PWCo Items: Monday, 11 January 1875

Alexandria Gazette
Monday, 11 January 1875

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY ITEMS -- A terrible gloom was cast over the festivities of Christmas day by the sudden and unlooked for death of Mr. Wm. C. Broughton, a young man highly respected by his friends. He was taken ill early in the morning and died at about two o'clock in the afternoon, being in a lethargic and unconscious state from the time of the attack until his death.

At a public sale of horses at Brentsville on Monday last, a tolerably respectable animal sold for $5.50, and another, rather advanced in years and decrepid in limb, was knocked off at four dollars.

St. Stephens Episcopal church, near Catlett's, which was destroyed during the war is shortly to be rebuilt.

S. C. Neale esq., of Alexandria has been admitted to practice in the County Court. --

Manassas Gazette

Friend of Friends Friday: Ranaway (Toby)

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
07 September 1821

FORTY DOLLARS REWARD,

RANAWAY from Buckland, in Prince William, late the seat of Mr. John Love, now occupied by me the subscriber,) negro TOBY, A very black, round faced, stout young man, supposed to be about twenty four years of age; the white of his eyes are uncommonly large, and shew in a remarkable manner when spoken to, he has rather a down look; he has been accustomed to the usual business of a farm, and is a tolerable hand. -- This fellow was placed among others, in my care, for safe keeping, to await the event of suit now pending in the District Chancery Court of Fredericksburg, between Mr. William Stuart and Ludwell Lee, executor to Thomas Lee, and has now absconded without any cause, far as is known or believed. His clothes are of the usual kind, some Virginia mannufacture, and some imported, but not particularly recollected -- On the night of his absconding, a chestnut sorrel mare belonging to the overseer was also taken off, supposed by him. A reward of 15 dollars will be given for the fellow if taken within 25 miles and brought home, and if taken up more than thirty miles from home and brought to me, or secured in any jail so that I get him again, forty dollars. All persons are forbid at their peril, harboring or secreting said fellow.

GRIFFIN STITH,

Abbey Ville, Prince William County

aug 24   1aw4w

Trustees Sale: Carter's Green (1876)

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
01 November 1876

TRUSTEE'S SALE OF A GOOD FARM, IN PRINCE WILLIAM CO., NEAR HAYMARKET, CONTAINING 289 1/2 acres.  By virtue of a deed of trust executed to me by J. T. Carter and wife, dated the 26th day of May, 1866, and recorded in the Clerk's office of the County Court of Prince William county, Va., I will offer by public auction, at the front door of the Court House, in the town of Warrenton, Fauquier county, Va., on MONDAY, December 11th, 1876, that being the first day of the Circuit Court of said county, the valuable tract of land in said deed mentioned, known as "CARTER'S GREEN," containing 289 1/2 acres -- be the same more or less. The land is of good quality, well wooded, watered and enclosed. Upon the farm there is a comfortable DWELLING HOUSE and necessary out buildings. It is in a good neighborhood, adjoins the farms of Mr. Wise and Capt. James Purcell and about six miles from Gainesville, a station upon the Manassas Division of the Virginia Midland R.R.

Terms of Sale - Five hundred dollars in cash; the residue in one, two and three years. For deferred payments the purchaser will be required to execute bonds, with approved personal security, to bear interest from the day of sale, and secure the same by deed of trust upon the aforesaid premises.

N.B. - Being empowered to make private sale of said premises, In invite propositions. My address is Warrenton, Fauquier County, Va.

R. TAYLOR SCOTT, Trustee, &c., &c.
Robt. Coons, Auct'r.
nov 1-eots

Sunday's Obituary: Henry F. Williams

Oakland Tribune (California)
17 March 1911

PIONEER IS DEAD AFTER LONG LIFE

Henry F. Williams was Passenger of Old Steamer California

SAN FRANCISCO, March 17. -- Henry F. Williams, one of the six remaining passengers on the steamer California when the vessel made its first trip to San Francisco, February 28 1849, and who built San Francisco's first post office, died at his home, 1150 Vallejo street, shortly after noon yesterday, after an illness of only a week. His family, widow and 10 children were at his bedside when the end came.

Williams was one of the few California pioneers, and was one of 500 who came to San Francisco the last day of February, 1849, on the old side-wheel steamer California. The California brought the first load of fortune seekers to San Francisco that arrived by steamers.

Within a week after his arrival Williams opened the first carpenter shop in San Francisco. Only a few days later he began the construction of San Francisco's first post office, occupied by Charles L. Ross, the city's first post-master. He was a prominent leader in the public library movement, was a member of the Pacific Union Club in 1869, when it was known as the Pacific Club, and opened the first mechanic's fair held here.

BORN IN VIRGINIA

Williams was born in Prince William county, Va., March 2, 1828. He came to California in 1849 and lived within its borders continuously ever since.  He leaves a wife and 10 children, Charlotte F., Isabelle F., Thomas C., William R., Catherine E., J. R., Fairfax, Heloise, Duval and Sarah. The funeral will be held Saturday morning at 11 o'clock from his late residence, 1150 Vallejo street.

Less than two weeks ago Williams, with two other argonauts, Dr. Samuel H. Willey and General W. H. Pratt, celebrated the sixty-second anniversary of the arrival of the California at this port. The only other surviving members of the party which arrived on the California are General D. W. C. Thompson, who lives in Sonoma; Mrs. Mendell, who lives in Steiner street, and Isaac B. Pine, whose address is in Tuolumne county.

Newspaper Tidbit: Colored Jurors (1874)

Alexandria Gazette (Virginia)
21 April 1874

COLORED JURORS. -- William Chinn, Howson Pinn, jr., and Addison Chapman, who were deputed by a meeting of colored people to wait upon Judge Nicol, judge of the County Court of Prince William, met him at his office in Brentsville on Saturday last. The committee stated in substance that "they had been appointed to wait upon Judge Nicol for the purpose of asking him why it was that colored men had not been summoned on the juries, and also why they had not colored trustees for their schools."  His Honor informed them he had carried out the law by the selection of men "best fitted for the position;" "that he had not selected any because of their color, or excluded them because of their color." The committee referred to an instance where colored men "had been summoned as jurymen, but were not called on to serve, and had heard that they had been excluded by order of Judge Nicol."  Judge Nicol replied that he did not remember the instance referred to by the committee, but said he was positive he had made no such order on the subject, and if such order had been made by him it would be found entered on the record and would show for itself. Each member of the committee expressed himself satisfied; one of them, Chinn, saying the "move was gotten up for other or outside purposes."  -- Manassas Gazette

Land Records: :Potomac Railroad Company Notice of Eminent Domain

Alexandria Gazette
29 June 1871

POTOMAC RAILROAD COMPANY, President's Office, Richmond, June 13, 1871.

To Landon Carter, Ann E. Carter, his wife, D. F. Neale, Thomas W. Neale, William Hale and Lovett Hale; --Wev and Eliabeth Wev; Samuel J. F. Tebbs, Hamilton Crockford, -- Crockford and -- Crockford, the infant children of Tebbs, who married W. W. Tebbs, the infant children of Cornelia Duval, who was Cornelia Tebbs, Thomas Duval and Laura Duval, Anna Steel, Lucien S. Duval, H. S. Duval and the infant children of John P. Duval, Foushee C. Tebbs, J. H. McVeigh, Elizabeth P. McVeigh, Ann L. Tebbs, Margaret F. Thompson, John W. Tebbs and two infant children of W. W. Tebbs, deceased; Thomas F. Tebbs, Richard Tebbs, Daisy Tebbs, George Rozel, DeButts Rozel and Anna Rozel, James Spencer, Francis C. Fitzhugh, William Haywood, Henrietta M. C. Spenve, Elizabeth Chamberlaine and Joseph Chamberlaine, A. Nicol and the Potomac and Manassas Railroad Company.

