Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography

[Pages 415-416]
Rev. William Meade Clark, D. D. The church, from its very inception, has wielded a power superior to that of the state, for the reason that the spiritual pervades and moulds, and sooner or later, dominates the temporal. In the history of our race this truth has been repeatedly exemplified. It is into the mouth of the first Protestant archbishop of Canterbury that Shakespeare puts the magnificent prophecy descriptive of the glories of "the spacious times of great Elizabeth" and those of her Scottish successor, causing him to say of the latter:

Wherever the bright sun of heaven shall shine,
His honor and the greatness of His name
Shall be, and make new nations.

Thus grandly foretelling the flourishing of our race on these western shores, where already the earliest settlements have been planted. Of the incalculable influence, inspiring and beneficent, exercised by the church during the period of the upbuilding of the colonies, and of its noble part in the revolutionary struggle, it is needless to speak. That the influence of the church steadily increased during the last century can be questioned by few thoughtful and penetrating observers. While, perhaps, less obviously and institutionally exerted, it is, for that very reason, more pervasive and powerful. Especially is this the case when the church's leaders are men of broad minds and liberal sentiments, quick to "discern the signs of the times," men of the type so forcibly represented in our day by the late Rev William Meade Clark, D. D., of Richmond, Virginia, whose death at the comparatively early age of fifty-nine years threw many thousands into deep and sincere mourning.
Rev. William Meade Clark, D. D., a son of Rev. John and Mary (Wilson) Clark, was born in Halifax county, Virginia, May 5, 1855, and died at his residence, No. 1008 Park avenue, Richmond, Virginia, April 29, 1914. He had been in ill health for a considerable length of time, his condition being aggravated by his persistence in attending to matters connected with his responsible clerical position, this being done greatly in opposition to the wish of the members of his congregation, who were without exception strongly attached to him.
Rev. Clark, after an excellent preparatory training, became a student at the University of Virginia, then studied at the Theological Seminar of Virginia, from which he was graduated in the class of 1880, and in the following year (1881) was ordained to the Episcopal priesthood. Some years ago he was honored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity, conferred by the Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia. Until he came to Richmond, Virginia, eighteen years ago, he had been rector at the following named churches: Boydton and Amherst, Virginia; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Church of the Good Shepherd, Raleigh; St. George's Church, Fredericksburg.
In 1896 Dr. Clark came to Richmond, becoming the rector of St. James' Church, when had been founded in 1835, and was then located on Fifth street, between Broad and Marshall streets. Its membership was not a large one at that time, but from the time that Dr. Clark occupied the pulpit, its congregation increased in size rapidly, and in 1912 it became necessary to think of removing to a more suitable locality. The old church building was sold, and new ground purchased at the corner of Franklin and Birch streets, where one of the finest structures of its kind has been erected. Consistently and steadily increasing under the influence exerted by Dr. Clark, the congregation is now one of the largest in the city of Richmond. So constantly and strenuously did Dr. Clark labor in behalf of his beloved institution, that his congregation decided that it was but right and fitting that he should have an assistant, and accordingly, the Rev. Thomas C. Darst was called from Newport News, and made assistant rector of St. James. Active in all the affairs of his diocese, Dr. Clark since 1898 represented Virginia at the general convention of the Episcopal church in the United States, and when this body met in Richmond, in 1907, he was chosen as general chairman of the committees in charge of that gathering. For many years he was a member of the general board of missions, was the examining chaplain of his diocese and a member of the several diocesan boards. He was a writer of marked ability, and compiler of "Colonial Churches in Virginia." As editor of "The Southern Churchman," the Episcopal organ in Virginia, his work was of a very effective character. He was prominently mentioned a number of times as a candidate for the bishopric, but he preferred to remain rector of St. James, and thus stay in close touch with the congregation to which he was bound by ties of mutual affection.
Dr. Clark was married three times, his third wife being Alice Pierce, of Lancaster county. He had one child, a daughter, Emily, by the second marriage. He is survived by his widow, a brother, George W. Clark, of Bristol, Tennessee, and a sister Mrs. Lemon. The funeral services of Dr. Clark were conducted and attended by all the most eminent clergyman in the state of Virginia, and the pallbearers were men of the highest standing in the community. It was not in the field of religion alone that the beneficent influence of Dr. Clark was felt. Any project which had for its object the betterment of the community in any direction, whether moral or physical, was assured of his sincere and hearty coöperation, irrespective of race or creed. And it was this broadminded and tolerant view which gained him the love of all classes.

