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.
