Will: Thomas Newman

Will of Thomas Newman
PWCo. Will Book L, pg. 355-357
Proved: 2 April 1821

In the name of God Amen I Thomas Newman of the County of Prince William and state of Virginia do make this my last Will and Testament. Imprimis, I give and bequeath to my Beloved Wife Willia E. Newman all my Estate real and personal during her natural life or Widowhood except such specific legacies as may be herein after made.

1. Item I confirm to my son Elias Newman and his heirs the gift that I made him of negroes Reuben & Nell and her increase and I also bequeath to him and his heirs (negro Lad) John.

2. Item. I give and bequeath to my son Thomas Jett Newman and his heirs the land whereon he now lives purchased of Pages estate and containing one hundred and forty one acres more or less together with the negroes of which he is now in possession viz. Ann, Mina, and Wilson.

3. Item. I confirm to my daughter Nancy Jett Newman and her heirs the gift I made her of negro Patt and her children and bequeath to her (stone mason) Jack.

4. Item. It is my will and desire that out of the profits of my Estate there shall be placed in trust in the hands of my son Thomas Jett Newman one hundred and twenty dollars annually for the benefit and support of my daughter Elizabeth Hereford and her children or that as much money be vested in Bank or other stock sufficient to yield an Interest of that amount in either case my son Thomas J. Newman to act as trustee for the special benefit of my said daughter Elizabeth Hereford and her children and this to be considered as her full proportion of my Estate.

5. Item. I confirm to my daughter Mary Spindle & her heirs the gift I made her of negro Isaac, and also give and bequeath to her and her heirs negro Phillis.

6. Item. Having made a Deed of Trust to James Brown of Frederick County of negroes Sally and Stefnee for the benefit of my daughter Sarah Brown and her children I confirm the same for the purpose therein mentioned and also at the death of my wife I give in Trust to my son William Jett Newman negroes Harry, Thornton & Eliza for the special benefit of my said daughter Sarah Brown & children.

7. Item. Upon the death or marriage of my wife I give and bequeath to my son William Jett Newman and his heirs the Tract of Land purchased of John Armistead of Caroline County, decd. containing five hundred acres, more or less together with the land lying on the south side of Catharpen purchased of William Armistead containing from twenty to thirty acres. I also give and bequeath to my son William Jett Newman and his heirs negroes Carpenter Tom and Betty and their children Charles, Charlotte, Jim & George.

8. Item I give and bequeath to my daughters Catharine Newton Newman, Mary Spindle, Peggy Newman and Eleanor Newman and their heirs the residue of my land in Prince William County to be divided equally among them according to quantity and quality I also give them the use of my Dwelling House as their residence as long as they remain unmarried.

9. Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Catharine Newton Newman and her heirs negroes Jack and Milly and their children Maria, Reuben, and Margaret.

10. Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Peggy Newman and her heirs negroes Shoe Maker Tom, Winny, Moses, Penny and her children Esther, Rachel and Betsy.

11. I give and bequeath to my daughter Eleanor Newman and her heirs negroes Ned, Lucy, Peg, and her children Mary, Lewis, Penny & Juliet.

12. Item upon the death or marriage of my wife it is my desire that my Executors hereafter named shall sell all my personal property negroes excepted to meet the monied claims against my estate and if the avails thereof should prove deficient it is then my Will and desire that negro Jess and his wife and children shall be sold to compleat the payment of all just demands against my Estate and whatever balance of money may remain together with the negroes undisposed of to be divided among my children all except Thomas J. Newman and my daughter Elizabeth Hereford. 

Lastly I hereby nominate constitute and appoint my sons Elias Newman, Thomas Jett Newman, William Jett Newman and my brother Richard Newman Executors of this my last Will and testament.  In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 28th day of December one thousand eight hundred & twenty.

Thos. Newman {seal}

Edmund Newman
E. Brooke Senr.
John Tall
Thomas Brasfield
Daniel Foster
Thos. Fortun

In addition to the Will which I have recently signed and sealed it is my desire to annex thereto my bequests as relates to two tracts of land to which I am entitled in the state of Tennessee viz. one of two thousand five hundred acres and the other of five hundred acres making on the whole three thousand which I bequeath to all my children in equal divisions that is to say Elias Newman, Thomas J. Newman, Nancy Jett Newman, Elizabeth Hereford, Katherine Newton Newman, Mary Spindle, Sarah Brown, William Jett Newman, Peggy Newman & Eleanor Newman all of whom to have an equal interest in the said three thousand acres of Land.

It is also my will and desire that all my sons and sons in law shall be exhonerated from the payment of all and any moneys that I have advanced to them or for them. Given under my hand this 9th day of February 1821.

Thos. Newman

Thomas Fortune
James D. Tennill
Alexr. Tennill

At a Court for Prince William County April the 2nd 1821.

This last will and testament of Thomas Newman decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of Thomas Fortune, James D. Tennill and Alexander Tennill is ordered to be recorded and Richard Newman and William Jett Newman two of the Executors therein named made oath to the same according to law and the said Executors having performed what is usual in such cases certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste   Phil. D. Dawe  Ct. Cur.

PWCo Items: Manassas, Va - January 1918

Evening Star (DC)
13 January 1918

MANASSAS, VA.

Miss Vera V. Hughes of Coaburn and Robert C. Leachman, 150th Infantry, Camp Shelby, Miss., were married on New Years day in Hattiesburg, Miss. The bridegroom is a son of Charles C. Leachman of Manassas. 