[Pages 416-419]
The Bowden Family. The Bowden family is directly descended from the old French Huguenot, Chevalier Pierre Boudouin, who, according to Bishop Meade, came to this country in 1639. The family has been prominent in Tidewater Virginia, since colonial times, and for generations has been identifed with the social and public life of James City county and the town of Williamsburg.
Henry and Lemuel Bowden are sons of the Hon. George E. Bowden, whose life was spent in the public service of his state. Henry and Lemuel Bowden, native-born sons of Norfolk, Virginia, have there won for themselves honorable position. The earlier Bowdens were residents of Williamsburg, Virginia, which old colonial city and one time capital of Virginia was the family seat until the rigors of war in 1862 compelled Henry Moseley Bowden to seek refuge in Norfolk. There he was for several years clerk of court and in a measure retrieved the losses caused by the ravages of war. He was succeeded in public life by his only son, George Edwin Bowden, who occupied a commanding position in the public and business life of Norfolk until his retirement, twice representing his district in the National Congress and holding important state and Federal appointments. Dying in 1908 he bequeathed to his adopted city his two sons, Henry and Lemuel, both numbered among the foremost young men of Norfolk in their respective spheres.
(I) Henry and Lemuel Bowden are great-grandsons of William Bowden, a veteran of the war of 1812, and a farmer near Williamsburg all his life. He was a member of Congress. He married Mildred Davis, born in York county, Virginia, the day of the battle of Yorktown, and had issue, Henry Moseley, Lemuel J., a United States senator; Mary.
(II) Henry Moseley Bowden, son of William and Mildred (Davis) Bowden, was born at the Williamsburg farm of his parents, and was a farmer of James City county until 1862. He was a man finely educated and possessed the qualifications to adorn any position. He was strong in his devotion to the Union cause, and sooner than abandon his convictions he suffered the loss of property and in 1862 took up his residence in Norfolk. He had been a member of the state militia, but would not take up arms against his state nor against his country. He filled the office of clerk of court in Norfolk for many years. He died, universally respected, leaving his only son sole custodian of an honored name, but little of this world's goods. Henry Moseley Bowden married (first) Miss White. He married (second) Eugenia Ware, of Williamsburg, Virginia. Child, Alice D. He married (third) Mrs. Henrietta Susan (Stevens) Stubblefield, who bore him one child, George Edwin, of whom further.
(III) George Edwin Bowden, only child of Henry Moseley and Henrietta Susan (Stevens-Stubblefield) Bowden, was born in Williamsburg, Virginia, July 6, 1852, died in Norfolk, Virginia, January 21, 1908. The first ten years of his life was spent at the Williamsburg plantation, but in 1862, after Norfolk had fallen into the hands of the Federals, his father moved to that city with his wife and son. He was thirteen years of age when the war ended and from that time until nineteen years of age he was engaged as assistant to his father, clerk of court in Norfolk. His education was obtained under the guidance of his honored father and private tutors, his hours of study being outside of office hours. In this way he acquired a good education, and association with his father, who was a capable business man as well as one highly cultured, game him a thorough business training that well fitted him for future responsibilities. He was well fitted for college, but when about to enter Princeton, his father's death caused a complete rearrangement of his plans and the college course was eliminated. He assumed the obligations left by his father and at once buckled down to heavy responsibilities with determination, and although young he was soon able to face the world with every obligation fulfilled. When scarcely of age he was appointed receiver for an insolvent national bank of Norfolk, and in that responsible position he developed business capacity of such high class that at the age of twenty-two years he was elected president of the Home Savings Bank, a position he capably filled for fourteen years.
It was, however, as a public man that Mr. Bowden was best known to the people of his district and to the state-at-large. A Republican from his youth, he developed an ability for public service that brought him into prominence among the leaders of his party. His cause was not a popular one, but his courage and tenacity won him the respect of the people and finally their support. In 1880 he was appointed collector of customs for the port of Norfolk and Portsmouth by President Hayes, an office he held until succeeded by President Cleveland's appointee four years later. He was a most acceptable collector, thoroughly informed and wholly devoted to his duties. He introduced several reforms that hastened dispatch of business at the port and won highest commendation from those having business to transact with the collector's office. In 1887 he was the nominee of the Republicans of the second Virginia district for Congress, and carried the district. Two years later he was elected for a second term, serving four years with credit to himself and with profit to his district. He did much for the development of Norfolk as a commercial port, the benefit of his labors contributing largely to that city's present importance. At the close of his second term Mr. Bowden retired to private life and was engaged in business at Norfolk until appointed special master of the Norfolk & Western railroad, that corporation then being in litigation. Here his fine business ability made apparent his conduct of affairs, winning the highest commendation. He continued in charge of the road until 1897, when he concluded a sale of the property to its present owners. He was an ardent supporter of President McKinley and was offered several position by the President, but declined them all. He did, however, use his influence in behalf of his friends, securing several appointments for the state. Besides enjoying the warm friendship of President McKinley, Mr. Bowden was on terms of intimacy with President Arthur, and during his career in Congress and as a member of the Republican national committee became well acquainted with most of the men prominent in national politics, including especially the late Senator Mark Hanna. In May, 1898, he was surprised to find that without solicitation he had been appointed collector of customs for the port of Norfolk. He accepted the office temporarily, resigning the following September to accept the position of clerk of the United States District Court, comprising sittings at Norfolk, Richmond and Alexandria. On resigning the collector-ship, Mr. Bowden was accorded the unusual distinction of naming his successor. In 1897 he was elected a member of the national Republican committee from Virginia and later was the unanimous choice of the Virginia state Republican convention for the same position. Mr. Bowden's popularity in the numerous government departments and bureaus at Washington was a matter of frequent comment by his constituents who had public business at the capital, as well as the fact that he took the same interest and pride in serving a constituent whether the matter in hand concerned a Democrat or a Republican. As a representative of his district he was notably alert and efficient, nor did his zeal and success use of wide influence in behalf of his section cease with service in Congress, as he was often called upon after that time to represent local business and trade organizations.
So in honor Mr. Bowden passed the latter years of his life, happy in the regard of his fellow citizens and in the consciousness of duty well performed. He was faithful to every trust, a worthy foeman in politics and loyal to every cause he espoused or friend he supported. His friends were many and his political opponents accorded him their personal respect. When his death was announced in the United States Court, Judge Waddill ordered an adjournment for the day as a mark of respect to his memory. The flag over the postoffice and United States Court building of which Mr. Bowden had been custodian since its erection was lowered at half mast upon the announcement of his death.
Mr. Bowden married, February 22, 1875, Ellen Evangeline Jones, born September 14, 1854. Children: Eva, born May 4, 1880; Henry of further mention; Lemuel of further mention.
(IV) Henry Bowden, eldest son of George Edwin and Ellen Evangeline (Jones) Bowden, was born in Norfolk, Virginia, February 24, 1882. He obtained his preparatory education in Norfolk schools. He then entered Hampden-Sidney College, whence he was graduated class of 1901, then matriculated in the law department of the University of Virginia, graduating in class of 1903 with degree of Bachelor of Laws. He was admitted to the bar in June, 1903, and at once began practice in Norfolk. He practiced alone for two years, then formed a partnership with Hon. R. T. Thorp, continuing as Thorp & Bowden until 1906, when the firm dissolved by mutual consent. He then practiced alone until January 1, 1913, when he admitted J. L. Heard as partner, the firm practicing as Bowden & Heard. Mr. Bowden has been admitted to all state and Federal courts of the district and has won high standing among his professional brethren. He is a member of the Virginia Bar Association, is learned in the law and has a most satisfactory clientele. He is a Republican in politics. He belongs to Lodge, Chapter, Commandery and Shrine of the Masonic order. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and of the College fraternities, Kappa Alpha and Phi Delta Phi.
Mr. Bowden married, October 28, 1914, Katharine Marsden, daughter of William and Mary Louisa (Jones) Bruce, of Portsmouth, both deceased.
(VI) Lemuel Bowden, second son of George Edwin and Ellen Evangeline (Jones) Bowden, was born in Norfolk, Virginia, June 25, 1888. He obtained his early and preparatory education in Norfolk Academy. He then entered Hampden-Sidney College, whence he was graduated Bachelor of Arts, class of 1909. He began business life in a clerical position, continuing until 1910, when he was appointed deputy collector of customs for the port of Norfolk, a position he now holds. Mr. Bowden is thoroughly qualified for the position he holds and in a physical sense "towers above his fellows," standing six fee six inches in height. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and of other organizations, including the college fraternity, Kappa Alpha.
Mr. Bowden married, January 21, 1914, Mary Gilbert Broughton, daughter of Alexander Bell and Rebecca (Ghiselin) Broughton. One child, Lemuel, Jr., born December 17, 1914.

