Newspaper Tidbit: Old Vets Send in Photographs (1913)

Manassas Journal (Va.)
31 January 1931

Old Vets Send in Photographs

In response to the request of Mrs. Maggie Barbour that Veterans of the Southern Confederacy send to her their photograph to be included in a group to be framed and hung in the Chapter room of the Manassas Chapter of the U.D.C., she has received the following:

In uniform: Lieuts. Robert Weedon and John Williams.

Not in uniform: Captains P. D. Williams, Lucien A. Davis; Jas. R. Purcell, Whitfield Nutt, Henry Lynn, Thos. Marders, Richard Shepherd, Willie Williams, Robt. H. Hooe, John R. Tillett, Francis A. Merchant and Chas. A. Dunnington.

Mrs. Barbour is anxious that other Confederate Veterans respond to her request for their photographs, for the object named, at as early date as possible.

Sunday's Obituary: William F. Purcell

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
26 December 1871

William F. Purcell, well-known in this community, and for upwards of twenty years judge of the Orphans' Court of the District of Columbia, died at his residence in Washington on Friday night. Judge Purcell was a native of Prince William county, Va., from whence he removed to Washington in 1844. In 1846 he was appointed by President Polk as judge of the Orphans' Court to succeed Judge Causine, resigned, and which position he held until 1869, when he was legislated out by act of Congress.

Friend of Friends Friday: Ranaway: Moses (Purcell) / Maria (McIntosh)

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
5 March 1853

$100 REWARD!

Ranaway from the farm of Charles Stewart, in Prince William county, Va., on the 16th day of February last, my slave MOSES, who is a dark mulatto, about 25 years old, 5 feet 8 or nine inches high; has no visible mark or scar; wore his chair plaited and tied at the ends with strings; he stoops a little and holds his hand sin his pockets when walking. When he left wore away a light drab fulled cloth sack coat and pantaloons and a new vest with red stripes, in imitation of plaid. I will give a reward of ten dollars if taken in the county twenty dollars if taken in this State, fifty dollars if taken in the District of Colombia and one hundred dollars if taken in any adjoining State, upon his delivery to me in Brentsville Va., or if he is confined in any jail so that I can get him.

JAMES PURCELL.
Prince William Co., mh5--eo3t

~ ~ ~ ~

Alexandria Gazette
20 July 1837

$30 REWARD

RANAWAY from the subscriber living in Prince William County, a negro woman named MARIA. She is a tall black woman, well made, and cross eyed; has thick lips, the under one hangs considerably when not pleased. She had on when she went away, a country made yarn dress, though she took away with her other clothes which I am not able to describe. I have some reason to suspect she is in the District. I will give 10 dollars if taken in the County, 20 dollars if taken out of the County, or in the District, and 30 dollars if taken north of the District, and secured in any jail where I can get her. Information to be addressed to Brentsville, Prince William Co., Va.

JESSEE McINTOSH
[Nat. Int.]
jy 18-3t

Trustees Sale: Carter's Green (1876)

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
01 November 1876

TRUSTEE'S SALE OF A GOOD FARM, IN PRINCE WILLIAM CO., NEAR HAYMARKET, CONTAINING 289 1/2 acres.  By virtue of a deed of trust executed to me by J. T. Carter and wife, dated the 26th day of May, 1866, and recorded in the Clerk's office of the County Court of Prince William county, Va., I will offer by public auction, at the front door of the Court House, in the town of Warrenton, Fauquier county, Va., on MONDAY, December 11th, 1876, that being the first day of the Circuit Court of said county, the valuable tract of land in said deed mentioned, known as "CARTER'S GREEN," containing 289 1/2 acres -- be the same more or less. The land is of good quality, well wooded, watered and enclosed. Upon the farm there is a comfortable DWELLING HOUSE and necessary out buildings. It is in a good neighborhood, adjoins the farms of Mr. Wise and Capt. James Purcell and about six miles from Gainesville, a station upon the Manassas Division of the Virginia Midland R.R.

