Friend of Friends Friday: Ranaway: Turner (1944)

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
9 July 1844

$50 REWARD. -- Eloped from Col. John Hooe's farm, in Prince William County, Va., on the 30th of June last, a negro man by the  name of TURNER, of the following description: He is about 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high, of a dark copper color, 23 or 24 years of age, with a small scar on the jaw rather below the surface of the skin, high forehead, fine countenance, and very red lips. At the time of his leaving his clothing consisted of linen pantaloons, cotton shirt, and yarn roundabout and cap. The above reward of $50 will be given if taken out of the State; $30 if taken in the District of Columbia; $20 if taken in the State of Virginia; and in each case secured in jail so that I get him again.

THOS. M. FARROW,

jy 9-3t   Brentsville, Prince William Co., Va.

Sunday's Obituary: Camper/Chinn/Lowman/Anderson

Easton Gazette (Easton, MD)
22 February 1873

CAMPER.--Near St. Michaels, on the 2d inst., after a protracted illness, John Camper, formerly of Brentsville, Va., in the 53d year of his age.

Richmond Times Dispatch (Richmond, Va.)
30 March 1906

Information has reached here that Fielding Chinn, colored, of lower Prince William county, was shot at an entertainment Saturday night at Occoquan by a negro named Johnson. Johnson made his escape. Chinn died Monday from his injuries.

New York Herald (NY)
20 August 1884

LOWMAN.--At Manassas,Va., Sunday, August 17, ELEANOR LUDLAM, wife of Harvey L. Lowman.

Philadelphia Inquirer (Phila., Pa.)
6 July 1885

FIRE AND LOSS OF LIFE.

WASHINGTON, July5--A fire, in which at least one life was lost, is reported to have occurred in a house occupied by a family named Anderson, at Woodbridge, Va., on Saturday morning. Woodbridge is a station on the Alexandria and Fredericksburg Road, near Quantico, about twenty-four miles from this city.

Newspaper Tidbit: With the Rambler -- Brentsville

If you haven't checked out the Library of Congress's online newspaper archive, Chronicling America, it's definitely worth the time.  (And it's free!)


Evening Star (Washington, DC)
2 January 1916

Fourth of July Celebration: Brentsville (1866)

Alexandria Gazette (Virginia)
10 July 1866

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

The Washington Chronicle has an account of a celebration of the 4th of July at Brentsville, Prince William county, Va.  This account says, there was a "goodly number in attendance," but it is immediately added -- "as the meagre delegations from distant neighborhoods came in," &c. A meeting was organized at the Court-House by the appointment of J. P. Baldwin, of Prince William, president, and Major M. S. Hopkins secretary. Letters were then read from Horace Maynard, of Tennessee, and Lysander Hill, of Alexandria. Speeches were made by A. Chester, if Il., J. S. Towler of Tenn., and L. Sherwood of Texas. Resolutions expressive of the political sentiments of those present were passed, a flag raising had, a collection partaken of, &c.

Land Records: Brenton (1845)

Alexandria Gazette
21 October 1845

A SMALL FARM IN PRINCE WILLIAM FOR SALE. -- I wish to sell my farm in Prince William county, called BRENTON.  It lies on Slaty Run, about four miles from Brentsville, contains two hundred and thirty-six acres, originally good, and is readily improved by clover and plaister.  The improvements are a DWELLING HOUSE, with two large rooms on the firts floor, and three on the second, with a good cellar and the usual outhouses. If a larger quantity of land is desired by the purchaser it can be purchased at a fair price of Mr. Lucian Dade, who owns a large tract adjoining Brenton. Northern men, who desire a small farm, in a neighborhood remarkable for health, good society, convenience to mills, post office, and places of religious worship, are invited to examine for themselves. If not sold previously at private sale, this Land will be offered at public auction, at Brentsville, on the 1st. Monday in November next. For terms, which will be accommodating, apply to James H. Ried, at Brentsville.

