John Sanders Row

John S. Row

     John Row (1831-1892) was a brother of Dr. Elhanon Row. The 1850 census shows that nineteen year old John was deputy sheriff of Orange County and the 1860 census indicates that he was sheriff. By the outbreak of the Civil War John Row was serving as deputy for Sheriff James L. Robinson. John married Eliza Walker in 1853 and they had eight children between 1855 and 1873.

Captain John Row, 6th Virginia Cavalry

     John Row resigned as deputy sheriff of Orange and enlisted in Company I of the Sixth Virginia Cavalry on April 1, 1862. On April 20 he was promoted to Captain. Among the men under his command were his cousin (and my great grandfather) George Washington Estes Row and his friend Jonathan T. Mann of Orange County.

Sheriff Robinson's letter to Secretary Randolph

     On September 16, 1862 Sheriff James Robinson wrote a letter to Secretary of War G.W. Randolph. Robinson stated that John Row had volunteered to serve in the Confederate army "before the deputies were exempt by law from the service. It is now necessary that I should have him to assist me to collect the Revenues...Therefor pray you to discharge him from the service so that he can return to his duties as deputy."

John Row's letter of resignation

John Row's letter of resignation

     The following day Captain John Row tendered his resignation to Colonel Thomas S. Flournoy of the Sixth Cavalry. John pleaded his case by stating that he had "a large amount of business unsettled and no other person can settle it without serious loss to myself and those who are bound as security for me, for large sums from loss, and to do so I feel it my duty to resign my commission." John's resignation was approved and on October 7, 1862 he was once again a private citizen.

Jonathan T. Mann

Sarah Mann

     Jonathan Mann of the Sixth Cavalry was a friend and neighbor of John Row. Originally from New Hampshire, Mann came to Virginia in 1849, when he married Sarah Spencer of Fluvanna County. The Manns settled in Orange and at the outbreak of the war Jonathan cast his lot with that of his adopted state and joined the Confederate army, enlisting on the same day as John Row. Two months after John's resignation Corporal Jonathan T. Mann was promoted to Lieutenant. He was killed at the battle of Brandy Station on June 9, 1863.

John Row to Sarah Mann 4 August 1863

     Between August 1863 and October 1869 John Row wrote at least five letters to Mann's widow, Sarah. I discovered these letters last year at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center in Fredericksburg. After the death of her husband, Sarah moved back to Fluvanna to stay with relatives. Orange County had become a desolate, dangerous place as John wrote on August 4, 1863: "It is impossible to say how long our army may stay here or whether it would be safe for you to come over. We are afraid of Yankee cavalry raids where I live. Our infantry is above me and I fear the cavalry will make a dash over below me."

John Row to Sarah Mann 20 February 1864

     On February 20, 1864 John wrote to Sarah: "I hope we will all get through this war soon and come out of it better and wiser people. I will try to do my duty while I am here to everybody and trust my family to the protecting care of a kind Providence. I have been in many difficulties and have always found someone to help me in time of trouble. I shall go forward not doubting but that all will be well for me and and all those dependent upon me no matter what befalls me. We must never give up--keep up in spirits, do our duty and trust God and He will take care of us."
    

John Row to Sarah Mann 22 October 1869

     Of course the cares and troubles of John Row and his acquaintances did not end with the surrender at Appomattox. On October 22, 1869 John wrote of this sad incident: "I did not give you the history of Wm. Walker's misfortune because I did not like to think about it. He was in a desponding condition about money matters and attempted to take his own life and his daughter, seeing him with pistol in hand and knowing his constitution attempted to take it away. In doing so, she pulled the pistol down upon her right breast and was shot through the lung, the ball passing through. She lived from Friday until Monday morning. She was rational and was willing to die. Her mother has been ill ever since and I suppose it will be a long time before she is herself again."

George W.E. Row promissory note to John Row

     After the war John, Eliza and their children resumed their lives on the family farm in Orange. John maintained close ties with his Spotsylvania cousins, including George Washington Estes Row. In 1882 John provided a loan of one hundred dollars to George, for whom cash flow often remained a challenge.

John Row to Nannie Row 6 July 1885

John Row to Nannie Row 6 July 1885

John Row to Nannie Row 6 July 1885

     In July 1885 John wrote a letter to George's sister Nannie, who still lived at Greenfield. John described the wedding of his son William to Blanche Johnson. Alluding to his reduced economic circumstances, John remarked that he was glad they did not want a party since he could not afford one and that "I felt badly that I had nothing to give them."

Virginia Star article on area goldmines

     In an 1880s edition of the Virginia Star and article was written about the various gold mining operations underway in Spotsylvania and Orange. Mention is made of Joseph Trigg, who lived near Greenfield. Noted also was John Row on whose property "recent experiments develop an immense quantity of ore and assays have been made of the same." I do not know if this made any difference in John's fortunes, but I would like to think so.
     John Row died on April 10, 1892 and is buried at Graham Cemetery in Orange County.

