Preceding pages      Volume Map     Following pages  



[Pages 191-192]
      William Henry Parker, M. D. The name Parker, according to Burke, "is one of the oldest and best known in England." He further states that the name was originally De Parkire, from a Norman knight. The English family is one of universal prominence and includes men of title and high rank. The army and navy of Great Britain numbers countless Parkers of high station, from the earliest period of the naval history of that nation down to the present day.
      The Virginia family herein written descends from the earl of Macclesfield, English branch, and was founded in this state in 1650. One of the brothers settled in Isle of Wight county, the other brother, George Parker, in Accomac county. From this George Parker springs Dr. William H. Parker, of Richmond, Virginia.
      In America the name is no less illustrious than in England. Men high in every profession, in naval and military life as well as business, have ever made the name a prominent one in American life as well as business, have ever made the name a prominent one in American life. Eighteen officers of the continental army, descendants of these brothers, led Virginia troops during the revolution, and in each war thereafter, the name is an oft recurring one in the records. Bishop Meade, in alluding to an old graveyard, wrote: "It was honored by the remains of the Washingtons, Lees and Parkers."The Parker coat-of-arms granted in 1697 is thus described: Arms — Sable, a buck's head cabossed, between two flanches argent. Crest — A dexter arm erect, vested azure, slashed and cuffed argent, holding in the hand proper an attire of a stag (or piece of coral) gules.
      From the Accomac county settler, George Parker, came Robert Parker of Watts Island, Virginia, to whom and his wife, Leah, was born a son George, July 26, 1770. This George Parker married, February 24, 1803, Peggy Floyd of Norfolk, Virginia. To them was born, October 16, 1806, a son, George Gilbert.       George Gilbert Parker, early left an orphan, was reared under the guardianship of his future wife's father. He later became a wealthy planter of Warwick county, Virginia, a high-minded man of charming personality and intellectual acquirements. He married, January 31, 1828, Margaret Taylor Savage, of Hampton, Virginia, the great-granddaughter of Major Kirby of the British army, and his wife, Lady Margaret (Howard) Kirby, daughter of Sir Harry Howard of York, of the famous English house of Howard. To George Gilbert Parker and his wife, Margaret, were born sons and daughters, all of whom died young, save William Henry.
      William Henry Parker was born August 18, 1835, at Hampton, Virginia, died in the city of Richmond, Virginia, July 14, 1906. He served continuously through the war between the states, under various commanders, being identified with the First Company Virginia Howitzers. He married, after the war, Anne Rebecca Clarke, of Charles City county, Virginia, also of distinguished ancestry. Like his father, George Gilbert Parker, he was a man of distinguished bearing and fascinating manner, chivalrous and generous to a fault, a Christian, soldier, and gentleman, beloved by an army of friends, with whom he labored in his closing years for the cause of Christianity. His children were: Gilbert Floyd, of Richmond; William Henry, of whom further; Margaret, married Oliver Frances Blankingship, M. D., of Richmond; John Archer, died young; Anne Wilcox, died young.
      Dr. William Henry (2) Parker, of Richmond, son of William Henry (1) and Anne Rebecca (Clarke) Parker, was born in Richmond, Virginia, September 16, 1873. He is a graduate of the Richmond High School, class of 1890, and after two years at Richmond College, entered the University College of Medical, whence he was graduated M. D., class of 1895. He spent the following year as surgeon at the City Hospital of Richmond, then began private practice in that city, where he has risen to a distinguished position in his profession, and as a citizen. He is a member of the board of police commissioners of Richmond, supreme medical examiner for the Order of the Golden Seal, director of the McGraw-Yarbrough Company, (Inc); a member of the lodge, chapter, commandery and shrine of the Masonic order; Abou Ben Adhem Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Heptasophs, and others; also belongs to the Elks Club. He is a Democrat in politics. His church affiliations are with Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. His professional societies are the Richmond Academy OF Medicine and Surgery, the Medical Society of Virginia, the Southern Medical Society, and the American Medical Association.
      Dr. Parker married, in Hanover county, Virginia, June 23, 1897, Alma E. Jennings, born in Richmond, April 24, 1877, daughter of Henry S. Jennings, a merchant of that city, and his wife, Ella (Granger) Jennings, born in Richmond, August 7, 1860, died April 1, 1892. Children of Dr. and Mrs. Parker: Willard N., born July 30, 1900; Annie W., born May 9, 1910; Cammie R., twin with Annie W.

[Pages 192-194]
      Walker Watts Poindexter. The following record gives not only the story of the antiquity of the family of Poindexter and its age in America, but a perusal of the chronicle will show that its members were ever true Americans and ardent patriots, fighting, when necessity came, both for the independence of their country and in the support of their convictions, making sacrifices of nobility in each conflict.
