Birth and Childhood
On December 7, 1843, Thomas was born in Catonsville, Maryland to Eli and Sarah Woolfenden. Eli's parents, James and Hannah Woolfenden immigrated to Baltimore with their family from Royton, England around 1819. Thomas' mother Sarah Bailey Woolfenden died in childbirth in 1848. Thomas was five years old.
In 1850 Thomas was living on his father Eli's farm in Catonsville, MD on the Frederick Turn Pike Road which connects Ellicott Mills with Baltimore. The road is now known as Route 144. Thomas was 7 years old on the day that his household was counted in the 1st District of Baltimore County, MD for the 1850 U.S. Census. He was listed as having attended school in the past year.
In the 1860 U.S. Census for the 1st District of Baltimore County, MD, Thomas was still living on his father's farm in Catonsville and was 16 years old. He was listed as a farmhand.
Military Service, War Between the States, 1862-1865
On September 28, 1862, Thomas enlisted in Company C, 8th Maryland Regiment (U.S.) in Washington County, Maryland. His rank was private and his enlistment was for three years. This is according to the State of Maryland records, which are located in the City of Baltimore. However, the U.S. Army records from the National Archives in Washington, D.C. state that Thomas mustered in on August 18, 1862 at Camp Bradford, Baltimore, MD. The regiment took the field on September 18, 1862 with the Army of the Potomac, then on the banks of the Potomac, in Western Maryland, in response to General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia which had invaded Maryland and made a demonstration in the direction of Baltimore.
The 8th Maryland Regiment, part of the Maryland Brigade, was part of the Army of the Potomac (U.S.). In January of 1863, Thomas is listed as absent, on January 24, 1863, he is listed as deserted. It turned out that he was in the Division Hospital. His January and February 1863 Company muster roll lists him as present, with the remarks that he forfeits 12 days pay by regimental order, dated November 13, 1863. The unit served briefly during April of 1863 in West Virginia where it operated around Clarksburg, West Virginia. All members of the unit were awarded medals from what would become the State of West Virginia for their service in the state. The unit returned to Bolivar Heights, Virginia on May 27, 1863. In June and July, 1863 the 8th Regiment was held as a reserve to the Army of the Potomac and to protect Washington during the Gettysburg campaign. The unit participated in skirmishes at Maryland Heights, July 7, 1863, and Funkstown, MD, July 12, 1863.
The unit was in the line of battle at the Wilderness, VA on May 5-7, 1864. The unit also participated in the battle of Spottsylvania Courthouse, VA, May 8-20, 1864. Other battles it was in were Harris' Farm, VA, May 19, 1864; North Anna, VA, May 23-27, 1864; Shady Grove, VA, May 30, 1864; Bethesda Church, VA, May 31 and June 1, 1864; Cold Harbor, VA, June 2-5, 1864, Petersburg, VA, June 17-18, 1864; siege of Petersburg, VA, 1864-1865; Weldon Railroad, VA, August 18-21, 1864 (Thomas was listed as sick in the Division Hospital in August, 1864. The number of days is not given.); Poplar Springs Church, VA, September 30, 1864; Chapel House, VA, October 1-3, 1864; Peeble's Farm, VA, October 7, 1864; Hicksford, VA, December 7-12, 1864; On October 12, 1864 the Brigade voted on the adoption of the new Maryland Constitution abolishing slavery. The 8th Regiment voted 79 to 18 for the new constitution.
Hatcher's Run, VA, February 5, 1865; Dabney's Mill, VA, February 6, 1865; White Oak Road, VA, March 31, 1865 (Thomas is listed as absent on furlough on the March and April, 1865 Company muster. The length of the furlough is not given.); Five Forks, VA, April 1, 1865; and, the surrender at Appomattox, VA, April 9, 1865.
New Year's Day, 1864; the brigade settled down under Pony Mountain, which is beyond Culpepper Court House, for the winter. The men build log huts, using shelter tents for roofs, four men per hut. The huts had fire places and chimminies. They left winter quarters on May 3, 1864.
According to the book, "Cold Harbor, Grant and Lee, May 26 - June 3, 1864" by Gordon C. Rhea, on May 31 - June 1, 1864, Thomas' unit crossed the Pamunkey River near Dabney Ferry on May 28, 1864. On May 29, 1864 his unit was in the vicinity of Haw's Shop and Totopotomoy Creek. On May 30 his unit was on the far southeastern flank just east of Bethesda Church and north of Old Church Road. By the second phase of the Battle of Bethesda Church his unit extended from Shady Grove Road near the intersection before the Armstrong farm south towards Matadequin Creek. He was near Jenkins farm and Bethesda Church on May 31, serving in the 2nd Division, commanded by Brigadier General Henry H. Lockwood. The 2nd Division was part of the 5th Army Corps under the command of Major General Gouverneur K. Warren. At 7:00 am on May 31, 1864 Lockwood's division set off towards Cold Harbour heading towards the Bosher place. During the evening of June 1 Thomas' unit camped on the Bosher farm. On June 2 Lockwood's unit held the Union line between Cutler and Martindale at the Bosher farm. By nightfall on June 2 the division ran from the Jenkins farm to the Bosher farm. By the morning of June 3 the Confederates were attacking Cutler's command, to the right of Crawford, where Thomas' company was.
On August 2, 1864 during the Battle of the Crater near Petersburg the unit remained in the deep cut of the railroad all of the time that the fight was going on and returned to its former camp about 12 o'clock. On August 3 the brigade was ordered to occupy the 2nd line of works confronting Fort Hell, also known as Fort Mahone and remained there until August 7.
On April 15, 1865 the command started its return march to Washington by way of Farmville, Burkesville, and Little Sandy Run. Then to Nottoway Court House on the 20th. Left Nottoway Court House on May 1 and reached Wilson Station. May 2 via Sutherland Station to within five miles of Petersburg. May 3, passed thru Petersburg and up the Petersburg and Richmond pike to Druy's Bluff. May 4, moved off and arriving at Manchester. May 6 entered Richmond and passed in review before Generals Halleck and Meade. Continued to Hanover Court House. May 7 marched to Concord Church. May 8, marched to Milford Station. May 9, crossing Massaponox and Rappahannock Rivers, camping opposite Fredericksburg. May 10, crossed Aquia Creek. May 11, bivouacked near Fairfax Station. May 12, marched via Fairfax Court House to Columbia Pike and went into camp on Arlington Heights.
On May 23, 1865 the unit was in the Grand Review by President Johnson, Secretary of War Stanton, Generals Grand and Meade, Halleck and others in Washington, D.C.