[Pages 419-420]
William Hardy Arthur, D. D. S. In 1898 Dr. Arthur, fresh from the dental department of the University at Richmond, located for practice in Franklin, the capital of Southampton county, Virginia. In the years that have since elapsed he has grown strong, not only in professional ability and reputation, but also in public regard as a good citizen, progressive and loyal to the city of his adoption. Dr. Arthur is a maternal grandson of Hardy C. and Adelaide (Sangster) Williams, and son of Captain Frank Marion Arthur, who with his command, the gallant Company I, Ninth Regiment Virginia Volunteer Infantry of Pickett's division, fought at Seven Pines, Manassas, Sharpsburg, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and in many other battles and skirmishes of the late war.
Captain Arthur was born February 17, 1843, and died February 25, 1902. His life was mainly spent in the peaceful calling of an agriculturist, but from 1861 to 1865 was spent amid the excitements and dangers that attended that period. leaving his home in Nansemond county he enlisted in Company I, of Portsmouth, Virginia, as a private, he won successive battlefield commissions for bravery until he became captain of his company, one of the hardest fighting companies in the famous Ninth Virginia Regiment of Pickett's division. He was taken prisoner at Gettysburg, confined in Fort Delaware, exchanged at Point Lookout, again taken prisoner at Five Forks, Virginia, and held in confinement until the war ended. He then returned to Nansemond county, a battle-scarred veteran, although even then but little past his majority. He married Mary Irwin Williams, born near Victoria, Texas, September 12, 1853, who survives him, a resident of Franklin, Virginia.
Dr. William Hardy Arthur, son of Captain Frank Marion and Mary Irwin (Williams) Arthur, was born in Nansemond county, Virginia, July 6, 1873. He obtained his early and preparatory educational training in private schools of Nansemond county, Churchland Academy and Graham Academy in North Carolina. He then entered William and Mary College, where he continued three and a half years until 1895, when he began special professional training in the dental department of the University College of Medicine at Richmond. He completed a full course and was graduated Doctor of Dental Surgery with the class of 1898. In the same year he located in Franklin, Virginia, where he is well established and highly rewarded. He is a member of Franklin Lodge, No. 151, Free and Accepted Masons; Franklin Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and of other societies, professional, social and fraternal. In political faith he is a Democrat.
Dr. Arthur married, in October, 1906, Elizabeth Lawless, born in Saint Joseph, Missouri, February 14, 1886, daughter of Rev. J. L. and Emma (Baker) Lawless. Child, Frances Marion, born in Franklin, Virginia, February 17, 1913.

