Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 4.djvu/106

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\IRGIXIA BIOGRAPHY

John de la Fontaine was born in the prov- ince of Maine, near the borders of NoP niandy, about the year 1500, and as soon as he could bear arms his father procured him a commission in the household of Francis I. He and his father became converts to Prot- testantism about 1535, being then in the service of Charles IX., of France. He re- signed in January. 1561, and two years later a band of ruffians attacked his house and murdered both him and his wife, their deaths having been decreed on account of their Protestant religion.

James de la Fontaine, the second son of fohn de la Fontaine, was about fourteen \ears of age when his parents were mur- dered and fled in horror from the scene with his two younger brothers, finding his way to Rochelle, then and for many years a stronghold of Protestantism in France. James learned the shoemakers' trade and supported his brothers until they were able to care for themselves. He later engaged in commerce and became prosperous. He died in 1633, leaving two daughters and a son. A picture of him represented a very hand- some man with full face. long flaxen beard reaching to his waist, well proportioned and of good height.

Rev. James (2) de la Fontaine, only son of James (i) de la Fontaine, was born in 1603. He was finely educated, took holy orders and from his ordination until death was minister to the United churches of Vaux and Royan. He married (first) in 1628, in London, England, a Miss Thompson, who bore him six children. He married (second) in 1 641, Marie Chaillon. and had issue. He was a man of unusual attainments and was greatly beloved bv his people. He died in 1666. '

James (3) de la Fontaine, son of Rev. James (2) de la Fontaine and his second wife. Marie (Chaillon) de la Fontaine, was born at Jenouille, France, 1658. He lived in France deeply persecuted until the month of October, 1685. when the Edict of Nantes was actually revoked, then he fled to Eng- land, arriving December i, following the revocation. He there married, February 8, 1686, Anne Elizabeth Pioursiquot, who had fled from France in the same party as her husband. He became a manufacturer and trader of Taunton, England, where six chil- dren were born to him : Jonas, Aaron, Mary Anne, Peter, John and Moses. He then

scenci^ to Cork, Ireland, arriving there De- ard Kia^-. 1694, and there began preaching, from the Evcf«(^^ holding service in his own hcJ^ily^name Eveu ^Iso manufactured cloth goods, n America tl.^ ^ farmer and in part- nership conTft?' born i^rge fishery at Bear Haven. Ireland, Ijuf ^^^^sed through a series of misfortunes that compelled his going to Dublin.

John de la Fontaine, son of James (3) de la Fontaine, came to Virginia, purchased a plantation and was later joined by his brothers. Rev. Peter and James, who came in 1715, as did their sister, Mary Anne, wife of Matthew Maury, that family settling in Virginia in 1719. From these sons of James Fontaine, the Huguenot, who settled in Vir- ginia, sprang Jane Catherine, who married Richard Hardaway Meade.

(VI) Richard Hardaway (2) Meade, son of Richard Hardaway (i) and Jane Cath- erine (Fontaine) Meade, was born in Rich- mond, Virginia. May 3, 1867. His education was obtained under private instruction and as a pupil in Professor McGuire's School, and at the age of seventeen years he discon- tinued his studies to begin work. Until 1893, or for nine years, he was employed as a clerk by Allen Ginter, in that year becom- ing secretary and treasurer of the Powhatan Clay Manufacturing Company. To his duties in this capacity were also added later those of manager, and Mr. Meade at this time has a triple connection with this con- cern, and also holds the same positions in the Richmond Wood Working Company. In the active direction of the companies affairs as manager his forceful energy, wide execu- tive powers, and innate business sagacity have won desired results, while his dis- charge of his secretarial and financial duties has been no less able. Mr. Meade is affili- ated with the Crystal Ice Company and the Southern Investment Company in the capac- ity of director, and is the responsible head of Bellevue Park.

Mr. jMeade's chief relaxation from his nu- merous business duties is in athletic recrea- tion and he is an enthusiastic golfer. He is a member of the Hermitage Golf Club, one of its board of governors, and is a familiar figure upon its well kept links. As in all of his other interests, whatever their nature, he has not been satisfied with a game of fair excellence, but is numbered among Rich- mond's best players, many trophies won in