c/title\u003e 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; however, the judge is basing the decision on findings compiled and documented by Commissioners. Chancery causes are useful when researching local history, genealogical information, and land or estate divisions. They are a valuable source of local, state, social, and legal history and serve as a primary source for understanding a locality's history. Chancery causes document the lived experiences of free and enslaved individuals; women; children; people living with physical disabilities or mental health struggles; people living in poverty; defunct institutions and corporate entities; or those that may not have otherwise left traditional written histories.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ctitle render=\"bold\"\u003eLocality History:\u003c/title\u003e Winchester, in Frederick County, was first known as Opequon, then as Frederick's Town (or Fredericktown), and, finally, on establishment as a town in 1752, as Winchester. According to tradition, one of the town's founders, James Wood, named the town in honor of his birthplace in England. Winchester was incorporated as a town in 1779 and as a city in 1874.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Information\n"],"bioghist_tesim":["Context of Record type:  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; however, the judge is basing the decision on findings compiled and documented by Commissioners. Chancery causes are useful when researching local history, genealogical information, and land or estate divisions. They are a valuable source of local, state, social, and legal history and serve as a primary source for understanding a locality's history. Chancery causes document the lived experiences of free and enslaved individuals; women; children; people living with physical disabilities or mental health struggles; people living in poverty; defunct institutions and corporate entities; or those that may not have otherwise left traditional written histories.","Locality History:  Winchester, in Frederick County, was first known as Opequon, then as Frederick's Town (or Fredericktown), and, finally, on establishment as a town in 1752, as Winchester. According to tradition, one of the town's founders, James Wood, named the town in honor of his birthplace in England. Winchester was incorporated as a town in 1779 and as a city in 1874.\n"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936. (Cite style of suit and chancery index no.). Local Government Records Collection, Winchester Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 23219.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":[" Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936. (Cite style of suit and chancery index no.). Local Government Records Collection, Winchester Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, 23219.\n"],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e Processed by E. Woodward in 2000.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncoded by G. Crawford: 2009; Updated by E. Swain: June 2024.\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information \n"],"processinfo_tesim":[" Processed by E. Woodward in 2000.","Encoded by G. Crawford: 2009; Updated by E. Swain: June 2024."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAdditional Winchester Court Records can be found on microfilm at The Library of Virginia web site. Consult \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/local/results_all.asp?CountyID=VA840\"\u003e\"A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm.\"\u003c/extref\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSee also \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=lva/vi03945.xml\"\u003eFrederick County (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1860-1912.\u003c/extref\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Material\n"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Additional Winchester Court Records can be found on microfilm at The Library of Virginia web site. Consult  \"A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm.\"","See also  Frederick County (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1860-1912."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWinchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936, consists of cases concerning issues of equity brought largely by residents of the county and filed in the circuit court. These cases often involve the following actions: divisions of estates or land, disputes over wills, disputes regarding contracts, debt, divorce, and business disputes. Other less prevalent issues include freedom suits, permissions to sell property, and disputes concerning trespass. Predominant documents found in these chancery causes include bills (documents the plaintiff's complaint), answers (defendant's response to the plaintiff's complaint), decrees (court's decision), depositions, affidavits, correspondence, lists of heirs, deeds, plats, wills, records involving enslaved individuals, business records or vital statistics.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe collection also includes chancery suits heard in Frederick County Circuit Court.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDispute over ownership of an African American Cemetery located in Winchester. The plaintiffs were members of John Mann Chapel, an African American Methodist Church. They asserted ownership of the cemetery and that only members of their congregation were to be buried in it. The defendants, also African American, claimed ownership of the cemetery stating their right came from the city of Winchester. They argued that the cemetery was to be for the burial of all African Americans regardless of religious affiliation. The plaintiffs accused the defendants of illegally taking possession of the cemetery to bury deceased individuals not affiliated with the church and keeping the burial fees for themselves. See also Frederick County Chancery Cause 1849-004 which involves the Grim family. The plaintiffs reference a decree from this case in their bill of complaint.\n \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA divorce suit involving Russian immigrants.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe plaintiffs leased an auditorium from the city to show \"moving pictures.\" They wanted to show a movie titled \"The Lure.\" The mayor of Winchester claimed the \nmovie was indecent and prohibited them from screening the movie to the public. Plaintiffs questioned the legality of the Mayor's action.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Content\n"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Winchester (Va.) Chancery Causes, 1787-1936, consists of cases concerning issues of equity brought largely by residents of the county and filed in the circuit court. These cases often involve the following actions: divisions of estates or land, disputes over wills, disputes regarding contracts, debt, divorce, and business disputes. Other less prevalent issues include freedom suits, permissions to sell property, and disputes concerning trespass. Predominant documents found in these chancery causes include bills (documents the plaintiff's complaint), answers (defendant's response to the plaintiff's complaint), decrees (court's decision), depositions, affidavits, correspondence, lists of heirs, deeds, plats, wills, records involving enslaved individuals, business records or vital statistics.","The collection also includes chancery suits heard in Frederick County Circuit Court.\n","Dispute over ownership of an African American Cemetery located in Winchester. The plaintiffs were members of John Mann Chapel, an African American Methodist Church. They asserted ownership of the cemetery and that only members of their congregation were to be buried in it. The defendants, also African American, claimed ownership of the cemetery stating their right came from the city of Winchester. They argued that the cemetery was to be for the burial of all African Americans regardless of religious affiliation. The plaintiffs accused the defendants of illegally taking possession of the cemetery to bury deceased individuals not affiliated with the church and keeping the burial fees for themselves. See also Frederick County Chancery Cause 1849-004 which involves the Grim family. The plaintiffs reference a decree from this case in their bill of complaint.\n ","A divorce suit involving Russian immigrants.\n","The plaintiffs leased an auditorium from the city to show \"moving pictures.\" They wanted to show a movie titled \"The Lure.\" The mayor of Winchester claimed the \nmovie was indecent and prohibited them from screening the movie to the public. Plaintiffs questioned the legality of the Mayor's action.\n"],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Use Restrictions\n"],"userestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc label=\"Location\"\u003eLibrary of Virginia\n\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Library of Virginia\n"],"language_ssim":["English\n"],"total_component_count_is":3,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T09:38:24.659Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02312"}}],"included":[{"type":"facet","id":"repository_ssim","attributes":{"label":"Repository","items":[{"attributes":{"label":"Library of Virginia","value":"Library of Virginia","hits":4},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Winchester+%28Va.%29+Chancery+Causes%2C+%0A1787-1936+%28bulk+1859-1936%29\u0026f%5Brepository%5D%5B%5D=Library+of+Virginia"}}]},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/facet/repository_ssim.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Winchester+%28Va.%29+Chancery+Causes%2C+%0A1787-1936+%28bulk+1859-1936%29"}},{"type":"facet","id":"collection_ssim","attributes":{"label":"Collection","items":[{"attributes":{"label":"Winchester (Va.) 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