Thomas was mustered out at Arlington Heights, VA on May 31, 1865. He received $75.00 dollars and his discharge on June 10. The unit then returned to Baltimore, MD via the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. On June 6 they were received by the Governor Brundford of Maryland, the Mayor of Baltimore, and a large group of people in Druid Hill Park.
See the Word document, 8th MD and the Word document Eighth Maryland for additional information. Also used as a source, The History of the Maryland Brigade, USA, Bowerman, Richard N., call MS 1860, item: Q9700000006844
Post Military
By 1867-1868 Thomas appears in the Baltimore City Directory at 461 W. Lomard Avenue. Thomas was a member of the Franklin Lodge of the Odd Fellows in Baltimore during the period of September 1867 to September 1870. It is believed that Thomas' father-in-law, Jacob Jones, was also in the Odd Fellows Lodge.
In the 1868-1869 edition of the Baltimore City Directory, Thomas' father Eli is also listed as living at 461 W. Lomard Avenue. This is also true for 1870. On September 13, 1869, Thomas signs a lease for a part of the property known as Mount Clair with Daniel Sheehan.
Marriage and Family Life, Baltimore City Years
On September 29, 1869 Thomas, age 23, married Isabella Jones, age 22, in the city of Baltimore, MD. The official was Jno. J. Murray.
In 1871 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as a carpenter residing at 437 W. Lomard Avenue.
In 1872 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at Millred lane near Frederick.
In 1873 and 1874 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at Loudon Avenue near Millington.
In 1876 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at Millington lane near Frederick Avenue. On November 15 of this year, Thomas and Isabelle, for the price of $472.00 dollars, purchased 140 acres in Prince William County, Virginia from Benjamin P. and Mary A. Ledley. Baltimore City tax records for 1876 show that Thomas and James owned a 14 x 100 lot on Marriott Street with assessments of $125.00 dollars, land; $400.00 dollars, house; and, $40.00, furniture.
In 1877 and 1878 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at McHenry near Millington lane.
In 1879, 1880, and 1881 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at 7 Marriott.
In 1884 and 1885 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at 6 Marriott. Thomas and Isabelle were attending The Church of the Holy Cross (Episcopal) at this time. Their records show that the sixth child of Thomas and Isabelle, Hattie Irene Elizabeth Woolfenden, was baptized at Holy Cross on April 16, 1884. On March 26, 1885, Thomas deeded his lease to the part of Mount Clair that he leased on September 13, 1869 to Hennitta Schlens and Gustav Adolph Schlens.
Move to Virginia, Later Family Years
It is most likely that Thomas and his family moved to Virginia sometime during the spring of 1885. The first documented evidence of their Virginia residency listed below.
By February 15, 1886 Thomas, Isabelle and their surviving children were residing in Prince William County, Virginia on the property that they purchased in 1876. This is evidenced by the deed for one acre to the trustees of Bellehaven Missionary Baptist Church.
In 1889, for the price of $325.00, Thomas purchased 124 1/2 acres from Mary Wait in Prince William County, Virginia.
James Luck, Sr. and James Arthur Vetter founded the Manassas and Dumfries Telephone Company in the Parlor of the Woolfenden home at Kopp, Virginia on March 1, 1903.
The following is from an article in the March 24, 1910 Manassas Democrat newspaper, and from the book, "Kopp Virginia", Casmere Woolfenden Kistner: "A lemon tree that deserves mention in some farm journal or fruit growers catalogue is the property of Mrs T. Woolfenden, Sr. of Kopp. There are nine perfect lemons on it, one dropped off last week and weighed one and one half pounds, another still on the tree will weigh about two and one fourth pounds Mr. Woolfenden says, TELL THE FOLKS WE CAN RAISE ANYTHING DOWN HERE. We would not mind being 'handed a lemon' every day in the week if they were like those."
In 1910, for the price of $100.00, Thomas sold 6 1/2 acres to P.M. and Maggie Cole in Prince William County, Virginia.
In 1911, for the price of $10.00 and other considerations, Thomas purchased 140 acres from C.F. Stoll in Prince William County, Virginia. Thomas was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Highland Lodge #252, at Independent Hill, Virginia, as were a number of his sons. The lodge was founded in 1911. The building still stands today at Independent Hill, Virginia.
On November 28, 1919, the Manassas Journal newspaper featured this story in the Kopp column:
Excitement reigned in the neighborhood on a recent Sunday afternoon when Captain I. C. LeBoutiller, RAF, lighted with his airplane in Mr. Thomas Woolfenden's field. In a few moments automobiles, horseback riders and walkers could be seen coming from every direction, the crowd consisting of preachers, teachers, farmers, and mechanics.
Capt. LeBoutiller E. M. Stouffacher, his mechanic, enlisted in the Canadian forces when the war broke out and went across to England, where they completed their aviation course. When the American forces were sent over they then joined the Americans and fought with them until the armistice was signed. After souring to a height of 22,000 feet they are said to have brought down two Hun planes, made prisoners of the occupants and returned to their lines in safety, Capt. LeBoutiller receiving only a slight wound. The aviators spend the night with Mr. Thomas Woolfenden and left about eight o'clock for North Carolina where the plane will be delivered to a person who purchased it at the close of the war.
Until his death on April 26, 1926, Thomas and his family continued to reside on this farm . His children continued to own the farm until it was purchased by the U.S. Navy as part of the expansion of the Quantico Marine Corps Base in 1942. They attended church during these years at Bellehaven Missionary Baptist Church.
Death
Thomas Woolfenden died on his farm at Kopp, Virginia on April 26, 1926. He was buried in the southwest corner of the Belle Haven Missionary Baptist Church graveyard. The southwest corner of the cemetery is closest to the family home. The graveyard is now a part of the Quantico Marine Corps Base, which is located in the southeastern part of Prince William County, Virginia, just six miles west of the entrance to Prince William Forest Park . The direct entrance at Belfair Crossroads was closed after 9-11, except for special occasions. Due to base security, the cemetery must be accessed via the Russell Road gate of the base, then following Route MCB 1 towards Camp Upsher. The cemetery is next to the rifle range in the R-14 training area. The building is gone. All that is left of it is the front sidewalk, which was installed in 1912. The cemetery and church was named after Thomas' wife Isabelle Jones Woolfenden.
