Showing posts with label PWCo Item. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PWCo Item. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

PWCo. Items: 03 December 1916

Evening Star (DC)
03 December 1916

MANASSAS, VA.

A company of local talent will present "The False Witness," a drama in five acts, Friday evening in Conner's Opera House for the benefit of the Ruffner-Carnegie Public Library. The participants include Miss Mary Beverley Leachman, Miss Mary Henrietta Lipscomb, Mrs. D. M. Pitts, Mrs, J. L. Eliot, Frank S. Davidson, F. Hunton Cox, D. R. Lewis, Martin D. Lynch, W. Carroll Rice and Albert A. May.

Bishop C. J. Kephart of Kansas City, Mo., was the recent guest of his niece, Mrs. Hervin U. Roop, wife of Dr. Roop of Eastern College. Bishop Kephart during his stay addressed the members of the college Christian associations.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Allen Merchant of Richmond have been the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Camper. Mrs. James E. Herrell, Mrs. Francis Norvell Larkin and little Miss Frances Larkin have returned from a visit to Asheville, N.C.  Arthur Crewe of Canton, Pa., is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Crewe of Thoroughfare. J. J. McGlone, who recently visited his sister, Mrs. Thomas S. Meredith, is spending some time in England.  Mr. and Mrs. Charles Amos, who have been residents of Manassas for a number of years, have left to make their home in Rosemont, Alexandria.

Monday, June 13, 2022

PWCo Items: 30 January 1860

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
30 January 1860

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY ITEMS. 

Mathias Curl, son of Mr. Joseph Curl, was injured on last Thursday, by being thrown from a horse. The young man is in fair way of recovering.

A son of Mr. Robert Deats, while about to take his brother across Cedar Run, his horse stumbled and fell on him, stunning him for the time being, but we are pleased to learn, not seriously injuring him.

Arrangements are being made to commence the working of the gold mine recently discovered on the premises of Mr. Lebbens Ewell, situated about six miles south of Brentsville.

The Prince William Cavalry, under command of Capt. William W. Thornton, met in this place on Saturday last, for drill and parade. The company numbered about thirty men, on parade, and presented a very good appearance. 

-- Prince William Democrat



Thursday, March 24, 2022

PWCo Items: Manassas is still pushing ahead... (1871)

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
12 June 1871

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA. -- Correspondence of the Fairfax News.

Manassas, May 27. -- Manassas is still pushing ahead and is about three times the place it was in 1869. A new Baptist Church is now going up and is nearly completed, in the grove belonging to Mrs. E. E. Johnson. The Presbyterians and Episcopalians intend to build churches during the coming summer. The Episcopalians and Baptists, at present, worship in the new Methodist Episcopal Church.

Several new buildings have gone up during the Spring and Winter, and among them a fine brick freight depot, and we are promised a brick passenger depot during the Summer.

Our public school system is in full blast. We have a Graded school under able teachers, and it is the intention of the Trustees to have a school where any Academical branches can be taught.

At the election Thursday last, this Township voted a 4 1/2 mill tax, and a poll tax, of 50 cts for public schools; every Township in the county carried the tax, except Coles, where it was lost by one vote. In Manassas, where the Trustees asked for the heaviest tax, the tax received the heaviest vote. Anson Bangs, of New York city, who is probably the largest owner of real estate in the county, happened to be in Dumfries at the time of the election, and not only favored the school tax, but offered $100 extra from his private purse.

The somewhat famous "Lewis Robinson suit," brought by a colored man against four of the late officers of the county, appointed under military authority, were tried at the May Circuit Court, and resulted in the discomfiture of Lewis. The suits were nine in number, and were brought for damages to the amount of $17,000, against Messrs. Baldwin and Ketchum, late magistrates, Mr. Herrick, a deputed constable, and Mr. Round, late Commonwealth's Attorney. His Honor Judge Keith instructed the jury that it would be a violation of their oaths to give the slightest weight to political or sectional prejudice, and if he thought any juror would be influenced by such motives, he would send him to jail. These trials have been an expense to the county, and have done nothing for the county but retard immigration and keep out capital.

