During the time of the Civil War years the majority of people in Waterford, Va. and other nearby areas stretching down to the present day village of Lincoln, Va. were predominantly pro-Union and many were Quakers. Many of our Isaac Steer family lived in this area during that time and some present day descendants still do.

It was during this time that three young Quaker women, Sarah Steer, Lida & Lizzie Dutton, started an underground newspaper called "The Waterford News" in support of the Union cause. Sarah Steer is descended from Isaac Steer (I may add her line later) and Lida & Lizzie Dutton's sister Mollie married Cousin Frank Steer. (Click here for his family record.)

This newspaper often reported on local happenings as well. There are a total of eight editions of The Waterford News running from 5th Mo. (May) 28th, 1864 to 4th Mo. (April) 3d, 1865. These have been reprinted in paperback book form courtesy of The Waterford Foundation and you can possibly purchase copies of this publication by contacting them at:

Recently, the tradition of The Waterford News has been revived by a young Waterford resident and some other young folks living in Waterford, VA. This newsletter copies the original style of The Waterford News and concentrates on the people, places & happenings of present day Waterford, VA. and much on the history of the village which of course includes our Steer family. This Waterford News is primarily a kids newspaper but does have some interesting stories.

They have stopped taking new subscriptions but will distribute copies of their publication at the following locations: Waterford Market, Natural Mercantile Health Food Store in Hamilton, Goose Creek Friends Meeting in Lincoln, and the Loudoun Museum Store in Leesburg.

(I have been informed during the most recent annual Waterford Fair of October 2004 that this reincarnation of The Waterford News has been discontinued.)

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