Current Affairs: Virginia Legislature House Bill #997 (Cemeteries; procedure for removal and relocation of human remains)

One of the most positive things to come out of the turmoil caused by the discovery and subsequent removal of the graves at the PWCo 12th High School construction site is Delegate Richard L. Anderson's House Bill #997 ("Proceedings for the Removal and Relocation of Human Remains"), which is making its way through the current session of the Virginia Legislature.  

In summary, HB 997 "strengthens the requirements for disinterment and relocation of human remains from a cemetery or graveyard by the landowner by requiring the institution of legal proceedings, heightened notice requirements to any heirs or descendants, and notice to the Department of Historic Resources and any local historical commission or organization."

The status of HB 997 as it (hopefully) makes its way into Law can be tracked HERE.

Many thanks to Delegate Anderson, his staff, and all those behind the scenes who contributed to the drafting of HB 997!

HOUSE BILL NO. 997 Offered January 8, 2014 Prefiled January 8, 2014
A BILL to amend and reenact § 57-38.1 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 3 of Title 57 an article numbered 5.1, consisting of sections numbered 57-39.7:1 and 57-39.7:2, relating to cemeteries; procedure for the removal and relocation of human remains.
---------- Patron-- Anderson ---------- Referred to Committee on General Laws ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 57-38.1 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 3 of Title 57 an article numbered 5.1, consisting of sections numbered 57-39.7:1 and 57-39.7:2 as follows:

§ 57-38.1. Proceedings by landowner for removal of remains from abandoned family graveyard.

The owner of any land on which is located an abandoned family graveyard, and there has been no reservation of rights in such graveyard, or when the beneficiaries of any reservations of rights desire to waive such rights, and in which no body has been interred for twenty-five years may file a bill in equity in the circuit court of the county or in the circuit or corporation court wherein such land is located for the purpose of having the remains interred in such graveyard removed to some more suitable repository. To such bill all persons in interest, known or unknown, other than the plaintiffs shall be duly made defendants. If any of such parties be unknown,publication shall be had the plaintiffs shall undertake active, good faith efforts to locate interested parties including, at a minimum, publication of at least one notice in a local newspaper of general circulation, notice posted at the site of the graveyard, and notice to and consultation with any historic preservation or other such commission, as well as area historical and genealogical societies. In addition, the plaintiff is encouraged to post such notice on the Internet, including appropriate websites and through the use of social media, and to consult with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Upon the case being properly matured for hearing, and proof being made of the propriety of the removal, the court may order the removal made and the remains properly deposited in another place, at the expense of the petitioner. Such removal and reinterment shall be done with due care and decency..

In determining the question of removal the court shall consider the historical significance of such graveyard and shall consider as well the wishes of the parties concerned so far as they are brought to its knowledge, including the desire of any beneficiaries of any reservation of rights to waive such reservation of rights in favor of removal, and so considering shall exercise a sound discretion in granting or refusing the relief prayed for.

Article 5.1. Removal and Relocation of Human Remains.

§ 57-39.7:1. Permit for removal and relocation of human remains required; exception.

A. The owner of any land on which is located a cemetery or a family graveyard shall apply to the circuit court in which the cemetery or graveyard is located for a permit prior to the disinterment and reinterment of any human remains located in such cemetery or graveyard. A permit issued by the court shall be required prior to the disinterment of such human remains and prior to the institution of any proceedings authorized in in this article or Article 4 (§ 57-35.36 et seq.). However, notice to any heir at law or descendant of such deceased person shall be required in the same manner as set forth in Article 4 (§ 57-35.36 et seq.), which notice shall state that a permit application is pending before the court and that any such heir or descendant has a right to be made a party to the proceedings before the court or to make comment to the court concerning the removal of the remains.

B. Prior to the issuance of any permit, the court shall require the owner of any such land to provide evidence satisfactory to the court that the notice required by subsection A has been given. The court shall afford any such heir or descendant an opportunity to be heard prior to the issuance of the permit at such time and place as determined by the court.

