USA > Virginia > City of Lynchburg > City of Lynchburg > Sketches and recollections of Lynchburg > Part 4
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appeared reserved and even haughty. Those who 'knew well, and associated with him in a private cir- cle, could form a more just estimate of his fine qualities, than others could who met him only in the courthouse.
During the summer of 1826, whilst on a visit to his relatives in the lower country, Mr. Nelson be- coming deeply interested on the subject of religion, connected himself with the Episcopal Church, aban- doning the profession of law and studying for the ministry, which he afterwards adorned by his zeal, piety and eloquence. His first visit to Lynchburg, after his change of profession, was in the spring of 1835, during the second Episcopal Convention, held in that place. An appointment having been made for him to preach at the old Baptist Church, and a crowd assembling to hear him, Mr. Nelson, ascending the pulpit after evening service, surveyed the congregation with some natural trepidation, and feeling somewhat nervous concerning this, his first sermon in Lynchburg. Immediately after taking his place in the pulpit, he felt himself blinded by a shining body, and turning hastily aside, in some agitation, he upset and broke a glass of water, nearly losing his presence of mind. Many of our inhabitants doubtless remem- ber old Mr. Norvell, a member of the Baptist con- gregation, who being very deaf was accommodated with an elevated seat on a line with the pulpit, and
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who used an enormous bright tin ear trumpet. Rev. Mr. Lee, pastor of that Church, having been long accustomed to the vicinity of that tin body, had not recollected to prepare Mr. Nelson for its appearance .- Mr. Nelson married an excellent young lady of Georgetown, and he was for some years the beloved pastor of the Episcopal Church of Clarke county, where he died in the year 1840, his triumphant death bearing ample testimony to the power of religion to sustain, in that solemn hour, the steadfast believer.
JAMES W. PEGRAM, a native of Petersburg, set- tling in Lynchburg in 1826, was a brilliant addition to the bar of that place. Bright and pleasing memories of the past are so closely linked with James W. Pegram, that one solely dependant on memory can scarce define his character, or seize on any one prominent trait. Elegant in manners and personal appearance, brilliant in conversation, and of a disposition most affectionate, one would not long be in his society without a feeling of re- gret at not having sooner formed his acquaintance. In striking contrast to the talented Nelson, Pegram possessed that nice, ready tact, that blest capacity of adapting himself to others, and causing them to shine in discourse, by leading them to speak on subjects with which they were well acquainted.
Whether in his gallant military uniform, or in citizen's dress, his manly form was graceful and
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elegant. He was very successful in the practice of his profession; but on his marriage with Miss Johnston, in 1828, he removed to Petersburg, con- tinuing to increase his reputation as a lawyer. Being appointed President of the Bank of Vir- ginia in Richmond, he removed to that city, and whilst in the bloom of manhood and arrived at the zenith of prosperity and domestic happiness, he was called from home to the Western States on business connected with the banking institution to which he was attached.
After a prosperous journey, he was returning home, buoyant with health and glad expectation of again meeting his beloved circle at home, taking passage on the ill-fated steamboat, the "Lucy Walker " which was blown up on the Ohio river, with nearly every passenger on board. One saved from the wreck, told that to the last James Pe- gram was endeavoring to save the lives of others, and that when last seen he was making efforts to save the lives of ladies and children. As he had lived, so died this noble-hearted, chivalrous man, ever mindful to the last of others, thus sacrificing his valuable life in unavailing efforts to rescue his fellow-passengers.
Major JAMES B. RISQUE, also a member of the bar at this time, was a remarkable man. Both in personal character and professional career, a strik- ing parallel exists between himself and James
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Philips of Dublin, who was called to the Irish bar in 1812. The reputation of Major Risque as a criminal lawyer in the first outset of his career, and his undisputed bravery, concur in placing him along side of this remarkable Irish barrister. It is said that in his youth Major Risque was a rival and competitor at the bar, with Mr. Wickham and other distinguished lawyers. It is a well established fact that he was a very brave man, not at all afraid of pistols, which, at the present day, would be saying a great deal for any man. During his residence in Fincastle he fought several duels, in one of which he was shot entirely through the body, a silk hand- kerchief being drawn entirely through him.
