Friends,

   I hope this email finds everyone doing well and staying safe. My focus this month is to provide updates from the Clerk's Office, including my Re-Election Bid, Clerk's Office open positions, and staff news.

My Re-Election Bid

   If re-elected in November by the citizens of Augusta County it is my intention to pursue 14 goals and investigate and implement these objectives, if possible. Once again my goals will include: Innovating and Working for All the citizens of Augusta County, Preserving and Promoting History of Augusta County, and Seeking Input and Advice from the citizens of Augusta County.

Read The Press Release Here

Sign Up To Volunteer

Contribute to My Re-Election Campaign

Deputy Clerk - Criminal Division

   Join a great hard working and dedicated team. We now have two Deputy Clerk positions for our Criminal Division to fill.

Apply Here

Staff News

   We had our Clerk's Staff Meeting where I presented Deputy Clerk Rachel Morgan with the Clerk's Light Bulb for her idea for staff to utilize standing desks.

Donate Today

   Donate today to help cover the costs of this newsletter along with future campaign initiatives. Your contributions help keep Augusta County citizens and the Clerk's office connected.

   If you would like to mail your donation, please make checks payable to: Steve Landes for Clerk of Court Committee.

P.O Box 12

Verona, VA 24482

Donate Here

Clerk of Court Contact Information 

Please visit my website at stevelandes.com for the latest news regarding the Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court Office.

The Honorable R. Steven Landes, Clerk

Augusta County Circuit Court

[email protected]

540-245-5321 Ext. 100

Augusta County Website

Sincerely,

STEVE LANDES, CLERK Augusta County Circuit Court [email protected] Proven Experience and Trusted Service for Augusta County

Friends,

   I hope this email finds everyone doing well and staying safe. My focus this month is to provide updates from the Clerk's Office, including my Re-Election Bid and staff news.

   I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.

My Re-Election Bid

   I was officially declared the Republican Candidate for Augusta County Clerk of Court on Friday, April 7 for the November 7 General Election. I was the only Republican to file for the Party Canvas to be held Saturday, May 20, and therefore was officially declared the Republican nominee.

Read the Press Release Here

Sign Up To Volunteer

Contribute to My Re-Election Campaign

Staff News

   We celebrated the retirement of Julie Sheffer, Senior Deputy Clerk - Court Administrator, and we will all miss her dedicated service to the citizens of Augusta County.

   I had the privilege of administering the Oath for the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office to Whitney Rhodes, our Historic Records Assistant. Whitney completed her probationary period with the office and is now a full member of the Clerk's Staff. Congratulations Whitney!

Donate Today

   Donate today to help cover the costs of this newsletter along with future campaign initiatives. Your contributions help keep Augusta County citizens and the Clerk's office connected.

   If you would like to mail your donation, please make checks payable to: Steve Landes for Clerk of Court Committee.

P.O Box 12

Verona, VA 24482

Donate Here

Virtual Photograph Tour

   This is the 1749 original plat for Downtown Staunton showing the lots where the Augusta County Courthouse and Jail was to be located by Surveyor Andrew Lewis. A better description and survey were recorded again by Surveyor John Poage in 1786 as noted on the back.

   Recently we returned to Elks Lodge No. 351 their original Minute Book: 1896-1899 to Staunton Mayor, and Elks Lodge Member Steve Claffey. These are the beginning two pages of the Elks Lodge Minute Book. These pages show the creation of the Staunton Lodge, and the appointment of key members in August of 1896.

   These are 1810 patent documents explaining the construction of a mill by Jeremy Frisbie in Augusta County. The United States patent is signed by President James Madison and Secretary of State James Monroe.

Clerk of Court Contact Information 

Please visit my website at stevelandes.com for the latest news regarding the Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court Office.