Grave Stone Dedication: The current gravestone, installed in 2013, was dedicated, along with that of Daniel Magee, on 04 May, 2019, at 11 am by the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War. Also participating was the Daughters of the American Revolution and Bugles Across America. https://youtu.be/WRkDi6TwUXY
On December 7, 1843, Thomas was born in Catonsville, Maryland to Eli and Sarah Woolfenden. Eli's parents, James and Hannah Woolfenden immigrated to Baltimore with their family from Royton, England around 1819. Thomas' mother Sarah Bailey Woolfenden died in childbirth in 1848. Thomas was five years old.
In 1850 Thomas was living on his father Eli's farm in Catonsville, MD on the Frederick Turn Pike Road which connects Ellicott Mills with Baltimore. The road is now known as Route 144. Thomas was 7 years old on the day that his household was counted in the 1st District of Baltimore County, MD for the 1850 U.S. Census. He was listed as having attended school in the past year.
In the 1860 U.S. Census for the 1st District of Baltimore County, MD, Thomas was still living on his father's farm in Catonsville and was 16 years old. He was listed as a farmhand.
Military Service, War Between the States, 1862-1865
On September 28, 1862, Thomas enlisted in Company C, 8th Maryland Regiment (U.S.) in Washington County, Maryland. His rank was private and his enlistment was for three years. This is according to the State of Maryland records, which are located in the City of Baltimore. However, the U.S. Army records from the National Archives in Washington, D.C. state that Thomas mustered in on August 18, 1862 at Camp Bradford, Baltimore, MD. The regiment took the field on September 18, 1862 with the Army of the Potomac, then on the banks of the Potomac, in Western Maryland, in response to General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia which had invaded Maryland and made a demonstration in the direction of Baltimore.
The 8th Maryland Regiment, part of the Maryland Brigade, was part of the Army of the Potomac (U.S.). In January of 1863, Thomas is listed as absent, on January 24, 1863, he is listed as deserted. It turned out that he was in the Division Hospital. His January and February 1863 Company muster roll lists him as present, with the remarks that he forfeits 12 days pay by regimental order, dated November 13, 1863. The unit served briefly during April of 1863 in West Virginia where it operated around Clarksburg, West Virginia. All members of the unit were awarded medals from what would become the State of West Virginia for their service in the state. The unit returned to Bolivar Heights, Virginia on May 27, 1863. In June and July, 1863 the 8th Regiment was held as a reserve to the Army of the Potomac and to protect Washington during the Gettysburg campaign. The unit participated in skirmishes at Maryland Heights, July 7, 1863, and Funkstown, MD, July 12, 1863.
The unit was in the line of battle at the Wilderness, VA on May 5-7, 1864. The unit also participated in the battle of Spottsylvania Courthouse, VA, May 8-20, 1864. Other battles it was in were Harris' Farm, VA, May 19, 1864; North Anna, VA, May 23-27, 1864; Shady Grove, VA, May 30, 1864; Bethesda Church, VA, May 31 and June 1, 1864; Cold Harbor, VA, June 2-5, 1864, Petersburg, VA, June 17-18, 1864; siege of Petersburg, VA, 1864-1865; Weldon Railroad, VA, August 18-21, 1864 (Thomas was listed as sick in the Division Hospital in August, 1864. The number of days is not given.); Poplar Springs Church, VA, September 30, 1864; Chapel House, VA, October 1-3, 1864; Peeble's Farm, VA, October 7, 1864; Hicksford, VA, December 7-12, 1864; On October 12, 1864 the Brigade voted on the adoption of the new Maryland Constitution abolishing slavery. The 8th Regiment voted 79 to 18 for the new constitution.
Hatcher's Run, VA, February 5, 1865; Dabney's Mill, VA, February 6, 1865; White Oak Road, VA, March 31, 1865 (Thomas is listed as absent on furlough on the March and April, 1865 Company muster. The length of the furlough is not given.); Five Forks, VA, April 1, 1865; and, the surrender at Appomattox, VA, April 9, 1865.
New Year's Day, 1864; the brigade settled down under Pony Mountain, which is beyond Culpepper Court House, for the winter. The men build log huts, using shelter tents for roofs, four men per hut. The huts had fire places and chimminies. They left winter quarters on May 3, 1864.
According to the book, "Cold Harbor, Grant and Lee, May 26 - June 3, 1864" by Gordon C. Rhea, on May 31 - June 1, 1864, Thomas' unit crossed the Pamunkey River near Dabney Ferry on May 28, 1864. On May 29, 1864 his unit was in the vicinity of Haw's Shop and Totopotomoy Creek. On May 30 his unit was on the far southeastern flank just east of Bethesda Church and north of Old Church Road. By the second phase of the Battle of Bethesda Church his unit extended from Shady Grove Road near the intersection before the Armstrong farm south towards Matadequin Creek. He was near Jenkins farm and Bethesda Church on May 31, serving in the 2nd Division, commanded by Brigadier General Henry H. Lockwood. The 2nd Division was part of the 5th Army Corps under the command of Major General Gouverneur K. Warren. At 7:00 am on May 31, 1864 Lockwood's division set off towards Cold Harbour heading towards the Bosher place. During the evening of June 1 Thomas' unit camped on the Bosher farm. On June 2 Lockwood's unit held the Union line between Cutler and Martindale at the Bosher farm. By nightfall on June 2 the division ran from the Jenkins farm to the Bosher farm. By the morning of June 3 the Confederates were attacking Cutler's command, to the right of Crawford, where Thomas' company was.
On August 2, 1864 during the Battle of the Crater near Petersburg the unit remained in the deep cut of the railroad all of the time that the fight was going on and returned to its former camp about 12 o'clock. On August 3 the brigade was ordered to occupy the 2nd line of works confronting Fort Hell, also known as Fort Mahone and remained there until August 7.
On April 15, 1865 the command started its return march to Washington by way of Farmville, Burkesville, and Little Sandy Run. Then to Nottoway Court House on the 20th. Left Nottoway Court House on May 1 and reached Wilson Station. May 2 via Sutherland Station to within five miles of Petersburg. May 3, passed thru Petersburg and up the Petersburg and Richmond pike to Druy's Bluff. May 4, moved off and arriving at Manchester. May 6 entered Richmond and passed in review before Generals Halleck and Meade. Continued to Hanover Court House. May 7 marched to Concord Church. May 8, marched to Milford Station. May 9, crossing Massaponox and Rappahannock Rivers, camping opposite Fredericksburg. May 10, crossed Aquia Creek. May 11, bivouacked near Fairfax Station. May 12, marched via Fairfax Court House to Columbia Pike and went into camp on Arlington Heights.
On May 23, 1865 the unit was in the Grand Review by President Johnson, Secretary of War Stanton, Generals Grand and Meade, Halleck and others in Washington, D.C.
