Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 4.djvu/306

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VIRGINIA BIOGRAPHY

of the \'irg-iiiia house of burgesses. Through intermarriage Colonel Boykin was con- nected with many of the best Virginia fami- lies as is his wife, Ellen Burton (George) Iloykin.

General I'^rancis Marshall {2) Boykin, son of Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Marshall (T ) and Fannie (Godwin) Boykin, was born in i8g6, died in 1863. He was an eminent physician, a prosperous planter and a dis- tinguished member of the Virginia senate for many years representing Isle of Wight, Southam])ton and Xansemond counties. He gained his military title by long service in the state militia and ranked with the lead- ing men of his day. He married Hester Ann Briggs, of Southampton county, Vir- ginia.

Colonel Francis Marshall (3) Boykin, son of General Francis Marshall (2) and Hester Ann ( Briggs) Boykin, was born in Isle of Wight county, Virginia. March i, 1837, died in the city of Richmond, May 5, 1906, re- mains interred in Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond. He obtained his earlier educa- tion in private schools in Isle of Wight and Portsmouth, X'irginia. then true to the mili- tary instincts inherited from patriotic sires, entered \'irginia Military Institute, founded two years after his birth, and was there graduated, class of 1856. The next five years were spent in the government service, in the coast survey and in teaching school, years of valuable experience. When war broke out between the states, he threw himself with all the ardor of his nature into the conflict, the military deeds of his sires inspiring him to equally valorous service. He was commissioned by Governor Letcher, of Virginia, as major of the Thirty-first Regiment Virginia Infantry, and by order of General Robert E. Lee was assigned to duty in western Virginia, with authority to muster into the service all volunteer com- panies offering themselves for state defence. 'I'here was a strong Union sentiment in that part of the state and at Grafton a mob nearly encompassed his death. His first field service with the Thirty-first was in the campaign in western Virginia at the battle of Cheat iMountain and later at the battle of Alleghany Summit, where he especially dis- tinguished himself, won ])romotion to the rank of lieutenant-colonel on the field of l)attle, and led the regiment, the colonel be- ing absent. His lieutenant-colonel's com-

mission from Governor Fletcher bears date of December 14, 1861. He believed heart and soul in the justice of the southern cause and fought with all his valor, leading his men in many battles, winning many suc- cesses, suffering many defeats, but with un- daunted courage, led, cheered and encour- aged his men until the battle of Sailor Creek, fought April 5, 1865, he was captured by Union forces and confined on Johnson's Island until July. 1865. the final humilia- tion of the Army of Northern Virginia, be- ing the only jjart of the glorious career of that army in which he did not participate.

After his release from confinement. Colo- nel Boykin married and with his bride located in Norfolk, Virginia, where he taught school until 1870. In that year he moved to Richmond, where in association with John P. George he established the leaf tobacco exporting firm of George & Boykin, that for several years conducted a large and prosperous business. Finally the firm dis- solved. Colonel Boykin continuing in the leaf tobacco business alone. He became very prominent in the trade and for several years was president of the Richmond Tobacco Exchange. He continued the active head of a large business, prominent in social and club life, the centre of a company of cultured Virginia gentlemen of the old school, dignified, courtly, hospitable and re- served. For two terms he was president of the Westmoreland Club, was a member of Metropolitan Lodge, No. 11, Free and Accepted Masons, was a devout churchman, a communicant of St. James' Episcopal Church, also one of the founders of the Church of the Holy Trinity, and in his polit- ical faith, intensely Democratic, but neither seeking or accepting public office. He held to all the best traditions of his race, prac- ticed all their virtues and left behind him an untarnished name.

Colonel Boykin married, November 16, 1865, Ellen Burton George, daughter of John and Anna Burton (Brown) George, paternal granddaughter of Major Byrd George (war of 1812) and Mary Crutch- field, his wife, maternal granddaughter of James Brown Sr. and Anna Pitfield Brad- dock, his wife, all of old and influential Vir- ginia families. Colonel and Mrs. Boykin were the parents of three sons and two daughters, Anna Brown Boykin and Ellen Pitfield Boykin, both residing in Richmond.