"The horses are actually starving to death"

George Washington Estes Row, about 1870

     Among my family's papers are many documents that shed light on the issues and events of the time, including slavery, war and reconstruction. Today's offering is of particular interest: a letter written by George Washington Estes Row to his sister Nan in January 1865. In this letter, my great-grandfather mentioned one of the last successful forays of the Confederate cavalry of Virginia: the raid on Beverly.
     By the time 21 year old George Row wrote this letter, he had been fighting as a trooper with the Confederate cavalry for almost four years. He joined the Ninth Virginia Cavalry at age 17 immediately after Virginia's succession and transferred  to Company I, Sixth Virginia Cavalry in 1862. Commanding Company I at that time was his cousin, Captain John Row.
     This letter traces the movements of Private Row during the month of January 1865. Although he had been denied a furlough, he had spent some time away from his regiment, traveling through Spotsylvania, Orange and Louisa counties.
     Of special interest is his mention of the Beverly Raid, which had occurred on January 11. It is apparent that Private Row was not part of that expedition, but a number of his comrades from the Sixth Cavalry did participate. Because of his reference to this raid and to General Rosser, my great grandfather's letter was cited in Michael Musick's classic history of the Sixth Virginia Cavalry.
     The Confederates had learned that a substantial store of desperately needed provisions could be found at Beverly in Randolph County, West Virginia. These supplies were being guarded by the 8th Ohio Cavalry and the 34th Ohio Infantry. General Rosser conceived a high risk plan to lead a group of mounted troopers across the mountains and launch a surprise attack on Beverly. He assembled a force of about 300 volunteers from the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th and 12th Cavalries. One of those troopers, Cornelius Baldwin Hite of the Sixth Cavalry, wrote about this battle and much of what follows is based on his published account.
     Rosser and his men began their foray on January 9, setting out on the Staunton and Parkersburg Turnpike via Monterey. Although there was snow on the ground, the weather was mild. When they camped for the night they became inundated by a torrential rain that continued until dawn. The men were still thoroughly soaked when they resumed their march on the 10th. That afternoon they were beset by a punishing north wind and over the next several hours the temperature plummeted to near zero.
     These half-frozen men camped briefly for a second night and started out again very early. The troopers' wet overcoats and capes were now frozen stiff and rattled like boards as they rode in the darkness. The men suffered intensely from the cold as they arrived at Beverly about an hour before daybreak. According to Musick, many of the men were "so stiff with the cold that they had to be taken from their horses, their pistols removed from the holster and placed with the cock drawn in their hands."
     The Federal garrison was taken completely by surprise. Which was a good thing, since they outnumbered their Confederate attackers three to one. With few casualties suffered by either side, Rosser's men were able to gather up about 580 prisoners and a large quantity of supplies. They successfully recrossed the mountains and made camp near the Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County.

George Row to Nan Row, page 1

George Row to Nan Row, page 2

                                                                                                   Camp 6th Va Cav Jan 29th 65
Dear Sister [1],

     Doubtless you have given me out, for I expected to have gotten my furlough in a few days. But when I applied Gen Lee [2] disapproved it and ordered me back to my company. I went to Spot[sylvania] to spend a few days, but was caught up in that bad weather at Uncle Nathan's [3] and had to stay with him for five days. I then spent one night with Uncle Elhanon [4] and took the cars at Louisa C.H. the next day. Left my mare with cousin John [5]. I expected to find my company near Staunton, but when I got there found out it was here. We are three miles from the Natural Bridge on the Lexington Road. The times are very hard. The boys can't buy anything for their horses and they are actually starving to death. All they get they have to steal. I am glad I have left mine in Louisa. A great many of my company were frosted on this Beverly Raid of Rosser's [6] among them Elhanon Sisson [7]. Rosser has ruined our Brigade. We have not over a hundred men in my regiment. I hired Uncle Limus [8] to Mr. Childs for $200 and the plantation on the same terms as last year.
     I will try to get home soon. Give my best to Mother [9]. When Limus got home he found our sow dead and has never been able to find any of the pigs. I will be home before you can write.

                                                                                                  Your Bro  George

Miss Nannie E. Row
Hadensville, Va
From Geo. W.E. Row
Nat Bridge
Rockbridge, Va

Mrs. Nancy Row
Wilderness
Spot., Va.

Miss Nannie E. Row
Hadensville
Goochland Co., Va.

Because he had left his horse in Louisa County with his cousin, John Row, George was obliged to buy another one from General Lunsford Lomax after he returned to camp. Shown below is the receipt for that horse, signed in Millboro, Virginia by James M. Culton of the 43rd Tennessee Cavalry on behalf of General Lomax.

General Lomax's receipt to George W. E. Row for a horse

Notes:

[1] Nannie Row (1831-1889). She, her mother and her sister Bettie Row Rawlings' family spent much of 1864-65 living as refugees in Hadensville. Nannie Row's life story can be read here and here.

Nannie Row

[2] Major General Fitzhugh Lee, son of Robert E. Lee.

[3] Jonathan Johnson (1802-1873), husband of George Row's aunt Frances Estes. Johnson owned Walnut Grove plantation in southern Spotsylvania. A very wealthy and influential man in his day, you can go here to read more about him. Jonathan Johnson's home was attacked by Union cavalry in 1864--here is where you can find that story.

[4] Elhanon Row (1798-1873) of Orange County was a colonel of the local militia and had been the first elected sheriff of Orange.

[5] John Sanders Row (1831-1892) was a son of Elhanon Row and had served as sheriff and deputy sheriff of Orange County. In 1862 he was Captain of Company I, Sixth Virginia Cavalry. By 1864 he had moved his family to Louisa County to protect them from the depredations of marauding Union cavalry. The Rows returned to Orange in 1869. John Row's biography can be read here.

Captain John Sanders Row

[6] Thomas Lafayette Rosser (1836-1910) started the Civil War as a lieutenant colonel of artillery and finished it as a major general of cavalry. George Row joined Rosser and other die hard elements of the Confederate cavalry in their breakout from the Union encirclement at Appomattox in 1865. They remained at large for several weeks before surrendering to Union authorities. After Beverly, Rosser became highly unpopular among many of his men, including George Row. Ironically, George Row's oldest son married a cousin of General Rosser in 1893.

General Thomas Rosser

[7] Elhanon Benjamin Sisson (1845-1915), a grandson of Elhanon Row. Sisson spent much of his time in Confederate hospitals, but recuperated in time to volunteer for the Beverly Raid. His photograph appears here courtesy of Wesley Higgins.

