Amanuensis Monday: Deed: Beavers to Beavers (1903)

Deed: Beavers to Beavers
PWCo. Deed Book 52, pg. 89

This DEED, made this 1st day of September in the year one thousand nine hundred and three, between Lucian Beavers, of the County of Prince William, Virginia, of the first part and Albert R. Beavers, of the County of Prince William, Virginia, of the second part

WITNESSETH: That in consideration of the sum of fifty-one dollars, cash in hand paid by the said Albert R. Beavers at or before the sealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, the said Lucian Beavers, party of the first part, does grant unto the said Albert R. Beavers, party of the second part, with General warranty, an undivided one-third interest in all that certain tract or parcel of land lying and being situate in Coles Magisterial District in Prince William County, Virginia containing forty-two (42) acres, be the same more or less, and is the same land which was owned by the late Mrs. Nancy Petty and was devised by her to her daughter, Emily Beavers, during her life, and to the children of the said Emily Beavers, the said Lucian Beavers being one of three children left by her. The said tract of land being bounded on the South by the Brentsville-Independent Hill Road, on the west by Wheaten: and also joining the land of George Petty. The said Lucian Beavers covenant that L. has the right to convey the said land to the grantee; that L. has done no act to encumber the said land; that the grantee shall have quiet possession of the said land, free from all encumbrances, and that L., the said party of the first part, will execute such further assurance of the said land as may be requisite. Witness the following signature and seal.

Lucian {X his mark} Beavers (seal)

Witnesses

J. B. T. Thornton,
H. Thornton Davies


In the Clerk's Office of Prince William County, Sept. 1st., 1903.

This deed of Beavers was received, acknowledged by the grantors, and admitted to record.

Teste,

E. Nelson  Clk

Sunday's Obituary: Minnie Rhine Herndon (1929)

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
28 November 1929

MRS. MINNIE HERNDON IS DEAD AT AGE OF 60

Had Gained Wide Recognition in Prison Reform Circles for Work District

Mrs. Minnie Rhine Herndon, 60 years old, whose work while superintendent of women at District penal institution at Lorton, Va., won wide recognition in prison reform cirecles, died last night at a private sanitarium following an illness of 18 months.

Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon, from the Old Pohick Church at Lorton Va., and interment will be in the Herndon lot in the churchyard. Rev. George W. Dow and Rev. R. P. Rixey will officiate. The body will be at Schuppert's funeral establishment, 2008 Pennsylvania avenue, until noon Saturday.

During the 17 years which Mrs. Herndon was superintendent of women at Lorton she was also active in social welfare work conducted by several churches. She was a member of the Beulah Baptist Church at Franconia, Va. Ill health forced her retirement from active work almost a year ago.

Mrs. Herndon was born in Prince William County, Va. In 1897 she married Allan M. Herndon, whose death occurred shortly before she went into prison work. Most of Mrs. Herndon's married life was spent in Washington.

Mrs. Herndon is survived by two daughters, Mrs. William H. Leef of Alexandria, Va. and Miss M. Aurelia Herndon of Washington; a son, Francis M. Herndon of Washington; a grandson, William H. Leef, Jr.; a brother, R. L. Rhine of Washington and six sisters, Mrs. Sara Broders, Miss Elizabeth Rhine and Mrs. Michael Guiffre, all of Washington, and Mrs. Laura Duvall of Lorton, Mrs. Annie Herndon of Nokesville, Va., and Mrs. B. A. Kalleen of Chicago.

Wedding Wednesday: Davies-Hibbs Nuptials

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
22 November 1901

DAVIES-HIBBS NUPTIALS

Trinity Episcopal Church at Manassas was the scene of  pretty marriage at 10 o'clock yesterday morning, when Miss Maidie Davies of Manassas, wedded Mr. E. Humphrey Hibbs, also of that place. The ceremony was performed in the presence of a large gathering of friends of the two families by Rev. W. H. K. Pendleton, the rector.

The bride was handsomely attired in a traveling gown and was given in marriage by her uncle, Mr. J. B. T. Thornton, member of the state constitutional convention from Prince William county. There was no bridesmaid nor best man. Messrs. J. Jenkyn Davies, Hawes Buckner Davies and William Willis Davies, brothers of the bride, and Mr. E. B. Giddings, the business partner of the groom, were the ushers.

