Travel Tuesday: Eloise Compton

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
25 April 1932

Girl, 19, is Killed

The other fatal accident occurred when two machines collided head-on yesterday morning on the Centerville-Manassas road in Fairfax County, Va. Miss Carolyn Cole, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Cole of Bigleville, Pa., died in Providence Hospital this morning from a fractured skull. Miss Eloise Compton, 19, of Manassas, Va., who with Miss Cole were passengers in one of the cars, is in Providence Hospital, suffering from serious cuts and bruises.

The two girls, roommates at the Marjorie Webster School of Dancing here, were riding in a car driven by Jim Peters, an employee of the Columbia Gas Co., now living at the Manassas Hotel, Manassas, Va., according to Fairfax police. Peters escaped with slight injuries. Miss Compton is a daughter of Will Compton of Manassas. 

The accident occurred when Peters' car and one driven by Carl Davis of Ox road, Lee district, Fairfax County, collided, police said. Both were demolished and Davis was cut and bruised on the head and legs, but was able to return to his home.

William Joseph Rodgers, 40, of Baltimore, the driver of the automobile containing Mr. and Mrs. Clatterbuck, is in a critical condition in Georgetown University Hospital suffering from skull fractures, head cuts, shock and possible internal injuries. An operation was performed early today on his skull.

Will: Susannah Fowles (1824)

SUSANNAH FOWLES Will

Prince William County Will Book M, pg 211

26 Mar 1821; proved 02 Nov 1824

In the name of God Amen Be it known unto all it may concern that I SUSANNAH FOWLS of the County of Prince William & State of Virginia feeling infirm in bodie and knowing that god has appointed a time for all human flesh to depart this life and feeling and knowing that I am at this time in my proper mind and perfect sences I make this my last will and testament.  Be it known for the natural good I bair for JOSEPH BOBO and for and in consideration of the sum of one dollar to me in hand paid by the said BOBO the receipt hereof is hereby acknowledged together with many years services.  For which I give and bequeath unto the said JOSEPH BOBO of the County of first above written one full half of all my personal property to the proper use & behoof of said BOBO and to his heirs and assigns forever.  Also I give grant and bequeath unto my daughter MARY CONNER one full half of all my personal property of every discription to have and to hold unto the said MARY CONNER her heirs and assigns forever.  And I the said SUSANNAH FOWLES do hereby agree and oblige myself to disannul all wills that have ever bin made by me before this date and considering them voide and of none effect.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hands & seal this twenty sixth day of March in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one.

SUSANNAY FOWLES

Signed sealed in the presence of us

THOS. B. ANNISS

JAMES ADAMS

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions and held for the County of Prince William November the 2^nd 1824.  This last will and testament of SUSANNAH FOWLES decd. was presented to the court and the same being proved by the oaths of the Witnesses thereto is ordered to be recorded.

Teste, PHIL. D. DAWE

Wedding Wednesday: Thelin / Clarkson

Baltimore American
21 June 1905

SOCIETY

Will Wed Today. -- A marriage of much interest, to take place this evening, will be that of Miss Marie Bertin Thelin, daughter of Mrs. William Thelin, of Mount Washington, to Mr. Thomas B. Clarkson, of Prince William county, Va.  The bride-elect on the paternal side is a representative of an old French Huguenot family, of which her father, the late William T. Thelin, was of the second generation to settle in this country.  Through her mother, who was a Miss Griswold, she belongs to one of the leading colonial families of Maryland.  She is a very attractive young girl, with all the charm and vivacity of manner inherited through both lines of ancestry.  Mr. Clarkson is a son of Dr. Clarkson, and comes of an equally distinguished old South Carolina family.  The ceremony will be performed at St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church, at Mount Washington, at 8 o'clock, and will be followed by a small reception for members of the two families and a few intimate friends only at the residence of Mrs. Thelin.  The bride will be given away by her brother, Mr. Griswold Thelin.  Her only attendants will be two little flower girls -- Miss May Kirk and Miss Flay Vandenberg.  Mr. Walter Clarkson, of Washington, brother of the groom, will be best man.  The ushers will be Mr. Robert H. B. Beverly, Mr. Alexander M. Breckenridge and Mr. Hugh T. Clarkson, all of Virginia; Mr. Carl Clarkson, of Alabama; Mr. Thomas B. Headley, of Philadelphia, and Mr. William C. Thelin, of Lewistown, PA.

Military Monday: Lt. Gilbert Rollins / Lt. Egbert Thompson / Pfc. E. Conway Owens

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
16 July 1944

WOUNDED IN ACTION

Lt. Gilbert Rollins, son of Mr. and Mrs. John T. Rollins, Gainesville, and Lt. Egbert Thompson, jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Egbert Thompson, Woodbridge, were wounded in action during the invasion of France and both are in hospitals in England.  Both men are graduates of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and formerly were Prince William County 4-H Club Members.

AWARDED PURPLE HEART

Pfc. E. Conway Owens, jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Owens, Nokesville, has been awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in Italy.  Pvt. Owens has been returned to the United States to recuperate and is at present in the Moore General Hospital in North Carolina.

Sunday's Obituary: John Bronaugh

Daily National Intelligencer (Washington, DC)
27 October 1821

On Monday last, in Dumfries, Dr. John Bronaugh, aged 46 years, sincerely lamented by his family, and every one who had the pleasure of his acquaintance.  He was a kind and affectionate husband, an indulgent parent, and humane master, as a friend warm and disinterested; it may be truly said that

"Death has made an inroad into our society,
And robbed it of one of its ehdicest members"

Sunday's Obituary: Richard Graham

National Intelligencer (DC)
8 August 1857

DEATH OF THE VENERABLE RICHARD GRAHAM

Died at Hazlewood, in the county of St. Louis (Mo.) on the 27th July, Major RICHARD GRAHAM, in the 78th year of his age.  He was the last surviving son of Richard Graham, of Dumfries, Prince William county, Va.  He was brother of George Graham, acting Secretary of War during the administration of President Monroe, and subsequently Commissioner of the General Land Office; of John Graham, first United States District Attorney for Louisiana, Secretary of Legation to Spain, Commissioner to the South American Republics, and Minister Plenipotentiary to Brazil; and of Mrs. Catherine Ramsay, of the city of Washington -- all now deceased.

Major Graham entered the military service during the last war with Great Britain, and served with distinction as Aid-de-Camp on the staff of Major General Harrison.  He participated in all of the perils and hardships of the Northwestern army, and was promoted to the rank of Major for his gallantry and good conduct.  His relations with General Harrison were peculiarly intimate, and he was, during his life, the cherished and honored friend of his commander.

The war over, Major Graham was appointed Indian Agent for the extended Territory of Missouri, in which office he continued until 1829.  He was also appointed by the President one of the Commissioners to establish the boundary lines of Illinois.

