University of Virginia Library

PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY.

EUGENE S. ARNETT

Was born at Brooklyn, Halifax county, Virginia, on January 30,
1847. He is the son of W. W. Arnett, a Virginian by birth, now a
resident of Saline county, Missouri, and Martha A. Strickland, now
deceased. He had an elder brother in the Confederate States Army,
W. W. Arnett., jr. The first wife of Mr. Arnett was Sallie A. Hatchett,
who died on July 25, 1880, leaving him one son, Willie P., born
December 14, 1872. He married secondly Miss M. H. Dixon, of Pittsylvania
county, their marriage solemnized December 6, 1881. Their
children are two sons: Eugene W. and Alvah H. Mr. Arnett received
a common school education in his native county, and came to Danville
where he began business at the age of 22 years, in 1869, as leaf
tobacco dealer. From 1876 to 1886 he was connected with the firms
of Arnett & Wemple, and Arnett, Wemple & Ellyson. On January 1,

1886, the firm as last named was dissolved, and Mr. Arnett entered
into his present copartnership relation, in the firm of Arnett, Snellings
& Co., proprietors of the Martha Washington Tobacco Works, High
street, Danville. The facilities of the firm, and their volume of business,
are second to no similar house in the United States. For the
past five years Mr. Arnett has been a member of the city council of
Danville.

CHARLES A. BALLOU.

As the name indicates, the subject of this sketch is a descendant of
one of the Huguenot families who escaped from religious persecution in
France by emigration to America, and founded a line in Virginia. His
father, also named Charles A. Ballou, was born in Cumberland county,
Virginia, and his mother, Rebecca A. Medley, was born in Halifax
county, this State. Both are now deceased, the father's death occurring
in 1865, in his 73d year. The subject of this sketch was born in Halifax
county, December 4, 1833. He has been twice married and has six
children living. His first marriage was solemnized at McMinnville,
Tennessee, where on February 2, 1859, Mary G. Tate of Roanoke
county, Virginia, became his wife. She died in 1866, leaving him two
daughters, Kate P. and Mary G. He married secondly Annie P. Talley
of Clarksville, Virginia, who died in January, 1885. Their children
were: Natilie, Charles A., jr., James E. and N. Talley, and two daughters
now dead, Sallie T. and Alice R.

James E. Ballou, brother of Charles A., serving in the Confederate
States Army, was killed at Balls Bluff. Charles A. was in service, 18645,
in the quartermaster's department. His early school years were
passed in Halifax county, and his education completed at the Washington
and Lee University. In 1856 he accepted position as civil engineer
on the M. C. & T. R. R., and except for the time he was in military
service he followed this profession on various railroads until he made
his home in Danville, in 1873. Since that time he has been city civil
engineer, and is still serving in that capacity. He has also ably filled
other city offices: Superintendent of water works, superintendent of
electric lights, superintendent of gas works, etc.

LANDON CARTER BERKELEY, JR.

Was born at "Auburn," in the county of Westmoreland, Virginia.
His father is Landon C. Berkeley, born in Hanover county, Virginia,
November, 1818, represented the counties of Westmoreland and Richmond
in the Virginia legislature some years, served as lieutenant in the
15th Virginia Infantry, C. S. A., now living in Hanover county. Lewis

Berkeley, of "MonTont," Hanover county, was the grandfather of
Landon Carter. His mother was Miss Sarah A. Campbell, born at
"Kirnon," Westmoreland county, June 24, 1820, died at "MonTont,"
November 21, 1885. She was the daughter of John Campbell, a son of
Rev. Archibald Campbell, of Scotland. At Fork Church, Hanover
county, Virginia, September 8, 1880, Rev. R. R. Claiborne officiating,
Landon Carter Berkeley, jr., wedded Annie Poe Harrison, who was born
at "Dewberry," Hanover county, September 9th, 1856. They have two
children, Harrison Campbell and Annie Churchill. Mrs. Berkeley is the
daughter of John Poe Harrison, who held commissions of captain and
colonel in the Confederate States Army, and died in service in the fall of
1861. Her mother, Nanny, daughter of Rev. John Cook of "Dewberry,"
Hanover county, lives now in Danville.

After completing his school course, the subject of this sketch was four
years a teacher in the Episcopal High School, near Alexandria, Virginia.
He studied law privately, and in the summer law school of the University
of Virginia in 1874, and commenced the practice of law at Danville,
in 1876, where he has resided and continued in practice ever since.
John L. Berkeley, a soldier of the late war and a member of the
hanover Artillery, brother of Mr. Berkeley, was wounded in battle of
Cold Harbor, gunshot wound in right hip, June 3d, 1864. He is now
principal of the Danville white free school.

EDWIN E. BOULDIN,

Son of James W. Bouldin, of Charlotte county, Virginia, and Almeria
(Read) Bouldin, was born in Charlotte county, on March 31, 1838.
Both parents are now deceased. The father will be remembered as
having served several terms in Congress, representative from the
Charlotte District. The mother was the daughter of Rev. Clement R.
Read. After pursuing the academic course of study in the University
of Virginia, Edwin E. studied law under George W. Read, Esq., 18578,
then went to Texas, and practiced at Goliad from 1859 till the
opening of the war. Hastening back to Virginia, to offer his services
to his native State, he entered the Confederate Army in April, 1861,
in Company B, 14th Virginia Cavalry, known as the "Charlotte Cavalry."
In September, 1861, he was commissioned first lieutenant of
this company, and in the spring of 1862 elected captain of same. He
was slightly wounded in battle of Gettysburg, on which immortal field
he commanded his regiment, and was soon after very seriously
wounded at the crossing of the Potomac, near Hagerstown. He was
captured in battle of Moorfield, 1864, and held at Camp Chase,
Ohio, eight months. Exchanged in 1865, he rejoined his regiment,

which he commanded from Five Forks until its surrender at Farmville,
Virginia. Since the war, he has lived in Danville, where he is still
engaged in the practice of his profession, as attorney and counselor
at law. At Charlotte, Virginia, on February 9, 1871, he married
Lucy L. Edmunds of Charlotte, and their children are seven: James W.,
Bessie E., Joseph N., Almeria K., Lucy L., Fannie H. and Hattie.

COL. GEORGE C. CABELL.

The illustrious Cabell family was among the earliest seated in the
colony of Virginia, and the name has ever maintained its rank among
the first families of the Commonwealth. The descent of the subject of
this sketch is thus traced: William Cabell settled in Buckingham
county, where he was succeeded by his son Joseph, and he by Joseph
who was the father of Benjamin W. S. Cabell, father of George C.
Benjamin W. S. Cabell, born in Buckingham county, died in Danville
in March, 1862, was an officer of the war of 1812, and afterwards
attained the rank of major general of State troops. He served from
fifteen to twenty years in the Senate and House of Delegates of Virginia,
and was a member of the famous Convention of Virginia of 1829-30.
The mother of Colonel Cabell, Sallie E. Dosewell of Nottoway county,
Virginia, died in Danville, in August, 1874.

In Brunswick county, Virginia, October 25, 1860, Colonel Cabell
married Mary H. Baird of that county, Rev. Geo. Wm. White officiating
clergyman. Their children are: Sallie D., now Mrs. L. H. Lewis; Annie
A., now Mrs. G. S. Wooding; Benjamin W. S.; George C. jr., and
Powhatan A. Mrs. Cabell is the daughter of Henry R. Baird, who was
reared in Person county, North Carolina, and died a resident of Brunswick
county, Virginia, in April, 1887. Her mother, Ann P. Atkinson,
born in Halifax county, Virginia, died in Danville, in 1862.

