Alexander, Gerard (Gerrard), was burgess from Fairfax county, session of 1752-1755. He was a great-grandson of John Alexander, the immigrant, and son of Robert Alexander, of Stafford County, and his wife, Anne Fowke, daughter of Col. Gerard Fowke, of Alexandria. At one time he resided at Holm's Island, Prince William County. In 1753 he docked the entail of a tract of 6,000 acres left him by h1s father, and settled other lands in Frederic and Fairfax counties to the same uses. His will was proved in Fairfax, Sept. 16, 1761. It names wife, Mary (Dent?), and six children, and disposes of houses and lots in Alexandria, chairs and horses, and land in Loudoun county.
[Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography, Under The Editorial Supervision of Lyon Gardiner Tyler, 1915 – Transcribed by AFOFG]

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Blake, John B., banker, financier, was born Aug. 12, 1802, in Colchester, Va. He was commissioner of public buildings during a part of the administration of President Pierce, and during the whole of that of President Buchanan. For many years he was president of the National Metropolitan Bank of Washington, D.C.; and was connected with the board of public works in Washington, D. C. He died in Washington, D.C.
[Herringshaw’s National Library of American Biography: Contains Thirty-five Thousand Biographies of the Acknowledged Leaders of Life and Thought of the United States, by William Herringshaw, 1909 – Transcribed by Therman Kellar]

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Carlin, Charles Creighton (1866-1938), a Representative from Virginia; born in Alexandria, Va., April 8, 1866; attended the public schools and Alexandria Academy; was graduated from National University Law School, Washington, D.C.; was admitted to the bar in 1891 and commenced practice in Alexandria, Va.; postmaster at Alexandria, Va., 1893-1897; served as delegate to Democratic National Conventions for forty years; elected as a Democrat to the Sixtieth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of John F. Rixey; reelected to the Sixty-first and to the five succeeding Congresses and served from November 5, 1907, to March 3, 1919, when he resigned before the commencement of the Sixty-sixth Congress, to which he had been reelected; resumed the practice of law in Alexandria, Va., and Washington, D.C.; also engaged in the newspaper publishing business at Alexandria, Va.; moved to Washington, D.C., in 1936 and continued the practice of law; died in Washington, D.C., October 14, 1938; interment in Ivy Hill Cemetery, Alexandria, Va.
(Source: Biographical Directory of the US Congress 1774-Present. Submitted by Linda Rodriguez)

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Cooper, Samuel, adjutant and inspector general, C. S. A.; born at Hackensack, New Jersey, June 12, 1798, son of Maj. Samuel Cooper, of the revolutionary army, and Mary Horton, his wife. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1815 was commissioned brevet second lieutenant of light artillery, and served at New England posts, 1815-18, in the adjutant general's office in Washington City until 1825. and for a year in garrison in Florida . He was on duty at the artillery school at Fortress Monroe, 1826-28, and then became aide-de-camp to Gen. Alexander Macomb. In 1836 he became captain in the Fourth Artillery, and was assigned to staff duty at army headquarters, as assistant adjutant general. During the Florida war he was chief of staff to Gen. William J. Worth, being engaged against the Seminole Indians, in 1841-42. For the next ten years he was on special duty in the war department as assistant adjutant-general, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. For meritorious service in the Mexican war he was brevetted colonel. On May 30, 1848, he became adjutant general of the army. On March 7, 1861, he resigned his commission, and offered his services to the seceded states, and as a citizen of Virginia, was appointed adjutant and inspector-general of the C. S. A. He published "A Concise System of Instruction and Regulations for the Militia and Volunteers of the United States" (1836). He married, in 1827, a granddaughter of George Mason, of "Gunston Hall," Clermont, Virginia. After the war he resided at "Cameron," near Alexandria, Virginia, where he died, December 14, 1876.

[Source: Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography; Edited by Lyon Gardiner Tyler; Publ. 1915; Transcribed by Andrea Stawski Pack.]

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Chichester, Richard H. L.
The holder of high judicial position because of legal ability of distinctive quality, Richard Henry Lee Chichester has held place on the bench of the state of Virginia for the past five years, while for a decade prior to that service he presided over county court in the same state. Public office has known him almost from the time of his entry into professional life, and in numerous offices he has held, whether they be honorary or renumerative [sic], he has rendered service at once valuable and commendable. That the fruits of his labors have come to the state of Virginia is highly fitting, as for generations his ancestors have there made their home.
(I) His grandfather, William Henry Chichester, was a native of Fairfax county, was the owner of a plantation of vast acreage and passed his life in the administration of his estate, his death occurring when he was a young man, prior to the war between the states. He married Jane Peyton, born in Stafford county, who attained the age of eighty-eight years. They were the parents of six children, all now deceased: Francis, Valentine, Mary Washington, John Conway, a soldier in the Confederate army, killed in the civil war; Catherine, Daniel McCarty, of whom further.
(II) Daniel McCarty Chichester, son of William Henry and Jane (Peyton) Chichester, was born in Fairfax county, Virginia, August 20, 1834, died in May, 1896. Preparing for the legal profession he was admitted to the bar, and there found a field in which he gained prominence and important station through the exercise of his innate talents. He was at one time the representative of Fairfax county in the general assembly and was also judge of the courts of Fairfax and Alexandria counties. His reputation as an honorable and upright magistrate was without a blemish, and in the war of 1861-1865 he proved his patriotism of sufficient strength to carry him into the thick of the heaviest fighting of that struggle. He married Agnes Robinson, daughter of Judge R. C. L. Moncure. Judge R. C. L. Moncure was born in Stafford county and there died in 1882, after a successful and honored career at the bar and on the bench. His family is an ancient one in Virginia, the first of his line having there settled about 1670, the American ancestor having been a clergyman, the founder of the old Aquia Church of Stafford. Children of Daniel McCarty and Agnes Robinson (Moncure) Chichester: Mary E., married John L. Lewis, of Bethesda, Maryland; Richard Henry Lee, of whom further; J. Conway, of Fredericksburg; Frank Moncure, an attorney of Fredericksburg; Hallie E., married Frank D. Moncure, of Stafford county, Virginia; Cassius Moncure, an attorney of Richmond, Virginia; Peyton Moncure, a physician of Norfolk, Virginia. Daniel McCarty and Agnes Robinson Chichester were also the parents of two children who died in infancy, and Daniel, died aged twenty-two years.
(III) Richard Henry Lee Chichester, son of Daniel McCarty and Agnes Robinson (Moncure) Chichester, was born in Fairfax county, Virginia, April 18, 1870, and after attending the public schools of Fairfax county entered St. John's Academy, whence he was graduated in the class of 1888. His preparatory education thus thoroughly obtained he was for two terms a student in the academic department of the University of Virginia, leaving college to engage in the study of law in the office of Senator Walter Moore, at Fairfax Court House. He then returned to the University of Virginia, enrolling in the law department graduating from that institution in 1893, at once establishing in Fredericksburg. In 1895 he was elected commonwealth attorney of Stafford county, three years later becoming judge of Stafford and King George counties, in both of which offices he served satisfactorily and well. By Governor Mann's appointment of 1910 he was made judge of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, an appointment that in 1912 was confirmed by the vote of the state legislature. Mr. Chichester holds that position to the present time, discharging the weighty and responsible duties of his office in a dignified and efficient manner, calling to his aid in cases of the gravest import a knowledge of legal lore deep and thorough. After the establishment of the State Normal and Industrial School at Fredericksburg Judge Chichester was a member of the first board of trustees, and to the wise direction of this body that institution owes much of its present sound standing. His chief business interest is as president of the Free Lance Star Publishing Company, a flourishing and prosperous concern publishing a daily newspaper, the "Daily Star," and the "Tri-Weekly Free Lance," and is also a stockholder in the Planters' National Bank and the Commercial State Bank. Judge Chichester is a member of St. George's Episcopal Church, holding a place in the vestry of that organization.
He married in Stafford county, Virginia, June 11, 1895, Virginia Belle, born in Stafford county, daughter of Samuel Gordon and Mary Buchanan (Hansford) Wallace. Her father was born in 1831, died in 1896; was a farmer and a soldier of the Confederate army during the four years of the war between the states. Her mother, deceased, was a native of King George county. Children of Richard Henry Lee and Virginia Belle (Wallace) Chichester: Daniel McCarty, born April 27, 1896, a student in the Fredericksburg High School; Mary Wallace, born January 5, 1898, a student in high school; Richard Henry Lee, Jr., born October 23, 1904.
[Source: Encyclopedia of Virginia Biographies - Vol. IV. Transcribed by Chris Davis]