Immediately after the ceremony the bride and groom left for the northern bridal tour. Upon their return they will reside in Prince William county.

Will: James Anderson (1806)

Prince William County, VA
Will Book I, pg 171
James Anderson's Will

In the Name of God Amen I James Anderson Senior being in perfect memery but weak in body do make this my last will and testament. I will that all my leagel debts to paid and when it shall please God to call me home from this trancetrory world that my body to be decently buried in a certain hope of a joyfull resuraction through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Item 1 I will and bequeth to my well beloved wife Mary Anderson one third part of my estate during her natural life and at her decace to be ekuley devided among my children except my son James that has got his part already.

Item 2 I will bequeth to my son James Anderson one Negree fellow named Joe one horse and mere two hogshead of toba. & six poun cash which I consider as his part of my estate and he is not to have any more nor no clame hereafter.

__ Item I will and bequith that all and every part part of my estate to be eqully devided among my other cheldreen only excepted as befor excepted.

__ Item it is my will and desire that my well beloved wife Mary Anderson and Presley Woodard will be my Executers after my decase.

I have hereunto set my hand seal this twelth day of March one thousand eight hundred and six.

James [X his mark] Anderson {seal}

Witnesses
John [X his mark] Rollans
Henry Hope
Margreet [X her mark] Hope


At a Court held for Prince William County December __d, 1806
    The last will and testament of James Anderson decsd was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of John Rollans & Henry Hope was ordered to be recorded and Mary Anderson and Presley Woodyard the Excr and Exor mentioned in said will made oath to the same and having entered into bond with Security, who justified, according to law, Certifiate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste,

J. Williams, Ct. Cur

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

[I've transcribed this Will with misspellings intact.  I often wonder if it drove the court clerks crazy when they were given an instrument filled with spelling errors.  Did they itch to correct them? --cgl] 

Friday's Faces From the Past: W. F. Cocke

Richmond Times Dispatch
20 June 1935

LEADERS WOULD BOOM VIRGINIA'S TOURIST TRADE

A fall festival was one of the ideas advanced yesterday at a conference of civic leaders held here yesterday under Virginia State Chamber of Commerce auspices. 

Left to right are:  H. W. Grave of the Luray board of trade; W. F. Cocke of the Manassas Dairy Festival; Alvin Smith, president of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce; Judge F. C. Curry of Monterey, of the Highland County Tourist Association; W. W. Gibbs Jr. of Staunton, representing Shenandoah Valley, Inc., and J. W. Johns, president of the State Chamber of Commerce.

Newpaper Tidbit: Serious Malfeasance in Office, if True (1868)

Richmond Whig
8 December 1868

Serious Malfeasance in Office, if True

Brentsville, Prince William Co., Va., November 29, 1868 -- Mr. Editor -- It is charged that a bold plan was arranged by the sub-jailor here and John T. Keys, who is confined under indictment for rape on his daughter, to effect Keys' escape to-night, but William E. Goodwin, Esq., the vigilant and exceedingly efficient sheriff of this county, getting wind of the plot, came with a posse this evening about 3 o'clock and took special charge of the jail. He placed a guard of five men to watch the prisoners, and turned the jail keys over to the guard.

Rumor is that the prisoner, John T. Keys, had arranged with the sub-jailor, a man named Charles Wright, to give him one hundred and seventy-five dollars, and that he (Wright) for that "consideration," was to open the prison doors.

No one here doubts that a scheme was on foot for Keys' re ease.

Correspondence Fredericksburg Herald

Deed: Loan: Alexander to Stith (1823)

Prince William County
Deed Book 9, page 78

To all to whom this present writing shall come greeting--

Know ye, that I Jane Alexander of the County of Prince William desirous of aiding and assisting as far as lies in my power my daughter Mary D. Stith and her children of the same County as long as I live have loaned and by these presents do loan unto the said Mary D. Stith the use of Matilda a negro woman during my pleasure or so long as I may live then to be returned, with any increase she may have in order to a division among my children (she being one of my dower slaves) as directed by the will of my late husband Gerard Alexander deceased as will appear by a reference to said Will.  In testimony whereof I have this 26 day of March 1823 affixed my hand and seal.

