Friday, February 28, 2014

Friend of Friends Friday: South Carolina Bill of Sale: Ann Grayson

The following Bill of Sale is just a sample of what can be found in Fold3's African American collection (free until midnight tonight).

State of Carolina

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That I Ann Grayson of Prince William County Virginia for and in consideration of the sum of Six hundred Dollars to me in hand paid, at and before the sealing and delivery of these Presents, by Thomas Parker of the City of Charleston and State aforesaid Merchant the receipt whereof I do here by acknowledge to have bargained and sold, and by these Presents do bargain, sell, and deliver to the said Thomas Parker a Negro fellow named Jemmy about twenty four yeas old.

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said Negro fellow unto the said Thomas Parker his Executors, Administrators and Assigns, to him and his only proper use and behoof forever.  And I the said Ann Grayson my Executors and Administrators, the said bargained premises unto the said Thomas Parker his Executors, Administrators, and Assigns, from and against all persons shall and will warrant and for ever defend, by these Presents.  In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal, in the Year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and six and in the Thirtieth Year of the Independence of the United States of America.

Ann Grayson {seal}

Signed, Sealed, and Delivered in the Presence of
Edwad Gunter
Robt. Deas.
Charleston

Edward Gunter made oath that Ann Grayson signed sealed and delivered the within Bill of Sale for the purposes therein set forth, and that he with Robert Deas witnessed the same.

Sworn to before me this 21st day of January 1806.

Daniel Hogan

Recorded 21st January 1806


Wednesday, February 26, 2014

March 2014 Events at PWCo Historic Sites

 March 8
Women in the Civil War
11am-4pm; $5 per person, children six and under free
Many people are familiar with the hard-working, independent Rosie the Riveter of World War II who forged new opportunities for women. Long forgotten are the women who either through choice or circumstance challenged and changed women's roles in Civil War-era America. In honor of Women’s history month, join site staff for a guided, hands-on tour about these pathfinders for women's rights.  Tours start on the hour with the last tour starting at 3:00 p.m. Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA, 703-367-7872.

March 13
Lecture: Votes for Women!  Votes for Women!
Meet Suffragist Mrs. Robert “Mimi” Walker!
7 p.m.: Free, donations accepted
Join historic re-enactor Lynne Garvey-Hodge as Suffragist, Mrs. Robert Walker in a one person monologue.  Mrs. Walker reveals the story of her arrest in front of The White House on July 14, 1917, subsequent incarceration at the Occoquan Workhouse, and passionate participation in the Prison Parades of 1918-1919.  Hear her story as a Quaker woman, supported by her entrepreneur husband, her three children, life at her charming Baltimore estate, “Drumquhazle” and membership in Baltimore’s elite “Blue Book” Society.  This unique first person character portrayal is offered in commemoration of National Women’s History Month.
Old Manassas Courthouse, 9248 Lee Avenue, Manassas VA, 703-792-4754.

March 15
A Woman’s Work Is Never Done: Women’s Work in the 19th Century
11a.m.- 3p.m.; $5 per person, children under six are FREE
Come to see and participate with costumed historians as they demonstrate the endless labor-intensive duties women and children endured to run a mid-nineteenth century household.  Meet women as they cook in an open-hearth, turn over a garden for spring planting and do laundry.  Feel free to join in and help, this is tough work!
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, Va. 703-365-7895

March 21
Lecture & Book Signing: Robert E. Lee in War and Peace
7p.m.: Free, donations accepted
Join author and historian, Dr. Donald A. Hopkins whose newest book has compiled every known photograph of Robert E. Lee in a single volume. In addition to a few rare photographs and formats that were uncovered during the research phase of Robert E. Lee in War and Peace, the author offers definitive and conclusive attribution of the identity of the photographer of the well-known Lee “in the field” images, and reproduces a startling imperial-size photograph of Lee made by Alexander Gardner of Washington, D.C. Students of American history in general and the Civil War in particular, as well as collectors and dealers who deal with Civil War era photography, will find Hopkins’ outstanding Robert E. Lee in War and Peace a true contribution to the growing literature on the Civil War.
Old Manassas Courthouse 9248 Lee Street, Manassas, VA 703-792-4754.

