USA > Virginia > City of Lynchburg > City of Lynchburg > Sketches and recollections of Lynchburg > Part 2
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
* This gifted and generous young man inherited, from his mother, more than twenty valuable servants. On Christmas morning after his return, they all went to him to ask for & Christmas gift; he told them, he gave them themselves; and he not only liberated them, but provided the means for sending them to Liberia.
24
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
QUAKERISM IN LYNCHIBURG.
" True Quakerism (which is true Christianity) stands distinguished from every other religion in this partic- ular-that it is altogether spiritual, and only aims at accomplishing effects by means of their causes. Thus, it never aims at making the creature affectionate, but by means of love ; nor merciful, but by means of mercy ; nor good, but by means of goodness. And herein it de- monstrates its origin to be from the fountain of Divine wisdom ; for, through all nature and creatures, this is the method of God's proceeding."
EDWARD STABLER.
Thirty-eight years since, Lynchburg was the abode of many of the disciples of Fox and Penn. Passing along the streets, you would not unfre- quently meet reverend looking gentlemen in curved coats and broad-brimmed hats ; gentle matrons in sad colored dresses and coal-scuttle bonnets, and occasionally the sweet face of a young Quakeress, rendered still more lovely from the severity of the dress and bonnet. The Society worshiped every Sunday and Thursday at the ancient stone meeting-
25
OF LYNCHBURG.
house, a few miles from Lynchburg, and the car- riages then used exclusively by Friends were pre- cisely like the fashionable ones of the present day, hung low, with the driver's seat somewhat under the roof of the carriage. At their solitary place of worship everything tended to promote solemnity ; the remoteness from the habitations of man, the burying-ground attached, the profound stillness, uninterrupted, save by the song of the wild bird in Spring, and the fall of the eddying leaf in Au- tumn, the grave faces of the silent worshipers- all these impressed with awe even the most worldly, and with hearts softened and attuned to the praise of God, even the hum of bees, the sound of the mosquito, and the distant whoop of the whip- poor-will, heard even in the day from these decp shady valleys, were like a dirge or requiem calling their thoughts from earth.
It was here, in solemn communion with God, that these silent worshipers obtained grace and strength to aid in time of need. When on again returning to the active duties of life, the worldling might express wonder to see the Quaker pass calmly on, regardless of the stormy, boisterous battle of life around him, finding all things bearable, if not pleas- ant, and carrying about him a defence more avail- able than one of Colt's revolvers. Whence was it that no one raised his hand or voice against a Qua- ker ? It was that they followed the golden rule, 3
26
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
and pursued in its broadest sense our Saviour's pre- cept, "Love your enemies." They were stout- hearted, brave men, yet they discountenanced war ; they governed well themselves, avoiding angry dis- putes and contentions ; they wronged no man ; they gave no offence in any way, and as a natural conse- quence, peace and tranquillity were the result.
Quakerism exists now in Lynchburg only in name ; the meeting-house is deserted, and no longer within its sacred walls assemble the Lynches, the Davises, the Johnsons, the Powells, the Cadwalladers, the Douglasses of former times ; and rarely is met one now wearing the Quaker garb, or speaking the plain language, so sweet and beautiful, from the lips of those we love. The entire absence of form and ceremonial has doubtless been the cause of the de- cay of a system embodying so much that is pure and holy in the religion of Christ.
The most venerable member of their Society, at this time, was WILLIAM DAVIS, Sr. He was a man of great worth and purity, and, together with his family, was a constant worshiper at the Quakers' meeting-house. He lived to a great age, and at the time of his death he was considered the patriarch of the town. His remains are interred in the bury- ing ground attached to the church. His vene- rable wife survived him many years, her lonely pilgrimage cheered by the attentions of a devoted family.
27
OF LYNCHBURG.
Amongst those who worshiped in this forest sanctuary was Mrs. RICHARD TYREE. Her maiden name was Douglas, and she was a niece of Mrs. Edward Lynch, whom she resembled in personal appearance. She had been united in marriage when very young to Richard Tyree, Esq., of Lynch- burg, whom she still survives, and resides in Lynch- burg amongst her devoted children .* For some years she has been afflicted with blindness, and
" With wisdom at one entrance quite shut out,"
she must feel the advantage of that self-discipline which was taught her in her youth, and doubtless the inner spiritual light now illumines her soul, gilding with its rays the evening of her well-spent life.
