USA > Virginia > City of Lynchburg > City of Lynchburg > Sketches and recollections of Lynchburg > Part 5
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a torture ;- the persons whom they had met, the scenes which together they had visited, the sound of military music that had been the signal for his appearing in the uniform in which, with girlish pride, she had so admired him,-all these were perfect agony to her, and she entreated that she might be borne away from a place where every object so forcibly reminded her of what she had lost. Her request was complied with, and she was carried to the home of her sister, in the county of Nelson, where, in a short time, the fatal spot ap- peared on her pale cheek, followed by a cough. Who that saw her at that time, could have recog- nized the blooming bride and happy wife, so lately at the summit of earthly happiness ! Insidiously and rapidly did the disease advance, and, ere the grass had waved, or the wild-flowers had bloomed, over the grave of the husband, his gentle wife had joined him in the world of spirits !
" Departed this life,* on Tuesday, the 26th instant, at Union Hill, the residence of Mayo Cabell, Esq., in the county of Nelson, Mrs. ELIZA B. CABELL, relict of William Lewis Cabell, deceased, late of Lynchburg, in
* Since writing the above, the obituary was sent from Lynch- burg by one who dearly loved the deceased, and who has preserved the notice carefully, though quite a child at the time of Mrs. W. L. Cabell's death.
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the 21st year of her age. When the aged and helpless pilgrim, who, with sorrowing steps, has toiled through life's painful journey, alternately sipping the bitter cup of human misfortune, and culling the few scanty flowerets of enjoyment which are strewed along his path, full of years and full of infirmities, bids adieu to the world's fleeting scenes, and sinks down forever into the last sad receptacle of humanity, we are oppressed with sorrow, and tears of affliction fill our eyes! But our sorrow is mitigated, and our tears are dried up, by the reflection, that such is the inevitable fate of man,-such is the dreadful penalty which he owes to the violated law of his Creator. But when the young, the lovely and beautiful,-when they for whose fruition life seemed to be just unfolding its fairest prospects,-to whose en- raptured gaze the spring-time of existence had hardly disclosed its verdant and enchanting beauties,-are sud- denly snatched away in the midst of youth and loveli- ness ;- then, indeed, is the cup of anguish presented, from which we recoil with horror-tears fill our eyes, which scald as they fall on our cheeks, and sorrow inex- pressible burthens our hearts. The kindly sympathy of friendship is forgotten and disregarded. Time, and time alone, can soften and alleviate our affliction. Such are the feelings inspired by the death of the interesting lady whose memory is designed to be respected by this brief notice. Young, lovely and beautiful-possessed of every charm that graces her sex, and every accomplishment which renders it irresistible ;- surrounded by affectionate friends and relatives-furnished with every blessing that can gild the path of life, and smooth its rugged asperi-
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ties,-she seemed to be formed by Heaven, as its own especial favorite, designed for happiness-happiness here and hereafter. But unsearchable and mysterious are the ways of Providence ! The tie which bound her to life, seemed to have been burst asunder by the death of her hus- band; and, clinging to his memory with a constancy of affection peculiar to herself, she slowly and gradually declined, until, like the tender vine torn from the staff to which it clings, she drooped and sunk to the tomb, a monu- ment of female loveliness and conjugal affection. Such is life. The fair flower which bloomed but yesterday in matchless beauty, to-day is cut down and withered forever. The sylph-like form that lately moved among us, full of grace, full of sweetness, is now encircled in the cold, icy embrace of death ! What a commentary on the vanity of all human happiness ! How faithfully does it prove the slender tenure by which all earthly enjoyments are held, and speak to us in tones which we cannot disregard, the solemn warning-that, 'In the midst of life, we are in death !' "
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THE IRVINE FAMILY.
" A lighted lamp is a very small thing, and it burns calmly and without noise; yet it giveth light to all who are within the house : And so there is a quiet influence, which, like the flame of a scented lamp, fills many a home with light and fragrance."
M'CHEYNE.
CHARLES IRVINE was a native of Ireland, and a member of one of the first families of the Eme- rald Isle. Emigrating to America, he became the husband of Anne Rose, a daughter of Hugh Rose, Esq., of Amherst. Mr. Irvine was a liberal, high- minded, gentlemanly man, hospitable in the extreme, and fond of cultivating all those arts which embellish life, particularly music, which was necessary to his enjoyment ; so that he spared no pains or expense, in giving to his daughters every advantage calculat- ed to perfect them in that science.
