July Events at Prince William County Historic Sites

July 12

Brentsville Court and Trades Day/ Flea Market

11am- 4pm, $10 for table reservation (for flea market)

Court days were exciting in the 1800s! Come discover what court was like in Brentsville during its days as the fourth county courthouse of Prince William County.  Come sit in on a trial and learn about the court proceedings of the 1800s, which differ greatly from today.  Historic tradesmen and tradeswomen will be showcasing their skills, as well as modern crafts and jewelry for sale.  Table reservations required for participation in Flea Market.  Please call 703-365-7895 for more information.

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

July 12

18^th Century Curiosities of the Natural World

7pm.  $5 per person, children under six are free

During the 18^th century scientific wonders and discoveries were being made daily.  Thomas and Christian Blackburn will be hosting Mr. Howarth an itinerate scientist, for an evening of discussion and admiration of his collection of curiosities and scientific instruments. Try out Mr. Franklin’s electricity machine and learn about balloons. You are cordially invited to attend.  This is an outdoor program and may be cancelled in the event of rain.  Please call the site to confirm. 

Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192, 703-499-9812.

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park Tours

July 12,13,26,27

11am-3pm; Tours leave on the hour – donations encouraged.

Bristoe Station Battlefield staff and volunteers will provide guided tours of the hallowed grounds that contain camps, cemeteries, and battlefields. Learn about Camp jones and the two battles that took place in 1862 and 1863. Tours begin on the hour and depart from the kiosk in the parking lot on Iron Brigade Unit Avenue. The last tour leaves at 3PM. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Insect repellant is encouraged. No pets please. Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, located off of Iron Brigade Unit Ave., Bristow, VA. 703-366-3049.

July 19-20

Pringle House Hospital Weekend (Red Cross Blood Drive July 19)

$5 per person, children 6 and under free.  Free to all blood donors.

Join us at Ben Lomond as we commemorate the 153rd anniversary of Ben Lomond being used as a Civil War hospital.  Specialized tours include medical demonstrations, Civil War encampment, and special Civil War medical exhibit. On July 19, an American Red Cross Blood Drive will take place in the parking lot.   Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA 703-367-7872.

July 20

Sundae Fun Day

1pm-4pm; free, donations accepted

Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with games and of course ice cream.  Ice cream has been enjoyed by all for centuries.  Learn how it was made long ago.  Grounds open at 11am bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds and then join us for ice cream and games afterward. 

Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192, 703-499-9812.

July 21-25

Basic Civil War Camp

9am- 12pm, $130 per child, ages 8-12, reservations required

Children will participate in activities designed to develop a better understanding of soldier life during the American Civil War.  Activities include: “Enlist in Virginia’s Army,” “Life in Camp,” “Infantry Drill,” “Did Civil War Soldiers Really Eat that Stuff?,” “Civil War Medicine,” and a field trip to Manassas National Battlefield Park. Camp takes place at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, Va. 703-365-7895.

Reservations taken at the Ben Lomond Community Center (703-792-8320) or online at www.pwcparks.org

July 26

Ghost Hunting 101

7:00 pm - 12:00 am

$100 per person for seminar and investigation, $40 for just the seminar – Reservations Required 

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 a ghost seminar and investigation at Ben Lomond. 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.  Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA 703-367-7872.

July 27

Historic Sundays at Brentsville Union Church

11am- 12pm FREE

Brentsville Union Church was built in 1870 and served the Brentsville community for over 100 years.  Today the country church has been restored and serves as a glimpse into life of the 19th century.  Come learn about the practices of faith that were once held here and how important churches were to society and local communities.  Program conducted in partnership with Historic Faith Ministries, a non-profit living history organization focusing on Victorian period customs and spirituality.  Program begins at 11a.m.and is FREE to the public.  Tours offered after the program for $5.00.

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

July 28

“The Lamps Are Going Out All Over Europe”: Prince William County & Manassas Remembers the Great War

7pm, free

In the early days of August, 1914 Englishman Sir Edward Grey famously said, "The lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our life-time." Grey was speaking of the fast-paced chain of events that hurled the continent of Europe into a cataclysmic war that would spread throughout the globe. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War, join Prince William County and Manassas staff at the Old Manassas Courthouse for a brief talk on the impact of World War I, followed by a short ceremony to honor the 26 Prince William County war dead listed on the memorial on the courthouse lawn.  Old Manassas Courthouse, 9248 Lee Avenue, Manassas, VA. For more information, call 703-367-7872.

