Ware Episcopal Church, Chapter 5

Part 5 of Ware Connection to Grace Episcopal Church

Lucy Balmain Ware (Lewis) and Connection to Washington Family

The only other child from the union of Josiah and Frances Toy Glassell Ware was another daughter – this one named Lucy Balmain Ware. She was named after the Episcopal minister, Reverend Alexander Balmain, who was married to her Great Aunt Lucy Taylor in 1786. Lucy B. Ware was born on January, 10, 1839, and when, at the age of 20, she married Edward Parke Custis Lewis on March 23, 1858, she became a member of the illustrious family of George Washington.

Lucy Balmain Ware and Edward Parke Custis Lewis

photos owned by James & Judy Ware

Edward was the son of Lorenzo and Esther Maria Coxe Lewis and the grandson of Nelly Custis Lewis; granddaughter and adopted child of Martha and President George Washington.

(Ref. 2383) Col. Fielding Lewis and Nelly Custis Lewis,
Paternal great grandfather and maternal grandmother of E.P.C. Lewis

Edward Parke Custis Lewis was related to President George Washington not only on his maternal side, through his grandmother Nelly, but also on his paternal side, through his great grandfather, Col. Fielding Lewis. Col. Lewis married Betty Washington, the only sister of George. It was their son, Lawrence Lewis, who married Nelly Custis. “It may be stated without qualification, however, that Lawrence Lewis was closer to George and Martha Washington than any other of their relatives.” (Ref. 2383)

Edward and Lucy Balmain Ware were married at the home of the bride’s father, Josiah William Ware. At the time of their wedding, they were presented with their marriage license tucked inside a beautiful little book entitled “Advice for the Married Couple.” Reverend Henderson Suter of Grace Episcopal Church officiated at the service.

*** It is interesting to note that during the Civil War, “Rev. Suter had a school in the vestry-room of the Episcopal Church.” (Ref. 2391)

Book and license owned by James and Judy Ware

The newlyweds made their home at ‘Audley’ - the home of Edward’s parents, Lorenzo and Maria Lewis. Lorenzo had died in 1847, but Maria still resided there and happily welcomed her son and new daughter-in-law.

Audley

Audley Photo courtesy of James & Judy Ware

Audley was a warm and inviting home. “Nestled in the quiet, meandering valley of the beautiful Shenandoah River under the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Clarke County, Virginia, the unpretentious house was low and sprawling with a large front porch.” (Ref. 580) Even Grandmother Nelly, owner of lovely Woodlawn Plantation where she and her husband lived after the death of George and Martha, loved to visit there. She found great peace in the surroundings and “although far more isolated than Woodlawn, Nelly never complained that she felt lonely at Audley.” (Ref. 580) So much did she feel at home there that “after the death of Lawrence Lewis, Nelly moved to Audley where her son Lorenzo Lewis had been living and where she resided until her death on July 15, 1852. (Ref. 2397)

Southeast bedroom of Nelly Custis Lewis with original furniture – (Ref. 2127),
and historical marker

Nelly and Lawrence Lewis

“The room in which Nelly Custis Lewis died is on the right, near the entrance.” (Ref. 2397)

Old family photo of Audley

(Ref. 2397)

Lucy Ware had, indeed, married into a family whose name was well known, not only in Virginia, but the whole country. Her in-laws, who married in 1827, were a loving couple. Lorenzo was a dashing man and his wife, who preferred to be known as Maria, was equally attractive.

Lorenzo Lewis and Esther Maria Coxe

They had six children, so Edward grew up with many siblings to play with. Almost all members of this branch of the Lewis family tree are buried in Grace Episcopal Cemetery, on the west side of the church.

Grace Cemetery

Grace Cemetery – Section where many members of the Washington family are buried

However, Edward’s oldest brother, George Washington Lewis, was buried in Green Hill Cemetery instead of Grace Churchyard.

Grave of George Washington Lewis in Green Hill Cemetery

George married Emily Contee Johnson in 1852 and they had 14 children. Most of them were born at their home called Monterey, which had been part of the original large Audley tract.

Monterey (Ref. 2127)

The beautiful cross that sits above the altar in Grace Episcopal Church is a loving tribute to George and (at least) two of these children.