March 27
Lecture: The Dogs of War
7p.m.: Free, donations accepted
Join author and historian Kathleen Kinsolving for this unique look into the favorite pets of some of World War II’s elite personalities from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s dog to General George Patton’s bull terrier, Willy. Ms. Kinsolving will present a light hearted look at man’s best friend.  Her book, The Dogs of War will be available for purchase.
Old Manassas Courthouse, 9248 Lee Avenue, Manassas VA, 703-792-4754.

March 29
Sample the Past: Women’s History Day at Rippon Lodge
11am-4pm; $5 per person, children under 6 free
Christian, Dessie and Aviza invite you to spend the day at Rippon Lodge their home for many years.  Experience the lives of these three ladies in a celebration of Women’s History Month.  Art, fashion, food, past times, and more will be available for visitors to try.  By attending this program Junior Girl Scouts will earn all the requirements for the Playing the Past badge.  Reservations recommended for large groups.  Some activities are outdoors. 
Rippon Lodge Historic Site 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192, 703-499-9812.


Please help us keep our historic sites beautiful by volunteering at one of the events below. 
Groups and individuals are welcome. 

April 5
CWPT Annual Park Clean Up Day – Bristoe Station Battlefield      
8am – 12pm
Join the staff at Bristoe Station Battlefield and the Civil War Preservation Trust at History for Park Day 2014. Park Day is a nationwide event that encourages Civil War enthusiasts to help maintain, restore and preserve Civil War sites through volunteerism. Come out and join us for a fun and rewarding day of work at Bristoe Battlefield. Projects will include litter pick up, cleaning cemeteries and trail maintenance throughout the 133-acre park. Wear sturdy work shoes, bring gloves and remember sunscreen. Tools and snacks will be provided. Meet in the parking lot off Iron Brigade Avenue. Please no pets.
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, The parking lot is located off of Iron Brigade Unit Ave., Bristow, VA. 703-366-3049.

April 12
Rippon Lodge Clean-Up Day
9am-2pm; FREE
The Prince William County Department of Public Works and the Historic Preservation Division are looking for interested individuals and groups of all ages to help cleanup the grounds of Rippon Lodge in time for spring.  Tasks include invasive plant removal, meadow grass planting, pruning, trash pick-up, trail maintenance, mulch spreading and more.  Families welcome.  Please bring your favorite gardening tools and gloves and dress to be outside and get dirty.  Please register by calling 703-499-9812.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192, 703-499-9812.



For more information about the Prince William County Division of Historic Preservation

Wedding Wednesday: Marriage Licenses

The Evening Star (Washington, DC)
February 21, 1905

Marriage Licenses.

Marriage licenses have been issued to the following:

Arthur Owens and Mary Isabel Drury, both of Hyattsville, Md.
Harrison W. Wallis and Mary E. Donovan
Theodore Walter and Amelia Lambrecht
Temple Gray and Cornelia Hayden
Spencer Randolph and Josephine Harris
Harold W. MacConnell and Jane M. Browning, both of Pocahontas, Va
Fielder A. Gibson of this city and Mary E. Tarlton of St. Mary's county, Md
August Schlegel and Annie M. Glebel
William H. Fox and Louisa Gordon
Samuel A. Moss and Lottie Perkins
Samuel Krigbaum and Mae A. Warren
Andrew Moton and Bertha V. Johnson
Edward Cooper and Jennie Miller
Leonard H. Davis of this city and Annie M. McCarthy of Fredericksburg, Va
Stewart Abel of Prince William county, Va., and Emma L. Snelling of Stafford county, Va.
Joseph G. Ball and Mary Jackson
Stanhope Lacy and Bessie Banks, both of South Boston, Va


Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Will: Maryann Molair (1819)

MARYANN MOLAIR Will
Prince William County Will Book L, pg. 286
22 Dec 1818; proved 05 Apr 1819

In the name of God Amen I MARYANN MOLAIR of the State of Virginia & County of Prince William being very sick of body but of perfect mind and memory do make and ordain this and no other my last will and testament.  Item I give and bequeath unto my beloved grand daughter HANNAH MOLAIR the feather bed and furniture that I now lay on.  Item I gave and bequeath unto my beloved daughter NANCY MOLAIR the feather bed and furniture that she has now in her possession and as to my stock of cattle hogs and sorrel mare household and kitchen furniture also including all and everything that is belonging to me I gave and bequeath unto my grand daughter HANNAH MOLAIR and my beloved daughter NANCY MOLAIR and my beloved daughter ELIZABETH MOLAIR, my will and desire is after my death that my grand daughter HANNAH MOLAIR and my daughter NANCY MOLAIR and my daughter ELIZABETH MOLAIRE may continue together with all the property as I have left it but if they should disagree my desire is that all my property shall be equally divided between the three girls as is above mentioned except the bed and furniture to HANNAH and NANCY MOLAIR as witness my hand and seal this twenty second day of December eighteen hundred and eighteen.

