July Events at Prince William County Historic Sites

July 12

Brentsville Court and Trades Day/ Flea Market

11am- 4pm, $10 for table reservation (for flea market)

Court days were exciting in the 1800s! Come discover what court was like in Brentsville during its days as the fourth county courthouse of Prince William County.  Come sit in on a trial and learn about the court proceedings of the 1800s, which differ greatly from today.  Historic tradesmen and tradeswomen will be showcasing their skills, as well as modern crafts and jewelry for sale.  Table reservations required for participation in Flea Market.  Please call 703-365-7895 for more information.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, Va, 703-365-7895.

July 12

18^th Century Curiosities of the Natural World

7pm.  $5 per person, children under six are free

During the 18^th century scientific wonders and discoveries were being made daily.  Thomas and Christian Blackburn will be hosting Mr. Howarth an itinerate scientist, for an evening of discussion and admiration of his collection of curiosities and scientific instruments. Try out Mr. Franklin’s electricity machine and learn about balloons. You are cordially invited to attend.  This is an outdoor program and may be cancelled in the event of rain.  Please call the site to confirm. 

Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192, 703-499-9812.

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park Tours

July 12,13,26,27

11am-3pm; Tours leave on the hour – donations encouraged.

Bristoe Station Battlefield staff and volunteers will provide guided tours of the hallowed grounds that contain camps, cemeteries, and battlefields. Learn about Camp jones and the two battles that took place in 1862 and 1863. Tours begin on the hour and depart from the kiosk in the parking lot on Iron Brigade Unit Avenue. The last tour leaves at 3PM. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Insect repellant is encouraged. No pets please. Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, located off of Iron Brigade Unit Ave., Bristow, VA. 703-366-3049.

July 19-20

Pringle House Hospital Weekend (Red Cross Blood Drive July 19)

$5 per person, children 6 and under free.  Free to all blood donors.

Join us at Ben Lomond as we commemorate the 153rd anniversary of Ben Lomond being used as a Civil War hospital.  Specialized tours include medical demonstrations, Civil War encampment, and special Civil War medical exhibit. On July 19, an American Red Cross Blood Drive will take place in the parking lot.   Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA 703-367-7872.

July 20

Sundae Fun Day

1pm-4pm; free, donations accepted

Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with games and of course ice cream.  Ice cream has been enjoyed by all for centuries.  Learn how it was made long ago.  Grounds open at 11am bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds and then join us for ice cream and games afterward. 

Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192, 703-499-9812.

July 21-25

Basic Civil War Camp

9am- 12pm, $130 per child, ages 8-12, reservations required

Children will participate in activities designed to develop a better understanding of soldier life during the American Civil War.  Activities include: “Enlist in Virginia’s Army,” “Life in Camp,” “Infantry Drill,” “Did Civil War Soldiers Really Eat that Stuff?,” “Civil War Medicine,” and a field trip to Manassas National Battlefield Park. Camp takes place at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, Va. 703-365-7895.

Reservations taken at the Ben Lomond Community Center (703-792-8320) or online at www.pwcparks.org

July 26

Ghost Hunting 101

7:00 pm - 12:00 am

$100 per person for seminar and investigation, $40 for just the seminar – Reservations Required 

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.  Ben Lomond Historic Site is partnering with East Coast Research and Investigation of the Paranormal (ECRIP) to host a ghost seminar and investigation at Ben Lomond. Participants will first attend a seminar in which various theories and techniques currently used in investigating paranormal activity will be discussed. Afterwards, participants will work alongside experienced paranormal investigators in conducting a paranormal investigation at Ben Lomond.  Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Dr., Manassas, VA 703-367-7872.

July 27

Historic Sundays at Brentsville Union Church

11am- 12pm FREE

Brentsville Union Church was built in 1870 and served the Brentsville community for over 100 years.  Today the country church has been restored and serves as a glimpse into life of the 19th century.  Come learn about the practices of faith that were once held here and how important churches were to society and local communities.  Program conducted in partnership with Historic Faith Ministries, a non-profit living history organization focusing on Victorian period customs and spirituality.  Program begins at 11a.m.and is FREE to the public.  Tours offered after the program for $5.00.

