USA > Virginia > City of Lynchburg > City of Lynchburg > Sketches and recollections of Lynchburg > Part 13
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Of the members of this large family are John M. Warwick, Esq., a prominent citizen of Lynch- burg, Messrs. Corbin and Abram Warwick, of Richmond, Daniel Warwick, of Baltimore, and Mrs. Saunders and Mrs. Thomas Leftwich, of Bed- ford county.
The remains of the first wife of Major William Warwick repose in the yard attached to the resi-
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dence of H. Dunnington, Esq., which, at the time of her decease was the only burying ground* in the newly formed town of Lynchburg. An aspen tree stands at the foot, placed there by the hand of her affectionate daughter, Mrs. Stuart. A very large spreading tree formerly cast its shade over this quiet resting-place, but in the year 1820 it was torn up by the roots during a violent storm, leaving alone the quivering aspen tree, with its beautiful alternations of white and green, reminding us of the living green of the courts above, surrounded by shadowy forms robed in spotless white !
Captain JAMES WARWICK, a brother of Major Warwick, was for a number of years a respected resident of Lynchburg. His residence was exactly opposite to that of Colonel John Wiatt ; and with this excellent man did he " oft take sweet counsel, walking together to the house of God." Captain Warwick was a devout member of the first Presby-
* On this spot was the first Church of Lynchburg, to which this cemetery was attached. Many of the bodies were moved to the Methodist burying ground, but others were left, and the spot where they reposed identified by their friends. A bar- racks was at one time held in the part of the house nearest the Court-house. This place was at one time the residence of the Rev. Mr. Tompkins and his family. They were the earliest set- tlers, and Mrs. Tompkins lived to great age, dying only a few years since.
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terian Church of Lynchburg, and conspicuous for the ardor of his attachment to his beloved pastor, adhering closely to him in the division of the church, regardless of the changes of those around him. This excellent man died some years since in the town of Lynchburg.
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ROBERT MORRISS.
" Is any sick ? the man of Ross relieves, Prescribes, attends, and medicine makes and gives."
POPE'S MAN OF ROSS.
Thirty-eight years since, the large dwelling oppo- site the residence of Dr. Robert Early was owned by ROBERT MORRISS, Esq. At that time Mr. Morriss was a man of wealth; his home was the abode of the most genuine hospitality, and the re- fuge of many whom poverty and death had made desolate. A sudden reverse depriving him of his fortune, himself and his excellent wife there es- tablished a house for receiving boarders. But not with the prosperity of Mr. Morriss de- parted that kind spirit which had succored so many in their hour of adversity. The success of this good couple in hotel keeping was very great ; the " bread they had so freely cast on the waters," was now returned, and they were still enabled to pursue charities the most enlarged.
Was the mother of a helpless family called sud- denly hence from her young children ? Then would
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Mr. and Mrs. Morriss take charge of the little ones till a permanent asylum could be provided for them. Did want or sickness invade the dwellings of those surrounding them, then who so prompt to render assistance as this worthy couple, the counterpart of Pope's Man of Ross, save that Mr. Morriss was blest with a good wife, in which he had the advan- tage of the Man of Ross.
" Thrice happy man, enabled to pursue What all so wish, but want the power to do ; Oh! say what sums that generous hand supply, What mines to swell the generous charity.
Of debts and taxes, wife and children clear, This man possessed five hundred pounds a year ; Blush, grandeur, blush; proud stars, withdraw your blaze- Ye little stars, hide your diminished rays ! "
POPE'S MAN OF ROSS.
For a number of years, Mr. and Mrs. Morriss continued to supply the temporal wants of many. They educated a number of nieces and nephews, rearing them as their own children, and placing them in independent situations. In the year 1824, Mr. Morriss took possession of the Washington House, which he kept with great success for several years ; then he moved to the Franklin Hotel, of which he was the worthy and beloved proprietor for a length of time, dispensing to all around him his unbounded kindness, having in his establishment
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boarders whom he had kept for a number of years without compensation. This excellent couple sur- vive, residing in Lynchburg. Long may they en- joy health and happiness, experiencing in full the promise made to the charitable: "Blessed is he that considereth the poor: Thou shalt make his bed in sickness."
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THOMAS WIATT, SR.
