King & Queen Courthouse Tavern Museum

Thomas Cluverius of King and Queen County will come home to the King and Queen Courthouse Tavern Museum on October 9 at 2 pm. Who is Thomas Cluverius? Born in King and Queen in 1861 of a prominent family, he was well educated and eventually went to law school. However, in 1885 he allegedly murdered his cousin and lover Lillian Madison, whose pregnant body was found near the reservoir in Richmond. His trial lasted for weeks and was the subject of daily front-page headlines. The New York Times printed 37 stories on the case. It has been said, “This sensational murder case is one of the most prominent in the history of the Commonwealth.”

John Milliken Thompson has written a new novel, The Reservoir, based on Cluverius, the murder, and the trial. Thompson will talk about Cluverius, how Thompson developed the book and read passages from it. Thompson is also the author of America’s Historic Trails and Wildlands of the Upper South and coauthor of The National Geographic Almanac of American History. He will be introduced by Belle Boggs, prize-winning author of her book of short stories based on members of the community, Mattaponi Queen. Belle’s family lives in Walkerton, King and Queen County.

The Reservoir has been described as an exciting “did he do it story.” While in prison awaiting trial Cluverius even wrote his own book saying he was innocent. However, he was found guilty by the jury and hanged for the crime.

Both Milliken and Boggs will be available to autograph their books following the presentation. A reception will also follow the presentation.