The crops in this section are looking the finest I have seen for years.

M. J. 


 

Monday, January 24, 2022

PWCo Items: November 1896

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
21 November 1896

PRINCE WILLIAM NOTES.

Mr. Albert Buckley, an aged and well known citizen of this county, died at his home near Catharpin last Friday.

On Monday last Mrs. A. H. Roseberry was paralyzed while engaged at her sewing machine and is not expected to live.

Miss Ella Mayhugh, aged 16, daughter of Mr. G. W. Mayhugh, residing near Waterfall, died at her home on Monday last of diphtheria.

Mr. John Smith, one of Prince William's oldest and most highly respected citizens, died at his home near Antioch Monday evening in the 81st year of his age.

On Thursday five men and three bears arrived in Manassas and proceeded to give a small show on the streets, which was against the law. They were locked up.

Mr. Charles D. Wheat, of California, formerly of Prince William county, and a member of a Company A of the 49th Virginia regiment, died at his home in California, Saturday, September 19, from heart disease.

As an evidence of the growth of Manassas, Mayor Taylor informs us that the number of dwellings and stores completed, or now in progress, reaches a total of 30. This, of course, includes improvements made to dwellings, both in the corporate limits of the town and in the immediate suburbs.  -- Manassas Journal



Monday, January 17, 2022

Manassas Items: 13 December 1914

Sun (Baltimore, MD)
13 December 1914

MANASSAS

PAUL PORTNER, of Washington was a guest his week at Annaburg. Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Nash entertained at a dinner at their residence on Church street, the guests including Mr. and Mrs. J. R. B. Davis, Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Davis, Mr. and Mrs. I. E. Cannon, Mr. Nash's niece, Mrs. Bresnahan, and Washington. Miss Margaret Lynch was the guest of Miss Winifred Bronson, of Washington, for the week-end. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey Taylor have returned to Norfolk after spending several days with relatives here. Mr. and Mrs.H. L. Bouncy, of Clarendon, were guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Davis, at Bristow, for the week-end.

Local Masons who attended the Knights Templar banquet at the Plains recently were: Hon. C. J. Meetze, C. E. Nash, I. E. Cannon, W. H. Brown, O. D. Waters, J. R. B. Davis, H. P. Davis, G. W. Merchant, H. T. Davis, R. S. Hynson and T. F. Coleman. The Messrs. Bucker, of Clarendon, were guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Davis, at Bristow, last week. Harvey Janney has returned to Manassas after spending a week with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tyson Janney, at Occoquan. Miss Lena Akers was the guest of her sister, Mrs. William Gulick, in Washington, last week.

Miss Ida Camper, of Orange, is visiting Mr. and Mrs. Henry Camper. Miss Lucy Buck and Miss Glasscock, of Agnesville, were week-end guests at the home of Doctor and Mrs. R. C. Buck.

Saturday, January 1, 2022

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.



Saturday, December 18, 2021

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."

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

PWCo Items: 14 April 1888

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
14 April 1888

VIRGINIA NEWS.

Mr. Bancroft, the historian is on a visit to Richmond.

Ice formed a half inch think at Staunton on Thursday night.

An iron bridge is to be built across Broad Run, in Prince William County.

The democrats of Norfolk have nominated Captain Jack R. Ludlow for mayor.

Mr. Thomas Lake, of Warren county, fell dead of heart disease on the 5th inst., aged 77 years.

Mrs. Mary Hempstone, wife of Mr. C. T. Hempstone, near Leesburg, was found dead in her bed about 3 o'clock Thursday morning last.

"The Red Stone Quarry" near Brentsville, Prince William county, opened on Wednesday with a working force of about one dozen hands.

Bishop Whittle, of the Episcopal Church, will consecrate Ewell Chapel, near Hickory Grove, Prince William county, on Thursday, April 26, at 11 a.m.

At the democratic primary election in Lynchburg last Thursday, 1615 votes were cast, only 342 less than the democratic vote in the last gubernatorial election.