The Manassas Good Housekeepers' Club met Wednesday afternoon at the home of Mrs. R. J. Adamson. Mrs. S. G. Byrne entertained the Stone House Good Housekeepers' Club Wednesday afternoon. 

Miss Ada Kincheloe of Upperville, Fauquier county, has been the guest of Mrs. L. Frank Pattie. Christopher M. Newman of Bridgeport, Conn. and Mrs. Bessie Newman of Washington were recent visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Conner. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fontaine Hooff, whose marriage took place recently in Washington, have been visiting Mrs. Hooff's parents, Mr. and Mrs. George H. Smith. 

J. P. Leachman has returned from New Mexico and Cape Girardeau, Mo., where he visited his daughters, Mrs. David B. Smith and Mrs. Allen Laws Oliver. 

Wheatley M. Johnson and J. B. Johnson, jr., of Camp Lee recently visited their parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Johnson.

PWCo Items: March 1874

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
7 March 1874

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY ITEMS. -- [From the Manassas Gazette]

At a meeting of the Trustees of the County School Board, held in Brentsville on Monday, the following preamble and resolution were adopted: Whereas it appears George C. Round, esq., the delegate from this county, has presented a bill in the Legislature, having for its object the election of the School Trustees by the people*, and whereas such legislation would at the present time be, in the opinion of this Board, destructive to public school interests, and this Board, actuated by a regard for the welfare of this county and the cause of education, and uninfluenced by any formal consideration, protesting against such action as it conceives such to be their duty, is ready at any time to relinquish its power, so soon as other suitable and more efficient officers may be selected. Be it therefore resolved that the course of Geo. C. Round., esq., in presenting the above bill and urging its passage is in direct opposition to the views of the School Trustees of this county.

The March term of the County Court met on Monday, and was very well attended by persons from different parts of the county. The sale of the plate and jewelry of the late Mrs. F. B. Gibson attracted a large crowd of persons, and the bidding was lively. In the case of J.C. Branough against Craven J. King, for unlawful detainer, the jury failed to agree, standing nine for plaintiff and three for defendent; so the case was continued. Ferdinand A. Weedon was appointed and qualified as constable to fill a vacancy in Manassas Township. Mrs. Mary Newman qualified as executrix of Levi H. Newman, deceased; bond $2,000. The court ordered that the road commissioners of Brentsville and Coles Townships examine the bridge across Cedar Run and report what repairs are needed.

The bondsmen for the County Treasurer, and each of the township collectors, went before Judge Nicol on Friday last and concented to remain on the bonds of the above named offices for the time extended by act of the Legislature.

The Manassas Lodge of Good Templars, which had suspended its meetings for more than a year, has now assumed active operations, and has initiated nine new members in the last week.

*According to Wikipedia article on George Round, "1874...although (or because) Round proposed legislation to establish teacher training colleges across Virginia, he was not re-elected."

Newspaper Tidbit: Manassas Items (1914)

Richmond Times (Va.)
11 January 1914

MANASSAS
[Special to The Times-Dispatch]

Manassas, Va. January 10 -- Miss Florence Lion returned on Tuesday from Pittsburgh where she has been the guest of Mrs. Will Hall.

Misses Amelia and Daisy Hill Brown are the guests of friends at Charlestown, W. Va.

The Manassas German Club will hold an important meeting next week, and officers for the coming year will be elected. Arrangements will be made for the number of germans to be given this year. The club has increased greatly in membership, and has had an excellent year financially.

The Misses Lillian and Alice Brand entertained friends at 509 at their home in Manassas Saturday evening.

Miss Dorothy Johnson was the weekend guest of Mr. and Mrs. R. Weir Waters at their home in Culpeper.

Miss Thedia Waters of Washington was a guest at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. N. Lipscomb on Sunday.

Eastern College began its winter term on Wednesday with an increased enrollment. The first chapel exercises were held on Wednesday.

Mrs. R. S. Hynson returned Monday from Upperville, where she has been the guest of her sister, Mrs. James Kincheloe.

On Thursday evening the local medical profession was entertained at a stag dinner given by Dr. B. F. Iden at his home in Manassas. The guests were Drs. W. A. Newman, R. E. Wine, J. C. Meredith, J. Marye Lewis, W. F. Dowell and Surgeon John Hooe Iden of Annapolis. During the evening the physicians organized a temporary organization to be known as the Medical Society of Prince William County, which will be permanent at the next meeting on Friday night, January 16. Officers were elected temporarily, they being Dr. B. F. Iden, president, and Dr. J. M. Lewis, secretary. The membership at present consists of the local medical profession, but after the organization is made permanent all physicians of Prince William County will be asked to join.

Richard Kelly, of Marshall, spent Sunday with friends here on his way to Marshall.

Mr. and Mrs. Silas Lillard, who have been the guests of Mr. and Mrs. W. N. Merchant, have returned to their home in Danville.

Misses Anna Merchant and Miss Bessie Merchant are the guests of friends and relatives in Washington.

Miss Helen Burtless has returned to her home in Roanoke after visiting Miss Francis Spies.

Will: Robert Latham

Will of Robert Latham
PWCo. Will Book O, pg. 21
Proved 3 June 1833

In the name of God Amen

I Robert Latham of the County of Prince William & State of Virginia, being well stricken in years and being infirm of body but of sound mind & memory  calling to mind it is appointed for all men to die and wishing to continue peace & harmony amongst those that shall survive me & are heirs of the worldly goods God ahs blessed me with, do make & ordain this my last will & testament in manner & form following Viz:

1st. It is my will & desire that all my just debts which are but few should be punctually and speedily paid.

