I think I have seen the names Crump and McCarty on this list. A Crump researcher is looking for information on a Richard Crump, b. about 1803, probably in VA. He married Nancy McCarty in 1823 in Bath Co., KY. Are these names familiar to anyone? Thanks, Sandra

Dear Fauquier County, Virginia Genealogist, My book Cockrill Families of Northern Virginia was taken from the Fauquier County Heritage Society recently. For those who ask, I have sent one of my last copies to the Heritage Society. Also I sent my booklet entitled Blackwell Families of Northern Virginia to John Gott. If you live in the area and have an interest in Blackwell, Crump, Keith please stop by and review the manuscript that should be there in a week or so. I look forward to corrections from those who have received chapter from the booklet. thanks Jim Burgess Fauquier County, Virginia USGENWEB

This comes from the Mayfield Lisr. Hope you enjoy it Census Poem   It was the first day of census, and all through the land each pollster was ready.... a black book in hand. He mounted his horse for a long dusty ride, his book and some quills were tucked close by his side, towards the smell of fresh bread wafting, up through the air.   The woman was tired, with lines on her face and wisps of brown hair she tucked back in place. She gave him some water... as they sat at the table and she answered his questions..... the best she was able. He asked her of children, Yes, she had quite a few the oldest was twenty, the youngest not two.   She held up a toddler with cheeks round and red, his sister, she whispered, was napping in bed. She noted each person who lived there with pride, and she felt the faint stirrings of the wee ones inside. He noted the sex, the colour, the age.... the marks from the quill soon filled up the page. At the number of children, she nodded her head and saw her lips quiver for the three that were dead. Their places of birth she "never forgot", was it Lærdal or Vinstra or Eidsvoll.... or not? They all came from Norway, of that she was clear, but she wasn't quite sure just how long they'd been here.   They spoke of employment, of schooling and such, they could read some and write some though really not much. When the questions were answered, his job there was done so he mounted his horse and rode towards the sun. We can almost imagine his voice loud and clear "May God Bless you all for another ten years".   Now picture a time warp..... it's now you and me, as we search for the people on our family tree. We squint at the census and scroll down so slow, as we search for that entry from long, long ago. Could they only imagine on that long ago day that the entries they made would effect us this way?   If they knew, would they wonder at the yearning we feel, and the searching that makes them so increasingly real. We can hear if we listen the words they impart through their blood in our veins and their voice in our heart.   Author Unknown http://community.webtv.net/MLowrie/BERRYMANMCDANIEL

It's an older message, but thought I might comment. Prior to WW2, the Germans used genealogy quite extensively. To this end, it was often done for nefarious purposes - purity of race in support of SS Officers - and other ethnic actions. What is surprising to learn is the extent to which they often went, even with "professional" genealogists/authors interviewing US residents on their family heritage with unwhitting responses made by post. There are numerous volumes of these works which have been filmed by the LDS. If you are fortunate to come across these in your research, best to keep in mind what their intended purpose really was. Gives one cause to reflect, doesn't it? Jim Ball On 27 Dec 2003 at 15:33, SewzArt@aol.com wrote: > Can`t say where I heard it but in spy and counter spy circles during > WWII involved persons were given names that could be traced to oneo f > the leading American genealogical and Heraldic publications because > the Germans used this source to verify a persons "true" identity as > much as possible. I just can`t say axactly wha the name of the book > was. Sue

Dear Fauquier County, Virginia Wills Have you visited the Wills section of our Web site? Click on the Red Puzzle peice that says wills! We have almost six pages of wills now. We have about (have not counted them) 125 wills. Do you have a will to post? If you need help posting a will please send it to me and I will post it for you under your name. Hope you ALL have a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. God Bless You Everyone! Jim Burgess Fauquier County, Virginia USGENWEB

Dear Jean & Michelle, Thank you for the update on your mother, Jean. Had been wondering why I hadn't seen her posting. Jean, you have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. You & your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Rebecca Bashaw

Hi this is Michelle, Jeanne's daughter. Mom hasn't had access to the computer for awhile now and she wanted me to let all of you know that her father passed away today, December 30th. If you want to give her a little message you can email either one of us. She sometimes checks her mail at a friend's house or mine. My email address is lilmisc3@aol.com. Michelle

