Will: Sophia C. M. Bullitt

Will of Sophia C. M. Bullitt
PWCo Will Book I, pg. 14
Proved: 2 January 1804

As I esteem it the duty of every individual to make such arrangements of his temporal concerns as may spare the survivors those difficulties and altercations that may otherwise arise, I mean with divine assistance to specify the manner in which I design my property to be disposed of after my decease; and I appoint my esteemed friends William Barnes and John Macrae executors of this my last will and testament.

My proportion of the Kentucky land I bequeath to be equally divided between my sisters Francis Garard, Sarah Barnes, and Helen Huie excepting a small legacy of Fifty Acres to my negroe boy Frederick, which fifty acres are to be of equal quality with my sisters portion. My negroes David Antony, Joan and her son Frederick I will should be emancipated after one years servitude from the time of my death during which year I desire that they may be hired out and the money arising from said hire must be appropriated to the payment of my debts. 

The Legacy of five hundred pounds the greatest part of which is yet due me from my fathers estate I direct to be equally divided between my sisters before mentioned after the following legacies are deducted. Viz. Fifty pounds to my niece Sophia Bullitt Garard, one hundred dollars to be appropriated to the education of poor children to be delivered in the hands of my esteemed friend Elizabeth Mason ten pounds to my friend and brother Thomas James Bullitt to purchase a mourning ring which I request him to accept as a small proof of my friendship and gratitude. I bequeath the same sum for the same purpose to my friend Lewis Hue Girarden. My house and lot I bequeath to my niece Helen Scott Huie, but if the hire of the negroes during one year from the time of my death is not sufficient to indemnify my creditors it must be rented out until all my debts are paid. One of my lots in Newport I devise to my niece Ann Foster Huie and the other to my niece Mary Barnes which each party is to receive by casting lots. Five guineas which were devised to me by my father in his will I bequeath to my nephew Thomas Barnes, my wearing apparel I direct to be divided between my nieces Helen and Ann Huie, my fortepiano I leave to Mary Barnes, my proportion of negroe Jenny's hire I bequeath to be annually paid into said Jenny's own hand, my body I bequeath to the dust from whence it came and my soul I recommend to the mercy of God through the merits of a redeemer.  I desire that my negroe boy Frederick should have three years schooling and that he should afterwards be bound to a trade for which purpose I have bequeathed to him the aforementioned fifty acres of land.

I wish that the money which I bequeath to my sisters may be appropriated to their own use independent of their husbands and I direct my Executors to place the money in the hands of proper Trustees to that effect. I desire that a claim which my Brother Thomas Bullitt has on me for a hundred dollars may be paid previously to my other debts. 

This I declare to be my last will and testament, and I again recommend to the God the Universe for whose mercy I humbly hope through the mediation of a blessed saviour.

Dumfries May 27th, 1803.

Sophia C. M. Bullitt

Teste
Benjamin Wells
James Rison
Peregin Davis

At a court held for Prince William County January 2nd, 1804.

This last will and testament of Sophia C. M. Bullitt deceased was presented to the Court and being proved by the Oath of Benj. Wells was ordered to be certified. John Macrae renounced in open Court the burthen of the Executor of the said Will. 

And at a Court Continued and held for the County aforesaid February the 7th 1804

This said last will and testament of Sophia C. M. Bullitt was fully proved by the Oath of James Rison and ordered to be recorded.

Test   J. Williams   Ct. Cur.

And at a Court continued and held for said county Feby. 5th, 1805.

William Barnes an Executor named in the Last Will and Testament of Sophia C. M. Bullitt decd came into Court and having proved the said Will according to Law, taken the Oath of an Executor and Executed a bond with security certificate is therefore granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Test   J. Williams   Ct. Cur.

Trustees Sale: Effingham (1828)

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
21 August 1828

TRUSTEE'S SALE

By virtue of five several deeds of trust from Lawrence G. Alexander to me dated the --- day of July, 1827, the 6th day of August, 1827, the 5th day of March, 1828, the 16th day of March, 1828, and the 4th day of June, 1828, duly recorded in the Clerk's Office of Prince William County Court, I shall on Thursday, the 7th day of August next, before the front-door of Prince William Court-House, offer for sale to the highest bidder, for ready money, all the Estate, real and personal, conveyed to me by said deeds, consisting of said Alexander's interest under his father's Will in a Tract of Land called Effingham, lying upon Cedar-Run in said County and in 31 valuable Slaves, his share, estimated to contain 3,000 acres, of certain Lands in the state of Kentucky, a Tract of Land of about 160 acres adjacent to Effingham, and four Slaves now in his possession. As I shall sell merely ad a Trustee, I shall convey to the purchasers of said Estate such title only as is vested in me by the said deeds.

