Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography

[Pages 302-304]
James Alexander McClure. Rev. James Alexander McClure, pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church, of Petersburg, Virginia, is a descendant in the sixth generation of a Scotch-Irish family, early planted in Virginia. Several of his ancestors were soldiers of the revolution, and the McClure family partakes essentially of those Scotch qualities which has always led to success in life, honest, industry and economy. The McClure family in Scotland was an offshoot of the clan McLeod, tracing back to the Isle of Skye. There are many theories regarding the origin of the name, but non of them are positively fixed by recorded authority. The name occurs in Scotland as early as the twelfth century, and in the fifteenth century it appears ad Mak Lure. Persons of the name abound at the present day in Ayrshire, Scotland, and many of the name went from Scotland to Northern Ireland in the days when James VI. made numerous land grants to immigrants from that country. Thence have come many to various sections of the United States, and all have given credit to the name, and have been useful in developing the communities in which they lived.
(I) James McClure, pioneer of the family in Augusta county, Virginia, was born in county Donegal, Ireland, bout 1690, and with his wife Agnes settled in Long Meadow, on Middle river of the Shenandoah, about five miles north of Fisherville, in 1738. The survey of his land was made in that year. He was a charter member of the Tinkling Spring Church, organized 1740, and baptisms of two children are recorded there.
(II) His eldest child, John McClure, was born in 1717, and was about eighteen years old when he came with his father to Virginia. He settled on South river, near Lyndhurst, where he received a deed for 359 acres, March 1, 1749. His name appears frequently in the records of the county. He was tenth on the muster roll of James Cathrey's company in 1742, was a juror in 1767, sold land in 1778, and died intestate in 1798. While there is no record of his wife, it is practically certain that she was Elizabeth, the daughter of Andrew Steele, who died in Augusta county, in 1764.
(III) Their tenth child, Andrew McClure, born July 18, 1767, died at the home of his son, John McClure, near Old Providence Church, December 30, 1847.He was a soldier of the war of 1812, enlisting March 4, 1814, at Staunton, Virginia, as a private of Captain Sangter's company, Twelfth United States Infantry. At the expiration of his term of service he was discharged, March 30, 1815, at Fort Covington. He married, January 15, 1789, Mary Mitchel, fourth child of Thomas Mitchel and Elizabeth (McClanahan) Moore. She died in 1795, and thereafter he lived with his sisters and children, frequently walking between Waynesboro and Old Providence, a distance of twenty-five miles, even when over seven years of age. He is said to have been a large and muscular man, closely resembling his son John.
(IV) John (2) McClure, fourth child of Andrew and Mary Mitchel (Moore) McClure, was born May 28, 1794, near Waynesboro, and died April 26, 1873, at his home near Old Providence Church. He was less than two years of age when his mother died, and was reared by a great-aunt, Sarah Steele, of Augusta county. His educational privileges were small. He had some schooling, however, and studied an English grammar published at Holgate, near York, in 1795. In 1891 he settled on the farm of his uncle and aunt, James and Betsy Fulton, which he inherited and lived on for fifty-six years. He married, July 27, 1819, Jane Pilson, born June 14, 1797, died September 18, 1882, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Thompson) Pilson. She joined the Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church about 1816, and subsequently removed her membership to the Bethel Presbyterian Church, of which she was a member for nearly sixty-six years. She was the mother of eight children.
(V) The youngest of these, Matthew Thompson McClure, named for a great-grandfather, was born July 23, 1834, and is now living at the McClure homestead where his father and grandfather died, one mile northeast of Old Providence Church. Without a scientific education, through study and experimentation he mastered many of the facts of agricultural chemistry, which has proved of advantage to himself and his neighbors. Of cheerful and optimistic nature, with a strong will and a keen sense of humor, his way through life has been a most pleasant one, not only to himself, but to those about him. He has filled various positions of trust and honor in the community, being school trustee and chairman of the Democratic district organization. Urged by friends to become a candidate for the legislature, he resolutely declined. He founded and fostered for several years, in association with two others, a classical school at Old Providence, which enabled many young persons of the community to prepare for higher education. He was a soldier of the civil war, serving as commissary sergeant in the Fifty-second Virginia Regiment, enlisting July 31, 1861, for a period of twelve months. He was first attached to General Edward Johnson's Brigade, afterwards commanded by General Early, in Stonewall Jackson's corps. He was commissioned second lieutenant, November 23, 1861, and on the reorganization of the army was retained as commissary sergeant of Company I, in which capacity he served until the close of the war. Early in 1865 he was promoted first lieutenant and brevetted captain. He was made prisoner and paroled at Appomattox Court House, April 10, 1865. For some years he cultivated his father's farm as a tenant, and later came into its possession by inheritance. He married, July 27, 1865, Sarah Catherine Bumgardner, born March 18, 1842, in Carroll county, Missouri, daughter of Lewis and Hettie Ann (Halstead) Bumgardner, served with General Washington in the colonial wars, in the campaign of 1754. Children: 1. Lewis Bumgardner, born February 12, 1866, in Greenville; cashier of the People's Exchange Bank at Russellville, Arkansas; is an elder of the Southern Presbyterian Church of that place. 2. Jane Thompson, born April 2, 1869; married, December 27, 1902, Edwin Bumgardner, and lives at Walnut Grove, the old McClure home, the comfort of her parents in their declining years. 3. Anne Halstead, born September 28, 1870; married, October 4, 1892, Samuel Walter McCown, a farmer of Rockbridge, and ruling elder of New Mammouth Church. 4. James Alexander, of further mention. 5. Andrew Wellington, born December 25, 1874; now resides in Macon, Georgia; he was formerly an elder in the Central Presbyterian Church of Bristol, Tennessee.6. William Warren, born November 26, 1877; resided in North Yakima, Washington. 7. Mary, born August 11, 1879, died September 6, following. 8. John, born December 16, 1880; graduate of Washington and Lee University; is professor of chemistry in New Mexico Military Institute, Roswell, New Mexico. 9. Matthew Thompson, born April 27, 1883; graduated at Washington and Lee University, A. B., 1904, at University of Virginia, M. A., 1907, at Columbia University, 1912, Ph. D.; is a teacher of philosophy in that institution.
