USA > Virginia > Encyclopedia of Virginia biography, Volume V > Part 14
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lished addresses and contributor to "The South in the Building of the Nation," writ- ing the article "Virginia in the New Na- tion," and to the Library of Southern Liter- ature. "Negroes and their Treatment in Virginia, 1865-67" written by him dealing with the reconstruction period has been well received in all sections of the country. From 1911 until 1913 he held the dual offices of dean of Emory and Henry College and president of Radford State Normal School, but in the latter year resigned the former fully to devote his time to the latter insti- tution.
John Preston McConnell was born in Scott county, Virginia, February 22, 1866, son of Hiram Kilgore McConnell, born June 25, 1838, yet living, a farmer of Scott county and his wife, Ginsey Elizabeth (Brickey) McConnell, born February 20, 1840, yet liv- ing, daughter of John C. and Lucy (Comp- ton) Brickey. Dr. McConnell secured his early education in the public schools in Scott county, passing thence to River View Seminary, and other old field schools in which he was prepared for college. He en- tered Milligan College, Tennessee, and re- ceived the degree of Bachelor of Arts, class of 1890. He was retained by his alma mater as instructor and later as professor of Latin and Greek until 1900, and during the year 1895-96 he held the position of acting presi- dent of the college. From 1896 until 1900 he was conductor of Summer Normal Schools in the state of Tennessee. In the year 1900 he severed his connections with Milligan College and matriculated in the graduate department of the University of Virginia, specializing in history and eco- nomics and receiving the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in 1904. During 1904 he was president of the Graduate Club of the uni- versity, was charter member of the Raven Society of the university, and while study- ing in the university taught history and English literature in Rawlings Female In- stitute. He won the Harrison Trophy at the university, a prize awarded to the best debator. From 1902 to 1904 he was a licen- tiate in history in the University of Vir- ginia. After receiving the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Vir- ginia, Dr. McConnell was elected to the chair of history and economics, Emory and Henry College, remaining with that institu- tion until June 10, 1913. During his last
two years at Emory and Henry he was dean of the college; he severed his connection with that school and devoted himself to de- veloping the State Normal School for Women, at Radford, Montgomery county, Virginia, of which institution he had been elected president, October 2, 19II.
During these years he had been active in other forms of educational work. In 1906 he was elected vice-president of the Co-op- erative Education Association of Virginia ; chairman of Virginia Educational Confer- ence, in 1912; president of Virginia State Teachers Association, 1911-12; and presi- dent of the Appalachian School Improve- ment Foundation since its organization in 1912. His published pamphlets, articles and addresses deal chiefly with educational and sociological questions. He is actively iden- tified with many of the educational, civic and religious organizations of Virginia. He is deeply interested in the Young Men's Christian Association and is a member of the executive committee of the State Asso- ciation and chairman of the committee hav- ing charge of the work in Southwest Vir- ginia. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa fraternity, William and Mary College chap- ter, is a communicant of the church of the Disciples of Christ, and in political faith a Democrat.
Dr. McConnell married, May 21, 1891, Clara Louisa Lucas, born in Montgomery county, Virginia, March 15, 1869, daughter of Charles Davis and Nancy B. (Charlton) Lucas. Children: June Evangeline, born March 16, 1892; Robert Lucas, May 10, 1894; Carl Hiram, November 2, 1896; John Paul, December 1, 1898; Annie Ginsey, Feb- ruary 2, 1901, born at Charlottesville, Vir- ginia, the others at Milligan College, Ten- nessee.
Dr. McConnell has devoted his life to the improvemnt of the economic, industrial and educational life of the state. His influence has been chiefly felt in the western part of the state which is now undergoing a revo- lution in transportation, industry, educa- tion, home life and home comforts. The rapid development of the natural resources in the south and the phenomenal increase of material wealth must, he feels, be a peril to social and individual welfare, unless there is an equivalent development of the intellectual, esthetic and spiritual life of the people, as there are none so poor as the
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poor in ideas and ideals; and none more unfortunate than those rich in material goods and poor in ideas.