Elhanon Benjamin Sisson

[8] A slave belonging to the Row family.

[9] Nancy Estes Row (1798-1873). Nancy's father Richard Estes bought Greenfield plantation in 1795 and Nancy lived there virtually her entire life. She was quite a woman. More can be learned by going here and here.

Nancy Estes Row

"You don't have to pack cotton in your bosom"

Emma Farish

     In February 1876, about six weeks after his marriage to Lizzie Houston in Rockbridge County, George Washington Estes Row wrote a letter to his fifteen year old cousin Emma Farish. His letter displays a personal warmth and a wry sense of humor that is both endearing and modern in tone. [Please note that all images in my blog may be clicked on for enlarged viewing]

George W.E. Row, 1875

     Emma Farish was born in Caroline County in August 1860 to Charles Tod Farish and his third wife, Rachel Keeling Row. A first cousin of George Row, Rachel was born in 1819, the daughter of Carlton and Lucy Row, who were murdered by their slaves in 1820. Rachel was then raised both by her grandfather Thomas Row in Orange County and by her uncle Absalom Row at Greenfield. In 1859 she became the third wife of Charles Farish, whose farm lay in northwest Caroline near Moss Neck Manor and not far from another uncle of Rachel's, Keeling Row. It so happens that Keeling also had a daughter named Rachel Keeling Row, who married a brother of Charles Farish, a fact which has proved to be a bit daunting for unwary genealogists. Charles died in 1863, leaving Rachel and Emma to rely on their own resources after his estate was settled.
     Rachel Row Farish was well loved by her friends and relatives, as is apparent from the many mentions of her name in family letters and papers. She was admired for her abilities as a quilt maker and weaver, a craft she could practice at the log weaving house at Greenfield. At least one example of her handicraft survives. In later life Rachel worked as a house mother at the Bowling Green Female Seminary, where Emma graduated with honors, receiving the gold medal for French.

Letter of George Row to Emma Farish, February 1876

                                                                Greenfield, Feb 1st 1876

Dear Em

     Your two letters were rec'd, one from Ill. and the other some time before Xmas and I have not delayed writing because I did not want to hear from you but simply I am too lazy to write when I have time and I don't like to write much, you know. Well, to commence. Abbie [1] is shaking the table now and looking over my elbow. Cousin Nan is teaching school at Cousin John's [2]. Abbie has been going to her but has been home ever since Xmas. Will return soon since he won't learn at home. I was married just before Xmas (I have forgotten what day but it don't make any difference I am married [3]) to Miss Lizzie Houston of Rockbridge Co. She lived six miles above your Uncle Zack's [4]. She is tall has dark hair and black eyes and wears pinback dresses -- (I suppose you and your Ma have lots of  pinbacks) about 21 years old and a splendid woman. Abbie loves her dearly. You must come up and look for a better description. Well Billy Kent [5]  is still single and so is Billy Trigg [6] and if you have finished your education and still desirous of forming a matrimonial alliance I think you cause their "hearts to palpitate, give up the ghost" etc.
     How comes on Cousin R [7]?. I suppose she is the spriest widow in town and cutting you out of the beaux. Well you must give back to her as she is the oldest and may not have as many chances as you. I heard Nellie Farish was to be married to a young Woolfolk. Hear it come off? No marriages in this county now. Mr. Lucius Estes [8] has bought Marvin's place and moved to it. They moved since Xmas. Tom Dick Pulliam was murdered up in Texas by Tom Sutherland a week or two ago. They were on a drunk. Sutherland has not been caught -- and if you see him catch him as the Governor has offered one hundred dollars reward. Give me half, won't you?
     Abbie says give my love to Em and Rach & tell them I have a calf. Quite a freak of nature for a boy to have a calf. Don't you think so? Em I suppose you are a grown lady ere this and don't have to pack cotton in your bosom and wearing dresses buttoned in front and pinback behind with a pile of rags on top and striped stockings and all sich. If this should shock your duplicity you must overlook as I think I am writing to a child yet. Give our kindest and best love to dear Cousin R and believe me as ever your
                                                       Cousin George

N.B. All the neighbors are well.


    

Wedding announcement of Emma Farish

     
     Emma married a cousin, Keeling Herndon Sisson, in 1889. They settled in Richmond, where Keeling was employed by the merchandising firm of T.B. Murphy & Company. Their son, also named Keeling, was born in July 1891. Rachel's husband died just three months later, apparently from the complications of diabetes.

Keeling Herndon Sisson

     Emma lived in Richmond with her son, and later with him and his family, for the rest of her life. Emma died in 1940 and is buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond.

[Photos of Rachel and Keeling appear courtesy of Wesley Higgins]



[1] Abbie Row was George Row's son with his first wife, Annie Daniel (1848-1871). Abbie's youngest son served as official White House photographer for 25 years.

[2] John Sanders Row of Orange County.

[3] Of course, George is being coyly ironic here. His epic courtship of Mary Elizabeth Houston was the focus of his life for more than a year.

[4] Zachary Herndon Rawlings was married to George's sister Bettie.

[5] Two years after this letter was written, 26 year old William Franklin Kent married Lottie Conley. A daughter of theirs, Fannie, married George Row's youngest son Horace. Horace and Fannie's youngest daughter was my mother.

[6] John William Trigg, whose family's farm Poplar Neck lay next to Greenfield, married Alice Hart in 1885.

[7] Emma's mother, Rachel Row Farish.

[8] Lucius Estes farmed at Greenfield off and on for years. He was a devoted friend of the Rows. He, his wife and his adopted son Patrick were living in one of the log buildings at Greenfield when the just married George and Lizzie Row returned late from Rockbridge on December 14, 1875. Lizzie remembered that Patrick and Abbie were engaged in a whittling match at the main house at Greenfield, and George's sister Nan was sweeping the shavings from the hearth into the fire.