With ample fortune, Major G. has for many years, surrounded by his devoted family, led the happy life of a country gentleman, investing his favorite pursuit, agriculture, with all the charms of a refined taste and a well cultivated mind.  Social in disposition, his olden time hospitality was proveribal, and his happy home the favorite resort of a large circle of friend.

The death of such a man is a public loss -- his life a happy commentary on true patriotism, an example of blended virtues, in the conscientious discharge of every duty -- a noble-hearted, honest man.

As a Christian, he was consistent, pure, and  humble.  The study of the Holy Scriptures was his daily office, and his unaffected, unsullied goodness relfected its softened radiance on all around, and imported, as he gently and consciously passed from time to etenity, the summons brief and heart-rending to his family.

"That peace which passeth not away."

Will: John King (1797)

JOHN KING Will

Prince William County Will Book H, pg. 228

16 May 1797; Proved 2 Oct 1797

In the name of God Amen I JOHN KING of the County of Prince William being weak in body but of sound & perfect mind and memory do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following.

I give & bequeath unto RACHEL BOOTMAN all the property I am possessed of consisting of stock and household goods and whereas I am entitled to money due me from the Commonwealth as a pension & have impowered JOHN LINTON to draw the same for me I further give and bequeath that to RACHELL BOOTMAN the whole of the stock and household goods & money I give to the said RACHELL for the use and benefit of my four children which I have had by her, namely MARYANN KING, WILLIAM KING, WILSY KING & ELIZABETH KING.  I also appoint the above named RACHELL BOOTMAN executrix of this my last will and testament.  In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 16^th Day of May in the year of our lord 1797.

JOHN [his mark] KING  {seal}

Signed sealed published & declared by the above named JOHN KING to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses in the presence of the testator

JOHN LINTON

JOHN OARD

THOMAS OARD

At a court held for Prince William County the 2^nd day of October 1797

This last will & testament of JOHN KING decd. was presented to the Court by RACHEL BOOTMAN the Executrix therein named who made oath thereto according to law and the said will being proved by the oath of JOHN OARD is ordered to be recorded; and the said Executrix having taken the oath of an Executrix and entered into bond with JOHN OARD and WILLIAM ANNISS Jun. Her securities who swore they were worth one hundred dollars each after their debts are paid, certificate is granted her for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste

JOHN WILLIAMS  Ct Cur.

Sunday's Obituary: Robert Weir

Alexandria Gazette
12 October 1842

At his residence in the County of Prince William, on Sunday, the 2d inst, after a protracted illness of several months, Robert Weir, Esq., in the 59th year of hsi age.

Mr. Weir was a native of Spotsylvania, and in early life a resident of Falmouth.  After leaving Falmouth, he settled in Tappahannock, where, for many years, he prosecuted trade as a Merchant.

His inflexible probity, untiring industry and patient devotion to business, resulted in the acquisition of an independent fortune.  Whilst his general benevolence, unostentatious but openhanded charity, warm, affectionate and confiding disposition, made him as generally beloved as universally esteemed throughout the circle of his acquaintance.  After retiring from trade, Mr. Weir removed to the neighborhood of Brentsville, where he has resided for the last ten years.

The life of but few men affords a picture of such unblemished virtue, without a friendship lost, or an enmity to regret.  He has left a widow and five children to lament his loss.

[Robert Weir was born 20 October 1784 and is buried in the Weir family cemetery in Manassas. ~cgl]

Friend of Friends Friday: Ran Away: John Williams

Alexandria Herald
29 September 1820

TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD

RAN AWAY from the subscriber's quarry, near Aquia: in the county of Stafford, Va. on the 15th of May last, a Negro fellow who calls himself JOHN WILLIAMS.  He is about 30 years of age, of a dark copper color, about 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, remarkably yellow eyes, and when spoken to stammers very much; sometimes it is a minute before he can utter a word. His ears are pierced, and he sometimes wears in them a very shewy pair of rings.  He is a very likely fellow, and has no scar that we recollect to have observed.  He is the property of Mr. Alfred Ewell, of the county of Prince William, and hired to us by his brother Jesse Ewell, in said county, in whose neighborhood it is said he has a wife.  His mother lives in the vicinity of Occoquan, and he has an extensive acquaintance in the town of Alexandria.

At one of those places he is no doubt at this time lurking.  The above reward will be given if taken in Alexandria or beyond the limits of Virginia and secured in jail so that we get  him again, and ten dollars and all necessary charges paid if taken in one of the adjacent counties and brought home.

Rouzee Peyton & Co.

Sept. 11

Wedding Wednesday: Hooe / Kiewit

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
9 September 1899

Mr. John Meredith Hooe and Miss Margaret B. Kiewit, both of Nokesville, Va., were quietly married at the home of Mrs. R. V. Osmun, 917 12th street, Wedensday, the 6th instant, at 3:30 p.m.  The ceremony was performed in the presence of a few friends by the Rev. E. C. Shaver, assistant pastor of the New York Avenue Church.  Mr. and Mrs. Hooe are for the present at 310 C street northwest, where they will be glad to see their friends.

Sunday's Obituary: Margaret Dulaney

Daily National Intelligencer (Washington, DC)
27 November 1845

At Dumfries, (Va) on Monady, the 24th instant, Mrs. Margaret Dulaney, aged 55 years, after a few days' illness.  Her death will be severely felt by her numerous relatives and friends, who deeply deplore the loss they have sustained in the death of this amiable and truly pious woman.  She had long been a devoted member of the Methodist Church, and one of the oldest inhabitants of that town.

She lived possessed of friendship and of love,

She died assured of endless bliss above.

Newspaper Tidbit: PWCo Item: May 15, 1875

Alexandria Gazette
15 May 1875

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY ITEMS.

Geo. W. Abel was seriously injured on Monday last by the falling of a blundering horse. He was on his way from Occoquan, where heh resides, and has been employed as ferryman, and when near Cedar Run bridge the horse he was riding fell, turning a complete summersault, throwing its rider over its head and falling upon him, the pummel of the saddle striking him in the pit of the stomach. The fall so stunned the horse that it laid on Mr. Able until it was pulled off but Mr. A. was up and walking about the next day.

On Thursday of last week as Mr. Joseph B. Reid was driving from Brentsville to Bristoe Station in his buggy, the horse coming in contact with the ox team of Mr. W. A. Ketcham, threw Mr. Reid out of the buggy, who, falling upon his head received very painful injuries. Mr. John H. Butler who was in the buggy with Mr. Reid jumped out as soon as the horse started, and was not hurt.