Thomas was mustered out at Arlington Heights, VA on May 31, 1865. He received $75.00 dollars and his discharge on June 10. The unit then returned to Baltimore, MD via the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. On June 6 they were received by the Governor Brundford of Maryland, the Mayor of Baltimore, and a large group of people in Druid Hill Park.
See the Word document, 8th MD and the Word document Eighth Maryland for additional information. Also used as a source, The History of the Maryland Brigade, USA, Bowerman, Richard N., call MS 1860, item: Q9700000006844
Post Military
By 1867-1868 Thomas appears in the Baltimore City Directory at 461 W. Lomard Avenue. Thomas was a member of the Franklin Lodge of the Odd Fellows in Baltimore during the period of September 1867 to September 1870. It is believed that Thomas' father-in-law, Jacob Jones, was also in the Odd Fellows Lodge.
In the 1868-1869 edition of the Baltimore City Directory, Thomas' father Eli is also listed as living at 461 W. Lomard Avenue. This is also true for 1870. On September 13, 1869, Thomas signs a lease for a part of the property known as Mount Clair with Daniel Sheehan.
Marriage and Family Life, Baltimore City Years
On September 29, 1869 Thomas, age 23, married Isabella Jones, age 22, in the city of Baltimore, MD. The official was Jno. J. Murray.
In 1871 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as a carpenter residing at 437 W. Lomard Avenue.
In 1872 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at Millred lane near Frederick.
In 1873 and 1874 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at Loudon Avenue near Millington.
In 1876 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at Millington lane near Frederick Avenue. On November 15 of this year, Thomas and Isabelle, for the price of $472.00 dollars, purchased 140 acres in Prince William County, Virginia from Benjamin P. and Mary A. Ledley. Baltimore City tax records for 1876 show that Thomas and James owned a 14 x 100 lot on Marriott Street with assessments of $125.00 dollars, land; $400.00 dollars, house; and, $40.00, furniture.
In 1877 and 1878 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at McHenry near Millington lane.
In 1879, 1880, and 1881 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at 7 Marriott.
In 1884 and 1885 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at 6 Marriott. Thomas and Isabelle were attending The Church of the Holy Cross (Episcopal) at this time. Their records show that the sixth child of Thomas and Isabelle, Hattie Irene Elizabeth Woolfenden, was baptized at Holy Cross on April 16, 1884. On March 26, 1885, Thomas deeded his lease to the part of Mount Clair that he leased on September 13, 1869 to Hennitta Schlens and Gustav Adolph Schlens.
Move to Virginia, Later Family Years
It is most likely that Thomas and his family moved to Virginia sometime during the spring of 1885. The first documented evidence of their Virginia residency listed below.
By February 15, 1886 Thomas, Isabelle and their surviving children were residing in Prince William County, Virginia on the property that they purchased in 1876. This is evidenced by the deed for one acre to the trustees of Bellehaven Missionary Baptist Church.
In 1889, for the price of $325.00, Thomas purchased 124 1/2 acres from Mary Wait in Prince William County, Virginia.
James Luck, Sr. and James Arthur Vetter founded the Manassas and Dumfries Telephone Company in the Parlor of the Woolfenden home at Kopp, Virginia on March 1, 1903.
The following is from an article in the March 24, 1910 Manassas Democrat newspaper, and from the book, "Kopp Virginia", Casmere Woolfenden Kistner: "A lemon tree that deserves mention in some farm journal or fruit growers catalogue is the property of Mrs T. Woolfenden, Sr. of Kopp. There are nine perfect lemons on it, one dropped off last week and weighed one and one half pounds, another still on the tree will weigh about two and one fourth pounds Mr. Woolfenden says, TELL THE FOLKS WE CAN RAISE ANYTHING DOWN HERE. We would not mind being 'handed a lemon' every day in the week if they were like those."
In 1910, for the price of $100.00, Thomas sold 6 1/2 acres to P.M. and Maggie Cole in Prince William County, Virginia.
In 1911, for the price of $10.00 and other considerations, Thomas purchased 140 acres from C.F. Stoll in Prince William County, Virginia. Thomas was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Highland Lodge #252, at Independent Hill, Virginia, as were a number of his sons. The lodge was founded in 1911. The building still stands today at Independent Hill, Virginia.
On November 28, 1919, the Manassas Journal newspaper featured this story in the Kopp column:
Excitement reigned in the neighborhood on a recent Sunday afternoon when Captain I. C. LeBoutiller, RAF, lighted with his airplane in Mr. Thomas Woolfenden's field. In a few moments automobiles, horseback riders and walkers could be seen coming from every direction, the crowd consisting of preachers, teachers, farmers, and mechanics.
Capt. LeBoutiller E. M. Stouffacher, his mechanic, enlisted in the Canadian forces when the war broke out and went across to England, where they completed their aviation course. When the American forces were sent over they then joined the Americans and fought with them until the armistice was signed. After souring to a height of 22,000 feet they are said to have brought down two Hun planes, made prisoners of the occupants and returned to their lines in safety, Capt. LeBoutiller receiving only a slight wound. The aviators spend the night with Mr. Thomas Woolfenden and left about eight o'clock for North Carolina where the plane will be delivered to a person who purchased it at the close of the war.
Until his death on April 26, 1926, Thomas and his family continued to reside on this farm . His children continued to own the farm until it was purchased by the U.S. Navy as part of the expansion of the Quantico Marine Corps Base in 1942. They attended church during these years at Bellehaven Missionary Baptist Church.
Death
Thomas Woolfenden died on his farm at Kopp, Virginia on April 26, 1926. He was buried in the southwest corner of the Belle Haven Missionary Baptist Church graveyard. The southwest corner of the cemetery is closest to the family home. The graveyard is now a part of the Quantico Marine Corps Base, which is located in the southeastern part of Prince William County, Virginia, just six miles west of the entrance to Prince William Forest Park . The direct entrance at Belfair Crossroads was closed after 9-11, except for special occasions. Due to base security, the cemetery must be accessed via the Russell Road gate of the base, then following Route MCB 1 towards Camp Upsher. The cemetery is next to the rifle range in the R-14 training area. The building is gone. All that is left of it is the front sidewalk, which was installed in 1912. The cemetery and church was named after Thomas' wife Isabelle Jones Woolfenden.
Grave Stone Dedication: The current gravestone, installed in 2013, was dedicated, along with that of Daniel Magee, on 04 May, 2019, at 11 am by the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War. Also participating was the Daughters of the American Revolution and Bugles Across America. https://youtu.be/WRkDi6TwUXY
Birth and Childhood
On December 7, 1843, Thomas was born in Catonsville, Maryland to Eli and Sarah Woolfenden. Eli's parents, James and Hannah Woolfenden immigrated to Baltimore with their family from Royton, England around 1819. Thomas' mother Sarah Bailey Woolfenden died in childbirth in 1848. Thomas was five years old.
