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.