Encyclopedia of Virginia biography, Volume V, Part 10

Author: Tyler, Lyon Gardiner, 1853-1935, ed. cn
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: New York, Lewis historical publishing company
Number of Pages: 848

USA > Virginia > Encyclopedia of Virginia biography, Volume V > Part 10

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

sided, continuing in professional labors. While his present practice is general in nature, Dr. Harrell has directed special study upon diseases of the stomach and in- testines, and is regarded by his fellow phy- sicians as an authority upon subjects com- ing under that head. He is a gentleman of principle and honor, a learned and able doc- tor, and both socially and professionally has high standing in Suffolk. For three years he was city physician of Suffolk, and is a member of the American Medical Asso- ciation and the Nansemond County, the Seaboard, the South Side Virginia, and the State Medical Societies. His fraternal orders are the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Masonic, his lodge in the latter organization Suffolk, No. 30. He is, like his father, a member of the Christian church.

Dr. David Lemuel Harrell married, in 1895, Mattie Gertrude Wilkins, daughter of Josiah Wilkins, and has children: Edgar Marion, born in 1896; Evelyn, born in 1898; Cecil, born in 1900; Lillian, born in 1901 ; David Lemuel, Jr., born in 1903; and Joshua Bertram, born in 1905.

August Ellwanger. John Jacob Ellwan- ger, father of August Ellwanger, of Dan- ville, Virginia, was born and educated in Wittemberg, Germany, and there learned the carpenters' trade. After serving his full years of duty in the German army, he came to the United States, in 1861, locating at Danville, Virginia, serving in the Confed- erate army during the closing year of the war. He worked at his trade and operated a saw mill after the war, in Mecklenburg county, moving in 1871 to Pittsylvania county, Virginia. He married, and had chil- dren: Christopher Frederick; Jacob F .; Mary, married D. F. Fayman; August, of further mention; William; Annie, married W. A. Roody; John, died during the civil war.

August Ellwanger was born in Keesville, Mecklenburg county, Virginia, February 23, 1868. When he was three years of age his parents moved to Pittsylvania county, where he attended school and worked with his father at the saw mill until he was fifteen years of age. He then spent three years in Roanoke, Virginia, learning the machinists' trade, and gaining a good knowledge of machinery. At the age of nineteen years. he located at Danville, where he obtained

a position with the city, taking charge of the electric light plant. This position he held for some time, becoming an expert electrician. He then engaged in the sport- ing goods business in Danville, as a partner in the firm of L. C. Clarke & Company, con- tinuing until 1904. He then established as an electrical contractor at 545 Main street, Danville, a business that has developed into the present firm of A. Ellwanger & Com- pany, taking in W. W. Stanfield as partner in 1912. The firm has a well located store, in which a full line of electrical supplies is carried, but their main business is electrical contracting, and the installation of lighting, heating plants, and all forms of electric machinery for factories, public buildings and residences. Mr. Ellwanger with his twenty-five years' experience in electrical lines, is thoroughly practical, while his part- ner was in his employ several years before being awarded an interest in the business. Mr. Ellwanger has prospered through abil- ity and straightforward business methods, having won the confidence and respect of his community by upright dealings and the mechanical ability and facilities to promptly and faithfully execute his contracts. His business increases each year along with the development of the city, with whose inter- ests he is so closely identified. He is connected with other Danville activities, as a stock- holder, but personally devotes his entire time to his own business. He is a Demo- crat in politics, and for twelve years has been a member of Danville city council, serving through successive re-elections. He is a member of the Masonic order, the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Royal Arcanum, Loyal Order of Moose, the Commercial Association, and the Tuscarora Club. In religious faith he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, belong to Cabell Street congregation.

Mr. Ellwanger married, in Danville, Oc- tober 9, 1889, Lucy Frances, born there; daughter of William and Parthenia Eliza- beth Scroggs, the former deceased, the lat- ter now residing with her daughter Lucy Frances.

David Baker Ames. The Ames family of Virginia and the South springs from the same ancestry as the Ames family of East- ern Massachusetts. The line is traced in England to John Ames, who was buried in

611

VIRGINIA BIOGRAPHY

Bristol, England, in 1560. His son, John (2) Ames, born in 1560, died in 1629, mar- ried Cyprian Browne, who bore him four sons, the two eldest. William and John (4). coming to America, and from them spring all of the family name claiming early Colo- nial ancestors. The family has been promi- nent in the South for many generations and in 1867 an Ames was governor of Missis- sippi. In England they bore arms, the Bristol branch bearing: "Argent, on a bend cottised sable. Three roses of the field. Crest : A white rose. Motto: Fama candida rosa dulcior.

