USA > Virginia > Men of mark in Virginia, ideals of American life; a collection of biographies of the leading men in the state, Volume III > Part 19
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FRANCIS LEE SMITH
smallpox; and Captain John Hawkins, a distinguished soldier of the Continental army.
Francis Lee Smith attended good preparatory schools in Alexandria, thence advanced to the Virginia Military institute, from which he was graduated in 1864. While attending the in- stitute, cadet Smith served occasionally in the Confederate army. He was wounded severely twice in the battle of New Market, where the corps of cadets held the veterans of three wars spell- bound with admiration and amazement.
In 1867, F. L. Smith began the practice of law in Alex- andria, Virginia. The example and the precepts of his noble father served as mighty incentives to the young practitioner. In 1871-1872, he was corporation attorney for Alexandria. Soon he became attorney for various corporations, including the Penn- sylvania Railroad company. At this time (1906) Colonel Smith stands at the front of the Alexandria bar, with few equals and no superiors.
Though not a politician, Colonel Smith sometimes accepts public office. From 1879-1883, he sat in the state senate; from 1885-1887, in the board of aldermen of Alexandria. In 1901, he was elected to the Constitutional convention, and made a most efficient representative.
Colonel Smith devotes a good deal of his time and ability to the public interests. Besides the services already mentioned, he has served on the board of visitors of the Virginia Military institute; as president of the school board of Alexandria; and on the board of directors of the Citizens National Bank of Alex- andria.
Some of his time he spares for social relaxation in lodges and other fraternal organizations. He is a member of the So- ciety of the Sons of the Revolution; of the Society of the Sons of the Colonial wars; of the Order of Runnymede; of the Masonic order; of Lee Camp Confederate Veterans; and of the Society of the Army of Northern Virginia.
Military organizations, also, find a place in Colonel Smith's affections. In 1878, he was made captain of the Alexandria light infantry; in 1881, was commissioned major of the 3rd regiment
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Virginia volunteers; in 1882, lieutenant-colonel of the same regiment.
In politics, Colonel Smith is a Democrat; in religious prefer- ence, an Episcopalian.
On November 20, 1871, Colonel Smith married Janie L. Sutherlin, of Danville, Virginia. They had two children, but neither survives.
Colonel Smith resides at 510 Wolfe Street, Alexandria, Virginia, where he keeps "open house " according to the old Virginia ideas of hospitality.
RICHARD SCOTT BLACKBURN SMITH
S MITH, RICHARD SCOTT BLACKBURN, lawyer, was born in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, December 9, 1871. His father was Charles Horace Smith, a merchant of Baltimore; and his mother was Eliza Sinclair Blackburn.
His ancestry on both sides of his house is English and Scotch. The first of his ancestors in America in the paternal line were Jonathan Smith, who enlisted in the continental army at Prince- ton, New Jersey, in 1775; and John Humphreys, who also served in the same army, enlisting in May, 1776. Both of them emi- grated from England. On his mother's side he is descended from Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Blackburn, of Ripon Lodge, Prince William county, Virginia, who came to the colony from Yorkshire, England, and was an officer of the 2nd Virginia regi- ment, in the continental line, in the War of the American Revo- lution.
Mr. Smith's early life was spent in the country. After at- tending the primary and academical schools of his neighborhood, he became a teacher in order to acquire means to obtain a college education. Having determined to study law, which determina- tion he had entertained from a very early age, he entered the law department of the University of Virginia, from which he was graduated in June, 1893, with the degree of Bachelor of Law.
In the winter of 1893 he began the practice of law at Berry- ville, Clarke county, Virginia, where he has since continued in the pursuit of his profession, in which he has achieved a position of distinction. He has been twice elected mayor of Berryville, and served two terms; and he has represented his county in the Virginia house of delegates two terms, 1901-1902, and 1903- 1904.
Mr. Smith saw service in the Spanish-American war as a member of Company C, 2nd Virginia volunteers, United States army, of which he was second corporal. He was later trans- ferred to the headquarters of the 7th army corps, at Camp Cuba
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Libre, and was made first sergeant of General Fitzhugh Lee's mounted messengers.
