Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography

[Pages 212-214]
Charles Armistead Blanton. The surname Blanton is traced back to the fifteenth century and is a corruption of the ancient Scotch border family name Ballantine, the evolution being through Ballantine, Blantine, Blanten to Blanton. In an old manuscript dated 1459, reference is found to the family, and in an older manuscript, John Blanton, evidently of the same family, is named. At the time Queen Elizabeth reigned, the family was seated in Lancashire. The escutcheon of the Blanton family is: A plain shield with a background of silver; diagonally from dexter chief point to sinister base point runs a broad band of sky blue, bearing on it the figures of three lions rampant. The whole is surrounded with a narrow black margin.
The first member of the family in Virginia was Robert Blanton, presumably from Lancashire, England, who settled in Cumberland county, Virginia, in 1700, there engaging in farming. Later, families of this name were found in Spottsylvania, Stafford and Caroline counties, Virginia, who are believed to be descendants of the original settler, Robert Blanton. A line of descent to Dr. Charles A. is through David Blanton, a son of the emigrant, Robert Blanton.
David Blanton, a farmer of Cumberland county, Virginia, owned and managed a plantation at Brown's Church, about eight miles north of Farmville. He married Frances Johns, who died in 1859, aged eighty-four years, daughter of Joseph Johns, of Cumberland county, and was the father of a large family. His eldest son, Anderson, left three sons, Alexander, Edward and John.
James Blanton, second son of David and Frances (Johns) Blanton, was born in Cumberland county, Virginia, March 6, 1796. He was a man of versatile talents; owned an estate of several thousand acres, with over one hundred slaves; was a magistrate, and as such arbitrated many legal disputes among his neighbors in the county. His high character, sound judgment, and sagacity, in addition to his wisdom and learning, were guarantees of justice, and his decisions were rarely appealed. He gained a wide reputation and was an important factor in the business life of h is county. Much of the money loaned and invested in the community passed through his hands. He was a Whig in politics, and a member of the Presbyterian church. He married Nancy Thornton Walker, and at his death left her a fortune of over one hundred thousand dollars, a large sum for that day. Children: William David, born October 2, 1819; Philip Southall, of further mention; James Madison; Walker Burton; Francis Baker; Benjamin Watkins Leigh; Mary Walker; Judith Thornton; Martha Wilson.
Dr. Philip Southall Blanton, son of James and Nancy Thornton (Walker) Blanton, was born in Cumberland county, Virginia, June 30, 1824, died from an overdose of medicine in 1863, at the early age of thirty-nine years. He was a graduate of Hampden-Sidney College, Virginia, taking first honors, and obtained his degree of M. D. at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. He was a distinguished physician and a man of scholarly attachments. He was a Whig in politics, and a Presbyterian. He married, in Cumberland county, Virginia, February 5, 1852, Nancy Miller Armistead, born in Buckingham county, Virginia, August 24, 1829, second daughter of Rev. Jesse S. Armistead, D. D., a theologian of wide reputation and an eloquent, forceful preacher. Children: James Truehart, born October 26, 1852; Jessie, May 23, 1854; Prescott Southall, February 17, 1856; Philip Southall (2), October 5, 1857; Charles Armistead, of further mention; Maria Page, born April 4, 1861.
Charles Armistead Blanton, M. D., of the city of Richmond, Virginia, youngest son of Dr. Philip Southall and Nancy Miller (Armistead) Blanton, was born at "West Hill," Cumberland county, Virginia, July 23, 1859. His early and academic education was obtained in private Virginia schools, his medical educational training at the Medical College of Virginia, whence he was graduated M. D. in June, 1881. He began the practice of his profession in Richmond almost immediately after graduation, and for thirty-three years has zealously followed the medical profession. From 1887 to 1894 he was a member of the adjuct faculty of the Medical College of Virginia, professor in same; chair of Meteria Medica and Therapeutics, in 1894 to 1898, professor in same; chair of children's diseases, 1898 to 1910, elected Emeritus professor of same in 1911; and is pediatrician to Memorial Hospital, Richmond. He is a member of the American Medical Association; member of the Southern Medical Railroad Company; member of the Medical Society of Virginia; member of the Richmond Academy of Medicine and Surgery, and since 1911 trustee of Hampden-Sidney College. His college fraternity is Pi Mu (Medical). He is a communicant of the church of his fathers, he and his family being members of the First Presbyterian Church, Richmond.
