Virginia and Virginians eminent Virginians, executives of the colony of Virginia from Sir Thomas Smyth to Lord Dunmore. Executives of the state of Virginia, from Patrick Henry to Fitzhugh Lee. Sketches of Gens. Ambrose Powel Hill, Robert E. Lee, Thos. Jonathan Jackson, Commodore Maury |
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DINWIDDIE COUNTY.
R. T. ARRINGTON.
Dr. John Arrington, born in North Carolina in 1800, died in April,
1878, and Martha, his wife, nee Westray, born in North Carolina in
1805, died in January, 1847, were the parents of the subject of this
married at Warrenton, that State, Bettie J. Plummer becoming his
wife on November 2, 1853. She was born in North Carolina, the
daughter of Dr. Henry L. Plummer, who was born in that State on
January 1, 1798, and died in February, 1864. Her mother was Sallie
Falkner, born in North Carolina, died in 1845, aged forty years. Mr.
and Mrs. Arrington have buried five children: Sallie F., John, Henry
L., Austin P. and Alfred W. Their living children are named. Martha
S., William P., Richard T., jr., Kemp P., Samuel W., Herbert, Ivy L.
Mr. Arrington's earliest schooling was received in Franklin county,
North Carolina, and he was graduated at the University of North
Carolina, in 1853. He then engaged in mercantile pursuits which he
followed until 1862. In February, 1864, he entered Company E, 1st
North Carolina Cavalry, C. S. A. He received promotion to quarter-master
sergeant, and served till the close of the war. After the war he
resumed business in Warrenton, North Carolina, but in July, 1867,
removed to Petersburg, where he has since been a member of the firm
of John Arrington & Sons, grocers and commission merchants;
specialties; cotton, tobacco, and peanuts. The Richmond House of
this firm is well and favorably known. Arringtons & Scott.
WILLIAM E. BEASLEY
Was born in Petersburg on June 4, 1842. He went to school at the
Petersburg institute, and in 1859 engaged with his father in the tobacco
business. He entered the Confederate Army in April, 1861, lieutenant
Company D, 12th Virginia Infantry. In 1862 he resigned and later
again enlisted, this time in the cavalry service, Company B, 13th Virginia
regiment. After the war he went to Louisville, Kentucky, and
was in the tobacco business there for a year, then returned to Petersburg,
where he has continued in the same business to the present time.
His father, William H. Beasley, was born in Petersburg, and died in
July, 1874, aged sixty-three years. His mother, whose maiden name
was Ann J. Bragg, is still living in Petersburg. His wife, whom he married
March 25, 1864, is Mary J. Hill, born in Dinwiddie county, the
daughter of Green Hill, who died in 1865, aged sixty years. Her mother,
also now deceased, was Mary Eldredge, a descendant of Pocahontas
Mr. and Mrs. Beasley have three sons. Edwin H., Percy and Hill, and
one daughter, Mary E.
JUDGE DAVID MEADE BERNARD.
Judge Bernard was born in Petersburg, on May 11, 1840. His
parents, both now deceased, were Virginians, his father, David Meade
Bernard, born in King George county, and his mother, Sallie A. Feild,
county, on December 21, 1870, by Revs. J. H. Morrison and O. A.
Glazebrook, and his wife is Lutie B., daughter of Dr. Edward A. Morrison.
She was born in Brunswick county, August 2, 1854. Dr. Morrison,
her father, was born in Lunenberg county, Virginia, and is now
deceased. Her mother, whose maiden name was Lucia B. Hackley, has
been dead some years. The children of Judge and Mrs. Bernard are:
Lutie M., Sallie F., Mary M., Willie M. (deceased), David M. and Richard
F.
Judge Bernard went to school in Petersburg until 1857, and then was
sent to Hampden-Sidney College, where he was graduated in 1860. He
entered the Confederate States Army in May, 1851, private in Company
E, 12th Virginia Infantry, was transferred to 10th Virginia Cavalry in
1864, and served through the war, was wounded on March 31, 1865,
near Dinwiddie C. H., and captured at Richmond, at the time of the
evacuation. After the war he returned to his home in Orange, studied
law, and was admitted to the bar in Brunswick county in May, 1866.
He practiced in that and adjoining counties until 1881, when he
removed to Petersburg, where he was in practice until January, 1886,
when he entered upon the duties of Judge of the Hustings Court of
Petersburg, which position he is still filling.
GEORGE S. BERNARD.
The subject of this sketch was born August 27, 1837, in the county
of Culpeper, Virginia, his father being David M. Bernard, for many
years the clerk of the corporation court of Petersburg, and his mother
Elizabeth M. Bernard, a daughter of Wm. Ashby of Culpeper county.
The families of both parents are of English origin and have resided in
Virginia for many generations.
In 1855 Mr. Bernard entered the University of Virginia, and was a
student there for two years. Leaving college in 1857, he taught school
in the county of Essex, Virginia, for nine months. In 1859 he was
admitted to the Bar in the city of Petersburg. Upon the braking out
of the late war he entered the military service and served as a member
of the 12th Virginia Infantry, C. S. A. At the battle of Crampton Gap,
Maryland, September 14, 1862, he was severely wounded and captured,
and at the battle of Hatcher's Run, February 6, 1865, he was slightly
wounded.
For several months immediately after the close of the war, Mr.
Bernard was connected with the Petersburg Daily Express as a reporter.
This position, however, in December, 1865, he gave up and devoted
himself exclusively to his profession, which he has since actively pursued.
public trust. Between 1870 and 1879 he was for several years a member
of the city school board of Petersburg. From 1877 to 1879 he was one
of the delegates representing the city of Petersburg in the legislature.
Whilst a member of the General Assembly he took a prominent part in
its proceedings, originating and successfully carrying through several
important acts of legislation, among them the law requiring insurance
companies to print the restrictive provisions in their policies in large
type. For his services in this matter he was complimented by a caricature
in an insurance journal, no mean tribute to the merits of the law, which,
though popular with the policy holders, was at that time very
objectionable to the insurance companies.
During the last ten years Mr. Bernard has frequently written for the
press. In 1885 he published a pamphlet entitled "Civil Service Reform
vs. The Spoils System," which has been widely read and very favorably
received.
In June, 1870, the subject of this sketch married Fanny Rutherfoord,
a daughter of the late Sam'l J. Rutherfoord, of Richmond, Virginia, and
a niece of Gov. John Rutherfoord, a sketch of whom is given in the first
volume of this work. The issue of their marriage are five children:
Fanny R., Kate E., Janet M., Ella A., and George S.
GENERAL STITH BOLLING
Was born in Lunenburg county, Virginia, on February 28, 1835, the
son of John Stith Bolling and Mary T. Bolling, nee Irby. His mother
died in 1877, and his father died June 15, 1888, aged eighty years. On
May 9, 1860, General Bolling married Cornelia Scott Forrest, who was
born in Nottoway county, Virginia. Their children are four. Mary
E., Cornelia I., Jesse S. and Stith F. The subject of this sketch attended
the Laurel Hill school, Lunenburg county, and took an academic
course, Mt. Lebanon Academy. He farmed until 1858, then engaged in
merchandising in Richmond till the opening of the war. He entered the
Confederate Army in April, 1861, Company G, 9th Virginia Cavalry,
and was promoted first sergeant, lieutenant, captain. In 1863 he was
appointed acting assistant adjutant general, staff of Gen. W. H. F. Lee.