C. No permit shall be required if such cemetery or family graveyard is determined to be of historical significance pursuant to § 10.1-2305, but  the owner of the cemetery or family graveyard shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 23 (§ 10.1-2300 et seq.) of Title 10.1.

§ 57-39.7:2. Proceedings by landowner for removal of remains from cemetery or family graveyard.

Prior to the removal of any remains, the owner of any land on which is located a cemetery or family graveyard shall file a bill in equity in the circuit court wherein such land is located for the purpose of having the remains interred in such cemetery or graveyard removed to some more suitable repository. The petitioner shall provide the court with a written justification for the removal of the remains. To such bill, all persons in interest, known or unknown, other than the plaintiffs shall be duly made defendants. If any of such parties be unknown, publication shall be had once a week for eight successive weeks, in one or more newspapers, or such longer period as the court directs; the costs of such publication shall be paid by the petitioner or applicant. At least 90 days' notice shall also be (i) posted on genealogical websites in the geographical area where such land is located, (ii) posted at the cemetery or family graveyard, (iii) given to the Department of Historical Resources for a determination of historical significance in accordance with § 10.1-2305, and (iv) given to any local historical commissions or organization located wherein such land is located. The court shall require the petitioner to provide proof of publication and posting of the notice required by this section. The Department shall be considered an interested party in the court proceedings considering the legally constituted cemeteries or family graveyards with historic significance.

In determining the question of removal and relocation of the remains, the court shall consider the historical significance of such graveyard and shall consider as well the wishes of any next-of-kin first, followed by the wishes of any other parties concerned, other than the petitioner, so far as they are brought to its knowledge, including the desire of any beneficiaries of any reservation of rights to waive such reservation of rights in favor of removal. If there are no next-of-kin, the court shall designate a historical or cemetery preservation organization to represent the interest of the next-of-kin. In so considering all of the evidence and statements of the parties, the court shall exercise a sound discretion in granting or refusing the relief prayed for.

Upon the case being properly matured for hearing, and proof being made of the propriety of the removal, the court may order the removal made and the remains properly deposited in another place, at the expense of the petitioner. Such removal and reinterment shall be done with due care and decency.

Happy Third Anniversary to Us!

It's hard to believe that three years have gone by since I began this blog.  My original intention was to create a venue where I could share my love of my county's history and genealogy in a way that might be helpful to other researchers.  While more and more historical records and documents are becoming available online, sometimes it still takes a trip to the Court House or the local library to ferret out bits of information that might not be readily accessible.  Since I live in PWCounty, that makes it a bit easier for me than the out-of-state family researcher.

Ironically, I didn't start out in PWCo.  I was born and raised in Philadelphia.  My father, Howard Moore Lynn, was a Philly police officer and in my mind he was always "Philly."   He passed away of a brain tumor in 1969, several years after he and my mother divorced, and I suppose I just assumed he was buried in Philly as well.  It wasn't until after I'd moved to Virginia for a better employment opportunity that I learned he was a Virginian by birth.   About 1991, with the help of the most excellent staff at RELIC in the Bull Run Library, I "found" my father's father -- Earl(e) Lynn.  To my surprise, grandfather Earl was born in PWCo, the county that I had only recently begun to call home.  As my research progressed, I learned that HIS ancestors went back to the 1740's -- all in Prince William, some making significant contributions to the county they called home.  The LYNN family increased, multiplied, and married into many other "old" PWCo families -- Cole, Keys, Lowe, Abel, Pridmore, just to name a few.  

The more I learned, the more I came to love PWCo, its families, and its rich history.  In addition to being a an armchair history/genealogy geek, I'm a computer nerd, and that, essentially, is why this blog came into being.  I wasn't certain how many folks would be interested in my little blog, and am frankly amazed that it's had more than 27,000 visits!  THANK YOU to all of the folks who have taken the time to stop by!

