Newspaper Tidbit: Southern Claims Commission (1871) (1873)

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
17 May 1871

The Southern Claims Commission were occupied yesterday with the cases previously mentioned. The claims were of the usual character, mostly for fencing burned, forage fed to cavalry, and wagon horses, poultry, &c., taken by Blenker's men in the early part of the war. To-day, May 17th, is allotted to the cases of Henry McWilliams, $55; Lewis McKenzie, late member of Congress, of Alexandria, $3,926; and James Nokes, of Nokesville, Va., $13,235. The Commissioners are still deliberating upon the best and safest means of taking the proofs in those cases that cannot, for any good reason, be brought before them personally.

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
16 April 1873

The Southern Claims Commission yesterday heard the claims of Wm. R. Snow, Thomas M. Smith and J. C. Wilson, joint owners of Clover Hill farm, in Prince William county, near Nokesville, $11,433, and Dr. S. C. Osmun, of the same place, for a claim of $4,951.

PWCo Items: 12 September 1874

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
12 September 1874

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY ITEMS [From the Manassas Gazette}--

Sam Brown, a colored man, was arrested by officer John T. Goodwin, on Thursday evening last, on a charge of highway robbery, the complainant being Richard W. Jacobs, a white man. Jacobs swore that he was at Bristoe Station last Tuesday and became very much intoxicated, and that Brown accompanied him from Bristoe to Nokesville and drove his (Jacob's) wagon, and that at Nokesville Brown left, after which Jacobs discovered that his pocket book had been robed of $10.65. Brown was searched and four dollars found on him, which he attempted to conceal. On being questioned he gave contradictory statements in regard to the money in his possession. He was committed for a further hearing at Brentsville.

Quite a flutter occurred in the Old School Baptist Church, near this place, last Sunday morning during the services, when a colored many by the name of Lucas walked down the isle and took his seat among the white people. Lucas is a preacher, and has made application once to preach in this church, which was refused. He is a native of this county, and is now a representative in the Legislature.

We published a week or two ago an account of a colored man who came very near losing his life by the foul air in a well which he was cleaning out, and we now have another case to report of a colored man who has been engaged several weeks in deepening a well for Mr. C. L. Hynson, who narrowly escaped with his life a day or two ago by descending to the bottom and being overcome with the foul air.

Two leading articles of food seems to have entirely "played out" in this section, and none can be had for a love or money, viz: Irish potatoes and corn meal. There has not been sufficient of either in Manassas for the past week to feed a chicken.

Mr. Wm. I. Florence, son of Geo. N. Florence, of this place, feel from a fence on Sunday night last, and received a very painful sprain in his left ankle.

A friend informs us that there were six sermons preached in Manassas last Sunday, one marriage, and two baptisms.

Sunday's Obituary: Laura E. Snow (1869)

Evening Star (DC)
3 November 1869

DEATH OF MRS. CHAUNCY H. SNOW -- We hear with regret of the death of Mrs. Laura E. Snow, wife of Chauncy H. Snow, Esq., formerly one of the proprietors of the National Intelligencer, which took place yesterday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock p.m. at the residence of her father-in-law, W. R. Snow, Esq., of Nokesville, Prince William County, Va. Mrs. Snow has for many months been in declining health, under the blighting influence of consumption, and her death, although not unexpected, was none the less a shock to the loving family and sympathizing friends of this estimable lady, in whose life was illustrated all the virtues of her sex. The remains will reach this city this evening, and will be conveyed hence to Mexico, Oswego County, New York, (her native place) for interment.

[Laura E. (Whitney) Snow is buried with her family in Mexico Village Cemetery. --cgl]

Newspaper Tidbit: Difficulty between Grigsby and Marsteller (1870)

Alexandria Gazette (Va.)
25 January 1870

TO THE EDITOR OF THE ALEXANDRIA GAZETTE:

Dear Sir: I notice in the Prince William Advocate an extract taken from your paper, in which it is alleged upon the authority of persons living in the neighborhood of Nokesville, "that the late difficulty between Mr. Bunn Grigsby and the Messrs. Marsteller has been settled. The former was compelled to sign a paper and to submit to a severe castigation, but the latter afterwards gave up the paper and expressed regrets for acting so hastily."