(VI) Rev. James Alexander McClure, second son of Matthew Thompson and Sarah Catherine (Bumgardner) McClure, was born December 12, 1872. He graduated from Washington and Lee University, A. B., in June, 1899. He was final orator of the Graham-Lee Literary Society, in 1896, and in 1899 debater at the intermediate celebration of the same society, member of Ringtum Phi staff, 1899, and vice-president of Young Men's Christian Association, 1899; valedictorian class, 1899. He entered Union Theological Seminary of Virginia in September, 1899, and graduated Bachelor of Divinity in 1902. In his senior year he was editor-in-chief of the Union Seminary Magazine. Entering Princeton Seminary as a graduate student in 1902, he graduated as Bachelor of Divinity in 1903. His rearing upon the paternal farm and participation in its labors, where he took his part in the fields with hired men during vacation seasons, developed in him a strong physique. He is described by his contemporaries as thoroughly Scotch-Irish. During school sessions his mornings and evenings were devoted to the usual chores about the farm, and thus he was prepared for the more serious occupations of his later years. He considers his reading and study of philosophy as the most helpful in preparing for his life work. Immediately after graduation from Princeton he became pastor of the Presbyterian church at Front Royal, Virginia, and there continued until 1906. For two years following he was pastor at Buena Vista, Virginia, and for four years at Henderson, North Carolina. In 1912 he was installed pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church of Petersburg, in which field he is now laboring. He is a member of Petersburg Lodge, No. 15, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; and of Powhatan Tribe, Improved Order of Red Men. In 1914 he published a very comprehensive genealogical work, covering the McClure family of Virginia, from his pen. He married, December 31, 1903, Josie, daughter of John and Letitia (Tate) Gilkeson, granddaughter of William and Margaret (Ingles) Gilkeson, and of John A. and Margaret (Randolph) Tate, the last named a daughter of John Randolph, who came from Charlotte, Virginia, to Augusta county, in 1810, and died there in 1861. Children: Margaret Randolph, John Gilkeson, Jane, Katherine Bumgardner, James Alexander, and Josie Charlton.

[Pages 304-305]
Charles See McNulty, A. B., LL. B., of Roanoke, Virginia, whose eminent position in legal circles and prominence in public life demand for him distinct recognition in the history of Virginia, is the son of Frank McNulty, and the grandson of John McNulty. The latter was born in county Donegal, Ireland, in 1769, and was graduated from the University of Dublin, Ireland. He came to America, and settled in Pocahontas county, then Virginia, now West Virginia, in 1790, and taught school for a time. Subsequently he established a private school at Monterey, Virginia. His son, Frank McNulty, was born October 23, 1827, and was engaged in the occupation of farming and stock raising. For many years he took a prominent part in the public affairs of Highland county, Virginia, and was for a long time a member of the county court. He married Francis Wilson.
Charles See McNulty was born in Monterey, Highland county, Virginia, July 27, 1877. For a time he attended the public schools of his native town, then studied under the tutorship of Professor John M. Colaw, who prepared him for entrance to the Washington and Lee University in 1898, and he was graduated from the academic department in 1902 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He then took the law course, and was graduated in 1904 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. At the same time he was admitted to the bar of Virginia, and immediately located in Roanoke, Virginia, where he opened offices for the practice of law. He was successfully established in practice independently until July 1, 1909, when he formed a co-partnership with the late John W. Woods, which continued uninterruptedly until the death of the latter in December, 1912, and not long afterward, Mr. McNulty became a member of the law firm of Kime, Fox & McNulty, which is acknowledged as one of the leading law firms of southwestern Virginia, with a large state and Federal court practice.
