Last sentence should read JOHN COCKSHUTT, not JOHNMACINTOSH: The aforegoing Deed of Mortgage from JOHN SWETNAM to JOHNMACINTOSH and others, Trustees of JOHN BLAND, was proved by the Oath of LAUCHN .MACKINTOSH and ordered to he recorded.

VIRGINIA COUNTY COURT RECOR DS DEED ABSTRACTS of KING GEORGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA 1773-1783 (The remainder of King George County Deed Book 5. 1765-1783, being Pages 1028-1280. Pages I through 1028 were published by the Antient Press under the title: “Deed Abstracts of King George County, Virginia 1753-1773.) p. 1081 This Indenture made the second day of July one thousand seven hundred and seventy three between John Cockshutt and others, trustees of Mr. John Bland, of London, Merchant, of one part and John Swetnam of Stafford County of the other part, Witnesseth that John Swetnam for sum of twenty one pounds, six shillings and four pence half penny to him in hand paid by JOHN COCKSHUTT and others, Trustees of JOHN BLAND, doth bargain and sell unto JOHN COCKSHUTT (&c.) three feather beds ani furniture. a brindled Cow and Calfe, a crop in the left Ear and under and over keel in the right, ten sheep some markt. To have and to hold the goods and creatures unto JOHN COCKSHUTT (&c.) Provided nevertheless that if JOHN SWETNAM shall pay unto JOHN COCKSHUTT (&c.) the aforesaid Debt and Interest from the date hereof then this Instrument of Writing to be void, otherwise to remain in force. In Witness whereof the said JOHN SWETNAM hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year above w! ritten Signed Sealed and Delivered in presence of DAVID BRIGGS, JOHN SWETNAM LAUCHN: MACKINTOSH, WILLIAM REVELEY At a Court held for King George County the 3rd. day of March 1774 The aforegoing Deed of Mortgage from JOHN SWETNAM to JOHNMACINTOSH and others, Trustees of JOHN BLAND, was proved by the Oath of LAUCHN .MACKINTOSH and ordered to he recorded. ~~~~~ Found in my research of Reveleys Sarah Reveley, San Antonio, Texas

I need someone who has access to the wills and estate settlement records of Stafford Co., VA, to check them for members of the CARVER family who are recorded in the St. Paul's Parish Register. I am particularly interested in the following persons: JOSEPH CARVER - died December 20, 1727 RICHARD CARVER and/or his wife, SARAH JONES - they married January 21, 1722 THOMAS CARVER and/or his wife, MARY CLIFT - they married November 10, 1727 WILLIAM CARVER, who was son of THOMAS and MARY CLIFT CARVER, who was born November 15, 1737. I believe my ancestor, THOMAS CARVER, was the one born in Stafford Co., VA, on November 2,1757, a son of WILLIAM CARVER and his wife, SARAH. Thank you so much! Bob Carver

This is my first posting. I am researching Gallahans from Stafford County and have found a great deal of help on the Internet. Has anyone established a link between the Solomon Gallahan born c. 1790 and the Solomon Gallahan born c 1747, son of Solomon Gallahan? I think they are father and son, but have no documentation to prove it. There was a son, John, who was the immediate ancestor of the Gallahans I am researching. Clare --- Megan's Grandma --- grandmaclare@earthlink.net --- EarthLink: It's your Internet.

Interesting article on early African-American burials in U.S. http://www.sunspot.net/news/local/bal-md.burial27oct27.story Karen King-Lavore

Give me a chance and I will check the census records for you. C athy

Hello List, It has been a while and I am still kinda new with this so please be patient. I am looking for information on the Dickerson's from the Aquia, Widewater, and Stafford area. My gg grandfather was Louis Dickerson son of John and Sarah Dickerson and His wife Dora, daughter of William and Louisa Anderson, all of Stafford County. Louis ( Lewis ) and Dora had 14 children, John,Charles, Mary Louise,Mollie, Annie, Jack, William, Louis, Kate, and Dora Virginia ( Jennie), Ben Walter, and Tom. The last 3 died either at birth or at about a month old. John and Sarah also had John, James, Sarah, Lottie, Julia, Betty and Mary. Does any one have any information on these families? I am will to share information. I have 293 in my database. Thanks Lorri ________________________________________________________________ Sign Up for Juno Platinum Internet Access Today Only $9.95 per month! Visit www.juno.com