Which brings me to today -- the beginning of Year Four at Prince William County Genealogy.  If you're a frequent visitor -- thank you!  If you're a new visitor, please enjoy!  To all -- I hope that you will find something on these pages that will help you with your own genealogy/family research.  Who knows?  It might help someone break down a research "brick wall" or two.  

Wedding Wednesday: Mary Margurite Milstead to Earl Vance Fisher

Richmond Times Dispatch
December 29, 1909

Fisher-Milstead.

[Special to the Times-Dispatch]

ALEXANDRA, VA., December 28. -- Miss Mary Margurite Milstead, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Milstead, and Earl Vance Fisher, of Washington, were married at high noon to-day at the home of the bride's parents, 1001 King Street, by Rev. P. P. Phillips, rector of St. Paul's Episocopal Church.  Afterward they for a Northern bridal trip, and upon their return will reside in Mobile, Ala., where the groom is engaged in business.

[Researchers of the Milstead family might be interested in the following two websites:  Genealogy of John H. Milstead (born in Occoquan) and The Milstead DNA Project.]

Happy Anniversary to "Brentsville Neighbors"

Well, better late than never.

I'd like to wish Brentsville Neighbors a very happy anniversary!

January 2014 saw the publication of the 100th edition of Morgan and Kay Breeden's wonderful newsletter, which honors and remembers the community that was once the very heart of activity in the County.  Brentsville was the county seat from 1820 to 1893, but there is far more to this little town than the County Court and the Jail.  Brentsville Neighbors often features newspaper articles from the past, letters and court documents, personal memoirs, current affairs (such as updates on the restoration of the Brentsville Jail), and information on the local flora and fauna.  Brentsville Neighbors gives the town a personality by giving voice to its people and places, past and present.
   
The newsletter is published monthly and is available via email or by visiting the online archives at Historic Prince William.   The February 2014 edition is hot off the presses and now available online.  Stop by and read an issue or two .. or three or more.  Brentsville Neighbors is clearly a labor of love and I think you'll enjoy it.

Events: February and March Events at PWCo Historic Sites

Lucasville School Open Weekends

Saturday, February 1 and Sunday, February 2

Saturday, February 8 and Sunday, February 9

Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16

Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, February 23

11am- 4pm, free, donations accepted

Visit a reconstructed 19^th century school used by the community of Lucasville.  Learn surprising facts of African American history in Prince William County and throughout the Northern Virginia region.

Lucasville School 10516 Godwin Dr., Manassas, Va, 703-365-7895.

February 8

Prince William County’s “12 Years a Slave”

11am-3pm, $5 per person

In 1835, William Hyden was passing his way through Prince William County during his journey from Ohio to Washington D.C.  A free African-American, Hyden was arrested as a runaway slave and thrown into the jail at Brentsville.  For over a year Hyden was confined to a jail cell before eventually escaping the jail and returning to freedom.  Join county historians as we explore and compare William Hyden and Samuel Northup, who was recently portrayed in "12 Years A Slave".

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA, 703-365-7895.

February 13

Courtship Customs of Centuries Past

7p.m. $30.00 per person $55.00 per couple, reservations required

Join us for this dinner program on courtship, dating customs and dinner etiquette of the 18^th and 19^th century.  Space is limited.  Please register no later than February 7 to secure space.  Please call 703-792-4754 to make reservations.

Old Manassas Courthouse, 9248 Lee Street, Manassas VA, 703-792-4754.

February 21-22

Ghost Hunting 101

7pm – 12am, $100 per person for seminar and investigation, $40 for just the seminar, reservations required 

ALL PROCEEDS from this event will Benefit PW Historic Preservation Foundation

Ben Lomond has a diverse history from being a Civil War hospital to the home of countless slaves.  Today, many local residents claim that the house and grounds are haunted by spirits from the past.  Ben Lomond Historic Site is partnering with East Coast Research and Investigation of the Paranormal (ECRIP) to host two ghost seminars and investigations at Ben Lomond.  ECRIP is a local volunteer group of researchers who investigate claims of potential paranormal phenomena and educate interested parties about the paranormal by sharing collective research, experience, knowledge and theories. Participants will first attend a seminar in which various theories and techniques currently used in investigating paranormal activity will be discussed. Afterwards, participants will work alongside experienced paranormal investigators in conducting a paranormal investigation at Ben Lomond. 

