Thriller Thursday: Henry W. Reid

Richmond Times Dispatch
26 January 1908

KILLED ON WAY HOME

Henry W. Reid, From Prince William, Murdered in Washington

Washington, D.C., January 25 -- Henry W. Reid, of this city, who came to Washington from Prince William county about five years ago, was murdered in front of his home, on F Street, near North Capitol, about 1 o'clock this morning.  A few feet from where the body was found another man was held up and robbed earlier in the evening.

Reid's body was terribly cut, and a bloody oyster knife found near by had evidently been plunged through the top of the skull into the brain, producing instant death.  The body was found by two policemen before it had grown cold.  Four arrests have been made, but the police have only slight clues.

Reid was the proprietor of a saloon near Union Station.  He was in the habit of taking home every night the cash receipts for the day, and it is believed that the murderers knew of this, and were seeking money.  They took his gold watch and chain, and probably some change from his pocket, but the police found in the cash drawer at the saloon this morning $146.  Reid was the son of the late William Reid, who ran a hotel near Brentsville, not far from Manassas.  The young man was clerk of the Tremont Hotel for a time, and later opened a saloon.

He was recently placed in charge of the affairs of a new hotel company, which was to erect a hotel near the new Union Station.

The body will be taken to Prince William for interment.

Will: John Patterson (1804)

JOHN PATTERSON Will

Prince William County Will Book I, pg. 29

2 Jun 1804; proved 2 Jul 1804

In the Name of God Amen I JOHN PATTERSON of Prince William County in the state of Virginia being very sick but of sound disposing mind and memory thanks be to God do make this my last will and Testament in the following manner.  Imprimis.  It is my will and desire that all my just debts and funeral charges be paid in the first place.

Item I give and bequeath to my loving wife MARYANN one third part of my whole estate.  Item I give and bequeath to my son POSEY PATTERSON the sum of one shilling current money.  Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter CINDERILLA MOUNTJOY one shilling current money.  Item I give & bequeath unto my son FRANCIS PATTERSON one shilling current money.  Item I give and bequeath unto my son JESSE PATTERSON one shilling current money.  Item I give and bequeath unto my eight youngest children named ELIZABETH, PHEBE, WILLIAIM, ALEXANDER, RICHARD, JENNY, BETSY, NANCY and POLLY all the rest of and residue of my estate to them and their heirs forever.

Lastly, I constitute and appoint my loving wife MARYANN my whole & sole Executrix of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all and every former will or wills be me heretofore made.  In Witness whereof I do hereunto set my hand and affix my seal this second day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and four.

JOHN [his mark] PATTERSON   {seal}

Signed sealed published and declared by the testator JOHN PATTERSON as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us the subscribers whom he called upon to witness the same

JOHN WILLIAMS

PETER RISING

JOHN RAWDEN

At a Court held for Prince William County July 2^nd 1804

The last will & testament of JOHN PATTERSON decd. was presented to the Court being proved by the oaths of JOHN WILLIAMS & PETER RISING was ordered to be recorded.

Teste

J. WILLIAMS  Ct. Cur.

At a Court of Quarter Sessions held for Prince William County November 5^th 1804

MARYANN PATTERSON Executrix name din the last will and testament of JOHN PATTERSON decd. came into Court and made oath to the said will according to law and having taken the oath of an executrix and given bond with security according to law certificate is granted her for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste

J. WILLIAMS   Ct. Cur.

Sunday's Obituary: West Fletcher

Baltimore Sun (MD)

18 February 1903

POSTMASTER DIES SUDDENLY

Mr. Fletch(er) Stricken with Heart Disease in His Store

Warrenton, Va., Feb. 17 - Mr. West Wood Fletch(er), merchant and postmaster at Buckland, Prince William County, died suddenly this morning shortly after opening his place of business.  His death was caused by heart trouble.

Mr. Fletcher was a gallant Confederate soldier and was a member of the Fauquier Guards of the Forth ninth Virginia Regiment.  A widow and several children survive him.

[West Fletcher lost a leg at Fredericksburg, VA in 1863 ~cgl]

Friend of Friends Friday: Ex-Slave Buried With Honors: Eppa Barnes

Manassas Journal
8 January 1931

EX-SLAVE BURIED WITH HONORS

Eppa Barnes, colored, aged about eighty-eight, died at his home in Independent Hill in the closing hours of 1930 after an illness of several years.