Although six times wounded he served till the close of the war. His
wounds were received. First, near Culpeper C. H.; second, near Green
House; third, at Morton's Ford, fourth, at Guinea Station; fifth, near
Petersburg; sixth, at Gaines Mills.
He returned to Lunenburg county after the war and farmed until
1869, in which year he was elected to the Virginia legislature from
Lunenburg county. He was re-elected in 1872 and served until 1874.
in which position he served until 1880. He was then appointed postmaster
at Petersburg and filled that office a little over four years. He
is now connected with the Oaks Warehouse Co., tobacco, Petersburg
General Bolling has also served as president of the Lunatic asylum
board, and president of the board of education, Petersburg.
THOMAS JAY BURGESS.
Thomas Burgess, a member of an old and highly respectable family
in England, came to this country in 1640, locating in Rhode Island.
He was principally noted for benevolence and charity, richly earning
the title of "Goodman" Burgess. Among his earliest descendants may
be mentioned George Burgess, D. D., Bishop of Maine, and the famous
Tristam Burgess, the "Eagle Eye" of Rhode Island, one of America's
greatest orators, the opponent of Randolph in many a contest in the
Halls of Congress and one whose name will ever stand high on the
tablet of fame in his native State. A portion of the family moved to
Connecticut, where, in 1800, William Burgess was born. At six years
of age, he moved with his parents to Central New York, locating in Herkimer
county, where he grew to manhood, marrying in his nineteenth
year Lois Harding, members of whose family had already moved to
Kentucky; and in time connecting their name indissolubly with the history
of that State. They raised a large family, seven sons living to
manhood. In 1852, he with his wife and sons Lewis and Rush moved
to Virginia, where he became interested in building the plank road from
Petersburg to Boydton, purchasing from Mrs. Goodwyn a large
plantation on Hatcher's Run, and erecting thereon large grist and saw
mills, his sons Clark and John moving down shortly after their completion
and uniting with him in business. These mills together with all
other buildings were totally destroyed during the war, and the
land torn up and rendered almost valueless by forts, breastworks,
etc., for it was here that the "Battle of Hatcher's Run," or "Burgess'
Mill," was fought. At the close of the war his son Clark rebuilt the
place and restored it to its former usefulness. Here they spent nearly
all the remaining years of their long lives; they now rest with their
sons, David, William, John and Lewis (who was killed in battle), in old
Blanford Cemetery.
Clark Burgess was born in Herkimer county, New York, June 1, 1827;
in his twenty-third year was married to Gertrude A. Walker, of the
same county. He engaged in agriculture for a brief period, sold out,
and moving to Richfield Springs, opened a general merchandise store,
having business in Virginia at the same time. The war coming on, he
discontinued business at the North, and moved his family to Virginia,
where he rebuilt the old place on Hatcher's Run, and still lives enjoying
the confidence and esteem of all who know him.
Thomas Jay Burgess, son of Clark Burgess, and his wife, Emily A.,
was born in Herkimer county, New York, August 12, 1854. His early
childhood was spent at the North and in Virginia, where after the war
he removed with his parents, living with them until his twenty-fourth
year, on the old place at Hatcher's Run. Becoming tired of country life
he determined to study dentistry. Commencing with Dr. Sherman,
near Petersburg, but remaining only a short time with him, he then
went to Fredericksburg, Virginia, as a student of Dr. Jas. F. Thompson;
from there, after a short time spent at home, he went to Saginaw City,
Michigan, and engaged work in the office of Dr. W. P. Morgan. During
his stay in Michigan, he took one year's course at the Dental School of
the University, and the next year graduated at the Philadelphia Dental
College. He commenced practice in Petersburg, Virginia, May 1, 1882,
and has been very successful, enjoying a large and lucrative practice.
He was married on the 4th of January, 1888, to Mary Stuart Moore,
daughter of the late Dr. Jno. R. Moore, of Ringwood, North Carolina,
Rev. Matthew H. Moore, a brother of the bride, officiating.
GEORGE CAMERON.
The subject of this sketch, a resident of Petersburg since 1855, was
born in Scotland, the son of Alexander Cameron, who was born in
Scotland and died there in 1839, and the grandson of Alexander
Cameron, also of Scotland. He attended school both in Scotland and
in Petersburg, coming to the United States first in 1840, returning to
Scotland in 1850, and coming back to the United States again in 1855,
when he settled in Petersburg permanently. He went at once into the
manufacture of tobacco there, with the late David Dunlop, with whom
he remained until, in 1858, he with his brother William went into the
same business on their own account, and have continued ever since.
Mr. Cameron went into the Confederate States Army as a British
subject, and did duty almost continuously around Petersburg. He was
made prisoner June 9, 1864, and sent to Point Lookout, thence to
Elmira, New York; was held until paroled in November, 1864, returning
home then, and never exchanged, remained in Petersburg during
the evacuation of that place by General Lee. The firm of Wm. Cameron
& Bro. manufacture tobacco exclusively for export, shipping to
Australia, India and England, employing about 600 hands, and
manufacturing about 2,000,000 pounds per annum.
Mr. Cameron has been twice married, his first wife, Helen Elizabeth
Dunn, who died on November 7, 1884, leaving issue: Alexander, Ella,
George, William and Helen. He married second wife, Delia Pegram, at
Richmond, Virginia, July 19, 1886.
F. EUGENE DAVIS
Is a native of Surry county, Virginia, born January 25, 1835, the son
of Thomas and Hannah Davis, both now deceased. His father, born
in Surry county, died in 1839, aged thirty-nine years. His mother died
in 1858, aged fifty-one years. At Petersburg, September 7, 1858, he
married Emily Roper, of Petersburg, and they have nine children:
Roper, H. C., jr., Emily A., F. Eugene, jr., Thomas M., Marie L., Robert
W., Lena B. and Franklin. Mrs. Davis is the daughter of Leroy Roper,
who died in 1885, aged seventy-six years. Her mother was Emily
Bartlett, died in 1883, aged sixty-seven years.
Mr. Davis went to school in Surry county, finishing with an academic
course. In 1853 he removed to Petersburg and clerked for a jobbing
house four years. In 1857 he began business for himself, under the firm
style of Davis, Derring & Co., wholesale grocers. The following year
the firm changed to Davis, Roper & Co., and since 1884 the firm has
been, as now is, Davis & Co. During the war Mr. Davis performed local
duty with the Petersburg troops. He was two years a member of the
city council, and declined re-election. During his membership of the
council he was chairman of the relief committee for assisting soldiers'
families, and one of the surrenderers of the city to General Grant, after
the Confederate forces had vacated.
HON. RICHARD BEALE DAVIS
Was born in Norfolk county, Virginia, on February 5, 1845, the son of
Williams T. Davis, who was born in Gloucester county, Virginia,
February 6, 1817, and died July 17, 1888. His mother, born in Westmoreland
county, Virginia, in 1815, died January 21, 1851, was
Elizabeth T. C. Beale. His wife, born in Lynchburg, Virginia, is Nannie
W., daughter of Charles H. Hall who was born in North Carolina, and
died in August, 1872. Her mother was Annie S. Duffey, born in
Alexandria, Virginia, now living in Petersburg. Richard B., first-born
of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Davis, died in 1877. Their remaining
children are: Nannie H., Charles H., Robert B. and John W.