      Of the ancient history of the name, as early as 1250 Geoffroy and Raoul Poindestre are mentioned as landowners on the Island of Jersey, Great Britain, in certain documents preserved in the archives at S. Lo, Normandy, France. In 1424 John Poindestre was bailly of the island; in 1452 his son, another John, filled the same office; and in 1467 the grandson of the first named, a third John, occupied this honorable post. In 1485 John Poindestre was lieutenant bailly, as was his descendant, still named John, in 1699. This family has for generations possessed the fief of Grainville, in the parish of S. Saviour. George Poingdestre seigneur of the fief es Poingdestre, Island of jersey, died in 1544. He married Girrette, niece of Sir Thomas Ahier. Children: John, of whom further; Thomas, constable of S. Saviour, married Catherine, daughter of Thomas Lempiere, widow of Richard Langois and Clement Messervey.
      (I) John Poingdestre, son of George and Girette Poingdestre, and seigneur of the fief es Poingdestre, died in 1583. Children: Edward, of whom further; John, who married Perroline, daughter of Peter Ladl.
      (II) Edward Poingdestre, son of John Poingdestre, seigneur of the fief es Poingdestre, married (first) Margaret, daughter of Clement Messervey, in 1562, and (second) Pauline, daughter of Guyon Ahier.
      (III) Thomas Poingdestre, son of Edward Poingdestre seigneur of the fief es Poingdestre, was born in 1581. He married Elizabeth, daughter of ——— Effard. Children: Philip, born in 1620, married Sarah Pinel; Jacob; George, of whom further; Rachel.
      (IV) George Poingdestre, son of Thomas and Elizabeth Poingdestre, immigrated to America, and settled in Virginia.
      (I) John Poindexter, a descendant of George Poingdestre, the emigrant, settled in Louisa county, Virginia, at the tim eof its formation, on or near gold Mine Creek, a small stream emptying into the North Anna river about eight or nine miles northeast of Louisa Courthouse. He owned large landed estates and at that time was one of the most prominent men in the county, both in church and county matters, being one of the first vestrymen of Fredericksville parish, taking the oath of allegiance, the oath of abjuration, and against transubstantiation. He was one of the most punctual attendants on the sittings of the court and it is evident that he was held in high esteem by that body, as fully appears from the proceedings of the court directing him to attend to roads, bridges, and so forth. He died in Louisa county in 1753, leaving a will which was admitted to record in the court on May 29, 1753, his widow, Christiana Poindexter, qualifying as his executrix. Besides daughters he had sons who survived him: Thomas, John, William, Richard, and Joseph, of whom further.
      (II) Joseph Poindexter, thought to be son of John and Christiana Poindexter, was born in 1736 and lived in Bedford county, later moving to Campbell county, where he died June 29, 1826. He was a captain of militia from Bedford county (see records in Virginia State Library) in the American army in the revolutionary war. He married, February 10, 1768, Elizabeth, born February 29, 1747, daughter of James Kennerly. Their children: 1. Samuel, of whom further. 2. James, married Mary, daughter of Waddy and Mary (Lewis) Thompson, of Albemarle county. 3. Joseph, married a widow, Mrs. Harrison. 4. William, married Judith, daughter of Waddy Thompson. 5. Reuben. 6. Thomas Kennerly, moved to South Carolina, and married Mrs. Mary (Rall) Kennerly. 7. John, married a Miss Chilton. 8. Louis, married Ann Smith. 9. Ann, married John Chilton, of Amherst county. 10. Elizabeth, married Raleigh Chilton. 11. Richard, married a Miss Ford, and moved to the west.
      (III) Samuel Poindexter, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Kennerly) Poindexter, married (first) Anne Poindexter Slaughter, daughter of Reuben and Betty (Poindexter) Slaughter. Reuben Slaughter was a son of Colonel Francis and Ann (Lightfoot) Slaughter, who married June 3, 1729. Francis Slaughter, was a large landholder in Culpeper and Orange counties, Virginia; was commissioned captain of militia February 2, 1730, later colonel of militia; was justice, vestryman, church-warden, and held numerous other civil offices. He was a son of Robert and Frances Anne (Jones) Slaughter, who were married about 1700. Robert Slaughter was born about 1680, held extensive grants of land in Spottsylvania county, and was a prosperous planter of Essex county, where he lived and died. He was probably a son of Francis and Margaret (Hudson) Slaughter, a planter of Richmond county, Virginia, born about 1653. Francis was a son of Captain Francis, who married, in 1652, Elizabeth Underwood, and grandson of John Slaughter, the emigrant, who settled in Virginia prior to 1620. Samuel Poindexter married (second) Sarah Garth, of Albemarle county, and (third) Martha, daughter of James Otey, of Kentucky. The children of his first marriage: 1. Dabney, of whom further. 2. James, married Susan Shelton. 3. John, married a Miss Robinson. 4. Caroline, married a Mr. White. Children of his second marriage: 5. Garland, married Julia Bingham. 6. Willis, married Emily Slaughter. 7. Samuel, married Ann Tucker. Samuel Poindexter had no children by his third marriage.
