Will: William Howison

William Howison's Will
PWCo Will Book I, pg. 65

Washington Nov. 15th 1804

Most honored parents,

Our departure has been delayed from Monday 'till friday, very much to my satisfaction as it has given us time to breathe a little before commencing so long a journey.  Our preparations are now compleated, and we are to set out early in the morning. Every thing promises an agreeable journey if the weather is favorable, and the accommodations will be such that we cannot suffer much even by the worst weather. 

Although I have great hopes of revisiting this Country before the expiration of many years, yet as the great distance to be traveled must make my return uncertain, I wish to provide for the disposition of what little property I leave behind, in case circumstances should call for it: This I shall do by simply signifying my wishes, assured that they will be as much respected as if expressed in the most binding form. 

The property I shall leave in this part of the country consists of. Five shares of stock in the Bank of Virginia worth at par $500. 

To fill up these shares Mr. Trone is to pay Saml Howison $150 when called for ... $500

A Debt of $200 due from Samuel Howison, which if he finds it convenient is to be likewise invested in Stock ... $200

A Mahogany press and Book case left in the care of William James Esquire to be sold if it will bring $35 ... $35

Several small debts left with W. Boyd Esquire to collect, amounting to about ... $15

John Howison owes me $750 which I may possibly collect on my way ... $17.50

$707.50 [subtotal]

The money and property I shall take with me after paying every debt, are supposed to be worth $500 ... $500

$1267.50 [Total]

Should I not return, I wish the following distributions to be made. The debts due from my brothers John and Samuel are to be relinquished to them, if remaining unpaid.

My parents, if they or either of them survive me are to enjoy whatever else I may leave, during life. At their death let it be equally divided between my sister Mary ann and my brother Robert after giving my Brother Stephen $200.

It is to be understood that this arrangement is only to take place if I die leaving no family of my own or without making a future disposition of my estate. I have neither time nor paper to add more. May you all merit and experience the Guardianship of that providence on whom we all depend.

With lasting and dutiful affection,
Yours,

Wm. Howison

(Directed to Mr. Stephen Howison for P. Wm. County, Virginia)

At a Court held for Prince William County, Sept. 2d 1805

This last will and Testament of Wm. Howison decd was presented to the Court and the said Will being proved by the Oath of John Williams to be all in the hand writing of the said William Howison the same was ordered to be recorded. And administration with the said Will annexed is granted to Stephen Howison he having taken the Oath of an admor. and entered into and acknowwedged a bond with Security according to Law.

Teste, J. Williams
Ct. Cur.

Will: Elizabeth F. Cannon (1845)

Will of Elizabeth F. Cannon
PWCo Will Book P, pg. 165
Dated 28 May 1829; Proved 3 March 1845

I, Elizabeth F. Cannon, of the County of Prince William and State of Virginia, do make this my last will and testament in manner & form following, that is to say:

I give and bequeath unto my brother John P. Cannon one  half of the whole of my estate of every nature, kind and description whatsoever, including all money on hand and all debts due & which may be due unto me; also all my right title and interest in and to the undivided part of my father's estate, lately held in right of dower by my now deceased mother to be held and enjoyed by him my said brother, and by his heirs forever.

I give and bequeath to my said brother Jno P. Cannon the other remaining half of all my estate, as above described, to be held by  him in trust, for the sole benefit and behoof of my sister Sarah E. Phillips, and to be managed and disposed of by him, in such manner as she my said sister may from time to time by writing duely authenticated, or by her last will and testament direct or appoint, notwithstanding her coverture, to the intent that the same may not be subject to the control, debts, forfeiture, or engagements of her husband William F. Phillips, and in default of such direction, or appointment by will it is my will and intent that the same shall descend to and be enjoyed by my said brother Jno. P. Cannon and by his heirs forever. 

But nevertheless, should my said sister Sarah E. Phillips survive her husband William F. Phillips, then and in that case, it is my will and intent that the above trust vested in my said brother shall cease and all right and title in and to the estate therein described be as firmly vested in her as though her husband were dead at the time of this bequest, and said estate had been directly bequeathed to her.

Lastly, I constitute and appoint my brother Jno. P. Cannon, sole executor of this my last will and testament, requiring no security of him, either as trustee or executor, hereby revoking all other or former wills or testaments, by me heretofore made.

In witness whereof, I have set my hand and affixed my seal this twenty eight day of May in the year eighteen hundred and twenty nine.

