Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 4.djvu/235

 VIRGINIA BIOGRAPHY

177

Classical and Commercial College at Lynch- burg-, and Roanoke College, Salem, Virginia, graduating from the latter institution in the class of 1874. He subsequently took a two year course at the law school of the Uni- versity of Virginia, and was admitted to the bar in 1876 at Rustburg circuit court. He immediately entered upon the active prac- tice of his profession in Rustburg, continu- ing until 1892, in which year he removed to Lynchburg, opening an office there, though continuing his residence in Campbell county, and at the present time (1914) has an office in the Krise building, Lynchburg, his prac- tice being both extensive and representa- tive, owing to the fact that he possesses all the attributes of a successful lawyer, integ- rity of character, the judicial instinct, and a lare appreciation of the two sides of every question. Mr. Murrell succeeded his father as commonwealth attorney of Campbell county, holding that office from July i, 1879, until July i, 1912, one of the longest known terms in the county, a fact which testified to his efficiency and popularity. He also served one term in the state legislature, 1893 and 1894. He is a Democrat in poli- tics, and a Methodist in religion, being affiliated with the Court Street Methodist Church of Lynchburg.

Mr. Murrell married, November 21, 1883, Flora Scott Withers, daughter of Colonel Robert W. and Blanche (Payne) Withers, the former named having served during the civil war in the Forty-second Virginia In- fantry, Confederate Army. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Murrell: i. Arthur K., born Feb- ruary 13, 1885; married India Price, daugh- ter of Robert and Mary (St. Clair) Price. 2. William M. Jr., born June 30, 1886; un- married. 3. Frances Payne, born January 20, 1888; unmarried. 4. Robert Woodson Withers, born January 10, 1890; married, January 3, 1914. Ruth Hancock, daughter of Edwin A. and Eva (Chamblin) Hancock. 5. Dandridge, born August 19, 1892.

Julian Meade. In addition to the making of a large amount of Virginia history, the Meade family also furnished one of the prominent writers for its preservation. Bishop Meade, who in his "Old Churches" and other works, has rendered a most valu- able service.

The American ancestor, Andrew Meade, VIR--12

came from England and founded a family that has ever been prominent in every de- partment of Virginia life. Meades were soldiers in the revolution ; were officers serving with General Washington and Gen- eral Lincoln, and enjoying as well their per- sonal friendship. The war of 1812 also found them in official rank and in the war between the states they were found wear- ing both the gray and the blue. In the pro- fessions they have also been eminent — medicine, the law and the church claiming many of the name, north and south. In the latter section the principal seat of the family was in and around Richmond, but descend- ants of the emigrant are found in every sec- tion. This particular branch of the family is now represented in Danville, Virginia, by Julian Aleade, son Dr. Hodijah Baylies Meade, whose short, though useful and bril- liant life, was spent in the practice of his profession, amid the scenes of war, and after peace came to Danville.

Andrew Meade came to Virginia from New York, arriving in that state from Eng- land prior to the year 1700. He married, and came to Virginia, settling at the head of navigation on the Nansemond river. He was for many years a member of the house of burgesses, a judge of the courts and senior colonel of Virginia militia. His son David inherited his estate at the death of Andrew Meade in 1745. David Meade mar- ried, in 1729, Susanna Everard, and had a son Everard, who was educated at Harrow, England. He served in the revolutionary war, holding the rank of general by com- mission, attached to the stafif of General Lincoln. His brother, Richard Kidder Meade, was the father of Bishop Meade, of previous mention. General Everard Meade married Mary, daughter of John Thornton.

Hodijah Meade, son of General Everard and Mary (Thornton) Meade, was an ex- tensive landowner and planter ; an officer in the war of 1812-14; a Democrat in politics, and a devout churchman. He married Jane, daughter of Thomas Rutherfoord, of Rich- mond. Children : William Everard, Thomas Rutherfoord, Joseph Peyton, John Ruther- foord, Edward, Benjamin, Edwin, Alexan- der, Hodijah Baylies, Sallie Rutherfoord, Jane Maria, Edmonia.

Dr. Hodijah Baylies Meade, son of Hodi- jah and Jane (Rutherfoord) Meade, was