      (IV) Dabney Poindexter, son of Samuel and Anne Poindexter (Slaughter Poindexter, was born November 17, 1791, and died September 27, 1848. He married Mary Eliza, born March 15, 1801, daughter of James Watts. Children: 1. David Durrett, born September 11, 1820, married November 8, 1849. Anne Poindexter. 2. Sarah W., born February 5, 1822, married October 4, 1843, William Gills. 3. Richard Watts, born September 8, 1823, married (first) in 1849, Mary Elizabeth Durrett, (second) in 1865, Mary Lee. 4. Caroline E., born October 6, 1825, married, March 8, 1844, Asa Gills. 5. James W., born November 3, 1827, married January 5, 1858, Sophia Nicholls. 6. Samuel Thomas, of whom further. 7. Paulina Ann, born May 3, 1832, married, October 4, 1849. Joseph Hardy. 8. Frances Susan, born May 17, 1835, married Joseph Rucker. 9. Mary Eliza, born June 3, 1838, married Charles Hardy. 10. William Dabney, born November 29, 1843, married Mary Jeter.
      (V) Samuel Thomas Poindexter, son of Dabney and Mary (Watts) Poindexter, was born August 30, 1829, died in July, 1904.He was reared to manhood on the old plantation near Shiloh Church, Bedford county, and was a student in the private schools of that vicinity. Upon his father's death Mr. Poindexter inherited a vast tract of land and was a prosperous planter until the war between the states, during which conflict he suffered great losses, the value of his property undergoing severe depreciation. Soon after the beginning of active hostilities he became a private in Company F, Second Regiment of Virginia Cavalry, commanded by Colonel James W. Watts, and was a member of the second until peace was finally restored, participating in every military movement which his regiment was engaged. He received an honorable discharge from the Confederate army at Lynchburg, standing on the spot (now in Miller Park) where four years previous he had entered the service. Martial occupation giving place to the activities of peace, he settled in Lynchburg and established as a wholesale grocer, afterward adding to this line retail dealing. In both branches he prospered, the one aiding materially in the success of the other, and to both he devoted large measures of his personal attention until ill-health required his abandoment of his pressing duties. He carried with him from the busy mart of trade to the quiet retirement of his home the hearty regard of his coworkers, their respect for the manly manner in which he met the crises of business life, and a sincere appreciation of his worth and integrity. His life was passed as a staunch supporter of the Democratic party. He married, October 31, 1876, Benjamina James, daughter of Benjamin James and Sarah Matilda (Johnson) Hughes. They were the parents of one son, Walker Watts, a manufacturer of Lynchburg.
      (VI) Walker Watts Poindexter descends maternally from the Randolph and Woodson families of Virginia in the following lines: Walker Watts, son of Samuel Thomas Poindexter and Benjamina James Hughes: Benjamina James Hughes daughter of Benjamin James Hughes and Sarah Matilda Johnson; Benjamin James Hughes, son of Jesse Hughes and Mary Woodson Cheadle; Mary Woodson Cheadle, daughter of John Cheadle and Elizabeth Royal Woodson; Elizabeth Royal Woodson, daughter of Colonel John Woodson and Dorothea Randolph (see Randolph); Colonel John Woodson, son of Josiah Woodson and Mary Royal; Josiah Woodson, son of Dr. John Woodson and Judith Tarlton; John Woodson, son of Robert Woodson and Elizabeth Ferris; Robert Woodson, son of Dr. John Woodson, of Dorsetshire, England, and his wife, Sarah of Devonshire, England.
      Dorothy Randolph, of previous mention, daughter of Isham Randolph, of Dungeness and Jane Rogers, of London, England; Isham Randolph, son of William Randolph, of Turkey Island, attorney-general of Virginia in 1696, speaker of the house of burgesses in 1698, clerk of the house in 1702, and Mary Isham, daughter of Henry Isham of Bermuda Hundred on James river; William Randolph, of Turkey Island, son of Richard Randolph and /elizabeth r/yland, of Warwickshire, England; Richard Randolph, son of William Randolph and Dorothy Lane; William Randolph, son of Robert Randolph, of Hams, Sussex, England, gentleman, and Rose Roberts, daughters of Thomas Roberts, of Hawkshurst, Kent, England.

[Pages 194-195]
      James Doddridge Patton. Born in Danville, Virginia, Mr. Patton's boyhood witnessed the exciting scenes of war and as a lad he was enrolled among the defenders of his home town. Since 1874 a successful business man of Richmond, an honored member of councils, and representing her in the house of delegates, he is now living a retired life within her borders. He is a representative of an old Virginia family of business and professional men, all of whom have borne well their part in whatever station in life placed. He is a son of William S. Patton, of Danville, and a grandson of James Doddridge Patton, from whom he takes his name.
      (I) Dr. James Doddridge (1) Patton was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, studied medicine and located in Danville, where he was engaged in honorable practice all his life. He was skilled in his profession and a man of influence in his community. He married Mary Fearn, born in Pittsylvania county, Virginia, died in Danville, leaving issue.