Mr. McNulty has devoted himself to the welfare of the community, and has spared neither his time nor talents in serving its best interests. This spirit was recognized by his fellow citizens by election to membership in the city council in 1910, an office he is still holding, and because of his legal ability, he has been selected as the leader of that honorable body. He is a member of the Roanoke and State Bar Associations, and retains his Pi Kappa Sigma membership and all his interests as an alumnus of the Washington and Lee University. His fraternal membership is as follows: Lakeland Lodge, No. 190, Free and Accepted Masons; Bayard Commandery, No. 15, Knights Templar; Murray Chapter, No. 22, Royal Arch Masons; Acca Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Richmond, Virginia; Osceola Lodge, Knights of Pythias.
Mr. McNulty married, in 1906, Anna Aylette, a daughter of the Hon. William A. Anderson, of Lexington, and they have children: Frances Wilson, Anne Aylette, William Anderson and Charles See Jr. Mr. McNulty has been true and faithful in the public office he has been called upon to fill, honorable in his legal practice, and cordial and kindly in social circles. He has won the respect of all and has a large circle of friends.

[Pages 305-307]
Captain Richard Coke Marshall, Jr., of the United States Coast Artillery, is a descendant of Chief Justice John Marshall, of the United States Supreme Court during Washington's administration, and preserves the military qualities of the family, which have been handed down through several generations, as well as the standards of upright character and moral worth, which have distinguished this noted Fredericksburg family.
(V) Chief Justice John Marshall, born 1755, was a son of Colonel Thomas Marshall, of the fourth generation in America. An extended sketch of his life is a feature of this work. He died July 6, 1835. He married, January 3, 1783, Mary Willis Ambler, born March 17, 1765, died December 25, 1831. Their children were: 1. Thomas, mentioned below. 2. Dr. Jacquelin Ambler, who resided at "Prospect Hill," Fauquier county, Virginia. 3. Mary, married Jacquelin Burwell Harvie, and lived in Richmond. 4. John, resided at "Mt. Blane," Fauquier county. 5. James Keith, lived at "Leeds," Fauquier county. 6. Edward Carrington, died at Innis, Fauquier county.
(VI) Thomas Marshall, son of Chief Justice John Marshall, was born July 21, 1784, in Richmond, and died in Baltimore, June 29, 1835. He early exhibited much literary talent, and wrote a very creditable poem upon the death of George Washington, being then in his sixteenth year. He graduated at Princeton College at the age of nineteen years, with the degree of A. M., and afterwards studied law and engaged in practice at Richmond. Declining health caused him to abandon law, and he retired to the ancestral estate at "Oakhill," and engaged in farming. The lands had become largely exhausted, and he adopted a system of fertilization which restored their productivity. With a fine taste, he enjoyed good literature and was an art connoisseur. He was a member of the constitutional convention of 1829, presided over by his father. An ardent Episcopalian, he contributed to the prosperity of the church in Virginia. While on the way to visit the deathbed of his aged father, he sought shelter from a severe thunderstorm under a staging erected for making repairs on the court house at Baltimore. The building was struck by a bolt of lightning, which dislodged a brick, and Mr. Marshall's skull was fractured in it fall, causing his death. He married, October 19, 1809, Margaret W. Lewis, born 1792, at Wyanoke, Charles City county, died February 2, 1829, at Oakhill, daughter of Fielding and Agnes (Harwood) Lewis, and granddaughter of John and Elizabeth (Warner) Lewis. Children: 1. John, resided at Oakhill most of his life, and was representative in the state legislature. 2. Agnes, married General Alexander G. Taliaferro of the Confederate army, and resided at Annandale, Culpeper county, Virginia. 3. Mary, wife of William Archer, an attorney of Richmond. 4. Fielding Lewis, mentioned below. 5. Anne Lewis, married James Fitzgerald Jones, and resided at Oakhill. 6. Margaret Lewis, married John Thomas Smith. 7. Colonel Thomas Marshall, a soldier of the civil war, purchased Oakhill of his brother, John, and continued to own it until his death.