Thought you might want to know about this.....~malinda To: <VA-HIST@LISTLVA.LIB.VA.US> Sent: Saturday, October 19, 2002 11:56 AM Subject: Re: Budget disaster > "Harold S. Forsythe" wrote: > > > I agree with Henry and all. This is a disaster for historians and genealogists. > > Is there a foundation somewhere that would provide a subvention to > > keep VA Cavalcade going for 2-3 years? > > This is an excellent idea. However, word of this is beginning to leak out on the > genealogy list serves. I would venture to guess that servers like Rootsweb have a > very large number of subscribers. Some are starting a letter writing and e-mail > campaign which I feel is an good idea. As you well know, the trick with so called > "budget cuts" is the squeaky wheel preserves their funding at the expense of others. > I think it's time for those who value genealogy and the preservation of our nation's > history to start "squeaking." > > This address was just passed on to me by a surname list member. > > http://www.governor.state.va.us/Contact/email_form.html > > Tammy > > To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions > at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html

Ooops...forgot to take it back to the Home page...LOTS more Deed links there Harvard Law Library...English Deeds Collection http://www.law.harvard.edu/library/special/collections/manuscripts/deeds

Hi....this site might be helpful. Happy hunting, ~malinda Harvard Law Library...English Deeds Collection http://www.law.harvard.edu/library/special/collections/manuscripts/deeds/dee ds9.htm