Charles Singleton Dodd, M. D. Wholly devoted to his professional labors in Pe- tersburg, Virginia, Dr. Charles Singleton Dodd yet is able to hold close association with numerons outside interests in the city of his adoption, and although but a com- paratively new member of the medical fra- ternity of that city is completely identified with all that is best in her institutions and civil life. Dr. Dodd is a native of Halifax county, Virginia, son of a veteran of the war between the states and grandson of a veteran of the Mexican war. His grand- father, Ralph Dodd was a farmer and stock- raiser of Pittsylvania county, Virginia, where he died in 1870, aged fifty-nine years ; he fought in the United States army dur- ing the Mexican campaign. He and his wife. Nannie (Johnston) Dodd, who died in 1887, were the parents of six children, of whom three are living: Lou, married James Yates, deceased, and resides at Elba, Vir- ginia : Robert, resides in Meadsville, Vir- ginia ; and John, lives at Castle Craig, Vir- ginia ; while the three deceased are Rebecca Robertson. Whitt, and William Samuel, of whom further.
William Samuel Dodd, son of Ralph and Nannie (Johnston) Dodd, was born at Chatham, Pittsylvania county, Virginia, August 16, 1840, and died at Brookneal. Campbell county, Virginia. He was a sol- dier in the Confederate States army from the beginning until the end of the war, in the Thirty-eighth Virginia Regiment. Wise's brigade, Pickett's division, Long- street's corps. With this regiment he saw some of the hardest fighting of the four years of warfare, and was twice wounded. once on the battlefield at Gettysburg, and once at Bermuda Hundred. William Sam- vel Dodd married Fannie Taylor Owen, born in Pittsylvania county, Virginia, No- vember 10, 1870, now residing at Brookneal. Virginia, daughter of Anderson Owen, a farmer of Sandy Level, Virginia. Anderson Owen was the father of Kate Bennett. Susan Yates, Mrs. Cash Leftridge, Lizzie Robinson, Nannie Thomas, Fannie Taylor, of previous mention, married William Sam- uel Dodd, Peyton, and William Samuel and Fannie Taylor (Owen) Dodd
had issue: Lou Alice, married J. T. Terry. deceased, of Brookneal; Nannie Kate. mar- ried David Marshall ; John Robert, a farmer of Brookneal, Virginia ; Walter Thomas, a physician of Wylliesburg, Virginia: Dr. Charles Singleton, of whom further : Jami- son W., a farmer of Brookneal, Virginia ; Ralph Anderson, a dentist of Chase City. Virginia ; Whitt R., a dentist of Crewe. Virginia ; and Samuel Hudnall, a dentist of Crewe, Virginia.
Dr. Charles Singleton Dodd, son of Wil- liam Samuel and Fannie Taylor (Owen) Dodd, was born at Meadsville, Halifax county, Virginia. January 5. 1881. His birthplace was his home until he was four years of age, when his parents changed the family residence to Brookneal. Campbell county. Virginia, where he attended the public schools until a lad of fifteen years. Preparing at the Mary Agnes Institute, of Brookneal, he matriculated at the Medical College of Virginia, completing his course and receiving his M. D. in 1904. For seven and one-half years after his graduation Dr. Dodd engaged in general practice in Rock- ingham county, Virginia, then pursued post- graduate courses in the Presbyterian Eye and Ear Hospital, at Bellevue Hospital. New York City, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and the Johns Hopkins Univer- sity, subsequently studying in the Univer- sity of Maryland. Thus equipped by thor- ough study and deep research he established in practice in Petersburg, and in that city specializes in diseases of the eye, ear. nose and throat. He is ophthalmologist to the Petersburg Hospital, and has also an ex- tensive private practice to which he gives close attention. Dr. Dodd is highly es- teemed in his profession and as a citizen. and has shown himself a supporter of all movements for the advancement and wel- fare of Petersburg during his short resi- dence in that city. He holds the thirty-sec- ond degree in the Masonic order, also afhi- liates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. His religious convictions are in accordance with the belief of the Baptist church.
Dr. Dodd married at Singer Glen. Rock- ingham county. Virginia, June 12, 1927. Pauline Funk, born at Singer Glen, daugh- ter of William Clay and Annie (Baer) Funk, residents of Singer Glen, her father
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a stock raiser and fruit grower. Dr. and Mrs. Dodd are the parents of : Francis Clay, born April 27, 1908; Anna Lou, born January 4, 1910; William Samuel, born March 8, 1912.
Julian Ashby Burruss. The State Nor- mal School, at Harrisonburg, Virginia, has for five years claimed the services of Julian Ashby Burruss as president. Mr. Burruss is well-known in educational circles in his native state, having taught in many of her lcading institutions, his reputation also based upon the work he has conducted while connected in an official capacity with the organizations of educators in Virginia. Mr. Burruss is now in the midst of a great work at the Normal School, while those interested in the institution and its welfare are aware of the worth of his achievements in the past five years.