Dr. Blanton married, in the Second Presbyterian Church of Richmond, December 27, 1888, Elizabeth Brown Wallace, born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, February 19, 1860, daughter of Howson Hooe and Elizabeth Skyrin (Crouch) Wallace. Howson H. Wallace, a merchant, enlisted in the cavalry service in the Confederate army in 1861, but a fractured leg early unfitted him for further active service, and during the remainder of the conflict between the states he occupied a clerical position in the treasury department of the Confederate government. He had children: John Thomas, Elizabeth Brown, Howson Hooe (2), Mollie Temple, Lucy Skyrin, Helen Glassell (deceased), Walter Bernard, Katherine Spottswood (deceased). Children of Dr. Charles A. and Elizabeth Brown (Wallace) Blanton: 1. Wyndham Bolling, born June 3, 1890; graduate of Hampden-Sidney College, A. B., class of 1910; United States A. M., class of 1912; now a medical student in College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Columbia University). 2. Howson Wallace, born February 9, 1892; graduate of Hampden-Sidney College, A. B., class of 1912; teacher of physics and chemistry in John Armstrong High School, Richmond, 1912-13; now a medical student in College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Columbia University). 3. Elizabeth Skyrin, born October 16, 1896.

[Page 214]
Walter S. Whitmore, M. D., a distinguished physician and citizen of Staunton, Augusta county, Virginia, is of Virginia parentage, and was born October 14, 1873, a son of Jacob A. and Louise (Rubush) Whitmore, both natives of Augusta county, where the father was a prosperous farmer.
Dr. Whitmore obtained the elementary portion of his education at the local public schools and later took a three years course at the Augusta Military Academy at Fort Defiance, Virginia, and attended for one year the academic department of the University of Virginia. Upon the completion of his general education, he took a position as teacher in the Rockingham High School, where he remained for three years. At this time, having made up his mind to the profession of medicine, he entered the medical department of the University of Virginia, graduating from there in 1901 with the degree of M. D. He remained two years after graduation with the University Hospital at Charlottesville, Virginia, and later went to St. Vincent's Hospital at Norfolk to gain the requisite experience. He then went to Mount Sidney, Virginia, where he established himself in practice, and continued there with success for seven years. perceiving the larger field which awaited him in the city of Staunton, he removed to t hat center, where he has been engaged in a highly successful private practice besides holding the position of surgeon for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Since the year 1911 Dr. Whitmore has been associated with Dr. J. B. Catlett in the founding and operating of the new Staunton Sanitarium. Dr. Whitmore is associated with a number of Medical societies, being a member of the Augusta County, the State of Virginia and the American Medical associations, and the vice-president of the former. He is also a member of the Railway Surgeons Association and the Alumni Association of the University of Virginia. He is the past president of the Board of Health, and since July, 1913, city physician. He gives a great deal of time and attention to civic affairs generally and is an active member on the Democratic committees. He is a member of the Masonic order and of those of the Elks and Eagles. Dr. Whitmore is unmarried.

[Pages 214-215]
George Benjamin West. Long seated in Virginia, this branch of the family of West has ever been identified with the activities and institutions of the state, and in the person of George Benjamin West has, for half a century, been represented in the business world of Newport News.
When the Federal troops landed at Newport News on May 27, 1861, Parker West and his family were living on his farm and were caught within their lines. Permission was given them to move, and they refugeed to Richmond, with very little beside their clothes, leaving slaves, crops, cattle, utensils and furniture. At this time Parker West could walk but a short distance on account of rheumatism. His older son, William D. West, had enlisted in the Old Dominion Dragoons and was living on another farm and was not caught within the Federal lines. George B. West had arrived from the University of Virginia a week or two before and was at home. When the family were settled in Richmond he secured a position in the quartermaster's department and continued in it until he was discharged, April 17, 1865, at Greensboro, North Carolina, having left Richmond, April 2, 1865, on the night of its evacuation. The patriotism and loyalty thus displayed have characterized the line in all generations, and since war could not always bring these qualities to the surface, they have been evidenced in the lives of active, purposeful, and useful citizens.
Benjamin West, grandfather of George B. West, was a resident of Accomack county, Virginia, where he owned and successfully operated a large plantation. By his marriage with Margaret Russell he had issue, one of his sons, Parker, of whom further.