The old fellow was very popular.  During his long confinement many people would call on him to cheer him up.  His wife, who survives him, is equally well known and well liked.

Back in the days "Befo' de war," Uncle Ep is stated to have been domiciled with the Copen family, well known in the anals of Prince William. The family plot in which he was buried was  a part of the old estate.

He leaves eight sons and one daughter.

The funeral which took place on New Years Day was one of the county's biggest in recent months, and there was a profusion of beautiful flowers.

Elder A. J. Garland, of Clarendon, performed the rites at Uncle Ep's home, and many who attended came from without the county.

Prince William misses its old timers who have lived right and tried to lead their sons and daughters in teh same path.

Sunday's Obituary: William F. Smith (1823)

National Daily Intelligencer (DC)
11 February 1823

In Falmouth, Va. at the residence of Murray Forbes, Esq. on Sunday, the 2d inst. after a short illness, WILLIAM F. SMITH, in the 20th year of his age, the eldest son of George Smith, Esq. of Dumfries.

Seldom had nature dawned upon youth with more promising or more brilliant prospects: seldom had she bestowed upon a favorite, more estimable or more engaging qualities of mind or person. To a form at once handsome and manly, were added a naturally brilliant and highly polished understanding, and the most engaging and winning manners.  No expense or pains were spared by a fond parent, to improve what nature had so bountifully bestowed. Mr. Smith graduated at Princeton with great credit, and bid fair to be the pride of his family and his country. The writer of this small tribute to departed worth, is conscious that obituaries are generally eulogiums; but he knew him in his school-boy days, and since he has been stepping into manhood; and is also conscious that those who knew him well, will consider this fleeting paragraph, but a faint sketch of its original. When a man full of years and of honor, sinks into the tomb, we can more easily be reconciled to an expected event: but when heaven's decree tears from us, in the bloom of youth, one in whom our fond hopes were centered, it racks the soul with anguish. To his only remaining parent, our kindest and our warmest sympathy is due. Within the course of a few months, a husband and a fondly-cherished son, have been snatched from her embraces.

Will: John Lansdown (1812)

JOHN LANSDOWN Will

Prince William County Will Book K, pg. 132

31 Dec 1811; proved 06 Jan 1812

In the name of God Amen I JOHN LANSDOWN of the County of Prince William and State of Virginia being sick in body but of sound sense and memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following Viz, Item I give and bequeath to my wife ELIZABETH LANSDOWN one fourth of my estate real and personal for and during her natural life and at her decease to be equally divided between my three sons WILLIAM LANSDOWN, JOHN LANSDOWN and GEORGE LANSDOWN to them and their heirs forever.  Item I give and bequeath to my son WILLIAM LANSDOWN one fourth of my property real & personal to him and his heirs forever, and as I have heretofore given my said son WILLIAM fifty pounds eleven shillings in cash, that the said fifty pound eleven shillings be deducted out of his fourth part and added to the parts of my sons JOHN and GEORGE LANSDOWN.

Item I give to my son JOHN LANSDOWN one other fourth part of my estate real and personal to him and his heirs forever.  Item I give to my son GEORGE LANSDOWN the other fourth part of my property real and personal to him and his heirs forever.  Item Whereas I have given to my daughter ELIZABETH who intermarried with EDWARD DICKERSON thirty eight pounds ten shillings, and four Negroes.  I give unto the heirs of my said daughter ELIZABETH decd. one shilling sterling.  Lastly, I nominate and appoint my son JOHN LANDOWN Executor of this my last will and testament.  In Witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my hand and seal this thirty first day of December in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and eleven.

JOHN LANSDOWN {seal}

Signed sealed and delivered in presence of

JOHN EDRINGTON

BENJ. JAMESON

DANIEL GRANT

At a Court held for Prince William County January 6^th 1812.

This last will and testament of JOHN LANSDOWN decd. was presented to the Court by JOHN LANSDOWN the Executor therein named who made oath to the same according to law and the said will being proved by the oaths of JOHN EDRINGTON and DNAIEL GRANT is ordered to be recorded. And the said JOHN LANSDOWN 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, J. WILLIAMS

Wedding Wednesday: Turner/Chapman

6 July 1915
Richmond Times Dispatch

N. Loughborough Turner, Jr. of The Plains, and Miss Martha Chapman, of Manassas, were quietly married at Trinity Episcopal Church, Washington, on Thursday of last week.  Only members of the immediate families and a few friends were present at the wedding.  Mr. and Mrs. Turner left immediately after the wedding for a short bridal trip, after which they will live at The Plains.  Mr. Turner is a son of Mrs. N. L. Turner, of The Plains, and is well known in this section of the State.

