USA > Virginia > City of Lynchburg > City of Lynchburg > Sketches and recollections of Lynchburg > 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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18
176
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
his feelings of friendship for that excellent lady were of too sacred and tender a nature to allow him to speak of her in public. A terrific thunder- storm coming on during the sermon, many of the congregation expressed audibly their fears. Mr. Smith had been greatly affected whilst delivering this funeral discourse; and whilst the storm con- tinued to rage, a scene most touching occurred. Overpowered by his feelings, he descended from the pulpit, unable to speak ; and the congregation, though awed and alarmed at the tempest, could not but sympathize with this young pastor in those tears shed for one whom he looked upon in the light of a mother.
After the completion of the Church, an organ was purchased ; and, in the summer of 1828, a fair was held at the Franklin Hotel, for the benefit of the Church. This was the first fair ever held in Lynchburg : it was a brilliant, beautiful scene- such a one as has never since been witnessed in that city,-the late John E. Norvelle directing and assisting with his taste in all the arrangements, and, during the nights of the exhibition, bringing a large band of amateur-musicians to enliven the scene. How many bright recollections are asso- ciated with this Fair ! How many who there pre- sided, have long since been called away ; how many around whom clustered the tenderest hopes, have lived to see those hopes blasted, and to mourn the
177
OF LYNCHBURG.
loved ones who stood by their side in all the pride and buoyancy of youth. James W. Pegram had but recently been married to the lovely Miss Vir- ginia Johnston. She presided at one of the tables, and near her stood the manly form of her young husband. Of all who then gazed on these two, so happy in mutual love, and blest in the possession of all the world can give, not one could have foreshad- owed the mournful termination which fifteen years would bring to their happiness. The last night of the Fair was finished with an auction-George White- locke, Esq., acting the part of an auctioneer, and dispensing his witty comments and remarks to the great amusement of the bystanders. The amount more than equalled the greatest expectations, and the proceeds were immediately applied to liquidating the debts of the Church.
By slow degrees, the Episcopal denomination increased; and, during the summer of 1828, a general revival taking place in the Churches of Lynchburg, considerable numbers were at this time added to the Church, continuing its most valued and devoted members. Amongst these was Mrs. Saluda Norvelle, wife of Edmund Norvelle, Esq. Her bright example was felt throughout a large circle of friends and relatives, who remember her with tender affection, mingled with deep regret at her untimely death in 1835.
178
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
Mr. and Mrs. SETH WARD were members of this Church, having at a very early date enjoyed the pri- vilege of attending the ministry of the Rev. Mr. JARRAT, who was one of the first Episcopal Minis- ters who attempted to revive that Church subse- quent to the American Revolution. Mr. Ward was a native of the lower country, and when a young man he was united in marriage to Miss Martha Norvelle, a sister of Captain William Nor- velle, of Lynchburg; and a few years after that event, they settled in New London. His heart was ever deeply engaged in the cause of religion, and the Church of his youth; and, during the time of his prosperity, his money was liberally expended in furthering this darling object, and, in the days of his adversity, he gave far beyond his means. Soon after settling in Bedford county, Mr. Ward built, pretty much at his own expense, a small Church, known as Chax-creek Church, in which Mr. Crawford officiated. That Church has long since gone down, and Trinity, through the instru- mentality of the Rev. Nicholas Cobbs, was built near the original Church. Mr. Ward took an active part in first procuring for Lynchburg the services of the Rev. William S. Reid, of the first Presbyterian Church, the former being at that time the only Episcopalian in town, was of course unable to procure the services of the Church of his choice. He was very influential in building the Church of
179
OF LYNCHBURG.
St. Stephen's in Bedford county, near which he lived; and, though not at that time residing in Lynchburg, he took a very active interest in pro- curing a minister, joining the congregation and building the Church.
An extract from a letter written by the Rev. William Norvelle Ward, a son of this excellent man, thus feelingly speaks of his venerable father : "I think my parent, in life, could say from the heart
' I love Thy kingdom, Lord; The house of Thine abode !'