  

The seminar will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m., with the investigations being held from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Space is limited for the investigation, so reservations are required. 

Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA 703-367-7872.

February 27

Lecture: The Battle of New Market Heights: Freedom will be Theirs by the Sword

7p.m.: Free, donations accepted

In the predawn darkness of September 29, 1864, black Union Soldiers attacked a heavily fortified position on the outskirts of Richmond known as New Market Heights.  In a few hours of desperate fighting, these African American soldiers struck a blow against General R.E. Lee’s vaunted Army of Northern Virginia and proved to detractors that they could fight for the freedom and citizenship for themselves and their enslaved brethren.  Fourteen of the black soldiers who stormed the heights were awarded the Congressional Metal of Honor.  Author and historian Jimmy Price offers considerable insight into the black military experience and will have copies of his book by the same title as the lecture available for sale.

Old Manassas Courthouse, 9248 Lee Street, Manassas VA, 703-792-4754.

March

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 19^th 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.

For More Information About Historic Preservation in Prince William County

www.pwcgov.org/historicpreservation

historicpreservation@pwcgov.org

Will: Henry Holland (1852)

Henry Holland Will
Prince William County
Will Book Q, pg. 6

I Henry Holland of the County of Prince William and State of Virginia do make this my last will and testament in manner and form as follows, revoking all others.

I desire first that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid out of perishable property and debts due my estate.

2.  I give to my wife Mary F. L. Holland all my estate both real and personal during her life and then to my heirs forever.

Given under my hand this 23d day of January 1852.

Henry Holland

Signed and acknowledged in presence of

Reuben Ives
Samuel Stoddard

In Prince William County Court March 1st 1852.

This last will and testament of Henry Holland decd. was proved according to law by the oaths of Reuban Ives and Samuel Stoddard witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.  And on the motion of Mary F. L. Holland who made oath and together with Robert Hodgkin & Philip D. Lipscomb, her securities entered into & acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $5,000 conditioned as the law directs, certificate is granted the said Mary F. L. Holland for obtaining letters of administration on the decedent's estate, with the will aforesaid annexed in due form.

Teste,

J. Williams, c.c.

Sunday's Obituary: Eliza Marders

Alexandria Gazette
June 18, 1849

DIED, at Erindale, in Prince William Co., Va., on the 11th inst., Mrs. ELIZA MARDERS, consort of Elder Lovel Marders.  She has left a husband, child, and many relatives and friends to mourn her loss; but they sorrow not as those who have no hope.  She was for more than eleven years an acceptable member of the Baptist Church.  During the last eight years she was the subject of much affliction, and her last illness was protracted and severe; but she bore her afflictions with Christian fortitude and resignation, and we joyfully believe that she is now in that land, where "the inhabitants never say I am sick" -- where "no want or pain, shall ever disturb her rest again."

100 Years Ago: School Notice

Manassas Journal
January 30, 1914

SCHOOL NOTICE

The Brentsville District School Board desires modern sanitary closets built at the schools of the district not already supplied.  Twelve or fourteen will be required, and specifications for same can be obtained from any member of Board, viz: R. H. Davis, Bristow; J. T. Flory, Nokesville; or J. R. Cooke, Greenwich.  Contractors can bid on all or any specified number, and the Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids.  Bids should be sent to J. R. Cooke, Clerk of Board, on or before February 21, 1914.

