USA > Virginia > City of Lynchburg > City of Lynchburg > Sketches and recollections of Lynchburg > Part 9
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This personage was a spare, sedate looking man, his hair ornamented with a queue, and his dress composed entirely of light pea-green cloth. He was the beau-ideal of one of the greatest humbugs that ever gladdened Lynchburg. His school was in the basement of a house owned and occupied by Mr. Schoolfield, situated at the corner of the street leading down to the old post-office. This gram- marian kept closed doors, and was particularly annoyed at any kind of interruption, save that of some deluded person coming to enter fresh candidates for this high-pressure grammar system.
SILAS VAWTER* was at that time a pupil at the Masonic Hall, where the system of fagging was, to a degree, kept up, as at Westminster School and Eaton College. A very small boy, named Callaway, generally acted as fag to Mr. Vawter, performing sundry little jobs, by way of saving the aforesaid young gentleman trouble ; but, on one occasion, Callaway testifying great unwillingness to bring fresh water, Silas, like a wise statesman, concluded that it was better to promise a reward for the performance, than punish for the refusal. So, in an unwary moment, he agreed to give this small boy the sum of twelve and a half cents. As the promise remained unfulfilled, Silas was soon politely reminded of it by his young creditor ; and
* The elder brother of Bransford Vawter.
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owing, likewise, a small grudge to Watson and some of his scholars, Vawter, with ready humor, gave Callaway an order on the former for the amount, telling him to enter the school-room boldly, and, before showing the written order to Watson, to state to him the business which had brought him there. Accordingly, he stalked up to the Grammar School, knocking loudly at the door, which was opened by Watson himself, who inquired of the boy his errand. Callaway was in the habit of stammering very much, and, being now somewhat embarrassed and intimidated by the august presence of Watson and the grammar-class, he stammered out, "Si-si-si, Vaw-Vaw-Vaw-ter-ter sa-sa-says, that you are in-de-de-debt-ed to him ni-ni-nine- pence !" "What is that you say, you little scoundrel ?" Whereupon, the chap again com- menced with "Si-si, Vaw-Vaw-ter-ter"-but long before he had half gotten through his tedious narration, up went Watson's cane, and speedily from the grammar-hall disappeared this youthful dun, never daring again to enter this classic abode.
In this neighborhood lived those excellent people and good citizens, the Sumpters, Schoolfields, and many members of the Thurmon family. Mr. Jehu Williams resides a little above. His first wife was a lady of great worth, and she was the mother of many fine women, some of whom reside in this
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State ; and Mrs. W. P. Bryant, one of them, being an inhabitant of Baltimore. His second wife, was Miss Susan Tompkins, a lady of a most amiable disposition, and a daughter of the Rev. Mr. Tomp- kins, of the Presbyterian Church. The venerable mother of Mrs. Susan Williams was well known and esteemed in Lynchburg, of which place she was really the oldest inhabitant.
The WALLACE* family lived a few doors above ; and nearly opposite was the modest dwelling of the good Mr. Thurmon, the patriarch of the town. Close by the latter dwelling, was the humble abode of Milly Cooper, a free woman of color, who there lived with the unfortunate maniac, her son, Archie Cooper ; and just above, was the residence of the excellent Mrs. Polly Brown, which is now occupied by her son, Henry Brown, Esq.
The house at present owned and occupied by Dr. Gilmer, was, in 1818, inhabited by George Tucker, Esq .; and the one opposite, was the re- sidence of the family of Duffel, excellent citizens, of Scottish descent; and the residence of Mr. Richard Tyree stands below this house. He was an honest, good citizen, and the husband of Mrs. Mildred Tyree, a very lovely woman and a
* Mrs. Wallace afterwards married the Rev. Mr. Cole, of the Methodist Church, a gentleman of great worth and piety.
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member of the Quaker denomination. Just oppo- site was the dwelling of Captain Peter Dudley, an excellent man and good citizen. He married Miss Davis, the daughter of William Davis, Sr., one of the oldest and most influential of the citi- zens of Lynchburg. Just above the residence of Dr. Gilmer, lived Mr. James Gilliam, a worthy man; and the next house above, was the residence of Mrs. Eliza Echols, the widow of Joseph Echols, Esq., a well-known citizen of Lynchburg, who died more than thirty-three years since. His excellent wife had then a double duty to perform, in rearing and educating her young family, which consisted of one daughter and three sons ; and about the year 1829, she broke up housekeeping in Lynchburg, removing from that place to New Haven, Connecticut, whither she carried her chil- dren for the advantage of attending the Seminary of Dr. Dwight. As soon as her daughter had finished her education, Mrs. Echols, returning to her native State, chose, as a place of residence, Lexington, in order that her sons might finish their education at Washington College. This excellent lady survives, and is now a resident of Union, Monroe county, at which place resides her daughter, Mrs. Allen T. Caperton. Her sons are well known and esteemed in Virginia :- Mr. Edward Echols, of Rockbridge; John Echols, Esq., of
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Monroe ; and Mr. Robert J. Echols, of Rich- mond.
