In Chancery: School Board of Brentsville, District No. 1

In Chancery

LVA Index No. 1910-004

To Honorable J. B. T. Thornton, Judge of the Circuit Court of Prince William, Virginia.

            Your petitioner, the SCHOOL BOARD OF BRENTSVILLE DISTRICT NUMBER ONE OF THE COUNTY OF PRINCE WILLIAM would respectfully ask leave of Your Honor to make sale of the Old Nokesville School property, lying at the Nokesville-Greenwich Road near Nokesville, and adjoining Herring, Flickinger and containing one half acre, having been conveyed certain Trustees for said District by Abraham Early by deed of July 2^nd, 1883, recorded in D. B. 34 page 256, and also the Hazelwood School property, lying below Aden on the Harrison Ford Road, and containing one half acre, and having been conveyed to the said District by H. H. Love, by deed of June 3^rd, 1889, and recorded in D. B. 38 page 604.

            Your said petitioners would state that neither of said Schools are now being used, by reason of their condition and owing to the fact that it became necessary to build new school houses and secure more land as required by the statutes in such cases made and provided.  Your petitioners, therefore, pray for leave to sell the two tracts of real estate aforesaid, and to expend the money towards paying for the new buildings erected in their stead, and that Your Honor will cause to be entered such orders as may be necessary and proper to effect the purpose aforesaid, and it will ever pray, etc.—

School Board of Brentsville District, Number One, of Prince William County

By R. N. Davis, Chairman

Teste, W. T. Allen, Clerk

April 1910

To Honorable J. B. T. Thornton, Judge of the Circuit Court of Prince William County, Virginia.

            The undersigned The School Board of Brentsville District, Number One, of the County of Prince William, begs leave to report that after advertising the property hereinafter described as required by law and in pursuance of the order heretofore entered in this cause, it offerred for sale after due legal advertisement at public auction to the highest bidder at Nokesville, Prince William County, Virginia, on the 25^th day of March, 1910, the old Nokesville School lot, adjoining the lands of E. L. Herring, Flickinger and the Greenwich-Nokesville Road, and containing one-half acre and the Hazelwood School property, near Aden, on Harrison Ford Road and adjoining the land of M. C. Green, and containing one-half acre, at which sale G. G. Allen became the purchaser of the former tract at $196.50 and M. C. Green the purchaser of the latter tract at $26.00, both of which amounts were paid cash.  The undersigned Board thinks both of said prices good, and therefore recommends a confirmation of the same.

May 2, 1910

R. N. Davis, Chairman

W. T. Allen, Clerk

Newspaper Tidbits: Politics

November 14, 1860 – New London Daily Chronicle (New London, Connecticut)

At Occoquan, Prince William County, Virginia, where a few months ago some hot headed fellows cut down a Republican flag staff, Lincoln received 58 votes, on Tuesday, Bell 48, Breckenridge 51, and Douglas 1.

November 2, 1872 – Alexandria Gazette

Maj. E. M. Braxton, Conservative and Col. J. B. Senor, Republican candidate for Congress, had a joint discussion at this place on Thursday last, before an audience of about thirty persons.

On Tuesday next the voters of Prince William county will be called on to vote "for" or "against" a subscription of $75,000 stock to the Potomac and Manassas Railroad.

February 8, 1877 – Decatur Republican (Decatur, Illinois)

The Electoral Commission … Representative Eppa Hunton (Dem,) was born in Virginia in 1823.  After a limited education he studied law, and became commonwealth attorney for Prince William County in 1849, holding the office until 1862.  He was a member of the Virginia State Convention of 1861, and entered the Confederate army as colonel.  He was promoted to brigadier general after the fight at Gettysburg, and was captured at Sailor's Creek in 1865, and confined for about four months in Fort Warren.  He was a member of the Forty third Congress, and has been re-elected to the Forty fifth.

August 24, 1892 – Galveston Daily News (Galveston, Texas)

The voters of Prince William County have, by a large majority, determined to move the courthouse from Brentsville to Manassas.

July 13, 1909 – Washington Post

Thomas H. Lion has resigned as chairman of the Democratic committee of Prince William County as he expects to become a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the house of delegates.  J. P. Manual was elected chairman to succeed Mr. Lion.

Newspaper Tidbits: Haunting Prince William?

January 4, 1873 – Alexandria Gazette

PRINCE WILLIAM ITEMS. –  It is rumored that a ghost of a departed has been seen in this place, causing considerable commotion among some of our people.  We have made some inquiries in regard to the matter but cannot get any particulars about its appearance.

December 15, 1868 – Alexandria Gazette

A GHOST – OR SOMETHING – IN PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA., Dec. 12.—It becomes my duty to chronicle a most singular and extraordinary series of nocturnal visitations on the part of some ghostly apparition, to the farm of one, who I shall call Silas Brown, esq., a peaceable and intelligent citizen of this county.  Mr. Brown lives in what is known as the forest of Prince William, near the village of Independent Hill, and his residence I completely surrounded with the growth indigenous to that section of the county.

For the past few weeks visions of an alarming character have been seen in the neighboring forest, but more particularly in the copse adjacent to Mr. Brown's barn and stable.  At numbers of times has an immense figure been seen passing to and fro near the barn, with large horns and terrible claws which it contacts to a sort of hoof, and has assaulted Mr. Brown when he attempted after dark to feed his horses and stock, in such a manner, and with such violence, that he has been compelled to flee to his house for safety.  The figure, to the best of Mr. Brown's recollection, seemed about three times as large as a man in its front, and having a back converging from its neck and shoulders, horizontally to the distance of some six or eight feet, and supplied on each side with huge and tremendous arms.  It is of a pale blueish color when first seen, but upon being irritated by the near approach of any person, becomes a deadly white, and issues from its surface a small volume of smoke, accompanied with a sickening smell.  This ghoul or unnatural and horrible animal or demon, has been seen as often as four times near Mr. Brown's stable, and when seen, it has lingered till its deadly effluvia has completely impregnated the surrounding atmosphere.  One evening Mr. Brown desiring to have another beside himself see this terrible visitant, induced a courageous gentleman whom I shall call Siger, who happened with his wife to spend the evening at Mr. Brown's, to go to the stable to feed his horses.  Mr. Siger not believing the story, went without hesitation, when upon entering the stable, he was alarmed by the fall, at or near his feet, with a deep rumbling sound, of a tremendous stone.  Mr. Siger, without looking to see whence the rock came, picked the stone up, and it was so hot that he was compelled to drop it; upon looking up he beheld the unearthly monster not over fifty yards from him, and the air became quickly filled and inoculated with brimstone. (!)  Not wishing to be thought a coward, he did not mention anything of this at the house, but upon walking home with his wife the same night, he told her of what happened at the stable, and instantly she became alarmed and was carried home in a state of apparent insensibility.

The neighborhood is in a terrible state of excitement, and steps have been taken to investigate this frightening matter.

By your next issue it may be possible that some clue can be gained to the identity and character of this hideous monster.

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.]