[Page 420]
William J. Allen, M. D. Following is the brief life record of Dr. William J. Allen, once a soldier in the army of the Confederacy, afterward a surgeon at the front, still later an able and honored practitioner in private life, and now, fourteen years after his departure from earthly walks, a living memory dear to his family and fresh in the hearts and minds of his many friends.
Dr. Allen was a son of Robert Henderson and Ann (Bagley) Allen, grandson of Jones Allen, a farmer of Lunenburg county, Virginia. His father likewise followed agricultural pursuits and reared his ten children on his farm. His life was ordered in quiet ways, industry and devotion to his family his governing characteristics, and although he was well-informed on matters of public interest and was so favorably regarded in the locality of his residence that public office could easily have been his he steadfastly refused all political connections. He affiliated with the Protestant Episcopal church.
Dr. William J. Allen was born September 20, 1838, his death occurring in Petersburg, Virginia, July 5, 1890, after an active career in the medical profession. His early education was obtained at "Old Oaks," a private school maintained exclusively for boys, and after this preparation he matriculated at the University of Virginia, where his classical education was completed. For professional training he enrolled in Philadelphia medical college, and it was while a student in this institution that the political unrest in the country heightened into the feeling that precipitated the war between the states. Soon after the John Brown insurrection Mr. Allen and one hundred of his fellow-students at the Philadelphia college withdrew in a body and completed their medical course in the Virginia Medical College. In 1861 Dr. Allen became a private in Captain Stokes' company, recruited at Lunenburg, finally, in view of his medical training, being detailed for hospital duty, before the close of the war being ordered from the front and appointed a surgeon in the Richmond Hospital.
When peace was restored Dr. Allen began the practice of his profession in Lunenburg, Virginia, subsequently making Petersburg, Virginia, the scene of his labors. The County, State and American Medical associations knew him as a member, and he was for several years president of one of these organizations. He fraternized with the Masonic order, and belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. Dr. Allen was a physician of the highest rank, a gentleman of irreproachable reputation, and universal regard was his, combined with respect for his prowess as a master of medicine. Cultured in mind, generous in nature, courteous in bearing, he left numberless friends to regret his absence from his accustomed place, his death closing a life lived in observance of duty.
Dr. Allen married, in Lunenburg, Virginia, in 1868, Martha L. Bragg, born in 1842, daughter of Captain Robert W. and Emily Frances (Taylor) Bragg, her father a son of William and Sicily (Wilson) Bragg, her mother a daughter of Thomas and Martha (Gregory) Taylor. Captain Robert W. Bragg inherited a two thousand acre plantation from his father, situated near Lunenburg. The principal products raised thereon, all by slave labor, were corn, wheat and tobacco, which were hauled to the nearest railroad by mule-tem and thence sent to market. Captain Robert W. Bragg was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and gained his military rank in the militia. Children of Dr. and Martha L. (Bragg) Allen: 1. Emily Taylor. 2. Anna, married John Eggleston, and has Jessie B., John Marshall, Mary Taylor. 3. William Cornelius, born in Lunenburg, Virginia, in 1878, educated in the public schools, entered the mercantile world and is now a manufacturer of bags; he is a member of Lodge, Chapter, Commandery and Shrine, of the Masonic order.

[Pages 420-422]
Rt. Rev. William Cabell Brown, D. D. William Cabell Brown, bishop coadjutor of Virginia is of Scotch lineage, descending from people who were of a deeply religious character, and has won his way to prominence in the church by faithful service to his God and to mankind. His paternal grandfather, Alexander Brown, was born March 27, 1796, in Perth, Scotland, and came to Virginia when fifteen years old, locating at Williamsburg. While there he was for some time a student at William and Mary College. His wife, Lucy Shands (Rives) Brown, born November 18, 1794, in Nelson county, Virginia, daughter of Robert and Margaret Jordan (Cabell) Rives, and granddaughter of William and Lucy (Shands) Rives, was a member of one of the oldest and most conspicuous families of that state. They had three children: Robert Lawrence, Margaret, Elizabeth.
Robert Lawrence Brown, son of Alexander and Mary S. (Rives) Brown, was born March 9, 1820, in Nelson county, Virginia, and died at his home, "Sunny Side," in that county, June 8, 1880. He as a student of the University of Virginia from 1836 to 1839, and for some years engaged in business as a farmer, planter and merchant. Later he was for some years director of the Lynchburg Female Seminary, after which he returned to Nelson county and taught in the Norwood high school. He as a lieutenant of the Provost Guard at Lynchburg during the was with the states. He married (first) at Glenmore, April 6, 1842, Sarah Cabell Callaway, daughter of George and Mary (Cabell) Callaway, born November 23, 1820, died July 25, 1849. She was the mother of three children: Alexander, George Mayo, and Alice Cabell. The first lived to maturity and was for many years an active and useful citizen. The others died in infancy. Mr. Brown married (second) September 27, 1853, Margaret Baldwin Cabell, born September 27, 1826, daughter of Mayo and Mary Cornelia Briscoe (Daniel) Cabell, died August 29, 1877. The Cabell family is noticed at considerable length elsewhere in this work. The founder of the family in this country was Dr. William Cabell, whose history is elsewhere given, and he was a son of Colonel William (2) Cabell, who married Mary Jordan and was the father of Mayo Cabell, born November 7, 1800, a merchant and very capable business man. He was sole executor of his father's large estate, and succeeded the latter as administrator of the estate of Dr. George Callaway, of Glenmmore. At the age of thirty-five years he was also placed in charge of "Montezuma," the estate of his sister, Mrs. McClelland. He was a county magistrate, prominent in the Episcopal church, and, while a Whig, was loyal to his state during the war between the states. His first wife, Mary Cornelia Briscoe (Daniel) Cabell, was a daughter of Judge William and Margaret (Baldwin) Daniel, and aunt of United States Senator John W. Daniel. She was born October 14, 1804, and died March 7, 1843, at Union Hill, Virginia. Their daughter, Margaret Baldwin, became the wife of Robert Lawrence Brown, as above noted. Their children: Mayo Cabell, died at the age of four years; Robert Lawrence (2), now in business in Kansas City, Missouri; Mary Cornelia Briscoe, married Dr. James Matthew Ranson, of Charlestown, West Virginia; William Cabell, of further mention; Lucy Rives; Joseph Carrington, a banker at Osage City; Elizabeth Daniel, unmarried; Mayo Cabell.
Rt. Rev. William Cabell Brown, fourth son of Robert Lawrence Brown, and third child of his second wife, Margaret Baldwin (Cabell) Brown, was born November 22, 1861, at Lynchburg, Virginia. He was educated largely under his father's care at Norwood high school, and the schools of Nelson county, Virginia. For seven years he was a teacher at the Episcopal High School, Alexandria, Virginia, after which he attended the Theological Seminary of Virginia, from which he was graduated in 1891. He was ordained deacon, June 26, 1891, and advanced to the priesthood, August 2, of the same year. Immediately thereafter he went to Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, where for twenty-three years he continued as missionary, and was recalled to Virginia in 1914 to be consecrated as bishop. He was elected bishop of Porto Rico in 1904, and in October, 1914, was consecrated as bishop of Richmond. He is the only missionary of his church who has been recalled from the field to accept a bishopric. While in Brazil he translated the Bible into the Portuguese language to facilitate his work among the people of that empire, now republic. Bishop Brown comes to his labors in his native state equipped by long experience and faithful study, and is deservedly popular with both clergy and laity.
He married, August 4, 1891, at Christ Church, Georgetown, Virginia, Ida Mason Dorsey, a granddaughter of Senator Mason, born in Baltimore, Maryland, daughter of John Thomas Beale and Katherine Chew (Mason) Dorsey, both of whom are now deceased. Of the five children of Bishop Brown, the oldest, William Cabell, died in Brazil at the age of three years; the others are: John Dorsey, a teacher in the Episcopal High School at Alexandria; Margaret Cabell, unmarried, at home; Robert Lawrence, now a student; Katherine Mason.