August Special Events!  Call Now For Reservations!

August 2

Jazz in the Garden

7pm; $25 per person

Be our guest at an old fashioned lawn party.  Enjoy the view stunning river views at Rippon Lodge while listening to the biggest hits of the jazz age.  Hors d’oeuvres, wine and house tours included.  This is an outdoor program and may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.  Reservations strongly recommended.  Proceeds benefit the restoration projects at Rippon Lodge. 

Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192, 703-499-9812.

August 9

Virginia’s Cash Crops at Ben Lomond

7:00pm – 9:00 pm, $50 per person, 21 years and over in age only

For nearly 100 years prior to the Civil War, Ben Lomond was an active plantation.  To commemorate this heritage, please join Ben Lomond Historic Site staff for a special evening highlighting the various cash corps that were grown, exported, and consumed here during the 1700s and 1800s. Program will include light refreshments and tasting of Virginia whiskey. Cigar samples will also be available.

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

In Chancery: Publication Notice: Carter v Lynn

Administrators of Thomas Carter v Administrators of Seymour Lynn
Prince William County, Virginia
Library of Virginia Case 1878-001
Order of Publication

Warrenton, Fauquier County, Va

I, L. W. Caldwell, one of the proprietors of the "True Index" a newspaper published in Warrenton, Va., do certify that the Order, of which the annexed is a copy, in the case of Carter's Admx v James Lynn was duly published in said newspaper once a week for four successive weeks, commencing on 21st day of November 1868 and that a copy of the same was posted at the front door of the Court-house of Prince William County, on the first day of ______ County Court, 186___.

Given under my hand this 9th day of January, 1869

L. W. Caldwell
Printer's Bill $10.70

---------------

In Prince William Circuit Court, October 14th , 1868.

Rachel Carter, Administratrix of Thomas Carter deceased, plaintiff,

Against

James S. Lynn, Administrator of Seymour Lynn deceased, William E. Goodwin, Sheriff of Prince William county, Committee Administrator de bonis non of Charles E. Norman deceased, Mary F. Norman, Andrew Norman, Fielder Norman, Mildred Norman, Eppa Norman, Charles E. Norman, Lycurgus F. Lynn, and James S. Lynn, Administrators of Marshall D. Lynn deceased, defendants

IN CHANCERY

The Court doth adjudge and decree that James S. Lynn, Administrator of S. Lynn deceased do render before one of the Commissioners of this Court an account of S. Lynn as Administrator of Charles E. Norman deceased, and William E. Goodwin do also render before said Commissioner an account of his actings and doings on the said estate.  And that said Commissioner do also take an account of the outstanding debts of said Charles E. Norman deceased, and of any assets of said estate unadministered by the Administrator aforesaid; also an account of the real estate belonging to said estate with annual and fee simple value thereof, notice to be given for four weeks in some newspaper, shall be equivalent to personal service, and tha the convene the creditors of said estate by like notice and that he report to the Court.

An Abstract - Teste
John Camper, Clerk
Nicol p.q.

COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE, November 7th, 1868

To the creditors of Charles E. Norman deceased, and all other concerned:

Take notice that I shall on the 20th day of December 1868 at my office, in the town of Brentsville, proceed to execute the requirements of the decree from which the above is an abstract, when and where you are required to attend.  Given under my hand on the day first aforesaid, as Commissioner of said Court.

B. A. Sinclair

Friend of Friends Friday: Notice of Committal to Jail

Alexandria Gazette
June 28, 1862

NOTICE OF COMMITTAL TO JAIL

Was committed to the jail of Prince George's county, Md., as a runaway

Negro boy, calls himself Joe Tibbs, says he belongs to Mr. John G. Bealle, of Fauquier county, Va.;

also, a negro Peter Whittlesey, says he belongs to Mr. Bernard George, of Fauquier county, Va.;

also, a negro Addison Walker, says he belongs to John Marshall, of Clarke county, Va.;

also, negro Dennis calls himself Dennis Walker says he belongs to Robert Hudgins, of Fauquier county, Va.;