JOHN MACRAE
June 23--ts

The sale above advertised, has been adjourned to the First Monday in September next.

J. MACRAE
aug 14

Deed: Bill of Sale: Macrae to Webster (enslaved person/emancipation)

In November 1815, Daniel Webster left a Will that stated that he left his "wife Lucy Webster (whom I purchased from the late John Macrae esq.) and to my child James Webster -- their freedom and enfranchisement forever, excluding all claim or right to them of any persons whatsoever."


Daniel was a free man of Color who purchased Lucinda from her master, John Macrae, for $60 as recorded in PWCo Deed Book 4, pg. 258.



PWCo Deed Book 4, pg. 258

Know all men by these presents that I John Macrae of Prince William County for & in consideration of the sum of sixty dollars & fifty-five cents paid by the note of Betsey Tebbs & Thomas Chapman of Dumfries due on the 20th of January next the receipt where of is hereby acknowledged hath bargained sold aliened & confirmed & by these presents doth bargain sell alien & confirm unto Daniel Webster a mulatto woman Lucinda to him the said Daniel Webster his heirs Executors & administrators or assigns forever & the said John Macrae his heirs Exrs & admrs warrants & defends that the said Lucinda to the said Webster his heirs Exrs Admrs & assigns against the claim or claims of all & every person or persons whatsoever.   In Witness whereof the said John Macrae hath hereunto set his hand & seal this fifth day of October 1810.

Jno. Macrae {seal}

Witnessed by 
Wm. Smith
Thomas Chapman

B. It is understood by the parties to the above bill of sale that the woman Lucinda therein mentioned is not to leave the service of sd. Macrae until Xmas next.

Daniel [X his mark] Webster

Witness
Wm. Smith
Thomas Chapman

At a Court held for Prince William County FEbruary 4th 1811
   This Deed from John Macrae to Daniel Webster was acknowledged by the sd. Macrae and ordered to be recorded.

Teste, J. Williams

---------------


After purchasing Lucy, Daniel petitioned the Virginia House of Delegates to emancipate her.

To the Honorable the Speaker and House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

Your Petitioner Daniel Webster humbly represents that he is a freeman of Colour now in the decline of life being fifty eight years old. That while a Slave he connected himself with a Mulatto Woman as his wife by whom he has Several Children and who is nearly as old as himself. That lately he purchased his said wife (whose name is Lucy) and being unwilling to hold in bondage one thus connected with him and the mother of his children and especially fearing the Consequences of dying she still remaining a Slave - he is exceedingly Solicitous to emancipate her. That where they are known & have made some Patrons they are able to live in comfort, but to be turned out into another and Strange State where they are unknown at their time of life would be to cloud their last days with Misery and want and perhaps to throw them in their old age upon the Charity of the World. This must be the consequence of his wifes Emancipation unless your Honorable body will under the Peculiar Circumstances of the Case relax the rigor of the law and permit his wife after her liberation to remain in her native Country. This indulgence your Petitioner humbly prays and as in duty bound will ever pray &c [etc.]. Daniel Webster Prince Wm. County Nov. 18

Cite: Webster, Daniel: Petition, Prince William County, 1812-12-11, Legislative Petitions Digital Collection, Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va

Will: Daniel Webster (emancipation)

Will of Daniel Webster
PWCo Will Book K, pg. 502

In the name of God amen I Daniel Webster of the county of Prince William & state of Virginia, feeling weak of body but of sound mind mind and intilect do make and ordain this my last will and testament hereby revoking all others.

Item. I will and bequeath to my wife Lucy Webster (whom I purchased from the late John Macrae esq.) and to my child James Webster -- their freedom and enfranchisement forever, excluding all claim or right to them of any persons whatsoever.

