Sunday, April 28, 2013

Sunday's Obituary: Charles Ming


Alexandria Gazette – February 15, 1855

DIED. On Friday, the 9th instant, at his residence in Prince William County, Va., Charles Ming, in the 86th year of his age. The deceased was for many years an inhabitant of Prince William County, Va., where he filled a highly respectable position as Magistrate and High Sheriff.

~ ~ ~

Alexandria Gazette – February 7, 1827

Prince William County Court, December 2d, 1823.

Thomas Chapman, late surviving acting executor of Wm. Carr, dec'd., and John Spence, administrator de bonis non, with the will annexed of the said William Carr, dec'd., Complainants

Against

William H. Tebbs and Lydia Tebbs his wife, and Chas. Ming and Victoria Ming, his wife, Defendants.

IN CHANCERY.

This cause came on this day to be hears by consent of parties upon the bill, answers of the defendants, and exhibits, and was argued by counsel; upon consideration whereof, and by like consent, the Court doth adjudge, order and decree, that the defendants Charles Ming and Victoria his wife, be forever barred and foreclosed from all equity of redemption in the mortgaged premises in the bill mentioned. That the part of the tract of land on Broad Run, containing seven hundred acres, belonging to Charles Ming and wife, agreeably to the partition between them and said Wm. H. Tebbs, in the proceedings mentioned, be sold by public auction, to the highest bidder, for cash, by the Commissioner hereinafter named, after giving sixty days notice of the time and place of such sale, in some newspaper printed in the town of Alexandria, and by advertisement at the door of the Court House of Prince William County; and apply the proceeds of such sale first, to the payment of the costs, charges and expenses thereof, and of the execution of this decree, secondly, to the payment of nineteen hundred and sixty-eight dollars and fifty cents, and interest thereon from the date hereof, to the complainan Thomas Chapman or his assignee, and pay over the residue, if any, to the defendant Charles Ming; That John Macrae do carry this decree into effect. But the rights of the complainants in relation to residue of the said mortgaged debt, are reserved, and the Court retains the cause for such further decree in relation to the other defendants and the said Ming and wife, as it may think proper.

A Copy – Teste, P. D. Dawe, C.C.

~ ~ ~

VIRGINIA:
At a Superior Court of Chancery held in the town of Fredericksburg, on the 17th day of May 1826 – Thomas Chapman, surviving executor of William Carr, deceased, Appellant,

Against

William H. Tebbs and Lydia his wife, and Charles Ming and Victoria his wife, Appellees.

Upon an appeal from an order of the County Court of Prince William, in Chancery, pronounced on the 5th day of April 1824, in a suit in which the appellant was plaintiff, and the appellees were defendants – this day came the parties by their counsel, and the Court having maturely considered the transcript of the record of the order aforesaid and the arguments of counsel, is of opinion, that the said order which suspends the decree for sale of the 2d day of December, 1823, and permits the appellees, Ming and wife, to answer, is erroneous. Therefore it is decreed and ordered, that the same be reversed and annulled; and that the appellees do pay unto the appellant the costs by him expended in the prosecution of his appeal aforesaid here. And this cause is retained in this Court, to be proceeded in according to the decree of the second day of December, 1823.

Costs prosecuting appeal $36 65.

A copy teste, J. H. Williams, C.C.

~ ~ ~

In obedience to the foregoing decrees of the County Court of Prince William, and the Superior Court of Chancery for the District of Fredericksburg, I shall, on the first Monday in March next, before the front door of Prince William Court-house, expose to sale to the highest bidder, for ready money, the tract of land of Charles Ming and Victoria his wife, in the first of said decrees mentioned.

Jan 1 – ts
J. Macrae

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Will: Victoria Ming


Victoria Ming Will
Prince William County Will Book R, pg 508

In the name of God, Amen ~ I Victoria Ming of the County of Prince William being sick and weak of body but of sound mind and disposing memory and calling to mind the uncertainty of life & being anxious to dispose of all such worldly goods as I am possessed of, I give and bequeath the same as follows, viz.

1st I desire my funeral expenses & just debts to be paid.

2nd I give & bequeath all I may be possessed of to my friend Elizabeth Meredith in trust for the benefit of my grand daughter Charlotte F. Chichester both real & personal. In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this the 12th day of May 1863.