We respectfully request that we may be permitted through the medium of your paper to say that no such settlement as above stated, nor has any settlement whatever of the said difficulty been effected. 

Very respectfully,

L. A. Marsteller & Bro.

Nokesville, Pr. Wm. co., Jan. 24.

Church Record Sunday: St. Anne's Episcopal Church (Nokesville)

Manassas Journal
8 July 1921

ST. ANNE'S TO BE REBUILT

Contract Let for New Episcopal Church at Nokesville Tuesday

A committee of the vestry of St. Anne's Episcopal Church at Nokesville, which was destroyed by fire last winter, on Tuesday awarded a contract for the erection of the new church at a cost of $4,300 to Mr. W. F. Hanback, of Warrenton, who built the original St. Anne's and also builder of St. James Church at Warrenton. While the contract does not specify any time for the completion of the church, the work is to begin very soon with the expectation of having it ready for use before winter.

The new church will be almost a reproduction of the building destroyed by fire. Material changes include a cellar with furnace room, a metal shingle roof replacing the wooden roof on the old frame building and a four-foot addition to the vestry room for the accommodation of a Sunday School class.

[The rebuilt St. Anne's Episcopal Church eventually closed.  The building is now the home of the Prince William Dance Accademy. - cgl]

Sunday's Obituary: Fannie R. Holland

Richmond Times Dispatch (Richmond, VA)

6 July 1912

Mrs. Fannie R. Holland

Alexandria, Va., July 5. -- Mrs. Fannie R. Holland, wife of Joseph N. Holland, died this morning at her home, 501 South Washington Street.  She was twenty-nine years old, and, besides her husband, is survived by several children. Mrs. Holland was a native of Noakesville, Prince William county, Va.

Wedding Wednesday: McKinney/Wright (1900)

Democratic Advocate (Westminster, MD)
1 December 1900

A Virginia Wedding
Reported for the Democratic Advocate

The most beautiful home wedding witnessed for many a day was that which united the hearts and hands of Miss Minnie E. McKinney and Mr. S. Elbert Wright, at the home of the bride's sister, Mrs. G. W. Flory, near Nokesville, Prince William county, Virginia, on November 21.

More than an hour before the appointed time the parlor, which was tastefully decorated with evergreens and white chrysanthemums, was filled to overflowing with friends who had gathered to witness the ceremony.

Promptly at 5 o'clock p.m. the bridal party entered the parlor, preceded by the bridesmaid and groomsman, Miss. M. Katie Wright, sister of the groom, of Bridgewater, Rockingham county, Va., and Mr. A. B. McKinney, brother of the bride, of Sykesville, Md., and were met by Rev. S. H. Fory, who performed the ceremony. The bride was attired in a beautiful costume of pure white organdie, trimmed with white satin ribbons, with slippers and gloves to match, and carrying a bouquet of Bride's Roses and white chrysanthemums. The bridesmaid was dressed to match the bride. The tall and handsome groom wore the conventional black with white tie and black gloves.

After receiving the best wishes and congratulations they retired to the diningroom, where  delightful wedding supper was served.

Among those present were Mr. R. C. McKinney, father of the bride, a popular and retired farmer of Carroll county, Md., and Mr. H. L. Bushey, of Maryland; Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Flory, Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Flory, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Flory, Mr. and Mrs. Noah Garber, Mr. and Mrs. Harpine, Mr. William Hale and daughter, Miss Fleta, Mrs. John Baker, Mrs. Lillie Baker; Misses Laura and Iva Kane, Mollie and Sallie Hederick, Vernie Flory, Bertha and Rosa Holsinger, Maly, Minnie and Edna Flory; Messrs. Ben Hederick, Ira and Heacott Flory, George Nichols, Roy, Jacob and Johnny Flory.