Parker West, the son of Benjamin and Margaret (Russell) West, was born in 1803, and died in 1872, aged sixty-nine years. His youthful studies were pursued under private instruction, and in young manhood he began agricultural operations, which were interrupted by the outbreak of the war between the north and the south. During the conflict, his health being improved, he served from 1863 to the evacuation of Richmond, in the Confederate States navy in the navy yard at Richmond. In 1844 he moved his family to Hampton, Virginia, to give his children the advantages of good schools, but continued his farming under overseers. About 1851 he became proprietor of a shoe store and continued in the business until 1860, when he moved his family back to the Newport news farm, his younger children being sent to colleges. He became totally blind soon after the war. He was a successful business man, popular among his associates, and was generous to a fault. Parker West was a communicant of the Hampton Baptist Church, and in early life supported the Whig party in politics.
He married, in 1827, Mary Drummond Bell, born in 1801, died in 1865, and had issue: 1. Margaret, born in 1828, died in 1829. 2. Mary E., born in 1831, died in 1898; married W. P. Marrow, and had William D. and Betty B., married W. B. Vest. Mr. Marrow was a member of a volunteer company, Wythe Rifles, before the war, and served in it as Company A, Thirty-second Virginia Infantry until the surrender. 3. Sarah Jane, born in 1832, died in 1844. 4. William D., born 1833, died in 1862, having been discharged from his company in 1861, to serve in the adjutant-general's office in Richmond. 5. Elizabeth R., born 1835, died in 1885. 6. George B., of whom further. 7. Missouri P., born in 1841; married Mortimer Smith, and has Emily, who married William E. Barrett.
George Benjamin West, son of Parker and Mary Drummond (Bell) West, was born in Newport News, Virginia, in 1839. He attended both public and private institutions and the Hampton Academy in Hampton and completed his education by a classical course in the University of Virginia. After the war he engaged in farming and mercantile dealing at Newport News, which was then not even a village, only farm lands, and continued some time After the starting of the town in 1880. In 1891 he organized the Citizens and Marine Bank, being made its president, and has filled that high office to this time. Mr. West is a deacon of the Newport News Baptist Church, also holding the position of clerk. He has always affiliated with the Democratic party in politics. A lifelong friend of advanced education, he renders valuable service to this cause in the capacity of trustee of Richmond College and a member of the Baptist Education Commission of Virginia. Mr. is liberal in his contributions to charitable and beneficent organizations, bestowing his gifts without distinction as to color or creed; and is identified with all movements advancing the moral welfare of his city. Backed by a successful career as a merchant, active head of a stable and well managed financial institution, Mr. West is rightly numbered among the leaders in the business world of Newport News. Respected and admired for his material achievements, Mr. West is held in high regard because of the sincerity and firmness with which he has remained true to the principles of honor and uprightness in every department of life. His true worth is garbed in a manner of cordial friendliness, courtesy and consideration, marking his every word and deed.

[Pages 215-216]
Henry Warden. Lee Hill Farm, now owned by Henry Warden, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, was originally owned by General John Minor and by him occupied many years. In 1905 the estate was purchased by Mr. Warden, who, since 1898, has been a resident of Fredericksburg. The general name, "Lee Hill Farm" is applied to the estate as a whole, its sub-divisions being Brent's Mill Farm, The Bend, White Chimneys, Merry Hill, Sligo and Hazel Hill.
Henry Warden the fortunate possessor of this beautiful and valuable property, is a son of William G. Warden and a grandson of John B. Warden, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. John B. Warden was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, but most of his life was spent in Pittsburgh, where he followed his trade of blacksmith, and became a boiler manufacturer. He was a soldier of the war of 1812 and a man of considerable influence. He married Annie Leeds of the early New Jersey family.
William G. Warden, son of John B. and Annie (Leeds) Warden, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1832, died April 9, 1895. He learned the trade of patternmaker, later was associated with his father, as junior member of John B. Warden & Son, boiler-makers and engine builders. This was one of the celebrated engine building firms of that day and a very prosperous one. During the early oil excitement in Pennsylvania, William G. Warden was engaged in the oil business in Pennsylvania. In 1865 he moved to Philadelphia where he died possessed of a large estate, his later years being devoted to its management. He married Sarah Wells Bushnell, of Pittsburgh, born in 1836, now a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, eleven of her fifteen children are now living: Elizabeth, married John L. Ketterlinus, of Philadelphia; Annie L., deceased; Eleanor G., married Samuel C. Bodine, of Philadelphia; Henry, of further mention; Louisa, died in childhood; Mary, married Charles W. Harkness, of New York City; Sarah, married William L. McLean, of Philadelphia; Jeannette, died in childhood; Edith, married Henry R. Corning, of Cleveland; Barbara, married William Strawbridge, of Philadelphia, whom she survives; James W., died in childhood; William G. (2), OF Philadelphia, now manager of the William G. Warden estate; Herbert W., of Paris, France; Nelson B., of Paris, France; Clarence B., a lawyer of Philadelphia.
