The Tragic Story of Thomas Hamilton Drumheller ©

by JGK Jr
2020
Contact: myanacc@protonmail.com

I think numerous genealogists would agree, especially us amateurs, that this hobby can sometimes be
rather tedious and dull. We typically spend countless hours gathering facts such as birth dates, census
records, and death dates. Rarely do we understand how our ancestors lived or do we have any
significant insight into their mysterious lives. Luckily I stumbled upon Thomas Hamilton Drumheller,
one of my ancestors, who’s life is quite unusual and saddening, but fascinating.

Thomas was born on September 1, 1812 in Virginia to Leonard Drumheller (b: 1764) and Ann Hundley
(B: 1781). Leonard and Ann originated from Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA and moved to
Albemarle County, Virginia before 1801. Leonard was a soldier in the American Revolutionary War;
confirmed in the Daughters of The American Revolution database1. Leonard's parents Johann Leonhart
Drumheller and Ann Henrietta Kebler immigrated in the mid 1700s from Bavaria and Heese,
Germany, respectively. Once in Albemarle County Leonard and Ann had eleven children, including
Thomas.

I was unable able to uncover significant history on Thomas’ early life except that he lived in Albemarle
with his parents up until the 1830s. He married Elizabeth “Bettie”or “Betsy” Eubank (b: 1818) in
October 1838 in Nelson County, VA when he was 26 years old. The 1840 census shows Thomas living
with Elizabeth in Nelson County, VA with no children.2 Elizabeth and her parents Thomas N. Eubank
and Jane Shelton Ellis were from Amherst County, Virginia.3 In documents referenced later in this
story, Thomas was referred to as “Captain”. The time before marriage would be sufficient to reach this
rank in the US military, but I have not uncovered any relevant records to confirm.

Almost immediately following their marriage the couple began having children beginning with William
Price (b: 1840). Next were John Leonard (b: 1841), Sarah Jane (aka Sallie) (b: 1843), Darius Edward
(b: 1845), Virginia Adaline (b: 1847), and Hamilton Thomas (b: 1848). The 1850 census show Thomas
and Elizabeth living back in Albemarle with their children. Thomas’s occupation was Wheelwright.4

Up until 1852 it appears that Thomas and his family lived a fairly average life in Virginia.
Unfortunately this narrative changed on January 12, 1852 when Elizabeth passed away at the young
age of 34. I did not uncover the cause of her death or where she is buried. However, her death seems to
have been expected since later documents demonstrate she left instructions for her husband.

1 http://services.dar.org/public/dar_research/search_adb/?action=full&p_id=A131985
2 "United States Census, 1840," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHBW-
9Z5 : 20 August 2017), Thos Drumheller, Nelson, Virginia, United States; citing p. 54, NARA microfilm publication
M704, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 569; FHL microfilm 29,690.
3 "Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XRQ2-52S : 11
February 2018), Thomas N. Eubank and Jane S. Ellis, 08 May 1810; citing Amherst, Virginia, reference 221; FHL
microfilm 30,273.
4 "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M88L-Q27
: 12 April 2016), Thomas H Drumheller in household of Thomas Drumheller, Albemarle county, part of, Albemarle,
Virginia, United States; citing family 1785, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives
and Records Administration, n.d.).
The 1860 census is unusual for Thomas. Most census documents show individuals per household who
are typically related. Thomas was listed as living with numerous seemingly unrelated individuals in
Staunton, VA. Flipping the census a few pages back reveals the reason. Written on the census page is,
“Patients in the Western Lunatic Asylum”. There is a note in the last column of Thomas’ census entry,
“Death of wife” along with a the number 1112 next to his name.5

Before continuing with this story I think it’s important to understand the term “lunatic” in the current
context. In the mid 1800s it seems that anyone with physiological problems were referred to as lunatic.
In modern day medicine many cases I suspect would not rise to such a scandalous diagnosis.