In 1850 Thomas was living on his father Eli's farm in Catonsville, MD on the Frederick Turn Pike Road which connects Ellicott Mills with Baltimore. The road is now known as Route 144. Thomas was 7 years old on the day that his household was counted in the 1st District of Baltimore County, MD for the 1850 U.S. Census. He was listed as having attended school in the past year.
In the 1860 U.S. Census for the 1st District of Baltimore County, MD, Thomas was still living on his father's farm in Catonsville and was 16 years old. He was listed as a farmhand.
Military Service, War Between the States, 1862-1865
On September 28, 1862, Thomas enlisted in Company C, 8th Maryland Regiment (U.S.) in Washington County, Maryland. His rank was private and his enlistment was for three years. This is according to the State of Maryland records, which are located in the City of Baltimore. However, the U.S. Army records from the National Archives in Washington, D.C. state that Thomas mustered in on August 18, 1862 at Camp Bradford, Baltimore, MD. The regiment took the field on September 18, 1862 with the Army of the Potomac, then on the banks of the Potomac, in Western Maryland, in response to General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia which had invaded Maryland and made a demonstration in the direction of Baltimore.
The 8th Maryland Regiment, part of the Maryland Brigade, was part of the Army of the Potomac (U.S.). In January of 1863, Thomas is listed as absent, on January 24, 1863, he is listed as deserted. It turned out that he was in the Division Hospital. His January and February 1863 Company muster roll lists him as present, with the remarks that he forfeits 12 days pay by regimental order, dated November 13, 1863. The unit served briefly during April of 1863 in West Virginia where it operated around Clarksburg, West Virginia. All members of the unit were awarded medals from what would become the State of West Virginia for their service in the state. The unit returned to Bolivar Heights, Virginia on May 27, 1863. In June and July, 1863 the 8th Regiment was held as a reserve to the Army of the Potomac and to protect Washington during the Gettysburg campaign. The unit participated in skirmishes at Maryland Heights, July 7, 1863, and Funkstown, MD, July 12, 1863.
The unit was in the line of battle at the Wilderness, VA on May 5-7, 1864. The unit also participated in the battle of Spottsylvania Courthouse, VA, May 8-20, 1864. Other battles it was in were Harris' Farm, VA, May 19, 1864; North Anna, VA, May 23-27, 1864; Shady Grove, VA, May 30, 1864; Bethesda Church, VA, May 31 and June 1, 1864; Cold Harbor, VA, June 2-5, 1864, Petersburg, VA, June 17-18, 1864; siege of Petersburg, VA, 1864-1865; Weldon Railroad, VA, August 18-21, 1864 (Thomas was listed as sick in the Division Hospital in August, 1864. The number of days is not given.); Poplar Springs Church, VA, September 30, 1864; Chapel House, VA, October 1-3, 1864; Peeble's Farm, VA, October 7, 1864; Hicksford, VA, December 7-12, 1864; On October 12, 1864 the Brigade voted on the adoption of the new Maryland Constitution abolishing slavery. The 8th Regiment voted 79 to 18 for the new constitution.
Hatcher's Run, VA, February 5, 1865; Dabney's Mill, VA, February 6, 1865; White Oak Road, VA, March 31, 1865 (Thomas is listed as absent on furlough on the March and April, 1865 Company muster. The length of the furlough is not given.); Five Forks, VA, April 1, 1865; and, the surrender at Appomattox, VA, April 9, 1865.
New Year's Day, 1864; the brigade settled down under Pony Mountain, which is beyond Culpepper Court House, for the winter. The men build log huts, using shelter tents for roofs, four men per hut. The huts had fire places and chimminies. They left winter quarters on May 3, 1864.
According to the book, "Cold Harbor, Grant and Lee, May 26 - June 3, 1864" by Gordon C. Rhea, on May 31 - June 1, 1864, Thomas' unit crossed the Pamunkey River near Dabney Ferry on May 28, 1864. On May 29, 1864 his unit was in the vicinity of Haw's Shop and Totopotomoy Creek. On May 30 his unit was on the far southeastern flank just east of Bethesda Church and north of Old Church Road. By the second phase of the Battle of Bethesda Church his unit extended from Shady Grove Road near the intersection before the Armstrong farm south towards Matadequin Creek. He was near Jenkins farm and Bethesda Church on May 31, serving in the 2nd Division, commanded by Brigadier General Henry H. Lockwood. The 2nd Division was part of the 5th Army Corps under the command of Major General Gouverneur K. Warren. At 7:00 am on May 31, 1864 Lockwood's division set off towards Cold Harbour heading towards the Bosher place. During the evening of June 1 Thomas' unit camped on the Bosher farm. On June 2 Lockwood's unit held the Union line between Cutler and Martindale at the Bosher farm. By nightfall on June 2 the division ran from the Jenkins farm to the Bosher farm. By the morning of June 3 the Confederates were attacking Cutler's command, to the right of Crawford, where Thomas' company was.
On August 2, 1864 during the Battle of the Crater near Petersburg the unit remained in the deep cut of the railroad all of the time that the fight was going on and returned to its former camp about 12 o'clock. On August 3 the brigade was ordered to occupy the 2nd line of works confronting Fort Hell, also known as Fort Mahone and remained there until August 7.
On April 15, 1865 the command started its return march to Washington by way of Farmville, Burkesville, and Little Sandy Run. Then to Nottoway Court House on the 20th. Left Nottoway Court House on May 1 and reached Wilson Station. May 2 via Sutherland Station to within five miles of Petersburg. May 3, passed thru Petersburg and up the Petersburg and Richmond pike to Druy's Bluff. May 4, moved off and arriving at Manchester. May 6 entered Richmond and passed in review before Generals Halleck and Meade. Continued to Hanover Court House. May 7 marched to Concord Church. May 8, marched to Milford Station. May 9, crossing Massaponox and Rappahannock Rivers, camping opposite Fredericksburg. May 10, crossed Aquia Creek. May 11, bivouacked near Fairfax Station. May 12, marched via Fairfax Court House to Columbia Pike and went into camp on Arlington Heights.
On May 23, 1865 the unit was in the Grand Review by President Johnson, Secretary of War Stanton, Generals Grand and Meade, Halleck and others in Washington, D.C.