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Davidson, John W., brigadier-general, was born in Fairfax County, Va., Aug. 28, 1824, was graduated at West Point in 1845, and commanded a howitzer battery under Gen. Stephen M. Kearny in 1846. He remained with the army of the west during the Mexican war being present at the combats of San Pasqual, San Bernardo, San Gabriel and Mesa, and after the war served on the frontier, his most notable accomplishment being the defeat, in 1854, of the Apache and Utah tribes, at Cieneguilla, N. M. in an engagement in which he lost three-fourths of his force and was himself wounded. He won promotion to captain by this action, was promoted major, Nov. 14, 1861, while stationed at Washington, in the defense of the capital, and was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers in February, 1862, commanding a brigade in the Peninsular campaign. He was brevetted lieutenant-colonel U. S. A. for action at Gaines' mill and colonel for Golding 's farm, and also distinguished himself for gallantry at Lee's mill, Mechanicsville, Savage Station and Glendale. He was transferred to the Department of the Missouri and commanded the St. Louis district.

[Source: The Union Army: Biographical; By Federal Publishing Co.; Publ. 1908; Transcribed and submitted to Genealogy Trails by Andrea Stawski Pack.]

 

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Davis, Hon. Richard Beale
Was born in Norfolk County, Virginia, on February 5, 1845, the son of William T. Davis, who was born in Gloucester County, Virginia, February 6, 1817, and died July 17, 1888. His mother, born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, in 1815, died January 21, 1851, was Elizabeth T. C. Beale. His wife, born in Lynchburg, Virginia, is Nannie W., daughter of Charles H. Hall who was born in North Carolina, and died in August, 1872. Her mother was Annie S. Duffey born in Alexandria Virginia now living in Petersburg. Richard K, first-born of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Davis, died in 1877. Their remaining children are: Nannie H., Charles H., Robert B. and John W.

At the age of seventeen years, in May, 1862, Mr. Davis entered the Confederate States Army, Company E, 12^th Virginia Infantry, with which he served until the close at Appomattox. He was slightly wounded the battle of Seven Pines, and again wounded at Petersburg (battle of the Crater). Returning home he resumed his studies, and took the academic course in the University of Virginia, then studied law in the same university, mid was graduated in June, 1870. He settled in Petersburg, and has since been engaged in practice in that city and adjoining counties. He was a member of Virginia legislature from Petersburg in 1875-1877.

[Source:  Virginia and Virginians:  History of Volume 2; by Robert Alonzo Brock, Virgil Anson Lewis; publ.  1888; Pages 634 to 659; transcribed by Andrea Stawski Pack 2011]

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Ford, Charles Edward
1ST LIEUTENANT, STUART’S HORSE ARTILLERY.
It may be possible, in some instances, to recount in a comparatively limited space the personal merits and public services of a person who greatly distinguished not only himself, but the age in which he lived, and still render ample justice to his character and memory; whilst, in other cases, it may prove very difficult, if not absolutely impossible, even in an extended and elaborate notice, to render even approximate justice to one who had barely attained his majority. Of the latter the present is a case in point.

In the stirring and trying times which marked the struggle for Southern independence, no man's merits or services were reckoned by his length of years, nor based upon the standing of his family, either socially or politically. In that giant struggle, as is well known, the youth of the South played a conspicuous and an honorable part; and it can be said truly, and without the least disparagement to the just claims of any other person or persons, that not one of all the many " worthy sons of noble sires" who so cheerfully offered their services, and their lives as well, to the sacred (though lost) cause acquitted himself with higher honor, or in a manner more gratifying to his friends or more acceptable to his superior officers, than did the subject of this brief notice—Charles Edward Ford.

Lieutenant Ford was the eldest son of Edward R. and Julia F. Ford, and was born at Fairfax Court-House, Virginia, on the 23d day of November, 1841. At a very early age he gave evidence of possessing a remarkably active and acute mind, eminently susceptible of a very high degree of culture and development. It was quick and vigorous, clear and analytical, enabling him to grasp and comprehend all the branches taught in the several schools and institutions he attended, with such wonderful facility and thoroughness as to attract as well the attention as the admiration of his respective teachers. Until the attainment of his eighteenth year he attended such schools as his native village afforded, the best and most advanced of which was a private one taught by an Episcopal clergyman, the Rev. R. T. Brown,—a talented and highly-cultivated gentleman; and it was the remarkable proficiency "and the facile ability of his pupil to master any and all of the higher and more abstruse branches of learning (as shown whilst pursuing his studies under his immediate supervision), that induced that accomplished scholar (Rev. R. T. Brown) to suggest to and urge his pupil's parents to send him to the Military Institute—then, as now, the pride of Virginia— at Lexington. Accordingly, on the 4th of August, 1859, Charles Edward Ford entered the Virginia Military Institute as a cadet.

Owing to the unfortunate absence of all data which would conclusively and officially attest the exalted and honorable standing to which he attained during his brief stay in that noble institution, it must suffice to say that, in four classes of which he was a member during his first year, he ranked first in two, and third and fifth, respectively, in the remaining two!

Immediately upon the commencement of active hostilities between the North and South, a large number of the more capable cadets at the Military Institute were selected as drill-masters, and sent to different points in the State (Virginia) and throughout the South, for the special purpose of preparing raw recruits for active service in the field; and under this disposition of cadets the subject of this sketch was assigned to the important post of Richmond, Virginia, in May, 1861. It would be superfluous to undertake to prove that he discharged the onerous and responsible duties then and there imposed upon him to the entire satisfaction of his superiors in command. Suffice it to say, that by his firm yet gentle and affable deportment he won the confidence and respect of all the recruits placed from time to time under his charge and discipline.

On the occasion of the first advance of the Federal army (under General McDowell) into Virginia, Cadet Ford was at home (at Fairfax Court-House) making a brief visit; but when, on the morning of the 17th of July, 1861, the Confederate forces, under General G. T. Beauregard, commenced falling back to Bull Run, he asked permission, which was cheerfully given, to join Captain Richardson's company of Colonel (afterwards General) Kershaw's 2d South Carolina (Infantry) Regiment, and he gallantly .participated with it in that memorable battle of the 21st of July, 1861 (known as the " first Manassas"), which resulted so disastrously to the Northern arms. As an incident of this fight, it may be mentioned that our young friend's (Cadet Ford) musket was shattered and thus rendered useless early in the day by a ball from an enemy's gun, but he instantly remedied the loss by seizing a weapon that had just fallen from the hands of a mortally wounded comrade at his side, and bravely kept his place in the ranks until the close of that hotly-contested battle.