The Honorable R. Steven Landes, Clerk

Augusta County Circuit Court

[email protected]

540-245-5321 Ext. 100

Augusta County Website

Sincerely,

STEVE LANDES, CLERK Augusta County Circuit Court [email protected] Proven Experience and Trusted Service for Augusta County

Friends,

   I hope this email finds everyone doing well and staying safe. My focus this month is to provide updates from the Clerk's Office, including our search for summer interns.

   I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.

My Re-Election Bid

   I plan to run for re-election as Clerk of Court for Augusta County. It is also my intent to seek the Republican nomination and then run in the general election on November 7th with all other Constitutional Officers, General Assembly members, and Augusta County Board of Supervisors members.

Read the Press Release Here

Sign Up To Volunteer

Contribute to My Re-Election Campaign

Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office Seeking Summer Interns

   The Clerk’s Office is once again seeking high school and college students who wish to serve as interns. The Clerk’s Office will provide internship and mentorship opportunities this Summer to students who are interested in Virginia Government, the Virginia Judicial System, or the law.

Read The Press Release Here

Donate Today

   Donate today to help cover the costs of this newsletter along with future campaign initiatives. Your contributions help keep Augusta County citizens and the Clerk's office connected.

   If you would like to mail your donation, please make checks payable to: Steve Landes for Clerk of Court Committee.

P.O Box 12

Verona, VA 24482

Donate Here

Virtual Photograph Tour

   These are documents from the Elizabeth Fulton vs. James Crawford 1761 Judgement. She sued him for 100 pounds in damages for poisoning her when she was his servant. She became ill and could not work for 11 months.

   This is our continuing Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. This document is Mechanics Liens Dockets No. 1 from the late 1800s. It is interesting to see the cost of supplies in the 1890s. In one of the entries, 800 feet of siding cost $18.00 (Page 135).

Clerk of Court Contact Information 

Please visit my website at stevelandes.com for the latest news regarding the Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court Office.

The Honorable R. Steven Landes, Clerk

Augusta County Circuit Court

[email protected]

540-245-5321 Ext. 100

Augusta County Website

Sincerely,

STEVE LANDES, CLERK Augusta County Circuit Court [email protected] Proven Experience and Trusted Service for Augusta County

Friends,

   I hope this email finds everyone doing well and staying safe. My focus this month is to provide updates from the Clerk's Office, including the announcement of my re-election campaign and Clerk's Office staff updates.

   I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.

My Re-Election Bid

   First, let me thank you for all the support and help you have provided me over the years, for my campaigns for the House of Delegates, and then in 2019 for your support to be elected the 17^th Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk. You, my family, and many others have made my public service possible, and I want to thank you once again for all that help and support.

   I want you to be one of the first to know that in 2023 I plan to run for re-election as Clerk of Court for Augusta County. It is also my intent to seek the Republican nomination and then run in the general election on November 7th with all other Constitutional Officers, General Assembly members, and Augusta County Board of Supervisors members.

Read the Press Release Here

Sign Up To Volunteer

Contribute to My Re-Election Campaign

Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office Announces New Historic Records Assistant

   Whitney M. Rhodes joined the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office in January as the new Historic Records Assistant. We are happy to have Whitney join the hardworking staff of the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Whitney will be filling an important role as our Historic Records Assistant, and will be assisting the public and researchers, in addition to continuing our efforts to conserve and preserve Augusta County’s historic records.

Read Press Release Here

Donate Today

   Donate today to help cover the costs of this newsletter along with future campaign initiatives. Your contributions help keep Augusta County citizens and the Clerk's office connected.

   If you would like to mail your donation, please make checks payable to: Steve Landes for Clerk of Court Committee.

P.O Box 12

Verona, VA 24482

Donate Here

Virtual Photograph Tour

   This is another 1759 Judgement - Rogers vs. Donaho. Mr. Donaho received 20 pounds ($6,008 today) by order of the Court because Mr. Rogers misrepresented the age of a horse he sold to Mr. Donaho. Soon after the purchase the horse died.

   This is the Robert McClanahan vs. John Ware 1761 Judgement. Mr. Ware stayed at Mr. McClanahan's Ordinary and did not pay his bill. Also, included is the document listing the goods consumed by Mr. Ware.

