Do you know your family’s history? How far back can you trace your lineage? If you are an African American descended from
slaves, that quest can be very difficult, often impossible. Most of what we know about the history of
slaves and their families comes from oral traditions carried from generation to
generation. Such is the case of Anthony
Jones, a slave on the Ellwood Plantation in the first half of the 19th
century, and his family.
Shortly before his death in New York City, Jones
shared a believable story of his family and their roles at the plantation. Anthony was the son of Ester and Anthony
Jones, Sr., likely the Black Minister for the plantation’s slaves. Anthony, Sr. and Ester had 8 children, some
of whom are documented on slave censuses from Spotsylvania and Orange Counties.
William Jones, the owner of Ellwood, was widowed in
1825. He remarried a few years later at
78 to Lucinda Gordon, a 16 year old grandniece of his first wife. She brought her personal slave, Patsy, with
her to Ellwood. Like most slaves during
this period, Patsy developed a specialty – her skill was weaving. The younger
Anthony took a shine to Patsy as she sat weaving and, after wooing her for an
extended time, asked her to marry him.
Patsy agreed and Anthony, as the law then required, had to ask for
permission from the plantation owner; after William Jones agreed, Anthony and
Patsy took up residency in the laundry house at Ellwood. They had four children over the next 13
years – the first three (Isaac, Aaron, and Lucy) died in infancy.
Over time, Anthony grew increasingly unhappy with his
Ellwood life, working the fields and gold mining on plantation property. In the early 1840s he opted to run away,
leaving his then pregnant wife Patsy, his parents and his 7 siblings
behind. He was captured and returned to
Fredericksburg where he was jailed and sold to a slave trader, John Ellis. After the sale, Anthony had to accompany his
master on a trip into the Deep South. On
their return by boat, Ellis became sick and died, leaving Anthony in charge of
the owner’s personal belongings. Instead
of returning to Fredericksburg, Anthony stayed on the ship headed to New
York. On arrival, he locked his owner’s
trunk, gave the key to the ship’s captain, and announced that he was going to
Church. He never returned to the ship.
Anthony obtained employment in New York and for the
next few years attempted to correspond with Patsy; she later claimed to have
received only one letter which had to be read to her by the local postmaster
(Almond). Unfortunately, she lost that
letter during the Civil War. She and her youngest child, Anthony III, later
laid claim to the wealth her husband accumulated during his New York working
days. The elder Jones’ siblings, Isaac
Smith and Elizabeth Keaton, also pursued the estate through the New York
probate court. Those proceedings (1873-1876) and their related testimonials
afforded considerable insight into the family, some of which are shared in this
article.
(The rest of the story, obtained from the court
proceedings, will appear in the next episode.)
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
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The plantation system was fully established in Virginia well before our independence from England. Plantations often included several tenant farms and almost certainly used slave labor to work the land. Tenant farmers frequently hired laborers to work the land with the family. If they could afford it, they would choose to purchase slaves, which would be a step up prestige wise, but they had to provide for their basic needs. Plantations with a significant slave population hired overseers to manage the slave workforce. The overseers were usually experienced farmers and in most cases their abuse of slaves was rampant. Both the owner and the overseers regularly carried large whips to “encourage” higher rates of work. They worked the slave labor force tirelessly – usually 6 days a week – and the daily routine rarely varied: rising at sunrise, working all day, and returning at dusk. On larger plantations, slave labor was also used to support the owner and his family as cooks, maids, and nannies. The lady of the manor organized the supervision of her children, the preparation of family meals, and upkeep of the gardens while the actual work fell to the house servants. Other female slaves worked in the fields. Slaves also became skilled craftsmen in such fields as blacksmithing that allowed the plantation to become nearly self-sufficient.
Weekly activities included market days – usually
Wednesday and Saturday – when produce would be transported to town; plantation
owners often used trusted help, including slaves, to conduct varied business
activities in town. During the winter
months after harvest, the plantation owner often provided slave labor to
court-ordered road construction gangs.
Otherwise, the owner would focus on further developing his acreage.
Sundays, for a plantation’s white residents, were for
worshiping and socializing with friends and family. Organized social activities included events
such as county fairs, weddings and horse races.
Slaves’ Sunday activities were much more limited; that day was a time to
rest, socialize with other slaves, tend their small garden plots, when allowed,
and hold religious services.
Slaves’ lives were extraordinarily difficult. Life expectancy – to mid-30s – was about half
that of the white citizenry. Their homes were crude dirt-floored cabins with
little furniture. Tattered hand-me-down blankets, course fabric materials
fashioned into apparel, and basic foods usually lacking in real nutritional
value were the norm. In a benevolent
plantation environment, slave children might be able to play with non-slave
children, even the owner’s children, but generally they were pressed into labor
at an early age and abuse was prevalent. In its ugliest forms, young slave
girls served as mistresses to the plantation’s white population. As a result, the number of “mulattos” in the
slave community rose rapidly.
