Fourth of July Celebration: Brentsville (1866)

Alexandria Gazette (Virginia)
10 July 1866

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

The Washington Chronicle has an account of a celebration of the 4th of July at Brentsville, Prince William county, Va.  This account says, there was a "goodly number in attendance," but it is immediately added -- "as the meagre delegations from distant neighborhoods came in," &c. A meeting was organized at the Court-House by the appointment of J. P. Baldwin, of Prince William, president, and Major M. S. Hopkins secretary. Letters were then read from Horace Maynard, of Tennessee, and Lysander Hill, of Alexandria. Speeches were made by A. Chester, if Il., J. S. Towler of Tenn., and L. Sherwood of Texas. Resolutions expressive of the political sentiments of those present were passed, a flag raising had, a collection partaken of, &c.

Newspaper Tidbit: PWCo Unclaimed Dead Get a Proper Farewell at Woodbine Cemetery

InsideNova printed a nice article about the June 7 memorial and interment of the remains of 41 unclaimed citizens at Woodbine Cemetery, in partnership with Woodbine Church and the PWCo Sheriff's Office. The article includes a list of the deceased and their dates of death.

Many thanks to InsideNova and reporter Jill Palermo for their interest and compassion in helping to honor 41 souls who may have gone forgotten.

The e-edition of the article can be found here.

Follow Up: Memorial & Interment of PWCo Unclaimed Deceased

On Tuesday, June 7, 2016, the Prince William County Sheriff’s Office and Woodbine Baptist Church came together to provide a memorial service and a peaceful final resting place in the Woodbine Church Cemetery for the remains of 41 unclaimed deceased persons. 

Sheriff Glen Hill
(photo by C. Lynn)

The memorial service was officiated by Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Eugene R. Wells, who opened with prayer and presented the PWCo Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard.  Additional speakers included Sheriff Glen Hill, Manassas Mayor Hal Parrish, and Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Don Belanus.  The name of each deceased person was read aloud.

Virginia law charges local sheriff's offices with taking custody of deceased unclaimed residents, but it does not say how officials are supposed to dispose of them.

Sheriff Glen Hill stated, “I am grateful that Prince William County Sheriff’s Office is able to serve the unclaimed citizens of Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, and provide a noble funeral for them through our partnerships with community organizations.”

In Prince William, the Sheriff’s Office contracts with various crematoriums for cremation, then in partnership with Woodbine Cemetery each unclaimed resident is supplied with a burial plot. Woodbine Cemetery has been gracious in providing space for the deceased unclaimed residents at no cost.  – Virginia Sheriff’s Association

Following are the names of the unclaimed deceased persons buried at Woodbine Church Cemetery on June 7, 2016:

Douglas Allen, Linda Archer, Betty Bayse, Eva B Cantello, John Crawford, John Ignatius Ciccolini, Larry Dixon, Maria Ehler, Daniel Eshelman, Laura Lynn Farley, Wallis Ray Fay, James Alberto Fletcher, George Freeberg, Stacy Green, Donnie Lee Grogg, Laurel Hauer, Robert Miller Justice II, Thomas H.C. Langel, Donald L. Marks Jr., Roberto Martinez-Rosa, Joseph A. Moneymaker Sr., Conception Ortiz, Paul Oullette, David Patton, Ronald Henry Payne, Mark Pennington, Reginald Poindexter, Gilbert F. Randall, Tyrone Powell Reid, Sa Say, Mark Settle, Omer Shipe, Angel Steele, Eran Stokley, Dolores Sullivan, John Sullivan, Donald Thomas, Michael David Vincent, Robert T. Wiedner, and two unnamed residents. 