[Pages 422-423]
Joseph Alexander Noblin, M. D. Dr. Noblin is the son of Alexander Noblin, born in Mecklenburg` county, Virginia, in 18978, and Elizabeth Virginia Smith (née) Chandler, born in Oxford, Granville county, North Carolina, in 1839, and survives her husband.
Alexander Noblin was a man of unusual ability and intellect, having acquired a good education by extensive reading and home study. During the war 1861-65 he served in a Virginia regiment of infantry of the Confederate army. Was in several battles during the war and was wounded in the battle of Ball's Bluff. Was at Appomattox the day General Lee surrendered. Elizabeth Virginia Noblin was the daughter of Daniel H. Chandler and Martha (Jones) Chandler, of Granville county, North Carolina. She married William A. Smith, of the same county, in 1857, to which union were born one daughter and three sons, one of whom died in infancy, the other two, W. D. Smith, superintendent of schools of Scott county since 1866 and also an extensive farmer and cattle raiser, and O. M. Smith, now a prominent farmer of Scott county, after twenty-two years of successful teaching in the public free schools of his county. Martha, the daughter, died in 1908, at the age of fifty-three years. William A. Smith, the first husband of Elizabeth Virginia Noblin, was a gallant officer in the Confederate army, holding the title of major, and was killed while in action at Petersburg in 1863. Alexander Noblin and Elizabeth Virginia Smith were married in 1866, in Granville county, North Carolina, and moved to Scott county in 1869. To this union was born two sons and three daughters: Joseph Alexander, of further mention; Logan Preston, married Allie J. Epperson in 1903 and died in 1908 at the age of thirty-six years, leaving two sons, Scott and Floyd; Loudema D., married H. C. Taylor, in 1887; Elizabeth M., married S.P. Maness, in 1892; Dora A., married R. L. Shelton, in 1903. Alexander Noblin was of English and Scotch-Irish descent and Elizabeth Virginia Noblin was of English and German descent.
Dr. Joseph Alexander Noblin, now a practicing physician of Radford, Virginia, was born at Snowflake, Scott county, Virginia, August 18, 1880. He was reared on the farm and attended the public free schools of his county, attaining a good preparatory free school education. At the age of eighteen he began to teach in the public schools of his county and continued to do so until his graduation from Shoemaker College in May, 1903, the last four years of which time he attended college one-half the year and taught school the other half. Dr. Noblin, while attending Shoemaker College was a very active member of the Phoenix Literary Society. He represented his society in the inter-society contests three times, wining the prize for oratory in 1901 and the prize for debate in 1902. He chose medicine as his profession (his soul's desire from boyhood) and entered the medical department of Central University of Kentucky, which is the University of Louisville, at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1904, whence he was graduated Doctor of Medicine, class of 1907. He began practicing the same year he graduated for the Stonega Coke and Coal Company, at Stonega, Vise [sic] county, Virginia, coming to Radford, March 31, 1909, where he has since been engaged in successful general practice. In 1910 he took a course at the Post-Graduate Medical School of New York City, and by knowledge and experience is equipped for the profession he has chosen. In 1908 he was appointed by Governor Claude A. Swanson a delegate to the International Congress on Tuberculosis, held in Washington, D. C., September 21 to October 12. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the Southern Medical Society, the Medical Society of Virginia, the South West Virginia Medical Society, the Montgomery County Medical Society, and the Association of Norfolk and Western Railway Surgeons. Using these societies and the journals of the profession, he keeps fully informed of all advance made in the treatment and prevention of disease. For the past three years he has been health officer of the city of Radford, and has during his few years of residence in the city secured, not only a clientele most satisfactory, but also a wide circle of personal friends. He has been surgeon to the Norfolk & Western Railway Company since 1910 and is resident physician to the Radford State Normal School for Women. He is a member of the Virginia May Lodge, No. 38, Free and Accepted Masons; Central Lodge, No. 103, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Montgomery Castle, No. 4, Ancient Order Knights of the Mystic Chain; Woodmen of the World; Owls; and Sons of Confederate Veterans. In political faith he is a Democrat.
Dr. Noblin married Josephine May Kelly, of Roanoke, Virginia, October 12, 1912. She is a native of Tazewell county, Virginia, and the daughter of Joseph Vincent Kelly and Mary C. (May) Kelly, the former a son of James P. Kelly, a distinguished Confederate soldier and judge of the court of Tazewell county for a number of years, the latter a daughter of Colonel Andrew Jackson May, a distinguished officer in the Confederate army, and for many years a prominent attorney of Tazewell county. Mrs. Noblin is a cousin of Joseph L. Kelly, of Bristol, Virginia. Dr. and Mrs. Noblin have one son, Stuart Alexander, born August 21, 1913. Their residence is on Tyler avenue, East Radford.

