Newspaper Tidbit: Trustees' Sale: Samuel Tansill

Alexandria Gazette
15 October 1846

SALE THIS DAY.

TRUSTEES' SALE OF VALUABLE REAL ESTATE, SLAVES, &c. -- By virtue of two deeds of trust, executed to us by Samuel Tansill and wife, and of record in the Clerk's office, of the County Court of Prince William, we shall, on Thursday, the 15th day of October next, in the town of Occoquan, expose to sale to the highest bidder, at public auction, the tract of land mentioned in said deeds, containing about 420 acres, being the same land upon which said Tansill resided, at the time of his death. This tract of land lies about three miles from the town of Occoquan, on the main road leading from Centreville to Occoquan, and about ninteen miles from Alexandria, is in a fine state of cultivation, being considerably improved, well watered, and is considered one of the handsomest and most healthy situations in the neighborhood. The improvements consist of an excellent frame DWELLING HOUSE, nearly new, good kitchen, smoke-house, &c., with all the  necessary out-houses usually on a farm. There is a well of excellent water in the yard. 

Terms: one third of the purchase money to be paid in cash, the balance equally divided into two payments of six and twelve months--the purchaser giving bond with approved personal security, to bear interest from the date--also, a deed of trust on the land. ALSO, at the same time and place, several valuable SLAVES. Terms made known on the day of sale. Selling as trustees, we shall convey such title only to said land as is vested in us by virtue of said deeds, but at the same time the title is believed to be indisputable.

ROBERT WINDSOR
THOS. R. LOVE, Trustees

Prince William County, sept22-eots

Sunday's Obituary: Martha Alice Corder

Manassas Journal
18 January 1924

MRS. CORDER DIES

Nokesville Resident Succumbs to Lingering Illness

Mrs. Martha Alice Corder, wife of Mr. Phillip Corder, died on Tuesday at her home between Nokesville and Aden, after an illness of twelve months. Funeral services took place this morning from her late home and interment was at Greenwich. Rev. T. D. D. Clark, of Manassas, conducted the funeral service.

Mrs. Corder was seventy-eight years old. She is survived by her husband, who is extremely ill, and by two sons and a daughter, Mrs. Bare, of Washington; Capt. Corder, of No. 10 Engine Company, Washington, and Mr. Amos Corder, who lives at the family home near Nokesville.

[NOTE: Martha and Phillip Corder both died in 1924 and are buried together in Greenwich Presbyterian Church cemetery. ~cgl]

100 Years Ago Today: The Spanish Swindle

100 years ago and relevant today.  Seriously, how long has this been going around? ... 

Manassas Journal
January 18, 1924

SWINDLER TESTS MANASSAS MAN

Man "Imprisoned" in Spain Offers Reward for Aid in Recovery of Hidden Fortune

The "familiar Spanish swindle" has appeared in Manassas again.

Rev. J. M. Bell, in a polite letter from Madrid, Spain, is importuned to aid the writer -- to recover a sum of $360,000 hidden by him in America, for which act of goodness Mr. Bell is offered "the third part; namely, $120,000."

The letter, in careful script on a single sheet of paper ruled both ways in blocks, is evidently a very good piece of printing giving the impression of a hand-written letter.

"I cannot receive your answer in prison," the writer informs Mr. Bell, "but you must send a cablegram to a person of my confidence, who will deliver it to me."

"Awaiting your answer, to intrust you all my secret," he signs himself only "R. de S., " while prominently displaying at the bottom of the letter these instructions:

"First of all answer by cable, not by letter as follows: Andres Cruiz, Lista Telegrafos. Orduna Gizcaya. Samples received. 91. Bell."

Although relieved even of the small responsibility of wording the cablegram Mr. Bell up to the time of going to press had not sent it. When interviewed by The Journal he showed no distress over the plight of his Madrid correspondent and no signs of curiosity concerning the get-rich-quick "secret" which doubtless has swindled many simple-minded folk of all their savings.

Will: William Howison

William Howison's Will
PWCo Will Book I, pg. 65

Washington Nov. 15th 1804

Most honored parents,

Our departure has been delayed from Monday 'till friday, very much to my satisfaction as it has given us time to breathe a little before commencing so long a journey.  Our preparations are now compleated, and we are to set out early in the morning. Every thing promises an agreeable journey if the weather is favorable, and the accommodations will be such that we cannot suffer much even by the worst weather. 

Although I have great hopes of revisiting this Country before the expiration of many years, yet as the great distance to be traveled must make my return uncertain, I wish to provide for the disposition of what little property I leave behind, in case circumstances should call for it: This I shall do by simply signifying my wishes, assured that they will be as much respected as if expressed in the most binding form. 

