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.

Will: Cornelius Skinner

Cornelius Skinner's Will
PWCo. Will Book O, pg. 238
Proved 7 June 1836

In the name of the Lord, Amen, I Cornelius Skinner of the County of Prince William and State of Virginia being in a weak state of body but of a disposing mind do make this my last will and testament revoking all others heretofore by me made.

In the first place I will and desire all my just debts to be paid.

Secondly, I will to the children of my son Richard Deceased, and fifths part of my Estate, also to my sons Phinehas and Samuel each one fifth part of my Estate.

Thirdly I will one fifth part of my Estate to my nephew Nathan Skinner in trust for the entire use and benefit of my daughter Frances Rausseau and her children separate and a part from her husband and beyond his control to be by her so applied as if a firme sole, and to be paid over to her in the following manner to wit, One hundred dollars annually until the funds are exhausted, and in case she should die before the funds are __ as above directed the residue shall be paid over in equal proportions as they become of age to her children.

Fourthly, I will to my daughter Elizabeth Taylor one fifth part of my Estate, in addition to a negro woman and children which I have heretofore given to her and her children which will more fully appear from a certain deed of gift executed to them for said woman and children and with which I direct that said Elizabeth shall not be charged with in the settlement of my Estate.

Fifthly, I direct my Executor or Executors hereafter named to sell the whole of  my Estate both real and personal on reasonable credits and to pay over to the distributees as above directed.

Sixthly, Nathan Skinner and Nathaniel Skinner or either of them my Exr. or Executors to this my last will and testament.

As witness my hand and seal this fifth day of June in the year of our Lord 1834.

Cornelius Skinner {seal}

Signed sealed and acknowledged in the presence of  us.

Nathaniel S. Oden
Nathaniel Skinner
Jesse Ewell Jnr. 
William Rose

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions cont. and held for Prince William County the 7th day of June 1836.

This last will and testament of Cornelius Skinner decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of William Rose and Jesse Ewell Junr. two of the subscribing witnesses thereto, is ordered to be recorded. And, on the motion of Nathaniel Skinner one of the Executors named therein, who made oath thereto, and together with William Rose and John Hutchison his securities (who justified as to their sufficiency) entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $7000 condition as the law directs certificate is granted him, for obtaining a probate of the said will in due form.

Teste, Jno. Williams   C.C.

Bond: Jones &c. to Commonwealth of Virginia (Superintendant of Poor House)

Jones &c. to & Bond Commwlth
PWCo Deed Book 40, pg. 444

Know all men by these Presents that we Lewis E. Jones, C. M. Copen, Thos. Wolfenden, John Morath and Jas. Luck are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the just and full sum of Four Thousand Dollars, to the payment whereof, will and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors and administrators jointly, and severally firmly by these presents, and we hereby waive the benefit of our Homestead Exemption as to this obligation, and also waive any claim, right or privilege to discharge any liability arising under this bond or by virtue of said office or trust, in any currency, funds, counter-claims or effects, other than legal tender currency of the United States, Sealed with our seals, and dated this 1st day of June 1891. The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas, the above bound Lewis E. Jones, has been appointed Superintendent of the Poor House in the County of Prince William, to serve for the term of 4 years, commencing July 1st 1891. Now if the said Lewis E. Jones shall well and truly perform and discharge the duties of his said office, then this obligation to be void, else to remain in full force and virtue.

L. E. Jones {seal}
C. M. Copen {seal}
Thos. Woolfenden {seal}
John Morath {seal}
Jas. Luck {seal}

In Prince William County Court, June 1st 1891.

This Bond from Jones &c. to Commwth was presented to the Court, acknowledged by the obligees and was ordered to be recorded.

Teste, E. Nelson  Clk.

Sunday's Obituary: Obituaries from Outside the County (Brawner/Meredith/Dulaney/Gray)

Sun (Baltimore, MD)
10 February 1903

JOHN P. BRAWNER.
[Special Dispatch to the Baltimore Sun]

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 9 -- Mr. John P. Brawner, 66 years old, died this morning at his home, 1307 Prince street. He came here from Prince William county, where he had spent his life in farming. His remains will be taken tomorrow to Bethel Cemetery.

