Newspaper Tidbits: Storms in PWCo

June 22, 1860 – Alexandria Gazette

SEVERE HAIL STORM IN PRINCE WILLIAM.—The hail storm of Tuesday last passed over that part of Prince William county between Bacon Race and Dumfries, doing great damage to the growing crops.  The hail stones are said to have been as large as partridge eggs; and the storm lasted about an hour and a half.  Among the principal sufferers are R. B. Merchant, whose loss is estimated at from $500 to $1,000.  A building occupied by the servants of W. H. A. Merchant was blown over by the wind, which was very high.  Warren Davis's crop of wheat and corn is very much damaged—his loss is estimated at 4500.  Richard Stonnell's loss to his crop is about $500.  Z. Kankey had nearly his entire corn crop destroyed and loses about $1000.  The gardens in the village of Dumfries were completely destroyed, and all the inhabitants of the village suffer more or less loss.  The crops all along the path of the storm were very much injured.

May 24, 1874 – Alexandria Gazette

During the thunder storm on Saturday last, a large locust tree, in Mr. John T. Leachman's front yard was struck by lightning, tearing it into fragments and throwing the debries  on and over the house.  Several members of Mr. Leachman's family were very much shocked.  So great was the shock that articles in the house were thrown down.  The rain was very heavy in that section, raising the streams unusually high, and washing away water gaps fencing & c.  Lightning also struck a tree near the house of Mr. Mankins, a quarter of a mile outside the village, and severely stunned his daughter.

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.]

November/December Programs at PW Historic Sites

November 3

Potomac River Blockade Boat Tours

10am–1pm; $30 per person; reservations required

Cruise along the Potomac River shoreline and view sites that were critical to the Confederate forces’ successful blockade of Washington D.C. from September 1861 through March 1862. Local historians will discuss the significance of the blockade, gun batteries and camps that supported the Confederate efforts. The cruise will include the preserved batteries at Freestone Point and Possum Nose, as well as Evansport and Shipping Point. Tour includes lunch.  No pets please. Not appropriate for children under six. Please call 703-792-4754 for more information and reservations.

November 17  

Open-Hearth Cooking Class at Brentsville

10am – 1pm, $40 per person; space limited, reservations required.

Gear up for the Thanksgiving season by learning the skills of open-hearth cooking. Join an experienced open-hearth cooking historian and learn the basic skills needed to prepare food over an open fire. You will learn how to build a fire then prepare and cook three different dishes. End the program by enjoying a taste of the food you cooked. Class will take place in the ca. 1850 Haislip Farmhouse. 

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre. 12227 Bristow Road, Bristow VA 703-365-7895

November 17

The Revolution Comes to Rippon

11am – 4pm, FREE

In 1774 Prince William County Resolved that no person shall be taxed without their consent. A first act against the King.  Rippon Lodge was home to Thomas Blackburn, a Patriot of the American Revolution. 

Revolutionary war soldiers will be camped at Rippon Lodge. See camp life, drill with soldiers, sample camp food, and join the ranks.  Activities and crafts for kids will take place throughout the day.  

Rippon Lodge Historic Site 15520 Blackburn Rd, Woodbridge VA  703-499-9812

December 8

Slave Holidays

5 pm-7 pm; $10 per person

Learn how the enslaved community celebrated the holidays and how they resisted the institution that kept them enslaved. Living history vignettes will allow some of the enslaved workers at Ben Lomond to come to life, giving you a  unique perspective into this period of American history.  Tours every 30 minutes.  Advanced reservations are suggested but not required.

Ben Lomond Historic Site. 10321 Sudley Manor Dr, Manassas VA  703-367-7872

December 8

A 1940s Christmas                                       

11am–4pm; $7 per person, children under 6 free

What were holiday celebrations like during WWII?  When ration cards and air raid drills were common place.  The Ellis family hosted many a party here at the Lodge during the war.  Join us for music, light refreshments and holiday crafts for kids.  Please dress for the weather.     

Rippon Lodge Historic Site. 15520 Blackburn Rd, Woodbridge VA 703-499-9812

December 8

Family History Day- History of Santa Claus and the Gift Giver

11am– 4pm; $7 per person

We all know the gift giver as Santa Claus, Saint Nick, Sinter Klaas . . .  there is a gift giver in many cultures.  Learn about the customs and traditions of this mysterious fellow who brings gifts to children.  Crafts, games and stories will be offered throughout the day. 