George C. Cabell was born in Danville, January 25, 1837, and has
lived in or near Danville all his life, living now within fifty yards of the
spot where he was born. His academic education was received in Danville,
after which he took the law course in the University of Virginia.
He commenced practice in Danville in 1858, and was attorney for the
Commonwealth for the town of Danville four years; representative in
Congress twelve years. His rank was won by gallant service in the
Confederate States Army. He went into the war on April 27, 1861,
and served till its close, receiving successive promotions from private
to captain, major, colonel. He had five brothers, all in service, and
commissioned officers, captains, colonels and one major-general. Two
of these gave their life to the cause: Col. Jos. R. Cabell, killed at Drurys
Bluff; Lieut. Benj. E. Cabell, died in service. Colonel Cabell is still
engaged in practice in Danville.

JOHN R. CABELL, M. D.

The name of Cabell is one of frequent mention in the pages of Virginia
and Virginians, many of the name having been closely associated with
the history of the Commonwealth. The subject of this sketch was born
in Danville, and is the son of Benjamin W. S. Cabell, who was born in
Buckingham county, Virginia, and who died in 1862, aged 69 years.
Dr. Cabell's mother was Sarah E. Dosewell, born in Nottoway county,
Virginia, died in 1874. In early youth Dr. Cabell attended the schools
in Danville, after which he took the course of the Virginia Military
Institute, whence he was graduated in 1845. He taught school in
Pittsylvania county two years, then studied medicine under Dr. W. G.
Craighead of Danville and completed his studies for practice of medicine
at the Virginia University, where he graduated with honors. He was
in practice for about thirty years at Callands, Pittsylvania county, but
in 1886 returned to Danville, and went into the tobacco warehouse
business, under the firm name and style of Cabell & Coleman, proprietors
of the Cabell Warehouse, dealers in leaf tobacco. He entered the
Confederate States Army in April, 1861, and served with rank of captain,
Company B, 38th Virginia Infantry, until January, 1863, when
he resigned. In 1849, he married Martha C. Wilson of Pittsylvania
county, who died in 1858. Secondly he married Catherine F. Witcher.
He has four children: Lilly, W. C., N. W. and Mary.

JOHN W. CARTER

Was born in Halifax county, Virginia, on March 25, 1851, and was
educated in the schools of that county, beginning his business life in
1873. He is the son of Captain Jeduthan Carter, born in Pittsylvania
county sixty-seven years ago, and who commanded Company F, of the
38th Virginia Infantry, C. S. A., during the late war. His mother,
whose maiden name was Ann Hubbard, died on June 8, 1874. His
wife was Maggie A., daughter of Frank and Annie E. (Watson) Redd,
of Prince Edward county, Virginia. They were married in Danville,
December 3, 1879, and have now three sons: Warner P., J. Epps, and
John W., jr. In 1873 Mr. Carter clerked for W. P. Robinson, of Danville;
from 1874 to 1878 was with John F. Rison & Co., Danville; then
went into business with W. P. Hodnet, style of firm Hodnet & Carter;
from 1880 to 1885 was in business alone, and in the last-named year
organized the first wholesale grocery house in Danville, which he still
continues, under the firm style of John W. Carter & Co., wholesale
grocers, and jobbers of manufactured tobacco and cigars, 304 Main
street. Mr. Carter is also connected with S. P. Wimbish & Co., brokers
and commission merchants.

CHARLES H. CONRAD

Was born at Barboursville, Orange county, Virginia, on September 22,
1849. His parents were Virginians. J. M. Conrad, his father, born in
Rockingham county, died August 23, 1881, at age of sixty-six
years. His mother, whose maiden name was Sarah C. Sneed, was born
in Albemarle county, and died January 9, 1877, aged fifty-two years.
William Conrad, his brother, was four years in service, Otey's Battery,
C. S. A. The subject of this sketch, although then but a lad, had also
his war experience. He was taken a prisoner, at age of fourteen
years, at Chester Station, Virginia, on May 9, 1864, by Gen. Benj. F.
Butler, and after a thorough march through that general's army was
held by him three months at Fortress Monroe, then regularly
exchanged as a prisoner of war. Mr. Conrad in reviewing this experience
says that General Butler was particularly kind to him, supplying
his every want, and offering to adopt and educate him, if he would
consent. An occasional correspondence between the two was kept up,
after the war, and they met at the Democratic National Convention,
held in Chicago in 1884, where there was a mutual recognition and
conversation concerning their war experiences.

Mr. Conrad received a common school education in the city of Richmond.
At the age of twenty-one years he began business in Danville,
as a leaf tobacco dealer, in which he still continues, senior member of
the firm of Chas. H. Conrad & Co. In December, 1886, he bought Mr.
A. Y. Stokes' interest in the banking business of W. S. Patton, Sons &
Co., which he still holds, the business still conducted under the same
firm name. At Danville, November 8, 1876, Rev. G. W. Dame officiating,
he married Mary Parker Holland, daughter of John W. Holland,
now of Danville, born in Franklin county, Virginia. Her mother, who
was Mary L. Rosser, born in Culpeper county, Virginia, died February
18, 1887. Louise, born August 11, 1877, died July 16, 1878, was the
first of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad. They have four
daughters: Lucile, Lizzie, Grace and Myrtle, and one son, Holland.
Mr. Conrad is one of the councilmen of the city of Danville at the present
time.

JOHN HAMILTON COSBY,

Son of C. M. and Ann (Mattox) Cosby, was born in Danville, on July 14,
1849. His father died in 1861, his mother in 1864. At Danville, Virginia,
January 19, 1887, he married Mary Smith Wilson, and on
December 17, 1888, their son, John Hamilton, jr., was born. At the age
of eighteen years, Mr. Cosby embarked in the tobacco trade in his native
place. For seven years following he held responsible positions in two

of the principal factories of the city. In 1875 he commenced business
for himself, entering into partnership with F. X. Burton, style of firm
Burton & Cosby. This partnership was dissolved in 1880, when Mr.
Cosby took into partnership with himself his brother Charles M., the
style of the firm being J. H. Cosby & Bro. They at once erected a
large factory, fitted up with all modern appliances, and in which they
now employ an average of two hundred hands. Their plug, twist and
coil tobaccos sell readily in all the principal markets of the country,
and their attention to business and efficient management of the same
promise them an ever increasing trade.

CHISWELL DABNEY.

The paternal ancestry of Mr. Dabney is thus traced: He is the son of
Rev. John Blair Dabney, for many years attorney-at-law and commonwealth
attorney for Campbell county, Virginia, born in Hanover
county, Virginia, in 1794, died in Campbell county, at Vancluse, April
23, 1868, who was a son of Judge John Dabney, who was born in Hanover
county, and died at Vancluse in 1816, at age of forty-six years.
Judge Dabney was a son of George Dabney, of Hanover county, born in
that county in 1740, died there in 1824. George Dabney was a son of
Col. William Dabney, who was born in 1714, and died just before the
American revolution of 1776. The founder of the family in Virginia
was Cornelius Dabney, who emigrated from England to Virginia soon
after the establishment of the colony. The mother of Chiswell Dabney,
whose maiden name was Elizabeth Lewis Towles, was born on Christmas
Day, 1801, and lived to be nearly eighty-three years of age. Her father
was Major Oliver Towles, son of Colonel Oliver Towles, a lieutenant-colonel
of Continental infantry in the Revolutionary war. Her mother
was Agatha Lewis, daughter of William Lewis, who commanded a
company in the Virginia Contingent at Braddock's defeat, and who
was a brother of General Andrew Lewis, who commanded at Point
Pleasant.

