Will: Grandison Tansill

Will of Grandison Tansill
PWCo Will Book T, pg. 351
Proved: August 1882

In the name of God Amen; I Grandison S. Tansill of Fauquir, State of Virginia, being perfectly sound in mind and memory, and influenced by no other desire than to do what is just, right and proper; do make this my last Will, and Testament; as followd, to wit. ~~

I do give and bequeath all my effects both real and personal (after paying all my just debts) to my wife Sarah Catharine to dispose of as she may deem fit; and do hereby appoint my wife the said Sarah Catharine the Executrix of this my last will and testament.  Witness my hand and seal this Fifteenth day of January Eighteen Hundred and Sixty Seven.

G. S. Tansill {seal}

Signed and sealed in the presence of 
C. F. Anderson
James Spence

In Prince William County Court August Term 1882

The last will and testament of G. S. Tansill dec.d was this day presented to the Court and the signature thereto fully proven by the oaths of Edmund Burkley and ordered to be recorded.

Teste   L. A. Davis  clk.

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.

Sunday's Obituary: Camper/Chinn/Lowman/Anderson

Easton Gazette (Easton, MD)
22 February 1873

CAMPER.--Near St. Michaels, on the 2d inst., after a protracted illness, John Camper, formerly of Brentsville, Va., in the 53d year of his age.

Richmond Times Dispatch (Richmond, Va.)
30 March 1906

Information has reached here that Fielding Chinn, colored, of lower Prince William county, was shot at an entertainment Saturday night at Occoquan by a negro named Johnson. Johnson made his escape. Chinn died Monday from his injuries.

New York Herald (NY)
20 August 1884

LOWMAN.--At Manassas,Va., Sunday, August 17, ELEANOR LUDLAM, wife of Harvey L. Lowman.

Philadelphia Inquirer (Phila., Pa.)
6 July 1885

FIRE AND LOSS OF LIFE.

WASHINGTON, July5--A fire, in which at least one life was lost, is reported to have occurred in a house occupied by a family named Anderson, at Woodbridge, Va., on Saturday morning. Woodbridge is a station on the Alexandria and Fredericksburg Road, near Quantico, about twenty-four miles from this city.

Will: Gerard Weston

Nuncupative Will of Gerard Weston
PWCo Will Book M, pg. 438

I do hereby certify that I was called on by Gerard Weston of the County of Prince William, & State of Virginia, in his last illness in his own house in the Town of Occoquan & County & State aforesaid on the 24th February 1826. To bear evidence after his death that all his personal property & all his effects of every discription & all moneys then in his possession he bequeathed to his wife Elizabeth Weston as his lasts will and testament. Given under my hand this 8th March 1826.

Philip Deakins

I do hereby certify that I was called on by Gerard Weston of the County of Prince William & State of Virginia in his last illness in his own house in the Town of Occoquan and County & State aforesaid on the 4th March 1826. To bear evidence after his death that all his personal property and all effects of every discription & all moneys then in his possession he bequeathed to his wife Elizabeth Wiston as his last will & testament and the said Gerard Wiston died on the 5th March 1826. Given under my hand this 8th March 1826.

Joseph Anderson

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William County this 7th day of August 1826. It appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that Elijah Wood & Sally Wood next of kin of Gerard Weston deceased has been duly summoned to appear here on the 1st day of this Court, persuant to an order of the last June term of this Court to Contest the nuncupative Will of the said Gerard Weston deceased and the said Will being proved by the oaths of Philip Deakins and Joseph Anderson witnesses thereto, according to law and the effect following that is to say that they were called on by the said Weston in his last illness in his own house in the Town of Occoquan & County & State aforesaid on the 4th March 1826, to bear evidence after his death that all his personal property & all effects of every discription, & all moneys then in his possession he bequeathed to his wife Elizabeth Weston as his last will & testament and the said Gerard Weston died on the 5th March 1826. The same is admitted to record.