2nd. I give & bequeath to my beloved wife Sarah Latham two negro girls, one called Celia, who was originally called Senar & the other called Eliza also one bay mare called Bety and a bed & furniture together with thirty dollars which it is my wish my sons John Latham & Thomas Latham shall pay her when they collect the sale money. It is my will & pleasure that the above bequests shall be possessed by her uninterruptedly & to be finally at her disposal as she may see fit.

3rd. I give & bequeath unto my son John Latham, four negroes, one boy named Moses, one Woman named Delilah, one girl named Harriet, and a boy named Randle there is an old woman in my family named Ann. It is my wish that my son John Latham should take charge of her & do with & for her, what may be just & right for her & himself. I also give unto my son John Latham the plantation & the appurtenances thereto belonging on which I now reside.

4th. I give & bequeath unto my five grand children, Robert Cundiff, Margaret Elizabeth, Lucy Ann, Thomas Richard & Susannah, by my son Robert Latham decd a negro woman named Nancy & her son named Charles, which the widow of the deceased has in possession. Also I give unto my above named five grand children five hundred dollars, that is one hundred dollars to each of them & to be paid to them as they severally come of age, by John & Thomas Latham, or their representatives.

5th. I give & bequeath unto my son Thomas Latham five negroes, named Harry, Agnes, Jane, Esther & John.

6th. I give & bequeath unto my Daughter Lucy Latham five negroes named Charlotte, Ann, Martha, James & Washington. I also give & bequeath unto my Daughter Lucy my riding horse & one bed & furniture. Also in consequence of my son John Latham's possessing the place whereon I now live it is my will that he shall pay to my Daughter Lucy one hundred dollars, in five equal annual payments the first payment to be made twelve months after the sale.

7th. My will is that every thing shall be kept together & the farm cultivated as usual until the end of the present year & that the proceeds of the farm shall be sold as part of the estate.

Lastly I desire that all my property not named in the above bequests consisting of horses, cattle, sheep & hogs, one Waggon, one cart & a gig, with plantation utensils & all the house hold & kitchen furniture, shall be sold at the end of the year, with the crop raised on the farm, & the money arising from the proceeds of the sale, after deducting the thirty dollars bequeathed to my wife and five hundred dollars to my five grand children, the balance after my debts are paid shall be equally divided among my three children John Latham, Thomas Latham & Lucy Latham. It is my wish that my sons John Latham & Thomas Latham shall settle my business agreeable to this my last will & testament in friendship & brotherly affection. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal this 18th day of February one thousand eight hundred & thirty three. (1833)

Robert Latham {seal}

Signed, sealed, published & delivered by P. Robert Latham as his last will & testament in presence of us:

Theron W. Newman
Albert Newman
Dean James
David James

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William County the 3rd day of June 1833.

This last will and testament of Robert Latham deceased was presented to the court and being proved by the oaths of Theron W. Newman and Albert Newman the two subscribing Witnesses thereto is ordered to be recorded.

And on the motion of John Latham and Thomas Latham Exors therein named who made oath thereto and together with Theron W. Newman & James D. Tennille their securities entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $10000 conditioned as the law directs. Certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate of said will in due form.

Teste.  Jn. Williams  Ct. Cur.

Newspaper Tidbit: Manassas Items (1916)

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
6 February 1916

MANASSAS, VA., February 5.--Rev. and Mrs. B. G. Pease of Richmond have announced the approaching marriage of their daughter Grace and R. Allen Merchant, also of Richmond. The ceremony is to take place Wednesday, February 16, at the home of the bride's parents on East Franklin street. Mr. Merchant is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Walton Merchant, for many years residents of Manassas. He was graduated from Manassas High School with the class of 1912.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Lynn, who recently were married in Washington, have returned to make their home at Milford Mills. Ms. Lynn was formerly Miss Mary Neville Dogan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Dogan of Paradise.

Mr. and Mrs. C. R. C. Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. O. D. Waters last Friday evening entertained the senior and junior Bridge clubs at the New Prince William Hotel.

H. N. Merchant of Baltimore this week was the guest of his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. W. Fewell Merchant.

Mrs. Julia Newman Wreun of Weyer's Cave recently was the guest of Dr. and Mrs. W. A. Newman.

The sewing circle of Grace Methodist Episcopal Church South recently met with Mrs. R. S. Hynson. The women of the church are preparing to hold the annual bazaar February 17.

Members of the younger set are planning for a leap year dance to be given Friday evening in Conner's Opera House.

Mrs. Bowling of Upper Marlboro, Md., has been a guest of her son-in-law, Allison A. Hooff.

Aylett T. Holtzman of Washington was a recent guest of Rev. and Mrs. T. D. D. Clark.

Friend of Friends Friday: NOTICE: Committed to Jail (Sancho) (1804)

Alexandria Expositor for the County
9 July 1804

NOTICE.

WAS committed to the jail of Alexandria county, district of Columbia, a Negro Boy named SANCHO -- he is about four feet six inches high, about fifteen years of age, of yellowish complexion, and impediment in his speech -- his clothing are ordinary -- he says that he belongs to colonel Thomas Lee, of Prince William county, state of Virginia, and at present is hired to Thomas Newman, of Fairfax county -- the owner of said slave is hereby required to come and prove his property, pay charges and take him away, otherwise he will be disposed of as the law directs.

JAMES CAMPBELL, Jailor.