MARYANN MOLAIR  {seal}

Signed sealed acknowledged and delivered in presence of
GEO. NORMAN, HUGH PURCELL, ANN WRIGHT

At a Court held for Prince William County April 5th 1819.

This last will and testament of MARYANN MOLAIR decd was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of GEO. NORMAN and ANN WRIGHT is admitted to record.


Teste, PHIL. D. DAWE

Monday, February 24, 2014

PWCo. Jailors (1823 - 1893)


Prince William County, Virginia
Jailors 1823 – 1893

Compiled by Ronald R. Turner

Abraham Millan
1823 – 1824
John Merchant
1825 –
Robert Lipscomb
c1829 – 1834
Thomas T. Fewell
1835 – 1836
William Dickson
1836 – 1837
George W. Clifford
1838 – 1839
George A. Farrow
1839 – 1840
James B. Hayes
1840 – 1842
Richard W. Weedon
1843 – 1848
George W. Clifford
1849 – 1853
Hebron Molair
1854 – 1855
John Goodwin
1856 – 1857
James A. Goodwin
1857 – 1857
Thomas K. Davis (sheriff & jailor)
1857 – 1859
Charles Wright
1860 – 1867
Elbert Wright
1868 – 1869
1869 – 1871
John T. Goodwin
1871 – 1873
John H. Butler
1873 – 1873
A. F. Woodyard
1873 – 1879
Mathew Woodyard
1880 – 1880
John S. Tyler
1880 – 1893

Friday, February 21, 2014

Friend of Friends Friday: Ranaway: Robert

Alexandria Gazette
August 20, 1840

ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD

Ranaway from the undersigned, on the evening of the 18th instant, from his residence near Haymarket, Prince William co., Va., a negro man named ROBERT; he is about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, and quite black; round face, large mouth, and very thick lips, and has the second finger on his right hand off.  He is about 45 years of age, clothing not known.

I will give the above Reward, if taken out of the State or District of Columbia; and $50 if taken in the State or District.  The said Negro must be delivered or confined in Jail, so I may get him.  It is supposed he has made for the D.C. as he is well acquainted there and formerly had a wife in Alexandria.

Elias B. Martin
Haymarket, Prince Wm. Co., Va.
aug 20 - co2w


Thursday, February 20, 2014

Events: Woodbine Church School Book Fair!

Woodbine Family Worship Center (formerly Woodbine Baptist Church) has been serving Prince William County for well over 100 years.  Located in Independent Hill in the Coles District of the county, this historic church was founded by Levi C. Lynn and has been in continuous service since that time.  (A Petition of Woodbine Baptist Church can be found in a previous entry.)

Adjacent to the Church, Woodbine Christian Daycare and Preschool opened its doors in 1983 to serve the community as part of Woodbine's ministry.

Woodbine Christian School is having a Book Fair from February 25 through the 28th to raise $2000 for the school.  If you're in the area, please stop by!  If you're out of area, never fear!  You can browse and buy books to help contribute to this worthy cause by shopping online at the Book Fair website.

Woodbine Christian School
12914 Canova Drive
Manassas, VA  20112

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Wedding Wednesday: Carter-Storke / Lynn-Thompson

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
June 3, 1909

Miss Helen Blanche Carter of Washington and John Seymour Storke of Prince William county, Va., were married in Rockville yesterday by Rev. S. R. White of the Baptist Church at the minister's home.  Dr. White also officiated at the marriage here yesterday afternoon of Miss Ethel L. Phillips of Seattle, Wash., and Oliver L. Denslow of Weidman, Mich., the ceremony taking place at the home of the minister.

Miss Pearl Lynn of Prince William county, Va., and Ernest Thompson of Charles county, Md., were married in Rockville yesterday by Rev. W. D. Keene, pastor of the Southern Methodist Church.