Newspaper Tidbit: PWCo Items - September 1, 1873

Alexandria Gazette
1 September 1873

Prince William County Items
[From  the Manassas Gazette]

The pic-nic and tournament on Tuesday last at Brentsville was well attended by both ladies and gentlemen.  Fifteen Knights contested for the honors of the day.  L. B. Pattie was the successful Knight and crowned Miss Sallie Lewis, Queen.  Miss Camelia Bean, of Washington, was crowned first maid of honor by J. L. Keys, Miss Lucy M. Lynn second maid, by D. C. Cole and Miss Barbour, of Georgetown, third maid, by J. A. Nicol.  A very beautiful coronation address was delivered by Dr. Barbour, after which The Royal set was danced.  The charge was delivered by J. J. Davies, esq., who did ample justice to his subject.  There was an elegant pavillion for dancing in a fine grove, and near by a refreshment stand, sufficient to supply all present.  About 4 o'clock it commenced to rain, causing a premature ending of the day's proceedings.

We have learned that George Hill, esq., of the District of Columbia has in contemplation the purchase of the property at Buckland, in this county, known as the Buckland Woolen Mills, with a view of turning the same into an extensive establishment for the manufacture of wood paper.  If it be true that such is his intention we congratulate our people on a prospect of so valuable an acquisition to the business of their county, as well as having added to their population a most excellent and sterling gentleman.  We shall be glad to welcome Maj. Hill and his family to our State, and know that every citizen will welcome him also.

On Tuesday last a match game of base ball was played between the Modocs of Manassas, and White Stockings of Occoquan.  At the eighth inning in consequence of the rain, the game was called by the Umpire, at which time the scores stood for the White Stockings 44, and for the Modocs 40.

A circular race track will be laid out and graded near Manassas as soon as the weather will permit, for the purpose of trying the speed of fast horses, and for racing purposes.  It is proposed to have a sweepstakes race soon.

Mr. Allen Howison, in a card, says please discontinue my name as one of the candidates for the Legislature; and respectfully decline; fully appreciating the compliment my friend or friends are disposed to pay me.

The dedication of the M. E. church at this place, which was announced for Thursday, Sept. 4th, has been postponed till Sunday Sept. 14th.

There is to be a mass meeting of the Conservatives of Prince William county, at Brentsville on Monday (court day).

Newspaper Tidbit: PWCo Items (29 April 1874)

Alexandria Gazette
29 April 1874

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY ITEM - [From the Manassas Gazette]

Quite a large attendance of ladies and gentleman was at the temperance meeting in Manassas on Thursday night. Judge Sinclair delivered an able and beautiful address, which was received with frequent outburst of applause. After the address the pledge was offered, and was signed by ten, two for life. A subscription was circulated, and upwards of twenty dollars donated to be used in fitting up a future place of meeting for the society. Among the visitors was Dr. J. C. Hill of Alexandria.

A few days ago, a negro employed on Mr. Frances' fishing landing stole a very fine horse belonging to Mr. F, and started South. Mr. Joe Lynn, started in pursuit, and in a few hours, after tracking the thief well through Chapawamsic Neck, came up with him near Potomac City, and recovered the horse, but the negro escaped into the pine.

Mr. W. W. Davis of Manassas, was seriously injured on Monday last by his horse, since which time he has been continued to his bed. He was holding the animal by the bridle rein, when it began to play, pulling Mr. D. down, and as he fell striking him on the side and stomach with hi knees.  Mr. D. lay insensible for some time.

Messrs. Makely & Rice of Clifton have a pet squirrel, captured in the woods near that place, which is perfectly white. It is in every particular except the color, an exact counterpart of the common grey squirrel. It is very tame and perfectly docile.

The carriage of Capt. C. R. Limstrong while standing at the M. E. Church in Manassas on Thursday night during the temperance meeting, was robbed of two cushions, a rug, a blue cloth jacket belonging to his son, and a lantern.

The wheat in this neighborhood never presented a finer appearance. The peach crop has been seriously damaged by the frost. Pears and cherries, now in bloom, do not appear to be injured.

The heavy rains of the past three or four days have stopped farming operations, and raised some of the streams too high to ford.