He married a beautiful woman, a Miss Kennedy, who was a sister of Mrs. General Clarke. Being left a widower whilst quite a young man, he de- voted himself most affectionately to the rearing and educating his three children. For many years he resided in the large house now occupied by the Misses Gordon as a seminary. He died about 17 years since, at an advanced age. His family sur- vive him ; his daughters, Mrs. Ward and Mrs. Hut- ter, residing in the vicinity of Lynchburg, and his son Ferdinand Risque, Esq., being a citizen of Georgetown, D. C.
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SAMUEL BRANSFORD .- In connection with the court and bar of Lynchburg, may properly be mentioned SAMUEL BRANSFORD, for many years the able and efficient Sergeant of the corporation of that place. This excellent man being by nature peculiarly adapted to his office, adhered with un- shrinking fidelity to its duties, regardless alike of their difficulty or painfulness. Though not of large stature, his presence had a magical effect in dispel- ling a mob ; and there was something in the very expression of his eye, which caused even the most rebellious to submit. On one occasion, a desperate man, well armed, was holding at bay the sheriff and several police officers. Information of this state of affairs being conveyed to Samuel Bransford, he immediately walked up to the offender, glancing fiercely at him, and saying, "You audacious rascal, how dare you rebel against the laws of your country ?" The man instantly ceased resistance, and delivered himself up quietly to the officer.
Once only, in the recollection of the Oldest In- habitant, was this energetic man baffled. It was told him that a party of gentlemen were convened in the ball-room of the hotel, engaged in card- playing. Accordingly, Mr. Bransford stationed himself at the door, which was locked and barred. He had several attendant officers with him, and a posse stationed in the street under the end
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window, to prevent the escape of the delinquents by that outlet. For many hours Mr. Bransford waited, and watched most patiently : to his sur- prise, no one even attempting to come out. At length, the hum of suppressed voices in the room entirely subsided, and all was silent. Unable to account for this, the door was now forced, and there stood the chairs, tables and glasses, just as they had been left, and the party had made their escape by cutting their way through the ceiling, making there a passage through to an upper room ; and, one by one, they had quietly descended the stair-case, passing Mr. Bransford at the door of the ball-room, and, descending the steps leading to the first floor, they went forth to their several homes.
His ability and firmness commanded the greatest respect, even from the evil-doers who viewed with terror his approach. Regarding him with almost a superstitious reverence, they actually believed that Mr. Bransford could control the elements, and reduce them to proper order, when out of the course of nature. There are many now in Lynch- burg, who well remember that memorable night in November, 1833, when the inhabitants of Lynch- burg were so much terrified at what was called the "falling stars." Many enlightened persons were not a little afraid, whilst multitudes of the poor and ignorant fled to the residence of Mr. Bransford for protection, thinking that the day of judgment
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was at hand, and that he alone, of all living persons, could protect them.
Nor was it only in his civil and public capacity, that this good and honest man was eminent. In his family, most kind and affectionate; in the Methodist Church, of which he was a devoted member, most prompt in good works ; and, by his zeal and energy, greatly aiding in the formation and growth of the Church in Lynchburg, where he lived beloved and respected till his death.
Mr. Bransford married a Miss Walton, of Buck- ingham, a lady of great worth and usefelness. She survived her husband some years, and died in the city of Lynchburg. Of the family of Samuel Bransford, three members survive :- Alfred Brans- ford, Esq., of Lynchburg, and Mrs. John H. Tyree, of its vicinity, and John William Bransford, Esq., of Richmond. Mrs. Charles Hudson, the second daughter, was a very lovely woman, with a cast of features and expression of countenance strongly resembling the portraits of Letitia Landon. Her sweet grave face, the bright intellectual expression of her large black eyes, the refined simplicity of her dress, and her graceful movements, will ever be remembered with pleasure and interest in her native town. She died in the city of New York, far from friends and home; but her remains repose in the Presbyterian graveyard of Lynchburg, where a splendid monument marks the spot.
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SAMUEL BRANSFORD, Jr., was a young man of great promise, graduating at West Point, with high honors. After his graduation, he was honored with the position of Assistant Professor of Mathe- matics, at West Point, and met his death, while exercising a fiery horse on the parade ground. He is buried at West Point. His memory is kindly cherished by friends and classmates in Lynchburg.