Victoria Ming

Witness,
Wm. Green
Charles R. Chichester.

At a court held for Prince William County, April 5th, 1869

This last will and testament of Victoria Ming was this day produced in Court for Probate and being fully proved by the Oaths of William Green and Charles R. Chichester the subscribing witnesses thereto is ordered to be recorded.

Teste
John C. Poor
Clerk

May Events at PWCo Historic Sites


Prince William County Historic Preservation Division Sites are open for the season! 

Beginning Thursday, May 2nd Brentsville Courthouse, Ben Lomond and Rippon Lodge open for the season.  Tours are from 11am-4pm; Thursday – Monday.  The sites are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Please call the individual sites for specific information.  Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park provides guided tours on the 2nd and 4th weekend of every month beginning in May.   


May 4
Historic Preservation Talk and Hard Hat Tour of the Jail
1pm - 3pm; $15 per person, reservations required, not for children under 16
This program will introduce the participant to the idea of “historic preservation” and cover such topics as what makes a building worth saving, examples of saved buildings in the county, and why historic preservation is important, especially for the environment.  Visitors will have an opportunity to go inside the jail during the restoration process focusing on the masonry and if possible the archaeological side of preservation as well, ex., Dovetail.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 703-365-7895

May 9
Lecture: Doughboys off to the Great War
7pm; Free, donations accepted
Area historian, Glenn Hyatt, will present a history of the local men who joined the 2nd regiment of the 29th Infantry Division, a unit with linage going back to the Stonewall Brigade of Virginia during the Civil War.  Glen Hyatt, will trace this lineage of their service from the Civil War to WWI. 
Old Manassas Courthouse, 703-792-4754

May 10
Tour: Buckland During the Civil War
7pm; Free, donations accepted
Join Buckland resident David Blake, for a unique lecture and tour of historic Buckland. Dress for the weather, no pets please. Not appropriate for children under 12.  Registered attendees will receive confirmations with meeting details.  Space is limited. Call for reservations.
Historic Preservation 17674 Main StreetDumfriesVA. 703-792-4754

May 11-12       
Mother's Day Tours at all Prince William County HPD Sites
11am - 4pm; $5 per person, MOTHERS FREE
In honor of Mother's Day, all mothers that visit a Prince William County Historic Preservation Site on Mother's Day weekend will experience a complimentary tour of the site.  If your mom likes history or some stories that would give television drama a run for their money, treat Mom to a visit of a historic site.  Both she and you will enjoy the visit!
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 703-499-9812
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 703-365-7895
Ben Lomond Historic Site, 703-367-7872

May 11,12,25,26 and June 8,9,22,23
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park Guided Tours                                                     
11am - 3pm, tours leave on the hour, donations accepted                                             
Bristoe Station Battlefield staff and volunteers will provide guided tours of the battlefield. Learn about Camp Jones and the two battles that took place here in 1862 and 1863. Tours begin on the hour and depart from the kiosk in the parking lot on Iron Brigade Unit Avenue. Last tour at 3pm.  Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. No pets please. 
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park703-366-3049

May 11 and May 25
Potomac Blockade Boat Tour
10:00 am - 1:00 pm, $30 per person, reservations required. 
Cruise along the Potomac River shoreline and view sites that were critical to the Confederate forces’ successful blockade ofWashington D.C. from September 1861 through March 1862. Local historians will discuss the significance of the Blockade and of the gun batteries and camps that supported the Confederate efforts. The cruise will include the preserved batteries at Freestone Point and Possum Nose, as well as Evansport and Shipping Point.  Tour includes lunch and departs from Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge
Call 703-792-4754 for reservations. 

May 16, 2013
Lecture:  Investigating a Historic House in Virginia
7pm, Free, donations accepted
Historian, Dr. Dennis Pogue, will give an engaging talk on the tools and methods that historians and architects use to look at historic houses to determine their age, use and their evolution over time.  Dr. Pogue will use his vast experience in working with private and public homes across the country to explain how looking at the history of home can unlock stories of the people who once called it home.  Investigating the history of a home gives us a window to the lives and social customs of our ancestors.
Ferlazzo Auditorium15941 Donald Curtis DrWoodbridgeVA. 703-792-4754