Immediately upon the organization of that branch or arm of active military service commonly known as "Stuart's Horse Artillery" (which proved so effective throughout the war), our young friend was assigned to duty with it, in a capacity equally honorable and responsible. Here, again, the writer of this sketch finds himself unable, owing to the entire absence of official data, to render anything like adequate justice to the character and memory of the gallant and noble youth who, soon thereafter, was honored with a commission as second lieutenant of artillery. It will suffice to say, however, that by his prompt and faithful performance of every duty which in , any way devolved upon him he won confidence and esteem of all his subordinates, and likewise received the special praise of his superiors in command. That brilliant and accomplished soldier and gentleman, the lamented General J. E. B. Stuart, held Lieutenant Ford in high esteem, and frequently complimented him by commendatory mention of his services. The gallant general had watched with much pride and soldierly interest the rapid development of those manly and gifted traits which so prominently distinguished his youthful friend,—hence the prediction, on his part, that "the highest and proudest distinction that can possibly be attained by any military man in this country is in reserve for Lieutenant Ford, if, happily, his life shall be spared."

On the 10th of November, 1863, that wise and sagacious statesman, Governor John Letcher, "from special trust and confidence reposed in his fidelity, courage, and good conduct," issued to our young friend (then a second lieutenant) a commission as "first lieutenant of artillery in the Provisional Army of the State of Virginia, to rank as such from the 15th of February, 1863." This was a high and well-deserved honor, creditable alike to the official head of the State and to the youthful recipient (who had just reached his twenty-second year); and most efficiently and worthily did he discharge the arduous duties which appertained to this responsible position. From his earliest youth he had adopted the maxim that "whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well," and he religiously acted it out in every station and under all circumstances.

The record, subsequently, of Lieutenant Ford is part and parcel of the brilliant record of the Army of Northern Virginia, around which will ever cluster, and brighten as years go by, the grandest and proudest memories of a grateful people for the matchless skill, heroic endurance, sublime patriotism, and unequaled achievements exhibited and performed by that grand army, under its noble and immortal leader, during the four years of its eventful existence. The division to which our young hero's battery was attached was always at " the front," hence he participated in all, or nearly all, the many hotly-contested conflicts in which that army was engaged, up to the 25th of May, 1864. On the evening of that day, at Hanover Court-House, Virginia, near the close of a severe battle, and whilst gallantly protecting the men of his battery, who were hurriedly limbering up, Lieutenant Ford received a Minie-ball through his forehead, and fell, mortally wounded, from his horse. He died without a struggle within thirty minutes after receiving the fatal wound, in the twenty-third year of his age. His remains were carried to Richmond by sad and stricken comrades and friends, and interred in Hollywood Cemetery,—the Rev. T. G. Dashiell, of St. James's (Episcopal) Church of that city, officiating on the mournful occasion.

Thus passed away, in the early morning of his life, one of Virginia's noblest, most talented, and promising sons. Tenderly and carefully reared, surrounded with all the accessories that could make life desirable; with the wise precepts and bright examples of loving and pious parents, and the sweet companionship of pure and accomplished sisters and affectionate brothers, his youth passed as pleasantly and as happily as heart could desire; and by his every word and act he gave ample evidence that he fully appreciated not only the material benefits so lavishly and lovingly provided for him, but also those sweeter and holier blessings which ever centred in and around his truly happy and refined home. Alas! that once happy home—that charmed circle, wherein peace and happiness and love were wont to dwell—has been invaded, and its fondest and most cherished idols shattered and taken hence by the cruel and relentless hand of Death! The revered lather and an idolized sister have since followed the noble son and chivalric brother to "that bourne whence no traveller returns,"—leaving, truly, a stricken household, and a large circle of sorrowing relatives.
Hiram Brower.
(Source: Biographical sketches of the Graduates and Eleves of the Virginia Military Institute who fell during the war between the States, by Chas. D. Walker. Published 1875. Transcribed and submitted to Genealogy Trails by Linda Rodriguez)

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Ford, Rufus

Rufus Ford, of Ogden, conducting business under the name of the Ogden Transfer & Storage Company, in which he has developed interests of considerable extent and importance, bringing to him a substantial reward for his labors, comes to the west from Virginia, his birth having occurred in Alexandria, that state, on the 17th of September, 1861. His father, George Ford, was born in England , followed merchandising throughout his active business life and passed away at the age of sixty-five years. The mother, Mrs. Mary (Coagan) Ford, a native of England , has also passed away, at the age of seventy-three years.

Rufus Ford was educated in the schools of Wisconsin , near Janesville , his parents having removed to that state during his early boyhood days. Later the family home was established near Logan , Iowa , and when eighteen years of age Rufus Ford went to Nebraska , where he engaged in farm work at a wage of eighteen dollars per month. He was thus employed until he had attained his majority. At that time he went to Idaho and also to Helena , Montana , making the journey to the west before railroads had penetrated into that section of the country. He first came to Utah in 1883 and afterward took up his abode in Cheyenne , Wyoming , where he was employed by the railroad as receiving clerk in the freight house and as baggage agent in 1888. He was also at Laramie , Wyoming , for a time.

At a later period he returned to the home farm in Nebraska and put it in excellent condition, bringing the fields under a high state of cultivation. When this was accomplished Mr. Ford went to Cheyenne , Wyoming , and was employed in railroad work there for four years, being connected with the baggage department. He next came to Ogden , Utah , for the benefit of his health, which had become impaired through over-work. At that time Charles Hollingsworth was baggage agent at Ogden and when he left Mr. Ford took charge of the baggage station at Ogden and capably filled the position for some time. He established his present business in 1889, or thirty years ago, under the name of the Ogden Transfer .& Storage Company. The slogan of the firm is: "We move anything with two ends."

Their business has now assumed extensive proportions and they have their offices at Nos. 2340 to 2346 Grant avenue , where they also have large storage warehouses. Their equipment includes likewise big barns and large moving vans; in fact Mr. Ford has everything that is necessary for the conduct of a storage and transfer business of extensive proportions. He is the owner of two warehouses and is accorded a most liberal patronage by reason of his straightforward dealings, his close application to business and his unremitting energy.

On the 2nd of February, 1890, Mr. Ford was married to Miss Bertha Rath, of Denver, and to them have been born five children: Edgar Allen, now a member of the navy; Amelia, the wife of Henry Hall, living at North Ogden; Cecilia, the wife of C. L. Hawley; Florence, who is in school; and Damon, a lad of eleven years.

Mr. Ford is a home man, spending his leisure hours at his own fireside. He belongs, however, to the Knights of Pythias and when opportunity permits he enjoys hunting. His attention, however, is chiefly given to his business affairs and his energetic life and intelligently directed effort are manifest in the success which has come to him.

[Source: Utah since Statehood: Historical and Biographical Volume 2; By Noble Warrum; Publ. 1919; Transcribed and submitted by Andrea Stawski Pack.]

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Gilbert, Edward Thomas; born Lewinsville, Va., (Fairfax Co) June 29, 1849; son of John and Sarah Catherine (Ball) Gilbert; common school education, mostly at Zanesville, O.; married at Footville, O., June 24, 1873, Eva Louise Holt. Began active career as telegraph operator Kansas City, Fort Scott & Gulf R.R., in Kansas, and continued, 1870-75; was chief clerk in purchasing agent’s office Michigan Central Ry., at Detroit, 1875-80; secretary Michigan Bolt & Nut Works, 1880-95, and has been vice president, treasurer and general manager of the company since 1895. Also president Associated Employers’ Corporation and director American Chalk Co. Liberal Republican in politics. Presbyterian. Office: Foot Meldrum Av. Residence: 83 Brainard St.
(Source: The Book of Detroiters by Albert Nelson Marquis 1908, Submitted by Christine Walters)