Notice is hereby given to you, that the Commissioners appointed by the County Court of Prince William county, on the 3d day of May, 1871, to ascertain a just compensation to the owners of lands upon the line of the railroad of this Company within the said county, for such of the said lands as are proposed to be taken by the said Company for its purposes, will meet for that purpose on the land owned by you in the said county, in Carrborough, on the 18th day of July, 1871, between the hours of ten a.m. and 6 p.m. 

Very respectfully,

P. V. DANIEL, Jr., Pesident
Potomac Railroad Co.
je 13-law-iw

Newspaper Tidbit: Manassas News of Social Note to Residents (Thanksgiving)

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
20 November 1938

Manassas, VA., Nov. 19 -- Lt. and Mrs. Roswell Round have arrived from Honolulu, where they have been stationed for several years, and are visiting Mrs. Round's mother, Mrs. A. A. Maloney.

Thursday morning the Bull Run Hunt Club will start at Mr. R. L. Lewis' gate for the Thanksgiving Day chase.  Following the meet, members and their guests will be entertained at a hunt breakfast at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lewis. Mr. William Wheeler and Mr. Victor Haydon will be joint hosts.

Dr. George B. Cocke and Mr. Charles Miller will leave for Philadelphia Wednesday evening to be on hand for the Army-Navy game.

Miss Mary Fauntleroy Cocke has come from Hollins College in Roanoke to spend the week end with her parents Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Cocke.

Mrs. J. L. Bushong has as her guest Miss Emma Hamner of Baltimore.

Col. and Mrs. B. L. Jacobson will leave early in December for Tampa, Fla., where they will remain until they go to Col. Jacobson's station in Panama.

Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Richards have as their guest Mrs. Ralph Hitchcock of New York.

Mr. and Mrs. Murray Bradshaw will spend Thanksgiving in Roanoke.

Mr. William Trusler is planning to go down to Richmond for the Thanksgiving Day football game.

Dr. and Mrs. D. A. Prescott of Skelton, N.J., will arrive soon to spend several days with Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Sharrett.

Miss Ethel Cadmus will leave Wednesday for Portsmouth, where she will stay over the week end with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cadmus.

Mr. and Mrs. Stewart McBryde, jr., and Mr. and Mrs. John  Holt Merchant are going to Philadelphia for the Army-Navy game.

Miss Margaret Turner will spend the Thanksgiving holidays at her home in Axton, Va.

Mr. and Mrs. Melvin C. Hazen are spending several days during the hunting season at their country place near Nokesville.

Wedding Wednesday: John T. Haydon Granted Divorce

Baltimore Sun (Maryland)
13 August 1920

John T. Haydon Granted Divorce

Judge Preston signed a decree in Circuit Court at Towson yesterday granting John T. Haydon an absolute divorce from Eunice W. Haydon on the ground of abandonment.  The parties were married April 2, 1913, and the wife abandoned her husband, according to the testimony, on August 5, 1916, because of her distaste for life on the farm. Mr. Haydon came from Prince William county, Virginia, in December, 1913, since which time he has been engaged in farming at Glencoe Baltimore county.

Wednesday's Child: Charles Richard Young

 Alexandria Gazette
23 August 1852

At the residence of Mr. Edwin W. Latimer, near Brentsville, Prince William county, Virginia, on the 19th inst., CHARLES RICHARD YOUNG, in the 19th year of his age, son of Richard Young, esq., of Prince George's county, Md. Amiable in disposition, uncontaminated by vice, with impulses of a high and noble character, he bid fair to realize the fondest anticipations of his parents and friends.

Newspaper Tidbit: PWCo Items (31 January 1874)

Alexandria Gazette
31 January 1874

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY ITEMS
[From the Manassas Gazette]

A few days ago Mrs. R. M. Waters, who resides with her father Mr. R. M. Weir, of this place, heard her child, a little over a year old, crying, in an adjourning room, and on going to its relief, found it on the hearth very near the fire, and a bird dog belonging to her husband with his fore paws holding on to its clothing and a determined look in his eyes as if he understood the peril the child was in.

We are informed that the imported Hampshire Down flock of Mr. Lywood, of Gainesville, Prince William county, have commenced lambing, the first three ewes of that noted breed producing seven lambs. These sheep appear to be particularly adapted to this country being hardy, prolific and of great weight for mutton, also producing a heavy fleece of fine wool.

A horse belonging to Mr. Willie Ayre, of Fairfax county, who visited this place on Sunday last, had its mane more than half cut off by some person or persons as yet unknown. The penalty for such an offence is fine and imprisonment.

The M. E. Church, South, for Prince William Circuit, will hold their quarterly meeting at Brentsville on Saturday and Sunday the 7th and 8th of February.

PWCo Item: Brentsville: April 26, 1869

Alexandria Gazette
28 April 1869

LETTER FROM PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY
[Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette]

Brentsville, Prince William County, Va., April 26, 1869

A colored man named Wm Tuell, living near the town of Dumfries in this county attempted, yesterday, to kill his father. It seems there had been some dispute between William Tuell, jr., and another black man, in which the father of the former, also named William Tuel, interfered, and his son took a double barreled gun and shot him in the top of the shoulder near the collar bone. They were sitting at the supper table when the difficulty occurred and the shot fired, and the load is still in him. His recovery is generally despaired of, as his wound is a very severe one and at last accounts was bleeding profusely.

The criminal was arrested by Marshall Davis, esq., Deputy Sheriff, on a warrant issued by Wm. Frazier, esq., and was this evening brought to this place by Mr. Davis and lodged in jail. I understand a pistol and a very long knife were also found on Tuell's person.

This case will come before the grand jury at our Circuit Court, the second Monday in next month.

I am informed this is not the first offence of Tuell, but that he stabbed a white man some time since, and shot at a colored man but a short time before he attempted to kill his father.

TYRONE.

Deed: Lowe to Leary (with graveyard)

Deed:  Lowe to Leary
Prince William County Deed Book 57, pg. 4

THIS DEED made this 28th day of August, in the year 1907, between S. R. Lowe, Jr., and Ida M., his wife, of the one part and Henry G. Leary of the other part, WITNESSETH; That the said Lowe and wife for and in consideration of the sum of Three Thousand dollars, in hand paid, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged have granted, bargained and sold and do by these presents grant, bargain, sell and convey unto the said Leary with General Warranty all those two certain tracts or parcles of land lying and being situate in Coles District in Prince William County, as follows: 

1st Tract, containing by estimation 202 acres and is the same land of which Basil King, died seized and possessed and which was conveyed to Samuel R. Lowe Sr. by John S. Mosby, Comr. by deed recorded in Liber 26 page 474. 

2nd Tract, Beginning at a stone pile on the east side of Blandsford Road, thence S.12-1/4 E.49 poles to P. a small white oak marked with a knife, a corner of S. R. Lowe, Jr., thence with said Lowe's line S. 19 1/4 W.175 poles to the Blandsford Road, thence with the road to the beginning, containing 24 acres, be the same more or less and which last tract of land was conveyed to the said S. R. Lowe Sr. by J. B. T. Thornton, Corm. by deed recorded in Liber 42 page 308, and the said two tracts being the same which were conveyed by the said Sam'l R. Lowe Sr. to the said Sam'l R. Lowe J. and Willis E. Lowe, by deed recorded in Liber 50 page 439 and the said Willis E. Lowe conveyed his undivided interest in the said two tracts of land to the said S. R. Lowe Jr. by deed recorded in Liber 56 page 313.