      (II) William S. Patton, son of Dr. James Doddridge and Mary (Fearn) Patton, was born in Danville, Virginia, January 16, 1816, died there in 1884. After completing his education, he became a banker and was one of the leading financiers of the city for many years, death only terminating his useful activities. He was public-spirited, generous and of sterling, upright character, honored and esteemed by all. He married Catherine A. Ross, born in Danville in 1824, died there in 1877, daughter of John Ross, born in county Antrim, Ireland. He came to the United States when a young man, locating finally in Danville, where he was engaged as a merchant until his death. He married a Miss Allen, daughter of Lieutenant Allen, an officer of the revolutionary army. Children of William S. Patton, all sons, but two still living: John Ross, born in 1846, died in 1877; William Fearn, born February 27, 1849, succeeded his father in business, and is yet a banker of Danville; James Doddridge, of whom further; Julius Allen, born January 17, 1857, died aged thirty=four years.
      (III) James Doddridge (2) Patton, son of William S. and Catherine A. (Ross) Patton, was born in Danville, Virginia. He was educated in Danville schools, Danville Academy and Baltimore Business College. His inclination and ambition was all for a business career, and after leaving school he at once entered mercantile life at Danville, continuing in business there until 1874, when he located in Richmond, Virginia. He there engaged for many years in the tobacco supply business and prospered abundantly. He acquired other interests outside his business, manufacturing, meat packing, etc., and although now retired from active participation in their operation, continues his long time association. He is a Democrat in politico, and has ever taken a lively interest in all that concerns the public welfare. In 1881-82-83 he represented his ward in the common council; in 1885 was a member of the Democrat State Committee, and in that year was elected a member of the state legislature. He rendered efficient serve in both legislative bodies and was connected with the progressive measures of that period. As a boy he served in the home guards of Danville, and from 1882 to 1886 was major of the First Regiment, Virginia National Guard. He is fond of the social side of life and of outdoor recreation, enjoying both as a member of the Westmoreland and Commonwealth clubs of Richmond and the Country Club of Virginia. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian, belonging to the Second Church in Richmond.
      Mr. Patton married, February 27, 1889, at Richmond, Nannie Leary, born at Edenton, North Carolina, daughter of Thomas H. and Elizabeth (Wagener) Leary. Thomas H. Leary, born in Edenton, North Carolina, was a lawyer, first of Edenton, later moving to Easton, Pennsylvania, then to Richmond, Virginia, where he died in 1883. His wife died in 1899. Children of James D. and Nannie (Leary) Patton, born in Richmond: Nannie, born April 16, 1890; James Doddridge (3) December 13, 1892, now engaged in mercantile business in Richmond.

[Pages 195-196]
      William Perkins Parrish, M. D. The descent of the Parrish family, represented in the professional circles in Chatham, Virginia, by William Perkins Parrish, M. D., is Irish, he being of the fifth American generation. The name has ever been proudly borne in its Virginia home, and was honorably acquitted in the heaviest fighting of the Mexican war and war between the states. the first two generations of his line in Virginia were resident in Culpeper county, farming being the family occupation. Captain Wilson Parrish was born in Pittsylvania county, Virginia, and attained an age of seventy=four years. He saw active service in the Mexican war, and throughout his life was a farmer. He married a Miss Wells, of Pittsylvania county, and had children, among them Joseph M., of whom further.
      Joseph M. Parrish, son of Captain Wilson Parrish, was born on a farm in Pittsylvania county, Virginia, in 1823, died in 1897. As in the three preceding generations of his lien agriculture was his calling, his death occurring on the home farm. The outbreak of the war between the states found him a soldier in the army of the Confederacy and he served during the entire war, although for thirteen months his services were lost to the army by reason of his confinement in a Union prison at Elmira, New York. Released from this place of detention and the war at an end he returned to his fertile acres, cultivating these until his final summons called him from earthly activity. He was ever an ardent worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, and although high political office was neither his desire nor his lot, his efforts were none the less valuable because of their disinterested devotion. He married a cousin, Elizabeth Parrish, born in Pittsylvania county, Virginia, died February 18, 1890, aged sixty-three years, daughter of Thomas A. Parrish, and had children: 1. Martha A., deceased; married Montgomery Hubbard, and was the mother of five children, of whom four survive, resided on a farm in Pittsylvania. 2. Virginia, died unmarried. 3. Thomas F., deceased; was a merchant of Chatham, Virginia. 4. Julia F., died unmarried. 5. William Perkins, of whom further. 6. Sallie, unmarried; lives in Chatham at the home of her brother, William Perkins, he and she the only survivors of the six children of Joseph M. and Elizabeth (Parrish) Parrish.
      Dr. William Perkins Parrish, son of Joseph M. and Elizabeth (Parrish) Parrish, was born on the old Parrish homestead, six miles from Chatham, Virginia, September 2, 1866. After obtaining a public school education he became his father's assistant on the home farm, there remaining until he was twenty-two years of age. He then entered Baltimore College, now the University of Maryland, and was graduated M. D. in the class of 1891, beginning his active practice in Chatham. For five years he was so engaged, then associated with another physician, a connection which was later dissolved, Dr. Parrish continuing in independent and prosperous practice at the present time. His reputation as a skillful and reliable physician is unsurpassed, and to his necessary professional attributes he adds a personality so pleasing as to justify the term ideal in the resulting combination. His fraternal order is the Masonic and he is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
      Dr. Parrish married, at Chatham, Virginia, September 5, 1894, Mary A., daughter of Edwin T. and Sallie (Echols) Jones, her parents, both deceased, natives of Pittsylvania county. Edwin T. Jones, for many years a merchant of that locality, served for four years in the Confederate army, participating in many of the most important battles and campaigns of the war, and was wounded in battle. Of the fourteen children of Edwin T. and Sallie (Echols) Jones four are living at the present time: Mittie, married H. D. Sheppard, of Chatham, Virginia; Bertha, married W. L. Jones, of Philadelphia; J. M., lives in Chatham; Mary A., of previous mention, married William P. Parrish. Dr. and Mrs. Parrish are the parents of two children: Edwin J., born June 27, 1895, a student in the Chatham Training School; Elizabeth born November 10, 1900, attending a private school in Chatham.