Also associated with Rev. Williamson was this: Turkey Run, Fauquier County, Virginia ca. 1778 In the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge, between Culpeper and Loudoun and west of Prince William settlement began about 1712, but was sparce. Warrenton, the county seat, was not incorporated until 1810, and the original location on land of Richard Henry Lee contained only twelve lots. In 1773, after Rev. William Thom was settled at Alexandria and the Rev. Amos Thompson at Leesburg, mission work was begun by these two men in Fauquier County which crystallized in 1778 in the appearance of Turkey Run as a place for Presbyterian worship. That year it made supplication by name not only for ministers, Mr. Thompson having gone to the wars, but especially for a man to care for a Latin school. That year appointments were made for Turnkey Run in connection with Kittocktin and Gum Spring: Hezekiah James Balch and John McMillan in the spring, John Slemons, Robert Cooper and Samuel Waugh in the fall, the latter into the next year. Thereafter Turkey Run disappears; only on April 3, 1787, the Presbytery of Hanover appointed Rev. James Waddell to preach two Sundays in Fauquier County, the Presbytery of Donegal having been divided and jurisdictions in a state of transition. Probably the Presbyterians conducted services in the Episcopal church by that same name about a mile or so from Warrenton, Virginia. Dr. Graham, an historian of the area, supposed that the present Warrenton Church grew out of the service conducted at "Turkey Run in Fauquier County." History is that the Warrenton Church was established on April 13, 1827 by division of the Middleburg congregation gathered and organized by the Rev. William Williamson.

Anyone out there have any information on Rev. William Williamson. This is all I've found so far and he performed marriages for several family members. Just trying to pinpoint a location for him, i.e. Church, Town, ect. Thanks, Janean Rev. William Williamson (1764-1848) He was a charter member of the Presbytery of Winchester, Virginia. He was born in Edinburg, Scotland, about 1764 where he was educated. He was a lawyer and migrated to Virginia about 1790. He studied Divinity, perhaps under the Rev. James Waddell; and was a candidate to Hanover Presbytery October 29, 1791, and licensed May 12, 1792, and ordained November 11, 1793. He was stated supply at Gordonsville, 1792-3; evangelist at South River and Flint Run, teacher at Front Royal in 1793 to about 1804. He was stated supply and teacher at Middleburg, and evangelist and missionary 1804-Feb 1, 1848, when he died. He is buried at Warrenton. He moderated the Synod in 1798, 1804 and 1824. He married first, Mrs. Furman, born Stevens of Newtown (now Stephens City) December 21, 1792 who died December 4, 1793. He married second, Rebecca Allen (177-1802) of South River December 8, 1795, three children including Philip D.Williamson, physician at Front Royal (1796-1830, no issue) and h! e married third, Sarah North Newton Moss of Upperville, who died 1862, by whom he had seven sons and two daughters.

Can`t say where I heard it but in spy and counter spy circles during WWII involved persons were given names that could be traced to oneo f the leading American genealogical and Heraldic publications because the Germans used this source to verify a persons "true" identity as much as possible. I just can`t say axactly wha the name of the book was. Sue

Yes, when I heard the report about the gathering of the information of family members of Saddam Hussein, I said to my significant other (husband of over 50 years) that a genealogist had been at work. One of my first teachers in genealogy has a business tracing heirs of decedents. We had to do that--trace relatives-- for my husband's deceased childless aunt, who died with a very small estate, no heirs, and lots of relatives!!! The legacy hardly covered the cost of postage, and that was years ago! (Note--make a will, please.) E.W.Wallace

Park Fight In Fauquier Waged Over Mellon Will By Ian Shapira Washington Post Staff Writer Saturday, December 27, 2003; Page B01 When executors of Paul Mellon's estate gave $10 million two years ago to build a sports park in Fauquier County, where the philanthropist lived for more than 50 years, public officials were ecstatic. But what seemed at first like a critic-proof gift from the primary benefactor of Washington's National Gallery of Art has run into relentless opposition. Residents in Fauquier's mostly rural north -- including one of Mellon's granddaughters -- have condemned the park design, which includes eight ballfields, an outdoor pool and a 400-seat amphitheater. They have written angry letters to the weekly papers complaining about the park's size, environmental impact and potential to draw crime along with the crowds at night ballgames. "It's like Six Flags without the Ferris wheel," said the park's most vocal opponent, P. Jay Fetner, 60, of The Plains. "It's a stone's throw away from rock concerts. We want a park, but not this big." Meanwhile, less affluent residents in southern Fauquier, many of them new arrivals from older suburbs, welcome the park, especially the fields for fast-growing youth sports teams that have been running out of places to play. "There's a sacrifice [of services] when you move to Fauquier," said Ramon Ramos, a substitute English teacher and a Little League baseball coach who moved to Bealeton from Prince William County four years ago. "But the county needs to step up and have more facilities that are positive for the kids." The battle has exposed the deep divisions and resentments between the county's two distinct cultures, a north-south split similar to the rift in neighboring Loudoun County between the more rural west and the suburban east. Northern Fauquier residents yearn to keep the natural milieu as is, while in the south, families from Washington's inner counties clamor for the amenities they used to have. . . . For the rest of this lengthy story, see: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32962-2003Dec26.html