Henry Warden was born March 17, 1858, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was seven years of age when his parents moved to Philadelphia where he obtained his early education. He also attended McClellan's Boarding School, West Chester, Pennsylvania, and later spent two years at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, New York. He then formed a connection with the Hannibal Meat Company, of Philadelphia and Hannibal, Missouri, spending two years with that company at Hannibal. He then returned to Philadelphia, spending the next five years in the employ of the Atlantic Refining Company. The next seven years he spent in business as member of the firm of the Warden & Mitchell Boiler and Tank Company, of Philadelphia, then from 1891 until 1895 was associated with his father in the care of the latter's large estate, this connection continuing until dissolved by the death of William G. Warden. Henry Warden from 1895 until 1898 was engaged in business in Upshur and Randolph counties, Virginia, locating in Fredericksburg in the latter year. In 1905 he purchased "Lee Hill Farm" and has since devoted himself to its management. He is also largely interested in the Journal Publishing Kentucky, Hazel Hill Canning Company, Fredericksburg Tie Company, and has a stockholding interest in other important concerns in Pennsylvania.
Mr. Warden married in Hannibal, Missouri, October 10, 1879, Mary B. Green, daughter of Moses P. and Mary R. (Bowen) Green. Moses P. Green was an eminent lawyer of Hannibal; he and his wife are now deceased. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Warden; Grace and Sarah B., residing with their parents in Fredericksburg.

[Pages 216-218]
Charles Price Warwick, a prominent business man of New York, was born at Lynchburg, Virginia, August 14, 1873. He is the son of Abram Daniel and Adel (Branch) Warwick, the latter born at Petersburg, Virginia, in 1838, the daughter of David Branch. Abram Daniel Warwick was born at Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1835, the son of John Marshall Warwick, who was born in Amherst county, Virginia, the son of Major William Warwick. The father of Charles Price Warwick was in the civil war on the staff of General Jackson in the Confederate army. After the war he lived the life of a gentleman of leisure, having no particular business or work. The present United States Senator Daniel, of Virginia, is a nephew of the father of Charles P. Warwick.
The Warwicks, Worricks, or Waddocks, as the name severally appears in the American records, are in some cases supposed to derive their descent from Turchil de Warwick, son of Alwine, who was a tenant in capite at the making of Domesday. The Ardens of Arden, county Warwick, claimed descent from Sivard de Arden, son of Turchil de Warwick, who though of Saxon origin, held under the Conqueror of England as tenant in chief. A parish in Cumberland anciently written Warthwick has a similar name, and one Odard, owner of the estate in the twelfth century, was the grandfather of John de Warthwyke who lived temp. Richard Coeur de Lion and the descendants of the latter in the direct male line possessed the estate down to the eighteenth century. There are several Warwick families in England having the right to bear arms. The arms of the Cumberland family of the name are thus heraldically described: Azure: Three lions rampant argent. Crest: À dexter arm couped at the shoulder all in armor, holding in the gauntlet battle axe all proper.
There were Warwicks at Saco, Maine, at an early date. Henry Warwick or Warrick was there in 1636, and had a son named John, and two daughters, dying about 1673. Folsom tells that commonly the name was written Waddock, but not by the owner; that one daughter, Joan married, in 1658, John Helson, and the other daughter married John Tenney, of Scarboro, thence driven by Indian hostilities with her mother to Gloucester by or before 1690, and the father was an active and useful man. John of Saco, son of the preceding, was one of the chief men of the place, but moved to Scarboro.
Whether there is any connection between the Virginia Warwicks and the Warwicks of Main cannot now be very easily established. As far back as can be traced the former family has been connected with Virginia and the south. Several particulars regarding the family are given in "Sketches and Recollections of Lynchburg" by the "Oldest Inhabitant," a small work published in 1858. The phraseology is quaint, but is worth quoting, particularly for the light it gives on the general opinion regarding Major William Warwick, father of John Marshall Warwick, and great-grandfather of Charles Price Warwick. Says the author, whose name is not given.

Major William Warwick, for many years the revered and excellent visitor of our town, was a native of the county of Buckingham (Buckingham or Nelson), where was passed his boyhood. Settling whilst a young man in the county of Amherst and occupying the station of a prominent bank officer, Major Warwick may be justly claimed by our town as a citizen, particularly as through life he was a constant worshiper in the churches of Lynchburg. Major Warwick was a gentleman of the most honorable feelings. His integrity and upright ness were so conspicuous and so unswerving was he in the prosecution of what he deemed the right that many were heard to say that these qualities invested him with a moral sublimity.