This plantation system persisted in Virginia and the Wilderness
with only slight variations for 150 years until the Civil War in the 1860s
brought an end to plantation life and slavery.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Have you always dreamed of lake living? Dream no more, the perfect property is now available for you to make it your reality. This home sits on a quiet side street, with inviting curb appeal and sought after fine features, both inside and outside. Boasting an upgraded kitchen just off of the family room, this house is sure to be a perfect fit for family dinners and entertaining friends. Spend your evenings relaxing on the screened porch, the sun room or extensive patio while watching the birds.
Feel like venturing out for the day? You will be pleased with all the community has to offer. A private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods offers anything and everything you could possibly want. Home to two lakes (the 550 acre main lake and a 35 acre “fishing lake”), a golf course, an equestrian center, a fire and rescue department, and a church all within the gates, Lake of the Woods simply has it all. Whether your passion is boating, waterskiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal, from your own deck or yard, or from one of the beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like a game of bridge or volunteering your time and talents…Lake of the Woods offers more than 60 clubs and/or organizations from which you may choose to become involved. Located in Orange County, we are fortunate to enjoy low real estate taxes. Coupled with home prices ranging from $100,000 to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the perfect community for both full-time residents, as well as weekenders. But don’t take my word for it, please come see for yourself! I will gladly give you a tour of Lake of the Woods by boat and by car so that you may experience why I love Lake of the Woods!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
One of the main reasons to move to Virginia is the great quality of life.
If you’re thinking about moving from New York City and buying a property in Virginia, you’re not the only one. A lot of New Yorkers are starting to look for a property in Virginia, and there are a lot of reasons why. One of them is an excellent offer of available jobs. Another is the high numbers of educated people in Virginia. People come to Orange County similar places to start a career and enjoy all that Virginia has to offer. Quiet and crowd-free beaches are a perfect spot to spend your Sunday afternoon at. Similarly, if you’re moving there with kids, you can be sure that there would be a lot of activities to do, like going to amusement parks or museums.
If you want to find a good job, move to Northern Virginia.
Since Northern Virginia is close to Washington D.C., you might want to consider buying a property there. This location is great when it comes to job opportunities and building your career. That’s because a lot of companies are moving into Northern Virginia, meaning that there will be and already are plenty of hiring opportunities for job seekers. If you’re trying to find a job in the government or technology, you’ll see that there are a lot of government agencies and IT companies there. Similarly, if you’re looking to open your own company and need suitable office space, there sure are plenty to find in Northern Virginia. Plus, you’ll be close to the nation’s capital, Washington D.C.
Some other things that Northern Virginia has to offer to New Yorkers are gorgeous mountain views, nature preserves, and spots for camping. New York, on the other hand, is a busy place with plenty of stuff going on nonstop. Virginia, however, is the perfect getaway from all the hustle and bustle of a big city. You’ll have the best of both worlds: amazing career options and much more peaceful surroundings.
If you’re ready to relocate and start a career in Virginia, you’ll need to find a home. Try searching for open houses and see if any meets your standards.
Choose peaceful West Virginia when buying a property.
West Virginia has a lot to offer to those who enjoy the outdoors and a peaceful, natural surrounding.
West Virginia has a lot to offer to those who enjoy the outdoors and a peaceful, natural surrounding Alt tag: Cheat Lake, West Virginia, one of the things worth buying a property in Virginia for
Moreover, if your main reason for moving out of New York City is to find a quieter place, the Appalachian Mountains or the coast are great locations. You can find impressive properties in small towns close to these areas and enjoy your daily peace and quiet.
If you’re a true New Yorker, getting used to the calming natural surroundings and activities that can be done there can take some time. However, this need not be the case. You may discover that you actually quite enjoy nature and the mountainous regions. So, expect to make some lifestyle changes and don’t be afraid to try something new. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some planting and agriculture or go hiking in the mountains. Finally, get ready for some breathtaking natural views, especially in fall. You’ll feel like you’re in a fairy tale just by being surrounded by beautiful nature.
All in all, buying a property in West Virginia is a great idea if you want to save up a bit since it is quite the contrary to the expensive lifestyle back in New York City. So, you’ll just need to find a good real estate agent to help you buy a house in Virginia that best suits your needs.
Virginia is diverse, just like New York City.
Virginia is home to a diverse population that makes this state a beautiful place to live in.
One thing that won’t require plenty of adjusting is diversity in Virginia. Just like in New York City, Virginia is home to a richly diverse population that keeps on growing. There are a lot of Asian Americans as well as Hispanic Americans that live in Virginia. Moreover, many are still relocating there in large numbers. Virginia has become the place of choice for many immigrant families because of cheaper lifestyle and many job offers. That is why you won’t need to worry about buying a property there. Moreover you don’t need to worry about fitting in with the rest of the population. Virginia continues to be a welcoming place for people with all kinds of backgrounds and culture. Find a reliable moving company with experienced workers like the ones from divinemoving.com. With such professionals, moving to a new property in Virginia will actually be an enjoyable process.
