Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington, 1669-1865

The Arlington Historical Society and the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington invite you to the unveiling of “Stumbling Stones.” These bronze markers commemorate the lives of the enslaved people who helped build our county (and our country).  The markers are placed in the sidewalk at the last known location where these enslaved people lived. Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington’s research has revealed over 2750 enslaved people and identified 1045 by name.

Please join us for the Dedication Ceremony honoring two once enslaved individuals

Thornton Check: Born ca. 1823, Died August 12, 1889

Daniel Check: Born ca. 1826

We will be honoring them at

4:00pm, Saturday, June 7, 2025 

Northeast Corner of Columbia Pike and South Ode Street 

Arlington, VA 22204

Their Story 

Brothers, Thornton and Daniel Check, were enslaved by Bazil Williams whose large farm straddled Columbia Pike in what is today the Foxcroft Heights – Arlington View area of Arlington.  Two additional brothers, Jackson and Lewis, were also enslaved by Williams. Thornton was born around 1823 and Daniel ca. 1826. Their mother’s name is unknown; their father was Emanual Check. 

Bazil Williams, bought land along Columbia Pike beginning in 1816. His farm grew and by 1830 he enslaved 11 people. At his death in 1854, Williams enslaved roughly 23 individuals.  He freed all but three in his will and gave them each $20 to help them move to Liberia or the Western United States. None of them resettled in Liberia.

Thornton was married to Julia Check, a woman enslaved at neighboring Arlington House. They had a daughter, Catherine and a son, Henry. In 1864, Thornton enlisted in the 117^th US Colored Troops and was discharged a year later. In 1878, he entered the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers near Dayton, OH, where he died in 1889. He was buried at the Soldiers Home Cemetery.

Daniel Check was born around 1826 in Virginia. He lived in both Arlington and Washington, DC after gaining his freedom in 1855. In 1873, he married Henrietta Baker, and they had one known daughter, Mary H. Check. Daniel’s date of death is unknown, but entries inDistrict of Columbia directories point to his having lived there continuously until 1899.

Join us as we celebrate and honor Thornton and Daniel and gain a greater understanding of Arlington’s complicated past. Brief remarks will be offered.  

Memorializing the Enslaved in Arlington seeks to shed light upon these early Americans who contributed so much to the economic, social, and cultural development of our county. 

For more information, please contact Jessica Kaplan from the Arlington Historical Society at ahsedlink@gmail.com.