Sunday, December 30, 2012

Marriage Notices Outside PWCo


Providence Patriot (Providence, RI) – 18 December 1822
MARRIED, in Prince William county, Vir. On the 4th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Latham, Mr. Christopher C. Cushing, of Seekonk, Mass. To Miss Eleanor Newman, youngest daughter of the late Thomas Newman, Esq. of the former place.

Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, MD) – 10 February 1824
MARRIED, at Snow Hill, Prince William county, Va., James M. Tyler, to Miss Ann Matilda, eldest daughter of Col. William Hebb.

Torch Light (Hagers-town, MD) – 14 September 1826
…On the same day [Thursday 7th], in Prince William county, Virginia, Mr. Jacob Snively, of Hancock, to Miss Harriet Blackwell, daughter of D. Blackwell, Esq.

Gloucester Telegraph (Gloucester, MA) – 9 October 1830
Another Revolutionary Soldier gone!!!  At Summerfield, Prince William County, Va., on the 5th ult. By the Rev. J. E. Weems, William Flatford, Esq. a soldier of the Revolution, aged 85 years, to Miss Chloe Allen, aged 45.

Richmond Whig (Richmond, VA) – 19 May 1840
MARRIED.  On Thursday 14th instant, by the Rev'd Wm. S. Plummer, Mr. Dan'l A. Ratcliffe of Prince William County, to Miss Mary Frances, daughter of James Bosher, Esqr. Of this city.

Massachusetts Spy (Worcester, MA) – 2 February 1848
In Petersham, Jan 10, Mr. N. Look, of Prince William County, Va., to Miss Sarah Ann Lincoln.

Critic-Record (Washington, DC) – 23 October 1875
MARRIAGE LICENSES.  Licenses to wed have been issued to Henry Washington and Jane Ware, George R. Atkinson, of Prince William co., Va., and Jennie B. Jones, of Fairfax county, Va.; Thomas C. Johnson and Elizabeth Tilghman, both of Baltimore; Thomas Shea and Mary Devine.

Baltimore Sun (Baltimore, MD) – 01 July 1899
COCKE-SMITH.  [Special Dispatch to the Baltimore Sun.]  Roanoke, VA., June 30. – Miss Lillie May Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob D. Smith, was married tonight at St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church to Corey B. Cocke, of Prince William county.  Miss Marion Cocke, of Roanoke, was maid of honor and Dr. E. L. Downs best man.  The happy couple left on the midnight train for a Northern bridal tour.

Baltimore Sun (Baltimore, MD) – 28 September 1899
TAYLOR-SPINDLE.  [Special Dispatch to the Baltimore Sun].  Fredericksburg, VA., Sept. 27 – Mr. Robert B. Taylor, of Prince William county, and Mrs. Mary Alice Spindle, of Caroline county, were married heretoday at the Methodist parsonage, Rev. J. P. Stump officiating.

Baltimore Sun (Baltimore, MD) – 7 November 1903
HOTTLE-ROBINSON.  [Special Dispatch to the Baltimore Sun].  MANASSAS, VA., Nov. 6. – Miss Virginia Robinson, daughter of Mr. J. H. Robinson, and Mr. J. S. Hottle, of Shenandoah, Va., were married on Wednesday evening at 6 o'clock at the home of the bride, near Manassas, by Rev. R. Smith, of this place.  A wedding dinner was served immediately after the ceremony, after which Mr. and Mrs. Hottle left on a Northern tour.  On their return they will reside in Manassas.

Baltimore American (Baltimore, MD) – 22 June 1905
CLARKSON-THELIN. – A marriage of much interest which took place last evening was that of Miss Marie Bertin Thelin, daughter of Mrs. William T. Thelin, of Mount Washington, to Mr. Thomas B. Clarkson, of Prince William county, Va.  The bride, through her father, the late William T. Thelin, of this city, is of old French Huguenot descent, while through her mother, a daughter of the late Judge Griswold, she is a representative of one of the most important colonial lines of Maryland.  She is a very charming young girl, who only made her debut two seasons ago.  The groom is a son of Dr. Clarkson, of Prince William county, and comes of an old South Carolina family.

The ceremony was performed at 8 p. m. at St. John's Protestant Episcopal church, Mount Washington, by the rector, Rev. Wilbur F. Watkins, Jr.  The interior was beautifully decorated by the members of St. Mary's Guild with a profusion of sweet peas, roses, smilax and ferns.  Over the chancel was erected a canopy of red and white roses, beneath which the young couple stood for the marriage service.  Announcing the approach of the bridal party the hymn "Oh, Perfect Love" was sung by the choir of St. John's, the wedding chorus from "Lohengrin" being afterward rendered upon the organ by Miss Berth leary as the processional.  The bride entered with her brother, Mr. Griswold Tehlin, by whom she was given away.  She wore an exquisite gown of white liberty silk, trimmed with old lace, and a tulie veil, taught with orange blossoms.  Her ornaments were pearls, and instead of a bouquet she carried a white prayer book.  Two little girls – Misses Mary Kirk and Floy Van Den Burg – served as flower girls in dainty frocks of white embroidered mull, with pink ribbons, and carrying a basket of pink bridesmaid roses.