The house now occupied by Dr. John Patterson, was, in 1819, the residence of Mr. James Stuart, who married a daughter of Major William Warwick, and the house nearly adjoining the Methodist Church, was, for many years, the residence of Mrs. Nancy Tait, a sister of the late George White- locke, of Petersburg; and the house just above the Methodist Church, and at the foot of the hill, was inhabited by Mr. Cullensworth and his sister, Mrs. Martin, who resided there many years with her sons and daughter. These good people were members of the Methodist Church, and their abode was ever open to young visitors from the schools on that street, who would resort thither to amuse themselves with Mrs. Martin's fine swing, or to gaze with wonder and admiration at the wax figures of the "Babes in the Wood," sleeping peacefully in death !
" No burial or covering Were given to the pair ; But little Robin Redbreast Did cover them with care."
All of which affecting particulars were read in those days from a large edition, and were religiously believed.
The white house on the cross street, from Dr. Gilmer's to Main street, was (if memory does not
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deceive), for a brief period, the residence of Wil- liam and Jane Lynch. It was afterwards the residence of a Mr. Duffy-and it was here that " Duffy's Brewery " was kept. It was afterwards the abode of Green B. Lewellen ; and then a man, by the name of Wilson, kept there an "entertain- ment" for gentlemen, wagoners and hog-drovers.
The house occupied by Dr. Gilmer was also, at one time, the residence of Mrs. ELIZABETH CAMM, of Amherst county. This lady was the wife of Mr. Camm, well-known and esteemed for bril- liant talents. She was the mother of Robert Camm, who was also remarkable for his fine talents, and whose early death was much deplored by a large circle of friends. This venerable lady survives, and, at an advanced age, retains all of her faculties in a remarkable degree. She resides on her estate, in the county of Amherst, managing her domestic concerns with great energy. Mrs. Camm is the mother of Mrs. Donald and Mrs. Anderson, of Bedford ; Mrs. William Saunders, of Lynchburg; and Mrs. Dr. David Patterson, of Amherst. Mrs. Camm also resided, for a time, in the house opposite ; and in the house on the hill now occupied by Mr. Cabaniss. The house on the hill, now occupied by Mr. Biggers, was the abode of Mr. Roberts, a member of the Friends' Society, who married Miss Lynch, one of the daughters of the founder of Lynchburg; and this house is now
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occupied by a grand-daughter of this worthy man, Mrs. Mildred Biggers.
Exactly opposite the residence of Dr. William Owens, was a brick cottage, with two doors opening on the street. This spot is invested with a pecu- liar interest from its having been the residence of John Hampden Pleasants, who lived there with his lovely wife during the brief period of their married life, though this sweet woman was at her mother's house at the time of her sudden death.
In 1826, the house occupied by Dr. Gilmer was the residence of Mr. DAVID PATTERSON, of Buck- ingham. He was a good man, and honest, useful citizen ; and was a younger brother of Mr. Alex- ander Patterson, who was the first to run stages between Lynchburg and Richmond. This latter gentleman was a person of great energy and enter- prise ; and, at the time he first started his line of stages, the road between the town and the city of Richmond, was almost impassable, and the "Leath- ern Convenience" only plied once a week between the two places :- the coaches then were very little better than wagons, and the passengers clambered in, by way of the driver's seat, in front. When the stages began to be made comfortable, and to have side-doors, they were considered as most lux- urious conveyances : they then made two trips in one week, and, finally, they made tri-weekly trips,
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which were thought to be the greatest speed, at which public conveyances could arrive. But since the canal and railroad have been in operation, the pleasures of stage-travelling are now scarce known, whilst all those well known and celebrated stop- ping places-" Upper Patterson's, " "Lower Pat- terson's, " "French's, " "Raines' Tavern"-are broken up, and many public houses on the Rich- mond road untenanted, save by owls and bats.
