Sunday's Obituary: Col. Joseph Johnson / Sarah Merchant / Alfred Ball

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
4 February 1852

At his residence, at Clover Hill, in Prince William County, Va., on Saturday, the 24th of January last, of paralysis, Colonel JOSEPH JOHNSON, in the 50th year of his age.

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
20 September 1844

DIED, at Neabsco, Prince William County, Va., on Wednesday, the 11th instant, Miss SARAH MERCHANT, daughter of the late William and Sarah Merchant, of Dumfries, Va.

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
19 March 1853

On the 14th instant, at his residence, near Groveton, Prince William Co, Va., of typhoid fever, Mr. ALFRED BALL, aged about sixty years.

Crime & Punishment: Lashes for Girl Thief (1899)

Washington Post (DC)
17 April 1899

Lashes for Girl Thief
Special to the Post

Manassas, Va., April 16 -- In the Mayor's office here yesterday afternoon there was a scene enacted which revived recollections of the whipping post law of this State, long since repealed, when Mary Ball, colored, by consent of her father, Tom Ball, received ten lashes on the bare back, well laid on by Sergt. B. N. Merchant, as the penalty for the larceny of  lot of wearing apparel. The Legislature, at its last session, passed an act authorizing the administration of stripes as a penalty for misdemeanors in the case of minors, with consent of the parent or guardian.

Sunday's Obituary: Notley L. Ball

Frederick News Post
21 May 1942

Purcellville, Va., May 20 -- Notley Lee Ball, 83, banker and retired stock dealer, died at his home here Monday following an illness of three weeks.  Mr. Ball was born in Prince William County and came to Loudoun when he was 8 years old.

Mr. Ball was first vice president of the Purcellville National Bank, and a member of the board of directors. He was a member of St. Frances De Sales Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Gertrude MacDaniel Ball; a son, Harvey M. Ball of Purcellville, and a daughter, Mrs. Lucille Ball Welsh, of Purcellville, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Funeral services were held at 10 o'clock Wednesday.

Wedding Wednesday: Joy/Fogg

States (Washington, DC)
16 August 1859

January and May

A wedding came off at Brown's Hotel about 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon, in which the disparity of the ages of the happy pair occasioned some remark.  The parties were Miss Carrie E. Joy, late of Vermont, aged 18, and Mr. Carter B. Fogg, of Prince William County, aged about 60.  The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Dabney Ball, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the presence of a large and attentive company.

Will: Spencer Ball

WILL OF SPENCER BALL

Prince William Co., VA

Will Book N, Page 426

Will date 1 January 1831; Probate date 4 June 1832

In the name of God amen. I Spencer Ball of Prince William County and State of Virginia being now in perfect mind and memory do make this my last will and testament in the following manner and form revoking all other wills by me heretobefore made. 1st. I give to my son Francis Waring Ball, my boy Robert son of Aggy. 2. I give to my daughter Elizabeth Lucy Carter her choice of all my women. 3rd. I give to my son Alfred Ball, my man Armstead. 4. I give to my daughter Louisa Ball my woman Suckey daughter of Chloe, with her increase. 5. I give to my daughter Adeline Ball my woman Maria Sally's daughter with her increase. 6. my daughter Frances Tasker Lewis having now in her possession a mulattoe woman called Polly with her children (on loan) which woman and children were sometime ago sold by the sheriff and conveyed to Mr. Carter who purchased them for and on my account no conveyance having been heretofore made of the said negros it is my request that Mr. Carter may convey his title to my beloved wife to dispose of at her death as she shall see proper; but my request is that my daughter Lewis shall still hold the negroes (on loan) until her death.

Particular circumstances rendering it at present impracticable to make such a distribution of our joint Estate as would be desirable and just confiding entirely on the prudence of my beloved wife, to make a proper and suitable distribution hereafter. I give and bequeath to her all the rest and residue of my Estate of every kind whatever, and as I owe no debts, which may not be immediately paid. I desire that no inventory or appraisements may be made thereof and that she shall give no security as Executrix. I recommend to my beloved wife to consult with her brother Mr. Geo. Carter whenever she may want advice in conducting any of her affairs as I have no doubt that she will at all times find him willing to give her such information and advise as will be for her benefit - - lastly, I appoint my beloved wife whole and sole executrix of this my last will and testament revoking all others by me heretofore made. In witness whereof I hereto ___ my hand and affix my seal this eleventh day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty one.