Western Lunatic Asylum opened in 1828 and later renamed to Western State Hospital. The original site
of the hospital eventually closed down in 2002 being replaced by a more modern facility. The buildings
used by the old hospital were recently converted to condominiums.6

5 "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M413-NF3

: 13 December 2017), Thos H Drumheller, 1860.
6 http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=lva/vi00937.xml
7

The important aspect of this fact, is that all medical records were sent to the Library of a Virginia in
Richmond for cataloging and preservation. These original records are are accessible to the public where
we can continue to learn about Thomas’ story.

I visited the Library in 2019 where I was able to review and photograph Thomas’ records. All
photographs are attached to this document. I transcribed several records, but the writing was
challenging to decipher, so I suspect there may be errors. The admission register for hospital patients
were indexed to microfilm by the Library. The registers display a brief synopsis of the patients. It
shows that Thomas was committed to the hospital twice in his lifetime. The first on July 2, 1852 and
the second on August 16 1887.

7 Western State Hospital photos from https://opacity.us/image9311_monolithic.htm

The first record shows his admission number as 1112 (same number on the 1860 Census record) and
his occupation as wheelwright. He was admitted on July 2, 1852 at the age of 40 and he was from
Albemarle, VA. It states this was his first “attack” and the disease was “Death of Wife”. He had a
medium build (form), gray eyes, fair complexion, and black hair. His discharge date was August 4,
1862. He was committed for 10 years, 1 month, and 2 days, which is an astonishingly prolonged period
considering his children were adolescent. He would have missed the most important years of his
children’s lives. This demonstrates to me that his issues must have been serious; enough to miss out on
so much, a truly sad finding. Up until the death of his wife, we can reasonably assume he was quite
level-headed. He was married, had seven children, and possibly was a Captain in the US military. The
register shows that at the time of discharge he had “recovered”. Another interesting find here is that the
remarks show his mother, Ann Hundley, died insane. I’ll make an uneducated guess she died of
dementia.
Once the admission numbers were found on the microfilm, a request was made to the librarians for the
corresponding patient records. This was an interesting experience to say the least considering these are
the original records. Being able to hold and read through these types of artifacts adds a sense of realism
and mystery for our everyday armature genealogist.

I found two sets of documents relating to Thomas’ first commitment. The first were a set of legal
papers showing how he came to be committed to the hospital and the second set are the medical “case
books”.
The legal documents begin with a warrant written by Justices of the Peace for Albemarle County. The
warrant essentially ordered the sheriff to transport Thomas to the hospital and ordered the
superintendent of the hospital to receive and care for him. Attached to the warrant were depositions by
Dr. Blaine, Wm Faber, and Col W. P. Sheppard. There is an 1860 census record for Dr. Hamilton
Leftwich Blaine in Nelson County, Virginia.8 It’s likely this is the same physician. William Faber is
recorded in the 1850 Slave schedule of Albemarle and birth records exist for William Shepherd’s
children in Nelson, Virginia9.

Warrant Transcription

Albemarle County to wit.

To the sheriff of the said County, and to the superintendent of the

Lunatic Asylum.

Whereas Thomas H. Drumheller who is suspected of being a

lunatic was this way brought before us, W. B. Harris J. P., D. E. Watson
+ D. J. Hartsook.

Thru justice of said County, to inquire whether he be a lunatic.

And whereas upon the testimony of witnesses it appears to us that he is a
lunatic and citizen of this Commonwealth and ought to be confined in a
lunatic asylum and no person appearing before us to give bond, with
sufficient security to be approved by us payable to the commonwealth
with condition to restrain and take proper care of the said Thomas H.
Drumheller until restored to sanity. We do, in the name of the
Commonwealth, command you the said sheriff to carry the said Thomas
H. Drumheller to the lunatic asylum at Stanton. That being the nearest
asylum to us and there deliver him together with this warrant, to the
superintendent of the said asylum. And you, the said superintendent, are
hereby required to receive into the said asylum and into your care and
charge the said Thomas H. Drumheller to be treated and taken care of as
a lunatic. And we do, with this warrant, transmit to you (the said
superintendent) the interrogatories and answers thereto, taken in writing
by us, touching the lunacy of the said Thomas H. Drumheller.

