Sunday's Obituary: Andrew Murtaugh (1854)

Spirit of Jefferson (Charlestown, WV)
8 August 1854

FATAL ACCIDENT

We deeply regret to learn that a sad and serious casualty occurred at "Yorkshire" Prince William County, Va., on Thursday, the 20th instant. A party of men, consisting of Frank McMann, Andrew Thomas, James Murtaugh, and Charles Mulholland, all residents of this county, were engaged in digging a well for Wilmer McLean, esq. and on the day in question a blast was made and before the smoke had evaporated one of the party (McMann) descended, but finding some difficulty in breathing he attempted to make his way out and when near the top he fell to the bottom, cutting and bruising himself quite severely.  Andrew Murtaugh immediately descended to his assistance, but he too was overpowered by the gas and fell; a third one who went down shared the same fate. A bucket was then filled with straw, fired, and let down, after which Mr. Mulholland descended, and he succeded in fastening them to a rope by which means they were drawn up.  Mr. Andrew Murtaugh died on Thursday night; but we are glad to learn that the others are rapidly recovering. 

Newspaper Tidbit: PWCo Items 2 April 1914

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
2 April 1914

GIRLS OF CANNING CLUB FEAST COUNTY OFFICERS

Serve Dinner to Show Appreciation of $300 Appropriation for Work

Special Correspondence of The Star

MANASSAS, VA, April 2, 1914.

At a meeting of the Prince William county board of supervisors yesterday at the courthouse here levies were fixed for the coming year and the usual bills were allowed. In appreciation of the appropriation of $300 recently made for the work of the girls' canning clubs the members of the board were entertained at dinner at the Manassas High School, the girls' canned goods featuring the menu. The guests were Palmer Smith of Gainesville, Commonwealth's Attorney Thomas H. Lion, County Treasurer J. P. Leachman and Supervisors J. F. Gulick of Manassas, J. L. Dawson of Occoquan, J. T. Syncox of Dumfries, T. M. Russel of Coles, J. P. Manuel of Brentsville and O. C. Hutchison of Gainesville districts.

Mrs. Anna Kosheba, thirty-eight years old, was found dead with a bullet wound in her throat Thursday at her home, on a farm near Independent Hill, this county.  Her two small children were with her. The father left her in good spirits that morning to begin his work in the fields. She was apparently of unsound mind and had threatened on several occasions to end her life. The coroner's jury rendered a verdict of suicide. She leaves her husband, Michael Kosheba, and four young children The family came from Hungary about sixteen yeas ago, settled in Pennsylvania and removed to this county in June, 1913.

The April term of the circuit court for Prince William county convenes here Monday, Judge J. B. T. Thornton presiding. The docket is said to be the longest known in many years.

The county school board held its regular semi-annual session Tuesday. Appropriations were made for prizes in the boys' corn clubs and for demonstration, work in the girls' tomato clubs. Supt. George G. Tyler was elected delegate at large to the school conventions. Corbin Thompson, D. J. Arrington and R. A. Rust were appointed a committee to ascertain what could be done toward obtaining the appropriation made by the last legislature for high school dormitories. A resolution was adopted asking of the county board of supervisors a levy of 20 cents on the $100 for county school purposes. At the board meeting yesterday the petition was presented and the levy granted.

Manassas Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy, is to hold a silver tea Monday evening in the chapter room.  A program of readings and music will be rendered.  The proceeds will be applied to the Shiloh monument fund.

Sunday, May 3, has been designated as "go-to-church" Sunday in Manassas.

J. F. M. Palmer of Vienna, Fairfax county, has purchased the old Smith property, known as Newmarket, on the Sudley road. The property contains 114 acres.

Funeral services were held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Haymarket, Monday for William A. Buckley of Gainesville, this county, who died Sunday morning. The rector, Rev. Morris S. Eagle, officiated.

