Will: John R. Wright

John R. Wright Will

PWCo Will Book I, pg. 399

In the name of God Amen I John R. Wright of the County of Prince William do make & ordain this my last will & testament. 

First I will and desire that after the payment of all my just debts & my well beloved wife Sally have the use of all my Estate to raise and educate my Children upon untill my oldest child arives to the age of Twenty one years & there to be divided as follows:

Item when my oldest child arives at the age of twenty one years I will & bequeath unto my well beloved wife Sally one third part of my Estate. Item when my oldest child shall have arrived at the age of twenty one I will and desire that the other two thirds of my estate not heretofore divided to my wife be divided into five equal parts one of which parts or fifth part of said two thirds I bequeath to my son Hubbard.  Item one other fifth part of said two thirds I bequeath to my son John (at the time when my oldest child shall have arived at the age of twenty one years). Item when my eldest child arives at the age of twenty one years I bequeath to my daughter Maryann one other fifth part of said two thirds of my estate as aforesaid. Item when my oldest child arives to the age of Twenty one years I bequeath to my son Thomas one other fifth part of said two thirds of my estate. Item and when my said oldest child arives to the age of twenty one, I bequeath one other of fith part of said two thirds of my estate to the child my wife is now pregnant with and if any of my children before mentioned or the one with which my wife is noe pregnant should die before it arrives at the age of twenty one years my will & desire is that the part devised to that be divided among the surviving children except such child dying should marry & have a child or children in which event my desire is that the said child or children do possess the part of their parent and lastly I appoint my beloved wife Sally my brother in law Wm. Tolson & my brother Burditt Wright my Executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills & testaments.  Given from under my hand & seal this [ ] day of October 1807.

John Wright {seal}

Signed Sealed & published in presence of us who attested this will at the same time by the request of the Testator.

Seth Botts

Isham E. Hedges

Thomas Wright

At a Court held for Prince William County May 2 1808

This last will and testament of John Wright dec'd was presented to the County and being proved by the oath of Seth Botts is ordered to be Certified.

And at a Court held for said County July 4th 1808

This last will & testament of John R. Wright dec'd was fully proved by the oath of Isham E. Hedges and ordered to be recorded.

Teste

J. Williams Ct. Cur.

Sunday's Obituary: Sarah A. (Fairfax) Hunter

Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, VA)
27 August 1897

Fairfax Notes

Mrs. Sarah A. Hunter, widow of the late Dr. James Hunter, a former well known physician of this county, died of pneumonia at the residence of her nephew, Mr. Henry Lynn, with whom she had resided for many years past, near Catharpin, Prince William county, on Monday last, aged 83 years.  She was the daughter of the late Capt. Henry Fairfax, of Dumfries, and sister of Col. John W. Fairfax, of Loudoun county. She possessed a kind and gentle disposition, and had many friends who are pained to hear of her death. Her remains were brought to "Moidone," her husband's late residence, near Vienna, where they were interred on Wednesday, Rev. John McGill of the Episcopal Church officiating.

Newspaper Tidbit: Letter from PWCo (1869)

Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, VA)
5 March 1869

Letter from Prince William Co.
[Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette]

Our County Court has been in session for the pat three days, ending yesterday evening. The following cases were adjudicated, and general business transacted: --

   An indictment for unlawful trespass on the promises of Mrs. M. F. Holland, was found by the grand jury against Daniel Whaling.
   Atkinson vs. Patterson, unlawful detainer, verdict for plaintiff.
   Knox vs. Carter's adm'r. Pleas waived and judgment for plaintiff.
   White, surviving, vs. the same. Plea waived and judgment for plaintiff.
   T. A. Brewis & Co. vs. E. J. T. Clarke. - Debt-verdict for plaintiff, with war interest abated.
   Able vs. Able's adm'r. Debt-verdict for plaintiff, with war interest abated.
   Johnson, surviving, vs. McLean. Debt-judgment for plaintiff.
   Thomas vs. Howison. Debt-verdict for plaintiff.
   Jacobs vs. Thomas. Trover-verdict for defendant.
   John T. Leachman qualified as executor of the last will and testament of the late Elder R. C. Leachman.
   James E. Williams qualified as administrator of John Williams, deceased.
   Sarah Donohoe qualified as administratrix of George Donohoe, deceased.
   Harvey Hyde having satisfied the Court that he is an ordained minister, and in regular communion with the Congregational church, was authorized to celebrate the rites of matrimony.
   George W. Mitchell, a late appointee of General Stoneman's, qualified as Commissioner of the Revenue for Prince William county.
   Ten deeds were admitted to record, and one marriage license issued during the session of Court.