[Pages 196-197]
      Samuel Lee Kelley. The ancestors of Samuel Lee Kelley, of Richmond, Virginia, came to the United States from the north of Ireland, where the family of Kelley had long been seated. They were Irish patriots, Presbyterian in their religion, but not allied with the Orange party. The maternal branch — Gray — was of English descent and Catholic in religion. The founder of this American branch, Robert Kelley, born in Londonderry, Ireland, married Mary Gray. He came to the United States a young man, and settled in the south. He was a Democrat in politics, a Presbyterian in religious faith. Their children were: William, Mary, Robert (2), Samuel A., Lawrence, Joseph.
      (II) Samuel A. Kelley, son of Robert and Mary (Gray) Kelley, was born in the District of Columbia, died in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1869, aged thirty-nine years. He was a soldier of the Confederacy, serving in the "Monticello Guards," Nineteenth Regiment Virginia Infantry, Garnett's brigade, Pickett's division. He was a Democrat in politics, a Catholic in religion. He married, in Alexandria, Virginia, Mary J. Quinn, born in Donaghahadee, county Down, Ireland, of Irish and Scotch parentage. Her family came to the United States in 1852. During the war between the states she was a nurse in Confederate hospitals, and at the time of the birth of her eldest son, was matron in Howard's Grove Hospital, near Richmond. Children: Samuel Lee, of whom further; Earnest Alexander, born September 7, 1869. After Mr. Kelley's death Mrs. Kelley married (second) David Shields.
      (III) Samuel Lee Kelley, son of Samuel A. and Mary J. (Quinn) Kelley, was born near Richmond, Virginia, June 22, 1864. His father at the time was a soldier in the Confederate army, his mother nursing the wounded Confederate soldiers in Howard's Grove Hospital, he was therefore surrounded at birth by all the gruesome evidences of war, and most appropriately was given the name of the great southern commander, General Lee. His father died when he was five years of age and his mother married as stated above, David Shields, a railroad contractor. As his stepfather's business took him to various localities, Samuel L. Kelley obtained his education in these various neighborhoods but always in private institutions. These he attended in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Huntingdon, West Virginia; also taking a course at Churchland Academy, Norfolk county, Virginia. Before entering college he engaged four years with his stepfather in railroad and levee construction in the West and Southwest, acquiring as a result of his active, every-day out-of-door work, a strong frame and a hardy constitution. But his tastes were literary and he did not succumb to the attractions of a business life. His mother, a woman of rare intellectuality, clear judgment, dominating personality and great force of character, encouraged and fostered this finer side of her son's nature and aided him in the determination of a profession. He entered Richmond College, passing thence in the fall of 1888 to the law department of the United States, John B. Minor still being dean, the same great lawyer and instructor as ever. His university career was brilliant and so thoroughly did he master the precepts of his great teacher that he was graduated B. L. in one session — 1889. He also in that year received one of the most highly valued honors of the university, that of "final president" of the Washington Society.
      In 1890 he located in Richmond permanently for the practice of his profession, being actuated not less by business reasons then through deference to the wishes of his mother, who always retained a sincere love for the Confederate capital, near which her son was born, and where she was indeed an angel of mercy to the sick, wounded and dying soldiers. A lawyer of recognized ability and admitted to practice in all state and federal courts of the Richmond district, Mr. Kelley has won a generous patronage and built up an influential clientele. Learned in the law, and skillful in the application, he has had a very successful career. He early entered political life and in council, on the stump, or in legislative halls, he has been a power in his party, and an admitted leader. He is a ready debater and a polished orator, having few equals, these qualities forcing him rapidly to the front ranks, both in politics and at the bar.
      He was a member of the Richmond Democratic city committee, and for six years, 1899-1905, represented that city in the Virginia house of delegates, serving the last two terms as chairman of the ranking committee and floor leader. In 1900 he was Democratic executive committee. In 1908 he was presidential elector-at-large. In 1905 he found it necessary to devote more time to his law business an in consequence withdrew from political life beyond taking part in campaign work. During the years enumerated, Mr. Kelley was a member of the Capitol Building and Enlargement Commission, under whose supervision the improvements to that ancient historic state house were carried to completion. Mr. Kelley is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and is a Roman Catholic in religion. He is unmarried.