(VII) Fielding Lewis Marshall, second son of Thomas and Margaret W. (Lewis) Marshall, was born March 19, 1819, at Oakhill, and was educated at the University of Virginia, in both literary and law courses. He settled on the Oakhill estate, and continued there until the civil war. On the outbreak of the struggle, he enlisted and was mustered as orderly sergeant of Wises dragoons of Fauquier county. this organization was assigned to the Sixth Virginia Cavalry, and Mr. Marshall was commissioned first lieutenant of artillery in June, 1862. He was stationed on ordnance duty at Lynchburg, and so continued until the close of hostilities, in 1865. He subsequently resided in Orange county, and was engaged some years in teaching school. A man of fine literary attainments and high honor, he was universally respected and was eminently successful as a teacher. A Whig in politics, he represented Fauquier county in the house of delegates. He married (first) April 10, 1843, Rebecca F. Coke, born October 19, 1824, died April 20, 1862. He married (second) July 9, 1867, Mary N. Thomas, born August 9, 1842. Children of first marriage: 1. Richard Coke, mentioned below. 2. Margaret Lewis, born May 17, 1846, married Cornelius B. Hite, a soldier and teacher, 3. Mary B. W., June 26, 1847, widow of John R. Yates, residing in Washington, D. C. 4. Susan L., born December 11, 1848, married Bowles E. Armistead, of Fauquier county, Virginia. 5. Thomas, born 1850, a broker of New York City. 6. Fielding Lewis, residing in Washington. 7. Rebecca C., born August 14, 1856, married Charles R. Nash, of Portsmouth, Virginia. 8. Agnes H., born April 26, 1858, wife of William P. Helm, a merchant of New York, residing in Warrenton, Virginia. Children of second marriage: 9. Maria N., born January 3, 1869. 10. George T., born July 4, 1871. 11. Eleanor W., born October 2, 1873. 12. Ann L., born October 6, 1875. 13. Walton H., born May 16, 1877. 14. John N., born September 18, 1879. 15. Alice H., born January 30, 1882. 16. Evelyn B., born 1885. 17. Randolph H., born 1890.
(VIII) Colonel Richard Coke Marshall, eldest son of Fielding Lewis and Rebecca F. (Coke) Marshall, was born July 5, 1844, at Oakhill, and died April 5, 1914, at the home of his son and namesake at Fort Monroe, Virginia. He was for many years a prominent figure in Virginia, and bore well the family name and honors. He was but sixteen years of age at the outbreak of the civil war, and entered the Confederate service as a member of the Sixth Regiment Virginia Cavalry, and at the battle of Trevillian's Station between the forces of General Phil H. Sheridan and General Wade Hampton, June 11, 1864, he was shot through the lung, which so disabled him that he was unable to again enter service until near the close of the struggle. In 1865 he became aide-de-camp on the staff of General Thomas L. Rosser, and was at Appomattox Court House, but did not surrender with General Lee and his army for the reason that Rosser's command was then surrounded and cut off from Lee's forces. Captain Marshall was brevetted colonel for gallant service during the war. After peace was restored, Colonel Marshall was engaged in teaching in Fauquier county, and was soon placed in charge of an academy there. Afterward he was in charge of Brookfield Academy, Maryland. In the meantime he pursued the study of law, and moved, in 1873, to Portsmouth, where he was admitted to the bar in 1875. For a period of ten years he engaged in active practice as a member of the legal firm of Murdaugh & Marshall, the partnership being terminated by the death of Judge C. W. Murdaugh, in 1899. For several years Colonel Marshall was commonwealth's attorney for the city of Portsmouth, and in 1891 was chosen for the same position for Norfolk county under a special act, which permitted a resident of the county seat to be elected commonwealth's attorney for the county. This position he filled with honor and credit for a consecutive period of twenty-three years. Shortly after becoming a resident of Portsmouth, he joined its volunteer fire service; was many years foreman of the Chambers Fire Company, and also held official positions in the Virginia State Firemen's Association. For many years Colonel Marshall was prominent in politics, and was three times nominated for Congress in a district having from nine to ten thousand Republican majority, and carried the standard of his party though defeated in common with others. During the first Cleveland administration he was active in the local councils, and exercised much influence in that and the succeeding Cleveland administration. He was a leading spirit in Stonewall Camp, Confederate Veterans of Portsmouth, and was affiliated with Portsmouth Lodge, No. 82, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. At his funeral held from eh, Portsmouth, all these bodies attended with full rank, testifying the respect and esteem in which their comrade was held.
He married Catherine Wilson, who died in 1891. Children: 1. Myra, died at the age of fifteen years. 2. Rebecca Coke, born 1868; married, 1893, Marion Lewis Marshall, son of Jacquelin Ambler Marshall, and three children: Richard Jacquelin, Kate Wilson, and St. Julien Ravenal; the eldest is a student at the Virginia Military Institute. 3. Susan Lewis, born 1870; married, in 1900, Robert Stribling Marshall, a brother of her elder sister's husband, born November, 1871; they have children: Richard Coke (3) born 1900; Mary Douthal, 1902; Robert Stribling, Jr., 1905; Myra St. Julien, 1909; Susan Lewis, 1911. 4. S. Wilson, born 1872; married, 1902, Agnes Howard Nelson, and has children; S. Wilson, Jr., born 1905; Eleanor Warner, 1908. 5. Kate Wilson, born 1875, died in infancy. 6. Fielding Lewis, born 1877; married, 1902, Freda Darley Jackson, and has children: Fielding Lewis, Jr., born 1900; Fred Darley, 1908, died 1914; Mary Jacquelin, 1911; Richard Coke (4), 1912. 7. Richard Coke, mentioned below 8. St. Julien Ravenal, born 1881; married, 1908, Marie Stuart Lewis, and has children: St. Julien Ravenal, Jr., born 1910; John Lewis, 1912. 9. Rev. Myron Barrand, born 1883; married, 1907, Sarah Niemeyer, and had children: Louise Chandler, born 1908; Elizabeth Barrand, 1909; Catherine Wilson, 1912.