Jonathan Taylor Mann

Jonathan Taylor Mann

     A few years ago I became intrigued by the story of Jonathan Taylor Mann and had the good fortune to be able to contact his great great grandson, Jim Mann, who shared photographs and transcriptions of Mann family letters. Today's post is due largely to his research and his generosity and I am truly grateful to him. [Please note that all images can be clicked on for larger viewing]
     Born June 21, 1821 in Danbury, New Hampshire, Jonathan T. Mann's father was a  Scottish immigrant who arrived on our shores in 1811. By the mid 1840s Jonathan had begun traveling to Virginia, buying horses for resale in New Hampshire. It was likely during one of these trips that he met Sarah Joseph Spencer of Fluvanna County. He married her in 1849 and they had two sons together--James Joseph (born 1850) and Edgar Jonathan (born 1856).

Sarah and James Joseph Mann

     Jonathan's fourteen year old brother Dana joined him in 1851 and was a member of the household for the next nineteen years. Jonathan Mann worked as a farmer and as a repairer of watches and clocks, skills also acquired by Dana. The Manns were friends and neighbors of my Row ancestors in Orange County. In the map detail shown below, the Row(e) property is seen at the upper center of the image, on both sides of the Old Turnpike (modern Rt. 20) at Mine Run. The Mann property is located just southwest of there, near Grasty's gold mine.

Map detail of Orange County, 1863

     During the turbulent years leading up to the Civil War, J.T. Mann became increasingly sympathetic to the political views of his adopted state. He became a slave owner, shown to be the owner of a ten year old girl in 1860. The raid of John Brown on Harper's Ferry in 1859 exercised a powerful effect on Jonathan, as it did on most southerners. He viewed the North-South conflict through the prism of his father's experiences in the old world. The North and the federal government came to represent to Jonathan imperial England subjugating the rights of Scotsmen (i.e., southerners). His brother Dana came to share these opinions and both took up arms against the United States, which had been the source of refuge for their father.

Captain John Sanders Row

     On April 1, 1862 J.T. Mann enlisted in Company I of the Sixth Virginia Cavalry. He was signed up by his friend Captain John Row, whose brother Dr. Elhanon Row and cousin (and my great grandfather) George Washington Estes Row also fought with the Sixth. At age forty one, Mann was old enough to be the father of many of his fellow troopers. His brother Dana joined the Second Virginia Artillery, which later became the Twenty Second Virginia Infantry Battalion.
     About the time he enlisted Jonathan moved his wife and sons to her mother's home in Fluvanna for their safety. John Row also moved his family there for a time in order to escape the ever present threat of violence in Orange. Two of Captain Row's young sons died in Fluvanna in August 1862.
     Mann and the Sixth Cavalry fought with Stonewall Jackson during the Valley Campaign. A letter he sent to Sarah on May 27, 1862 describes in cinematic detail the battle of Front Royal and its aftermath. The excerpt quoted here is one of the most dramatic depictions of a cavalry battle I have ever encountered in a private letter:

     ...After they were routed at Front Royal by the infantry and the artillery they ran up the turnpike about four or five miles and made a stand on a hill. Planted their cannon on the road, their infantry behind some houses and stone fences. Our cavalry were ordered to make a charge upon them. Our regiment which only had about 300 men in it then. The balance of them on picket, some dodging, some sick with crippled horses and about that time General Jackson rode up through the lines with his hat off at full speed or nearly so. Everyone gave him a cheer and our regiment rushed at full speed four miles to where the enemy had made a stand as before described and made a desperate charge. Ours was the fourth company from the front. We were ordered to their right in a field. They fired a volley at us as we charged up and then broke. We charged upon them at full speed about the time they broke, generally their balls went over our heads. Not a man in our company was hurt. The first in the charge were cut all to pieces. They had nine men killed and ten or twelve wounded. The captain of another company was killed. His name was Baxter [Captain George A. Baxter, Company K]. A braver man never lived. We took all the prisoners we took there and sent them off. Then charged up the turnpike towards Winchester eight miles as fast as we could get our horses along. We cut off all their wagons and took nearly all of them. A part or most of their cavalry got off. We took their artillery and arms...The pike was filled with wagons, horses, arms and munitions of war. For several miles knapsacks and everything that you could imagine belongs to war. Blankets and overcoats were strewed promiscuously in every direction. I galloped over dead bodies so covered in dirt that you could hardly tell that they were human. Dead horses scattered all along the road...The next morning we started again to attack their wagons that were said to be on their way from Strasburg to Winchester. We were formed in a line and our company were placed in advance and six of us, myself among the number, were detached as advance guard...We came in sight of new town saw down the pike towards Winchester a big smoke or dust from wagons. We halted until the regiment came up. Then we were ordered to charge upon them which we did as fast as the horses could go. Myself and three others put out. We got up to their infantry several hundred yards ahead of the others. The whole regiment charged with a tremendous yell. The enemy took fright and threw off their knapsacks and run for life. I rode up to a stone fence. There were seven blue coats hid behind the fence. I presented my pistol to them and ordered them over the fence. To my great relief they soon hopped over. I marched them back to headquarters and remained with them until the balance came up...
 