Mr. Walter Clarkson of Washington, brother of the groom, was best man.  The ushers were Mr. Robert H. B. Beverly, Mr. Alexander M. Breckenridge, and Mr. Hugh T. Clarkson, all of Virginia; Mr. Carl Clarkson, of Alabama, Mr. Thomas B. Headley, of Philadelphia, and Mr. William T. Thelin, Jr. of Lewiston, Pa.  After the ceremony the immediate members of the two families and the bridal party returned to the residence of Mrs. Thelin to drink the health of the bride and groom, who soon after left on their wedding trip.  Upon their return they will reside in Washington, D.C. 

On Tuesday afternoon the bridal party, with members of the two families, were entertained at luncheon at the Baltimore Country Club by Mrs. Charles E. Phelps, sister of the bride.  On Monday evening, a dinner in honor of the groom and his attendants was given by Charles. E. Phelps, also at the Country Club.

Baltimore American (Baltimore, MD) – 25 April 1906
Wedding in Manassas.  [Special to The American]  Manassas, Va., April 24 – Dr. W. U. Newman and Miss Florence Herrell were married at 12 o'clock today at the home of Capt. And Mrs. J. E. Herrell, on Battle street.  The ceremony was performed in the presence of the members of the bride's family and a few of her more intimate friends.  Dr. Newman is a prominent physician of this place.  The bride's father, Capt. J. E. Herrell, is a treasurer of Prince William county.

Baltimore Sun (Baltimore, MD) – 27 August 1907
CLINE-KEYS.  [Special Dispatch to the Baltimore Sun.]  Fredericksburg, Va., Aug. 26 – Miss Annie Gertrude Keys, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Keys, of Prince William county, and Dr. T. C. Cline, of Dumfries, were married at the home of the bride's parents, Rev. A. J. Cummings officiating.  The couple left on a bridal tour for the Jamestown Exposition.  They will reside at Dumfries.

Washington Bee (Washington, DC) – 29 June 1918
QUIETLY MARRIED.  Miss Dovie Peters and Mr. Norman B. Grigsby were married Wednesday, June 19, 1918.  Owing to the recent departure of the bride's brother for France, the couple were married quietly by the Rev. J. Strange, of Alexandria, Va.  Only the nearest relatives were present.  The bride wore a lovely gown of white georgette crepe trimmed most artistically with white and pink beads.  The hat was of white straw and georgette crepe touched here and there with forget-me-not, which corresponded most wonderfully with the bouquet she carried.  Her only attendant was her sister, Miss Nellie B. Peters, of Washington.  The bride and groom left immediately after the ceremony for a short stay with their parents in Virginia.  The bride is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Peters of Manassas, Va.  The groom is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Grigsby of Marshall, Va.  The couple will later return to Washington, where Mr. Grigsby will take up his duties with the War Risk Insurance.







Friday, December 7, 2012

Deed: Anderson to Brawner (8 August 1859)


PWCo Deed Book 25, page 87
Anderson to Brawner Deed of Trust

This deed made the 8th day of August in the year 1859 between Richard Anderson of the one part and William Brawner of the other part all of the County of Prince William in the State of Virginia.  Witnesseth that the said Richard Anderson for and in consideration of the sum of one dollar in hand paid him by the said William G. Brawner the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, doth grant and convey to the said William G. Brawner his heirs assigns etc a certain tract of land lying and being in the County of Prince William containing 127 acres more or less and known as lot no. 1 in the division of land of Ann Anderson of record in the clerks of the County Court of Prince William County, also the crop of rye and corn now on the said land.  In trust to secure to Edwin Gaines the payment of my note for one hundred and fifty dollars bearing even date herewith and payable on demand, and at any time when the said Edwin Gaines shall so direct the said William G. Brawner shall proceed to sell the said land and crop of rye and corn to the highest bidder at public auction for cash, and after having paid the expenses attending such sale, shall pay over to the said Edwin Gaines the amount of the said note with legal interest thereon, and shall then pay over to the said Richard Anderson all the residue of the proceeds of the said sale, witness the following signatures and seals

Richard Anderson

State of Virginia
Prince William Co to wit:

I William W. Thornton a justice of the peace for the county aforesaid in the State of Virginia do certify that Richard Anderson, whose name is signed to the above writing bearing date the 8th day of August 1859, has acknowledged the same before me in my County aforesaid, given under my hand this 8th day of August 1859.