At a very early day the name appeared on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Captain John Ames in 1651 commanding the vessel "Sea Horse," which, while' on a mission in the Delaware river, sent by Colonel Scar- burgh, was seized by the Dutch governor general, who "Lowered the King's colors. ran the Dutch flag to the masthead, carried the ship, John Ames, the skipper, William Scott, the pilot, and the entire crew to Fort Nassau." In a list of tithables on the East- ern Shore, made in 1666, the names of John and Sam Ames appear.

(I) Several generations of the family now represented in Norfolk by David Baker Ames resided in Nansemond county, Vir- ginia, where his grandparents, John and Mary Ames, lived and died, John Ames, a farmer, and member of the Methodist Epis- copal church.

(II) John Wesley Ames, son of John and Mary Ames, was born in Nansemond coun- ty, Virginia, in 1824, and died in 1906. His boyhood years were passed in study in the public schools of the locality, and as a young man he began farming operations at Knott's Neck, in his native county, thus continuing until the beginning of active hos- tilities between the states. He served with honorable record through the four years of this conflict, returning at its close to his agricultural pursuits, which he followed until his retirement. A Democrat in polit- ical belief, he was strongly attracted by pub- lic affairs and possessed a wide influence in matters of local interest. He was a steward of the Methodist church, a citizen whose opinion and example counted for much in moulding public sentiment, a power that was always directed to worthy ends. John Wesley Ames married Martha Amy Wain- wright, and had children : John, resides,

with his family, at Port Norfolk, Virginia ; Texanna, married John T. Capps ; Molly, married F. M. Beaton, and has issue ; Wil- liam T., married Mittie D. Gaskins, and has two children ; Mattie E .: David Baker, of whom further.

(III) David Baker Ames, son of John Wesley and Martha Amy ( Wainwright) Ames, was born in Nansemond county, Vir- ginia, in 1868, and after attending public and private schools finished his studies at Churchland, Virginia, under the instruction of C. W. Coleman. He began his mercan- tile career in Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1887, there entering the employ of a dry goods house, subsequently coming to Norfolk. His career as a merchant of this city had its inception in his connection with the old and well-known firm of Russell & Simcoe: he was later associated with Peter Smith ; then with Spratley Brothers ; and in 1898 formed the relation that has resulted in the present incorporated business of Ames, Brownley & Hornthal. In this year Mr. Ames and John H. Brownley (q. v.) formed a part- nership under the name of Ames & Brown- ley, Mr. Hornthal being afterward admitted to the firm, which has since been incorpor- ated and at the present time transacts a large and increasing business as Ames, Brownley & Hornthal.

Mr. Ames adheres to the church of his family, the Methodist Episcopal church, and supports the Democratic party. He is a member of the Norfolk Chamber of Com- merce, the Norfolk Country Club, and affili- ates with the Masonic order, belonging to Ruth Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, St. John's Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Grice Commandery, Knights Templar, and Khedive Temple. Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Ames stands high in the business world of Nor- folk, and holds a correspondingly lofty posi- tion in the estimation of his fellows, with many of whom he has been associated dur- ing a lifetime of successful effort. His citi- zenship is of the highest, and Norfolk profits through his participation in her affairs. David Baker Ames married. in 1808, Grace 11., daughter of John A. and Mattie (Fos- ter) lleldin, of Prince George county, Vir- ginia.

James Markham Marshall. A lineal de- scendant of John Marshall, of the "Forest."

612

VIRGINIA BIOGRAPHY

and of James Markham Marshall, the revo- lutionary officer, James Markham Marshall, of Front Royal, four times elected sheriff of Warren county, and now in office, bears one of the most honored of Virginia names.

While tradition is the only authority for claiming descent for the Marshall family from William C. Mareschal who came to England with William the Conqueror, there is abundant proof of an ancestry, dating to 1558. In that year Captain John Marshall distinguished himself and was severely wounded at the fall of Calais. From him de- scended Captain John Marshall, who fought at Edgehill in the reign of Charles I, and in 1650 came to Virginia, settling first at Jamestown, then moving to Westmoreland county, where he fought with valor in the Indian wars. His son Thomas died in 1704, the father of John known as John Marshall, of the "Forest." Captain John Marshall, of the "Forest," was born in Westmoreland county, Virginia, about 1700, and died in April, 1752. He was a farmer, owner of twelve hundred acres on Appomattox creek, in Washington parish, a captain of militia, a man of reputation and influence. He mar- ried Elizabeth Markham, born about 1704, and died in Fauquier county, Virginia, in 1775, daughter of John Markham. Tradi- tion has run the gamut in locating this Markham. He has been described as peer, pirate, and the buccaneer Blackbeard, but all the authorities agree that he was a hand- some, dashing and fascinating gentleman and a daring, cruel and adroit villain. The will of Captain John Marshall, of the "For- est" was probated May 26, 1752, his wife, and sons, Thomas and John, being charged with executing its provisions.