Elizabeth F. Cannon {seal}

Signed, sealed, published and declared as and for the last will and testament of the above named Elizabeth F. Cannon (with the word, "by will" injected over the twenty ninth line) in presence of us

Ann Sowden
John Sowden
May P. Cannon

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince Wm. County, March 3, 1845

This last will & testament of Elizabeth F. Cannon dec'd was presented to the Court & being proved by the oath of John Sowden & May P. Cannon, subscribing witnesses thereto, was ordered to be recorded; and on the motion of John P. Cannon, the executor named therein, who made oath thereto & entered into & acknowledged a bond without security (according to the request of the Testatrix) in the penalty of $7000 (the Court being of opinion that she has left property more than sufficient to pay her debts) certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate of the said will in due form.

Teste, J. Williams  c.c.

[William F. Phillips and Sarah Edith Cannon were married on 14 May 1817 in Prince William County.  Evidently, Sarah's sister Elizabeth was not a fan of the union.  ~cgl]

Friend of Friends Friday: Sale of Negroes (1816)

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
24 January 1816

Sale of Negroes

WILL be sold for cash, on Tuesday 6th day of February next if fair, if not, the next fair day, at the tavern of George Williams, in the town of Dumfries, 25 or so likely young slaves, men, women and children--among them are a parcel of most valuable house servants, male and female; and, also, valuable plantation slaves. At the same time and place will be sold for cash, a tract of land, near Dumfries, containing about 170 or 80 acres.

The sale is made under two several decrees of the county court of Prince William.

T. Harrison,
T. Chapman,
P. Harrison,
R. H. Henderson
Jno. Gibson,
    Commissioners

Dumfries, January 5-6.   eots

Newspaper Tidbit: Many [Influenza] Cases in State

Richmond Times Dispatch (VA)
06 February 1920

MANY CASES IN STATE

Reports of cases which have been received by the State Health Commission, Dr. Ennion G. Williams, show the flu is prevalent throughout the State. The number of cases reported yesterday from the various larger cities show Roanoke, 205 new cases; Norfolk, 355 new cases and four deaths; Danville, forty-eight new case; Portsmouth, ninety-nine; Alexandria, seven; Charlottesville, forty-six; Newport News, 344 new cases and three deaths. The total number of deaths reported to the State Health Department from various parts of the State on Wednesday was twenty-five. Incomplete reports made it impossible to make up the record for yesterday until returns come in today. The United States Public Health Service reports 688 new cases for Virginia up to Wednesday of this week.

At the Dumfries convict camp in Prince William County, thirty out of the thirty-nine convicts are down with the influenza, according to a report received by Dr. Williams yesterday.

Will: Mary B. Craig

Will of Mary B. Craig
PWCo. Will Book P, pg. 423
Executed: 15 August 1842; Proved: 3 April 1849

I Mary B. Craig of the County of Prince William & state of Virginia, being at this time in perfect health and of a sound and disposing mind, do make and declare this to be my last will and testament, in the manner and form as follows, Viz:

I give and bequeath to my husband William M. Craig all and every discription of property I may be possessed of, meaning two slaves, Mary and Julia Ann, with their increase, my lands houses here or elsewhere, all monies loaned out, all bonds and accounts due to me at the time of my death, also my stock of horses, cattle sheep & hogs, farming utensils, household and kitchen furniture of every discription. All of the above property I leave to my said husband free from the molestation of any person or persons whatsoever and by him to disposed of in any manner that may best suit him, hereby revoking annuling all other wills that I may have made. I leave my said husband my executor and of whom I design that no security be required. Witness my hand and seal this fifteenth day of August A.D. Eighteen hundred and forty two.

Mary B. Craig {seal}

Signed in the presence of us
Wm. A. Lane
Jesse Barrow
Northumberland Pearson 

In Prince William County Court April 3d 1849

This last will & testament of Mary B. Craig was produced to the court & the proof thereof opposed by William T. McCarty & Charles J. Fox whereinfore for reasons appearing __ the court, on the motion of Seymour Lynn who made oath thereto & together with George F. Carney his security entered into & acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $3500 conditioned as the law directs he is appointed to collect & preserve the goods & chattles of the said Mary B. Craig decd during the contest about her said last will & testament or until the further order of the said court. And on the 6th of August 1849 this said last will & testament of Mary B. Craig was again presented to the court together with the commission for taking the attestation of William A. Lane a witness thereto & the certificate of the execution of the sd. commission which being inspected by the court & the sd. will being also proved by the oath of Northumberland Pearson another subscribing witness thereto the same is ordered to be recorded as the true last will & testament of said Mary B. Craig decd. And on the motion of William M. Craig the Excr therein named who made oath thereto & entered into acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $5000 without security according to the testators request the court being of the opinion that she has left property more than sufficient to pay her debts, certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate of said will in due form.

