William A. Shinn, #420 - new text file
William A. Shinn is not buried with Julia even though his
tombstone reads that he is. He is actually buried several plots
away per James Click, owner of Bethel Cemetary. You find William
A. Shinn as the head of a household in the 1920 Alexandria City
Census. He owns his own home. He's 86 years old. He's married
and can read and write. He was born in New Jersey as were his
parents. He's a sexton at a church and is paid wages. He's
living at 112 South Washington Street, Alexandria. His wife
Julia A. Robey Shinn is living with him. Also living with him at
the time are Samuel L. Hayden (grandchild - 12 years); William
Stone (grandchild - 6 years); John T. Devaugton (boarder); and
Spencer F. Hayden (grandchild - 19 years).
John H. Thomas has him as a warden at the "big house" in
Richmond. He also said that Julia provided meals for the
inmates. It's more probable that this was a prison in Quantico
since that is the area of Julia's last known residence. John H.
Thomas also said his father worked at a prison in Quantico in his
younger days. Perhaps this was how Julia met Wm. Shinn.
On May 14, 1995, John H. Thomas rode by the house at 112 S.
Washington Street but felt this wasn't the residence where he had
visited the Shinns when he was younger. He pointed out an area
closer to the waterfront which has new buildings so we were
unable to verify this.
In 1910 census, William is a watchman/real estate. He's renting his home and
living with his wife Nannie. It's the second marriage for them both. He's 74
years old. He and his parents are from New Jersey.