J. R. Cooke, Clerk

Friend of Friends Friday: In Chancery: Sale of Slaves and Land (1843)

Alexandria Gazette
December 2, 1843

SALE OF SLAVES AND LAND. -- Pursuant to a decree of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery for the County of Prince William, the undersigned will sell for cash on the first Monday in January next at Brentsville in said County the interest which was devised to Geo. A. Douglass, by George Tennil, in certain Slaves and Real Estae, or so much thereof as may be sufficient to satisfy a decree of said Court, pronounced on the 17th day of May, 1843, for the sum of $453.09 cents with interest on the same from the 13th of June, 1841, and six dollars and fifty-two cents costs, as also the costs of the suit in which said decree was pronounced and the expenses incident to the execution thereof.  The interest of said Douglass is the reversion in sundry Slaves, and a tract of Land in the County of Prince William, to take effect after the death of the widow of George Tennil, who is now far advanced in life.  The age of the life tenant together wiht a particular description of the property aforesaid will be made known on the day of the sale.

John W. Tyler, Comm'r.

nov 21 - eots

Thriller Thursday: Murder of Capitola Butler

Washington Post
February 9, 1899

NO EVIDENCE OF MURDER.

Prince William County Grand Jury Discharges E. B. Reid

Special to the Post.  Manassas, Va., Feb. 8 -- In the County Court, the Grand Jury, after spending two days in hearing evidence, adjourned last night, having failed to find a true bill against E. B. Reid, charged with having murdered his cousin, Mrs. Capitola Butler.

Some time ago Mrs. Butler was found dead in her bed at the home of Mr. Reid, where she was living at the time, her brains having been blown out by a shotgun.  After she was buried her body was taken up and an inquest was held, in which it was discovered that she was in a very delicate situation at the time of her death.

The bitterest feeling had existed for some time between her family and E. B. Reid, growing out of some money transaction, and at the instance of her brother, Reid was arrested on the charge of having murdered Mrs. Butler, and carried before a Magistrate for preliminary trial.  Finding no evidence against him, the Magistrate promptly discharged him.  Mrs. Butler's friends were not satisfied, however, and at the February term of the County Court the matter was brought to the attention of the Grand Jury.  After spending two days in examining the witnesses, they failed to find a true bill.

Mr. Robert H. Campbell, a well-known criminal lawyer of Staunton, was present at the request of the Commonwealth's Attorney, in the interest of Mrs. Butler's friends.

Wednesday's Child: Elizabeth Lynn Wheeler

Manassas Journal

December 23, 1921

Death Claims Little Child

Elizabeth Lynn Wheeler, little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Norville A. Wheeler, died Saturday, December 17, at the age of two years and four months, after an illness of three weeks at the Children's Hospital in Washington.  The interment was made at Sudley.  The community extends its sympathy to the bereaved parents of the little one.

Tombstone Tuesday: Richard and Lucy (Keys) Cornwell

Woodbine Church Cemetery
Photo by C.G.Lynn

CORNWELL

RICHARD CORNWELL

May 17, 1889

August 26, 1950

His Wife

LUCY KEYS

July 30, 1877

May 21, 1948

~ ~ ~ 

Richmond Times Dispatch

August 28, 1950

THREE ARE HELD IN MAN'S DEATH NEAR MANASSAS

Manassas, Va., Aug. 27 -- State and county officers early today found the beaten body of Richard Cornwell, about 60, at his home seven miles south of here.

Three persons later were arrested and charged with murder.  They were identified by Commonwealth's Attorney Stanley A. Owens as Richard Watson, Andrew Cornwell and Mrs. Mary Watson, all of Prince William County.

Owens said Cornwell apparently died of the effects of a beating he suffered yesterday during an altercation with the arrested trio.  The prosecutor said he had asked for an autopsy to determine the definite cause of Cornwell's death.

Owens said he was told by Harvey Cornwell, a brother of the dead man who lived in the house with him, that the victim had been struck during a fight with Watson, Andrew Cornwell and Mrs. Watson.