Teste    J. Williams  c.c.

Will: Sarah C. Calvert

Will of Sarah C. Calvert
PWCo. Will Book O, pg. 422
Executed 21 August 1839; Proved 2 September 1839

I Sarah C. Calvert of the County of Prince William in the State of Virginia being at this time sick but of sound memory and disposing mind, do make this my last will and testament. 

1. I give to my son Robert A. Calvert slaves, Lewis, Henry, and William and the increase of the said slave Henry to have & to hold the same to him and his heirs forever.

2. I give and devise to my said son Robert A. Calvert and  his heirs slaves Ned, Delia, and Julia, and the future increase of the females to hold the same in trust, for the use and benefit of my daughter Chloe Ann Cooper, wife of Benjamin Cooper, for her sole and separate use after the death of the said Benjamin Cooper her husband, should she survive him, and in the mean time to permit the said Benjamin Cooper and Chloe Ann his wife to take possession of said slaves and to have their services and hires without accountability to the said Robert A. Calvert for and during their joint lives; and then for the survivor of them during his or her life, and after the death of both of them, then for the use of the children of the said Benjamin and Chloe Ann issuing from their marriage born or hereafter to born until the youngest of them shall attain the age of twenty one years, at the happening of which last event the trust herein reposed in the said Robert A. Calvert shall cease and the said slaves and their increase shall thenceforth be the property of the children issuing from the marriage of the said Benjamin Cooper and Chloe Ann his wife and their heirs to be equally divided between them.

3. I give and bequeath to my son Robert A. Calvert one bedstead bed and furniture.

4. I devise to Lucien Alexander Davis son of my daughter A. F. who intermarried with William W. Davis one bedstead bed and furniture; also, one hundred dollars to be paid to him by Robert A. Calvert one of my Executors to be hereafter named upon his arrival at the age of twenty one years, and should he the said Lucien Alexander Davis die before his arrival to that age, then I give and devise the said bedstead, bed and furniture to my said son Robert A. Calvert and his heirs forever.

5. I give to my grand daughter Sarah C. Cooper one bedstead bed and furniture.

6. I give to my grand daughter Mary Virginia Cooper one bedstead bed and furniture.

7. I devise to my son Robert A. Calvert the sum of one hundred dollars herein before given, by the 4th clause in this my will to Lucien Alexander Davis provided the said Lucien Alexander Davis shall die under the age of twenty one years.

8. The residue of my estate real personal or mixed I devise to my daughter Chloe Ann Cooper and to my son Robert A. Calvert to be equally divided between them, they paying in equal portions my just debts, and funeral expenses.

9. And lastly I appoint Robert A. Calvert and Benjamin Cooper executors of this my last will and testament. Given from under my hand the 21st day of August A.D. 1839.

Sarah C. Calvert [X her mark]

Signed sealed published and declared by the testatrix as and for her last will and testament in her presence and in the presence of each other.

Moses Arnold
Nancy Sidebottom [X her mark]
M. B. Sinclair

At a Court held for Prince William County Sept. 2d 1839

This last Will and testament of Sarah C. Calvert decd was proved according to law by the Oaths of Moses Arnold and Mordecia B. Sinclair witnesses thereto and is ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of Robert A. Calvert and Benjamin Cooper the Executors named therein who made oath thereto and together with Alexander Howison and Charles G. Howison their securities, entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $8000 conditioned as the law directs, certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate of the said will in due form.

Teste   J. Williams  c. c. 

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.

Will: Daniel King (1849)

Will of Daniel King
PWCo. Will Book P, pg. 452
Proved: 7 January 1850

I Daniel King do hereby make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say.

1st. I desire that all the perishable part of my estate be immediately sold after my decease and out of the monies arising therefrom all my just debt and funeral expenses be paid.