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre 12229 Bristow Rd., Bristow, Va. 703-365-7895

July 28

“The Lamps Are Going Out All Over Europe”: Prince William County & Manassas Remembers the Great War

7pm, free

In the early days of August, 1914 Englishman Sir Edward Grey famously said, "The lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our life-time." Grey was speaking of the fast-paced chain of events that hurled the continent of Europe into a cataclysmic war that would spread throughout the globe. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War, join Prince William County and Manassas staff at the Old Manassas Courthouse for a brief talk on the impact of World War I, followed by a short ceremony to honor the 26 Prince William County war dead listed on the memorial on the courthouse lawn.  Old Manassas Courthouse, 9248 Lee Avenue, Manassas, VA. For more information, call 703-367-7872.

August Special Events!  Call Now For Reservations!

August 2

Jazz in the Garden

7pm; $25 per person

Be our guest at an old fashioned lawn party.  Enjoy the view stunning river views at Rippon Lodge while listening to the biggest hits of the jazz age.  Hors d’oeuvres, wine and house tours included.  This is an outdoor program and may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.  Reservations strongly recommended.  Proceeds benefit the restoration projects at Rippon Lodge. 

Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192, 703-499-9812.

August 9

Virginia’s Cash Crops at Ben Lomond

7:00pm – 9:00 pm, $50 per person, 21 years and over in age only

For nearly 100 years prior to the Civil War, Ben Lomond was an active plantation.  To commemorate this heritage, please join Ben Lomond Historic Site staff for a special evening highlighting the various cash corps that were grown, exported, and consumed here during the 1700s and 1800s. Program will include light refreshments and tasting of Virginia whiskey. Cigar samples will also be available.

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

In Chancery: Publication Notice: Carter v Lynn

Administrators of Thomas Carter v Administrators of Seymour Lynn
Prince William County, Virginia
Library of Virginia Case 1878-001
Order of Publication

Warrenton, Fauquier County, Va

I, L. W. Caldwell, one of the proprietors of the "True Index" a newspaper published in Warrenton, Va., do certify that the Order, of which the annexed is a copy, in the case of Carter's Admx v James Lynn was duly published in said newspaper once a week for four successive weeks, commencing on 21st day of November 1868 and that a copy of the same was posted at the front door of the Court-house of Prince William County, on the first day of ______ County Court, 186___.

Given under my hand this 9th day of January, 1869

L. W. Caldwell
Printer's Bill $10.70

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

In Prince William Circuit Court, October 14th , 1868.

Rachel Carter, Administratrix of Thomas Carter deceased, plaintiff,

Against

James S. Lynn, Administrator of Seymour Lynn deceased, William E. Goodwin, Sheriff of Prince William county, Committee Administrator de bonis non of Charles E. Norman deceased, Mary F. Norman, Andrew Norman, Fielder Norman, Mildred Norman, Eppa Norman, Charles E. Norman, Lycurgus F. Lynn, and James S. Lynn, Administrators of Marshall D. Lynn deceased, defendants

IN CHANCERY

The Court doth adjudge and decree that James S. Lynn, Administrator of S. Lynn deceased do render before one of the Commissioners of this Court an account of S. Lynn as Administrator of Charles E. Norman deceased, and William E. Goodwin do also render before said Commissioner an account of his actings and doings on the said estate.  And that said Commissioner do also take an account of the outstanding debts of said Charles E. Norman deceased, and of any assets of said estate unadministered by the Administrator aforesaid; also an account of the real estate belonging to said estate with annual and fee simple value thereof, notice to be given for four weeks in some newspaper, shall be equivalent to personal service, and tha the convene the creditors of said estate by like notice and that he report to the Court.

An Abstract - Teste
John Camper, Clerk
Nicol p.q.

COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE, November 7th, 1868

To the creditors of Charles E. Norman deceased, and all other concerned:

Take notice that I shall on the 20th day of December 1868 at my office, in the town of Brentsville, proceed to execute the requirements of the decree from which the above is an abstract, when and where you are required to attend.  Given under my hand on the day first aforesaid, as Commissioner of said Court.

