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.