Rippon Lodge Historic Site. 15520 Blackburn Rd, Woodbridge VA 703-499-9812

December 15 

Brentsville Christmas 

4pm – 7pm; Free (charge for pictures with Santa)

Join students from Brentsville High School in celebrating the holidays at Brentsville Historic Centre.  Enjoy seasonal music in the historic Union church, enjoy cider and roast marshmallows by a roaring fire and stop by the Ca. 1822 courthouse for a picture with Santa.  This program is free with a nominal charge for photographs.  Stop by from 4-7pm to welcome in the Yuletide Season.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre. 12227 Bristow Road, Bristow VA 703-365-7895

James James aka "Double Jimmy"

Dodge City Times

April 20, 1876

Born in 1764. James James, or "Double Jimmy," as he is more familiarly called, lives on a farm twelve miles south of Weatherford, Parker County, Texas, with his daughter, Mrs. Nancy Wheat, 63 years of age. This old gentleman was born near the Red House, in Prince William County, Virginia, May 10, 1764. His father resided on a plantation near the Potomac, adjoining Lawrence Washington's. Mr. James has seen Washington often at his father's house. He and his brothers were in the war of 1812. Mr. James was a "jack of all trades," as he says he learned to be a carpenter, bricklayer, stonemason, blacksmith, painter and tinsmith. During his long life he has never been one month in bed with sickness. Mr. James was married in Virginia soon after attaining his majority, and raised a family of ten boys and five girls. Leaving his native State some years after the war, he settled in Roan County, Tenn. From that place he moved to Lauderdale County, Ala., thence to White county, Ark., and in 1848, came to Dallas County, Tex., in his 84^th year. He continued his residence there until 1872, when, in his 108^th year, he selected, as he says, Parker County to spend his old days in. in his 109^th year he cultivated an acre patch of watermelons in Parker County, and raised the finest brought to market. He realized $125 from this crop. Mr. James talks very well and his hearing is pretty good. ~Galveston News

Galveston Weekly News

January 6, 1879

Weatherford Times: James James, a resident of Parker county, died at the residence of his daughter, in Young county, on December 2d. He is believed to be the oldest citizen in Texas, or perhaps in the United States. He was born near the Red House, in Prince William county, Va., May 10, 1764, and consequently lived to the age of 114 years, 6 months and 22 days. James James, or “Double Jimmy,” as he was familiarly called, was a hard-working man all his life. In his 100^th year he cultivated an acre patch of watermelons in Parker county, and raised the finest brought to market. Smythe's Historical Sketch of Waterford and Parker Counties says that his acre crop realized him $125.

From the Prince William County Historical Marker Guide:

Colonial Roads (78)

Fayette Road and Washington Street, Haymarket

The town of Haymarket, chartered in 1799, owes its location to the

junction of the Old Carolina Road and the north branch of the

Dumfries Road at the site of the Red House. The Carolina Road

developed from the Iroquois hunting path which was abandoned by

the Indians after 1772, when they were forced by treaty beyond the

Blue Ridge. The Dumfries Road was in use as a major trade route

between the Potomac and the Shenandoah Valley before 1740.

[“Double Jimmy” is buried in Gooseneck Cemetery in Young County, Texas. The “Red House” referred to in the newspaper articles was an ordinary erected by William Skinker, son of Samuel Skinker, built of large red brick . Thomas Jefferson's 1787 map of the region names the locality “Red House.” Today it is better known as Haymarket.]

Primitive Baptist Church, Independent Hill

The Primitive Baptist Church at the corner of Aden and Joplin Roads in Independent Hill is no longer standing but the cemetery remains.

MATILDA
Wife of E. Cheshire
Apr 7, 1840
Dec 13, 1901
(Footstone:  MJC)

MILTON
CALVERT
Born Mar 14, 1862
Died Mar 21, 1913
Gone But Not Forgotten
(Footstone:  MC)

EINZA H. GALLAHAN
Born July 20, 1870
Died Dec 31, 1908
38 years 5 mos & 11 das
(Footstone:  EHG)

GURLI PRIDMORE
Wife of
George W. Lowe
Died Jan 1920
Age 85 years
At Rest

VIOLA GALLAHAN
Born Jan 4, 1908
Died Mar 30, 1910

GEORGE W. LOWE
Born Jun 3, 1842
Died Feb 3, 1914

M. N.  LYNN
Born Mar 11, 1827
Died Nov 10, 1906
(Footstone:  MNL)
[Note:  This is Mortimer N. Lynn]

VIRGINIA G. LYNN
Born July 18, 1835
Died June 25, 1911
(Footstone:  VGL)
[Note: Virginia (Holmes) Lynn, M.N. Lynn's wife]

FANNIE LYNN
HOLMES
1858-1943
At Rest Sister With God
(Footstone:  Sister)
[Note:  daughter of M.N. & Virginia Lynn; first married James W.
Lee; remarried William H. Holmes]

SUTHARD
JAMES M.
1865-1938
LULU C. His Wife
1867-1943
(2 Footstones:  Father / Mother)

EPPA F. LYNN
1863-1948
[Note:  daughter of M.N. & Virginia Lynn]

SALLIE E. SUTHARD
August 1, 1872
March 20, 1967
At Rest
(Footstone:  Mother)

ROBERT H. KEYS
Born March 7, 1838
Died Feb 28, 1910
(Footstone:  RHK)

SARAH A.
Wife of R.H. Keys
Born 1853
Died Feb 28, 1910

October Events at Historic Sites in PWCo

October 13

149th Anniversary of the Battle of Bristoe Station Tours

11am-3pm; FREE, donations accepted 

On October 14, 1863, Federal and Confederate forces met once again at Bristoe Station. Join local historians for an in-depth tour of the battle which ended General Robert E. Lee’s last offensive of the war. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. No pets please. Tours begin on the hour and depart from the kiosk in the parking lot.        

