USA > Virginia > City of Lynchburg > City of Lynchburg > Sketches and recollections of Lynchburg > Part 15
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OF LYNCHBURG.
REFORMED METHODIST CHURCH
OF LYNCHBURG.
About the year 1826 or 1827, a division occurred in the Methodist Church of Lynchburg. Of the causes leading to this separation, it is not here ne- cessary to write ; sufficient is it to remark, that no doctrinal points were involved in it, and only a dif- erent view of some of Wesley's opinions on church government, causing the division, they parted with little or no unkind feelings.
The Society worshiped for a time in the old Ma- sonic Hall,* and as soon as the basement of their own Church was completed, they there held a Sab- bath school, and carried on religious services several times during the week. The first minister of this denomination was a man of gigantic frame, the Rev. Mr. McKane; then for a time the services of the Rev. Mr. Jennings were procured. He was a son of Dr. Samuel K. Jennings, already mentioned, an emi- nent physician and exemplary minister of the Gos- pel, and one of the most worthy and efficient
* If memory is right.
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preachers, who formerly belonged to the Society worshiping in the old Methodist Church of Lynch- burg. Then for a time the Rev. Mr. Latimer was their esteemed minister : but their great stronghold and most able minister, was the Rev. WILLIAM J. HOLCOMBE. He was a son of the venerable Phile- mon Holcombe, of Prince Edward, and a younger brother of our beloved townsman, Captain Thomas Holcombe. Graduating at an early age in medi- cine, Dr. Holcombe settled in Lynchburg, where he became the husband of Miss Clopton, one of the loveliest girls reared in the town. A few years after his marriage, becoming deeply impressed on the subject of religion, he earnestly sought and found that pearl of great price, and studying for the ministry, he made such rapid progress that he was in a short time ordained as a minister of the Methodist denomination ; continuing since that time to adorn that sacred office, carrying into his reli- gious profession all that fervid zeal and all those ardent feelings so characteristic of the Holcombe family, and which are the true sources of eloquent preaching.
As a practitioner of medicine, Dr. Holcombe's reputation is well known and widely spread ; and after having followed for many years his profession, gaining the entire confidence of the community, Dr. Holcombe, with the humility of a great mind, went on for a season to Philadelphia, attend-
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ing again the medical lectures, and thereby per- fecting himself in the knowledge of his profession. Combining the sacred calling of a minister of Christ with that of a physician, he, like the venerated Dr. Samuel K. Jennings, has often had it in his power, whilst administering to the suffering frame, to lead, guide and direct the sick man to the Great Physi- cian and Saviour of souls. About nineteen years since, emigrating to Indiana, Dr. Holcombe there made a home, from which emanated the bright Christian example of himself and wife, who ensured to themselves the respect and affection of the com- munity in which they lived. But the climate of Indiana, ill suiting the feeble, delicate temperament of Mrs. Holcombe, they have since returned to Vir- ginia, choosing for their home a farm in the vicinity
of Lynchburg. hburg. Shortly before settling at his pre- sent residence, and whilst making arrangements to do so, he preached in Lynchburg to a large congre- gation of his own denomination, together with many belonging to other churches ; and this discourse, for simple, touching eloquence, mingled with real feel- ing, was said never to have been surpassed in Lynch- burg. The moving allusions to the past, connected with many whose seats were vacant, and their places no longer known-all these, united to the pathos of the discourse and the spirituality of the sermon, drew tears from the eyes of the sternest. Several of the sons of Dr. Holcombe are residents of Vir-
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ginia, and amongst them Professor James P. Hol- combe of the University of Virginia.
Of the many valuable members of the Reformed Methodist Church, only a few names will here be recorded. CHRISTOPHER WINFREE, for many years a devout member of the old Methodist Church, went over to the Radical Church at the time of the sepa- ration. He is a native of Chesterfield county, and a gentleman of great private worth, and as a friend and neighbor, unrivalled for excellence. In early life he married Mary, a daughter of Major William Warwick, of Amherst, and a very lovely woman was Mrs. Winfree; but surviving only a few years her marriage, Mr. Winfree was, whilst a young man, left a widower with four small children. In a few years he again married, choosing for his wife Cor- nelia M. Tilden, a very beautiful girl, the daughter of Dr. Tilden of Winchester. This lady was all that a Christian wife and mother should be, steering wisely her course in the narrow and difficult path of step-mother, avoiding all those shoals on which so many have been wrecked.