Major Warwick was thrice married, and the children of all these marriages are good and prosperous. May not this be traced in a great measure to the immediate hand of Providence, who has promised that the children of the righteous are blessed to the third and fourth generations. The family of Warwick are all long lived, the venerable mother of Major Warwick attaining the age of one hundred and two, and dying in the county of Nelson a few years since. The traits of filial piety have in this family been conspicuous from generation to generation, and we now witness a fulfillment of the promise to those who honor their parents, that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest live long in the earth. This excellent man died some years since at an advanced age, leaving to his descendants a sacred legacy in a name untarnished and connected only with such things as are pure, lovely, and of good report.

The author goes on to say the remains of the first wife of Major William Warwick repose in the yard attached at that time to the residence of the Dunnington family, which at the time of her decease was the only burying ground in the newly formed town of Norfolk. On this spot was the first church of Norfolk, to which the cemetery was attached. Many of the bodies were moved to the Methodist burying ground, but others were left, and the spot where they reposed was identified by their friends. A barracks was at one time held in the part of the house nearest the courthouse. At the foot of Mrs. Warwick's grave stood, and perhaps stands, an aspen tree, placed there by the hand of her daughter, Mrs. Stuart. A very large spreading tree formerly cast its shade over this quiet resting place, but in the year 1820 it was torn up by the roots during a violent storm, says the author formerly quoted, leaving alone the quivering aspen tree with its beautiful alternations of white and green, reminding us of the living green of the courts above, surrounded by the shadowy forms robed in spotless white.
Captain James Warwick, a brother of Major Warwick, was for a number of years a respected resident of Lynchburg. His residence was exactly opposite to that of Colonel John Wiatt; and with this excellent man did he, it is said, "oft take sweet counsel, walking together to the house of God." Captain Warwick was a devout member of the Presbyterian church, Lynchburg, and conspicuous, it is said, "for the ardor of his attachment to his beloved pastor, adhering closely to him in the division of the church regardless of the changes of those around him."
Of the descendants of Major William Warwick, John Marshall Warwick was a prominent citizen of Lynchburg, and married Caroline Norwell; Corbin and Abram Warwick, of Richmond; Daniel Warwick, who resided in Baltimore; and a daughter who married a Mr. Saunders, and another who married Thomas Leftwich, of Bedford county.
Charles Price Warwick, the modern representative of the family, was educated in the public schools and high schools of Lynchburg. After leaving school he was clerk with the Lynchburg & Western Railroad Company at Lynchburg, Virginia. He came to New York City in 1899, and was clerk with a wholesale lumber business for about one year. He then became connected with the banking and brokerage house of A. A. Housman & Company, New York City, with which firm he still remains. Mr. Warwick is a member of the Englewood Club of New Jersey, the Union League Club, and Southern Society. In politics he is a Democrat, and in religion a liberal.
He married, in 1900, Mabel, daughter of William Rhoads and Mary E. (Black) Twyman. Mrs. Warwick died in 1909, there being one child of the marriage, Elizabeth N., born at Lynchburg, Virginia, March 17, 1901.
Charles Price Warwick has one brother living: James C., born at Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1875, married Muriel Bryan, of Louisville, Kentucky, having two children: John Marshall Warwick and Elstan Bryan Warwick. Mr. Warwick's sisters are: Nouvelle Caroline, married Dudley Calhoun; Elise, married John A. Nichols; Elizabeth Adell, married Logan A. Nelson, of Charlottesville, Virginia. A brother, Daniel J. Warwick, is dead. Mr. Warwick's residence is at Englewood, New Jersey; his office address at No. 25, West Thirty-third street, New York City.

[Pages 218-219]
Rev. George White McDaniel, D. D. In every community where the stress of business life is laid upon getting and gaining, there must be counteracting influences if the life of the town is not to become narrow, sordid and selfish. Such centers are the churches with the high-minded prophets and ministers whose constant effort it is to keep this stress of the daily struggle from narrowing and hardening the character. Like beacon-lights these men stand out to show men what they must avoid, and to mark out the road for the uncertain. Of this class of men, whose lives are given for the uplifting, the ennobling and the inspiriting of his fellows, is Rev. Dr. George White McDaniel, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia. He is doing a work of the highest kind, and it is hard to compute the influence for good which he exerts. He is a member of a family which has been identified with the interests of the south for a number of generations.