Mr. Burruss is a son of Woodson Cheadle Burruss, born in Bowling Green, Caroline county, Virginia, died January 10, 1907. He was a contractor during his business life, and was a soldier in the "Caroline Grays" throughout the war between the states, be- ing once wounded in battle. He married Cora Emmett, died in 1905, daughter of Dr. John McDowell, and had children: Eva May, born in Richmond, Virginia, Decem- ber 9. 1881, married Albert H. Gillock, of Lexington, Virginia, and has one son, Woodson Burruss ; and Julian Ashby.
Julian Ashby Burruss, son of Woodson Cheadle and Cora Emmett (McDowell) Burruss, was born in Richmond, Henrico county. Virginia, August 16, 1876. After attending the public schools of his native city he became a student in the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, whence he was grad- uated B. S. After a course of study in Rich- mond College, he became professor of mathematics and natural science in Rein- hart Normal College, Speers-Langford Military Institute, and the Searcy Female Institute, and was then appointed to the principalship of the Leigh School, at Rich- mond. During summer sessions he studied at the University of Chicago and at Har- vard University, and was subsequently di- rector of manual arts in the public schools of Richmond. He was for a time a scholar in the Industrial Education at the Teachers' College, of New York City, and was awarded the degree A. M. by Columbia
University and the Master's diploma by the Teachers' College. He was a fellow in edu- cation at Columbia University, and was afterward president of the Virginia Asso- ciation of Colleges and Schools for Girls, also holding the office of director in the Southern Educational Association. Mr. Burruss has likewise occupied the presi- dency of the Virginia State Teachers' As- sociation.
In 1908 he received the appointment to the presidency of the Virginia State Normal School, at Harrisonburg, Virginia, assum- ing the responsibilities of his office the fol- lowing year. He has given to that institu- tion whole-hearted and devoted service, and has there instituted numerous innova- tions tending to increase not only the effi- ciency of the system there employed but to give to educational work in the state teachers better equipped to supply the de- mands made upon them in the active work of instruction. His efforts have erected a high standard to which graduates of the school must conform and have given to the school's activities a definite purpose- "not only to give training in the various school subjects, but to give its students instruction in the art of teaching, by acquainting them with right principles, aims, and procedures that make up the activity connected with managing a school. The Normal School does not attempt to make educational ex- perts of its graduates, but it rather aims to equip them with the first-hand knowledge of the art of teaching ; to give them a broad sympathy with the life of the children and a spirit of confidence in the work of instruc- tion-in short, to take charge of a school and make it go."
Mr. Burruss has been a contributor to educational journals, his articles bearing the stamp of knowledge and familiarity with the subjects under discussion and contain- ing enlightening material on new phases of educational problems. He is a member of the Rockingham Union Lodge, No. 27, Free and Accepted Masons, of Harrisonburg, Virginia. His political beliefs are Demo- cratic, and he affiliates with the Presby- terian church.
Mr. Burruss married. in June, 1907, Rachel Cleveland, born May 10, 1888, daugh- ter of George Dorsey Ebbert, of Covington, Kentucky.
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Charles Cosby Curtis. Elizabeth City county, Virginia, citizens, remember with gratitude the proud record of Robert Keith Curtis as sheriff of that district, an office he filled with distinction for the long period of twenty-two years, succeeded in that posi- tion at his death by his son, Robert Chiches- ter Curtis. Son of Colonel Robert C. Cur- tis, who commanded a Virginia regiment during the war between the states, Robert Keith Curtis likewise performed valiant service for the Confederate cause, suffering in its defence wounds in battle and dangers as a scout, in which latter capacity he ren- dered most valuable assistance to the South- ern commanders.
Charles Cosby Curtis is the third of his line to hold the position of sheriff, Glouces- ter county, Virginia, having benefitted for many years by the competent manner in which Colonel Robert C. Curtis discharged his obligations as the incumbent of that im- portant office. His war record and that of his son, Robert Keith Curtis, are glorious and thrilling recitals of valor and bravery, but no less worthy of praise are their honorable achievements in public service and private life, in which they have been joined by their son and grandson, Charles Cosby Curtis.
