Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography

[Pages 312-313]
Daniel Alonzo Overbey. From boyhood until the failure of his health, in 1909, Mr. Overbey has been engaged in merchandising, first as a helper in his father's general store at Mossingford, and later as proprietor of his own business. The years spent under the stress of business life left their mark and necessitated his withdrawal from active mercantile life, and of late years he has devoted himself to the interests of the National Bank of Danville, of which he is president, having been connected with that institution from its earliest foundation, his name appearing on the original charter. Public-spirited, broad-minded, and liberal, he has not labored for self advancement alone, but has been an important factor in city development and progress.
Daniel Alonzo Overbey was born in Charlotte county, Virginia, September 2, 1853, son of Isaac J. and Martha (Hunt) Overbey. Isaac J. Overbey was born in Mecklenburg county, Virginia, died in Charlotte county, in 1873, aged about Sixty-five years. He was a general merchant of Mossingford, until about five years prior to his death, when he retired from active business life. During the war between the states, he was a purchasing agent for the Confederate government. He married Martha Hunt, who died in 1853, aged thirty-five years, leaving a family of six, three of whom are living: Sarah B., widow of Edward H. Jeffress; Rosa, married H. J. Watkins, residing in Charlotte county; and Daniel A. The dead are: Isaac J. (2); John H., and William H. Overbey, all of whom served in the Confederate army. In 1907 the old Overbey home was destroyed by fire, and the records of the family lost.
Daniel Alonzo Overbey, the youngest child, obtained a good preparatory education in local schools, entered Hampden-Sidney College, where he remained one and one half years. Att he age of seventeen years he began business life as a wage earner, entering his father's employ as clerk in the store at Mossingford. He continued his father's assistant until the retirement of the latter, then became manager of the business, and continued its head until 1877, succeeding as proprietor in 1873. In 1877 he severed his connection with the Mossingford business and located in Danville, establishing with partners a general store on lower Main street. He continued in successful business until 1905, when he became proprietor of the store at Dan River Cotton Mills. After four years there, failing health caused his withdrawal. He was one of the charter members of the National Bank of Danville, was for several years first vice-president, and on the death of P. R. Jones, succeeded to the presidency of that reliable financial institution. A wise and careful executive, Mr. Overbey has attained prominence in the financial world and is rated one of the safe and sane financiers of his city. He is a Democrat in politics; was appointed magistrate, and twice elected member of Danville common council, serving as president of council during his second term. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian, and for many years has been a elder of the Danville church, and a strong pillar of support.
Mr. Overbey married (first) January 20, 1876, Sarah E. Shepherd. He married (second) April 30, 1895, Mamie Cabell Echols, born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, July 28, 1874. Children of first marriage: William D. and John E., both now engaged in business in Danville. Children of second marriage: Mary C., born April 20, 1896, now a student of Ward Belmont College Nashville, Tennessee; Daniel Alonzo (2), born March 17, 1902; Virginia E., and Margaret L.

[Pages 313-315]
George Douglas Meriwether, M. D. The first Meriwethers to come to Virginia were Nicholas Meriwether, from Wales, his wife Elizabeth, brother Francis, and Joan Meriwether, either sister or wife of Francis. This Nicholas known as "Welsh Nicholas" is first found recorded in Virginia, April 22, 1655, at which date he was twenty-four years of age and clerk of Surry county court located "at Southwarke." He was probably the first clerk of the county which was set off from isle of Wight in 1652. He was a large seller of land patents in the different counties and both he and his brother Francis seemed to have come to Virginia with ample means and to have been men of unusual education for their day. They were gentlemen of high social standing and held large landed estates. Francis Meriwether left no issue. All tracing to the early Virginia Meriwethers are all sprung from Welsh Nicholas and his wife Elizabeth (supposed to have been Elizabeth Woodhouse) who survived him. Nicholas Meriwether died December 19, 1678; the date of Elizabeth's death is unknown. Nicholas and Elizabeth Meriwether had six children, of whom Nicholas (2) was the eldest.
(II) Nicholas 92) Meriwether was born in Surry county, Virginia, October 26, 1667, died in Goochland county, Virginia (now Albemarle county) in 1744, his will being probated November 20, of that year. He moved to James City county while yet under legal age, married there at age of twenty-one, resided at St. Peter's parish, New Kent county, in 1693, moving to St. James parish in Goochland county in 1738. He was vestryman, burgess, justice, coroner, sheriff and clerk of court, holding all these offices in New Kent county. He was, if not the largest land owner in Virginia, among the largest owners, providing for his children liberally during his lifetime and devising a large amount by will. Out of this large estate was carved the smaller estates, "Castle Hill," "Turkey Hill," "Plachalorem," "Kinlock," "Belvoir," "Music Hall," "Clover Fields" and "Clemont," owned and held in all but one instance by descendants of Nicholas (2). Nicholas (2) Meriwether married Elizabeth Crafford (also given as Crawford), daughter of David Crafford, "gentleman," of "Assasquin," St. Paul's parish, New Kent county, Virginia, who survived him and was named in his will as one of the executors of his estate. They had nine children, four of whom were sons, David being the youngest son and fifth child.