Deed: Holliday to Cole (1821)

HOLLIDAY to COLE

18 September 1821

Prince William Co. Deed Book 8, pg. 222

Whereas DANIEL COLE of the County of Prince William did become my security in the purchase of some Negroes of Seth Combs administrator of Fielding Combs decd. and the said Daniel having paid a considerable sum of money to the aforesaid Seth Combs on my account Know therefore all men by these presents that I Zacheus Holliday of the County of Stafford and Commonwealth of Virginia wishing to compensate and reimburse the aforesaid Daniel Cole on account of the money paid to aforesaid Seth Combs do by these presents grant bargain sell alien and confirm unto the aforesaid Daniel Cole his heirs and assigns forever the following property (to wit) one bay mare three head of cattle one bed and furniture and beausat six chairs a chest together with my kitchen furniture likewise my crop of corn and fodder I the aforesaid Zaccheus Holliday for myself and heirs do hereby warrant and defend the title in and to the aforesaid property to the above mentioned Daniel Cole and his heirs forever.  In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 18^th day of September one thousand eight hundred and twenty one.

Zacheus Holliday

Executed and delivered in presence of

Thos. Storke

Bernard Cole

Prince William County to wit:

This deed from Zacheus Holliday to Daniel Cole was proved in the Clerks office of said County on the 17^th January 1822 by the oath of Thomas Storke and on the 15^th March 1822 by the oath of Bernard Cole & admitted to record.

Sunday's Obituary: Susan A. French

Alexandria Gazette
August 14, 1846

DIED,

At the residence of Mrs. French, in Prince William County, Va., on the 6th inst., her daughter Susan A. French, in the 23d year of her age.  For the last six months she was the subject of disease, an incurable consumption, and for the last two months confined to her bed.  Her sufferings during the greater part of her illness were very great, but she bore them with true Christian patience and resignation, and died in the full triumph of the faith of the Gospel, leaving to surviving relations and friends, the most satisfactory evidence, that in her death, she exchanged the sufferings and sorrows of earth for the rest and bliss of Heaven.

Richmond Enquirer

September 1, 1846

DEATHS.

Died, at Green Level, the residence of her mother, in Prince William county, on Thursday, 6th August of Pulmonary Consumption, Susan, daughter of the late William French, Esq., in the 23d year of her age, after an illness of several months, which she bore with the post patient resignation.  This is the second interesting daughter which, within the short space of nine months, has been removed by the hand of Death, from a devoted mother, and a large circle of relatives and friends.  When she became conscious of her approaching end, she appeared to look with horror upon the last struggle; but with the most intense suffering for a short time and she appeared to have sunk from exhaustion, her countenance suddenly brightened with a heavenly smile, when she expressed her perfect readiness to do part whenever her Heavenly Father might cal her -- declaring to her sorrowing friends around her bed, that the happiness she then enjoyed, more than compensated for all her sufferings -- called upon them to thank God, who had thus revealed himself to her, and caused her to rejoice in the prospect of a blissful immortality -- and when her voice failed her, with a countenance still beaming with smiles, she continued to wave her hand in triumph, until she fell asleep to wake no more.  Although she made no profession of religion previous to her illness, she had always treated the subject with the greatest respect, and the circumstances of her death afford her afflicted mother and friends the strongest reason to believe that she has exchanged a state of suffering for one of eternal felicity.  

R.

Events: January and February Programs at PWCo Historic Sites

January 16

Lecture: 1864 Battle of Cold Harbor

7p.m.: Free, donations accepted

In late May and early June of 1864 Generals Robert E. Lee and U.S. Grant clashed at a small tidewater crossroads at Cold Harbor just outside of Richmond, Virginia. The outcome was indecisive yet one of the bloodiest conflicts of the war. Join historian Ed Sanders of Richmond National Battlefield Park for a detailed look at this battle.

Old Manassas Courthouse 9248 Lee St., Manassas, VA, 703-792-4754.