Teste,   P. D. Dawe   Ct clr

Friend of Friends Friday: Inventory: James Anderson

James Anderson Inventory [enslaved persons only]
PWCo Will Book I, pg. 325

In Obedience to an order of the Worshipfull Court of Prince William We the Subscribers being first sworn have valued and appraised the Estate of James Anderson deceased, an Inventory of which is as follows:

Negro Peter (£100)
William (£106)
Manewell (£106)
Bob (£106)
Eaefter (sp?) (£80)
Phebe (£85)
Adam (£70)
Sutte (£50)
Winney (£60)
Susan (£3)

...[Appraisers]
Archibold Johnston
Carr Bailey
Thos. Green

At a Court held for Prince William County Feby 2 1807
This inventory & appraisement of the estate of James Anderson dec'd was returned to the Court and ordered to be recorded.

Teste
J. Williams

Will: James Anderson (1806)

Prince William County, VA
Will Book I, pg 171
James Anderson's Will

In the Name of God Amen I James Anderson Senior being in perfect memery but weak in body do make this my last will and testament. I will that all my leagel debts to paid and when it shall please God to call me home from this trancetrory world that my body to be decently buried in a certain hope of a joyfull resuraction through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Item 1 I will and bequeth to my well beloved wife Mary Anderson one third part of my estate during her natural life and at her decace to be ekuley devided among my children except my son James that has got his part already.

Item 2 I will bequeth to my son James Anderson one Negree fellow named Joe one horse and mere two hogshead of toba. & six poun cash which I consider as his part of my estate and he is not to have any more nor no clame hereafter.

__ Item I will and bequith that all and every part part of my estate to be eqully devided among my other cheldreen only excepted as befor excepted.

__ Item it is my will and desire that my well beloved wife Mary Anderson and Presley Woodard will be my Executers after my decase.

I have hereunto set my hand seal this twelth day of March one thousand eight hundred and six.

James [X his mark] Anderson {seal}

Witnesses
John [X his mark] Rollans
Henry Hope
Margreet [X her mark] Hope


At a Court held for Prince William County December __d, 1806
    The last will and testament of James Anderson decsd was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of John Rollans & Henry Hope was ordered to be recorded and Mary Anderson and Presley Woodyard the Excr and Exor mentioned in said will made oath to the same and having entered into bond with Security, who justified, according to law, Certifiate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste,

J. Williams, Ct. Cur

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

[I've transcribed this Will with misspellings intact.  I often wonder if it drove the court clerks crazy when they were given an instrument filled with spelling errors.  Did they itch to correct them? --cgl] 

Newspaper Tidbit: First Complete County History in Manassas by W.P.A.

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
25 March 1941

FIRST COMPLETE COUNTY HISTORY WRITTEN IN MANASSAS BY W.P.A.

Scattered Data Took Two Years to Assemble

Compiled as a Virginia Writers' Project of the Work Projects Administration, a book claimed to be the first complete history of Prince William County (Va.) was published today, under the sponsorship of the Bethlehem Good Housekeeping Club of Manassas.

Edited by Mrs. Eudora Ramsey Richardson, supervisor of Virginia Writers' Projects, the book is called "Prince William, the Story of Its People and Its Places."  It gives a detailed account of the county's history and it is expected to prove valuable as a source of reference.

Research workers delved into old records, archives and rare documents to produce the book, which contains such things as a complete list of more than 700 taxpayers in the county for the year 1783, and the roster of about 600 Prince William troops in the Confederate Army.

The object of the project is to make available in one volume the valuable scattered data on the formation and development of this county. Over 2,000 names connected with the past and present history of Prince William are mentioned in the book.

The county was formed from King George and Stafford Counties in 1731, the book states. The name was given in honor of a 10-year-old son of King George II, then monarch of England.

The narrative discloses that Prince William citizens repeatedly figured in the conflicts that marked the early history of the country. Troops from the county participated in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Gen. Braddock's army passed through the section en route to his final encounter. In Prince William the first company of minutemen in Virginia was formed. Later the county "was proud to give to the Continental Army one of its most brilliant officers -- Gen. Henry (Light Horse Harry) Lee," father of Gen. Robert E. Lee.

The book recounts the well known history of the area around Manassas, county seat of Prince William, during the War Between the States.

It notes that in the 20th century the county still includes the important Marine base and training camp at Quantico.

