Anne Waller Cocke Trice
(December 26, 1873 - January 3, 1968) Second wife of Dabney Minor Trice, sister of his first wife,
Rowena Glowina Cocke, and of Lucy Lee Trice's close friend, Bettie Cocke, aunt of Margaret
Lee Minor Caskie
Anne Waller Cocke Trice with Jaquelin Caskie Burns, David Cary
Burns,
Philip Ambler Burns, James Kent Burns, 1963
Ruins of "Red Hills," 1955
Mrs. Trice said there was much social activity at "Red Hills" during her girlhood. Practically every
evening her family and guests engaged in dancing, tableaux, charades and amateur plays. There was
a stage in the "office" in the yard where the plays were given and she recalls that one time she and
her brother played the roles of the young princes in the Tower of London. Neighbors came to witness
the activities, the Negroes standing outside and looking through the windows. Guests came from
Palmyra, Scottsville, Keswick, Charlottesville and other communities of Fluvanna and Albemarle
Counties. Major Hughes from Palmyra furnished music with a violin and Mrs. Trice's mother played the piano
for dancing.
There still remain in the house remnants of the oak paneled wainscoting and the delicately fashioned
mantels...
"Red Hills" is of another era, perhaps never to be revived. Like many another old home of its period, it
has fallen on bad times, "- the glory that was Greece and the grandeur that was Rome" is the way Edgar Allen
Poe might have referred to the old residence. Only Mrs. Dabney Minor Trice, nee Anne Waller Ronald Cocke,
still retains the mood and atmosphere of her old home. From The Daily Progress by Boyce Loving, October 10, 1955
Bettie Boston Cocke (1830-1920), Anne Waller Cocke
Trice's mother
Possibly with Bettie Cocke
at "Red Hills," ca. 1910
Ruins of "Red Hills," 1968
You have certainly been in my thoughts the past two days, as I wished you could have been with me when
driving with Margaret on her selling tours, for you would have enjoyed it even more than I did, maybe,
when Friday we went out the Shadwell and Stony Point roads, and revisited so many of the dear old loved
and well remembered places. Sad, in a way, to see everything changed hands; but a joy to see the lovely
old homes kept up and in the exquisite order they deserve and were meant to be...
The Mr. Stokeley that owns
your old Key West, was eager to ask questions about it, and invited us to walk about the beautiful
grounds and gardens... Of course Edgehill ranked high in my interest, too, and the Taylors appreciate it
and make it what it should be. So with Windie Knowe, and Edgemont, Rougemont and Castle Hill and Merrie
Mills. I only wish my old home Red Hills could have such like treatment - we had a chance to sell it once
years ago for its "historic interest, having been Lafayette's head quarters, and he a frequent visitor
there to my forebearers" but one of the family refused to sell. He wanted to make a fashionable boy's
school of it. As is, it is now in ruins: "Its garlands shed, the banquet hall deserted" and if I can
ever find a suitable lot upon which to build, I still hope to acquire the old paneling from the parlor, and
the mantels and windows; but that seems to recede further and further into dreams. But I am never one to be
easily deflected from any purpose, and you know: "He whom a dream hath possessed knoweth no turning." So I
expect still to see again, my oval mirrors, and portraits hanging about the dark panels, and my loved ones names
cut in the window panes (still unbroken for a wonder!) with their respective diamond engagement rings. Of
course Red Hills was the only home I ever knew, but my Father's memories clung back to Bremo... Anne Waller Trice, to Elizabeth Coalter Bryan Williston, April 19, 1953
Dabney Minor Trice
UNIQUE WEDDING
Dr. D. M. Trice, medical superintendent of the Moore's Brook Sanitarium, Charlottesville, Va., was married
on June 7 to Anne Waller Cocke, at the residence of her mother, Mrs. William R. Cocke, Red Hills, Va. The
wedding ceremony was performed in a grove of orange blossoms and presented a most beautiful effect. From an unidentified newspaper, June, 1904
How I would love to be in your arms now, my face over that warm true heart that is all for me.
Sometimes you say I will never know how you love me, I am sure you will never know all you are to me -
my dear, my dear - my husband. Ann Waller Trice, to Dabney Minor Trice, 1905
Margaret Minor sent me a pretty Christmas gift which she made for me and which I value from her very
highly.
