Friend of Friends Friday: John Gibson to Hannah (Emancipation)

Gibson to N. Hannah Deed of Emancipation
PWCo Deed Book Z, pg. 149
Recorded 8 August 1797

Know all men by these Presents, that I John Gibson of the Town of Dumfries and Commonwealth of Virginia having promised when young entire freedom to Hannah a mulatto woman now of the age of nineteen or twenty years, and who has lived with Nancy McFlea from a child and is daughter of a negro woman named Lett and is of good health and of sound memory, I do therefore by these presents give, grant, relinquish and release unto the said Hannah her entire freedom and that she, and what increase she may have be from this date entirely released from all Bondage or Servitude of any kind to me, my heirs, Executors, Administrators or assigns, or to any person or persons whatsoever. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this first day of July Seventeen hundred and Ninety Seven

John Gibson {seal}

Signed & sealed in the presence of  ----

At a Court continued and held for Prince Wm. County the 8th day of August 1797.

This Deed of freedom from John Gibson to Negro Hannah was acknowledged by the sd. Gibson, and ordered to be recorded. 

Teste    John Williams  Cl Cur.

Deed: Renunciation of Sarah Dye (1796)

Sarah Dye's Renunciation
PWCo Deed Book Z, pg. 1
Recorded 5 September 1796

To the Worshipfull Court of Prince William County. I do hereby declare that I will not take or accept the provision made for me by the will of my late husband Vincent Dye decd. or any part thereof & I do hereby renounce all benefit I might claim by the same Will.  Given under my hand & seal this 4th day of April 1796.

Sarah Dye [X her mark] {seal}

Signed sealed & delivered in the presence of

Amos Dye, Henry Chamberlin,
Wm. Montgomery, John Dye,
Francis Montgomery

At a Court held for Prince William County the 5th day of September 1796.

The within renunciation of Sarah Dye was proved by the oaths of Francis Montgomery & Amos Dye & ordered to be recorded.

Teste   John Williams   Cl. Court

Wedding Wednesday: Crumpacker-Early

The Sun (Baltimore, MD)
16 October 1902

CRUMPACKER-EARLY

[Special Dispatch to the Baltimore Sun]

Manassas, Va., Oct. 14 -- At the home of the bride (M G Early's), near Nokesvlle, this county, a pretty wedding took place Tuesday evening last. The parties were Prof E C Cumpacker, of Roanoke, Va., formerly of Maryland, and Miss Daisy Early, a student of the Prince William Academy, Brentsville, Va. The bride was attired in alluer gray, trimmed in white silk. Rev. I. R. Long, of Frederick, Md., officiated.

Newspaper Heraldry: Thomas Chapman

Richmond Times Dispatch (Va.)
28 December 1913

Thomas Chapman, of Prince William County, married Susanna Ewell, daughter Major Bertrand Ewell, of "Buck Hall," Prince William County, and his wife, Francis Kenner, probably of the family of Rodham Kenner. She was born in 1735 and died 1795, her husband having been dead ten years (Thomas died in 1785). Susanna was seventh of nineteen children. By the will of Thomas Chapman, dated March 11, 1785, and recorded in Prince William County, he left following children: Thomas Carr, Charles Thomas Carr, Jennie Carr and Charles Ewell. They married as follows: Thomas Carr--SarahThornton (issue, Susan); Charles Thomas (born 1775) married Margaret Sarah Gadsby.

Newspaper Tidbit: Letters to the Editor / Ebenezer Baptist Church (1932)

Manassas Journal (Va)
15 December 1932

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Young folks at Haymarket send their messages to Santa, and the Editor reprints a few.

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

Haymarket
Dec. 2, 1932.

Dear Santa Claus:
   I try to be a good boy. I am seven years old. Will you please bring me a drum? I do not want much this Christmas. Give my love to Mrs. Santa.  ~ William Clem.

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

Haymarket
Dec. 2, 1932.

Dear Santa Claus:
   I have tried to be very good this year. I am seven year old. I want a bicycle and football if you can bring them. ~ Your little boy, John Sloper.

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

Haymarket
Dec. 2, 1932.

Dear Santa Claus:
   I have tried to be a good little girl. I hope you will bring me a doll baby. ~ Jean Schaeffer

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

Haymarket
Dec. 2, 1932.

Dear Santa Claus:
   I try to be a good girl. I am seven years old. I hope you will bring me some toys. I want a book and a pair of gloves. That is all this time.  ~ Betty Thomas

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

I go to Haymarket School. I am in the second grade. Please bring me a bicycle. This is all I want this Christmas. Give my love to Mrs. Santa. ~ Your little boy, Shirley Jacobs

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

Haymarket
Dec. 2, 1932.

Dear Santa Claus:
   I tried to be a good girl. I am nine years old. I go to Haymarket School. I would like to have a doll baby and a set of dishes this Christmas.  ~ Maria King

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

Haymarket
Dec. 2, 1932.

Dear Santa Claus:
   I have tried to be a good girl. I am seven years old. Please bring me a doll and some dishes.  ~ Anne Lightner

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

Haymarket
Dec. 2, 1932.