June 7

Will: Leonard Brasfield (1817)

LEONARD BRASFIELD Will

Prince William County Will Book L, pg. 45

Dated 22 March 1817; Proved 2 June 1817

In the name of God Amen, I Leonard Brasfield of the county of Prince William being and weak (but of sound mind and disposing memory) calling to mind the uncertainty of human life and having a desire to dispose of all such worldly estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with in the following manner viz:

First, I resign my soul to almighty God who gave it hoping through the merits of christ my blessed redeemer to attain to everlasting joy and felicity: and my body to the earth to be buried in a christian like manner by my executors hereafter mentioned.

Item second, I give and bequeath to my loving wife Nancy Brasfield all my estate both real and personal of all kind whatsoever during her natural life or widowhood and after her death or intermarriage to be divided among my sons and daughters in the following manner Viz:

Item third, I give to my son Leonard Brasfield; and my daughters, Mariah Brasfield, Lucinda Brasfield; Betsy Brasfield and Julia Brasfield; each a horse and saddle worth one hundred dollars; and my sons Thomas and Leonard Brasfield, and my daughters Mariah, Lucinda, Betsy and Julia Brasfield, each a good feather bed, and I give the same to them and their heirs forever.

Item fourth, If either of my daughters Mariah, Lucinda, Betsy, or Julia Brasfield shall remain unmarried at the decease of my loving wife Nancy Brasfield it is my will and desire that in that case that either or all of them shall have the one half of my dwelling house for a home and dwelling untill they may either marry or depart this life, and for the special performance of this fourth Item I lay of a Lott of Land including all my houses which I suppose will be of more value than any of the other lotts when laid off which said lott shall begin at a slooping white oak in the line of Capt. Thomas Newman and corner of the sd. Newman's purchase from the Estate of Matthew Page extendtending thence a long his line purchased from the Estate of said Page twenty yards to the south side of the Intersection of my spring branch with said line, then e in a westerly direction in a right line or Parellel with my back line between myself and Capt. Thomas Newman untill by running a right line with the first to the back line will include all the buildings together with the old garden thence a parellel line with the first to my back line between myself and  apt. Newman then e with sd. back line to the first station; thinking this lott will be of more value than any of the others when laid of it is my will and desire that at the time of a division of my estate that my three sons George, Leonard and Thomas Brasfield shall draw for the said lott and which of either of my three sons shall draw said lott I give the same to him and his heirs forever.

Item fifth, It is my will and desire (that after the lott is laid of including the mantion House) that the ballance of my Land shall be laid off in lotts as nearly equal as possible have regard to quantity and quality wood sec. and that after my sons shall have drawn for the house lott the other two together with my Daughters Nancy Wheeler, Mariah, Lucinda Betsy and Julia Brasfield, shall draw for the seven lotts so laid of beginning with the Eldest and so on to the youngest.

Item sixth, it is my will and desire that my negroes at the decease of my loving wife may be valued and drawn for by my eight children, viz, Geo., Thomas, & Leonard Brasfield, Nancy Wheeler, Mariah, Lucinda, Betsy and Julia Brasfield, so that each may have a chance to get one by paying the difference in value, and I give the same to them and their Heirs forever.

Item seventh, it is my will and desire that all the rest of my Estate of whatsoever kind shall be equally divided among my eight children Viz. Nancy Wheeler, George, Thomas, Leonard, Mariah, Lucinda, Betsy and Julia Brasfield.

Lastly, I hereby constitute and appoint my son in law William Wheeler and my son George Brasfield Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all other or former Wills or Testaments by me heretofore made, In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 22nd day of March 1817.

Leonard Brasfield {seal}

Signed, Sealed published and declared as and for the last will and testament of the above named Leo. Brasfield in presence of Wm. Cundiff, Thos. Newman, William J. Newman, Thomas Fortune, Richard Newman

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William County June 2, 1817.

This last will and testament of Leonard Brasfield dec. was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of Thomas Newman and Thomas Fortune is admitted to record. And Wm. Wheeler and George Brasfield the Exors. therein named came into Court and made oath to the same according to Law and having taken the oath of Exors. and having performed what is usual in such cases Certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste,

Phil. D. Dawe  Ct. Cur.

Newspaper Tidbit: Manassas (19 December 1915)

Richmond Times Dispatch (Richmond, VA)
19 December 1915

MANASSAS

[Special to the Times-Dispatch]

MANASSAS, VA., December 18.--J. P. Leachman, treasurer of Prince William County, and his deputy, C. C. Leachman, will move their offices the first of the year from the National Bank Building to the office rooms in the M.I.C. Building, formerly occupied by Dr. R. E. Wine.

Dr. W. A. Newman yesterday entertained the members of the Medical Society of Prince William County at his residence on Main Street.

Miss Bessie Edmonds and Miss Katie Gilbrotzer, of Alexandria, were guests at the home of Mrs. L. E. Pope this week.

Mrs. Dennis O'Neil of Manassas recently visited her sister, Mrs. Sallie Armick at Barboursville. On Thursday night during the high wind the Armick home at that place was totally destroyed by fire, the family saving none of the household effects except clothing.

The Young Ladies' Bridge Club was entertained at the home of Miss Bessie Walker, on Main Street, to-day.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Watkins of Alexandria spent the week-end at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Wenrich.

Mrs. N. L. Turner, of The Plains, was the guest of her mother, Mrs. P. P Chapman, during the first of the week.