2nd. I leave all my real estate to John Posey provided he will take care of me during my life, but should I recover from my sickness I reserve as much Barrel Timber as I can work up, and neither he the sd. Posey nor myself shall be at liberty to sell any of the Timber but mearly to work it up for the best advantage of us both but should I die then the sd. Posey is at full liberty to do as he pleases with it. 

In witness whereof I hereunder set my hand and affixed my seal this 19th day of November 1849.

Daniel King [X his mark] {seal}

Teste,
Levi C. Lynn
William Posey [X his mark]
William S. Cornwell [X his mark]

In Prince William County Court January 7th 1850

This last Will and Testament of Daniel King decd. was presented to the court & being proved by the oaths of William Posey & William S. Cornwell witnesses thereto is ordered to be recorded; and on the motion of John Posey administration with the will annexed on the Estate of said Daniel King decd. is granted to him, who came into court & took the oath prescribed by law & entered into and acknowledged a Bond with security as the law directs. 

Teste, J. Williams  C.C.

Will: Nathaniel R. Cannon

Will of Nathaniel R. Cannon
PWCo. Will Book O, pg. 275

I Nathaniel R. Cannon of Prince William County and State of Virginia do hereby make this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say:

1st. After the payment of all my just debts and funeral expenses I give to my wife Mary B. Cannon all my Estate both real and personal to her and her heirs forever.

And lastly, I do herby constitute and appoint my wife above named executrix of this my last will and testament without being compelled to give security required by law.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 12th day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty six. 

Nathanial R. Cannon {seal}

Signed and acknowledged in presence of us,
J. Snowden, Caleb Russell
James H. Halley, J. E. Weems

At a court held for Prince William County the 3rd day of October 1836.

This last will and testament of Nathaniel R. Cannon decd was presented to the Court, and being proved by the oath of Jesse E. Weems, one of the subscribing witnesses thereto, is ordered to be certified. And at a Court of Quarterly Sessions contd and held for said County 8th day of November 1836. This said last will and testament of Nathaniel R. Cannon decd was again presented to the Court and being proved by the affirmation of Caleb Russell, one of the subscribing witnesses thereto, is ordered to be recorded.

Testr, Jno. Williams   C. C. 

Friend of Friends Friday: Certificate of Slaves Imported (Evans)

Certificate of Slaves Imported
Evans from Smith Certificate
PWCo Deed Book Z, pg. 150

Prince Wm. County &ct.

Came before me Jas. Smith one of the Justices of the peace for said County Jesse Evans late of Charles County, Maryland and made oath agreeable to law, that he has moved himself and family from Maryland with an intention to settle and become a citizen of Virginia, and that he has brought with him his negroes not with a design to sell and dispose of them, or in any respect to evade the laws of this State made to prevent the importation of Slaves.  

That his Negroes are, viz.,

Four Men. Wary, Dick, Charles & Lucus

Three Women. Monimia, Fanny, & Charity

Three Children. Boy. Adam, Boy. Lawrence, Girl. Melia.

Also five slaves the property of John Lomax, an Infant for whom the said Evans is Guardian, and who has also removed with him from Maryland to Virginia, viz.

One Wench. Kett, and four Children. Henry, George, Nace & Cloe.

Given under my hand this twenty third day of December 1794.

James Smith

At a Court cont. & held for Prince Wm. County the 8th day of Aug. 1797.

This certificate of slaves imported by Jesse Evans was presented to the Court & ordered to be recorded.

Teste,  John Williams  Cl. Cur.

Will: John Sullivan Sr. (1849)

Will of John Sullivan Sr.
PWCo Will Book P, pg. 413
Proved: 4 June 1849

In the name of God Amen, I JOHN SULLIVAN Sr. of the County of Prince William and State of Virginia, being old in years and weak in body, but of sound mind & disposing memory (for which I thank God) and calling to mind the uncertainty of human live, also being desirous to dispose of all such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with --- I give and bequeath the same in manner following.

    1st. It is my will and desire that my three children to wit CHARLES CRAVEN SULLIVAN, CATHARIN SMOOT and ANN SULLIVAN, shall remain upon my farm during their natural life.

    2nd. That if my son CHARLES C. SULLIVAN should die before his sisters, that his portion of the sd. farm and what personal property he should possess at his death shall be equally divided between his sisters CATHARIN and ANN or their heirs, but should he survive both of them that my executor hereinafter named shall apportion him one third of sd. farm for his maintenance during his natural life and at his death to be disposed of as above stated, and act as his Guardian.