Dear Santa Claus:
   I have been a good boy, so please bring me a bow and arrow. I am seven years old. That is all I want this time. Good by, dear Santa Claus.  ~ John. T. Carter, Jr.

~~~~~~~~~     ~~~~~~~~~    ~~~~~~~~~

The Manassas Journal,
Manassas, Va.
Sirs!

     Allow me to thank our white friends for the help they so beautifully gave to Ebenezer Baptist church, Occoquan, Va. From the appeal you published in your paper over four years ago. Am glad to say the A.B.P. Soc. sent us 25 copies of the New Testament and 25 hymn books, and other literature.
     The Lend a Hand Society of Boston, Mass., sent two boxes of books. These have been distributed among four Sunday schools.
     It is my desire to thank the friends of Occoquan, Va., Brentsville, Va., Manassas, Va., Conklin, Loudoun Co., Va., Dist. Work House, Reformatory and Alexandria, Va.
     Trusting all may have a very Merry Christmas and Most Prosperous New Year.
     The church hasn't been finished. The insurance is $2,500.
     My sight having failed, I retire from pastoral work after 63 years and 8 months of services. I pray God's blessing upon all and ask the prayers of all friends.

Yours most sincerely,

L. H. BAILEY,
Ex-Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Occoquan, Va.

Will: Mary C. Gallagher

Will of Mary C. Gallagher
PWCo Will Book N, pg. 259
Proved: 7 June 1830

I Mary C. Gallagher of Providence Farm, County of Prince William, Virginia, being of sound mind but a low state of health, do hereby make this my last will and testament.

To my sister Margaret S. B. Gallagher I leave the whole of my interest in my brother Williams estate, and my interest in my fathers estate, I leave to be equally divided between my three sisters Ann Gallagher, Margaret S. B. Gallagher, and Julia F. Gallagher. 

I leave to my dear Nephew Bernard H. Peyton a gold watch with a handsome seal and key, and to my niece Ann Eliza Peyton a mourning breast pin with her mother's hair and mine set in it.

Those articles I desire my sister Margaret to purchase for them when Bernard H. Peyton shall arrive at the age of eighteen, out of the funds which I leave her. I leave my sister Ann Gallagher executrix of this my last will and testament and desire that the Court shall not require security of her for the performance of this trust. 

In Witness whereof I set my hand and seal this 31st day of March in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and twenty nine.

Mary C. Gallagher {seal}

Sally Linton
Sally B. Campbell
Margaret Gallagher

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William County the 7th day of June 1830

This last will and testament of Mary C. Gallagher decd. was presented to the Court by Ann Gallagher her Executrix therein named, and being proved by the Oaths of Sally Linton & Margaret Gallagher is ordered to be recorded, and the said Ann Gallagher having taken the oath of an Executrix and entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $2000 Certificate is granted her for obtaining a probate thereof in due form, the Court dispensing with security according to the desire of the Testator, it appearing that she died possessed of visible property more than sufficient to pay her debts.

Teste,  P. D. Dawe   Ct. Cur.

In Chancery: Notice of Deposition: McNair/Lipsicomb (1867)

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
18 March 1867

TO CLARA McNAIR AND HER HUSBAND, name unknown, Stephen McNair, Fred. McNair, Henry McNair, Robt. McNair, Dolph McNair, Geo. W. Brent, and Francis J. Cannon, Sheriff of Prince William Co., Committee Administrator of John McNair, deceased,

Take notice, that I shall, on the 15th day of April, 1867, at the law office of Aylett Nicol, in the town of Brentsville, Prince William Co., Va., between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., of that day, proceed to take the depositions of WM. E. LIPSICOMB and others, to be read as evidence in my behalf. in a certain suit in equity, depending in the Circuit Court for the said county of Prince William, wherein I am plaintiff and you are defendants; and if from any cause the taking of the said depositions be not commenced on that day, or if commenced be not concluded on that day, the taking of the same will be adjourned and continued from day to day, or from time to time, at the same place and between the same hours, until the same shall be completed.

FRANCIS A. T. DAVIS

Prince William Co., Va., Mar. 12--law4w

Sunday's Obituary: James H. Weedon

Baltimore Sun (Md)
31 December 1901

JAMES H. WEEDON

A special dispatch to the Sun from Washington last night

James H. Weedon, who was prominent in business circles in Baltimore until the Civil War, died today of acute Bright's diseases at the Providence Hospital in his seventy-ninth year. Born in Prince William county, Virginia, he went to Baltimore at an early age. Immediately before and during the war he was prominently identified with the wholesale dry goods business of Baltimore and a member of the firm of Hamilton Easter & Co.  His sympathies were with the South. With other members of the firm he was arrested, charged with selling goods declared to be contraband of war and was confined in the old capitol prison in the city for a while, afterward being sent to Albany, NY for a term of 21 days. He was pardoned by President Lincoln.

After the war he embarked in the manufacture of matches, and was prospering in Baltimore, shipping large consignments to the South, when his entire plant was confiscated by order of the Federal authorities. For 23 years he had been in business in Washington, most of the time in the sale of dry goods.

At the time of his death he was employed by the Great Falls Ice Company. He was married in 1857 to Miss Frances Eleanor Giddings of Frederick county, Maryland. He is survived by T. A. Weedon, engaged in insurance in Baltimore; another son and two daughters in this city, Mr. Edwin Nelson of Manassas, Va., a brother and two sisters, Mrs. Martha Chapman, of Roanoke, Va. and Ms. Mary J. Wroe, of Springfield, S.C. Mr. Weedon was an uncle of W. J. Chapman a coal merchant, 2306 Eutaw Place, Baltimore, and John C. Wroe, of the Brown Warehouse Company, 1127 Bolten street, in the same city.

PWCo Items: March 1874

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
7 March 1874

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

At a meeting of the Trustees of the County School Board, held in Brentsville on Monday, the following preamble and resolution were adopted: Whereas it appears George C. Round, esq., the delegate from this county, has presented a bill in the Legislature, having for its object the election of the School Trustees by the people*, and whereas such legislation would at the present time be, in the opinion of this Board, destructive to public school interests, and this Board, actuated by a regard for the welfare of this county and the cause of education, and uninfluenced by any formal consideration, protesting against such action as it conceives such to be their duty, is ready at any time to relinquish its power, so soon as other suitable and more efficient officers may be selected. Be it therefore resolved that the course of Geo. C. Round., esq., in presenting the above bill and urging its passage is in direct opposition to the views of the School Trustees of this county.

The March term of the County Court met on Monday, and was very well attended by persons from different parts of the county. The sale of the plate and jewelry of the late Mrs. F. B. Gibson attracted a large crowd of persons, and the bidding was lively. In the case of J.C. Branough against Craven J. King, for unlawful detainer, the jury failed to agree, standing nine for plaintiff and three for defendent; so the case was continued. Ferdinand A. Weedon was appointed and qualified as constable to fill a vacancy in Manassas Township. Mrs. Mary Newman qualified as executrix of Levi H. Newman, deceased; bond $2,000. The court ordered that the road commissioners of Brentsville and Coles Townships examine the bridge across Cedar Run and report what repairs are needed.