The attendance at the Circuit Cour was smaller than usual, though quite a large amount of business was done.  ~ Manassas Gazette

Wedding Wednesday: Waters/Longwell

Baltimore Sun

29 December 1907

MANASSAS COUPLE WEDS IN FREDERICK

Frederick, Md., Dec. 28 -- Mr. Odale Dabney Waters, of Manassas, Va., and Miss Louise Anna Longwell, of Bellington, Va., came to Frederick yesterday and were married by Rev. Osborne Ingle, of All Saints Episcopal Church.  After  the wedding Mr. and Mrs. Waters left for Manassas.

Will: Robert Graham (1821)

ROBERT GRAHAM Will

Prince William County Will Book L, pg 360

12 Feb 1816; proved 04 Jun 1821

I give and bequeath to my wife MARTHA PEYTON GRAHAM the land on which I live containing three hundred & forty acres more or less and also the tract of land on which RICHARD LEE lived and where his widow now lives containing one hundred & forty acres more or less to her in absolute fee simple for ever.  This is my last will and testament in my own hand writing the twelfth day of February eighteen hundred & sixteen.

ROBERT GRAHAM  {seal}

last will and testament JOHN LINTON, JOHN TYLER LINTON

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William County 4^th of June 1821.  This last will and testament of ROBERT GRAHAM decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of JOHN LINTON and JOHN T. LINTON is ordered to be recorded.

Teste, PHIL. D. DAWE

Sunday's Obituary: Mary (Lynn) Ayers

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
8 June 1904

Mrs. Mary Ayers, whose death occurred last night at Providence Hospital, Washington, was a resident of Prince William county and had many friends in that city.  She was twenty-one years of age and was a daughter of Mr. Lewis Lynn of Prince William.  Her husband, Mr. George Ayres, and three children survive.  The funeral will take place from her late home in Prince William tomorrow afternoon.

[Mary Elizabeth Lynn, the daughter of Lewis Craig Lynn and Hannah (Bonham) Lynn, married George Ayres on 16 January 1900 in Ellicott City, Maryland.  She is buried in Sudley Methodist Church Cemetery.  --cgl]

Newspaper Tidbit: Commissioners of Election in PWCo

Alexandria Gazette
15 May 1860

COMMISSIONERS OF ELECTION IN PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA

The following gentlemen have been appointed by the court of Prince William county, Commissioners to superintend the election to be held for county officers on the fourth Thursday this month:

Brentsville -- William W. Davis, A. Howison, Dr. E. W. Latimer, Jno. Camper, and Eppa Hunton, commissioners, - Jas. G. Draney, Conductor.

P. J. Cannon's Store -- Ben. Johnson, D. T. Arrington, J. Willcoxen, W. I. Wier, and Geo. A. Cannon - A. F. Woodyard, Conductor.

Hay Market -- J. A. Harrison, G. Hulfish, Thos. S. Shirley, and B. E. Harrison - G. Simpson, Conductor.

Sudley Mills -- J. T. Leachman, C. C. Cushing, M. W. Lynn, J. D. Dogan, and John Y. Cundiff - A. Buckley, Conductor.

Dumfries -- J. W. Groves, R. W. Wheat, T. H. Speake, G. W. Merchant, J. A. Annis - M. F. McConchie, Conductor.

Cole's Store -- F. Hanna, Z. A. Kankey, W. H. Smoot, W. Selecman, and Basil Brawner - W. Gaskins, Conductor.

Kings' Former Store -- John Sullivan, Ro. Wilkins, J. W. Davis, W. H. Simpson, and C. A. Nelson - John Keys, Conductor.

Sunday's Obituary: Fannie Trone Edwards

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
13 April 1912

MRS. F. T. EDWARDS DEAD

Funeral of Widow of Former Methodist Pastor Tomorrow Afternoon

Mrs. Fannie Trone Edwards, widow of Rev. Dr. William S. Edwards of the Baltimore Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, died at her home in the Imperial apartments last night of heart disease. Mrs. Edwards had been ill for several weeks.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at the home at 4 o'clock and the officiating ministers will be Rev. Dr. John T. Ensor, pastor of the Calvary M. E. Church, and Rev. J. W. R. Sumwalt, district superintendent of M. E. churches.  Burial will be made in Baltimore, her former home at Loudon Park cemetery.

Mrs. Edwards was the daughter of the late Rev. John Trone and Mrs. Delilah Trone of Prince William county, Va, and was closely connected with the Weedon and Howison families of Virginia. She had many friends throughout Virginia, Maryland and Washington.

Since the death of her husband three years ago in Baltimore, Mrs. Edwards had made her home at the Imperial, in Washington. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Chase Palmer of Washingotn, and two sisters, Mrs. Sailor C. Richards of Manassas, Va., and Mrs. Eugene Compton of Washington.

Sunday's Obituary: Mary F. Sinclair / Archibald Sinclair

Alexandria Gazette
26 October 1847

DIED, in Brentsville, on Monday 18th October, Archibald Sinclair, after extreme sufferings for twelve years. In the past year the sun of righteousness arose, and bade all his fears depart.  He longed for Heaven, his patience increased, and without the slightest struggle or groan, with the sweetest smile as the last breath left, he went to dwell with the God on whom he so often called with such fervour not to leave him alone.

Alexandria Gazette
2 March 1849

Departed this life at Brentsville, on Thursday, the 22d ult., after a protracted illness, Mrs. Mary F. Sinclair, relict of the late Archibald Sinclair, in her 47th year, long and favorably known as a merchant of that place and whose energy of character and moral worth entitled her to the esteem of all who knew her. She was peculiarly admired for her fond devotion to her late husband, who was the subject of a deep affliction for nine years, which confined him to his bed and in which situation he had the warm and devoted attachment and attention of her who had promised at the altar to be with him in sickness and in health.  The writer of this was not with her at her death. She had been a warm and enthusiastic follower of her Lord and Master for a number of years, and there is scarcely a doubt that she is now safely housed in that bright world above where she may forever sing his praises whom she served on earth with so much zeal. She has left a numerous circle of relatives and friends to mourn over their bereavement.

B.
Prince William County

Will: Jacob Merchant (1816)

JACOB MERCHANT Will

Prince William County Will Book K, pg. 520

22 Jul 1815; proved 04 Jun 1816

I JACOB MERCHANT of the Town of Dumfries and county of Prince William do make and ordain this and for my last will and testament.  I desire that all my just debts be paid for which purpose I desire that my Executors hereafter mentioned shall sell the house and lot I now live in which was purchased of MATHEW HARRISON’s trustees, the residue of my estate both real and personal will be disposed of agreeably to the laws of Virginia amongst my dear wife and children.  I appoint GEORGE F. HUBER and PHILIP D. DAWE Executors of this my last will and testament.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 22^nd July 1815.