MARY IRVINE, the eldest daughter, was a very beautiful and accomplished woman, and for several years she held the pre-eminence over all her con- temporaries in the circle in which she moved; and
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it was said that more than one duel had been fought by rival competitors for her hand. During her girlhood, she was the occasion of an accident which well-nigh resulted in a very tragic manner. Her father was rubbing and polishing some old pistols, which for a long time had laid in his desk. Calling to his daughters, who were standing by, to take them in their hands, he said to them: "With the exception of Mary, I have not a daughter with the least courage or bravery !" Whereupon, Mary seized one of the pistols, laughingly pointing it at her mother, then at Matilda, her sister, when, to the horror of all present, the pistol went off, and Matilda fell to the ground apparently dead. Rush- ing out of the house, Mary went, she knew not whither, and she had no recollection of anything, till she found herself in the house of a friend on Main street, with the family around her endeavoring to find out the cause of her agonized grief. By almost a miracle, Matilda's life was preserved, by means of a surgical operation. There had been, previous to this accident, a very peculiar attach- ment subsisting between these two sisters; but after this time the cord seemed strengthened, and, on the part of Mary, this sisterly affection became almost idolatry.
Mary Irvine, in 1814, became the wife of Samuel Anthony, Esq., and her fine traits expanded, adorn- ing the state of wife and mother. Her lot was 8
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smooth and unclouded, till the year 1819, when the pecuniary pressure occasioned to them a reverse as great as that experienced by many others in Lynchburg. It was then that her sterling qualities shone conspicuously, whilst her mental resources still further developed themselves. Thus may it not be considered that trials are frequently our best friends; and that they are one of the phases of our mortal existence, designed for our good, by the Author of our salvation, who " was made perfect through suffering"-and frequently do the dark clouds of adversity disperse, leaving behind a rich increase of such dispositions as are "pure, lovely, and of good report." The spirit of Mrs. Mary Anthony rose gently and serenely from the depressing influence of adversity, and for a time she willingly threw aside all those accomplishments with which she had so embellished life; and, retiring to the country with her husband, they took possession of a small cottage, which, with her taste, she adorned, till, from a wilderness, soon arose a cultivated garden, with flowers, vine- yards and orchard-her simple dwelling being the abode of the most kindly hospitality. In all the situations of life, this excellent woman faith- fully performed her duties; so that, as of Mary of old, she merited the commendation of our Saviour, "She hath done what she could !" And when, in 1820, the first English edition was pub-
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lished of Washington Irving's Sketch Book, all who read his exquisite sketch of "The Wife," were struck with the remarkable resemblance of that lovely woman to Mrs. Mary Anthony.
About the year 1832, Mrs. Anthony removed again to her native place, where she continued to reside till the time of her death. She was a devoted member of the Episcopal Church for some years, having connected herself with it during the time when that church was under the pastoral care of the Rev. F. G. Smith. She died in the summer of 1839, leaving the most satisfactory evidence that she was fully prepared to meet the Judge of all, and rejoicing in the hope of re-union with a beloved daughter who had died the year previous.
ANN ELIZA IRVINE will long be remembered in Lynchburg. Her perfect beauty and early death, invest her with a tender and mournful interest, which is increased from associating her with the bright gifted spirit to whom she was united a year previous to her death. No portrait of her has been preserved; but a fancy picture of a French girl, much resembling her, is highly valued by the surviving members of the family. Shortly after the death of Ann Eliza, Mrs. Irvine went into the parlor of the late Mrs. Daniel, where hung this picture, and she was so much affected at the resemblance, that Mrs. Daniel immediately
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had it taken down and carried to the house of Mrs. Irvine.
