Local History

Almshouse

Item

Title

Almshouse

Date

1880/2013-06-08

Description

Image 1 - Newspaper article titled, "Strange Life of Musician Ends." which reads,

" Studied Music With Royalty, but Dies in Botetourt Almshouse.

Roanoke, Va.. June 7.--In the death of Joseph Margrave in the Botetourt County Almshouse, about three miles from Fincastle, Wednesday, the final chapter was written in a pitiful history of misfortune and suffering. Margrave was a professor of music, graduated from one of the most famous schools of Germany. His talent and efficiency were beyond question, yet his eccentric nature, it is believed, had served as a bar to high attainments in his profession.

Although he died in a county institution and had been an object of charity in Botetourt for several years, almost $1,000 in cash was found among his personal belongings. The body was interred at the almshouse where Margrave died.
No one knew Margrave's age. He had lived in Botetourt County for years had taught music in a majority of the most prominent families in that section. About three years ago he was stricken with cancer and practically abandoned professional and business activities. since, he had lived from house to house. About November 1, last, his condition became so grave that he was sent to the almshouse where he could receive more constant attention that it was possible for his personal sympathizers to extend. His suffering from this time until his death had been intense.

The dead musician held a diploma from a German school of music, showing he had graduated with first honors. He often spoke of his career as a student and of his association with persons of noble birth during his early career. He was an only child, and his parents are both dead. One son lives on Potts Creek, in Botetourt County. His wife was separated from his some years ago.

Notwithstanding Mr. Margrave had been unfortunate in business transactions and was regarded penniless, $343 cash was found after he died in the pockets of an old and much-worn pair of trousers belonging to him. It is supposed he had saved this sum from the proceeds of musical entertainments in which he had participated before the dread malady ended his career. This small hoard will go to his son, who, so far as is known, is his only living relative, except his wife, whom he was divorced from years ago. "

Image 2 - 1880 census for the "Botetourt County Poor House"

Image 3 - 1910 census for the "Alms House"

Image 4: A color photograph of a grave marker at Poor Farm Cemetery located at St. Jacobs Church, which reads, "Here lie buried some residents of the County Poor House Farm"

Creator

Baker, Karen (photographer)

Format

image/jpeg

Subject

Grave marker

Gravestone

Graveyard

Fincastle

St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church Cemetery

Type

Text; Image

Publisher

Times Dispatch

Coverage

Fincastle, Botetourt County

Rights

Images 1-3 - http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/
Image 4 - http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Item sets

Abandoned Properties

Media

Poor House in Fincastle

Poor House in Fincastle - 1880 census- overseer

Poor House in Fincastle 1910 Census

Grave Marker at Poor Farm Cemetery Located at St. Jacobs Church. The cemetery covers nearly an acre of space with no markers. We are working to identify burials in this area of the cemetery with death certificates, obituaries or family bibles. Proof of burial is required.