The bondsmen for the County Treasurer, and each of the township collectors, went before Judge Nicol on Friday last and concented to remain on the bonds of the above named offices for the time extended by act of the Legislature.

The Manassas Lodge of Good Templars, which had suspended its meetings for more than a year, has now assumed active operations, and has initiated nine new members in the last week.

*According to Wikipedia article on George Round, "1874...although (or because) Round proposed legislation to establish teacher training colleges across Virginia, he was not re-elected."

Friend of Friends Friday: Committed to Jail (Ned) (1832)

Richmond Enquirer (Va.)
20 December 1832

NOTICE.

Was committed to the jail of Prince William county, Virginia, on the 8th day of June last, a negro Man (a runaway) by the name of Ned: he is about six feet high, yellow complexion, between forty-five and fifty years of age; he is well known in this neighborhood; he formerly belonged to a Mr. Cooper of this county; about six years back he was sold to a trader, and was taken to the State of Louisiana (as the negro states) and from thence he was taken to Havana, and there set at liberty; he has no papers of emancipation. The owner is requested to come forward with proper authentications, and get his property; otherwise, he will be dealt with according to law.

BASIL BRAWNER, Jailor.

August 24.  31-w3m

Newspaper Tidbit: Interesting Relics (1894)

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
11 December 1894

INTERESTING RELICS.

Mr. Luther Merchant, who lives in Dumfries, has in  his possession quite a collection of interesting relics. Among them are three keys, a spoon and a silver coin. In the long ago Dumfries was a place of importance, but it is now a very quiet little village with nothing much to boast of except its former glory. The history of some of the relics which Mr. Merchant has shows that it has been a place of importance. One of the keys belonged to the court house when Dumfries was the county seat. The other two belonged to a bank and a hotel which once flourished there but which passed out of existence long since. There is inscribed on the spoon the date 1766, and on the coin the date 1713.  

~ Manassas Gazette

Newspaper Heraldry: Botts

Washington Herald (DC)
23 December 1906

[responses to previous inquiries]

20. BOTTS. -- The Hon. John Minor Botts, of Culpeper County, Va., was born in Dumfries, Prince William County, Va., Sept. 16, ,1802; married Mary Whiting Blair, daughter of Archibald Blair, and died Jan. 8, 1869. He was a son of Benjamin Botts, an eminent lawyer of Richmond, Va. who, with his wife Jane Tyler, of Dumfries, perished at the burning of the Richmond Theater, Dec. 26, 1811. This Benjamin was a son of Thomas Botts, who probably lived in the vicinity of Richmond.

Friend of Friends Friday: Commissioner's Sale of Slaves (1849)

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
16 November 1849

COMMISSIONER'S SALE OF SLAVES

By virtue of a decree of the County Court of Prince William County, pronounced on the 6th day of Nov. 1849, in the case of Dodson and wife, vs. Lewis and others, the undersigned Commissioner therein named, will sell at public auction, at Groveton, in Prince William County, on Saturday, the 24th instant, if fair, if not the next fair day, (Sunday excepted) the Slaves belonging to the estate of Francis M. Lewis, dec'd. consisting of Women, Boys and Girls, upon a credit of nine months; the purchaser to give bond and security; bearing interest from date; the interest to be remitted if the principal s punctually paid.

WILLIAM H. DOGAN, Comm'r.

Prince William County, nov 9 - eots

Will: Sarah Tasker (1846)

Will of Sarah Tasker
PWCo Will Book P, pg. 254

I Sarah Tasker will to George Cornwell my colt and plow & gear and sheep for his servises rendered to me in my sickness; and I also leave my servant Clany free and I do not wish [__] my children to try to enslave her as you know that I never intended that she was to serve anyone one.

Sarah [X her mark] Tasker

Ann E. Grimes
Mary Cornwell
James G. [X his mark] Grimes

In Prince William County Court, April 6, 1846.

This last will and testament of Sarah Tasker deceased, was proved by the oaths of Ann E. Grimes & Mary Cornwell, witnesses thereto, & ordered to be recorded.

Teste.  J. Williams  C.C.

Newspaper Tidbit: Colchester Marker Will Be Unveiled

Evening Star (DC)
24 September 1931

COLCHESTER MARKER WILL BE UNVEILED

Prince William Host to State Officials at Site of First Court House Friday

Special Dispatch to the Star

WOODBRIDGE., Va., September 24 -- Prince William County citizens will play host on Friday to State and county officials as well as several thousand visitors who will journey to old Colchester, now Woodbridge, about 25 miles south of Washington on the Richmond-Fredericksburg Highway, to witness the unveiling of  monument and marker on the site of the first court house erected in the county and used for the first time in 1731. The marker is the gift of Wade Hampton Ellis, master of old Rippon Lodge, who has just returned from Paris to take part in the exercises. The ceremonial will be part of the Bicentennial celebration of the founding of Prince William County and, following the unveiling of the marker, there will be an all-day picnic.

The festivities will begin at 10 o'clock in the morning with a concert by the Marine Band of Quantico, followed by tableaux and pageants participated in by the school children of the county depicting early Colonial historic events in the county, under the direction of Miss Beatrix Clark, rural school supervisor. Addresses will be made by Wade H. Ellis, the donor of the marker; the acceptance address will be made by J. Lindsay Dawson, chairman of the board of supervisors, while brief addresses will be made by Senator Claude Swanson, Representative Howard W. Smith, former Representative R. Walton Moore, C. C. Carlin and Charles C. Callahan. Hawes Thornton Davies of Manassas will preside at the formal exercises, while committees from the various women's organizations of the county will have charge of the picnic feature.

Newspaper Tidbit: Manassas Items (1914)

Richmond Times (Va.)
11 January 1914

MANASSAS
[Special to The Times-Dispatch]

Manassas, Va. January 10 -- Miss Florence Lion returned on Tuesday from Pittsburgh where she has been the guest of Mrs. Will Hall.

Misses Amelia and Daisy Hill Brown are the guests of friends at Charlestown, W. Va.

The Manassas German Club will hold an important meeting next week, and officers for the coming year will be elected. Arrangements will be made for the number of germans to be given this year. The club has increased greatly in membership, and has had an excellent year financially.

The Misses Lillian and Alice Brand entertained friends at 509 at their home in Manassas Saturday evening.

Miss Dorothy Johnson was the weekend guest of Mr. and Mrs. R. Weir Waters at their home in Culpeper.

Miss Thedia Waters of Washington was a guest at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. N. Lipscomb on Sunday.

Eastern College began its winter term on Wednesday with an increased enrollment. The first chapel exercises were held on Wednesday.

Mrs. R. S. Hynson returned Monday from Upperville, where she has been the guest of her sister, Mrs. James Kincheloe.

On Thursday evening the local medical profession was entertained at a stag dinner given by Dr. B. F. Iden at his home in Manassas. The guests were Drs. W. A. Newman, R. E. Wine, J. C. Meredith, J. Marye Lewis, W. F. Dowell and Surgeon John Hooe Iden of Annapolis. During the evening the physicians organized a temporary organization to be known as the Medical Society of Prince William County, which will be permanent at the next meeting on Friday night, January 16. Officers were elected temporarily, they being Dr. B. F. Iden, president, and Dr. J. M. Lewis, secretary. The membership at present consists of the local medical profession, but after the organization is made permanent all physicians of Prince William County will be asked to join.

Richard Kelly, of Marshall, spent Sunday with friends here on his way to Marshall.