Jane Alexander {L.S.}

Test,
Griffin Stith Junr.
Otho W. Callis
Wm. Stuart

In the Clerks office of Prince William County Court May 19th 1823

This instrument of writting from Jane Alexander to Mary D. Stith was proved before me by the oaths of Otho W. Callis and William Stuart and admitted to record.

Teste P. D. Dawe      ct cur

Newspaper Tidbit: Brentsville Items (20 Sept 1934)

Manassas Journal
20 September 1934

BRENTSVILLE

Mr. Jos. Keys and children visited Mrs. Keys' mother and sister last week in Rectortown, Va.

Miss Irma Wilson has returned to her home at Marshall where she enters second year high school.

Brentsville is glad to welcome Miss Dorothy Woodhouse back to the school this year.

Mr. and Mrs. Cash Keys and family returned from Washington last week after spending the week-end with Mrs. Keys' mother. Mrs. Keys attended the Daughters of America State session as a State representative in Washington.

Brentsville Community League will meet Friday night, Sept. 21, at 8 o'clock and it is hoped that as many as can will be present. The league is now working on a play to be given in October.

We see Mr. George Rhine driving his car again after his accident.

Master Lloyd Keys has returned to his home here after a minor operation and is able to return to his school again this week.

Mr. and Mr.s Blakemore visited Mr. and Mrs. George Nicely Sunday. Mrs. Goldie Nicely was home for Sunday.

We are glad to know that Mrs. Joe Keys is feeling much better after a lengthy illness, though still under the doctor care.

Friend of Friends Friday: Tansill Promissory Note

Library of Virginia Chancery Collection (Index No. 1858-030)
Culpeper, Va 
Thomas W. Tansill v. Seymour Lynn (1858)

We the undersigned promise & oblige ourselves and our & each of our heirs excr's & admrs to pay or cause to be paid to Elijah Hansbrough or assigns the just & full sum of Twenty Dollars for the services of Maryann the year 1846 to clothe Maryann with good & sufficient summer & winter clothing including a blankett, & in like manner we bond ourselves not to transfer Maryann to any person whatever or suffer her to be carried out of this state without the counsel of her master under the penalty of double her value, but treat her with humanity & return her (if alive) with her winter clothing good on or before the 25th December 1846 with the said wages given under our hand & seals this 1 Jany 1860.

Samuel Tansill {seal}
W. Charles Merchant {seal}

Wedding Wednesday: Forsythe/Battle

Baltimore Sun (MD)
30 July 1916

Manassas, Va. -- Miss Lucy L. Forsyth[e], daughter of Charles E. Forsythe, of Haymarket, Prince William county, and Michael J. Battle, of Nichols,. S.C., were married Wednesday at the home of the bride's sister, Mrs. W. V. Robertson, in Washington, by the Rev. C. K. Millican, of this county.

Amanuensis Monday: Deed: Hixon to Milstead (1915)

Prince William County
Deed Book 67, pg. 77
Hixon to Milstead

This deed made the 17 day of September 1915, between G. W. Hixson, party of the first part, and Frank Milstead party of the second part,

WITNESSETH: That for and in consideration of its value cash in hand paid by the said second party to the said first party, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, the said party of the first part doth by these presents bargain, grant, sell, release, convey and confirm unto the said party of the second part, with general warranty of title west half of lot Number 47, as designated in the plat and survey of West End Cemetery, adjacent to the town of Manassas, in the county of Prince William, the same to be used as a burial place for white persons only.

Witness the following signature and seal.

G. W. Hixson {Seal}

Prince William County, to-wit:

I, L. M. Jones, a notary public for the county aforesaid, in the State of Virginia, whose commission expires on the 12 day of August, 1916, do certify that G. W. Hixson, whose name is signed to the foregoing deed, bearing date on the 17 day of September, 1915, hath acknowledged the same before me in my county aforesaid.

Given under my hand this 17 day of September, 1915.

L. M. Jones, N. P.

In the Clerk's Office, Circuit Court, Prince William county, September 18, 1915.