And, I am sure, that fond regard for the memory of my father is not carrying me too far, when I say, that the services of the Church in that country, owes as much, perhaps more, to him than to any other, either clerical or lay. He laid the founda- tion on which such men as Bishop Cobbs and others built their spiritual temples. ' He rests from his labors, and his works do follow him.' "*
The establishment of Mr. F. G. SMITH's school was a new epoch in Lynchburg, he being one of the first who wisely governed by rewards instead of punishment. Acquiring an influence over the minds
* Mr. and Mrs. Ward emigrated some years since to Tennes- see, where they both died. Several of their daughters reside there-Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Kerr, and Miss Ward.
180
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
and hearts of his pupils, he gently led them on, encouraging the weak and gently restraining the most ambitious, he insensibly diffused amongst them a love of literature, causing them to be desirous of mental culture, and inculcating the doctrine, that a school routine is not the finish, but the mere commencement of an education, to be carried on in after life. In the year 1829, he established in Lynchburg, a female school, on a high basis. The happiest results attended his sys- tem, and, a few years later, marrying Sarah, the second daughter of Henry Davis, Esq., the plan of the school was much enlarged-the one formed by Mr. and Mrs. Smith was the most superior school ever known in Lynchburg. The best teachers were provided, and, whilst in full operation, Mr. Smith being urgently solicited to take charge of a literary institution in Tennessee, he left Lynchburg to the regret of his friends and parishoners. A series of resolutions, of a most affectionate and respectful nature, were drawn up by his congregation, and, in the fall of 1837, he left Lynchburg for Columbia, where he for many years carried on, with zeal and energy, a most extensive course of learning. He
is, at present, the able and valued principal of the Athenæum near Columbia. Assisted by his excel- lent wife, and provided with a corps of competent teachers, this institution is undoubtedly the best of the sort in the United States. The extensive li-
181
OF LYNCHBURG.
brary, the splendid paintings, the numerous musical instruments, the beautiful walks,-all these render the place most desirable, not to mention the privi- lege of associating intimately with persons so excellent and highly cultivated as Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
FRANKLIN GENET SMITH is a native of one of the New England States, and is a son of Judge Smith, of - State. In very early life he emigrated to Virginia, establishing himself in the county of Prince Edward, where he, for a time, pursued the business of school-teaching. Completely naturalized in his adopted State, he secured the esteem of all, particularly that of the Presbyterian Church, with whose members he was at that time so intimately associated .* A finished scholar and literary gen- tleman, the wonderful success of his teaching in Lynchburg has already been mentioned. His man- ner of reading the Morning Service was peculiarly beautiful and touching. His sermons were perfect in style and finish-eloquent thoughts being often in a few words condensed,-Mr. Smith being remark- able for simplicity and conciseness. Passages from many of his sermons are remembered, and with
* It would seem that this brief memoir should have been in- serted several pages earlier, but it could not be done without interruption to the sketch of the Episcopal Church.
16
182
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
peculiar feelings one of his most striking, from the text, " The night is far spent and the day is at hand." This sermon was preached several times by request, and is still remembered by the old inhabitants of Lynchburg.
After the removal of Mr. Smith to Tennessee, the Church for some years enjoyed the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. ATKINSON, at present Bishop of the diocese of North Carolina. The congrega- tion are now most happy under the ministry of the Rev. William Kinckle, well known and beloved in our community. How blessed has been this Church, which has been so favored for thirty-seven years, as to have alternately the services of three such excellent pastors as Mr. Smith, Mr. Atkinson and Mr. Kinckle.
183
OF LYNCHBURG.
MASONRY IN LYNCHBURG.
BALL ON ST. JOHN'S DAY .- IRISH JOHN ROBERTSON.
"The trowel is an instrument made use of, by opera- tive masons, to spread the cement which unites a build- ing into one common mass ; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of bro- therly love and affection ; that cement which unites us into one sacred band, or society of friends and brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist, but that noble contention, or rather emulation, of who can best work and best agree."
WORK ON MASONRY.
The old Masonic Hall of Lynchburg stood on the spot where the new one now rears its head. It was a common two-story building, without device or ornament to distinguish it from the surrounding houses ; yet it was held in great awe by the chil- dren, who generally avoided that side of the street, under the firm impression that his satanic majesty was kept chained in the cellar below, and it was
184
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
also believed that up stairs there were piles of cof- fins, a skeleton, and horrors sufficient, with tolera- ble economy, to have lasted Mrs. Radcliffe through at least one romance.