also, negro Washington Tyler, says he belongs to Washington Ferguson, of Loudoun county, Va.;

also, negro man Geo. Banes says he belongs to Mrs. Polly Elgin, of Loudoun county, Va.;

also, negro man Thomas Addison, says he belongs to J.H. Harding of Loudoun county, Va.;

also, negro Milton Thornley, says he belongs to John Marshall, Clarke county, Va.;

also, negro Beverly Harrison, says he belongs to Bernard George, of Fauquier county, Va.;

also, negro Lawrence Walker, says he belongs to Robert Hudgins, of Fauquier county, Va.;

also, negro Adam Moore, says he belongs to Patrick Smith, Fauquier county, Va.;

also, negro Leonard Jones, says he belongs to Dennis Johnson, of Fairfax county, Va.;

also, negro John Wormley, says he belongs to Robert Horner, of Prince William county, Va.;

also, mulatto man John Williams, says he belongs to John Harris, of Fairfax county, Va.

The owners of the above named negroes (if any) are requested to come forward, prove property, pay charges, and take them away -- otherwise, they will be disposed of according to the act of Assembly in such case made and provided.

Peter G. Grimes
Sheriff of Prince George's county, Md.

Prince George's county, Md., je 14--law3w

[Friend of Friends Friday is a Geneabloggers blogging prompt that encourages transcribing and posting records of enslaved ancestors. ~cgl]

Wedding Wednesday: Mary Carrie Copen and Joseph B. Florence

Manassas Journal
June 21, 1901

Wedding Bells

Miss Mary Carrie Copen, daughter of Mr. C. W. Copen, and Mr. Joseph B. Florence were married Wednesday June 12th at 11 a. m. at the home of the bride's parents in this county, Elder Geo. W. Lowe officiating.  The bride entered the parlor with the groom.  She was beautifully dressed in white and carried brides roses arranged in a shower bo[u]quet.  Miss Nannie L. Florence, maid of honor proceeded the bride, wearing white and carrying pink roses.  Miss Sallie Lynn was bridesmaid.  Mr. W. W. Tolson was the groom's best man.  Mr. Meredith Florence, usher.  Only relatives and a few family friends were present.  The bride and groom left for a short trip to Washington after the wedding dinner was served.

Will: Benjamin Dawson (1827)

BENJAMIN DAWSON Will

Prince William County Will Book  M, pg 479

01 Dec 1825; proved 05 Feb 1827

I BENJAMIN DAWSON of Prince William County and State of Virginia being of sound mind do make this my last will and testament hereby revoking all others heretofore made.  Item 1^st It is my will and desire that the debts due from me to George Chapman, Thomas Foster & Henry M. Lewis they being the principal debts shall first be paid and all other just debts.  Item 2^nd. I give and bequeath unto my son BENJAMIN DAWSON in trust for the use and benefit of my daughter NANCY DAWSON a negro girl named Mary during her life and at her death I give Mary and her increase to my son BENJAMIN DAWSON and his heirs upon condition that he takes care of his sister Nancy.  In no event is Mary to be taken from my daughter Nancy.  She is not to be estimated in the widows dower nor subject to my debts unless my other property should prove insufficient.  Item 3 It is my will and desire that after all my just debts are paid that my wife LINDSAY DAWSON shall have on third of my property during her life and at her death it is to descend to my two children by her namely GEORGE CHAPMAN DAWSON and SUSANNA FOSTER DAWSON.  Item 4. In consideration of the services rendered me by my son Benjamin Dawson, I give and bequeath unto him and his heirs a negro boy named Daniel.  Item 5^th It is my will and desire that the remaining part of my property after allotting the above legacies shall be sol and the proceeds arising therefrom be appropriated to the payment of my debts and if found insufficient then the residue to come out of my son Benjamin’s legacy.  Should the property thus allotted for my debts produce more than a sufficiency I desire that the surplus may be equally divided between my son BRADFORD DAWSON, FANNY BOOTMAN, BETSEY SHIRMAN, and HETTY MOORE and be considered their proportion of my estate.  Item 6^th It is my will and desire that my Executors hereafter named shall pay out of my estate to my daughter ELIZA CROUCH ten dollars as her proportion of my estate.  I hereby constitute and appoint my friends George Chapman and Thomas Foster my Executors to carry my will in effect.  In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 1^st day of Dec. 1825.