State (Columbia, SC)
30 July 1900

DEATH OF EX-CONGRESSMAN MEREDITH

MANASSAS, Va., July 29 -- Ex-Congressman E. E. Meredith died at his home here this afternoon from an acute obstruction of the bowels.  Dr. J. Ford Thompson of Washington and Dr. O'Brien of Alexandria were summoned here to perform an operation, but death ensued while they were making preparations for the operation.

Richmond Whig (Va.)
17 November 1868

DULANEY -- At his residence, Cloverland, Prince William county, Va., on the 8th of November, 1868 Captain CASSIUS CARTER DULANEY, aged forty-three years.

Sun (Baltimore, MD)
9 December 1864

GRAY. -- On the 8th instant, Mrs. MARY A. GRAY, a native of Prince William county, Virginia. [Virginia papers please copy.]

PWCo Items: Playground Indorsed/Purebred Hogs Distributed (1943)

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
4 July 1943

Playground Indorsed.

The Manassas Town Council at a meeting this week indorsed the proposal of the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce providing for the use of a town lot situated between West street and Grant avenue as a colored playground. A committee of Chamber of Commerce representatives headed by Dr. George B. Cocke and representatives of the local colored populace headed by Dr. John Williams presented the plan to the council for approval. The playground will provide recreation for colored youths of the vicinity and will be under the direction of trained supervisors.

Purebred Hogs Distributed.

Seven Prince William County 4-H Club boys have been selected to receive the seven purebred Hampshire shows and one boar given to the county by Sears, Roebuck & Co. in their hog, dairy and poultry 4-H project designed to promote the production of better livestock in Northern Virginia. The seven boys, members of the Manassas-Nokesville 4-H Club, include Ray Smith, Lynn Hastings Herring, Leon Kline, Charles Fitzwater, jr.; Harold Hersch, Sidney Flickinger and Francis Joyce. The boar has been placed with Ray Smith.

Twelve additional purebred Hampshire pigs have been placed with members of the Occoquan-Bethel 4-H Club, according to Frank Cox, county agent. These, donated by individual farmers of Occoquan district, were distributed to George Thomas Selecman, Bobby Rigney, Buddy Reid, Augustus Davis, Edward Garber, Grover Manderfield, William Douglas Clarke, Bobby Tyrrell, Vernon Dawson and Frances Anne Garner.

Donors of the purebred Hampshire pigs placed with Occoquan-Bethel 4-H Club members include T. Powell Davis, Wilmer Garber, George Selecman, G. C. Russell, P. C. Wigglesworth, Gilmer Garber and F. B. Morgan.

Inventory of William Carter (&c.) (enslaved persons only)

Inventory of William Carter (&c.)
Prince William County Will Book K, pg. 84

1 Negro woman namely Betty / $100 / £30
1 Ditto man James / $300 / £90
1 Ditto woman Mariah / £70
1 Ditto man George / £75
1 Ditto boy Henry / £60
1 Ditto Do. Samuel / £60
1 Ditto Girl Loviney / £45
1 Ditto Alexander / £35
1 Ditto Alpherd / £30
1 Ditto William / £24
1 Ditto Thomas / £18

This is an Inventory and appraisement of the Estate of Wm. Carter decd taken this 14th day of November 1810 by and order of the Worshipfull Court of Prince William County dated 6th of Nov. 1810 by us.

John S. Smith
Luke Cannon
George F. Huber

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions continued & held for Prince William County March 5th1811.

This Inventory and appraisement of William Carter decd was returned to the Court and ordered to be recoreed 

Teste   J. Williams  Ct. Cur.

Newspaper Tidbit: B. E. Harrison for Candidate (1847)

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
18 March 1847

We are authorized to announce B. E. HARRISON, Esq., as a candidate to represent the county of Prince William in the next Legislature of Virginia, which we do with great pleasure. Being his neighbors, we know him to be both capable and deserving, and therefore ask our fellow citizens throughout the county to aid us in his election, convinced that none who support him will have cause to regret it.