[Pages 197-198]
      Thomas Moorman Parkins, M. D. Dr. Thomas Moorman Parkins, a distinguished physician and prominent citizen of Staunton, Virginia, comes of Quaker ancestry on his father's side and old Virginia stock on his mother's. His paternal grandfather was Nathaniel Parkins, a farmer and miller of Frederick county, Virginia, and one of the organizers and the first president of the Valley Turnpike Company, which built the famous old turnpike and toll road between Winchester and Staunton, Virginia.
      John Henry Parkins, father of Dr. Thomas M. Parkins, was a native of Frederick county, Virginia, where he was born in 1829. He was a farmer and for many years the agent for the McCormick reaper in Western Virginia. In 1876 he was selected by Cyrus H. McCormick to take charge of the exhibit of reapers at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. He later gave up his agency for Mr. McCormick and established a foundry in Staunton at the close of the war in partnership with a Mr. Nelson, the firm taking contracts for all kinds of iron construction. Mr. Parkins took an active part in the civil war and served in Imboden's command, where he was in charge of the commissary department. He married Ella Moorman, a daughter of Thoma Terrell and Rose Bell (Martin) Moorman, of Lynchburg, Virginia, where she was born. Mr. Moorman was descended on the maternal side from the old Virginia family of Clarke, a representative of which was a member of the Virginia house of burgesses in pre-revolutionary times, the legislative body which enjoyed the distinction of being the first in America of which the members were freely chosen by the people. Mr. and Mrs. Parkins Sr. died respectively in the years 1901 and 1912, and to them were born seven children, as follows: 1. Nathan, a graduate of the collegiate and law departments of the University of Virginia and a practicing lawyer of America, D. C., until the time of his father's death, when he returned to the home place and has since resided there and conducted the farm. 2. John Henry, Jr., now a chemist in the state agricultural department at Richmond, Virginia. 3. Rosabelle, now Mrs. Ernest Keesee, of Richmond. 4. Christopher V., a farmer of Augusta county, Virginia. 5. and 6. Mary E. and Berta, both residing on the home place. 7. Thomas Moorman, of whom further.
      Dr. Thomas Moorman Parkins received his general education at the Augusta Military Academy at Fort Defiance, Virginia, where he remained ten years, from 1876 to 1886, after which he remained at home until the year 1891, when he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Maryland. From this institution he graduated with the class of 1894 and obtained his degree of Doctor of Medicine. From this date his advance to the head of his profession has been at once rapid and sure and he is now one of the staff at the King's Daughters' Daughters' Hospital in Staunton. He is also occupying at present the office of coroner of the city. He is president of the Augusta County Medical associations. Besides his professional connections, Dr. Parkins is vice-president of the Mount Clinton Orchards Company and has several other business interests.
      Dr. Parkins married, April 19, 1899, Gertrude Alby, a daughter of John W. and Augusta V. Alby, granddaughter of Judge David Fultz. Mrs. Parkins' father was a leading business man in Staunton prior to his death in 1895, his business being clothing; he served the city in the capacity of councilman for many years; He was also prominent in musical and church circles and was the conductor of the choir in the First Presbyterian Church there for a long time. His musical ability has been inherited by his daughter, Mrs. Parkins, who is now a member of the choir of the First Presbyterian Church. To Dr. and Mrs. Parkins has been born a daughter, Virginia Parkins, now a student in the Mary Baldwin Seminary of Staunton.

[Pages 198-199]
      Willie Thomas Pace. The Pace family of Virginia is an old and honored one, owning large plantations and many slaves prior to the war, 1861 to 1865. W. T. Pace, of Franklin, Virginia, is the possessor of an interesting document, dated June 23, 1831, the marriage contract between his grandfather, William C. Pace, and Elizabeth Reeves Chapel, involving 2,000 acres of land. William C. Pace was a wealthy planter and slave owner of Southampton county, and officially connected with the Virginia militia. On the maternal side W. T. Pace descends from the Sebrell family, many of whom were soldiers of the Confederacy.
      John James Pace, son of William C. and Elizabeth Reeves (Chapel) Pace, was born at the home plantation in Sussex county, Virginia, near Littleton Plank Road, in 1839, and died January 18, 1867. He was a farmer during the few years of his adult years, and during the war between the states served in Captain Harrison's Company A, sharpshooters of Sussex county, attached to the Forty-first Regiment Virginia Infantry, Mahone's brigade. He married Eugenia Briggs, born in Southampton county, Virginia, in 1845, and died in 1902, daughter of Bennett and Maria (Sebrell) Briggs. Mrs. Pace survived her husband and married (second) Maximilian Herbert, of Ferry Point, Norfolk county, Virginia.