The dwelling house of Westwood Hutchinson, residing near Hickory Grove, Prince William county, with all of its contents was destroyed by fire Monday morning.



Thursday, August 5, 2021

PWCo Items: 12 September 1874

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
12 September 1874

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY ITEMS [From the Manassas Gazette}--


Sam Brown, a colored man, was arrested by officer John T. Goodwin, on Thursday evening last, on a charge of highway robbery, the complainant being Richard W. Jacobs, a white man. Jacobs swore that he was at Bristoe Station last Tuesday and became very much intoxicated, and that Brown accompanied him from Bristoe to Nokesville and drove his (Jacob's) wagon, and that at Nokesville Brown left, after which Jacobs discovered that his pocket book had been robed of $10.65. Brown was searched and four dollars found on him, which he attempted to conceal. On being questioned he gave contradictory statements in regard to the money in his possession. He was committed for a further hearing at Brentsville.

Quite a flutter occurred in the Old School Baptist Church, near this place, last Sunday morning during the services, when a colored many by the name of Lucas walked down the isle and took his seat among the white people. Lucas is a preacher, and has made application once to preach in this church, which was refused. He is a native of this county, and is now a representative in the Legislature.

We published a week or two ago an account of a colored man who came very near losing his life by the foul air in a well which he was cleaning out, and we now have another case to report of a colored man who has been engaged several weeks in deepening a well for Mr. C. L. Hynson, who narrowly escaped with his life a day or two ago by descending to the bottom and being overcome with the foul air.

Two leading articles of food seems to have entirely "played out" in this section, and none can be had for a love or money, viz: Irish potatoes and corn meal. There has not been sufficient of either in Manassas for the past week to feed a chicken.

Mr. Wm. I. Florence, son of Geo. N. Florence, of this place, feel from a fence on Sunday night last, and received a very painful sprain in his left ankle.

A friend informs us that there were six sermons preached in Manassas last Sunday, one marriage, and two baptisms.


Sunday, April 25, 2021

PWCo Item: Two New Tractors Ordered by County

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
25 December 1930

TWO NEW TRACTORS ORDERED BY COUNTY

Prince William Supervisors Authorize Purchase of Road Equipment

Special Dispatch to the Star.

   MANASSAS, Va., December 25. -- Two new tractors will be added to the equipment used in Prince William County road work, the Board of Supervisors Tuesday authorizing H. L. Tubbs, superintendent of roads, to buy two caterpillar tractors of the type No. 15.

The Board also heard the opposition to the closing of the road from the J. D. Crenshaw residence in an easterly direction to Yates Ford road, the abandonment of which had been recommended by a board of viewers, consisting of E. R. Conner, Charles B. Evans and J. S. Evans. The matter was again referred to the viewers for further report and consideration of a change of location as proposed by Martin D. Lynch, whose property borders on the road, and who represented citizens who claimed that to close the road would work a hardship and inconvenience to them. The protestants suggested that a relocation of the road be considered from Centerville road to Yates road. 

W. M. Johnson, John B. House, A. B. Carr, A. O. McLearen and W. H. Herndon were appointed a commission to view and make just compensation for land to be taken in relocating the road from Seymours Corner to Keys Corner in the Brentsville district, objection having been made to the report of the viewers.

The board disposed of many routine matters and approved numerous bills for payment by the county treasurer. Supervisors present at the meeting were J. Lindsay Dawson, chairman, Occoquan; Rolfe Robertson, Gainesville; J. W. Merchant, Dumfries; C. R. Earhart, Coles; D. E. Earhart, Brentsville, and C. C. Lynn, Manassas District.

[Unfortunately, H(erbert) L. Tubbs would later be killed when one of the county tractors "turned over on him" as he was working. ~cgl]


Wednesday, March 10, 2021

PWCo Items: 24 November 1873

Alexandria Gazette
24 November 1873

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

Mr. Matthew Woodyard, of Brentsville, a few weeks ago lost a grown son, then a valuable horse, then a son nearly severed a foot while chopping wood, and now we learn that Mr. Woodyard himself, while putting on a load of wood last week, had one of his legs broken by falling with a stick of wood which he was carrying to the wagon. Mr. W. is an industrious and hard-working man, and has a large family to support.

