Newspaper Tidbit: Sing Christmas Carols

Manassas Democrat
30 December 1909

SING CHRISTMAS CAROLS

An artistic success in every particular was the Christmas carol service by members of Trinity Episcopal Sunday school at the church on Christmas morning. Those who braved the storm to attend were more than repaid by the splendid rendition. The church was beautifully decorated with holly, running cedar and pine on a white background and with cut flowers.

In addition accompanying the carols, the choir sang "There Were Shepherds," by Millard. Miss Faith Chapman accompanist. Among those taking part in the service were Sophie, Ann and Gladys Delmas; Dorothy, Gertrude, Romaine and Burr Button; Mary Lee and Evelyn Chapman; Mattie and Thelma Nash; Elizabeth Lowe; Margaret Roop; Ethel, Comfort and Douglas Lion, Erwin Mather; Edith Lipscomb.

Those Places Thursday: Ice Destroys Light Beacon

Evening Star
25 December 1914

ICE DESTROYS LIGHT BEACON

Mark at Entrance to Occoquan Creek is Swept Away

Ice sweeping out of Occoquan creek has carried away the light beacon marking the entrance to the waterway from the river, but it is stated that the lighthouse authorities will renew the light in the spring. The light just carried away was erected the latter part of the summer to replace the beacon carried away by drift ice last spring.

The lighthouse service tender Maple is reported in the river erecting the structure on which new beacon lights are to be placed at Glymont and White Stone point.

The appointment of Unaka B. Jennett, second officer of the lighthouse under Jessamine, to be the first officer of the tender Maple has recently been made by the lighthouse authorities. Mr. Jennett's appointment is made to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of E. J. Brittinham, who has retired from seafaring life and will make his home on the eastern shore of Maryland.

Newspaper Tidbit: Many [Influenza] Cases in State

Richmond Times Dispatch (VA)
06 February 1920

MANY CASES IN STATE

Reports of cases which have been received by the State Health Commission, Dr. Ennion G. Williams, show the flu is prevalent throughout the State. The number of cases reported yesterday from the various larger cities show Roanoke, 205 new cases; Norfolk, 355 new cases and four deaths; Danville, forty-eight new case; Portsmouth, ninety-nine; Alexandria, seven; Charlottesville, forty-six; Newport News, 344 new cases and three deaths. The total number of deaths reported to the State Health Department from various parts of the State on Wednesday was twenty-five. Incomplete reports made it impossible to make up the record for yesterday until returns come in today. The United States Public Health Service reports 688 new cases for Virginia up to Wednesday of this week.

At the Dumfries convict camp in Prince William County, thirty out of the thirty-nine convicts are down with the influenza, according to a report received by Dr. Williams yesterday.

PWCo. Items: 03 December 1916

Evening Star (DC)
03 December 1916

MANASSAS, VA.

A company of local talent will present "The False Witness," a drama in five acts, Friday evening in Conner's Opera House for the benefit of the Ruffner-Carnegie Public Library. The participants include Miss Mary Beverley Leachman, Miss Mary Henrietta Lipscomb, Mrs. D. M. Pitts, Mrs, J. L. Eliot, Frank S. Davidson, F. Hunton Cox, D. R. Lewis, Martin D. Lynch, W. Carroll Rice and Albert A. May.

Bishop C. J. Kephart of Kansas City, Mo., was the recent guest of his niece, Mrs. Hervin U. Roop, wife of Dr. Roop of Eastern College. Bishop Kephart during his stay addressed the members of the college Christian associations.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Allen Merchant of Richmond have been the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Camper. Mrs. James E. Herrell, Mrs. Francis Norvell Larkin and little Miss Frances Larkin have returned from a visit to Asheville, N.C.  Arthur Crewe of Canton, Pa., is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Crewe of Thoroughfare. J. J. McGlone, who recently visited his sister, Mrs. Thomas S. Meredith, is spending some time in England.  Mr. and Mrs. Charles Amos, who have been residents of Manassas for a number of years, have left to make their home in Rosemont, Alexandria.

Will: Martha E. Peyton (1831)

Will of Martha E. Peyton
PWCo. Will Book N, pg. 383
Dated: 30 June 1831; Proved: 3 October 1831

I Martha E. Peyton of Prince William County Va. do make and ordain this my last will and testament, herby revoking all other wills heretofore made by me. 

