Will: John Woodyard, Sr. (1795)

JOHN WOODYARD Will

Prince William County Will Book H, pg. 154

4 Nov 1795; proved 7 Dec 1795

Prince William County and State of Virginia, the 4^th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety five I JOHN WOODYARD Sen. of the County and State aforesaid being very weak of body but of perfect mind memory and understanding thanks be to God for the same calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing it is appointed for all men once to die do give and recommend my body to be buried in Christian decent burial at the discretion of my Executors, and my Soul to God who gave it me nothing doubting but at the General resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty Power of God and as touching such worldly estate, wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life I give, devise and dispose of in the following manner and form Viz.

Imprimis I give and bequeath unto my twelve children hereafter named, Viz. JAMES WOODYARD, DAVID WOODYARD, BENEDICTER WOODYARD, JOHN WOODYARD, JANE SMITH, WALTER WOODYARD and my other six children by ANN THOMAS Viz. MARY, JEBEZ, WILLIAM, SUSANNAH, GOERGE and JESSE, all my Estate, consisting of horses, cattle, sheep and other stock, goods, and chattels, after all my just debts and funeral expenses are fully satisfied, the above goods, stock and money or outstanding debts of every kind to be collected and all equally divided, among my twelve children above named by my Executors to them and their heirs forever.

Item ANN THOMAS is to have her bed she brought, her side saddle, lume, and other articles in my possession she brought into my family as her sole right and property, also ANN THOMAS is to remain if she inclines to live there, on my lots leased of COL. THOMAS BLACKBURN, the lives to come in the said lease, being my own life, my son JAMES WOODYARD and JOHN WOODYARD, if she should incline to leave the said lott my son JAMES to have and hold the same until the time expires or his heirs and sell and dispose of the same as best suits them.

Lastly, I constitute and appoint JAMES WOODYARD my oldest son, and GEORGE STONE, sole Executors of this my last will and testament , revoking and disannulling all former wills, testaments, legacies and requests, in Witness whereof I, the date above, and in the presence of the subscribing evidences of affixed my hand and seal.

JOHN [his mark] WOODYARD  {seal}

Interlined before signed.

Signed, sealed and delivered in presents of

GEO. RAINIE

JANE BIRD

HENRY WOODYARD

At a Court held for Prince William County the 7th day of December 1795

This Last Will and Testament of JOHN WOODYARD decd. was presented to the Court by the Executors therein named, who made oath thereto, and the said Will being proved by the oaths of GEORGE RAINIE, JANE BIRD and HENRY WOODYARD was ordered to be recorded and the said Executors having performed what is usual in such cases, certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste

JOHN WILLIAMS  Ct. Cur.

Will: Elizabeth Brazier (1797)

ELIZABETH BRAZIER Will

Prince William County Will Book H, pg. 194

29 Jun 1795; proved 3 Apr 1797

In the name of God Amen I ELIZABETH BRAZIER of the county of Prince William and commonwealth of Virginia being of sound mind and memory, but aged and infirm, do make this my last will & testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.

Imprimis I commit my soul to God from whom I received it, and my body to the earth to be decently interred at the discretion of my Executors hoping in a joyful resurrection through the mediation of our blessed savior.  With respect to the property I leave behind me I bequeath it in the following manner.

I give and bequeath to WILLIAM BARNES Esq. Of the Town of Dumfries as trustee for my daughter SARAH HARRISON CANNON, and her heirs, not to be subject to the will or controul of her husband JOHN CANNON, but for her entire and separate use, a negro man slave called BEN, left to me by my mother MARY FOWKE, and I do request and injoin my said trustee WILLIAM BARNES Esq. To hire out the said slave BEN after my decease from year to year for the use of my said daughter and to account with her annually for the same; I also give and bequeath to WILLIAM BARNES Esq. Of the Town of Dumfries as Trustee for my said daughter SARAH HARRISON CANNON, and her heirs, not to be subject to the will or controul of her husband JOHN CANNON, but for her entire and separate use, all the horses, cattle, household furniture and wearing apparel, which I may leave at the time of my death, and I do request and injoin the said WILLIAM BARNES Esq. To dispose of the said stock or furniture, and place the same out at interest for the benefit of my said daughter and her heirs and account with her annually for the same; and it is my will, that if my daughter SARAH HARRISON CANNON, shall survive her husband JOHN CANNON, then the whole of the bequests as before mentioned made to her and her heirs shall be immediately vetted in her, and the above mentioned WILLIAM BARNES be entirely discharged from the same, he accounting properly for any monies arising from the same that may be in his hands.