He is a member of the Kappa Sigma college fraternity, and a Mason. Mr. Smith is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church. In politics he is a Democrat, and has never changed his political or party allegiance at any time or upon any issue.
He married on July 7, 1906, Helen McGill Leavenworth, of Petersburg, Virginia.
His address is Berryville, Clarke County, Virginia.
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WILLIAM DANIEL SMITH
S MITH, WILLIAM DANIEL, was born in Mecklenburg county, Virginia, June 1, 1861, and his parents were Wil- liam A. and Elizabeth V. Smith. His father entered the Confederate army as a private soldier in May, 1861. After three years service in the 59th regiment of Virginia volunteers he was killed at Petersburg, July 10, 1864, thus sealing his devotion to the South with his life's blood.
On his paternal side Mr. Smith is of French origin, and is a member of one of the best known families of Virginia, from which have sprung many distinguished men. On his mother's side he is of Scotch-Irish descent. Her maiden name was Eliza- beth V. Chandler, whom he resembles, and from whom he inherited many of his strong characteristics. His grandfather, D. H. Chandler, was closely connected with the Chandlers of New Hampshire and Texas.
His mother married a second time, and his family moved, in 1868, to Scott county, where his educational opportunities were limited. After attending private schools for several sessions, he entered Estillville academy, then under the efficient management of John B. Harr. His entrance into the academy proved an epoch in his life. Coming in contact with pupils who had enjoyed far better educational advantages, he was greatly bene- fited; and, by close application to study and strict attention to duty, he soon commanded the respect of his associates and the confidence and good will of his instructors. His work was thorough and his progress rapid.
The removal of his father from the vicinity of Estillville academy interrupted his schooling, and as he had no means of his own he had to leave the academy and go with him. But his earnestness of purpose, untiring energy, and perseverance as a student prompted Professor Harr to seek him out and solicit his return to school. Professor Harr offered to lend him money to pay his board and promised him easy terms in the payment of his tuition. This was a very noble and generous act on the part
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of Professor Harr, and Mr. Smith gratefully accepted the offer, but he had no occasion to avail himself of it. He obtained a position as guard of the county jail, and by working at night he earned enough money to pay his board and the expenses of his schooling during the day.
After leaving the academy he attended Hamilton institute, Mendota, Virginia, for three years, at the expiration of which time he became a teacher in the public schools. In this position, which he filled for six years, Mr. Smith was earnest, conscien- tious, thorough, accurate, energetic, and enthusiastic. He was eminently successful, for he possessed in a remarkable degree the power of inspiring his scholars with a love of study and attention to detail.
In 1886, he was appointed superintendent of schools for Scott county, and his service as a teacher was an excellent prepa- ration for the discharge of the duties of his office. And that he has been successful has been proved not only by his continuance in office, but by the remarkable improvement which characterizes the school interests of his county. Like many other counties of Virginia at the time, Scott county, when Mr. Smith took office, had teachers that hardly deserved the name. They had little information and scarcely knew how to impart the little know- ledge that was theirs. Mr. Smith swept his resistless spirit among them and raised them to a new life and a new purpose. During his administration, the summer institutes, which had been poorly attended, became rallying centers of education. He introduced the study of methods, and thus by awakening the spirit of inquiry, broke the bondage of the teacher to the text of his school books and imbued him with the spirit of progress and education. He gave a new dignity to the teachers' profession by raising the standard of scholarship for obtaining a teachers' certificate, and by inducing the school trustees to raise the salaries of teachers. In another respect his work was hardly less beneficial. He found many of the school houses of Scott county mere dirt daub log houses, which were calculated to repress rather than incite the ambition of the youth. He supplanted them with neat frame and brick buildings, erected in accordance with approved plans of school architecture, thereby largely increasing the value of the
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public school property and putting Scott county, which had hitherto held a low place in the educational column, among the foremost counties in the state.