SPENCER BALL (seal)

acknowledged in presence of

JOHN H. COCKRILL

JOSEPH SUDDOTH

EDWARD L. CARTER

At a Court of Quarterly sessions held for Prince William County the 4th day of June 1832. This last will and testament of Spencer Ball decd. was proved according to law by the oaths of Joseph Suddoth and Edward L. Carter witnesses thereto, and is ordered to be recorded.

Teste

JNO. WILLIAMS C.P.T.

And at a court held for said county the 1st October 1832.

On the motion of Betty L. Ball the Executrix named in the last will and testament of Spencer Ball deceased who made oath to the said will and entered into and acknowledged a bond (without security according to the testators request it appearing to the court that he has left sufficient property to pay his just debts) in the penalty of $40,000 conditioned as the law directs certificate is granted her for obtaining a probate of the said will in due form.

Teste

JOHN WILLIAMS

Sunday's Obituary: Foote

Alexandria Gazette
22 February 1834

On Monday, the 10th instant, in the 63d year of his age, at Hazelwood, Prince William County, Va., Richard Foote, Esq. after an illness of fifteen days.

Mr. Foote had been a professor of the Christian Religion upwards of twenty years and during that time an acceptable member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to the doctrines and disciplines of which he manifested an undeviating attachment.  He was zealous and devoted as a Christian, uniform and systematic as a Methodist, and, for one of his age, an active and useful member of society.

It was observed by the intimate friends and the family of Mr. Foote, that, for some time past, he was ripening for eternity. When death came, it found him not only ready, but willing to go.

The friend who communicates this will never forget, while reason reigns, the solemn parting with his affectionate wife, children, and servants. after exhorting and praying for them most devoutly, he closed the whole by solemnly exclaiming, "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the ever-blessed Spirit: Amen."

On the day previous to his death, by a friend, he sent the following message to his brethren: "Tell," said he, "my brethren and sisters to pray for me. Give my love to them all. Tell them I die in peace with all men, and in sure and certain hope of eternal life, through Jesus Christ my Lord. Tell them to b faithful, and meet me in Heaven."

He was calm, deliberate, triumphant, praising God for the witness of his Spirit, and affirming, in death itself, that the Lord Jesus Christ was with him. He was gone, leaving a widow and five children, with many a friend to mourn his loss.  "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." Amen.


Alexandria Gazette
14 August 1842

On Monday last, at her residence, in Prince William County, Va., Mrs. Verlinda L. Foote, wife of Frederick Foote, Esq., in the 25th year of her age.




Alexandria Gazette
30 August 1858

DIED, at "Elmwood," the residence of Col. S. M. Ball, in Fairfax county, on the 20th instant, Mrs. Ann Foote, relict of the late Richard Foote, esq., of Prince William county, Va., aged about 70 years.

Friend of Friends Friday - Will of Spencer Ball

WILL OF SPENCER BALL
Prince William Co. Will Book N, Page 426
Will date 1 January 1831; Probate date 4 June 1832

In the name of God amen.  I Spencer Ball of Prince William County and State of Virginia being now in perfect mind and memory do make this my last will and testament in the following manner and form revoking all other wills by me heretobefore made.

1st. I give to my son Francis Waring Ball, my boy Robert son of Aggy.

2. I give to my daughter Elizabeth Lucy Carter her choice of all my women.

3rd. I give to my son Alfred Ball, my man Armstead.

4. I give to my daughter Louisa Ball my woman Suckey daughter of Chloe, with her increase.

5. I give to my daughter Adeline Ball my woman Maria Sally's daughter with her increase.

6. my daughter Frances Tasker Lewis having now in her possession a mulattoe woman called Polly with her children (on loan) which woman and children were sometime ago sold by the sheriff and conveyed to Mr. Carter who purchased them for and on my account no conveyance having been heretofore made of the said negros it is my request that Mr. Carter may convey his title to my beloved wife to dispose of at her death as she shall see proper; but my request is that my daughter Lewis shall still  hold the negroes (on loan) until her death.