GWYNNETTA W. DADE

Prince William, Va., oct 7--eots

Manassas News: Investigation of Prince William Jail... (1912)

Alexandria Gazette
23 March 1912

MANASSAS NEWS ITEMS

Investigation of Prince William Jail
Enthusiastic Good-Roads Meeting at Nokesville

(Special to the Gazette)

Manassas, Va., March 23. -- The State Board of Charities and Corrections have called on the Prince William county committee for their annual report as to the conditions of the county jail and almshouse. This committee consists of Dr. H. M. Clarkston, of Haymarket and Mrs. Emily C. Round and Dr. J. Mayre Lewis, of Manassas. Information as to any case of indigent, crippled or deformed children needing hospital treatment is specially called for, by the secretary of the Commonwealth in order that the board may endeavor to have such subjects treated free of cost. The board urges that the county make better arrangements for its poor, and especially the feeble minded children and advises that the "Poor Farm" be sold and arrangements provided which will be more in accord with the present ideas of twentieth-century civilization.

At a meeting of the Manassas Rod and Gun Club a committee was appionted to petition Commonwealth's Attorney Thomas H. Lion, for an enforcement of the law with regard to the obstruction at Occoquan creek.  Last spring the board of supervisors of Prince William and Fairfax counties appointed committees to investigate and report upon such obstruction, which has done, but so far as ascertained no further action of the respective boards in relation to the matter has been taken.

There was a large and enthusiastic good roads meeting at Nokesville, Wednesday at which Melvin C. Hazen of Washington, presided. A committee was appointed to canvass Brentsville Magisterial district in the interest of a bond issue for public highway improvement. The committee will recommend a bond issue for the district of $36,000 to be apportioned as follows: $12,000 for the Quebec-Miami Highway; $9,000 for road from Nokesville to Greenwich; $8,000 for roadway from Nokesville to Aden; $7,000 for roadway from Brentsville to intersect with the proposed international highway.

The bi-county convention of the W.C.T.U. embracing the counties of Fauquier and Prince William were in session here yesterday with a large attendance of delegates. Mrs. Sarah Hoge, state president of the association, and noted for her ability as an oratorical and forceful speaker delivered a very interesting address in the Presbyterian Church last night to a large audience.

Governor Mann has appointed Mrs. Emily C. Round to represent Virginia at the Southern Sociological Congress to be held in Nashville, Tenn., on May 7-10.

A valuable horse belonging to Harry Tyler was killed by train No. 13 on the Manassas branch of the Southern, Thursday.  The animal was appraised at $230.

Newspaper Tidbit: PWCo Items (19 August 1872)

Alexandria Gazette
19 August 1872

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY ITEMS - [From the Manassas Gazette.] -- Jas. B. Sener, Radical candidate for Congress in the first Congressional District, and W. W. Douglass, elector on the Grant ticket, announced that they will speak at Brentsville on the next court day, Monday, September 2d.

A singular phenomenon was noticed at Brentsville on the night of August 10. During the rain the moon broke through the clouds in the west and there appeared in the east, spanning the entire heavens, a beautiful rainbow which remained there for fully half an hour.

A picnic will be given near Brentsville on Tuesday the 2d inst., which, judging from the names of the managers, will be one of the most pleasant affairs of the season.

Mr. Frank Cannon has sold about 5,000 railroad ties for the Danville extention.  These ties were purchased for the Fredericksburg railroad, but were not taken, and have been on hand some time.

A race was run on Tuesday last at Manassas between a sorrel colt owned by H. B. Varns and a sorrel mare owned by C. L. Hynson. Mr. Varns' colt was entered by C. A. Cannon and Mr. Hynson's mare by Wm. E. Goodwin. The distance was 940 yards. The race was won by the colt, beating the mare ten feet.  The stake was $120.

