PWCo Items: Court Day -- 14 May 1870

Alexandria Gazette (Va)
14 May 1870

LETTER FROM PRINCE WILLIAM CO.
[Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette]

The May term of the Circuit Court for this county was held this week ending yesterday evening, under Judge Keith.

R. A. Sinclair and John Camper qualified as deputies under L. C. Osmun clerk.

The grand jury found an indictment against Sydney Cross for assault and battery.

In the case of the Commonwealth vs. Manly which has been pending for about two yeas, a demurrer to the indictment was sustained.  Clark and Hunton for prosecution, Payne and Sinclair for defence.

Com. v. James Javins -- assault with intent to kill -- verdict not guilty.  Clark for prosecution, Sinclair for defendant.

Judge J. W. Moore and Albert Stuart, esq., qualified as Attorneys in this court.

Carpenter and O'Brien vs. John Naglee and Teasdale, on attachment bond -- verdict for plaintiff for $500 damages. Payne and Sinclair for plaintiff, Hunton for defence.

John W. Davis benefit of W. G. Brawner's administrator, vs. A. Patterson -- verdict for defendant for $119, which interest from 9th April 1865. Hunton for plaintiff, Clark for defendant.

A number of decrees were entered and much other chancery business was attended to.

In the celebrated chancery case of Cormey vs. Taylor, involving the title to the "Missouri mills" property in this county, the Court appointed Benjamin S. West, esq., of Stafford county, a receiver, and recommitted the papers to the Commissioner.

Franklin Taylor confined in jail in default of giving security to keep the peace in a bond of $1,000, was brought before the Court on a writ of habeas corpus, and the matter being argued by Judge Sinclair for the petitioner, and Clark for the State, the party was remanded to jail. Gen. Payne has been employed to assist the Commonwealth's Attorney.

Lawrence Cole, esq., who lost his horse recently has heard nothing of the thief and it is feared tha the will escape with the property.  The horse was tracked towards Gainesville.

The Court House lot will be enclosed before the next term of the County Court.

The rainy weather recently has delayed the farmers greatly in getting in their crops.

The country is beginning to look very pretty, vegetation is coming up and the trees are commencing to spread their green foliage in lively contrast with their dreary appearance during the winter.

TYRONE.

Brentsville, Va., May 13, 1870

Newspaper Tidbit: Horseshoe Pitching (1930)

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
2 July 1930

There's lots of horseshoe pitching down in Prince William County, Va., according to Maj. Fred W. Patterson, the county chairman, with headquarters at Manassas.

Haymarket lost a capable tournament manager in Eppa Hunt, through illness, but Maj. Patterson has found a promising successor in J. T. Carter.  Carter is touting Wade Butler, county champion, to repeat.

Catharpin will make its debut this year in metropolitan competition. Interest there is keen.

Among the formidable candidates for Butler's crown already signed up are Horace Foley, Albert Utterback, B. C. Smith, Will Brower, W. M. Jordan, Charles J. Gillis, C. L. Rector, Douglas Hoffman and Rev. Charles F. Phillips.

"The Village Blacksmith" had his anvil beneath a spreading chestnut tree and this gave an idea to Elmer Hopkins, chairman of New Hampshire Avenue and Longfellow preliminary. Elmer's gonna pitch a court beneath a giant tree in back of Matt Doetsch's home.

He promises this to be one of the hottest neighborhood events in the Metropolitan tournament. In the score of more pitchers, who will take part there isn't one that stands out above the other.

Until today the boys were pitching discarded mule boots. Late this afternoon they were to christen a set of regulation octigans.

Regulation horseshoes, by the way, are on sale at all sports goods houses and some hardware stores.

Entries in Washington close July 9. There will be no grace.

Newspaper Tidbit: Letter from PWCo (1869)

Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, VA)
5 March 1869

Letter from Prince William Co.
[Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette]

Our County Court has been in session for the pat three days, ending yesterday evening. The following cases were adjudicated, and general business transacted: --

   An indictment for unlawful trespass on the promises of Mrs. M. F. Holland, was found by the grand jury against Daniel Whaling.
   Atkinson vs. Patterson, unlawful detainer, verdict for plaintiff.
   Knox vs. Carter's adm'r. Pleas waived and judgment for plaintiff.
   White, surviving, vs. the same. Plea waived and judgment for plaintiff.
   T. A. Brewis & Co. vs. E. J. T. Clarke. - Debt-verdict for plaintiff, with war interest abated.
   Able vs. Able's adm'r. Debt-verdict for plaintiff, with war interest abated.
   Johnson, surviving, vs. McLean. Debt-judgment for plaintiff.
   Thomas vs. Howison. Debt-verdict for plaintiff.
   Jacobs vs. Thomas. Trover-verdict for defendant.
   John T. Leachman qualified as executor of the last will and testament of the late Elder R. C. Leachman.
   James E. Williams qualified as administrator of John Williams, deceased.
   Sarah Donohoe qualified as administratrix of George Donohoe, deceased.
   Harvey Hyde having satisfied the Court that he is an ordained minister, and in regular communion with the Congregational church, was authorized to celebrate the rites of matrimony.
   George W. Mitchell, a late appointee of General Stoneman's, qualified as Commissioner of the Revenue for Prince William county.
   Ten deeds were admitted to record, and one marriage license issued during the session of Court.