(III) Colonel David Meriwether, son of Nicholas (2) Meriwether, was born in James City county, Virginia, in 1690, died December 25, 1743. He inherited 1600 acres from his father and lived the life of a Virginia gentleman planter. He married Anne, daughter of George Holmes, of King and Queen county, Virginia, who died March 11, 1735. They were the parents of six sons and two daughters.
(IV) Major Thomas Meriwether, eldest son of Colonel David and Anne (Holmes(Meriwether, was born in 1714, died in 1757. His will was recorded in Louisa county, Virginia, June 28, 1757. He married Elizabeth Thornton, of Fredericksburg, Virginia. They were the parents of four sons and seven daughters, the eighth child, Lucy, married Colonel William Lewis and was the mother of Meriwether Lewis, the Rocky Mountain explorer.
(V) Nicholas (3) Meriwether, on of Major Thomas and Elizabeth (Thornton) Meriwether, was born September 7, 1736, died December 19, 1772. He married, December 31, 1760, Margaret Douglass, born September 2, 1737, died September 25, 1812, daughter of Rev. William Douglass. The Goochland county parish register contains this entry, on page five, marriages: "Nicholas Meriwether and Margaret Douglass in this parish, she is my child, December 31, 1760." Nicholas Meriwether's estate was "Clover Fields," Albemarle county, Virginia, where all his children were born. He had five sons and one daughter, the latter the youngest child.
(VI) Francis Thornton Meriwether, fifth son of Nicholas (3) and Margaret (Douglass) Meriwether, was born November 5, 1768, died in 1814. He lived and died in Bedford county, Virginia. He married, in 1793, Catherine Eliza Davies. Four of their ten children died in infancy, all the others, four sons and two daughters, married and with the exception of one son, George Douglass, and one daughter, Harriet Anne, left issue.
(VII) William Nicholas Meriwether, seventh child of Francis Thornton and Catherine Eliza (Davies) Meriwether, was born in Bedford county, Virginia, November 12, 1810, died November 8, 1887. He was a farmer of Bedford county, prosperous and respected. He married, March 28, 1833, Martha Louisa Manson, born in Bedford county, Virginia, daughter of Nathaniel J. and Sally K. (Alexander) Manson. Children: 1. George W., born in 1834, died in infancy. 2. Nathaniel Manson, born May 30, 1836, died February 3, 1880; a civil engineer; unmarried. 3. Francis Thornton, born March 16, 1838; quartermaster-sergeant and lieutenant, Second Regiment Virginia Infantry, Confederate States army; married Lizzie J. Dawson. 4. William Nicholas (2), born May 12, 1840; married (first) Mary E. Davis, (second) Kate Pollard; he was aprivate of the Fifty-eighth Virginia Infantry, and drill master at Richmond and Lynchburg in Captain Jenkin's cavalry, Confederate States army. 5. George Douglass, of further mention. 6. John Lee, born July 23, 1845. 7. Emmett Manson, born June 4, 1848; married Lizzie Douglass Clarke, May 18, 1871; he was chief engineer for the Wabash railroad at one time and ranked high in his profession; he is now engaged in farming in Florida. 8. Sallie Manson, born June 20, 1850; now residing in Bedford county, unmarried. 9. James Addison, born October 1, 1852; married Annie Clay, in 1891; he prepared fora civil engineer and is now following his profession in Springfield, Missouri.
(VIII) Dr. George Douglass Meriwether, now a practicing physician of Buena Vista, Rockbridge county, Virginia, was born in Bedford county, that state, September 22, 1842, fourth son of William Nicholas and Martha Louisa (Manson) Meriwether. He obtained his education in the "field" schools of the county and Lynchburg, in private schools, and in "Bloomfield Academy," attending the latter institution two years. He left school at age of nineteen years, and in May, 1861, enlisted as a private in the Second Regiment Virginia Cavalry, Confederate States army. He served during the entire war, 1861 to 1865, in that regiment, except for a time under Colonel Peters in another Virginia regiment. His service was principally in Northern Virginia, and continued until 1865. A slight wound kept him from active service for a few days only, but later, owing to a condition of health which rendered him unfit for active, hard duty he was detailed for light service in Lynchburg. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant for meritorious service in the field but never received his commission. After the war he engaged in farming for a short time, then, in 1868, began professional study in the University of Pennsylvania, whence he was graduated (medical department) Doctor of Medicine, class of 1870. He returned to Bedford county after receiving his degree ant there began the practice of medicine and surgery. Later he located a Buena Vista, Rockbridge county, where he is yet in successful practice. In 1894 he was elected coroner of the county, an office he yet holds. For twelve years he was a member of the Virginia state board of medical examiners, has been chairman of the Buena Vista board of health for many years and has rendered state, county and city valued service in addition to a very large private medical and surgical practice. He is a member of the American Medical and the Virginia Medical societies and is highly regarded by his professional brethren.