Sunday's Obituary: Sister Clare (Vogel)

Richmond Times Dispatch
30 January 1903

DEATH DID NOT SEPARATE THEM

Sister Clare Has Followed Her Much-Loved Co-Worker to the Grave

But a few days after her sister and lifetime co-worker passed away, Sister Clare, of the Benedictine Order, held in loving memory here by many, herself died a day or two since at Bristow, Va. Companions in life she and Mother Edith, whose sudden departure last week came as a shock to Catholics in this city, are also companions in death; the two who worked side by side and who together devoted their lives to religion, now lie, still side by side, in the little cemetery in Prince William.

Mother Edith came to this country with her sister many years ago from Germany. In the world her name was Miss Vogel. Both devoted themselves to the convent life of the Benedictine Order and both worked for the good of the cause. Sister Edith came to Richmond and became the first superior of the institute here.  He sister, Sister Clare, was also then working in the school.  About twelve months ago Mother Edith left the convent and retired to St. Edith's Academy at Bristow in Prince William county. With her went Sister Clare. Both were now advanced in years - one fifty-seven and the other sixty-two.

Last week Mother Edith, as already stated, was stricken suddenly ill and died. On Tuesday last her sister followed her to the grave, also passing away after a brief illness.  Not a whole week intervened between the two deaths.

The funeral of Sister Clare was held yesterday. She was buried in Prince William county beside her sister.

Will: George Graham (1816)

GEORGE GRAHAM Will

Prince William County Will Book K, pg. 504

21 Nov 1815; proved 05 Mar 1816

In the name of God Amen I GEORGE GRAHAM of the County of Prince William and State of Virginia being of sound and disposing mind, blessed be God, do make this my last will and testament, annulling and revoking all other wills heretofore made by me.  Imprimis. My will and desire is that all my just debts shall be paid. 2ndly I give and bequeath unto my nephew JOHN GRRAHAM HESLOP all my estate for the following uses and purposes. 3^rd I give and confirm unto JAMES KEMPE all that tract of land lying on occoquan river at Davis’ ford which I purchased from JOHN BLAND, as by reference to the deed will more fully appear, and which has never been conveyed to him, my will is that my executor shall convey the said to him JAMES KEMPE.  4^th I give unto my brother JOHN GRAHAM of Law house in the county of Cumberland, England one mority of the residue of my real estate in this country, the whole of which it is my desire shall be sold, on a credit of ones two, three or four years at the discretion of my executors, and that my brother JOHN’s proportion, of the nett proceeds – must be remitted to him or his heirs as the payment shall become due.  5^th The other moiety of my real estate I give to my sister ISABELLE HESLOP and unto my nephew JOHN GRRAHAM HESLOP equally.  6^th I give my wife SUSANNE one mority of all the country man counterpaines, sheets, and table cloths, of domestic manufacture a dressing glass and dressing table, her choice of any bed and bedstead & furniture, in lieu of the one she brought with her.  I also give her the silver teapot and silver stand for the same.  I add nothing more as my wife is very amply provided for and has no need of my assistance, but my desire is that she shall have the use and occupancy of my farm where I now live for one or two years, reckening the time from the first of January in the year I shall happen to die, that she may get herself accommodated on her own farm, provided she does not commit waste on the estate, nor clear any more land, nor cut wood, except for the use of the farm and for her own firewood for herself and family.  7^th I give my sister ISABELLE HESLOP one mority of all my present estate the other mority I give to my nephew JOHN GRAHAM HESLOP.  I constitute and appoint my nephew JOHN GRAHAM HESLOP whole and sole executor of this my last will and testament given under my hand and seal this twenty first day of November one thousand eight hundred and fifteen.

GEO. GRAHAM {seal}

Signed sealed delivered and acknowledged as and for my last will and testament in the presence of ROBERT THURMAN, THO. THURMAN, SANFORD THURMAN

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions continued and held for Prince William County March 5^th 1816

This last will and testament of GEORGE GRAHAM deceased was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of THOMAS THURMAN and SANFORD THURMAN is admitted to record. 