" In the heraldry of Heaven, goodness precedes great- ness."
BISHOP HORNE.
THOMAS WIATT was a gentleman of great worth and excellence, and a younger brother of Colonel John Wiatt. They were descended from an Eng- lish family of that name, conspicuous in the days when our State was a colony. In the year 1827, Mr. Wiatt resided in the house owned and occupied by Dr. Robert Early. When a young man, Tho- mas Wiatt was united in marriage to Sarah Miller, a daughter of one of Lynchburg's earliest and most estimable settlers. A few years since, the ancient dwelling of Mr. Miller remained a short distance above the place where now stands Mr. Jesse Hare's stately building. It was a long, lone dwelling, with shelving porches, but its place is now doubtless sup- plied by some more modern structure.
Mrs. WIATT was very congenial to her husband,
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in the possession of a disposition most cheerful and buoyant, together with a lively wit, tempered with great sweetness of temper and good humor. Pass- ing through various alternations and reverses, they yet preserved, unharmed, these happy dispositions. Active and useful members of the Methodist Church, they proved by their walk and profession of reli- gion, that
" Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace !"
This good man died in the summer of 1828, leav- ing a large family, several of whom survive. His worthy and venerable wife still continues on earth her pilgrimage, having for many years survived her three daughters.
MARY WIATT became the wife of D. Hoffman, Esq., and carried into her married life all those gentle, lovely traits of character which so caused her to shine as friend, sister and daughter. Greatly beloved in Lynchburg, her memory is deeply en- shrined in the hearts of friends, who cherish the remembrance of her goodness with a desire that they too may, like her, merit the commendation bestowed by our Saviour on Mary of old: "She hath done what she could."
MARTHA, the youngest daughter, was the bright- est girl in Lynchburg-and her sweet smile and
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joyous countenance are vividly remembered along with her many virtues, though she has long since laid in the silent tomb. She married William Massie, Esq., of Pharsalia, Nelson county; and, surviving her marriage only a few years, she left one daughter, who is now Mrs. Ellen Warwick, of Nelson county.
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THE DABNEY FAMILY.
C. DABNEY-MRS N. DABNEY.
CHISWELL DABNEY, Esq. is a native of the county of Hanover. About the year 1812 he settled in the town of Lynchburg, and, soon after commenc- ing the practice of the law, he has since that time continued to add constantly to his legal reputation, and to secure the regard and esteem of the com- munity in which he resides. His talents as a lawyer, and his ability as an efficient bank officer, are too well known to need here any eulogy ; but it is a great gratification to associate the name of this gentleman with that of Mrs. Nancy Dabney, his wife, who was the oldest daughter of Thomas Wiatt, Esq.
This lady was a native of the county of Amherst, where were spent her childhood and youth ; yet she was educated in Lynchburg, and our town naturally feels desirous to claim as one of its own daughters, this bright, talented, and excellent lady. She was a very superior woman, endowed with a mind of
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the highest order, and gifted with wit most brilliant, though ever tempered with gentleness and good humor. A strong resemblance in character, man- ners and disposition, existed between Mrs. Dabney and the family of James Pleasants, of Goochland- both possessing those warm-hearted dispositions, that happy gift of extracting from passing scenes inte- rest and amusement, and of enlivening the fireside by those happy sallies of wit and humor ; thus keep- ing at bay all the minor, worrying cares of life, which so often corrode and canker the heart, even more than those heavy afflictions in which the hand of Providence is immediately recognized. Many early recollections of Mrs. Dabney now fill the heart, blended with days of childhood, when she with other loved forms surrounded the cheerful family hearth ; and words then spoken are still fondly cherished, and often called to mind, though the voices which uttered them have long been silent in the grave. This excellent lady died in the summer of 1834, leaving five daughters, at that time a lovely unbroken household. About sixteen years since, two of these daughters were called hence to join their mother in Heaven, a week only intervening between the departure of these beautiful girls. Three of these sisters survive: Mrs. John S. Lang- horne, of Amherst ; Mrs. Lucy Otey, of Campbell; and Mrs. Dr. Walker, of Lynchburg.
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CAPTAIN THOMAS A. HOLCOMBE.
" Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace."