I have been able to transcribe only a few of the pension applications available at the Library of Virginia. Here is the list of applicants who were living in Stafford County (plus a few people on the list because their surname is STAFFORD). Reading the applications, it is clear that most people lived in the county of their birth their entire lives. But of course you can search by surname at the Library site, if you think your veteran may have applied from another county. I think some of these surnames may have been mistranscribed. If you KNOW there is an error, you probably should let the Library know. Best, Laura Pension applications can be accessed from the Library of Virginia site http://eagle.vsla.edu/conpen/virtua-basic.html Confederate Pension Rolls, Veterans & Widows: RECORDS WITH SELECTED KEYWORDS stafford and county - 302 hits (but 13 are surname STAFFORD) 1. Stafford, Cynthia M 1888 Giles County 2. Stafford, James M 1888 -- Giles County 3. Bloxton, J. Posey 1888 4. Bloxton, James P 1888 5. Boll, Nathaniel 1888 6. Bolling, John 1888 7. Bowling, Geo. A 1888 8. Bowling, Robert H 1888 9. Brown, Albini 1888 10. Brown, Alvin 1888 11. Brown, Elijah 1888 12. Brown, Mary H 1888 13. Bryant, J. Alexander 1888 14. Bryant, Jno. A 1888 15. Burton, Lucinda 1888 16. Burton, Richard 1888 17. Carneal, Wm. J 1888 18. Coakley, John W 1888 19. Conner, John 1888 20. Cooper, B. A 1888 21. Cooper, James Silas 1888 22. Coppage, Alexandria 1888 23. Coppage, Richard 1888 24. Dent, Louisa 1888 25. Dunnington, Dudly 1888 26. Dunnington, Susan 1888 27. Edmonds, George 1888 28. Embrey, Wm. M 1888 29. English, George F 1888 30. English, Roy P 1888 31. Fritter, Virginia 1888 32. Fritter, W. B 1888 33. Garrison, Lewis 1888 34. Garrison, Susan C 1888 35. Guiman, John W 1888 36. Hedgman, Peter N 1888 37. Hefflin, Maria, 1888 38. Heflin, Lemuel D 1888 39. Heflin, Westley 1888 40. Heflin, Willian A 1888 41. Honey, Philip S 1888 42. Jansons, Frank C 1888 43. Janssonns, Frank C 1888 44. Jett, Jane 1888 45. Jett, S. C 1888 46. Jones, Charles H 1888 47. Jones, J. P 1888 48. Jones, J. Peyton 1888 49. Jones, Josiah 1888 50. Jones, Noah 1888 51. Knight, Daniel S 1888 52. Monroe, Sarah A 1888 53. Musselman, Maria N 1888 54. Patton, Andrew J 1888 55. Patton, Sarah Jane 1888 56. Payne, D. T 1888 57. Payne, W. T 1888 58. Payne, William 1888 59. Pearson, Andrew J 1888 60. Randall, W. T 1888 61. Robinson, Thos. W 1888 62. Schooler, Charles W 1888 63. Schooler, G. W 1888 64. Schooler, Jno. H 1888 65. Skinner, Sarah A 1888 66. Smith, Mary S 1888 67. Snellings, Robert S 1888 68. Sooper, R. L 1888 69. Sullivan, Daniel 1888 70. Tate, Wm. H 1888 71. Truslow, George W 1888 72. Truslow, John H 1888 73. Way, John W 1888 74. West, W. H 1888 75. White, Wm. I 1888 76. Williams, William 1888 77. Wine, Albert 1888 78. Woodward, Burnett 1888 79. Young, Eliza W 1888 80. Stafford, Richard 1900 -- Norfolk County 81. Ball, James H 1900 82. Barber, James 1900 83. Beach, Wesley S 1900 84. Beach, Westley S 1900 85. Bell, B. A 1900 86. Berry, Henry 1900 87. Berry, Mary 1900 88. Black, George W 1900 89. Bowles, William 1900 90. Bowling, Alexander 1900 91. Bowling, George A 1900 92. Burton, Seldon 1900 93. Chinn, Raleigh T 1900 94. Clark, R. P 1900 95. Coakley, J. W 1900 96. Cooper, John W 1900 97. Cooper, Len A 1900 98. Cooper, Seth R 1900 99. Coppage, Alexander 1900 100. Coukley, John W 1900 [Coakley?] 101. Cox, J. S 1900 102. Cox, Thomas 1900 103. Cox, Virginia J 1900 104. Doyle, Robert 1900 105. Embrey, Joseph C. W 1900 106. English, Jno. A 1900 107. English, John A 1900 108. Eustace, James I 1900 109. Evans, John A 1900 110. Fines, Elijah 1900 111. Fines, Mary J 1900 112. Fritter, Virginia 1900 113. Gallahan, Henry 1900 114. Gallahan, Landon 1900 115. Gallahan, Loudon 1900 116. Gallahan, William 1900 117. Graves, John 1900 118. Green, Duff 1900 119. Grinnan, Sarah E 1900 120. Grunan, Sarah E 1900 121. Huffman, Lucy E 1900 122. Hufman, Lucie 1900 123. Johnson, Thomas H 1900 124. Lee, Julius L 1900 125. Lee, Julius S 1900 126. Lennox, Edward 1900 127. Lenox, Edward 1900 128. Lunsford, J. H 1900 129. Marshall, Caroline 1900 130. Monteith, A. K 1900 131. Mountjoy, Alexander 1900 132. Musselman, Thomas 1900 133. Musselman, Thos 1900 134. Newton, A. F 1900 135. Odor, Edward F 1900 136. Pearson, Mary Ann 1900 137. Pearson, Nancy Ann 1900 138. Pearson, Watson 1900 139. Robersin, Thomas 1900 [?] 