From the pugilistic demonstrations made by several parties on the first day of Court, and their manifest desire to break the peace, if not each other's bones, it is evident that Prince William's vervor is not abated by the "situation" here, and that she is still, in one sense, on an active "war footing."

It is supposed that before the next term of our Court, the removals of officers in the county will have been generally made, and the new appointees will be here to qualify and enter on the duties of their respective stations.

William Smith, stabbed recently by Mr. Reuben Reid, which I reported at the time, has recovered. Mr. Reid is not yet under arrest and it is hoped that the affair, occuring as it did between near neighbors, may be amicably adjusted.

TYRONE
Brentsville, Va., March 4, 1869

Wedding Wednesday/PWCo Items: Manassas (21 October 1917)

Richmond Times Dispatch (Richmond, VA)
21 October 1917

MANASSAS

[Special to the Times-Dispatch.]

MANASSAS, VA. October 20 -- Miss Ruth Althea Round, second daughter of Lieutenant and Mrs. George Carr Round, and Allison A. Hooff were quietly married here on Monday evening at the home of the bride, by Rev. J. F. Burks, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church. After a Northern wedding tour they will return to the Hooff residence, in Grant Avenue, Manassas. The bride is a graduate of the Manassas High School and the State Normal School, at Harrisonburg. She has been instructor of physical education at the Orthopedic Hospital, at White Plains, N.Y.; the Binford High School at Richmond, and the Harrisonburg Normal. Mr. Hooff, who is a native of Charles Town, W. Va., is the junior partner in a Manassas lumber firm.

Dr. and Mrs. William J Bell celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on Tuesday evening at their home, near Brentsville, Prince William County, five children and ten of their twenty-five grandchildren being present. Dr. and Mrs. Bell are natives of Augusta County, Mrs. Bell before her marriage having been Miss. Mary Agnes Patterson. Dr. Bell served in the Confederate army.

The Manassas Good Housekeepers' Club was entertained on Wednesday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Thomas F. Coleman.

The Manassas Chapter of the American Red Cross has elected the following officers: chairman, George G. Tyler, clerk of Prince William County; vice-chairman, Mrs. George T. Lyon; treasurer, L. Frank Pattie, cashier of the National Bank of Manassas; secretary, Miss Mary Larkin, editor of the Manassas Journal, and executive committee, W. C. Wagener, Mayor of Manassas; Mrs. C. M. Larkin, principal of the Manassas graded school; Mrs. C. R. C. Johnson, Mrs. R. S. Hynson, and Mrs. J. F. Burkes, wife of the rector of Trinity Church.

Mrs. James F. Birkett has returned from an extended stay in Rupert, Idaho, where she was the guest of her son-in-law and daughter, Rev. and Mrs. Robert Lee Lewis.

Mr. and Mrs. James R. Larkin attended the State Fair at Richmond, and visited their son, Private Francis Norvell Larkin, at Camp Lee.

Miss Marianna Speiden, of Washington, was the recent guest of her brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Speiden.

Miss Mary Lee Chapman has returned from Roanoke, where she was the guest of her grandmother, Mrs. Martha Chapman.

Sunday's Obituary: Roy Mitchell Patterson (1944)

Evening Star (Washington, DC)
26 January 1944

PRINCE WILLIAM SOLDIER KILLED IN SOUTH PACIFIC

Manassas, Va., Jan. 26 -- Roy Mitchell Patterson, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Patterson of Bethel, Prince William County, died January 4 from wounds received in the battle of Bougainville, according to word received by his parents from the War Department.

Mr. Mitchell, who was born near Woodbridge, had lived in the county until he was inducted in 1942. Besides his parents, he is survived by four sisters, Misses Ada, Marjorie and Elsie Patterson, Woodbridge, and Mrs. Clarence Davis, Dunfries.