Wm. W. Thornton, J.P.

In Prince William County Court September 5th 1859, this deed trust from Anderson to Brawner with Certificate annexed, was presented to the Court and ordered to be recorded.

Teste, P. D. Lipscomb

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Newspaper Tidbit: Trustees' Sale

Alexandria Gazette - 05 February 1827

TRUSTEES' SALE.  By virtue of two deeds of trust, executed by Isaac Henry and Judith his wife, to the subscribers, bearing date the 14th day of October, 1822, and duly recorded in the Clerk's office of the county of Prince William, and for the purposes in the said deeds mentioned, we shall offer at public auction, for cash, at Brentsville, in the county of Prince William, on Monday the 12th of February next, the Tract of land on which the said Henry at present resides, lying in the county of Prince William, containing Three Hundred and Thirty Acres, more or less -- it being the tract of land which the said Henry purchased of Robert H. Hooe and Robert Hamilton, executors of Elizabeth Carter, dec'd.  As we shall sell the foregoing property as trustees, no other title will be conveyed than is vested in us by the deeds of trust aforesaid.

Edmund Brooke
Stuart G. Thornton
jan 11-ts



29 January 1827 - Alexandria Gazette

NOTICE.  By virtue of a deed of trust executed to us by James Foster and Silas Foster, on the 7th day of December, 1825, for the purpose of securing to John Withers & Co. and Withers & Washington, the payment of the debts therein mentioned, we shall, on Monday, the 5th day of March next, expose to sale by public auction for cash, before the front door of the Court House of Prince William county, one negro girl named Anne and her child--Also; the interest of the said James and Silas Foster, in the estate of their father, James Foster, deceased.  Such title as we have under the trust deed will be conveyed to the purchaser.

M. B. Sinclair
Peyton Norvill
   Trustees
jan 27-ts










Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Newspaper Tidbit: Land for Sale: Portici


Alexandria Gazette – 03 November 1855

FAIRFAX AND PRINCE WILLIAM LAND FOR SALE. - I will offer for sale at public auction, at Fairfax Court House, on Monday the 17th day of December next, that being Court day, the following TRACTS OF LAND, viz:

No. 1. Being a part of Portici, the residence of the late Alfred Ball, deceased. This tract contains one hundred and twenty eight acres, lying on Bull Run, in the County of Fairfax, 3 ½ miles west of Centreville, half a mile from the Warrenton and Alexandria Turnpike, and within a few miles of Tudor Hall Station, on the Orange and Alexandria Rail Road. It has an abundance of woodland, and is capable of being made a first rate little farm.

No. 2. Also, a part of Portici, containing one hundred and twenty-two acres, and lying in Prince William County, immediately between Portici and Ben Lomond, the residence of Thomas and Andrew Pringle.

No. 3. Lies on Sandy Run in Fairfax County, about six miles northwest of the Village of Occoquan, and adjoining the lands of Ashford and others. It contains two hundred acres, well supplied with wood and water, and is inferior to no land in the county in its natural qualities. I will sell either or all of these tracts at private sale. Terms easy, and made known on the day of sale. Address Groveton, Prince William Co., Va.

C.Carter

Prince William Co., Va., nov 3

Monday, December 3, 2012

Newspaper Tidbit: To be Sold: Brenton Tract

Virginia Gazette - 21 September 1769

To be SOLD to the highest bidder, at the town of Dumfries, in Prince William county, on Thursday the 16th day of November next,

The BRENTON Tract of Land, containing about 7000 acres, in parcels, as will be then thought best for the purposes expressed in a deed of trust from Mess. George Brent and Robert Brent to the first three subscribers, and from Mr. George Brent to the other subscribers.  The sale being now jointly advertised by all the trustees, who will join in the deeds, those inclinable to purchase may be assured of meeting with no disappointment.  Time of payment will be given for part of the money.

William Brent
Daniel Carroll
Henry Rozier
   Trustees

Hector Ross
John Gibson
William Carr
   Trustees for the creditors of Mr. Robert Brent


Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Holiday Programs at PWCo Historic Sites


December 8
Slave Holidays
11 am - 4 pm; $10 per person
Learn how the enslaved community celebrated the holidays and how they resisted the institution that kept them enslaved. Living history vignettes will allow some of the enslaved workers at Ben Lomond to come to life, giving you a  unique perspective into this period of American history.  Tours every 30 minutes.  Advanced reservations are suggested but not required.
Ben Lomond Historic Site. 10321 Sudley Manor DrManassas VA  703-367-7872

December 8
A 1940s Christmas                                       
11am–4pm; $7 per person, children under 6 free
What were holiday celebrations like during WWII?  When ration cards and air raid drills were common place.  The Ellis family hosted many a party here at the Lodge during the war.  Have your picture taken with Santa and make period decorations. Join us for music, light refreshments and holiday crafts for kids.  Please dress for the weather.  Rippon Lodge is an official drop off location for Toys for Tots.    
Rippon Lodge Historic Site. 15520 Blackburn RdWoodbridge VA 703-499-9812