Colonel Robert C. Curtis, scion of a Vir- ginia family of ancient and virtuous repu- tation, won fame and distinction through his gallant and accomplished leadership of his Virginia regiment against the invading Union forces. The qualities that served him best in the midst of battle gave power to his long administration of the office of sheriff of Elizabeth City county, and he was numbered among the most able officials ever in the service of that county. He mar- ried, November 23, 1833, Elizabeth H. Fitz- hugh, born in 1816, eight years his junior, and had issue: Mary Elizabeth, born Feb- ruary 13, 1836; Charles Philip, born May 8, 1837 : Robert Keith, of whom further.
Robert Keith Curtis, son of Colonel Rob- ert C. and Elizabeth 11. ( Fitzhugh) Curtis, was born in Gloucester county, Virginia, July 27. 1844, and died July 13, 1913. He was educated in Cary's Military Academy, at Hampton, Virginia, and when fifteen years of age entered the Virginia militia, so that at the beginning of the war between the states he was possessed of full military training. Although then but a lad of seven-
teen years, his patriotic ardor and loyalty equalled those emotions in any man who offered his life and services to the Confed- crate cause, and in military knowledge he was the superior of most. The first call for volunteers found him prepared, and he be- came a member of the Washington Artil- lery, although upon reaching Yorktown he was transferred to the Old Dominion Dragoons, then Company B, of the Third Virginia Cavalry. Subsequently he became identified with the cavalry forces command- ed by General Fitzhugh Lee and General Stuart, serving through the Peninsula, Sec- ond Manassas, Maryland, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg campaigns, and participating in all of the battles in which his regiment was engaged. In the first action on the third day of the battle of Gettysburg he sustained four wounds in his right arm, and, falling fainting from his mount, was caught by his comrades and re- moved to Gordonsville for treatment. He was then sent to North Carolina, where his mother was staying during the war, and upon his return to the army was detailed as a scout under General Fitzhugh Lee, re- maining in that capacity until the Appo- mattox surrender. His wartime experiences as a scout form a connection of narratives of thrilling interest, and through successful exploits on numerous occasions he became General Lee's most trusted agent for work of that perilous nature. lle was thrice cap- tured by the enemy, each time escaping from his guards when to be taken to prison meant immediate execution without trial. At the close of the struggle he returned to Elizabeth City county, taking up agricul- tural pursuits, and ordering his life in the course it would have taken four years previ- cus had it not been for that frightfully bloody interlude that history will long note as the American civil war.
The following is a copy of a letter re- ceived by Mr. Curtis :
THE COMMONWEALTH OF VA.
To ROBERT CURTIS, Greetings:
Know You, That from special trust and confi- dence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the author- ity vested in him by the Constitution and Laws of the Commonwealth, doth commission you Second Lieutenant in the 37th Regiment of the oth Brigade and 4th Division of the Virginia Militia, to rank as such from the 24th day of May, 1800.
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In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 18th day of August, 1866. F. H. PIERPOINT, Governor. By the Governor:
W. H. RICHARDSON,
Adjt. General Va.
He became a leading and influential citi- zen in Elizabeth City county, and in 1891. when that district was burdened with the rule of negro politicians and was almost helpless in their powerful grip, Mr. Curtis was nominated by the Democratic party as their candidate for the office of sheriff. His candidacy was regarded as humorous by the Republican leaders, but the results of the election show how greatly they had under- estimated his strength and popularity, for his majority was large and his victory deci- sive. He was the first Democrat elected to office in Elizabeth City county after the war, and from that time until his death he was successively reelected to the sheriff's office, a straightforward, clean-cut adminis- tration the recommendation that returned him to this position with such clock-like regularity. He took pride in the fact that, although so long in public affairs, he had never requested a man to use influence or vote in his behalf, nor had ever spent money to insure election, excepting the primary expenses levied against him by the Demo- cratic committees for primary expenses.
Sheriff Curtis was commander of R. E. Lee Camp, No. 5, Confederate Veterans, and found joy and pleasure in this com- panionship with his comrades of less peace- ful times. He was popular with all classes of people, commanding always regard and respect for his upright. pure life. Even the colored population, whose candidate he had defeated when he first ran for office, became his loyal supporters, and cast almost an un- divided ballot in his favor. Firm and in- flexible in the performance of duty, as far as lay within his power he "let mercy temper justice," and was kindly and con- siderate to those of his prisoners who could appreciate such treatment. He was worthy of the high title of "true Virginian," and during an active, useful life his aims, mo- tives and ideals of the noblest character, and his good deeds were many. He was a baptized member of St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church, and was a member of Kecoughtan Lodge, No. 29. Knights of
Pythias, and Wythe Council, No. 1242, Royal Arcanum.