(IX) Captain Richard Coke (2) Marshall, third son of Colonel Richard Coke (1) and Catherine (Wilson) Marshall, was born March 13, 1879, in Portsmouth, Virginia, and there attended L. P. Slater's school, a private institution of that city. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1898, and enlisted in the United States service for the Spanish war, receiving a commission as captain. On his return from this ser vice he was engaged in teaching for two and one-half years at the Virginia Military Institute, and in 1902 received a commission in the coast artillery, belonging to the regular army, and in 1908 was promoted to captain. He was stationed at Old Point, Fort Monroe, but has been transferred to the quartermaster-general's office at Washington, D. C. He is a member of the Kappa Alpha, a college fraternity; is a communicant of the Episcopal church, and in politics is a Democrat. In 1903 he married Marie Louise Booker, daughter of George S. and Laura (Garrett) Booker, of Old Point, Virginia. Their children are: Laura Winder, born October 1, 1904; Richard Coke, born February 19, 1908.

[Pages 307-309]
Edward May. Several generations of successful planters and business men have made the name May a familiar one throughout the south, much of its prestige of former days resulting from the membership of Augustus Hugh May, father of Edward May, of Norfolk, Virginia, in the firm of Richardson & May, of New Orleans, Louisiana, a large and wealthy concern whose business and possessions extended over many of the cotton growing states. Pleasant Hugh May, the father of Augustus Hugh May, was a distinguished lawyer, judge and legislator of South Carolina, a graduate of Chapel Hill College, North Carolina, while in the present day the family is represented in Norfolk by Mr. Edward May, a prominent financier and broker. Edward May has been connected with the business community of the city only since 1902. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, but educated in Virginia. His earlier business career, laid in the lines he now follows, was passed in Chicago and the Northwest, having been one of the first settlers in Dakota Territory.
(I) Among the earliest members of this Lincolnshire, England, family, was John May, who about 1740 filled the office of clerk of Bristol parish, Virginia. John May married, about 1735, Agnes Smith, and had issue: John (2), of whom further; Betsey, born November 16, 1739; Richard, born December 10, 1743; Stephen, born November 15, 1745; David, born May 15, 1747; Agnes, born September 16, 1749; William, born in October, 1752; George, born February 6, 1756, died May 26, 1822.
(II) John (2) May, son of John (1) and Agnes (Smith) May, was born near Petersburg, Virginia, in 1737, lived in Halifax county, Virginia, and died near Wadesboro, North Carolina, after having moved from Virginia. He was the owner of a large plantation in Chesterfield district, South Carolina, and held a number of slaves, employed in it cultivation. His wealth and prominence gave him standing and importance in the community, and he was active in affairs of public and political interest. His wife was a Miss Pleasant, of Alexandria, the line continuing through their son, Peter, of whom further.
(III) Peter May, son of John (2) May, moved fro North to South Carolina, and in the latter state became the owner of a large landed estate and many slaves. He and his son, Pleasant Hugh May, are buried on the estate. Peter May and his wife, who was a Miss Blakery, were the parents of: Pleasant Hugh, of whom further; William B., Thomas B., Alexander, Sarah (Sally), Elizabeth (Polly), Rosa.
(IV) Pleasant Hugh May, son of Peter and ——— (Blakery) May, was born in 1795. He was educated in private school and at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, graduating from the latter place with high honors. Entering the law, he gained eminence in practice, was raised to the bench, and represented his district in the legislature. He was a man of handsome and commanding appearance, of notable intellectual endowments, and as a lawyer achieved enviable reputation, pursuing a successful career rarely equalled. He accumulated a fortune in his profession and through other interests, but meeting with business reverses later began again the fight for success in material things, again winning the victory. Much of his fortune was in real estate, his possessions in this line being many and rich. Pleasant Hugh May was admired by his legal contemporaries, respected as an incorruptible jurist, and favorably regarded for the strength of character he demonstrated under every test. He married Elizabeth Randolph, of Columbia, South Carolina, daughter of Isaac Randolph and his wife, who was a Miss Hunter. Elizabeth (Randolph) May was an aunt of the late Mrs. Woodrow Wilson, the wife of President Wilson, thus making Edward May, a second cousin of Mrs. Wilson. Pleasant Hugh May is buried by the side of his father on the South Carolina homestead. He had two children, Augustus Hugh, of whom further, and Rosa.
(V) Augustus Hugh May, only son of Pleasant Hugh and Elizabeth (Randolph) May, was born in Columbia, South Carolina, in 1823, and died in 1899. After completing h is studies in the public and private schools he went to Mobile, Alabama, there becoming a partner in business with L. M. Wilson, who subsequently married Miss Augusta Evans, the novelist. This connection he afterward severed to conduct dealings in cotton in New Orleans. In this line he was subsequently joined by Edward Richardson, the partners trading under the firm name of Richardson & May, in New Orleans. The firm, doing a large brokerage and planting business in cotton, steadily increased their plantation holdings, until they held title to property in many parts of the cotton growing south. The name of the firm was known in all localities and their credit and influence was practically limitless, methods of unimpeachable fairness and honor having gained them the firm trust and confidence of growers and buyers.