December 8
Family History Day- History of Santa Claus and the Gift Giver
11am– 4pm; $7 per person
We all know the gift giver as Santa Claus, Saint Nick, Sinter Klaas . . .  there is a gift giver in many cultures.  Learn about the customs and traditions of this mysterious fellow who brings gifts to children.  Have your picture taken with Santa.  Crafts, games and stories will be offered throughout the day.  Rippon Lodge is an official drop off location for Toys for Tots.    
Rippon Lodge Historic Site. 15520 Blackburn RdWoodbridge VA 703-499-9812

December 8
Lucasville Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 
5pm; Free
Kick off the holiday season with this fun and exciting event! The event will feature musical performances, refreshments and an appearance by a very special guest!
After the ceremony, Santa Claus will take pictures with the children inside the schoolhouse. We will also be accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots at the event.  Parking will be on-street parking onGodwin Drive. Please plan ahead and arrive a few minutes early.  Hosted by Supervisor Nohe. 
Lucasville School 10516 Goodwin Drive, ManassasVa. 703-792-4620

December 15
Brentsville Holiday Concerts
1-7pm Site Open
5 and 6pm Concerts
FREE
Get in the Holiday spirit with an evening of seasonal music at the beautiful and historic Brentsville Union Church.  Two concerts will be performed by the Brentsville District High School Chorus.  Enjoy hot cider and cookies by a warm bonfire.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, Va. 703-365-7895

December 15: 1-7pm
December 16: 12-3pm
A Visit From Santa
FREE program, pictures with Santa available for purchase
In December of 1862, artist Thomas Nast made one of the first known illustrations of Santa Claus.  Santa was shown giving gifts to soldiers in the field at FredericksburgVirginia during the American Civil War.  This year, Santa will dust off that old suit he wore back then and make an appearance at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre.  Guests can make old-time holiday decorations and Pomander balls with citrus fruit and cloves to take home for decorating their tree or give as gifts. 
On Sunday, join Historic Faith Ministries at 10am for a traditional Christian Christmas service at the Union Church.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, Va. 703-365-7895

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Marriage License: Lewis Thomas and Phebe (Gant) Thomas

This marraige license was Exhibit A in the 1921 Prince William County chancery case between Lewis Thomas and his wife, Phebe (Gant) Thomas. 

In his deposition, Lewis Thomas of "Water-Fall, Prince William County" notes that he is employed in the Sewer Department in Washington, DC, was married on March 6, 1897 in the city of Washington, DC, and that there are four children born of his marriage to Mrs. Thomas:  "Lewis, 22 years, William C. 20 years, Dorothy 17 years, and Bernice 10 years.  The children are "self supporting now, except the youngest and she is with her mother." 


Monday, November 26, 2012

Will: John Lucas (4 June 1871)


John Lucas Will
Prince William County Liber 18, Folio 627

In the name of God Amen I John Lucas of the County of Prince William and state of Virginia being of sound mind and in full pursession of my mental facilities make this my last will and testament never having made or executed any other will or desire.  I hereby give and bequeath all my personal estate which shall be left after the payment of all my just debts and liabilities to Caroline Fletcher of the county of Prince William and state of Virginia.  I also give and bequeath to the aforesaid Caroline Fletcher all my right title and interest to the tract of land on which I now reside which tract of land decended to me from my father Samuel Lucas to have and to hold during the term of her natural life.  I further will and desire the said tract of land at the decease of Caroline Fletcher to her daughter Helen Catherine the wife of Alexander Harris and his heirs forever.

In testimony whereof I have affixed my hand and seal this thirty first day in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six.

John [X his mark] Lucas {seal}

B. F. Lewis Witness
John Y. Cundiff Witness

I Prince William County Court June 4th 1871

    The last will and testament of John Lucas deceased was this day proved in open court by the oath of B. Fl Lewis one of the subscribing witnesses thereto which is ordered to be certified and in Prince William County Court March 6th 1871 the said will was again produced in court and being fully proved by the oath of John Y. Cundiff a subscribing witness thereto is ordered to be recorded.