Mr. John Alexander, who purchased a farm in this county a few months ago, arrived here with his wife on the first of this month from Leelenaw county, Michigan. The contrast of the climate there and here may well be imagined when he informed us that he left snow 12 inches deep.

Mr. George Trimmer has sold the farm on which he lives, near this place, consisting of 241 acres, attached to which is a tolerable good saw and grist mill, to L. G. Prescott, of New Hampshire, for $2,650.

As the north-bound train was moving off a few evenings ago a saucy and unmannerly Miss deliberately squirted a mouthful of water in a man's face, who stood on the platform, and to add insult to injury, laughed at the fun.

Snow fell here to the depth of five inches Monday last, and commenced again on Tuesday about ten o'clock and continued at intervals during the day.

A large number of fruit trees have been received at this place from several different nurseries, but the weather has not been very propitous for planting them.

Judging from the number offered for sale in this village, wild turkeys must be plentiful this season. The price ranges from 75 cents up to $1.50 apiece.

The snow storm on Monday last put a stop to telegraph operations in this section by the breaking down of nearly all the wires.

Mr. John Varns, of the Manassas Hotel, was eighty years of age on the 19th inst. He is hale and hearty.




Monday, February 8, 2021

PWCo Items: 20 September 1869

Alexandria Gazette (VA)
20 September 1869

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA. ITEMS -- Since our last mention of the improvements about Manassas, there have been several others commenced. Mr. A. Z. Phillips, Mr. L. B. Butler, Col. P. B. Stilson, Mr. Bernard Bryant, and Mr. Wm. Hickson, are all building themselves dwellings, besides other of our citizens are building additions, and otherwise improving their premises.  We also learn that some of our capitalists expect to soon engage in the manufacture of articles now in great demand in this and other portions of the country, there being an abundance of raw material in this county.

The Masonic Fraternity in this place is prospering finely; and is bidding fair to become a large lodge. We understand they intend putting up a three story building, the third to be used by the order, the second to be fitted up for offices and the first or ground floor for stores. District Deputy Grand Master George R. Head, of Leesburg, is here and visited the Lodge last night.

The long continued drought has had the effect of drying up many of the smaller streams causing owners of stock a little inconvenience in procuring a sufficient amount of water. At Manassas, although none of the wells have failed, yet the water in some has become so low that the owners have been compelled to get water for their stock elsewhere. 

Mr. Wm. A. Ketchum, is engaged in building a residence on his farm near Brentsville. -- Col. Snow, who owns a beautiful farm near Nokesville Station, on the Orange & Alexandria R. R., is engaged in rebuilding his residence which was destroyed during the war.

Mr. Seymour Johnson of the firm of Buckingham and Johnson, who purchased the farm of Col. H. W. Cunningham, arrived here a few days ago from Wyoming county, New York, having travelled the distance, 350 miles, in eleven days, with their team loaded with furniture. They have commenced work at their new home, and will get full possession the first of October.

Messrs. E. F. Pickett, James E. Pickett and Philip Smith, three young men of this county, left here on Tuesday for the West. We should prefer they remained here and help to build up the waste places of old Prince William.

Cannon, McLean & Co., sold last Saturday, 827 acres of land near Gainesville, the property of Dr. Beverly Buckner of Louisiana, to Mr. Wm. Brown, of Alexandria, for $3,875.

~Manassas Gazette



Sunday, January 10, 2021

PWCo Items: Manassas Gay With Yuletide Parties (1938)

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
25 December 1938

MANASSAS GAY WITH YULETIDE PARTIES

Final Plans Are Made for Assembly Ball

Manassas, Va., Dec. 24 -- Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Owens will entertain 100 guests at an anniversary party preceding the assembly ball Tuesday evening. Mr. Owens' mother, Mrs. William E. Trusler, and her cousin, Miss Hilda Moser, will assist the hostess.