Chiswell Dabney was born in Campbell county, at Vancluse, on July
25, 1844, and was married at Beaver Dam, Hanover county, Virginia,
April 3, 1873, by the Rev. W. A. Alrich of the Episcopal Church, to
Lucy D. Fontaine, who was born at Beaver Dam, on May 29, 1845.
Their children are six in number, viz: John C., born July 11, 1874;
Chiswell, jr., July 15, 1876; Louisa D., August 20, 1879; Lucy Fontaine,
October 31, 1881; Edmund F., February 28, 1884; Elizabeth
Towles, February 4, 1887. Mrs. Dabney is lineally descended from
Jacques de la Fontaine, an officer in the artillery of Francis I. of
France. He was born in 1500, and became a Huguenot. Her father was

Colonel Edmund Fontaine of Hanover, for many years president of the
Virginia Central Railroad, and his descent from Jacques de la Fontaine
is preserved in book form in the family from 1500 until now. Her
mother was Louisa Shackelford, of a family honorably identified with
Virginia's annals. Her parents are no longer living.

Mr. Dabney was in the Confederate States Army from October, 1861,
till the close of the war. He was commissioned first lieutenant and A.
D. C. to General J. E. B. Stuart, on December 20, 1861, and held that
position until, in the fall of 1863 when he was promoted captain of cavalry
and A. A. and I. G. and assigned to duty by the secretary of war
with Gordon's North Carolina Cavalry Brigade, afterwards Barrington's
brigade; and served with it until April, 1865. His brother, John
Dabney, was a private in the 28th regiment of Virginia Infantry, and
another brother, Charles E., was first lieutenant of cavalry, in the company
which entered service from Pittsylvania county. Chiswell Dabney
is an attorney-at-law, has been justice of the peace since 1885, and commissioner
in chancery of the circuit court of Pittsylvania county since
1871, and is still worthily filling these offices.

MELFORD EUGENE DOUGLASS, M. D.

Dr. Douglass, as the name sufficiently indicates, is by the paternal
line of Scotch descent. His mother's ancestors came to America from
Ireland. He was born at Liberty, Maine, on August 15, 1847, a son
of Samuel A. and Mary A. (Hamilton) Douglass, now living in Hudson,
Massachusetts. His father was born in Belfast, Maine, May 21, 1824,
and his mother was born at Albion, Maine, May 21, 1823. His paternal
grandfather and great grandfather, both born in Maine, were killed
at the same time by a fall from the roof of a barn, the one at the age of
seventy-six years, the other fifty-one years of age. This great grandfather
was the son of Robert Douglass, of Scotland, who, for taking up
the cause of King Charles, had his property confiscated and was banished
from the country. The mother of Dr. Douglass was the daughter
of Cyrus Hamilton, who was born in New Hampshire, and who, with two
sons, was drowned. Her father's father was Patrick Hamilton, who
came to New England from Ireland.

Dr. Douglass attended the common schools of Liberty, Maine, and
later taught school and pursued other avocations until September,
1878, when he entered the Medical School at Cleveland, Ohio. After a
year's course there, he went to the Homeopathic Medical College, at
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, whence he was graduated second in his
class, on March 10, 1880. The day following his graduation he arrived
in Danville, where he has ever since been in practice with good success.

Since October, 1886, he has been State Medical Examiner; he is vice-president
of the Hahnemann Medical Society of Virginia, is a Mason,
Odd Fellow, and Chief Templar of the Lodge of Good Templars. Dr.
Douglass married Ora Harriman, of Montville, Maine, daughter of
Riley and Nancy (French) Harriman. Her father died in 1869, aged
fifty-seven; her mother died in 1872, aged forty-six years. This marriage
was solemnized at Liberty, Maine, by Rev. Ebenezer Knowlton,
on September 30, 1871. Dr. and Mrs. Douglass have one son, Frank
E. A daughter, born May 22, 1884, named Ethel May, died March
20, 1886.

RICHARD LOUIS DIBRELL

Was born in Richmond, Virginia, on September 19, 1855. He is the
son of R. H. and Mary Lee (Jones) Dibrell, still honored residents of
Richmond. His father was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and his
mother was born at New Store, Buckingham county, Virginia. At
Boonville, Missouri, June 17, 1884 he married Ida Nelson, the marriage
ceremony performed by Rev. William M. Rush, D.D., the step-father of
the bride, since deceased. She was born in Boonville, the daughter of
Dr. George W. and Pauline Nelson, her father a Virginian, born in
Culpeper county. Her mother's home is still in Boonville. Mr. and
Mrs. Dibrell have one son, whom they have named Louis Nelson. Mr.
Dibrell is associated in business with an elder brother, Alfonso Dibrell,
under the firm name and style of Dibrell Brothers, leaf tobacco brokers.
They established themselves in business in Danville in 1873, bringing
to the business practical knowledge, their father having been for many
years one of the most active promoters of the Virginia tobacco
interests. They have a large, well conducted and profitable business
in this, their main house, are also partners in the firm of Dibrell Bros.
& Co., Durham, North Carolina, and represent many manufacturers
and exporters.

COL. HUGHES DILLARD.

The father of Hughes Dillard was Gen. John Dillard, of Henry
county, Virginia. His mother was Matilda Hughes. Both are now
deceased. His paternal grandfather was Col. John Dillard of Revolutionary
fame, who was wounded in the battle of Guilford Court-House,
and who was a son, or a grandson, of James Dillard, who came from
England to the colony of Virginia at a very early date, and located
first in the tide-water country. The tradition preserved in the family
assigns to this James Dillard the profession of barrister. He or one
of his sons located lands in Nelson, Albemarle and Amherst counties,
upon grant from George III. Several of his sons served with distinction

in the Continental Army, war of the Revolution, and all were
wounded.

Hughes Dillard was born in Henry county, Virginia, on March 17,
1817. In that county, December 17, 1840, he married Martha A.
Dillard, who was born in Rockingham county, North Carolina, in
1822. Her father was Col. Peter H. Dillard, of Henry county, Virginia,
and a brother of Gen. John Dillard. Her mother was a daughter of
the late Major John Rudd, who was a Revolutionary soldier. The
record of the children of Hughes Dillard is: i. John L. Dillard, in the
late war in service with the Lexington cadets, followed the profession
of law, was prosecuting attorney for Henry county, and elected judge
of Henry county court at age of twenty-three years; died in Florida,
at age of 27 years. ii. Peter H. Dillard, attorney-at-law, now prosecuting
attorney for the Commonwealth, Franklin county, Virginia.
iii. Bettie, now the wife of Daniel Arrington, of Danville, Virginia. iv.
Mattie H., now the wife of William W. Chamberlain, of Norfolk, Virginia.
v. Patty R., now the wife of William Penn, of Botetourt
county, Virginia. vi. Lucie D., now the wife of I. F. Wingfield, of
Bedford county, Virginia. vii. Hughes Dillard, jr., attorney-at-law,
Chatham. Mr. Dillard lost several near relatives in the late war, some
of whom were killed; others died in service. For many years he followed
the profession of law, and will ever be remembered as one of the
prominent men of his day. He was for a time a member of the legislature
of Virginia, and was also an elector on the Pierce-Butler and
Buchanan-Breckenridge tickets.