The newly compiled history and guide book of Prince William offers information on leading educational institutes throughout the county and lists suggested tours, including trips to remote corners and back-country sections.t

Mrs. Richardson says she had a staff of eight persons at work two years to complete the book.

H. R. Eubank and Frank A. Browning, supervisors of the project, directed the research, while John S. Widdicombe, assistant State supervisor, plotted the tours and wrote all architectural descriptions. The story of education was compiled by Margaret Meagher and Everett Anderson, and tradition collected from tombstones and records by Mrs. Susan R. Morton of Haymarket, Va.

Mrs. Richardson served on the State Board of Public Welfare for 10 years prior to 1938. She is a former national field representative of the Federation of Business and Professional Women and organizing president of the Virginia branch of the American Association of University Women.

["Prince William, the Story of Its People and Its Places" remains one of the best research books on the county.  Research copies can be found at RELIC and other Virginia libraries.  ~cgl]

People & Places: Former Elkhartan in Charge of Big Virginia Orchard (Ben Lomond)

Elhart Truth (Elkhart, Indiana)
5 June 1919

FORMER ELKHARTAN IN CHARGE OF BIG VIRGINIA ORCHARD

Former Postmaster W. H. Anderson of 714 West Lexington avenue, who is an intimate friend of Howard A. Knevels, for many years proprietor of a book and stationery store in this city, now of Manassas, Va., is in receipt of a letter from Mr. Knevels which contains the following statement of interest to the many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Knevels here:

"I am in the kind of work I enjoy. I have charge of about 100 acres of orchard three miles north of Manassas. I live in Manassas and go to the farm each day when the weather permits. I am my own boss and have a snap. The Ben Lomond farm is owned by F. W. Bruch of Cleveland, O. It consists of about 2,000 acres with quite a village of buildings and more going up. A $10,000 dairy barn was built last year. Two tractor sand 20 horses and mules are used and about 15 to 20 people are employed. A dairy of 80 cows is kept going, the milk being taken to Washington each morning. We have a dairy maid who has charge of the  milk business and she is scientific -- even prescribes the feed for each cow according to the milk she is expected to give.

On Edge of Battlefield.

"It is quite an interesting experience to me. Enjoy the whole business. We are located on the edge of the Bull Run battlefield. Bull Run goes through the farm. The old, big house, built similar to Mount Vernon, was used as a hospital in the time of those battles. People frequently pick up old shells, bullets and bayonets.

"I have an offer to take charge of 400 acres of mountain orchard next year in addition to what I have now. Those orchards will be seven years planted next year and are bearing considerable fruit this year. Thirteen hundred acres of apple orchard at the top of the Blue Ridge is some orchard. If I go to this orchard next year I shall live near there. It is near Markham, Va."

The letter is accompanied by a photograph of "our home." It shows a large, two story and attick structure with porches and surrounded by numerous shade trees.

Will: James Tant (1824)

JAMES TANT Will

Prince William County Will Book M, pg 116

28 Sep 1823; 05 Jan 1824

In the name of God Amen I JAMES TANT of the Village of Occoquan County of Prince William & State of Virginia, do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following.  That is to say, First, it is my will and desire as soon after my death as practicable that all my property be sold to the highest bidder on a credit of six months.  Secondly that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid.  Thirdly that the following distribution be made of the residue of my estate.  First, to my brother JOHN TANT I give and bequeath one full half of all my estate independently of my wearing apparel which I wish to be given to him entire.  Secondly, out of the other half, I wish Mrs. PORTERS CLARY to have the sum of ten dollars, and Mr. ENOCH WARD to have the sum of five dollars, and THOMAS L. SELECMAN to have the sum of five dollars (to be paid to his father for his use).  Thirdly, I will and desire that the residue shall be equally divided between my son JOHN TANT belonging to Mr. DENNIS JOHNSTON and my daughter LUCY TANT, belonging to Mr. PHILIP PRITCHARD.  Fourthly, I desire that Mr. MICHAEL CLEARY, Mr. JAMES RUSSELL and ADDISON H. CLARKE, act jointly as my executors to carry this my last will and testament into effect hereby revoking all former wills by me made.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 28^th day of September in the year of our lord eighteen hundred and twenty three.