      Willie Thomas Pace, son of John James and Eugenia (Briggs) Pace, was born on the ancestral acres in Sussex county, Virginia, also the birthplace of his father, March 18, 1866. He was educated in the public schools of Sussex county, and resided in that county until 1881 when he removed to Southampton county and was a clerk in his uncle's store until March, 1885. He pursued a commercial course at Saddlers Business College in Baltimore, 1885, from whence he was graduated in 1885. In that year he located in Franklin, Virginia, where he has since pursued a highly successful mercantile career as bookkeeper, partner and proprietor. He began business life in Franklin as bookkeeper for C. C. Vaughan, continuing two years. He then spent one year with the Camp Manufacturing Company, and one year with Pretlow & Company. One January 1, 1890, he formed a partnership with J. E. Gilliam, and as "Gilliam & Pace" conducted a successful general retail hardware business until February, 1893. He then purchased Mr. Gilliam's interest and has since conducted the business under his own name exclusively. His business consists of a general line of shelf and builders' hardware, paints, oils, roofing, and all the detailed lines connected with a modern retail hardware store of the best class. He has won honorable distinction in the business world and is rated one of the successful men of his community. His standing in Franklin is best evidenced by the fact that in addition to building up a successful mercantile business, he has been recorder and for twenty-three years treasurer of the town. He is interested in the church and fraternal life of the town, is a member of the official board of the Methodist Episcopal church, regent of the local Royal Arcanum, and in political faith a Democrat.
      Mr. Pace married, March 28, 1888, Meta Goodman Parker, born July 12, 1865, daughter of Goodman and Sarah (Thatch(Parker, of Murfreesboro, North Carolina. Children, all born in Franklin, 1. Lelia Parker, born April 18, 1889, educated in the Franklin Female Seminary. 2. Willie Thomas (2) born September 29, 1891, educated at Franklin high school and Randolph-Macon Academy, now associated with his father in the hardware business. 3. John James, born March 20, 1894, educated in public schools and Randolph-Macon Academy, now associated with his father and brother in business. 4. Frank Story, born January 11, 1897, educated in public schools of Franklin and Norfolk high school. 5. Henderson Leigh, born July 12, 1900. 6. Marie Louise, born October 3, 1902. 7. Emmett Herbert, born April 19, 1905.

[Pages 199-200]
      Charles W. Priddy. The family of which Charles W. Priddy, a successful business men of Norfolk, Virginia, is a worthy representative, is well known in the state of Virginia, its members being noted for the uprightness of their character, success in business life and the interest they manifest in the welfare of their state.
      (I) Robert Priddy, paternal grandfather of Charles W. Priddy, was born in Henrico county, Virginia, January 23, 1789, died October 5, 1838. He was a farmer and planter, also a slave owner, and was highly respected by all with whom he was brought in contact. He married Nancy D. Frances, born November 17, 1800, died February 17, 1862. Robert and Nancy D. (Frances) Priddy were the parents of eight children: John Dabney, of whom further; Frances Anne, born July 29, 1817, married Richard Gray, died in March, 1869; Joseph S., born August 16, 1819, died April 1, 1887; Elizabeth E., born October 9, 1822, died February 9, 1826; Thomas G., born August 31, 1825, died August 12, 1832; Robert W., born January 3, 1828, died December 6, 1901; William K., born January 20, 1831; Martha R. B., born August 18, 1833, married Henry Ellis, died April 18, 1865.
      (II) John Dabney Priddy, father of Charles W. Priddy, was born November 6, 1`815, in Henrico county, Virginia, died January 23, 1887. He was also a farmer and slave owner, his extensive plantation being located in Keysville, charlotte county, Virginia. He was held in high esteem by his many friends, and he was a man of influence in the community. He married, October 31, 1838, Mary E. Merryman, born July 17, 1823, died February 6, 1895, daughter of Thomas F. and Peggy (Baldwin) Merryman, who were the parents of two other children: William I., born April 17, 1817, died January 19, 1848, and Thomas J., date of birth and death unknown. Thomas F. Merryman was born April 18, 1782, died at Keysville, Charlotte county, Virginia, August 16, 1839; married, February 2, 1816, Peggy Baldwin, born September 28, 1792, died at Keysville, Virginia, date unknown. Mr. and John Dabney Priddy were the parents of eight children: Margaret Ann, born 27, 1849, died January, 1881; John Gustavus, born April 8, 1854, died March, 1892; Cornelia F., date of birth and death unknown; Lucy Alma, born July 14, 1856, married, November 13, 1878, Richard G. Bailey; Mary Helen, born March 6, 1858, married, November 13, 1878, Richard H. Gilliam, died December 3, 1885; Charles W., of whom further.
      (III) Charles W. Priddy was born in Keysville, Charlotte county, Virginia, October 6, 1864. He obtained a practical education by attendance at the county school, a private school, and Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie, New York, from which institution he was graduated in 1882. His first employment was as bookkeeper in a fertilizer factory in Richmond, Virginia, in which capacity he served until 1888. He then went to North Carolina and engaged in mercantile business until 1893, then moved to Baltimore, Maryland, and engaged in the fertilizer business, remaining there until 1896, the latter year coming to Norfolk, Virginia, and planned and organized the Pocomoke Guano Company of Virginia, of which corporation he was secretary for some years, later becoming its president, and under his competent management it has become one of the most successful firms in that line of business in the country. In addition to this he serves as director and member of the executive committee of the Norfolk National Bank, and as director of the American Agricultural Chemical Company of New York, one of the most extensive concerns of its kind in the world. Mr. Priddy is active in community affairs, advancing the interests of his adopted city, but has never sought or held public office, preferring to spend his leisure time with his family.