Newspaper Tidbit: Legal Notice: Brill

Albany Evening Journal (Albany, NY)
21 April 1856

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK by the grace of God free and independent, to Solomon Brill and Hannah Brill, of Independence Hill, Prince William county, state of Virginia; and to Arminia Green, of Great Bend, Susquehanna county, state of Pennsylvania, greeting:

Whereas, Mary Rogers, late of the town of Beckham in the county of Dutchess, deceased, as is alleged, has lately died, leaving a last will and testament relating to real and personal estate, and Dents Wortman and Robert M. Van Kleeck, executors therein named, have applied to the surrogate of said county for the proof thereof; you are hereby cited to appear at a surrogate's court to be held before our surrogate, in said county, at his office in the city of Poughkeepsie, on the 2d day of June next, at 10 o'clock in the aforenoon of that day, then there to attend to the probate of the last will and testament of said deceased.

In testimony whereof, we have caused the seal of office of our said surrogate to be hereunto affixed,  Witness, Edgar Thorn, esquire, surrogate of our said county [L.S.] of Dutchess, at Poughkeepsie, this 14th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.  ap15 6w

EDGAR THORN, Surrogate

* * *

The Will of Mary Rogers "of the town of Fishkill" was probated in Dutchess county, New York on 2 June 1856.  

The Will does not give her relationship to the Brill family but bequeaths one fourth of one fifth of "all the rest, residue, and reminder" of her estate to "... Garrit Brill, Solomon Brill, Arminia Green, and Hannah Brill."

Wednesday's Child: Marian Graham

Alexandria Gazette
25 November 1844

DIED, on Tuesday, 19th instant, at Haymarket, Prince William county, MARIAN M., infant daughter of Richard and E. M. Graham, aged twenty-six days.  -- "Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven."

Church Record Sunday: Chaplain: House of Representatives

Alexandria Gazette
22 February 1856

COMMUNICATED.

To the Editor of the Alexandria Gazette:

In your paper today, I find the following item of news: "An attempt was made last week, in the House of Representatives, to elect a chaplain, but without success.  Various candidates for the office were proposed, and among them Mr. Jones, of Tennessee, nominated Elder Robert C. Leachman, of Prince William county, Va., who, he said, was a hard shell Baptist in religion, and a Democrat in politics."

Lest it should be supposed by my friends abroad, that I was among the flock of hungry cormorants that have been hanging about the Capitol and haunting the members at their lodgings, since the first Monday in December, I desire to say, that I was no candidate for the office, and that the nomination was made without my consent or knowledge.  I desire to say, farther, that if elected I would not serve, for the reason, first, that Congress has no constitutional authority for creating such an office, and, of course, none for robbing the people's treasury to support it. 2d, I could not be induced to leave the flock of God, over which the Holy Ghost has made me overseer, and hire myself out, Balaam like, to divine for money. I look upon the whole thing as a desecration of the ministerial office, a shameful and unlawful waste of the people's money, and a capital burlesque upon religion, as taught in the Bible; and if Congress design perpetuating such sacrilege and extravagance, they will have to employ some other agent than me. I cast no reflections upon friend Jones, who put me in nomination, knowing, as I do, that he is as much opposed to the whole system as

ROBERT C. LEACHMAN
Bristoe, Pr. Wm. Co., Va., Feb. 19, 1856

Lexington Leader (Lexington, KY)
27 July 1919

Prince William Co. Va. Wills

Bullock, Richard
   Prince William county, Va., will filed 24 March, 1730. Wife Susana, son Thomas Bullock, son Richard Bullock, daughter Rachael Bullock, daughter Sarah Bullock.

Crook, Lephenia
   Prince William county, Va., will filed 1 March 1779, Wife Molly, brother Absalom Crook.

Hurr, Thomas
   Prince William county, Va., will filed 19 Nov. 1735, Wife Elizabeth, son Thomas Hurr, son William Hurr.

Hutchinson, John
   Prince William county, Va., will filed 6 March, 1780. Son James Hutchinson, brother Robert Hutchinson, Benjamin Hutchinson, witness; William Hutchinson, witness.