Colonel Thomas Marshall, son of Cap- tain John Marshall, of the "Forest," was born in Washington parish, Westmoreland county, Virginia, April 2, 1730, and died in Washington, Mason county, Kentucky, June 22, 1802. The friendship that existed be- tween Colonel Marshall and Chief Justice Washington began when they were school- mates at school, taught by Rev. Archibald Campbell, rector of Washington parish. They both learned and practiced surveying together, and for their services received sev- eral thousand acres of wild land in Henry county, now West Virginia. Colonel Mar- shall was a lieutenant of volunteers during the French and Indian war, but was not at

Braddock's defeat, having been left behind to build "Fort Necessity." After the death of his father in 1752 the Marshalls moved to near Germantown, Fauquier county, Vir- ginia, where Thomas was superintendent of the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. In 1765 he bought three hundred and fifty acres on Goose creek, lived there until 1773 when he sold it and purchased "Oak Hill," men- tioned in his will as "The Oaks." When the war broke out he joined in forming the Culpeper minute-men and when a regiment was formed, was made major. He fought at "Great Bridge," the first battle of the revo- lution, fought on Virginia soil, was at Val- lcy Forge, and after the death of General Mercer at the' battle of Germantown, suc- cceded to the command of the Third Vir- ginia Regiment, and has been credited with saving the patriot army trom destruction. For his gallant service, the Virginia house of burgesses presented him with a sword that is yet preserved in the Maysville, Ken- tucky, Historical Society. In 1799 Colonel Marshall with the Third Virginia Regiment was sent to reinforce General Lincoln in South Carolina. He joined Lincoln just in time to be shut up with him in Charleston, and to share in the surrender of that city to the British. After being paroled, Colonel Marshall with other officers visited Ken- tucky in 1780, journeying the entire distance on horseback, through the wilderness. On that trip he located his beautiful farm "Buckpond," near Versailles.

About that time he was appointed sur- veyor-general of the lands in Kentucky, ap- portioned to the officers and soldiers of the Virginia state line. The territory first known as the county of Kentucky was on November 1, 1781, divided into three coun- ties, Fayette, Lincoln and Jefferson, Colo- nel Marshall being appointed surveyor of Fayette county. In 1783 he purchased lands, and in 1785 returned to Virginia for his family. In 1787 he represented Fayette county in the Virginia legislature, and in 1788 was elected as delegate to the state constitutional convention. He was a zeal- ous Federalist and held the office of United States collector of revenue. He resided at his fine farm, "Buckpond," Kentucky, until 1800, then gave "Buckpond" to his youngest son Louis and went to live with his son Thomas at Washington, Mason county, Kentucky, where he died June 22, 1802.

613

VIRGINIA BIOGRAPHY

By will he divided his immense landed estate among his children and grandchil- dren.

Colonel Marshall married, in 1754, in Fau- quier county, Virginia, Mary, daughter of Rev. James and Mary Isham ( Randolph) Keith, a descendant of Robert Keith, of an old and noble Scottish family. James Mark- ham Marshall, son of Colonel Thomas Mar- shall, was born in Fauquier county, Vir- ginia, March 12, 1764, and died at "Fair- field," same county, April 26, 1848. Like his brothers he was educated at home under the instruction of his father, sisters and tutors. When but a youth he was commis- sioned lieutenant in Alexander Hamilton's regiment, and participated in the final vic- tory at Yorktown. He accompanied his father to Kentucky, but returned to Vir- ginia in 1795 and married Hester, daughter of Robert Morris, the financier of the revo- lution. He was sent to France as an agent of the government, to negotiate the release of Lafayette, then held a prisoner of Aus- tria, and while in Paris witnessed the out- rages of the Reign of Terror. While in England he purchased of the heirs of Lord Fairfax all their lands in what was called the Northern Neck of Virginia. This pur- chase was made in his own name, that of his brother, John Marshall (Chief Justice ), Rawleigh Colston and Harry Lee ("Light Horse"). But the state of Virginia set up title to the lands by confiscation and a compromise was effected whereby the com- pany received all the Fairfax lands in Leeds Manor and other smaller tracts. Their por- tion embraced about 180,000 acres and cost less than one dollar per acre. James Mark- ham Marshall purchased the share of Ilarry Lee, Mr. Colston took lands on the Po- tomac, leaving all the unsold lands in Leeds Manor for John and James M. Marshall. There they formed the community around Markham, Fauquier county ; were Demo- crats in politics ; Episcopalians in religious faith, and became a most religious and pros- perous community. James M. Marshall, having a double portion, became a very large landed proprietor and left large estates to his children, much of this land yet re- maining in the family name.