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park. 703-366-3049

October 13

Family History Day- All Hallow’s Eve

11am – 4pm, $7 per person

Where did the tradition of Halloween come from?  Pumpkin carving? Trick-or-Treating? Join us for a kid friendly trip to All Hallow’s Eve past and present.  Play old fashioned games and enjoy traditional treats. 

Rippon Lodge Historic Site. 703-499-9812

October 13,14,27,28

Bristoe Station Battlefield Guided Tours

11am-3pm; donations accepted

Bristoe Station Battlefield staff and volunteers will provide guided tours of the battlefield. Learn about Camp Jones and the two battles that took place here in 1862 and 1863. Tours begin on the hour and depart from the kiosk in the parking lot on Iron Brigade Unit Avenue. Last tour at 3 pm, tours leave on the hour.  Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. No pets please.

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, 703-366-3049

October 20

Ghost Stories of Historic Brentsville

7pm – 9pm; $5 per person

Join the staff of Brentsville around the campfire for an evening of spooky stories from around Prince William County.  Cookies and cider included.    

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre. 703-365-7895

October 20

In the Footsteps of the Gray Ghost, Col. John S. Mosby Bus Tour

8am – 5pm, $85 per person, reservations required, space is limited

Ride and walk in the footsteps of one of the Civil War’s most legendary figures, Col. John S. Mosby, the famed “Gray Ghost”.  Mosby’s “Robin Hood” like exploits has been made into legend and lore.  This tour will highlight several areas inNorthern Virginia where Mosby made his mark.  Take in the beautiful fall scenery of the Piedmont region of Virginia as we trace Mosby’s most daring raids and exploits.  Price includes admission to sites and lunch.

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park. 703-366-3049

October 20

Potomac River Blockade Boat Tours

10am–1pm; $30 per person; reservations required

Cruise along the Potomac River shoreline and view sites that were critical to the Confederate forces’ successful blockade of Washington D.C. from September 1861 through March 1862. Local historians will discuss the significance of the blockade, gun batteries and camps that supported the Confederate efforts. The cruise will include the preserved batteries at Freestone Point and Possum Nose, as well as Evansport and Shipping Point. Tour includes lunch.  No pets please. Not appropriate for children under six. Please call 703-792-4754 for more information and reservations.

October 20      

Nature Trail Walk

1pm; $5 per person

Take a guided tour along the nature trails at Brentsville and learn about plants and animals that live in this part of Virginia. 

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, 703-365-7895

October 26

Historic Spirits of Ben Lomond

6pm – 9pm, $10 per person, reservations suggested

Ben Lomond has a diverse history from being a Civil War hospital to the home of countless slaves.  Today, many local residents claim that the house and grounds are haunted by spirits from the past.  Come experience a unique opportunity to tour the house and grounds by candlelight, meet several historical characters along the way and hear their tales of sadness and triumph.

Ben Lomond Historic Site. 703-367-7872

October 27      

Storytime at Brentsville

1pm; $2

Join Brentsville staff for children’s stories about local history, people, and events.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre. 703-365-7895

October 27-28

Here Lieth the Body

11am – 4pm, $7 per person

Funerals, Duels, and Ghostly Tales. See Rippon Lodge draped in black crepe as family members mourn the 1757 death of Richard Blackburn. Learn about the early 19th century local duels and the losers who were brought to Rippon Lodge. Ghostly tales will be spun throughout the day.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site. 703-499-9812

Prince William County Division of Historic Preservation

703-499-9812

www.pwcgov.org/historicpreservation

historicpreservation@pwcgov.org

Will: John W. Davis

Will of John W. Davis

Prince William County Will Book U, page 303

Transcribed from Library of Virginia Chancery Case 153-1895-0023

This being my last will and testament, and I now being in sound mind, first I will that one hundred acres of my land off the west end of the farm including the John Layton house to be sold to pay my debts.  Second, I will to my wife Analentin F. Davis all the balance of the farm where I now reside.  I also will to my wife all of my household and kitchen furniture, also all my cattle, sheep, and hogs, and a one horse wagon, and all my personal property.

I will that my wife shall hold all the property as long as she remains my widow and at her death, then it is to be equally divided between my daughter Emma Thorp and my Grandson William Taylor.  And I appoint Elisha Meredith Executor of my estate, with the power for him to sell the land above mentioned. 

John W. Davis

April 6, 1887

W. F. Dunn

Wm. Reid

In County Court, Prince William County Sept 1^st 1890.

The last will and testament of John W. Davis decd. Was produced to the court for probate and the signature that’s partially proven and was ordered to be certified. 

And at a County Court held for Prince William County on 6^th day of October 1890.  The true last will and testament of Jno. W. Davis decd. Was again this day presented to the Court for probate and the signature thereto fully proven by the subscribing witnesses thereto and was ordered to be recorded.

Teste, E. Nelson

[NOTE:  John W. Davis, a widower, married Analentin F. Norman on February 3, 1875.  John's daughter from a previous, Emma E. Davis, married Samuel H. Thorpe of Fauquier County on April 6, 1875.  ~cgl]