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.