Teste,  L. A. Davis, clerk

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Deed: Lynn to Ball (5 May 1857)


Deed:  Lynn to Ball
PWCo. Deed Book 24, page 75

This Indenture made and entered into this 5th day of May in the year 1857 between William M. Lynn of the one part and Sarah C. Ball of the other part both of the County of Prince William and State of Virginia – Whereas Gustavus J. Heath and Ann M. his wife did on the 25th day of November 1850 by deed of record in the Clerks office of the County of Prince William County convey one hundred and fifty two acres more or less to the said Lynn in trust to secure to one George F. Carter a certain bond of fourteen hundred and ninety dollars with interest from 25th of November 1850, and whereas the said Gustavus the said Gustavus {text repeated in Deed Book} J. Heath and wife did by deed of record in the Clerks office of P. Wm. County dated 12th February 1853 convey said land to one Francis W. Lewis and the said Lewis and wife by deed of record in same office dated 8th March 1856 convey said land to said Sarah C. Ball and whereas the said George F. Carter assigned the said bond of $1490 to one Alfred Ball and John B. Grayson admr. Of said Ball assigned the same to John Lewis and John Lewis to said Francis W. Lewis who in order to make his conveyance of title to said Sarah C. Ball complete desires a release of said deed of trust, Now this Indenture witnesseth that for and in consideration of the presents and for the further consideration of one dollar in hand paid to said Lynn by the said Sarah C. Ball the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, he the said Wm. M. Lynn has granted bargained sold released and confirmed and by these presents does grant bargain sell release and confirm unto the said Sarah C. Ball her heirs and assigns forever with special warranty all right, title, and interest which he the said Wm. M. Lynn has either in law or equity to the said tract of land by virtue of the deed of trust aforesaid for a more particular description of said land referenced is hereby made to said deed of trust, To have and to hold the said tract of land unto the said Sarah C. Ball his heirs and assigns forever, witness the following signature and seal.

Wm. M. Lynn {Seal}

At a Court held for Prince William County May 5th, 1857.
   This deed of release from Lynn to Ball was acknowledged by the said Wm. M. Lynn and admitted to record. 

Teste,  P. D. Lipscomb, clerk

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Deed: Green to Galleher (10 January 1857)


Deed:  Green to Galleher
PWCo Deed Book 24, page 31

This Deed made this 10th day of January 1857 between James C. Green of the first part Thomas H. Galleher and Sidney S. Galleher his wife and George G. Galleher their child of the second part all of the County of Prince William and State of Virginia, Whereas George E. Green did by his last will and testament (which last will and testament is supposed to have been _____ with and in the dwelling of the said George E. Green at the time of his death) bequeath his estate to the parties of the second part, now this deed witnesseth that the said James C. Green desiring to carry out in full faith the last will and testament of his brother as well as on account of the natural love and affection for his brother in law Thomas H. Galleher, his sister Sidney S. Galleher, and his nephew George G. Galleher the parties of the second part; and in consideration of the sum of Five Dollars to him in hand paid on or before the unvealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged has given granted bargained and sold and by these presents do give grant bargain and sell and convey unto the parties of the second part all his right title and interest in the estate of the said George E. Green decd. whether real or personal, in manner and form during the natural lives of them the said Thomas H. Galleher and Sidney S. Galleher, and after their death to the said George G. Galleher, to the only proper use benefit and behoof of him the said George G. Galleher and his heirs or assigns forever.  In testimony of which the said James C. Green has hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal, the date before written.

Jas. C. Green {seal}

Prince William County to Wit
    I J. B. Grayson a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid in the State of Va do certify that James C. Green whose name is signed to a certain deed bearing date on the 10th day of Jany. 1857 and hereto annexed has acknowledged the same before me in my county aforesaid.

Given under my hand, this 10th day of January 1857
    J.B. Grayson J.P.

At a Court of quarterly sessions held for Prince William County 1857
    This Deed from James C. Green to Thomas H. Galleher and others with a certificate annexed was presented to the Court and ordered to be recorded.

    Teste, P. D. Lipscomb, clerk

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Looking Back: The Manassas Journal


December 18, 1869 – Alexandria Gazette

Mr. Whiting, late of the Manassas Gazette, proposes shortly establishing a newspaper to be called the Prince William Advocate at Brentsville, Prince William county.


June 20, 1874 – Alexandria Gazette

THE MANASSAS GAZETTE.  Judge Charles E. Sinclair has assumed the editorship of the Manassas Gazette, Mr. D. W. Whiting publisher.  Judge S. in his salutatory says: -- "In all respects our editorial conduct will be independent.  We shall be 'devoted to no clique and bound to no master.'  In discussing freely public men and measures, we shall always try to bear in mind that others are entitled to the same freedom of opinion we claim for ourselves, and with charity for all, and malice towards none, we hope to pursue the even tenor of our way in pleasant and mutually profitable relations with all who take an interest in the success of the Gazette."  The Gazette is an excellent paper, and we wish it and its new editor abundant success.


July 13, 1896 – The Baltimore Sun

The Manassas Gazette has been purchased from Mr. T. H. Lion by Mr. W. H. W. Moran, of the Manassas Journal, and the two papers will be consolidated.