  On August 8 Jonathan T. Mann was himself captured during the Cedar Mountain campaign. The records show that as of August 15 he was on a list of prisoners "confined by Major William E. Doster." (Doster fought with the 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry early in the war. Amazingly, he earned his law degree from Harvard University in 1863 and then became provost marshal of Washington, D.C. In 1865 Doster was appointed attorney for James Powell, one of the conspirators in the plot to murder Lincoln and Secretary of State Seward.) Mann was exchanged in September and rejoined his regiment.
     J.T. Mann was promoted to Lieutenant in December 1862, most likely to replace James Roach, who had resigned in order to begin his term as sheriff of Orange County. That same month Jonathan wrote a letter to Sarah, in which he mentioned John Row's wife and father and sister: I saw Mrs. Rowe. They are well. Mrs [Reynolds], Col. Rowe's daughter, is very sick. They think she cannot live but a short time. After Elizabeth Keeling Row Reynolds died, her father Elhanon raised her children.
     As a lieutenant, Jonathan T. Mann was now earning ninety dollars a month. Military life seemed to agree with him. He remained healthy and enjoyed the adventure of campaigning. In fact he gained weight and reported to his wife that he weighed 167 pounds. He wrote that his patrols were rounding up fifty Union deserters a day between Mount Jackson and Warrenton. These prisoners told him that their army was demoralized and that "they were tired of fighting for the negroes. May God send peace. No one would rejoice more than I would."
     In his last letter to Sarah, dated May 23, 1863, Jonathan described a raid into Maryland and Pennsylvania to within eight miles of Ohio, "a journey of six or seven hundred miles." Seven hundred prisoners were taken, bridges were destroyed and other mischief accomplished. Most spectacular, however was the destruction of twenty five oil wells and barges loaded with oil on the Kanawha River.
     Two weeks later Lieutenant Mann and the Sixth Cavalry were in Culpeper where they participated in the two grand cavalry reviews staged by General Jeb Stuart. They were resting from that endeavor on the morning of June 9 when troops commanded by General Alfred Pleasonton came splashing across the Rappahannock River, catching the Confederate cavalry completely by surprise. So much so, in fact, that troopers of the Sixth Cavalry had little or no time to prepare for battle, many jumping barefoot on their unsaddled mounts and then racing to the sound of gunfire. Clad only in his longjohns, Mann attacked Union forces threatening rebel artillery positions near Beverly's Ford. He was one of that morning's first casualties, shot in the face.
     Not long after the battle of Brandy Station Sarah Mann came to the battlefield and found her husband's body. It was not possible to transport him to either Fluvanna or Orange, so she buried him on the farm of a friend at the foot of Clark's Mountain. In later years attempts were made by the Manns to locate his grave, but without success. J.T. Mann's name appears, together with those other Confederates who lost their lives during the war, on the memorial on the lawn of the Orange County Court House.

Orange County Confederate memorial

     In the years following Mann's death John Row did what he could to help Sarah Mann and her boys. A number of letters written by John Row to Sarah were found in the archives of the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center and were quoted from in my piece on John Row. They give a good account of the stresses of life in Orange County during the war and its aftermath and are worth a click to here.
     Sarah Mann and her sons returned to their home in Orange in late 1865. She described what she found in a letter to her mother dated December 27:

     ...it is torn to pieces but not as much as some of my neighbors' homes. What a destruction the soldiers of both armies made in this country. Things will never be replaced as before in my time or my children's. I fear we are bound to be poor people. No help for it the whole country is ruined...Several pieces of shell went through the dwelling house but not injuring it a great deal. Broke one of my bedsteads all to pieces, but my furniture was stolen by someone I do not know who.

     Dana Mann came back to Orange and helped his sister in law get back on her feet. He finally returned to New Hampshire in 1870. Sarah Spencer Mann died on December 3, 1897 and is buried in the Rhoadesville Cemetery in Orange.

Sarah Spencer Mann

Colonel Elhanon Row

Appointment of Elhanon Row to colonel of militia, 1862

     Elhanon Row (1798-1874) of Orange County was the youngest child of my great great great grandparents, Thomas Row and Rachel Keeling Row. Among his more notable achievements, Elhanon was the first elected sheriff of Orange County, winning that seat in 1852. Previously the office of high sheriff was an appointed position, one to which Thomas Row had been twice named before his death in 1840. Elhanon's son John Sanders Row was the second elected sheriff of the county (1854).
     Last week while noodling around the Orange County Historical Society's reading room I happened upon the document shown above. I had no previous inkling that this artifact existed, so when I found it I was happily surprised. In May 1862 Lieutenant Governor Daniel A. Wilson appointed Elhanon Row colonel of the third regiment of the first brigade of the second division of Virginia militia.
     The following day I found this entry in the minute book at Orange Court House: [1803] "Thomas Row qualified Lieutenant Colonel of the third regiment in the first brigade and second division of the militia of Virginia taking the several oaths required by law."
     Of course, by the time Thomas Row's son assumed the colonelcy of his old regiment, it was part of the Confederate militia. Had he still been alive, I wonder what would have been the opinion of Thomas regarding that change of allegiance. Thomas had served in the 5th Virginia Infantry during the Revolution to help secure the nation that his son and many like him willingly rent asunder.

Captain John Row

John Sanders Row, at right

     Earlier this year I submitted an article to the Orange County Historical Society about my cousin John Row. I have always been fond of old John and I included in my piece everything I could find about him, including the proverbial kitchen sink. I was politely informed that my piece was a trifle too long for publication and as the months passed I had almost forgotten about it. You can understand my surprise when in today's post there came to hand the current number of The Record, which included my story of John's life.
     In the photograph above, John is sitting next to his brother, Dr. Elhanon Winchester Row, who would become regimental surgeon for the 14th Virginia Cavalry. At far left is James Roach, who was quite an interesting fellow in his own right. This photograph was made in 1862 when they all served in Company I of the Sixth Virginia Cavalry.
     Here is the article in its entirety [All images in my blog may be clicked on for enlarged viewing]:

Dr. John Samuel Apperson

Dr. John Samuel Apperson (courtesy of Ellen Apperson Brown)

     "February 2, 1859. This morning was one of uncommon interest to me. I arose early and prepared myself to leave, for where, I hardly know" [1]. So begins the diary of 21-year-old John Samuel Apperson, a remarkable document written by a man confident that an adventuresome and successful future lay ahead of him. Future events would justify his optimism.