Photos courtesy of James and Judy Ware, 1998

“In memory of G.W. Lewis, M. B. Lewis, Lorenzo Lewis”

The inscription can be found on the cone shaped base of the cross:

Photos courtesy of James and Judy Ware, 2006

“In memory of G.W. Lewis, M. B. Lewis, Lorenzo Lewis”

Clearly, the G. W. Lewis represents George Washington Lewis himself, the M. B. Lewis is for his daughter, Mary Bowie Lewis, and George’s firstborn son was named Lorenzo Lewis.

There is also a beautiful stained glass window in the church dedicated to George and Emily’s daughter, Mary Bowie Lewis. She was born on July 17, 1855, and died on Easter day, the 25th of April in 1886. “She died unmarried, of typhoid fever, at the home of her sister.” (Ref. 2383) The window is located in the church baptistry.

Dedication to the window for Mary B. Lewis – photo taken by James & Judy Ware

2002

Edward’s next oldest brothers, “Lawrence Fielding Lewis and John Redman Coxe Lewis were twins; both born on April 18, 1834.” (Ref. 2383) Lawrence died unmarried just two years before Lucy and Edward wed. He was only 23 at the time of his death. His grave is near one of the walls in the cemetery.

Grave of Lawrence Fielding Lewis – courtesy of James and Judy Ware

The twin of Lawrence and other brother to Edward, John Redman Coxe Lewis, “became an officer in the U.S. Navy at an early age, and was with Perry in 1853 in the expedition which opened Japanese ports to foreign vessels. In 1861 he resigned from the Navy and entered the Confederate service as a major of artillery.” (Ref. 2383) John was later promoted to the rank of Colonel. In 1863, he married Maria Bradfute Freeland, and they “made their home at “Buena Vista,” a part of the original Audley estate which he inherited.” (Ref. 2383) The couple had several children, and the photo below is of him with his first son, Lawrence Fielding Lewis; named after Grandfather Lewis.

John Redman Coxe Lewis, holding his son, Lawrence Fielding Lewis
photo owned by James & Judy Ware

Buena Vista (Ref. 2383)

John R.C. Lewis

Edward Parke Custis Lewis also had two younger brothers. Charles Conrad Lewis, born Sept. 23, 1848, was over ten years his junior. He died at a very young age (20) while attending the University of Virginia.

Grave of Charles Conrad Lewis

Photo owned by James & Judy Ware

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF
CHARLES CONRAD LEWIS
SON OF LORENZO & ESTHER MARIA LEWIS
BORN ON THE 28TH OF OCTOBER 1839
AT AUDLEY CLARKE COUNTY
DIED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
MARCH 7TH, 1859
NOT LOST, BUT GONE BEFORE

The last sibling for Edward was named Henry Llewellyn Daingerfield Lewis. Maria was 38 years old at the time of his birth. “He was a planter and business man on a large scale, and in business life was known simply as H. L. D. Lewis.” (Ref. 2383) He must have gone by the nickname of “Dainger” to family members though because Lucy referred to him as such in a letter written in 1864.

“John Lewis, I suppose you know, is married. He has, as I have heard from disinterested judges, a lovely young wife in Richmond. Dainger is with him in Mobile . . . . G. Washington (Lewis) is at home trying to make bread to put in seven little mouths. He lost a child last summer.” (Ref. 15)

Portion of a letter written by Lucy Balmain Ware Lewis in 1864,
owned by James and Judy Ware

Henry Llewellyn Daingerfield Lewis
Photo owned by James & Judy Ware

Henry Llewellyn Daingerfield Lewis married Carter Penn Freeland on April 26, 1871. She was the sister of Maria Freeland, wife of Henry’s older brother, John. The couple provided 12 nieces and nephews for Lucy and Edward. The cemetery section on the west side of the church is filled with memorials to most of these children. Among them you can find the following names: Rosalie Warwick Lewis, Lorenzo Conrad Lewis, James Freeland Lewis, Henry Llewellyn Daingerfield Lewis, Edward Parke Custis Lewis, Esther Maria Lewis, Mary Picton Lewis, Carter Penn Lewis, John Freeland Lewis, Margaret Byrd Lewis, Fielding Lewis, and William McGuire Lewis.