Augustus Hugh May passed the greater part of his life in New Orleans, Louisiana, business interests requiring his presence in that district, and during the war between the states served in the Confederate army as a member of the staff of Richard (Dick) Taylor, son of President Zachary Taylor. He was one of the organizers of the New Orleans Cotton Exchange, and played a prominent part in the institution of New Orleans' famous annual Mardi Gras carnival. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, Dr. William A Palmer for many years being pastor of the congregation of which he was a member. Augustus Hugh May held an enviable position in the cotton industry, and the standing and reputation of the firm of Richardson & May was due in large measure to his constant efforts toward that end. He was a gentleman of education and culture, and was prominent in social circles in New Orleans.
He was twice married, his first wife, Mary, daughter of Harvey Tindel, of Alabama; his second, Mary V. Leach. Children of Augustus Hugh and Mary (Tindel) May, 1. Clara, married Evert A. Bancker, of New York, and has children: A. Hugh, Evert A., Jr., and a daughter May. 2. Albert, married Mary Ranlett, daughter of D. L. Ranlett, of New York, and his wife, Eleanor (Stone) Ranlett, of New Orleans, and has children: Hugh, Eleanor, Clarence, a practicing physician, and Josephine. 3. Edward, of whom further. 4. Augustus, married Florence, daughter of Judge A. D. Land, of the Louisiana Supreme Court; children: Mary Tindel, Margery, Lawrence. Children of Augustus Hugh and Mary V. (Leach) May: 5. Mary V., married Henry W. Blanc, and has Adele and Maud. 6. Maud, married Robert B. Parker, and has Robert B., Jr., Douglass, and Virginia. 7. John, married Amelia Behn, and has John and Amelia.
(VI) Edward May, second son and third child of Augustus Hugh May and his first wife, Mary (Tindel) May, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, November 6, 1855. He was educated in the public and private schools, attending an institution conducted by Professor W. H. Harrison in Amelia county, Virginia. He later entered the University of Virginia, there completing both the classical and legal courses, after graduation going to Chicago, Illinois, where he became identified with banking, afterward establishing himself as a broker and holding a seat on the Chicago board of trade. He was also a member of the Calumet Club and Union League Club of Chicago. Five years later Mr. May moved to Dakota, then a territory, and there remained for about nineteen years, during this period engaging in land, cattle and banking business, his dealings covering a wide range of interests. His residence was in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In 1902 Mr. May located in Norfolk, Virginia, and is now engaged in the stock, bond and investment business. Mr. May has been cordially received in Norfolk and has gained place among the foremost men of affairs of the city. He is a member of the Chamber of Commence, a man in every way representative of the spirit of progress and achievement that belongs to the South. He is a member of the Alumni Association of his alma mater, the University of Virginia, and is a member of the Delta Psi fraternity. His clubs in Norfolk are the Virginia, the Borough and the Westover, and he is an attendant of Christ Episcopal Church.
Mr. Edward May married, July 8, 1890, Etta Leigh Palfrey, daughter of Henry W. Palfrey and his wife, Fannie (Finney) Palfrey, of Louisiana. They have two children, both born in South Dakota: Edward, Jr., born July 6, 1891, who was educated at Lawrenceville and Princeton University; and William Peyton, born April 1, 1900, attending public schools of Norfolk.

[Pages 309-311]
Benjamin Atwood Hord, M. D. The Hord family in England held for centuries a distinguished rank. In America the family has exerted an influence and occupied a position non the less useful and conspicuous for the Hords were of the first families of Virginia, "historic in politeness, intelligence and hospitality." The ancient seat of the family was in Oxfordshire, in "Bampton Hundred," the ancestral home bearing the name "Cote House" and is thus described by Kelton, "Cote, which is part of a hamlet belonging to Bampton, contains a handsome and ancient mansion, which for centuries belonged to the Hords." The family for centuries worshipped in St. Mary's Church, Bampton, where numerous memorials of the family called "Hord's Chapel." Since the death of the last member of the Hord family in England, the chapel being no longer needed for interment, was converted into a vestry room, a member of the family in the United States defraying the greater part of the cost. "The monumental slabs were raised from the floor with care and reverence and have been placed upright against the walls, where they will for the future be safe from all harm."