Lastly, I appoint my friends Col. JOHN HOOE and WILLIAM BARNES Esq. Of Dumfries my executors.  Given under my hand and seal this the 29^th day of June 1795.

ELIZABETH [her mark] BRAZIER  {seal}

Signed, sealed and acknowledged before us

THOMAS BLACKBURN

CHRISTIAN BLACKBURN

At a court held for Prince William County the 3^rd day of April 1797.

This last will and testament of ELIZABETH BRAZIER decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of THOMAS BLACKBURN and CHRISTIAN BLACKBURN was ordered to be recorded.

Teste

JOHN WILLIAMS  Ct Cur

Newspaper Tidbit: PWCo Items (22 June 1857)

Alexandria Gazette
June 22, 1857

Prince William County, Va.

REVOLUTIONARY REMINISCENCES. -- When the good people of Virginia, in convention assembled on the 25th day of June, 1776, declared that the Government of this Country as before exercised under the crown of Great Britain was totally dissolved by misrule of the King, and ordained and established a form of government for Virginia, Prince William County had her sages in convention, aiding with their counsel, and when the "tug of war" came, and the sword had to be drawn to repel the enemies of freedom, her braves took the field and battled for the cause.

A gentleman, who is well acquainted with the records and history of the county, has furnished us with a copy of the proceedings of a council of militia officers held at Dumfries.

"At a Council of field officers, and other officers of the militia, for the county of Prince William, held at the house of Augustine Seaton, in the town of Dumfries, on Friday, the 19th day of July, 1776.

Present,--Henry Lee, County Lieutenant; Thomas Blackburn, Colonel; William Alexander, Lieut. Colonel; John Hooe, Major.

Captains.--Thomas Atwell, James Ewell, Valentine Peyton, Richard Graham, Jesse Ewell and William Brent.

A Resolve of the Committee of this County being laid before the Board, by the County Lieutenant, recommending to him to order on duty a sufficient number of militia to protect the inhabitants on the river against the inroads of Lord Dunmore and his fleet, now lying in the river Potomac, and the County Lieutenant praying their advice and directions how to conduct himself; The Board taking the same into consideration, are of the opinion that all the boats and other small vessels ought to be secured to prevent the servants and slaves from joining his Lordship, and further that the first draft of Militia be immediately called upon to rendezvous at Dumfries; as it is uncertain what route the enemy may take, to be in readiness to protect the river inhabitants if need require."

SUNDAY SCHOOL.--It may not be generally known that we have a large and flourishing Sabbath School in the village.  We are gratified to find that it has some 70 scholars.  Next Sabbath will be the fourth since its commencement.  We hear that it is proposed to have a celebration and pic-nic on the 4th of July; a gentleman of the legal profession has been invited to deliver an oration; we did not learn whether he has accepted or not.

OLD TIMES.--The following amusing extract of a will, executed in the County, in 1766, will cause some merriment, we think:

"I leave the direction of my funeral to the discretion of my executors, I only desire that it may be private, in presence of the few such as I had regard for when living, which are not many.

And as I ever held Priests, Juglars, and devirsors of every kind from the Grand Lama or the Pope, to the Indian conjuror, in the utmost contempt, I expressly forbid any preaching or other Pawwawing at my funeral.  Wrote with my own hand, this 23d day of September, 1766. ~ James Douglass.

--Brentsville Jour.

Those Places Thursday: Ghosts of Rippon Lodge

Rippon Lodge Historic Site is located at 15520 Blackburn Road in Woodbridge, Virginia.  Built circa 1747 by wealthy land owner, Richard Blackburn, it is one of the oldest homes in Prince William County and is open to the public from May until October.   Once a thriving plantation near the port of Dumfries, overlooking Neabsco Creek, the present day 43 acre site interprets the history of the house its owners from 1747 to 2000.  Visitors are welcome to stroll the grounds and gardens.

Thomas Blackburn, the son of Richard, was a Revolutionary War soldier and later a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses.  (And yes, George Washington did sleep here.)  The house was also owned by Blackburn's descendant, Antarctic Explorer Richard Blackburn Black, before being sold to the County in 2000.