Given under our hands and seals, this 21st day of June 1852.
W. B. Harris J. P.
D. E. Watson J.P.
D. J. Hartsook J. P.

8 "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHM9-

FYB : 13 December 2017), entry for H L Blain, 1860.
9 "Virginia Births and Christenings, 1584-1917," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X5JG-
XHD : 10 February 2018), Susan in entry for Alice Shepherd, 27 Oct 1861; citing Nelson County, Virginia, reference p
34; FHL microfilm 2,046,953.
 Depositions Transcription

Albemarle County to wit.

Depositions of witnesses taken before us. W. B. Harris, D. E. Watson

and D. J. Hartsook

Justices of the said county, now sitting upon the xxx of Thomas H.
Drumheller suspected of Lunacy.

The deposition of Dr. H. L. Blain of the age of twenty nine years by xxx a
xxx being by us duly sworn, xxx answer to the following interrogatory
under oath say.

1st What is the patient’s age and where from

Ans about 40 born in Albemarle County

2nd Is he married? He has been but is now a widow

3rd How many children has he? Six

4th What are his habits, occupation + xxx property

Ans Sober and xxx. Occupation a wheelwright, owns a small farm say 75
acres, with improvements worth about together with his personal effects
(eight hundred dollars)

5th How long xxx indications of insanity appeared and what were they

Ans about 3 weeks. His mind seemed entirely absorbed on religious

subjects.

6 Does the disease appear to increase. Ans It does

7th. Are there periodical exacerbations? Ans I think not.

Any lucid intervals and of what duration. Ans his mind seems always
absorbed upon the subject of religion.

8th Is his derangement xxx on one or on several subjects?

Ans only on the one mentioned, except great anxiety on account of the
health of his children, saying they are ill and giving them medicine when
they are in perfect health.
9th What is the supposed cause of the disease? Ans I think the recent
death of his wife and his failure to comply with some xxx urged by her
just before dying, was the first cause. He seemed alarmed that he had not
complied, and thought he would be lost.

10th What change is there in his bodily condition since the attack?

Ans He has been gradually declining and continue to decline often

refusing eat for several days together not for the want of appetite but
because as he says of his unworthiness to eat.

11th Has there been a former attack. Ans There has not been

12th Has he shown any xxx to use violence towards himself or others Ans
He has not except in refusing to eat that he might shame himself. No
restraint has been imposed on him. His nephew xxx xx sent to the
Hospital in Staunton about a year or more ago. Neither his parents or
grandparents were blood relations that I know of. He has been a
dyspeptic for some 7 or 8 years rendering him of a melancholy turn on
mind. His health is otherwise good. No xxx means have been used in this
attack as he would not submit to any.
H. L. Blaine

Sworn to before us this 21st day June 1852

W. B. Harris J. P.
D. E. Watson J.P.
D. J. Hartsook J. P.

The depositions of Wm Faber a farmer aged 65 years and of Col W. P.

Sheppard a merchant + farmer aged 44 years being by us xxx duly sworn
in answer xxx.

That they have read the above questions and answers and say that they
entirely concur with the statements of Dr. Blaine believing xxx to xxx.

Wm Faber
Wm P. Shepherd

Sworn to before is this 21st xxx of June 1852

W. B. Harris J. P.
D. E. Watson J.P.
D. J. Hartsook J. P.
The case books are daily journals about patients entered by hospital staff. The case books are
exceedingly heavy and large; at least 18 inches by 12 inches and weighing over 10 pounds. The covers
seem to be made of leather or other similar material and exude a distinctive odor. The coves were
falling apart, but the contents were in reasonably good shape. Each case book included a table of
contents with patient names, corresponding admission number, and page number.