About the year 1819, CHARLES FISHER, an Eng- lish Friend, was the beloved instructor of all the children belonging to Quaker families in Lynchburg and its vicinity. Of most prepossessing appear- ance, and gifted in an extraordinary degree with the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, Charles Fisher passed through all the trying scenes incident to school-keeping, without once losing his temper, though exceedingly delicate in his physical organi-
* This excellent lady died during the past summer, since the above was written.
28
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
zation, and highly nervous in his temperament. Happy was the little band of Quaker children un- der his mild reign. A sudden close occurred to his labors in Lynchburg, and we were forever deprived of the services of our faithful teacher.
On Friday evening, Charles called on William Rohr to recite his lesson. Rohr was one of the largest boys in school, and being very refractory and insolent about his recitation, he was mildly rep- rimanded by Friend Fisher. William Rohr reply- ing very passionately, Fisher took hold of his arm, upon which the broad-shouldered pupil returned the compliment, carrying the school-master round and round the room, and performing a series of evolu- tions that would have astonished a dancing-master, inflicting at the same time a series of thumps and blows on the beautiful white forehead of Charles Fisher. Campbell, the poet, witnessed the battle of Hohenlinden, and has thrillingly embodied his feel- ings in the animated poem of Hohenlinden ; yet I doubt whether that fearfully sublime scene inspired the poet with half the awe, terror, and emotion felt by the alarmed and agitated band of children who cowered around the room. Friend Fisher took his seat much exhausted after the contest, and to the surprise and sorrow of the pupils, he stated that it was necessary for him to abandon his school, but that he had provided a successor whom he hoped we should esteem. That successor was K. B.
29
OF LYNCHBURG.
Townley, who continued to occupy his post as teacher for many years in Lynchburg.
In those days traveling Friends were appointed by the Society to make tours of the States, calling as they passed along on all Quaker families, and on all connected with the denomination. Strange as may appear the idea of a French Quaker preacher, it is true that an eminent one of that nation traveled through Virginia in company with two female friends. His name was Stephen Grillet, and one of the ladies was called Margaret Judge, a very beautiful and pious woman. On the occasion of a visit to our residence, the younger members of the family were permitted to be present with the older ones. When the Spirit moved him, Stephen Grillet spoke feelingly and appropriately, with only a slight foreign accent. He was followed by Margaret Judge, who addressed us in a strain so fervid and eloquent, so true, simple and solemn, that many of her words still remain deeply engraven on the memory of those who listened.
WILLIAM DAVIS, junior, with his noble face and manly form, is now present to memory. How many in Lynchburg can remember with admiration his fine, clear, brown complexion and honest benevo- lent face-a true specimen of a refined Quaker. He was a native of Bedford county, and, amongst all the male members of the society, none were so
30
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
attractive as William Davis, Jr .; a worthy follower of Ellwood and Barclay, without the obstinate opinionativeness of the former, and exempt from the superstition of the latter, he adorned the doc- trine of God his Saviour, pursuing through life that calm, quiet course, so conducive to the happiness of those with him associated, and, doubtless, bring- ing to himself peace at the solemn hour of death.
He had married, in early life, Zalinda, the daughter of John Lynch, and, surviving her many years, he had the additional calamity of becoming totally blind. A small profile likeness of him, taken by his grandson, depicts beautifully his per- fect cast of face and feature. His only son, John Davis, a young man of fine promise, died many years since; and of his two excellent daughters, Sarah, the oldest, alone survives ; and to her was accorded the dear privilege of soothing and com- forting the declining years of her venerable father. She can only now look back, with sweet, though mournful recollection, to those quiet, happy days, passed at the dear old homestead, whose floors are no longer trodden by familiar feet .*
* Since this was penned, this lady has returned to live at the old country residence.
31
OF LYNCHBURG.
"There was an air of peace about her which was irre- sistible, in seducing all with whom she conversed, under her gentle influence. This was the effect upon strangers, and in no degree was it abated by the closest intimacy." (Sir Thomas Fowel Buxton's description of his sister- in-law, Priscilla Gurney.")
