PWCo Items: Court Day -- 14 May 1870

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
14 May 1870

LETTER FROM PRINCE WILLIAM CO.
[Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette]

The May term of the Circuit Court for this county was held this week ending yesterday evening, under Judge Keith.

R. A. Sinclair and John Camper qualified as deputies under L. C. Osmun clerk.

The grand jury found an indictment against Sydney Cross for assault and battery.

In the case of the Commonwealth vs. Manly which has been pending for about two yeas, a demurrer to the indictment was sustained.  Clark and Hunton for prosecution, Payne and Sinclair for defence.

Com. v. James Javins -- assault with intent to kill -- verdict not guilty.  Clark for prosecution, Sinclair for defendant.

Judge J. W. Moore and Albert Stuart, esq., qualified as Attorneys in this court.

Carpenter and O'Brien vs. John Naglee and Teasdale, on attachment bond -- verdict for plaintiff for $500 damages. Payne and Sinclair for plaintiff, Hunton for defence.

John W. Davis benefit of W. G. Brawner's administrator, vs. A. Patterson -- verdict for defendant for $119, which interest from 9th April 1865. Hunton for plaintiff, Clark for defendant.

A number of decrees were entered and much other chancery business was attended to.

In the celebrated chancery case of Cormey vs. Taylor, involving the title to the "Missouri mills" property in this county, the Court appointed Benjamin S. West, esq., of Stafford county, a receiver, and recommitted the papers to the Commissioner.

Franklin Taylor confined in jail in default of giving security to keep the peace in a bond of $1,000, was brought before the Court on a writ of habeas corpus, and the matter being argued by Judge Sinclair for the petitioner, and Clark for the State, the party was remanded to jail. Gen. Payne has been employed to assist the Commonwealth's Attorney.

Lawrence Cole, esq., who lost his horse recently has heard nothing of the thief and it is feared tha the will escape with the property.  The horse was tracked towards Gainesville.

The Court House lot will be enclosed before the next term of the County Court.

The rainy weather recently has delayed the farmers greatly in getting in their crops.

The country is beginning to look very pretty, vegetation is coming up and the trees are commencing to spread their green foliage in lively contrast with their dreary appearance during the winter.

TYRONE.

Brentsville, Va., May 13, 1870

Deed: Teasdale to Goodwin (Brentsville tavern lot)

Deed

Teasdale to Goodwin (Brentsville Tavern lot)

PWCo Deed Book 27, pg. 251

This Deed made this 18^th day of December 1867 between Sidney F. Teasdale and Susan F. his wife of the one part and George M. Goodwin of the other part all of the County of Prince William and state of Virginia. Witnesseth that the said Sidney F. Teasdale and Susan F. his wife in consideration of the sum of twenty five hundred and ten dollars do grant unto the said George M. Goodwin the three acre lot in Brentsville Prince William County Virginia designated as the Tavern lot running parallel with the public square north to south being the same conveyed to the said Teasdale by B. E. Harrison by deed dated 2^nd December 1867 and of record in the clerk’s office of Prince William County Court and the said parties of the first part do covenant with the said George M. Goodwin that they will warrant generally the property hereby conveyed. Witness the following signatures and seals.

Sidney F. Teasdale {seal}

Susan F. Teasdale {seal}

Prince William County to wit,

I, John H. O’Rear a justice of the peace for the County aforesaid in the state of Virginia do certify that Sidney F. Teasdale whose name is signed to the writing above bearing date on the 18ty day of December 1867 has acknowledged the same before me in my county aforesaid. Given under my hand this 8^th day of February 1868.

John H. O’Rear J.P.

State of Virginia Prince William County to wit

We L. Cole and John H. O’Rear justices of the peace for the County of Prince William in the state of Virginia do Certify that Susan F. Teasdale the wife of Sidney F. Teasdale whose names are signed to the writing above bearing date on the 18^th day of December 1867 personally appeared before us in the County aforesaid and being examined by us privily and apart from her husband and having the writing aforesaid fully explained to her she the said Susan F. Teasdale acknowledged the said writing to be her act and declared that she had willingly executed the same and does not wish to retract it. Given under our hands this 8^th day of Febry 1868.

L. Cole J.P. [Lawrence Cole ~ cgl]

Jno. H. O’Rear J.P.

In the Clerks office of Prince William County Court December 9^th 1869.

This Deed from Teasdale to Goodwin was received with Certificates annexed and admitted to record.

Teste,

J. C. P___ clerk

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.