This DEED from G. W. Hixson to Frank Milstead, was received with certificate annexed and admitted to record.

Teste:  J. E. Herrell, Clerk
#369

[Manassas City Cemetery was also known as West End Cemetery and Citizens Cemetery/Confederate Cemetery.  ~cgl] 

Friend of Friends Friday: Canto Calbert / Cato

Washington Federalist (Georgetown, DC)
25 February 1807

30 Dollars reward

Ranaway from the subscriber on the 29th December last, a negro man named CATO, sometimes calls himself Canto Calbert, about 32 years of age, near six feet high -- tolerably well made -- very black complexion. Had on and took with him when he went away, a blue broadcloth coat, corded pantaloons and some country cloth clothes. He is a good fiddler, and very fond of playing on that instrument. I brought said negro about 4 years past, from Prince George's county, in Maryland. I expect he has made for Baltimore or Philadelphia & will endeavor to pass as a freeman. He was formerly in the possession of John Findlay.  I forewarn all persons from hiring or harbouring said Negro under the penalty of the law. I will give the above reward if delivered to me in Prince William county, or 20 dollars, for securing him in any jail in the United States.

John Sutton

Prince William county, Virginia
near Hay-market, Jan 20, 1807.  4twp

Sunday's Obituary: Mariamnie Ewell Compton

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
3 July 1924

Miss Mariamnie Ewell Compton, seventy-nine, daughter of the late Alexander H. Compton of Prince William County, died yesterday at the home of her sister-in-law, Mrs. Alexander H. Compton, 819 King street.  Funeral services were held this morning at the residence, conducted by Rev. William S. Hammond, pastor of the Southern Methodist Church. Interment will be in the church yard at Sudley, Prince William County.

Friend of Friends Friday: John Owens

Alexandria Gazette
4 February 1860

$100 REWARD.

Ranaway on the 23d inst., my negro man JOHN OWENS, or JOHN BURWELL. He is sixty years old, rather bright mulatto; about 5 feet 8 or 10 inches high, and stout; very polite, and good address; somewhat grey, with full grey whiske[r]s; very high forehead, and somewhat bald. Took with him various clothing, and had a fancy push cap.

He has many acquaintances in Washington City, and will probably aim to get there. I will give $100 reward for him if taken in the District of Columbia or Maryland, and $25 in Virginia, in either case to be secured in jail, so that I get him

J. B. Grayson
Gainesville, Prince William County

Prince William county, jan 26-co2w

Newspaper Tidbit: Buckland Woolen Factory

Alexandria Gazette
4 December 1867

BUCKLAND WOOLEN FACTORY

The undersigned having become the owners of the "Buckland Mills," Prince William co., Va., two and a half miles from Gainesville Station on the Manassas Gap Railroad, have put the same in thorough repair, and now prepared to fill all orders for the

BEST WOOLEN FABRICS.

By the addition of new and improved machinery they hope to manufacture goods that will compete with the best, both in the texture and finish, in the markets. They have engaged as superintendent a gentleman who has had an experience of twenty years in the best woolen mills of England, and is known to be thoroughly skilled in the business. Every effort will be made to make their establishment worthy of the support and encouragement of those who desire the development of the manufacturing interests of the State, and the undersigned hope to receive a generous support in the undertaking.

The highest market price will be paid for wool, either in money or cloth.

John B. Hunton & Co.

Prince Wm co., nov 14 - eo3m

Deed: Tyler to Churchwell (1902)

Prince William County Deed Book 50, page 496
6 September 1902

This Deed made the 2nd day of May 1898, between Jane C. Tyler of the first part, & Harriett Ann Church[w]ell of the second part; both of Prince William County, and state of VA Witnesseth: -- That in consideration of Thirty One dollars received, the said Jane C. Tyler of the first part doth grant unto the said Harriett Ann Churchwell a lot of land from her Brundage farm, beginning a post, N.E. corner of Ben A. Johnson's lot and running S. 77^o E.12 poles to Johnson's S.W. corner, thence N. 6-3/4^o E. 38 poles with Johnson's line, containing Three acres, to the beginning. The party of the first part covenants that she will warrant specially the property hereby conveyed. Wit. the following signature and seal, this 2nd day of May 1898.