But the said Samuel R. Lowe, Jr. reserves and excepts from this conveyance the grave yard situated on the first mentioned tract, containing one-half acre and the right of ingress and egress to and from the said grave yard. And the said Lowe and wife covenant that they have the right to convey the said two tracts of land unto the grantee, that they have done no act to encumber the same, that the said grantee shall have quiet possession of the said two tracts of land, with the exception of the one half acre herein reserved and that the said Lowe and wife will execute such further assurances as may be requisite.

Witness the following signatures and seals.

S. R. Lowe, Jr. (Seal)
Ida M. Lowe (Seal)

Prince William County, to-wit:

I, J. M. Ellicott, a Justice of the peace for the county aforesaid, in the State of Virginia, do certify that S. R. Lowe, Jr. and Ida M. Lowe, his wife, whose names are signed to the writing above, bearing date on the 28th day of August, 1907, have acknowledged the same before me in  my county aforesaid. Given under my hand this 28th day of August, 1907.

J. M. Ellicott, J.P.

In Clerk's Office Circuit Court of Prince William County, October 28, 1907.

This DEED from Lowe to Leary was received with certificate annexed and admitted to record.

Teste:  E. Nelson, Clerk

Will: William Lee Sr. (1820)

Will of William Lee Senior
Prince William County Will Book L, pg. 343

I William Lee Senr. do hereby make my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say:

1st. I desire that all my estate or property after my decease, my just debts & funeral expences being paid, shall remain in the hands of my beloved wife Mary Lee & her to be in full possession & enjoyment of the same during her natural life.

2nd. To my son Wm. Lee I give & bequeath a cow & calf at the death of my wife to come into his possession.

3rd. To my Daughter Nancy I give in like manner one heifer to be hers at my wifes decease.

4th. To my son Henry I give & bequeath a bed which now goes by the name of his to fall to him in like manner at my wifes decease. 

5. To my two Daughters Elizabeth & Wilhelmina I give & bequeath all the remaining property over which I now have controul after my just debts & funeral expenses are paid and the above Items are fulfilld after my wifes decease.

And lastly I do hereby constitute & appoint my friends Col. Gerard Alexander Sr. & Major Charles Ewell senr. executors 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 & affixed my seal this 24th day of June in the year of our Lord One Thousand and eight hundred & twenty.

Wm. Lee Senr. [X his mark] {seal}

Signed sealed published & declard as & for the last will & testament of the above namd. Wm. Lee Senr. in presence of us.

Wm. P. Dunnington
John W. Petty

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions Contd. and held for Prince Wm. County Augt. 9th 1820. This last will and testament of Wm. Lee Senr. decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of Wm. P. Dunnington & Jno. W. Petty is ordered to be recorded.

Teste, Phil D. Dawe   Ct. Cur. 

PWCo Item: Letter from Brentsville (19 May 1875)

 Alexandria Gazette
19 May 1875

Letter from Brentsville
[Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette]

BRENTSVILLE, May 17, 1875 -- The people of our county, for the last two or three weeks, have been considerably agitated over the claims of the many individuals who are willing to sacrifice themselves for the sake of serving the county for the next three or four years, but the agony is over and once more local excitement is subdued and everybody is now busy planting corn and praying for rain. A primary election was held for the benefit of the several aspirants, and in all respects was satisfactory in eliciting an expression of the will of the people. Prince William has about one thousand Conservatives, but at the election, held on the second Saturday in this month, only about nine hundred and fifty votes were cast, and as far as your correspondent can learn, all the candidates, both victors and vanquished, were satisfied, with the exception of one of the nominees who has raised the black flag and decries all who voted for his opponents, and proclaims them as enemies to himself and the public.

Our Circuit Court convened on the 10th. There were no criminals to be tried. The grand jury found a true bill against R. G. Troth, colored, for an attempt to burn the barn of Wm. H. Dogan. The court certified the case to the County Court for trial, the law providing that misdemeanors shall be tried in the County Court. On the chancery side of the court a large number of decrees were entered and some cases disposed of finally. On the common law side more issues were decided than at any previous term of the court for several years past. The bar was well represented, Alexandria and Fauquier putting in a very creditable appearance.

An old lady, named Mrs. Davis, died near Independent Hill this morning at the advanced age of eighty-four.

Sunday's Obituary: Mary Cleary

 Alexandria Gazette (Va)
6 May 1845

In Washington, on Saturday morning, the 3d instant, at the residence of her daughter Mrs. Mary Ann Spalding, in the 68th year of her age, Mrs. MARY CLEARY, relict of the late Michael Cleary, Esq., of Occoquan, Virginia.

Newspaper Tidbit: Letter of Appreciation

 Manassas Journal (Va)
14 April 1932

LETTER OF APPRECIATION

Editor, Manassas Journal,
Manassas, Virginia.

Dear Sir:

I wish by this method to express the appreciation of myself individually, and on behalf of Virginia Forest Fire Service, for the very valuable assistance extended this department by the Aviation Corp., at Quantico, by reason of reporting its observance of fires which could not be discovered where proper officers could give prompt relief.

Too often we criticize the various department of the National and State Government and fail to appreciate and give credit for the service they render our community; and I adopt this means of expressing publicly the appreciation of the department and of the undersigned.

J. M. RUSSELL
Chief Fire Warden,
Prince William Co.

Sunday's Obituary: Virginia Cole Leary

 Richmond Times Dispatch (VA)
7 July 1909

Mrs. Virginia Leary
[Special to the Times-Dispatch]

FREDERICKSBURG, VA., July 6 -- Mrs. Virginia Leary, widow of Dr. W. B. Leary, of Quantico, died suddenly at her home Sunday.  She was a sister of Colonel E. D. Cole and Mrs. W. N. Tansill, of this city.

[Mary Virginia Cole, daughter of Horace Cole and Martha A. Taylor, was born in Prince William County 23 October 1841.  She married Dr. William Barry Leary and is buried with him in the Leary Family Cemetery in PWCo. ~ cgl]

School Record Saturday: Manassas Schools Begin Music Study

 Evening Star (Washington, DC)
4 July 1930

MANASSAS SCHOOLS BEGIN MUSIC STUDY

Miss Virginia Speiden Appointed Director, with Singing and Chorus Work Planned

Special Dispatch to the Star

MANASSAS, Va., July 4.--With the appointment yesterday by the school board of Miss Virginia Nelson Spieden to the newly created office of director of music in the Manassas schools, the plans for training graded school children in singing and high school girls in chorus work will be brought to fruition in September.

Miss Spieden is a graduate of Manassas High School, the Temple School of Music here, has studied under private instructors and was an honor graduate in music at Hollins College, Roanoke.

The honor of placing music in the local schools belongs to the chorus section of the Manassas Women's Club, as the school officials, though favoring the project, had no funds available for the purpose. The chorus section of the Woman's Club was organized last year by Mrs. R. S. Illingworth, and under her direction the chorus came to be the outstanding musical organization in Prince William County. Through a series of concerts given from time to time here and at other points in the county sufficient funds have been realized and turned over to the school board to finance the school music for the school term of 1930-31.

PWCo Item: Letter from Prince William (11 February 1870)

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
11 February 1870 (pg. 2)

LETTER FROM PRINCE WILLIAM
[Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette]

BRENTSVILLE, Feb. 9 -- The February term of Prince William County Court was held yesterday and day before. There was a pretty general attendance of people.

Judge J. W. Moore delivered an address on the issues of the day. W. C. Balch, esq. and Judge Sinclair also spoke. I heard that after the above gentlemen finished, two Conservative colored men spoke.

The following cases were tried:

Com. vs. Hoor, assault and battery -- verdict not guilty. Clark & Gen. Payne for defendant.