Terms of Sale - Five hundred dollars in cash; the residue in one, two and three years. For deferred payments the purchaser will be required to execute bonds, with approved personal security, to bear interest from the day of sale, and secure the same by deed of trust upon the aforesaid premises.

N.B. - Being empowered to make private sale of said premises, In invite propositions. My address is Warrenton, Fauquier County, Va.

R. TAYLOR SCOTT, Trustee, &c., &c.
Robt. Coons, Auct'r.
nov 1-eots

PWCo Items: Jury Cases / Conservative Convention (20 October 1873)

 Alexandria Gazette (Va)
20 October 1873

PRINCE WILLIAM CO. -- [From the Manassas Gazette]

The Circuit Court met at Brentsville on Monday, Judge Keith presiding. As all the civil cases of the County Court had been transferred to the Circuit Court docket under the new law, it was expected that the session of the Court would be a long one, but, on the contrary, it was a short one, as the Court adjourned Thursday morning. The jury cases decided were as follows: Love vs. Bailey, for wharfage near Dumfries, verdict for the defendant; Kincheloe and Pearly's administrator vs. Wm. Brawner's estate, verdict for plaintiff; E. V. Weir vs. W. J. Weir's administrator, verdict for plaintiff; Reamor vs. Ashe, non-suit for defendant.  In the litigated case concerning Mrs. Roach's will, the judgment of the County Court was confirmed. A demurrer involving the question whether the township of Gainesville was responsible to Mr. Stewart of that township for damage to his horse by reason of the defective condition of a public highway was discussed by Gen. W. H. Payne for Stewart, and Judge Nicol for the township.

The Conservative Convention, having failed to make nominations, the field has been left open for a free race, the Republicans having previously determined to make none.  Mr. Geo. C. Round announces himself as a candidate, and Maj. Dunnington has not withdrawn his card as a candidate, so that we may infer that he is still in the field for he House of Delegates, as is Maj. Purcell we believe. Mr. Lewis announces his withdrawal as a candidate for the House of Delegates, as does Mr. Meredith as a candidate for the position of Commonwealth's Attorney. If this triangular race is run for the Legislature, it will doubtless be a close one.

Mr. N. J. Ditto, who lately purchased the fine estate of Judge Cockerille, in Fairfax county, arrived here on Wednesday last to take possession of his new home. Mr. Ditto has a large family, and will be a valuable acquisition to this portion of our State. He is from Washington county, Maryland. His new purchase contains about 300 acres, for which he paid $13,000. It is an elegant place, and under a high state of cultivation.

Col. Chauney H. Snow and his lady arrived at home on Tuesday morning last from Le Surer Minnesota, where he had gone to attend the bedside of a sick brother, whose death was noticed in this paper at the time it occurred.

Mr. David Andrews, who lately purchased a farm near Brentsville, Prince William county, had fifty bushels of oats stolen from his barn whilst he was confined to his house with sickness.

Newspaper Tidbit: PWCo Congressional Meeting (1870)

Alexandria Gazette
13 September 1870

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY CONGRESSIONAL MEETING.--At a meeting of Conservatives of Prince William county, held at the Court House in Brentsville, on Monday the 5th inst., Allen Howison, was called to the chair and D. W. Whiting and R. M. Waters appointed Secretaries. On motion of Charles E. Sinclair, the chairman appointed a committee of three from each Township to select five delegates from each of the Townships to the Congressional Convention to be held in Alexandria on Friday the 29th inst.

The Committee retired and reported the names of the following gentleman for delegates.

Brentsville Township--James F. Clark, W. J. Manuel, E. E. Meredith, J. M. Sinclair, W. W. Thornton.