Adorning the doctrines of God her Saviour, and over her household presiding with a sway wise, mild and gentle, Mrs. Cornelia Winfree passed a life most blameless in Lynchburg, where her memory will long be tenderly cherished; nor will those who there knew and loved her, ever forget her, though they are now removed from their native place.
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This excellent lady died about the year 1837, leav- ing a numerous family, all of whom survive her, with the exception of Robert Nelson, her youngest, whose early piety and beautiful death are assurances that he has in the spirit-land joined his mother.
JOHN VICTOR was a member of the same Church, and was a connection of the Winfree family, having married Mary, the oldest daughter of Dr. Tilden. Mr. Victor was a native of Fredericksburg ; but re- moving with his parents to Lynchburg when very young, he was for many years the principal jeweller and silversmith of the upper country ; and an old- fashioned spoon, marked "Williams and Victor," forcibly recalls the period when, with wonder and admiration, the windows and show-cases of this es- tablishment were contemplated; bringing to mind also the time when, with his sweet, excellent wife by his side, he might be seen entering the house of God. When there, his zeal in the services of the sanctuary, and his mild, holy countenance, showed that his thoughts were far withdrawn from worldly concerns, and centred wholly in contemplation of heavenly things. Mr. Victor died many years since, leaving a widow and children who reside in Lynchburg.
EDWARD WILLIAM VICTOR, the second son, was a young man of fine personal appearance, and of great promise. In early manhood he had been united in marriage to Margaret, the daughter of
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Mrs. Cole,* of Lynchburg, and a touching incident is connected with the death of this young couple. Fearing that he was threatened with pulmonary dis- ease, Edward William accompanied to the South a kind friend, hoping that a short residence in a warmer climate would arrest the disease, and restore in full health, to a young family, the husband and fa- ther. But a sudden and fatal change occurring in his disease, he was hurried into eternity, whilst to his friend remained the painful task of informing his wife and family of this mournful event. A few days previous to the arrival of the letter in Lynch- burg, Margaret Victor died unexpectedly, and thus was she spared this great sorrow. Can we imagine anything more blissful than their joyful re-union in Heaven, free from the pains and sorrows of mor- tality, without having even suffered the pangs of parting, and each till that moment ignorant of the death of the other !
Mr. WILLIAM BURD and his good wife were na- tives of Ireland, but early in their married life emi- grating to America, they became residents of Lynch- burg, where they so ensured the love and respect of all with them associated, that they will long, with pleasure, be remembered in the city. Mr. Burd was a gentleman of most gentle, honest and amiable feelings, practising, with great zeal and energy, his
* The daughter of Mrs. Wallace, who afterwards married Rev. Mr. Cole.
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profession, which was that of an extensive tin man- ufacturer-and with what honesty and faithfulness, it may well be computed, when it is told that arti- cles manufactured at their establishment more than a quarter of a century since, are even now far superior to those purchased only a few months since from our present manufactories. They were zealous members of the Methodist Church, to which denomi- nation a large family of daughters were attached.
EVELINA BURD, the eldest daughter, a very lovely girl, was, at the age of fifteen, married to Richard Swift Tilden, Esq. This lady was greatly beloved in Lynchburg, and, on her removal to St. Louis, she left a name eminent for domestic virtues, energy and industry. In her new home she rapidly made friends, and occupying a prominent position in society, her tranquil disposition and well-ordered mind exercised a great influence over the affectionate little band of Lynchburgers then resident in St. Louis. The health of Mrs. Tilden becoming impaired, she sought for a time a more northern climate, procuring the advice of the eminent medical men of Philadelphia. Re- turning home, her friends believed her restoration to health complete ; but, late in the year 1839, these hopes were blighted, and the beloved invalid calmly sunk to rest, whilst sorrowing ones stood around her bed of death, hymning for her those sacred words to which she had so loved to listen, as she sat within the sacred walls of the old Methodist Church in the home of her early youth.
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One of the three daughters survives their excel- lent mother. Mrs. Mary Jane Robbins, wife of Z. C. Robbins, Esq., is at present a resident of Washing- ton city, D. C., and though only a child when her parents left Lynchburg, Mrs. Robbins is most affec- tionately remembered in that place and its vicinity, by classmates as well as by those some years her senior.
