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

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

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 Augusta County Court Clerk's Office naturalization document for Anthony Markle from Switzerland in 1855.

   This is a summons for Henry Downs from 1751. Mr. Downs was being summoned for a civil suit brought by John Davis who was suing Mr. Downs for 4 pounds and 1 shilling.

   This document is a page from the "Colored Marriage Register 1865- 1867," showing some of the earliest legalized African American marriages soon after the Civil War.

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 the announcement of the Clerk's Office Summer 2022 interns.

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

Augusta County Clerk’s Office Announces Summer 2022 Interns

   Aaron Baughman, Blake Rodgers and Nicholas Arnold have been named Clerk’s Interns for the Summer. These three young men are the sixth group of students to be selected for the Clerk’s Office Internship Program.

   Mr. Baughman is a Senior at James Madison University majoring in Philosophy and Religion and hopes to pursue a career in the law. Mr. Rodgers is a rising Senior at Wilson Memorial High School and hopes to major in Political Science in college. Mr. Arnold is a Junior at Bridgewater College majoring in Philosophy and Religion and hopes to pursue a career in the law as well.

Photograph Caption (left to right): Nicholas Arnold, Blake Rodgers and Aaron Baughman, Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office Summer Interns.

Read the Press Release Here

Staff Updates

   During our quarterly Clerk's Staff Meeting I presented the Clerk's Light Bulb Award for Bright Suggestions to Senior Deputy Clerk Suzanne Shifflett. Suzanne suggested we scan and better organize old Oaths and Orders. Our Clerk's Interns are assisting with this project. This will allow better access for staff and the public.

   I had the privilege of administering the oath of office to our newest staff member in the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Amber N. Peterson was officially sworn in as a Deputy Clerk for our Criminal Division.

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 judgement record for a case between John Hope and Casper Vought in 1751. Mr. Vought was in debt to Mr. Hope for one hundred pounds sterling - $30,000 in todays dollars.

Visit Our Online Archive Portal 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,

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 second clean audit and the restored voting registers the Clerk's Office received.

   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 Receives Second Clean Audit

   The Clerk’s Office has received notification from the Auditor of Public Accounts (APA) that the office achieved a clean audit report from the recently completed state audit of the office’s accounting and finance records. This is the second clean audit report the Clerk’s Office has received during my tenure as Clerk of Circuit Court.

Read the Press Release Here

Augusta County Clerk Receives African-American Voting Registers

   The Clerk's office recently received 14 restored early Augusta County 20^th century African-American Voting Registers, which are now in one volume. The records were restored due to a grant received from the Augusta County Genealogical Society (ACGS).

   The Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office is grateful to have these important restored voting records back and available for researchers to see. These early African-American voter records are important documents and will allow future generations to see these original pieces of history. We again want to thank the Augusta County Genealogical Society for the donation that made this project possible.

Read the Press Release Here

Staff Updates

   This past week the Clerk's Office hosted a breakfast to thank our great Augusta County Sheriff's Office Court Security Deputies who protect and serve the citizens of Augusta County, Augusta County Circuit Court, and Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Thank you for all you do!

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

   Earlier in May, we announced that we have received the 14 Augusta County African-American Voter Registers from 1904 - 1940. These records were restored due to a donation from the Augusta County Genealogical Society. This is the cover page, and a letter of transfer for a voter from October 4, 1927.

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,

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 updates and awards.

   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 Seeking Summer 2022 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.

Apply Here

Staff Updates

   We said goodbye to Christy Wiskeman, Deputy Clerk in our Criminal Division. Christy decided to take a new post at Blue Ridge Community College and return to the field of public education. We will miss you Christy, and thank you for your service to the citizens of Augusta County.

   I had the privilege of administering to our new Deputy Clerk-Court Reporter Courtney Little her oath of office. We are happy to have Courtney joining the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office Team!

   Rachel Morgan, Deputy Clerk in our Criminal Division, received the February Clerk's Light Bulb Award. Rachel is the one who actually gave me the idea for the Clerk's Light Bulb Award, and she has worked to streamline our processes in her division, especially related to Advisements for defendants.

   Two new staff members have recently joined the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. The positions of Deputy Clerk – Court Reporter, and Deputy Clerk – Criminal Division were recently filled. We are so pleased to have Courtney Little and Amber Peterson join the staff of the Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Both Courtney and Amber are filling important roles in serving the public, and I know that they will provide great service to the Citizens of Augusta County.

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 letter from the Department of Highways to Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk Harry Burnett, with a Check and Receipt for $125.00 for F.W. Bell in exchange for purchase of a right of way. These are example of the documents we recently found in the Clerk's Office Safe we opened.

   These are Staunton National Bank account ledgers and cancelled checks for Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk Harry Burnett from 1933 to 1935. The checks are payable to the Treasurer of Virginia for fees collected, which we still do today. These are examples of the documents we found in the Clerk's Office Safe we opened.

   This is a 1916 Lease for an office at the Courthouse for the Office of Solicitor of the U.S. Department of Agriculture between Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk Harry Burnett, who also served as Commissioner of Public Buildings for Augusta County, and the USDA. Rent was $6.50 per month.

   Below is the original $5,000 bond issued by the Maryland Casualty Company to the Augusta County Board of Supervisors for a term beginning April 1, 1941. Beside it is the Continuation Certificate issued on April 1, 1943, for a cost of $25.

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,

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 a Deputy Clerk for the Criminal Division and Summer 2022 interns.

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

Deputy Clerk for Criminal Division

  The Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office is looking for a full-time Deputy Clerk for our Criminal Division.

Apply Here

Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office Seeking Summer 2022 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.

Apply Here

Staff Updates

   It was my pleasure to administer the oaths to Hunter Hopkins, Deputy Clerk, and Pamela Heinrich, Records Assistant, as our newest Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk's Office Staff Members. Congratulations Hunter and Pam, and welcome aboard the team!

   Recently Gina Coffey, our Chief Deputy Clerk, received the January Clerk's Light Bulb Award. Gina planned, and completed the transition from SunTrust to First Bank & Trust Co. for our Trust Fund accounts, including measures to simplify the process and account for these important funds. Thank you Gina!

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 reports and receipts from the Virginia Department of Finance and Division of Treasury from April 1 & 6, 1928, to Augusta County Circuit Court Clerk Harry Burnett. These are example of the documents we recently found in the Clerk's Office Safe we opened.

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,