USA > Virginia > Virginia and Virginians; eminent Virginians, executives of the colony of Virginia, Vol. II > Part 20
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 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39
THOMAS L. SYDNOR, D. D. S.,
Son of Rev. Thos. W. Sydnor, D. D., is a native of Virginia, born in Nottoway county, on April 12, 1849. He was educated at the Rich- mond College, and then entered the Baltimore Dental College, whence he was graduated with honors in 1874. From 1874 to 1879 he practiced his profession in Salem, Virginia, and since that time has been in practice in Danville, his present place of residence. Fourteen years of practice and an entire devotion to his profession have given him a well deserved reputation in his business. Dr. Sydnor had two brothers in the Confederate States Army: Edward G., killed at Sharpsburg, Maryland, September 17, 1862; and R. Walton, captain of Nottoway Company last year of the war, at the age of seventeen years.
THOMAS J. TALBOTT.
The subject of this sketch was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on October 17, 1833. He is a son of Thomas Talbott, born in Baltimore, died in 1844, aged thirty-seven years, and Sarah (Munn) Talbott, who died in 1883, at the age of sixty-seven years. His parents removed . from Baltimore to Richmond, Virginia, when he was eighteen months old, and he was reared in the latter city, attending its schools. At the age of fourteen years he was apprenticed with the firm of Talbott & Brother. In 1852 he went on the Wilmington & Manchester Railroad, as locomotive engineer, and a year later on the Richmond & Danville road, with which he remained until 1857. when he commenced business for himself, manufacturer of tobacco, in Richmond.
In 1860 he came to Danville, which has since been his home, and his practical business training, combined with warm interest in the devel- opment of his adopted home, has made him a factor in the subsequent development of the city, which has, from a population of 3,000 at the
618
VIRGINIA AND VIRGINIANS.
time of his settlement grown to a population of 13,000, with a business second to that of no city of the State. During the war Mr. Talbott was captain of a company, having in his charge the Piedmont Railroad Machine Shop. His brother, Samuel G., served in the Confederate States Army. After the war Mr. Talbott resumed his business as tobacco manufacturer, and he is now a member of the firm of Pace, Talbott & Co., proprietors of the Star Tobacco Factory, No. 3. He is now, and has been for the past eight years, president of the Tobacco Board of Trade, of Danville. In politics Mr. Talbott is a Democrat. He is a member of the City Council, and has been for a number of years, and as member has been able to advance in many ways the best inter- ests of the city. He was a delegate to the National Democratic Con- vention which nominated General Hancock at Cincinnati, in 1880.
At Danville, April 24, 1860, he married Mary M. Pace, who was born in Henry county. Virginia, the daughter of Greenville T. and Nancy (Hughes) Pace. Her parents are no longer living: her father died in 1878. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Talbott are six living, three deceased : Carrie P., Nannie H., Sarah G., Greenville P., Lucy H .. Thomas S., Frank, Mary P., and Watts. Carrie P., the first-born, died in March, 1866, aged five years: Sarah G., deceased, was the third of their children.
BENJAMIN B. TEMPLE, M. D ..
Physician and Surgeon, now of Danville, was born in Middlesex county Virginia, on March 22. 1839. He is a son of Benjamin Temple, who was born in Chesterfield county. Virginia, and died in 1873, aged seven- ty-three years, and Lucy L. Robinson, born in Middlesex county, Vir- ginia, died in 1884, aged seventy-eight years. It is worthy of record that this couple gave to the Confederate States government the service of seven sous in the field, their record briefly stated as follows: Benja- min B. entered service in 1861, private in the 2d Virginia Howitzers. later two years in the 9th Virginia Cavalry; he was wounded at fagers- town, Maryland; was four months a scout with Frank Stringfellow. Major R. 11 .. another son, served in the engineer's corps; C. W. was wounded and captured in battle of second Manassas, and held until exchanged at Washington. D. C .: John T. (now deceased), was a lien- tenant in the 30th Virginia Infantry; William S., sergeant in Pegram's battery, was seven times wounded, and served till the surrender at Appomattox ; Bernard M., also in Pegram's battery, was wounded at second Manassas, and captured at Richmond in 1865; Ludwell R. (now deceased), served in the 9th Virginia Cavalry.