PETER W. FERRELL.

The subject of this sketch was born May 31, 1832, in Halifax county,
Virginia, where his father and mother were born, and where they
were honored residents through life. His father, Bird L. Ferrell, born
in 1798, died in 1871. His mother, Ann D. Reeves, born in 1797, died
in 1872. His brother, Edwin R., who was a soldier in the Confederate
States Army, died in 1885. Peter W. attended schools in Halifax county,
and finished his studies at Richmond College. In 1856 and 1857 he
taught school in Halifax county; in 1858 removed to Danville, and
began business as a tobacco manufacturer, firm of Sutherlin & Ferrell.
In 1865 this firm dissolved, and Mr. Ferrell continued business alone,
as a leaf tobacco dealer, until 1878 when he entered into a partnership
business again, firm of Ferrell & Flinn. In the fall of 1885 he again
began business for himself, leaf tobacco broker, place of business corner
of Craghead and Loyal streets. For eight years, 1871-9, Mr. Ferrell
was president of the Danville Tobacco Association. In Danville, March

24, 1862, Rev. C. C. Chaplin officiating, he married Lucy C. Neal, of
Danville. They have three children: Lena M., Thomas N. and Rosa A.,
and have buried two daughters: Nannie R. and Loula F. Mrs. Ferrell
is the daughter of Thomas D. and Louisa F. (Carter) Neal. Her father,
born in Pittsylvania county, died in 1884, aged seventy-two years; her
mother, born in Halifax county, is now living in Richmond, Virginia.

THOMAS BENTON FITZGERALD.

Thomas Benton, son of A. B. and Theodosia (Lipscomb) Fitzgerald,
was born in Halifax county, Virginia, on April 23, 1840. His father
was born in Pittsylvania county, and died in March, 1882, aged
seventy-four years. His mother died on April 14, 1846, aged thirty-two
years. At Swansonville, Pittsylvania county, February 12, 1867,
Mr. Fitzgerald married Martha J., daughter of B. J. and Lucy J.
(Anderson) Hall, of Pittsylvania county. Her father died in 1879,
aged fifty-six years; her mother died in 1886. The children of Mr. and
Mrs. Fitzgerald were born in the order named: Theo. L., Thomas J.,
Harry R., Lizzie A., Lucy Lee (deceased), Fannie, Katie, Alfred B.,
Archie P. (deceased), Emma L. (deceased). Mr. Fitzgerald entered the
Confederate States Army in April, 1861, and served in Company A,
38th Virginia Infantry. In 1865 he made his home in Danville, where
he has since resided, and began business as contractor and builder, in
which he continued until 1887. He has been president of the Riverside
Cotton Mills at Danville since they went into operation, June 1, 1882,
and is still a large owner in the same. Under his efficient management,
this enterprise has proved a financial success and the goods produced
are now shipped to all important points in the United States. Mr.
Fitzgerald has served as town councilman.

FRANK B. GRAVELY.

The subject of this sketch is a native of Henry county, Virginia, born
April 29, 1840. His parents were born in the same county, Lewis
Gravely, born 1794, died 1884, and Martha (Dyer) Gravely, born 1800,
died 1878. At Martinsville, Henry county, April 6, 1866, he married
Sallie H., daughter of Overton R. and Sallie C. (Martin) Dillard, both
now deceased. She was born in Henry county, April 9, 1845, and died
at her husband's home in Danville on December 3, 1883. The children
of Mr. Gravely are six: Sallie M., Martha D., Frank, Annie D., James
B. and Lewis O. He has buried one son and one daughter, both of
whom died in infancy. Mr. Gravely entered the Confederate States
Army in April, 1861, serving in the "Danville Greys," which became

Company B, 18th Virginia regiment. He participated in the battle of
first Manassas, and was in the battle of Gaines Mills, June 27, 1862, where
he received a severe gunshot wound through the left hip, disabling him
for field service. As soon as able for light duty thereafter he was made
enrolling officer, and so served till close of the war. After that he
clerked for a time for Wm. Robinson, Danville, and in 1872 went into
business for himself in which he has since continued. The present name
and style of firm is: Frank B. Gravely & Co., dealers in groceries, hay,
fertilizers, etc., 223 Main street, Danville. Mr. Gravely was ten years,
1872-1882, a member of the city council, and for the past four years
he has been chairman of trustees of the public schools of Danville.

CAPT. PEYTON B. GRAVELY

Eldest son of Willis Gravely, sr., formerly of Henry county, Virginia,
now deceased, was born in that county on May 15, 1835. His father
died in August, 1886, aged eighty-six years. His mother, whose
maiden name was Ann M. Barrow, died in December, 1886, aged
seventy-four years. He married at Danville, October 24, 1871, Mary
F., daughter of Alexander Walters, formerly of Pittsylvania county,
now deceased. They had five children: Kate W., Peyton, James G.,
Nannie D. and Mary V. Captain Peyton entered service for the late
war on April 9, 1861, sergeant in the Danville Artillery. At the reorganization
of the company, in December, 1862, he was elected captain,
the company becoming Company F, 42d Virginia Infantry, C. S. A.
He served through the entire war, under General "Stonewall" Jackson,
till that loved leader fell, and under the generals who succeeded him until
the surrender at Appomattox C. H. He was four times wounded in
service: At Greenbriar River in 1861; at Fishers Hill; at Gettysburg,
and at the Wilderness, the last-named a severe wound through the
right shoulder. His home had been in Henry county until he took the
field, and he had been magistrate at Leatherwood, Henry county,
before the war. Returning there, he engaged in the tobacco business,
in which his father had wide reputation as manufacturer of the original
"Gravely" brand, which he established in 1831. He continued in
business there until 1870, when he removed to Danville, where he has
since continued the same business, under the firm name and style of
"P. B. Gravely & Co." The tobacco used by this firm is the Henry
County flue cured, and their brands command a wide market, the
"Peyton Gravely," "Honey Dew," "J. G. Gravely Fine pounds," and
"Kate Gravely Fine 9 inch" being some of their leading brands.

COL. GEORGE K. GRIGGS.

Wesley Griggs, father of George K., was born in Henry county,
Virginia, in 1808, and is still an honored resident of the county, living
near Dyers Store. His wife, mother of George K., was Susan W. King,
born in Henry county in 1824, died at their home in 1879. The subject
of this sketch was born in Henry county, September 12, 1839. At
Cascade, Pittsylvania county, Virginia, in April, 1861, he married
Sallie B. Boyd, and their children are: W. E., Albert B., J. Henry, A.
W., Anna B., Ernest L. and Lizzie, all living now in Danville. The
parents of Mrs. Griggs were Virginians, born in Halifax county, died in
Pittsylvania county, near Cascade. Her father, H. A. Boyd, was born in
1807, and died in 1886; her mother, Amanda Hannings, born in 1808,
died in 1888.