Dr. Meriwether was "made a Mason" in Boonesboro, Virginia, later demitted to Buena Vista Lodge, and is an honored past master of that body. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Improved Order of Red Men, Junior Order of American Mechanics and the Blue Ridge Camp, United Confederate Veterans, serving the camp as surgeon. In political life he is a Democrat, and in church affiliations an Episcopalian.
He married Martha Virginia Sale, born in Bedford county, Virginia in 1850, died in Buena Vista, in October, 1912, daughter of Dr. Richard A. Sale, her mother a Miss Wharton. Dr. Meriwether ha sone child, Martha L., born in Buena Vista, April 11, 1889, now the wife of William Julian Dickenson, a merchant of the same city.
Now past the allotted years of man's usefulness, Dr. Meriwether has not surrendered the burden of professional life, but with a vigor surprising, pursues the daily routine of a faithful physician's life. He is highly regarded by his townsmen, not only as a skillful professional man, but as a warm friend, who under his professional attitude shows so clearly the sympathetic heart and solicitude that kindred spirits feel one for another. He has lived a useful life and followed the path of duty wherever it led. So, as he reviews his long and eventful life, he has the keen satisfaction that follows the consciousness that one has played well his part.

[Pages 315-316]
John Mortimer Hughes, D. D. S. Dr. John Mortimer Hughes stands to-day among the most able members of the dental profession in Richmond, Virginia. Endowed by nature with strong powers of mentality, and trained in the most advanced educational institutions of our country, he has made the most of his opportunities, and by his efficient work has risen to an enviable position. His family is an ancient one, and probably had its origin in Wales, where the name of Hughes abounds, and from whence it was transplanted to England, Scotland, and Ireland, and ultimately, to America. It is derived from the ancient personal name Hugh, and is also found spelled Hewes and Hues.
(I) Dr. John Smith Hughes, grandfather of Dr. John Mortimer Hughes, was born at Laurel Mills, Virginia, in 1808, and died at Amissville, Rappahannock county, Virginia, in 1873, having spent all his mature years in professional practice there. He married Adeline Spindle, of Amissville, and had children: John Spindle, of further mention; Dr. Thomas M. Deceased; Virginia, died young.
(II) John Spindle Hughes, son of Dr. John Smith and Adeline (Spindle) Hughes, was born in Amissville, Virginia, November 19, 1853, and is now a resident of Laurel Mills, in the same county. He has been a successful farmer all his life, and for the past twenty years has served efficiently as a school trustee. He married, January 11, 1882, Capitola Luteria Luttrell, and they became the parents of children as follows: John Mortimer, of whom further; Dr. Thomas Edmond, born January 20, 1884, assistant surgeon of the United States Public Health Service, and has charge of the station at Mobile, Alabama; Mary Virginia, at home; Puller Alexander, a farmer at Laurel Mills; William Spindle, a member of the United States Marine Corps; Marvin Luttrell, a resident of Pipestone, Minnesota; Charles Russell, at home.
Burrell Edmund Luttrell, father of Mrs. Capitola Lutheria (Luttrell) Hughes, was born in Culpeper county, Virginia, in 1838, is a farmer, and is now (1915) living at Amissville, Virginia. He was a soldier during the war between the states, serving during the greater part of this struggle as a courier for Generals J. E. B. Stuart and Beauregard, was taken prisoner at the battle of Strasburg, and kept in captivity until the close of the war. He married Mary Ritchie Nelson, a daughter of James Richard Nelson, of Culpeper county, and they had nine children. The deed for the old homestead on which he lives signed on parchment in 1762, by Lord Fairfax, is still in the family.
(III) John Mortimer Hughes, D. D. S., son of John Spindle Hughes, was born at Amissville, Rappahannock county, Virginia, October 28, 1882. His elementary education was acquired in the public schools of his native town, after which he became a student at the Randolph-Macon Academy for a period of two years, following this by two years at Richmond College. His education was then completed at the University College of Medicine, in Richmond, from which institution he was graduated in the class of 1908, the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery being conferred upon him. He at once established himself in the practice of his profession at Fredericksburg, where he remained two years, then, in October, 1910, removed to Richmond, where he opened dental offices at No. 321 West Franklin street, where he is still located, and has a large and lucrative practice. He is the professor of crown and bridge work at the Medical College of the University, and secretary of the faculty of the School of Dentistry; was in instructor in the Medical College of Virginia four years; formerly secretary of Richmond City Dental Society, and is now (1915) a member of the executive committee of the society. He acted as chairman of the committee which codified or rewrote the dental laws of the state. His religious affiliation is with the Second Baptist Church.

