Men of Mark in Virginia
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Ideals of American Life
A Collection of Biographies of the
Leading Men in the State
LYON G. TYLER, LL.D.
President William and Mary College
Editor-in-Chief
VOLUME H.
Illustrated with many Full Page Photo-Steel Engravings
MEN OF MARK PUBLISHING COMPANY
Washington, D. C.
1907
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JOHN HENRY ALEXANDER
ALEXANDER, JOHN HENRY, lawyer, was born in
Clarke county, Virginia, September 23, 1846. His
father, William C, was a farmer of Clarke county, a
man of integrity, decision of character, business ability, and
marked literary proclivities. He neither held nor desired public
office, but followed the even tenor of his way, as an unobtrusive
farmer and private citizen. John H.'s mother was Susan C.
Alexander, a woman of great force of character and of intellec-
tual tastes : to her, by her husband's early death, fell the training
of her son; and all that he is, he owes to the influence of his
mother. After giving him such home training as was proper
to set him on the wsly of righteousness, she sent him to a prepara-
tory school of which the late Virginius Dabney was principal;
here he received a great stimulus toward intellectual pursuits,
under one of the most famous of the post-bellum teachers of
Virginia. From this school he proceeded to the University of
Virginia, from which he was graduated in 1870 with the degree
of B. L. At the university young Alexander came under the
influence of Dr. W. H. McGuffey, and of John B. Minor, the
famous law professor, whose name has long been a household
word among the lawyers of Virginia.
With such teachers and such home training, Mr. Alexander
had moral and mental capital to take him through life. In
addition to this, however, he had family traditions to inspire
him to do something. His father's father, John Alexander, was
a soldier of the War of 1812. John's father, William, was a
soldier of the Revolution.
The earliest American ancestor of the Alexanders was John
Richard (Alexander), who came from Scotland, and settled in
Dumfries, Prince William county, Virginia, about 1750.
With such vigorous Scotch blood coursing through his veins,
with such training as he received from his mother, and with such
teachers as the fates provided him, we can see that the career of
Vol. 2— Va.— 1
4 JOHN HENEY ALEXANDER
John H. Alexander is but a logical evolution. He might have
been a failure. He might have thrown himself in the face of the
forces that were working to make him a man ; but, with natural
ability and such environments, without any interference on his
part, he is what he is.
In boyhood, John Alexander read books of adventure, such
as Scott's novels, etc. In later life, he fed his mind upon
metaphysical works and standard poetry, the one class training
his logical powers; the other, his imagination and his taste.
Take a young man so trained, with teachers already named, put
him in close touch with such older men as Dr. William H.
McGuffey, Major Burr P. Noland, General William H. Payne,
and we see a product of a high order.
In spite of his youth, Mr. Alexander served one year in the
Confederate army, with Mosby's Rangers ; and his experience has
taken shape in a lecture on Mosbj^'s men, which he has frequently
delivered. He occasionally writes for the press on similar topics.
Mr. Alexander began life in 1871 as a lawyer in Middleburg,
Virginia. As a boy, he longed to be a lawyer; hung around the
courthouse while important cases were being argued. All the
influences around his youth at Warrenton, Virginia, were such
as to create within him a thirst for honorable distinction in law.
This thirst was no wise abated while he sat at the feet of John
B. Minor, the greatest law teacher ever known to living genera-
tions of Virginians. An honorable ambition has guided Mr.
Alexander from youth to ripe maturity. It stimulated and
inspired him when General William H. Payne, the knightly
paladin of Warrenton, asked him to become his partner; and
the intimacy between these two spirits was a joy to both.
Mr. Alexander has rendered valuable service to his people as
chairman of the Democratic committee of Loudoun county. He
belongs to several social and beneficiary orders, such as the
Knights of Pythias, the Odd Fellows, and the Masonic order.
He is a member of the supreme tribunal of the first named, and
has been its chief tribune since 1898.
What is the philosophy of this successful life? What is
the basic principle upon which John H. Alexander has built his
vigorous manhood ? Let us hear his advice to young Americans :
1 1 1
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JOHN HENRY ALEXANDER O
" Be uncompromisingh^ loyal to the Truth." There we have it.
The poet said, " He is a freeman whom the truth makes free."
A greater yet put it in terms of eternal life.
October 1, 1874, Mr. Alexander married Emma H. Hughes,
of Loudoun county, Virginia. They have had six children ; five
survive.
His address is Leesburg, Virginia.
WILLIAM EDV/IN ALLEN
ALLEiS^, WILLIAM EDWIN, lawyer, was born in
Augusta county, Virginia, June 21, 1861. His parents
were Alfonzo Samuel and Frances E. Allen. His
father served in the Confederate States army throughout the
war and at its close returned to his home without a dollar and
thoroughly disheartened.
The boyhood of William Allen was passed on a farm of
which his father was tenant. The environment was unfavorable
and hardships were many and severe. There was no public
school near his home, and even if there had been, the poverty of
his parents would have prevented his attendance. He was
poorly clad and until he was past ten years of age he never
had a pair of shoes. From earl}^ childhood he was a worker,
so early, in fact, that he says he cannot remember the
time when he did not work. Fortunately he was large and
strong, and the ambition to excel, which he inherited from his
mother and which has distinguished him in later life, made him
earnest and persistent in his effort to " do more work than the
other fellow."
In his eleventh year he left home and returned only for
occasional visits. He found work in a large saw mill near the
Natural Bridge. Here he remained for two jqrys and for more
than half of this period he drove a team of six steers hauling
lumber to a point on the James river. For several years after
leaving the mill he was employed on a farm and on various public
works. When he was seventeen he went to Earlysville, a village
in the northern part of Albemarle county, to work for his brother-
in-law in a country store. Up to this time he Imew nothing of
books but, from some cause that he never was able to explain, his
ambition to become educated was aroused, and after the work of
the day was done he sat up late in order to learn to read and
write. For his work at this place he received only his " victuals
and clothes;" but, after serving his apprenticeship, he became
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WILLIAM EDWIN ALLEN 9
clerk in a country store nine miles south of Charlottesville, where
he remained two years. He then obtained a position in a store at
Charlottesville and as part payment for his work he was, for
four months, allowed to attend a public school from ten o'clock
in the forenoon until three o'clock in the afternoon. This was
his entire schooling until he entered the University of Virginia;
where he attended law lectures during the sessions of 1887-88
and 1889-90. At the university, he was heavily handicapped by
the necessity of working in order to obtain money with which to
pay his expenses. In 1890 he was admitted to the bar and at
once commenced practice at Charlottesville. In a short time he
removed to Clifton Forge. Later he settled in Covington, where
he has continued to reside.
Mr. Allen has been successful in the practice of his profes-
sion. From 1891 to 1895 he was the state's attorney for
Alleghany county and in the autumn of 1903 he was again elected
to the same office for a term of four years. In politics he is a
Democrat. He has been chairman of the county committee;
member of the State executive committee, and a delegate from
the tenth district of Virginia to the Democratic national conven-
tion at St. Louis in 1904, at which Hon. Alton B. Parker was
nominated for the presidency.
Regarding the various influences which have aided him in
his efforts to succeed, Mr. Allen states that he left home too early
in life to obtain from it the help which many men have received,
though he gained useful lessons from the precepts and example
of his mother. School could do but little for him on account of
the limited time which he was able to attend. Private study
gave him what mental discipline he has had. Contact with men
in active life, combined with a resolute purpose to make his way
in the world, has done more for him than anything else. He has
never sought to " shine " but has earnestly tried to become a use-
ful man. His most helpful reading in his earlier years was
" Self -Help," by Samuel Smiles, and various works on history.
Almost at the beginning of his study he determined to become
a lawyer and, through many hardships and almost insuperable
difficulties, he kept constantly to this purpose. After working
all day he frequently studied until two o'clock the next morning.
10 WILLIAM EDWIN ALLEN
The success that he has won shows what can be done, even under
the most unpromising conditions, by well-directed effort and an
intelligent and unswerving purpose.
Mr. Allen was married November 18, 1891, to Lucia G. Ster-
ling. They have had three children, all of whom are living
in 1906. Their home is at Covington, Alleghany County, Vir-
ginia.
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CHARLES JEFFERIES ANDERSON
ANDERSON, CHARLES JEFFERIES, was bom in
Richmond, Virginia, August 12, 1848, and is a son of the
late George W. Anderson, of Richmond and Margaret L.
Anderson, his wife. The father was for many years one of the
leading merchants of Richmond, and was possessed of virtues of
mind and character that won for him the highest esteem. The
subject of this sketch, is of English descent, being a great-
grandson of Colonel Joseph Jefferies, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania,
of the Revolutionary army. His boyhood days were spent
mostly in the city of Richmond. His first military training was
received at the Virginia Military institute, at Lexington, from
which he was graduated in the class of 1869. In 1864-65 he was
a cadet in the Virginia Military institute corps of cadets in the
Confederate States army.
In 1870 he began an active commercial career in Richmond,
being a member of the firm of George W. Anderson and Sons.
His people have from time to time claimed both his civic and
military services and in every emergency General Anderson has
measured up to the standard of the " man four square." From
1871 to 1893 he was actively allied with the Virginia volunteers,
rising by steady steps from captain in 1871 to major, lieutenant-
colonel, colonel 1st Virginia regiment, brigadier-general 1st
brigade in which latter capacity he succeeded General Fitzhugh
Lee in 1885, serving as such until 1893, when he was appointed
adjutant-general of Virginia, and so continued until 1898.
In 1873 he wa.s commissioner from the state of Vir-
ginia to the Vienna exposition. In February, 1906, he was
again appointed adjutant-general of the state by Governor
Swanson, an appointment which is thoroughly approved by the
people at large and especially by men in military circles.
General Anderson has from time to time, served his city and
state in political offices. In 1902 he was a member of the city
council of Richmond. In 1903-04 he represented Richmond in
M CHARLES JEFFERIES ANDERSON
the house of delegates of Virginia. In 1906 he was sent to the
state senate as a senator from Richmond city.
He is connected in an official capacity with the R. E. Lee
camp Soldiers' Home, the Richmond Male Orphan society, the
Virginia Military institute board, and with various other well-
known organizations.
General Anderson is endowed with traits of heart and
manner that make him not only a good soldier at all times, but
a worthy citizen in every sense. Intelligent, modest, dignified,
courteous, he well embodies the virtues of a true Virginian.
General Anderson is a thirty-second degree Mason. He is a
member of the Army and Navy club, of New York city, of the
Commonwealth and Westmoreland clubs, at Richmond, and is at
present (1906) a member of the board of governors of the last
named club. He is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church.
In political affiliation he is, and always has been, a Thomas
Jefferson Democrat.
His postoffice address is Richmond, Virginia.
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WILLIAM EDWARD ANDERSON
ANDERSON, WILLIAM EDWARD, M. D., is the son of
William Watkins Anderson and Laura Marks Anderson,
and was born in Prince George county, Virginia, Sep-
tember 10, 1866. Like many other Virginians, he is of Scotch
descent, his earliest ancestors having come from Scotland to
Virginia in colonial days and settled on York river.
Dr. Anderson's boyhood was spent in the country, where he
worked on the farm, and gained a practical knowledge of farm-
ing operations. His education was commenced under a private
instructor and was continued in the public schools of his county,
but for some years prior to his entrance to college he again had a
private teacher. After passing a year at Randolph-Macon
college he entered the Medical college of Virginia, at Richmond,
in 1886, and remained there during the sessions of 1886-1887 and
1887-1888, diligently seeking to equip himself for the practice of
his chosen profession. He graduated with the degree of Doctor
of Medicine in 1888. and since that time has been activelv
engaged in practice, in which he has achieved success and
prominence.
Dr. Anderson is one of the surgeons of the Norfolk and
Western railroad, and is a director in a number of private
corporations and institutions, to the conduct of which his business
acumen and sound judgment have materially contributed.
Among other business positions which he occupies is that of
president of the Farmville telephone company.
Like many physicians w^ho are influential in their several
communities. Dr. Anderson is imbued with the civic spirit, and
is much interested in politics. He is the chairman of the Demo-
cratic party of his county; and is a member of the board of
trustees of the State Female Normal school, at Farmville. His
interest in practical social science has led him in the direction of
valuable public service in connection with works of charity and
the public prisons ; and he is actively identified with the organi-
18 WILLIAM EDWARD ANDERSON
zation and conduct of several associations which are engaged in
or related to these subjects.
From 1892 to 1896, Dr. Anderson was a member of the
Farmville guards, a military company of his town. From 1896
to 1898, he was first assistant surgeon of the 3rd Virginia
regiment of infantry volunteers; and he served as captain and
assistant surgeon in the Spanish-American war. He is a mem-
ber of the American Medical association; a member of the
Medical society of Virginia, in which he held the office of its
first vice-president in 1903-1904, and was, at its last meeting,
elected a delegate, for the next two years, to the American
Medical association — one of the highest honors the society can
bestow. He is also a member, and one of the executive com-
mittee, of the Tri-State Medical association of Virginia and the
Carolinas. He is president of the Orange-Keysville Railway
company, and for six j^ears he has been president of the town
council of Farmville. He is fond of all outdoor sports, but
especially of fox and bird hunting, and fishing. His horses and
dogs are some of the finest in Southside Virginia. His religious
affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he
is a prominent member.
On April 30, 1901, Dr. Anderson married Pearl Horton
Venable; they have had three children. Their home is one of
the finest in their section of the state.
Dr. Anderson and his family reside in Farmville, Prince
Edward County, Virginia.
I
DECATUR AXTELL
AXTELL, DECATUR, vice-president of the Chesapeake
and Ohio Railroad company, was born in the town of
Elyria, Lorain county, Ohio, February 8, 1848, and on
both sides of his family is descended from the earliest settlers of
Massachusetts colony; — through his father from Daniel Axtell
of Berkhampstead, England, who settled in Massachusetts in
1641, and by his mother from John Alden and Priscilla, his wife,
who came over in the Mayflower and settled at Plymouth in 1621.
His ancestors were people of high character, great intelligence,
and excellent social standing. In his parentage, also, he was
much blessed; for his father and mother, Almon and Sophronia
Boynton Axtell, were physicially, intellectually and morally far
above the ordinarj^ From them he, doubtless, inherited those
sturdy virtues, the cultivation of which made him what he after-
wards became. Almon Axtell's chief occupation was farming;
and, while the son was reared in a town, he was familiar in child-
hood and youth with country life and with all that is implied in
such knowledge. The influence of a loving and gracious mother
was especially strong in arousing his ambition, and he early
became fond of books, especially history, which he read with
avidity. Decatur Axtell's primary and secondary education was
obtained in private and public schools and under tutors; in later
years, he attended Illinois college, Jacksonville, Illinois, having
first gained some experience of practical life before entering
college. He found mathematical works, psychological and
philosophical treatises, biography and history, with a sprinkling
of the best standard fiction, most congenial to his tastes and most
helpful in fitting him for his future career.
In the year 1864, at the age of sixteen, he left home, to enter
on his life's work, and at the suggestion of his father, became
attached, as rodman, to a corps of civil engineers engaged in the
construction of the Missouri Pacific Railroad. T^Hiile not ambi-
tious in the ordinary sense of that word, he started out with the
firm resolve to stand in the front rank of his profession, so far as
20 DECATUR AXTELL
honorable and intelligent effort would enable him to do so.
Inspired by home influences and by the congenial and helpful
companions of maturer years, the young man forged ahead
rapidly, to high and honorable success. Ere long we find him
assistant engineer of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, then assistant
engineer and division superintendent of the St. Louis, Iron
Mountain and Southern Railroad. He afterwards became chief
engineer of the Cairo, Arkansas and Texas, consolidated at a later
date with the Iron Mountain.
In the year 1880, Mr. Axtell was called to be general manager
of the Richmond and Allegheny Railroad, and supervised the
construction and operation of that important enterprise as general
manager, vice-president and director until it was consolidated in
1890 with the Chesapeake and Ohio, with which company he has
since continued as vice-president. He is also president of the
Toledo and Ohio Central, and vice-president of the Kanawha and
Michi2:an Railwav.
It will thus be seen that much the larger part of Mr. Axtell's
life has been given to efficient and productive service in the
Southern and Southwestern states, and that about two-thirds of
his adult years have been spent in building up the interests and
advancing the prosperity of the state and city of his adoption.
It is pleasant to say that his fellow citizens of the Old Dominion
recognize his work with grateful appreciation, and regard him
not only as a most valuable agent in the material development of
this section of the country, but also as a gentleman of worth and
culture whom it is a privilege to know.
Mr. Axtell is a member of the American Society of Civil
Engineers; the Virginia Historical society; the Mayflower
society; the Sons of Colonial Wars; and of the Westmoreland
and Commonwealth clubs, of Richmond, Virginia. He is a
Democrat in politics, his only departure from the support of
his party being in a vote for William McKinley against W. J.
Bryan.
Mr. Axtell married Mav Cantrell, of Little Rock, Arkansas.
Their home is at 926 West Franklin Street, Richmond, Virginia.
RUFUS ADOLPHUS AYERS
AYEES, PvUFUS ADOLPHUS, lawyer, ex-attorney-
general of Virginia, was born May 20, 1849, and his
parents were M. J. Ayers and Susan Lewis Yv^ingfield.
Upon his father's side he is descended from John Ayers, who
came from England in early youth, resided in North Carolina
until manhood, married and removed to Bedford county, Vir-
ginia, where he became a distinguished minister of the Methodist
church. His father was a farmer and teacher, of unbending
will, sterling integrity, and of excellent reputation for truth and
morality. On his mother's side he is descended from John
Lewis, the first settler of Augusta county, Virginia, who was
born in Donegal, Ireland, and settled on Lewis' creek in Augusta
county, in 1732. He and all his sons were distinguished in the
Indian wars of the Border. (For a more particular account of
the Lewis family, see the biography of Lunsford L. Lewis).
The subject of this sketch was a robust and active boy, vsdio
was fond of hunting and fishing and all athletic sports. His
father died when he was eight years old, leaving Mrs. Ayers in
straitened circumstances; and young Ayers was at work all the
time he was not in school. He cut and hauled wood, cultivated
the garden, and to help his mother did many odd jobs for the
neighbors, who paid him liberally. He loved to work, was full
of energy, and did whatever came to hand. During this critical
period of General Aj^ers' life, the influence of his mother w\as
very great. YHien his father died, leaving six orphan children,
her courage never failed, but she met all the trials of her position
bravely and cheerfully. Though not highly educated, her mind
was well trained, and her superior mental endowments were
apparent to all who knew her. She taught her children never to
shrink from any difficulties that lay in their path but to meet
them bravely, and that honor and integrity far outweighed every
other consideration in life. General Ayers, with loyal devotion,
declares that he owes all he is and all he expects to be to his
mother. He attended the Goodson academy at Bristol, Vir-
24: RUFUS ADOLPIIUS AYERS
ginia until 1861, when the war closed the school. He was then
twelve years old and never went to school any more. Very
fortunately he had made excellent use of his time from eight to
twelve years ; and, although deprived of all scholastic advantages
after twelve, he read and studied everything he could lay his
hands on. Histories and biographies were his favorite books,
but he liked novels also, and he read a host of them, good, bad
and indifferent.
After leaving school he became a clerk in a retail store, and
remained in that business until April, 1864, when he went into
the Confederate army to defend the state of his nativity to which
he was to be of such service m after years. For the first six
months he served on an independent detached command and the
remainder of the time in the field quartermaster's department
for East Tennessee.
After the close of the war he pursued the work of a sales-
man and merchant on his own account for seven years, but, in
1873, abandoned it for the profession of a lawyer. This was not
an accidental step, but the fulfilment of a long cherished pur-
pose. He was naturally ambitious, and he felt the desire of
transmitting to his descendants a record that would compare
favorably with any. The idea of becoming a lawyer came
to him not long after his return from the army. During
the summer after the surrender at Appomattox he cultivated a
crop of corn with the horse brought with him from the war.
He began his work in the fields early in the morning, and during
the heat of the day would lie under the trees, and read, and study.
That summer's reading fixed his determination to be a lawyer,
and after a time he consulted with his uncle. Judge G. A. Wing-
field, of Bedford, who encouraged him with the remark trite but
stimulating: "There is plenty of room at the top." He sold
goods and studied law, and, at length, after eight years came to
the bar with the determination to succeed. His mother, who had
all the strength of the Lewis blood and intellect, was a constant
source of encouragement and inspiration.
In 1875, Mr. Ayers was elected attorney for the common-
wealth for Scott county and served four years until 1879, during
which time he was clerk of the committee on finance and
RUFUS ADOLPHUS AYERS 25
reading clerk of the house of delegates. He was also editor and
proprietor of a weekly newspaper called the " Scott County
Banner," published at the court-house during this period. In
1876 he prepared the charter for the railroad between Bristol
and Big Stone Gap, Virginia, and, in 1877, organized the com-
pany which commenced its construction. In 1881 Mr. Ayers was
instrumental in organizing the Virginia Coal and Iron company
— the largest coal company in Virginia — and has been counsel for
and a director in the company ever since. He organized the
Bank of Gate City in 1889; the Interstate Finance and Trust
company and the Wise County bank in 1901 and 1902 ; the Vir-
ginia Tanning and Extract company in 1897; the Stone Gap
Colliery company, and Wise County Terminal company in 1902 ;
the Tazewell Coal and Land corporation, and the Seaboard Coal
company in 1901 ; and at different times quite a number of smaller
companies, with many of which he is still connected in an official
capacity. Besides assisting in building the railroad from Bristol
to Big Stone Gap, General Aj^ers was the leading spirit in build-
ing the railroad from Norton to Glamorgan, and the Big Creek
branch of the Norfolk and Western railway.
During this time Mr. Ayers held many political offices. In
1880 he was supervisor of the census for the fifth district of
Virginia under appointment from President Hayes, who was
required by act of congress to ignore politics in making the
appointments. From January 1, 1886 to January 1, 1890, he was
attorney-general of Virginia. From 1883 to 1895 he served on
the state central and executive committees of the Democratic
party, and in 1901 and 1902 he represented Wise, Dickinson and
Buchanan counties in the convention called to revise the consti-
tution of the state.
In all these positions General Ayers performed a distin-
guished part, but he regards the legal fight which he made
whilst attorney-general against the bondholders, as the most
important service he ever rendered. For two years the bond
holders, holding over ten million dollars of tax receivable coupons,
tried by every legal device to force them into the treasury.
The crisis came when Hugh L. Bond, judge of the United
States Circuit court, issued a sweeping injunction, restraining
26 KUrUS ADOLPHUS AYERS
all the state officers, including the heads of the departments of
Richmond and himself as attorney-general, from executing those
statutes of Virginia, which made it extremely difficult, if not
impossible, to force the tax receivable coupons into the state
treasury.
General Ayers was not disturbed, but in order to carry the
question of the power of the Federal court to the Supreme court
of the United States boldly disobeyed the mandate of Judge
Bond. He could not get the sheriff of Eichmond to act, so he
served himself the notice of suit which brought him into con-
tempt. General Ayers was arrested and upon the hearing was
fined five hundred dollars; and when he declined to pay, was
ordered to jail. Upon this he promjDtly sued out a writ of
habeas corpus from the Supreme court of the United States.
At the hearing he was represented by the eminent lawyers Roscoe
Conkling, John Randolph Tucker, Colonel W. W. Gordon, and
Charles V. Meredith. The court set aside the order of imprison-
ment and discharged General Ayers from custody ; and the ques-
tion of the public debt, which had so long agitated the state, was
settled not long after on terms honorable to the state and really to
the advantage of the bondholders. The general assembly of Vir-
ginia unanimously passed a joint resolution commending general
Ayers' conduct which was transmitted to him by General Lee,
with a very complimentary letter. " I take great pleasure," he
wrote, " in uniting with the legislature in its commendation of
the spirit that enabled you, while obeying the laws of your state,
to look through the bars of a jail, in order that you might
peaceably see the rights of Virginia under the constitution pre-
served."
Second, however, only to the work of preserving the
sovereignty of the state has been the part taken by General Ayers
in the development of Southwest Virginia.
The multiplied experience of General Ayers renders him
particularly competent to give good and wholesome advice to
the young. He thinks he might have attained even greater,
success than he has, if he had given more time and attention to
fewer enterprises. He, therefore, advises young men to follow
closely what they undertake, and not to undertake more than
RUFUS ADOLPHUS AYERS 27
they can give full care and attention to. He urges them to keep
busy at all times, for idleness wrecks more lives than all other
causes combined. "It is rare that a young man who has kept
busy from infancy becomes dissipated and wild. Such men
generally begin to plan out work for themselves early, and
rarely arrive at maturity without some definite aim in life.
Good character, high moral ideas, strict integrity and usefulness,
form a capital more lasting and more to be desired than money
without them."
In politics, General Ayers has been loyal in his allegiance
to the Democratic party and has never changed his opinions. He
is not a member of any church, though he contributes to the
support of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, of which his
wife is a member. He is very fond of horseback riding, hunting
and fishing, and for exercise plays lawn tennis. He is a member
of the Masonic fraternity and has served as master of a lodge.
In his manners he is exceedingly genial and kind, and there are
few as popular men in the state as Rufus A. Ayers.
On June 8, 1870, he married Victoria Louisa Morrison, and
six children have been born to them, of whom three only are
living (1906)— Kate Lewis Pettit, (nee Ayers), Harry J. Ayers,
and James B. Ayers.
His address is Big Stone Gap, Wise County, Virginia.
Vol. 2— Va.
OSCAR BAYNE BARKER
BARKER, OSCAR BAYNE, merchant, was born in Han-
over county, Virginia, March 15, 1861. His parents
were Francis Marion and Dematris Ann Barker. His
father was a prominent Baptist minister. His mother was a
woman of sincere piety, whose influence for good upon her
family and acquaintances was strong and enduring.
When Oscar B. Barker was only two years old, his father
died, leaving his eight children to the care of their mother, who
was in straitened circumstances. The boy was healthy and
strong, and as he increased in years he bore his full share of
the work about home, attending school as opportunity offered,
and making gratifying progress in his studies. He early
developed traits of industry and enterprise, and under the care-
ful training of his pious m^other, established a reputation for
sobriety and integrity''. The financial condition of the family
was such that a college course was out of the question. There-
fore young Oscar, at the age of fourteen, went into the busy
world to carve out his own fortune. For two years he served
as clerk in a store at Peaksville, Bedford county, Virginia.
Then he accepted a better position at Liberty (now Bedford
City) Virginia, in a hardware store. After remaining in this
position five years he acquired an interest in the business and
became its active manager. Several years later he moved to
Lynchburg, Virginia, where he established a wholesale hardware
house, and where he still remains as president of the Barker-
Jennings Hardware company. The business has grown to
mammoth proportions, and is now the largest establishment of
its kind south of the Ohio and east of the Mississippi rivers.
The building in which it is conducted contains two and a half
acres of floor space, and its traveling salesmen cover the whole
of the territory of three states — Virginia, West Virginia, and
North Carolina.
Mr. Barker has never sought official positions and in several
instances the demands of his business have compelled him to
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OSCAR BAYNE BARKER 31
I
decline honors of this kind which the people have desired to
confer upon him. Nevertheless he has not shirked calls to
take prominent part in enterprises intended to promote the
welfare of the community. He has been pressed into service as
president of the Southern Jobbers Hardware association. He
has also been president of the Lynchburg board of trade, chair-
man of the public school board, director in various business
corporations, and is now (1906) a director in the First National
bank. He has also been identified with the management of
various other bodies, including the Jones Memorial library, the
Lyceum and the Young Men's Christian association.
In business Mr. Barker has always pursued a broad and
liberal policy. The rewards that have come to him are those
that are due him for close application and honorable dealing.
He has never received financial aid from others, and the result
of his efforts indicate what " self-help " can do for one who is
earnest in purpose and upright in conduct.
Notwithstanding the demands of his large business interests,
Mr. Barker has always taken a prominent part in the religious
affairs of the city, being deacon in the College Hill Baptist
church and superintendent of the Sunday school. His fellow-
citizens have learned to count on him for cooperation in every
undertaking, secular or religious, for the advancement of the
city.
Mr. Barker is of a genial and social disposition, and partakes
with a relish of innocent amusements, preferring for relaxation,
bowling and horseback riding. He is a Mason, a Knight
Templar, a Shriner and an Elk. In politics he has always been
a Democrat.
The example of Mr. Barker should be an inspiration to
aspiring young men, proving as it does, that business success
may be gained by legitimate means, without taking short cuts,
or resorting to questionable practices, and without sacrificing
higher interests.
Mr. Barker was married on December 20, 1882, to Miss
Estelle A. Wright. Of their five children, four are living in
1906.
Their residence is 1104 Wise Street, Lynchburg, Virginia.
WILLIAM CAREY BARKER
ARKEE, WILLIAM CAREY, physician, was born in
Goochland county, Virginia, February 24, 1857. His
father, the Reverend Francis M. Barker, was a noted
minister in the Baptist church, and his mother was a woman of
fine Christian character.
The boyhood of Y^^illiam Barker was passed in the country.
At this period his opportunities for acquiring an education were
limited. He attended the common schools near his home, read
such medical books as he could secure, and, under the influence
of his parents made a careful study of the Bible. YTien the way
was opened for him to attend a higher institution of learning, he
took a course at Richmond college, after which he studied at the
Virginia Medical college and was graduated therefrom, with
the degree of M. D., in 1884. He then located at Fredericksburg,
Spottsylvania county, and commenced the practice of his pro-
fession for which he had shown a marked taste from his early
years.
In 1897 Dr. Barker removed to Buchanan, Botetourt county,
Virginia, where he has continued to reside. From 1887 to 1897,
he was assistant physician to the State hospital for the insane,
at Petersburg. His resignation was accepted by his associates
with deep regret, and they said of him : " Dr. Barker has
always discharged his duties here faithfully, efficiently and cheer-
fully. His sua^dty of manner, gentleness of disposition and
uniform courtesy have greatly endeared him to all connected
with the hospital." In his private practice he has been very
successful, and by the same gentleness and courtesy that was
shown at the hospital he has endeared himself to the community
in which he lives and labors.
Dr. Barker was married, first, in 1887, to Etta H. Jones, and
second, in 1892, to Mabel E. Elam. A son by the first marriage
and a daughter by the second were living in 1906. In politics.
Dr. Barker is a Democrat and since 1901 he has been chairman
of the executive committee of his county. On September IG,
.'^£n a/'j^c^/C J^uHis^nn^ /Jam/7^nz^
4
WILLIAM CAREY BARKER 35
1905, he was nominated by acclamation by his party for the
house of delegates from Botetourt count}^, and on the Tth of the
following November, he was elected for a term of two years.
His religious affiliation is with the Baptist church. He is a
Mason and an Odd Fellow and does much to promote the
interests of these orders.
His address is Buchanan, Botetourt County, Virginia.
ROBERT PATTON BARRON
BAERON, EGBERT PATTON, banker and business man,
was born at Turkey Cove, Lee county, Virginia, March
10, 1868. He is the son of W. N. G. Barron, Jr., and
Eliza J. Barron. His father was a farmer of Lee county, a
public-spirited citizen, interested in the welfare of the community
in which he lived, and highly popular among his acquaintances.
Mr. Barron's youth was spent in the country on his grand-
father's farm, where he learned to work at an early age. During
the fall and winter seasons he attended the public free schools,
and a private school conducted through the subscriptions of the
neighborhood, who thus emplo3^ed a teacher for four months in
the year, to round out the public school session of five months.
When not at school, he did the ordinary work of a boy on the
farm, and gave to that labor his entire attention in the time of
harvest.
In 1889, having determined to equip himself for a business
career, he entered the Eastman National Business college at
Poughkeepsie, New York, from which he graduated in 1890 ; and
in 1895 he entered upon the activities of a banker as cashier of
the banking house of Eufus A. Ayers and Company, at Big
Stone Gap, Virginia. This position he held until 1892, and per-
formed its duties so intelligently and successfully, that, when the
Ayers and Company bank was succeeded in 1892 by the Inter-
state Finance and Trust company, he became cashier of the new
institution, which position he retained until 1896. He is now
vice-president of the Interstate Finance and Trust company, and
also holds the responsible office of treasurer of Wise county,
Virginia.
Mr. Barron is a member of the Masonic order, and is high
priest in the Royal Arch chapter. He is also a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has held all the offices
in its subordinate and encampment branches.
Mr. Barron is a member of the Republican party, to which
he has always belonged, and is influential and popular in the
l4/as hznqtan,!?- C-
fe^---^"-^^^
ROBERT PATTON BARRON 39
local membership of his party, as is evidenced by his holding one
of the most prominent and important political offices in his
county.
On September 30, 1895, Mr. Barron married Mollie
Dempster; and of their marriage have been born five children,
all of whom are now (1906) living.
Mr. Barron's address is Big Stone Gap, Wise County, Vir-
ginia.
WILLIAM HENRY BRAMBLITT
BEAMBLITT, WILLIAM HENEY, physician, was born in
the town of Liberty, now Bedford City, in the county of
Bedford, Virginia, January 29, 1829. His father was
Elkanah Bramblitt, a farmer of Bedford county; his mother,
Mildred Dearing.
W. H. Bramblitt grew up in the country, and worked on the
farm from the time he was fifteen years of age until he was
twenty, when a severe and protracted spell of typhoid fever
incapacitated him for further physical work. In his youth
his attention was attracted to subjects of popular scientific
interest; and to his reading in this direction Doctor Bramblitt
attributes the development of his inclination and determination
to pursue the career of a physician. He attended the New Lon-
don academy for a few months ; and later, entering the University
Medical college of the city of New York, pursued a course in
medicine, and was graduated with the degree of Doctor of
Medicine in 1857. After that time he took a post-graduate
course in medicine at Bellevue Medical college, in 1871.
Doctor Bramblitt began the practice of his profession in
Jonesboro, North Carolina, in 1857. When the War between the
States broke out in 1861, he raised and organized the Grayson
cavalry and commanded the company as captain up to the end of
its term of enlistment. He was then appointed surgeon and
ordered to the 63rd Virginia infantrj^ for duty, and was engaged
during the progress of the war in both field and hospital work.
Besides doing a general practice in his community. Doctor
Bramblitt has been examiner for a number of life insurance com-
panies. He has been a member of the board of health for the
county and town of Pulaski, and there has been conferred upon
him honorary membership in the Southwest Virginia Medical
society. He is a member of the Virginia Medical society, of the
American Anti-tuberculosis league, and other professional and
scientific bodies; and has received the compliment of being
recorded in Ashherst's "Principles and Practice of Surgery,"
I
J
WILLIAM HENRY BRAMBLITT 48
under the title ; " Litigation of Internal Carotid Artery," as
having performed one of the only two operations of the kind
done during the War between the States.
Doctor Bramblitt is a member of the Presbyterian church,
and is a Democrat who has never changed his politics.
Doctor Bramblitt has been married three times: First, on
May 22, 1864, to Eliza H. Thomas, of Smyth county; second,
on February 21, 1872, to Mary Watson, of Pulaski county; and
third, on February 15, 1906, to Cora Hazelgrove, of Cumberland
county, Virginia. He has no children living.
Doctor Bramblitt's address is Pulaski, Virginia.
JOHN PATTESON BRANCH
BEAKCH, JOHN PATTESON, was born in the city of
Petersburg, Dinwiddie county, Virginia, October 9, 1830.
His earliest known ancestors were Christopher Branch
and his wife, Mary, who came from England in the good ship,
London Merchant, previous to the year 1623. On his mother's
side, his grandfather, John Blythe Eead, was born in Wales. All
his other ancestors lived in Chesterfield county, Virginia.
Mr. Branch is the son of the late Thomas Branch and Sarah
Pride Branch (nee Read). His father was a merchant and
banker, prominent in the com^mercial and other affairs of the
city of Petersburg, and afterwards of the city of Richmond, and
was well known throughout the state, alike for his success, and
for his integrity and religious life. It has been said of him that
" he was most conscientious, and loved justice above all other
virtues." He served the city of Petersburg both as sheriff and as
mayor, and in 1861 was a member of the Virginia Secession con-
vention. Like many other Virginians he was at first opposed to
secession, but afterwards cast in his lot with the Confederacy,
seeing, with his approval, five sons and three sons-in-law enter
its service.
With such parents, Mr. Branch had, by his very birth, a
most hopeful start in life. His father gave him the very best
educational advantages in the public and private schools of his
native city. At the time he would have entered college, his health
was quite poor, and so he turned aside, to engage at once in the
commercial career to which he was to devote the remainder of his
life. In 1848, he entered his father's office as a clerk. At this
time he began to spend many of his spare moments in the study
of books on commercial subjects, from which he derived large
help in the pursuit of business. But more valuable still was the
training he received under the advice and guidance of his noble
father, to whom he has so constantly and justly given the credit
for much of his prosperity and much of the best in his own
character. He was led to the choice of his occupations as much
PU&LIC
JOHN PATTESON BRANCH 47
by his father's desire to have him in the office with himself, as by
his own love for a commercial life. This business life in contact
with his father and since has proved to be a valuable aid in the
enlargement of his intellectual powers and in the broadening of
his views upon all subjects of real moment.
He remained in mercantile business until the Civil war, and
after the war turned his attention to banking, removing to Rich-
mond in the year 1871. More than twenty-five years ago, he
became president of the Merchants National bank of Richmond,
which position he has filled ever since with the most marked
success.
When the Civil war broke out, along with so manj^ other
young men from the best homes in Virginia, he enlisted in the
Confederate army, and became first lieutenant in the 41th
Virginia battalion. He remained in the service of his state until
the war closed, and was at Appomattox court-house when General
Lee surrendered his worn-out forces to the superior strength of
General Grant. On the retreat from Petersburg to Appomattox
court-house, he was detailed on the staff of Major Snodgrass, who
was acting quartermaster-general of General Lee's army.
On May 12, 1863, during the progress of the Civil war, he
married Miss Mary Louise Merritt Kerr, of Petersburg. From
this union there were born four children — two sons, Blythe
Walker Branch, of Paris, France, and John Kerr Branch, of
Richmond, Virginia ; and two daughters, Effie Kerr Branch, Rich-
mond, Virginia, and Mrs. Authur Graham Glasgow, of London,
England, (nee Margaret Elizabeth Branch).
Mr. Branch has always been a public-spirited citizen, inter-
ested in all the questions that have concerned in any way the
welfare of his city, his state and his country. He is the author
of a number of articles on finance, written primarily for the
purpose of instructing the public in things vital to commercial
welfare and business development and progress. He has been
recognized as a leader of the agitation in his city for good streets,
good sewerage and drainage, pure food, and all other things
looking to the betterment of public health, having had a large
part in the good work which has resulted in the reorganization
of the board of health and the adoption of more effective sanitary
48 JOHN PATTESOX BRANCH
regulations. He has given the money to the city for the erection
of the first building for public baths in the state of Virginia. He
has been a liberal contributor to every public charity or work of
general interest calling for the gifts of the people at large. He
has been foremost in the discussion of subjects of public interest,
and has ever been ready to give his time and labor to aid any
enterprise that would help the people, or to prevent any move-
ment which he believed to have in it possibilities of injury. He
is a member of the Westmoreland club, the Commonwealth club,
both of Richmond ; of the Sons of the Revolution, and of several
other organizations; and has been twice a member of the execu-
tive committee of the American Bankers association. Wliile not
a partisan in politics, he is identified with the Democratic party,
but was a 'Wliig before the breaking out of the War between the
States.
Like his father before him, Mr. Branch has always believed
that religion is indispensable both to private and to public
welfare and happiness, and has found the type of religion best
suited to his needs in the Methodist church, which he joined when
but thirteen years of age. He is at this time a steward and a
trustee of Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church South, in the
citv of Richmond, a member of the board of trustees of the
Randolph-Macon system of colleges and academies, of the board
of trustees of the Methodist orphanage of the Virginia confer-
ence, and of the board of managers of the " Methodist institute
for Christian work," in Richmond, which is planned and carried
on somewhat after the manner of the institutional churches, in
many of our larger cities. He has been repeatedly a delegate to
the annual and general conferences of his church. To all these
institutions he has given his valuable time and advice, and has
made large contributions of money as well. He has recently
built and equipped, in memory of his wife, who died in the year
1896, the Branch dormitory at Randolph-Macon college, in
Ashland — a handsome and much needed building and a valuable
adjunct to the work of this well-known school. He has been one
of the largest contributors to foreign missions in the Methodist
church in the South, and is always appealed to by the board of
missions in any case of special need. He is a faithful attendant
JOHN PATl^SON BRANCH 49
upon the worship of his church, and believes heartily in the
essential teachings of Methodism, and has no sj^mpathy with the
critical and sceptical tendencies of the age in matters of religion.
His pastors have often sought his advice in things concerning the
church, and he has been equally ready to give such advice as
would be conducive to the building up of its interests.
But with all his arduous labors in public and in private
endeavor, Mr. Branch has not been forgetful of the pleasures and
recreations of life. He has traveled quite extensively both in
Europe and in his own country, and converses most interestingly
about his experiences and the information gained. He finds great
pleasure in the entertaining of his friends in his hospitable home,
and makes a delightful host on these occasions. He spends the
heat of every summer in the cool breezes of the mountains, either
of New York or of West Virginia, being a familiar figure for
about two months of the time at the famous Greenbrier ^^Hiite
Sulphur Springs in the latter state, which he has visited for
many years. His favorite recreation is driving, which he believes
to be quite beneficial to his health ; he aims to have a good horse,
and on his drives seeks to be accompanied by some favorite friend,
in whose companionship he casts oE the cares of the busy day.
Nowhere else is Mr. Branch so attractive as in his own
home. Here his friends rejoice to meet him, and to have a fuller
acquaintance with the real man ; and here he rejoices to meet his
friends, and to lay aside the restraints of the business world in
social fellowship. Here, too, his family find him a most con-
siderate and indulgent, but at the same time wise and instructive
father, and look upon him as their hero greatly beloved.
The rules which Mr. Branch frequently mentions as con-
tributing most efTectively to high ideals and to true prosperity
will not only be helpful to our American youth, but will also
indicate the secret of his own life.
" Look first to character." This, he believes, lies at the
foundation of all life and of all permanent success, and character
rests upon religion. He has been careful to keep his life
unstained, and to put into effect the proverb, " A good name is
rather to be chosen than great riches." In a long business career,
in two cities less than fifty miles apart, his reputation for honesty
and integrity has been without blemish.
50 JOHN PATTESON BRANCH
" Look next to health." He believes — and has shown his
faith by his works — that no greater material blessing can come
to the public than clean streets, clean homes, clean bodies, pure
food, and consequent health. He has guarded his own health
and conserved his strength in spite of a life quite strenuous even
now. He has had well-nigh perfect health since reaching man-
hood, and at present, at seventy-six years of age, is vigorous and
strong, being a man of most attractive and commanding appear-
ance.
" Keep good company." Mr. Branch contends that the
unconscious influences which thus come into life have most to do
with the formation of character. He has been careful in the
making of his friendships, and has been obedient to Shakespeare's
injunction,
" Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried.
Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel."
", Save a part of your income, however small." He has been
greatly interested in the creation of habits of economy and of
saving among the poor. The building up of his own fortune
has been the result of obedience to this rule. Without being
stingy, or denying himself comfort, he has eschewed foolish
extravagance and those habits of luxury which have wrecked a
large number of men of wealth, and has lived within the compass
of his means.
" What is worth doing at all is worth doing well." In all his
work, whether in church or in state or in business, as far as time
and strength permitted, Mr. Branch has been earnest, diligent
and faithful.
His address is Richmond, Virginia.
MARTIN PARKS BURKS
BURKS, MARTIN PARKS, LL. D., was born in Liberty,
now Bedford City, Bedford county, Virginia, January
23, 1851. His father was Judge Edward Calohill
Burks ; his mother, Mildred Elizabeth Burks. Judge Burks was
a prominent lawyer, and, up to the time of his death, stood at the
very front of the Virginia bar. He was a member of the legis-
lature in 1861 ; was judge of the Court of Appeals from 1877 to
1883 ; and helped to revise the Virginia code in 1887. He was a
thorough lawyer of the highest type, and stood for all that was
best and purest in the social system of the generation just passing
away. Martin P.'s mother was a noble Virginia matron of the
highest type, and did no little to mold the character of her son,
and make him one of the most useful and most honored men of
the generation now in control of the destinies of the state. In the
home presided over by these two, there was no idling, no
dawdling; all were active and strenuous. Each boy had his
regular duties. The family arose at 4 A. M., and saw that the
servants were up and doing. The training of the home was
towards thrift and energy. Judge Burks himself set the
example of industry and activity, and thus helped to fit his son
for the successful career that he has had.
M. P. Burks received his rudimentary education in the
country schools of Bedford county; then entered Washington
college, where he took the A. B. degree in 1870. It was there that
he came under the personal influence of General Robert E. Lee,
who was president of the college now Imown as Washington and
Lee university. After taking his academic degree in Lexington,
Mr. Burks went to the University of Virginia, to study law.
There he sat at the feet of that Gamaliel of southern law teachers,
John B. Minor, whose name figures prominently in these pages.
In 1872, Mr Burks took the B. L. degree of the University of
Virginia, the acme of a young law student's ambition. With this
degree, he entered upon the practice of law, January 1, 1873, as
52 MARTIN PARKS BURKS
his father's partner. From that time till 1900, he was a practi-
tioner in Liberty, in Bedford City, and took a high stand at the
bar. All these years, the influence of Judge Burks upon his son
was very great; and the life of the father has always been an
inspiration to the son.
M. P. Burks early showed an appetite for legal pursuits.
He inherited his father's tastes and his talents. The books that
did most to fit him for usefulness in life were the Lives of the
Lord Chancellors and Chief Justices of England, more particu-
larly of Eldon and Stowell, who had to overcome great difficulties
in working out their careers and achieving distinction. The lives
of great lawyers, living and dead, have exerted great influence
upon the subject of this sketch.
In selecting law as his profession, Mr. Burks was influenced
by the manifest, though unexpressed, desire of his father.
Doubtless dame nature had a hand in the matter, as we can
clearly see that his tastes were very decidedly legal; and those
that believe in heredity can easily believe that the son inherited
the aptitudes of the father.
Since 1895, Mr. Burks has been reporter of the Court of
Appeals of Virginia, a position of no little honor which does not
interfere with his other duties. In 1900, when Y/ashington and
Lee needed a professor of law, she called Mr. Burks to fill the
vacancy. It may be emphatically said that the choice was a
happy one, and strengthened the institution in many quarters.
We may also say that, with such men in the law faculties of
Virginia, young Virginians need not leave their state to get a
solid training for the legal profession.
Mr. Burks is prominent in the councils of the Protestant
Episcopal church in Virginia. His name is familiar to all who
are well informed in regard to the diocese of Southern Virginia.
In politics, he has always been a Democrat, but has never desired
public office.
In 1893, Mr. Burks published a law book entitled "Property
Eights of Married Women in Virginia." For tiiis and his fine
reputation at the bar, he was, in 1903, made a Doctor of Laws by
Roanoke College, Virginia, a well-merited distinction.
MARTIN PARKS BURKS 53
December 31, 1874, Mr. Burks was married to Roberta
Gamble Bell. They have had two children, one of w^hom is now
(1906) living.
Mr. Burk's address is Lexington, Virginia. As already said,
he is one of the law faculty of Washington and Lee University.
Tol. 2— Va.— 3
CHARLES RUSSELL CALDWELL
CALDWELL, CHAELES EUSSELL, was born near
Lewisburg, in Greenbrier county, West Virginia, Sep-
tember 1, 1869. He is a son of DeWitt C. B. and
Frances Cena (Edgar) Caldwell. His father was a physician
and surgeon, who ranked high in his profession and was held in
esteem in the community in which he lived.
Mr. Caldwell grew up amid surroundings and under
influences that were in a high degree calculated to develop the
characteristics of industry, independence, and determination
which have so largely contributed to his success in business.
Leading the life of a country lad, his hours of leisure werfe largely
devoted to reading; while he was at the same time taught the
lessons, which are not learned in books, of self-denial, industry
and thrift, in the necessity of having to begin work at a very
early age in order to aid in the support of his widowed mother
and younger brothers and sisters. He began work as a boy of
eleven years in a hoop factory, and worked at various occupations
with his hands until he was sixteen years old. To this he attri-
butes not only the development of his health and physical
strength, but no less a stability of purpose and steady habits,
together with an insight, not otherwise attainable, into the condi-
tions that surround the laboring classes. He attended in the
meanwhile the public schools in Eonceverte and Lewisburg; and
later went to Staunton, Virginia, as a student in Dunsmore's
Business college, where he was graduated in April, 1886, Master
of Accounts. He immediately secured a position as bookkeeper
in a wholesale hay and grain house in Staunton. He pursued
the business of bookkeeper and accountant until 1892, when he
engaged in the book and stationery business in Staunton as
senior member of the firm of Caldwell and Holt. In 1895 he
was made general bookkeeper and, a je^r or two afterward, he
was promoted assistant cashier of the Augusta National Bank
of Staunton, a position which he held until 1899. In 1895 he
organized the Caldwell-Sites company, wholesale and retail
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CHARLES RUSSELL CALDWELL 57
booksellers and stationers with houses in Staunton and Roanoke,
in Virginia, and in Bristol, Virginia-Tennessee. Of this firm he
has been president from the date of its formation.