JACOB MERCHANT {seal}

Signed sealed and ackd. As and for the last will & testament o the testator in the presence of us

JOHN MERCANT, AUG. B. CARTER, WM. DAWE

At a court of quarterly sessions and held for Prince William County June 4^th 1816.

This last will and testament of JACOB MERCHANT decd. was presented to the Court by P. D. DAWE one of the Exeors therein named, who made oath to the same according to law, and the said will being proved by the oaths of JOHN MERCHANT and AUGUSTUS B. CARTER is ordered to be recorded.  And the said PHIL. D. DAWE 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

Military Monday: Prisoners of War

Alexandria Gazette
01 November 1862

The following prisoners of war in Washington were discharged from the Old Capitol prison, on taking the oath of allegiance to the United States:

D. Allen, Fairfax county
J. Mansfield, Loudoun county
L. Love, Prince William county
J. Sanders, Fauquier county
L. Pettit, Prince William county
John Gillespie, Fauquier county
J. W. Monroe, do. (Fauquier county)
John Sweeney, do. (Fauquier County)
B. S. Minor, Loudoun county, and
J. May, Georgia.

Sunday's Obituary: Timothy Brundige

Alexandria Herald (VA)
18 September 1822

In Dumfries, Virginia, on Thursday last after an illness of twenty days, Timothy Brudinge, Esq. merchant and postmaster.  Few persons have performed their duties in society in such an exemplary manner as the deceased.  As a husband, a parent, a neighbor, and a citizen, Mr. Brundige was an example, which all good men who knew him, would take a pride in imitating.

Will: Henry Tyler (1820)

HENRY TYLER Will

Prince William County Will Bk L, pg 344

11 Aug 1820; proved 05 Sep 1820

In the name of God Amen I HENRY TYLER of the State of Virginia and County of Prince William being weak in body but of sound and disposing mind do make and ordain this my last will and testament.  Item I give and bequeath unto JAMES B. HAYES my tract of land adjoining Racoon Hill supposed to contain fifty and three fourth acres.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 11^th day of August one thousand eight hundred & twenty.

HENRY TYLER  {seal}

Signed sealed & acknowledged in presence of

TIMOTHY P. WHITE, DANIEL K. FERGIE, ALFRED C. HAYES

At a Court Contd for Prince William County Sept 5^th 1820

This last will and testament of HENRY TYLER decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of TIMOTHY P. WHITE and DANIEL K. FERGIE is ordered to be recorded.

Teste, PHIL. D. DAWE

Newspaper Tidbit: PWCo Items (29 April 1874)

Alexandria Gazette
29 April 1874

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY ITEM - [From the Manassas Gazette]

Quite a large attendance of ladies and gentleman was at the temperance meeting in Manassas on Thursday night. Judge Sinclair delivered an able and beautiful address, which was received with frequent outburst of applause. After the address the pledge was offered, and was signed by ten, two for life. A subscription was circulated, and upwards of twenty dollars donated to be used in fitting up a future place of meeting for the society. Among the visitors was Dr. J. C. Hill of Alexandria.

A few days ago, a negro employed on Mr. Frances' fishing landing stole a very fine horse belonging to Mr. F, and started South. Mr. Joe Lynn, started in pursuit, and in a few hours, after tracking the thief well through Chapawamsic Neck, came up with him near Potomac City, and recovered the horse, but the negro escaped into the pine.

Mr. W. W. Davis of Manassas, was seriously injured on Monday last by his horse, since which time he has been continued to his bed. He was holding the animal by the bridle rein, when it began to play, pulling Mr. D. down, and as he fell striking him on the side and stomach with hi knees.  Mr. D. lay insensible for some time.

Messrs. Makely & Rice of Clifton have a pet squirrel, captured in the woods near that place, which is perfectly white. It is in every particular except the color, an exact counterpart of the common grey squirrel. It is very tame and perfectly docile.

The carriage of Capt. C. R. Limstrong while standing at the M. E. Church in Manassas on Thursday night during the temperance meeting, was robbed of two cushions, a rug, a blue cloth jacket belonging to his son, and a lantern.

The wheat in this neighborhood never presented a finer appearance. The peach crop has been seriously damaged by the frost. Pears and cherries, now in bloom, do not appear to be injured.

The heavy rains of the past three or four days have stopped farming operations, and raised some of the streams too high to ford.

Newspaper Tidbit: Can Count 180 Descendant (Hannah Burke)

Denton Journal (Ohio)
26 April 1890

CAN COUNT 180 DESCENDANTS

The Marietta (O.) Register tells of a somewhat remarkable family in that vicinity.  Joseph Burke, a freeman from Prince William county, Va., came with his family in 1851 to Newport, where he died three weeks afterward, leaving a wife and twelve children.  The widow still survives, and most of her children.  A recent census of the family, including children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren, gives an aggregate of 180 souls.  Mrs. Hannah Burke, now aged 87, is probably the most motherly woman in Ohio.

Will: Thomas Simson (1735)

THOMAS SIMSON Will

Prince William county Will Book C, pg. 16

13 Oct 1734; proved 19 Feb 1735

In the name of God Amen the thirteenth Day of October in the year of our Lord 1734 I THOMAS SIMSON of Prince William County Carpenter being very sick and week of body but perfect in mind and memory thanks be to Almighty God for it and calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is apointed for all men once to die I due make and ordain this my last Will and Testament, that is to say Principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of Allmighty God that gave it and for my body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a Christian like and deacent manner at the discretion of my Executor nothing doubting but at the General resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty Power of God as touching such manly Estate where with it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life I give desire and dispose of the same in the following manner and form.

Item I give and bequeath unto my oldest son WILLIAM SIMSON one hundred and twenty three acres of land wherein he is now living on both sides of Sande run.

Item I give and bequeath unto my son BAXTER SIMSON two hundred acres of land lying on both sides of Sande run and ajoining to the other land aforesaid of my son WILLIAM SIMSON on the uper side one breeding mare my bullit gun and its holster one rug and two blankets one iron pot six plates and six spoons.

Item I give and bequeth to my son THOMAS SIMSON three hundred and eighty six acres of land lying on the south side of Chapawamsik Creek likewise one breeding mare one feather bed boulster rug and two blankets one iron pot six plates and six spoons.

Item I give and bequeath unto my loving daghter MARY WOODARD one hundred acres of land where she is now seated and lying on the north side of Sande run to her and the heirs of her body for ever.

Item I give and bequeth unto my daghter ANN SIMSON after her Mother in Laws deceas one cow and calf one feather bed boulster rug and two blankets.

Item I give and bequeth unto my beloved grand children the son and daghter of MARY WOODARD, THOMAS and ANN WOODARD one yow a piece.