    3d. It is my will and desire that my farm shall belong to my three above named children to them and their heirs forever, reserving the right to my daughters to bequeath the same after the death of their brother. The said farm contains to the best of my recollection one hundred and forty two acres in two lots, it being purchased seperately as appear by reference to the clerks office embrachesing houses orchards & ____.

    4th. I give to my daughter CATHARIN SMOOT one bed, bedstead & furniture, one cow & calf one shot gun, 1 spining wheel & one griddle & walnut chest.

    5th. I give to my daughter ANN one bed, bedstead & furniture, one cow & calf, one sorrel mare & cart one clock, one walnut chest & one pine one walnut folding table, one flese wheel & cupboard.

    6th. I give to my son CHARLES C. SULLIVAN one bed, bedstead & furniture, one b[l]ack walnut chest and all my wearing apparel. 

    7th. I give to my grandson WILLIAM H. SMOOT one bed, bedstead & furniture & one cow.

    8th. I give to MATILDA HARRISON one bed, bedstead & furniture.

    9th. It is my desire that my executor shall divide or give to each of my children, grandchildren & Matilda Harrison the several articles of personal property as above devised to them.

    10th. I desire that the balance of my personal property not herein named be sold by my executor and after paying my burial expenses and just debts, the balance be equally divided by him between my four children CHARLES C., CATHARIN, ANN, & JOHN SULLIVAN JR.

    And lastly, I do hereby constitute and appoint my friend JESSE E. WEEMS executor of this my last will & testament, hereby revokeing all other former wills or testaments by me heretofore made and the County Court of Prince William shall not require security of him my said named executor. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal this 16th day of December 1848.

JOHN SULLIVAN SENR. {seal}

Signed, Sealed, published & before us for the last will & testament of the above named John Sullivan Senr. 

OBED CORNWELL
SILAS K. CORNWELL
JAMES CORNWELL

In Prince William County Court June 4th 1849

This last will & testament of JOHN SULLIVAN SENR. decd. was presented to the Court, proved by the oaths of OBED CORNWELL, SILAS K. CORNWELL & JAMES CORNWELL, subscribing witnesses thereto & ordered to be recorded & JESSE E. WEEMS the Executor therein named came into Court & renounced the burthen of the executor thereof. And on the 5th day of June 1849 Administration with the will annexed, on the estate of JOHN SULLIVAN SENR. decd. is granted to JOHN SULLIVAN JR. who came into Court & took the oath prescribed by law & entered into & acknowledged a bond with security according to law.

Teste,   J. WILLIAMS   C.C.

Friend of Friends Friday: John Gibson to Hannah (Emancipation)

Gibson to N. Hannah Deed of Emancipation
PWCo Deed Book Z, pg. 149
Recorded 8 August 1797

Know all men by these Presents, that I John Gibson of the Town of Dumfries and Commonwealth of Virginia having promised when young entire freedom to Hannah a mulatto woman now of the age of nineteen or twenty years, and who has lived with Nancy McFlea from a child and is daughter of a negro woman named Lett and is of good health and of sound memory, I do therefore by these presents give, grant, relinquish and release unto the said Hannah her entire freedom and that she, and what increase she may have be from this date entirely released from all Bondage or Servitude of any kind to me, my heirs, Executors, Administrators or assigns, or to any person or persons whatsoever. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this first day of July Seventeen hundred and Ninety Seven

John Gibson {seal}

Signed & sealed in the presence of  ----

At a Court continued and held for Prince Wm. County the 8th day of August 1797.

This Deed of freedom from John Gibson to Negro Hannah was acknowledged by the sd. Gibson, and ordered to be recorded. 

Teste    John Williams  Cl Cur.

Deed: Renunciation of Sarah Dye (1796)

Sarah Dye's Renunciation
PWCo Deed Book Z, pg. 1
Recorded 5 September 1796

To the Worshipfull Court of Prince William County. I do hereby declare that I will not take or accept the provision made for me by the will of my late husband Vincent Dye decd. or any part thereof & I do hereby renounce all benefit I might claim by the same Will.  Given under my hand & seal this 4th day of April 1796.

Sarah Dye [X her mark] {seal}

Signed sealed & delivered in the presence of

Amos Dye, Henry Chamberlin,
Wm. Montgomery, John Dye,
Francis Montgomery

At a Court held for Prince William County the 5th day of September 1796.