From the pugilistic demonstrations made by several parties on the first day of Court, and their manifest desire to break the peace, if not each other's bones, it is evident that Prince William's vervor is not abated by the "situation" here, and that she is still, in one sense, on an active "war footing."

It is supposed that before the next term of our Court, the removals of officers in the county will have been generally made, and the new appointees will be here to qualify and enter on the duties of their respective stations.

William Smith, stabbed recently by Mr. Reuben Reid, which I reported at the time, has recovered. Mr. Reid is not yet under arrest and it is hoped that the affair, occuring as it did between near neighbors, may be amicably adjusted.

TYRONE
Brentsville, Va., March 4, 1869

Will: John Carr

John Carr Will
PWCo Will Book I, pg. 381

In the name of God Amen I JOHN CARR of the Town of Dumfries County of Prince William and State of Virginia being sick and weak of body but of sound and disposing mind and memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament.

First and principally I desire that my debts be paid and that my Exors hereafter named be the sole judges of the necessity of proof on claims against my estate.  Item I give and bequeath as follows - to Dr. Jno Spencer my sorrel mares to Miss Margt. Overall one hundred pounds. to Betsy Tebbs children namely Mary F. Muschett, Margt. Carr Tebbs, Ann F. Tebbs, Thos. Tebbs, Foushee Tebbs, Wm. Tebbs and Saml. Tebbs each one hundred pounds to Thomas Chapman and Thomas A. Smith each one thousand dollars and to Danl. Webster one hundred pounds.  I further desire that any surplus of my estate remaining after payment of the debts and legacies before mentioned be paid and equally divided between my mother Margt. Carr and sister Betsy Tebbs.  Lastly I appoint my friends Thomas Chapman and Thomas A. Smith my whole and sol Executors of this my last will and testament and esire that they may not be required or copmelled to give security for performance of their Executorship. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 12th day of March 1808.

John Carr {seal}

Sign & Seal and ackd by the Testator in presence of us who were requested by him to sign as Witnesses.

Geo. Williams
Robt. Overall
George Cockrell

At a Court of Continued and held for Prince Wm. County April 5th 1808.

This last will and testament of John Carr dec'd was presented to the Court by Thomas A. Smith one of the Executors therein named and being proved by the Oaths of George Williams and George Cockrell is ordered to be recorded. And Thomas Chapman and Thos. A. Smith the Executors therein named came into Court and made Oath to the same according to Law and the said Executors having performed what is usual in such cases Certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste
J. Williams Ct. Cur.

New Materials Online: Kopp, Virginia by Raymond W. Woolfenden, Sr.

KOPP, VIRGINIA by Raymond W. Woolfenden, Sr.

"Kopp, Virginia", a book regarding the "lost" community of Kopp, Virginia, was formerly only available in a limited-edition printed form, including a copy residing at RELIC (Bull Run Library). The book was started by Raymond W. ("Cousin Ray") Woolfenden, Sr. and completed by his daughter, Casmere Woolfenden Kistner, with a number of people providing source materials.

With many thanks to the Woolfenden family, a digital copy is now free and available online under RELIC's digital archives!

Kopp, Virginia disappeared in the early 1940's when the Federal Government took the land via eminent domain and displaced the families to create Quantico Marine Base. Some of the families that lost their land include Abel, Arrington, Cole, Copen, Davis, Holmes, Keys, Lowe, Lynn, Suthard, Wood, and Woolfenden.