Edward P.C. Lewis, (1879-1896) never married,
and Mary Picton Lewis (1883-1905) never married

John Freeland Lewis (1887-1894) and Willie McGuire Lewis (1892-1893)

There is also another tiny stone (not pictured) which is very hard to read. The inscription is: Lorenzo Conrad Lewis – son of H.L.D. Lewis

Carter Penn Freeland Lewis
March 11, 1853 – Dec. 3, 1915
and her husband, H .L. Daingerfield Lewis
April 25, 1841 – Dec. 17, 1893

mentioned before, these tombstones can be found on the west side of the church.

The patriarch of the family, Lorenzo Lewis, passed away in 1847 so he was not able to see Edward and Lucy get married.

Grave of Lorenzo Lewis

SACRED
to the memory of
LORENZO LEWIS
son of
LAWRENCE LEWIS
and
ELEANOR PARKE
LEWIS
of Woodlawn. He died at Audley
Clarke County, Virginia, on
the 27th of August 1847
aged 43 years
This monument is erected by
his bereaved widow

Maria Coxe Lewis
Above photo owned by James and Judy Ware

For Maria Lewis, it must have been a joy to have Edward and Lucy move into Audley with her after Lorenzo’s passing. She lived to be 80 years old and had the chance to hold many new babies in her arms before her death in 1885. The young couple provided company for her during the terrible years of the Civil War, and both she and her daughter-in-law drew strength from each other when they heard of Edward’s arrest and imprisonment in a Union jail during that time. He was “one of the organizers and commanders of the famous Clarke cavalry, rising to the rank of Colonel.” (Ref. 2396) Sadly, however, she also had to witness the death of many of her grandchildren and even the demise of Lucy. Upon her own passing, Maria Lewis was buried in Grace Cemetery – beside her husband.

Photo courtesy of James and Judy Ware

A lovely stained glass window was placed in honor of both Lorenzo and Maria Lewis which illustrates Holy Baptism. The verse in the center of the circle reads:

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance

The dedication reads:

TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN MEMORY OF LORENZO LEWIS AND ESTHER MARIE HIS WIFE A.D. 188_

Photographs taken by James & Judy Ware 2006

Window dedicated to LORENZO LEWIS AND ESTHER MARIE, HIS WIFE

Enlarged portion of the stained glass window dedicated to Lorenzo Lewis and his wife, Esther Marie Coxe Lewis,
shows the wording a little better.

Taken & owned by James and Judy Ware 2002

By all accounts, Lucy Balmain Ware Lewis was a sweet and caring person. A letter from Robert E. Lee’s wife, Mary Custis Lee, reflects this sentiment. In writing to Lucy’s sister, she stated,

“I cannot feel that you are a stranger, having known your family - one member of which, my dear little Lucy, I most truly love and appreciate. You will find in her affection a true piety.” (Ref. 46)

Excerpt from a letter written by Mary Custis Lee in 1865, owned by James & Judy Ware

(Ref. 46)

Lucy certainly had a life filled with loss and sadness when it came to having children. She and Edward had five, but sadly, all of them died very young. The only child to survive infancy and live to be married was their last daughter, Lucy; appropriately named after her mother. Tragically, Lucy Balmain Ware Lewis died shortly after her birth and never got to see her child reach maturity.

Lucy Balmain Ware Lewis

It was on July 25, 1859, when Lucy gave birth to the first of her five children. They named the little girl Eleanor Angela Lewis. She only lived seven short months before she died on February 18, 1860. The minister of Grace Episcopal Church at the time, Rev. Henderson Suter, sent Lucy a note regarding the burial for her tiny daughter. (see below)

Note from Rev. Henderson Suter, owned by James & Judy Ware

In 1861, Lucy and Edward welcomed their first son. He was named Lawrence Fielding Lewis but he never survived infancy. The same thing happened in 1862 when Lucy delivered another baby boy. This son they named John Glassell Ware Lewis but again, the newborn did not survive.