Yet Masonry flourished in Lynchburg, proces- sions were numerous, and, as they generally paraded, Church Street, the sound of wind instruments, by which they were always preceded, was hailed with joy by the numerous candidates for learning who sat within the different schools of that section. A most wholesome interruption and innocent amuse- ment was thereby afforded to the youth of this good town,* and they would return to their labors re- freshed by the pleasing sight of the whole Masonic fraternity marching two and two, with blue scarfs and Masons' aprons. Captain Tardy, in crimson scarf, with Bible in hand, Colonel Holmes by his side, with other insignia, the Master Masons, with striking symbols of the craft-all of these. being gazed upon with that species of awe and admiration, known only in early childhood.
These halcyon days are past, celebrations seldom occur, and even the great pageantry of a Masonic funeral is seldom witnessed. It is a pity that so ancient and honored an institution should be ne-
* Quite as much so as that afforded by the military of Ro- chester, mentioned by Mr. Pickwick.
185
OF LYNCIIBURG.
glected ; for a conscientious Mason is obliged, at least outwardly, to conform to the rules of Chris- tianity, and one who is truly one of the disciples of Hiram, is not far from the kingdom of God.
In the month of December, 1827, a Masonic ball was given at the Franklin Hotel, on the day of St. John the Baptist-such a ball and supper as only Mrs. Robert Morriss knew how to provide. Strange it seems that there should have been a sumptuous entertainment on the birth night of him whose "meat was locusts and wild honey ;" but so it was, and so brilliant a display of beauty and fashion had never before been seen in Lynchburg. The Bible, the compass, the trowel, the mallet, and all the other appropriate symbols of Masonry were arranged round the spacious ball-room, amidst festoons of evergreen. None but ladies were admitted, till the folding doors opening, the Masons in full regalia entered the room, forming a circle. The citizens then followed, the grand Master Mason then taking out a book, read therefrom a short address ; then was sung a Masonic ode by the Fraternity, con- cluding with a tribute to the ladies. The whole of this imposing scene now appears as a brilliant pano- rama; and mingled with pleasing recollections of that evening, how many sad thoughts arise, filling the heart with mournful retrospections of the past ! The gay, the brave, the beautiful, so many now lie mouldering in silent dust, or live to mourn the bro-
186
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
ken ties of that joyous time. The late Maurice Garland, on this evening so full of youth and hope, the life of the little circle at that end of the room, and so gallant and imposing in the becoming regalia and crimson scarf; the lovely Sarah May, of Buck- ingham, in all the freshness and beauty of girlhood : a few years later, we beheld her as a wife and mo- ther, not with the blissful expression of these sacred relations, but with the wan and fevered look of the invalid, hastening home to take a last farewell of a young family, and then meekly resign her gentle spirit to Him who gave it.
At this ball was JOHN ROBERTSON, usually known by the soubriquet of " Irish John Robertson." His broad forehead, his gold spectacles, his portly form, habited in the old-fashioned garb, with short breeches, long stockings and knee-buckles-all these made him, in outward appearance, a fac simile of Pickwick, though he was widely different from that worthy gentleman in bland manners and social traits, for Irish John Robertson was an isolated man.
Emigrating from Ireland when very young, he had chosen Lynchburg for his home, where, by a long course of frugality and industry, he had accu- mulated quite a large fortune. He was a singular man, mingling little in society, and seeming to re- gard Masonry as his sole tie to mankind. Whence was it, that thus he passed through life, without forming near connexions, or without seeming to
187
OF LYNCHBURG.
feel that in the city of hills he had found a resting- place ? Had a great disappointment in early life caused him to feel the vanity of worldly objects, and taught him to centre his hopes on a more sure basis, in the Celestial city ? It was a different mo- tive which actuated him-which had caused him "to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sor- row." It had been the hope of his youth, the de- termination of his manhood, the comfort of his age. It was an intense desire to return to his beloved Emerald Isle, and there, amidst the cherished scenes of his boyhood, to pass his remaining days, and then to be laid quietly in the old church-yard by the side of his parents, not far from the grave of sweet Kathleen Mavourneen, for whom in child- hood he had gathered the pratees and cut the bog, and whose taper fingers he had watched, as she spun the flax by the evening fire, whilst her low, sweet voice gently murmured the song of his native land.