Clerk of Court Contact Information 

Please visit my website at stevelandes.com for the latest news regarding the Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court Office.

The Honorable R. Steven Landes, Clerk

Augusta County Circuit Court

[email protected]

540-245-5321 Ext. 100

Augusta County Website

Sincerely,

STEVE LANDES, CLERK Augusta County Circuit Court [email protected] Proven Experience and Trusted Service for Augusta County

Friends,

   I hope this email finds everyone doing well and staying safe. My focus this month is to provide updates from the Clerk's Office, including the issuance of my third annual Circuit Court Clerk's Report, a new grant my office received, along with introducing our spring semester intern.

Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk Issues Third Annual Report

   Earlier this month, I issued the third annual Circuit Court Clerk’s Report for activities accomplished by the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office in 2022. In addition, to sharing this report with the public, the report will be provided to members of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors, Augusta County representatives in the Virginia General Assembly, and Circuit Court Judges conducting Court in Augusta County.   

   It is a great pleasure to officially issue our third annual Circuit Court Clerk’s Report for 2022 to the citizens of Augusta County. None of what has been achieved this past year would have been possible without the tireless efforts of the staff of the Clerk’s Office, and I want to thank all our dedicated and hardworking staff members who have accomplished so much for our citizens.

Read the Press Release Here

Augusta County Clerk Receives Circuit Court Records Preservation Grant

   The Clerk's Office received a $47,687 Circuit Court Records Preservation grant to restore eight important historic records. The documents include deed books from 1761 to 1878.

   The Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office is very pleased to have received this significant grant to restore these eight important Colonial and 19^th Century deed books, and looks forward to their restoration being completed. Once these important land records are restored this will allow future generations of Augusta County citizens to see these tangible pieces of history.

Read the Press Release Here

Augusta County Clerk’s Office Announces Spring Semester Intern

   Lillian Brown has been named Clerk’s Intern for the Spring Semester. Ms. Brown is the fifteenth student to be selected for the Clerk’s Office Internship Program.

Read the Press Release Here

Donate Today

   Donate today to help cover the costs of this newsletter along with future campaign initiatives. Your contributions help keep Augusta County citizens and the Clerk's office connected.

   If you would like to mail your donation, please make checks payable to: Steve Landes for Clerk of Court Committee.

P.O Box 12

Verona, VA 24482

Donate Here

Virtual Photograph Tour

   This is a November 1759 Judgement for John Warwick vs. Nanthalum Gregory. Mr. Warwick (plaintiff) requested 100 pounds from Mr. Gregory (defendant) who "caused him to be a public disgrace in the eyes of his neighbors." The Augusta County Justices ordered the 100 pounds be paid.

Clerk of Court Contact Information 

Please visit my website at stevelandes.com for the latest news regarding the Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court Office.

The Honorable R. Steven Landes, Clerk

Augusta County Circuit Court

[email protected]

540-245-5321 Ext. 100

Augusta County Website

Sincerely,

STEVE LANDES, CLERK Augusta County Circuit Court [email protected] Proven Experience and Trusted Service for Augusta County

Friends,

   I hope this email finds everyone doing well and staying safe. My focus this month is to provide updates from the Clerk's Office, including staff news and a message of Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Season's Greetings

   The Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office "Courthouse Gang" wishes each one a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May you be blessed in celebrating with your family and friends. Blessings for each and every one for 2023!

Staff News

   The Fourth Quarter 2022 Clerk's Light Bulb Award was presented to Becky Kimble, Deputy Clerk in our Probate Division. Becky suggested we send out letters with information and helpful hints to Financial Institutions and Funeral Homes explaining the Probate process to better help our citizens. Congratulations Becky!

Donate Today

   Donate today to help cover the costs of this newsletter along with future campaign initiatives. Your contributions help keep Augusta County citizens and the Clerk's office connected.

