1885-004: Fairfax Colored Cemetery vs. City of Winchester, etc.:

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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.

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