| 1. SUBJECT;
Ballandine's Iron Forge. 2. LOCATION: One fourth mile northwest of Route #9, Occoquan, Virginia. There is a path that leads from the public road and past the ruins of the cotton mill. 3. DATE: 1745. 4. OWNERS:
Bought a few rears ago from the Janney heirs by Occoquan Hydro Electric Power Co., present owners. 5. DESCRIPTION: There is left little today of this old industry, the once well traveled road is only a narrow foot path, going along what was once the mill race and past the site of the dam, on the river side. There are parts of the foundation wall of the furnace, scattered stones and even a few pieces of rotten timbers. The present owner has but a marker on a tree to indicate a spot to visitors. 6. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: While there were other forges in Prince William, in the early 18th century, this one is perhaps the best known, possibly as the owner, John Ballandine, was a man with a talent for what in these days we call publicity, however, as is still often seen, he tried to expand too quickly, and in 1762, he signed over the various industries to John Semple of Maryland. A rather pathetic touch to his adventurous life are a few words in his will in which he leaves mourning rings to his friends in memory of the happy days spent at Occoquan. The ore was hauled from the forge at Occoquan to Colchester, some four miles away. It was while working here as a wagoner that the youthful Daniel Morgan became so fired with patriotic zeal that he left his work to join the Continental
Army.
The following taken from one of the old records, shows the extent of Ballandine's enterprise. "Article of agreement and indenture, and sealed the 29th day of April, in the year of our Lord Christ, one thousand, seven hundred and sixty-two. Between John Ballandine of the County of Prince William, and Colony of Virginia, Gentlemen, of the one part, and John Semple of the County of Charles in the Province of Maryland, Merchant, on the other part. WITNESSETH that the said John Ballandine, now at the sealing and delivery of these presents, being seized and non-possessed of the following lands, and slaves, to Wit. One tract of land containing 20 acres, situated and being in the County aforesaid, on the Occoquan River, granted to John Ballandine by the Hon. Lord Fairfax, Prop. of the Northern Neck of Virginia, where now stands erected one iron forge forge, one water grist mill, with a pair of stones, two boulting mills, one bake house, with two ovens, and sundrie other improvements. On the tract
or parcel of land, situated on the said River of Occoquan, purchased by
the said John Ballandine of Henry Payton, containing two hundred and eighty
acres, whereon now stands erected and built, one saw mill, with sundry
dwelling houses and store house thereon, and other buildings and improvements
and also the residue of a farm yet to come and interest in an estate granted
him by Bretrand Ewell for himself, and as the Executor for his brother,
Charles Ewell, unto the said John Ballandine by leases bearing date the
3rd day of February Anno Domini 1755, and seven hundred and fifty acres
of land where on now stands erected one saw mill and one water grist mill,
together with all stock of horses, cattle and hogs, wagons, casks and other
utensils, tools and servants as by agreement or lease may more fully appear
and in his own right and property, sundry slaves, to Wit: Robin, a forgeman,
Ceaser, a collier, Phil, a forgeman; Sam, a forgeman;and sawyer; Tom, a
forgeman; Will, a miller, Clem, a blacksmith -
7. ART:
8. SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
Court Records, Clerk's Office, Manassas, Virginia. Deed Book 2, folio 204. Research made
by Susan R. Morton,
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