MANY VOTERS.

Prince William, March 16--eo3w

Will of William Crosen

Will of William Crosen
PWCo. Will Book O, pg. 39
Proved: 7 October 1833

I William Crosen of the County of Prince William and State of Virginia do hereby make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following, that is to say -- First, I desire that all my just debts and funeral expences may be paid out of the proceeds of the sale of such part or parts of my estate as my hereinafter named Executrix may choose to dispose of for that purpose.

2ndly. After the payment of all my said debts, I give and bequeath to my wife Susan Crosen the whole of the remainder of my estate of every nature kind and discription whatever, to be enjoyed by her forever; but nevertheless -- should any part thereof be remaining at her death, I desire that the same shall be equally divided between my children. 

Lastly, I constitute my said wife Susan Crosen sole Executrix of this my last will and testament, requiring no security at her hands whatever. In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix my seal this sixth day of September in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred & thirty two.

William [X his mark] Crosen  {seal}

Signed sealed published and declared as and for the last will and testament of the above named William Crosen in the presence of us

Benjamin Pridmore
B. H. Pridmore
John D. Pridmore
Jno. B. Cannon

At a court held for Prince William County the 7th day of October 1833.

This last will and testament of William Crosen decd. was presented to the court and being proved by Benjamin Pridmore and John B. Cannon two of the witnesses thereto, it is ordered to be recorded.

Teste, Jn. Williams  Ct. Cur.

Newspaper Tidbit: Gold Coins (1871)

Daily State Journal
11 September 1871

The rentor of a farm belonging to the Rev. Mr. Towles, in Prince William county, while cleaning out a well on that farm a few days ago, found a jar filled with gold coins. A question has arisen as to whether the owner or the rentor of the land upon which it was found is entitled to its use.

Bill of Sale: Owens to Pattie (1875)

Bill of Sale from Owens to Pattie
PWCo. Deed Book 30, pg. 218

This is to certify that I have this day sold to B. F. Pattie all my interest in a crop of wheat on Carters Green cultivated by Jimmy Smith for the sum of two hundred and twenty-five dollars, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged as Witness my hand and seal this 23d June 1875.

Jno. S. Owens

Prince William County, to wit:

Personally appeared before me Edmund Berkeley a Justice of the Peace of said County J. S. Owens who acknowledged the above to be his act and deed.

Edmund Berkeley J.P.

In the Clerks Office of Prince William County Court June 26 1875

This Bill of Sale from Owens to Pattie with a certificate annexed was received and admitted to record.

Teste, Lucien A. Davis  Clerk

Wedding Wednesday: Conducted by Rev. John Towles

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
17 January 1843

MARRIED, On Wednesday, the 4th instant, by the Rev. John Towles, Dr. Cyrus C. Marsteller, of Haymarket, Prince William County, Va., to Miss Eliza Harrison, daughter of the Rev. Mr. Harrison, Chaplain United States Navy, Gosport.

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
8 December 1843

MARRIED, On the 5th instant, in Dumfries, Prince William County, Va., by the Rev. John Towles, Dr. Francis C. Fitzhugh, of King George, to Miss Rosa Spence.

AlAlexandria Gazette
5 July 1847

MARRIED. At Lawnville, Prince William county, Va., on Tuesday, the 22d ultimo, by the Rev. Mr. Towles, John Tyler, of Upper Marlboro, Md., to Frances, daughter of Stuart Thornton of said county.

Alexandria Gazette
20 June 1848

MARRIED, On Thursday evening last, the 15th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Towles, Dr. John P. T. Fitzhugh, of Prince William county, Va., top Mrs. Elizabeth C. Stephenson, of Warrenton.

Daily National (Washington, DC)
3 May 1854

MARRIED, at Waverly (Va.) on the 27th instant, by Rev. John Towles, Dr. R. Stuart Lomax, of King George, to Jeannie, daughter of Frederick Foote, Esq., of Prince William county, Va.