JAMES TANT

Signed sealed published and declared by the above named James Tant to be his last will and testament in the presence of

PHILIP DEAKINS, ZEBULON KANKEY, JOSEPH ANDERSON

At a Court held for Prince William County January 5^th 1824.  This last will and testament of JAMES TANT decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of ZEBULON KANKEY and JOSEPH ANDERSON is admitted to record and at a court held for Prince William County February 2d 1824. ADDISON H. CLARKE one of the Executors named in the last will and testament of JAMES TANT decd. came into court and made oath to the same according to law and having taken the oath of an Executor and performed what is usual in such cases certificate is granted her for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste, PHIL. D. DAWE

Sunday's Obituary: Harriet Ann Dixon (1896)

Washington Bee (Washington, DC)

8 August 1896

Mrs. Harriet Ann Dixon, the beloved wife of Jas. M. Dixon, departed this life, Aug. 1, in the 64th year of her age.  She was born in Prince William Co., Va., in 1832 and for more than forty years had shared the joys and sorrows of the stricken widower.  She was buried at 3 o'clock last Monday afternoon from the Bethlehem Baptist Church, of which she was a consistent member for many years.  Rev. Jos. Matthews, preached the funeral sermon from a text most appropriate to the occasion.  Sister Dixon was highly esteemed by the entire community and much beloved by her fellow communicants.  She live strong in Christian faith and died the death of the righteous.  The immense throng which gathered to witness the last sad rites over her remains testified to the place she held in the harts of her friends.  Messrs. David Simpson, Peyton Johnson, Peyton Scott and Jno. H. Anderson, were the pall-bearers.  She leaves four children to comfort their father in his great affliction.  Interment was at Moore's burying ground.  

Our sister has entered the realms of the blest,

Where her earth-wearied spirit forever may rest.

Friend of Friends Friday: Will: James Anderson (1806)

JAMES ANDERSON Will

Prince William County Will Book I, pg. 171

12 March 1806; proved 1 Dec 1806

In the name of God Amen I JAMES ANDERSON SENIOR being in perfect memory but weak in body do make this my last will and testament.  I will that all my legal debts to paid and when it shall please God to call me hence from this trancetory world that my body to be decently bured in a certain hope of a joyfull resurrection through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Item. I will and bequeath to my well beloved wife MARY ANDERSON one third part of my estate during her natural life and at her decease to be equley divided among my children except my son JAMES that has got his part already.  Item 2 I will bequeath to my son JAMES ANDERSON one negro fellow named JOE one horse and mare two hogshead of tabco. & six poun cash which I consider as his part of my estate and he is not to have any more nor no clame hereafter. Item I will and bequeath that all and every part of my estate to be eqully divided among my other children only excepted as before excepted.  Item it is my will and desire that my well beloved wife MARY ANDERSON and PRESLEY WOOD[Y]ARD will be my Executors after my decease.  I have hereunto set my hand seal this twelfth day of March one thousand eight hundred and six.

JAMES ANDERSON  {seal}

Witnesses

JOHN ROLLANS

HENRY HOPE

MARGREET HOPE

At a Court held for Prince William County Decem 1^st 1806.

The last will and testament of JAMES ANDERSON decsd was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of JOHN ROLLANS & HENRY HOPE was ordered to be recorded and MARY ANDERSON and PRESLEY WOODYARD the Exex. And Exor. mentioned in said will made oath to the same and having entered into bond with security, who justified according to law, certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste

J.WILLIAMS  Ct. Cur.

Current Affairs: Virginia House Bill 997 APPROVED!

In an earlier post, I mentioned that one of the most positive things to come out of the turmoil caused by the discovery and subsequent removal of the graves at the PWCo 12th High School construction site was Delegate Richard L. Anderson's House Bill #997 ("Proceedings for the Removal and Relocation of Human Remains").  

In summary, HB 997 "strengthens the requirements for disinterment and relocation of human remains from a cemetery or graveyard by the landowner by requiring the institution of legal proceedings, heightened notice requirements to any heirs or descendants, and notice to the Department of Historic Resources and any local historical commission or organization."