Sure enough, the first admission case books included sections for Thomas, which consisted of two
pages, which seems low considering the long admission time of ten years. Each line was essentially a
one sentence log of the day; not much detail. Only a limited number of sporadic days were covered for
Thomas. For example, there were only four entries for the year 1853. The logs state for example that
he had a bath or was prescribed medicine. It was difficult interpreting the handwriting on many log
entries; it seems that doctor’s handwriting has always been terrible.
There is another interesting letter in Thomas’ patient file. It is to the Board of Directors of the hospital
and signed by 19 individuals. These seem to be friends and neighbors of Thomas. These 19
acquaintances were requesting that the hospital stop charging Thomas’ estate for the expense of caring
for him. Instead they wanted the state of Virginia to bear the expense. Interestingly, two of the
individuals, William P Shepherd and William Faber, gave the depositions used to commit Thomas to
the hospital. William Shepherd is the first signature. My feeling is that Shepherd and Thomas were
close friends and William was responsible for spearheading this effort to help Thomas and his family.
Perhaps they served together in the US military in the time before Thomas married Elizabeth. Daniel E.
Watson was one of the Justices of the Peace who ordered Thomas to be committed.

Expense Request Transcription

To the Board of Directors of the Western Lunatic Asylum at Staunton.

We the under xx signed citizens of Nelson and Albemarle and neighbors

and acquaintances of Capt Thomas H. Drumheller, who is now an
inmate of your Asylum in view of the disition left with your board “to xxx
the claim of the Asylum for the expenses attending the removal
maintenance or care of a lunatic,” respectfully ask for xxx to present the
situation and circumstances of Thomas H Drumheller as making up one
of the cases especially contemplated by the Law, which wisely left that
discitin in your hands.

Mr. Drumheller has had the misfortune to lose his wife, who left him six
small children to clothe support and educate with no means but his own
labor, and what little he has been able to save from his hard earnings by
xxx of xxx economy. His family must continue for some years to come not
only a heavy tax but an increasing tax upon his individual labor.

His own health has for some years been very precarious, often requiring
medical aid, and should his mental xxx be xxxx and his expenses be
chargeable to his estate, or should his physical xxxx return, rendering
him incapable of pursuing his trade, his little home, as well as his other
property must all go to support his motherless children.

Some few years ago, to help his wife in her xxx xx, he purchased by the
aid of a friend, a small negro girl, this girl he has since sold and xxx a
part of the money remains uncollected and is therefore at interest, yet we
feel satisfied that all the means in his xxxx, or at his command are
necessary to the support of his family, and that the xxx of humanity
would say that his maintenance he be charged to the commonwealth
rather than a tax upon his unfortunate and helpless children. We
therefore respectfully ask your favorable continuation of his care
Wm P Shepherd
E. N. Roberts jr
Elliot N Roberts Senior
W P Kidd
Pleasant D Roberts
John H Brady
Daniel E Watson
Tho S Berry
Wyatt Hare
Rev Edward Thomas
C F Murrill
Wm Faber
John Wheeler
B W Wheeler
John A Thurmond
Martin Roberts
Jasper M. Proffitt
Geo W Harris
Henry G Roberts
This seems to be one of the most important documents found about Thomas. The fact that 19
individuals across three different counties came together and tried to help him is heartwarming. I can’t
believe they would go to this length unless they cared and loved him and his family. This is not
something we see often in modern day society.

I was able to locate most these individuals living in close proximity to each other in the 1860 Census
records of Nelson, Amherst, and Albemarle Counties: Wm P Shepherd10, Elliot N. Roberts 11, Wilson P
Kidd12, Henry G. Roberts13, Pleasant D Roberts14, John H Bradey15, D E Watson16, Thomas S Berry17,
Wyatt Hare18, William Faber19, John Wheeler and his son Benjamin W Wheeler20, John A Thurmond21,
Jas M Proffitt22, George W. Harris 23 Edward Thomas is signed as a reverend. I think it’s safe to assume
that there is some connection between these individuals and a local church. John A Thurmond is shown
living next door to the Sarah and Virginia Drumheller who are living with the Write family.

