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 2
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JOHN RANDOLPH ATWOOD
the bank in an enviable position among the rural financial insti- tutions of the state.
He thinks, from his personal experience, that the young man who avoids liquor, tobacco and gambling ; is attentive to his busi- ness, whatever it may be, and honest, honorable and upright with his fellow-man has the best chance to win success in any line of effort. He is a Mason, officer of his lodge for a number of years; member of the Royal Arcanum, and of the Baptist church. In politics he is and has always been a Democrat. His most en- joyable and helpful indoor recreation is bowling; outdoor, hunt- ing; and in both he is an expert.
On March 12, 1888, he married Florence Blanton Chernault, daughter of J. L. and Susan L. Chernault, of Richmond, Vir- ginia. Seven children have been born to them, six of whom are now (1907) living.
His address is Appomattox, Appomattox County, Virginia.
CHARLES CONWAY BAKER
B AKER, CHARLES CONWAY, lawyer, was born March 4, 1868, in Montross, Westmoreland county, Virginia. . His father, Charles Cooke Baker, lawyer, clerk of circuit court, commissioner in chancery and of accounts, and clerk in United States census of 1880, was noted for careful conscientious- ness and modesty. His mother, Anne E. (Pitts) Baker, a woman of high intellectual attainments and ideals, wielded a powerful and lasting influence over his intellectual life and helped to spur his latent political ambition into activity.
His ancestry is English on both sides. The founder of the American branch of the family, on the paternal side, John Baker, came to Jamestown, Virginia, with Captain John Smith, whose subsequent adventure with Powhatan the Indian chief, and his daughter Pocahontas, is familiar to all. On the maternal side, Thomas Pitts, an English gentleman adventurer, settled in Essex county, Virginia, in 1765.
His home has always been in the village in which he was born. He was very delicate until past the age of sixteen, and as a consequence had little to do. His sedentary habits (he has since called it laziness), together with hereditary tastes, made him a lover of literature and politics at an age when most boys think of little except play. His education was acquired partly at public schools, and partly through family instruction and private study. He has since expressed regret that he did not get sufficient school training in methodical ways of study and work, and has attributed his failure to achieve the things he feels himself capable of achieving in his profession to lack of that training.
Since the age of sixteen, he has been self-supporting, except for a short time, when ill health prevented. He read law from 1884 to 1889, in his father's office, during the spare time he found while employed in a country store and teaching a public school. On July 21, 1889, only a few months after he came of age, he was admitted to the bar and began the practice of law in Mon-
Mer of Card Goldshing & Washington
news Truly. Clervoy Bakken
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CHARLES CONWAY BAKER
tross. At the same time he began to take an active part in politics, as an uncompromising Democrat, and was at once appointed commissioner in chancery and of accounts. From November, 1900, to December, 1901, he served as common- wealth's attorney for Westmoreland county, by appointment to fill a vacancy. In 1901 he was elected to the Virginia house of delegates, serving until 1904, and making a fighting record by his energetic opposition to the congressional redistricting bill and the Jordan oyster bill. In 1903, while still in the legis- lature, he was elected commonwealth's attorney for the term beginning January 1, 1904, and ending December 31, 1907. He was chairman of the county Democratic committee, 1892-95 and 1904-05, and while he held that position the Republican majority of three hundred in the county was changed to a Democratic majority of two hundred and fifty. He served six years as secretary of the county electoral board, and since 1896 has been editor of the "Northern Neck News," a sprightly weekly paper published in Warsaw, Virginia. His serio-comic lectures " Talk " and " Matches and Ties " delivered in Rich- mond and elsewhere have attracted favorable attention.
Mr. Baker thinks that the books, outside of professional works, that helped most in fitting him for his successful career were works on moral philosophy, the Bible, history, Macaulay's essays, and Shakespeare. His first strong impulse to strive for success was aroused by his mother's contempt for " do nothings." The strongest influences in his life have been in the order named : Home, private study, and contact with men in active life. He believes that hard work, modesty, courage, aggressiveness and sobriety make a strong equipment for the young man entering the struggle for success. His favorite recreation is fox-hunting. He is a Mason and a member of the Junior Order United American Mechanics.
December 3, 1901, he married Rose B. Porter; they have one child living in 1906.