[Pages 423-424]
Archibald Dickenson Keen. In all the respects that lend honor and permanence to a family name, that fill with pride the hear of posterity, and that give members superior status in their communities because of the regard for their patronymic, that of Keen is rich, and it is eminently fitting that in this later day, when the tendency of democratic Americanism is to give slight regard to the fame of antecedents and the glory of ancestry, that one of the name should have gained a place of prominent importance in the state that has contained his family for so many years. His grandfather, William Witcher Keen, was born in Pittsylvania county, Virginia, and, living to the fine old age of ninety years, was all of this time one of the most extensive landowners in the county, his vast possessions cultivated by the largest number of slaves held by one person in Pittsylvania county. He married Elizabeth Ballard Fontaine, a native of the county of his birth, who attained the age of eighty-six years, and from this union eight children were born.
Charles Ballard Keen, son of William Witcher and Elizabeth Ballard (Fontaine) Keen, was born in Danville, Pittsylvania county, Virginia, February 4, 1845, died in that city in February, 1883. The beginning of hostilities between the North and the South found him too few in years to bear a musket in the ranks, but as soon as he could gain admission to the Confederate army he went to the front, serving through the last year of the war and participating in the battle at Staunton River Bridge. From the end of the war until the time of his death his business interests were in Danville, tobacco and lumber dealing, the lines in which he engaged. He married Mary Alice, born in Callands, Pittsylvania county, Virginia, in 1847, died in Danville, July 24, 1898, daughter of William Archibald and Elizabeth A. (Moorman) Dickenson. Her birthplace was named in honor of her great-great-grandfather, James C. Callands, an influential citizen and wealthy landowner of that locality. William Archibald Dickenson was a Mason of state-wide prominence, the author of a Masonic manual, and was well-known as a graceful, forceful and entertaining speaker. He was survived by his wife and daughter, his widow's death occurring in Danville, August 21, 1892. Charles Ballard and Mary Alice (Dickenson) Keen were the parents of: Archibald Dickenson, of whom further; Charles Ballard, born May 8, 1878, now secretary and treasurer of the Boatwright Manufacturing Company, of Danville.
Archibald Dickenson Keen, son of Charles Ballard and Mary Alice (Dickenson) Keen, was born in Danville, Virginia, March 23, 1876, and after attending the public schools entered the Virginia Military Institute, whence he was graduated in the class of 1896. His business life began in the employ of the firm of which he is now a member, E. K. Jones & Company, Mr. Jones operating under his own name alone prior to the admission of Mr. Keen to partnership. The house was established in Danville in 1881, occupies premises at Craghead and Newton streets and is a leader in the leaf tobacco trade, the factory and warehouse of the firm being equipped with the most improved mechanical devices used in the industry. Chief among the reasons for the success and prominence that have attended this concern is the experience of the partners in the line, Mr. Jones having passed many years in tobacco dealing and Mr. Keen having been thus associated for more than fifteen, and few are the mistakes of judgment that bring loss or reduction of profit to the firm. Mr. Keen does not confine his business interest to the tobacco trade, but is president of the A. D. Keen Company, Inc., vice-president of the Perpetual Building and Loan Association, and director of the Phoenix Building and Loan Association. In 1912 Mr. Keen was president of the Tobacco Board of Trade. His partnership in E. K. Jones & Company dates from 1900, while he has been president of the A. D. Keen Company, Inc., since its formation in 1912. He holds the Knights Templar degree in the Masonic order, and is a charter member of the Tuscarora, the Country, and the Merriwold clubs. His church is the Main Street Methodist Episcopal, in which he has been a member of the board of stewards for fifteen years, at the present time being treasurer of the board, and for five years has been assistant superintendent of the Sunday school. The elements of his life have been indeed well-mixed and it is vastly to his credit that into his church service and his relations with the Sunday school he has put the same unflagging energy and has displayed the same unremitting zeal that has characterized his dealings in the industrial, mercantile and financial world.

Mr. Keen married, March 30, 1904, at Danville, Daisy Thurmond, daughter of John H. and Susan B. (France) Schoolfield, both of her parents natives of Henry county, Virginia. Mr. Schoolfield at the present time is vice-president of the Riverside and Dan River Cotton Mills, and on October 17, 1914, will fall the fifty-fourth anniversary of their marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Keen have one daughter Daisy Schoolfield, born June 19, 1909.