Monday, February 17, 2014

Will: Francis Renoe (1797)

FRANCIS RENOE Will
Prince William County Will Book H, pg. 224
18 Oct 1794; proved 2 Oct 1797

In the Name of God amen I FRANCIS RENOE of Prince William County and State of Virginia reflecting on the uncertainty of life and the necessity of having my estate divided among children by will to prevent disputes among them after my death being at the signing & dealing of this present writing of sound mind and memory thanks be to God to whose infinet mercy & goodness I recommend my soul & my body to the earth to be buried in a christian like manner and as for what worldly property it hath pleased God to bless me with I dispose of in the following manner.

Item I give and bequeath to my son ENOCH RENO all that tract or parcel of land which I purchased of JOHN TAPLEY to him and his heirs forever.

Item I give to my son ENOCH RENO a negro boy by the name of FREDERICK which he now hath in possession to him and his heirs for ever.

Item I give and bequeath to my son FRANCIS a Negro fellow named DICK which he now hath in possession a negro boy by the name of BEN.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter LIDIE MORE one negro fellow named PAGE to her and her heirs for ever.

Item I give and bequeath to my sons GEORGE and BAYLIS RENO the tract of land on which I now live to them and their heirs for ever.  George to have the part which lieth on the north side of Phillimons & Baylis to have that part which lieth on the sough side of the said run.  I also give my son a negro wench & her child which he now hath in possession CELIA & RACHEL & a negro boy by the name of LIGE.  And I also give my son Baylis a negro boy named PAGE also a Negro boy named SEMORE a fether bed & furniture & a cow & calf to the said George & Bayliss & their heirs for ever.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter NANCY WHITLEDGE a negro wench named POLL to her and her heirs of her body for ever & it is my will that the said ROBERT WHITLEDGE shall not by any means consider the said negro as his property or any of her increas & the whole of them to desend to my daughter NANCY children in an equal proportion.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter FANNEY TACKET a negro wench named WINNEY to her and the heirs of her body for ever & on the same terms with her sister Nancy’s gift.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter MILLEY JAMISON two Negroes the one named RACHEL & the other named BEN to her and her heirs of her body for ever & on the same condition with Elder sister Nancy’s gift.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter DOLLEY RENO a negro woman named NELL she and her increase to her and her heirs for ever also a negro woman named CARSHABA she and her increas to have and her heirs for ever a feather bed with furniture a cow and calf & a sow and pigs.

Item I give & bequeath to my daughter JANE RENO a negro woman & her increas named SIB to her & her heirs for ever also a negro wench named DELPH she and her increas to her and her heirs for ever a feather bed with furniture a cow & calf a sow & pigs.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter SUSANA CROSBY a negro woman named SUE she and her increas to her and her heirs for ever also a negro woman by the name of VILET she and her increas to her and her heirs for ever one feather bed with furniture a cow and calf a sow and pigs.

It is my will that BOB & JAMES & EATH shall be sold or hired to them that they like & what stock household furniture and remains of & the money arising from the same after deducting the legacies and paying all just debts and charges to be equally divided among my children.

Thereby revoke all former wills and declear this to be my last will and testament written on one sheat of paper in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this eighteenth day of October in the year of one thousand seven hundred ninety four.

I hereby appoint my son ENOCH RENO & my son BAYLIS RENO executors to this my last will and testament.

FRANCIS RENO  {seal}

Francis Reno acknowledged the before written to be his last will & testament & his hand and seal affixed to the same in presence of

ISAAC FARROW
GEORGE TACKETT
DANIEL OREAR
ROBERT SUTTRELL
WM. BAYLIS

At a Court held for Prince William County the 2nd Day of October 1797.

This last will and testament of FRANCIS RENOE Senr. Decd. was presented to the Court by ENOCH RENO & BAYLISS RENOE the executors therein named who made oath thereto according to law and the said will being proved by the oaths of GEORGE TACKETT, DANIEL OREAR and WM. BAYLIS is ordered to be recorded and the said Executors having performed what is usual in such cases certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste


JOHN WILLIAMS  Ct. Cur.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Sunday's Obituary: John Thomas Maloney

Richmond Times-Dispatch
June 8, 1912

Charlottesville, Va., June 7 - John Thomas Maloney, aged forty years, one of Fairfax's most respected citizens, died yesterday afternoon at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. P. Maloney, at North Garden, this county.  Accompanied by friends, the remains will be taken to Fairfax C. H., where the interment will take place to-morrow afternoon from his late residence.  Mr. Maloney married Miss Anne Washburne Ayres, of Prince William county.  She survives, with two daughters, Misses Julia and Louise Maloney, and one son, John Jr., aged ten.