May 18
Scout Day
11am - 4pm
$10 per Scout
Calling all Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts!  Spend the day at Rippon Lodge and earn Letterboxer, Making Games or Playing the Past and Gardener.  The requirements for all four badges will be covered while you are here.  All Scouts will get a Rippon Lodge patch for their participation.  Reservations required.  Discounted registration for whole troops.
Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 703-499-9812

May 18
Sheep Shearing and Animal Husbandry Day at
Historic Brentsville
11am-3pm; $5 per person
During the 19th century and early 20th centuries, Brentsville and the surrounding areas were home to many farms and families raising sheep.  Wool was a significant resource and many farmers earned their living raising sheep along with feed crops.  Come learn the importance of sheep and animal husbandry in Prince William County.  Hands on activities include modern sheep shearing, carding wool, and simple spinning demonstrations.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 703-365-7895

May 18                                              
Garden Tea at the Ben Lomond Antique Rose
Garden                                              
1pm–3pm; $20 per person                              
Celebrate the arrival of spring by spending a wonderful afternoon in the antique rose garden at Ben Lomond enjoying historic tea.  Price of admission includes tea, light refreshments, and a special talk about roses and spring flowers in the largest antique rose garden in theWashington D.C. metro area.  Reservations required. Spaces are limited and will fill up fast.  The main house will be open to tours after tea.
Ben Lomond Historic Site, 703-367-7872

May 23
Lecture: Operation Market Garden
7pm; Free, donations accepted
On September 17, 1944 thousands of paratroopers descended from the sky behind enemy lines. Their goal: to secure to bridges across the rivers in Holland so that the Allied army could advance. If it went as planned, Operation Market Garden should have ended the war by Christmas 1944. Unfortunately this daring plan didn't have the expected outcome. Military historian, Ron Mayer will cover this flawed operation describing how, when, where and why the Operation failed.
Old Manassas Courthouse, 703-792-4754

May 25                                                          
Wildlife Walk at Bristoe Station Battlefield
9am – 11am, $5 per person     
Bristoe Station Battlefield is home to a complex meadow ecosystem.  Join outdoor experts on a guided walk of the battlefield.  Learn about the beneficial wildlife especially the birds and butterflies that call this ecosystem home.  Learn to identify the plants that these birds and butterflies need for food and shelter.  Bring binoculars. The tour departs from the kiosk in the parking lot at Iron Brigade Unit Aveand 10th Alabama Way.  Where comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.  No pets please. 
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, 703-366-3049

To learn more about historic preservation in Prince William County or to become a volunteer please visit  PWHPF's website atwww.pwcgov.org/historicpreservation
Or call 703-792-4754 or email historicpreservation@pwcgov.org

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Sunday's Obituary: Allen Herring

Richmond Times Dispatch - January 20, 1924

CONFEDERATE DIES AT AGE OF 94

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY VETERAN'S LONG CAREER ENDS.

FREDERICKSBURG, VA. Jan. 19. -- Allen Herring died at his home at Nokesville, Prince William County, Tuesday night at the ripe age of 94 years and six months.  He served in the Confederate Army and after its close took a prominent part in the affairs of this community.  Mr. Herring was married three times and is survived by eight children, fifty grandchildren and fifth-four great-grandchildren.  His children are Hastin, Judson, and Joseph Herring, of Nokesville; Mrs. Jennie Weaver, Mrs. Lucy Shaffer and Mrs. Mamie Forman, of Johnston, Pa.; Mrs. Florence Forman, of Washington; Mrs. Nettie Wood, of Nokesville.

[Henry Allen Herring is buried in Valley View Cemetery in Nokesville, Prince William County, Virginia.  The link to his memorial on Findagrave.com can be found here. ~cgl]

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Sunday's Obituary: James Luck, Sr.