In February of 1864, Lucy was pregnant again. She may not have even been aware of her pregnancy yet when she wrote to a cousin:

“My little ones I know to be safe now; in their Savior’s arms. I cannot realize that I have three in Heaven, they have come and gone as a dream.” (Ref. 294)

In August, however, she delivered a healthy baby boy. The couple named their son Edward Parke Custis Lewis, after his father. Lucy must have been overjoyed as the months went by and she got to see this child grow and mature a little. The happiness would only last 19 months however, for little Eddy died on March 22, 1866. What an incredible mixture of emotions must have flooded poor Lucy. To lose a fourth child was almost too much to bear and yet, at the very time of his death, she was pregnant with (what would be) her last baby. One can feel the depth of her sorrow and worry in two letters that were written just shortly before she gave birth in August.

On May 17, 1866, just two months after burying her fourth child, she wrote the following to a cousin:

“My seeming neglect of your kind affectionate letters has been a source of great annoyance to me, but the truth is I have not had the heart to write to anyone. I feel that my letters must always be so sad as there is not much sunshine in my heart now since my Darling one was taken. It is the fourth one we have been called to give up – after they had entwined themselves, each one in succession, around the hearts of us all, oh so fondly, and indeed of everyone who knew them. Little Eddy was known everywhere and his little sayings and doings were copied and repeated by all who knew him, old and young. I try to bear it all as well as I can for the sake of other loved ones around me. I find I must learn to kiss the rod that smites. “Thy will be done” and submission are two of the hardest tasks to be felt and learned in the school of affliction.” (Ref. 227)

Part of the letter written by Lucy Ware Lewis after the death of baby Eddy, original owned by James and Judy Ware

Then, in a letter to her sister, dated just one month before the birth of her last baby, it is almost as if Lucy sensed that her own death was imminent. She wrote the following:

“You say if I never write again I will write now. Maybe there is more truth than you think in your remark – for God only knows what may be my fate within the next 4 or 6 weeks, as it is a trying time for me.”

(Ref. 15)

(The letter is very hard to read because, due to the shortage of paper in the Civil War, people would write in one direction and then turn the paper crosswise and write in the other direction.)

Everyone around them grieved with Lucy and Edward over the loss of their children. Although infant mortality was nothing out of the ordinary during this time in history, it did not lessen the compassion one felt when watching another suffer through that kind of sorrow. The day after Eddy died, the minister’s wife, Mrs. Suter, wrote the following letter.

“My Dear Lucy, I feel as if I must write a few words to you, this morning to assure you of my sincere sympathy for you, and yet I fear I am intruding myself upon you in your deep grief. You are indeed called upon to suffer much; to a loving mother these trials are hard to bear and I know of nothing to comfort you so much as the recollection that God has seen fit to call you to add four to that number of little ones around His throne of whom He said ‘of such is the kingdom of Heaven.’ Try to look above, dear Lucy, to where they are safely housed and may these afflictions draw you nearer to Him who chastens but in love, so that when you too are called away, you may feel that you have four dear children to meet you on that shining shore and part with never more.

My heart is pained for you, my dear friend, and that God may comfort you, and Mr. Lewis too, as no one else can, is the sincere prayer of your attached friend.” M. Suter

Original letter owned by James and Judy Ware

Another letter came to her from her aunt, Mildred Cove.

“My dear Lucy and Edward,

I cannot tell you, how much shocked and grieved I was, this afternoon, in receiving a letter from your dear mother, telling me of the death of our dear little Pet. Oh! My dear Lucy and Edward, it is hard, very hard to hear, but what can we poor mortals do but bow in submission to our Heavenly Father’s will, he alone knows best why he so afflicts you. You both know where to look for comfort in this your severe affliction and may God give you both strength to live up under it. It is but time alone that can assuage such grief as I know yours must be. Your dear Mother will feel his loss very much. She speaks of him as being so very lovely and engaging. How much I regret not having seen him. I looked forward with so much pleasure seeing him one of these days. He is far happier, is now a dear little angel, gone to join his dear brother and sisters. All that I can say is, put your trust in the Almighty, he will give you both strength to bear it. We all feel it most deeply and truly sympathize with you. May God enable you in time to say “Thy will be done.” Mary John and Kate unite with me in kind love to you both. Believe me your affectionate aunt ~ M. J. Cove” (Ref. 231)

Original letter owned by James and Judy Ware

Tucked inside one of Lucy’s old books, the following poem was found. It was obviously something that touched her heart deeply.