140. Robinson, Thos 1900 141. Rogers, Wm. H 1900 142. Skidmore, Alexander 1900 143. Smith, Ann Eilbeck 1900 144. Smith, John R 1900 145. Snellings, Landon C 1900 146. Snellings, Laudon C 1900 147. Stephens, Lewis 1900 148. Stone, John H 1900 149. Stribling, Willian E 1900 150. Sullivan, Daniel 1900 151. Sullivan, John 1900 152. Sullivan, Martin L 1900 153. Tolson, Daniel 1900 154. West, Sarah E 1900 155. White, W. J 1900 156. Williams, Kitty, 1900 157. Wine, Frances E 1900 158. Wine, James 1900 159. Wine, Thos 1900 160. Stafford, B. P 1902 -- Bland County 161. Stafford, R. M 1902 -- Bland County 162. Stafford, James E 1902 -- Giles County 163. Stafford, Jane 1902 -- Giles County 164. Stafford, John R 1902 -- Giles County 165. Stafford, Martha 1902 -- Giles County 166. Stafford, Susan S 1902 -- Giles County 167. Stafford, W. H 1902 -- Giles County 168. Stafford, John G 1902 -- Roanoke County 169. Abel, Sarah M 1902 170. Anderson, Louisa 1902 171. Anthon, William 1902 172. Armstrong, Mary E. Jett 1902 173. Arrington, Robert L 1902 174. Ball, Jane 1902 175. Beach, Bettie Ann 1902 176. Bell, Fannie P 1902 177. Berry, James E 1902 178. Berry, James E., 1902 179. Berry, Oscar, 1902 180. Berry, Susan C 1902 181. Black, Lizzie A 1902 182. Bloxton, A. E 1902 183. Bloxton, F. A 1902 184. Bontychard, Catherine E 1902 [Boutychard? Boutchyard?] 185. Bowles, George A 1902 186. Boyd, J. W 1902 187. Brown, Frances 1902 188. Bryant, Lydia E 1902 189. Bullock, Mathew 1902 190. Campbell, Fannie S 1902 191. Carter, Ellett 1902 192. Chartters, Laurett 1902 193. Clarke, Sarah C 1902 194. Clift, John F 1902 195. Clift, John H 1902 196. Clift, Mildred 1902 197. Cloe, Mary M 1902 198. Cloe, W. S 1902 199. Conway, P. H 1902 200. Cooper, B. A 1902 201. Cooper, Mary F 1902 202. Cooper, Virginia A 1902 203. Cox, Chas. H 1902 204. Cox, Mary E 1902 205. Curtis, John F 1902 206. Curtis, Sophronia 1902 207. Dent, Geo. T 1902 208. Dickerson, Wm. H 1902 209. Dickinson, Virginia Ellen 1902 210. Dodd, W. F 1902 211. Duerson, John J 1902 212. Eley, Lucy Ann 1902 213. Embrey, Granville 1902 214. Embrey, John W 1902 215. Embrey, Miranda A 1902 216. Embrey, George W 1902 217. English, John A 1902 218. English, Martha Ann 1902 219. English, Robert 1902 220. English, Sallie 1902 221. Evans, A. W 1902 222. Evans, Emma F 1902 223. Fritter, Lewis A 1902 224. Gallahan, Thomas 1902 225. Gallahan, M. R 1902 226. Garrison, Henry T 1902 227. Garrison, John H 1902 228. Garrison, Robt. A 1902 229. Garrison, Lewis 1902 230. Goodwin, Margaret E 1902 231. Goodwin, Jno. R 1902 232. Gordon, Emma Florence 1902 233. Gray, J. B 1902 234. Grogan, Susie C 1902 235. Heflin, Ann E 1902 236. Heflin, Delia A 1902 237. Heflin, Martha Ann 1902 238. Heflin, W. H 1902 239. Heflin, Annie E 1902 240. Helm, Martha A 1902 241. Hickerson, M. A. E 1902 242. Houghton, Charles H 1902 243. Hudson, Mary H 1902 244. Kennedy, Charles L 1902 245. Kennedy, Sarah J 1902 246. King, Dorotha 1902 247. King, George W 1902 248. Lee, G. S 1902 249. Lee, Nannie E 1902 250. Lowry, Enoch 1902 251. Lynn, Absalom T 1902 252. Lynn, W. B 1902 253. Lynn, Nannie F 1902 254. Maxfield, Edmonia 1902 255. Maxfield, George 1902 256. Monteith, Elizabeth A 1902 257. Mountjoy, Mary F 1902 258. Mountjoy, Mildred 1902 259. Newton, Peter 1902 260. Newton, Rebecca 1902 261. Norman, W. M 1902 262. Olive, Shady 1902 263. Patterson, W. P 1902 264. Patton, J. M 1902 265. Payne, Travers A 1902 266. Payne, Elizabeth 1902 267. Powers, Mary A 1902 268. Purkins, M. C 1902 269. Purkins, Marion Wallace 1902 270. Randall, Lucy A 1902 271. Roberson, Ann R 1902 272. Rodgers, Nellie E 1902 273. Rodgers, Mark 1902 274. Rollins, Carrie E 1902 275. Rollins, Edward T 1902 276. Ryan, John A 1902 277. Ryan, M. L 1902 278. Shelton, Jas. Martin 1902 279. Shelton, Maria 1902 280. Simpson, Louisa 1902 281. Simpson, James P 1902 282. Snellings, Richard 1902 283. Snellings, Benj. A 1902 284. Snellings, Frances 1902 285. Snellings, Virginia 1902 286. Snellings, Walter J 1902 287. Spencer, L. E 1902 288. Stephens, Hariette Elizabeth 1902 289. Stevens, Richard H 1902 290. Stone, John H 1902 291. Sullivan, Peter L 1902 292. Synan, Bettie C 1902 293. Truslow, Geo. W 1902 294. Waller, Sallie W 1902 295. Welch, Ellen S 1902 296. West, Mary 1902 297. Williams, Thomas 1902 298. Wilson, Thomas D 1902 299. Wine, Emma C 1902 300. Stafford, James 1902 -- Tazewell County 301. Truslow, John W 1902 302. Cooper, R. L 1902 * * * * The past isn't dead. It isn't even past. -- William Faulkner