The founder of the family in America was John Hord, an English gentleman, born in Elwell, England, December 29, 1664, baptized there the same year, coming to Virginia in 1685. He bought a large tract of land in what is now Caroline county on the Rappahannock river, which he named "Shady Grove," the tract part of an original grant made to Sir Thomas Lunsford. There John Hord built a large double mansion, bringing it from England in sections. A spacious hall ten feet wide ran through the centre, having on each side rooms twenty feet square. The mansion, two stories high, built of massive timbers, resting on a brick foundation, is yet standing but much run down. There John Hord lived and died, the land and mansion continuing in the family name until 1821, when it was sold to Daniel Reynolds. John Hord married, in Virginia, and from his sons William, Mordecai, Thomas, John, Peter and James "every man in America bearing the name Hord is descended." Many of the name served in the American army during the revolution, and descendants of John Hord have gone out as pioneers to other states and wherever found they are men of intelligence, honor and high standing. There were soldiers of renown in the family but the list of distinguished Hords includes statesmen, lawyers, doctors and business men of eminence. In the war of 1861-65, the southern members of the family fought for the Confederacy, against many of their brethren from the North and West who entered the Union army.
Benjamin Atwood Hord, M. D., of Richmond, Virginia, is a descendant of John Hord, grandson of William Frederick Hord, and son of Benjamin Harrison Hord, all of his progenitors being of Virginia birth since the founding of the family.
Benjamin Harrison Hord died in Richmond, Virginia, September 25, 1910, aged seventy-two years, having been a resident of Virginia his entire life. His father was a railroad contractor, and from the ending of his school years until 1861 the young man was engaged in the same business. When Virginia withdrew from the Union of states, Benjamin Harrison Hord enlisted in the Confederate army and served during the entire war. He fought in many battles of the war, was wounded and treated in Union hospitals, but when exchanged returned to his regiment. After the war he located in Richmond, where he engaged in business successfully. He married (third) Mattie Jefferson Morecock, born in Charles City United States, Virginia, who survives him, residing at Fairmont avenue, Richmond. He had three wives, who bore him nineteen children, six by the first two wives, thirteen by his third, eleven of whom are living, residents of Richmond. By his first wife there were four children, two of them now living, Walter J. and Alma, residents of New York City. Two children by the second wife are deceased. Children of third marriage, now living: Benjamin Atwood, of whom further; Bertha J., married Fitz Hugh Braver; Oscar R.; Grace, married Ernest L. butler; Julian M., Roland L., Aileen, Forrest, Zephaniah, Herbert, Leroy.
Dr. Benjamin Atwood Hord was born in Richmond, Virginia, July 25, 1877, eldest son and child of Benjamin Harrison Hord and his third wife, Mattie Jefferson (Morecock) Hord. His classical and professional education was obtained entirely in Richmond schools and institutions of learning, receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine from the Medical College of Virginia, class of 1898. He at once began the practice of medicine, opening offices at the corner of Twenty-fifth and Venable streets. He continued in practice there for six years, winning his way to an honorable and lucrative practice. In 1904 he moved to his present location, 2300 East Broad street. Dr. Hord has not rested content with the knowledge gained in college years, but has persisted in study at home and in other cities where he has taken post-graduate courses, including a Polyclinic course in New York City. He is a member of the City and State Medical societies, including the Church Hill Medical Society, of which he is an ex-president. He is highly regarded professionally, has a large practice and has the personal regard of a large number of friends gained through the years of a life-long residence in the city. Dr. Hord holds high position in the Masonic order, being a past master, Free and Accepted Masons; a past high priest, Royal Arch Masons; sir knight of Andrews Commandery, Knights Templar; a past patron of the order of the Eastern Star; and a noble of Acca Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also an Elk and Odd Fellow, serving the latter order as a member of the board of directors. He is a member of the Union Station Methodist Episcopal Church, and in political faith is a Democrat.
&Nbsp; Dr. Hord married, in Baltimore, Maryland, October 24, 1899, Naamah Cassard Kelly, born in Baltimore, February 18, 1881, daughter of Charles Oliver Kelly, who, born in the same city, died there July 4, 1898. For thirty years he was prominent in political and civic affairs of Baltimore, as member of the city council, and at the time of his death was superintendent of the water station operated by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. He married Sarah Beale, who survives him, residing with her daughter, Mrs. Dr. Hord. Dr. and Mrs. Hord have a daughter, Sarah Elizabeth, born in Richmond, Lynchburg 8, 1906.

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John Mason Pilcher, D. D. The forty-five years that John Mason Pilcher, D.D., has passed in the ministry of the Baptist church have been a period in which devoted and unremitting labor have had a bountiful reward. Dr. Pilcher is at this time pastor of the Chester Church of Chesterfield county, but despite his intimate connection with that locality in the present day, Virginia would not surrender her claim upon him to any one city, for in the course of his long and active ministry his association has been largely with organizations and institutions of state-wide scope and effect. The pedagogical profession and the business world were scenes of his endeavor prior to his beginning of an ecclesiastical career, but so complete has been his identification and his alliance with religious work in Virginia that nothing else enters into a recital of his life work. The several pastorates that he has held compose an honorable and useful record, and when the needs of organized religious work called him to responsible position he acquitted himself in a manner no less creditable. For twenty-eight years Dr. Pilcher was corresponding secretary of the Sunday School and Bible Board (Colporteur's work) of the Baptist General Association of Virginia.