Captain THOMAS A. HOLCOMBE, for many years a useful and beloved citizen of Lynchburg, was a native of Prince Edward county, and a son of the venerable Philemon Holcombe. He was born on the 18th of August, 1785, and was educated at Hampden Sydney College, where he graduated ; and, soon after studying for the bar, he made such rapid progress, that, in a brief time, he obtained a license and removed to the State of Georgia, with the intention of there pursuing his profession. But, very soon after his settlement in that State, his plans were entirely frustrated by a violent spell of fever, which was near costing him his life. Obey- ing then the urgent entreaties of his parents, he returned to his native State, where he for several years had charge of a classical school, after which he returned to the profession of law, which avoca- tion he pursued until he became a Christian and
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joined the Presbyterian Church, of which he was a ruling elder. His having conscientious scruples in continuing the practice of the law, was the occasion of his resigning that profession ; and he then be- came Marshal of the Chancery Court; but after that system was abolished, he became a merchant, in which occupation he continued till his death.
His temperament being most ardent, and his mind active and energetic, Captain Holcombe car- ried with him through life these distinguishing traits, infusing them into all of his undertakings. In his youth, he had been united in marriage to Mary Royall, a lady of great excellence, and in every way worthy to have been the wife of such a man. It is said that, when a young man, Captain Hol- combe was remarkably gay in his disposition, fond of pleasure, and enthusiastic in the enjoyment of music and dancing; but the one penning these lines, has no other recollection of him than as an ardent, devout member of the Presbyterian Church of Lynchburg, where he greatly aided his minister by the interest he manifested in public worship, and by the zealous assistance he rendered in the Sab- bath School, which, both in this Church* and in the old Methodist denomination has been so mueh blessed.
* In the division of the Presbyterian Church, Captain Hol- combe joined the new side, of which the Rev. Mr. Russell was first pastor, and the Rev. Mr. Mitchell the second.
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The dwelling of Captain Holcombe was the abode of the most genuine old Virginia hospitality ; nor did he at one time think it wrong to press on his guests the cheerful invigorating glass of wine. But his attention being drawn to the subject of tempe- rance, he was led to see that there was no safety in a middle course ; and that precept and exam- ple would better operate, if the system of total abstinence was practised by himself; accordingly, he, in his household, abandoned the use both of wine and spirituous liquors, warmly urging his friends and the community to do the same. At that time there were no Temperance Societies* in Virginia-an attempt though having been made to institute such a society by the venerable Micajah Pendleton, of Amherst county-so that Captain Holcombe may properly be denominated the Father of Temperance in our State. He formed a tempe- rance society in Lynchburg-he made public speeches, distributed tracts, and he traveled thou- sands of miles preaching the wholesome doctrines of Temperance. Zealous, also, in the prosecution of his secular employments, prompt in thought, liberal in his household, and ever holding in view the service and glory of God, Captain Holcombe passed through a most useful life, blessed by hun-
* Such is the impression.
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dreds whom his influence had rescued from the grasp of the demon of intemperance.
In the month of October, 1843, Captain Hol- combe left his happy home for a brief period- business requiring his presence in Montgomery county. As soon as he had arranged everything to his satisfaction, he returned to Lynchburg, where he arrived on the evening of Tuesday, the 31st of October, 1843. On his return home, he met his devoted family with even more than usual tender- ness. His health seemed perfect, his spirits were buoyant and cheerful ; but in one short hour from the time of entering his own house, his sainted spirit winged its way to realms of bliss,* to enjoy,
* EXTRACT from a letter received from a gentleman of Lynch- burg a few days after this mournful event :
" Such a sensation I have never known produced by any death, as by that of Captain Holcombe. He had been absent in the Western section of the State a short time, and returned in the stage Tuesday evening, a few hours before his death, in fine health and spirits. I believe that the true cause of his death is unknown; but it is conjectured that the immediate cause was the rupture of a blood vessel. The shock was so sudden and unexpected, that, although no lesson has been oftener or more solemnly taught, that the thread which suspends the sword over- head, may be cut at any moment, scarcely any one at first could believe it was so. The Societies paid extraordinary marks of respect and grief at his funeral and burial, which were also attended by a great number of citizens, and for several hours, during the passing of the funeral and procession, all the stores on Main street were closed. All this must have been gratify-
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through all eternity, the presence of that Saviour he had so faithfully served whilst a pilgrim and sojourner of earth. A splendid monument stands over his remains in the Presbyterian graveyard, but his memory is deeply enshrined in the hearts of devoted friends ; and, to those who knew and loved him, a simple stone, with the name of " Thomas A. Holcombe," would speak of the past more tenderly than the most costly marble structure.