Sunday's Obituary: Richard A. Sinclair

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
22 February 1904

AFFAIRS IN ALEXANDRIA

Death of Richard A. Sinclair

Alexandria, VA.  February 22, 1904

Mr. Richard Alexander Sinclair died Sunday morning after a lingering illness at the Alexandria Hospital.  He was a native of Brentsville, Prince William county, but removed to this city in 1853 and was appointed deputy clerk of the courts by the late Benjamin B. Berry, who was then clerk. At the lose of the civil war Mr. Sinclair was elected clerk of the county court, holding this position several years.  Mr. Sinclair studied law and was admitted to the bar, but for some years past he had not engaged in active practice.  Hew was unmarried and was about seventy-five years old. The body was forwarded this morning to his old home in Prince William county for interment.

Friend of Friends Friday: Runaway: George Car

Virginia Enquirer
24 April 1832

NOTICE -- Was committed to the Jail of Prince William county, Virginia, on the 18th day of January last, a Negro Man, as a runaway, who calls him self GEORGE CAR; he also declares himself to be free, and from Loudoun county; he is about 25 years old, about six feet high, dark complexion, and several scars on the fingers of his left hand; he had on a pair of dark colored corded pantaloons, an old blue cloth coat. -- The owner (if any there be) is requested to come forward, comply with the law, and take the property

BASIL BRAWNER, Jailor

Brentsville, March 18, 1832

105-w12w

Events: PWHPF September 2019 Events & Programs

September 2019

September Events & Programs

The grounds of the historic sites are open daily from dawn until dusk and the sites are open for regular tours Thursday–Monday 11am–4pm.

Upcoming Events at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow, VA 20136 (703) 365-7895 Fall Harvest Campfire September 20 | 6:30pm-7:30pm $5 per person| All Ages Enjoy a campfire and roasted marshmallows as you learn about how the local residents in Prince William County harvested their crops to prepare for winter. Experience the tools they used, the crops they harvested, and the unique things they did to prepare for winter in the 18th and 19th centuries. Admission is free for ages 2 and under.

September 28 | 10am-4pm FREE EVENT | All Ages Join us for our 5th Annual Brentsville Day! Come experience this nearly 200 year-old social and political center of Prince William County while we fill the grounds with festivities. Bluegrass Bands Historic Farm Demonstrations Living History Historic Trades Local Artisans Antiques Food Trucks Historic Buildings Hayrides and More!

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Prince William County Farm Tour - Brentsville Stop September 29 | 11am-4pm FREE EVENT | All Ages Join site staff and living historians to learn about farm life in Brentsville and Prince William County during the mid-1800s. Tour the 1850s farmhouse, and try your hands at historic trades and crafts.

Upcoming Events at Neabsco Regional Park 15125 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22191 Meet at parking lot across from Rippon Lodge Historic site (703) 499-9812

Exploring the Wetlands at the Boardwalk September 14 | 4pm-5:30pm $9 per person | All Ages Join us for an exploratory walk down the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk. We will explore the residents of this ecosystem up close and personal and along the way will discover why the wetlands are important to every living thing. Additional Information and Registration Aquatic Discovery at the Boardwalk September 29 | 4pm-5:30pm $9 per person | All Ages Ever wonder who lives in your wetlands? Come discover the residents of the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk aquatic ecosystems as you dip your nets over the edge. Fish, shrimp, crayfish, tadpoles are just a few of the aquatic inhabitants we hope to investigate. Nets will be provided for use during the class. Additional Information and Registration

Upcoming Event at Rippon Lodge Historic Site 15520 Blackburn Road Woodbridge, VA 22192 (703) 499-9812 Virginia in the Spanish-American War September 14 | 11am–4pm $5 per person | Ages 6+ Considered to be a forgotten war, the Spanish-American War was a war many did not comprehend or want, however the tide soon turned and many regiments in Virginia were preparing to fight. Explore the history of the Spanish-American War at Rippon Lodge, speak with living history interpreters, see artifacts of the era, tours and period games available throughout the day.