The house now owned and occupied by Dr. Saunders, was, in 1833, the residence of Dr. Gus- TAVUS ROSE, a well known and esteemed physician of Lynchburg. This gentleman was the youngest brother of those remarkable women, Mrs. James Pleasants, Mrs. Spottswood Garland, Mrs. Charles Irvine, Mrs. Landon Cabell, Sr., and Mrs. Cope- land, of Cumberland. Dr. Rose married Anna, daughter of David S. Garland, Esq., of Amherst county. No one in Lynchburg can ever forget this lovely woman, so remarkable for all the traits which adorn the wife, mother and friend ; and feelings of the past so rush into our heart, filling it with sweet, hallowed memories of her many virtues, that we feel inadequate to give such a sketch of her as would do justice to her memory. About twenty- three years since, Dr. Rose emigrated to Indiana, where his excellent wife died in 1856, leaving a large family settled near Laporte, Indiana.
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THE LANGHORNE FAMILY.
" The same fond mother bent at night O'er each fair sleeping brow ; She held each folded flower in sight- Where are those dreamers now ? "
HEMANS.
A large old wooden Hotel stood nearly opposite the Episcopal Church. It was formerly the " Bell Tavern," kept for many years by Mr. Wells .* It was afterwards the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Doug- lass, who there kept a Seminary; then, for a time, it was inhabited by the late Mr. Pleasant Pastier. It was a rumbling old building, reminding one of the "Blue Lion, Muggleton," the "Great White Hart," or "The Great White Horse Cellar." Some years since, this edifice was purchased by Colonel
* Are there any surviving, who attended school on Church Street many years since, when a fat boy and girl were exhibited at this place ? Their pictures were swung out from the porch, greatly alluring the little folks who passed by ; that of the fat boy, with an orange in his hand, and a portrait of the girl with a full blown rose.
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Maurice Langhorne, and by him much modernized. It was the happy and hospitable abode of this family for some years, but it has since been pulled down, and in its place now stands a stately building, quite like the style of Philadelphia or New York.
Colonel MAURICE LANGHORNE was a native of Cumberland county, and in early life was united in marriage to Elizabeth Allen, a lady of great worth and loveliness, and for a number of years after this event, they resided in the vicinity of Cumberland Court-house. In the year 1828, re- moving with his family to Lynchburg, he for a term of years leased the beautiful residence of William Lewis Cabell, the house now occupied by D. Payne, Esq. Their arrival was quite an epoch in the social life of Lynchburg; for the amiable, kindly disposi- tion of the Langhorne family, joined to their hospi- tality, soon made their abode a favorite place in the town. Mrs. Elizabeth Langhorne was greatly beloved and esteemed, and her memory will ever be fondly cherished by friends, who will look back with admiration on her lovely exemplification of the Christian life. In this house, passed away, in the spring of 1832, one of the fairest and loveliest girls of Lynchburg. SALLY CARY LANGHORNE, the second daughter of Colonel Maurice Langhorne, died at the age of seventeen. Lovely both in per- son and character, her untimely death spread for a
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length of time a gloom over the town .* Death could not efface the beauty of this young girl, and very many went to the house of her father to gaze on her lifeless remains, which, in their beautiful re- pose, resembled an angel.
ELIZABETH LANGHORNE, the eldest daughter, was singularly lovely in appearance. Her form perfectly symmetrical, her complexion pure and beautiful, her bright golden hair actually seeming to gild her youthful features, throwing around them a halo.
Whilst the heart throbs with tender emotion at the recollection of a beloved school-mate, we cannot adequately express the warm appreciation we have of this very lovely woman. She became the wife of Anderson Armistead, Esq., blessing his house hold with the sunshine of her cheerful, loving heart. Rejoicing as a wife and mother, she was called, during the full tide of youth and happiness, to join her beloved sister in heaven; and mourn- fully do we now record the departure of MARY, t
" The last of that bright band.
* The funeral of this sweet girl was preached three times ; once at the Presbyterian Church, whither her remains were car- ried, and on the Sabbath afterwards, it was preached by her affectionate teacher, Rev. F. G. Smith, and the Sabbath follow- ing it was preached at the Reform Methodist Church.
+ This amiable lady was the youngest daughter of Colonel
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She was the wife of J. Kerr Caskie, Esq., sur- viving her marriage only a short time, and soon following to the grave her infant child.
Colonel M. Langhorne, with a numerous family of sons, resides in Lynchburg, and though some- what advanced in years, he retains the energy, ac- tivity and cheerfulness of youth. Most industrious in his habits, a long course of diligence in his pur- suits has been crowned with an ample fortune, which he enjoys in a rational manner, establishing during his lifetime his children and descendants.