   If you would like to mail your donation, please make checks payable to: Steve Landes for Clerk of Court Committee.

P.O Box 12

Verona, VA 24482

Donate Here

Clerk of Court Contact Information 

Please visit my website at stevelandes.com for the latest news regarding the Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court Office.

The Honorable R. Steven Landes, Clerk

Augusta County Circuit Court

[email protected]

540-245-5321 Ext. 100

Augusta County Website

Sincerely,

STEVE LANDES, CLERK Augusta County Circuit Court [email protected] Proven Experience and Trusted Service for Augusta County

Friends,

   I hope this email finds everyone doing well and staying safe. My focus this month is to provide updates from the Clerk's Office including changes to concealed handgun permits, and staffing news, along with details on a new document available in the online archive portal.

   I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.

Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk Announces That Concealed Handgun Permits Will Now Be Issued As Plastic Cards

   The Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office will now be issuing Concealed Handgun Permits as plastic cards for citizens receiving new and renewal permit cards. 

   The Clerk’s Office is very happy to provide these plastic card permits for Augusta County citizens who will be receiving new, and renewal Concealed Handgun Permits that have been approved. During the 2019 Special Election for Clerk of Circuit Court, this initiative was one of nine I proposed to investigate to allow the office to innovate and continue to better serve our citizens.

Read the Press Release Here

Augusta County Clerk Announces JMU Graduate Student To Join Office

   James Madison University History Graduate Student R. Matthew Luther has joined the Clerk’s Office to assist with Histories Along the Blue Ridge projects, a partnership with the JMU History Department and JMU Libraries.

   We are very pleased to have Matt Luther join the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office to assist us with projects related to our partnership with the JMU History Department and JMU Libraries. Having a JMU History Graduate Student will allow us to make great progress on identifying and conserving Augusta County’s historic records.

Read the Press Release Here

Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk Announces That Pittsburgh Land Grant Has Been Digitized And Transcribed

   In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, a new record is now available through the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's online archive portal. The recently digitized and transcribed document is the original land grant for territory from the 1740s for what is now the City of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania.

   We are excited to provide this significant historic Pittsburgh land record from the 1740s in both the digital format along with the transcribed language to make it easier to read the entire documents conten. We would like to thank JMU student Kayleigh Bishop for transcribing this Augusta County land record for our office.

Read the Press Release Here

Staff News

   We recently celebrated Deputy Clerk Jean Doyle's 25 years of service to the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Jean serves in the Civil Division, and has served the citizens of Augusta County for 25 dedicated years. Thank you Jean, and Congratulations!

Donate Today

   Donate today to help cover the costs of this newsletter along with future campaign initiatives. Your contributions help keep Augusta County citizens and the Clerk's office connected.

   If you would like to mail your donation, please make checks payable to: Steve Landes for Clerk of Court Committee.

P.O Box 12

Verona, VA 24482

Donate Here

Virtual Photograph Tour

   This is the Pittsburgh Land Grant from 1749, Pages 1 and 6 from Deed Book 22. Page 6 shows the signatures of the Iroquois Leaders.

View Entire Document Here

Clerk of Court Contact Information 

Please visit my website at stevelandes.com for the latest news regarding the Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court Office.

The Honorable R. Steven Landes, Clerk

Augusta County Circuit Court

[email protected]

540-245-5321 Ext. 100

Augusta County Website

Sincerely,

STEVE LANDES, CLERK Augusta County Circuit Court [email protected] Proven Experience and Trusted Service for Augusta County

Friends,

   I hope this email finds everyone doing well and staying safe. My focus this month is to provide updates from the Clerk's Office including the upcoming Veterans Day event, our partnership with JMU, jury commissioner appointments, and staff updates.

   I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.

Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office And Augusta County Genealogical Society To Host Veterans Event

   Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court R. Steven Landes and the Augusta County Genealogical Society (ACGS) President Stephen Garber announced that they will be hosting an Augusta County Veterans Day activity at the Augusta County Circuit Courthouse on Thursday, November 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will be for one day only.  