January 30

Lecture: The Key to the Bulge: The Battle for Losheimergraben

7p.m.: Free, donations accepted

Join author and historian, Stephen M. Rusiecki, for a detailed look into the German winter offensive of 1944-45 which originated at a small cross-roads on the German-Belgian boarder.  Learn how a battered American Infantry Regiment, the 394^th succeeded in blunting the German efforts.  This cost the German war machine valuable time and forced the German leadership to shift their war effort further to the South.  Mr. Rusiecki will have copies of his book by the same title and his most recent book; In Final Defense of the Reich: the Destruction of the 6^th SS Mountain Division available for sale.

Old Manassas Courthouse 9248 Lee Street, Manassas, VA 703-792-4754.

Lucasville School Open Weekends

Saturday, February 1 and Sunday, February 2

Saturday, February 8 and Sunday, February 9

Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16

Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, February 23

11am- 4pm, free, donations accepted

Visit a reconstructed 19^th century school used by the community of Lucasville.  Learn surprising facts of African American history in Prince William County and throughout the Northern Virginia region.

Lucasville School 10516 Godwin Dr., Manassas, Va, 703-365-7895.

February 8

Prince William County’s “12 Years a Slave”

11am-3pm, $5 per person

In 1835, William Hyden was passing his way through Prince William County during his journey from Ohio to Washington D.C.  A free African-American, Hyden was arrested as a runaway slave and thrown into the jail at Brentsville.  For over a year Hyden was confined to a jail cell before eventually escaping the jail and returning to freedom.  Join county historians was we explore and compare William Hyden and Samuel Northup, who was recently portrayed in "12 Years A Slave".

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA, 703-365-7895.

February 13

Courtship Customs of Centuries Past

7p.m. $30.00 per person $55.00 per couple, reservations required

Join us for this dinner program on courtship, dating customs and dinner etiquette of the 18^th and 19^th century.  Space is limited.  Please register no later than February 7 to secure space.  Please call 703-792-4754 to make reservations.

Old Manassas Courthouse, 9248 Lee Street, Manassas VA, 703-792-4754.

February  21-22

Ghost Hunting 101

7pm – 12am, $100 per person for seminar and investigation, $40 for just the seminar, reservations required 

(NOTE:  This is a fundraising event, with ALL of the proceeds going to the site.)  

Ben Lomond has a diverse history from being a Civil War hospital to the home of countless slaves.  Today, many local residents claim that the house and grounds are haunted by spirits from the past.  Ben Lomond Historic Site is partnering with East Coast Research and Investigation of the Paranormal (ECRIP) to host two ghost seminars and investigations at Ben Lomond.  ECRIP is a local volunteer group of researchers who investigate claims of potential paranormal phenomena and educate interested parties about the paranormal by sharing collective research, experience, knowledge and theories. Participants will first attend a seminar in which various theories and techniques currently used in investigating paranormal activity will be discussed. Afterwards, participants will work alongside experienced paranormal investigators in conducting a paranormal investigation at Ben Lomond. 

  

The seminar will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m., with the investigations being held from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Space is limited for the investigation, so reservations are required.  

Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA 703-367-7872.

February 27

Lecture: The Battle of New Market Heights: Freedom will be Theirs by the Sword

7p.m.: Free, donations accepted

In the predawn darkness of September 29, 1864, black Union Soldiers attacked a heavily fortified position on the outskirts of Richmond known as New Market Heights.  In a few hours of desperate fighting, these African American soldiers struck a blow against General R.E. Lee’s vaunted Army of Northern Virginia and proved to detractors that they could fight for the freedom and citizenship for themselves and their enslaved brethren.  Fourteen of the black soldiers who stormed the heights were awarded the Congressional Metal of Honor.  Author and historian Jimmy Price offers considerable insight into the black military experience and will have copies of his book by the same title as the lecture available for sale.

Old Manassas Courthouse, 9248 Lee Street, Manassas VA, 703-792-4754.

New Publication: 1940 PWCo Census Transcript

Anyone who has done family or history research in Prince William County has very probably encountered at least one publication by Ronald Ray Turner.  For more than 20 years, this amazing gentleman has transcribed, abstracted, compiled, annotated, and published a wealth of PWCo information, including but not limited to court records and loose papers, census schedules, vital records, military records, and business licenses.   Available in hard-copy format at the Bull Run Library, Mr. Turner has also made many of his publications available through his website, PWCVirginia.