I am pleased to report that the Bill passed both House and Senate, and the Governor has signed HB 997 into Virginia law!  

Many thanks to Delegate Anderson, his staff, and all those behind the scenes who contributed to the drafting and support of HB 997!

VIRGINIA ACTS OF ASSEMBLY -- CHAPTER An Act to amend and reenact §§ 57-36 and 57-38.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to cemeteries; procedure for the removal and relocation of human remains.
[H 997] Approved

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That §§ 57-36 and 57-38.1 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 57-36. Abandoned graveyards may be condemned; removal of bodies.

A. When a graveyard, wholly or partly within any county, city, or town, has been abandoned, or is unused and neglected by the owners, and such graveyard is necessary, in whole or in part, for public purposes, authorized by the charter of such city or town, or by the general statutes providing for the government of counties, cities, and towns, such county, city, or town may acquire title to such burying ground by condemnation proceedings, to be instituted and conducted in the manner and mode prescribed in the statutes providing for the exercise of the power of eminent domain by counties, cities, and towns. The locality may continue to maintain all or a portion of the burying ground as a graveyard.

B. The court taking jurisdiction of the case may, in its discretion, require the county, city, or town to acquire the whole burying ground, in which event the county, city, or town may use such part thereof as may be necessary for its purposes and sell the residue. The court, however, shall direct that the remains interred in such graveyard, if possible so to do, be removed to some repository used and maintained as a cemetery.

C. Should any county, city, or town, having acquired by any means land on which an abandoned graveyard is located, including lands acquired in accordance with § 22.1-126.1 for educational purposes, initiate plans to use that land for purposes other than to maintain the graveyard, such county, city, or town shall, prior to completion of said plans, develop and engage in active public notice and participation regarding efforts to avoid adverse impacts to the graveyard or to remove the remains interred in such graveyard to an alternative repository. Such public notice and participation shall include, at minimum, publication of at least one notice in a local newspaper of general circulation, notice posted at the site of the graveyard, and notice to and consultation with any historic preservation or other such commission, as well as area historical and genealogical societies, and at least one public hearing. The locality shall make a good faith effort to identify and contact living descendants of the persons buried in the graveyard, if known. In addition, the locality is encouraged to post such notice on the Internet, including appropriate websites and through the use of social media, and to consult with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Having given all public comment due consideration, the county, city, or town is encouraged first to adjust plans to maintain the graveyard as part of the larger land use plan or, if that is not feasible, to request permission to proceed with removal through the court or through the Virginia Department of Historic Resources should archaeological removal be appropriate. In any event, any removal of remains should be given all due care and respect, as should the selection of and reburial in another cemetery. This requirement for public notice, consultation, consideration of comments, and following due process for removal of human remains shall apply in cases where the presence of an abandoned graveyard is discovered during either the planning or construction phases of a project.

D. Any county, city, or town that has acquired by any means land on which an abandoned cemetery or gravesite of Virginians held as slaves at the time of their deaths is located shall notify the Virginia Department of Historic Resources of the location of such cemetery or gravesite. The Department shall record the location of the cemetery or gravesite. A listing of the locations of all abandoned cemeteries and gravesites of Virginians held as slaves at the time of their deaths that have been provided to the Department shall be maintained by the Department as a public record.

§ 57-38.1. Proceedings by landowner for removal of remains from abandoned family graveyard.

The owner of any land on which is located an abandoned family graveyard, and there has been no reservation of rights in such graveyard, or when the beneficiaries of any reservations of rights desire to waive such rights, and in which no body has been interred for twenty-five years may file a bill in equity in the circuit court of the county or in the circuit or corporation court wherein such land is located for the purpose of having the remains interred in such graveyard removed to some more suitable repository. To such bill all persons in interest, known or unknown, other than the plaintiffs shall be duly made defendants. If any of such parties be unknown, publication shall be had the plaintiffs shall undertake active, good faith efforts to locate interested parties including, at a minimum, publication of at least one notice in a local newspaper of general circulation, notice posted at the site of the graveyard, and notice to and consultation with any historic preservation or other such commission, as well as area historical and genealogical societies. In addition, the plaintiff is encouraged to post such notice on the Internet, including appropriate websites and through the use of social media, and to consult with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Upon the case being properly matured for hearing, and proof being made of the propriety of the removal, the court may order the removal made and the remains properly deposited in another place, at the expense of the petitioner. Such removal and reinterment shall be done with due care and decency.

