Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 3.djvu/205

 PROMINENT PERSONS

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at the old Henry place, "Red Hill," Charlotte county, \'irginia, on February 14, 1831. He entered the University of Virginia in 1847, and was graduated therefrom in 1849, with the degree of Master of Arts. In 1853 he came to the bar in his native county, where he soon acquired the reputation of being a sound and successful lawyer. In 1861 lie volunteered as a private soldier in an artillery company commanded by Captain Charles Bruce. He was commonwealth's attorney of his county for years. After the close of the war he removed to Rich- mond, \'irginia, where he enjoyed a large appellate court practice. He served four sessions in the legislature of \'irginia where ne was regarded as one of its most influential members. He naturally ■ took great pride in the history of his country and delivered many addresses upon subjects con- nected therewith. He was an ardent mem- ber of the Virginia Historical Society, and C'clivercd an address in Philadelphia upon the centennial of the resolutions for inde- pendence. He was a member of the Pea- body board at the time of his death. His great work was "The Life of Patrick Henry," which is a noble biography. Air. Henry was a brilliant conversationalist and a charming companion. Some years ago he was president of the American Historical Association. His wife was Lucy Gray Mar- shall, (laughter of Col. James P. Marshall.

Barksdale, Randolph, born in Amelia county, \'irginia, October 25, 1831, son of William Jones Barksdale, and Marianna M'abb, his wife, daughter of John Tabb, of the committee of safety, and granddaughter of Sir John Peyton, of Isleham, Gloucester county, \'irginia. He was educated in pri-

vate schools, snd at Amelia Academy, from which he entered the University of Virginia in 1848, where he remained three years. From there he went to the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in medi- cine in 1852. After spending twelve months in the Philadelphia Hospital (Blockley), he went abroad, studying medicine and attend- iiig clinics, for a year and a half in Paris. In 1856 he began the practice of his profes- sion in Richmond, Virginia, where he re- mained until the beginning of the civil war. In June, 1861, he joined the Confederate army, and was first assistant surgeon. He was afterw-ards surgeon on Gen. Long- street's stafi^, where he remained until the surrender at Appomattox Court House. From 1870 until 1896 he was superintendent cf the Central Lunatic Asylum of Virginia. He was a member of the \'irginia Medical Society, and was a Democrat in politics. His first wife was Elizabeth Macfarland, of Richmond, Virginia, whom he married in 1858, and by whom he had three children. His second wife was Miss Patteson, of Petersburg, X'irginia, whom he married in 1890.

Trent, William Peterfield, born in Rich- mond, Virginia, November 10, 1862, son of Dr. Peterfield Trent, and Lucy Carter Bur- well, his wife. He prepared for college at a school taught by Mrs. Hobson and Mrs. W'ise, and at Norwood's University School. In 1880 he entered the University of Vir- ginia, from which he graduated, in i88.i, with the degree of Master of Arts. After some teaching, he became a student at Johns Hopkins University, devoting him- self to graduate work in history during the session of 1887-88. In 1888 he was elected