BENJAMIN DAWSON

In the presence of

SAMUEL ROBINSON, ELIZABETH  HALL, G. CHAPMAN, THOMAS FOSTER

At a Court held for Prince William County this 5^th day of February 1827.  This last will and testament of Benjamin Dawson deceased was presented to the Court by Thomas Foster one of the Executors therein named and being proved by the oaths of Samuel Robinson and Thomas Foster is admitted to record, and the said Thomas Foster having made oath to the same according to law and having taken the oath of an Executor and performed what is usual in such cases certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste, P. D. DAWE

Military Monday: 19 Men to Camp Lee

Manassas Democrat
May 23, 1918

NINETEEN MEN GO TO CAMP LEE SATURDAY

Prince William Gives Again of Her Youth That Democracy May be Safe -- Four Go to Charlottesville

The largest contingent of Prince William county young men to answer the call to colors for several months will leave for training on Saturday, May 25.  Nineteen of them will go direct to Camp Lee for military training and four left today for Charlottesville where they will enter the University of Virginia as volunteers and where they will receive mechanical training for military service.

Those who will go to Camp Lee are:

Kemp Williams, Quantico
Joseph Posey, Dumfries
Reuben W. Abel, Joplin
Harvey Holmes, Catlett
Harvey Weeks, Manassas
Hobert F. Hampton, Hoadley
Howard A. Stevens, Quantico
Durward I. Payne, Manassas
Champ Lee Jones, Joplin
Charles Perry Hammill, Woodbridge
Cofer Fairfax, Hoadley
Paris Cockanides, Quantico
John Calvin Roles, Mount
Frank W. Fitzwater, Nokesville
Clarence Money, Quantico
Robert L. Rittenour, Nokesville
Clarence Money, Quantico
Robert L. Rittenour, Nokesville
Milton Irvin Nalls, Greenwich
Phillip B. Lipscomb, Bristow
Isaac A. Pearson, Hoadley

The following alternates are in the list:

Richard Lee Thorp, Independent Hill
Bankit Cornwell, Manassas, R.F.D.
Allen Cornwell, Manassas, R.F.D.
Newton F. Sayers, Independent Hill

Those who left today for Charlottesville for mechanical training are:

James Wesley Keys, Brentsville
John Roland Craig, Manassas
Gray C. Buck, Manasas
Daniel Nelson Reeder, Manassas

Friend of Friends Friday: Solomon Brill on Slavery

Alexandria Gazette
December 5, 1859

A meeting of the citizens of Brentsville, Va., was held on the 28th ult. for the purpose of investigating "the soundness or unsoundness of Mr. Solomon Brill, upon the subject of Slavery," (said meeting having convened at Mr. Brill's request), and upon motion of Mr. J. T. Leachman, Aylett Nicol, esq., was called to the chair, and Mr. R. I. Reid, appointed Secretary.  "Mr. Brill, then and fully and feely stated his opinions on the subject of Slavery, saying that he recognized the right of property in slaves, and that he considered Slavery neither a social, moral nor political evil.  On motion of John T. Williams, Mr. Brill was declared exonerated from all suspicions as to his unsoundness upon the subject of slavery."

[Solomon Brill served as a constable for Prince William County. ~cgl]

Wednesday's Child: Edwin Nelson Speiden

Manassas Journal
May 30, 1919

CHILD DIES SUDDENLY

Five-Year Old Nelson Speiden Buried Here Monday

Edwin Nelson Speiden, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Speiden, and grandson and namesake of the late Lieut. Edwin Nelson, died Saturday morning at the home of his parents on Battle street, after an illness of less than twenty-four hours.  He was five years old and is survived by his parents and one sister, Miss Virginia Speiden, a few years his senior.

The funeral took place Monday afternoon at the Primitive Baptist Church and interment was made in the family lot in the Manassas cemetery, the services being conducted by Rev. T. D. D. Clark, pastor of the Manassas Baptist Church.  The pallbearers were Messrs. John H. and James E. Nelson, of Washington, C. Paul Nelson, of Huntington, W. Va., and A. O. Weedon, of Warrenton, brothers and brother-in-law of Mrs. Speiden.