It may truly be said of this excellent man, that " He delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessings of him that was ready to perish came upon him, and he caused the widow's heart to sing for joy." Many interesting incidents might be recorded of his numerous charities, but the recollection of them is yet fresh in Lynchburg; and only one little incident will here be mentioned, touching for its pathos and simplicity. Every Saturday evening it was the custom of Captain Holcombe to have some little boys come to his office to receive their weekly supply of provisions. The father of those boys
ing to the relatives of the deceased, and was, I think, very creditable to the people, and raised them considerably in my estimation. It proves that they can justly appreciate the worth aad feel the loss of a man who had, with the greatest enthusi- asm and activity, devoted a large portion of his life wholly to benevolent and charitable objects."
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was given to inebriation, and Captain Holcombe would always caution them not to allow their father to pawn any part of the provision given for liquor ; but he would add, "Tell your mother, when your father comes home drunk, to take care of him, and when he sobers off, give him some bread and meat to eat and some strong coffee to drink ; and tell him, that a gentleman who desires to save him from a drunkard's grave, has provided these comforts for him."
The day after the death of Captain Holcombe, a gentleman was standing in the front door of the residence of the deceased, when he noticed three or four little boys approaching. They came up to the gate and inquired, "Is Captain Holcombe dead ?" The gentleman answered in the affirmative; and they then asked, " Could we be permitted to go in and look at him ?" He gave them permission, and they, with noiseless steps, entered the chamber of death. They stood around his lifeless body, and, as they gazed on that marble forehead, one of them, with a swelling heart and tearful eye, exclaimed- " Who will now give us bread !"
Of the members of this family, survive Mrs. HOLCOMBE, the beloved wife of Captain Thomas A. Holcombe ; Mrs. Walter Henderson, of Lynch- burg, and William and Royall Holcombe, Esqs., of the same place. Of those gone before are
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Thomas Philemon Holcombe, the oldest son of the deceased, who died many years since-the sweet remembrance of whose manly, loving heart and many virtues is warmly cherished by his numerous friends in his native town-and Lucy Anne, the youngest daughter, the lovely wife of Dr. Scott, who died a few years since, having been suddenly called hence from her husband and young children, to join her father and brother in Heaven.
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ROYALL FAMILY.
WILLIAM ROYALL, Sr., was one of the oldest set- tlers of Lynchburg after its formation. He married Miss Royall, a first cousin, and a sister of Mrs. Thomas A. Holcombe; and this excellent couple for some years resided in the house now occupied by Charles L. Mosby, Esq. In easy, prosperous circumstances, and blessed with a numerous family, few advanced to the summit of life under such fa- vorable auspices, as Mr. and Mrs. Royall. This domestic happiness was invaded about the year 1818 or '19, by the death of Mr. Royall; and like a far distant, indistinct dream, is faintly remem- bered the mournful procession of Masons bear- ing the deceased to his last resting-place, which was situated in the grounds attached to his dwelling house. Since that period many of that family have been removed, till, of all that circle, none survive, save the excellent wife of William Royall, Sr., one son, and a daughter, Mrs. Charles L. Mosby, of Lynchburg.
Around WILLIAM ROYALL, jr., third son of Mrs.
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Judith Royall, linger the most pleasing and grate- ful memories of long ago, blended with happy scenes of childhood, when with those, too, who have since passed away, we received instruction from the same good man, Mr. Richardson,* and when on a summer's eve, with careless glee, we traversed Ivy Hill or roamed to Richardson's springs. William Royall spent his boyhood in Lynchburg, and was then sent to Amherst College. With a heart most warm and affectionate, and a soul formed for friendship most lasting, William Royall possessed a fine mind, well cultivated-a taste for reading and study rarely met with. About eighteen years since, emigrating to the South-west, he died suddenly, far from home and friends, who, though years have elapsed, still speak of him with emotion, deeply re- gretting his untimely departure :
" One midst the forests of the West By a dark stream is laid ; The Indian knows his place of rest, Fast by the forest shade."