Married: Davis/Milstead; Cockerill/Brawner

Columbian Star (Washington, DC)
14 January 1826

MARRIED,

...On Thursday evening, the 5th instant, by the Rev. James Reid, Mr. Wm. Davis, to Miss Sophia Milstead, both of Prince William, Virginia.

Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, VA)
3 November 1873

On the 28th ultimo, at the residence of the bride's father, J. J. Cockerill, by Rev. Mr. McGill, Chas. E. Brawner to Miss Josie S. T. Cockerill, both of Prince William co.

PWCo. Items: 28 August 1871

Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, VA)
28 August 1871

PRINCE WM. COUNTY.--[From the Manassas Gazette]--We understand that the farmers around Nokesville are procuring large quantities of lime to be used upon their fall sowing of wheat. They procure it from the kilns of Messrs. Garson & Co., at Riverton, near Front Royal.

During the past week the weather has been intensely hot, and our farmers have been anxiously awaiting rain that the sufferings crops might be benefitted thereby. On Wednesday night some rain fell, which will prove beneficial to the gardens, but many fear the corn crop is too far gone to be saved.

A fight took place some time last week near Independent Hill in the lower part of this county, between two coopers, named James Posey and Wm. Beavers. Posey was severely injured by a hatchet in the hands of Beavers.

The camp meeting which has been in progress near this place since last week closed on Friday morning. Brentsville, Manassas, Dumfries, Hartfod, Beadley, Clifton and other places were represented by tents on the ground. It was throughout a most orderly and quiet camp meeting.

Rev. Mr. Bain commenced a series of protracted meetings at the Methodist church on Friday night last.

PWHPF: 2019 October Events

October 2019

October Events and Programs Plus Fall Historic Perspective Newsletter

The grounds of the historic sites are open daily from dawn until dusk and the sites are open for regular tours Thursday–Monday 11am–4pm.

Upcoming Events at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow, VA 20136 (703) 365-7895

Campfire Ghost Stories October 18 | 7–8pm | $5, children 2  and under free Join us for an exciting and eerie evening around the campfire to hear some of the ghost stories associated with the historic site. Spirits Of Brentsville  October 19 | 7–10pm | $10 | Ages 10+ Brentsville has a diverse and dramatic history as it served as the county seat for nearly 100 years. During this time, many strange and scary events have happened here, and many say that ghosts of long dead men and women still haunt the area. Come experience a spirited night as you explore the grounds and buildings where you may encounter the spirits of the past and hear their tales of sadness and triumph. Guided tours on the half hour. Not recommended for children under 10. Reservations strongly recommended. Additional Information and Registration

Upcoming Events at Ben Lomond Historic Site 10321 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas, VA 20109 (703) 367-7872

Fireside Ghost Stories  October 4 | 7–8pm | $5 | Ages 13+ Ben Lomond has a diverse and grim history from being a Civil War hospital to the home of countless slaves. Over the years, many local residents claimed to have seen ghosts and other spooky happenings at the site, claiming the site as haunted. Join us for an exciting and eerie evening around the campfire to hear some of the ghost stories associated with the historic site.  Hospital Horrors At Ben Lomond October 26 | 7–9:40pm | $10 | Ages 13+ Ben Lomond has a grim history as serving as a Confederate Field Hospital after the Battle of First Manassas. Come experience a unique opportunity to tour the house and grounds in the recreated hospital and hear the stories of soldiers, doctors, and loved ones who were forever changed during the Civil War. Guided tours every twenty minutes. Advanced reservations strongly recommended. Additional Information and Registration

Upcoming Events at Rippon Lodge Historic Site 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192 (703) 499-9812

Scary B-Movie Night  October 5 | 7–11pm | $5 suggested donation | Ages 6+ Come for a Double Feature of spooky fun at Rippon Lodge! Families will enjoy the 70th anniversary showing of “Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, then adults may view the 50th anniversary of, “House on Haunted Hill” (1969) with legendary actor Vincent Price. Two anniversaries of horror in one night. Bring blankets, chairs, and wear warm clothes as you sit on the lawn, in the dark, watching this great horror film. Popcorn and beverages available for purchase. Event canceled in case of rain.