Military Monday: Fort Warren Prisoner Release

Alexandria Gazette
June 15, 1865

On Friday last, orders were received at Fort Warren to release all the prisoners at that place under the rank of Captain, after taking the oath of allegiance.  The following parties were accordingly released, and brought up to Boston, to be furnished with transportation:

John M. Agler, residence, Madison county, Va
George H. Ayre, Loudoun county, Va [also found in PWCo ~cgl]
Thomas R. Baker, do [Loudoun county, Va]
Samuel C. Beach, Fairfax county, Va
Thomas Beach, do [Fairfax county, Va]
Stephen G. R. Bishop, Loudoun county, Va
Richard T. Boarman, Charles county, Md
Wm. H. Bozzell, Loudoun county, Va
Robert H. C. Caldwell, Jefferson county, Va
William S. Coffman, Page county, Va
Henry C. Chamblin, Loudoun county, Va
John L. Cornwell and George Cornwell, Prince William county, Va
Barney Crowley, Fairfax county, Va
Chas. E. Davis, Loudoun county, Va
Philip Key, St. Mary's county, Md
James H. Maddox, Fauquier county, Va [also found in PWCo ~cgl]
John R. Massie, do [Fauquier county, Va]
Henry Richards, Loudoun county, Va
Philip E. Roach, Alexandria county, Va
George W. Smith, Loudoun county, Va
William A. Lee, late of the Confederate States navy
H. Duttons, 34th Virginia
George W. Noland, a citizen of Loudo[u]n county, Va

took the oak and were discharged by Colonel Ingraham, in Washington on Monday.

Church Record Sunday: Trinity Episcopal Church

Alexandria Gazette
June 7, 1873

EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT MANASSAS

At a meeting of the vestry of the Episcopal congregation at Manassas, one day this week, Rev. John McGill announced that the meeting was called for the purpose of taking steps for the erection of a church at Manassas, and the Treasurer submitted a statement of the funds on hand for that purpose, as follows:  $410.75, and $57.56 as due from former Treasurer, making a total of $468.31.  On motion, Messrs. B. D. Merchant and John C. Weems, were appointed a committee of arrangements, for the commencement and completion of the church, in which they are requested to ask the aid and co-operation of all well wishers to that end. A plan of the building was presented and adopted; the name to be Trinity Church.

Those Places Thursday: Occoquan

1804 Occoquan Town Plat

"A prominent stone located near this spot was the beginning point of the 1804 survey of Occoquan's boundaries.  A survey line running from the stone enclosed the 31-acre tract subdivided into streets and lots on the town plat.  Today the stone is buried by landfill, but in 1804 it was on the Occoquan River's Southern Bank."

Current Affairs: 12 HS Public Meeting on (Lynn) Cemetery Reburial Process

Prince William County Schools ("PWCS") has received the final archaeological research report on the remains recovered from the cemetery located on the 12th High School site.  The final report was released prior to a planned meeting for open discussion on the specifics of the reinterment process.

The public meeting will be held on June 11, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the atrium of the Edward L. Kelly Leadership Center located at 14715 Bristow Road, Manassas, VA 20112.  So that PWCS will know how many participants to expect, anyone planning to attend should call (703) 791-7308.

Once the open discussion is completed, PWCS will present the final reinterment plans to the PWCo Historical Commission and The Virginia Department of Historic Resources, as required by permit.  They anticipate a late June or early July reinterment, for which another notice will be issued.

For me, probably the most important information in the final report by the archaeological firm notes that there were a total of 11 graves dating from post-1850 to post-1880 and that some of the individuals were "likely associated with the family of William and Cordelia Lynn" (my gggreat-grandparents), who owned the land during the indicated time period.

The report also notes that William and Cordelia's son, John Henry Lynn, was probably one of the burials.  John was a civil war veteran (Co. A., 4th Virginia Cavalry) and was the executor of his father's estate, fighting the battle to keep the family farm until his own death in 1884.  He is also my grandfather Earl's grandfather.  In other words, this tiny little cemetery represents two direct generations of my Lynn family, and what happens to it is very important to me on a very personal level as well as historic one.

I realize that there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the 12th High School site, even before my Lynn ancestors were removed to make room for the football stadium.  That said, I would like to make a personal request of anyone who plans to attend the June 11th meeting -- please, please leave your politics about swimming pools and school boundaries at  home!  There is a time and a place for everything, and this meeting isn't the place to rant at PWCS about ongoing political issues.