In determining the question of removal the court shall consider the historical significance of such graveyard and shall consider as well the wishes of the parties concerned so far as they are brought to its knowledge, including the desire of any beneficiaries of any reservation of rights to waive such reservation of rights in favor of removal, and so considering shall exercise a sound discretion in granting or refusing the relief prayed for.

Friend of Friends Friday: Will: Strother Suttle (1792)

STROTHER SUTTLE Will

Prince William Will Book H, pg. 45

22 Aug 1792; proved 3 Dec 1792

In the name of god amen I STROTHER SUTTLE of Prince William County and State of Virginia being in a low state of body tho of a sound mind and memory thanks be given to almighty god for the same but calling to mind the uncertainty of this mortal life do make this my last will and testament in maner and form following that is to say I give and bequeath my soul into the hands of almighty god my maker and my body to the grave to be decently buryed by my Exors. And as for such worldly goods and estate as the Lord has been pleased to bestow on me (after my just debts is paid) and give divise and bequeath in manner and form following.

Item I give and bequeath to my son WILLIAM SUTTLE one Negro man slave named NACE one negro man slave named JACK the latter to be free if he is the longest liver and behaves himself well as a slave.

Item I give and bequeath to my grandson HENRY HAMPTON SUTTLE two Negro girls to wit SIBBY and ALLEY and one mare colt named Sophie.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter ANN RENO one Negro girl named DINIAH and after her death to my grandson WILLIAM RENO.

Item I give and bequeath to my daughter MARY WATSON one horse named Wistar.

The balance of my estate whether real or personal I give to my beloved wife during her life or widowhood only that SAMUEL WATSON and his family is to live with her and take care of the estate so long as she liveth and after her death the said Watson to possess all my write and title to the plantation and land whereon I now live.  My will and meaning is that after the death of my beloved wife ELIZABETH SUTTLE the whole of my estate left in her hands during her life (except the land divised to Saml. Watson) be equally divided between my three children  to wit WILLIAM SUTTLE, ANN RENO and MARY WATSON.  My meaning is that none of the before mentioned property shall be liable to any execution for debt that is or may be contracted by any of my children and lastly I hereby nominate and appoint my son WILLIAM SUTTLE sole exc. Or this my last will and testament.  Given under my hand and seal this 22^nd of August in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety two.

STROTHER [his mark] SUTTLE  {seal}

Signed and Sealed in the presence of us

JOHN ANDERSON

LEWIS BELL

REBECKAH [her mark] KITCHEN

At a court held for Prince William County the 3^rd day of December 1792.  This last will and testament of Strother Suttle deceased was presented to the Court and proved by the oaths of John Anderson and Lewis Bell and ordered to be recorded and at a court held for the said County the 7^th day of January 1793 David Renoe and Samuel Watson two of the Executors named in the said will made oath there to according to law and having performed what is usual in such cases certificate was granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste,

ROBERT GRAHAM Ct. Cur.

Current Affairs: Virginia Legislature House Bill #997 (Cemeteries; procedure for removal and relocation of human remains)

One of the most positive things to come out of the turmoil caused by the discovery and subsequent removal of the graves at the PWCo 12th High School construction site is Delegate Richard L. Anderson's House Bill #997 ("Proceedings for the Removal and Relocation of Human Remains"), which is making its way through the current session of the Virginia Legislature.  

In summary, HB 997 "strengthens the requirements for disinterment and relocation of human remains from a cemetery or graveyard by the landowner by requiring the institution of legal proceedings, heightened notice requirements to any heirs or descendants, and notice to the Department of Historic Resources and any local historical commission or organization."

The status of HB 997 as it (hopefully) makes its way into Law can be tracked HERE.