Mr. Caldwell's business capacity, integrity and agreeable
personality have concurred to bring him prominently to the
front in his community. He has been, since June, 1903, president
of the Farmers and Merchants bank of Staunton ; he is president
of the Staunton ^lerchants association, which office he has held
from its organization until now (1906) ; he is the president of the
Staunton board of trade; and he was from 1899 to 1903, presi-
dent, and is now vice-president of the King's Daughters hospital
of Staunton. He was treasurer of the company organized to
publish the first daily newspaper in Staunton; and, with the
exception of one or two years, has been the practical manager of
the paper, now, the " Staunton Dispatch and News," from
1890 up to the present time (1906).
Among other prominent positions which Mr. Caldwell holds
in his community/ may be mentioned that of superintendent of
the Sunday school of the First Presbyterian church, and presi-
dent of the Young Men's Christian association of the city.
While he has had no political aspirations, and has never been a
candidate for elective office, he is possessed of a large public
spirit, and there is nothing of moment which concerns his city
or the people who live in it, in which he does not take an active
interest.
Mr. Caldwell is a member of the Royal Arcanum, a fraternal
benefit association, and is collector of its council in Staunton.
He is a Democrat in politics, but left the party on the money
question in 1896, voting in that election the Prohibition ticket;
but returned to his party allegiance in 1900, when he supported
Mr. Bryan's candidacy for president. He is an active member
of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Caldwell's life has been so closely devoted to work that
until recently he has given but little time to what is known as
recreation. In the past few years he has acquired a large farm
in Augusta county; and in the personal attention which he gives
it, he finds a pleasant relaxation from the cares of business.
58 CHARLES RUSSELL CALDWELL
He married, May 12, 1897, Mrs. Bessie Adams Allen (nee
Adams), daughter of a prominent banker and business man of
Wheeling, West Virginia, and has one child.
Mr. Caldwell's address is Staunton, Virginia.
RICHARD HENRY CARDWELL
CAHDWELL, RICHARD HENRY, judge of the Supreme
Court of Appeals of Virginia, was born at Madison,
Rockingham county, North Carolina, August 1, 1845.
His father was Richard Perrin Cardwell, and his mother
Elizabeth Martin (Dalton) Cardwell. Richard P. Cardwell was
a farmer and a tobacconist, and for a time represented his county
in the state legislature.
Richard H. Cardwell was strong and vigorous in his youth;
and his natural vigor was greatly improved by his service in the
Confederate army, which he entered upon at the age of sixteen.
He was reared in the country near a village and was
accustomed in his boyhood to go to school in the winter and
to labor on the farm in the summer and fall ; and he thinks that
this employment had a most salutary effect upon both his char-
acter and his habits. He lost his father in infancy, but his noble
mother exerted a most potent influence upon his intellectual,
moral and spiritual life, and was largely instrumental in rearing
him to be the useful man he is. He met with great difficulties in
getting an education. He first attended a common public school ;
then Beulah Male institute and Madison Male academy, but never
had the opportunity of attending college, university, or technical
school. He is a most conspicuous example of what a boy of
talent, industry, and character can accomplish without the very
desirable advantages of college training.
When asked to name the books or the special lines of reading
which he found m.ost helpful in fitting him for his work in life,
Judge Cardwell promptly replied : " I attach the greatest
importance to my early reading and study of the Bible." In this
age when steam printing presses are turning out thousands of all
sorts of books on all subjects, it is refreshing to find a distin-
guished judge who says that he was most helped in preparing for
his career in life by the reading and study of the great text book
of the centuries.
From 1863 to the close of the War between the States, Judge
GO RICHARD HENRY CARDWELL
Cardwell was a private soldier in a North Carolina company of
the Confederate army, and did his full share towards making the
glorious record of the troops from " the old North State." Those
who know that the brain and brawn and moral worth of the
South, the very flower of our youth and manhood, served in the
ranks of the Confederate army, and that after the war ended
they occupied the highest positions of honor, emolument, and
trust, are not surprised that this young soldier has risen to grace
the Supreme bench of the Old Dominion.
At the close of the war, 3'Oung Cardwell returned to his home
in Rockingham county, North Carolina, but in 1869 he removed to
Hanover count}^, Virginia, to make his fortune among his wife's
people, and engaged in farm work while reading law and pre-
paring for his future career. In 1874, he began the practice of
law, and was very successful from the first, though he never held
position in any institution, or corporation. He was elected in
1881 to the Virginia house of delegates, and sat in that body until
1895. From 1887 to 1895, he filled with great ability the office of
speaker of the house. In 1884, he was Democratic elector, and
made a fine reputation as an effective stump speaker. He was a
member of the State Debt commission, which in 1892 settled the
public debt of Virginia, He was chairman of the joint committee
of the legislature of Virginia to adjust and settle with Maryland
the controversy over the boundary line between the two states,
and prepared the report which was adopted by the legislature of
Virginia and accepted and adopted by the legislature of
Maryland.
To an enthusiastic Democrat with the record outlined above,
political preferment was of course open. Accordingl}^, in 1894,
he was elected a member of the Supreme Court of Appeals of
Virginia. He took his seat on the bench January 1, 1895, for a
term of twelve years. In January, 1906, he was reelected for
another term of four years. Industrious, able, and incorruptible.
Judge Cardwell has been in every way an admirable judge, and
has won the confidence and esteem of the bar and of the people.
Entering the practice of law from his own personal prefer-
ence. Judge Cardwell attributes his success in life to thQ influence
of home and his contact with men in active life.
Judffe Cardwell has been for vears a consistent member of
RICHARD HENRY CARDWELL 61
the Presbyterian church, and his motto has been " Not slothfui
in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord."
Asked " that from his own experience and observation he
would offer suggestions to young Americans as to the principles,
methods, and habits which w^ill contribute most to the strength-
ening of sound ideals in our American life, and will most help
young people to attain true success in life," Judge Cardwell gives
this characteristic reply : " Honesty, industry, straightforward-
ness in all things, and seeking to acquire wealth or distinction by
honest endeavor only."
Hanover county, famous as the home or the birthplace of
Patrick Henry, Henry Clay and other men of distinction, may
well be proud that she has on the Supreme bench of Virginia
so worthy a representative.
On February 9, 1865, Eichard H. Cardwell married Kate
Harwood, of Richmond, Virginia. They have had nine children,
of whom six are now (1906) living.
His address is Hanover, Virginia.
GEORGE LAFAYETTE CARTER
CARTEK, GEORGE LAFAYETTE, was born in Carroll
county, Virginia, January 10, 1857, and his parents were
Walter Crockett Carter and Lucy Anne Jennings. He
comes of a family very distinguished in the annals of Virginia,
whose first representative was Colonel John Carter, who settled
at Corotoman in Lancaster county about the year 1649. He was
a royalist who despite the subjection of Virginia to the authority
of the parliament, demeaned himself in such a manner as to
occasion his arrest for treasonable utterances. He married five
times, and his son by Sarah Ludlow, daughter of Gabriel Ludlow,
of Massachusetts, was the celebrated Robert Carter, who by reason
of his vast estates and corresponding pride was known as " King
Carter." He married twice, and had twelve children. A son
named Edward, by Betty Landon, settled in Albemarle county,
where he was known as Colonel Edward Carter, of " Blenheim.*'
He married Sarah Champe, daughter of John Champe, of
Lambe's Creek, King George county, Virginia. After Colonel
Carter's death, the estate went to his son Charles, who married
Betty Lewis, and one of his sons was William Farley Carter, who
emigrated to Kentucky with his cousins — Lawrence and George —
to take up lands given to his mother's father, Colonel Fielding
Lewis, by the government of the United States. Robert Carter
was a son of William Farley Carter, and married Jane Crockett,
daughter of the first clerk of Wythe county, and they were great-
grandparents of George Lafayette Carter, now of Bristol, Vir-
ginia.
Walter Crockett Carter, father of George Lafayette Carter,
was the youngest of seven children, and because of his father's
losses received only a meager inheritance of a few acres in Carroll
county, Virginia, from his mother. On this small inheritance he
lived, and reared his family, and was respected as an honest, hard
working man. He held several public offices in Carroll county,
and at the outbreak of the War between the States, was captain
of a company of the Carroll militia. This company was not
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GEORGE LAFAYETTE CARTER 65
called into service until May, 1862, when with two other com-
panies it was organized into a new one, under the command of
L. H. Hampton, of Graj^son, captain ; Giles S. Martin, of Carroll,
and Isaac Webb, of Carroll, first lieutenants; and Waiter
Crockett Carter, of Carroll, first sergeant. It thus became a
part, with nine other companies, of the 63rd regiment of Vir-
ginia volunteers, and was brigaded with the 50th Virginia regi-
ment, and other regiments under General John S. Williams, and
for a time was in General Loring's division. Mr. Carter's first
engagement was at Charleston, West Virginia, in September,
1862, and not long after, upon a reorganization of all " the Car-
roll boys " of the regiment into one company, called company I,
Mr. Carter w^as made one of the three lieutenants. In February,
1863, a battle was fought with the Federals before Suffolk, Vir-
ginia, and in this affair Colonel Poage, commanding the regi-
ment, was killed, and Lieutenant Carter so badly wounded in the
leg that its amputation became necessary. He returned to his
farm and with a courage that no difficulties could subdue renewed
the struggle of life, and kept it up till a few weeks before his
death twelve years later, showing in his last days the same fine
sense, perseverance and self-reliance which had distinguished him
from the first.
Upon his father's small farm, George L. Carter, the first of
nine children, was born not long before the war; and though
apparently physicallj'- unfitted to endure the labors of the field,
he had the resolution of his father, and during the spring, sum-
mer and autumn worked on the farm, and in the winter went to
a small country school. At sixteen years, his father determined
to engage him in some avocation more suitable to his condition,
and secured for him a position in a store at Hillsville. In this
new capacity he proved himself industrious, faithful and honest,
and he found time early mornings and evenings, to gratify his
taste for reading. Among the books read in this early period of
his life were: Franklin's Autobiography, Bunyan's Pilgrim's
Progress, and the Bible, which afforded him a great deal of
information and valuable mental culture. After four years
spent in the store at Hillsville, he secured a position with the
Wythe Lead and Zinc Mine company, at Austinville, Virginia.
66 GEORGE LAFAYETTE CARTER
This proved to be the opening of his wonderfully successful busi-
ness career, and it was not very long ere he struck out on his own
financial ventures.
The great opportunities of Southwest Virginia for mineral
enterprises were now awakening, and Mr. Carter was one of the
first to interpret the signs of the times. He connected himself
with the Dora Furnace company, at Pulaski, as vice-president
and general manager. His success enlarged his views and he
aspired to victory in even wider fields. He saw that ten or more
furnaces were idle and large coal fields in Virginia, Kentucky
and Tennessee were undeveloped. He conceived the idea of
uniting a number of these separate and crippled enterprises into
one great organization, which should be inspired with new life
and energy, and capable of carrying out the natural result. He
sought out capitalists in New York, and Moore and Schley,
bankers, financiered the movement, and in a short time capital to
the amount of $10,000,000 was provided. A company was organ-
ized in January, 1899, under the name of Virginia Iron, Coal and
Coke company, and the name of George L. Carter, its president,
became famous in all Virginia. Besides the furnaces two rail-
roads were comprised in the deal and 175,000 acres of mineral
and timber land in Tennessee and Virginia.
Unfortunately, there occurred what frequently happens, at
some time or other, with every business corporation. A faction
developed unfriendly to Mr. Carter, and in 1901, by snap methods,
the company was thrown by JMoore and Schley into receivers'
hands. Mr. Carter would not submit, and an appeal to the
courts was taken by him, which resulted in the appointment of
Judge A. A. Phlegar, the personal friend and counsel of Mr.
Carter, as one of the receivers. Under their able direction the
interests of the Virginia Iron, Coal and Coke com^pany, which
are immense, were put in first class shape, and the receivers dis-
charged by the court in 1903.
Mr. Carter, who from his youth has been interested in farm-
ing operations, although in a very small way, in his earlier days,
is very fond of agricultural pursuits, takes his only recreation by
occasionally spending a day or two looking after his considerable
farming interests, cattle and other live stock.
GEORGE LAFAYETTE CARTER 67
In 1902 and 1903 Mr. Carter bought two small railroads in
Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina, and a large acreage of
coal lands in West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia, and imme-
diately commenced the development thereof by opening up a
number of coal mines on properties, and building railroads
thereto.
He is now (1906) backed by strong New York and Boston
interests in a forty million dollar company, which is making
further developments of its about two hundred and fifty thou-
sand acres of Virginia coal land, and in completing an extensive
low grade line railroad from the Virginia coal field to connections
with the South Atlantic coast.
In response to the question, what will most contribute to
achieve success in life, Mr. Carter replies : " A complete
knowledge of anatomy, and a proper observance of the laws of
nature, with constant industry, frugality, honesty of purpose,
nobility, courage, persistent energ^^, and the fear of God."
In politics, Mr. Carter is and has always been a Democrat,
although he has never sought office and cares nothing for it. The
religious element in his character is deep and earnest, and, though
he has never identified himself with any church, he prefers the
Presbyterian way of thinking. He states that his mother's
influence upon his intellectual, moral and spiritual life was very
great and this is probably the source of his deep veneration for
the Sabbath day, which he wishes to keep " holy," no matter what
may be the call upon him. This deep religious instinct was
probably the governing principle of his conduct after his father's
death when m.ade guardian to his younger brothers and sisters.
His supervision extended down even to the smallest details of
their lives; and their physical, intellectual and spiritual welfare
were ever the objects of his tenderest care. Feeling the incon-
veniences which he had encountered from lack of early mental
training, he took care, at the expense of much toil and anxiety to
himself, that each of his brothers and sisters should receive the
best educational advantages.
On April 9, 1895, he married Mayetta Wilkinson, and their
only child, Jimmie W. Carter, is still (190G) living.
His address is Number 210 Solar Street, Bristol, Virginia.
LANGDON TAYLOR CHRISTIAN
CHRISTIAN, LANGDON TAYLOR, was born in New
Kent county, Virginia, May 26, 1853, and is the son of
William Edmond and Ann E. (Taylor) Christian. His
father was a farmer, and was a typical Virginian of the " old
school," refined, courteous, chivalrous. Mrs. Ann Christian died
when her son was yery 3^oung, so that he did not have the benefit
of a mother's training and influence.
The Christians are one of the largest and one of the most
prominent of the old Virginia families. Mr. L. T. Christian is
connected with the Charles City family of the same name, and
many of them have settled in Richmond and other cities of
Virginia and of other states. Man}^ of them have risen to
prominence m various sections, two of the most distinguished
being the late Judge Joseph Christian, long a member of the
Supreme court of Virginia, and the present distinguished lawyer
of Richmond, George L. Christian. The family is said to have
come from the Isle of Man : they settled in Virginia early in the
colonial era, probably about 1650.
Langdon T. was reared in the country, and did such
" chores " as a country boy has to do. He made himself gener-
ally useful, and hardened both his physical and his moral muscle
for whatever might await him in the future. Owing to the
poor schools in his county, he was deprived of educational advan-
tages and in 1870 went to the city of Richmond and apprenticed
to a furniture manufacturer. By strict attention to business, he
soon ingratiated himself with his employer, and was entrusted
with no little responsibility. In 1880, he became a funeral
director; has been, for nineteen years, secretary of the State
Funeral Director's association ; and has served as president of the
national association.
Mr. Christian has served in the citv council of Richmond,
Virginia, and represented his city in the lower house of the
general assembly from 1900 to 1904.
In social orders also, he has been prominent. He is an
len of Mark Puhlishjn £ Company
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LANGDON TAYLOR CHRISTIAN 71
enthusiastic Mason, a Knight of Pythias, and a Knight Templar,
and has served as past master, past eminent commander, and past
chancellor, in these orders.
Mr. Christian has also taken an active part in the State
Guard, having served from 1872 to 1898. He entered as a
private and rose to brigade inspector, with the rank of major.
Mr. Christian married Belle Beverley Brown. They have
two children, who are now (1906) living. They reside at 101*2
East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia.
JOHN WILLIAM CHURCHMAN
CHUECHMAN, JOHN WILLIAM, is the son of John S.
and Frances Crawford Churchman, and was born
September 12, 1857, on his father's farm in Augusta
county, where he still (1906) resides. Mr. Churchman's ancestry
on his father's side can be traced back to John Churchman, who
emigrated from England to America about 1670, and settled near
the site of the present city of Wilmington, Delaware. On his
mother's side he is sprung from that sturdy strain of Scotch-Irish
Presbyterians who came from Ulster in the early half of the
eighteenth century, and locating in the Shenandoah Valley of
Virginia, were the pioneers of the westward advancing civiliza-
tion of their day in the development of a new country. The
names of Churchman and Crawford alike have been honored
and respected ones in Augusta county; and among Mr. Church-
man's maternal ancestors w^ho attained local distinction was
Colonel James Crawford, who was for a long period the presid-
ing justice of the county court.
Young Churchman's early years were spent in attending
country schools and in working on the farm. Later he was a
student at Hampden-Sidney college, Virginia, from which insti-
tution he graduated in 1878 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
His original purpose had been to pursue the study and practice
of the law, to which profession his tastes and natural bent of
mind inclined him; but the death of an only brother made it
necessary for him to abandon this purpose, and to take charge
of his father's farm.
Mr. Churchman's sound judgment, breadth of information,
and interest in public matters, however, soon brought him
conspicuously to the front as a man of affairs in his county; and
for many years he served most acceptably as a county
magistrate. In 1897, he was nominated and elected by the
Democratic party, of which he has alwaj^-s been an unwavering
adherent, a member of the house of delegates in the general
assembly of Virginia. To this position he has been elected for
JOHN WILLIAM CHURCHMAN 75
five consecutive terms; and at the session of 1906 he was a
prominent and formidable candidate for the speakership. His
influence in the house of delegates, where he is regarded as one
of the Democratic leaders, is very considerable; and at the
session of 1906 he originated and secured the enactment of a
notable piece of legislation in what is known as " the Church-
man rate bill," requiring the railroads of the state to sell five-
hundred miles mileage books at two cents a mile.
On August 27, 1890, Mr. Churchman married Annie
Johnson ; and of their marriage have been born four children, of
whom two are now living (1906).
His address is Staunton, Virginia.
CHARLES JONES COLONNA
COLONNA, CHAELES JONES, marine railway and ship
builder, was born in Accomac county, Virginia, August
27, 1849. His parents were John Wilkins and Margaret
(Jones) Colonna. His father, a planter and also a sea captain,
was noted for his kindness, honesty, and close attention to busi-
ness. The earliest ancestors in this country emigrated from
Italy, about 1625, and settled in the section now comprised in
Accomac and Northampton counties, Virginia. They claim to
be descendants of the noble Colonna family and left Italy on
account of religious persecution.
In childhood and youth Charles Colonna lived in the
country. He was well and strong and with the exception of
having a special liking for mechanics his tastes and interests
were those of the average boy of his time and locality. He went
to the county free schools but was not able to attend any of the
higher institutions of learning. AVhen school was not in session,
he was obliged to regularly perform the various kinds of farm
work, and after his school davs closed he remained at home for
awhile and continued the same kind of labor.
^Vhen he was about eighteen years of age he left the farm
for the sea. He sailed before the mast in the schooner C. C.
Sadler for two years and then enlisted on the coast survey
steamer Bibb, as carpenter. He retained this position for about
eighteen months when he resigned and went to Chicago and
found employment as a ship carpenter with Miller and Brother.
Later he worked in the same line in Canada, Michigan and
Virginia. In 1876, when twenty-seven years of age, he com-
menced business for himself in Norfolk, Virginia, and with
borrowed capital built a marine railway with a capacity of about
forty tons. For a time the tide set against him. The capacity
of his railway was so limited that he could haul only small boats
and the percentage of profit on this business was very low.
For two or three years the outlook was dark and Mr. Colonna
was almost discouraged. But his wife was wise and helpful,
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CHARLES JONES COLONNA 79
and very largely because of her energy, economy and constant
encouragement, he was enabled to go on. As a result of per-
severance and constant and careful oversight his business
increased and in five years from the time he commenced he
found it necessary to enlarge his plant. As the one he was using
was on leased property he was obliged to secure another location.
He purchased the place which he now owns and put in a plant
of five hundred tons capacity. His prosperity steadily increased,
and after using the new plant six years he was obliged to greatly
enlarge his facilities. He then put in a railway with a capacity
of two thousand tons. Not long afterward one of his com-
petitors wished to sell, and in 1899 Mr. Colonna bought the John
L. Thomas plant. Three years later he purchased the shipyard
adjoining his own, which was the property of Mr. W. A. Graves,
by whom he had once been employed. At the present writing,
he has five marine railways in operation; three on the Eastern
branch and two on the Southern branch. For a long time after
he commenced business he employed only about fifty men, but
now, as for several years past, he has from one hundred to three
hundred men constantly at work. He has built eleven transpor-
tation barges, and one seagoing steamer which bears his name.
But experience has taught him that shipbuilding in his locality
is not profitable. Consequently, he keeps his yards almost
entirely for the purpose of repairing, and with his five marine
railways he repairs on an average some six hundred and fifty
vessels per year.
In estimating the relative strength of certain influences upon
his success, Mr. Colonna says that '* Character founded upon
early home influences has been principally developed and molded
by contact with men in active life." In the daily press he has
found the reading which has been most helpful in his efforts to
win success. His principal recreations are found in driving,
bicycling, automobiling and boating. He is a member of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and of the Knights of
Pythias, fraternities, while of civic bodies he is a member of the
Norfolk Business Men's association and of the Norfolk chamber
of commerce. In politics he was formerly a Democrat, but in
later years, he has been identified with the Eepublican party.
Vol. 2— Va.— 4
80 CHARLES JONES COLONNA
His religious affiliation is with the Protestant Episcopal church,
in which he has been a vestryman for twenty years. In reply
to a request that he would, from his own experience and obser-
vation, offer suggestions to young Americans regarding the
principles, methods and habits which he believes will contribute
most to the strengthening of sound ideals and will most help
young people to attain success in life, he says, " Young men should
choose the occupation which they feel they are best fitted for,
and then if they are temperate and persistent they will win
success. Industry, temperance and honor are the best fortunes
they can possess."
Mr. Colonna has been twice married; first, on March 20,
1877, to Margaret O. Dunston; and second, on January 30, 1902,
to Fannie C. Fentress. Of his seven children, six are living
in 1906.
His address is Norfolk, Virginia.
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JOHN WIMBISH CRADDOCK
HADDOCK, JOHN WIMBISH, president of the Crad-
dock-Terry Company of Ljaichburg, was born at Halifax
court-house, Virginia, August 14, 1858. His ancestors
came from Wales in the seventeenth century, settling first in the
eastern part of the state. His father, Charles J. Craddock, was
distinguished locally as a physician, as his father before him had
been ; and was for a time, before the Civil war, a member of the
Virginia legislature. John Cradclock's mother was before mar-
riage Miss Fannie Y. Easley, of another prominent Halifax
family. Dr. Craddock died January 1, 1866, leaving a widow
and six children ranging in age from two to fourteen years. In
a country impoverished by war, under this heavy responsibility
and under the shadow of sore bereavement, this gentlewoman
faced the future vrith Spartan courage. War had wiped out her
husband's savings, and she, in order to furnish the means for the
support of her children and their preparation for the duties of
life, opened a boarding and day school at her home. It was here
that the foundations of John Craddock's education and character
were laid, and to-day he looks back with reverence and affection
to the teaching and influence of this heroic mother as the source
of whatever good there is in him and his career.
The boy was in his eighth year when his father died.
Physically, he was not robust, but he loved outdoor life, and from
twelve to sixteen years of age he helped about the farm after
school hours. He realizes now that the necessary activity and
self-denial of these early days was of incalculable benefit to him.
He began his business career in a country store at the age of
sixteen. He removed to Lynchburg in September, 1878, and
remained there in business, as an employee, for six years. In
1884, he embarked in the wholesale boot and shoe business in
Baltimore in the firm of Spragins, Stover & Craddock. In 1888
he returned to Lynchburg and with confident appreciation of its
advantages as a wholesale mart, he became the senior member of
the firm of Craddock, Terry and Company. The partnership,
84 JOHN WIMBISH CRADDOCK
after ten prosperous years, expanded in 1898 into the incorporated
concern of Craddock-Terry Company, which is now in the full
tide of a splendidly successful development.
Mr. Craddock on December 6, 1886, married Miss Mary
Peachy Gilmer, of Chatham, Pitts^dvania county, Virginia.
They have four children. The home of the family is a handsome
establishment on Madison street, in one of the most attractive
residence sections of the city. Mr. Craddock is a member of the
Baptist church, with which he has long been connected.
Mr. Craddock is an attractive as well as a commanding
figure in the business sphere. As soon as the purely commercial
success of the enterprise which has claimed the years of his prime
was assured, there was evolved by him and his associates, an ideal
of high and fine significance. Before the concern came into
existence there was already one wholesale shoe house, and it was
prosperous, but expansion had not as yet proceeded sufficiently to
give Lynchburg distinctive rank as a shoe center. This com-
paratively small city has now become the leading shoe distributing
point in the South, and in the manufacture of the goods has also
come rapidly to the front. Half a dozen houses conduct each a
large establishment, three of them embracing manufacturing
departments. Preeminent in the campaign for trade conquest has
been the Craddock-Terry Company, which has not only earned
large dividends annually but has consistently operated on the
broad principle that it is itself directly benefited by whatever
promotes the prestige of the market as a whole. It is a concern
that throbs with the spirit of leadership, blazing new paths and
invading new territory, proceeding with dash yet with judgment,
with acumen and probity. Mr. Craddock, fortunately associated
with able men of like enthusiasm and aspiration, would build a
business that would be a monument — not onlj^ a fabric of financial
success, but also an institution on enduring foundations that will
develop manhood and merit, that will illustrate the efficacy of
high business principles, and perhaps go far to solve, almost
before it has arisen, the labor problem in Southern industries.
The plan is definite, though of necessity gradual in its evolu-
tion. Since the house was incorporated eight years ago, such
employees as have demonstrated their fitness, have from time to
been given opportunity to become stockholders under an arrange-
JOHN WIMBISH CRADDOCK 85
ment making the ownership of stock immediate and payment
therefor gradual. The company contemplates taking another
great step, by which a similar opportunity, on terms that any
thrifty workingman can comply with, will be extended to
employees in the manufactory, whenever they shall have com-
pleted a brief, fixed period as wage earners and have established
a certain record of compliance with reasonable business regula-
tions. This generous and at the same time judicious system
so far as it has been carried out has brought rich returns, finan-
cial and moral, and the proportionate success of its extention is
undoubted. The enthusiasm and the unity of interest which it
insures make an irresistible bid for results. The esprit de corps
produced, resembles that prevailing in a proud battalion — " the
house " for every man, and every man for the house. The
ambition of the men and the exercise of initiative are encouraged
throughout the establishment. The atmosphere is promotive of
harmony and stimulates a spirit of business industry. This is
the outcome of a principle of far reaching achievement that
appeals to the sensibility and imagination of a man like John W.
Craddock.
Mr. Craddock is an influential and positive factor in the
local business community, and in the shoe trade of the East and
South. He has been president of the Ljmchburg board of trade,
and of the National Shoe Wholesalers' association, and has been
selected to act in many similar representative capacities.
His scope is by no means limited to the domain of commerce
and industry, however. He is " a business man with genius for
citizenship," as well as a citizen with a genius for business. His
public spirit is a proverb, and in every movement for the promo-
tion of civic progress v/hich his judgment approves, he is liberal
with mone3^, time and thought. His aid in behalf of such efforts
is uniformly desired, his advocacy is a strong recommendation,
his leadership almost the badge of victory. He has never sought
an office and has never held one except that of member of the city
school board, in which he takes great interest. His influence
upon the sentiment of his community comes to him as a private
citizen and has been acquired by no meretricious methods, but is
simply a reflection of the public estimate of his character, his
judgment and his disinterestedness.
86 JOHN WIMBISH CRADDOCK
Once a subject claims his attention, his passion is for all the
available information bearing upon it. This at hand, his grasp is
all but instant and his decision prompt. He is a convincing
speaker by force of sincerity and lucidity of statement. Contact
with men in active life, next to the home, Mr. Craddock regards
as the greatest educational influence that he has experienced.
Sensible of the normal relations of things, he is without affecta-
tions, and his head will never be turned. His power of concen-
tration seems absolute, and his attention is transferred from one
subject to another with singular ease. He can by turns scrutinize
the minutiae of shoe and leather statistics, canvass the probabili-
ties of an election, ponder the planting of a hedge around a school
yard, take an afternoon drive, make a first class speech at a
banquet, and then, later in the evening as the glow of the embers
dims, take down from the shelf an ethical discourse and let in the
finer lights — all in one daj^ and without excessive fatigue at the
end. It is a man of quite varied resources who can with undimin-
ished zest and unimpaired enthusiasm thread the mazes of a great
business through the year, participate actively as a private citizen
in every political contest, aid in municipal development in a
dozen different ways, help his friends to solve their problems, take
a trip to the seashore once in a while, spend a month on the farm,
then top it off by sending to the members of his personal circle,
as a New Year's greeting, a prettily printed leaflet bearing the
uplifting sentiments of Channing's immortal " symphony."
Mr. Craddock's address is Lynchburg, Virginia.
PUBLIC LIBEAEY
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CHARLES CURRY
CURRY, CHARLES, who for many years has been one of
the prominent lawyers of the Staunton, Virginia, bar,
was born in Augusta county, Virginia, January 25, 1858.
His father and mother were Robert Addison Curry and Hannah
Anderson Curry. He is of Scotch-Irish Presbyterian extraction,
his great-grandfather, Doctor Robert Curry, having been born
near Londonderry, Ireland, about 1700. Doctor Robert Curry
was educated in Londonderry, and studied medicine in Belfast,
and is said to have been an accomplished swordsman and athlete.
Doctor Curry married in Ireland, in 1740, Ann Currie, who was a
daughter of James Currie, an officer at the siege of Londonderry,
who served in King William's army at the Battle of the Boyne.
Doctor Curry and his wife emigrated to America in 1740, landing
at Philadelphia, and came South to Augusta county, where they
settled. He commanded a company in the French and Indian
war. After that war was over, he settled down to the practice of
medicine, and followed his profession in his adopted county until
his death in his eighty- fourth year. The farm on which Doctor
Curry located, in " the hill country of Judea " in Augusta county,
known as Glenn-Curry, has been continuously in the family since
that time, and is still owned by his descendant, Mr. Charles
Curry. Doctor Curry's son, Samuel, married Mary Glenn, who
was also of Scotch-Irish descent, her father, George Glenn,
having emigrated to Virginia from Londonderr3% about 1740;
and they were the paternal grandparents of Mr. Charles Curry.
The father, grandfather, and great-grandfather of Mr. Curry
were all elders of the historic " Old Stone church " of Augusta
county; and for fifty years Mr. Robert A. Curry was superin-
tendent of its Sunday school.
All of Mr. Charles Curry's progenitors in Virginia were
soldiers, his grandfather having been an officer in the American
army, in Captain Kirk's Virginia company in the War of 1812;
and his father, though too old for active military service, having
been first lieutenant in Captain Samuel Bell's " Home Guards "
90 CHARLES CURRY
during the War between the States. Three of Mr. Robert A.
Curry's sons lost their lives in the Southern army in that war.
Mr. Charles Curry's early life was passed in the countr}^,
and after arriving at the age of twelve years, he began work on
the farm, keeping this up industriously when he was not at school.
His father's means having been much depleted by the war,
Charles Curry, from the time he was twelve years of age,
obtained his education lar^relv throuojh his own efforts. Havins:
attended both private and public schools, he became a student at
the Augusta Military academy, conducted by Captain Charles S.
Roller, and rode or walked to school from home each day, a
distance of six miles. Here he continued from his sixteenth to
his twent}^- fourth year, going to school about five months of each
school session, and farming and working with his hands the rest
of the year. In 1884, he entered the law department of the
University of Virginia, and in August, 1885, settled in Staunton,
where he has since practiced his profession, in which he has by
diligence, industry, and determination achieved success and
prominence.
Although he has taken an active interest in politics and has
engaged in many political canvasses as a speaker, Mr. Curry has
never aspired to a public office, preferring to devote his attention
to his business.
Mr. Curry is widely read in general literature, and has
devoted especial attention to the study of social and scientific
questions. He is an effective and forcible writer, and has con-
tributed essa^^s and biographical articles to magazines and other
periodicals. His chief attention, however, has been devoted to
the study and practice of law; and his interest in his profession
has resulted not only in the establishment of a good clientage and
the attainment of reputation as a successful criminal and civil
lawyer, but in the production by him of various articles in the
'' Virginia Law Register " and the " American Law Review " on
legal and kindred topics.
Mr. Curry's affiliations politically are with the Democratic
party; but sometimes in local elections he has exercised the
privilege of voting independently.
On August 12, 1886, Mr. Curry married Grace Elizabeth
Duncan, who is a prominent member of the Daughters of the
CHARLES CURRY 91
American Revolution, and is the regent of the Beverley Manor
chapter of that organization, at Staunton. Of their marriage
have been born ten children, of whom six survive (1906).
His address is Staunton, Virginia.
JOHN GARNETT DEW
DEW, JOHN GARNETT, second auditor of Virginia;
and former county court judge, was born in the village
of Newtown, King and Queen county, Virginia, July
23, 1845. His father was Benjamin Franklin Dew, a lawyer,
farmer and teacher of King and Queen county, and a magistrate
and member of the old county court, at a period when that
position was one of great dignity and responsibility. His
mother was Mary Susan Garnett, of the distinguished Virginia
family of Garnetts.
Judge Dew's first ancestor in America was William Dew,
who came from England at an early date in the history of the
colonies, and settled in Maryland. On his mother's side also
he is of English extraction, the Garnetts having emigrated from
England to Essex county, Virginia, also at an early date.
Among Judge Dew's relatives who have been of prominence in
Virginia, was his great-uncle, Thomas Dew, who was a member
of the colonial house of burgesses; and his uncle, Thomas R.
Dew, who was a professor in the College of William and Mary,
and later its president, and who was distinguished as a writer on
philosophical and sociological topics.
Judge Dew grew up in a country village, and learned as a
youth to work about his home, aiding and assisting his mother
in her household duties until her death, when he was ten years
of age, and, after that, rendering such assistance to his father as
he was able. He attended first the schools of his neighborhood,
and later the academy taught by Dr. Gessner Harrison, formerly
the distinguished professor of Latin in the University of Vir-
ginia. He was still at school at the breaking out of the War
between the States, and entered the army of the Confederate
States during the war, serving as a private for two years of that
struggle. At its close he entered the University of Virginia,
where he continued during the sessions of 1865-1866 and 1866-
1867, graduating in the last named year from the law school of
the university with the degree of Bachelor of Laws.
JOHX GARNETT DEW 95-
In 1868 Judge Dew began the active work of life as a prac-
titioner of law in King and Queen county ; and this occupation,
together with that of farming, save during his service on the
bench, occupied his time and attention up to 1900, when he
became second auditor of the state. From 1884 to 1900, he served
acceptably and with distinction as judge of the county court of
King and Queen, and was a m.ember of the county school board
from the first creation of the board until he went on the bench
in 1884.
Judge Dew is a Democrat in politics, and since 1900 has
been twice elected by the Democratic party second auditor of
Virginia. In religious preference, he is a Baptist, and takes a
prominent part in the affairs of his denomination.
A sketch of Judge Dew was published some tim.e ago in the
Twentieth Century edition of the " Richmond News-Leader."
On October 28, 1875, Judge Dew married Lelia Fauntleroy.
of the old Virginia family of that name. They had five
children, four of whom are now (1906) living. The family
residence is at 1520 Grove Avenue, Richmond, Virginia.
HENRY HAWKINS DOWNING
DOWNING, HENRY HAWKINS, lawyer, was born in
Fauquier county, Virginia, April 20, 1853, and is the
son of John H. and Fannie Scott Downing. John H.
was a farmer and stock-raiser of Fauquier county, a man of
great force of character and of indomitable energy. Mrs. Fannie
Downing was a woman of many and varied accomplishments,
and exerted a profound influence upon her son at the formative
period of his life.
In boyhood, Henry Downing was required by his father lo
gain a practical knowledge of farming. He did not believe in
the silver-spoon system of rearing children, but thought that
every boy should have a practical knowledge of some craft or
business by which he might, in case of emergency, be able to
help himself along if his outlined plans of life should fail. To
Mr. Henry Downing this training has proved a godsend ; for by
combining farming with his chosen profession he has provided
himself with dual occupation, with diversion from the routine of
the law, and with invigorating outdoor exercise.
Mr. Downing's academic education was received partly at
Bethel academy and partly from private tutors. Thus prepared,
he entered the University of Virginia in the fall of 1874, to study
law. There he came under the influence of the gifted John B.
Minor, then in the high noon of his great career as a professor of
law. In 1876, Mr. Downing took his degree of B. L. ; soon there-
after he began the practice of law at Front Royal, Virginia. In
1879, he was elected commonwealth's attorney of Warren county.
Up to the present time, Mr. Downing has continued his practice
without serious interruption. As already said, he is also a
farmer, and we may add that he devotes some of his attention to
stock-raising. His principal diversion is scientific farming and
the raising of blooded cattle.
Mr. Downing has figured prominently in the public eye. As
counsel for the Southern Railroad company, and for the Norfolk
and Western Railroad company, he has been prominent in
t
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HENRY HAAVKINS DOWNING 99
legal circles. For three terms, he represented his county in the
house of delegates, where he took an active part in legislation.
Since 1898, he has been a member of the board of visitors of the
University of Virginia, and is actively identified with the vigor-
ous administration of that institution under the new readme
inaugurated by Mr. Downing and his colleagues on the board of
visitors.
Mr. Downing devotes some of his time to social relaxation,
more especially to the meetings of his lodge ; he is a faithful and
loyal member of the Masonic order.
In politics, Mr. Dovrning is a Democrat. He is a member of
the Episcopal church, in which he holds the office of vestryman.
Mr. Downing has no advice for the ambitious young
American save " Be moderate in all things except in accomplish-
ing your purpose, after you have determined it is right." He
agrees with the famous Davy Crockett, " Be sure you're right,
then go ahead." He is a typical representative of the Virginia
gentleman of the generation now in charge of state affairs — con-
servative, energetic, faithful, honest, hopeful.
Mr. Downing has married twice. His first wife was Nannie
T. Byrne, daughter of John S. Byrne, for thirty-one years clerk
of Fauquier county circuit; his second, Caroline E. Long,
daughter of Michael and Susan Long, whose progenitors were the
first white people to settle west of the Blue Eidge. He has had
four children, all of whom are (1906) living.
Mr. Downing's address is Front Royal, Warren County,
Virginia.
5355B
RICHARD THOMAS WALKER DUKE, JR
DUKE, RICHAED THOMAS WALKER, Jr., lawyer
and poet, was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, August
27, 1853. His father, R. T. W. Duke, served in the
Virginia legislature and in congress, and was a colonel in the
Confederate army. His marked characteristics were firmness,
honor, dignity, courage, and gentleness. R. T. Duke, the
elder, married Elizabeth Scott Eskridge, a descendant of William
Eskridge, a soldier of the American Revolution.
The first American Duke was Henry, the emigrant, who
came from Suffolk, England, prior to 1670, and settled in James
City county, Virginia. He was a member of the council, member
of the house of burgesses, and a colonel. Another ancestor of
R. T. W. Duke, Jr., vvas John Brown, chancellor of Virginia.
The subject of this sketch served from March, 1888, to March,
1901, as judge of the corporation court of Charlottesville. From
1901, he has practiced his profession with great success in
Charlottesville, and stands at the very front of the bar.
Judge Duke received his early education under Major Horace
W. Jones, an honored teacher in Virginia. In 1874, he entered
the law school of the university, w^here he came under the
influence of the distinguished John B. Minor, whose name is a
household word among the lawyers of Virginia. Judge Duke's
success in life is partly due to the home training received from a
father whose marked characteristics have already been named
and a mother of high intellectual and moral endowments. These,
with the assiduous reading of the standard English authors and
the earnest study of the classic literature of Greece and Rome,
have made him one of the most cultivated writers and public
speakers in Virginia, and given him no little reputation as a
poet.
On being asked to suggest principles that would contribute
most to the making of high ideals in American life. Judge Duke
replied : " The old time ideas of honesty, purity, courage,
contempt of meanness, and recognizing the fact that money is the
RICHARD THOMAS WALKER DUKE, JR. 101
smallest wage a man can earn." With such men at the front, the
old state of Virginia hopefully faces the future. In politics,
Judge Duke is a Democrat ; in religious affiliation, a Presbyterian.
In 1904 he was elected president of the mother chapter of Phi
Beta Kappa, located at the College of William and Mary. This
is a very high literary honor, because it made Judge Duke the
official head of an extensive body of scholars and literary men,
elected solely on their merits. To Judge Duke's poetry, we have
already referred, but it is worth}^ of more extended mention. In
a book of Southern poetry published by Lippincott in 1896 and
entitled " Songs of the South," two of Judge Duke's poems are
given in full.
October 1, 1884, Judge Duke was married to Edith R.
Slaughter, of Lynchburg, Virginia. They have had six children,
of whom five are now living. At their beautiful home in Char-
lottesville, Judge and Mrs. Duke dispense a lavish and graceful
hospitality according to the ancient customs of Virginia social
life.
As already said. Judge Duke's principal road to success and
distinction has been the law. To this he has devoted the best part
of his time and attention, making reading and the production of
poems and addresses only a pleasant recreation. A part of his
business hours, he has devoted to public services more or less
connected with his career as a lawyer. He has been grand
master of Masons in Virginia; treasurer of the Miller board of
the University of Virginia since 1898; president of the Char-
lottesville Ice Company; director in the Bank of Albemarle, in
the Kentucky Coal Company, and in the Washington Railway
and Electric Company. For some time, he served as president
of the city council of Charlottesville. In all these positions of
trust, he has lived out the high ideals laid down in an earlier
paragraph. No one that knows the man can doubt his honesty,
his courage, his purity, his contempt of meanness, and other
qualities which he believes a gentleman should have. These,
united to a broad culture and ability of a high order, have put
him among the men of mark in Virginia.
Recurring to Judge Duke's career as a lawyer, it may be
stated that in a recent famous criminal case in Virginia, Judge
Duke was offered handsome inducements to act as counsel, but
102 EICHARD THOMAS WALKER DUKE, JR.
declined. It may also be stated that the people of Albemarle
county believe that " Tom Duke " can do anything that requires
ability, grit, and a knowledge of the law.
His address is Charlottesville, Virginia.
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JOHN THOMAS DUNLOP
DUNLOP, JOHN THOMAS, was born in Frederick
county, Maryland, January 25, 1842. Like most of the
people among whom he has spent the larger part of his
life, he is of Scotch blood. His first ancestor on the paternal side
in America emigrated to this country from the vicinity of
Glasgow, Scotland, and settled in Georgetown, in the colony of
Maryland, now in the District of Columbia. One of Mr.
Dunlop's forbears was James Dunlop, who was a judge of the
court of the District of Columbia. Mr. Dunlop's mother was
Catherine Thomas, of the distinguished Maryland family of that
name, who was a daughter of Colonel John Thomas, of
Frederick county, Maryland.
Mr. Dunlop grew up on a farm, where he acquired a
thorough knowledge of farming in all its details, and where he
also became skilled in the knowledge and use of machinery, for
which he had a liking and an aptitude. He attended a primary
school when a lad, and was for a short time a pupil in a classical
academy. About the beginning of the War between the States,
his maternal uncle. Governor Francis Thomas, of Maryland,
then a member of the United States house of representatives from
the fifth Maryland district, offered to secure him an appointment
in the West Point Military academy, or in the Naval academy at
Annapolis, as he might prefer. This offer his parents declined
for him; and later the same kinsman offered to obtain for him
a commission in the United States army. But young Dunlop's
sympathies were with the Southern people in the great struggle
which was then impending; and obtaining the consent of his
parents to come South in 1862, he joined Company G, 7th
Virginia cavalry, and served in the Confederate army up to the
close of the War between the States. He relates that when he
left home to enter the Southern army, on bidding his mother
good-bye, she said to him : " John, I have prayed that you might
be kept out of this war, but you have decided to go. I do not
want to hear of any cowardice." It was the old classic story of
Vol. 2— Va.— 5
106 JOHN THOMAS DUNLOP
the Si3artan mother of antiquity bidding her warrior son to return
with his shield or on it, repeating itself in a new land and in a
later century.
In April, 1865, Mr. Dunlop began the active work of life
upon a farm in Rockbridge county, Virginia; and by systematic
industr}^ and perseverance he became successful and acquired a
competence. He has continued in the business of farming since
that time, although he has occupied many responsible public and
private positions in the meanwhile. In 1890, he became a
director of the First National bank of Buena Vista, of which
institution he was in 1893 elected the president; and since May,
1895, he has been the president of the First National bank of
Lexington, Virginia. He represented the county of Rockbridge
and the city of Buena Vista in the Virginia house of delegates
during the legislative session of 1891-1892 ; and is a Democrat in
his political affiliations, although like many other Democrats, he
left his party on the silver issue.
Mr. Dunlop is a Presbyterian in his religious tenets, and was
a deacon in the Falling Spring church in his county from 1880
to 1885. From 1885 to 1890, he was an elder in Falling Spring
church ; and since the last named date he has been an elder in the
Presbvterian church at Buena Vista.
Mr. Dunlop has been twice married, his first wife having been
Mary Glasgow, and his second wife, Alice McCorkle.
Mr. Dunlop's address is Buena Vista, Virginia.
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JAMES GASrON DUNSMORE
UKSMOEE, JAMES GASTON, was born October 22,
1848, at Sinks Grove, in Monroe county, now in the
state of West Virginia. His father was George Wash-
ing-ton Dunsmore, a prominent farmer of that county, who was
honored with the confidence of his f ellow-countrvmen in elections
to the positions of justice of the peace and supervisor of his
county; his mother was Amanda Meivma Crews.
Like many of the people of his mountain section, Mr.
Dunsmore is of Scotch-Irish Presbyterian stock, his emigrant
ancestor being James Dunsmore, a native of Ireland, who came
to America, and settled in Monroe county. His youth was spent
on his father's farm, where he did the manual labor that falls
to the lot of the average country lad. He was educated at Rocky
Point academy at Sinks Grove; and afterwards attended the
Eastman National Business college at Poughkeepsie, New York,
where he graduated in 1871, with the degree of Master of
Accounts. He also holds the post-graduate degree of Fellow of
the Institute of Accounts, New York city, which was conferred
on him in April, 1896.
Mr. Dunsmore's active work in life was begun as an assistant
teacher at Sinks Grove in 1868. His parents were opposed to
I his making a profession of teaching ; but his own inclination and
preference lay in that direction, and so he wisely determined to
make it his life-work. He taught from 1868 to 1871 in the
public schools of Monroe county; and after graduating at the
Eastman Business college, he returned to his native home. Sinks
Grove, took charge of the Rocky Point academy and conducted
it with marked ability and success until the spring of 1880, when
he went to Staunton, where he was connected with the Hoover
select high school for two years. In the summer of 1882, he
severed his connection with the high school and established the
Dunsmore Business college, a strictlv commercial school, which
he has owned and conducted with signal ability and success.
With the development of the material resources and business
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JACOB Wl VDLu EBERLY
^ BERLY, JACOi: V LK, was bom at Stras-
burg, Shenan ! 12, 1853. His
parents weir ?' '(i, rine Eberly.
His father was a diirii "^ ariH lai-er
a furniture-ma k* as n« nical
talent.
Mr. V^ slors came to An;-
settled arouuci Keading, Pennsylvania. One of
Dr. Eberly, whose tr* on the "Practice of Med;
classic with the medical profession.
Mr. Eberly grew up in the country. He was of small size a.^
a lad, but healthy and robust; and his special tastes in boyhood
were in the direction of music. He usually had duties to perform
at home, and w^as required to work when not at school.
His opportunities for education were not of the best, as the
preparatory schools to which he had access were poor. Hi"
attended for a time the Hardy high school, at Moorefield, We
Virginia ; and afterw^ards went to Koanoke college, at Salem,
Virginia, from which he was graduated in 1877 with the degree
of Bachelor of Arts.
After leaving college, he was for two years a t^eacher of u
schools, and after that for eleven years he was a mcrohanf.
the past sixteen years he has been engt ged in the '
business. He has been for a long time past th- ashler of
Massanutten bank, at Strasburg, Shenand: ouiit}', and in
1904 was elected vice-president. Judge E. D. Newman Ix-ing
president. Mr. Eberly was also treasurer of the board of missions
nd church extension of the Evangel i>"n I Lutheran church
nited Synod of the South, from 1900 to 1904.
He is a member of the Democratic party, and has never
mged his political or party allegiance on any issue.
Mr. Eberly married May 11, 1882, Ella Zea. They have
no children.
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JACOB WINDLE EBERLY
^ BERLY, JACOB WINDLE, banker, was born at Stras-
burg, Shenandoah county, Virginia, April 12, 1853. His
parents were Philip Eberly and Catherine Eberly.
His father was a farmer during a part of his life, and later
a furniture-maker. He was noted for his unusual mechanical
talent.
Mr. Eberly's ancestors came to America from Germany, and
settled around Reading, Pennsylvania. One of the family was
Dr. Eberly, whose treatise on the " Practice of Medicine " is a
classic with the medical profession.
Mr. Eberly grew up in the country. He was of small size as
a lad, but healthy and robust; and his special tastes in boyhood
were in the direction of music. He usually had duties to perform
at home, and was required to work when not at school.