First, It is my will and desire that all my debts and funeral expenses be paid as soon as possible (my debts few and of small amount) to be paid out of any money I may leave, or bonds due or to become due to me, and from the sale of what little stock I may leave, and household and kitchen furniture; and should there not be enough to discharge the just claims against me, I then direct and do hereby request my Executor hereinafter named mentioned, to hire out my negroes for one year, or longer if necessary, and apply the proceeds thereof to the payment of my debts until they are all paid.

Secondly, I do hereby will and direct that after my debts are paid in the manner aforesaid, that all my negroes, without exception, shall be emancipated and have their freedom, they having served me during my life, and as I am unwilling for them to be kept in slavery or owned by any person after my death.

Lastly, I do hereby appoint, constitute and ordain my friend Jesse Ewell Junr. Executor of this my last will. 

In Witness hereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 30th day of June in the year of our Lord 1831.

Martha E. Peyton {seal}

Signed, sealed and acknowledged in the presence of us
Jesse Ewell Jr.
Charlotte Ewell

At a Court held for Prince William County the 3d day of October 1831.

This last will and testament of Martha E. Peyton decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the Oaths of Jesse Ewell Jr. & Charlotte Ewell is admitted to record and Jesse Ewell Jr. the Executor therein named here in Court renounced the burthen of the Executor thereof. 

And at a Court held for said County the 2d. day of January 1832. 

On the motion of John W. Tyler, it is ordered that Jesse Ewell Sheriff of this county do take into his possession the Estate of Martha E. Peyton decd. & administer the same according to law with the Will annexed, it appearing that she has been decd upward of three months & no person having applied for administration on her Estate.

Teste, P. D. Dawe  Ct. Cur.

Friend of Friends Friday: Shedrick (1947)

The following notice comes nearly six months after the original advertisement was published in December 1846.  Shedrick has managed to elude the "subscriber" and the reward for his apprehension has risen from $25 to $150.

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
06 May 1847

$150 REWARD!

Left Mr. Thomas Shaw's (where he was hired) in Prince William County, Va., on the 16th of September, 1846, my negro man SHEDRICK. He is about twenty-two years old, five feet ten inches high, and robust, of a dark copper colour, full suit of hair, frequently plaited, down-cast look when spoken to, fond of Tobacco, has a flesh mole on the left breast, I think, about the size of the end of one's finger He had on when he left a white wool hat, drab frock coat, all wool. When last heard from he was near Centreville, Fairfax County, Va., on the road leading to Alexandria, and going that way, where he may be at present, or perhaps is engaged in fishing somewhere on the Potomac river.  I will give $150 for the delivery to me of said negro, at my residence, near Tackett's Mills, Stafford county, Va., or secured in jail so that I get him again.  

DAVID HANSBROUGH
Agent for Lydia McInteer

Stafford County, Va., ap 17-2a3w

Sunday's Obituary: Owen Keys (1884)

 Alexandria Gazette
20 August 1884

FATAL ACCIDENT -- Owen Keys, a bright and promising boy, aged eleven years, and only child of Mr. Jack Keys, of Dumfries, Prince William county, was found dead last Friday within one hundred yards of his home. He went out hunting in the morning, and not returning for dinner, search was made for him when he was found with his gun on one side of the fence and his lifeless body on the other, with one half of his head blown off by the accidental discharge of his gun.

Daily National Republican (DC)
20 August 1884

SAD GUNNING ACCIDENT.

A fatal gunning accident took place near Dumfries, Prince William county, Va., Saturday. A son of Mr. Charles Keys, between 11 and 12 years of age, left his home near the village to shoot. Not returning in the evening some of the family started to find him, and not far from the house found him lying along side of a fence dead with a load of shot in one side of his face, tearing it in a frightful manner, and the gun on the other side of the fence. The position of the body and the gun indicated that he had gotten over the fence first, and in the act of drawing his gun over had struck the cock on the rail, discharging the weapon.

Shopping Saturday: Weir & Co. - Closing Out Sale (1913)

Manassas Journal
28 November 1913

CLOSING OUT SALE

Having decided to discontinue the mercantile business, we offer our entire stock of General Merchandise at cost beginning Saturday, Nov. 29th, and continuing until all goods are disposed of. Stock consists of following:

Dry Goods, Notions, Shoes, Millinery, Gloves, Neckwear, Hosiery, Underwear, Handkerchiefs, Ribbons,. Velvets, Ladies' Coats, Waists, Skirts, Children's and Misses' Coats, Ladies', Misses' and Children's Underwear, Men's Underwear and Work Shirts, Blankets, Comforts, Rugs, Rubber Shoes and Arctics, Standard Sewing Machines, Glassware, Lamps, Groceries, &c., &c.