At this point, many will start to wonder what happened to Thomas’ children now that their mother had
passed and he was committed to the hospital. In 1860 Sarah and Virginia were living with the Write
family in Nelson, VA24. Hamilton is listed as living in St Anne's Parish, Albemarle County with a
Margaret Drumheller in 186025. John and William were living in Lexington with brothers James and
John East in June 186026. John and William’s names were misspelled by the census staff as Drumlelby.
10 "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHM9-
FBL : 13 December 2017), William P Shepherd in entry for William P Shepherd, 1860.
11 "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHM9-
R9B : 13 December 2017), William H Thompson in entry for E N Roberts, 1860.
12 "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHM9-
VTS : 13 December 2017), Edward Kidd in entry for Wilson P Kidd, 1860.
13 "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHM9-
F19 : 13 December 2017), Eliza B Roberts in entry for Henry G Roberts, 1860.
14 "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHM9-
24Y : 13 December 2017), John W Roberts in entry for Pleasant D Roberts, 1860.
15 "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHM9-
FYC : 13 December 2017), Macca R Brady in entry for Jno J Brady, 1860.
16 "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4B1-
7DN : 13 December 2017), Ann E Watson in entry for D E Watson, 1860.
17 "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHM9-
FYS : 13 December 2017), Mary S Anderson in entry for Thos S Berry, 1860.
18 "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHM9-
D1X : 13 December 2017), Elizabeth W Hare in entry for Wyatt Hare, 1860.
19 "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHM9-
FBN : 13 December 2017), William Faber, 1860.
20 "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4B1-
QYB : 13 December 2017), John Wheeler in entry for Childress C Baily, 1860.
21 "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHM9-
DT5 : 13 December 2017), Jno A Thurman, 1860.
22 "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4B1-
LBY : 13 December 2017), Sarah E Proffitt in entry for Jas M Proffitt, 1860.
23 "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4B1-
QGS : 13 December 2017), Margaret Mahan in entry for George W Harris, 1860.
24 "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHM9-
DTP : 13 December 2017), Virginia A Drumheller in entry for Wm H Wright, 1860.
25 "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4B1-
Q9D : 13 December 2017), Hamilton Drumbeller in entry for Margaret Drumheller, 1860.
26 "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MHMW-
DBQ : 13 December 2017), John Drumlelby in entry for James W East, 1860.
This corresponds with James East and John East service in the Civil War in the 27th Infantry.2728 The
Drumheller brothers, John, Darius29, and William, served in the American Civil War for the
Confederate States of America in Stonewall Jackson’s Brigade. They were mustered into the 27th
Virginia Infantry, Company "H". John died on April 20, 1862 during the war at the very young age of
20, while his brothers survived. William was promoted to Sergeant. John is buried in Thornrose
Cemetery, Staunton, Virginia, USA.30 In September of 1860 William married Rowena Sofornia Cave
(b: 1844).

After his release from the hospital, Thomas and his family members continued to live in the area. On
February 6, 1863 Thomas purchased 3 ½ acres of land from Jacob Gutshall and his wife, Julia Ann
Gutshall, in Augusta County. The land Deed shows that Thomas paid $1,500 for the land. He paid
Jacob $1,000 “in-hand” and agreed to pay the remainder in three equal installments. This transaction
caused civil court issues that lasted until 1888. Apparently, Thomas paid in Confederate dollars and
there was a lien on the property held by Samuel Parent when it transferred to Thomas. Samuel Parent
sued Thomas in 1868 to pay off the lien. In 1873 the County Clerk certified the land was owned by
Thomas and described it’s location as “Coley Town adjoining Whisler North End 10 miles from C.
House”. It turns out that Hermitage Presbyterian Church Cemetery (more on this cemetery later) is less
than a mile from from Coleytown Road31 and Coleytown Run River.