At the age of seventeen years, in May, 1862, Mr. Davis entered the
Confederate States Army, Company E, 12th Virginia Infantry, with
which he served until the close at Appomattox. He was slightly
(battle of the Crater). Returning home he resumed his studies, and
took the academic course in the University of Virginia, then studied
law in the same university, and was graduated in June, 1870. He
settled in Petersburg, and has since been engaged in practice in that
city and adjoining counties. He was a member of Virginia legislature
from Petersburg in 1875-77.
COL. EVERARD MEADE FEILD,
Born in Greenville county, Virginia, July 18, 1831, is the son of Theophilus
A. Feild, who was born in Brunswick county, Virginia, and died
in 1857, and Jane Wyatt, also now deceased. Theophilus A. Feild was
a son of Dr. Richard Feild, also of Brunswick county. At Washington,
D. C., May 17, 1852, Rev. Horace Stringfellow officiating, Everard M.
Feild married Maria Louisa Fox. She was the daughter of S. Moylan
Fox, now deceased, and Louisa Linton, and was born in Johnstown,
Pennsylvania, September 15, 1836. Mrs. Feild died at her husband's
residence in Petersburg, on August 3, 1884. Their children were eleven,
born in the order named: Fannie B., Edward W. (died January, 1857),
Jessie V., Louisa L., Everard M., Theophilus A., Hubbard M., Mary C.
and Lizzie F., twins, Henry B., Moylan C.
Colonel Feild went to school in Greenville county, Sussex county, and
at Petersburg. He left school at the age of sixteen years, and went
into the wholesale grocery business, in which he continued until his
marriage. He then went to Greenville county, where he farmed until
the war. He entered the Confederate States Army as captain of Company
F, 12th Virginia Infantry, which regiment was assigned to Mahone's
brigade. In 1862 he was made major of the regiment; in 1863
was promoted lieutenant colonel, and at battle of the Crater, 1864,
was promoted colonel. He was slightly wounded in second battle of
the Wilderness, while in command of Mahone's brigade sharpshooters,
and severely wounded at Spottsylvania C. H., May 12, 1864. He
served till the close of the war, and was in battles of Seven Pines,
Sharpsburg, and second Wilderness; commanded regiment in battles of
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsvile, Gettysburg, Culpeper C. H., Spottsylvania
C. H., Mine Run and several others.
After the close of the war Colonel Feild returned to Greenville county,
where he farmed until 1870, when he came to Petersburg as express
agent for the A. M. & Ohio R. R., with which company he remained until,
in 1885, he accepted his present position, deputy collector of United
States Internal Revenue; service at Petersburg.
COL. WILLIAM M. FEILD
Is a son of Dr. John A. Feild, who was born in Brunswick county, Virginia,
was long an honored resident of that county, and is now
deceased. His mother, whose maiden name was Mary H. Bolling, died
on Christmas day, 1861. He was born in Brunswick county, on May
15, 1837. At the outbreak of the war between the States, he entered
the Confederate States Army, and received a commission, in April, 1861,
as second lieutenant of Company I, 3d Virginia Cavalry. He received
subsequent promotion to captain, then to lieutenant-colonel,
and served till the close of the war, wounded at Halls Shop, Virginia,
and again at Five Forks.
At Petersburg, October 24, 1877, Colonel Feild married Mary H. Hargrave,
and they have three children, John C., Mary P. and William M.,
jr., Mrs. Feild was born in Dinwiddie county, the daughter of Col.
Charles Hargrave, now deceased. Her mother, whose maiden name was
Mary Hillsman, is living at Greenville, Kentucky. Colonel Feild is proprietor
of a tobacco warehouse, and has been treasurer of Dinwiddie
county for seventeen years, ever since the office was created.
ALEXANDER HAMILTON,
Whose home has been in Petersburg since he was six years of age, was
born at Williamsboro, Granville county, North Carolina, on March 18,
1851. He is the son of Robert A. Hamilton, who was born in Granville
county, North Carolina, and is living now in Petersburg, and whose
father was Patrick Hamilton, born in Lanarkshire, Scotland. Patrick
Hamilton married after coming to America, a Miss Baskervill, of
Mecklenburg county, Virginia, settled in Granville county, North Carolina,
and died there at the age of sixty-five years. The mother of
Alexander, who died in 1864, at age of thirty-six years, was Sarah
Caroline, daughter of Nathaniel Alexander, of Mecklenburg county,
Virginia, who married a Miss Alexander, his cousin. Robert P. Hamilton,
brother of Alexander, was a lieutenant in the Confederate States
Army, at age of seventeen years, and was captured at Farmville, on
the retreat to Appomattox C. H.
The first wife of Alexander Hamilton was Mary Stewart Donnan, who
died leaving issue one son, Alexander Donnan Hamilton. Secondly,
Mr. Hamilton married Kate McGehee Venable, who died leaving him
one daughter, Bettie Venable Hamilton. At Petersburg he married
Helen Leslie McGill, of that city, and they have two daughters Helen
McGill and Sarah Alexander Hamilton.
Robert A. Hamilton, sr., came to Petersburg in 1857, and Alexander
attended schools there until October, 1864. He then attended the
three years, then the school of W. Gordon McCabe in Petersburg one
year. In September, 1868, he went to the Virginia Military Institute,
and was graduated there in July, 1871. He was then appointed assistant
professor of that Institute, of Latin and Tactics, and so served
until July, 1873. He also, during the years 1872-3, took the law
course at Washington and Lee University, under Hon. J. Randolph
Tucker and Judge John W. Brockenborough, and was graduated with
the degree of Bachelor of Law in July, 1873. He then practiced law
eight months in Richmond, Virginia, since then has been in practice in
Petersburg, in which he still continues.
BENJAMIN HARRISON,
Born at Mt. Airy, Prince George county, Virginia, October 5, 1826, is
a son of Dr. Nathaniel Harrison, who was a son of Benjamin Harrison,
of Puddle Dock, Prince George county, Virginia. The last named was
born at Mt. Airy, October 12, 1795, and died at Puddle Dock, in February,
1845. The maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch
was George Minge, of Charles City, Virginia, born in Wales. His wife is
Jane B., daughter of James and Ann (Ritchie) Smith, both born in Scotland.
She was born in Petersburg, and there became the wife of Mr. Harrison,
Rev. John Miller uniting them, on May 25, 1869. Their children
are three: Annie C., Benjamin, jr., and James N.
Mr. Harrison went to school in Sussex county, Virginia, until 1840;
then moved to Cabin Point, and lived there a year, then to Prince
George county, and from there, early in 1842, to Petersburg, which has
since been his home. Until 1850, he was connected with the post-office
department, and was engaged in mercantile pursuits from 1850 till the
war. After the war was cashier of the Citizens Bank until December,
1887, and since that time has been engaged in the insurance business,
office 106 Sycamore street. He entered the Confederate States Army on
April 19, 1861, private in Company C, 12th Virginia Infantry, and was
promoted to quartermaster's sergeant; then made commissary of the
regiment, with the rank of captain.
WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.
There was one "Master John Harrison" who was a colonial governor
of Virginia, in the year sixteen hundred and twenty-three (1623)
(Smith's History of Virginia) elected by the Colonists to the place of
the governor sent out, who died during the year. The families of
Berkely and Brandon are descended from him.
