Sunday, July 31, 2022

Sunday's Obituary: James Newton Carter

Evening Star (DC)
23 August 1923

VETERAN VIRGINIAN DIES

James Newton Carter Served in Confederate Army

James Newton Carter, a native and a life-long resident of Prince William county, Va., died at his home in Occoquan, Va. yesterday. He was eighty years old. Mr. Carter served in the Confederate army in the civil war as a member of Company H, 15th Virginia Cavalry. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Annie Turner Carter and these children: Thomas I. of New York, Henry H. of Washington and William Minor and Samuel N. of Baltimore, and five daughters, Mrs. C. A. Macomb, Mrs. J. W. Ayres and Mrs. W. R. Ersfeld of Washington, Mrs. Warren P. Clarke of Woodbridge, Va., and Mrs. George Saufley of Hazard, Ky., as well as eleven grandchildren.



Friday, July 29, 2022

Friend of Friends Friday: Ranaway: Tasco

Daily National Intelligencer 
29 July 1829

$20 DOLLARS REWARD

I WILL give twenty dollars for the apprehension and delivery to me (or confinement in jail, so that I get him again) of a mulatto man named Tasco, who broke out of jail in this place, and made his escape on the night of the 22d instant. Tasco is a bright mulatto, about thirty years of age, five feet seven and a half inches high, spare and delicate, and has a large scar covering nearly all the right side of his face, occasioned by a scald or burn. He belongs to Miss Eliza L. Dade, of Prince William County, Va., and was committed to jail in this place as a runaway, some weeks since. He took with him no clothing except what he had on, which were only a shirt and pantaloons. He has a wife and family living in Washington City or Georgetown, (recent from Alexandria) and it is possible Tasco is lurking in one or the other of those cities, if he has not attempted to make his way to Pennsylvania.

ELI S. BALDWIN, Jailor
Prince George's County, Md.

Upper Marlboro', July28-July 29--eo6t



Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Newspaper Tidbit: To the Voters of PWCo (1852 / County Surveyor)

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
19 May 1852

To the Voters of Prince William County -- FELLOW CITIZENS:

As there are many of you with whom it will be out of my power, (owing to circumstances of a private character) to have a personal interview, therefore have chosen this method of announcing myself a candidate, under the new Constitution, for the office of County Surveyor, and respectfully solicit your suffrages. It may not be improper to state, that I have been engaged in surveying for the last five or six years, and think I can, with some confidence, appeal to those of my countrymen, who have had an opportunity of knowing, to say whether they believe me competent or not to discharge the duties pertaining to the said office. Should it be your pleasure to elect me, I pledge myself to give due and proper attention to the business, and to use my utmost exertions to render satisfaction. Awaiting your decision at the polls, I am very respectfully, your obedient servant, and fellow-citizen,

THOMAS W. CARTER.

Prince William co., mh 19-eotf



Sunday, July 24, 2022

Sunday's Obituary: Leamon Ledman

Evening Star (DC)
10 August 1943

Leamon Ledman, 72, Dies; Prince William Court Clerk

MANASSAS, Va., Aug. 10 -- Leamon Ledman, 72, for the past five years clerk of the Prince William County Circuit Court, died at his home  here yesterday. Death was attributed to a heart attack.

A native of Occoquan, Va., Mr. Ledman had been connected with the clerk's office here for the last 27 years. He served as deputy until five years ago when he was elected clerk on the death of George Tyler.

He was a member of the Manassas Kiwanis Club and had been superintendent of the Baptist Sunday school for a number of years.

Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Ellen Selecman Ledman, and three children, Mrs. Richard Haydon, Manassas; Hornbaker Ledman, Richmond, and Mrs. Wiley Narron, Washington.



Thursday, July 21, 2022

Will: Sarah C. Calvert

Will of Sarah C. Calvert
PWCo. Will Book O, pg. 422
Executed 21 August 1839; Proved 2 September 1839

I Sarah C. Calvert of the County of Prince William in the State of Virginia being at this time sick but of sound memory and disposing mind, do make this my last will and testament. 

1. I give to my son Robert A. Calvert slaves, Lewis, Henry, and William and the increase of the said slave Henry to have & to hold the same to him and his heirs forever.