Final arrangements are being made for the assembly ball in the Manassas Gymnasium. On the Floor Committee are Mr. John Broaddus, Mr. Dennis Baker, Mr. Dudley Martin, Mr. Eugene Davis, Dr. R. T. Johnson, Mr. Lewis Carper, Mr. R. Jackson Ratcliffe and Mr. C. Wade-Dalton.

Mr. Emlyn Marsteller arrived last week end from Dartmouth to spend a three-week vacation with his parents, Dr. and Mrs. E. H. Marsteller.

Mr. and Mrs. R. T. Smith of Georgia are spending the holidays with their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Baker.

Mr. E. R. Conner entertained at a dinner party today.

Mrs. B. Higgs Lewis will be hostess at bridge Monday afternoon at her home on Sudley road.



Sunday, December 13, 2020

PWCo Items: Monday, 11 January 1875

Alexandria Gazette
Monday, 11 January 1875

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY ITEMS -- A terrible gloom was cast over the festivities of Christmas day by the sudden and unlooked for death of Mr. Wm. C. Broughton, a young man highly respected by his friends. He was taken ill early in the morning and died at about two o'clock in the afternoon, being in a lethargic and unconscious state from the time of the attack until his death.

At a public sale of horses at Brentsville on Monday last, a tolerably respectable animal sold for $5.50, and another, rather advanced in years and decrepid in limb, was knocked off at four dollars.

St. Stephens Episcopal church, near Catlett's, which was destroyed during the war is shortly to be rebuilt.

S. C. Neale esq., of Alexandria has been admitted to practice in the County Court. --

Manassas Gazette



Monday, October 12, 2020

Newspaper Tidbit: PWCo Items (31 January 1874)

Alexandria Gazette
31 January 1874

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY ITEMS
[From the Manassas Gazette]

A few days ago Mrs. R. M. Waters, who resides with her father Mr. R. M. Weir, of this place, heard her child, a little over a year old, crying, in an adjourning room, and on going to its relief, found it on the hearth very near the fire, and a bird dog belonging to her husband with his fore paws holding on to its clothing and a determined look in his eyes as if he understood the peril the child was in.

We are informed that the imported Hampshire Down flock of Mr. Lywood, of Gainesville, Prince William county, have commenced lambing, the first three ewes of that noted breed producing seven lambs. These sheep appear to be particularly adapted to this country being hardy, prolific and of great weight for mutton, also producing a heavy fleece of fine wool.

A horse belonging to Mr. Willie Ayre, of Fairfax county, who visited this place on Sunday last, had its mane more than half cut off by some person or persons as yet unknown. The penalty for such an offence is fine and imprisonment.

The M. E. Church, South, for Prince William Circuit, will hold their quarterly meeting at Brentsville on Saturday and Sunday the 7th and 8th of February.




Wednesday, October 7, 2020

PWCo Item: Brentsville: April 26, 1869

Alexandria Gazette
28 April 1869

LETTER FROM PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY
[Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette]

Brentsville, Prince William County, Va., April 26, 1869

A colored man named Wm Tuell, living near the town of Dumfries in this county attempted, yesterday, to kill his father. It seems there had been some dispute between William Tuell, jr., and another black man, in which the father of the former, also named William Tuel, interfered, and his son took a double barreled gun and shot him in the top of the shoulder near the collar bone. They were sitting at the supper table when the difficulty occurred and the shot fired, and the load is still in him. His recovery is generally despaired of, as his wound is a very severe one and at last accounts was bleeding profusely.

The criminal was arrested by Marshall Davis, esq., Deputy Sheriff, on a warrant issued by Wm. Frazier, esq., and was this evening brought to this place by Mr. Davis and lodged in jail. I understand a pistol and a very long knife were also found on Tuell's person.

This case will come before the grand jury at our Circuit Court, the second Monday in next month.

I am informed this is not the first offence of Tuell, but that he stabbed a white man some time since, and shot at a colored man but a short time before he attempted to kill his father.

TYRONE.



