Sunday's Obituary: Edward L. Dulin (1854) and Edward S. Dulin (1872)

Alexandria Gazette
February 12, 1872

At Oak Dale, Prince William county, Va., January 22, 1872, at the residence of his uncle, Rev. B. P. Dulin, Edward S. Dulin, in the twenty-third year of his age -- son of the late E. L. Dulin.  Mr. Dulin was a consistent member of the Baptist Church for several years.  His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. G. W. Briston, from Corinthians, 15th chapter, 57th verse -- "Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Alexandriai Gazette
July 31, 1854

In Washington, on the 28th instant, of bronchitis, Rev. Edward L. Dulin, of the Baltimore Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Wedding Wednesday: Foley/Combs (1895)

The Evening Star (Washington, DC)
November 23, 1895

A very pretty wedding took place at the residence of Mrs. S. F. Yates of Georgetown, D.C., on the night of November 20.  The contracting parties were Mr. Enoch F. Foley of Waterfall, Prince William county, and Miss Janie L. Combs of Mountain View, Fauquier county, Va., the ceremony being performed by the Rev. W. S. O. Thomas of Gay Street Baptist Church, Georgetown, D.C.  The bride wore a handsome dress of changeable silk, with pearl ornaments, and carried a bouquet of white chrysanthemums.  The flower bearer, Phoebe Moffet, a little miss of five years, attired in a gown of white tulle, carrying a bouquet of the same flowers, preceded the couple to the strains of Mendelsshon's wedding march.  The ceremony was performed under a bower of chrysanthemums, after which a reception was held from 8 until 10.  Mr. and Mrs. Foley left Thursday for their future home in Prince William county, Va.

Travel Tuesday: Freight Train Accident (1904)

The Evening Star (Washington, DC)
June 30, 1904

The remains of Fireman Daniel Garvin, who was killed yesterday afternoon in the wreck of a freight train near Culpeper, sixty miles below this city on the Southern railroad, have been brought here to be prepared for burial.  The body was taken to the undertaking rooms of B. Wheatley, on King street.  Arrangements for the funeral have not yet been made.  Garvin, whose home was in Sayre, Pa., was crushed by his engine and both legs were cut off above the ankles.  He lived about an hour after the accident.  Conductor S. G. Goodman of this city was bruised about the head and one of his legs was mashed, but his injuries were not of a serious nature.  Engineer M. H. DeCourcey of Manassas had his left arm broken and sustained injuries to his back.  He was also painfully scalded.  The wreck occurred between local freight train No. 61 and work train No. 547.  All the injured were of the crew of the extra.  No one on the local freight was hurt.   Just how the accident occurred is not known here.

Friend of Friends Friday: Lease Agreement: Sowden to Tansill

The following document was submitted as supporting evidence in Culpeper County, Virginia in the 1859 chancery case of James A. M. Muschett v. Seymour Lynn (as executor of the Estate of Samuel Tansill).

Sowden to Tansill

Lease of Slave

24 May 1841

We Ann Sowden & John Sowden have this day hired to Samuel Tansill, two negro men (Thomas & Philip) for one hundred and twenty dollars per year, commencing the first day of June Eighteen hundred & forty one and the said Tansill is to clothe them, pay their taxes and treat them with humanity, and pay the 1^st one hundred and twenty dollars as follows, viz, he is to pay thirty dollars on the first day of Sept eighteen hundred & forty one and thirty dollars on the first day of Dec 1841 and thirty dollars on the first day of March eighteen hundred & forty two and thirty dollars on the first day of June eighteen hundred and forty two, and it is further on by the said Ann & John Sowdon that whatever interest may accrue on the bonds, which the said Tansill now holds of ours as assignee of Thos. A. Farrow shall be deducted from the above named hire of one hundred and twenty dollars.  In witness whereof we the parties to the above agreement have hereunto set our hands & affixed our seals this 24^th day of May Eighteen hundred & forty one.

Ann Sowden {seal}

John Sowden {seal}

Samuel Tansill {seal}

I certify that the above contract is a true copy of a contract filed in the case in the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery in Prince William County of Alexander v. Sowden.

