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.

Newspaper Tidbit: Fire at Dumfries (1847)

Baltimore Sun (Maryland)
3 May 1847

FIRE AT DUMFRIES, (Va) -- Eighteen Houses Burned

A correspondent of the Washington Union, writing from Dumfries, Va., states that on Wednesday last, a fire broke out in Mrs. Boyle's house, opposite the brick tavern, and destroyed nearly all the houses at the east end of the town; the house of Mr. Dunnington; the large three story, frame, containing about thirty rooms, belonging to the Colquhoun's and Dunnington's heirs; the old baking house; Mrs. Waters', Mr. Allen's, and several other houses, in all 18, were consumed.  About 40 persons were turned out of their homes.

Nearly all the men were absent, engaged in the fisheries on the Potomac. There was an awful silence -- no bells, no engines -- and the inmates of the houses, mostly females, looking on in mute despair.  Such was the dryness of the houses, and so rapid was the progress of the flames, that but few saved anything but their wearing apparel.

Will: Daniel Webster (emancipation)

Will of Daniel Webster
PWCo Will Book K, pg. 502

In the name of God amen I Daniel Webster of the county of Prince William & state of Virginia, feeling weak of body but of sound mind mind and intilect do make and ordain this my last will and testament hereby revoking all others.

Item. I will and bequeath to my wife Lucy Webster (whom I purchased from the late John Macrae esq.) and to my child James Webster -- their freedom and enfranchisement forever, excluding all claim or right to them of any persons whatsoever.

Item. I give and bequeath to my wife Lucy Webster every thing I have claim to or possess in this world, property of every description, real, personal, or mixed and I further more make and appoint my said wife Lucy, the executrix of this my last will and it is my wish and desire that some friendly citizen, should aid and assist her in the execution hereof; In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 23rd day of November, 1815.

Daniel [X his mark] Webser {seal}

Signed, sealed & delivered in presece of
Wm. S. Colquhoun
Fra. Sd. Dunnington
C. W. Colquhoun

At a court held for Prince William county,. February 5th 1816

This last will and testament of Daniel Webster deceased was presented to the Court and being proved by Wm. S. Colquhoun, Fra: Sd. Dunnington and C. W. Colquhoun is ordered to be recorded.

Teste,

Phil. D. Dawe   Cl Cur

Sunday's Obituary: Thomas Harrison / James Colquhoun

Daily National Intelligencer
12 January 1816

DIED

Suddenly, at his seat near Dumfries, Virginia, on Saturday last, THOMAS HARRISON, Esq.  In this dispensation, his deeply afflicted wife and children have sustained a loss the most poignant, and to whom, none could be so irreparable which must be long and keenly felt -- for no husband ever was more affectionate -- no parent more attached -- and those of his most intimate friends and acquaintance have to lament the loss, and to feel the blank it has occasioned.  With those who knew him best, few men stood higher in relation to correct principles of honor and integrity.

Alexandria Gazette

20 September 1815

DIED, at Dumfries, Va. on the 5th instant, Mr. JAMES COLQUHOUN, in the forty ninth year of his age, an old and respectable inhabitant of that place.