Many thanks to Delegate Anderson, his staff, and all those behind the scenes who contributed to the drafting of HB 997!

HOUSE BILL NO. 997 Offered January 8, 2014 Prefiled January 8, 2014
A BILL to amend and reenact § 57-38.1 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 3 of Title 57 an article numbered 5.1, consisting of sections numbered 57-39.7:1 and 57-39.7:2, relating to cemeteries; procedure for the removal and relocation of human remains.
---------- Patron-- Anderson ---------- Referred to Committee on General Laws ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 57-38.1 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 3 of Title 57 an article numbered 5.1, consisting of sections numbered 57-39.7:1 and 57-39.7:2 as follows:

§ 57-38.1. Proceedings by landowner for removal of remains from abandoned family graveyard.

The owner of any land on which is located an abandoned family graveyard, and there has been no reservation of rights in such graveyard, or when the beneficiaries of any reservations of rights desire to waive such rights, and in which no body has been interred for twenty-five years may file a bill in equity in the circuit court of the county or in the circuit or corporation court wherein such land is located for the purpose of having the remains interred in such graveyard removed to some more suitable repository. To such bill all persons in interest, known or unknown, other than the plaintiffs shall be duly made defendants. If any of such parties be unknown,publication shall be had the plaintiffs shall undertake active, good faith efforts to locate interested parties including, at a minimum, publication of at least one notice in a local newspaper of general circulation, notice posted at the site of the graveyard, and notice to and consultation with any historic preservation or other such commission, as well as area historical and genealogical societies. In addition, the plaintiff is encouraged to post such notice on the Internet, including appropriate websites and through the use of social media, and to consult with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Upon the case being properly matured for hearing, and proof being made of the propriety of the removal, the court may order the removal made and the remains properly deposited in another place, at the expense of the petitioner. Such removal and reinterment shall be done with due care and decency..

In determining the question of removal the court shall consider the historical significance of such graveyard and shall consider as well the wishes of the parties concerned so far as they are brought to its knowledge, including the desire of any beneficiaries of any reservation of rights to waive such reservation of rights in favor of removal, and so considering shall exercise a sound discretion in granting or refusing the relief prayed for.

Article 5.1. Removal and Relocation of Human Remains.

§ 57-39.7:1. Permit for removal and relocation of human remains required; exception.

A. The owner of any land on which is located a cemetery or a family graveyard shall apply to the circuit court in which the cemetery or graveyard is located for a permit prior to the disinterment and reinterment of any human remains located in such cemetery or graveyard. A permit issued by the court shall be required prior to the disinterment of such human remains and prior to the institution of any proceedings authorized in in this article or Article 4 (§ 57-35.36 et seq.). However, notice to any heir at law or descendant of such deceased person shall be required in the same manner as set forth in Article 4 (§ 57-35.36 et seq.), which notice shall state that a permit application is pending before the court and that any such heir or descendant has a right to be made a party to the proceedings before the court or to make comment to the court concerning the removal of the remains.

B. Prior to the issuance of any permit, the court shall require the owner of any such land to provide evidence satisfactory to the court that the notice required by subsection A has been given. The court shall afford any such heir or descendant an opportunity to be heard prior to the issuance of the permit at such time and place as determined by the court.

C. No permit shall be required if such cemetery or family graveyard is determined to be of historical significance pursuant to § 10.1-2305, but  the owner of the cemetery or family graveyard shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 23 (§ 10.1-2300 et seq.) of Title 10.1.

§ 57-39.7:2. Proceedings by landowner for removal of remains from cemetery or family graveyard.

Prior to the removal of any remains, the owner of any land on which is located a cemetery or family graveyard shall file a bill in equity in the circuit court wherein such land is located for the purpose of having the remains interred in such cemetery or graveyard removed to some more suitable repository. The petitioner shall provide the court with a written justification for the removal of the remains. To such bill, all persons in interest, known or unknown, other than the plaintiffs shall be duly made defendants. If any of such parties be unknown, publication shall be had once a week for eight successive weeks, in one or more newspapers, or such longer period as the court directs; the costs of such publication shall be paid by the petitioner or applicant. At least 90 days' notice shall also be (i) posted on genealogical websites in the geographical area where such land is located, (ii) posted at the cemetery or family graveyard, (iii) given to the Department of Historical Resources for a determination of historical significance in accordance with § 10.1-2305, and (iv) given to any local historical commissions or organization located wherein such land is located. The court shall require the petitioner to provide proof of publication and posting of the notice required by this section. The Department shall be considered an interested party in the court proceedings considering the legally constituted cemeteries or family graveyards with historic significance.