He studied law, practicing in Winchester, and becoming eminent in his profession. Ile was a strong Federalist, and was one of the "Midnight Judges" appointed by

President John Adams on the last night of his administration, but quickly legislated out of office by the incoming Democratic Congress. Ile later left Winchester and built a costly mansion on his Happy Creek estate. About 1816 he yielded possession of his magnificent estate to his eldest son, Robert M., and retired to Fairfield, where he died. He was a handsome and dignified old gentleman, six feet two inches tall, weighed about two hundred pounds, and wore the correct dress of a gentleman of his period, cue, stockings and knee buckles. The massive baronial castle with two thou- sand acres of land is yet owned by his de- scendants. His wife, Hester ( Morris) Mar- shall, is said to have been a lovely woman. She was a daughter of Robert Morris, the Philadelphia financier and patriot, and his wife, Mary ( White) Morris, daughter of Colonel Thomas White, the first lawfully consecrated bishop of the American Epis- copal church.

Robert Morris Marshall, eldest son of James Markham and Hester ( Morris) Mar- shall, was born on a United States vessel off the coast of England, January 20, 1797, and died at Happy Creek, Warren county, Virginia, February 10, 1870. Ile was a graduate of Yale College and a gentleman of superior literary attainments. He re- sided for several years at "Mount Morris," Fauquier county, then became owner of the Hlappy Creek estate, which as the eldest son was bestowed upon him by his generous father. Ile spent the remainder of his life at the beautiful Happy Creek castle and estate, the genial, hospitable, high-minded Virginia gentleman. He was a Whig in politics, opposed secession, but when his state withdrew, threw his whole soul into the cause. He was too old to enlist, but sent four of his sons into the Confederate army, the only other son being in India. He was a devout churchman, as was his wife, both leading consistent Christian lives. lle married, January 20, 1819, his cousin, 1.ucy Marshall, born August 15. 1796, and died December 24. 1844. daughter of Charles and Lucy ( Pickett ) Marshall, granddaugh- ter of Colonel Thomas Marshall, and great- granddaughter of John Marshall, of the "Forest."

Captain James Marshall. eklest son of Robert Morris and Lucy ( Marshall Mar- shall, was born at the Happy Creek Man-

614

VIRGINIA BIOGRAPHY

sion, Warren county, Virginia, March 9, 1826, and died in 1904. He was educated under private tutors, entered Virginia Mili- tary Institute, and was there graduated with the class of 1842. He prepared for the profession of law, but found farming more to his taste. Later he opened an academy at Front Royal and was conducting it in 1861, when war was declared between the states. He enlisted in Captain Bowen's company, Seventh Virginia Cavalry, and as first lieutenant served under McDonald and Ashby. In 1862 he himself raised Company E, Twelfth Virginia Cavalry, serving as cap- tain, under Jones and Rosser, being twice slightly wounded. After the war he en- gaged in farming for a few years, then re- sumed his school in Front Royal, but in 1876 removed to Florida. There his health failed and in 1878 he returned, taught school, and cultivated his farm, "Horse- shoe," on the Shenandoah, seven miles from Front Royal. He was a member of the Episcopal church ; a Democrat in politics ; and a high-minded Christian gentleman.

Captain Marshall married, March 18, 1846, his cousin, Lucy Steptoe Marshall, born at "Belle Grove," Fleming county, Kentucky, March 12, 1824. her death occurring several years before that of her husband, daughter of Charles Coatsworth and Judith Steptoe (Ball) Marshall, granddaughter of Charles and Lucy (Pickett) Marshall, great-grand- daughter of Colonel Thomas Marshall, and great-great-granddaughter of John Mar- shall, of the "Forest." Her twin brothers. Charles and William Marshall, were both soldiers of the Confederacy. Captain James Marshall had three brothers in the Con- federate army : Charles ; Lieutenant Thomas, Company E, Twelfth Regiment Virginia Cavalry, killed at the battle of Brandy Sta- tion, and Martin P .; his remaining brother, Robert, was a civil engineer in the British government service in India. Captain Mar- shall's sisters were: Hester M .; Lucy P., married Dr. Robert Morris, of Philadelphia ; Mary M. and Anna Maria. Children of Captain James and Lucy Steptoe (Mar- shall) Marshall: James Markham, of whom forward; Charles C., of Alexandria, Vir- ginia ; Robert Morris, a farmer of Warren county, Virginia ; Lucy Pickett, Judith Ball, Hester Morris, Mary Morris, Susan Betts, Ann Maria.

