University of Virginia Library

TIPTON T. FISHBURNE

Tipton T. Fishburne, the subject of this sketch, was
born November 20th, 1849, at Warm Hollow, Franklin
County, Virginia, being the seventh son of Samuel
and Frances T. Fishburne,
and one of a
family of twelve children,
nine sons and three
daughters.

His father was a prominent
farmer and merchant
of the period,
and his habits of life
were methodical and
orderly to a high degree.
He was of German extraction,
systematic and
economical in the conduct
of his affairs, and
inculcated the habit
of strict integrity
among his children.
His mother was a native
of Virginia, of English
descent, and possessed among other qualities of mind
and heart, a spirit of energy and a devotion to principle,
which have been transmitted to her children.

Mr. Fishburne's early home training was founded
upon broad lines of morality and religious devotion, and
the lessons then received, during the formative period
of his character, have been of the highest value throughout
his long and successful business career.

When he attained the age of seven, his early education
was begun at one of the "old field schools," so
known on account of the buildings being usually located,
for the purpose of economy, in a deserted field.

Later he entered Oakgrove Seminary, a private
school, making excellent progress, and acquiring a good
common school education.

This school was superior in many respects to most of
the schools of its day and time, strict discipline being
maintained and educational advantages of an unusual
character afforded its pupils.

During the latter part of the Civil War, this school
was discontinued, but Mr. Fishburne pursued his
studies and obtained a general knowledge of the common
school branches as well as a knowledge of general
business methods and accounting.

On February 11th, 1868, although not yet nineteen
years of age, he left home, after receiving the consent
of his parents, and journeyed to Big Lick, where he
entered the employ of Ferguson and Gambill, who conducted
a general store. This place of business was on
the west side of Commerce Street, where at that time
stood the principal business houses of Big Lick, and
was one of the leading mercantile establishments of