Monday, September 28, 2020

PWCo Item: Letter from Brentsville (19 May 1875)

 Alexandria Gazette
19 May 1875

Letter from Brentsville
[Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette]

BRENTSVILLE, May 17, 1875 -- The people of our county, for the last two or three weeks, have been considerably agitated over the claims of the many individuals who are willing to sacrifice themselves for the sake of serving the county for the next three or four years, but the agony is over and once more local excitement is subdued and everybody is now busy planting corn and praying for rain. A primary election was held for the benefit of the several aspirants, and in all respects was satisfactory in eliciting an expression of the will of the people. Prince William has about one thousand Conservatives, but at the election, held on the second Saturday in this month, only about nine hundred and fifty votes were cast, and as far as your correspondent can learn, all the candidates, both victors and vanquished, were satisfied, with the exception of one of the nominees who has raised the black flag and decries all who voted for his opponents, and proclaims them as enemies to himself and the public.

Our Circuit Court convened on the 10th. There were no criminals to be tried. The grand jury found a true bill against R. G. Troth, colored, for an attempt to burn the barn of Wm. H. Dogan. The court certified the case to the County Court for trial, the law providing that misdemeanors shall be tried in the County Court. On the chancery side of the court a large number of decrees were entered and some cases disposed of finally. On the common law side more issues were decided than at any previous term of the court for several years past. The bar was well represented, Alexandria and Fauquier putting in a very creditable appearance.

An old lady, named Mrs. Davis, died near Independent Hill this morning at the advanced age of eighty-four.



Tuesday, September 15, 2020

PWCo Item: Letter from Prince William (11 February 1870)

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
11 February 1870 (pg. 2)

LETTER FROM PRINCE WILLIAM
[Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette]

BRENTSVILLE, Feb. 9 -- The February term of Prince William County Court was held yesterday and day before. There was a pretty general attendance of people.

Judge J. W. Moore delivered an address on the issues of the day. W. C. Balch, esq. and Judge Sinclair also spoke. I heard that after the above gentlemen finished, two Conservative colored men spoke.

The following cases were tried:

Com. vs. Hoor, assault and battery -- verdict not guilty. Clark & Gen. Payne for defendant.

Com. vs. Beender, (colored) petit larceny -- verdict guilty and imprisoned 30 days. Clark for defendant.

William Fuell a colored man, sentenced six months ago to 9 months imprisonment in the county jail, was released.

An effort was made by Round, Commonwealth's Attorney, to get the Court to release Franklin Taylor from jail. He is confined in default of giving $1000 bond to keep the peace. This is a novel move for a Commonwealth's Attorney, especially as Taylor has, it was said, threatened boldly and openly to burn all the property that two gentlemen in the county own, and to kill then too, in less than twelve months. The Court very creditably refused to entertain such a motion.

The two men, Henderson and Nelson who are confined on charge of having entered and robbed the store of Davis & Lynn in this county, made a desperate attempt a few nights ago to break jail by prizing the bars out of the jail window, working through the side which was decayed, and pulling out the bricks with their bands. The noise was heard, however, by W. N. Tansill the jailor, and the progress of it arrested.

Mr. Tansill then ironed them, and Henderson with his naked hands snapped one of the chains entirely in two pieces.

They have since been ironed more securely. Henderson was married on Tuesday -- made arrangements on that day to rob the store -- robbed it on Friday night, and was arrested in a day or two afterwards in the presence of his wife, and a large portion of the goods were found opened on the bed near him. His wife who is of respectable parentage and possess some beauty is, greatly horrified at the conduct of her husband, as I learn.

Candidates for office are thick as "leaves in Vallombrosa." One gentleman last Monday I understand was so full of speech that the chairman of the meeting found great difficulty in inducing him to simmer down and let of steam without going through the process of a general explosion, while another in his great eagerness to speak suffered his coat tails to be nearly torn from his body in spasmodic efforts to bring him to a sitting position.

There will be a general convention held here next Saturday week, the 19th inst., to consider county matters, make nominations &c.

TYRONE.