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Harrison, Mrs. Constance Cary, author, born in Vaucluse, Fairfax county, Va., in 1835. She comes of an old Virginian family, related to the Fairfaxes and to Thomas Jefferson. After the close of the war Miss Cary went to Europe with her mother, and returned in 1867, becoming the wife of Burton Harrison, a lawyer of Virginia. Several years after their marriage they removed to New York, where they now live. In 1876 Mrs. Harrison published her first magazine story, "A Little Centennial Lady." Her published books are "Golden Rod" (New York, 1880); "Helen of Troy" (1881); "Woman's Handiwork in Modern Homes" ( 1881 ); "Old Fashioned Fairy Book " (1885), and "Bric-a-Brac Stories" (1886). She has written more recently "Flower de Hundred," a curious history of a Virginia family and plantation since 1650. She is the author of "My Lord Fairfax, of Greenway Court, in Virginia," and of "The Home and Haunts of Washington." She has produced several plays, chiefly adaptations from the French. In 1890 her anonymous story, "The Anglomaniacs," appeared in the "Century Magazine," and the authorship was not revealed until the story was published in book form. That story won for her recognition abroad, and she is now ranked among the leading novelists of the day. Her home in New York City is a social and literary center.
(Source: American Women, by Frances Elizabeth Willard, Mary Ashton Rice Livermore, Vol 1, 1897. Transcribed by Marla Snow)

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Withers, Jones Mitchell, planter, lawyer, merchant, editor, legislator, and major-general C S. Army; was born January 12, 1814, in Huntsville, and died March 13, 1891, in Mobile; son of John Wright and Mary Herbert (Jones) Withers, the former a planter and native of Dinwiddle County, Va., the latter a daughter of William Frederick Jones, and a native of Brunswick County, Va. The family to which General Withers belonged was of English descent, registered in 1487, in the College of Arms, and settled in Fairfax County, Va., in 1745, descendants of Col. Augustine Claiborn of "Windsor," King William County, Va. He attended the Greene academy in Huntsville until he was seventeen years of age, going from there to the military academy at West Point, from which he graduated July 1, 1835, resigning December 5, 1835, and returning to his home in Huntsville. In May of the following year he enlisted for the Indian campaign, on the staff of Major-General Patterson, and was later transferred to General Jessup's staff. In 1838 he was admitted to the bar and later became private secretary to Governor Clay, and secretary of the senate. He removed to Tuscaloosa, where he was elected a director of the State bank. In 1841, he made his home in Mobile, where he practiced law, and was a commission merchant. He was appointed lieutenant-colonel April 9, 1847, of the 13th Alabama infantry regiment, for the War with Mexico, and on September 13 of the same year was appointed colonel of the 9th Alabama infantry regiment. He resigned May 23, 1848, and returned to commercial life in Mobile. In 1855, he was elected a representative from Mobile County, on the American ticket; was mayor of Mobile, 1858-61. At the outbreak of the War of Secession he was commissioned colonel of the 3rd Alabama infantry regiment, and was promoted brigadier-general, July 10, 1861, and commanded the defenses of Mobile. On September 12, 1861, the war department of the Confederate States placed him in charge of the State of Alabama and that portion of Mississippi east of Pascagoula River. His command, known as the "Army of Mobile," was extended on December 20, 1861, westward, so as to include Pascagoula Bay and that portion of Mississippi east of Pearl River. In the battle of Shiloh, April 6-7, 1862, he commanded the 2nd division of the 2nd corps, and later the 2nd division of the 1st corps, and was promoted major-general August 16, 1862, to rank from April 6, 1862. On October 7, 1862, he was detached from General Bragg's army and sent to reinforce Gen. Kirby Smith near Salvisa, Ky. On February 6, 1864, he was assigned to the northern district of Alabama. At the close of the war he became the editor of the "Mobile Tribune." He was a Democrat; Mason; and a Presbyterian. Married: January 12, 1837, Rebecca Eloise, daughter of Hon. Daniel Morgan and Harriet (Brevard) Forney, both of Lincoln County, N. C., the latter a descendant of Gen. Peter Forney and of Capt. Alexander Brevard of the Revolution. Children: 1. Harriet Brevard, m. Major Daniel E. Huger, who served on the staff of his father-in-law, Major-General Withers, and was by him, on July 14, 1864, recommended to be appointed brigade-commander; 2. Daniel Forney, deceased; 3. Mary Jones, m. Gen. Bryan M. Thomas; 4. Sylla McDowell, m. H. E. Witherspoon, deceased; 5. Jones Mitchell, deceased; 6. Charles Hopkins; 7. Herbert, deceased; 8. Eloise Forney, deceased; 9. Virginia Clay, m. G. B. Cleveland, deceased; 10. Daicey L. , m. Collier Humphreys, deceased. Last residence: Mobile.
[History of Alabama and Dictionary of Alabama Biography, Volume 4 by Thomas McAdory and Mrs. Marie (Bankhead) Owen, 1921 - Transcribed by AFOFG]

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Lee, Fitzhugh, was born at Clermont, Fairfax County, November 19, 1835, son of Commodore Sydney Smith Lee, U. S. N., grandson of "Light Horse Harry Lee," and nephew of Gen. Robert E. Lee. After receiving an academical education he was appointed to the United States military academy in 1852, graduating in 1856, and was commissioned second lieutenant of cavalry. He was in active service against the Indians, and was severely wounded. In May, 1860, he was ordered to report at the United States Military Academy as cavalry instructor, and was on this duty until the outbreak of the civil war when he resigned. Entering the Confederate service, he was commissioned first lieutenant of cavalry. For four months he was adjutant-general of Gen. Ewell's brigade. In August, 1861, ho was made lieutenant-colonel of the First Virginia Cavalry, was promoted to colonel in March, 1862; to brigadier-general, July 24, 1862, and to major-general, August 3, 1863.

He was with the Army of Northern Virginia in all its campaigns. He was severely wounded in the battle of Winchester, September 19, 1864, and had three horses shot under him. In March, 1865, he was given command of the cavalry corps, Army of Northern Virginia, with which, in April, he surrendered to Gen. Meade, at Farmville, Virginia, and returned home, living in retirement several years. In 1874, on invitation, he attended the Bunker Hill Centennial, and his speech on that occasion was one of the earliest efforts of leading men on either side to lay aside the asperities of the fate conflict, and grow together in the old fraternal bonds. In 1886, at the Washington Centennial celebration, New York City, at the head of the Virginia troops in the parade he received an ovation second to that accorded to no public man present. He was elected governor in 1885, serving until 1890 the constitutional provision alone preventing a re-election.

In 1896 he was made consul-general at Havana, by President Cleveland. During this service he had ample opportunity to distinguish himself by his calm but firm protection of American interests, amid the ragings of the Cuban rising against the Spaniards. His life was threatened, and Americans were in constant danger. In this contingency he had full power to call war vessels from Key West, but did not resort to this method. When the government was obliged to send a war vessel, he cabled to the state department recommending delay of such action, but the Maine had already sailed and was out of reach, and that ship was destroyed by a submarine explosion soon after her arrival at Havana. Following this, the feeling against Americans in Cuba was very threatening. On March 5th Spain asked for the recall of Gen. Lee, which was refused, but on April 5th all American consuls were recalled, and Lee with many other American citizens, returned home. On the organization of troops, Gen. Lee was placed in command of the Seventh corps, and though it was not called into active service, he was designated, in the event of military movements about Havana, to command operations. Late in 1898 he was given command of the artillery forces in the district of Havana, and later of the department of Cuba. He was author of the life of his uncle, Gen. Robert E. Lee, in a "Great Commander" series. He died in Washington City, April 28, 1905.

[Source: Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography; Edited by Lyon Gardiner Tyler; Publ. 1915; Transcribed by Andrea Stawski Pack.]

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Lee, William F. of Alexandria, Virginia
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL, 33D VIRGINIA INFANTRY.
William Fitzhugh Lee was born in the city of Richmond, in April, 1832. The dying blessing of his good father, the late Rev. William F. Lee, rested upon him from his fifth year, and all through his fatherless boyhood and matured life there was a chivalry in his devotion to his widowed mother that made him ever mindful of her happiness, proving a check to him in youthful temptations, and an incentive to strive that her hopes for him might be fully realized.