Item I give and bequeath unto my ever loving wife JANE SIMSON my Plantation and liberty of one hundred acres of land where I now live her life and after her deceas to fall to my son BATER.  I also give her the priviledg of the whole track for timber for the use of the Plantation.  I also leave my wife all my moveable estate except the legacies herein before mentioned and leave my wife whole and sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament and further I have my three children BAXTER SIMSON and THOMS SIMSON to be brought up till they come to the age of eighteen years and likewise my daghter ANN till she come of age by my wife JANE SIMSON.  I further leave my daghter ANN to MARY STODDARD in case her mother dies before she comes of age.  I further give unto my wife two negros during her life and after her decease for to be equally divided among my children and I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke and disanol all and every other former testaments wills and legacies bequests and executors by me in any ways before this time named willed and bequeathed ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament in Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written and sealed and delivered in the presence of us.

THOMAS SIMSON {his mark}

I desire my movable estate may be invetored and returned and not apraised

THOS. FORD

JOHN ROBERTSON

MARY EVANS

At a Court held for Prince William county the Nineteenth Day of February 1734[5?]

This Will was presented into Court by JANE SIMSON Executrix therein named who made Oath thereto and being proved by the Oaths of Thomas Ford and John Robertson two of the Witnesses therein it is admitted to Record and on the motion of the said Jane and her performing what is usual in such cases certificate is granted her for obtaining a Probate thereof in due form.

Teste.

CATESBY COCKE  Ct. Cur.

Sunday's Obituary: William Henry Tyler

Alexandria Gazette
28 October 1853

At Woodlawn, in the County of Prince William, on Monday, the 24th of October, Lieutenant WILLIAM HENRY TYLER, of the 7th regiment of Infantry, and son of Judge J. W. Tyler. The deceased was a graduate of West Point and entered the army shortly after the commencement of hostilities with Mexico.

From the Rio Grande, under Gen. Taylor, he was ordered to Vera Cruz, and under General Scott, was an active participant in all the stirring scenes of the eventful campaign in the Valley of Mexico, and was brevetted for the distinguished and honorable part he bore in the attack on Contreras. After the fall of the City of Mexico, he had an attack of Typhoid fever, which endangered his life, and laid the foundation of the disease which terminated his mortal career.  The army did not boast a more noble, disinterested, or gallant spirit, or society a more high-minded, warm-hearted member. He died as he had lived, without tear and without reproach.  "Peace to his manes."

(Union and Richmond Enquirer please copy.)

From the "Historical Register and Dictionary of the United States Army" by Francis B. Heitman:

Tyler, William Henry. V. Va. Cadet M A 1 July 1841 (53); bvt 2 lt 5 inf 1 July 1846; 2 lt 7 inf 16 Feb 1847; 1 lt 24 Aug 1851; bvt 1 lt 20 Aug 1847 for gal and mer con at the battles of Contreras and Hurubusco Mex; died 24 Oct 1853)

Thriller Thursday: Found Unconscious from Gas

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
12 June 1915

FOUND UNCONSCIOUS FROM GAS

D. McCarthy of Nokesville, Va., May Survive by Prompt Treatment

A middle-aged man visited Hoy's Hotel, Louisiana avenue and 6th street northwest, Thursday night, registered as D. McCarthy, Nokesville, Va. and was assigned to a room on the fourth floor.  Shortly before noon yesterday he was found unconscious from illuminating gas.  Gas was flowing from two open fixtures in the room, the police were told, and the guest's condition was critical.

Dr. A. M. MacDonald responded to a call sent to Emergency Hospital, took charge of the patient, and resorted to artificial means to restore respiration.  McCarthy's condition is much improved, it was said at the hospital, and his recovery is expected.

Wedding Wednesday: Marriage Licenses (1905) (Lynn/Holmes)

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
3 November 1905

Marriage Licenses

Marriage licenses have been issued to the following:

Joseph H. Wood and Inez May Howard

Clarence W. Jackson of Belmont, Ohio, and Ethel May Barber of this city.

Harry Rawles and Rosa Gordon.

James A. Harrison of Richmond, Va., and Mary A. Meeks of Lynchburg, Va.

William H. Waters and Annie L. Boswell.

George Carter and Fannie Griggsby.

Joseph S. Bateman and Catherine Murphy.

William S. Simms and Annie E. Hitchcock.

Tyler W. Lynn and Effie D. Holmes, both of Prince William county, Va.

Ernest Patten and Burdette Henry.

Prince A. Beaman and Ellen L. Blue.

James Flaherty and Annie Rabinoriz.

George Giddin and Martha Hallstock.

Caleb N. Moody and Rosa A. Broughton, both of Portsmouth, Va.

Herbert M. Griffith and Sarah W. Dickingson.

Alvin G. Shipley and Emma Masureck, both of Baltimore, Mc.

Charles W. Gosnell of Baltimore, Md., and Eleanor V. Harrison of this city.

Tombstone Tuesday: William A. Maddox

WILLIAM A. MADDOX

CO. B

49 VA INF

C S A

William A. Maddox was wounded at Bethesda Church and paroled at Fairfax Courthoue on May 3, 1865.

Sunday's Obituary: Olive May (Pitkam) Shaw

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
13 January 1908

Mrs. Olive May Shaw, wife of Mr. John Shaw, twenty years of age, died yesterday morning at the Alexandria Hospital.  The deceased was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Pitkam of Manassas, Prince William county, Va.  Her funeral will take place at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the residence of Mr. William L. Cowhig, 1016 King street.  The interment will be made in Bethel cemetery.

Current Affairs: PWCo Board of Supervisors Set Precedent to Destroy History

Once again, Prince William County has proven its disregard for history and the rights of families and their ancestors.  In a unanimous decision during the September 8th session, the Board of County Supervisors voted to disinter a small family cemetery dating back to at least as early as 1855 in order to facilitate the building of a shiny new fire station.

Public safety and response times were the catch phrase for the BOS decision but it was evident to those in attendance (in person and via live media coverage) that the BOS decision was a foregone conclusion.  In a heavy handed show of favoritism, Chief Kevin McGee was given ample time for his presentation of why the only option was to remove the cemetery to facilitate "response times" while advocates for history like Bill Olson of the Historical Commission and direct descendants of those interred in the cemetery were given a scant 3 minutes.

In the end, the BOS decision came down to the almighty dollar (somehow removing the cemetery was a less expensive option than a land swap with the adjacent landowners -- which was conveniently never pursued).

Martin Nohe's comments in the Potomac Local News that he would "lose  a lot of sleep ... knowing the board has been put in a position to make this decision ... moving a cemetery" are disingenuous at best.  The Coles District Supervisor has been aware of the Norman/Lynn Cemetery beside the Coles Fire House since the earlier debacle on his watch when the PWCo School Board disinterred the Lynn Family cemetery to make way for a fancy new football stadium.  But then, it's an election year and "improving" his district with a football stadium and a shiny new fire station is an excellent platform to run a campaign on.