Colonel Griggs attended school in Henry county in youth, and the
Virginia Military Institute, in 1857-8. He entered the Confederate
States Army in 1861, on the organization of the 38th Virginia Infantry
regiment, commissioned captain of Company K, that regiment. Except
when incapacitated by wounds, he was in continuous service till the
close of the war, promoted successively major, lieutenant-colonel,
colonel. From May, 1864, he was in command of the regiment, and at
the surrender, Appomattox C. H., was in command of the brigade. He
was twice severely wounded, at Gettysburg and at Drurys Bluff, and
took part in many battles, including Seven Pines. Since making his
residence in Pittsylvania county, Colonel Griggs has held a number of
county and township offices. In 1878 he removed to Danville, and
engaged in the warehouse business. In 1881 he was appointed secretary
and treasurer of the Danville & New River Railroad Company, and
in 1885 was made secretary, treasurer and superintendent of the
company, offices he is still ably filling.

JAMES P. HARRISON

Is of descent from families frequently mentioned in preceding pages of
Virginia and Virginians, as associated with great events in the history
of the colony and the commonwealth of Virginia. He was born at "The
Wigwam." Amelia county, Virginia, on October 29, 1852. His father,
William Henry Harrison, born at "The Oaks," Amelia county. May
10, 1810, died December 23, 1881, was the founder of the Amelia
Academy, the first University School of Virginia. Edmund Harrison,
of "The Oaks," father of Wm. Henry, was the son of Nathaniel
Harrison, who was born at Berkeley, Charles City county. Benjamin
Harrison of Berkeley, who married Anne, eldest daughter of "King"

Carter, was the paternal great, great grandfather of the subject of this
sketch.

James P. was educated by his father until 1868, and then attended
the Richmond College for one session. In 1870 he entered the University
of Virginia, and in 1874 took the degree of Master of Arts from
that renowned institution. After teaching school for two sessions he
returned to the University, and in 1876-7 took the law course. He
began the practice of law in Danville on September 1st, 1877, in which
he still continues, a member of the firm of Berkeley & Harrison. On
February 13, 1879, at the University of Virginia, Rev. Dr. L. T.
Hanckel officiating, Mr. Harrison married Mary Jane, daughter of
Prof. John Staige Davis, and granddaughter of Prof. John A. G. Davis,
both of the University. Her mother was Lucy Landon Blackford.
Mrs. Harrison died, leaving her husband one daughter, Lucy Landon
Harrison, and one son, Donald Skipwirth Harrison. In the war
between the States Mr. Harrison's immediate family was represented by
Prof. Edmund Harrison of Richmond College and John Hartwell Harrison
of "The Wigwam," Amelia county.

JOHN R. HUTCHINGS

Was born in Pittsylvania county, May 14, 1854, the son of Dr. John
M. Hutchings, who was born in this county, and was an honored resident
of Virginia through life, dying April 5, 1887, aged sixty-two years.
Dr. Hutchings served in the late war as surgeon in Virginia Infantry,
C. S. A. The mother of Mr. Hutchings was Celestia A. Carter, who died
in 1856, aged twenty-two years. In Danville, May 5, 1880, Mr. Hutchings
married Sue R. Doe, born in Danville, and they have two daughters:
Lucy A. and Sue D. Mrs. Hutchings is the daughter of Thomas B. and
Sarah A. (Ross) Doe. Her mother died on September 8, 1881. Her
father, who was born in New Hampshire, died September 8, 1883. He
was a brother of Judge Charles Doe, of the United States Supreme
Court.

In early youth, John R. Hutchings attended school at Chatham, Virginia,
after which he took the academic course at Blacksburg, Virginia.
He began his business career as clerk for Lee & Laytor, merchants of
Lynchburg, with whom he remained three years, then was with Capt.
William T. Clark of Danville one year. From 1876 to 1882 he was
with the firm of Hutchings, Thomas & Co., warehouse business, Danville;
1882-3 was in warehouse business at Durham, North Carolina,
then returned to Danville. With his father, he established the firm of
John M. Hutchings & Son, which was continued until the father's death,
in 1887. The firm is now John R. Hutchings & Co., proprietors of the

"Star Warehouse," for the sale of leaf tobacco. Mr. Hutchings was
captain of the Danville Greys, 1886-7, but resigned after a year's service.

JAMES RUFUS JOPLING

Was born in Bedford county, Virginia, on November 19, 1845. He is
descended from families early settled in Virginia, the son of William W.
Jopling, born October 27, 1815, still living, son of James Jopling,
whose parents came to Virginia from England in colonial days. In
1841 William W. Jopling married Julia Ann, the daughter of Rufus
Thomas, whose parents came to Virginia from Scotland. She was born
in 1821, and died August 3, 1856. The subject of this sketch was
raised on his father's estate, where he was born, north of Liberty, Bedford
county, and educated in the country schools of the neighborhood.
On November 10, 1863, nine days before attaining his eighteenth birthday,
he entered the Confederate States Army, joining Capt. R. B. Claytor's
company, B, 10th Battalion artillery, then stationed on Marion
Hill, at Battery No. 2, Richmond defences. During the winter of 1863-4
the command saw no active service in the field, but was detailed to
guard Federal prisoners at Belle Isle, Libby, and Barracks No. 2 in
Richmond. The next spring was assigned to the ordnance department
of the battalion, and so served till the close of the war.

After the war Mr. Jopling remained on the home farm until November
1, 1866, when he was appointed deputy sheriff under Col. John G.
Casey, sheriff of Bedford county, in which capacity he served until
September, 1868, when he resigned, and entered the wholesale and
retail hardware house of Jones, Watts & Co., Lynchburg. He remained
clerking for them until June, 1871, when a copartnership was formed
with them under the style of Jones, Watts & Jopling, opening a hardware
house at Salem, Virginia, Mr. Jopling managing partner. During
his residence in Salem, Mr. Jopling served one term in the city council.
In September, 1874, he moved to Danville, where he has since resided.
In October, 1879, he bought out the interest of Messrs. Jones, Watts
& Co., and has since continued the wholesale and retail hardware business
in his own name. He is vice-president of the largest bank in Danville,
the Merchants, is trustee and steward in the Mount Vernon M. E.
Church of Danville, the present church edifice largely the result of his
contributions and individual efforts, is a director in the Danville
Methodist College, is a director in the Danville Street Car Company,
with which he has been connected from its incorporation.

On October 4, 1871, in Lynchburg, Rev. W. E. Edwards officiating,
he married Mollie, daughter of Samuel and Margaret Phelps of Lynchburg.
Mrs. Jopling was born in Nelson county, Virginia, on November

24, 1849. Her father died in Lynchburg, where her mother still resides.
Mr. and Mrs. Jopling have one daughter, Mary Julia.

NATHANIEL W. LUMPKIN,

Son of Henry H. Lumpkin, born in Georgia, now deceased, was born
in Pittsylvania county, April 5, 1852. His mother, now living with
him, was born in Pittsylvania county, her maiden name Isabella G.
Wilson. Henry H. Lumpkin, elder brother of Nathaniel, was in the
Confederate States service with John Morgan, and was made a prisoner
on that general's daring invasion of Northern States, and held
eight months at Camp Chase and Johnson's Island. At Staunton,
Virginia, September 30, 1873, N. W. Lumpkin married Alice Hawkins,
who was born in Alabama, and their children are three sons and two
daughters: George H., Nathaniel W., jr., Allen S., Bessie V. and Alice
A., Mrs. Lumpkin is the daughter of Richard Hawkins, now deceased,
and Elizabeth (Black) Hawkins, now living at Staunton. Mr. Lumpkin
is the proprietor of the Lumpkin's Transfer Line Livery Stable, at
the corner of Patton and Lynn streets, Danville, a business which, from
its founding on a very small scale in 1879, has grown to cover practically
the entire transfer and livery business of Danville.