2. I give and devise to my said son Robert A. Calvert and  his heirs slaves Ned, Delia, and Julia, and the future increase of the females to hold the same in trust, for the use and benefit of my daughter Chloe Ann Cooper, wife of Benjamin Cooper, for her sole and separate use after the death of the said Benjamin Cooper her husband, should she survive him, and in the mean time to permit the said Benjamin Cooper and Chloe Ann his wife to take possession of said slaves and to have their services and hires without accountability to the said Robert A. Calvert for and during their joint lives; and then for the survivor of them during his or her life, and after the death of both of them, then for the use of the children of the said Benjamin and Chloe Ann issuing from their marriage born or hereafter to born until the youngest of them shall attain the age of twenty one years, at the happening of which last event the trust herein reposed in the said Robert A. Calvert shall cease and the said slaves and their increase shall thenceforth be the property of the children issuing from the marriage of the said Benjamin Cooper and Chloe Ann his wife and their heirs to be equally divided between them.

3. I give and bequeath to my son Robert A. Calvert one bedstead bed and furniture.

4. I devise to Lucien Alexander Davis son of my daughter A. F. who intermarried with William W. Davis one bedstead bed and furniture; also, one hundred dollars to be paid to him by Robert A. Calvert one of my Executors to be hereafter named upon his arrival at the age of twenty one years, and should he the said Lucien Alexander Davis die before his arrival to that age, then I give and devise the said bedstead, bed and furniture to my said son Robert A. Calvert and his heirs forever.

5. I give to my grand daughter Sarah C. Cooper one bedstead bed and furniture.

6. I give to my grand daughter Mary Virginia Cooper one bedstead bed and furniture.

7. I devise to my son Robert A. Calvert the sum of one hundred dollars herein before given, by the 4th clause in this my will to Lucien Alexander Davis provided the said Lucien Alexander Davis shall die under the age of twenty one years.

8. The residue of my estate real personal or mixed I devise to my daughter Chloe Ann Cooper and to my son Robert A. Calvert to be equally divided between them, they paying in equal portions my just debts, and funeral expenses.

9. And lastly I appoint Robert A. Calvert and Benjamin Cooper executors of this my last will and testament. Given from under my hand the 21st day of August A.D. 1839.

Sarah C. Calvert [X her mark]

Signed sealed published and declared by the testatrix as and for her last will and testament in her presence and in the presence of each other.

Moses Arnold
Nancy Sidebottom
[X her mark]
M. B. Sinclair

At a Court held for Prince William County Sept. 2d 1839

This last Will and testament of Sarah C. Calvert decd was proved according to law by the Oaths of Moses Arnold and Mordecia B. Sinclair witnesses thereto and is ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of Robert A. Calvert and Benjamin Cooper the Executors named therein who made oath thereto and together with Alexander Howison and Charles G. Howison their securities, entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $8000 conditioned as the law directs, certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate of the said will in due form.

Teste   J. Williams  c. c. 

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Wedding Wednesday: Anniversary to be Marked (Lynn)

Evening Star (DC)
26 January 1941

ANNIVERSARY TO BE MARKED AT MANASSAS

Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Hosts Today at Supper for 150

MANASSAS, Va., Jan 25 -- Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Lynn, sr., have issued invitations to 150 guests for a buffet supper in honor of their silver wedding anniversary tomorrow from 4 until 7 o'clock. The party will be held at Paradise Farm, their home on Sudley Road. Mr. and Mrs. Lynn will receive with their daughters, Miss Nancy Lynn and Miss Jane Lynn, and will be assisted by Miss Elizabeth Davies and by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brower of Purcellville, who were attendants at their wedding 25 years ago.



Tuesday, July 19, 2022

School Board Notes: Haydon Is Renamed Head of PW Schools (1941)

Evening Star (DC)
6 March 1941


HAYDON IS RENAMED HEAD OF PRINCE WILLIAM SCHOOLS

MANASSAS, VA., March 6--Richard C. Haydon, superintendent of schools in Prince William County for 16 years, was voted another four-year term yesterday at a School Board meeting in Manassas Courthouse.

At the same time closing of Haymarket High School was ordered by the board at the end of the present term. Decision was reached after the State Department of Education refused to issue a permit for the building additions and improvements because of low enrollment. The State recently increased the required attendance of an accredited high school to 75 students in an effort to expedite school consolidation.

Students will be transported from Haymarket to the Osbourn High School here.