Mr. and Mrs. Silas Lillard, who have been the guests of Mr. and Mrs. W. N. Merchant, have returned to their home in Danville.

Misses Anna Merchant and Miss Bessie Merchant are the guests of friends and relatives in Washington.

Miss Helen Burtless has returned to her home in Roanoke after visiting Miss Francis Spies.

Sunday's Obituary: Caleb S. Deats

Daily Dispatch (Va)
18 May 1915

CONFEDERATE VETERAN VICTIM OF HIS OWN HAND

[Special to the Times-Dispatch]

MANASSAS, VA., May 17. -- News was received here to-day that Caylor (Caleb?) S. Deats, seventy-seven years old, a Confederate veteran, committed suicide at the home of his son, W. T. Deats, near Orlando, Prince William County, yesterday evening about 7 o'clock. No cause is given. Mr. Deats had seated himself beneath some trees in the yard. He placed a gun in front of him and pulled the trigger with his cane. The discharge of the weapon blew off the top of his head. He was found by members of the household who had gone to a nearby spring for water. Surviving is a son, W. T. Deats; three sisters, one living in Manassas, and two brothers. The funeral services will take place tomorrow at Orlando with interment at that place.

Friend of Friends Friday: Gift Deed: Wells to Wells (1764)

Wells to Wells Gift
PWCo Deed Book Q, pg. 241A

Know all men by these presents that I Thomas William Wells of Loudoun County in the Colony of Virginia for divers good cause and considerations ____ but more especially for the love good will and affection that I have & bear to my loving Niece Elizabeth Wells (daughter of my brother Absalom Wells do give grant and confirm unto the said Elizabeth Wells three negroes Viz.  One Negro Woman named Linn one negroe Girl named Jude and one Negro boy named Jack together with the future increase of the said negroes Linn & Jude, which said three negroes I do hereby warrant and defend to the said Elizabeth Wells and her heir from the claim of my heirs Executors Admnr. and from the claim or claim of all persons whatsoever (reserving to myself the use of the above mentioned slaves during my life). 

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 27th day of Decemr 1764.

Thomas Wells [X his mark] {seal}

Sealed & delivered in the presence of 

John Anderson
Mo. Anderson
Elizabeth Anderson

At a Court held for Prince William County the 7th of January 1765

This Deed of gift from Thomas William Wells to Elizabeth Wells was proved by the Oath of Thomas Anderson one of the witnesses hereto & the same was admitted to record.

Teste   John Graham   Ct. Cur.

Wedding Wednesday: Harrison-Redman / McKiney-Harrison

Daily National Intelligencer (DC)
21 December 1850

In this city, on Thursday evening, the 19th instant, by the Rev. J. E. Weems, Mr. JOSEPH HARRISON to Miss MARGARET REDMAN, both of Prince William county, Virginia.

At the same time and place, by the same, Mr. JOHN L. McK[I]NEY to Miss MATILDA H. HARRISON, of said county and State.

Will: John Norman

John Norman Will
PWCo Will Book P, pg. 181
Proved 5 May 1845

I John S. Norman of the County of Prince William and State of Virginia being weak in body but of sound mind and of a disposing memory do make this my last will in manner and form following first I desire all my just debts be paid out of my estate -- and all the rest of my estate of every kind be equally divided between my Sister Geraldean Norman, and my Brother James William Norman -- lastly I appoint my Brother James William Norman my Executor to this my last will and testament. Witness my hand and seal this fourteenth day of April Eighteen hundred and forty five.

John S. Norman {seal}

Signed sealed and acknowledged in presents of us 

Benson Lynn
Geo. F. Carney
James Keys

In Prince William County Court May 5, 1845

This last will & testament of John S. Norman decd was presented to the Court & being proved by the oaths of Benson Lynn & Geo. F. Carney witnesses thereto was ordered to be recorded and on motion of James W. Norman the executor named in said will, who made oath thereto and together with Seymore Lynn his security, entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $200 conditioned as the law directs, certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate of said will in due form.

Teste,  John Williams  C. C.

Sunday's Obituary: Rev. Thomas B. Balch

Central Presbyterian (Richmond, VA)
20 February 1878

REV. THOMAS B. BALCH died last week at his home in Prince William county, Va. A member of the family, without giving the precise date of his death, writes:

"You, and many others, will, I know, feel deeply for us, in that our dear father has been called away from us. For three weeks he had been quite complaining, suffering from a severe cold, and asthma, and we sat up with him every night, but all the time we were hoping that under good medical treatment, he would soon rally, and be a great comfort to us, under the sad bereavement which we had so lately sustained in the loss of our mother. He loved to talk about her, and always said he had never met one on earth so pure and holy. I know they have met in heaven, and what a meeting! My father in past years had dreaded death very much, but long ago that feeling passed away, and all during his sickness his resignation was entire. 

Once he said to me, "I should prefer not to die in the cold wintry time," but for our sakes he seldom alluded to the anticipated separation. His life work was all done, well done, and the time had come that he should enter on his eternal rest. We are left disconsolate indeed, but "he has ascended the hill of myrrh, and the mountain of frankincense, where all earthly shadows forever flee away."

His ejaculatory prayers during his illness were beautiful and even sublime. My father has accomplished a great work on earth, he has preached the gospel with remarkable force, and been a most faithful evangelist. He loved to preach, and when he became feeble, preached from a chair. He was lavishly generous, and a great benefactor in every way, and his loss will be deeply felt."

Friend of Friends Friday: Ranaway: CATE / SINAH (1784)

Virginia Journal
28 October 1784

FIVE POUNDS REWARD

RAN away from the Subscriber in Prince William County, two likely Mulatto Slaves, viz. CATE, a light Mulatto, about 22 years of age, about 5 feet high, full faced, expressive eyes, of a pleasant countenance, an high forehead, fine teeth, bushy long hair, is well fet, and broadshouldered. She took with her two striped waistcoats and petticoats, the one blue and white and the other red and white, a white linen shirt and apron, a straw hat, covered and lined with black silk and trimmed with black gauze; and her common wearing apparel was a white waistcoat, and an osnaburg petticoat. -- I suppose she will endeavor for Fredericksburg or Alexandria, as she made an attempt to get off about 18 months ago, was taken up on the road to Alexandria, and said she intended for Philadelphia. -- She is very handy, spins well, and has ben used to both house and plantation work.

SINAH, about 20 years of age, rather of a darker complexion than cate, has a sunken bumpy face, a very unbidding look, has a decay and holes in two of her upper foreteeth, a sulky illnatured countenance, well shaped, of the middle size, low forehead, and very bushy long hair; She took with her a pair of silk cuffs, some pieces of gauze, a white linen petticoat, a fine white shirt, white linen enough for a shift and waistcoat, a black Virginia cloth petticoat, striped with white, a straw hat, covered and lined with black silk and trimmed with black gauze; had on a black striped Virginia cloth jacket, an osnaburg petticoat, and a black Virginia cloth ditto, which she wore under the other. -- She has been brought up in the house, is a good seamstress, and spins well.

Whoever will deliver them to me at my house, or secure them in any goal so that I get them again, shall receive the above reward, or Fifty Shillings for either, paid by

HENRY LEE
October 15, 1784

Newspaper Tidbit: Meeting of the Whigs of PW (1840)

Richmond Whig (Richmond, Va)
14 April 1840

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY.