The descent of the family of which he is a member is probably Welsh, while maternally he is of English blood. He is a great-grandson of Richard Pilcher, and grandson of Frederick Pilcher, who was born in Stafford, Stafford county, Virginia. Frederick Pilcher was a barrel manufacturer of Fredericksburg, Virginia, until his death in 1832, aged sixty-three years. He married Margaret Alsop. issue: John Alsop, mentioned below; George Mason; Hiram; Lucinda H.; William Stanton, one time mayor of Louisville, Kentucky; Eliza Ann.
John Alsop Pilcher, son of Frederick and Margaret (Alsop) Pilcher, was born in Stafford county, Virginia, November 26, 1796, and died in Richmond, Virginia, January 28, 1852. His calling was that of his father, barrel manufacturing, and he was the proprietor of a flourishing business located in Richmond. He married Elizabeth Ann Parsons, who died in 1870, daughter of Samuel Pleasants and Elizabeth (Ladd) Parsons. Samuel Pleasants Parsons was born in Charles City county, Virginia, and was a civil engineer, at the time of his death holding the office of superintendent of the Virginia Penitentiary. With Moncure D. Robinson he built one of the earliest railroads in the United States, a road with wooden tracks, horse-drawn cars carrying coal from the mines. Elizabeth Ann Parsons was the only daughter of Samuel Pleasants Parsons and his wife, Elizabeth Ladd. Children of John Alsop Pilcher: Samuel F., Margaret E., Anthea, Rebecca J., William S., Mary Bell, two who died in infancy, and Rev. John Mason, the last the only survivor of the nine children.
Rev. John Mason Pilcher was born in Richmond, Virginia, July 16, 1841. His youthful education was obtained in the English and classical school maintained by L. S. Squire, and after preparatory study he entered Richmond College, this institution award- him the degree Master of Arts in April, 1861. For one year after his graduation he taught school in King William county, Virginia, and then entered the military service of the Confederate States, serving in Company D, Second Regiment, Local Defence Troops, from May, 1865, to April, 1865, becoming sergeant-major. From 1865 to 1870 he dealt in coal and wood in Richmond, Virginia, and on February 27, of the latter year, was ordained into the ministry of the Baptist church.
His first ministerial work was the organization of the Grove Avenue Church, and the following year he accepted a charge in Covington, Virginia. In Covington he led his congregation in the erection of a house of worship and for nine years was pastor at that place, at the end of that time becoming corresponding secretary of the Sunday school and Bible board of the Baptist General of Virginia. He held this office for twenty-eight years, devoting himself to its activities with constancy and fidelity, and was also president of the state conference of charities and correction.
Rev. Pilcher in 1890 was honored by the degree of Doctor of Divinity from his alma mater, Richmond College. In connection with his pastoral duties he is vice-president of the Southern Baptist Convention, and in 1911, 1912 and 1913 was president of the Baptist General Association. He is a member of the board of trustees of Richmond College, president of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society, and holds place upon the executive committee of the Anti-Saloon League of Virginia. Dr. Pilcher is in close touch and sympathy with all movements for moral uplift in Virginia, is honored and revered for his long service and useful activity, and is held in loving regard by his fellows in the ministry and by the congregation whose spiritual welfare is his present care. His life has been consecrated to a great and holy cause, and it has been his privilege to be the instrument of boundless good. His ideals of the ministry were high, and in the nearly half a century that has passed since he chose his calling neither knowledge nor discouragement, disappointment nor failure, has caused him to falter in his faith nor to forsake the lofty vision he at first received. Dr. Pilcher is a supporter of Democratic principles, and has always affiliated with that party. He is fond of out-of-doors and finds his most enjoyable relaxation and exercise in walking about the country surrounding his home.
He married, in Goochland county, Virginia, December 21, 1865, Mary Lucy Du Val, born in Chesterfield county, Virginia, April 20, 1845, daughter of Edwin J. and Rhoda Thomas (Halsey) Du Val, granddaughter of Stephen Du Val, a French Huguenot, who came to Maryland at an early date and there died in 1694. Children of Dr. John Mason and Mary Lucy (Du Val) Pilcher: 1. Edwin Mason, born October 1, 1866, died in Richmond, Virginia, January 16, 1913; was a practicing lawyer of that city. 2. John Alsop, born January 24, 1868; a mechanical engineer in the employ of the Norfolk & Western Railroad Company. 3. Maggie, married Joseph H. Bradshaw, now deceased. 4. William, a well known dentist of Petersburg, Virginia. 5. Julia, married G. G. Warsham, of Richmond. 6. Charles M., died in infancy. 7. Frederick, a department superintendent of the Seward Trunk and Bag Company, Petersburg. 8. Stanton, a jeweler of Petersburg. 9. Lewis, a dental practitioner, associated with his brother, Dr. William Pilcher. 10. Mary Lucy, married G. C. Pyne, a wholesale merchant of Petersburg. 11. Edith, died aged seventeen years. 12. Ethel, twin of Edith, teacher of mathematics in the Petersburg high school.