The board appointed Mrs. Marshall Douglas of Manassas to a vacancy in Brentsville District High School. Supt. Haydon and D. J. Arrington, chairman and clerk of the board, reported on the National Education Association Convention in Atlantic City last week.

Sunday, July 17, 2022

Sunday's Obituary: Col. Joseph Johnson / Sarah Merchant / Alfred Ball

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
4 February 1852

At his residence, at Clover Hill, in Prince William County, Va., on Saturday, the 24th of January last, of paralysis, Colonel JOSEPH JOHNSON, in the 50th year of his age.


Alexandria Gazette (Va)
20 September 1844

DIED, at Neabsco, Prince William County, Va., on Wednesday, the 11th instant, Miss SARAH MERCHANT, daughter of the late William and Sarah Merchant, of Dumfries, Va.


Alexandria Gazette (Va)
19 March 1853

On the 14th instant, at his residence, near Groveton, Prince William Co, Va., of typhoid fever, Mr. ALFRED BALL, aged about sixty years.



Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Newspaper Tidbit: Fire at Dairy Farm (1914)

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
22 January 1914

FIRE AT DAIRY FARM

Two Barns and Several Valuable Animals Destroyed by Flames

Fire discovered early this morning did considerable damage to the buildings and stock of the Sharon dairy, belonging to Corbin Thompson, at Woodbridge, Va. Two barns of the group of buildings were burned, a quantity of grain and hay destroyed, and several valuable cows and two horses were burned to death. Equipment in the form of machinery and implements also were damaged.

No idea of th origin of the blaze can be formed. Mr. Thompson himself discovered the flames about 3 a.m., and with his overseer tried to get it under control. This was found to be impossible and efforts were directed toward protecting the remaining buildings with the result that two valuable ones--the dairy house and the corn  house full of corn--were saved. Neighbors appeared in large numbers shortly after the discovery of the blaze, but, owing to the lack of fire-fighting facilities, nothing could be done to save the two barns that were ablaze. The loss has not yet been estimated.



Monday, July 11, 2022

Amanuensis Monday: Will of Jane Carney

Will of Jane Carney
PWCo Will Book N, pg. 263

I Jane Carney do hereby make my last Will & Testament in manner & form following (that is to say)

First. I give & bequeath to my son John Carney thirty dollars as his full portion of my estate.

Secondly, I give to my Granddaughter Jane Hardin daughter of Byram Hardin one horse bridle & saddle worth fifty dollars & fifty dollars in money.

Thirdly, I give to my Granddaughter Delia Carney daughter of my son Benjamin one horse bridle & saddle worth fifty dollars & fifty dollars in money.

Fourthly, I give to my son Benjamin Carney one fifth of the residue of my estate after deducting ___ dollars the amount of an account he is due me.

Fifthly, I give to my son William Carney one fifth of my Estate after taking out the three legacies just mentioned taking from his portion ____ dollars he is due me.

Sixthly, I give to my daughter Elizabeth Murthey one fifth of my estate after taking out the three legacies just mentioned taking from her portion forty five dollars she is due me.

Seventhly, I give to my son Joshua one fifth of my Estate after the three legacies just mentioned be pd, he accounting for the thirty five dollars he is due me.

Eighthly, I give to my daughter Tamer Hardin one fifth of my estate after the three legacies [j]ust mentioned be paid.

Lastly, I do hereby constitute & appoint Byram Hardin the husband of my daughter Tamer Executor of this my last will & testament hereby revoking all other or former Wills or testaments by me heretofore made.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal this 25th day of March 1830.

Jane Carney [X her mark] {seal}

Signed in presence of
Thomas Nelson
Richd. W. Weedon

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William County the 2d. day of August 1830. 
This last will and testament of Jane Carney decd was presented to the court by Byram Harding the Execr. therein named and being proved by the oaths of Thomas Nelson and Richd. W. Weedon is ordered to be recorded, and the said Byram Harding made oath to the same according to law and having taken the oath of an Exor. .and performed what is usual in such cases certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste, P. D. Dawe  Ct. Cur.



Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Wedding Wednesday: Bride is Missing (Hoadley/White)

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
4 July 1907

Mrs. Edgar L. White Mysteriously Absent From Home

Miss Lottie L. Hoadley of Prince William county, Va., and Edgar L. White of this city went to Rockville, Md., three weeks ago and were married by the Rev. Mr. White. Today the husband called upon Inspector Boardman at police headquarters and asked that the police assist him to find his wife.