The June 11th public meeting is, and should only be, about recreating a cemetery and the respectful reinterment of a simple farmer and his family on their ancestral land.

June Events at PWCo Historic Sites

Ben Lomond Historic Site, Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre and Rippon Lodge Historic Site are open for tours Thursday-Sunday from 11am-4pm. 

Tours begin on the hour and are $5 per person over the age of six.  We are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Please call the sites for more information.

June 12

Lecture: Establishment of the Prince William County Police and Some of it’s Most Challenging Cases

7pm; Free, donations accepted

Join us for a unique look at the origins of the Prince William County Police Department presented by someone who was there; Charlie T. Deane.  From changes in policing since the departments formation in 1970 to the Beltway Sniper Case, and immigration policies and even the John and Lorena Bobbitt case. Retired, Chief Deane will give insights into these events from his perspective. 

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

June 14-15

Father's Day Tour at all Prince William County HPD Sites

11 am - 4 pm; $5 per person, free for children under six, FATHERS FREE

In honor of Father's Day, all fathers that visit Rippon Lodge on Father's Day weekend will experience a complimentary tour of the site.  If you dad enjoys military history, a history of tools, or anything else "manly" treat Dad to a visit of Ben Lomond Historic Site, Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre or Rippon Lodge Historic Site.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192, 703-499-9812.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, Va. 20136, 703-365-7895

Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr, Manassas VA 20109, 703-367-7872.

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park Tours

June 14-15 and 28-29

11am-3pm; Tours leave on the hour – donations encouraged.

Bristoe Station Battlefield staff and volunteers will provide guided tours of the hallowed grounds that contain camps, cemeteries, and battlefields. Learn about Camp jones and the two battles that took place in 1862 and 1863. Tours begin on the hour and depart from the kiosk in the parking lot on Iron Brigade Unit Avenue. The last tour leaves at 3PM. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Insect repellant is encouraged. No pets please. Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, located off of Iron Brigade Unit Ave., Bristow, VA. 703-366-3049.

June 14

U.S. Colored Troops in Richmond-Petersburg Campaign Bus Tour

$80 per person, lunch included, reservations required

150 years ago, African American soldiers of the U.S. Colored Troops made their large-scale debut in the Virginia theater. During the opening assaults at Petersburg, USCTs broke the Confederate line and later on played a prominent role in the disastrous Battle of the Crater. This tour will focus on these clashes at Petersburg and culminate with a tour of New Market Heights – where the first Medals of Honor given to African Americans in U.S. history were awarded.  For reservations, call Ben Lomond Historic Site at 703-367-7872.

June 14                                                                                                                                                           

 Potomac River Blockade Boat Tour                                                                                           

$40 per person, 10am-1pm, includes lunch, reservations required.                                  

Cruise along the Potomac River shoreline and view sites that were critical to the Confederate successful blockade of Washington D.C. from September 1861 through March 1862.  The cruise will include the preserved batteries at Freestone Point and Possum Nose, as well as Evansport and Shipping Point.  Tours include lunch and departs from Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge.  For reservations call 703-792-4754. 

June 21

Dragon Flies!

9am; $5 Suggested Donation

The first day of summer is during the high point of dragon fly season in Northern Virginia.  Join us on a guided tour of Julie J. Metz Neabsco Creek Wetlands Preserve as we go in search of dragonflies.  Bring binoculars and guide books.   Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.  You may get your feet wet if it has rained before this event.  No pets please.  Tour will begin in the parking lot at the kiosk.  Please carpool. 

Julie J. Metz Neabsco Creek Wetlands Preserve, 15875 Neabsco Road, Woodbridge, VA 703-499-9812

June 23-27

American Girl Doll Camp

9 am – Noon. $150 per child, ages 8-12

Do you love the American Girl Historical Character Dolls? Come spend a week at Rippon Lodge Historic Site and learn all about your favorite historical dolls and what life was like during the time period they lived. Rippon Lodge is the perfect setting to discover and explore these wonderful characters. Make butter with Felicity, be a reporter with Kit and more. Activities will include; crafts, games, history, music, snacks and much more. Registration required.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192, 703-499-9812.