Mr. Smith has not confined his work to education, but he has also been remarkably successful as a politician. His tireless, sagacious spirit recommended him as a party leader, and in 1890 he was made chairman of the Democratic party in Scott county, in which position he served four years. In 1898 he was appointed a member of the Democratic committee for the ninth congressional district, and in 1900 was elected by the Democratic convention at Norfolk, chairman of the committee. His execu- tive ability was never better displayed. It is said that in politics he never lost a fight, though he has had the strongest kind of opposition. Under his lead the banner of the Democratic party in Scott county and the Southwest has always been carried to victory. His counsel is highly esteemed, and his name is a shibboleth of victory among the politicians of Virginia.
Mr. Smith was a very important and effective worker in securing the establishment in 1887 of Shoemakers college, in Scott county, and has been president of its board of trustees since. After the transfer of William and Mary college, at Williamsburg, to the state, he was appointed one of the new board of ten for the government of that time-honored institu- tion. He is a gentleman of fine personality, and of model address. He is a genial companion, and his friends are greatly attached to him. He is intensely Democratic, and believes that with this party rests the hope of the country and the safety and welfare of the people of the South. He is a member of the Baptist church, and contributes largely to the support of the ministry. He is charitable with his money and has helped many young men to honorable positions in life. He is always faithful in his friendships and self-sacrificing in his service to those whom he knows to be deserving.
On November 14, 1895, he married Sallie Lou Minnich, of Scotch-Irish descent, and a member of one of the oldest and most influential families in Southwest Virginia. They have had four children, all of whom are now (1906) living.
His address is Gate City, Scott County, Virginia.
EDWIN ARCHER SNEAD
S NEAD, EDWIN ARCHER, manufacturer, and all-round business man, was born on a farm, in Amherst county, Virginia, May 4, 1857. He is of Scotch-English ancestry, good, solid stock ; but personally, he regards a man's acts as of far more importance than his family descent. His father, Robert Winn Snead, contractor, farmer, and merchant, was for some years sheriff of Amherst county, where he had a reputation for great popularity, due to traits inherited by the son; he also served as captain of Company F, 5th Virginia regiment. His mother, Octavia Virginia Winn Snead, possessed sterling qualities, the imprint of which has been left upon both his moral and spiritual character.
He obtained his early education in country schools, and at the age of sixteen entered a graded school in Lynchburg, but he did not graduate. Such honors as he has won have been con- ferred in the hard school of practical business, the diplomas of which are not issued until the student has spelled "Success." The diploma with which he began his life-work was self-made. Its only inscription was "Industry and Economy," and it served him so well that he commends it to youth as the best recipe for success that he knows anything about. His business career has been typically American. It began in 1875, when he entered a grocery store in Lynchburg, Virginia, as clerk. Not finding the opportunity sought there, he went to the Indian Territory, where in 1879-80 he was assistant postmaster at Deaksville. Still in
search of the opportunity, he became a traveling salesman, and remained on the road twelve years, until 1892, when he returned to his native state. In Clifton Forge he found the progressive growing town he was seeking for a permanent home. That he was quickly appreciated there was shown by his election to be justice of the peace for the Clifton district, in 1893. In 1895, he established an ice factory, which was a success from the start, and it was no long time before he was counted among the city's most prominent and successful men of affairs. He is now (1906) a
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EDWIN ARCHER SNEAD
director of the First National bank, of the Clifton Forge Light and Water company, and of the Carpenter Woolen Mills com- pany; and he is president of the city council, besides having various other business interests in the city, which he has done no little toward pushing to its present prosperity, and where he enjoys a well-earned popularity. He is an enthusiastic member of the order of Eagles, and president of Flag Rock Eyrie; also president of Alpine band. He is an active member of the Baptist church, in which he holds the office of treasurer. In politics he has always affiliated with the Democratic party. His favorite recreation is horseback riding, which he says is " the king of all sports."
He was married October 24, 1894, to Blanche Irving Good- win. Five children have been born to them, two of whom are now (1906) living.
His address is Clifton Forge, Alleghany County, Virginia.
GEORGE HOLMAN SNEAD
S NEAD, GEORGE HOLMAN, M. D., minister of the Gospel and doctor of medicine, was born in Goochland county, Virginia, February 17, 1833. His father, George Holman Snead, Sr., married Annie Pollard. The elder Snead was a farmer by occupation, genial and industrious, who gave to his son the advantages of the education which he most desired.