Coles Towhship--John W. Davis, Meredith W. Horton, John H. Purcell, M. B. Weedon, Wm. M. Lynn

Dumfries Township--J. F. Wheat, G. E. Keys, A. H. Fucchsthal, G. W. Dunnington, Richard Stonnell

Occoquan Township--Dr. Powell, J. V. Nash, Z. A. Kankey, Vernon Davis

Manassas Township--T. J. Leachman, G. O. Donahue, F. A. Weedon, Dr. L. Alexander

Gainesville Township--Samuel Simpson, Col. Berkeley, George S. Hamilton, John T. Gundiff

Which report was concurred in. On motion of James F. Clark the chairman, secretaries, and committee were added to the list of delegates. It was resolved that Charles E. Sinclair be chairman of the delegation and that an authenticated copy of the proceedings be furnished to the chairman by the Secretaries; it was further resolved that a report of the proceedings of this meeting be published in the county papers and the district papers be requested to copy. The meeting, on motion then adjourned.

ALLEN HOWISON, Chairman

R. M. WATERS,
D. W. WHITING, Secretaries


At a meeting held at the Court House on Monday last, for the purpose of organization of the Conservative party, Mr. F. A. Weedon was called to the chair and E. E. Meredith appointed secretary.

Mr. B. F. Lewis was appointed county superintendent.

The following gentlemen were appointed on the township committees.

Cole's--Levi C. Lynn, Laurence Cole, and John W. Davis

Brentsville--J. F. Clark, Judge Nicol, and D. W. Whitting

Dumfries--J. C. Weedon, J. W. Chapman, and J. H. Jordan

MAnassas--F. J. Cannon, W. W. Davis, and John. H. Butler

Occoquan-- Dr. Powell, Dr. Ish, and J. V. Nash

Gainesville--Colonel S. Simpson, C. Cushing and Luther Lynn

Newspaper Tidbit: Impeachment of Judges

Alexandria Gazette
24 January 1876

IMPEACHMENT OF JUDGES

The Richmond Enquirer of this morning says: A sensation was created in the House Saturday, where Mr. Purcell, Delegate from the county of Prince William, arose from his seat with a formidable-looking document in his hand, and said:

"Mr. Speaker: There has been placed in my hands a petition and affidavit as a part thereof of a respectable member of the bar and citizen of Prince William, asking that charges of a grave character against Aylett Nicol, Judge of the County Court of Prince William county be investigated. As a very humble representative of that county, it is my solemn duty this to present, and ask that it be referred to the proper committee, and in so doing so I desire to say that I am prompted by no feeling akin to the partisan, but by a desire to afford every opportunity for vindication and exoneration on the one hand, and on the other to forever preserve the judicial ermine in this Commonwealth in its spotless purity."

Mr. J. J. Davies, of the Prince William bar, brings these charges against Judge Nicol, and they are of the gravest possible nature. It is alleged, among other things, that through his court he has speculated in Carboro lots in Potomac City, that he has bought claims from his clients while holding their funds in his hands as judge, and that he agreed to accept a bribe of five hundred dollars to influence him in the appointment of commissioners to condemn certain lands. Judge Nicol is a native of Rappahanock county, but has resided in Prince William for thirty years. This is the first time in our journalistic experience that a Virginian judge has been accused of corrupt practices. The paper was referred.

The Whig, in alluding to the affair, says: -- The paper presented in the House of Delegates on Saturday, by Mr. Purcell, in regard to Judge Aylett Nicol, of Prince William county, is the affidavit of James J. Davies, charging Judge Nicol with being interested in certain lots in the town of Carbero, which were condemned for the use of the Potomac and Manassas Railroad, and damages assessed by commissioners appointed by him; that in co partnership with another person he fraudulently obtained assignments of the interests of other parties in the condemned lots; that having obtained a judgment for over $1,600 for a female client in the Circuit Court, he obtained an assignment of her right to the same for $300, one third of which was to be his fee for services, when he had in possession funds exceeding $1,600 subject to the said judgment; that as a judge he agreed to accept a bribe of $500 to appoint a new commission to assess damages for land belonging to a certain party which had been condemned for the use of a railroad, when the owner of the land and the attorney for the railroad company compromised the matter and the $500 bribe was not paid, etc. Upon this recital Mr. Jas. J. Davies prays an investigation, and gives a list of persons and papers that he desires to be sent for, including himself.