Alexandria Gazette
3 August 1855

At Sudley, July 25th, by the Rev. John Towles, Dr. Thomas F. Tebbs, and Caroline M., daughter of Stuart G. Thornton, esq.

Alexandria Gazette
18 February 1857

MARRIED On Tuesday, the 27th of January, by the Rev. John Towles, Mr. Josiah Willcoxen, to Miss Julia E. Weir, all of Prince William County, Virginia.

Alexandria Gazette
25 October 1859

MARRIED. In St. Paul's Church, on Tuesday, the 11th inst., by the Rev. John Towles, Mr. Lucien A. Larkin, of this city, to Miss Sallie J., daughter of the late Capt. P. Norvill, of Prince William county, Va.

PWCo Items: 14 April 1888

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
14 April 1888

VIRGINIA NEWS.

Mr. Bancroft, the historian is on a visit to Richmond.

Ice formed a half inch think at Staunton on Thursday night.

An iron bridge is to be built across Broad Run, in Prince William County.

The democrats of Norfolk have nominated Captain Jack R. Ludlow for mayor.

Mr. Thomas Lake, of Warren county, fell dead of heart disease on the 5th inst., aged 77 years.

Mrs. Mary Hempstone, wife of Mr. C. T. Hempstone, near Leesburg, was found dead in her bed about 3 o'clock Thursday morning last.

"The Red Stone Quarry" near Brentsville, Prince William county, opened on Wednesday with a working force of about one dozen hands.

Bishop Whittle, of the Episcopal Church, will consecrate Ewell Chapel, near Hickory Grove, Prince William county, on Thursday, April 26, at 11 a.m.

At the democratic primary election in Lynchburg last Thursday, 1615 votes were cast, only 342 less than the democratic vote in the last gubernatorial election.

The dwelling house of Westwood Hutchinson, residing near Hickory Grove, Prince William county, with all of its contents was destroyed by fire Monday morning.

Will: Aylett Nicol

Will of Aylett Nicol
PWCo Will Book T, pg. 45
Proved: 5 June 1878

In the name of God Amen: I Aylett Nicol of the County of Prince William and State of Virginia do hereby make this my last will and testament as follows to wit:

Having already by deed of Marriage Settlement given to my wife and her children certain real and personal property, I hereby give to my children by my former wife the remainder of my estate real and personal after the payment of my just debts.

I hereby appoint my wife and my daughter Ida Executrixes of this my last will and testament.

Given under my hand this 23rd day of May 1872.

A. Nicol

In Prince William County Court June 5th 1878

The last Will and Testament of Aylett Nicol dcd. was this day presented to the court and A. F. Woodyard and Lucien A. Davis being sworn testified that they were acquainted with the hand writing of the said  Nicol, and verily believed that the said writing together with the signature thereto was wholy written by the said Aylett Nicol. It is ordered that the said writing be recorded as the last true will of the said Nicol dcd. The Executrixes named in the said Will having this day renounced the burden of the executrix of the same, On motion of E. Nicol who made oath together with L. A. Davis his surety who justified as to his sufficiency entered into and acknowledged bond on the penalty of $300.00 conditioned as the law directs which bond is ordered to be recorded, certificate is granted the said C. E. Nicols for obtaining letters testamantory upon the Estate of Aylett Nicol dcd. in due form.

Teste, L. A. Davis  Clk

Sunday's Obituary: Rosalie C. Towles (1862)

Richmond Whig (Richmond, Va.)
18 November 1862

At Green Vale, in the county of Lancaster, Oct. 31st, 1862 after a severe illness of eleven days, Miss ROSALIE C. TOWLES, daughter to the Rev. John Towles, of Prince William county, in the 15th year of her age.

"Light be the turf of they tomb;
  May its verdure like emeralds be,
There should not be the shadow of gloom,
  In aught that reminds us of  thee!

Young flowers and an evergreen tree,
  May spring from the spot of they rest
But not cypress or yew let us see,
  For why should we mourn for the blest.