Church Record Sunday: Deed: Lynn to Trustees of Woodbine Baptist Church

DEED

Levi C. Lynn and Edna A. Lynn to Trustees of Woodbine Baptist Church

Deed Book 30, pgs 207-208

25 May 1875

This deed made this twenty fifth day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy five between LEVI C. LYNN and EDNA A. LYNN his wife of the first part and LEVI C. LYNN, JOHN H. RENOE, GEORGE W. LOWE, CHARLES W. TEASDALE and AYLETT NICOL Trustees of the second part.  Witnesseth, that in consideration of the sum of Five dollars the said LEVI C. LYNN and Edna A. Lynn do grant unto the said Trustees herein before named with general warranty all that certain lot of land lying in Coles Magisterial District, Prince William County Virginia and bounded and described as follows.  Beginning at the corner of Mrs. MARY SULLIVAN’s land on the Post road from Manassas to Beulah, thence along said road southerly 70 yards to a stone, thence westerly parallel to Mrs. SULLIVAN’s line 70 yards to a stone, thence northerly with the road 70 yards to Mrs. SULLIVAN’s line, and thence easterly along Mrs. SULLIVAN’s line to the beginning, containing about one acre.  In Trust nevertheless, that the said Trustees will hold said property for the use and benefit of the Baptist Church (commonly called the “New School”) and that they will allow the proper authorities of said Church to use it for the worship of God in accordance with the customs and regulations of said Church and the laws of Virginia:  The being those confirmed by the Circuit Court of Prince William at the May Term thereof for the said church known as the “Woodbine” Baptist Church, said property to revert to the grantors or their heirs if it ceases to be used for the purposes expressed in the deed.

The said parties of the first part covenant that they have the right to convey said land to the grantees that they have done no act to encumber the said land: that the grantees shall have quiet possession of the said land, free of all encumbrances, and that the parties of the first part will execute such further assurances of the said land as may be required.

L. C. LYNN  {Seal}

EDNA A. LYNN {Seal}

State of Virginia, County of Prince William, to wit:

I, GEO. C. ROUND, Notary Public for the County aforesaid, in the state of Virginia do certify that LEVI C. LYNN whose name is signed to the within writing bearing date on the 25^th day of May 1875 has acknowledged the same before me in my County aforesaid.  Given under my hand this 25 day of May 1875.

GEO. C. ROUND, Notary Public

Pr. Wm. Co. Va.

State of Virginia, County of Prince William, to wit:

I, GEO. C. ROUND, Notary Public for the County of Prince William in the state of Virginia, do certify that EDNA A. LYNN the wife of LEVI C. LYNN whose names are signed to the within writing bearing date on the 25 day of May 1875, personally appeared before me in the County aforesaid, and being examined by me privately and apart from her husband and having the writing aforesaid fully explained to her, she the said EDNA A. LYNN acknowledged the said writing to be her act, and declared that she had willingly executed the same and does not wish to retract it.  Given under my hand this 25 day of May 1875.

GEO. C. ROUND, Notary Public, Pr. Wm. Co. Va.

In Prince William County Court June 8^th 1875

This deed from LYNN & wife to Trustees of “Woodbine” Baptist Church with certificates annexed was presented to the Court and ordered to be recorded.

Teste.

LUCIEN A. DAVIS, Clerk

Church Record Sunday: Woodbine Baptist Church

Woodbine Baptist Church (now Woodbine Family Worship Center) has served the spiritual needs of its congregation in Independent Hill, Coles Magisterial District, since May of 1875. 

Woodbine Baptist Church (1875)
(photo by C.Lynn)

There are currently two churches on site – the original frame, one-room church built in 1875 (the “Little Church”) and the present-day church built in the 1950s to replace it.  The Little Church was moved to the southwest corner of the cemetery lot in the early 1960s.  In 1973, spearheaded by Mrs. Mabel Carter, Ray Wood, and Gene Wells* (a 14 year old parishioner), the congregation raised enough funding to restore the Little Church.  It stands there to this day and remains in use for special occasions, like this morning’s Easter Sunrise Service.

Levi C. Lynn, son of Benson Lynn and his first wife, Emily Norman, donated the original land for the church in 1875 (PWCo Deed Book 30, pg. 207).  He served as one of the original Trustees, along with Deacon Sidney F. Teasdale, John H. Renoe, George W. Lowe, Charles W. Teasdale, and Aylett Nicol.  Over the years there has been some debate as to whether Levi Lynn also served as a Pastor at the New-School Baptist church that he founded.  On its 100^th anniversary celebration, the original Bible was returned and donated to Woodbine, where it remained on display for many years.  The Bible’s dedication page strongly implies that Levi did, indeed, serve as its Pastor.