Friend of Friends Friday: Inventory: James Anderson

James Anderson Inventory [enslaved persons only]
PWCo Will Book I, pg. 325

In Obedience to an order of the Worshipfull Court of Prince William We the Subscribers being first sworn have valued and appraised the Estate of James Anderson deceased, an Inventory of which is as follows:

Negro Peter (£100)
William (£106)
Manewell (£106)
Bob (£106)
Eaefter (sp?) (£80)
Phebe (£85)
Adam (£70)
Sutte (£50)
Winney (£60)
Susan (£3)

...[Appraisers]
Archibold Johnston
Carr Bailey
Thos. Green

At a Court held for Prince William County Feby 2 1807
This inventory & appraisement of the estate of James Anderson dec'd was returned to the Court and ordered to be recorded.

Teste
J. Williams

Will: Ignatius Mitchell Wheeler

Ignatius Mitchell Wheeler Will
PWCo Will Book I, pg. 429

In the name of God Amen this 20th day of October 1807 I Ignatius Mitchell Wheeler of Prince William County and State of Virginia being very weak and in firm health, tho' thanks be to God of perfect sound mind and memory and calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament and first of all I recommend and commit my soul into the hands of the Lord Jesus, and my body to its mother dust knowing most assuredly I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God, and as touching my worldly estate wherewith I am blessed with in this life I give devise and dispose of the same in the following matter & form.

Item I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Sarah Chapman Wheeler all my Estate that I possess dureing her natural life, dureing the term of her life if my sd. wife Sarah Chapman Wheeler should be in want of necessaries for her support she may use or put any part thereof to such use or advantage as she may think most proper and after the death of my wife Sarah Chapman Wheeler the estate then remaining in her hands that I gave her dureing her life together with the increase thereof ariseing from my estate to be equally divided between my two sisters (by fathers side) Mary Chapman Wheeler and Harriet Wheeler.  I also make & ordain my wife Sarah Chapman Wheeler my whole and sole executrix of this my last will and testament utterly revoking, disclaiming, disallowing & disanuling all and every other former Wills, Legacies, Bequests, & Executors by me before this time Will'd Named or Bequeathed & ratifying and confirming it to be my last will and testament.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the day and date first within written.

Ignatius Mitchell Wheeler {seal}

Signed Seal'd by the Testator and acknowledged & by him to be his last will and testament in presence of us

Teste
John Thorn
Benson Lynn

The testator also in the presence of us affixes this sequal or caudial to this will saying thus that if eithe rof his two mentioned sisters Mary Chapman or Harriet Wheeler should die before they possess the mentioned estate the Survivor is to have all and if both my sister should die before my wife Sarah Chapman Wheeler then said Estate shall belong & be the rite of my wife Sarah Chapman Wheeler to give devise or dispose of as she may think most proper & in order to confirm this sequal he has also set his hand & seal with acknowledgement the date first written.

Ignatius Mitchell Wheeler {seal}

Teste
John Thorn
Benson Lynn

At a Court held for Prince William County May 1 [?] 1809

This last will and testament of Ignatius Mitchell Wheeler dec'd was presented to the Court and being proved by the Oaths of John Thorn & Benson Lynn was ordered to be recorded.

Teste
Jno. Williams Ct. Cur.

[Margin Note]:  At November Court 1809 Administration with the will annexed of Ignatius M. Wheeler dec'd was granted to Reuben Calvert.   J. Williams Ct. Cur.

Sunday's Obituary: Lydia Allen (1856)

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
18 February 1856

In this city, on the 18th instant, in the 65th year of her age, Mrs. LYDIA ALLEN, widow of the late Wm. Allen of Prince William county, Virginia.  The deceased was for near half a century an exemplary member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Her funeral will take place from the residence of her son-in-law, C. W. C. Dunnington, 298 south B street, Capitol Hill, at 3 o'clock p.m., on Tuesday, February 19th.

Friend of Friends Friday: Runaway: George Car

Virginia Enquirer
24 April 1832

NOTICE -- Was committed to the Jail of Prince William county, Virginia, on the 18th day of January last, a Negro Man, as a runaway, who calls him self GEORGE CAR; he also declares himself to be free, and from Loudoun county; he is about 25 years old, about six feet high, dark complexion, and several scars on the fingers of his left hand; he had on a pair of dark colored corded pantaloons, an old blue cloth coat. -- The owner (if any there be) is requested to come forward, comply with the law, and take the property

BASIL BRAWNER, Jailor

Brentsville, March 18, 1832

105-w12w

Crime & Punishment: Murder of William H. Trone (1855)