Benjamin Harrison (Hon.) of Surry county, born in Southwark Parish,
in that county, in the year sixteen hundred and forty-five (1645)
and who died 1713. His tombstone is at Cabin Point Chapel, and
his will recorded at Surry C. H. He is called "Hon. Benjamin Harrison,
Esq.," on his tombstone. Benjamin had three sons and one daughter.
Benjamin the eldest settled at Berkely, in the county of Charles City,
and married Elizabeth, daughter of Lewis Burwell, of Gloucester county,
by whom he had one son, Benjamin, and one daughter, Elizabeth. He
died at the age of thirty-seven in the year 1710. His tombstone and
that of his wife may be seen at Westover burying ground.
Benjamin married Anne, daughter of Robert Carter, of Carotoman,
commonly called "King Carter." He and two of his daughters were
killed at Berkely by lightning.
Benjamin, his eldest son, was one of the signers of the Declaration of
Independence. Of the remaining sons, Nathaniel settled in Prince
George county, Henry in Surry; Robert in Charles City. Charles was a
general of Cavalry in the Revolutionary war; Carter in Cumberland
county, at Clifton; Benjamin the signer, married Miss Bassitt, and by
her had three (3) sons Benjamin, Carter Bassit, and William Henry, a
general of 1812, and afterwards President of the United States. The
daughters married, David Copeland, John Minge, Dr. Richmon, and
the fourth twice, first Peyton Randolph, and second, Captain Singleton.
Benjamin Jr's Son Nathaniel, settled at Wakefield, in Surry county.
Nathaniel, of Wakefield, Surry county, married Wilmuth Munford, and
by her had one son, whose name was Benjamin Munford, his mother
and father died before he was seven years of age, when Wm. Allen was
appointed his guardian.
Benjamin Munford Harrison was born in New Kent county, at the
residence of his maternal grandmother, November 17, 1788, and married
Agnes Atkinson. of Mayfield, who died without issue; his second
marriage was to Dolly Pleasants Gray Briggs Carter Nicholas, of Norborne,
in the county of Dinwiddie, Virginia. Dolly (Benjamin Munford's
wife), was a daughter of Robert Carter Nicholas, of Norborne,
Dinwiddie county, and granddaughter of Col. John Nicholas, who married
Dolly. Pleasants Briggs, daughter of Gray Briggs, of "Comans
Well," Surry county. Benjamin Munford, by Dolly P. Nicholas, had
two sons and two daughters, to wit: Nathaniel Cole, John Nicholas,
Agnes Atkinson, and Ann Eliza Carter.
Nathaniel Cole Harrison, was born at "Cat-tails," Amelia county,
Virginia, in the year 1820, March 28th, and died September 28, 1887,
at Petersburg, Virginia. He married Elizabeth Leigh Drinkard, by
whom he had one son and two daughters, to wit: William Henry, Mary
Heth. and Wilmuth Munford Harrison.
William Henry Harrison, was born at Petersburg, Virginia, December
30, 1843, and attended school in Petersburg. He entered the Confederate
States Army when a little over eighteen years of age, in March,
1862, in Company A, 12th Virginia Regiment. He was captured
October 27, 1864, at Burgess' Mill, and held at Point Lookout until
March 8, 1865. Among the battles in which he took part, are—Seven
Pines, Fraziers Farm, Falling Creek, Drewrys Bluff, Fredericksburg,
Second Manassas, Crampton Gap (Antietam), Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania,
Petersburg, Crater, Reem's Station, Farmville; and surrendered
at Appomattox Court House. From 1872 to 1880 he was Commissioner
of Revenue for Petersburg. He is now engaged in business in Petersburg
as dealer in carriages, buggies, wagons, and manufacturer of
harness, saddles, etc. In this city, October 27, 1875, he married Rosa
West, of Richmond, Virginia; she is the daughter of George Montgomery
West, who was born at Concord, New Hampshire, and who
died in 1860. Her mother, Evlyn Quarles, was born in Richmond,
Virginia, died in 1858. John West Harrison, first-born of the children
of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison, is no longer living. Their remaining children
are: Ann Elizabeth Harrison (Elise), William Henry Harrison, jr.,
George West Harrison, Nathaniel Cole Harrison, jr., and Helen West
Harrison.
EDGAR A. HARTLEY
Was born in Sussex county, Virginia, on October 29, 1849. He attended
the schools of his native county, remaining with his parents until
1866. He then clerked in J. B. Jarratt's general store for six years,
and in 1872 went to Halifax, North Carolina, and kept books four years
for R. P. Spiers. In 1876 he began business for himself, carrying on a
general store at Comans Well, Sussex county, Virginia, two years, then
removing, in 1878, to Petersburg, and opening up business as grocer
and commission merchant, with R. B. Hartley, the firm style and name
being E. A. Hartley & Bro. Mr. Hartley owns two stores in Sussex
county, one at Stony Creek and one at Jarratts, and another store in
Greenville county, at Belfield.
His father, William J. Hartley, died in August, 1863, aged forty-five
years, and his mother is Martha E. (Gary) Hartley, living still in Sussex
county. In Petersburg, May 10, 1876, he married S. L., daughter
of T. L. Johnson, who died in 1875, and Mary A. Bishop, who died in
1879. Irving J., Mary L., Letae and Florrie are the children of Mr.
and Mrs. Hartley.
SAMUEL J. HURT,
Born in Nottoway county, Virginia, in 1820, is a son of Merewether
Hurt, who was born in Lunenburg county, was a resident of Virginia
through life, and is now deceased. His mother, whose maiden name was
Amy Ann Morgan, has been some years dead. In Brunswick county, Virginia,
in 1865, he married Julia E. Stith, and their children are two sons,
Pelham and Samuel J., jr., Mrs. Hurt was born in Brunswick county,
in 1839, the daughter of Needham Washington Stith, now deceased.
The subject of this sketch went to school in early days in his native
county, then was two years in the dry goods business with L. L.
Parsons, of Petersburg, when about sixteen years old. Subsequently
he returned to school, in Dinwiddie county, attended Jefferson Academy,
and prepared himself for the practice of medicine. Abandoning that
idea, he returned to Petersburg and entered into the grocery and
commission business, in which he continued until the civil war.
He entered the Confederate service in 1861, with the Petersburg
Cavalry, volunteers to the State service, and was made company
quartermaster, the company going to Norfolk. Soon after he was
detached, and made post quartermaster at Suffolk, where he remained
until the evacuation; was then transferred to the commissary department
and served in same till the close of the war. He then returned to
Petersburg having, as may be recorded of many whose sketches appear
in these pages, sacrificed everything but life and honor to the cause,
and began life again, building up a business from the foundation,
resuming the same line he was engaged in before the war—groceries
and commission.
THOMAS J. JARRATT.
Nicholas Jarratt and his wife Mary, nee Brown, are the parents of
Thomas J. Jarratt, and he was born in Sussex county, Virginia, on
December 16, 1817. His first wife was Adaline R. May, who died leaving
him four children. Martha E., died in 1858, George T., Walter J.
and Gertrude M. Secondly he married, at Portsmouth, Virginia, on
January 6, 1876, Emily E. Drummond. For many years Mr. Jarratt
has been counted one of the substantial citizens of Petersburg, where
he was engaged, before the war, and to the present time, in business as
commission merchant, name and style of firm at this time being,
T. J. Jarratt & Son. He performed duty with the Petersburg local
troops during the war. For several years he was a member of the city
council of Petersburg, and he was six years, 1882-8 mayor of the city.