Upcoming Event leaving from the Marina boat dock at Leesylvania State Park: 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr, Woodbridge, VA (703) 792-4754 Potomac Blockade Boat Tour 2019 September 21 | 10am–1pm $50 per person | Ages 8+ Cruise along the Potomac River shoreline on the 50’ pontoon vessel Miss Rivershore and view sites that were critical to the Confederate forces’ successful blockade of Washington D.C. from September 1861 through early March 1862. Additional Information and Registration

Historic Preservation Spotlight

School has started again this fall in Prince William County, but did you know that schools were not always available nor free for children to attend? Lucasville School 10516 Godwin Dr, Manassas, VA (703) 365-7895

Lucasville School   School is Back in Session! In 1870, Virginia's Legislature established a statewide system of free public schools for all citizens regardless of race. Throughout Prince William County, new schools were built including several for the education of African American children. Many of these schools no longer stand nor are open to the public with the exception of Lucasville School. Lucasville School (1885-1926) is a reconstructed one-room schoolhouse that interprets post-Civil War African-American education in Prince William County Virginia.   On Saturday, September 7th, Lucasville School will be open from 11am-4pm so that visitors can discover the people who used small but significant building and their efforts to challenge racism and create an effective and lasting public education system.

Visit Prince William County Historic Preservation Website

Newspaper Tidbit: School Notice (1914)

Manassas Journal
30 January 1914

SCHOOL NOTICE

The Brentsville District School Board desires modern sanitary closets built at the schools of the district not already supplied. Twelve or fourteen will be required, and specifications for some can be obtained from any member of the Board, viz:  R. H. Davis, Bristow; J. T. Flory, Nokesville; or J. R. Cooke, Greenwich. Contractors can bid on all or any specific number, and the Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Bids should be sent to J. R. Cooke, Clerk of the Board, on or before February 21, 1914.

J. R. Cooke, Clerk

Newpaper Tidbit: Serious Malfeasance in Office, if True (1868)

Richmond Whig
8 December 1868

Serious Malfeasance in Office, if True

Brentsville, Prince William Co., Va., November 29, 1868 -- Mr. Editor -- It is charged that a bold plan was arranged by the sub-jailor here and John T. Keys, who is confined under indictment for rape on his daughter, to effect Keys' escape to-night, but William E. Goodwin, Esq., the vigilant and exceedingly efficient sheriff of this county, getting wind of the plot, came with a posse this evening about 3 o'clock and took special charge of the jail. He placed a guard of five men to watch the prisoners, and turned the jail keys over to the guard.

Rumor is that the prisoner, John T. Keys, had arranged with the sub-jailor, a man named Charles Wright, to give him one hundred and seventy-five dollars, and that he (Wright) for that "consideration," was to open the prison doors.

No one here doubts that a scheme was on foot for Keys' re ease.

Correspondence Fredericksburg Herald

Newspaper Tidbit: Brentsville Items (20 Sept 1934)

Manassas Journal
20 September 1934

BRENTSVILLE

Mr. Jos. Keys and children visited Mrs. Keys' mother and sister last week in Rectortown, Va.

Miss Irma Wilson has returned to her home at Marshall where she enters second year high school.

Brentsville is glad to welcome Miss Dorothy Woodhouse back to the school this year.

Mr. and Mrs. Cash Keys and family returned from Washington last week after spending the week-end with Mrs. Keys' mother. Mrs. Keys attended the Daughters of America State session as a State representative in Washington.

Brentsville Community League will meet Friday night, Sept. 21, at 8 o'clock and it is hoped that as many as can will be present. The league is now working on a play to be given in October.

We see Mr. George Rhine driving his car again after his accident.

Master Lloyd Keys has returned to his home here after a minor operation and is able to return to his school again this week.

Mr. and Mr.s Blakemore visited Mr. and Mrs. George Nicely Sunday. Mrs. Goldie Nicely was home for Sunday.

We are glad to know that Mrs. Joe Keys is feeling much better after a lengthy illness, though still under the doctor care.