I am glad she and Waller are so fond of each other. Bettie Cocke, to Lucy M. Davis, December 31, 1908
I wonder sometimes if you are seeing anything prettier than the world over here is now, the country
is so lovely after all the rains we have had, and as D. M. has cut his third crop of alfalfa lately,
the whole place looks like one big lawn. He is making wonderful corn crops too, or at least the fields
look wonderful now in their promise; it reminds me of that verse, about the little hills rejoicing and the
valleys standing so thick with corn that they shall laugh and sing. Anne W. Trice, to Lucy M. Davis in Europe, August 8, 1913
DR. DABNEY M. TRICE DIES IN ALBEMARLEBeloved Physician Seized With Chill on Long Drive In Country
(Special to the Richmond Virginian)
Charlottesville, Va., Jan.. 18 - The entire community was inexpressibly saddened to learn today that Dr. Dabney
M. Trice, founder of Moore's Brook Sanitarium, and one of the most prominent physicians in this section of
Virginia, had succumbed to pneumonia, passing away at 10 o'clock Sunday night after an illness of only two days.
Dr. Trice had been with Mrs. Trice in attendance upon the latter's uncle, Dr. Dudley R. Boston, who died at his
home, "Red Hills", in Fluvanna County, about sixteen miles from Charlottesville. At that time Dr. Trice was
suffering from a deep cold, and while on his way home he was seized with a violent chill. Upon reaching home
everything was done for him, but pneumonia, with complications involving the heart, speedily brought about his
death.
Dr. Trice was devoted to his lifework and was an accomplished physician, and man of high ideals, sterling
character and unswerving devotion to principle. As a friend he was the embodiment of unfaltering loyalty. He
was public spirited and took an active and intelligent interest in affairs affecting the welfare of the people...
...A faithful, loyal, whole-hearted, warm-hearted Christian and Churchman; true and tender, courteous
and courageous in all the relations of a varied career.
Dr. Trice was a single-minded man. His life's aim was to serve his God by brightening his own path through
God's good world. He lived his life that way, and in treading it found his life's end. He received a rich
inheritance of character and ideals high and noble. Right worthily he bore his heritage, and left it stainless.
From an unidentified periodical
We got the terrible news yesterday and we can think of nothing else, not yet even what it means to each one of
the many who loved dear, jolly, kind-hearted Uncle Dabney, but only of you little Waller. I am so sorry.
There is nothing more that I can say. Clare Ferrier Downing, to Anne W. Trice, January 21, 1915
Consulting over a matter some months ago with John Staige, he told me you "kept the family conscience."
You plural have warm-heartedly taken me in and so it is as one of the "family" that Dearest loved that I am
coming to you tonight, tho it is not a matter of conscience, but advice or maybe I'd better say moral support
for I think I know what I have to do...
People tell me I am wonderful - that I have a heart at leisure from itself - that I am brave. As a matter of
fact I am none of these things and the night watches and the long walks and the mountain rides and my horse's
neck could tell a different tale. But one thing I have - self-control, learned mainly from Dearest himself
but beginning way back in my childhood with two of my boy brother's maxims - that it "is girly to cry" and
"It is a bit dog that hollers." Consequently, I believe I could see the Universe toppling around me with the
same apparent unconcern that I see the leaves fall. I did, you know, last January see my world crumble and
I believe I gave no sign. I thought then that it would in a measure reconstruct, that the broken fragments
would retain some glint of their old brightness - it is not so, the chaos grows worse, the darkness thicker,
and the loneliness, well we will not speak of that. I want no one that I can get... Anne W. Trice, to Lucy Minor Davis, December 16, 1915
Anne Waller Cocke Trice as a nurse, ca. 1937
Am writing to you for several reasons this sunny morning: first to hope that
your asthma is 'Sir, coming!" to that same sunshine. A friend of mine in the old Edgehill days
used to say one way to state it was as good as another - either meant subjection. And then to tell you how
thoroughly I enjoyed my day with you yesterday: the delicious dinner - getting acquainted with brandied figs
- a special pot of coffee! and then the nice long talks. So few of my friends date back to the glad old days
- I am happy now, very happy. Sometimes I think I must be a very shallow nature to have lost so much
and still feel so happy and blest, and I love my friends and enjoy them, but, that little favorite poem
expresses it so well: "Or find them friends indeed, but found so late - so far beyond our youth -
that every touch of memory makes of them strangers who but dwell, wintering in outer suburbs of our lives..."
Well, it is not so with you and I rejoice in it. Anne W. Trice, to Alice Davis White, February 25, 1953-59
...I want to tell you of a "dear" thing that happened to me this Christmas - though you will laugh -
as I do - at the different standards - but genuine good feeling is always sweet. This regards a policeman:
When I found that the things I had collected for some of our Guild Stockings were not suitable - they had to
be standardized and I knew of no very poor children that I wanted to enjoy them, so I asked a policeman. He
said he would think it over and call me and after several days he did. He said he had run across the
"neediest family he had ever seen, up near Alberene" and if I wished he would take them to them for me.
