Commonwealth of Virginia versus Thomas J. Cluverius, 1885

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888

Summary

Creator:
Richmond (Va.) Circuit Court.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Commonwealth of Virginia versus Thomas J. Cluverius, 1885, contains records related to the criminal trial of Thomas J. Cluverius heard in Richmond (City) Circuit Court. Cluverius was indicted for the murder of Fannie Lillian Madison. Included in the case are Cluverius's indictment and copies of the trial testimony, along with several pieces of correspondence used as evidence in the trial. The correspondence between Madison and Cluverius exists as evidence that the couple shared an intimate relationship. Additional correspondence between Madison and their aunt Jane F. Tunstall was used to illustrate Madison's emotional state at the time of her death. Also included in the collection are the watch key and several photographs found in the possession of Madison at the time of her death.

Biographical / historical:

The body of Fannie Lillian Madison was found in Richmond's Old Reservoir on 14 March 1885. It was first believed Madison committed suicide, but evidence of a struggle suggested that she had been murdered. Madison's cousin Thomas J. Cluverius, a graduate of Richmond College and a lawyer in King and Queen and King William Counties, was indicted for her murder. Cluverius was convicted mostly on circumstantial evidence - the key piece of evidence being a watch key, supposedly belonging to Cluverius, which was found at the scene of the murder. The trial lasted from the 5 May to 4 June 1885, and Cluverius was hanged on 14 January 1887 despite several appeals.

Acquisition information:
These items came to the Library of Virginia in transfer of court papers from the city of Richmond.
Physical location:
Library of Virginia
Physical description:
.45 cu. ft. (1 box)