Original owned by James and Judy Ware

Lucy’s uneasiness about the impending birth of her next child proved to be all too prophetic. A baby daughter was born on August 26, 1866, just three months after little Eddy was buried. The little girl was named Lucy Ware Lewis, in honor of her mother. This was the only child of Edward and Lucy’s who would survive childhood, marry, and have a family of her own. Tragically, her mother never got to witness it. Lucy Balmain Ware Lewis died on August 26, 1866, at the birth of this last child. Her sister, Elizabeth, stepped in to care for the new baby until poor Edward remarried a few years later.

The following photographs were kindly taken by
Lee McGuigan of Berryville, Virginia.

“Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven”

Children of E. P. C. Lewis and Lucy Balmain Ware Lewis

Memorial lists the following children for Lucy and Edward Parke Custis Lewis: Eleanor Angela, Lawrence Fielding, John Glassell Ware, and Edward P. C. Lewis, Jr.

Grave of Lucy Balmain Ware Lewis

To the memory of

LUCY B. LEWIS

Wife of E.P.C. Lewis

of Clarke County

Who departed this life

August 26^th, 1866

in the 27^th year of her age.

“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.”

There is a very special and appropriate place dedicated to Lucy within the walls of Grace Episcopal Church. A stained glass window adorns the lovely baptistry there and has witnessed generations of babies baptized into the church.

Photos taken by James & Judy Ware 2002

Inscription plate on the stained glass window dedicated to Lucy Balmain Ware Lewis, located in the small baptistry off of the main sanctuary.

The inscription reads:

“To the glory of God and in memory of Lucy Balmain Lewis, wife of Edward Parke Custis Lewis and their four infant children.”

Christmas 2007

July 1986, Stained glass window dedicated to Lucy Balmain Ware Lewis.
Photo taken by James & Judy Ware

Edward Parke Custis Lewis
photo owned by James & Judy Ware

Edward Parke Custis Lewis remarried in 1869. His new wife was Mary Picton Stevens, the widow of Muscoe R. H. Garnett; “a prominent Virginian who served in the United States and Confederate Congresses.” (Ref. 2383) Edward settled in Hoboken, New Jersey, and “was elected as a member of the New Jersey legislature, resigning on April 2, 1885 upon appointment by President Cleveland as the United States Minister to Portugal.” (Ref. 2383) He served as a diplomat throughout Cleveland’s entire administration. He and Mary had several children of their own: Edwin Augustus Lewis who married Alice S. Walker; Esther Maria Lewis, who was born in Switzerland and married Charles M. Chapin; Julia Stevens Lewis, who married James M. Cumming and made her home in Levanto, Italy; and Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, who married Baron Zdenko von Dworzak and made her home in Florence, Italy.

Mary Picton Lewis & son, Edwin Augustus Stevens Lewis
Photo owned by James and Judy Ware

While Edward and his family lived in Hoboken, he “was director of the Hoboken Ferry Company and served as a vestryman of the Trinity Episcopal Church.” (Ref. 2396) On September 3, 1892, Edward Parke Custis Lewis died in Hoboken, New Jersey. He was buried there in Princeton Cemetery.

Grave of E. P. C. Lewis in Hoboken, New Jersey, and E. P. C. Lewis

The only child of E. P. C. Lewis and his first wife (Lucy Balmain Ware Lewis) to live to adulthood was that last baby Lucy delivered in 1866; appropriately named Lucy Ware Lewis. When little Lucie (as she often spelled her name) left the care of her Aunt Elizabeth it was to rejoin her father shortly after his remarriage in 1869. She spent an exciting childhood traveling abroad with Edward and his new wife. She grew close to Mary (Minnie) Barton Garnett, the daughter Mary Picton had conceived from her first marriage (there being only a three year difference in their ages) and she soon had other new siblings.

As the daughter of a diplomat, Lucie was afforded many experiences unheard of for most young ladies of her time. She dined with dignitaries, went to bull fights, danced with dukes, and even had a chance to meet Queen Victoria of England. In one of her letters home, she wrote:

“When the Royal family are in the Palace, permit is given to no one to enter it, to examine it and the pictures, and here was I - an unknown American to be admitted by the Queen herself, and stand close by her Majesty.”