Has anyone any knowledge of Cumberland Mill in Stafford County, Virginia, near Falmouth and the Rappahannock River? "gravelley run" is what is now known as England Run. Half of the land being described in the paragraph below was later sold to the Reveleys and became their beloved Woodend. Thanks, Sarah Reveley King George County Deed Book 4 pp. 429-432 Indenture made 12th/13th November 1759 between Enoch Innis and Catherine his wife of parish Brunswick in King George County of one part, and James Threlkeld of same...by deeds of lease and release...for sum One hundred and thirty pounds current money of Virginia...sold 300 acres...west side westermost branch gravelley run near to a small path that leads from William Hume's home to the river ...line that divides between the land now belonging to heirs of Doctr. John Edwards deced...main tract formerly belonging to Wm. Pattishall; land belonging to Colo. Charles Carter; road that leads to Mr. Gerard Banks's formerly cleared to Cumberland Mill... being part of a larger tract purchased by Enoch Innes of William Pattishall....

These people are not ancestors of mine, but I would be interested in learning more -- for example, Joseph's parents and Miranda's maiden name -- if anyone out there is researching them. Laura Joseph C. W. Embrey On 17 April 1901, J. C. W. Embrey applied for a pension as a disabled veteran. Unfortunately, several answers are unreadable (at least in the online images at the Library of Virginia site). He stated that he was living in Toluca, Stafford County, Virginia. He was suffering from rheumatism and the "infirmities of age." The County Pensions Board approved his application, which was for a partial pension of $15 a year. In a form filled out in 1902, Joseph C. W. Embrey stated that he was 67 years old and disabled by "age and lumbago." He signed with his mark -- X -- and John C. Cox notarized his statement. Robert E. Gill and Hugh Adie signed as men who personally knew Embrey and believed his statements to be true. Wesley Knight, Commissioner of the Revenue, stated that Embrey had taxable real and personal property valued at $109. Dr. R. J. Payne stated that Embrey was not totally disabled "but nearly so" and was deprived of his ability to make a livelihood. C. A. Bryan, Clerk of the Court, signed to indicate approval of Embrey's application for a pension of $15 a year. On 10 September 1906, Embrey applied for re-rating as a fully disabled veteran. The application is signed -- "J. C. W. Embrey" -- and E. S. Moore, Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court, signed to show that Embrey had appeared in person and sworn to the statements in the application. Dr. R. J. Payne stated that Embrey was totally disabled by age and the infirmities of age. A. E. Bloxton signed his approval as head of the Stafford County Pensions Board. Judge of the Circuit Court J. E. Mason signed approval of the application. After Embrey died in 1909, his widow applied for a pension. Papers in that file show that J. C. W. Embrey enlisted in Company A, 9th Virginia Cavalry, in 1861. He served under Captain E. M. Henry. Miranda A. Embrey, widow of J. C. W. Embrey In March 1914, Miranda A. Embrey applied for a pension as the widow of a Confederate veteran. She stated that she was 72 years old. She was born in Stafford County and had lived there all her life. She was then living in her own house, near Garrisonville. She and her husband, J. C. W. Embrey, had been married on 20 December 1857 at Ebenezer Church. Her husband had died on 7 January 1914 of erysiplas. He had served in A Company, 9th Virginia Cavalry, under Colonel Thomas Waller and Captain E. M. King. R. D. Fritter and W. S. Towson signed as resident witnesses. They stated that they had known the applicant for 30 years and knew her to be a resident of Stafford County and "a woman of good reputation for truth and honesty." F. Moncure witnessed their signatures. Hugh Adie and Thomas B. Gallahan signed as "comrades" of Embrey's, saying that they had served with him in Company A and knew him to have been "faithful in the discharge of his duty" as a soldier. They knew Miranda to have been his wife and knew that he had died on or about 7 January 1914. V. E. Chewning witnessed Gallahan's signing with an X. R. W. Hill, M.D., stated that attacks of erysiplas had caused Embrey to die of "general exhaustion, and Cardiac exhaustion." Hugh Adie and J. A. [?] Evans signed as Confederate veterans who supported Miranda's application. H. M. Tolson, Commissioner of Revenue for Stafford County, stated that Miranda had real and personal property worth $308. A. E. Bloxton, Chairman of the Cou! nty Pensions Board, signified his approval. Finally, there is the signature of a judge whose name appears to be R. H. L. Chichester. In a display of bureaucratic tact at its finest, a Pension Office Clerk wrote to the 77-year-old widow that her pension application had been approved, and that $30 would be sent to her on September 1st "if you are living." The pension was for $30 a year. I am not sure how long Miranda received her pension; she does not appear to be listed in the 1920 census. Summary by Laura Keyes Perry keyesperry@msn.com Pension applications can be accessed from the Library of Virginia site http://eagle.vsla.edu/conpen/virtua-basic.html * * * * The past isn't dead. It isn't even past. -- William Faulkner

Developers are trying to build a town center on Mullins Farm over citizen protests http://www.civilwarinteractive.com/dogwoodpoll.htm