On his mother's side Dr. Snead is descended from the Pol- lards who emigrated from England and settled in King William county in 1736. The influence of the mother was particularly strong on young Snead's life, both morally and intellectually. As a boy he was strong and vigorous, endowed with ambition and a desire to excel in whatever he undertook, whether in play or work. Bred on a farm, he became accustomed to manual labor and grew into vigorous manhood.
When a mere lad he began reading books upon medicine; then, having outgrown the public schools of his neighborhood, he attended Richmond college for a time, afterward entering the University of Virginia, from which he was graduated in 1855 with the degree of M. D. The following year he took a post- graduate course in medicine and became assistant resident physician in the Philadelphia dispensary. In 1856 he began the practice of his profession at Fork Union, Fluvanna county, Virginia.
In the choice of his profession he had the full approval of his parents. In answer to an inquiry he states that his first strong impulse to strive for the prizes of life came from a desire to be useful and also to win an honorable place among his fellow- men. The principal influences which materially aided him in his career he counts as those of home, school, early companion- ship, private study, and contact with men in active life.
In the half-century in which he has practiced his profession, Dr. Snead has held several honorable positions. During the war he was a member of the medical board; from 1870 to 1885
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he was principal of White Rock high school, and in 1904-05 he held the chair of physiology in Fork Union academy.
Of deep religious convictions, holding to the Baptist faith, he long ago fitted himself for the ministry, and for nearly thirty years has preached the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, while ministering also as a physician. In the performance of these two callings he finds his best enjoyment. In politics he has always been a Democrat, though not an active partisan.
His advice to the young is brief and wholesome: "Culti- vate sobriety, industry and Christianity "-a trinity of virtues.
Dr. Snead married October 14, 1856, Virginia Clopton Perkins. Eight children were born of this union, five of whom are now (1906) living.
His address is Holmhead, Fluvanna County, Virginia.
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GEORGE TABSCOTT SNEAD
S NEAD, GEORGE TABSCOTT, physician and legislator, was born in Buckingham county, Virginia, September 26, 1857. His father was William P. Snead, a farmer of that county, whose distinguishing characteristics were sobriety, industry and honesty. His mother was Henrietta Tabscott.
Dr. Snead's physical condition in childhood and youth was good, and his early life was passed in the country, where he did manual labor upon his father's farm. To the disciplinary exer- cise of both mind and body, resulting from this employment in his youth, Dr. Snead attributes his habits of industry and the development of his physical powers.
His classical education was acquired in the high schools of Fluvanna county, Virginia, and later at Richmond college, Vir- ginia. Having determined, as a matter of personal preference, to study medicine, he entered in 1878 the Virginia Medical college at Richmond, where he remained during the sessions of 1878-1879 and 1879-1880, graduating in the last named year with the degree of Doctor of Medincine. At a subsequent date he took post-graduate courses in the Medical department of the University of Maryland, but did not apply for a degree in the university.
In 1883, Dr. Snead began the real work of life as a physician at Palmyra, Fluvanna county, from which place he subsequently removed to Princess Anne county, Virginia, where he now (1907) resides.
In politics he is a Democrat; and has never changed his allegiance to his party principles or organization. He has taken an earnest interest in local political contests; and has represented the county of Princess Anne in the general assembly of Virginia as a delegate during several terms, including the session of 1895- 1896, and again from 1900 to 1904 continuously. In 1895 he was elected to the state senate from the city of Norfolk and county of Princess Anne.
Dr. Snead is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a
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past master of Princess Anne lodge, No. 25, A. F. and A. M. He is also a Knight of Pythias, and is a past chancellor of Pythian lodge No. 57, of Princess Anne county.
He married April 29, 1886, Virginia F. Fentress, daughter of Captain John Fentress, of Princess Anne county, Virginia, and of their marriage has been born one child, now deceased.
For many years Dr. Snead combined the pursuit of farming with the profession of medicine; and he takes great pleasure and finds amusement and relaxation in the supervision of his farms in Fluvanna and Princess Anne counties.
His address is Pungo, Princess Anne County, Virginia.