In determining the question of removal and relocation of the remains, the court shall consider the historical significance of such graveyard and shall consider as well the wishes of any next-of-kin first, followed by the wishes of any other parties concerned, other than the petitioner, so far as they are brought to its knowledge, including the desire of any beneficiaries of any reservation of rights to waive such reservation of rights in favor of removal. If there are no next-of-kin, the court shall designate a historical or cemetery preservation organization to represent the interest of the next-of-kin. In so considering all of the evidence and statements of the parties, the court shall exercise a sound discretion in granting or refusing the relief prayed for.

Upon the case being properly matured for hearing, and proof being made of the propriety of the removal, the court may order the removal made and the remains properly deposited in another place, at the expense of the petitioner. Such removal and reinterment shall be done with due care and decency.

Travel Tuesday: Virginia Midland Railroad/Charles Keys

Cincinatti Daily Times (Cincinatti, OH)
August 18, 1876

A water-spout struck the Virginia Midland railroad near Melver's station yesterday morning, carrying away a culvert and leaving a gap into which a freight train was precipitated.  The engineer and a brakeman were killed.  A special dispatch to the Baltimore Sun says of the accident:  "The train to which the disaster occurred was an empty train of twelve cattle cars which left Gordonsville to load with cattle at Lynchburg and beyond, for Baltimore last night.  The accident occurred about 2 o'clock this morning.  The engine was overturned and the whole train wrecked, twelve cars being mashed up.  In addition to the two fatalities several of the train hands are injured, but none of them seriously.  The wreck still encumbers the track and will somewhat delay the movement of trains.  Charles Keys, the engineer, who was killed, resided in Alexandria for some time, and is brother-in-law of Mr. Wm. King, residing on Cameron street, near Patrick.  He is a native of Prince William county, and has of late resided in Gordonsville, where he leaves a family.  Anderson has also resided at Gordonsville.

Deed: Anderson to Brawner (8 August 1859)

PWCo Deed Book 25, page 87

Anderson to Brawner Deed of Trust

This deed made the 8^th day of August in the year 1859 between Richard Anderson of the one part and William Brawner of the other part all of the County of Prince William in the State of Virginia.  Witnesseth that the said Richard Anderson for and in consideration of the sum of one dollar in hand paid him by the said William G. Brawner the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, doth grant and convey to the said William G. Brawner his heirs assigns etc a certain tract of land lying and being in the County of Prince William containing 127 acres more or less and known as lot no. 1 in the division of land of Ann Anderson of record in the clerks of the County Court of Prince William County, also the crop of rye and corn now on the said land.  In trust to secure to Edwin Gaines the payment of my note for one hundred and fifty dollars bearing even date herewith and payable on demand, and at any time when the said Edwin Gaines shall so direct the said William G. Brawner shall proceed to sell the said land and crop of rye and corn to the highest bidder at public auction for cash, and after having paid the expenses attending such sale, shall pay over to the said Edwin Gaines the amount of the said note with legal interest thereon, and shall then pay over to the said Richard Anderson all the residue of the proceeds of the said sale, witness the following signatures and seals

Richard Anderson

State of Virginia

Prince William Co to wit:

I William W. Thornton a justice of the peace for the county aforesaid in the State of Virginia do certify that Richard Anderson, whose name is signed to the above writing bearing date the 8^th day of August 1859, has acknowledged the same before me in my County aforesaid, given under my hand this 8^th day of August 1859.

Wm. W. Thornton, J.P.

In Prince William County Court September 5^th 1859, this deed trust from Anderson to Brawner with Certificate annexed, was presented to the Court and ordered to be recorded.

Teste, P. D. Lipscomb