      Mr. Priddy married, March 23, 1887, Myrtie G. Young, born April 15, 1865, daughter of J. T. S. and Mary E. Young, of Dinwiddie county, Virginia. They are the parents of three children: Frances Y., born April 11, 1888; Mai Merryman, born March 28, 1892; Sydnor Young, born December 14, 1893. Mr. Priddy and his family attend the Presbyterian church.

[Pages 200-201]
      Rosewell Page. The forbears of Hon. Rosewell Page, of Richmond and Hanover county, Virginia, have in each generation been men of prominence in professional, official or military life, from the earliest settlement of Colonel John Page, of Bruton Parish, about 1650. The tombstone of Colonel John Page in the churchyard of that parish, in Williamsburg, states that he was "one of Their Majesties' Council in the Dominion of Virginia," and that he died January 23, 1692, aged sixty-five years. He came from Middlesex county, England; his wife, Alice (Luckin) Page, from Essex.
      Matthew Page, the second son of Colonel John Page, the founder of the family in America, was of Rosewell, Gloucester county; he also was one of "Their Majesties' Council." He married Mary Mann, of Gloucester. Their son, Mann Page, was also a member of the council. He married (second) Judith, daughter of "King" Carter and his wife, Judith (Armistead) Carter. A son of Mann and Judith (Carter) Page, Mann (2) Page, was a member of the Continental Congress from Virginia in 1777. His first wife was Alice Grymes. John Page, eldest son of Mann (2) and Alice (Grymes) Page, was a member of the board of visitors of William and Mary College, a member of the Virginia committee of safety, one of the founders of the college fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa, and governor of Virginia. His first wife, Frances (Burwell) Page, gave the governor as their eighth child, a son, Francis Page, who settled in Hanover county, and married Susan, daughter of General Thomas Nelson, Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence, revolutionary governor of Virginia, and commander-in-chief of the Virginia forces. Major John Page, son of Francis and Susan (Nelson) Page, was born in 1821. He was a lawyer, commonwealth attorney for Hanover county, and during the war between the states served as major on the staff of General William N. Pendleton, chief of artillery, Army of Northern Virginia, under General Robert E. Lee. He was a member of the Protestant Episcopal church, and in politics an Independent. Major Page, married Elizabeth Burwell Nelson, who bore him three sons, all of whom are men noted in their professions — Thomas Nelson Page, the noted author and diplomat; Rev. Frank Page, a clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal church, rector of St. John's Church, Brooklyn, Railroad Company; Rosewell Page.
      Rosewell Page was born at Oakland, Hanover county, Virginia, November 21, 1858. His early education was obtained under his father's instruction and in private schools until his entrance to Hanover Academy, then conducted by Colonel Hilary P. Jones. In 1876 he entered the academic department of the University of Virginia, and in 1880 matriculated as a student in the law department of that institution under Professor John B. Minor. He was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1881, and in November of that year began the practice of his profession in Danville, Virginia, continuing until March, 1888. In the latter year he located in Richmond, where he formed a law partnership with John Rutherfoord, which association successfully continued until January 1, 1904. Mr. Page's home is in Hanover county,, and he was the representative of that county in the Virginia house of delegates in 1908 and 1910, serving during the latter session as chairman of the committee on courts of justice. He has attained high rank in his profession, is an ex-president of the Richmond Bar Association, and is regarded as one of the most scholarly and accomplished men of his state. He has ever been a friend of the public school system; is thoroughly and openly an advocate of compulsory education; a believer in the gospel of good roads; and with all his powers of forceful oratory has worked for the development of his state along such lines. He is not alone the forceful, pleasing orator, but his public spirit impels him to personal service. He having served on the board of supervisors of Hanover county,, and has served for years as a trustee of Hall's Free School, near his home. He was a member of the board of visitors of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute at Blacksburg, from which he resigned when elected second auditor of Virginia, the position he now (1914) holds.
      Mr. Page, while learned in the law and skillful in its application, also possesses literary ability of a high order, which would have brought him fame had he devoted himself to literature instead of the law. He has that aptitude for happy expression that marks the writings of his brother, Thomas Nelson Page, and has published a number of stories and essays, the latter especially dealing with the historical period of the Virginia colony, and with economic subjects. He is a member of the college fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa, founded by his ancestor Governor John Page, at William and Mary College. In recognition of his scholarship and legal and literary distinction. Rosewell Page was elected a member of William and Mary College chapter of the beforementioned fraternity. At the University of Virginia he was a Delta Psi. In political faith he is a Democrat, and influential in the state councils of his party. His club is the Westmoreland of Richmond. He is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church, has served as a delegate to diocesan councils many times, and in four of the general conventions of the church has served as deputy or supplementary deputy from his diocese.
      Mr. Page married (first) in 1887, Susan Dabney, daughter of Edward W. Morris, of Hanover county. He married (second) January 15, 1898, Ruth, daughter of Rev. Robert Nelson, D. D., a missionary of the Protestant Episcopal church to China for thirty years. Children, all by second marriage: Anne, born June 15, 1899; Rosewell Jr., August 9, 1902; Robert Nelson, August 24, 1905.