He was most kind and helpful; brought a big box, helped me pack it, and took and delivered it. That was
about three weeks ago: I had never seen him before or since till Christmas Eve morning before
breakfast, he knocked on my door, and handed me a pretty little pint can, with handle, full of honey in the
comb. I said "for me?" "From you?" He said: "Yes. I wanted to bring it. I wanted your Christmas to be
happy. I just wanted your Christmas to be happy," he repeated; and he was gone down the steps. At
the door he called back: "You made those people mighty happy, with the nice things you sent." Of all the
lovely things I got - and I had 28 gifts!, I think none pleased me more... Anne W. Trice, to Lily Heth Davis Dabney, December 30, 1956
Grace Episcopal Church, Cismont, Virginia, 1980's
...I want to tell you about a delightful afternoon Edith and Peter Minor gave me yesterday:
Edith called up about eleven and invited me to go with them for a drive - and we spent the whole afternoon
on that breathtaking road out beyond the Riggory and Windieknowe and the Grace Church neighborhood - to
which I belonged before I was married and came to Charlottesville. The mountains and autumn leaves and
blue haze and rocks and ferns - I have rarely enjoyed anything more, and the strong pure air
seems still strengthening and lifegiving to me. Wasn't it precious of them to think of taking me! Often
I wonder if people know the real joy they give - apparently almost thoughtlessly. That is inherent in
the Trice and Minor families - and you and Margie have it on both counts. And Peter spoke so beautifully of
Marge (Margaret Minor Caskie) that it warmed and thrilled me. If there is one trait I love beyond another it is
loyalty and clannishness and they have both. They brought me a box of delicious candy, which after they left -
as they steadfastly refused any - I ran down and opened with four of my life-long friends from Fluvanna and
then Genevieve Davin drove me home in the twilight. An afternoon to remember and love. Anne W. Trice, to Jaquelin C. Burns, November 14, 1959
We were all so sorry you couldn't be with us yesterday, according to that plan of Margie's, which is I
think, the loveliest thing
I ever knew anyone to do. A family reunion to give ME pleasure! Absolutely adorable. She said all
the family wanted the children to really know and remember me, and that was the best way to accomplish it.
And we did have a glorious day: love and laughter and merriment everywhere and the children tearing and
pulling and racing in absolute freedom and beauty. Oh, but I did want my Three Kings! and you and
Jim! And the cause of your not coming - mumps... I had a little game arranged with the children,
after telling them the story of Mercury, the others, and I made them run to deliver just one tiny gift to
each person. It was hilarious and I loved it - but as you plural, were not here I mailed the gifts
- really nothing - to them this A.M. The pot-holder is yours and the new pencil Big Jim's - the rest as
they happen to fall. I had them doing some line drawing as the enclosed shows, and so much fun resulted
I sent the pad and pencils
- it takes so little to please children - bless them! ...Altogether it was a grand success of a day
- and I will be happier for it as long as I live - and maybe afterward too. Anne Waller Trice, to Jaquelin C. Burns, November 27, 1959
Willoughby, Home of the Davises
I am writing now to say how glad I am that you have Willoughby and will
live there. Under your ministration I am sure you will restore it to its former beauty and charm. I have had
such happy times there, visiting Mrs. John White and Mrs. Heath Dabney - both now of
the University - in our
girlhood days, when it was the home of their grandfather, Capt. Eugene Davis, and famed for its delightful,
far-flung hospitality.
Also my sincere congratulations to you for acquiring it. These old homes always hold the aura of
their former owners - a sort of "the scent of the roses will cling 'round it still". May it be so for
you. Anne W. Trice, to Dr. Hurt,
March 16, 1960
If there is one quality that I enjoy more than another, it's Responsiveness, and it is one that is
comparatively rare - but from your precious Mother you and Margie inherited a full share... Ever and ever
so much love to you and Jim and the clever boys. It was darling your saying you are pleased that
they are old enough to know me - and I am lucky too vice versa. Anne Waller Trice, to Jaquelin C. Burns, September 10, 1961
Nose Shadow Contest, 1963
How I did enjoy your letters,
both of them. I am so interested in your turtles. I wonder if the "Box Turtle" David found is what I
always called a Terrapin - because it is like a snail: It carries its house on its back. And its house
might be called a box. I found the "box" part of one long ago, but the terrapin had gone out of it. It was
greenish on top and shiny pure white inside, and I gave it to our colored cook, and she used it all
the time for her soap dish. Did you ever see any "Soft Soap"? Then, soap cost a lot, and people
saved all the grease from cooking and when they got a lot, they used lye and made "soft soap" for
washing clothes and everything except for the bathroom. They used soap like we have for bathing.
The soft soap looked like brown jelly, and she thought a lot of her Soap Dish. I knew a boy who had
some terrapins and he kept them in a box of earth and at night they crawled into it and slept covered up in
the dirt till morning - just like we go to bed.