NATHANIEL HARDIN MASSIE

In tracing the ancestry of present residents of Danville it is pleasant
to come upon names as familiar to the Virginian, as the name of the
loved Commonwealth itself. Nathaniel Hardin Massie was born at
Charlottsville, Virginia, October 9, 1861. He is a son of N. H. Massie,
lawyer and banker, eldest son of Nathaniel Massie of Albemarle
county, born on the border of Albemarle and Nelson counties, in
November, 1824, many years an honored resident of Charlottsville,
and died there in October, 1880. His first ancestor in this country was
Thomas Massie, who, in 1690, at the age of six years, came over with
his father from Chester, England, where one branch of the family still
resides. Thos Massie died in 1790, at the advanced age of 106
years.

N. H. Massie was in the Confederate States service for a time, on the
staff of General Beauregard, but was retired on account of defective
eyesight. At the outbreak of the war, Nathaniel Massie had seven
grown sons and two sons-in-law, who entered service. Both the latter
were killed in service. One son, John L. Massie, captain in Rockbridge
Battery, was killed on the field of battle, the rest, except the eldest,
were disabled by wounds and exposure, and all but three died either
during the war, or soon after, from diseases contracted in service.

The mother of Mr. Massie was Eliza Kinloch Nelson, daughter of
Thomas Nelson of Clarke county, Virginia, a lineal descendant of
Thomas Nelson, jr., signer of the Declaration of Independence on behalf of
Virginia, of whom a sketch is given elsewhere in this volume. She was
also lineally descended from Gov. Spotswood (see Volume 1, Virginia
and Virginians).

Mr. Massie went to school from 1873 to 1875 to Major H. W. Jones,
now of Hanover Academy, from 1875 to 1880 attended the Charlottsville
high school, from 1880 to 1883 the University of Virginia,
taught school from 1883 to 1885 at Brookville Academy, Maryland,
came to Danville September 28, 1885, and entered on the practice of
law, in which he still continues.

J. T. MILLER,

Son of John V. and Mary (Epps) Miller, was born in Farmville, Prince
Edward county, Virginia, on September 22, 1839. His father, who
was born near Richmond, Virginia, died April 27, 1876, aged sixty-four
years. His mother still resides in Farmville. In June, 1861, he entered
the Confederate States Army, as a private of Company E, 38th Virginia
Infantry. In July, 1862, he was promoted second lieutenant. He was
in every battle of his regiment except Seven Pines, and ending with
Gettysburg. In that battle, when Pickett's Division was making its
immortal charge up the heights, he fell, wounded through the right leg.
He was made prisoner, and held for nine months, at Gettysburg, Baltimore,
Fort McHenry and Point Lookout, and from effects of wound
suffered amputation of leg.

After the war Mr. Miller was engaged in the saddlery and harness
business in Farmville for eleven years. In 1876 he removed to Danville
and engaged in business for other parties until 1885, in that year entered
into the partnership in which he still continues, name and style of
firm, New & Miller, buggies, wagons, harness, etc., wholesale and retail.
The wife of Mr. Miller, whom he married at Farmville, March 22, 1867,
is Pattie D. Holt, of Charlotte county, Virginia. Their children are
Lula A., John V., Henry M. (deceased), Mary L. and Mattie B. Mrs.
Miller is the daughter of Peter F. Holt, who died in November, 1877.
Her mother, whose maiden name was Martha D. Wilborn, is also now
deceased.

COL. JAMES M. NEAL.

In Colonel Neal is represented the fifth generation of his family in Danville,
all honorably identified with the best interests of the city. He
was born in Danville, January 3, 1845, son of Thomas D. Neal, who
was born in Pittsylvania county, October, 1812, was many years an

active business man of Danville, founding the present warehouse system
there in 1858, and who died in Richmond, on June 21, 1884. The
mother of Colonel Neal, born in Halifax county, Virginia, in 1821,
living now in Richmond, is L. F., daughter of Col. Samuel Carter of
Halifax county. A lad sixteen years of age at the outbreak of the civil
war, Colonel Neal responded to the call of Virginia, entering service in
Company B, 18th Virginia regiment. He was detailed on the staff of
General Pickett, where he served with fidelity till the close of the war,
sharing in all the immortal service of that gallant division. At the
close of the war he went to New York City and entered a large tobacco
establishment there, where he remained until his marriage.

He married in Danville, November 1, 1866, Rev. D. G. W. Dame officiating,
Rose P. Allen of Danville, daughter of Orin N. and Susan (Freeman)
Allen. Her father, born in New York in 1812, died June 20,
1875; her mother, born in Culpeper county, Virginia, is now living in
Danville. Colonel and Mrs. Neal have one son, Orin Allen, and have
buried a daughter, Percy Stokes, died at age of four years six months.

Making his home after marriage in Danville, Colonel Neal embarked
in business there as a tobacco leaf dealer, one of the first to ship leaf
tobacco from Danville in consignments. Since 1869 he has been proprietor
of the Planters Warehouse founded by him. The warehouse
building now occupied by him, 72×256 feet, he erected in 1869 to
accommodate his extended business. His best energies have ever been at
the service of his native city. The Odd Fellows Hall, on Main street,
stands as a monument to his enterprise, its erection having been secured
by his influence while he was Master of Bethesda Lodge, I. O. O. F. He
was an active worker in the movement which resulted in the building of
the new Episcopal church building in Danville, one of the finest church
edifices in Virginia. In 1886 he assisted in forming the organization
from which has resulted the Danville Academy of Music, costing
$30,000, and of this organization he is still the efficient chairman, the
building remaining under its control. He was active, in 1887, in
securing the improved water works sewerage, and other improvements,
and it was he who made the first move toward holding in Danville the
tobacco fair which was in its success so creditable to the city. He is
president of the Chamber of Commerce, and holds other public offices
of trust. Colonel Neal is yet in the prime of life, an energetic business
man, a public spirited citizen, a true Virginian.

WILLIAM NELSON, M. D.

The youngest son of Philip and Jane (Crease) Nelson, and great grandson
of General Thomas Nelson, was born at Mont Air, Hanover county,
Virginia, October 4th, 1854. He graduated at the Virginia Agricultural

and Mechanical College, 1876, and the three subsequent years
served as assistant teacher at the Episcopal High School, near Alexandria.
He was a student of medicine at the University of Virginia, the
session of 1880-1, and in 1882 graduated in the Medical department of
the University of Maryland, Baltimore. After leaving that institution,
he located in Danville, Virginia, where he is actively engaged in the
practice of his profession.