His grandfather, William Henry McDaniel, was a native of Jones county, North Carolina, and was a farmer by occupation. He married and had a large number of children. Francis Asbury McDaniel, son of William Henry McDaniel, was born in Sumter county, Alabama, in 1853, and died in Navasota, Texas, January 1, 1903, having outlived all his brothers and sisters. Upon emigrating to Texas he taught school for a number of years. After marrying he engaged in farming until the time of his death. Upon the outbreak of the war with the states he enlisted in the Fifth Alabama Infantry Regiment, and served throughout the war, being active at the battle of Fredericksburg, and many other important engagements. He married Letitia Ann (White) Ashford, a widow, and they had three children.
Rev. Dr. George White McDaniel, son of Francis Asbury and Letitia Ann (White-Ashford) McDaniel, was born in Grimes county, Texas, November 30, 1875, on the plantation owned and cultivated by his father. For a time he attended the public schools of that vicinity, then Hill's Business College at Waco, then the Belton Male Academy, at Belton, and at the age of eighteen he matriculated at Baylor University, Waco, Texas, from which he was graduated in the class of 1898, the degree of Bachelor of Arts being conferred upon him. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, at Louisville, Kentucky, was the next scene of his studies, and there he was awarded his degree of Bachelor of Theology in 1900. He was elected pastor of the First Baptist Church at Temple, Texas, and conducted this charge with success for two years, when he became pastor of the Gaston Avenue Baptist Church, at Dallas, Texas, from 1902 to 1905. In 1905 he was called to the First Baptist Church in Richmond, and has since ministered there to the great benefit and satisfaction of all concerned. When he took charge there were but eight hundred and forty in the congregation, and at the present time there are almost fifteen hundred on the roll of the church. This church is the largest contributor to foreign missions in the Southern Baptist Convention. It is the first church in Richmond to have a resident pastor, and was established in 1780. During the war with the states the women of this congregation were daily engaged in the lecture room in the manufacture of garments for the soldiers.
Rev. Dr. McDaniel married, in Waco, Texas, March 23, 1898, Martha Douglass Scarborough, born in Waco, a daughter of Judge J. B. Scarborough and Mary (Ellison) Scarborough, both deceased. Mrs. McDaniel was graduated from Vassar College in 1896, and was professor of French and German at Baylor University, Waco, Texas, at the time of her marriage. Children of Rev. Dr. and Mrs. McDaniel: Mary Scarborough, born March 10, 1899, is a student at Miss Morris' School, in Richmond; John Harrington, born May 10, 1901, is a student in Richmond Academy.

[Page 219]
Henry Adolphus Wiseman, M. D. The medical profession has known two exponents bearing the name Henry Adolphus Wiseman, one being the well-known physician of the name of Danville, Virginia, and there has been one circumstance peculiar to both, the manner in which they began practice. Henry Adolphus Wiseman Sr. was a medical student when the civil war broke out, and enlisting in the company of artillery he was soon afterward transferred to the medical corps, and so served during the remainder of the conflict. His son, Henry Adolphus Wiseman Jr., had no sooner obtained his M. D. from the University of Virginia than he became a commissioned surgeon in the British army, then engaged in the Boer war in Africa.
Dr. Henry Adolphus Wiseman Sr., son of John Wiseman, was born in Danville, Virginia, in 1847, and died there in 1902. He was educated for the druggist's profession and was engaged in its practice and the study of medicine when the war between the states broke out, discontinuing both to enlist in Ringgold battery. He subsequently became a member of the medical corps, with which he was connected until the declaration of peace. He married Willie Anna Yager, born in Orange county, Virginia, now living with her son, Henry A. Jr., in the old home at No. 842 Main street, aged sixty-seven years. They had children: 1. Mary Whitelaw, born in Danville, Virginia, July 14, 1871; married Henry E. Kendall, of Shelby, North Carolina, a druggist. 2. Henry A. Jr., of whom further. 3. Plummer, born in Danville, September 9, 1881; a graduate of Purdue University, of Lafayette, Indiana; a structural engineer of that city, engaged in important engineering work in many southern states; married Nora Mosely, of Danville. 4. Willie A., born in Danville, August 5, 1888; married Lee B. Weathers, of Shelby, North Carolina, president of the Star Publishing Company snd editor of the "Cleveland Star."
