Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 4.djvu/749

 VIRGINIA BIOGRAPHY

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afterwards in the senate. He was business manag-er of the "Evening Star" at Danville, \'irg-inia. his tastes and ability being for business rather than literary work. He ac- quired part ownership in the "Evening Jour- nal" at Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and became its business manager, continuing two years, then disposing of his interest. During this period he completely changed thie policy of the paper, making it also a morning daily and adding a weekly edition On February 5, 1903, he came to Ashland, Virginia, and opened The Hanover Bank, becoming its manager and cashier, one of a series of banking institutions with which he has been connected in a managerial capacity. Others were the Fulton and Venable Street bcinks of Richmond and the Fluvanna Coun- t}' Rank of P^ork Union, Virginia, the latter institution established by himself, he also being its cashier. His home is in Ashland, and the Hanover Bank, the more important of his interests. He has been very success- ful in the management of the banks com- mitted to his care and is rated one of the progressive and valuable business men of his community. He has won the confidence of the public who have elevated him to posi- tions of civic trust and honor. His interests are not alone confined to banking, but ex- tend in many directions. He is treasurer of the Ashland Gas, Sewer and Water Com- pany, clerk and treasurer of ^e town of Ashland, for a number of years a member of the borough council, resigning on account of the pressure of other business. He is interested in the development of Ashland as a resort and educational center and aids in all efiforts to promote the welfare of its peo- ple, and its institutions, chief of which is Randolph-Macon College. Mr. Foy is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics ; belongs to the Royal Arcanum and a past grand regent of that order ; is a communicant of the Protestant Episcopal church, member of the vestry, superintend- ent of the Sunday school, and in politics a Democrat.

He married, December 7, 1909, Harriet Madelaine Vaughan, born in Richmond, May 26, 1886, daughter of Luther and Made- laine (Ruby) Vaughan, the latter of Charles- ton, West Virginia. Children : Caroline Somerville, born September 21, 1910, in Ashland, Virginia; William L. (2), born March 4, 1912, in Ashland, Virginia.

David Lafayette Toney, There was prob- ably no oilier citizen of Richmond who was more widely known or held in higher esteem than Mr. Toney, whose sudden death called forth expressions of profound regret on every hand. He was a man of sterling char- acter, an exemplary citizen and always ready to aid in every good and charitable cause. Fie was at the time of his death a member of the V^irginia house of delegates from Richmond and out of respect for his memory the flag over the state capitol was lowered to half-mast.

David Lafayette Toney was l)orn in Pow- hatan county, Virginia, in 1858, died in Richmond, South Side, June 23, 19 14, son of J. W. Toney. After completing his studies and graduating from Powhatan High School in 1881, he located in Manchester, now Richmond, South Side, where he en- gaged in and conducted a most successful mercantile business. At the time of his death he was operating motion picture houses in South Richmond and on the op- posite side of the river. At one time he was part owner of the Lubin Theatre in Rich- mond, but later disposed of his interest. For many years he was closely identified with both political and business life of the South Side and as president of the South Richmond and Chesterfield Business Men's Association and as vice-president of the South Richmond Democratic Club, posi- tions he held at the time of his death, he was an important factor in the upbuilding of the South Side. In the Manchester-Rich- mond annexation fight he was one of the strongest supporters of annexation and to him is largely due the union of the two cities.

He was a Democrat in politics, and from his first entrance into Manchester took an active part in local afi^airs. In 1890, he was elected a member of Manchester City coun- cil and the same year was chosen member of the Virginia legislature, representing Powhatan and Chesterfield counties. Later he was five times re-elected to the general a?seml)ly, representing Manchester, and, after annexation, the South Side. In 1^94, Mr. Toney was appointed postmaster of ^Manchester by President Cleveland. During his administration the ofifice was elevated from third to second class and a free de- livery system inaugurated, Mr. Toney be- ing mainly responsible for these improve-