27 https://www.fold3.com/image/10780753
28 https://www.fold3.com/image/10781518
29 "Virginia, Civil War Service Records of Confederate Soldiers, 1861-1865," database, FamilySearch
(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:J344-WNV : 5 December 2014), Derias E Drumheller, 1863; from "Compiled
Service Records of Confederate Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Virginia," database, Fold3.com
(http://www.fold3.com : n.d.); citing military unit Capt. Avis' Co., Provost Guard; Lt. Bosher's Co., Local Defense,
NARA microfilm publication M324 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1961), roll
1068.
30 https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/90428463/john-leonard-drumheller
31 https://www.google.com/maps/place/Coleytown+Rd,+Middle+River,+VA+22980/@38.151689,-78.9139761,892m/
data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89b49dc3c34f3edb:0x75030f1ab3f4a9dc!8m2!3d38.1516848!4d-78.9117821
Jacob Gutshall is found living in Augusta County in 1850 with his parents and siblings.32 He is also
found living with his wife, Julia Ann Funkhouser in the 1860 Augusta County census.33 There are
numerous references to Funkhouser in the court case documents. A copy of the original court
documents and Deed are attached to the end of this document. This includes almost 100 pages of
various types of documents including depositions and deeds. It also includes handwritten contracts
possibly written by Thomas and others.

In 1869 Darius married Mollie Ann Gochercom in Augusta County.34 In the 1870 Augusta County
census, Thomas was living with his daughters, Sarah and Virginia. Mary Write was also boarding with
Thomas, Sarah, and Virginia.35 If you recall, Sarah and Virginia were living with the Writes in 1860. In
1870 Hamilton Drumheller, the youngest child, is found living with Simpson family in Augusta
County.36 It seems he may have learned the Blacksmith trade from his foster father, Mr. Simpson.

In 1880 Thomas was still living with his two daughters, Sarah and Virginia Augusta County.37 Thomas
was 68 and his daughters were in their mid 30s. Darius and his wife Mary A. and their children were
living next door and listed on the same census page. Darius was a farmer. William and his family were
living in Verona, about 10 miles away.38

Thomas’ second admission occurred on August 16, 1887. The case books for Thomas are much more
detailed and thorough. Photos are shown below. As the days and months go by over the course of eight
years, his health deteriorated. He had issues with his hands, confined to bed, becomes weak and has
difficulty swallowing. In January of 1895 is health deteriorated exponentially. On April 24th the notes
states he was dying of old age. The next day he “Died today of senility. Body removed by
xxx….Dead.” He was 83 years old and was buried in Hermitage Presbyterian Church Cemetery.39

32 "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M88G-

RPB : 12 April 2016), Susan M Gutshall in household of Gottleaf Gutshall, Augusta county, Augusta, Virginia, United
States; citing family 113, NARA microfilm publication M432 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records
Administration, n.d.).
33 "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M41Q-
KWH : 13 December 2017), James E Hall in entry for Jacob Gutshall, 1860.
34 "Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XR73-9X6 : 11
February 2018), Elizabeth Eubank in entry for Zarius Edward Drumhiller and Mollie Ann Gochercom, 28 Jan 1869;
citing Hermitage, Augusta, Virginia, reference No. 2545; FHL microfilm 30,416.
35 "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFLF-
VKL : 11 June 2019), H William in entry for Thomas Drumheller, 1870.
36 "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFLF-
LB6 : 11 June 2019), Hamilton Drumheller in entry for Robert M Simpson, 1870.
37 "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MCPJ-RZJ
: 16 July 2017), Virga A Drumheller in entry for Thos H Drumheller, 1880; citing enumeration district ED 22, sheet
313D, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d), roll
1354; FHL microfilm 1,255,354.
38 "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MCPJ-BC6
: 16 July 2017), Geo Drumheller in entry for Wm P Drumheller, 1880; citing enumeration district ED 23, sheet 340B,
NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d), roll 1355;
FHL microfilm 1,255,355.
39 https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/47422571/thomas-hamilton-drumheller
William died in 1910 and is buried with his wife Rowena Sofornia Cave40 in Thornrose Cemetery,
Staunton, Virginia, with his brother John.