" Revenge, my friends ! revenge and the natural hatred of scoundrels, and the ineradicable tendency to revancher one's self upon them, and pay them what they have mer- ited : This is forever more a correct and a divine feeling in the mind of every man."
THOMAS CARLYLE.
Immediately in rear of the old courthouse, stood the whipping post, pillory and wretched old jail, any one of these three objects being sufficient to disgrace the town. The jail was built of hewn logs and consisted of two rooms, one above the other, without fire-places, and appeared to have been planned and erected after Mr. Carlyle's own ideas. Now, a medium is desirable between that philan- throphy, which causes the imprisoned offender to be better lodged, clothed and fed, than the hard working, industrious day-laborer, and that excessive severity in prison discipline, advocated by Thomas
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Carlyle. Doubtless the prison discipline of the present day has arrived at this happy medium, and it is not here the intention to discuss that matter.
The old jail must have been very insecure, and it is a matter of wonder, that prisoners did not more frequently make their escape. The lower room being used for criminals of the worst descrip- tion, the upper apartment was kept for disorderly persons, and was, also, used as a temporary place of safety for maniacs. An unfortunate free col- ored man named Archie Cooper, being subject to periodical attacks of insanity, was often placed there, and crowds frequently assembled outside the jail, to listen to his eloquent prayers and exhorta- tions-for when to his mental vision all else was dim and clouded, the glorious light of the gospel shone into his soul, enlightening with a ray of hope, his dark and gloomy pathway.
Not unfrequently might be seen, on the side- walks, persons in a state of intoxication. This class found, also, at the jail an asylum, being es- corted to that edifice by their polite and faithful friend Mr. Mason, who perambulated the streets of the town with a most expressive stick, his move- ments being a counter-part of those of Mr. Inspec- tor Bucket, the detective agent. Very often a large group of school children would repair to the jail after the hours of recitation, and they would make a signal to the prisoners, who would send
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down a telegraph twine, to which the children below would attach a basket containing biscuit, confectionery, pastry and various other little comforts.
Lynchburg has enjoyed a very unenviable repu- tation abroad, having been called a wicked, dissi- pated place ; but those charges can scarcely be just ; for during a residence of 19 years in that place, the writer only recollects two persons there impris- oned for murder. A person named Joseph Cohen killed a man, and being found guilty of manslaugh- ter, he was for a term of years sent to the peniten- tiary. On being released from confinement, he returned to Lynchburg, establishing himself on the Richmond road, at a little place called since that time by the name of "Cohensville." The circum- stances attending the murder of Hamilton by John M. Jones, are too well known and remembered in Lynchburg, to be here discussed. Jones was im- prisoned in the new stone jail for 15 months, and before the close of this period many inhabitants signed a petition to the Governor requesting his pardon, but to no avail. Jones was an exceedingly handsome man, rivalling in beauty the famous Gilderoy, and like him meeting the fate of
" Hanging high above the rest."
He met his doom with great firmness, saying that he sorely repented his past sins, trusting alone for
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pardon to Jesus Christ. After he was suspended in the air, the rope broke, giving him a tremendous fall. The unfortunate man, rising to his feet, called for water, saying, "for God's sake tie the rope tight this time." Sympathy now inclines us to think that he ought to have been pardoned, and that, having been hung once, was quite sufficient. Had his life only been spared one hour after his fall, a few moments conversation with him would greatly have enlightened the medical and scientific world, and relieved mankind in general of that intense curiosity felt respecting the sensations of a man who had been hung.
He might have been permitted to make his home on some far distant shore, where he was unknown, untaunted and free from all those persecutions experienced by the man who had been hung, and whose wretched condition is so quaintly and even humorously described by Charles Lamb.
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MRS. MARGARET DANIEL.
"The world is filled with the voices of the dead. Sweet and solemn voices are they, speaking with un- earthly authority, coming back to us as the messages of angels. And when the business of daily life is for a while suspended, and its cares are put to rest, nay, often in the midst of the world's tumult, their voices float down clearly and distinctly from heaven, and say to their own, 'Come up hither.'"