There are several tragic stories associated with Rippon Lodge, one of which involves an unfortunate slave child and Mrs. Blackburn.  In a fit of temper, the mistress struck or pushed the child, who fell against the stone jamb of the fireplace and died shortly there after.  There was an inquest but the court determined the death to be accidental.  The child's ashes are said to be buried in the family cemetery.

In 1765, John Baylis supposedly insulted the father of Cuthbert Bullitt, Reverend James Scott, and was challenged to a duel for the insult.  The newspapers report that Baylis's gun failed to go off and then, after having asked for mercy, instead shot at Bullitt when he hesitated -- and missed.  Baylis was shot in the groin and brought to Rippon Lodge where he died from his wound.   

Standing for over 250 years, is Rippon Lodge haunted?

The October 2011 edition of Prince William Living reports that "over the years, people have reportedly seen figures in the windows and heard footsteps where there is no one around to make them.  Carpenters working on the restoration of the buildings claimed to have seen a person in the upstairs windows on various occasions."

In Marguerite Dupont Lee's book "Virginia Ghosts," is an account of Miss Atkinson, former owner, who said "she never saw anything unusual but sometimes heard strange and disturbing noises."

~ ~ ~ 

Spirits of Rippon Lodge
October 25 and 26, 2013

Rippon Lodge has a diverse history rich with ghostly tales.  A 1930 account of the Lodge says, "the house is said to be haunted in such a ghostly and sinister fashion that no one will occupy it."  Rumor has it that the course of Route 1 was altered to avoid its ghostly residents.  Come experience a unique opportunity to tour the house and grounds by candlelight.  You'll meet several historical characters along to way to hear their tales of sadness and triumph.  Cost is $10 per person and reservations are recommended.  Call 703-499-9812. 

Black History Month: Ranaway (Que) (Phill) (Tom Fuller) (George) (John) (Amos)

Virginia Gazette – July 8, 1773

COMMITTED to the gaol of Prince William county, the 16^th of June, a Negro fellow who calls himself QUE, and says he belongs to Nathaniel Burwell, of the Isle of Wight county; he is a young, black fellow, about 21 years of age, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, has on a drill coat, black worsted stockings, and red waistcoat – Also committed, the 7^th of June, a Mulatto fellow who says his name is Samuel Butcher, and that he formerly belonged to Robert Evans, of Dinwiddie, but that he has heard that Mr. Mason obtained his freedom last April General Court. The owners, if any, are desired to prove their property, and pay charges.

JOHN BLANSIT, Gaoler.

Virginia Gazette – June 16, 1775

COMMITTED to Cumberland jail, a middle sized negro man, seems to have been in the country about five years, says his name is Phill, and that his master lives in Prince William county, at the Red House, and is named John Tyler. The owner is desired to take him away, and pay charges.

LITTLEBERRY MOSBY

Alexandria Gazette – January 5, 1822

TOM FULLER IS GONE! $50 REWARD. Will be given for the apprehension of Tom Fuller, a coloured man, purchased lately from Mrs. Summers of Alexandria, he is black, and aged about 30 years, has a free wife in said city, near Legg's tavern. A stout, tall, well made man, understands something of the tanning business, is well known in Alexandria. The above reward will be paid on his delivery to Capt. O. W. Callis at Barnaby in Md. Or at Greenwood, Prince William Co., Va.

Wm. DABNY

by his agent, O. W. CALLIS

Law4w

Alexandria Gazette – September 18, 1826

$20 Reward. RANAWAY, on Sunday the 25^th day of June last, from the subscriber, living near Brentsville, Prince William Co. Va. A negro man by the name of GEORGE. He is square built, of pretty dark complexion, supposed to be about five feet, 9 or 10 inches high, some what bow-legged, and the only scar recollected is one which he received on one of his shoulders, or blade bone, cut with a scythe. He is nearly sixty years of age, but has a very youthful appearance for his age. He has worked at the Shoemaker's trade, and is a very good wagoner. He also professes the Baptist Religion, and frequently pretends to officiate as a minister of the gospel. His clothing, as well as recollected, consists of a coat, pantaloons and a vest, of imported blue broadcloth, an over coat and pantaloons of home made drab broad cloth, and a black fur hat with a very broad brim. I purchased him from Mrs. Elizabeth Blackburn, of Jefferson County, Va. And he has several relations amongst her negroes, and I have no doubt he is harbored by them either on her farm, or in that neighborhood. I will give the above reward, with all reasonable expenses, to any person who will deliver him to me at my residence, or lodge him in jail so that I get him again.

