The Foxall – McKenney – Cragin land transactions document the importance of family connections and of keeping family members living in close proximity. Henry Foxall (1758 - 1823) established the Columbian Foundry above Georgetown in 1797. He dabbled in real estate in the city of Georgetown and as well as Washington City. He owned a summer home on the six acre tract above his foundry called “Spring Hill,” a “town house” on what is now 34th Street, NW just below the C & O Canal, and various other pieces of land in both Georgetown and Washington. Foxall’s foundry provided guns for the United States government during the War of 1812. In recognition of American victory, and to show thanks that his property had not been destroyed by the British, Foxall deeded land for Foundry Church in Washington City in 1815. These lots (8, 9, 10 and 11 in Square 252) were purchased by Foxall from William Dorsey for $800.00. As a gift for his daughter Mary Anne, who married Samuel McKinney in 1816, Foxall purchased Lots 41 and 42 in Square 73 (part of “Beall’s Addition” in Georgetown). On these lots was constructed 3123 Dumbarton Street, NW in 1819. On the opposite side of Square 73, Foxall bought the western half of lot 48 upon which was constructed 3122 O Street, NW. In this same square, Foxall also owned Lot 40 which remained vacant (and in the family) until 1879 when Charles H. Cragin and Mary McKenney Cragin (Samuel and Mary Anne’s daughter) built the house at 3127 Dumbarton Street, NW. Samuel McKenney acquired Lots 40 and 47 in 1820. Lot 47 had housed the Lancaster School and Lot 40 is adjacent to the Dumbarton Methodist Church. The McKenney – Cragin heirs occupied Lot 47 (3126 O Street, NW) until 1915. For the involvement of both Foxall and McKenney in the Dumbarton Methodist Church, see “Many Witnesses: A History of Dumbarton United Methodist Church 1772-1990,” edited by Jane Donovan (287.6753 M295). Both Foxall and McKenney were important members of Dumbarton Methodist Church. The McKenneys raised eight children on Dumbarton Street, NW. One of their daughters, Mary, who married Charles H. Cragin, continued to live on Dumbarton and remained active and prosperous in Georgetown affairs well into the 20th century.