Particular circumstances rendering it at present impracticable to make such a distribution of our joint Estate as would be desirable and just confiding entirely on the prudence of my beloved wife, to make a proper and suitable distribution hereafter.  I give and bequeath to her all the rest and residue of my Estate of every kind whatever, and as I owe no debts, which may not be immediately paid.  I desire that no inventory or appraisements may be made thereof and that she shall give no security as Executrix.  I recommend to my beloved wife to consult with her brother Mr. Geo. Carter whenever she may want advice in conducting any of her affairs as I have no doubt that she will at all times find him willing to give her such information and advise as will be for her benefit -- lastly, I appoint my beloved wife whole and sole executrix of this my last will and testament revoking all others by me heretofore made.  In witness whereof I hereto ___ my hand and affix my seal this eleventh day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty one.

SPENCER BALL {seal}

acknowledged in presence of
  JOHN H. COCKRILL
  JOSEPH SUDDOTH
  EDWARD L. CARTER

At a Court of Quarterly sessions held for Prince William County the 4th day of June 1832.

This last will and testament of Spencer Ball decd. was proved according to law by the oaths of Joseph Suddoth and Edward L. Carter witnesses thereto, and is ordered to be recorded.

Teste, Jno. Williams

And at a court held for said county the 1st October 1832.

On the motion of Betty L. Ball the Executrix named in the last will and testament of Spencer Ball deceased who made oath to the said will and entered into and acknowledged a bond (without security according to the testators request it appearing to the court that he has left sufficient property to pay his just debts) in the penalty of $40,000 conditioned as the law directs certificate is granted her for obtaining a probate of the said will in due form.

Teste, John Williams

[Friend of Friends Friday is a weekly blogging prompt from Geneabloggers that encourages the transcription and posting of records involving enslaved ancestors. ~cgl]

Newspaper Tidbit: Land for Sale: Portici

Alexandria Gazette – 03 November 1855

FAIRFAX AND PRINCE WILLIAM LAND FOR SALE. - I will offer for sale at public auction, at Fairfax Court House, on Monday the 17^th day of December next, that being Court day, the following TRACTS OF LAND, viz:

No. 1. Being a part of Portici, the residence of the late Alfred Ball, deceased. This tract contains one hundred and twenty eight acres, lying on Bull Run, in the County of Fairfax, 3 ½ miles west of Centreville, half a mile from the Warrenton and Alexandria Turnpike, and within a few miles of Tudor Hall Station, on the Orange and Alexandria Rail Road. It has an abundance of woodland, and is capable of being made a first rate little farm.

No. 2. Also, a part of Portici, containing one hundred and twenty-two acres, and lying in Prince William County, immediately between Portici and Ben Lomond, the residence of Thomas and Andrew Pringle.

No. 3. Lies on Sandy Run in Fairfax County, about six miles northwest of the Village of Occoquan, and adjoining the lands of Ashford and others. It contains two hundred acres, well supplied with wood and water, and is inferior to no land in the county in its natural qualities. I will sell either or all of these tracts at private sale. Terms easy, and made known on the day of sale. Address Groveton, Prince William Co., Va.

C.Carter

Prince William Co., Va., nov 3

Deed: Lynn to Ball (5 May 1857)

Deed:  Lynn to Ball

PWCo. Deed Book 24, page 75

This Indenture made and entered into this 5^th day of May in the year 1857 between William M. Lynn of the one part and Sarah C. Ball of the other part both of the County of Prince William and State of Virginia – Whereas Gustavus J. Heath and Ann M. his wife did on the 25^th day of November 1850 by deed of record in the Clerks office of the County of Prince William County convey one hundred and fifty two acres more or less to the said Lynn in trust to secure to one George F. Carter a certain bond of fourteen hundred and ninety dollars with interest from 25^th of November 1850, and whereas the said Gustavus the said Gustavus {text repeated in Deed Book} J. Heath and wife did by deed of record in the Clerks office of P. Wm. County dated 12^th February 1853 convey said land to one Francis W. Lewis and the said Lewis and wife by deed of record in same office dated 8^th March 1856 convey said land to said Sarah C. Ball and whereas the said George F. Carter assigned the said bond of $1490 to one Alfred Ball and John B. Grayson admr. Of said Ball assigned the same to John Lewis and John Lewis to said Francis W. Lewis who in order to make his conveyance of title to said Sarah C. Ball complete desires a release of said deed of trust, Now this Indenture witnesseth that for and in consideration of the presents and for the further consideration of one dollar in hand paid to said Lynn by the said Sarah C. Ball the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, he the said Wm. M. Lynn has granted bargained sold released and confirmed and by these presents does grant bargain sell release and confirm unto the said Sarah C. Ball her heirs and assigns forever with special warranty all right, title, and interest which he the said Wm. M. Lynn has either in law or equity to the said tract of land by virtue of the deed of trust aforesaid for a more particular description of said land referenced is hereby made to said deed of trust, To have and to hold the said tract of land unto the said Sarah C. Ball his heirs and assigns forever, witness the following signature and seal.