Item. I give and bequeath to my wife Lucy Webster every thing I have claim to or possess in this world, property of every description, real, personal, or mixed and I further more make and appoint my said wife Lucy, the executrix of this my last will and it is my wish and desire that some friendly citizen, should aid and assist her in the execution hereof; In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 23rd day of November, 1815.

Daniel [X his mark] Webser {seal}

Signed, sealed & delivered in presece of
Wm. S. Colquhoun
Fra. Sd. Dunnington
C. W. Colquhoun

At a court held for Prince William county,. February 5th 1816

This last will and testament of Daniel Webster deceased was presented to the Court and being proved by Wm. S. Colquhoun, Fra: Sd. Dunnington and C. W. Colquhoun is ordered to be recorded.

Teste,

Phil. D. Dawe   Cl Cur

Newspaper Tidbit: Politics: Jackson Corresponding Committee

United States Telegraph (Washington, DC)
22 April 1828

Pursuant to public notice, the Jackson Corresponding Committee for Prince William county (consisting of John W. Tyler, Charles S. Carter, Stuart G. Thornton, Dr. James W. P. Macrae, Major Luke Cannon, Thomas R. Hampton, William Tyler, Major Ashmere, Redmon Foster, William E. Alexander, James G. Bryce, Wm. Cleary, James Foster, Peyton Norvill, Major George Jackson, John S. Fairfax, Wm. B. Tyler, and Geo. W. Macrae) convened at Brentsville on the 7th inst. at the tavern of Thomas R. Hampton.

A majority of the committee being present, John W. Tyler, Esq. in the chair, on motion, Geo. W. Macrae was appointed Secretary, whereupon it was resolved unanimously that that the following persons, freeholders of the county of Prince William, be added to the committee heretofore appointed by the Legislative Convention, to wit:

Stephen French, Joseph R. Lynn, Alexander Foot, Richard B. Tyler, Jas. Fewell, William P. Cundiff, Benj. Johnson, John Fitzhugh, Wm. A. Harrison, Joseph Johnson, Moses Cockrell, Peyton Mills, James G. Watkins, John Hutchinson, James M. Tyler, Thomas Nelson, Jr., George Carney, Benson Lynn, George G. Tyler, Wittoughby W. Tebbs, Samuel Janney, Richard Britt, John W. Williams, Richard B. Scott, Alfred B. Tyler, Travis Davis, John Dogan, Geo. N. B. Renoe, Hezekiah Martin, Samuel H. Fisher, John Tansill, Strother Renoe, John Lee, James Florence, Jno. Graham, John G. Kubleman, Maj. Enoch Grear, and James H. Reid.

On motion, Resolved, that the editors of the Richmond Enquirer, and the United States Telegraph, be requested to publish the proceedings of this Committee.

The Committee then adjourned to meet again at Brentsville, on the 1st Monday in May next.

John W. Tyler, Chairman
Geo. W. Macrea, Sec'ry

The above is a true and correct copy of the proceedings of the Jackson Corresponding Committee for Prince William County, convened at Brentsville on the 7th of April, 1828.

Geo. W. Macrae
Secretary to the Committee
Brentsville, April 12th, 1828

[During the 1828 Presidential election, Andrew Jackson's campaign included hundreds of local Jackon committees and a large network of newspapers. ~cgl]



 

Sunday's Obituary: Charles Ming

Alexandria Gazette – February 15, 1855

DIED. On Friday, the 9^th instant, at his residence in Prince William County, Va., Charles Ming, in the 86^th year of his age. The deceased was for many years an inhabitant of Prince William County, Va., where he filled a highly respectable position as Magistrate and High Sheriff.

~ ~ ~

Alexandria Gazette – February 7, 1827

Prince William County Court, December 2d, 1823.

Thomas Chapman, late surviving acting executor of Wm. Carr, dec'd., and John Spence, administrator de bonis non, with the will annexed of the said William Carr, dec'd., Complainants

Against

William H. Tebbs and Lydia Tebbs his wife, and Chas. Ming and Victoria Ming, his wife, Defendants.

IN CHANCERY.