Dr. Temple was graduated in medical course from a school in Rich- mond, Virginia, after which he studied in Paris, France. After the war
619
VIRGINIA AND VIRGINIANS.
he practiced in Middlesex county, Virginia, two years; in 1867 went to St. Charles, Missouri, as surgeon for the Baltimore Bridge Company, and remained with them until, in 1871, he returned to Virginia. In 1872 he went to Reidsville, North Carolina, and in 1874 returned again to his native State and settled in Danville, where he has since been in practice. He has been serving as health officer of Danville, for the past two years. While in New Orleans, Louisiana. September 5, 1866, he married Mary E. Glidden, and they have one son, George G. Mrs. Temple was born in New Orleans, the daughter of George Glidden, who was born in the State of Maine, and has been many years a resident of New Orleans. Her mother, whose maiden name was Mary E. Clark, died in 1850, aged twenty-three years.
HALIFAX COUNTY.
SAMUEL L. ADAMS.
The subject of this sketch was born in Halifax county, Virginia, on October 31, 1863, and his home has always been in the county. His father, John R. Adams, was born in Powhatan county, Virginia, was in the Confederate States Army during the late war, and died on May 28, 1887, aged sixty-four years. His mother, whose maiden naine was Mary A. Stanford, died on July 4, 1874, aged forty-eight years. On January 12, 1887, he married S. Alice Mitchell, and their son, John R., was born on January 17, 1888. Mrs. Adams was born in Halifax county, and her parents are still residents of this county, Capt. John A. Mitchell and Mary F. ( Pringle) Mitchell.
Among the paternal ancestors of Mr. Adams may be named the Adamses of Boston, and the Tuckers of Virginia, who figured con- spicuously in colonial days. His mother's people, the Stanfords of North Carolina, were also publie men of national reputation, his great grandfather, Richard Stanford, being elected to the United States Congress in 1796, and was elected continuously for twenty years. He died in 1816 during the session of Congress, and his remains were interred in the Congressional Cemetery, and a tall marble shaft at present marks the spot. Gen. Stephen Moore, of Revolutionary fame, of the same State, was Mr. Adam's mother's great grandfather. The ancestral coat-of-arms of Mr. Adam's family bears the inscription of " Prima " as will be seen on next page.
·
£
1
620
VIRGINIA AND VIRGINIANS.
Mrs. Adam's ancestors were the Jeffersons, Baskervilles and many others of the old Virginian families, of like reputation.
Mr. Adams is engaged in the insurance business and his address at present is South Boston, Virginia.
JUDGE EDWARD W. ARMISTEAD
Was born in Halifax county, Virginia, in May, 1855. His father is Wil- liam H. Armistead, now of Halifax county, born in Petersburg, Virginia. His mother, who was Miss Sarah Henry before marriage, is the grand- daughter of Patrick Henry. The early education of Judge Armistead was received at Hampden-Sidney College. In 1876 he entered the Wash- ington and Lee University, and was graduated from the Law Course there in 1878. Several years afterward heentered into practice in South Boston, in which he has continued to the present date. He also holds at the present time the office of notary public. From 1881 to 1885 he was judge of Halifax county court.
HENRY EASLEY
Is the son of Henry Easley, M. D., who was born in Halifax county, Vir- ginia, was many years an esteemed physician of the county, and is now deceased. His mother, Mrs. Ann R. L. Easley, is still living in thiscounty. He was born in Halifax county, December 15, 1847, and went to school in the county, at Cluster Springs and at Halifax C. H. At the age of seventeen years, 1864, he entered the Confederate States Army, Pogue's Battalion of Light Artillery, with which he served till the surrender at Appomattox C. H. He had two older brothers in service, Thomas and Andrew, the latter severely wounded in the head.