The property I shall leave in this part of the country consists of. Five shares of stock in the Bank of Virginia worth at par $500. 

To fill up these shares Mr. Trone is to pay Saml Howison $150 when called for ... $500

A Debt of $200 due from Samuel Howison, which if he finds it convenient is to be likewise invested in Stock ... $200

A Mahogany press and Book case left in the care of William James Esquire to be sold if it will bring $35 ... $35

Several small debts left with W. Boyd Esquire to collect, amounting to about ... $15

John Howison owes me $750 which I may possibly collect on my way ... $17.50

$707.50 [subtotal]

The money and property I shall take with me after paying every debt, are supposed to be worth $500 ... $500

$1267.50 [Total]

Should I not return, I wish the following distributions to be made. The debts due from my brothers John and Samuel are to be relinquished to them, if remaining unpaid.

My parents, if they or either of them survive me are to enjoy whatever else I may leave, during life. At their death let it be equally divided between my sister Mary ann and my brother Robert after giving my Brother Stephen $200.

It is to be understood that this arrangement is only to take place if I die leaving no family of my own or without making a future disposition of my estate. I have neither time nor paper to add more. May you all merit and experience the Guardianship of that providence on whom we all depend.

With lasting and dutiful affection,
Yours,

Wm. Howison

(Directed to Mr. Stephen Howison for P. Wm. County, Virginia)

At a Court held for Prince William County, Sept. 2d 1805

This last will and Testament of Wm. Howison decd was presented to the Court and the said Will being proved by the Oath of John Williams to be all in the hand writing of the said William Howison the same was ordered to be recorded. And administration with the said Will annexed is granted to Stephen Howison he having taken the Oath of an admor. and entered into and acknowwedged a bond with Security according to Law.

Teste, J. Williams
Ct. Cur.

Sunday's Obituary: Mrs. M.M. Russell (Jeannette Keys)

Manassas Journal
January 4, 1924

DEATH OF MRS. RUSSELL

Aged Independent Hill Resident Buried New Year's Day

Mrs. M. M. Russell died on Sunday at her home near Independent Hill. She had been ill about seven months and for three weeks had been in a critical condition. She was in her eightieth year.

Funeral services were conducted on Tuesday at Oak Grove cemetery by Elder W.M. Smoot, of Occoquan, who took his text from the eleventh chapter of John. The pallbearers were Messrs. Andrew Kincheloe, Eli Kincheloe, Bence Cole, Charles A. Barbee, Thomas Holman and Robert Cornwell.

Mrs. Russell, who before marriage was Miss Jeannette Keys, was born December 8, 1844, at Occoquan. At the age of eleven she moved with her parents to their place near Nelson's mill. She was married to Mr. Russell, December 22, 1878, and up to the time of her death made her home within two miles of Independent Hill.

She is survived by  her husband and by three sons and a daughter, Messrs. Thomas M. and James M. Russell, of Canova; Mr. G. Cleveland Russell, of Agnesville,. and Mrs. Ruth Russell, of Minnieville. She also leaves ten grandchildren, one little grandchild (Walton, baby son of her granddaughter, Mrs. Max Weber), two sisters, Mrs. Sophie Abel, of Quantico, and Mrs. Nellie Posey, of Hoadly, and two brothers, Mr. Jack Keys, of Dumfries, and Mr. Evandon Keys, of Joplin.

Society Saturday: New Year's Eve Dance

Manassas Journal
January 11, 1924

NEW YEAR'S EVE DANCE

A New Year's Eve dance attended by a large company of young people was given at the home of Mr. and Mrs. G. Raymond Ratcliffe, in Grant Avenue, with their young son, Master Jack Ratcliffe, as host.

Among the guests were Misses Nancy Waters, Anna Bruce Whitmore, Virginia Conner, Elizabeth Coleman, Susie Gibson, Wilhelmina Wenrich, Anne Davies and Dabney Waters, Hawes Davies, Jenkyn Davies, Ned Bradford, Ashby Rogers, Henry Lee Lewis, Charles Walton Lewis, Charles Armistead Sinclair, Wallace Lynn, Preston Lyon, Robert Morris Henry, Robert Weir and Beverly Adams.

100 Years Ago Today: J.M. Bell/Larkin & Athey

Manassas Journal
January 4, 1924

WISHING YOU

all the joys of the season, we beg to announce that we have purchased the grocery and meat market of Mr. J. M. Bell and are ready to offer for your selection

A FINE LINE OF GROCERIES AND CHOICE MEATS

At various times we shall be in the market for fat cattle and hogs. Fresh country produce wanted at all times. We shall be glad to serve you.

LARKIN & ATHEY

C.M. Larkin
T.H. Athey

Manassas, Virginia