Malinda and Alfred Apperson (Jack Apperson, Ancestry)

     Born into humble circumstances in Orange County on August 21, 1837, John achieved a great deal in his lifetime. He was a man of many resources, and utilized his native talents to become successful in the fields of both medicine and business. He married twice and was the father of eleven children, some of whom became successful in their own right.
     John was the oldest of six children born to Alfred Apperson and Malinda Jones, who were married in Orange County on September 3, 1836. As a young man, Alfred had worked as an overseer. He later bought a 170-acre farm in Orange just north of the old Turnpike (modern Route 20) near Locust Grove. In the Civil War-era map detail of Orange County shown below, "A. Epperson" can be seen at right above the double red line indicating the Turnpike. Ellwood, the home of Horace Lacy, can be seen at far right. Row's Mill, the home of Elhanon Row and his extended family, lay athwart the Turnpike at far left.

Map detail of Orange County (www.fold3.com)

     John Apperson's childhood was typical for his time and place. He worked on the family farm doing chores like cutting wood, making rails and plowing with a team of oxen. He attended a school until he was 12 years old, and afterwards supplemented his education by reading whatever books and periodicals might come to his house. By the age of 17 he was working in a country store, but was handicapped by his lack of mathematical knowledge. He remedied this problem by purchasing a copy of "Key to Davies' Arithmethic," from which he taught himself [2].
     On that February morning in 1859, when his journal begins, John packed up his worldly goods--consisting of his his clothes--and placed $12.50 in money and twenty four cents in stamps in his pockets. He took leave of his family, and then walked to his grandfather's house nearby, where he spent the night. The next day, he walked to Orange Court House, where he boarded a train bound for Charlottesville. While changing cars in Gordonsville, he encountered a friend of his, identified as "J. S. R." [3]. John told his friend that he was headed west, perhaps to Mississippi or Alabama [4].
     John arrived in Charlottesville at 2:00 that afternoon. Realizing that he did not have enough money to make the journey he originally intended, he set off on foot from the train station. His goal now was to make it as far as Lynchburg and look for work. While walking down the road, John met local resident John Dudley, who lived in the hills between Charlottesville and Scottsville. The convivial Dudley invited John to his house. John spent a few enjoyable days with his sociable host and his family, which included two comely and friendly daughters. The evenings consisted of drinking, fiddle-playing and dancing. On the morning of February 7, John bade farewell to the Dudleys and struck out for Lynchburg [5].
     John continued walking south down the road (likely the forerunner to modern Route 29) toward Lynchburg. He crossed the Rockfish River by way of a bridge that was being built, and spent the night with an agreeable farmer in Nelson County. By now John was quite footsore, and had developed large blisters on his right heel and instep. His kindly host invited him to stay with him until his feet improved, but John was anxious to reach Lynchburg. On the morning of February 8 he resumed his journey south [6].
     John at last arrived at Lynchburg and took a room at an inn. While looking for work, he met a man from Marion in Smyth County, who suggested that he go to the Seven Mile Ford there and try to get a job on the railroad. John took the train to Marion, arriving with just twenty seven cents in his pocket [7].
     After a short stint at cutting railroad ties, John met Dr. William Faris. Impressed by John's intelligence and obvious potential, Dr. Faris urged John to take up the study of medicine. John did so, and began to read with Dr. Faris and accompanied him while visiting patients. The 1860 census shows that John was living with the Faris family and his occupation was "student of medicine." He continued along this path of endeavor until the outbreak of the Civil War.

Dr. Harvey Black (Virginia Tech Imagebase)

     On April 18, 1861, John Apperson was mustered into what would become Company D of the 4th Virginia Infantry in Marion. Two months later, he was assigned duty as a hospital steward under the direction of Dr. Harvey Black, the regimental surgeon. The two served together for the remainder of the war. Dr. Black became John's lifelong friend, mentor and colleague.
     Harvey Black was born on August 27, 1827 in Blacksburg, a town founded by his family. Like John Apperson, Dr. Black took up the study of medicine as a young man. In 1847 he enlisted as an infantryman to fight in the Mexican War. After three months's service in the ranks, he was appointed hospital steward, at which duty he served until he was mustered out in 1848. He enrolled in the University of Virginia upon his return home, and earned his medical degree in 1849. On September 15, 1852, he married Mary Irby Kent, with whom he had a daughter and three sons [8].
     In the years leading up to the Civil War, Dr. Black and his family lived in Blacksburg, where he practiced medicine. The 1860 census shows that the owned one slave, a 23-year-old woman. He enlisted in the 4th Virginia Infantry on May 4, 1861. He was named regimental surgeon, a post he held until November 20, 1862, when General Thomas J. Jackson appointed him chief surgeon of the Field Hospital, 2nd Corps, Army of Northern Virginia. He brought along with him hospital steward John Apperson.