John HOOE, Jr.

Prince William County, 18^th Sept.

Alexandria Gazette – August 26, 1833

25DOLLARS REWARD. RANAWAY from the subscriber, Prince William County, Virginia, on the 20^th of August, a Negro Lad named JOHN, 19 years old, about 5 feet high , of yellow complexion, small made, rather a pleasing countenance; when spoken to, a down look; his left fore finger some little time since was cut very bad, it is nearly well; a small scar on his nose. The clothing a blue cassinett coat, striped twilled cotton pantaloons, and a black cap; the balance of clothing not recollected. This lad calls himself John Jacobs. The above reward out of State, $15 out of the County, and $5 in the County; if brought home or secured so that [I] get him again.

WARREN DAVIS

aug 24-3t

Alexandria Gazette – September 17, 1853

$50 REWARD – Ranaway from the subscriber, near Bristoe's Station, Prince William Co., Va., on the 10^th inst., my Negro Man, AMOS. Amos is about 28 years of age, 5 feet, 8 or 9 inches high; of dark complexion. He has a full suit of bushy hair, and a downcast look when spoken to. I will give the above reward of $50 if taken out of Virginia, and $20 if taken in this State, and secured so that I get him.

JUDITH SANGYHIR

Bristoe Station, Va., 17-eotf

Black History Month: Bills of Sale

Prince William County – Deed Book 1, pg. 130

BE IT KNOWN unto all men with these presents that I Walter Warder of Prince William County state of Virginia for and in consideration of the sum of Twenty Five pounds good and lawful money of sd. State to me in hand paid by William Munday of sd. County & state at and before the ensealing and delivery of these presents wherewith I confess myself to be fully satisfyed, contented and paid, have bargained and sold and by these presents do fully clearly and absolutely bargain and sell unto the said William Munday a Negro girl named Sarah about fifteen years of age to have and to hold the said girl to the said William Munday his heirs Executors Administrators or assigns to his and their own propper uses and behoofs for ever. A I the said Walter Warder, my Heirs Executors Administrators and any of us hold the said girl to the said William Munday his heirs Executors Administrators or Assigns against all people shall and will warrant, acquit and for ever defend by these presents.

Walter Warder {seal}

Aug. the 26^th 1800

Delivered in the presence of

Philip {X his mark} Warder

Francis Warder

At a Court held for Prince William County the 6^th day of Oct. 1800 this bill of sale from Walter Warder to Wm. Munday was acknowledged by said Warder to be his act and Deed and it was therefore ordered to be recorded.

Teste, John Williams

 ~~~

Prince William County Deed Book 1, pg. 184

KNOW all men by these presents that I Alexander Lithgow for and in consideration of five shillings to me in hand paid by Mather Harrison have bargained & sold all my rights unto him to two negroes by name of Charles & Milly which were the possession of Mrs. Harrison widow of Mather given from under my hand & seal this 21^st Feby. 1801.

Alex Lithgow {seal}

At a Court held for Prince Wm County the 6^th day of April 1801. This Bill of Sale from Alex. Lithgow to Mather Harrison was acknowledged by the said Lithgow to be his act and Deed and ordered to be Recorded.

Test. John Williams C.Cler.

 ~~~

Prince William County Deed Book 1, pg. 188

KNOW ALL MEN by these presents that I John Tayloe of Mount Airy in the County of Richmond and State of Virginia have bargained and by these presents do bargain & sell for value received to Thomas Blackburn of the County of Prince William & state afd. [aforesaid] in Trust for the use of Jane Charlotte Blackburn & for no other use or purpose whatsoever a Mulatto girl named Nancy and I do warrant & defend the sd. Girl Nancy to said Blackburn in Trust as aforesaid against all persons whatever. Given under my hand and seal this 12^th day of February 1801.

John Tayloe {seal}

Witness

Thomas T. Page

Sam. Gordon

William Gordon

At a Court held for Prince William County the 6^th day of April 1801. This Deed of trust from John Tayloe to Thos. Blackburn was proved by the oath of Wm. Gordon & ordered to be Recorded.

Teste, John Williams, Cl. C.