Friend of Friends Friday: Inventory of Leonard Brasfield (partial/enslaved persons) (1817)

Inventory of Leonard Brasfield
PWCo Will Book L, pg. 156

Pursuant to an order of the worshipful Court of Prince William County hereunto annexed bearing date the 2nd day of June 1817 we the subscribers being first sworn before Thomas Newman one of the Justices of the said County have proceeded to Inventory ad appraise and appraise the Estate of Leonard Brasfield deceased this 13th Day of September 1817 Viz ---

Negro Henrietta - $350
Negro Clara & Child - 350
Negro Wilson - 300
Negro Mary - 300
Negro Evelina - 300
Negro Polly - 120
Negro Moses - 150
Negro Simon - 85
Negro Matilda - 85


... [signed]
R. Newman
Geo. Tennille
Henry Dogan

At a Court Continued and held for Prince William County April 7th 1818

This Inventory and appraisement of the Estate of Leonard Brasfield decd was returned to the Court and admitted to record.

Teste
Phil. D. Dawe  ct cur

Church Record Sunday: Newspaper Tidbits

Alexandria Gazette
28 September 1860

Resignation of a Pastor. -- The Rev. Jno. Towles, rector of St. Paul's Church, Leeds Parish, Prince William County, has resigned the charge of that parish and the parish of Dettinger in the same county.  A meeting of St. Paul's vestry was held on the 10th inst., on which occasion the letter of resignation having been read, resolutions of esteem for the retiring pastor, and of regret at the severing of pastoral relations were unanimously adopted.  The vestry of Dettinger have passed similar resolutions.

Alexandria Gazette
19 October 1866

MISSIONARY APPOINTMENT. -- At a meeting of the State Mission Board of the Baptist General Association of Virginia, held Monday afternoon in Richmond, the Rev. T. W. Newman, was appointed Missionary to Prince William county.

Alexandria Gazette
9 May 1867

Prince William County. -- Rev. H. Hyde, of Independent Hill, Prince William county, writes to the Home Missionary an appeal for Puritan emigration to Virginia, as the only means that can gain and save the South.  He describes his place, "in the heart of the nation, close to the national capital -- on the borders of the Potomac, with access by water to all the markets of the world -- with a rolling, well-watered, fertile soil, abounding in all the products of the forest, and near to those of the mine." Everything is as free, and as secure from damages, as in New England.

Will: William J. Newman (1824)

WILLIAM J. NEWMAN Will

Prince William County Will Book M, pg 190

18 Jul 1824; proved 06 Sep 1824

In the name of God Amen I WILLIAM J. NEWMAN being diseased of body but of sound mind do make this my last will and testament in manner following to wit. First I resign my soul to the almighty giver of it.  Secondly It is my desire after all my just debts are paid, that whatever property may be left, shall be kept together for the mutual support of my wife and son, which I bequeath to them in equal proportions but to remain in the possession of my wife MARY NEWMAN until her marriage or the arrival of my son to the age of twenty-one at either of which periods I desire it may be equally divided, Thirdly I bequeath to my wife & son all my land in Prince William County to be equally divided, whenever they may think proper not to remain together or upon her second marriage, but upon the death of either of them before marriage, it is my desire that the other should have the whole of the lands as will also the personal property being interested in a tract of land in the western County in equal proportion with my brothers and sisters, I bequeath my said proportion to my son.  Lastly I leave my wife MARY NEWMAN whole & sole executrix of this my last will and testament as witness my hand and seal this 18^th day of June 1824.

WILLIAM J. NEWMAN

Witness

CHRISTOPHER C. CUSHING, THOMAS I. NEWMAN, THOMAS E. NEWMAN, MORTIMER J. NEWMAN

At a Court held for Prince William County September 6, 1824.  This last will and testament of WILLIAM J. NEWMAN decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of CHRISTOPHER C. CUSHING and THOMAS J. NEWMAN, is admitted to record and MARY NEWMAN the Executrix therein named came into court and made oath to the same according to law, and having taken the oath of an Executrix and performed what is usual in such cases certificate is granted her for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste, PHILIP D. DAWE

Church Record Sunday: Newspaper Tidbits: Baptist Church

Alexandria Gazette
August 21, 1873

Union Grove speaks of being poor financially, yet rich in the Lord.  Still regards Bro. Dulin as pastor, though he has left them.  Desires to build a house of worship, and asks assistance.  They have licensed Bro. C. W. Teasdale to preach the Gospel.

Alexandria Gazette
October 10, 1874

A protracted meeting by the New School Baptists closed last week, which had been in progress near Blands Ford for two or three weeks.  The meetings were held in the woods in the day time and at Mr. Barnes' house at night.  The exercises were under the charge of Rev. Wallace Newman who was assisted by Rev. Mr. Risdon, Rev. Mr. Lowe, and Rev. Mr. Teasdale.  The meetings were well attended and resulted in the addition of seven new members, who received the ordinance of baptism on Sunday ast.

Alexandria Gazette
April 15, 1876

CHURCH ORGANIZATION. -- The pastors and delegates from the following churches convened at Occoquan on April 9th, 1876, for the purpose of organizing a Baptist Church at that place:

Clifton, J. W. Ashford and G. W. Tillett; Jerusalem, T. T. Burke; Oak Dale, B. P. Dulin; Woodbine, S. F. Teasdale and S. G. Teasdale.

After a thorough investigation of the matter, it was unanimously adopted by the committee, and Rev. B. P. Dulin was chosen to preach the organization sermon, after which Rev. W. S. Kerns delivered the charge to the organized body.  The meeting then adjourned.