Hjs opportunities for education were not of the best, as the
preparatory schools to which he had access were poor. He
attended for a time the Hardy high school, at Moorefield, West
Virginia ; and afterwards went to Roanoke college, at Salem,
Virginia, from which he was graduated in 1877 with the degree
of Bachelor of Arts.
After leaving college, he was for two years a teacher of high
schools, and after that for eleven years he was a merchant. For
the past sixteen years he has been engi ged in the banking
business. He has been for a long time past the cashier of the
Massanutten bank, at Strasburg, Shenandoah county, and in
1904 was elected vice-president. Judge E. D. Newman being
president. Mr. Eberly was also treasurer of the board of missions
and church extension of the Evangelical Lutheran church
United Synod of the South, from 1900 to 1904.
He is a member of the Democratic party, and has never
changed his political or party allegiance on any issue.
Mr. Eberly married May 11, 1882, Ella Zea. They have
had no children.
His address is Strasburg, Shenandoah County, Virginia.
JAMES ABBOTT FISHBURNE
FISHBURXE, JAMES ABBOTT, educator, is the son of
Daniel Fishburne and his Avife, Margaret L. Guthrie, —
the former an elder in the Presbyterian church, and de-
scended from an English line long settled in Virginia, and the lat-
ter sprung from that sturdy race of Scotch-Irish Ulstermen, who,
going first into the north of Ireland after the covenanter wars in
North Britain, emigrated thence in crowds from Ulster to
America, and settled the Cumberland and Wyoming Valleys in
Pennsylvania, the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, and Mecklen-
burg and its surrounding counties in the middle- western part of
North Carolina.
James Abbott Fishburne was born April 10, 1850, in the
village of Waynesboro, where he now (1906) lives, and where his
father conducted the business of a merchant, in which he exempli-
fied the qualities of integrity, liberality and decision of character.
Enjoying robust health, young Fishburne grew up in the enjoy-
ment of the usual sports and recreations that are incident to the
life of the average bo}^ in a country village, acquiring an educa-
tion in the neighborhood schools, and later at Washington college,
now Washington and Lee university, Lexington, Virginia, and
making by his own exertions the money with which his education
was com.pleted. In 1870, he graduated from Washington college
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and soon thereafter began
the active work of life in the profession which he has since fol-
lowed, as an assistant teacher in the celebrated Horner Classical
school at Oxford, North Carolina. Later, finding what he
rightly conceived to be a good opening for a boy's school in his
native town of Waynesboro, he opened an academy for day pupils,
and gradually cleveloped it into one of the best and most success-
ful military schools in the state. This school he still conducts
with recognized ability, and to the satisfaction of his numerous
patrons.
Prior to his establishment of the Fishburne school at Way-
nesboro in 1879, Mr. Fishburne had acquired wide and valuable
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JAMES ABBOTT FISHBURNE 117
experience as a teacher and disciplinarian in connection with
other schools in which he had taught; viz., the Horner school, as
above stated, where he remained during the session of 1872-1873 ;
and later at the Abingdon Male academy in Southwest Virginia,
and in the New Eoe, Kentucky, high school, in which he was
associated with Mr. W. C. Guthrie as one of the principals, and
at which he remained until 1878.
In political views, Mr. Fishburne is a Democrat, and has
never changed his party affiliations. In religious preference, he
is a Presbyterian, having been since 1890 an elder in the Waynes-
boro church.
August 28, 1882, Mr. Fishburne married Mary H. Amis.
His address is Waynesboro, Augusta County, Virginia.
HENRY DELAWARE FLOOD
LOOD, HENEY DELAWAKE, lawyer and congress-
man, was born in Appomattox count}^, Virginia, Septem-
ber 2, 1865. His father, Joel W. Flood, was a prominent
farmer of Appomattox county, served for many years on the
board of supervisors, and represented the county in the house of
delegates. Joel W. Flood was a major in the Confederate army,
and served four years under Lee. He was a man of sterling
integrity and of indomitable energy — traits which have been
transmitted to his distinguished son. The mother of H. D. Flood
was Ella W. Faulkner. She was a noble Virginia woman of the
class that teach their sons to tell the truth and be gentlemen.
The earliest American ancestor of the Floods was John
Flood, who came to Virginia about 1620, and settled first in the
corporation of Henrico, and afterwards in Surry county, where
he was Indian interpreter and lieutenant colonel.
" Hal " Flood, as he is popularly known, had every advantage
of education. He first attended a high school at Appomattox
court-house, then entered McGuire's school in Eichmond, Vir-
ginia; thence went to Washington and Lee university and the
University of Virginia. In the last named institution, he came
under the influence of the famous John B. Minor, the most
distinguished American law professor of the nineteenth century,
and at his hands received the coveted B. L. degree.
With his diploma in law (1886), Mr. Flood settled at
Appomattox court-house, Virginia, to practice his profession,
and soon entered public life, being elected to the house of
delegates in 1887. After serving two terms in " the house," he
was elected to the senate. Meanwhile, he was commonwealth's
attorney for Appomattox county, the duties of which he
discharged for ten years with great efficiency and ability.
Mr. Flood was very prominent in the legislature. In " the
house," he was recognized as a rising man, and was unusually
prominent for his age. After he entered the senate, he stood tigh
among the members of that body. Senator Flood was largely
HENRY DELAWARE FLOOD 119
instrumental in getting a new constitution for Virginia. It was
he that introduced the bill authorizing the people to vote on the
question whether or not there should be a constitutional conven-
tion. This was passed in February, 1900. At the special session
of 1901, he was the author of the act providing for the election of
members of the convention and for its organization.
Another favorite measure of Senator Flood's was the bill to
put the state department of agriculture upon a stronger basis.
By introducing and pushing this bill, Mr. Flood was largely
instrumental in bringing Superintendent Koiner's department to
its present state of usefulness and efficiency, though the chief
credit of this is of course due to that distinguished official himself.
A fourth bill of Senator Flood's is the one authorizing the
attorney-general to bring suit against the state of West Virginia
for her fro rata of the old state debt. Mr. Flood is one of the
commissioners elected by the legislature to carry out the provis-
ions of this bill, and the suit based thereon is now (1906) pending
in the Supreme Court of the United States.
In 1900, Senator Flood was elected to the house of repre-
sentatives from the tenth congressional district. In 1902, and
again in 1904, he was reelected, his vote being more than double
that of his Republican opponent. Mr. Flood is recognized as one
of the most useful members of the Virginia delegation, and is
highly esteemed by his colleagues in the house. There are few
men in the district who would contest with him for the Demo-
cratic nomination for congress, and it is not likely that he will
soon have any serious opposition.
In 1901, ]\fr. Flood was sent to the constitutional convention
to represent the counties of Appomattox and Campbell. In that
body, he displayed his wonted energy and activity, and spared no
toil to serve both his constituents and his state at large. One of
his greatest desires was to see the suffrage laws amended. The
people of his immediate section were carrying the incubus of a
large, purchasable and utterly irresponsible electorate; and a
number of citizens had, in mass-meeting, declared that the burden
was greater than they could bear. To lift " the white man's
burden " was the supreme object of the convention of 1901-1902;
and no member of that body was more anxious to help than
" Hal " Flood, of Appomattox.
120 HENEY DELAWARE FLOOD
Though a busy lawj^er and an active public servant, Mr.
Flood spares time for social relaxation. He is a member of the
Westmoreland club, of Eichmond; of the Piedmont club, of
Lynchburg, and of the Masonic order.
Mr. Flood's home address is Appomattox, Virginia.
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WILLIAM HENRY GARDNER
GAEDNER, WILLIAM HENRY, manufacturer, was born
at Rosenberger, Frederick county, Virginia, February
24, 1865. His father was James F. Gardner, a prominent
physician of Hampshire county. West Virginia, who represented
that county in the state legislature. His mother's maiden name
was Amanda R. Clouser. Her people were the pioneer settlers of
Frederick county, Virginia, and in the early days of their occupa-
tion had several skirmishes with hostile Indians.
The Gardner family is of English origin, and came to Vir-
ginia from Massachusetts. Among other ancestral families of
Mr. Gardner are the Clousers, Larricks, Halls, Rosenbergers,
and Maynards.
His early life was passed in the country ; and from his boy-
hood he evinced an inclination for working with carpenter's
tools. As a youth he did manual labor on the farm, working by
the month; later he learned the trade of millwright and built
several flour mills.
He attended the public schools through all the grades; and
finished his education at the Shenandoah normal school at
Middletown, Virginia. Later he took a course of law from the
Sprague correspondence school of law at Detroit, Michigan,
graduating, in 1902, at the end of the regular two years' course.
Mr. Gardner entered upon the active work of life as a public
school teacher in Frederick county, Virginia, in 1884. His atten-
tion was attracted to a consideration of the means of producing
some substitute for tan bark in the processes of tanning; and he
finally went into the business of manufacturing tanning extracts
from wood and bark. This business he has successfully followed
for a number of years, during which period he has made many
improvements of value in plants for the manufacturing of tan-
ning extracts. He has been president and general manager of
the Basic Extract company at Basic City, Augusta county,
Virginia, for three years past, prior to which time he was general
124 WILLIAM HENRY GARDNER
manager of the Rio Extract company, of Rio, West Virginia, for
ten years.
Mr. Gardner is president of the business men's league, of
Basic City. He is a member of the Democratic party, and has
never changed his political or party allegiance.
He married February 1, 1889, Frances N. Miller; and of their
marriage have been born seven children, of whom six are now
(1906) living.
His address is Basic City, Augusta County, Virginia.
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JAMES RICHARD GILLIAM
GILLIAM, JAMES RICHAKD, financier and man of
affairs, was born In Campbell county, Virginia, October
26, 1854. He is descended from Sir Thomas West, one
of the colonial governors of Virginia, tracing back to Anne
Boleyn. His father was James Richard Gilliam, whose wife was
Annie S. Davenport. The elder Gilliam was a man of strong
devotional temperament, a teacher by profession. He died when
the son was quite young.
The son passed his early life in the country, not making his
home in the city until he was about twenty-four years old. His
strong physique, his energy and capacity for incessant, exacting
labor were without doubt largely promoted by the outdoor
requirements of his youth. At the age of six years he went from
Campbell to Amherst county. Attendance upon county schools
in his boyhood and five months at Kenmore high school consti-
tuted his text-book education. Previous to the brief term at Ken-
more, and before he was fifteen years old, he qualified as deputy
sheriff of Amherst. After leaving the school and then engaging
in mercantile business for six months, he was tendered a more
responsible place as deputy sheriff, involving duties and respon-
sibilities equal to those of the sheriff and requiring a bond for the
faithful performance of the obligations. He won the reputation
of being one of the finest county officials in the state. While
holding this position he also acquired a half interest in the weekly
'' Amherst Enterprise," of which he was business manager,
Hon. Taylor Berry and Mr. R. A. Coghill being the editors.
Mr. Gilliam transferred his activities to Lynchburg in 1878.
From this point of greater vantage he found scope for exploiting
assets of energy, health, brain, and readiness, which his early
contact with the realities of life had done so much to cultivate.
He has been successful from the beginning to the present.
Mr. Gilliam married Jessie Belfield Johnson, October 25,
1887, and with their four children, they reside on Lynchburg's old
and hallowed Court street. He is a Methodist and a long-time
128 JAMES EICHARD GILLIAM
member of the board of stewards of Court Street Methodist
church. He is an active Mason, affiliating with Marshall lodge,
and being president of the board of managers of the Home and
Eetreat, a high-class hospital conducted by the lodge.
Mr. Gilliam on locating in Lynchburg engaged as a partner
in the wholesale grocery business and also in that of tobacco
commission merchant. Subsequently he organized a wholesale
and retail furniture concern, following that with a profitable
venture in wholesale boots and shoes. For ten years he applied
his energies to this enterprise, at the end of that period selling
out to his partners, in order to turn his attention exclusively to
developing coal properties and banking interests in which he was
concerned. His sagacity has been amply demonstrated in the
marvelous development of the coal mines in Southwest Virginia
and West Virginia. He took hold a few years ago at a fortunate
time, and is now identified with interests there whose dividends
stamp the black diamonds of Virginia mountains as a more
attractive investment than the gold of the Klondike. Intelli-
gence to see and nerve to act are Mr. Gilliam's, and he has steadily
increased his holdings in this field. He is president of the
Gilliam, the Arlington, the Shawnee, the Glen Alum, and the
Lee Coal and Coke companies, whose head offices are in Lynch-
burg, the mines being mostly in West Virginia. His career in
the world of finance has been as conspicuously successful, and he
is president of no less than half a dozen banks in Virginia — the
National Exchange of Lynchburg, the Lynchburg Trust and
Savings company, the First National, of Clifton Forge; the
Eussell County bank, of Lebanon, Virginia ; the Powell's Valley
bank, of Jonesville, the Bank of Highland, of Monterey, and a
branch of the Lynchburg Trust and Savings company, at Bed-
ford City. He is also president of the Quinn-Marshall company,
dry goods, and a special partner in the Lynchburg Shoe com-
pany— both of these being among the city's big wholesale houses.
At the same time Mr. Gilliam is chairman of the committee on
finance of the upper branch of the city council, and he discharges
this unsalaried civic duty with the same application of ability and
^effort that he bestows upon his personal concerns.
A long list that, and Mr. Gilliam neglects nothing. All his
JAMES RICHARD GILLIAM 129
early and later experience has combined with his strong mental
endowment to equip him for his work. The active occupations
of his youth, keeping him much in the open air and in touch with
men; his early assumption of practical responsibilities; the fact
that up to the time he became a bank president he never received
a cent of salary, his compensation for his labor thus being what
he could realize through his own energy and initiative — these
things contributed to the development of a self-reliant, judicious,
progressive individuality. The advice he gives as the result of
his observation and experience is brief and clear: Be prompt;
put thought and mind and time on w^hat you have to do ; cultivate
the virtue of economy. Physically Mr. Gilliam is " fit," and horse-
back riding is his favorite form of recreation. With duties
which claim his solicitude in industrial fields, in finance, in com-
merce, in church, in benevolent order, in municipal affairs, he is
an exceedingly busy man, resourceful and effective.
His address is Lynchburg, Virginia.
ISAAC ROBINSON GODWIN
GODWIN, ISAAC ROBINSON, physician, was born at
Fincastle, Botetourt count}^, Virginia, August 8, 1837.
His father was Thomas Glynn Godwin, merchant, who
served as magistrate, and member of the board of supervisors of
Botetourt county, and bank cashier ; and his mother was Martha
Moore Robinson.
Dr. Godwin's paternal ancestors came to America from Eng-
land, and settled in Pennsylvania after the War of the American
Revolution. His mother's ancestors, the Robinsons, were Scotch-
Irish, having gone to Ireland from Scotland ; and coming thence
later to America, where they also settled first in Pennsylvania.
Among the latter was the Hon. Isaac Robinson, who was a man
of political prominence in his section of the state, and was a
m.ember of the Pennsylvania legislature in the earlier half of the
nineteenth centur}^
Dr. Godwin, who was of robust and vigorous physical health
as a youth, spent the early part of his life in the village of Fin-
castle; where, when not at school, his time was occupied in his
father's store. To this training he attributes the acquisition by
him of habits of method and system, which have continued
through life.
After attending the preparatory schools of his neighborhood,
he became a student of Washington and Lee university, then
Washington college, at Lexington, Virginia. During the session
of 1858-1859, he studied in the medical department of the Univer-
sity of Virginia, but did not graduate. He also studied medicine
in the Jefferson Medical college of Philadelphia; and in the
Virginia Medical college at Richmond, from the last named of
which he was graduated in 1860 with the degree of Doctor of
Medicine.
Upon the breaking out of the War between the States, in
1861, Dr. Godwin entered the Confederate States army and
served for two years as a private of cavalry; after which he was
an assistant surgeon of infantry for the rest of the war.
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ISAAC ROBixsoN godt\t:n 133
Save for the period of his military service he has been a
practicing physician at Fincastle. He is, and for twenty years
has been, physician to the county almshouse ; and he has been the
medical examiner for a number of prominent life insurance com-
panies. He is a member of the Medical society of Roanoke, Vir-
ginia, and of the Medical society of Virginia; and was in 1877
vice-president of the last named organization.
Dr. Godwin is a member of the Democratic party, and has
never changed his political or party allegiance. He has served
as chairman of the Democratic county committee of Botetourt
county for several years; and during the administration of
President Cleveland he was for four years postmaster at Fin-
castle. He is a member of the Episcopal church.
On October 28, 1867, Dr. Godwin married Emma S. B.
Wilson, a granddaughter of Hon. Nathaniel H. Claiborne, who
represented his district in the congress of the United States for
a number of years, and was a brother of Hon. William C. C.
Claiborne, the first governor of Louisiana. From their marriage
have been bom eight children, of whom three are now (1906)
living.
A brief biographical sketch of Dr. Godwin has been pub-
lished in the proceedings of the " Medical Society of Virginia."
His address is Fincastle, Botetourt County, Virginia.
Vol. 2— Va.— 6
GARRETT GIDEON GOOCH
GOOCH, GAEEETT GIDEON, was born in Orange
county, Virginia, February 20, 1837. His father was
Thompson Gooch, who was the only son of Claiborne
Gooch, and his mother was Elizabeth Maupin Jarman, of the
prominent Albemarle county family of that name. Mr. Gooch's
great-grandfather, Eowland Gooch, is believed to have been a
descendant of one of the brothers of William Gooch, of Temple
Farm, who was a member of the council in the early colonial
history of Virginia.
Mr. Gooch spent his boyhood upon a farm, where like other
farmers' sons he performed the usual tasks allotted to boys in the
country. He attended the country schools and later a private
school in Orange conducted by Mr. James Newman. His
tastes, however, did not lead in the direction of either
farming or books; and while quite a lad he became deputy
sheriff of Louisa county, which office he held from 1854 to
1856. Later he held the positions of conductor and of baggage
and express agent on the old Virginia Central railroad, now a
part of the Chesapeake and Ohio. In 1858 he was appointed
United States mail agent on the Virginia Central railroad. This
position he resigned in 1861, and enlisted in the Confederate
States army, becoming a member of Company D, 13th Virginia
regiment, under General A. P. Hill. In 1862 he was ordered
back to the mail service, in which he remained until the close of
the War between the States. After the war, Mr. Gooch removed
to Staunton, where he engaged largely in the mercantile business,
conducting a number of retail stores in different sections of Vir-
ginia and West Virginia. Later he was interested in the whole-
sale grocery business in Staunton, and after retiring from that
occupation became a railroad contractor and builder. His care-
ful attention to whatever he undertook, his energy and his fine
native sense, combined to make him successful in all of his enter-
prises ; and after a long career in business, which resulted in more
GARRETT GIDEON GOOCH 137
fruitful accomplishment than does that of most men, he retired
some years ago from active participation in affairs.
Mr. Gooch was for eight years a member of the council of
the city of Staunton, occupying for two years of that period the
responsible position of chairman of the finance committee. He
has been president of the Dunsmore Business college, an old and
well-established institution in Staunton; he was for a long time
president of the Daily News Printing company; and he has
occupied the position of member of the board of visitors of the
state institution for the deaf, dumb and blind. He was one of the
incorporators, and was president of the King's Daughters hospital
at Staunton; and has been a director on the board of the local
Young Men's Christian association, and in various banking
institutions.
Mr. Gooch is prominent in Masonic circles in the state. He
is a member of the Blue Lodge Chapter and Commandery, and
is one of the board of governors, and is also vice-president, of
the Masonic Home for Orphans, at Eichmond. He also belongs
to the Knights of Honor and the Royal Arcanum.
Though not a politician, Mr. Gooch is a consistent and
unwavering Democrat, having never voted any other ticket, and
giving always liberally of his time, energy and means to the
success of his party. In religious preference he is a Disciple.
Mr. Gooch married, March 21, 1872, Mary Watson Payne.
Their children are two in number, both successful young busi-
ness men — the older, Watson Payne Gooch, secretary and
treasurer of the Gooch-Crosby company, Roanoke, Virginia;
and the younger, Garrett G. Gooch, Jr., treasurer of the Stone
Printing and Manufacturing company, of Roanoke.
His address is Staunton, Virginia.
SAMUEL CECIL GRAHAM
GEAHAM, SAMUEL CECIL, lawyer and jurist, was
born at the home of his maternal grandfather, William
Witten, of " Bluestone," Tazewell countj^^, Virginia,
January 1, 1846, His father, who was a successful merchant and
farmer of Tazewell county, Virginia, was Robert Craig
Graham. He was born on May 26, 1814, in Wythe county, and
is described as an athlete and fond of all manly sports, especially
loving to hunt. He possessed an inexhaustible fund of humor,
and had few superiors in telling a good story. He persistently
refused office of any kind, though he was much beloved and
trusted by the people. He was frank, open and honest, not only
in his dealings, but boldly so in his opinions.
Judge Samuel C. Graham's mother w^as Elizabeth Peery
Witten. She was bom at " Bluestone " January 26, 1826, and
died April 7, 1856.
In his paternal line Judge Graham is of Scotch descent.
His grandfather. Major Samuel Graham, was born on the voyage
of his parents across the Atlantic ocean to America. A local
historian of the family says of him : " He was about six years
of age at the beginning of the War for American Independence.
He married Rachel Montgomery, a daughter of John and Nancy
Agnes Montgomery. He served as a volunteer captain in the
War of 1812, and was promoted to the rank of major during his
service at Norfolk, Virginia. A short time prior to this, how-
ever, he was a member of the Virginia legislature for two years.
He died in the year 1835, in Smyth county, Virginia, and his
remains were buried in the cemetery at Chatham Hill." The
years Major Graham served in the legislature were 1806 and
1808, and for Wythe county.
On his mother's side Judge Graham comes from the families
of Witten and Cecil, of Maryland. His maternal grandfather,
William Witten, was a son of Thomas Witten. Thomas Witten
was the son of Thomas Witten, who was one of the earliest settlers
of Tazewell county, and came to Virginia in 1771 from Lord
-i^MtW^titM
SAMUEL CECIL GRAHAM 14:1
Baltimore's Catholic colony of Maryland. Along with him came
Samuel W. Cecil. Witten and Cecil each had ten children, and
five of each family intermarried, among them Judge Graham's
great-grandfather and great-grandmother.
He is thus descended on his father's side from the Grahams,
Montgomerys, Craigs, and Crocketts; and on his mother's from
the AVittens, Cecils, Peerys, and Davidsons, all of whom were
settlers of the mountain valleys of Southwest Virginia.
Judge Graham's mother died when he was about t^n years of
age. He attended the log cabin schools of the mountain section
as a lad, where his general schoolmaster was an old Scotch-
Presbyterian, by name Donald Macdonald, who with his father,
taught him from early boyhood to ride and to shoot, as well as
the value of truth, independence and self-reliance.
Leading the free life of the fields, woods and mountains, he
saw, when still a boy, the outbreak of the War between the States ;
and with the longing to enter the ranks of the Confederacy,
finally succeeded, when seventeen years of age, in persuading his
father to let him join the army. In November, 1863, he volun-
teered as a private in Company I, 16th Virginia cavalry, then in
winter barracks in Tazewell county. This regiment was com-
manded at the time bv his uncle, Lieutenant- Colonel William L.
Graham, a born soldier, who illustrated in his gallant career the
virtues and the courage of the best type of the Confederate
soldier, and who is still living (1906) at the advanced age of
eighty-six years. Judge Graham's service in the army was one of
fighting and riding until the war ended. He was wounded three
times in action ; once in June, 1864, at " Hanging Rock," near
Salem, Virginia, in the ankle joint; a second time at Monocacy
Junction in July, 1864, in the left leg; and a third time, and
desperately, at Moorfield, in Hardy county. West Virginia, in
August, 1864, by a shot from a minnie ball in the right breast,
which passed through the upper lobe of his lung and through
the lower part of his shoulder blade.
When the war closed, he went home, and worked on the
farm, assisting his father, who had also volunteered in the Con-
federate army before the close of the war, in restoring the farm
to a condition which would enable the family to live com-
142 SAMUEL CECIL GRAHAM
fortably again. Then he attended the local country schools, and
in the fall of 1867, entered Emory and Henry college. Here he
remained during the sessions of 1867-1868 and 1868-1869, when
he left, expecting to return home to take charge of his father's
farm.
Finding an opportunity, however, to fulfill his desire of
becoming a lawyer, he entered the law office of Colonel Andrew
J. May, at Jeffersonville, then the county seat of Tazewell.
Here he assisted Colonel May in his office, in order to pay his
board and the use of his books. In October, 1870, he was
licensed to practice law; and in January, 1871, he opened a law
office for himeslf at Tazewell. He immediately acquired a good
law practice ; and from that time has continued in the pursuit of
his profession with an ability and success that have made him one
of the distinguished lawyers of his state.
Three years after coming to the bar he was elected judge of
the county court of Tazewell county, and held the office until
1880. In July, 1881, he became associated with Major Robert
R. Henry under the firm name of Henry and Graham ; and this
partnership, still continuing, is now perhaps the oldest, as it is
among the best known in Virginia.
Judge Graham has been engaged during his career as a
lawyer in many important cases in the different courts of the two
Virginias, both state and federal, involving titles to minerals and
lands; the law of corporations, wills and trademarks, contracts,
riparian rights, damages for wrongful acts, and all the varied
forms of litigation pertaining to his section of the state, both in
law and equity.
He has been a member of the Virginia State Bar association
since 1889; and was its vice-president twice, in 1890 and 1895.
In 1902 he was elected president of the association, and delivered,
in 1903, the president's address, " Some Philosophy of the Law
and of Lawyers," which is published in Volume 16 of the Reports
of the Virginia State Bar association. In 1892, he read before
the same body a paper entitled " A Criticism of the Profession
Reviewed," which is published in Volume 5 of its Reports.
Judge Graham was the charter president of the Clinch Valley
bank at Tazewell, which was organized in 1889 ; and remained its
SAMUEL CECIL GRAHAM 143
president until its consolidation in 1894 with the Bank of Taze-
well, under the name of the Bank of Clinch Valley. In this last
named institution he has been an officer since its organization.
He is a member of the Kappa Sigma college fraternity; a
Mason, and has been twice the worshipful master of Tazewell
lodge; and he is a member of the Westmoreland club, of Rich-
mond, Virginia. He is a Democrat of the strict constmction
school, and a believer in the observance of the tenth article of the
amendments to the Federal constitution, which provides that
" The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitu-
tion, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states
respectively, or to the people."
Judge Graham is not a member of any church; but his
predilections are in favor of the Presbyterian church, which has
been the church of his Graham ancestors.
For the past fifteen years he has spent the months of Jan-
uary and February of each year on the Indian river in Florida,
where he owns a small cottage and a small orange grove, which he
visits yearly with some of the members of his family. From
this point, with the undiminished keenness and vigor of the
veteran sportsman, he seeks the unsettled places in Florida, where
still abound deer, wild turkey, and other game ; and is " hail-
fellow well met," hunting companion and friend, with many a
lusty spirit of the Floridian backwoods.
Judge Graham has been twice married. His first wife, whom
he married October 16, 1872, was Anna Elizabeth Spotts,
daughter of the late Washing^ton Spotts, and Jane, his wife (nee
Kelly). She died September 6, 1895, leaving four children, two
sons and two daughters, all of whom are now (1906) living. He
married June 2, 1898, Minnie Cox, of Richmond, Virginia,
daughter of the late Captain Henry Cox, and Martha, his wife
(nee Wooldridge) ; and of this marriage has been born a
daughter now (1906) living.
His address is Tazewell, Tazewell County, Virginia.
JACOB S. GRUVER
GEUVER, JACOB S., educator, was born near Chambers-
burg, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, October 31, 1870.
His parents were Jacob Isaac and Anna Mary Gruver.
The earliest known ancestors in this country came from Germany
at the beginning of the eighteenth century, and settled in or near
Philadelphia. Several of the family have been prominent in
their chosen professions.
In March, 1870, the family removed to a farm in Warren
county, Virginia, about six miles from Front Royal. During his
childhood and youth Jacob Gruver enjoyed fair health. He was
fond of books and attended public and private schools, but from
the time he was large enough to help, until he was nineteen years
of age, his vacations were spent in work on his father's farm.
Mr. Gruver 's career furnishes a striking illustration of the
molding and inspiring power of one leading idea, one guiding
principle. In his case this principle was that of intellectual and
spiritual development, first for himself, and eventually for his
fellow-men under his guidance. In other words, he early felt a
burning desire for the upbuilding of his own mind; and, after
devoting some years to this purpose, he became convinced first
that he possessed the gift of influencing others, and, second, that
duty commanded him to utilize this gift to the utmost of his
ability.
Born and raised on a farm, in a region of the state noted for
the beauty of its scenery, the outdoor life and outdoor labor
appealed potently to him ; and to this day he earnestly urges the
boys from the farms to return to the country after finishing their
college course, and never to take up professional studies except
when possessed of decided talents for such pursuits. In his own
case, the call was clear and imperative, as is sufficiently proven
by the fact that he stubbornly refused any help from family and
friends, and worked away till he earned money enough to carry
him through college. This he did by following the trade of a
carpenter, and later by acting as salesman for a prominent firm
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JACOB S. GRUVER 147
of harvesting machine manufacturers. Afterwards by engaging
in business in the summer months and studying his books in the
winter he not only succeeded in maintaining himself at college
and passing successfully through his courses, but later in per-
forming the part of a successful teacher and in amassing about a
thousand dollars.
This was really the critical period of his life. He was
popular in his school work and might have continued in it with
bright expectations. On the other hand, his sound practical sense
and alert perception had given him a start in business of uncom-
mon promise. Thus it was not without a severe mental struggle
he decided to risk his savings and prospects, in order to obtain
such a thorough college education as would fit him not only to
teach, but to lead and influence teachers, as well as other useful
men and women.
It is this decision, and its ultimate results, that justify Mr.
Gruver in his denunciation of the so-called commercial spirit of
our age, the tendency to neglect all broader mental training in
order to begin to earn money at a very early age. The short-sight-
edness of such a policy, both from an ideal and purely practical
viewpoint, is sufficiently demonstrated by the success which at
length rewarded his efforts and sacrifices. For, of course, he had
to labor hard and make no small sacrifice to reach his goal.
Early in his college career Mr. Gruver decided to become an
educator. To fit himself for his profession he took post-gradute
work in pedagogics. After leaving Otterbein university in
1898, with the degree of B. A., he became principal of the
Shenandoah Normal college, where he remained two years. In
1900 he received the degree of M. A., from the university above
named. In the same year he became president of Eastern college,
of which he was one of the founders. This position he still
(1906) holds. He has been very successful as an instructor,
organizer, and disciplinarian, and, largely due to his efforts, the
institution is prosperous and influential. President Gruver
deprecates the commercial spirit of the time and the influence it
has in forcing young people into active life at an early age and
with only meager preparation. He is confident that if they
would equip themselves with a college education before entering
148 JACOB S. GRUVER
the work of life, instead of commencing that work when they are
only fifteen or sixteen years of age, they would be much more
certain to win success.
While not an active politician President Gruver votes the
Democratic ticket. His religious affiliation is with the United
Brethren in Christ. He was married August 29, 1898, to Annie
T. Russell, of Accomac county, Virginia. They have had one
child who is living in 1906.
His address is Front Royal, Warren County, Virginia.
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DON PETERS HALSEY
HALSEY, DON PETERS, lawyer, senator, lecturer, was
born in Lynchburg, Virginia, December 29, 1870. His
father, Captain Don Peters Halsey, was a son of Seth
Halsey, of Lynchburg, and his wife, Julia D. B. Peters.
Captain Don Peters Halsey was of excellent English stock,
a lineal descendant of Thomas Halsey, who came to America in
1633, and later became a prominent citizen of Southampton,
Long Island. Captain Halsey was a man of broad culture and
finished linguistic and legal scholarship. He proved himself a
most courageous, cool and efficient soldier and patriot during the
War between the States. The war over, he practiced law in
Lynchburg, and, later, in Richmond, till driven to the country by
ill health. He died January 1, 1883.
The mother of Don Peters Halsey was Sarah Ann TVarwick
Daniel, daughter of Judge William Daniel, Jr., and grand-
daughter of Judge William Daniel, Sr., and of John M. Warwick,
Esq., all of Lynchburg. She is a woman of rare vigor, bril-
liancy and culture, and of gracious bearing, and has exerted over
her gifted son a vast intellectual, moral, and spiritual influence.
Mr. Halsey passed his boyhood till the age of nine in L}mch-
burg and Richmond; the next four years, on his father's farm,
" Fern Moss," in Nelson county. After that, he lived in towns
till he entered college.
As a youth he loved outdoor life, and such books as boys
usually like — Robinson Crusoe, the Arabian Nights, and tales of
adventure. His first responsible labor was rendered as cash boy
when he was entering his teens. Subsequently he served as page
in the house of representatives during both sessions of the forty-
ninth Congress.
Many difficulties stood between young Halsey and a good
education: but his taste for reading grew, and through his
mother's influence was well directed. He soon attained a fair
acquaintance with English literature, delighting in Shakespeare,
Scott, Bulwer, and Tennyson, and dipping into the works of
152 DON PETERS HALSEY
philosophic and speculative thinkers. Meanwhile, he had passed
from the public schools into the Episcopal high school at
Alexandria, thence to Hampden-Sidne}^ college, where he spent
three and a half sessions. After a period spent in recouping
himself financially by reporting for the daily press, he studied
law at Washington and Lee university during the session
1892-1893.
Carried into the legal profession by personal preference,
by the wishes of relatives, and by circumstances, he began the
practice of law in Lynchburg, December 7, 1893. He soon
acquired such a reputation for sterling character and abilities
at the bar that he was elected commonwealth's attorney for the
city of Lynchburg, and served acceptably in that office from
July 1, 1895, to July 1, 1897. His reputation grew. A few
years later, he was elected state senator from Lynchburg and
Campbell counties, in which capacity he served, 1902-1901:, his
service including the long session of 1902-03-04, when the laws
of the state were revised to conform with the requirements of the
new constitution. T^Tiile in the senate, Mr. Halsey introduced
many important measures; among them the bill for revising the
laws for the government of cities and towns, the general gams
law, the " Halsey Vagrant Law," and the measure providing for
a statue of Robert E. Lee to be placed in the Statuary Hall of the
national capital. He also took a prominent part in the fight
against child labor.
Mr. Halsey's courtly bearing, his faithful attention to all his
official duties, his strength in debate, and his gifts of oratory,
enabled him to take a front rank in the senate and hold it, not-
withstanding his youth and the fact that he had entered to fill out
an unexpired term. In the presidential campaign of 1904 he was
chosen an elector from the sixth congressional district of Vir-
ginia, on the Democratic ticket.
Mr. Halsey's ambition to excel as a speaker was awakened in
his freshman year at Hampden-Sidney college. During his
college course he took the declaimer's, the debater's, and the
orator's medals in succession, in the Philanthropic society, the
first man in the history of the society to take all of them. Since
the beginning of his career as a lawyer and a politician, he has
DON PETERS HAi^SEY 151^
developed great powers of oratory, and has become a platform
lecturer with a reputation approaching national. He is a Chi Phi,
an Elk, an Odd Fellow, and a Mason of the dignity of past-
master. Politically, he is a Democrat by inheritance and convic-
tion ; in church preference, an Episcopalian.
On June 11, 1894, Mr. Halsey married Mary Michaux Dick-
inson, of Prince Edward county, a daughter of R. M. Dickinson,
a prominent lawyer of that county and a son of Judge Asa D,
Dickinson.
Mr. Halsey's address is Lynchburg, Virginia.
ALEXANDER HAMILTON
HAMILTON, ALEXANDER, was born in the town of
Williamsborougli in what was then Granville county,
but is now Vance county. North Carolina, on March 18,
1851. His father's name was Robert Alston Hamilton, and his
mother's name was Sarah Caroline Alexander Hamilton. His
father's profession or occupation was, in early life, that of a
planter and country merchant; later that of a merchant in the
city of Petersburg, Virginia. He held no public office, so far as
is known. He was during some of the years between 1850 and
1860, president of the Raleigh and Gaston Railroad company,
whilst he was a planter. He was a positive man, of good
manners, well educated at Hampden-Sidney college and the
University of North Carolina; had great energy and was a man
of fine natural ability.
The history of Mr. Hamilton's earliest known ancestors in
America was as follows: His grandfather, Patrick Hamilton,
was born at Burnside, in Lanarkshire, Scotland, and belonged to
the Parkhead branch of the Hamilton family of Scotland. He,
with several of his brothers, came to this country about the year
1800. He was a well educated man and very successful as a
country merchant or factor for the planters, and as a planter.
He accumulated a large estate for that day, and left his numerous
family of children wealthy for the times. He married Mary,
daughter of George Baskerville, of Mecklenburg county, Vir-
ginia, a descendant of John Baskerville, who came to Virginia
from England about 1670, and served as clerk of York county.
On his mother's side his earliest known ancestor in America
was Moses Alexander, who was sheriff of Mecklenburg county.
North Carolina, just before the Revolutionary war. It is believed
that his people came to America from Scotland shortly after
the Rebellion of 1745, and settled in Cecil county, Maryland, and
some of them went to Mecklenburg, North Carolina. In the War
of the Revolution, Moses Alexander was a Tory, but his children
were what were called Patriots in that day, and several of them
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ALEXANDER HAMILTON 157
were signers of the Mecklenburg (North Carolina) Declaration
of Independence. Nathaniel Alexander, Mr. Hamilton's mother's
father, was an officer in the United States navy with Commodore
Perry, about 1812-14. He was in later life a planter, and often-
times a member of the Virginia senate. Mark Alexander, his
mother's uncle, was a member of congress from what is now the
fourth Virginia district, from about 1815 to 1830, and also a
member of the Constitutional convention of Virginia of 1829-30.
In childhood and youth, his physical condition was good,
and his tastes and interests were those of any ordinary healthy
boy. He studied his lessons reasonably well and was very fond
of outdoor life and the games that interest boys. Until he was
about seven years of age, he lived most of the time on a planta-
tion in Granville county. North Carolina, although he spent
several years in Raleigh, North Carolina, whilst his father was
president of the Raleigh and Gaston Railroad company. Since
seven years of age he has lived in Petersburg, Virginia, except
during the times he studied at a boarding school in the country
and at college, and the two years he taught school. In early life
he did not have any tasks involving manual labor. His father
paid for his academic education, and then informed him that he
could do no more for him. He then taught, as an assistant pro-
fessor, for two years, studying law one of those two years, and
paying for his legal education out of the money he made himself.
In 1868 he entered the Virginia Military institute and was
graduated in 1871. The graduation there was equivalent to the
degrees of A. B. and of Civil Engineer, but he never practiced
engineering.
During the year 1872-73, whilst discharging the duties of an
assistant professor of Latin and Tactics at the Virginia Military
institute, he took the law course at Washington and Lee univer-
sity. Judge John W. Brockenborough and the Hon. John Ran-
dolph Tucker being the professors, and was graduated at the end
of the year in June, 1873, with the degree of Bachelor of Law.
Replying to the question as to what books or special lines of
reading he found most helpful, Mr. Hamilton says that he was
always fond of economics, metaphysics, history and biography,
and while he did not like mathematics, regarded the training
158 ALEXANDER HAMILTON
imparted by it as of great value to him. He began the active
work of life as a man, about September 1, 1871, as an assistant
professor of Latin and Tactics, at the Virginia Military institute,
and in September, 1873, settled in Richmond, where he practiced
law for one year, and then went to Petersburg, where he has lived
ever since.
As to the relative strength of the various influences which
have shaped his career, Mr. Hamilton writes : " My home
influence was good; my mother died when I was about twelve
years of age, but left a very strong impression upon me for good.
The schools I attended were all admirable. I was four or five
years in the country, in Granville county. North Carolina, at a
boarding school kept by Ralph H. Graves, one of the old-time,
splendid teachers. My associates there were fine boys, and my
teacher was everything that could be asked. I spent a year at
the school of W. Gordon McCabe, at Petersburg, Virginia.
The influences at McCabe's school and the instruction there, were
as good as could be had anywhere or at any time, in any country.
My early companionship was not different from that of other
boys of my class in life ; there were some fine fellows among them
and some " scabby " ones. As to private study, I was alwaj^s fond
of it and usually supplemented my work at college in that way.
As a boy, during the war, I recollect I was very fond of reading.
Contact with men in active life, since I have become a man, has
had great influence upon my career; I have been fortunately
thrown with a very high class of men of great ability. I would
say that I attribute a great deal of any success I have had in life
to my training at the Virginia Military institute; it enabled me
to make the most of any capacity I had ; and I also attribute much
of any success I have had as a lawyer to the instruction and per-
sonal influence upon my life of the Hon. John Randolph
Tucker, with whom, I was very close, considering the difference
in our ages."
Mr. Hamilton's professional work, ever since 1873, has been
that of a lawyer, the other positions held by him having been
merely incidental. Some eighteen years ago, he became vice-
president of quite a large bank in Petersburg, Virginia, and
afterw^ards was elected its president, which position he now holds.
ALEXANDER HAMILTON 159
In the past twenty years he has been vice-president or president
of various companies, among others the Atlantic Coast Line Rail-
road company, and he has been counsel for various companies and
people for many years. About 1881 or 1882, he was appointed
a member of the board of visitors of the Central Lunatic asylum,
now the Central State hospital, and was made president of the
board and served about three years. About 1890, he was
appointed by Governor McKinney a member of the board of
visitors of the Virginia Military institute and he is now president
of that board. He was elected from the city of Petersburg, a
member of the Virginia Constitutional convention of 1901-1902,
and served during the session of that body. For many years he
has been a member of the public school board of the city of Peters-
burg, and several years ago he was president of the Virginia
State Bar association.
While at college he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega
Greek letter college fraternity, and has belonged to various social
clubs in Virginia and elsewhere. He has always been a Democrat
in politics, but did not approve of the views of W. J. Bryan on
the money question. He was born and raised in the Protestant
Episcopal church, and attends that church.
As a boy, he was fond of the usual sports of boys; played
baseball, rode and drove horses, swam, fished and did everything
that was natural. Since he has been a man, his exercise has been
horseback riding and walking. Whist is the only game he cares
for as a relaxation. An excellent sketch of Mr. Hamilton
appeared in the " Virginia Military Bomb " of 1902. He has
been married three times, and has five children, of whom all are
living.
His address is Petersburg, Dinwiddie County, Virginia.
Vol. 2— Va.— 7
CALDWELL HARDY
HAKDY, CALDWELL, banker, was born in Camden
county, North Carolina, May 13, 1852, and his parents
were Henry C. Hardy and Huldah E. Dozier. On his
father's side he is descended from George Hardy, who emigrated
from Bristol, England, to Isle of Wight county about 1660.
Among the early representatives of the name, Samuel Hardy, of
Isle of Wight, was a leading member from Virginia of the Con-
tinental congress, and died in 1785.
The Doziers (original name Dauge) were of the French
Huguenot stock, who early settled in Eastern North Carolina and
Virginia.
Henry C. Hardy was born in the latter state, and was a
merchant and banker in New York to which place he removed,
and his marked characteristics were a lovable disposition and
strict regard for the truth. His son, the subject of this sketch,
was a bright energetic boy, who was blessed with an excellent
physical constitution, and was fond of outdoor sports and
athletic games. He was seven years of age when his father went
North to reside in Brooklyn, New York, and there he went to
the city schools and attended the Brooklyn Polytechnic institute.
At the age of eighteen he quitted school, and entered his father's
office in Wall street. New York city, where he remained three
years. In 1871 he came to Norfolk, where he was clerk and
officer for twelve years in the Farmers bank of that city. In
1885 the Norfolk National bank was organized, and the reputa-
tion of Mr. Hardy for industry and keen business insight caused
him to be selected as its first cashier. The remarkable develop-
ment and growth of the bank demonstrated the wisdom of the
choice, and by the logic of results he was raised to the presidency
in 1899, a position which he has ever since held. This bank is
not only the leading bank of Norfolk, but probably the leading
bank of Virginia, having recently increased its capital to one
million dollars, with a surplus of half a million.
In 1893, the Norfolk Bank for Savings and Trusts was
CALDWELL HARDY 161
organized by the stockholders and officers of the Norfolk
National bank. It does a savings bank and trust business, and
besides paying dividends at six, seven, and eight, and even ten
and twelve per cent on its stock, has accumulated over one
hundred and fifty thousand dollars undivided profits. It has also
a deposit of a million and a half dollars.
Mr. Hardy is justly proud of the two successful institutions
of which he is president, the rank and standing of which are
further evidenced by the fact that the stocks of both are bid for
at over three hundred dollars.
Fully appreciating the value of an institution with such
wide spread principles as the American Banker's association, he
early identified himself with its life, and was selected in Rich-
mond, Virginia, in 1900, as a member of the executive council of
that body. In 1902 he was elected president of that association,
and served it in a manner which made him known throughout
the banking circles of America.
Nor has Mr. Hardy confined his energies to banking. He is
public spirited and is connected with many other enterprises.
He took a leading part in the establishment of the Monticello
hotel of Norfolk, and has served in the city council.
It is probably in Mr. Hardy's personal relations that we find
those characteristics which account for much of his success.
He is an optimist, yet a conservative of recognized judgment.
His success, both as a man of large business affairs and influence,
as well as in all the personal relations of life, is perhaps due to
several very conspicuous characteristics. Among these is a self-
control which gives him at all times ease and poise; a marked
consideration for others, which makes him courteous and con-
siderate of all with whom he comes in contact ; a just estimate of
his own rights and the rights of others, which makes him a
valued friend and adviser; but conspicuously does he possess that
power of statement, which not only makes his views clear, but
inspires a sense of security and confidence in those who come
under his influence.
He took great interest in the establishment of the Virginia
club house, a building seven stories high, and which has been
pronounced the finest club building in the South. As a fitting
162 CALDWELL HARDY
recognition of his merit, he was elected president of the club for
two terms. He is also a non-resident member of the Maryland
club, of Baltimore, Maryland. He finds relaxation from work in
playing golf and witnessing games of baseball and other athletic
sports.
In politics he has never been what may be called a party
man, as he holds the interests of the country superior to the
dogmas of party platforms. But he has generally voted the
Democratic ticket.
In religious preferences he is an Episcopalian, and attends
St. Paul's church in Norfolk. From the experiences and obser-
vations of a busy and successful life he has this advice to offer
to young men : " Live uprightly and make one great branch of
human effort the controlling purpose of life, and success will
come."
On December 8, 1875, he married Lucy Hardy, his half
second cousin, and from this union four children have resulted,
all of whom are now (1906) living.
Mr. Hardy's address is Stockley Gardens, Norfolk, Virginia.
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ASHER WATERMAN HARMAN, JR.
HARMAN, ASHER WATERMAN, Jr., fanner, and
state treasurer of Virginia, was born in Staunton,
Augusta county, Virginia, September 6, 1850. His
father was Michael G. Harman, colonel of the 52nd regiment,
Virginia infantry, and prominent in his generation in Virginia,
as a business man of great energy and a high order of executive
talent. Mr. Harman's mother was Caroline V. Stevenson.
His early life was passed in the town of Staunton; and he
worked on his father's farm in Augusta county, during his vaca-
tions. He obtained his primary education in the local schools;
and in September, 1868, entered the Virginia Military institute,
at Lexington, as a cadet, and graduated on July 4, 1872.
Upon leaving the institute, he began the active work of life
as manager of stage lines in the Valley of Virginia, and con-'
tinned in this business until 1881. He was also engaged in the
business of railroad contracting ; and was president for a time of
the James river packet line from Richmond to Buchanan and
Lexington, Virginia, prior to the building of the Richmond and
Alleghany railroad along the line of the old James river and
Kanawha canal. From 1874 to the present time (1906) Mr.
Harman has been engaged in the business of farming in Rock-
bridge county, Virginia.
He was elected treasurer of the commonwealth of Virginia by
the general assembly, and went into office on January 2, 1886;
and was continuously reelected by the general assembly up to the
time of the going into operation of the state constitution adopted
by the Constitutional convention of 1901-1902. That instrument
made the office of state treasurer elective by the people; and Mr.
Harman, having received the Democratic nomination, was in
November, 1905, elected to a further term of four years, begin-
ning on February 2, 1906.
He has always been a member of the Democratic party, and
has never changed his allegiance to its principles or organization.
I He is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church.
166 ASHER WATERMAN HARM AN, JR.
Mr. Harman married on December 11, 1872, M. Eugenia
Cameron ; and of their marriage have been born twelve children,
of whom eleven, six boys and five girls, are now (1906) living.
His address is Richmond, Virginia.
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FRANK PIERCE HARMAN
HAEMAN, FEANK PIEECE, was bom May 24, 1856, in
Floyd county, Virginia. He belongs to the Harman
family who were among the early German settlers of
the Valley of Virginia, and whose descendants are still prominent
in Augusta and Eockbridge counties. His ancestors were soldiers
in the Eevolutionary war, and his grandfather was a soldier in
the War of 1812.
Mr. Harman's father, Mr. William Harvey Harman, is one
of the leading business men of Floyd county, where he owns and
still manages a large stock-farm and store, and, at the age of
seventy-six, is still a man of great will-power, energy and busi-
ness capacity.
On his maternal side, Mr. Harman's grandmother was Mary
Todd, whose family was among the early settlers of Eichmond,
Virginia. His mother was Marietta Yearout.
Mr. Harman received his education at private schools and
from tutors in his father's family. When not at school, he
worked on his father's farm until he was sixteen years of age,
when he took charge of his father's store. In this responsible
position he evinced an aptitude for business affairs and a rare
executive ability.