At a meeting of the Whigs of Prince William at Brentsville, Samuel H. Janney, Esq. in the Chair, and Stephen French, jr. Esq. Secretary, Allen Howison, Esq. was selected as the Whig Candidate for the County, and Messrs. Nicholas Cleary, Stephen French, jr. Addison H. Saunders, and J. Selden Mason, as Delegates to the Young Men's Baltimore Convention.

Wedding Wednesday: Gray-Groves / Jones-Carney / Davis-Abel

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
1 January 1866

MARRIED

On the 24th ultimo, by Elder John Clark, Mr. WM H. GRAY and Mrs. MARGARET ANN GROVES, both of Prince William Co.

Also, on the 26th, by the same, SHIRLEY JONES, and Miss MARTHA CARNEY, both of Prince William co.

Also, on the 28th, by the same, JOHN L. DAVIS, esq., and Miss SOPHIA ABEL, both of Prince William co.

Deed: Power of Attorney: William Cole to Richard Cole (1803)

William Cole to Richard Cole Power of Attorney
PWCo Deed Book 2, pg. 360
Recorded 6 August 1804

Know all men by thee presents that I William Cole of the State of Carolina, have appointed and by these presents do appoint, constitute and ordain my friend Richard Cole to be my true and lawful attorney -- in the suits brought against Joshua Carney and others to carry on the fame to fettle or compromise to sell or to do any thing therein as to him may seem good ratifying and confirming every act of his as fully and freely as if I myself were personally present. 

In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this 7th Day of December 1803.

William Cole {seal}

Acknowledged in the presence of

Archibald Tackett
Hedgman Murphy (X his mark)

At a Court held for Prince William County August 6th 1804.

This Power of Attorney from William Cole to Richard Cole was proved by the oaths of Archibald Tackett and Hedgman Murphy and ordered to be recorded.

Teste.  J. Williams   Ct. Cur.

Division of Land per Will of Joseph R. Lynn

The following division of land "pursuant to the will of Joseph R. Lynn" does not appear to have been recorded in an existing PWCo Deed Book. Several volumes of pre-Civil War Deed Books were lost or destroyed, so this may be the only record of this land transfer.  Also worth noting is that this division of land also includes the maiden names of the of the wives mentioned therein.  ~ cgl

Division of Joseph R. Lynn's Land
PWCo Will Book P, pg. 290

Pursuant to this will of Joseph R. Lynn dec'd by the requests of Wm. M. Lynn the Exor of said will we the undersigned, acting as Commissioners have this day proceeded divide the land of decd in Prince William County on the waters of Quantico whereon the said Lynn formerly lived where he was a resident of Prince William County. And we have allotted the North Western portion as is hereby laid out to William B. Davis Virlenda N. Davis his wife formerly Virlenda N. Lynn. Beginning at the road where the said land formerly ran on the line between the said Lynn decd & Joshua Taylor and running as the said line goes North 72 West as may be run in the old plot which is dotted of in said plot a straight course with said Joshua Taylors land to a stone corner in the eight line in the said old plot then S41W to a stump thence S15E 63 poled thence S 44E 107 to maple in the run thence with the Hayfield land as the fence now runs till it strikes the 13th line on said plat about 50 poles North of the stone pile which is corner to the south and of the 13th line where we have established a corner at small box oak about 10 feet from where the fence now stands East of said fence thence a straight line now and East corner to a lopped white oak on the East side of the Main Road thence up said road as it now goes to the beginning supposed to contain upwards of two hundred acres and the balance of said tract to Basil Cole & Rebecca C. Cole his wife formerly Rebecca C. Lynn. Given under hands this 22d day of October 1845.

S. Lynn
Joshua Taylor (Comr)

In Prince William County Court June 7 1847

This division of the land of Joseph R. Lynn was returned to Court & ordered to be recorded.

Teste, J Williams  c.c.

Sunday's Obituary: George A. Hulfish

Richmond Times-Dispatch (Va)
31 August 1938

GEORGE A. HULFISH

Charlottesville-- Funeral services for George A. Hulfish, 94, who died here at the home of his son, Charles W. Hulfish, were held at 11 o'clock Tuesday morning at his former home at Haymarket.

Mr. Hulfish was born and reared in Prince William County, son of the late Garrett and Susan Hulfish. Other survivors are two sons, George W. and Thomas A. Hulfish of Alexandria, and a daughter, Mrs. C. B. Wilson of Kontfield, Cal. He also leaves a sister, Mrs. W. B. Smithers of Alexandria.

Newspaper Heraldry: Wickcliffe

Sun (Baltimore, MD)
17 October 1907

Messrs. Editors:

For the benefit of your correspondent who signs himself "Pottenger," and who wishes to find the name of the wife of Joshua Ferguson, I send the following:

Elijah McWiliffe, the immigrant, came with his family to America from England with five sons -- Moses, Aaron, Robert, Charles, Nathaniel -- and three daughters -- Sarah, ---, --- (Book 4, Nelson County Records).

Nathaniel Wickcliffe, late of Prince William county, State of Virginia, died in 1790 intestate; land passed to his next of kin, to wit: John Kincheloe, Daniel Kincheloe, Cardius Kincheloe and Dorcas, his wife; Robert Kincheloe, William Wheatley and Elizabeth, his wife; Presley Smith and Nancy, his wife; Joshua Ferguson and Mary, his wife; Arrington Wickcliffe, Moses Wickcliffe, Robert Wickcliffe and Sarah, his wife; Henry Davis and Mary, his wife; who sell and convey it to Charles Wickcliffe, of Nelson county, Kentucky, and Robert Wickliffe, brother of said Nathaniel, who was heir at law of said Robert Wickcliffe, deceased; land granted to said Robert Wickcliffe bearing date June 1, 1782.

F.A.C.
Bardstown, KY

Friend of Friends Friday: Ranaway: Moses (Purcell) / Maria (McIntosh)

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
5 March 1853

$100 REWARD!

Ranaway from the farm of Charles Stewart, in Prince William county, Va., on the 16th day of February last, my slave MOSES, who is a dark mulatto, about 25 years old, 5 feet 8 or nine inches high; has no visible mark or scar; wore his chair plaited and tied at the ends with strings; he stoops a little and holds his hand sin his pockets when walking. When he left wore away a light drab fulled cloth sack coat and pantaloons and a new vest with red stripes, in imitation of plaid. I will give a reward of ten dollars if taken in the county twenty dollars if taken in this State, fifty dollars if taken in the District of Colombia and one hundred dollars if taken in any adjoining State, upon his delivery to me in Brentsville Va., or if he is confined in any jail so that I can get him.

JAMES PURCELL.
Prince William Co., mh5--eo3t

~ ~ ~ ~

Alexandria Gazette
20 July 1837

$30 REWARD

RANAWAY from the subscriber living in Prince William County, a negro woman named MARIA. She is a tall black woman, well made, and cross eyed; has thick lips, the under one hangs considerably when not pleased. She had on when she went away, a country made yarn dress, though she took away with her other clothes which I am not able to describe. I have some reason to suspect she is in the District. I will give 10 dollars if taken in the County, 20 dollars if taken out of the County, or in the District, and 30 dollars if taken north of the District, and secured in any jail where I can get her. Information to be addressed to Brentsville, Prince William Co., Va.

JESSEE McINTOSH
[Nat. Int.]
jy 18-3t

Newspaper Tidbit: Representative Moore Armistice Day Speaker

Richmond Times Dispatch (Va)
11 November 1925

REPRESENTATIVE MOORE ARMISTICE DAY SPEAKER

Elaborate Program Arranged for Prince William Celebration

[Special to the Times-Dispatch]

    MANASSAS, VA., Nov. 10 -- A company of marines from Quantico, a military band, several hundred World War veterans, Confederate veterans, nearly every secret fraternal order in Prince William County, and children from one school in each of the six magisterial districts will take part in an Armistice Day parade in Manassas tomorrow. The parade will be reviewed by Mayor Harry P. Davis, James R. Larkin, chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Town Council and other town and county officials.