Com. vs. Beender, (colored) petit larceny -- verdict guilty and imprisoned 30 days. Clark for defendant.

William Fuell a colored man, sentenced six months ago to 9 months imprisonment in the county jail, was released.

An effort was made by Round, Commonwealth's Attorney, to get the Court to release Franklin Taylor from jail. He is confined in default of giving $1000 bond to keep the peace. This is a novel move for a Commonwealth's Attorney, especially as Taylor has, it was said, threatened boldly and openly to burn all the property that two gentlemen in the county own, and to kill then too, in less than twelve months. The Court very creditably refused to entertain such a motion.

The two men, Henderson and Nelson who are confined on charge of having entered and robbed the store of Davis & Lynn in this county, made a desperate attempt a few nights ago to break jail by prizing the bars out of the jail window, working through the side which was decayed, and pulling out the bricks with their bands. The noise was heard, however, by W. N. Tansill the jailor, and the progress of it arrested.

Mr. Tansill then ironed them, and Henderson with his naked hands snapped one of the chains entirely in two pieces.

They have since been ironed more securely. Henderson was married on Tuesday -- made arrangements on that day to rob the store -- robbed it on Friday night, and was arrested in a day or two afterwards in the presence of his wife, and a large portion of the goods were found opened on the bed near him. His wife who is of respectable parentage and possess some beauty is, greatly horrified at the conduct of her husband, as I learn.

Candidates for office are thick as "leaves in Vallombrosa." One gentleman last Monday I understand was so full of speech that the chairman of the meeting found great difficulty in inducing him to simmer down and let of steam without going through the process of a general explosion, while another in his great eagerness to speak suffered his coat tails to be nearly torn from his body in spasmodic efforts to bring him to a sitting position.

There will be a general convention held here next Saturday week, the 19th inst., to consider county matters, make nominations &c.

TYRONE.

Friend of Friends Friday: Emancipation: Hector Ross to Negro Dick

Emancipation:  Hector Ross to Negro Dick
PWCo Deed Book 1, pg. 2
6 January 1800

To all persons to whom these presents shall come I Hector Ross of the Town of Dumfries County of Prince William and Commonwealth of Virginia send Greeting:

WHEREAS William Templeman Esquire now deceased did in and by his last will and testament of record in the General Court of Virginia dated in or about the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and seventy three did devise unto me a negroe boy named Dick who hath now arrived at the age of about forty years Now know ye that for and in consideration of the faithfull services which the said Negroe Dick hath rendered me and in pursuance of the intention of the said Testator as expressed in the said Will I do hereby emancipate and set free the said Negroe named Dick for ever. And I the said Hector Ross do for myself my heirs Exors and Administrators do hereby covenant and grand to and with the said Negroeman Dick that he shall for ever hereafter remain free and emancipate from my claim and from all and every other person and persons claiming or to claim by from or under me which Emancipation is made by m in in pursuance and by virtue of an act of Assembly in force and in such cases made and provided In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this sixth day of January 1800.

H. Ross {seal}

Sealed & delivered in presence of }

At a Court held for Prince William County the 6th day of January 1800.

This deed of Emancipation from Hector Ross to Negro Dick was acknowledged by said Ross and admitted to record.

Teste
John Williams  Ct Cur.

Newspaper Tidbit: With the Rambler - Bel Air

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
29 March 1925

Rambler Makes New Visit to Bel Air,
Once Home of General Ewell's Ancestors

Sunday's Obituary: James Howison

Alexandria Gazette (VA)
2 June 1874

DIED.

At his residence, in Prince William county, of pneumonia, on Monday, the 18th of May, 1874, JAMES HOWISON, in the 70th year of his age.  He was an honest man, a kind friend and a good neighbor.  He leaves a large number of relations and friends to mourn their loss. --

[Baltimore, Washington and Fredericksburg papers please copy.]

[James Howison was born 3 July 1804 and is buried in the cemetery at Effingham.  --cgl]

Newspaper Tidbit: With the Rambler -- Brentsville

If you haven't checked out the Library of Congress's online newspaper archive, Chronicling America, it's definitely worth the time.  (And it's free!)


Evening Star (Washington, DC)
2 January 1916

PWCo Items: Court Day -- 14 May 1870

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
14 May 1870

LETTER FROM PRINCE WILLIAM CO.
[Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette]

The May term of the Circuit Court for this county was held this week ending yesterday evening, under Judge Keith.

R. A. Sinclair and John Camper qualified as deputies under L. C. Osmun clerk.

The grand jury found an indictment against Sydney Cross for assault and battery.

In the case of the Commonwealth vs. Manly which has been pending for about two yeas, a demurrer to the indictment was sustained.  Clark and Hunton for prosecution, Payne and Sinclair for defence.

Com. v. James Javins -- assault with intent to kill -- verdict not guilty.  Clark for prosecution, Sinclair for defendant.

Judge J. W. Moore and Albert Stuart, esq., qualified as Attorneys in this court.

Carpenter and O'Brien vs. John Naglee and Teasdale, on attachment bond -- verdict for plaintiff for $500 damages. Payne and Sinclair for plaintiff, Hunton for defence.

John W. Davis benefit of W. G. Brawner's administrator, vs. A. Patterson -- verdict for defendant for $119, which interest from 9th April 1865. Hunton for plaintiff, Clark for defendant.

A number of decrees were entered and much other chancery business was attended to.

In the celebrated chancery case of Cormey vs. Taylor, involving the title to the "Missouri mills" property in this county, the Court appointed Benjamin S. West, esq., of Stafford county, a receiver, and recommitted the papers to the Commissioner.

Franklin Taylor confined in jail in default of giving security to keep the peace in a bond of $1,000, was brought before the Court on a writ of habeas corpus, and the matter being argued by Judge Sinclair for the petitioner, and Clark for the State, the party was remanded to jail. Gen. Payne has been employed to assist the Commonwealth's Attorney.

Lawrence Cole, esq., who lost his horse recently has heard nothing of the thief and it is feared tha the will escape with the property.  The horse was tracked towards Gainesville.

The Court House lot will be enclosed before the next term of the County Court.

The rainy weather recently has delayed the farmers greatly in getting in their crops.

The country is beginning to look very pretty, vegetation is coming up and the trees are commencing to spread their green foliage in lively contrast with their dreary appearance during the winter.

TYRONE.

Brentsville, Va., May 13, 1870

Will: Charles Davis (1811)

Will of Charles Davis
PWCo. Will Book K, pg. 131

In the name of God Amen. The Twelfth day of November one thousand eight hundred and eleven I Charles Davis of the State of Virginia Farmer, being very sick and weak of body but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be given unto God therefor, calling unto mind the mortality of  my body, knowing that it is appointed unto all men once to die, do 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 Almighty God that gave it, and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent christian burial at the discretion of my executors, nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the almighty power of God. And as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life, I give devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form.

Imprimis. I devise and bequeath to my beloved child Barbara Davis one feather bed and furniture, one sorrel horse colt, one red heifer yearling with a white face to she and her heirs to have and to hold forever. Secondly and lastly, I give and bequeath to my b[e]loved wife Elizabeth Davis all the remainder of my estate that I possess in this world to have and to hold as long as she lives and at her death decease to be equally divided amongst my three children Sarah Rison, Edah Woodyard and Barbara Davis to have and to hold they and their heirs forever. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal the day and year first above written.

Charles [X his mark] Davis  {seal}

Signed sealed and acknowledged and declared in the presence of us and of each other.

Jesse [X his mark] Warder
John Ratcliff

At a Court Continued and held for Prince Wm. County Dec. 3 1811.