Dr. Henry Adolphus Wiseman Jr., son of Dr. Henry Adolphus and Willie Anna (Yager) Wiseman, was born in Danville, Pittsylvania county, Virginia, August 24, 1877. He pursued his youthful studies in the Danville Military Institute, now the Danville School for Boys. He then took up academic and medical courses at the University of Virginia, being graduated from that institution, M. D., in the class of 1901. He accepted a surgeon's commission in the British Cape Colony Regiment of Kaffirian Rifles, and was on duty in South Africa until the end of the war. From that time until his return to Danville in 1903 he traveled abroad, then established in general practice in his native city with an office in the Arcade building. He is a stockholder and director of the American National Bank, and holds membership in the Presbyterian church. His home is the old family residence on Main street, he and his mother there residing.

[Pages 219-220]
V. Garland Weaver. As the incumbent of the presidency of the First National Bank, of Portsmouth, Virginia, V. Garland Weaver has gained responsible and important position in the field that he early in life chose as that in which he would strive, banking. His connection with the First National has not only been as its head, for he was several years cashier thereof, his election to the presidency the result of his faithful administration of his former office and the recognition of the unusually thorough and complete knowledge of financial procedure and conditions he had shown in his intercourse with the officers of the institution.
Mr. Weaver is a son of Lawson A. and Sarah L. (Oldham) Weaver, his father, a descendant of an old Virginia family, born in Westmoreland county, Virginia. Lawson A. Weaver was educated under the instruction of private tutors, and as a young man gave four years of devoted service tot he Confederate cause. His was the cavalry branch of the service, and his record was one most remarkable, for he participated in every engagement of his company, most usually in the thickest of the conflict, and survived. His present home is in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he lives retired after a business career passed in Richmond, Virginia, where he became proprietor of a mercantile establishment immediately after the close of the war. He is a member of the United Confederate Veterans, for many years filling the position of secretary in his camp, and belongs to the Baptist church. Children of Lawson A. and Sarah L. (Oldham) Weaver: 1. Virginia, deceased. 2. Oldham, deceased. 3. V Garland, of whom further. 4. L. Newton, born in 1883, educated in Fredericksburg College, became assistant cashier of the Bank of Middlesex, Urbanna, Virginia, his brother, V. Garland, being cashier. When V. Garland Weaver resigned his office, L. Newton was elected cashier, in 1908, and so continues. He is am ember of the Masonic order. 5. Gertrude deceased. 6. Elizabeth, deceased. 7. Wiley W., born in 1888, was graduated A. B. from Fredericksburg College in the class of 1910, now a bookkeeper in the First National Bank, of Portsmouth, Virginia. He is a member of lodge and chapter, Masonic order.
V. Garland Weaver, son of Lawson and Sarah L. (Oldham) Weaver, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1880. Public school instruction ad study under private tutors prepared him for matriculation at Fredericksburg College, whence he was graduated A. B., and he at once identified himself with banking, entering the employ of Conway, Gordon & Garnett, of Virginia, Virginia. While with this firm he became solidly schooled in matter financial, leaving their employ to accept the cashiership of the Bank of Middlesex, at Urbanna, Virginia, with which he as connected for ten years. At the end of t his time he formed an association with the First National Bank of Portsmouth, Virginia, in the same capacity, holding the position of cashier from 1908 until 1912, the latter year witnessing his election to the presidency of the bank. His administration thus far has been ample proof that whitened hair and age-ripened judgment are not requisites for those in high financial position, and he has guided the affairs of the First National with skill, discretion and ability. The greatest of confidence is reposed in his leadership by the directors of the institution, and the present substantial condition of the bank supports this confidence in a most convincing manner. Mr. Weaver is a communicant of the family faith, the Baptist, and belongs to Urbanna Lodge, No. 83, Free and Accepted Masons.
He married, in 1904, Sally R., born in Middlesex county, Virginia, daughter of John R. Segar, and has children: V. Garland, Jr., born July 17, 1906; John R., born February 17, 1908.

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Wilkinson. The line of Wilkinson of which Robert M., William S. and George F. Wilkinson are representatives in Virginia in the fourth American generation was founded by Nicholas Wilkinson, a native of county of Limerick, province of Munster, Ireland. He was accompanied to his new home by two brothers, and settled in Norfolk. He was twice married. Nicholas Wilkinson had enjoyed exceptionally good educational advantages, and in Norfolk taught school, his appellation, universally used, being "Professor." By his first marriage he was the father of one daughter, by his second with Elizabeth Llewellyn, he had a son, John G.
