VA-J95 Execution of Summers and Koontz

Marker text: EXECUTION OF SUMMERS AND KOONTZ

On 22 May 1865, after the Civil War ended, Capt. George W. Summers, Sgt. I Newton Koontz, and two other armed veterans of Co. D. 7th Virginia Cavalry, en route to obtain their paroles, robbed six Federal cavalrymen of their horses near Woodstock. The horses were returned the next day to the 192d Ohio Volunteer Infantry at Rude's Hill in Shenandoah County. Despite assurances that all was forgiven, Lt. Col. Cyrus Hussy, temporarily commanding the 192d, later ordered the men arrested at their homes in Page County. The other two escaped, but Summers and Koontz were shot without trial on Rude's Hill on 27 June. They were buried at different locations near here.

Department of Historic Resources, 1999