May 30, 1905 – Richmond Times Dispatch

The Manassas Journal has just entered upon its eleventh year, and its circulation is now larger than ever before.  That is good.  The greater the circulation of a newspaper like the Journal the better it will be for popular education.


January 29, 1926 – Richmond Times Dispatch

MANASSAS JOURNAL UNDER NEW OWNER. [Special to the Times-Dispatch.]  DANVILLE, VA. Jan. 28.—H. Burns Trundle, for more than twenty years business manager of the Evening bee and the Register, has purchased the Manassas Journal, a weekly newspaper, also a printer, and will assume active control of it on February 1.  Mr. Trundle left Danville yesterday evening to take charge of the property, in the conduct of which he will be assisted by his two sons.  Mr. Trundle in 1889 was associated with Colonel Al Fairbrother as part owner of the Bee and, when it was sold to the late R. A. James, became business manager.  When Mr. James acquired the Register he became business manager of that publication also, having carried the joint responsibility since 1903.


July 4, 1945 – Richmond Times Dispatch

Manassas Paper is Purchased by New Company.  Purchase of the Manassas Journal in Manassas, Prince William County, by the Prince William Publishing Company, Inc., of which John Galleher, Richmond attorney, is president, was disclosed yesterday with the new company by the State Corporation Commission.  The Manassas Journal has been operated during the past few years by Mrs. Georgia E. Lamb, widow of W. H. Lamb, who was editor and publisher for a number of years.  A weekly, it was established in 1884 and is listed as having a circulation of approximately 1,800.  The new publishing company, authorized not only to publish the newspaper but to do printing and bookbinding as well, is limited to maximum capital stock of $25,000.  Minimum stock is $12,000 and par value $100 per share.  Real estate holdings are not to exceed 25 acres.  C. A. Sinclair, of Manassas, is vice-president, and W. Hill Brown, Jr., Manassas, secretary, and they, with Galleher, are directors.  Brown also acts as attorney for the corporation.


May 18, 1946 – Richmond Times Dispatch

WANTED, at once, good job ad man, $40 per week, 44 hours.  Must be sober, Apply Manassas Journal, Manassas, Virginia.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Current Affairs: Manassas News & Messenger to Fold

In this age of shrinking newsprint and tight corporate budgets, it was not a surprise - but very disheartening - to learn that the Manassas News & Messenger (and its wonderful website InsideNoVA) will be closing its doors after more than a century of operation.  It is the only periodical dedicated to the current affairs, politics, history, and lifestyle of Prince William County and will be sorely missed.

To quote The Washington Post's Tom Jackman from his The State of NoVA Blog, "There are a lot of talented and hard-working journalists at the News & Messenger and InsideNoVA and they deserve our respect and thanks. They didn’t deserve to be shut down after 143 years of public service."

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Newspaper Tidbit: Honoring Veterans


Richmond Times Dispatch
November 10, 1925

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY TO HONOR WAR HEROES

War Veteran and Civic Workers Will March in Parade.  [Special to the Times-Dispatch.]  MANASSAS, VA., Nov. 9.—Much interest is shown in the preparation for making Armistice Day one long to be remembered in Prince William County.  General Cole and other distinguished speakers will be heard.

The exercises will begin with a parade led by military band, a company of marines, World War veterans, Confederate veterans, Daughters of the Confederacy, Memorial Association, Manassas Kiwanis Club, Masons, Order Fraternal Americans, Swavely School, all the schools in Manassas and one from each district in the county.

The planting of memorial trees for World War veterans will follow.  At the conclusion of the program a dinner will be served to visiting soldiers, marines, World War veterans. 

The reception committee is composed of the Board of Supervisors, county officials, town officials and Mrs. C. E. Nash, Mrs. C. M. Larkin, Thomas H. Lion, C. A. Sinclair, E. R. Conner, C. J. Meetze, C. E. Nash, C. R. C. Johnson, T. E. Didlake, H. T. Davies, R. S. Hynson, F. R. Hynson, and S. W. Burge.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Poll for Electors 1820

POLL FOR ELECTORS
Prince William Co. Deed Book 7, pg. 453

Poll taken at the Court house of Prince William County on the first Monday in November Eighteen hundred and twenty for Electors to choose a President and Vice President of the United States.