Friday, February 14, 2014

Friend of Friends Friday: Runaway: Jack (1785)

Maryland Journal (Baltimore, MD)
May 3, 1785

On the 6th day of last December, was committed to my custody as a Runaway, a Negro Man, by the name of JACK, who says that he belongs to a Mr. James Stevens, of Prince William County, and state of Virginia -- His master is desired to take him away by the 4th day of June next, or he will be sold on that day for hsi fees.

Henry Shryock, Sheriff
Washington County, April 7, 1785


Thursday, February 13, 2014

Thriller Thursday: Murder of Ella Smith

Richmond Times Dispatch
December 7, 1909

REWARD OFFERED IN MANASSAS CASE

One Hundred Dollars for Murderer of Prince William Woman

Governor Swanson yesterday offered a reward of $100 for the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who murdered Miss Ella Smith and burned her home in Prince William county, four miles north of Manassas and near the Bull Run battlefield, on the night of November 20.

The fire was discovered by a neighbor, but when he reached the scene the dwelling had been burned to the foundation.  Miss Smith's charred body was found in the ruins.

The authorities, after an investigation, announced that they were confident that murder had been done.  The dead woman was said to have had a considerable sum of money in her possession.


Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Wednesday's Child: Rosilie D. Cornwell

Woodbine Baptist Church Cemetery
(Photo by C.G.Lynn)
Rosilie D.
Daughter of
H.C. & Rachel M.
Cornwell
Sept. 21, 1942
Oct. 29, 1942

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Black History Month: Free Access at Fold3.Com

In recognition of Black History Month, Fold3.com (formerly Footnote) is offering free access to all publications in its Black History collection through midnight on February 28, 2014.  Slave Era titles include South Carolina estate inventories (there is at least one for PWCo which I will be transcribing for this blog) and records from Washington, DC regarding slaves and their emancipation in 1862.

In order to view and download records, the site is requiring registration but no payment information.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Sunday's Obituary: Capt. A. J. Fair

Washington Post (Washington, DC)
June 6, 1910

CAPT. A. J. FAIR IS DEAD

Navigator of Sailing Vessels Was Prominent in Alexandria

Spent Greater Number of His Seventy-six Years on Potomac - He Was an Odd Fellow

Washington Post Bureau, 821 King Street, Alexandria, Va - With the death of Capt. A. J. Fair, which occurred early yesterday morning at his home in Wolfe street, between Lee and Union streets, Alexandria, one of the oldest and best known navigators of the Potomac River passed away.  He had suffered from a cancerous affection several years, and his death was not unexpected.  His wife survives.

Capt. Fair was born at Brentsville, Prince William county, Va., about 76 years ago, and in his youth was employed in various capacities in sailing vessels on the river.  Later, he was a member of the crew of the ferry steamer George Washington, which docked at the foot of Queen street in the early fifties.  His next berth was on the steamer Alice Price, which ran on the lower river route, and subsequently he was the commander of the steamers James Guy and Majestic and the ferry steamer City of Alexandria.

Capt. Fair's last active service, which covered a period of about twenty years, was as the commander of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad transfer tug, Major Brewerton, which towed barges laden with freight cars between Alexandria and Shepherd's wharf, on the District side of the river.  He was a member of Potomac Lodge, Odd Fellows, and took an active interest in the affairs of that organization.



Saturday, February 8, 2014

Shopping Saturday: Robbery of Davis & Lynn

Richmond Whig
January 25, 1870

Friday night, the 14th inst., the store of Messrs. Davis & Lynn, in Prince William county, was entered by thieves and robbed of about five hundred dollars' worth of goods, consisting of dry goods, boots and shoes, notions, groceries, cigars, &c., and about $75 in bank notes and coin.  They effected an entrance by undermining the foundation of the building.  Geo. Henderson (white) and William Nelson (black) have been arrested and have confessed that they were the rogues.  Henderson had just married a respectable young woman.