R. F. JARVIS,
Son of W. H. and Martha J. Jarvis, was born in Petersburg, on July
10, 1847. He attended the public schools of Petersburg, and was still
at his studies when war was inaugurated. While still a boy he went
with his father to Norfolk, his father being then captain of Company
D, 12th Virginia regiment. Later W. H. Jarvis was made major of the
3d battalion, Virginia Reserve Forces, and R. F. entered service April
5, 1863, as captain of Company G, that battalion, not then sixteen
years of age. He was captured at the evacuation of Petersburg, and
held till paroled at Point Lookout. Major Jarvis was also captured,
above Petersburg, about the same time. The latter, born in Dinwiddie
county, died on November 27, 1877. The mother of R. F. Jarvis, born
in Dinwiddie county, died June 10, 1887, aged seventy-three years. His
wife is Mary Virginia Jarvis, born in Dinwiddie county. They were married
by Rev. T. T. Eaton, June 7, 1876, and have one daughter, Virgie
L., born March 7, 1877.
CARY W. JONES,
Son of William W. Jones, sr., was born in Richmond, Virginia, on
September 23, 1852. His father, born in Gloucester county, Virginia,
died in the fall of 1860. His mother, Ann E., a daughter of Gen'l R.
E. Dabney, was born in Caroline county, Virginia, and is now a resident
in Richmond. His wife, born in Petersburg, is Annie F., daughter of
William H. Tappey, whose family record appears on another page of
this book. They were married at Petersburg, November 12, 1884.
Their son, Cary W., jr., was born September 11, 1885, and died on
June 16, 1886, and they have one daughter, Lucy Dabney.
Mr. Jones went to school in Richmond, then to the academy at
Princeton, Kentucky, and later took a course in a business college in
Baltimore, Maryland. During the war he was for a time clerk in the
Winder Confederate hospital, Richmond. In 1869 he went to Norfolk,
Virginia, where for a time he was engaged in the wholesale clothing
business. In 1874 he was connected with the Norfolk Virginian, in
1878 with the Baltimore American. In 1881 he wrote and published
the work entitled "Norfolk as a Business Center," a work of considerable
note, and which gave much satisfaction, running through five
editions. In October, 1885, he made his home in Petersburg, becoming
senior member of the firm of Jones, Bain & Co., which was succeeded by
the firm of Cary W. Jones & Co., manufacturers of high grade fertilizers,
which business he is still successfully conducting. Mr. Jones is a member
of the city council of Petersburg. His family connections by
His brother is now holding a farm in King William county which was a
part of the family grant.
FREEMAN W. JONES
Was born in Brunswick county, Virginia, on August 7, 1846. He is a
son of Francis Fitzgerald Jones, who was born in Nottoway county,
Virginia, and who died in Brunswick county, in August, 1865. His
mother died in that county, also, in 1856. She was Sally Green
Thweatt, born in Dinwiddie county. At Lawrenceville, Brunswick
county, October 23, 1872, Revs. J. H. Morrison and O. A. Glazebrook
officiating clergymen, Freeman W. Jones married Harriett Randolph
Morrison, who was born in Lawrenceville. Their children are seven:
Lucia Hackley, Carrie Morrison, Freeman W., jr., Meade Bernard,
Harriett R., Fanny Stewart, Sally Thweatt. Mrs. Jones is the daughter
of Dr. E. A. Morrison, and his wife Lucia Hackley, formerly of Lawrenceville,
both now deceased.
Mr. Jones attended the common schools of his native county for six
years only. He entered the Confederate States Army at the age of
seventeen years, in April, 1864, Company E, 56th Virginia Infantry, a
regiment serving in Hunton's brigade, Pickett's division. He was
wounded near Petersburg, August 24, 1864, was captured March 31,
1865, and held at Point Lookout until June 14, 1865. He farmed for
some three years after the war. At the age of twenty-three years he
was elected sheriff of Brunswick county and in that capacity he served
nine years, by subsequent re-elections. Then he resigned this office, to
accept a position tendered as inspector of tobacco, Center Warehouse,
Petersburg, where he has remained ever since. He is the present city
sergeant of Petersburg, elected in May, 1888.
FRANCIS RIVES LASSITER.
The subject of this sketch was born in Petersburg, on February 18,
1866. He was educated at the University school in Petersburg, and
went to the University of Virginia, where, after graduating in several
classical schools, he studied law under Prof John B. Minor, graduating
in 1886, with degree of Bachelor of Law. He then went to live in Boston,
Massachusetts, where he was admitted to the Suffolk bar, and
practiced until his return to Petersburg in the spring of 1888, when he
was elected city attorney and has been in practice since.
His father is D. W. Lassiter, M. D., who was born in Northampton
county, North Carolina, the son of William Lassiter, who was also the
son of William Lassiter, descended from a Huguenot family who settled
The Lassiter family have intermarried with the families of Daniel and
Parker, of North Carolina.
The mother of Francis Rives Lassiter was Anna Rives Lassiter, nee
Heath, daughter of Hartwell P. Heath and Eliza Cureton Rives, his wife.
The Heaths are descended from Robert Heath, who was attorney-general
under Charles I and patentee of the Carolinas, prior to the grant to the
Lords Proprietors. The family lived in Surry and Prince George counties,
and members of it served in the Revolutionary and Mexican wars.
The Rives people belong to the main branch of the Virginia Rives
family, of which the Albemarle Rives family is an offshoot. The most
distinguished of recent years have been Francis Everod Rives, great
uncle of the subject of this sketch, who was a member of Congress and
twice a member of the Virginia legislature, and mayor of Petersburg;
and Timothy Rives, of Prince George county, who was called "the war
horse of the Democracy," and who, though opposed to the late war,
suffered severely from the Union forces.
DR. H. G. LEIGH
Was born in Mecklenburg county, Virginia, on March 12, 1833. He is
the son of Rev. H. G. Leigh, D. D., who was born in North Carolina,
and who died in 1853, aged fifty-eight years. His mother, whose
maiden name was Mary J. Crump, died in 1881, aged seventy-three
years. His wife, whom he married at Northampton, North Carolina,
on June 30, 1859, is Martha A., daughter of Col. John M. Moody, who
married Martha W. Wright. Colonel Moody died in 1880, aged seventy
years, and his widow died in 1885, aged sixty-nine years. Dr. and
Mrs. Leigh have four children: Mary E., John Hamilton Patterson,
Martha W. and H. G., jr.
Dr. Leigh received his collegiate education at Randolph-Macon College,
whence he was graduated in 1851, with degree of Master of Arts.
He held the chair of assistant professor in this college until 1854. In
1855 he was graduated in medicine at the New York Medical College;
in 1854-5 studied medicine at the University of Virginia, was also,
1856-7 assistant physician at Randalls Island Hospital.
He had settled in practice in Petersburg when the war was inaugurated,
and tendered his services to the Confederate government,
remaining in service through the war. He was first surgeon of a
Louisiana Regiment, then of other regiments, and in 1864-5 was
surgeon-in-charge general hospital, Raleigh, North Carolina, rank of
major. At the close of the war he returned to Petersburg, where he
has been in practice ever since. He is a member of the American
holds the office of medical examiner for the Mutual Life Insurance
Company, of New York, and other Insurance Companies, and has been
coroner of Petersburg since 1870, still serving.
WILLIAM ROBERTSON MCKENNEY.