James Markham Marshall, son of Cap-

tain James and Lucy Steptoe (Marshall) Marshall, was born in Warren county, Vir- ginia, January 23, 1857. He was educated in public schools, and most of his life has been engaged in farming in his native county, varying this in early life by a term in railroad employ. He was elected sheriff of Warren county, in 1899, and has been continuously in that office until the present time, his administration of the sheriff's office having been endorsed by his fellow citizens by three reelections. He inherits the Mar- shall qualities of courage, integrity and in- tellect, but the stirring times that developed the warlike nature of his honored father and ancestors have forever passed away, it is hoped, and the gentler arts of peace have claimed his energy. He is a Democrat in politics, and in religious faith adheres to the old Marshall family religion, the Protestant Episcopal.

Mr. Marshall married (first) Laura, de- ceased, daughter of Philip Sheaff. He mar- ried (second) Mary, daughter of Captain Elliott De Jarnette, a war officer in the Con- federate army, who was wounded in battle. Children of second marriage: Elliott De Jarnette, born in Front Royal, Virginia, March 6, 1905; Mary Morris, born Septem- ber 5. 1906; Evelyn McGruder, born Sep- tember II, 1908. Since leaving the farm for the responsibilities of public office, the fam- ily home has been in Front Royal.

Charles Orchard. The English family of Orchard from whom comes Charles Or- chard, of Danville, Virginia, has long been seated in Somersetshire, where son has suc- ceeded father in business, and the same trade has prevailed for generations. Charles Orchard is of the third generation to fol- low the business of contractor of plastering and mason work, his grandfather, George Orchard, and his father, George Orchard, both having carried on that business in England all their lives. Their home and place of business was at Norton street, Philips, a village of Somersetshire, near Bath, where both lived and died.

George (I) Orchard had other sons; one, Joseph, came to the United States. The only daughter of his family was Elizabeth. George (2) Orchard was born at Norton street, Philips, England, in 1820, died there in 1909. He learned his father's trade and later succeeded him in the contracting busi-

I. le. Powell

615

VIRGINIA BIOGRAPHY

ness. He was a devoted follower and ad- mirer of the great English statesman, Glad- stone, and a man of strong, upright char- acter. He married Elizabeth Ball, also born in Somersetshire, who died in 1853, aged thirty-one years. Children: Frederick George, succeeded his father as contractor and is yet in business at the old home in England ; Elizabeth, deceased ; Henry, came to the United States and is now a prosper- ous contractor of Chicago, Illinois ; Charles, of further mention ; Julia, married Charles Kane, whom she survives, a resident of As- bury Park, New Jersey ; William, died in England, aged twenty-one years.

Charles Orchard, son of George (2) and Elizabeth ( Ball) Orchard, was born in Som- ersetshire, England, November 27, 1850. He attended private schools, and was his father's assistant from the age of twelve years until he was twenty, obtaining an education and learning his trade of plasterer during these years. In 1870 he bade his English home and friends adieu, and came to the United States, working at his trade in New York City for two years. He then came to Virginia, locating in Manchester (Richmond), where he established a con- tracting business and remained three years. In 1875 he located in Danville, Virginia, in the same business, where he has prospered and where he still continues. He is a con- tractor of plastering, concrete and cement works, and deals in mantles, tiles, grates and interior marble work, with show room and office in the Pythian building, 121 South Union street, and residence at 910 Col- quhoun street. He is master of every de- tail of his business, having followed it since a lad of twelve years, and is highly regarded as a man of business probity. He is deeply interested in the vital questions of the day, is exceedingly well read and informed, and an easy, forcible, fluent, public speaker. He is a member of Roman Eagle Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Phoenix Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and a member of Mt. Vernon Methodist Episcopal Church, which he has served as steward twenty years, being for two terms chairman and one term treasurer of the board of trustees. In polit- ical faith he is a Democrat. He served his city in 1883 as member of the council, and il: 1909 was elected alderman. Public- spirited and energetic he has been of service

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Encyclopedia of Virginia biography, Volume V, Part 10

Author: Tyler, Lyon Gardiner, 1853-1935, ed. cn Publication date: 1915 Publisher: New York, Lewis historical publishing company Number of Pages: 848

Author: Tyler, Lyon Gardiner, 1853-1935, ed. cn
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: New York, Lewis historical publishing company
Number of Pages: 848