The within renunciation of Sarah Dye was proved by the oaths of Francis Montgomery & Amos Dye & ordered to be recorded.

Teste   John Williams   Cl. Court

Will: Sarah Tasker (1846)

Will of Sarah Tasker
PWCo Will Book P, pg. 254

I Sarah Tasker will to George Cornwell my colt and plow & gear and sheep for his servises rendered to me in my sickness; and I also leave my servant Clany free and I do not wish [__] my children to try to enslave her as you know that I never intended that she was to serve anyone one.

Sarah [X her mark] Tasker

Ann E. Grimes
Mary Cornwell
James G. [X his mark] Grimes

In Prince William County Court, April 6, 1846.

This last will and testament of Sarah Tasker deceased, was proved by the oaths of Ann E. Grimes & Mary Cornwell, witnesses thereto, & ordered to be recorded.

Teste.  J. Williams  C.C.

Will: John Norman

John Norman Will
PWCo Will Book P, pg. 181
Proved 5 May 1845

I John S. Norman of the County of Prince William and State of Virginia being weak in body but of sound mind and of a disposing memory do make this my last will in manner and form following first I desire all my just debts be paid out of my estate -- and all the rest of my estate of every kind be equally divided between my Sister Geraldean Norman, and my Brother James William Norman -- lastly I appoint my Brother James William Norman my Executor to this my last will and testament. Witness my hand and seal this fourteenth day of April Eighteen hundred and forty five.

John S. Norman {seal}

Signed sealed and acknowledged in presents of us 

Benson Lynn
Geo. F. Carney
James Keys

In Prince William County Court May 5, 1845

This last will & testament of John S. Norman decd was presented to the Court & being proved by the oaths of Benson Lynn & Geo. F. Carney witnesses thereto was ordered to be recorded and on motion of James W. Norman the executor named in said will, who made oath thereto and together with Seymore Lynn his security, entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $200 conditioned as the law directs, certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate of said will in due form.

Teste,  John Williams  C. C.

Deed: Power of Attorney: William Cole to Richard Cole (1803)

William Cole to Richard Cole Power of Attorney
PWCo Deed Book 2, pg. 360
Recorded 6 August 1804

Know all men by thee presents that I William Cole of the State of Carolina, have appointed and by these presents do appoint, constitute and ordain my friend Richard Cole to be my true and lawful attorney -- in the suits brought against Joshua Carney and others to carry on the fame to fettle or compromise to sell or to do any thing therein as to him may seem good ratifying and confirming every act of his as fully and freely as if I myself were personally present. 

In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this 7th Day of December 1803.

William Cole {seal}

Acknowledged in the presence of

Archibald Tackett
Hedgman Murphy (X his mark)

At a Court held for Prince William County August 6th 1804.

This Power of Attorney from William Cole to Richard Cole was proved by the oaths of Archibald Tackett and Hedgman Murphy and ordered to be recorded.

Teste.  J. Williams   Ct. Cur.

Division of Land per Will of Joseph R. Lynn

The following division of land "pursuant to the will of Joseph R. Lynn" does not appear to have been recorded in an existing PWCo Deed Book. Several volumes of pre-Civil War Deed Books were lost or destroyed, so this may be the only record of this land transfer.  Also worth noting is that this division of land also includes the maiden names of the of the wives mentioned therein.  ~ cgl

Division of Joseph R. Lynn's Land
PWCo Will Book P, pg. 290

Pursuant to this will of Joseph R. Lynn dec'd by the requests of Wm. M. Lynn the Exor of said will we the undersigned, acting as Commissioners have this day proceeded divide the land of decd in Prince William County on the waters of Quantico whereon the said Lynn formerly lived where he was a resident of Prince William County. And we have allotted the North Western portion as is hereby laid out to William B. Davis Virlenda N. Davis his wife formerly Virlenda N. Lynn. Beginning at the road where the said land formerly ran on the line between the said Lynn decd & Joshua Taylor and running as the said line goes North 72 West as may be run in the old plot which is dotted of in said plot a straight course with said Joshua Taylors land to a stone corner in the eight line in the said old plot then S41W to a stump thence S15E 63 poled thence S 44E 107 to maple in the run thence with the Hayfield land as the fence now runs till it strikes the 13th line on said plat about 50 poles North of the stone pile which is corner to the south and of the 13th line where we have established a corner at small box oak about 10 feet from where the fence now stands East of said fence thence a straight line now and East corner to a lopped white oak on the East side of the Main Road thence up said road as it now goes to the beginning supposed to contain upwards of two hundred acres and the balance of said tract to Basil Cole & Rebecca C. Cole his wife formerly Rebecca C. Lynn. Given under hands this 22d day of October 1845.