The BOS were presented with three additional options that would have permitted a compromise, leaving the cemetery undisturbed and still facilitating a shiny new fire station for the community.  Any number of means could have been employed to cover the additional cost (minimal at best in the scheme of things) but none were explored or considered.  Indeed, these options were never truly on the table.  The BOS vote was very much a foregone conclusion.

As a direct result of the PWCo BOS's disregard and disrespect for history and the rights of the deceased, as reported in an article from InsideNova.com, two Historical Commission Members Quit Following Decision to Remove Graves.

The BOS is probably collectively patting themselves on the back right now for succeeding in bulldozing over another historic cemetery (and the rights of their descendants) and disposing of two advocates for historic preservation at the same time.

With their vote and lack of regard (or compassion) for the families of those buried in the Norman/Lynn cemetery, the Prince William County BOS has set a precedent that cemeteries are merely nuisances to be overcome (and bulldozed) in the name of county growth and the march of "progress."  Especially in an election year.

Will: Benjamin Pridmore

BENJAMIN PRIDMORE Will

Prince Wm. County Will Book P, pg. 290

I BENJAMIN PRIDMORE of the County of Prince William & State of Virginia being desirous of disposing of my effects in my lifetime do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following (viz.) 1st. I wish all my perishable property to be sold on a credit of nine months except my negroes and all my just debts & funeral expenses to be paid out of the proceeds of such sale.  2d. I give and bequeath to my wife LYIA PRIDMORE one third of all my estate that may remain both personal and real during her natural life.  3d. I give and bequeath to my daughter MARY D. PRIDMORE one sixth of all my estate that may remain both personal and real to her & her heirs forever.  4th. I give and bequeath to my son BENJAMIN and his heirs forever one sixth of all my estate both personal & real.  5th. I give and bequeath to my son-in-law JAMES A. SPINDLE and his wife SARAH JANE one sixth of all my estate to have and to hold the same forever subject to an account amounting to one hundred and thirty five dollars.  6th. I give and bequeath to my two grand daughters EMELINE FRANCIS SEE and MARGARET VIRGINIA SEE one sixth of all my estate both personal and real subject to an account of two hundred and fourteen dollars and fifty nine cents, but should said EMELINE F. and MARGARET SEE or either of them die without issue then it is my will that whatever property they may possess derived from my estate shall return to my lawful heirs.  7. I give and bequeath to my grand son EDON TEMPLE HUTCHINSON one sixth of all my estate both personal and real subject an account of forty nine dollars, but should said EDON TEMPLE HUTCHINSON die without issue then it is my will that whatever property he may be possessed of derived from my estate shall return to my lawful heirs.  8th. I give and bequeath to my two grand daughters SARAH CATHARINE and MARTHA ANN PRIDMORE one sixth of all my estate both personal and real subject to an account of one hundred dollars but should said SARAH CATHARINE and MARTHA ANN PRIDMORE or either of them die without issue then it is my will that whatever property they either of them may be possessed with derived from my estate shall return to my lawful heirs.  Lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my son BENJAMIN H. PRIDMORE executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all other or former wills or testaments by me heretofore made in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 14th day of January 1846.

BENJAMIN PRIDMORE {seal}

Signed sealed published and declared by BENJAMIN PRIDMORE as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence have subscribed our names as witnesses.

ROBERT C. LEACHMAN {seal}

FRANCES M. LEWIS {seal}

WALTER WOODYARD {seal}

In Prince William County Court, June 7, 1847.

This last will and testament of BENJAMIN PRIDMORE decd. was proved by the oaths of ROBERT C. LEACHMAN, FRANCIS M. LEWIS, & WALTER WOODYARD subscribing witnesses thereto & ordered to be recorded.  And on the motion of BENJAMIN H. PRIDMORE the Exor. named therein, who made oath thereto & together with LYDIA PRIDMORE, MARY D. PRIDMORE, EMELINE F. SEE, MARGARET V. SEE & JAMES A. SPINDLE his securities entered into & acknowledges a bond in the penalty of $12,000 condition as the law directs certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate of said will in due form.

Teste  J.WILLIAMS

Sunday's Obituary: Eugene (Hazen) Hepburn

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
11 January 1936

MRS. EUGENE HEPBURN DIES IN DISTRICT AT 83

Mother of Prince Georges Police Sergeant Will be Buried Monday Afternoon

Mrs. Eugene Hazen Hepburn, 83, mother of Sergt. Arthur W. Hepburn of the Prince Georges County police, died last night at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Irene Campbell, 318 Channing street northeast.  Mrs. Hepburn had been in failing health for several months.

She was the former Miss Eugene Hazen of near Nokesville, VA., and was married 55 years ago to Jerry M. Hepburn, who died two years ago.  For 25 years Mrs. Hepburn has resided with her daughter.

Services are to be held Monday afternoon at the Channing street address, with burial in Fort Lincoln Cemetery.

Friday's Faces from the Past: Manassas High School: 1936 Faculty & Class

The photo below was being offered for sale on an online auction site.  When searching for genealogical treasures and information, consider browsing local and online antique stores and flea markets.

Manassas Journal

11 June 1936

Wedding Wednesday: Russell / Cross

Washington Post
2 September 1943

Doris Russell, Leonard Cross, Married in Va.

Miss Doris Russell, daughter of James Russell of Canova, Va., and Leonard Cross, son of Mrs. Sara E. Cross of Manassas, Va., were married on Sunday, the ceremony taking place in the Woodbine Baptist Church in Manassas.  The Rev. Leonard Weston officiated and a reception followed at the  home of the bride.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride wore a gown of white marquisette and carried a bouquet of bridal roses.  Her shoulder-length veil was held by a coronet. Miss Lena Maddux of Kingsport, Tenn., formerly of Manassas, was maid of honor and other attendants were Mrs. James Russell, sister-in-law of the bride, and Mrs. Sidney Dunn.

Bernard Cross was his brother's best man and the ushers were William Ward of Indianhead, Md., and Judson Holmes of Manassas.

Tombstone Tuesday: Dorcas Virginia (Keys) Dulaney

DORCAS VIRGINIA KEYS

Wife of 

CHARLES H. DULANEY

Born December 13, 1834

Died December 19, 1906

Sunday's Obituary: Mrs. J. A. (Wyatt) Marshall

Daily Illinois State Register (Springfield, IL)
4 March 1890

Mrs. J. A. Marshall, wife of the late John Marshall, died at her residence near Salisbury, Sangamon county, Ill, Feb. 23, 1890.   She was born in Prince William county, Va, August 23, 1811, and was married to John Marshall Aug. 15, 1834; moved to Ohio in 1836, and removed to Illinois in 1860. She was the mother of eight children, of whom seven are living -- Mary, wife of William Rhodes, of Salisbury, Ill.; Martha E., wife of F. James, of Spring Creek, Sangamon county, Ill; Henry, who lives in Fort Scott, Kan.; George P., who resides in Birmingham, Ala; Anna, wife of Jonathan Dunkle, of Pleasant Plains, Ill; Emma, wife of A. McKinney, of Kansas; Scott Marshall, of Salisbury, and James, the eldest, who has been dead about four yers.