Hi Bob, I don't think you are crazy! I saw the article as well in the Austin-American Statesman and it struck me that they may have some genealogists at work over in Iraq--cool! Harriet

Pardon me for going astray from Fauquier County concerns, but I'm wondering if anyone else has seen the connection between genealogical research, and the work that led to the successful capture of Saddam Hussein. I'm hoping that perhaps my friends won't consider me quite so crazy, if it turns out that the CIA has issued Family Tree Maker software to its agents. For example, consider this excerpt of an article from today's Washington Post. >>The first glimpse of the inner circle came in July with the arrest of Adnan Abdullah Abid Musslit, a key Hussein bodyguard seized during a series of raids in late July, Russell said. These sweeps also uncovered photographs of Hussein posing with various people, some previously overlooked by U.S. forces. The photographs provided new clues to those closest to the former president. "We had the makings of a phone book on Saddam," Russell said. The effort accelerated as U.S. interrogators and analysts came to understand the significance of Arab names in this region. Most men carry not only their own name but also the names of their father, grandfather and tribe -- a confusing jumble of identities for the uninformed but a powerful map to family relations. Many of the inner-circle names uncovered were previously unknown to U.S. forces. Even some of the most senior figures did not appear in the deck of cards distributed in the spring by U.S. officials as a guide to Iraq's most-wanted fugitives. The new representation of Hussein's clandestine movement is an easel-sized, multi-colored organizational chart developed by military intelligence officers at the 4th Infantry Division. Nicknamed the Mongo Link, the secret chart has Hussein's photograph in the center, surrounded by the names and descriptions of more than 250 top- and mid-level activists connected in a web of family and functional ties. Each family is color-coded, with greens and yellows dominating parts of the chart while blues, purples and whites predominate elsewhere. The names of individuals who have been captured and killed are written in red. <<

Dear Fauquier County, Virginia Genealogist, First, I want to thank Libby Baker and Charlene Ebeling for helping with their updates and corrections to our Blackwell Booklet. As you may know I have spent two months recovering from a second operation. The first November 2002 and the second October 14, 2003. After the operation my mind was just not able to concentrate on the Blackwell Booklet. I believe that I am about 90% back to normal - still have a few lingering challenges. To say the least I will ever be grateful for their contributions. Libby Baker has written a wonderful chapter on the Keith Family. I have corrected much of the information on the Crump family they made. Thanks again for your efforts. Considering adding a chapter on the Triplett and Hedgman family to complement the Crump Chapter. Still having some challenges understanding the Blackwell family of Culpeper County, Virginia. Thanks to Roz Grizton for her information on these families. The booklet is about 230 pages in length. I am writing to give you a chance to review the chapter of Chapters that you may be interested in. Will happily send the chapter or chapters that you want. All I ask is that you do not share information until we get all the final bugs worked out. Do not believe that there are many left. Here are the Chapters in the Book - there will be some changes in order. Chapter 1 - Joseph BLACKWELL Senior & Joseph BLACKWELL Jr Northumberland County, Virginia Chapter 2 - Samuel BLACKWELL & Elizabeth STEPTOE Chapter 3 - William BLACKWELL & Elizabeth CRUMP Chapter 4 - Joseph BLACKWELL & Lucy STEPTOE Chapter 5 - BLACKWELL Records Fauquier County, Virginia Chapter 6 - William Rowley SMITH of Fauquier County, Virginia Chapter 7 - KEITH Family of Fauquier County, Virginia Chapter 8 - CRUMP Family Chapter 9 – STEPTOE Family Chapter 10 - BLACKWELL Families in Other Counties Chapter 11 - Triplett and Hedman Families Chapter 12 – Steven and Mollie BURGESS Jim Burgess