Mr. Harman was among the first Virginians to take advan-
tage of the opportunities afforded by the opening of the great
Pocahontas coal field, and in the year 1887 embarked in the coal
business by becoming one of the incorporators of the Turkey Gap
Coal company. Of this company he was made secretary and
treasurer, and for a number of years he had active charge of its
financial affairs.
About this time, Mr. Harman, although only a little over
thirty years of age, began to be recognized among the business
men of that section as an able organizer. He was elected secre-
tary and treasurer of the Flat Top Coal and Coke association, an
organization composed of the entire thirty-eight original coal
170 FRANK PIERCE HARMAN
operations of the Pocahontas field. This position he filled
acceptably for several j^ears.
Mr. Harman's success and wonderful concentrative and con-
structive ability attracted the attention of others outside of the
Pocahontas field, and in 1898 he was made purchasing agent for
the Virginia and Southwestern railway. He was also appointed
to a similar position in the Virginia Iron, Coal and Coke com-
pan}^, a corporation which has done more to develop Southwest
Virginia than any other enterprise ever organized in the state.
In the same year he was elected a trustee of Hollins institute, one
of Virginia's foremost schools for young ladies. This position
he held until its reorganization.
In 1891, Mr. Harman was elected vice-president of the First
National Bank of Roanoke, Virginia, which position he still
holds. In the same year he organized the Pinnacle Coal and
Coke company, on Crane Creek, in the Pocahontas coal field, and
was made president of that corporation.
Two years ago he removed to Lynchburg, Virginia, where
he acquired control of the wholesale dry goods and notion busi-
ness of Guggenheimer and Company. Of this old, established
business, he was elected president, and now has active charge of
its affairs. In 1904 he was elected a director of the National
Exchange Bank, in that city.
Mr. Harman represents the business man evolved by the
conditions of the New South ; he possesses the aggressiveness and
enterprise necessary to overcome the many obstacles which
presented themselves to his section during the period of com-
mercial reconstruction — necessary to the work of placing his state
on a firm financial basis.
Politically, he is a Democrat, but he was opposed to the
free and unlimited coinage of silver. He has never taken an
active part in politics, was never elected to any office, and never
belonged to any fraternity. He has alwaj^s affiliated with the
Presbyterian church.
Mr. Plarman has a taste for farming and country life, and is
fond of hunting and horseback riding. At one time, he owned
the beautiful estate " Glenvar," situated in Eoanoke county, and
brought it to a high state of improvement.
FRANK PIERCE HARMAN 171
Mr. Harman's experience and observation lead him to suggest
to young men that they be honest, truthful, candid and fair in
their dealings with men, and that, while avoiding stinginess, they
should, nevertheless, practice economy.
Mr. Harman believes his success in life is mainly due to home
training, habits formed in early life, and the assistance of a
practical, sensible wife.
In October, 1883, he was m_arried to Eugenia Edwards.
They have six children, four boys and two girls, all of whom are
(1906) living.
His postoffice address is Lynchburg, Virginia.
GEORGE MOFFETT HARRISON
HAEEISON, GEOEGE MOFFETT, of the supreme court
of Virgina, was born February 14, 1847, near Staunton,
Virginia, and is the son of Henry and Jane St. Clair
(Cochran) Harrison. Henry was the son of Carter H. Harrison,
of Clifton, Cumberland county, Virginia, who was the son of
Eandolph Harrison, of Clifton, Cumberland county, Virginia.
On his father's side. Judge Harrison is connected with many
of the best old families of Virginia, such as the Eandolphs, the
Amblers, the Carys, the Byrds, and the Carters ; and the Harrison
family itself has furnished one " signer," one governor, and two
presidents of the United States. On his mother's side. Judge
Harrison is descended from the Boys, the St. Clairs, Cochrans,
Moffetts and other prominent settlers of Augusta county.
Judge Harrison grew up on his father's farm near Staunton,
and along with his brothers received his early education at the
hands of his father, a cultivated and finely informed gentleman,
who took pleasure in instructing his own children.
At sixteen years of age, upon the breaking out of hostilities
in 1861, consequent upon the secession of Virginia from the
Union, George M. Harrison enlisted in the Confederate army, in
which he served with courage and fidelity, until April 9, 1865,
when he surrendered with the Fredericksburg artillery, Marma-
duke Johnson's battalion, third armj^ corps, of the army of
Northern Virginia, at Appomattox Court-house.
Eeturning home to take up the more prosaic duties of life, he
finally determined to make of himself a lawyer; and in the
autumn of 1869 he entered the law school of the University of
Virginia, where he remained until the summxcr of 1870. At the
conclusion of his law course, he opened an office in Staunton,
where he has sines resided, and where he practiced his profession
until he was elected a judge of the Supreme Court of appeals of
Virginia, taking his seat upon the bench on the first day of
January, 1895.
As in the practice of law he showed himself diligent, con-
GEORGE MOFFETT HARRISON 173^
servative, studious and painstaking, so, since he has occupied a
seat upon the supreme bench of the state, his career has been
marked by the same characteristics. His opinions are regarded
by the profession in Virginia as indicating a marked lucidity of
understanding and expression, no less than a painstaking and
careful power of investigation; and his administration of the
high office to which he was called in 1895 was so successful
and satisfactory that the general assembly of Virginia at its
session of 1906 reelected him to succeed himself for the ensuing
term of twelve years, beginning in January, 1907.
During the period of his active practice of his profession in
Staunton, Judge Harrison was counsel in many cases of great
importance and involving large interests. His management of
them always indicated the most systematic and careful prepa-
ration in the office; while his presentation alike of questions of
law to the court and of fact to the jury was unfailingly strong
and convincing. For a number of years he was in partnership
with Harry St. George Tucker, long a member of congress from
the tenth Virginia district, and now the president of the James-
town exposition; and the firm of Harrison and Tucker was
regarded as one of the ablest in the state.
For many years Judge Harrison was one of the master
commissioners in chancery of the circuit court of Augusta, the
duties of which he performed with the same conscientious
industry and success that have characterized whatever else he has
undertaken in life.
Judge Harrison is a Democrat in his political convictions
and affiliations ; and, while prior to his elevation to the bench, he
had not held office in Virginia, he had always taken an active
interest in the success of his party, and was an able and con-
vincing exponent of its doctrines and policies upon the hustings.
Judge Harrison has been since early youth a member of the
Episcopal church, and for years a vestryman of his parish.
On September 23, 1874, he married Bettie Montgomery Kent ;
and of his marriage there are three children now living, a son
and two daughters.
His address is Staunton, Virginia.
THOMAS WALKER HARRISON
AEEISON, THOMAS WALKER, judge of the seven-
teenth judicial circuit of Virginia, was born in Lees-
burg, Loudoun county, Virginia, August 5, 1856. His
father, Matthew Harrison, was commonwealth's attorney, and
represented his county in the house of delegates of Virginia.
His marked characteristics were earnestness, energy, industry,
and great activity in everything with which he connected himself.
Judge Harrison's mother was Harriet Jones, a lineal descendant
of Richard Henry Lee, the " Cicero of Virginia," and " mover "
of the Declaration of Independence. On his father's side Judge
Harrison belongs to the famous Virginia family which has
furnished " signers," governors, soldiers, presidents in days gone
by, and which is still capable of furnishing men of mark to
Virginia and other commonwealths.
After receiving his early academic training under such
teachers as Virginius Dabney, the author and scholar, and Hilary
P. Jones, the noted principal of Hanover academy, young
Harrison entered the University of Virginia, where he took the
degrees of Master of Arts and Bachelor of Law. With this
superb equipment and a grit never surpassed, he began the
practice of law in Winchester, Virginia, September 1, 1879. For
about five years, while establishing himself in his profession, he
edited a newspaper.
In 1887, Mr. Harrison was elected to the State senate of
Virginia, and was reelected in 1891. In the senate he was marked
by conservatism, energy and devotion to duty. The way to
success, in his opinion, is through honesty, industry, and atten-
tion to detail; and those virtues he practices in his career as
lawyer, as senator, and as judge. His constituents have always
found him a faithful and conscientious representative. From
the senate chamber he was raised to the circuit bench in 1893.
This was under the old constitution of Virginia, which expired
July 10, 1902, at 12 M. In 1901, he was elected a member of the
THOMAS WALKER HARRISON 175
constitutional convention of Virginia. Under the new constitu-
tion, Judge Harrison was elected judge of the seventeenth
judicial circuit — a position which he fills at present. His circuit
embraces the counties of Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Shenandoah,
and Page, and the city of Winchester.
As said already, Judge Harrison belongs to the distin-
guished Harrison family, and to the no less eminent family of
Lee. With such antecedents and the educational advantages
already spoken of, success would seem inevitable; but, when to
these elements of inspiration, we add the virtues named above,
we may well expect success of a high order.
From early youth. Judge Harrison has been fond of books,
especially of history and historical novels. It was in good
ground, then, that his noble teachers, Dabney and Jones, and the
professors at the University, sowed their seed; and it sprang up
and bore fruit an hundred fold. In the hurry of a busy practice
and of his duties as judge, he finds time to extend his knowledge
of the English historians, poets, and novelists. With such
standard literature he relaxes his mind, while too many of our
people read great masses of trash that add nothing to their
culture, but merely kill time, and oftentimes kill character no less.
To young Americans eager for true, and honorable success,
Judge Harrison's advice is to be scrupulously honest in all
business dealings, to work, and pay strict attention to details, to
be frugal and sober.
Judge Harrison has been twice m.arried : first to Julia Knight,
who died Januarv 19, 1899 ; second, to Xellie Cover. Bv his first
marriage, he had six children, of whom four are now living
(1906). By his second marriage, he has had one child, now
living. Judge Harrison resides in Winchester, Virginia, and
can be found there, except when his duties as judge oblige him to
be elsewhere.
In politics. Judge Harrison is a Democrat. He has never
been a professional politician, but, as already seen, has served his
people in a representative capacity. His success in life is due
to a combination of causes, such as home training, laudable family
pride, example of his elders, education, culture, energy, integrity,
176 THOMAS WALKER HARRISON
ability. It is a great thing for the state when such scions of her
most honored families stand at the front, to steer the ship of
state, and to wear judicial ermine.
The postoffice address of Judge Harrison is Winchester^
Virginia,
ft
HALLER H. HENKEL
HENKEL, HALLER H., M. D., was born in New Market,
Virginia, April 5, 1852, and his parents were Doctor
Samuel Godfrey Henkel and Susan Koiner.
The Henkel family was of Hungarian origin. The progeni-
tor of the American branch was Johann Henkel, D. D., LL. D.,
of Leutscham, Hungary, who was appointed court preacher
to Lewis 11. of Hungary, on the recommendation of Martin
Luther, subsequently became confessor to Queen Marie, and
author of a prayer book and other theological works. His
descendant, Gerhard Henkel, court preacher of Frankfort-on-
the-Main, came to America, in ITIT, bringing with him his
entire family of seven adult children. The great-grandfather
of Doctor Haller H. Plenkel, Eev. Paul Henkel, was a most
self-sacrificing and efficient pioneer Lutheran missionary. This
last had issue. Doctor Solomon Henkel, an eminent physician,
who studied at the University of Pennsylvania under Doctor
Benjamin Rush; and his son. Doctor Samuel Godfrey Henkel,
father of the subject of this sketch, also graduated at that
university, as did his uncles. Doctor Silver A. Henkel and Doctor
Solon P. C. Henkel, and his brother. Doctor Caspar C. Henkel,
who afterward became acting division surgeon of General
Stonewall Jackson's corps.
On his mother's side. Doctor Henkel is also descended from
German stock of Lutheran faith. His mother inherited the best
traits of this stock, and transmitted to her son strong moral
principles, sincerity of purpose and physical stamina.
Doctor Henkel was a strong, healthy boy, whose early days
were spent in his native town and on his mother's farm in the
suburbs. He went to school and during his spare time worked
on the farm, reckoning no manual labor too severe for his under-
taking. Having attained his eighteenth year, he entered the
New Market Polytechnic institute and pursued a regular course
of study, graduating in 1873, with the degree of Master of Arts.
For mental discipline only, and with no idea of practicing law,
180 HALLER H. HENKEL
he attended, in 1876, the summer law course of John B. Minor,
at the University of Virginia, and at the ensuing regular session
entered the medical department, where he remained one year. The
next fail he entered the medical department of the University of
New York, and won the degree of Doctor of Medicine at the end
of the first session of his attendance, being among the ten who
received honorable mention out of a graduating class of one hun-
dred and fifty. At a competitive examination for a position on
the staff of Bellevue hospital, he was declared "first best" in a
class of twenty-six competitors.
Then fully equipped for his position, he began, in 1881, the
active work of life at Staunton, Virginia, and met with the
success which his careful preparation and distinguished talents
deserved. He has been for many years a member of the board
of health in Staunton, and local surgeon of the Chesapeake and
Ohio and the Baltimore and Ohio railways. He is a member of
the board of health of Augusta county, a member of the Medical
society of the State of Virginia, and physician to the Mary
Baldwin seminary and Virginia Female institute, both large
female schools located at Staunton, Virginia. He has from time
to time read papers on medical subjects before the medical
societies of Virginia and other states.
In political affiliation Doctor Henkel is a Democrat, who
has always adhered to the party platform; while in religious
matters he is a member of the Evangelfcal Lutheran church.
The dominant traits of his character are self-reliance,
independence and tenacity of purpose, which qualities coupled
with strong will power, moral stamina and indefatigable indus-
try, have placed him in the first rank of his profession. He is
popular with the people of Staunton, who hold his character as
a gentleman and talents as a physician in high esteem.
In 1886, Doctor Henkel married L. Olive Turney, eldest
daughter of Thomas E. Turney, of Clinton county, Missouri.
They have one child, Miss Hallie H. Henkel, a recent graduate
of the Virginia Female institute.
His present address is Staunton, Virginia.
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STOCKTON HETH
ETH, STOCKTON, soldier, planter, and stock-raiser,
was born in Richmond, Virginia, April 5, 1839. His
father was John Heth; and his mother was Margaret
Pickett. His father was an officer in the United States navy
with Commodore Decatur, and was naval attache on special
service to foreign countries upon occasion. He was a member of
the Society of the Cincinnati, and was distinguished for his
personal magnetism, his courage, and his social eminence.
Captain Heth's emigrant ancestor to America was Henry
Heth, who came to Virginia from England in 1759, and settled
in Richmond. With him came two brothers, William and John,
all three of v/hom were charter members of the Society of the
Cincinnati. The emigrant, Henry Heth, who was the great-grand-
father of Captain Stockton Heth, married Agnes Mackey. He
was captain and major in the 1st Virginia regiment in the War
of the American Revolution, and was with Gen. Montgomery at
the taking of Quebec, where he was promoted for bravery in the
face of great peril and danger.
His son, Henry Heth, was Captain Stockton Heth's grand-
father, and married Ann Hare; he served in the War of 1812,
with the rank of major.
Captain Stockton Heth's early life was spent partly in the
city of Richmond, Virginia, and partly in Culpeper county, on
the estate of his uncle by marriage, Colonel Richard Cunning-
ham, who with his wife took charge of the young boy upon the
death of his parents and treated him as a son. He was sent to
the Episcopal high school at Alexandria, Virginia, and later to
the Virginia Military institute at Lexington. At the outbreak
of the War between the States, he entered the service of the Con-
federacy in the capacity of captain of the " Brandy Rifles," of
Culpeper county, which was a part of the 18th Virginia infantry.
Later he became an aide on the staff of his brother, Major-Gen-
eral Harry Heth, and upon the staff of General J. E. B. Stuart.
By the latter he was recommended for promotion for gallantry at
Vol. 2— Va.— 8
184: STOCKTON HETH
the battle of Cliancellorsville, it being his duty, among others, to
carry dispatches between the lines daily, by reason of which he
was exposed to the fire of friend and foe alike. He served with
fidelity and courage throughout the war, and was cnce wounded
at the battle of Reams Station.
Captain Heth, being after the close of the war an exten-
sive land owner in both Virginia and Mississippi, has been since
that time engaged in cotton planting in the latter state, and in
cattle raising in Virginia ; and he has also been largely interested
in the promotion and development of the town of Radford, Vir-
ginia, which was built on land once owned by himself and his
wife.
He is a member of the Sons of the Revolution, of the Order
of the Cincinnati, and of the Confederate Veterans association.
He is a Democrat in politics, and has never changed his party
allegiance.
As a young man, he was an active participant in all athletic
sports ; and he now finds his recreation and amusement in horse-
back riding and driving.
Captain Heth married, in October, 1867, Isabella Norwood
Hammet; and of their marriage there are now (1906) five chil-
dren living: Sue Hammet, Virginia C, Pickett, Stockton, and
Clement.
His address is East Radford, Montgomery County, Virginia.
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GILBERT JOHN HUNT
HUNT, GILBERT JOHN, a prominent general contractor
and builder, was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia,
February IT, 1843. His father, Gilbert J. Hunt, was
noted as a designer of unusual artistic taste and a skilled and
successful mechanic, who was born in Xew York city in 1812,
and coming South to Virginia in 1833, settled in Fredericksburg,
where he married his wife, Jane Jones. Mr. Hunt's great-grand-
father w^as also Gilbert J. Hunt, of Xew York city, who was an
ardent patriot in the Revolutionar}^ struggle between the
American colonies and Great Britain, and was a writer of some
local reputation. On his mother's side Mr. Hunt is of Scotch
extraction, being a descendant of a !^IcDonald ancestor, who was
a gallant soldier of the Revolution, serving in the Continental
army throughout the war, and participating in the siege of
Yorktown and the surrender of Lord Cornwallis's army. This
progenitor, after the close of the Revolutionary war, settled in
Caroline county, Virginia, and married a Miss Searle, also of
Scotch descent, of whose marriage Avas born one child, a daughter,
Jennie McDonald, who married Samuel Jones, of Fredericks-
burg, and was the maternal grandmother of Mr. Hunt.
Gilbert J. Hunt was one of eleven children. His health in
youth was delicate, and so his father, after sending him for a
while to the common schools of Fredericksburg, determined to
put him to work at a trade that would tend to improve his
physical condition. To this judicious action of his father, Mr.
Hunt attributes not only the foundation of the sound health
which he has since enjoyed, but also that of the success which he
has achieved in his life work of master builder and contractor.
AVhen the War between the States began in 1861, Mr. Hunt,
although then only eighteen years of age, had by diligence and
attention to business already made of himself an excellent
mechanic. There followed upon the inception of hostilities a
natural demand on the part of the Confederate government for
skilled workmen in its several mechanical departments; and Mr.
188 GILBERT JOHN HUNT
Hunt was accordingly detailed for service in the gun-carriage
department of the artillery workshops in the Confederate States
arsenal, where he rendered valuable service during a large part
of the war.
Mr. Hunt has been from boyhood, a zealous and active
member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he has
contributed both of his time and means. He taught in its
Sunday school for ten years, and was Sunday school superin-
tendent of his church for twenty years. He was for a yet longer
period chairman of the board of church stewards, and has filled
every office in connection with his church that could be held by
a layman.
Mr. Hunt is a man of great energy and initiative ; and in the
conduct of his large and successful business as contractor and
builder, he has relied upon his own skill as a designer in making
his own drawings, plans and specifications; while at the same
time he has kept his own books and accounts, and transacted his
large business without the intervention or aid of bookkeepers.
Mr. Hunt is a Democrat in his political affiliations, and has
never swerved in his allegiance to his party.
On April 29, 1864, Mr. Hunt married Ella Griffith, and of
their union seven children have been born, of whom five (1906)
survive. Two of his sons are successful physicians, and another
is an architect and builder associated in business with his father.
Mr. Hunt's address is Richmond, Virginia.
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WESTWOOD HUTCHISON
HUTCHISON, WESTWOOD, banker, was born on a
farm in Loudoun county, Virginia, October T, 1846, and
is the son of Beverly and Mary Purcell (Hixon)
Hutchison. His ancestors on both sides were of old English
stock, and in this country were practically coeval with the
founding of the American colonies. On the paternal side were
the Hutchisons and the Eogerses; on the maternal side, the
Humphreys and Hixons.
His great great-grandfather, Andrew Hutchison, was born
in England, in 1687, came to the colonies while still a young
man, and settled in what is now Loudoun county, Virginia,
(near Aldie) on the road subsequently laid out by General Brad-
dock during his march to Fort DuQuesne. This pioneer estate
subsequently became the family homestead, and has remained in
possession of his descendants ever since. One of the sons of
Andrew Hutchison, grandfather of Westwood, settled in Prince
William county, Virginia, and at one time was presiding officer
of the county court at Dumfries, which then consisted of a body
of magistrates. He married a Miss Rogers, whose grandfather
had been a customs officer at Richmond, Virginia, under appoint-
ment of the crown of England.
The Humphreys and Hixons emigrated from England
to America, and first settled in the colony of Pennsylvania.
Thomas Humphreys, Mr. Hutchison's great-grandfather, removed
to the colony of Virginia in 1760, and his brother, David
Humphrey, at a later period, became an aide on the staff of
General Washington during the War of Independence. After
the close of that struggle, he followed the sea, made a cruise to
China as captain of a vessel, and ultimately died in Philadelphia
in the year 1800. Another great-grandfather, James Hixon,
resided on Little River, near Bull Run Mountain, in Prince
William countv. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary
war, and, by virtue of the distinguished services rendered,
192 WESTWOOD HUTCHISON
receiA^ed a grant of land on Little River, near Bull Run Mountain,
Virginia, where he settled and continued to reside until his
death. He was actively interested in the building of the Little
River pike, extending from Alexandria to Winchester, Virginia,
and, during its incipiency, made a trip to Philadelphia on horse-
back, to place before congress some important matters in con-
nection with this road.
Beverly Hutchison, father of Westwood, was a man of strong
will, a keen sense of honor, and marked integrity. In early life
he engaged in merchandising ; later, took up farming, and, while
still under middle age, was elected sheriff of Prince William
county. He was also in later life a member of the county court
of Loudoun.
Westwood Hutchison passed his boyhood in the country
amid wholesome surroundings, and was trained to habits of
promptness, punctuality, and industry. He was fond of outdoor
sports, books, and the pleasures of home life. He was especially
attracted to classical poetr}^ and other forms of literature, and the
Bible played no little part in the formation of his ideals.
Educationally speaking, he is largely a self-made man, though he
attended some of the local schools of his county. At a time when
he might have entered college, the war came on, and he, like
nearly all the 3^oung Virginians of his day, volunteered to defend
his state from invasion. He served some time as a private
in the 39th Virginia battalion.
After the war Mr. Hutchison settled down to farming in
Prince William count}^, and dcA^oted himself to that occupation
for many years.
Though not a politician, Mr. Hutchison has filled some
public offices. In 1885, he was elected a magistrate, but soon
resigned that position to become a school trustee. In 1886, he
was appointed to take the school census; in 1887, he was
appointed land assessor; and from 1891 to 1899 he held the office
of county treasurer. In 1892, his well-known talent for business
led Governor P. W. McKinney to appoint him distributor of the
direct tax fund. 'W^ien the National Bank of Manassas was
organized, Mr. Hutchison was made cashier, and still serves most
efficiently in that capacity. In 1905, he was elected a member of
WESTWOOD HUTCHISON 193
the town council of Manassas. In politics, Mr. Hutchison is a
Democrat; in church preference, a Baptist. Since 1870 he has
been a deacon in the Baptist church.
December 7, 1871, Mr. Hutchison was married to Susan Ish.
They have had fourteen children, ten of whom are now (1906)
living.
His address is Manassas, Virginia.
ROBERT GREEN JAMES
JAMES, ROBEET GKEEN, was born at Fincastle in the
county of Botetourt, February 18, 1866, and his parents
were Green James and Susan Bosserman. Little is known
of the ancestry of the family, as both parents died when Mr.
Robert Green James was too young to make inquiries. His
father was a man of fine talents and character, and from 1861-
1865 he represented Botetourt in the house of delegates. His
marked characteristics were honesty, fidelity and wit. He
founded and edited a newspaper at Fincastle, Virginia, called
" The Valley Wliig;" and when the corner stone of the^ Washing-
ton monument at Washington, District of Columbia, was laid.
" The Valley Whig " had the distinction of being the only
Virginia paper to have a copy placed in the stone. During
the war from 1861-1865, Mr. Green James served in the house
of delegates and had tvvo sons in Pickett's division. Con-
federate army; the oldest, as captain of his company at nineteen
years, was severely wounded at Williamsburg, Virginia, and left
on the battle field and taken to Washington, District of
Columbia ; was exchanged several months afterwards, and served
throughout the war, dying in 1873, as the result of wounds ; and
the other a private in the same company, was killed before reach-
ing his eighteenth year, in same battle at Williamsburg, Virginia.
His son, the subject of this sketch, was blessed with excellent
health in youth, was robust and hearty, and was always ready to
do his part of necessary labor to provide comforts for the family.
The example of his excellent parents had a great effect in
developing his intellectual, moral and spiritual life. He was
educated at the private and public schools of his county, but
spent one year at Baltimore City college in the state of Mary-
land. He then took law under John B. Minor at the University
of Virginia during the session of 1887-1888; but, though he
profited greatly by the lectures of his eminent teacher, he did not
stay to take the degree of graduation.
In 1890, he began the active work of life at Clifton Forge.
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ROBERT GREEN JAMES 197
His inspiration to action arose from a natural ambition to succeed,
as others had done; and while his own personal preference
determined his mind to the law, his home influences and contact
with men in active life had a very strong part in directing the
energies of his mind. That Mr. James has made a success of his
profession is shown by his employment as attorney by a number
of important corporations and institutions in Virginia and else-
where. He served also for eight years as city attorney for Clifton
Forge, and that is in itself another proof of his ability as a
lawyer.
In religion Mr. James belongs to the Methodist Episcopal
Church South, and in politics he is " an independent Republican."
Remembering how^ever, that the law is a jealous mistress, he has
had the good sense to decline all overtures of a political character,
and steadily to refuse to become a candidate for any purely politi-
cal office. This course of political self abnegation frees his
motives from the charges often brought against Southern Repub-
licans that they are Republicans for offices merely. This is cer-
tainly not true of Mr. James, who asks no rewards or favors at
the hands of any person.
Mr. James is of a social nature, and mingles freely among the
people. He is very fond of reading, and has dived deep into
history and theology. While at college he joined the Kappa
Sigma fraternity, and since that time he has been a member of
the Masonic order. From the strain of his every day labors, he
seeks recreation in walking, driving, and travel.
He married November 6, 1895, Jeannette S. Bleakley, of New
Orleans, Louisiana, and has had three children, of whom two, a
son Robert Bleakley James and a daughter Susie May James,
are (1906) living.
He is devoted to his home and famih^ and takes the deepest
pride and pleasure in both and owns one of the most attractive
homes in his section of the state.
His present address is Clifton Forge, Virginia.
THOMAS FOX JEFFRESS
JEFFRESS, THOMAS FOX, son of Albert Gustavus and
Sara^h Eliza Frances Puryear Jeffress, was born at Red
Oak Grove, Charlotte county, Virginia, September 23, 1859.
His father was a merchant and land-owner of Charlotte county,
a man of sterling intergrity, high ideals, and Christian charity.
In his early life, Albert G. was deputy-sheriff of Charlotte county,
and later on was sheriff. The example of Albert G. had great
influence upon the subject of this article; and this, together with
the personal influence of the late Lewis Ginter, of Richmond,
helped to put Thomas F. Jeffress among the most prominent
business men of the city of Richmond.
A mother's influence, Thomas F. Jeffress has never known.
At six years of age, he lost his mother ; but, fortunately for him,
his father was a man of feminine purity of character — one to set
him an example of upright, moral living. In this good father's
office, the youth spent much of his time, helping the clerks in a
hundred matters of detail, and thus learning the routine of
business wdiile going to school.
Mr. Jeffress' family have not taken time to draw a family
tree or to conij^ile a book of genealogy. It is certain, however,
that the Jeffresses were among the earliest settlers in Virginia.
His mother, as her name (Puryear) would indicate, was of
Huguenot extraction ; and on her mother's side, she was descended
from the Bacon family of New Kent county, Virginia. To those
who know the history of the Huguenots and the history of early
Virginia, and at the same time believe in heredity, it will not seem
strange that Mr. Jeffress is characterized by indomitable vim,
energy, and determination : " blood will tell " in men as well as in
horses.
Thomas F. acquired his elementary education in private
schools at home, and the public schools of Charlotte county, in the
direction of vvhich his father took an active and livelv interest.
Thence he went to Blacksburg college, now known as the Virginia
Polytechnic institute. Later, he attended the Eastman National
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THOMAS FOX JEFFRESS 201
Business college, from which he was graduated in 1879 with the
title " Master of Accounts." In 1880, he began life as deputy
collector of internal revenue with his headquarters at Danville,
Virginia. Later, lie went into business with Allen and Ginter,
the well-known tobacconists of Kichmond, Virginia. From
1882 to 1890, he was general bookkeeper and confidential office
man for Allen and Ginter ; in 1890, he became cashier of the Allen
and Ginter branch of the American Tobacco company. In 1896,
he vvas elected a director of the American Tobacco company, and
managing director of the Allen and Ginter branch of that
corj^oration. Meantime, he had organized the Wortendyke
Manufacturing company, of which he has been president
practically ever since. Since 1896, he has been president of the
Crystal Ice company. He is also president of the Lewis Ginter
Land and Improvement company, the Tidewater and Western
Railroad company, and the Brookland House Drainage company.
For several years, also, Mr. Jeffress had the general direction of
the Jefferson hotel of Richmond, now sold to other parties.
" All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." So says the
old proverb. So says every man wise in his day and generation.
Acting on this doctrine, Mr. Jeffress spends a small part of his
time in recreation. He belongs to the Lakeside, the Deep Run
Hunt, and the Westmoreland clubs, of Richmond. He has also
served five years in the state militia ; partly in the Danville Grays,
partly in Company C., of Richmond. Thus he mingles with his
fellow-men, relaxes his mind, and fits himself for the duties of
a strenuous life.
In politics, Mr. Jeffress is a Democrat ; in church preference,
a Baptist. In both matters, he is conservative and orthodox, not
blown about by every whid of doctrine, but holding fast to the
essentials of political doctrine and church faith as handed down to
him by his liberal and broadminded father and forbears.
November 18, 1885, Mr. Jeffress married Kate Lee Miller.
They have had one child, Robert Miller, who is now (1006) a
student at the L^ni versify of Virginia.
Mr. Jeffress' address is Mutual Buildinof, Richmond. Vir-
ginia.
JAMES DAVID JOHNSTON, JR.
JOHNSTON, JAMES DAYID, Jr., lawyer, was bom in the
town* of Pearisburg, Giles county, Virginia, September 16,
1869. His father was Hon. James David Johnston, a
wealthy and distinguished attorney of Giles county, who served
in the general assembly of Virginia as a member of the house of
delegates from his county, and who also held the office of com-
monwealth's attorney. He was noted for his ability as a lawyer
and his high character as a man. He was a captain in the Con-
federate army. His grandfather was Col. Andrew Johnston, a
business man of large interests. His mother was Mary Ann
Fowler, daughter of Dr. Thomas Fowler, an eminent physician,
who was born in Cocke county, Tennessee, and lived at " Wild-
wood " on New river, Monroe count}^ (now Summers) , West
Virginia.
The Johnstons are Scotch-Irish, having migrated from
Annandale, Scotland, into Ireland during the religious persecu-
tions and after the fall of Londonderry. Sir AValter Scott refers
to the clan in the following words:
" Within the bounds of Annandale
The gentle Johnstons ride;
They have been here a thousand years,
•And a thousand more they'll bide."
Mr. Johnston's great-grandfather, David Johnston, came to
Virginia from Eniskillen, Fermanagh county, Ireland, and
settled in Culpeper county, Virginia, about 1736, and removed in
1TT8 to Giles county. Among his relatives who have been distin-
guished for public service were his paternal great-uncle, James
Johnston, who served in the American arm}^ in the War of the
Revolution, and was with Washington at Valley Forge; and his
maternal uncle, the Hon. I. C. Fowler, who was speaker of the
house of delegates of Virginia in 1877-1878. His maternal uncle,
Allen Fowler, was a colonel in the Confederate army and after-
wards a distinguished physician of Salt Lake City, Utah.
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JAMES DAVID JOHNSTON, JR. 205
Mr. Jolinston's boyhood was spent in a country village, where
he looked after his father's farm. After attending the schools of
his neighborhood, he entered Emory and Henry college; later,
Handolph-Macon college; and studied law at the University of
Virginia, graduating from the last named institution in June,
1893, with the degree of Bachelor of Law.
In the November after his graduation, Mr. Johnston began
the practice of law in Roanoke, Virginia, which he has continued
with success and distinction up to the present time (1906). Ho
is vice-president and director of the Yost-Huff company, one of
the leading implement firms of Roanoke, vice-president and
director of the Columbia Trust company, director of the First
National bank of Pearisburg, and was a director in the Peoples
National bank of Roanoke, which has now consolidated with
the National Exchange bank.
He is a Democrat in his political creed, and served in the
Roanoke city council from July 1, 1901, to September 1, 1904.
He was elected president of the council in 1903, and held that
office from July 1, 1903, to September 1, 1904. He declined
reelection and gave the members of council a banquet at Hotel
Roanoke, which was a notable affair. At the centennial of the
formation of Giles county, held May 12, 1906, Mr. Johnston was
one of the orators.
He is a member of the Kappa Sigma college fratemitj^, and
assisted in the organization of chapters of the fraternity at the
College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, and
Randolph-Macon, Ashland, Virginia.
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was
the founder of the Young Men's Brotherhood of Trinity Metho-
dist church, of Roanoke. He is a director in the Roanoke Young
Men's Christian association.
He takes an interest in games and sports of all kinds, and is
especially fond of riding and driving.
His address is 30 Day Avenue, Southwest, Roanoke^
Virginia.
HAMPTON STEWART JONES
JONES, HAJVIPTOX STEWART, clerk of the supreme court
of appeals of Virginia, was born at Columbus, Muskogee
county, Georgia, March 31, 1867, son of James Sterling
and Virginia (Stewart) Jones. He is of mixed Welsh-Scotcli-
English descent and the scion of a distinguished colonial ancestry
on both sides of his famiW. On the jDaternal side were the
Joneses and Abercrombies, on the maternal side the Stewarts and
Floyds, all prominent, respectively, in their day and generation,
in the early history of Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, and
Kentucky.
The early seat of the Jones famil}^ was in the state of North
Carolina, whence they scattered over several of the Southern
states. The great great-grandparents of Stewart Jones were
George Prichett Jones and Jane Elzj^ Jones. His great-grand-
parents were Reuben Floyd Jones and Susannah Wirt Jones ; and
his grandparents were William Hardwick and Ketinca Aber-
crombie Jones, which latter two seem to have been natives of
Georgia, where they had a number of near relatives.
Jane Elzy Jones was reputed to be an extremely beautiful
woman, and passed into the early history of North Carolina as
one of a number of American heroines. It is related of her that
during the British occupation of this country, she horse-whipped
a British lord, who had offered her an insult while escorting her
home from a ball near Wilmington, and whom General Tarleton
afterward sent home in disgrace. George Pritchett Jones was
then a young attorney of Wilmington, and was about to call the
offender to serious account, when the British general thought
best to avert a possible tragedy by summarily disposing of him in
that way.
The Abercrombies resided in Northampton and Mecklenburg
counties. North Carolina down to 1768 when they removed to
Georgia. General Robert Abercrombie, who fought in the Colo-
nial wars, was the father of Retinca Abercrombie Jones and her
l)rother. General Robert Abercrombie, who fought in the Indian
6
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HAMPTON STEWART JONES 209
wars, was killed at Tuskegee, in 1830, by the poisoned arrow of
an Indian. He is buried at Eatonton, Georgia.
Before settlement in America, the family seat of the
Abercrombies was originally " Sterling Castle," near Sterling,
Scotland, where they achieved distinction in arms as well as in
the civil virtues. The family motto was " Vive ut vivas," and
the coat-of-arms, which by right of descent has passed down to
Mr. Jones and his family, is enblazoned with boar heads, bearing
the inscription " Mens in arduis aequa," while the crest is a
honey bee.
The name '' Abercrombie " is said to have originated during
the reign of Cromwell. It appears that a certain priest or abbe
was very persistent in his zeal to fight on the side of the crown
against Cromwell. He abdicated his canonicals for the time
and took up his blunderbus, proving to be a man of great military
prowess. His name was Crombie, and he became famous in the
local annals of Scotland. He was always spoken of as the abbe
Crombie of fighting fame. After the Restoration, King Charles
did not forget the fighting parson, but knighted him. So his
fame went abroad and he was "Abecrombie," which subsequently
received the form Abercrombie. English history is replete with
the name "Abercrombie," and one of the family fought in the
American Revolution.
On his mother's side, Mr. Jones is descended in the paternal
line, from John Stewart or Sturat, of Virginia, (a collateral
descendant of the house of Stuart,) who married Ann Haw, of the
same state. Among their children were two sons, John B. and
Charles. Charles was the eldest, and served as an ensign in the
Continental navy with the rank of lieutenant. John B. was born
in 1760 and died in Oglethrope county, Georgia, in 1830, whither
he had removed from Virginia. He married Mourning Floyd,
a half-sister of first Governor John Floyd, and aunt to Governor
J. B. Floyd, of Virginia. Floyd Stewart, who was bom 1787,
and died in Georgia about 1868, son of John B. (known as Gen-
eral John B.) married Sarah Daniel, of Prince Edward county,
Virginia, and had a son John Daniel Stewart, who married
Cephalie Olivia De Launay, of Milledgeville, whose family first
settled in Virginia during the insurrection in Hayti. The latter
were the parents of Virginia Stewart, their fourth child, and the
210 HAMPTON STEWART JONES
mother of Hampton Stewart Jones. Miss De Launay was the
daughter of James De Launay, of Norfolk, Virginia, and of
Emily La Boudais, descendant of one of the French settlers of
Hayti, who was driven from her home through the uprising of
the blacks against the whites on that island.
Gen. John B. Stewart, the Georgia progenitor of the family,
was an officer in the American Revolution and held the rank of
captain in the Continental army. Subsequently, in 1813, he was
placed in command of the Georgia state troops, with the rank of
brigadier-general. On account of his extreme age during the
War of 1812, and while the troops were in rendezvous at Camp
Hope, near Fort Hawkins, he was succeeded in command by his
cousin, John Floyd.
The Flo3^ds were of Welsh origin, and descendants of Sir
Thomas Floyd or (Fludd). They received grants of land in
Virginia as early as 1623, and a later grant is of record in 1681,
to Walter and John Floyd respectively^ Their descendants
gradually dispersed to the South. William Floyd, father of
Major John, had eight sons and six daughters, of whom John
was the eldest. John was twice married; first to Miss Burford,
and second to Jane Buchanan. By his first wife he had one
child. Mourning Floyd, who, as already stated, married General
Stewart.
To go back a little, the genealog}^ of Major Floyd will appear
somewhat clearer in view of the following statement : Opechanca-
nough, the celebrated chief of the Powhatans, who was killed in
1644, left, it is said, a young daughter, who on account of her
beauty, was named the Princess Nicketti, " the sweeper of the dew
from the flowers." A member of one of the cavalier families of Vir-
ginia fell in love with her and she with him, and the result was a
clandestine marriage, about 1640. The name of the suitor was
Nathaniel Davis, a Welshman, and many notable persons, in the
South and West, are numbered among their descendants. Robert
Davis, Sr., a son (from whom Jefferson Davis was descended)
had a daughter Abadiah, or Abigail, who married William
Floyd, the ancestor of the Floyds of Virginia and farther west.
William Floyd and his wife's brother, Robert Davis, Jr.,
emigrated to Kentucky with the first settlers of that state, and
HAMPTON STEWART JONES 211
finally located in the Blue Grass region, near Louisville, where the
kinsmen Floyds and Davises erected a fort.
The first governor Floyd, of Virginia, named one of his
daughters for the Princess Nicketti.
Here in Kentucky, about 1751, John Floyd was born, and
married as previously stated. He was a surveyor, legislator and
officer of the American revolution, and was killed by the Indians
in 1783. Floyd county, Kentucky, established in 1799, was
named in his honor. He made m.any surveys in Ohio and was a
member of the party recalled by Governor Dunmore, of Virginia,
in consequence of the dangers attending the work on the frontier.
Eeturning in 1775, to Virginia, he became a conspicuous actor in
the stirring scenes of the times, and in all the stations, civil and
military, to which he was called, he acquitted himself with honor.
Major Floyd was the father of Governor John Floyd, of Vir-
ginia, who married Letitia Preston, daughter of Colonel John
Preston, of Virginia, and grandfather of Governor John B.
Floyd, of the same state.
James Sterling Jones, father of Hampton Stewart, was a
man of excellent business ability, strong character and refined
tastes. For many years he engaged in the insurance business, in
which he was markedly successful. His mother having died
when her son was but three years of age, he was bereft of her
kindly influence and teachings.
The childhood and youth of Mr. Jones were divided between
farm and city life. After studying in the public schools of his
native state, and at the University of Georgia, he took a practical
commercial course at Eastman's Business college, at Pough-
keepsie. New York. He began his active career in the office of a
New York life insurance company, and later was appointed
private secretary to the president of the Cape Fear and Yadkin
Valley Railroad company, at Greensboro, North Carolina. He
held this position from 1886 to 1889, and was subsequently asso-
ciated with his father in the life insurance business at Richmond,
Virginia. He held a position in the office of the general superin-
tendent of the Southern Railway company until 1895, when he
was elected secretary of the supreme court of appeals of Vir-
ginia, which office he held until 1903. In the latter year he was
Vol. 2— Va.— 9
212 HAMPTON STEWART JONES
promoted to the position of clerk of that tribunal, which he now
(1906) holds by virtue of faithful duty, and special attainments.
On November 28, 1893, he married Mary Field Yancey,
daughter of Charles Kincaid and Lizzie Field Yancey, of Rich-
mond, Virginia. They have two children, Marie Sterling and
Virginia Stewart, both of whom are now (1906) living. He is
a member of the Chi Phi fraternity at the University of Georgia,
and of the Westmoreland club, of Richmond, Virginia. His
principal sport and relaxation is found in hunting and golfing.
In politics he has always been identified with the Democratic
party, while in religion his affiliations are with the Protestant
Episcopal church.
In speaking of the fundamental essentials of success in life,
he says : " Every young man should strive to do his best no
matter what may fall to his lot. I believe a young man can
achieve almost anything he desires by being energetic, reliable,
faithful in whatever he undertakes, diligent and stable, and
always true to himself."
His address is 307 South Third Street Richmond, Virginia.
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WILLIAM ISAAC JORDAN
JOEDAN, WILLIAM ISAAC, was born April 22, 1839, in
Halifax county, Virginia, and his parents were Elijah
Jordan, a farmer of that county, and Martha Faulkner
Jordan.
As a youth he was of robust strength and vigorous consti-
tution. His early life was spent on his father's farm. He
attended the academy at Black Walnut; and in 1854, at the age
of fifteen, he began the active work of life in a store at Black
Walnut, having at that early age conceived the purpose of
becoming a merchant.
Upon the secession of Virginia from the Union in 1861, he
answered the first call to arms; and served in the War between
the States from its beginning to the surrender of the Confederate
army at Appomattox, as a member of Company C, 3rd Virginia
cavalry.
At the close of the war in 1865, Mr. Jordan went into the
mercantile business, in which he had acquired considerable
experience in the service of others, on his own account. In 1878,
in conjunction with his brother, Mr. R. E. Jordan, he opened a
private bank, which was the first bank of any kind in the county,
and which was conducted under the banking firm name of R. E.
and W. I. Jordan.
In 1885, Mr. Jordan was elected to and served in the Vir-
ginia house of delegates. In 1888, he was elected a member of
the Virginia senate, and in 1892, was reelected to the senate,
serving in each instance a term of four years.
He is no longer in active business, further than as the same
is incident to the positions which he continues to occupy of vice-
president of the Planters and Merchants bank of South Boston,
vice-president of the South Boston Savings bank, and director in
the Barbour Buggy company.
Among other positions of distinction which Mr. Jordan has
filled was that of commissioner from the sixth congressional
district of Virginia to the World's Fair at Chicago in 1893.
216 WILLIAM ISAAC JORDAN
He is a member of the Baptist church ; and is affiliated with
the Masonic fraternity. In politics he is a Democrat ; and it has
been as his party's nominee that he has been honored with the
representation of his county in both houses of the general
assembly of Virginia. He has never wavered in his political
allegiance to Democracy.
Mr. Jordan has been twice married. His first wife was
Elizabeth Buster, whom he married September 27, 1876. His
second wife was Miss Lightfoot Hobson, whom he married
August 24, 1904. He has no children.
He is fond of horses, is a good judge of a horse, and finds
his chief relaxation in riding and driving.
Mr. Jordan's address is South Boston, Virginia.
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WILLIAM HARTMAN KABLE
KABLE, WILLIAM HARTMAN, educator, principal of
the Staunton Military academy, was born in Jefferson
county. West Virginia, September 25, 1837, and is the son
of John and Elizabeth Hunter (Johnston) Kable. His father
was a farmer and manufacturer, a man of integrity, industry and
energy, and was descended from a long line of German- American
ancestors, who immigrated to America in 1684, and settled with
William Penn in Eastern Pennsylvania. Here, not far from
Philadelphia, the Kables and Hartmans lived for several genera-
tions; and, when the War of the Revolution broke out in 1776,
many of their sons were enlisted both as privates and officers ia
that struggle. It is a matter of record that seven sons from a
single family gave their lives to the patriot cause, and their self-
sacrificing service to that cause forms one of the glowing pages
in American history.
During the period of childhood and youth, William H.
Kable was strong and healthy, inured to the invigorating
atmosphere of country and village life, and had a fondness both
for reading and for the intricacies of machinery. He had the
advantages of careful home training, was placed in school from
very early childhood, and was required to make himself familiar
with all the work going on about farm or house. This contact
with the practical things of everyday life, together with the
strong moral and spiritual influence of the boy's mother, fitted
him, to an unusual degree, to meet the difficulties and the stern
realities of later life. At the age of seventeen, he was obliged
by circumstances to rely upon his own efforts to continue and com-
l^lete his education, and, nothing daunted, he set about finding
the ways and means in the true spirit of self-reliance. After
fitting for college in a private school, he entered the University
of Virginia, where he pursued an academic course, giving par-
ticular attention to languages and physics, and then accepted a
position to teach in a private school. In 1860-61, he was assistant
in Green Plain academy, Southampton county. Then came the
220 WILLIAM HARTMAN KABLE
Civil war; and for the four succeeding years, the young teacher
saw service in camp and on the field of battle. He enlisted as a
private, passed through the intervening grades, and was mustered
out a captain. When the smoke of battle cleared away, he
returned to his chosen vocation. From 1872 to 1883, he held the
principalship of Charleston academy, Jefferson county. West
Virginia; and in the latter year he became principal of the
Staunton Military academy. For distinguished service in the
field of education, Columbian (now George Washington) univer-
sity, Washington, District of Columbia, conferred upon him
the honorary degree of Master of Arts.
Captain Kable's career as a teacher and administrator has
been replete with successes and honors. His equipment as a
military educator is an unusual one, combining, as it does, prac-
tical military experience and a soldierly bearing with a cultivated
mind and the intuitions of the teacher. In this connection, the
testimony of the late Hon. William L. Wilson, ex-postmaster-
general, and president of the Washington and Lee university,
may be fitly reproduced as summing up, in brief form, Captain
Kable's characteristics : " No teacher," says President Wilson,
" ever more fully commanded or deserved to command the
confidence and respect of the community than Captain William
H. Kable. In scholarship he is thorough, exact, and always
advancing; a good linguist, a good mathematician, and some-
thing of an enthusiast in several of the physical sciences. As a
man, his character is of a sterling type ; which fits him to be the
exemplar of the young, while as a citizen he is liberal, progres-
sive, and public-spirited. Indeed, he blends, in a union not often
found, good scholastic habits and tastes with that common sense
which is the basis and guarantee of success in the calling of a
teacher as in other difficult professions."
In other words, his success in life is an accomplished result,
and his influence, as an exemplar, is borne witness to in no
uncertain terms. Such a man always has a message; and the
message he transmits to the youth in this case is fraught with
wisdom whether it be from the teacher or from the man. The
writer recalls interrogating him about his message to young men,
and his answers were substantially as follows : " Select a con
WILLIAM HARTMAN KABLE 221
genial occupation. Do all that you possibly can for the benefit
of employer or patron without regard to pay. Never compromise
your integrity, sense of right or of duty for any prospect of
gain or profit. Accept the Christian religion and live up to it.''
This is a creed not only to be pondered, but to be lived.
Captain Kable is a Democrat in politics. Though mixing
little in what is usually known as politics, he served for some
time on the board of supervisors of Jefferson county, West
Virginia, and was president of the county court for four years.
Captain Kable has been twice married. His first wife was
VVillie L. Gibbs, who bore him seven children, six of whom
are living. She died June 10, 1888. His second wife was Mrs.
Margaret HoUaday, of Albemarle county, Virginia, to whom he
,was married December 29, 1903.
His address is Staunton, Augusta County, Virginia.
BITTLE CORNELIUS KEISTER
KEISTER, BITTLE COENELIUS, physician and special-
ist, was born at Newport, Giles county, Virginia,
January 29, 1857. His parents were William Keister
and Nancy Keister. His father was a farmer and leather-
dealer of Newport, and was mayor and councilman of the town
at the period of its first incorporation.