The subject of this sketch has always lived in Petersburg, where he
was born on December 2, 1851. His father was Robert Armstrong
McKenney, born in Westmoreland county, Virginia, served in late
war as member of the Home Guards, battalion commanded by Colonel
F. H. Archer, participated in the famous fight at Rives farm (near
Petersburg), June 9, 1864, died May 5, 1885, aged sixty-seven years.
His mother was Virginia Bland, daughter of William Robertson, who
married Anne Spotswood, a great granddaughter of Gov. Alexander
Spotswood (see Volume I, Virginia and Virginians). December 2, 1878,
at Georgetown, D. C., William R. McKenney married Clara J. Pickrell,
who was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. Their children are three:
Anne Pickrell, William Robertson and Virginia Spotswood. Mrs.
McKenney is the daughter of Addison Pickrell, who was born in
Georgetown, D. C., and died in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her mother
was Justine Lockett, born in New Orleans.
Mr. McKenney prepared for the University of Virginia at the University
school of W. Gorden McCabe, Petersburg, and entered the University
in October, 1871. He was graduated from several of the academic
schools, and entered the law school under teaching of Professors
John B. Minor and Stephen O. Southall, in October, 1875. From this
school he was graduated in June, 1876, with degree of Bachelor of Law.
In August, 1876, he began practice in Petersburg in which he has continued
ever since. He is now president of the city council of Petersburg;
was the presidential elector on the Democratic ticket, for the 4th Congressional
District, election of 1888.
BERNARD MANN.
John Mann, Esq., attorney-at-law of Petersburg, married C. F. Bernard,
and the subject of this sketch is their son, born in Petersburg,
December 5, 1861. He went to school in Petersburg for two years to
Miss Virginia Friend, then to W. Gordon McCabe's University school for
six years, then for three years attended the University of Virginia, remaining
in the academic department during that time. He then filled
the position of teacher two years in Prof. McCabe's school, after which
he returned to the University and took the law course for one session.
extending into adjoining counties. He married at Petersburg on
February 24, 1886, Rev. Dr. R. C. Hains joining him in wedlock with
Elizabeth Weldon Claiborne, of Petersburg. Their little daughter bears
the mother's name, Elizabeth W. C. Mrs. Mann is the daughter of Dr.
John Herbert Claiborne, of Petersburg. Her mother, who was Sarah
Joseph Alston before marriage, is now deceased. The father of Mr. Mann
served in the Confederate States Army during the late war.
CAPT. LOUIS L. MARKS.
Louis L., son of Grandison F. Marks, was born in Petersburg on May
13, 1837. His father, born in Prince George county, Virginia, October
24, 1809, died on October 13, 1887, aged seventy-two years. His
mother, who was Sarah T. Bevill, born in Amelia county, Virginia, died
in 1838. His wife is Bettie A Southall, of Amelia county, and they
were married in that county, on May 23, 1860, Rev. R.E.G. Adams uniting
them. Her parents were born in Amelia county, William D. Southall
and Sarah Clay. Captain Marks entered the Confederate States Army
in April, 1861, adjutant of the 12th Virginia regiment. Later he was
promoted captain and commanded Company C, same regiment, which
he was leading when wounded at Second Manassas. He was afterwards
appointed captain in the quartermaster's department, and served until
the surrender of Johnston's army at Greensboro, North Carolina. He
is a well-known merchant of Petersburg, a member of the Board of
Education, Sunday School superintendent and president of the Young
Men's Christian Association of Petersburg, at the present time.
SAMUEL H. MARKS.
The subject of this sketch was born in Prince George county, Virginia,
on March 6, 1808. Since he was twenty years of age, he has been engaged
in business in Petersburg, one of its most honored citizens. His
father, Samuel Marks, died in 1810, and his mother, whose maiden
name was Martha Birchett, has been many years dead. In August,
1829, he married Sallie G. Rives, who died in 1856, aged forty-seven
years. Their children were: William A., died in January, 1888, Samuel
G., died at age of nineteen years; Virginia R., Frank E. and Spencer
G. These two youngest sons served through the late war, in the
Confederate States Army. Mr. Marks married secondly, at Richmond,
Virginia, February 3, 1853, Charlotte W. Skinner, who was born in
Hampton, Virginia.
In 1823 Mr. Marks came to Petersburg to live with Mr. Peter Martin,
the leading confectioner at that time in the city, and remained with him
fruiterer. He has followed the same almost continuously ever since,
having now the largest wholesale business of the kind in the State.
J. EDWARD MOYLER,
Son of John Quarles Moyler and Mary Thomas Vaughan, was born in
Sussex county, Virginia, on August 26, 1841. His earliest education,
until 1855, was received in the country schools of Sussex county. In
1855-6 he attended the preparatory school of Col. Wm. S. Kemper, at
Gordonsville, Virginia, in 1857-8 the preparatory school at Greenwood
Depot, Albemarle county, kept by Rev. Wm. Dinwiddie. In 1859 read
medicine under Dr. Wm. Briggs, of Sussex county, and attended the
medical course, University of Virginia, sessions of 1860-1.
Immediately on the secession of Virginia, the service of the company
of which he was a member, Capt. Jas T. Tosh, of the University commanding,
was tendered the Governor, and accepted, and the company
ordered to Harpers Ferry, but after ten days there ordered back to the
University. Just before the close of this session Mr. Moyler left the
University, and enrolled in the Sussex cavalry, which company was
assigned as Company E, 13th Virginia Cavalry. He remained with this
company until November, 1862, at which time it was stationed at
Brandy Station, and then was detailed and ordered to Richmond, as
resident student in the Medical College hospital. He attended the lectures
for remainder of session, and those of the next session, and was
graduated from this college in March, 1864. After passing examination
before the Board of Examiners was commissioned as assistant surgeon,
Confederate States Navy, and assigned to duty aboard the "Virginia,"
flag-ship of the James River squadron, Capt. R. B. Pegram commanding.
He remained in this service, and when Richmond was evacuated
the squadron endeavored to join Gen. Johnston, and had reached
Greensboro, North Carolina, where it surrendered.
Dr. Moyler returned to his native county, and practiced medicine
there until 1872, when he came to Petersburg, and engaged in his present
occupation, as insurance and real estate agent. His mother died in 1845,
aged forty-eight years, and his father died on May 17, 1848, aged fifty-two
years. In Sussex county, December 20, 1866, Rev. J. A. Duncan, D. D.,
officiating clergyman, he married Mutie A. Owen, who was born in
Sussex county. She is the daughter of John Owen, now deceased, and
Mary E. Tatum, now living in Sussex county. The children of Dr. and
Mrs. Moyler, all living in Petersburg, are six: J. Edward, Owen,
John, Mary V., Mutie A., Harry Lee.
HON. JAMES M. MULLEN
Was born in Pasquotank county, North Carolina, on September 10,
1845. His parents now reside at Halifax, North Carolina, James Whedbee
Mullen, born March 19, 1809, in Pasquotank county, and Susan W.
Clary, born in Perquimans county, North Carolina. His paternal grandparents
were Joseph and Ann (Sutton) Mullen, of Pasquotank county,
and his mother is the daughter of John Clary, of Perquimans county,
who married Jane Pointer, of the same county. At Petersburg, Virginia,
October 13, 1875, Bishop Duncan officiating clergyman, James
M. Mullen married Evelyn A. Grigg. Their children are: James, Thomas
Wilson, Grizzell, Clary Sutton, living, and Maud and Cornelia, now
deceased. Mrs. Mullen was born in Petersburg, the daughter of Wesley
Grigg, who was born in Dinwiddie county, and who died in February,
1867. Her mother was Augustina P. Wells, born in Petersburg, died
in May, 1882, aged fifty-nine years.
