“A Journal of My Journey over the Mountains” beginning March 11, 1748
By George Washington (1732-1799) https://justjefferson.com/08GW.htm
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/223971530/john-augustine-washington
The Washingtons of Jefferson County By John Augustine Washington, Family Historian, Interview August 3, 2001 https://justjefferson.com/09jaw.htm
The above photos were taken by Edwin Fitzpatrick for the book “Between the Shenandoah and the Potomac” by the Jefferson County Historical Society, 1990.
Claymont – courtesy the West Virginia and Regional History Center – View of Claymont Court near Charles Town. The ante-bellum mansion was built in 1840 by Bushrod Corbin Washington, after the first dwelling burnt down in 1838. Washington was George Washington’s grand-nephew. The mansion has a formal ballroom and two-story, columned porches. https://wvhistoryonview.org/catalog/013061
Family photos of Claymont, when it was the home of R.J. Funkhouser, and the home facing Claymont, Blakeley, also once owned by Mr.Funkhouser. (courtesy the Funkhouser family) – https://justjefferson.com/funkhouser_rj/photos.html
R. J. Funkhouser – https://justjefferson.com/28RJF.htm
https://justjefferson.com/funkhouser_rj/
The Early Washingtons of Jefferson County, Va. https://justjefferson.com/washingtons/
Three interesting facts about George Washington:
First, the self-sacrifice of his men at the winter of Valley Forge during the Revolution affected George Washington affected him deeply and he returned his loyalty.
Second, on Oct. 20, 1750 – Frederick County, VA. – George Washington made his first land purchase ANYWHERE, and was located in Jefferson County, buying 453 acres along the lower fork of the Bullskin from Thomas Rutherford. Today this property straddles Middleway Pike near the Shirley Road Intersection. (He did not hold onto it long).
Mount Vernon Ladies Association – Miniature of Sarah “Sally” Cary Fairfax, attributed to Samuel Shelley, ca. 1774-1785 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sally_Fairfax#/media/File:Sarah_%22Sally%22_Cary_Fairfax.jpg
Third, In the spring of 1798, GW had hand delivered a letter to the recently widowed Sally Fairfax, with whom in his youth had an amorous relationship. He recited the many important events of his life, then wrote: “not all of them together have been able to eradicate from my mind the recollection of those happy moments – the happiest of my life – which I have enjoyed in your company.” He then wondered if she might consider returning from England to Virginia. She said no. – Ron Chernow “Washington: A Life” p. 778. letter dated May 16, 1798
A River of Story in 25 Chapters by Jim Surkamp (See links to each chapter) September, 2017
TRT: 4:05:40
Video link: https://youtu.be/KSXoj0c5My4
Made possible with the support of American Public University System
The factually true, moving and incredible odyssey of Jasper Thompson and his family starting with generations working on farms owned by the Washington family in Jefferson County, WV; growing up and enlisting in U.S. Colored Troops in 1864, finding himself in the Crater disaster in July, 1864, then to return home to Charlestown, Va (today Charles Town) – to meet his Destiny Day September 6, 1906. There is no voice over – giving the story a more personal feel. Fantastic music by Cam Millar and Shana Aisenberg. Special thanks to family historian Monique Crippen-Hopkins
INTRODUCTION & CHAPTER 1 The Washingtons & The Thompsons
TRT: 3:19
Video link: https://youtu.be/KSXoj0c5My4#t=0m0s
CHAPTER 2: Prospect Hill & 3 Brothers Washington
TRT: 3:42
Video link: https://youtu.be/KSXoj0c5My4#t=3m19s
CHAPTER 3: Jasper Thompson’s Earliest Ancestors
TRT: 6:37
Video link: https://youtu.be/KSXoj0c5My4#t=7m1s
CHAPTER 4: 3 Washington Households in Jefferson County 1820 Forward
TRT: 3:03
Video link: https://youtu.be/KSXoj0c5My4#t=13m38s
CHAPTER 5: Who “All” Owned Mount Vernon (the adults)
TRT: 3:24
Video link: https://youtu.be/KSXoj0c5My4#t=16m41s
CHAPTER 6: Blakeley & Claymont
TRT: 8:32
Video link: https://youtu.be/KSXoj0c5My4#t=20m5s
CHAPTER 7: “Grandmother Jane”
TRT: 5:07
Video link: https://youtu.be/KSXoj0c5My4#t=28m37s
CHAPTER 8: The Enslaved Person’s Byword
TRT: 8:50
https://youtu.be/KSXoj0c5My4#t=33m44s
CHAPTER 9: THE SOBER FACTS, BUT GEORGE JOHNSON “GETS CLEAR”
INTERMISSION
CHAPTER 10: Jasper is Born – 1844
CHAPTER 11: A Year’s Work in 1850:
CHAPTER 12: Jasper Comes of Age
CHAPTER 13: When Somber Men Weep
CHAPTER 14: The War Storm Breaks at Home
CHAPTER 15: Joining An Army
CHAPTER 16: Farming in the Field of War
CHAPTER 17: War Strikes Down A Washington
CHAPTER 18: 64 War Events in Jefferson County Oct. ’61-March ’64 Summarized
CHAPTER 19: Jasper Thompson’s New Life & the “Big Bang”
CHAPTER 20: Shepherdstown, Va. – April, 1864: Netta Lee “Meets” the 19th U.S. Colored Troops
CHAPTER 21: Trained at Camp Casey and a “Lincoln Moment”
CHAPTER 22: Manassas Camp – The Men Become One
CHAPTER 23: LEE’s MEN FIRST FACE BLACK MEN IN BLUECOATS
CHAPTER 24: The Crater Climax – Jasper’s Biggest, Bravest Fight
CHAPTER 25: Conclusion: Jasper Thompson’s Destiny Day September 6, 1906
Video link: https://youtu.be/KSXoj0c5My4#t=3h43m59s
Made possible with the support of American Public University System