"She went away from our home at 637 Pennsylvania avenue southeast about 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon," said the husband, "and did not come back. I fear her mind has become affected and I am anxious to find her."

The young man said he had not had an unpleasant word with his wife. When he went to work yesterday morning, he stated, his wife kissed him and said she would have his supper ready when he returned home.

"But," he said, "when I returned she was not there. I waited for her, hoping she would be in later, but she did not come back, and I am uneasy about her."

The missing woman is twenty-three years of age, has light complexion, hair and eyes, and wears glasses.


Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Newspaper Tidbit: Old Vets Send in Photographs (1913)

Manassas Journal (Va.)
31 January 1931

Old Vets Send in Photographs

In response to the request of Mrs. Maggie Barbour that Veterans of the Southern Confederacy send to her their photograph to be included in a group to be framed and hung in the Chapter room of the Manassas Chapter of the U.D.C., she has received the following:

In uniform: Lieuts. Robert Weedon and John Williams.

Not in uniform: Captains P. D. Williams, Lucien A. Davis; Jas. R. Purcell, Whitfield Nutt, Henry Lynn, Thos. Marders, Richard Shepherd, Willie Williams, Robt. H. Hooe, John R. Tillett, Francis A. Merchant and Chas. A. Dunnington.

Mrs. Barbour is anxious that other Confederate Veterans respond to her request for their photographs, for the object named, at as early date as possible.



Sunday, July 3, 2022

Sunday's Obituary: Asa Hamilton Jenkins

Evening Star (DC)
3 December 1936

ASA HAMILTON JENKINS WILL BE BURIED TODAY

Services for Manassas Business Man to Be Held from Baptist Church

MANASSAS, Va., December 3 -- Funeral services will be held this afternoon at the Manassas Baptist Church for Asa Hamilton Jenkins, prominent Manassas business man, who died suddenly at his home Tuesday afternoon.

Mr. Jenkins was a deacon in the Manassas Baptist Church and was prominent in the business and social life of the town. In partnership with his brother Ruben, he established the firm of Jenkins & Jenkins about 15 years ago. 

He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Jenkins of Madison County, Va., where he was born and reared. Previous to his residence in Manassas, he had been employed in the shoe business in Newport News, Va.

He is survived by his wife, who was formerly Miss Myrtle Lewis; a daughter, Betty Lee, and four brothers, Ruben Jenkins, Manassas; Aubrey Jenkins, Hood, Va.; Trent Jenkins, Wolf Town, Va.; Gaston Jenkins, Graves Mills., Va., and four sisters, Mrs. Phillip Kite, Mrs. Byron Deale, Graves Mills; Mrs. Nettie Graves, Rapidan, Va., and Mrs. Granville Berry, Oak Park, Va.



Saturday, July 2, 2022

Events: July 2022 PWHP Programs

 

July Program Highlights
Ben Lomond Historic Site, Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre and Rippon Lodge Historic Site are open for tours Friday-Monday at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

We continue to evaluate operating schedules in light of the impacts of COVID-19. As such, patrons who are unvaccinated or not fully-vaccinated are recommended to wear masks. If you have or recently had fever, cough, or shortness of breath please make the decision to stay home. Prince William County Parks, Recreation & Tourism along with the Office of Historic Preservation's COVID-19 Operating Information.

Grounds are open from dawn until dusk.
July 4
Museum Kids Monday!: Stars & Stripes

10 a.m. -11 a.m.; $5 per child, ages 5-9 and under. Bring your child to Brentsville Courthouse this summer to explore history through sight, sound, smell, and touch through hands-on activities and crafts! Topics will vary each month and include subjects such as farming, archaeology, or 19th century toys. Adult must be able to participate with children.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre
12229 Bristow Road
Bristow, VA 20136
703-365-7895
July 6
Wednesday Walk at Bristoe Station Battlefield: The Gray Ghost Raids the Railroad

7 p.m.; Free, donations encouraged
The importance of the Orange & Alexandria Railroad made it a target for opposing armies during the Civil War. Mosby's Rangers constantly targeted the railroad and attempted to damage the Federal war effort. Learn the stories of these raids and the countermeasures taken to protect the railroad while walking near the historic O&A tracks.


Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park. The parking lot is located off Iron Brigade Unit Ave., Bristow, VA. 703-366-3049
July 9
President Roosevelt at Ben Lomond

Tours offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.; Talks with Teddy at noon and 2 p.m.; $10 per person
President Theodore Roosevelt was the best-known visitor to Ben Lomond throughout the house’s history. Roosevelt was a good friend of the owners, the Rixeys, and traveled here to experience the outdoors and hunt, one of the President’s favorite pastimes. Listen to the President himself talk about his life, the time he spent at Ben Lomond, his adventures, hunting trips, and his work to preserve America’s natural heritage. Talks with President Roosevelt will take place at noon and 2 p.m. Special tours of the house and grounds will be offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre
12229 Bristow Road
Bristow, VA 20136
703-365-7895
July 9 & 10
World War II Weekend at Rippon Lodge

7 p.m.; FREE; donations welcome.
Join local historians once a month this summer for a special walking tour of historic towns in Prince William County. For June, visit the historic Cabin Branch mine and its historic community today located in Prince William Forest Park. This joint tour with the National Park Service will depart from Parking Area D on the Scenic Drive in Prince William Forrest Park. Please dress appropriately and bring water. This hike is considered in place to be moderately difficult and will be approximately two miles. Call 703-365-7895 for more information

Rippon Lodge Historic Site
15520 Blackburn Road
Woodbridge, VA 22192
703-499-9812
July 15
Walking Tour of Historic Prince William Towns: Brentsville 

7 p.m.; FREE; donations welcome.
Join local historians once a month this summer for a special walking tour of historic towns in Prince William County. For July, visit Brentsville, the 4th County seat of Prince William County and explore parts of the town outside of the historic area Tour will depart from Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre located at 12229 Bristow Rd, Bristow, VA 20136. For more information, please call 703-365-7895. 

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre
12229 Bristow Rd
Bristow, VA 20136
703-365-7895
July 18 - 22
Life on a Farm Camp

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; $160 per participant ages 8 to 13
Ever wonder what life was like on a farm was like before electricity and mechanized equipment? This camp will help you experience what it was like. Experience what it was like on a farm helping with chores including, but not limited to tending the garden, preparing food, learning about livestock and more. Don’t worry, it won’t all be work! Campers will participate in a variety of activities including sewing, fishing, candle making, and more. 

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre
12229 Bristow Road
Bristow, VA 20136
703-365-7895
July 18
Museum Kids Monday!: Make Paper Soldiers

10 a.m. -11 a.m.; $5 per child, ages 5-9 
Take home your own paper army like children of past centuries used to make. Adults must be able to participate with children. Reservations are not required.

Ben Lomond Historic Site
10321 Sudley Manor Dr.
Manassas, VA
703-367-7872
July 23
Civil War Hospital Weekend

10 a.m.—4 p.m.; free, donations encouraged
After the Battle of First Manassas, Ben Lomond served as a field hospital to treat the wounded. Visit Ben Lomond near the 161st anniversary of the battle and learn from historians and Civil War living historians how soldiers were treated during the war and how the conditions of these hospitals differ from the hospitals we have today. The weekend will consist of demonstrations, tours, children's activities, and more.

Ben Lomond Historic Site
10321 Sudley Manor Dr.
Manassas, VA
703-367-7872
July 23
Rippon Lodge WWII Game Day 

12 p.m. - 2 p.m.; $5 per person, ages 7 and older.
Shall we play a game? Come experience one of the many period games that were played at home and on the front during World War II. Groups are encouraged to join the fun while playing this popular team game. Space is limited. Advanced registration at www.pwcparks.org/historicprograms

Rippon Lodge Historic Site
15520 Blackburn Road
Woodbridge, VA 22192
703-499-9812
July 25
Museum Kid Monday!: Gardening

10 a.m. -11 a.m.; $5 per person 
Bring your toddler to explore history through sight, sound, smell, and touch. Programs include outdoor and indoor activities. Adults must be able to participate with children. 

Rippon Lodge Historic Site
15520 Blackburn Road
Woodbridge, VA 22192
703-499-9812
Spring - Summer 2022
Spring LEISURE 2022, your online guide to recreation, fun, fitness & history in Prince William County.

Discover recreation programs including Stargazing Nights, A Brentsville Bicentennial Court Day CelebrationThe World of 1822 ToursSheep Shearing and LOTS MORE!

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.
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