Dr. Keister's paternal great-grandfather was a German, and
emigrating to America from Hamburg in 1750, located in
Pennsylvania. His maternal great-grandfather bore the name
of Epling, and was an Englishman who came to this country
about 1770.
Dr. Keister's youth was spent in the village of Newport,
where with a normally robust and vigorous constitution he
engaged in the sports that are characteristic of that period of life,
and pursued a course of reading and of private study. In the
meantime he worked on his father's farni, driving the two, four
and six horse wagons that his father used in his business, and
engaged in hauling goods to the town merchants from the depot,
which was eis^hteen miles distant. His bovish life was a busv
one ; and he was as diligent in developing his spiritual side as he
was in the more material activities, becoming superintendent
of the local Union Sunday school when only eighteen years of
age.
The taste which later led to his subsequent choice of a
profession, to which his father was opposed, and whose opposition
necessitated Dr. Keister's making his own way at college and
university, was indicated in his boyhood by his literary inclina-
tions; for in addition to reading such lives of distinguished men
as fell in his wav, and for which class of literature he had a
liking, he borrowed books treating of physiology and anatomy
from a medical acquaintance, and studied them with great
interest and eagerness.
He attended the White Gate academy in 1876, and Roanoke
college, at Salem, Virginia, during the session of 1877-1878.
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BITTLE CORNELIUS KEISTER 225
In the fall of 1879, despite the expressed desire of his father
that he should become a minister, he entered the College of
Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Maryland, where he con-
tinued for three years, and from which he was graduated in 1882
with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. In 1884 he took a post-
graduate course in the New York Polyclinic; and in 1894 a
similar course in the Chicago Polyclinic. In 1900 he studied
for nearly one year in the Physiological and Bacteriologic
institute of Berlin, Germany, pursuing at the same time a course
in the Berlin universit}^ Dr. Keister holds the honorary degree
of Master of Arts from Koanoke college.
The active work of his life began in the fall of 18T8, when
he obtained a position as principal in the graded school in the
village of Newport. In 1882, upon his graduation from the
college of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, he located in
the town of South Boston, Halifax county, Virginia, and there
practiced medicine up to 1900. Since that time he has been the
owner and physician in charge of the Keister Home Sanitarium,
at Roanoke, Virginia, which is a private hospital for the treat-
ment of certain chronic diseases and nervous affections.
Dr. Keister was appointed in 1900 by Commissioner-General
Peck delegate to the first congress on professional medicine,
which was held in Paris; and read a paper before this inter-
national assemblage entitled "The Attitude of "the Medical Pro-
fession of the United States on the subject of Proprietary
Medicines.-' He was also elected by the American Medical
association a delegate to the thirteenth International Medical
congress, which met in Paris in 1900.
Dr. Keister is a deacon in St. Mark's Lutheran church in
Roanoke, and was appointed in July, 1904, by Governor Andrew
J. Montague a delegate to the thirty-second annual convention on
charities and correction, which met at Portland, Oregon. He is
a Democrat in politics ; and is a member of the American Medical
association, a member of the Virginia Medical society, and has
been a delegate to various medical association meetings from time
to time, and is a member of the American Academy of Political
and Social science.
Dr. Keister has been a systematic and diligent student of his
226 BITTLE CORNELIUS KEISTER
profession and a prolific writer upon subjects germane to his
profession. He published in 1894 a volume on " Alcohol as a
Food vs. Alcohol as a Poison,*' of which he is now preparing a
second edition ; and he has contributed largely to the " Virginia
Medical Semi-Monthly," the "Atlanta Medical and Surgical
Journal," the " New York Medical Journal," the " Medical
Register," the " Medical Review," the '* Journal of the American
Medical Association," " American Medicine," and others ; and he
has read papers and delivered addresses before various medical
societies and associations.
Dr. Keister's biography has been published in " Transactions
of the Medical Society of Virginia," and in " Physicians and
Surgeons of America," by Dr. Irving A. Watson, published in
1896 by the Republican Press association. Concord, New Hamp-
shire.
Dr. Keister married June 16, 1885, Miss Laura H. Shaver;
and of their marriage have been born two children, both of
whom are living (1906). Their names are Willie Shirey Keister
and Helen Marguerite Keister.
His address is 22 Seventh Avenue Southwest, Roanoke,
Virginia.
JAMES KEITH
KEITH, JAMES, LL. D., president of the court of appeaU
of Virginia, was born in Fauquier county, Virginia,
September 7, 1839, and is the son of Isham and Juliet
Chilton Keith.
Isham Keith was a successful farmer of Fauquier county,
was a justice of the peace, and a member of the legislature,
discharging his duties with marked integrity, industry, and
courage.
Judge Keith's earliest known ancestors in this country were
his great-grandfather, James Keith, his great great-grandfather,
William Kandolph, and his great great great-grandfather, Henry
Isham.
Judge Keith in early childhood was feeble, but his youth was
robust and his health generally good. He was reared in the
country, and had the usual advantages of a country boy of his
day. The influence of his mother was very strong in giving him
an inclination to study, in directing his education, and in shaping
his life. To her he largely attributes his success in life.
As a lawyer and jurist, Judge Keith has found law books the
most useful in fitting him for his life work, and next to these the
standard works of English literature.
James Keith was prepared for college in private schools in
Fauquier county, Virginia, and took his law course at the Univer-
sity of Virginia, under that prince of teachers, John B. Minor.
On the 16th day of April, 1861, Mr. Keith enlisted as a
private in the famous Black Horse cavalry, and in December,
1863, was made adjutant of the 4th Virginia cavalry. He rode
with Payne and Wickham and Fitz Lee, " followed the feather "
of " Jeb " Stuart on many a field, and saw his last service on the
9th of April, 1865, at Appomattox court-house in that cavalry
charge which drove Sheridan back nearly two miles, captured two
pieces of artillery, and was not halted until they encountered the
Army of the James under General Ord, and were obliged to
" yield to overwhelming numbers and resources."
28 JAMES KEITH
Mr. Keith " accepted the situation " calmly, and returning
to his home, went vigorously to work to redeem his ruined
fortunes. His father's wish and his own personal preference
determined him to devote himself to the profession of the law.
^Yhile no one ever had a happier home, surrounded by more
ennobling influences, with unexceptionable companionship, yet
contact with men in actual life, the discipline of the army and the
sacrifices of a soldier's life, have exerted a most potent influence
upon his life and character.
Judge Keith was a member of the Virginia legislature in
1869-1870, was elected circuit judge in 1870, and \y^ several
reelections was continued in that position until January 1, 1895,
when he was elected to a seat on the bench of the supreme court
of appeals of Virginia. He was soon made president of the
court, and still holds that position (1906). A very able lawyer
and most competent judge, he has worn unsullied ermine, and
won a wide reputation as one of the best judges the state has ever
had. In Januarj^, 1906, he was reelected for a term of ten years.
" A Democrat after the Cleveland type," Judge Keith has
taken little active part in politics, but has wide influence among
the leaders of the state; and, while he has never changed his
politics, he has " sometimes stayed at home " on election days.
Judge Keith is a man of fine social qualities, fond of fishing,
rides a bicycle, has fine conversational powers, and is very popular
in his wide circle of acquaintances and of friends, who are hoping
for him many more years to adorn the bench, and be useful to
Virginia and the cause of justice.
The degree of Doctor of Laws has been conferred upon
Judge Keith by the Washington and Lee university, Lexington,
Virginia.
February 16, 1887, Judge Keith was married to Frances
Barksdale Morson, of Warrenton, Virginia. They have had two
children, both of whom are now (1906) living.
His address is Richmond, Virginia.
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SAMUEL LEE KELLEY
KELLEY, SAMUEL LEE, lawyer, was born near Rich-
mond, Virginia, June 22, 1864, while his mother was
nursing sick Confederate soldiers at the Howard's
Grove hospital. His father, Samuel Alexander Kelley, was of
Irish extraction, his mother, Mary Jane Quinn, w^as of mixed
Scotch and Irish lineage. Samuel A. v/as a tinner and plumber,
and, at the outbreak of the Civil war, was carrying on his busi-
ness in Charlottesville, Virginia. He enlisted in the Confederate
army, and served in Garnett's brigade of Pickett's division. He
died when the subject of this sketch was five years of age. Mrs.
Kelley afterwards married David Shields, a railroad contractor,
and died in January, 1893, leaving two other children, Ernest
A. Kelley, now a prominent railroad man of New Orleans, and
T. H. Shields, also engaged in railroad w^ork in the West.
The first of the family in America was Robert Kelley,
father of Samuel A. and grandfather of Samuel Lee, who came
from Londonderry, Ireland; first to Canada, thence (1832) to
Alexandria, Virginia.
The subject of this sketch received his academic education
in the private schools of Charlottesville, Virginia; Huntington,
West Virginia; and Churchland academy, Norfolk county, Vir-
ginia. Later on, he entered Richmond college, and from there
went to the University of Virginia to study law.
Before entering college, Mr. Kelley had been engaged in
railroad and levee construction, in the South and Southwest,
spending four years in rough, out-of-door work, necessarily con-
ducive to bodily strength and health. His tastes, however,
naturally of a literary nature, had been greatly fostered by the
training and influence of his mother, a woman of rare intellectual
powers, clear judgment, and broad sympathies, possessing a
dominating personality and great force of character. He, there-
fore, as soon as the opportunity offered, began his preparation
for the practice of law, and, in the fall of 1888, entered the
University Law school. John B. Minor was still dean of
"232 SAMUEL LEE KELLEY
American law professors. Age had not abated his ability nor
loosened his herculean grasp upon the great science he had taught,
with matchless devotion, for fifty years. Young Kelley devoted
himself ardently to the task, and so profited by the instructions
of his great teacher, that in one session, he took the B. L. diploma
of the University of Virginia (1889). He also, in that year,
received one of the honors most highly valued among university
students — that of " final president " of the Washington society.
In 1890, Mr. Kelley settled in Eichmond to practice his pro-
fession, being actuated, in his choice of location, partly by
business reasons, but principally his mother's love for the capital
of the dead Confederacy^ He has also taken an active part in
the political life of his state. He has been a member of the
Richmond city Democratic committee, and for six years a repre-
sentative of Richmond city in the house of delegates. In 1900,
he was a presidential elector and for four years was the repre-
sentative of the third district on the State Democratic Executive
committee. Feeling the necessity, however, for giving closer
attention to his law practice, he decided in 1905 to give up
politics, beyond taking some part in the campaigns of his party.
Mr. Kelley is recognized as a lawyer of ability, and is known
throughout the state, having been heard on the stump, during the
past eight years, in nearly every county and city. As a member
of the general assembly he has been both useful and prominent,
and from the first, ranked as one of the leaders of that body.
As a debater and orator, he has few equals and no superiors ; and
was for the last two terms, chairman of the ranking committee
and Democratic floor leader. He was also a member of the
capitol building and enlargement commission, under whose
supervision the splendid improvements to that ancient and
historic state house have just been completed.
After serving but one term, Mr. Kelley opposed Mr. Ryan
for the speakership, but subsequently withdrew. Had he
returned to the house for another term, it is generally admitted
that he would probably have been chosen for that place ; and his
friends confidently predict for him further political honors,
should he care to seek them.
Mr. Kelley is a Roman Catholic in religion, and is a member
SAMUEL LEE KELLEY 233
of the Knights of Columbus and Ancient Order of Hibernians.
He belongs also to the Sons of Confederate Veterans and to the
order of Elks, and is a member of the Westmoreland and
Albemarle clubs.
His address is Richmond, Virginia.
ALBERT ELLSWORTH KRISE
KRISE, ALBERT ELLSWORTH, was born December 1,
1864, in the town of Canton, Bradford county, Pennsyl-
vania. His parents were Charles August Krise and
Christina Floeckler. His father was a German by birth, but
early left his native city of Wurtenburg, and emigrated to
Pennsylvania, where he took up the saddlery trade, and also
held many municipal offices in Canton, the town of his residence.
Many of his ancestors had been highly distinguished in that most
perfect of all military organizations, the German army. He was
a man revered and respected by all his large circle of acquaint-
ances for his industry, his integrity, and his general willingness
to help those in need. By his father, as well as by his devoted
mother, Mr. Krise was early taught the best morals, the highest
principles, and the great lesson which cannot be learned too soon,
of self-support.
After graduating with honor at the Canton high school, Mr.
Krise accepted the position of runner in the First National bank
of Canton in the year 1882. Since then, he has been cashier of
the First National bank, of Frostburg, Maryland; president of
the City National bank, of Norfolk, Virginia, in 1892; president
of the Atlantic Trust and Deposit company, of Norfolk, in 1903 ;
a director in the Union Trust and Title corporation, of Norfolk ;
a director in the Virginia Guaranty and Trust company, of New-
port News, Virginia; treasurer of Norfolk, and an officer in a
great many corporations, thus working his w^ay up, in a com-
paratively short time, from the lowest position in the banking
business to the highest.
In his political preference, Mr. Krise is a Democrat. He
has changed his allegiance but once, and that was on account
of the money question in the McKinley-Bryan era, when so many
lifelong Democrats voted for McKinley.
Mr. Krise finds some time for social relaxation and mingling
with his fellows. He belongs to the Masonic order, being a
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ALBERT ELLSWORTH KRISE 237
Master Mason, a Knight Templar and a member of the order of
Odd Fellows, and has held official positions in these bodies.
Some interesting data of Mr. Krise's life was published, a
few years ago, by Col. W. H. Stewart in his " History of Norfolk
County."
On January 22, 1896, he married Blanche Collins, daughter
of S. Q. and Octavia Hitch Collins, of the well-known Norfolk
family of that name.
His address is Norfolk, Virginia.
Tol. 2— Va.— 10
PHILIP ASA KRISE
KKISE, PHILIP ASA, banker and broker, was born in
Louisa county, Virginia, February 20, 1833. His parents
were Jacob and Mildred (Williams) Krise. Plis earliest
known ancestors in this country came from Germany and settled
in Pennsylvania and Marjdand.
The childhood and youth of Philip Krise were passed in the
country. His health was good, and he was required to perform
the tasks that usually fall to the lot of a boy on a farm. As he
grew older, he worked in the fields during the summer and
attended school only in the winter. But he was ambitious to
secure an education and to become a teacher. Difficulties were
great, yet by resolute effort they were overcome to the extent that
a partial course of study was taken at the college in Buckhannon,
now in Upshur county. West Virginia. Pie began teaching in
that town, but the outbreak of the War between the States
brought his teaching to a close and changed the whole current of
his life.
A few weeks after the surrender at Appomattox, Mr. Krise,
with a capital of only a few hundred dollars, commenced busi-
ness as a broker, dealing in gold, silver, and the notes of state
banks. He traded in the bank paper until legislation for its
redemption went into effect, and continued dealing in gold and
silver until the congress of the United States passed the act
requiring the resumption of specie payments. Since that time, he
has dealt in the various securities usually handled by bankers and
brokers. After retiring from business, he erected the Krise
building in Lynchburg, a fire proof structure 43 x 130 feet and
seven stories high. In this building is located the American
National bank, of which Mr. Krise is vice-president and one of
the largest stockholders. Among his other business interests may
be noted the Bonsacks Cigarette Machine company, which he
financed twenty-two years ago, and of which he has been secre-
tary, treasurer, and director ever since. This company was
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PUBLIC LIBEARY
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PHILIP ASA KRISE 241
organized with a capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars
and has paid over three million dollars in dividends. He has
been active in his efforts to promote the interests of Lynchburg,
and has served as a member of the city council for four years.
In politics, Mr. Krise is a Democrat. In 1888, he was a
member of the National Democratic convention that nominated
Mr. Cleveland for the presidency. His religious affiliation is
with the Methodist Episcopal church. In reply to a request for
his opinion, he names honesty and promptness in meeting all
obligations as the best means for young people to adopt in their
efforts to secure true success in life.
Mr, Krise was married September 30, 1868, to Mary Virginia
Davis. Thej^ had one child, a son, who died in 1903.
Their home is Number 600 Church Street, Lynchburg,
Virginia.
JOSEPH THOMAS LAWLESS
LAWLESS, JOSEPH THOMAS, lawyer and state senator,
was born in the city of Portsmouth, Virginia, on the
second day of May, 1866. He is the son of Thomas J.
and Ellen Nolan Lawless, who were born in the county of Galway ,
Ireland, his father being of the well-known Kilkenny family of
his name. He is a highly respected and popular citizen of
Portsmouth, was for many years engaged in mercantile pursuits,
but has now retired from active business.
Joseph T. Lawless, the subject of this sketch, is a man of
splendid physique, having always been strong and robust. When
a youth and young man, his favorite sports were baseball and
football, which doubtless aided his physical development. His
early life was passed in the city, and, as a child, he had a
predilection for literature and law. He was a bright and prom-
ising youth, and took a high stand at school. His academic
education was acquired at the Webster Military institute, Norfolk,
Virginia, and the Benedictine college, known as St. Mary's
college, Belmont, North Carolina, where he took the degree of
Master of Arts in 1882. He entered Richmond college, Rich-
mond, Virginia, in 1893, taking the degree of Bachelor of law
in 1895. He found Shakespeare, Emerson and Herbert Spencer
most helpful in fitting him for his life work.
Mr. Lawless has had a remarkable career in public life, and
is noted as a strong political manager, being widely known and
exceedingly popular with the public men of the state. He was
a close friend of Governor Charles T. O'Ferrall, and was
director of his canvass for the Democratic nomination for
governor. Mr. Lawless began the active work of life in 1883 as
reading clerk of the house of delegates of Virginia, and, having
a natural taste for public life, soon rose to merited distinction
among the public men of Virginia. At the time referred to, the
thirty-third senatorial district, composed of Norfolk county and
the city of Portsmouth, was overwhelmingly Republican, and
the Democrats had little chance of success. The Democratic
JOSEPH THOMAS LAAVLESS 245
convention of this district met at the city hall in Portsmouth, in
1889, and unanimously nominated Mr. Lawless, then only thirty-
three years of age, to lead their forlorn hope. He manfully
shouldered the responsibility, mastered the situation, and was
triumphantly elected to the state senate, where with his strong
personality he soon took a leading part in the deliberations of
the legislature of his native state. His ability and popularity
gained him hosts of friends, and at the expiration of his term of
four years, he was elected by the legislature secretary of the
commonwealth. He made a most efficient state officer, and was
four times successively reelected, without opposition, until 1901,
when he voluntarily retired. Although solicited by friends, he
declined to offer for another term, having decided to take up the
active practice of his chosen profession in the city of Norfolk,
Virginia. He formed a partnership with the Hon. John L.
Jeffries, who was a prominent candidate for the Democratic
nomination for attornev-ffeneral of Virginia in 1902. This firm
soon won its way to public favor, and is now one of the most
prominent law firms in eastern Virginia.
In 1902, Mr. Lawless aspired to the Democratic nomination
for congress, from the second congressional district of Virginia,
but was defeated by the present incumbent, after a lively canvass,
which was highly creditable to the ability of Mr. Lawless. Mr.
Lawless is a personal friend of Governor Claude A. Swanson,
who has appointed him on his staff, with the rank of colonel.
Mr. Lawless is a member of the American-Irish Historical
society, and vice-president-general, and has several times made
addresses of historic value before it at its annual meetings in
New York.
Colonel Lawless is a prominent club man, having been a
member of the most select clubs in his state. When a resident of
Richmond, he was a member of both the AVestmoreland and
Commonwealth clubs, and, since taking up his residence in Nor-
folk, he has been a member of the Virginia club. In 1902, he
was made a director of the Atlantic Trust and Deposit company,
of Norfolk, Virginia, and still serves in that capacity.
It is almost needless to say that Colonel Lawless has always
been a Democrat; in religious faith he is a Roman Catholic.
246 JOSEPH THOMAS LAWLESS
His success in life, Colonel Lawless attributes to home
influence, school training, and contact with men in active life,
supplemented by private study. He believes that the foundation
of a successful career must be laid in the home and be developed
in the schoolroom; after which must come concentration of mind,
and persistent effort towards a definite aim in life. His own
remarkable success will give great weight to this advice for young
Americans.
April 15, 1890, Mr. Lawless was married to Marie C.
Antilotti. They have had five children, four of whom, two boyi
and two girls, are now (1906) living.
LUNSFORD LOMAX LEWIS
LEWIS, LUNSFOKD LOMAX, was born in Rockingham
county, March 17, 1846, and his parents were Samuel H.
Lewis and Anne Maria Lomax. On both sides of his
family Judge Lewis comes of the most distinguished Virginia
ancestry, and he has worn the mantle of their fame with credit
and dignity. His father was descended from a sturdy Scotch -
Irish emigrant, John LeAvis, the representative of a family of
Huguenots, ayIio took refuge in Ireland from persecution in
France, following the assassination of Henry IV. John Lewis
was the son of Andrew Lewis and Mary Calhoun, his wife, who
was born in Donegal county, Ireland, in the year 1678. In an
affray that occurred in the county of Dublin with an oppressive
landlord and his retainers he slew one or two of them for killing
his brother, an officer in the King's army, who lay sick at his
house. Escaping, he found refuge in Portugal, and about 1732
came over to Virginia with his famih^, consisting of his wife,
Margaret Lynn, daughter of the laird of Loch Lynn in Scotland,
and his three sons, Thomas, William and Andrew, born in
Ireland. Pleased with the glorious accounts of the country
beyond the mountains, he selected a spot near Staunton and
erected upon it a stone house which came to be known as " Lewis'
Fort." He was thus one of the advanced guard of the great
army of Scotch-Irish emigrants that poured by thousands before
the Revolution into the beautiful vallev of the Shenandoah
river. He obtained patents for a hundred thousand acres of
land in different parts of this country, and when he died, left an
ample inheritance to his children. He had four sons, three
already noticed as born in Ireland, and a fourth, Charles, added to
the number after his arrival on the soil of old Virginia, and who
was killed in command of a regiment of the Virginia troops, in
1775, at the famous battle of Point Pleasant, at which his brother.
General Andrew Lewis commanded.
Thomas Lewis, the eldest son, and the ancestor of the subject
of this sketch, was a man of learning and sound judgment, who
248 LUNSFORD LOMAX LEWIS
was greatly appreciated b}^ the sagacious and God-fearing
inhabitants of Augusta county. He received many honors from
the people of Virginia. He was first appointed by the faculty of
William and Mary college surveyor for the county of Augusta.
In 1765 he was representative for Augusta in the house of bur-
gesses and voted for Patrick Henry's resolutions against
the stamp act. He was also a member of the Virginia Revo-
lutionary conventions, in 1775 and 1776, which ushered on the
war of the American Colonies with England, and, in 1777, was a
commissioner to treat with the Indian tribes on the Ohio. In
1788, he was a member of the state convention called to consider
the Federal Constitution, and was subsequently a member of the
state legislature of Virginia. Finally on October 31, 1790, this
sturdy patriot closed a life full of honor and success and was
interred in the soil of Rockingham county, which had been
formed from Augusta county. His brother, Andrew Lewis, who
lived in the county of Botetourt, was a man of imposing appear-
ance, and was renowned for his military genius. He commanded
the Virginians in the battle of Point Pleasant, fought in 1775
with Cornstalk and his Shawnees and confederated Indians.
His magnificent statue adorns the Washington monument in
Richmond, and is fully suggestive of the remark made in regard
to him by the governor of New York, in 1768, that " the earth
seemed to tremble under him as he walked along."
Thomas Lewis had four sons, who were soldiers in the
Revolutionary war, the youngest of whom, Thomas, bore an
ensign's commission when but fourteen years of age. His second
son, Charles, afterwards represented Rockingham county in the
house of delegates, and was a man of marked ability. He was
a personal and political friend of John Marshall, afterwards
chief -justice of the United States, as was his father before him.
Charles Lewis' second son. Samuel H. Lewis, was the father
of the subject of this sketch, and was born and reared in Rock-
ingham county. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and after-
wards represented Rockingham county in the house of delegates.
He was a brave, earnest, industrious man, a worthy descendant
of the brave John Lewis, of Ireland.
On his mother's side, Judge Lewis is a descendant from
LUNSrORD LOMAX LEWIS 249
several of the most distinguished families in Virginia. His
grandfather was John Tayloe Lomax, of Fredericksburg, who
was for many years judge of the general court of Virginia, and
could name among his ancestors Sir Thomas Lunsford, lieutenant
of the Tower of London during the reign of Charles I. ; Ralph
Wormeley, of Rosegill, Middlesex county, Virginia, for many
years member of the Virginia council; John Tayloe, of Mount
Airy, another influential colonial councilor, and Rev. William
Lomax, a learned and cultivated minister of Essex county.
Thus uniting the best blood of the Scotch-Irish and the
cavalier emigrants. Judge Lewis' career of prominence and
success seemed almost a certainty froin his birth. After attend-
ing the usual primary schools, he entered the academic depart-
ment of the University of Virginia in October, 1865, and the
next year took the law course, graduating as Bachelor of Law,
in July, 1867. He began the active work of life in Culpeper
county soon after, and soon acquired a large and increasing
practice. In 1870 he was elected commonwealth's attorney of
Culpeper county, and was reelected in 1873, but before entering
upon a second term he was appointed by President Grant to the
office of United States district attorney, in which position he
served continuously till the year 1882, when he was appointed by
Governor William E. Cameron a judge of the Supreme court of
Virginia, to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Judge R. C. L.
Moncure. This same vear he was elected bv the general assemblv
of Virginia to the court for a full term of twelve years, which
term began January 1, 1883. On that day he was chosen by his
associates on the bench president of the Supreme court, and in
this capacity he served his country until the expiration of the
term for which he was elected. In his high office he won the
esteem of men of every quality, was industrious, impartial, and
upright, and fully maintained the prestige of a judge who could
not be influenced or swaved by anv interest or combination of
interests. The time of his service on the bench was a period of
much political passion, and it was fortunate for Virginia that he
held the position ; for he was fearless, and determined to do the
right thing at every hazard.
On January 1, 1895, Judge Lewis returned to the bar and
changed his residence to Richmond. But he did not remain
250 LUNSFORD LOMAX LEWIS
in privacy long ; for President Roosevelt, having a great opinion
of his talents, restored him to the office which he had filled under
President Grant — that of United States district attorney. In
this position he remained until 1905 when he was nominated by
the Republican party governor of Virginia. He received the full
vote of that party in the fall election, but the Democratic candi-
date was elected by a large majority. He Avas then reappointed,
by President Roosevelt, district attorne}^, and he still (1906)
holds the office. In social circles Judge Lewis is very much
beloved by all who know him. He is gentle in his manners,
clear-headed, and open and cordial in his conversation. In
politics he ^s and has always been a Republican, but he has not
been an ekrremist, and he never indulges in sharp and unkind
remarks about his opponents. In this way he is spoken of with
praise by all good Democrats, who remember that vv^hen harsh
measures have been proposed by the party in power, the people of
Virginia have found him repeatedly interposing his influence in
their behalf.
Judge Lewis has been twice married, first to Rosalie Botts,
daughter of Hon. John Minor Botts, who was very distinguished
as an orator and politician before the War between the States;
and second, in December, 1883, to Janie Looney, a daughter of
Colonel Robert F. Looney, of Memphis, Tennessee.
His address is Richmond, Virginia.
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WILLIAM H. LEWIS
LEWIS, WILLIAM H., superintendent of motor power, was
born in Onondaga county, New York, October 18, 1845;
and his parents Avere George Lewis and Mary French.
They Avere respectively of Welsh and English extraction and
emigrated to the United States in the early part of the nineteenth
century. George Lewis was a railroad conductor, and died in
1876, aged sixty-nine years, leaving four sons and three daughters.
William H. Lewis, one of the sons, attended the public
schools, and when he was about thirteen years old, entered, as
an apprentice, tlie shops of the New York Central railroad.
After he had passed partially through his apprenticeship, he
joined the 14th XeAv York volunteer regiment as a drummer boy,
and served in the War between the States until October, 1861.
He was then discharged on account of his youth, and returned
home and resumed the work of his apprenticeship, at the expira-
tion of which he Avorked as a machinist in the Brookhm naA^y
yard. In 1864, he located at Quincy, Illinois, and serA^ed as
machinist with the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy railroad. A
year later he acted as locomotiA^e engineer with the Hannibal
and St. Joseph railroad, having charge of the first locomotive
used in the territory west of the Missouri riA^er. At that time the
vast plains of the West, noAv dotted Avith towns and cities, were
inhabited by bands of hostile Indians and swarmed Avith
immense herds of buffalo.
In this employment he remained until 1873, when he received
an appointment as master mechanic of the Northern Pacific rail-
road, which had just been finished as far as Fort Abraham
Lincoln, the extreme Avestern military outpost of the United
States, garrisoned by General George S. Custer and the 7th
regiment of United States cavalry, fated afterwards to annihila-
tion at the hands of " Sitting Bull " and his band of Sioux
Indians. In his capacity as master mechanic of this road, it was
Mr. LeAvis's good fortune to contract lasting friendships Avith the
254 WILLIAM H. LEWIS
leading generals and other officers in command of that section of
the country.
In 1878, after a service of four years with the Northern
Pacific railroad, Mr. Lewis applied for the position of chief of
the steamboat inspection service of the United States and was
strongly endorsed by Brigadier-General Alfred H. Terry, of the
United States army, General W. T. Sherman, Hon. William
Windom, General La Due and Hon. Alexander Ramsey.
He was, however, appointed to another position, and took
charge of the second division of the Kansas Pacific railroad,
where he remained four years. In 1882, he was appointed
master mechanic of the Oregon Short line, the first road to be
built across Idaho to Oregon. He remained with the Oregon
Short line two years, when he became master mechanic of the
Xickel Plate line, ha^dng its headquarters at Chicago. Five
years later he received the appointment of master mechanic on
the Chicago, Burlington and Northern railroad, extending from
Chicago to St. Paul and Minneapolis. This position he held for
eight years, or until July, 1897, when he was appointed to his
present position as superintendent of motor power of the Norfolk
and Western Railway company. Since his connection with this
road, it has made a marvelous increase in property equipments,
and Mr. Lewis's record, meeting all the requirements of hi.-^.
position, stamps him as a man of unusual ability. He is a
member of numerous organizations — of the Western Railway
club, of which he has been president, of the American railway
master mechanics association, of which he has also been president,
and of the Northwestern, New York and Richmond Railroad
clubs, and in 1905, he was a delegate to the International railway
congress held in Washington. During his long and honorable
service in these organizations he has served on important com-
mittees and contributed several papers on important technical
subjects. He is a member of the chamber of commerce of
Roanoke, Virginia, and a director of the National Exchange bank.
He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and of the Grand Army of the Republic.
He is a man of fine and robust physique, and has the con-
WILLIAM H. LEWIS 255
fidence both of the officers and employes of the railroad with
which he is connected.
On July 10, 1870, he married Miss Anna A. Baldwin,
daughter of Wilbur Baldwin, of Palmira, Missouri, and four
children have resulted from this union, one of whom died at an
early age. The surviving children are T. E. Lewis, Jr., who is
general foreman of the Norfolk and Western railway, at
Norfolk; Archie W. Lewis, material inspector of the same road,
and Mrs. Thomas S. Brooks, of Norfolk, Virginia. Mrs. Lewis
was a member of the Episcopal church, and her death occurred at
Eaglewood, Illinois, January 14, 1886.
The address of Mr. Lewis is Roanoke, Virs^inia.
WILLIAM MILLER McALLISTER
McALLISTEE, WILLIAM MILLER, lawyer, ex-legis-
lator, was born March 6, 18i3, near Chambersburg,
Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and his parents were
Thompson McAllister and Lydia Miller Addams. His earliest
ancestor in this country was Major Hugh McAllister, who was
one of that great army of emigrants to Pennsylvania and Vir-
ginia from the Province of Ulster in the north of Ireland. He
first settled about 1730 in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Like
all his countrymen he was distinguished for his bravery and love
of civil and religious liberty. His second son, Hugh McAllister,
was born in 1736, in Little Britain township, Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania, and passed his youth in the place of his nativity.
At twenty-two he enlisted in the French and Indian war, and
went under Washington and in Captain Forbes' company in
1755 to Fort Du Quesne. He afterwards married Sarah Nelson,
of Lancaster county, who emigrated also from Ireland. Hugh
McAllister served afterwards in Pontiac's war and in the Revo-
lution. At last after a life of heroism and labor, constantly
exposed to the danger of Indian attack. Major McAllister died
September 22, 1810. His wife preceded him to the grave on
July 7, 1802. They had issue, six children — the youngest of
whom was William McAllister. He was born in August, 1775,
and married November 2, 1802, Sarah Thompson, the daughter
of William Thompson, Senior, who participated in the battles of
Brandywine and Germaiitown. William McAllister served in
the War of 1812, and in after years, served as one of the two
associate judges of Juniata county, in Pennsylvania.
He w^as a man of great business capacity, full of energy and
industry, prominent in church work, and noted for his hospitality,
and uncompromising in principles and opinions. His second
son was Thompson McAllister, who was born August 30, 1811,
at the homestead of his father, and was a farmer and railroad
contractor. In 1847 he served in the legislature of his state, and
in 1849, removed to Virginia, having purchased a tract of two
V^.
I
VaMurn'
WILLIA^r MILLER MCALLISTER 259
thousand Iayo hundred acres at Covington in that commonwealth.
Here he attached himself Avith great enthusiasm to the interests
of his adopted state, placed his farm in excellent condition, and
interested him.self in constructinor railroads connecting Covin2"ton
with the Tidewater district. ^Yhen the War between the States
broke out, he flung himself into the strife with a patriotism
almost unequalled. He raised, and at his own expense, largely
equipped the first volunteer compan}^ for the Confederate army
in Alleghany county. He fought in the battle of Manassas, and
afterward had command of the home guards and reserves in the
Alleghany section, a territory in which invasions of the enemy
were frequent and precipitate. The labor and care to which he
was subjected impaired his health and five 3'ears after the war he
spoke of himself as a " broken down old man." He died March
13, 1871, and he was grieved for as a man " as brave and gallant
in war as he was courteous and gentle in peace."
His son, William Miller McAllister, was a boy of robust con-
stitution, who attended the country schools, and what is now the
State College of Pennsylvania, and worked each day on the farm
when not otherwise engaged with his books. He was eighteen
years old when the war came on, and he responded with alacrity
to the call of his adopted state. He was a private in Company
A, 2Tth Virginia regiment (Stonewall Brigade, Army of North-
ern Virginia), during the year 1861, w^hich company was con-
verted into an artillery company November 12, 1861 ; and he
served as one of the gunners in the same till April 9, 1865,
participating in many battles and engagements.
After the war he engaged as a day laborer on his father's
farm, where he continued three years. He studied and read at
odd times and, in 1868, borrowed money to attend the University
of Virginia. At that noble seat of learning he studied law, and
on July 1, 1869, took the degree of Bachelor of Law, immediately
after which he located at Warm Springs, and commenced the
practice of his profession. He has been a practicing lawyer ever
since with a large clientage. In 1873, he was elected common-
wealth's attorney for Bath county, and continued in that office by
virtue of Successive elections for ten years. From 1893 to 1898,
he was special attorney of the United States department of
2G0 WILLIAM MILLER MCALLISTER
justice, acquitting himself with great credit of the responsible
duties imposed upon him in this connection.
He also engaged in farming and stock raising, making a
great success of his work.
In politics he has also been prominent. He has been a mem-
ber of the State Democratic committee, with the exception of a
few years, ever since 1880, and he was for twenty years a member
and chairman of the Democratic committee of Bath county.
From 1899 to 1901 he was a member of the house of delegates,
where he proved himself a good parliamentarian and able debater.
He was a member of the board of directors of the Western
State hospital for four years ; a member of the board of visitors
of the Virginia Military institute four years; and he is at
present (1906) a director in the Citizens National bank, at Cov-
ington, Virginia. He has been, and is still, commander of Bath
Camp, No. 43, Confederate veterans. Mr. McAllister is a man
who loves society, and for several years he has been a member of
Warm Springs lodge. No. 253, A. F. and A. M. He has served
as master, and is now junior deacon of the same, and is a Royal-
Arch Mason.
His recreation consists in fishing and hunting, whenever he
can find time to leave his business, which is really very seldom.
In religious matters he inherits the principles of his Scotch-
Irish ancestors, and since 1869 has been a ruling elder in the
AVarm Springs Presbyterian church.
AVhen asked if he had anything to say calculated to aid the
young to attain true success. Colonel McAllister sends this
message to them : " Keep the mental and physical man
employed, avoid an aimless life; do not make haste to become
rich; be temperate in all things; be honest and industrious; be
frugal without being penurious and miserly; live within your
income; avoid brutal sports; govern your temper; deal squarely
with all and live peaceably."
On October 27, 1869, Colonel McAllister married Margaret
A. Ervin. of Bath countv, Virginia.
His present address is Warm Springs, Bath County, Vir-
ginia.
CARLTON McCarthy
McCAETHY, CARLTON, mayor of Eiclimond, was bora
in Eiclimond, August 18, 1847, and is the son of
Florence McCarthy and Julia Anne Humes McCar-
thy. His father came directly from Ireland, and his mother,
though born in Virginia, was of Scotch parentage. Florence
McCarthy was an honored merchant, and his marked character-
istics were gentleness, purity, industry, and fidelitj^
Carlton McCarthy's health and physical condition in youth
were excellent, and his special tastes were those common to the
city boy, and the love of books. His early life was passed in the
city; he had no regular tasks which involved manual labor; and,
as he expresses it, he was " as free as a bird except in school."
The influence of his mother on his intellectual, moral, and
spiritual life was very strong, and she was indeed his " guiding
star."
He enjo^'ed the advantages of the fine academies which Rich-
mond had at that time, and was about ready to enter college
when the war of 1861 burst upon the country and caused the
young men of the South to exchange the " midnight lamp " for
the " camp fires of the boys in gray." He had acquired a fond-
ness for reading, and enjoyed equally Cooper's " Leather Stocking
Tales " and Morley's " Gladstone."
Carlton McCarthy entered with liveliest interest and
sympathy into the feelings of the youth of Virginia, who enlisted
to defend their homes and firesides against invasion; and it was
as much as father, mother, and elder brothers (who were in the
army) could do to prevent him from enlisting at the age of four-
teen. But at the age of seventeen, just after his gallant brother,
Captain McCarthy, of the Eichmond Howitzers, had been killed,
he enlisted as a private soldier in the Eichmond Howitzers and
served until the close at Appomattox. The highest eulogy that
can be passed on the military career of Carlton McCarthy is to
say that he proved himself to be in every respect worthy to belong
to that incomparable body of men who made the name of the
Vol. 2— Va.— 11
262 CARLTON MCCARTHY
Richmond Howitzers forever illustrious. After " the surrender,-'
Mr. McCarthy returned to Richmond, went vigorously to work
amid the blackened ruins of the citj^, and for a time made his
living by working in a tannery. Later on, he became a bookseller
and stationer; then secretary of a building and loan association,
and then " city accountant " — it being his business to examine the
accounts and pass on the bookkeeping of all of the city officials.
In this last capacity, he introduced many reforms, and greatly
improved the financial system of the city, discharging his duty
with marked ability, skill, and fidelity.
In 1904, he was elected mayor of Richmond, and is now"
(1906) discharging the duties of his office with great ability and
without favor or partiality. He seems never to ask whether this
or that course is popular, or whether it will be to his own
advantage, but fearlessly to do whatever he may think right.
Many may differ with him, but none can ever doubt his con-
scientious discharge of his duty as he sees it.
Mr. McCarthy says that the circumstances which surrounded
him when he returned from Appomattox made necessity the
first strong impulse in him to strive for such prizes as he has
won, and that home first, the army second, and next his reading,
have been the most potent influences that have brought him
success in life.
Not long after the war I\Ir. McCarthy wrote a small book
entitled, " Walks about Richmond," which was not only deeply
interesting, but which contained much of valuable historic
material. Later, he wrote " Our Distinguished Fellow-Citizen,"
and " Soldier Life in the Army of Northern Virginia." This
last book has been considered so interesting, and portrays so
faithfully the life of the private soldier that it has been adopted
by the state board of education for use in the public schools of
Virginia. Besides writing these books, Mr. McCarthy has com-
piled and edited several volumes of the " Records of the
Howitzers," which are very valuable for a history of that gallant
organization.
Mr. McCarthy has been an honored member of the R. E.
Lee Camp No. 1, of Confederate veterans; the Richmond
Howitzer association, the Virginia division of the Army of
CARLTON MCCARTHY 263
Northern Virginia association, and of the Commonwealth club,
Richmond.
Mr. McCarthy has always been a staunch Democrat, and
has never changed his political affiliations. He has been a
frequent speaker at public meetings, especially since he has been
mayor of the city, and always acquits himself well, haying a
sharp, incisive style, which never fails to interest and impress his
hearers.
Being asked " "^^Hiat has been, and what is now the sport,
amusement, form of exercise, or mode of relaxation which you
enjoy and find most helpful," he replied : " Walking with a
congenial friend." He is known as one of the truest of friends..
Mr. McCarthy has been for years a member of the Baptist
church, and is active in Sunday school and other church work.
He is frequently called on to speak at religious meetings, and
sometimes accepts to the great edification and profit of those who
hear him.
Asked that from his own experience and observation he
would " offer suggestions to young Americans as to the princi-
ples, methods, and habits which you believe will contribute most
to the strengthening of sound ideals in our American life and
will most help young people to attain true success in life," he
replied : " Unselfishness, cheerfulness, honesty, industry, un-
wavermg hope." These words portray the man himself.
January 5, 1877, Mr. McCarthy married Susie Ryall Apper-
son, of Richmond, Virginia. They have had seven children, all
of whom are now (1906) living.
His address is Richmond, Virginia.
LEWIS H. MACHEN
MACHEN, LEWIS H., lawyer and state senator, was born
near Centerville, Fairfax county, Virginia, July 10,
1871, and his parents were James P. Machen and
Georgia Dent Chichester, his wife. His father is a farmer, was
for many years county surveyor for Fairfax county, and is noted
for his honesty, modesty, and public spirit. His grandfather was
Lewis H. Machen, who for forty years was chief clerk of the
United States senate, and his paternal grandmother was Caroline
Webster, of New Hampshire. Among his earliest known ances-
tors were Thomas Machen who came from England to Westmore-
land county, Virginia, about 1780, and Richard Chichester, who
settled in Lancaster county about 1700.
The subject of this sketch was a strong healthy bo}^, who
was brought up on a farm, and until fourteen, occasionally
worked in the field. The means of his family were moderate,
and for three years he was taught by a governess in his home.
Then he went to the public schools three years, to Berkeley school
at Orange one year, to Locust Dale academy two years, to the
Episcopal high school near Alexandria three years. With this
excellent preparation he entered the University of Virginia in
1891, where he spent two years in the academic department and
one year in the department of law. He received two medals
during his stay there, the orator's and the debater's medals in the
Jefferson literary society. He was also closely identified with
the college publications, being assistant editor of " Corks and
Curls," and editor-in-chief of " College Topics " and of the
" University Magazine." In May, 1892, he represented the
university in the Southern intercollegiate oratorical contest at
Nashville, Tennessee, and in 1893, he was president of the
University Democratic club.
After leaving the university Mr. Machen taught one session
(1894-1895) at the Episcopal high school, and the following
year (1895-1896) engaged in newspaper work in Washington,
District of Columbia. In November, 1896, he entered Columbia
university at Washington, and received the degree of Bachelor
^t^sM'n^fffn, J7. ^ .
i^'^<L^'fr^4Vik..cJ(^(-^
V
^
I
LEWIS H. MACHEN 267
of Law from that institution in June, 1897, when he located for
practice at Fairfax court-house, Virginia. He continued there
until 1904 when he removed to Alexandria, Virginia, where he
is one of the law firm of Machen and Moncure.
He has taken an active part in the politics of the state, and
has stumped the eighth congressional district of Virginia three
times. In 1900 he was presidential elector, and in 1903, he was
elected to the state legislature from the fourteenth senatorial
district, for a term of four years. During his first session in the
legislature he led an unsuccessful fight for a legalized primary
and was the author of the statute allowing depositions of the
prosecutrix in assault cases. During the session of 1906, he
secured the passage of amendments to the constitution intended to
secure greater opportunity for the consideration and discussion
of measures. He took an active part in the more important
debates, and secured the enactment of a number of laws.
He is a member of Eta chapter of the D. K. E. fraternity
of the University of Virginia, of the Marshall chapter of the Phi
Delta Phi fraternity of Columbia university, and of the West-
moreland club, at Richmond, Virginia. At college he was a
gymnast and played football and he takes outdoor and gymnastic
exercises every day. He is a Democrat who has never swerved
from his party principles, and he belongs to the Protestant
Episcopal church. " Golf, walking, and running for office " have
been his favorite modes of diversion and exercise. The books
which he has found most helpful have been the standard novels,
histories and poetry, Webster's speeches and the " Virginia Code."
He writes occasionally for magazines and delivers addresses upon
literary and historical subjects. Plis first impulse to strive for
the prizes of life may be traced to the influence of his mother,
who was a woman of high ideals and ambitious temperament.
He also received great help and encouragement from his uncle,
the well-known Baltimore lawyer, Arthur Webster Machen.
Wlien asked for a few words of advice to young men, Mr.
Machen said : " Concentrate early. Don't fritter. Take plenty
of exercise. Avoid stimulants and narcotics, race horses -md
cards. If industry and honesty cannot win, then ' lose like a
gentleman.' "
Mr. Machen is not married, and his address is Alexandria,
Virginia.
ALVAH HOWARD MARTIN
AETIN, ALVAH HOWARD, was born in Norfolk
county, Virginia, September 20, 1858, and his parents
were Colonel James Green Martin and Bettie Love
Martin, (nee Gresham). His father served as a member of the
house of delegates from Norfolk county in 1859-60, and was
presiding justice of Norfolk county court, and later on, a prac-
ticing lawyer of his county. He was a man of popular and
affable manners, and of great influence with his neighbors. Alvah
Howard's grandfather. Colonel James Green Martin, Sr., was a
soldier of the War of 1812, and his great-grandfather, Joseph
Martin, was a distinguished frontiersman, who passed many
years in the backwoods, fought in many battles with the Indians,
served in the legislature of Virginia, and was commissioned
brigadier-general of militia — withal one of the most striking
characters in the history of western Virginia.
The subject of this sketch passed his childhood in the country,
where for several years he was taught by his mother at home.
He was rather delicate in health, but studious and energetic.
He had no regular tasks on the farm, but was always ready to
assist when called upon. He attended a grammar school and
the Webster institute, at Norfolk, Virginia, but at sixteen years
of age became an assistant to the clerk of Norfolk county, with
a view of studying law at a later date. In this position he
remained for six years, and acquired a great deal of practical
information and an extended acquaintance, while at the same
time pursuing his favorite studies. In 1880 he was appointed
clerk by the judge to fill a vacancy, and not long after was con-
firmed in the position by popular election. The demands on his
time for the proper discharge of the duties of this im.portant
office, and extensive business enterprises with which he became
connected, caused him to abandon his original idea of practicing
law. The proof of his character and ability is found in the fact
that he was, thereafter, reelected four successive terms of six
years each to the clerkship in the wealthiest and most populous
l^'^shia^t^^^C.
V-Ly^^y^^^
m
ALVAH HOWARD MARTIN 271
county in the state — serving to date (1906) a period of twenty-
six years in all ; and his office is claimed by his friends to be the
best in the state. Mr. Martin is a Eepublican, but his liberal
views, gentlemanly manners, and obliging demeanor drew to
him the support of many of the opposite party.
During this time, Mr. Martin held some of the highest posi-
tions in the Republican organization of the state, was one of the
three members of the State Executive committee, and was three
times elected a delegate to the national conventions of his party.
In business connections also Mr. Martin has proved a success.
He is actively directing some of the largest enterprises in the
state, embracing banking, real estate, timber and coal lands, farm-
ing and other interests, and has large investments in these enter-
prises. He is president of the Merchants and Planters bank,
director in the National bank of Commerce, first vice-president
of the Jamestown Exposition company, president of the Chesa-
peake Building association and president of several land com-
panies and industrial corporations. He served as chairman of
the improvement board of the town of Berkley for several years,
and upon tendering his resignation received a vote of thanks from
the council for the able manner in which he had discharged his
duties.
Mr. Martin is a busy man, but he finds relaxation occa-
sionally as president of the famous Ragged Island Gunning
association, one of the finest ducking preserves in the country,
where President Benjamin Harrison and many other distin-
guished people have been entertained.
From his own experience and observation he believes that
study, self-reliance, steadiness of purpose and industry are the
true methods to strengthen sound ideals in American life.
On January 6, 1881, he married Mary Eva Tilley, and they
have six children now (1906) living.
His address is Norfolk, Virginia.
WILLIAM GEORGE MATHEWS
MA.THEWS, WILLIAM GEOKGE, general contractor,
was born at Glasgow, Rockbridge county, Virginia,
— January 7, 1866. His father was Alexander Mathews,
a farmer of Rockbridge county ; and his mother was Kate Ogden.
Mr. Mathews' family is from Buckingham county, Virginia;
his father having been born in that county.
Mr. Mathews grew up in the country, where he worked on
the farm of his uncle, the late W. G. Mathews, Sr. In 1871, he
removed with his father to another farm which he owned near
Big Island, in Bedford county, Virginia ; and resided there until
1877, returning to Rockbridge in the last named year.