B. A. Sinclair

Friend of Friends Friday: Notice of Committal to Jail

Alexandria Gazette
June 28, 1862

NOTICE OF COMMITTAL TO JAIL

Was committed to the jail of Prince George's county, Md., as a runaway

Negro boy, calls himself Joe Tibbs, says he belongs to Mr. John G. Bealle, of Fauquier county, Va.;

also, a negro Peter Whittlesey, says he belongs to Mr. Bernard George, of Fauquier county, Va.;

also, a negro Addison Walker, says he belongs to John Marshall, of Clarke county, Va.;

also, negro Dennis calls himself Dennis Walker says he belongs to Robert Hudgins, of Fauquier county, Va.;

also, negro Washington Tyler, says he belongs to Washington Ferguson, of Loudoun county, Va.;

also, negro man Geo. Banes says he belongs to Mrs. Polly Elgin, of Loudoun county, Va.;

also, negro man Thomas Addison, says he belongs to J.H. Harding of Loudoun county, Va.;

also, negro Milton Thornley, says he belongs to John Marshall, Clarke county, Va.;

also, negro Beverly Harrison, says he belongs to Bernard George, of Fauquier county, Va.;

also, negro Lawrence Walker, says he belongs to Robert Hudgins, of Fauquier county, Va.;

also, negro Adam Moore, says he belongs to Patrick Smith, Fauquier county, Va.;

also, negro Leonard Jones, says he belongs to Dennis Johnson, of Fairfax county, Va.;

also, negro John Wormley, says he belongs to Robert Horner, of Prince William county, Va.;

also, mulatto man John Williams, says he belongs to John Harris, of Fairfax county, Va.

The owners of the above named negroes (if any) are requested to come forward, prove property, pay charges, and take them away -- otherwise, they will be disposed of according to the act of Assembly in such case made and provided.

Peter G. Grimes
Sheriff of Prince George's county, Md.

Prince George's county, Md., je 14--law3w

[Friend of Friends Friday is a Geneabloggers blogging prompt that encourages transcribing and posting records of enslaved ancestors. ~cgl]

Wedding Wednesday: Mary Carrie Copen and Joseph B. Florence

Manassas Journal
June 21, 1901

Wedding Bells

Miss Mary Carrie Copen, daughter of Mr. C. W. Copen, and Mr. Joseph B. Florence were married Wednesday June 12th at 11 a. m. at the home of the bride's parents in this county, Elder Geo. W. Lowe officiating.  The bride entered the parlor with the groom.  She was beautifully dressed in white and carried brides roses arranged in a shower bo[u]quet.  Miss Nannie L. Florence, maid of honor proceeded the bride, wearing white and carrying pink roses.  Miss Sallie Lynn was bridesmaid.  Mr. W. W. Tolson was the groom's best man.  Mr. Meredith Florence, usher.  Only relatives and a few family friends were present.  The bride and groom left for a short trip to Washington after the wedding dinner was served.

Will: Benjamin Dawson (1827)

BENJAMIN DAWSON Will

Prince William County Will Book  M, pg 479

01 Dec 1825; proved 05 Feb 1827

I BENJAMIN DAWSON of Prince William County and State of Virginia being of sound mind do make this my last will and testament hereby revoking all others heretofore made.  Item 1^st It is my will and desire that the debts due from me to George Chapman, Thomas Foster & Henry M. Lewis they being the principal debts shall first be paid and all other just debts.  Item 2^nd. I give and bequeath unto my son BENJAMIN DAWSON in trust for the use and benefit of my daughter NANCY DAWSON a negro girl named Mary during her life and at her death I give Mary and her increase to my son BENJAMIN DAWSON and his heirs upon condition that he takes care of his sister Nancy.  In no event is Mary to be taken from my daughter Nancy.  She is not to be estimated in the widows dower nor subject to my debts unless my other property should prove insufficient.  Item 3 It is my will and desire that after all my just debts are paid that my wife LINDSAY DAWSON shall have on third of my property during her life and at her death it is to descend to my two children by her namely GEORGE CHAPMAN DAWSON and SUSANNA FOSTER DAWSON.  Item 4. In consideration of the services rendered me by my son Benjamin Dawson, I give and bequeath unto him and his heirs a negro boy named Daniel.  Item 5^th It is my will and desire that the remaining part of my property after allotting the above legacies shall be sol and the proceeds arising therefrom be appropriated to the payment of my debts and if found insufficient then the residue to come out of my son Benjamin’s legacy.  Should the property thus allotted for my debts produce more than a sufficiency I desire that the surplus may be equally divided between my son BRADFORD DAWSON, FANNY BOOTMAN, BETSEY SHIRMAN, and HETTY MOORE and be considered their proportion of my estate.  Item 6^th It is my will and desire that my Executors hereafter named shall pay out of my estate to my daughter ELIZA CROUCH ten dollars as her proportion of my estate.  I hereby constitute and appoint my friends George Chapman and Thomas Foster my Executors to carry my will in effect.  In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 1^st day of Dec. 1825.