STORE FIXTURES--National Cash Register, 160-Account McCaskey Register, Fire-proof Safe, 4 Glass Counter Cases, 3 Show Cases, 4 Pair Scales, 2 Enterprise Coffee Mills, 4 Enterprise Molasses Pumps, Anderson Galvanized Oil Tank and Measure Pump, 5 Wood Counters, 3 Tables, &c.

EVERYTHING MUST BE SOLD BY JANUARY 1, 1913

REAL ESTATE--We also offer our store and dwelling, corner Centre and West streets, for sale; the store room is 25x60 with annex 2x20, 10 ft. ceiling, and fronts on both streets. Dwelling has 10 large rooms, 12 ft. ceilings; all newly papered and in good repair; large double porch in front; fine shade and water.

LOTS--Will also sell following lots and improved building sites: 2 lot on Portner Avenue between West street and Grant Avenue, 62 1/2x185 ft; 2 lots on West street, 50x230 ft., building site on West street, 260 ft. front on West street and 230 ft. deep, to 16-foot alley in rear. This lot is improved by new barn, artesian well 115 ft. deep, fine soft water; also small fruits, orchard and shade trees.

WEIR & COMPANY

Cor. Centre & West
Manassas, Virginia

To Quick Purchaser we will sell Entire Stock at a Bargain and Rent Store Room

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
20 August 1887

C.W.C. DUNNINGTON, a well-known resident of Washington, was stricken with

paralysis at the Smithsonian Institution on Sunday, the 14th inst. He was taken

to his residence by his sons, and died a few hours later.

Mr. Dunnington was born in Dumfries, Va., in 1818. He was, as it was always a pride to him to remember, a descendent of the old Scotch families of Scott, Colquhoun and Macgregor, early settlers of Dumfries and vicinity. He went to Washington in 1834, and lived there the remainder of his life, except for the years between 1861 and 1875, when he resided in his native state. His early life was spent in newspaper work, and his interest in politics brought him in contact with a great number of public men, whose friendship he won and kept. His reminiscences of the men distinguished in the history of the country made his conversation of value and interest. He wrote for several papers, over the signature of Quantico, letters which could be relied upon for accuracy. He was for many years an alderman from the old 5th ward of Washington. When the war began Mr. Dunnington held the position of captain of the Capitol Guard, which place he resigned when Virginia seceded. During the war he was connected with the Richmond Enquirer. When Richmond fell he returned to his farm in Prince William, which county he represented in the State legislature. In 1875 he returned to Washington, where he lived till his death.

Such was his amiable character that few men in private life were more esteemed or deeper mourned.

Upcoming Events: PWCo Historic Preservation - September 2022

 