June 26

Lecture: A Spy for the Union: The Life and Execution of Timothy Webster

7pm; Free, donations accepted

Timothy Webster, best known for his work as a spy for the Union during the Civil War, began his career as a New York City policeman. Webster was involved in a number of cases but perhaps his biggest contribution to National Security was exposing a plot to assassinate President-elect Abraham Lincoln in 1861.  For a time he was considered the Union’s top spy, until in 1862 when he was betrayed by fellow spies and became the first Union spy executed in the Civil War.  Author and historian Corey Recko will give a detailed overview of the life of Timothy Webster and have copies of his book available for sale.

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

June 28

“The Burning of Washington”, Bicentennial of the War of 1812 Bus Tour

8am-6pm; $80 per person

To commemorate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, join noted War of 1812 historian and author Ralph Eshelman as we follow in the footsteps of the British invasion of 1814.  This invasion led to the burning and destruction of Washington D.C. in the summer of 1814.  Tour will cover the British invasion of the Chesapeake, the Battle of Bladensburg and capture of Washington, D.C.  Transportation and lunch included.  Tour departs from Rippon Lodge Historic Site, reservations required.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192, 703-499-9812.

June 28

Baseball at Brentsville

10am–4pm; $5 per person for tours

Enjoy baseball as this community has for generations! Watch as Prince William County Firefighters and Police Officers challenge each other in an exciting game of sport! Bring your bat and glove and join in on the fun. Historic games will also be played throughout the day. Join the Brentsville community for a day filled with fun and food. Bring a picnic lunch or we will have hot dogs and peanuts to purchase.  Tours of the historic buildings will be given on the hour. (PD and FD will be playing softball)

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, Va. 20136, 703-365-7895

June 28                                                                                                                                                                           

Potomac River Blockade Boat Tour                                                                                            

$40 per person, 10am-1pm, includes lunch, reservations required.                                  

 Cruise along the Potomac River shoreline and view sites that were critical to the Confederate successful blockade of Washington D.C. from September 1861 through March 1862.  The cruise will include the preserved batteries at Freestone Point and Possum Nose, as well as Evansport and Shipping Point.  Tours include lunch and departs from Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge.  For reservations call 703-792-4754. 

June 29

Historic Sundays at Brentsville Union Church

11am- 12pm FREE

Brentsville Union Church was built in 1870 and served the Brentsville community for over 100 years.  Today the country church has been restored and serves as a glimpse into life of the 19th century.  Come learn about the practices of faith that were once held here and how important churches were to society and local communities.  Program conducted in partnership with Historic Faith Ministries, a non-profit living history organization focusing on Victorian period customs and spirituality.  Program begins at 11a.m.and is FREE to the public.  Tours offered after the program for $5.00.

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

For More information about Historic Preservation in Prince William County

call 703-792-4754 or email at historicpreservation@pwcgov.org

www.pwcgov.org/historicpreservation

www.facebook.com/pwhistoric

@pwhpf

Sunday's Obituary: Mrs. A. C. (Lynn) Steger

Richmond Times Dispatch
July 1, 1914

Mrs. A. C. Steger

Gordonsville, Va. June 30 -- Mrs. A. C. Steger of Chicago died on Monday at "Mountain View," the home of Dr. and Mrs. A. C. Smith, near Gordonsville, where she had been boarding for several months.  She was in the seventy-seventh year of her age having been born September 5, 1837.  She was the daughter of the late Judge Seymour Lynn, of Prince William County, and is survived by one son, H. B. Steger, of Chicago, and three brothers, Rev. A. T. Lynn, Shirley W. Lynn and Benjamin Lynn.

The funeral services will be conducted from "Mountain View" to-morrow afternoon at 3:30 o'clock, after which her remains will be taken to Maplewood Cemetery for interment.

[Elizabeth Virginia Lynn, daughter of Seymour Lynn and 1st wife, Lucinda, was born 7 September 1837 and married Clinton Steger.  They had one son, Herbert Steger, of Chicago.  In the 2nd ed. of My Lynn Families by George H. Lynn, he writes "Elizabeth told her niece, Leah Daniel Lynn, that she (Elizabeth) was a descendant of Pocohantas through her grandmother who married Seymour Lynn. ~cgl]