Read the Press Release Here

Augusta Clerk Announces Partnership With James Madison University

   The Clerk's office has entered a partnership with the James Madison University’s (JMU) Department of History and the JMU Libraries to support the Histories along the Blue Ridge project. The Rockingham County Circuit Court Clerk, Madison County Circuit Court Clerk, and Rappahannock County Circuit Court Clerk are already participating in the project. Histories along the Blue Ridge is a project and website that makes selected historic records digitally available to the public.

Read the Press Release Here

Augusta County Circuit Court Jury Commissioners To Meet

   Four Augusta County citizens have been appointed by Judge W. Chapman Goodwin, 25^th Circuit, to serve as Jury Commissioners and will be reviewing next year’s potential list of qualified jurors in October. Those selected include Carolyn Bragg of Stuarts Draft, Lora Dury of Mount Sidney, Andy Vanhook of Weyers Cave, and Beryl Wilson of Fishersville.

   The citizens who serve as Jury Commissioners play an important role in reviewing and qualifying potential jurors for Augusta County’s Circuit Court. I want to thank these Augusta County citizens for their willingness to serve and take on this key responsibility in the jury process.

Read the Press Release Here

Staff News

   Proud that Sandy Harris, Deputy Clerk - Land Records Division, and Rachel Morgan, Deputy Clerk - Criminal Division, just recently were designated as Master Deputy Circuit Court Clerks through the Virginia Court Clerks' Association Career Development Program. Congratulations Sandy and Rachel!

Read the Press Release Here

  Pam Heinrich, our Records Assistant, was awarded the Clerk's Light Bulb Award for the 3rd Quarter of 2022. Because of Pam we now post a notice at our front desk for citizens to know the reason the flags in front of the Augusta County Circuit Courthouse fly at half staff in honor or memory of someone or an event. Thank you Pam!

Donate Today

   Donate today to help cover the costs of this newsletter along with future campaign initiatives. Your contributions help keep Augusta County citizens and the Clerk's office connected.

   If you would like to mail your donation, please make checks payable to: Steve Landes for Clerk of Court Committee.

P.O Box 12

Verona, VA 24482

Donate Here

Virtual Photograph Tour

   This is the Oath for Harry Burnett's appointment as Deputy Clerk for the Augusta County Court. It is signed by his father, William A. Burnett, Clerk of the County Court, and his father. William Burnett served as Clerk for almost 35 years, and Harry Burnett later become Clerk, and served for 48 years.

Clerk of Court Contact Information 

Please visit my website at stevelandes.com for the latest news regarding the Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court Office.

The Honorable R. Steven Landes, Clerk

Augusta County Circuit Court

[email protected]

540-245-5321 Ext. 100

Augusta County Website

Sincerely,

STEVE LANDES, CLERK Augusta County Circuit Court [email protected] Proven Experience and Trusted Service for Augusta County

Friends,

   I hope this email finds everyone doing well and staying safe. My focus this month is to provide updates from the Clerk's Office including my recent board appointments and the announcement of the Clerk's Office Fall 2022 intern.

   I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.

Augusta County Clerk Named To Frontier Culture Museum And State Historical Records Advisory Boards

   I was recently appointed to the Board of Trustees for the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia and the State Historical Records Advisory Board by Governor Glenn A. Youngkin. His appointments began July 1, 2022 and ends June 30, 2026.

   It is an honor to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia once again, and to also be appointed to serve on the State Historical Records Advisory Board. I thank Governor Youngkin for his confidence and allowing me to serve. As Clerk of the Augusta County Circuit Court I look forward to working for the preservation and promotion of the history of Augusta County, the Shenandoah Valley, and Virginia as a member of both boards, and look forward to pursuing partnership opportunities between the Clerk’s Office, and both boards.