After his father's death he spent several years in Alexandria; then two years in the home of his kind and attached uncle, Edmund J. Lee, Esq., of Shepherdstown, West Virginia. At ten he was entered at the Episcopal High School, then under the rectorship of the Rev. W. N. Pendleton, D.D. Afterwards he was a pupil of the Rev. George A. Smith, principal of the Fairfax Institute.

In October, 1850, young Lee entered the Virginia Military Institute, becoming a member of the third class. Here he remained, pursuing the prescribed course* of instruction, until July, 1853, when he was graduated. During his senior year he was chosen by his class to deliver the usual valedictory address. This address, carefully preserved until the war by his mother, was taken by a Federal chaplain from some soldiers, who, in ransacking her house, had gotten possession of it, and sent it to his wife to be returned to Mrs. Lee at the first opportunity. The chaplain died in Virginia, but in 1870 his widow, after many fruitless efforts, succeeded in restoring the paper. This is mentioned as an instance of kindness not too often paralleled in the general heartlessness of the war.

But the most important event of his cadet-life was his becoming a servant of that blessed Saviour to whom he had been consecrated in his infancy. With many of his comrades, he took up the cross of Jesus, and manfully bore it through life, proving the power of religious principle to be so strong in him that it was his guide, comfort, and protector in every trial.

After leaving the Institute, Mr. Lee was for a short period engaged as a civil engineer; then taught in Fauquier County until June, 1855, when he received a commission as second lieutenant in the 2d Regiment United States Infantry. Before accepting this position, he went home to consult his mother, knowing how her heart was filled with the hope that he might become a minister of the Gospel. She left the decision to his conscience, and the guidance and blessing of that Providence by whom he had been ever led in safety.

For four years he was at remote frontier posts, winning the respect and approbation of his officers and men, often assisting his captain in reading the service on Sunday to the soldiers. Returning to Virginia on furlough, in 1859, he married Miss Lily Parran, of Shepherdstown; Virginia, and soon returning to a distant post, resumed active duty. In 1861 he was at the arsenal near St. Louis. While rejoicing over his first child,—a daughter,—news came of the stirring events transpiring in his native State. Lieutenant Lee expressed his disapprobation of the course being pursued by the Federal Government towards the South; was arrested by Captain Lyons, of bloody notoriety, and kept a prisoner until court-martialed. After his release, sending in his resignation, he hurried to Virginia to offer her his sword. Through the influence of his relative, Colonel R. E. Lee, he was appointed captain in the Confederate army, and was ordered to duty at Harper's Ferry. Here he was actively engaged in the training of the raw recruits of the recently-formed army, and afterwards, more especially in the neighborhood of Romney, performed laborious service as a drill-master and recruiting officer. While thus engaged he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 33d Virginia Infantry.

Colonel Lee assumed immediately the duties of his office, and with his regiment took part in Johnston's movement to reinforce Beauregard at Manassas. Passing hastily through Winchester, he could only snatch a few minutes to take leave of his young wife and daughter; only time to say a few words to that loving wife,—to cheer her with his own strong faith,—and then to march away to victory and to death. That Sunday morning, July 21, 1861, on the field of Manassas, twice did he lead on his men, and capture Rickett's Battery; but so galling was the fire that each time it was lost. The third time it was taken and kept; but ere this was accomplished Colonel Lee fell mortally wounded. In the second charge a fragment of a shell struck him upon the breast-bone, and rebounded; but the blow broke the bone, driving a large fragment into the cavity of the chest Taken first to the field-hospital, then removed to a private house in the vicinity, he lingered several days, tenderly nursed by his wife and friends, and visited by his father's friend, the Rev. Dr. Andrews. Perfectly resigned to the will of his heavenly Father, still, his love for his mother made him call often for her, and sorrow for the crushing blow that he knew was so soon to fall upon her. He had lived a soldier and a Christian ; he died proudly vindicating his title to the former, and through faith in Christ Jesus humbly trustful that he was the latter.

Of his character as a soldier, Dr. Hunter McGuire, General Jackson's medical director, says,—

"While he was at the field-hospital, General Jackson came back wounded in the hand. He saw Lee, spoke of his gallantry and courage in the highest terms, and expressed the most profound regret at his loss. He was a gallant soldier, a true man, and a serious loss to us all."

The Rev. Dr. Norton, of Alexandria, speaking of Colonel Lee's religious character, says,—
"He was for some time my parishioner, and for a longer time my attached friend. The development of his religious life was like that of his natural constitution,—modest, considerate of others, yet decided in all his conduct; so, in religion, he was diffident of making professions beyond his experience, glad to learn of those who were older, but true to his convictions, and inflexible in resolution. There was -such manliness and earnestness in his deportment as a member of the church as to call forth the respect of all who knew him; and those who knew him well, as it was the privilege of the writer to know him, were not at ail surprised at his subsequent career as the patriotic servant of his country and the true soldier of Jesus. I had hoped much that, after the full growth of his character, ripened by experience, he might become a clergyman, thus following in the footsteps of the father whose memory he so much honored; but this, as so many other hopes, was blighted in the early close of his earthly labors."
(Source: Biographical sketches of the Graduates and Eleves of the Virginia Military Institute who fell during the war between the States, by Chas. D. Walker. Published 1875. Transcribed and submitted to Genealogy Trails by Linda Rodriguez)

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Lee, Fitzhugh, was born at Clermont, Fairfax County, November 19, 1835, son of Commodore Sydney Smith Lee, U. S. N., grandson of "Light Horse Harry Lee," and nephew of Gen. Robert E. Lee. After receiving an academical education he was appointed to the United States military academy in 1852, graduating in 1856, and was commissioned second lieutenant of cavalry. He was in active service against the Indians, and was severely wounded. In May, 1860, he was ordered to report at the United States Military Academy as cavalry instructor, and was on this duty until the outbreak of the civil war when he resigned. Entering the Confederate service, he was commissioned first lieutenant of cavalry. For four months he was adjutant-general of Gen. Ewell's brigade. In August, 1861, ho was made lieutenant-colonel of the First Virginia Cavalry, was promoted to colonel in March, 1862; to brigadier-general, July 24, 1862, and to major-general, August 3, 1863.

He was with the Army of Northern Virginia in all its campaigns. He was severely wounded in the battle of Winchester, September 19, 1864, and had three horses shot under him. In March, 1865, he was given command of the cavalry corps, Army of Northern Virginia, with which, in April, he surrendered to Gen. Meade, at Farmville, Virginia, and returned home, living in retirement several years. In 1874, on invitation, he attended the Bunker Hill Centennial, and his speech on that occasion was one of the earliest efforts of leading men on either side to lay aside the asperities of the fate conflict, and grow together in the old fraternal bonds. In 1886, at the Washington Centennial celebration, New York City, at the head of the Virginia troops in the parade he received an ovation second to that accorded to no public man present. He was elected governor in 1885, serving until 1890 the constitutional provision alone preventing a re-election.

In 1896 he was made consul-general at Havana, by President Cleveland. During this service he had ample opportunity to distinguish himself by his calm but firm protection of American interests, amid the ragings of the Cuban rising against the Spaniards. His life was threatened, and Americans were in constant danger. In this contingency he had full power to call war vessels from Key West, but did not resort to this method. When the government was obliged to send a war vessel, he cabled to the state department recommending delay of such action, but the Maine had already sailed and was out of reach, and that ship was destroyed by a submarine explosion soon after her arrival at Havana. Following this, the feeling against Americans in Cuba was very threatening. On March 5th Spain asked for the recall of Gen. Lee, which was refused, but on April 5th all American consuls were recalled, and Lee with many other American citizens, returned home. On the organization of troops, Gen. Lee was placed in command of the Seventh corps, and though it was not called into active service, he was designated, in the event of military movements about Havana, to command operations. Late in 1898 he was given command of the artillery forces in the district of Havana, and later of the department of Cuba. He was author of the life of his uncle, Gen. Robert E. Lee, in a "Great Commander" series. He died in Washington City, April 28, 1905.