In Halifax county. October 15, 1873, Henry Easley married Nannie P. Owen. Their living children are: Irvie Owen. Annie Rebecca, Mamie. Henry Owen, and Thomas Owen. They have buried one son, William Preston, died May 29, 1887. Mrs. Easley was born in Halifax county. the daughter of Thomas E. Owen, who was born in this county, and is now deceased. Her mother, now deceased, was Mary B. Baxley, born in Halifax county.
621
VIRGINIA AND VIRGINIANS.
After the war Mr. Easley engaged in mercantile business at Black Walnut and at South Boston for about ten years. He then, with some others, formed the Planters and Merchants Bank, of South Boston, with which he has ever since been connected, and of which he is now cashier. He served as magistrate at Black Walnut twelve months during his residence there.
JOHN WATKINS EASLEY
Was born in Halifax county, on October 22, 1849, the son of Dr. Henry and Ann L. R. Easley. (See preceding sketch for further family record. ) He has been twice married, his first wife Sallie Irvin Owen, who died August 2, 1881, leaving him one daughter, Nannie Preston. Ile married secondly, January 15, 1885, Jennie C. Owen, and they have two children, John W .. and Lizzie O. Mr. Easley waseducated in the schools of Halifax county, and entered on a business life at the age of eighteen years, in the mercantile house of J. S. Easley, Halifax C. H. Two years later he moved to South Boston, where he has since continued in the same business, adding to it an extensive tobacco business. He is a director in the Planters and Merchants Bank, of Sonth Boston, a member of the city council, and city treasurer.
MAJOR HENRY A. EDMONDSON
Is descended from families seated in Halifax. county in the eighteenth century. He was born in this county, on October 20, 1833, the son of Richard Edmondson, who was born in this county, and who died in November, 1857, aged 74 years. His mother, Miss Susan Howell Chas- tain, daughter of Rene Chastain, a descendant of the Huguenots, isstill living at Halifax C. H. His wife was born in Halifax county, Sallie A., daughter of Nathaniel H. Poindexter, and they were married at Halifax C. H., on May 21, 1857. Their children were born in the order named: Mary J., Susan H., Francis W., Anna H., Robert H., Rosa L., Lula II., Lizzie A., Willie L., Sallie A., Frank. Mary, Susan, Anna and Rosa are married; one son. Henry A., died in August, 1865, aged seven years. Mrs. Edmondson's father was born in Halifax county, and died in 1859. aged fifty-one years. Her mother, who was Miss Mary Johnson before marriage, died in 1883, aged seventy-two years.
Mr. Edmondson received his education in the schools of Halifax county. From 1852 to 1857 he clerked for Estes & Avery, general store. In April, 1861, he entered the Confederate States Army, in Company 1, Montagne's Battalion, and served till the close of the war, twice slightly wounded. He was promoted first lieutenant; later was commissioned major of the 53d Virginia Infantry, a regiment of
IN
622
VIRGINIA AND VIRGINIANS.
Pickett's division. Among the battles in which hel took part were: Bethel, Seven Pines, Malvern Hill, second Manassas, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, those around Petersburg, Sailors Creek, Five Forks.
After the war, Major Edmondson returned to Halifax county, where he engaged in farming until, in 1869, he was elected high sheriff of the county, which office he filled until 1887. He has also dealt extensively in tobacco since 1872, is owner of the Edmondson Warehouse and interested in the Flag Warehouse. both at South Boston; is also a partner in the generalstore of Edmondson & Shepherd, South Boston.
ALEXANDER R. GREEN
Was born at Halifax C. H., on December 8, 1841, the son of Thomas Jefferson Green, who was born in Halifax county, and who died on July 20, 1871, aged seventy-four years. His mother was Frances Keeling Burton, born in Granville county, North Carolina, died May 20, 1866, aged sixty-five years. At Halifax C. H., October 31, 1871, he married Lizzie R. Wauhop, and their children are four, born : Sallie R., May 29, 1873; Thomas J., May 4, 1876; Fannie B., January 5, 1879 (died June 6th following); Lizzie A., June 3, 1887. Mrs. Green was born at Mem- phis, Tennessee, the daughter of William and Sarah F. (Ragland) Wanhop. Her father died at Memphis in 1848; her mother died on October 3, 1874, aged fifty-four years.