AMANDA BURD, the second daughter, marrie Mr. Patterson, a native of Ireland, and in a briel time this gentleman died in Lynchburg. About the year 1827, a young man by the name of Shelton settled in Lynchburg. He possessed a fine appear- ance, good sense, and habits of great application to business, so that he soon became very prosperous. This young man was a native of the lower country, and connected with the Shelton family of Hanover, one of whose members was the first wife of Patrick Henry. In the month of December, 1827, Ann Burd, the third daughter, was united in marriage to Mr. Shelton, the wedding taking place on the same night of that of Eliza Daniel and William Lewis Ca- bell, the carriages to the different places of festivity meeting and intersecting each other constantly. In after years, emigrating to St. Louis with her hus- band and father's family, Mrs. Shelton, for a length of time after the death of that young wife and hus- band, rejoiced in the sacred ties of wife and mother, but about twenty years since she died in St. Louis, her husband and family surviving her.
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OF LYNCHBURG.
FORTUNATUS SYDNOR.
There are few of the old inhabitants of Lynch- burg, who can ever forget FORTUNATUS SYDNOR-his fine, manly form ; his bright, intelligent face ; his ready wit, so tempered with good humor ; his cheer- ful hilarity ; his genuine, old Virginia hospitality. For many years cashier of the Virginia Bank, his playful wit lightening his own labors, as well as those of others; and long will that side-walk appear as though it were still gladdened by the genial pre- sence of this excellent man; for that locality is in- separably joined with pleasing memories of the past, to which Mr. Sydnor is closely linked.
United in marriage to Lizzie Royall, a lady of great worth and loveliness, the measure of his hap- piness would have been complete, but for the con- stant feeble health of that lady. The death of his noble-hearted son, Royal Sydnor, just as he had at- tained manhood, the loss of his second son, followed by that of several infant children-all these teach- ings of mortality were sent to this family in the brief space of a few years. With fortitude Mr. 25
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Sydnor bore these afflictions, raising the drooping spirits of his wife, for whom was ever dreaded a fatal attack of pulmonary disease. But, alas ! for the uncertainty of human life ! the strong man was cut down in the prime of life, in the year 1840, whilst the feeble wife was left alone to combat the troubles of earth.
Mrs. SYDNOR possessed a deep, fervid, vital piety, and the knowledge that she was, at any mo- ment, liable to enter eternity, had been present to her for many years, causing her "conversation to be in Heaven ;" so that a few years since, when the summons came, she arose with willing feet and "went forth to meet the Bridegroom." A devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, Mrs. Sydnor's Christian demeanor was such, that all who saw her " could also take knowledge of her that she had been with Jesus."
" Calm on the bosom of thy God, Fair spirit, rest thee now, E'en while with us thy footsteps trod, His soul was on thy brow.
Dust to its narrow house beneath, Soul to its place on high, They that have seen thy look in death, No more may fear to die."
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THE BYRD FAMILY.
DAVIDSON BRADFUTE.
Mrs. ANN URSULA BYRD was the wife of Wil- liam Byrd, Esq., of Westover, a son of the gallant Colonel Byrd of the olden time. Her maiden name was Munford, and after the death of Mr. Byrd, she came to Lynchburg to reside with her married daughters, Mrs. Bradfute and Mrs. Alexander Tompkins. Of a family of five daughters, Mrs. Ann O. Wright, of Lynchburg, is the sole surviving member.
DAVIDSON BRADFUTE, Esq., was a native of Bed- ford county, and from the name, it may be inferred that the family of Bradfute are of Scottish descent. Few men in Lynchburg occupied, in the regard of friends, a higher station than Mr. Bradfute, and justly did he command the respect and affection of a large circle with him associated. Upright, kind, and industrious, the many virtues of Davidson Brad- fute shed over his family and connections a lustre, and his death, occurring in 1829, was a heavy calamity.
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Mr. Bradfute married Maria, the daughter of Mrs. Byrd, and for many years they resided in the house at present occupied by Alexander Tompkins, Esq., their abode being the scene of the most con- stant, generous hospitality. The remembrance of this family is much cherished in Lynchburg, particu- larly on account of the extraordinary beauty of its seven daughters. In the year 1854 Mrs. Brad- fute died, having followed to the tomb many of her lovely daughters.