Jane C. Tyler (seal)

Fauquier County, to wit:--

     I, James V. Chilton a Notary Public in and for the county of Fauquier, in the state of Virginia, do certify that Jane C. Tyler whose name is signed to the above writing bearing date on the 2nd day of May 1898, has acknowledged the same before me in my county aforesaid. Given under my hand this 2nd day of May 1898.

James V. Chilton, Notary Public

In Clerks Office Prince William County, September 6th, 1902.

     This Deed from Tyler to Churchwell, was received with a certificate annexed, and was admitted to record.

Teste,

Edwin Nelson, clerk

Sunday's Obituary: Frank Lee Hoffman

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
6 October 1946

Frank L. Hoffman Dies; Prince William Farmer

Manassas, Va., Oct. 5 - Frank Lee Hoffman, 44, well-known Prince William County farmer, was killed instantly yesterday when a truck collided with his automobile at the intersection of 234 and 261 near Catharpin.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. tomorrow at the Sudley Methodist Church, of which he was a member. Burial will be in the church cemetery at Sudley.

A native of Dover, Loudoun County, he was the son of the late Judson F. Hoffman and Mary C. Hoffman, who made her home with him. Mr. Hoffman has lived at Glenwood Farm at Catharpin for the past 40 years.

Besides his mother, he is survived by his widow, the former Minnie Owens, Fauquier County; two sons, Judson and Burgess Hoffman, and a daughter, Frances, all of whom live at Glenwood Farm.

He also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Mary Mills and Mrs. Ethel Clements, Mount Rainier, Md., and three brothers, Douglas Hoffman, Centerville, Va.; Berkeley, Greenwich, Va.; and Lester Hoffman, Washington.

Announcement: Journal of Prince William County History

Calling all  scholars, teachers, history enthusiast and more! 

Join Prince William County Historic Preservation Division in their new partnership with the Prince William Historic Commission and Historic Prince William by contributing to the 

Journal of Prince William County History!

The Prince William County Historic Preservation Division, Historic Prince William, and the Prince William Historic Commission are joining together to create the Journal of Prince William County History featuring articles about local individuals, businesses, events, and more. Have your work included by submitting an article for the March 2019 inaugural issue! 

If you have any questions, please contact Bill Backus at bbackus@pwcgov.org or call 703-365-7895.

Thank you for preserving Prince William County’s History.

Church Record Sunday: Deed: Jackson to Baptist Society (1798)

Jackson to Baptist Society
Deed
PWCo Deed Book Z, pg 295

To all to whom this present wrighting shall come sendeth greeting. Know yee that I Samuel Jackson & Mary my wife of the County of Prince William for divers causes and considerations but more especially for the regard and Love I have for the Baptist Society Having given granted and confirmed and by these presents do fully freely & absolutely give grant and confirm unto the said Society a certain piece or parcel of land and is bounded as followeth, Beginning at a red oak saplin on the south side the road by the meeting house then S 77d N 45 po. to a Stone in the drane of the meeting house spring then S 13 E 2 po. to a white oak saplin then N. 77 d E 45 po. to a Stone on the Southside of sd. road then down sd. road S 10 W 12 Po to the road leading from the Occoquan MIlls then down the sd. road N 79 1/2 E 20 po to a stone, then N 10 E 18 p to a double body'd red oak then N 80 W 19 po to two read oak saplins then S 10 W 9 po to the beginning including about three acres. Together with every advantage that may be usefull to the sd. Society forever. And moreover the sd. Samuel Jackson & Mary his wife do warrant & defend the sd. premises from the claims of any persons or persons whatsoeve.r Claiming from by or under m. In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands & seals this twelfth day of May Anno Dom. One thousand seven hundred and ninety eight.

Saml Jackson {seal}
Mary Jackson {seal}

Sign'd seal'd & deliver'd in presence of
The words a certain piece or parcel of land
interlind in the eight line before signd

John Kincheloe
Philip Spiller

At a Court held for Prince Wm. County the 2d day of July 1798

This deed from Samuel Jackson and wife to the Baptist Society was acknowledged by the said Jackson to be his act and deed and ordered to be recorded.