W. W. NEW,

Born in Henrico county, Virginia, near Richmond, is the son of R. P.
and Mary A. (Wilde) New, who were born in the same county, and
were honored residents there through life. His father died February,
22, 1852, aged forty-three years, and his mother died in Richmond,
October 8, 1862. Mr. New's school-days were passed in Richmond, and
from school life he passed to the employment of the C. S. Government,
serving in the department of Henrico, at Richmond, from October 8,
1861, to April 11, 1865. He had two brothers in service, F. A. and C.
R. New, the latter killed in battle of Seven Pines, May 31, 1862. From
1865 to 1871, Mr. New clerked for L. Levy, Richmond, grocery and
commission business. In July, 1871, he removed to Danville, and in
September following went into business on his own account, dealing
in junk. Later he handled sewing machines, then wagons, carriages,
buggies and harness, also livery. He is now doing the largest carriage,
buggy, wagon and harness business in this section of the
country, a member of the firm of New & Miller, carrying on both wholesale
and retail trade.

In Caswell county, North Carolina, November 12, 1873, Mr. New
married Lucie Gunn, of that county, the daughter of James Gunn, who
still lives in Caswell county, and Fannie (Henderson) Gunn, who died
in July, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. New have lost two children, Maggie, died
June 19, 1885, aged sixteen months, and Charley, died July, 1886, at
age of fifty days. They have one daughter, M. Fannie; and one son,
Robert, born May 19, 1887. Mr. New has always taken a warm interest
in the affairs of Danville since making that his home, and is one of
its most respected citizens. He is now serving as alderman, elected for
a two years' term from July 1, 1888. He has been for many years a
trustee of the Danville (Methodist) College for young ladies; is a
member of the Order of Odd Fellows, and a Knight of Honor.

JOHN R. PACE

Was born in Henry county, Virginia, the son of Greenville T. Pace,
who was born in that county, November 1, 1810, and who died on September
20, 1878. The mother of John R., Nancy W. Hughes, was also

born in Henry county, and died there, in 1844, at age of thirty-seven
years. In 1860, in Bedford county, he married Sallie A., daughter
of Leven B. Hagerman, who died in 1841, and Charlotte C. Michell,
who died May 30, 1888, aged eighty-five years. The children of Mr.
and Mrs. Pace are six. William G., Lizzie, James R., Mary, Sallie
and Lottie.

In his youth, Mr. Pace attended the schools of Henry county. He
commenced the tobacco business in Danville in 1851, in his father's
factory. In 1857 he was admitted in the business with his father under
the style of G. T. Pace & Son. During the war he served the Confederate
States in the quartermaster's department. After the close of the
war he began business again, in the manufacture of tobacco, under the
firm name of John R. Pace & Co., later on the firm name was changed
to Pace, Talbott & Co. Some five years ago, he retired from manufacturing
and went into the leaf tobacco business in his own name. In
1886 he commenced business as a special partner with his eldest son,
William G. Pace, and P. B. Gravely, in the manufacture of plug tobacco,
under the firm name of P. B. Gravely & Co., which business is still so
conducted, the firm manufacturing the old original and far-famed
"Peyton Gravely" brand tobacco, that was established in the year
1831. Mr. Pace was a number of years a member of the city council of
Danville, and is at this time president of the Citizens Bank of Danville.

JOHN H. PATTESON

Was born in Buckingham county, Virginia, on January 16, 1847. He
attended the schools of his native county, and closed his academic
studies with attendance for two sessions at Trinity College, North
Carolina. In November, 1864, he entered the Confederate States
Army, 37th Battalion, Virginia Cavalry, in which he served until the
close of the war. After the war he studied law with Capt. Camm
Patteson, of Buckingham county, and in November, 1869, he entered
into practice in that county. In 1870, he removed to Lynchburg,
Virginia, where he practiced law until 1873. In November, 1873, he
joined the Virginia Methodist Conference, and was licensed to preach,
which calling he followed for ten years. Since 1884 he has been practicing
law at Danville, office in Riverside Block. He is also the
treasurer of city of North Danville.

Mr. Patteson's parents were born in Buckingham county. Robert
Patteson, his father, died August 3, 1864, aged sixty-five years, and
his mother, who was Margaret P. Hocker, died in September, 1870,
aged sixty-nine years. The first wife of Mr. Patteson was Georgietta
B. Kinnear, who died June 24, 1873, leaving him one son, Andrew K.,

now of Danville. Secondly he married Fannie Shepherd, of Cambridge,
Maryland. Their marriage was solemnized in her native town, on
January 28, 1880, and they have two children, Pearl and Paul.

ESTON RANDOLPH.

The name of "Randolph" is one every true Virginian hears with
pride, remembering the many of the name who have added to the glory
of Virginia. Both on the paternal and the maternal side Eston Randolph
is of this family. He is the son of Major Beverley Randolph, of
"The Moorings," Clarke county, Virginia, and was born at his father's
seat, on December 7, 1857. His father's father was William F.
Randolph, a prominent lawyer of Virginia, and who was a grandson of
Thomas Mann Randolph, governor of Virginia in 1819-1822, whose
family and public record are given in Volume I of Virginia and Virginians.
In the late war, Major Randolph served on the staff of Gen. Joseph E.
Johnston. His son Beverley, jr., brother of Eston, was killed at the
age of sixteen years, three days after enlistment, at Greenwood Depot,
Albemarle county, Virginia. The mother of Eston Randolph, Mary
Conway Randolph, is the daughter of Philip Gymes Randolph, at one
time acting secretary of war. Major Randolph and his wife still reside
on his estate, "The Moorings."

Eston attended private school in Clarke county, then William and
Mary College, Williamsburg. In 1876 he left college, and accepted an
appointment in the United States Signal service, in which he remained
three years. Later he studied law at the University of Virginia, and
was admitted to the bar in 1883. In December of that year he came to
Danville, where he has since been in practice, a member of the law firm
of Randolph & Randolph. He has filled a number of local offices with
credit, and is present superintendent of public schools for the city of
Danville.

WILSON NICHOLAS RUFFIN

Was born at Edge Hill, Albemarle county, Virginia, on March 19,
1848. He is the son of Col. Frank G. Ruffin, who was born in Mississippi,
and is now a resident of Virginia, second Auditor of the State.
During the war, Colonel Ruffin was in the commissary department of
the Confederate States Army, rank as given. He had two sons in active
service, J. R. Ruffin, private in Rockbridge Battery, and W. Roane
Ruffin, lieutenant in Chamberlayne's battery. The subject of this
sketch was also in service for a time, although only seventeen years of
age at close of war. The mother of W. Nicholas was Caryanne Nicholas
Ruffin. She died in 1857. His wife is Mary Winston, daughter of Dr.

John Brockenborough Harvie, formerly of Powhatan county, Virginia,
now deceased. Her mother, still living, was Miss Mary E. Blair. As
the family names indicate, Mr. and Mrs. Ruffin are connected with many
of the eminent Virginian families whose names and services for Virginia
are given elsewhere in these records.

Mrs. Ruffin was born at Fighting Creek, Powhatan county, Virginia,
June 13, 1848, and became the wife of Mr. Ruffin at the place of her
birth, April 20, 1875, Rev. P. F. Berkeley uniting them. Their children
are five. John Harvie, Ellen Harvie, Wilson Nicholas, jr., Lewis Rutherfoord
and Cary Randolph.

Mr. Ruffin went to school in 1861-2 to Wm. H. Harrison, at "The
Wigwam," Amelia county, in 1862-3 to Rev. Wm. A Campbell, of Powhatan
county, in 1863-4 to the University of Virginia. After the war
he farmed in Albemarle county until 1870, and in that year went to the
western end of the Chesapeake & Ohio R. R., with Randolph & Co., contractors,
who built that portion of the road between Hawk's Nest and
the Kanawha Falls, except one mile. In 1873 he engaged in business in
Richmond, and in 1879 came to Danville, where he engaged in his present
business, real estate, fire and life insurance.

