Woodstock in Shenandoah County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Ardent Abolitionist
Woodstock's George Rye
Photographed by Bradley Owen, July 22, 2025
1. Ardent Abolitionist Marker
On July 31, 1839, George Rye wrote that he supported the "elevation of the character of the African race and the final abolition of slavery."
How willing are you to stand up for your beliefs?
In this cemetery lie the remains of George Rye, who believed slavery should be abolished and African Americans should have equal rights. For those beliefs he was threatened, harassed, and beaten.
Born February 19, 1810, Rye built a successful saddle making business in Woodstock and became a prominent citizen. In 1837 he authored an anti-slavery article and was arrested. Two years later, he objected to a requirement that members of Woodstock's German Reformed Congregation support slavery. In 1841, the church excommunicated him for his beliefs.
Rye took his fight to the political arena and helped found the Republican party. After his fiery anti-slavery speech at their 1856 convention, locals burned him in effigy and threatened to lynch him.
During the election of 1860, Rye was a vocal campaigner and one of only 13 Shenandoah County residents to vote for Abraham Lincoln. When the Civil War began, he moved to Washington,
this page online
In 1865 Rye returned to Shenandoah County and was elected the county's Presiding Justice. Later he served in several state offices. In these roles he supported equal rights for African Americans. The community responded with verbal attacks and mob beatings.
When Reconstruction ended and white supremacists returned to power, Rye retired from politics. He died in 1890 and, having reconciled with the church, was buried here along with his wife, Catharine. In his obituary, Woodstock's
(Captions):
Railroad pass used by Rye.
Courtesy Truban Archives, Shenandoah County Library
The Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1868. Rye, seated at center reading a document, served as secretary. Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, February 15, 1868
Erected 2025 by Virginia Civil War Trails and St. Paul's United Church of Christ.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Government & Politics • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition,
Photographed by Bradley Owen, July 22, 2025
2. Ardent Abolitionist Marker
Location. 38° 52.676′ N, 78° 30.384′ W. Marker is in Woodstock, Virginia, in Shenandoah County. It is on South Church Street north of East South Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 350 South Church Street, Woodstock VA 22664, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. Paul's Reformed Church (a few steps from this marker); Reformed Church in the United States (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line);
Photographed by Bradley Owen, July 22, 2025
3. Graves of George and Catharine Rye
Located in the northwestern section of the cemetery.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 114 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 3, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