In the autumn of 1830, arranging his affairs, he bade adieu to the old musty counting-room, and left Lynchburg buoyant with expectation of again be- holding Ireland. * Proceeding by rapid stages to New York, he embarked from that city to his na- tive land, but on arriving at his old home, he found none there remaining who remembered him. The friends of his childhood and youth were no more, his father's dwelling had been levelled to the
188
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
ground ; even the household graves could not be identified, and in bitter disappointment the stern man wept.
In a brief time he re-embarked for America, and returning to Lynchburg, he sought his old counting- room, endeavoring to again interest himself in the pursuits of business. But, alas ! the motive was at an end; the day dream of his youth was effaced; and in the scene of his early struggles, he lingered out for a few years a mournful existence. His re- mains were followed to their last resting-place by the Masonic Fraternity, who there rendered a last solemn tribute to him who for years had been a worthy and prominent member of the Lynchburg Lodge.
" When silent time wi' lightly foot Had trod on thirty years, I sought again my native land Wi' mony hopes and fears- Wha kens gin the dear friends I left May still continue mine, Or gin I e'er again shall taste The joys I left behind.
As I drew near my ancient pile, My heart beat all the way, Ilk place I passed seemed yet to speak O' some dear former day. Those days that followed me afar, Those happy days of mine, Which made me think the present joys A' naething to Lang Syne.
189
OF LYNCHBURG.
The ivied tower now met my eye, Where minstrels used to blow, Nae frend stepped forth wi' open hand Nae weel kenned face I saw. Till Donald tottered to the door, Wham I left in his prime, And grat to see the lad return, He bore about Lang Syne.
I ran to ilka dear friends' room, As if to find them there, I knew where ilk ane used to sit, And hang o'er mony a chair, Till soft remembrance threw a veil Across these e'en a mine, I closed the door and sobbed aloud To think on Auld Lang Syne.
Ye sons to comrades of my youth, Forgie an auld man's spleen, Wha midst your gayest scenes still mourns The days he once has seen. When time has past and seasons fled, Your hearts will feel like mine, And aye the sang will maist delight, That minds ye of Lang Syne."
BLAMIRE.
190
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
THOMAS ESTON RANDOLPH.
"Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle ? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill ?
He that walketh uprightly and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart ?"-Psalm XV.
THOMAS ESTON RANDOLPH was a native of Bris- tol, England, descended from the poet Thomas Randolph. He was also nearly connected with the family of Gifford, a name well known in the literary circles of Great Britain and America.
Mr. Randolph was a wealthy English gentleman, one of those merchant-princes who plough the main, bringing to our shores the luxuries of the old world, carrying in return the materials from which the skill of the Britons produce those beautiful textures, which, for so many years, was the sole dress of the Americans. Whilst in Virginia, after one of his voyages, he visited the different members of the Randolph family, and, during a sojourn at the hospitable mansion of Thomas Randolph, of Tuck- ahoe, captivated by the beauty aud loveliness of Jane Randolph, a daughter of that gentleman, he determined to settle in the Old Dominion, after
191
OF LYNCHBURG.
having made seventeen voyages across the Atlantic. A gentleman of great worth and piety, Virginia may justly be proud of this her adopted son, who was shortly after married to Jane Randolph. Re- moving to a splendid estate, he there resided for a number of years in affluence and elegance, prac- tising all the hospitality and living in all the ease and comfort of a wealthy planter and slaveholder.
At the time of her marriage, Mrs. Jane Ran- dolph was a very beautiful woman; and, though remembered by the younger members of her family, only as a pale, feeble invalid, still her appearance, even at this time, was very lovely, and through all those years of sickness, she was the mainspring of the family-its order, comfort and happiness, de- pending on her. Though confined to her chamber six months of every year, yet from that spot ema- nated an influence gentle, yet so strong-practical, yet so beautiful-that its results are seen and felt now, and eternity will reveal the whole. To her daughters, she set an example of all a woman and Christian should be, showing woman's true place and teaching them to love it and its duties, because its lot was appointed by a Heavenly Father. She taught them to desire the love of God above all other things-and she was, herself, a living example of Christ, where all might read the beauty of holi- ness and the power of vital picty.