The parade will precede exercises to be held in connection with the planting on Lee Avenue of a memorial tree for each man from Prince William County who was killed or died in the service during the World War. A dinner for visiting World War and Confederate veterans will be served at the public school gymnasium after the exercises are concluded at 1:30 o'clock.

A football game will be played during the afternoon between the Swavely School, of Manassas, and Alexandria High School.

Representative R. Walton Moore and other prominent speakers will deliver the principal addresses at the memorial exercises. The memorial trees will be presented by Mayor Harry P. Davis and accepted by Wheatly Johnson, World War veteran. The memorial exercises will be held on the high school athletic field, where organizations taking part in the parade will be massed after the parade is concluded. The parade will start at 11 o'clock.

Several thousand people from Prince William and surrounding counties ae expected to witness the parade and exercises.

Will: Robert Latham

Will of Robert Latham
PWCo. Will Book O, pg. 21
Proved 3 June 1833

In the name of God Amen

I Robert Latham of the County of Prince William & State of Virginia, being well stricken in years and being infirm of body but of sound mind & memory  calling to mind it is appointed for all men to die and wishing to continue peace & harmony amongst those that shall survive me & are heirs of the worldly goods God ahs blessed me with, do make & ordain this my last will & testament in manner & form following Viz:

1st. It is my will & desire that all my just debts which are but few should be punctually and speedily paid.

2nd. I give & bequeath to my beloved wife Sarah Latham two negro girls, one called Celia, who was originally called Senar & the other called Eliza also one bay mare called Bety and a bed & furniture together with thirty dollars which it is my wish my sons John Latham & Thomas Latham shall pay her when they collect the sale money. It is my will & pleasure that the above bequests shall be possessed by her uninterruptedly & to be finally at her disposal as she may see fit.

3rd. I give & bequeath unto my son John Latham, four negroes, one boy named Moses, one Woman named Delilah, one girl named Harriet, and a boy named Randle there is an old woman in my family named Ann. It is my wish that my son John Latham should take charge of her & do with & for her, what may be just & right for her & himself. I also give unto my son John Latham the plantation & the appurtenances thereto belonging on which I now reside.

4th. I give & bequeath unto my five grand children, Robert Cundiff, Margaret Elizabeth, Lucy Ann, Thomas Richard & Susannah, by my son Robert Latham decd a negro woman named Nancy & her son named Charles, which the widow of the deceased has in possession. Also I give unto my above named five grand children five hundred dollars, that is one hundred dollars to each of them & to be paid to them as they severally come of age, by John & Thomas Latham, or their representatives.

5th. I give & bequeath unto my son Thomas Latham five negroes, named Harry, Agnes, Jane, Esther & John.

6th. I give & bequeath unto my Daughter Lucy Latham five negroes named Charlotte, Ann, Martha, James & Washington. I also give & bequeath unto my Daughter Lucy my riding horse & one bed & furniture. Also in consequence of my son John Latham's possessing the place whereon I now live it is my will that he shall pay to my Daughter Lucy one hundred dollars, in five equal annual payments the first payment to be made twelve months after the sale.

7th. My will is that every thing shall be kept together & the farm cultivated as usual until the end of the present year & that the proceeds of the farm shall be sold as part of the estate.

Lastly I desire that all my property not named in the above bequests consisting of horses, cattle, sheep & hogs, one Waggon, one cart & a gig, with plantation utensils & all the house hold & kitchen furniture, shall be sold at the end of the year, with the crop raised on the farm, & the money arising from the proceeds of the sale, after deducting the thirty dollars bequeathed to my wife and five hundred dollars to my five grand children, the balance after my debts are paid shall be equally divided among my three children John Latham, Thomas Latham & Lucy Latham. It is my wish that my sons John Latham & Thomas Latham shall settle my business agreeable to this my last will & testament in friendship & brotherly affection. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal this 18th day of February one thousand eight hundred & thirty three. (1833)

Robert Latham {seal}

Signed, sealed, published & delivered by P. Robert Latham as his last will & testament in presence of us:

Theron W. Newman
Albert Newman
Dean James
David James

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William County the 3rd day of June 1833.

This last will and testament of Robert Latham deceased was presented to the court and being proved by the oaths of Theron W. Newman and Albert Newman the two subscribing Witnesses thereto is ordered to be recorded.

And on the motion of John Latham and Thomas Latham Exors therein named who made oath thereto and together with Theron W. Newman & James D. Tennille their securities entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $10000 conditioned as the law directs. Certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate of said will in due form.

Teste.  Jn. Williams  Ct. Cur.

Sunday's Obituary: Effie (Scales) Thompson

Greensboro Daily News (NC)
16 October 1936

MRS. THOMPSON DIES AFTER BRIEF ILLNESS

Daughter of Rear Admiral Scales Had Made Home in Greensboro 10 Years

FUNERAL RITES TODAY

Mrs. Albert Lee Thompson, Jr., of Hamilton Lakes, died early Thursday morning at Wesley Long hospital after illness of a few days with pneumonia.

Funeral service will be conducted at 4 o'clock this afternoon at Holy Trinity Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Thompson was a member, by the rector, Rev. Robert E. Roe. The body will leave Greensboro on Southern Train No. 32 at 10:53 o'clock tonight for Washington. The concluding service will be held at 10 o'clock Saturday morning at the grave in Congressional Cemetery in Washington under the leadership of Chaplain Sidney K. Evans, United States navy.

Surviving Mrs. Thompson are her husband and son, Archibald Scales Thompson, of Greensboro, and two sisters, Mrs. Albert George Cook, Jr., and Mrs. Frederick L. Riddle, whose husbands are lieutenant commanders in the United States navy.

Before her marriage Mrs. Thompson was Miss Effie Scales, daughter of Rear Admiral Archibald Henderson Scales and the late Mrs. Scales. Mrs. Thompson is descended from a long line of colonial ancestry on both sides of the family. Her paternal grandfather was Col. Junius Irving Scales and she was a grand-niece of Gov. Alfred M. Scales, who was the state's chief executive during the four years beginning in January 1885. She also was a lineal descendant of Chief Justice Leonard Henderson, of the North Carolina Supreme Court.

On her mother's side Mrs. Thompson was a granddaughter of Maj. Gen. William Montrose Graham, of the United States army; a great-granddaughter of Col. James Duncan Graham, of the United States engineering corps; a great-great-granddaughter of Dr. William Montrose Graham, of Prince William county, Virginia, and of John Graham, of Williamsburg, Va.

During the last 10 years, following Rear Admiral Scales' retirement from active service, Mrs. Thompson hade lived in Greensboro.

Newspaper Heraldry: Howison or Howson?

Long before the Internet, many newspapers ran heraldry/genealogy query pages or columns that focused on regional surnames. 

One such newspaper was the Sun (Baltimore, MD), which received the following letter from a reader in 1908.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Sun (Baltimore, MD)
5 July 1908

Messrs. Editors:

In your issue of March 22, 1908, an article appeared in regard to the Hooe family and mentioned an intermarriage with the Howson family. Ann Moore Howison, born April 11, 1807, died March 4, 1872,, was the daughter of Samuel, born 1780, died 1843, and Helen Rose (Moore) Howison, born 1787, died 1850. Samuel was the son of Samuel (?) or Stephen (?) Howison, of Charles county, Maryland, and later of Prince William county, Virginia. He married Mary Brook(e), of St. Mary's county, Maryland, and was the son of John (?) Howison, of Scotland, later Maryland, the emigrant, who married Mary Wood, formerly of Scotland.

Is not the name of Howson and Howison the same, only differently spelled? Is the Robert Howson referred to in the article of March 22, 1908, any relation to the above-mentioned Howison family of Maryland and Virginia? Has any article appeared on the Howison family?

M.

Friend of Friend Friday: Ranaway: DAVID and JOHN (1819)

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
30 July 1819

ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD.

On Monday, the 28th June, eloped from Bell Isle, King George county, Virginia, two negro men, DAVID and JOHN. David is a black fellow, about forty years of age, rather below the middle size, has invariably a smile when spoken to, a good hand in the field, and a tolerable wagoner; his clothing, when he absconded, were an old felt hat, a double milled drab great coat, much worn, lined with red flannel, jacket and pantaloons of domestic cotton and yarn cloth, and a coarse linen shirt. David has a wife belonging to Mr. John Singer, who some years since moved from Culpeper county to Harrison county, Va., and for the last two years has been in habits of intimacy with a negro woman by the name of Rose, who was sold last fall, by Mrs. Berryman, of King George, to Mr. George Mason, of Gunston, Fairfax co. Va. it is probable he will attempt to get to one of these neighborhoods.

Jack is a lively black fellow, about thirty years of age, of the middle size, a little bow legged, rather an awkward hand in the field, having been bred a house servant, at which he excells, rather a surly disposition, and by profession a Baptist. He has a father belonging to Mr. John B. S. Fitzhugh, near Falmouth, Stafford co. Va. and a wife and family belonging to Mr. Thos. Fitzhugh, of Brenton, Prince William co. it is highly probable he is lurking in one of these neighborhoods; had on when he absconded, an old hat, a suit of domestic cloth cotton and yarn, and a brown linen shirt, and carried with him a suit of white domestic jeans. It is probable he and David will change their names and dress. FIFTY DOLLARS will be given for apprehending and securing in jail said negroes, or half for either, if taken in the state of Virginia, or District of Colombia; or the above reward, if taken out of the state, & all reasonable charges, if brought home to the subscriber's residence. Masters of vessels, and others, are forewarned from harboring or carrying off said negros. 

FRANCIS T. FITZHUGH
King George's county, Virginia
july 16    f4w

The editors of the Federal Republican (Baltimore) will please insert the above once a week for four weeks, and forward their accounts to this office for payment.

Will: Sarah Willet

Sarah Willet's Will
PWCo Will Book O, pg. 435
Proved: 1 June 1840

I Sarah Willet of Carrborough, Prince William County Virginia do hereby make my last will and testament in manner & form following that is to say, 1st I desire that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid.

2d. After the payments of all my debts & funeral expenses I give to Rebecca Scott infant child of Mrs. McEwin by her former husband James Scott One Hundred dollars.  

3d. I leave to Joseph Woodes and for and during the term of his natural life all the Lots of land I purchased of Capt. Jno. W. Williams and after his decease I give the same to my two nieces hereafter mentioned to be divided between them and to be enjoyed by them forever.

4th. All the rest of my Estate both real and personal not herein particularly disposed of I desire may be equally divided between my two nieces Ellenor Winson and Catherine King which I give to them and their heirs forever. 

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this the 12th day of March in the year of 1839.

Sarah [X her mark] Willet {seal}

Signed sealed published and declared as and for the last will testament of the above named Sarah Willet in the presence of us, 

Ann L. Wheat
Elizabeth Dunnington

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William County the 1st day of June 1840. This last will and testament of Sarah Willet decd was presented to the Court and being proven by the oaths of Ann L. Wheat and Elizabeth Dunnington is ordered to be recorded and administration of the Estate of Sarah Willet decd with the will annexed is granted to Henry Groves, who took the oath of an admor with the will annexed & entered into & acknowledged a bond with security according to Law.

Teste,  J. Williams  C.C.

Wedding Wednesday: Three Manassas Girls Wed (1916)

Richmond Times-Dispatch (Va)
27 October 1916

THREE MANASSAS GIRLS WED
[Special to the Times-Dispatch]

MANASSAS, VA., October 26.--Three members of the younger set in Manassas became brides to-day. Miss Martha Virginia Nash, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Emory Nash, and George Berger Cocke, of Petersburg, were quietly married at high noon in Washington at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Bresnaham, relatives of the bride.

The marriage of Miss Faith Pendleton Chapman, daughter of the late P. P. Chapman, of Manassas, and John Bascom Gaddes of Washington, a native of Lynchburg, was solemnized this evening at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Washington, Rev. George P. Dudley officiating.

Miss Grace Belle Green, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John S. Green, of Manassas and Wallace Meetze Monroe of Burke, Fairfax County, were married at noon by Rev. George T. Tyler, pastor of the Fairfax Methodist Church.

PWCo Item: 1834 House of Delegates Election

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
5 April 1834

Prince William County.

Col. JOHN HOOE will be supported as a candidate, at the ensuing election, to represent the County of Prince William in the House of Delegates.

THOMAS B. HOOE, Esq. will be run as the Working Men's candidate to represent the County of Prince William in the next General Assembly of Virginia.

We are authorized to announce W. W. WILLIAMS as a candidate to represent the County of Prince William in the House of Delegates.

We are authorized to announce BAZIL BRAWNER as a candidate to represent the County of Prince William in the House of Delegates.

[John W. Williams won the election. -- cgl]

Newspaper Tidbit: Three Prisoners Flee Manassas Jail

Evening Star (DC)
28 October 1939

THREE PRISONERS FLEE MANASSAS JAIL

Sheriff J. T. Kerlin of Prince William County, (Va.) and his deputies today were searching for three prisoners who escaped last night from the Manassas Jail by digging through a brick wall with a stove poker. Washington police were asked to aid in the search.

The escaped men, police said, are A. Keller, 42, and two youths about 20 years old -- Charley Hall and Oscar Verran. It was believed they caught a freight train out of Manassas.

Jailer Joseph Garner said three other men in the jail did not join in the break.

Newspaper Tidbit: Addendum -- Halloween Prank Ends in U.S. Prison

More than one person has asked if the investigation turned up the "pranksters."  The answer can be found in the following newspaper article --

Richmond Times Dispatch
17 March 1935

HALLOWEEN PRANK ENDS IN U.S. PRISON

One Gets Five Years, Two Others Less for the Despoiling of Grave

[Special to The Times-Dispatch]

QUANTICO, March 16 -- Three Quantico marines must serve sentences ranging from one to five years in the naval prison, Portsmouth, N.H., because they robbed a grave near here and dragged the corpse through local streets October 31 as a Halloween "prank."

Those convicted were Gene Cays of St. Louis, five years; Emil H. Hauch, Jamestown, N.C., two years, and John C. Killingsworth of Fort Gaines, Ga., one year. Hauch's parents reside in Washington.