Mrs. J. A. Marshall was an early professor in the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ, and joined the Baptist church about the year 1840. When she moved to Illinois she became a member of the Baptist church in the McKenny settlement, near Spring Creek, and has been a member of that church ever since. She was a consistent christian, and was beloved by all. In her last moments she called her children to her bedside (except Emma, who was sick) and requested them to meet her in heaven. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. H. P. Curry; text, Philippians 1, xxi: "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." She was interred in the cemetery at the Baptist church near Spring Creek. May the children take the admonition their mother gave them and be able to leave as bright an evidence of their acceptance of their Heavenly Father as their mother did, is the sincere prayer of the writer.

A Friend

[Jane Ann Wyatt married John Marshall on 15 August 1834 in Frederick, Virginia. ~cgl ("Virginia, Marriages, 1785-1940," database, FamilySearch)]

Wednesday's Child: Payne / Cole / Chapman

Alexandria Gazette - 21 April 1866 - Near Dumfries, Prince William county, Va., Julia Caroline, beloved daughter of John M. and Annie E. Payne, aged nine years.

Alexandria Gazette - 28 October 1859 - On the 26th of September, 1859, in Prince William county, Va., Asbury Taylor, son of Martha A. and Horace Cole, aged 13 years, 11 months, 11 days.

Alexandria Gazette - 6 September 1823 - DIED, at the residence of George Chapman, Esq., in Prince William County, Va., on the 1st inst. the infant daughter of John G. Chapman , Esq. of Charles County, MD, aged 5 days.

Will: William B. Hamilton (1811)

WILLIAM B. HAMILTON Will

Prince William County Will Book K, pg. 116

7 Sep 1811; proved 7 Oct 1811

In the name of God Amen I WILLIAM B. HAMILTON of Prince William County in Virginia, being of perfectly sound mind do make, constitute, and appoint this my last will and testament hereby revoking all others by me hitherto made.  In the first place I will and direct that all the just claims of my creditors shall be discharged.  I then give and bequeath to my dear wife MARIA all the rest and residue of the property of every kind of which I am now possessed to her and her heirs forever.  And farther it is my will that whatever property I have at present a prospective or reversionary interest in shall whenever the descont, or reversion takes place be equally divided one third to each between her and our two children WILLIAM and JOHN.  And I do hereby constitute and appoint my said wife the sole executrix of this my last will and testament, directing also that no security shall be required for the due performance of the trust reposed in her.  In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 7^th day of September eighteen hundred and eleven.

(Interlined before signature.)

W. B. HAMILTON {seal}

Signed and acknowledged in the presence of

REUBEN T. HAMILTON

STEPHEN KING

ROBT. HAMILTON

THOS. B. HAMILTON

At a Court held for Prince Wm. County October 7^th 1811.

This last will and testament of WM. B. HAMILTON decd. was presented to the Court by MARIA HAMILTON the Executrix therein named who made oath to the same according to law and the said will being proved by the oaths of WILLIAM HAMILTON and ROBERT HAMILTON is ordered to be recorded and the said MARIA having taken the oath of an Executrix and performed what is usual in such cases certificate is granted her for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste, JOHN WILLIAMS

Sunday's Obituary: Lawrence G. Alexander / Robert Alexander

Alexandria Gazette
6 May 1868

Lawrence G. Alexander, formerly of Prince William county, and for a long time a resident of Fredericksburg, died in New Orleans, May 1st.  On 22d April, at Brashear City, La., on his return from Texas, the cars backed on him, breaking his leg below the knee.  He was taken to New Orleans and the leg amputated, from which he never rallied.  He was in his eighty-third year, and was a highly esteemed and most excellent citizen.

Alexandria Gazette
1 June 1859

On Tuesday morning, 31st May, Mr. Robert Alexander, formerly of Dumfries, Prince William County, aged seventy-two years. The friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral this afternoon, at 4 o'clock, from his late residence on Cameron, near Royal street.

Will: Gilbert Ireland Moxley (1811)

GILBERT IRELAND MOXLEY Will

Prince William County Will Book K, pg. 127

07 Dec 1809; proved 02 Dec 1811

In the name of God Amen I GILBERT IRELAND MOXLEY of the County of Prince William and of the Commonwealth of Virginia, being in a sick low state of health but thank God sound in mind and memory, have thought it necessary to make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form as follows.  First, It is my will and desire that my Executrix hereafter named shall have full power vested in her to make sale of my dwelling plantation and all the lands thereto belonging should she think proper at my time to do so before my beloved Children should arrive at age, and the money arising from the sales thereof to be laid out in lands elsewhere she may judge most to the advantage of my beloved children, otherwise the money arising from the sale of said lands to be put out on interest and good security taken for the payment thereof my beloved wife AMINTA ELIZABETH MOXLEY is hereby at liberty to claim one seventh part of the money arising from the sale of said lands in lieu of her right of dower to said lands, otherwise if other lands should be purchased with the money arising from the sale of the said lands my beloved wife may let the whole sum of money arising from the sales of the lands aforesaid be laid out in land, and have her right of dower in the land that may be purchased.   Secondly It is my will and desire that the whole my property shall be equally divided among my beloved children now living after my just debts are paid and my beloved wife draws her one third part of my personal property so remaining and the one seventh of the sale of my lands otherwise to claim and have her right of dower in the land that may be purchased ad aforesaid --  Lastly, I do hereby appoint and constitute my beloved wife my Executrix of this my last Will and Testament revoking all former wills and heretofore made by me.  In Testimony hereof I have hereby set my hand and seal this seventh day of December one thousand eight hundred and nine.

GILBERT I. MOXLEY {seal}

Signed sealed and published in the presence of us and delivered as his last will and testament

BEN DOUGLASS

CHARLES MING

SOPHIA A. DOUGLASS

At a Court held for Prince William County December 2d 1811.

This last will and testament of GILBERT I. MOXLEY decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of BENJAMIN DOUGLASS, CHARLES MING and SOPHIA A. DOUGLASS was ordered to be recorded and the Executrix having performed what is usual in such cases certificate is granted her for performing the same according to law.

Teste,  J. WILLIAMS 

Sunday's Obituary: General George D. Ramsay

25 May 1882
New York Tribune

OBITUARY

GENERAL GEORGE D. RAMSAY

Washington, May 24 - Brevet Major-General George D. Ramsay, U.S.A., died last evening at his residence in this city.  The funeral will take place on Friday afternoon from St. John's Church with full military honors. The interment will be made in Oak Hill Cemetery.