Milton Fitzhugh Clk

Of Circuit Court of Pr. Wm. County

Thriller Thursday: W. R. Staples

Richmond Times-Dispatch
September 14, 1922

DRAGGED BY HORSE, MAN DIES FROM HURTS

[Special to the Times-Dispatch] Fredericksburg, Va. Sept. 13

While en route from his home in Fairfax County to Manassas, a few monrings ago, the horse being driven by W. R. Staples became frightened at a dog and cow on the roadside.  The animal bolted, throwing from the vehicle Mr. Staples and his wife, who was accompanying him.  Mr. Staples became entangled in the lines and was dragged for one hundred yards over a rough stretch of road.  When assistance reached him he was carried to the Speakes' home.  Dr. W. F. Merchant treated the injured man.  Mr. Staples died in a short time.  Mrs. Staples was uninjured.  Mr. Staples was 59 years old.

Wednesday's Child: Goldie Weber

Woodbine Church Cemetery, Independent Hill, VA

GOLDIE WEBER

February 22, 1914

July 11, 1923

Goldie Weber was the daughter of Philip and Gertrude Weber.  She is age five with her parents on the 1920 federal census for Coles District.  

Tombstone Tuesday: Belle (Grayson) and Luther Oscar Lynn

Sudley Methodist Church Cemetery

LUTHER O. LYNN

Born

August 30, 1850

Died

Dec. 22, 1919

Sudley Methodist Church Cemetery

BELL F. LYNN

Wife of

L. O. LYNN

Born

May 1, 185

Died

Nov. 16, 1927

Luther Oscar Lynn was the son of Luther Langdon Lynn and his first wife, Mary Frances James Currell.  He married Isabella Frances "Belle" Grayson on December 23, 1875 in Prince William County.

Sunday's Obituary: Maggie Keys (1923)

Manassas Journal
January 12, 1923

WIDOW OF LATE VETERAN DIES

Mrs. Maggie Keys Passes Away at Home of Her Son in Brentsville

Mrs. Maggie Keys, widow of the late R. A. Keys, a Confederate veteran, died at the home of her son, Mr. L. F. Keys, in Brentsville, on January 7 after an illness of about a month.  Her death was due to the infirmities of age, she being in her 85th year.

The deceased was married to Mr. Robert A. Keys in Alexandria in 1862 from which union was born five children, four sons and one daughter, namely, John T. Keys, J. M. Keys, R. H. Keys, and L. F. Keys, all of Brentsville, and Mrs. John Weeks, of Fairfax C.H., all of whom survive her together with seventeen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. R. Cooke at the Union Church at Brentsville ,her body being laid to rest in the family burying ground at that place.

The many beautiful flowers were a token of the esteem in which she was held in the neighborhood.

Wedding Wednesday: Nicol/Iden

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
November 21, 1912

Christ Episcopal Church was the scene of a brilliant wedding at 8 o'clock last night, when Miss Pauline Fauntleroy Nicol, daughter of Judge Charles Edgar Nicol of this city, became the bride of Dr. Benjamin Iden, Jr., of Manassas, Va.

The bridal couple entered the church to the strains of a wedding march, played by Mrs. Simpson of Washington.  The bride was accompanied to the altar by her father, by whom she was given in marriage.  Rev. William J. Morton, rector of the church, performed the ceremony.

The bride wore a gown of ivory-tinted charmeuse trimmed with Venetian lace and tulle caught with orange blossoms.  Her ornaments were pearls, and she carried a bouquet of bride roses.  Attending the bride was her sister, Miss Julia Nicol, who acted as maid of honor.  She wore white lace over green, an carried a bouquet of violet chrysanthemums.  The bridegroom had for his best man his brother, Dr. John Iden, U.S.N.

The bridesmaids were the Misses Lucille Smith and Marguerite Newhauser, Washington, D.C.; Janette Powers, Port Royal, Va.; Dellia Dudley, Washington, Va.; Nellie Uhler, Cora Jones, and Christina Kemper of this city.  They wore yellow with violet trimmings, and carried violet crysanthemums.

The groomsmen were Harvey Jacobs and Jack Harper, Washington, D.C.; Milton French, Jack Stevenson, Edmund Hunter, Aylet Nicol and Edgar Nicol.