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

PWCo Items: 15 August 1870

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
15 August 1870

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY. -- The daily attendance of persons at the bush meeting held recently in the grove near Gainesville was between three and five hundred. On last Tuesday 40 converts, varying in age from 12 to 80 years, were immersed.

From the Brentsville Advocate and Manassas Gazette we take the following items.

Mr. Edwin Nelson, of Dumfries Township, met with a painful accident a few days ago, which has disabled him from attending to his business for several days. He was cutting something overhead, when the axe glanced, the edge striking him near the eye, making a severe cut.

The Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Potomac Railroad Company have advertised for proposals for the gradation and masonry of a branch of their road, to run from Brook's station to a point near Quantico in this county.

The friends of Dr. R. W. Wheat, late of the county, will be pleased to hear that his health has improved, and that he is building up a fine practice in South San Francisco, having concluded to remain there.

A primary meeting of the Conservative voters of Brentsville Township will be held on Saturday next, for the purpose of appointing ten delegates to attend the count convention.

Mr. O. P. Chappell has removed his saw mill from Sprigg's Ford to Manassas, and is also engaged in puting in a planning mill in connection with his other business.

A meeting for the purpose of choosing delegates to attend the Convention, next September court, will be held at Manassas on Saturday, August 27th.

Charles A. Dunnington, Esq., a native of the county, and late a member of Co. A., 4th Virginia cavalry, C.S.A., expects to leave for California this week.

The picnic given by the Stonewall Base Ball Club, of Manassas, last Saturday, was a most delightful affair, and was attended by the elite of the neighborhood.

Mr. J. F. Andrews has sold 50 acres of his land, in the lower part of the county, to Mr. Schlag of the U.S.A.

Mr. Wallace Hixon is building a neat dwelling at Manassas which he intends occupying himself.

The building of Mr. R. W. Merchant at Manassas is going rapidly forward, and will soon be finished.

Mr. A. S. Davis is building an addition to his tin shop, at Manassas to make room for his increasing business.

H. O. Claughton, Esq., of Alexandria, will address the people of the county on Monday (September court day) at Brentsville.


Saturday, August 1, 2020

PWCo Items: 1 August 1874

Alexandria Gazette
1 August 1874

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

The water in the well of Mr. E. E. Conner, of this place, became so strongly tinctured with coal oil several months ago that the family was compelled to discontinue its use.  Last week Mr. C. had the well cleaned out. There was found an oily substance on the surface of the water which, on having fire applied to it, burned as brilliantly as the best coal oil. Mr. C. cannot account for the presence of the substance.

Edwards, a German, living with Mr. C. Matthis, of this place, had occasion to go on top the barn one day last wee, and, missing his footing, fell to the ground a distance of fifteen or eighteen feet, sustaining a terrible fracture of one of his legs and a very bad sprain of an ankle. The bones were terribly shivered between the knee and ankle joints and protruded through the flesh.

Constable Keys, with a number of men, surrounded and arrested Monroe Atchison, on Saturday last, at Horton's store. Atchison is one of the brothers, two others of which are at large, who are suspected of stealing two horses from the Herndons. He was taken before Justice Law, who committed him to jail. Atchison expects to prove an alibi.

A wandering albino, with a pack on his back, passed through here one day last week. His complexion was almost snow white, and his hair, including his beard, eyebrows and lashes, if possible, were whiter than his skin. His eyes were almond shaped, and a light cherry-red. He was of light statue, and walked as nimbly as a cat.

Nearly every well in the town of Manassas has gone dry, and will continue so while they remain at their present depth -- from fifteen to twenty feet.

One Wednesday, the 5th of August, at Sudley church, a festival will be held for the purpose of raising funds for the completion of said church.

Delegates to the Congressional Convention to meet at Tappahannock on Wednesday next will be appointed at Brentsville on Monday.

Horse racing, which bid fair in the early summer to be all the rage at Manassas, seems to have entirely died out.

Blackberries are plentiful now, and selling at from two to three cents a quart.

The corn crop, from present appearances, we fear, will be a short one.

The County Court for the August term sits on Monday next.