This last will and Testament of Charles Davis decd was presented to the Court by Elizabeth Davis his widow and being proved by the oaths of Jesse Warder and John Ratcliff was ordered to be recorded and on motion of the said Elizabeth administration with the will annexed of the said Davis is granted her she having taken the oath prescribed by law and given security according to law.

Teste.  J. Williams.  Ct. Cur.

Newspaper Tidbit: Fire at Dumfries (1847)

Baltimore Sun (Maryland)
3 May 1847

FIRE AT DUMFRIES, (Va) -- Eighteen Houses Burned

A correspondent of the Washington Union, writing from Dumfries, Va., states that on Wednesday last, a fire broke out in Mrs. Boyle's house, opposite the brick tavern, and destroyed nearly all the houses at the east end of the town; the house of Mr. Dunnington; the large three story, frame, containing about thirty rooms, belonging to the Colquhoun's and Dunnington's heirs; the old baking house; Mrs. Waters', Mr. Allen's, and several other houses, in all 18, were consumed.  About 40 persons were turned out of their homes.

Nearly all the men were absent, engaged in the fisheries on the Potomac. There was an awful silence -- no bells, no engines -- and the inmates of the houses, mostly females, looking on in mute despair.  Such was the dryness of the houses, and so rapid was the progress of the flames, that but few saved anything but their wearing apparel.

Newspaper Tidbit: County Teachers for 1934-35

Manassas Journal (Va)
30 August 1934

COUNTY TEACHERS FOR 1934-35

Aden -- Ila V. Breeden and Alice Breedon.

Brentsville -- Dorothy Woodhouse.

Greenwich -- Alvin Kline and Mary Benson Terrell.

Woodlawn -- Gary Richardson.

Bristow -- Elizabeth Hovey.

Kettle Run (col.) -- Josephine Wallsee.

Nokesville -- C. O. Bittle, Maron Broaddus, Elizabeth Q. Morris, Elizabeth Thomasson, Elizabeth Weatherman, Julia H. Bowen, Lucye J. Hillsman, Veta M. Drape and Harry M. Love.

Hayfield -- Emma W. Carter

Woodbine -- W. Y. Ellicott and Dorothy Suedegar.

Cherry Hill -- Christine Clarke.

Dumfries -- Samuel C. Patton, Frances Scott, Lucy Lewis, and Dorothy White.

Joplin -- Laurine Billings.

Quantico -- Patricia Sledd, Kathleen Clement.

Cabin Branch (col.) -- Margret V. Stokes

Quantico (col.) -- Ethel O. Mitchell

Neabsco (col.) -- Winnie Walker

Catharpin -- Willie P. Marshall (emergency).

Hickory Grove -- Selina T. Wilson.

Haymarket High School - W. L. Lynn, Jr., Mrs. Willis Foley, Maude Jordan, Mary Meade, Anna Blough, Sallie Massie, Katherine Foster and Ellen Eskridge.

Antioc (col.) -- Ella Morgan and Louise Allen.

North Fork (col.) -- Evelyn Primas.

McCrae (col.) -- B. Oswald Robinson

Thornton (col.) -- Katherine Toomer

Buckhall -- Myrtle A. Hensley.

Bennett Graded School -- Grace L. Hite, Margaret Powell, Ethel Robinson, Marguerite Neal, Virginia Polen, Virginia Frazer, Helen Dunkley, Loriece Carter, Eleanor Douthat, Harriett Bozarti, Ruth P. Smith, Grace E. Metz and Mary B. Nelson.

Manassas High School -- E. H. Osbourne, E. J. Johnson, Abbey M. Sutes, Veta M. Draper, Harry M. Love, Lulu D. Metz, Nancy W. Waters, Pauline Smith, William E. Lloyd, Mrs. C. R. Johnson, and R. Worth Peters.

Brown (col.) -- Bessie White, Lutie Lewis and Lucille Ford

Manly (col.) -- Georgia H. Berry

Bethel -- Virginia Grockett and Winnie Hensley

Occoquan District High School -- Elizabeth M. Vaughan, Arthur G. Harmon, Alonzo B. Hags, Treva Holler, Edythe Mae Thomasson, Jaquelyn Johnston, Lula Brydie, Mary Agnes Love and Mary D. Hood.

Summitt (col.) -- Ethel Lee Davis

Rural Supervisor -- Sue Frances Ayres, Manassas, Va.

PWCo Items: 15 August 1870

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
15 August 1870

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY. -- The daily attendance of persons at the bush meeting held recently in the grove near Gainesville was between three and five hundred. On last Tuesday 40 converts, varying in age from 12 to 80 years, were immersed.

From the Brentsville Advocate and Manassas Gazette we take the following items.

Mr. Edwin Nelson, of Dumfries Township, met with a painful accident a few days ago, which has disabled him from attending to his business for several days. He was cutting something overhead, when the axe glanced, the edge striking him near the eye, making a severe cut.

The Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Potomac Railroad Company have advertised for proposals for the gradation and masonry of a branch of their road, to run from Brook's station to a point near Quantico in this county.

The friends of Dr. R. W. Wheat, late of the county, will be pleased to hear that his health has improved, and that he is building up a fine practice in South San Francisco, having concluded to remain there.

A primary meeting of the Conservative voters of Brentsville Township will be held on Saturday next, for the purpose of appointing ten delegates to attend the count convention.

Mr. O. P. Chappell has removed his saw mill from Sprigg's Ford to Manassas, and is also engaged in puting in a planning mill in connection with his other business.

A meeting for the purpose of choosing delegates to attend the Convention, next September court, will be held at Manassas on Saturday, August 27th.

Charles A. Dunnington, Esq., a native of the county, and late a member of Co. A., 4th Virginia cavalry, C.S.A., expects to leave for California this week.

The picnic given by the Stonewall Base Ball Club, of Manassas, last Saturday, was a most delightful affair, and was attended by the elite of the neighborhood.

Mr. J. F. Andrews has sold 50 acres of his land, in the lower part of the county, to Mr. Schlag of the U.S.A.

Mr. Wallace Hixon is building a neat dwelling at Manassas which he intends occupying himself.

The building of Mr. R. W. Merchant at Manassas is going rapidly forward, and will soon be finished.

Mr. A. S. Davis is building an addition to his tin shop, at Manassas to make room for his increasing business.

H. O. Claughton, Esq., of Alexandria, will address the people of the county on Monday (September court day) at Brentsville.

Friend of Friends Friday: Inventory of Margaret Feagan

Inventory of Margaret Feagan
PWCo Will Book L, pg. 11

Inventory and appraisment of the Estate of Margaret Feagan (deceased) made by the subscribers the 28th July 1815.

Articles of Property / Price Dols & Cents

1 Negro named Benjamin / 400.00
1 ditto named Lucy / 275
1 Bed Bedstead and furniture / 22.00
1 Black Walnut Table / 1.50
1 Foot Wheal 2 50/100 1 Large Wollen Wheal 1 50/100 / 4.00
1 Dish 1 Bason & 3 pewter plates 2 spoons / 2.00
1 Small chest / 1.00
1 Gray Horse / 30.00
1 Black ditto / 30.00
1 Old Waggon & Hind geer / 40.00
1 Cow and calf / 13.00
1 Heafer / 7.00
1 Loom / 5.00

[Amount dol & cents]  $830.50

In pursuance of an order of the County Court of Prince William bearing date the 5th June 1815 after being duly sworn we have inventoried & appraised the Estate of Margret Feagan deceased, as above given from under our hands this 20th July 1815.

Benj. Dean
Wm. Green
Wm. Mount

At a Court held for Prince William County January 6th 1817.

This Inventory and appraisment of the Estate of Margaret Feagan decd was returned to the Court and ordered to be recorded.