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Robert Blackwell, D. D. S. Many years prior to the revolutionary war, a great-great-great-grandfather of Robert Blackwell, of Danville, was deeded land in Lunenburg county, Virginia, which descended from father and son, and where Robert Blackwell was born. His father, William T. Blackwell inherited it from his father, Benjamin Blackwell, who was also born at the homestead farm, as was William T. Benjamin Blackwell married (first) Miss Jones, of Mecklenburg county, Virginia, who bor him three children. He married again, and left issue by his second wife.
William Thweatt Blackwell lived all his life on the homestead in Lunenburg county, and there died in 1884, aged sixty years. He was an invalid during the great portion of his life, and though a man of means, was so in sympathy with the cause of the Confederacy, that he parted with a large share of his fortune in relieving the suffering caused by the war. Not being able to take a part in actual warfare, he showed in that way his loyalty and devotion. He married Sallie Orgain Penn, born in Lunenburg county, Virginia, in 1835, died in 1875, daughter of William Penn, born in Pittsylvania county, Virginia, a farmer; his wife, a Miss Edmunds. Children of William T. and Sallie O. (Penn) Blackwell: William; Benjamin, died in infancy; Elizabeth, married R. W. Manson, and resides at Olo, Lunenburg county; Sallie Penn, married S. M. Hawthorn, of Lunenburg county; Robert of whom further; Mary Constance, married C. J. Hawthorn, of Lunenburg county; Patty Edmundson, widow of Thomas Saunders, now residing in Lunenburg; Lucy F., widow of Dr. Cage, resides in Woodford, Tennessee; Thomas, resides in Lunenburg.
Robert Blackwell, son of William Thweatt Blackwell, was born at the old Blackwell plantation in Lunenburg county, Virginia, March 15, 1860. He was educated in the local schools and began business life as a clerk with his father, who was proprietor of a general store at Holydale. He continued as his father's assistant in store and farm management until about twenty-five of age, then became a student at Baltimore Dental College, whence he was graduated Doctor of Dental Surgery, class of 1888. He began the practice of his profession at Marion, Virginia, remaining there four years. He then located in Syracuse, New York, practiced his profession there ea short time, then returned to Virginia, locating in the city of Danville in 1893. He has practiced continuously in that city for the past twenty years, has acquired high professional standing, and is interested in the business prosperity of his adopted city. He is president of the Danville Drug Company, and is one of the public-spirited men of his community. He is a member of the Masonic order; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; a Democrat in politics, and a member of Mount Vernon Methodist Episcopal church.
Dr. Blackwell married, November 16, 1898, Ida Neal Blackwell (unrelated), born in Caswell county, North Carolina, in 1873, daughter of John B. Blackwell, who died in 1882, a farmer and a soldier of the Confederacy, serving in the Home Guard. Her mother, Mary Elizabeth (Reed) Blackwell, now resides in Danville with her daughter. Children of Dr. Robert Blackwell: Mary Orgain, born October 12, 1899; Sarah Elizabeth, April 3, 1901. Dr. Blackwell's business office is located in the Dudley Block, Danville.