Application for Citizenship: James Jenkyn Davies (5 May 1874)

The path to citizenship was a fairly simple, straightforward process in 19th century Prince William County.  Take the following 1874 application by J. J. Davies, presented before the court 5 May 1874:

Virginia to Wit: 

Appeared before me D. W. Whiting a justice in and for Prince William County, Harvey B. Varns, and after being sworn, testified that he is acquainted with James J. Davies, now of Brentsville, and knows him the said James J. Davies to have been a resident of the United States for five years. 

Given under my hand this 5th day of May 1874. 

D. W. Whiting

Know someone in the county who can verify you've lived in the U.S. at least 5 years?  Citizenship granted!

In "District of Columbia Births and Christenings, 1830-1955" database (familysearch.org), James Jenkyn Davies of England is cited as the father of an unnamed son on 10 October 1887.  His wife, Mildred Hawes Thornton, is a Virginia native. 

[Thank you to Ron Turner for sharing this find from the loose papers of the Prince William County archives.]

VA Association of Museum Awards Results

VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF MUSEUMS AWARDS $18,500

TO MUSEUMS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH FOR

CONSERVATION PROJECTS

THANK YOU to everyone who voted in the Virginia Association of Museum's Ten Endangered Artifacts Conservation Award Project.

As a result of your efforts, the 1902 Poll Books were recognized for their research potential and historical documentation of voter disenfranchisement in the Commonwealth and awarded $2,000 towards the books' paper conservation efforts.

Thank you again! With your support we are able to preserve and interpret Prince William County's amazing history. 

Your help is needed to conserve Prince William County History!

In 1902 Virginia passed a new state constitution in its legislature. The primary goal was to limit the African American vote throughout the state. There were numerous ideas as to how to do this without violating Federal Law. As a result, the following requirements were added – voters had to be able to fill out the voter registration form without any assistance, pay the annual poll tax for each of the three years prior, and to pass a quiz from the registrar on the Virginia State Constitution. The representatives did not want to disenfranchise poor whites, and thus also added a clause that any veteran of the US or Confederate military, or their son, was able to waive the above requirements and vote. As result of these news requirements, more than 88,000 individuals were disenfranchised.

This year, we submitted our 1902 Brentsville Colored and White Poll Books to the Virginia Association of Museums Top 10 Most Endangered Artifacts list, in an effort to bring awareness to these unique and important objects. We were selected as part of the Top 10, and beginning January 15 there will be public voting for awards of up to $5,000 in funds for the conservation of these books.

Voting lasts from January 15 - 24 at:

http://www.vamuseums.org/?page=top10

You can vote daily from each individual computer. There is no restriction on where the computer is, or who you are – each vote counts!

Society Saturday: Prince William Items: Rhoda Fewell

Alexandria Gazette
15 July 1876

On Sunday morning last Rhoda Fewell was arrested at Manassas by officer Wallace Hixson on the charge of assaulting his wife on the night previous. He was tried before Justices Whiting and L. B. Butler, who sent him to jail for 12 months and in addition imposed on him a fine of $50. He was taken to Brentsville on Sunday evening. On Tuesday, his counsel, C. E. Nicol, esq., obtained a writ of habeas corpus from the Judge of the County Court, which was heard at 4 p.m. on that day. The Judge, after hearing the arguments of counsel, released the prisoner on the ground that the Justices had no right to try a case on Sunday.  The Commonwealth was represented by the Commonwealth's Attorney, E. E. Meredith, es., assisted by Judge Sinclair. The Commonwealth's Attorney as soon as the prisoner was discharged had him rearrested for the same offence and brought before Justice A. W. Sinclair, who sent him on to the grand jury and put his bail at $500. Fewell was unable to give the bail and consequently was committed to jail. He is also under arrest upon a peace warrent sued out by Mrs. Fewell.


[Lucien "Rhoda" Fewell is probably best known for the infamous 1872 murder of James Clark at the Brentsville jail.  A Civil War veteran, some have theorized that Fewell's "anger management" issues were symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ("PTSD"). ~cgl]