Read the Press Release Here

Augusta County Clerk’s Office Announces Fall 2022 Intern

   India Manning was named a Clerk’s Intern for the Fall 2022 Semester. India is among the seventh group of students to be selected for the Clerk’s Office Internship Program. Our Office is very pleased to have India join the Clerk’s Office as our third group of Fall interns selected as part of our ongoing Clerk’s Office Internship Program. We look forward to having her serving with our office during the Fall Semester.

   Ms. Manning is a Senior at Bridgewater College majoring in Psychology, and a minor in Crime and Justice. She received an Associate Degree in General Studies from Patrick and Henry Community College in May 2020. Ms. Manning is from Martinsville, Virginia.

Read the Press Release Here

Donate Today

   Donate today to help cover the costs of this newsletter along with future campaign initiatives. Your contributions help keep Augusta County citizens and the Clerk's office connected.

   If you would like to mail your donation, please make checks payable to: Steve Landes for Clerk of Court Committee.

P.O Box 12

Verona, VA 24482

Donate Here

Virtual Photograph Tour

   These are Pages 1 and 2 from Order Book 1 from the original documents for Augusta County from 1745. We recently received this restored original volume and the digital images.

   These are two photographs we located in the Clerk's Office of the Augusta County Courthouse circa the 1940s. We know it is after the 1938 addition that was built on the back of the building, which is shown in the second photograph.

   This is the 1736 Beverley Patent, including the original land grantees for what was to become Augusta County in 1738. This was authorized and signed by Lieutenant Governor William Gooch, Esquire on September 6, 1736.

Clerk of Court Contact Information 

Please visit my website at stevelandes.com for the latest news regarding the Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court Office.

The Honorable R. Steven Landes, Clerk

Augusta County Circuit Court

[email protected]

540-245-5321 Ext. 100

Augusta County Website

Sincerely,

STEVE LANDES, CLERK Augusta County Circuit Court [email protected] Proven Experience and Trusted Service for Augusta County

Friends,

   I hope this email finds everyone doing well and staying safe. My focus this month is to provide updates from the Clerk's Office including the newly restored records my office received. I have also included the latest photos from the Augusta County Courthouse virtual photograph tour. Please enjoy the latest photos.

Augusta County Clerk of Court Receives Newly Restored Records

   The Clerk's office recently received eight important historic records back after extensive conservation work was completed on each record book. The documents include deed books, order books, will books and register of deaths ranging from 1745 to 1839.

Read the Press Release Here

Virginia Court of Clerk's Association Convention

   This past weekend I had the honor to attend the Virginia Court Clerk's Association 112th Annual Convention in Williamsburg, Virginia. We heard a number of presentations, installed our new slate of officers, networked with Clerks and Deputy Clerks, and even had a chance to tour the Colonial James City County Courthouse, pictured below. Also, pictured is the Clerk Class of 2019 of which I am proud to be a member.

Donate Today

   Donate today to help cover the costs of this newsletter along with future campaign initiatives. Your contributions help keep Augusta County citizens and the Clerk's office connected.

   If you would like to mail your donation, please make checks payable to: Steve Landes for Clerk of Court Committee.

P.O Box 12

Verona, VA 24482

Donate Here

Virtual Photograph Tour

   This document is a page out of the Free Negro Register from 1810 certifying that Andrew Vind (we think that is the spelling) was in fact a free African American man in Augusta County.

   This is the Naturalization Record for the applicant named John Fitzgerald. He immigrated from Ireland to Augusta County in 1855.

   This week's document is a Free Negro Record of Harry White, Age 50, who gained his freedom in 1811.

Clerk of Court Contact Information 

Please visit my website at stevelandes.com for the latest news regarding the Augusta County Clerk of Circuit Court Office.

The Honorable R. Steven Landes, Clerk

Augusta County Circuit Court

[email protected]

540-245-5321 Ext. 100

Augusta County Website

Sincerely,

STEVE LANDES, CLERK Augusta County Circuit Court [email protected] Proven Experience and Trusted Service for Augusta County