Map detail of Spotsylvania County during the Battle of Chancellorsville (www.fold3.com)

      The events during the Chancellorsville campaign made an indelible impression on John's mind. Here are excerpts from his journal during that momentous week. The first entry was written while the 2nd Corps Hospital was encamped south of Hamilton's Crossing near Fredericksburg:

"Wednesday, April 29, 1863: This morning early the sound of cannon was bursting along the shore of the Rappahannock. A courier soon came back with some orders for Dr. Black. It stated that Dr. Black should be ready to move his hospital near the field. Dr. went to wash preparing to obey orders--another came ordering the ambulance train up. By 2 p. m. the wagons were ready to move...In wandering around we discovered the old Brigade. I saw the 4th and had a cordial meeting with the boys. There was considerable fighting near Fredericksburg, which resulted in some 30 killed and wounded and a company captured from our side.
Thursday, April 30, 1863: Today spent in camp speculating what would be done...The chief opinion is that we will fall back...The enemy is only making a feint here while the main body is crossing at Kelly's and Germanna...
Friday, May 1, 1863: Orders were received this morning from Dr. [Hunter] McGuire to move...At Telegraph Road we turned to the left at Mr. Wyatt's and out to the Plank Road [modern Route 610, now called Old Plank Road] at Tabernacle Church...We moved across the Plank Road and a little up to the right of the road, going west and camped. News at the front is that the enemy is falling back before our skirmishers.
Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3, 1863: The troops marched up the Plank Road to "New Store" [the home of John Alrich, at the intersection of modern Old Plank and Catharpin roads]. Here was a great many wounded. The house bore the unmistakable marks of a conflict nearby. Heavy cannonading toward the Old Furnace...The ambulance train took the old Catharpin Road and went up to Todd's Tavern. I was on horseback. There we took the road known as Brock's Road and paralleled it about a mile. The troops came out from the furnace [modern Jackson Trail East], crossed Brock's Road and left it to the right...Dr. Black directed us on a left hand road [modern Jackson Trail West] by William Stephens' and Mr. Triggs'. I began to expect that the fighting would occur at the Wilderness being the best position I knew of in this section of the county...We passed the old schoolhouse where I had studied the manners of spelling and arithmetic in 1845--nearly 18 years go. My feelings were such that I could not discuss them. Dr. Black was ordered forward to establish a hospital and send the ambulances on the field. When we reached the old pike [modern Route 3] the ambulances were sent down and the loaded wagons went to the Wilderness. Our tents were pitched along a gully where I have enjoyed many merry plays at "Gully's Keeper." The wounded commenced coming in and we  went to work. It seemed that Jackson commenced upon them as soon as he came up and the enemy made tracks. Our troops fought almost recklessly. The enemy left his mules. The saddest event of the day is a wound received by Gen. Jackson...he was wounded in the left arm and amputation was necessary. Dr. McGuire operated [Dr. Harvey Black assisted him]. The wounded commenced coming. The enemy's strong works had been stormed and taken principally by Trumble's Division under command of Brig. General Colston...The loss in the 4th Regiment is almost appalling--went in with 365 and lost 162. The "Blue and Gray" lost 50. The brigade charged the enemy's works three times before it was successful. General Paxton was killed; he was a brave man. Capt. Harman in the 4th Regt. was killed. Capt. Fulton lost a leg.
Monday May 4th, 1863: Nothing outside of the usual course of stirring events happened today. I saw some of the Misses Hawkins [9] and thought I knew them. A servant ran along and informed that I was right. I sent them my card and compliments...The fighting has nearly ceased. Our army is about one-half mile in advance of Chancellorsville and the enemy between that and the road. Both armies are intrenching. It was also reported that our force at Fredericksburg has been dislodged and the heights around Marye's House captured.
Tuesay May 5th, 1863: Today we were busy. Dr. Black sent Dr. Hackett and myself over to the barn to assist Dr. Straith...Dr. Straith put me to work on some mutilated hands. I took off a number of fingers and one was taken off in the middle of the metacarpal bone. This was Martin Roan, Co. D 4th Va. Infantry. I extracted a ball from among the tarsus of the foot of a soldier...
Wednesday May 6th 1863: This morning rain began to fall and soon the whole place was one mud puddle. I saw Lt. Col. Dugan and proposed that he go to my father's for a few days, but before he got off new orders came for the wounded to be sent to Guinea's Depot. Dr. Hackett and myself went over to the barn again; nothing much to do. I went home. My father had been down and brought me some things and had gone to the battlefield. He was not at home when I arrived...At home I found nothing new. The yard around the house was beautiful--as green as could be. I sat up late and went to rest with a cheerful good night. Today I met an old servant that had served under my father.
Thursday, May 7th 1863: This morning by 8 I was up and off to my post. Arrived there before some had left their bed...Today I performed my first important operation--took off a Yankee's leg below the knee. Dr. Gilkerson stood by. I felt no embarrassment whatever. Mrs. Jones gave me a full history of Yankee vandalism. It is truly distressing. No people can prosper whose propensities for wanton destruction of property and oppressing defenseless women is so great. How the blood is made to boil at such atrocities and such acts of inhumanity" [10].

     At the conclusion of the war, Dr. Black went home to Blacksburg, and John went back to the Faris home in Marion. John saved his money for a year and then applied to the medical school at the University of Virginia. The professor of surgery at that time was Dr. James Edgar Chancellor, whose family had owned Chancellorsville [11]. John received his medical degree in 1867 and returned to Smyth County, where he made the town of Chilhowie his home. On February 20, 1868, he married Ellen Victoria Hull. They had seven children together.
     Dr. Black resumed his medical practice, and he also took an interest in the Preston and Olin Institute, a Methodist boy's school in Blacksburg. The school became insolvent in 1872, and Dr. Black helped to reorganize it as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, the forerunner of today's Virginia Tech. Black served as the first rector of the school's board of visitors. That same year Dr. Black also received the honor of being elected president of the Medical Society of Virginia.
     In 1875, Dr. Black was nominated to become superintendent of the Eastern State Lunatic Asylum. He had not lobbied for the position, and was taken by surprise by the action of the institution's board. However, after mature consideration, Dr. Black decided that he could do some good in that role. He moved his family to Williamsburg, and assumed his new position on January 1, 1876 and served until March 1882. His tenure there was characterized by his humane and compassionate treatment of his patients, and the helpful reforms he instituted [12].
     Soon after his return to Blacksburg, Dr. Black petitioned the state legislature for funding to establish a facility for the insane in southwestern Virginia. Approval was given, and he and Dr. Apperson served on the building committee for the Southwestern Lunatic Asylum, which was built in Marion and opened its doors to patients in 1888. Dr. Black was named as its first superintendent. Dr. Apperson served as assistant physician there.

