COL. PETER J. OTEY,
One of the sons of the distinguished family whose military and family
record has just been given, was born in Lynchburg. At Wytheville, Virginia,
Father Walters officiating, he married Mallie, daughter of Benj.
Rush Floyd, and granddaughter of the first Gov. John Floyd. Mrs.
Otey's mother was Nannie S. Mathews, granddaughter of Gen. Smyth,
member of Congress from Virginia. The record of the children of Col.
and Mrs. Otey is: Mary, born March 4, 1866, now Mrs. Mitchell, living
in Lynchburg; Nannie, born January 18, 1869, now Mrs. Miller, living
in Lynchburg; Floyd, born June 7, 1872, and Nathalie F., born March
8, 1876, living at home; Peter J. jr., born July 21, 1879, died February
7, 1882; Charles Heald, born May 15, 1884, died same day.
Col. Otey entered the Confederate States Army as lieutenant, April 19,
1861. On May 19 following, his was the hand that fired the first gun
at Sewells Point, Virginia, the first gun fired after the declaration of
war, and the first blood shed after the declaration was in the two hours
engagement following, when the "Monticello," under command of
Commodore Eagle, was repulsed. He served as adjutant in battles of
Carnifax Ferry, Fayette C. H., Charleston, Montgomery Ferry, and Cotton
Hill, all under Floyd and Loring; was assistant adjutant general
battle of Fort Donelson; was major of 30th Virginia battalion, and
commanded one wing of same in charge of Breckenridge on Siegel at
New Market. There Col. Otey was wounded, having right arm shattered.
Later was transferred to Early's command, participating in
campaign of the Valley, succeeding Lieut. Col. Clark (who was disabled) in
command of 30th Va. Battalion; commanded brigade in battle of
Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864; commanded battalion in battle of
Waynesboro, March 2, 1865, and was there captured; held in Fort
Delaware until released May 31, 1865. Col. Otey has held a number of
municipal and political offices; was thirteen years the active executive
officer of the Lynchburg National Bank, and is now president of the
Lynchburg & Durham Railroad.