The bride received many useful and handsome presents, consisting of silver and queensware, linen, etc.

On Thursday morning the happy couple were driven to Manassas, wher ethey boarded the 9:30 train for Harrisonburg, Va.

The bride wore a travelling suit of blue with white trimmints.

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.

Lost (but ever found?): Esther Edmonson search for her Father (1881)

Plain Dealer (Cleveland, OH)
3 February 1881

Esther M. Edmonson, fifteen years old, writes from Nokesville, Prince William county, Virginia, to Police Superintendent Schmitt inquiring for information of her father, Tyler B. Edmonson, formerly a printer, in the government printing office at Washington and supposed to be living in Cleveland. He ran away with Mary J. Kimball, of Iowa, on account of religious differences of relatives and married her. She died when Esther was eight months old and the babe was given to a family in Virginia to raise.  For two years the father corresponded with the family and then ceased writing.  The daughter desires to find her father.

PWCo. Items: 28 August 1871

Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, VA)
28 August 1871

PRINCE WM. COUNTY.--[From the Manassas Gazette]--We understand that the farmers around Nokesville are procuring large quantities of lime to be used upon their fall sowing of wheat. They procure it from the kilns of Messrs. Garson & Co., at Riverton, near Front Royal.

During the past week the weather has been intensely hot, and our farmers have been anxiously awaiting rain that the sufferings crops might be benefitted thereby. On Wednesday night some rain fell, which will prove beneficial to the gardens, but many fear the corn crop is too far gone to be saved.

A fight took place some time last week near Independent Hill in the lower part of this county, between two coopers, named James Posey and Wm. Beavers. Posey was severely injured by a hatchet in the hands of Beavers.

The camp meeting which has been in progress near this place since last week closed on Friday morning. Brentsville, Manassas, Dumfries, Hartfod, Beadley, Clifton and other places were represented by tents on the ground. It was throughout a most orderly and quiet camp meeting.

Rev. Mr. Bain commenced a series of protracted meetings at the Methodist church on Friday night last.

Sunday's Obituary: S. W. Fitzwalter (1912)

Alexandria Gazette
Saturday, 10 August 1912

VIRGINIAN FOUND DEAD

Blames Unknown Woman in Notes for His Downfall and Death

S. W. Fitzwalter, of Nokesville, Va., who was found dead in a room at a hotel in Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, yesterday afternoon, left half a dozen notes telling of misfortunes which it is believed led him to commit suicide by taking poison.

Most of the notes were addressed to a woman who did not bear his name. In a staggering sort of script which showed Fitzwalter was mastered by drugs or emotions or both while he was writing, he declared to this woman that she had caused his downfall and death.

But a last note, full of a lasting love, he addressed to his wife. It was something like a dying confession:

"Dear wife: I love you best of all."

And to this note he signed his name "S. W. Fitzwalter."  At the hotel desk he had registered as "L. T. Simpson."

The proprietor of the hotel found Fitzwalter dead in his bed about 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Fitzwalter looked ill when he entered the hotel, it is said, and the proprietor was solicitous about him, and for that reason entered the man's room.

The police were notified, and the body was removed to the morgue. An autopsy performed by Assistant Coroner White showed that Fitzwalter had died of poison, it is said. It is believed Fitzwalter took the drug with suicidal intent.

Fitzwalter had several slips, showing he had deposited money in a Nokesville bank, and a railroad ticket and a small amount of cash in his pocket.

The police last night communicated with the authorities in Nokesville and were informed that Fitzwalter's friends would come to Washington today for his body. He was about fifty years old.

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

PWCo. Item: 14 January 1873

Alexandria Gazette
14 January 1873

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY ITEMS. -- Mr. James Vowels, aged 72 years, died on the 25th of December, at the residence of Mr. Matthew Priest in this county. Mr. V. was a native of Talbot county, Md., but had been a resident of this county upwards of thirty years. He was a member of the order of Free and Accepted Masons, and probably the oldest member of that order living in the county. He was buried in the family burrying ground on the farm of Mr. Priest.