BENJAMIN DAWSON

In the presence of

SAMUEL ROBINSON, ELIZABETH  HALL, G. CHAPMAN, THOMAS FOSTER

At a Court held for Prince William County this 5^th day of February 1827.  This last will and testament of Benjamin Dawson deceased was presented to the Court by Thomas Foster one of the Executors therein named and being proved by the oaths of Samuel Robinson and Thomas Foster is admitted to record, and the said Thomas Foster having made oath to the same according to law and having taken the oath of an Executor and performed what is usual in such cases certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.

Teste, P. D. DAWE

Military Monday: 19 Men to Camp Lee

Manassas Democrat
May 23, 1918

NINETEEN MEN GO TO CAMP LEE SATURDAY

Prince William Gives Again of Her Youth That Democracy May be Safe -- Four Go to Charlottesville

The largest contingent of Prince William county young men to answer the call to colors for several months will leave for training on Saturday, May 25.  Nineteen of them will go direct to Camp Lee for military training and four left today for Charlottesville where they will enter the University of Virginia as volunteers and where they will receive mechanical training for military service.

Those who will go to Camp Lee are:

Kemp Williams, Quantico
Joseph Posey, Dumfries
Reuben W. Abel, Joplin
Harvey Holmes, Catlett
Harvey Weeks, Manassas
Hobert F. Hampton, Hoadley
Howard A. Stevens, Quantico
Durward I. Payne, Manassas
Champ Lee Jones, Joplin
Charles Perry Hammill, Woodbridge
Cofer Fairfax, Hoadley
Paris Cockanides, Quantico
John Calvin Roles, Mount
Frank W. Fitzwater, Nokesville
Clarence Money, Quantico
Robert L. Rittenour, Nokesville
Clarence Money, Quantico
Robert L. Rittenour, Nokesville
Milton Irvin Nalls, Greenwich
Phillip B. Lipscomb, Bristow
Isaac A. Pearson, Hoadley

The following alternates are in the list:

Richard Lee Thorp, Independent Hill
Bankit Cornwell, Manassas, R.F.D.
Allen Cornwell, Manassas, R.F.D.
Newton F. Sayers, Independent Hill

Those who left today for Charlottesville for mechanical training are:

James Wesley Keys, Brentsville
John Roland Craig, Manassas
Gray C. Buck, Manasas
Daniel Nelson Reeder, Manassas

Friend of Friends Friday: Solomon Brill on Slavery

Alexandria Gazette
December 5, 1859

A meeting of the citizens of Brentsville, Va., was held on the 28th ult. for the purpose of investigating "the soundness or unsoundness of Mr. Solomon Brill, upon the subject of Slavery," (said meeting having convened at Mr. Brill's request), and upon motion of Mr. J. T. Leachman, Aylett Nicol, esq., was called to the chair, and Mr. R. I. Reid, appointed Secretary.  "Mr. Brill, then and fully and feely stated his opinions on the subject of Slavery, saying that he recognized the right of property in slaves, and that he considered Slavery neither a social, moral nor political evil.  On motion of John T. Williams, Mr. Brill was declared exonerated from all suspicions as to his unsoundness upon the subject of slavery."

[Solomon Brill served as a constable for Prince William County. ~cgl]