Mr. Turner's most recent publication is an alphabetically arranged transcription of the 1940 PWCo Census!  

To access any of Ron Turner's online publications, please go to his website and click on the link for "Published Works."  While you're there, take the time to browse the site.  It is a gold mine of information, local lore and history, and images of times gone by.

I should also mention that, in addition to his publications and website, Mr. Turner, in partnership with the PWCo Historical Commission, has worked to locate, document, preserve and protect the County's more than 400 cemeteries.  Many cemeteries that might otherwise have been lost have been documented and "found" because of his dedication.  

Tombstone Tuesday: Horace Cole

Fredericksburg Cemetery
Photo by C. G. Lynn

IN MEMORY

OF

OUR FATHER

HORACE COLE

BORN

September 16, 1818

DIED

July 26, 1878

Rest in Peace

~ ~ ~ 

Fredericksburg Star - 7 Aug 1878 - p2 c4

COLE.  In Spotsylvania county, some three miles from Fredericksburg, on Friday evening July 26, 1878, after a long and painful illness.  Mr. Horace Cole, in the 60th year of his age.

~ ~ ~ 

Horace Cole was born in Prince William County, the son of Benjamin and Prudence (Lynn) Cole.

Current Affairs: Can You Rest In Peace in PWCo?

On Wednesday, January 8th, the Prince William Committee of 100 hosted a timely forum entitled "Can You Rest in Peace in Prince William County."

Moderated by Charlie Grymes, Chairman, PW Conservation Alliance, the forum panel included (from left to right):

Dr. Bill Olsen, President, Historic Prince William, and member of the PWCo Historic Commission and Cemetery Committee Chairman;

Martin Nohe, Coles District Supervisor (currently serving his third term in office);

Don Wilson, Director of RELIC (Ruth E. Lloyd Information Center), Bull Run Regional Library;

Julie Langan, Acting Director and State Historic Preservation Officer, Virginia Department of Historic Resources ("DHR"); and

Joanna Wilson Green, Archaeology Stewardship and Easements, Office of Preservation Incentives, Virginia Department of Historic Resources.

Prince William County Schools ("PWCS") was invited to send a representative to the forum panel.  Since the first School Board Meeting of 2014 coincided with the forum, PWCS declined due to a scheduling conflict.

The forum was as interesting as it was informative.  Dr. Olsen provided a timeline of the events surrounding the PWCS's discovery and removal of the 100+ year old cemetery on their 12th High School construction site;

Mr. Nohe spoke of the County's limits with regard to cemeteries found on public/County sites and the need for County-level legislation, and what may (or may not) be done to try and prevent the 12th High School graves situation from happening again.   (I should note that a similar situation has already arisen in PWCo, involving the Norman family cemetery behind the Coles Fire House which has plans to expand their facility -- over the cemetery.)

Mr. Wilson spoke of the historical and genealogical detective work conducted by RELIC staff and volunteers to determine the chain of title for the 12th High School site and, ultimately, the identity of the cemetery on the property.  (An especially challenging task, considering RELIC was not informed of exact coordinates or that the title search was meant to determine the identity of a cemetery.)

Ms. Langen and Ms. Green spoke about Virginia Burial Law and the DHR's guidelines with regard the removal of cemeteries in the Commonwealth, the distinction between old or "historic" cemeteries, and what authority DHR has and does not have.

It was learned that on the day of the forum, Delegate Anderson of Richmond submitted a "place holder" Bill to the Richmond Legislature proposing new guidelines and improvements to the cemetery law with regard to the discovery of unmarked/unidentified cemeteries in the Commonwealth.  In its infant stages, DHR, the PWCo Historic Commission, and other interested parties in the name of cemetery preservation will be offering suggestions to hopefully help it become Law.

If you were unable to attend and would like to watch this informative discussion, a video of the forum can be found here.