Mr. Mullen was educated in Perquimans county, North Carolina, attending
the Hertford Male Academy, then studying law under Hon. Thomas
G. Skinner, of Hertford. He came to the Bar in January, 1869, commenced
practice in Halifax county, North Carolina, in March, 1869,
where he remained until July, 1886, when he moved to Petersburg, which
has been his home since that date. He still retains, however, his practice
in Halifax and Northampton counties, North Carolina, and practices
in the courts of Petersburg and adjoining counties.
He entered the Confederate States Army in February, 1862, and was
enrolled in Martin's Battery, Boggs' Battalion (Va.) Light Artillery. In
October, 1863, he was transferred from Martin's (Va.) Battery to
Webb's (N. C.) Battery, same (Boggs') Battalion, where he served until
the battery was disbanded, latter part of April, 1865, near Raleigh,
North Carolina.
In 1866 he was appointed register of deeds for Perquimans county,
North Carolina, and held the office a little over two years. At the general
election, November, 1884, he was elected to the State Senate for
North Carolina from Halifax county, and served one term, beginning
January, 1885. At the municipal election for Petersburg, Virginia, held
May 24, 1888, he was elected commonwealth attorney for said city, term
beginning July 1, 1888, ending June 30, 1890.
CAPTAIN JOHN R. PATTERSON
Was born in Lunenburg county, Virginia, on July 12, 1834. He is the
son of William Patterson, born in Ireland, died in 1837, aged fifty-one
years, and Ann Atkinson, born in 1798, died 1883. In Petersburg,
April 9, 1867, he married Betty M., daughter of Edmund H. and Sara
April 30, 1841, and died on July 4th, 1872. Their children are:
Edmund H., born April 9, 1868; Betty O., born June 20, 1872; Ann,
died June 23, 1872.
Captain Patterson went to various country schools in Lunenburg
county, and completed his academic studies at Frederick, Maryland,
entering on a mercantile business previous to the war. He entered
the military service of the State of Virginia on April 19, 1861, sergeant
Co. E, 12th Virginia Infantry; was promoted lieutenantin 1861, captain
in 1864. He was wounded at Crampton Gap, Maryland, September 14,
1862, gun shot in right leg; was in battles of Seven Pines, Malvern Hill,
Crampton Gap the Wilderness, Spotsylvania C. H., second Cold Harbor,
and many others, and surrendered at Appomattox C. H. He returned
to Petersburg after the war, and resumed the grocery business, in which
he continued until appointed postmaster, August 24, 1886, which office
he is still (1888) acceptably filling.
JOSEPH J. PERCIVALL
Was born in Brunswick county, Virginia, on September 8, 1843, the
son of Hugh L. Percivall, who also was born in Brunswick county, and
who was the son of Joseph Percivall, a native of Scotland. The
mother of Joseph J. was born in Brunswick county, her maiden name
Nancy C. Rawlings. In April, 1861, Mr. Percivall entered the Confederate
States Army, and was over two years in the infantry service before
he attained his majority. In September, 1863, he entered Company I,
3d Virginia Cavalry, with which he served till the close of the war. He
married at Charlottesville, Virginia, November 21, 1871, Amanda O.
Beasley, who was born in Prince George county, Virginia. Her parents
are Virginians, Richard R. Beasley, born in Lunenberg county, and
Martha E. Jones, born in Brunswick county. Mr. and Mrs. Percivall
have lost three children: Ella N., died aged nine months; Minnie, died
aged five years; Bessie B., died aged two years. Their remaining children,
born in the order named, are: Annie B., Kate M., Hugh L., Richard
R., Amanda O., and Joseph. Mr. Percivall has been a resident for
some years of Petersburg, and is engaged in the tobacco warehouse
business.
NATHAN BROOKS PRICHARD.
The subject of this sketch was born in Petersburg, on the 29th day
of February, 1848. He is a son of William Irwin Prichard, who was
born in Greenville county, Virginia, and who died on April 30, 1883,
aged seventy-seven years. His mother is Mary Margaret Prichard, nee
1870, Rev. S. V. Easter officiating, Nathan Brooks Prichard and
Marion Blunt Riddick were wedded. They have three children living,
Marion McDonald, William Blunt, Nathan Riddick, and have buried
one daughter, Mary Claiborne. The father of Mrs. Prichard was the
Hon. Washington L. Riddick, who died in New Orleans, Louisiana, in
1872, aged forty-seven years. He was a Senator in the Virginia legislature
at the time of his death, and had been ably serving there for some
years previously. Her mother, whose maiden name was Frances
Marion Blunt, is now living at Charlotte, North Carolina, aged sixty-three
years.
Mr. Prichard went to school in Petersburg, until he entered the army,
at the age of 16 years, May 5, 1864. His first service was in the local
Petersburg troops, but in January, 1865, he volunteered for field
service, and was in S. Taylor Mortin's battery of artillery, Army of
Northern Virginia, from that time till the surrender at Appomattox C.
H. He was wounded in the desperate affair at Rives farm, near Petersburg,
June 9, 1864. After the war, he returned to Petersburg,
and in November, 1865, went to clerking for J. C. Riddle, then
owner of the Basin Mills, Petersburg. In January following he was
elected to a clerkship in office of the agency of the cotton mills, under David
Callender. This position he resigned in 1870 to accept clerkship with
Davis, Roper & Co., Petersburg, with which firm he remained until 1874.
In the latter year he went into business for himself, and for fifteen years
he has continued a partner in the firm of Allen & Prichard, wholesale
grocers. Since March, 1886, he has been a member of the building committee
of the Virginia Normal School building, he is vice-president of
the Chamber of Commerce of Petersburg, trustee of the Building Loan
Association, and vestryman of the St. Paul Church.
Robert W. Prichard, brother of Nathan B., was born in Petersburg,
on November 20, 1856. He attended the schools of Petersburg until
1872, when he began clerking for J. R. Cary, crockery business; in 1874,
went to clerking for J. B. Robertson, grocery, in 1879 went into the
grocery business for himself, and in 1887 changed to his present business,
housefurnishing store, as manager of the firm of Prichard & Co.
He was married in Petersburg, November 23, 1881, and has three
children: Robert W., jr., Herbert B. and Mattie B. His wife is Mattie
C., daughter of the late Governor Thomas and Isabella Bragg of North
Carolina, both now deceased. Mr. Prichard had four elder brothers in
the service, C. S. A., during the late war: William B., Chas. E., severely
wounded; John H. and Nathan B., slightly wounded. He is a vestryman
in Grace P. E. Church.
POWHATAN M. STEWARD,
Born in Petersburg, on October 31, 1842, received his education in the
schools of Petersburg. He entered the Confederate States military
service in October, 1861, Company E, 41st Virginia Infantry, private,
promoted sergeant. He was captured at Seven Pines, and held two
months at Fort Delaware. After exchange he rejoined his company,
and in 1863 he enlisted again, in Sturdivant's Light Artillery. He was
detached to the quartermaster's department at Petersburg, where he
served as harness maker till the close of the war. He then engaged in
his present business, dealer in carriages and buggies, manufacturer of
saddles, harness, etc. He is the son of William E. Steward, born in
Petersburg, died in 1859, aged forty-nine years, and Jane T. Steward,
nee Rosser, also now deceased. He married Laura E. Steward, daughter
of Jas. M. B. Steward, and they have four children: Nellie L., Annie M.,
Powhatan M., jr., and Florence G.