How about just wearing black ? That's what I'll be doing....~malinda > This does not pertain to genealogy but it does pertain to our history: > > Please help commemorate 9/11/2001 with your LIGHTS ON! > Please join us on 9/11. We have about four weeks to get the word out all > across this great land we love and call the United States of America. > On Wednesday, September 11, 2002 everyone in the USA who will be driving a > motor vehicle is asked to drive with their headlights on during daylight > hours. > Though no explanation is needed as to why we are commemorating September > 11.................. we hope, more importantly, to pay respect to the > victims of that day, show our nation's solidarity and show support for our > men and women of the Armed Forces. > You can help by sending this e-mail on to others! > Remember......................9/11 LIGHTS ON! > > > > > > --- > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > Version: 6.0.384 / Virus Database: 216 - Release Date: 8/21/02 > > > ==== VASTAFFO Mailing List ==== > List problems? First, read the Welcome Message that you received > when you subscribed to this list. Feel free to contact me > with questions concerning this list. > Valerie Holmes Thomas, List Administrator, vthomas@otn.net > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 >

This does not pertain to genealogy but it does pertain to our history: Please help commemorate 9/11/2001 with your LIGHTS ON! Please join us on 9/11. We have about four weeks to get the word out all across this great land we love and call the United States of America. On Wednesday, September 11, 2002 everyone in the USA who will be driving a motor vehicle is asked to drive with their headlights on during daylight hours. Though no explanation is needed as to why we are commemorating September 11.................. we hope, more importantly, to pay respect to the victims of that day, show our nation's solidarity and show support for our men and women of the Armed Forces. You can help by sending this e-mail on to others! Remember......................9/11 LIGHTS ON! --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.384 / Virus Database: 216 - Release Date: 8/21/02

Thank you Bright Star, I will forward your message to the National Society of Washington Family Descendants nswfd@juno.com and to some Washington cousins and concerned friends. ~malinda ----- Original Message ----- From: <BrightStar9136@aol.com> To: <AMERIND-US-SE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, August 18, 2002 6:21 PM Subject: [AMERIND-US-SE] *National Park Lines CORRECTION: Fort Necessity Subject: *National Park Lines CORRECTION: Fort Necessity August 17, 2002 Dear National Park Lines Subscribers: There was a typo in the Fort Necessity alert: The first battle of the French & Indian War took place on July 3, *1754*, not 1854. We apologize for this error. Thank you so much for bringing this to our attention. It great to know that we've got some real historians out there! Your feedback is important and very much appreciated. Pasted below is the corrected version of the Fort Necessity alert. Please contact <A HREF="mailto:TakeAction@npca.org">TakeAction@npca.org</A> with any questions. -NPCA Grassroots Staff *********** PENNSYLVANIA: FORT NECESSITY NEEDS YOUR HELP *Individual Phone Calls & Letters Needed! In southwestern Pennsylvania, about 11 miles east of Uniontown, lies Fort Necessity National Battlefield. Here, on July 3, 1754, colonial forces fought the first battle of the French and Indian War, a struggle between Great Britain and France for control of North America. Colonel George Washington, then only 22, commanded British colonial troops within the small stockade known as the Great Meadow. Built as opposition forces were surely and swiftly approaching, Fort Necessity fittingly earned its name. Though Washington's troops were defeated in this battle (the only battle at which Washington surrendered) Great Britain eventually won the war, paving the way for the American Revolution and the birth of our nation. The National Park Service, with state and private partners, is making a valiant effort to protect more of the battlefield landscape with a $12-million investment. This should be cause to celebrate, but many won't be. There's a different battle taking place at Fort Necessity right now. Fayette County has offered to sell 120 acres, valued at $400,000, that lie adjacent to the battlefield, the most significant of all national park lands related to the French and Indian War. The county has found an interested buyer in a Hollywood-funded movie studio. Ironically, the county used money from a special fund, "Project 70," to buy the land in the first place. Under the rules of the purchase, the land is to be used only for open space, recreation and preservation. Unfortunately, Project 70 has an escape clause that allows the Pennsylvania legislature to release the land. TAKE ACTION, PENNSYLVANIA! If you are a Pennsylvania resident use the link below to send a message to your state legislators via <A HREF="http://www2.