His address is Montross, Westmoreland County, Virginia.
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WILLIAM WASHINGTON BAKER
B AKER, WILLIAM WASHINGTON, merchant and legis- lator, was born October 20, 1844, about one mile east of Hallsboro, Chesterfield county, Virginia, and his parents were John Daniel Baker and Ann Elizabeth Howard, daughter of William Howard and Mary Taylor, his wife. His grand- parents were Matthew C. Baker and Frances Wooldridge, his wife. His ancestors were for several generations residents of Chesterfield, Henrico and Goochland counties. His father was a farmer and was distinguished for his loyalty to his obligations and abhorrence of deception in any form.
William W. Baker was brought up in the country, but was very frail in his early days. He was not required to do any manual labor except to curry his own horse. To delicate health was added the further misfortune of losing his mother, who died when he was only nine years of age. He attended a private school taught by Dr. R. B. Winfree, and at the age of twelve asked and obtained permission to learn the printing business. In 1856 he began his apprenticeship in the office of the Danville " Register," and afterwards worked on the Richmond "En- quirer," where he had charge of the printing and press rooms and mailing at night. In the spring of 1863 he enlisted in the privateer service of the Confederate Volunteer navy under the command of Captain John Yates Beall. Anything like a detailed statement of his adventures would read like a romance. Captain Beall's company were few in number, but they were fertile in resources. Sallying from their rendezvous in Mathews county, they would dash along both the coasts of Chesapeake Bay and do all they could to cripple the commerce of the enemy by destroying lighthouses and capturing vessels of all kinds. Mr. Baker's service was brief, however, for in September, 1863, when sharing with fifteen others in an attempt to surprise a Federal gunboat, he was captured and confined in irons in Fort McHenry, near Baltimore, for nearly six weeks. To save him and his associates from being shot as privateers, the Confederate
Mar of Mark Fuchshing Washington, DC
yours very truly WWBake
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WILLIAM WASHINGTON BAKER
authorities held an equal number of Federal prisoners in irons in Charleston, South Carolina, as hostages for their proper treatment as prisoners of war. This action had its effect; the irons were removed from Mr. Baker, and he was transferred to Fort Monroe and afterwards to Fort Norfolk and later to Point Lookout, where in the spring of 1864 he was exchanged and permitted to proceed to Richmond. There he was placed on light duty as clerk in Provost Marshall I. H. Carrington's office and remained until the morning of the evacuation of Rich- mond. He was among the last to leave the city, and joined General Lee's army at Amelia court-house. He was with the 25th Virginia regiment at the battle of Sailors Creek, but was so fortunate as to escape capture. He rejoined the army at High Bridge, where he connected himself with a Texas regiment until the surrender at Appomattox court-house. After securing a parole, Mr. Baker started by way of Howardsville to Richmond, but crossed the river at Jude's Ferry and began to work on a farm. He did not continue long at this' vocation. When an apprentice in the office of the " Enquirer," he had determined that after he had learned a trade, he would never work again for any one but himself. The time was now come for the consum- mation of this intention. In a few months he formed a partner- ship with A. T., B. W. and J. H. Martin, under the name of Martin Bros. and Baker, for manufacturing lumber, grinding sumac and tanning leather at Hallsboro and Manchester, Vir- ginia. The business proved a great success, and, after the death of all his partners, Mr. Baker succeeded to the business, which he still conducts at Hallsboro, Chesterfield county.
Mr. Baker is a man who has endeared himself to the com- munity in which he resides, by his popular and genial manners and his intellectual ability. The great variety of offices which he has held since the war testifies to his general reputation. He served as justice of the peace, and for two terms was supervisor of Midlothian district in Chesterfield county. In 1883 and 1884, he served in the house of delegates of Virginia, where he secured the passage of bills to prevent the running of trains on Sunday, and to require clerks of courts to certify that bonds should be given by special commissioners before selling property decreed for sale. He was a member again in 1899 and 1900, and was
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WILLIAM WASHINGTON BAKER
afterwards reelected for three more terms; and during this service he has acted as member of the commission to erect the new penitentiary, of which he is now chairman, and a member of the finance committee of the house of delegates, the most important of the standing committees of that body.