Charleston Courier (Charleston, SC)
28 November 1855

The Mobile Register of Firday [sic], says:

"Mr. Wm. H. Trone, one of the best known and most esteemed citizens of Mobile, was killed last night in front of the Battle House, by a man named Banks, who we understand lives in Lowndes county, Mississippi.  The unhappy man, who has thus involved himself in the crime of murder, and taken without reason or provocation tho life of a most worthy and respectable gentleman, was, it seems, well nigh crazy from the effects of liquor. It appears that the parties were acquainted, and meeting casually at the door of the Battle House bar room, Trone spoke to Banks, when the latter, with insane fury, fired a pistol into his bosom.  Mr. Trone lived but a few minutes, and Banks was promptly arrested and conveyed to the guard house.

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
28 November 1855

... Wm. H. Trone, who was killed lately in Mobile by Thomas G. Banks, formerly resided in Prince William county, Va.

Alexandria Gazette

1 December 1855

Murder of Mr. Trone at Mobile

The telegraph has already announced that Mr. Wm. H. Trone, a highly respectable citizen of Mobile, formerly of Virginia, was shot in the bar-room of the Battle House, on the evening of 2ed ult. by one Thomas G. Banks, of Columbus, Miss. The Evening News of Friday says:

It appears that Mr. Trone, when in the bar-room of the Battle House, was accosted by Mr. Banks, with whom he had some slight acquaintance, and invited by him to "take a drink." Mr. Trone courteously declined, whereupon Banks instantly discharged at him the contents a single barrel pistol which he held in his hand. Two balls entered the throat of his victim, cutting the carotid artery and causing death in about ten minutes.

Mr. Trone walked rapidly across the room, and fell to rise no more. A road of blood distinctly marked his track upon the floor of the room,and when we saw him he was gasping for breath, and deluged in gore. It was a "story sight" to look upon.

Banks was immediately secured and placed in confinement. He had, we are informed, been in a state of intoxication during the afternoon, and seemed to be quarrelsome, brandishing a pair of pistols in his hands.  No difficulty -- no disagreement had, as far as we can learn, taken place between the deceased and Banks -- intoxication, drink, and the habit of carrying concealed weapons, are at the bottom of this shocking murder. 

Mr. Trone was a frank, chivalrous, well-meaning and generous gentleman and his death under the circumstances, is to be deeply deplored.

Daily Dispatch
2 April 1857

CONVICTED OF MANSLAUGHTER -- Thomas G. Banks, who shot and killed Wm. H. Trone, of Va., at the Battle House in Mobile, was found guilty of manslaughter, on the 20th ult., and fined $500. The case had been removed from Mobile to St. Stephens, Ala.

[William H. Trone is buried in Magnolia Cemetery, Mobile, Alabama.  On his headstone he was born October 22, 1812 in Prince William County.  -- cgl]

Law & Order: WARRANT DISMISSED (Forest Hill Church)

Free Lance (Fredericksburg, VA)
29 August 1911

WARRANT DISMISSED

Mr. Linden Atchison was tried at Joblins [sic], Prince William county, Saturday, before Squire Keys, charged with disturbing religious worship at Forest Hill church in that county.

The case was heard in a private room in the residence of Mr. Crow, none being allowed to be present save the witnesses and attorneys.

Squire Keys after hearing the testimony of some 15 witnesses, most of whom said that a Mr. Anderson was the cause of the disburbance, dismissed the case and discharged Atchison.

Commonwealth's Attorney Davis and R. A. Hutchinson, of Manassas, represented Anderson, who swore out the warrant, and Frederick W. Coleman represented Atchison.

Church Record Sunday: New Presbytery Church, Catlett

Presbyterian of the South (Atlanta, GA)
16 October 1918

CATLETTS:  Rev. J. Hudson Taylor, D.D., of Washington, wigh neighboring pastors, assisted Rev. George W. Crabtree in organizing a new church in this Presbytery, near Catletts, Prince William County, Va.  There were fifty-three charter members.  In June, right in the midst of harvest, a tent meeting was held by Mr. Crabtree, assisted by Rev. W. R. McElroy, the Superintendent of Home Missions and Sunday-school Work. There were seventy-seven professions of faith, most of them, it is seen, entering this new church.