With what love and tenderness is the memory of EVELYN CARTER BRADFUTE regarded by friends and associates in her native place. She was born in the month of June, 1814, and in early childhood gave promise of the great loveliness of her more mature years. She was, indeed, perfectly beauti- ful-the mild, bright intelligence of those exquisite dark eyes being the index of a heart and soul most amiable, generous and self-sacrificing. After re- ceiving the meed of admiration from many suitors, she was, in the autumn of 1833, united in mar- riage to Alfred Penn, Esq., of New Orleans ; but ere a few years had flown by, in her early bloom she had passed away, her resting-place far from friends and home; yet, in some faithful, loving hearts, is deeply cloistered a most affectionate re- membrance of this lovely woman, and the sweet, gentle influences of her character will ever continue
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to act on those who were with her associated. During the winter of 1842, she breathed her last in the city of New Orleans, in the 27th year of her age, and her loved remains repose in the cemetery near the city, where a touching and appropriate in- scription on her tomb tenderly recalls to passers-by the sweet time of her girlhood in her native place. To this sacred spot do Virginians oft resort, and pensively bend over the grave which contains the "early called," the dearly loved friend of long ago, Evelyn Carter Penn.
" A star has left the kindling sky, A lovely northern light, How many planets are on high, But that has left the night.
I miss its bright familiar face, It was a friend to me, Associate with my native place, And home beyond the sea."
The dwelling over the druggist establishment of Robinson Stabler was for some years the residence of THOMAS MCKINNEY, Esq., an excellent citizen, who, with his amiable wife and family, were highly esteemed in Lynchburg. Mrs. McKinney was a daughter of the good and venerable Mrs. Dupuy, of Richmond, and soon after her marriage, connecting
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herself with the Episcopal Church of Lynchburg, she continued, till the day of her death, a most valued, beloved member and communicant.
With this family, in the year 1828, came to re- side MARTHA LOUISA MCKINNEY, only daughter of William Mckinney, Esq. She was a niece of both Mr. and Mrs. McKinney, as her father had also married a Miss Dupuy, who, dying early, had left three children, of whom Peter D. Mckinney, Esq., Richmond, is now the only survivor.
Martha L. McKinney was one of the most amia- ble girls that ever resided in Lynchburg ; generous, warm-hearted and affectionate; gifted with a fine, vigorous mind and playful fancy, united to great simplicity of character and perfect naivete of man- ners, it is no wonder that Martha Mckinney should have occupied a high place in the hearts of a large circle of friends. In the spring of 1831 she was married to David Bridges, Esq., now of New Or- leans ; and this wedding was remarkable for the age of this youthful pair, who then pronounced their vows. The bridegroom was not twenty years old, and the bride just seventeen. Mrs. Bridges passed through various alternations of fortune, but whether in prosperity or adversity, she was the same loving, disinterested friend. Full of life, the dark clouds of adversity could only, for a brief period, over- shadow the delightful sunshine of her disposition.
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Removing to Richmond soon after her marriage, her shining qualities soon reared around her a nu- merous circle of friends, who dearly love now to speak of her with affection and admiration. A great misfortune visited her family, at the time of her death, which occurred in the spring of 1844. Her death, as her life, was most beautiful, her gen- tle, lovely traits being conspicuous even in that solemn hour. Her husband survives her, together with five children, Mrs. Roy and Miss M. Bridges, of Richmond, William Bridges, of New Orleans, and two younger sons residing in the city of Rich- mond.
Fair with my first ideas twined, Thine image oft will meet my mind, And while remembrance brings thee near, Affection oft will drop a tear.
What tragic tears bedew the eye, What deaths we suffer e'er we die ; Our broken friendship we deplore, And loves of earth that are no more.
No after friendships e'er can raise The endearments of our early days, And ne'er our hearts such fondness prove, As when we first begin to love.
ANON.