Harvey Black, House of Degates, 1887 (Library of Virginia)

     Despite declining health, Dr. Harvey Black was elected to two terms in the House of Delegates, in 1885 and 1887. Dr. Black suffered from what were called "urinary calculi"--stones in his bladder. In October 1887, Dr. Black traveled to St. Luke's Hospital in Richmond, where Dr. Hunter McGuire performed surgery. The procedure was only moderately successful, and Dr. Black underwent surgery a second time on October 8, 1888. He never recovered from this second intervention. He died in Richmond on October 19, 1888. He lies buried in Westview Cemetery in Blacksburg.

Dr. John Apperson (Virginia Tech Imagebase)

      The decade of the 1880s was also a period of success and tragedy for Dr. John Apperson. He had a thriving medical practice, a position at the new asylum and had been elected vice-president of the Medical Society of Virginia in 1881, 1882 and 1885 [13]. During Dr. Black's medical crisis, death visited the Apperson home twice in 1887. His daughter, 17-year-old Pauline, died on September 2. His wife, Ellen, died on November 14.
     On February 5, 1889, John married Elizabeth "Lizzie" Arabella Black, the only daughter of Dr. Harvey Black. John and Lizzie had four children together.

John and Elizabeth Apperson and family (Virginia Tech Imagebase)

     In addition to his accomplishments as a physician, John also enjoyed success in the business and professional world. He organized the Staley's Creek Manganese and Iron Company. In 1892 he was appointed business executive commissioner of Virginia to the World's Fair held in Chicago in 1893. He was a key executive in the Marion and Rye Railway, and was in charge of its construction. He served on the board of trustees of Emory and Henry College [14]. His home gives evidence of his worldly success and prosperity:

Apperson home in Chilhowie (Anita Epperson, Ancestry)

     Dr. John Samuel Apperson died at home on August 9, 1908. He is buried in the Round Hill Cemetery in Marion.

(Virginia Tech Imagebase)

  


Two of Dr. Apperson's sons were well known for their public service in their own lifetimes. Harvey Black Apperson (1890-1948) served in the Virginia Senate 1933-1944. He then worked for three years as a member of the Virginia State Corporation Commission.  For the last few months of his life Harvey was Attorney General of Virginia.

John Samuel Apperson, Jr. (1878-1963) worked as an engineer for many years at General Electric. But he is best known and admired for his work as a conservationist in a lifelong effort to protect the Adirondack Forest Preserve and Lake George.

But the son of Dr. Apperson that I feel closest to is his firstborn, Alfred Hull Apperson (1869-1944).  Alfred was an electrical engineer who graduated from the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College in Blacksburg in 1894. He was in charge of the school's electric plant for several years after he graduated. Alfred worked in Richmond for many years as an electrical inspector for the Southeastern Underwriter's Association. In 1905 he married Sallie Duncan Williams of Lynchburg.

     
Duncan's parents were James Tompkins Williams (1829-1900), a merchant in both Richmond and Lynchburg, and Martha Jane Row (1828-1885), my second great aunt, who was born on our family's plantation in Spotsylvania.




Sources:

- Repairing the "March of Mars": The Civil War Diaries of John Samuel Apperson, edited by John Herbert Roper. Mercer University Press, Macon, GA: 2001.

- Diary of John Samuel Apperson of Locust Grove

- Transactions of the Thirty Ninth Annual Session of the Medical Society of Virginia, Held in Richmond, Virginia October 20-23, 1908. Capitol Printing Company, Richmond, VA: 1909. Click here for the link

- Annual Reports of Officers, Boards and Institutions of the Commonwealth of Virginia For The Year Ending September 30, 1888. J. H. O'Bannon, Superintendent of Public Printing, Richmond, VA: 1888. Click here for link

- Students of the University of Virginia 1825-1874

- Men of Mark in Virginia: Ideals of American Life. A Collection of Biographies of the Leading Men in the State. Lyon G. Tyler, L. L. P., President of William and Mary College, Editor in Chief. Volume III. Men of Mark Publishing Company, Washington, DC: 1907.  Click here for link

- Culpeper Officer's Diary Tells of Chancellorsville," The Free Lance-Star, May 6, 1963.



Notes:

[1] Diary of John Samuel Apperson of Locust Grove, 3.

[2] Men of  Mark in Virginia, 6.

[3] Most likely John Sanders Row.

[4] Diary of John Samuel Apperson of Locust Grove, 4.

[5] Ibid., 5-9.

[6] Ibid., 9-12.

[7] Ibid., 1-2.

[8] Annual Reports of Officers, 36.

[9] See my article: "During the war, the girls saw sights"

[10] "Culpeper Officer's Diary Tells of Chancellorsville." Although the title of the article is misleading, the content is correct. This section of John Apperson's diary had been transcribed by Chancellor descendant and historian George Harrison Sanford King while he was a student at Virginia Tech in the 1930s. At that time, the diary was still in the possession of the Apperson family.

[11] See my article: Dr. James Edgar Chancellor

[12] Annual Report of Officers, 37-38.

[13] Transactions of the Thirty Ninth Annual Session, 233.

[14] Men of Mark in Virginia, 8.