Church Record Sunday: Easter Program (1920)

Manassas Journal

2 April 1920

WOODBINE

An interesting program was rendered Sunday evening at Woodbine Church by the young folk of the community.  An Easter program is being prepared for next Sunday evening, with Mrs. J. M. Russell as leader.

Last Sunday's program included a song, Scripture reading, invocation, a solo, Jesus Loves Me, by Mr. Odie Breeden; a recitation, Four Leaf Clover, by Annie Golihew; a reading, The Leak in the Dyke, by Miss Pauline Smith; a solo by Mr. W. A. Breeden; a recitation, The Old Homestead, by Miss Maud Norman; a reading, Somebody's Mother, by Miss Annie Cornwell; a duet, a reading, Little Golden Hair, by Miss Pearl Russell; a reading, A Psalm of Life, by Miss Bessie Cornwell, a duet, a reading, We Parted in Silence, by Miss Goldie Golihew; a song, a reading, by Miss Myrtle Cornwell, a reading, The Volunteer, by Miss Ruth Wheaton; a song, a recitation, The Widower, by Miss Maud Norman; a solo, a recitation by Miss Annie Golihew and a recitation by Mrs. Hill.

Newspaper Tidbit: Pastor Writes from Kentucky (1920)

Manassas Journal

February 6, 1920

Page 8

PASTOR WRITES FROM KENTUCKY

Rev. Mr. Rixey, Now at Theological Seminary, Recalls Prince William Days

The Journal is in receipt of an interesting letter from Rev. R. P. Rixey, of Fredericksburg, a former Prince William pastor, who is now at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary at Louisville, Ky.:

“You may be surprised that news from your paper reaches to this city of 250,000 in far off Kentucky, 700 miles from Manassas.  Some mutual friend sent me a clipping from a late copy of The Journal with the letter you published from Rev. R. T. Hayes, of Pendleton, Va., telling of his work in Louisa county.

The reading of that letter brought back a flood of memories of about five years ago when I was the pastor of Woodbine and Bellehaven churches in Prince William county, and Brother Hayes was debating the question of giving up his position with the Standard Oil Company to enter the ministry.  I have never had cause to regret the fact that I then urged him to make the sacrifice needed and concecrate [sic] his life to so noble a calling.  I saw him take his departure shortly for Louisville, Ky., to make the preparation he needed.  I saw him two years later when he returned and began his good work in Louisa county.  I have helped him there two years in special meetings at one of the churches.

So much impressed was I with the intellectual and other help he had secured at the Seminary, that I made up my mind that I wanted the same.  It is seldom a man of my age, who enters the ministry as late in life as I did, ever goes to a Seminary.  However, I resigned my two churches and came last October for special work, and have greatly enjoyed the course of study.

I am by far the oldest man at the Seminary this year, but have no difficulty keeping up with the young men in my studies and have successfully passed all examinations.

I wish more of our older men would come here for preparation for this work.

My mind runs back over the past five years, and it seems but a short time since I enjoyed the hospitality of the homes I shall never forget; and the names Woodbine, Independent Hill and Bellhaven will never be forgotten.  The kindness and consideration of the people, in view of my imperfect work, will be to me always a source of gratitude and wonder.

Such names as Hayes, Hill, Cornwell, Smith, Russell, Luck, Merrill, Tubbs, Donohue, Wolfenden, Lynn, Storke, Lowe, Wine, Wright, Abel and many others, too numerous to mention, will live with me so long as memory lasts.  I wonder if Mrs. Sam Lowe remembers that little homemade rug she gave me!  It is on my floor in far off Kentucky, and I see it as I write this letter.  Considerably worn now, but still in use.  Mrs. Donohoe and her sisters loaded down my buggy many times with good things for my folks at home.  So did others, who were church members.  I refer to Mrs. Sam Lowe and Mrs. Donohoe and her sisters specially, because they were not members of my churches, which made their kindness the more remarkable.