Teste
John Williams        Cl Cur

Newspaper Tidbit: Run Away: Indentured Servant (1775)

Virginia Gazette
13 May 1775

TEN POUNDS REWARD

Dumfries, April 6, 1775

RUN away, two Convict Servant Men, just imported from London, in the Justitia, Capt. Kidd, lying at Leeds Town, viz.--WILLIAM PEARCE, a stout likely Fellow, 5 Feet 8 or 9 Inches high, with red Hair, a fair Complexion, tolerably well dressed, and about 25 Years of Age. -- RALPH EMANUEL, about 6 Feet high, and about 22 Years of Age, strong made, and likely, with darkish coloured Hair, and is well dressed: He had on a Chocolate coloured Suitout Coat, with a red Cape, a little tarred, and a bound Hat, with a black Band round it.

They left the Company in which they were travelling a few Miles above Leeds Town, and both will certainly endeavour to pass for Sailors. To those used to the Smell of Servants just from a Ship they will asily [?] be discovered, unless they have procured new Clothes. I will give 6l, for securing them, 10l. for bringing both Home, or Half that for each. All Masters of Ships are forbid harbouring them, at their Peril.

ANDREW LEITCH

Application for Citizenship: James Jenkyn Davies (5 May 1874)

The path to citizenship was a fairly simple, straightforward process in 19th century Prince William County.  Take the following 1874 application by J. J. Davies, presented before the court 5 May 1874:

Virginia to Wit: 

Appeared before me D. W. Whiting a justice in and for Prince William County, Harvey B. Varns, and after being sworn, testified that he is acquainted with James J. Davies, now of Brentsville, and knows him the said James J. Davies to have been a resident of the United States for five years. 

Given under my hand this 5th day of May 1874. 

D. W. Whiting

Know someone in the county who can verify you've lived in the U.S. at least 5 years?  Citizenship granted!

In "District of Columbia Births and Christenings, 1830-1955" database (familysearch.org), James Jenkyn Davies of England is cited as the father of an unnamed son on 10 October 1887.  His wife, Mildred Hawes Thornton, is a Virginia native. 

[Thank you to Ron Turner for sharing this find from the loose papers of the Prince William County archives.]

Sunday's Obituary: W. D. Wilcoxen (1888)

Baltimore Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)
1 May 1888

W. D. Wilcoxen committed suicide at his home, in Prince William county, Va., last Friday night. He climbed to the rafters of his barn, put a rope noose around his neck, and discharged a pistol into his head as he leaped down. He was found dead both by shooting and strangulation. He is well known in the District, having married Miss Mollie Manning of Georgetown.

Wedding Wednesday: Mr. and Mrs. [Charles] Love Married Fifty Years

Evening Star (Washington, DC)

8 June 1917

MR. AND MRS. LOVE MARRIED FIFTY YEARS

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Love are to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary tomorrow at their home, 1210 Euclid street northwest. Mr. and Mrs. Love were married June 9, 1867, in Stafford county, Va. Mr. Love was born and raised in Dumfries, Va. Mrs. Love was formerly Miss Ellen M. Coakley of Stafford, Va., a daughter of Daniel and Susan Coakley.

The couple have nine children living, four sons and five daughters. They are Lucien Love of Fairland, Va.; Charles H. Love, jr., of this city; J. J. Love of Colesville, Va.; Luther Lee Love of this city; Mrs. H. Hopkins of Fairland, Va.; Mrs. Irene Plaskett of Alexandria, Va.; Mrs. D. Z. Ayers of Mount Vernon, Va.; and Mrs. E. Thompson and Miss Mary Love of this city. They have fourteen grandchildren.

Mr. Love, who is a Confederate veteran, served with Company A of the 49th Virginia Infantry.

Sunday's Obituary: John Edward Redman

Richmond Times Dispatch
16 July 1948

JOHN E. REDMAN

MANASSAS, July 15 -- Funeral rites for John Edward Redman, 58, of Independent Hill, were conducted Monday at Baker's Funeral Home. Burial was in the family burial ground at Woodbridge.  Mr. Redman was killed Saturday on Route 234 near his home. He is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Minnie Ledmon of Triangle, and Mrs. Sadie Warren, of Manassas; two sisterss-in-law, Mrs. Ruth Redman, of Manassas, and Mrs. Myrtle Redman, of Washington.