The church was attractively decorated, the color scheme being yellow and violet, while the chancel was banked with palms.  A reception followed the wedding at the home of the bride, 316 North Washington street, after which Dr. and Mrs. Iden left for New York, where they will make their home for the winter.  Those present from out of the city were:  Mrs. J. B. T. Thornton, Manassas, Mrs. H. M. Dudley, Washington, Va.; Dr. John Iden, Manassas; Mr. and Mrs. Robert N. Harper, Washington, D.C.; Judge and Mrs. Ashley M. Gould, Washington, D.C.; Mr. and Mrs. John Nicol, Manssas; Mr. A. T. Holtzman, Washington, D.C., and Mrs. Maude Rrazill, Newport, R.I.

Will: Charles Hoff (1814)

CHARLES HOFF Will

Prince William County Will Book K, pg. 289

01 Jan 1814; proved 06 Jun 1814

In the name of God Amen I CHARLES HOFF of Prince William County and State of Virginia being in perfect health thanks be to the Almighty God for his mercy toward me do make this last will and testament if I the said CHARLES HOFF do not return from the Expedition that make over my property to Item I give unto my nephew JOSHUA HOFF one horse bridle an sadle one set of black smith tools.  Item and I leave to four well beloved sisters all my property that BETTY, JANE, SARAH and NANCY HOFF.  Exception the horse bridle and tools.  Item and if any money arising from the sd. Estate that can be paid without disfurnishing themselves.  Item I leave unto CORNELIUS and THOMAS HOFF four hundred dollars two hundred each.  Item and I leave my well beloved brother JOHN HOFF my etn. Of my estate so long as he carry on the business with prudence and economy.  Item and my Exetrx is not to make way nor sale of any of the said estate but it  to remain in the hands of my sisters during there natural lives.  As witness my hand and seal this first day of January eighteen hundred and fourteen.

CHARLES HOFF {seal}

Teste,

HENRY HOPE, WILLIAM HOPE, ELIZA HOPE

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William County June 6^th 1814.

This last will and testament of CHARLES HOFF deceased was presented to the Court by JOHN HOFF the Exor. therein named who made oath to the same according to law & the said will being proved by the oaths of HENRY HOPE and WM. HOPE is ordered to be recorded and the said JOHN HOFF having taken the oath of an Exor. and performed what is usual in such cases certificate is granted her for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste, PHIL. D. DAWE

Sunday's Obituary: Mrs. Albert Hayes

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
October 25, 1914

Mrs. Hayes is Buried

Mrs. Albert Hayes died Tuesday at her home near Kopp.  Her funeral was held Thursday at Belle Haven Baptist Church, with interment in the churchyard there.  She is survived by her husband, a son, Roland T. Hayes of Marshall, and a daughter, Mrs. J. A. Myers of Marion, Iowa.

[Ellen C. Hayes is buried in the Belle Haven Baptist Church Cemetery beside her husband Albert. - cgl]

Friend of Friends Friday: Ranaway from Subscriber (Jesse)

American and Commercial Daily (Baltimore, MD)
August 30, 1814

Thirty Dollars Reward.

Ranaway from the subscriber living on Cedar Run, Prince William county, Virginia, on the 18th inst. a mulatto fellow named JESSE.  He frequently attaches Murphy to his name -- he is about 5 feet 4 inches high; about 31 or 32 years of age -- has been brought up a house servant, and is a good waiter and ostler; he also understands the farming business -- he is very dressy, and a cunning, artful fellow, and will endeavor to pass as a free man.  Part of his dress is a country cloth jacket and breeches, a blue and brown cloth coat, a castar hat, laced shoes, with country stockings.

I will give the above reward with all reasonable charges to any person who will bring him home, or lodge him in a gaol so that I get him again, leaving information with Mr. Jas. Brundige, Baltimore, or to Mr. Geo. Sweeny, Washington City.

George Sweeny
July 21
law3t

Wednesday's Child: Leo Keys

Woodbine Church Cemetery, Independent Hill, VA

LEO KEYS

Nov. 10, 1920

Jan. 16, 1921

Newspaper Tidbit: Voting Notice in Haymarket Precinct (1832)

National Aegis (Vicksburg, Mississippi)
November 21, 1832

A CURIOSITY.  The Commissioners for holding the elections at Haymarket Precinct, in Prince William County, Virginia, posted up the following notice at the public places in Haymarket:

"Notice.  Persons desirous to vote for Andrew Jackson, as President of the United States, can obtain tickets by applying to the Commissioners who will conduct the election.  They are cautioned against receiving tickets from any other source, as it is believed we have more to fear from false friends than avowed enemies."

