South Riding in Loudoun County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Dean Family
According to the 1870 U.S. Federal Census, Martha (c. 1813-1883) and Reuben (c. 1812-?) Dean were listed as residing in the Eastern District, Loudoun, Virginia. Enslaved by Reuben Settle, the Deans lived in the cabin with their six children Caroline, Fannie, John, Charles, James and Millie (Matilda) as listed on the 1860 U.S. Federal Census — Slave Schedules.
After Emancipation, Martha and Reuben remained in the cabin working for Thomas and Nelson, sons of Reuben and Naomi Lyne Settle, and their sister, Susan. Also working and living with the Settle's were Martha and Reuben's children Fannie and James. Fannie is now married to John Douglass per the 1870 Census.
Nelson Settle, in his will, bequeathed 142 acres including the cabin to Charles Dean
"… son of my old servant Martha Dean. I do this as a reward to the said Charles Dean for special services rendered me in my declining years and faithfully serving me and taking care of my interests for a number of years…"
Thomas Settle included similar terms in his will. The acreage conveyed upon the death of the brothers in 1890. Dean descendants resided in the cabin until the late 1960's and in the community of Conklin until the homes were sold to the developer Toll Brothers for the extension
this page online
It should be noted that Reuben Dean was the uncle of famed educator Jean Serepta Dean, "Miss Jennie", who established the Manassas Industrial School in 1894.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Settlements & Settlers • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.
Location. 38° 54.033′ N, 77° 31.391′ W. Marker is in South Riding, Virginia, in Loudoun County. Marker is on Loudoun County Parkway (Virginia Route 606) just north of Braddock Road (Virginia Route 620), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 25925 Loudoun County Pkwy, Chantilly VA 20152, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Settle Family (here, next to this marker); The Settle-Dean Cabin (here, next to this marker); The Village of Conklin (a few steps from this marker); What is Foamhenge at Cox Farms? (approx. 2.1 miles away); Campaign of Second Manassas (approx. 2½ miles away); Manassas Gap Railroad (approx. 3.8 miles away); Jennie Dean (approx. 3.9 miles away); Sudley Springs Ford (approx. 4.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Riding.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 9, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 289 times since then and 46 times this year. Last updated on December 27, 2023, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 9, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
