April 2000 Newsletter Insert
Photo Provided by Gil & Louise Shockley
Farrar’s Island Historic Highway Marker
Breaking News! Too late to print:
It is done! It is an accomplished fact! Our Reunion’s grand and noble effort, the Farrar’s Island Historic Highway Marker project, is a rollicking success. Our Marker has been firmly implanted in the soil of this Old Commonwealth, right at the Fall Line between the Tidewater and the Piedmont. Our progenitors made history here. We proudly mark their way.
This grand achievement is due to the enthusiasm of our members, our readership, our generous financial contributors, and to Gil and Louise Shockley, Richmond residents, who gave unstintingly of their dedicated efforts and stayed on top of this project from the very beginning to the very end. Unequivocal thanks and accolades go to one and all.
Our Marker is situated at the southeast corner of US 1/301 and Osborne Road, Chester, VA. Osborne is the road that leads approximately three miles to the Dutch Gap boat launch and parking area. The head of the 1 1/4 mile nature trail to Farrar’s Island is at the far end of the parking area.
Our Marker reads:
In 1611 Farrar’s Island was the site of the
“Citie of Henrico”, one of Virginia’s first four
primary settlement areas under the Virginia
Company of London. Later, it was part of a
2,000 acre land patent issued posthumously
to William Farrar in 1637. Farrar, who arrived
in Virginia from London in 1618 aboard the
Neptune, invested in the Company under its
third charter. In 1626, Governor Sir George
Yeardley appointed Farrar to the governor’s
Council, a position occupied until 1632.
He also served as a justice for two counties.
Farrar family members resided on the island
until they sold it to Thomas Randolph on
26 Jan. 1727.
The picture is the first picture taken of our Marker. It is said, “A picture speaks a thousand words.” Take another look at that picture. It depicts fully and completely the reason for our Clan’s Reunion and our every effort. There is Gil and Louise, the patriarch and matriarch of their family. And right in the middle, lovingly between them, excitedly participating in this historic moment, is their grandson, Thomas Lacy Shockley, a third generation. It is for them, and all after, for whom we leave a mark along the trail.
Editor