S. Lynn
Joshua Taylor (Comr)

In Prince William County Court June 7 1847

This division of the land of Joseph R. Lynn was returned to Court & ordered to be recorded.

Teste, J Williams  c.c.

Will: Sarah Willet

Sarah Willet's Will
PWCo Will Book O, pg. 435
Proved: 1 June 1840

I Sarah Willet of Carrborough, Prince William County Virginia do hereby make my last will and testament in manner & form following that is to say, 1st I desire that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid.

2d. After the payments of all my debts & funeral expenses I give to Rebecca Scott infant child of Mrs. McEwin by her former husband James Scott One Hundred dollars.  

3d. I leave to Joseph Woodes and for and during the term of his natural life all the Lots of land I purchased of Capt. Jno. W. Williams and after his decease I give the same to my two nieces hereafter mentioned to be divided between them and to be enjoyed by them forever.

4th. All the rest of my Estate both real and personal not herein particularly disposed of I desire may be equally divided between my two nieces Ellenor Winson and Catherine King which I give to them and their heirs forever. 

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this the 12th day of March in the year of 1839.

Sarah [X her mark] Willet {seal}

Signed sealed published and declared as and for the last will testament of the above named Sarah Willet in the presence of us, 

Ann L. Wheat
Elizabeth Dunnington

At a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for Prince William County the 1st day of June 1840. This last will and testament of Sarah Willet decd was presented to the Court and being proven by the oaths of Ann L. Wheat and Elizabeth Dunnington is ordered to be recorded and administration of the Estate of Sarah Willet decd with the will annexed is granted to Henry Groves, who took the oath of an admor with the will annexed & entered into & acknowledged a bond with security according to Law.

Teste,  J. Williams  C.C.

PWCo Item: 1834 House of Delegates Election

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
5 April 1834

Prince William County.

Col. JOHN HOOE will be supported as a candidate, at the ensuing election, to represent the County of Prince William in the House of Delegates.

THOMAS B. HOOE, Esq. will be run as the Working Men's candidate to represent the County of Prince William in the next General Assembly of Virginia.

We are authorized to announce W. W. WILLIAMS as a candidate to represent the County of Prince William in the House of Delegates.

We are authorized to announce BAZIL BRAWNER as a candidate to represent the County of Prince William in the House of Delegates.

[John W. Williams won the election. -- cgl]

Gift Deed: Cornelius Skinner to Elizabeth (Skinner) Triplett

Gift Deed from Cornelius Skinner to Elizabeth Triplett
PWCo Deed Book 13, pg. 181A

Know all men by these presents that I Cornelius Skinner of the County of Prince William & State of Virginia for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which I bear to my daughter Elizabeth Triplett have given and granted & by these presents do give grant unto the said Elizabeth Triplett her life time & then at her death to her children, my negro woman Sarah & her five children, or any more that she may have, namely Dennis, Thomas, Benjamin, Julia, & Western, to have and to hold the said negroes unto her the said Elizabeth Triplett her life time & then to her children forever. And the said Negroes, ae not to be accounted for by the said Elizabeth Triplett in the distribution of my estate. And the said Cornelius Skinner for himself Executors & administrators, the said slaves to the said Elizabeth Triplett her life time & then to her children forever against the claim of him the said Cornelius Skinner, his Executors & administrators, & against the claim or claims of all and every person whatever, shall & will warrant, & defend forever by these presents. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal this 10th day of Dec. one thousand eight hundred & thirty two.

Cornelius Skinner {seal}

Wm. Rose
Jesse Ewell Jr.

At a court held for Prince William County the 11th day of May 1833. This Deed of Gift from Cornelius Skinner to Elizabeth Triplett was proved by the oath of Jesse Ewell Jr. and certified. And at a Court of Quarterly Sessions held for said county the 3rd day of June 1833. This said Deed of Gift was fully proved by the oath of William Rose another witness thereto and ordered to be recorded.

Teste, Jn. Williams  Ct. Cur.