This cause came on this day to be hears by consent of parties upon the bill, answers of the defendants, and exhibits, and was argued by counsel; upon consideration whereof, and by like consent, the Court doth adjudge, order and decree, that the defendants Charles Ming and Victoria his wife, be forever barred and foreclosed from all equity of redemption in the mortgaged premises in the bill mentioned. That the part of the tract of land on Broad Run, containing seven hundred acres, belonging to Charles Ming and wife, agreeably to the partition between them and said Wm. H. Tebbs, in the proceedings mentioned, be sold by public auction, to the highest bidder, for cash, by the Commissioner hereinafter named, after giving sixty days notice of the time and place of such sale, in some newspaper printed in the town of Alexandria, and by advertisement at the door of the Court House of Prince William County; and apply the proceeds of such sale first, to the payment of the costs, charges and expenses thereof, and of the execution of this decree, secondly, to the payment of nineteen hundred and sixty-eight dollars and fifty cents, and interest thereon from the date hereof, to the complainan Thomas Chapman or his assignee, and pay over the residue, if any, to the defendant Charles Ming; That John Macrae do carry this decree into effect. But the rights of the complainants in relation to residue of the said mortgaged debt, are reserved, and the Court retains the cause for such further decree in relation to the other defendants and the said Ming and wife, as it may think proper.

A Copy – Teste, P. D. Dawe, C.C.

~ ~ ~

VIRGINIA:

At a Superior Court of Chancery held in the town of Fredericksburg, on the 17^th day of May 1826 – Thomas Chapman, surviving executor of William Carr, deceased, Appellant,

Against

William H. Tebbs and Lydia his wife, and Charles Ming and Victoria his wife, Appellees.

Upon an appeal from an order of the County Court of Prince William, in Chancery, pronounced on the 5^th day of April 1824, in a suit in which the appellant was plaintiff, and the appellees were defendants – this day came the parties by their counsel, and the Court having maturely considered the transcript of the record of the order aforesaid and the arguments of counsel, is of opinion, that the said order which suspends the decree for sale of the 2d day of December, 1823, and permits the appellees, Ming and wife, to answer, is erroneous. Therefore it is decreed and ordered, that the same be reversed and annulled; and that the appellees do pay unto the appellant the costs by him expended in the prosecution of his appeal aforesaid here. And this cause is retained in this Court, to be proceeded in according to the decree of the second day of December, 1823.

Costs prosecuting appeal $36 65.

A copy teste, J. H. Williams, C.C.

~ ~ ~

In obedience to the foregoing decrees of the County Court of Prince William, and the Superior Court of Chancery for the District of Fredericksburg, I shall, on the first Monday in March next, before the front door of Prince William Court-house, expose to sale to the highest bidder, for ready money, the tract of land of Charles Ming and Victoria his wife, in the first of said decrees mentioned.

Jan 1 – ts

J. Macrae

AUCTION SALES. Bel Air

February 10, 1846

Alexandria Gazette

AUCTION SALES. PUBLIC SALE OF LAND. By virtue of a decree of the County Court of Prince William, appointing me Trustee in the place of Barnaby Cannon, dec'd, in a deed of trust from Henry C. Slade to said Cannon for the benefit of John Gibson and John Macrae, I will proceed to offer at public sale to the highest bidder, before the front door of the Court-house in Brentsville, on Monday the 6^th of April next, that being the 1^st day of the April term of the County Court, to be held for said County, a valuable estate, in the aforesaid county, situated about six miles from the town of Dumfries, six from the Potomac river, eight from the Occoquan Mills—twenty two or three miles from Alexandria, and well known as the BELL AIR, and Keefe tract, lately owned by Dr. Davis of Dumfries. This valuable estate, formerly the property of Henry C. Slade and Col. Ewell, contains about six hundred and fifty acres, but will be sold in gross and without reference to quantity. It is one of the most comfortable estates in the lower part of the county, consisting principally of red land, containing a large quantity of low grounds on Neabsco Creek, susceptible of ready and extensive improvement, and about two hundred and fifty acres of fuel, pine and timber sufficiently near the Potomac to be boated to the District.--It is well watered, situated in a healthy neighborhood convenient to the Potomac trade and fisheries, and capable of convenient division into two or more farms. The improvements, besides some out-houses, consist of a large brick DWELLING-HOUSE, with several rooms on each floor, which at an inconsiderable expense can be suited to the purposes of a large family. The purchaser will be required to pay in cash the sum of four hundred dollars, and to secure by bonds, and a deed of trust on the premises, the deferred payments, which will be divided into two equal instalments carrying interest from the day of sale, and payable respectively in one and two years. No estate so convenient to the District offers such a field for speculation.