Who is there among us that can ever forget . MARY ANNIS, the lovely Quakeress-the " bonny gem" in the Society of Friends. Highly endowed, both personally and mentally, she was tenderly be- loved in a large circle of friends and relatives. Reared in the doctrines of Quakerism, which are opposed to every kind of music, her voice was so sweet that, even in conversation, it was melody, and sweetly she sang the simple, beautiful songs of Burns, because music was natural to her.
It was said that Mary Annis had refused the hand of every young Quaker in Virginia ; and it was known that she had rejected many suitors, unconnected with that society, so that it was sur- mised that she had determined never to marry ; and calmly and happily, as yet, passed her life in the cultivation of her mind and in the peaceful per- formance of all those sweet duties which pertain to the sister and daughter.
It was the custom of William Davis to attend, with his family, the yearly meeting of Friends,
32
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
then held in Alexandria ; and during one of these visits, they sojourned at the house of Edward Stabler, an eminent member of the Society of Friends, and one of the most eloquent preachers * of that denomination. He was a man of the high- est order of intellect, possessing all those lovely traits which adorn the Christian Minister. Greatly beloved in the family circle, and revered by a large acquaintance and connection, his household was often the scene of a large concourse of young and old, who would assemble to hear him speak on re- ligious subjects, and discourse eloquently on Scrip- ture passages.
It was during this visit that an acquaintance was formed between Mary Annis and Robinson, a son of Edward Stabler. After their return to Lynch- burg, the acquaintance was renewed, and frequent visits from the young member of Friends' Society resulted, early in the month of November, 1828, in a marriage, by Friends' ceremony, at the Quaker meeting-house. Besides the invited guests, a large concourse went out from town to witness the cere- mony-so touching from its simplicity, and so deeply interesting from the romance with which the principal actors were invested. Widely differ- ent was the scene in this secluded spot, from a
* See deeply interesting Life of E. Stabler, by his son, Wil- liam Stabler.
33
OF LYNCHBURG.
fashionable Quaker marriage, the description of which has recently appeared in the public prints ; and, amongst the large concourse then assembled, there was probably not one who did not feel, min- gled with curiosity, a thrill of tender emotion, on witnessing that beloved Quakeress take on her the sacred vows of a wife. A bunch of Autumn's latest, fairest flowers rested on the folds of crape, which beautifully encircled her neck-the quick beating of her gentle heart alone displayed by the motion of these flowers, and by a slight tremor in the tones of her silvery voice, as she pronounced these vows.
A few brief, happy years passed, and many who then went with this bridal party were again assem- bled and sat within the walls of the old church. The friends, sister and parents were there. The young husband was there, but he sat alone; his head bowed; his countenance no longer wearing the joyous, happy expression of the former time. The bridal robes of the wife had been exchanged for the vesture of the grave, and friends and rela- tives now accompanied her remains, to lay them in the old church-yard by the side of her kindred.
34
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
MRS. HENRY DAVIS.
"Her parents held the Quaker rule, Which doth the human feeling cool, But she was trained in Nature's school, Nature had blest her."
CHARLES LAMB.
Mrs. SALLY DAVIS, wife of Henry Davis, Esq., was a native of Bedford county, and a sister to the late Christopher Anthony, whom she greatly resembled in those shining qualities for which he was so eminent. Reared and educated, like her brother, in the pure, lovely, spiritual doctrines of Quakerism, she carried with her, through life, all those beautiful traits so naturally fostered in a well ordered mind, by habits of self-discipline, early acquired from the example of those around her, as well as by constant intercourse with a large circle of friends and relatives, worshiping in the Society of Friends.
In the beauty of early womanhood, she was mar- ried to Henry Davis of Lynchburg. Removing to that place, and residing on Bank square, she brought with her to the town many simple primi-
35
OF LYNCHBURG.
tive habits of the country, carrying on domestic manufactures for amusement and employment, tak- ing great delight in such pursuits; so that, on en- tering her more retired apartments, a visitor might almost imagine herself in the country, instead of being in the midst of a noisy, busy town.
Mrs. Davis possessed a peculiar talent for ren- dering domestic life happy, as well as for acquiring a great influence over the young. This was not effected by blind indulgence, but by interesting and occupying them in useful pursuits. She pursued this plan, not only with her own family, but with the children of relatives, temporarily under her care. The good and pious Bishop White attributes his success and eminence in after life to his mother, from the circumstance of her keeping him, whilst young, interested and occupied in useful pursuits, producing thereby a tranquilizing and sedative effect on his mind, and keeping thus at bay wander- ing idle thoughts. To the same circumstance may probably be traced the capacity of the family of Mrs. Davis for concentrating their minds and ener- gies on any given point, and thus arriving at suc- cess in their undertakings.