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The Franklin Hotel was built by Samuel Harri- son, Esq. It was thought at the time a stupendous undertaking, and it remains a lasting monument of the energy and judgment of the remarkable man by whom it was planned. Very soon after its com- pletion, this Hotel was leased to Mr. Hoyle, and by this gentleman was the establishment kept for many years in a style superior to anything of the sort in the State of Virginia. This excellent and venera- ble man was a native of Ireland, but for a number of years previous, he had been an inhabitant of Lynchburg, and a proprietor of the old "Indian Queen," kept on Main street. In his native coun- try, Mr. Hoyle occupied a high standing amongst the Irish gentry ; but circumstances rendering it neces- sary for him to emigrate, he, with his wife, son, daughter and nephew, embarked for America. Mrs. Hoyle was a lady of amiability and refine- ment, and long will this excellent couple be remem- bered in Lynchburg by the old inhabitants. The superiority of the table, the perfect order of the establishment, the handsome antique furniture, the fine pictures, the kindly bearing of the host and hostess-all these assisted in making such a public house as we can never more see in this age of steam and telegraph. Amassing a large fortune at this model Hotel, Mr. Hoyle retired from business, his
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head perfectly frosted by age, and leaving in the hearts of countless friends a lasting remembrance. He survived his good wife many years, and at his death divided his honestly gained estate between his daughter, Mrs. Mary Brown, and his nephew, Mr. George Hoyle, both of whom reside in St. Louis, Missouri. The Franklin Hotel was then leased by Robert Morriss, Esq., and for many years himself and his worthy lady presided over the es- tablishment with a skill and wisdom comparable only to that of the venerable Mr. Hoyle. The name of this Hotel is now changed to that of the "Norvelle House ;" and with all the expense encountered by its proprietors, with all its gorgeous, showy furni- ture and many parlors, this house has never been what it was in the days of Mr. Hoyle and Robert Morriss, Esq.
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AN OLD COUPLE.
" Woodman, spare that tree- Touch not a single bough."
In the year 1819, Dr. HUMPHREYS resided in our town, on Main street, and his dwelling was a long, low cottage-looking building, afterwards the resi- dence of Samuel Bransford, Esq. At that time, this house was deeply shaded by a row of beautiful catalpa trees, which, at the earnest entreaties of Mrs. Humphreys, had been permitted to remain by the town authorities. Dr. Humphreys was of Scot- tish origin, and was amongst the earliest and most respected of the first settlers of Lynchburg, where, with considerable reputation, he practiced the medi- cal profession ; his druggist store, at that time, with the exception of Dr. Enfield's, was the only estab- lishment of the sort in town. Mrs. Humphreys was a high-born, polished lady, of comely appearance and gentle manners. Of great energy and indus- try, she thus materially aided her husband in his affairs, as well as by her prudence and foresight.
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Many young ladies from the country were placed at the residence of this worthy couple for the pur- pose of attending the schools of Lynchburg. The parents confiding them to their care, felt every as- surance of confidence in the kindness and discretion of Dr. and Mrs. Humphreys.
Two lovely daughters gladdened the old age of their parents-Isabella, the eldest, became the wife of James Bullock, Esq., and Jane, the younger, was married to Wm. Lynch. The druggist establishment of Dr. Humphreys was kept in the house afterwards oecupied a's such by the late Dr. Howell Davies, and being somewhat deaf and near-sighted, Dr. Hum- phreys was often the recipient of many ill-timed jokes from the numerous school-boys of the town ; for instance, one of them would often stand at the corner of the street above, beckoning to Dr. Hum- phreys as though on urgent business ; and before this worthy disciple of Esculapius could possibly reach the spot, the person beckoning would have vanished.
He employed in his establishment a young Scotch- man, who was a great mimic, as well as a ventrilo- quist, and when sent down into the cellar, this Cale- donian lad would appear to be carrying on a con- versation with several others; and, oh horror ! Dr. Humphreys could distinctly hear them uncorking bottles and decantering wine from a cask of his very best and oldest vintage. Precipitating himself down
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the steps after the delinquents with such rapidity as to endanger life and limb, on entering the subterra- neous apartment, Dr. Humphreys would find no one there save the young Scotchman, who would look up with a demure countenance, innocently surprised Nor at the speed and excitement of his employer.
was this the only annoyance at this druggist's store; for the Doctor possessed a colored man, named Bob, who was also an incomparable mimic ; and so per- fectly could he imitate the voice of Dr. Humphreys, that frequently he would cause a great tumult amongst the young men, by coming suddenly to the door and beginning to scold and grumble like his master. In the habit of putting his pen behind his ear, Dr. Humphreys endeavored to enforce amongst his clerks this custom, together with that of putting bottle stoppers and spiles in that same convenient place ; but failing in this one day, it is said that Dr. Humphreys lost gallons of fine molasses, not finding the spile in its usual resting-place, and in his confusion entirely forgetting where it was laid.
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