George Douglass Ramsay was born February 21, 1802, at Dumfries, Va., Appointed a cadet at West Point from the District of Columbia August 20, 1814, he was graduated July 1, 1820, and entered the 1st Artillery as a second lieutenant.  In 1835 he entered the Ordnance Department as a captain. For gallant and meritorious conduct in the battles at Monterey he received the rank of brevet major September 23, 1846.  At the outbreak of the rebellion he was placed in command, as major, of the Washington arsenal. In 1863 he was made colonel and afterward brigadier general and chief of the Ordnance. September 12, 1864 he was retired from active service, being more than sixty-two years old. He continued on duty in command of the Washington arsenal and on the Board to examine Ordnance officers for promotion until February 21, 1870. He was made major-general by brevet in 1865 "for long and faithful service."

Friend of Friends Friday: Ranaway (Nelly)

Alexandria Gazette
13 July 1830

$25 REWARD

RANAWAY from the subscriber, on the 20th of June last, a woman by the name of NELLY about 26 years old, dark complexion, sullen look, and slow of speech when spoken to.  She was hired first of the present year of Reuben Johnston, and is the property of Mrs. Ann Hoar, of Dumfries, where she was born.  She has on various kinds of clothes, domestic, and principally one black silk dress, which she may wear at this time.  I will give $20 if taken within the District, and $25 if taken out of it, with all reasonable charges if brought home.

Jno. Tatsapaugh

[The above reward of $25 will be given for the apprehension of said negro, instead of $50, as stated in a former advertisement.]

jy 12-3t

The Editor of the Telegraph will publish the above 3t, and send his account to the subscriber, or to this office, for payment.

Newspaper Tidbit: Three at Birth

Alexandria Gazette
26 May 1875

THREE AT BIRTH -- Prince William comes in for a notice of interest.  On the 20th inst. the wife of Henry Russell gave birth to three female children.  The wife died at the birth of the last, but the children are all doing well.  Henry is a most deserving, respected and honorable colored man.  During the war he was horse-sheer for the 4th Va. cavalry, and since the war has steadfastly and boldly stood by the Conservative party. -- Cor. Fredericksburg Star

[It isn't often that I come across birth announcements/stories in 1800's newspapers.  This one is especially important because it notes the birth of triplets and the passing of Henry Russell's first wife, Eugenia.  In the 1880 PWCo census, Henry Russell and his second wife, Susan (Payne), are listed with the following children:  Henry (14), Roberta (7), and Maggie (2).  Roberta appears to be the only one of the triplets to have survived.  ~cgl]

PUBLIC HEARING: Re Disinterment of the Norman/Lynn Cemetery at the Coles Firehouse

NOTICE:  PUBLIC HEARING

Norman/Lynn Cemetery at the Coles Firehouse in Independent Hill

There will be a Public Hearing on September 8, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. before the Prince William County Board of County Supervisors for comments on the possible disinterment of the graves beside the Coles Firehouse in Independent Hill.

The Hearing will be in the Board of Supervisors Chambers in the James J. McCoart Administration Building, 1 County Complex Ct., Woodbridge, VA 22192.  (This is the brick building in the County Complex.)

Because of the cost of the proposed new firehouse, compared to the cost of alternatives, the vote of the Board of Supervisors is predisposed toward disinterment of the Norman/Lynn Cemetery situated in the lot immediately beside the present firehouse.  It should be noted that the County has been aware of this cemetery since the original firehouse was built.

The Norman/Lynn Cemetery was established at least as early as 1855, with the interment of Charles E. Norman, a local merchant and county magistrate.  It may even be older, with the early demise of two of Charles and Mary Frances (Lynn) Norman’s children who would undoubtedly have been buried in the family cemetery.

A large turnout at the Public Hearing would show the Board of Supervisors that all gravesites – even ones that have been neglected (in this case, by the county itself) – deserve respect and should be allowed to remain undisturbed.  Let our ancestors rest in peace!

Will: Jane Keough (1823)

JANE KEOUGH Will

Prince William County Will Book M, pg 107

13 Jan 1821; proved 01 Dec 1823

In the name of God Amen I JANE KEOUGH of the County of Prince William & State of Virginia do make this my last will and testament in maner and form as follows.  First, I give and bequeath unto my son MATHEW KEOUGH and to his heirs forever the land I now live on which said land I purchased from Baylis Renoe for one hundred and forty acres be the same more or less and the further sum of four hundred dollars which said legacy is on account of money he has furnished me.  Secondly, I give and bequeath unto my seven children namely MATHEW KEOUGH, PATRICK KEOUGH, JOHN KEOUGH, WILLIAM KEOUGH, CHARLES KEOUGH, HARRIET KEOUGH and MARGARET KEOUGH all the residue of my property to be equally divided between them with this proviso that my son WILLIAM KEOUGH shall not dispose of any part of his property without the consent of my Executor & Executrix.  Thirdly, in case my son MATHEW KEOUGH should depart this life before myself the property I have bequeathed him I bequeath unto my two daughters HARRIET KEOUGH and MARGARET KEOUGH to them and their heirs forever.  Fourthly and lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my son MATHEW KEOUGH and daughter HARRIET KEOUGH Executor and Executrix of this my last will and testament revoking all others heretofore by me made in witness whereof I have hereto set my hand & seal this 13^th day of January eighteen hundred and twenty one.

JANE KEOUGH

Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of

SIMON LUTTRELL, THOMAS COCKE

At a Court held for Prince William County December 1^st 1823.  This last will and testament of JANE KEOUGH decd. was presented to the court and being proved by the oaths of the witnesses thereto ordered to be recorded.

Teste, PHIL. D. DAWE

Thriller Thursday: Dobson / Burkle

1 October 1916
Richmond Times Dispatch (VA)

KILLS EMPLOYER AND SELF

Mystery Surrounds Double Shooting That Occurred at Nokesville on Thursday

Manassas, VA., September 30 - Mystery still surrounds the tragedy which occurred at Nokesville on Thursday.  Eugene Dobson, colored, who shot and killed his employer, Jacob R. Burkle, a Prince William County farmer, and then committed suicide, was known throughout the neighborhood as an exemplary specimen of his race.

The bodies of the two men were found in separate rooms of the barn on the Burkle place.  A shotgun lying beside the body of Dobson told the story.  He was about fifty years old.

Reports state that Dobson went to the house several hours before the shooting for the gun "to kill a black snake at the barn."  The report of the gun was heard and farmhands in a neighboring cornfield hurried to the barn.

Mr. Burkle was about fifty-five years old and is survived by his wife.