WILLIAM GABRIEL STARR
S TARR, WILLIAM GABRIEL, D. D., minister, was born in Rappahannock county, Virginia, September 26, 1840, and is the son of William Henry and Frances Starr. His father was a Methodist minister, a man of great purity of charac- ter, high ideals, and supreme consecration. His mother was a noble Christian woman, who had a very strong influence over her son, and helped to train him both morally and intellectually.
The Starr family came from England. The earliest Ameri- can ancestor was Henry, who emigrated to America in the eigh- teenth century. His wife Edith, the grandmother of William G., was a relative of John and Charles Wesley. The Starrs belonged to the landed gentry of England, their crest being a demilion rampant holding a five-pointed star in the right paw. Some of the family were officers in the British army.
At nine years of age, William G. felt that he was destined for the Christian ministry. From then on to manhood, his read- ing and his studies were shaped to that end. His preparatory education was received at the Norfolk Military academy. From that school, he proceeded to Randolph-Macon college, then situ- ated at Boydton, Virginia. In 1859, he left that institution with the degree of Master of Arts. While at college, his tastes received a strong literary bias. The strong moral influence of home had already established him in the right way morally; the literary influences of the college rounded him out into a reading and thinking man, " thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
In 1859, he entered active life as president of Marengo Mili- tary institute, Alabama. The War between the States found him in educational work. At the call of the South, he entered the Confederate army, serving as chaplain and ranking as captain. Four years of his young manhood he devoted to the " Lost Cause," and has the sweetest recollections of those early days. He now finds great pleasure in talking over " war times," and in attending meetings of Confederate veterans. Like the great mass of old Southern soldiers, he still believes that the South was right in
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her contention, and that her cause was just. Notwithstanding this belief, he is loyal to a reunited country, and hopes to see Vir- ginia resume her ancient place as one of the greatest states of the restored Union.
In 1873, Mr. Starr accepted the presidency of the Wesleyan Female college, North Carolina, and remained in that position until 1878. Most of his life, however, he has spent in the work of the ministry. He has filled some of the most important charges in the Virginia conference, and is now pastor of the Cumberland Street church in Norfolk, Virginia. In 1899, he was elected president of Randolph-Macon college. In this capacity he served his alma mater three years and then returned to the work of the regular pastorate in the Virginia conference.
As a preacher, he is vigorous and original. He holds the attention of his congregation, and wins the affections of his people. His time is spent principally in the preparation of ser- mons and in pastoral visitations ; occasionally, he delivers literary or educational addresses. A small part of his study hours, he devotes to research in original lines, which may ultimately see the light in book form. The best of his study and thought up to this time, however, has been put into his sermons, by which he has become known as one of the leading men of the Virginia conference.
In 1879, Mr. Starr received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from the University of North Carolina.
Dr. Starr finds time for social relaxation. He is a Blue Lodge and a Royal Arch Mason, and a Knight Templar; a member of the Odd Fellows; and of A. P. Hill Camp Confederate veterans. In all these gatherings, he mingles with his fellows, doing his Master's work " while it is day." For forty-four years, he has done the work which was given him to do, but has not relied upon his own strength or his own ability.
Dr. Starr has kindly consented to give some advice to young Americans desiring to succeed in life. At our request, he wrote from experience and observation the principles of real and honor- able success. (1) Live only one day at a time. (2) Fill each day full of earnest work. (3) Never allow yourself to become a
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sentimental dreamer. (4) Convert ideals into present realities such as are needed to better American life. (5) Trust God, and have faith in yourself.
In these noble sentences, we have the philosophy of a success- ful life. The men that practice these lofty principles will rank among the future " men of mark " and " makers of Virginia."
On April 5, 1870, the Reverend W. G. Starr married Lizzie Leigh. They have had four children, three of whom are now (1906) living.
His postoffice address is Norfolk, Virginia.
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LEWIS PATRICK STEARNES
S TEARNES, LEWIS PATRICK, was born at Taylor's Store, Franklin county, Virginia, December 31, 1849. His parents were Orren Darius Stearnes and Temperance Ward. His father was a farmer of Franklin county, and was a lieutenant in the 58th Virginia infantry, Confederate States army, in the War between the States, and died in the service of his country in the Confederate hospital at Staunton, Virginia, in 1862, from fever.
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