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/findyourlegislator/find.cfm"> http://www2.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/findyourlegislator/find.cfm</A>. You can cut, paste and personalize the letter we've provided below (see 8B). Let them know you strongly oppose lifting Project 70 status from the 120 acres adjacent to Fort Necessity. A sample letter is provided below. Let your state lawmakers know how important this tract of land is to American history as well as to American Indian people and French and British history. We unfortunately do not have the capacity to set up an automatic letter to your individual state legislators, and we sincerely appreciate your extra effort to protect your country's story and America's beginnings. SAMPLE LETTER & CONTACT INFORMATION: You can search for legislators by county and municipality at this Web site or check the list at the very end of this issue for your own member's contact information: <A REF="http://www2.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/findyourlegislator/find.cfm">http: //www2.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/findyourlegislator/find.cfm</A> > The Honorable Pennsylvania Senate / House of Representatives Harrisburg, PA 17120 Dear Pennsylvania Lawmaker: I urge you to oppose any efforts to lift Project 70 status for the 120-acre Fayette County property that lies adjacent to Fort Necessity National Battlefield. Fort Necessity, as you know, marks the first battle of the French and Indian War, fought between France and Great Britain for control of North America. George Washington, a 22-year-old colonel at that time, commanded colonial troops at the battle, which was the only one ever to end with Washington surrendering. Though the colonials lost, Great Britain prevailed in the war, setting the stage for the American Revolution. If this isn't land worth protecting, I don't know what is. This 120 -acre parcel was awarded 30-years protection under Project 70, which restricts uses to open space, recreation, and preservation. The land has acted as a buffer for the historic Great Meadows, where Washington made his stand. Yet a Hollywood-funded movie producer is looking to turn this historic land into film studios, and the county intends to seek legislative authorization to have Project 70 deed restrictions lifted, removing the land protections. As there are no building-height restrictions set for this proposed development, the people of Pennsylvania have no idea what sort of mammoth movie facility to expect. There are certainly other more suitable lands on which this development could take place. In honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the battle at Fort Necessity and of the French and Indian War, valiant efforts are under way by the National Park Service, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and private-sector donors to enhance and improve the battlefield park, including a $12-million investment in heritage tourism. The park will be providing the American people a new visitor center to better interpret local history and also will remove all non-historic buildings from the cultural landscape surrounding the fort. That's a lot of federal and state tax dollars, as well as private sector money, well spent on enhancing resource protection and interpretation. The intrinsic economic and quality-of-life benefits that Fort Necessity brings to Fayette County each year are irreplaceable. A film studio is not worth the sacrifice of this treasure. Please reject any requests to lift Project 70 deed restrictions from the county land. Urge the Fayette county commissioners to find other, more suitable property for this project. Please protect our history, our county, and our country. Please urge State Senator Richard Kasunic and State Representative Larry Roberts not to introduce this type of legislation for Fayette County. Thank you. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, For more information or assistance contact <A HREF="mailto:TakeAction@npca.org">TakeAction@npca.org</A> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND DEDICATION TO HELP PROTECT NATIONAL PARKS FOR PRESENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS - NPCA GRASSROOTS STAFF (<A HREF="mailto:TakeAction@npca.org">TakeAction@npca.org</A>)