Will: John Pilcher (1826)

JOHN PILCHER Will

Prince William County Will Book M, pg 351

26 Feb 1825; proved 02 Jan 1826

In the name of God Amen be it remembered that I JOHN PILCHER of the County of Prince William & Commonwealth of Virginia being weak of body but sound mind and memory do publish this writing as my last will and testament, and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life I give, devise, and dispose of the same in the following manner and form, after my just debts and funeral expenses are paid, I give and bequeath to my beloved wife MARY PILCHER all my estate of every kind and sort with which I may be possessed at my decease consisting of one mare and colt, one cow and yearling and one steer and nine head of hogs, and also all my household and kitchen furniture and all my plantation utensils of every kind and sort, to be possessed and enjoyed by my wife MARY PILCHER for and during her natural life, and at her death, I give and bequeath to my nephew JESSE PATTERSON JUNR. all the above mentioned property as so much thereof as may be remaining at my sd. Wife MARY PILCHER’s decease after her funeral expenses are paid to him the sd. JESSE PATTERSON JUNR. and his heirs forever.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 26^th day of February in the year of our lord 1825.

JOHN PILCHER

Signed sealed and published by the sd. JOHN PILCHER as his last will and testament in presence of teste,

WANTSFORD EVANS, CARLES SHAW, JAMES D. BAUGHANSON

At a Court held for Prince William County Jany 2d 1826, this last will and testament of JOHN PILCHER decd. was presented to the Court and being proved by the oaths of WANTSFORD EVANS & C. L. SHAW is admitted to record.

Teste, PHIL. D. DAWE

Will: John Patterson (1804)

JOHN PATTERSON Will

Prince William County Will Book I, pg. 29

2 Jun 1804; proved 2 Jul 1804

In the Name of God Amen I JOHN PATTERSON of Prince William County in the state of Virginia being very sick but of sound disposing mind and memory thanks be to God do make this my last will and Testament in the following manner.  Imprimis.  It is my will and desire that all my just debts and funeral charges be paid in the first place.

Item I give and bequeath to my loving wife MARYANN one third part of my whole estate.  Item I give and bequeath to my son POSEY PATTERSON the sum of one shilling current money.  Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter CINDERILLA MOUNTJOY one shilling current money.  Item I give & bequeath unto my son FRANCIS PATTERSON one shilling current money.  Item I give and bequeath unto my son JESSE PATTERSON one shilling current money.  Item I give and bequeath unto my eight youngest children named ELIZABETH, PHEBE, WILLIAIM, ALEXANDER, RICHARD, JENNY, BETSY, NANCY and POLLY all the rest of and residue of my estate to them and their heirs forever.

Lastly, I constitute and appoint my loving wife MARYANN my whole & sole Executrix of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all and every former will or wills be me heretofore made.  In Witness whereof I do hereunto set my hand and affix my seal this second day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and four.

JOHN [his mark] PATTERSON   {seal}

Signed sealed published and declared by the testator JOHN PATTERSON as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us the subscribers whom he called upon to witness the same

JOHN WILLIAMS

PETER RISING

JOHN RAWDEN

At a Court held for Prince William County July 2^nd 1804

The last will & testament of JOHN PATTERSON decd. was presented to the Court being proved by the oaths of JOHN WILLIAMS & PETER RISING was ordered to be recorded.

Teste

J. WILLIAMS  Ct. Cur.

At a Court of Quarter Sessions held for Prince William County November 5^th 1804

MARYANN PATTERSON Executrix name din the last will and testament of JOHN PATTERSON decd. came into Court and made oath to the said will according to law and having taken the oath of an executrix and given bond with security according to law certificate is granted her for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste

J. WILLIAMS   Ct. Cur.

Wedding Wednesday: Notices Outside of PWCo

Baltimore Patriot (Baltimore, MD) - November 11, 1815 - On Tuesday evening the 14th instant, at Locust Grove, Prince William county, Va. by the Rev. Mr. Mathews, Mr. George Sweeney, of Washington City, to Miss Mary S. C. Hooe, daughter of the late Bernard Hooe, junior, Esq. of the former place.

Daily National Intelligencer (Washington, DC) - June 1, 1821 - MARRIED, On Sunday the 20th inst. at Waterloo, the seat of Nedham L. Washington, Esq. of King George county, Va. by the Rev. Mr. Thornton, Otho W. Callis, Esq. of Prince George's county, Md. to Miss Jane Ashton Alexander, fourth daughter of Colonel Gerrard Alexander, of Prince William county, Va.

Daily National Intelligencer - March 18, 1826 - At the Thoroughfare, Prince William county, Va., on Thursday, the 9th ist., by the Rev. Mr. Barnes, John S. Chapman, Esq. of Frankfort, Ky., to Miss Matilda L. A. Chapman, eldest daughter of George Chapman, Esq.

United States Telegraph (Washington, DC) - April 29, 1828 - Married, in Stafford County, Va. at the residence of Captain H. Eustace, on Thursday evening, the 17th April, by the Rev. Mr. Weems, George William Fitzhugh, Esq. Merchant of Brentsville, Prince William County, to Miss Sarah S. B. Henry, daughter of the late Edward Henry, Esq. of Northumberland County, Virginia.

Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, VA) - March 5, 1834 - MARRIED, on Thursday evening, 27th ultimo, at Mount Pleasant, Prince William County, Va., by the Rev. Mr. Berkley, Howison Hooe, Esq. of Prince William County, to Miss Catharine, daughter of Daniel McLean, deceased, of Alexandria D.C.

On Thursday evening last, by the Rev. Jessee E. Weems, Mr. John Fountain, to Miss Mary Patterson, daughter of Jessee Rossin, Esq., all of Prince William County, Virginia.

Sunday's Obituary: Antoinette (Stoddard) Patterson

Dallas Morning News (Dallas, Texas) – January 5, 1931

Dallas Morning News
January 5, 1931

WOMAN DIES IN DALLAS WHERE SHE MET MATE AS A VISTOR IN '80s. Church Leader of Dallas Dies. Mrs. Ed M. Patterson Formerly Neighbor of Washingtons.

Mrs. Antoinette Stoddard Patterson, wife of the late Ed M. Patterson, pioneer landowner of Dallas, died Sunday at 4:40 a.m. At her home, 2821 Routh street, where she has lived for twenty-four years. She would have been 69 years old Jan. 30. The funeral service will be held at the home Monday at 10 a.m. With burial in Oakland Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Joe Barry, Randolph Paine, Carl Buerbaum, B. E. Julian, R. R. Simpson and Gene Woods.

Mrs. John woods of Monterrey, Mexico, Mrs. Patterson's only child, and Miss Johnetta Woods, her only grandchild, were with her when death occurred, following a long illness.

Here Since Eighties. Mrs. Patterson came to Dallas in the eighties to visit Mrs. Barney Gibbs, and met Edward Martin Patterson, to whom she was married in 1881. They lived in Dallas continuously thereafter, and both were closely identified with the development of the city. Mr. Patterson died June 3, 1929. Mrs. Patterson was active in the Episcopal Church, being a communicant in the Church of the Incarnation. She taught a Sunday school class there, and was a member of the choir when the church was a mission. Her father-in-law, Judge James M. Patterson, was one of the donors of land for the first Episcopal Church in Dallas which stood at the corner of Elm and Lamar streets.

Neighbors of Washingtons. Mrs. Patterson was born on a plantation in Prince William County, Virginia, Jan. 30, 1862, being the daughter of John Sargent Stoddard and Annie Eliza Plummer Sargent. She has often described her old home as adjoining Mount Vernon, and has told how the Stoddards and the Washingtons “took turns” having the snow cleared away so that they could attend church. Mrs. Patterson's maternal grandfather, Dr. Benjamin Plummer, fought in the War of 1812, and a maternal ancestor Col. Issac Ewell, native of England, served as a Colonel in the Revolutionary War.

Did You Know?

Like most Virginia counties, birth and death records for Prince William no longer exist between 1896 and June 1912.   Only the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, and Richmond have records spanning those dates.  That's not to say that you'll never find out when your ancestor was born or died if the event falls somewhere during that time period.  Fortunately, there are other sources for those records, like family Bibles, church records, cemetery records, draft cards, marriage bans, and obituaries.

  

Washington Times (DC)

March 17, 1897

An old man named J. Werner, living near Independent Hill, in Prince William county, yesterday evening drank a portion of a bottle of liniment, which had been given him by an acquaintance named Rosebury, and died from the effects of the dose before a physician could be summoned.

The Free Lance (Fredericksburg, VA)

March 30, 1901

Mrs. Kate Latimer, who died in Prince William county Monday, was buried at the Manassas cemetery Wednesday.  She was the only daughter of M. B. Sinclair, for many years clerk of the courts of Prince William county.

The Free Lance (Fredericksburg, VA)

March 4, 1905

Miss Carrie Patterson, formerly of Prince William county, died in Alexandria Thursday, aged 18.  The remains were sent to Quantico for interment.

Times Dispatch (Richmond, VA)

February 9, 1911

Alexandria, VA. February 8 – Rev. William D. Delaney of Portsmouth, was the celebrant of mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church this morning at the funeral of his father, Dennis W. Delaney, who died Sunday last at Hoadly, Prince William county.  Rev. Martin O'Donoghue, of Washington, was deacon and Rev. H. J. Cutler, of this city, was subdeacon.  Burial was made in St. Mary's Cemetery.

The Washington Times (DC)

February 9, 1911

The funeral of Ida Virginia Brawner, widow of John P. Brawner, who died at her residence, 113 South Alfred street, yesterday, will be held from the family residence tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, the Rev. Edgar Carpenter, of Grace Church, conducting the services.  Interment will be made at Bethel Cemetery.

Mrs. Brawner was the daughter of John A. Stonnell, and a native of Prince William county, although she has lived in Alexandria for many years.  She is survived by three sons, Philip Brawner, George Brawner, and Emory Brawner, and one daughter, Mrs. Effie Clements.  She was fifty-five years of age.