The Dispatch says: The impeachment of Judge Stevens, of Nelson, who won a considerable amount of money from Delegate Fowle at draw-polka, is talked about.  Friends of Stevens intimate that if such proceedings are commenced Judge Stevens, by summoning members of the House as witnesses in his behalf, can put those members in an embarrassing position.

Church Record Sunday: Coles Sunday Schools Will Meet at Woodbine

Manassas Journal
11 July 1919

COLES SUNDAY SCHOOLS WILL MEET AT WOODBINE

Interesting Program Arranged for All-Day Session Sunday - Several Addresses

A convention of the Sunday Schools of Coles district will be held at Woodbine Church, near Canova, Sunday morning and afternoon, the participating Sunday Schools including Purcell, Bellehaven, Independent Hill, Woodbine, and New Hope. Mr. Herbert Purcell, Woodbine superintendent, will preside.

The morning program consists of an opening hymn, devotional exercises by Mr. W. B. Winslow, the address of welcome by Mr. E. Herring and response by Mr. D. P. Bell, an address by Hon. C. J. Meetze, "The Goal of Christian Education" by Mrs. R. R. Hayes, an address by Mr. J. T. Flory and other musical numbers.

The afternoon session, in addition to music, will include five-minute reports of Sunday Schools, a paper on cradle roll work by Mrs. Herring, an address by Mr. Charles R. McDonald on "Methods and Results of Contest Work," "Making Sunday School Reports Interesting" by Miss Drua Herring and a recitation by Miss Dorothy Merrill.

Sunday's Obituary: James R. Purcell

Richmond Times Dispatch
1 February 1916

FUNERAL OF JAMES R. PURCELL
[Special to the Times-Dispatch]

Manassas, VA, Januar 31 - Funeral services were held here to-day for Mayor James R. Purcell, of Gainesville, a lifelong resident and native of Prince William County, who died at Staunton on Saturday.  He was seventy-eight years old and a veteran of the Civil War. At one time he was a member of the House of Delegates from Prince William County and was a former deputy sheriff of this county. He is survived by his widow and four children, three of whom are sons.

Society Saturday: Independent Hill Items (21 December 1917)

Manassas Journal
21 December 1917

Independent Hill

An ice cream and box social will be held at Hayfield School tomorrow evening for the benefit of the School and Civic League. A very interesting program is to be rendered, including a popular girl contest. The young ladies are requested to bring boxes and cakes. The public is cordially invited to attend.

A party was given recently at the home of Mr. David Copen. Among the guests from this section were Mr. and Mrs. Philip Weber, Miss Lillian Garrison, Messrs. Earl Lynn, Austin Greenwood, Newton Sayers, Richard Thorp, Max Weber and Leslie Merritt.

Miss Lillian Greenwood has been visiting relatives in Washington.

Mr. John Norman has moved to Dumfries.

Miss Mary Weber, who teaches at Purcell, will spend the holidays with her parents.

PWCo. Item: 14 January 1873

Alexandria Gazette
14 January 1873

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY ITEMS. -- Mr. James Vowels, aged 72 years, died on the 25th of December, at the residence of Mr. Matthew Priest in this county. Mr. V. was a native of Talbot county, Md., but had been a resident of this county upwards of thirty years. He was a member of the order of Free and Accepted Masons, and probably the oldest member of that order living in the county. He was buried in the family burrying ground on the farm of Mr. Priest.

On the motion of Judge C. E. Sinclair a rule was entered against Mr. Geo. W. Jones by the Court, on Monday last, to show cause why he should not be removed from the office of constable, for having charged improper fees, Mr. Jones contends that the fees charged were proper.

Mr. Charles H. Whittington, telegraph operator for the Western Union Telegraph Company at this place, was taken down a few days ago with a severe attack of inflamatory rheumatism. Mr. H. S. Sneed of Gordonsville has taken his place until he gets able to resume his duties.

We learn that Mr.s Vanderhoof, the widow of a man by that name, who purchased a farm near Nokesville, about a year ago, is in very destitute circumstances, her husband having died leaving the widow and six children without support.

