Isle of Wight (Va.) Justice of the Peace Records, 1884-1937

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:
Isle of Wight (Va.) Circuit Court
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

Isle of Wight (Va.) Justice of the Peace Records, 1884-1915, consist of Execution records.

Biographical / historical:

Isle of Wight was most likely named for the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England. It was first known as Warrosquyoake and was one of the eight shires established in 1634. The present name was given in 1637. Part of Nansemond County was added in 1769. Its area is 319 square miles, and the county seat is Isle of Wight..

First known as commissions, the Justice of the Peace office originated with the county quarterly court in 1623. Commanders of Plantations (1607-1629) were predecessors of the commissioners, who since 1662 have been called justices of the peace. They have traditionally had both civil and criminal jurisdiction, and have served other functions, including performing coroners' and lunacy inquisitions. Until 1869 justices served both as judges of the county court and as individual justices; since then they have had only the latter function.

Acquisition information:
These items came to the Library of Virginia in a shipment of court papers from Isle of Wight County.
Physical location:
State Records Center - Archives Annex, Library of Virginia
Physical description:
3 boxes