I hope when I get back to my home in Fredericksburg next June to have the pleasure of a visit to these churches again and a chance to persecute each of them at least once, with a sermon.”

Newspaper Tidbit: Independent Hill Items (4 May 1917)

Recently, a reader pointed out that I tend to post items to my blog that favor (a) the Lynn surname, (b) Brentsville, and/or (c) Independent Hill/Coles District.  That may well be true.  I try to cover the entire county and time periods, but I must admit to a certain bias toward all of the above.

In the case of the Lynn surname, that one's a bit obvious since it's who I hale from and the Lynn Family has been in the county since the early 1700's.  

Brentsville was the county seat for many years and there's a lot of history there worth noting.  The Brentsville Courthouse Historic Site was the first historic site I visited after I moved to the county (even before the Manassas Battlefield) and includes my favorite historic building in the county, the Brentsville Jail.   

As for the community of Independent Hill, that is where my grandfather, Earl Lynn, was born and where his parents and his ancestors lived during most of the 1800s/early 1900s.   Not surprisingly, I love coming across little "Local Items" in newspapers that give personality and depth to the lives of those who lived there. 

Manassas Journal
May 4, 1917

INDEPENDENT HILL

Mr. and Mrs. George Retzer, who spent the past winter in Baltimore with their daughter, Mrs. Graeff, have returned to Virginia and are visiting now at the home of Mrs. H. L. Hinton.

Mrs. George Lowe spent several days last week as the guest of Mrs. John Carter.

Mr. A. M. Yates, of Manassas was a visitor Sunday at the home of Mr. S. Long.

Mr. Carlton Hill, who attended Eastern College the past session has returned to his home to assist in putting in the spring crops.

Mrs. Nellie Keys has returned to Manassas, where she has been staying with Mrs. L. T. Bauserman.

Mr. Earl Lynn motored to Manassas Wednesday in his new motor car.

Mr. Clifton Storke spent a few days this week with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. B. W. Storke.

Hayfield School and Civic League will hold its regular monthly meeting Friday, May 11, beginning at 8 o'clock.  Addresses will be made by Supt. Charles R. McDonald and Hon. C. J. Meetze.  Music and readings will be contributed by Misses Myrtle and Annabel Merrill and Miss Hattie Simpson and Messrs. George Oleyar, R. L. Hinton and Richard Thorp.

Friend of Friends Friday: Jesse Bates and John Douglas

Alexandria Gazette – November 19, 1839

On Friday last, about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, as two colored boatmen, the one a free man named Jesse Bates, the other a slave named John Douglas, belonging to Mrs. Cannon, of Prince William county, Virginia, were quarreling on the south bank of the Washington Canal, near Messrs King and Hill's wood yard, Bates, the free man, seized a gun, which was loaded with shot, and discharged its contents into the right leg of Douglas.  The entire load of the gun lodged a little below the knee, in the leg of the unfortunate man, shattering the bone and mangling the flesh in a shocking manner.  On examining the wound it was ascertained by Dr. Lindsly and Dr. Hall that immediate amputation was necessary; and the poor fellow's leg was taken off by Dr. Lindsly, attended by Drs. Hall and Dawes; in a short time after the negro was removed to a convenient house in the neighborhood.  In the mean time, Bates has been arrested and taken before Justice Mosell, who, after examining such witnesses as appeared at his office, committed the prisoner to the county jail.

From the examining magistrate we learn that it appeared, by the testimony, that the wounded man was the assailant, and that when Bates fired at him, the former was going at him with a billet of wood for the purpose of striking him.

Since writing the foregoing notice, we learn that the unfortunate negro died about 11 o'clock, on Friday night, in six hours after his leg was amputated.  It appeared from the testimony of Dr. Dawes, who was examined before the Coroner's inquest, held on the following day, that about two hours after the operation the poor man appeared to be doing well; but, in three hours afterwards he became restless, and gradually sunk until 11 o'clock, when he died.  – Nat. Int.