Alexandria Gazette
February 11, 1870

The two men, Henderson and Nelson who are confined on charge of having entered and robbed the store of Davis & Lynn in this county, made a desperate attempt a few nights ago to break jail by prizing the bars out of the jail window, working through the side which was decayed, and pulling out the bricks with their hands.  The noise was heard, however, by W. N. Tansill the jailor, and the progress of it arrested.

Mr. Tansill then ironed them, and Henderson with his naked hands snapped one of the chains entirely in two pieces.

They have since been ironed more securely.  Henderson was married on Tuesday -- made arrangements on that day to rob the store -- robbed it on Friday night, and was arrested in a day or two afterwards in the presence of his wife, and a large portion of the goods were found opened on the bed near him.  His wife who is of respectable parentage and possesses some beauty is, greatly horrified at the conduct of her husband, I learn.


Friday, February 7, 2014

Will: Athaliah Robertson (1814)

ATHALIAH ROBERTSON Will
Prince William County Will Book K, pg. 283
23 Dec 1812; proved 07 Mar 1814

In the name of God Amen I ATHALIAH ROBERTSON of the County of Prince William and State of Virginia being sick and weak of body but of sound sense and memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following Viz. – 1st I give and bequeath my tract of land on which I now live lying and being in the aforesaid County containing one hundred fifty acres more or less to my two daughters LUCY ROBERTSON and ELENOR ROBERTSON to be equally divided between them to them and their heirs forever.  2nd I give to my daughter LUCY ROBERTSON one negro man named DANIEL to her and her heirs forever.  3rd I give to my daughter ELENOR ROBERTSON one negro woman named SUCKEY to her and her heirs forever.  Lastly I nominate and appoint my friend STEPHEN FRENCH Executor to this my last will and testament.  In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this twenty third day of December in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and twelve.

ATHALIAH ROBERTSON  {seal}

Signed sealed and delivered in presence of

JNO EDRINGTON, PRESLEY GILL, ELIJAH DAWSON

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William County March 7th 1814

This last will and testament of ATHALIAH ROBERTSON decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of PRESLEY GILL and ELIJAH DAWSON is ordered to be recorded.

Teste, PHIL. D. DAWE



Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Wedding Wednesday: Returned to Her Home

Alexandria Gazette
April 21, 1896

RETURNED TO HER HOME

Mrs. Millard Ryan, alleged about ten days ago to have eloped from Washington with a boarder named Harvey, returned to her home in that city Sunday morning.  She did not return a penitent woman, as was generally supposed she would be, but an indignant and much-injured woman.  She states with much emp[h]asis that she had been at her mother's residence in Prince William county, Va.  Her mother, she says, will be in Washington and will corroborate her statement.  Mrs. Ryan says the night she left home she went to the Pennsylvania depot and purchased a ticket for Quantico, Va.  She left on the 8:30 train.  At Quantico she found that her mother had moved, and went to the house of a friend to learn where she had gone.  She was directed to her present home, and had been there ever since.  With reference to the disappearance of Mr. Harvey, she positively denied any knowledge of him or his whereabouts.  The suddenness of her disappearance was explained by the constant turmoil in the household and the sickness of her mother in Virginia.  Mrs. Ryan declares her innocence, and will abide by the decision of her husband.  If he refuses support she intends to go to her uncle in Leesburg.  Mrs. Ryan says he fully believes in the innocence of his wife, and declares they will overlook the recent unpleasant incident and try to live in peace and happiness.


Wednesday's Child: Camelia Lee Washington and Alice Lambert

Alexandria Gazette (Virginia)
August 11, 1873

After a severe illness of two days, on the 15th ultimo, in the 9th month of her age, CAMELIA LEE WASHINGTON, infant daughter of William T. and Fannie V. Washington, at Park Gate, their residence in Prince William co.


Evening Star (Washington, DC)
December 23, 1902

Funeral of Miss Lambert

Funeral services over the remains of Miss Alice Lambert, whose death occurred Sunday in Washington, took place today at Pohick Episcopal Church in Fairfax.  The remains were carried to the home of Dr. H. C. Lambert, the father of the deceased, near Occoquan, Prince William county, Monday.  Miss Lambert was nineteen years of age.  Her early death is sincerely regretted among a large circle of friends.  Recently she had been staying with relatives in Washington.  Death followed a short illness from pneumonia.


Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Will: John Brewer (1824)

JOHN BREWER Will
Prince William County Will Book  M, pg 140
27 Jan 1805; proved 01 Mar 1824

In the name of God Amen I JOHN V. BREWER of the County of Prince William being sick and weak in body but of sound mind and disposing memory for which I thank God and calling to mind the uncertainty of human life and being desirous to dispose of such worldly estate as it hath pleased god to bless me with I give and bequeath the same in manner following Viz.  First I resign my soul to Almighty God who gave it me hoping that through the merits of Christ my blessed Redeemer to attain to everlasting joy and felicity and my body to the earth to be buried by my Executors hereafter mentioned in a decent manner.  Secondly I desire that all my just debts and funeral expenses be first paid and then it is my will and desire and I give the whole of the residue of my estate of all kind whatsoever and all monies that may be due me to my loving wife NANCY BREWER during her natural life or widowhood and after her death or intermarriage to be equally divided between my son HAMPTON BREWER and a child unborn and I give the whole of the abovementioned estate to them and their heirs lawfully begotten forever; but in case that either my sons HAMPTON BREWER or the abovementioned child that is not yet born shall die without such an heir then and in that case it is my will and desire that the survivor of them shall inherit the whole of my estate and I give the same to him or her and him or her heirs lawfully begotten of them forever.  Lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my loving wife NANCY BREWER my Exox. and THOMAS BREWER Executor to this my last will and testament hereby revoking all other or former wills or testaments by me heretofore made.  In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 27th of January 1805.

JOHN V. BREWER

Signed sealed published and declared as and for the last will and testament of the above named John V. Brewer in presence of us,
WM. CUNDIFF, THOS. BLACKWIL, THOMAS BREWER JUN.

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William County March the 1st 1824.

This last will and testament of JOHN V. BREWER decd. was presented to the Court and proved by the oath of Thomas B. Sinclair and the hand writings of William Cundiff and Thomas Brewer Sr. was proved by the oaths of Wm. P. Cundiff and Thomas Brewer and the said will was thereupon admitted to record and Nancy Brewer the Executrix therein named came into court and made oath to the said will recording to law and she having performed what is usual in such cases certificate is granted her for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.


Teste, P. D. DAWE

Monday, February 3, 2014

Military Monday: A Pensioner One Hundred and Six Years Old (John Davis)

Commercial Advertiser (New York)
November 18, 1837

From the Southern Banner.

A PENSIONER ONE  HUNDRED AND SIX YEARS OLD. -- John Davis still continues to call on "Uncle Sam" semi-annually, for his pension, though he numbers a whole century and six years over.  I saw him a few days since, when he attended here to prove his identity, and his right to be counted among the living.

This aged veteran was born in Prince William county, Virginia, and for some time lived near the residence of George Washington, with whom he served in Braddock's war.  He afterward served through the whole Revoluntionary struggle.  His appearance does not betoken such extreme age -- his step is still quite active and firm, and he rode on horseback to this place (eleven miles) and returned the same day.  His hearing is but little impaired, and his vision such that he writes his name without spectacles.  He observed that his faculties were failing, especially his memory -- though sometimes his recollection was very perfect in recalling the past events of 'bygone days," but again he found himself frequently bewildered in a story, and indeed says he, "I begin to feel the effects of old age."  -- The last twenty years he has not tasted of ardent spirit, and what is most singular in this man's history, is his conversion at the age of ninety-nine, was baptized and still continues a constant member of the Baptist church.

Lawrenceville, Ga.  
Oct. 10, 1837


Sunday, February 2, 2014

Sunday's Obituary: Emma C. Handy

Alton Evening Telegraph (Alton, Illinois)
November 24, 1908

DEATH OF OLD NURSE

Mrs. Emma C. Handy, a resident of Alton for thirty years and for many years a well known nurse, died this morning at 6:20 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. L. T. Jones, on Easton street.  She was a native of Virginia, being born in Prince William county in 1846.  Beside her daughter she leaves two grans-children, Cordelia and Connie Jones in Alton.  The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home and services will be conducted by Rev. Mason.