(II) John G. Wilkinson, son of the pioneer Nicholas and Elizabeth (LLewellyn) Wilkinson, was born in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1796, and as a boy his studies were directed by his father. When a lad of sixteen years he went to the front in the second war with Great Britain, and after peace had been declared entered the store of Robert Steed & Company, importers engaged in the West Indian trade. John G. Wilkinson was later connected with the United States and then the Exchange Banks. He was a member of the Protestant Episcopal church, and, a vocalist of talent and ability, for a long time sang in the choir of the church wherein he worshipped. He supported the Whig party in politics. John G. Wilkinson married Elizabeth Keeling, and had issue: Mary E.; Margaret; John N.; Paulina; James; Robert; William S., of whom further; Henry Augustine; and Georgianna Wilson.
(III) William S. Wilkinson, son of John G. and Elizabeth (Keeling) Wilkinson, was born in 1833, died in 1888. He attended the academy at Norfolk, his birthplace, and began business life as a bookkeeper with John B. Hardy & Company, afterward becoming at the close of the war connected with the independent bank of J. W. Whitehust & Company. In the organization of the Bank of Commerce he played a leading part, and until his death filled the office of cashier of that institution, being an important factor in the management of its affairs. He was prominent in Masonic circles, belonging to Owens Lodge, also the chapter, council, and commandery, and was the incumbent of official position in that order. His political faith was Democratic, and in religion he adhered to the Protestant Episcopal belief, his church being St. Paul's, of that denomination. William S. Wilkinson married, December 1, 1859, Elizabeth Jarvis, born in 1840, daughter of George Washington and Elizabeth (Jarvis) Farant, granddaughter of Hubert and Sarah (Clemens) Farant, her grandparents residents of Portsmouth, Virginia. George Washington Farant, youngest of his parents' ten children, was born in 1811, died in 1864. He engaged in the tailoring business on a large scale, holding for a long time a contract with the government for naval uniforms and other articles of apparel. He was thrice married, having two children by his first marriage, nine by his second, and four by his third. Of his second marriage, two daughters are now living one of whom, Elizabeth Jarvis, of previous mention, married William S. Wilkinson. Children of William S. and Elizabeth Jarvis (Farant) Wilkinson: 1. Leonora, born January 11, 1861. 2. Elizabeth Keeling, born October 27, 1865, married, in June, 1889, Paul R. Howard, and has Elizabeth, Susan P. and Margaret. Susan P. married Heath H. Hume, November 6, 1912, and has a daughter, Elizabeth Howard. 3. Robert M., of whom further. 4. William S., married Susie Meade Steachan, of Petersburg, one son, William S., the third. 5. George F., of whom further. 6. Miriam G., born September 27, 1874. 7. Alicia L., born November 1, 1877. 8. John G., born December 19, 1881. Six children are deceased.
(IV) Robert M. Wilkinson was born in Norfolk, Virginia, July 2, 1867. He was educated in the Norfolk Academy, which had known his father as a student, and after completing his studies became associated in banking with his father, later with him was connected with the Bank of Commerce. Mr. Wilkinson was identified with this institution until he resigned to engage in real estate dealing, which he continues to the present time. Norfolk has been the scene of all his activities, and there he has won recognition by the intelligent and successful application of business judgment and acumen of high order. Mr. Wilkinson's residence, as well as his place of business, is in Norfolk, and is an attractive and beautiful home. He is a communicant of St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal Church, and in political persuasion is a strong Democrat.
Mr. Wilkinson married, November 18, 1903, Anna Robinson Taylor, daughter of Frederick Southgate Taylor.
(IV) George Farant Wilkinson was born in Norfolk, Virginia, July 10, 1871. After studying under private instruction for a time he became a student in Davis's Military School, completing his education in that institution. Returning to his to his home he learned the broker's business, and engaged in that pursuit for a time, prospering and gaining prominence in that line. Afterwards he entered into the real estate business under the firm name of G. F. Wilkinson & Company, and is now secretary and treasurer of the Farant Investment Corporation, of Norfolk, both concerns of excellent reputation and firm founding. Mr. Wilkinson is undoubtedly one of the best informed men in the city of Norfolk in regard to real estate values, and has directed numerous large operations in that place, his record, through repeated achievement and success, is an enviable one. Norfolk finds in him a citizen and business man measuring up to the high standard erected by previous generations of his name, and civic duty finds him responsive to every call. He has been a member of the city council, elected as a Democrat, and is a member of St. Andrew's Protestant Episcopal Church.
He married, November 19, 1908, Loulie Sharp, daughter of Walter Sharp, and is the father of: George Farant Jr., born January 4, 1911, and Lamar Sharp, born July 29, 1913. The family residence is a splendid home in a newly developed section of Norfolk.