[Source: Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography; Edited by Lyon Gardiner Tyler; Publ. 1915; Transcribed by Andrea Stawski Pack.]

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Mason, James M.
James Murray Mason, formerly United States Senator from Virginia, and more recently a Commissioner from the States in rebellion to England, was born in Fairfax County, Virginia, on December 3, 1798. (One of his ancestors was George Mason, a famous Parliamentarian of the reign of Charles I, and a strong supporter of the Royal cause. Subsequently joining the Cavaliers, under Charles II, he fought against Cromwell; but when Charles was defeated, near Worcester, in 1651, Mason emigrated to America, and settled in Virginia.)
Educated in Virginia and the District of Columbia, Mr. Mason graduated in 1813, in the University at Philadelphia, and subsequently studied law at William and Mary College, Williamsburg, Va., completing his studies in the office of the celebrated Benjamin Watkins Leigh, of Richmond. Commencing practice in 1820, he was, six years thereafter, elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, and re-elected for two subsequent terms. He was chosen a member of the Convention to revise the State Constitution, in 1829, and was elected to Congress in 1837.
Returned to the United States Senate in 1846, he continued to occupy his seat for fourteen years. A strong pro-slavery Democrat, he vehemently opposed the Kansas-Nebraska bill, and all other anti-slavery measures. The author of the Fugitive Slave law, his arguments in support of it constitute much of the bitter and vindictive sectional feelings and eloquence of the debates in the Senate of that day. Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs for ten years, his position made him eminently conversant with that branch of the Government, and qualified him for the subsequent position he held as Commissioner of the Rebel States.
In 1850 he took an active part in the discussion which led to the admission of California, as a Free State, in the Union.
Still holding his position at the head of the Committee on Foreign Relations, in the Senate, he left his seat in 1861, to take sides with the Rebellion, his term not expiring until March 4, 1863. Chosen as Commissioner to England, in conjunction with Slidell, he set sail from Charleston, S. C., on October 12, 1861. Arriving at Havana, Cuba, October 24, they were formally received by the Captain-General. Remaining for a few days, they took passage on board of the British mail-steamer Trent, for Europe. On November 8, they were captured by Admiral Wilkes, in the Bahama Channels, and brought to the United States, and subsequently confined in Fort Warren. Surrendered on January 2, 1862, to the British authorities, Mr. Mason, with his colleague, sailed for England, where, during the civil conflict, they urged the recognition of the Southern States, but without success. Mr. Mason has continued to reside abroad ever since the Rebellion. The controversy between the United States Government and Great Britain, growing out of their forcible seizure on the high seas, involved a great many questions of international law, conducted with more or less ability, and no little acrimony, by Lord John Russell and Mr. Seward, in support of their respective Governments.
Mr. Mason was distinguished in the Senate as an austere man; and though of acknowledged ability and character, he was not a man to win upon the affections of a stranger or his opponents, as are some of the public men who afford a fair representation of the Southern aristocracy.
(Source: Biographies of 250 Distinguished National Men by Horatio Bateman. Published 1871 - Submitted by Linda Rodriguez)

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Mason, Rev. Landon Randolph
"Gunston Hall," on the bank of the Potomac, the ancestral home of this branch of the Masons of Virginia, was built by George Mason, the statesman whom Thomas Jefferson declared "a man of expansive mind, profound judgment, urgent in argument, learned in the lore of our former constitution, and earnest for the republican change on democratic principles." George Mason, the statesman, was the great-grandfather of Rev. Landon R. Mason, who through him descends from Colonel George Mason, a member of the English Parliament in the reign of Charles I and an officer in the army of Charles II, who, after the defeat at Worcester in 1617 escaped to Virginia in disguise, losing his estate in England. From Colonel George Mason sprang George Mason, the statesman, born in Doeg's, afterwards Mason's Neck, in Stafford (now Fairfax) county, Virginia, in 1726.
After the marriage of George Mason, the statesman, to Ann, daughter of Colonel William Eilbeck, of Maryland, he built "Gunston Hall" on the bank of the Potomac river, where he took up his permanent residence. "Gunston Hall" continued in the Mason ownership until after the war, 1861-1865, and there George Mason lived on terms of intimacy with his friend as well as neighbor, George Washington, Truro parish including both Mount Vernon and Gunston Hall. It was Mason's pen that drew up the non-importation resolutions which were presented by Washington and unanimously adopted by the Virginia legislature in 1769, one of them pledging the planters to buy no slaves imported after November 1 of that year. Against the assertion of the British Parliament of the right to tax the colonies, Mason wrote a tract entitled "Extracts from the Virginia Charters, with some Remarks upon Them." At a meeting of the people of Fairfax county, Virginia, July 17, 1774, he presented a series of twenty-four resolutions which reviewed the whole ground of controversy, advised a congress of the colonies, and urged the policy of non-intercourse with the Mother Country. The Virginia convention sanctioned these resolutions and on October 20, 1774, they were substantially adopted by the First Continental Congress. In 1775 George Mason was a member of the Virginia Convention, but he declined an election to Congress for family reasons and urged Francis Lightfoot Lee to take his place. He, however, served as a member of the Virginia committee of safety and supported open rupture with England. He was the author of the famous "Declaration of Rights" and the plan of government unanimously accepted by the Virginia convention of 1776. His ability in debate, as well as his liberal spirit, was eminently displayed in the first legislature of Virginia when he was striving for the repeal of all disabling acts and for the legalization of all modes of worship, James Madison pronouncing him the finest debater he had ever known. In 1777 George Mason was chosen to the Continental Congress, but declined to serve. In 1787, however, he sat in the convention called to frame the federal constitution. He took a leading part in the convention debates and supported the election of the president of the United States directly by the people for a term of seven years, with subsequent ineligibility. He spoke with greatest force against that clause of the Constitution which prohibited the abolition of the slave trade until 1808, declaring that slavery was a source of national weakness and demoralization and that it was therefore essential that the general government should have power to prevent its increase. Propositions to make slaves equal to freemen as a basis of representation and to require a property qualification from voters were strongly opposed by him. He considered some of the features of the Constitution, as agreed on in the convention, so dangerous that he refused to sign it and afterward in Virginia opposed its ratification, in this aiding Patrick Henry, the two insisting on a bill of rights and about twenty alterations in the Constitution itself. Some of these amendments were subsequently adopted by Congress and are now a part of the Constitution. He was chosen one of the first United States senators from Virginia, but declined the honor and retired to Gunston Hall, where he spent the remainder of his years, dying there October 7. 1792.