192
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
A sudden reverse depriving Mr. Randolph of nearly the whole of his estate, it was at this period that the grace of God was found sufficient to sup- port, under trying circumstances, those who put their trust in Him .* Cheerfully relinquishing his elegant mansion, with all the comforts and luxuries to which they had been accustomed, and retaining only a small number of his faithful servants, he bade adieu to the beloved homestead, which had to him been the scene of unalloyed happiness. For a short time this family resided in New London, but in the autumn of 1827 they moved to Lynchburg, taking possession of the house formerly occupied by Robert Morriss, Esq., but recently the residence of Chiswell Dabney, Esq.
Sweet, indeed, are the uses of adversity ! Such latent qualities it developes-such hidden good it brings to light! The daughters of this family, then in the full tide of youth and beauty, availed them- selves of their talents, proving the superiority of their education, by now coming forward to aid those parents who in infancy and childhood had so kindly nurtured them. They immediately established a boarding-school of the very first order, and pro- curing a music teacher, the success of this youthful trio was unprecedented in Lynchburg, and the
* The Randolph family were devout Episcopalians.
193
OF LYNCHBURG.
and the establishment of this institution* was the Jawning of a new era in the town; for with the usual school routine, there was excited in the scho- lar a taste for literature and a desire for mental cultivation. After continuing about eighteen months, the school was broken up by the removal of the family to Florida, where it was thought the health of Mrs. Randolph would improve, whilst breathing the mild, genial atmosphere of this sunny land. The first year after their removal to Florida, a decided improvement appeared to take place, but soon again she failed, and gradually, through pa- tiently borne suffering, with words of love and counsel to each child, she passed away from earth.
Mr. Randolph survived his excellent wife for many years, his health and comfort being the espe- cial care of his beloved youngest daughter. Beau- tiful was his old age !- so fervent and earnest in his devotions, so gentle and loving to all around him-patient under the failure of strength and hearing and all the powers of life. He was only confined to his bed a few days, and then he fell asleep, like an infant on his mother's bosom, on the day he attained the age of seventy-five ; and, as a shock of wheat, fully ripe, is gathered into the
* This was about two years previous to the establishment of the Female School by F. G. Smith.
17
194
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
garner, so was he called to the mansions prepared for him.
Of the members of this family, there survive Mrs. Lucy Parkhill and Mary Page Randolph, who reside in the vicinity of Tallahassee, Florida ; Dr. James Randolph and Arthur Randolph, Esq., of the same place. Elizabeth Randolph, the oldest daughter, was singularly lovely in character and appearance. She became the wife of Francis Eppes, Esq., of Poplar Forest, a grandson of Tho- mas Jefferson. Emigrating with her husband and family to Florida, she survived only a few years after their establishment in the South. Harriet, the second daughter, was also a very beautiful woman, endowed with every grace and accomplishment which could add a lustre to a well-cultivated mind and noble heart. During her residence in Lynch- burg, she exercised a great sway and influence over the circle in which she moved, giving a tone to society, and embellishing it by her queenly appear- ance. Soon after their removal to Florida, she was married to Dr. Willis, but surviving only one year this event, her untimely death cast over her friends a dark shadow, which time, with its healing balm, cannot wholly dispel.
ANN LEWIS, who remained in this family during the period in which their school was in operation,
195
OF LYNCHBURG.
We can feel no surprise at the great success of Dr. was a native of Philadelphia, and a member of one of the first families in the City of Brotherly Love. Her mother was Miss Hartshorne, a relative of the distinguished physician of that name; and her fa- ther was at one time a wealthy gentleman, but failing in business whilst his children were all young, Mrs. Lewis wisely reared them, so that each might aid in the prosperity of the other. Ann, having a great genius for music, was educated as a teacher of this science, whilst the others were brought up just as their talents gave promise of success in any particular department. Just as Ann had reached the age of twenty, she was re- commended to the Randolph family, by a lady from Virginia ; and, bringing with her the warmest letters of introduction, this lovely and intelligent young lady met with a reception worthy of the Old Dominion; for kindness and hospitality were literally showered on her, so that she was the life of the social circle in Lynchburg, who will long remember her for her bright, cheerful wit and delightful music.
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.