At the Virginia exposition, in 1888, he was appointed com- missioner by Chesterfield county and served as such without compensation. Its exhibit received the first prize as the best county exhibit in the state. At the St. Louis exposition, in 1904, he was assistant commissioner, and it was due, in great measure, to his enthusiastic labors that the Virginia exhibit was made such a success. He has also been appointed commissioner from Virginia to the Jamestown exposition of 1907.
Mr. Baker is a Mason, and was master for several terms of lodge Number 24, Midlothian, Virginia, and deputy grand master for two terms. He is also a member of the Royal Arcanum. In politics he is a Democrat and in religious affiliations he is a member of the Baptist denomination.
Though Mr. Baker's schooling was limited, he has become a well read and cultivated man. His experience as a printer made him a good composer and introduced him into an atmos- phere of literature. He has been a frequent contributor to the newspapers on religious, social, and political subjects. In 1888, he wrote, at the request of the board of supervisors of Chester- field county, a pamphlet on the history and resources of the county. In 1892, obeying a similar demand, he got out a new and fuller edition of the work. As further evidence of his literary turn, he has been made a trustee of Richmond college.
In answer to a request to give the youth of the country the benefit of his experience and observation in life as to the means best calculated to strengthen sound ideals in American life and to attain true success, he writes: "Be sure to finish what you begin although you are disappointed as to results." This is excellent advice; for the most important of all the mental powers is the will, which cannot be trifled with, else the whole moral and intellectual structure will break down.
On December 25, 1866, he married Sarah Thomas Martin, and they have had six children, of whom three survive at the present (1906) writing.
His address is Hallsboro, Chesterfield County, Virginia.
THOMAS JEFFERSON BARHAM
B ARHAM, THOMAS JEFFERSON, lawyer, judge, was born in Surry, Virginia, November 21, 1863, and his father was Sidney B. Barham, and his mother, Hannah A. Davis. The Barham family has been a leading one in Surry county for 250 years. Charles Barham was one of the justices as early as 1668, and his descendants have intermarried with most of the leading families in that region-such as the Davises, Savedges and Bells. Sidney B. Barham, the father of the sub- ject of this sketch, is a farmer and Doctor of Medicine, who still lives in the enjoyment of the esteem of his fellow citizens. He was a justice before the county court system was abolished, and when it was a matter of great dignity to hold the position. He has been three times a member of the general assembly, where he was conspicuous for his devotion to duty and highly esteemed for his sense of honor.
The subject of this sketch was a strong, healthy boy of the country, who had such tasks as are usual on a farm, and helped his mother in and about the house. When nine years old, he learned to plow, and when not at school, worked regularly with his hands. He milked the cows, and, like Henry Clay, went to mill when required to do so. At this time of his life the influence of his mother was particularly strong on his moral and intel- lectual life, and the impressions then made have continued.
He attended the best country schools in Surry, private and public, until he became old enough to go to Randolph-Macon, where, in 1886, he took the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He taught school during the session of 1887-88, attended the Univer- sity of Virginia during the session of 1888-89, and took a full law course under John B. Minor, though he never took a degree. His own inclinations determined the choice of his profession, as his parents left the matter of a life profession absolutely to him.
In 1890, Judge Barham moved to Newport News, where he was made justice of the peace, almost against his will. He con- tinued the practice of his profession with much success, and won
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THOMAS JEFFERSON BARHAM
the confidence of the people to such an extent, that, when, in 1896, Newport News was incorporated a city, he was, without any opposition, made first judge of the corporation court-a position which he still (1906) holds, to the entire satisfaction of the community.
Judge Barham says that, outside of the books of a strictly professional nature, he has found the following particularly helpful: the "Story of Sanford and Merton," the " Arabian Nights' Entertainments," the works of Dean Swift, Dickens, Scott, Shakespeare, Milton, Goldsmith, and of the standard historians-such as Wirt, Green, Macaulay, and others. While at college he gave considerable attention to gymnastics, and was fond of tennis, walking, etc .; but of late other occupations have interfered, and he has often felt the need of more exercise than he has taken.
In his political views Judge Barham is a Democrat, and has given loyal allegiance to the doctrines of the party. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
While at college he joined the Phi Delta Theta fraternity; and during his stay in Smithfield he was a private in the Old Dominion light infantry.