Dr. Richard Chichester Mason, grandson of George Mason and his wife, Ann (Eilbeck) Mason, was born at Gunston Hall, Fairfax county, Virginia, and died at Alexandria, Virginia, in 1868, aged seventy-five years. He was for many years a physician of Alexandria, a devoted follower of his profession, but retired to live on his estate near Mount Vernon when about forty-five years of age, and in his later years suffered with the other citizens of that place from the ravages of war. Dr. Richard Chichester Mason married Lucy Bolling Randolph, daughter of William Randolph, a member of the noted Virginia family first founded in the colony on Turkey Island. (See record in this work). Dr. Mason and his wife were the parents of sixteen children, of whom four are living at this time: Pinckney, a teacher of Washington, District of Columbia; John Stevens, a farmer of Fauquier county. Virginia; Eva, married a Mr. Heth, deceased, and resides in Washington, District of Columbia, and Landon Randolph, of whom further.
     Rev. Landon Randolph Mason, son of Dr. Richard Chichester and Lucy Bolling (Randolph) Mason, was born in Fairfax county, Virginia, January 1, 1842. He lived in this district, engaged in preparatory study, until the beginning of the war between the states, when he left school to enlist in the Seventeenth Virginia Regiment, serving throughout the entire conflict. During the last year of the war he was in Colonel Mosby's command, and one month before the restoration of peace was taken prisoner and was confined in Fort Warren, as a guerilla captive not subject to exchange. For three years after the close of the war he followed the sea as secretary to a high naval officer, and was then for one year a school teacher, in 1870 entering the Theological Seminary at Alexandria, Virginia. He was graduated in divinity in 1873 and soon afterward was regularly ordained a clergyman of the Episcopal church. The first eight years of his ministry were passed in Charlotte county, Virginia, where he served churches at Charlotte Court House, Keesville, and Chase City, as well as superintending active work in missions throughout the county. For a term of nine years he was pastor of the church at Shepherdstown, Jefferson county, West Virginia, whence, after a most successful and agreeable stay, he went to Marietta, Georgia. In this latter place he remained for but six months, in 1891 accepting his present charge in this city, the Grace Church. It is now nearly a quarter of a century since Rev. Mason took his place in the religious life of Richmond, and each passing year has served but to seat him more firmly in the love and regard of his people, and to heighten the universal respect in which he is held in the city. He has devoted himself with zealous consecration to his church and congregation, and has taught in his works the great lesson of service to such good effect that new spirit has entered the church, rousing the congregation to greater activity and renewed efforts in the Great Cause. His personality has pervaded and enveloped all branches of the activity of the church, its organizations have felt his aid and influence, and with but little of its work has he been unidentified. Rev. Mason has been true to the highest ideals of the Christian ministry, has literally spent himself lavishly, and in so doing has won the unquestioning co-operation, the firm support of officers and people of his church.
     He married, at Alexandria, Virginia, in 1875, Lucy Mason Ambler, born in Fauquier county, Virginia, and has had six children: Anna, died aged three years; Randolph Fitzhugh, a teacher and clay modeler of Richmond; John Ambler, an engineer of Baltimore, Maryland; Lucy Randolph, unmarried, connected with the Richmond Young Women's Christian Association; Landon Randolph (2), a concrete dealer of Portland, Oregon; Ida Oswald, married Taylor Burke, a banker of Alexandria, Virginia.
[Source: Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography, Vol. IV Transcribed by Chris Davis]

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ROGERS, Asa, soldier, civil engineer, legislator, politician, was born Aug. 20, 1836, in Oakham, Va. He was a civil engineer up to April, 1861, when he entered the confederate service as a lieutenant in the first Virginia cavalry; was promoted to captain after the battles around Richmond in 1862; and served till the surrender at Appomattox. He then again took up engineering, and was elected railroad commissioner in 1880. In 1884 he was elected to the Virginia state senate; and in 1885 was appointed collector of internal revenue by President Arthur. For seventeen years he has been secretary of the republican state committee of Virginia.
[Herringshaw's Encyclopedia Of American Biography Of The Nineteenth Century: Accurate And Succinct Biographies Of Famous Men And Women In All Walks Of Life Who Are Or Have Been The Acknowledged Leaders Of Life And Thought Of The United States Since Its Formation, 1901 – Transcribed By AFOFG]

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ROGERS, James S., architect; born, Alexandria, Va., (Fairfax Co) Dec. 5, 1859; son of James S. and Virginia (Leef) Rogers; educated in public schools of Baltimore, Md., Baltimore City College and Massachusetts Institute of Technology; married at Adamstown, Md., June, 1895, Eleanore White. has been member firm of Rogers & MacFarlane, architects, Detroit, since 1886. Fellow American Institute of Architects and member Michigan Chapter. Independent in politics. Episcopalian. Member Corinthian Lodge, A.F. & A.M. Clubs: Detroit Boat, Detroit Golf. Recreations: Outdoor sports. Office; 1310 Penobscot Bldg. Residence: 1185 3d Av.
The Book of Detroiters by Albert Nelson Marquis 1908

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Shreve, Thomas H.
Born in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1808; was educated in the academy there. He engaged in mercantile pursuits, settled in Cincinnati in 1830, and in 1834 purchased a share in the "Mirror," a weekly literary journal.
In 1838 he became a merchant in Louisville and later was one of the editors of the Louisville "Journals."
He published "Drayton, an American Tale." Some of his verses are reprinted in William T. Coggeshall's "Poets and Poetry of the West."
He died at Louisville, Kentucky, December 23, 1853.
[Submitted by: Frances Cooley]

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Simmons, Mrs. Agnes Goodridge
     Mrs. Agnes Goodridge Simmons.
From memorial resolutions passed by Camp No. 770, U. C. V., of Los Angeles, Cal, in tribute to Mrs. Agnes Goodridge Simmons, beloved wife of Comrade S. S. Simmons, Commander of the Camp, the following is taken:
     "Mrs. Agnes Goodridge Simmons, daughter of Col. Charles Ruffner, was born at Charleston on Kanawha, W. Va., on March 20, 1851, and died May 5, 1920. She married Sampson Saunders Simmons, of Cabell County, W. Va., in February, 1870, and their golden wedding anniversary was celebrated on February 13, 1920. She was the mother of ten children, four of whom died in infancy. Three daughters and three sons survive her: Mrs. George T. Klipstun, of Alexandria, Va.; Mrs. William P. Mahood and Mrs. John W. Piatt, of Los Angeles, Cal.; Bennett E. Simmons, of Los Angeles, Cal.; Goodridge Kilgore Simmons, of Holtsville, Cal.; C. Ruffner Simmons, of Phcenix, Ariz. The youngest son served in France in the Aero Squadron, A. E. F.
     "Mrs. Simmons united with the Church at about fifteen years of age and all through life was more or less active in the work of the Church, and she was an active worker in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union in her West Virginia home town. Her family, a large one, in her native county is among the oldest of the Virginians and devoted its entire strength to the cause of the Confederacy during the War between the States. Her father, too old for military duty at the time, maintained a hospital for the Confederate soldiers near the border of Virginia and became the object of the bitterest persecution by the invading army because of his influence and activities in behalf of the South. Her husband, Sampson S. Simmons, was a member of Company E, 8th Virginia Cavalry, known as the 'Border Rangers,' commanded by the gallant Albert Gallatin Jenkins. The family have made their home in Los Angeles since 1908.
     "Resolved, That the members of this Camp cherish the memory of Mrs. Simmons as that of one who was loyal to the ideals and principles for which we strive, helpful to us in our work, and an ever ready friend to us, one and all."
[Confederate Veteran,Volume 28 by Confederated Southern Memorial Association, 1920 - Transcribed by AFOFG]

 