Langhorne, and greatly beloved by all. She died several years previous to the death of Mrs. Armistead.
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HENRY LANGHORNE-MRS. FRANCES LANGHORNE.
" When I consider how my light is spent, Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide, And that one talent which is death to hide, Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent To serve therewith my Maker, and present My true account, lest he, returning, chide ;
' Doth God exact day labor, light denied ?' I fondly ask ; but Patience, to prevent That murmur, soon replies, 'God doth not need Either man's work or his own gifts ; who best Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best ; his state Is kingly ; thousands at his bidding speed And post o'er land and ocean without rest ; They also serve, who only stand and wait!'"
MILTON'S SONNET on his own blindness.
HENRY LANGHORNE was a brother of Colonel Maurice Langhorne, and was likewise a native of Cumberland county. When a very young man he was married to Frances, a daughter of James Step- toe, Esq., of Bedford, who was for more than forty years a clerk of that county.
Henry Langhorne was a man of great energy and strength of character, of ardent temperament, and of a disposition most cordial and affectionate. For many years he resided in Lynchburg and its vicinity, subject to many alternations of fortune,
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but maintaining throughout his unbounded hospi- tality. For more than ten years of his life he was the victim of a slow, wasting disease; yet, during the whole of that period, he was closely engaged in the active pursuit of business, amassing, under these trying circumstances, a large fortune, and providing liberally the whilst for a large number dependent on him. A few years since he removed to the county of Roanoke, where he died in 1854.
Mrs. FRANCES LANGHORNE was a very remarka- ble woman, possessing those high-minded, magnani- mous traits for which her venerable father was so remarkable. Passing calmly through a life che- quered with vicissitudes, she was at all times the quiet, cheerful Christian. In her youth she was singularly lovely, her large blue eyes radiant with love and hope, shedding the mildest rays to gladden the social domestic circle. But before she had at- tained the age of thirty, she lost her eye-sight, and in a short time she became totally blind. Yet she retained her buoyancy and cheerfulness, continuing in her habits of industry, and frequently taking from beneath her pillow at night sewing, with which she had provided herself, lest the watches of the night should be tedious.
For some time they resided at Chesnut Hill, the former residence of Judge Edmund Winston, and during the time they were living there, the house
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took fire whilst Mr. Langhorne was absent, and was entirely burnt to the ground, consuming, too, nearly every article of clothes and furniture. It was a time of fearful panic and alarm-a mother deprived of sight, with her young children in this burning dwelling ; yet, to the astonishment of all, this noble woman preserved throughout this trying scene per- fect calmness and self-possession, issuing to all di- rections in an unfaltering voice, going herself to the secretary of Mr. Langhorne, and amidst the crash of falling timbers, the terrible sighing of the raging element, and the broad-side showers of hot coals, she saved every paper of importance belong- ing to her husband. The house of a kind brother in Lynchburg was, for a time, the home of Mr. Henry Langhorne's family, till a new building could be erected at Chesnut Hill. Returning then to their cheerful, happy home, they resided there for a few years, continuing the exercise of their generous hospitality. In the year 1830, Mrs. Langhorne's health declining, she yielded to the solicitations of her friends, and went to the residence of Colonel M. Langhorne in Lynchburg, hoping that change of air might restore to her cheek its beautiful bloom, and strengthen also her exhausted frame. For a time the interesting invalid seemed to rally, but early in the summer of that year, she breathed her last, at the residence of Colonel Maurice Lang- horne, leaving a devoted husband and many chil-
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dren, some of whose faces she had never gazed on in consequence of her loss of sight.
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The house now occupied by Dr. Allison was the residence of Wm. Morgan, Esq., Sr., and his ex- cellent wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Morgan ; a short dis- tance above, was the residence of Judge Daniel, and across the street was the Western Hotel, kept by John F. Johnson, and a little further on, the Ken- tucky Hotel, kept by Mr. Mallory, but afterwards by Mr. Feazle; and not far off, the large white house, on the road leading to the graveyard, was the town residence of the good and beloved "Staunton John Lynch," whilst just below the cemetery was a modest white house, where lived Mr. Vawter, with his family, at the time of his death.
Just below the Western Hotel, on a cross street, was the residence of Mr. Matthew Brown, a use- ful, honest, excellent citizen, who lived there for many years with his family. Of the survivors are Mrs. Mathews, of Lewisburg, Edwin Brown, Esq., of Monroe county, and Howell Brown, Esq., of Amherst, together with Miss Brown, of the latter place ; of those gone before, the good Mrs. Samuel Wiatt; and amongst the early called, Eveline Brown, a child of great piety and excellence, who died many years since in Lynchburg.