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Nathaniel Woodson Bowe. The history of any community resolves itself into the lives of the men whose activities have been responsible for its upbuilding, hence no history of Richmond would be complete without prominent mention of the late Nathaniel Woodson Bowe, who belonged to that class of distinctly representative American men who promote public progress in advancing individual prosperity, and whose private interests never preclude active participation in movements and measures which concern the general good. The great-great-grandson of men who were conspicuous in the early life of the state, few of her native sons contributed more to the development of the real estate interests of Richmond than did Nathaniel Woodson Bowe. He occupied an important place in the affairs of the city, both in its civic and business enterprises, through his indomitable energy, his devotion to every duty, and his active championship of men and measures, aiming to further the best interests of Richmond.
(I) John Bowe, the immigrant ancestor of the family, came from England, in 1701, locating in Hanover county, Virginia, which was the home of the family until the settlement of Nathaniel Woodson Bowe in the city of Richmond in January, 1868.
(II) Nathaniel Bowe, son of John Bowe, was a large land owner in Hanover county, Virginia, and resided on the old homestead farm where his birth occurred. He married a Miss Ragland, a native of Louisa county, Virginia, and among their children was Nathaniel of whom further.
(III) Nathaniel (2) Bowe, son of Nathaniel (1) Bowe, was born in the same house in which his father had been born, and spent his life engaged in the same occupation, farming. He was a captain of Hanover county militia, and saw service during the second war with Great Britain, from 1812 to 1814. He was a Whig in politics, and a man of local importance. He married Susanna Davis, also a native of Hanover county. Children: Martha, married Stephen Davis, of Mississippi; Polly, married Oliver Cross of Hanover county, Virginia; Nancy, married Jesse Yarbrough, of Hanover county, Virginia; Elizabeth, married John B. Green, of Hanover county, Virginia; Susan, married Samuel Perrin, of Hanover county, Virginia; Harriet, married John Joiner Wingfield, of Albemarle county, Virginia; Emily R., married Archer B. Timberlake, of Albemarle county, Virginia; Amanda, married Thomas H. Goddin, of Richmond, Virginia; Nathaniel Fleming, married (first) Mary Etta Crenshaw, (second) Elizabeth Crenshaw, sister of his first wife; Hector, of whom further.
(IV) Hector Bowe, son of Nathaniel (2) Bowe, was born in Hanover county, Virginia, on the old homestead farm, and in the house which was also the birthplace of his father and grandfather, November 11, 1811, and died in the same house, February 8, 1858. He was a farmer and a manufacturer of tobacco. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a Whig in politics. He married, in his native county, March 6, 1835, Mary Ursula Ellis, born May 18, 1812, in Hanover county, Virginia, died June 9, 1893, daughter of Woodson and Agnes Pleasants (Turner) Bowe, both of English ancestry. Children: Robert Bruce, born February 29, 1836; Amanda Stuart, born November 25, 1837, married John Felix Cross; Virginia Selden, born May 26, 1840, married William Morris Wingfield; Nathaniel Woodson, of whom further; Boulware Whipple, born May 21, 1846; Emily Rushbrook, born February 27, 1849, married (first) Richard A. Talley, (second) A. Judson Blanton; Mary Ann, born August 22, 181, married John J. Dyson; Alice Maud, born July 18, 1856, married John R. Venable.
(V) Nathaniel Woodson Bowe, son of Hector Bowe, was born in old Hanover county, Virginia, in the same house in which his father, grandfather and great-grandfather had been born, and in which his father had died, November 4, 1842. He was educated in private schools and at the Hanover Academy, growing to manhood and engaging in farming until the outbreak of the civil war. He enlisted in July, 1861, becoming a member of Company B, First Virginia Regiment, Pickett's division. He was captured by the Federal forces, and was held a prisoner at Point Lookout for nineteen months. In an exchange of prisoners he was released, and at once returned to his old company. He won the rank of captain and a reputation as a sharpshooter, and at Gettysburg he was among the sharpshooters chosen to do scout work, and was among those Confederates who terrorized the Federals with a deadly fire from the Devil's Den. He was an active participant in many of the engagements of this struggle, among some of the most important being Williamsburg in May, 1862, and Five Forks in April, 1865. At the close of the war Mr. Bowe returned to Hanover county, and served there as deputy sheriff from 1865 until 1867.
In January, 1868, Mr. Bowe located in Richmond, Virginia, where he became associated with the real estate firm of Grubbs & Williams which was later dissolved by mutual consent. Subsequently he formed a co-partnership as Williams & Bowe, and at the present time it is N. W. Bowe & Son, with offices at No. 110 North Seventh street. He was diligent and successful in business, and his operations added greatly to the improvement of the city. For many years he was a director of the Union Bank of Richmond, a position he voluntarily resigned a few years ago on account of the pressure of his large private business. At the time of his death he was a director of the Fire and Marine Insurance Company of Virginia, and of the Atlantic Life Insurance Company of Virginia. He was a staunch Democrat, and while never active in politics, he manifested a deep interest in the vital questions of his time, and had clear and well defined convictions concerning public men and measures. He was an outspoken advocate of all measures looking to the preservation of public morals, the diffusion of general intelligence and maintenance of law. He was an active and helpful member of Grace Street Baptist Church, of Richmond, and of the Commonwealth and Country clubs. No good work done in the name of charity sought his coöperation in vain. His nature was essentially charitable and kindly, and he rejoiced in the opportunity of doing good to others. The extent of his charities will probably never be fully known, so unostentatious were they.
Mr. Bowe married, in Henrico county, Virginia, December21, 1869, Emma Lewis Griffin, born at Mount Prospect, Henrico county, Virginia, November 15, 1848, daughter of Edward and Martha Bowe (Cross) Griffin, the former a farmer of the county. She was the youngest child of her parents and the sister of Julia Anna, who married Charles W. Venable; Richard Rufus; George Nathaniel. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Bowe: 1. Edward Venable, deceased. 2. Eva Vernon, born August 1, 1872; educated at Mary Baldwin Seminary; married Cary Ellis Stern, lawyer, and has children: Cary Ellis, Dorothy Lewis, Edward Bowe, Venable Lane. 3. Stuart, born June 23, 1874; educated at Richmond College and the University of Virginia; now a practicing lawyer; married Edith White and has a daughter, Edith White Bowe. 4. Bruce, born August 9, 1876; educated in Richmond College; now a member of the firm of N. W. Bowe & Son; married Caroline Gillespie Milnes. 5. Anna Venable, born March 27, 1878, educated at Edge Hill; married John Thomas Penn, a tobacconist of Martinsville, Virginia, and has children: Natalie Lewis, Ruth Venable, Emma Bowe and Anne. 6. Emma Lewis, born July 4, 1880; educated at Richmond Female Institute; died unmarried, October 13, 1906. 7. Addie Williams, born September 21, 1882; educated at the Dorsey School, Washington, D. C.; married Harry L. Hodges, lieutenant in the United States army, and has children: Evelyn Bowe and Harry Nash. 8. Charles Conway, born July 2, 1884; educated at Richmond College; now a real estate agent; married Mary Drewry, and has children: Jane Drewry and Mary Ursula. 9. Wythe Davis, born October 9, 1887; educated at Woodberry Forrest and the University of Virginia; now engaged in the insurance business; married Betty Booker Glinn, and has one child, Betty Booker. 10. Nathaniel Woodson, Jr., born December 10, 1889; educated at Woodberry Forrest; now engaged in the real estate business. 11. Dudley Pleasants, born January 22, 1893; a student at Richmond College.
In his home and all the other relations of life Mr. Bowe was true to the duties and responsibilities devolving upon him, and his well spent life commended him to the confidence and regard of his fellow townsmen, which he enjoyed in an unusual degree. Perhaps the riches and most beautiful trait of his character was his strong domestic sentiment and habit, which impelled him to seek his highest appiness in the family circle and rendered him its joy and light. Those who were in contact with him every day for years loved him best, because the deeper one went into his personality, the more he would find to admire and to love, and his closes companions were those who had the highest appreciation for the qualities that are most ennobling in life.
His death, which occurred at his home, No. 917 West Franklin street, Richmond, March 14 1914, caused wide spread sorrow among his circle of devoted and loyal personal friends. He lives today in their memory, enshrined in the halo of a gracious presence and charming personality, as well as with a record of successful accomplishment in connection with individual interest. He will always be remembered first as a dear friend, next as a true gentleman in the best sense of that good word, and next as a very superior business man, level-headed, sagacious, shrewd, but always just and kindly. The name of Bowe has ever stood as a synonym of all that is enterprising in business and progressive in citizenship, and when he passed away the city mourned the loss of a member of one of its most representative and prominent families. In an extended search it would be difficult to find one who better than Nathaniel Woodson Bowe gave substantial proof of the wisdom of President Lincoln's words when he said "There is something better than making a living, making a life."
At a meeting of the Richmond Real Estate Exchange, called for the purpose, President O. Herbert Funston said in part:

Few of us who saw Mr. Bowe last week would have said he would be the first to answer the final call; he was one of our newest members and also one of our oldest agents; one whose opinion we all respected; one whose advice was freely given and always valuable; one who has made a success of life through his just and upright dealings.

The resolutions adopted on this occasion read in part:

In the death of Mr. Bowe we have lost a co-worker and member whose place it will be hard to fill. He was a man of the highest integrity, and in his dealings with his fellowman his word was as good as his bond. He had unbounded faith in the future of our city; he aided it to raise from its ashes after 1865, and for more than a generation has been a power in its great development.