Will: Allman Fortune (1817)

ALLMAN FORTUNE Will

Prince William County Will Book L, pg. 45

14 Jul 1816; proved 02 Jun 1817

I ALLMAN FORTUNE of Prince William County being in ill health but of perfect mind, do make this my last will in the manner following, to wit, I give to my relation GARNER FORTUNE all the property I may die possess’d of, it is also my will that he shall sue for or recover on any other way in my name but for his benefit all the right title & interest that I have in a certain sum of money which my mother made a deed of gift of to me, which stands on record in the office of Caroline County for the recovery of which money I have ordered a suit, in testimony whereof, I have set my hand and seal this fourteenth day of July one thousand eight hundred and sixteen.

ALLMAN FORTUNE {seal}

Witness:

THOMAS I. NEWMAN, GEORGE W. BRASFIELD, GEO. TENNILL

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William County June 2^nd 1817 this last will and testament of ALLMAN FORTUNE decd was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of GEO. W. BRASFIELD and GEO. TENNILL is admitted to record and administration of the estate of ALLMAN FORTUNE decd with the will annexed is granted to GARNER FORTUNE who took the oath of an admin. And entered into and acknowledged a bond with security according to same.

Teste, PHIL. D. DAWE

Sunday's Obituary: Captain James Edward Herrell

Manassas Journal
March 17, 1916

CAPT. J. E. HERRELL DEAD

County Clerk and Confederate Veteran Passed Away Last Saturday Morning

Manassas Journal, 17 March 1916

At an early hour last Saturday morning Captain James E. Herrell, county clerk of Prince William county, passed away.  Captain Herrell, who was nearly 73 years of age, had been in failing health for the last few years but about a month before his death he began to fail rapidly and early last week it was sen that little could be done for him.

Captain Herrell was born in Fauquier county, March 24, 1843.  When a child he moved to Prince William where at the outbreak of the Civil War he entered the service of the Confederate States of America.  From the position of second sergeant of the Prince William Rifles, Co. F., 17th Va. Infantry, he was promoted to the first lieutenancy in April, 1862, and to the captancy in August, 1864.  In many of the big campaigns of the great conflict, Captain Herrell saw gallant service.

At the close of the Civil War, Captain Herrell engaged in several mercantile enterprises in upper Prince William and afterwards served the county successively as deputy sheriff, deputy clerk, county treasurer and county clerk.

The deceased is survived by his widow, who was a Miss Faithful, of Richmond; one son, Robert E. Herrell, and six daughters, Mrs. James E. Beale, of Haymarket; Mrs. A. L. Henry, Mrs. W. A. Newman, Mrs. F. Norvell Larkin, Miss Elizabeth Herrell and Miss Jamie S. Herrell, all of Manassas.

Funeral services were conducted at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Haymarket, Monday morning, the Rev. Robb White officiating, assisted by Rev. J. F. Burks.  The burial was in charge of Manasaeh Lodge, A. F. & A. M., assisted by Drinkard Lodge, of Haymarket.  Interment was made in St. Paul's church yard.  The pallbearers were: Thos. H. Lion, D. J. Arrington, O. C. Hutchison, J. E. Nelson, Bryan Gordon, and T. R. Gallaher.

[A photo of Captain Herrell's headstone can be found on Findagrave ~ cgl]

Church Record Sunday: Virginia News

Alexandria Gazette
January 10, 1876

VIRGINIA NEWS.

The new Presbyterian Church at Manassas will be dedicated on Sunday the 16th inst.

At the election by Woodbine Baptist Church, of Prince William county, for pastor, Rev. T. W. Newman received one more vote than Rev. Mr. Kerns.

The wife of Thomas R. Davis, of Bristoe station, Midland railroad, has been paralyzed.  -- The flocks of sheep of the Messrs. Godfrey, of Prince William, have suffered severely from dogs lately. -- Dr. E. H. Marsteller, of Prince William, has been appointed an assistant Sergeon [sic] in the United States Navy.  -- On Thursday last, while Franklin Arnold, of Prince William county, in company with his brother, was on his way to Occoquan to attend a wedding, he stopped for a few minutes at the house of Mr. Payne, and just had taken a seat when he suddenly fell back and died.  ~Manassas Gazette

Sunday's Obituary: William H. Newman

New York Times – August 11, 1918

WILLIAM H. NEWMAN OF N.Y. CENTRAL DIES. Former President, Who Planned Great Terminal, Expires at Hotel Biltmore in 72d Year. Rose from Station Agent. His Ability as Traffic Manager in the Southwest Attracted Gould, Hill, and the Vanderbilts.

William H. Newman, former President of the New York Central Railroad, under whose direction the plans for the Grand Central Terminal were conceived and executed, died at 1 o'clock yesterday afternoon in his apartments in the Hotel Biltmore. Mr. Newman had been in frail health for more than a year and about six months ago hope for his recovery was given up. Death was due to arterio-sclerosis. Mr. Newman was in his seventy-second year.

From the time of his resignation in 1908, when he gave up the exacting duties of his office after forty years of railroad service, he had remained as a member of the Board of Directors of the New York Central and the various allied companies, lending his advice and counsel and intimate knowledge of the affairs of the various departments. At the time of his retirement he had been President of the New York Central for eight years. He was succeeded in the office by W. C. Brown, then senior Vice President.

Mr. Newman was conceded to be one of the foremost railroad managers in the country, a reputation he secured as much in his conduct of the arrangements for the great terminal facilities of the Grand Central Terminal as for the conduct of the routine business of a complicated system of lines. His retirement, he explained in his letter to the Board of Directors, was due solely to his wish to spend his last days free from the burdens and strain necessarily incident to the position he held.