Teste
P. D. Dawe  Ct Cur

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Account of Sales of Estate of Margaret Feagan
PWCo Will Book L, pg. 12

Account of sales made the 10th of August 1815 of the Estate of Margaret Feagan (deceased)

Articles / Purchasers / Price / Amount

1 Bed Bedstead & furniture / to George Feagan / $30.75 / $30.75
1 Black Walnut Chest / to Francis Feagan / 0 / .60
1 Foot wheel / to C. Feagan / 1.25 / 1.25
1 Cotton wheel / to G. Feagan / 1.33 / 1.33
1 Lot pewter / to Latham Feagan / 3.33 / 3.33
1 Walnut Table / to James Feagan / 2.50 / 2.50
1 Loom / to W. J. Washington / 0.50 / 0.50
1 Waggon & gear / to Wm. Green / 51.50 / 51.50
1 Cow & Calf / to Latham Feagan / 22.76 / 22.76
1 Heffer / to Latham Feagan / 10.05 / 10.05
1 Gray Horse / to Wm. Green / 48.25 / 48.25
1 Sorrel Horse / to James Feagan / 30.25 / 30.25

1 Negro Woman [Lucy] / to W. J. Washington  / 270.00 / 270.00
1 Negro Man [Benjamin] / to Wm. Green / 400.00 / bond 400.00

[Total]  $873.07

I Certify that the above sale was made by me the administrator of the aforesaid Margaret Feagan deceased the 10th August 1815.

Washington J. Washington

At a Court held for Prince William County January 6th 1817

This account of sales of the Estate of Margaret Feagan dec'd was presented to the Court and admitted to record.

Teste
P. D. Dawe  Ct Cur

Deed: Cornwell to Lynn (1849)

Deed: Cornwell & Wife to Lynn &c.
PWCo Deed Book 20 pg. 302

This Indenture made __ day of June 1849 between Silas K. Cornwell & Catharine Cornwell (his wife) of the county of Prince William & State of Virginia of the one part and Levi C. Lynn & James Norman of the same county & State of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Silas K. Cornwell and Catharine Cornwell for and in consideration of the sum of Forty Dollars to them by the said Levi C. Lynn & James Norman in hand paid, the receipt whereof that said Silas K. Cornwell & Catharine Cornwell doth hereby acknowledge, hath granted, bargained and sold and by these presents, doth, grant, bargain, sell & convey unto the said Levi C. Lynn & James Norman, their heirs and assigns forever a certain parcel of land supposed to contain Five Acres, lying and being in the county of Prince William, and adjoining the land of Jno. Sullivan Jr. John Keys & William Goodwin Sr. being a part of the land allotted to Sarah C. Calvert from her Father's Estate. To have and to hold the said parcel of land with the appurtenances thereto belonging to them the said Levi C. Lynn & James Norman their heirs and assigns forever to the only proper use & behoof of the said Levi C. Lynn & James Norman their heirs & assigns forever.  And the said Silas K. Cornwell and Catharine Cornwell for themselves, heirs executors & admr. doth here covenant & give to & with the said Levi C. Lynn & James Norman their heirs and assigns forever that they the said Silas K. Cornwell & Catharine Cornwell and their heirs the said parcel of land with its appurtenances unto the said Levi C. Lynn & James Norman their heirs & assigns forever against them the said Silus K. Cornwell & Catharine Cornwell and their heirs forever and against all persons whomsoever and shall and will by these presents forever warrent and defend.  And witness whereof the said Silas K. Cornwell & Catharine hath hereunto set their hand and affixed their seal this 4th day of June and year before written.

Silas K. Cornwell {seal}
Catharine [X her mark] Cornwell {seal}

Prince William Cty to wit

Silas K. Cornwell this day came before us A. H. Saunders & C. E. Norman Justices of the peace for the county aforesaid, and acknowledged the same to be his act and deed and desired us to certify sd. acknowledgement to the clerk of the county court of Prince Wm. in order that it may be recorded and on the same day Catharine Cornwell wife of Silas K. Cornwell, who was examined separately and apart from her husband, and made a similar acknowledgement and request, and said it was he voluntary act, and that she did not wish to retract, Given under our hand and seals this the 4th day of June 1847.

A. H. Saunders {seal}
C. E. Norman {seal}

In Prince William County Court June 4, 1849

This deed from Cornwell & wife to Lynn &c. was presented to court with certificate annexed & ordered to be recorded.

Teste -- J. Williams  C. C.



["&c" is often used in land records as an abbreviation for et cetera, Latin for "and the rest." --cgl] 

Will: Charles Harding Sr.

Will of Charles Harding
PWCo Will Book L, pg. 497

I Charles Harding Snr do hereby make my last will and testament in manner and form following Viz--

1st. I desire that as much of my property be immediately sold after my decease as will pay all my just debts and funeral expences. 2nd I desire that my wife Catherine Harding shall have my young black sow and piggs my crop of cotton one cotton wheel one pair of cotton cards, three barrels of corn one plough and plough stock and plough geer which I give to her and to her heirs forever.  3rd. I give to Lorinda Wartis daughter of Landen Wartis one Bed and Bedstead one iron pot one linnel wheel one cotton wheel & one trunk which I give to her and to her heirs forever.  4th all the rest of my Estate of what nature or kind soever it may be not hereinbefore particularly disposed of I desire may be equally divided among my wife Catherine Harding and my daughter Lydda Harding and Mary Harding daughter of my son Charles Harding which I give to them and to their heirs forever and Lastly I do hereby constitute & appoint George Weedon my Executor to 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 and affixed my seal this 24th day of September 1822.

Charles Harding {seal}

Signed saled and published and declared as and for the last will and testament of the above named Charles Harding in the presence of 

Matthias Cole

John C. Weedon

Austin B Weedon

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William County November the 4th 1822.

This last will and testament of Charles Harding Senr. decd was presented to the Court by George Weedon the Exor therein named and the same being proved by the oaths of John C. Weedon and Austion Weedon two of the witnesses thereto is ordered to be recorded, and the Exor having made oath to the said will according to law and performed what is usual in such cases certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste,

Philip D. Dawe  Cl Cur

PWCo Items: Jury Cases / Conservative Convention (20 October 1873)

 Alexandria Gazette (Va)
20 October 1873

PRINCE WILLIAM CO. -- [From the Manassas Gazette]

The Circuit Court met at Brentsville on Monday, Judge Keith presiding. As all the civil cases of the County Court had been transferred to the Circuit Court docket under the new law, it was expected that the session of the Court would be a long one, but, on the contrary, it was a short one, as the Court adjourned Thursday morning. The jury cases decided were as follows: Love vs. Bailey, for wharfage near Dumfries, verdict for the defendant; Kincheloe and Pearly's administrator vs. Wm. Brawner's estate, verdict for plaintiff; E. V. Weir vs. W. J. Weir's administrator, verdict for plaintiff; Reamor vs. Ashe, non-suit for defendant.  In the litigated case concerning Mrs. Roach's will, the judgment of the County Court was confirmed. A demurrer involving the question whether the township of Gainesville was responsible to Mr. Stewart of that township for damage to his horse by reason of the defective condition of a public highway was discussed by Gen. W. H. Payne for Stewart, and Judge Nicol for the township.

The Conservative Convention, having failed to make nominations, the field has been left open for a free race, the Republicans having previously determined to make none.  Mr. Geo. C. Round announces himself as a candidate, and Maj. Dunnington has not withdrawn his card as a candidate, so that we may infer that he is still in the field for he House of Delegates, as is Maj. Purcell we believe. Mr. Lewis announces his withdrawal as a candidate for the House of Delegates, as does Mr. Meredith as a candidate for the position of Commonwealth's Attorney. If this triangular race is run for the Legislature, it will doubtless be a close one.