Richmond Times Dispatch - April 13, 1917

James Luck, Sr.  - Fredericksburg, Va., April 12. -- James Luck, Sr., a well known citizen of Prince William County, died at his home last night near Independent Hill.  He is survived by three sons, one of whom is Rev. Norman Luck, of Caroline County.

~~~~

James Luck, Sr. was originally buried in Belle Haven Church Cemetery but was later moved to National Memorial Park, Falls Church, Virginia when the U.S. Government took land in 1942 via eminent domain to expand Quantico Marine Base. ~cgl



Monday, April 1, 2013

April Events at PWCo Historic Sites


April 4, 2013
Lecture: 1st Minnesota Actions in Prince William County
7pm; Free, donations accepted
Historian, James Owens, will present a detailed look into the 1st Minnesota, focusing on the battle of 1st Manassas in July of 1861 and the battle of Bristoe Station in October of 1863.
Old Manassas Courthouse, 9246 Lee StreetManassasVA. 703-792-4754

April 6, 2013                                                                                                             
Historic Myths Tour                                                                                                                     
 11am – 4pm; $5.00 per person, free for children under six                                                             
The mortgage button on the end of a stair-handrail, the whistle walk, and kitchens being built separate as a fire prevention measure.  If you’ve been to many museums chances are you’ve probably heard one of these myths at some point. In honor of the upcoming April’s Fools Day, join Ben Lomond staff on a humorous myth-busting tour of the site. Tours start on the hour with the last tour at 4 p.m.            
Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr.ManassasVA. 703-367-7872

April 6, 2013                                                                                                                           
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 2012. 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.BristowVA. 703-366-3049

Saturday, April 6, 2013
Historic Preservation Talk and Hard Hat Tour of the Jail (Sponsored by HPF)
1pm – 3pm; $15 per person, reservations required, not for children under 16
This program will introduce the participant to the idea of “historic preservation” and cover such topics as what makes a building worth saving, examples of saved buildings in the county, and why historic preservation is important, especially for the environment.  Visitors will have an opportunity to go inside the jail during the restoration process focusing on the masonry and if possible the archaeological side of preservation as well, ex., Dovetail.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd.BristowVA. 703-365-7895

April 6 and 20
Potomac Blockade Boat Tour
10am-1pm; $30 per person
Cruise along the Potomac River shoreline and view sites that were critical to the Confederate forces’ successful blockade ofWashington D.C. from September 1861 through March 1862. Local historians will discuss the significance of the Blockade and of the gun batteries and camps that supported the Confederate efforts. The cruise will include the preserved batteries at Freestone Point and Possum Nose, as well as Evansport and Shipping Point. Tour includes sandwiches and departs fromLeesylvania State Park in Woodbridge
Reservations Required Call 703-792-4754

April 11, 2013
Lecture: The Grey Ghost, John S. Mosby
7pm; Free, donations accepted
John S. Mosby formed the 43rd Battalion Virginia Cavalry also known as Mosby’s Rangers in 1863. Author and historian, David Goetz, will present an overview of the units’ development and exploits throughout the Civil War and Mosby’s life after the war.  Copies of his latest book, Hell is Being a Republican in Virginia; will be available for purchase and signing. 
Old Manassas Courthouse, 9246 Lee StreetManassasVA. 703-792-4754

April 13-14, 2013
Muster Days
9am- 4pm; $5 per person, free for children under six
Join living historians as they interpret soldiers from the Army of Northern Virginia during the pivotal days in the spring of 1863.  Join soldiers as they camp, guard against enemy reconnaissance, and witness a large company drill in person!
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd.BristowVA. 703-365-7895

April 18, 2013
Lecture: William Howe
7pm; Free, donations accepted
Howe is best known for leading the British assault on the colonial forces in what we know as the battle of Bunker Hill and as the commander of British forces in America from 1776-1778. However, there is more to the life of this aristocratic soldier and his combat experiences than just the American Revolutionary War. This lecture will provide insight into Howe’s experiences in the French and Indian War, his guidance in helping the British Army develop light infantry tactics, as well as his involvement in the American Revolutionary War.
Kelly Leadership Center, Room 1101, 14715 Bristow RoadIndependent HillVA.

April 20, 2013
Nature Trail Walk
1pm; $5 per person, free for children under six
Take a guided tour along the nature trails at Brentsville and learn about the plants and animals that call this part of Virginia home.
Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd.BristowVA. 703-365-7895

April 25, 2013
Lecture: The Tuskegee Airmen
7pm; Free, donations accepted
Jerry “Hawk” Burton, chairman of the East Coast Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. will give a presentation on the history of the Tuskegee Airmen, an African American Army Air Corps Fighter and Bombardment Group of World War II.  The pioneering work of these airmen helped to pave the way for generations of African American’s in the United States military. 
Old Manassas Courthouse, 9246 Lee StreetManassasVA703-792-4754