Thomas was mustered out at Arlington Heights, VA on May 31, 1865. He received $75.00 dollars and his discharge on June 10. The unit then returned to Baltimore, MD via the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. On June 6 they were received by the Governor Brundford of Maryland, the Mayor of Baltimore, and a large group of people in Druid Hill Park.
See the Word document, 8th MD and the Word document Eighth Maryland for additional information. Also used as a source, The History of the Maryland Brigade, USA, Bowerman, Richard N., call MS 1860, item: Q9700000006844
Post Military
By 1867-1868 Thomas appears in the Baltimore City Directory at 461 W. Lomard Avenue. Thomas was a member of the Franklin Lodge of the Odd Fellows in Baltimore during the period of September 1867 to September 1870. It is believed that Thomas' father-in-law, Jacob Jones, was also in the Odd Fellows Lodge.
In the 1868-1869 edition of the Baltimore City Directory, Thomas' father Eli is also listed as living at 461 W. Lomard Avenue. This is also true for 1870. On September 13, 1869, Thomas signs a lease for a part of the property known as Mount Clair with Daniel Sheehan.
Marriage and Family Life, Baltimore City Years
On September 29, 1869 Thomas, age 23, married Isabella Jones, age 22, in the city of Baltimore, MD. The official was Jno. J. Murray.
In 1871 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as a carpenter residing at 437 W. Lomard Avenue.
In 1872 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at Millred lane near Frederick.
In 1873 and 1874 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at Loudon Avenue near Millington.
In 1876 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at Millington lane near Frederick Avenue. On November 15 of this year, Thomas and Isabelle, for the price of $472.00 dollars, purchased 140 acres in Prince William County, Virginia from Benjamin P. and Mary A. Ledley. Baltimore City tax records for 1876 show that Thomas and James owned a 14 x 100 lot on Marriott Street with assessments of $125.00 dollars, land; $400.00 dollars, house; and, $40.00, furniture.
In 1877 and 1878 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at McHenry near Millington lane.
In 1879, 1880, and 1881 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at 7 Marriott.
In 1884 and 1885 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at 6 Marriott. Thomas and Isabelle were attending The Church of the Holy Cross (Episcopal) at this time. Their records show that the sixth child of Thomas and Isabelle, Hattie Irene Elizabeth Woolfenden, was baptized at Holy Cross on April 16, 1884. On March 26, 1885, Thomas deeded his lease to the part of Mount Clair that he leased on September 13, 1869 to Hennitta Schlens and Gustav Adolph Schlens.
Move to Virginia, Later Family Years
It is most likely that Thomas and his family moved to Virginia sometime during the spring of 1885. The first documented evidence of their Virginia residency listed below.
By February 15, 1886 Thomas, Isabelle and their surviving children were residing in Prince William County, Virginia on the property that they purchased in 1876. This is evidenced by the deed for one acre to the trustees of Bellehaven Missionary Baptist Church.
In 1889, for the price of $325.00, Thomas purchased 124 1/2 acres from Mary Wait in Prince William County, Virginia.
James Luck, Sr. and James Arthur Vetter founded the Manassas and Dumfries Telephone Company in the Parlor of the Woolfenden home at Kopp, Virginia on March 1, 1903.
The following is from an article in the March 24, 1910 Manassas Democrat newspaper, and from the book, "Kopp Virginia", Casmere Woolfenden Kistner: "A lemon tree that deserves mention in some farm journal or fruit growers catalogue is the property of Mrs T. Woolfenden, Sr. of Kopp. There are nine perfect lemons on it, one dropped off last week and weighed one and one half pounds, another still on the tree will weigh about two and one fourth pounds Mr. Woolfenden says, TELL THE FOLKS WE CAN RAISE ANYTHING DOWN HERE. We would not mind being 'handed a lemon' every day in the week if they were like those."
In 1910, for the price of $100.00, Thomas sold 6 1/2 acres to P.M. and Maggie Cole in Prince William County, Virginia.
In 1911, for the price of $10.00 and other considerations, Thomas purchased 140 acres from C.F. Stoll in Prince William County, Virginia. Thomas was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Highland Lodge #252, at Independent Hill, Virginia, as were a number of his sons. The lodge was founded in 1911. The building still stands today at Independent Hill, Virginia.
On November 28, 1919, the Manassas Journal newspaper featured this story in the Kopp column:
Excitement reigned in the neighborhood on a recent Sunday afternoon when Captain I. C. LeBoutiller, RAF, lighted with his airplane in Mr. Thomas Woolfenden's field. In a few moments automobiles, horseback riders and walkers could be seen coming from every direction, the crowd consisting of preachers, teachers, farmers, and mechanics.
Capt. LeBoutiller E. M. Stouffacher, his mechanic, enlisted in the Canadian forces when the war broke out and went across to England, where they completed their aviation course. When the American forces were sent over they then joined the Americans and fought with them until the armistice was signed. After souring to a height of 22,000 feet they are said to have brought down two Hun planes, made prisoners of the occupants and returned to their lines in safety, Capt. LeBoutiller receiving only a slight wound. The aviators spend the night with Mr. Thomas Woolfenden and left about eight o'clock for North Carolina where the plane will be delivered to a person who purchased it at the close of the war.
Until his death on April 26, 1926, Thomas and his family continued to reside on this farm . His children continued to own the farm until it was purchased by the U.S. Navy as part of the expansion of the Quantico Marine Corps Base in 1942. They attended church during these years at Bellehaven Missionary Baptist Church.
Death
Thomas Woolfenden died on his farm at Kopp, Virginia on April 26, 1926. He was buried in the southwest corner of the Belle Haven Missionary Baptist Church graveyard. The southwest corner of the cemetery is closest to the family home. The graveyard is now a part of the Quantico Marine Corps Base, which is located in the southeastern part of Prince William County, Virginia, just six miles west of the entrance to Prince William Forest Park . The direct entrance at Belfair Crossroads was closed after 9-11, except for special occasions. Due to base security, the cemetery must be accessed via the Russell Road gate of the base, then following Route MCB 1 towards Camp Upsher. The cemetery is next to the rifle range in the R-14 training area. The building is gone. All that is left of it is the front sidewalk, which was installed in 1912. The cemetery and church was named after Thomas' wife Isabelle Jones Woolfenden.
Grave Stone Dedication: The current gravestone, installed in 2013, was dedicated, along with that of Daniel Magee, on 04 May, 2019, at 11 am by the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War. Also participating was the Daughters of the American Revolution and Bugles Across America. https://youtu.be/WRkDi6TwUXY
On December 7, 1843, Thomas was born in Catonsville, Maryland to Eli and Sarah Woolfenden. Eli's parents, James and Hannah Woolfenden immigrated to Baltimore with their family from Royton, England around 1819. Thomas' mother Sarah Bailey Woolfenden died in childbirth in 1848. Thomas was five years old.