Rev. JOHN ROYALL was the eldest son of William Royall, Sr .; he was a native of Lynchburg, where he too passed his boyhood under the influence of a
* This excellent man and first-rate teacher was a brother of. Mr. James Benagh, of Lynchburg. He died of consumption in 1823.
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pious mother. Sent at an early age to Hampden Sydney College, he made sure and rapid progress in his studies, laying at this time the foundation of what he was in after years-the faithful, laborious, self-sacrificing minister of the gospel.
Soon after entering college, a great revival of religion taking place, Mr. Royall became deeply impressed on the subject, and for a time even his efforts to study were frustrated by the intense and overwhelming desire to find out the way of salva- tion. Soon after, making a public profession of religion, he united himself to the Presbyterian Church, devoting himself to the ministry, and by his walk and conversation adorning the Christian profession, and so showing forth in his life the beauty of holiness, that all who saw him could "take knowledge of him that he had been with Jesus."
Mr. Royall was, when very young, united in mar- riage to Anna Keith Taylor, daughter of the dis- tinguished lawyer, George Keith Taylor, and a niece of Chief Justice Marshall : and for the last few years of his life, Mr. Royall resided in the county of Fauquier, where he occupied a post of usefulness, preaching acceptably to a large congre- gation, who were greatly attached to him.
In the month of February, 1856, notwithstand- ing the inclement weather, Mr. Royall had set out to fulfill a ministerial engagement; but on the way
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to church he was stricken down, and entered his eternal rest on the Sabbath. Did we compute age by the number of years Mr. Royall had lived, we should say that he had died young, for he could not have attained his fiftieth year ; but when we con- sider his life of active usefulness, his constant efforts to advance the Redeemer's kingdom ; when we reflect upon the many whom, by his pious exam- ple, he induced to become disciples of Christ ; bear- ing in mind, too, the constant comfort he diffused, not only in his own family, but in that of his wid- owed mother, we should say that in amount of good works Mr. Royall had passed a long life, and had doubtless finished his allotted task, departing at the time and in the manner appointed for him by the Wise Disposer of Events.
" Blessed is that servant whom the Lord, when he cometh, shall find watching."
"Be ye therefore ready also, for the son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."
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MR. AND MRS. BARNES,
FROM BUFFALO, NEW YORK.
THEIR CRUELTY TO ANN HINDERSHOT, THEIR WHITE SERVANT-SINGULAR TERMINATION OF THE AFFAIR.
During the year of 1828, a man by the name of BARNES settled, with his family, in the town of Lynchburg, taking possession of the white house whose gable end fronts Main street, and divided from the residence of Captain Pleasants Labby by a cross street. They were from the State of New York, and Mr. Barnes was a portly, good-looking man, with a grave, dignified exterior, and when he basked in the sunshine before his shop door, with folded arms, his appearance suggested the idea of a domes- ticated Alexander Selkirk, or a modern Diogenes, particularly when resting on a large nest of tubs on the sidewalk. Like all model artistes, Mr. Barnes had evidently studied attitudes, for all of his tableaux were imposing. For instance, his favorite one was to place himself by his door, surrounded by a group of his beautiful children, thereby pro-
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ducing on passers-by the impression that he was a gentleman of admirable domestic traits.
Mrs. BARNES was a fashionable looking lady, speaking contemptuously of the slow ways of doing things in Virginia, and when the family appeared on Sunday going to church, their appearance excited the admiration of the primitive Lynchburgers, draw- ing from them the remark, "what a fine-looking family, and how they do walk amongst us with such a city air !"
Mrs. Barnes had often been heard to express dis- gust at the idea of a colored servant. "She would not have one of the ugly creatures with their slo- venly ways. She was well provided with a help, who could do more in one day than a negro would perform in a week." She had brought with her from New York an indentured white servant, whose name was Ann Hindershot, and the neighbors had noticed and commended the diligence of the girl, observing, however, that the child wore a timid ex- pression of countenance, as if she thought some one was coming up behind to strike her. The next neighbor, Mrs. Labby, had for several days missed Anne from her accustomed duties, but had made no comment on the circumstance. On entering her parlor one morning and throwing open the window, she beheld in the attic of Barnes' house a sight from which she recoiled with horror. She saw the
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