WM. M. WALLACE, Trustee

Prince William County, Va, feb 10—eots

Bel Air circa 1933
(Library of Congress Historic America Buildings Survey (HABS))

[In April 2012, Bel Air Mansion went up for auction once again. Built by Major Charles Ewell, a friend of George Washington, it is Prince William County's oldest home. Maria Stewart, wife of PWCo Board of County Supervisor's Chairman Corey A. Stewart, placed the winning bid.]

Marriages: Dumfries

Alexandria Gazette – 13 April 1810

   Married on Wednesday evening last, at Dumfries, by the Rev. Mr. O'Neal, Doctor Thomas Triplett, of the U. States navy, to Miss Margaret C. Tebbs, of that place.

Alexandria Herald – 3 April 1816

   Married at Dumfries on Sunday the 31^st ult. By the Rev. Mr. Lathram, Wm. R. Chapman, Esq. to Miss Martha Hayes, only daughter of Captain James Hayes, of that place.

Alexandria Herald – 17 July 1816

   Married in Dumfries, on Thursday evening last by the Rev. Mr. Sedwick, Mr. James Macdaniel to Mrs. Margaret Tomblin, both of that place.

Alexandria Herald – 27 August 1817

   MARRIED on Sunday evening last by the Rev. Mr. Griffith, Mr. George A. Smoot, merchant, of Dumfries, to Miss Elizabeth Bland of the same place.

Alexandria Heralad – 15 September 1817

   MARRIED At Dumfries, on Sunday the 7^th instant, by the Rev. Mr. Kankey, Mr. Henry M. Smoote, to Mrs. Phoebe Huber, all of that place.

Alexandria Heralnd – 10 Augus t1818

   MARRIED on Tuesday evening, the 28^th ult. By the Rev. Mr. Allen, Benjamin Plummer esq. merchant to Miss Margaret Alexander, all of Dumfries.

Alexandria Herald – 7 December 1818

   MARRIED At Dumfries, VA on Thursday last, Henry Fairfax, Esq. to Miss Sophia Scott, daughter of Jessee Scott, Esq. all of that place.

Alexandria Herald – 10 May 1819

   MARRIED on Thursday evening, last by the rev. Mr. Wilmer, Foushee Tebbs, esq. of Dumfries to Miss Nancy R. Chapin, daughter of the late Curden Chapin, esq. of this town.

Genius of Liberty – 12 October 1819

   MARRIED, In Dumfries, on the 30^th ult by the rev. Wm. Steel, John Robert Wallace, Esq. (late of the United States' Military Academy) to Miss Elizabeth W. Macrae, the former of Warrenton, Fauquier county, the latter of Dumfries.

Alexandria Herald – 13 November 1822

   At Dumfries, VA. On Sunday week, by the rev. Geo. Lemmon, the rev. Stephen Wilson Presstman, of Baltimore, to Ann, youngest daughter of the late Timothy Brundige, esq.

Newspaper Tidbits

Alexandria Herald – 21 August 1815

I will rent, for the ensuing year, the FARM adjacent to the town of Dumfries, the late residence of John Macrae, deceased, generally known by the name of ORANGEFIELD.  The farm comprises 200 acres, a large proportion of which is arable land.  The improvements on it are an excellent dwelling house, dairy, stable, & c. with a good orchard.  The tenant will have the privilege of sowing wheat the next Autumn.

JOHN MACRAE

Dumfries, Aug. 18.

Frederick Herald - 15 September 1832

100 REWARD.  Ranaway from the subscriber, living near Haymarket, Va., on Saturday night 1^st of September, a Negro man named DICK, purchased a few days since of Mr. R. Foster, of Prince William county. 

Dick is about 21 years old, about 5 feet 9 inches high, tolerably heavy built, and well proportioned – of dark copper or chestnut color.  He wore away a dark round jacket, yellow jean pantaloons, and fur hat half worn.  He has just been brought from Pennsylvania, and no doubt attempting to go back.

I will give the above reward if taken in the state of Pennsylvania, fifty dollars if taken in Maryland, and twenty five if taken in Virginia, and secured in any jail until I get him again.

PEYTON NORVELL

September 15.