[names listed in column one]
Edmund Brooke
Wm. Smith
Wm. Merchant
Nehemiah Lynn
George Carney
Benjamin Cole
P. Trowe
James Howison
John Merchant
Benjamin Adie
Thomas Davis
Jos. R. Lynn
Wm. French


[names listed in column two]
John Hooe Jr.
Francis Davis
Simon Suttrale
Bernd. Hooe Jr.
John Fox
Rd. W. Weedon
Joseph Wells
Noah Maddox
John Mills
John Maddox
Wm. Copin
John Tansil
Jesse Ewell


[names listed in column three]
Wm. Cooke
Michael Cleary
Robt. Hamilton
Geo. W. Jackson
Landon Carter Jr.
George Copin
J. W. M. Daniel
James Foster
W. John Washington
Redmon Foster
Gerd. Alexander Jr.
Wm. A. G. Dade
Peyton Mills


[names listed in column four]
Joseph Thompson
Francis Simpson
John Sullivan
John Gibson Jr.
J. Monroe [sp?]
P. D. Dawe
J. Leachman
Wm. M. Craig
Sampson Windsor 48
Rd. Davis Jr.
David Jamison 50


The foregoing is a Poll taken at the Court house of Prince William County on the first Monday of November 1820 for Electors to choose a President & Vice President of the United States.

Commissioners }
Gerard Alexander Jr.
Jno. Gibson Jr.
P.D. Dawe


Teste
Alex Lawson
J. W. M. Daniel


At a Court held for Prince William County December 4th 1820. This Poll for the Election of Electors to choose a President & Vice President of the United States was returned to the Court & ordered to be recorded.

Teste. Phil. D. Dawe

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

In Chancery: School Board of Brentsville, District No. 1

In Chancery
LVA Index No. 1910-004


To Honorable J. B. T. Thornton, Judge of the Circuit Court of Prince William, Virginia.

            Your petitioner, the SCHOOL BOARD OF BRENTSVILLE DISTRICT NUMBER ONE OF THE COUNTY OF PRINCE WILLIAM would respectfully ask leave of Your Honor to make sale of the Old Nokesville School property, lying at the Nokesville-Greenwich Road near Nokesville, and adjoining Herring, Flickinger and containing one half acre, having been conveyed certain Trustees for said District by Abraham Early by deed of July 2nd, 1883, recorded in D. B. 34 page 256, and also the Hazelwood School property, lying below Aden on the Harrison Ford Road, and containing one half acre, and having been conveyed to the said District by H. H. Love, by deed of June 3rd, 1889, and recorded in D. B. 38 page 604.
            Your said petitioners would state that neither of said Schools are now being used, by reason of their condition and owing to the fact that it became necessary to build new school houses and secure more land as required by the statutes in such cases made and provided.  Your petitioners, therefore, pray for leave to sell the two tracts of real estate aforesaid, and to expend the money towards paying for the new buildings erected in their stead, and that Your Honor will cause to be entered such orders as may be necessary and proper to effect the purpose aforesaid, and it will ever pray, etc.—

School Board of Brentsville District, Number One, of Prince William County
By R. N. Davis, Chairman

Teste, W. T. Allen, Clerk

April 1910


To Honorable J. B. T. Thornton, Judge of the Circuit Court of Prince William County, Virginia.

            The undersigned The School Board of Brentsville District, Number One, of the County of Prince William, begs leave to report that after advertising the property hereinafter described as required by law and in pursuance of the order heretofore entered in this cause, it offerred for sale after due legal advertisement at public auction to the highest bidder at Nokesville, Prince William County, Virginia, on the 25th day of March, 1910, the old Nokesville School lot, adjoining the lands of E. L. Herring, Flickinger and the Greenwich-Nokesville Road, and containing one-half acre and the Hazelwood School property, near Aden, on Harrison Ford Road and adjoining the land of M. C. Green, and containing one-half acre, at which sale G. G. Allen became the purchaser of the former tract at $196.50 and M. C. Green the purchaser of the latter tract at $26.00, both of which amounts were paid cash.  The undersigned Board thinks both of said prices good, and therefore recommends a confirmation of the same.

May 2, 1910

R. N. Davis, Chairman
W. T. Allen, Clerk

Friday, November 2, 2012

Newspaper Tidbits: Politics


November 14, 1860 – New London Daily Chronicle (New London, Connecticut)

At Occoquan, Prince William County, Virginia, where a few months ago some hot headed fellows cut down a Republican flag staff, Lincoln received 58 votes, on Tuesday, Bell 48, Breckenridge 51, and Douglas 1.


November 2, 1872 – Alexandria Gazette

Maj. E. M. Braxton, Conservative and Col. J. B. Senor, Republican candidate for Congress, had a joint discussion at this place on Thursday last, before an audience of about thirty persons.

On Tuesday next the voters of Prince William county will be called on to vote "for" or "against" a subscription of $75,000 stock to the Potomac and Manassas Railroad.


February 8, 1877 – Decatur Republican (Decatur, Illinois)

The Electoral Commission … Representative Eppa Hunton (Dem,) was born in Virginia in 1823.  After a limited education he studied law, and became commonwealth attorney for Prince William County in 1849, holding the office until 1862.  He was a member of the Virginia State Convention of 1861, and entered the Confederate army as colonel.  He was promoted to brigadier general after the fight at Gettysburg, and was captured at Sailor's Creek in 1865, and confined for about four months in Fort Warren.  He was a member of the Forty third Congress, and has been re-elected to the Forty fifth.