[Page 316]
Charles Evans Plummer. Charles Evans Plummer is a descendant of a very old Virginia family, the first of whom was William Plummer, who located at Mob Jack Bay, in Gloucester county, Virginia. His son Kemp Plummer, was born there, educated at Hampden-Sidney College, and studied law under Chancellor Wythe at Williamsburg. He became one of the most distinguished lawyers of North Carolina, and was a member of the general assembly of that state. H is sister, Hannah, became the wife of the celebrated Nathaniel Macon. William Plummer, son of Kemp Plummer, was born in Warrenton, North Carolina, and engaged in the practice of his profession throughout his active life, until his death in 1857, at the age of sixty years. He married Eliza Armistead, born on Albemarle Sound, in Bertie county, North Carolina, and of their nine children, two are still living: Eliza and Anna, both unmarried, residing at Forest Hill, Richmond, Virginia.
Edward Hall Plummer, son of William and Eliza (Armistead) Plummer, was born in 1836, in Warrenton, North Carolina, and died in 1903, at Wataugua, Tennessee. At the outbreak of the civil war he was residing in Mississippi, and there enlisted as a soldier of the Confederate army. For some time he was stationed in garrison duty at Pensacola, Florida, and was transferred to the army of Northern Virginia just before the battle of Malvern Hill. In that sanguinary engagement he received two wounds, from whose effect he did not recover until two years after the close of the war. He was educated for the law, and engaged in its practice for some years. In 1873 he removed to Petersburg, Virginia, where he owned and operated the Petersburg Iron Works for ten years, after which he removed to Tennessee. He married Sally Duke Fitts, born on the Roanoke river, in Mecklenburg county, Virginia, about 1843, and died in 1876, aged thirty-three years. Her father, James M. Fitts, was a native of Mecklenburg county, where he passed his life and died before the war. His wife, Ann (Davis) Fitts, was also a native of that county. They had but two children, Sally Duke, and James M., both now deceased. Edward Hall Plummer and wife were the parents of five children: 1. Lucy M., died unmarried, in 1896. w. James F., is rector of the Episcopal church at Glencoe, Maryland; he married Fannie Minor. 3. William T., married Louise Roane, of Tennessee, and resides in Lexington, Kentucky, where he is a hardware broker. 4. Ethel, wife of E. G. Davis, of Henderson, North Carolina; died in November, 1913. 5. Charles Evens, of further mention.
Charles Evans Plummer, youngest child of Edward Hall and Sally Duke (Fitts) Plummer, was born October 12, 1876, in Petersburg, was educated in the public schools of that city, and the University of Virginia. Like his ancestors for several generations he engaged in the practice of law, and has since continued to the present time in his native city. For three years he was a partner of William B. McIlwaine. Mr. Plummer was appointed in July, 1908, police justice of Petersburg, which position he now fills with credit to himself and satisfaction to the municipality. He married, at Louisville, Kentucky, November 14, 1906, Margaret Creel, a native of that town, daughter of Buckner Miller and Nancy (Thompson) Creel, who are now living in Louisville, where Mr. Creel is a merchandise broker.

[Pages 316-318]
Matthew White Paxton. Son of a gallant officer of the Confederacy, General "Frank" Paxton, and great-grandson of two revolutionary soldiers, Captain William Paxton and Alexander McNutt, Matthew W. Paxton has served as legislator, government official, and journalist in his native county. His Paxton ancestors came to Rockbridge county in 1747, from Pennsylvania, and English, Scotch and Welsh blood mingle in his veins.
The Rockbridge Paxtons were originally an English family, driven from England at the time of the Restoration, because supporters of Cromwell in war as well as civil life. From England they settled in the North of Ireland, and from thence came to America, where they have ever held honored position.
The ancestors of the Paxtons of Rockbridge county, Virginia, constituted a part of the immense Scotch-Irish immigration from the North of Ireland into Pennsylvania during the early part of the eighteenth century. They were people of substance, intelligence and piety. It was in 1747 that Elizabeth Paxton, widow of John Paxton, of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, accompanied five sons who settled on lands then known as Borden's Grant, in the valley of Virginia, afterwards Rockbridge county. Those sons were John, Joseph, Samuel, Thomas and William. All but Joseph married and from them sprung a numerous family. To them many persons not only in Virginia but throughout the West and Southwest trace their colonial ancestry. William, the youngest, was most conspicuous in public affairs. He was early a member of the justice's court of Rockbridge county, an elder in Falling Spring church, and was captain of a volunteer company in the revolutionary war. He married Eleanor Hays, a daughter of a Rockbridge family noted for character and patriotism.
Elisha Paxton, fifth son of William and Eleanor (Hays) Paxton, married Margaret McNutt, daughter of Alexander McNutt, a revolutionary soldier. She bore him seven children, the sixth of these being Elisha Franklin Paxton, who became a brigadier-general in the Confederate army, serving under "Stonewall" Jackson and with his beloved commander fell in the fateful battle of Chancellorsville.