Mr. N. J. Ditto, who lately purchased the fine estate of Judge Cockerille, in Fairfax county, arrived here on Wednesday last to take possession of his new home. Mr. Ditto has a large family, and will be a valuable acquisition to this portion of our State. He is from Washington county, Maryland. His new purchase contains about 300 acres, for which he paid $13,000. It is an elegant place, and under a high state of cultivation.

Col. Chauney H. Snow and his lady arrived at home on Tuesday morning last from Le Surer Minnesota, where he had gone to attend the bedside of a sick brother, whose death was noticed in this paper at the time it occurred.

Mr. David Andrews, who lately purchased a farm near Brentsville, Prince William county, had fifty bushels of oats stolen from his barn whilst he was confined to his house with sickness.

Sunday's Obituary: John R. Huddle

Harrisonburg Daily News (Va)
30 August 1955

DEATH DUE TO  NATURAL CAUSES

Manassas, Aug. 29 -- John R. Huddle, 41, formerly of Elkton, who was found dead Sunday morning in the home of his brother-in-law, Paul Randall, at Brentsville, died of natural causes, Prince William County authorities said tonight after they received the report of the autopsy performed in the Arlington Hospital.

Sheriff Turner D. Wheeling said Mr. Huddle had a bruise on his nose and a black eye. An examination showed that he died of a cerebral hemorrhage and that he may have injured himself in falling.

Mr. Randall told officers that Mr. Huddle came to his home about three o'clock Sunday morning and appeared to have been hurt. Mr. Huddle insisted to his brother-in-law that he was all right. Mr. Huddle was then left to rest on a couch on the first floor and Mr. Randall returned to bed. When Mr. Randall arose later for breakfast he found his brother-in-law dead on the floor.

Mr. Huddle was a widower with five children. He lived at Dunn Loring and worked in Georgetown as a welder.

Funeral services will be held from the Furnace Methodist Church near Elkton, Tueday afternoon at two o'clock. The body will be taken to Elkton Tuesday morning. Mr. Huddle was a native of the Elkton community where he has a number of relatives.

PWCo Item: 10 July 1873

 Alexandria Gazette (Va)
10 July 1873

Letter from Prince William
[Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette]

BRENTSVILLE, PRINCE WM. CO., July 9 -- Prince William, generally, celebrated the 4th as a holiday.  A pic-nic and tournament was held at Woodbridge, where everything passed off quietly, all enjoying themselves.  The charge to the Knights was delivered in eloquent and significant language by R. R. Farr, esq., of Fairfax C. H., and the coronation address by James Sangster, esq., in his usual effective manner and happiness of expression.  At Potomac City, there was a grand gathering from Maryland, Alexandria, Washington, Fredericksburg and other places; mirth and dancing were the order of the day.  At Bellfair Mills on the borders of Prince William and Stafford counties, the fair daughters and noble sons of the same counties mingled joyfully in the dance. After dinner all adjourned from the pavillion to witness the contest in the lists. The Knights were charged by J. J. Davies, of Brentsville. The coronation address, delivered by B. D. Suttle, esq., of Stafford, was welcomed by the contained plaudits of the spectators. Manassas was employed in giving a Sunday school celebration. The exercises at Nokesville have been already published in the Gazette.

Yesterday was the last term of our County Court under the present system. This being a grand jury term an indictment was found against  Chas. Tatum, colored, for assault and battery. There were no Commonwealth cases tried and but little of other business transacted.  

The report of the commissioners upon the proposed bridge at Occoquan was recommitted for further report on the 18th inst. 

A commission of Justices and Pysicians held a consultation on the condition of Jack Evans, colored, who has been confined in jail for some time for threatening to kill Z. A. Kankey, esq., of Neabsco Mill.  After some deliberation it was determined to send him to the asylum at Williamsburg or Stuanton.

There was a meeting held to nominate candidates to the convention to be held at Richmond in August. The following gentlemen were examined and promised to attend:  A. H. Feuchsel, Dumfries; Z. A. Kankey, Occoquan; Lawrence Cole, Coles; Maj. Thornton, Brentsville; B. F. Lewis, Manassas; and Maj. Hunter Johnson, Haymarket. 

J.

Wedding Wednesday: Keys/McEuen and Weeks/Herndon

Evening Star (Washington, DC)

27 December 1888

MARRIED AT THE COURT-HOUSE

Two Couples from Virginia and One from Maryland

This morning when the office of the clerk of the court opened there was in the corridor a young couple waiting for a marriage license. This was made out in the names of Wilman J. Weeks and Angeline A. Herndon, both of Branchville, Prince William county, Va.  before this license was issued another couple appeared and procured a license bearing the names of Edward Grove and Cornelia Tucker, both of White Plains, Charles county, Md. A suggestion was made, as they were strangers, that a minister could be procured speedily and a court-room could be opened for the ceremonies. These suggestions were accepted and Rev. Dr. Corey, of the Metropolitan M. E. church, was sent for and tied the double knot in the presence of a large number of members of the bar, clerks and others. In a few minutes thereafter James M. Keys and Catherine McEuen, both of Brentsville, Prince William county, Va., appeared. They were shown into the private room of one of the judges, and Rev. L. H. York, a local minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, was sent for and made them one.

Trustees' Sale (or is it?): Yorkshire / Locust Grove

Alexandria Gazette (VA)

24 October 1846

TRUSTEES' SALE OF LAND AND NEGROES.--Pursuant to the provisions of two deeds of trust, the one bearing date the first day of May, 1841, and the other the first day of September, 1843, executed to the subscribers for purposes therein mentioned, by John Hooe, Jr., late of Prince William County, both of which deeds are duly recorded in the Clerk's Office of the said County, we shall, on Monday, the 2nd day of November next, at Brentsville, proceed to sell, by public auction, for cash, the following property, to wit:

1. A TRACT OF LAND, lying and being in the county of Prince William, called and known by the name of "YORKSHIRE," adjoining the lands of Lovell Marders, Wm. J. Weir, and Wm. Brawner, containing about 1100 acres, and is the same land which was conveyed to said Hooe by Bushrod Washington and H. Turner.

2. Another tract of land, adjoining the above tract, called "LOCUST GROVE," containing --- acres, to which the said John Hooe, Jr. derived title from his father, the late Bernard Hooe, of Prince William County.

3. A TRACT OF LAND lying in said county of Prince William, on Occoquan run, adjoining the lands of Mrs. Kincheloe, Mrs. Hixon, and others, and contains about 400 acres.

4. The following SLAVES and their increase since 1st September, 1843, to wit: Reuben, Nancy, Lucinda, Thornton, Paris, Mary Ann, Bill, Sally, Laurinda, Betsy, Horace, Davy, and Richard. Such title only as is vested in the undersigned by the deeds aforesaid, will be conveyed to the purchaser; but it is believed that the title to all said property is unquestionable.

A. HANSFORD,

W. R. MASON,

Trustees

King George County, Va., aug 27--eots

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

NOTICE. -- The public are hereby forewarned that the debt embraced in the deed of trust, under which the above lands are offered for sale, is usurious, and not binding upon the estate of Col. John Hooe, deceased; and that as the lands advertised have descended to Mrs. Virginia B. Mason, as a part of her separate estate, and are now in her possession, he will resist the recovery of possession of any of the lands that may be sold by the trustees in said trust, on the ground that the deed of trust is utterly void and of no effect.  As a purchaser at a Trustee's sale is a purchaser without warrant of title, and at his own risk, this notice has been deemed property.