August 24, 1892 – Galveston Daily News (Galveston, Texas)

The voters of Prince William County have, by a large majority, determined to move the courthouse from Brentsville to Manassas.


July 13, 1909 – Washington Post

Thomas H. Lion has resigned as chairman of the Democratic committee of Prince William County as he expects to become a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the house of delegates.  J. P. Manual was elected chairman to succeed Mr. Lion.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Newspaper Tidbits: Haunting Prince William?


January 4, 1873 – Alexandria Gazette

PRINCE WILLIAM ITEMS. –  It is rumored that a ghost of a departed has been seen in this place, causing considerable commotion among some of our people.  We have made some inquiries in regard to the matter but cannot get any particulars about its appearance.


December 15, 1868 – Alexandria Gazette

A GHOST – OR SOMETHING – IN PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA., Dec. 12.—It becomes my duty to chronicle a most singular and extraordinary series of nocturnal visitations on the part of some ghostly apparition, to the farm of one, who I shall call Silas Brown, esq., a peaceable and intelligent citizen of this county.  Mr. Brown lives in what is known as the forest of Prince William, near the village of Independent Hill, and his residence I completely surrounded with the growth indigenous to that section of the county.

For the past few weeks visions of an alarming character have been seen in the neighboring forest, but more particularly in the copse adjacent to Mr. Brown's barn and stable.  At numbers of times has an immense figure been seen passing to and fro near the barn, with large horns and terrible claws which it contacts to a sort of hoof, and has assaulted Mr. Brown when he attempted after dark to feed his horses and stock, in such a manner, and with such violence, that he has been compelled to flee to his house for safety.  The figure, to the best of Mr. Brown's recollection, seemed about three times as large as a man in its front, and having a back converging from its neck and shoulders, horizontally to the distance of some six or eight feet, and supplied on each side with huge and tremendous arms.  It is of a pale blueish color when first seen, but upon being irritated by the near approach of any person, becomes a deadly white, and issues from its surface a small volume of smoke, accompanied with a sickening smell.  This ghoul or unnatural and horrible animal or demon, has been seen as often as four times near Mr. Brown's stable, and when seen, it has lingered till its deadly effluvia has completely impregnated the surrounding atmosphere.  One evening Mr. Brown desiring to have another beside himself see this terrible visitant, induced a courageous gentleman whom I shall call Siger, who happened with his wife to spend the evening at Mr. Brown's, to go to the stable to feed his horses.  Mr. Siger not believing the story, went without hesitation, when upon entering the stable, he was alarmed by the fall, at or near his feet, with a deep rumbling sound, of a tremendous stone.  Mr. Siger, without looking to see whence the rock came, picked the stone up, and it was so hot that he was compelled to drop it; upon looking up he beheld the unearthly monster not over fifty yards from him, and the air became quickly filled and inoculated with brimstone. (!)  Not wishing to be thought a coward, he did not mention anything of this at the house, but upon walking home with his wife the same night, he told her of what happened at the stable, and instantly she became alarmed and was carried home in a state of apparent insensibility.

The neighborhood is in a terrible state of excitement, and steps have been taken to investigate this frightening matter.

By your next issue it may be possible that some clue can be gained to the identity and character of this hideous monster.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Newspaper Tidbits: Storms in PWCo



June 22, 1860 – Alexandria Gazette

SEVERE HAIL STORM IN PRINCE WILLIAM.—The hail storm of Tuesday last passed over that part of Prince William county between Bacon Race and Dumfries, doing great damage to the growing crops.  The hail stones are said to have been as large as partridge eggs; and the storm lasted about an hour and a half.  Among the principal sufferers are R. B. Merchant, whose loss is estimated at from $500 to $1,000.  A building occupied by the servants of W. H. A. Merchant was blown over by the wind, which was very high.  Warren Davis's crop of wheat and corn is very much damaged—his loss is estimated at 4500.  Richard Stonnell's loss to his crop is about $500.  Z. Kankey had nearly his entire corn crop destroyed and loses about $1000.  The gardens in the village of Dumfries were completely destroyed, and all the inhabitants of the village suffer more or less loss.  The crops all along the path of the storm were very much injured.

May 24, 1874 – Alexandria Gazette

During the thunder storm on Saturday last, a large locust tree, in Mr. John T. Leachman's front yard was struck by lightning, tearing it into fragments and throwing the debries  on and over the house.  Several members of Mr. Leachman's family were very much shocked.  So great was the shock that articles in the house were thrown down.  The rain was very heavy in that section, raising the streams unusually high, and washing away water gaps fencing & c.  Lightning also struck a tree near the house of Mr. Mankins, a quarter of a mile outside the village, and severely stunned his daughter.