MAJOR ROBERT M. SULLY,
Born in Petersburg, Virginia, in 1837, is the son of Robert M. Sully,
the Virginian artist, who died in 1855. His mother, Isabella Sully, nee
Thompson, is living now in Richmond. Garland Thompson, her father,
died in Richmond about 1836. Major Sully's wife, whom he married at
Lynchburg, Virginia, November 17, 1868, was Elizabeth A. Williams,
born in Lynchburg. They have one daughter, Miss Lulia L.
Major Sully was educated in Connecticut. In 1857 he entered the service
of the Orange & Alexandria R. R. In 1861 he entered the Confederate
army, as a private in Company A, 17th Virginia regiment. He
was promoted into the engineering corps, C. S. A., rank of first lieutenant
of engineers, and served until surrendered at Greensboro, North
Carolina.
After the war Major Sully was in the service of the Midland R. R., as
civil engineer. In 1873 he left that company, and was with the Richmond
& Danville R. R. until 1876, when he came to the Petersburg
R. R., as general freight agent. In 1879 he was made general superintendent
of this road, which office he held until 1881, since which time
he has been superintendent of the R. & P. and Petersburg roads.
WILLIAM H. TAPPEY
Is of German birth and parentage, but many years a resident of Virginia.
He was born near Bremen, Germany, November 7, 1819, the
son of Frank and Henrietta Tappey, both now deceased. He came to
the United States, to Richmond, Virginia, in July, 1836, and worked in
Petersburg he began business in the Iron Works, and until the war was
most of the time senior member of the firm of Tappey & Lumsden. He
enlisted in Capt. Fisher's Cavalry Company, C. S. A., and was detailed
to furnish army equipments. He was captain of the detailed forces,
and when Grant took the Petersburg breastworks, was fighting at the
front, at the time Mr. Lumsden and others were made prisoners. At
the close of the war he resumed business, under the firm name and style
of Tappey, Lumsden & Co., later firm was Tappey & Steel, and now
(1888), it is Tappey & Delaney. Mr. Tappey has been forty-six years
engaged in business on the same spot, and gives fair promise of many
years more business activity. The firm are manufacturers of stationary,
portable and hoisting engines, tram road engines and car irons,
pumps, presses, mills and mill gearing, elevators, and iron and brass
castings, etc.
In Richmond, Virginia, November, 1840, Rev. A. D. Pollock, D.D.,
officiating, William H. Tappey married Lucy B. Seal, of Caroline county,
Virginia, the daughter of James and Judith Seal, both Virginians,
and both now deceased. The issue of this marriage is four daughters:
Emma E., Mary V., Annie F. and Lucie P. and one son, F. I., now
deceased.
CAPTAIN JAMES T. TOSH
Was born in Roanoke county, Virginia, May 16, 1838. He was graduated
from the Virginia Military Institute in June, 1860, and attended
the sessions of 1860-1 at the University of Virginia. He entered the
Confederate service as captain commanding the "Sons of Liberty," a
volunteer company composed of students, and thoroughly trained
before leaving the University. In this capacity, and as aide de camp to
Gen. R. E. Colston, he served until the close of the struggle. He married
Ida Ragland, eldest daughter of R. Ragland, of Petersburg, January 5,
1864, and at the close of hostilities settled in that city as a tobacco
manufacturer.
W. LAFAYETTE WATKINS.
The families from which Mr. Watkins is descended were Huguenots and
in 1700 settled at Manakin Town, Virginia. He was born in Richmond,
Virginia, on January 10, 1824, the son of Stephen D. Watkins, who was
born in Halifax county, Virginia, January 27, 1778, and who died on
July 13, 1862. Thomas Watkins, father of Stephen D., was born on
November 15, 1748, and died July 28, 1816. He married Magdaline
Dupuy, daughter of Jno. Bartholomew Dupuy (Huguenot). The
mother of W. Lafayette, was Sarah H., daughter of Peter Dupuy. She
was born July 1, 1760, and died August 29, 1826. Her mother was
Margaret Martin, born November 6, 1768, died July 18, 1852.
Mr. Watkins received a collegiate education at William and Mary
College, whence he was graduated on July 4, 1843. He studied law
under Judge Thomas S. Gholson, of Petersburg, and received license to
practice in 1846. Since that time he has followed the profession of law
continuously, practicing in Dinwiddie and adjoining counties and
Court of Appeals. He has been two terms city attorney for Petersburg,
and six years a member of the city council. His first wife was Maria S.
Hall, born at Fredericksburg, Virginia, June 4, 1833, and died September
21, 1864, aged thirty-one years. Their children were seven, of
whom there are living two sons: Thomas G. and John D., and one
daughter, Sally H., now the wife of Dr. M. L. Wood, of Montgomery,
Alabama. Mr. Watkins married secondly, at Petersburg, October 9,
1866, Eliza Stringfellow, daughter of Rev. Horace Stringfellow, she was
born at Washington, D. C., on September 19, 1845.
CHARLES D. WITHERSPOON
Was born at "Evergreen" (the home of his Ruffin ancestors for one
hundred and fifty years), on James river, Prince George county, Virginia.
He spent his early life in Greensboro, Hale county, Alabama,
until August, 1871, when he came to Virginia, and concluded his education
at Williamsburg in the following year. He began business with
Wm. Cameron & Bro., tobacco manufacturers, of Petersburg, Virginia,
in March 1873, and severed his connection with them the following
October by their discontinuing business during the financial panic of
that year. After farming for one year he entered the employ of D. B.
Tennant & Co., tobacco manufacturers, of Petersburg, in February,
1875, and he has continued with them, and their successor, Mr. David
Dunlop, in the capacity of book-keeper, to the present time.
Mr. Witherspoon is a son of Wm. Alfred Witherspoon (a hardware
merchant of Mobile, Alabama, who died in his thirty-second year) and
Tariffa Cocke. He is grandson of Dr. John R. Witherspoon, of Hale
county, Alabama, who married Sophia, daughter of Gen. Joseph Graham,
of Lincoln county, North Carolina, and Isabella Davidson of the
same county. He is great grandson of Robert Witherspoon and Isabella
Heatly; great, great grandson of James Witherspoon and Elizabeth
McQuoid; great, great, great grandson of John Witherspoon, of
Paisley (near Glasgow) Scotland, who settled in Williamsbug, South
Carolina, in December, 1734.
On his mother's side Mr. Witherspoon is grandson of Commodore
Henry Harrison Cocke, U. S. N., who married Elizabeth, daughter of
was born at "Montpelier," Surry county, Virginia, May 5, 1794. He
entered the U. S. Navy at the age of fifteen years, and was engaged in
the war of 1812 with Great Britain; was commissioned commodore in
July 1851, the then highest rank in the navy. In April, 1861, on the
secession of Virginia, he retired from the navy, then in his sixty-eighth
year; and was appointed under the Confederate government commander
of the defences of James river, where he erected five forts.
Mr. Witherspoon is a great grandson of Walter Cocke and Ann Carter
Harrison; great, great grandson of John Cocke and Rebecca Starke,
who were married in 1740.
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