General Elisha Franklin Paxton, known as "Frank" was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, March 4, 1828, and fell in battle, May 3, 1863. His early life was spent at the home farm and in acquiring a preparatory education. He was graduated with distinction at Washington College, now Washington and Lee University, and at Yale University, then prepared for the legal profession at the University of Virginia, whence he was graduated Bachelor of Laws. He engaged in the practice of his profession most successfully at Lexington, Virginia. He was compelled by failing eyesight to become a farmer, in 1860. Upon the outbreak of the war between the states, he entered the Confederate service as a lieutenant of volunteers, and in seventeen months rose to the rank of brigadier-general. He was shot dead while leading the Stonewall brigade into action at Chancellorsville.
General Paxton married Elizabeth Hannah White, born in Rockbridge county, at Lexington, daughter of Matthew and Mary Crawford (McChesney) White, who survived him until February 16, 1872. General Paxton had brothers: Major James Gardner Paxton, in charge of ht quartermaster's department of the Confederate army at Lynchburg, Virginia, later killed in a railroad accident, whole superintendent of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad Company; William Hays Paxton, of New Orleans, Louisiana; Alexander McNutt Paxton, Andrew Jackson Paxton and John Gallatin Paxton, all of Mississippi; and one sister, Rachel Grigsby Buckner. Children of General Elisha Franklin and Elizabeth Hannah (White) Paxton: Mary Louisa, died in infancy; Matthew White, of further mention; John Gallatin, now an attorney at law, Kansas City, Missouri; Frank, now a farmer of Cherokee, San Saba county, Texas.
Matthew White Paxton was born in Lexington, Virginia, May 26, 1857. He was educated at Washington College, now Washington and Lee University, Lexington. By reason of failure in eyesight, he engaged in farming; was elected to the Virginia Legislature in 1883, nominated by that wing of the Democratic party known as the "Funders," a split caused over the adjustment of the public debt of Virginia. He resigned his seat in the house to accept the appointment of deputy United States internal revenue collector for Western Virginia, receiving his appointment in May, 1885.He held that office until 1889, then resigned to become editor of the "Rockbridge county News," a paper in which he had purchased as interest in 1887. Since 1889 he has devoted himself entirely to his newspaper, which he has placed in the front rank of live progressive Virginia journals. He was chairman of the Democratic county committee of Rockbridge county, in the stirring campaigns of 1884 and 1889, and a delegate to the Democratic national convention at Chicago, 1892.
He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and has been interested in societies and organizations of his town, including Camp Frank Paxton, Sons of Confederates (named for his father), of which he was chosen the first commandant. He is also a member of the fraternities, Alpha Tau Omega and Phi Beta Kappa, both of Washington and Lee University.
Mr. Paxton married, November 29, 1893, Mary Louisa Hopkins, born in Lexington, Virginia, January 19, 1863, daughter of David L. and Louisa (Wade) Hopkins. Children: Elisha Franklin (2), born August 23, 1895, died December 15, 1896; David Hopkins, born November 21, 1896, died July 1, 1898; Matthew White (2), born in Lexington, June 13, 1898.

[Pages 318-319]
Charles Everett Carter Peyton, M. D. The name Peyton is derived from "Peyton Hall," a township and manor in Suffolk county, England, granted to the founder of the family by "The Conqueror." Arms: Sable a cross engrailed or, in a quarter a mullet ar. Crest: A griffith sejeant. Motto: Pateor potior (I labor, I secure.
The original settlers of the family in the colony of Virginia were John and Robert Peyton, both of ancient Isleham Peyton stock, which sprung from Reginald de Peyton, nephew of William de Malet, one of the great barons who accompanied William the Conqueror to England and was the king's mace bearer at the battle of Hastings. From him sprang Sir Robert Peyton de Ufford, who was summoned to parliament as a baron in 1308 and was so distinguished in the wars of Gascony in the reigns of Edward II. and III. that he was granted the town and castle of Oxford in Suffolk. He was created by Edward III., earl of Suffolk, and was sent on an embassy to treat for peace with David Bruce, King of Scotland. From him came Robert de Peyton, the lord chief justice of Ireland, and many famous Englishmen, ancestors of the Virginia family. In Virginia the family has won honored position in church and state, Peytons appearing in every page of Virginia's history as county and state. The army has claimed many of her sons in every war, while the legal history of the state has been enriched by their learning and eloquence. The state has ever benefitted by their patriotic statemanship and prospered under the scholarly guidance of a Peyton. By intermarriages they are connected with the principal early Virginia families, particularly in Stafford county, and no name stands higher in Virginia than that of Peyton. From the Virginia family there has gone out many sons who in other states have won eminent position in their several communities, the potency of the family motto: "I labor I secure," being in no wise lessened by the lapse of years. From such illustrious Peyton forbears and from Colonel John Green, captain of Culpeper county, Virginia, "Minute Men" and colonel on General Washington's staff, descends Dr. Charles E. C. Peyton, of Pulaski, Virginia, grandson of General Bernard Peyton and Julia Arundel, his wife, daughter of General Moses Green, of Fauquier county, Virginia.