Sunday's Obituary: James R. Purcell

Richmond Times Dispatch
1 February 1916

FUNERAL OF JAMES R. PURCELL
[Special to the Times-Dispatch]

Manassas, VA, Januar 31 - Funeral services were held here to-day for Mayor James R. Purcell, of Gainesville, a lifelong resident and native of Prince William County, who died at Staunton on Saturday.  He was seventy-eight years old and a veteran of the Civil War. At one time he was a member of the House of Delegates from Prince William County and was a former deputy sheriff of this county. He is survived by his widow and four children, three of whom are sons.

Crime & Punishment: Thomas Daniell (1792)

Virginia Gazette and Agricultural Repository
14 June 1792

THOMAS DANIELL, personally appeared before me  Alexander Lithgow, Esq., Justice of the Peace for the County of Prince William, maketh oath on the holy Evangalist of Almighty God, that an escape from either the Prisons at Alexandria or Dumfries other than a termination of his life during the whole of his confinement, never was directly nor indirectly with him in contemplation, and that such an alternative never has or ever shall enter his mind or breast, that no consideration on Earth shall cause him to prove unfaithful as a Prisoner, either to his friends or adversaries. Given under my hand this 19th day of May, 1792.

ALEXANDER LITHGOW

After seven months experience of my fidelity as a prisoner, for more than ten times the amount, in value of the new writs, immediately, on a DISMISION, of the former ones, it was most unmercifully circulated, that I intended to break Jail, to frustrate so cruel a report, occassioned the above affidavit.

Agents in London have caused arrests to take place in New York, Lord Mansfield's opinion and practice was invariably not to demand any kind of bail on processes, or affidavits issuing from any foreign courts of judicature, for reasons of exemplary, justice and policy.

Current Affairs: George Ray Farm

After a Planning Commission public hearing on April 4, 2018, Prince William County gave the green light to Ray's Regard, a proposed 350 housing development on the old George Ray Farm.  

Before the property disappears forever, David Cuff and Don Wilson of Historic Prince William have written an informative article about the property's history and the Ray family, that can be found HERE.

Deed: Renoe to Tackett Gift Deed (1800)

George Renoe to Eliz. Tackett et al

Deed of Gift

Deed Book 1, pg. 64-65

This Indenture made this 1^st day of May in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred by George Renoe of the County of Prince William and State of Virginia Witnesseth that the said Geo. Renoe for the natural love and affection I have towards Elizabeth Tackett, Polley Tackett, Fanny Tackett and Nancy Tackett I do here by freely clearly and absolutely give unto the said Elizabeth Tackett, Polley Tackett, Fanny Tackett and Nancy Tackett three negroes viz. Winney about twenty nine years old, Samuel about five years old also Philip about three years old being formerly the property of William Tackett purchased of him by the said George Renoe for them to hold possess and enjoy peaceably the said negroes and increase from the claim or claims of any person or persons whatsoever to claim by George Renoe his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns likewise I authorize Charles Tackett at the signing of this Indenture to divide the said negroes equally between the said Elizabeth, Polley, Fanny and Nancy Tackett at the time that Elizabeth Tackett shall be at age, also to hire the said negroes to the best advantage untill the said Elizabeth Tackett arrive at age and se[e] that the said negroes is well cloathed and used likewise.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal in

the presents of

Wm. Jam[e]son

Eli Renoe Junr.

                Geo. Renoe {seal}

At a Court held for Prince Wm. County the 5^th day of May 1800.

This deed of gift from George Renoe to Eliza. Tackett et al. was proved by the oaths of Wm. Jameson and Eli Renoe Jr. and ordered to be recorded.