Praised by Directors. In a resolution adopted by the Directors, who included the late J. P. Morgan, W. K. Vanderbilt, F. W. Vanderbilt, Chauncey M. Depew, William Rockefeller, G. S. Bowden, H. McK. Twombly, D. O. Mills, and George F. Baker, it was set forth that Mr. Newman had devoted to the Presidency his whole time and energy and had shown marked ability in his treatment of the many complicated matters with which he had to deal. Mr. Newman was elected to the Presidency of the New York Central on June 8, 1901, to succeed Samuel R. Callaway. He was then 60 years old. After taking the reins of the New York Central he was installed as President and Director of the many railroads in the so-called Vanderbilt chain.

Born in Prince William County, Virginia, Sept. 6, 1847, a son of Albert Newman and Adelaide Fewell Newman, he got his education in private schools in Kentucky. He began his railroad career in 1869 as a station agent on the Texas & Pacific Railroad at Shreveport, La. His work soon attracted attention, and he was promoted until he was made General Freight Agent of the line in 1872. He held this post until 1888. His specialty had been traffic, and he served for a time as Traffic Manager of the road.

His Success as Traffic Manager. In June, 1883, he was appointed Traffic Manager of the Southwestern system of lines in Texas and Louisiana, embracing the Texas & Pacific, the International & Great Northern, the Galveston, Houston & Henderson, and the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railways. He resigned in 1885 to accept the traffic managership of the Missouri Pacific system at St. Louis. His ability as a Traffic manager had attracted the attention of the late Jay Gould, and it was he who put Mr. Newman at the head of the traffic departments of the Gould Southwestern systems. In August 1887, he was made Third Vice President of the Missouri Pacific by Jay Gould. Here his capacity for “getting business” was brought to the notice of the Vanderbilts and James J. Hill. In 1889 he was Third Vice President of the Chicago & Northwestern. At the invitation of Mr. Hill he entered the service of the Great Northern in 1897, but he had scarcely settled down to work before he was called to the Presidency of the Lake Shore to succeed Mr. Callaway, who had gone to the New York Central.

So successful was his administration that in June, 1901, he was called to New York to take the Presidency of the entire New York Central system. In 1905 he was made President of the two subsidiary roads, the Michigan Central and the “Big Four.” It was during this period – 1904-1905 – that Mr. Newman brought about the concentration in New York of all the officials of the smaller roads. His friends by this time had nicknamed him “The Homeless” for, accompanied by his wife, he spent most of the time on his private car, keeping constant watch on the affairs long the line of the railroad. When not “on the road,” Mr. and Mrs. Newman lived in a Cleveland hotel before they moved to New York.

For some time he made his home here at Fifth Avenue and Sixtieth Street. Recently he made his home at the Hotel Biltmore. In 1874 Mr. Newman married Miss Bessie Carter of Marshall, Texas. He is survived by his wife, who, with several close friends, was at his bedside when Mr. Newman expired yesterday. The funeral will be held at the Hotel Biltmore on Monday at 2:30 o'clock.

[William H. Newman is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York City, New York -- cgl]

Marriage Notices Outside PWCo

Providence Patriot (Providence, RI) – 18 December 1822

MARRIED, in Prince William county, Vir. On the 4^th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Latham, Mr. Christopher C. Cushing, of Seekonk, Mass. To Miss Eleanor Newman, youngest daughter of the late Thomas Newman, Esq. of the former place.

Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, MD) – 10 February 1824

MARRIED, at Snow Hill, Prince William county, Va., James M. Tyler, to Miss Ann Matilda, eldest daughter of Col. William Hebb.

Torch Light (Hagers-town, MD) – 14 September 1826

…On the same day [Thursday 7^th], in Prince William county, Virginia, Mr. Jacob Snively, of Hancock, to Miss Harriet Blackwell, daughter of D. Blackwell, Esq.

Gloucester Telegraph (Gloucester, MA) – 9 October 1830

Another Revolutionary Soldier gone!!!  At Summerfield, Prince William County, Va., on the 5^th ult. By the Rev. J. E. Weems, William Flatford, Esq. a soldier of the Revolution, aged 85 years, to Miss Chloe Allen, aged 45.

Richmond Whig (Richmond, VA) – 19 May 1840

MARRIED.  On Thursday 14^th instant, by the Rev'd Wm. S. Plummer, Mr. Dan'l A. Ratcliffe of Prince William County, to Miss Mary Frances, daughter of James Bosher, Esqr. Of this city.

Massachusetts Spy (Worcester, MA) – 2 February 1848

In Petersham, Jan 10, Mr. N. Look, of Prince William County, Va., to Miss Sarah Ann Lincoln.

Critic-Record (Washington, DC) – 23 October 1875

MARRIAGE LICENSES.  Licenses to wed have been issued to Henry Washington and Jane Ware, George R. Atkinson, of Prince William co., Va., and Jennie B. Jones, of Fairfax county, Va.; Thomas C. Johnson and Elizabeth Tilghman, both of Baltimore; Thomas Shea and Mary Devine.

Baltimore Sun (Baltimore, MD) – 01 July 1899

COCKE-SMITH.  [Special Dispatch to the Baltimore Sun.]  Roanoke, VA., June 30. – Miss Lillie May Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob D. Smith, was married tonight at St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church to Corey B. Cocke, of Prince William county.  Miss Marion Cocke, of Roanoke, was maid of honor and Dr. E. L. Downs best man.  The happy couple left on the midnight train for a Northern bridal tour.