Dr. Peyton is a son of Colonel Moses Green Peyton, B. A., C. E., born at "Liberty Hall," the family estate in Culpeper county, Virginia, January 6, 1826, died 16, 1897. His brilliant career as a Confederate officer was eclipsed by his career as a civilian and as the honored proctor of the University of Virginia he exercised an influence over the lives of thousands of young men, who during the two terms of office were students of the university. At the outbreak of the war between the states he enlisted in a regiment recruited in Albemarle county and was commissioned lieutenant. Later he was commissioned major and attached to the staff of Colonel Rhodes. He was by that general's side when he received his death wound and caught him in his arms as he was falling. Later he was transferred to General Gordon's staff and rendered valorous service, serving as chief of staff and ranking as colonel. After the war he was appointed proctor of the University of Virginia, but after many year's service resigned and for a time was cashier of the Bank of Albemarle. Later he was again appointed proctor of the university and held that office until his death. Colonel Peyton married Martha Champ Carter, born in Charlottesville, Virginia, April 6, 1830, died January 11, 1902, daughter of Dr. Charles W. Carter and his wife Mary Cox, daughter of General Cox, of Charlottesville, all of prominent and ancient Virginia families. Dr. Charles W. Carter served as surgeon during the war in the Confederate army and was in charge of the hospital at Charlottesville.
An only brother of Dr. Peyton was a graduate of the law school of the University of Virginia, holding an earned scholarship and winning several medals during his career at the university. He was born in Charlottesville, in 1852, and was killed near Atlanta, Georgia, December 14, 1885, unmarried at the time of his death. He was attorney for the Georgia Pacific Railroad. Dr. Peyton has sisters: Mary Carter, married William Chamberlain; Julia Green; Imogene, married Dr. William Westernbecker.
Dr. Charles Everett Carter Peyton, second son of Colonel Moses Green and Martha Champ (Carter) Peyton, was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, the birth place of his brother and sisters, January 5, 1855. He attended private schools, studied under a tutor, Major Jones, then entered Norwood High School, whence he was graduated, class of 1874. In the same year he matriculated as a medical student at the University of the City of New York, pursued a full course and was graduated M. D., class of 1876. He continued post-graduate work at the university another year, and in 1877 located in Pulaski, the capital of Pulaski county, Virginia, and began his professional career. He rose rapidly in public esteem and has for years been on of the leading physicians and surgeons of that thriving Virginia city. He is now assistant surgeon of the Norfolk & Western Railroad. His term of continuous practice was broken during the Spanish-American war, when, as surgeon with the rank of major, he served until honorably discharged and mustered out in 1899. He then served in Cuba, as assistant surgeon in the United States regular army for a time, returning after his discharge to Pulaski and resuming medical practice. Prior to joining the army he was assistant surgeon for the Norfolk & Western Railroad Company, at Pulaski; is an ex-member of the board of health and a present member of the Virginia State Board of Medical Examiners. He keeps abreast of all medical or surgical discovery, operation or treatment, by membership in the American and Virginia State Medical societies, with the local societies of his profession and the Military Surgeons associations of the United States.
Dr. Peyton is prominent in the Masonic order, is past master of Pythagoras Lodge, No. 239, Free and Accepted Masons; a companion of Marion Chapter, No. 54, Royal Arch Masons; a sir knight of Marion Commandery, No. 9, Knights Templar; and a "Shriner" of Acca Temple, of Richmond, Virginia. His chapter and commandery are located at Marion, Virginia, his lodge at Pulaski. He is a member of Fitz Lee Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans. He is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church and holds the office of senior warden. In political faith he is a Democrat.
Pateor Potior.

[Pages 319-321]
John J. A. Powell. The family of Powell was initiated into Virginia colonial history by Nathaniel, William and John Powell. Nathaniel Powell and his wife lost their lives in an Indian massacre in 1622, and William Powell was another victim to savage enmity, being killed in 1 of the following year, 1623, while on an incursion into an Indian stronghold up the Chickahominy, seeking redress for outrages perpetrated by the Indians. John Powell came to Virginia, of Welsh descent, in 1609, and in 1632 was a burgess, his son, John, being a burgess from Elizabeth City county in 1657-58-59-60-63-66-76. Records are obscure in proof as to whether John was the father or the brother of Benjamin and William Powell (of whom further). Captain John Smith's "History" mentions Captain John Powell as "one of the first and leading adventurers to the planting of this fortunate isle" (Barbados).
William Powell married Mary Tapley, and had among his children a son, James. James Powell was born in 1730, died in 1816. He was twice married, soon after his first marriage moving to King William county, where he passed the remainder of his life. His first wife bore him a son, John, born in 1771, father of Dr. John Norment Powell and grandfather of John J. A. Powell.
