The Pinn Family
The gravestone of Howison and his wife Patti Pinn lie side by side close to the bench in their family cemetery. They are the oldest members buried here, and they are joined by their descendants all around them. Howison was born free, the son of Jesse Withers and Margret or Peggy Pinn. Like himself, his mother was born free. Patti received her freedom at the age of 18. Her father was Francis Montgomery and her mother were his servant, Hannah. Before their marriage in 1850 they were prosperous on their farm, enough so to add 129 acres to their holdings.
The Pinns lived on Paradise Plantation, Pinn farm or Stokes Farm in Manassas Virginia. What was once a fruitful farm on open land is now a labyrinth of townhouses. The land was purchased in the 1850s, the first battle of the civil war would be fought in their neighborhood 11 years later.
According to Travis Pin's findings "Patti was well known and loved in the Wellington Community, within her family and by other members of the community she was known fondly as "Aunt Pattie".
The two Headstones with accompanying footstones potentially belong to Herbert Le Stokes and Hubbard Lee Francis Stokes. The Pinns and Stokes join when Sarah marries Francis Stokes. The two were both prosporous african american families in Virginia.
The Pinn Family Land's Estimated eastern border is near Rodes Drive according to Travis Pinn the land owners' great great great grandson, the cemetery is right in the north-eastern most corner.
On This land Howison and his wife Patti raised three outstanding civil rights activists, politcal speakers and powerful voices that began pressing for civil rights during reconstruction.
Contributions by Travis Pinn, Thank you for sharing your family history.