Baltimore Sun (Baltimore, MD) – 28 September 1899

TAYLOR-SPINDLE.  [Special Dispatch to the Baltimore Sun].  Fredericksburg, VA., Sept. 27 – Mr. Robert B. Taylor, of Prince William county, and Mrs. Mary Alice Spindle, of Caroline county, were married heretoday at the Methodist parsonage, Rev. J. P. Stump officiating.

Baltimore Sun (Baltimore, MD) – 7 November 1903

HOTTLE-ROBINSON.  [Special Dispatch to the Baltimore Sun].  MANASSAS, VA., Nov. 6. – Miss Virginia Robinson, daughter of Mr. J. H. Robinson, and Mr. J. S. Hottle, of Shenandoah, Va., were married on Wednesday evening at 6 o'clock at the home of the bride, near Manassas, by Rev. R. Smith, of this place.  A wedding dinner was served immediately after the ceremony, after which Mr. and Mrs. Hottle left on a Northern tour.  On their return they will reside in Manassas.

Baltimore American (Baltimore, MD) – 22 June 1905

CLARKSON-THELIN. – A marriage of much interest which took place last evening was that of Miss Marie Bertin Thelin, daughter of Mrs. William T. Thelin, of Mount Washington, to Mr. Thomas B. Clarkson, of Prince William county, Va.  The bride, through her father, the late William T. Thelin, of this city, is of old French Huguenot descent, while through her mother, a daughter of the late Judge Griswold, she is a representative of one of the most important colonial lines of Maryland.  She is a very charming young girl, who only made her debut two seasons ago.  The groom is a son of Dr. Clarkson, of Prince William county, and comes of an old South Carolina family.

The ceremony was performed at 8 p. m. at St. John's Protestant Episcopal church, Mount Washington, by the rector, Rev. Wilbur F. Watkins, Jr.  The interior was beautifully decorated by the members of St. Mary's Guild with a profusion of sweet peas, roses, smilax and ferns.  Over the chancel was erected a canopy of red and white roses, beneath which the young couple stood for the marriage service.  Announcing the approach of the bridal party the hymn "Oh, Perfect Love" was sung by the choir of St. John's, the wedding chorus from "Lohengrin" being afterward rendered upon the organ by Miss Berth leary as the processional.  The bride entered with her brother, Mr. Griswold Tehlin, by whom she was given away.  She wore an exquisite gown of white liberty silk, trimmed with old lace, and a tulie veil, taught with orange blossoms.  Her ornaments were pearls, and instead of a bouquet she carried a white prayer book.  Two little girls – Misses Mary Kirk and Floy Van Den Burg – served as flower girls in dainty frocks of white embroidered mull, with pink ribbons, and carrying a basket of pink bridesmaid roses.

Mr. Walter Clarkson of Washington, brother of the groom, was best man.  The ushers were Mr. Robert H. B. Beverly, Mr. Alexander M. Breckenridge, and Mr. Hugh T. Clarkson, all of Virginia; Mr. Carl Clarkson, of Alabama, Mr. Thomas B. Headley, of Philadelphia, and Mr. William T. Thelin, Jr. of Lewiston, Pa.  After the ceremony the immediate members of the two families and the bridal party returned to the residence of Mrs. Thelin to drink the health of the bride and groom, who soon after left on their wedding trip.  Upon their return they will reside in Washington, D.C. 

On Tuesday afternoon the bridal party, with members of the two families, were entertained at luncheon at the Baltimore Country Club by Mrs. Charles E. Phelps, sister of the bride.  On Monday evening, a dinner in honor of the groom and his attendants was given by Charles. E. Phelps, also at the Country Club.

Baltimore American (Baltimore, MD) – 25 April 1906

Wedding in Manassas.  [Special to The American]  Manassas, Va., April 24 – Dr. W. U. Newman and Miss Florence Herrell were married at 12 o'clock today at the home of Capt. And Mrs. J. E. Herrell, on Battle street.  The ceremony was performed in the presence of the members of the bride's family and a few of her more intimate friends.  Dr. Newman is a prominent physician of this place.  The bride's father, Capt. J. E. Herrell, is a treasurer of Prince William county.

Baltimore Sun (Baltimore, MD) – 27 August 1907

CLINE-KEYS.  [Special Dispatch to the Baltimore Sun.]  Fredericksburg, Va., Aug. 26 – Miss Annie Gertrude Keys, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Keys, of Prince William county, and Dr. T. C. Cline, of Dumfries, were married at the home of the bride's parents, Rev. A. J. Cummings officiating.  The couple left on a bridal tour for the Jamestown Exposition.  They will reside at Dumfries.

Washington Bee (Washington, DC) – 29 June 1918

QUIETLY MARRIED.  Miss Dovie Peters and Mr. Norman B. Grigsby were married Wednesday, June 19, 1918.  Owing to the recent departure of the bride's brother for France, the couple were married quietly by the Rev. J. Strange, of Alexandria, Va.  Only the nearest relatives were present.  The bride wore a lovely gown of white georgette crepe trimmed most artistically with white and pink beads.  The hat was of white straw and georgette crepe touched here and there with forget-me-not, which corresponded most wonderfully with the bouquet she carried.  Her only attendant was her sister, Miss Nellie B. Peters, of Washington.  The bride and groom left immediately after the ceremony for a short stay with their parents in Virginia.  The bride is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Peters of Manassas, Va.  The groom is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Grigsby of Marshall, Va.  The couple will later return to Washington, where Mr. Grigsby will take up his duties with the War Risk Insurance.