Dr. John Norment Powell, son of John Powell, was born at "Glebe," King William county, Virginia, in 1804, died in 1873. He was educated in Rumford Academy, in his native county, and completed his studies in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania. He was an active practitioner for many years, a physician in whom all reposed the highest trust, a man of spotless integrity and reputation unassailed. Dr. John Norment Powell married Mary Catherine, daughter of James Wright, and had children: 1. John J. A., of whom further. 2. Blanche Norment, married Captain John W. Drewry, of Richmond, Virginia, who died in 1911, and was the mother of William Powell Drewry, of New York City, deceased; Mary Catherine, married Sterling Boisseau; and Mildred Lee, married Minor Bronough, of Charlottesville, Virginia. 3. Junius Le Vert, who was a soldier in the Confederate army, having enlisted in a volunteer company recruited in Richmond, and for two years served as a private, being then commissioned by Confederate States Secretary of War Randolph to the signal corps of the army; among the many important battles in which he participated are those of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, the engagements about Richmond, and the Tennessee compaign; entrusted with a secret mission by his government, he was sent from Wilmington, North Carolina, to Bermuda, his vessel successfully running the close blockade maintained by the Union ships, but upon his attempted return he was captured by the alert army, who anticipated his plans, and was first confined at Fort Fisher, after remaining a prisoner at Point Lookout until the end of the war; after the close of active hostilities, he became a student in medicine at the University of Virginia, and at the University of Maryland; he afterward was commissioned a surgeon in the United States army, serving in the west and as chief surgeon in the Philippine Islands, until his retirement, since which time he has resided in Washington, District of Columbia.
John J. A. Powell, son of Dr. John Norwood and Mary Catherine (Wright) Powell, was born at Melrose, Henrico county, Virginia, September 23, 1846. After studying in private schools, in 1863 he entered the Virginia Military Institute, and on May 15, 1864, was one of the corps of cadets who organized as a battalion of infantry of four companies, and as a platoon of artillery, serving two three-inch rifle guns, lost over fifty killed and wounded out of an aggregate of two hundred and fifty. On this bloody field the cadets of the Virginia Military Institute distinguished themselves for gallantry and bravery, and, every one being finely trained in matters military, conducted themselves as veterans of many campaigns. Mr. Powell subsequently resigned from the institute, became a member of Colonel Moseby's famous command and served therein until the country returned to peace. He was present at the last roll call of his company at Salem, Virginia, where they disbanded, the comrades of many battle-fields returning to plow their fields side by side and to resume the arts of peace. For four years after the end of the war he worked on his father's farm, and during the terms of 1869-1870 was a student in the law department of the University of Virginia. In the latter year he was admitted to the Virginia bar, and for fifteen years was a successful practitioner in the legal profession at Columbia, Virginia. Since 1888 Mr. Powell has been a resident of Wytheville, Wythe county, Virginia, and in that place continued his legal work, rising to a position of eminence at the bar and rendering public service of merit and value. In 1885 he was elected to the Virginia legislature as a representative from Fluvanna county, and held a seat in the sessions of 1885 and 1886, also attending the special session of 1887. While a member of the legislature, he introduced the first bill ever brought before that body granting permission for railroad receivers to be sued in court where the cause of action occurred, and supported, with courageous determination, such legislation as he thought just and necessary. Mr. Powell for several years was president of the Wytheville town council, and i snow librarian of the court of appeals at Wytheville.
He is a gentleman of high standing in the community, and is g ranted in full measure the honor and respect of which his fine sense of honor and respect of which his fine sense of honor and his unimpeachable record are worthy. He stands for the best in citizenship, for forty-four years has upheld the loftiest traditions of h is profession, and in right thinking and acting has passed a busy and useful life, leaving behind him a record of service and accomplishment. In fraternal circles he is prominent, his order the Masonic, and he is past master of Wythe Lodge, No. 221, Free and Accepted Masons, past high priest and past district deputy of the chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and member of Knights Templar, of Marion, Virginia. He is likewise past commander of William Terry Camp, Confederate Veterans, of Wytheville, Virginia.
Mr. Powell married, November 9, 1871, Sarah Ann Jones, born in Orange county, Virginia, January 29, 1846, daughter of Ferdinand and Mildred (Goodwin) Jones. Their children: 1. Mildred Gertrude, born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1872; married Thomas M. Carter, of Mississippi. 2. John Norment, born in Columbia, Virginia; a successful practicing attorney; married Frances, daughter of Judge John H. Fulton, of Wythe county, Virginia. 3. Ferdinand, born at Columbia, Virginia; a graduate in civil engineering, for a time claim agent in the railroad employ, now deals extensively in lumber; married Margaret Hayes. 4. Mary Claughton, born in Columbia, Virginia; unmarried. 5. Annie Marian, born in Columbia, Virginia; graduated A. B. at Sweetbrick Seminary, A. M. at Barnard College (Columbia University, New York), now occupies the chair of English at Farmville Normal School. 6. Junius Le Vert, born in Columbia, Virginia, now an attorney of Washington, D. D.