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EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN LYNCHBURG.
Until the year 1819, Episcopacy was quite un- known in Lynchburg. About that time or earlier, Bishop Ravenscroft* visited Lynchburg, preaching in the old Methodist Church. Robed in gown and bands, and walking up the aisle of the church, his appear- ance excited the wonder and astonishment of the good people of the town, particularly that of the small boys, who verily believed the Bishop to have been an elderly lady in a black morning wrapper.
Notice having been given that this worthy pre- late would discourse at the old Methodist Church, those who were interested immediately set about to procure a few persons to respond to the morning service. The Carter and Tucker families, and the ladies of the Byrd family, all possessed prayer- books, and knew how to go through the services ;
* Having nothing to rely on but memory, the precise date is not accurately known, and indeed the writer is not even certain of the name of the Bishop; it was an Episcopal one-she thinks Rishop Ravenscroft.
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but, for the credit of the town, it was deemed abso- lutely necessary to have at least one male voice in the responses. Accordingly they procured the ser- vices of one Meredy, an Englishman, who had a large red prayer-book. He stood in front of the gallery, holding his prayer-book very conspicuously, responding loudly, and surveying the congregation with an air of superiority, mingled with compassion for their ignorance.
After this time, a minister by the name of TREAD- WAY, occasionally preached in Lynchburg, but the attendance being always small, and the services not popular, Mr. Treadway was discouraged from making any attempt to rear there the standard of Episcopacy. To the Rev. Nicholas Cobbs, now Bishop of Alabama, is Lynchburg indebted for the first dawning of an Episcopal Church. This ex- cellent man was a native of Bedford county, and, in early youth, he adopted the profession of school- teaching. Soon after his marriage, he made a profession of religion ; and, partly through the influence of the late Mr. Seth Ward, he connected himself with the Episcopal Church. Mr. Cobbs was much beloved in the town of Lynchburg, and his well known humility and piety disposed persons to listen attentively to his preaching ; and, in time, the morning service, with his earnest manner of reading, became very popular. Though located in his native county, Mr. Cobbs had a peculiar and
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tender care of the parish in Lynchburg, greatly aiding, by his counsel and sympathy, the first Epis- copal minister who settled in that place.
About the year 1822, or 1823, the Rev. F. G. SMITH established himself in Lynchburg, making his home in the house of Thomas Wyatt, where, during the lifetime of that excellent man, he re- mained. Mr. Smith established in the town, a school of first class for boys, teaching during the week in the Masonic Hall, and preaching in his school-room every Sabbath. Notwithstanding the opposition, at this time, to Episcopacy, Mr. Smith continued to preach under discouraging circum- stances, and, for some years, without even the smallest salary. He was a man of great worth and purity of character, exercising at all times that " charity which beareth all things and is not easily provoked." His uniform mildness and gentleness effected in Lynchburg more than could be ima- gined-the Church members increased, and the use of the prayer-book became common throughout that little band of worshipers in the old Masonic Hall. He caused great improvements to be made in church-music, and the chants were, under his instruction, beautifully sung, with all the different parts. It was at length determined to build a church. Mrs. Sarah Cabell, the wife of the late Dr. George Cabell, presenting them with the
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ground, the corner stone was laid in the year 1825-the work progressing rapidly, the pastor aiding by liberal donations from his own small store. The Thespian Society, headed by the late Hardin Murrel, Giles Ward and William Diggs, had, during the summer of that year, a series of entertainments at the old theatre, the proceeds being applied to the benefit of the Church.
Mrs. Sarah Cabell was a lady of great elegance and refinement, a devoted member of the Episcopal Church, and fondly did she look forward to the time when she could worship in the Church of her adoption ; but early in the spring of 1826, she died after a short illness. At this time the Church was quite in an unfinished state, but it was pressed forward with great eagerness, as the first Episcopal Convention in upper Virginia was to hold its meet- ing in this new church during the month of May. A great concourse of visitors assembled at this time in Lynchburg, whilst the august body of lay- delegates and ministers made a strong impression on the good people of the town. It had been arranged that the funeral of Mrs. Sarah Cabell should be preached, by the Rev. F. G. Smith, the last Sunday evening of the Convention. This lady had been greatly attached to her pastor, and it was fitting that he who so well appreciated her shining traits and lofty character, should preach her funeral sermon. But it was a task too trying to his heart ;
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