JOHN HAMPDEN PLEASANTS was the eldest son of James Pleasants, Esq., of Goochland county. The brilliant mind and great genius of this distin- guished man, is now the admiration of his native State; and well may Virginians feel a pride in claiming for their own John Hampden Pleasants. As early as 18- he moved to Lynchburg, estab- lishing there a paper called "The Press." When he commenced his editorial career, the Press of Lynchburg was at a low ebb-the type, paper and printing were intolerable, and the articles dull. Hampden Pleasants produced a great revolution in this printing establishment; and, even at that early date, he gave promise of that brilliant editorial career, which, in after years, awaited him. He was a first cousin of Ann Eliza Irvine, on the mother's side; and their intercourse ripening into a devoted attachment, about the year 1819 or '20 they were married. She survived her marriage only one year, her death occurring so suddenly, as to cause her friends for some hours to suppose that she had only fainted. This mournful event threw a gloom over the whole town; and, even now, the old inhabitants lower their voices and drop a tear when they speak of Ann Eliza Pleasants.
Mrs. FRANCES PATTERSON, wife of Dr. John
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Patterson, was the youngest daughter of Mrs. Ann Irvine. She was a pious, lovely woman. Dying many years since, she left two children, William M. Patterson, Esq., and Mrs. Ann Eliza Boggs, wife of the Rev. F. J. Boggs, of the Methodist Church.
Rev. SAMUEL IRVINE, of the Methodist Church, is a son of Mrs. A. Irvine. This worthy man is an acceptable Minister of the Gospel, highly esteemed in the community, and beloved in the church to which he belongs.
The house at present occupied by Rev. Bishop Early, was, in 1821, the residence of MARCELLUS SMITH, Esq. He was the associate editor with John H. Pleasants of the only paper at that time published in Lynchburg. Of brilliant talents, and refined, cultivated mind, Mr. Smith was worthy to have been joined with that gifted son of Virginia in wielding the mighty engine of social and politi- cal life.
Some years previous, Mr. Marcellus Smith had married MARCELLA, the sister of John Hampden Pleasants. She was a lady of fine talents, possess- ing all those kindly virtues and excellent qualities, for which the family of Pleasants is so remarkable. This excellent and beloved lady survives her hus- band, making her home with her daughter in the county of Louisa.
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"Slight withal may be the things which bring back on the heart," not always, "the woes which it would fling aside forever," but many pleasing and amusing in- cidents of by-gone days.
Portions of two old newspapers lie on the table ; and what a record of the past do they contain ! One was printed about thirty-three years since, and, amongst other articles, it contains Chancellor Taylor's high-bred advertisement of his law-school, forcibly bringing before us his old-fashioned man- ner and polished address ; whilst one, printed twenty-seven years since, contains the obituary of one of the loveliest women of Lynchburg ; and close by that sad memorial, an advertisement of Claborne Gladman's* house-that yellow edifice, which stood in rear of the old Methodist Church, and which, for some purpose, was afterwards moved on rollers, with unheard-of difficulty, up the hill leading to the residence of Henry Dunnington, Esq. ; and, when placed half-way between that house and the dwelling of Mrs. Irvine, the work- men employed, rested from their labors, leaving the house there for several weeks, t to the intense
* A well-known free colored man.
7 What would our worthy town-authorities of the present day, say in reference to a house placed in the middle of a street, and there left for several weeks ? A few years since, an
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gratification and delight of the small boys of Lynchburg, who used the building as a play-place, which only wanted a bell at the door to place it on a perfect equality with the "untenanted house" mentioned in " Dickens' Sketches," where "ring- ing the door-bell was such a resource to the boys of the neighborhood, notwithstanding the numerous wash-hand basins of water thrown from the next house upon the youthful offenders, till the bell was taken off by a humane broker, and placed for sale in his own old establishment."
The paper and type of this ancient newspaper are greatly inferior to that of the present day ; but "The Virginian" then, as well as at present, ranked amongst the very highest and best papers in the State. The spirits of Pleasants and of Toler seem yet mysteriously to linger around it ; and we are now reminded of the interesting period when that paper was under the able auspices of "Fletcher & Toler."
ELIJAH FLETCHER Esq., was a native of one of the New England States, and, on the father's side, was a near relative of "Grace Fletcher," the first wife of Daniel Webster. Mr. Fletcher
old hack was driven up somewhere on Church street, where it remained for some time, eliciting numerous amusing editorial remarks, which greatly entertained the readers of " The Vir- ginian."