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Aubrey Alphin Houser, M. D. An instructor and at the same time a student, Dr. Houser, a graduate of the Medical College of Virginia, and now a prominent physician of Richmond, Virginia, descends from a family long resident in Botetourt county, Virginia.
The first ancestor of the family of whom we have definite information was Matthias Sommers, born 1729, died 1819, son of Michael and Elizabeth Sommers, of Baden-Baden, Germany. Matthias Sommers emigrated to this country, accompanied by his wife, Barbara (Brindell) Sommers, who died subsequent to the year 1823, and settled in the state of Pennsylvania. Their children were: Matthias, who accompanied his parents from Germany, married Rachel Maphis; Catharine, of whom further; Barbara, married David Maphis; Jacob, married Eliza Hager.
Catharine Sommers, eldest daughter of Matthias and Barbara (Brindell) Sommers, married Jacob Brown, son of Jacob and Matilda (Fetzer) Brown, who moved from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Virginia, and they were the parents of fourteen children, among whom was Jacob, of whom further.
Jacob (2) Brown, third son of Jacob and Catharine (Sommers) Brown, married Ellen Northcraft, and among their children was Mary C., of whom further.
Mary C. Brown, eldest child of Jacob (2) and Ellen (Northcraft) Brown, married John Neal Marks, borther of Mrs. General Green, grandmother of J. E. McMurray.
Samuel Brown, seventh son of Jacob and Catharine (Sommers) Brown, married Susan Kellar, and among their children was Sophia Brown, of whom further.
Sophia Brown, eldest child of Samuel and Susan (Kellar) Brown, was born March 29, 1823, married, August 20, 1839, Emmanuel Houser, and their children were: Jacob Samuel, born and died in 1841; Joseph, killed at battle of Seven Pines, May 21, 1862; Mary E., married William Harvey; George Brown, married Mattie Mays; Otho Kane, married Laura Alphin; Sophia S., married Dr. Charles Wellington Hardin; William Oscar, of whom further; Sara Virginia, married Stanton Garland; Warren, unmarried.
William Oscar Houser, fifth son of Emmanuel and Sophia (Brown) Houser, was born in Botetourt county, Virginia, four miles from the present farm. He has followed the occupation of an agriculturalist all his life, as did his father before him. He married Julia Ann Alphin, born in Botetourt county, Virginia, within six miles of her present home, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Rapp) Alphin, and granddaughter of Richardson Alphin, who came to America from England, and was in the war of 1812. Children of Richardson Alphin: William, married Mary Ayres; Nancy, married David Hardigan; Frances, married George Sifford; Elizabeth, married Jonas Hill; George, of whom further; Catharine; Lewis, married Phebe Haslet; Paulina, married Samuel Dodd; Thomas, married Mary Armstrong; Julia Ann, married Daniel circle; Mary Jane, married Lewis Circle. George Alphin was born January 16, 1817; he was called out several times on the home guard during the civil war, but was exempt owing to the fact that he had a large farm and many negroes; he married Elizabeth Rapp, whose father was a German, and they were the parents of the following named children: Julia Ann, above mentioned as the wife of William Oscar Houser; William, married Ada Bishop; Laura, married Otho Houser; Cora Lee, married George Webster; George, married Hettie Sizer; Mary Jane, married Everett Snyder; Richard, unmarried; Guy, unmarried; Theodore, unmarried; Leota, unmarried; Arminta, unmarried. Children of William Oscar and Julia Ann (Alphin) Houser; Obeira Virginia, principal of Albemarle Normal and Industrial Institute at Albemarle, North Carolina; Emma Sophia, married Nathan Moomaw; Aubrey Alphin, of whom further; Florence Elizabeth, Della Laura, Myrtle Aileen, Julia Ardys.
Dr. Aubrey Alphin Houser, son of William Oscar and Julia Ann (Alphin) Houser, was born at the home farm, the present residence of his parents in Botetourt county, Virginia, September 29, 1881. He attended the public schools near his home, then entered the Normal College at Daleville, later spending one year at Massey's Business College in Richmond. He then spent three years in commercial life as salesman and bookkeeper, after which he entered Washington and Lee University, taking special courses and graduating in chemistry in 1907. He prepared for the practice of medicine at the Medical College of Virginia, whence he was graduated M. D., class of 1911. During his medical course he was instructor in chemistry at the same college, and after his graduation spent two years as one of the regular staff of instructors, as acting professor of analytical chemistry. In 1913 he began private practice in Richmond, locating at No. 304 East Grace street, and specializing in diagnosis.
Dr. Houser is a member of Phi Beta Phi of the Medical College of Virginia; of Zeta Delta Chi, a pharmaceutical fraternity; and at he was a member of the Albert Sydney Boat Club Crew. He is a member of the Richmond Academy of Medicine and Surgery, the State Chesterfield Society, the Southern Medical Association, the American Medical Association, the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is a Democrat in politics. He is a rising young member of the medical fraternity, is held in high esteem by his professional brethren, and by his many social acquaintances and friends.