At court-martial proceedings conducted here last month they were found guilty on charges of removing the corpse of John M. Rainey, World War veteran, from its grave Halloween night. The nude body was found abandoned in a front yard here the following morning.

Formal sentence of the marines came today following confirmation by Secretary of the Navy Swanson.

Newspaper Tidbit: Halloween Prank (1934)

Richmond Times Dispatch (Va.)
3 November 1934

BODY DISINTERRED, HALLOWEEN PRANK

Real Ghouls Stir Indignation of Quantico Folk

Quantico, Va., Nov. 2--(AP)-- Marine base authorities tonight sought to apprehend the real ghouls who were abroad Halloween night along with such legendary creatures as ghosts, witches and hobgoblins.

The morning after Halloween a naked body was found lying in a vacant lot almost under a street light. It was identified as that of John Rainey of Prince William County, who died September 29 and was buried in the Marine Corps Cemetery on October 1.

Further investigation revealed that the body had been dug out of its grave and dragged to the spot where it was found. Part of the clothing had been removed at the grave and the remainder scraped off as the body was dragged over the ground.

An empty wine bottle found at the open grave was the chief clue left by the perpetrators of the deed and plans were made today to examine it for finger prints. Indignant local authorities have called upon the Department of Justice to assist in the investigation.

Newspaper Heraldry: Gibson

Richmond Times Dispatch (Richmond, Va)
22 December 1907

GIBSON (No. 1456)

The following is sent us in reply to the Gibson article (1417):

"Susannah Harrison was the great-granddaughter of Burr Harrison, of Prince William county, Va. born 1637. Her grandfather was Captain Thomas Harrison, born 1665, and her father was Thomas Harrison, who married Ann Grayson, of Fauquier county. Captain Thomas was sheriff of Price William and a Burgess, 1788-89.

"His children as mentioned by will 1773, recorded at Warrenton, Fauquier county, Va. were: William, Thomas, Burr, Benjamin, Susannah, the wife of Jonathan Gibson; Mary, wife of Chandler Fowke, and Mrs. Ann Gilliam. His grandchildren were: Burr and Lucy, of his son William; Benjamin, son of Burr; Thomas H. Gibson, John and Jonathan Catlett Gibson, Ann Grayson Gibson; Ann Harrison Fowke, Thos. Harrison Fowke, and John Gilliam. A note states that the wife of Thomas was Ann (Ann Grayson?) but she died before the will of 1773. I can produce no authority. The eldest son, William, by his wife Jane, had three children j--Wm. Jr. who died unmarried, 1791 and left his estate to be divided between  his brother, Burr and his sister, Lucy Mallory (late Lucy Harrison).

Washington, D.C.
F. H."

Friend of Friends Friday: Ranaway: Turner (1944)

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
9 July 1844

$50 REWARD. -- Eloped from Col. John Hooe's farm, in Prince William County, Va., on the 30th of June last, a negro man by the  name of TURNER, of the following description: He is about 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high, of a dark copper color, 23 or 24 years of age, with a small scar on the jaw rather below the surface of the skin, high forehead, fine countenance, and very red lips. At the time of his leaving his clothing consisted of linen pantaloons, cotton shirt, and yarn roundabout and cap. The above reward of $50 will be given if taken out of the State; $30 if taken in the District of Columbia; $20 if taken in the State of Virginia; and in each case secured in jail so that I get him again.

THOS. M. FARROW,

jy 9-3t   Brentsville, Prince William Co., Va.

Newspaper Tidbit: A Man Without Feet and Hands

Washington Bee (Washington, DC)
26 February 1887

A MAN WITHOUT FEET AND HANDS

Those who may visit No. 222, Jackson Hall Alley, n.w. bet. 3d and 4 1/2 sts., and 6 and Pa. ave. will find a helpless invalid man, without feet or hands. His name is Lucion Novels Monroe; age 40 years. He was born in Prince William Co., Va. in 1847, and has been afflicted 31 years as follows:

For two years he could only go upon crutches, ten years, he could only set up in bed, and for nineteen years he has been confined to his bed; unable to move farther than others take him, and for twenty three years, unable to feed himself. He was taught to read in 1863; professed religion in '69, and in 1870, in the month of Sept. he was baptised. He is now about 3 feet long, having been parched up by a disease which was indescribable by the physicians, who begun with their conjectures of the white rising.

[The Washington Bee (1882-1892) was a Washington, DC newspaper read predominantly by African-Americans and edited by lawyer-journalist William Calvin Chase. -cgl]

Friend of Friends Friday: Ranaway: Parker Gibson (Jesse Harris) / Isaac Botts

American and Commercial Daily Advertiser (Baltimore, MD)
28 November 1822

NOTICE. -- Was committed to the jail of this county as a runaway, on the 14th inst. a negro man who calls himself Parker Gibson and sometimes Jesse Harris. Said Parker is about 5 feet 4 1/2 inches high and of a dark complexion--had on when committed a homespun roundabout, striped vest, blue cloth pantaloons, a pair of white woolen socks and an old fur hat--he says he is the property of Wm. Brawner, of Prince William county, Va. The owner of the above described negro is requested to come forward without delay, prove his property and release him from jail, otherwise he will be released agreeably to Law. Given under my hand, this 19th day of Nov. 1822.

THOS. W. MORGAN, Sh'ff.
no 22--1aw8 Frederick county, Md

NOTICE.--Was committed to the jail of this county as a runaway, on the 14th inst. a negro man who calls himself Isaac Botts.--Said Isaac is of a dark complexion, about 5 feet 4 inches high, has a small scar over the right eye and a wart on the neck. His clothing when committed consisted of an old black cloth coat, blue cloth pantaloons, tow shirt and old fur hat. He says he is the property of Wm. Brawner, of Prince William county, Va. The owner of the above described negro is requested to come forward without delay, prove his property and release him from jail, otherwise he will be released agreeably to law. Given under my hand this 19th day of Nov. 1822.

THOS. W. MORGAN, Sh'ff.
no 22--1aw8 Frederick county, Md

Gift Deed: Cornelius Skinner to Elizabeth (Skinner) Triplett

Gift Deed from Cornelius Skinner to Elizabeth Triplett
PWCo Deed Book 13, pg. 181A

Know all men by these presents that I Cornelius Skinner of the County of Prince William & State of Virginia for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which I bear to my daughter Elizabeth Triplett have given and granted & by these presents do give grant unto the said Elizabeth Triplett her life time & then at her death to her children, my negro woman Sarah & her five children, or any more that she may have, namely Dennis, Thomas, Benjamin, Julia, & Western, to have and to hold the said negroes unto her the said Elizabeth Triplett her life time & then to her children forever. And the said Negroes, ae not to be accounted for by the said Elizabeth Triplett in the distribution of my estate. And the said Cornelius Skinner for himself Executors & administrators, the said slaves to the said Elizabeth Triplett her life time & then to her children forever against the claim of him the said Cornelius Skinner, his Executors & administrators, & against the claim or claims of all and every person whatever, shall & will warrant, & defend forever by these presents. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal this 10th day of Dec. one thousand eight hundred & thirty two.

Cornelius Skinner {seal}

Wm. Rose
Jesse Ewell Jr.

At a court held for Prince William County the 11th day of May 1833. This Deed of Gift from Cornelius Skinner to Elizabeth Triplett was proved by the oath of Jesse Ewell Jr. and certified. And at a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for said county the 3rd day of June 1833. This said Deed of Gift was fully proved by the oath of William Rose another witness thereto and ordered to be recorded.

Teste, Jn. Williams  Ct. Cur.