Murder At Rippon Lodge October 12 | 6–7pm | $15 | Ages 18+ Do you have the detective skills to solve this mystery? Then come to Rippon Lodge and solve a 20th century crime! During a World War II evening gathering at Wade Ellis’, a horrible crime is committed. One of his guests is found dead. Who’s behind the sinister plot? Is there a saboteur amongst the guests; a double agent in disguise? Is anyone else in danger? For one night only, discover clues and solve the mystery of who committed the murder! Additional Information and Registration

Upcoming Events at Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park Corner of Iron Brigade Unit Avenue and Tenth Alabama Way, Bristow, VA 20136 (703) 366-3049

Battle Of Bristoe Station Anniversary Weekend Tours October 12–13 | 11am–4pm| FREE EVENT| All Ages Join Battlefield Park staff for the 156th Anniversary of the Battle of Bristoe Station. Tour a Civil War encampment, watch artillery firing demonstrations, and tour the site of the third and final battle that took place in Prince William County. Park historians will lead tours of a section of the battlefield never open to the public before!  Battle Of Bristoe Station Anniversary Luminary October 12 | 7–9pm | FREE EVENT | All Ages Visit the battlefield to see nearly 1,000 luminary candles for every soldier who died at Bristoe Station. Living history vignettes will be located across the battlefield and guided tours will lead visitors to meet the men and women who made history here.  Fall 1863 Campaign Bus Tour: Bristoe Station to Mine Run October 19 | 8:30am–5pm | $70 | Ages 10+ During Oct-Nov 1863, the Union and Confederate armies fought a hard long campaign across central Virginia from Orange to Manassas. Battles such as Bristoe Station, Buckland, Rappahannock Station and Mine Run solidified Union control of most of northern and central Virginia. Join historians and authors Dr. Chris Mackowski, Michael Block and Rob Orrison as we tour these sites and learn about how the chess match between Robert E. Lee and George Meade led to the end of the Civil War. Transportation and lunch is included. Additional Information and Registration

Upcoming Event at Old Manassas Courthouse 9248 Lee Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110 (703) 792-4754

After Gettysburg: Meade And Lee At Bristoe Station Book Talk With Jeffrey Hunt October 17 | 7–8pm | Free Event | Ages 10+ Join historian and author Jeffrey Hunt as he explains the complexi-ties of command during the much over looked Fall 1863 campaign in Virginia between Union General George G. Meade and Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Copies of his new book, Meade and Lee at Bristoe Station: The Problems of Command and Strategy after Gettysburg, from Brandy Station to the Buckland Races, August 1 to October 31, 1863, will be available for sale.

Upcoming Event leaving from the marina boat dock at Leesylvania State Park: 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22191 (703) 792-4754

Potomac Blockade Boat Tour 2019 October 19 | 10am–1pm | $50 | Ages 8+ Cruise along the Potomac River shoreline on the 50’ pontoon vessel Miss Rivershore and view sites that were critical to the Confederate forces’ successful blockade of Washington D.C. from September 1861 through early March 1862. The tour will motor past the preserved batteries at Freestone Point and Possum Nose, as well as Evansport and Shipping Point. Tour includes lunch and a 1.5 mile hike to Freestone Point. If you wish to take the hike please wear appropriate footwear. Additional Information and Registration

Fall Historic Perspectives Newsletter

View Fall Newsletter

Historic Preservation Spotlight

The Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail   Another National Trail travels through eastern Prince William County along with the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. The Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail follows the route of the Continental Army and our French allies through ten states from Massachusetts to Yorktown, VA. Enjoyable either as a walking or driving trail, you can find parts of the old colonial road close by to walk through Woodbridge, Dumfries, and Triangle. For more information visit www.nps.gov/waro

Visit Prince William County Historic Preservation Website