Though unable to worship in the sanctuary of her beloved people, Mrs. Davis adhered to their peculiar dress and language. Her mild blue eyes and blooming face will long be remembered in Lynchburg by those who knew her, nor will her
36
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
gentle loving words ever be forgotten by those to whom they were spoken. She wisely mingled with other Christian sects, preferring the old Methodist Church, which then, as now, was the scene of the most ardent and zealous pastoral labors. Regard- ing with peculiar reverence the indwelling Spirit, and considering her soul as God's temple, Mrs. Davis, attending closely to the voice within, was thus naturally led to observe strong impulses, and when once convinced that she was called on to per- form a duty, she arose at any hour, night or day, attending to it instantly ; and several times, during her residence on Bank square, she was thus the means of preserving life. On one occasion she awoke after the hour of midnight, firmly possessed with the idea that some great danger attended two female servants, who occupied an attic as a sleeping room. The doors between were all closed, and she had no means by sound or otherwise to cause such a belief ; but arising immediately, she ascended the stair-cases that led to the third story, and on open- ing the door of the servants apartment, she found the two girls in a profound slumber, with their bed and coverlids in a bright blaze of fire, which in a very few moments must have caused their death. Several instances of this sort are well known in the family of Mrs. Davis, and a member of her own houshold was, in the same manner, rescued by her, when placed in circumstances of great peril.
37
OF LYNCHBURG.
A dutiful, affectionate wife-a devoted mother, Mrs. Davis gratefully pursued her life journey, though called on to give up several lovely children in infancy. Her eldest son, Samuel Davis, was greatly beloved in the community in which he lived. Of splendid stature, handsome face, fine sense, and gifted with all those amiable traits for which his mother was so remarkable, Mrs. Davis could not but look on such a son with joy and pride, anticipating the time when, in the natural course of events, he should soothe and comfort her declining years. But, alas ! for the instability of human hopes ! Samuel Davis, whilst on a visit to Botetourt, was seized with the incipient symptoms of a malignant fever, called at that time "the big lick fever." He hurried home to Lynchburg, where, after lingering some days, he breathed his last. From that hour, the health of his mother declined. She endeavored to submit patiently to the affliction, and even at times appeared to have recovered her wonted cheer- fulness ; but the stroke had fallen heavily on her devoted heart, and ere long she was herself laid on a bed of languishing, from which she was des- tined never more to rise. Those who witnessed the triumphs of her last hours, can never forget that chamber of death ; her prayers at that solemn hour have been answered; her children have mostly chosen the better part, and one beloved daughter has long since joined her mother in Heaven. 4
38
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
CHRISTOPHER ANTHONY.
" Of them who wrapt in death are cold, No more the smiling day shall view ; Should many a tender tale be told, For many a tender thought is due.
Why else the o'ergrown paths of time, Would thus the letter'd sage explore ;
With pain these crumbling ruins climb, And on the doubtful sculpture pour ?"
LANGHORNE.
CHRISTOPHER ANTHONY was born in the county of Bedford, at the close of the year 1776. His parents were in easy, prosperous circumstances ; but, on uniting themselves with the Society of Friends, they liberated a large number of slaves. Reared under the gentle, quiet influence of Quaker-
ism, Christopher Anthony early learned those habits of self-government, which in after life so materially contributed towards forming his perfect exemplary character. Passing his boyhood amid the trying scenes of the Revolution, and the times immediately succeeding, the means of education were not abundant, yet Mr. Anthony profited by
39
OF LYNCHBURG.
every opportunity, early acquiring a thorough knowledge of the English language in all its purity and beauty. Remarkable, when a boy, for the ease and elegance of his language, he was peculiarly sensitive even at that time to any coarseness and defective idiom. He used to relate, for the amuse- ment of his children, an anecdote of his going, when very young, to attend a rural festival in his father's neighborhood, in all the pride of a new suit of homespun. On his arrival at the place of rendez- vous, a momentary feeling of dissatisfaction was pro- duced, by seeing an elegant looking gentleman from town, in all the magnificence of broadcloth, ruffled- shirt and showy brooch; but the young Quaker was immediately set at his ease, by hearing this fine gentleman remark to a by-stander, "I always in generally, when I rides, wears boots!" Becoming early acquainted with the standard English authors, Mr. Anthony carried with him through life the im- pressions then derived, retaining his literary taste, and continuing constantly to improve and cultivate his mind by diligent reading. Placed at an early age, as a clerk in his father's store in Bedford county, he there acquired that knowledge of man- kind and of human nature, which, in after years, so contributed to his success as a lawyer.