On the motion of Judge C. E. Sinclair a rule was entered against Mr. Geo. W. Jones by the Court, on Monday last, to show cause why he should not be removed from the office of constable, for having charged improper fees, Mr. Jones contends that the fees charged were proper.

Mr. Charles H. Whittington, telegraph operator for the Western Union Telegraph Company at this place, was taken down a few days ago with a severe attack of inflamatory rheumatism. Mr. H. S. Sneed of Gordonsville has taken his place until he gets able to resume his duties.

We learn that Mr.s Vanderhoof, the widow of a man by that name, who purchased a farm near Nokesville, about a year ago, is in very destitute circumstances, her husband having died leaving the widow and six children without support.

A man by the name of P. H. Smith, a resient of Monroe county, West Va., passed through here on Wednesday last in charge of three guards who were conveying him to the lunatic Asylum at Weston, West Va.,

Messrs. Nicol and Hunton, commissioners, sold on Monday last in front of the court house, 200 acres of land, a portion of the homestead of Seymour Lynn, near Independence Hill, to Burress Norman for $4 per acre.

Messrs. Sinclair and Nicol, commissioners, sold on Monday last four lots of land, each containing half an acre, of the estate of the late James Purcell, to Jas. R. Purcell for the sum of $399.50.

Mr. M. M. Roseberry who has been confined by sickness for the past three months at his home near Brentsville, is we are glad to report nearly recovered and will soon be out again.  -- Manassas Gazette

Military Monday: Lt. Gilbert Rollins / Lt. Egbert Thompson / Pfc. E. Conway Owens

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
16 July 1944

WOUNDED IN ACTION

Lt. Gilbert Rollins, son of Mr. and Mrs. John T. Rollins, Gainesville, and Lt. Egbert Thompson, jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Egbert Thompson, Woodbridge, were wounded in action during the invasion of France and both are in hospitals in England.  Both men are graduates of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and formerly were Prince William County 4-H Club Members.

AWARDED PURPLE HEART

Pfc. E. Conway Owens, jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Owens, Nokesville, has been awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in Italy.  Pvt. Owens has been returned to the United States to recuperate and is at present in the Moore General Hospital in North Carolina.

Wedding Wednesday: Hooe / Kiewit

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
9 September 1899

Mr. John Meredith Hooe and Miss Margaret B. Kiewit, both of Nokesville, Va., were quietly married at the home of Mrs. R. V. Osmun, 917 12th street, Wedensday, the 6th instant, at 3:30 p.m.  The ceremony was performed in the presence of a few friends by the Rev. E. C. Shaver, assistant pastor of the New York Avenue Church.  Mr. and Mrs. Hooe are for the present at 310 C street northwest, where they will be glad to see their friends.

Thriller Thursday: Found Unconscious from Gas

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
12 June 1915

FOUND UNCONSCIOUS FROM GAS

D. McCarthy of Nokesville, Va., May Survive by Prompt Treatment

A middle-aged man visited Hoy's Hotel, Louisiana avenue and 6th street northwest, Thursday night, registered as D. McCarthy, Nokesville, Va. and was assigned to a room on the fourth floor.  Shortly before noon yesterday he was found unconscious from illuminating gas.  Gas was flowing from two open fixtures in the room, the police were told, and the guest's condition was critical.

Dr. A. M. MacDonald responded to a call sent to Emergency Hospital, took charge of the patient, and resorted to artificial means to restore respiration.  McCarthy's condition is much improved, it was said at the hospital, and his recovery is expected.