Robert Keith Curtis married. January 28, 1873, Margaret Mumford, daughter of Fay- ette and Mollie Allen (Mumford) Sinclair, and had issue: William Allen, born Novem- ber 7, 1873, died April 26, 1891 ; Robert C., born May 7, 1875 ; Keith Sinclair, born De- cember 1, 1876, died November 15, 1898, contracting his fatal illness in the United States service in the Spanish-American war ; Edwin S., born April 18, 1878, deputy sheriff of Elizabeth City county; Fayette S., born August 19, 1880, married, Novem- ber 8, 1904, Frances Sinclair, and has a daughter, Margaret, born February 28, 1912 ; Charles Cosby, of whom further ; Eliz- abeth, of whom further; Thomas Barrett, born February 17, 1886, manager of a fruit farm in Panama; Howard R., born March 16, 1888.
Charles Cosby Curtis, son of Robert Keith and Margaret Mumford (Sinclair) Curtis, was born in Hampton, Virginia, October 14, 1883. Until 1898 he was a student in the Sims-Eaton School, in which year he be- came associated with his father, sheriff of Elizabeth City county for many years, and while learning the duties of that office under his father's matchless instruction took up the study of criminology under the same expert tutorship. At his father's death in 1913 he was the natural choice for successor to the elder Curtis, his appointment to the unexpired term of Robert Keith Curtis ex- piring in 1915. His training under the close supervision of his father is now bearing valuable fruit, for while as deputy he re- lieved his father of many of the more ardu- ous of his burdens, his ability in his present capacity is being tested to the full, and he bears the trial in a manner most commend- able. As successor to any less worthy official than Robert Keith Curtis his admin- istration would assume brilliance by con- trast, and under the present conditions the change of rule is in no wise apparent throughout the county. His prowess com- mands the respect that was accorded his predecessor, and law-abiding order prevails under his administration, with the exception of the sporadic outbursts of crime that be- tray the weaknesses and deficiencies of in- dividuals. A Democrat in politics, Mr. Cur- tis is popular with all parties and factions,
William Allen.
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and disregards party affiliation in the cor- rect performance of duty. He fraternizes with Wyoming Lodge, Improved Order of Red Men, the Junior Order of United Amer- ican Mechanics, the Woodmen of the World, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Lodge No. 366, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and Loyal Order of Moose.
He married, November 16, 1911, Fannie Belle, born January 26, 1889, daughter of Howard Sinclair and Nannie Belle (Schmelz) Collier (q. v.).
Elizabeth Curtis, daughter of Robert Keith and Margaret Mumford (Sinclair) Curtis, was born May 17, 1884, and on Janu- ary 4, 1911, married Ashton Wythe, son of Thomas Lowry and Louise (Browne) Sin- clair. Ashton Wythe Sinclair was born in Elizabeth City county, Virginia, October 4, 1885, and after a public school education entered mercantile trade. He at present is an extensive dealer in farm implements and supplies, his large trade extending mainly throughout Warwick and Elizabeth City counties. He is a popular merchant of strict business integrity, and possesses a wide circle of social and business friends. Mr. Sinclair is a strong Democratic sympathizer, and is a communicant of the Protestant Episcopal church. His fraternal orders are the Improved Order of Red Men and the Modern Woodmen of the World. Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair are the parents of: Robert Curtis, born January 12, 1912, and Ashton Wythe, Jr., born September 9, 1914.
William Allen, a well-known attorney of New York, was born at Claremont, Vir- ginia, January 13, 1855. He is the son of William and Frances Augusta (Jessup) Allen, and came of stock that had been identified with his native county and neigh- borhood in Virginia from early colonial times. "Burke's General Armory" describes the crest, now to be seen on the Allen silver, brought over from England: "Per chev. gu. and erm. in chief two lions' heads erased or. Crest : Out of a ducal coronet or, a horse's head ar." "Allen-Derbyshire, London, Staffordshire." The book plates on the sev- eral volumes of the "Racing Calendar" show that the Lightfoots came from Teddington, England.
Arthur Allen, first American ancestor, patented two hundred acres in the year 1649 between Lawn's Creek and Lower Chip-
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