The years immediately succeeding the Revolu- tionary war were necessarily attended with difficulty and hardship. The habits of the most wealthy
40
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
were those of primitive simplicity ; their dress, the product of their own loom : and, in the execution of these homely employments, the females of our country manifested a noble pride. The young men were often called to assist on the farm, and to take part in all the rural occupations then going forward. Christopher Anthony, doubtless, found amid these scenes, fruitful sources of self-culture ; and, in free converse with nature, in the forests of Bedford, he could call to mind the contents of books he had been reading, and, whilst pursuing these avocations, his mind and heart could soar far above them, to the Eternal Source of all. To him, all things in nature were fraught with instruction : even the silent furrows, appearing, one by one, as the plough pass- ed over them, were suggestive of the cultivation of that patient perseverance for which he was so re- markable in later years ; and to his early familiarity with rural scenes, may be traced the unalloyed pleasure which, in more mature life, he derived from the poetical works of Robert Burns.
Shortly after he attained the age of twenty- one, he removed to the city of Richmond, and entered into business with Joseph Anthony, his half-brother. Visiting Philadelphia, at this time, he found the city in commotion; the piracies on the high seas, the threatened war with France, and anticipated troubles with England, had so excited the public mind, that every apprehension
41
OF LYNCHBURG.
was felt that our country would soon be again in- volved in war, both by land and sea. Public amuse- ments were discontinued, the theatre was nightly opened to vacant boxes; the benefit night of a favorite young actor approaching, Judge Hopkin- son was induced by his persuasions to write some- thing patriotic, to be sung on that occasion, as nothing short of an absolute novelty could procure an audience. Accordingly the song of "Hail Co- lumbia!" was written, and its announcement drew a crowded house. The scruples of the young Quaker being removed, he attended the theatre on that night, and he often spoke with gratification of the impression produced by hearing this song sung for the first time. The enthusiasm of the audience knew no bounds, and the song was called for again and again. During this visit, Mr. Anthony was seized with a tedious intermittent fever, and, being attended by Dr. Rush, he nearly fell a victim to the disease, or to the remedy, which was a prepara- tion of arsenic, then recently introduced into the medical world, and administered for ague and fever. Dr. Rush entrusted to the landlady a phial contain- ing this medicine, but she, misunderstanding his prescription, instead of administering it in small portions, gave him the greater part of it at once ; and, in consequence of this mistake, Mr. Anthony received for some weeks the personal attention of Dr. Rush, deriving from his friendship and
42
SKETCHES AND RECOLLECTIONS
acquaintance pleasant impressions which remained with him through life.
He returned to Richmond, where he continued to carry on business as a merchant, and just as he was on the eve of marriage, an unexpected reverse ren- dered it necessary to defer for a short time his union with Anna Couch; but this event taking place on the 6th of August, 1803, Mr. Anthony removed to the county of Goochland, where, for several years, he was occupied as a merchant. Retaining the Quaker garb and language, he adhered to the reli- gion of his parents, conscientiously practising its precepts. The members of Friends' Society, not being allowed to take an oath, Mr. Anthony, on ac- cepting the office of magistrate, found himself obliged to leave that sect, though throughout life he cherished the beautiful doctrines by them in- culcated.
At the time of Burr's trial, Mr. Anthony was in Richmond, and having of Burr a very bad opinion, he expressed such publicly, hoping thereby to avoid being put on the jury. Being asked by a friend what had brought him to Richmond, he remarked : "I have come to Richmond to hang Burr." Not- withstanding this remark was reported to this wretched man, yet he chose Mr. Anthony as one of his jurors. Copious notes were made by Mr. An- thony of the trial, as well as many incidents con- nected with it, but the circumstances of Burr's
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.