Sunday's Obituary: Eugene (Hazen) Hepburn

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
11 January 1936

MRS. EUGENE HEPBURN DIES IN DISTRICT AT 83

Mother of Prince Georges Police Sergeant Will be Buried Monday Afternoon

Mrs. Eugene Hazen Hepburn, 83, mother of Sergt. Arthur W. Hepburn of the Prince Georges County police, died last night at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Irene Campbell, 318 Channing street northeast.  Mrs. Hepburn had been in failing health for several months.

She was the former Miss Eugene Hazen of near Nokesville, VA., and was married 55 years ago to Jerry M. Hepburn, who died two years ago.  For 25 years Mrs. Hepburn has resided with her daughter.

Services are to be held Monday afternoon at the Channing street address, with burial in Fort Lincoln Cemetery.

Thriller Thursday: Dobson / Burkle

1 October 1916
Richmond Times Dispatch (VA)

KILLS EMPLOYER AND SELF

Mystery Surrounds Double Shooting That Occurred at Nokesville on Thursday

Manassas, VA., September 30 - Mystery still surrounds the tragedy which occurred at Nokesville on Thursday.  Eugene Dobson, colored, who shot and killed his employer, Jacob R. Burkle, a Prince William County farmer, and then committed suicide, was known throughout the neighborhood as an exemplary specimen of his race.

The bodies of the two men were found in separate rooms of the barn on the Burkle place.  A shotgun lying beside the body of Dobson told the story.  He was about fifty years old.

Reports state that Dobson went to the house several hours before the shooting for the gun "to kill a black snake at the barn."  The report of the gun was heard and farmhands in a neighboring cornfield hurried to the barn.

Mr. Burkle was about fifty-five years old and is survived by his wife.

Thriller Thursday: The Late Difficulty in Nokesville

Alexandria Gazette (VA)

25 January 1870

To the editor of the Alexandria Gazette:

Dear Sir: I notice in the Prince William Advocate an extract taken from your paper, in which it is alleged upon the authority of persons living in the neighborhood of Nokesville, "that the late difficulty between Mr. Bunn Grigsby and the Messrs. Marsteller has been settled.  The former was compelled to sign a paper and to submit to a severe castigation, but the later afterwards gave up the paper and expressed regrets for acting so hastily."

We respectfully request that we may be permitted through the medium of your paper to say that no such settlement as above stated, nor has any settlement whatever of the said difficulty been effected.

Very respectfully, L. A. MARSTELLER & Bro.

Nokesville, Pr. Wm. co., Jan 24.

Alexandria Gazette

24 February 1870

THE LATE DIFFICULTY AT NOKESVILLE -- Mr. Marsteller, who was shot at Nokesville on Monday evening last, is reported to be recovering.  The attack upon him was not unexpected, as he had written to a young gentleman in this city, telling him that the difficulty between himself and Mr. Grigsby had not be settled, and asking him if convenient to pay him a visit, and stay with him until the Messrs. Grigsby and their friend, who had been to Morrisville, in Fauquier county, after his brother, but were unable to see him on account of his sickness, left the neighborhood.  These three gentlemen took the night train at Manassas and returned to Lynchburg on the evening the shooting took place.

Evening Star (Washington, DC)

24 February 1870

It was thought last night at Nokesville that Mr. Marsteller, who was shot there on Monday last by Mr. Clay Grigsby, as heretofore stated in the Gazette, might probably recover, though the ball was still embedded among the muscles at the base of  his skull.

Travel Tuesday: 1875 Drag Racing?

Alexandria Gazette
29 May 1875

SERIOUS ACCIDENT -- On Monday last Mr. E. E. Meredith received serious injuries by being thrown from his horse, near Brentsville.  He received a fracture of both ankles, and it is feared internal injuries.  Himself and Mr. Marsteller, of Nokesville, were trying the speed of their horses, and at the end of the lane leading from Mr. Sexsmith's gate towards Nokesville, Mr. Meredith being in the lead, turned to the right, when Mr. Marstellers's horse collided with him, dashing him violently to the ground.  Mr. Meredith was conveyed in a carriage to his home, where he was attended by physicians. -- Manassas Gazette