Click to play sound: Merry Xmas - GroupAway in a manger Click to play sound: Donkey Click to play sound: Cow Moos Click to play sound: Lamb Click to play sound: Mouse Click to play sound: Sheep Baas 1 Sleigh Ride, are you listening Click to play sound: Sleigh Bells Click to play sound: Horse Neigh Wishing you all the very best of the Holiday season. Daniel Heath de Butts

For those of us who live in big cities, we can at least read about what the Fauquier descendants of our country cousins have been doing this month. These are some of the events from a December 11 listing: LIVING TREE, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Warrenton United Methodist Church, 341 Church Street. Christmas program, nursery provided. Free. CHILDREN'S SHOP, 6-9 p.m. Friday and Dec. 19; 12:30-2:30 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 20; 12:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 21, Gumdrop Square, 10 Courthouse Sq., Old Town Warrenton. Visits with Santa Claus, display of old toys, decorated trees and secret shop, staffed by elves from area schools, children can purchase family gifts for $2-$3. CHRISTMAS CAROL BALLET, all ages, 8 p.m. Friday and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Marshall Community Center, 4133 Rectortown Rd. Virginia Civic Ballet. $6, in advance; $8, after Dec. 11. AT THE CABOOSE WITH SANTA, all ages, 4-7 p.m. Saturday , Warrenton Branch Greenway, Fourth Street. Cookies, hot drinks, caboose tours and music. Warm hands at the 50-gallon drum fire like those used by railroad crews in old times. Free. Photos with Santa. $2. GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOP, 4 and older, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Vint Hill Community Center, 4235 Aiken Dr., Warrenton. Houses are ready to decorate. Classes arranged by ages. Call for times. Register. $17, residents; $26, nonresidents. SUMERDUCK RURITAN VILLAGE SANTA LUNCHEON, "Tree of Lights," noon Saturday, Sumerduck Ruritan Building, Route 651. Free. 540- 439-8225. ON THE FARM, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Archwood Green Barns, intersection of Routes 66 and 245, The Plains. Local farmers, crafters and artisans offer locally grown and handcrafted products and fresh Christmas trees. Children's chorus singing carols, live nativity including goats, sheep, miniature horses, alpacas and visits with Santa from noon-2 p.m. both weekends. Bring camera. Food available. Free. SALVATION ARMY BENEFIT DANCE CONCERT, 4 p.m. Sunday, Taylor Middle School, 350 E. Shirley Ave., Warrenton. Presented by Ballet Academy of Warrenton students. $5. Tickets at the door. ORNAMENT WORKSHOP, 11 a.m.-noon Sunday tots and parents; 11 a.m.-noon Dec. 22 school-age children, Monroe Park Museum, 14421 Gold Dust Pkwy., Goldvein. CATCH THE GINGERBREAD MAN, age 3 through first grade, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Sunday or 9:30-10:30 a.m. Dec. 22, Monroe Park Museum. Decorate gingerbread man to keep or give as a gift. Read a story and sing songs. KAYDEE PUPPETS, "Annie Bear Visits Santa's Workshop," all ages, 11 a.m. Wednesday , Marshall Community Center, 4133 Rectortown Rd. $3, advance; $5, day of event. 540-364-3886. 5K JINGLE BELL RUN-WALK, Saturday, through Quail Ridge subdivision off Route 229, four miles south of Route 211, Rixeyville. Registration 7:30 a.m., race 9 a.m. Benefits Little Fork Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company. "MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET," 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday , 2 p.m. Sunday, Fauquier Community Theater, 4225 Aiken Dr., Vint Hill Farms Station, Warrenton. $15, adults; $12, seniors and students.

I hope your Christmas is a wonderful and joyous occasion, and may your new year be as bright as the lone star that led the wise men on the first Christmas night. Merry Christmas. May many blessings touch you and yours this holiday season. Deb Koplen http://home.swbell.net/koplend/ koplend@swbell.net Grand Prairie, TX MSN Instant Messenger: Freckles6932 "Right Smak dab between Dallas & Fort Worth"

When I first started this hobby back in 1964 I was told that my grandfather had a sister and when she was born the mother died. Well you can imagine my surprise when I found the 1880 Census which read as follows; SCHAEFER, LOUIS (great grandfather) Catherine wife (still living) William (my grandfather) Catherine 4 yrs old Maierhofer, Louise 19 (servant) and also 2nd wife SCHAEFER, Elizabeth 4 yrs old. To this day I have not found Catherine SCHAEFER, no marriage, no divorce, no burial where Louis is, no burial where her parents are. Interesting? Barbara Rector Hill

That's really a good one. It spoke to me, too, Janean. Thanks!