Mr. Green was raised at Halifax C. H., attending school there, and completing his education in 1859. He was one of five brothers who served through the late war in the Confederate States Army. His ser- vice was in Company A, 53d Virginia Infantry, Armistead's Brigade, Pickett's Division. In Pickett's grand charge at Gettysburg, he was shot through the right breast, by a minie-ball, and was disabled by the wound for nine months, returning then to his regiment and serving till the close of the war. He took part in battles of: Bethel, Seven Pines, Fredericksburg, Suffolk, Gettysburg, Cold Harbor, Drurys Bluff, How- lett Farm, Five Forks, Fort Harrison and Sailors Creek. His brother, Robert B., was wounded in service. The other brothers in service were: Thomas J., Nathaniel T. and William L. After the war Mr. Green clerked in store at Halifax C. H. until August, 1871, when he was appointed commissioner in chancery for county and cirenit courts, which office he has continued to hold up to date. On July 1, 1879, he was elected treasurer of the county, and is still serving, having been elected for three consecutive terms of four years each.
623
VIRGINIA AND VIRGINIANS.
.
THOMAS R. JORDAN.
Thomas R., son of John and Susan R. (Chambers) Jordan, was born in Halifax county. His parents were also natives of this county and residents of same through life. His father died in 1871, his mother died in 1887. His wife is Mary E., daughter of M. H. and A. M. Young. She was born at Marengo, Alabama. Their marriage was solemnized on New Years Day, 1876, by Rev. J. B. Shearer, and their children are two daughters, Nora and Lizzie, and four sons, Hamet. Hurt, Hugo and Herman. The father of Mrs. Jordan was killed by a runaway slave in 1863. Her mother is living now in Halifax county, Virginia. Thomas R. Jordan served through the late war in the Confederate States Army, three years in Company C, 3d Virginia Cavalry, one year in Poage's Artillery Battalion. He was taken prisoner in the advance on Gettys- burg, and held a time in Washington, at the Old Capitol. On July 1, 1879, he was elected clerk of the Halifax county court, and he is still filling that office.
WALTER L. MOON.
Henry Moon, born in Charlotte county, Virginia, now deceased, and Jemima Bailey, also now deceased, were the parents of Walter L. Moon, who was born in Halifax county, Virginia, on January 3, 1843. He has been twice married, Mary H. Russell, of Halifax county, becoming his wife in March, 1865, and dying in 1868, leaving him two children, Helen V. and H. R. He married secondly in 1872, Eliza C. Carrington, and their children are: Elizabeth, Walter, Annie, Mollie and Edward. In April, 1861, Mr. Moon entered the Confederate States Army, in Com- pany A, 58d Virginia Infantry, private, promoted sergeant. In the sec- ond year of the war he went to the Virginia Military Institute, where he remained until early in 1864, when he again entered service in Com- pany G, 6th Virginia Cavalry. In the battle of the Wilderness, May. 1864, he received a shell wound, taking off his right arm, just below the elbow. He was three weeks in Chimborazo hospital, Richmond, then returned home. He engaged in farming for several years after the close of the war, then was three years in the tobacco warehouse business at South Boston until, in July, 1887, he was elected high sheriff of Halifax county. In this office he is still serving.
JOSEPH STEBBINS
Was born June 14, 1850, in Petersburg, Virginia. He married July 24, 1872, Willie S. Fourqureau, of Halifax county, Virginia, the daughter of Reuben D. and Mary B. Fourqureau. Their children are Joseph,
Con
1
1
624
VIRGINIA AND VIRGINIANS.
born November 5, 1874, and Laura May, born September 16, 1878. When he was about a year old, Mr. Stebbins' parents removed to Rich- mond, Virginia, where his boyhood was spent until he was fourteen years of age. His first school was that of Miss Virginia Danforth. In 1859 he spent a session at the school at residence of Col. Thomas Taylor in Goochland county, Virginia; later attended the classical school of R. H. L. Tighe, in Richmond. As the war progressed, the schools were broken up, and he had to go to work. He began as errand boy in a store, and in 1864 came to Halifax county to take a position in a country store at Black Walnut. In 1871 he was admitted to an interest in the business; in 1872 removed to Turbeville, same county, continuing the mercantile business, and in 1876 came to South Boston, where he is now a member of the firm of Stebbins & Lawson, dealers in general merchandise.