A man by the name of P. H. Smith, a resient of Monroe county, West Va., passed through here on Wednesday last in charge of three guards who were conveying him to the lunatic Asylum at Weston, West Va.,

Messrs. Nicol and Hunton, commissioners, sold on Monday last in front of the court house, 200 acres of land, a portion of the homestead of Seymour Lynn, near Independence Hill, to Burress Norman for $4 per acre.

Messrs. Sinclair and Nicol, commissioners, sold on Monday last four lots of land, each containing half an acre, of the estate of the late James Purcell, to Jas. R. Purcell for the sum of $399.50.

Mr. M. M. Roseberry who has been confined by sickness for the past three months at his home near Brentsville, is we are glad to report nearly recovered and will soon be out again.  -- Manassas Gazette

Military Monday: 24 Prince William Men to be Inducted

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
December 23, 1942

24 Prince William Men to Be Inducted Monday

Manassas, Va., Dec. 23 -- Twenty-four Prince William County men have been ordered to report to Charlottesville for induction into the Army Monday, the Prince William Selective Service Board announced today.

The group includes:

Lyons, George K.

O'Neil, Glen Garth

Dodson, Harry A.

Cebula, John

Herrick, Paul Steve

Coppage, Eppa C.

Duritza, George W.

Davis, Oliver E. 

Maxfield, Owen D.

Reid, Robert S. 

Purcell, Rue W. 

Shelton, Hunter

Riley, John C. 

Tyson, Woodrow L. 

Shelton, Ernest L. 

Beverley, E. P. Jr.

Jenkins, William

Ennis, Albert L.

Pearson, Walter M.

Reedy, Clifford F. 

Miller, Vivian

Liming, Clinton W.

Smith, Palmer Jr.

May, Clifford H.

Military Monday: Memorial Day 1907

Richmond Times Dispatch
May 23, 1907

MANASSAS, VA, May 22 -- The Manassas Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy observed Memorial Day to-day, departing from their usual custom of holding the memorial exercises on the 3d of June, the birthday of Jefferson Davis, because of the Confederate Reunion, which is to take place in Richmond on that date.  The exercises were well attended, the courthouse, at which the speaking took place, being packed to its utmost capacity.  Addresses were delivered by Mr. R. L. Gordon, of Louisa; Judge C. E. Nicol, Mr. J. B. L. Thornton, Rev. W. H. K. Pendleton, of Wytheville, formerly of Manassas.  Dr. H. M. Clarkson, the post laureate of the Manassas Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy, read an original poem, which had for its theme the unveiling of the statue of Jefferson Davis.  The speaking was interspersed with music, vocal and instrumental, one of the most pleasing features of the program being the singing of a large chorus of children.  Mr. Gordon, who was the orator of the day, was introduced by his friend and opponent for a seat in Congress from the Eight District, Judge C. E. Nicol.  The best of feeling exists between these two gentlemen, each in the course of their remarks referring to the other as "my good friend."

All Meet Mr. Roosevelt

President Roosevelt and party passed through here this afternoon on their return to Washington from Pine Knot.  The President's train made a brief stop, and Mr. Roosevelt came to the rear platform of his car in response to a call from several men who were at the depot.  Major James R. Purcell introduced himself and then the remainder of the party to the President.  While they were talking the train began to back, and Mr. Roosevelt called to the crowd to get out of the way, saying that if they didn't mind a good Democrat would be killed.  Mr. E. Nelson, clerk of the Circuit Court of Prince William county, responded, "Yes, and there are no Democrats to spare."  The President replied that the last returns looked that way.  The President was very democratic and pleasant to all, and extended his hand to many.

[On this Memorial Day 2014, we remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service their Country.  Thank you and God bless.  ~cgl]  

PWCo Items: Canova (1919)

Manassas Journal

October 17, 1919

CANOVA

Rev. J. A. Golihew, of Washington, pastor of the Baptist Church, has moved with his family to this community. 