We consider this a most unauthorized interference on the part of the Commissioners, who should have been seen in any other position than that of electioneering partizans.

Alexandria Gazette

Events at PWCo Historic Sites for November/December

Prince William Historic Preservation Foundation Events

Veteran’s Day at Historic Brentsville

10a-1p, Free, $5 dollar suggested donation

Salute our brave veterans who have contributed to our nation’s freedom!  Join site staff for crafts and fun at Brentsville’s historic courthouse.  In celebration of Veteran’s Day, write letters to current soldiers serving overseas.  Learn about our military history through first-person interpretation vignettes of all major American conflicts starting with the American Revolution to current day.

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

November 15

Rev War to:  1776! The Revolution Comes to Rippon Lodge        

11a-4p; FREE

In February of 1776 the 3^rd Virginia Regiment was organized out of companies from several local counties including Prince William County.  The troops will muster at Rippon Lodge home of Thomas Blackburn for inspection and to make ready.  Residents are invited to come for the day to see the troops.  Living history demonstrations of both military and civilian life during the American Revolution will take place all day. 

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

November 15

Open-Hearth Cooking Class at Brentsville

10a-1p, $30 per person, not recommended for children under 12, reservations required

Gear up for the Thanksgiving season by learning the skills of open-hearth cooking.  Join an experienced open-hearth cooking historian and learn the basic skills needed to prepare food over an open fire.  You will learn how to build a fire and will prepare and cook three different dishes.  End the program by enjoying a taste of the food you cooked.  Class will take place in the ca. 1850 Haislip Farmhouse.

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

December 6

December 7

A Visit From Santa at Williams Ordinary

Saturday Santa, 10a-5p

Sunday Santa, Noon-3p

FREE; Pictures with Santa: $5.00

In December of 1862, artist Thomas Nast made one of the first known illustrations of Santa Claus. Santa was shown giving gifts to soldiers in the field at Fredericksburg, Virginia during the American Civil War.  This year, Santa will dust off that old suit he wore back then and make an appearance at Williams Ordinary in Dumfries.

Guests can make old-time holiday decorations and Pomander balls with citrus fruit and cloves for their trees at home.

Williams Ordinary, 17674 Main St., Dumfries, VA 22026. 703-792-4754.

December 7

Santa Comes to Rippon Lodge

Noon - 3p; $2 per child

Santa Claus will be visiting Rippon Lodge on Sunday afternoon.  Learn about Christmas traditions of the past.  Be on your best behavior so he will have you on the nice list.  Bring your wish list for him.  Parents will be given special “Things Santa Should Know” cards upon arrival.  Bring your camera for pictures!  Dress for the weather some activities are outside. 

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

December 7

Holiday on the Home Front – WWII Christmas Candle Tours 

5p-8p; $5 per person, children under 6 free

Its 1943 and World War II is in full swing.  What was Christmas like for Wade and Dessie Ellis at their Rippon Lodge home?  WWII artifacts and decorations will be on display throughout the house.  Listen to a holiday fireside chat with FDR or a Bob Hope Special.  Try your hand at making ornaments using what materials were on hand due to rationing. 

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

Brentsville Holiday Concert

Site open 5p-8p; concert begins at 6p, Free

Join the Brentsville community Saturday evening for a Holiday concert filled with seasonal music performed by the Brentsville District High School Choir at the beautiful and historic Brentsville Union Church. Enjoy hot cider and cookies by a warm bonfire.

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

Enslaved Holiday

5p-7p, $7 per person, six and under free

Take a candle lit tour of the main house and slave quarter to learn how the enslaved community celebrated the holidays and how they resisted the institution that kept them enslaved. Living history vignettes will allow some of the enslaved workers at Ben Lomond to come to life, giving you a unique perspective into this period of American history.   Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA 703-367-7872.

For More Information on Historic Preservation in Prince William County including; rentals, volunteer opportunities, school and scout programs, camps and special events please call 703-792-4754 or historicpreservation@pwcgov.org