On his father's side, Mr. Stebbins is descended from an old Massachu- setts family, his lineage thus traced: Joseph Stebbins, born 1594, sailed in the bark " Francis," from Ipswich, England, in 1634, with wife and four children, one of the first settlers of Northampton, Massa- chusetts; died December 14, 1671. i. John Stebbins, son of Rowland, born 1626, married May 14, 1646, Mrs. Mary Munden; married secondly, November 17, 1657, Abigail Bartlett, of Northampton; died March 9, 1679. ii. John, son of John, born January 28, 1647, one of the early settlers of Deerfield, Massachusetts, soldier under Captain Lothrop, and the only man known to have come out unharmed from the Bloody Brook massacre; had house burned and entire family captured by Indians, February 29, 1704; married Dorothy Alexander, of Boston; died December 19, 1724. iii. John, son of John ii., born 1685, married about 1714, Mary -- , who died August 30, 1733; married secondly August 25, 1735, Hannah AAllen; captured by Indians and redeemed 1704; died September 7, 1760. i. Joseph, son of John iii., born October 20, 1718, selectman and in other town offices; married Mary Stratton, of Northfield, who died July 7, 1797; he died May 30, 1797. ii. Joseph, son of Joseph, born October 15, 1749, second lieutenant in the company of minute men who marched on the Lexington alarm; commissioned lieutenant in Capt. Hugh Maxwell's company, May 26, 1775; was acting captain in Colonel Prescott's regiment, at battle of Bunker Hill; commission as captain signed by John Hancock, president of Continental Congress, July 5, 1775; served through Revolutionary war, rising to rank of lieutenant-colonel; married January 25, 1774, Lucy Frary; died December 15, 1816. iii. Joseph, son of Joseph ii., born February 25, 1782, married December 3, 1805, Laura Hawks, who died November 26, 1825; he died August 18, 1827. iv. Joseph, son of Joseph iii., born May 12, 1811, removed
E
العلا
625
VIRGINIA AND VIRGINIANS.
in 1837 to Petersburg, Virginia, married there, September 4, 1844, Mary Elizabeth Grundy; about 1851 removed to Richmond. They had six children, two of whom died in infancy. The remaining four were named, Laura, Joseph (subject of this sketch), Henry and Arthur, all of whom, except Joseph, who was then absent from home, together with the parents, perished when their home was consumed by fire, on February 21, 1865.
On his mother's side, Mr. Stebbins is descended from George Grundy of Shipley Hall, Derbyshire, England, where he was born about 173 -; came to colonial Virginia, settling in Norfolk; married, about 176-, Miss Sarah Lane, a noted belle of Edenton, North Carolina. His son George, born in Norfolk, April 4, 1790, removed to Petersburg, there married in July, 1815, Caroline Smith; one of the original members of the "Petersburg Volunteers," a company commanded by Captain McRae in the war of 1812, the heroic band that gave to Petersburg the name of the "Cockade City;" died at Petersburg, July 14, 1826. His daughter, Mary Elizabeth, born in Petersburg, December 6, 1824, married Joseph Stebbins, father of subject of this sketch, September 4, 1844; perished with him as above recorded.
EDGAR HOPSON VAUGHAN,
Born at Paineville, Amelia county, Virginia, May 6, 1843, is the son of Edwin A. Vaughan and Mary A. P. Haskins, both born in Amelia county, honored residents there through life, and now deceased. His mother died in 1872, his father in 1879. At Black Walnut, Virginia, December 11, 1867, Rev. J. B. Shearer officiating clergyman, he married Almira Traver. Their children are: Mary E., J. Edgar, Florence H., Herbert E., Ida T., and Blanche H. Mrs. Vaughan was born at New Haven, Connecticut, and is the daughter of James and Mary A. (Cham- berlain) Traver, now of South Boston, Halifax county, Virginia.