Great Education and Healthcare are worth buying a property for.
You can count on great healthcare in Virginia.
Northern Virginia is a place with many prestigious and award-winning hospitals. Similarly, a lot of Virginia’s healthcare institutions are nationally ranked thanks to their exceptional care. So, this alone should be the reason to consider buying a property in Virginia.
Virginia also has the following organizations:
Virginia Health Foundation
The Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics
Moreover, the education system in Virginia is also impressive. Students have amazing results in almost every subject and public schools have high ranks. There are almost 170 universities and colleges which is why there are so many highly educated people. If you are a student or have children, you can be sure that moving to Virginia is a great idea.
If you have bought a home in Virginia you’ll also need a good moving company. They will pack your belongings in cheap but secure boxes. In that way you won’t need to experience any stress during relocation.
Low crime rates and great quality of life
Due to the low crime rates and therefore, a great quality of life, you should certainly consider moving to Virginia. The feeling of being safe in your own home is an important factor to consider when buying a property. Part of the reason for Virginia’s good quality of life is the median income that is significantly higher than the nation’s average. This is due to the fact that there is a large number of people with high education.
In addition, Virginia has a lot of employment opportunities. That is why New Yorkers decide on relocating here and buying a property.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
A new home is a big financial investment. Not only will you likely be pouring a lot of your savings into the purchase, but you’ll also be choosing a place to call home for years to come. The last thing you want is to spend all of that time and money only to discover a costly maintenance or structural issue.
Even though you’ll get a professional inspection done, there are certain red flags that you should specifically be looking out for during the first walkthrough. By recognizing these problem areas right away, you can put emphasis on them during the inspection. Save yourself time, money, and stress, and know these major home-buying warning signs.
Foundational Flaws
It’s not like you can pull the house up from the ground and get a closer look at the foundation, so how do you tell if there are any issues? A few surefire signs of a faulty foundation include sloping floors, swinging and sticking doors, visible cracks above window frames, and cabinets separating from the walls.
Faulty foundations can go on to cause major damage in the home, and like most problems, the longer it goes unrepaired, the worse it will get. Minor cracks will only cost around $500, while major repairs could total up to $10,000. These are expenses you don’t want—and shouldn’t have—to get saddled with, so keep an eye out during the walkthrough and get a professional opinion from the inspection.
Signs of Amateur Repairs
Lots of homeowners choose to DIY repairs for a variety of reasons, from budget issues to scheduling conflicts. If they know what they’re doing (or the project is something relatively simple), then there shouldn’t be any issues. But if they, say, looked up a video tutorial on how to wire electricity to a new outlet—having never done electrical work before—then you might have some problems down the road.
Even small things that seem unimportant, like light switches wired to the wrong lights, leaky faucets, or shoddy tiling work, can be signs of larger problems elsewhere in the home. If you run into things like this, then you might ask your home inspector to take a deeper look into other areas of the house that have been recently repaired.
Concealed Damage
Speaking of amateur repairs, some problems might seem a little too big (or expensive) to fix. That’s when homeowners might try to cover it up instead of paying for repairs. For example: a fresh coat of paint is to be expected in many homes on the market. But if the paint only covers a small section of the wall or is dotted around the ceiling, that could mean the owner is trying to hide water damage. Depending on how extensive the damage is, it will cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to repair. And if it sneaks past the inspection, it could be on your dime.
In the same vein, things like candles and air fresheners are also expected during showings. But if you notice that the scents are a little too strong, then the sellers could be trying to cover up mold or mildew odors, smelly pets, or damage from smoking. A home is a huge investment, so don’t be afraid to really look into that dry wall and make sure it’s mold-free.
Roofs in Disrepair
Remember those spots of fresh paint? If you notice those in a house, then there’s a pretty good chance that the water is coming from the roof. Other major signs of a damaged roof include curling or missing shingles, signs of buckling, discoloration or stains, and leaning or loose chimneys and gutters.
While a home inspector will likely check the roof, if you notice any of the above signs, you may want to ask for an extra in-depth look. After all, roof repairs can cost anywhere from $200 to several thousand dollars, so even though the roof is out of sight, always keep it in mind.
Need Some Help Searching?
Buying a home is a huge investment, and you want to make sure you’re spending your money wisely. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the walk through process, don’t worry—we’re here to help. Not only can we point out any issues we see with the home right away, but we can also recommend top inspectors and help with negotiations for repairs.
Explore a few more of the home-buying resources we have to offer, and give us a call when you’re ready to see a few homes!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