In 1850 Thomas was living on his father Eli's farm in Catonsville, MD on the Frederick Turn Pike Road which connects Ellicott Mills with Baltimore. The road is now known as Route 144. Thomas was 7 years old on the day that his household was counted in the 1st District of Baltimore County, MD for the 1850 U.S. Census. He was listed as having attended school in the past year.
In the 1860 U.S. Census for the 1st District of Baltimore County, MD, Thomas was still living on his father's farm in Catonsville and was 16 years old. He was listed as a farmhand.
Military Service, War Between the States, 1862-1865
On September 28, 1862, Thomas enlisted in Company C, 8th Maryland Regiment (U.S.) in Washington County, Maryland. His rank was private and his enlistment was for three years. This is according to the State of Maryland records, which are located in the City of Baltimore. However, the U.S. Army records from the National Archives in Washington, D.C. state that Thomas mustered in on August 18, 1862 at Camp Bradford, Baltimore, MD. The regiment took the field on September 18, 1862 with the Army of the Potomac, then on the banks of the Potomac, in Western Maryland, in response to General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia which had invaded Maryland and made a demonstration in the direction of Baltimore.
The 8th Maryland Regiment, part of the Maryland Brigade, was part of the Army of the Potomac (U.S.). In January of 1863, Thomas is listed as absent, on January 24, 1863, he is listed as deserted. It turned out that he was in the Division Hospital. His January and February 1863 Company muster roll lists him as present, with the remarks that he forfeits 12 days pay by regimental order, dated November 13, 1863. The unit served briefly during April of 1863 in West Virginia where it operated around Clarksburg, West Virginia. All members of the unit were awarded medals from what would become the State of West Virginia for their service in the state. The unit returned to Bolivar Heights, Virginia on May 27, 1863. In June and July, 1863 the 8th Regiment was held as a reserve to the Army of the Potomac and to protect Washington during the Gettysburg campaign. The unit participated in skirmishes at Maryland Heights, July 7, 1863, and Funkstown, MD, July 12, 1863.
The unit was in the line of battle at the Wilderness, VA on May 5-7, 1864. The unit also participated in the battle of Spottsylvania Courthouse, VA, May 8-20, 1864. Other battles it was in were Harris' Farm, VA, May 19, 1864; North Anna, VA, May 23-27, 1864; Shady Grove, VA, May 30, 1864; Bethesda Church, VA, May 31 and June 1, 1864; Cold Harbor, VA, June 2-5, 1864, Petersburg, VA, June 17-18, 1864; siege of Petersburg, VA, 1864-1865; Weldon Railroad, VA, August 18-21, 1864 (Thomas was listed as sick in the Division Hospital in August, 1864. The number of days is not given.); Poplar Springs Church, VA, September 30, 1864; Chapel House, VA, October 1-3, 1864; Peeble's Farm, VA, October 7, 1864; Hicksford, VA, December 7-12, 1864; On October 12, 1864 the Brigade voted on the adoption of the new Maryland Constitution abolishing slavery. The 8th Regiment voted 79 to 18 for the new constitution.
Hatcher's Run, VA, February 5, 1865; Dabney's Mill, VA, February 6, 1865; White Oak Road, VA, March 31, 1865 (Thomas is listed as absent on furlough on the March and April, 1865 Company muster. The length of the furlough is not given.); Five Forks, VA, April 1, 1865; and, the surrender at Appomattox, VA, April 9, 1865.
New Year's Day, 1864; the brigade settled down under Pony Mountain, which is beyond Culpepper Court House, for the winter. The men build log huts, using shelter tents for roofs, four men per hut. The huts had fire places and chimminies. They left winter quarters on May 3, 1864.
According to the book, "Cold Harbor, Grant and Lee, May 26 - June 3, 1864" by Gordon C. Rhea, on May 31 - June 1, 1864, Thomas' unit crossed the Pamunkey River near Dabney Ferry on May 28, 1864. On May 29, 1864 his unit was in the vicinity of Haw's Shop and Totopotomoy Creek. On May 30 his unit was on the far southeastern flank just east of Bethesda Church and north of Old Church Road. By the second phase of the Battle of Bethesda Church his unit extended from Shady Grove Road near the intersection before the Armstrong farm south towards Matadequin Creek. He was near Jenkins farm and Bethesda Church on May 31, serving in the 2nd Division, commanded by Brigadier General Henry H. Lockwood. The 2nd Division was part of the 5th Army Corps under the command of Major General Gouverneur K. Warren. At 7:00 am on May 31, 1864 Lockwood's division set off towards Cold Harbour heading towards the Bosher place. During the evening of June 1 Thomas' unit camped on the Bosher farm. On June 2 Lockwood's unit held the Union line between Cutler and Martindale at the Bosher farm. By nightfall on June 2 the division ran from the Jenkins farm to the Bosher farm. By the morning of June 3 the Confederates were attacking Cutler's command, to the right of Crawford, where Thomas' company was.
On August 2, 1864 during the Battle of the Crater near Petersburg the unit remained in the deep cut of the railroad all of the time that the fight was going on and returned to its former camp about 12 o'clock. On August 3 the brigade was ordered to occupy the 2nd line of works confronting Fort Hell, also known as Fort Mahone and remained there until August 7.
On April 15, 1865 the command started its return march to Washington by way of Farmville, Burkesville, and Little Sandy Run. Then to Nottoway Court House on the 20th. Left Nottoway Court House on May 1 and reached Wilson Station. May 2 via Sutherland Station to within five miles of Petersburg. May 3, passed thru Petersburg and up the Petersburg and Richmond pike to Druy's Bluff. May 4, moved off and arriving at Manchester. May 6 entered Richmond and passed in review before Generals Halleck and Meade. Continued to Hanover Court House. May 7 marched to Concord Church. May 8, marched to Milford Station. May 9, crossing Massaponox and Rappahannock Rivers, camping opposite Fredericksburg. May 10, crossed Aquia Creek. May 11, bivouacked near Fairfax Station. May 12, marched via Fairfax Court House to Columbia Pike and went into camp on Arlington Heights.
On May 23, 1865 the unit was in the Grand Review by President Johnson, Secretary of War Stanton, Generals Grand and Meade, Halleck and others in Washington, D.C.