Wm. M. Lynn {Seal}

At a Court held for Prince William County May 5^th, 1857.

   This deed of release from Lynn to Ball was acknowledged by the said Wm. M. Lynn and admitted to record. 

Teste,  P. D. Lipscomb, clerk

Buckland Marriages

Alexandria Herald - 13 January 1823
   MARRIED At Buckland, on Thursday evening last, by the rev. Thos. T. Harrison, Mr. William Evans, of Alexandria, to Miss Penelope Summers, of Fairfax Co., VA.

Baltimore Gazette and Daily Advertiser - 29 February 1832
   MARRIED. By the Rev. Mr. Knox, on Tuesday the 21st inst. at the Grove, near Buckland, Va. Mr. James J. Fisher, of Baltimore, to Miss S. M.P. Moxley, of the former place.

Alexandria Gazette - 12 October 1838
   MARRIED. In Buckland, on Thursday evening last by the Rev. John V. Rigden, Mr. Richard Speake of Warrenton, to Miss Martha Ann Sanders of Buckland.

Alexandria Gazette - 18 December 1865
   MARRIED. By the same [Rev. J. S. Trone], at Buckland, Prince William co., on the 7th December, Thos. W. Nalls and Miss Fannie Keys.

Alexandria Gazette - 11 October 1867
   MARRIED. On Tueday the 8th instant, at Kinsley, near Buckland, Prince William county, Va., by Rev. John W. Pugh, Mr. Orlando F. Glasscock, of Fauquier co., to Miss Lossie F. Delaplane.

Alexandria Gazette - 26 March 1869
   MARRIED. At the residence of the bride's father, near Buckland, on the 22nd instant, by the Rev. Mr. Aldrich, Logan Hunton, of Warrenton to Miss Sarah, daughter of Maj. Thomas A. Ball.

Richmond Whig - 15 November 1872
   MARRIED. ADAMS-WILCOX- On Tuesday, October 29th, at Buckland, the residence of the bride's father, by the Rev. Dr. Wade, Mr. William W. Adams, of Petersburg, to Miss E Sheered, daughter of James M. Willcox, of Charles City county, Va. No cards.

Alexandria Gazette - 14 December 1874
   MARRIED. On December 9th, at Broad Run Baptist Church, by Rev. H. H. Wyer, Dr. H. D. Kerfoot and Miss Minnie H. Moss, both of Buckland, Prince William county, VA.

Alexandria Gazette

When looking for newspaper articles about your ancestors, don't forget to check publications in neighboring cities.  The Alexandria Gazette, for instance, often published news and society snippits from Prince William county.  Searchable copies of the Alexandria Gazette from 1834-1974 can be found online at Chronicling America.

For example:

Alexandria Gazette - January 6, 1900 - PARALYZED.  Mrs. Thomas N. Conrad, wife of Professor Conrad, was paralyzed yesterday at her home at Neabsco Mills, Prince William County.  She was formally Miss Emma Ball, of King George county, and has a large circle of friends and relatives throughout the State.  The attack was severe, and the lady’s life is despaired of.

Alexandria Gazette – April 16, 1900 - FIRE IN PRINCE WILLIAM – The dwelling of Col. Thomas H. Leachman, of Folly Hall, Prince William county, was destroyed by fire early yesterday morning and very little of the contents of the dwelling were saved.  The houlse was an old Virginia mansion, well known in that section.  Miss Leachman, the daughter of Col. Leachman, is in Alexandria, a guest of Mrs. James E. Alexander, having come from home to attend the conference in Washington.  Col. Leachman is the father of the sheriff of Prince William county.  Mr. S. H. Lunt, of this city, has tendered Col. Leachman’s family a dwelling on his farm near Wellington, in Prince William county.