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 Dr, Manassas 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 Rd, Woodbridge 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 Rd, Woodbridge 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, Manassas, Va. 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 Fredericksburg, Virginia 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

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." 

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 4^th 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 6^th 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

Deed: Lynn to Ball (5 May 1857)

Deed:  Lynn to Ball

PWCo. Deed Book 24, page 75

This Indenture made and entered into this 5^th 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 25^th 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 25^th 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 12^th February 1853 convey said land to one Francis W. Lewis and the said Lewis and wife by deed of record in same office dated 8^th 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 5^th, 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

Deed: Green to Galleher (10 January 1857)

Deed:  Green to Galleher

PWCo Deed Book 24, page 31

This Deed made this 10^th 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 10^th day of Jany. 1857 and hereto annexed has acknowledged the same before me in my county aforesaid.

Given under my hand, this 10^th 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

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.

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."

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.

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

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 2^nd, 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 3^rd, 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 25^th 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

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.