JOHN S. MASON,

VIRGINIA B. MASON,

only child and heir of Col. John Hooe, Jr., dec'd.

Prince William Co., Va., sep 10 -- cots

PWCo Items: 1 August 1874

Alexandria Gazette
1 August 1874

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY ITEMS.--[From the Manassas Gazette.]

The water in the well of Mr. E. E. Conner, of this place, became so strongly tinctured with coal oil several months ago that the family was compelled to discontinue its use.  Last week Mr. C. had the well cleaned out. There was found an oily substance on the surface of the water which, on having fire applied to it, burned as brilliantly as the best coal oil. Mr. C. cannot account for the presence of the substance.

Edwards, a German, living with Mr. C. Matthis, of this place, had occasion to go on top the barn one day last wee, and, missing his footing, fell to the ground a distance of fifteen or eighteen feet, sustaining a terrible fracture of one of his legs and a very bad sprain of an ankle. The bones were terribly shivered between the knee and ankle joints and protruded through the flesh.

Constable Keys, with a number of men, surrounded and arrested Monroe Atchison, on Saturday last, at Horton's store. Atchison is one of the brothers, two others of which are at large, who are suspected of stealing two horses from the Herndons. He was taken before Justice Law, who committed him to jail. Atchison expects to prove an alibi.

A wandering albino, with a pack on his back, passed through here one day last week. His complexion was almost snow white, and his hair, including his beard, eyebrows and lashes, if possible, were whiter than his skin. His eyes were almond shaped, and a light cherry-red. He was of light statue, and walked as nimbly as a cat.

Nearly every well in the town of Manassas has gone dry, and will continue so while they remain at their present depth -- from fifteen to twenty feet.

One Wednesday, the 5th of August, at Sudley church, a festival will be held for the purpose of raising funds for the completion of said church.

Delegates to the Congressional Convention to meet at Tappahannock on Wednesday next will be appointed at Brentsville on Monday.

Horse racing, which bid fair in the early summer to be all the rage at Manassas, seems to have entirely died out.

Blackberries are plentiful now, and selling at from two to three cents a quart.

The corn crop, from present appearances, we fear, will be a short one.

The County Court for the August term sits on Monday next.

Sunday's Obituary: Susan (Cannon) Trunnell

Alexandria Gazette (VA)
29 June 1918

DIED -- At her home 1451 Duke street, yesterday morning, June 28, 1918, Mrs. Susan Cannon Trunnell, widow of the late Samuel Trunnell, and daughter of the late C. Granderson and Mary Cannon, sister of the late Dr. William Cannon, of Washington.  Mrs. Trunnell was born in Prince William county, Va., 84 years ago, she having reached her 84th milestone June 15.  She was of English parentage and moved to this city at the close of the Civil War, where she made a wide circle of friends. She was liked and respected by all who knew her. M. Trunnell is survived by three children, Mrs. A. M. Henry, of this city, Mrs. M. E. Whalen and Mrs. W. H. King, of Washington. Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the residence of her grand-daughter, Mrs. John Humphries, 320 Commerce street. Friends of the family are invited to attend.

Farewell, dear Mother,
till we meet again
In that happy land
Where there will be no farewell said,
And all our tears will be wiped away.

(Prince William county and Washington papers please copy)
155-1t

[Susan Cannon Trunnell is buried at Trinity United Methodist Church cemetery in Alexandria, VA.]

PWCo Items - 19 July 1875

Alexandria Gazette (VA)
19 July 1875

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY ITEMS. -- John Lynch, a member of the 43d Congress, from Maine, purchased at Trustee's sale on Thursday last a tract of land situate about two miles from this place known as "Fairview" containing 115 acres, having upon it a fine brown stone quarry, and well watered.

The bridge across Cedar run at Brentsville having suddenly become in an unsafe condition temporary repairs are being made to it. It is said it was damaged by the passage of a dozen cattle across it.

The Board of Supervisors at their meeting this week, levied for county purposes, fifteen cents on the hundred dollars of property.

James W. Carr has sold his farm at Bristoe station containing 210 acres to a Mr. French of Lycuming county, Pa.

A little child of Mr. Halpenny, near Bristoe fell on an axe on Wednesday last and cut his head very severely. 

-- Manassas Gazette

Friend of Friends Friday: Inventory of William Copin (1805)

William Copin's Additional Inventory
PWCo Will Book I, pg. 64

Pursuant to an order of Prince William County Court, we the subscribers being first sworn, before William Barnes a justice for said County, have appraised the following property belonging to the Estate of Wm. Copin decd in addition to the property formerly appraised, [which] sd property we are informed has lately been brought into this County from the County of Frederick, viz.

One Negro Man named Frank about 51 years old appraised to Forty pounds.

Given under our hands this 6th day of August One thousand eight hundred and five.

Augustine Weedon
Samuel Cole
Samuel Fielder

This is the property formerly ordered to be appraised in the County of Shannandoah.

George Coppin  {administrator

At a Court held for Prince William County Septr. 2d 1805

This additional Inventory and appraisement of the Estate of Wm. Copin decd was returned to the County & ordered to be recorded.

Teste
J. Williams   Ct. Cur.

Trustees Sale: Effingham (1828)

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
21 August 1828

TRUSTEE'S SALE

By virtue of five several deeds of trust from Lawrence G. Alexander to me dated the --- day of July, 1827, the 6th day of August, 1827, the 5th day of March, 1828, the 16th day of March, 1828, and the 4th day of June, 1828, duly recorded in the Clerk's Office of Prince William County Court, I shall on Thursday, the 7th day of August next, before the front-door of Prince William Court-House, offer for sale to the highest bidder, for ready money, all the Estate, real and personal, conveyed to me by said deeds, consisting of said Alexander's interest under his father's Will in a Tract of Land called Effingham, lying upon Cedar-Run in said County and in 31 valuable Slaves, his share, estimated to contain 3,000 acres, of certain Lands in the state of Kentucky, a Tract of Land of about 160 acres adjacent to Effingham, and four Slaves now in his possession. As I shall sell merely ad a Trustee, I shall convey to the purchasers of said Estate such title only as is vested in me by the said deeds.

JOHN MACRAE
June 23--ts

The sale above advertised, has been adjourned to the First Monday in September next.

J. MACRAE
aug 14

PWCo Items: 14 September 1899

Baltimore Sun (Maryland)
14 September 1899

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY Notes.
[Special Dispatch to the Baltimore Sun]

HAYMARKET, VA., Sept. 13. -- The Ladies' Aid Society of St. Paul's Church, this place, under the management of Mrs. M. M. Magaw, of Gainsville, Va., gave a few nights' past, a well-acted play, entitled "Down By the Sea."

Mr. Thomas J. Chew, with his two daughters and sister, yesterday returned to his home, "Cloverland," Thoroughfare, Va. Mr. Chew spent the summer in Europe. He says his intention is to remain at his country home until Christmas.

Othneal Hutchison, son of ex-Treasurer Hutchison, Manassas, Va., sends word to his relatives that he is well and in China on his way home from the Philippines. Nothing having been heard from young Hutchison, they had supposed him dead. He belonged to a Western regiment of volunteers.

R. H. Jordan has gone to Lima, Inc. to take a professorship in a military school.

Mr. Frank M. Lee, of Buckland, this county, will marry in October Miss Catharine Tabb of Oakland Mills, Howard county, Md.

Sunday's Obituary: Dr. John Gray (1851)

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
7 February 1851

At Brentsville, Prince William County, Va., on Thursday, January 29th, 1851, Dr. JOHN GRAY, in the 36th year of his age. The deceased leaves many friends who deeply regret their loss.

[The Fredericksburg and Warrenton papers will please copy.]