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emigrated, when a young man, to Virginia, and settled near New Glasgow, Amherst county, where he married Miss Marie Antoinette Crawford, a lady of great intelligence, and a relative of Craw- ford, whom a few years subsequent was a can- didate for the Presidency of the United States. For a time, Mr. Fletcher was Principal of the Female Seminary of New Glasgow; but, on remov- ing to Lynchburg, he took the charge of "The Virginian," assisted by Richard H. Toler. Mr. Fletcher devoted a considerable part of the columns of that paper to articles on agriculture, of which pursuit he was enthusiastically fond. Having amassed a large fortune, this gentleman retired to one of his estates in the county of Amherst, where his farming arrangements and domestic manage- ment are said to be the most superior in the State of Virginia.
RICHARD H. TOLER was a native of Rich- mond. His mother was early left a widow, in straitened circumstances, so that her son had nought to depend on, save his own exertions. He, for a while, lived in the office of one of the news- papers printed in Richmond; but, on removing to Lynchburg, he was found to possess such talents and energy that he speedily rose in his profession of an editor, being second only to his great prede- cessor, John Hampden Pleasants. Greatly prized
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and beloved in Lynchburg, the memory of Mr. Toler is one of the brightest recollections of the past ; nor is the interest lessened when we think of him in connection with Frances Duval, his devoted and excellent wife, who survived her marriage only a few years. She was second daughter of the good Major William Duval,* of Buckingham, inheriting from her honored parent all those lovely dispositions for which he was so remarkable. Mr. Toler was thrice married; his last wife survives him, and is, we believe, a resident of Lynchburg.
* This most excellent man was a perfect exemplification of the Christian character, and he deserves a long memoir, so that the influence of his bright example may still be felt by the rising generation. He was at one time an eminent lawyer of the lower country ; and it was during this time that Henry Clay lived in his office. When Mr. Clay visited Lynchburg many years since, he made an especial visit to Buckingham, to pass a few days with the friend and patron of his young days, Major William Duval.
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THE HARRISON FAMILY.
"She had a wise, kind word for all. All loved her. All felt that her message was not from herself, nor of man's invention, but that in her Master's name, she invited others to " love and good works."
BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. FRY, by her Daughter.
SAMUEL HARRISON was a native of Bedford county, and was, like the late Christopher Anthony, reared in theu sages of the Society of Friends. His mother's maiden name was Jordan, and she was one of that old Virginia family from whom so many of our best citizens trace their descent. She was a sister of the venerable mother* of the late Christopher Anthony, and for many years the fami- lies resided happily in the good old neighborhood of Goose Creek, Bedford county. Whilst a young man, Mr. Harrison removing to Lynchburg, soon
* This excellent lady survived her son some years, dying in Cincinnati about the summer of 1839; to which place she had, with her husband, emigrated about 1812.
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after was united in marriage to Sarah Burton, a young lady of fine disposition, and gifted in a great degree with strength of mind and energy of char- acter. Mr. Harrison possessed a fine order of in- tellect, united to great sprightliness of mind, so that at all times he was the witty, cheerful and agreeable companion. By his energy and industry he accumulated a fortune, and during the time of his prosperity, he planned and built the Frank- lin Hotel * of Lynchburg, which, with all the alterations since made, has never been so prosper- ous, desirable or convenient, as it was in its early days.
The great pressure of 1819 caused Mr. Harrison, like many others in Lynchburg, to experience a re- verse of fortune; but submitting cheerfully to cir- cumstances, he was still able, by means of the vigor and industry of his character, to make ample pro- vision for the comfort and education of a large family. He passed through a long life, surviving some years his estimable wife, and blessed in the respect and affection of his devoted children.
Several years previous to his death, he made a public profession of religion, connecting himself with the Episcopal Church. This touching and in- teresting occasion was rendered still more so, from
* Called the " Norvell House" at present.
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the circumstance of two of his daughters standing as sponsors for their venerable parent at the baptis- mal font. During the remainder of his life, he was a meek, consistent Christian, deriving much peace and comfort from the services of the sanctuary.
Mrs. SARAH HARRISON was a lady of great worth and piety. She governed well and wisely at her beautiful home,* her establishment being a per- fect model of elegant management and domestic economy.