He acquired his earlier education in the public schools and
at Fancy Hill academy, in Rockbridge county; and in the fall
of 1884 entered Richmond college where he remained for two
sessions, leaving college in June, 1886. He did not return to
college on account of the bad health of both his father and uncle,
who were partners in business, and whose affairs he was, there-
fore, compelled to look after. They both died in 1891.
Mr. Mathews acquired his first business training under the
direction of this uncle, Mr. W. G. Mathews, Sr., who was the
owner of several farms, and was interested in various business
concerns; and who, upon his death in 1891, left his nephew as his
executor.
From 1895 to 1902 Mr. Mathews was engaged in farming,
and was a partner in a mercantile business in Glasgow. In the
spring of 1902, he began contracting, his first railroad work in
that line being the construction of the connecting link between
the Chesapeake and Ohio and the Norfolk and Western railways
at Glasgow. He followed this contract, which he successfully
executed, with a number of smaller contracts; and in 1904,
formed the Mathews- Curtis company, with general offices at
Clifton Forge, Virginia, which does business as railroad and
general contractors, and has since been engaged in some large
I
WILLIAM GEORGE MATHEWS 275
construction contracts for the Chesapeake and Ohio Kailway
company.
In January, 1904, Mr. Mathews removed to Clifton Forge
and organized the Alleghany Construction company, building
contractors, which concern is now engaged in that place, in a
real estate, building contracting and lumber business.
In the fall of 1904 he organized the Merchants and
Mechanics bank of Clifton Forge, which began a business, which
has since proved highly successful, on the first day of the follow-
ing January. Of this bank, Mr. Mathews has been since its
formation the president.
In April, 1906, he became interested in the organization of
a company to acquire and control the famous Natural Bridge, in
Rockbridge county, under the name of the Natural Bridge
company ; and of this enterprise he is the secretary and treasurer.
Mr. Mathews is a Mason, and is a pastmaster of the lodge at
Glasgow. He is a member of the Alleghany chapter Number
24, at Clifton Forge, and of the Alleghany commandery Number
23, at Clifton Forge; and is a Shriner and member of Acca
Temple, at Richmond, Virginia.
On June 4, 1889, he was married to Blanche I. Michie, and
of their marriage have been born seven children, all of whom are
now (1906) living.
His address is Clifton Forge, Alleghany County, Virginia.
HENRY CLAY MICHIE
ICHIE, HENRY CLAY, was born in Albemarle
county, Virginia, elanuary 9, 1842. He is the son of
James and Frances Garth Michie. James Michie was
a farmer and planter of Albemarle, living a rural life upon his
plantation, but at the same time discharging when called upon
by his fellow citizens the duties of responsible local oflFicial
position. He was for years presiding justice of the Albemarle
county court, a bench distinguished in its day for the sound
common-sense, the integrity, and the industry of its members.
He was a strong Whig in his political views, and an admirer of
the governmental policies of Alexander Hamilton and Henry
Clay. Their earliest ancestor in Virginia was John Michie, who
is said to have been banished from Scotland for participation in
one of the Stuart uprisings in the eighteenth century. James
Michie, after his service upon the bench, became in due course,
according to the custom of his day, high sheriff of Albemarle
county, a position Avhich he filled to the satisfaction of his fellow
county men.
Henry Clay Michie's father gave him every opportunity in
the way of obtaining an education; and he was at school either
under the instruction of local teachers, or in a boarding academy,
until he entered the University of Virginia in October, 1860.
Upon the breaking out of hostilities in the spring of 1861 between
the Northern and the Southern states, he left the university and
joined the Confederate army, in which he served for four years
as private, sergeant, first lieutenant, and captain. He took part
in Pickett's famous charge at Gettysburg, where he was wounded
and taken prisoner. He bears on his person the scars of two
other wounds received in the battles of Gaines Mills and Second
Manassas, respectively.
At the close of the war. Captain Michie returned home and
took up the duties of life as a farmer. On December 10, 1867,
he married, in Alabama, Miss Eunice Dandridge Sykes; and of
their union were born six children, all of whom (1906) survive.
% 4>. 97z^^^^
Em&T&EN., UNITED CONFEUERATE VEEEJUNS.
'H
HENRY CLAY MICHIE 279
Captain Michie has always taken a warm interest in the
preservation of the memories of the War between the States,
in which be bore so honorable a part ; and he has been repeatedly
the commander of the John Bowie Strange Camp of Con-
federate veterans of Charlottesville, Virginia, and was for three
years brigadier-general of the 3d brigade of the Virginia
division, United Confederate veterans.
Captain Michie is a member of the Protestant Episcopal
church. He is a Democrat in his political affiliations, but
declined to support the Democratic nominee for president in
1896 on the money question.
Captain Michie's address is Charlottesville, Virginia.
HERBERT MILTON NASH
NASH, HEEBERT MILTON, M. D., physician, was born
in Norfolk, Virginia, May 29, 1831. His father was
Thomas Nash ; his mother, Lydia Adela (Herbert) Nash.
Thomas Nash was a physician of Norfolk, and was a man of
unusual presence, great suavity of manner, and withal a philan-
thropist and a Christian. He neither desired nor sought public
office, but accepted the office of magistrate by appointment of the
governor, in 1837, but resigned the office in 1843. Mrs. Lydia
Nash was a Virginia matron of the old regime, and her example
left its impress upon her children.
There were perhaps earlier emigrants of the name, who
settled in New England, but they were Puritans. His earliest
Virginia ancestor was Thomas Nash, who came with his wife,
Anne, and several children, from England in 1665, and settled
in Lower Norfolk. He was a zealous royalist and an adherent to
the Church of England. His grandson, Thomas, great-grand-
father of Dr. H. M. Nash, was a vestryman of St. Bride's parish.
Lower Norfolk, from 1761 to 1794. His son. Dr. Nash's grand-
father joined the patriot army when a mere boy, and was
wounded in the battle of Great Bridge, December, 1775. He
served throughout the War of the Revolution until he was
captured by the British. In the War of 1812, he again rendered
conspicuous service to his country.
Herbert M. Nash was sent to good schools in Norfolk,
Virginia; thence to the University of Virginia, where he was
graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1852. In 1853, he began
the practice of his profession in Norfolk, after having studied
clinical medicine at the New York hospitals, and has continued
in full practice to the present time (1906).
AYhen the yellow fever scourge desolated Norfolk in 1855,
Dr. Nash stood fearlessly at his post, and ministered to the
afflicted. He is the sole survivor of the corps of physicians that
practiced during that terrible epidemic.
In April, 1861, when Virginia seceded from the Union and
'■''y-^^s^ iy J,K.Camph.Ll }re^^°''^
HERBERT MILTON NASH 283
called upon her sons to rally to her side, Dr. Nash gave up an
excellent practice and entered the Southern army as assistant-
surgeon. In 1862, he was made surgeon ; in 1864, chief surgeon
of the artillery of the third army corps, Army of Northern
Virginia, (A. P. HilFs corps). At Seven Pines, Frederfcksburg,
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, in the Wilderness, at Spottsylvania
court-house, Hanover Junction, Second Cold Harbor, Petersburg
and Appomattox, he ministered to the sick and the wounded of
the Southern army. He served the cause of the South because
he believed in it. He was a conscientious states-rights Democrat
of the old school, and believed in the principles for which the
South contended and for which the flower of Southern m^anhood
gladly offered their lives.
After the war was over. Dr. Nash returned to his practice
in Norfolk. From that time, he has been a familiar figure on
the streets of Norfolk. His name is a household word in that
city. His advice is sought far and wide, and his love for general
practice has kept him from going into a specialty which might
have brought him greater fame and greater fortune.
Dr. Nash has frequently been honored by the citizens of
Norfolk. For many years he was president of the board of
health of that city, and during his term enlarged its work and
extended its activities. Later, he was quarantine medical officer
of the district of the Elizabeth river, appointed by the governor
without his own knowledge or solicitation. He is now (1906)
president of the board of quarantine commissioners, his experi-
ence in yellow fever making him especially useful in such
positions. For some time he was president of the Norfolk
Medical society, and of the State Medical society of Virginia in
1893, and is now (1906) vice-president of the State Medical
examining board. He also served as visiting physician to the
city hospitals and is now a member of the board of visitors of the
Medical College of Virginia.
Political offices Dr. Nash has never held or desired. He is
a life long Democrat, of the strict construction school, believed
in the doctrines taught and expounded by John Randolph, Cal-
houn, Jefferson Davis, and other political leaders, and con-
scientiously upheld the secession of Virginia in 1861.
284 HERBERT MILTON NASH
In religious preference, Dr. Nash is an Episcopalian.
His ancestors were members of the Church of England, and
since the Revolution his people have been prominently connected
with the Episcopal church. Dr. Nash himself served for many
years in the vestry of St. Paul's church, Norfolk, and regularly
attends its services.
His principal joy has been to practice the healing art; only
incidentally has he laid up a moderate competency. He believes
that a " man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things
which he possesseth," and that fame and wealth, if they come
at all, should be regarded as strictly secondary.
On February 21, 1867, Dr. Nash married Mary A. Parker,
daughter of Nicholas W. and Elizabeth Boush Parker. They
had two daughters, both of whom are now (1906) living.
His address is 181 Freemason Street, Norfolk, Virginia.
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TILDBN FOUNDATIONS
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EDGAR DOUGLAS NEWMAN
EWMAK, EDGAR DOUGLAS, lawyer, judge, and
banker, was born at the home of his maternal grand-
father, in the town of Woodstock, Shenandoah county,
Virginia, March 26, 1854. His father was Benjamin Penny-
backer Newman, of Shenandoah county, who was engaged up to
1874 in the business of iron manufacturing in that county, and
afterwards in that of agriculture; and his mother was Elizabeth
Hickman. Judge Newman's first ancestor in America was
Robert Newman, who came to Virginia from Wales in 1618, in
the ship Furtherance.
The boyhood of Judge Newman was spent in the country,
where from the time he was ten years old he had to look after the
cows, horses, and sheep upon his father's farm ; and, as he grew
older, he assisted his father, in the hours spent away from school,
in the bookkeeping and correspondence incident to the business
of operating his iron furnace property. After attending a high
school at Duffield, West Virginia, conducted by Rev. John A.
Scott, a Presbyterian minister, young Newman entered Randolph-
Macon college, at Ashland, Virginia, in 1871. After remaining
there for two sessions, he entered the Virginia Military institute,
at Lexington, from which he graduated in 1876, and in which he
subsequently served as assistant professor for a year after grad-
uation. After leaving the institute, he took up the study of law ;
and in 1877 he began his life-work as an attorney in the office of
Messrs. Walton and Walton, lawyers, of Woodstock, Virginia.
Since 1877, Judge Newman has practiced his profession with
success in his native town, and in the meantime has been largely
interested in various banking and financial institutions of his
section, including the Shenandoah National bank, at Woodstock ;
the Massanutten bank, at Strasburg, Virginia; the Citizens
National bank, at New Market, Virginia; the Peoples bank, at
Mt. Jackson, Virginia; the Shenandoah Valley Loan and Trust
company, at Woodstock; the Farmers and Merchants National
288 EDGAR DOUGLAS NEWMAN
bank, at Winchester, Virginia ; and others — with all of which he
has had some official connection.
Judge Newman is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church South. In politics he is a Democrat. He supported the
Palmer and Buckner ticket in 1896 on the money issue. He has
never held or aspired to elective public office; but has always
taken an active interest in politics, and was from 1883 to 1886
chairman of the Democratic county committee of Shenandoah
county, and from 1901 to 1901 a member of the Democratic
State Central committee.
Since June, 1888, Judge Newman has been a member of the
board of trustees of Randolph-Macon college and its allied schools ;
and he has been at different times a member of the joint board of
finance, the board of missions, and the board of education, of the
Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
From 1886 to 1898, Judge Newman presided over the
county court of Shenandoah county, and made an enviable
record.
On December 20, 1877, Judge Newman married Mary Ott
Walton; they have had six children, all of whom are now (1906)
living.
His address is Woodstock, Virginia.
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JOHN CALHOUN NOEL
NOEL, JOHN CALHOUN, attorney-at-law, was born in
the village of Jonesville, Lee county, Virginia, July 21,
1865. His father was James R. Noel, who followed
first the trade of a tailor, and later was engaged in the business
of managing a hotel.
Mr. Noel knows but little of his ancestors, save that those on
his father's side first settled in Campbell or Bedford county,
Virginia.
He grew up and spent his childhood and youth in the village
of his birth, and was general chore-boy for the tavern which his
father managed. His health was vigorous; his physical condi-
tion good and strong; and his special tastes and interests at that
period were in athletic sports, and hunting and fishing.
His education was acquired at the Jonesville high school, and
he found no opportunity of attending college. In 1886, he began
the active work of life as a teacher in the public schools of Lee
county, and continued to teach until 1895, entertaining, however,
in the meanwhile a determination to make of himself a lawyer.
During the nine years of his life as a teacher, he worked and
studied in a lawyer's office in spare moments, and, having thus
acquired a knowledge of the profession, stood his examination
and was admitted to the bar. He began the practice of law in
Lee county in 1895, which he has since successfully continued to
the present time (1906). He held the office of justice of the
peace from 1896 to 1898 ; and that of commonwealth's attorney of
Lee county from July, 1899, to July, 1903. In 1903 he was
elected a member of the Virginia state senate; and in the presi-
dential election of 1904, he was nominated on the Republican
ticket for presidential elector from the ninth congressional district
of Virginia.
Mr. Noel is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows in both the subordinate lodge and the encampment, and
has filled all the chairs in the subordinate lodge. In 1906 he was
elected grand warden of the grand lodge of Virginia. He is also
Vol. 2— Va.— 12
292 JOHN CALHOUN NOEL
a Mason, and member of the Bine Lodge and the Koyal Arch
Chapter, and a Knight Templar. He has been the worshipful
master of his local Masonic lodge, and has held the position of
district deputy grand master of his district.
Mr. Noel is an active member of the Republican party,
having changed his political allegiance in 1896 on the money
question. In religious preference, he is a Methodist.
On July 4, 1889, he miarried Mary Elizabeth Jessee; and of
their marriage have been born three children, two of whom are
now (1906) living.
Kis address is Pennington G^ap, Lee County, Virginia.
I
EUGENE OULD
OULD, EUGENE, merchant and legislator, was born in
Halifax county, Virginia, June T, 1857. His father was
William Jacob Ould, a lawyer, merchant and farmer,
who was commonwealth's attorney of his county ; and was captain
of a militia company at the breaking out of the War between the
States. Captain Ould entered the service of the Confederate
States at the beginning of the war, and served throughout its
continuance with fidelit}^ and courage. Mr. Quid's mother waa
Martha Frances Ballou.
On his father's side Mr. Ould is of Scotch descent, his Ould
ancestor having emigrated to America from Scotland about 1800
and settled in Cumberland county, Virginia. On his mother's
side he is of French Huguenot ancestry. His maternal grand-
father, General William Thomas Ballou, of Halifax county,
Virginia, was a general of state militia prior to the War between
the States. He was a man of extensive possessions and was a
large slave owner. Five of his sons fought in the Confederate
army ; and General Ballou contributed generously of his means to
the support of the Southern cause.
Mr. Ould grew up in the country, and from an early age had
regular duties to perform between school hours, which required
hard manual labor. The disciplinary influence of these youthful
tasks he esteems as of great value in the formation of his char-
acter and habits.
He received an academic education and was prepared for
college in a private school and by tutors especially employed ; but
the death of his mother at this period interfered with his plans,
and his desire to get a collegiate education was frustrated.
He began the work of life as a merchant in the county of
Campbell in 1876, and has since followed the mercantile business,
to which he has paid close personal attention, and in which he has
been successful, continuously up to the present time.
He has, however, found opportunity to take an active interest
in public affairs, and has served as a justice of the peace of his
296 EUGENE OULD
county for five years, and as a member of the county school board
for twelve years. He was elected a member of the general
assembly of Virginia in 1904; and again in 1906 for a term of
two years; and was a member of the board of directors of the
Eastern State hospital for the insane, at Williamsburg, from.
September 14, 1900 to April 13, 1903. Mr. Ould has been
especially interested in the public schools of the state, and par-
ticularly of his immediate locality, and he has devoted all the
time possible to be given from his business to their advancement.
He has in preparation for publication a series of articles on
primary education.
Mr. Ould is a Mason, and a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. He is a past master of his Masonic lodge,
in which he has served as master for a number of years.
He is a Democrat and has never changed his political opinion
nor failed in his party allegiance.
Mr. Ould is a member of the Presbyterian church, in which
he holds the offices of deacon and superintendent of the Sunday
school.
He married October 22, 1884, Alberta Caroline Thomas ; and
of their marriage have been born eight children, three of whom,
William Bransford, Guy Hewitt, and Mattie Dixon, are now
(1906) living.
His address is Evington, Campbell County, Virginia.
JAMES MORRIS PAGE
PAGE, JAMES MOKEIS, scholar and educator, was born
in Louisa county, Virginia, March 4, 1864. His father,
Thomas Walker Page, was a farmer in Albemarle county,
and held the office of justice of the peace. His most marked
characteristic was a love of learning, more particularly of the
classic authors, a characteristic of man}^ Virginia gentlemen of
the ante-bellum period. Prof. Page's mother was Nancy
Watson Morris, who belonged to an honored Virginia family.
The first Page in America was John, the emigrant, who
was born in Bedford, England, in 1627; emigrated to Virginia
in 1650, and settled in Williamsburg, Virginia. He was a
member of the King's council, a vestryman of Bruton parish,
and one of the " colonels," so prominent in the colonial era. He
died in 1692, and his tomb lies at the west door of Bruton parish
church. Of his descendants, not a few have reached distinction,
among those now living being the subject of this sketch and the
eminent author, Thomas Nelson Page.
On the Page side, also. Professor Page is descended from
Dr. Thomas Walker, the first mian that migrated from Virginia
to Kentucky, being twenty years ahead of the famous Daniel
Boone. From him, the name Thomas Walker came into the
family. •
Professor Page began his education under his father, already
referred to as a man of culture and of classical attainments.
From an intellectual mother, also, James M. Page inherited
strong literary proclivities. Not surprising is it then, to find
that he took the first degree (A. M.) with great credit in June,
1885, at one of the colleges of Virginia, (Eandolph-Macon).
Thence, he proceeded to the University of Leipsic, where he took
the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.), in 1887. From
1887 to 1895, Dr. Page conducted a boys' school of high grade
at " Keswick," Albemarle county, Virginia. In 1896, he was
elected adjunct professor of mathematics, in the University of
Virginia, and in 1900 was made a full professor. In addition
ROSEWELL PAGE
PAGE, KOSEWELL, was born at Oakland, Hanover county,
Virginia, November 21, 1858, and is descended from a
family which has been one of prominence and distinction
from the days of the colony. Colonel John Page, of Bruton
Parish, came to Virginia from Middlesex county, England, about
1650. His wife was Alice Luckin, of Essex, England. His
tombstone in Bruton Parish churchyard at Williamsburg states
that he was " one of their Majesties council in the Dominion of
Virginia," and that he died January 23, 1692, aged sixty-five
years. The second son of Colonel John Page was Matthew Page,
of Rosewell, Gloucester county, who was also of the council, and
who married Mary Mann of Gloucester. Their son, Mann Page,
also of the council, married first, Judith Wormele}^, and second,
Judith Carter, a daughter of " King " Carter and his wife, Judith
Armistead. The oldest son of the second marriage was Mann
Page, Jr., who was a member of the Continental congress from
Virginia in 1777, and whose first wife was Alice Grymes. Their
oldest child was John Page, a member of the board of visitors of
William and Mary college, a member of the committee of safety,
one of the founders of the famous Phi Beta Kappa society, and
governor of Virginia. Governor Page's first wife was Frances
Burwell, and their eighth child was Francis Page, of Hanover
county, who married Susan Nelson, daughter of General Thomas
Nelson, Jr., of Yorktown, signer of the Declaration of Independ-
ence, Revolutionary governor of Virginia, and commander-in-
chief of the Virginia forces. Their son, Major John Page, of
Oakland, Hanover county, was born about 1822. He was a
lawyer by profession, commonwealth's attorney of Hanover
county, and major on the staff of General William N. Pendleton,
chief of artillery of the Army of Northern Virginia in the War
between the States. He married Elizabeth Burwell Nelson, and
had three children. Rev. Frank Page, now minister of St. John's
Episcopal church, Brooklyn; Thomas Nelson Page, the author,
and Rosewell Page, of Oakland, Hanover county.
ROSEVrELL PAGE 303
Rosewell Page, the subject of this sketch, was taught by his
father and in the private schools of his neighborhood until he
was old enough to enter Hanover academy, then conducted by
Colonel Hilary P. Jones. In 1876 he entered the University of
Virginia as a student in the academic department ; and in 1880 he
took the law course in the university, under Professor John B.
Minor.
In the fall of 1881 he began the practice of his profession
of law in Danville, Virginia, and continued there until 1888, when
he removed to Richmond and formed a partnership with John
Rutherfoord, Esq., which lasted until January 1, 1904. He has
been president of the Richmond Bar association, and continues
a member of that bar though now residing at his old home in
Hanover county.
Mr. Page grew up in an old fashioned Virginia country
home, and in an environment which was calculated to develop hi^
natural literary inclinations. He combines with his ability as a
lawyer, and his extended knowledge of his profession, no little
of the aptitude for expression that has been illustrated so con-
spicuously in the career of his distinguished older brother,
Thomas Nelson Page ; and he has written and published from time
to time a number of stories and essays — the latter especially
dealing with the historical period of the Virginia colony and
with economic subjects. He is regarded as one of the most
scholarly and accomplished men in the state; and is a public
speaker of great force and clearness. His business acumen and
soundness of judgment have been often called into service by his
■fellow citizens ; and he is a member of the board of supervisors of
his county, and actively interested in the improvement of roads,
and the development of the public school system. He is a
member of the board of trustees of Hall's Free school, in the
vicinity of his home, a notable school in Virginia of sixty years'
standing ; and is an able and effective exponent of the principle of
compulsory education.
Mr. Page's scholarship and literary distinction have been
recognized in his election to membership in the Phi Beta Kappa
society, which his Revolutionary ancestor, Governor John Page,
aided in founding at William and Mary college, and whose roll
04 ROSEWELL PAGE
contains the names of many men who have been illustrious in the
history of colony and commonwealth.
Mr. Page is a Democrat. He has been twice married. His
first wife was Miss Susan Dabney Morris, daughter of Edward
W. Morris, Esq., of Hanover county; and his present wife is a
daughter of Kev. Robert Nelson, D. D., who was for thirty
years Episcopal missionary to China. There are three children
of Mr. Page's second marriage.
Mr. Page's postoffice address is Richm.ond, Virginia.
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GEORGE EMORY PLASTER
PLASTER, GEORGE EMORY, M. D., was born in
Loudoun county, Virginia, May 12, 1826, and his parents
were Henry Plaster and Fanny Lloyd. On his father's
side Doctor Plaster is of German descent. The first of the
family in this country was Michael Pflaster, who came to
America from his home on the Rhine, settling first in Lancaster
county, Pennsylvania, whence he came about 1750 to Loudoun
county, Virginia. Michael Pflaster 's son Henry (grandfather of
the subject of this sketch) was born in 1760. Doctor Plaster's
father was Henry Plaster, Jr. The marked characteristics of
this family are honesty, truthfulness, and readiness to treat other
men justly. George Emory Lloyd, his mother's father, was
born in 1758 in Maryland, and both Henry Plaster, Sr., and
George Emory Lloyd were soldiers in the War of the Revolution ;
the latter receiving a wound in the battle of Brandywine.
The early life of Doctor Plaster was spent in the country on
his father's farm. He attended first an " old field school " and in
1842-43-44 he was a pupil at the Lisbon institute, a high grade
school, where he took courses including mathematics, chemistry,
and Latin. His father naturally preferred that he should
follow his own occupation, but the son's wishes were strongly
inclined to a profession, and having a brother-in-law, a practicing
physician, who offered him a place in his office, he devoted his
energies to mastering the subject of medicine. In 1847 he took
a course at the University of Maryland, and in 1848 took his
degree of M. D. About this time the rush to the gold fields of
California occurred, and Doctor Plaster was one of those who
made haste to reach the El Dorado. He went around Cape Horn.
stayed two years in California, and returned to London in 1851.
After that period he practiced medicine in his native county for
nine years.
When the great War between the States began, Doctor Plaster
helped to enlist a troop of cavalry for the defence of Virginia,
and was mustered into service as second lieutenant in a company
308 GEORGE EMORY PLASTER
of which Eichard H. Dulany was captain, and served to the end
of the war in the 6th regiment of Virginia cavalry. During this
time he acted as adjutant of the regiment by detail for six months,
and subsequently was promoted for " distinguished valor and
skill " to the position of captain, when he was transferred from
company A to H, of said regiment. He was in nearly all the
battles of the war in which the regiment was engaged, including
second Manassas, and Brandy Station (where his company was
on picket at Beverley's ford on the Rappahannock river, and he
fired the first shot on the picket line, his company making such
stubborn resistance as to stop the onrush of the Federal advance,
thus giving the brigade, commanded by General William E.
Jones, time to mount and meet the assailants) ; also Gettysburg,
Trevilians, Winchester, Spottsylvania, Yellow Tavern (where
General J. E. B. Stuart fell). Cold Harbor, Five Forks in Din-
widdle county, and some sixty other minor engagements. He was
captured in the retreat to Appomattox and held a prisoner on
Johnson's Island, Lake Erie, until June 20, 1865, when he
returned to his home utterly broken in fortune, and was forced
to begin life anew at the age of forty, taking up again the arduous
duties of a country doctor, with that courage, fortitude and
energy so characteristic of Lee's veteran soldiers. In 1867 he w^as
elected from Loudoun countv, a member of the constitutional con-
vention and in 1881-82 he served as a member of the state
legislature. Afterwards he continued the practice of his profes-
sion and is still (1906) pursuing the rounds of duty. Indeed, so
incessant has been his work that he has had little time for
recreation of any kind. The treadmill of duty seemed to him
ever turning, and, as he aptly writes, he was " forced to keep
step vvdth its movements."
Doctor Plaster, in party affiliations, is a Democrat, and
though not connected himself with any denomination, he has a
preference for the Episcopal church to which his wife and
children belong. He was for years a member of the lodge of
Odd Fellows at Bluemont, and has held, at one time or another,
all the offices in said lodge. Doctor Plaster is fond of reading,
and before studying medicine, he read everything in reach, being
especially interested in history. Since his profession became so
GEORGE EMORY PLASTER 309
preoccupying, his reading has been largely confined to works on
medicine. From his large experience in life, extending over
eighty years, he offers this advice for the benefit of the young:
" Truthfulness, honesty, temperance and industry, I regard as the
cardinal means of true success. The practice of these may not
lead to great riches or renown, but will, at the end of life, leave
few regrets or disappointments." On June IT, 1873, Doctor
Plaster married Sallie Meade Taliaferro, daughter of Colonel
James Monroe Taliaferro, of " Hagley," King George county,
Virginia, and nine children have been born to them, of whom
eight are now (1906) living.
His address is Bluemont, Loudoun County, Virginia.
HENRY STIER POLE
POLE, HENRY STIEE, M. D., physician and specialist, was
born February 23, 184T, in Hookstown, Baltimore county,
Maryland. His father, William Pole, was a member of
the Maryland state legislature; his mother, Emily (Stier) Pole,
was a good woman and left a marked impression for good upon
his character and life. The Pole family of England, from which
he is descended, is an old and honorable one; his first American
ancestor, John Pole, came from England and settled in Mary-
land, near Hagerstown, date uncertain.
Dr. Pole had many struggles and difficulties to go through to
get his education, but he doggedly persisted and succeeded,
despite the fact that his health was more or less bad until he was
twenty-five. He chose his profession solely because of his love of
a physician's work ; and that he acquired the necessary education
in spite of many obstacles, was doubtless largely owing to his
belief in doing what duty requires as though this day were the
last; in finishing well what one has undertaken; in regarding
one's occupation as the most honorable; in never intentionally
wounding the feelings of another, and in never allowing an
intentional affront to pass unnoticed. Most of his education,
from primary and preparatory public and private schools to
university work, was acquired between working hours, as from
the age of fourteen, when he moved from the country to Balti-
more, he was compelled to earn his living. Yet, so great was his
energy- and determination, that at the age of eighteen, he entered
Washington university, Baltimore, Maryland, as a medical stu-
dent ; he remained there during 1865-66, but was compelled by cir-
cumstances to leave before graduating. Through hard private
study he was qualified to practice medicine, and did practice, in
Virginia, among those too poor to pay a physician, years before h(^
had a diploma, for love of it and of suffering humanity. In
1867, he located at Plot Springs, Bath county, Virginia, which
has since been his home.
In 1880, he completed his medical studies, at the College of
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HENRY STIER POLE 313
Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, Maryland, graduating
M. D., and since that time he has been resident physician at the
Hot Springs, where he has treated many thousand patients, and
acquired extensive reputation as a specialist in gout, rheumatism,
and kindred diseases. Ten years ago, one of his sons. Dr. Edgar
A. Pole, became his assistant. His profession is everything to
him; in it he finds all that other men get out of all forms of
sport and recreation. He has never listened for a moment to any
proposition that would bring interests outside of his profession
into his life; he consented to accept the position of health officer
of Bath county, because its duties were in line with his profession.
He is very independent in disposition ; prefers to do his own
thinking and form his own opinions on all subjects. He is not
affiliated with any political party, but votes as he thinks best
after considering the issues and the candidates; he attends the
Protestant Episcopal church, but belongs to none; his creed, as
stated by himself, is : "I believe in God and Jesus Christ, and
in doing my duty to man and my country." As to the man, he has
been well described by a man of prominence, who made his
acquaintance during a sojourn at the Hot Springs: "He is an
affable gentleman of the Virginia type, finely educated, and is one
of the most entertaining conversationalists I ever met." A well-
known ]^ew England physician and writer, wrote, in a medical
publication, of Dr. Pole as a specialist: "His study of these
diseases has developed a fund of information and a skill in their
treatment which I believe is possessed by no other man in the
United States." He is a member of the American Medical asso-
ciation; Virginia Medical society, and of the Tri-State Medical
society of Virginia and the Carolina s.
He married September 15, 1869, Mary Emma Beard. Ten
children, five sons and five daughters, have been bom to them,
of whom nine, five sons and four daughters, are now (1906)
living.
His address is Hot Springs, Bath County, Virginia.
WALTER A. POST
POST, WALTEK A., civil engineer, business manager,
financier, was born in Kingston, Ulster county. New
York, January 7, 1857, son of Thomas and Frances
Angeline Post. He is of English lineage and his first American
ancestor was Lieutenant Richard Post, who at one time served
in the British navy, but subsequently settled at Cape Cod in
1640. His father was a steamboat captain of marked honesty of
character and persevering nature, whose best efforts were
devoted to the rearing and educating of his large family.
Walter's youth was passed amid village surroundings, and,
notwithstanding his delicate plwsical condition, he was fond of
study and boyish investigations. He attended public and
private schools, up to the age of fifteen, when he was obliged to
leave school and begin Vv'ork on account of the expense resulting
from much sickness in his father's family. He, accordingly, in
1872, became clerk in a store in the city of Albany, New
York.
His first desire was to study medicine, and with this in
view, he placed himself under a private tutor for the purpose of
fitting for college. Additional sickness and several deaths in
his immediate family interrupted this plan, and he was obliged
to abandon all hope of a college education. Nothing daunted,
however, he determined to secure a better education than he then
possessed, and continued to study by himself.
In this way, he drifted along for a few years, without a
definite aim, during which time he developed a deep interest in
the study of astronomy, and had learned much of the mathe-
matics of that science. It was a short step to the study of phj^sics,
and under the advice and stimulus of some friends, who were
civil and mechanical engineers, he turned in earnest to the study
of engineering, without thought, however, of making it his life
w^ork.
In November, 1880, he came to Virginia to take executive
charge of some contracts for the construction of terminal
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WALTER A. POST 317
improvements for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway company,
at Newport News, under his brother-in-law, J. Eugene White.
In this capacity his tastes for engineering had fine opportunity
for practical development, and from this time forward he was
identified, in some capacity, with almost everything pertaining
to the expansion of Newport News.
In June, 1890, he was appointed civil engineer of the New-
port News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock company, and in that
capacity had much to do with the design and construction of
the plant of that company, which at that time was just coming
into being. During the same period — 1890 to 1898 — ^he held the
position of engineer for the Old Dominion Land company, and
his map of the " City of Newport News " made for that company,
was the one mentioned in the charter of the city, when that instru-
ment was granted.
The experience gained in designing, laying out and con-
structing the plant of the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry
Dock company gave Mr. Post an unusual familiarity with much
of the detail of that company's business; and when a vacancy
occurred on April 1, 1898, the position of general superintendent
was offered to and accepted by him. The title of the position
was changed, on January 1, 1905, to that of general manager.
Since his full control of the works, beginning in 1898, the
business of the company has been quadrupled, and its conduct
has met with unqualified acceptance by its owners.
From 1897 to the present time (1906) Mr. Post has been
president of the First National bank of Newport News; from
May, 1899, he has been president of the Citizens' Railway, Light
and Power company; and is also vice-president of the Security,
Trust and Savings bank, of the same place. He served as first
mayor of Newport News, as provided in the charter of the city,
was elected for a second term, and declined the nomination for a
third term. In both local and national politics, he has always
been a conservative Democrat.
He is a member of the American society of Civil Engineers ;
Fellow of the Royal Astronomical society of England; member
of the Council, American society of Naval Architects and Marine
Engineers; member of the Astronomical society of the Pacific;
Vol. 2— Va.— 13
318 WALTER A. POST
member of the Virginia club of Norfolk; and associate of the
Society of Naval Engineers.
Mr. Post's philosophy of success is largely that which has
been evolved out of his own wide and diverse experience.
'' Patience, self-respect, self-content, close observation, careful
investigation as to the principles involved in any problem or
vocation, willingness to work hard, determination to succeed,"
has been to him a living creed as well as a homily of advice to the
young men of the time.
On September 26, 1878, Mr. Post married Ada Frances,
daughter of the late George and Eleanor AYhite, of New York.
His address is 5600 Huntingdon Avenue, Newport News.
Virginia.
DAVID ALEXANDER PRESTON
PRESTON, DAVID ALEXANDER, deputy clerk of the
United States District and Circuit courts of Abingdon,
Virginia, was born in the town of Abingdon, December
29, 1869. He is the son of Samuel A. Preston, whose birthplace
was Londonderry, Ireland, and of Mary Cummings Parrott Pres-
ton, his wife, thus being of Scotch-Irish descent. Mr. Preston's
father was a merchant of Abingdon, noted far and near for his
courtesy, as well as for his scrupulous honesty. His mother,
who devoted herself to her children, exercised a great and good
influence over her son, both during his childhood and his subse-
quent life. After a healthy childhood, spent chiefly in the sports
and schools of a small country town, he took up the burden of life
at the early age of seventeen, by acting as runner in the Exchange
and Deposit bank of Abingdon, his desire to help his mother and
sisters acting as a spur to his ambition. It is to this early start
that he attributes the success of his life.
From October, 1886, to August, 1893, a space of nearly seven
years, he remained with the Exchange and Deposit bank ; and in
August, 1896, he engaged in other business. He was deputy
clerk to the United States District and Circuit courts of Abing-
don, Virginia, from August, 1896, to July, 1905; deputy of the
county of Washington, Virginia, from July, 1899, to January,
1905, and treasurer of the town of Abingdon, from November,
1894, to January, 1905. He still (1906) retains the position of
deputy clerk to the United States Circuit and District courts of
the Western District of Virginia, at Abingdon.
Mr. Preston is a member of the local chapter of the Royal
Arcanum, of which he is the treasurer, and of the Woodmen of
the World, and the Elks. In politics he is a Democrat; in reli-
gious preference, a Presbyterian. His favorite mode of relaxa-
tion is riding and driving.
In response to a question as to the principles, methods and
habits which he believes contribute most to the strengthening of
sound ideals in American life, and most help young people to
322 DAVID ALEXANDER PKESTON
attain true success, Mr. Preston says : " First, honesty in all
things; second, temperance; third, close personal attention to
every employment undertaken; and fourth, promptness in
business and all other engagements, no matter how small."
On November 10, 1892, Mr. Preston married Mary Louise
Fowler, daughter of Hon. I. C. Fowler, who was speaker of
the house of delegates of Virginia, 1881-82. They have had
three children, all of whom are now (1906) living.
His address is Abingdon, Virginia.
L
■^
f^n.I/,^.
JULIAN MINOR QUARLES
UARLES, JULIAX MINOR, school-teacher, lawyer,
judge, congressman, and a member of the Virginia Con-
stitutional Convention of 1901-2, was born in Caroline
county, Virginia, September 25, 1848; and was the youngest son
of Peter Quarles of that county, who was a school teacher in his
early life, and later a planter, and who served in the United States
army in the War of 1812. Peter Quarles died while his son
Julian was very young; but the youth's mother, Mary E. Waddy,
of Scotch descent, was a woman of great energy and force ; and
to her influence upon his career Judge Quarles attributes much
in the formation of his character and the development of his
tastes and inclinations.
On his father's side. Judge Quarles is of English descent,
being descended from John Quarles, who was a charter member
of the Virginia company of 1609. His Quarles ancestors came
to the colony at a very early date. Among his colonial progeni-
tors was Edward Nelson, a sea-captain from the county of
Essex, England, who came to Virginia in 1718 and settled in
Hanover county.
Like most Virginia country boys of his day, Julian Quarles
was fond of hunting, fishing and other outdoor sports ; but, owing
to then existing conditions, he was little able to indulge this
taste. Four years of his youth passed in the tremendous period
of the War between the States; and the fact that he had three
brothers in the Army of Northern Virginia, and three other
brothers in the Confederate army of the West, served to impress
indelibly upon his mind and memory the events of that trans-
cendent struggle. One of these brothers, N. F. Quarles, who
was killed in action on the third day of the second battle of
Manassas, had especially distinguished himself in the battle of
Cedar Run, August 9, 1862, by capturing, alone, nineteen pris-
oners and three flags; in recognition of which General "Stone-
wall" Jackson presented him with an officer's sword, now in the
possession of his family.
326 • JULIAN MINOR QUARLES
Not old enough to enter the army, Judge Quarles nevertheless
frequently visited the camps to see his brothers and friends ; and,
when the enemy made raids into the section of the country in
which he was attending school, he left home and accompanied
the Confederate forces. While hardly ever, during that period,
out of the sound of cannon, and living in the midst of excitement
and uncertainty as to results, he yet devoted himself assiduously
to his studies, to which his natural tastes inclined him; and at
the close of the war, he was well advanced in them for one of
his age. He attended the Pine Hill academ.y, a school conducted
in Louisa county by Captain John Richardson, and afterwards
was a pupil at Aspen Hill academy in the same county, under
C. J. Kemper and J. M. Harris. Having lost all of his property
by the result of the Civil war, while a youth, he was left with-
out means and had a hard struggle to complete his education.
Having taught school for several years, in 1872, he entered the
academic department of the University of Virginia. In 1873-
1874, he studied law in the law department of the university; and
settling in Staunton, Virginia, in September, 1874, began the
practice of his profession. There he has resided and practiced
law continuously ever since, except for a period of about two
years that he spent in the northwest.
Judge Quarles has been a master commissioner in chancery of
the court of hustings for the city of Staunton ; a member of the
board of directors of the Western State hospital of Virginia; a
judge of the county court of Augusta county, Virginia ; a master
commissioner in chancery of the circuit court of Augusta county ;
and a member of the board of trustees of the Mary Baldwin
seminary of Staunton. He is a member of the Masonic frater-
nity and is a Knight Templar. Judge Quarles was nominated
and elected by the Democratic party to the fifty-sixth Congress
of the United States from the tenth congressional district of
Virginia, and, during his service as congressman, attracted the
attention of the country by the introduction of his resolution of
sympathy with the Boers in their struggle for constitutional
liberty in South Africa ; and by the ability of his speeches on the
floor of the house of representatives, especially those on the bill
to regulate trade with Porto Rico, and on the urgent deficiency
JULIAN MINOR QUARLES 327
appropriation bill, in which he advocated establishing and
increasing the efficiency of the rural free delivery system.
Judge Quarles and Mr. A. C. Braxton of Staunton, were
the two delegates from Augusta county and the city of
Staunton in the Virginia state constitutional convention, which
sat in the city of Richmond in 1901-1902, and made the present
constitution of the commonwealth. His argument in the con-
vention against the administration of an oath to its members was
among the strongest speeches made in that body; and he was
also prominent in the debates on the judiciary ordinance, in which
he strongly favored the election of the state judges by the people
and the retention of the jury system as then existing, and on
other important ordinances before the convention.
On October 19, 1876, Judge Quarles married Cornelia Stout,,
of New Hope, Augusta county, w^hom he survives.
His address is Staunton, Augusta County, Virginia.
WILLIAM A. RINEHART
RINEHAET, WILLIAM A., was born in Botetourt county,
April 5, 1846, and his parents were John and Mary Jane
Rinehart. His father was a farmer of character and
integrity, who held the office of justice of the peace for twenty
years. His grandfather, Aaron Rinehart, came from German}^
and located near Fincastle in Botetourt county, Virginia, about
1753. William A. liinehart was reared on a farm, and enjoyed
excellent health. His tasks were those of the average country
lad, and he had the usual experiences of farm work. He acquired
a limited education at the country schools because of the War
between the States, which broke out when he was only sixteen
years of age. Mr. Rinehart served three years in Company C,
2nd Virginia cavalry, in the Confederate army, and after engag-
ing in many battles was, at Gettysburg, disabled in his arm by a
severe wound.
The following is quoted from a letter written to Mr. Rine-
hart by Gen. Thomas T. Munford, (commander of Wickham's
old brigade) under date of November 8, 1905, from Lynchburg,
Virginia : " My dear Rinehart : I have been making enquiries
as to your location — wishing to write to you. I have been work-
ing at a paper which I wish to publish in pamphlet form as a
matter of love for my old comrades who served with me in the
Confederate war. My object is to do justice to some of the men
who so nobly exemplified their work by their deed, and I always
felt that you were second to no soldier in the command."
After the war, being unable to perform physical labor, he
engaged for five years in the lumber business and spent seven
years more superintending railroad work. In 1880 he became a
railroad contractor, and has pursued this line of work ever since.
He is now president of the Rinehart and Dennis company, one of
the largest railroad contracting firms in the South, with offices in
the Colorado building, Washington, District of Columbia. He
is also vice-president of the First National bank, at Covington,
Virginia, which is a very successful institution. Nor has Mr.
;^^?a!«SS5S?!gV
inw;>tnii«iw— ■■
"1
WILLIAM A. RINEHART 331
Rinehart been forgetful of his political duties. He is a Demo-
crat, who has never changed his views, and during the session of
1896-97 he represented the counties of Alleghany, Bath and
Highland in the Virginia legislature.
He is a Mason, who has taken much interest in the fraternity,
and attained the digTiity of a Shriner.
Various references to his military career occur in H. B.
McClelland's Work " The Campaign of Stuart's Cavalry."
In religion, Mr. Rinehart is affiliated with the Baptist church,
and is much respected for his Christian character.
On December 20, 1867, he married Mary Lewis Lipes, and
nine children have been born to them, of whom four survive at
the present writing.
His address is Covington, Alleghany County, Virginia.
JOHN FRANKLIN RIXEY
IXEY, JOHX FRANKLIN, lawyer, farmer, legislator,
member of the lower house of congress from the eighth
Virginia district, was born in Culpeper county, Virginia,
on August 1, 1854, son of Presley M. and Mary H. (Jones) Rixey.
His father's estate suffered almost total ruination from the
ravages of the Civil war, and, early in life, he w^as obliged to face
the necessity of largely providing by independent effort for both
his education and for the earlier years of his professional career.
After attending the public schools, and some time spent at Bethel
academy, he entered the University of Virginia, where he was
graduated in law. He was admitted to the bar in 1875, and first
engaged in practice at Culpeper. From 1879 to 1891 he served
as commonwealth's attorney for Culpeper county, and meanwhile
forged to the front as an able, skilled and resourceful lawyer.
In 1896, the Democratic party made him its candidate for con-
gress from the eighth Virginia district, and he was thereupon
elected to the fifty-fifth Congress. Fie was reelected to the
fifty-sixth, fifty-seventh, fifty-eighth and fifty-ninth Congresses,
embracing a period of public service in the lower house
extending over ten years, and in 1906 was elected to the
sixtieth Congress. During the session of the fifty-seventh
Congress, he advocated the admission of Confederate as well as
Union soldiers to all soldiers' and sailors' homes and other public
institutions maintained by the government, as well as Federal aid
to state homes maintained for Confederates to the same extent as
is practiced for state homes maintained for Union soldiers. In
the present congress he is a prominent member of the committee
on naval affairs. During the sessions of congress, he delivered
a number of well considered speeches chiefly on our colonial
policy and questions growing out of it. Among these were his
deliverances on the "Bankruptcy Bill;" the "Financial Bill;"
"Proposed annexation of Hawaii;" "Against the Unnecessary
Great Increase in Military Expenditures;" and on „ the "War
Tariff" — all of which were published for general circulation.
JOHN FRANKXIN RIXEY 333
He was married on November 30, 1881, to Ellie, daughter of
Hon. James and Fanny Barbour, of Culpeper, Virginia.
Mr. Rixey's address is Brandy Station, Culpeper County,
Virginia.
WILLIAM GORDON ROBERTSON
ROBEETSOX, WILLIAM GORDON, was born in Char-
lottesville, February 12, 1856, and his parents were
William J. Robertson and Hannah Gordon. His father
was descended from Rev. John Robertson, of Scotland, and was
one of the most eminent lawyers of his day. He was born in
1817, graduated as Bachelor of Law at the University of Virginia
in 18^1, practiced lav/ and served as judge of the Supreme
Court of Appeals of Virginia from 1857-1865. His marked
characteristics were integrity, justice, keen analytical power, and
all that goes to make a great lawyer. On the other hand, William
Gordon Robertson's mother was descended from John Gordon, a
Scotch merchant of Xewberry, County Down, Ireland, who came
to Virginia w^ith his brother James about 1738. They were
enterprising and industrious, and became wealthy and influential
in Lancaster county, where they resided. About 1759, John
Gordon married Lucy, daughter of Colonel Armistead and
Hannah Harrison Churchill, and their son James was born about
a year later. He lived at Germanna in Orange county, married
his cousin Elizabeth Gordon, and served in the state convention
of 1788, and died in 1799. His son, William Fitzhugh Gordon,
grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born January 13,
1787, and died August 28, 1858. He had a long public career,
was a rigid disciple of the States Right school, and an inflexible
champion of the rights of the South. On this account, when
General Andrew Jackson announced the consolidating principles
of his administration, Mr. Gordon, who had been a Crawford
Democrat, joined the coalition formed in 1834 known as the
'\'\^iig party. But not many years later, suspecting the designs
of the Whigs, he rencAved his connection with the Democratic
party. He served only one term in congress, but that sufficed to
give him a historic name, for he had the honor of proposing the
sub-treasury system, which was finally adopted by the Democratic
party. He is generally referred to as General Gordon, for at his
death he held the commission of major-general of the Virginia
WILLIAM GORDON ROBERTSON 335
militia. His daughter, Hannah, born September 21, 1817,
married August 16, 1843, Judge Robertson and died in 1861.
William Gordon Robertson, the son of this noble couple,
united ancestral talent with high moral purpose, strong will
power, and high ideals. He first attended the excellent academy
conducted by Major Horace AY. Jones, in Charlottesville, and
then matriculated at the University of Virginia. He spent five
years in the academic course and took the degree of Bachelor of
Arts. The sixth vear of his stav, 1878-1879, he devoted to the
study of the law, and at the end of that time was given the degree
of Bachelor of Law. But after all, only a small part of his
education was received at school and at college. Mr. Robertson
was from his earliest days an omnivorous reader of all sorts of
books, and though it is difficult to say which book influenced
him the most, ^^erhaps the writings of Carlyle gave more direction
to his thoughts than any other thing. His early life was spent in
the town of Charlottesville, the Athens of Virginia. Under such
influence of descent and environment, Mr. Robertson acquired an
extensive culture, which he improved by private study and coming
in contact with the leaders of the Virginia bar. " The blood of
my honored father in my veins, was, if anything was," he says,
the source of his first strong impulse to strive for the prizes of
life. He began the practice of law in Richmond in October, 1879,
but after a year moved to Roanoke, then in its infancy, where he
was made corporation judge in 1884, and held the position for
eight years. In this position Mr. Robertson had a fine oppor-
tunity for exhibiting his great legal powers, which speedily
insured him the high respect of everybody. Accordingly, he was,
in 18923 made one of the counsel for the Norfolk and Western
railroad, and, in 1901, the people of Roanoke selected him for the
highest honor which it had fallen to the lot of the Virginia
people in recent years to bestow ; namely, membership in the
convention called to amend the state constitution. In this body.
Judge Robertson pursued a very original and conservative part,
and was generally found in opposition to the views of the
majority. In some cases he was able to make a few but
important amendments. In supporting his opinions. Judge
336 WILLIAM GORDON ROBERTSON
Robertson was logical, witty, and at times eloquent, and he bore
always the reputation of being one of the popular members of
the convention.
He is a member of the Chi Phi fraternity of the Unirersity
of Virginia, of the American Bar association, and of the Roanoke
City Bar association.
He is a Democrat, but by no means a partisan, and he is a
member of the Protestant Episcopal church.