Mr. Vaughan was educated at Prideville Academy and Edgewood Seminary, Amelia county. He entered the Confederate Army as a pri- vate in Company G, 6th Virginia Cavalry, in August, 1861, and was promoted sergeant, and was in all the principal battles in Jackson's Valley campaign, and also Brandy Station, Gettysburg, Cold Harbor, Five Forks and Appomattox. After the war he was engaged in a mer- cantile business at South Boston, until elected, July 1, 1879, clerk of Halifax county court, which office he is still ably filling.
الجد
626
VIRGINIA AND VIRGINIANS.
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY.
ROBERT BLAIR BERKELEY
Was born in Prince Edward county, Virginia, on October 13, 1842, the son of Peyton Randolph Berkeley and Frances Ann Banister Little. As the family names indicate, he is connected with many of the families who have been honorably identified with the annals of Virginia, and is, indeed, a lineal descendant from Sir William Berkeley (see Volume 1 of this work). His father, born in Richmond, Virginia, in September, 1804, died in May, 1870. His mother, born in Clarkecounty, Virginia, died in September, 1843. During the late war, his father, his elder brother and himself, constituting the entire family, wereinservice. The father was captain of Company K, 3d Virginia Cavalry (Stuart's), and the subject of this sketch was sergeant in the same company. The brother, W. R. Berkeley, was lieutenant-colonel of the 21st Virginia Infantry.
In Prince Edward county, June 12, 1867, Rev. R. L. Dabney, D. D., officiating clergyman, Robert Blair Berkeley married Pattie Maria Price. Their daughter, Faunie Little, born July 27, 1868, died August 30, 1869. Mrs. Berkeley was born in Prince Edward county, as was her father, Charles Allen Price. Her mother, who was Miss Fannie Pris- cilla Wilson, was born in Cumberland County, Virginia. Mr. Berkeley has been twice married, his first wife, Alice M. Scott, whom he wedded ou April 29, 1863, and who lived but a few months. He was educated at Hampden-Sidney College; was graduated in law at the University of Virginia in June, 1871, was in practice in Richmond, 1872-7, then re- moved to Farinville, and since that date has been in practice in Prince Edward and adjoining counties. In May, 1887, he was elected Common- wealth attorney for Prince Edward county for the term of four years, and is still serving.
CAPT. Z. A. BLANTON
Was born in Cumberland county, Virginia, on August 1, 1833. He is the son of Elisha Blanton, who was born in Cumberland county, and who died in February, 1853, aged fifty-three years. His mother was Elizabeth A. Sanders, died in 1875, aged seventy-seven years. His wife is Ida F., daughter of W. T. Rice, of Farmville, who married Mary V. Williams. Mrs. Blanton was born in Farmville, and they were married there, on December 9, 1868. Their children are: one daughter, Lizzie S., and two sons, William B. and Samuel E. In April, 1861, Mr. Blanton entered the Confederate States Army, sergeant Company F, 18th Vir- ginia Infantry. He received promotion to first lieutenant, then eap-
.. ....
1
7
I
627
VIRGINIA AND VIRGINIANS.
tain, and was in command of his company when severely wounded and captured in the third day's fighting at Gettysburg. He was held a prisoner at Baltimore one month, then ten months at Johnson's Island, in Lake Erie. After exchange he was placed on the retired list and did local duty at Farmville a time, then was appointed clerk in the Farmer's Bank, at Farmville. In this position he was serving when the war ended, and at the time of Lee's surrender he took charge of the bank funds, escaped with them, and kept them safely until he was enabled, in due time, to restore them to the bank again. While in active service he took part in battles of: First Manassas, Williams- burg, Seven Pines, Gaines Mills, Malvern Hill, Frazier's Farm, the seven days fighting around Richmond, Petersburg, Gettysburg, and others. Both before and since the war, -Mr. Blanton has been extensively engaged in a tobacco business, in which he still continues. He also carried on a mercantile business for six years after the war.
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.