View as Webpage Historic Preservation Spotlight Preserving Historic Landmarks Taking care of our historic resources is a constant process, and preserving historic landscapes and buildings for future generations comes in many different forms. Recently, two projects at Ben Lomond Historic Site were completed that enhance the site—and protect it—for our visitors. First, the stone retaining wall in front of the home was repointed for safety and aesthetic purposes. This wall was probably an addition to the property by one of its 20th century owners. Then, in order to protect the house’s foundation and drain rain water away from it, a series of underground French drains were run from the house’s downspouts. This will ensure the historic 1832 structure’s preservation for many years to come. View Summer Historic Perspectives Newsletter Summer 2022 Contents: A Busy FY22 in Prince William County Historic Preservation Preservation Corner Image Spotlight History Corner HPD News Foundation Update September Program Highlights Visit Prince William County Historic Preservation website for updates regarding hours of operation and upcoming programs. Ben Lomond Historic Site and Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre are open for self-guided tours Friday-Monday 10am-4pm with guided tours offered at 11am and 2pm. Rippon Lodge Historic Site is open for tours Friday-Monday at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Grounds are open from dawn until dusk. September 3 Every Day Full of Work: The African American Experience at Ben Lomond Tours offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.; $5 per person, kids under 6 free. Before the Civil War, enslaved men and women lived and worked at the Ben Lomond farm. Visitors will be able to explore the historic home and the original slave quarter to learn about the daily life of African Americans and can visit spaces not ordinarily open to the public. Additionally, visitors can experience the interactive virtual reality exhibit in the Ben Lomond Slave Quarters. Ben Lomond Historic Site 10321 Sudley Manor Dr. Manassas, VA. 703-367-7872  September 3 Rippon Lodge Deco Game Day 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., $5 per person, kids under 6 free. Shall we play a game? Discover what games the Ellis family played at lawn parties at Rippon Lodge. Croquet, badminton, and bocce ball are three fun lawn games for groups of three or more. Guests are encouraged to play, and dressing up in period fashion is welcomed. Space is limited.   Additional Information and Registration Rippon Lodge Historic Site 15520 Blackburn Rd. Woodbridge, VA 703-499-9812 September 7 Wednesday Walk at Bristoe Station Battlefield: "Mowed Down Like Grain Before a Reaper": The 15th North Carolina at the Battle of Bristoe Station 7 p.m.; Free, donations encouraged. Follow in the footsteps of the 15th North Carolina Infantry during the Battle of Bristoe Station. Raised in northeastern North Carolina, this regiment fought in many of the war's major battles. At Bristoe Station, they lost over 100 men. Learn about the soldiers who comprised this regiment and how the Battle of Bristoe Station affected them. Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, the parking lot is located off Iron Brigade Unit Ave., Bristow, VA. 703-366-3049 September 10 School is Back in Session: Lucasville School Open House  11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; FREE, donations welcome. Are you excited that school has started again? Going to school was very different a hundred years ago than it is today. Visit the one room school at Lucasville to learn about the different ways that students learned in a segregated society. Try some of the tools used to teach students in school, the games they played and even make a craft to take home! Lucasville School 10516 Godwin Dr. Manassas, VA 703-365-7895 September 10 Crime & Punishment Tours at Brentsville Courthouse Tours offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.; $5 per person, kids under 6 free. As Prince William County’s seat for 70 years, Brentsville’s courthouse and jail were the focus of law and order in the community. Take a tour of the Brentsville’s public lot and learn about the laws, crime, and punishment of the 19th century while you hear about some of the high-profile cases that were tried on-site.  Additional Information and Registration Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA 703-365-7895  September 17 Brentsville Bluegrass Festival  Brentsville Bluegrass Festival 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Admission is $10 per person in advanced, $15 at door, kids under 6 are free. For hundreds of years, the Brentsville Public Lot has been a place of entertainment and festivities and we are continuing that tradition into today! Bring your chairs, kick up your heels, and enjoy some Bluegrass, antique cars, and food trucks at Brentsville! Enjoy three bands throughout the day, explore the historic site and enjoy hands-on activities for the kids. Food and beverage will be available for purchase on-site. Advanced tickets are $10 and can be purchased online HERE. Tickets are $15 at the door.  Additional Information and Registration Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Road Bristow, VA 703-365-7895 September 24 History Walk on the Boardwalk Learn history along the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk. This history walk, “Humanity and the Environment in Neabsco Creek”, explores how people affected this natural creek over the centuries. The group will meet at the Rippon Landing Parking Lot on Blackburn Road under the picnic shelter. Leashed pets are welcome to join, but not all parts of the hike are accessible for wheelchairs. Space is limited. Guests should wear sunscreen and bug spray and should bring bottled water.  Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Neabsco Creek Boardwalk 15125 Blackburn Rd. Woodbridge, VA. 703-499-9812 September 24 Strange Tales Campfire 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.; $5 per person, kids under 6 free. Prince William County and Northern Virginia abound with tales of unusual happenings and strange sights. Whether it’s monsters in the woods of Independent Hill, unknown lights in the sky near Manassas, or a logger’s lament in the Bull Run Mountains these stories are a bit outside the realm of regular ghosts or hauntings. Join us at Brentsville Courthouse around the campfire to roast s’mores and hear all about these strange tales.  Additional Information and Registration Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, VA 703-365-7895 We are adding new historical content every day to our social media accounts ranging from virtual tours of county historical sites, interesting pieces of local and national history, and fun quiz questions and activities. SUBSCRIBE Subscribe to our YouTube channel Join us in our mission of historic preservation where on this channel you will be able to learn more about the history of Prince William County, what staff does to preserve our local history, unique how-to videos and more! A Small Town Rich in History The Office of Historic Preservation is proud to announce the publication of "A Small Town Rich in History: The History of Brentsville, Virginia." Available now, the booklet contains detailed information about the town of Brentsville in celebration of the community's 200th anniversary. Purchase a copy at any of our gift shops for $10 or purchase a copy and a tour of Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre for only $10. Visit Prince William County Historic Preservation Website