ISABEL, OR INFLUENCE.
Mrs. MARGARET DANIEL, wife of the late Hon- orable Judge William Daniel, and daughter of Dr. Baldwin, was born in Winchester, Frederick county, about the year 1786. Her father was a gentleman of high standing, eminent alike for his domestic virtues and his skill in medicine. From early child- hood, she was the friend and companion of her father, imbibing his feelings on most subjects, and learning from him to take prompt and decisive measures in all emergencies. Her education being carefully attended to by her father, and every advantage given her that could at that time be 7
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obtained, it is no matter of surprise, that as she grew up, her mind was remarkable for its brilliancy and cultivation. Endowed likewise with personal beauty* and elegance, it is but seldom that so many gifts have so perfectly harmonized in the character of one individual.
She sympathized so with her beloved parent, in the pursuits incident to his profession, that she would often accompany him to the bed-side of the sick and dying, materially aiding him by her timely suggestions ; and in times of prevailing epidemics, she would find books of reference for him, and cases bearing a similitude to those under his carc. Applying herself to find out remedies to re- lieve the sick, ere she had attained womanhood, Miss Margaret Baldwin was a most accomplished nurse, and an efficient and faithful friend to the sick and afflicted. When scarcely seventeen years old, she was married to Judge William Daniel, bringing to her husband a rich dowry in those splendid, shining qualities for which she was so remarkable. Settling in the county of Cumberland, she there made a home alike distinguished for its elegance and hospitality.
To her graces and accomplishments was added a
* A portrait of this lovely woman was taken in crayon by Harvey Mitchell, Esq., and a few years since it might have been seen at Union Hill, the residence of Mayo Cabell, Esq.
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brave spirit, which enabled her to meet and con- front danger with a firm heart and an unfaltering voice. During their residence in Cumberland, Judge Daniel was called unexpectedly from home, leaving only Mrs. Daniel and a family of small children. In the night, being awakened by a noise, Mrs. Daniel perceived by the moon-beams the figure of a man entering the house by one of the windows. Judge Daniel had left a large sum of money in his escritoir, and as it had been received on the pre- vious day at court, it is not improbable that this cir- cumstance was generally known. Presuming that the man had come for the purpose of plunder, Mrs. Daniel instantly arose, and taking down Judge Daniel's gun, walked directly up to the man, say- ing, "What are you seeking here ? Go instantly, sir, and if you prolong your stay one instant, I will shoot you dead !" The cowardly man fled with precipitation, and Mrs. Daniel, after calling up her servants to find whether any one else was lurking about, retired again to rest, deeply thank- ful to the Giver of all good that her young family and herself had been preserved from the robber and probably the assassin.
About the year 1819 Judge Daniel removed to Lynchburg, his gifted wife rapidly making friends in that place, and acquiring there an influence which will long be felt in the families who enjoyed the privilege of her friendship. After organizing
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her household, she set out to find ways of doing good and means of benefiting the sick and indigent. Opportunities were not wanting for the exercise of her benevolent feelings, for Lynchburg was at that time the abode of some of the most wretched and destitute white families. It is not surprising that such a woman should have nursed and tended those in the same enlightened sphere in which she moved; but when we reflect that she would leave her own comfortable home, regardless of rain and storm, to visit quietly the lowliest dwellings, and there to watch by the couch of the sick and dying, this in- deed excites our warmest admiration. Howard, the philanthropist, visited the prisons of Europe, greatly ameliorating the condition of their inmates, but even his most partial biographers have not been able to deny that he was but an indifferent domestic character, a tyrannical husband, and a father most culpably negligent of his only son. So that it is easy to be perceived, that the traits of great public characters do not always harmonize, in such way as to produce a character we can love and reverence in all of its bearings. But in Mrs. Daniel we behold a woman fulfilling the commands of our Saviour, doing good in the most quiet, unobtrusive way, and constantly seeking out for objects of charity, at- tending diligently to the ways of her household, whilst tenderly anxious and careful in rearing up her children.
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Happy the children of such a parent, happy the husband of such a woman, and thrice blest were the domestics who were guided and governed by her wise, just and mild sway.