Hamilton married Susan J. Niswander in New Hope, Augusta in 187641. He died in 1915 and is buried
in Hermitage Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Augusta County with his wife42

Darius married Mollie Ann Gochercom in Hermitage, Augusta in 1869. He passed away in 1930 in
Augusta County and is buried in Barren Ridge Church of The Brethren Cemetery, Hermitage, Augusta
County, Virginia with his wife. 43

Virginia Adaline Drumheller was found living with her brother William and his daughter Effie in 1910
in Staunton44. She died in 1931 never married. She is buried in Hermitage Presbyterian Church
Cemetery with Thomas and her brother Hamilton.45

Sarah married John J. Farrar in 1887 in Coleytown, Augusta, Virginia. Sarah and John were living
together in 190046 and 191047 in Middle River, Augusta, Virginia.48 The 1900 census shows Sarah
living in the Laurel Hill & Hermitage Precincts. It’s likely they were living on the same 3 ½ acres
purchased by Thomas. Sarah aka Sallie died on November 20, 1926 in Middle River, Augusta County.
Her death certificate states she is buried in Hermitage. John J. Farrar is buried in Hermitage
Presbyterian Church Cemetery, but I have not been able to locate her grave site.

As of 2019 there is a ten acre property at 519 Madrid Rd Waynesboro, Va 22980 owned by a June M.
Drumheller. According to the Augusta County tax database, the house was previously owned by
Martin L. Drumheller, Jr. Before that, it was owned by Martin L. Drumheller, Sr. who received it in
1906 via will. Martin L. Drumheller, Sr49 is the son of Darius. This property is less than a mile from

40 https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/15170821/william-price-drumheller
41 "Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XR73-H5N : 11
February 2018), Betsy Eubank in entry for Hamilton T. Drumheller and Susan J. Niswander, 03 Feb 1876; citing New
Hope, Augusta, Virginia, reference No. 3619; FHL microfilm 30,416.
42 https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25912871/hamilton-thomas-drumheller
43 https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/15170655
44 "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MPGR-
DBQ : accessed 23 June 2019), Virginia A Drumheller in household of Sylvester S Smith, Staunton Ward 1, Staunton
(Independent City), Virginia, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 119, sheet 19A, family 104, NARA
microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1650; FHL
microfilm 1,375,663.
45 https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/46844511/virginia-adaline-drumheller
46 "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MMFC-
LG5 : accessed 23 June 2019), Nora M Farrer in household of John J Farrer, Middle River District (Laurel Hill &
Hermitage Precincts), Augusta, Virginia, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 27, sheet 8B, family 164,
NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL
microfilm 1,241,700.
47 "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MPGN-
5T9 : accessed 23 June 2019), Maggie N Farrar in household of John J Farrar, Middle River, Augusta, Virginia, United
States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 32, sheet 15A, family 282, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington
D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1621; FHL microfilm 1,375,634.
48 "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MPGN-
5T9 : accessed 23 June 2019), Maggie N Farrar in household of John J Farrar, Middle River, Augusta, Virginia, United
States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 32, sheet 15A, family 282, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington
D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1621; FHL microfilm 1,375,634.
49 https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25850928/martin-luther-drumheller
Coleytown Road and Hermitage Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Darius was living next door to Thomas
and his sisters in 1880. It’s likely Thomas’ 3 ½ acres is close by.