Jimmie, how nice that you went on from making your Wild Life Book to be a Naturalist, for your best Fad. Did
you ever see a flower that grows wild almost everywhere, like this one? I hope it will be fresh enough for
you to see, and can find a fresh one like it, a pretty little blue flower with pretty leaves. The
men who first found it, were three brothers, who like you were fond of seeing flowers and insects. Their name
was Lineas, and they loved each other very
much. The day that they found this flower, one brother died. The little flower has two good leaves, but the
other leaf is always curled up, dead. So they named it after themselves: LINEAS, two live blue leaves,
but the other one, just part of it. See if you can find a piece and see it. Lots of love to you
both and to all the others. Anne Waller Trice, to Jimmy and David Burns, September 10, 1961
Anne Waller Cocke Trice wrote children's stories, some of which she attempted to get
published. On at
least one occasion, she was successful. Click
HERE to read some samples.
Sunday, August 18, 1963
Went to church - a complete loss to me, because my deafness - but an act of worship - and pleasant too...
Could
anyone doubt I am happy! Alice brought pictures of the older Trice generation for me to give Jaquelin or
Margie. "Rejoice in the Lord and He will give thee thy heart's desire." Maybe that's the reason I'm so happy!
'cause He does... Anne Waller Trice, from her "Journal of Joy"
Alice Davis White, brought me, to church this morning, a batch of old photos, that belonged to the
members of
her family, and asked me to send each one to the relative I thought most likely to appreciate them, so I
am sending you - or Margie - as you wish, these of your Mother's mother, Miss Lucy Trice (my husband's sister)
who married John Minor, and her two sisters, Misses Margaret and Martha Trice, who never married, and both
died before I was old enough to know them - almost simultaneously - of a terrible scourge of typhoid fever that
hit the neighborhood of their home: "Machunk" near Keswick, this county. Anne W. Trice, to Jaquelin C. Burns, August 18, 1963
Nothing going to waste: Use found for sausage grease To Mockingbird. Pictures for Hosp. Books - Pigeon
droppings for flowers - Old magazines given - Anne Waller Trice, from "Small Talk: 1965"
Lent March 3 to April 17th - 1965
1. Give all the pleasure I can
2. Give one gift every day. (May be collectively)
3. Write all the letters I should
4. No sweets except Sundays
5. Keep nickels & pennies in pocket for children met.
6. Watch out for old, sick or needy people and cheer them according to the need of each one.
The dear God helping me - Jesus for example - The Holy Spirit guiding me - Strength from the Great
All-Father - Please - From Anne Waller Trice's "Journal of Joy"
You know I always write my Birthday letters for the year - to everyone - the same day - and always on
the 27th - because the 27th was my precious husband's and my Son's also - but different months. And this
is just to send you little gifts for yours - one dollar each, and with lots of love.
I don't believe you know that I've been very ill, and the Doctor said I must not live alone anymore
so Son and Ruth came and brought me to make my home here with them and they are so lovely to me: Dabney,
his wife Ruth, and her sister who lives with them. No one could be nicer to me - but I miss all my friends
in Charlottesville - tho' they are lovely, writing to me.
I am still very weak but up and about.
All my love to each one of you there. Anne Waller Trice, to Jaquelin C. Burns, May 30, 1966
Mrs. Dabney Trice
Anne Waller Cocke Trice, 94, of 430 King George Avenue, S.W., died Wednesday at Roanoke Hospital. She was
the widow of Dr. Dabney M. Trice. The Roanoke Times, January 4, 1968
Aunt Waller was a major influence on my childhood. She was one of the few adults we knew who was
keenly interested in children. She always made a great
fuss over us when we visited and wanted to know what we liked. She loved to eat figs, which my parents
generally brought to her, and wasn't above sneaking a glass of sherry with my grandmother in the kitchen
while the "young people" weren't looking. She adored animals and nature in general and subscribed to
"Virginia Wildlife", old copies of which she gave to me for a book on animals she commissioned me to
write when I was eight. Aunt Waller composed the Preface and provided a spiral notebook. She kept me
supplied with wildlife stamps, newspaper clippings, and old magazines as source material. I give her
credit for encouraging my lifelong interest in nature and launching my career as a writer of natural history
books.
Occasionally, she would buy something for us at the "5 and 10" and put it in the mail, sewing the
end of the shopping bag together so it could serve as an envelope. She gave our family a quilt she had made,
which was a green and yellow paisley on one side and boldly colored, irregularly shaped swatches of various
fabrics
on the other. My brother Phil lived in this quilt for years, often parading around wearing it like a royal
robe, until it finally wore out.
I remember that Aunt Waller was always anxious to show us her old photographs of her husband Dabney Minor Trice
and other family members, which she kept on top of a chest of drawers. Her affection for these people
was obvious, though her husband had died nearly 50 years before. She was a most vivacious and warm person
who enjoyed life and loved people. Jasper Burns, January, 2000