He married November 2, 1882, Nanny Anthony Brecken-
ridge, and they have seven children: Julia B., William J.,
Peachy G., William Gordon, Jr., George M., Anne A., and Sarah
B. Robertson.
His postoffice address is Roanoke, Virginia.
JOHN FRANKLIN RYAN
RYAN, JOHN FRANKLIN, farmer and grazier, and
formerly speaker of the house of delegates of Virginia,
was born in the village of Loudoun, in the county of
Loudoun, Virginia, November 9, 1848. He was a son of Wil-
liam T. and Margaret A. (McFarland) Ryan.
William T. Ryan was born in Ireland. He obtained a
classical education and inherited considerable property. After
losing his property in speculation he became a teacher, but later
in life he engaged in mercantile affairs. His wife was a daughter
of James McFarland, who was of Scotch descent. She exerted
a fine moral influence over her son, who acknowledges his deep
indebtedness to her.
John F. Ryan was reared in the country and was accustomed
to more or less of the sports and pastimes of the average Vir-
ginia country lad. He was not, how^ever, required to perform
any manual toil. Plis education was, at first, in the private
schools of the neighborhood, and later in boarding schools — the
best that were to be found during the later years of the War
between the States, and during the years immediately following
the close of that great struggle. Amongst all the books he has
read and the special lines of study he has pursued, he assigns to
the place of first importance, in respect to their influence upon
his character and life, the Bible, Shakespeare, and history.
Mr. Ryan was long conspicuous as a member of the Virginia
legislature, having represented his county of Loudoun in the
house of delegates during eleven terms. He accepted office
reluctantly at the outset. He honestly endeavored, nevertheless,
to be faithful in measuring up to its responsibilities. His
manner in meeting the responsibilities of his office so pleased his
constituents in Loudoun that they returned him time after time
to the house; and so pleased his fellow-legislators, that they
voiced their admiration in electing him five times to the office of
speaker. His general faithfulness, his engaging presence, his
breadth of mind and his generosity of spirit, his executive
338 JOHN FRANKLIX RYAN
abilities, his justice, firmness, tact and popularity, have vindicated
to the public mind these repeated elections to the speakership.
He was prominently mentioned as a suitable representative
of Loudoun in the last Constitutional convention of Virginia.
He declined to become a candidate for this honor, however,
possibly, as has been supposed, because he was at the time already
holding office. His friends, who are many, and to be found in
every portion of the state, have named him as one of the possible
future governors of Virginia. He is a Democrat, and a stalwart
in his allegiance to the principles of the party.
He has never married. He has been content, notwith-
standing, with a simple form of life.
To young Americans, looking forth with mingled eagerness
and timidity on the battle of life, he says, " Be honest, be indus-
trious, be sober, be truthful, and success will follow."
His postoffice address is Areola, Loudoun County, Virginia.
14^ 6ina-f^n,^ / '
WILLIAM WILSON SALE
SALE, WILLIAM WILSOX, was born at Fairfield, Rock-
bridge county, Virginia, September 30, 1870, and his
parents were William M. Sale and Sarah Estaline Tem-
pleton. By profession his father was a prominent planter, and
before the war one of the largest slave holders in the valley of
Virginia. Though never a candidate for public office, his
marked characteristics were strict integrity, keen sense of justice
and the broadest sort of charity. On the maternal side, Mr. Sale
is the grandson of John Templeton, of Scotch-Irish extraction,
distinguished during his day as an agriculturist. The subject of
this sketch was reared on a farm and took part in all the work
thereon, which was an experience valuable especially, because it
taught him the necessity of determined labor. His early educa-
tion was obtained at the public and private schools of Rockbridge
county, and he studied also under his mother's direction; and
Colonel Sale says that he thinks the influence of his mother and
reading the biographies of successful men were what determined
him to make life a success if possible. At eighteen years of age
he accepted the position of clerk in a general store, but soon
gave up the work for further study. In 1891, he went to Wash-
ington and Lee university and spent two sessions studying law,
graduating in 1893 with the degree of Bachelor of Law.
During the fall of the same year he settled in Norfolk and
began the active practice of his chosen profession. He formed
a partnership with W. A. Ross, Esq., under the firm name of
Ross and Sale, and this partnership existed until 1895, after
which he practiced alone until he formed a new partnership in
Norfolk with Tyler and Mann. With a determination character-
istic of the man, he soon succeeded in attracting attention, and
the proportions of his practice rapidly increased. He made a
specialty of corporation and chancery practice, and soon became
an attorney for the National Building association and the
Guarantee Building and Loan association, of Baltimore. He is
at present vice-president of the Southern Shorthand and Busi-
Tol. 2— Va.— 14
342 WILLIAM WILSON SALE
ness university, of Norfolk, possibly the largest in the South,
having filled the position of lecturer on commercial law in this
institution for three years. He is also local counsel for the
Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph company, and indeed,
for all the long distance lines leading into Norfolk; general
counsel for the Seaboard bank newly incorporated and for the
Lafayette Anne corporation, in which company he also holds
the position of vice-president; and finally general counsel for
the West Highland Park Land company and the West Park View
corporation, of Portsmouth, Virginia.
While thus making for himself a name in legal and business
matters, Mr. Sale has also been prominent in military circles.
He was for several years secretary and treasurer of the Lee
Rifles, and an active member of Company H, 4th Virginia
volunteers, and in 1898 he was appointed by Governor J. Hoge
Tyler a member of his military staif, with the rank of colonel.
In his political principles, Mr. Sale is a Democrat, who has
repeatedly received evidences of the popular esteem. He has
served as a member of the Democratic city executive committee,
and as vice-president of the third ward Democratic club. In
1900, he was elected a delegate to the national Democratic con-
vention at Kansas City from the second congressional district,
and at the state convention of the Democratic party held in
1904, he was elected a member of the Democratic convention of
this district and also a member of the state central committee of
the party. In 1901, he was elected to the state senate, and, in
1905, was honored again with this position. In this body he
has been among the youngest members, but has been always
found efficient and useful. On March 22, 1906, Mr. Sale was
appointed, by Governor Swanson, a member of the Virginia
commission to the Jamestown Exposition. In various ways he
has been active in promoting that great enterprise, having intro-
duced the bill for a charter and prompted all other legislation
necessary to its success.
In his social life Colonel Sale has been active in various
orders and societies. While at college, he joined the Kappa
Alpha society, and has become since a member of the Elks,
Eagles, Maccabees, and Pythians. He is also a member of the
WILLIAM WILSON SALE 343
Senior German club, Southern Pleasure club, at Ocean View ; and
the Military club. In his religious afiiliation, Mr. Sale is a
Presbyterian.
He has given special attention to athletics and has been
greatly benefited by several years' use of Checkley's system.
The forms of outdoor exercise preferred for the most part are
walking and horseback riding, vvdiich he finds very beneficial.
In answer to the question whether he had anything to say
respecting the lesson to be drawn from any " partial failures "
he may have met with in life, Colonel Sale writes : " Every
successful life has its partial failures, but, as Tennyson says,
'Men may rise on stepping stones of their dead selves 'to
higher things.' " To the question whether he would not give
some useful advice to the youth which might serve to help them
to attain true success in life, he replies : " Let them study the
lives of the marvelous men who fought for liberty in the
Revolution and laid the foundations of our unique country, and
live up to their example as almost a religion. Do not remove
the ancient landmarks — that is true Democracy."
Colonel Sale has never married.
His present address is 33 Lowenburg Building, Main Street,
Norfolk, Virginia.
OLIVER JACKSON SANDS
SANDS, OLIVER JACKSON, banker, was born at Fair-
mont, Marion county. West Virginia, December 14, 1870.
His parents were Joseph Evans and Mary Virginia
(Eyster) Sands — the latter a daughter of Doctor William Eyster,
a prominent physician of Fairmont, West Virginia. His father
is cashier of the First National bank of Fairmont, and has been
prominent in the work of developing the coal and other material
interests of the Monongahela valley; he is a high-minded man,
successful in business, and always ready to give a helping hand
to all deserving men who seek his advice or assistance.
The earliest ancestor of the family in this country is supposed
to have been a son of Archbishop Sandys and to have come from
England to Long Island, New York, in early colonial times. It
is probable that the next generation changed the spelling of the
name to Sands. One of the family removed from Long Island to
Annapolis, Maryland, where, about the year ITOO, he built or
purchased a house which is now (1906) standing and is owned by
one of his descendants. John Sands, also of Annapolis, the
paternal great-grandfather of the subject of our sketch, rendered
efficient service in the Revolutionary war.
In childhood and youth, the time of Oliver Sands was
divided between the village and the country, and during his school
vacations he worked on a farm. He attended the neighborhood
schools, and then for a while studied at the State Normal school,
at Fairmont; but he was so anxious to enter active business, for
which he had a strong inclination, that he did not take the full
course, and, consequently, was not graduated. In the latter part
of his school life, he helped pay his way by serving as an errand
boy when he had the opportunity to do so. Mr. Sands began the
active work of life in 1884, when he was only fourteen years of
age, as a clerk in the Farmers bank of Fairmont. Four years
later, he became paymaster and secretary to the chief engineer
and president of the Monongahela River and West Virginia and
Pittsburgh railroads. In 1891, he became assistant cashier of
Mpn af M^-r.K Fvh .Co.
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OLIVER JACKSOX SANDS 347
the First National b^nk of Fairmont, and in 1896 he was
appointed National bank examiner for the District of Columbia
and the state of Virginia. In 1899, he located in Richmond,
Virginia, where he organized the American National bank, of
which he has been president ever since. He has also been a
director in various business corporations in West Virginia and
Virginia. He was president of the Virginia Bankers association,
1902-03, and is now (1906) president of the Bank of Commerce
and Trusts of Richmond, and treasurer of the Jefferson Realty
corporation, the Virginia State Fair association, and the Young
Men's Christian association, of Richmond.
In estimating the strength of various specified influences
upon his success in life, Mr. Sands places that of home first, that
of contact with men in active life second, and that of private
study third in importance. The choice of his life-work was prin-
cipally determined by environment.
Among the prominent orders to which he belongs are the
Masons, Knights Templar, and Odd Fellows. He is a member of
the Westmoreland, Hermitage, and the Deep Run Hunt clubs, all
of Richmond. He finds his principal relaxation in horseback
riding.
In politics he was for many years a pronounced Democrat,
but since the free coinage of silver became an issue, he has been
an independent voter. His religious affiliation is with the
Protestant Episcopal church, in which he has for years held the
offices of vestryman and superintendent of Sunday schools.
In reply to a request for suggestions regarding the principles,
methods, and habits, which, in his opinion, will contribute to the
strengthenmg of sound ideals and be most helpful to young
people in their efforts to attain success in life, he says : " A
strict adherence to Christian principles, inculcated by example
and precept of parents from earliest age. A boy should be told
by his parents early all the mysteries of his being, and taught his
duty towards God and his duty towards his neighbor."
The story of this life has a moral for all of its readers.
The success of Mr. Sands is conclusive evidence that one may, by
persistent and well-directed effort, and an unblemished character,
win his way to an honorable position and become not only one
348 OLIVER JACKSON SANDS
of the leading men of his city, but also a man who is known and
honored throughout his state.
To every one with whom he comes in contact, the manner of
Mr. Sands is alike pleasing and assuring; and his sympathetic
greeting at once inspires confidence in those who seek his aid or
advice.
December 30, 1890, Mr. Sands was married to Lucile Robin-
son. They have had three children, one of vv horn, Oliver Jackson,
born in li905, survives.
Mr. Sands' address is 2004 West Franklin Street, Richmond,
Virginia.
CAMPBELL SLEMP
LEMP, CAMPBELL, farmer, stockman, real estate opera-
tor, member of congress from the ninth Virginia district,
was born on a farm in Turkey Cove, Lee county, Virginia,
on December 2, 1839, son of Sebastian Slemp and Margaret
(Reasor) Siemp. He is descended from German ancestors who
several generations ago settled first in Accomac county, Virginia,
and later took up their abode in Wythe county, in the same
state. His father was a farmer of sterling qualities, great
energy and fine business instincts, who served his county as
sheriff, and represented his district for several terms in the
Virginia legislature.
A rugged, country lad, Campbell was early trained to habits
of industry and application. He attended school in the winter,
worked on his father's farm during the summer months, and
finally entered Emory and Henry college,' Virginia, where he
remained until within a few months of graduation, when he was
compelled to retire on account of his father's death, in 1859.
After a short career as a teacher, he joined the Confederate army,
in 1861, as captain of company A, 21st Virginia battalion, and
served throughout the War between the States. During his
period of service, he was elected lieutenant-colonel of his
battalion, and later w^as promoted to colonel of the 64th Vir-
ginia regiment, composed of infantry and cavalry, and was
mustered out of service with that rank.
After the war, he engaged in farming, subsequently became
a large dealer in live stock, and latterly operated extensively in
coal and timber lands. From 1880 to 1884, he served in the
Virginia house of delegates; in 1890, was superintendent of the
State census; and, in 1902, and again, in 1904, was elected to the
United States house of representatives on the Republican ticket.
He was a presidential elector on the Harrison ticket, in 1888;
was a candidate for lieutenant-governor of Virginia, on the
ticket with General William Mahone, in 1889; and presidential
elector on the McKinley ticket, in 1896. In the present congress
350 CAMPBELL SLEMP
he is a member of the committees on the District of Columbia,
and on expenditures in the War department.
Although a strong partisan, Colonel Slemp has represented
his district in congress with both ability and zeal, alike creditable
to his party and to his state. He is a typical example of the
intelligent business man in politics. His pronounced views on
the benefits of a protective tariff induced him, in 1884, to
renounce his allegiance to the Democratic party and to affiliate
with the Republican party, in whose services he has evinced many
of the qualities of a sagacious and capable leader. As a
progressive business man, a friend of education and religion, a
high-minded citizen, alert to the best interests of his community.
Colonel Slemp stands deservedly high. He is a member of the
Masonic order and an active participant in the work of the
church.
In 1864, he married Miss Nannie B. Cawood, of Owsley
county, Kentucky. To their union seven children have been
born, four of whom are now living.
His address is Big Stone Gap, Virginia.
I:
4L Cc^^-Cj^-Z^^j^^
HENRY MARSTON SMITH
MITH, HENRY MARSTON, lawyer, was born in Rich-
mond, Virginia, July 19, 1859. His father was Hiram
Moore Smith, a successful manufacturer of agricultural
implements and tobacco machinery in Richmond ; and his mother
was Elizabeth Ames.
Both his father and mother were of English descent, and
were natives of the town of Springfield, Vermont. His father's
great-grandfather was Nathan Smith, who was living in Shirley,
Massachusetts, in 1730. A son of this Nathan was Svlvanus
Smith, who was a captain in the American army in the Revolu-
tionary war, and later a member of the Massachusetts society of
the Cincinnati; and he was the grandfather of Hiram Moore
Smith. It is worthy of record that five of the sons of Nathan
Smith, of Shirley, Massachusetts, including Captain Sylvanus
Smith, volunteered on behalf of the colonists in April, 1775, at
the first alarm of war, and served until the struggle closed with
the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown. Mr. Smith's
mother belonged to the prominent Ames family of Massachusetts.
His father, Hiram Moore Smith, came to Richmond, Virginia,
from Springfield, Vermont, in 1829, and became prominent in the
agricultural life of the South, not only on account of his success-
ful manufacturing enterprises, by which he supplied the farmers
with machinery for the planting and harvesting of their crops,
but also by his ingenuity and skill as an inventor. During the
War between the States, Mr. Hiram M. Smith's invention of
machinery for the production of spades and shovels, which were
necessary for the erection of earthworks and fortifications, proved
of almost inestimable benefit to the Southern army.
Mr. Henry Marston Smith's early life was spent in Rich-
mond, where he Avas educated in the University school conducted
by Mr. Thomas PI. Norwood. From the University school, he
went to the Virginia Polytechnic institute at Blacksburg, from
which he was graduated in 1877. After studying for a year at
Richmond college, he entered the law department of the Univer-
354 HENRY MARSTON SMITH
sity of Virginia in the fall of 1879, and was graduated therefrom
in 1880 with the degree of Bachelor of Law.
Following his graduation in law, Mr. Smith, in 1883, entered
upon the practice of his profession in Richmond, where he has
since pursued it with distinction and success. He filled for two
terms the office of commonwealth's attorney of the city of Rich-
mond, achieving in its administration a wide reputation for
ability as a criminal lawyer and advocate.
Mr. Smith is a Democrat, alike consistent in the principles
and i^ractice of democracy, and has been a member of the State
Democratic executive conunittee. He is a member of both the
Virginia State Bar association and the Richmond Bar association,
and of the board of visitors of his old college, the Virginia
Polytechnic institute. He is also a member of the Masonic
fraternity, of the Mystic Shrine, and the Elks, and when at the
University of Virginia, he belonged to the Kappa Sigma frater-
nity. By virtue of his descent from his Revolutionary ancestor.
Captain Sylvanus Smith, Mr. H. M. Smith holds membership in
the Massachusetts society of the Cincinnati.
November 7, 1883, Mr. Smith married Lucy Conway Gordon,
daughter of the late James Gordon, of Richmond, who was a
descendant of Colonel James Gordon, of Lancaster county,
Virginia, emigrant from Newry, County Down, Ireland, about
1738 to the colony of Virginia ; and whose second son, Nathaniel
Gordon, grandfather of Mr. James Gordon, of Richmond, was
the founder of the town of Gordonsville, in Orange county,
Virginia. Mr. Smith has had three children, two sons and a
daughter, all of whom are living (1906). His oldest son, Hiram
Moore Smith, is a law student at the University of Virginia.
A sketch of Mr. Smith's life has appeared in the " History
of the University of Virginia," edited by Messrs. Barringer,
Garnett and Page, and published in 1904 from the press of the
Lewis Publishing company. New York.
On account of the identitv of his initials with those of his
father, Mr. Smith has always signed himself " H. M. Smith, Jr."
He is a member of the law firm of Smith, Moncure and Gordon,
1105 Bank Street, Richmond.
Mr. Smith's home address is Number 10 South Fifth Street,
Richmond, Virginia.
WILLIAM BREERWOOD SMOOT
SMOOT, WILLIAM BREERWOOD, banker and president
of the C. C. Smoot and Sons company, an extensive tanning
business, which occupies an entire square of the city, was
born in Alexandria, Virginia, January 1, 1858. His grandfather,
C. G. Smoot, founded this business in 1820; and under him and
his sons it prospered greatly and was extended hj branch houses
and tanneries in Rappahannock county, and at North Wilkesboro,
North Carolina. The younger of C. C Smoot's sons, the father
of the present head of the firm, was John Bryan Smoot, a man of
integrity, virtue, and diligence in all the relations of life, who
was held in high respect by his fellow citizens as is evinced by the
fact that he filled, among other places, the offices of mayor of
Alexandria, president of the Mount Vernon Avenue association,
and president of the Citizens National bank of Alexandria. The
maiden name of his wife was Sarah Anne Breerwood. She died
when her son, William Breerwood Smoot, was but five years old.
His earliest known ancestor in America was William Smoot,
of England, who settled first in ^'Hirginia and then in Maryland,
where, in 1650, he signed the famous " Protestant Declaration.'^
Mr. Smoot's great-grandfather. Rev. Charles Smoot, a graduate
of William and Mary college, served in the Revolutionary war.
The childhood of Mr. Smoot was spent partly in the city,
partly in the country. His special tastes and interests were for
hunting, fishing, and horseback riding, and he led a healthy,
outdoor life. At sixteen, having attended both the Bethel
Military academy, of Fauquier county, Virginia, and the St.
John's academy of Alexandria, he left school and went to work
in his father's tanyard, where he filled every laborious position,
in the fixed determination to master the business. At night, and
in the intervals between his work, he read history, biography,
and the standard authors of prose and poetry, in the earnest
desire to improve his mind. On reaching the age of twenty-one,
he was made a member of the firm of C C. Smoot and Sons,
having earned this promotion, most unusual for one so young, by
358 AVILLIAM BREERWOOD SMOOT
his steadfast devotion to his work. Mr. Smoot has held, at
various times, the offices of president of the Washington Monu-
ment association of Alexandria, vice-president of the Mount
Vernon Avenue association, vice-president of the Alexandria
National bank, and president of C. C. Smoot and Sons company,
Alexandria. He also has been one of the board of school trustees
of Alexandria city, and is a member of Lodge number 758, Benev-
olent and Protective Order of Elks. He holds the tenets of the
Episcopal church, and in politics he is a Democrat.
On October 13, 1886, he married Margaret LeCompte Cator.
Mr. Smoot's address is 804 Prince Street, Alexandria,
Virginia.
^^9^C^^-7^.
ASHTON STARKE
STARKE, ASHTOK, merchant and manufacturer, was
born in Richmond, Virginia, October 19, 1849. His
father, Patrick Henry Starke, was a prominent manu-
facturer of Richmond ; his mother w^as Arabella Garland Clarke.
Patrick Henry Starke's marked characteristics were moral cour-
age, love of fair play, and conservatism. While not anxious to
hold public office, he sometimes served his people in legislative
capacities, and was once the president of what was then known
as the city council.
Ashton Starke's first paternal American ancestor was John,
who came from Scotland to Virginia about 1G50 ; a land grant to
him is of record under the year 1654. Ashton's grandfather,
William Starke, was a colonel in the Mexican war, serving on
the staff of General J. Pegram. William's father, John, was one
of the committee of safety for Hanover county, appointed Novem-
ber 8, 1775. The Starkes were for a long time a prominent
Hanover family, and, like many other such families, moved to
Richmond, in the thirties, and helped to make that city one of
the strongest financial centers in the country.
Ashton Starke was sent to good preparatory schools in
Richmond, and later entered Richmond college, where he took
both the academic and the law courses. ^Vhile there, he came
under the special influence of the late Dr. J. L. M. Currj^, for
many years one of the most prominent lecturers in Virginia. Mr.
Starke served a full term as president of the Alumni association
of his alma m.ater.
Mr. Starke belonged to the generation of 3^oung Virginians
that grew up just after the War of the 60's. He felt that it was
necessary to get to work as a "bread-winner" as soon as possible.
Hence he accepted a position with his father in his large estab-
lishment for manufacturing agricultural implements. It was not
long, however, before his independent spirit prompted him to
strike out for himself and to hew out his fortune alone. Such
men generally forge to the front; for years Ashton Starke has
362 ASHTON STARKE
been recognized as one of the potential business men of his city,
and few persons in Kichmond would undertake any work requir-
ing active and public-spirited men without asking his cooperation.
He is regarded as one of "the makers of Richmond," and a promi-
nent newspaper has recently given him that title.
Says the " Times-Dispatch," of July 8, 1904 :— " His signal
strength as an organizer was shown as the president of the Vir-
ginia Exposition in 1888, the largest and most creditable thing
of the kind ever held in this state. In 1889, Mr. Starke, under
the instructions of the Chamber of Commerce, prepared a paper
entitled ' Richmond's Needs,' which was ordered to be printed
and thousands of copies distributed." He is a vigorous writer,
and wields his pen with the courge of his convictions.
Mr. Starke has served a full term as president of the Com-
monwealth club, one of the most prominent social organizations
in the state. He is a member of the Deep Run Hunt club,
another social club of considerable importance, and a valued
member of the directoiy of the Prison association of Virginia,
with its boys' reformatory at Laurel, Virginia. Proud of his
Revolutionary sires, he belongs to the Sons of the Revolution,
and takes no little interest in that patriotic society.
Mr. Starke served his city with great fidelity in the general
assembly. '\^niile a member of that body, he served rery effi-
ciently on the committee that made a report on the state debt,
and gave the data and the facts upon which the settlement was
afterwards made. In this way, he helped to relieve Virginia
from the odium which had fallen upon her, in many quarters, on
account of the threatened repudiation of a large part of her
obligations.
In politics, Mr. Starke is a Democrat, but refuses to bend to
any party lash. He does not promise to go blindfold to the polls
and vote for any man or any measure that his party may dictate.
He belongs to that large class of independent, thinking men who
will stand by the Democratic party as long as it commands their
respect and their confidence. He is a vigorous speaker before
an audience, always commanding the confidence of his hearers,
because he knows no such thing as hypocrisy. While a most
intelligent citizen and well-informed on public matters, and still
ASHTON STARKE 363
a student, Mr. Starke regrets that he was not, in boyhood and
youth, more definitely guided in his reading ; he now appreciates
" the vital necessity of youth being directed and controled in
the matter of reading and stud}^ Youth is not competent to elect
its reading." These words are remarkable, coming from a man
of business. They show a pedagogical grasp and acumen that
would do credit to any distinguished teacher, and might well be
embodied in the charter of an educational association.
Mr. Starke married Florine Dunlap, whose father's name
is distinguished in the history of Georgia; a braver officer never
led men.
His address is Richmond, Virginia.
ORMOND STONE
TONE, ORMOND, astronomer and professor, was bom in
Pekin, Illinois, January 11, 1847, and is the son of Elijah
and Sophia Stone. His father was a Methodist minister
of the Illinois conference, a man of gentle manners, intellectual
force, and deeply interested in the philanthropic movements of
his day.
As a mere child, Ormond Stone showed a love for mathe-
matics. At seven years of age he came upon a copy of a new^
arithmetic, and was much interested, reading it twice over, and
working all the problems over twice in a period of six weeks. His
father being stationed in Chicago, the boy attended the public
schools at that city, graduating from the high school in 1867.
During this period, he read mathematical books as most boys
read Marry att, Mayne Reid and Henty.
Wliile young Stone was still in the high school, the Dearborn
observatory was founded in connection with the old University of
Chicago. When Professor Safford was put in charge of this
observatory, young Stone soon made his acquaintance and shortly
thereafter became his pupil; and thus began his career as an
astronomer.
After graduating at the high school, Mr. Stone taught one
year as tutor in Racine college, Wisconsin. Returning to
Chicago, he entered the university, and subsequently took the
degree of Master of Arts. Meanwhile he had been made assistant
in the Washington observatory. In 1875, he was elected director
of the Cincinnati observatory, over which he presided for seven
years.
In 1882, Professor Stone was invited to the University of
Virginia to take charge of the Leander McCormick observatory
presented by the philanthropist McCormick. Here Professor
Stone has lived and toiled for twenty-four years. Besides his
scientific work as an astronomer, he has trained a large number
of the other astronomers of the country. A part of his time,
also, he devotes to the general educational interests of Virginia,
yi^^-
{"S^S ^^r^a'^£7nf jy ■ j
I
ORMOND STONE 36T
being interested in every movement for the good of the schools,
the colleges, and the universities. Nothing that tends to the
uplift of his fellow-man is too humble to engage the sympathy
and cooperation of Professor Stone. He is both scholar and
philanthropist. He has a warm heart and broad sympathies.
Professor Stone is highly honored among his fellow astron-
omers. As chairman of a committee on standard time of the
American association for the Advancement of Science, he aided
in establishing the system of standard time now used in this
country. From 1901 to 1905, he was a member of the board of
visitors of the Naval observatorv. He has acted as adviser in
mathematics to the Carnegie institution, and chairman of the
section of astrometry of the International Congress of Arts and
Science. He has been a councilor of the Astronomical and
Astrophysical society of America since its organization. He
served as vice-president for 1888 of the American association for
the Advancement of Science and chairman of the section of
mathematics and astronomy. He is also vice-president of the
State Teachers' association of Virginia.
Professor Stone is a member of various learned societies,
among them the Astronomische Gesellschaft ; the American
Mathematical society ; the Astronomical and Astrophysical society
of America ; the Circolo Mathematico di Pilermo ; the Washing-
ton academy of Sciences ; the Wisconsin academy of Sciences, and
the American association for the Advancement of Science.
With his pen, also, Professor Stone aids the cause of scholar-
ship. In 1884, he founded the " Annals of Mathematics," a
journal of a very high order. He has edited the publications of
the Cincinnati observatory and of the Leander McCormick
observatory, and made scientific contributions to the principal
astronomical journals.
Wliat time has so busy a man for other things than study
and research ? Professor Stone takes time to be kind, to be chari-
table, to be brotherly. Northern men are frequently cold, but
Professor Stone is warm-hearted and genial. Specialists are often
especially for "number one," but Professor Stone's sympathies
extend to all mankind. Any appeal for help gains his ear and
meets a kind response.
Vol. 2— Va.— 15
368 ORMOND STONE
" He hath a t«ar for pity, and a hand
Open as day for melting charity."
May 31, 1871, Professor Stone married Catherine Flagler.
They live at the Observatory, about a mile west of the rotunda
of the University of Virginia.
f^mc LiL
Jt**^. f.frAV-T
T
GEORGE ALBERT TABER
lABEE, GEORGE ALBERT, M. D., physician and
scientist, was born January 3, 1853, in Springport,
Cayuga county. New York. His father, Stephen Taber,
builder, was best known for his integrity and mechanical skill.
His mother, Mary Maria (Smith) Taber, now (1906) Harris,
by a second marriage, proved her sterling qualities in her suc-
cessful struggle, after her husband's death, to rear and educate
three children, the oldest only sixteen. His family is English on
both sides. Its American founders settled in New England,
where they were much esteemed for integrity and mechanical
skill and ingenuity. One of them, Loyal Taber, constructed the
first practical road traction steam engine.
His earliest remembered serious interests were in scientific
subjects, and as a small boy his ambition was to become a student
and graduate of Cornell university, but that ambition was never
realized. Before he got out of the graded public schools, his
father died, leaving little except a good name — after all a grand
legacy — and it became necessary for him to assume part of the
burden of supporting the other two children and his mother. At
sixteen he went to work on a farm, remaining there several years ;
but farm work did not suit him, and in 1871 he obtained the
position of assistant postmaster at LTnion Springs, New York,
which he held until 1873, meanwhile putting in his spare time
reading and studying on scientific subjects. This led to his
choice of the medical profession, in which he has been so con-
spicuously successful. In 1875 he matriculated in the Homeopathic
department of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan,
which graduated him M. D., March 28, 1877. He made such a
good impression on the faculty of the institution that they offered
him the position of assistant professor of materia medica in the
Homeopathic department of the university, and, knowing that a
young doctor has to have something besides his diploma, he
gladly accepted the place, and filled it during 1878-79 to the
satisfaction of faculty and students. In 1880, he began the prac-
372 GEORGE ALBERT TABER
tice of medicine m Victory, Cayuga county, New York, where
he continued until 1885, when he removed to Richmond, Virginia.
There he found a larger field for the exercise of his exceptional
talents, and he now has a large and lucrative practice in that
city and enjoys the respect and esteem of all, both as a physician
and as a public-spirited citizen. Indeed, he is as proud of his
adopted state and as jealous of her welfare as the most loyal of
her native sons. In 1886, Governor Fitzhugh Lee appointed him
a member of the state board of medical examiners, and he served
as such for eight years with credit to himself and benefit to the
profession and the state.
His name is widely known in his profession, through his
scientific investigations. The account of one of them, concerning
the physiological action of picric acid, published in 1877, was
incorporated in Doctor T. F. Allen's " Encyclopedia of Materia
Medica," a high authority in the. Homeopathic world. Though
always determined that he would get an education no matter
how hard he might have to work for it, nor what privations he
should have to undergo. Doctor Taber says his ambition was
spurred to a marked extent by reading Holland's " Arthur
Bonnicastle," which was first published during his struggling
period. In his profession he has found the writings of Doctor
Carroll Dunham, and Samuel A. Jones, the most useful in fitting
him for his work in life. Mr. Jones was dean of the faculty
under whom he graduated and with whom he was for two years
afterwards associated. He says the strongest influences in his
life have been home and school, which largely accounts for his
success. From his experience in working his own way to the top,
he advises youth, seeking the same goal : " First to get an educa-
tion, and never cease striving for it; choose for a life-work that
for which you have the greatest liking; set your ideal high and
strive to reach the top and to see that no one side-tracks you ;
always be punctual, and try to do a little more and better than
what is required."
He is a member of the American institute of Homeopathy,
and president of the Hahnemann Medical society of the Old
Dominion, (since 1905 known as the Virginia Homeopathic
Medical society) ; he is also a member of the Disciples church.
GEORGE ALBERT TABER 373
In national politics he is a Republican, but in state and muni-
cipal elections he reserves the right to vote as he chooses. He is
fond of baseball ; and loves the " grand opera," which he declares
is " ahead of all other forms of amusement."
He was married June 1, 1880, to Caroline Lake Crowell;
three children have been born to them, of whom two are now
(1906) living.
His address is Richmond, Virginia.
1
THADDEUS McGEE TERRY
lERRY, THADDEUS McGEE, was born in Halifax
county, Virginia, April 29, 1856, and is the son of
Berryman Green Terry and Ehdra E. Terry. His
father was a farmer, and was a man of many noble qualities. He
was at one time presiding justice of the county court of Halifax,
commissioner in chancery and held many other positions of trust.
Thaddeus M. Terry was educated in country schools, very
early in life began to farm, and later on became salesman in a
country store. All his life long he has been noted for indomi-
table energy and perseverance. In his school days, when many
boys were longing for the shadows of evening to break up the
school, young Terry was poring over the motto, " If at first you
don't succeed, try, try again," which he found in his readers. He
always had an ambition to succeed, and it never occurred to him
that failure was possible. Very potent in kindling his ambition
was the influence of his parents, and his mother's influence upon
his moral development was one of the greatest factors in his
success. The defects in his education, he remedied largely by
wide reading, and he found special pleasure in those books which
taught that diligence brings sure success.
Mr. Terry began his business career with the firm of Stebbin
and Lawson, at South Boston, Virginia; then traveled eight
years for Guggenheimer and Company, of Lynchburg; was one
of the founders of the large business of Craddock-Terry Com-
pany, being a member of the firm until its incorporation and at
this time secretary and treasurer of the company. He is active
in philanthropic and benevolent works; is president of the
Lynchburg Young Men's Christian association; is a Shriner, a
Knight Templar, and a Freemason. He is also a prominent
vestryman of St. Paul's Episcopal church, Lynchburg.
Mr. Terry suggests from his own experience and observation,
to young Americans : " Be honest for the sake of honesty. Do
right for the love of right. Remember and respect the rights
of others. Practice economv and it will become a habit. Work
s
cnx>^^
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THADDEUS m'gEE TERRY 377
hard ; ' at it, always at it.' This will certainly bring success to
any young man of average intelligence."
In politics, Mr. Terry is a Democrat, one of the long-
misunderstood, much-maligned " gold Democrats." He twice
voted for McKinley for president.
April 24, 1888, Mr. Terry married Champe Carter Pryor.
They have had four children, three of whom are now (1906)
living.
His home is at 1301, 11th Street, Lynchburg, Virginia.
ALSEN FRANKLIN THOMAS
THOMAS, ALSEN FKANKLIX, was born in Appomat-
tox county, Virginia, December 1, 1862, and his parents
were Alsen Thomas and Virginia Caroline Thomas.
His father, who was a Baptist preacher, was characterized by a
noble devotion to right and religious zeal, and was descended
from a Welshman, who settled at a very early date in the colony
of Virginia. His mother's ancestry comprises among other old
Virginia names those of AYhitehead and Taliaferro. The subject
of this sketch passed his boyhood in Appomattox, where he went
to school and began at a very early age the active struggle of
life. The results of the war left his father very poor and tha
son was debarred from the advantages of both a high school and
collegiate education. A security debt of five hundred dollars
came against his father, and young Thomas at the early age of
sixteen assumed the responsibility of its payment and went
bravely to work. He bought an old horse on credit and
commenced farming on his own account. He was of delicate
constitution, but of iron will and no hardships could dismay or
depress him. His constant inspiration was found in the career
of Benjamin Franklin, whose life he often read and whose name
he adopted as a middle name to afford him a constant reminder
of true heroism in life. Indeed, Franklin himself, had not
severer hardships to undergo than poor little Alsen. He lived
in a home with little furniture, slept on a pile of straw with
nothing over him but an old overcoat which furnished him
insufficient warmth in cold weather, and his diet consisted of
coarse corn cake and fried meat. During the winter season when
work on the farm was not so engrossing, young Thomas taught
school and manas^ed to save a little monev in that wav. Manv a
night did he roll about upon his pallet of straw revolving in his
mind plans for meeting his assumed obligations, but those plans
were not schemes to outwit his creditors, but to pay them prin-
cipal and interest. His rule of action was to do exactly what he
promised and to meet every engagement at every cost.
ALSEX FRANKLIN THOMAS 379
Thus five or six years passed away and Mr. Thomas varied
his career as a farmer with experiences as a teacher, and clerk in
a store at Oakville, and finally tried his hand at saw milling. He
had few idle moments, for the time not given to actual business
was spent in studying book-keeping, shorthand, French, German,
law, and pursuing other literary exercises.
In 1886 he went to Lynchburg and launched out in the
tobacco business, meeting with great success from the first. He
soon became one of the leading tobacco dealers and had business
relations with the Imperial Tobacco compan3\ of Great Britain
and Ireland — one of the largest tobacco -manufacturing com-
panies in Great Britain. Seeing that the American trust had a
decided advantage over the British manufacturers in the method
of purchase of raw supplies, Mr. Thomas devised a plan of con-
solidation, which led to the establishment of direct agencies in
America for this purpose.
This move was quite radical and resulted in overturning
methods that had been in voo^ue for manv years. The results
have demonstrated the practicability of the plan, and it will likely
be operated on lines inaugurated by Mr. Thomas. He was one
of the American managers of the institution, but after getting
the constructive work accomplished and not finding the routine
labor congenial to his taste, he resigned his position as manager,
and in 1903, embarked upon a career of politics and announced
himself as a candidate for the senate of Yirsfinia.
Ever since Mr. Thomas was a small boy, public affairs had
always a great attraction for him. He always believed that a
man's highest aim should be to discharge honestly and con-
scientiously the obligations of citizenship — which is to say that
in order to live for one's self, it is necessary to live for others.
It was his opinion that the citizen should keep in touch with
public matters and should show an interest because a people
cannot reasonably expect a better government than they demand.
With these impressions he did much to influence public opinion
on correct lines before he became an active politician himself.
In 1896, when William J. Bryan was the Democratic can-
didate for president on the issue of the free and unlimited
coinage of silver, Mr. Thomas, who supported Palmer and
380 ALSEN FRANKLIN THOMAS
Buckner, published a pamphlet entitled " A Business View of the
Financial Situation," which was declared a very strong paper
and contributed doubtless its part to the defeat of the regular
Democratic nominee.
Several years ago, finding considerably more than a million
dollars Vv^as being illegally exempted from taxation, b}^ the city
council of Lynchburg, Virginia, he entered a protest to which no
attention was paid. Thereupon, he applied to the judge of the
circuit court for a mandamus to compel the commissioner of the
revenue to assess the property exempted. The application was
denied, and Mr. Thomas took the case to the court of appeals,
which triumphantly upheld the objections of Mr. Thomas. The
decree as entered denied to the councils of municipalities the
power of any exemptions whatever. Mr. Thomas was asked
why, having no direct personal interest, he acted as he had, and
his answer was: *' I hate injustice and discrimination in govern-
ment, and shall do what I can to make them impossible in
Virginia." At another time, just before the meeting of the late
Constitutional convention, Mr. Thomas issued a booklet entitled :
" The Virginia Constitutional Convention and its Possibilities, '
and later he published a pamphlet on taxation. During the
sessions of the convention, Mr. Thomas renewed his public labors,
and in a series of letters to the president and different members,
he did all he could to help get the instrument of government
drafted along lines in harmony with Democratic principles.
His most earnest efforts were devoted to the betterment of the
school system and especially that portion Avhich dealt with
primar}^ education; and some of the principles for which he
contended were embodied in the constitution. Mr. Thomas
regards as his greatest public service, the constant effort made by
him to arouse the people of Virginia to the appreciation of the
fact that primary education in the counties has been woefully
neglected and that the state's policy up to this time has been
unfriendty to a state system that would tax all property and in
turn educate all children. Indeed, Mr. Thomas holds that the
property of the state should educate all the children of the state,
for the education of the masses and democrac}^ hold the relation
ALSEN FRANKLIN THOMAS 381
of cause and effect — being the Siamese Twins of Sociology — one
and inseparable.
Mr. Thomas was readily elected, in 1903, and took his seat
in the state senate, and he is yet a member (1906). During the
sessions of 1905-1906, he was very active in promoting all
measures in the legislature tending to the advancement of the
state, and contributed very greatly to the passage of a bill
increasing two-fold the appropriations to the common schools.
This measure will make a reality of the hope entertained by
patriotic Virginians so long, of better pay for the teachers and
longer terms for the primary schools.
As a further evidence of his interest in public matters, Mr.
Thomas has in contemplation the publication of a work on
political economy. In this work he will attempt to show that
the principle of competition in producing a fair level of prices
has ceased to be applicable under modern conditions where the
private individual has to contend with great corporations vested
by the state with practically sovereign powers. To prevent
tyranny on the part of vast aggregations of capital, the power
which brought them to life must be invoked to control them.
Mr. Thomas will attempt to show that public monopoly must with
us, as in Australia, supersede private monopoly, and that this
economic truth is fully in accord with democratic principles.
As rapid transit and transmission extend the common interest.
so will the interference of government in business affairs become
more and more frequent.
As circumstances have had so large a share in Mr. Thomas'
life, his present success is a living proof of what can be accom-
plished even when one has never been in a position to devote one's
self to that which was mentally uppermost. The great stimulus
which has kept him up has been his innate desire to do his duty
as he saw it, to make the most of life and play all the part of
which he was capable. Mr. Thomas wisely says of " failures "
and " successes " that they have no real character and may provp
in the end the same things. The only real thing is the perform-
ance of present duty, leaving results to take care of themselves.
To the j^oung American who wishes some suggestions as to the
principles and methods of success he uses this language :
382 ALSEN FRANKLIN THOMAS
" Cultivate noble thoughts, encourage in your heart a deep faith
in the people, especially in their ability to govern themselves,
and strive to deserve their confidence. Be true, be noble, and
don't forget to be a hard worker."
Mr. Thomas is not a member of any church, but his reputa-
tion for charitable and Christian action is well established. He
is a good man and a thinker of a high order.
On June 19, 1889, Mr. Thomas married Miss Virgie Dick-
erson, and they have had eight children, of whom six are now
(1906) living.
His present address is Lynchburg, Virginia.
THE NIW T«I)K
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RICHARD BAYLOR TUNSTALL
TUNSTALL, RICHARD BAYLOR, was born in Norfolk,
Virginia, July 1, 1848, and his parents were Robert
Baylor Tunstall and Elizabeth Walke Williamson.
On his father's side, he comes from a family long resident in the
county of King and Queen, whose first representative, Richard
Tunstall, settled in that county about the middle of the seven-
teenth century. Richard Tunstall, probably the emigrant's
grandson, was a member of the house of burgesses in 1766, 1767,
1768, and a member of the county committee of safety in 1774,
and both he and his son, Richard Tunstall, Jr., were clerks of
King and Queen county. Robert Baylor Tunstall, the father of
the subject of this sketch, was a man of character and of a high
sense of duty, who practiced medicine for many years in the
city of Norfolk.
On his mother's side Mr. Tunstall comes of a family long
resident in the county of Henrico. She exerted a tender, loving
influence on his life, especially on his moral and spiritual being,
which was greatly strengthened by her teachings and example.
In his boyhood he was stout and sturdy and had a special taste
for athletic games, in which he excelled. He was educated at the
Norfolk academy and the schools taught by Rev. Robert Gate-
wood and William R. Gait, then attended the Virginia Military
institute from 1864 until April, 1865, and as a member of the
cadet battalion shared in the fight at New Market in May, 1864.
After the war he entered the University of Virginia, from which
he was graduated with the degree of Master of Arts in 1868.
The next year he taught at Norwood school, Nelson county.;
Virginia, and the following year he took law in the University
of Virginia under John B. Minor and S. O. Southall, and
graduated in July, 1870, with the degree of Bachelor of Law.
Thus well equipped for success in life, after reaching home he
began the active work of a lawyer, but remxoved to New York
city in November, 1871. Here he resided imtil 1883 as a
member of the firm of Kaufmann, Tunstall and Wagner, and
386 RICHARD BAYLOR TUNSTALL,
subsequently of the firm of Grimball and Tunstall. In 1883, he
returned to Norfolk, Virginia, and became a partner of Alfred
P. Thorn, Esq., under the firm name of Tunstall and Thorn.
This firm continued until January 1, 1900, when he entered into
a law partnership also with William H. T\niite, Esq., under the
firm name of White, Tunstall and Thorn. Mr. Tunstall is
esteemed as a fine lawyer and is general counsel of the Norfolk
Railway company, and division counsel of the Southern Railway
company, as well as consulting attorney of a number of othet*
corporations.
In politics, Mr. Tunstall is a Democrat, and has never
swerved from his party fealty except when William J. Bryan
was nominated on the platform of free silver. In that famous
contest Mr. Tunstall would not vote for the regular nominee,
but was an elector on the Palmer and Buckner ticket in 1896.
He is a member of various fraternities, societies and clubs — of
the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity; of the Norfolk and Portsmouth,
and the Virginia State Bar association, and of the Reform club,
of New York; the Norfolk County club; the Richmond club, at
Willoughby Beach, and the Virginia club, of Norfolk.
In religious preference he is an Episcopalian and has served
for a number of years as junior warden of St. Paul's church, in
Norfolk.
On December 18, 1878, he married Miss Isabel Mercein
Heiser, of New York city, and has had two children; Robert
Bavlor Tunstall, who is Master of Arts and Bachelor of Law of
the University of Virginia, and Cuthbert Tunstall.
His address is Norfolk. Virginia.
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RUDOLPH SAMUEL TURK
TUEK, KUDOLPH SAMUEL, lawyer and editor, was
born December 6, 1849, in the village of Middlebrook,
Augusta county, Virginia, and his parents were Rudolph
Turk and Annie E. Turk, whose maiden name was Robertson.
His ancestors on both his father's and mother's side were among
the first settlers of the Valley of Virginia. His great great-
grandfather, Robert Turk, settled on South river, about seven
miles north of the present town of Waynesboro, and obtained
from the Crown large grants of land, extending from the top of
the Blue Ridge westward beyond South river, including some
of the most fertile land in the valley. " Turk's Mountain '' and
'• Turk's Gap," which last was long a noted crossing of the Blue
Ridge, took his name and bears it now. The celebrated Crimora
Manganese mine, the largest of its kind discovered in this
countr}^, is on a part of this property and was described as the
" Ore Bank." The public road through '' Turk's Gap," which
Robert Turk vs^as mainly instrumental in locating, is still visible,
though almost totally abandoned by travelers.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the country
schools, and at a classical school established bv his father at
Mossy Creek, in Augusta county, and which was conducted by
Professor John H. Lecky, who becam.e afterwards a celebrated
teacher. In 1864, when he was just a little over fifteen years of
age, Mr. Turk joined the Confederate army, and was in the
battle of Piedmont, June 5, 1864, the only battle which occurred
in Augusta county. He afterwards served in the army near
Lynchburg, when General Hunter advanced against that city.
Though very youthful at this time, Mr. Turk was physically
taller than the ordinarv run of m.en. He comes of a race of
stalwart Virginians, who stand nearer seven feet than six feet in
height.
After the war he studied two sessions at Roanoke college,
Virginia, and in 1874, came to the university, where he studied
law under the celebrated Doctor John B. Minor, by whose teach-
390 RUDOLPH SAMUEL TURK
ings, and elegant example of finished scholarship and culture, he
was greatly benefited. In the fall of 1875, he located in Poca-
hontas county. West Virginia, and began the practice of the
law. Mr, Turk met with much success, and acquired so much
reputation and popularity that in a short time he was elected
prosecuting attorney for the county. He contrived to confirm
the good opinion thus favorably formed of him by the people,
and by successive reelections held the office for a period of eight
years.
In 1888, he sold out his interests in West Virginia and moved
to Wichita, Kansas, where he formed a partnership with William
H. Carlisle, eldest son of Hon. John G. Carlisle, the speaker
of the house of representatives, afterwards United States senator
from Kentucky, and later secretary of the treasury in President
Cleveland's cabinet. This partnershijD continued with success
till April, 1890, when the death of his father in Augusta county,
Virginia, occasioned another change in his plans. He returned
to Virginia, and in the summer of 1890 resumed the practice of
the law in Staunton, the capital of the county of his birth.
There he has resided ever since, and is one of the best known men
in that region of the country. In addition to his law practice,
which is lucrative and extensive, he is the editor of the " Staunton
Spectator," the oldest and most widely known newspaper in the
Valley of Virginia. Both as a lawyer and a journalist, he has
achieved success.
In politics Mr. Turk is a Democrat, who has been loyal to his
party, and in his religious opinions he prefers the doctrines of
the Episcopal church. He is warm-hearted, genial, and cordial
in his greetings, and is greatly beloved. He has never sought
political office, but he has served on state boards and in numerous
other public positions, and is at this time (1906) a member of
the board of the Western State hospital at Staunton, and by
virtue of this position, is a member of the board of hospitals for
the state at large. On December 17, 1879, he married Miss
Willie Cary, of Lewisburg, West Virginia.
Mr. Turk had two brothers who grew to manhood, and like
himself they were men of great height and imposing appearance.
The elder was J. Alexander Turk, who was a distinguished
RUDOLPH SAMUEL TURK 391
graduate in several departments of AVashington and Lee univer-
sity, and a valiant Confederate soldier. He served in Wickham's
brigade, Company E., 1st Virginia cavalry, and was twice
wounded. His other brother was the late William A. Turk, than
whom there were few men in the South more able or brilliant.