A zealous and devoted member of the Methodist Church, she was one of that chosen band of females that so materially aided and strengthened the influ- ences of the pastors of that denomination.
Like the good Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, Mrs. Harrison may be said to have resembled in her walk through life, " one passing through the wards of a hospital, and stooping down on all sides to administer help where it was needed."
A true sister of charity, constant in her visits to the sick and afflicted, a diligent member of the Dorcas Society, Mrs. Harrison thus passed through life, scattering good, and although from the depths of her heart she would say, in the language of the Psalmist, "Oh, my God, my goodness extendeth not to Thee, but to the saints and to the excellent
* This home was the house now occupied by Anderson Armis- tead, Esq.
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in whom is my delight; " it was in doing good to others that she in her life thus glorified God, and on her death-bed bearing fullest testimony to the sustaining grace of her Saviour, saying, in his own sacred words, that "her heart was neither troubled nor afraid."
The five daughters of this family all survive, an unbroken sisterhood-Mrs. William Norvell, Mrs. Robert Robinson of Philadelphia, Mrs. Lorenzo Norvell of Lynchburg, Mrs. James Metcalfe of its vicinity, and Miss Mary E. Harrison of Bedford. All of these ladies are well known and esteemed in our community, as well for their superior wit and intelligence as for their admirable traits of character.
JESSE BURTON HARRISON, second son of Samuel Harrison, Esq. was born about the year 1806. His boyhood was passed in his native place, where, in all of his school exercises, he greatly distinguished himself, and during this time the progress he made in his studies was such as to excite the wonder and admiration of his instructors.
To an extraordinary memory and great quick- ness, he united remarkable perseverance and habits of application, together with a fondness for every branch of literature. Passing with distinction through Hampden Sidney College, he was then sent to Harvard University, where his proficiency 9
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was so great in all the branches he undertook, as to cause him to graduate there with high honors, eliciting marks of approbation from all the pro- fessors of Harvard, as well as from Thomas Jeffer- son, a visitor of that institution, who expressed his high appreciation of the young student in a most gratifying and complimentary letter to his father, Samuel Harrison, Esq.
On leaving Cambridge, he studied for the bar, and, soon after obtaining a license, he established himself in his native place as a practising lawyer ; and though the bar was ably supplied by many so much older than himself, the success of J. Burton Harrison was much greater than usually attends the young barrister under these circum- stances.
A few years subsequent to this time, he deter- mined to make the tour of Europe, and to visit in particular the celebrated German Universities- perhaps with some reference to there obtaining a professorship, or of embarking in some literary en- terprise. In the month of -, he accordingly set sail for the French capital, and, on arriving, he was kindly received by Virginians, resident in the city of Paris, and with them he enjoyed the privilege of visiting the Marquis La Fayette and other distin- guished Frenchmen of that time. His letters, writ- ten at this period to his friends at home, possessed great interest, and were worthy of publication. He
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traveled through Germany, and had access to all the distinguished literary institutions, forming the acquaintance of many erudite German professors, the learning of whom he confessed astonished him : for he wrote that it was astonishing to see so many great men, whose names and reputation extended not beyond the walls of their Universities. For some cause or other, he, at this time, abandoned forever any wish or desire to occupy a post in a University, and, shortly afterwards, he returned to his native land, his mind much enlightened by his travels, and his manners having acquired all the ease, elegance and polish of the French nation.
It is much to be regretted that Mr. Harrison did not at least write a description of his tour through Germany. Had he done so, his book might pro- bably have rivalled and excelled the popular work of William Howitt, "The Student Life of Ger- many,"* and a flood of light and interest might have been thrown around the literature of that country, entirely divesting it of all darkness, ob- scurity and mysticism, with which Thomas Carlyle has surrounded it. But, though fully capable of writing eloquently, Mr. Harrison, with the exception of his speeches, has left no published writings to
* This work was written by a German for William Howitt, and by him it was translated into English, and we believe that Mr. Harrison could have himself written on this subject an able book.
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attest his superior intellect and high literary attain- ments. It is a saying of Thucydides, that "igno- rance is bold and knowledge reserved ;" and the fact that Jesse Burton Harrison has left behind him no literary work, goes far to prove that this ancient writer was correct in his opinion.
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