During her residence in the house now occupied by Dr. James Saunders, Mrs. Daniel met with a severe domestic affliction in the death of her daugh- ter Margaret, a lovely child of five years old. For a time overwhelmed, she could not feel submissive or resigned, but ere the lapse of many weeks, she aroused herself from the torpor of grief, having been made sensible that its excessive indulgence was sinful, as well as unfavorable for the execution of any plan for the benefit of others ; and soon she found comfort in administering to the suffering in her own neighborhood, and not unfrequently was her own grief moderated in alleviating the woes of others.
" Tread softly-bow the head, In reverent silence bow, No passing bell doth toll- Yet an immortal soul Is passing now.
" Beneath that beggar's roof, Lo! Death doth keep his state; Enter-no cowards attend- Enter-no guards defend This palace gate."
MRS. SOUTHEY.
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An indigent family lived in a small tenement by the side of Mrs. Daniel's yard and garden. The wretched wife and mother languished on a bed of sickness. Mrs. Daniel prepared her food, admin- istered her medicines, and did all she could to enlighten the unfortunate woman on the subject of a future state. Death soon liberating the sufferer, Mrs. Daniel, with thoughtful and tender care, provided for her the snowy habiliments of the grave.
About the year 1822, Mrs. Daniel moved to the large brick building then owned by William Lynch, and since used as a temporary college. Soon becoming acquainted with the wants of her present neighborhood, she was ever ready to extend the hand of sympathy. * Having recovered, in a measure, from the death of her daughter, her health now restored, she, for several years, rejoiced in a genial atmosphere of prosperity. The death of her youngest son was another lesson of mortality, coming as a voice to remind her of the vanishing nature of earthly happiness. During the summer of 1825, her household was gladdened by a visit from a beloved sister and her family, and the gene- rous heart of Mrs. Daniel expanded in all the
* The interesting invalids, William and Jane Lynch, were her peculiar care.
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delights of sisterly intercourse. It was during the absence of Judge Daniel, at his circuit court in Cumberland, on the night of - October, the sum- mons came suddenly at midnight, and the terrified young family were aroused from rest, to behold their beloved mother in the agonies of death. We would fain throw a veil over the scenes of the next few days-the grief of her children, the anguish of the husband's return to his desolate home; but, through the lapse of years, the im- pression of confused and hurried scenes of woe, is as vivid as is the tender and grateful remembrance of the many virtues of this noble-hearted woman :
" Tell them, it is an awful thing to die, ('Twas even so to thee ; ) but the dread path once trod, Heaven lifts her everlasting portals high, And bids the pure in heart behold their God !"
A few years after this mournful event, the man- sion of Judge Daniel was thrown open for a large assemblage, unshadowed with gloom. On the night of - December, 1827, the young, the old, the grave, the gay and the beautiful, thither hasted, to witness the bridal of Eliza, the lovely and gentle girl, the pride and delight of the circle in which she moved. She had given her young heart to William Lewis Cabell, and, as they stood before the venerable Minister, one was reminded of the delicate clematis in its native grace and beauty
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clinging to the wild, dark forest oak. His splendid dark eyes, hair and Spanish complexion, afforded a striking contrast to her fair complexion, brown hair, and laughing blue eyes. A smooth, unclouded journey seemed to lay before them; and, to add, if possible, to the tenderness and romance of this at- tachment, they were to live in a cottage-the stately mansion on his beautiful estate having been leased for a term of years previous to his marriage engage- ment. They even rejoiced at this; for they felt that there would be less to keep them asunder, in a small, simple abode than in a large dwelling: For them,
" There was no home in halls of pride !"
For more than two years they resided in their cot- tage; the lease of his mansion having then expired, the building was put into a complete state of re- pair and newly fitted up, and the young husband and wife, leaving their simple abode, took posses- sion of the mansion-house. But, alas ! in a brief space, without any warning, a hereditary predis- position, consumption, claimed William Lewis Cabell for its victim. Medical aid was in vain ; hastily they journeyed to the Red Sulphur Springs, but the waters only accelerated the disease, and, early in the summer of 1830, he there breathed his last. Eliza had always said that she could not survive her husband, and truly prophetic were her words ; for, from the hour of his death, life was to her
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