The Library of Virginia has made applications for pensions from Confederate veterans and their widows available online. Some are difficult to read, so if this is your relative, be sure to confirm these details for yourself. John R. Goodwin of Stafford County On 30 September 1902, John R. Goodwin of Onville, Stafford County, applied for a pension as a disabled Confederate veteran. He was 74 years old and had lived in Virginia all his life. He was born in Prince William County. He stated that he had been a member of Company A, 9th Virginia Cavalry, under Captain Thomas Waller and Sergeant Hugh Adie. He had joined the service at Chappawansic in 1862. He had served for only about 6 months when he was captured by the enemy. He was paroled and turned home, where he was disabled by the effects of his confinement. He was now disabled by "disease of the stomach & bladder." He had been a farmer nearly all his life, but now he was unable to work and had no income. Two men who had served with him were John A. Evans and Thomas B. Gallahan. Others who had knowledge of his disability and his service were Captain J. C. Cox and R. L. Arrington. He signed his application -- "J. R. Goodwin" -- and the Clerk of the Circuit County, C. A. Bryan, sign! ed a statement that Goodwin had sworn to the statements in his application. R. D. Fritter and H. S. Abel signed as resident witnesses, stating that they had known Goodwin for 25 years, that he was a resident of the county and was disabled -- crippled, hardly able to get around, and not able to earn his living. [These men probably were Robert D. Fritter and Hawkin S. Abel.] John A. Evans and Thomas Gallahan stated that they had served in Company A, 9th Infantry, with Goodwin, and that he had been a "loyal and true soldier." E. S. Moore and R. H. Bryan signed as Confederate veterans who, though they had not served with Goodwin, could testify that he had been "faithful in the discharge of his duty" and deserved a disability pension. E. M. Sneed, M.D., stated that Goodwin was entirely disabled by rheumatism, bladder trouble, and the infirmities of age. Hugh Adie and J. W. Evans signed as Confederate veterans who had examined Goodwin's application and considered it justified. Wesley Knight, Commissioner of Revenue for Stafford County, stated that Goodwin! owned real and personal property valued at $74. John R. Goodwin was approved for a full pension of $36 a year, and the first payment was made on 2 September 1908. Margaret (Bridwell) Goodwin, widow of John R. Goodwin After her husband's death, Margaret E. Goodwin applied for a pension as the widow of a Confederate veteran. In her application, signed on 16 November 1911, she stated that she was 69 years old. She had been born in Stafford County and lived there all her life. She now was living with her son; her post office address was Onville. She had married John R. Goodwin on 7 June 1858 in Stafford County; the minister was Elder Jno. [Cloe?]. John had died at home on 9 August 1911, attended by Dr. R. W. Hill. Margaret had not remarried. John had served in Company A, 9th Virginia Cavalry, under Colonel Walker [Waller] and Captain Towson. Two "comrades" who had served with him were Jno. W. Evans of Onville and [can't read word] Hugh Adie of Garrisonville. The same men are listed as familiar with the circumstances of John's death. Margaret stated that she had no sources of income, and only the "assistance" provided by her son. She had no real property and personal property worth $150. C. A. Bryan, Clerk of the Circuit Court, certified her statement, which is not signed. R. T. Dent and J. K. Bryan Jr. signed as resident witnesses, stating that they had known the applicant for 20 years and knew her to be a resident of the county and "a woman of good reputation for truth and honesty." J. C. W. Embrey and W. S. Cloe signed as comrades, stating that they had served in the same company with John Goodwin and that he was "a true and loyal soldier." F. M. Mountjoy and J. P. Garrison stated that they had served as Confederate soldiers and, having examined Margaret Goodwin's application, believed it to be accurate and valid. The physician, whose name appears to be Ralph William Hill, stated that John had died of general debility. Seth R. Cooper and Henry T. Garrison signed as ex-Confederate soldiers who supported Margaret's application. The Commissioner of Revenue for the county noted that she had no taxable real or personal property. (C. A. Bryan signed for Commissioner H. M. Tolson.) A. E. Bloxton, Chairman of the County Pension Board, signed his approval. Judge Chichester signed to indicate that the evidence presented was convincing and the witnesses who testified were reliable. The next item in the file is a two-page letter handwritten by "Mrs. M. E. Goodwin," in which she complains that she had not received the pension payment she expected. She attributes this to tardiness on the part of the County Pensions Board. The puzzling thing about this is that it appears to occur in November 1912, which is a full year after Margaret filled out the original application. So there certainly has been a hitch somewhere. A letter from the Pensions Office in Richmond, dated 18 November 1912, says that they had requested John R. Goodwin's records from Washington, stating that he had served in Company A, 9th Virginia Cavalry, under Colonel Thomas Waller and Captain Thomas Towson. They had received the information "that John R. Goodwin enlisted in March, 1862, and is reported as having been taken prisoner on 3 April 1862. No later record of his service is found." The Pensions Office requested statements from his comrades about when John left the service, and whether! "whether or not he left the army in good standing." Margaret responded with another handwritten letter, stating that her husband had "served faithfully" and had "entered and left the army in good standing." She signs her letter, "his aged and afflicted widow, Mrs. M. E. Bridwell." The next item in the file is not really readable (at least in the online image). It seems to be a statement, perhaps by W. S. Cloe and John A. Evans, that Goodwin was a soldier in good standing when he was captured in 1862. The Pensions Office replied that they needed a sworn statement from these 2 men that Goodwin left the service in good standing. On 24 November 1912, Cloe and Evans stated that Goodwin had left the service in good standing, and their statement was witnessed by F. M. Mountjoy, Justice of the Peace. Margaret then received her pension as the widow of a Confederate veteran, beginning in November 1912. Summary by Laura Keyes Perry keyesperry@msn.com Pension applications can be accessed from the Library of Virginia site http://eagle.vsla.edu/conpen/virtua-basic.html * * * *

I am very interested in finding descendants of Jennie Kerns & Edward Stone who married June 7, 1870 in Fredericksburg. I especially would like to know about Edward becasue he was a brother to my ancestor, John Stone. If anyone connects to them & is planning to attend this reunion please let me know. Thank you. Mary To: VASTAFFO-L@rootsweb.com The extended FRITTER family is planning a reunion for the summer of 2003 in Stafford Co., VA. We would like to have as many there as possible, it is open to all interested parties. The Fritter family lived in and around Stafford Co., VA during the 1700's, 1800's to the present day. Some allied families are Garrison, Stone, Bradshaw, Green, Kerns-Kearns, Baker and Horton. A website has been set up at http://home.insightbb.com/~fritterfamilyreunion/index.html or you can email me at kerns@nettally.com with any questions you may have. The more the merrier! Bob >>

JOHN GOTT, an historian, author and tour guide on the history of FAUQUIER County, VA, will speak to the African American Historical Association in October. When & Where: Oct. 5 at 1PM, The Plains, (Fauquier Co) VA.