His philosophy of life is contained in the following words: " Be not greedy for gain; try to get the best education you can ; bend your energies on your special life work; be interested in the affairs of your state and nation, but avoid being a small politi- cian; seek above all things the kingdom of God and His right- eousness."
On December 8, 1896, Judge Barham married Emma Louise Biggers, and they have had four children.
His address is Number 127 Thirty-fourth Street, Newport News, Virginia.
CHARLES HENRY BEASLEY
B EASLEY, CHARLES HENRY, wholesale merchant, was born in Nelson county, Virginia, December 9, 1862, son of Henry S. and Mary S. (Jennings) Beasley. He is descended from an old Virginia family of English extraction, and for several generations his forefathers were residents of Caroline county. His father, though in moderate circumstances, was esteemed by the people of his section and for some years served as sheriff of Caroline county. He died when his son, Charles Henry, was about eight years of age, and Mrs. Beasley subsequently married Powhatan Henson, who proved to be a noble stepfather.
The boyhood of Mr. Beasley was passed in the country, where he was subject to wholesome home influences both on the part of his mother and his stepfather. Being the oldest in a family of eleven children, however, and under the necessity of depending upon his own efforts at an early age, his opportunities to secure an education were greatly limited.
He attended the common schools, where he improved what- ever opportunities he had, and in 1882 entered the country store of B. W. Landrum, at New Glasgow Depot, as a salesman, and, in 1883, was transferred to Amherst Depot. After this, he farmed for two years, and, in 1887, established himself with S. A. Love, in Lynchburg, Virginia, with whom he remained for a period of seven years. In 1894, he organized the firm of C. H. Beasley and Brother, consisting of his brother, E. C. Beasley, and himself, and engaged in general merchandising on Ninth street. In 1896, he removed to Commerce street, and has since confined his efforts entirely to the wholesale trade.
By industry, fair dealing, up-to-date business methods, and a goodly stock of the heroic virtues, Mr. Beasley has built up gradually and conserved a large and constantly increasing trade throughout the South.
On November 11, 1884, he married Laura B. Fogus, daughter of A. L. and S. E. Fogus. They have one child, Charles H. Beas- ley, who is now (1906) living.
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CHARLES HENRY BEASLEY
Mr. Beasley has been a member of the Centenary Methodist church of Lynchburg for more than a quarter of a century, and is at present a member of the board of stewards and treasurer of the church. He is a Democrat in politics, though he takes little part in political affairs except what is demanded of every pro- gressive citizen.
His address is Lynchburg, Virginia.
GEORGE S. BERNARD
B ERNARD, GEORGE S., soldier, lawyer and man of letters, was born at Culpeper court-house, Virginia, August 27, 1837, and is the son of David Meade Bernard and Elizabeth Mildred Ashby. His father was, for nearly a quar- ter of a century, clerk of the corporation court of Petersburg.
Mr. Bernard's colonial ancestry embraces Bernards and Ashbys and Stiths, who were identified with Virginia from the latter part of the seventeenth century. Among them, Colonel John Stith, first of the name in the colony and ancestor of Rev. William Stith, the Virginia historian and the president of the ancient college of William and Mary, was himself a distinguished citizen of Virginia, and a prominent figure during the period of Bacon's rebellion; while Captain John Ashby, Mr. Bernard's maternal great-grandfather, bore no inconspicuous part as a soldier in the armies of the American revolution.
Mr. Bernard's mother having died when he was an infant, he grew up in the charge and under the care of his paternal grandmother. His father gave him every educational facility in his power; and he attended the best schools of Petersburg until he was eighteen years old. In 1855, he entered the University of Virginia, where he remained for two sessions, graduating in three of its schools. After leaving the university, he taught for a session of nine months in the family of Hon. R. M. T. Hunter, of Essex county, United States senator from Virginia; and while there, under Mr. Hunter's advice, and with access to his fine library, he made a diligent study of history.
In 1859, Mr. Bernard, having studied law in the office of the late Judge William T. Joynes, was admitted to the bar in the city of Petersburg. Upon the breaking out of the War between the States, he entered, in April, 1861, the military service of the Confederate States; and, with the exception of about five months, when discharged on account of ill health, remained in the army until the sun set on the Confederacy at Appomattox court-house in April, 1865. His gallantry in battle is attested by the wounds
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GEORGE S. BERNARD
which he received in the battle of Crampton Gap, Maryland, September 14, 1862, where he was also captured and made pris- oner; and in the battle of Hatcher's Run, February 6, 1865.