Thomas was mustered out at Arlington Heights, VA on May 31, 1865. He received $75.00 dollars and his discharge on June 10. The unit then returned to Baltimore, MD via the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. On June 6 they were received by the Governor Brundford of Maryland, the Mayor of Baltimore, and a large group of people in Druid Hill Park.
See the Word document, 8th MD and the Word document Eighth Maryland for additional information. Also used as a source, The History of the Maryland Brigade, USA, Bowerman, Richard N., call MS 1860, item: Q9700000006844
Post Military
By 1867-1868 Thomas appears in the Baltimore City Directory at 461 W. Lomard Avenue. Thomas was a member of the Franklin Lodge of the Odd Fellows in Baltimore during the period of September 1867 to September 1870. It is believed that Thomas' father-in-law, Jacob Jones, was also in the Odd Fellows Lodge.
In the 1868-1869 edition of the Baltimore City Directory, Thomas' father Eli is also listed as living at 461 W. Lomard Avenue. This is also true for 1870. On September 13, 1869, Thomas signs a lease for a part of the property known as Mount Clair with Daniel Sheehan.
Marriage and Family Life, Baltimore City Years
On September 29, 1869 Thomas, age 23, married Isabella Jones, age 22, in the city of Baltimore, MD. The official was Jno. J. Murray.
In 1871 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as a carpenter residing at 437 W. Lomard Avenue.
In 1872 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at Millred lane near Frederick.
In 1873 and 1874 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at Loudon Avenue near Millington.
In 1876 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at Millington lane near Frederick Avenue. On November 15 of this year, Thomas and Isabelle, for the price of $472.00 dollars, purchased 140 acres in Prince William County, Virginia from Benjamin P. and Mary A. Ledley. Baltimore City tax records for 1876 show that Thomas and James owned a 14 x 100 lot on Marriott Street with assessments of $125.00 dollars, land; $400.00 dollars, house; and, $40.00, furniture.
In 1877 and 1878 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at McHenry near Millington lane.
In 1879, 1880, and 1881 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at 7 Marriott.
In 1884 and 1885 Thomas is listed in the Baltimore City Directory as living at 6 Marriott. Thomas and Isabelle were attending The Church of the Holy Cross (Episcopal) at this time. Their records show that the sixth child of Thomas and Isabelle, Hattie Irene Elizabeth Woolfenden, was baptized at Holy Cross on April 16, 1884. On March 26, 1885, Thomas deeded his lease to the part of Mount Clair that he leased on September 13, 1869 to Hennitta Schlens and Gustav Adolph Schlens.
Move to Virginia, Later Family Years
It is most likely that Thomas and his family moved to Virginia sometime during the spring of 1885. The first documented evidence of their Virginia residency listed below.
By February 15, 1886 Thomas, Isabelle and their surviving children were residing in Prince William County, Virginia on the property that they purchased in 1876. This is evidenced by the deed for one acre to the trustees of Bellehaven Missionary Baptist Church.
In 1889, for the price of $325.00, Thomas purchased 124 1/2 acres from Mary Wait in Prince William County, Virginia.
James Luck, Sr. and James Arthur Vetter founded the Manassas and Dumfries Telephone Company in the Parlor of the Woolfenden home at Kopp, Virginia on March 1, 1903.
The following is from an article in the March 24, 1910 Manassas Democrat newspaper, and from the book, "Kopp Virginia", Casmere Woolfenden Kistner: "A lemon tree that deserves mention in some farm journal or fruit growers catalogue is the property of Mrs T. Woolfenden, Sr. of Kopp. There are nine perfect lemons on it, one dropped off last week and weighed one and one half pounds, another still on the tree will weigh about two and one fourth pounds Mr. Woolfenden says, TELL THE FOLKS WE CAN RAISE ANYTHING DOWN HERE. We would not mind being 'handed a lemon' every day in the week if they were like those."
In 1910, for the price of $100.00, Thomas sold 6 1/2 acres to P.M. and Maggie Cole in Prince William County, Virginia.
In 1911, for the price of $10.00 and other considerations, Thomas purchased 140 acres from C.F. Stoll in Prince William County, Virginia. Thomas was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Highland Lodge #252, at Independent Hill, Virginia, as were a number of his sons. The lodge was founded in 1911. The building still stands today at Independent Hill, Virginia.
On November 28, 1919, the Manassas Journal newspaper featured this story in the Kopp column:
Excitement reigned in the neighborhood on a recent Sunday afternoon when Captain I. C. LeBoutiller, RAF, lighted with his airplane in Mr. Thomas Woolfenden's field. In a few moments automobiles, horseback riders and walkers could be seen coming from every direction, the crowd consisting of preachers, teachers, farmers, and mechanics.
Capt. LeBoutiller E. M. Stouffacher, his mechanic, enlisted in the Canadian forces when the war broke out and went across to England, where they completed their aviation course. When the American forces were sent over they then joined the Americans and fought with them until the armistice was signed. After souring to a height of 22,000 feet they are said to have brought down two Hun planes, made prisoners of the occupants and returned to their lines in safety, Capt. LeBoutiller receiving only a slight wound. The aviators spend the night with Mr. Thomas Woolfenden and left about eight o'clock for North Carolina where the plane will be delivered to a person who purchased it at the close of the war.
Until his death on April 26, 1926, Thomas and his family continued to reside on this farm . His children continued to own the farm until it was purchased by the U.S. Navy as part of the expansion of the Quantico Marine Corps Base in 1942. They attended church during these years at Bellehaven Missionary Baptist Church.
Death
Thomas Woolfenden died on his farm at Kopp, Virginia on April 26, 1926. He was buried in the southwest corner of the Belle Haven Missionary Baptist Church graveyard. The southwest corner of the cemetery is closest to the family home. The graveyard is now a part of the Quantico Marine Corps Base, which is located in the southeastern part of Prince William County, Virginia, just six miles west of the entrance to Prince William Forest Park . The direct entrance at Belfair Crossroads was closed after 9-11, except for special occasions. Due to base security, the cemetery must be accessed via the Russell Road gate of the base, then following Route MCB 1 towards Camp Upsher. The cemetery is next to the rifle range in the R-14 training area. The building is gone. All that is left of it is the front sidewalk, which was installed in 1912. The cemetery and church was named after Thomas' wife Isabelle Jones Woolfenden.
Grave Stone Dedication: The current gravestone, installed in 2013, was dedicated, along with that of Daniel Magee, on 04 May, 2019, at 11 am by the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War. Also participating was the Daughters of the American Revolution and Bugles Across America. https://youtu.be/WRkDi6TwUXY
Inscription
Born in England 1851 is in error. The correct dates and location are posted here.