At a court of quarterly sessions continued and held for Prince William County March 6^th 1816.

JOHN G. HESLOP executor named in the last will and testament of GEORGE GRAHAM deceased came into court, and 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 her for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste, PHIL. D. DAWE

Deed: Merchant to Ashby, Trustee of Mary Frances Shacklett

Deed

Merchant to Ashby, Trustee of Mary Frances Shacklett

Prince William County Deed Book 24, pg. 16

This Deed made this 30^th day of January 1857 between Robt. B. MERCHANT of the one part and James ASHBY trustee of Mary Frances SHACKLETT wife of Richard D. SHACKLETT of the other part. Witnesseth that in consideration of the sum of one hundred and seventy five Dollars, the said Robert B. Merchant doth grant with general warranty unto the said James Ashby trustee as aforesaid all that tract of land or parcel of land known by the name of Raccoon Hill tract purchased by the said Merchant of George H. COCKRELL lying and being in the County of Prince William and bounded as follows to Wit. Beginning at a pine stump and planted stone corner to the entire tract thence 79.30 E 54 poles to a stake by a Spanish oak on a hill, thence S. 30.30 W 100 to a small Spanish oak by an old road, thence N 79.30 W 54 poles to a black oak in the out line, thence N 30.30 E 100 poles to the beginning containing thirty three acres and 3 roods, to the same more or less; the said James Ashby trustee as aforesaid, to hold the said property hereby conveyed, in the same manner, for the same purposes and upon the same conditions as he holds the property conveyed to him by the marriage contract between the said Richard D. Shacklett and Mary Frances his wife dated 2^nd day of February 1854 and of record in the Clerk’s office of the County Court of Prince William County.

Witness the following signatures and seals,

Robert B. Merchant {seal}

County of Prince William to Wit:

I William C. MERCHANT a justice of the peace for the County aforesaid in the state of Virginia do certify that Robert B. Merchant, whose name is signed to the writing above bearing date on the 30^th day of January 1857, has acknowledged the same before me in my state aforesaid. Given under my hand this 30^th day of January 1857.

W. Charles Merchant J.P.

At a Court held for Prince William County February 3d 1857

This deed from Ashby trustee with a certificate annexed was presented to the Court and ordered to be recorded.

Teste,

P.D. LIPSCOMB, Clk

[Deeds can include vital information and clues to ancestors.  This deed, for instance, includes the marriage date of "Richard D. Shacklett and Mary Frances his wife dated 2^nd day of February 1854." ~cgl]

Will: John Athey (1866)

JOHN ATHEY Will

Prince William County Will Book R, Pg. 36

February 1866; proved 5 March 1866

I JOHN ATHEY being feeble in body but of sound and dispossessing memory do make this last will and testament, that is to say

I give and bequeath to my sister PALINA TURNER two hundred and fifty dollars ($250)

I give and bequeath to my sister JANE HAMMILL one hundred dollars (4100)

I give and bequeath to my niece HANNAH ANN WEST seventy five dollars ($75)

I give and bequeath to my niece ELIZABETH HAMMILL seventy five dollars ($75)

I give and bequeath to my niece SUSAN PENN two hundred and fifty dollars ($250)

I give and bequeath to my niece CATHARINE MCCARTY two hundred dollars ($200)

I give and bequeath to my nephew WILLIAM HAISLIP my gold watch

I give and bequeath to my nephew WILLIAM HAMMILL the gold watch I now use

I give and bequeath to HUGH HAMMILL all the remainder of my property of every description and kind, and do hereby appoint him my Executor. In testimony thereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this 9^th day of February 1866

John [his mark] Athey {seal}

Signed and acknowledged in our presence

BASIL BRAWNER

MILTON A. ISH

In Prince William County Court March 5 1866

This last will and testament of John Athey deceased was presented to the court by Hugh Hammill the executor therein named, who made oath thereto according to law and being fully proved by the oaths of Basil Brawner and Milton A. Ish subscribing witnesses thereto is ordered to be recorded and the said Hugh Hammill having taken the oath of an executor, and entered into bond in the penalty of two thousand dollars with Basil Brawner and JOHN CL WEEDON who justified as to their sufficiency conditioned as the law directs letters testamentary of the personal estate of said deceased is granted to him in due form.

A copy of my teste

M. B. SINCLAIR, clerk