Excerpt from letter written by Lucie Ware Lewis,
original owned by James and Judy Ware

Lucie later married Charles Treadwell Ayres McCormick on December 31, 1893. They were wed in Berryville, Virginia, but for several years, the couple lived in Manila, Cuba, “where Charlie was representative for the U.S. Rubber Company and they had a beautiful home there and a most delightful life.” (Ref. 2) The couple had two children, but sadly, neither child lived long enough to marry and have offspring of their own. The entire ancestral line descending from Edward P. C. Lewis and Lucy Balmain Ware Lewis died off with this generation.

The youngest child of Lucie and Charles was a daughter named Mary Elizabeth McCormick, but she went by the nickname of ‘Leila.’ She was born on August 6, 1899, but she only lived nine short years; dying on August 16, 1908. She was buried in Grace Churchyard.

Grave of Mary Elizabeth (Leila) McCormick
Photo courtesy of Lee McGuigan

The oldest McCormick child was a son named Charles Treadwell Ayres McCormick, Jr., after his father. Charles was born in 1896, and according to a family letter, “Charles Jr., a splendid boy, joined the Marines at 18 at the outbreak of World War I. In 1918, “he was killed at the battle of Chateau Thierry.” (Ref. 2,3) This historic battle was fought on July 18, 1918, and was one of the first actions of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) under General John Pershing. It was especially important for three reasons: it was the first battle where the AEF experienced the heavy casualties associated with World War I, it showed the U.S. Marine Corps determination and dedication, and it was a signal to everyone that America was on the Western Front to fight. There is a beautiful memorial plate on the inside wall of Grace Church honoring the bravery of Charles McCormick, Jr., in this battle.

Memorial for Charles T. A. McCormick, Jr.

To the glory of God and in memory of

CHARLES T. A. McCORMICK JR.

only son of

CHARLES T. A. AND LUCY W. McCORMICK

Volunteer and Private

80^th Company ____ 6^th Regiment

U. S. MARINE CORPS

who in his twenty second year fell in battle near Soissons

and lies in an unknown grave somewhere in France

SEPTEMBER 24, 1896 ____ July 19, 1918

This tablet records the patriotic devotion and heroic spirit

of one who from the trenches in France wrote:

“I am where I would most want to be.”