Smith, Isaac Williams
Second Lieutenant Isaac Williams Smith, of Fairfax County, Virginia. Graduated 1847. His father was the Rev. George Archibald Smith, the first graduate of the Episcopal Theological Seminary of Virginia. His mother was Ophelia Williams. Rev. Mr. Smith’s health failing, he was compelled to give up the active ministry, and he founded a famous Boys’ School at his home in Fairfax County, known as Clarens Institute. From this school went many boys who subsequently became prominent men. Later, he became the editor of the Southern Churchman, then and now, the organ of the Episcopal Church, in the Diocese of Virginia.
Isaac Smith’s paternal grandparents, Hugh Smith and Elizabeth Watson, came to Virginia from Knutsford, England, and Armagh, Ireland, respectively, His maternal grandparents were Isaac Hite Williams, of Fredericksburg, and Lucy Coleman Slaughter, of Culpeper County, Virginia, the latter a daughter of Captain Philip Slaughter, an officer of the Revolution. These grandparents came to Alexandria, Virginia, during the closing years of the 18th century.
After graduating at the Institute, the subject of this sketch was appointed second lieutenant in company K, of the U. S. Voltigeurs, April 9, 1847, and served, in the detachment under Major Lally, in the war with Mexico, during one campaign, and was then detailed for recruiting service at Baltimore. August 31, 1848, he was honorably mustered out of the military service.
“In 1849-’50, he was assistant engineer and astronomer on the survey of the parallel between the Creek and Cherokee Indians, under Lieutenants Sitgreaves and Woodruff, U. S. A. In 1851, he was assistant astronomer, and first assistant, on the survey of the parallel between Iowa and Minnesota. In 1852, he was resident engineer on the survey and construction of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, Virginia. In 1853-’54, he was assistant engineer on the Pacific Railroad surveys and explorations, under Lieutenants Livingston and Parker, of the U. S. Corps of Engineers. He then went to Washington Territory, and became engineer and special agent for the construction of lighthouses on the Straits of Tuca and Shoalwater Bay, under Major Hartman Bache, Corps Engineers, U. S. A. This work was accomplished under considerable difficulty and peril.
In the Indian uprising of 1855-56, he served as aide-de-camp on the staff of Captain I. I. Stevens, then Governor of the Territory, and saw much active service. After this, he was engaged for a year or more under his life-long friend and fellow-veteran of the Mexican War, Major James Tilton, as deputy surveyor, and surveyed several of the meridian and standard parallel lines then being established through the trackless and all but impassable forests of Western Washington. He was then appointed Register of the United States Land Office for the Olympia District, which included the vast Territory of Washington.
“In 1862, he joined in the rush to the newly-discovered places in Cariboo, B. C., where he remained only a short time. On his return from the mines, he went to his native state, and tendered his services to the Confederate Government. Receiving the appointment of captain of engineers (later being brevetted colonel), he was continuously employed until the close of the War upon the defenses before Petersburg and Richmond. After the War, he returned home, the possessor solely (as described in his own words) ‘of an old gray uniform much tattered and worn, a good horse, and a large amount of experience.’ He soon received the appointment of division engineer on the Imperial Mexican Railroad from Vera Cruz to Mexico (under Andrew Talcott, Chief Engineer), and was placed in charge of the line from Paso del Macho to Ougaba. He remained in Mexico during the years 1867 and 1868, engaged upon this work, as chief engineer and inspector of drainage and hydraulic work near Tepic. In 1869 he was engineer of construction on The Western Pacific Railroad (later merged in the Central Pacific).
“In 1870, he was placed in charge of surveys along the Columbia and Cowlitz Rivers, in Washington Territory, for the Northern Pacific Railroad. After a short time, he was given the construction of the locks and a canal around the falls of the Willamette River, near Portland, Oregon, a work of great magnitude and importance. The contractors, after a year, failing to show satisfactory results, the work was carried forward by Colonel Smith alone, with great rapidity. A large State subsidy depended on the work being completed in time. The Colonel accomplished the desired end, and not only secured for the company the desired subsidy, but turned over a work which, for excellence of design and thoroughness of execution, marked him as an engineer of notable skill and ability.
“In 1873, the Northern Pacific Railroad called him again into its service, and placed him in charge of the survey of the new terminal at Tacoma. In February, 1875, he visited Peru, but finding the country again in the throes of civil war, and all railway construction stopped, he returned at once to California, and made surveys in Arizona for the Southern Pacific Railroad. A year later, in association with Colonel George H. Mendall, of the Corps of Engineers, U. S. A., he made an exhaustive study of, and report upon, the
water supply for the City of San Francisco. As Colonel Mendall’s chief assistant, he had charge of the extensive surveys, including all available sources of supply.
“From April 1876 to April 1878, Colonel Smith was one of the Board of Railroad Commissioners for the State of California, the other Commissioners being John T. Doyle, Esq., and General George Stoneman. In May, 1878, he was appointed chief engineer of the Sacramento River Drainage District Commission. The project under consideration for a drainage canal was shown to be impracticable, and was abandoned. From this time till the spring of 1880, Colonel Smith was chief engineer for the Board of State Harbor Commissioners of California, in which capacity he designed the sea-wall for the water front of San Francisco, and constructed upwards of a mile of it. In April, 1880, he was placed by the Northern Pacific Railroad in full charge of the Cascade Mountain surveys. The route finally adopted was surveyed and mapped under his direction.
“In September, 1881, he was appointed chief engineer of the Oregon Pacific Railroad Company, then constructing a line eastward from Yaquima Bay, Oregon. He remained with this company two years, completing the line as far as Corvallis (about 60 miles), and then resigned, and returned to Tacoma, Washington, where he made a report of the water supply of that City. During the years 1883 to 1885, he was chief engineer for the Tacoma Light and Water Company, designing and constructing the gas and water plants for that City, at an expense of nearly half a million dollars, and superintending the works for some months after completion.
“Early in 1886, he was called to the work of determining the future water supply of the City of Portland, Oregon. The cost of the proposed scheme being too great for the financial ability of the City at that time, he was placed in charge of the existing system, as engineer and superintendent, and continued to hold this position until his death. His plans for a new system were carried out before Colonel Smith’s death, at an outlay of nearly three million dollars. This, his magnum opus, was the last of a long series of beneficent works he had constructed for the comfort, health,
and safety of mankind; and he was happily permitted to live to see it completed, and in successful operation, two years before his death.
“For several years his leisure moments were spent in the preparation of a treatise on the ‘Theory of Deflection and of Latitudes and Departures, with Special Application of Curvilinear Surveys and Alignments of Railway Tracks,’ which he published; and, only a few months before his death, he prepared a paper on the ‘Flow of Water in Wrought and Cast Iron Pipes from 28 to 42 Inches, Diameter,’ for publication in the Transactions of this Society. He became a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers on October 1, 1873.
“Colonel Smith’s reputation as an engineer of ability and integrity became established early, and his services were continually in demand.”
The above sketch of this peerless Old Cadet of the V. M. I. is abridged from a memoir of Colonel Smith, by Messrs. D. D. Clarke, M. Am. Soc. C. E., Edward Tilton, C. E., and Robert P. Maynard, C. E., which appears in the Transactions of the American Society of Civil Engineers. It is a subject of keen regret that we can not reproduce the memoir in its entirety. One who was intimately associated with Colonel Smith at various times, thus speaks of him (we can quote only a portion of his beautiful tribute): “ . . . I can truly say that there was nothing in my whole acquaintance with him but that tended to increase my admiration and respect for the man. He was one of the few engineers whom I have been associated with who combined a thorough theoretical knowledge of mathematical principles with a practical grasp of the best methods for the solution of the various problems that were being constantly presented to him, in the conduct of his work.
“There is one trait which characterized the Colonel to a marked degree, and that is his absolute integrity and incorruptibility; another trait of his character was his thorough unselfishness. He was not only a devoted son and brother; but, in his intercourse with the men in his employ, he was always thinking of their comfort and welfare, rather than his own. Certainly, in all my experience, I do not know of another man who could equal the Colonel in his rare combination of strength and purity and gentleness of character. I shall always feel that it has been one of the privileges of my life to have known as intimately as I did a man of the character of Colonel Smith.”
Colonel Smith never married. His parents were his first care, and were always lovingly considered, as were his sisters later, and as long as he lived. Two distinguished younger brothers of Colonel Smith are also graduates of the V. M. I. Judge George H. Smith (Colonel of the 62d Virginia Infantry, C. S. A.) and the Hon. Francis L. Smith, both happily, still living.
(Source: The Military History of the Virginia Military Institute from 1839-1861, by: Jennings C. Wise, Publ: 1915. Transcribed by: Helen Coughlin)