He had probably the largest circle of acquaintances and friends
of any railroad man south of the Potomac river. At the time of
his death, April 9, 1904, he was the passenger traffic manager of
the Southern Railway company.
Mr. Turk's address is Staunton, Virginia.
T«l. 2— Va.— 16
SAMUEL PEARMAN WADDILL
WADDILL, SAMUEL PEARMAN, was bom in Charles
City county, Virginia, December 15, 1852. The name
of his father was Edmund Waddill, and that of his
mother Mary L. Redwood. As to his ancestors, they were early
settlers in Virginia, who served to restore the waste places and
perform a useful part in building up the state. The grand-
father and great-grandfather of Mr. Waddill were like his father,
both named Edmund Waddill, and the Maynards and Christians
were connected with them by marriage. His father was one of
the most respected men in Charles City county, who for many
years held the offices of clerk of the county court, justice of the
peace, and commissioner of chancery. He was noted for his
generosity of heart and was remarkable for the close touch he
kept with the people, who would have done anything to serve
him.
His son, the subject of this sketch, enjoyed as a boy very good
health, and attended first " an old field school," kept by
Austin H. Ferguson, a scholar thoroughly versed in the " human-
ities " popular in that day.
The war came on with all its besetting difficulties, and when
the business of the courts was resumed, he was at the early age
of thirteen received into the clerk's office as assistant to his
father. While, therefore, he never attended the high school or
college, the clerk's office, from which radiated the life of the
county, and which was always the center of political discussion
and social gossip, had its educational training; and this was
eagerly taken advantage of by young Waddill. Work in the
clerk's office kept him also in contact with his father, who, there-
fore, naturally exerted great influence upon his character; and
it was fortunately so, as his mother died when he was very
young. In 1871 he removed to Richmond and entered the clerk's
office in Henrico county as deputy clerk. In 1874, when he was
only twenty-two, he was elected clerk, and for thirty-two years
he has continued in that office, to the general satisfaction of
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SAMUEL PEARMAN WADDILL 395
everybody. In this position he has proven himself a conserva-
tive and painstaking officer, and he is known to all as a man who
is always ready to sacrifice his time for his neighbor's good.
He is affable and polite, and has done so many little acts of
kindness to the people of Henrico that no one could defeat him
for the position he holds. In no better way could the people
have shown their appreciation of Mr. Waddill, both as a man and
as an officer, than by sending him as they did a delegate to the
great constitutional convention which met in 1901. In this body
Mr. Waddill performed a useful part, for his thorough knowl-
edge of the needs of society gained from a lifetime's experience
in the clerk's office was very useful to the members of the con-
vention. His information in the law since has been much ex-
tended by a course taken, in 1902, through the correspondence
school at Detroit.
Mr. Waddill has done a great deal of private reading, espec-
ially along the lines of history, law and general literature. As a
party man he is known as a Democrat of unswerving faith, and
is one of the most open defenders of the time-honored principles
of Jefferson. In his church connections Mr. Waddill is a Baptist,
who performs his religious obligations very faithfully. He is a.
regent of the Eoyal Arcanum, and a member of the Masonic
order. He finds relaxation from work in horseback riding and
fishing, of which he is very fond. To young Americans, who
ask for suggestions which may be of use in strengthening sound
ideals in future life, Mr. Waddill replies : " Shun evil com-
panions, be honest, faithful and sober; pay strict attention to the
work in hand and persevere in every task assigned."
On May 23, 1883, Mr. Waddill married Fannie Ellen Henley,
daughter of Joseph Temple Henley and Bettie Walker, of King
and Queen county, Virginia. He has had five children born to
him, of whom four, Emily Wright; J. Temple; Samuel P., Jr.,
and John Young, survive at this writing (1906).
Mr. Waddill's address is Twenty-second and Main Streets,
Richmond, Virginia.
ASA DICKINSON WATKINS
W ATKINS, ASA DICKINSON, state senator, was born
in Prince Edward county, Virginia, June 6, 1856, of a
family long and honorably identified with that old
county. Before his election to the senate, the subject of this
sketch held various offices in his county; among them, deputy
clerk of the courts, deputy treasurer, deputy sheriff, justice. of
the peace, commonwealth's attorney, and county judge. As
" Judge Watkins," he is well known to many people in the state.
Not the least of his public services is his activity as a member of
the board of trustees of the Farmville Normal school, in which
position he has helped no little to increase the efficiency of that
training school for teachers. As a member of the legislature.
Judge Watkins was always faithful to his obligations, attentive
to duty, conservative and cautious. He is always on the side of
public education, of public enlightenment. Besides his service to
the Farmville school, he serves on the board of the Normal and
Industrial school (for negroes) at Petersburg, and of Hampden-
Sydney college. At a glance it can be seen that he stands for
education.
After receiving his elementary training at the Farmville
(Virginia) high school, Mr. Watkins entered Hampden-Sidney
college. Circumstances beyond his control compelled him to
leave before graduation. After attending the summer law
school of the University of Virginia, he began the practice of law
in Farmville, Virginia, where he still resides. Judge Watkins'
father was Francis Nathaniel Watkins, a lawyer and banker,
characterized by intense interest in public affairs and by great love
for his fellow-man. Francis N. married Martha Ann Scott, a
lady of many excellent virtues which had no little to do with the
making of her son's character, and the formation of his ideas.
Henry E., the father of Francis N., was a member of the Vir-
ginia senate, and a captain in the War of 1812. Henry E.'s
father, Francis, came from Chesterfield county, and was county
ASA DICKINSON WATKINS 397
clerk for forty years. The first Watkins ancestor in America
was Edward, who came from Wales in the seventeenth century,
and settled in Henrico county, near Kichmond. There, the
family branched out, first to Powhatan county, then Chesterfield,
then Prince Edward.
Judge Asa D. Watkins' success in life is due to a combination
of manly self-reliance, industry, home influence, and high ideas.
Next to his father and mother, his grandfather greatly influenced
him. Then came the influence and the example of the late Philip
W. McKinney, governor of Virginia, a man of great force of
character and of lofty ideals.
In politics. Judge Watkins is a life long Democrat; in
religious preference, a Presbyterian.
Judge Watkins finds the true philosophy of life iii the
Golden Rule, plus habits of industry, economy and purity. He
is a typical representative of the noble civilization based upon
the Bible and the Westminster Confession, a civilization which
has made the county of Prince Edward the mother of many
noble sons, and has, in the Valley of Virginia, produced a sturdy
stock second to none in the commonwealth of Virginia.
Judge Watkins has sometimes been spoken of as a suitable
man to represent his district in congress. In one of the leading
papers of the state, he was referred to a few years ago as the
only Democrat that Republicans would not oppose. This meant
that his public career was so invulnerable that his opponents
could not collect enough material on which to base a canvass,
and that they would not put up a candidate in the event of his
being in the field.
As already said, Judge Watkins' family have long been
prominent in " Southside Virginia." His grandfather was one
of the most courtly, courteous and impressive men in Virginia, a
scholar, a gifted speaker, and a charming conversationalist.
After him, came a son. Judge F. N. Watkins, who worthily wore
the mantle of the father already described. As judge, lawyer,
banker, writer, host, old Virginia gentleman, Judge F. N.
Watkins was widely known and honored. Springing from such
ancestry, the subject of this sketch may well feel a lofty family
398 ASA DICKINSON WATKINS
pride, and find inspiration in the name and fame of his
progenitors.
September 2, 1886, Judge Watkins was married to Nannie
Elizabeth Forbes. They have had seven children, all of whom
are now (1906) living.
His address is Farmville, Virginia.
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NEWTON CLARK WATTS
WATTS, NEWTON CLARKE, was born near Waynes-
boro, Augusta county, Virginia, September 7, 1852.
His father, Wellington H. Watts, was a substantial
farmer of Augusta county, and a man of great energy and great
sociability. He neither held nor sought public office, but lived
the unobtrusive life of a private citizen, " remote from public
haunts," except the good old county courts, which few sturdy
farmers of Virginia could ever be paid to miss up to the time of
their abolishment by the constitution of 1902.
Newton C.'s mother was Mary Ann Fauver, one of the typi-
cal mothers of the great Valley of Virginia. Her influence upon
her son was very great. Upon both the intellectual and moral
sides of his life, she impressed her personality ; and it is largely
to her that Mr. Watts attributes his success in life and his use-
fulness as a citizen.
The subject of this article received his education in the pub-
lic schools of Augusta county. With this preparation, he entered
life as a farmer in his native county. We soon find him occupy-
ing the position of deputy sheriff; then deputy treasurer; then
sheriff (1891-1904). These political positions conferred upon
him by his fellow-citizens, he has filled creditably and satis-
factorily. His principal work, however, has been in the tele-
phone service. He has been general manager of the Staunton
Mutual Telephone company; of the Citizens Telegraph and
Telephone company, of Newport News; of the Clifton Forge
Mutual Telephone company, and the Lexington Mutual Tele-
phone company. He is president of the Long Distance Telephone
company of Virginia, and manager of the Southern Bell Tele-
phone company in the Valley of Virginia.
All this indicates a very "strenuous" life. It can clearly be
seen that Mr. Watts has made himself an adept in the telephone
service, and that he is, in that line, a great success. Probably no
man in Virginia has done more to bring the various parts of the
402 NEWTON CLARKE WATTS
state into close touch, and to facilitate rapid intercommunication
between the great centres of population and activity.
May 19, 1875, Mr. Watts was married to Bettie B. Bamhart.
They have had five children, of whom three are now (1906)
living.
Mr. Watts's address is Staunton, Virginia.
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LYMAN BROWN WHARTON
WHAETON, LYMAN BROWN, D. D., scholar and col-
lege professor, was bom in Liberty (now Bedford
City), Bedford county, Virginia, February 23, 1831.
His father was John Austin Wharton; his mother, Isabella
Brown. John A. was originally a lawyer, and served on the
county bench ; later in life, he entered the ministry, combining the
duties of that office with his work as a lawyer. He was a man
of great energy, moral courage, and a high sense of duty. Mrs.
Isabella Wharton was well qualified to be the wife of such a man.
Coming from good old Puritan New England stock, she was a
woman of great force of character and unusual intelligence, and
wielded immeasurable influence over her children. Reared in a
home presided over by such parents, Lyman Wharton knew a
boyhood happy and morally healthful.
The Whartons are a fine old English family. The Virginia
branch has a tradition that their emigrant ancestor fled from
England to escape the persecution of the Roundheads, who hated
him because he was a zealous royalist. On his mother's side.
Dr. AVharton is descended from the Browns, of old Puritan stock.
He represents the blended ideals of Cavalier and Puritan,
embodying in his character the best qualities of these two types
of civilization.
From early boyhood, Dr. Wharton was fond of books. His
early education was received at home from his mother, who
taught all the older children. In 1850, he entered the Univer-
sity of Virginia, where he remained two sessions, devoting him-
self assiduously to the study of ancient and modern languages,
his Greek professor being the famous Gessner Harrison. After
teaching a while, Dr. Wharton decided to enter the ministry.
He studied one session at the Virginia Theological seminary,
then privately, and was ordained by Bishop Johns in 1859. His
first parish was in Charlotte county, Virginia, where he served
for five years. In 1864, he entered the Confederate army as
406 LYMAN BROWN WHARTON
chaplain of the 59th Virginia regiment. After the war, he
accepted a call to the Episcopal church in Abingdon, Virginia.
Dr Wharton had always had scholarly instincts and an
ambition to be a man of letters. Accordingly in 1870 he accepted
a chair in the College of William and Mary, and taught zealously
until 1881, when the financial condition of the old college com-
pelled the professors to look elsewhere for a competent support.
From 1881 to 1888, Dr. Wharton taught in various places and
sometimes accepted charge of a parish. In 1888, when the
college was reopened with the assistance of the state, he was
elected professor of Latin, Greek, French, and German. In
1893, he was relieved of the three last named languages, and
made professor of Latin, enough for any one man. This posi-
tion he still occupies; and he is a most highly honored member
of the faculty of that noble institution, and one of its ripest
scholars.
Dr. Wharton is a member of the Masonic order and chap-
lain of his lodge. He is also a member of the famous Phi Beta
Kappa society, which has a distinguished chapter at William and
Mary college.
Dr. Wharton's advice to young Americans is : " Fix in the
mind high ideals, spiritual and intellectual rather than material
and ephemeral." This creed he follows faithfully in his own
life.
December 27, 1877, Dr. Wharton married Paulina S. Taylor,
of Richmond, Virginia. His home is in Williamsburg, opposite
the college campus.
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E. B. WHITE
WHITE, E. B., grain exporter, banker and farmer, was
born near Luray, Virginia, April 6, 1864. His parents
were Elijah Veirs and Sarah E. (Gott) TYhite. His
father has long been one of the leading men in Leesburg, and is
now president of the Peoples National bank, of that city. The
earliest known ancestor to locate in America was John White, who
emigrated from England in 1650, and was a direct descendant
of Thomas White, D. D., of St. Paul's, London.
E. B. White attended public schools until he was fifteen years
of age. He then entered St. John's Military academy, Alex-
andria, Virginia, from which institution he was graduated three
years later with the rank of first lieutenant. Immediately after
completing this course, he entered Bryant and Stratton's Busi-
ness college, Baltimore, Maryland, from which he was graduated
the following year. He then went to Leesburg, (to which place
his father had removed and engaged in farming after the War
between the States), and found employment with Messrs. White
and Wootten, extensive grain dealers in that place. He made
rapid progress, and in a few years was given control of all the
business of the comjoany on the line of the Southern railroad.
In a short time thereafter, he purchased this business of the firm.
This he conducted successfully for several years, but finding the
field too limited for his ambition, he removed to Baltimore, Marv-
land, in 1890, became a member of the chamber of commerce and
engaged in the exportation of grain. In 1892, he was elected
director of the chamber of commerce, but two years later he went
to St. Louis, Missouri, organized the E. B. White Grain company,
and continued the line of business in which he had previously
been engaged. His business increased with remarkable rapadity,
and in the year 1896, only six years after leaving his county, he
enjoyed the distinction of exporting twenty-six million bushels
of grain — a larger quantity than was sent abroad by any other
firm or corporation in the United States. In the same year, in
connection with Ex-Governor David R. Francis, he made a sue-
410 E. B. WHITE
cessful corner in July wheat in St. Louis, which brought him an
immense profit. In his brief business career, he had amassed an
independent fortune, but the strain of his immense business
proved too strong, and in 1897, failing health convinced him that
he must, in a short time, retire. By April 1898, he had given up
the grain business, purchased and removed to the Virginia estate
of the late Thomas Swann, of Maryland. Here he engaged in
farming on a large scale and has continued that occupation to the
present time (1906). He is largely engaged in raising Hackney
and Percheron horses, Shorthorn cattle, Shropshire sheep, and in
fruit growing. Since coming to the country, his health has
improved, but he says that he is about as busy on the farm as he
was in St. Louis.
Largely because of his father's opposition to such a course,
he has never taken an active part in politics, although he has
been repeatedly requested to do so by the party leaders of his
county. He is vice-president of the Peoples National bank, of
Leesburg, and a member of the Maryland club, of Baltimore,
and the Metropolitan club, of Washington, District of Columbia.
The address of Mr. ^Tiite is Selma Farm, Leesburg,
Virginia.
-— .— *ll
%
'*^Sfe
w
Ill''
St.
brou^
this he was .
Christian chara. . ... jf gr
found influencf" t her son.
The Whitey eaine from \\ a
caine from England,
have tr ad U
k(
df; in C
An uncle of Colonel \ . ntlv in thp, ^
and fought in the battle of Bladensburg.
Elijah V. White was sent to school in Limii, i>t
in Grandviile, Ohio. His first
when the slavery and anti-slavery
bloody conflicts. " was a co
Wliite, whose special tastes in d
danger and fi<>"htiTT'' H«^ took pnrt *
raid, and ».tv. ,,.,. '^^^^
private. In a shoi
lieutenant-colonel, ;
mand of a brigadfv
one of the best c;
of this battle he says :
file. During the day.
defeated each one in t
regiments must ha^-^
ninety men."
Though loving d ' is very
successful in criff of
Loudoun countv, V
ELIJAH VEIRS WHITE
WHITE, ELIJAH VEIRS, bank president, was born in
Montgomery county, Maryland, August 29, 1832, and
is the son of Stephen Newton and Mary Veirs White.
Stephen N. was a farmer, industrious, frugal, high-toned, and he
brought his son up with the noblest ideals of integrity. In all
this he was zealously supported by his wife, a woman of exalted
Christian character and of great intelligence, who exerted a pro-
found influence over her son.
The Whites came from Wales to America ; the Veirs family
came from England. Both sprang from vigorous stock, and
have transmitted to their descendants a love of adventure and a
keen sense of manly independence, qualities which are well
developed in Colonel Elijah V. White, the subject of this article.
An uncle of Colonel 'White served gallantly in the War of 1812,
and fought in the battle of Bladensburg.
Elijah V. White was sent to school in Lima, New York, and
in Grandville, Ohio. His first taste of real life was in Kansas,
when the slavery and anti-slavery parties were there engaged in
bloody conflicts. This was a congenial condition to Colonel
White, whose special tastes in childhood and youth were for
danger and fighting. He took part in checking the John Brown
raid, and two years later entered the Confederate army as a
private. In a short time he rose to the grades of captain and
lieutenant-colonel, and at the close of the war he was in com-
mand of a brigade. At Brandy Station, June 9, 1863, he made
one of the best cavalry fights of the war. In a brief description
of this battle he says : " My command numbered 259 rank and
file. During the day, we fought four different regiments and
defeated each one in turn, besides capturing the battery. These
regiments must have numbered 2,500 or 3,000 men and we lost
ninety men."
Though loving danger and adventure, Colonel White is very
successful in the pursuits of peace. He has been sheriff of
Loudoun county, Virginia, and has more than once been urged to
414 ELIJAH VEIRS WHITE
" run " for congress. At this time (1906), he is president of the
Peoples National bank, of Leesburg, Virginia.
In politics, Colonel White is a Democrat, and has never
swerved from the principles of his party. In religious matters,
he is an old school Baptist, and preaches regularly to brethren
of the same faith.
On being asked the philosophy of life and the best road to
success, he replied, " Honest devotion to an honest purpose."
This he recommends to young Americans anxious to succeed.
Colonel White has been twice married. His first wife was
Sarah E. Gott, daughter of Richard and Mary Gott, of Mont-
gomery county, Maryland; his second, Margaret B. Banes,
daughter of Thomas and Sarah H. Banes, of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, and sister of Colonel Charles H. Banes, who served
with great credit in the Northern army and wrote a " History of
the Philadelphia Brigade."
Colonel Wliite has had nine children, five of whom are now
living.
His address is Leesburg, Loudoun County, Virginia.
. V
ROBERT ENOCH WITHERS
WITHERS, ROBERT ENOCH, formerly lieutenant-
governor and United States senator, was born in
Campbell county, Virginia, September 18, 1821, and
is the son of Robert Walter and Susan Dabney (Alexander)
Withers. His father was by profession a physician, and prac-
ticed in Campbell county, Virginia. He was a man of unusual
intelligence and great piety. He sat on the old magistrate's
bench, and stood high among the justices of his county. Though
not a politician, he served for a while in the general assembly.
Dr. Withers' wife, Susan D., was a woman of great force of
character and earnest piety, and exerted a profound influence
upon her son.
The earliest American kinsman of Colonel R. E. Withers
was John Withers, who came from Lancashire, England, in the
latter part of the seventeenth century and settled in Stafford
county, Virginia, his will being recorded in that county in the
year 1698. Enoch Keane Withers served in the Revolutionary
war as adjutant of a Virginia regiment. The Witherses are a
fine, sturdy west of England family, and Lancashire is famous
for producing men of the John Bright and Gladstone type.
Since coming to America, the family has continued to produce
men of virile and able type, one of the most distinguished being
the subject of this article.
Robert E. Withers was born with a love for good books. In
his boyhood and youth, he was an omniverous reader, and found
delight in poetry, fiction, drama, and history. Along with this,
he took great pleasure in field sports, and thus built up a fine
physique, which has brought him to a vigorous old age. While
reading widely and somewhat desultorily, the boy was sent* to
private schools for classical instruction. With a good store of
general knowledge, supplemented by a plentiful supply of
cormnon sense, which is not altogether common, young Mr.
Withers entered the medical department of the University of
Virginia, to prepare himself to succeed his father in the
418 EGBERT ENOCH WITHERS
practice of medicine, a choice not of his own but rather
made to please his father, then failing in health. In 1841,
K. E. Withers was declared a doctor of medicine (M. D.) by the
University of Virginia. He entered upon the practice of
medicine as resident physician in the Baltimore almshouse in
the years 1842 and 1843. Thence he moved to his native county,
where he practiced for about fifteen years. When the war came
on. Doctor Withers offered his services to Virginia, was com-
missioned as major in the Virginia forces on April 24, 1861, and
soon was made colonel of the 18th Virginia regiment of infantry.
He served with his command in all the battles of the Army of
Northern Virginia until he was disabled by wounds. Being
incapacitated for field duty, he was put in charge of prisons and
hospitals in Danville, Virginia, where both his knowledge of
medicine and his experience as a soldier made his services very
valuable to the Confederacy. In this position of trust and
honor, the " surrender " found him.
It was at this time that Colonel Withers gave up the
practice of medicine. Shortly after the close of the war, he
founded the " Lynchburg News," which he edited with vigor
and ability for two 3^ears. Then he removed to Richmond and
edited the " Enquirer." In his editorial conduct of these papers,
Colonel Withers wielded a trenchant and vigorous pen, and did
no little towards crystallizing public opinion in regard to many
vital questions of that tempestuous era.
This was the period of reconstruction, which is considered
by the Southern people and by fair-minded historians, as darker
than the era of the war. The Underwood constitution, drawn up
by the " black and tan convention," was completed, and it was
proposed to submit it to the people for their ratification. If
this constitution had been accepted, Colonel Withers would have
been elected governor of Virginia. In spite of this fact, he took
the stump and went from the Atlantic ocean to the remote south-
west urging the people not to ratify the Underwood constitution.
This was one of the most famous canvasses ever made in Vir-
ginia.
Though Colonel Withers was the choice of the people for
ROBERT ENOCH WITHERS 419
governor, he withdrew in favor of Gilbert C. Walker, a Northern
man living in the state, as many thought that no native born
Virginian could be elected.
In 1873, Colonel Withers was a presidential elector. Jan-
nary 1, 1874, he became lieutenant-governor. In 1875, he entered
the United States senate, to represent the state of Virginia, now
fully restored to the Union. No more faithful senator ever
represented a state at the national capital. In 1885, Colonel
Withers was appointed United States consul at Hong Kong,
China, where he served faithfully until the change of adminis-
tration threw him out of office. Since 1889, Colonel Y/ithers has
taken little part in political affairs. He has never been what is
usually styled a politician, but rather a public man of a high
order, both as to character and as to ability. Before the war,
he was a Whig; the reconstruction measures of congress made
him a Democrat.
Colonel Withers has a statesmanlike mind and, under
favorable conditions, might have reflected honor upon a cabinet
position. In Virginia, he is regarded by many in the light of an
old Roman senator ; and his fame as a canvasser and a campaign
speaker will long endure.
In the midst of his busy activity. Colonel Withers has found
time for social relaxation and for mingling with his brethren.
Since early manhood, he has held membership in lodges, chapters,
commanderies, and encampments of Masonic bodies of both the
York and the Scottish rites. He has held all the subordinate
and all the supreme offices in these organizations, and also of the
grand encampment of the Knights Templar, having served
as grand master in this from 1883 to 1886.
In church matters. Colonel Withers has been no less promi-
nent and influential. For many years he has represented the
Wytheville Episcopalians in the diocesan councils, first of
Virginia, and, since 1892, of southern Virginia. One of the
first delegates to enter the building and one of the last to leave
the council, is Colonel Withers, of Wythe parish. His venerable
form and snow-white beard are familiar to all that attend the
meetings of the council of Southern Virginia. His voice is often
heard in debate; his opinion is often called for by the bishop.
Vol. 2— Va.— 17
420 ROBERT ENOCH WITHERS
In matters of canon law. Colonel Withers has hardly an equal
in southern Virginia. His earnestness in discharging his duties
to the church and her interests is one of the commanding
features of his character. For nearly forty years he has repre-
sented the Virginia Episcopalians in the general convention of
their church. In that gathering of distinguished churchmen,
Colonel Withers always commands attention and respect, his
opinions carrying great weight with men from many sections
of the country.
For some years, Colonel Withers was a member of the board
of regents of the Smithsonian institution, Washington, District
of Columbia, and, on the death of the famous Professor Joseph
Henry, whose funeral was made a national event. Colonel
Withers was one of the speakers selected by the Smithsonian
board to represent them at the funeral.
In conclusion, we may say that Colonel Withers is a typical
representative of the old Virginia gentleman. He belongs to
that class whose word was as good as their bond ; who paid their
debts at the rate of one hundred cents on the dollar ; who taught
their daughters to be modest and their sons to be truthful and
brave.
On February 3, 1846, Robert E. Withers married Mary
Virginia Eoyal, of Lynchburg, Virginia. They have had twelve
children, of whom nine are now (1906) living.
Colonel Withers' address is Wytheville, Virginia.
MICAJAH WOODS
WOODS, MICAJAH, was born May 17, 1844, at
" Holkham," in Albemarle county, Virginia. His
parents were Doctor John Rodes Woods and Sabina
Lewis Stuart. On both sides of his family he is descended from
Scotch-Irish ancestors. Plis first American progenitor on his
paternal side was Michael Woods, who, in 1737, received a patent
for a large tract of land in what was then Goochland county,
from which Albemarle county was formed in 1744. The wife
of Michael Woods was Mary Campbell, who belonged to the clan
of which the Duke of Argyle Avas the head. Michael Woods' son,
William Woods, the great-grandfather of Mica j ah Woods, was a
member of the legislature of Virginia from Albemarle county,
in 1798 and 1799, and his son Micajah was a member of the
Albemarle county court from 1815 to 1837, and high sheriff of
the county at the time of his death. Doctor John Rodes Woods,
the latter's son and the father of the subject of this sketch, was a
wealthy planter of Albemarle county and was for many years
considered the leading authority upon scientific agriculture and
stock-raising in Virginia. He was a man of general culture and
a thorough tj^pe of the old Virginia gentleman, truthful, resolute
and outspoken upon all subjects — social, political and moral.
He was greatly interested in the success of the University of
Virginia and served upon its board of visitors from 1865 to 1872.
Through his mother, who was a woman of rare character and
culture and exerted great influence upon his character, Micajah
Woods, the subject of this sketch, is descended from David
Stuart, county lieutenant of Augusta county from 1755 on for
several years, and is connected with the Lewises, Stuarts,
Prestons, Creighs, Eodeses, and other well known Virginia
families.
After the usual round in the elementary branches, he was, in
1855, sent to the Lewisburg academy, where he remained one year.
He then attended the Military academy in Charlottesville con-
422 MICAJAK WOODS
ducted by Colonel Joliii B. Strange, where he remained two
years, after which he studied two j^-ears at the Bloonifield acadeni}^
taught by Messrs. Brown and Tebbs. In 1861, he entered the
University of Virginia, but soon quit the academy shades for the
field of war. He first served, when barely seventeen years of age,
as a volunteer on the staff of General John B. Floyd in the West
Virginia campaign of 1861, and in 1862, as a private in the
" Albemarle Light Horse," in the Virginia cavalry, and after-
wards first-lieutenant in the Virginia State line; and in May,
1863, he was elected and commissioned first-lieutenant in Jackson's
battery of horse artillery. Army of Northern Virginia, in which
capacity he served till the close of the war.
Among the battles in which he participated were Carnifax
Ferry, Port Sepublic, Second Cold Harbor, New Market, Second
Manassas, Sharpsburg, Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Gettysburg.
At the close of the war he returned to the university, where he
first studied in the academic department for one year, and then
studied law, graduating in 1868, with the degree of Bachelor of
Law. He immediately opened an office for the practice of his
profession in Charlottesville, Virginia, and in 1870 was elected
commonwealth's attorney for the county, which position he has
filled for thirty-five years without having had opposition for the
nomination since 1873, and at the November, 1903, election he was
chosen for another term of four years, commencing January 1,
1904. During this long legal career as prosecuting attorney, he
has probably conducted more important prosecutions than any
lawyer in Virginia, the latest being the case of Commonwealth
vs. J. Samuel McCue, recently convicted of wife murder. In
1872 he was made a member of the board of visitors of the
University of Virginia, a position which he held for four years,
having been at the time of his appointment the youngest member
of that board ever selected. Mr. Woods is a Democrat, and, in
1880, he declined a unanimous nomination for congress tendered
him by the Democratic convention in the seventh congressional
district of Virginia. He was a m^ember of the presidential
electoral board which cast the vote of Virginia for Cleveland for
president. He has been chairman of the Democratic party in
Albemarle county, and was permanent chairman of the Virginia
Democratic convention which met in Staunton, in 1896, to elect
MICAJAH WOODS 423
delegates to tlie national convention. Man}^ of the leading
newspapers of the state have prominently mentioned him as a
suitable candidate for governor of the commonwealth, but he has
never allowed his name to be urged for that place.
In 1881, he was elected captain of the Monticello guards at
Charlottesville and commanded that famous old company at the
Yorktown celebration in October, 1881. In 1893, he was made
brigadier-general of the 2nd brigade of Virginia Confederate
veterans, which position he held until 1901, when he declined
reelection. He has also served a term as member of the Executive
committee of the Virginia State Bar association, and for two
\'ears he has been the president of the University of Virginia
Alumni association of Albemarle county. Mr. Woods is a man
of studious habits, but, is nevertheless sociable in disposition and
a delightful companion. Wliile at the university he was a mem-
ber of the Delta Psi fraternity. He is a Mason, a Knight
Templar, a member of the Mj^stic Shrine and a member of "The
History Committee of the Grand Camp of Confederate Veterans
of Virginia."
In religious preferences Mr. Woods is an Episcopalian, and
since 1895, he has served as a vestryman of Christ church in
Charlottesville.
On the organization of the " The Eed-Land club *' in Char-
lottesville— composed of the leading gentlemen of that section —
he was chosen as its first president in February, 1905, and was
unanimously reelected in February, 1906.
He has been a great reader of books, and among his favorite
authors are Shakespeare, Bulwer, Addison, and Macaulay. He
is also a good classical scholar, and is familiar with Virgil,
Tacitus, Sallust, Juvenal, Cornelius Nepos, Horace and Cicero.
When asked to review the experiences of his career for
the benefit of the young and to make some suggestions regard-
ing the best wa}^ to attain success, Mr. Woods replied :
" Be thorough." And, indeed, such has been this exemplary
man's principle of action through life. He has been a thorough
lawyer, a thorough student of books, and a thorough Virginian
in heart, soul and action. On the 9th of June, 1874, he married
Miss Matilda Minor Morris, daughter of the late Edward Watts
424 MICAJAH WOODS
Morris, Esq., of Hanover county, Virginia, and had five children:
Edward Morris, Sallie Stuart; Maud Coleman, who died in 1901;
Mary Watts, and Lettie Page Woods.
His present address is Charlottesville, Virginia.
THE NEW YORK
PUBIIC LIBKARY
>
ABTM; UEM9Z t
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AUGUSTUS WRIGHT
WRIGHT, AUGUSTUS, merchant, banker, of Peters-
burg, Virginia, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Ger-
many, on August 21, 1841, son of Jacob and Annie
Elizabeth Wright. Left fatherless in infancy, and, together with
an older sister, dependent upon a widowed mother during his
childhood, he was early confronted with the necessity of taking
up some sort of an occupation to assist in the support of the
family. After such education, therefore, as was afforded by the
common schools of his native village, he was, at the age of four-
teen, apprenticed to the trade of shoemaking.
In 1857, he came to this country with his mother and settled
in New Jersey, where he at once took up his trade and applied
himself to it with characteristic energy and industry. It was not
long before he made himself felt in the community, and even in
the early stages of his career he gave promise of larger successes
in the sphere of business organization and management. In 1868,
he removed to Petersburg, Virginia, and opened a retail shoe
store. His practical knowledge of the manufacture of footwear,
together with good judgment and skillful management, soon
increased the modest proportions of his first venture, and within
a half decade he added a jobbing department. As the business
grew in volume, his trade was extended into the neighboring
states, and latterly was confined exclusively to wholesaling
throughout the South. It is to-day one of the largest boot, shoe
and leather houses in this section of the country, and its sales
mount up to more than $1,000,000 annually.
In addition to his interests as a wholesale shoe and leather
merchant, Mr. Wright is president of the Virginia National bank,
of Petersburg; was formerly vice-president of the Petersburg
Banking and Trust company; is president of the Virginia
Consolidated Milling company; is second vice-president of the
Virginia Passenger and Power company; and has business or
directoral connections with a number of other enterprises.
Without the advantages of inherited means, or influential
428 AUGUSTUS WRIGHT
friends, or even a liberal education, he has achieved success in a
number of directions, and in no small degree, through singleness
of purpose, a determination to do the best that was in him, and
in the exercise of those rugged virtues of integrity and industry
which far excel in effectiveness many others of greater ostenta-
tion. Above all he is regarded as a man of sterling worth,
progressive spirit and high ideals, who earnestly desires the
intellectual and social betterment of his community. He is a
member of the city chamber of com-merce, an active member of
the Methodist church, and of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows.
On December 28, 1861, he married Mary E., daughter of
Gottlieb Srheerer. They have four sons and two daughters,
living in 19j6.
The address of Mr. Wright is Petersburg, Virginia.
'i^^^C^C-'-^;
JOHN CHANDLER WYSOR
WYSOK, JOHN CHANDLEE, M. D., surgeon-in-cliarge
of the Chesapeake and Ohio hospital at Clifton Forge,
Virginia, was born near Dublin, Pulaski county,
Virginia, May 12, 1854. His family name, as brought by ances-
tors of his father from Germany, was Weiser; and the Weiser
stock has numerous descendants in Pennsylvania, where the first
laiown immigrant to America of this name, coming from Grosse
Aspeh, settled about ITIO. One member of the family, Conrad
AVeiser, was a man of prominence in Pennsylvania before the
Revolution ; and during the troubled years from 1775 to 1790, by
reason of his influence over the Indians, he rendered most
valuable assistance to his fellow patriots in that struggle and
enjoyed the confidence and friendship of General Washington.
Henry Weiser, who upon coming to years of manhood determined
to spell his family name thereafter " Wysor," removed from
Pennsylvania to Virginia about 1750. He was enrolled among
Morgan's riflemen, and was among the six '• crack shots " of that
corps who were selected to do special picket duty which required
fine marksmanship. He was the great-grandfather of John
Chandler Wysor. His son, Captain Henry Wysor, commanded
a company in the War of 1812.
George Washington Wysor, son of Captain Henry Wysor,
and father of the subject of this sketch, was a farmer of sterling
integrity, who loved his home and his own kindred intensely, and
in whom this love of his own people led to a deep and passionate
feeling of patriotism toward the people of his state and his native
land. To an elder son, who in the fall of 18G3, advised him to
invest his Confederate money in " cotton, tobacco, coal, real estate,
and anything else which had intrinsic and continuous value," he
said : " That is good business, but it is not patriotic," and he
declined to take action which would reflect upon the credit of the
state and the Confederacv. After the surrender of both Lee and
Johnston, although an old man, he volunteered to go to the
Trans-Mississippi Region, to " fight it out to the last ditch."
432 JOHN CHANDLER WYSOR
He never held public office, and never sought it. Trusted by his
neighbors, he was made administrator of several estates, perform-
ing his duties admirably and to the profit of those in whose
interest he had been entrusted with the administratorship. His
maternal ancestors were of mingled Irish, Scotch, and French
blood; and his mother's family name, Charlton, is that of many
well-known citizens of Virginia and other states. He married
Margaret Ann Miller, who was also descended from German,
English, and French Huguenot stock.
In his boyhood, John Chandler Wysor lived on the farm,
and in out-of-door country life knew the tastes and interests of
the country boy of Virginia. He was particularly fond of hunt-
ing; and during his later life he has found relaxation and health
in that amusement. His father, " himself a worker, hated lazi-
ness and made workers of all his household." The share of
family work which fell to the younger son, John, had to do
especially with the care of the cows which furnished milk for
the home; and in field and forest he worked beside his father,
and with the negro slaves, before and during the war; and he
learned to manage the colored labor of the freedmen after 1865,
and was busied in such employments when he was not engaged in
school.
Offered an opportunity to read and study medicine in the
office and under the instruction of his father's family physician,
Dr. J. L. Stearnes, he was by this offer confirmed in the choice
of a life-work to which before he felt strongly inclined.
During the years which immediately followed the Civil war,
"lack of cash was prevalent in Virginia;" and, in common with
almost all the young people whose education was obtained during
the years while so much of sacrifice and labor were required to
restore social institutions and repair the waste and loss of war,
resort was had to many makeshifts which would seem hardships
to the young people of to-day. Amid such conditions he fitted
himself to enter the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Balti-
more, Maryland, where he completed a two-years' course of study
extending from 1876 to 1878. In the year last named, he was
graduated from that institution with the degree of M. D. Later
in his professional life, in 1887-88-89 and 1895-96, he took full or
JOHN CHANDLER WYSOR 433
partial courses of lectures and clinics in New York city, at the
New York Polyclinic.
He began the practice of medicine at Christiansburg Depot,
Virginia, in May, 1878. In August of the same year, he went to
southern Minnesota, where he remained for two years. He then
located at Radford, Virginia, and in February, 1882, removed to
the coal fields in the Kanawha valley, West Virginia, where he
practiced until the fall of 1897, when he removed to his present
location at Clifton Forge, Virginia.
From the beginning he devoted himself particularly to
surgery; and his most successful work has been in abdominal
surgery. From 1890 to 1897, he was the local surgeon of the
Chesapeake and Ohio railroad at Montgomery, West Virginia,
and on December 1, 1897, he was made surgeon-in-charge of the
Chesapeake and Ohio hospital at Clifton Forge, Virginia — a posi-
tion which he still retains.
As a physician in general practice, as a surgeon known
through a wide section of the state, and as medical adviser and
surgeon for a considerable body of railroad men, as well as in his
duties in charge of the hospital, he has endeared himself to many
who owe him a debt of gratitude for his professional services;
and he has won the confidence and respect of the citizens of his
community and his state.
Dr. Wysor is a Mason, a Knight Templar, a Noble of the
Mystic Shrine, and a Knight of Pythias. In his political con-
victions he has always been identified with the Democratic party.
He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and for some twenty
years he has been a ruling elder in that church.
On August 27, 1884, Dr. Wysor married Alice Eugenia Pugh.
They have had three children, two of whom are living in 1906.
Dr. Wysor has contributed numerous articles to medical
journals. His favorite relaxation he has found in hunting.
Asked to offer some advice which would contribute to the
strengthening of sound ideals in American life and help young
men to attain true success, Dr. Wysor replies in a sentence from
the well-known evangelistic preacher, the Rev. Sam Jones : " Let
them stop their meanness, and be good."
His address is Clifton Forge, Virginia.
ROBERT DAVID YANCEY
YANCEY, EGBERT DAVIS, was born in the city of
Lynchburg, Virginia, September 15, 1855. His father
was William T. Yancey, a prominent lawyer of Lynch-
burg, who filled with distinction and ability the positions of
commonwealth's attorney and many times a delegate in the
general assembly of Virginia. Mr. Yancey's mother was Lucy
E. Davis, daughter of Henry Davis, who was a first cousin of
that brilliant young Major-General Robert Emmet Rodes, of the
Confederacy, who under Stonewall Jackson, led the flank move-
ment against General Hooker at Chancellorsville, Virginia, and
was afterwards killed in battle at Winchester, Virginia, September
19, 1864. On his father's side he is of English stock. His great
grandfather. Captain Robert Yancey, for whom he was partly
named, was a captain in the Revolutionary war, a member of
Washington's military famil}^, and his son, Joel Yancey, was a
major in the War of 1812, an intimate friend of Thomas Jefferson,
and owned and lived on an adjoining farm. The grandfather of
Robert Davis Yancey, on the maternal side, was Henry Davis,
who married a Miss Anthony, a member of a very gifted family,
through whom the subject of this sketch is kin to many distin-
guished people in Virginia, and the West and the North. On his
mother's side, Mr. Yance5^'s ancestr}^ is Welsh.
He grew up in the city of his nativltj^, with a vigorous
physique, and with the liking of the average boy for such out-
door sports as hunting and riding. He had no set tasks to
perform in his youth, beyond his school work, but was full of
energy and fond of work, and at that time was particularly
interested m the work of a mechanic. He attended the local
schools of Lj^nchburg, until he became old enough to enter the
Virginia Military institute at Lexington, where he remained for
four years, and from which he graduated in the class of 1875.
For a while he engaged in the work of a civil engineer ; and in the
fall of 1875, he entered the law department of the University of
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ROBERT DAVIS YANCEY 437
Virginia under Professors John B. Minor and Steplien O.
Southall, and graduated in 1877. with the degree of Bachelor of
Law.
Upon the completion of his law course, Mr. Yancey began
the practice of law in Lynchburg, where he has continued to the
present time (1906) in the pursuit of his profession, with distinc-
tion and success. In the meantime, he has been honored by his
fellow citizens with prominent positions of dignity, and respon-
sibility. He was m^ayor of Lynchburg for two terms, from 1890
to 1892 and from 1892 to 1894. At the close of his second term
as maj^or, he was elected in 1894 commonwealth's attorney for the
city of Lynchburg, a position which he has since continuously
filled for six successive terms of two years each; and under the
new provision of law extending the term, he has again, in 190v^>,
been reelected commonwealth's attorney for a further term of
four years.
In June, 1888, Mr. Yancey delivered a notable address at the
commencement exercises of the Virginia Military institute. His
subject was " The Possibilities of the ^ew South, and Virginia
Especially, under an Improved Technical Education directed to
the Arts of Manufacture." This address contained a description
of the different sections of the state, with an account of their
natural resources and showed a clear comprehension of the con-
dition and needs of the commonwealth. Mr. Yancey advanced
cogent reasons for the diversification of industries and strongly
favored a technical education for young men. He recounted
many of " The achievements of science as applied to the indus
tries of to-day," and impressed upon his hearers the value of
practical application of scientific knowledge in the cultivation of
the soil and the great field of manufactures. He gave ample
praise to the eminent Virginians of the past but warned his
hearers that " the past is behind us " and that if the glory of the
state is to be maintained, the men of the present must be faithful
and strong. And as a note of encouragement he said : " We have
the same people, of the same stock, with the same abilities as in
the past."
Mr. Yancey has served for many years in the state volunteer
military organization, in which he has taken a great interest.
438 ROBERT DAVIS YANCEY
During a period of ten years, he filled various commissioned and
non-commissioned offices, and was for seven years a captain. In
1887 and in 1889, under the respective state administrations of
Governors Charles T. O'Ferrall and Fitzhugh Lee, he was colonel
in full command of all the state troops, infantry, artillery, and
cavalry that were sent to the coal fields in the southwestern part
of the state, to preserve order during the strikes in those years —
a position the duties of which he discharged with great firmness,
tact, and ability.
Mr. Yancey is a member of the Masonic order, of the Knights
of Pythias, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the
Order of Elks, and has filled several times the various chairs in
the Pythians, Odd Fellows, and Elks. His principal relaxation
is found in outdoor sports, especially hunting and fishing, and
he is generally regarded as one of the very best field shots in the
section in which he lives.
Mr. Yancey is a member of the EjDiscopal church. In his
political beliefs he is an old line Democrat, but he strongly
opposes the extreme views of Mr. Hearst and his followers.
His address is Number 1502 Grace Street, Lynchburg,
Virginia.
List of Full Page Portraits
VOLUME 11.
FACING PAGE
Alexander, John H 3
Allen, AVilliam E 6
Anderson, Charles J 13
Anderson, William E 17
Ayers, Rufus a 23
Barker, Oscar B 28
Barker, William C 32
Barron, Robert P 36
Bramblitt, William H. . . 40
Branch, John P 44
Caldwell, Charles R 54
Carter, George L 62
Christian, Langdon T. . . . 68
Churchman, John W. ... 72
CoLONNA, Charles J 76
Craddock, John W 83
Curry, Charles 89
Dew, John G 92
Downing, Henry H 96
DuNLOP, John T 105
DuNSMORE, James G 109
Eberly, Jacob W 113
FiSHBURNE, James A 114
Gardner, William H 123
Gilliam, James R 127
Godwin, Isaac R 130
GoocH, Garrett G 134
Graham, Samuel C 138
Gru^ter, Jacob S 144
Halsey, Don P 151
Hamilton, Alexander. . . . 154
Harman, Asher W., Jr. . . 165
Harman, Frank P 169
Henkel, Haller H 179
FACING PAGE
Heth, Stockton 183
Hunt, Gilbert J 187
Hutcpiison, Westwood... 191
James, Robert G 194
Jeffress, Thomas F 198
Johnston, James D., Jr.. . 202
Jones, Hampton S 206
Jordan, William 1 215
Kable, William H 219
Keister, Bitti^e C 222
Kelley, Samuel L 231
Krise, Albert E 234
Krise, Philip A 238
Lawless, Joseph T 242
Lewis, William H 253
McAllister, William M. . 256
Machen, Lewis H 264
Martin, Alvah H 268
Mathews, William G. . . . 272
MiCHiE, Henry C 276
Nash, Herbert M 280
Newman, Edgar D 287
Noel, John C 291
OuLD, Eugene 295
Page, Rosewell 300
Plaster, George E 307
Pole, Henry S 310
Post, Walter A 314
Preston, David A 321
Quarles, Julian M 325
RiNEHART, William A. . . . 328
Sale, William W 341
Sands, Oliver J 344
Smith, Henry M. 353
440
LIST OF FULL PAGE PORTKAITS
FACING PAGE
Smoot, William B 357
Starke, Ashton 361
Stone, Ormond 364
Taber, George A 371
Terry, Thaddeus McG 374
Tunstall, Richard B 385
Turk, Rudolph S 389
Waddill, Samuel P 392
FACING PAGE
Watts, Newton C 401
Wharton, Lyman B 405
W^HiTE, E. B 409
White, Elijah V 413
Withers, Robert E 417
Yf right, Augustus 427
Wysor, John C 431
Yancey, Robert D 434
Index of Biographies
VOLUME n.
PAGE
Alexander, John H 3
Allen, William E 6
Anderson, Charles J 13
Anderson, William E IT
AxTELL, Decatur 19
Ayers, Kurus A 23
Barker, Oscar B 28
Barker, William C 32
Barron, Kobert P 36
Bramblitt, William H. . . 40
Branch, John P 44
Burks, IVIartin P 61
Caldwell, Charles R 54
Card WELL, Richard H 59
Carter, George L 62
Christian, Langdon T 68
Churchman, John W 72
CoLONNA, Charles J 76
Craddock, John W 83
Curry, Charles 89
Deav, John G 92
Downing, Henry H 96
Duke, Richard T. W., Jr. . 100
DuNLOP, John T 105
Dunsmore, James G 109
Eberly, Jacob W 113
Fishburne, James A 114
Flood, Henry D 118
Gardner, William H 123
Gilliam, James R 127
Godwin, Isaac R 130
GoocH, Garrett G 134
Graham, Samuel C 138
Gruver, Jacob S 144
FAGB
E[alsey, Don P 151
Hamilton, Alexander 154
Hardy, Caldwell 160
Harman, Asher W., Jr. . . 165
Harman, Frank P 169
Harrison, George M 172
Harrison, Thomas W 174
Henkel, Haller H 179
HJETH, Stockton 183
Hunt, Gilbert J 187
Hutchison, Westwood. . .. 191
James, Robert G 194
Jeffress, Thomas F 198
Johnston, James D., Jr.. . 202
Jones, Hampton S 206
Jordan, William 1 215
Kable, William H 219
Keister, Bittle C 222
Keith, James 227
Kelley, Samuel L 231
Krise, Albert E 234
Krise, Philip A 238
Lawless, Joseph T 242
Lewis, Lunsford L 247
Lewis, William H 253
McAllister, William M. . . 256
McCarthy, Carlton 261
Machen, Lewis H 264
Martin, Alvah H 268
Mathews, William G 272
MicHiE, Henry C 276
Nash, Herbert M 280
Newman, Edgar D 287
Noel, John C 291
442
INDEX OF BIOGRAPHIES
PAGE
OuLD, Eugene 295
Page, James M 297
Page, Eosewell 300
Plaster, George E 307
Pole, Henry S 310
Post, Walter A 314
Preston, David A 321
Quarles, Julian M 325
EiNEHART, William A 328
EixEY, John F 332
EoBERTSON, William G.. . . 334
Eyan, John F 337
Sale, William W 341
Sands, Olr^er J 344
Slemp, Campbell 349
Smith, Henry M 353
Smoot, William B 357
Starke, Ashton 361
PAGE
Stone, Ormond 364
Taber, George A 371
Terry, Thaddeus McG 374
Thomas, Alsen F 378
TUNSTALL, ElCHARD B 385
Turk, Eudolph S 389
Waddill, Samuel P 392
Watkins, Asa D 396
Watts, Newton C 401
Wharton, Lyman B 405
White, E. B 409
White, Elijah V 413
Withers, Egbert E 417
Woods, Micajah 421
Wright, Augustus 427
Wysor, John C 431
Yancey, Eobert D 434
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JUL 1 0 1989