Owing to the inclement weather, no services were held at Woodbine Church on Sunday.  Sunday School will be held next Sunday at 11 a.m.

Many from this community attended an oyster supper at Independent Hill Friday evening.

Mr. Clifford Lowe, of Washington, spent the week-end with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. R. Lowe.

Mr. W. H. Cornwell visited friends at Marshall during the week.

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Farquhar, of Washington, spent last week at the home of Mr. and Mrs. S. R. Lowe and visited friends in this community.

Mrs. George Purcell and her daughter, Miss Evelyn Purcell, went to Washington Sunday and will make their home in the city for the present.

Mr. T. M. Russell and family motored to Manassas Monday afternoon.

Mr. A. C. Storke passed through Canova Friday, en route to Independent Hill, where he spent the weekend with his mother, Mr.s George Copen.

Mr. I. J. Breeden, of Washington, recently visited at his former home here.

Mr. Joseph Lowe motored to Manassas Monday.

Church Record Sunday: Successful Convention of Sunday Schools

Manassas Journal
July 18, 1919

MEET AT WOODBINE

Successful Convention of Sunday Schools of Coles District

The Sunday Schools of Coles district met in convention Sunday, holding an all-day session at Woodbine Church.  Mr. Herbert Purcell, superintendent of Woodbine Sunday School, presided, introducing the speakers.  After the opening hymn devotional exercises were conducted by Mr. W. B. Winslow, of Buckhall, Mr. B. Herring welcomed delegates and visitors on behalf of the Sunday Schools and Mr. D. P. Bell made the response.  Addresses were made by Messrs. C. J. Meetze, J. T. Flory, S. C. Harley and Rev. Ralph G. Rarick, an evangelist who is conducting a series of meetings at the Cannon Branch Church of the Brethren.

Mrs. R. R. Hayes read a paper on "The Goal of Christian Education," Mrs. Herring read a paper on cradle roll work, Miss Drua Herring read a paper on Sunday School work and a reading was given by Miss Dorothy Merrill.

The musical program was composed of hymns sung by the assemblage and selections by the missionary head from Nokesville.

Will: Maryann Molair (1819)

MARYANN MOLAIR Will

Prince William County Will Book L, pg. 286

22 Dec 1818; proved 05 Apr 1819

In the name of God Amen I MARYANN MOLAIR of the State of Virginia & County of Prince William being very sick of body but of perfect mind and memory do make and ordain this and no other my last will and testament.  Item I give and bequeath unto my beloved grand daughter HANNAH MOLAIR the feather bed and furniture that I now lay on.  Item I gave and bequeath unto my beloved daughter NANCY MOLAIR the feather bed and furniture that she has now in her possession and as to my stock of cattle hogs and sorrel mare household and kitchen furniture also including all and everything that is belonging to me I gave and bequeath unto my grand daughter HANNAH MOLAIR and my beloved daughter NANCY MOLAIR and my beloved daughter ELIZABETH MOLAIR, my will and desire is after my death that my grand daughter HANNAH MOLAIR and my daughter NANCY MOLAIR and my daughter ELIZABETH MOLAIRE may continue together with all the property as I have left it but if they should disagree my desire is that all my property shall be equally divided between the three girls as is above mentioned except the bed and furniture to HANNAH and NANCY MOLAIR as witness my hand and seal this twenty second day of December eighteen hundred and eighteen.

MARYANN MOLAIR  {seal}

Signed sealed acknowledged and delivered in presence of

GEO. NORMAN, HUGH PURCELL, ANN WRIGHT

At a Court held for Prince William County April 5^th 1819.

This last will and testament of MARYANN MOLAIR decd was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of GEO. NORMAN and ANN WRIGHT is admitted to record.

Teste, PHIL. D. DAWE

Mappy Monday: Upper Independent Hill

Below is a snippet from the Library of Congress's copy of the 1862 Map of N. Eastern Virginia and Vicinity of Washington that shows some of the landowners of the day.  Copies of the full map can be ordered through the LOC.