Teste

John Williams    Cl Cur

Newspaper Tidbit: Rose Hill

Alexandria Gazette
6 July 1842

COMMISSIONER'S SALE OF LAND

Under the authority of a decree of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery of Prince Wm. county, Va., pronounced in the suit of John Lloyd vs. Margaret S. Chapman, John G. Chapman and Wm. Herbert, I will offer for sale, by public auction, for ready money, on Saturday the 13th day of August next, (being the second Saturday in that month) before the front door of Mrs. Merchant's Tavern, in the town of Dumfries, at 12 o'clock, M. the following pieces, or parcels of land, that is to say: --

150 acres of land (more or less) called "Rose Hill," 38 1/4 acres of marsh; 30 acres which were conveyed to Thomas Chapman, deceased, by Bertrand Ewell and Jesse Ewell; one undivided fourth part of 300 acres on Powell's Run; also one undivided fourth part of 225 acres, commonly called "Young's Tract," and one undivided fourth part of 78 acres, purchased by Chapman from Foxworthy.

The above described land is in the immediate neighborhood of Dumfries in the County of Prince William, in Va.

The undersigned, selling as commissioner will convey such title only as vested in him by the decree of the Court.

BERNARD HOOE
Commissioner

VA Association of Museum Awards Results

VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF MUSEUMS AWARDS $18,500

TO MUSEUMS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH FOR

CONSERVATION PROJECTS

THANK YOU to everyone who voted in the Virginia Association of Museum's Ten Endangered Artifacts Conservation Award Project.

As a result of your efforts, the 1902 Poll Books were recognized for their research potential and historical documentation of voter disenfranchisement in the Commonwealth and awarded $2,000 towards the books' paper conservation efforts.

Thank you again! With your support we are able to preserve and interpret Prince William County's amazing history. 

Your help is needed to conserve Prince William County History!

In 1902 Virginia passed a new state constitution in its legislature. The primary goal was to limit the African American vote throughout the state. There were numerous ideas as to how to do this without violating Federal Law. As a result, the following requirements were added – voters had to be able to fill out the voter registration form without any assistance, pay the annual poll tax for each of the three years prior, and to pass a quiz from the registrar on the Virginia State Constitution. The representatives did not want to disenfranchise poor whites, and thus also added a clause that any veteran of the US or Confederate military, or their son, was able to waive the above requirements and vote. As result of these news requirements, more than 88,000 individuals were disenfranchised.

This year, we submitted our 1902 Brentsville Colored and White Poll Books to the Virginia Association of Museums Top 10 Most Endangered Artifacts list, in an effort to bring awareness to these unique and important objects. We were selected as part of the Top 10, and beginning January 15 there will be public voting for awards of up to $5,000 in funds for the conservation of these books.

Voting lasts from January 15 - 24 at:

http://www.vamuseums.org/?page=top10

You can vote daily from each individual computer. There is no restriction on where the computer is, or who you are – each vote counts!

Wedding Wednesday: McDonald/Kettle

The Sun (Baltimore, MD)
18 December 1903

MCDONALD-KETTLE

[Special Dispatch to the Baltimore Sun]

Leesburg, Va., Dec. 17 - Miss Elizabeth Kettle, daughter of James Kettle, was married to John McDonald, formerly of Prince William county, at Evergreen Mills yesterday. Rev. S. G. Ferguson, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church, officiating.

Sunday's Obituary: Lovell Marders

Alexandria Gazette
22 November 1869

DEATH OF A BAPTIST PREACHER -- The Rev. Lovell Marders, a well-known preacher belonging to the Baptist church, died at his home in Prince William county on the night of Monday last.

Military Monday: Men Receive Discharges

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
1 January 1946

14 Virginia County Men Receive Discharges

Manassas, Va., Jan. 1 -- Among Prince William County servicemen who have received their discharges recently are:

William H. Crummett, Nokesville, Army
James L. Gregory, Manassas, Army
Lewis J. Carper, Manassas, Army
Walter F. Davis, Woodbridge, Army
Cleveland H. Flory, Nokesville, Army
James L. Mayhugh, Bristow, Army
Robert L. Leith, Manassas, Army
Francis C. Wilson, Haymarket, Army
Vittorio Feriazzo, Triangle, Marines
James A. Douglas, Thoroughfare, Navy
James B. Muddiman, Manassas, Army
Maurice Posey, Manassas, Army
Howard C. Payne, Manassas, Army
Chester F. Smith, Dumfries, Marines
Howard E. Tribby, Manassas, Marines