This Bible presented to L. C. Lynn by Willie

H. Flanders of Philadelphia for the use of

Woodbine Church & the Sabbath School

(attached thereto) as a token of approval

and regard.

October 30, 1875

*This industrious teenager, who according to a 1973 newspaper article “repainted the nameplate sign that swung over the door of the old church, proclaiming for all ‘Woodbine Baptist Church, 1875’” is still part of its congregation.  Today, 41 years later, Gene Wells serves as Woodbine’s Senior Pastor. 

Church Record Sunday: Petition of Woodbine Baptist Church

The following can be found under Library of Virginia PWCo Chancery Case Index No. 1875_044.

~ ~ ~ ~

Petition of Woodbine Baptist Church

I, Sidney F. Teasdale, Deacon of Woodbine Baptist (New School) Church hereby ask the Circuit Court of Prince William County to appoint and confirm as Trustees of said church the following persons:

Levi C. Lynn, John H. Renoe, George W. Lowe, Charles W. Teasdale, and Aylett Nicol as Trustees to hold the property of said church, said Trustees having been appointed in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of said church.

S. F. Teasdale

Brentsville, Va.
May 3d, 1875

Church Record Sunday: In Chancery

Following are a few excerpts of church records transcribed from PWCo Chancery cases.  The Chancery number for each corresponds to the Library of Virginia Chancery Index.

Chancery 153-1870-001

Upon the application of the congregations worshiping at the Union Church at Independent Hill in Prince William County and it appearing to the Court that the former trustees of said Church property have all died or left the neighborhood, it is adjudged, ordered and decreed that A. B. Weedon, Sidney F. Teasdale, Wm. M. Lynn, Horace Cole, and John W. Davis be and they are hereby appointed trustees in the room and stead of those who have died and left the neighborhood as aforesaid.

May 11^th 1870

~  ~  ~

Chancery 153-1875-043

January 2, 1875

Trustees of White Union Church

A. Nicol

Edwin Nelson

Geo. Sexsmith

Jas. B. Reid

A. M. Hershey

Austin Weedon

~  ~  ~

Chancery 153-1875-044

I, Sidney F. Teasdale, Deacon of Woodbine Baptist (New School) Church hereby ask the circuit court of Prince William County to appoint and confirm as Trustees of said church the following persons.

Levi C. Lynn, John H. Renoe, George W. Lowe, Charles W. Teasdale and Aylett Nicol as Trustees to the property of said Church, said Trustees having been appointed in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of said church

Brentsville, Va.

May 3d 1875

S. F. Teasdale

~  ~  ~

Chancery 153-1905-007

In vacation, before Hon. Chas. E. Nicol, Judge of the Circuit Court for Prince William County, this 19^th day of June 1905.

Upon the petition of the Trustees of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Manassas, Virginia.

This day came C. H. Beiber, Wm. R. May, M. L. Pence and N. G. Moore, Trustees of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Manassas, Virginia, and filed their petition, asking leave to encumber a certain lot or parcel of land, lying and being situate in the Town of Manassas, Va., on Lee Avenue, and being the same property conveyed to certain trustees for the said Evangelical Lutheran Church of Manassas, by George C. Round and Eminly C. Round by deed bearing date on the 21^st day of December 1895.

And it appearing to the judge that it is the desire and will of the congregation of the said Evangelical Lutheran Church to encumber the said lot aforesaid for the purpose of finishing the parsonage commenced thereon, as set out in the said petition, therefore I, Charles E. Nicol, Judge of the Circuit Court for Prince William County, Va., do grant unto the said trustees, or their successors, power and authority to borrow $600 Dollars, the said sum so borrowed to be expended in the completion of the parsonage, for such time as said trustees deem advisable so that the term do not exceed six years, and convey the lot aforesaid int rust to secure the payment of the sum borrowed.

The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Prince William County will spread the above order upon the Chancery order book of this court.

C. E. Nicol

Judge of the Circuit Court of Prince William County, Virginia

~  ~  ~

Chancery 153-1905-042

This cause came on this day to be heard on the report of John Johnson, Treasurer of the Colored Baptist Church of Manassas and papers formerly read to which report there are no exceptions and was argued by counsel on consideration whereof it appearing to the said Court that the said Treasurer has distributed the money paid to him by P. V. Portner in obedience to a decree entered in this cause it is therefore adjudged, ordered and decreed that the said John Johnson and M. D. Williams his surety be released from said bond executed in this cause, as all of the said money has been distributed as provided in said decree. And this decree shall be final.