Chateau Thierry – Belleau Woods – Bouresches - Soissons

~~~~~~~

Newspaper article owned by James and Judy Ware

Lucy “inherited the home [in Berryville] left by her aunt who had reared her. (Ref. 3) She and her husband moved back to Berryville to spend her remaining years in the town where she was born and married. Charles McCormick Sr. died in 1932, but Lucie lived another 12 years. She died in 1944 and was buried beside her husband in Grace Cemetery.

Grave for Charles T. A. McCormick,
Photo courtesy of Lee McGuigan

In excerpts from her last will and testament, we learn several interesting things about Lucy [Lucie] Ware Lewis McCormick. We know, beyond question, she was buried in Grace Episcopal Cemetery because of the following bequest - -

“To Grace Church, Berryville – the remains of my lot in the grave yard and $1000.00 for the upkeep of the grave yard.”

We also learn exactly how close her family ties were to President George Washington and Martha because of several items that were in her possession which she wished distributed to others.

“To Mount Vernon – 1 silk patchwork quilt made of pieces of General Washington’s vests, Mrs. Washington & Nellie Custis’ dresses. Set of pearls (pin in shape of bird) & silver comb – both of Mrs. George Washington – also her thread cap lace, also 2 decanters which came from Mount Vernon.” (Ref.18) These very items had first been lovingly passed down in the family from Martha Washington to her granddaughter, Nellie. She, in turn, bequeathed “old relicts of my beloved grandmother, (Martha Washington) - silk dress or parts of dresses . . . to the six sons of my darling Lorenzo.” (Ref. 2397)

These items are currently owned by Mount Vernon and can be viewed on display; along with a sugar bowl that was passed down to James and Judy Ware from Lucie (i.e. the Washington family) as well.

LUCY WARE LEWIS MCCORMICK LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

June 1, 1932 This is my will

1^st I wish all my debts to be paid.

I wish Haines of Winchester to erect a stone over my grave, a duplicate of my husbands engraved there on: Lucy Ware Lewis, wife of Charles T.A. McCormick, Born at Audley, Virginia August the 26, 1866 died - - -

2^nd I ask my nephew, Walker Lewis and Captain Frank Wray to act as my executors of this my last will.

3 To my nephew Walker Lewis, I leave $1,000.00 (one thousand)

4 To my cousins Glassell Elliot of Waco Texas and James (his brother) Ware Dean of Sacramento California and Charles Ware of San Antonio Texas – all of my grandfathers (Josiah Wares) furniture, silver, and china here mentioned: One large side board with 2 knife boxes. Two (2) parlor ottomans, one large parlor sofa, one set of brass andirons, fender, and tongs etc. One large four post bed. Two (2) miniatures – one of Josiah Ware and one of his father.

One bureau with three mirrors. One Duncan Fife sewing table – one tea pot & one sugar bowl (silver) with swans on lid. This has been given to the Wares - one large silver bowl with fruits and engraved “Agricultural Prize - Jas Ware” Set of green china to go to Cornelia Anker of Falls Church

5 To my cousin Emily Conti McCormick – my silver tea set of six (6) pieces marked L.W.L. (kettle not marked)

6 To Mount Vernon – 1 silk patchwork quilt made of pieces of General Washington’s vests, Mrs. Washington & Nellie Custis’ dresses. Set of pearls (pin in shape of bird) & silver comb – both of Mrs. George Washington – also her thread cap lace. All of the above were given to me by Mrs. George Goldsborough & duly sworn to. Also 2 decanters which came from Mount Vernon.

7 To my friend Annie Stribling $500.00 (five hundred)

8 To Portia Baldwin – one large plated tray

9 To my dear Margaretta McGuire – one miniature surrounded with pearls of Charles McCormick, father of my husband – already given

10 To Rosalie Smithy – one framed fan – mother of pearl & point lace

11 One hand painted framed fan (all crossed out)

12 To Gertrude Reynolds – all blue India china

13 To Julia Downer $100.00 (one hundred)

14 To Captain Wray $500.00 (five hundred) (all crossed out)

15 To Mr. Ware & to Mr. Jones of the Berryville National Bank $100.00 each

16 To Mrs. Blackburn –Smith -one of the long mirrors in old mahogany frame

17 To Grace Church, Berryville – the remains of my lot in the grave yard and $1000.00 for the upkeep of the grave yard.

18 Sword in mahogany case belonged to Capt. John C. Parker U.S.N. & given my son – to be given with all papers enclosed to the Navy Museum at Annapolis, Maryland.

19 To my sisters – Minnie Garnett Mitchell of North Wales, Penna - Julia Cummings of Levanto, Italy - & Eleanor Devorsak of Florence Italy, any momento they may choose from my personal property after all legacies are paid.

20 To my sister and brother-in-law Esther & Charles Chapin – I leave my love & gratitude all moneys not mentioned above – in payment of my debt to them both. And I leave them residuary legatos – hoping if anything remains of my personal property that is not desired by my family it will be sold and the proceeds given to the Boys Home of Charlottsville, Virginia in memory of my husband.

21 All books not desired by Mr. & Mrs. C.M. Chapin to be given to the Berryville Library.

22 If my sister does not want either my diamond pin or my diamond ring, I wish all jewelry & clothes to be sold and money given to (proceeds sent to) The Mountain Mission Simmons Gap to be used helping the very needy mountaineers.

$100.00 to Emily Powers

I also wish Mrs. Crampton to choose whatever souvenir she will take & to Florence Gilleson $100.00 (on back of page two of the will) –

To my nephew Walker Lewis, I leave all monies from my Mexican claim.

Lucy W. McCormick Berryville June 1, 1932 VIRGINIA

Proved in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of Clarke County – the 5^th day of December, 1944

Two original pages of the will of Lucy Ware Lewis McCormick
all pages owned by James and Judy Ware

When Lucie Ware Lewis McCormick, the only surviving child of Lucy and Edward Parke Custis Lewis, died on November 8, 1944, the last of the direct Washington descendants coming down from the Ware line through Josiah Ware (and his wife Frances) died too.

Grave of Lucy W. Lewis – photo courtesy of Lee McGuigan