After the war ended, Mr. Bernard was engaged for some months as local editor and reporter on the staff of the Petersburg " Daily Express." This position he gave up in December, 1865, to devote himself, as he has since done, exclusively to his profes- sion. He has represented a number of important interests in his career as an attorney, among others having been for many years local counsel in the counties from Dinwiddie to Nansemond for the Norfolk and Western railroad.
From 1870 to 1879, a year or two excepted, Mr. Bernard served as a member of the school board of Petersburg. During the legislative sessions of 1877 to 1879, he was a member of the house of delegates in the general assembly of Virginia, where, among other efficient services, he rendered the very valuable one of securing the enactment of a law requiring insurance com- panies to print the restrictive provisions of their policies in large type.
Mr. Bernard has been a frequent contributor to the press, and in 1885 published a volume entitled " Civil Service Reform vs. The Spoils System," which attracted attention and favorable comment from the newspapers throughout the country. He has also edited a volume of war reminiscences, called " War Talks of Confederate Veterans," two of the chapters of which are con- tributions of his own pen. This book has received favorable comment from the press.
Mr. Bernard was for several years commonwealth's attorney for the city of Petersburg, and has been a referee in bankruptcy from 1898 to the present time (1906). Several of his opinions filed in bankruptcy cases have been adopted by the District court of the United States for the Eastern district of Virginia and appear in the " Federal Reporter " and " American Bankruptcy Reports." The regard in which he is held by his brethren of the local bar is evinced in his election to the office of president of the Petersburg Bar association.
Various biographical sketches and notices of Mr. Bernard have been published, among which may be mentioned those in
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GEORGE S. BERNARD
the " Richmond Commercial and Tobacco Leaf " of March 3, 1879; in " Virginia and Virginians " (Brock), Volume 2; and in the Century edition of the " Richmond Leader," of November 26, 1901.
Mr. Bernard is independent in his political views and affiliations; in his religious preference, he is an Episcopalian.
In June, 1870, Mr. Bernard married Fanny Rutherfoord, a daughter of the late Samuel J. Rutherfoord, of Richmond, and a niece of John Rutherfoord, ante-bellum governor of the com- monwealth. They had five children, a son and four daughters.
Mr. Bernard's address is Petersburg, Virginia.
LAUNCELOT MINOR BLACKFORD
B LACKFORD, LAUNCELOT MINOR, schoolmaster, was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, February 23, 1837, and is the son of William M. and Mary Berkeley (Minor) Blackford. Mr. Blackford's father was an editor and bank cashier in Lynchburg. At one time he held an appointment under the government, being charge d'affairs at Bogota. He was a man of sterling integrity of character, of amiable temper and wielded a facile pen. His wife, the mother of L. M. Blackford, was a woman of many beautiful virtues and of cultivated tastes, and exercised a potent influence over her children; and few families of this day have ever furnished more useful and valuable men than the Blackfords, of Lynchburg. All Vir- ginians knew the late Captain Charles M. Blackford, the late Doctor Benjamin Blackford, and, last, but not least, the subject of this article. To home influence Mr. Launcelot Minor Black- ford largely attributes his success in life. The high ideals set for him in his home, the precepts and the practice of his gifted father, the teachings of his excellent mother-all are bearing fruitage to-day.
The earliest American ancestor of Mr. Blackford was John Carter, of Corotoman, who came from England in 1630, and settled in Virginia. John's third wife, Sarah Ludlow, was the mother of Robert, familiarly known as "King Carter," who was the direct progenitor of Mr. Blackford.
Launcelot Blackford was sent to the best day schools of Lynchburg. While carrying on his studies there, he was a great reader, his tastes being always literary. In 1860, he took the Master's degree (M. A.) at the University of Virginia. Just as he was about to choose his lifework and settle down to it, the war tocsin sounded. Virginia called upon her sons. to hurl back the invading armies, and he answered her summons. We find him serving as a private in the Rockbridge artillery, a company composed largely of university and college graduates and students of theological seminaries, one of the most highly cultivated body
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