THOMAS R. SCLATER

Was born in Elizabeth City county, Virginia, on March 16, 1845, the
son of William S. Sclater, who was born in York county, Virginia, and
who died in 1866, aged fifty-two years. The mother of Thomas R.,
also a Virginian, Ann Lee her maiden name, was born in Norfolk, and
died in 1874, aged sixty-two years. He married in Pittsylvania
county, at Cascade, November 27, 1879, Blanche Venable of Pittsylvania
county. She was born in this county August 5, 1859, and is now
deceased. Her father was A. K. Venable, still of Pittsylvania county;
her mother, Sarah (Sclater) Venable, died in 1876, aged sixty years.

Thomas R. Sclater attended school in Hampton until in 1858 he began
business as assistant postmaster and drug clerk for Massenburg &
Cary, of Hampton. He was then only thirteen years of age, and
remained with them until he entered the army, one of Virginia's youngest
sons in the field, serving from 1861 till the close of the war, in
Company A, 32d Virginia Infantry, C. S. A., and taking part in battles
of Seven Pines, Savage's Station, Malvern Hill, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg,
Cold Harbor, Five Forks, Sailors' Creek and many others.
After the war he went to Baltimore, Maryland, where he was clerk for
N. H. Jennings three years, from 1870 to 1874 was drug clerk for
Hunt, Rankin & Lamar; came to Danville in 1874, was four years
clerk for P. R. Jones, druggist, then went into business for himself, in
which he still continues, at 312 Main street.

WILLIAM B. SHEPHERD.

The subject of this sketch was born in Chatham, Pittsylvania county,
on August 22, 1857. At Clarksville, Virginia, November 9, 1882, the
bride's father officiating, he married Mary H. Whaley. She was born in
Clarksville, Mecklenburg county, Virginia, on August 22, 1858, the
daughter of Rev. F. N. Whaley and Bettie (Hughes) Whaley. Her parents
are Virginians, her father born in Fairfax county, September 7, 1819,
and her mother in Cumberland county, April 16, 1823. Mr. and Mrs.
Shepherd have two children: Fred. W., born January 26, 1884; Bessie
G., born January 31, 1886. Mr. Shepherd is the present incumbent of
the county court clerkship, Pittsylvania county, which position he has
ably filled since 1879, residence, Chatham.

THOMAS L. SYDNOR, D. D. S.,

Son of Rev. Thos. W. Sydnor, D. D., is a native of Virginia, born in
Nottoway county, on April 12, 1849. He was educated at the Richmond
College, and then entered the Baltimore Dental College, whence
he was graduated with honors in 1874. From 1874 to 1879 he
practiced his profession in Salem, Virginia, and since that time has been
in practice in Danville, his present place of residence. Fourteen years
of practice and an entire devotion to his profession have given him a
well deserved reputation in his business. Dr. Sydnor had two brothers
in the Confederate States Army: Edward G., killed at Sharpsburg,
Maryland, September 17, 1862, and R. Walton, captain of Nottoway
Company last year of the war, at the age of seventeen years.

THOMAS J. TALBOTT.

The subject of this sketch was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on
October 17, 1833. He is a son of Thomas Talbott, born in Baltimore,
died in 1844, aged thirty-seven years, and Sarah (Munn) Talbott, who
died in 1883, at the age of sixty-seven years. His parents removed
from Baltimore to Richmond, Virginia, when he was eighteen months
old, and he was reared in the latter city, attending its schools. At the
age of fourteen years he was apprenticed with the firm of Talbott &
Brother. In 1852 he went on the Wilmington & Manchester Railroad,
as locomotive engineer, and a year later on the Richmond & Danville
road, with which he remained until 1857, when he commenced business
for himself, manufacturer of tobacco, in Richmond.

In 1860 he came to Danville, which has since been his home, and his
practical business training, combined with warm interest in the development
of his adopted home, has made him a factor in the subsequent
development of the city, which has, from a population of 3,000 at the

time of his settlement grown to a population of 13,000, with a business
second to that of no city of the State. During the war Mr. Talbott was
captain of a company, having in his charge the Piedmont Railroad
Machine Shop. His brother, Samuel G., served in the Confederate
States Army. After the war Mr. Talbott resumed his business as
tobacco manufacturer, and he is now a member of the firm of Pace,
Talbott & Co., proprietors of the Star Tobacco Factory, No. 3. He is
now, and has been for the past eight years, president of the Tobacco
Board of Trade, of Danville. In politics Mr. Talbott is a Democrat.
He is a member of the City Council, and has been for a number of years,
and as member has been able to advance in many ways the best interests
of the city. He was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention
which nominated General Hancock at Cincinnati, in 1880.

At Danville, April 24, 1860, he married Mary M. Pace, who was born
in Henry county, Virginia, the daughter of Greenville T. and Nancy
(Hughes) Pace. Her parents are no longer living; her father died in
1878. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Talbott are six living, three
deceased. Carrie P., Nannie H., Sarah G., Greenville P., Lucy H.,
Thomas S., Frank, Mary P., and Watts. Carrie P., the first-born, died
in March, 1866, aged five years, Sarah G., deceased, was the third of
their children.

BENJAMIN B. TEMPLE, M. D.,

Physician and Surgeon, now of Danville, was born in Middlesex county
Virginia, on March 22, 1839. He is a son of Benjamin Temple, who
was born in Chesterfield county, Virginia, and died in 1873, aged seventy-three
years, and Lucy L. Robinson, born in Middlesex county, Virginia,
died in 1884, aged seventy-eight years. It is worthy of record
that this couple gave to the Confederate States government the service
of seven sons in the field, their record briefly stated as follows Benjamin
B. entered service in 1861, private in the 2d Virginia Howitzers,
later two years in the 9th Virginia Cavalry, he was wounded at Hagerstown,
Maryland, was four months a scout with Frank Stringfellow.
Major R. H., another son, served in the engineer's corps, C. W. was
wounded and captured in battle of second Manassas, and held until
exchanged at Washington, D. C.; John T. (now deceased), was a lieutenant
in the 30th Virginia Infantry, William S., sergeant in Pegram's
battery, was seven times wounded, and served till the surrender at
Appomattox; Bernard M., also in Pegram's battery, was wounded at
second Manassas, and captured at Richmond in 1865, Ludwell R.
(now deceased), served in the 9th Virginia Cavalry.

Dr. Temple was graduated in medical course from a school in Richmond,
Virginia, after which he studied in Paris, France. After the war

he practiced in Middlesex county, Virginia, two years; in 1867 went to
St. Charles, Missouri, as surgeon for the Baltimore Bridge Company,
and remained with them until, in 1871, he returned to Virginia. In
1872 he went to Reidsville, North Carolina, and in 1874 returned again
to his native State and settled in Danville, where he has since been in
practice. He has been serving as health officer of Danville, for the past
two years. While in New Orleans, Louisiana, September 5, 1866, he
married Mary E. Glidden, and they have one son, George G. Mrs.
Temple was born in New Orleans, the daughter of George Glidden, who
was born in the State of Maine, and has been many years a resident of
New Orleans. Her mother, whose maiden name was Mary E. Clark,
died in 1850, aged twenty-three years.